A Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Fanfic:
"A Promise of Forever"
by: s16thunderjet
Chapter 3:
Through the Eyes of a Child
Part 2
30th Century Crystal Tokyo,
Princess Usagi Serenity's Chambers
It's been half an hour already. What's taking her so long? Usagi thought worriedly as she looked at the crystalline timepiece that hung on the far wall.
The pink haired Princess had asked her girlfriend a very important favor earlier, one that the Senshi of Saturn carried out without any form of hesitation.
I hope she didn't get caught. Usagi prayed, her eyes darting towards the door of her bedroom.
A sudden knock startled the young Princess, causing her to gasp in surprise. She mentally scolded herself as she rose from her perch on the side of the bed.
"Who is it?" she asked carefully, not wanting to sound a little too excited.
"It's me."
Usagi breathed a huge sigh of relief as she reached for the knobs. Hotaru looked back behind her one last time before entering the room and closing the door as quickly as possible.
"Thank the Goddess. I was beginning to worry." Usagi uttered, wiping the sweat that had formed on her love's forehead.
"Sorry. I had to use an alternate route back." Hotaru whispered, forcing a smile through short gasps.
"It's OK. I'm just glad that you didn't get into trouble. Did you get it?"
"Yup. Setsuna-mama gave the last one to Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama just before she disappeared. I had to search through their things, but I got it." she replied, brandishing the golden key.
"Is that why you took so long?"
"Not really. Michiru-mama told me where she hid the key sometime ago. She said that it was to be used only if there was no other way to protect you and your mother." Hotaru answered, handing Usagi the key.
"Then why did you need to take an alternate route?" Usagi asked as she grasped the key in her hand.
"I ran into Rei-san on my way back. I think... I think she knows..." Hotaru stated, a slight grimace on her face.
"Then I don't have much time." Usagi uttered, her grip on the key tightening ever so slightly.
She ran towards her closet for a quick change of clothes, Hotaru following after her with a grim expression. Hotaru abruptly stopped as the dress fell to the floor, her cheeks flushed as she turned away.
Usagi stepped out from behind the closet door, the young Princess now clothed in a pair of worn blue jeans and an old light yellow sweater with a white tank top underneath.
"Oh, c'mon. It's not like you haven't seen me naked before." Usagi teased as she noticed the reddish hue on her girlfriend's cheeks.
The blush on Hotaru's cheeks intensified at the mention of seeing her lover naked, the Senshi of Destruction and Rebirth looking even more embarrassed.
The pink haired girl instantly burst into a flurry of giggles, the young Princess finding a moment's laughter at the expense of her still blushing best friend.
A trembling hand gently cupping her cheek effectively stopped her chuckles, Usagi opening her crimson eyes to gaze at Hotaru's tearful dark violet ones.
Before Usagi could utter some words of comfort and consolation, she was pulled into a tight embrace, one that conveyed the multitude of emotions Hotaru was feeling.
"Be careful." Hotaru managed rather gruffly, her voice hoarse from all the crying she had been doing.
"I will. I'll come back to you, Hotaru-chan... I promise." Usagi replied, laying a soft kiss just below her love's ear.
Usagi slowly withdrew from the other girl, pausing to look her lover straight in the eye. No words were needed as the two shared a silent promise to find each other no matter what.
"I have to go." Usagi uttered, her voice wavering in an attempt to stop her sobs.
She leaned forward to lay a gentle kiss on her lover's cheek, but found herself drawn into a very passionate kiss instead. They were forced to end it moments later, just as their moans began to escalate.
"I'll wait... even if everything ceases to exist... I'll wait..." Hotaru whispered achingly, her voice so soft it was barely audible.
Those words stopped Usagi in her tracks, the Princess of Crystal Tokyo suddenly finding herself unsure of her decision. She was about to voice her uncertainty when they heard someone banging on the door.
Fearing that their plan had been discovered, they rushed towards the main bedroom where they were supposed to perform the ritual. Usagi stood in the center as Hotaru positioned herself by the door.
"Usagi? It's Mama. Please open the door." Neo-Queen Serenity called from the other side.
Usagi almost faltered in her preparation, the pleading evident in her mother's tone. She reminded herself that she was doing this for her mother's happiness, and that was enough to dispel any lingering doubts.
Raised voices permeated from the outside as muffled conversations turned into full-blown arguments. They could hear Serenity begging for everyone to stay calm, followed by more persistent rapping on the door.
"I'll keep them from coming in. Hurry..." Hotaru said, taking a moment to transform into Sailor Saturn.
The Senshi of Destruction and Rebirth turned her back to her lover and faced the door, her intense dark violet orbs promising to stop anyone who would dare interfere.
"Usagi? I know you can hear me. Please open the door." Neo-Queen Serenity asked yet again, her knuckles beginning to bruise from the constant knocking.
"It's no use, Serenity. We have to break the door down!"
"Hush, Mako-chan. We're not even sure if the information is correct." Ami chided, muttering something about rashness and immaturity.
"Hotaru-chan practically squirmed when we passed each other in the corridor. I know what I sensed. They're planning something." Rei snapped back, the Senshi of Mars rather miffed at being second-guessed.
"Most everyone squirms when they're around you Rei-chan." Minako said a-matter-of-factly, earning her a withering glare from the Fire Senshi.
"You know that it's true. Besides, I still think it's better to talk to them. We don't want to go in there with guns blazing and find the two of them just playing cards or something." Minako added.
Rei just rolled her eyes at the blonde, the raven haired priestess mumbling under her breath. Sure, there was a possibility that she might be wrong, but she did not want to take any chances.
A bright golden light promptly flashed from beneath the still closed door, causing Serenity to double her efforts. The Queen then felt herself being pulled aside as Sailor Jupiter forced the door open.
Sailor Saturn stood before them, the Silence Glaive held firmly in front of her. The Senshi of Rebirth had a determined look on her face as she stared down Neo-Queen Serenity and the other Senshi.
Behind her, Usagi floated a few feet from the ground, the pink haired Princess calling out to the heavens as she held what appeared to be a Time Key in her hands.
"Usagi!" Serenity cried in alarm as she raced forward to stop her wayward daughter.
An invisible barrier sent her sprawling backwards, and she would have landed hard had it not been for Sailor Mars' quick reflexes. She smiled in gratitude at her best friend, who just nodded in return.
"What the hell? When did you install a shield like that?" Sailor Jupiter growled her frustration at Mercury, earning her an annoyed glare from her partner.
"I didn't have anything installed. Sailor Saturn is using the Silence Glaive to sustain that field." Sailor Mercury snapped back, causing her auburn haired love to blush in embarrassment.
"This isn't the time for a quarrel you lovebirds! Mars! Flame Sniper!" Sailor Mars called, firing at the barrier.
"No, don't!" Sailor Mercury's warning cry was a little too late as the attack had already left the raven haired Senshi's hand.
Her attack sailed through the air, then ricocheted back towards the defenseless Senshi, who had to duck as the flaming arrow flew past their heads and planted itself onto the wall behind them.
"Nice, Mars... very nice." Sailor Venus muttered, shaking her head at the other girl.
"I don't see you doing anything!" Sailor Mars roared back as an argument broke out between the Senshi.
"Saturn!" Usagi cried worriedly as she looked down at them.
"Don't worry about them! Just go!" Sailor Saturn replied, turning slightly to gaze at her love for what could be the last time.
