A Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Fanfic:
"A Promise of Forever"
by: s16thunderjet
Chapter 6:
Destiny's End
Part 3
"Thank you very much for all your help." the old woman bowed with a grateful smile on her face.
"You're always welcome, Mrs. Ogata. Give my regards to your husband." Rei replied, the young girl looking rather sagely in her high priest robes.
Bowing one last time, the old woman turned and headed out of the Hikawa Jinja, walking past a number of other visitors including a long haired blonde with her trademark red ribbon.
"Business seems to be booming." Minako commented as she joined her friend in admiring the surroundings.
"More and more people find themselves lost these days and for some reason, they find their way here." Rei replied, genuinely thankful at the great reception she has gotten.
A couple of months after the battle with Princess Mars, her grandfather retired and turned over the reigns of the shrine to her. At the time, Rei had admittedly been worried about how the community would react to having a high priestess.
Luckily, or as fate would have it, the believers outnumbered the skeptics, resulting in a better, higher turnout in both volunteers and worshippers than any of them had expected.
"Are you lost as well?" Rei teased even as she motioned for the other girl to follow.
"Very funny."
Pausing to give a few instructions to a number of young shrine-maidens present, the raven haired girl made her way towards the back of the house with Minako trailing after her.
"So, what brings you here?" Rei asked as she stepped into her room, shrugging off her robes and moving over to her closet to pick out something to wear.
Curiously, the normally talkative blonde remained silent despite the open invitation, causing the raven haired priestess to turn and face her while slipping on a white collared shirt over khaki shorts.
"Yo! Blondie. Stop spacing out. What's up?" she asked yet again, this time waving a hand in front of the other girl's face.
"What? Oh. Sorry I was just thinking." she replied vaguely, obviously distracted.
"Don't hurt yourself, huh?" Rei teased yet again, earning her a slap on the shoulder.
"Don't be a pest. I thought you were supposed to help people?" came the blonde's rebuttal.
"I am trying to help you. I need to know what's wrong, though."
"And here I thought you were some kind of psychic."
That was met with a raised eyebrow, followed by a burning stare that could melt even the polar ice caps. Minako gave back as much as she got, and then some, to which Rei yielded.
"Touché."
Reveling at the fact that she had outwitted the priestess, Minako could not help but grin widely, causing the Fire Senshi to snort at her blatant immaturity.
Finally relenting after a few moments of satisfaction at the other girl's expense, the Leader of All the Senshi suddenly looked melancholy, prompting the amethyst eyed girl to frown in response.
Please don't tell me that we've got another youma on the loose...
"I talked to Mako-chan yesterday."
Mako-chan, huh? So what's with the sad face? Doesn't talking to the love of your life usually make a person happy? Not unless she...
"Did you...?"
"Yup. Had to go around in circles before I finally got the courage to say it, but say it, I did."
Rei schooled her face into remaining nonchalant; managing not to cringe at the way her friend forced herself to stay cheerful and happy despite the gnawing pain in her heart.
"You should've seen the look on her face when I told her. She looked partly surprised and... kinda constipated at the same time. Almost had me laughing!"
"Minako-chan..." Rei whispered, ignoring how hollow the blonde's chuckling sounded.
"Don't get me wrong. I didn't tell her so I could steal her from Ami-chan... not even I, the Senshi of Love can manage that. I guess I just wanted it out in the open so I wouldn't have any regrets."
"I see. And Mako-chan?"
"I think she's a bit overwhelmed by it. Once I convinced her of my intentions, though, she kinda relaxed. By the end of the day, we were back to normal."
The smile on the blonde's face seemed genuine, although there was an underlying sense of loss, sadness and finality. Rei knew then that she need not say anything more for her friend was already on the mend.
"You're probably wondering why I'm telling you all of this." Minako uttered, earning her a wry look from the other girl.
"I think I'm entitled to a friendly chat once in a while without having to do some sort of spiritual guidance..."
"Why are you doing this?" Minako asked out of the blue, causing Rei's brows to furrow in confusion.
"Doing what?"
"This 'selective amnesia' thing or whatever else you want to call it. Pretending that you don't remember anything; that you don't love Usagi-chan; that you don't know how much pain she's in; that you don't know and feel that she loves you back."
"Where did this come from?" Rei asked, seemingly genuinely confused and more than a little irritated at the blonde's accusation.
