Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 30: Dark Ambitions
By: Sora Kazeno
Usagi laughed lightly at a comment Seiya made moments ago. They were resting on a park bench where they had first kissed nearly two months ago. He kissed her on the cheek one more time before he finally left her alone. Usagi shook her head slightly at him.
"I thought you enjoyed it," Seiya said with a smirk, his tone suggestive. During the past few days, since the last enemy's attack, they had been nearly inseparable. It was great for Seiya, but horrible for Mamoru, whom was stilling trying to talk to Usagi.
Usagi blushed a shade of deep red. She changed the subject, "What would all your fans say?"
Seiya laughed at her question in delight. "We have already been seen in the newspaper together. Remember that article?" Seiya lowered his voice and looked at her mischievously, "What I would be more concerned about would be the fan club at Juuban High School."
Usagi's eyes widened as she recalled the softball game from the previous school year in order to defend their relationship. Their team won. It forced Sonoko to acknowledge Seiya and Usagi as friends. She remembered how upset Sonoko was of Usagi for all the time she was able to spend with Seiya. She felt nervous thinking of how she would react to her and Seiya as a couple. "But Sonoko-san… was okay. Right?"
Seiya moved closer to Usagi to provoke her, "You know people change Odango. She might see you as an even bigger threat."
Usagi turned in her former crybaby self for a moment, "I can't do that again!"
Usagi's reaction was not what Seiya anticipated. Her loud screech began to draw unwanted attention to them.
"Oi Odango," Seiya whispered quietly, "It was just a joke! A joke!" He tried his best to calm her down.
"You sure?" Usagi said with tear filled eyes.
"Of course! Besides you will have me right by your side," Seiya reassured her. He placed his arm around her shoulders to comfort her.
Usagi's tears quickly vanished when a woman in a crimson dress appeared in front of them. It was Haumea. "Isn't this touching?" She sneered at the tender display of affection. She laughed at them as she curled a few locks of her long hair.
Seiya and Usagi bolted up from the bench.
Usagi immediately reached for her crystal pendant. She no longer had to hold back her abilities. She didn't have any reason to hesitate any longer. "Cosmos Crystal Power, Make Up!"
"Fighter Star Power, Make Up!"
Haumea was unsure of why she needed to continue to pursue the Guardian now that the organization knew her identity. She was told to assess her abilities, but she didn't need to assess her abilities to understand the danger. She flipped her hair to the side away from her forehead as she debated her next move. The simple action revealed the mark of the organization to the two sailor senshi before her. The mark she bore was a black upside down crescent moon mark.
Sailor Cosmos gasped when she saw it, her heart raced. She knew the symbol well and it was something she would never forget. "…That mark…" she whispered in disbelief. It was clear to everyone she was distraught.
"Oh? You recognize this mark? I guess it isn't surprising that you've heard of the Black Moon," Haumea said in an arrogant tone. "We are the future for this planet. We are here to restore it to its former glory, to a place where no one will be treated as a second class citizen nor forgotten on a lone colony. The Silver Millennium was destroyed by the Earth, so we will take our revenge on this planet in its place."
Sailor Star Fighter was glad to finally have information on the enemy's end game. Sailor Cosmos felt her heart race; her heart hammered in her chest. Panic began to set in. She looked at the mark and all she could think about was Chibi Usa. The Black Moon had followed her into the past to try to capture her. She saw images of the Wiseman next to Black Lady. "No…" Sailor Cosmos whispered in disbelief as she continued to stare at the mark. Images continue to flash before her eyes. She didn't understand why the Black Moon clan was here. They had stopped them in the future. "I don't understand…" she argued, "We stopped you! You vanished!"
Haumea turned her head to the side with a quizzical look. "Our paths never crossed until recently…" Her voice trailed off. "You know something. What do you know about it?" She tried to turn Sailor Cosmos' moment of confusion into an opportunity; behind her back she gathered a large amount of dark energy to strike them. Once her attack was ready she said, "It doesn't matter." She hurled the energy at the two.
Sailor Cosmos was not in a condition to battle. Sailor Star Fighter knew this. She jumped in front of the attack and barely had enough time to fire her own attack. "Star Serious Laser!"
The two energies collided; momentarily blinding everyone.
Sailor Star Fighter turned around to talk to Sailor Cosmos, "Odango, you have to snap out it. She is a powerful enemy and you could get hurt."
Sailor Cosmos unblinking stared as Sailor Star Fighter. She was physically there, but she was mentally somewhere else.
"Odango, please!" Sailor Star Fighter pleaded with her. "I don't want to see you get hurt!"
Sailor Cosmos blinked her eyes a few times. She began to return to the present.
Haumea used the opportunity to attack again.
Sailor Cosmos moved a few steps to the side and raised her staff. She summoned her energy and blocked Haumea's attack. She moved on autopilot. She did not say a word while she unleashed a vast ball of energy at Haumea.
Haumea did not anticipate such a quick reaction from Sailor Cosmos given her present state. It made her unpredictable and even more dangerous. Haumea was involved in enough battles to know if she remained here her life would be in jeopardy. "We will continue this another time."
Sailor Star Fighter turned her head to the side to talk to Sailor Cosmos only to discover that she was alone. She was gone. It was as if she disappeared in the blink of an eye. She vanished without a trace. Sailor Star Fighter became Seiya again. It would be easier to move through the city in his civilian form rather than as a Starlight. Seiya need to understand why Usagi had reacted with such a shock to the mark on Haumea's forehead. It bothered him to be left in the dark, especially when it involved Usagi.
Seiya searched the park and did not find her. He couldn't understand why she would just leave without talking to him. Where could she have gone? They talked the other day about sharing everything with each other and now she vanished. After a few more minutes in the park, he gave up on the surrounding area and expand his search outward. Did she return home? Did she leave to talk to Rei? Rei. He decided to try the shrine first since it wasn't too far.
He frantically searched everywhere along the way for her. He wasn't sure how she could have traveled this far. She must have used her abilities as Sailor Cosmos. Did she enter the time streams again? He saw a familiar figure. It was one he wasn't sure where they stood, but he needed to know if he had seen Usagi. "Mamoru-san," Seiya addressed the older man.
Mamoru was surprised to see Seiya, and even more flabbergasted he wanted to talk to him. "…Yes?" He responded slowly, unsure of where the conversation would lead.
"Have you seen Odango?" Seiya asked in a rush. He wanted to find her as soon as possible.
"No, did something happen?" Mamoru's voice became filled with concerned as he feared the worst.
"We were attacked by Haumea again… she had this mark on her forehead and it spooked Odango."
"What did this mark look like?"
"It was black… like a half circle… no a crescent moon."
The color drained from Mamoru's face. "…Are you absolutely sure?"
"…Yes…" Responded Seiya slowly. He became more concerned when he realized Mamoru had a similar reaction. "I think Haumea said she was from the Black Moon."
