drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2010-02-18 04:01 pm
drunkenpandaren) wrote2010-02-18 04:01 pm
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Sailor Moon - Part 2
Hestia rested uneasily, unable to sleep properly. Her dreams were often plagued by the memories of the other four worlds, clear as day in the skies of her planet breaking apart. Two grotesque hands, two legs, and her planet housed the head of Kronos.
As she rested, a great and terrible fear rolled up in her as a ancient tongue roared in her ears. Over and over it rumbled, it’s language deadly with intent. Hestia grit her teeth and tried not to scream at the maddening voice as she thrashed violently.
And then in a split second, it was over, leaving her to gasp.
Struggling to her feet, she staggered to the door of the shrine and slid it open. A solider stationed at the entrance looked at her and saluted. “Ma’am, are you in need of aid?”
“Take me to Moon,” managed Hestia.
“We can’t ma’am, she’s already taken off.” Replied the solider. “She’s headed for the final battle aboard the Enterprise.”
“Then who is in charge?” inquired Hestia.
“That would be me,” said Uranus as she stepped up. “Hestia you should be resting.”
“There’s no time for that,” replied Hestia. “It knows we’re preparing and is already marshalling its forces to wipe us out. If only I had the three keys, then maybe I could do something.”
“How do you know this?” inquired Neptune curiously.
Hestia was silent for a moment and said, “It… taunted me, while I tried to sleep. Because my world is tied to the head of Kronos, I am unable to stop the voices from yelling at me. He knows we’re coming, and there’s nothing we can do.”
The pair looked at each other, worried. “We need to tell Pluto,” said Neptune as she went to get a phone.
“These keys… what do they do?” inquired Uranus. “Are they the same ones that unlocked him from his prison?”
Hestia shook her head. “They are the world’s most ancient treasures, keys of Wisdom, Courage and Might. It’s said that they were forged here on this planet, and brought with us to protect us from the Things outside the great barriers. On our planet we had statues of ancient crystal beings that could be called from them when the threat was near.”
“I see… c’mon, let’s get you something and then we’ll contact Pluto. I’m sure by now she’s come to the same conclusion as we have.”
*
*
“Preparations are made. Ships are deployed and we’re a go for fighter squadrons from across the world.” Reported Keller as Setsuna stepped into the office. “Did you find anything?”
“I did.” And Setsuna related the tale of Hestia and the new warning. “In short, if we can find these keys, we’ll be able to help stem the tide.”
“It won’t be easy… but maybe that statement is untrue.” Keller picked up the phone and dialled a number. “Archie, get me NASA.”
A minute or two passed and Keller reconnected again. “This is UN Secretary John Keller. Was there any more Meteor impacts in the last twenty-four hours? Yes… yes I see… thank you. Send the information immediately.”
Hanging up, he smirked. “We’re in luck; we’ve got three more meteor impacts; one in Germany, one in Australia and one in France. The police have cordoned off the zones. We’ll send a team to retrieve them.”
“No need. I’ll go pick them up myself.” Said Setsuna. “Pluto Planet Power, Make Up!”
In a flash of chrono energy, the woman transformed. Keller smirked. “Looks like I win the pot.”
“Oh?” inquired Pluto, amused.
“We were betting that you were one of them, but I bet you’d reveal yourself to me first seeing how we’re old friends.” Keller grinned. “I’ll get the men on standby. You go and pick up those keys. And Setsuna; take care of yourself.”
“I always do.” Setsuna hefted her staff and vanished in a flash of light.
*
*
“I hate waiting.”
Mars was pacing in the ready room back and forth as the rest of the girls were relaxing before the storm hit.
“There really isn’t anything we can do until it surfaces,” replied Mercury as she continued scanning. “With Pluto off getting the keys and the rest of the Outers defending our homes, we’re already short handed as is.”
“I know, I just hope everything’s going to turn out fine. How’s Usagi doing?”
“She’s above deck,” replied Jupiter. “And probably thinking of Mamoru.”
“Yeah, we left him, Luna and Artemis back in Tokyo,” said Venus. “Let’s hope everything goes right.”
Mars nodded, relenting. “I’m going on deck. I’ll catch up with the operation as soon as it begins.”
Heading out, she stepped onto the deck, earning a few salutes from the passing men who were still scrambling to get things done. Fighter jets were being loaded with new sable rounds, and gunships were arming themselves. The horizon was dotted with numerous ships and she knew that deep under water, submarines were already locked onto the enormous mass.
Stepping around a few more aircraft, Mars found Moon sitting on the nose of a ship, straddling the end in a very unladylike poise. “You know that doesn’t really help,” remarked Mars as she looked up at her leader.
“I know, but it keeps everyone from trying to look under my skirt,” replied Eternal Sailor Moon as she slid off the end and landed with a graceful thump, so unlike the girl of four years ago. “Worried?”
“Terrified,” admitted Mars. “It’s all happening too fast. One minute we’re just living our lives. The next, we’re Captains in a UN Sanctioned operation. And you’re a General! I’m surprised you’re not going over battle strategy with the rest of the Captains.”
“Captain Noguchi assures me that we’ve got all of the details worked out. And with Pluto going to get these keys, we might have an extra ace in the hole.” Replied Moon.
“True. But what about Hestia? She’s back home with our friends and families. And she said it herself; she’s connected to it.” Added Mars. “I don’t want to know what could happen if Kronos gets to her first.”
“Mamo-chan and the others will protect one another, and I have faith in our squads left behind. Mars… Rei-chan, we’re going to be okay.”
“I guess.” Mars sighed and hugged her friend. “All right. Let’s show this creep whose boss.”
“General Moon?” said a young man and the pair turned. “You’re needed on the bridge. Same to you Captain Mars.”
*
*
The sea bubbled as the meteor rose to the surface. Three hundred feet. Two hundred feet. One hundred feet.
And then – impact.
A series of torpedoes lanced out from the subs from all sides, slamming into the meteor and blowing off large chunks. These chunks reformed into squid-like creatures and started to go after the attackers.
“Contact on enemy target,” reported the man at the sonar. “Multiple hostiles are engaging the subs.”
