TSK: Rise of the Neo Moon!

by Knoto

Taking place after "The Sailor Kids?" the Senshi are now going to build Crystal Tokyo known as the Crystal Era in a way they did not expect. Please read TSK before reading this fiction or you WILL be confused. same pairings, and many new ones.

7. Laws of Paradox!

A/N: Alright guys, if any of you out there are reading this let me know. It seemed like I have lost a lot of readers or something. If you have been following me let me know what you think please. While it is true I like to write as a hobby and feel inspired by anime to write thought provoking fan fiction it seems as if you guys are starting to dwindle on me or something. Anyway, here is chapter number 7. Please read and review. This is a long chapter, so make sure you have the time to read it. Total word count for this chapter is a freakishly long 15,383 words

I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON!

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Chapter 7: Laws of Paradox!

"Looks Like puberty is hitting early" Saeko said dryly looking at the scene before her. "Well, she never was one to do things halfway." Sighing she took note of her own body thankful that nothing drastic had changed. All of the other Senshi looked roughly the same; well the same until one took a closer look. There stood what would have been ten year olds as what looked to be roughly teens, this wasn't an overly large shock until one looked at the babies… or rather what should have been babies.

"Is that all you can say?" Makoto gawked "When I get my hands on that time mage…" Makoto abruptly silenced her mouth when she was met with an icy glair and nails on her back. She knew these nails well by now, they could be ones of pleasure or ones of extreme pain and she knew if she continued her way of speech it would be the latter. She forced herself to keep the more graphic thoughts to herself, for the moment at least. "Nao, Hitomi? Is that really you?" She said walking up to the group of kids. They weren't very old but they weren't babies either. Yasu on the other hand looked to be a teenager.

"Of all stupid ideas we've pulled in the past this one takes the cake…" Michiru said looking at her daughters. "Setsuna wins. We can't top this one I don't think." She said bending down to look at the somewhat confused children before her. Others were still stunned, all of the parental units seemed to have been hit in the face with a large, preferably heavy object, all Rei could do was growl at Michiru for her statement.

"What the hell does that mean? You better hope to god you can't top this!" Rei fumed as she looked at her son, who was most definitely more like Minako than she had hoped. "Yuuki!" She said in a rush covering his eyes in the process. "For the love of god someone find them clothes!" That's when it hit the others; Setsuna had indeed advanced their ages but she had failed to advance clothing to go along with it. "Get us something too!" Yumi shouted from behind a tree along with Mari and Yasu who were also in need of better fitting attire laughing historically at each other.

Xen to the rescue it seemed since when it came to finding proper fitting furs she was the fastest. Though not all of the children were of a Wind element beggars couldn't be choosers and eventually everyone was clothed in various fur garments. It was only after every child had clothing that it really sunk in, these children weren't babies. In a flash they had grown and looked far different from what seemed only moments ago. Ami's computer had configured that the aging patterns had come to a halt but that for the time being it wasn't reversible. This meant that they now had to follow the paradox that Setsuna had intended. Time had only aged six years so very little made sense. Six year olds couldn't fight in combat so that was quickly ruled out as the actual intent behind the rapid aging. Placing the mood of anger and panic behind them they had to figure out what to do with a jumble of six year olds in a world of uncertainty. The children for their part remained unfazed, it was as if they had always been six and never any younger. Hotaru smiled thinking that she had been lucky to remember her rebirths because now she knew for a fact that this was normality for them currently.

Yumi was the eldest child of her family, Flame had claimed her it seemed as her powers of fire showed a very clear spike on the computer and her powers of metal began to show dormancy. Her body was stunning, truly beautiful in her appearance. Golden hair now longer as it reached her hips wafting freely to the sides of her body like a waterfall. Her eyes gave an innocence her body could no longer attain as she stood legs and mid thighs exposed, the furs doing little to hide her now very feminine torso. her toned exposed midriff allowed eyes to wander where those of Flame normally wouldn't have access until marriage, women something of a flower to be treasured, not a token of amusement. Zori, ever proud of his heritage made this continually clear, finally offering his cape to cover herself with, not that Yumi was shy by any means.

"According to the computer she's sixteen. Although, I'm not fully sure if that's configuring our age's as well. Our life signs and bodies haven't changed, so I wonder why theirs have." Saeko sighed as Minako stood still waiting for her hologram to complete so she could freely move once again. "There must be more to this Senshi aging pattern than you all care to admit." Pressing a few keys started the scan used to create the holographic image.

"Not really." Minako stated, now the last one in the group with any actual memories of the past moon clear enough to decipher what was going on. "We have stopped because a millennium is the rein of one thousand years. We have no need to continue our physical aging for quite some time, plus you have to remember, we don't know what the new laws of fate are in this life time. We aren't going by the pre ordained future, at least not currently. That means that aging patters could be different." After the final beep occurred she went around to the computer to see what, if anything had changed from the last scan she had over a year prior, back when the final battle before the break in fighting took place. Back then high school life was simplistic and she sighed inwardly at how much had changed in such a very short time. "Best thing I can say is wait and see, honestly, nothing is overly different from the last full body scan I had, I think that we, at the very least are safe from any type of adverse effects." Allowing a side glance to the group of six year old kids running around a side rarely seen come from within as her focus centered on one of the boys. "Besides, it's them I'm worried about the most."

Yuuki, the son of Rei and Minako and the younger brother of Yumi found himself discovering things little boys shouldn't be privy to as he explored the new environment, eventually getting chased away by Mari in the process. He seemed even in his temperament, very interested in the world around him, well interested in the activity anyway. Perhaps his childlike wonder would leave him as he aged but for the moment with his short raven hair messy and unkempt it was hard not to laugh at his curiosity that looked as if it had gotten him into trouble. Blue eyes with the intent to cause harmless trouble made him very much like his mother, indeed a child of Minako, no doubts in anyone's mind as the poof lay before his observers who noted that he was exhibiting some of Minako's less desirable tendencies of sticking his nose where it didn't belong. He's furs were that made for small boys his age. It was a long one piece garment that lay evenly to his knees, a sort of overall style if one would wish to call it a modern name. He ran barefoot along with the other children who had yet to find boots that fit them properly. The area was at least grassy and soft or sandy and clean for the most part meaning that with supervision injury would be of little issue.

Of the other chaotic mess that were the teenaged Senshi there was Mari who was still chasing poor afore mentioned little Yuuki for reasons unknown to Haruka who kept her eyes on the distant horizon for any danger. Mari was going to indeed inherit the deity of Wind as everyone had expected. Looking more and more like Haruka as she aged, this gave the blond butch reasons to worry about scene before her. Mari was a brash child; one could only guess what a sixteen year old version of that could become. Mari still had very short aquamarine hair cropped for little need in the way of managing it as her tomboyish figure added to the roughness the look provided. Her arms were toned and very strong, however, scars also donned them. These scars looked old and as if they mattered very little, however Mari hadn't had them before. This was a clear sign that she would be injured sooner or later before her actual sixteenth birthday. The furs she dressed in made a point to hide her breasts from public view and the thick material she had layered beforehand underneath flattened her chest immensely, although it had helped that she hadn't had much development to begin with.

"Looks like we'll have our hands full," Haruka stated flatly as her eyes bore into the distance. "Not that I wasn't expecting it or anything. I just wish I knew what to say to do from here." The woman she loved was next to her and even if Haruka wasn't looking at the woman as she sat eyes focused more with the children than the surroundings it was clear a small yet content smile had found its way onto her graceful lips.

"Well, I don't see it as a bad thing. I know Setsuna had a reason for doing this even if it's unclear as of right now." A glint of mischief sparkled in Michiru's eyes as she contemplated something momentarily. "But in any case, at least you're speaking to me again. Does that mean you've finally worked through whatever it was that had you on edge about Ide?"

