Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 59: The Darkest of Nights
Sora Kazeno
"Are you sure?" Mamoru asks while looking at the paper again but he still can't understand what was written. "Usa never spoke in…" he pauses; his Usa never spoke another language.
"Yes." Setsuna confirms. "When Usagi-chan ascended the throne she regained the ability to speak Lunarian. Do you remember the first place you met her?"
"It was outside of Crown, but why is it in another language? Mamoru recalls the incident when she balled up an exam paper and it hit him on the head.
Setsuna frowns. "No. That is not where Princess Serenity first met Prince Endymion. I'm guessing she is referring to that memory based on the language."
"So she set another trap for us at the Silver Millennium," Hikaru puts the pieces together. "She knows she will have the upper hand there like she had last time."
"It would appear so," Setsuna agrees with Hikaru's assessment.
"At least we know where she is and we can stop searching for her." Seiya tried to find something positive as he feels a sense of dread.
Hikaru pulled out her transformation broach. "Galaxia Cosmic Power, Make Up!" Golden energy bursts out of her broach as golden ribbons wrap around her body forming her sailor fuku. Her hair no longer tied back turning into a series of curls on top of her head taking on a familiar form. Sailor Galaxia stares at the others, "What are you waiting for?"
"Pluto Eternal, Make Up!"
"Fighter Star Power, Make Up!"
Mamoru transforms into Prince Endymion.
Sailor Galaxia holds the cauldron tight to her chest. "This ends tonight."
Princess Serenity frowns while looking at her collection of starseeds. Without enough starseeds and the right ones, she still can't stop this timeline from disappearing. She materializes Cosmos' staff. Shifting the staff in her hand she contemplates how she can harness the crystal's abilities to help her achieve her goal but the crystal does not seem to possess enough energy either.
She was unsuccessful again. She needs Sailor Pluto and Sailor Galaxia's starseed and the Chaos energy that was sealed within the cauldron. All she can do is wait for them to arrive. She uses this time to rest. She used a lot of energy last night returning to the Silver Millennium.
Sailor Pluto stares at the restored Silver Millennium in awe before commenting, "Time is merging."
Prince Endymion blinks several times looking around at everything before him. "It looks just like it did before Queen Beryl attacked us. How is it possible?" He turns to Sailor Pluto for answers.
"Sailor Cosmos restored the Silver Millennium in the other timeline. Never underestimates her abilities. This is why we needed her rings to limit her powers." She looks around the courtyard. "Since the palace was restored it might take longer to find her."
Sailor Star Fighter turns to the Prince. "Do you remember where the two of you first met?" Her eyes show an intensity in them to end this battle.
Prince Endymion looks at Sailor Star Fighter for a moment before answering. "Yes…" he begins to walk forward in front the group. Earlier he wasn't sure but now that he is here and the palace is restored, it is like it happened yesterday. As he walks down the hallways he recalls time he spent with Princess Serenity in these halls, laughing, and in love with each other.
He pauses a short distance from their destination knowing what is on the other side and what awaits them. He turns to look at everyone to make sure they are ready. Sailor Pluto, the senshi that allowed Chaos a second chance because she didn't approve of Usagi's choice in another timeline. Sailor Galaxia, the senshi that took his starseed and nearly destroyed Earth the last time she was here but is now their best hope at saving everyone. Sailor Star Fighter, the senshi that ties in to his source of heartache and the only one anxious for the timeline to go back to what it was, ignoring all of the events and history of the past few years.
The three slowly nod their heads to acknowledge they are ready to face Chaos.
Prince Endymion takes a deep breath and pulls the large doors open toward him. Behind the doors is the throne room. He entered the room were all royal guests were received by the Queen and the royal family.
Princess Serenity is sitting on her mother's throne and at first she doesn't move. Slowly, a smile tugs at the corners of her lips. Princess Serenity's eyes follow him closely; her amusement quickly fades at the sight of the three senshi entering the room behind him.
"Why are they here?" She questions him. "I thought you would have come alone to save the Princess?"
Prince Endymion looks at her confused. "How could I? You wrote the note in a language I could not understand."
Princess Serenity shakes her head in disappointment. "I guess you still have a lot to remember." She looks up at the others. "So you are here to give me your starseeds?"
