"Even if someday we are gone," he thinks, "and new sailor soldiers, new stars are born...Sailor Moon, you will forever be immortal. For all eternity, you will be the most beautiful, brilliant light."+ The Dawn of Serenity Chapter Twenty-Four They circled around the crystal casket, using it like an anchor for all their hopes and wishes. White light bounced off its many facets, casting glistening fairies to dance across their expectant faces. They were alone in the stone prayer room, deep in the ancient temple, but the fate of everyone rested on their shoulders now. "Do you think this will work?" he asked quietly, not daring to break the calm. "It has to," she answered. "She must awaken." "Are you ready?" another voice prompted. They lifted their eyes to meet those of the new arrival offering a small smile. All three stood looking at one another, the look in his eyes always gave her strength. "Yes, let's do it," she answered. Simultaneously, they closed their eyes, drawing upon the power hidden deep inside. Lights flashed -- red, blue, green and gold-- these pulses of brilliant color emerging from the stones around their necks while light issued forth from the brow of the last of their company. As one being, they raised their arms, beckoning their powers to spring forth. Hearing their pleas, the incandescent lights obeyed, as these rays raced towards the crystal casket and its occupant, encasing it while moving around it like a swirling vortex. They pushed everything they had into the storm, brows coming together in concentration and hope. They couldn't recall how long they stood there like that, but as they called upon their borrowed powers, they soon felt the ache within their bodies telling them the line they couldn’t cross again was fast approaching. "Please..." she whispered. "We can't use much more!" "We can't quit! If she doesn't come back, it's hopeless!" he retaliated. "We still have people to protect!" she urged. Tears began to sting her eyes as she realized the crystal wasn't responding, and knew he spoke the truth. The cocoon was too strong; they had made it too perfect. She felt ill and pushed her nausea down with a strangled gasp of disbelief. She flung her eyes open, gathering her own life-force to make one final attempt. In front of the red jewel upon her chest, a Silver Star Seed appeared, its gleam brilliant and strong. She knew the others sensed the shift, but before they could open their eyes, she released part of herself, uttering one name, "Usagi!" she screamed, pouring every hope and frustration -- everything she had into those three syllables. "No!" he shouted, surprised at her brashness, but dared not break the connection just yet. Her Star Seed amplified the power shooting from her breast, the silver aura coalescing with the colorful light and creating a wave of power, not unlike a crystalline wave dashing itself against a rocky shore before enveloping it. The effect was immediate as the top of the shell cracked, and a large piece broke free, crashing to the ground -- the significance of it ringing in their ears. Feeling the change, they let their powers subside and he rushed to her aid as her legs buckled beneath her from a sudden and terrible fatigue. "I'll be okay," she answered before he could speak, but graciously allowed herself to rest in the welcoming warmth of his arms. "Look." They heeded their companion's call and breathlessly, turned their eyes to the crystal cocoon once more. One slithering crack was making its way from the top down towards its base, jumping erratically from side-to-side as if it didn't know where to go. Abruptly, the central fault line multiplied into thousands of branches, covering the crystal in seconds. A quiet, white light began to shine, turning the cracks into rivers of ivory. All at once, the crystal shattered and exploded outward, its fragments suspended before them, hovering in space for just a moment before disappearing completely. Its prisoner was finally free and steadily making her journey back to solid ground. As they held each other, the remaining leader raced forward and caught the unconscious sovereign before she could fall to the ground. As he held her in his arms, her beautiful gown faded away as downy soft feathers caressed her body, leaving a strangely dressed woman in a stranger time -- a time that needed her desperately. The leaders of Serenitas stared at one another. She cried openly now, as also were her two fellow dreamers, but these no longer tears of frustration, but tears of utter joy. She let her eyes drift to the woman before them, and smiled in a way she hadn't in years, a rush of mirth bubbling free from her parted lips. "Usagi..." +++++ She felt herself being drawn somewhere, but her mind was slow to react. She felt sleepy and dazed, as if she had overslept. Everything was gradually piecing itself back together, the veins in her body reawakening and jolting her back to