"No." Haruka replied simply. "However I am going to trust that whatever you're reasons were to go along with Ide's plans you got the answers you sought." Shaking her head slightly she allowed her mind to focus on the new more important task "Besides, no harm done to anyone like you said. Everyone is fine for the instant and we have far more important things to settle." Chancing a moment to look away from the events taking place ahead of her she allowed her eyes to meet Michiru, "However let it be known, I still hate the fact you allowed her to have involvement without us knowing her true origin. Even if that irks me, our job and our one main devotion will always remain for Usagi and the future we fought for, it's just that now we have far more that I thought we would and I'll be damn to hell if I lose anything I have attained."

Michiru looked forward at the twins that were off in the corner of the field along with Xen and Hana. "I know that. One answer I sought was for that exact reason. I refuse to lose what I have. We will succeed I can guarantee that much. For them we cannot fail, we simply don't have that luxury this time." Her eyes hardened as she remembered the past failures caused by rash thinking, often times endangering the lives of others for the sake of winning a fight. She had to have knowledge so that her daughters wouldn't suffer that same fate. Haruka and Michiru were the exact same in only one respect, both wanted the world, wanted freedom for everything that it entailed. The sea and wind both had that luxury, albeit in far different ways, even if that remained the truth there was always a catch and both of them knew just was that was.

"Michi…" Haruka whispered as her eyes reverted back to the children ahead "do you think we were wrong to not want to be cadged?"

"Haruka, you know that answer. To be free from one is to be trapped into another. Everything has a price and a balance; we know that now, to be released from one we always find another. That was one question I had to find an answer for, so that they won't have to look for the same one when they get older."

Wakana began to look a lot like Haruka; in fact she was almost a miniature version the older butch. It was strange how aloof the child was, then again her twin Nanami, who looked very much like Michiru was the same way. They seemed to constantly hover around Xen since being able to run freely as small children, not that Xen seemed to mind. Hana found herself also becoming attached quickly to the twins and it was strange for the two outer Senshi seeing the four kids segregate themselves from the other masses. Furthermore Wakana seemed protective of her sister in more ways than one and attached at the hip seemed the only phrase befitting of what looked to be childhood versions of Haruka and Michiru. Rueful was the thought that had they met as children the interaction they were watching could really have been them.

Makoto found herself on a hunt for food, Yasu by her side with a very small Nao trailing behind. The boy was the example of what Ami could have been if she had been born a little boy. Sheepish, and still very frightened of things unknown as green calculating eyes found ways to examine the world in a light of logic instead of one of wonder. In exact contrast to Yuuki this little boy found himself away from the rough and tumble play area and found he would much rather attach himself to Yasu, thus becoming her shadow. His furs barley fit him since they were extremely baggy; someone would have to make new ones for the smallest of all the children. Still, even with the extremely mousy appearance it was clear he could still be a cause for trouble if his currently sopping figure was anything to go by.

"Looking at fish indeed." Yasu sighed as she carried her brother through the thick brush of the forest line. "Honestly, you'd fit better as a Senshi of sea rather than one of ice I think." Her words were softened by the light tones and hits of amusement in her voice. "Still, you've got to learn how to swim before going to the water unattended."

"Well, at least I know he got something from me." Makoto laughed before continuing to lug the catch of the day back to camp. Even if these fish weren't exactly what one would call normal looking. "Although you're mom will be less than pleased that it's a lack of listening skills he just happened to get from me." As they passed through the forest Baen had cough up with some red meat of some sort ready to be cooked taking one look at the sopping boy he stifled an amused smirk for fear of angering Yasu who would willingly bite the head off of any who dared tease her brother. Instead he added his two cents "At least the boy found your dinner."

Hitomi was running circles around the other children seemingly with reckless abandon as she chased Yuuki with the older girls. She in fact was the first to tackle him to the ground. She wasn't nearly as bashful as her brother as her blue hair flew in the breeze. She also had green eyes filled with determination. Her laugh was loud and boisterous as she rolled around in the grass taking Yuuki on tackle for tackle. Could this have been Makoto as a child? No one could really answer that, but it was funny to think about. Rei couldn't help herself from laughing as she saw the two kids together.

"You know, if only days could be seemingly this simple every day of our lives." Rei said before earning a glare from her friend next to her. "Well what I mean is bar Setsuna's meddling." She allowed a moment of apprehension to pass before realizing that the universe wasn't just going end randomly much to her comfort of course. "They all look so happy despite everything. Although I have a feeling my son will be quite the troublemaker down the line. What was he doing?"

"I think he was harassing Mari and Yumi. Although don't quote me on that one." Ami laughed lightly before undertaking a far more serious tone. "I do know what you mean though. Had this happened in a far more simplistic way I think everyone would have been better off. Still, if this is the type of thing I'll get to see down the line it'll all be worth it. I have a feeling that we have more on our hands than we've bargained for."

"Every parent does. I think the Senshi versions did as well. Lord knows you mom didn't think anything like this would come to be." Her raven hair tousled in the wind and with her eyes closed she allowed herself to feel the spiritual energy around her. Some comfort for the moment gave Rei peace even if it also added a nagging worry in her mind. "Yasu is going to tell us what exactly went on at last night's meeting after supper. In all honesty I'm worried about the combat prospect."

It was around that time that Yasu and Nao were gathering everyone for dinner, the boy now dried off yet still clinging onto his eldest sister who really didn't seem to mind in the least, it was too bad for him that he was the current target for being teased. Yasu tried to ignore the fact that her two younger siblings were yelling at each other, that was until some of the other children join in. pandemonium ensued for the countless time that day as enraged teens chased the kids away from them. The parents couldn't control it if they had wanted too and suddenly for the first time they had actually found respect for the term 'mind you're elders'. Cade and Xen found all sorts of amusement in egging the fighting on with the "you're only young once." As the answer for welcoming the insanity, dinner was no better as eating utensils were used as weaponry and food found its way not into a mouth, but rather catapulted onto a face. Nao, not liking the ruckus found shelter near the adults; at least he was being good.

"Hey Rei, I figured out who he reminds me of…your grandpa." Makoto jested after all the dinner ruckus subsided.

"No way in hell." Haruka interjected before amending the explanation. "He's in no way like Rei's grandfather. Cade is a kind and gentle man, but in no way is he inappropriate in ways grandfather Hino could be." Cade for his sake kept his mouth such on the matter having enough insight to realize that even if he was the topic of conversation it was best that he not voice his views on matters left to the youngsters of the day.

The rest of the night had been no easier trying to corral a bunch of children into the nearby stream for a bath or to get them dressed for sleep, and for yet another time Yuuki found his way to the teenaged Mari, who by now had had quite enough of her privacy invaded. Once again Xen found amusement where there hadn't been any before, finding the chaotic environment of children a welcome change from the ever dense field of adults she had grown up with. Usually she had been the one to get into trouble not act as an innocent bystander. Now with her father by her side if even for a short while everything seemed complete in ways that it hadn't been before coming to earth. Cade had grown tired and found himself a resting place not far from the river, he and a few others were to be setting off by bird back in the morning. This early evening had been full of promise and joy for the old man who liked to think of his future as only a fleeting gift for now, Hotaru had the same premise in mind, but she also had a cause for wanting to see him.

Cade being an old man held years of life wisdom, things he was able to experience gave him the ability to grant a sort of kindness to those he barely knew. Hotaru smiled at that as she lay across a higher branch, watching over Mari making sure that she didn't maim Yuuki in the battle over where his place was as opposed to hers. Rei struggled not to lose her temper with her son in the process as Minako found the entire thing far more amusing than she perhaps should, not that Yumi was of any help mind you, she and her afore mentioned mother laughing like hyenas at the display of Rei trying to keep up with her son in the shallow by very cold water. The issue in this being Rei and any very cold substance didn't mix well. Hotaru could only feel a sense of happiness that finally hope could be found for both sides of the Moon. Further out she could hear Katan and Dalan fighting about something before Ide dragged them away from the river and made a mental note to inquire about it later, for now her target for conversation was Cade, the topic of interest being that of his fading aura. They had been speaking off and on lightheartedly, yet she was still afraid to dive down into the depth of what one could deem a dark conversation, yet her motives weren't that of Pluto, or anyone else for that matter. Her reasons were of her own volition.

