Thorny Roses

Chapter 28

Sailor Moon pulled Chibiusa closer to her while Tuxedo Mask placed them behind him. The Senshi and Shitennou formed a barrier around them, glaring at the Prince of the Black Moon Clan.

The Ayakashi Sisters and Rubeus were frozen on the side, anxious as to what Diamond might do. Any sudden movements or words might provoke him into attacking, much like a wild animal.

"Diamond, brother," Sapphire began. "Please listen—"

"Silence!" Diamond yelled. "I will not listen to the words of some traitor, nor the words of some whore," he seethed, glaring pointedly at Emerald.

"…some…whore?" Emerald whispered, pain heavy in her words.

"Listen, Diamond!" Rubeus interjected. "Wiseman betrayed you, he betrayed all of us! Sailor Moon and the Senshi and Shitennou were only helping us!"

"I don't care about that nonsense! But Wiseman had it right," Diamond sneered. "I should just kill all of you and take the Silver Crystal."

The Senshi and Shitennou stiffened.

"You and what army?" Sailor Mars yelled angrily. "It's only you against all of us!"

"We'll have you on your back within seconds!" Sailor Jupiter threatened.

"We'll see about that!" Diamond retorted, beginning to charge his dark energy attack. Just as he launched it straight at the Senshi and Shitennou, Emerald jumped in front of them, blocking the attack and absorbing it.

She screamed as she fell to the ground. Diamond was shocked that she would have done such a thing.

"Emerald!" Sapphire shouted. He and the rest of the former Black Moon Clan members rushed towards her, but she held up a hand, halting them in their steps. She coughed, stumbling to her feet as she faced Diamond.

"Go on. Attack them again," she goaded him. "I will only stand in your way. If anyone deserves death first, it is me."

Diamond was silent, still shocked.

"You see," Emerald continued. "I have suffered long enough. I have watched the man I love become evil and have been used by him in countless ways. If anyone deserves peace, it's me. So please, please just end it for me."

Diamond did not move, just stared at her as her words took their effect on him. He felt his heart, seemingly frozen, begin to warm and bleed. Her words hurt him, not that they actually hurt him, but it was painful to think that Emerald had been in pain for so long.

And now, she was begging him to kill her.

"Emerald—" Diamond began, tears pinching his eyes.

"Just do it! Just kill me, Diamond. Please," she cried, tears streaming down her face. "I know I'm being selfish but…I…I just can't take it anymore." She fell to her knees, her head bowed.

No one moved. All was still.

Diamond stepped forward, walking towards Emerald's weeping figure. He kneeled down to the ground and embraced Emerald, kissing her forehead.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I am so, so sorry. Please forgive me."

Emerald looked into his eyes with surprise and doubt. "Are you…apologizing?"

Diamond smiled sadly. "Yes, I am. It's really late, but it's no less sincere. Will you accept my apology?"

Emerald looked down, as though she were sure that he would snap back to his old persona.

"Emerald," Diamond gently cupped her face. "I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. My apology doesn't end here—I will continue to shower you with my love to prove to you that I will never become a monster again. Please, let me love you."

Emerald scrutinized his face, peering deep into his eyes before leaning into his arms.

Emerald cried more, hugging his neck. He hugged her tightly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his chest. Then, pulling apart, they looked into each other's eyes and slowly, ever so slowly, leaned into each other.

In a very sweet kiss that had its own kind of passion, Emerald and Diamond reunited.

Sapphire grinned happily, tears glazing his own eyes. He walked over them, wrapping his arms around the both of them.

"It's good to have you back, brother," Sapphire smiled.

"I'm sorry to you, too," Diamond bowed his head.

"All is forgiven," Sapphire responded, placing a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder.

"You think he would apologize to the rest of us," Jadeite muttered.

"Shut up, Jadeite," Mars hissed.

Diamond overheard, however. He stood up, walking to the Senshi and Shitennou, and bowed low before them. "I must apologize to you all, as well. I would understand if you would never forgive me and I would gladly give my life if it meant anything."

Sailor Moon, still holding Chibiusa, stepped forward with Tuxedo Mask.

"As Sapphire said, all is forgiven," Sailor Moon smiled. "It wasn't you, but the Dark Crystal that was causing you to behave in that manner. We, the Senshi and Shitennou, forgive you."

"Thank you, Sailor Moon," Diamond smiled.

Then, Sapphire walked over to Sailor Moon and spoke in hushed tones.

She smiled brilliantly before nodding.

Sapphire beckoned Emerald over before standing beside Diamond. The three held hands, Diamond and Emerald gazing questioningly at Sapphire. He only smiled in response.

Sailor Moon put down Chibiusa and raised her staff in the air.

"Silver Moon Kiss!"

Light flooded the area, bathing them in white. After the light faded, everyone smiled at the three people, eyes shut tight and hands clasped together.

Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire hesitantly opened their eyes, and then gasped as they examined each other: their black crescent moon symbols were gone.