That momentary loss of concentration proved vital as Sailor Saturn's hold on the barrier wavered slightly, allowing Sailor Jupiter to tackle her to the ground.
"Hotaru-chan!" Usagi almost let go of the key to go to her lover, but a determined look from the Senshi of Destruction made her tighten her grip instead.
"Now Venus!" Sailor Jupiter bellowed with a little difficulty as she tried to wrestle the Silence Glaive away from Sailor Saturn.
"Venus! Love Me Chain!"
Usagi gasped in alarm as a golden chain of hearts sprung towards her. She tried to maneuver away from the oncoming attack, but found no leverage inside the pillar of light surrounding her.
The Princess of Crystal Tokyo closed her eyes and prayed that the chain would not be able to reach her in time. Her prayers were answered moments later as Venus' attack slammed into an invisible barrier.
She looked down to see Sailor Saturn's outstretched arm pointing the Silence Glaive towards her, the Senshi of Destruction managing to throw the Senshi of Thunder off of her just enough to launch the shield.
"Usagi!" Serenity screamed as the power of the Time Key finally took effect, the urgency in her entire being summoning the Legendary Silver Crystal.
"No Serenity! If you interfere with the Time Key now, Usagi-chan could end up getting lost across time!" Sailor Mercury exclaimed, reaching sideways to stop the blonde from making a huge mistake.
Neo-Queen Serenity could only look on as her precious daughter slowly faded before her eyes. Usagi stared back at her mother, tearful crimson eyes pleading for much needed understanding.
The pink haired Princess scanned the faces of the other Senshi, the ones she considered her aunts for the entirety of her life, the special group of people she loved like family.
Each Senshi wore a different expression: admiration, frustration, trepidation and amusement. She memorized each of their faces as though it was the last time she would be able to see them.
Her gaze then landed on her soul mate and best friend Hotaru Tomoe, now more known as Sailor Saturn, the person she loved above all else, the one girl she promised she would return to.
Their eyes met in the briefest of glances, one that demonstrated the depth of the love they shared, one that reminded them of their promise to believe in each other no matter what.
I love you, Hotaru-chan.
I love you, too... Usagi-chan.
The Time Key glowed bright gold one final time as Princess Usagi Serenity, the crown Princess and sole heir to the throne of Crystal Tokyo vanished with the dissipating light.
The Silence Glaive clattered to the ground as its owner finally loosened her hold, the sound of metal on crystal echoing throughout the now silent chamber.
Sailor Saturn fell to her knees, the sheer mental exhaustion outweighing the physical. She breathed a huge sigh of relief at having succeeded in her mission despite going up against the other Senshi.
A strong hand suddenly gripped the top of her sailor uniform, but the Senshi of Rebirth paid it no heed even as she was lifted off the ground to face an irate Fire Senshi.
"Why did you let her go?" Sailor Mars demanded, her eyes burning with the fury of her namesake.
A wry smiled adorned Sailor Saturn's already desolate and wearied features as she stared back at the Senshi of Mars with vacant, resigned and practically lifeless eyes.
"Answer me, dammit!" Sailor Mars growled, shaking the younger Senshi as though she were a little doll.
No reply came from the Senshi of Destruction as she allowed herself to be slapped, cursed at and practically choked to death by the clearly hurting woman who loved the Princess like a real daughter.
"Rei-chan... that's enough..." Serenity whispered, laying her hand gently on her best friend's arm.
Her touch must have had a soothing effect on the furious woman because Mars immediately loosened her hold on the Senshi of Rebirth who, once released from the death grip, slumped listlessly to the floor.
The Senshi of Fire turned away from the gut-wrenching image of the now de-transformed Hotaru, her eyes shimmering with a flurry of unshed tears.
Behind her, Serenity knelt beside the lost and vulnerable girl, pulling Hotaru into her arms as the young woman gingerly wrapped her arms around herself.
"I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry..." Serenity whispered, tears cascading down her cheeks.
The words registered through the hazy labyrinth that was Hotaru's mind and the dark violet eyed young woman pulled free from her Queen's warm embrace, a look of disbelief written all over her features.
"Wh... why are you apologizing? I should be the one to..." Hotaru began to protest, but she was interrupted by Serenity's gentle voice.
"No. You are not at fault, Hotaru-chan, and neither is Usagi. At least... not my daughter..." Serenity uttered, earning her gasps of surprise and disbelief from all the Senshi present, except two.
"Serenity..." Hotaru breathed, her reaction echoed by the other Senshi.
Makoto brushed past the unmoving Rei, the auburn haired woman maneuvering to kneel before her Queen. Ami followed suit, occupying the space between Hotaru and her lover.
Minako remained, the blonde only moving to stand closer to Rei, who still refused to turn around. They shared a look of understanding as questions began pouring out of the other Senshi's lips.
Neo-Queen Serenity neither answered nor ignored her friends' inquiries, allowing only a sad smile as she gazed at the crystalline floor, memories of the past millennia flooding her mind.
As if sensing her Queen's distress, Rei finally turned to face the love of her eternal life. Sapphire melded with amethyst as their hearts communicated clearly for the first time in centuries.
It's finally caught up with us, hasn't it Rei-chan?
Yes, I believe it has.
One thousand years... It's been one thousand years since we last talked about it. We spent majority of those years dancing around each other, coming close, but not actually touching.
It never would have worked out between us, Usagi. No matter how much we loved... still love each other.
We still do, don't we? Some things just happened to be more important than love.
The future... the salvation of this planet... and your daughter. Yes, some things are more important than love.
Ironic isn't it? I fought all sorts of demons and alien beings for the love of this planet... and I couldn't even fight for my own love.
Usagi...
The rest of the Senshi save one, found themselves mirroring each other's worried and confused expressions as their blonde sovereign and the raven haired priestess exchanged meaningful looks and profound smiles.
"C'mon guys. Let's leave them alone for a while." Minako uttered, ushering the other Senshi out the door.
"But Minako-chan! We can't... we can't just..." Ami protested, the Senshi of Wisdom trying to push back against the blonde's arms.
"There's no need to worry. They're just... talking." Minako said, a knowing smile on her lips.
Makoto studied two of her oldest friends, the auburn haired girl noting with a smirk that Minako was pretty accurate with her assessment. Turning around, she headed for her still complaining girlfriend.
"Minako-chan's right. They're just trying to sort some things out." Makoto added, placing her arms around her lover, effectively steering her out the door.
"How do you... how do you know that they're just talking?" Hotaru asked rather curiously as soon as they were outside.
The Senshi of Love paused midstride, her long blonde hair swaying to a standstill behind her. She turned to look at the dark violet eyed Senshi, a small smile adorning her face.
"It's because I know everything there is to know about love, Hotaru-chan." she winked playfully at the Senshi of Saturn, laying an arm around the other girl's shoulders as she spouted one wrong love quote after another.
The Senshi of Destruction and Rebirth allowed herself to be dragged away by the still misquoting blonde, the younger Senshi reminding herself that beneath all the silliness was the wisdom of love incarnate.
"Aren't you worried that Usagi-chan might end up changing everything?" Hotaru wondered, interrupting the blonde's monologue.
"Not really. That girl's got a good head on her shoulders. I know that she'll do the right thing. You've just gotta believe in her." Minako answered before launching into another set of sayings.
She's right. I just have to believe. Hotaru thought, a smile forming on her lips.