With his eyes clouded with age and a smile content to show off the wrinkles, sunspots, and laugh lines found in a man of such an age it was a surprise he was so calm, and within that calm he had found something Hotaru wished she could describe. Now even if she had gotten her wish it wasn't possible to smile the way he could. In fact that's the one fact that boggled her mind the most; no one ever smiled as this man had, no one could have such a content face while knowing his time was approaching shortly. His voice rasped and each breath he took, though not labored, clearly weren't the easiest ones he had taken in his long life. Most feared death, yet this man didn't, he seemed to embrace that fact for reasons unknown to her, the once dark Senshi, the one who used to have a hand in governing the realm he would eventually journey towards. Wasn't that what she wanted as well? To be freed from shackles that had incased her into a never ending cycle, that was what she thought she had needed, but this man, wasn't he bound by something also? If that was the case wouldn't he be reborn, or would he become a light even she would never understand. Like anyone who has a taste of forbidden fruit Hotaru wished answers for the things she couldn't answer herself. The ultimate question even Setsuna had no answer for. What is fate, who governs fate, and just how far out of reach was this being who she couldn't grasp with her hand. All of this and more plagued her mind as a Senshi of a realm not known to most until the final breath, after all wasn't it her job as that Senshi to know these things. Perhaps this man? Older than she, yet able to pass on into a place Setsuna wasn't even able to reach, yes, perhaps this man held answers. If that was truly the case then Hotaru simply had to know the things this man did.

In entire internal battle within the violet eyes was being observed by the old man still smiling as the continual parenting ruckus made noise in what would have been a peaceful sunset. He allowed her the chance to view him, yet his wisdom told him that she wouldn't find the answers she searched for among those that lived for so long, however for him, long life was normality even if it wasn't anywhere near the length if a deities ruler; she too would have a shorter life than those to rule the elements as the new bearer of the deities. His voice rattled slightly as a warm soothing chuckle protruded his lips before giving her the one thing he could offer; only hoping it would be enough. "To be born in this universe was a gift full of hardship. Only after we can see the true gifts behind the painful tears that are shed can we as living being find hope. Within that hope child, one finds their own answers regardless of the outcome. If we, as living beings wish to continue to live we must live on with what we pass to those of a younger generation. Teach them to fight, and blood will be shed, teach them to love and hate will inadvertently be learned as an eventual outcome. No perfection will ever arise, only when we see that, and understand all of the ramifications that come with it, will the world ever fully be at peace."

"I know that." Hotaru said softly, as if she had just been lectured. "But at that point it seems redundant." her eyes averted into the sky above her and then the river below. "No one will ever have all of the answers that they seek in this life."

"You are a smart girl to know that, yet perhaps it is that wisdom that also creates your ineptness in the very matter you seek to know more about." Cade laughed as he saw the look on Hotaru's face, confused mixed with a sense of hurt. It seemed he struck a nerve, yet her inability to speak allowed him to continue, perhaps shedding light on a matter she hadn't thought about. "You know you will never know everything, yet as a being of intelligence you strive you know what you can, plausibly to become enlightened. In doing this you fail to notice the items beyond the tree bark you sit on, or the wrinkles in my face you so intend to study. You are smart, but that will also lead you on a path of your own demise if you seek more than what is freely given. When you become as old as I, things become blurry, noises fade, and smells once so very odoriferous become a thing one would hardly notice. Some may see this as a curse; I see it as a way to better understand what I may not have been able to before. I have no need for things left unanswered and when my final breath comes I will willingly release it knowing I will return my powers to those who may make better use, stepping aside for the new generation in hopes I did my part in raising them right."

Hotaru sat quietly, thinking on that muse for a little while. She had no response to offer him as he continued his amused gaze waiting for her to possibly throw back a childish retort. He could wait there forever yet she would never give him one as a response. That man had offered her something that was hidden in plain sight, something so bluntly obvious that people searching for that as a clue would miss the entire prospect. Hotaru having served a Senshi that governed life and death found the offer he gave her a gift, perhaps something once she fully understood she would pass on for others as well. For now though, all she could do would be stay by his side, hopefully under this night sky she would find more to ask, and in turn he may be kind enough to gift her more of what he thought and how he felt. Meanwhile, around the campfire sat the older Senshi, the small children now asleep under the protective eyes of Zori and Xen.

"So, you mean to say that these coins are built up around impossible ideals?" Minako said cringing at the thought. "So our coins really are linked then?"

"Indeed it surely seems that way." Yasu agreed further explaining. "We have directly opposing coins, and we know there is some direct link. Hotaru's coin, it said 'Remember' on the reverse side of that Katan, who had not fulfilled her coin that says 'Forgetfulness'. We are dealing with coins directly opposing us. Furthermore, Katan isn't a Senshi of death, this means she and Hotaru don't share any deity faction."

"Then what is she?" Makoto asked to the barrage of nonstop questions.

Yasu sighed as she pulled forth a deep red coin in the shape of a flame. The word melted within was in a deep script tainted the color of blood. Deadly in elegance the word was 'Forgetfulness'. "Rei, guardian deity to that of Flame you're coin matches in color, however your coin doesn't match the rule to directly opposing opposites. That is why we are lost as what to do."

"That's because they aren't supposed too." Rei smiled, finally understanding. "Put the coins together. To forgive and forget is an old saying; however it is nearly impossible to do both. To forget you must not remember something. To forgive you must not forget that thing." She held the coin in her hand remembering when she had gotten the coin in the first place. "I am a paradox."

"Your fight will begin when you are ready, but these battle must take place within the agreed upon battleground. I am sorry." Yasu sighed before looking to Yumi with the necklace glistening in the firelight. "Also, Yumi is to go with you."

"What?" Rei asked quietly, her fighting to lose a deity, but Yumi as well? It didn't make sense. Thankfully Yasu came back with an answer.

"It seems we were given trump cards well before this even took place. This entire battle was planned in the beginning. We have three chances. On our neck Yumi, Mari and I hold rings that can only be used once, now I know why. "

"Also," Yumi piped up. "We knew, at this point in time I think it is safe to say, all of our planning has paid off. Setsuna has given us a power that we have to use to our advantage. Just as she guaranteed if we pull through this, we will have a brighter tomorrow, but at what cost is for us to decide." Yumi pulled out a letter looked to have been read over many times and refolded constantly. With small water stains, clearly left over from tears it was the only thing of hope for quite some time. "She said she would do this for us, she promised this. We have our chance now."

"What is that?" Rei said as she looked at the warn script that had no doubt been Setsuna's "This was what she had sent back at the shrine." Rei spoke in amazement. "She had planned this, she knew everything. She did this from day one."

"Planned… damn you Setsuna." Haruka whispered lost for anything else to say.

"Everyone, I know it seems as if things you didn't know were forcing you into a dire situation. Please keep one thing in mind, think back throughout our arrival here and you'll see. Everything was hidden directly under your nose. Everything you thought you knew was right before you waiting for you to grasp at it. Please remember… please look back within yourselves." Yumi begged, re awakening parts of their past easily forgotten as auras flared to life allowing her voice to explain the true meaning in past events, though she could not disclose everything to them just yet, she hoped that in allowing them to remember some aspects they would understand why Setsuna has planned this.

-------FLASHBACK--------

"What the hell?" Haruka said as she shot out of bed from the noise searching the area around her quickly before rushing by the window that Michiru currently occupied. The other Senshi were right on her heels. "What happened out there Michi?" The blond asked as she prepared herself for the worst possible news.

