Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 60: Together we'll fight to the End
Sora Kazeno
THIS STORY IS NOW RATED MATURE.
Please see author notes at the end of this chapter for important updates regarding this story and future projects.
A wall of bright light energy protects Sailor Star Fighter from Chaos.
Sailor Star Fighter is weak but manages to turn her head to the side. She can see a figure surrounded by white light holding a staff.
The Chaos energy shifts backward taking the silhouette of a man once more. "It is too late. You're too weak! Your body is on the verge of death! The cauldron is broken. You have no method to seal me or defeat me." He boasts what he believes is his inevitable victory.
Sailor Cosmos walks over to Sailor Star Fighter and kneels down next to her. Her heart is heavy she when she sees her injures. Being unable to defeat Chaos sooner caused everyone so much pain. "Seiya, are you alright?"
Sailor Star Fighter smiles slightly. "I've been better." Her expression hardens, "Odango, your energy…"
Sailor Cosmos smiles slightly. "I'll make it work. Being tired has never stopped me before." She stands up to face Chaos, light reflecting off of her eight pearl rings. She is not sure how she will stop Chaos but she will die trying if needed. She will protect everyone. She was granted these powers to protect everyone, it is time she uses them to save everyone.
"Time is almost up and we need the help of the other senshi to attack Chaos!" Sailor Galaxia shouts an idea to Sailor Cosmos from half way across the room.
The Guardian nods her head acknowledging the plan. It was a place to start. She can't risk the timeline being restored and everyone's starseeds have not been summoned back.
Chaos laughs. "Why would you tell your opponent the plan?" His laughter is interrupted be Sailor Galaxia.
When Sailor Galaxia attacked Princess Serenity, she held back some of her power. This time she will not. "Galactica Inflation!" A field of crackling golden energy surrounds her body amplifying her abilities. With a few gestures of her hands, golden balls of energy race forward at Chaos. For now she ignores the pieces of the cauldron behind her on the floor.
Sailor Cosmos knows Sailor Star Fighter's injuries need to be healed but at the moment she must use all of her concentration and energy on something else. Her eyes close, focusing her energy on the starseeds that are scattered throughout the Silver Millennium, summoning the strongest starseeds she can find nearby. She stretches out her left hand as a few sparks of light appear. She is in deep concentration.
Sailor Galaxia continues to attack Chaos with everything she has and is starting to become winded. She can only battle against Chaos at full power for so long. She needs help and has to buy Sailor Cosmos the necessary time.
Four starseeds begin to take shape in Sailor Cosmos' hand. Once they are fully formed they leave her and float two feet in front of her. Each starseed flashes brightly before they take the shape of Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Sailor Pluto, and Sailor Saturn.
They open their eyes to see Chaos and Sailor Galaxia battling.
"Please help Sailor Galaxia," Sailor Cosmos pleads with them. "I will summon more starseeds to battle Chaos… the cauldron was broken and it will take both of us to try to restore it but we can't do that while fighting Chaos."
"Search for Sailor Charon's starseed. She can help me try to buy you more time." Sailor Pluto instructs. She doesn't care of the potential repercussions. Slowing time down is the only way to save everyone. If they don't exist she doesn't have worry about the consequences.
Sailor Uranus scans the room for a moment realizing Sailor Star Fighter and Sailor Galaxia are the only other ones present. Sailor Star Fighter is injured. "Well… it's just like old times." She turns and smiles at Sailor Neptune.
Sailor Neptune nods her head with a smile.
"Neptune Violin Tide!"
"Uranus Space Turbulence!"
Sailor Galaxia smiles and feels relief when she sees the Outer Senshi's attack. "We have to give Sailor Cosmos time to return the other starseeds."
Sailor Saturn remains with Sailor Cosmos for a moment. She reaches forward touching the faded mark of Saturn on Sailor Cosmos' arm. "This mark can only be removed by your death or by myself." Her hand glows and the mark flashes lavender before fading away completely. "It will take a little time for the sealed energy to return." She pauses for a moment. "I'm sorry I had to do it."
"I understand Hotaru-chan. Thank you for doing everything you could to stop Chaos. Now it's my turn, as soon I gather the other starseeds."
Sailor Saturn nods her head to heads into battle. She has to take a supportive role for now. It is too dangerous to unleash her other attack while Sailor Cosmos searches for starseeds. She can't risk any of the energy hitting the Guardian and destroying a starseed.
Sailor Cosmos returns to the task of finding starseeds. It is harder and more time consuming to find two specific starseeds. As soon as she finds one of them she doesn't hesitate to bring it forward. The starseed is surrounded by red fireflies as it turns into Princess Kakyuu. "Please help Sailor Star Fighter."
Princess Kakyuu takes a moment to realize what has happened. Her eyes narrow when she witnesses Sailor Galaxia battling with the Outer Senshi again Chaos. She rushes over to Sailor Star Fighter when she sees the senshi's injures.
"Princess…" Sailor Star Fighter whispers trying to stay conscious. She can feel some of the sharp pains in her side and chest fading as her wounds are healed.
Feeling relieved Sailor Star Fighter is being healed; Sailor Cosmos can now turn every ounce of her concentration on finding Sailor Charon's starseed. Her starseed is weaker than the five she returned and harder to single out.
The five senshi continue to attack Chaos but Chaos still has the upper hand. Chaos laughs at them. "I don't have the Guardian holding me back anymore… I can finally release all of my powers against you." He throws a bolt of black energy at them. "Then I can just take your starseeds again."
"Destiny Spinster!"
Sailor Pluto smiles at Sailor Charon. "Are you ready to get to work?"
Sailor Charon nods and the two of them disappear into the Time Streams, leaving the other four senshi to battle Chaos.
Chaos tries to follow but is attacked by Sailor Star Fighter and Princess Kakyuu as they enter the battle. White light and small clusters of red energy hit Chaos knocking him back while the doors of time close.
Sailor Cosmos takes a few deep breathes to redirect her concentration from the battle to finding more starseeds. She finds two immediately. She is no longer searching for any in particular; any senshi will help them stop Chaos. A sense of hopefulness fills her as two more senshi appear, Sailor Star Protector and Sailor Ganymede. "Please help the others."
Sailor Star Protector stares at Sailor Cosmos and is about to retort when a few fireflies cross her face. She whips around to see her Princess and Sailor Star Fighter battling alongside other senshi. She doesn't question it anymore and rushes to help. Sailor Ganymede is already helping the others.
Sailor Cosmos lowers her hands to her knees breathing hard. She doesn't remember being this exhausting last time. She feels weak and worn down.
Princess Kakyuu smiles at the sight of Sailor Star Protector. She glances over at Sailor Cosmos and sees her exhaustion. Sailor Star Fighter is next to her, she turns to the Starlight. "She needs your strength."
Sailor Star Fighter hesitates not wanting to abandon the others fighting Chaos. "But you need my help here too."
"She needs you more and the sooner she summons the rest of the starseeds the better. It is the only way for us to stop Chaos. Protect her, make sure Chaos does not strike her."
Sailor Star Fighter doesn't hesitate anymore and rushes over to Sailor Cosmos dodging a few energy blasts along the way.
Sailor Cosmos jumps slightly when she feels a hand on her arm. Looking up she smiles weakly at Sailor Star Fighter. "It's harder than I remember."
Sailor Star Fighter leans over and places her arm around Sailor Cosmos for support. "It will get easier once everyone is back." She gestures her head to the other senshi battling. "The battle is half over once everyone is back and you can rely on us to help you. Then we can focus on the second half, stopping Chaos." She tries to break down what is ahead of them to make the task seem easier. "I know you can do this Odango. You're the strongest and bravest person I know."
Sailor Cosmos smiles. "Seiya…" She mummers and nods her head in agreement.
"I'll be right here to protect you." Sailor Star Fighter reassures her.
Sailor Cosmos turns her focus back to the starseeds.
Sailor Star Fighter lets go of her and walks in front of her shielding her from the battle in case of any attacks.
The Guardian stretches her arm out. Within seconds she locates another starseed and summons it. It forms in her hand and then floats to the side of her taking the form of Sailor Titan.
Sailor Cosmos glances at the others battling Chaos; she needs to find some of the stronger senshi to help them. She searches for starseeds that shine a little brighter, within seconds she finds them.
The two senshi appear next to Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer.
Sailor Star Healer sighs. "It's still not over, is it?" She sees the battle ragging on and looks at Fighter for a moment before she and Sailor Star Maker join the battle.
A bright white light hits Chaos hard as Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer join the battle. They realize how many senshi are still missing and the fight is far from over.
Sailor Galaxia surveys the battle watching the senshi fighting Chaos. They might be able to hold off Chaos for few minutes at best before being over powered. But more senshi will constantly be joining the battle. If they had all worked together from the beginning, things would not have progressed to what they are now. She is near the Starlights and Princes Kakyuu, the broken cauldron is behind her. "I'm going to try to repair the cauldron."
Princess Kakyuu turns to face her, "we will hold Chaos back as long as we can. The cauldron must be restored." Her voice becomes more concerned. "I'm not sure how much energy Sailor Cosmos will have after she summons all the starseeds."
Sailor Galaxia doesn't waste another second. She kneels down next to the cauldron, her hands glowing gold trying to merge two of the eight broken pieces together. She knows she can fix something she had created, even if it was centuries ago.
Sailor Cosmos gestures with her hand and two more starseeds float away from her becoming Sailor Mercury and Sailor Ariel. Sailor Mercury pauses to hug Sailor Cosmos. "Welcome back." Sailor Mercury taps on her earring to gain data on the battle to find the best way to attack Chaos. Sailor Ariel is already battling with the others.
Sailor Cosmos pauses again taking a moment to catch her breath before forcing herself to continue. It is her fault all of the senshi lost their starseeds. Three starseeds appear this time one after another. She exhales loudly and the starseeds float away and transform into Sailor Earth, Sailor Umbriel, and Sailor Oberon. They join the battle moments later.
Seeing Sailor Earth gives her a sense of panic. Where is Mamo-chan's starseed? What if she can't return his starseed? She looks up at the battle ragging before her. She tells herself she can find his starseed. There are still many that haven't returned. The senshi need help.
She closes her eyes and locates another starseed. She releases the starseed and it becomes Sailor Jupiter.
"Usagi-chan…" Sailor Jupiter smiles at her a moment. "I'm so glad you're back." She doesn't hesitate to help the others.
Sailor Cosmos pauses again feeling faint and nearly losing her balance.
Sailor Star Fighter rushes back to side, supporting her weight. "It's alright Odango." She tries to comfort and reassure her.
"But there are still so many starseeds left. What if I can't find them in time?"
Sailor Star fighter looks at the senshi battling Chaos for a moment before looking back at Sailor Cosmos. "There are only eight left Odango. Then everyone is back. I know you can do this. We all believe in you, it's why none of us gave up when Chaos controlled you."
Sailor Cosmos takes a deep breath a few times. "Okay. I'm ready." She returns to searching for more starseeds.
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune wait a moment as several of the Moon Senshi attack Chaos. Their attacks are weak but when combined with the others, it places Chaos on the defensive which is what they need. Sailor Saturn has been blocking as many attacks as she can and gradually she has less and less to block.
"I can't help but notice I don't see Mamoru-san anywhere. Why is it taking him so long to return? What if he doesn't return?" Sailor Uranus asks her partner.
"Nonsense. Not everyone is back yet. I'm sure he will find his way back to his Princess soon. Remember, those starseeds with the strongest shine are easiest to find. Chaos has told us more than once Mamoru-san does not have a strong starseed. And honestly, we need the senshi to help us battle."
"Mercury Aqua Mirage!" She aims to attack to the right of Chaos.
Sailor Jupiter aims for the same spot to strengthen the attack. "Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
The three Starlights protect their Princess and the four of them attack Chaos, giving a breather to the others.
Sailor Saturn moves to stand in front of Sailor Galaxia to shield from a few stray attacks. Her duty is protect Sailor Galaxia while the cauldron is reassembled.
Sailor Cosmos focuses on her hand and nothing is appearing. There are still many starseeds that need to reappear. Where are they? She takes a deep breath to relax her nerves. After a moment a small spark appears in her hand. She focuses on that spark and it struggles to take the shape. Why is this one so difficult compared to the others? Once the starseeds finally forms it transforms into Sailor Star Destroyer.
Sailor Star Destroyer immediately takes an offensive stance to fight Sailor Cosmos. "You."
"Enough Shiori-chan. We don't have time for this. She is not the enemy," Sailor Star Fighter comes to the defense of Sailor Cosmos.
"Like hell she isn't! You saw what happened. Why are you protecting her after what she has done?"
Sailor Star Fighter is losing her patience. "Look around you, everyone including our Princess and the other Starlights are battling Chaos. Turn and see for yourself!"
Sailor Star Destroyer follows the instructions and sees everyone battling. She turns to Sailor Star Fighter. "Why aren't you helping our Princess?" She asks angrily.
"Princess Kakyuu is having me help Sailor Cosmos while she is summoning everyone's starseeds. What if Chaos tries to attack her and the other starseeds can't be returned?" Sailor Star Fighter yells at her, not understanding why Sailor Star Destroyer is being so difficult when they need to be working together.
Black energy rushes at the two Starlights standing in front of Sailor Cosmos.
"Silent Wall!" The energy hits the wall created by Sailor Saturn just in time to prevent any injury. "Pay attention!" She yells at them. "Chaos is looking for any opening and we can only contain him for so long."
Another starseed appears next to Sailor Star Fighter and Sailor Star Destroyer.
Sailor Callisto turns to see Sailor Cosmos focused on summoning a starseed in her hand. She turns to see her fellow Moon Senshi battling Chaos. She doesn't hesitate. She runs forward rushing into the battle. As she approaches she can see how exhausted everyone is. Some seem close to reaching their limits and she wonders how long this battle has taken place already.
Sailor Star Destroyer stares at Sailor Star Fighter and Sailor Cosmos again for a moment before she leaves them to help the other senshi engaged in battle.
