Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 19: Kinmoku
By: Sora Kazeno
After a long hiatus and a lot of planning it's time to continue the story! Enjoy the next, rather long, arc!
After the kiss ended Seiya and Usagi remained in the park. Seiya tried to find the right words to tell Usagi. He couldn't remain on Earth and had to return to Kinmoku with his Princess tomorrow evening. She postponed their leave by one day in order to give him more time with Usagi. He couldn't delay the inventible any more. "Odango, I have to return home tomorrow with the Princess…" his voice trailed off as he thought about the pain of leaving her behind once more.
Usagi didn't respond but looked down at her their joined hands. A part of her knew he would leave again once the danger had past. It would be even more difficult for her say goodbye to him this time. She didn't want to say goodbye again but there wasn't another way.
After a moment an idea occurred to Seiya. "Come with us for a little while Odango. You're on school break for a couple months and I would love to for to see my home. We can try to help you with your new powers."
Usagi gasped as his statement. She had never considered the possibility of leaving Earth before. The threat had passed and she would return before the continuation of the school year in late summer. "…sure." She said with a lot of hesitation in her voice. She realized she needed to talk to everyone about her decision.
Usagi lowered her head for a moment before snapping it back up, "what am I going to tell the others!" She said loudly breaking the seriousness of the moment.
Seiya smiled at her outburst. He placed a hand on her shoulder to try to calm her down. "I'm sure they will understand once you talk to them," Seiya said as he tried to reassure her.
Usagi lowered her voice and said, "I still have to talk to Mamo-chan." She had grown accustom to calling him by his pet name for years and it would take a long time before she would be able to call him by anything else. Her eyes widened her thoughts shifted to events of earlier today. "I left this morning while he was sleeping… so I should probably talk to him about my plans."
Seiya stared at Usagi dumbfounded. He couldn't believe she ran out on Mamoru to talk to Rei and see him. After the shock wore off, he smiled that she chose to see him right away. But he knew she was going to have a difficult conversation with Mamoru later. A part of him worried she would lose her nerve and decide to stay on Earth since it was simpler. He didn't want to doubt her but could she leave him so easily after the history they've had? Seiya never considered any of this until this moment because he knew thought he would be in this predicament.
Seiya's eyes widened when he realized he needed to speak to his Princess about Usagi leaving with them. He was pretty sure she would be okay with the addition but Taiki and Yaten would have their doubts.
Usagi became nervous when she thought about what she would tell the other girls and her family. She felt her palms begin to sweat as she thought about what she would tell everyone. She took a deep breath. "I should probably be going since I have to tell everyone. I'll see you tomorrow?" Usagi said as she stood up trying to be her normal cheerful self even though she was terrified deep down.
Seiya saw right through the act. He knew her too well. "You don't always have to put on a brave face in front of me Odango," said Seiya as he rose. "I can come with you if it would be easier for you."
"No," Usagi said firmly, "this is something I have to do alone." Her eyebrows arched up when she thought of what she was going to tell her father. "There is no way I can explain to my father that I am going to another planet with a guy."
Seiya tear dropped. "Yeah… when you put it that way… but your mother would be thrilled if I showed up to the house," Seiya said as he started to flaunt his ego.
Usagi giggled at his remarks, "I'll be fine."
She had stood in this hallway countless times in the past. But she never hesitated this long before ringing the doorbell. Once they spoke, everything would change. Usagi's index finger hovered around the doorbell but she couldn't bring herself to ring it yet. She realized that everything had already changed once she awakened as Sailor Cosmos.
Usagi took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. After a moment she pressed it again so he would know it was her. She didn't rapidly push the button as she had in the past, it didn't feel right. She heard footsteps quickly approaching the door.
Mamoru flung open the door, "Usako!" He exclaimed as he quickly closed the gap between them and hugged her. "I've been so worried about you!" He held her tighter.
Usagi bit her lip. It was rare for Mamoru to show such affection in a potentially public setting. A few moments later he broke the embrace and led her into the apartment. He was so happy to see her and she knew she was about to break his heart.
Mamoru led her over to the couch, "what happened this morning? Why did you leave so quickly?" His tone was full of concern.
Usagi sat quietly as she thought of what she wanted to say. "I needed to speak to Rei-chan," Usagi started as she looked down at the carpet. "A lot has happened in the past month and I needed someone to talk to about it. Whenever I've had problems I've always talked to Rei-chan."
"Usako, whatever is wrong you can talk to me about it. I'm here for you and whatever you need," said Mamoru as he placed his hands over hers. He tried his best to comfort her. It was clear she was upset about something and he needed to find out why.