"I'm not sure. A black mass just flew past the window and landed outside. I'm not sure what it is." Michiru explained as they looked at the small hole that had been made in the ground outside. Now the area was calm just as before and nothing else seemed to be amiss.

"Alright! Yasu I want you to stay inside with Chibiusa and the others, you're in charge of keeping everyone safe. Mari I want you to come with me, we need to check this out." Yumi ordered as she raced outside Mari was quick to follow. Inside Yasu took a more sedate approach.

"Well you heard her. Everyone stay in this room." The small girl said as she sighed and leaned into the door frame to be sure no one tried to leave without her knowing. She glanced around at the confused eyes and smiled slightly. This was nothing new to the children on the future; even Chibiusa seemed far calmer than any of the adults. Yasu gave her a look as if telling her to explain what it was that was going on, but it was not needed as Yumi came back highly annoyed.

"You know she doesn't need to blast this thing all the way from Pluto! All she had to do was used her damned communicator like a normal Senshi." Yumi said as she held up a scroll. "I thought we were going to have trouble, not need to fetch a stupid letter."

Rei quickly gained interest as looked at the slightly singed document. It was scribbled down quickly from the looks of it, but the message behind it was all too clear. As she read it aloud new meaning to what Senshi life would be was starting to take an obscure shape, one that not all of them knew how to deal with correctly.

Many things have changed due to the flow of time and because of this I am now unable to return for now. I will be back with you all one day, so please have faith I made the right choices. I have caused a rift in the time stream to cause a three way paradox; this will allow many good things to happen if you all can pull through the tough time ahead. There will be no ice. I made sure to eradicate any means for such an outcome to take hold. You now will follow the orders given to you by Yumi. She knows what's going on, even if she does not agree with the methods we used to attain the possible future you will work towards. Usagi knows only a small bit of what is too come and I'm sorry we could not give her more information. Please don't see Saria or I as traitors. We merely wanted to attempt to stop any possible wars to form like they had in the past and this was the only way we knew how. Allow Yumi to guide you and all should be fine. You are all very capable people, and after she has given you the entire briefing I trust you will find a way to make what she says possible. I will stay here on Pluto and watch from a distance for now and offer guidance in any way I can. That is all I can do currently, and I'm sorry I could not be there to help you all build this future firsthand.

Before I end this letter I offer you two bits of advice. Firstly, the time is drawing near for your children to be born. It is an effect of the paradox, so please do not worry, this was planned for an exact reason that you will know at the correct time. Secondly, I know that what Yumi may say seems impossible, or perhaps something that you will all feel guilt in doing, but please don't harbor such ill will towards yourselves, or others. The path chosen for you now may be even harder than the ice could ever be, but I can guarantee you this: if you can pull through this hardship then the future kingdom will be stronger as a whole. I bid you all good luck, the wheels are already set in motion.

"She's lost it! Finally that old fart finally lost all her marbles!" Haruka partly shouted as she flung her hands in the air before finding the wall to give it a good punch. The others just watched as she began a small tirade about Setsuna's apparent loss of brain mass among other things. Ami, Michiru, and Minako had a far different subject on their minds.

"I wonder just how long we have before we go into labor. She was very generic with her answer." Michiru said as she for the first time in a long while wanted to actually hit Setsuna herself for the lack of information provided.

------------END FLASHBACK-----

To allow something of the future to be released into the past we break all logic of fate and what it may intend to do.

Ontological paradox: brings the question could a time traveler send herself information without outside help? Perhaps not but then what about others? Does that then mean fate had a hand in the delivery of the message? If so, then is fate still in charge? If so, then you didn't actually alter anything.

Paradox: A statement or group of statements that bring upon contradiction.

----------FLASHBACK------

"Here," Yumi said handing Rei her crystal. "Smash it right where we are standing. It'll break easily at the point it was forged, and that was right here." The child spoke quietly, almost sadly. Rei didn't have to heart to question why her daughter looked so depressed and did as she was instructed.

She held the red crystal in her hands. So many times it gave her the will to fight. The red crystal meant a lot too her, had gotten her through a lot of hardship. Could Yumi be right? Should she really smash the one thing that she believed to give her the power she used to fight so well? Could she really call forth her flames without it? If so, did she have the strength to admit it? In reality when she first became a Senshi she blamed Usagi, Blamed that damned cat, blamed her red crystal.

She could blame it, for it was her destiny. She could hold onto it, she could curse it, damn it to hell a hundred times over, and blame it for her pain and death of her mother, blame it for her father not being there for her. Watching her loved ones suffer. She could blame it as her fate… and in the end, she could bless it. Thank it for the gift it ultimately gave her, the ability to not only believe in herself, but to believe in others too. She could thank it for giving her faith when she had none. It was a powerful gift, and one she would never forget.

Closing her eyes she threw it hard into the ground and heard it shatter. Red light enveloped the sky and both she and Yumi stood in a portal filled with that red light. It was odd how comforting it felt, it was warm, almost burning hot on her flesh, what was before her sent her mind reeling.

"This is the gift of mars, locked within your crystal." Yumi said looking toward the being that had caught Rei's eye.

"Is that… my power?" Rei asked her astonishment cut her off mid speech.

"Your close." Yumi said as she eyed the being carefully making sure to carefully explain the details regarding the gift. "Next time though, try to form a proper sentence. Phobos and Deimos were your advisors from your days as a princess. They were ravens and took care of you well, even now. Their reincarnations watch over you from earth, but they are simply the ravens that follow you now, and they will be unable to follow you in the future." Yumi said as she walked towards small cadge made of flame.

"Before the fall of the kingdom, and their eventual death an Egg was laid and placed within the crystal. That egg hatched when you became a Senshi. The ability you have, the attack with a bird made of flame, was a use of protection, and was the embodiment of the power you used to wield when your ravens fought with you. This is their daughter, and one day the future advisor to those who will take the stage as royalty of Mars."

When Rei approached the cadge she opened the lock and out flew a small raven. It was young still, Rei could tell that much. Her plumage held a purple tint amongst the black feathers in the light, and in the birds' beak held a small package. When it landed a top her shoulder the bird placed it package in her hands. Opening it carefully Rei found a red coin in the shape of the flame. On it was one word, melted into it with perfection, Forgiveness.

-------------END FLASHBACK---------

To forgive and forget is a statement that defies itself logically; one cannot do both for if they did it would be a direct conflict, to blame everyone for your own misgivings is a fault of everyone in this world on occasion. To point a finger at everyone but yourself means you are on a higher place does it not?

Predestination Paradox: If a Senshi went back in time to discover the cause of something, say a warzone, and while in the place that something started, she accidentally causes that something, in this case the war to happen, the same war that would instigate her, one thousand years down the line, to travel back in time. The ontological paradox would thus play a close tie to this because as a result of time travel, the war appears to have no beginning because of that Senshi had tried to prevent this from happening.

Paradox: A statement or group of a statement that brings upon contradiction or defies basic logic.

----------FLASHBACK-----------------

"Smash your crystal here. After that you'll get what we came here for." Yasu huffed. She didn't necessarily like standing in a spot she knew she was born and raised only to look at it now in ruins. What saddened her most was in the current time that stood in, she wasn't existent yet.

Makoto looked at her daughter; clarity in her eyes spoke volumes. Kneeling down she hugged Yasu, noting the tears in her eyes, it was rare for the child to cry. Get angry, yes. Yell and scream obscenities, sure. Get into more fistfights than Makoto herself had? All of that would be normal. However crying was not a skill the child possessed, and just like Makoto, when the tears did come, the flood gates opened. When that happened there would be very little anyone could do to calm her down.

