Destiny's Hold: Season 6…the lost season


© 2003-2008 By Stacey Painter (Serena CrystalMoon)

Disclaimer: Sadly enough, I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the other characters; I just manipulate them...

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Chapter 13: Freed

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"Oh dear." Queen Serenity muttered, looking at her daughter. "If you're here then I have some major explaining to do." She told Usagi from her throne in the ballroom, empty save for them. She looked up through the skylight in the ceiling, contemplating her next words. "You've beaten Galaxia and by your appearance," she said looking at Usagi's taller frame, shining crystal blue eyes and metallic silver hair pooling on the floor around her feet. "it'd say you've tapped into your power quite a bit." She finished with a smirk.

"Mother?" Usagi asked confused, "why am I here? We're on the Moon right?" she continued, her vision following her mother's to the large blue orb in the sky. "My appearance, what?" she asked, realizing what her mother had said. Looking down, Usagi saw a pool of shiny silver hair lying at her feet. Grabbing hold of one of her pony-tails she held the hair out, her eyes bugging at her silver hair. "WHAT'S GOING ON!?" She half-whined half-screamed.

"Yes we're on the Moon pumpkin and I'll bet you want to know why you're here-" The Queen was telling her daughter what she was cut off.

"And why my hair is silver!"

"And that." Queen Serenity chuckled. "It's a long story, have a seat." She told her daughter, gesturing to the empty throne next to her and waiting while Usagi sat down before continuing. "During the Silver Millennium, many many years ago, I made a decision. In an attempt to keep the peace in our Solar System I had my darling infant, you, betrothed to the young Earth Prince. Knowing that the combined powers of the Earth and Moon could forever guarantee our way of life I figured that was the right place for you. It would put you and your potential powers, plus the powers of the ginzuishou, in league with the powers of the Earth in a suitable place to rule the Solar System. Growing up, you didn't know Endymion, and became close to your royal court. By the time you met him you were good friends with all of the Sailor Senshi and no matter how many balls and parties I threw, no matter how much time I had the two of you spend together, you never got close to Endymion. By the time you reached your teenage years, war had broke out in our Solar System and through training with the Senshi you grew steadily closer to Mars, you closest friend and sparing partner. You were set to marry the night of your sixteenth birthday and I had so hoped you two would have become friends by then, but you were always with Mars. Knowing you weren't interested in your marriage, I went to see Pluto in the Time Gates to inquire about your future, hoping you and he would become friends in time, even if after the wedding. 'There is no one future, no one unchangeable destiny…' she told me as she was looking through the Time Gate to the future. When done, she looked to me. 'This is not guaranteed. Each small decision we make effects our lives and our futures. She has many decisions to make before this will come to pass and many she can make that will change it all together. From her choices up until now I see Serenity on a path to love and light but the outcome is covered in shadows. She has much to overcome before she will get to her utopia. For the future I see for Serenity is not one with Endymion. Unless changes are made she will fall in love with the Princess of Mars, breaking her betrothal to the Earth Prince and your plans to merge the powers of Earth and Moon.'" Queen Serenity related Pluto's prophecy to her daughter, hearing her gasp at the revelation.

"I was so furious," she continued. "that the peace of the universe and your betrothal were in jeopardy that I left the Time Gates to talk to you, to reason with you. I opened your bedroom door to find you and Mars getting ready for your ball, your sweet-sixteen ball. You were in each others arms kissing. I was shocked…then enraged as I started to yell at you. We argued for quite some time before I stormed out, telling you that you were to be Endymion's date that night as at the end of the ball you to would be wed. Before the end of the night, the war came to the Moon. Our kingdom was over-thrown and I used the ginzuishou to transport all of you to the future on Earth, then the last of my powers to transport to the time gates. I talked with Pluto and together we created a plan. Your love for Mars jeopardized your own life and put not only her life but the lives of others in danger during the battle. Had you cared for Endymion and connected with him at all you would have fought together against the evil instead of apart, making the both of you vulnerable. We erased your memories, placing false ones in-front to show the past and the battle differently. We made sure you were all born with differences in your personalities and your futures wiped clean. Pluto linked your soul to Mamoru's and used her powers to make the bond unbreakable, ensuring the future utopia you two were to make. We created your destiny as we believed it should be, and because of this you are the only person to have a destiny. Others have futures…but theirs are un-set and changeable. Yours is not, or, was not. When forging your destiny and binding it to you, we put a block on all negativity from the System from attacking the Earth until the lock we set on your powers was opened at age twenty-five. It was risky, using the powers of the universe to do this and not my own. We did it so we could guarantee a peaceful time between age eighteen and twenty-five for you to fall in love and marry Mamoru. It was meant to let you connect to him without battles in the way to ready you for the utopia you would create when your powers were released. When un-locked, your complete power would spread through the universe, destroying any evil there-in. After doing all of this Pluto hid her own memories but stayed in the Time Gates and was never re-born on Earth." The Queen stopped, looking at her daughter. "Usagi dear, I know this must be horrible for you. I fuddled with your life even though it was not my place and I'm sorry.

