"Amazing," says Mamoru. "Even though the battle's over, I feel warmth 
in my heart. Just like a star has been born in my heart. So this is the
power of the Golden Crystal..." 

"Mamo-chan," says Usagi. "All of us, everyone, have stars in our 
hearts." 

"Stars?" 

"Yes. And that warmth in your heart is a sign that your star is 
shining." 

The others look at her. 

"So that my dreams can come true, so I can protect the ones I love, so 
I can fight, please, star in my heart. Shine your light, and give me 
strength!" +


			The Dawn of Serenity

                         Chapter Twenty-Nine


	The street lamps stood like dutiful sentries to either side of 
the street, as she remained motionless, a lone figure poised upon the 
edge of the cool sidewalk. The sun had gone down hours ago, but she 
hardly noticed, save for the slight chill sweeping over her bare skin 
as night crept towards Tokyo. She had been walking around this vast 
city as if in a trance. Her feet retracing her childhood, going from 
one old school to another, each she hated. Then visited those places 
where important battles had transformed her life, and onto the Crown 
where life had been simpler. She would have loved to have a chocolate 
milkshake again, one last time, but it was closed at this late hour. 
Besides,  she had other places to go. 

	The large bay window framed a bright, peaceful scene as a 
family came together for a late dinner. She could still see the steam 
rising from the casserole, could almost smell the delicious aroma, and 
feel the happiness of the comely household. She watched as the husband 
reached across the table to squeeze his wife's hand, and didn't miss 
the quick roll of the eye their son offered at this display of 
affection. They were laughing and smiling, ignorant of the dark and 
lonely street outside. They were living a beautiful dream, safe and 
comfortable in their happy home -- her home. 

	She had lived here, once. It seemed so long ago now. Her eyes 
flitted to the second story where she slept. The window was dark, the 
room vacant -- but not of its memories. She had gazed out that very 
window, daydreaming with a Manga in her hand. She had watched the 
people go by on the streets, wondering who they were and what their
lives were like. Her mother helped her hang Christmas lights around the
white molding while snow fell down outside. Luna often came through 
that window bringing news of her latest patrol, or curl up in a ball 
at her feet. She always peered out to stare at the stars and moon, 
trying to imagine what that life had been like, what her life had been
like on that sliver of silver. And secretly, she always hoped to see 
him, standing on the opposite rooftop, desperately needing her as much 
as she needed him. 

	The house was a lot smaller than she remembered from her youth.
It always seemed to take an eternity to rush across the hallway and 
fly down the stairs on her way to school. She wished she could rewind
to those moments and get lost in them forever. She missed the smell of 
her mother's cooking in the morning, missed hearing the vacuum rumbling
when she got home in the afternoon, and missed fighting over the remote
with her brother at night. She thought back on her first memory of this
place, when she was very little. Her mother was making cookies while 
she gave the gingerbread men gumdrop eyes. Of course, some ended up 
with uneven eyes, or too many, but her mother only smiled and told her
what a good job she was doing. 

	In the dark, Usagi let her tears fall freely down her cheeks. 
She owed this place, this era of her life, that much. She had managed 
to keep her eyes dry throughout the journey, but seeing her family was 
too much to bear. They looked so content. Did they miss her at all? 
Did they worry for their super villain-fighting daughter? If they did, 
it did not show as they chatted and smiled. 

	Perhaps it was for the best. It would make her disappearing 
from their lives forever that much easier, yet she couldn't help but 
despair, to miss what she could no longer have. She would never live 
in a house with a white picket fence and a swing in the backyard. Her
extended family would never again cram into their house for Christmas 
dinner and tell those same stories over and over again. She would never
hang Christmas lights outside the window, or work eight hours a day, 
only to come home to a messy house no one wanted to help clean. 

	She stepped forward, wrapping her hands around the gate. She 
wanted nothing more but to run into the house and hug her parents and 
tease her brother. She wanted to vanish into the warmth and security of
a life she was comfortable with, a life unchangeable. She could be 
Tsukino Usagi forever, a ditzy girl with not a care in the world.

	She sighed, wiping away the tears. She didn't want Mamoru to
see them anyway. She knew he was in the shadows, watching over her like 
a loyal guard throughout her time-traveling journey across the city. 
She had left the shrine so abruptly, but she was glad she wasn't alone.
He would never leave her alone.

	It was true; she would never have the typical home, yet she 
would know love like this. Her house would be a palace, but even that 
could become a home. And her family...Usagi smiled, thinking of 
Chibi-Usa. What had once seemed a curse was now a blessing as she 
remembered all those times the pink haired girl had traveled back in
time. Knowing she had a family, even after all the darkness and 
disruption her life had suffered was a warm blanket that covered and 
protected her from all her fears.