Yasu clung hard to the tall brunette, tears now flowing freely from her eyes. No words could be spoken to explain the sadness, it was just there. Memories flooded her mind. The smell of cookies that constantly wafted through the house, running amok in the field of trees, the way the thunder would resonate through her bedroom at night. All of that and more rushed into her head, and she found herself unable to push it away. No, not able to push them away at all, instead she clung harder to the woman who currently held her as she remembered all too clearly.

"Maka….don't leave… Don't go…" cried Yasu aloud, she had taken the relocation to earth the best outwardly, but perhaps at great cost from within. This of course had a direct effect on Makoto, who knew firsthand what the loss of your parents would do to you at that age.

"Yasu, I'm right here." Makoto's voice came shaken by the effect the child's crying had on her. "I'm right here Yasu. You're holding onto me right here…I'm not any place else…Just right here."

It was clear to Makoto she had to remove Yasu from this planet quickly. She pulled forth her green crystal with one hand still tightly holding the crying girl in an embrace with her other. She adjusted her vision over Yasu's shoulder and threw her crystal down hard, shattering it into dust.

Green light covered all of the sky, from the ground roots from trees circled them and thunder crashed loudly causing Yasu to hold onto Makoto even tighter. Sitting ensnared amongst the bark was the bestowed gift. After things had calmed down she hoisted Yasu into her back. She had stopped crying but knowing the child quite obviously didn't want to be left alone even for a moment, it was the easiest way.

A lance sat on the bark as if it had never been used. The blade on it was made of green crystal, just like the color of the one she used to transform on the inside she saw a small bundle of wires that went all the way to the point, that was when she noted that the actual tip of the blade was metal as well, and very sharp. It towered over her height slightly making it a real good combat weapon. The length of the pole was made of metal and tied at the end was a small burlap sack. When she opened it a small green coin in the shape of a tree lay inside. On it etched in what looked to be glass made from electrified sand was one word. Trust.

Makoto looked at this small coin confused. She was the Senshi electricity, of wood, and of courage, but no place in her job description did it once say Trust. Her mind tried to pin point what significance that could possibly mean to her, in almost an instant she realized what it meant.

She was a child when her parents died. She was a child when she had to fight in school. She was a mere child in everything she did. When she fought to become an adult, she finally got her wish. However the years of hardship for her made her fear everyone. Her ability to fight so well came from the wish to protect herself. She wanted, no… Needed to be a one person army. Her cold fearful stature she took on kept people away, but in the end, she was the one most fearful. It took Strength, willpower, and courage to trust Usagi and the Senshi. To believe in them fully, took a lot of time. Trust was what she gave them, it was fragile, but a very brave thing for her to give back when she had first met them. That word was one of almost endless power within itself.

She could feel Yasu still cling to her, and the distrust of what would happen if the little girl let her go. With a sigh she removed Yasu from her back, looking deep into the child's frightened eyes. Makoto felt for a moment she was staring at herself, and perhaps in a small way she was.

"Yasu… I need for you to understand, the future will be different. That's why we are doing all of this. We will make it through this together as a family, but for that to happen, I need for you to trust me when I tell you I'm not going to die on you…or your mom. I have for too much to live for to let myself be killed. Ok?" Makoto said as the child still clung to her like Velcro.

-------END FLASHBACK------------

To view a child who is in effect a smaller version of what you used to be, perhaps alternatively viewing an older person as who you will be would be a lie. No matter what, there can only be one person of exactness at one time, thus no one can be you, and you can never be anyone else.

Grandfather paradox: You know you will be killed, to save the lives of your children you send them back in time to be raised by a younger version of yourself. Meanwhile that's what the other side had wanted you to do, why? Because they want to kill you and you're children in the past. However this preludes your child's conception at the time thus if you were to become pregnant the child you carry would not be the child you see in front of your own eyes, therefore the child they saved would have been a different child all together. Now, let's look at it from a different perspective, what if it was your own bloodline you had attempted to kill? Would the same truth still be there? The answer is no, because, as logic states you cannot kill your own grandfather if you have not been born.

Paradox: A statement or group of a statement that brings upon contradiction that defies basic logic or expresses a non dual truth.

----FLASHBACK--------

"What the hell?! What is all this! AND WHERES THE DAMNED GROUND!" Haruka yelled as she tried to balance on the pole, noting Mari had just taken a seat.

"No use papa, you can yell all you want. It's not gunna do a damn thing. This is the best thing to ground we have." Mari laughed at her father's reaction to the entire ordeal.

"Well why the hell not! Is this really Uranus?!? No way can this be a place we used to live!" Haruka yelled again flailing as she almost lost her balance, finally taking a seat fearing for her life.

"Well, we lived in the sky. This planet was called the aeronautic capital of the galaxy. Back then the city floated on air, piloted on the planet, but manipulating the wind from other gravitational forces from other planets. Now though the planet has no gravity and our home is basically debris in outer space. No idea where it all is. Some of the heaver peaces got stick in the gravitational pull, like the one we are sitting on." Mari explained as she looked below her and then sighed.

"Well isn't that just fucking peachy…" the blond said sarcastically.

"Yep. Some bits went onto the sun so we can't get them. In the future a different tactic was used but I never understood it exactly." Mari explained simply, as it mattered little too her. It was the past after all.

"Our home is not only in pieces! It's going on a damned adventure without anyone in it! WONDERFUL! Why are we here if our home is not! Of all the idiot ideas!" Haruka raged on extremely disturbed that her home in the past was not exactly where it should be.

"Well, whack your crystal hard on the side of the pole. That should do what we need it too. Then we can get out of here." Mari was bored with sitting in the middle of nowhere while being dragged around by her planet. She would much rather be back on earth right now, and it showed.

Haruka did as she was told hitting her crystal hard on the metal. The light once again took them over and soon Haruka found herself standing on a fluffy mass. Looking around she saw a Shield appear amongst the clouds. it was light weight and made of the same material as the sheath of her sword. It too had jewels imbedded in it. One of each color of the birthstones represented each Senshi.

She also saw a coin of her color imbedded into the back and she removed it from its place. When she did the hole it was in sealed up. She took a close look at the coin. It was in the shape of a bird. There was only one word on it, and it went right through the coin, making it possible to pass air through the holes where the letters were carved. Freedom.

Haruka thought long and hard on the reason the coin had that written on it. She had always wanted to be a bird. Fly above the restraints of this world, and see the beauty without rules or boundaries. She loved the wind, and she loved the fact it could go where ever it wanted. Even when she controlled it for an attack, she found it went where it wanted to go, not exactly where she aimed it. She had always envied the birds their positions. More so, she found it to be a caged life living as a Senshi. The thoughts of her demons always plagued her.

--------END FLASHBACK-------

Just when one thinks they fully understand something they realize that the depth will eventually become immeasurable. To want to be free to do as one may wish they allow themselves to push aside the fact that perhaps there is more to carry after the door is opened. Each door they pass they must accept the true weight of their choice, crashing and burning as the eventual result. With each new rule, each misplaced step they fail to realize the cage is still there, even if it is much larger.

Paradox of free will: If a Deity knew how we will act when he created us then why were we awakened, why couldn't we have just known from birth and in the end how can there be free will?

Paradox: A statement or group of a statement that brings upon contradiction that defies basic logic or expresses a non dual truth. Sometimes, the statements do not actually relate to the contradiction, rather the painful irony of any truth within this world.

----------FLASHBACK----------------

"How in the world… Astronomically this is the closest planet to the sun. How does a planet so close become covered in ice?" Saeko wondered aloud hoping for an answer. The ice was clear as day and it was enthralling to see everything in the wonderland. There was no snow at all leaving the skies clear for the most part.

"Simple, Mercury was the most advanced with technology. This planet was far too hot, but with the ice around here the conditions made it livable. Soon this planet will fail and turn to the one you all studied and know so well. Before that happened though, this was our home. One day it will be cast in ice once again." Yasu sighed as she led the march.