The starseed finished forming in Sailor Cosmos' hand and floats to the side of her taking on the shape of Sailor Mars. She look around at the others and then back to Sailor Cosmos and Sailor Star Fighter. She can't help but notice Tuxedo Kamen is not present. She wants to ask but Sailor Cosmos is summoning another starseed already. Not everyone is back. The sounds of the battle against Chaos redirect her thoughts. Her friends need her.
Sailor Triton appears next to help the others.
Sailor Cosmos pauses again as she feels light headed. She has a handful of starseeds left but they seem father away and more difficult to reach. She grips her staff tightly to steady herself. She wishes everyone was back and she could move on to the next phase of battling Chaos before she runs out of energy. She watches everyone fight Chaos and hopes they can last a little longer.
Sailor Galaxia now has the caldron in six pieces, an improvement from eight.
Reaching out with her mind, Sailor Cosmos locates two more starseeds easily. She sighs in frustration as they take on the form of Sailor Star Creator and Sailor Phobos.
Sailor Cosmos exhales loudly. He is still missing.
"Two more to go Odango," Sailor Star Fighter walks over to her, encouraging the Guardian not to give up. She doesn't comment on which starseeds are missing. She already knows Usagi is aware.
Sailor Cosmos vaguely hears Sailor Star Fighter's encouragement as she searches. Moments pass before she finds the next starseed. It becomes Sailor Venus. Frantically she searches for the last one. Despite everything that has happened, she still loves him and wants to see him return safely. Why is she struggling with locating his starseed? He should have been one of the easiest to find with their connection.
She searches for any sign, any spark. Does he not want to be found and returned? A sense of dread fills her. Maybe he doesn't want to return because of what he knows awaits him in the other timeline. No, she tells herself. That isn't who he is. His starseed is weaker because he is not a senshi. He doesn't have the Golden Crystal like he had in the other timeline. She tries to reason with herself. She takes several deep breaths to clear her mind. She needs to focus in order to find him and save him.
She resumes the quest for the starseed. It hasn't been in the void as long as the other starseeds. She concentrates on his shrine, knowing he has to be close by. She is about to search another area when she pauses. She almost missed it. A faint spark; in her mind she moves closer to the source and feels relief wash over when she finds his starseed. It gradually appears in her hand.
Prince Endymion appears next to her. She smiles when she sees him. All the starseeds are back; a large weight is lifted from her shoulders. Now she needs to help Sailor Galaxia repair the cauldron and sealing Chaos. She tries to take a few steps forward toward Sailor Galaxia and nearly falls forward. Summoning each starseed severely depleted her energy.
Sailor Star Fighter catches Sailor Cosmos. "Easy. You did well. Everyone's starseeds are back." She tries to ignore the glare she receives from Prince Endymion for having her arms around Sailor Cosmos. Her eyes move past Prince Endymion to the battle against Chaos. She needs to help the others. Prince Endymion would be able to do little to help fight Chaos but would do everything in his power to protect Sailor Cosmos. She hates what she is about to say but the faster Chaos is defeated, the better. She turns to Sailor Cosmos. "I need to help the others against Chaos. They are exhausted keeping him busy while you summoned the starseeds and Sailor Galaxia is restoring the cauldron."
Sailor Cosmos wants to protest. She doesn't want to leave Sailor Star Fighter's side. Instead she sighs. She knows the other senshi is correct. She turns to Prince Endymion. "Can you help Sailor Saturn protect myself and Sailor Galaxia? As soon as the cauldron is ready, we can stop Chaos for good."
"Of course, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Endymion takes a few steps closer to Sailor Cosmos.
Sailor Star Fighter looks at Sailor Cosmos again for a moment before she turns around and rushes back into the battle to assist the others.
Sailor Cosmos moves as quickly as she can to Sailor Galaxia but she still feels uneasy on her feet.
Prince Endymion immediately places his arms around her shoulders to assist her. "Usa…I … don't know what to say." He is at a loss for words. "I just don't understand."
"I'm sorry Mamo-chan… but we have to stop Chaos first otherwise none of us will have a place to exist." Sailor Cosmos can't look at him while she speaks. Her eyes are focused on Sailor Galaxia. If she looks at him she will break and she can't do that right now. Too much is at stake. She can't have this conversation with the man another version of herself married in this timeline.
Endymion helps steady Sailor Cosmos and assists her walking her way to Sailor Galaxia. Her footing becomes steadier by the time she reaches Sailor Galaxia. The cauldron is now in four pieces.
Sailor Galaxia is glad to see Sailor Cosmos. "You did well to return everyone's starseeds so quickly. She looks up to see the wall of light rapidly approaching. "We don't have much time left."
Sailor Cosmos' expression becomes serious as she kneels down next to the cauldron. She pushes her cape to the side and rests her staff on the floor next to her.
Sailor Galaxia notices all of Sailor Cosmos' rings back on her rings. She has never been so happy to see the Guardian with all of her rings.
Sailor Cosmos raises her hands and places them near the cauldron focusing her energy to put the pieces back together. Mentally she tells herself she can do this; it is just like restoring the Silver Millennium but on a smaller scale. After a few minutes it becomes clear it is not as easy as it first appeared. The cauldron is a magical object and requires a higher level of concertation and energy to restore. She has Sailor Galaxia to help her and all the senshi behind her battling Chaos are relying on the both of them. She needs her energy to return faster.
"Took you long enough," Sailor Star Healer comments to Sailor Star Fighter when she arrived to help the other Starlights. Sailor Star Healer is breathing hard, she and the others are out of breath.
"I thought the battles would become easier as each starseed was returned." Sailor Star Fighter quietly says, underestimating how her comrades have struggled while she watched over Sailor Cosmos.
Sailor Star Destroyer yells at her in anger. "Easier? Are you kidding? Look around at everyone they can barely stand."
Sailor Star Fighter surveys the battle and understands Sailor Star Destroyer's comments. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune are wobbling on their feet, breathing hard. Sailor Mercury and Sailor Jupiter aren't faring much better. Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus seem to have a little more energy. The Moon Senshi and Sailor Earth are barely hanging on. "It's almost over; we just need to make it a little longer." She tries to encourage everyone.
Chaos launches another attack at everyone and is stopped by Sailor Pluto and Sailor Charon.
Sailor Cosmos and Sailor Galaxia are down to three pieces. She is gradually feeling some of her powers returning now that Sailor Saturn completely removed the mark but she is still exhausted. They need help. "Hotaru-chan please help the others. They need your power more than anything."
"No. The cauldron needs to be restored," Sailor Saturn argues with her.
"They aren't going to last without you." Sailor Cosmos tries to make Sailor Saturn understand. "If Chaos takes their starseeds because they are too weak…" She can't bring herself to finish the sentence.
Sailor Saturn reluctantly agrees. She raises her glaive and enters the battle, giving the other senshi a moment to rest.
Chaos laughs at Sailor Saturn's challenge. "What can one small little girl pretending to be a senshi hope to accomplish? You couldn't dare use that attack so close to the others in a confined space."
Sailor Saturn smiles slightly. "You're about to learn what the Senshi of Death can do." She raises her glaives gathering in massive amounts of black and purple energy.
"Saturn Death Reborn Revolution!" This time she unleashes all of her power, she had held back when it was Usagi.
Chaos tries to block the attack but is blown back in agony and does not move a little bit. It was like he died and came back to life weaker than before.
Sailor Saturn holds her glaive tightly as Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune walks over to her. She whispers them, "I can only do that once."
"You did well," Sailor Pluto smiles at the younger senshi. "It gives everyone a breather and a chance to rest." Her eyes turn to the wall of light; the bright light is making the Kingdom appear as if it is a bright sunny day outside. She looks back at Sailor Cosmos and Sailor Galaxia, the cauldron is not ready.
Sailor Cosmos and Sailor Galaxia have the cauldron in two pieces. The Guardian turns to Sailor Galaxia, "help them and slow down Chaos. The last piece is the smallest and Sailor Saturn cannot hold Chaos off with another attack."
Sailor Galaxia looks at the cauldron again and then agrees. She rushes over to the others as Chaos begins to stir.
"Usa," Princes Endymion approaches her. "I want you to know, no matter what happens, being married to you has been the best few months of my life and I look forward to that day again whenever it will happen in the other timeline."
Sailor Cosmos tries to hold back her tears. He is holding onto to the hope that things will somehow work out for them in the future despite her wanting to be with Seiya. She doesn't have the have heart to tell him it won't happen. He knows it won't happen. She nods her head instead. Soon he will not remember this timeline.
Her hands grow brighter as she tries to will the remaining pieces back together faster.
Prince Endymion watches her for a few seconds before he turns around to watch the battle again. The senshi are at their limits with Chaos. Now that Sailor Galaxia has joined them, they have fallen back a bit. Sailor Galaxia attacks Chaos. Chaos attacks her back and knocks her backward into a few of the Moon Senshi. They help Sailor Galaxia back up.
"Mars Snake Fire!"
"Venus Rolling Heart Vibration!"
"Jupiter Coconut Cyclone!"
"Mercury Aqua Mirage!"
Chaos blocks their attacks and laughs at their efforts. He barely seems weakened after fighting the senshi this entire time. For a brief moment of time the senshi had the upper hand but they can only summon so much energy. "Everyone is getting so weak you can barely stand. I could take everyone's starseeds in a matter of seconds."
His taunt gives the senshi a little motivation to continue the attack.
"Morning Star!"
"Tidal Wave!"
"Gaia Maelstrom!"
Due to exhaustion their aim is off on some of their attacks or they completely miss Chaos.
Sailor Cosmos smiles as she holds up the cauldron. She doesn't see any cracks but uses her power once more to wield the cauldron closer together just in case. They will only have one chance at this and everything needs to be perfect. When she is happy with the cauldron she grabs her staff, finally ready to take on Chaos. She ignores the protests from her body that she is already past her limits and needs to rest. Everyone has come this far. She can't fail everyone now.
Chaos prepares to unleash another attack on the senshi.
But Sailor Cosmos hit him first. "Starlight Breaker!"
The unexpected attack knocks him back. He turns to glare at her. "The Guardian." His facial expression turns to one of amusement. "The Guardian is finally ready to fight? But you're too weak to do anything. Everything you've done has drawn power from you. There's nothing left."
"I still have enough power to stop you, along with everyone here. When we work together there is nothing we can't achieve!" Sailor Cosmos holds the cauldron near her waist. Her staff begins glowing, moments later a bright white light radiates from the staff.
Chaos gathers black energy and uses it to attack Sailor Cosmos. His primary focus has shifted to her. Instead of the energy being repelled it is absorbed in the cauldron. Angry none of his energy hit her, he attacks again with more energy trying to overpower her. The same things happens, the energy is absorbed. He pauses to stare at Sailor Cosmos in disbelief. "How is this possible? My energy cannot be absorbed."
"All things are possible when you don't give up!" Sailor Cosmos responds cheerfully. Her staff glows brighter as more light emits from it. She is at her limits as Sailor Cosmos and has begun to draw power from the Ginzuishou.
"This should not be possible!" Chaos shouts at her, holding up his arm to block out some of the light. It was the same light from the eons again when Karin sealed him, yet this seems brighter.
Sailor Pluto takes her eyes off the battle to check the wall of light. Her stomach drops as she sees the wall is right outside of the throne room. She didn't realize it was so close due to the intensity of Sailor Cosmos' light. Their time is nearly up and everything is out of her hands. It is up to Sailor Cosmos to seal Chaos. She returns her focus back to the battle.
Princess Kakyuu and the Starlights watch the fully awoken Guardian from their star system without a word exchanged between them. They are bruised and exhausted but they are still standing. Sailor Star Fighter wants to help Sailor Cosmos but she would only be in the way.
Sailor Uranus rests her hand on Sailor Neptune's shoulder. Sailor Neptune turns to look at her briefly, worry still on her face.
"We have to believe in our Princess. She has always succeeded. This battle with not be an exception."
Sailor Earth makes her way over to Prince Endymion. "Are you alright?"
Prince Endymion does not take his eyes off of Sailor Cosmos while he responds. "I'm still here, just not looking forward to the next part."
Sailor Earth is not sure how to respond and can only nod her head. She grabs his hand and squeezes it tightly.
The Moon Senshi stand close to each other; many in awe as they watch the battle.
"This is Sailor Cosmos's power… no wonder there were Sailor Wars to find this power. If anyone else had possessed it…." Sailor Callisto is unable to finish her sentence.
"And the power of Cosmos is in the best hands possible." Sailor Phobos finishes Sailor Callisto's thoughts. The other senshi agree.
"She truly does have the power to protect everyone now…" Sailor Mars watches on. "If this is her true powers, Usagi must have held a lot of Chaos back."
"I'm glad she is back on our side," Sailor Jupiter adds with relief.
The form of Chaos is shrinking. The energy he emits is lighter and less powerful. He has tried a few different ways to stop her and each time he falls short. Sailor Cosmos is gradually taking all of his energy and sealing it into the cauldron. How did he not see this coming? He was too confident it would work this time since Princess Serenity did not want to return to the other timeline. His plan was different this time, everything should have worked out. How could he have miscalculated this badly?
He refuses to accept defeat and does the only thing he knows of, he attacks her again.
Sailor Cosmos anticipates the move and the energy is absorbed like the previous attacks. She wonders how much energy Chaos has left. Each second more of his power his sealed. He is not limitless. When will this end? She wants this to be over with.
She walks forward, closer to Chaos, ignoring the bright wall of pink light that is beginning to encompass the far end of the throne room. Her body protests every movement she makes forward. She has to weaken Chaos further. "Divine Stardust!"
Chaos can no longer defend himself. He falls to the ground and his form breaks into three pieces, he doesn't have the strength to keep the physical form. He can no longer attack.
Sailor Cosmos summons her remaining strength and uses all of it to force the remaining pieces of Chaos in the cauldron and closes the lid. She lightly places the crystal orb of her staff onto the lid. The entire cauldron glows and an eight pointed star appears on the lid, the mark of the Guardian. The light dims and Chaos is sealed within the cauldron.
