Standard disclaimers apply. Most of these characters were created by Naoko Takeuchi, and rightfully belong to her. I'm only borrowing them for a while. New characters, and this story, belong to me. Ask before you use them. :)
AN: Again, thanks for the reviews. :) I'll do my best to keep things interesting. As I mentioned before, this chapter does touch on some heavier themes, though nothing explicit or particular graphic. I'm just of the opinion that a good villain, while not unnecessarily and gratuitously cruel, will not hold back anything if it would prove advantageous. Anyway, read on, and again, hope you all enjoy...
Hearts of Darkness
Part 3: Scars Remembered
by JG Chan
A puffy-eyed Sailor Moon climbed into her room from the open window, using the same route Luna took whenever she left on her own. She didn't pay attention to her guardian's greeting as she de-transformed and collapsed onto the bed, crying.
'What's going on?' she asked herself. 'He came to help us, didn't he? So he must still care for me...and he remembered how to become Tuxedo Kamen. Or maybe...maybe that's all he remembers, and he only came to help us because we were just people who needed help...no, I know that's not it...he called me Usagi when I was still Sailor Moon! Yes! He must remember us now...but why did he tell me to leave? Doesn't he love me anymore? Was it something I did? It can't be because I'm a poor fighter...I've improved a lot since I began...but my room's a mess, and I can't cook, and I don't pay attention at school, and I'm a klutz, and all I'm good at is playing video games...no, he doesn't even know most of those things, does he? Well there's the school and the klutz part, but still...he wouldn't dump me for that, right? He's probably just shocked by all his memories coming back at once, he'll be okay after a bit...and here I am worrying over nothing...Rei-chan would yell at me for being childish if I ever told her...wait, what if that's it? Does he think I'm just a child? Does he think I'm too young for him? Otou-san keeps saying that I'm too young to date...what if he's right? NO! I'll prove them wrong! I'll show them that I'm old enough to be with Mamo-chan, old enough to love, I've gone through too much to let this stop me...' "AAAAAAHH! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, LUNA!?"
"I thought I was going to have to bite you to get your attention." Luna disentangled her paws from Usagi's hair and faced the distraught young girl. "Now, what was that all about, Usagi-chan? I swear, your face went through more contortions than a circus act."
"I..." Usagi's irritation faded, and her voice became subdued. "I just came back from Mamo-chan's apartment. I think he remembers everything now, but...he kicked me out..."
"He WHAT!? He can't do that! He loves you!"
"Does he? I'm just fourteen, Luna. What if he thinks I'm too young, like Otou-san always says..."
"Usagi-chan, you've never let that get to you before, so don't you start now."
"But it's not just that." She started to sniffle. "Gods know I'm not the perfect girl. I'm lazy, I'm messy, I eat too much, I don't study enough... You should know, Luna, you're the one who keeps telling me these things."
The cat looked guilty for a second, but quickly recovered. For this argument at least, she knew the answer. "And I don't love you any less for that, Usagi-chan. Neither do the girls, nor your parents, so I don't see any reason why he wouldn't accept you despite all that."
Usagi stared back at Luna, not knowing what to say.
"And besides, I think you're placing too much blame on yourself. You used to do that a lot back in the Silver Millenium...both of you did. Have you considered the possibility that he's the one who doesn't think he deserves you?"
Usagi was shocked. "How can you say that, Luna? Of course he deserves me, he deserves way better than me. It's me who..."
"And he would have said the same thing about you," Luna cut in.
Usagi was about to reply, but couldn't think of anything to refute that claim. 'Maybe Luna's right,' she thought. 'Maybe he's blaming himself for something... I have to go see him again.' She got up and prepared to transform. It was too late to make it to his place on foot without being late coming back, and she didn't want her parents to know anything just yet.
"MOON PRISM POWER, MAKE UP!"
Nothing happened.
"Usagi-chan, what's wrong?" Luna asked.
"I don't..." Before either of them could say anything more, a bright pink glow surrounded Usagi, lifting her into the air. A moment later, she was gone, leaving an astonished Luna staring at an empty spot in the room.
Across the ward in Juuban General Hospital, Rei looked up sharply, half rising from her seat in the waiting room. Something momentous had just happened, and it involved Sailor Moon somehow; she could feel the ripples of energy resonating through her spirit. Thankfully they didn't feel evil, but the underlying power in them left her shaken nonetheless. What could have manifested this kind of strength?