The walk lead them to an icy cave, the inside looked like a clear mirror and the beauty continued to astound them. On the other side of the cavern lay the remains of a once beautiful city, and within it, the quiet castle of ice Yasu had visited many times, although she preferred the thunders of Jupiter. Deep red tainted and frozen within the ice gave an eerie undertone. Clearly blood and artifacts from the days of war scattered the ground.

"This should be self explanatory by this point." Yasu said as her eyes once again watered, but this time she kept the tears back, but only barely. The salt stung her eyes and she had to keep them shut. "Do like I told Maka, Shatter your crystals on the surface, you both should be able to get something from the planet." It was apparent the child was holding in her emotions, yet it was also understandable, this was the place she had seen battle, and most likely death.

Even if it was in the future, there were also bitter memories now that showed their story of deaths for a cause. Ami, and most likely Saeko, both fought here and even if they could not remember it clearly had probably lost a great many friends in that war. Saeko's old body could have been laid to rest at this very spot, and she would never truly know it. She now understood the carnage first hand. The unshed tears in her granddaughter's eyes confirmed that the future would not always hold perfection.

Both threw down their crystals in unison and light filled the area different hues of blue covered the sky in a small rainbow. All three of them were engulfed and it was out of anything Saeko could describe. Before them were two floating objects.

Ami approached first. In front of her imbedded in ice was a Small computer, Larger than the Ice-nine, yet far lighter and more advanced. She opened it and inside a small disk compartment laid a small disk shaped coin. It said only one word. Risk.

Ami looked the coin unsure what that actually meant. She had seen the coins the others brought back, and all of them spoke volumes about the person they went too. Looking at hers she saw little in common. She thought about all the things she had done in her life, carefully calculating everything. Always being prepared. Risk was something she never liked to do… yet as a Senshi that's what she embraced. She had to risk her life, toy with things and fight foes. Her coin was reminding her why she became a Senshi, and the weight it carried.

Turning to her mother she nodded and Saeko walked to the other item. On the second block of ice there was a medal. It was a show of her bravery in battle from the past, proof she had once fought in these war zones. Next to it lay a small leather case, inside was her old ID rank badge, and a photo of herself standing next to the royal family, there was a coin below it, in the shape of a frame, etched on the inside of the square carving said her word. Time.

Thinking on it, that word was one of venom, and of happiness. She always wanted to have enough time to do all she wanted in her life, and she always cursed time for going too quickly or too slowly. In the end, she realized she was her own paradox, she wanted speed sometimes, extreme slowness others. In a small way, it was a very important eye opener.

----------END FLASHBACK------

To understand the facts as what they really are. To view a bigger photograph, one not always seen with clarity, understanding that painful memories will always resided within the soul of any living being along with the cold hard truth that on occasions we must test ourselves past the breaking point. We must fight for what we believe in, even if those values differ greatly and thus our morals become questioned.

Temporal paradox: In thinking about a war that this Senshi wanted to stop she needed to create a way to bring the final end to a utopian world, but what happens when this time traveler does things in the past that prevent her from her intended goal in the first place?

Paradox: A statement or group of a statement that brings upon contradiction that defies basic logic or expresses a non dual truth. Sometimes, the statements do not actually relate to the contradiction, rather the painful irony of any truth within this world, the funny thing is the word 'Truth' is one that can be flexed in many ways; one person's truth is another person's lie.

---------FLASHBACK------

"I lived in this place? I don't remember it being so expensive looking." Minako said in wonder as she took in the scenery. It truly was beautiful, and the diamonds that studded the more expensive housings made it look like the planet shimmered in the stars.

"Yes, though most of the time you were on the moon, this was your place of birth. As you can see, even in this ruined state it is nowhere near the harsh conditions the other planets faced. We have no need to go to the forging point of the crystal since this entire planet is built up of the same substances, smashing it anyplace will do." Yumi said as Minako nodded.

She took one look at her crystal before throwing it to the ground allowing more of her light to envelop them. A large gem encrusted box lifted from the ground, covered in gold. When she approached the box she noted the craftsmanship. Slowly and gently she lifted the top and found the inside lined with velvet. Inside was her gift, a locket. It was etched in fine delicate metals and attached to a golden chain. Inside was left empty with a small paper note saying 'fill with love'. And next too it still in the red velvet was her coin in the shape of five figures. Her word was Sister.

She thought long and hard of what that would mean for her. She had a large family, unlike her Senshi counter parts her blood relatives were everywhere. It wasn't exactly closely knit, but the family was very large and spanned the globe. Some in America, others scattered the UK and Japan. Out of all of the scouts she was the one with the biggest family by relation. Thinking on it carefully, she also noted that she wasn't very close to most of them. She hardly knew most of them, and if she was honest with herself, she really didn't mind not knowing who they were.

She was like Ami in that way, happy to muse about family she never sees. Then she thought about Usagi, and how she looked like her twin, jokingly calling each other sister on occasion. She thought of Makoto and how many times they had saved each other's sorry butt over the years. All of the encouragement and slight rivalry they had. She thought about Rei and all the love she had for her, and how much like a family they all were to each other. It was then she realized, they were her family of Senshi. Sisters in arms, to protect the ones they loved. She also noted, that Venus and Earth were noted to be sister planets. The moon came from the earth. When she thought about it everything clicked into one galactic puzzle piece.

--------END FLASHBACK---------

Sometimes we relate to that we either seek, or can at least understand to a degree. It is better to know only small bits and pieces of one's life. No one should know everything about everybody, however to find a common balance within everyone should be a goal. However what if not everyone wanted a common balance, but to be different. To be the same and to be different fully is impossible, but to find a balance is the struggle of everyone in life, be it from strength or weakness.

Paradox of tolerance: Should one tolerate intolerance; if intolerance would destroy the possibility of tolerance? In galactic war many suffer and welcome the loss of many. Who are the Senshi to allow that to happen, yet as Sailor Senshi, as that of combat, no better than that named a dog of the military at what point do they say stop. At what point do they agree to disagree and at what point do they take lives. This is the one internal battle every Senshi must face no matter what side of ground they stand on. Each and every one will have a slightly different answer, yet in that effective paradox do they not see a balance?

Paradox: A statement or group of a statement that brings upon contradiction that defies basic logic or expresses a non dual truth. Sometimes, the statements do not actually relate to the contradiction, rather the rather painful irony of any truth within this world, the funny thing is the word 'Truth' is one that can be flexed in many ways; one person's truth is another person's lie. Some of the laws of a paradox do not have universally accepted answers for the questions posed.

The memories the Senshi allowed to pass through their minds became a somewhat inward battle of not allowing everything they had believed to be a lie. Meanwhile Yumi thought they had seen enough for now. Saria had allowed them to see many things in the past, present, and future. Saria had been trying to show them everyone was indeed a paradox, in every single way possible. "I have shown you only part of what you needed to see, things you have lived through, things that others have not, you are all in charge of your own future, but please keep in mind this gift of paradox was given to us by the one person who no longer stands to fight by our side. What will you choose in light of the new information?"

"If you're showing us this, what does that mean for me if I fight?" Rei asked looking at her coin with a deep feeling of confusion.

"That depends on what you want to do. I've said it once I'll say it again. Give me a future to believe in and I'll show you all of what should have been, could have been, and what will be." Yumi answered as she turned her back to walk away, Yasu and Mari followed behind leaving the others with more to think about than they had ever known before. Minako chased after them, now a new question within her mind.

"You've said that before." Minako looked confused, sad even. "You'll show us things, but my question is; how is that possible? You aren't a mage."

