Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. Miyako, Cleo, Lia, Harper, and Owen, as well as a few others, are only figments that have escaped from my imagination.
Chapter Ten: To the Future
The talk all over Firerose Academy was the upcoming prom. Less than a week to go. But that wasn't what filled Usagi's mind. Sure, she was glad Darien was back and that they'd be able to attend, together. But, would they really be able to enjoy it, as long as Rubeus and the rest of the Black Moon Clan were out there? When another attack was all too imminent? How soon, she didn't know. But another attack would be coming.
"Usagi?" A voice called out to her as she slipped out the doors after her last class.
Turning, the blonde was surprised to see Sarah waiting for her, leaning against the brick wall of the school. The black haired girl looked a little nervous, keeping herself hidden from the rest of the crowd as best she could.
"Sarah, I'm surprised to see you." Usagi admitted, one hand going to her charm bracelet, just in case. "What can I do for you?"
Sarah looked in both directions, before motioning Usagi closer. "I need your help. I don't want to have to ask, you understand, but you're the only person who's been able to heal the darkness."
"You need me to help you save Rubeus."
"I need your help to save a whole planet, Usagi."
"What do you mean?"
"Is there somewhere else we could go, someplace a little less open?" One of Sarah's hands toyed with the bangs that covered part of her face.
Reluctantly, Usagi nodded, before drawing Sarah into the nearby park. A few twists in the path later, they emerged in a hidden grove, the same hidden grove where she'd first begun working with Sailor Element.
"You have to understand, we're not from Earth," began Sarah, pacing in front of her. "We're not even from this time. We're from the planet Nemesis, in the 30th Century."
"I'd kind-of figured out the future thing," admitted Usagi, dropping her book bag and leaning against one of the trees. "What with their targets and all."
"Petz explained about being after the three children. According to Wiseman, one of them is carrying an immense power, one he wants to control, for the 'betterment of Nemesis'." She added the appropriate air quotes. "But, really, he's just out for his own gain, the creep. He's using Nemesis. He's created this Black Moon Clan, giving them additional power from the Black Crystal. But the Crystal isn't even really his to wield."
"Not even his?"
Sarah let out a small growl. "Look, just leave it, alright? He stole the Black Crystal. That's all you need to know about it. We retrieve it and deliver it to its rightful owner. End of story. Can I count you in?"
"If I help you, the others are going to insist on coming, too. I'm not leaving them out of the loop." The Moon Princess drew herself up to her full height, even if that was three inches shorter than Sarah. "It's none of us or all of us."
"Then I guess it's none of you." Sarah started to stalk off. "Good-bye, Usagi. I doubt we'll see each other again."
With that, she was gone, again, almost as if she'd never even been there, to begin with. Sighing, Usagi picked up her bag and walked back towards the barn. But, someone else was waiting for her, just at the edge of the trees. It took a few moments before she recognized the woman standing there. Gone were the feathered shoulder ornaments and the top that almost looked like it had eyes. But she wasn't wearing the Firerose Academy uniform, either. Instead, black jeans encased her legs, tucked into her ankle-high black boots. A long shirt, with short sleeves, fell to mid-thigh, with her usual belt. Just different enough to throw Usagi off.
"Hello, Petz."
"Usagi Moon, correct? That is your name." Petz asked, taking a step forward.
"It is. What can I do for you?"
"Chalcey doesn't like asking for help. She never has. She thinks asking for help is a weakness, one she can't afford. So, in her place, I ask you to help us."
"Chalcey?" Usagi pressed. She remembered Petz using the name the last time she'd seen her.
Petz nodded. "I grew up knowing her as Chalcey. Her aunt always said it was from chalcedony, like the stone. It's not uncommon on Nemesis, actually."
"You've known her a long time."
"Almost all her life. I understand her better than most, except maybe her cousin, Addy. Her aunt and uncle were the ones who raised her. I don't think she ever even knew her parents. Please, will you help? Will you come with us to the 30th Century?" Petz pleaded.
Usagi nodded. "I'll come. And I'll see about the others."