"Oh, please. Do us all a favor and stop acting like an insensitive jerk!" Minako spat, knowing that she was treading a very dangerous line.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
The Senshi of War's cold-blooded reply almost made Minako recoil, the blue eyed girl swallowing past the lump that had lodge itself in her throat in an effort to calm her nerves.
For Usagi-chan. She reminded herself.
"I get it. You're giving up even the slightest chance to be with Usagi-chan for the sake of this world's future. It's a noble cause; a huge sacrifice. It's fucking crazy!"
"What has gotten into you?" Rei practically growled at her, the young priestess slamming both palms on the table separating the two of them.
"You're not the only one hurting, Rei-chan. She's hurting as much as you are, maybe more since you've decided to just erase your feelings for her."
"There's nothing wrong between Usagi and I. Surely we've had our differences, but I'd like to think that we're still best friends..."
"Will you listen to yourself? You're not just best friends. You love each other! Scratch that. You're in love with each other!" Minako's palms joined Rei's on the wooden table between them.
"Now who's the crazy one?" Rei replied defiantly, her entire being stiff and unyielding, as if willing the other girl to just give up and forget the entire issue.
Shoulders slumping in defeat, the Senshi of Love dejectedly rose from her seat and headed for the door. Pausing at the threshold, she turned back to look at her friend one last time.
"I'm sorry for putting you through all of that. I've been told that shock therapy can usually help cure amnesia." she uttered through a weak smile.
"Self-inflicted or not, it seems as if you're... condition isn't gonna be cured anytime soon. I guess I really can't convince you otherwise, huh? You're really determined to act this out until the end."
"Minako-chan..."
"I said it once and I'll say it again... Stupid. Valiant, but stupid."
Parting shot delivered, the Senshi of Beauty left the premises with a disappointed sigh, one that was not left unnoticed by the raven haired girl.
I'm sorry, Minako-chan, but this is the only way.
"... 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy new year!"
The crowd gathered in the courtyard roared in delight as a flurry of fireworks littered the night sky, the explosion of colors livening up the dark canvas.
Joyous laughter echoed throughout the grounds of the Hikawa Jinja as families from all around the neighborhood cheered and celebrated the advent of the new year.
Rei could not help but smile at the great turnout.
It was Hotaru's idea to have a big party for the shrine's patrons, a way to show gratitude for all the trust and support they have shown the new high priestess.
Her three mothers were all for it, donating a huge amount of money for the food, decorations, a bit of traditional Japanese entertainment and of course, the grand fireworks display.
"It's a great party, isn't it Rei-chan?"
Looking up at the blonde slowly depositing herself beside her, the raven haired girl's smile widened further, scooting over to give her best friend a bit of space.
"I don't know why we never thought of doing this before. I should get Hotaru-chan two presents for her birthday when I go shopping this weekend." she uttered, mentally adding it to her list.
"Can I come with you? Shopping I mean... I feel as if... we never do anything together anymore."
The sadness in her Princess' words tore at Rei's heart like a tiger's claw, the pain sharp and unbearable, yet it was something she knew she had to bear if she were to carry on with her plan.
"Sure you can! I'm sorry if I've been too busy lately. Taking care of the Jinja has taken up so much of my time." she explained as a smile slowly began to form on the other girl's lips.
"Usagi-nee-chan! Come here, we need a few more players!" cried a little girl with shoulder-length blonde hair and green eyes.
Never one to pass up an opportunity to play with children, Usagi stood up and waved back at the girl who could pass for her younger sister, then turned to Rei, the smile still not leaving her face.
"I'll see you this weekend, Rei-chan."
"Let's meet at the Crown at 3:00PM."
"All right. Later!" the blonde finished with a hearty wave as she crossed the yard excitedly.
"I'm utterly grateful and downright jealous at the same time."
Rei's head almost snapped off its hinges as she turned in surprise at the man suddenly standing beside her. For his part, Mamoru continued to watch as the Moon Princess joined the group of children playing in the middle of the courtyard.
"Sorry if I scared you." he uttered, taking Usagi's seat beside the amethyst eyed girl.
"It's been a while since someone managed to sneak up on me like that."
"Believe me, that wasn't my intention. Although, maybe you just lower your guard when she's around." he offered, earning him a strange look.
Pointedly ignoring it, he focused his attention back on the love of his life, taking a sip from the wine-filled plastic cup in his hand in an effort to bolster up some much needed courage.
Here goes.
"I should really thank you, y'know. She hasn't smiled like that since, well since you stirred in her arms and she realized that you were alive."