"No I am not. I don't need the power of time to show you things like that." Yumi spoke softly almost sadly. "There isn't much to say, I am your daughter I can guarantee you that much, however be that as it may Flame is my power and as that power I can see visions, that is a Flame trait. Let me ask you this, do you think mergers in powers only deal with that of attacks? If that is how you view things you will never be a good combat leader." Yumi scoffed before turning her back, emotionless as always when she had a score to settle she made one of her view crystal clear. "You are the ones unable of merging your own powers within your selves. You have merging DNA but you are all separate beings, us, your children are a product of the love you have for each other, but let me ask you this; in the testing had anyone tried to combine attacks before firing them off? You are born to wield metals, but are you really unable to combine flame within the metal you fight with? If Mom set it ablaze couldn't you wield your own chains of flame? It is your inability to understand the elements around you and the balance within those elements. Until you do you will fail no matter what you do." Yumi ended it there, running into the trees.

The morning sun glowed just barely past the treetops as Rei prepared herself mentally for the fight she was going to partake in soon. That night she had confessed her fears to Minako about the idea of the fights they were about to partake in. Furthermore, she didn't want to place Yumi into danger, however that would have to be the eventual outcome, they all knew it. She allowed a tear to slip down her cheek as the smell of food cooking in the early morning meant soon she would be off to a place she wasn't sure she could handle, at least not without Minako and the others by her side, sadly however she could only take Yumi and the girl was no place in sight.

Minako could feel the distress Rei was feeling quite clearly, almost too noticeably. Rei, for her part had found herself by the river, confused and lost, even as she felt an embrace from behind and the caress of Minako as soft hands trailed down tense shoulders, over strong arms and abs to finally find a resting place as they held the fearful woman close. Minako let a stressed sigh pass her lips as she rest her head on Rei's back. The blond was quiet but Rei could still feel the wet tears as they fell from Minako's eyes. "Minako." That was the only think Rei could get to come out of her mouth as she too lost emotional ground she stood on, letting the real weight of the day flow freely in her mind, and in that effect she also allowed that weight to overtake her as she entwined herself within Minako's embrace, finding solace within the warmth of one she cared so deeply for.

After breakfast Rei gave her coin to Yasu. As the two opposing sides faced each other it would be clear. Katan Flame of Dark Moon, and Rei Flame of Light Moon, would be the first to face the tides of battle. Hotaru, the figurehead with the least ties in this particular battle held both the coins in place and deep red burned the world around them into a faded darkness. In the place of loved ones who had once stood by their side all that could be seen was carnage in the sand. Flames, hot flames, searing and painful as the smog engulfed the sky. No one, not even those of such a deity could sustain where they were for very long. Where was this? Mars perhaps, yes perhaps this would be most fitting for a battle. Before her stood Katan, blades drawn, a look of murder etched in her face. Off to the side Yumi found herself watching the battle unseen by the combatants.

"Draw forth you're abilities Mars, This is no hold barred, we fight to the death. You die, you lose your right to be leader to that of flame and will bow to me. Better make haste if you intend to win. My kin will not suffer because of you any longer!" Katan spat circling around the sandy dunes quite at home with the unsteady atmosphere. "I, unlike you, have some damned honor, so I'll warn you here and now. You're standing on my turf." Even if she wasn't the most pleasant person to be around she was a fair fighter in places that demanded respect, this fight just happen to be just such an occurrence.

"Same paradox goes for you. I am of flame don't forget." Rei wasn't backing down as lavender eyes hardened, waiting for an opening. Battle stance at the ready she challenged the first blow, stealth being her advantage. 'Mars don't fail me now' she thought as she shouted off an attack signaling the start of battle. "Fire Soul!" She stated rather than shouted keeping the element of being hard to see close at hand. The flame burst through the rain of ash, but all it achieved was revealing her attack point.

"You think fire attacks work on me? Fuckin hell… And you say you're ready to be a leader." Katan's voice carried around the battle ground before them. "You want a stealth battle fine by me, but I will not allow you the luxury of finding my location easily." Katan threw a dagger into the sand below her, allowing a cynical voice to accompany her. "Listen here bitch, if you so intend to fight me, then do it the right way. I wield fire; you're of Flame get the damned picture? No, well let me spell it out for you!" Katan said as she fired off an attack of similar magnitude; however her flame hit Rei dead on.

"That didn't even hurt. Fight me if that's what you really want!" Rei growled angry at the accusation of being a less than combatant fighter.

In a matter of second Rei found herself in a choke hold with a knife gazing her neck, Katan's smirk twisted as she allowed the slightest pressure to puncture Rei's skin lightly. "Let's try this again. See that blade over there?" Katan's eyes wondered to the old rusty metallic object sticking out irregularly in the sand. "That is what you will fight me with. We are of flame, we are on a planet not that of Mars but that of an outer realm? Do you not see it yet you dumb bitch, we are in an area where attacks of magic are totally useless. On other deities then perhaps you'd have a chance that way, but not with me. Not in my domain. You got that you little earth shit?" Katan kicked Rei to the ground before stepping back enough to give her adversary room to move.

Rei picked up the dagger and eyed it carefully before looking to the tall woman in front of her. "You could have killed me right then. Why didn't you?" Rei could see contemplation from that question, one of sadness and what could only be claimed pure, utter hatred, the overly calm response left Rei dumbfounded. "Because I don't want your blood on my hands to be the result of dishonor, you've committed that crime but I refuse to fall to that level." Katan noted Rei stood still and sped forth.

Rei used the blade to her defense, yet made no move to strike back. Katan had now opened a box made with something that tasted like bile in Rei's mouth. This woman had uttered words Rei would never do willingly, not without a justified reason. "What the hell are you saying? You guys were after us, and it wasn't even you I've killed." She retaliated with her own barrage of swings with close range combat, yet Katan seemed as if it mattered little, the flurry of dagger strikes seemed slow paced, ill timed, that's when it hit her. 'She's toying with me…I'm like her rag doll. Why?' Matching dagger strikes like a mirror was the only thing Rei could do as she used her free hand barely stop the knife blade Katan held in her hand, the sharp edge cutting soft flesh, expelling small grunt of pain as crimson liquid trailed down Rei's hand. "What the hell do you want? Just say it already, you could kill me so damned easy it's freakish, so why am I standing here as you're puppet! I'm not a play thing to abuse!"

"Funny," Katan laughed her coiling her knife deeper before she pulled it away. "I think a few of our side spoke the same thing when we were slaughtered. Perhaps not by you, but a version of you, it is because of you, past or present that we were unwelcomed and killed, even if we are of the same deity. At that point I think it is my right as a living being to fend for my life, and as I see it you stand here a threat to my future and for that I cannot forgive what you have caused wrong in my life."

"Oh? Even if I can't remember what I did, even if it is a past me that caused you harm, the Senshi that you've battered before you now remember none of it." Rei whispered as she looked at her own hand bleeding heavily, the stench in the air becoming nauseating. "I'll tell you what I can remember though, I remember fighting those of many different origins. Dark Kingdome This, Dark Moon Clan that, I grew up knowing nothing but to hate you people, and why? Simple, as a kid I saw my world crashing down around me, and then magically, as it this grand fate of mine, seemingly pulled out of hells ass, gave me some blond haired, blue eyed, cry baby as an answer. I took that answer for my own and cursed myself and others for a long time. Most of all I cursed being a Senshi and having to fight you people, the ones who attacked me and my friends, harmed my grandfather, and put innocent people without powers in danger! When I had to watch those I loved die around me for the first time I lost each and every ounce of respect I could give to you because I at that time could merely be called a child. I was a damned kid in what I remember; Even so, do you still hate me for doing what anyone would have done?"

"I do hate you. I wish the worst of deaths to befall you by my hand, simply because you chose to forget my past, no matter how painful it may be for me, simply because you justify we were still young enough, impressionable enough, that it should have made a difference. I know for that fact you are trying to only cover your own ass. No one of the Flame would be little one such as I with utter rubbish. Saying you're reasons are justified while mine remain merely an afterthought. Fuck that, fuck you're idealistic ways. We don't need that among us."