“Have them loose as many volleys as you can. We don’t want this thing to get out of the water with most of its armor intact.” Ordered Captain Noguchi. “Air squadrons 1 through 7, you are a go for take off.”
Several planes started to move into position and engines fired up. With a roar of jet engines, several took off from different carriers including the Enterprise.
Keying in his radio, he buzzed his passenger. “You okay up there General?”
“Holding steady,” replied Sailor Moon, gripping onto the back of the fighter jet. “Keep an eye out for the surfacing.”
“Will do.”
Moon’s radio hissed and beeped. “General Moon, we’ve got surfacing.”
The sea twist into a small whirlpool as the great mass began to emerge, a sickly black and violet appearance from it. “Ugh, it’s uglier from up here than it is down there,” remarked Venus.
“Stick to the plan ladies; we get in, and we blow it up.” Replied Mars. “How’re we doing torpedo-wise?”
“Multiple opponents are forming from the debris. We’ll have to pull the subs back to let them deal with them,” reported another radio operator from the Nadesico.
“Sirs, we’ve got incoming visual of the bogey now. He’s doing something I don’t like,” reported the pilot of Mercury’s fighter jet.
True enough, large flakes began to rip free from the sickly looking meteor and Jupiter cursed loudly. “INCOMING!”
“Scramble!” roared another fighter jet as flying creatures formed from the surface. Winged creatures that looked half-squid, half-bat. One of the pilots was forced to eject, being too close as his plane was ripped apart.
“Fire at will gentlemen!” commanded Moon as the rat-tat-tat of weapons fire started to streak through the air, accompanied by numerous blasts of fire, lightning, light and ice. A tremendous wave of pink energy ripped through a pack of them. “Get us in close. We’ll need to drop point ASAP.”
*
*
“Yes those are the keys,” said Hestia as Pluto presented her with three small keys. “They’ll unlock the Crystal Guardians, the Titans built to prevent the destruction of a world.”
“How do we work them?” inquired Neptune.
Hestia bit her lip. “Legend has it that a willing sacrifice of life energy is needed, equal to the titan that empowers it. Bravery for Might, Anger for Wisdom, and Fear for Courage. But the possibility of giving their own lives is at risk.”
The four Senshi looked at each other and then Saturn said, “Well I’ve died twice. I can die again.”
“No you cannot,” exclaimed Pluto hotly. “You can’t go recklessly sacrificing yourself. I’ll do it.”
“Oh hell no,” protested Uranus. “If anything it’s our turn to…”
“That’s enough.” The women turned at the voice and Ikuko walked over, snatching a key. “I’ll do it.”
“So will I,” said Naru, picking up the other key. “It’s a small price to pay.”
“You can’t! For one thing the kitten’ll kill us if anything happened to you two!” exclaimed Uranus. “And regular people simply don’t have that much life force in them to do so!”
“Not necessarily,” said Hestia. “You are Ikuko Tsukino, correct? And you are Naru Osaka? I sense something in both of you… something powerful.”
The senshi looked at the girl who was now heavy-lidded, seemingly in a trance. “Yes… yes I feel it. One of you… bears the weight of a sacrifice freely given, and its power wraps around you like a warm comforting embrace. The other, bears the weight of a queen’s champion, or rather a queen yourself.”
The senshi were dumbstruck as Hestia opened her eyes. “Yes, they will be able to support the weight of the two keys. Naru, you bear the power and soul of a man named Nephrite. Mrs. Tsukino, you hold the strength of a queen in your soul.”
“… now I see,” said Pluto. “The sacrifice Nephrite gave to protect Naru in the reset timeline gave her all of his power. And the queen herself must have chosen Usagi’s mother to bear her and raise her. No normal mortal could have born someone with so much power from the Silver Millennium. DAMN how could I have missed this?!”
“But what of the third?” asked Neptune. “No one here is…”
“I will do it,” said Hestia. “My Starseed is strong enough, and even if I fade, I fade with a warriors death.”
Any further argument was interrupted by an explosion at the front gates and the sound of gunfire. “They’re baa-ack,” warbled Saturn in a slightly fatalistic tone.
“Go,” said Hestia as she shooed the others. “Hold them off. Mrs. Tsukino, Naru, come with me.”
*
*
The sky above the Pacific Ocean was bright with weapon fire, missiles and bullets tearing into the armoured hide of the creature. And atop it, five girls landed. “There’s no door, as usual.” Quipped Jupiter as she fired up all of her strength and slammed a fist into the rocky surface.
The surface beneath her exploded, revealing a dark empty void under it. “But now there is.” Said Jupiter smugly.
Leaping down into the tunnels, Venus made a face. “God, is it just me, or did we see this kind of territory in D-Point?”
“You’re right,” said Mercury, tapping her computer which was giving off readings. “The conditions in here are similar to what we had at D-Point. But much more confined.”
“That would explain why all of those Things we killed dissolved into moondust,” remarked Mars. “But why would it feel like the Dark Kingdom in here?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. This way!” commanded Moon as she took off in a direction.
Through tunnels and various doors that were burnt down, the senshi tore their way through the caverns of the prison of Kronos. As they moved on, the sick feeling in the air grew thicker until they reached a pair of double doors.
In an explosion that rocked the insides, Venus warbled, “Honey I’m home!”
No answer greeted them as they stepped into the room. It was dimly lit but definitely gave off a creepy vibe to it. Life energy swirled around in flecks of green and violet. “Hello?” called out Moon. “Hello?”
“Nice job, you just gave us away,” groused Mars and Moon gave her a look.
“I don’t detect anything,” said Mercury. “Is this just a shell?”
“No… something’s here. I can feel it,” said Jupiter. And then her senses tingled and she roared, “DOWN!”
A lance of black lightning blasted overhead and the girls ducked from it as several vaguely feminine shapes appeared from it. “Oh I have a bad feeling about this,” muttered Venus as the creatures stepped forward.
They were white faced and pasty with sharp teeth and blank eyes. But they wore fuku that were inverted in color and Jupiter groaned. “Farces? Of us?”
The farce of Eternal Sailor Moon raised her weapon and Eternal Sailor Moon barked “SCATTER!” moments before a thick black bolt of energy ripped through where they had stood one before.
