I still own nothing except the plot. =(
(Ok, my updates might start getting slower in coming since I am going to be writing longer ones. At least that is the plan for now. If I feel a chapter is complete then I will make it shorter, but I don't see that happening for at least two more chapters. I am once again pulling some manga references and trying to blend them with the anime. It is proving to be more difficult than I had thought since I have already been using the PGSM stoory arc too. For those of you wondering about Kinmoku and Kakyuu-hime and Galaxia you will get to see them finally at the end here though they are NOT on Earth yet. A favorite character of mine has entered the picture and was the most difficult to integrade into the story as of yet. Mainly because the manga and anime stories were THAT different. I try to maintain the nature of the character though and I am happy with how it all turned out. I also bash dubbs but in reverse. Sorry if you like dubbs but the Sailor Moon dubb destroyed my opinion of them. I know they've gotten slightlyy better and even now that I am learning Japanese I find flaws in subtitles. The flaws in the subtitles are so few and change nothing of the story though. Thank you to everyone who reads, reviews, and subscribes. I can't believe the response to this story. It makes me feel great to see all those emails when I wake up. ^_^ Happy reading as always.)
Sometimes You Just Need to Believe Chapter 21
Seiya unlocked the apartment door and found Yaten watching a rerun of Sex and the City that had been poorly dubbed. She was of course lounged out on the couch in female form wearing a soft cotton nightgown that came to her knees. She had a soft fleece blanket thrown loosely over her legs and feet.
Barely looking up Yaten mumbled hello to her brother. Then she saw Usagi. "Wait a minute! What is she doing here?"
"Its complicated and adds another problem to our list," Seiya said. He kissed Usagi softly on her cheek and took her bag to their room. 'Our room,' thought Seiya. To wake up next to her every morning even if just a little while would be more wonderful than anything he could have ever dreamed.
"Yaten-chan, I'm staying here for a little while." Usagi plopped herself down on the couch alongside the Starlight after removing her stole a bit of the blanket for herself to cover her own feet. "Someone has convinced my family that they are me."
"How could they…" Yaten quickly thought and remembered how Usagi had tried to convince them that Chibi Chibi was her sister because her parents had believed it to be true. But to impersonate a princess? It just didn't make any sense. "Well at least I have someone to sip margaritas with while watching my favorite show."
Usagi giggled and pulled her knees up to her chest.
Seiya made his way back to the room and a disappointed look fell on his face. "Oh, Odango, not you too?"
Yaten and Usagi just looked over at Seiya and smiled.
"You could always make yourself useful by fixing up some margaritas," Yaten suggested.
"How do you guys buy alcohol anyway," Usagi asked.
"I told you before, Odango. We have somebody who does our shopping for us." Seiya grinned and gave his girlfriend a wink.
Taiki sat in his room. He had dialed Setsuna's cell phone. 'Come on, pick up.'
"Hello?"
"Setsuna-san, thank heavens."
Taiki-kun, What is it? I was getting some of the details from the meeting from Hotaru-chan."
"So you're there. That's why she was so happy to go with Mamoru-san."
"Yes, Mamoru-san is aware of what happened and he and Endymion-sama are of one mind to protect this world and Usagi-chan."
"Good, so I may speak freely with him."
"Yes."
"Setsuna-san," Taiki said tearing up. "She's got Ami-chan."
"Hotaru-chan said that Ami-chan was not herself and seemed to beg from within for Hotaru to stay away from her."
"She's having Minako-chan over to her house tomorrow."
"I think you should contact Kakyuu-hime and ask her to come as soon as possible."
"I couldn't agree more. One more thing, I overheard Seiya coming home. He has Usagi-chan with him."
"What?"
"Usagi said someone had convinced her family that they are her."
"Serenity-hime is driving Usagi-chan away from her safety nets. I had hoped she'd have no interest in her once she was free."
"It would appear that Usagi-chan still has something Serenity-hime wants after all."
"Keep in touch."
"You too."
"So, Mercury, Venus is coming by tomorrow then?" Serenity looked down at Mercury.
"Yes, your highness," Mercury said keeping her eyes low as she curtsied.
"Good work. With Venus back I should be able to regain access to my sword. Then we will round up my other senshi. If we can break down the barriers between this world and my dear Endymion's Elysion, he will join me in rebuilding it and rule as we should have before."
"May I speak freely, Serenity-hime?"
