Sorry...this chapter ended up to be uber long. I wanted to explain everything in full detail and i got carried away. This ends the Nehellenia arc; We won't see her anymore. And Anna gets a new kewl power. Let's see what it is. Oh, and the title of this chapter was from the funny priest guy in "The Princess Bride". Here we go!!
True Love Will Conquer All
Sailor Moon's head was wracked with pain as she came to. Despite her eternal powers, she still felt the hurtful symptoms a normal person could feel. Sailor Moon slowly sat up, rubbing her head and looked above.
Everything was hazy, covered in fog. The sky and air were gray. Rubble laid beneath her as the ground was dry with cracks, unable to find water or sunlight for months, even decades.
Moon (What happened?)
She tried to look through the fog and its thickness. A shadow suddenly appeared, lying on the ground. Sailor Moon stood up and slowly walked towards it. Her heart rate increased as she grew closer...but it grew to an incredible speed when she realized what it was.
Moon "Mini Moon!!"
But the young scout wasn't herself. Sailor Mini Moon appeared debilitated and unconscious. Her complexion was as white as snow and her body made no movement.
Moon "Mini Moon...?? Rini!?"
Sailor Moon ran up to the little girl and knelt down to her side. Her arms grew closer to Mini Moon for giving comfort. Suddenly, Mini Moon's legs began to disappear from sight in front of her very eyes.
Moon "What is this? Rini!"
Mini Moon's eyes flickered. The rest of her body turned transparent as her head turned to Sailor Moon.
Mini "...Sailor Moon...Serena..."
Sailor Moon scooped her head into her arm and held a hand with the other. Although she was fading, Sailor Moon brought her close.
Moon "What's going on? What's happening!?"
Sailor Mini Moon looked at the rest of her body. Her expression remained indifferent as she looked back at the leader.
Mini "...I'm running out of time...Since Darien is in a different dimension...you two can't get together...I'm becoming non-existent..."
Sailor Moon began to shake. Her own daughter was slipping away in her arms. She couldn't do anything; she couldn't save Darien in time to prevent Mini Moon's unfortunate end. Holding her close, Sailor Moon realized the truth of it all as her voice began to break.
Moon "Don't worry. We'll find Darien, we'll bring him back...and...and..."
She looked back at Sailor Mini Moon. The little girl's fading visage held a weak yet warm smile. Sailor Moon whimpered as she thought of that smile disappearing forever. Tears dripped down her cheeks and tried to land on Mini Moon, but they simply passed through and fell to the ground.
Mini "...Looks like...I won't be going home this time..."
Moon "Don't say that!! You'll make it...a-and then we'll say goodbye...with the others. Just hold on!!"
Mini Moon's hand slowly crept up on Sailor Moon's cheek. The leader doubtedly shook her head, but Mini Moon continued to smile.
Mini "Goodbye..."
The rest of her body evaporated into particles. But she continued to smile; a smile that was forever carved into Sailor Moon's heart.
Mini "Mommy."
Her face disappeared and the particles floated away into the fog. Sailor Moon's hands remained in the same position until her mind understood the concept: Sailor Mini Moon was gone.
Moon "NOOO!!!"
She stood perfectly straight as she opened her eyes. Sailor Galaxy regained consciousness after a somewhat neverending fall. Her head lifted and saw what she feared the most.
Sailor Galaxy stared agitated at the room's interior. The walls were covered with thousands of human-size mirrors, but what occupied the mirrors made her heart sink.
Throughout the throne-like room, a certain number of mirrors held the entire team captive, including Aoshi. All seemed to be unconscious, unknowing of their fate. Next to them laid the oblivious forms of Andrew, Elizabeth, Melvin, and Molly.
Galaxy (Hold on. Where's Sailor Moon and Mini Moon?)
She looked around for the fighters of love and justice. They were nowhere to be found as worry began to fill Galaxy's head.
Galaxy (What happened to them?)
