Usagi could only watch with her eyes wide as they reflected her fear and confusion as she saw Mamoru, her former lover, cough up black blood. She didn't understand, and she didn't know why. Her eyes darted to Makoto and then Helios, who had gotten up from the floor. Usagi couldn't help but question what the pegasus was even doing here. She was very confused. Why had Helios brought them here? Why was Mamoru coughing up black blood? She just didn't know what was happening anymore.

It seems the time has come to reveal the truth…

Helios spoke, and Usagi's eyes widened. Before her eyes, Helios changed from a pegasus to a human. It was the same form as before when he had…kissed her: the same fluffy light blue hair, a golden horn, and red crystal upon his forehead.

I am Helios, the high priest of Elysion.

Usagi tilted her head to the side at Helios's words. Elysion? She was pretty sure Helios had mentioned it before; no, she was almost certain he had. But Usagi still didn't know what Elysion was. What if it was something dangerous? "Elysion?" Usagi managed to speak, hoping that Helios would explain further. It was quiet for a moment, and in that moment, Usagi glanced at Mamoru, who was sitting on his bed. Huh, his cheeks were a bit red. Usagi wondered if he was getting worse. He looked fine, though…wait, red cheeks…was he blushing?! Huh, she didn't know Mamoru liked guys, too. Wait, she shouldn't be thinking about this right now! She should be paying attention to the important stuff that Helios was undoubtedly about to say!

Elysion is a holy land that protects the Earth. It quietly rests deep inside the planet, almost like the planet's living heart.

Usagi blinked, processing the words Helios had just spoken…Elysion was…inside the Earth itself? Was such a thing really possible? Usagi wasn't sure, but she should have probably just trusted what Helios was saying.

As Elysion's highest priest, it is my job to protect it, along with this planet, the Earth, along with you: Prince Endymion. Though you protected this planet on your own…I…

Usagi watched as Helios looked up at Mamoru. As he spoke these words, devotion lay bare and visible in his eyes. No, it wasn't just devotion. There was something else. What was it? Usagi found herself wondering, as she knew she had seen that look somewhere before.

Oh.

It was love, wasn't it? Helios was in love with Mamoru, wasn't he?

I have always been here protecting you from afar, prince. Always.

Usagi listened as Helios finished speaking the words he wanted to say to Mamoru, and her mind was reeling. Who knew this whole thing would turn into a romantic love story? But also, shouldn't they be worrying about the enemy and whatever was happening to Mamoru? Usagi looked at Makoto and opened her mouth to say something, but she closed it when she saw Makoto place a finger on her lips. Oh, right, Makoto was probably listening. So Usagi turned and looked back towards Helios.

I have been protecting you since ancient times as your guardian. So that's why I'm sorry, my prince.

Usagi saw the look in Helios's eyes as he said this, and she thought it was heartbreaking how distraught he looked.

_

Mamoru stared at Helios with wide but confused eyes. Well, one, he wasn't sure why his heart beat so fast or his face felt hot. But he was also confused because he didn't know or understand why Helios was apologizing to him; if he had been protecting him all this time, why did he apologize? He wasn't even exactly sure how Helios knew his identity as Endymion. Mamoru's throat felt dry, and he was unsure what he was supposed to say, so he stared into the gold of Helios's eyes. Golden eyes filled with sadness. Finally, he managed to speak, "Helios…why are you apologizing if you've protected me all this time?"
Mamoru watched in confusion as Helios looked away from him, bowing his head.

Forgive me; you've known nothing of me, so you wouldn't understand. Your life and mine are linked. The Earth, Elysion, along with you and I, are interdependent; because of that, I can show you what's happening.

Mamoru watched as the crystal on Helios's forehead started to glow, and he noted that his chest felt warm. It wasn't painful like the sharp pain from earlier; he didn't fully understand what was happening, though his attention was drawn towards Usagi and the other girl when he heard one of them gasp sharply. The two girls were staring at his chest with wide, horrified eyes. Mamoru was confused again, but it didn't stay that way; as he looked down, his eyes quickly widened.

A rose with petals pitch black like the night sky bloomed inside his chest. Mamoru was confused as to why this was happening, but more prominently, he was afraid. Mamoru noticed that his hands had started to shake, and he looked back toward Helios, wondering if this was the reason Helios was apologizing.

When he looked at Helios, he saw that a rose, the same rose, was also blooming in his chest, and Mamoru felt fear course through his veins.