It confirmed his thoughts. Mamoru's eyes displayed pain after he heard the name of the organization.
"What does it mean?" Seiya asked him again.
Mamoru didn't respond as he took off running in the opposite direction.
Seiya raised his eyebrows, he was dumbfounded. What did he not know about this mark? What did it mean to them? He wanted to yell out in frustration, but it wouldn't solve anything.
Mamoru returned to the dock at the park where Chibi Usa first appeared. Usagi was not there. He was sure she would have come here first. It was also the place where Chibi Usa returned home before the battle against Galaxia.
He left the area and journeyed to another park Chibi Usa used to frequent. The swing sets were empty. A few children played on a slide while their mother watched over them.
He walked past a newly constructed building that had been the construction site where they had fought Rubeus and the four sisters in the past. Still nothing.
Mamoru frowned; he was running out of places he could search. He looked up at a clock on a large building. An object in the sky next to it caught his attention. The moon was rising. "I wonder…"
He stepped into the shadows and closed his eyes. His clothes shifted into those of Prince Endymion. He looked up at the moon. He knew he had traveled there multiple times in the past… but never in this lifetime. He couldn't explain it but he just knew she was there. In pain.
Endymion closed his eyes and began to concentrate. He began to picture himself at the Silver Millennium. He slowly opened his eyes and realized he hadn't moved. He grumbled at his inability to leave the planet. It couldn't be this difficult.
He let out a deep breath and tried again. Something changed this time. He felt a surge of energy radiate from his body. He felt warm light surround his body and within twenty seconds it was over. He slowly lifted an eyelid and gasped.
He smiled when he saw Princess Serenity in the garden. She was in her favorite location at the base of the water fountain. She ran her fingers across the pool of water. She was lost in thought.
Prince Endymion took a few steps forward and stopped. He was unsure of how to address her considering what had happened earlier. He mustered his strength and walked forward. This was his chance to talk to her without interruptions. He couldn't blow it. It might be his last chance. As he approached her, he realized she was sobbing softly. Her back was facing him. He quietly approached her. "Serenity," he whispered as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Princess Serenity jumped at his touch. She wiped her eyes and slowly turned to face him. She tried to give him a bright smile, but he could see right through her act.
He removed his hand from her shoulder and sat on the fountain ledge next to her. There was very little space between the two of them. He placed his arm around her shoulders. "You don't have to pretend with me. I know you're upset."
His words were comforting to her. She couldn't hold anything back anymore. She began to cry again. He rubbed her back. She cried harder and leaned forward. She cried into his chest as she had done so many times in the past.
"I heard what happened earlier," Endymion said softly. He didn't need to listen to her recount the events. It was difficult to see her in such pain. "I'm really worried about you, Serenity."
Princess Serenity cried for a little while longer. His voice was soothing to her. Her tears began to decrease. She pulled back from his chest to look at him in the eyes. "Why does it have to be them?" She asked. She didn't expect an answer, but she needed to talk to someone that went through the same ordeal with the Black Moon. She wanted to talk to someone that knew exactly what she went through at that time in her life. Endymion just happened to be there. "I was fine until I saw that mark. All I could focus on was the black crescent moon. I thought of all the battles against Rubeus, Saphir and Desmande."
Princes Endymion narrowed his eyes when he heard the name Desmande. Endymion thought back to the moment Desmande had kidnapped Serenity and forced himself on to her. They had been fortunate enough that Endymion had come to her rescue on time, otherwise, things would have been more damaging.
"I kept seeing images of Chibi Usa as Black Lady…" Serenity voice began to quiver. "I was so happy when she remembered her childhood and reverted back to her normal self. It was weird to see things through the eyes of Neo Queen Serenity."
Prince Endymion nodded his head, but did not respond. He wanted her to talk as much as she needed.
"The battle against the Wiseman in Crystal Tokyo… I never would have defeated him without everyone's help," Serenity continued to ramble. She recalled all the events of the battle. "I just don't understand why they would show up now." She had more questions than answers.
"Do you remember the story King Endymion told us about the Death Phantom?" He asked her.
"Vaguely."
"The Death Phantom was originally from Earth. He was a human that was given dark powers. He tried to conquer Earth, but was stopped by Neo Queen Serenity. Because he was human, she couldn't destroy him. She banished him from the planet and sent him to Nemesis. Is it possible that what we are experiencing… was their original uprising?"
Princess Serenity's eyes widened as she recalled the conversation. "It would make sense… but the future has changed so much."
"Perhaps it is an event that will happen, regardless of the path we are on. I don't remember the term Setsuna-san used. But some events are destined to happen and cannot be changed," Prince Endymion explained to the distraught Princess.
Princess Serenity nodded her head in response. She hesitated before she asked the next question. She looked up at Prince Endymion to meet his eyes again, "Do you think about Crystal Tokyo?"
"Every day," he responded without skipping a beat. "I can't stop thinking about what we witnessed. Everyday, I've thought about all that I've lost or will lose out on," Prince Endymion said while he gazed into her eyes. "I was looking forward to having a family since I felt like I missed out on so much growing up. All I've wanted was to be part of a family. For a moment, I knew I would have the family I've dreamt of."
"Endymion…." Serenity whispered his name. He was baring his soul to her. His words were difficult for her to hear since she knew she was the cause of his pain. She was the missing link. A few tears fell from her eyes.
Endymion wiped the tears from her eyes and leaned forward to kiss her. He was drawn to her and she would always be the one he longed for.
Subconsciously, Princess Serenity leaned into him as she had done countless times in the past. He was inches away from her lips. At the last moment she turned her face and he kissed her on the cheek. She pushed herself away from him. "I'm sorry…" she whispered with remorse.
She was about to stand up, but Endymion grabbed her wrists. Princess Serenity turned her face to the side to avoid eye contact. "We are meant to be Serenity…" His tone turned serious. "Look around us. Everything else is the same as before. It is a second chance for us to continue where we left off in our past life. What happened to the woman that couldn't bare to be separated from me that she even followed me into death?"
"I'm sorry, Endymion," Serenity responded with sorrow in her eyes. "But it's too late… my heart belongs to someone else."
He slowly inhaled a deep breath and chose his next words carefully. "It's not true. It is not the same kind of love that we share. We belong together, Serenity. I love you." He could feel a lump form in his throat as he continued, "You are everything to me. We were reborn on Earth to be given a second chance." He moved closer to her.
Princess Serenity slowly shook her head in disagreement. "I'm sorry, Endymion. I will always love you, but our time has passed." She refused to look into his eyes as she continued to speak. "Everything changed when I awoke as Sailor Cosmos… even my heart."
Prince Endymion let go of her wrists. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was something different about her in her eyes; something that didn't seem like her. "Serenity…" his voice full of pain, "I can't accept that. You mean too much to me." He raised his hand and caressed her cheek.
Princess Serenity did not respond for a moment. "I'm sorry, Endymion," she repeated again, as she took a few steps back from him. She turned away from him and slowly began to walk away.