	Her time here had been beautiful, but life changes. She would 
take this life with her wherever she went so it would never be lost. 
That picture perfect house with its appealing white picket fence she 
so longed to clean and care for was denied her, but she would have the 
friends death could not take from her, and a love time would never 
erase. She would protect this world, so other people could live the 
life she once dreamed of -- Tsukino Usagi would live on in them, and 
that thought brought her comfort. 

	Usagi let go of the gate, casting one last fleeting look at her 
family before turning into the shadows.

	"I love you, goodbye."

+++++

	As the memory faded, Usagi opened her eyes and stared across 
the bed. Her sleeping companion remained lost to the world of dreams,
bundled up safe in a rose and yellow colored blanket. Usagi smiled, 
reaching out to wrap her finger around a springy, pink curl. At first, 
she did not understand the pain shooting through her abdomen, but a 
small smile broke out and spread across her face when she realized what
was happening. After that, the night seemed a blur of sweat and tears, 
but all the toil was worth the effort as she stared at her newborn 
daughter for the first time. Even now, a few days later, the feeling 
had not evaporated. 

	One look into those coral-red eyes as the nurse handed her to
Usagi, brought tears of joy running down her flushed face. All her 
worrying had been over nothing. She knew without a doubt that the girl
in her arms was Chibi-Usa, the young maiden who once tormented her, 
tried to steal her boyfriend, and fought beside her no matter what 
happened.

	But now, she was just an innocent and vulnerable baby sleeping
by her young mother's side. There would be no dangerous adventures for 
her for a while, only the wonder of growing up as her parents guided 
her -- her parents. Usagi's eyes began to water anew as she thought of 
Mamoru. How she wished he had been here to see his daughter born. There
were times during the labor that she had needed him. Though she cried 
for him, for she knew how he would regret and blame himself for not 
being there. She could not save him from that pain, but she was 
determined to make sure he would hear her first word and be there when
Chibi-Usa took her first step.

	"Your father will be here soon, Chibi-Usa, he loves you so much. 
I always got jealous because you stole his affection but...looking at
you now I can't blame him. I loved you before I even knew who you were,
although I never wanted to admit it. I'll always keep you safe, I'll 
always be here for you, my...my daughter."

	It felt so weird saying those words. Tsukino Usagi, a mother.
A girl whose head was never in the right place now had a baby to take 
care of. She once knew nothing of being responsible, and as carefree as
the child she cradled in her arms.

	'Things have changed, I've changed,' she mused. 'And I'm not 
just Tsukino Usagi...not anymore.'

	She heard feet glide into the room, and smiled up at Helios 
and the shrine maidens as they came to stand beside the edge of the 
bed. Helios wore his usual smile, but his eyes were excited and alive 
as he gazed down at his smallest maiden. Usagi had not been the only 
one waiting and praying for Chibi-Usa to be born. Helios, Artemis, 
Luna, they all knew and loved this babe before she was born. There were
others waiting for her birth, her friends and Mamoru, even though they 
might not know or remember now. But there were others...

	All of Serenitas, the entire world, was waiting until their 
savior, their queen, could set them completely free. Now that Chibi-Usa 
was here and Usagi recovered from the birth, she could answer 
everyone's prayer for peace. She felt unsure of her power, nervous 
that she would not be able to do this alone. Yet she realized she had 
never been truly alone, during those lonely battles where the world was 
breaking apart. Her friends had been there in her mind, pushing her on.
And now, there was something stronger inside, a sleeping part of her 
waiting for her to allow it to envelop her. She was afraid of what 
would happen when she finally let her past truly mesh with her present
self, but she had no choice but to be what she was destined, for 
freedom, for her friends, for her family.

	"She's beautiful, just like her mother," Helios said, 
tentatively brushing his fingers through Chibi-Usa's small locks.

	"Yes, I know." 

	They delighted in the wonder of a sleeping Chibi-Usa, lost in 
the pleasure of the moment, but both knew it couldn't last. They locked
eyes, knowing the time had come. Usagi gave Chibi-Usa one last glance, 
brushing her lips over her smooth forehead, before climbing out of the 
bed dressed in a simple blue gown. 

	"Let's go bring our friends back."

+++++

	He could forgive himself for their first night together, for 
he was caught off guard, her bright eyes captured by the candlelight. 
The second time was understandable as well, for who could resist 
another taste of heaven? And again, he would overlook the third 
occasion and put it down to being caught in the heat of the moment, but
beyond that, it was inexcusable.

	Kunzite sat in a plush leather chair next to his towering bed, 
peering through haunted eyes at the prone woman lying beneath the 
bedclothes. Her hair shone against the dark covers, the sheets pulled 
up to her stomach, giving him full view of her bare chest that he 
wished he could turn away from. He was no longer on the verge of 
disaster; he had jumped in, swimming deeper and deeper where clarity 
was skewed and the pressure made him light-headed. 