"I suppose so. You have completed one of the tasks I asked of you." Serenity smiled as though she were granting Mercury an elusive privilege.
"Have you thought about building a new kingdom here with the prince?"
"He would not admit it but I know he wants to see Elysion restored to it's former glory. I see no reason to bother building something here. This world is just an illusion hiding Elysion. Get some rest. Tomorrow we move forward. I wish to draw the senshi to my side. And I know just how to do it." Serenity smiled and laid herself down onto the bed.
Mercury laid a bedroll on the floor and allowed herself to sleep. As she willed sleep to come Ami's nightmares haunted her. Something within Mercury was feeling uneasy as well. She was trying to remember something…Something her mind did not want to see. 'Whenever Serenity-hime is this focused on the prince bad things happen. It was a forbidden love to begin with. Please Sailor Moon, end her cycle of destruction. Well, Mizunu-san, it would appear that we are of one mind.' They could not disobey a direct order from the princess, but they could fight her in other ways. Mercury and Ami prayed as one for Sailor Moon to set them free. 'Sailor Moon would never hurt Serenity-hime so it must be ok to ask this,' Mercury told herself. She had little doubt that it was true, but she feared Serenity's wrath if she ever found out.
Luna curled up in Serenity's arms. She knew this was not Usagi. She and Artemis had not been bound to the princess as the senshi were. She was bound to Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon alone. Artemis was bound to Sailor Venus. This would pose as a problem. For now, Luna would gather information and try to relay it to Usagi whenever possible. For now it seemed that none of the senshi could be confided in. Not if they were going to be under Serenity's control. No, she could only speak directly with Usagi. Maybe if she could sneak away early enough she could find Rei before it was too late. 'I think the girls are wrong to doubt Setsuna-san.' Something terrible had happened and Luna knew deep down that Setsuna was working hard to stop it from getting worse. The outer senshi held many secrets and most of them were better left that way.
The priest was deep in thought. A great rift in the consciousness of his prince had occurred. The two shrine maidens had felt it too. They were outside inspecting the grounds of this forgotten kingdom. He was deep into a meditation at the heart of the main shrine. In his concentration the white-haired man saw a vision. He opened his amber eyes and rose to his feet. He took no time to think. Instead, he rushed outside and saw his dear friend waiting. The Pegasus whinnied and allowed the man to climb onto his back. This was a rare time for the priest. He was leaving Elysion. A dream from beyond his understanding that had been long foretold was going to be fulfilled. It was heading straight for Earth. Once he had found his Maenads and let them know he would be leaving for a while a bright golden flash of light took him across the threshold between Elysion and the modern world. He flew across the night sky to his prince's apartment. It was true he had only been there one time, but he would never forget the way. He only hoped that his strength was great enough to keep him here in physical form. He had only stayed a short while when his Maiden was around.
Hotaru and Setsuna had finished talking about the senshi meeting from earlier when they heard a strange sound on the balcony.
"That sounds like hooves, Setsuna-mama." Hotaru's eyes grew wide.
"I thought I heard them too." Setsuna went to the sliding glass door leading to the balcony and found a boy only a few years older than Hotaru, in appearance anyway. He knocked tenderly on the door looking at Setsuna with hope in his eyes. He had a golden horn protruding from under white locks of hair. He wore clothes from another time. Suddenly it dawned on Setsuna who was standing there before her. "Helios," she managed to whisper.
Once recognized, Helios waved to his mystical companion. As the Pegasus disappeared Setsuna opened the door.
Hotaru's eyes fell to Helios and she could not stop the blush from rising to her cheeks. Setsuna noticed and her heart sunk. Later on she would have to tell Hotaru who Heilos' heart belonged to. Hotaru had just been a baby still when they had helped Helios save Elysion and the Golden Crystal from Nehellania. Helios had not been involved in the second confrontation.
Once Helios was inside he bowed to one knee at Setsuna's feet. "Sailor Pluto, I have a matter that needs Endymion-sama's immediate attention."
"Helios, you should know by now that these formalities are not necessary." Setsuna smiled at him warmly.
'Helios…So that's his name,' Hotaru thought. Without thinking she straightened out her skirt and cast her eyes down.
Helios stood and smiled. He had only just noticed the young girl with the dark eyes and hair. 'Is she blushing?' "Sailor Pluto, is it alright to speak freely with this girl present?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Helios. How very rude of me," Setsuna said. "Helios, this is Sailor Saturn."