"Serenity, please come back," Endymion pleaded with her.
Princess Serenity paused for a moment before she turned around to face him. "Many years ago you told me this. I think you worded it best, 'our love is like a rose, beautiful when it's in bloom, but it can't last forever.'"
Prince Endymion stared at her a moment. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks. He remembered the night he uttered those words to her. It was during the time he received nightmares from King Endymion to stay away from her. Sailor Moon was attacked by a droid. It placed her into a deep sleep and sucked out her energy. Luna came to his apartment to inform him of her peril. He rushed to her side as Tuxedo Kamen. Only a kiss of true love would awake her from her slumber. After the droid was defeated and Sailor Moon was excited he still loved her. That was when he spoke those words to her. He could only ask himself how he could be so cruel to the one he loved so much. He thought he was doing the right thing.
"I was a fool to ever tell you that," Endymion said, as he quickly closed the gap between the two of them. He ignored the few tears that remained in his eyes. He couldn't let her run back into Seiya's arms again. He gently places his hands on her arms. "Serenity, you can't cast out what has happen between us to the side just like that…. we mean too much to each other."
Princess Serenity lowered her eyes to the ground. She didn't respond for a moment. "It's not that simple…" she whispered, as she looked up at him. She gasped when their eyes met. Her lips parted slightly when she felt goose bumps on her arms. She could feel herself being drawn in.
He wasn't going to hesitate anymore. Prince Endymion leaned forward and kissed Princess Serenity. A few seconds later, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back. This continued for several minutes until Princess Serenity pushed herself away from him. Endymion still had his arms around her waist.
"I…I can't do this…" she whispered. She couldn't believe her actions. She was with another man, yet kissing her former lover.
"Forget about him…" Endymion said, as he moved his left hand to caress her cheek. "You have everything you need right here."
"…Endymion…" she whispered. "I…" Her words were silenced with the kiss of the prince.
Sailor Cosmos returned to Earth and immediately reverted back to Tsukino Usagi. She was so sure this morning that she would be with Seiya, but after what she just experienced, she questioned her decision again. She knew she needed to talk to Seiya and explain to him why she ran off. But what would she tell him about her encounter with Mamoru? Seiya would probably fight Mamoru. She couldn't have that.
With a heavy heart, she needed to keep what happened between her and Mamoru to herself for the moment. It was just the one time they kissed… multiple times.
She had no idea where to look for Seiya. She knew she had to find him, but at the same time she didn't want to. She betrayed him. She thought about the last location where they had been together before Haumea had appeared before them. She slowly made her way to the park, half-heartedly searching the crowd while she walked. Once again, she was frustrated at herself for running away from Seiya before talking to him. If she would have stayed, she would have avoided everything. That mark caused her to panic when she thought of Chibi Usa. She mentally kicked herself since just the other day her and Seiya had agreed on sharing everything with each other and she had done the complete opposite. This was going to cost her. She hoped when she explained everything he would understand why she left. If she stayed, she wouldn't have run into Endymion. 'No.' she told herself, she had to keep that part to herself and act completely normal. She could not tell him about Endymion.
Usagi became worried when she saw a familiar long black ponytail ahead of her at the end of the block. All she needed to do was run to him. She bit down on her lip. What would she say? She slightly increased her pace. When she was within earshot she shouted, "Seiya!"
Seiya turned around to search for the voice calling his name. At first he didn't see anyone. He inspected the area behind him closely and saw blonde hair bobbing up and down. It was her. He felt a sense of relief wash over him. He stood in place and waited for her to catch up to him.
Usagi became more nervous by the time she stood next to him. "I'm sorry about earlier." Usagi said without meeting his eyes. She felt like she couldn't look at him.
Seiya's expression softened. "I'm just glad you're okay. I was worried about you." He hugged her tightly. "What do you say we finish our conversation from earlier?"
Usagi nodded her head slowly, she was apprehensive.
A short time later, they returned to the apartment of the Three Lights. They were surprised to find it empty, but it made it slightly easier to discuss the Black Moon knowing they were alone.
"So… the mark belongs to the Black Moon. I panicked earlier because it made me remember a villain we fought years ago. The Black Moon was the enemy that chased Chibi Usa into our time line. They were the ones we defeated when we went to the future Crystal Tokyo," Usagi confessed.
Seiya gently placed his hands on her. "It's okay, Odango." Everything began to make sense to him now. He understood why Mamoru also acted in a similar matter earlier. "I wish you would have talked to me sooner. I would have listened."
"It's just… I didn't want to explain everything at the moment," Usagi responded when she tried to justify her actions.
"Where did you go?" Seiya asked. "I searched for you, but I was unsuccessful. I ran into Mamoru-san and he ran off after I told him about the mark. "
"I went to the Silver Millennium for a while, so I could think about everything. Endymion showed up… we talked for a little while," Usagi said. She wasn't lying to him. She was just leaving a few things out. Seiya was already frustrated with Mamoru. She didn't want to keep secrets from him, but she couldn't have them continue to fight over her.
Seiya's grip on her hands tightly slightly when he heard the news. It was clear he was upset by Mamoru's constant pursuit. His grip loosened when he realized he did the same with Usagi the first time he was on Earth. She was with another, but he continued to pursue her in hopes of winning her heart. There was something about her that drew him toward her. He shook his head slightly when he realized Mamoru was right the other day.
"I'm glad I found you so quickly," Usagi smiled sincerely. "I felt really bad for running off earlier without explaining anything to you."
Seiya smiled happily at her. He rubbed the top of her hands to show affection. "I was starting to wonder… if you were running away from me," he teased her.
Usagi knew she needed to reassure him. "I'm very happy with you… and I plan to keep it that way," Usagi said. She almost felt guilt for what she was telling him. But she was happy, right? She tried to brush her doubts to the side, so Seiya wouldn't pick up on her indecisiveness.
Seiya leaned closer to her. "We will face any challenges together. I know we can overcome anything."
Usagi's grin increased as she nodded her head in agreement. "I'm sorry about earlier… next time I will talk to you about everything. I feel like when I'm with you I can face the world. I just…" She had to apologize again or she might end up talking about something else. She didn't know what to do.
Usagi was interrupted by Seiya placing his fingers on her lips to quiet her. Usagi blushed at the affectionate act. He was never afraid to show his feelings for her.
"You don't have to keep apologizing, Odango," he swept her into his arms and held her tightly. "I'm here for you, Odango, and whatever you need. Always." He kissed her lightly on the forehead.
Usagi murmured, "I don't know what I would do without you."
Seiya's tone turned serious, "Odango, there is something I've wanted to talk to you about. I've been thinking everything over since we returned to Earth… and I want to say here, with you."
Usagi's jaw dropped. She was speechless by his actions. She closed her mouth and tried to form her thoughts. "You would abandon Kinmoku… for me?"