"Thank you, Sailor Moon!" They thanked her over and over again.

"Let's go home," Diamond smiled at his people, his eyes gliding over the Ayakashi Sisters, Rubeus, Sapphire, and Emerald.

A portal suddenly appeared, opening to reveal Sailor Pluto.

"Puu!" Chibiusa ran over to the woman and hugged her.

"Come, Chibiusa. You're parents are waiting for you," Pluto smiled down at the little girl. She turned to the former Black Moon Clan members. "King Endymion and Neo-Queen Serenity are waiting for you all, as well."

"R-really?" Rubeus stuttered. His face broke out into a joyful grin before he hugged Koan close. Berthier and Calaveras hugged each other while Diamond kissed Emerald and Sapphire kissed Petz. Crystal Tokyo was inviting them to live there in peace.

They all exchanged goodbyes with the Senshi and Shitennou before walking through the door, especially the Ayakashi Sisters and the Senshi, as they had become such great friends. Chibiusa pulled away from Sailor Pluto and walked over to the Senshi and Shitennou.

"If you ever need to beat up anyone, you know who to call," Sailor Jupiter winked.

"Study hard, Chibiusa," Mercury patted the little girl's head.

Venus whispered in her ear, "If you need any boy advice, come to me." Chibiusa blushed and giggled.

"That won't be necessary," Tuxedo Mask forced out. Venus only giggled in response.

"It's been really fun, Chibiusa. Don't let your mom bother you too much in the future!" Sailor Mars ruffled the girl's hair.

"Hey!" Sailor Moon pouted.

The Shitennou took their turns hugging the little girl and kissing her forehead.

Finally, Chibiusa stopped before Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon, her parents.

None of them spoke, just stared at each other. At last, Chibiusa ran to Sailor Moon, hugging her close.

"I love you…Mommy," Chibiusa breathed, tears escaping her eyes.

Sailor Moon only nodded, crying heavily as she pulled Chibiusa to her. Tuxedo Mask took Chibiusa and kissed her forehead before putting her down.

They all watched as Chibiusa walked towards the portal. She turned around, smiled and waved, and then walked through the door.

"I love you, too," Sailor Moon whispered, tears streaming down her eyes. "I love you, my baby."

Sailor Pluto nodded once before closing the portal, leaving no evidence of having ever been there.

…

The Senshi and Shitennou let go of their transformations before heading home, just as the first rays of dawn arrived.

Ami and Zoicite headed towards her home.

Ami was grateful for his presence, as she was feeling rather strange—relieved but rather disoriented: they had just defeated another enemy, but the day was continuing on as if nothing had happened.

When they reached her apartment building after walking in silence, they turned to one another. Ami blushed as she realized Zoicite was leaning towards her. Her eyes fluttered shut as she leaned forwards, as well.

Zoicite touched his lips to hers, cupping her face as he tenderly kissed her.

They pulled apart, smiling at one another.

"Would you accompany me to the library tomorrow?" He whispered, though no one was around to hear them.

Ami could only nod, blushing as she smiled at him. She waved goodbye and turned to go inside. Zoicite watched her enter the elevator before turning to walk home himself.

…

Makoto sat on the park bench, daydreaming. The sun was rising, ever so slowly. A light fog hung overhead, softening the sunlight. She shivered, the morning cold working its way through her light jacket.

A cup of coffee appeared before her.

She blinked, looking up at Nephrite's smiling face. It was a small but sincere smile.

"Thanks," she smiled before taking the cup. She held it in her hands, warming them as she took a sip.

Nephrite sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her into his chest. Makoto was surprised but pleased. She snuggled in deeper, grateful for his warmth.

"So, I guess things go back to normal now," Nephrite said, pensively observing the misty fog.

"I guess so," Makoto nodded.

"It feels strange, not having to worry about the enemy."

She hummed in agreement.

They were comfortably silent for a few minutes.

"Makoto."

"Hm?"

"Let's go out."

Makoto stopped mid-sip. She looked at him. He was straight-faced, except for a ghost of a smile on his lips. She blushed before looking away.

"Okay."

She felt him pull her in closer, pressing his lips against her temple before kissing her cheek. Makoto smiled to herself. Nephrite was nothing like her ex-boyfriend.

…

"Jadeite, you don't need to walk me home," Rei insisted.

"Well, the rest of the guys walked the girls home, so how would it look if I didn't walk you home? I have an image to uphold," he joked, walking beside her.

"Whatever," Rei huffed.

They walked leisurely, neither in a rush to hurry home. They wanted each minute to last years. Though, neither of them would seriously voice this desire.

When Rei's temple appeared in the distance, they both felt disheartened.

Jadeite wondered, sullenly, that another day with Rei would end. But he brightened when he realized that another would begin tomorrow…if Rei would let him spend it with her. But why would she? They weren't bound in any way. Jadeite felt slightly panicked at the thought of not spending time with the fire senshi.