“Square off! We know how to deal with fakes,” commanded Mars as she went, not for her own duplicate but for Jupiter’s.
*
*
“Deep Submerge!”
The ball of water ripped into the pack of opponents as Neptune darted behind the barricade. “I don’t think I can keep this up for much longer,” panted the girl. “Rifle me!”
A soldier threw her a gun and she peered out from behind the barrier and emptied a clip into a Thing. “Nice shot sir,” remarked a MP from the JDSF.
A missile flew out from the back lines and sent several flying. Neptune turned around and gawked at Saturn who waved at her, having fired the shoulder mounted rocket launcher. Then she smiled. “That’s my girl.”
“Dead Scream.” Several more died under the assault of chrono magic as Setsuna looked over at Uranus who had long since run out of things to melee and had taken up a assault rifle of her own. “You know, this reminds me of the final battle against Beryl.”
“How so?” inquired Uranus as she slammed the end of it into a enemy that got too close, following it up with a point blank World Shaking.
“We were all tired,” said Setsuna, spinning her staff and slamming it into the nearest opponent and firing multiple Dead Screams into the crowd. “And some of us had gotten the idea to pick up the mage-weapons left behind and shoot into the crowd. I daresay it’s working better now than previously.”
“Gee, thanks for reminding us of our final days,” remarked Uranus as she changed the clip on the weapon and unloaded it into a row of Things. “Why bring it up now?”
“Because… something’s familiar about this. I can’t put my finger on it.” Pluto lazily backhanded a Thing and followed it up with a mutter of Chrono Typhoon.
*
*
“Captain, that hunk of material’s going airborne.”
“Divert all attention to blowing it out of the sky. And get the command on the horn, we need small-yield ICBMs on the way.” Commanded Captain Noguchi.
“Sir, General Moon is still inside with the rest of her squad,” said Patricia.
“Let General Moon worry about herself and her friends. They know the risks for going inside to blow this thing to kingdom come.” He smiled. “Besides if anyone can pull off a win, it’s them.”
*
*
The last Farce disintegrated under a wave of power as Sailor Moon let out an exhausted sounding sigh. “I hate it when that happens. Everyone alright?”
“Peachy,” groused Mars as she held her arm. “Mercury, do you have a reading on how to blow this place up?”
“Yes, twenty meters straight ahead,” replied Mercury. “We’re in it’s heart already.”
“Eew,” deadpanned Venus as she stepped forward. “Well then, no time like the present! Venus Love and Beauty--!”
A concussive wave of force suddenly blasted outwards, sending them all tumbling backwards as the room lit up. A terrible voice roared in a tongue that they both understood and didn’t at the same time. The senshi cried out at the invading voice as it hammered them over and over as the face of a creature with its head laid on it’s side continued to speak. It was terrifying to look at and Mars yelled, “Look away, all of you!”
Doing so, Moon snuck a peek at the creature that continued to hammer at them. A hilt of a sword was driven into one of it’s eyes and it roared in ferocity as she was blown head over heels into the wall.
*
*
Hestia held the key to her chest, the two women mimicking her position as magic poured off them. Naru was already sweating and Ikuko bore with it, but her jaw was set in a pained grimace.
It was Hestia though who was gasping for air as the magic poured into a ball of light that was forming in front of the three. “Just… a little more…” groaned Hestia.
‘Usagi-chan…’ thought Naru as she started to feel dizzy. ‘Please be safe…’
‘My precious daughter… come home to your mother…’
The brilliance of the energy ball began to grow brighter, illuminating the room with the Sacred Fire burning brilliantly.
‘It’s not enough…’ realized Hestia. ‘not… enough… we need more…’
Naru started to feel herself grow faint as she almost slumped over. But then, strong hands wrapped around her shoulders as she looked up at the one holding her. “U-mi-no-kun…?”
“C’mon mom, you can do it,” encouraged Shingo as he and Kenji supported her.
“When did you…?” inquired Ikuko and Usagi’s father grinned a little, tapping his helmet.
Hestia almost faltered at the moment, and then a pair of wizened arms wrapped around her shoulders. “Don’t give up,” said Rei’s Grandfather. “We’re counting on you three.”
Emboldened by their words, the three opened up and let go.
*
*
You shouldn’t have come, Child of the Moon, taunted the voice as Sailor Moon struggled under the weight of the force crushing her to the floor. ‘I am older than time itself. My power is beyond your imagining.’
“Maybe so…” panted Sailor Moon. “But we’ve beaten greater odds! Chaos incarnate, the Dark Moon Kingdom, Beryl and Metallia!”
Ah yes, Beryl. Such a pretty thing. It sought out power, and so my siblings took her in, nurtured her hate for the Moon. And in time, unleashed my sibling’s power upon your land.
“Sibling…?” gasped Mercury. “You mean.. Metallia is related to…?!”
Hahaha YES! YES she is! She is the one Buried in the Earth! I am the one who is Hidden in the Skies! We are the ancient evils, the creeping in your soul. Stare into the abyss, and be consumed by your fear!
A wave of power slammed into the senshi and they screamed, assaulted by memories, fears and anxieties.
Metallia. Oh my dear sister was killed by you and your accursed senshi. I am the last of the Old Ones, the God of Fear. I am the Nightmares. I am the creeping anxiety. I am the Terror of the Ancient World! I. Am. KRONOS!
Another wave of power slammed the girls into the ground, splintering it.
Sailor Moon cried out from the impact, her outfit splintering to ribbons as well as her friends. She grit her teeth, trying to bear both the physical and mental assault on her body. “You… you are no god…”
And slowly she pushed herself to a kneeling position. And then, one foot came up and she started to stand, her fuku in ribbons as her tiara vanished, leaving a symbol of the moon glowing on her forehead. “You are a terror, a marshal of the Things! I will not stand by and let you destroy all we love and care for!”
And her hands went to her broach as the crystal was revealed.
A flare of silver light shot out and struck Kronos who groaned and pushed it back, knocking her to her backside.
Fool! You really think that the crystal could destroy me? I am stronger than Metallia, stronger than Chaos itself. I have lived for eternity, and that accursed weapon of the moon was only able to sunder me into five!
“Which only goes to prove you can be hurt,” spat Mars, her own fuku a flowing flare of ribbons.