"Yes. I don't want to be without you. You cannot remain on Kinmoku. I've given this a lot of thought. I don't want to be apart from you again. The year I returned to Kinmoku… was one of the worse years of my life," he admitted. "It… was too painful."
"But…I can't ask you to make that kind of sacrifice," Usagi said with downcast eyes. "You have to protect Princess Kakyuu… how will you be able to protect her when you are on Earth?"
"Princess Kakyuu already spoke with me… the day you were asleep for a while because you… saved me. She gave me her blessing. She told me she wants me to be happy and I am happiest when I am with you. She told me to protect you. You are the Princess I am to look after."
Usagi looked on in awe at his words. A few tears trickled down her cheeks. "I…" her voice quivered. "Se… Seiya…"
Seiya gently wiped the tears off her cheeks. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. He knew Usagi needed a few moments to process everything he told her. "Besides… I think you pictured us at the Silver Millennium," Seiya winked at her. "That would be kind of hard if we lived in two different worlds."
Usagi was happy at the thought of Seiya choosing to remain on Earth because of her. But would his decision change once she told him what really happened at the Silver Millennium?
Seiya lean forward and kissed her.
Hours later, everyone meet at the shrine and were all seated around the usual coffee table to once more listen to Usagi. The Inner Senshi welcomed everyone, whereas some of the Outer Senshi continued to glare at the Sailor Starlights. Mamoru was absent; the other senshi took note of this development. They were confused. Usagi told them she had important information to relay to them.
"Usagi-chan, what is going on?" Minako asked, she felt nervous as she waited to hear Usagi's news.
"Earlier today… Seiya and I were attacked by Haumea," Usagi began, as she looked at the other girls. "During her confrontation, she revealed a familiar mark that we have come across with in the past. She had a mark on her forehead. A black crescent moon mark to be precise."
"Usagi, are you sure?" Rei questioned in bewilderment.
"Yes! She confirmed she was from the Black Moon," added Usagi with a solemn expression. "I could never forget that mark."
"Usagi-chan…." Ami murmured.
"This is… a surprising turn of events," Setsuna said with downcast eyes. "No matter what changes have occurred to this timeline… I guess we are destined to face the Black Moon."
"Who are the Black Moon?" Haruka asked the other girls in the room. She didn't understand the significance of this mark.
"They originated from a planet called Nemesis and tried to destroy Crystal Tokyo in the future… they wanted the power the Queen possessed. They blamed her for their misfortunes. In order to stop them, Chibi Usa-chan, with the help of Sailor Pluto, led the others into the future to stop them," Hotaru spoke up in a hushed tone. She didn't like to be reminded of Chibi Usa.
"Hotaru-chan… how did you know all that?" Makoto asked.
"Chibi Usa-chan told me about it one night when she stayed over, shortly before she left," explained Hotaru with sadness in her eyes, as she thought about her best friend.
Michiru turned the discussion toward a different track, "What does this mean? How is it possible?"
"I was reminded of a story I heard from King Endymion and how the Black Moon rose to power. There was a man who was born on Earth and had been given powers by beings from Nemesis. They turned him evil and he became the Death Phantom. Neo Queen Serenity banished him to Nemesis. She couldn't kill him because he was human. So… it seems that this is the precise moment in time when the Black Moon begins to rise. We have to find the person that will become the Death Phantom to stop them," Usagi explained to the others. She looked at the senshi for reassurance during this difficult time.
"It will be different this time," Taiki said, as he tried to take a supportive role. "Things will be easier now we know who the enemy is and what their end game shall be."
"You are also a lot stronger," added Seiya.
"Hmm. You still have to finish your training… it is as if you've only tapped into a small part of your full potential," Princess Kakyuu said, as she recalled the quick progress she made while on Kinmoku.
A couple of the senshi nodded their heads in agreement.
"Where is Mamoru-san?" Haruka asked; the question had been on her mind the entire time Usagi spoke. "Why isn't he hearing this information as well?"
"I don't know where … Mamoru-san is right now, but we spoke earlier and he is aware of who the current enemy is," responded Usagi with a lot of hesitance in her voice. It sounded foreign to her to refer to him as Mamoru-san again. But she needed to place as much distance as she could from herself and Mamoru right now. She couldn't let any of them know. She realized her error in speaking his name in that manner since it only drew more attention and made the moment awkward.
Throughout the room, gasps where heard after they heard Usagi say Mamoru-san rather than Mamo-chan. It was unheard of.
Haruka looked at Seiya with a death stare. She knew it was because of him.
The Inner Senshi exchanged glances with each other. They assumed it was over between Usagi and Mamoru. It sounded as if Seiya had won. Her doubts where gone. She chose the Starlight, not the Prince of Earth.
No one spoke for several minutes.
"If we all work together to achieve a common goal… we can stop anyone," Rei chimed in to try to build comradely.
"I agree; we can accomplish more together than apart," added Setsuna. She gave Haruka and Michiru a sharp look.
Michiru pouted her lips slightly while Haruka narrowed her eyes in disgust. She hated the idea of working with the Starlights, but she knew Setsuna was correct. Haruka stood and stated, "We'll be in touch." She began to walk to the door with Michiru next to her.
Hotaru looked at Setsuna for direction and Setsuna nodded her head signaling that they should leave as well.
Once they were gone, Princess Kakyuu said, "I see they are still struggling with the Starlights…" Her tone was downcast. She was disappointed that their differences had not been resolved after all this time. She wondered if it would ever happen.
The girls nodded their head.
"Haruka-san and Michiru-san haven't taken it well. I'm surprised by Setsuna-san's change. Usually the three of them are in sync," Minako thoughtfully added.
"It's because Setsuna-san has seen the future," Usagi said quietly. "She told me once, as long as there is peace in the future she will be content."
"She's been to the future?" Asked Seiya, clearly surprised this was the first time he heard this news.
"…Yes," Usagi said in a tone which meant she did not want to discuss the matter further.
"It is expected that Haruka-san and Michiru-san would act in that manner since they wish for things to be as they were," Taiki said while he thought about their reactions to anything related to the Sailor Starlights.
"Things will never be the same as they were before," Usagi whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear it. She raised her voice to a normal tone when she added, "I prefer this path." She smiled brightly when she thought about the idea of finally having peace on Earth after this battle. "There has been too many battles. Too many injuries… and losses."
The girls were silent once more while they absorbed everything they discussed.
Makoto broke the silence and walked the short distance to Usagi. "I'm glad you've figured everything out, Usagi-chan. I know things have been difficult for you." She hugged Usagi.
Usagi widened her eyes in surprise due to Makoto's actions, while the taller girl hugged her. Ami, Minako, and Rei walked over to them and the five of them took part of a group hug.
Yaten wasn't sure what was going on, so he turned to Taiki to ask, "What happened?"
Taiki smiled and whispered back, "They just accepted her relationship with Seiya."