The pair made their way out of the Palace and into the Gardens, where Makoto, who looked to be at her wit's end, was still trying to explain to her genius girlfriend the unscientific concept called a woman's intuition.
"Gah... I think Mako-chan needs my help on this one. I'll be right back!" Minako said, rushing towards the somewhat bickering couple.
Hotaru chuckled in earnest at the childlike antics of the Inner Senshi, the young girl wondering just what would happen if the citizens witnessed their immature display.
They'll probably lose their respect for us. She giggled, shaking her head slightly at the thought.
She watched as the lifelong friends continued to chase each other around the Palace Gardens, running around and laughing heartily like children frolicking in the playground.
That's what makes them strong. They find laughter in the midst of an impending catastrophe. Hotaru thought, an inquisitive look on her face.
They can laugh because they know in their hearts that everything will turn out OK. Their faith in Serenity and belief in each other allows them that.
A gentle breeze blew at Hotaru from behind, causing the girl with the purple tinted black hair to turn around and let the warm evening air caress her like a lover would.
She found herself staring at the white moon, its shinning beams reminding her of her love's bright and beautiful smile. Her eyes softened almost instantly at the thought of her pink haired soulmate.
"I believe, Chibi-chan. I believe." she whispered into the wind, her gaze never leaving bright moon smiling down at her, her words echoing a promise that would last for all eternity and beyond.
The sliding door to the living room opened, its occupants tensing slightly as an unusually calm, somewhat lifeless Rei entered, a sad and visibly dejected Minako following thereafter.
Michiru and Setsuna sat at the far side of the room, with Hotaru on one side of the center table in front of them, and Haruka standing next to the opposite sliding door.
Ami and Usagi occupied the other two sides of the center table, with Makoto sitting on a pillow a short distance behind the two, and Minako placing herself just beside Usagi.
"Thank you all for coming. I'm sorry for causing trouble like this." Rei began, settling herself in front of everyone.
"It's not your fault Rei-chan. I know that you would never really hurt me." Usagi said immediately as she leant forward to grasp her best friend's hands.
"Thank you for believing in me, Usagi."
Rei smiled in gratitude, but did not take the offer of comfort. She needed to be strong for what she was about to do, and for the first time since she could remember, Usagi's touch was going to be more of a distraction than a source of strength.
A small frown appeared on the blonde Princess' lips at the subtle rejection, a line of worry showing on her forehead as she tried to push back that dreadful feeling nagging at her.
"Setsuna-san, I appreciate you and the others coming to us with this information. I want you to know that I understand why you're doing this." she began, her agony masked by the stillness of her voice.
"Rei-chan, what are you..." Usagi interrupted, but was cut off just as quickly.
"It's alright Usagi. There's a reason for Setsuna-san's visions, just like there are for mine." she said, smiling sadly at her Princess.
All of the Senshi felt more than saw the underlying emotions in Rei's words. They had an inkling as to what she was going to say next; they somewhat understood her decision, but not everyone agreed.
Rei looked around her for a moment, imprinting the image of all the Senshi gathered together in her mind as though it were the last time they would ever be complete.
"I've thought long and hard about this, although some might say that I didn't think hard enough..." she paused, glancing at Minako, and found the Senshi of Love on the verge of tears.
The raven haired priestess smiled ruefully at the Princess of Venus who stared blankly at the center of the table, unshed tears also filling her sad, blue eyes.
The Senshi of Venus already knew what Rei was going to say, but that did not lessen her apprehension any. Add that to the fact that she was the only one who knew the real reason behind Rei's decision.
"I know that you have doubts, and I won't fault any of you for having them. I also know that anything I say won't change your beliefs." she said, directing her gaze at the Outer Senshi.
"I'm sorry, Rei-san. If only things were different..." Setsuna drifted, wishing not for the first time that seeing into the future was not one of her powers.
"But they're not. I only ask that you believe me when I say that I would never hurt Usagi of my own free will."
The others nodded their assent, not one of them disputing that fact. Even the Outer Senshi, who would not hesitate to do their duty at the expense of a fellow Senshi, felt the sincerity in her words.
"I would rather die than hurt her."
"We all would." Haruka interjected with conviction, something that did not surprise Rei at all.
"I know. That's why... I'm giving you all permission to kill me now to prevent Setsuna-san's vision from coming true." Rei finished, drawing a plethora of responses, including a very surprised gasp from Minako.
"Rei-chan, you can't be serious!" Ami cried incredulously, staring at one of her oldest friends in disbelief.
"Are you out of your freaking mind?" Makoto growled more in anger than disbelief, the Senshi of Jupiter unable to control her emotions.
"That's... that's what you meant when you said that you were going to leave..." Minako uttered softly, the realization suddenly dawning on her.
"Rei-san, I don't think there's a need for us to go that far." Michiru said calmly, not wanting to add to the increasing tension in the room.
She waited for her partner to voice her agreement, but when she heard none, she looked up to see the Senshi of Flight glaring at a spot on the floor, the blonde clearly unsure of what to make of Rei's decision.
Michiru could only watch as Haruka struggled internally, the conviction her lover demonstrated a few nights ago somewhat wavering now that Rei herself presented them with an opportunity.
"Setsuna-mama?" Hotaru asked worriedly, looking back at her other adoptive mother for a reaction.
For her part, the Senshi of Time and Revolution remained silent as she watched the proceedings with unreadable, yet wistful eyes, as though she knew of Rei's decision before hand.
Words of anger were exchanged as blame was placed on one or the other's shoulders. Emotions ran high and tempers began to flare as the once solid team of Senshi was now clearly falling apart.
Two people remained silent amidst the arguments that filled the entire room. Rei watched Usagi with nervous, but hopeful eyes as the blonde stared at the balled fists on her lap.
"I can't..." the blonde paused, drawing the attention of everyone present.
"Why do things have to be this way?" she murmured, tears of despair flowing down her cheeks.
"Usagi... please try to understand. I'm doing this to protect you. To preserve the beautiful future that only you can bring about." Rei whispered, her heart breaking at the sight of the hurting blonde.
"I don't want any part of the future if it means losing the people that I care about!" Usagi cried, glaring at everyone and no one all at the same time.
"You deserve that wonderful future that you've always dreamt of. Creating Crystal Tokyo and spending eternity with... with Mamoru-san is your destiny." Rei argued, inching a bit closer to her Princess.
"It's what you've always wanted, isn't it? I don't want to be the one to take that away from you, Usagi. I only want you to be happy."
"And you think letting yourself get killed is going to make me happy? I didn't think you thought that low of me. Some friend I am." Usagi snorted, her tears negating the sarcasm and anger in her voice.
"That's not what I meant!" Rei snapped, her legendary temper flaring to life.
"It's not? You just said that you're throwing your life away to make sure that I'd be happy!" Usagi retorted, the blonde not backing down one bit.
The tension in the room rose exponentially as the pair continued to argue, the other occupants torn between wanting to interfere and just plain letting the two of them settle things themselves.
More than one of the Senshi were poised and ready to jump in if things got a little out of hand, but none of them wanted to interrupt until it was absolutely necessary.
Something about the way the two argued told them that this was more than just important, that not only their fates, but that of the world's rested on the argument's resolution.
"Why won't you listen to me? This is your future we're talking about! Your life! Your destiny!" Rei bellowed, the infuriated priestess taking shallow breaths to contain her raging temper.