"Pleased to meet you," Helios nodded to Hotaru.
"You can call me Hotaru if you want." The redness in her cheeks grew even brighter.
Helios felt a connection to Hotaru. He felt love for his beautiful Maiden flowing from her. 'I would wait lifetimes just for one more moment with you, my Maiden.' Helios felt his own cheeks redden as thoughts of Chibi-Usa filled his mind. Helios took in a deep breath and looked at Setsuna with a gleam in his eyes that meant serious business. "Pluto, the Dream of Dreams is coming."
"Dream of Dreams," Hotaru questioned. 'He looks like a dream…The perfect dream prince for any girl. Was he blushing at me just now?'
"Helios I've never heard of such a thing," Setsuna said.
"It is an old story passed on between the clergy of Elysion," Helios stated. Until I felt it move I wasn't even sure if it was real or not."
"So is this a good thing or a bad thing?" Hotaru relaxed somewhat.
"The Dream of Dreams is the oldest known dream. It belongs to an ancient being. No one really knows who this being is or if it is male or female." Helios' eyes glowed.
"What exactly is this dream, Helios? It must be pretty important to make you leave Elysion." Setsuna's eyes were trembling.
"Isn't Elysion the Name of Endymion-sama's kingdom?" Hotaru still had her eyes downcast, though she was sneaking peeks at Helios. Her heart was fluttering and she felt as if it might just burst out of her chest.
"Yes, Hotaru," Helios answered.
'His voice…I could listen to it for hours on end.' Hotaru could no longer resist looking at him.
"The dream is to bestow an ancient and unfathomable power to the one person in the universe born worthy. Apparently this person was born here on Earth." Helios' eyes were fixed on Setsuna still.
"Serenity," Setsuna gasped.
"I'm not certain, though the wielder of the Silver Crystal is a likely candidate." Helios tried to ignore the looks he was getting from Hotaru. She was a beautiful girl, but she was not his Maiden. "How is Usagi-san? I have seen disturbing dreams from both her and Mamoru-san. Nothing is endangering my Maiden is there, Pluto? Please tell me she is safe!" Helios looked as though he may cry.
"I assure you nothing in the timeline is having ill-effects on Small Lady." Setsuna's heart sank when she saw the look on Hotaru's face. 'Its for the best. Small Lady and Helios are destined. I'm sorry, Hotaru-chan.'
"When will Mamoru-san be home?" Helios looked at Setsuna with relief.
"He will return in the morning," Hotaru said. She turned to Setsuna. "Setsuna-mama, I think I'll take my bath and go to bed now." Her voice cracked as she held back her tears. "It was nice meeting you, Priest Heilos. I'm sure Chibi-Usa-chan can't wait to see you again." Hotaru turned and went to the bathroom.
Helios watched her walk away with a heavy heart. He knew of Sailor Saturn. Though he had never met her in person, he knew she lived a lonely and painful existence. The senshi of destruction rarely lived long enough to find love, let alone hold onto it. It seemed she missed his Maiden almost as much as he did. 'I will be with you again one day, my love. I promised I would.'
"Helios, much has happened and you deserve an explanation," Setsuna said. "Why don't I put some tea on and I'll get you up to speed."
Seiya scrambled to clean his room. He didn't want Usagi to see the laundry piled up. Luckily the few times she had seen his room the maid had left just hours before. He could hear Usagi and Yaten laughing. True he had made the margaritas a bit strong, but man they tasted good. He had been sipping his own as he cleaned. He had also lit some of his favorite incense. It was a musky scent that reminded him of home. He began to set candles about the room too. He would give Usagi a candle lit welcome. The incense was musky and smelled like the castle on Kinmoku. The only scent that could drown it out was that of Kakyuu-hime's floral perfume. 'Someday, Odango, I want you to see it. I want you to know my world.'
Seiya's thoughts were interrupted by a timid knock at the door. Usagi slid the door open and smiled. "I needed to grab a few things to take my bath. Yaten said I could use her lavender/vanilla bath oil and goat's milk shampoo. I never knew she had a spa quality arsenal in the bathroom."
"She is pretty spoiled." Seiya laughed. "She'll probably want to take you shopping like some kind of personal stylist."
"Is there something wrong with the way that I dress?"
"No, Odango, but Yaten can't go out in public here as herself. She'd be living vicariously through you."