"What are you talking about?"
"She's smiling from the heart. She's smiling because she truly is happy... and it's all because of you."
The resigned look on his face spoke volumes; and though Rei knew that this was not cause for any celebration, she still could not help the slightest flutter in her heart.
"I'm going back to the States this Sunday." he started, causing the bewildered look on Rei's face to heighten.
"Does Usagi know? 'Cause she said that she wanted to go shopping with me."
"I heard... No, I haven't told her yet. I was planning on telling her tonight after the celebration."
"I see. Maybe we should cancel the shopping trip so she'll have time to pack..."
"I... I don't think she's coming with me." he breathed, downing the last of the wine and then proceeding to crush the cup in his hands.
"Sure she is. She'll become so excited about the trip that she won't be able to sit still!" Rei offered, a loud, yet empty chuckle bursting from her chest.
"I'm leaving for good, Rei-san. If she does say yes, then we won't be coming back. Not for a very long time, anyway."
The words were easy to understand, but Rei's mind refused to accept them for what they meant. Though her expression remained blank, her heart was troubled with such conflicting emotions that she feared it would burst.
This is what you wanted, isn't it? For the two of them to be happy together. So why are you hesitating?
Mentally scowling at herself for her blatant accusation, the Senshi of Fire reigned in her temper, though barely, and trained her face into looking as unaffected as possible.
"I don't see any problem with that. Maybe Usagi can try studying there, too. Plus, it might actually help that you start living together, seeing as you'll be doing that later on anyway."
Mamoru noted that, for all her gallantness and self-control, Rei was still unable to stop the slight tremble in her voice. Part of him was in awe, however, as he did not know if he could even attempt to do the same if he in her stead.
Shaking his head at the absurdity of it all, he threw the crushed plastic cup straight at the nearby trashcan, then turned to her, eyes meeting for the first time since the conversation started.
"You don't really believe that, do you?"
"Well, I may be a bit conservative at times, but..." she bristled at the insinuation, but Mamoru was not about to let himself be deterred.
"I'm not talking about that and you know it. Usako... Usagi's place is with the one she loves."
"I know. All I'm saying is, it's not so bad to get a taste of what married life is like." she insisted.
The Prince of Earth let out a long-suffering sigh at Rei's words, his shoulders hunching accordingly, partly in defeat at her stubbornness and partly in sympathy for her not-so-covert self-sacrifice.
Damn you and your pride. Her place is here with you and you know it.
He wanted to scream those words at her, wanted her to know that he knows what she is doing and that he is not buying it, that he was not about to take her pity and just run with it.
Truth be told, a part of him wanted to live in the world that Rei wanted for him and Usagi; to be together, loving each other and looking forward to the glorious future that awaited them.
Ultimately, however, he would not allow their relationship to subsist based on a lie; even though such a lie might be his best chance at keeping whatever happiness, whatever love they have for each other from fading into nothingness.
Realizing that no amount of reasoning would make the raven haired priestess see things his way, Mamoru stood from his seat, offering Rei a small smile and a piece of his mind.
"Not remembering anything doesn't mean you've forgotten. You know what's in your heart."
There was a bit of shuffling beside him as Rei mounted what would have been a well-rehearsed comeback, but the ebony haired man shrugged her off with a shake of the head.
"The past was a tragedy none of us wanted, and while the future could be magnificent, it is never certain; where we are right now is what's most important."
He sounded far too mature and regal even for his age, reminding them both of a man in a light lavender tuxedo, wisdom evident in eyes that commanded both respect and fealty.
Whether she was silenced by the magnitude of his words or by the manner in which he had delivered them, he did not know, and at that point, he did not care, especially since they had the desired effect.
"Saturday. Make it count, Rei-san."
And with that, Mamoru joined the merriment of the people, leaving Rei to her thoughts. With utmost sincerity, he hoped that he had somehow managed to get through to the mulish girl; for Usagi, if not for anything else.
"Ugh, my feet hurt like hell." Rei muttered as she collapsed diagonally onto her bed, shopping bags littering the floor around her.
"Oh, c'mon Rei-chan. You know you enjoyed it." Usagi teased even as she fell beside her atop the bed, her own shopping bags joining the other girl's on the floor.
Chancing at glance at the blonde resting sideways to her left, Rei could not help the tears that blurred her vision even as a smile formed on her lips.
Yes, I did. You don't know just how much.
Unable to repress her sniffles, the raven haired girl rolled over so that her back was facing her Princess, just as the other girl turned to face her.