"Those who are coming should meet us here, tonight. We're leaving, then." Her former enemy nodded and disappeared as suddenly as Sarah.
The blonde shook her head. Yes, time travel was breaking one of the greatest taboos. It wasn't something she'd do lightly. But, it might well be the only way to stop their true enemy. Besides, they'd already broken that taboo by coming back, themselves, as had Rini, Aki, and Takara. But, would it be safe enough to take the three with them? Or would it be better for someone to stay here, with the trio? To keep them in the Garden? But what if this Wiseman sent someone else back while they were fighting him? There were a lot of things to consider. And there were three people who needed to know, first.
Thankfully, Cleo was keeping the trio entertained, downstairs, when Usagi returned. Which made it all the easier to grab Miyako and Trista, dragging them up to the room they'd set aside for Darien. Next door might be the room Kyle would temporarily use, but the head of the Shitennou was out at the barn, drilling Noland and Zander.
"What's going on?" Darien asked, as she ushered the other two inside.
Usagi explained as she loosened her hair and pinned it back into her more comfortable, usual style. She could tell Miyako was ready to leave, now. And, while Darien would support whatever decision they made, she could see he had some reservations. After all, he hadn't really met Sarah or Petz. Even the night he returned couldn't have given him a very good impression of them. Still, she hoped he'd be willing to come with them and help out.
"You are aware of what you're planning to do, Princess," cautioned Trista. "Yes, I broke that taboo when I brought you back in time and brought you to Terrarose. But you're talking about crossing centuries. To go to the future. It's dangerous to know your own future."
"I am aware, Puu. But, we need to stop this Wiseman. And the only way we're going to be able to do that is by going to the future. I don't expect all of us to go. We need to keep someone here in case Rubeus or someone else comes back and attacks Terrarose." Usagi replied, sinking down on the bed, beside Darien.
"The Elemental Warriors can stay. We'll bring Andrew, but that's it." Miyako chimed in. "I trust them to be able to protect Terrarose. The question is what to do about Takara, Rini, and Aki. This is their home we'll be going to. We can't just keep it from them. Can we?"
"The Shitennou can stay back and help the Elemental Warriors, too. Just in case. But I'll be coming with you, as well." Darien added.
Trista nodded. "Just the four, then. That should be safe enough. Since we'll have Sardonyx and Petz, as well. And I'm certain Petz's sisters will be brought along. Returning them to their proper time is acceptable. As for the trio of girls, I think it best that they stay here. It will be rather dangerous for them there, still. They will have significant protection in this time."
None of them heard the soft footfalls of a small child, just outside the door, nor did they notice the slight opening of the door so that she could hear what they said. Nor did they hear as she closed the door and hurried back to the basement, a floppy-eared puppy trailing behind her.
It might have been cowardly, but they'd left the house without telling anyone. Notes had been left for Cleo and Kyle, and Andrew had been called only after they had left. No one would find the notes until it was too late for them to be stopped. And too late for the others to join them. And, of course, it saved hours of arguments with Kyle, Harper, and Cleo, of course.
"Just the four of you?" Petz asked, as they entered the clearing.
Sarah frowned. "I didn't figure you'd actually show."
"I said I'd help, but I wasn't coming alone. Just because I'm able to purify the darkness doesn't mean I do it on my own," replied Usagi, folding her arms. "Now, are we going or not? Besides, even if you leave us behind, we'll follow on our own."
"I am willing to help them on this," added Trista, summoning her Time Staff, without transforming. "And I can guide you safely to the future, right to where you wish to go."
"Better than the method we used to get here," stated an unfamiliar voice.
A slender woman dropped down from out of the trees, landing next to the younger trio. Her black hair was in a fairly complicated style. The front part was partially pinned in what looked like intricate knots in front of her ears, before hanging down, while the rest of it was pulled back into a high ponytail. While Sarah and the others wore casual clothes, she was dressed in a business suit, a dull grey, with a white blouse. The only bit of color was a small gold locket around her neck and small orange drops in her ears.
"Well, excuse me, Addy." Sarah grumbled.
"Addy?" Usagi and Miyako shared a look. Who was this woman? Was she the friend Sardonyx had always referred to and whom they had never seen?