"But Seiya-chan I don't have any…"
"Don't worry about it. As long as you don't go crazy I think we can cover it. Since we came back we've sold even more albums. Its like everyone who hadn't listened to our stuff before suddenly found it and had to get their hands on it. We're putting together the new album. And don't you dare tell the others, but I got a call about a movie deal. They want us to be in some kind of fantasy movie fighting dragons or whatever. We'd have to film in Ireland, England, and then in New Zealand."
"Oh." Usagi cast her eyes down.
"Don't look so sad. I couldn't go without you." Seiya winked at Usagi and flashed her his signature grin.
"You know, one of these days that might not work on me."
"Then I'll just have to save some of my better charms for later." Seiya leaned down and kissed Usagi.
"So Serenity-hime is free and Endymion-sama refuses to be a part of her plans," Helios said with a sigh.
"That would be the general idea."
"Pluto, I'm worried. If the Dream of Dreams is bestowed to the wrong person…Well, it would mean certain disaster on a scale the likes of which we've never seen."
"I know. I need to go and tuck Hotaru-chan into bed. She came out of the bath a moment ago. Will you be alright here?"
"I think so. I should rest up myself. As long as the barrier exists I cannot push myself in a physical body here."
"Then I'll say goodnight." Setsuna turned off the lights and headed for the bedroom. She paused before opening the door. "Helios, I'll make sure she understands how important Chibi-Usa-chan is to you. Hotaru-chan is her best friend. She'll understand."
"Thank you. I was worried I'd have to let her down. I'm not used to interacting with other people in general. I imagine hurting one's feelings would be even harder for me."
Usagi entered the bedroom with her hair down flowing around her pajamas. Something smelled wonderful and there were candles everywhere. Seiya was laying down on the bed wearing black sil boxers that had checkerboard stripes in dark red on them. His hair was down and he smiled up at Usagi as he patted the bed next to him.
Usagi was embarrassed not by the gesture, but by her awkward childish appearance. Maybe Yaten would help her to find some more sophisticated sleepwear.
Seiya did not seem to mind Usagi's crescent moon covered blue pajamas. They only played to her innocence. He tapped the bed next to him once more. Usagi sat down and allowed Seiya to lean into her. Her lips were met with a kiss that left her gasping for air.
Soon Usagi felt Seiya's hand running through her hair and she could not help but return the gesture. Seiya let out a soft moan. "Odango, there is just something about feeling your fingers running through my hair." Seiya slipped a hand under Usagi's nightshirt.
Usagi trembledat the sensations Seiya's wandering hand made her feel. Gently he explored her body. His kisses grew deeper and Usagi parted her lips to allow his tongue to intertwine with her own. He was merely toying with her stomach, tracing the outline of her curves and yet Usagi was melting under his touch. Soon he lowered his kisses to her neck and his hand moved upwards to explore the curve of her breasts. Usagi let out a moan of pleasure. That was the only cue he needed. Seiya gently unbuttoned her nightshirt.
They made passionate love that night. Usagi had been right. Staying with Seiya was the best thing she could think of. When their bodies finally separated, Usagi offered to get them each a glass of water. While she was gone Seiya blew out the candles. The two barely touched the water and fell asleep cradled in each other's arms.
Taiki sat at the desk in his room. He set his laptop computer aside and pulled out a page of stationary. He had to will the letter to Kakyuu-hime immediately when he was done writing it.
Deaarest Kakyuu-hime,
I am afraid that situations here are growing to levels your loyal starlights might now be able to handle. Sailor Pluto has allowed me to see our true past. We have reason to believe that serenity-hime has separated herself from Usagi-chan's body. There has so far been no need for Sailor Moon and I have my own doubts as to if she even exists anymore.
We need your help if we are to protect anything. Serenity-hime has already reclaimed Sailor Mercury and we believe she is moving in on Sailor Venus next. We need your healing abilities in case Sailor Moon truly is gone. Please come and aid us. Maybe you can help the senshi here to escape their fate. Sailor Pluto fears a repeat of the past and I do not have any doubt of it. The majority of the senshi do not know Pluto's plans and have made an outcast of her for her secretiveness. I can only conclude she keeps it a secret so that if they are brought under Serenity-hime's control she will not be able to know her plans and try to stop her.
Your devoted Starlight,
Maker
As Taiki thought of the importance of the letter reaching Kakyuu safely he saw it disappear before his eyes. 'Please get to her fast.'