Usagi shifted her hands out from under his and stood up. She decided to be direct, "I going to Kinmoku tomorrow," Usagi said with her eyes on the carpet. She didn't want to see the hurt look on his face. She waited for a response but received none. "I have to learn more about my new powers…"
Mamoru stood up and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Usako, you can't be serious! You can learn how to use your powers here with all of us. I can't let you go alone." When Usagi refused to meet his gaze, he cupped his hand under her chin causing her to look up at him.
Once Usagi felt his touch she knew she couldn't avoid it any longer. "I'm leaving… with Seiya." She turned around and showed her back to him. "I've already made my decision. It is something I need to do."
Mamoru collapsed backward onto the couch as if the wind was knocked out of him. "Usako… you can't… I don't understand… why you'd run to him…" He continued to stutter his words, "you're going to throw everything away? Everything that we've had in both lifetimes?"
"Everything changed between us in the past month. It is too much for me to handle," said Usagi as felt tears begin to well up in her eyes.
"What about Chibi Usa?" Mamoru asked with disappointment in his tone.
Her name caused Usagi to turn around and face him. "Don't you understand she's gone!" Usagi yelled at him.
Mamoru gasped at her outburst.
"Pluto said Chibi Usa is no longer a part of the time line. The future for this planet has changed… our future. No matter what happens Chibi Usa will not be a part of it. I didn't want to accept it at first but Chibi Usa was shocked when she saw Sailor Saturn's fuku. I saw her disappear in the time stream. You didn't see the future I saw!" Usagi said as her volume of her voice increased.
"I refused to believe Crystal Tokyo can disappear so easily!" Mamoru said as he increased the volume of his voice to match Usagi. He was saddened by her rash decision.
"Crystal Tokyo is already gone…" Usagi said in a muted tone. "We have to choose a different path. The path for me includes going to Kinmoku," Usagi finished her last statement as she looked at Mamoru in the eyes.
Mamoru was hurt and he didn't know what he could say to Usagi to dissuade her. If he pushed her too much she would surely leave. He couldn't believe everything he had just heard. "I just can't believe you are willing to throw everything away like this Usako."
"… I'm sorry Mamo-chan…" Usagi said as she wiped a few tears away from her eyes as headed to the front door of the apartment. She couldn't stay here anymore and needed to return home.
"Leaving this place for a second time," Yaten said with a sigh. He was tired of moving back and forth so often. "And we still have our names on this place for a while still." He finished with a smirk.
"We didn't expect everything to wrap up so quickly this time," said Taiki as he sat down next to him. "I haven't seen Seiya in a while."
"Let him be," Princess Kakyuu interjected, "he needs time to talk to Usagi-san. Things are… a lot different this time compared to the last time we left Earth." She looked at the two Starlights next to her, "I have a feeling things will be different this time around." There was a knowing twinkle in her eye.
Almost as if on cue Seiya entered the apartment. The sounds of silence caused him to feel uncomfortable when he entered. "What?" Seiya said as he looked at everyone's faces. He realized his Princess was in the room and quickly changed his disposition.
"Were you able to speak to her?" Princess Kakyuu asked him with a smile. She wanted to be able to comfort and console him if necessary. She knew it was very difficult for him leave Earth last time and was overjoyed when he learned he would return to this planet.
"Umm well… there was something I wanted to ask you…" said Seiya as his voice trailed off.
"Seiya! You can't be seriously thinking of remaining here!" Yaten exclaimed angrily.
Seiya turned on his heel to face to Yaten, "it's not like that!" Seiya shouted at him. He could feel his own anger boil at how quickly Yaten jumped to conclusions. "It's the other way around!"
Taiki cocked his head to the side as he tried to make sense of the scene before him. "What do you mean?"
"Well…" Seiya began but was cut off by Princess Kakyuu.
"Usagi-san is coming with us," Kakyuu statement with a smile. "I'm relieved. I was hoping she would make that choice. She must be taught how to use her new powers… they could be dangerous if they were to become out of control again." Taiki and Yaten's jaws dropped.
"Princess… did you know this would happen?" Taiki asked with skepticism in his voice after he heard the Princess's words.
"I've had my suspicions. I believe we can teach her a lot," Princess Kakyuu said with a smile.
Yaten sat down on the couch next to the Princess as he tried to digest the informed he received. "But… what about her boyfriend?" Yaten turned his gaze to Seiya and awaited a response.
"That's the crazy thing. They broke up," Seiya said as he tried to become accustomed to the new status quo.
"I never thought I'd see the day," muttered Taiki as he slumped down on the couch next to Yaten. They were both in shock and needed time to process all the changes.