Darien moved closer to Usagi. "Shall we go or are we going to spend all night talking?"
She reached back and took his hand, relieved to have him beside her, once more.
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Andrew asked, even as Trista was transporting them to the Time Gate, careful to keep his voice low and in Miyako's ear.
She nodded. "I'm ready. We can handle this. I hope."
Thankfully, they arrived almost at the foot of a large crystal structure, growing up towards the sky. Sailor Serene Star looked away from the enormous crystals, towards the barren plains that surrounded it. There wasn't even a breeze to stir the dust among the rocks.
"Where is everyone?" Sailor Element asked, tugging nervously at the fingers of her gloves.
Before the Time Gate closed, however, three small figures came running through. Takara still trailed the floppy-eared puppy Miyako had given her, one hand clasped in Rini's. Aki clung to her sister's shoulder, while the pink-haired girl held a silver key in her right hand.
"Small Lady! You were not to use that key without permission. And you were not given permission to return!" Sailor Pluto scolded her.
Aki scuffed one foot on the ground. "We just wanted to help, Puu. Please?"
"I'm the one who told," admitted Takara, tightening her grip on the dog.
"We'd better get them inside," declared Sailor Sardonyx. "That is, if the six of us are allowed in."
"You may enter." A deep voice stated, a voice Sailor Serene Star was sure she recognized. In fact, it was almost like…but that couldn't be, could it?
The doors of the palace swung silently open. Without prodding, Rini and Aki ran forward, trailing Takara behind them. Pluto motioned the rest of them through, ahead of her.
"I must return to the Time Gate. When you are ready to return to the past, you will find me there. Someone inside can tell you where the entrance is." Pluto made a small bow, before fading away into a gathering mist.
Sailor Sardonyx made sure Cal, Berthier, and Koan were in before her. Petz walked close to her friend's side, with Addy just behind.
Like the plains outside, there was a hollow feeling inside the palace. There were no signs of life, aside from the recently arrived group. Footsteps echoed around the group, sending chills up spines. Moonlight Knight wrapped an arm around Sailor Serene Star, pulling his cape around her, as well. Knight Aethyr kept close to Sailor Element, fingers entwined.
"So, why didn't Pluto stay?" Knight Aethyr asked, keeping his voice as quiet as he could.
Sailor Serene Star looked up at him. "It's rare for Puu to involve herself in a fight. Her duty is to guard the Time Gate, so, unless a villain tries to attack her there, or the outcome of the battle will adversely affect the future, she tends to stay away."
"Adversely? You've really been putting in some study time while I was away." Moonlight Knight chuckled, wincing slightly when she elbowed him.
"I know. You never would have heard Serena use a word like that," agreed Knight Aethyr.
"If you're done teasing me," began Serene Star.
"Mama!"
Takara, Rini and Aki ran forward, towards two raised platforms at the end of the hall. Each crystal held a shadowy figure within, figures that only grew clearer the closer the group got to them. Despite the fact that they were standing up, the group couldn't shake the feeling that they were coffins.
The one on the left held a young woman, dressed in a flowing purple gown. Long purple gloves covered her arms, up past her elbows, edged in black. Giant black wings erupted from her back, spread like a bird's, ready to take flight. Black hair, tightly braided, fell behind her, partially held back by what appeared to be two crowns. The one rested on top of her head, a circlet of silver leaves, while another rested slightly lower, a silver chain supporting a single purple gem in the middle of her forehead. A sword was clenched in her right hand, thinner than the Rainbow Rose Sword, but that was all that they could see, through the milky crystal.
On the right, however, the crystal was much clearer. Moonlight Knight tightened his grip on Serene Star, who reached up to grab his hand.
Blonde hair, pale but not quite white, fell in the royal style of the Moon. A silver crown rested on her head, a blue, heart shaped gem in its center. The long white gown was eerily reminiscent of Queen Selenity's. Simple, flowing down past her feet, with only a simple white bow on her chest. But, resting in the center of the bow was a brooch, formed of what appeared to be three layers. On the bottom was a pale blue star. A silver crescent moon rested on top of that, pointing upward. Resting between the horns of the moon was a golden duplicate of the crossed circle that was the symbol of Terra. Great white feathered wings wrapped around her, as if coming forward to shield her, but they hadn't quite made it all the way around.