Deciding to explore some more, her view switched to the middle of the room. Like a direct bullseye, Nehellenia stood waiting in the middle with Darien in her arms. He slouched in her clutches and stared mindlessly into the ceiling.
Nehellenia "It's only a matter of time until I get to destroy them."
To her left, Sailor Galaxy found an entrance to the ominous room of mirrors. Her eyes widened suddenly when she saw a figure creep into vision. Two pairs of angelic wings, a layered skirt, and a crescent moon confirmed it to be Eternal Sailor Moon.
Galaxy (Sailor Moon!!)
Nehellenia "Looks like you made it in time. Where's the leprechaun?"
Sailor Moon immediately shot a death glare at her. Nehellenia and Sailor Galaxy were caught by surprise.
Moon "Don't ever disrespect her, even in death!!"
Galaxy gasped with fright. Death...that meant...
Galaxy (Mini Moon...didn't make it!?)
The truth hit her like a bullet. Her grief of the Moon Kingdom destruction couldn't measure up to the pain she felt now. But she knew she couldn't even imagine the torture Sailor Moon went through. To see her only daughter die...along with the hope of the future...
Nehellenia lightly chuckled.
Nehellenia "She was just the beginning. I'm going to crush your perfect little world in front of your very eyes."
Moon "Nehellenia! How did you get back here!? How did you escape your mirror!?"
Nehellenia "Silence!!"
An unknown force was emitted from her and slammed into Sailor Moon. She fell backwards and hit the ground, almost breaking her spine. But Sailor Moon slowly got back up and glared at her again.
Moon "Why do you go so far to hurt people!? What happened to you!?"
Nehellenia smirked.
Nehellenia "Your life is like a mirror: beautiful and perfect. I want to turn that mirror into shards of glass, unable to reconnect!"
Sailor Moon only frowned. She concluded that Nehellenia must have lived a terrible life.
Nehellenia "This is what I lived for: to get my revenge. It didn't matter that I was in an alternate universe. As long as I could watch you suffer."
Galaxy turned shocked and looked away. Nehellenia was banished to another dimension; what kind of force could have released her??
Moon "Darien!!"
She looked back. He remained staring off into space, despite Sailor Moon's cries.
Nehellenia "It's no use. Why don't you give up!? I have your friends and your lover. Accept it: you're alone!!"
She blasted more force at Sailor Moon. The leader fell back, but she didn't give up.
Moon "Why should everybody feel alone!? Were you alone before!?"
Nehellenia struck her back. Sailor Moon fell to the ground, broken and injured. Setting Darien to the side, Nehellenia walked up to the leader and held her up by the neck. Sailor Moon began to lose her breath as she looked straight into the snakelike eyes.
Nehellenia "Alone!? ALONE!? Let me tell you something, princess. I was once just like you: a princess in a kingdom far, far away. I had it all: money, riches, power...but not once was I asked to be a friend!!"
Her grip tightened. Sailor Moon winced, but still listened to the story she was told.
Nehellenia "Even as a kid, all I had were servants. They did everything I told them to do. No one to laugh with, share feelings with...the only thing I took interest in was my beauty. It was as if I had robots for servants. Thus I went to find Pegasus so I could fulfill my dream."
Finally, she released Sailor Moon as she fell to the ground. Gasping and coughing, the moon princess looked up at the snakelike eyes.
Moon "That's not true, is it?"
Nehellenia's eyes snapped. How could it be a lie if she herself explained it?
Moon "If they didn't care, then why would your servants work for you? They could have simply walked away."
This infuriated her. It couldn't be true...could it?
Moon "You just didn't notice, but people did care about you...like how I care for everyone here."
She suddenly looked towards Darien. Her eyes brimmed with determination and hope.
Moon "Darien! Wake up!!"
Nehellenia "You brat!"
Nehellenia forced out more energy and thrashed at Sailor Moon. She fell back with weakness and pain. She struggled to get back up, but the vain adversary knocked her down once more.
Nehellenia "None of them care for you. Your love can't even breakout of my spell."