Sailor Cosmos can start to feel herself become faint as she is the last senshi remaining in the room as she becomes engulfed in the pink light.
Sailor Cosmos blinks and opens her eyes. She is floating in the air; everything is white as far as she can see. "Where is everyone?" Is everything going back exactly to how it was? Her mind races with many questions that do not have answers. She looks down in her arms and the cauldron is gone. She should panic after everything she went through but she is too exhausted as she fights to keep her eyes open. She loses the battle and closes her eyes hoping everything will return to what it was.
"Usagi! Usagi!" Sailor Mars shouts shaking her, calling out her name frantically for a response.
Sailor Cosmos can hear other voices but they sound muffled. Everyone is worried about her. She still feels exhausted and everything hurts to move but she forces her eyes open. As they gradually come into focus she sees Sailor Mars, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Sailor Earth and Endymion. Her eyes widen when she realizes it is not Prince Endymion before her but rather King Endymion. She turns to look at everyone closely. Sailor Earth is in her super form. The others are in their Eternal forms. As she looks over Sailor Earth's shoulders see realizes she is back in the park in Boston.
She is in the timeline where she belongs. She lets out a deep breath of relief. She is about to speak up about returning but stops. They won't remember anything, if anything they will be more confused and worried about her.
"Usagi are you okay?" Sailor Mars asks staring at her face intently.
Sailor Cosmos nods her head yes. She starts to think back to what happened last in this timeline. "Those creatures, are they gone?"
"Yes," King Endymion quickly answers her question. You collapsed suddenly. You had us all worried Usako."
He called her Usako, not Usa. "I just felt a little light headed for a moment but I'm fine now," Sailor Cosmos tries to reassure him but she isn't convincing anyone. She realizes he is holding her tightly in his arms, supporting her weight making it easy for her to remain upright.
King Endymion shifts is arm behind her back, causing her to sit up more. "Are you sure Usako?" He studies her for any sign of injury she might be downplaying. When he sees none, he finally relaxes.
A soft breeze passes by her bangs. She shakes her head slightly to the side and she sees her standing there. She doesn't say anything to her but continues to stare at her. All of her anger returns, her anger starts to manifest in the form of a few tears.
Once the other senshi notice Sailor Cosmos' intense stare. They can see the anger in her eyes along with the few tears. They turn to look for the source.
Sailor Pluto is standing a short distance away. "King Endymion…" She murmurs, surprised to see him in that form so soon. "How…" She tries to form more words but stops.
Sailor Uranus looks at the Guardian of Time with narrowed eyes. "I'm surprised to see you here."
Sailor Pluto looks at Sailor Uranus to convey now is not the time to discuss that issue.
Sailor Uranus continues, "He found the Golden Crystal in the ruins of the Golden Kingdom."
Sailor Pluto nods and does not verbally respond. She had known Sailor Earth was found, but not the crystal. The Golden Crystal was never found before. It wasn't supposed to be found. She stops herself. It was that kind of thinking which led to her attempt to alter time. She reminds herself everything is different now. She shifts her eyes over to Sailor Cosmos. "I need to speak with you."
"Go ahead," King Endymion answers for her.
"Alone," Sailor Pluto emphasizes the word.
King Endymion is taken aback by her tone, it makes him feel uncomfortable. He's not used the senshi keeping things from him. They had always told him and Usagi together. "Whatever it is you can say to all us."
"We're all tired of secrets," Sailor Mars chimes in coming to his defense.
"It's okay," Sailor Cosmos tells everyone as she slowly stands up. She feels a little wobbly.
King Endymion places his hands on her shoulders to help steady her, worried she will fall.
Sailor Cosmos smiles at him slightly as way to say thanks. She remains standing. The sun is not at its highest point in the sky, still early in the day. His arm lingers around her shoulders.
Sailor Uranus becomes more alarmed. "Something is going on. What is it?"
"Can't I just talk to her privately?" Sailor Pluto asks. She attempts to make her voice sound neutral. There is a lot she wishes to discuss without the others present. She can tell them later, if she needs to.
Sailor Neptune takes a few steps forward. "We're staying here." The tension in the air increases.
Sailor Cosmos tries to walk forward but King Endymion tightens his grip on her shoulders to try to keep her next to him, to protect to her from what he doesn't know. She turns her face to look at him. "Endymion, it's okay. I know you are trying to protect me but all we are going to do is talk."
He reluctantly removes his arm from around her shoulders.
She walks towards Sailor Pluto. She can hear the other's footsteps close behind. With a sigh of frustration she turns again to reassure them, "its okay everyone. Really." Sailor Cosmos tries to smile brightly at them. She realizes this is going to continue. They are extremely persistent today. Did some of them know about Sailor Pluto's master plan? Sailor Cosmos turns back around to Sailor Pluto. "I know one place we can talk without disruption."
Sailor Pluto smiles at her, she was about to suggest the same since the others were so adamant to be present for their conversion. Without another word she opens the Gates of Time behind her.
Sailor Cosmos approaches and stops to face the others. "As your Queen, I am asking you to stay here."
Sailor Uranus glares at Sailor Cosmos. Sailor Cosmos purposely worded the request that way knowing she and Neptune would not disobey the request.
When no one approaches her, she turns and enters the Time Streams.
Sailor Pluto watches the Guardian enter the time streams, where this all began. She is about to enter herself and she hears a lone set of footsteps. She turns around to be faced with King Endymion.
"I'm not sitting this out. Something is wrong with Usako." His voice is firm and unwavering.
"I'm sorry," Sailor Pluto responds. "You must have a key to enter the Time Stream. Sailor Cosmos' ring serves as her key. My Queen will not allow it." She apologies to him but she knows it is for the best right now. She is certain he will learn about the events that transpired in the other time soon enough and it will only sadden him that despite being married, Usagi still wanted to be with another man.
King Endymion lets out a loud sigh of frustration, finally giving up. He can't force his way in this time.
Sailor Pluto walks into the Time Streams. Had this been Crystal Tokyo, and he was a member of the Royal Family of Silver Millennium, he could have entered unrestricted. Her orb glowing as the large lavender doors close behind her.
"I don't understand Usagi. Why would they exclude us in whatever is happening?" Sailor Mars angrily expresses herself. Her eyes focused on where the door of time closed. The entire scene leaves her on edge.
"It's not the first time I have seen Sailor Pluto do something like that in the past. Nor will it be the last." Sailor Earth tries to explain to King Endymion.
"It doesn't mean we have to like it," countered Sailor Uranus.
"But she did order us to stay behind." Sailor Neptune echoes her displeasure. "We can't disobey our Queen."
The corner of Sailor Uranus' mouth curves upward. 'For now.' She tells herself.
The two senshi stand in silence for a few moments in the Time Streams. Sailor Cosmos is trying to appear strong but she is utterly exhausted and feels like she is about to fall over any moment. They stare at each other and she breaks the silence first. "Is it really over? Everything is back to the way it should be?"
Sailor Pluto nods her head. "So far everything seems to be where it left off." She lowers her eyes slightly. "Please be aware the others don't know of the other timeline except for Sailor Charon and us."
"Somehow I sense Haruka-san, Michiru-san, and Mamo-chan knew what you were up to."
"… Uranus and Neptune found Charon and I…" she stops. "Those two know. Whether they said anything to Mamoru-san, I cannot say."
Sailor Cosmos presses her lips together. She will likely face resistance from Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. Mamoru will still try to win her back. Their efforts would increase given the change of circumstances. "So I have to pretend I wasn't gone for almost two months but I just fainted moments ago."
Sailor Pluto nods her head. "It would probably be best. I know it will be an adjustment… I'm not sure how the others would react to the news of the other timeline."
The statement angers Sailor Cosmos. She was supposed to keep it a secret, like she did something wrong? "All of this could have been avoided…" She stops herself. Pluto had heard this so many times in the other timeline. "I trust you and the others will accept my relationship with Seiya and there will be no further issues." Her tone is flat, giving Sailor Pluto no room for interruption what would happen if there further issues.
"I cannot guarantee the others will feel the same, but if you choose him that is your choice. If you choose Mamoru-san that is your choice." Sailor Pluto answers the question the best she can. She is not ready to state she is okay with Usagi choosing Seiya openly.
Sailor Cosmos nods her head. That is the closest of an answer she will receive from Sailor Pluto she will leave Seiya and her alone. She tries to hide a yawn.
"You must be exhausted. Go and rest. I will speak with the others and tell them you need to rest." Sailor Pluto encourages her.
Sailor Cosmos assumes Sailor Pluto will speak to Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune about what happened. She didn't want to be there when the conversation took place and she returned to the park in Boston, it would impossible to avoid. "I still have a lot more to say to you regarding what you did but it will have to wait for another day. I can barely keep my eyes open." She is too tired right now to do anything else. Sailor Cosmos yawn again, her steps uneasy. "I'm going back to the hotel to sleep." She pauses. "We will speak again when I return to Japan. I need time. I'm too angry and exhausted right now and I may say or do something I might regret."
"I understand My Queen. Rest well." Sailor Pluto bows her head slightly.
Sailor Cosmos barely hears her response before she leaves the Time Streams and reappears in her hotel room. The room is empty. She is grateful Rei is not here. Rei would have too many questions. She de-transforms into Usagi. A small smile crosses her lips. She is finally back to the time where she can be with Seiya… the one she went through everything with. She wants to see him but she barely has any energy to stay standing after de-transforming. She knows he will call within a few days to check in as he has done since they continued the tour. She wonders when he will call next as she collapses onto the bed and falls asleep.
Sailor Pluto leaves the Time Streams and returns to the park alone. The senshi are standing there, waiting for some type of an explanation.
King Endymion asks first. "Where is Usako?"
"She's fine," Sailor Pluto explains. "Just exhausted and needs to rest. She's been through a lot..." She stops herself form saying anything else in front of all of them.
"What are you not telling us?" Sailor Mars eyes her suspiciously.
"Everything is fine." Sailor Pluto tries to reassure them again but it doesn't seem to be working. "Let her rest and I'm sure she will fine."
Sailor Mars realizes she isn't going to receive more information from Sailor Pluto. "I'm going back to hotel to check on her." She abruptly leaves. Usagi won't be able to hide what is going on from her.
Sailor Earth looks over at King Endymion. "We should probably be heading back as well."
He is about to protest but stops when he sees the look in her eyes. He looks over at Sailor Uranus for a moment and they exchange a glance before he agrees to leave with Sailor Earth.
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune have their arms crossed against their chest. They are not leaving as easily as the others. When the three of them are left alone, Sailor Uranus can take freely. "It didn't work did it? Changing the timeline back to what it should be?"
"The timeline reverted back but it only lasted a month and half or so until there were complications," Sailor Pluto explains.
"Complications?" Sailor Neptune asks coldly. "When will you try again?"
"I will not be trying again."
"How can you just give up when you had some success? It's not like you to give up so easy." Sailor Uranus raises her voice walking closer to Sailor Pluto.
"It's too dangerous," Sailor Pluto begins to explain but is interrupted by more questions.
"How?" Sailor Neptune immediately asks with narrowed eyes. "Being a senshi is always dangerous."
Sailor Pluto knows there is no way to avoid discussing what transpired in the other timeline. They already knew too much before she tried to change the timeline. "Usagi-chan awakened as Sailor Cosmos. The awakening of Sailor Cosmos… led to the awakening of Chaos within her starseed. Chaos took nearly everyone's starseeds."
Sailor Uranus shakes her head in frustration. "So as long as she doesn't become Sailor Cosmos everything will work out." She tries to simplify everything to make it sound changing the timeline back should not be difficult.
"No." Sailor Pluto looks at the angered faces of the other two senshi while she elaborates. "Chaos is becoming smarter and we would likely lose the next time. This timeline is better than a world ruled by Chaos. Image if Chaos succeeded last time?"
Sailor Uranus doesn't want to hear any more excuses. "But you know what you need to do the next time to prevent her from awakening as Sailor Cosmos."
"You underestimate how much she loves the Starlight… even being a newlywed married to Mamoru-san did not change her feelings for him. One of the main reasons she awakened as Sailor Cosmos was due to her… wanting to see him." Sailor Pluto tries to make them understand.
"Then find another timeline after Chibi-Usa-chan is born. She would never abandon her." Sailor Neptune suggests; refusing to believe nothing can be done.
"Time does not work like that. Sailor Cosmos awakening has now become a fixed point in this timeline; that event changed the future of Crystal Tokyo permanently. This is the new path that was created." She pauses to tell them the last piece. "The Crystal Key can only be used once. We only had one chance and we were not successful. There is no second attempt."
"No," Sailor Neptune shakes her head, refusing to believe Sailor Pluto. "You can't expect us to just accept… him." She refuses to say his name.
"Damn it!" Sailor Uranus shouts. "I thought this would have worked and everything would have gone back to normal."
"This is the new normal. Unless Usagi-chan changes her mind and wishes to be with Mamoru-san in this present timeline," Sailor Pluto adds. "It is… her choice."
Rei rushes back to the hotel room only to find Usagi sound asleep and snoring. She sits down on the bed staring at Usagi for a moment trying to understand why she was so exhausted after the battle? She had slept soundly the night before their day had just started. What was so important Sailor Pluto had to talk about to Usagi alone? She sighs.
She will have to wait and ask Usagi whenever she wakes up. Knowing Usagi it would be hours from now. She quietly leaves the room for lunch and to walk around the city to gather her thoughts. So many things are not making sense.
Seiya looks at his clock. It is early afternoon. Brazil is two hours ahead of Boston. He has another fan event starting in twenty minutes and their final show in the country before moving on to the next country. He can finally catch up on some sleep tomorrow since the day starts a little later in the morning. He doesn't remember being and an idol and battling Sailor Galaxia as exhausting as this.
He wants to call Usagi but knows she is likely out looking for those creatures. He hopes they will disappear or be defeated soon. He wants to see her again. He wants to be there to help her.