There was an audible gasp, followed by an eerie silence as they waited for their Princess to scream her frustration to the world. Usagi neither cried out nor yelled, instead, she whispered words that were so heartbreakingly sad and true, words that disturbed the seemingly unshakable foundation of the Sailor Senshi's faith.
"Destiny... it always goes back to that, doesn't it? I guess it's the one thing that I can never truly escape." Usagi murmured wearily, helplessness evident in her voice.
Had Luna been present at that exact moment, the guardian cat would have done just about anything to keep the argument from going into the direction it was headed.
To her, it would have been the second time in as many days that their Princess had talked about her destiny in such a tired and disenchanted manner, and it was more than enough to worry anyone.
As such, Luna was not there, so none of the Senshi realized just how truthful Usagi's words were, how deep her pain ran, and just how much the blonde Princess wanted to be rid of her destiny, at any and all costs.
"Rei-san, Usagi-san... maybe we should just continue this some other time... when we've all settled down." Michiru suggested, her quiet words breaking the silence.
"Oh, what's this? You're suggesting a ceasefire? I didn't know you people actually had hearts." Makoto spat, the brunette unable to hide her resentment for the detached demeanor of the Outer Senshi.
"Mako-chan! There's no need for that." Ami chided, the Water Senshi more surprised than angry at the unwarranted outburst.
"Don't take their side! If they hadn't brought up that stupid vision then we wouldn't even be in this mess. Rei-chan wouldn't have to... and Usagi-chan... Usagi-chan wouldn't be in anguish like this."
"I'm not taking sides. We're all just very emotional right now... we don't need to say things that we'd probably regret later on." the blue haired girl explained.
Makoto bit her lower lip to keep herself from saying anything more, the Senshi of Thunder and Lightning scowling at the innocent and defenseless floor.
"You know what, I think we're all taking this vision thing a little too seriously. Rei-chan, everyone, I'm sorry for my outburst earlier. I dunno what came over me, really. It must've been something I ate. Ahahahahaha."
One did not have to be a psychic to see through Usagi's fake smile or the hollow laughter that followed thereafter.
Michiru bowed her head, part in shame, part in helplessness.
Ami flinched as though she was burned, the young genius angry at her inability to help her friend.
Haruka grit her teeth, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Makoto looked away, disgusted at her own incompetence.
Hotaru smiled gently, her admiration for their Princess' all-encompassing love laced with a tinge of sadness.
Minako held her breath, one hand pressed to her lips to keep the gut-wrenching sobs in.
Setsuna remained eerily still.
And Rei... Rei wanted nothing more than to hold her one true love in her arms and tell her that she loves her above all else, has loved her since time immemorial, and will love until her eternity's end.
She wanted to tell her best friend that she was sorry, that it was never her intention to hurt her, and that all she truly wanted was to make sure that Usagi would be happy.
In the end, Rei could not bring herself to do any of the things she so desperately wanted to do. Instead, she silently berated herself for causing such unbearable pain in those hauntingly beautiful blue eyes.
Not receiving any form of reply, not that the blonde was actually expecting one, Usagi gingerly stood from her perch, picking up her jacket as she did so.
The Senshi looked up as their Princess hid her sorrows behind that grotesquely forced smile, all of them wanting to say or do something to stop her, but none of them actually having the courage to say or do anything.
"I've gotta get going. I don't think Luna can hold off my mom if she really wants to check on me. I'll just see you guys tomorrow, OK?" Usagi said hurriedly as she headed for the door.
The blonde had just crossed the threshold when the tears she had been holding finally overflowed. A muffled sob escaped her lips as she stumbled down the hallway.
Rei bit her lower lip to keep from crying out, the raven haired Senshi willing herself to stay put even though her heart was screaming for her to run after the blonde.
A few tears won't matter. You're doing this for her sake, Hino. Remember that.
She closed her eyes, hoping to rid herself of that anguished and tormented expression she knew Usagi was wearing right now. It had an opposite effect as the blonde's image haunted her to no end.
Fight it Hino! Don't give in. You're doing this for Usagi's happiness. You're doing this because you love her!
Taken out of her reverie by her own thoughts, her eyes snapped open with the fierce determination that the Senshi of Fire and War was known and feared for.
Yes. I do.
"Usagi! Wait!" she cried, springing from her seat to chase after her best friend.
The raven haired priestess could hear the other's protests as she dashed off, but she paid them all no heed. There was only one thing on her mind right now, and that was Usagi.
She prayed to whoever was listening that the blonde had not yet gotten far and almost cried in relief when she found her best friend still within the shrine premises.
"Usagi! Stop please!"
"Rei-chan? What's up?" Usagi asked a little too cheerfully as she turned, causing the Senshi of Mars to wince.
"Listen Usagi... I... I just wanted to explain why I said what I said back there." she began, only to be cut off by an incessant blonde.
"You don't have to Rei-chan. I'm fine! I promise. Now I really have to go, OK? Bye!" Usagi rattled off, hoping to get away before the other girl could reach her.
"Dammit! Would you just wait? I'm trying to do the right thing here!" Rei growled, grabbing Usagi by the shoulders and turning her around.
"Please, Rei-chan. We don't have to do this. I really am OK." Usagi insisted, flashing that ridiculously fake smile once again.
"Will you stop fucking smiling like that!"
The vehement fury in the raven haired girl's voice caught Usagi completely by surprise. The Moon Princess could only stare in shock as her best friend glared at her and meant it for the very first time.
"You don't have to pretend, Usagi... not with me." Rei whispered, the momentary anger fading from her eyes.
"Don't do this Rei-chan. Just please, please let me go." Usagi pleaded as she gently pulled at the hands grasping her shoulders.
"I won't let you go until I get you to understand." Rei insisted, her intense, amethyst gaze boring into Usagi's calm, though perturbed sapphire eyes.
"I get it, OK? You're doing this because you want me to fulfill my destiny." Usagi replied quietly, the blonde barely managing to keep her frustration with the said topic in check.
Something akin to pity wormed its way into the raven haired Senshi's heart, the walls of steel guarding it crumbling at the sight of utter defeat and hopelessness displayed clearly on her Princess' face.
Loosening her hold on the other girl's shoulders, Rei tilted Usagi's face up to meet hers, her hands tenderly cupping her best friend's cheeks as she leaned closer, their noses practically touching.
"It's more than that Usagi. I want you to be happy. I want to protect you from anything that would endanger your life and your happiness, even if I have to protect you from myself."
The look in Rei's eyes told Usagi what even the most powerful and efficacious of words could not as the blonde Princess understood for the first time the depths of the Senshi of Fire's love for her.
It was at that exact moment that Usagi realized why the other girl was so adamant on protecting her even at the cost of her own life. It was only then that she saw just how much Rei truly loved her.
She loves me. Rei-chan loves me... like I love her.
Usagi felt the weight of the world being lifted off her shoulders as that unexpected, but surprisingly welcome epiphany gave her confused heart the clarity that it so badly needed.
One hand reached up to hold one of Rei's as the blonde turned her head slightly to lay a soft, almost revering kiss on her palm. The Fire Senshi's eyes widened at the implication of her actions.
Was Minako-chan right? Could Usagi... could she really... She drifted, a piece of her last conversation with the other blonde coming back to her.
"Usagi... what are you..."
"I don't need protection Rei-chan... especially not from you." she whispered, tears flowing down the gentle hands caressing her face.