"I think it is wonderful news. We will introduce Sailor Cosmos to the kingdom and prepare a marvelous celebration. They are expecting us late tomorrow evening," said Princess Kakyuu said as she stood up. "I believe we still have a few more loose ends here that need to be taken care of before our departure." She said as she tried to take the focus off Seiya.
Seiya smiled at the Princess grateful for her efforts to change the topic of discussion.
"I still don't believe it," said Yaten as he shook his head.
Usagi slowly walked home from Mamoru's apartment. A few tears still streamed down her face. She felt a little relief that in her mind the worse was already over. Everyone else would have to accept she would be gone until school resumed. She couldn't find the words to describe how she felt but she knew this was something she had to do. Since she gained her new powers she felt as if she was missing out on something by remaining on Earth. She felt a yearning to travel among the stars to see the rest of the galaxy and beyond. She wondered if Tsukino Usagi, Princess Serenity or Sailor Cosmos influenced her present behavior the most. It was most likely a combination of the first and the third.
The sight of her home snapped her back to the present. Now she had to tell her parents. She couldn't disappear without telling them where she was going. She knew they would flip out. She almost told them several times in the past but decided against it for their safety. Today it was not a matter of safety but a means to an end. An end to the secrets she has kept for so long from them.
"I'm home," she said as opened the front door. She took off her shoes and up the short step into the living her room. Her parents and her brother sat on the couch watching television. Luna sat up from floor cushion and wagged her tail at Usagi as a way to convey they needed to talk. She could almost hear Luna's voice scolding her in her head.
"Usagi-chan, you must invite Seiya-san over for dinner one night! What does he like to eat?" Ikkuko bubbled on with small stars in her eyes at the thought of him at the house again.
"I haven't invited him over yet, Mom. I wouldn't be able to for a while," Usagi said as she played with the hem of her skirt.
"Oh? Well I guess he has a busy schedule since the charity concert," said Ikkuko with disappointment in her voice. "One day perhaps."
"It's not that… I'm … I'm going to go on a trip…" Usagi said as she watched her parents reactions for what she was about to tell them.
Luna's jaw dropped as she stared at Usagi. Did something happen that she was unaware of since yesterday?
"You are too young to take a trip unless it is a school function," said Kenji as he sternly eyed his daughter.
Ikkuko decided she would play along, "and where would this trip be Usagi?" She tried to hold back a giggle as she questioned her daughter.
"Well… I'm going to another planet…" Usagi's voice trailed off again.
Luna hissed with displeasure at Usagi's announcement. She couldn't talk yet in front of them. She tried to warn Usagi as best she could. Usagi turned to face her and shook her head no.
Usagi's parents and brother laughed at her announcement.
Shingo stopped his laughter long enough to state, "well I guess you want to go home to your planet. I've always said you are an alien!" His remarks caused her parents to break out into laughter again.
Kenji decided to play along and asked, "how are you going to get there?"
Usagi knew it was now or never. This was the moment. She looked down at Luna and took a deep breath. She then watched her parents carefully as she delivered the bombshell. "By transforming into Sailor Moon."
Shingo erupted into another round of laughter. "Sailor Moon is too cool to be you! You cry all the time!"
"What an active imagination you have Usagi. I'm glad you've joined the manga club at school. That would be a wonderful story!" Ikkuko said between giggles.
Kenji joined the banter by adding, "if you really are Sailor Moon you can go wherever you want!" Everyone began laughing again.
"Okay,' said Usagi as she pulled out her transformation brooch.
Luna couldn't remind silent any longer, "No Usagi-chan!"
The laugher stopped as Usagi's parents and Shingo turned to look at Luna. "Did the cat talk?" Shingo asked with a raised eyebrow.
Usagi lifted up her brooch as had countless times before. "Moon Eternal, Make Up!" The star in the center in the center of her brooch exploded with prism colors, as a crescent moon appeared on her forehead. Her body was surrounded with feathered wings. She flapped back her wings and they formed the bodice. With a flick of her wrists red bands appeared around her wrists. A flurry of feathers formed the rest of her fuku and with a spin her wings became shorter. Sailor Moon now stood where Tsukino Usagi had moments ago.
Sailor Moon looked over at her family. They were stunned and in a type of shock at the revelation. Ikkuko covered her mouth with her hands. Kenji shook his head.
Shingo found his voice first, "that is so cool!" Shingo said as he stepped forward to be closer to his idol he had looked up to for years.
"I've been Sailor Moon since I've been fourteen years old," Sailor Moon explained to her family. "I've been the protector of Earth with the help of the other Sailor Senshi. But I am needed elsewhere for the time being. I would not be leaving unless it was important," Sailor Moon said as she tried to sound as confident as she could. She didn't want to tell them everything about her past now or all the danger she had been in over the years.
Ikkuko walked over to her daughter and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I don't know how I didn't see this before."