As you can see, there is a rose in my chest as well. That's why I'm sorry, Prince. You are under the same curse I share with Elysion. I'm sorry, Prince, for this curse could seal your fate and maybe the fate of the planet, too.

Mamoru was quiet, as he couldn't say anything; he was afraid, and it was pathetic.

This body of mine you see before you is an illusion as I have been cursed, and I have been trapped in my alternate form of a pegasus.

Mamoru said nothing still; this was a lot to take in. It was too much, and he didn't know what to do. "Who would curse you?" Mamoru heard Usagi speak, and his eyes widened, and he looked towards her. Ah, she was so brave; she had always been far braver than he had.

The person who cursed me had not been seen for ages before this; she was a Queen who ruled over a kingdom deep within the shadows of the moon. Her name is Nehelenia, the Queen of the Dead Moon.

The Dead Moon? Mamoru had never heard of such a thing, not even in his past life.

You would not have heard of the Dead Moon as it was sealed to the darkness of the moon. Since ancient times, they have sought to overthrow the Silver Millenium and rule on the light of the Moon.

Mamoru watched as Helios paused momentarily before continuing.

Their goal is to snuff out what remains of the light of the Silver Millenium on Earth while damaging Elysion so they may topple the Earth. Their darkness went straight to Elysion, the heart of the Earth, and gradually my powers faded away.

Helios spoke, and Mamoru felt his heart pang because, despite the fact they had only just met, Mamoru found he couldn't help but feel for everything that Helios must have gone through. It wasn't fair that someone who had been diligently protected during his two lifetimes would have this happen to him.

After this happened, they invaded the Earth during the Eclipse, and now the planet is being invaded from within and externally. Elysion is dying from the darkness poisoning it. If this continues, the planet will die, and once it is dead, it is theirs. So…

Mamoru watched as Helios looked toward Usagi,

So that's why I needed your help, Super Sailor Moon, someone who is both a Senshi and Princess! They don't know your identity as Princess Serenity, the heir to the Silver Millenium, but they do know of your reincarnation. So I needed your help! Please…

For some reason, Mamoru felt crushed by these words, but he was unsure as to why.

_

Usagi felt herself freeze up, and she looked at Helios, her eyes wide as saucers. Sure, she had known Helios needed her help, but she had been unaware of all this…it was terrifying to know that both Helios and Mamoru's lives were in her hands. But she couldn't do anything! She couldn't let them die. So Usagi steeled herself before she spoke, "Of course! I'll defeat the enemies and save you and Mamoru!" Usagi spoke, and she smiled a bit, trying to give Helios hope. Hope that she'd win; she wanted Helios to believe that.

Instead, Helios's head fell, and Usagi didn't understand why. Hadn't she just said she'd help? Hadn't she just promised to save them? Why did Helios lower his head?

I'm afraid it is too late for the Prince and me; even if you were to defeat the enemies, there is no guarantee the curse would be lifted. Worse…

"Worse?" Usagi echoed Helios's last word and tilted her head to the side in confusion. Usagi watched as light once again shined from the crystal on Helios's forehead.

It might already be too late for you…

Usagi's mind ground to a halt at those words, and her breath quickened. Slowly, she looked down to see the light illuminating her chest. She could see her lungs, and in them was a black rosebud.

Usagi felt dizzy and sick. Was she afraid? Yes, she believed she was. Her ears rang, and the world felt far away. Her legs gave out.

_

Makoto reacted quickly as she grabbed Usagi before she hit the floor. Her heart started speeding up because Usagi was in her arms, and she wasn't responding, "Usagi? Are you alright? Please answer me!" Makoto spoke loudly, worry seeping into her voice. Usagi didn't answer her, though her eyes were open, so Makoto knew she wasn't unconscious; they seemed distant and far away. Makoto doubted Usagi could hear her. Makoto watched as Usagi's transformation came undone, and she was unsure as to why; maybe it was just that Usagi couldn't bring herself to hold it anymore. Makoto really didn't know.

Makoto felt anger course through her veins as she stared at Usagi, her Princess, for a minute longer. How dare this happen? How dare she let this happen! Makoto's head snapped towards the image of Helios in the room, her eyes filled with unbridled anger.

_

When Usagi gained her bearings, she found she wasn't inside Mamoru's apartment anymore. "Where…?" Usagi muttered, but she didn't have time to process anything as Makoto suddenly appeared in front of her.

"Usagi! Thank goddess, you're alright!" Makoto spoke, and there was a relieved smile on her face, and Usagi felt bad for worrying her. Makoto quickly pulled her into a tight hug, and while Usagi was a bit uncomfortable, she took this time to figure out where they were.