	This was their fifth day together, when all logic and common 
sense should never have seen them united at all. He could not escape 
her arms, but he truly did not want to anymore. Things were awakening 
inside him, things he thought he had forgotten. Yet, he knew the truth 
somehow. He hadn't forgotten. He had been manipulated. His great queen 
had done something to prevent him remembering everything about the 
blonde Senshi, and perhaps many other things. Even now, he didn't quite
remember, but he felt a vague sense of recognition. He had cared for 
this woman once, long ago. He sensed he had kissed those lips before, 
had been caught in the whirlwind of passion as they became one on many 
more occasions than this. 

	She was filling in a gap he hadn't known was there, although 
he felt incomplete. There was something else missing, perhaps someone 
else important that he needed to remember. He tried his best to 
concentrate, but couldn’t climb the impervious wall that blocked his 
way. Beryl still had him firmly clenched within her iron grasp, and he 
doubted he would ever escape so long as his queen continued to rule 
this world. 

	Kunzite rose, stalking stealthily to his study's door, not far 
from the bed. Asa and Sera rested on the blue carpet and lifted their 
heads to watch their tormented master pace the length of his stone 
fireplace. The unsteady Hand of the Queen felt like wrecking his study 
until only splinters remained. He was more controlled than that, 
however — apparently by other people. He always thought himself strong,
but that too seemed only a mirage. He needed guidance, comfort, but who
was there to turn to?

	He sighed, collecting himself before quietly walking back into 
his bedroom. A strange sound penetrated his ears, something he was 
unaccustomed to hearing. Cautiously, he turned the corner to find 
Minako where he left her, only now she was awake with tears streaming 
from her palm-covered eyes. The sheets were pulled to her neck, as she 
lay curled up on her side, her cries shaking her body. Above the roar 
of her tears, she heard him enter, and glanced up, surprise and torment
raging within the blue seas of her eyes. 

	"No..." she whimpered hoarsely, turning away from him. The 
sight of the Senshi of Venus crying was something he was still very 
uncomfortable with, it seemed. This was the second time she was crying 
in his bed, but something was much different about this moment. Where 
once there had been tears of confusion, these were something else, 
something deeper that made him stand there, unsure. Yet something was 
different about him, too. He was no longer the stiff and unyielding 
general he once was.

	Slowly, he sat upon the bed and gently extended a hand to her 
shivering shoulder. "Minako..."

	She reacted in an instant, turning into his embrace and 
clutching at him as if she were about to fall. He held her and could 
feel her warm tears against his exposed skin. 

	"I can't do this anymore!" she sobbed, and he felt a stab of 
guilt and pain. He knew she must feel remorse for her decision to side 
with him, but they had become so much more than an alliance over the 
passed few days. To know that she regretted this -- regretted them this 
much -- affected him even though he wished it weren't true.

	"Minako, I...perhaps we have let emotions get away with us. 
This doesn't need to contin-"

	"No!" She pulled herself out of his arms, sniffing back tears. 
"Not this, Kunzite...Kunzite, how much do you remember?"

	"What...?"

	"Beryl has poisoned your mind, I know you must realize that 
now, or else you would not be here with me. She's made sure her hold 
on you was the strongest because you pose the biggest threat. Please 
Kunzite, you have to remember. Remember Elysian and Helios, remember 
your real master. Remember who you are! Please...I can't do this 
mission on my own anymore, it's too much!"

	"Mission? What are you talking about...?"

	"I...there's something I need to tell you, Kunzite. I-"

	Before she could utter another word the door burst open 
unceremoniously, ushering Jadeite, Zoicite and Danburite in a flourish 
of capes and stern faces. But those looks were quick to disappear into 
shock as they gazed at their commander and an indecent Senshi in close
proximity. Jadeite was the one to recover first -- a childish grin 
covering his face -- as Zoicite elegantly looked away, and Danburite 
stood there as if he had seen a malignant ghost, which was true enough.

	"What is it?" Kunzite asked as he tried to slip back into his 
cool and confident manner.

	"There is movement in the tunnels again, the same one where the
Soldier Youma were destroyed. This is probably our only chance to 
catch the Underlings," Jadeite announced.

	"I see." Kunzite was quick to make ready, fetching a shirt from
his dark wooden dressers and hastily throwing it over his pale skin.
He began to trek his way towards them when he abruptly halted, glancing
back at Minako as if she were a train about to run him over. Something 
within his mind finally clicked.

	"Elysian..." he whispered, and watched as Minako clutched the 
covers tighter, her eyes widening.

	"What, Kunzite?" Jadeite probed.

	"Serenitas, it's Elysian."

	"That can't be, we destroyed it," Jadeite argued.

	"No, one cannot live without the other, Earth and Elysian are 
one. How could I have forgotten?" but Kunzite knew he hadn't.

	"But..." Jadeite stopped, his eyebrows pushed together in 
confusion. "We saw it burn...and the dreams ceased."