"Rei-chan, what's wrong?" The young miko looked up as Minako took a seat next to her. "You look a bit out of it."
"I just...something big just happened, I think. I felt a very strong power just now."
"You mean you sensed a great disturbance in the Force."
Rei glared at Minako, who giggled and put up her hands. "I'm joking, I'm joking!"
"Hmph. Anyway, I don't think it's anything evil, but we might want to check in with Luna later. How's Mako-chan?"
"Oh, the doctor said she'll be fine if she doesn't strain herself too much. They're bandaging her right now, and she'll be free to go after that." Minako looked around, pursing her lips. "Which is great, really. Don't tell Ami-chan I said this, but hospitals make me uncomfortable."
Rei simply nodded; she had felt the same way for a while after her mother had passed away. Trying to think of something else, she suddenly remembered something. "Minako-chan?"
"Hmm?"
"Is there anything going on with you lately?"
Minako blinked. "What kind of question is that?"
"Right after today's fight, you looked like you were hurt by something," Rei said bluntly. "Is there anything we should know about?"
Minako fidgeted suddenly, her lips twitching a little in her smile. "...Nope, nothing, must have been your imagination gotta go homework due tomorrow bye!"
And with that, she quickly bolted out of the room, ignoring her friend's protests. Rei stared worriedly after the departing blonde; something was definitely up, and she needed to get to the bottom of it. 'Wonderful,' she thought sarcastically. 'Two more mysteries for me...' Shaking her head, she got up and went to check on Makoto.
Outside the window, unnoticed by the busy orderlies and worried visitors, a green eye floated away from the building.
Ami nervously checked her watch. 4:30 PM. 'This is strange,' she thought. 'The train's rarely this late. Could something have happened? Is it the Dark Kingdom?'
A low rumbling made her look up, and she heaved a sigh of relief as she saw the train entering the station. Nothing seemed amiss, yet. 'I'll feel much better once I see him, though.' Scanning the crowd of disembarking passengers, she caught a glimpse of the boy she was looking for. She waited until he looked in her direction and waved at him, and he quickly came over. Grinning, he dropped his suitcase and hugged her.
"Ryo-kun!" she protested, blushing deeply. "We're in public!" He smiled sweetly in reply.
"Sorry, Ami-chan. I'm just so glad to see you again. I really missed you, you know, phone calls notwithstanding."
"So did I." She returned the smile, though her eyes were still downcast. "How long are you staying?"
"Actually, I just transferred back to Juuban Middle School. I'll be staying here from now on."
"Really? That's great!" Ami almost couldn't believe it. Now they could study together whenever they wanted. 'Is studying all you want to do with him?' a part of her asked, which caused her blush to renew itself.
"Is there something wrong, Ami-chan?" Ryo asked her, seeing as she was standing there in silence.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm just so happy, that's all. So, where are you going to stay?"
"One of my mother's friends agreed to let me stay with him. I'm supposed to call him when I get here so that he can pick me up." His expression became serious then. "But before that, would you come with me for a bit?"
Perplexed at the change in Ryo's demeanor, Ami simply nodded. Picking up his luggage, the boy looked around, then led the way to the small open cafe inside the station. They sat at a table in the corner, where they could see anyone approaching.
"What's going on, Ryo-kun?" Ami asked as they sat down.
"Your friends know that I know about you guys, right?" he asked in response. Ami nodded; after the events with the seven shadow warriors, she had explained Ryo's gift to the girls. They had all agreed that he could be trusted with the information, though it took some serious persuasion in Luna's case.
"To tell the truth," Ryo continued, "I've been getting visions again, just before I left to come here. Mostly they're of the Senshi fighting, but..." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a piece of paper. "...there's this one image that I've never seen before. I just know that it's connected to you, somehow."
Ami took the paper and studied it, her brows furrowing in concentration. Finally, she shook her head. "I don't know anything about this, either," she said in reply to his unspoken question. "I could try to find a match with the Mercury computer, though. Or Luna or Artemis might know something... In fact, I'll call a meeting with everyone tomorrow after school, and you can tell them what you told me."
"Are you sure, Ami-chan?" Ryo said. "I mean, I'm not really one of you guys, after all..."
"It'll be okay," she smiled warmly at him, and got up from her seat. Pausing for only an instant, she reached out and took his hand, both of them blushing reflexively. "Come on, let's call your mother's friend." And with that and a small giggle, she led her slightly stunned friend to the nearest payphone.
