Note from Azura: Again, screwy formatting. Please read the original at my website. It will be much less confusing!

Chapter Seventeen

Salvation!
The Time Stream Restored

"Usagi!"

The blonde haired girl sat up, blinking sleepily. Fumbling blindly for her a pencil, Usagi tried to disguise the fact that she had dozed off again. She looked up at Rei's angry face and smiled sheepishly.

"Sleep helps the mind digest what it just learned," Usagi said. "Isn't that right, Ami-chan?"

The blue haired girl looked up from her advanced math problem and frowned at her friend. "I don't think that's true, Usagi-chan."

"You really should stay awake while we're studying," Makoto added. "The entrance exams are in less than two months."

Usagi's face crumpled and tears streamed down her cheeks. "You don't think I can do it, do you?" she whined. "I've been studying as much as you have!"

Makoto held up her hands to try and calm her friend down. "Nothing like that Usagi-chan!" she stammered. "Just try to get more sleep at night so you can stay awake now."

Usagi sniffled and flashed her friend a bright smile. "Okay! I won't disappoint you, Mako-chan. We'll all get into high school together! I know we will."

Ami sighed. "As long as we study hard, Usagi."

Usagi stuck out her tongue and picked up her English book. Another book slipped out from behind it and fell to the ground. Before Usagi had a chance to grab it, Rei snatched it up and read the cover.

"Manga?" Rei cried. "Really, Usagi, I thought you were going to be serious for a change."

"I am serious!" Usagi yelled back. "You're putting to much pressure on me!"

Ami, Makoto, and Minako all sighed as Rei and Usagi began one of their usual yelling matches. From where she and Artemis slept on Rei's bed, Luna suddenly raised her head.

"Knock if off, you two," she snapped. "Really, Usagi-chan. You sound like Chibiusa."

"It wasn't me!" Usagi exclaimed. "Rei started it! And don't compare me to that little brat!"

The black cat sighed and rested her head on her paws as the yelling match continued. Just outside the window, a figure with light brown hair wearing a yellow dress watched her former friends. Her lips curled into a sad smile, and her heart yearned to join them as they studied for their entrance exams, but she knew it could never be. She was dead to this world.

Spreading her white angel wings, Lucis launched herself into the sky. Below her, the city of Tokyo spread out like a blanket, completely unaware of the destruction it had suffered or the lives it had lost. Like Usagi and her friends, the war against Ragnarok would never be remembered. Sailor Pluto was too good at her craft to allow any slips.

Michiru paused, her cup halfway to her mouth. Haruka sipped at her coffee, watching her partner curiously. As the blonde girl swallowed her drink, a teasing smile played across her lips.

"What's wrong?" Haruka asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Michiru shook her head. "Not seen, more like felt."

Haruka raised an eyebrow and ran her fingers through her hair. Michiru watched, and was suddenly overcome with emotion, as if she never expected to see such a mundane event again. She put her cup down, the liquid untouched, and smiled at her partner.

"Now what?" Haruka asked, as she caught Michiru's stare. "Something on my face?"

The aquamarine haired girl laughed. "No, I'm just glad you're here."

Haruka blinked in confusion. "Should I be somewhere else?"

"Of course not. We're both where we belong, and everything is as it should be."

"Except for that ghost you felt?" Haruka teased.

Michiru lowered her eyes and clasped her hands around the cup. Blurred visions flashed before her eyes, images from a forgotten dream. She saw Haruka die, another Haruka in her place, grasping shadows and sparkling diamonds; and she saw Kami.

"The ghosts are where they should be, too," Michiru whispered. "Finally at peace."

Haruka sighed deeply. "Honestly, sometimes I can't understand a thing you say."

Michiru raised her gaze to her partner and laughed. Embarrassed, Haruka turned red and drank more of her coffee, unable to understand what Michiru was thinking.

"What do you think Lord Hades wants?" Sailor Acheron asked cheerfully as she and Sailor Orcus walked towards the castle.