"Rei-chan? What's wrong? Was it something I said?" Usagi asked worriedly.
"I'm just tired..."
... of pretending... of trying to be strong... of everything...
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tire you out." Usagi mumbled, saddened by the fact that her already short time with her best friend was going to be cut shorter.
The silence that followed threatened to consume both their sanities; one girl struggling for self-control while the other fighting the grief that wanted so desperately to devour her.
Gathering the last bit of courage she had in her near-empty heart, Rei pushed off the bed whilst keeping her back to the blonde, wiping her tears with the back of her hands.
"You really should be going home soon, y'know. What time did you say your flight was again?"
"Don't."
"Huh? Don't what?"
"Don't make me leave, please."
The sorrow and despair in her voice pierced through Rei's already battered heart like a spear. Steadfast in her belief that she was doing the right thing, the raven haired girl continued with her performance.
"Are you getting cold feet or something? This is what you've always wanted, isn't it? What you've always dreamed of?" she reminded her best friend.
"I... I don't know anymore."
That slightest bit of hesitation almost shattered whatever control Rei had left. Barely getting a grip on her raging emotions, she bit down on her quivering lips, hard enough to draw blood.
"Don't be like that. You've loved Mamoru-san since forever. I guess it's only natural to be anxious about a big step like this, but when you get married, it'll be like this anyway, so..."
"I get it Rei-chan."
"Y-You do? I-I mean, yeah, of course you do. So there's no need to feel too bad about it, r-right?"
Usagi remained silent amidst the unmistakably fake and nervous laughter from her best friend, her mind just about ready to fall apart after all the trauma it has gone through.
Still, her stubborn heart refused to give up and just leave things the way they were. She had to know. She needed to know. And there was only one way of finding out.
"Do you love me?"
Rei suddenly found herself utterly speechless.
"Do you love me, Rei-chan?"
"Wh-What are you...?"
"It's a simple question."
"Usagi, I..."
The Senshi of Fire continued to mumble unintelligibly in an effort to delay the inevitable. Usagi, however, was determined to get to the truth.
"Do you love me?"
"You're my best friend. I..."
"That's not what I meant and you know it!"
The angry words roared free from Usagi's chest before she could contain them. Taking deep, calming breaths to regain her composure, sapphire eyes met amethyst orbs in a contest of wills.
"Do you love me?"
Please say yes.
More than anything and anyone in the universe.
"I do... but not in the way that you want me to."
The conviction in Rei's voice practically destroyed whatever sliver of hope Usagi was holding on to. Unable to sustain her weakening faith, the Princess of the White Moon finally allowed her bleeding heart to fall completely apart.
"O-Oh..."
I guess she really doesn't love me anymore.
"I'm sorry, Usagi..."
I love you, Angel... but there really is no other way.
"N-No, it's fine..."
I'll still love you, Rei-chan.
"Usagi..."
Forever, Usa. Forever.
"It's all right, really. You can't help how you feel and neither can I. And I don't want you to force yourself because it wouldn't be worth anything if you did."
Good-bye Rei-chan.
The blonde Princess haphazardly got up after that, hurriedly picking up her shopping bags as she clumsily pushed the sliding door aside, practically vaulting out the door in her haste to get away.
As much as Rei wanted to run after Usagi, take her in her arms and love her for all she was worth, the raven haired girl refused to give in to her emotions.
This was something she had to do and she knew that there was no other way to do it. No matter how deep and true their love was, some things just happened to be more important.
"Good-bye... Angel."
Shades of blue and gray appeared across the horizon, the darkness of the night meeting the early morning sky in a cacophony of colors. Rei remained where Usagi had left her; sitting alone on the veranda and staring at the stone steps where the blonde had been last.
The moon had bidden her farewell sometime ago; yet a handful of stars still decorated the heavens, some dimming with each second that passed, others continuing to shine amidst the slowly brightening gloom.
Rei wondered if she was destined to be like one of those stars with Usagi as her moon; always basking in its presence, seemingly sharing the same space, but in reality, millions of light years away from each other.
Shaking her head at the melancholy trail her thoughts were blazing, she almost missed the enigmatic presence slowly approaching from her right.
"Pardon the intrusion. I realize that it is a little late for a social call..."
"Or a little early if you think about it differently. You don't have to pretend though. We both know you're not here simply to socialize." Rei uttered without turning, a small smile on her lips.