The phone rings. Seiya picks up only to hear Yaten yelling at him they need to leave. "I'll be right down." He sighs loudly as he gathers his thoughts trying to mentally to prepare to meet more fans.
"Pluto is hiding something." Ayumi comments to Mamoru as they walk around the Harvard Campus for any signs of the creatures.
"I know. We will find out what it is in time… I can talk to Haruka-kun and Michiru-chan and see what they say. Normally I would just ask Usako or she would have insisted I come along…." His voice trails off reflecting on how everything changed. "I will call them later this afternoon. They should have answers by then. After that, I'll talk to Usako."
"I don't understand what she is thinking. I tried to talk to her this morning but we were attacked. She was so defensive complaining she is tired of defending her choice. I tried to tell her if she has to defend her choice that much maybe it's the wrong choice." Ayumi pauses before adding, "she didn't like that."
Mamoru can't help but smile for a moment. He understands the meaning behind Ayumi's comments. "Here I though you hated Serenity."
Ayumi abruptly stops walking.
Mamoru walks pass her. He stops when he realizes she is not next to him. He turns around and walks back to her.
"For some reason you still love her so much, despite everything that happened in both lifetimes. I hate seeing you so miserable without her even more." There is a long silence between them until Ayumi changes the subject. "I wonder if we'll be seeing Helios again soon now that the seal on the Golden Crystal was broken."
Mamoru stares at her for a moment as he realizes something. "Helios had a Golden Crystal… but there was another one in the Golden Kingdom, how is it possible?"
Ayumi shakes her head. "I thought Helios would have explained that to you."
"No, we didn't have a lot of time to talk."
"Elysion is the Dream World that exists within the Earth's core. It is a mirror an essence to this world. The Golden Crystal in Elysion is to protect Elysion."
"But it was used by Usako and Chibi Usa to save this world."
"Because Helios was in this world since Queen Nehelenia brought him here. Once she was defeated, he returned to Elysion and took the crystal will him to protect the Earth from afar."
"…so the crystal I have… exists in this world…" Mamoru begins to put the pieces together. "And the one Helios had belongs in Elysion."
"Think of Helios as the Outer Senshi in our past lives. They protected the kingdom from afar." Ayumi tries her best to clarify. "That is how I understand it. I know father had went into greater deal with you in the past since the crystal would one day be yours. He was sure the seal on the Golden Crystal would finally be broken once you wed Princess Serenity."
"But I don't understand why Helios neglected to tell me this," Mamoru is annoyed by information from his past continued to be just out of his reach. His eyes soften and he turns to Ayumi. "No one knew you were alive. And it took two of us to break the first seal."
Ayumi nods her head in agreement. "Why tell you about something everyone assumed was lost for eternity?" She pauses to look at a few trees in the distance. "I tried to find you for years and every time it was a dead end. Then you showed up at Harvard. I was sure it was my mind playing tricks on me since you had been gone this entire time."
Mamoru nods his head. "Things would have been a lot different if all this knowledge wasn't kept from us for various reasons." He sighs. "I guess that is a another change… the look on Sailor Pluto's face when she learned the Golden Crystal was found…and the fact that I was dressed as the King."
"Yeah…" Ayumi echoes. "She was not expecting that." She pauses. "Something seemed different about her. Besides not telling us what happened. Her eyes… seemed sad, more than usual." She shrugs her shoulders dismissing those thoughts. "We need to figure out what happened with Serenity and how you are going to win her back."
The last rays of the sun's light are in the horizon by the time Usagi wakes up. She slowly blinks her eyes, her mind confused at what she sees. Then it hits her, she is back in Boston. She has returned to her normal time. She slowly sits up and feels like she could have slept another fifteen hours or more. Her growling stomach has other plans for her.
The noise catches Rei's attention and she put down the manga she was reading by the lamp light. "It's about time you got up!"
Usagi stumbles out of bed. Her body tired but she feels much better than she had this morning. Her stomach growls again loudly. "Can we get some food?"
"We need to talk Usagi." Rei's eyes watch her closely. She is not going to accept no for an answer.
"We can talk while we eat?" Usagi grabs her purse from the table nearby. "I feel like I haven't eaten in forever." She can't recall the last time she ate.
Rei frowns. She knows she will not be able to ask Usagi all the questions she needs to if Usagi is preoccupied with wanting food. When Usagi is starving that is all she can focus on. Reluctantly Rei agrees.
Half an hour later they are at a small diner. Over the past few weeks they've learning how to ask for a basic hamburger and fries at restaurants.
The waitress returns with their drinks. Usagi quickly gulps down the drink.
Rei waits a few moments before she begins questioning Usagi. She has to approach this topic carefully. "You seemed different after you woke up today in the park Usagi, like something changed."
Usagi stops drinking. "I'm not sure what you mean. I'm the same person I was yesterday." She tries to sound confident in her response but she feels anything but.
Rei's tone changes to one of concern. "What did Setsuna-san need to speak you so urgently about?"
"It's nothing." Usagi plays with the straw in her drink. Her plan of acting like nothing happened failing miserably. Rei seems to always be the first one to notice when she is different regardless what timeline she is in.
Rei is not going to let the subject drop and tries again, "It wasn't nothing Usagi. You fainted this morning and part of your transformation became undone but then reverted back. You were out cold for a few seconds and when you woke up you were exhausted, more than normal." She pauses. "It's like a section of time was missing. Then Sailor Pluto appeared. We all saw the look of anger in your eyes, followed tears. You only agreed to speak with her in the Time Streams. Nothing about that is normal. I'm worried about you Usagi. It isn't like you to be secretive."
Usagi's eyes become more serious. Rei won't let this be. "Setsuna-san and I have had some… disagreements in the past and there were a few things we had to clear up." Usagi changes the subject. "Did you find any more of those creatures?"
"No." Rei directs the conversation back. "I'm worried this is something serious, normally you are up front about everything." Rei stops. The last time Usagi had hid something like this was when she never received letters from Mamoru the first time he went to America.
Usagi looks at Rei in the eyes and knows her friend is not going up without a little more information. "It's not something that needed to be discussed in front of Mamo-chan…or Uranus and Neptune…" her voice trails off not sure how to word the rest of it.
"You mean it was about Seiya-kun?"
Usagi nods her head and takes a few more sips of her drink. "Setsuna-san is still mad I chose him." It is the truth. The whole reason she was in another timeline had everything to do with Seiya.
"Is he okay?"
"He's fine… I'm sure… I just wish I could see him. I hate being so far away while we fight these creatures. It's… strange for him not to be here. I got so used to him being around." Usagi feels nervous as another thought crosses her mind. "What if they somehow attack him and the others?"
"If any creatures attacked them, I'm sure they could handle it. Isn't tonight the night Seiya-kun is going to call you after the concert?"
Usagi's eyes lighten up. "Really?
Rei teardrops at Usagi's response. "You can't even remember when your boyfriend is going to call you?"
Usagi laughs to hide the real reason she doesn't remember. "Well… all of these days start to blur together and it is hard to keep track!" She can't admit to Rei she doesn't remember anything she had planned before she was forced into the alternate timeline. It felt like a lifetime ago.
Their conversation comes to a halt as their food arrives. Once the waitress leaves, Rei resumes talking. "I'm surprised you haven't rushed over there to see him yet, it would take you five seconds."
Usagi stares at Rei wide eyes. "Rei-chan you're a genius!"
"I wasn't being serious Usagi! What if someone saw you?"
Usagi pouts for a moment and then pulls out her Luna Pen in response.
Rei teardrops even more. "I probably shouldn't have said anything… but Usagi you'll get lost since you've never been there." Rei points out Usagi's horrible lack of direction.
Usagi taps her fingers together in front of her. "But you can help me find it on the maps you have for each town you brought Rei-chan."
Rei's jaw drops at Usagi's plan. "I guess…" she responds slowly. When did Usagi become better at solving her problems on her own?
Usagi beams at Rei and then dives into her burger. They eat in silence for a few minutes. While Rei eats her burger her mind wanders over the conversations today. She thought back to the look of anger she saw on Sailor Cosmos' face when she first saw Sailor Pluto, an expression Usagi is having a hard time dismissing. "Whatever you and Setsuna-san talked about, is that why you want to see Seiya-kun all of the sudden?"
"It seems like I haven't seen him in a long time…" Usagi pauses reflecting on the past two months she endured. She had seen Seiya, but she was controlled by Chaos. It was him but it wasn't him. He wasn't the Seiya she fallen in love with. She couldn't quite explain it. She went through so much to regain her powers as Sailor Cosmos, the entire time not willing to give up her love for him.
"Usagi?" Rei sees the far off look on her face.
"Uh? Sorry, Rei-chan, I'm not sure what to say when I see him later is all."
Rei looks at her puzzled; it was the response she didn't expect. "Why wouldn't you know what to say to him? Did something happen?"
Usagi pushes her lips together. "You don't understand Rei-chan and it is not something I want to talk about right now." She is firm in her answer.
Rei adds, "Whatever happened you're angry at Setsuna-san, we all saw that. Whenever you are ready to talk, I'll listen."
Usagi nods her head and they continue to eat their food in silence until they are done.
They walk around Boston for a little while but do not find any of the creatures and return to their hotel room. The entire time, Usagi is distracted as her thoughts are elsewhere.
Rei pulls out the maps she has for Sao Paulo and finds the hotel already circled on the map. "This is where they should be but I don't know if any of their plans or arrangements changed since they arrived. You should check with Seiya-kun."
Usagi nods while she stares at the map. "Thank you Rei-chan! You know it's funny… I've been gone two months and it will take only a matter of seconds to see him."
Rei's jaw drops. She isn't sure if Usagi realized what she said. What does she mean she has been gone for two months? She was never gone; she was unconscious for a minute at most. When she collapsed, something happened to her.
Usagi sees the look Rei is giving her and realizes her mistake. "It's okay now. It was all taken care of and everything is going to be alright." She tells Rei as she tries to reassure herself. She looks at the clock. "I can talk to you more about it later… after I see Seiya." She knows she can't keep everything from Rei forever. Too much happened, but she isn't ready to talk about it yet. "We still have a few more hours, right?"
Rei checks the time and confirms it for Usagi. "Did you want to look for some of those creatures again to pass the time? The sooner we stop then, the sooner we permanently join them in South America."
Usagi quickly agrees.
Rei follows Usagi out of the room closing the door behind her. Her suspicions are correct. If Usagi mentioned two months… Sailor Pluto must have done something to cause Sailor Cosmos to display such a look of anger. For tonight, she will not press the issue. Usagi is too preoccupied with seeing Seiya. Usagi told she will talk to her tomorrow. Rei will make it her mission to find out what happened tomorrow.
"Setsuna-san is not here," Haruka immediately answers when she finds Mamoru at the door that evening.
"I didn't come here to speak to her. I was hoping you had some answers for me what happened between Usako and Setsuna-san." There is annoyance on his face. "I got tired of waiting for you to call."
Haruka sighs and then lets him into the hotel room.
Mamoru quickly enters. "What did you learn from Setsuna-san? Why is Usako angry with her?"
Haruka looks at Michiru as if to ask what they should tell him.
"We don't know all the details but we think we have the most of the story." Michiru gestures for him to be seated before she continues. She knows he will be upset when he hears everything. Once he is seated she continues, "Setsuna-san was able to… briefly restore the timeline to what it should have been, or rather what it would have been a few years from now." She conveniently leaves out the part where he was married to Usagi. Yet Usagi still chose Seiya. It would only hurt him.
Mamoru's eyes widen at this revelation. "She fixed it back to what it was…you mean Usako and me… why didn't it work?"
"All we know, she awakened as Sailor Cosmos and Chaos returned. There was a battle and everything went back to what is it right now." Haruka explains seeing the look of disappointment on his face.
Mamoru tries to hold his anger in check. He doesn't want to miss any of the details.
"I'm sorry Mamoru-san. We were all hoping this would work and everything would go back to how it should be." Haruka walks over to the couch and sits down next to him. "Setsuna-san said she only had one shot to fix it and it didn't work. You have to do everything in your power to win her back in the present Mamoru-san. There is no do over for this. Use this time she is in Boston to talk to her tomorrow after she is rested. She was exhausted after battling Chaos in the other timeline."
"Do you know anything else that happened?" He asks, hoping for any clues to help him understand what Usagi went through.
Michiru clears her throat, "well it was the timeline we were all anticipating with Crystal Tokyo." She eyes him carefully. "I agree with Haruka. Speak with her tomorrow; use this time to gather your thoughts and what you want to say to her."
"Make her understand what she will be missing out on," Haruka adds.
Mamoru sits there stunned, absorbing all of the information. When he first heard of this plan from Haruka and Michiru, he was sure it would work and everything would go back to how it was. If only Sailor Cosmos never appeared, everything would be so very different for him, and everyone else in this room.
The two girls return to the hotel a few hours later. They did not find any of the creatures or hear any new reports of the creatures. It is as if they suddenly vanished. An enemy has never saddened vanished without a trace.
Usagi keeps staring at the clock, anxious for Seiya call. She gets up to look out the window at the Moon in the sky and sighs as so many emotions run through her head. She closes her eyes as sees herself as Princes Serenity in the throne room fighting the remaining senshi. She tries to shakes those thoughts are they are replaced with being trapped within the prison. Her hands shake. They almost lost to Chaos.
The phone rings and Rei picks up the phone because she is the closest.
Usagi whips around to look at Rei and slowly approaches, hoping it is Seiya calling.
"Hello?" There is a pause while Rei listens. "Yes, she's right here. She's been waiting for your call." She holds out the phone to Usagi with a smile.
Usagi's heart hammers in her chest as she walks over to the phone. She picks up the receiver from Rei. "Hello." A smile spreads across her face as she hears his voice. "It seems like I haven't talk to you in so long!" She blurts out. "Are you still at the same hotel?"