Orcus kept her eyes straight ahead. "I'm sure I have no idea."

"Maybe we get to go on a mission," Acheron continued. "I read about it in one of the books Yume-chan gave me. Spies that can sneak around and steal important pieces of paper!"

The two senshi walked the dead street, Acheron chattering away and Orcus ignoring her as best she could. Ahead of them loomed the dark castle of their master, Hades. It dominated the landscape, with large winged creatures flying around its turrets. Orcus glanced over her shoulder to the prison she guarded, eager to return to her charges. It always bothered her to leave them, although she knew escape was impossible. Even if they managed to get out of the prison, the Gates of Erebus would never open. Orcus realized that Acheron was still talking, and turned her attention back to the girl. She was going on about the most recent book from the Upper World that Hypnos had brought her, and was enthralled by the description of weather.

"Water falls from the top of the cavern!" Acheron was saying animatedly. "Whole rivers just plummet to the ground and soak everything!"

"Rain," Orcus told her shortly.

"But how did the rivers get into the ceiling?" Acheron asked. "I know I've never seen the top of the cavern before, but I'm pretty sure there aren't any rivers up there. I control the rivers in Erebus, I think I would know!"

Orcus sighed. She picked up the pace as they neared the drawbridge leading to the castle, knowing that Dis would be impatiently waiting for them. The self-proclaimed princess of Erebus hated being late almost as much as she hated being without her mirror. Orcus wondered how she had been stuck with such strange companions.

"Lord Hades is already asking for us," Dis said as Acheron and Orcus entered the castle. Sailor Hypnos was already there as well, watching Orcus with her deep purple eyes.

The four senshi entered the hall, passing the three-headed dog Cerberus who guarded their Master's chambers. At the base of his throne, they knelt and waited for him to speak. Orcus blinked in surprise as she sensed another presence in the room, but knew better than to bring it to Hades' attention. No doubt he was already aware.

"Rise," Hades ordered.

The four senshi stood, and Hades leaned forward so his face was visible in the torchlight. He was a kind looking man, with black hair and dead eyes. He smiled at the four senshi.

"I would like to hear your reports," he said. His eyes focused on Hypnos. "Especially, you Sailor Hypnos. What news of the Upper World?"

Hypnos was taken aback. She had never been singled out before, and it was extremely rare that Hades would ask about the Upper World. She cleared her throat and bowed to her master.

"The world above is much as it always is, my lord," she replied. "No more or less souls than expected. The mortals carry on their lives as best they can."

Hades hesitated a moment, his dark eyes meeting Hypnos' gaze and holding it. The senshi did not squirm, and soon Hades nodded and leaned back in his chair.

"And you, Sailor Orcus? Any reports of escaped souls?"

Orcus stood straighter. "Of course not, my lord. No soul has ever escaped my prison, and never will."

"And you, Sailor Dis? What news from Elysium and Tartarus?"

"Both worlds continue to be joined to this castle, my lord. The souls who enter have been tallied," Dis replied promptly.

"And have any come through the portals?"

Dis blinked in surprise. "My lord? I don't understand."

Hades waved a hand. "No matter. Please, forget I mentioned it. Sailor Acheron, what news from the rivers?"

"Nothing to report, my lord," Acheron said brightly. "Everything is a-ok!"

Hades smiled and nodded. He turned his head towards the shadows behind his throne and seemed to confer with a figure hidden back there. Orcus said nothing, knowing he was speaking to the presence she had sensed earlier. Still, she stared at the darkness in the hopes of seeing who had visited her lord.

"Very good, my warriors," Hades told them. "You are dismissed."

The four senshi bowed and walked out of the hall. The lord of the dead watched them go, his fingers tented before his face and his elbows resting on the arms of his chair. When they were safely gone, he turned once more to the shadows.

"Are you satisfied, my Lady?" he asked.

Noctis stepped free, her gaze lingering on the closed door where the Erebus senshi had passed. She nodded and sighed.