"Perceptive as always, Rei-san." the Senshi of Revolution replied, nodding to the other girl in salute.
Seeing the gesture in her peripheral vision caused the Senshi of War to chuckle despite her current disposition. Deciding to leave her musings, she turned to her guest, offering up a seat beside her.
Nodding again to thank the younger girl, the dark green haired Senshi carefully sat down on the wooden surface, slanting her legs and tucking her skirt under her to keep the wind from playing any tricks.
"It's been a while since that incident. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine save for the occasional headache. That's to be expected though. Ami-chan says that it'll happen once in a while until my amnesia gets cured." she replied without fail, the lie becoming easier to tell with each passing day.
"You mean you still haven't had yourself checked by a doctor?" the ruby eyed woman uttered in pretend disbelief.
"Nah. If Ami-chan says I'll be fine, then I'll be fine. I'd take her word over any doctor's anytime." she shrugged, leaning back slightly on her hands.
The Senshi of Time studied the other girl for a moment, taking in her relaxed stance and outwardly carefree attitude; all while thinking of how to phrase her next question without being taken negatively.
"I see. No relapses of any sort?" she asked carefully, receiving a sly smile in the process.
"Knew you didn't come here just to check up on my health. But to answer your question: No, there haven't been any relapses or possessions or murderous intents or whatnots. Not that it was actually me the last time, y'know?"
Affording Rei a sheepish smile, the Senshi of Revolution allowed the raven haired girl to revel in the idea that she had bested the elder Senshi at her own game.
"Very well. Now that that's been taken cared of, I'd like to ask you something else, if I may?"
Rei's senses tingled at the blatantly loaded statement, warning bells ringing loudly in her ears. She ignored both, however; nodding to the older woman and letting her curiosity overpower her better judgment.
"Since you actually are, as Ami-san has diagnosed, alright save the occasional headache, then maybe you should stop pretending to have them, the same way you should stop pretending to not remember anything?"
Insatiable curiosity became irrepressible tension for a split second, then just as quickly turned into absolute incredulity. The dark green haired Senshi could not help but be amazed at the display of self-control.
"I'm not quite sure what you're implying, but..."
"Usagi-san is gone, Rei-san. You've driven her away. Surely there's no need for you to continue this farce." she goaded condescendingly.
"You may appear to be this all-knowing being, Setsuna-san, but I assure you, you do not know what you're talking about!" Rei growled furiously at the older woman.
"Setsuna may not know, but I promise you, I very well do."
The Fire Senshi's brows furrowed in momentary confusion at those words; amethyst eyes scrutinizing the person standing before her with ruthless abandon.
"You're from the future..." Rei whispered as the realization dawned upon her.
"You could say that." the Senshi of Time replied, mysterious as ever.
"What are you..."
"When I'm from is irrelevant, Rei-san, as there are much more important matters to attend to. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about." she finished with a great deal of emphasis.
Turning away from the older woman's piercing gaze, Rei stood from the veranda and proceeded to create some distance between the two of them, her teeth ground together in frustration.
Understanding all too well the dilemma the other girl was facing, seeing as she had gone through something similar in the past, the ruby eyed Senshi took pity on the clearly distraught priestess.
"Spending the rest of eternity alone isn't as easy as you think." she offered, hoping to inject some rationality into Rei.
"I have a sworn duty to protect Usagi and ensure her happiness. That takes precedence over everything." she spat back rather venomously.
"We all pledged the same lifelong oath, Rei-san. But in the past, you forsook everything, even your duty and chose love."
"That was a mistake in more ways than one; a mistake that I can and have rectified."
"By choosing duty over love in the present?"
"Yes."
The Senshi of Revolution had to stop herself from smiling in approval at the raven haired girl's dedication, reminding herself that now was not the appropriate time. Having more than one ace up her sleeve, though, she tried a different tact.
"I guess Chibiusa-chan's trip was useless after all." the dark green haired woman uttered with the customary shrug.
"What did you say?"
"Chibiusa-chan traveled back in time to try and convince you to... take an alternative route. With the way your acting, though, she has obviously failed in her mission."
"What do you mean her mission? What's going to happen to her? Will she be punished for failing?" Rei asked, her concern for the pink haired Princess' well-being surpassing that of an ordinary 'aunt.'
"Punished by Serenity? You know as well as I that she would never hurt a fly, much less her own daughter. Truthfully? For Chibiusa-chan, going back and seeing her mother's vacant and soulless smiles is a 'punishment' far worse than anything you or I could ever imagine."