All around her stretched a grey landscape of ruins. Piles of broken stones lay about randomly, here and there a few columns still stood...and overlooking all of this, the starry dome of space.
Usagi looked around. She was sitting on the ground, curled up in fetal position and naked, though that last fact somehow failed to bother her. Something was coming; she could feel its presence washing over her like a gentle wave.
A clearing among the ruins lay before her, and as she watched, a globe of white light appeared at its center. The soft glow gradually coalesced into the form of a woman, tall and beautiful and gowned in white, her silver hair done in the same style as the blonde's own. She was gazing almost longingly at Usagi, and her entire being radiated power and love.
"Mother..." Usagi whispered reverently. She rose to her feet, and mother and daughter embraced for a long time. When they finally pulled apart, Usagi was wearing her Moon Princess gown.
"You have done well, my child," Queen Serenity said warmly. "You have surpassed all expectations I ever had of you."
"But it's not over yet, is it?"
"I'm afraid not, my daughter. The Dark Kingdom is still a threat to your world, and your battles have only just begun. But fear not; there are new allies waiting for you as well, and your love can triumph over any obstacle."
"My love...Mother, do you know what's wrong with Mamo-chan?"
Queen Serenity's expression turned to sadness. "Yes, my dear. That is one of the reasons why I brought you here." She extended her hand above her head, and Sailor Moon's Moon Stick appeared. Before Usagi's eyes, the Silver Crystal detached itself from the wand, which faded into nothing. The Crystal glowed brightly and transformed into a brooch, floating down into Usagi's hands.
"The Illusion Silver Crystal is now held within this clasp," the Queen told her. "When the time comes to use it, you will find a new, stronger power waiting for you. May it keep you and your loved ones safe, always."
"Thank you, Mother." Usagi held the brooch in her hands. She could feel the power of the Crystal surging through her body, but right now it failed to reassure her.
"I know that you are worried about the Prince," Queen Serenity continued. "Endymion is waging a battle of his own, against the memories of his time serving Queen Beryl. He will need your help if he is to survive unscathed."
"I'll do anything for him!" Usagi replied immediately. The Queen nodded solemnly.
"I know, my daughter. And now, I will tell you what it is that he faces..."
Minako let herself in quietly through the front door. Artemis was out investigating with Luna, and her parents wouldn't be coming home for a while. She had the house of all to herself. 'Only myself,' she thought sadly. 'All alone.'
She thought back guiltily to how she had run out on Rei earlier. Thinking back on it now, it was such a stupid thing to do as well; she might as well have yelled out, "There's something wrong with me, but I don't want to tell you about it."
She sighed as she reached the living room, letting herself sink into the long tan couch facing the TV. The ugly truth was, she was getting a bit jealous. It was frustrating, and somehow a shameful thing for the Senshi of Venus to be feeling, but she couldn't help it. Usagi had Mamoru, had had him since twelve thousand years ago. Ami was obviously feeling something for Ryo, and Rei could be with Yuuichirou if the miko would only let herself consider it, Minako was certain.
That left her and Makoto, but as far as she saw, the brunette didn't really seem too concerned about her single status. Sure, she'd enthusiastically join her blonde friend in ogling boys, but other than that episode with Motoki, that really was all she did.
Minako let out a frustrated moan. Ever since her memories had returned, these thoughts kept popping up in her head, alongside the fainter image of Danburite's last words. 'Your love will be hopeless for all eternity...'
She shook her head fiercely, and got up from the couch. Brooding didn't really suit her. Those feelings will pass, she was sure of it; she loved her friends too much to hold onto such negative thoughts. She headed for the stairs. Right now she needed something to distract herself, and a nice long soak in the furo sounded just perfect.
Mamoru shut the balcony door behind him, the cool wind and setting sun having failed to calm his thoughts. He stared listlessly at his empty hands, before shutting his eyes and sitting down heavily on his carpeted floor.
As if things weren't bad enough already, he had to go and hurt Sailor Moon as well...the very last thing he had wanted to do. Though perhaps it was for the best that she give up on him. He couldn't face her now, didn't deserve to be with her, not after what he'd done.
"Beryl..." The name came out through grated teeth, full of hatred...and immediately followed by a new wave of self-loathing. 'I'm trapped,' he thought morosely. 'I want so much to kill her again right now, and then I realize I'm just proving her point. Rinse and repeat. Damn...'