"They truly remember none of it," she lamented. "They fought to save the universe, and they know nothing."

"It is for the best, my Lady," Hades assured her. "Sailor Pluto was right to restore the time stream to this point, where none of the senshi taken, or who fought, can recall what passed."

"Still," Noctis said wistfully, "they were my friends, and I hate to have them forget me."

Hades patted Noctis on the hand. The Mistress of the Dark smiled to him and disappeared in a flash of shadow. Hades shook his head and sighed himself. He had met Sailor Mercury and helped teach her how to fight his brother, Hodur. He had felt the death of Sailor Pluto, and had not been able to save her. Although the world had been saved, like Noctis, he regretted that his fierce warriors were not able to enjoy their victory, and that Sailor Acheron would not recall the world she yearned so desperately to see.

"Mai! Where are you?" Eizou called.

The dark skinned girl flipped her silver hair over her shoulder and sighed. She looked at her wrist watch impatiently and glanced up the staircase behind her. Her best friend, Mai, was taking her time as usual. Zou knew that at this rate, they would be late again.

"Sorry, sorry," Mai said breathlessly as she flew down the stairs. "I couldn't find my necklace."

"Your henshin necklace?" Zou repeated. "Mai, you should never take that off!"
Mai laughed sheepishly as she jammed her feet into her shoes. "I can't sleep with it on, you know. What if I strangle myself in my sleep?"

"What if a monster attacks us?" Zou countered, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Relax," her black haired friend replied. "You always wear your necklace, so if we get attacked, I know you'll hold the nasty beast until I find mine."

Zou gave an exasperated cry and stormed out the front door, not even waiting for her friend to follow. She hurried down the street towards their school, where they both took dance lessons. She heard Mai calling to her, but she ignored the flighty girl until she caught up, as she always did.

"Don't be mad," Mai said, patting Zou on the shoulder.

"I'm not mad," Zou replied. "We have a mission, you know. As long as we're searching, we have to be on guard."

Mai rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I know. Find Sailor Neptune, tell her who we are, and vow to fight with her against the forces of darkness."

Zou nodded. "I know we'll find her soon. I can almost feel it, like we've fought with her before."

"But we haven't," Mai corrected her friend. "No forces of darkness, not since we came to this city. Really, this place is so dull, I almost think we're wasting our time."

"Still, we are the vassals to the planet Neptune, and we must find our lady. It's only proper."

Mai said nothing for a few paces as she walked with her arms behind her head, her gym bag draped over her shoulder. Zou walked next to her, clutching her own bag in two hands, and wondering if they would ever complete their mission.

"But if there are no baddies," Mai suddenly said, "how do we know that Sailor Neptune exists? I mean, all we're going on is a wonky dream you had."

"My dreams are the truth," Zou reminded her. "I am the senshi of truth, after all."

"And I'm the senshi of creation, but you don't see me popping things into reality, do you?"

"Trust me, Mai," Zou said simply. "I know there is a Sailor Neptune. I know that she fights, and I know that we can help her."

Mai exhaled noisily. "If you say so, Zou."

She watched the silver haired girl for a moment, and shook her head. Mai had been having dreams as well, of black creatures with grasping claws, and of seeing Zou dead and being carried away from her by a massive hand. Mai knew Zou's premonitions were almost always true, but she couldn't help but worry that she had somehow dreamed the future as well. A life without Zou was not one she was willing to live.

Lucis landed gently in the tranquil gardens of Elysium, folding her wings behind her and inhaling the sweet, fresh fragrance of the place. She walked casually past the flowers and trees, over a small bridge that spanned a pond, and into the main area of the temple. Acolytes were moving about on their own business, but one spotted her and nearly dropped the basket she carried. Without a word, she altered her direction and headed into the temple. Lucis picked a grape off a nearby vine and popped it into her mouth, as Elios came down the temple steps.

"Lucis," he said warmly, taking her hands in his. "What a welcome surprise."