	"For awhile," Zoicite finally spoke up, quiet and ashamed. 
"Nephrite and I...we've seen things in our sleep."

	"And neither of you said anything of it?"

	Zoicite shrank from Kunzite's harsh voice, unable to find a 
logical answer.

	"Helios..." Jadeite breathed out the name and everyone seemed 
stunned by it. An eerie feeling was taking them over, like something or
someone was about to walk through the walls and wake them from some 
dream. Kunzite was tired of being haunted, however. He needed answers.

	"Summon Nephrite, Zoicite. Jadeite, gather your Hunters and 
any Youma you can find -- all of them and make for the activated 
tunnel. Wait for me there, and destroy everything that comes through 
those tunnels if I am not there in time."

	"Of course," Jadeite nodded, leaving the room quickly. 

	Zoicite lingered, his fingers twitching. "Everything is so 
fuzzy. Kunzite, what's happened to us?"

	"I plan to find out. Go, Zoicite, I'll inform the queen and 
make sure she is secure. Asa, Sera, to me!"

	The wolves came bounding out of the study, ears perked up and 
tails rigid as if they could feel the tension in the room.

	"Let's go," Kunzite ordered and they quickly began filing out 
of the room as Asa and Sera escaped ahead of them.

	"Kunzite..." Minako's voice gave him pause for a moment, but 
he did not turn around. He left her alone, with the seemingly forgotten
Shitennou, who could not tear his eyes away from her. Danburite’s gaze 
was too intense for her melancholy, and there was something dangerous 
in it that made her look away. She did not know how long he lingered 
near the archway, but she allowed plenty of time to pass before she 
looked for Danburite again. He was gone, but his distressing presence 
still lingered.

+++++

	Zoicite did not find Nephrite all that far away. The gifted 
lord seemed unaware of anything as he and Irinushka traversed the halls
of the Shitennou. 

	"Nephrite!" Zoicite got his attention as he came hustling 
around the corner.

	"What is it?"

	"Serenitas, it-it's Elysian!"

	"What...?"

	"They're attacking again. Kunzite had me come and find you. 
We're going to meet them head on, and we'll need you to put the 
tracking device on one of them if they decide to disappear on us. I 
have to go get it from my lab. Be hasty, Nephrite!"

	"What is he talking about?" Irinushka asked as Zoicite rushed 
off. 

	"Serenitas is about to attack. I need to go."

	"And what are you going to do?" she prodded.

	"I'm the only one that can get close enough without being seen,
to place a beacon on a passing soldier and see where they come from. 
If Zoicite is correct and Serenitas is Elysian, it might be easier to 
find than we thought."

	"Have you even thought about what will happen when you get 
there? You'll destroy everything, and kill my brother in the process!"

	"Rin, I-"

	"You can't do this!"

	"It's what my queen commands, I must do it!"

	"You don't belong to her, Nephrite. Wake up!"

	She pushed him just like the leader wearing Minako's skin had 
done, but this time he did not fall back and ignite, but tumbled back 
in time. The hallway disappeared and another scene took its place. It 
was that fateful day when evil triumphed over good a thousand years 
ago, when he and Eternal Sailor Mars fought their last battle as the 
world broke around them. He was hovering over her again, gazing into 
those amethyst pools.

	'I will miss your fire.'

	Her hand grabbed him, harsh and burning.

	'No, you won't.'

	Fire erupted around him, consuming everything. The woman of
flame, the devilish sprite haunting his dreams, appeared and stalked 
towards him.  The shadow finally became alive, flesh, bone and scars. 
A familiar, forgotten warrior took its place.

	'Mars...'

	'I told you, you would not be rid of me that easily, Nephrite.'
The priestess of Mars smiled, her robes fluttering around her. 

	'How could I have not known, not have seen? You were always in
my mind…' he whispered to himself. 

	'The dark witch blinded you, placed clouds to cover your true 
vision of the stars. I've always been with you, since that long ago day
in Tokyo when I put some of my power into my touch, but only lately 
have I been able to get into your mind. And now, she's free, and she's
coming for us. It won't be long.'

	'...Serenity.'

	'Yes.' She moved closer to him, putting a warm hand against his
cheek. 'Prove to me that men are strong; prove to me that I can trust 
again. Prove me wrong, Nephrite.'

	She kissed him, and fire erupted from her embrace. Yet it did 
not burn this time; it cleansed. It traveled through his veins to the 
deepest parts of his soul, melting away the darkness clinging to his 
life. Everything became bright and warm. 

	'Wake up,' she whispered. Finally, he did.

+++++

	As Nephrite came face to face with his demons, so did she.