"Never," Sailor Galaxia walks forward. "We are here to stop you."
Princess Serenity laughs, "how do you plan on stopping me? Nothing you've done has been successful."
"Then why don't you have your rings?" Sailor Star Fighter interjects.
Princes Serenity narrows her eyes at the Starlight. "Something I will have to correct." She places her full attention on Sailor Star Fighter. "Perhaps I should start with you. You have the most rings… why Usagi was so quick to willingly give them to you I don't know… what she sees in you… I just don't understand." She shakes her head. Looking up at the others she continues, "What she sees in any you and her dedication to a false timeline when this one is on such a nice track."
Usagi pushes against the door with all of her strength and it won't budget anymore. She is completely alone. Princess Serenity is gone. Chaos is nowhere near either. This would be the perfect time for her to escape, if only she could.
She paces around the cell again as she had done countless times looking for a clue or weakness. Something that will help her regain her freedom. Once again she finds nothing.
She walks to the door again. It still won't budge. A few tears trickle down her cheeks. She quickly brushes them away with her hand. She knows now is not the time and she has to be brave. The lives of all her friends and the fate of the Earth are in her hands once more.
"This is the false timeline," Sailor Star Fighter corrects Princess Serenity as she steps forward in front of the other two senshi. "This is the one Sailor Pluto created because she didn't like the other one."
Princess Serenity glares at Sailor Star Fighter. "Of course you would say that."
"If not for the other timeline, Chaos never would have returned. Chaos' return set everything in motion and changed the future of what you thought it would be." Sailor Star Fighter tries to convince Princess Serenity the other timeline is the correct one.
Princess Serenity eyes narrow into slits as she stands up. "So you've remembered your previous encounter with Chaos?" She smiles. "But I guess it really doesn't matter, does it? I will not be split from Chaos and without this starseed," she places a hand on her chest, "I don't see how you stand a chance at defeating me." She unleashes a blast of energy at Sailor Star Fighter.
Sailor Star Fighter barely evades the attack by dodging to the side. She hadn't anticipated an attack so quickly. The other senshi behind her scramble to the side to avoid the attack they weren't expecting.
Sailor Galaxia is the first to strike back. "Galactic Tsunami!" A wave of gold energy rushes at Princess Serenity meant to knock her back.
Princess Serenity uses her bracelets to deflect the energy.
Prince Endymion realizes he is at a disadvantage here since his only distance attack is throwing a rose. If he was closer he could potentially use his cane if he was Tuxedo Kamen. His sword is useless this far away. He opens his mouth to call her Usa but stops. She is dressed as Princess Serenity. He waits for the energy from the most recent attack she unleashed to disperse before he rushes forward.
He is going to give it all he has. He will win her back. "Serenity." He calls her name softly at first. When she doesn't respond he calls her again, louder. "Serenity!"
Princess Serenity stares at him. He has her full attention. She waits for him to speak to her. Her eyes soften when she recognizes her prince.
The attacks stop. All eyes are on the Prince and Princess.
"It's not too late to end this and return's everyone's starseeds." Endymion is near the base of the steps leading up to the throne. "We don't need to fight each other."
"We wouldn't need to fight each other if everyone just gave me their starseeds." Her voice lowers and becomes softer. "You don't understand Endymion. Usagi made her choice and she didn't choose you. Once the other timeline goes into effect we won't be together." She looks at him, almost pleading in her eyes. "If Chaos can stop this timeline from changing we can still be together."
Princes Endymion is frozen in place. He is speechless at her remarks. How did it come to this?
Sailor Pluto grips her staff tightly before responding. She knows she is about to anger Princess Serenity. "That is not how it works." She tries to explain to the Princess. "The timeline will change back to what it was. Chaos cannot prevent it, no matter what he told you. There is no way to stop it. Sailor Charon and I tried and were… unsuccessful."
Princess Serenity's facial expression transforms to one of anger. "Usagi ruined everything! If only she never tried to awaken Cosmos again…" She fights back tears. "Everything would have been perfect!"
Sailor Star Fighter looks down at the ground and is glad she is to the side of the others. For some reason these words seem vaguely familiar to her like she heard something similar to this before. It hits her. There will always be a part of Usagi's soul that will be in love with her Prince. But Usagi didn't choose Mamoru. There are so many things Fighter wants to say at this moment but she holds back. Prince Endymion can reach her at this moment and they have to do whatever it takes.