He lead her to a small area, where a table laden with food sat. He gestured to one of the chairs, and Lucis took it gratefully, helping herself to some of the delicacies that were only found in the paradise of the dead. Elios sat across from her.

"It is good to see you again," Lucis told him.

"What brings you here?" the white-haired priest asked. "We haven't seen you since you took Akumu-chan from us."

Lucis swallowed her food and grimaced. "Speaking of that, how is Jun?"

Elios sighed. "Still not talking to you, I'm afraid. She refuses to come out of the temple. Akumu-chan was a daughter to her, you know. Even though the child aged slowly here, taking her was cruel."

"But inevitable," Lucis added. "Jun was aware of what would happen from the beginning, and still agreed."

Elios nodded. "Still, I wish the two of you would make amends."

"Perhaps we shall," Lucis stood and bowed to her host. "Thank you for your hospitality. Inform Jun that Akumu is well, if she remembers her."

Elios stood as well. "I will. Must you leave so soon?"

Lucis smiled warmly. "There is much I need to do, but I will visit again before long. I hope – I hope that I might make those amends you spoke of."

As Lucis spread her wings and launched herself into the sky, she saw Elios smile at her and wave. Lucis felt tears forming in her eyes as she soared higher.

So they have forgotten as well, she thought. Poor Jun. Poor Akumu, to have this taken from them so soon after they found each other again.

The sky parted, and Lucis left the land of the dead for the last time. Far below her, Elios began to walk to the temple in the centre of his domain. He smiled fondly as he recalled the young Akumu, playing in his gardens under his sister's watchful eye. He wondered if he would ever see the woman she had become.

The city of Asgard was in celebration. Of all the worlds touched by Ragnarok, Parallel Earth alone held the memory. The ruins of the buildings were quietly being rebuilt, but today the streets were crowded with citizens, cheering for their new gods. High above them, in the Palace of the Immortal Senshi, the descendents of the old gods were welcoming the new.

"Are you sure about this?" Tansei asked for the hundredth time, as he stood in front of the Golden Throne. He wore a yellow cape and continued to shine with a bright aura.

Lucis only smiled and squeezed his hand reassuringly. They stood together on the dais overlooking the hall, and below them the senshi of Parallel Earth watched. Odin and Loki were at the front, with Frigga, Tyr, Freyja, Thor, Aegir, and Idun gathered behind them. Standing off to the side was Sailor Pluto, her arms crossed in front of her chest, and Sailor Aion.

"You'll be fine," Noctis said, from where she stood on Tansei's other side. "You've got the best teacher, you know."

"And I'll have to stay until you get the hand of things," Lucis assured him, "even if it take eons."

"Hail Tansei, Restorer of the Light!" Sailor Thor shouted.

"Hail! Hail!" her sister senshi echoed.

"Hail Hodur, Keeper of the Dark," Sailor Tyr added.

"Hail! Hail!"

Noctis smiled and held out her hand. From behind the dais, a figure shyly emerged. Hodur looked a great deal younger and kinder, his dark eyes cheerful and his white hair hanging to his shoulders. He took Noctis' hand and climbed up beside her, smiling to the assembled senshi.

"Without dark, there is no light," Lucis said.

"Without light, there is no dark," Noctis echoed.

Tansei and Hodur clasped each other's hands with brotherly affection, much to the happiness of the senshi and the people of Asgard. The balance was restored, and once again Parallel Earth could prosper.

"Let's eat!" the young Sailor Idun cried.

As the senshi and their new gods settled themselves down for the feast, Lucis and Noctis spoke quietly to one another in the corner. Pluto and Aion kept themselves separate from the festivities, neither of them feeling any cause to celebrate. Loki detached herself from Odin and came over to where they stood, her eyes locked on Aion.

"If you'll excuse me," Pluto told her double, "I'll wait for you outside."

"Thank you," Aion replied.

Pluto bowed her head and slipped out the door. Loki waited until she was gone before grabbing Aion's hand and holding it tightly.