The vision of a teenaged Chibiusa flashed in Rei's mind; grim determination coupled with sheer devotion to make things right for her mother overwhelming the Shinto priestess.
"Will she... will Chibusa-chan..."
"... be alright? Will she have a future to return to? Will the Hotaru she comes back to still love her? She didn't let any of those stop her. She came here with obvious disregard for her own existence, sacrificing everything she knew and held dear, all so she could give her mother the happiness she truly wants and deserves."
Her eyes became eerily distant after that; and though Rei knew that the Senshi of Time would not readily harm her, adding in the Chibiusa and Usagi factor might just make her do otherwise.
"Had I known... had I known that this would happen... I never would have allowed her to go back in time. I suppose I should be blamed as well." she chuckled derisively, a rueful smile on her lips.
"The line of Serenity has always stood for love. Usagi-san firmly believes that love can and will conquer all. Like Chibiusa-chan and many others who have basked in Usagi-san's radiant light, I also believe."
For the second time that morning, the Senshi of Fire could not meet the other woman's gaze. Whether it was because of the contempt she thought she would see there or the silent accusations from another of Chibiusa's 'aunts' or the guilt that was starting to eat her up inside, she did not know.
"For once, Usagi-san was wrong, because even love can't conquer the mighty Sailor Mars."
The dark green haired woman had seen the act before Rei actually thought it, but the Guardian of the Gates of Time chose to remain in her seat even as the underside of the other girl's palm rapidly descended towards her cheek.
What followed after surprised even her as the Senshi of War changed the angle of her strike to miss the ruby eyed woman's head and slam into the wooden pillar beside it instead.
A jolt of pain ran up Rei's arm upon impact, causing the raven haired girl to hiss loudly through gritted teeth. The Senshi of Revolution stayed nonchalant as she watched the younger girl battle her inner demons.
"... aren't you worried that your coming here could change everything?"
"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?"
"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."
"I believe you..."
"U... sagi?"
"If you say you didn't do it... I believe you."
"Everything's going to pieces; my entire world is falling apart. And yet, when I'm with you... I feel safe and loved. In the midst of all this uncertainty and confusion, I know in my heart that you love me. So please believe me when I say that I love y..."
"Idiot."
"I beg your pardon?" The dark green haired woman was more than a little miffed.
"Not you. Me. I'm the idiot." Rei admitted, wiping her tearstained cheeks with the back of her hand.
"Thank you. I... Thank you." the amethyst eyed girl uttered before turning to run after the girl she had purposely driven away.
"You're welcome. But I believe there's someone who deserves it more." the ruby eyed Senshi called, reminding Rei of the other person she now found herself indebted to.
"Thank Chibiusa-chan for me, will you? Tell her... Tell her that I believe, too." Rei finished with a smile before rushing down the steps and towards the street in hopes of catching Usagi.
"You can thank her yourself." the Senshi of Time whispered, a satisfied smile on her face.
We all have a sworn duty to protect Usagi-san and ensure her happiness, Rei-san. And I believe Chibiusa-chan and I have done just that.
"Here are your boarding passes. Please make sure you're at the gate at least thirty minutes before take-off."
"Thank you very much." Mamoru replied with a smile as he collected their travel documents from the counter.
Turning to the blonde standing beside him, his smile tapered off at the lost and dejected look in Usagi's eyes. She still had the ever present smile, but only those close to her would notice the tightness around her lips and the somewhat dimmed brightness of her eyes.
That image of her burned itself onto Mamoru's mind, the sadness radiating off of her reinforcing his own thoughts. He already knew that it was the right thing to do. Seeing Usagi suffering like this was just the final validation.
"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly even as he steeled himself for what he was about to do.
"Huh? Yes, of course." Usagi answered with as much enthusiasm she could muster, her smile looking even more forced now than it was earlier.
The Prince of Earth could feel his heart breaking at that, his vision blurring slightly with unshed tears. Nevertheless, he offered up his hand to Usagi, quietly breathing a sigh of relief when the blonde took it.
They walked through the airport like a pair of death row prisoners marching to the gas chamber instead of an engaged couple about to go on an exciting journey to the other side of the world.
Reaching the waiting area, Mamoru chose the seat farthest from the gate to avoid the other passengers present. He needed to pull himself together if he was going to get through this and the less people to distract him the better.