Sailor Galaxia moved closer to Prince Endymion to whisper words of encouragement. "Keep talking to her. It will give me a chance to seal Chaos."
The senshi's words snap Prince Endymion back into focus. He studies Princess Serenity's face before he resumes speaking. "Serenity, I understand that you are upset and should be, but this is not the way to solve it. This method is endangering everyone. What if more damage is done to the timeline and it can't be undone?" He looks over to Sailor Pluto for some kind of assistance or support for his comments.
Sailor Pluto adds, "He's Right. Princess, we have to the timeline unfold without any other disruptions."
Sailor Star Fighter starts to zone out as Sailor Pluto continues to speak. The way the others describe this other timeline makes it sound like it is armageddon for everyone except her. Subconsciously her fists clench tightly. She just wants everything to be over. She tries to think of what she would tell Usagi if she had the chance. The way everything is turning out she's not sure if she will get the chance. She focuses her thoughts back to the battle and no one is talking.
Prince Endymion climbs up a few steps toward the throne.
Princess Serenity finally speaks. "I don't believe either one of you." Her eyes narrow and they darken several shades. Why are you lying to me Endymion? You'd rather leave me…" her voice trails off.
She walks halfway down the steps. Her eyes focused on him. "I thought you would want to help me… save me… but I don't meant anything to you do I?" Her voice grows louder with each word, angrier.
"No, Serenity that's not true." He reaches for her hand but she pulls away. "I would do anything to help you."
Princess Serenity smiles. "Anything?"
Prince Endymion nods his head yes and repeats "Anything."
She smiles at him and raises her arms. "Then give me you starseed!" Golden energy erupts from the bracelets hitting Prince Endymion.
Everything happened so fast no one had time to react until it was too late. Prince Endymion cries out for a moment before falling to his knees. His golden starseed blooming from an orange flower appears in front of his chest. "Serenity…." He whispers trying to reach her with his last breath. "You can't let Chaos win… I will never give up on you." His eyes close a final time and the Prince of Earth vanishes.
The starseed floats over to Princess Serenity along with three pearl rings. She walks down the remaining steps. She puts the rings on her fingers. She stares at the starseed. Her arm shakes as she reaches for the starseed. Silent tears stream down her face as she looks at the starseed. For a moment she tries to push the starseed away from her to return it but instead the starseeds disappears.
Princess Serenity collapses to her hands and knees. "This is not supposed to happen. Chaos was not to supposed to take all of the starseeds." A wave of dark energy washes over her body turning her pure white dress black.
Usagi pushes against the door. It is becoming looser. Hearing sobbing, she looks up to see Princess Serenity before her. Usagi stops to look at her. "What happened?"
"He… he took Endymion's starseed." She cries harder. "He used me to take his starseed."
Usagi's eyes lower as she fights back her own tears. Her voice waivers as she speaks. "Chaos will not stop until he has everyone's starseed. Endymion… is just another starseed to him."
Princess Serenity stops crying for a moment. Her eyes widen and turn to anger. She is about to yell at Usagi but realizes she is right. She stares at Usagi instead wordlessly and tries to wipe the tears from her face but they keep falling.
Usagi looks at Princess Serenity and pleads with her, "Help me get out of here and we will stop Chaos. Get everyone's starseeds back. Save Endymion. But we have to work together."
Princess Serenity wipes the remaining tears from her face and nods her head again. She shakily stands up and walks forward to the door confining Usagi. She tugs on the door slightly at first and then starts to pull harder.
Usagi smiles slightly and pushes on the door. She hopes they are not too late to save everyone.
Princess Serenity no longer has tears as she stands before the three remaining senshi in the throne room. She smiles at them. "It looks like the Princess finally ran away." The voice that speaks is unlike Usagi's or Princess Serenity's. It is deeper and angrier.
"Chaos." Sailor Galaxia say slowly recognizing the voice too well.
"I was so close last time but Sailor Moon had to get in the way." Chaos' comment is directed at Sailor Galaxia. Her eyes narrow the golden senshi. "Don't think I didn't notice you taking away a small fraction of my power while Serenity spoke with Endymion."