"Don't go," Loki said simply, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I have no choice," Aion gently wiped the moisture off Loki's cheeks. "Without me, the Void will expand to engulf the worlds. I can't let that happen."

"Then I'll go with you," Loki insisted, almost angrily. "We can be in the Void together. You don't have to be alone!"

Aion put a finger beneath Loki's chin and brought her face down. Tenderly, she kissed the other girl's lips, savouring the sensation and flavour. Tears continued to stream down Loki's cheeks as she returned the embrace, holding Aion close and wishing this moment would never end.

"I wouldn't wish my fate on you," Aion told her. "Your thoughts will reach me, and comfort me. Please, don't forget."

"I never could," Loki promised. "But I will find a way to free you from your eternity, I swear it."

Aion smiled sadly and ran her fingers through Loki's short hair. The blonde girl closed her eyes, relishing the touch. Slowly, Aion withdrew her hand and began to walk away. Loki stared after her, her face emotionless but her eyes betraying her. She waited until Aion was at the door, and watched as the elder senshi turned to face her one last time.

"Farewell, Kiki," she said softly.

The door closed behind her, and Loki was left alone in the crowded room.

Aion breathed deeply once she was outside the hall. Lucis was standing with Pluto a few feet away, the two deep in conversation. Aion had not even noticed her friend leaving the hall, but Lucis was always full of surprises. Trying in vain to calm her pounding heart, Aion moved to stand with her friends.

"You're certain she will remember nothing?" Lucis was saying.

Pluto nodded. "Once she returns to Crystal Tokyo, it will be as if she never left. She will not recall Elios, or Jun, or how to transform into Noctis. It will be as you asked."

Lucis sighed wearily. "She had come so far, but remaining as a mortal in Crystal Tokyo was her desire, so that's where she must stay. I'll miss her."

"Has Akumu-chan left?" Aion asked.

Lucis nodded. "While you were speaking to Kiki. She told me to say goodbye to you, and that she would try to think of you."

"But she will not," Aion said with a sad smile. "She will forget."

Lucis nodded. "I will remain here, with Tansei and Kiki. We, at least, will remember. I hope that will be enough."

"Are you ready?" Pluto asked.

Aion let her eyes wander across the landscape. She heard the cheers of the people of Asgard, felt the breeze on her skin, smelled the sweet scent of flowers, and saw the faces of the people she loved. Tears would not come, they had been shed long ago. Clenching her hands into fists at her sides, she forced herself to smile.

"I am ready."

The Time Gates loomed in front of them. Aion stared at them for the last time as the mists swirled around her ankles. Her eyes lingered on the spot where she had found the Garnet Orb staff, to the threshold she had crossed to try and save the world that abandoned her. It was so long ago, yet it felt like she had only just stepped free of the Void. She could feet Kiki's lips on her own, and brought a finger to her mouth in memory.

Pluto gestured to her right, and Aion was once again face-to-face with the swirling grayness of her prison. Fear gripped her heart, and she faltered in her step. Pluto was right behind her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder and gently ushering her forward. When Pluto stopped moving, Aion took the last few steps herself, and turned to face her double.

Pluto raised her staff…

Aion knelt next to the body, noticing how the deathblow had been a sword stab to the neck. Such a blow was not normally fatal to a god unless the attacker had been divine as well. Aion suspected that had been the case, although how Hodur had gotten this close to Baldur without one of the senshi realizing it, was another mystery.

"Sailor Aion," a gentle, musical voice said.

The white haired senshi of Eternity turned and saw a woman standing in the doorway of the hall. Aion sensed that this was no ordinary mortal, and as she walked closer, Aion saw her suspicions confirmed.

The woman before her wore a pale yellow dress and had a halo of golden light surrounding her brown hair. Her eyes were brown and kind, and two large angel wings sprouted from her back. Without knowing why, Aion bowed to her.

"I am Lucis," the woman introduced herself. She looked sadly at the body on the ground. "Baldur was a disciple of mine."