Seiya sounds confused by her question. "Yes. Nothing changed from the original booking. We are here tonight and tomorrow afternoon after an event we move on to the next city." There is a pause for a moment as panic is starting to set in his voice, "Odango what's going? Is something wrong?"
"I've just missed you and I want to see you." Usagi responds excitedly. So much had happened since she last saw him. She has to see for herself everything is back to what it was.
"You'll see me soon once everything is handled in Boston. I miss you too," Seiya responds; there is sadness in his voice.
"I'm going to come visit you in a few minutes. What room are you in?" Usagi asks, she is not going to take no for answer.
"It's kind of late. Odango, shouldn't you get some sleep soon?" Seiya asks, trying to persuade her not to come. He wants to see her too but he's not sure if it is a good idea for her to suddenly appear at the hotel. What if someone recognizes her?
"No." Usagi is firm. "It has been too long since I've seen you. I won't be there too long. I know you have a busy schedule. Please." She doesn't want to divulge what happened on the phone.
Seiya folds. He can't say no to her. "I'm in room 2740."
"Great. I will be there in a few minutes." Usagi hangs up the phone with a new burst of energy she did not have ten minutes ago.
"Are you sure you are up for this Usagi? You were exhausted earlier." Rei asks Usagi to check for any signs the trip would take too much out of her. She finds none. She sees an anxious girl wanting to see her boyfriend. She notices how much speaking to Seiya has improved Usagi's mood. "See you soon."
Usagi eagerly nods her head and backs away from Rei to transforms. She hesitates for a moment, unsure if she ever felt this anxious to see him before. "Cosmos Crystal Power, Make Up!" Once Sailor Cosmos is transformed she takes a deep breath before she departs Boston.
Seiya is pacing his room ever since he hung up with Usagi. She sounded sad on the phone and something else didn't seem right. What if she got lost again? He should have offered to meet her someone else. Somewhere she was familiar with. It would have made things easier for her.
He looks at the clock. It has been almost ten minutes since they hung up. Shouldn't she be here by now? He debates leaving the room to look for her but what if he misses her completely in the process? He resigns to anxiously wait in his room.
A knock at the door disrupts his thoughts. He rushes to the door to open it. He finds Usagi standing there, smiling at him. "Odango…" he whispers, staring at her for a moment before he comes to his senses and lets her inside before anyone can see her at the hotel.
As soon as Seiya closes the door behind her, she wraps her arms around him and holds him tight. She can't stop the silent tears from streaming down her face. She was terrified she would never have this moment again. All of the sadness she felt from being apart from him melts away.
Seiya holds her close. His shirt feels wet. "Odango…?" He notices her tears for the first time. He breaks the embrace to make sure she is okay. He brushes the tears out of her eyes, alarmed something happened to her. "What's wrong?"
Usagi sniffles. "It's been two months since I last saw you and I was afraid I would be stuck and never see you again!" She tries to hold back a sob. Saying it out for the first time today she lets it all go and cries more.
Seiya is shocked at her words. "I haven't been gone that long Odango. It hasn't even been one week. What do you mean stuck? Why would you never see me again?" His stomach is tied in knots at her words. What happened to her? Seiya leads her to a couch nearby to sit down in the small suite. He has a feeling whatever she is about to tell him could be difficult for him to hear.
Usagi sits next him with her hands clenched tightly into fists. She is worried how Seiya will react to what she is about to tell him. But she needs to tell him. She can't keep this from him; she can't keep this bottled up forever. She tries to figure out how to explain what happened. "There… was this battle this morning against some of those creatures. After it ended, all of the sudden I felt faint and I collapsed."
Seiya listens intently and waits for her to continue.
"When I woke up, I was at Rei-chan's shrine and I asked her why we weren't in Boston and she didn't know what I was talking about. She even said we hadn't seen the Starlights in about five years." Usagi's hands begin to tremble as the emotions hit her how she felt trapped. She tries to keep it together.
Seiya moves closer to her and holds her hands in his. He gives them a light squeeze for encouragement. He has so many questions, but he waits for her continue. Nothing is adding up yet. Why would the Starlights be gone for five years?
"I realized my crystal pendant was gone and I couldn't transformation into Sailor Cosmos because in the timeline I woke up in, I was never Sailor Cosmos. I was in a timeline… that everyone expected… a timeline with Crystal Tokyo."
Seiya's eyes narrow in anger and he can't hold back his questions anymore. "How could something like that happen?"
"Sailor Pluto and Sailor Charon… tried to reset the timeline and for six weeks, I couldn't do anything. I was powerless. The longer I remained in that timeline, the more my memories from this timeline faded. I tried to find a way so many times to become Sailor Cosmos. I had to find a way to return here."
Usagi pauses to take a deep breath before she continues, "everyone expected me to have memories of five years of my life I didn't experience. I tried to act as normal as I could but everyone knew I wasn't myself. I used the excuse I was anxious about the future and Crystal Tokyo… it only worked for so long." Usagi pauses not sure what to tell him next.
A lump forms in Seiya's throat. He doesn't want to ask this question, but he has to know the answer. A timeline with Crystal Tokyo could only mean one thing. "You and Mamoru-san…" He can't finish the sentence.
Usagi can't look at him for a moment. She looks at his hands over hers. "We… were married." She finally said. The room is dead silent. She looks up at him. "But nothing happened." Her eyes find his. "It was horrible. The entire time I keep thinking about you and how I would get back to you. I couldn't tell anyone, no one would understand." She sees the sadness in his eyes.
Seiya looks away. Unhappy at the thought that Usagi was married to Mamoru in this other timeline she was in. He has a hard time not picturing Mamoru trying to make advances on his then wife. He tries to push those thoughts to the side.
"Rei-chan knew I was different and figured out I was … rather in love with you." Usagi corrects herself. "And Luna caught me mumbling in my sleep about Cosmos."
Seiya nods his head, feeling some relief. It might not have been as bad as he originally thought. He knows if he was married to Usagi he would… He stops his thoughts from wandering off in a direction that will not help at this moment. "How did you get back?" He looks at her again.
Her eyes are sad as she continues. "There was a bad storm that would have destroyed Tokyo. One that Sailor Pluto never anticipated. I tried to stop a large typhoon and begged the crystal for help. The power to save everyone. My staff reappeared before me. I was given a choice to accept the power and become Sailor Cosmos again or I could remain in the other timeline. I grabbed my staff and saved everyone. My powers returning to me created a ripple in the timeline. It was only a matter of time before the other timeline would change back to this one."
She looks at the ground for the next part. "I was furious at Sailor Pluto when I awakened as Sailor Cosmos. She told everyone that I chose you over Mamo-chan… making everyone upset with me. They didn't understand because all they saw was me married to Mamo-chan. Especially Haruka-san… I attacked her before I left. I left Earth to go to Kinmoku to find you. Around the time I reached Pluto, I stopped on an asteroid. It was there that I realized you didn't have your memories of us in this timeline. Kinmoku is also toxic to be me since I didn't gain the immunity from the battle against the Black Moon."
Seiya lets go of her hands and hugs her tightly to his chest, catching Usagi by surprise. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that alone. I wish I could have been there to help you, support you. I hate that you had to go through this alone."
Usagi buries her head deep into his chest. Enjoying the warmth, something she wanted for so long. She feels a little of the tension from her body dissipating by his presence. She remains like this for a few minutes until she knows she needs to continue her story. She pulls away from him so she can continue. "I was so angry at Sailor Pluto for what she did and I still couldn't see you even though I became Sailor Cosmos. I unleashed my anger in a massive energy burst… it destroyed a small asteroid."
Seiya's jaw drops. "Odango… I … wow… I didn't know that was possible." He is amazed at the power she possesses.
Usagi nods. "It drew the attention of Kinmoku and all six of the Starlights were sent to investigate. You found me there… I was so happy to see you but didn't remember any of it when I tried to tell you what happened in this timeline when you first returned to Earth and fought beside me the first two battles." Usagi stands up, starting to feel overwhelmed of the next part she was going to tell him.
Seiya decides to remain seated for right now until he knows what happened next. Usagi's actions make him feel uneasy. This wasn't like her. But then again, given the circumstances how would anyone react to this?
"The other senshi arrived and tried to take me back to Earth, telling you it didn't concern you." Usagi pauses and closes her eyes. She can see this image clearly in head. "And that is when… Chaos returned."
Seiya stood up immediately at this turn of events. "But Chaos was sealed when…" he stops when he realizes the issue. "In this timeline… Oh Odango…" He eyes express worry as he can guess some of what happened next.
"That is when Setsuna-san realized her mistake. In short, there was a long battle with Chaos, and Chaos took almost everyone's starseeds, twenty five starseeds." She adds with annoyance in her voice. "Serenity tried to help Chaos thinking it would prevent the timeline changing back to this one. Knowing once this timeline returned I would be with you and not Endymion." Usagi's facial expression softens. "But throughout the battle you began to receive memories back of this timeline. You refused to give up on me." She walks back over to Seiya and grabs his hands to hold in hers. "I was able to overcome Chaos because of you… you gave me the strength to keep fighting no matter how difficult it was or how exhausted I was. You wouldn't let Chaos harm me. Chaos was sealed just in time before the timeline changed back to this one, barely avoiding a disaster." Usagi takes a deep breath before finishing the tale. "I woke up again in Boston this morning where everything left off in this timeline. To everyone else I just collapsed after a battle. No one else experienced what I had… other than Pluto and Charon." She pauses to look at him in the eyes. "I had to see you again… this Seiya… the one that I fought so hard to get back to… the one I fell in love with."
Seiya doesn't give her a chance to continue as he leans over and kisses her several times. So many emotions raced through him and he couldn't put his feelings into words at first. When they pull apart, it leaves Usagi breathless. He wraps his arms tightly around her. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that and I have a lot to say to Setsuna-san the next time I see her." They both sit back down on the couch.
"She can't use the Crystal Key again to change the timeline. It can only be used once. And we learned that any timeline she tried to change back to one with Crystal Tokyo will have the same result if I awaken as Sailor Cosmos, Chaos will appear. It is unavoidable. Sailor Cosmos cannot appear without Chaos also appearing." Her voice grows softer as she shutters thinking about the battle against everyone. "There were a few points were we almost lost. I took so many starseeds…" Usagi stops herself from thinking of it anymore. It was the past. It was over. She made it back to Seiya, like she always wanted.
"That wasn't you taking those starseeds. It was Chaos." He tries to reassure her. She can't blame herself for what happened. "I'm glad you're okay Odango. And I'm glad you're here tonight. You shouldn't have to be alone after everything you experienced."
Usagi smiled and looked up at him for a moment before he leaned in and kissed her.
She kisses him back and doesn't hold anything back. She doesn't want to this moment to end. All she can think about is being with him. It's like a wonderful dream after a horrible nightmare.
She pulls her lips away from his to shift her position so she is now sitting on Seiya's lap. Her fingers loosen the knot on his necktie and with a quick motion; Usagi pulls it off and drops it on the floor.
Seiya is surprised her actions. "Odango…" He murmurs slowly between her kisses.
Her hands move to the buttons on his dress shirt as she continues to kiss him.
He grabs her hands in his to stop her for a moment. "Odango… if we keep going… I don't know if I'll be able to stop." He lets go of her hands to await her decision.
Usagi looks into his eyes and smiles. "So don't stop," she responds as her hands resume their work on the remaining buttons of his dress shirt.
That was all the motivation Seiya needed. His mouth quickly finds hers pulling her closer to him as they kiss. His hand slowly slides up her inner thigh under her skirt.
Usagi lets a surprised gasp by his actions. They had spent time alone before but never like this. Never this intense.
Her response stops Seiya and he pulls his hands away. "Are you sure?"
Usagi doesn't hesitate any more. "Yes," she murmurs claiming his lips again while she removed his unbuttoned dress shirt. "I want…. you." She manages between kisses.
He scoops Usagi up in his arms and carries her to the next room with the bed and gently places her down. He can't believe this is actually going to happen. He resumes kissing her and his hand makes its way back up her inner thigh. The sounds she makes next are very different than any other sounds he has ever heard her make.
The next morning, Seiya struggles to shut off the blaring alarm. He yawns not wanting to get up and face another day of the tour. He wishes he could stay in bed longer and sleep, similar to the person still sleeping next to him. At the thought, he can't help but smile when he sees the blonde next in him in the bed.
Usagi is still half a sleep after hearing the alarm. "Just five more minutes…" she mumbles.
Seiya leans over and lightly shakes her shoulder to wake her. "Odango, you need to get up and go back to Boston."
Usagi mumbles something Seiya couldn't understand and pulls the cover higher over her head.
Seiya laughs and moves the cover to the side. He kisses her on the forehead.
The kiss wakes up Usagi as she bolts upright, her head nearly clobbering Seiya in the jaw. It takes her a moment to realize where she is as images of last night flood her mind. She can feel her cheeks blushing.
Seiya moves closer to her, "what is there to be embarrassed about?"
Usagi laughs. "I don't know…" Her laughter stops and her eyes widen. "Rei-chan is going to freak out I didn't come back last night. I told her I wasn't going to be gone long…"
"You were a bit… occupied?" Seiya adds with a smile, brushing his fingertips on her bare shoulder. "I'm so glad you came here last night."
Usagi smiles back and lets out a soft sigh. For the first time in the last two months she feels completely at ease. This is where she is meant to be. "And you didn't want me to come over at first." She teases him.
"Well… I didn't know everything that happened and…" his voice trails off. "Feel free to visit any time." Seiya winks at her.
Usagi giggles in response. She takes a moment to admire the man in front of her. She didn't know what was going happen when she came here; she just knew she had to see him and kiss him. She had tried so hard to not compare him to Mamoru but the two are so different. Mamoru was hesitant to do anything because of their age difference even when it eventually happened. Seiya was the complete opposite. He was more carefree and in the moment. She never knew she could feel the way she had last night. She wants more. But it will have to wait.