"I understand why you did it, but I'm not happy about it. Knowing all of this, I feel as if I've never made a decision on my own." The Silver haired girl told her mom quietly.

"I know dear and hopefully I can make it up to you…in time." Queen Serenity answered before finishing her story. "This new enemy is not from our Solar System, it's from another dimension. That is why our block didn't stop it from attacking. It's appearance in this dimension has disrupted and broken our time-line. Certain memories from the past, that were hidden by it are now coming free, they'll be bubbling up soon."

Usagi's eyes were wide open. "Does this mean the destiny you set for me has broken too?"

"No, your soul is bound to Mamoru's, and that was not disrupted by the timeline being broken. Your destiny's hold has slipped but will not be broken. I did what I felt I had to do. And you being here now, warrants your need to know all of this. Your were sent here by your powers to receive that knowledge and this." She said as she handed her daughter a beautiful tiara made of diamonds with a moon-stone in the middle. "This was going to be your present when you and Mamoru both reached your full powers and ascended the throne of Crystal Tokyo. It's called the Moon's Tear and holds much power. As the future's timeline is unknown and you have come into your full power, it is yours. As is the universe, Neo-Queen Serenity, ruler of the Solar System."

Tears flowed from Usagi's crystal blue eyes as she stood before her mother, the tiara on her head embracing and adding to her inner power. "What of Mamoru?"

"He is your future King but is not your consort at this time. He must reach his full power before he can rule along side you. Go now, protect your System and your loved ones." The Queen said, hugging her daughter before Usagi faded from the Moon.

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Rei found herself once again standing within a large elegant ballroom. Looking down at herself, she was in the same elegant ball gown as before. It's fiery red silk felt so light over her skin, the diamonds on the bodice sparkling brilliantly in the light amid it's rubies and pearls. It still took her breath away. Lifting her silk-gloved hands to her face, knowing there would be a mask there. Yep. A man of dark blue eyes and jet black hair walked up to her his upper-face hidden behind a mask, taking her hand he kissed the silk glove adorning it, his hair shining blue. Funny she couldn't remember that in her last vision. The masked man addressed her just like before. "Ah, Milady you're looking quite ravishing this morrow, yet where is your most exquisite asset, your lady love? Ah! There she is." The man exclaimed gesturing behind her. Turning in the direction of which her companion was facing she felt herself smile as her masked lover came closer, decked out in a dress resembling her own, the woman wore a dress of black silk and diamonds. The dress was magnificently elegant and showed off the woman's curves. Lifting her black-gloved hand, the masked woman before her took Rei's hand within her own, entwining their fingers. Rei's eyes moved slowly up the woman, making their way to her face, curious anxiety filling her. This time the vision didn't fade.

"Would you do me the honor of sharing this dance with me?" the woman's voice asked.

It was Usagi's voice. But Usagi doesn't have black hair. She thought as she felt herself reply, "It would be my pleasure." She left the mans side to join her lover. Mars looked back at the man and excused herself. Realizing where she knew him from, Rei was amazed. He was Sapphire, Endymion's younger brother. She was friends with hi wife, Prisma. They were evil in her time, but they'd reformed and were living together in an apartment in Tokyo. Why hadn't she remembered them from the past? Mars turned toward her love to begin their dance and Rei found herelf looking into the face of Usagi. There was no doubt in her mind, it's was Usagi's face, Usagi's eyes. But why would Serenity look so different? Why would she dance with me? Suddenly she remembered….

"We can't."

" Can't what?" Mars asked her princess, feeling awkward since the Queen had just left in a rage.

"Elope. If we left tonight like we planned and came back married it would endanger too much. I'm supposed to wed Endymion is just a few hours and Mother says the peace of the Solar System depends on us. Me and Him. If I marry you…it will wreck any hope of a happy or peaceful future." Serenity answered sadly.

"I know." Mars told Serenity softly. "We can go to the ball as planned, dance together and hope for the best."

"I want you!" Serenity cried as she flung her arms around the woman she loved. "What if we just change our plan?"

"How? Your mother knows…she'll never condone it."

Holding up a small silver ring with symbols drawn on it she looked into Mars's violet eyes. "Maybe she won't have to."

"What's plan B?" Mars asked.