“That’s right,” groaned Jupiter, helping Venus to her feet. “If we can split and banish you in the past, then we will be able to kill you now.”
“All of us, together,” said Mercury, helping Moon up despite the enormous pressure.
Then join each other in oblivion!
Lances of green lightning arced towards them but suddenly terminated mere seconds before striking them as the entire formation shook.
*
*
In a shimmer of light, three massive titans arose from the depths of the ocean. Three giants made of red, blue and green crystal stood in a triangle formation as they stretched their hands out as one.
Glowing magic leaped from their fingers as it struck the meteor, eliciting a powerful psychic wail of rage form the beast within. Captain Noguchi whistled as the creatures that were attacking the fighter jets suddenly dropped dead. “Report!”
“Hostiles are dropping dead sir. Whatever’s animating them just simply stopped,” reported a man at the sensors.
“Captain, we’re receiving a hail from our fortifications in Azubu-Juuban.” Called out another woman.
“Patch it through.”
“Captain this is Sailor Pluto. I believe you’ve just got an opening. Take it.” And with that, the line went dead.
“Fire at will!”
*
*
“Looks like our friends came through,” grinned Jupiter as Kronos roared angrily.
Sailor Moon nodded as she held up the crystal again and everyone stepped up to support her. Silver magic flared and lanced out, striking the sword, driving it deep.
Kronos screamed as it was being attacked from within and Moon grimaced. “I think we need a bit more power than just the five of us!”
“Suggestions? Cause I’d love to hear one!” replied Mars.
“Well…”
*
*
Pluto looked up suddenly. Without warning, the entire future became clear to her. A smile spread across her face. “Of course….”
“Hold the line!” she commanded as she teleported away and reappeared in the middle of a frantic UN meeting.
At her appearance, many people quieted down and those who didn’t was drawn to attention by Pluto rapping her staff on the podium. “Attention UN. I need all cameras turned on immediately, and all broadcast signals to be turned to this one.”
*
*
“That’s your plan?!” exclaimed Mars as they continued to suppress Kronos’ power with their own. “Just ask the world for help?!”
“It worked in DBZ, why wouldn’t it work for us?” defended Moon.
“But…!”
The chime of their communicators drew Venus’s attention as she clicked it. “This is not a good time!”
“It’s the perfect time,” said Pluto. “Sailor Moon, make your speech.”
“Oh great, and I failed speech class,” grumbled Sailor Moon.
*
*
All across the world, Sailor Moon’s face appeared on every single television set in the world, and whatever was left was broadcast on the radio. “People of Earth, this is Sailor Moon. No doubt you are watching the battle over the Pacific right now. I know you expect us to save you, but we can’t do this alone. Already our men and women are fighting to protect what is precious to us.”
She exhaled. “I’m asking everyone to lend their power. Raise your hands and believe that your hopes and dreams will defeat this foe. You can’t let the fears he is plaguing you with to get a hold of you. Please.”
*
*
It started small, but then it grew.
Pinpricks of light began to flow towards the battle as even the crews of the ships wished them well. Hopes, dreams, and the will to live flowed in steady streams before twisting into the shell of the evil god.
And as one, it slammed home into the Silver Crystal. Sailor Moon had a moment to squeak in surprise as the force of an entire world slammed into Kronos.
Kronos screamed, not in fury but in pain as the magic began to tear him apart. His pain followed its way to the creatures, the Things as they stopped and started to fall apart. The brilliance of the silver light grew and exploded, as a massive beam of light streaked to the skies. It traveled through space and soon, one by one, the four remaining parts of the dark god were atomized.
*
*
Usagi… Usagi!
Usagi opened her eyes and sat up in the formless white void as a elegant woman looked down on her. “Usagi…” smiled the ancient Queen.
“Mother…” said Usagi. “Am I dead?”
“No, just overcome by the Crystal for a moment.” The old queen smiled fondly at her daughter. “Congratulations Usagi, you did it. You defeated the last of the line of Metallia.”
“I didn’t do it alone. Everyone helped.” Said Usagi. “Is everyone alright?”
“A little winded, but yes everyone is fine.” Said the queen. “Now wake up. It’s time for you to leave.”
Usagi… Usagi…!
*
*
“Wake up!” exclaimed Mars as Moon was shook to consciousness. “Geez, don’t scare me like that!”
“Rei-chan… oh, did we win?” said Moon, sitting up at the huge hole in the meteor and the lack of Kronos. “Did we get him?”
“Yeah we got him good,” grinned Jupiter.
“We kicked its tail!” added Venus.
“And we’re all safe,” said Mercury.
As if to prove them wrong, the meteor began to shake. Venus paled and exclaimed, “LOAD-BEARING BOSS! EVERYONE OUT!”
The girls scrambled to their feet and charged towards the newly made exit as the entire structure began to com down on them. Nearing the end, steam hissed from cracks in the wall. “Jump!” yelled Mercury and the senshi leaped free of the meteor just as it began to explode.
The world was lit up with a giant fireball as the girls feel free.
*
*
One Week Later…
*
*
“… and thus, we thank the Sailor Senshi and their allies for their part in the battle against the alien Kronos. And we award them with medals of honour, medals of service to the world, and medals of bravery.”
The applause was thunderous as the girls blushed, ranging from the battered Outer Senshi to Moon who stood in the middle, nursing a broken arm. Tuxedo Kamen stood behind Hestia who was in a wheelchair from exhaustion of nearly all of her power. “And now, we would like Sailor Moon to speak.”
John Keller smiled at the girls as he gestured towards Sailor Moon who strode up to the platform. “Thank you Secretary Keller, members of the UN, everyone.”
Sailor Moon inhaled and let out a deep breath. “When we were first beginning, we had a tough time. But through the help of our friends, allies, and people who soon began to trust us all, we earned a place in your hearts, that you all lent your power to defeat Kronos.”
“When I was elevated to the position of Sailor Moon, I was told in time that there would be a shining city where Tokyo stood. Now, with the help of our friends, we can build that city. But…” Sailor Moon looked down. “I don’t feel right, being your ruler.”
A murmur went through the crowd and Setsuna smiled despite Luna’s expression.