His playful tone disappears and becomes more serious. "You do have to be going though. I have to continue with tour events and if I'm late Taiki and Yaten will be barging into the room. They've already done that once."
"Yeah… I don't want them to find me here…" Usagi gets up and quickly gathers her clothes from the floor and takes them to the bathroom. She dresses and looks up at the mirror while she finishes buttoning her blouse. Her hair is a complete mess. Her odangos are falling apart. She never took them out last night before bed. She pokes her head out of the bathroom, "can I use your brush?" She asks sheepishly pointing to what is left of her odangos.
Seiya chuckles. "Sure, it's on the dresser over there." He gestures to a dresser with a mirror in front of it.
Within seconds Usagi is undoing what is left of her buns and picks up the brush to remove all of the knots.
Seiya sneaks up behind her. "I'll see you when you finish up in Boston?"
Usagi spins around to face him. "Definitely!"
Seiya kisses her quickly before heading to the bathroom to get ready.
It takes Usagi several minutes to get the rest of the knots out of her hair before she can start styling her hair. Her hands are shaking slightly as she tries to finish her odangos. What is she going to say when she gets back? Rei is going to have more questions for her. She's sure Setsuna spoke with Haruka and Michiru. They likely spoke with Mamoru. She isn't ready for another conversation with him about her choice to pick Seiya.
Seiya. She smiles as her thoughts drift back to their lovemaking last night. She has a lot to look forward too when she finishes up in Boston. With a content sigh she finishes brushing her hair.
What she needs to focus all of her energy on is finding the rest of the creatures and stopping what is creating them. Then she can rejoin Seiya here on the tour. She adds the last few clips in her hair and is satisfied with the outcome. She looks at the clock and realizes it is still early in Boston because of the time difference. She hopes Rei is asleep. She attaches the clasps for her crystal pendant around her neck. "Cosmos Crystal Power, Make Up!"
She looks down at her sailor fuku. There was a time only a few short weeks ago she never thought she would be able to wear this again, let alone see Seiya. It gives her a new appreciation for everything she has and will do everything in her power to keep it that way. She leaves Brazil with a flash of bright light.
Within less than a minute she is back in her hotel in Boston. She reverts back to Usagi and heads up to her room. She didn't dare reappear in her room. If Rei was sleeping, the light would wake her up. She quietly unlocks the door, relief washing over her as she finds Rei sound asleep. The shade is open in the room the sun is slowly rising on a brand new day. Her first instinct is to go sleep but it is one of the few moments she is wide awake. She grabs a change of clothes and heads to the bathroom to shower instead.
Sailor Charon looks at Sailor Pluto in utter confusion. "But those creatures appeared before we changed the timeline. How can they be time anomalies?" She looks at the older women confused.
Sailor Pluto tries to figure out the best way to answer her question. "I tried to change the timeline myself and was not successful. I image that is around the time the creatures first began to appear. Now the timeline has reset and the Golden Crystal was found; the creatures are gone."
Sailor Charon frowns. "And those creatures were keeping Usagi-san away from the Starlights too…"
"That was an added bonus," Sailor Pluto smiles slightly. "But we should let them know."
"Maybe later tonight. Give Prince Endymion a chance to speak with his Princess again…speak with the Queen," Sailor Charon tries to sound hopeful but she isn't sure how much it will help. Usagi was so determined in the other timeline to return to Seiya and now she has her wish.
Sailor Pluto nods her head in agreement.
As soon as Usagi exits out of the bathroom door, she finds Rei standing there.
"That was a long hour or two…" Rei sounds annoyed. "I stayed up late waiting for you."
"We... uh… had… a lot to talk about…" Usagi's voice trails off and she tries to hide the blush she can feel creeping into her cheeks.
Rei stares at her. "Usagi, why are you blushing?"
Usagi tries to brush it off but it only makes it worse. "We should get some breakfast and try to find those creatures. I want to end this quickly so we can rejoin the tour." Usagi has determination in her voice.
Rei raises an eyebrow. "That doesn't explain why you're blushing."
Usagi's stomach rumbles in response leading Rei to teardrop.
After breakfast, they search the area for any signs of the creatures and end up empty handed again. The sun is high in the sky, nearing mid-day. Usagi and Rei are walking around the same area as yesterday morning before the last attack. They sit down on a bench.
Usagi sighs. She hates how Rei is being cautious around her because she doesn't understand all of what happened. She can't keep it in anymore. She's going to listen to Seiya's advice for yesterday. She knows Rei would understand.
"The battle against the creatures seems like an eternity ago."
Rei turns to look at Usagi, she is ready to talk about what happened? "It was yesterday morning."
"To you it was." Usagi's eyes are staring out across the park. "The battle ended, I collapsed, and two months passed by the time I woke back up."
Rei stares at her wide eyed. "How is that possible? You mention something about two months passing yesterday but I don't understand. I want to help you Usagi but I don't know how."
"Setsuna-san did something she shouldn't have. I collapsed because of Setsuna-san. She took away my powers as Sailor Cosmos." Usagi finally admits out loud. Saying the words anger her.
Rei gasps loudly. "How is that possible? What would Setsuna-san do that?"
"She was angry I chose Seiya. So she wanted to change the timeline to a time when I didn't choose Seiya. She changed the timeline so I never awakened as Sailor Cosmos. I woke up at your shrine without my powers as Sailor Cosmos… in a timeline where Crystal Tokyo existed…" her voice grows softer for a moment. "But I didn't give up until I got back here!"
"Usagi…" Rei responds quietly not sure what to else to say. It makes sense why she has seemed so different since yesterday morning.
Usagi turns to the right to face Rei. "That is why I had to see Seiya last night. After everything that happened… I needed to see him. I was terrified I would never seem him again during the other timeline. It was like everything that happened was finally over when I saw him."
"Usagi…." Rei wants to say more but her attention shifts when she sees Ayumi and Mamoru approaching. "Mamoru-san and Ayumi-san are here." Rei has a lot more questions but they will have to wait until later.
Usagi turns her head to the side to confirm Rei's comment. Her stomach drops. She's not ready to see Mamoru again but here he is. Does he know what happened? One look into his eyes tells her all she needs to know.
"I guess we all had the same idea to check this spot. Any luck?" Ayumi asks the duo as they approach.
Usagi shakes her head. "No. It's like they all disappeared since yesterday." If she can keep the focus on the conversation to the creatures and they all search together, Mamoru won't have a chance to discuss anything with her alone.
"Hmm. That has happened before. Sometimes I went weeks without seeing any. They increased a lot when all of you arrived in Boston." Ayumi wonders if there is a connection to the frequency.
"I guess Usagi attracts them." Rei teases, trying to lighten the mood.
"Rei-chan!" Usagi turns to her and pouts.
"Maybe we should leave you out here as bait! It should wrap up everything sooner!" Rei continues to tease her. She is about to continue but stops, she didn't want to mention Seiya's name in front of Mamoru.
Silence fills the air.
"Usako, can we talk privately for a moment?"
The hairs stand up on the back of her neck. Usagi was asking for too much, to hope he would not want to talk to her. All she can muster is a head nod as she stands up and walks over to him. He leads them away from Rei and Ayumi.
Once they are far enough away, Ayumi turns to Rei, "I still don't understand why she isn't with Endymion after their history…" Her voice grows a little quieter. "He still loves her more than anything and would do anything for her."
"That is how Seiya-kun feels about Usagi." Rei comments back watching the two until they are out of sight.
Ayumi glares at Rei but doesn't say anything else.
Usagi walks quietly next to Mamoru, waiting for him to say something. Her nervousness increases with each step.
"Usako, there's been a lot on my mind these past few days; especially since yesterday morning after that battle." When Usagi doesn't respond, Mamoru continues, "I heard what happened from Haruka-kun and Michiru-chan… they knew what Setsuna-san was trying to accomplish."
Usagi's eyes narrow. It was a plan Pluto had come up with to force her to be with Mamoru. She wasn't ready to have this conversation with him, especially if he knew about the other timeline. Her heart races; she needs to stop him. "Mamo-chan…"
"Usako, please let me finish." He continues not giving her a chance to say anything else. "I understand you were in a timeline everyone thought we would have where we were married and would rule Crystal Tokyo together. You once told me it was hard to be with me knowing Crystal Tokyo wouldn't exist. You were in a place where that timeline existed… was it that horrible?" He pleads with her. He has to understand what made her give everything up.
Usagi can feel the uneasiness grow in her stomach as she tries to speak. Nothing comes out at first. She clears her throat before she is able to continue. "It's not that Mamo-chan… it's just I like this timeline and then all of the sudden without warning, I was in a new place and expected to act like nothing was wrong, several years in the future without memories of what everyone thought was common knowledge. My powers were taken away. I was angry and I missed him." She pauses trying to figure out the best way to word this. "It was hard to pretend to be someone I'm not. It was like everything I knew to be true was wrong."
Mamoru places his hands on Usagi's. "We could have had second chance in that timeline and things would have gone back to normal. Usako we can have a second chance now. I'll do anything for you and we can start over."
"Nothing about that timeline was normal." Usagi gently pulls her hands away from Mamoru. "I'm sorry Mamo-chan, it's too late."
"It's never too late." Mamoru stares intensely into her eyes for a sign she didn't mean what she said. Being married in the other timeline must have had some effect on her.
Usagi realizes she needs to be direct. She doesn't want him to have false hope. Before she would have tried to avoid saying his name in front of Mamoru, but she can't have this conversation with Mamoru again. "I'm with Seiya now."
"It doesn't have to end this way Usako."
"Yes it does Mamo-chan." She didn't want to tell him this because she knows how much it will hurt him but she has to make him understand they are over and she is not coming back even after what she had just experienced in the other timeline. This is the only way to make him understand it for good. She looks down at the ground. She can't look at his face when she tells him this knowing the pain she will see. But is it is the only way.
Mamoru embraces her tightly, pulling her closer to him.
Usagi closes her eyes tightly. "I spent last night with Seiya."
Mamoru immediately lets go of her; a look of dread on his face. "No…" He finally manages. It was as if the rug was swept out from under him. "Usako… you can't mean…" He refuses to believe the innocent Usagi would… he must have heard her wrong. He pauses and recalls some of the past moments they shared, she's not that innocent.
"It's over Mamo-chan." Usagi tries to stop the tears she can feel forming knowing she is the cause of the pain he is feeling. She can't look up at him. "I hope you find someone that will make you happy." She rushes past him. She can't be around him at this moment and feels guilty. She tries to reason with herself it is better this way. He would probably find out sooner or later.
She walks past Rei and Ayumi with tears in her eyes and keeps going.
"Usagi!" Rei calls after her but Usagi keeps moving without stopping. What was said between the two of them?
Mamoru walks back to them slowly in a daze. His expression shows he is in utter disbelief that is gradually transforming into anger.
Ayumi stays where she is, hesitant to approach her brother. She has never seen a look on his face like this. She is almost afraid to ask, "What happened?"
Mamoru struggles to repeat what he was told out loud. Once he repeats those words to them it makes it real. "She… she said it's over." He swallows the lump in his throat. "She said she was with… him last night." He couldn't say his name.
Rei understands he is upset Usagi said it was over but why was it a big deal Usagi spent time with Seiya? "She did visit Seiya-kun last night but I…" Her voice stops and her eyes widen as she realizes the full meaning of those words. Why Usagi was blushing this morning when Rei mentioned how long she was gone. Why she was acting the way she was. "Oh…" Rei's voice lowers. "I… I'm going to find Usagi." She quickly turns and leaves. She can't console Mamoru over this. Not something this personal. It was Usagi's choice to make, not his.
Ayumi walks over to Mamoru and lightly places a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry. I didn't think things had gone that far it's just… Princess Serenity." She pauses. "But she's not just Princess Serenity. That is the problem."
Mamoru doesn't respond to her comments. His eyes narrowed. "I'm going to kill him."
Ayumi frowns. "I know you're angry but that will just make everything worse…" She is not sure what the correct thing is to say to him.
"It's just…. I don't have the words for what happened… I just can't believe…" His voice trails off. He can't repeat it again. "I'll see you later. I need some time to myself."
"…okay…" Ayumi slowly hesitantly responds. She is worried how he will react. She watches as he slowly walks off further into the park. She keeps her distance from him. He is too distraught to notice her presence.
"Usagi wait!" Rei shouts behind her. She is running to catch up to the blonde. She continues running, Usagi didn't hear her. When she finally reaches her she is out of breath. "U...sa...gi…" Rei croaks. She takes a few more deep breaths before she tries to talk again.
Usagi looks at Rei out of breath, concerned something happened.
"You slept with Seiya-kun last night?"
"Um… well…." Usagi's face turns bright red. She wasn't expecting Rei to be this blunt and ask her directly. "It just kinda happened…"
"Why did you tell that to Mamoru-san? You knew it would upset him!" Rei asks trying to understand Usagi's motivation.
Usagi becomes defensive. "I didn't want to tell him because I knew it would hurt him a lot. But he kept telling me we could work things out and it's not too late." Usagi hands shake slightly as she continues. "I needed him to understand it was truly over, even if I just returned from a timeline where we were…." The shaking moves up to her shoulders. "I can't have that conversation anymore. He keeps trying to winning me back. It was the only thing I could think of to make him understand."
Rei looks at her confused. "So you didn't…"
Redness returns to Usagi's cheeks again. "Rei-chan… don't make me say it."
Rei shakes her head slightly in disbelief. "Unbelievable." She pauses and lightens the conversation. "Well I'm sure you're dying to get back to the tour so the two of you can be alone together."
"Rei-chan!" Usagi exclaims at what Rei was insinuating.
Rei becomes serious. "Are you happy Usagi? That's all that matters."
Usagi beams at her friend. "I've never been happier." The smile slowly fades as she changes the topic of conversation. "I just wish we knew where the creatures were coming from. I want to get his battle over with."
Rei nods in agreement. "I don't think asking Ayumi-san right now would help."