"Yes, you do. I don't want Setsuna-san's vision to come true. I'll protect you even if I have to kill myself trying!" Rei insisted as she pulled away, the other girl's proximity wreaking havoc on her senses.
"Then stop trying to protect me!" Usagi cried in frustration, the feeling of helplessness eating away at her very soul.
They stared at each other in silence for what seemed like an endless moment before Rei turned and slowly walked towards the frail and shivering form of her one true love.
"That... is not possible." Rei quietly uttered, undying devotion shining in her eyes.
The sincerity in the raven haired Senshi's voice drove the proverbial spike through the Moon Princess' battered and wearied heart as the blonde's inescapable fate tore at the last vestiges of her sanity.
Being unable to live life the way you want to was one thing, but having your best friend sacrifice her existence to ensure the fulfillment of some preordained future was an entirely different matter.
Usagi was torn between surrendering to her destiny and fighting it, her love for all of her Senshi, most especially her best friend outweighing her desire to free herself from destiny's constricting hold.
I don't want to live my life according to what destiny dictates... but I don't want to lose Rei-chan either. Usagi whimpered, not wanting to inadvertently cause her best friend's death.
The distraught blonde suddenly felt a pair of arms surrounding her as Rei finally closed the distance between them, the other girl's touch warming her to the core.
"Thank you for your concern, Usagi... but it really is alright. Everything will be alright, you'll see." Rei uttered softly, a grateful smile on her lips.
"I can't continue living like some damned chess piece, moving only according to destiny's grand design... not without you." Usagi whispered, pulling back slightly to look at the other girl.
"Don't ever say that. You're Usagi Tsukino. You're Sailor Moon. You're my Princess and future Queen. You can do anything if you set your heart into it." Rei replied, gazing down at her best friend.
"Then why can't I escape my destiny?"
Why aren't I allowed to love you?
"You can, Usagi. You just love this world and everyone in it too much to give in to your desire to live your life the way you want to."
And I love you too much to make you choose.
The unspoken message behind both their words remained just that as neither had the courage to tempt fate and throw caution to the wind. They stayed as they were, holding each other like lovers that would never be.
More reluctant than she had ever been her entire life, Usagi slowly pulled away, her body already lamenting the loss of contact. Rei released her best friend just as unwillingly.
"If I can't convince you to do otherwise, then please, let me go now." Usagi uttered, stepping away from the one person she loved but really could not.
"Usagi..."
"Please don't ask me to stay. It doesn't really matter, does it? Because I'm gonna lose you anyway."
With one last smile, a smile filled with regret and unimaginable sorrow, Usagi gazed at Rei for what could be the final time. She then turned her back and began to walk away, tears of anguish marking the cold pavement.
Rei could only watch, helpless, as the love of her eternal life ran down the seemingly endless shrine steps and exited her life, or what was left of it, forever.
Good-bye Usagi...
Something clicked at the back of Rei's mind and before she could figure out what it was, she suddenly found herself on her knees, hands clutching her head, a painful grimace distorting her beautiful features.
"Guh... aah... shit..." she cursed as a vision more intense than any other she has ever experienced passed through her, the raven haired Senshi unable to do anything but scream.
Back inside the house, Setsuna's breath suddenly hitched, her hands balling into fists as a vision flashed in her mind. The other Senshi turned to her instantly, worry and fear showing on their faces.
"What is it Setsuna-mama?" Hotaru leaned forward, laying a hand on the Senshi of Time's shoulder.
"It's the Princess!" Haruka exclaimed, though none of them made any move to rush out the door.
A guttural scream that penetrated through the walls of the room quickly changed their minds as the Senshi scrambled to get to its source, leaving a still reeling Setsuna and a very pensive Hotaru behind.
"Setsuna-mama... is it..."
"It is." Setsuna replied, tilting her head slightly to give her adoptive daughter a reassuring smile.
The sound of hurried footsteps gave them pause, neither wanting to accidentally divulge any information more than what was absolutely necessary. The sliding door slammed open, admitting a very somber Senshi of Love.
"They're both gone. We're gonna go and look for them. You guys follow once you're feeling better Setsuna-san. Ami-chan's gonna stay here in case they return." Minako ordered, the blonde every bit the Leader of All the Senshi.
Without waiting for any form of reply, the Senshi of Venus rushed back out of the house and joined their other comrades in the search. Setsuna raised her head to look at Hotaru and found the other girl's expression just as grave.
"You'll know, Hotaru-chan. When the time comes, you'll know." Setsuna promised, earning her an understanding nod from the younger Senshi.
The two remained silent as the Senshi of Revolution tried to gather her bearings. They would go out to search for the missing friends moments later, both wearing expressions that would make even the Grim Reaper weep.
A bright golden light suddenly engulfed the area near the small boating lake in the middle of Juuban Park as a pink haired teenager magically appeared in a cloud of golden smoke.
Princess Usagi Serenity of Crystal Tokyo quickly dusted herself off, the young girl studying her surroundings with a sense of security and familiarity.
"I made it! The key worked. Now all I have to do is find Rei-san or Mama... I mean Usagi." she uttered, running out of the park and heading towards the Hikawa Jinja.
Please be there. Please don't let me be too late. She prayed, hoping against hope that everything she has done was not for naught.
Dammit Usagi! Where the hell did you go? Rei growled inwardly as she rounded another corner, having lost Usagi in the crowd gathered a couple of blocks back.
The raven haired priestess had spent the past half hour searching within a five block radius for the missing girl, the last bit of her patience dwindling with every second that passed.
Minako was right. I should have just told Usagi the truth. Now, she's crying and missing and who knows what else. Oh God, if something happens to her...
She slammed her fist sideways in frustration, the impact so hard it left a slight crack on the glass window of the mini mart. The pain shot up her arm like lightning, causing the distressed girl to wince.
It was only then that she noticed her Senshi communicator, the device Ami made for them to use during emergencies. She slapped her forehead in annoyance at her own stupidity then flipped the cover open.
"Usagi? Can you read me?" Rei asked pensively, her brows creasing at the silence that answered her.
She spent the next few minutes contacting the blonde, and when nothing came of it, she decided to call the other Senshi instead. When no reply came, her anxiety mounted even further.
"Great! The one time I really need to use this thing and it decides to die on me. Can this night get any worse?" she glared, screaming her anger to the heavens.
Even the moon and the stars remained silent, the darkness of the night sky offering her no form consolation. She spat a series of nasty, wash-your-mouth-with-soap curses, worry and guilt eating away at her sanity.
A single tear slid down her cheek as she succumbed to the anguish gripping her very soul. Rei's greatest fear was going to come true. She was going to lose her best friend and she only had herself to blame.
Altered Space,
where time does not rule.
Ebony black orbs slowly reverted into dark amethyst eyes as the figure finally secured its hold on the barrier preventing the Senshi from contacting Rei and Usagi, and both from everyone else.
Dark tendrils of power swirled sensuously around its body, as if nuzzling and caressing the unearthly pale skin, before dissipating into the surrounding darkness.
A satisfied smile now adorned the previously strained face as it watched Rei search the city like a woman possessed, the raven haired Senshi's suffering capturing the solitary figure's attention.
Narrowed eyes laced with an emotion akin to pity focused on the distraught Fire Senshi just as the image blurred and dissolved into that of the Princess of the White Moon.
Naked loathing flashed dangerously in those dark amethyst eyes, centuries of pent up anger and hatred contained only by the certain knowledge that everything was going as planned.