"Everything will be fine Mom. I have wonderful friends that have helped me and now they need my help. I can't just abandon them," Sailor Moon said as she tried to find a way to make it sound as if the Starlights needed her help more than she needed their help. She was not about to tell them about Sailor Cosmos. This was enough for them right now. "I promise I will be back before school begins. Please understand that is something that I have to."
"So do you know who the other Sailor Senshi are?" Shingo asked as he tried to learn as much information as he could during this time of confusion.
"Of course," said Sailor Moon with a smile,"but that doesn't mean I'm going to tell. Our identities have been a secret for a reason."
Ikkuko didn't miss a beat. "It's the new girls you've started to spend time with in the past of couple of years." She sighed as another thought occurred to her. "Now I'm going to worry every time you leave the house, especially when you are with them. That's it. You can't leave the house again. I want you safe." Ikkuko said as she tried to make guidelines for Usagi even though she knew they couldn't be followed. "What am I saying? You've saved this planet several times. You have to able to continue to do that or none of us would be here. I want you to tell us everything."
"I will, when I get back. I have several things I have to do before I leave tomorrow evening," Sailor Moon said she looked over to her father.
Kenji knew what she trying to convey. He had said earlier that she could go anywhere if she was Sailor Moon. He had never dreamed it was true. "I am a man of my word," he said reluctantly. "If your friends need you I can't let it go unresolved. I just never dreamed that you were actually Sailor Moon. Part of the deal will be for you to tell us everything when you return. How you became Sailor Moon and this other planet you are going to. I don't think any of us are in the right frame of mind to retain anything." His tone was firmed as he set down guidelines.
Sailor Moon smiled at her parents. "Thank you," she said as she walked over to them and hugged them. "Oh and yes Luna can talk."
"Usagi-chan!" Luna exclaimed from the floor. "We need to talk!"
Rei was surprised to learn she had a visitor late at night. She headed outside to the shrine entrance. She gasped when she realized it was Mamoru, he was visibility upset. "Mamoru-san? What happened?" She asked as she led him inside.
'I don't know. Usako came back to the apartment and told me she was leaving with Seiya tomorrow," Mamoru said as he collapsed onto one of the floor cushions at a low table.
"What?!" Rei exclaimed as she heard the news. She had known that Usagi had some feelings for Seiya but nothing to this extent. "When I saw her earlier she was said she was confused and I told her she had to make a decision but I never dreamed it would turn out like this!" Rei realized how loud her voice had become and sat down on a cushion next to Mamoru. "I don't understand how this could have happened."
"That is exactly what I want to know. I'm guessing she didn't talk to everyone yet. You have to convince her to stay," Mamoru pleaded with her. "I was in too much shock earlier to really try to talk to her but she didn't want to listen to me." Mamoru said as he rubbed his temples. "I don't know what to do next." His eyes were focused on the table in front of him. "Maybe I should just return to American if Usako leaves with them."
Rei sighed and her shoulders slumped. "You have to be able to follow your dreams too Mamoru-san. But if Usagi didn't become Sailor Cosmos I know in my heart things would have been different."
"She kept telling me that she had already seen the future and she wanted to go on a different path. She doesn't believe Crystal Tokyo will happen since she witnessed Chibi Usa disappear," said Mamoru as he tried his best to recall the conversation he had with Usagi earlier in the day.
"Hmm," Rei said as she processed new information. "I think she's scared. She was sure her future was set and everything changed when she became Cosmos. I'm afraid that if we push her too much right now it will only make things worse."
"That may be true but I still can't let her leave… with him," Mamoru said as he tried to form a plan to change her mind.
"Have you lost your mind Usagi-chan?" Luna exclaimed as she sat on her bed. "What do you mean you are leaving the Starlights? You belong on Earth with everyone else!" She couldn't believe the boldness Usagi displayed in front of her parents moments ago.
Usagi sat down on her bed next to Luna. "I can't stay here right now Luna after everything that happened. I have to learn to control my new powers and I know the Starlight's Princess and Sailor Galaxia can help me."
"Did Seiya-san ask you to go with them?" Asked Luna as she looked up at the younger girl; she was afraid of the answer but she knew she had to ask.
"No," Usagi said as she stood up to look at the Moon out her window. "Something changed within me during the past month Luna. I feel like I have to see what is out there. There are so many galaxies out there to explore."
Luna's shoulders slumped. "This is Sailor Cosmos talking not you."
Usagi spun around to face her, "that may be true but am I supposed to listen to Princess Serenity for the rest of my life and wonder what if? The path everyone one thought would happen doesn't exist. The future I saw was so different Luna. I owe it to myself and to the others to learn everything I can. I can't lose control of my powers again."