Seiya smiled at the scene he witnessed before him. He knew the other girls were still uneasy about Usagi being with him over Mamoru when she still had doubts. He was ecstatic to see things progressing forward. He was feeling hopeful.
"Well I guess Haruka-tachi* will be disappointed to know they won't be able to get rid of us so easily," Yaten said with a smirk. They didn't know they were remaining on Earth permanently.
"Eh?" Minako exclaimed. She turned around to face Yaten, in a gesture to tell him he needed to elaborate on his statement.
"You didn't tell them yet, did you?" Seiya asked Usagi, trying to build more suspense.
"Tell us what?" Rei jumped into the game.
Princess Kakyuu giggled at the game they played. It was clear they were close. It was a side she had not seen of the Starlights since before the Scarlet Palace was under attack.
"We are staying on Earth to help you," Yaten said. He waited for them to start shouting, but all his statement caused was a few raised eyebrows.
"…Well we expected as much until the danger has past…" Ami said slowly. She didn't quite understand where the surprise was in the statement. Then it hit her. Her mouth dropped slightly… "Oh," she said softly when she put the pieces together.
"What is going on!?" Minako raising her voice in a higher pitch. She was almost as bad as Usagi when there was a secret she didn't know about.
"You misunderstood… once this ends… we will be remain on Earth permanently," Taiki filled in the blanks for the girls that were clueless.
"No way!" Minako shouted with enthusiasm in her voice.
Rei looked at Princes Kakyuu for confirmed and the Princess nodded her head in agreement with Taiki's words. Rei smiled. She was worried what would happen to Usagi if Seiya had to return to Kinmoku.
"You're going to need all the help you can get to keep an eye on Odango," Seiya teased.
"Hey!" Usagi pouted at Seiya with her hands across her chest.
Everyone laughed.
Quarora, a man in his early thirties with bright orange hair wearing a black and purple uniform, walked down the long corridor in search of Haumea. He was thrilled by the news he was given from Eris. He wanted this battle for Earth to be over with it, but he knew it would still take a lot of time. There were still three more components left to complete until they could dominate the Earth.
After a few minutes, he finally found her. "Haumea!" He called out to her.
Haumea turned around to face him with a broad smile. It was rare their paths crossed on official business. "What can I help you with?"
"I was given a gift from Eris for your use tomorrow against Cosmos," Quarora said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "It also looks like we will finally be working together."
Haumea beamed at the thought of working with her love. Then she remembered seeing Deucalion destroyed next to her by Sailor Cosmos. Her tone changed and said, "I've been looking for a way to pay her back, but she is too powerful."
"This will definitely hurt her," he grinned as he displayed a canister with a spray. "Tomorrow at our leisure; we will wait for the right moment," said Quarora.
"Would you be so kind to show me around to make things easier for tomorrow… think of it as a reconnaissance mission." He winked at her since it gave them an excuse to be out together.
Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus stood to the side of Sailor Cosmos; on the opposite side of Sailor Cosmos stood Princess Kakyuu and the three Starlights.
Sailor Star Fighter stood directly next to Sailor Cosmos. "Are you sure about this?"
Sailor Cosmos nodded her head. "It is something I have to do if I am to continue training my abilities. I've been slowly restoring the palace each time I've returned here… we need a place to train."
"You've been here that many times?" Sailor Mars asked her incredulously.
"Every now and then…" Sailor Cosmos said as her voice trailed off. She thought of her last time here this morning and her encounter with Endymion in the garden. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to push out the thought of their kisses from her mind, but everywhere she looked it reminded her of earlier. She bit her lip to avoid a smile from forming.
"It is beautiful," Princess Kakyuu said admiring the structure of the buildings. "This is beyond anything I've imagined."
"It is far from complete," Sailor Cosmos explained to her. "The outside walls are standing, but the inside… is still rather barren." She frowned when she thought about her limitations. Sailor Cosmos raised her staff inside the Great Hall. She wanted to restore this room, but she struggled to recall the details of this once ordinate room. She remembered that there was a large staircase in the back corner of the room, but she could not recall the rest of the features in the room. She lowered her staff in dismay. "I don't remember exactly how this room looked. It is so hard to restore a palace I cannot fully remember."
"I wish we could help you more, Usagi-chan, but we have even fewer memories," Sailor Jupiter said as she approached Sailor Cosmos and tried to comfort her.
An idea struck Sailor Venus. She knew how to cheer her up. "You know… Usagi-chan, I think there is a different room we can work on that I know you want to see."
"Oh?" Sailor Cosmos said with anticipation. She was curious where Sailor Venus would lead her.
"Follow me!" Sailor Venus said as began to leave the Great Hall. They exited the main building of the palace.
"Where are we going?" Sailor Cosmos asked repeatedly. Sailor Venus didn't answer and remain silent as Sailor Cosmos repeatedly asked. This made Sailor Cosmos even more impatient. They walked to the far end of the palace to another structure.
"We're almost there," said Sailor Venus as she began to remember the countless hours she spent at their destination from her past life.
"I forgot about this place…" Sailor Cosmos said when she realized she stood outside the door which led to the training grounds. She had tried to sneak in several times, but was never able to successfully pull it off. "I was never allowed inside because I wasn't a senshi…" She smiled when she recalled the recent memory with the Moon Senshi laughing about how one day she would become a sailor senshi. Yet here she was. Sailor Venus pulled off her glove and placed her hand on the palm print. Sailor Cosmos looked at her hand and smiled. She had placed her hand on the palm print so many times hoping it would have work eventually, but it never had. The keypad beeped and the door slowly slid open.
Sailor Venus entered the large space and everyone followed. It was a new era. For the first time since its creation, a member of the royal family and outsiders were all inside this hallow ground because they were all sailor senshi.
The room had a large open space with some leftover debris in the corner.
Sailor Cosmos' excitement quickly faded when she realized her shortcomings. "I can't restore this room to what it was… since I was never allowed in here before." She felt a sense of dread. Her goal was to restore everything in the palace to how it once was. It now proved to be impossible.
"We can try to explain to you what the room look like?" Sailor Mercury suggested. She knew she would not be able to contribute much and hoped the others would be more successful.
"You know… we've always felt the training area was too small and thought it would be better if it had a wider open space rather than an enclosed area," Sailor Venus said. She recalled parts of the room and remembered the difficulties of having all the senshi attempting to train together.
"That's true," said Sailor Mars, "You can construct the training grounds to what would work best. Now that there are more of us, it would be best to have a larger space." She pondered how everyone would fit in such a small location.
"Hmm…." said Sailor Cosmos while she considered the others responses. An idea came to her. "Everyone stay close to me." She instructed everyone as she raised her staff. Everyone moved to stand around Sailor Cosmos. They were not sure what would happen next.
Sailor Cosmos did not speak as the crystal on top of her staff began to grow brightly. The floor rumbled beneath them. The floor expanded outward as the walls came apart. Everyone was protected in a bubble as their environment changed. The back wall remained; however, it was twice the distance it was earlier. The other stone blocks transformed into pillars. The remaining blocks moved to the side to be used for something else at a later date.