On Kinmoku, Galaxia was waking up from a well-deserved night's sleep. 'These new senshi are something else. Their energy is off the charts and they have enthusiasm to match. The starlights made good choices.'
Galaxia stretched and yawned greeting the day. When she got out of bed she noticed a letter addressed to the princess. 'I guess I'll be meeting her for breakfast after all.' Nearly every day since her arrival Kakyuu had invited her to dine with her and nearly every day Galaxia had refused. She tried to convince herself that it was better to eat early and train Sailor Stars Blade, Fury, and Tranquility, but in reality she knew the truth. Galaxia was not ready to accept the kindness and forgiveness Kakyuu gave her. 'I killed her. I destroyed her home. I slaughtered her people. I did this in hundreds upon hundreds of solar systems. Why shouldn't I feel guilty accepting her kindness.?'
Galaxia dressed herself in a simple white gown. She had made it a habit to dress as humbly as she possibly could. Of course, her senshi uniform was still the golden gaudy ensemble. She could not change that. She just hated wearing it because of all the memories it came with. Once dressed and finished washing her hair, Galaxia washed herface and brushed her teeth. 'I sure am dragging my feet today.' Galaxia giggled at herself. 'No time like the present.'
Galaxia found the princess already seated in the dining hall. An extra setting had been laid out probably in the hopes that Galaxia would be there.
"Are you going to sit with me or not?" Kakyuu smiled at Galaxia.
Galaxia took the hint and sat down beside Kakyuu. Soon breakfast was presented. The pastries filled with seasonal fruits gave off an intoxicating scent.
"Galaxia, I know why you've been avoiding me."
"Your highness I…"
"Please call me Kakyuu. You are the defender of our galaxy and I am the defender of my solar system."
"But what about…"
"What Chaos did? That was never you. I can accept that, why can't you?"
"I saw what I was doing. I was powerless to stop it. I prayed for death in the hopes that Chaos would go with me."
"And now you can rest easy knowing that you are free again to defend as you once did." Kakyuu smiled kindly at Galaxia. "I'm glad that you've decided to finally keep me company. My new senshi are still too timid to be open and friendly with me. I suppose that will come with time. I grew up with Fighter, Maker, and Healer. They're more like family than anything else to me."
Galaxia smiled. It was a rare thing. 'Kakyuu-hime really has no anger in her heart for me.' "I'm so relieved. I had never hoped for this much understanding. I was just happy to be entrusted to train your senshi. Speaking of your senshi, this letter arrived for you today. It was on my bedside table when I woke up this morning." Galaxia handed Kakyuu the letter. Her eyes watched with anticipation. 'Is the alliance done?'
"Galaxia, this is terrible news." Kakyuu looked as if she may cry.
"What's the matter? Did they say no?" 'No, they wouldn't say no…Not after everything they'd been through together.'
"I'm afraid this is far worse than that."
Galaxia's eyes grew fearful.
"Do you remember the Silver Millenium and Serenity-hime, Galaxia?"
"I only have scrambled fragments."
"I see. They changed even your memories." Kakyuu appeared deep in thought. "I need you to cancel the lessons for today and hear what really happened. After I am done I will be journeying to Earth leaving Kinmoku in the care of you and my new senshi. They need my help there.
'What could this possibly mean?' "Anything to help."
"Thank you. Right now do you know what would really help?"
"What is that?"
Right now I want you to enjoy your food." Kakyuu smiled and set to eating her breakfast.
(Ok, so I am taking quite a few liberties with Helios. It is difficult to combine the manga Helios with the anime Halios. In the manga he does ride on the back of Pegasus and he has been to Mamoru's house. With Galaxia I am trying to portray someone who knows everything they did while not in control of their own body. Psychologically she's probably a nightmare, but she made a big step in the right direction talking with Kakyuu. ^_^ The Sex and the City margarita thing is kind of a tribute to one of my best friends. We used to be roommates and every Wednesday night we'd pull out the blender and mix up some killer margaritas and watch Sex and the City on HBO. It was our girly thing. No guys allowed. I wanted to give Yaten an excuse to become better friends with Usagi and the idea to have them bond the way Jill and I did was too enticing. She does not watch SM and does not read fanfiction so I'll have to tell her I did this. I hope you all enjoyed. Remember, the chapters will not be short for at least the next two so they may take longer to update. Have faith...there will be action coming up soon. Again, thank you all for the support! You keep me inspired!)