Sailor Galaxia's eyes narrow as she pulls the cauldron closer to her body. She knows the energy she collected was a minimal amount; nothing to make a noticeable difference in Chaos' power.
Sailor Pluto's stomach drops. Time is starting to run out. She sees a faint light in the distance. Her instincts tell her they have until the light grows brighter and reaches them. She speaks quietly for Sailor Galaxia and Sailor Star Fighter to hear her nearby. "Time is almost up. We have to end this before the light reaches us." She takes a step closer to her. "I'll try to keep Chaos busy and weaken it." She turns to Sailor Star Fighter. "See if you can reach her." She looks at Sailor Galaxia, "seal as much energy as you can." She knows there is no turning back. She is now the expendable one in this moment. Her time is up.
"Dead Scream!"
Chaos appears bored at Sailor Pluto's attempt to attack her. With a flick of her wrist she sends black energy at Sailor Star Fighter and Sailor Pluto. The attack is overwhelming and they are knocked to the ground.
Sailor Star fighter struggles to get to her feet. "Odango," she tries to reach the woman in the front of her. "I know you are in there somewhere. Just give me a sign and tell us what you need for us to help you."
Chaos pauses to look at Sailor Star Fighter. "My answer does not change. What I still need is the same, your starseeds. Then I can finally finish my work."
"What happens if it doesn't work after you have everyone's starseeds? None of us will be reborn and you'll be all alone." Sailor Star Fighter pauses, her voice is sad. "I don't want you to be alone."
"It will work and once it does, I won't need the starseeds. If I return the starseeds, the senshi will just try to attack me." Chaos responds, bored of this line of conversation.
"We want you to come back to us… I want you to come back to me." Sailor Star Fighter pleads with her.
"Usagi was never yours in this timeline. Of course you would be anxious for the other timeline. You know Usagi would never choose you here." Chaos spats back.
Sailor Star Fighter shakes her head no. "I just want to see her as happy as she was before and right now I know Odango is miserable. This isn't what she would want."
Chaos laughs at the Starlight's words. "So now you think you're some expert on what she wants and doesn't want?" Chaos laughs more.
"I'm never going to give up on her." Sailor Star Fighter states, confident at some level she is reaching Usagi.
Usagi uses all of her weight against the door and it creeks but the door remains closed. Anger and frustration builds up that she is still confined. She knows in order to find a way out to help the three senshi left, she has to break free. It is only a matter of time before Chaos takes their starseeds and she will be trapped in here forever if she can't stop Chaos. Those thoughts give her another burst of energy and she launches herself at the door again. She tells herself to keep pushing forward. "I am not going to give up." The moment she gives up everything will be lost.
Princess Serenity keeps yanking at the door from the other side. Her hands are turning red from gripping the door so tightly but the door remains closed. She drops her hands to her side to rest them. "There has to be another way. Something we can do to make this easier. I feel like we are missing something?"
"Without my crystal pendant or brooch, I can't transform and if I could, I know I could be out of here in seconds." Usagi rubs her finger on the outline of the door looking for something to help open the door.
Princess Serenity stares at her for a moment. Her gut tells her Usagi will find a way to stop Chaos but it will also end any hope she has of being with Endymion. She looks down at the bracelet around her wrist. His starseed is gone, taken by Chaos and without his starseed he ceases to exist. He can never return. With a heavy heart she accepts her faith. She has to act as one with Usagi. She closes her eyes and her body is bathed in bright white light and she takes on a new form.
Usagi gasps at the Princess' transformation into Neo-Queen Serenity. The Queen raises her hand to reach Usagi's hand through the bars. "Let's end this."
Princess Serenity clutches her head for a moment.
Sailor Star Fighter takes it as a sign she is reaching Usagi and takes a few steps closer. She is cautious after what happened to Endymion.
Sailor Galaxia tries to increase the amount of energy she is pulling from the body of Princess Serenity into the cauldron. She reaches out her free arm. A light golden glow of energy lights up her hand as she added more of her power to sealing Chaos.
Sailor Star Fighter is now just a few feet from Princess Serenity. "Odango," she calls her again.
Princess Serenity's eyes are closed tightly, her shoulders are shaking. Suddenly she looks up at Sailor Star Fighter and speaks in Usagi's voice. "Seiya you have to stay back! It's a trap! Chaos is still too strong!"