“The old me, would have jumped at becoming Queen of a Crystal Tokyo as Neo-Queen Serenity. I would have ruled, but to me, that doesn’t feel right. And despite it being ‘predestined’, I like to make my own destiny. This event changed everything. And like a butterfly, I need to learn to spread my wings and make my own changes. I am Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. I am also Eternal Sailor Moon, your savoir. But…”
And Sailor Moon reached up and touched her forehead, and there was a flash of light as Usagi lifted her head. “But I am also Tsukino Usagi, student at Cherry Blossom University and soon, will be graduating with a basic C average from Political Sciences. Because lord knows, I’m never the best student. I don’t deserve the title of Princess, or General or anything. Not yet. I am Usagi. Thank you.”
And as Usagi turned to step down to the podium, a cry rang out. “USAGI!”
She lifted her head to see Naru muscling through the crowd. “So that’s it? You’re going to just give up on the dream?”
“Naru-chan?” inquired Usagi.
The girl grinned and folded her arms. “Usagi, you’re strong, you’re brave. You have people to help you, people to support you. You aren’t just Usagi; you’re Sailor Moon, you’re a General, you’re a Princess, you’re a QUEEN. And I think that’s what everyone feels.”
The sound was soft at first, but then it grew. People started to clap, whistle and cheer. Usagi blushed and Naru gave her oldest friend a grin. “Do it!”
Filled with encouragement, the Senshi started to clap too, whistling. And Tuxedo Kamen nodded, his eyes filled with happiness.
And with that, Usagi threw up a hand. “Moon Cosmic Power…!”
And a thunderous cry of “MAKE UP!” echoed across the land amidst cheering for the girl who would be queen, as she was bathed in light.
*
*
“Usagi? USAGI!” Ikuko sighed as she tapped her spatula against her hand. “Really, she’s still so lazy in the morning.”
“Usagi’ll never change,” replied Shingo as he took a bite of his toast.
“Now, now, Shingo, stop picking on your sister,” chided Kenji as he read a paper with the headline “Sailor Moon Revealed!” splashed across it.
“Mrgh…” said a tired sounding voice as Usagi stumbled into the room. “Good morning…”
“Usagi, were you out all night again?” remarked Ikuko sternly. “You know that’s bad for you.”
Usagi yawned as she sat down and blindly groped for her coffee mug which was pressed into her hand. “She’s righr Usagi-chan, you need to sleep more.” Said Luna.
“Since when did you encourage laziness?” inquired Usagi of her cat.
“Since the battle,” replied Luna as she returned to her eggs.
“Usagi-chan, Naru-chan called today. She’s coming to pick you up. Said something about spending the day with an old friend?” said Ikuko.
“Oh right, almost forgot,” yawned Usagi as she continued to drown herself in coffee. Eating quickly, she meandered back upstairs. “Dibs on the shower!”
*
*
“Usagi-chan!” called out Naru as she waved at the girl, holding onto the handles of the wheelchair she was pushing.
“Usagi-sama, hello!” exclaimed Elvana.
“Naru-chan, El-chan!” called out Usagi as she walked up. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Waiting for us at the shrine. Ami-chan’s going to be late though as well as Hotaru.” Replied Naru.
“Eh? How come?” inquired Usagi as the group headed off for the shrine.
“Seems that Ami-chan and Hotaru-chan made a great impression on their squads; they keep phoning her! Same with Hotaru-chan.” Giggled Naru.
“Oi!” called out Mamoru as he walked up to them, folding his girlfriend in a hug who snuggled up. “Naru-san, El-san.”
“Let’s get a move on; the girls are waiting for us.” Said Mamoru and the others shared a grin.
As they walked along, Usagi looked up into the sky as she walked along. For once, the future didn’t seem set in stone. She was free to make her choices, Crystal Tokyo or not. Everything looked fine. “I’ll be queen. But not today.”
“Hey Odango-atama, we’ll leave you behind!” called out Naru and Usagi fumed.
“H-hey! Are we going to go through that again?!”
As she rested, a great and terrible fear rolled up in her as a ancient tongue roared in her ears. Over and over it rumbled, it’s language deadly with intent. Hestia grit her teeth and tried not to scream at the maddening voice as she thrashed violently.
And then in a split second, it was over, leaving her to gasp.
Struggling to her feet, she staggered to the door of the shrine and slid it open. A solider stationed at the entrance looked at her and saluted. “Ma’am, are you in need of aid?”
“Take me to Moon,” managed Hestia.
“We can’t ma’am, she’s already taken off.” Replied the solider. “She’s headed for the final battle aboard the Enterprise.”
“Then who is in charge?” inquired Hestia.
“That would be me,” said Uranus as she stepped up. “Hestia you should be resting.”
“There’s no time for that,” replied Hestia. “It knows we’re preparing and is already marshalling its forces to wipe us out. If only I had the three keys, then maybe I could do something.”
“How do you know this?” inquired Neptune curiously.
Hestia was silent for a moment and said, “It… taunted me, while I tried to sleep. Because my world is tied to the head of Kronos, I am unable to stop the voices from yelling at me. He knows we’re coming, and there’s nothing we can do.”
The pair looked at each other, worried. “We need to tell Pluto,” said Neptune as she went to get a phone.
“These keys… what do they do?” inquired Uranus. “Are they the same ones that unlocked him from his prison?”
Hestia shook her head. “They are the world’s most ancient treasures, keys of Wisdom, Courage and Might. It’s said that they were forged here on this planet, and brought with us to protect us from the Things outside the great barriers. On our planet we had statues of ancient crystal beings that could be called from them when the threat was near.”
“I see… c’mon, let’s get you something and then we’ll contact Pluto. I’m sure by now she’s come to the same conclusion as we have.”
*
*
“Preparations are made. Ships are deployed and we’re a go for fighter squadrons from across the world.” Reported Keller as Setsuna stepped into the office. “Did you find anything?”
“I did.” And Setsuna related the tale of Hestia and the new warning. “In short, if we can find these keys, we’ll be able to help stem the tide.”
“It won’t be easy… but maybe that statement is untrue.” Keller picked up the phone and dialled a number. “Archie, get me NASA.”