It wasn't so much seeing the two queens trapped in their crystal coffins. It was the small figure trapped with the pale queen. His face was hidden in the long white skirt of her gown, though they could still see the dark blonde locks of his hair, even from under the red baseball cap jammed onto his head. One tiny hand reached up to clasp the queen's hand, though it appeared she had pulled him so that he stood behind her.
"Minoru!" Rini and Aki exclaimed, running towards the coffin on the right. "Mama!"
Takara darted forward to touch the coffin on the left, looking up at it with tears in her eyes. "Mommy! Wake up! Please? Sailor Element and Knight Aethyr are here."
"We brought Sailor Serene Star, and Moonlight Knight," added Rini. "They're going to help stop the bad people."
A tiny jingle drew their attention to a small grey kitten on the floor.
"Diana!" Rini ran over to pick up the tiny kitten. "You're alright."
Diana purred, rubbing her head against Rini's cheek. Aki took a few steps towards her sister and froze.
"Welcome to Crystal Tokyo." It was the same voice as before.
Standing only a few feet away was a man dressed in a white tuxedo, a long cape flowing behind him. White gloves covered his hands, which held a scepter, only slightly longer than the cane she'd seen Tuxedo Mask use on a few occasions. He even wore the same white mask as Darien's former alter-ego. But, there was a slightly transparent quality to him, as if he wasn't really there.
"And you are?" Knight Aethyr demanded, his eyes flickering back and forth between the man in white and his long-time friend.
"King Endymion, correct?" Serene Star asked.
"That is correct, Sailor Serene Star." The king gave a slight bow. "As you can tell, I am not completely here. This is a spiritual projection, while my body recovers from an attack from the Black Moon."
Petz let out a small whimper, looking towards Sailor Sardonyx. Even if she hadn't been the one to attack, she obviously still felt guilty about allowing it to happen.
"Please, follow me. Small Lady, Aki, come along. Takara." King Endymion called out.
Slowly, Aki stepped forward and grabbed her sister's arm. Tears still glimmered in both of their eyes. Takara, however, didn't budge away from the crystal coffins.
"Takara Elizabeth!" King Endymion's voice had a hard edge to it.
Reluctantly, the magenta-haired girl pulled away her hands. She hurried over to grab Sailor Element's hand, instead, though she refused to let go of her stuffed dog.
Following the translucent form of the future king, they entered what appeared to be a family living room. Comfy couches formed a half-circle near a television. A battered recliner sat near a lamp, a dog-eared book resting on the arm of the chair. The carpet was soft, but not overly fluffy, the kind that was easy to clean, in case of spills.
However, unlike the rest of the palace, this room wasn't empty. Four figures sat on the couches. Three of them had their heads bowed, not looking up as the group entered. The fourth, however, shot forward.
"Chalcey! Thank goodness! You're alright!"
"Auntie Azurite?" Sailor Sardonyx let out a yelp. "What are you doing here?"
I figured that was as good a place as any to stop for now. Hopefully, I can get the next chapter up soon. I've already got a bit of a plan for where we're going, next time. It's just a matter of adding to said plan. But, we'll get a few more answers, I promise.
So, was anyone else watching the last episode of Sailor Moon Crystal and let out a relieved sigh when King Endymion stepped forward, dressed in white, not lavender? Thank you, Sailor Moon Crystal, for correcting yet another questionable wardrobe choice of the 90's anime, especially on behalf of our favorite caped hero. So, you can tell which way I decided to go when our trio arrived in Crystal Tokyo.
Question for you all, would anyone be interesting in becoming the beta for this story? Just curious. Or do you even think it needs a beta? Personally, I'd love to have someone read it over before I post, but that's just me. Because, yeah, I really did rush that last chapter. I didn't mean to, but I did. Just figured I'd ask.
See you in the future!
Bookworm0913