Sailor Star Fighter freezes for a moment. But this is it. Now or never. "I can't turn my back on you. I refuse to give up on you."
Sailor Pluto moves closer to Sailor Star Fighter to assist her. She is unsure how she can help the Starlight but knows this senshi is their only hope of reaching Usagi and freeing her from Chaos. She grips her staff tightly. The orb on her staff glows slightly. She is trying to determine if she should attack, help Sailor Galaxia try to gather more energy, or wait and let Sailor Star Fighter keep talking to Usagi. After watching their interactions she decides to wait but remains guarded if needed.
Princess Serenity stares at Sailor Star Fighter. Her stance is more relaxed than a few minutes before.
"I'm right here Odango and I'm not going anywhere."
"You have to hurry and draw Chaos out. I don't want to hurt you and the others." Princess Serenity's eyes are filled with tears. "I haven't been able to stop Chaos yet and until I can, none of you are safe."
Sailor Pluto can't stay quiet anymore. "Princess, we don't have time to wait. Time is almost up. The previous timeline will be restored shortly."
Princess Serenity turns to Sailor Pluto with a look of panic in her eyes. "I wish you wouldn't hadn't said that…" she closes her eyes and her tears are gone, replaced with anger. The eyes snap open and they are dark gray. "I guess I have to hurry and collect the remaining starseeds." She raises her wrists.
"Pluto Chronos Typhoon!"
Princess Serenity avoids the attack and unleashes black energy at Sailor Pluto, slowing her down.
Sailor Pluto is about to attack again but Princess Serenity is too fast. Golden energy is released from her bracelets directed at her target, Sailor Star Fighter. Sailor Pluto doesn't hesitate. She used her body as a shield for the Starlight. She screams as her starseed is ripped from her body. Her body collapses in front of Sailor Star Fighter.
Sailor Star Fighter stares at Sailor Pluto for a moment confused as she processed the scene in front of her. She steps forward closer to the fallen senshi. "Why?" It all she can muster knowing how angry Sailor Pluto has been with Usagi because of Seiya.
"You're the only one that can reach Usagi-chan. Bring her back before it is too late." She smiles slightly at the irony; the Guardian of Time potentially lost to time… her face grows still as she completely vanishes from sight.
The starseed floats over to Princess Serenity's outstretched hand. It sparkles for a few moments before it disappears to join the other starseeds. Princess Serenity looks back and forth at Sailor Star Fighter and Sailor Galaxia. "And then there were two."
Sailor Galaxia looks down at the cauldron then back to Princess Serenity. The amount of energy she was able to draw out was minimal and it didn't seem to make a dent in Chaos' power. She seals the cauldron realizing she must now battle Chaos. If she loses her starseed they will never be able to seal Chaos.
Sailor Star Fighter clenches her fist. She is running out of options. They have to weaken Chaos first and the only way to do that is to attack Usagi. She hates this but there isn't another option. Talking to Usagi can only do so much. She has to complete their mission, the same thing she had chided the others about recently.
"It's almost over," Princess Serenity smiles at them.
"It's not over until the last starseed is gone," Sailor Star Fighter corrects her.
"Oh? Just how are you going to protect your starseed?"
Sailor Star Fighter's voice becomes more distant. "By stopping you. Whatever it takes."
Princess Serenity's eyes widen. "Whatever it takes? You don't have it in you. Don't tell me you're finally going to fight Usagi seriously?"
Sailor Star Fighter reluctantly takes a fighting stance. The person in front of her has the appearance of Usagi but it is not her.
Princess Serenity laughs at her and then looks over at Sailor Galaxia.
In the split second she looks away Sailor Star Fighter attacks her. "Star Serious Laser!"
The attack knocks Princess Serenity back onto the steps behind her.
Sailor Star Fighter hates she has to attack Usagi but it is the only way. She won't forgive herself if she doesn't do everything in her power to stop Chaos.
Princess Serenity clutches her arm. She stares at Sailor Star Fighter in shock and she slowly stands up. "I can't believe that you attacked me. You hurt me."
"I care about you. Because I care, I have to stop you." Sailor Star Fighter tries to ignore the guilt she feels.
"You're going to have to try a lot harder than that." Princess Serenity taunts the Starlight.