Oh, she was sitting on a bench in the park where she had seen the eclipse with Haruka and Michiru. She figured Makoto must have brought her here. "Yeah, I'm okay," Usagi spoke, though she brought her hand up to her chest and squeezed the fabric of her uniform. If Makoto noticed this, she certainly didn't mention it or draw attention to it.

"I'm glad." Makoto simply smiled, though her smile was tight and strained. Usagi felt horrible, really, for making Makoto worry, but also because she had let this happen to her. How could she let this happen? She was so useless, wasn't she? Why did it always end up like this, with her in some kind of danger and having to be saved? She was Sailor Moon and had the power of the Silver Crystal, but at the same time, it seemed like she always fell short. Something went wrong, and she needed to be saved. Whether from Kunzite and the beam of energy that Haruka took for her or from Mistress 9 after her Crystal and soul ended up being stolen. Why did she end up being so useless? She hadn't meant for this to happen.

She had only kept visiting Mamoru because she was being nice, even though she wasn't in love with him anymore; their time together as Serenity and Endymion meant so much to her. She had wanted to help through the hard times he was going through. Yet look where that got her; she was dying. Dying, Usagi felt light-headed at the thought, and she was sure her hands must be shaking.

She was dying. That terrified her. She wanted to cry, but she wouldn't, not when Makoto was standing right here. She wouldn't cry; she'd be strong; she had to. She had to be strong. She couldn't be a crybaby, not now, at least. Usagi's eyes locked on the ground below her. It was terrifying, really, to know she was dying, but she'd be strong. She had to. She just had to. A few minutes had passed; maybe Usagi wasn't sure. She wasn't really sure of anything; she was just unsure. Maybe a few more seconds passed after that she didn't know. She really didn't; she just knew she couldn't sit here like this. Usagi took a shaky breath and plastered a smile on her face. The smile was so fake, and she stood up from the bench.

"Usagi…?" Makoto spoke slowly; she was concerned. Usagi could tell from her voice the way she spoke. Usagi looked at Makoto with that smile—the fake smile. Makoto looked at her, a frown on her face, and concern shone in her eyes. Makoto looked upset, too. She was trying to hide it under concern, but Makoto was so clearly upset, at least to Usagi. Makoto was upset about all this, wasn't she? Usagi was dying; why would Makoto be happy about that?

"It's okay, Mako; I'm just going to see Haruka and Michiru," Usagi said with a smile—her fake smile—with fake happiness. She hoped Makoto wouldn't question because she couldn't. Usagi needed to be fine; she needed to be happy. She needed to be happy so she could see this through. She had to be happy until the end.

Usagi watched as Makoto's eyebrows furrowed, and the concern on her face intensified. "Usagi…do you even know where they live?" Makoto spoke, and it sounded to Usagi at least that it wasn't what Makoto had actually wanted to say. But it had been what she said.

"Oh, they're actually in the city today! We planned to meet up, actually! It's almost time! So I really gotta go!" Usagi spoke with fake cheerfulness, but she was fine. She would continue to be fine. She had to be fine. She had to be happy, at least for this. To see them, she had to because it might be the last time.

She watched as Makoto paused at that and, like her, forced a smile on her face. "O-Oh, I see. I'm not going to intrude then. Enjoy your night then, Usagi…s-see you later."

"Of course!" Usagi replied, pretending to be happy and pretending not to notice the way Makoto had hesitated with her words. Usagi pretended she didn't notice and replied without a second in between. Maybe they were lying to each other.

Maybe they would never see each other again.

_

Usagi wouldn't lie; she found it hard to smile even as she stood there, holding the railing and looking at the stars that shone above them. Them her, Haruka, and Michiru. Together. Maybe it would be the last time.

"The stars are pretty, aren't they bunny?" Michiru asked, catching Usagi's attention. Usagi pulled her gaze away from the stars and looked next to her towards Michiru, who smiled at her softly, her gaze loving as always. Michiru looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. Maybe if she looked into Michiru's gaze long enough, she could believe it.

"Yes, very," Usagi spoke, and she still had to pretend to be happy and force herself to smile. Despite that, she was without her lovers, who held her entire heart. She was still afraid because no matter how hard she tried, she could not forget the fact she was dying. Maybe Michiru noticed something because her facial expression changed, and she looked at her worriedly, similar to how Makoto had, and Usagi hated it. She didn't want Michiru to look at her like that, not when Usagi knew her time was already numbered.