"But the others can help you, I'm sure," Luna pleaded with her to stay.
"I don't think they can… and besides, I want to be with Seiya now."
"Usagi-chan…" Luna's voice trailed off in defeat. She knew that deep down Usagi had to learn to control her new abilities. They were lucky this time but if it were to happen again it would be catastrophic. She remained silent as the decision began to sink in.
"Luna, did my mother ever travel outside of the Silver Millennium?" Usagi said as she sat down next to her. "Did my mother ever leave the galaxy?"
"I don't think so. She was also so busy and I knew there was another reason. But I can not recall the details. She left the Outer Senshi to guard the Silver Millennium on their respective planets in the distance." Luna said as she tried to remember what the Queen had told her so many millennia ago.
".. Am I doing the right thing?" Usagi asked as she looked at Luna for reassurance. "I feel so lost now that Crystal Tokyo had vanished. It is almost as if I don't belong here anymore."
"Usagi-chan, you can't believe that! You were reincarnated on Earth for a reason with everyone else. Your mother wanted you to live and be happy."
"I used to feel like I was doing the right thing Luna but now….. no more Crystal Tokyo or Chibi Usa… I feel I have to choose a different path for myself and whatever it may bring."
The following afternoon Usagi sat with the Inner Senshi at Crowns. She vaguely listened to their conversation as her thoughts turned to what was going to happen in a few hours. She had already said her goodbyes to her family.
Rei was withdrawn as Ami, Makoto and Minako chatted about recent events. Rei noticed Usagi was distant as well. She had not said anything about leaving yet. Rei wondered if she changed her mind or she planned to wait until the last possible moment to tell everyone. Rei couldn't help but cast a worried glance at her.
Ami picked up on Usagi's behaviors and how Rei was reacting to Usagi. She couldn't take the suspense anymore, "Usagi-chan, Rei-chan, what's wrong?"
Rei snapped out of her dazed appearance for a moment and said, "Oh, I'm sorry it was a long night. I had… an unexpected visitor at the shrine seeking guidance." She kept it vague on purpose but enough that would prevent the other girls from asking any more questions.
Usagi didn't say anything. She continued to stare at the drink in front of her.
"Usagi-chan?" Minako spoke up when she noticed that Usagi hadn't budged.
Usagi looked up from her drink, "hmm?" She looked around at the girls before her. They looked at her expectantly for a response. It was time she told them some of what was about to happen. "The Starlights are leaving in a few hours to return to Kinmoku with their Princess."
"Ah," Makoto said as she began to understand why Usagi was so distant. She was going to miss Seiya.
Rei wondered why Usagi didn't tell everyone her intentions at this moment. She wanted to know what Usagi had planned, "when?"
"Around sunset," Usagi said with a smile. "We should all say goodbye to them."
Minako pouted her lips, "its going to be really hard to say goodbye to them again." She hated to say goodbye.
"But we knew they weren't going to stay. They have to return home and continue to help rebuild the planet," said Ami as she thought about a conversation she had with Taiki. "They've made a lot of progress but there is still much to complete."
"I guess things will go back to the way they were," Makoto said as she looked at everyone.
"Things will never be the same," said Usagi. The girls stared at her confused but Usagi didn't elaborate on her statement nor wanted to at this time.
"I'll be right back," Rei said as she excused herself from the table for a few minutes.
Once again everyone stood on top of the school roof. It was just like last time when they left. The Three Lights stood by the fence with their Princess.
Usagi arrived with the other Inner Senshi. Her face lit up when she saw Seiya.
Rei quickly took note they were the only ones here. Mamoru was absent. Rei began to feel uneasy. She assumed Mamoru would be here or would have tried to talk to Usagi again. But she was with them all afternoon. She hadn't talked to him again.
"I was starting to think you weren't going to show up," Seiya teased Usagi once he saw her.
Ami, Makoto and Minako exchanged glances at each other and were surprised at how cheerful Seiya seemed be even though he was about to say goodbye to Usagi.
Rei remained silent as she waited for the events to unfold. She continued to look behind her and hoped Mamoru would show up and talk some sense into her.
"You know I wouldn't miss it!" Usagi exclaimed enthusiastically. She took a few steps before toward the Lights. Once she was a short distance from the four girls she turned around to face them. "Girls, there's something I didn't tell you yet… I'm leaving with the Lights and their Princess to go to Kinmoku until the school year resumes."
"Usagi-chan!" Ami gasped as her eyes widened.
Makoto was speechless as confusion was written all over her face.
"You can't be serious!" Minako said as she took a few steps toward her friend. "I know a lot had happened but you can't just leave Earth!"