"I use this," Serenity showed the Luna Ring, "to disguise myself like we've done before." She says, slipping the ring on and picturing the image of her black-haired alter-ego. "We dance together while Serenity ditches Endymion to run to the restroom or look for someone. I can go back and forth, playing both parts. I'll marry Mamoru, and continue to see you. He may be by 'husband' but either way, you'll have my heart."

"A planned affair before the wedding. What happens if your mother finds out?"

"She wont."

'I can't believe it, Serenity loved Mars…" Rei thought in amazement as she came back to her dance with Serenity. "I love you." She heard herself whisper to her dance partner. Getting lost in the dance with her Princess, Mars never noticed how much time had passed. Rei, in complete happiness, was just as lost in the dance. Three songs later, a shape moving in the corner of her vision made her look to the side. Endymion was there, dressed like Tuxedo Kamen, with-out the top-hat, looking for someone. Serenity. "Endymion's looking for Serenity." She heard herself tell the woman in her arms.

With a kiss, Mars stopped the dance and watched Serenity reluctantly leave her side, heading toward the restroom to de-activate the Luna Ring and find Endymion.

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Ami came-to, hearing music and feeling shock as her vision cleared and she found herself staring at Zoicite, a thin blue mask over his eyes. I'm not just looking at him I'm dancing with him. She thought to herself then suddenly didn't know why that would be so strange. I'm betrothed to him, of course I'm dancing with him. Glancing down, she found herself in an ice-blue gown made of silk; the bodice sparkling with aquamarine, diamonds and pearls. It seemed they were dancing in a large room at a masquerade ball, other couples twirling around them. Strange. She thought. I feel strange…why? I remember this, It's Serenity's sixteenth birthday…but that's not strange… Looking around, she spotted Jupiter dancing with Nephrite, her heart suddenly beating fast as jealousy filled her. Strange, that's why this is strange I'm not happy. I want to be dancing with Jupiter… I loved her. I was with Jupiter? Why didn't I remember that? I remember now, we agreed to stop seeing each other for the good of the Kingdom. She thought sadly as she looked up at Zoicite, realizing her heart was broken.

Makoto glanced up from dancing with Nephrite, surprised that she'd been dancing with a man, as she remembered the blue ice-frame with Saturn's picture in it. Suddenly she remembered the other pictures she used to keep in it. But none of those crushes were love. She only loved one person and no matter how many crushes she embraced none could compare to her or make her forget their love. Looking around the room, her eyes landing on Mercury's. She's looking at me. She thought, both happy and sad. She remembered their last date, they'd skipped senshi training a year ago to go out on a date, she'd finally talked Mercury into doing something spontaneous. Their parents were friends and found them together, cuddling and doing art projects in a random room of the castle. Furious that she'd skipped training, Jupiter's parents had grounded her and banned her from continuing to date Mercury. Mercury's parents, though more lenient about the relationship, had been furious that she'd done something so spontaneous, and had frowned upon it for the simple fact that people would look upon her actions a certain way. she was supposed to attend training and act respectable, she was a princess after all. They'd been apart for a year but still, her love for the blue haired senshi was strong. Jupiter locked gazes with Mercury while she danced, her heart pounding. Thudding in her chest harder and harder, as Zoicite moved his handd up from Mercury's waist to tilt her chin up. The thudding drowned out all sound from the ball and rose to a crescendo as he lowered his head to kiss her, her woman. Her love. My love. Makoto thought. Ami is my love. He can't have her. She thought along with her past self. Pain filled Jupiter's eyes, she knew it, she couldn't hide it. Growling low in her throat, Jupiter watched Mercury's eyes widen in surprise. Stepping away from Nephrite, she marched over to where Mercury was pushing Zoicite away from her. Striding up to them, Jupiter looked at Zoicite. "I just need to borrow her for a minute or two. Girl talk." She told him as she dragged the blue haired angel away from a party and into an empty room, closing and locking the door behind her.

"Jupiter, what are you-" Mercury was silenced by the brunettes lips on her own.

"I love you." Jupiter told her after they pulled apart. "I don't want anyone else but you."

"But we're Serenity's guards. We're betrothed to Endymion's court. It'll make us stronger to protect Serenity and Endymion , we'll be connected to his court. It's our destiny."

"Fuck destiny. I want you." Jupiter said, giving the girl another kiss.

"I love you too." Mercury murmured against Jupiter's lips.

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"Come on Plu, it's Princess Serenity's 16th birthday. She'll be marrying Endymion tonight, you can't miss it." Haruka saw herself standing in the time gates with Neptune, their fingers entwined.

"I belong here." Pluto told them.