life. She was conscious before her heavy lids finally opened. Light poured into her eyes, blinding and hurting her. She felt like she hadn't seen in years, and blinked several times, trying to remember how. Everything seemed foreign to her, and she felt overwhelmed and afraid at all the objects around her. They were monstrous and alarming, and she imagined them reaching out at her with large teeth and frightening mouths. She slammed her eyes shut, trying to disappear into the shadow world that seemed so familiar. But it was changed. There was color now; lights swirling against her eyelids, flashes of scenes- memories that didn't seem to be hers assailed her vision. But they brought comfort somehow, stilling her wildly beating heart. Bravely, she opened her eyes once more, gazing at her surroundings, calmly this time. She concentrated on one object alone -- it was long and rectangular, its surface reflecting the light. There were items upon it and four legs held it upright, all curved and intricate. Her eyes widened. Table...it was a table. Awareness flooded into her as she swept her gaze over everything else in the chamber: chair, desk, lamp, rug, windows, walls, bed, hands, arms, sheets, man- She gasped, the air sweet but sharp in her lungs. She hadn't breathed in a millennium, after all. He stood against the white wall, almost lost against it. She was not surprised that she missed him the first time, the way his hair and uniform -- so brilliantly white -- blended in perfectly with his surroundings. His shining eyes tuned in on her, soft but unreadable -- and familiar. She scrunched her eyebrows, searching her mind for answers. She opened her mouth, knowing something should come out, but her tongue felt frozen. Silently, he pushed himself away from the wall and glided towards her. She began to shrink back, but as a smile graced his lips, she quieted. It was a genuine and warming smile, but there was doubt in his eyes now -- worry she knew was directed at her. Why was he so concerned about her? Who was he -- who was she? It was just out of her grasp. "Who..." she startled herself as she opened her mouth, the words issuing forth like dust after unearthing an ancient tomb. "Who are you?" "You will remember soon. You have been sleeping for a long time, Princess." Princess...was that her name? No, it was something else, a title. Serenity...was that it? It seemed far too old, but it was at the back of her mind. There was something else, too, something of which she clung to with body and soul. ‘Usako,’ a deep voice called out in her mind. She cried out, as her memories finally returned to her from the millennium of darkness. She curled up as she felt herself filling the skin of her being once again. The timeline of her life replayed itself like a movie upon the canvas of her closed lids. The Silver Millennium, Earth, Beryl, Endymion, Sailor Moon, Tsukino Usagi, the Sailor Senshi, Shingo, Demando, Mistress Nine, homework, the arcade, Galaxia, her wedding, Chibi-Usa- "Mamo-chan..." she whispered as she opened her eyes, staring at her hands and the ring prominent upon one of her long fingers. Her mind still foggy, but everything back in its place once again, although she had no idea where she was, or how she had gotten there. Finally, she remembered she was not alone in the room, and glanced back at the man standing before her. It took only a second for her to register his brilliant, golden eyes this time. "Helios..." "Welcome back, Princess. You have been sorely missed," he smiled again, his stance relaxing as if he had been waiting for this moment. "Helios...what's going on? I feel so...so...." She dropped her head into her hands, her mind feeling heavy and tired from the endurance race she recently ran in her mind as her memories returned. "I understand...rest," he said, gently placing his hand on her head. She felt immediately sleepy and fell back into the plush pillows. Her eyes closed softly, his voice echoing in her mind. "And this time, dream." +++++ She did not dream, however, she remembered. The harsh wind bit at her face as she watched her friends struggle to defeat their pasts. The Sailor Senshi's powers lit up the battle field, but the light never escaped the evil lurking within the low laying clouds. She could tell they were tired; she had seen those looks before all those years ago. They didn't think they were going to make it. Tears sprung to her eyes and through them, she glanced up, gazing at the pain and betrayal on her husband's face as he held her close. She couldn't even begin to understand what he was feeling, seeing his best friends threatening to destroy their whole world once more. "Haruka...!" Neptune's desperate scream broke through her ears and horrified, she turned and watched as Uranus fell. "Cut her down, Esmeraude!" she heard Demando screamed, and watched the emerald-haired witch descend upon Neptune as well. "No!" Usagi screamed, fighting