A minute or two passed and Keller reconnected again. “This is UN Secretary John Keller. Was there any more Meteor impacts in the last twenty-four hours? Yes… yes I see… thank you. Send the information immediately.”
Hanging up, he smirked. “We’re in luck; we’ve got three more meteor impacts; one in Germany, one in Australia and one in France. The police have cordoned off the zones. We’ll send a team to retrieve them.”
“No need. I’ll go pick them up myself.” Said Setsuna. “Pluto Planet Power, Make Up!”
In a flash of chrono energy, the woman transformed. Keller smirked. “Looks like I win the pot.”
“Oh?” inquired Pluto, amused.
“We were betting that you were one of them, but I bet you’d reveal yourself to me first seeing how we’re old friends.” Keller grinned. “I’ll get the men on standby. You go and pick up those keys. And Setsuna; take care of yourself.”
“I always do.” Setsuna hefted her staff and vanished in a flash of light.
*
*
“I hate waiting.”
Mars was pacing in the ready room back and forth as the rest of the girls were relaxing before the storm hit.
“There really isn’t anything we can do until it surfaces,” replied Mercury as she continued scanning. “With Pluto off getting the keys and the rest of the Outers defending our homes, we’re already short handed as is.”
“I know, I just hope everything’s going to turn out fine. How’s Usagi doing?”
“She’s above deck,” replied Jupiter. “And probably thinking of Mamoru.”
“Yeah, we left him, Luna and Artemis back in Tokyo,” said Venus. “Let’s hope everything goes right.”
Mars nodded, relenting. “I’m going on deck. I’ll catch up with the operation as soon as it begins.”
Heading out, she stepped onto the deck, earning a few salutes from the passing men who were still scrambling to get things done. Fighter jets were being loaded with new sable rounds, and gunships were arming themselves. The horizon was dotted with numerous ships and she knew that deep under water, submarines were already locked onto the enormous mass.
Stepping around a few more aircraft, Mars found Moon sitting on the nose of a ship, straddling the end in a very unladylike poise. “You know that doesn’t really help,” remarked Mars as she looked up at her leader.
“I know, but it keeps everyone from trying to look under my skirt,” replied Eternal Sailor Moon as she slid off the end and landed with a graceful thump, so unlike the girl of four years ago. “Worried?”
“Terrified,” admitted Mars. “It’s all happening too fast. One minute we’re just living our lives. The next, we’re Captains in a UN Sanctioned operation. And you’re a General! I’m surprised you’re not going over battle strategy with the rest of the Captains.”
“Captain Noguchi assures me that we’ve got all of the details worked out. And with Pluto going to get these keys, we might have an extra ace in the hole.” Replied Moon.
“True. But what about Hestia? She’s back home with our friends and families. And she said it herself; she’s connected to it.” Added Mars. “I don’t want to know what could happen if Kronos gets to her first.”
“Mamo-chan and the others will protect one another, and I have faith in our squads left behind. Mars… Rei-chan, we’re going to be okay.”
“I guess.” Mars sighed and hugged her friend. “All right. Let’s show this creep whose boss.”
“General Moon?” said a young man and the pair turned. “You’re needed on the bridge. Same to you Captain Mars.”
*
*
The sea bubbled as the meteor rose to the surface. Three hundred feet. Two hundred feet. One hundred feet.
And then – impact.
A series of torpedoes lanced out from the subs from all sides, slamming into the meteor and blowing off large chunks. These chunks reformed into squid-like creatures and started to go after the attackers.
“Contact on enemy target,” reported the man at the sonar. “Multiple hostiles are engaging the subs.”
“Have them loose as many volleys as you can. We don’t want this thing to get out of the water with most of its armor intact.” Ordered Captain Noguchi. “Air squadrons 1 through 7, you are a go for take off.”
Several planes started to move into position and engines fired up. With a roar of jet engines, several took off from different carriers including the Enterprise.
Keying in his radio, he buzzed his passenger. “You okay up there General?”
“Holding steady,” replied Sailor Moon, gripping onto the back of the fighter jet. “Keep an eye out for the surfacing.”
“Will do.”
Moon’s radio hissed and beeped. “General Moon, we’ve got surfacing.”
The sea twist into a small whirlpool as the great mass began to emerge, a sickly black and violet appearance from it. “Ugh, it’s uglier from up here than it is down there,” remarked Venus.
“Stick to the plan ladies; we get in, and we blow it up.” Replied Mars. “How’re we doing torpedo-wise?”
“Multiple opponents are forming from the debris. We’ll have to pull the subs back to let them deal with them,” reported another radio operator from the Nadesico.
“Sirs, we’ve got incoming visual of the bogey now. He’s doing something I don’t like,” reported the pilot of Mercury’s fighter jet.
True enough, large flakes began to rip free from the sickly looking meteor and Jupiter cursed loudly. “INCOMING!”
“Scramble!” roared another fighter jet as flying creatures formed from the surface. Winged creatures that looked half-squid, half-bat. One of the pilots was forced to eject, being too close as his plane was ripped apart.
“Fire at will gentlemen!” commanded Moon as the rat-tat-tat of weapons fire started to streak through the air, accompanied by numerous blasts of fire, lightning, light and ice. A tremendous wave of pink energy ripped through a pack of them. “Get us in close. We’ll need to drop point ASAP.”
*
*
“Yes those are the keys,” said Hestia as Pluto presented her with three small keys. “They’ll unlock the Crystal Guardians, the Titans built to prevent the destruction of a world.”
“How do we work them?” inquired Neptune.
Hestia bit her lip. “Legend has it that a willing sacrifice of life energy is needed, equal to the titan that empowers it. Bravery for Might, Anger for Wisdom, and Fear for Courage. But the possibility of giving their own lives is at risk.”
The four Senshi looked at each other and then Saturn said, “Well I’ve died twice. I can die again.”
“No you cannot,” exclaimed Pluto hotly. “You can’t go recklessly sacrificing yourself. I’ll do it.”
“Oh hell no,” protested Uranus. “If anything it’s our turn to…”
“That’s enough.” The women turned at the voice and Ikuko walked over, snatching a key. “I’ll do it.”
“So will I,” said Naru, picking up the other key. “It’s a small price to pay.”