The Starlights gasped as they examined the familiar layout.
"I don't believe it…" said Sailor Star Healer.
Sailor Star Maker smiled and said, "It is identical to the training grounds at the Scarlet Palace."
"Almost," added Sailor Star Fighter as she walked over to the back wall. She drew everyone's attention to symbols on the wall. "Look," she pointed with a smile. The astrological symbol for eight planets lined the center section of the wall. Before the symbol for Mercury was a crescent moon. To the right side of the symbol for Pluto was a five pointed star and finally an eight pointed star.
"I want the three of you to feel at home here…" said Sailor Cosmos, as she directed her comments to the three Starlights. She turned to the Inner Senshi, "I also wanted to follow your advice to make the area larger. I remembered how the training grounds on Kinmoku seemed so spacious." Sailor Cosmos closed her eyes for a moment as she began to feel tired from all the energy that she had just used. She took a few steps to the side, but quickly steadied herself.
"Usagi-san," Princess Kakyuu said as she walked over to her. "Be careful not to exert yourself after recent events." She chose her words carefully. She didn't want to bring up Fighter's near death experience.
"I'll be okay… I'm not as tired as I've been in the past," Sailor Cosmos reassured her. "I was not planning to complete any training today. That can be saved for another day." She turned to face all of the senshi. "We can all use this space to train."
"It's wonderful," Sailor Venus applauded her. "It is exactly what we needed."
Princess Kakyuu looked on at the scene before her. She knew the Starlights would thrive here with the help of Cosmos and the other senshi in this room. She felt at ease with her decision to have them remain on Earth. She hoped one day all of the senshi would accept them. It was time for her to return home. "I'm glad you are well. I wish you luck but I must return home."
"Princess?" Sailor Star Healer said confused as she approached her.
"There are several pressing matters I must attend to…." Princess Kakyuu's voice trailed off. "I will check in with you in a few days. If you need further assistance do not hesitate to contact me. I will do whatever I can to help you…" Princess Kakyuu turned to Sailor Cosmos to add, "All of you."
Once Usagi was finally alone in her room, she was able to let out the pent up frustration she experienced throughout the day. She cried into her pillow to muffle the sound of her sobs. She tried to act as if nothing bothered her, but keeping up the charade exhausted her.
She didn't understand why it was so difficult for her to make a decision and stick with it. She knew that she could not go on like this for much longer. Something had to give. She couldn't continue to be in love with two men at the same time. Usagi rubbed her eyes to brush away the remaining tears.
She was at a crossroads between two different destines. With a heavy heart she picks up the crystal pendent. She feels tempted to do something she promised herself she would not do, but she needed answers. She quickly put the pendant back down. She couldn't do it. She needed to determine her future for herself. The questions were how and at what cost?
The following morning, Usagi yawned as she slowly sat up on her bed. The past few days were a whirlwind for her. She raised her hands above her head and stretched.
"I've barely seen you these past few days," Luna said in a worried tone. "You've spent all your time with Seiya-kun."
"After the battle the other day… I realized I never wanted to experience that again. He was injured because of me."
"Usagi-chan, you can't blame yourself. You were the one that saved his life," Luna reminded her. She jumped on the bed to sit next to her. "How are you holding up? I understand the enemy is the Black Moon."
"It was difficult at first, but I know the others will help me through this; especially Seiya. He's been so understanding and patient," Usagi said with a sad smile. "But I can't stop thinking of Crystal Tokyo…."
"Why is that?" Luna asked in an alarmed voice.
"I think I've had premonitions of the future or a different future…. I've only talked to Rei-chan and Seiya about this. I'm not sure if they will happen but…" Usagi placed her hand on her heart, "Something is telling me it is the new future."
Luna looked up at Usagi as she waited for her to continue. When she did not, Luna asked, "What did you see?"
"I was in the Silver Millennium… but instead of Chibi Usa it was a silver haired girl."
"Silver haired?" Luna repeated, "The same color as when you are Sailor Cosmos?"
"Yes," Usagi responded without hesitation.
Luna was pretty sure she already knew the answer, but she needed to confirm it. "…and the King is…" her voice trailed off since it still sounded strange for her to say.
"Yes."
A loud knock on the door disrupted their conversation.
"Usagi!" It was Ikkuko.
Usagi stood up and opened the door to see her mother. She appeared annoyed with her daughter. "School resumes in less than three weeks and you've barely touched your work!"
"Really?" Usagi questioned. She looked at a calendar and realized more time had passed than she thought. It has been a few weeks since she returned from Kinmoku. Everything had happened so fast it seemed to be a blur to her. Usagi placed a hand behind her head and sheepishly looked at her mother.
"You still have to finish high school, Usagi. I don't expect you to go to college, but you will finish high school," Ikkuko said in a stern voice.
"Yeah…" Usagi said as she tapped her two index fingers together. "Umm…I'll talk to other girls and we can all work on our assignments together this afternoon! I'm sure Ami-chan or Taiki-san can help me if I have questions."
Ikkuko stared at her daughter. She was amazed she didn't argue with her about completing her homework as she had done in years past. This was a new Usagi. "You're… wow. Fine." She walked back to her door. She turned around to face her once more time, "I'm glad to see that Seiya-kun seems to have such a positive influence on you."
"Yeah…." Usagi said trying to sound reassuring, but failing miserably.
Luna turned her head to the side. There was something about Usagi's tone that caught her attention.
A few hours later, Usagi sat at a large kotatsu with her school work. Rei, Ami, Minako, Seiya, Yaten and Taiki were also seated at the table with her. Everyone slowly pulled out their work while Taiki pulled out his poetry collection instead.
"Eh? You didn't bring your school work?" Minako asked. She tried to lean over past Rei to examine Taiki's notebook.
"I finished everything a few days ago," Taiki said nonchalantly.
"How is that possible?" Ami said as she looked down at her own work. She still had a few assignments left.
"I've had… a bit of free time," Taiki tried to be modest.
"You mean you have trouble sleeping," Yaten called his bluff.
Taiki frowned at Yaten's very accurate description. "Yes… well. That has always been an issue, but seems to be when my best work is completed." Taiki displayed the stereotype for a genius. Trouble sleeping at night and his most productive hours were when people were typically asleep.
"Ami-chan… I'm confused by this section," Makoto stated, as she pointed to a question in her notebook.
Ami placed her pencil down to help Makoto. Taiki stopped her. "Let me help the others today so you can finish your work," Taiki said with a half-smile.
"Taiki-san…?" Ami said. She was surprised by his kind gesture. "...Thank you." She smiled warmly at him. She then blushed slightly at the awkward moment and turned her attention back to her work. She wrote a few strokes with her mechanical pencil. "Oh! I almost forgot." Ami dug through her bag until she pulled out what looked like three watches. "I've been meaning to give these to you. They are communicators. It will allow all of us to stay in contact with each other in case of an attack," Ami explained to the Three Lights. She passed one to each of them. "I'm sorry it took me this long to complete them."