	It was easy to go unnoticed in the halls as the palace prepared
for war. She slipped through shadows and around corners until the paths
led her to this place again. Minako stared up at the captive Senshi, 
the one whose golden shoes she was chosen to fill. They were much the 
same, but staring at her Minako knew how different they truly were. 
Sailor Venus was never a coward. She never sided with the enemy, and 
when destiny called, she answered no matter the cost. She was strong; 
Minako was weak, and stupid to think she could ever be like her.

	"You cast such a long shadow," she muttered to the silent 
soldier.
	
	"She looks so peaceful, so beautiful." She turned around, 
finding Danburite with his haunting eyes. He was looking up at Sailor 
Venus, gazing at her as if she was a priceless statue. "They're not 
dead, you know, nor unconscious. They're alive, frozen in time, but 
not lost to it. Beryl may have cleaned up their appearance, but the 
wounds they suffered in the last battle are still there. They're aware
of everything, of us even, but those chains hold them. It is a horrible
way to spend one's time. Sometimes I think I hear them screaming in 
anger and agony."

	"Why, why would she do this...?"

	"She couldn't very well let them walk freely, and we have 
learned their lights are eternal, and do not fade with death. They 
would have returned, just as you have somehow, and we would have had 
no control over them. This was for the best, although I didn't want 
this for her, but…as if I have any power around here." He looked at 
her then, his eyes hardening. "I've worked so hard for them, fought my 
way to the top to join their ranks, but they still ignore me. They 
still leave me out of their plans, and secrets-- including you."

	He came closer, extending a hand to caress her arm. She 
shivered at his touch, but could not move away as he held her firmly 
in place. "I am not surprised that you would be the one to escape the
chains. You were always strong, always determined-- always oh so 
stubborn...my princess."

	"My princess...?"

	Danburite's blue eyes narrowed. "Of course you wouldn't 
remember me. I was always forgotten, always in the shadows. Well, no 
more. They will know my name, and remember it well...with you by my 
side."

	"I...I-"

	"I will suffer their existence no longer! I should have just 
killed them!" a shrill voice interrupted their parley as angry 
footfalls shook the ground outside. "I can no longer feel Nephrite, 
something has happened to him. And if Serenitas has invaded this palace
already, I will not have them kill all my allies and reawakening my 
enemies! This world is mine. MINE!"
	
	Beryl's voluminous tirade ended abruptly as she entered the 
room and found Danburite and Minako. Endymion, Kunzite and his wolves 
were in her wake, looking just as surprised as did their monarch. 

	"Y-You...!" Beryl screeched, her deadly eyes flashing at Minako. 
"How can this be? How have you escaped!" One glance up at the hovering 
Senshi showed Beryl the soldier of gold was right where she left her, 
and quickly the queen became aware of many things. Slowly, she turned 
on Kunzite. "Is this the Underling you spoke of so hopefully? Explain 
yourself!"

	"We thought we could control her, use her for our purposes. 
Nothing else was working for the longest time, so we decided to take a 
chance. If you found out about her, you would have destroyed her 
without a second thought," Kunzite explained logically.

	"And for good reason! A Senshi cannot be so easily controlled 
as a Shitennou. Danburite, increase the voltage on their chains. Kill 
the Sailor Senshi this instant!"

	"Of course, your majesty," Danburite turned towards the control
pad.

	"Danburite, no!" the whole company seemed shocked by Kunzite's 
outburst, especially the monarch at his side.

	"Kunzite...!"

	"Danburite, do not touch that panel," Kunzite reiterated, 
ignoring his queen's exclamation.

	"I must do as my queen commands," Danburite replied.

	"She is not your ruler, she is!" Kunzite pointed to Minako. 
"I'm warning you, do not do this."

	"Do as I say Danburite, kill them now!"

	With a final glance at Minako, Danburite turned back and lifted
his hand towards the controls. Something moved, silver and sharp,
and before Danburite could complete his task he found Kunzite's sword 
lodged deep into his back. Minako gasped and Beryl screamed, but 
Danburite hardly seemed surprised. He looked down, seeing the blade 
splattered with red coming from his abdomen, and chuckled.

	Kunzite retracted his sword, making Danburite reach out for 
the panel for support. Slowly he turned around to face his assailant.
	
	"I'm sorry, Danburite," Kunzite stated solemnly.

	Danburite smiled. "No you're not. You've...you've never cared 
about me. I was never one of you-" he paused, glancing at Minako, his 
eyes softening. "I never should have been. Princess..."

	He slumped to the floor, groaning softly. His hand rested on
the ground, scarlet fingers reaching out in her direction. He remained 
like that, as life slowly left his blue eyes.

	"I see," Beryl said in a neutral tone, glancing from her silent
soldier to her fallen one. "Nephrite is gone, and now so are you, 
Kunzite. My kingdom is lost, but I will not lose what is most important
to me." She turned to Endymion, taking his hand. "We'll leave this 
world together and start over, somewhere far away where no one will 
ever be able to find us. And you, Kunzite, you can stay on this 
wretched planet and get what you deserve for betraying me. What do you
think the people of this planet will do to you when they find you? You
will not be a hero; you will forever remain the Hand of the Queen, 
disgraced and evil. And you will live out the rest of your days alone 
and unwanted, I will make sure of that. Kill her, Endymion."