against Mamoru's embrace. With a move finally made, the rest of Beryl's forces were quick to follow suit as part of their diabolical game. + Jadeite stared at Eternal Sailor Jupiter, no fog interrupting them this time-- only an eerie clarity both could not escape. They stalked each other as they had in the woods, fingers curled around swords flashing from the ghastly lightning overhead. She was stronger than ever, lashing out at him without prejudice. All her emotions pushed aside, and he wondered how far he would have to plunge his sword into her chest to find them. "Here we are, again," he said, blocking a hard strike elegantly. "This time, the outcome will be different. I will enjoy rubbing your face in the dirt with my boot." She didn't seem effected in the slightest by his taunts, and he felt himself disappointed. He stood idly listening to the sound of combat as his fellow Shitennou around him took on the Sailor Senshi, but he concentrated more on her form. She was using the same attacks as before, and it soon became predictable as to where she would strike next. As he avoided her moves, he saw a flare of anger and frustration bolt across her eyes, and smiled in satisfaction. "What's wrong, Jupiter, lost your touch?" "Shut up!" She charged at him then, vaulting over the general just as he suspected she would. He was moving under her and out of the way, but not without reaching out and grabbing her leg. He pulled down hard, sending her crashing into the ground. He heard something crack, followed by a wretched scream. He casually approached, watching as she gripped her broken arm. She turned on him then, her eyes sparkling as thunder rumbled above them. He could feel the hairs on his neck prickling up, and knew what was to come. "Not this time, Princess," he said with a snarl, moving his sword quicker than her tired resolve. The weapon found its mark and dotted the sky with red droplets that fell to the concrete like apocalyptic tears. + "Makoto...!" Mercury cried out as she watched her friend go down. Tears dripped from her eyes but she grabbed at them, using them to attack her fiery opponent. Cooan moved fast and brashly, and alone, Mercury found herself on the defensive once again. "Shabon Spray!" she shouted, and a thick fog enveloped part of the battlefield. "You really are pathetic without them, aren't you?" Cooan cooed from somewhere within the mist. "Water is peaceful and weak like that. Oh sure, sometimes it is terrible, but fire is always at its worst. No matter what, you're always going to get burned." She attacked through the mist, shooting fire sporadically, hoping it would hit its target. But Mercury was ready, waiting for her to grow impatient and give away her location. She moved quickly, positioning herself like a piece on a chess board; a strategy she knew so well. A sharp icicle formed in her hand and she sent it flying through the mist, a bitter smile of satisfaction moving across her face as she heard Cooan gasp in pain. "You filthy...! Ah!" she screamed, cursing Mercury's name. "You should learn to respect water." "And you should learn to watch your back." Pain stabbed through her lower back as something sharp pierced her skin. A hand grabbed her shoulder, using the advantage to push the dagger as far as it would go. She cried out in agony, the fog disappearing, as she could no longer concentrate on maintaining her powers. She turned around, meeting her cowardly assailant. "Zoicite..." He smiled, not knowing whether the pain in her eyes was due to the knife in her back, or the betrayal stabbing at her heart. "I'm sorry, Ami," he said, before using his powers to throw her hard against a nearby building. + Mars watched as her two friends were defeated, but barely had time to mourn with him so near. Nephrite stood opposing her, pushing against her mind, with that sly grin on his face. It made her blood burn under her skin. "You seem so tense. Are you that effected by my betrayal?" "No, I am not surprised in the slightest. All the men in my life never live up to my expectations anyway." "So, you're saying I'm a part of your life?" he taunted, bringing a hand to his chest to feign flattery. "I'm touched." "Don't get too excited. I hate every one of them and plan on taking my frustration out on you." She released two fireballs from her angrily shaking hands, but she knew it would take more than that to defeat him. They came at each other with flying fists and feet, but the real battle was being waged within their minds. She seemed to have the upper hand, confusing his mind and tripping him up. She then sent a fiery arrow in his direction, which he narrowly avoided. He flew out of the way, landing heavily on rubble, and she knew it was her chance. "Promethean Wave!" she shouted, loosing her powerful attack. The tidal wave collided with the mound and she lost sight of his form within the blazing inferno. She did not let up -- fire