Sailor Galaxia uses this time to attack Princess Serenity while she is distracted by Sailor Star Fighter. "Galactic Tsunami!" The attack catches Princess Serenity off guard knocking her backward again onto the steps. The senshi watches Princess Serenity's movement carefully. Princess Serenity is injured easier and is now moving slower than when they first arrived. She has hid her weakness well.
Sailor Star Fighter tries again. "Odango, can you hear me?" She waits a moment for a response before she continues. "Find a way back to us… back to me."
Princess Serenity looks up at Sailor Star Fighter from the ground and smirks. "Usagi is never returning back to you. I made sure she will be lost forever. You'll never see her again!" Princess Serenity yells at Fighter trying to discourage her. "I've gotten rid of that useless girl!"
Sailor Star Fighter's response is to attack Princess Serenity again. Princess Serenity is not weak enough. "Star Serious Laser!"
Sailor Galaxia times another attack to hit Princess Serenity the same time as the Starlight's attack.
Princess Serenity uses her energy to block and deflect some of it to Sailor Galaxia but she ends up taking most of the attack.
Sailor Galaxia moves to the side to avoid the attack. She realizes too late her new positioning put the cauldron in direct line with the energy attack. She immediately regrets the decision when the energy hits the cauldron, shattering it into pieces.
A black cloud of energy rises up from the cauldron.
"No…" Sailor Galaxia responds in horror at the turn of events.
Chaos has escaped. The black energy hovers in the air for a moment near Sailor Galaxia. The black cloud forms a head and it moves to the side staring at Galaxia. He laughs at her. "You're no longer the most powerful senshi and not worth my time." The head turns toward Sailor Star Fighter and Princess Serenity. "That is where the rest of power resides… it is time I became whole again." The mass travels to Princess Serenity.
Sailor Star Fighter sees the energy approaching. If the Chaos energy reunites with the energy left in Usagi, Chaos will be at full strength again. Everything they had done would be for nothing. She can't let that happen. She rushes in front of the energy at the last moment, blocking the energy from reaching Princess Serenity.
The energy hits her like a brick wall. Sailor Star Fighter screams loudly as it slams into her body. An attack like she never felt before. It knocks the wind out of her and the pearl rings she had. They clatter to the floor right by the Princess.
Princess Serenity stares at Sailor Star Fighter wide eyed as the Starlight continues to struggle to stay standing to stop Chaos from advancing. "Why would you do something like that for this girl?"
Sailor Star Fighter is unsure how much longer she can keep the Chaos energy at bay. "I might not remember everything I went through in the previous timeline with Odango… but it doesn't change how I feel about her. I will always love her, and never stop." She can't hold it back anymore. She is exhausted and crumples to the ground.
Princess Serenity's eyes flicker as the dark haze over them begins to clear. "Seiya…" she whispers. She stands and rushes over to the Starlight. "Thank you." She whispers looking up at the black cloud.
"Don't think you're safe! No one is safe from me. I will finish what I started!" The black cloud launches itself at Princess Serenity.
The Princess gasps when she feels the dark energy hit her body.
The door that used to keep Usagi confined is wide open. She and Neo Queen Serenity are nowhere to be found. A gentle breezes flows through the air and several white feathers float by.
Princess Serenity is thrown back by the dark energy as it hits her body.
Chaos is confused. "No one has repelled my power before… no matter." The cloud takes on a human form. With a wave of the hand a black cloud of energy lifts from Princess Serenity.
Princess Serenity falls to the ground like a rag doll, unmoving.
"Odango!" Sailor Star Fighter screams. She is too weak to try to help her. Her attention turns the black mass that has become Chaos.
Sailor Galaxia watches in horror as the black mass combines into a solid form. The two parts of Chaos have become one.
The black energy begins to move in the direction of Princess Serenity then stops. "No, there is another that is weaker. One she would never harm. I'm sure she would give up her starseed." The energy redirects itself to Sailor Star Fighter planning to take over her body. The energy never reaches the Starlight.
"Brilliant Barricade."
Title is part of a lyric from the "Power of Love" from the DiC version of Sailor Moon
Sailor Cosmos has returned! Will she have enough time to stop Chaos and return everyone's starseeds? Find out in the final act on 12/31 and the longest part ever written in this story! Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory Act 60: Together we'll Fight to the End