His thoughts were interrupted then by the sliding of the glass door. Since he had been leaning against it, its sudden removal caused him to fall over on his back...and right between Sailor Moon's legs.
"Eek!"
"Gah! Sorry, sorry!" He quickly flipped himself up and backed away to the other end of the balcony, blushing slightly.
"Umm, it's okay, it wasn't your fault..." She stood by the door, also blushing and looking down at her feet. Mamoru felt his breath catch as he watched the orange light of the setting sun wash over her, glinting off her golden hair and the gems that were part of her Sailor suit. Her gaze rose to meet his, and she took a step forward. "I'm here to help you, Mamo-chan..."
That snapped him back to the present, and he seemed to withdraw into himself, his eyes closing off behind the familiar mask. "I'm fine, Sailor Moon, there's nothing wrong with me."
"I know what Beryl made you do..." she continued softly.
He froze.He couldn't have heard right... But she was there, gazing at him with solemn but warm eyes that pinned him to the spot. As much as he wanted to panic and run, he simply couldn't tear his eyes from hers. He watched, paralyzed, as she moved towards him, those sapphire blue orbs projecting love and understanding through unshed tears.
"No..." he managed to croak out, as she reached out to embrace him. "I can't...I don't deserve to touch you." 'Not with these hands...'
"Mamo-chan." She was pressed to his chest now, her meatballs coming up to just beneath his chin. His thundering heart must be deafening to her, he thought. "Please, trust me..."
He hesitated. Trust her with what? He'd trust her with his life without a second thought, he knew. But...trust her to love him? Is that what she meant? A small part of his heart perked up with hope, only to be mercilessly pummeled by his sense of guilt. No! He couldn't sully her with what he had done, something that was the antithesis of everything she stood for, everything he loved about her. He couldn't...
Sailor Moon felt Mamoru's body stiffen as she asked for his trust. Her own nerves had been threatening to fail her the moment she opened his door, and only one thing kept her going.
"I love you, Mamo-chan," she continued when he didn't reply. "I can't imagine how hard this must be for you, but please..." She choked back a sob. "Please trust me. After so long, finding you and losing you...I can't bear that again...please..."
For a moment he was silent, and she remained where she was, focusing on controlling her own fears. He would respond when he was ready, and she needed to be prepared for when that happened.
After an interminable wait, his arms slowly rose to enfold her, and she felt him relax slightly as he pulled her close. Taking her cue, she willed her wand into her hand and called out softly. "Moon Crystal Power."
There was a moment of disorientation, and then they found themselves in a corner of a cold, dim cavern. Beside her, Mamoru drew in his breath sharply; he had recognized the place as well. She watched him anxiously, half afraid of his reaction.
"This is...Beryl's..." He was trembling visibly as he realized the only reason they'd be here. Sailor Moon tensed herself for the expected outburst, but instead he grabbed her by the shoulders and looked at her with desperate worry on his face. "Sailor Moon, you shouldn't be here! This isn't something you should see. Please, don't do this, not for me!"
'He's...worried about me?' she thought, speechless. Suddenly, she felt all her fears vanish, as her heart warmed at his words, that he would think of her first even when about to face his own nightmares. Her own resolve hardened; she would not lose now. Placing her hands over his, she pulled them off her shoulders and smiled at him. "I'll be alright, Mamo-chan, because you're here with me. We'll face this together, okay?"
He watched her for a moment longer before nodding slowly, and both of them turned their attention back to the front of the cave. As if on cue, the air wavered, and images appeared before them, showing a tall, red-haired woman and a dark-haired young man in armour. As the two spectators edged closer, the figures began to speak.
"Well, Prince Endymion?" Beryl was asking invitingly. "Won't you at least consider my offer? When our great Queen triumphes, you and I will rule side by side; you would regain your entire kingdom in an instant!"
Endymion didn't respond, his glare fixed upon the dark queen. Beryl was unfazed, however.
"Surely you don't think I'd break my promise?" she continued. "After all, I did heal your wounds, and having you by my side is what I've always wanted."
The watching pair shivered at that, while Endymion's expression became scornful. "Spare me your bribes, witch," he retorted coldly. "You can offer nothing that I'd want. Why don't you simply brainwash me and make me your puppet, like you did to my guardians?"
"Oh, so you do remember now!" Beryl laughed, her eyes gleaming maliciously. "But Endymion, I have a much better method at my disposal than that: you serve me, and I'll spare your Princess' life."