	A flash streaked across the room, faster than even Kunzite 
could react. Nothing seemed to have changed, but the air seemed darker 
and cold, as if a cloud had passed over the sun. He stepped in front of
Minako and confronted the monarchs, sword raised in defiance. Asa and 
Sera joined him, the female wolf growling loudly. Beryl only laughed, 
soft and mocking. She was smiling as if some victory had already been 
won, leaving him confused and agitated. 

	"Oh Kunzite, you are such a fool," Beryl admonished, inclining 
her head in his direction. Asa gave a low whimper of distress, and 
finally Kunzite understood.

	He whirled around, finding Minako standing there looking down. 
Her hand was raised to her chest where a rose bloomed between her 
breasts. Crimson dripped from the petals to her fingers as if they 
were crying, but as she looked up into his eyes, Kunzite knew better. 
Minako fell forward, falling into his shaking arms. Gently, he placed 
her on the floor, and idly heard Beryl's disappearing laugh as she and 
Endymion left the Shitennou and Senshi alone.

	"Minako..." he whispered. The golden haired woman coughed, 
blood covering her lips like a dark, forbidden color for one so bright 
and alive. He went to grab the steel rose but stopped as she cried out,
tears streaming from her eyes. Seeing her like this was the catalyst 
Kunzite finally needed to break free from Beryl's grasp. Water filled 
his own eyes as the dark magic began to wash away from his heart and 
soul. Memories returned, slow and steady, but there was one thing he 
was desperately sure of now. "No! Minako please, don't leave me!"

	Sadly, she smiled. "Kunzite...she won't. What I wanted to tell 
you was...I'm not Aino Minako. I'm not Sailor Venus, I'm - I'm not who 
you remember."

	"What...?"

	"I just…I just look like her, and not always.” She explained, 
touching her hair. “It’s really brown, or it was a long time ago. 
Serenitas...trained me, taught me everything about her. I've been her 
for so long; I don't even remember whom I really am anymore. I...I gave
my whole life up for someone I've never met. I hope she was worth it."

	"I..." Kunzite stared down at her, speechless. He studied her
face, realizing as his thoughts returned to normal, that she was right.
He had been taken away by her long hair and eyes, but now noticed the 
woman in his arms was not Minako. Now all of Jadeite’s hesitations made
sense. Kunzite had been fooled, a long with everyone else. She had 
made them believe what she wanted them to believe, prompting their 
ideas since she whispered his name for the first time in Jadeite’s 
prison. So many things were familiar and similar between the two women; 
he had been willing to believe, especially as they grew closer. 

	"Just...tell her what I did, Kunzite. Make sure she knows what 
I sacrificed, or else my life will have been c-completely worthless."

	"I will," he promised.

	"They said she always wanted to be an actress. It wasn't 
easy...being her understudy. Kunzite..."

	He held her as her blue eyes slowly closed. Kunzite sighed, 
letting a trembling breath escape his lungs as a thousand feelings and 
thoughts assaulted him. He knew he should do something, as Beryl ran 
away with Endymion, and while his Shitennou were staging an attack on 
the only people that could save them. Yet he could not move, for he 
knew this woman, whoever she truly was, deserved more than to be left 
alone after everything she had done. He brought her closer, burying 
his face into her faded locks.

	"Thank you."

+++++

	Having an army of frightening creatures behind you would make
any man feel more secure, yet Zoicite was agitated and abashed by the 
recent turn of events. Jadeite stood next to him, seemingly calm, and 
Zoicite loathed him for his ability to feign disinterest in situations
like these. The wind quietly threaded its way through their ranks as 
debris danced beneath their feet. Zoicite took in the vacant landscape 
and dismal sky. The atmosphere churned and twisted, as did his stomach.
He had a feeling something epic was about to occur, something that 
would change everything forever, and standing here waiting on its brink
was doing nothing for his nerves.

	An electric blip caught his attention, and he turned down to 
analyze the device in his hand. It was a digital layout of the land, 
showing their army as a large red cluster while something in blue was 
quickly approaching. 

	"What is it Zoicite?" Jadeite asked.

	"They're ascending, fifty yards from the surface," he replied. 
"Forty-five...Forty..."

	"Fire at my command!" Jadeite's loud voice rumbled over the 
ranks of Youma. A group stood behind four multi-rocket canons, ready 
to launch a fiery rain upon whoever came through the tunnel.

	"Thirty...Twenty-five," Zoicite continued on, his heart 
starting to pound in his chest with excitement and apprehension. 
"Twenty..."