"Err." Usagi agrees. "I'm sure she's angry at me. When she first found out I was Serenity's reincarnation she blamed me for Endymion's death and now I am being blamed for his unhappiness... it's like everything is my fault in her eyes."
"You know that isn't true." Rei interrupts. "She's just angry and looking for someone to blame. She chose you as her target."
"I hate that whatever I decide, someone will be hurt. It doesn't seem fair."
"A lot of things are not fair. Is it fair to have the fate of the world constantly on your shoulders?" Rei challenges back.
Usagi smiles softly. "Thank you Rei-chan. I never looked at it like that before."
An idea strikes Rei. "Maybe Haruka-san and Michiru-san will know something."
Usagi's shoulders slump as they leave their hotel. "I can't believe they checked out without telling us… I guess they're not going to stay here and help us."
Rei nods her head in agreement. "It's odd. It's not like them."
"We were just on our way to say goodbye before heading home."
Usagi jumps when she hears Haruka's voice. "Haruka-san!" She exclaims walking over to her. "Why are you leaving so suddenly?"
"Didn't Setsuna-san tell you?" Haruka looks at the two girls surprised.
Rei walks closer. "Tell us what?"
Haruka is surprised she is the one to tell them the news. "Tell you that those creatures are gone, they were time anomalies." Her voice drops lower. "Now that things went back to the way they were…" She stops; she doesn't need to explain anything else.
Usagi stares at Haruka wide eyes. This confirmed her suspicions. "You knew what Setsuna-san was planning the entire time?" She couldn't believe they sat by and let Sailor Pluto do as she pleased with time for months. Her senshi kept things from her.
"Of course," Michiru responds first. "I hoped that after being married to Mamoru-san you would have a change of heart."
"Married…" Rei repeats slowly. Of course she rationalizes. If Usagi was in a timeline where Crystal Tokyo exists she would have to be married to him, eventually. She looks at Usagi.
Usagi's fists are clenched tightly; she is on the verge of losing it. "Do you have any idea the pain all of that caused? Chaos returned and I watched everyone's starseeds be taken again!"
Haruka is not fazed by her outburst. "That only happened because you wanted to be Sailor Cosmos again. If you would have just been yourself, nothing bad would have happened."
"As Cosmos I saved Tokyo from a huge typhoon. My powers allow me to keep peace throughout the galaxies. Isn't that what senshi have always wanted? An end to the fighting? We've been fighting for peace for years and you wanted to throw it all away!" Usagi glares at both of them. It was unfathomable to her the Outer Senshi in front of her could be so selfish.
Michiru slightly redirects the topic. "Have you spoken to Mamoru-san? I know he has a lot he wishes to discuss with you."
Usagi turns to Michiru. "You had no right to tell him about the other timeline. All you did was hurt him and give him false hope about a future that is gone."
Haruka takes a few steps closer to Usagi coming to the defense of Michiru. "No, you hurt him by not choosing him. How can you be so selfish?"
Usagi scoffs at Haruka's remarks. "Me selfish? Shouldn't I have a say who I will share my life with?"
Haruka voice lowers to a near growl. "So you're still choosing him?"
"Yes," Usagi responds without hesitation. "I visited him last night. We had a long… discussion. I will always choose Seiya. I love him. I always have."
"Isn't it kind of late over there for visits?" Haruka asks darkly, not liking where the conversion is going and what is being implied.
"How we spend time alone together is our choice," Usagi shoots back. She didn't care anymore. If Haruka did anything or tried to do anything to Seiya there would be consequences. She had already warned them once.
There is an awkward pause among the group. Haruka and Michiru are angry at her words but they do not verbally respond.
The look in the Outer Senshi's eyes made Usagi glad she is having this conversion with them without Seiya present.
Rei clears her throat. "Well if you are leaving, the creatures are gone. Mamoru-san already spoke with Usagi… I guess it's time we rejoined the tour?" Rei asks to no one in particular while she turns to face Usagi. She needs to decrease the tension in the air.
Usagi looks at Rei wide eyed as she realizes it means they don't have to spend time in Boston anymore. "Let's go pack!"
Haruka's jaw drops slightly as her plan completely backfires and removes any excuse or reason to keep Usagi in the same continent as Mamoru.
Michiru suppresses a smirk at the dumbfounded look on her partner's face. She clears her throat. She knows there is little they can do. "We should be leaving Haruka; we have a plane to catch."
Haruka nods her head slowly. "We'll see you back in Japan. I'm sure we have a lot left to discuss at another time." Without another word she turns around and slowly trails behind Michiru. She doesn't turn back to look at Usagi or Rei again. Her knuckle closes tightly around her luggage.
Usagi watches the two senshi leave. When they are out of sight, she turns to Rei. "So I guess we should start packing?" She sounds excited for a moment and pauses when she realizes she needs to say goodbye to Mamoru. "I guess…. I should say goodbye to Mamo-chan tomorrow. I'm not sure if he would want to see me today."
"We can call Mamoru-san tomorrow before we leave. We still have to reach the Three Lights."
Usagi shakes her head no. "I want to surprise them." Usagi smiles brightly, the first time since she left the hotel room this morning.
Seiya yawns as he sits down to a late lunch with Yaten, Taiki, and Minako. Their flight was delayed for three hours after the promotion event they completed ran late. Their first concert in Peru is tomorrow in the city of Lima. He is hoping to sleep on the plane.
"If you are that tired already, you should go to sleep early so you're ready for the performance." Taiki suggests looking over the menu that is in Japanese. He was originally surprised to learn they would be going to South America but it made sense when he learned Brazil and Peru have the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan.
Seiya nods his head in agreement and picks up his water glass to drink.
"Well as long as you don't have a late night visit from Usagi-chan you'll be fine." Yaten smirks looking directly at Seiya.
Seiya is caught off guard and immediately starts coughing, nearly spitting out his water. He tries to keep his cool while he responds back, "what are you talking about?"
Yaten looks dead at him and said, "You forgot your room was next to mine, didn't you?"
Seiya's face turns bright red and his eyes widen as several images come to mind. He is rescued by the waiter coming to the table to take their orders.
Minako hides behind her menu. She can't keep a straight face; after all she was with Yaten last night for a while and heard some of it before she had quickly excused herself.
Sailor Cosmos looks at the golden bracelets on her wrists, admiring the way the light reflects off the crystal. Her eyes shift up to look at an out of breath Sailor Mars. "Why you have resisted this much was a complete waste of your energy. You know you cannot defeat me."
Sailor Mars glares at her. "You know we never stop fighting until our last breath Usagi, not matter who our opponent is." She tries to move her arm in position to summon a flaming arrow but realizes it is taking all of her energy to remain standing. She didn't remember Chaos being this difficult last time.
Sailor Venus is also struggling to remain standing. They were just hit by two attacks from Sailor Cosmos. "Please Usagi-chan…" She tries to think of what she can say to her one of her best friends.
Sailor Cosmos doesn't want to hear it anymore. She blasts them again taking both of their starseeds. Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars scream as starseeds appears from their bodies. The starseeds float over to her. She smiles looking down at the starseeds. She is closer to completing her goal. The Starlight's starseeds are next.
Usagi's eyes snap open and she immediately turned to her right to see Rei still sleeping in bed. She releases a long sigh. It was nightmare. Rei is alive next to her. Everyone was okay. But it was so real, reliving that moment she took her starseed in the other timeline.
Usagi throws the covers off the bed and rushes into the bathroom closing the door behind her. She collapses onto the floor, silent tears flowing down her face. She hurt everyone because she couldn't control her powers, she couldn't keep Chaos in check.
She tries to remind herself it was only a nightmare. Chaos is sealed. In this time and the other one she was in. Chaos is a thing of the past. It's not real. But it felt so real. Those memories will not just disappear.
Resting her forehead on her arms she realizes she remembers everything that happened in the other timeline when she was under Chaos' control. Her memories when she was first controlled by Chaos were hazy. Well, the Sailor Cosmos side of her remembers everything and those memories won't leave her alone. She killed almost everyone because she wasn't strong enough.
Usagi stands up on wobbly legs and turns on the bath. She knows it's early and hopes the warm water will help soothe her fears. She turns on the water hoping it will muffle her sobs as the tears fall.
Rei sits up in bed. She had been awake for a few minutes when she heard Usagi experiencing a bad dream and muttering something about Chaos. She sighs. This isn't over yet for Usagi, she is worried about the lasting effects on her friend. She pauses to give Usagi space for now.
"I wanted to discuss something Yaten alluded to earlier," Taiki addresses Seiya when the three of them are alone back stage before their promotion event. "Is it true, you broke one of the laws of Kinmoku that Queen Kakyuu values the most?" He needed to air this out before their concert tonight.
Seiya's eyes look down at the ground. It was not something he thought of until this moment. It was the last thing that was on his mind the past few days. "I was not on Kinmoku when it happened. We are not on Kinmoku soil so it does not apply." He justifies his actions.
"But we are still senshi from Kinmoku that are expected to uphold its laws," Yaten shoots back at Seiya. He's annoyed now. He had forgotten the law until Taiki reminded him earlier today. It is all he could think of to say.
There is a long pause before Taiki speaks again. "So you don't deny it."
"I don't regret it," Seiya responds without hesitation. "Besides, Earth is our home now." He tries emphasize how laws are different on the two planets.
"What happens when you set foot on Kinmoku soil, then what?" Taiki challenges.
"Earth has different laws and rules than Kinmoku." He pauses to look at both of them. "You mean to tell you've never done anything here that would get you into trouble on Kinmoku?"
"Nothing this serious." Yaten comments in a bored tone. "What is done is done. We have a show to put on." He doesn't say anything else while he walks out of the room. To be honest, he hadn't given that law a second thought since he was on Earth. But now… it's a good reminder given his current circumstances. He sighs. Taiki is not going to let this go as easily.
Rei looks at the tour schedule and then back to Usagi later the same morning. "Are you sure this is going to work? I mean what if they don't have rooms for us? Where are we going to stay? Where are we going to put our things?"
"They kept all of our reservations since they weren't sure when we will be joining them. It will be fine Rei-chan. You worry too much!" Usagi pauses to look at her bags. "I don't remember bringing this much…."
"We bought a lot but I think it should be okay… but I'm not sure we can make it all in one trip." Rei looks at the piles of belongings that need to be sorted. Ever since the creatures emerged everything was thrown all over the place.
"Yeah…." Usagi echoes. She realizes there are a few things left they need to do before leaving. One she has dreaded.
A knock on the door disrupts her conversation. Rei is closer to the door and is surprised to see him. "Mamoru-san?"
"I called him earlier… to say good bye." Usagi slowly answers.
"I'll… ah go and find out about the checkout procedure…" Rei makes an excuse to leave the room to offer them privacy.
Once they are alone, Usagi and Mamoru look at each other unsure of what to say for a few long moments.
Mamoru speaks first, "I'm glad you called me Usako. I wouldn't want you to leave after how our last conversation went… I needed a little more time to…" He stops. He doesn't want to finish the sentence.
Usagi nods in understanding. "I hope I didn't distract you too much from your studies." Usagi fumbles with what to say.
"You haven't," Mamoru tries to reassure her. There is another long pause. "I don't want to lose contact with you Usako… I want you to be happy and know everything is alright."
"Of course Mamo-chan… we'll be dear friends…" The words sound strange to her, using a similar phrase she once told Seiya when he was leaving for Kinmoku on the school rooftop so long ago. "But I might still need a little help from Rei-chan or Ami-chan to send e-mails…" Usagi looks at him, noticing how sad he appears. "I can always write letters to you too. It will be easier now since I'm done with school."
"I would love that," he is trying to keep his emotion in check. "I can write back… maybe even call sometimes?" Mamoru asks. It seems so strange to ask for permission to remain in contact with her. Only a short time ago, this would be unthinkable.
Usagi tries to smile a little. "That sounds great. I want to hear how everything is going… and I want you to know you can talk to me about anything." She hesitantly takes a step forward.
"Ah." Mamoru nods his head. He walks forward also. "I wish you weren't leaving Usako… but… it's your choice." His voice is tight as he tries to say goodbye to her knowing it could be years before he sees her again.
Usagi feels a little relieved. "I'm glad you understand." She slowly responds. She feels like there is more she can say but instead of using her words, she walks forward and hugs him tightly.
Mamoru returns the embrace. They stand quietly hugging for a minute before Usagi pulls away.
Usagi pulls away. "Take care Mamo-chan."
Mamoru can only nod. After an awkward pause he adds. "I should be going. I'm sure you have a lot to do before you leave." He wants to say more and beg her to stay. But it is clear her mind is already made up and he doesn't want to anger her. He doesn't want to leave things like that. After what she revealed last time, he pauses in front of the door to look at her one more time.
Usagi manages a final wave.
With a head nod he turns and leaves taking the staircase near the room he just left. He walks down part of the first flight and pauses to hold onto the rail as he finally allows the tears to flow. An image comes to mind, the time Usagi left his apartment in tears when he broke up with her to protect her from the visions he had received. He grips the metal railing tighter. Is this how she felt? He feels so stupid for his past actions that he cannot change. He forces his feet to move him forward.
Usagi wipes a few tears from her eyes and takes a deep breath. Mamoru was a huge part of whom she was and that will never change. It's up to her to decide her own path and future. She inhales sharply and smiles slightly. The hardest part is over.
She resumes packing her belongings; soon she can rejoin the tour and see Seiya more frequently. The one person she fought so hard to see again. A weight feels like it has been lifted off of her shoulders. Everything is going back to how it should be. She tells herself, it has to be. This is what she fought for.
A knock on the door distracts her from her thoughts. Usagi walks to the door unsure who it is. "I'm coming." Her voice is shakier than she expected. She opens the door to find Rei.
Rei entered the room, "are you okay Usagi?"
Usagi smiles a little. "It was just weird to say goodbye… I knew it was going to happen. I guess I got used to everyone being together in Tokyo but everyone has to live their own lives."
Rei agrees. "Things usually change a lot after high school."
Usagi nods her head in agreement. "I think it's time we go to Peru!"