"Soon... my Princess. Very, very soon." the figure growled rather fiercely, its words mirroring the ones it once whispered so longingly at the young blonde.
A smirk formed on the figure's lips, realizing just how silly they must have sounded a few days back as words that once promised immense hope now dripped with absolute revulsion.
Centuries of isolation and endless despair can destroy even the strongest of persons, even one with such unwavering faith and undying love as the figure used to be.
"I must have missed her more than I thought I had. Yes, that was all it was." the figure uttered, not entirely sure why it was trying to justify things to itself.
Something flickered at the back of the figure's mind, or rather, what was left it; something that felt rather alien, but very strangely familiar, something that was fighting for survival amidst the darkness that was trying so desperately to destroy it.
The figure clasped its head in one willowy hand, grimacing openly as indescribable pain pierced its mind like an arrow, memories of the forgotten past seeping through the shadowy haze.
"I won't forget you..."
"Usa..."
"I love you... I will love you forever!"
"Forever, Usa. Forever."
"I won't forget you... I will never forget..."
"Usa? N-no, stop it! Forever, Usa. Get out of my head! I love you, Usa. Stop it... STOP IT!" the figure roared, both hands now gripping its head with bone crushing intensity.
Every mention of the Moon Princess' name brought about an emotion more powerful than the detestation and anger that consumed and plagued the figure's entire being.
From the deepest recesses of its fragmented mind, a glimmer of hope shone mightily in the face of overwhelming darkness as the promise of eternal love struggled for supremacy over unadulterated hatred.
Just as the light seemed to gain some semblance of control, the figure was suddenly engulfed in the same dark and evil aura that formed into snakelike vines around its body just a few moments earlier.
Darkness and light struggled against each other for dominance, each force waging war on the other in the brutal battlefield that was the figure's turbulent mind.
Ultimately, it was the darkness of Chaos that triumphed. Though not able to destroy its adversary completely, it succeeded in driving the light into the farthest regions of the figure's broken psyche.
Feeling some of the throbbing finally ebb away, the figure slowly raised its head upward and blinked repeatedly as if to recover its bearings, ebony orbs alternating with dark amethyst eyes every time.
"I can't let that happen again. I can't lose focus. Not now, not ever. I've come this far. I'll get my revenge... and claim what is rightfully mine."
The beginnings of a fiendish grin formed on pursed lips, images of the Senshi being tortured and butchered in an excruciatingly slow and enjoyable fashion flooding its perverted mind.
"Wait just a little longer, my dear, sweet Princess." the figure vowed, staring hungrily at the blonde like a predator would its prey.
"Look where you're going you asshole!"
"Hey!"
"Watch it!"
"Oww! You jerk!"
Rei ignored the hurtful barbs and the occasional stinging slaps as she fought her way through the busy sidewalks of downtown Juuban. How a quiet town could resemble Shinjuku she did not know and frankly, she did not care.
Steadying her visibly shaking knees, she pushed forward onto the next street, the desperate need to find her Princess overriding all of her thoughts and emotions.
Her latest vision showed Usagi fighting a group of youma all by herself. The raven haired priestess could not decipher where the battle will take place, just that her Princess would be in grave danger, if she was not in it already.
Please help me. Show me where Usagi is. she glanced up at the heavens, praying to whoever was listening.
Turning the corner, Rei heard a cry of surprise just as she found herself airborne. She landed with a 'thud' on the sidewalk, her arms breaking what would have been a bloody fall.
"Owwie..." the young girl whimpered as she rubbed the recently acquired bump on her forehead.
"Are you alright? I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." Rei mumbled, crawling on all fours to check on the other girl.
"Yeah, I'm OK. Just a bump on my... Rei-san?" the other girl paused in relief.
The Senshi of Mars pulled back slightly as she studied the young girl, genuine surprise evident on her features. The girl had her back to the lamppost, making it difficult for Rei to make out her face.
"It's me. Usa... I mean, Chibiusa!"
"Chibi... usa? But you look... uhm..." Rei whispered in disbelief.
"Yep. I'm kinda older than the last time I visited." Chibiusa replied as she dusted herself off.
The pair of girls stood in unison, the older of them still in somewhat of an awe while the younger extremely thankful at having found the person she was looking for.
"Rei-san?" Chibiusa uttered, her words snapping Rei out of her momentary distraction.
"Damn! You really came at a bad time. I have to find Usagi..."
"You won't find her."
"What do you mean?" Rei asked, confusion written all over her features.
"Not until you're supposed to, anyway. When the time comes, she'll call for you." Chibiusa replied, her expression somber.
"How... how do you know all this?" Rei whispered, her tone skeptic, yet somewhat hopeful.
A warm smile graced Chibiusa's lips, the pink haired girl understanding the uncertainty in the raven haired Senshi's voice. Taking a step forward, she laid her hand atop Rei's arm, hoping to ease the other girl's doubts.
"I know because you've told me this story more times than I can remember." Chibiusa answered, the smile never leaving her face.
A moment of silence passed between them as Rei tried to decipher whether she had been told the truth. Still somewhat unsure, she decided to reserve judgment for later.
"And you came back to..."
"I'd like to talk to you... about... things..." Chibiusa drifted, the young Princess squirming slightly under the Fire Senshi's gaze.
"You're telling me that you came back to this exact point in time just to talk to me? Couldn't you have a picked a less eventful time?" Rei's voice rose, the older Senshi considerably irked by the vague reply.
Chibiusa almost had to take a step back in fear, the grave expression on the other Senshi's face not helping her already frazzled nerves. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to look Rei in the eyes as she replied.
"I want to talk to you about your feelings for my mother... and I believe now is the right time for me to do so."
For the first time in her entire existence, the Senshi of War and Fire found her self truly and utterly speechless. The words were simple, yet very effective, compelling Rei to agree and obey.
"Walk with me, Rei-san. I promise to bring you as close to her as possible so you won't be far when she calls." Chibiusa uttered, tilting her head slightly to the side.
"What if you're wrong? What if Usagi needs my help right now?" Rei countered, the raven haired priestess refusing to budge from her spot.
"She doesn't. Trust me, Rei-san." Chibiusa replied, naked pleading evident in her crimson eyes.
Rei suddenly found herself staring at a replica of her Princess, hair and eye color the only difference between mother and daughter. She tried to resist, but found that she could not deny Chibiusa anymore than she could Usagi.
"Alright." she whispered, following the pink haired girl's lead, desperately hoping that she was doing the right thing.
The swing set made small, squeaking sounds with its every movement, its seemingly lifeless occupant allowing gravity to readily swing her back and forth like a pendulum.
Usagi had been brooding for the past half hour, the blonde Princess mulling over everything that had just happened between her and her raven haired best friend.
She was supposed to be headed home, but decided against it, remembering that Luna was there and would probably question her regarding everything that had just occurred.
I'm really not in the mood for another lecture. She thought as the swing slowly came to a standstill.
Her gaze landed on a common garden bug crawling in front of her, the six-legged creature walking about with a small piece of leaf cradled in its mouth.
I wish I were that bug. Crawling freely across this park and not worrying whether its next decision could save or damn the entire world.
She leaned a little closer and watched the bug with fascination and just a tinge of envy, her hands on the rope the only thing keeping her from hitting the ground.
It doesn't have to worry about losing its best friend either.