“You can’t! For one thing the kitten’ll kill us if anything happened to you two!” exclaimed Uranus. “And regular people simply don’t have that much life force in them to do so!”
“Not necessarily,” said Hestia. “You are Ikuko Tsukino, correct? And you are Naru Osaka? I sense something in both of you… something powerful.”
The senshi looked at the girl who was now heavy-lidded, seemingly in a trance. “Yes… yes I feel it. One of you… bears the weight of a sacrifice freely given, and its power wraps around you like a warm comforting embrace. The other, bears the weight of a queen’s champion, or rather a queen yourself.”
The senshi were dumbstruck as Hestia opened her eyes. “Yes, they will be able to support the weight of the two keys. Naru, you bear the power and soul of a man named Nephrite. Mrs. Tsukino, you hold the strength of a queen in your soul.”
“… now I see,” said Pluto. “The sacrifice Nephrite gave to protect Naru in the reset timeline gave her all of his power. And the queen herself must have chosen Usagi’s mother to bear her and raise her. No normal mortal could have born someone with so much power from the Silver Millennium. DAMN how could I have missed this?!”
“But what of the third?” asked Neptune. “No one here is…”
“I will do it,” said Hestia. “My Starseed is strong enough, and even if I fade, I fade with a warriors death.”
Any further argument was interrupted by an explosion at the front gates and the sound of gunfire. “They’re baa-ack,” warbled Saturn in a slightly fatalistic tone.
“Go,” said Hestia as she shooed the others. “Hold them off. Mrs. Tsukino, Naru, come with me.”
*
*
The sky above the Pacific Ocean was bright with weapon fire, missiles and bullets tearing into the armoured hide of the creature. And atop it, five girls landed. “There’s no door, as usual.” Quipped Jupiter as she fired up all of her strength and slammed a fist into the rocky surface.
The surface beneath her exploded, revealing a dark empty void under it. “But now there is.” Said Jupiter smugly.
Leaping down into the tunnels, Venus made a face. “God, is it just me, or did we see this kind of territory in D-Point?”
“You’re right,” said Mercury, tapping her computer which was giving off readings. “The conditions in here are similar to what we had at D-Point. But much more confined.”
“That would explain why all of those Things we killed dissolved into moondust,” remarked Mars. “But why would it feel like the Dark Kingdom in here?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. This way!” commanded Moon as she took off in a direction.
Through tunnels and various doors that were burnt down, the senshi tore their way through the caverns of the prison of Kronos. As they moved on, the sick feeling in the air grew thicker until they reached a pair of double doors.
In an explosion that rocked the insides, Venus warbled, “Honey I’m home!”
No answer greeted them as they stepped into the room. It was dimly lit but definitely gave off a creepy vibe to it. Life energy swirled around in flecks of green and violet. “Hello?” called out Moon. “Hello?”
“Nice job, you just gave us away,” groused Mars and Moon gave her a look.
“I don’t detect anything,” said Mercury. “Is this just a shell?”
“No… something’s here. I can feel it,” said Jupiter. And then her senses tingled and she roared, “DOWN!”
A lance of black lightning blasted overhead and the girls ducked from it as several vaguely feminine shapes appeared from it. “Oh I have a bad feeling about this,” muttered Venus as the creatures stepped forward.
They were white faced and pasty with sharp teeth and blank eyes. But they wore fuku that were inverted in color and Jupiter groaned. “Farces? Of us?”
The farce of Eternal Sailor Moon raised her weapon and Eternal Sailor Moon barked “SCATTER!” moments before a thick black bolt of energy ripped through where they had stood one before.
“Square off! We know how to deal with fakes,” commanded Mars as she went, not for her own duplicate but for Jupiter’s.
*
*
“Deep Submerge!”
The ball of water ripped into the pack of opponents as Neptune darted behind the barricade. “I don’t think I can keep this up for much longer,” panted the girl. “Rifle me!”
A soldier threw her a gun and she peered out from behind the barrier and emptied a clip into a Thing. “Nice shot sir,” remarked a MP from the JDSF.
A missile flew out from the back lines and sent several flying. Neptune turned around and gawked at Saturn who waved at her, having fired the shoulder mounted rocket launcher. Then she smiled. “That’s my girl.”
“Dead Scream.” Several more died under the assault of chrono magic as Setsuna looked over at Uranus who had long since run out of things to melee and had taken up a assault rifle of her own. “You know, this reminds me of the final battle against Beryl.”
“How so?” inquired Uranus as she slammed the end of it into a enemy that got too close, following it up with a point blank World Shaking.
“We were all tired,” said Setsuna, spinning her staff and slamming it into the nearest opponent and firing multiple Dead Screams into the crowd. “And some of us had gotten the idea to pick up the mage-weapons left behind and shoot into the crowd. I daresay it’s working better now than previously.”
“Gee, thanks for reminding us of our final days,” remarked Uranus as she changed the clip on the weapon and unloaded it into a row of Things. “Why bring it up now?”
“Because… something’s familiar about this. I can’t put my finger on it.” Pluto lazily backhanded a Thing and followed it up with a mutter of Chrono Typhoon.
*
*
“Captain, that hunk of material’s going airborne.”
“Divert all attention to blowing it out of the sky. And get the command on the horn, we need small-yield ICBMs on the way.” Commanded Captain Noguchi.
“Sir, General Moon is still inside with the rest of her squad,” said Patricia.
“Let General Moon worry about herself and her friends. They know the risks for going inside to blow this thing to kingdom come.” He smiled. “Besides if anyone can pull off a win, it’s them.”
*
*
The last Farce disintegrated under a wave of power as Sailor Moon let out an exhausted sounding sigh. “I hate it when that happens. Everyone alright?”
“Peachy,” groused Mars as she held her arm. “Mercury, do you have a reading on how to blow this place up?”
“Yes, twenty meters straight ahead,” replied Mercury. “We’re in it’s heart already.”
“Eew,” deadpanned Venus as she stepped forward. “Well then, no time like the present! Venus Love and Beauty--!”
A concussive wave of force suddenly blasted outwards, sending them all tumbling backwards as the room lit up. A terrible voice roared in a tongue that they both understood and didn’t at the same time. The senshi cried out at the invading voice as it hammered them over and over as the face of a creature with its head laid on it’s side continued to speak. It was terrifying to look at and Mars yelled, “Look away, all of you!”