Beside him, Usagi stared blankly at the empty seats across from them, her shoulders drooping forward slightly in utter dismay. And though he already knew the answer, Mamoru could not help but ask.
"Are you alright, Usako?"
Startled out of her self-induced trance, the Princess of the White Moon looked dazedly at Mamoru, her sapphire orbs completely unfocused, her mind a myriad of confused thoughts and conflicting emotions.
"Ye... yeah, I'm fine, Mamo... I'm fine." she faltered at her nickname for him, her throat constricting without warning.
Mamoru's broken heart shattered even more with her glaring hesitation, the ebony haired man biting his lower lip in an effort to keep himself from bursting into tears.
The two remained silent after that exchange; Mamoru choosing to spend what he deemed to be their final moments reminiscing about the past and reminding himself that he promised to do everything in his power to give her the happiness she deserved.
I love you, Usako. I will love you always.
"... bound for the Boston, United States is now boarding at Terminal 3, Gate 17. Please present your boarding passes as you enter the gate. I repeat..."
The announcement pulled Mamoru from his daydreams of their past, of what was once one of the most beautiful love stories of all time. Teary-eyed at the fast-approaching end to their tale, he allowed himself a small, resigned smile as he waited for majority of the passengers to go ahead of them.
Caught up in her own world, Usagi barely noticed that everyone had begun boarding until she saw one of the airport officials waving towards them, asking if they were supposed to be on the flight.
"Uhm, the flight's..." she began, only to be cut-off by Mamoru's words.
"Yeah. Time to go." he uttered with a tone of finality.
"Let me get my things then..." Mamoru's hand on hers made her pause from reaching for her only piece of luggage and instead caused her to turn towards him in confusion.
"No. It's time for me to go. Alone." he explained, his voice trembling slightly, tears on the verge of spilling over.
"I don't understand..." she was halted yet again, this time by the gentle shaking of his head.
"I love you, Usako. I love you so very much. More than I was ever really able to show you."
"Mamo-..."
"This... what I'm about to do... hopefully, it can make up for everything." he breathed heavily, tears now flowing freely down his cheeks.
"You belong here, Usak... Usagi. You belong with the one you really love."
"I... I..."
"You love her... you know you do. What happened in the past or what we know of the future doesn't matter. You love her. It's as simple as that." he finished with a genuine, though tear-filled smile.
"But I... we..."
"I'm very thankful to have been given the chance to love and care for you for over a millennia and to have been loved and cared for by you. You and Rei-san, however, were never really given a chance."
Rendered speechless at this sudden and unexpected turn of events, Usagi could do nothing but launch herself at the man she once considered to be the love of her life; enveloping him into a tight embrace.
Cherishing what he knew to be the last time he would ever hold her like this in his arms, Mamoru held her as close to his body as he could, every fiber of his being never wanting to let her go, but knew that he had to.
After what seemed like forever, Mamoru reluctantly, but willingly released Usagi, nodding to the airport official who had just announced that they were about to close the gate.
"Thank you. I..." Usagi paused, beginning to take off her engagement ring.
"Keep it. Even with what has happened, I'd like to think that we really did love each other."
"You know we did. We are a part of each other's lives, then and now, so I hope you don't become a stranger, OK?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course not. It'll take a while though, because as strong as I'm trying to be right now, I'm sure I'll breakdown once I enter that gate. It hurts like hell, so I hope you understand." he admitted through another set of unshed tears.
"I do. Thank you, again, for everything." she whispered with utmost sincerity, her hand gently caressing his cheek.
"No, thank you. Good luck convincing Rei-san, though. You're going to need it."
"Yeah."
They chuckled wholeheartedly at that; Mamoru thankful to have her gorgeous smile and her cheerful laughter as a final memento, Usagi genuinely grateful for his kindness and fervently wishing that he find the one person he is truly destined to love.
With one last look and a wave good-bye, her former fiancé stepped through the gate and walked out of her life; their more than two thousand year long romance now a thing of the past.
Turning around with a smile on her face, Usagi looked up at the newly-risen sun shining down on her through the glass windows, the light warming her heart as she set about starting her wonderful future.
Rei-chan...
Rei was out the door before the cab even reached the curb, the raven haired priestess ignoring her change, the blaring horns and angry cries as she raced through the obstacle course that was the unloading area of the airport.
Barely containing her frustration at the multitude of security procedures and the never-ending cues, she stormed through the last metal detector like a criminal making a run from it, drawing worried stares from the guards.