Sailor Moon finally stood and swayed from exhaustion. It was no use; she had to face the music alone. Her friends were captured; her boyfriend was bewitched; her only daughter was lost forever. Sailor Moon finally understood the meaning of loneliness. If she truly deserved it, everything would have ended right there.
She looked at Nehellenia with sorrowful orbs. The former princess smirked and summoned deadly energy within her palm.
Nehellenia "This is the end...'Princess' Serenity."
Sailor Moon looked down to receive her final judgement. She lost all hope. For once...she truly believed she failed.
Moon (I'm sorry...Darien, Rini, scouts, Sir Aoshi...she's just too strong for me. I can't do it without all of you. Just...once it's done...I hope you'll find a way to move on. Darien...)
Her hand clenched into a fist. A final tear streaked down her cheek.
Moon (I love you...Forgive me!!)
Nehellenia "I won't forgive you! Die, Moon Princess!!"
Sailor Moon gasped. Those words...the same words spoken by Queen Beryl at the moon kingdom's destruction. The last words Princess Serenity heard before she was killed mercilessly.
So did Prince Darien.
BAM!!
Sailor Galaxy watched in terror as Nehellenia blasted energy at Sailor Moon's path. Her duty to protect the moon princess failed, and she only stayed trapped within a mirror. She denied every word that escaped Nehellenia's mouth: she did care for Sailor Moon, and everyone else in the room. If only she could have proved it before the leader met her end...
But the end was far into the future...for a mysterious man in a black cape shielded himself in front of Sailor Moon at the last moment. He wore knee-high brown boots that fit comfortably. Sailor Moon saw that his cape had red interior. The black chest armor had intricate designs to magnify its beauty. More armor protected his shoulder and waist. Underneath was a dark blue suit and a sheathed sword rested at his side.
"We do care for her, Nehellenia..."
The cape was thrown back and revealed Prince Darien of Earth.
Prince "Just as people once cared for you."
The girls stared numbingly as he stood up and protected Sailor Moon. Nehellenia looked back at where she placed Darien prior to the attacks on Sailor Moon; it was no longer occupied. She gasped in fright as she turned back to the couple.
Prince "What you've been telling Sailor Moon isn't exactly all true, is it? You weren't alone either way."
She growled in frustration. If Nehellenia wasn't lonely why did emptiness fill her heart so many years ago?
Sailor Galaxy saw Nehellenia's fight within herself. She was struggling to find the truth, but a part of her was holding back. Suddenly, the mirrors trapping the team and the others began to lose power, slowly setting onto the ground. The three in the middle watched with surprise as all prisoners fell out of the mirrors. Nehellenia felt a sense of loss, but still contained the rage and envy she had for everyone. In a blinding rage, she aimed a wave of negative energy towards an unconscious Aoshi.
Galaxy (No!!)
Moon "Aoshi!"
Sailor Galaxy rose to her feet and dashed towards the target. If he got hurt...she didn't know what she would possibly do.
Nehellenia "You WILL feel loneliness!!"
BAM!!
A negative force was blasted in Aoshi's direction...but he didn't endure a single scratch. Sailor Galaxy's back scorched with pain as she dropped to the ground on her knees. Panting of exhaustion, h head turned towards Nehellenia as she looked at her with one eye.
Galaxy "We care for Sailor Moon and for each other. We hold on to what we already have, instead of foolishly searching for something like a pessimist."
Nehellenia stared agitated at Sailor Galaxy. Pleasures and happiness could have been found in more than materialistic things. They could have resided in other humans: friends, family...and she was blind to notice all of it. Those servants, workers, maids living with her in that kingdom...they weren't only for obeying Nehellenia's commands.
They were also there to begin a friendship with her. And she foolishly gave it all up.
Aoshi's ice blue eyes tediously opened as they looked upon a debilitated solar scout. She leaned on the ground with her left arm as she clutched her shoulder with her right. Not once would he think of leaving Sailor Galaxy alone, especially in the state she was in.
Aoshi "What happened!?"