continued to pour righteously from the tips of her fingers -- until she could no longer feel him pressing against her mind. As she dropped her hands, his shadow came hurtling through the dissipating wisps of smoke, a phantom sword poised to strike in his hands. She barely had time to widen her eyes before he was upon her. His ghostly apparition passed right through her, moving his sword upward seeming to cut her in half before disappearing completely. She gasped, her mind being ravaged as he moved through her. She convulsed, and fell to the ground awkwardly. Slowly, he approached, taking his time to admire his handy-work. He knelt down beside her, casually removing strands of midnight from her face. "So beautiful...so tragic. I will miss your fire," he lamented, giving her one last look before he stood up. Her hand suddenly clamped hard on his wrist, and he could feel it burning through his uniform. He quickly turned, finding her eyes scorching. "No, you won't," she whispered prophetically, before her eyes closed and her hand fell limply to the ground. + Saturn was alone, finding herself cornered by three Ayakashi sisters. Tears burned her eyes as she glanced beyond them, taking in the sight of the fallen bodies of Uranus and Neptune. Chaos swarmed all around her, reaching into the darkness inside of her powers. She knew they would lose this battle. Evil would reign while their princess was powerless to stop it. She was the only one left to save this world, but as she gazed at her princess, she knew she could possibly lose the only friend she had ever known. Though her insides were shaking, her grip and resolve on the glaive was sound as she raised it above her head. She closed her eyes, drawing upon the ancient powers nestled deep within her being, ready to make the ultimate choice. It would work out somehow, it always did. "Do not let her drop that glaive!" she heard Beryl yell before something sharp and painful cut through the skin of her throat. The glaive crashed to the ground and she was soon to follow. She gripped her neck, feeling the warm blood seep through her slim fingers. A laugh echoing above her, and she managed to see Berthier standing there with her pendulum swirling, her blood dripping from its sharpened point. "Death isn't so strong after all." + Usagi turned her eyes away, burying her face into Mamoru's chest as Saturn tumbled to the ground. She remembered Hotaru's smiling face, so innocent, so happy with them and Chibi-Usa. Her heart clenched thinking of the child within her. What would happen to her now? She couldn't protect her; she couldn't do anything at all. "Minako..." she heard Mamoru utter, and bravely lifted her eyes once more. Her best friend stood proudly as their enemies swarmed around her, lightning and the world crashing down all around them. Hearts flashed and Kunzite followed through the smoke, dancing with her in the deathly motions that were all too familiar. She watched as her friend was cut down, her sword clattering to the ground and ringing through her princess' ears. "Minako, no!" she shouted, trying to warn Minako of an assailant having appeared behind her. She watched as Beryl defeated her last soldier, snuffing out the bright light of Venus. They came for them next, and everything seemed to happen in an instant. Before she realized it, Mamoru was cradled in her shaking arms while Beryl towered over them both. She had tried to reason with her, but nothing could be done. Everything was hopeless. Tears streamed down her face, her heart broken and seeping through her swollen eyelids. Not far away, Venus fought to roll over, grunting as she turned to face Beryl and Usagi. She watched in horror as the staff began to move downward to her princess' face, and a line of denial and anger crossed her brow. "No..." she whispered, gathering whatever power she had left. The symbol on her forehead began to glow softly as she closed her eyes, trying to remain conscious and concentrated. The others felt her call, as they lay scattered around the battlefield, forgotten by those whom had struck them down. Their symbols joined with hers, fighting and struggling to burn bright. "We can't let her die. We can't fail her." Something flashed, and above their heads, a light glowed, as if their symbols had jumped from their foreheads to hover in the sky. They were brighter now, filled with hope and love and everything their princess meant to them. "All things must come to an end," Beryl said, and lowered the staff down towards her perpetual enemy’s face. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a rainbow of brilliant color, and surprised, Beryl pulled the staff back. She watched as the lights circled around Usagi, lifting her off the ground. As a spider weaves its web, the lights spun rapidly, crossing over her, leaving something hard and tangible in their wake. The crystal formed, built by her friends’ love and hope, that someday, some one would rise and protect their princess again. In her mind, Usagi felt as if she was falling asleep and as the protective crystal enclosed her within its gentle cradle, her universe became black and empty. +++++ Usagi’s eyes snapped open and she bolted upright in the comfortable bed. Everything was so fresh in her mind, as if Beryl had been standing before her mere seconds ago. Her heart raced and her mind tried to keep up with it. The scent of death and destruction still lingered in her senses, but the warmth of the room was quickly dissipating it. 'So, that's what happened,' she thought. 'They protected me. But where are they now? I...I can't feel anyone anymore.' Something soft brushed against her wrist, pulling her eyes down to the bed below. A white cat was pushing itself against her, purring gently as if to comfort her. For a moment, Usagi's heart leapt. "Artemis?" The cat looked up, and Usagi sighed sadly as she gazed into clear purple eyes. With a small smile, she reached out to scratch the feline behind the ears. "I'm sorry, I confused you with someone else." The cat meowed, seeming to understand, but was lost in happiness as she continued to pet the animal. She felt the bed moved to her left and was amazed as another white cat suddenly hopped up onto the bed to join them. The same colored eyes gazed up at her, but there was a different personality lurking within as it came up and bravely nuzzled her chin. Usagi laughed, scared at how foreign the sound was. "Luna would be jealous if she saw me like this," Usagi said, her eyes beginning to sparkle sadly with tears. The cats seemed to purr louder, trying to drown out her worries with their soft vibrations. She let herself relax, losing herself in every soft stroke she made across their shining fir. "You're being very kind to me, and I don't even know your names." "Mischief and mayhem...." She looked up, finding Helios standing there with another warm smile on his face. "Excuse me?" "Mischief and mayhem should be their names, at least," he said, and both cats turned their heads to glare at him as if they understood. "Come now, leave the princess alone." "They weren't bothering me," she explained as obediently, the two felines got up and began trudging to the end of the bed. They jumped off out of sight and Usagi was about to look away when in their place two girls rose up, staring at her with sparkling purple eyes. "How...?" She stopped, and squinted as if peering at them more closely. "I...I recognize you from somewhere." "Yes, they are the Shrine Maidens of Elysion. I told them to watch over you while I was gone, but I guess they have their own definition of that." "She was sad..." "We wanted to help," they spoke in unison, the other flowing behind her sister to finish the sentence eloquently. "Of course, could you go tell the others the princess is awake now?" he asked. "Yes Helios," they answered, leaving the room side by side. "How do you feel?" he asked when they were gone. "I'm okay, I guess." "Do you feel like you can walk?" "I can try..." "Always so brave," he said with a smile, so infectious it spread to her lips as well. For a few minutes, they struggled with lazy feet and awkward stumbles before Usagi took a few confident steps herself. Concentrating so hard made her feel a little dizzy, so she gripped the end of the bed, placing her other hand on her stomach. Usagi's eyes flew wide open as familiar butterflies swarmed against her insides. "Chibi-Usa...!" she exclaimed, breathless. 'How could I forget? What's happened to me?' A hand pressed gently against hers, and she could feel his comforting warmth calming her spell. It was so strong, like Mamoru's, except different somehow. It made her hope and ache for him at the same time. She glanced up at Helios, his eyes glowing. "The little princess is fine, I know it. I can feel her beautiful dreams already," he revealed, and Usagi's eyes blurred with happy tears. "Helios..." "Come," he said, holding her hand and gently moving her towards the exit. "Where are we, Helios?" Light was pouring in over the threshold, pulling her outside. She shielded her eyes as they passed through before everything faded away to reveal a dazzling landscape full of warmth and life. Rows of roses and violets lined a path leading into a deep and vibrant forest that lined a glassy lake. The air seemed to sparkle, filled with magic and happiness. She knew it well. "Welcome back, Princess...welcome back to Elysion. We've been expecting you for a long time." "We...?" She could hear soft grass crunching, footsteps coming closer to them. She turned to face them, her eyes growing wide at the sight. "You're late, as always...Usagi." +++++ In the manga, Nephrite uses his shadow to attack everyone, so that's what he was doing to Mars. He's oh so clever. Originally, I wasn't going to include that flashback, but I like it better here instead of later so yeah! I'm done.