Makoto finally found her voice and asked the question everyone else thought, "what about Mamoru-san?"
Usagi tapped her fingers together nervously, "I… well…. Err…" She fumbled with words as she tried to explain her situation.
Rei couldn't stand to watch it anymore. The other night she told Usagi she would support her regardless what decision she made. Now it was time to live up to those words. "I thought this would happen."
The four girls looked at her in utter confusion. "Rei-chan what are you saying?" Ami asked as she tried to grasp the situation.
"Isn't it obvious? Usagi chose Seiya-kun over Mamoru-san," she was blunt with her information and she didn't want to drag this out anymore.
Minako walked over to Usagi to look her in the eyes. "Is this true Usagi-chan?" Usagi slowly nodded her head yes. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?" She felt hurt that Usagi waited until the last moment to tell them she was leaving. Minako began to felt tears forming in her eyes as she realized she would have to say goodbye to her best friend.
Usagi looked at the other girls and noticed they were upset. "It will only be for a short time," said Usagi as she tried to reassure them. "I didn't want to say anything earlier since I didn't want it to ruin our time together." She hesitated before she finished, "I didn't want you guys to try to talk me out of it."
Ami sniffled, "we'll miss you Usagi-chan." She might not agree with what is happening but she did not want Usagi to feel mad before she left. She might not return. She walked forward to hug her. Makoto, Rei and Minako followed suit. The five girls did not speak but hugged each other tightly.
"I have to go," Usagi said as she separated from the other girls. "I have to a lot to learn about my new abilities. Princess Kakyuu and Sailor Galaxia are going to help me learn how to control them… so I won't have a repeat from before."
Rei's lips parted at Usagi's words. She wasn't leaving just because of Mamoru she was terrified she would hurt them again. "Usagi we know things will be different with your powers now."
Usagi shook her head defiantly. "This is something I have to do." Usagi turned around and walked over to Princess Kakyuu. "I'm ready."
Princess Kakyuu nodded her head. "First you must transform into Sailor Cosmos," she instructed.
Usagi nodded her head and the realized she wasn't sure how. When she became Sailor Cosmos she never received a transformation item. "Um... I'm not sure how…" Usagi reluctantly said; she felt embarrassed.
Taiki and Yaten exchanged amused looks to one another. They never heard of a senshi that didn't know how to transform before. "This is going to be a lot of fun," whispered Yaten to Taiki. Taiki nudged Yaten with his elbow to be quiet.
Princess Kakyuu smiled. "You had a … unique awakening," she said. "Close your eyes on concentrate on an image of yourself as Sailor Cosmos. It should help you."
Usagi took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She pictured herself as Sailor Cosmos and felt her forehead began to burn as an eight pointed star emerged. Her mind's eye focused on the crystal staff she used to travel through time and summon the starseeds back. Her chest began to feel warm. A prism of light began to form around the base of her neck. The light shrank smaller and took the shape of a small round brilliant crystal attached to a silver chain. From a distance it looked like the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou. Usagi slowly opened her eyes and clasped the new pendant around her neck. She could feel power radiating from it. When she touched it she immediately knew which words to say.
"Cosmos Crystal Power, Make Up!" A burst of prism light erupted from the crystal. The light washed over her body and it turned into a blend of prism colors. Her odangos became undone and her hair twirled around her. Pink ribbons covered her upper body and took the shape of a white dress with gold sleeves. She brushed some of the loose hair from her face and eight rings appeared around her fingers. She lowered her fingers to her chest and another burst of light appeared and took the shape of a crystal which split into two. The second crystal lowered to her waist. The lower crystal flashed and color ribbons flooded out to the length of the skirt. Ribbons formed at the base of her feet and became a pair of high heeled shoes. She spun around as her hair began to transform into silver odangos. Once they were in their new form white clips appeared in her hair. An eight pointed star appeared on her forehead, on her choker and both crystals on her bodice. A gust of wind blew a piece of fabric in front of her and circled to her back and took the form of a cape. She hesitated one last time and was surrounded by a flurry on feathers as wings appeared on her back. The loose feathers gravitated to the two crystals on the bodice, her hair, sleeves and shoes. She outstretched her right hand and twisted her wrist to the side and a crystal orb appeared. The orb flashed brightly and wings sprouted as a rod emerged from behind it. Sailor Cosmos took hold of the rod and spun one more time into a final pose.
No one spoke after her transformation. They were in awe to see Sailor Cosmos again. The light was temporarily blinding and they have never felt such a wave of power before.
Princess Kakyuu smiled at the ease Sailor Cosmos had displayed as she summoned her new found powers. "We will be able to teach you much on Kinmoku," she reassured her. The three Sailor Starlights nodded their heads in agreement.