But Sailor Galaxy simply waved her hand.
Galaxy "Don't worry about it."
Nehellenia watched his immediate concern. He didn't bother to learn about the situation; Aoshi jumped straight into the worry wagon. The scouts stood up as they were fully active.
Jupiter "We would never think of deserting Sailor Moon."
Venus "It's our duty to protect her."
Uranus "She carries the fate of the world's future."
Neptune "And it's not just by destiny..."
Mars "Sailor Moon is the one that draws us all together."
Pluto "Knowing that she's safe..."
Saturn "Makes us all happy."
Mercury "Nehellenia...do you know how it feels?"
Galaxy "To be loved and cherished by someone?"
Sailor Moon noticed the terror in her eyes. She walked to Nehellenia, fearless of any random strike.
Moon "...You weren't alone at all, were you? You just didn't see how everyone cared for you."
She looked down. It was true, now that she thought of it. Everyone around her gave special care and consideration for her. Not once did she ever acknowledge a single person. Nehellenia drove straight into vanity and abandoned the ones she loved. The dream of everlasting beauty; it couldn't possibly measure up to the love she was given back at her kingdom. But it was gone.
Aoshi wrapped her arm around his neck and hoisted Sailor Galaxy to her feet. The team watched Nehellenia in silence, waiting for a reply.
Mercury "It's not too late."
Venus "You can still go back and be with your real friends."
Mars "And have fun together."
Neptune "You'll be a great ruler."
She wanted to go back. She wanted to recreate everything she abandoned. If only Nehellenia had a chance to go back...
Moon "Sailor Pluto, is there any way to return her to her kingdom?"
Sailor Pluto looked at the younger Saturn.
Pluto "It is possible, but we must open many doors that lead to her world."
Saturn "Not only those, but others that lead to different dimensions will open as well. They'll be connected."
Galaxy (Including...mine and Aoshi's world?)
She stared off into space and thought. The home she never saw for 2 years, the parents she hasn't talked with, the school she didn't attend...all of that would be accessible.
Slowly, the room surrounding them began to deteriorate into nothing. Complete darkness swallowed the area and endless stars appeared in all their shining beauty.
Pluto "Each star represents a different world."
Saturn "Nehellenia's world may be far, but it's still attainable."
The Garnet Orb and Silence Glaive joined together at their ends. Light ensued and collected high energy. Pluto and Saturn raised their staffs and pointed them at the sky. A beam shot up into the sky and dispersed throughout the stars. They suddenly grew brighter and shined better than before, signifying the gates unlocked and freedom of journeying to it.
Moon "Now you can go back..."
Nehellenia looked at Sailor Moon with her serpent eyes...but they weren't barbarous; the orbs just carried an insipid aspect.
Nehellenia "I...won't forget this."
She suddenly vanished as a beam shot up from where she stood. The beam flew off into the outermost part of space unseen to the team. Galaxy wondered if her world was far as well.
She gasped. Thinking of her home again...for some reason, her heart ached at the very thought of it. Sailor Moon rested her head on Aoshi's shoulder before he took notice.
Aoshi "Something wrong?"
But Sailor Galaxy continued to stare into the night sky. She knew what it was that bothered her so much.
Aoshi "Anna?"
She wanted to go home.
Leaning farther out, Anna looked closer into her reflection. Her countenance still held a forlorn expression, despite the fact she was trying to hide it. Darien finally found her on the bridge in the local park.
Darien "What is it? Is there something wrong?"
Anna didn't turn to him. Darien walked up and stood next to her on the bridge.
Darien "You know...you've been kinda quiet since we got back. What's up?"
He was able to tell her about his trip to America, so Anna decided it was right to tell him how she felt.
Anna "The...All the worlds are connected now...right?"
Darien "Yeah..."
Anna "Even mine?"
He didn't say a word. Darien knew where the conversation was heading.
Darien "You wanna go back..."
Anna sighed. She stood up straight and looked over the stream, relieved that her thoughts were out.