"Thank you," Seiya said. He examined the watch for a moment before he placed it around his wrist.
Yaten also put his around his wrist, "Thanks."
Taiki did not respond. He studied each detail of the communicator. "The technology is very advanced for Earth, yet the design seems so simple…" It was his way of saying he liked the communicator. "You are truly a genius to develop this."
Ami blushed at Taiki's comment. "It was nothing really…" she mumbled. She picked up her pencil and frantically tried to work on her assignment. Nothing was writing on the paper. She pushed down harder on the pencil. The pencil did not write. She questioned if she was out of lead. She blushed even deeper when she discovered she had tried to write with the eraser. She flipped the pencil around and finally resumed her math problem.
"Since you're remaining on Earth…. are you going to reform the Three Lights?" Minako asked. She tried to deflect the attention off of Ami.
"It is something we have discussed… but we will not make a final decision until after the Black Moon is defeated. Being a sailor senshi must come first," Yaten responded without hesitation.
Minako was quiet his response was similar to something he had told her the first time he was on Earth when she auditioned to be an idol.
Yaten picked up his pencil and was about to begin his work when he remembered something Princess Kakyuu had told him. He directed his question to Minako, "Have you thought about beginning your career when this ends?"
"Eh?" Minako was caught off guard by his question. "I… I''m not sure. I don't even know where I would start." Minako admitted. She had spent a lot of time wanting to be an idol… but all she had was a cover letter to work with an agency. She would need to develop an album, an image, a portfolio spread, etc.
"If you decide this is something that you want to pursue, let me know. I might be able to help you," Yaten said in a bored tone and flick of his hair. He tried to remain indifferent, but the others saw through his act.
"That would be great…" said Minako slowly. She was surprised by the change of heart Yaten had. She was thankful for any help she could receive.
"I'm hungry…" Usagi whined as she put her pencil down.
"I have snacks for later," Makoto said. She wanted to appease Usagi before she began to complain too much. But her plan backfired.
Usagi heard the word snacks and that is all she could focus on. Usagi looked at Makoto with teary eyes, "Mako-chan," she was practically drooling.
Everyone sighed at Usagi. It was a familiar sight. Usagi stood up to go over to Makoto, but Seiya stood up and stopped her before she was able to take one step. He put his arms around her. She was struck. She couldn't get up. Usagi turned to Seiya and began to sniffle, "But I'm so hungry…."
"You can't eat all of the food, Odango. Besides you haven't started your work yet," Seiya said immune to her antics.
Usagi struggled in vain to break free. "No fair you're a lot stronger!" Usagi squirmed more, but was unable to break free to go after the coveted snacks.
The girls laughed as they continued to watch events unfold.
"Our food is finally safe from Usagi," Rei teased.
Makoto joined in on the fun, "It's great to have someone here that can stop Usagi-chan from eating all of the food."
Usagi increased her efforts and tried to inch forward in the direction of Makoto's bag. "It's not fair!" Usagi repeated in dismay. She kept trying to push forward but Seiya did not allow her.
"Okay then," Seiya said as he sat down, sitting holding Usagi in his arms. Usagi ended up sitting on his lap, making it impossible for her to move now.
"Let me go!" Usagi complained as she tried to twist away from Seiya.
"I'm not letting go until you promise to the leave the snacks alone until break time," Seiya said in a firm tone.
Usagi pouted the best she could, she was trapped. It was at this moment that she realized she was sitting in Seiya's lap. Her face began to feel a little flushed as her heart rate quickened. "Okay, fine!" Usagi said.
"…Usagi-chan… you're blushing!" Minako eyed suspiciously at the change in her behavior.
"It's nothing!" Usagi said with a nervous laugh. She moved back over to her work and picked up her pencil. She could feel the other girl's eyes on her, but she refused to make eye contact.
Usagi was confused Rei asked her to help make tea with her.
"You're hiding something, Usagi," Rei hissed at her. "You are throwing yourself into your relationship with Seiya-kun to hide something."
Usagi gulped. She knew. Rei was correct. She was over compensating after the moment she had with Endymion. "I … um… err…" she tried to find a way to explain it to her perspective friend.
Rei narrowed her eyes. "I know what happened at the Silver Millennium," she whispered. "You haven't been returning Mamoru-san's telephone calls, so he called me!"
"Shhh!" Usagi whispered back at Rei. "I haven't told Seiya… I know it would only make things worse if he knew what happened. The other day was bad enough."
"Usagi, you can't keep doing this."
"It was a one-time thing with Endymion."
"Mamoru-san doesn't see it that way. You need to talk and if that is how you honestly feel, you need to tell him."
"…"
Rei frowned at Usagi's actions. "Usagi, you're going to end up hurting both of them." She picked up the tray of tea and left the room in a huff. Rei wasn't sure if she knew Usagi anymore. They had been warned that Usagi would never be the same after she awoke as Sailor Cosmos, but she never expected this level of change.
"Thank you for calling us back so soon," the young female voice said from the receiver. "The department is looking forward in seeing you for the new spring semester at the start of next year. Have a good day."
"Thank you," Mamoru said. He heard a dial tone on the other end of the telephone receiver. With a sigh, he placed the telephone back in its resting place. He slowly headed to his balcony, a place he often stood while he thought. There was something calming about watching the city below.
After his last encounter with Usagi, he realized he did not have a reason to stay in Tokyo other than her. He knew he could fix things in the next five months. It would be best if he returned to the United States to complete medical school. Maybe Usagi would want to come with him as soon as she finished high school. They would only be apart for a few months. It was something that they had previously discussed before he had left for the States the first time around. But, if he was not able to win Usagi back than he would have to continue down a new path without her.
He knew he couldn't remain in Tokyo if he wasn't with her. It was too painful to see Usagi with Seiya. It wasn't something he could handle.
He couldn't believe he spoke such harsh words to her at one time when he thought back to their conversation at the Silver Millennium. A part of him wished he could time travel and beat up his future self for sending those nightmares. In this timeline, it drove a wedge in their relationship that he wasn't sure could be mended. What could he have changed during the past battle against Chaos to prevent Sailor Cosmos from awakening? From what he understood it was the natural course for this time line. How did he become so unlucky? Was this his destiny to be alone and confused forever?
The longer he remained on the balcony the more questions he had. He need for Usagi to give him answers, but so far it had been the opposite. He thought of Chibi Usa. He would never see her again since she would never be born in this timeline. He felt like a failure as a parent. He wished he could see the little girl one more time to apologize to her for how badly he messed everything up. But if he and Usagi were together he was certain sooner or later Chibi Usa would appear.
Why won't she return any of his phone calls? They had kissed multiple times. It must have meant something to her.
