DAYBREAK

Episode 21

What was this feeling? Loneliness? No. Impossible. There were too many people who cared about her and she knew it. Emptiness, maybe? No, this feeling was too deep and frightening to be emptiness. Was it…? Yes. It was hopelessness. The feeling was consuming her as she watched her sister and niece having a picnic on the grass below. She was guarding over them, as usual. They seemed so happy… Suddenly, her lips opened as she mouthed the words that she had been waiting for. "General…"

"General!" She calmly turned around to see a soldier running towards her. As he approached, he saluted and she back.

"At ease, soldier." She put her hand down, as did the soldier.

"General, the Queen is needed at the palace at this moment! It is urgent!"

"Yes, of course. You may go back down. I will make sure she goes there."

"Yes, ma'am." With that, the soldier left back down the hill. She turned towards the happy scene on the other side of the hill. She hesitated. I could always take her place, she thought. My powers are as powerful as hers, if not more, and the enemy would easily mistake me for her, she figured. But, no, I can't change the future, she finally convinced herself. She mustered up all her courage and took a deep breath.

"Your Highness!" The Queen looked up at her, as did her daughter.

"Apollo! How many times have I told you not to call me that?!" Apollo smiled at the predictable response. She was the only Senshi who the Queen called by her "normal" name in public.

"I'm sorry, Serenity, but your presence is needed at the palace…at this moment." Serenity heard the seriousness in Apollo's voice and immediately became serious herself.

"Yes, of course, but what about Rini?" Serenity wanted her daughter to be safe in case anything happened.

"I will take care of her. Now, you must go, Serenity." Apollo ran down to where they were standing and picked up Rini. Serenity gave them both a big hug and then climbed up the hill…a big feat considering she was wearing a dress and heels. Apollo slowly followed her up there, having an easier time with her black armor, but staying behind a considerable distance so as not to suddenly grab her sister from going. Serenity finally reached the top, where the other Senshi joined her. They took her down the other side of the hill, making sure to hurry. By this time, Apollo had also reached the top and was watching the nine girls. She gasped when she saw Uranus staring back at her with a painful look in her eyes. Could she know…? Apollo thought. She didn't want anyone to know what was going to happen, especially not the people going into the battle. But this was Uranus, who knew almost everything she knew…their gazes were locked for a moment until Uranus turned back to the others. Apollo was overcome with grief.

"Aunt Apollo, why are you crying?" Rini was becoming worried about her beloved aunt. Apollo glanced down at her, tears streaming down her face.

"Knowing the future can be so cruel…"