He abruptly pulled them both to a stop. He turned her to face him, holding her by the shoulders.

Rei looked at him in surprise before her customary irritation set in.

"What?" She exclaimed in frustration when he refused to speak.

He pulled her to him urgently, kissing her full on the lips. Rei squealed against his mouth, trying to pull away but he only molded himself to her, kissing her until she reluctantly allowed him to kiss her. However, he continued kissing her until she responded with her own kiss.

Jadeite pulled away, both of their eyes closed.

"Marry me," he breathed across her lips.

Silence reigned for a long five seconds before Rei pushed Jadeite to the ground, stiffly walking away, her annoyance barely hidden with a twitching smile on her face.

"Goodnight!" She held her hand up in goodbye without looking over her shoulder.

Jadeite, baffled, then frustrated, stood up quickly and stalked after her.

"Why not?! Why won't you marry me?"

"Are you listening to yourself? We're not even out of high school yet!"

"But if we were, you would?"

"Ugh! You need help!"

"Then help me!" He pulled her to a stop.

She sighed in exasperation, severely wanting to go home and sleep.

"Tell me why you won't marry me," Jadeite said.

"It's a step I'm not ready to take," Rei spoke slowly but firmly. "Why don't we take it slow?"

"Fine. How do we take it slow?" Jadeite pouted.

"Let's go on a date first and see where it goes from there," Rei reasoned.

"Let's skip that part! We're too close for that," Jadeite insisted. "Be my girlfriend."

Rei was surprised by the way he bluntly said it. She blushed, looking away. "You're supposed to ask me," she muttered in embarrassment.

Jadeite softly smiled. He tilted his head towards hers, angling it to try and look into her eyes. "Rei, be my girlfriend?"

She nodded, looking anywhere but him. He hugged her, not bothered that she hesitated before hugging him in return.

"And then we'll get married."

"…fine."

…

Minako gasped, pleasantly surprised, as Kunzite kissed the sensitive part of her neck. She tangled her hands into his silver, shoulder length hair, reveling in the softness of it. When she gently pulled, he growled against her throat, kissing her vigorously on the mouth.

After that final battle, he had walked her home and one kiss turned into many. They silently snuck into her room through the window, lying on her bed and kissing.

A creak in the hallway caused them to freeze. When the next four minutes or so passed in absolute silence, they lightly chuckled to themselves.

"I should go," Kunzite whispered.

She pouted, sad that he would be leaving so soon.

"I guess," she sighed.

Kunzite studied her heart shaped face, her long eyelashes framing her almond shaped, cornflower blue eyes. Her lips were full yet defined, stained a lovely pink color. Her beauty was one of a kind.

But Kunzite couldn't help but love her other characteristics possibly more than her beauty: her passion, her leadership, her intelligence, her charisma…the list goes on.

He loved her imperfections, too: her slightly uneven bangs, her tendency to lose her head in the clouds…

He loved how honest and sincere they could be with one another.

"Let's go out to dinner tomorrow night," he suggested, a smirk on his face.

"Like a date?" Minako cocked her head to the side, contemplating with a grin.

"Yes, like a date," he clarified.

She beamed. "Okay. Okay, let's go out to dinner."

He nodded at her, ecstatic on the inside but just barely keeping his cool on the outside. He carefully slipped off the bed and out the window, sparing her a single glance over his shoulder. Minako was glad: if he had hesitated, she would've never let him leave.

She stared after him, even after his silhouette has disappeared over the rising sun.

…

Usagi and Mamoru sat on Usagi's bedroom balcony, watching the sunrise. They wrapped a blanket around themselves, shielding themselves from the sharp chill. The sky had a crisp clarity, a characteristic of the winter season.

"Mamoru?" Usagi breathed as she leaned into his arms.

"Hm?"

"What day is it today?"

Mamoru was silent as he thought. Usagi could see the concentration in his eyes as he calculated.

"December 4th, Sunday."

Usagi nodded thoughtfully. She had left Tokyo alone in March, returning with the generals in August. She started attending school and had gone to the festival on Mamoru's campus with the Senshi in September. They had fought and healed the Ayakashi Sisters and Rubeus in October and went on vacation in November. Sapphire had attacked then and Chibiusa had been kidnapped at the end of November. Now, four days into December, all was at peace once again. It was hard to imagine that so much had occurred over such little time.

"Wait…it's Sunday…?"

"Yes, why?"

Chibiusa's absence left Usagi yearning for her loved ones.

"Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?"

Mamoru chuckled, puzzled. "I'm already here. Might as well stay for dinner."

"No, I meant at my parents' house."

"…what are you saying?" Mamoru asked hesitantly.

"I want you to meet my parents."

WELL, we're just about finished. I'm planning on an epilogue after this, maybe consisting of two chapters. Look forward to it!

I also edited the chapter names so that you can see the progression of time in months.

Love,

Pegasus'Horn