	"Wait! Stop! Stop!" a new voice split the tension in the air 
and both Jadeite and Zoicite turned to find Nephrite and Irinushka 
rushing towards them in grey and green. 

	"Nephrite...?"

	"Don't attack! Let them come," he said, winded from his long
run from the palace.

	"Are you insane?" Jadeite demanded.

	Nephrite calmly put a hand on his shoulder, his deep eyes 
staring into Jadeite's reflective pools. "Trust me, we need this. It 
needs to end."

	"Ten..." Zoicite spoke up, watching his friends from the corner
of his eye. "Five...zero."

	Jadeite remained silent, finding something in Nephrite's eyes 
that swayed his decision. The three Shitennou pivoted on their heels, 
focusing expectant gazes at the bleak horizon. Everything seemed to 
halt for an instant, the moment frozen in time as their breaths stopped
accordingly. 

	Through the haze, a spot of silver and white emerged from the 
tunnel. It expanded, flowing towards them like a heavenly lava stream 
until they could make out individual soldiers in the garb of their 
enemies while the silver banner of Serenitas flew amongst them. The 
army advanced until they were fifteen yards apart and halted as one 
entity. Grace and grotesque met one another, as Serenitas remained 
still and the Youma snarled at their enemies. A few moments of silence 
passed before their ranks separated in the middle and three people 
emerged from the mass. 

	Two used crystal canes to ease their steps while the third was 
only aided by their quiet strength. Slowly the Three Elders approached 
the trio of Shitennou who were stunned by their presence. Out of 
everyone, the ancient storytellers were the last people they expected 
to see on this battlefield. Yet there they now stood, standing as tall 
as their old age would allow.

	"Serenitas has sent you bag of bones to treat with us?" 
Jadeite taunted. 

	"We're not here to treat," the long, white haired Elder shook 
his locks.

	"We just want peace, it's all we've ever wanted," the Eldest 
of the three said, her blue eyes twinkling. "Much has been sacrificed. 
It's time this all ends before more lives are lost, and before evil 
ruins our world completely."

	"Who...who are you...?" Jadeite asked.

	"You always were the last to see, Jadeite," the shorthaired 
Elder answered. 

	A wind picked up, tousling the Elders' clothes, changing their 
appearance as it traveled up their bodies. Garments of white replaced 
the old rags of the two Elders with canes, while a dress of yellow and
black lace hugged the womanly curves of the most senior of the Elders.
The grey and white disappeared from her tresses, leaving only shining 
black curls with buns atop her head.

	The leaders of Serenitas stood in front of their army, two 
crescent moons and a lingering smile that held many secrets. It was 
all the Shitennou could do to stand there in wonder and surprise.

	"The Elders, they were..." Zoicite gawked.

	"Helios..." Jadeite whispered. 
	
	"We've been under your nose, waiting for the right moment," 
Helios said.

	"We've been waiting for a long time," Artemis added.

	"But no more," Luna finished and they stepped out of the way.
A figure in blue melted from the haze of white, revealing a princess 
long lost to their thoughts. Usagi came to stand between Luna and 
Helios, and stared at the Shitennou with soft and understanding eyes.

	"Serenity," Nephrite said, finding himself smiling. Everything
seemed unbelievable. In a moment’s time, their enemies had become 
forgotten allies, and the warmth of hope was already beginning to seep 
its way into the Shitennou’s bones as they gazed at Usagi standing 
there. The world was pushed aside for a moment as she smiled, saying 
without words, everything would be all right. 

	Unannounced, a sharp flash of light shone behind them, setting 
the palace ablaze in red. From the highest tower a cyclone of scarlet 
erupted into the battered sky. The Earth trembled, a tremulous groan 
shaking their feet. 

	"What's happening...?" Zoicite asked. 

	Usagi closed her eyes, and her golden crescent began to shine. 
"Beryl is trying to escape and bring the world to ruin at the same time."

	"She has Endymion," Nephrite stated.

	"She can't do that!" Zoicite protested.

	"And she won't." Usagi stepped forward, raising her hands above
her head. A burst of white light issued forth and the Silver Crystal
was floating between her palms. At her silent command, a bright beam of
light shot from the crystal to collide with the red tornado. The Earth
moved violently beneath their feet and a loud, angry shriek resonated 
through the twirling air currents. The sky twisted and shook, as 
lightning and thunder made it almost impossible to stand there and not 
cover one’s ears, green lightning almost hitting both armies, covering 
the landscape in ash and dust as the ground broke apart under its fury.
A brighter pulse was then thrown off by the crystal and exploded on 
contact with the cyclone, showering destruction and bringing one very 
angry monarch amongst their ranks. 

	As the smoke dissipated, it revealed Beryl standing in all her
dark glory with Endymion poised at her side. Her eyes furious, their 
corners trailing red vapor as her hair, like Medusa’s snakes, stood 
aloft, twisting with a rage of its own amidst the elemental tempest.