Anna "We banished Nehellenia to another world. How was she able to get back so easily? This force, this power...it wasn't from here. It came from somewhere...FAR away, like different dimension far."
Darien "So let me get this straight: you're going to a distant reality just to find the origin of her release?"
She looked down. In her heart, she was lying to herself.
Darien "There's more to it, huh?"
Every time, he got it right. Anna knew she couldn't fool him. He knew her too well for that.
Anna "I wanna go back...to see my family again. They may not be my real parents...Sanosuke my not be my real dog...but I miss them."
Darien saw her mourning blue orbs. He knew she was speaking the truth from her heart.
Anna "I can't just stay here forever. I'm my own person. I'm not just Sailor Galaxy."
Darien felt sad that she wanted to go. But then he thought of how she felt when he told Anna about his trip to America. He realized that it was probably right for her. It was her decision. Being bound to Tokyo just to fulfill her so called destiny wasn't right.
Darien "You're also Anna Onodera."
He lightly smiled. Anna was glad that he understood. But now how was she gonna tell everyone else?
School was just around the corner when everyone gathered in the park for the final time. Anna and Aoshi packed their things and prepared to say farewell.
Mina "Do you really have to go?"
Anna "Yeah...I'm afraid so. Sorry for bailing on you like this."
Trista "Just make sure you come back."
Anna and Aoshi looked at each other questioningly. If they were in another dimension, how could they...?
Anna "Um..."
She looked back at Trista.
Anna "Not to be rude, but-"
Aoshi "How's that possible?"
Hotaru walked up to them.
Hotaru "With this."
She revealed her hand, which was enveloped in dark energy. Anna was hesitant at first, but she agreed to join hands and allow the darkness to invest around her arm.
Anna "What is this?"
Hotaru "We give you the power to teleport through worlds, like the Black Dream Mirror."
The visible part of the energy disappeared, but Anna could feel it flowing beneath her skin.
Trista "Feel free to come back anytime."
Anna "Thanks."
She looked back at the team. Although they were smiling, Anna could tell they were on the verge of tears. She didn't want to make them sad, but it was her final choice: she was going home. Anna walked up and gave Hotaru a grateful hug for the gift. She gave the wise Trista a friendly hug as well as Michelle. Amara held out her hand and Anna shook it firmly. The Inner Senshi came up all at once to end it with a group hug. After pulling away from her suffocating grasp, Anna stood in front of Serena. Parting with the moon princes was hard, but they decided to go separate ways before giving a final embrace. Darien walked up and looked Anna square in the eye. It was awkward for Anna to say goodbye to a friend so close, but he simply pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
Darien "See ya."
Anna wrapped her arms around his abdomen and squeezed tightly, knowing of his soon departure from Tokyo.
Subsequently, she backed up and returned o Aoshi's side. Anna gave one last sigh as she took a terminal glance at the team. She turned around and held her hand up before her. The energy given by Hotaru mustered in her palm and a dark portal appeared.
That was it. The doorway back home. Anna and Aoshi felt a sentimental presence on the other side and longed to pass through. Even though it wasn't her actual home, she wanted to go. It might be hard for Anna to re-adjust to her home from two years ago.
But Aoshi held out his hand for her. It was amazing how Anna continuously omitted the fact that she wasn't alone. Chuckling with a bit of silliness, she took his hand and prepared for anything ahead. Anna didn't look back at the team; she kept walking forward and waited what was on the other side:
Her world.
Her home.
Yeah...she's home, but she's not gone. Her past is going to be revealed in the final saga, along with some tragedies and such. I've been watching Yu-Gi-Oh the abridged series on YouTube and they are hilarious! I couldn't get enough of Bandit Keith's obsession for America. XD
Next time on Sailor Galaxy Chronicles:
Aoshi "The atmosphere...it's crying out in pain."
Anna "They're just taken away, right? RIGHT!?"
Moon "Dead."
Fighter "No mere human can face her!"
Anna "Do you have any idea of who I am!?"
Marvel Maiden's gonna love this chapter...