Mamoru sits on a park bench away from campus. He needed to be away from everyone he knows for right now. He is angry he was given a glimmer of hope once again that things could go back to what they were to only have it torn away.
He looks up when someone sits down next to him. He gasps slightly. He is surprised to see her here after her abrupt departure the last time he saw her. "Setsuna-san."
She bows her head. "I'm sorry Mamoru-san. I want to apologize to you in person. I thought it would have worked. I never once thought Chaos would return. I thought I could give you the future everyone was prepared for."
He stares at Setsuna for a moment, his eyes blinking a few times. He only just stopped crying a moment ago and here is someone else discussing such a hurtful event. "I… just don't understand. Even after everything…" His voice trailed off, his words fail him.
Setsuna takes it as a sign and continues. "The Princess," She pauses, "The Queen… is very different, more than even I imagined. If someone had told me at the beginning of the previous year this would happen, I wouldn't have believed it earlier." She hesitates before she continues. "I wanted to fix everything. But it appears I've made everything more of a mess for you."
There is a short pause before Mamoru finds his voice. "I don't blame you." He turns slightly to face her. "Thank you for… trying." His eyes shift back out to the scenery in front of him. "I would rather you have tried and given us… me a chance than doing nothing."
Setsuna can feel a slight smile forming at the corner of her lips. Finally someone understood. "I wish things would have turned out different for you. I never meant to cause you more pain." She also stares ahead. It easier for her to speak freely if she was not looking directly at him. "I wanted to see you as happy as I had seen you in the future… but I guess wishing it wasn't enough."
The two sit in silence for a few minutes.
There is more Setsuna wants to say to express her regret but it didn't seem to be the time or the place. As the minutes pass by the air becomes more awkward and she stands up to leave.
"Thank you Setsuna-san," Mamoru thanks her again. "The hard part is figuring out what is next after school."
Setsuna turns to face him. "This time has allowed you to recover the Golden Crystal of your kingdom, a crystal that would… have remained hidden. There are a few…. positive things that have happened." She chooses her words carefully.
"That I don't know how to use."
"You have plenty of time to figure it out." Setsuna assures him, she turns to face him. "Perhaps you need some help to try to learn how to control it?"
Mamoru frowns. "Who? The Golden Crystal is similar to the Ginzuishou and I'm not ready to ask Usako about it."
"When she returns to Japan, I can speak with you if you'd like." It is her turn to sigh. "Though I know she is still rather upset with me over my actions. The anger she displayed in the other timeline was a combination of her and Chaos… it was rather frightening what she can be capable of."
Mamoru can feel a lump form in his throat. "When she first became Cosmos we were worried about her powers but she seems to be able to control them, unless she is angry." He leans back on the bench more. "It is a side of her I'm not used to seeing."
"None of us are…" Setsuna is slight for a moment thinking of their discussion in the Time Streams. She then shakes her head. "There is still that one ability that allowed her to regain her past memories; she doesn't seem to have complete control yet."
Mamoru nods his head in response. He wants to see Usako again. Asking her to help him might be the best way. He'll see what Ayumi can help him with, but Usako is probably his best hope.
"I should be returning. I just wanted to check in on you." Setsuna tried to find another reason to stay but can't think of one.
"Its fine," Mamoru assures her. "It helps to have someone know everything that happened. I don't think I could open to talk to many people about any of this they wouldn't understand." He smiles slightly. "They would think I was crazy."
Setsuna laughs, her first genuine laugh in days. "No one would truly understand unless they walked beside us." She pauses to turn to him. "If you ever want to talk about anything, please reach out."
Mamoru can only nod his head. A lump forms in his throat but he needs to ask. "Chibi Usa…" He can't finish.
"She is alive and well in the other timelines," Setsuna assures him. "I wish I could take you to see Small Lady, but… the repercussions…." She stops when she sees the hurt in his eyes, the tears that threaten to fall and discussing the little girl that will no longer be his future daughter. She does the only thing she can do; she reaches out and hugs him.
Mamoru is surprised by Setsuna's actions but he doesn't pull away. He slowly returns the gesture. It just feels strange to him.
The moment is brief as Setsuna pulls away. "I wish things could have been different for you." She can't look at him in the eyes. "I hope things will become easier for you in time."
"Thank you, Setsuna-san." He slowly responds. He had talked to Ayumi about this before but it wasn't the same. She didn't experience all of the battles he had with the other senshi. It was easier to speak to Setsuna about this. It helped, a little. "Do you think we can talk again next week? I feel like the others don't truly understand… and I can't really talk to them. They are more… Usako's friends." He pauses. "And I don't want to give Haruka-kun any ideas."
Setsuna can't help but laugh at his last remark. "Yes… Haruka-kun doesn't need any more ideas." The smile fades and she becomes serious. "Perhaps we can meet at a café around here next week?"
"Sure," Mamoru agrees. "I will send you my schedule and we figure something out."
"Until next week then," Setsuna bows her head slightly to the King of Earth and takes her leave. Her mauve pants suit is replaced by her eternal fuku in a flurry of sakura petals. Her time staff resting in her right hand. She returns to Japan, she knows her conversation with Haruka and Michiru is far from over.
It took Usagi and Rei longer to pack and transport their bags than they original expected along with the time change. As a result they barely had time to check their luggage at the hotel. Reservations were found under their names but there was some kind of issue. The girls were in a hurry wanted to try to resolve it later that night. The receptionist eagerly agreed stating it will take them some time to try to resolve the issue. Now with their luggage handled, the two girls dash off to the concert to find their seats.
Usagi is relieved they didn't miss any of the concert yet. She closes her eyes listening to the noise of the crowd in her seat. There were times she thought she would never have this experience again. She smiles, enjoying the crowd and listening to their excitement to listen to three Lights sing.
Rei is about to say something to Usagi but stops when she sees the calm, content look on her face. She is relieved after the nightmare Usagi had the other day. Usagi hadn't spoken to her about it. She hopes it is the only nightmare Usagi will have.
The noise slowly fades away and is replaced with applause and cheering. Usagi opens her eyes to see Minako walking across the stage. The cheers Minako receives is louder than any of the previous shows.
Minako lifts her microphone to her mouth to signal she is ready for the music to start. For the first time since she walked onto the stage, she looks out into the crowd. Her eyes widen and her jaw drops when she sees Usagi and Rei. She wants to rush over to them and ask what they are doing here and if everything is alright.
Usagi smiles and flashes a victory sign at Minako. Rei waves.
Minako lets out a sigh of relief and starts singing. The moment of worry subsides. She'll talk to them later for surprising her while she was on stage. She performs her song flawlessly.
Minako pauses when she finishes her final song wishing she could sit down in one of the empty seats next to them but that would only create more issues. As expected, she walks off stage with Yaten.
Yaten smirks slightly as Rei and Usagi before following Minako off stage. He had appeared unfazed by their appearance.
Five minutes later he walks back on stage next to Seiya and Taiki.
The crowd explodes into cheers as the headliners appear. They take their spots on the stage and start with Nagareboshi He. The music begins to play.
Seiya sees Usagi in the audience and misses the first two lines of the song while staring at her.
Usagi's eyes widen and gestures to him to sing.
Seiya shakes his head a moment and joins back in.
Yaten glares at Seiya for not being able to keep it together.
Taiki looks in the direction of Seiya and then into the crowd. His eyes narrow slightly when he realizes Rei and Usagi are back in the crowd. He can only assume they are done with whatever the creatures are; giving him and the other members of the Three Lights a sense of relief to have one less problem. The rest of the concert continues without any further issues.
After the concert ended and the crowd begins to leave. Rei and Usagi are finally able to make their way back stage. They find Minako first.
"I'm so happy you're here!" Minako greets them with a hug. Her expression turns serious. "Is it over? Are they gone?" She lowers her voice.
Usagi nods her head yes.
"Yes, they were only temporary." Rei confirms.
"I'm so glad." Minako smiles at both of them. "The Three Lights are having a meeting with the manger about some changes; they will be tied up for a bit." She realizes they don't have any of their belongings. "Wait, how did you get here?"
Usagi smiles and rubs the back of her head and then laughs.
Minako eyebrows stand up. "Usagi-chan you didn't! How are you going to explain this to the manager? You didn't contact anyone."
"Usagi wanted to surprise everyone. Our bags are at the hotel already." Rei explains.
"I guess it doesn't really matter as long as you are here! I'm free tomorrow and we are going to go shopping, eat, and have lots of fun."
Usagi grabs Minako's hands with tears in her eyes, "this is the best welcome I could ever receive."
Minako takes them back to her dressing room to finish talking.
Rei excuses herself to use the washroom.
Minako smiles and uses this moment to question Usagi. She turns to Usagi with a knowing look and one arched eyebrow. "How was Brazil?"
"Brazil? But Minako-chan we're in Peru." Usagi looks at her utterly confused.
"I mean your late night visit to Brazil… we all heard about it."
Usagi pales. "You what…." She was not expecting this. How did everyone know? Did Seiya say something? She was going to kill him.
Minako laughs at Usagi's expressions. "Yaten-kun asked Seiya-kun about the late night visitor he had. Apparently Yaten-kun's room was next door to Seiya-kun's." Minako didn't have to say anything else.
Usagi's face turned bright red. She didn't know what to say. "…umm…." She laughs nervously throwing a hand behind her head.
Rei came out the bathroom as this moment to see a bright red Usagi. "What are you talking about?"
"Ah… nothing. Nothing!" Usagi immediately answers trying to change the topic.
Minako won't let it go just yet. "We heard about Usagi's visit to Brazil. You should have seen Seiya-kun's face when Yaten reminded him; his room was next to Seiya-kun!"
Rei looks at Minako wide eyed. "Minako-chan…" There is a pause as she approaches Minako. "You just called Yaten-kun, Yaten… is there something going on we don't know about?" She turns the tables on Minako.
Now it is Minako's turn to laugh. "You must have misheard me! I said Yaten-kun!" She tries to cover her mistake.
Usagi looks at Minako. "No, I heard it too!"
"So tell me, how did you stop the creatures?" She tries her best to turn her face serious. "This might be our best chance to discuss it without others around."
Rei and Usagi look at each her. They want to press Minako more about her "slip up" but maybe that is all it was. After all, Minako can't keep a secret. She is as bad as Usagi at keeping secrets. It something did happened on the tour, they would be the first ones she would tell.
An hour later, Usagi finally leaves Minako's dressing room to walk over to Seiya's. He should be out of his meeting. The hallway is nearly empty. She knocks on the door waiting for a response from Seiya.
"Give me a minute!" Seiya shouts from behind the door. Moments later she hears a thump. "I knew I should have moved that table!" He yells inside the room.
Usagi laughs loudly at his clumsiness. She wishes she could have witnessed him tripping into someone for once.
Moments later Seiya flings the door open. "Odango!"
Usagi continues laughing for a moment and then stops when she sees his face.
He wraps his arms around her tightly. "I'm glad you're here." He whispers in her ear.
"Hmm." Usagi nods hugging him back tightly.
Seiya kisses her and pulls into his dressing room. The door closes behind them.
Will there be more? My original answer was no.
But then I had more questions such as:
So everything is just back to normal and Usagi is perfectly fine, right?
How will the other senshi react when they learn what Setsuna has done?
What is next for Setsuna; what is her relationship going to be like with the other senshi?
King Endymion has powers… what are they?
Is everyone finally going to accept Seiya? Even Haruka and Michiru?
How are other galaxies going to react to having Sailor Cosmos around? I mean, if she's so powerful, are they going to expect her to solve all of their problems?
Everyone has warned Usagi about losing control of her powers… will she?
What law did Seiya break?
When is everyone going to learn about Minako and Yaten? When/how did they become a couple?
Along with a bunch more! When will more be posted? I have no clue as I have only recently developed a vague plot concept. It is not going to be short. I'm sure you've noticed a little foreshadowing going on in this part. Definitely an advantage of posting this act later while developing the next one! I'm currently re-reading the manga since I last read it about 15 years ago and I'm excited to finally have it all in English. I have an idea I want to explore some more.
For those of you wondering, yes, most of the characters will be back in some capacity in the next arc following this story. Hoping for 2024. Act 61: What Nightmares are Made of.
However, I will be working on something else before continuing the next arc in this story.
This story was a continuation of a fan fiction I started in 1997 and ran until 1999 on a Sailor Moon Romance. The version I wrote as a teenager is horrible. I've made some changes while I wrote this and there are so many plot holes in the old version and needs to be addressed. It includes the Starlights returning to Earth and the second battle against Queen Beryl. Yes, the fic would be more Mamoru and Usagi based.
Below are a few sneak peaks of what I'm working on!
She examines the tarot cards again. They have had the same result for the past five days. It is a clear sign of what is to come and what motions she must set into place to achieve her desired outcome.
She pushes her long hair behind her ears and slowly rises to her feet. A small smile plays on her lips. After a Sailor War and centuries of searching, it will be within her grasp. She can be patient for a while longer while everything unfolds. She has all the time in the world.
"You've felt it too, that is why you're here," Rei states as she greets Michiru at the shrine.
Michiru simply nods her head in acknowledgement. "Even Setsuna-san is on edge. She has returned to this time. Something doesn't feel right to her."
"How can that be?" Rei becomes alarmed at Michiru's response.
"She said something about a new path is forming but we're not sure what it means." Haruka added with a shrug. "We need to be on guard, all of us."
"This is ridiculous staying in the shadows," Sailor Star Fighter complains after three days of nothing. "The oracle has been wrong before."
"Do you really want to take the chance the oracle is correct and all the senshi on this planet will die?" Sailor Star Maker shoots back, immediately silencing the other Starlight.
Sailor Star Healer doesn't speak. Her eyes are focused on something else below.
To be continued in Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Rebirth.
See you sometime in 2023!
Thank you for reading everything! I never thought I had it in me to write a story this long.
I loved reading your comments along the way.
A huge thanks to Kiki87 for helping to edit!