The prince's expression darkened. "Funny, I could have sworn she destroyed all of your youma so far. And now that she has the Silver Crystal, I'd say you're the one who should worry about being spared."
"Do you truly believe that, Endymion? Do you really think that your whining klutz of a Princess can control something as powerful as the Silver Crystal? Or that she has any kind of chance if I had bothered to send more than one youma at a time?" Beryl's hand moved to stroke the orb at her side, which began to glow. "Make no mistake, Endymion...Sailor Moon had been nothing more than a hindrance to me so far. If I truly wished her dead, I would not hesitate to send all my forces against her at once."
"...You're bluffing, Beryl."
The dark queen laughed derisively, her eyes fixed to Endymion's. "Oh, am I? Are you willing to risk it, Endymion...especially when you won't be there to protect her? In fact, I'm sure she's absolutely crushed right now, seeing as how you took Zoisite's attack for her..."
A flicker of doubt appeared in Endymion's eyes, and Beryl's smile widened. Stepping down from her throne, she circled past her captive and stood with her back to his, even as she continued speaking. "Or perhaps I won't have her killed outright. That wouldn't be very interesting, now would it? I should capture her and her little friends, and make sure they die slowly and painfully...in front of her."
Beryl laughed with insane delight, while rage mixed with fear was beginning to build in Endymion. As Sailor Moon and Mamoru watched helplessly, Beryl went on to describe the things she might do to the Senshi while she watched Endymion's expression in her crystal orb.
Sailor Moon's face was filled with horror as she listened, numbly registering the tears flowing down her cheeks and Mamoru's arms wrapped tightly about her shoulders. She had never realized how utterly consumed by evil Beryl had been. What was it that made her like this?
A sudden pressure on her arm derailed her train of thought, as Mamoru's fingers clenched reflexively at something Beryl said. Remembering the reason why they were there, Sailor Moon quickly shook off her revulsion and put her hands over his.
"Mamo-chan," she said softly. "This isn't your fault. I chose to do this."
"But..."
His reply was cut off as Beryl, still with her back to Endymion, made her final move. "Ah yes," she exclaimed in mock recollection, her voice filled with wicked glee, "I don't believe you and Serenity have ever...consummated your love, have you? I have the perfect end for her then: I will have my creatures violate her before you, let her see you witness her defilement and humiliation, and..."
"BERYL!!"
The name came out as an animal snarl as Endymion whirled, drawing his broadsword and slashing in one fluid motion. The powerful blow, fueled by blind fury, cleaved easily through cloth, flesh, and bone until it hit the spine. Still grimacing with rage, Endymion lifted his head to glare into Beryl's eyes...but she was no longer there.
Three pairs of eyes watched, two in shocked disbelief and one in resignation, as an astonished Zoisite staggered back, Endymion's blade embedded in his chest. Reaching out one trembling gloved hand to steady himself, he tried to speak, but only blood came out.
Beryl watched on with evil satisfaction from her throne, where she had teleported herself to the moment Endymion had struck. "Oh my, look what you have done. And to think, I had already freed him from my spell as a welcoming gift for you."
Sailor Moon gasped, and Endymion's eyes widened at the import of that statement. And as if to confirm it, Zoisite tried to speak again, this time managing to croak out, "My Prince...End..ymion..." The words took his last breath, and he collapsed backward, taking Endymion's sword with him as the prince's bloodstained arms fell nervelessly to his sides.
"And now, Prince," Beryl said with finality. "You have killed a traitor to your kingdom...and a man you had once called friend. Can you go back to your Princess now, and hold her with those hands of yours? The hands of a killer?"
And with that, Endymion fell to his knees, his will crushed and his mind defenseless as Beryl's power poured into him.
"Thanks for coming along with me, Rei-chan," Makoto said, hefting a bag of groceries in her left hand. Beside her, Rei carried two heavier bags as well as one of her own. After leaving the hospital, the two had made a quick detour to the store before heading back to Makoto's apartment.
"It's no big deal," Rei answered. "The doctor did tell you to take it easy for a few days."
"I know, but I feel fine! Doctors always see things worse than they are."
"Well, I wouldn't say that..." The sentence trailed off as the miko slowed, then stopped altogether. They were in front of a typical fast food restaurant. The place was fairly busy so close to suppertime, and rather noisy as well.
Noticing that her friend had stopped, Makoto backed up and looked curiously at Rei. "Rei-chan, what's wrong?"