"Remember this day well, Sailor Loki of Parallel Earth," Aion intoned ominously. "The day the light disappeared forever from your world. The day you were disgraced in front of your peers. The day your blood sister was taken, and the day Ragnarok began."

Loki had been dancing in small circles around Aion as she spoke, but she paused at the last threat. "Ragnarok?" Loki repeated.

Aion nodded. "You know who I am?"

Loki shook her head.

"I am Sailor Aion, the senshi of Eternity. I reside in a timeless void and I awaken only when the worlds are in the most dire need of assistance."

"I possess the memories of all the senshi who ever were," Eitai began, her back to Jun. "I remember all their great deeds that have saved the universe. I know all their enemies and friends."

She turned to stand directly in front of Jun. The white haired stranger didn't raise her eyes to meet Eitai's as the elder woman stared at her.

"I do not know you," Eitai finished. "How is it that you are a senshi, but I have no knowledge of you? You appear out of nowhere, saying you are a friend of Lucis, yet the first thing you do is harm Sailor Loki."

Eitai smoothed the hair from Kiki's feverish forehead and a single tear fell onto the sleeping girls face. Eitai blinked, surprised to discover her own face wet with tears. She could not remember ever crying before.

"Kiki," Eitai continued. "I have changed. I don't think I can go back to the loneliness of the Void. I don't think I can leave the people I have met. How can I return to timelessness knowing that the world outside me continues?"

Eitai did not look at Akumu, but sat looking straight ahead across the room. Akumu turned her head slightly but did not move otherwise.

"Sometimes it takes more darkness than light to heal the world," Eitai said.

Akumu snorted a laugh and turned back to the window. Eitai turned her head to look at the girl with her crystal eyes.

"Akumu, you are not the evil we face." With those words, Eitai rose and walked to the kitchen.

The last of her strength gone, Akumu toppled forward only to be caught by a pair of strong arms. Blinking to clear her fading vision, Akumu looked up and into the gently smiling face of Sailor Aion.

"But how?" Akumu murmured.

"Rei told me what happened," Sailor Aion replied, "so I came in case I was needed. Clearly, I was not."

She held Akumu close, hugging her as if she were a child. "I'm proud of you."

Eitai bowed to Haruka and Michiru politely, and they returned the courtesy.

"I fear I've been abducted," Eitai said with a smile, gesturing to the counter where Minako was in deep conversation.

Michiru and Haruka followed her gaze and smiled knowingly. "It's good to see you out of the city," Michiru said. "Perhaps you and Minako-chan will join us? We have a private pool reserved for the day."

"That would be great!" Minako exclaimed, suddenly materializing beside Eitai. She turned to the older senshi and showed her a brochure. "Look! They have nature walks and natural caves to explore, and gardens..."

"No caves," Eitai said abruptly, "please."

Minako seemed a little shocked by the outburst, but her easy grin quickly returned. "Okay, no caves, but there are lots of other things to do here."

"But first," Haruka interrupted, "let's go to the spring. I could use a hot bath with three pretty ladies."

Michiru laughed and blushed slightly, tugging on Haruka's arm to lead her away. Eitai and Minako followed behind them, but Eitai still felt hesitant about indulging herself like this. It felt wrong to her, somehow.

Eitai raised her head at the distant sound somewhere outside the cave. She had probably imagined it, her friends long gone and mourning her passing. The sound came again, and she turned to face the front of the cave as a pillar of light came streaming in from a removed stone. Blinking in the sudden brightness, she saw Sailor Loki kneeling by the hole, her face full of worry and relief. Behind her Eitai could see Sailor Neptune and Sailor Venus. Together, they removed enough debris to allow Eitai to climb out, and she was immediately caught in a tight embrace from Loki.

A smile spread across Kiki's face, instantly erasing any trace of tears she had once had. Eitai was once again astonished at how quickly this girl could move from one emotion to another, when suddenly she felt Kiki's lips against hers. The blonde girl kissed her gently, tenderly, and Eitai closed her eyes as she relaxed into the kiss. As abruptly as it had come, Kiki pulled away, her face bright red.