Hotaru examined a picture on her shelf. She frowned at the image of herself. The picture used to contain one of her and Chibi Usa. But now she stood alone smiling. It was as if her existence was completely disappearing. She wondered if she would one day forget about her as well. Her eyes shifted to the left to the straw hat she had lost a faithful day when Chibi Usa and her crossed paths. It was because of that day that Chibi Usa came into her life and she found a friend that loved her for who she was. They chased the hat until it finally landed; it was one of their favorite stories.
She missed the younger girl, her best friend. She began to cry at the memories they would not be able to have in the future. Ever since she returned to the future, Hotaru awaited the day for her to be born or for her to return for one more visit. She knew it would never happen again. She tried to make peace with it as Setsuna had. She didn't understand how Setsuna was so calm with the situation since she seemed to be close with Chibi Usa.
Setsuna was about to knock on the door to Hotaru's room until she heard her crying. She debated if she should enter, but decided against it. There was nothing she could say or do to comfort her. What has past has past. It was too late for it to be undone.
Usagi stood in front of Mamoru's door. Her heart beat quickly as she waited for him to open the door. She had to talk to him and it wasn't something she wanted to discuss over the telephone.
Mamoru opened the door, excited to see Usagi standing before him. He moved to the side to allow her into the apartment. "I'm happy to see you here," he said with the best smile he could offer.
Usagi nodded her head and stood near the doorway. She hesitated by the table as she pondered whether she should remove her shoes. She decided to remove her shoes. This was a conversation that could not be rushed.
"Usako… you wanted to talk about something?" Mamoru asked. He skipped polite conversation. He needed to know where they stood after their kisses at the Silver Millennium the other day.
Usagi opened her mouth to speak, but her words failed her. He still had that effect on her. What she wanted to discuss with him was difficult. She let out a sigh and tried to muster her courage. Things could not continue as they were. It was too painful. "I need…" Usagi stated, her voice trembled. "I need… you and Seiya to be able to get along."
This was not what Mamoru had hoped for, he was crestfallen. He wanted to talk about them. His eyes turned cold at the mention of the other man's name.
Usagi gasped and was taken aback when she noticed the change in his demeanor. She turned away from him slightly and forced herself to continue. "I need the two of you to stop acting like this." Her voice became quieter. "It's too painful."
"Too painful…" Mamoru repeated slowly before he continued, "Have you thought about how painful it is for me to see you with someone else?" His voice was full of pain.
Usagi bit her lip. This was more difficult than she thought it would be. "You know I can't stand to see people I care about fighting." Her heart hammered in her chest as she continued, "You're both very important to me." She turned her gaze back to him and was surprised to note he stood right next her. "Can you do this for me?"
"I'll do anything for you, Usako," he whispered and with a quick moment wrapped his arms around her.
Usagi opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She was mesmerized by his eyes and couldn't break his gaze.
Mamoru leaned down to kiss her.
Usagi hit her knee on the kotatsu in her room as she stood up. She was breathing heavily. Her hand shook slightly as she tried to process everything. Did she just have a premonition about her and Mamoru?
She walked outside her room for fresh air. She stood on the balcony wordless, the full moon captured her attention. It led to more thoughts of Endymion and the kisses they shared at the Silver Millennium. She smiled softly when she thought of all of the happy moments they had shared together. He was her first love. He was supposed to be her only love.
But she also experienced a lot of heartache and loneliness. When she received her memories back before him twice, the break up, leaving for the States to study and leaving her alone to battle Chaos. She thought back to the first time he did not have his memories, after the defeat of Queen Beryl. She was relentless. Every day she tried a new method to jog his memories. She refused to have their relationship end before it even began in this lifetime. She questioned her actions after the second battle where she did not seemed as motivated. Why? Why did she not do everything in her power to have Mamoru remember this time? She sighed when she realized she already knew the answer, Seiya. She felt lonely when Mamoru went to America and in a way she became used to that loneliness. Then the battle began anew.
When it was over, Seiya was there to comfort her again. Usagi looked down at the street which ran parallel to her house. Seiya helped fill a part of that void when Mamoru was gone. She thought back to something she told him right before he left for Kinmoku, because of him she never gave up against Galaxia... Because of him, she was able to save everyone.
She turned her gaze to the twinkling stars and thought back to what Seiya told her yesterday. He was willing to leave Kinmoku for her. He was even willing to give up the life he had before they met. But she betrayed him when she and Mamoru kissed at the Silver Millennium.
She was terrified of how Seiya would react if she informed him. She knew she had to keep this secret from him for as long as possible. In her heart she knew there would be another confrontation between Seiya and Mamoru if Seiya heard the entire story. This time the conflict wouldn't end with just words.
She sighed at the predicament. How long could she keep this up and act like nothing happened? She wanted an easy answer, but found none. A part of her knew sooner or later she would have to tell Seiya the truth. And it would break his heart. Guilt began to consume her over how well she was able to play everything off in front him in the past 24 hours. She went from kissing Mamoru to kissing Seiya, not even an hour apart. Who was she anymore?
Was she the Princess of the Moon or the Guardian? Could she be both? Who did she love more? Her love from which lifetime? She was stuck in the middle. She sighs and turns around to head back inside.
Luna sat on Usagi's bed. It was clear she was anxious to speak to her.
"Hi," Usagi said with a fake smile.
"Yesterday… must have been difficult for you," Luna said, as she tried to delicately bring up the discussion of the Black Moon. Their conversation was cut short this morning.
Usagi plopped down on the bed next to Luna. She wanted to talk to Luna, but she didn't know how to approach the topic.
"Usagi-chan, what is bothering you?"
"… I… it's a … I don't know…Endymion and I kissed at the Silver Millennium yesterday," Usagi managed to blurt out. She felt some relief to be able to talk to someone about it. She didn't feel comfort talking to Rei about what happened.
Luna's jaw dropped, "You what? Does that mean you and Mamoru-san will get back together? But what about Seiya-kun?" Luna rambled on, question after question.
"I don't know, Luna."
"Did you speak to Seiya about this yet?"
"No," Usagi answered immediately. In a quiet voice she added, "I'm afraid too. It's going to lead to them fighting each other. I know it."
Luna frowned. She knew Usagi was correct after how close they were to fighting a few days ago. "This will be a problem," Luna agreed with her. It was creating more friction among the team, but there was also on how her actions would affect the team. How it would affect her relationships with Mamoru and Seiya. "Usagi-chan… you have to tell one of them it's over."
Usagi became defensive, "I've tried, Luna! But Mamo-chan keeps pursuing me."
"Which caused you to doubt your decision."
Usagi bit her lip and didn't respond. Things were only about to get worse.
* tachi is a suffix used to describe a group of people, such as, Haruka and company
What does Usagi's premonition mean? What will Seiya do when he learns the truth? Haumea is up to something with Quarora and their plan will be carried out in the next act! Act 31: The Royal Court of the Silver Millennium