"She's not going anywhere."
Everyone turned in the direction of sound of the voice. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune stood near the staircase of the school. Everyone froze. The duo took the opportunity to walk closer to their Princess.
Sailor Star Fighter took a few steps and stood in front of Sailor Cosmos. This was familiar territory to her. Even though Sailor Uranus had told her she was accepted as a senshi the other day she would not be so accepting of Sailor Cosmos leaving Earth to go to Kinmoku with them. "It is not your decision to make," she told them.
"What are you doing?" Makoto asked the two older women. "I thought the two of you finally made peace."
Sailor Uranus narrowed her eyes. In a sense, she was going back on her word but she felt she could not sit by and do nothing. "As a senshi perhaps," she clarified as she looked at Makoto. She then turned her gaze to Sailor Star Fighter and stated, "but the Princess is not going to another galaxy with you."
"Haruka-san, please…" Sailor Cosmos said as she tried to prevent anything further from happening between them. She took a few steps forward and stood in front of Sailor Star Fighter.
Sailor Neptune's eyes narrowed at her actions. "Stand aside Princess," her tone was firm and sounded like a command rather than a request.
"No," Sailor Cosmos said with unblinking eyes. "I won't Michiru-san."
It was Sailor Uranus' turn to take a few steps forward. She began to raise her hand over her head. "Princess it is not safe."
Sailor Cosmos took a sharp intake of breath when she recognized the stance of Sailor Uranus. She was about to use her World Shaking attack. "I will not step aside. The two for you can not stop me," Sailor Cosmos said as her voice quivered slightly. She gripped her staff and began to feel a little more confident as she felt power surge throughout her body. "I know that both of you are not powerful enough to stop me."
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune did not speak since they were shocked her boldness.
"And as your Princess…. I am ordering you to stand down," Sailor Cosmos said as she moved to the side of Fighter. She no longer felt it was necessary to stand in front of her to protect her.
The Inner Senshi stood by in awe at the scene before her. She had never given anyone a direct order before. No one moved to intervene. It was best they let the events play out unless a fight occurred.
Sailor Neptune tried a different approach, "does Mamoru-san know what you are doing?" She hoped hearing his name would stop her in her tracks. He was her everything.
Sailor Cosmos frowned slightly before she responded, "Yes. I spoke to him last night." Her voice cracked slightly at the end. She turned her direction to the Inner Senshi. "I will see you again," she said as she spun around, her cape following in the breeze. She took her place by Princess Kakyuu and Sailor Star Fighter. "I'm ready to leave."
Princess Kakyuu nodded her head. She did not like leaving with such a rift between Sailor Cosmos and her senshi but a part of her was concerned about Fighter's safety. The situation was very tense and it was for the best they depart. "Stay close." She directed everyone. She then turned to Sailor Cosmos, "this is the first time you've ever made such a journey. If you have any issues let us know."
Sailor Cosmos nodded her head anxiously. At this point all she could think about was running away from everything and leaving it all behind.
The five disappeared in a flash of light. Five brilliant shooting stars piercing threw the night. No one spoke until the shooting stars were no longer in sight.
Sailor Uranus stormed over to the Inner Senshi, "how could you let her leave? You didn't even try to stop her!"
Minako held her leadership role of the senshi very close to her heart. "There is nothing that we could have done. Usagi-chan already made her decision."
"Where is Mamoru-san?" Sailor Uranus fumed as she looked over the roof of the school building.
Minako scrunched her right eyebrow as she knew Sailor Uranus was about to lose it. "Usagi-chan chose Seiya-kun over Mamoru-san."
Sailor Neptune gasped at the revelation. Sailor Uranus hands shook with rage. She never dreamed something like this would happen. She felt a new found hate for the Starlights and especially Seiya emerge. "I with deal will him when he returns. I know he will not let Usagi-chan return by herself. She can't stay there forever," Sailor Uranus said as she clenched her teeth. She jumped over the fence and off the roof landing on the pavement below. She needed time to cool over.
Sailor Neptune hesitated as she watched her retreating back. It was not going to be a pleasant evening. She took a deep breath as her shoulders slumped. She left without a word to the other girls.
The group arrived in the back courtyard of the Kinmoku palace. Princess Kakyuu let out a content sigh at the sight of her home world. The sunset had set long ago and she was unsure of how late it was.
Sailor Star Maker looked upward to the sky and smiled, "they are so much brighter here."
Sailor Star Healer looked up to the stars and smiled as well. "It is great to be home."
Sailor Star Fighter watched Sailor Cosmos' reactions at her first sight of his home. She seemed to be in awe even though she had seen a fraction of the enormous palace.