Usagi carefully pulled herself up and then leaned backwards, staring up at the night sky as she did so. The White Moon returned her melancholy gaze, as if sympathizing with it's Princess' pain.
The image of the White Moon reminded Usagi of all the seemingly un-winnable battles that they had faced in the past, battles that they had lost their lives and loves for, but had ultimately won in the end.
That's right. We've faced worse things in the past but we didn't give up. The Ginzuishou has always protected us and it will continue to protect us as long as we believe.
Long raven hair and shining amethyst eyes replaced the image of her namesake as the vision of her one true love filled her with courage and strengthened her faith.
I'm not gonna let Rei-chan die. I love her and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Maybe... just maybe... the Ginzuishou will grant me this wish. She decided, carefully pushing off the swing.
Usagi was barely past the entrance of the small playground when she sensed a dark and evil presence. She turned to her side and found a group of youma charging at her.
You've gotta be kidding me! She thought as she ran in the opposite direction at break neck speed.
The youma followed after her like moths to a flame, forcing Usagi to take a detour through a series of alleys and even a couple of canals to avoid the populace.
She could see the Hikawa Jinja in the horizon when she realized that she could have called for backup even before this chase turned into some sort of marathon.
She glanced at her pursuers for a moment, the blonde thankful that the youma were big and burly and thus unable to keep up. Noting that they were still a few feet away, she flipped her communicator open.
"Rei-chan! Mako-chan! Minna! Answer me please! Aaaaah!" Usagi cried as a youma suddenly appeared directly in front of her, causing her to evade to her left.
Usagi immediately found herself falling down the sidewalk and into the grove of trees surrounding the Hikawa Jinja. She stood with a grimace, her ankles protesting every step she took.
She leaned onto one of the trees, her breath haggard and her body aching in every place possible. She barely had time to clear her blurred vision before the group of youma landed in front of her.
With a determined look on her face, Usagi reached for the Eternal Moon Article and screamed her transformation phrase. Behind her and momentarily forgotten, her communicator lay open, cracked screen black as night.
Ami paced back and forth at the foot of the Hikawa Jinja steps, the Water Senshi wringing her hands nervously in front of her as she willed for her communicator to beep.
Behind her, Artemis sat quietly on one of the shrine steps, the white guardian cat trying his best to keep calm despite everything that has happened.
Artemis had earlier contacted Luna and told her of the situation, the other guardian promising to inform them if her blonde charge were to return home.
The Senshi then split up into teams to search for Rei and Usagi, Ami and Artemis choosing to stay behind at the shrine in case one or both of the missing girls returned.
They had all agreed to check in with each other every ten minutes for any updates. It was already getting closer to the fifth update, but neither Usagi nor Rei had been found.
Heaven forbid that anything bad happens to them. I don't know what we'll do if something does. Oh, Usagi-chan... Rei-chan... Ami thought worriedly, her imagination running at the speed of light.
"Ami-chan... Ami-chan... Ami-chan!"
"Huh? What? Artemis?"
"Worrying isn't going to do any of us any good. You'll tire yourself out pacing like that. Sit beside me and try accessing their communicators again." Artemis said, patting the space next to him.
Ami followed like a little girl who had just gotten scolded, the blue haired Senshi taking slow and steady breaths to calm her raging senses. She pushed a button and waited as her communicator came to life.
A moment of static passed, then three faces gradually popped up; a frustrated blonde, a determined brunette and a stoic dark green haired Senshi all sharing the small screen.
Behind each of them, their respective search partners lingered not far back as they continued looking around their designated areas. The Senshi of Mercury nodded to them, a solemn expression on her face.
"Ami-chan?" Makoto uttered, one look at her distressed friend and secret love doubling her worry.
"What is it Ami-chan? Have they returned?" Haruka asked rather anxiously, the blonde's concern for their Princess prevailing over her anger at the circumstance they were faced with.
"They haven't. I was actually trying to contact them... but ended up getting you guys instead." Ami replied, receiving a nod from Setsuna and a grunt from Haruka.
"We'll find them, Ami-chan. Do not give up on them or on us. Why, Rei-chan could be coming home any minute now with a very hungry Usagi-chan in tow." Makoto quipped, chuckling slightly at her own words.
An image suddenly flashed in their minds; one of a very irritated raven haired priestess, arms crossed and one foot tapping impatiently at the weeping and hungry blonde slumped beside her on the ground.
Minako's laughter echoed in the background, along with Hotaru's soft chortles and Michiru's quiet giggles. Even the perpetually serious Setsuna and the currently upset Haruka smiled at the brunette's words.
"You're right. I shouldn't worry too much. Thank you, Mako-chan." the Senshi of Wisdom uttered in gratitude, a warm smile adorning her previously gloomy features.
Makoto's cheeks turned pink at the smile Ami directed towards her, the tough as nails, kick ass Senshi of Thunder and Protection practically turning into pile of goo.
The other Senshi exploded in bouts of laughter at the brunette's expense, a surprisingly dumbfounded Ami and a still smiling Setsuna the only ones not joining in on the fun.
That cheerful moment was very much short-lived as Usagi's distress signal finally got through to them, the image of their Princess running from something appearing on their screens.
"Rei-chan! Mako-chan! Minna! Answer me please! Aaaaah!" she cried as the image turned grainy for a moment before refocusing on what looked to be an ongoing battle, and then fading to black altogether.
"Usagi-chan! Dammit she's cornered!" Makoto growled as she reached for her henshin stick.
"Can you pinpoint her exact location Ami-chan?" Haruka asked, a pensive Michiru standing behind her.
Furrowed brows answered the other Senshi as Ami typed mercilessly on her small computer, the blue haired genius' fingers moving faster than human eyes could follow.
"Got it! She's at..." she trailed off in disbelief as she turned to look over the patch of trees surrounding the Hikawa Jinja.
"Where is she?" Minako asked rather impatiently as she pulled at Makoto's communicator.
"She's here... near the Eastern wall of the Jinja... the same place where Rei-chan had her heart crystal removed!" Ami replied as she charged through the trees, Artemis in tow.
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Everyone get back to the Jinja right now!" Haruka barked angrily as they all ran back to the place where the started, praying that they would not be too late.
"It's strange talking to you like this." Rei admitted, chuckling slightly to herself.
"Is it because I'm older now?" Chibiusa asked, tilting her head to the side to get a clearer view of the other Senshi.
An amused smile adorned Rei's face at the younger girl's reaction, the Senshi of Fire thinking of a reply that would not sound like an insult or accusation of any sort.
"It's not that. It's just... aren't you worried that your coming here could change everything?"
Chibiusa paused mid-reply, the pink haired Princess taking a moment before speaking. It was not the first time that she was asked that question, though that did not translate into making answering any easier.
"I am... but I can't let my personal feelings get in the way of my mother's happiness... not anymore."
"Even if it means you might end up losing your Hotaru-chan forever?" Rei queried, the raven haired Senshi sounding more than a little intrigued.
The image of a girl with purple tinted black hair and soulful dark violet eyes flashed in Chibiusa's mind, eliciting a loving smile from the young Princess.
"I believe, Chibi-chan. I believe."
Destiny may be their enemy and fate its ally, but the Princess of Crystal Tokyo knew that across time, her soulmate was waiting for her to return. That no matter what, Hotaru believes.
"Hotaru-chan is Hotaru-chan, whatever time period she may be from. We made a promise to believe in each other and in our love. I believe, Rei-san... I believe because it's the only thing I can do."