"Usagi, are you okay?" Michiru asked, and Usagi faltered a moment but did not let the smile slip off her face. She didn't want to ruin this moment; after all, it could be the last moment she spent with them.

"Of course, you know, on the Moon, I always loved looking at the stars," Usagi said, quickly changing the subject so Michiru wouldn't press. She watched Michiru's facial expression change, and she still looked worried; she hated that. She really did. Thankfully, Michiru turned her gaze back to the stars.

"Well, on Uranus and Neptune, you can't see the stars," Michiru spoke, and Usagi turned back to the stars, looking up, and then a bit confused now. Well, it served as a good distraction from her fear, she supposed.

"Why?" Usagi eventually asked after it had been quiet for far too long.

"Because both Uranus and Neptune are planets are planets of water. Our civilizations exist deep underwater in domes. But we did get to see the stars at our posts." Haruka spoke, and Usagi looked at her.

"Oh, sorry," Usagi said quietly, worrying for a fraction of a moment if she had brought up unpleasant memories from the time her two lovers spent alone at their posts in their previous lives. It fell quiet again, and Usagi hated it.

She hated as each second of silence passed by one after another after another. It was suffocating and merely served to remind Usagi of her fear. Maybe that's why she spoke; she was not really thinking when she did. "If…if something happened to me one day in the future. Would you miss me?" As soon as she finished speaking, Usagi regretted it. She quickly felt a pair of soft hands on her cheeks, and her face was turned so she could look at Haruka.

"Why would you say something like that, kitten?" Haruka asked, and Usagi could hear the raw emotion in her voice. She could see the way Haruka looked at her, and her eyes shone with something that surpassed concern, almost as if her heart couldn't take the question she had just asked. For a moment, Usagi wondered if she should tell the truth, let herself break down in tears, and explain everything. Tell them she was dying. But she couldn't, she couldn't, she couldn't bear to think about it, let alone bear to say it.

Usagi didn't force herself to smile, but she didn't let her emotions through. She wouldn't let herself cry or show her fear or sadness. "I was just curious," Usagi spoke, eventually, and she hated it, knowing that she was lying to them, but she couldn't do it. She couldn't tell the truth. She just couldn't. So she had to lie. She just had to.

"No, no, kitten, you weren't. Please don't lie; something is wrong; ever since you got here, something has been wrong." Haruka spoke, and Usagi tried not to stiffen; no, she forced herself not to. She didn't like that Haruka had called it out; she didn't like knowing that they had noticed. Knowing now that they had probably been waiting for her to say something. But she wouldn't; she couldn't. "Kitten, you can talk to us about anything; you know that, right? So please tell us what's wrong." Haruka's voice was shaking, and she sounded upset, very much so that Usagi could hear every emotion in Haruka's voice.

Usagi hated the fact that Haruka was so upset. She wondered for a moment if she should tell them. No, no, no. She wouldn't; she couldn't, she just couldn't. Because if she did, everything would seem real. Everything, the fact that she was dying. She was going to die, but if she'd voiced it, then it seemed far away, not real, and Usagi wanted it to stay that way. Usagi forced herself to smile again, "Everything's fine, Haruka. I promise."
Usagi could clearly see the pain and worry in Haruka's eyes, and she watched as Haruka leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. Haruka still looked so upset, almost heartbroken, as she pulled away. "You…know you can come to us about anything…right, kitten?" Haruka spoke, her voice soft and weak.

"Of course," Usagi replied in that fake happy tone, and she continued to force herself to smile. "But nothing wrong right now," Usagi spoke, lying; she knew, but she couldn't; she couldn't do it. She couldn't tell them. She just couldn't.
"To answer your question, bunny. Of course, we would miss you because we love you. More than you could ever know." Michiru spoke, walking around to stand next to Haruka.

"That makes me really happy," Usagi said, and her smile was genuine this time; at least she knew they would miss her. Usagi paused and looked up at the stars in the night sky. "I have to go home, or my mom will get worried. I love you."

For a moment, it looked like Haruka and Michiru wanted to stop her, but they paused and smiled at her, though the smiles were weak. "Of course, be a safe bunny. We love you, too. Be safe, alright?"

Usagi paused at Michiru's words, "Alright, I'll see you later." That was the last thing Usagi spoke before she turned away. Knowing this would probably be the last time she got to see them.

Hopefully, it wouldn't be.

.

.

.

.

.

Not that hope would change her fate.