"I'm not sure. I thought I felt some kind of dark energy coming from inside. It's very weak, though."
One of the brunette's eyebrows quirked. "You've been really sensitive about these things lately, Rei-chan. Are you sure it's not just nerves or tiredness or something?"
"Well I can't help it if I'm more in touch with my spiritual side," Rei huffed, shooting a quick scowl at her companion before returning to her scrutiny of the building.
Makoto watched quietly for a moment. Then, with a shrug, she took Rei's hand and headed inside.
"Mako-chan?"
"Heh, you'll just worry about it all evening if we don't take a look, right?" Makoto winked. "So let's see if there really is something."
They entered the slightly greasy-smelling room, and Makoto took a step back, letting Rei take the lead. The miko scanned the room for a second with a look of concentration, then headed for the back of the building.
"It's getting more distinct here. It's weak, but there's definitely something. And...here!"
"...Rei-chan, that's the men's washroom."
And indeed it was, as evidenced by the man coming out of it right at that moment. He gave the nonplussed girls a strange look before heading back to his table. Makoto glanced back at him as he disappeared. 'At least you can't see here from the front.' She turned to Rei. "Well?"
"...Jan-ken-pon for it?"
The brunette backed away, shaking her head. "Nuh-uh, girlfriend. You're the one in touch with your spiritual side. I wouldn't know what to look for."
Rei frowned, her eyes flicking back and forth between the door and Makoto. Finally, she sighed and put the bags down. Squaring her shoulders, she resolutely opened the door and went in.
Makoto giggled, then placed herself in front of the door to keep watch. A minute later, a darkly scowling Rei came out of the washroom, picked up her bags, and marched towards the door. She didn't stop until they reached the street.
"...Well?" Makoto asked cautiously.
"It was disgusting."
The brunette sweatdropped. "I meant, did you find anything?"
Wordlessly Rei handed her a small object. It looked like a small, purple acorn made of crystal, and it was pulsing slightly with a faint light. Makoto studied it for a moment, then gave up.
"Well I'm stumped. I guess we could show it to Ami-chan tomorrow and see what she can come up with. Where was it?"
Rei's eye twitched. "Out the window to the alley in back."
Makoto blinked. Then, careful to keep her face straight, she reached out and patted her friend sympathetically on the shoulder. "There there, Rei-chan..."
"Not a word of this to anyone, Mako-chan."
"Not a word."
"Good. Now let's get back before you break down and laugh in my face."
The images of Beryl and Endymion had faded away, taking the dark cavern with them. Replacing it was a featureless expanse of white, glowing softly from no particular direction.
Neither Sailor Moon nor Mamoru took much notice of the change, however. The small girl had her face buried in Mamoru's chest, and he simply held her, waiting and doing his best to ignore his turbulent thoughts. At length her trembling stopped, and her body relaxed slightly.
"That was awful, Mamo-chan," she said softly, breaking the silence. "I didn't know..."
"Now you see why I didn't want you to know," he responded just as quietly.
"I...I do, but I couldn't let you do that!" She stepped back to look him in the eye, shaking her head fiercely. "I love you, Mamo-chan! I can't let you bear this pain all alone! I want to be together with you, to share everything I am with you!" She took a shuddering breath. "Knowing that you're hiding your suffering from me, that you won't let me help...that would be more painful for me than anything the Dark Kingdom could do to me."
"Usagi..." He said simply, unable to put all his feelings for her into words. In the back of his mind, he had come to the same conclusion, but his own guilt and horror prevented him from acknowledging that. And now, faced with his own actions, he still didn't know what he could do.
"I love you too, Usagi...but this isn't something that can just go away, something you can heal with your Crystal. I killed someone! I wasn't under Beryl's control, even though I know she provoked me, and this isn't just some youma. Zoi...Zoisite was human; I could see it so clearly in his eyes then, there was no trace of dark energy left in him.
He sank to his knees, tears flowing now, feeling a strange mixture of tension and relief as he finally poured his heart out to someone. Looking up, he could see that Sailor Moon was nearly crying as well as she watched him with concerned eyes.
"I love you, Usagi," he continued almost desperately. "I've started loving you even before we found out about our past. You were always so cheerful, so positive, so alive. But now, I..."
He was silenced by a finger on his lips, as Sailor Moon knelt down before him. She was smiling, a warm, loving smile that shone with purpose. "Mamo-chan, do you want to be with me?"
"More than anything else," he answered truthfully.