	"Serenity," she growled, and without warning issued a blast of 
dark energy from her staff. It enveloped Usagi before she could move, 
and Luna shouted in surprise and concern. Beryl smirked, but it was 
quick to fade as white light pierced the dark energy, stopping her 
power without her consent. 

	In the place of a young woman, stood a queen dressed in regal 
garments of white and silver, a golden crown, earned and not stolen, 
rested upon her now alabaster locks; a staff outstretched in her hand, 
the Silver Crystal throbbing at its tip, its petals once more unfolding
to form the beautiful flower of its utmost power. Blue eyes opened, 
strong and determined.

	Beryl hesitated, fingers unclenching and clenching around her 
staff. When one weapon wouldn't work, she turned to the other. 
"Endymion, kill her!"

	Without a moment's thought, the prince of Earth sent a rose 
towards Usagi's heart. It moved just as fast as the rose he had cast 
to end the life of another familiar blonde, but Usagi was too quick. 
She caught the flower between two long delicate fingers before the tip 
pierced her skin. Unfazed, Endymion unleashed a bouquet at her, only 
to have them all stop inches from her body as if they had penetrated 
an invisible wall. When it was obvious his roses would not work, he 
drew his sword, and lashed out at his wife. 

	Usagi caught the sharp blade as she had the roses, and held 
Endymion there stunned and speechless with a strength one so seemingly 
fragile should not possess. Her eyes softened as a smile touched her 
lips. Slowly she reached out to caress his face. 

	"Mamo-chan..." his eyes widened as light and warmth filled him.
Darkness was pushed away to reveal his lost identity underneath. Light
flowed around him, breaking the spells holding his heart and soul 
captive. He screamed, not from pain or anger, but a shout that spoke 
of a man being set free from bitter chains. Beryl’s power faded, 
revealing Mamoru in his lavender suit and a simple staff with the 
Golden Crystal nestled at its tip. He glanced down at himself and the 
surrounding confusion before settling his eyes on Usagi. 

	"U-Usako..." And as she had promised long ago, those simple 
names brought them back together. He almost dropped his staff as he 
embraced her, hard and passionate as if no one else was near them. "I 
don't, Usako, I-"

	"Shh, it’s okay," she whispered even as Beryl dug her nails 
into her palms, causing red droplets to fall to the dirt below. 

	"No," the fallen monarch trembled with anger and hate. "No, 
this isn't fair! I won't let you steal everything away from me again!"

	Usagi raised her staff in Beryl's direction. "You've done 
enough; the age of darkness is over."

	White fire flowed from her staff and fell upon the queen of 
darkness. Beryl held up her weapon in defiance, but after a few moments
it broke in three places, only to disappear in the haze of blinding 
light. Beryl screamed as the power overtook her, tearing at her hair 
and skin. Everything chipped away like old paint to reveal her fiery 
hair and pale skin. A dark cloud formed behind her, an angry face 
enraged and defeated. Metallia fought against the white barrage, but 
as with all Chaos’s other children, she could not stand against the 
power of Usagi. As Metallia evaporated in the storm of Usagi's power,
Beryl's hair began to melt away, leaving a shining black mass of curls.
For a few seconds, Beryl existed as she once had long ago, a simple 
woman with dark eyes and shattered dreams. She looked at Usagi, a
single tear falling down her flushed cheeks.

	"I'm sorry," Usagi said as another wave crashed against Beryl, 
and slowly the dethroned queen disappeared completely. The flow of 
power continued on, spreading everywhere at once and embracing the 
harsh land and sky, a dark palace and its evil minions, and even the 
soldiers of Serenitas. Luna, Artemis and Helios smiled as warmth and 
joy filled them, and everything burned white.

+++++

	End Part II.

	Wow that was a crazy 18 chapters in the world of dark and evil.
It was fun imaging what would happen if a bad guy actually won. I hope
everyone enjoyed the surprises attacking this chapter. Minako isn’t 
Minako and the Elders were Leaders! ^_^ I made a few obvious hints that
I hope everyone can realize now about the Elders, but with Minako…well,
that was just evil of me. I was leading everyone on that Irinushka was 
a Senshi, but that was just to trick you too. =P 

	Also, I would like to mention it is voting season at Dotmoon’s 
UFO Awards. This story is nominated in the Works in Progress section, 
and if you feel compelled, please go vote for it! PRETTY PRETTY 
PLEASE!! XD

	Here’s the link: http://www.dotmoon.net/awards/awards_vote.php 

	You can also start nominating your favorite stories for this 
year, 2007. But uh, vote for Dawn of Serenity first. Tehehe. I don’t 
know when the next update will be. The last two chapters will be posted
together, but I’ve got a lot of things to do, and I want it to be 
perfect, so please be as patient as you have been. Hope you enjoyed!