None of them decided to chase her; though it was a wonder if it was because there was no beeping sound from their device or if it was because Rei looked like she would kill anyone who so much as tried to stop her.
The Senshi of Mars grit her teeth as she frantically searched for the boarding gate, hoping against hope that the flight had been delayed and that she had made it in time.
In time for what? What the hell are you going to say to her? 'I love you, Usagi! And more than just a best friend. I'm sorry I lied to you. Can you please dump Mamoru-san and love me instead?' Get real!
Her brows furrowed in annoyance, mentally chastising herself for thinking negatively. Finally spotting the gate ahead of her, her pace quickened even more, her heart threatening to jump out of her chest in nervousness.
As she cleared the throngs of people, she slowly pulled to a stop, her face white as sheet. If Chaos had not managed to kill her with her own past self, then the empty waiting area that greeted her could have just very well done it.
No, no, no. This can't be happening. I must've gotten the flight number wrong! She has to be here somewhere... She rambled internally as she approached the airport officer stationed at the gate.
Looking up from the boarding passes he was arranging alphabetically to ease his obsessive compulsiveness, the airport official frowned at what he assumed to be one of the passengers who had missed the flight.
"Is this the boarding gate for the flight going to Boston?" she asked anxiously.
"It was. I'm afraid the plane is already taxing." he gestured to the aircraft speeding through the runway.
The Fire Senshi's heart practically stopped beating as the plane accelerated before launching itself into the air, taking the love of her life away with it.
"If you like, I can assist you in rescheduling your flight." the man offered, completely misreading the defeated look on Rei's face.
"No. It's all right. Everything's... all right." she mumbled mindlessly as she walked away.
Getting out of the airport seemed a lot faster than going in even though Rei was virtually dragging herself out, treading on lifelessly towards the exit.
It's over.
Head bowed to keep anyone from noticing the sob threatening to burst out from her chest; it was a wonder how she managed to find the exit without hitting something or someone.
Risking a glance upward, she was thankful for the van currently unloading a passenger for blocking her from view, allowing her to wipe the tears streaming down her face.
It was then that her mind started to betray her with images of Usagi living happily with Mamoru; of her trying, but failing to cook breakfast as he finished preparing for school; of him surprising her with a bouquet of roses and a romantic dinner for their anniversary; of them returning to Japan and finally getting married; of Chibiusa being born and Crystal Tokyo along with her; of their ascension to Neo-Queen Serenity and Neo-King Endymion; of the two of them spending eternity by each other's side.
Through it all, Rei will stand by and watch from a certain distance what could have been her and Usagi if she had been brave enough to take that final step.
She will gaze upon them with saddened, lonesome eyes, berating herself for her cowardice and cursing the gods for granting her immortality when a slow and painful death could be deemed more merciful.
Forever will have become a curse, a perpetual torture if you will, rather than a blessing, a gift that would have allowed them to love each other until the end of time.
Moments later, the van drove off, leaving the still crying Rei vulnerable to everyone's prying eyes. She could not care less at the moment, her heart grieving for its loss.
She's gone... gone forever. She's gone and she's never coming ba...
On the other side of the road stood Usagi; matching tears flowing down her cheeks. That loving smile adorned her features, the same smile she used to give only to Mamoru now directed solely at Rei, displayed for all the world to see.
Suddenly, forever did not seem so bad after all.
Rei could not help but smile back.
End of Chapter 6
Author's Notes:
1. I know that the flight details I used are wrong (whether it's the flight numbers or if those flights actually exist). I didn't want to go through the trouble of checking for the correct ones so you can blame those on my laziness and the fact that I'm a little too physically (and emotionally) drained from finishing this story. :)
2. I just realized that I ended up turning Usagi into a babbling idiot somewhere during the break-up scene between her and Mamoru. Sorry Usagi fans, I think my brain is starting to rot because of this very, very long chapter.
In relation to that entire airport scene...
Yes, Usagi conveniently did not check in her one piece of luggage so I wouldn't have to go through the trouble of writing just how she was going to get her checked-in luggage without destroying the mood. It would've made one great omake though. Haha.
Also, the description for the departure area came from my personal experience in another airport and not any of the ones in Japan because I've never been there. I plead 'Creative License' since I literally do not have any idea regarding the airport procedures in Japan.
All comments, suggestions, criticisms and the like, please click the 'Review' button below.
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.
©2008 Shirley Joy Gadia, all other characters used in the fanfic and the story itself, all rights reserved.
Thank you!