"Then we'll be alright." Still smiling, she clasped her hands over her brooch and closed her eyes, as if praying. Mamoru watched her in silence, wondering what she was doing. His curiosity turned to alarm, however, when suddenly she went limp and fell forward into his arms, glowing with a dim white light.
"Usagi!? Usagi, what's wrong?"
"The Princess is fine, Endymion," a familiar voice said from behind him. "She'll be back to normal once we're finished."
Mamoru's head snapped around almost painfully, and he gaped as his eyes confirmed what his ears told him. The long-haired blond man before him smiled briefly before he bowed. "I beg your Highness' forgiveness for all that I have done to you," he intoned solemnly.
"Zoisite...how?"
"The Princess called to us, Endymion," another voice responded. There was a slight shimmering in the pervading whiteness, and Kunzite's tall form appeared next to his fellow Shitennou's. "She asked us to help you, and the Crystal gave our spirits the power to return."
"What can I do, then?" Mamoru asked. Somehow it felt right for him to ask the two generals, despite their recent enmity. Perhaps it had to do with his returning memories, but right now that was the furthest thing from his mind.
"You need to accept what you've done, Prince," Zoisite said. Mamoru gave him a startled look, and the blond elaborated. "We are warriors, Endymion. To take a life is sometimes unavoidable, and we cannot let that blind us to our true purpose."
Mamoru shook his head. "I can't. How do you expect me to just accept that I'm a killer? Even if you were to forgive me, how can I face myself if I just dismiss a life like that? Tell..."
His tirade was cut off as Kunzite unceremoniously backhanded him across the face, knocking him on his back. The blow was stunning, evidence that the leader of the Shitennou didn't believe in holding back. Nonetheless, he quickly sprang back up and saw the white-haired general holding Sailor Moon with one arm, having made sure not to let her fall.
"So what else will you do, Prince?" Kunzite asked stonily. "Kill yourself in atonement? Abandon the Princess as you wallow in self-pity?"
"I never..."
"SILENCE, ENDYMION!" the general barked. Passing the unconscious girl to Zoisite, he moved forward and grasped the startled young man by the collar. "I expected better of you, Prince," he continued. "It's high time you stopped this self-centered agonizing over your own worth, and thought of the girl you profess to love. She chose to love you. Are you going to make her do so in vain?"
"We don't claim that it'll be easy, Endymion," Zoisite added in a gentler tone. "Neither are we downplaying what you did. But instead of being mired down by it, let it give you the strength to better protect your Princess. Otherwise, you would have killed for nothing."
Mamoru made no reply as he listened to his former guardians. His troubled gaze wandered between the two men and the girl in Zoisite's arms. The longer it lingered on her, the clearer and less troubled it became, until finally resolve and purpose shone through.
"You're right," he admitted at last, smiling at the two men. "I do have something important I need to do. I won't be stopped now." Getting up, he stepped forward and tenderly took Sailor Moon back in his arms. "Thanks for knocking some sense in me, Kunzite," he added.
"You're welcome," the general answered drily. He exchanged a look with Zoisite, and the two stood up. "It appears we've accomplished our mission, my Prince. It's time we took our leave."
Mamoru nodded. The generals then held out their hands, each holding a small crystal which they presented to him. "These are our crystallized forms," Zoisite explained at his questioning look. "So long as you have them, then we will be at your side, in a sense."
"What about Jadeite and Nephrite?" Mamoru asked, suddenly remembering his other two guardians.
"Nephrite has...something he needs to do," Kunzite answered. "He will return to you when he is ready. As for Jadeite, you'll find out soon enough."
As Mamoru took the stones, the two men stepped back, and bowed to him one last time before disappearing. The surrounding white light also faded away, leaving the dark-haired young man back in his own apartment, holding a de-transformed Usagi in his arms. A glance at the clock showed that no time had passed.
With a sigh, he sat down on the couch. He felt drained, both emotionally and physically. But as he looked down at the peacefully sleeping girl in his arms, he also felt a clear sense of purpose, and more importantly, love. 'I won't let you down again, Usako. I promise.' Bending down, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead, then rose and headed for the kitchen. It was suppertime, after all, and food was very important for this particular guest.
To be continued...
End Notes: For those who don't know, Danburite is from the Codename: Sailor V manga, which deals with Minako's adventures before she meets the other Senshi. I only know him by description, as I don't own that manga, so I won't attempt to explain any further than that.