Standing ridged Rei looked at the dagger in her hands. "Is that what you think? That I don't remember and so thus within that logic I don't care as a result? Katan, what are you? Dumbass, listen closer so you don't miss hear a word I'm about to say." Rei brought her knife to the very hand that continued to bleed. "See these wounds? You made them on me, you carved into my body and all I have done is match you're blows, all I have done is block you're barrage of attacks. You know what you've caused, the damage is done, yet I'm not beating you down am I? I'm not kicking you in the face, trying to harm you am I? No, I'm not, I'm trying to figure out why I of all the people in this world have to be the one you choose to abuse simply because that's what you want. That's what you need to feel better about things I as I am now have no control over. My question is this: When will it end? At what point has it gone too damned far! At what point will you be happy? When I'm dying, in a pool of my own blood? How long will it take, how far will you go?"

Katan didn't answer as she steeled herself not letting her guard down. "I may have been some ass clown in the past. In fact I have full reason to think I was, but, that is not me as I am now. That was a past me raised to fight as a Fire deity, raised of Flame. In the life I lead now, I am not of that deity; it does not own me and control my every whim. I will not kill for the sake of simply having a fun game with another's life. I was raised to respect life. As a human I was taught that a value of a human life cannot be measured by one single vantage point. Whoever the hell I was back then, you can forget that person had ever existed because I am not her. I am Hino Rei, raised by my grandfather, the only stable guidance I ever had within my life after my mother was taken from me. If you want to stand here and bitch to me about honor look at yourself, you have no damned honor injuring me like this. I have died once willingly in the name of those I loved, and I knew it was going to be a suicide when I did it back then as well. I will be no different now, you want to talk to me about honor then do it in the name of those you love not in the name of revenge!"

Rei locked eyes with Katan, violet eyes both murderous and pleading. An odd combination yet fitting as she ran headlong into Katan, the very knife used to defend herself landing the final blow as she cut through the vein on Katan's neck, in return she received a similar fate as the knife to Katan's far longer blade pierced Rei's heart, this ending her instantly. Blood pooled for only a moment until sparks of green filled the air; this was when one voice could be heard among the unsettling silence.

"Your death would mean the loss of your deity and yet you both lost you're lives. As that of the womb, I Sailor Star Maker, have seen you both grieve losses and cherish the birth anew. Without one of you taking the lead there will be no power given for that of Flame, you're brash reactions could cause lives dear to you to be lost and that's why you're souls are contained here in these gates. One of you, will attain you're ultimate form, the other, will become that of mortality, however only one may move in either direction. Different paths must be chosen. Let it be known if bloodshed is all you seek, perhaps leading the people versed for combat and war seems to be a good idea, but in the end will you hold the grace of a god to offer pity and mercy for those who have no voice? On that same note, could you lead these people with clarity, knowing they seek both to kill in constant battle for revenge while also seeking redemption from the crimes committed?"

"As of the voice of flame I would. I know power and I understand it well. Flame is that of vengeance, it is destruction more powerful than the credit given for it. I wish to harness this power to be used for both. No one can attain perfection; no leader will be the best, yet even if that remains the case I have to try." Katan's soul rang out.

"Grace of god? Then the answer is no. No one is a god; no living being that could combat in a living breathing world can come close to a god. To seek redemption is a trait common in those with reasons to find hope and solace. To have faith in something, anything at its best can be a difficult road. I'm not a god, the more and more I see of this world I'm lead to believe mortals were made because powers of this magnitude only lead to what I'm doing now, floating at a green light unsure of a path. I'm no better than I was at fourteen if that's the case. Where's Usagi now when I need her now? Where the hell is my queen now?

"Indeed that is a question I cannot answer." Another voice rang out, this one belonging to Sailor Star Fighter. "As a light to a path of combat I have found that to be involved in every single battle becomes tiring. Indeed humans were created to be ones that would be unable to harm each other; however lines of deities still reside within human beings. That was why war could still exist. With our without Senshi powers killing will result no matter what you choose to do, if that remains the case why would either of you, those who fight for peace want to continue to lead in this battlefront?"

"Because I have no other choice, Setsuna gave me life. That is why I have to fight, so more death cannot and will not happen for the Dark Moon." Katan spoke simple words, as if they were the only facts in her life.

"I agree, I was given an answer in my life and I chose to accept that answer willingly. What type of human would I be if I didn't follow through totally and willingly?" Rei decided to toss back another question.

"Yumi and Vesta, please step forth." Sailor Star Healer ordered. "You have heard both sides of the argument, you know what must be done in this event. Both of you have been given ability, one that can only be used once and you were granted this choice freely. The choice to redeem your power and future rein within a planet. Please state your choice now."

Vesta looked to Yumi seeking approval before opening her mouth. "I am not a living being. I am Sailor Vesta and my power was that of Flame. I do not seek this powerful leader to die, not when she had allowed my freedom long ago. Being that of the Dead Moon, I embody that which has been lost before awakening from sleep. Sailor Mars, Hino Rei, I agree, power should not control you as that of a living being, you have proven to me in the allowance of your death that you will willing toss away your own life so that others can live on. I will use my ring and allow her life to go on in my steed and as a result pass on my role of the future to Yumi. Her past has shown me she can be a capable Senshi to protect Chibiusa and in the event the Light Moon becomes of power she will far surpass my abilities. Live freely Hino Rei, lead your people with the values that you learned being raised by a human, in the end I feel for that of the flame this is the right path."

"You will give your life in place of hers without regret?" Healer asked as the Ring on Sailor Vesta's finger glowed in response.

"I will willingly, Katan will bring only more death and Yumi should have life. I have learned the way of the Flame because of Rei. The Dark Moon will seek vengeance if their deity remains in power, Rei will not allow that when she takes the throne." Vesta explained before embracing Yumi. "My faith is in you; my weight I would have had to carry is now on your shoulders. Do not fail Yumi and do right by Chibiusa." As her body began to fade a new color of light gathered around Vesta. "Rei, I give you my power and a weapon I would have used in life, Katan has allowed you a weapon as well. Take these treasures with you along with your newly won status. Learn the meanings behind that dagger and you will have unlocked the meaning of your coin." A red crimson color, one of blood replaced the normal colors that would have ensued. Rei could feel her own body returning as the red lights started to fade and within it she felt renewed.

A power unlike what she had known before fully engulfed her body as the darkness drifted away and Rei stood on earth with Yumi by her side, Katan no place in sight. Her body was as she knew it to be before the battle had begun, except now donned at her hip were the tools to fully utilize her strength as a Senshi. A dagger at her hip and whip peace bound at her other side gave her the weapon of others within her deity. A staff where her coin took the shape of a flame, a heart of metal surrounding, similar to that of the one Setsuna carried. Her eyes widened when she finally realized the magnitude of her power, those around her bowed in respect.

"Rei, Welcome home, Queen of the Flame." Hotaru spoke quietly also bowing in respect.

"Don't peg me as some great being. I'm still Rei." She said smiling down at the smaller girl before donning a sad face. "Hotaru…. Is Katan…" Rei trailed off realizing her answer.

"Once the new world is formed she will either be reborn by her choice or she will remain dead, it is her choice now. Vesta gave her life willingly but she has the choice to be human when the time comes. That ring not only forfeits the owners' life, it forfeits their powers as well." Hotaru explained before looking to Yumi "you have your coin still, I was sure you'd be the one to use it, but I see Vesta saved you from such a choice. Don't let her down Yumi."

"I won't." Yumi smiled as she looked to the sky happily. One fight was won and very little was lost this time thankfully. She could only hope the next fight would end the same way. "Thank you Vesta. I won't let you down… and if you are out there I hope one day you seek mortality."

TBC!

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Well? How was that for a chapter 7? Come read and review. Let me know people are actually reading this thing now that I'm back in action.