"I – I'm sorry," she stammered as she moved out of the bedroom.

As the door closed behind her, Eitai ran her tongue over her lips and smiled to herself.

For Aion, the world slowed to a crawl. As Vali stood poised with his sword outstretched, the feather cape that hid Loki from the world fell to the ground. Her face was full of shock, her eyes open wide as she stared at the sword that protruded from her breast. Vali pulled the weapon clear and with it came a glittering Star Seed. Loki fell to the ground as if dead, not a trace of injury on her body. Vali held up the Star Seed triumphantly.

"LOKI!" Aion screamed.

Without anything to hold Loki's Seed, it began to fly back to its host. Hodur reached out with his hand and grabbed it as it passed. Turning, he smiled at Aion before vanishing. Loki's body sank into the ground as a dark portal appeared beneath it. Aion scrambled to hold onto her, but she was gone too quickly. She screamed in anger before clasping her hands over her ears.

"Aion, what's wrong?" Neptune asked as she hurried to the woman's side. Noctis and Mars were only a few steps behind her.

"The trumpet," Aion managed to say. "The sound is deafening."
"Trumpet?" Mars repeated.

"The Horn Gijall," Aion said. "It announces the beginning of Ragnarok – the destruction of the world."

"Are you all right?" Usagi asked.

"Just gathering memories," Eitai told her. "I want to be able to remember this sense of closeness when I return to the Void."

Usagi frowned and put her hand on Eitai's. "You don't have to go back, Eitai-san. We'll think of some way to keep you here."

"That's very kind, Usagi-chan, but I don't belong here."

Aion's eyes widened in fear as she moved to intercept the attack. It was as if time had slowed down. Aion threw herself in front of the dark beam, and it struck her full in the chest. Closing her eyes in pain, she fell to the ground as the beam, fueled by Hodur's anger, continued towards Loki. The blonde girl was too preoccupied with Aion to notice the attack and was caught in the chest as well. The two girls fell to the ground almost at the same time, their Seeds spinning above their bodies. Loki reached out with one hand to try and touch the unconscious Aion's face, but her own body betrayed her as her strength vanished.

Turning, Loki saw Sailor Aion and Sailor Pluto standing side by side, where the dais had once been. Loki hesitated only a second before running to Aion and wrapping her arms around the older senshi's waist. Aion calmly placed a hand on Loki's head, smiling weakly at her.

"I must hurry," Aion said to Pluto. "The Void is slowly consuming the Earths. If I wait much longer, both Parallel Earth and your Earth will be gone."

"Don't go," Loki said simply, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I have no choice," Aion gently wiped the moisture off Loki's cheeks. "Without me, the Void will expand to engulf the worlds. I can't let that happen."

"Then I'll go with you," Loki insisted, almost angrily. "We can be in the Void together. You don't have to be alone!"

Aion put a finger beneath Loki's chin and brought her face down. Tenderly, she kissed the other girl's lips, savouring the sensation and flavour. Tears continued to stream down Loki's cheeks as she returned the embrace, holding Aion close and wishing this moment would never end.

The memories flowed into Aion's mind as Pluto's Garnet Orb sparkled, and the vortex of the Void opened behind her. She had found friends, been loved, fought, died, and saved the universe one last time. She had no regrets, only fond memories, and armed with those she felt she could face another thousand years in the Void.

"I'm sorry," Pluto apologized as the Void began to draw Aion inside.

"Don't be," Aion told her double. "We will meet again, Setsuna-chan."

The mists of the Void swirled around her, vague clouds of colour in an otherwise empty blackness. She stretched herself out as she floated, extending her fingers and toes as far as they would go, her long white hair pooling around her. As she closed her eyes, Loki's face appeared before her, and she smiled. Already, the girl was thinking of her, but for how long? As she drifted into another thousand year slumber, she wished that Kiki, like Kami, would have a second chance for love.

Thank you for reading.

Azura