Rei felt her heart swell with pride at Chibiusa's reply, the Senshi of Mars wondering just where the bratty and childish little girl had gone and just who this mature and understanding young woman really is.
BEEP. BEEP.
"Finally!" Rei exclaimed, flipping her communicator open.
"Rei-chan! Mako-chan! Minna! Answer me please! Aaaaah!"
Usagi's frantic cries broke through for just a second before the screen showed static once again. Rei bit her lower lip to keep from cursing just as Ami's homing signal appeared.
"Dammit! She's back at the Jinja! Chibiusa-chan, I have to go and... Chibiusa-chan?" Rei paused in surprise, noticing for the first time that the pink haired girl was no longer by her side.
"Thank you, Chibiusa-chan." Rei uttered as she turned to run back to save the one person she loved more than anything.
I'm coming Usagi.
"Moon Tiara Action!"
The golden tiara arced through the group of youma beginning to crowd Eternal Sailor Moon, giving the blonde enough space to maneuver out of the spot she currently found herself cornered in.
Where are they all coming from? She thought, beads of sweat trailing down her face as a new set of youma began to approach her.
I have to take them all out.
She reached for the Eternal Tier, only to have it knocked out of her hands by one of the youma closing in on her. She raised both arms to shield herself from the blow, though a part of her knew that it would not be enough.
"World Shaking!"
The enraged cry echoed all throughout the wooded area surrounding the Hikawa Jinja as Sailor Uranus' attacked forged its way through the youma around their Princess, bits of wood and flesh splattering all over.
"Eternal Sailor Moon! Are you OK?" Sailor Mercury asked as she scanned the blonde for any injuries.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Just a little winded." Eternal Sailor Moon replied, smiling at her blue haired friend.
The grateful smile suddenly turned into a horrified gasp as a pair of youma appeared from out of nowhere and headed straight for the unguarded back of the Water Senshi.
Before the Moon Princess could even utter a warning, the youma slammed into an invisible barrier, then found themselves being electrocuted from a very angry Sailor Jupiter's attack.
"Are they alright?" Sailor Saturn asked as she used her Glaive to fend off another youma.
"They are! Thanks for the assist!" Sailor Jupiter replied as she ran to help the two Senshi.
Along the frontlines, the other Senshi continued to battle with a seemingly unending stream of youma. None have broken through so far, but the damage the Senshi have gotten was beginning to take its toll.
"There's too many of them!" Sailor Neptune cried, flashing her Deep Aqua Mirror at the nearest body.
"We can't keep this up forever..." Sailor Venus growled low in her chest, her Crescent Beam slicing through a number of youma.
"Then we won't." Sailor Pluto uttered as she turned to the youngest Senshi present.
An ethereal purple glow surrounding the Senshi of Destruction and Rebirth was all the warning the others needed as they dove in every direction possible to evade the oncoming onslaught.
"Death Ribbons... Revolution!"
A flurry of pink and white ribbons exploded all around Sailor Saturn, slicing up any and all youma present. A number of trees were also unable to escape her wrath, branches and leaves littering the ground.
"Holy... crap..." Sailor Jupiter managed, the awestruck look on her face matching that of the other Senshi.
"What... in the hell... was that?" Sailor Venus asked as she stood from her perch behind some bushes.
The sound of hands clapping together effectively halted any other question or explanation as a figure slowly stepped out from behind the shadows.
"Well done, everyone. I knew you wouldn't disappoint. Although I must say that attack by Saturn was somewhat of a surprise. You all must feel really threatened to use that."
The figure gradually came into the light of the moonlit sky, drawing a series of gasps and curses from all the Senshi present. Standing before them in all her glory was the one and only Sailor Mars.
One Senshi wanted to cry out in disbelief, while another silently cursed herself for being right. The rest of the Senshi began to whisper to themselves, but it was only Eternal Sailor Moon who spoke.
"No."
End of Chapter 3
Author's Notes:
1. On the subject of Hotaru in the 30th Century...
That was a truly difficult thing for me to write. Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with Hotaru choosing Usagi over Serenity because that's like choosing love over duty, and for me, love is more important than most things in life.
What made writing 30th Century Hotaru so challenging was the fact that like the other Senshi, most especially the Outer Senshi, Hotaru would choose duty over everything else anytime. I had to weigh that specific characteristic of hers against over 900 years of loving Chibiusa/30th Century Usagi, and figure out just which one would win over the other.
In the end, I realized that Hotaru's love for Chibiusa would overpower her desire to stay true to her duty as a Senshi of Serenity. I'm not saying that Hotaru's become a traitor or something, OK? All I'm saying is that when you find that special person, and you realize that you love that person more than anything, your priorities do tend to shift.
That argument may not sound like much, I know, but I kinda understand Hotaru's predicament. I guess it's just a lot more complicated when you're head over heels in love with a girl who might disappear if her mother, the one whose life and happiness you swore to protect, ends up erasing an entire future because she decided to choose true love and an eternity of happiness over sacred duty and a lifetime of longing.
2. I know that whenever Chibiusa used the Time Key, it would usually emit a bright pink light. I changed the color into gold because it looks more mature and more serious. Well, that's my opinion, anyway. Feel free to react, minor detail and all.
3. I don't know if a woman's intuition is really unscientific, so someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
4. I can't remember if the park where Chibiusa usually arrives at when she time travels is called Juuban Park or Ueno Park or whatever else Park. I decided to go with Juuban Park because the live in Juuban. You guys can correct me if I'm wrong here.
5. I'm not entirely sure if Ami really did make the Senshi communicators or if either Luna or Artemis gave it to the girls. I'm too tired right now to check my DVDs or my manga. If the communicators were given to them by the cats, then I apologize for the mistake.
6. I believe this is the first time I used the word "Fuck" in a fanfic. Well, I did give out a warning in my Introduction page about word usage and language unfit for younger people, so I hope no one makes an issue out of that. Besides, I haven't changed my rating to a lesser one, so there.
7. "Death Ribbons Revolution" is supposedly the attack used by Sailor Saturn in the Sailor Moon S manga. I say supposedly because the katakana characters used to spell the attack literally translates to "Death Reborn Revolution", with "Ribbons" and "Reborn" having almost the same katakana spelling. I decided to use the word "Ribbons" because it sounds more appropriate, what with the attack unleashing ribbons all over the place.
In case anyone's wondering, it's the attack that showed Sailor Saturn being surrounded by ribbons. I can't remember which chapter in the manga it exactly appeared, but I'm pretty sure it's towards the end of the last Sailor Moon S volume.
Also, since the attack was only shown in the manga, I have absolutely no idea what color the ribbons are, or what kind of effect they have on someone, except that they can supposedly absorb a monster's powers and that they can hurt them, A LOT. That being said, the description of the "Death Ribbons Revolution" attack was all made up by me.
8. I planted a couple of very important hints in this part of the chapter. I won't be surprised if some of you manage to figure out what those hints are and what they imply, since some of you have been able to guess some of the secrets of this fanfic that I have yet to reveal. Man, you guys must be psychic or something. But it's all good, so just keep on reading and keep on guessing. :D
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All Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon characters copyright to Naoko Takeuchi. They are used without permission. Please do not sue me, I don't have money.
©2005 Shirley Joy Gadia, all other characters used in the fanfic and the story itself, all rights reserved.
Thank you!