Princess Kakyuu tried to hide a yawn behind her hand. They were all tired after their long journey but a celebration feast had been prepared from them. "We should make our way to grand ballroom. The people of the kingdom are anxious for our arrival, especially our guest of honor, Sailor Cosmos." The Princess smiled warmly at the younger girl.
Sailor Cosmos winced at the thought of being a guest of honor. She didn't want all the attention seconds within arriving on a new planet. Her growling stomach convinced her she should go to the celebration since she needed to eat something.
Sailor Star Fighter overheard the sounds of her rumbling stomach and began to laugh. If there was one thing she could always count on, Usagi was hungry.
Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer led the way down the empty corridor. Sailor Star Fighter had to stop frequently since Sailor Cosmos easily became distracted by paintings or other objects against the walls. The two Starlights stopped in front of a large pair of wooden doors. They waited from word from their Princess before they could enter.
Sailor Cosmos felt her anxiety build when she realized what was about to happen. She was going to walk into a room full of people she had never met before and they would all stare at her. She would probably trip and fall too.
Sailor Star Fighter sensed her nervousness and did her best to reassure her. She smiled at her and said, "now don't trip Odango." She left her place next to her and joined Maker and Healer before the Princess. It was tradition the Starlights would enter followed by the Princess. In Kinmoku culture the Princess was traditionally the last to enter the room unless she felt it was necessary to pay deep respect to her special guest.
Sailor Cosmos heard someone talking loudly on the other side of the door but she couldn't make out what they said. A few seconds later the large doors were opened and the Sailor Starlights entered the room to thunderous applause. This increased her apprehension.
Princess Kakyuu turned to face her, "you will be announced shortly after I enter as our guest of honor." She smiled at her warmly as she heard her own announcement. She walked forward with ease and smiled at her subjects. She had done this hundreds of time and didn't seem to have a care in the world as Sailor Cosmos watched. She tried to remember if she ever experienced anything like this before at the Silver Millennium, she couldn't think of any. Sailor Cosmos was able to sneak a view inside the room from where she stood and realized that the applause stopped and everyone had bowed on the ground to Princess Kakyuu once she passed them. Sometimes Sailor Cosmos forgot Kakyuu was a Princess as well.
After a few moments of silence Princess Kakyuu instructed everyone in the room, "rise." Without a word everyone rose upon their Princess' instruction. Once everyone was settled Princess Kakyuu began to speak, "thank you for your kindness on this day. Today is very special. We have been blessed during this past year and it is due to one particular person. This person is the one whom defeated Chaos and sealed away his evil forever. Without her our planet, rather our entire galaxy would still be jeopardy. I wish for all you to extend the same welcome to her as you've done to me."
A few murmurs in the crowd where heard. This is something that had never happened in their history. A foreigner has never received the same praise as the Princess upon entering a room.
Sailor Star Fighter beamed at the gesture that Sailor Cosmos was also very important to her. She turned to face the doorway as she awaited for Odango to enter.
Sailor Cosmos felt her heart race as she was introduced as the savior of galaxy, Sailor Cosmos. She felt all eyes on her as entered the room. She walked slowly and took her steps carefully. Princess Kakyuu stood in the center of the walkway with her hand outstretched to motion to her approach her position. She heard whispers everywhere that someone entered the hall after the Princess and how it never happened before. The whispers put more pressure on her to not fall. After a very long minute Sailor Cosmos stood in front of Princess Kakyuu, she wasn't sure what to do next.
Princess Kakyuu curtsied before Sailor Cosmos. The rest of room followed suite and bowed or curtsied to Sailor Cosmos. The Starlights were confused for a moment on what do in such a situation. They ended up bowing before her.
Princess Kakyuu rose and smiled at Sailor Cosmos, the rest of the room mimicked her actions and remained silent. "Thank you for sealing Chaos once and for all. Your actions have restored hope to all the galaxies. We are thrilled to have you here for the upcoming weeks as an honored guest."
Sailor Cosmos smiled at her kind words. She looked around the room and noticed three women in the distance wearing fuku's nearly identical to the Starlights with the exception of color in silver. Each woman had long hair each with a different color, lavender, periwinkle and olive tied back in ponytails. The girl with lavender hair stood in the middle of the other too woman. She had no idea whom she was but she had an intense glare directed at her. It made her feel uneasy.
Usagi made it to Kinmoku but what will await her when she returns home, if she returns home? Who are the new senshi on Kinmoku and what will their role be?
New acts will be posted periodically and without target dates as they were in the past. I am in search of a beta reader since I know there still many typos that I miss while editing. Message me if you are interested.
Stay tuned for Act 20: Training Day. Usagi learns about Kinmoku and begins her training while everyone at home tries to come to grips with her departure.