"You belong with us." You're a princess and as such, a member of the royal court. Come with us." Neptune told her friend.

"Fine, just for a bit." Pluto conceded, letting Uranus lead them from the time gates and appeared on the terrace outside the ballroom in the Moon Palace.

"You got her to come!" Uranus heard the Princess Venus's voice, turning her head to see the golden haired girl.

"Yes we did, it wouldn't be right if she hadn't come." Uranus answer her friend.

"How right you are. I'll stay here with her, why don't you go dance with Neptune." The golden-haired princess said, flicking her eyes to the beautiful girl holding Uranus's hand.

With an inner joy Haruka remembered walking into the ballroom with her love, spinning her around and enjoying their dance.

Michiru found herself in a teal colored silk gown, her arms around her love as they swayed to lovely music inside a ballroom of other couples. Seeing her love dressed in a beautiful tan colored silk dress was amazing, Haruka in a dress… that's unusual. Her Haruka never wore dresses… Then she looked around. I remember this. She thought in amazement. This is the Moon Kingdom. The party that ended in ruin. Michiru thought as she took in everything around her. Hmm, well maybe I could get Ruka to dress up for me one day… Her thought drifted off as her eyes landed on Venus and Pluto dancing together just inside the doors to the terrace. Funny, I don't remember that…

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Minako opened her eyes to find herself in a golden silk dress covered in topaz and diamonds. She was dancing with Pluto, their bodies pressed together as they looked into each others eyes. "I'm glad Uranus and Neptune got you to come. This isn't a mistake." Minako heard herself say as she looked up and saw the hesitation in Pluto's eyes. "We didn't plan for this to happen but that doesn't mean it shouldn't." Surprised at what this seemed like, Minako couldn't believe that her past self had apparently been in love with Pluto. How does that even work? We're so different and I was betrothed to Kunzite.

Setsuna saw Venus in her arms, remembered the feel of the golden-angel's body against her own. Feelings of love rushed through her at the memory. Guilt followed quickly after, as she remembered her answer. "It is against destiny. "Your future and the future of all of us would be at stake." She told Venus, making it seem that they couldn't change their own futures and their destiny was set.

"You're wrong. I know you are. That's only one possibility, there are others. I don't want Kunzite, I want you." Setsuna remembered Venus's words before the golden-haired princess had kissed her, tears in her eyes.

The initial shock had worn off and letting go, Pluto kissed Venus, not letter her pull away. Damn, the future. I want you. Setsuna remembered thinking as she kissed Venus like it was the last time they'd ever see each other.

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Hotaru found herself in a deep purple silk gown, a matching mask across her face as she looked into the sparkling eyes of her love. Cooan, her girlfriend, was the beautiful purple haired sister-in-law of Endymion and Sapphire. Her hair-style, a different take on the royal odango's, was half up in two triangle shaped buns, giving the appearance of cat ears. It was an endearing look, and the reason for Saturn's pet name for her. Catsy.

Catsy was her shining star, she was an amazing woman and had made Saturn's life better just by knowing her. It was a time when she had actually been happy, when being the Senshi of Death and Destruction hadn't meant that she had to withdraw from life and hide her true nature. She was happy and strong and in complete control and understanding of her powers. Catsy was so beautiful that night, not that she hadn't been every other night…

Hotaru now stood, as Sailor Saturn, a thousand years in the past. Remembering her life as it had been, remembering the last night she'd had with Catsy. Together they stood, couples twirling around them as soft music played She'd been so happy that she'd found love, that her friends had found love too… Hotaru looked out at the other couples as her past self danced around the room. Serenity and Mars… she thought, seeing them dancing together and using her powers to see right through Serenity's disguise. Jupiter and Mercury…, she ticked off another couple as she saw them sneak out of the empty room and back into the ballroom, hand in hand. Uranus and Neptune, she acknowledged with a mental smirk as she watched them dancing, together as always. Venus and Pluto, she considered the pairing in surprise as she spied them near the terrace, dancing together and kissing. Wow. I didn't remember this… she thought as she felt her past self's happiness that they'd all found love.

But the memory didn't stay joyful for long, moments later the explosions began…the war had come to the moon.

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(to be continued)
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Authors Note: Thank you to anyone who read the last chapter and a big thank you to anyone who reviewed!!!! Hope you all liked this chapter, I know it's a lot of information at once…

(*****Ayakashi Cooan is the Japanese name for one of the Dark Moon Enemies in Sailor Moon R. She was known as Catsy in English and had big purple hair. Her and her sisters, Avery, Birdie and Prisma, worked for Rubeus*****)

(10-28-2008)

~Serena CrystalMoon aka Stacey Painter