Doing so, Moon snuck a peek at the creature that continued to hammer at them. A hilt of a sword was driven into one of it’s eyes and it roared in ferocity as she was blown head over heels into the wall.
*
*
Hestia held the key to her chest, the two women mimicking her position as magic poured off them. Naru was already sweating and Ikuko bore with it, but her jaw was set in a pained grimace.
It was Hestia though who was gasping for air as the magic poured into a ball of light that was forming in front of the three. “Just… a little more…” groaned Hestia.
‘Usagi-chan…’ thought Naru as she started to feel dizzy. ‘Please be safe…’
‘My precious daughter… come home to your mother…’
The brilliance of the energy ball began to grow brighter, illuminating the room with the Sacred Fire burning brilliantly.
‘It’s not enough…’ realized Hestia. ‘not… enough… we need more…’
Naru started to feel herself grow faint as she almost slumped over. But then, strong hands wrapped around her shoulders as she looked up at the one holding her. “U-mi-no-kun…?”
“C’mon mom, you can do it,” encouraged Shingo as he and Kenji supported her.
“When did you…?” inquired Ikuko and Usagi’s father grinned a little, tapping his helmet.
Hestia almost faltered at the moment, and then a pair of wizened arms wrapped around her shoulders. “Don’t give up,” said Rei’s Grandfather. “We’re counting on you three.”
Emboldened by their words, the three opened up and let go.
*
*
You shouldn’t have come, Child of the Moon, taunted the voice as Sailor Moon struggled under the weight of the force crushing her to the floor. ‘I am older than time itself. My power is beyond your imagining.’
“Maybe so…” panted Sailor Moon. “But we’ve beaten greater odds! Chaos incarnate, the Dark Moon Kingdom, Beryl and Metallia!”
Ah yes, Beryl. Such a pretty thing. It sought out power, and so my siblings took her in, nurtured her hate for the Moon. And in time, unleashed my sibling’s power upon your land.
“Sibling…?” gasped Mercury. “You mean.. Metallia is related to…?!”
Hahaha YES! YES she is! She is the one Buried in the Earth! I am the one who is Hidden in the Skies! We are the ancient evils, the creeping in your soul. Stare into the abyss, and be consumed by your fear!
A wave of power slammed into the senshi and they screamed, assaulted by memories, fears and anxieties.
Metallia. Oh my dear sister was killed by you and your accursed senshi. I am the last of the Old Ones, the God of Fear. I am the Nightmares. I am the creeping anxiety. I am the Terror of the Ancient World! I. Am. KRONOS!
Another wave of power slammed the girls into the ground, splintering it.
Sailor Moon cried out from the impact, her outfit splintering to ribbons as well as her friends. She grit her teeth, trying to bear both the physical and mental assault on her body. “You… you are no god…”
And slowly she pushed herself to a kneeling position. And then, one foot came up and she started to stand, her fuku in ribbons as her tiara vanished, leaving a symbol of the moon glowing on her forehead. “You are a terror, a marshal of the Things! I will not stand by and let you destroy all we love and care for!”
And her hands went to her broach as the crystal was revealed.
A flare of silver light shot out and struck Kronos who groaned and pushed it back, knocking her to her backside.
Fool! You really think that the crystal could destroy me? I am stronger than Metallia, stronger than Chaos itself. I have lived for eternity, and that accursed weapon of the moon was only able to sunder me into five!
“Which only goes to prove you can be hurt,” spat Mars, her own fuku a flowing flare of ribbons.
“That’s right,” groaned Jupiter, helping Venus to her feet. “If we can split and banish you in the past, then we will be able to kill you now.”
“All of us, together,” said Mercury, helping Moon up despite the enormous pressure.
Then join each other in oblivion!
Lances of green lightning arced towards them but suddenly terminated mere seconds before striking them as the entire formation shook.
*
*
In a shimmer of light, three massive titans arose from the depths of the ocean. Three giants made of red, blue and green crystal stood in a triangle formation as they stretched their hands out as one.
Glowing magic leaped from their fingers as it struck the meteor, eliciting a powerful psychic wail of rage form the beast within. Captain Noguchi whistled as the creatures that were attacking the fighter jets suddenly dropped dead. “Report!”
“Hostiles are dropping dead sir. Whatever’s animating them just simply stopped,” reported a man at the sensors.
“Captain, we’re receiving a hail from our fortifications in Azubu-Juuban.” Called out another woman.
“Patch it through.”
“Captain this is Sailor Pluto. I believe you’ve just got an opening. Take it.” And with that, the line went dead.
“Fire at will!”
*
*
“Looks like our friends came through,” grinned Jupiter as Kronos roared angrily.
Sailor Moon nodded as she held up the crystal again and everyone stepped up to support her. Silver magic flared and lanced out, striking the sword, driving it deep.
Kronos screamed as it was being attacked from within and Moon grimaced. “I think we need a bit more power than just the five of us!”
“Suggestions? Cause I’d love to hear one!” replied Mars.
“Well…”
*
*
Pluto looked up suddenly. Without warning, the entire future became clear to her. A smile spread across her face. “Of course….”
“Hold the line!” she commanded as she teleported away and reappeared in the middle of a frantic UN meeting.
At her appearance, many people quieted down and those who didn’t was drawn to attention by Pluto rapping her staff on the podium. “Attention UN. I need all cameras turned on immediately, and all broadcast signals to be turned to this one.”
*
*
“That’s your plan?!” exclaimed Mars as they continued to suppress Kronos’ power with their own. “Just ask the world for help?!”
“It worked in DBZ, why wouldn’t it work for us?” defended Moon.
“But…!”
The chime of their communicators drew Venus’s attention as she clicked it. “This is not a good time!”
“It’s the perfect time,” said Pluto. “Sailor Moon, make your speech.”
“Oh great, and I failed speech class,” grumbled Sailor Moon.
*
*
All across the world, Sailor Moon’s face appeared on every single television set in the world, and whatever was left was broadcast on the radio. “People of Earth, this is Sailor Moon. No doubt you are watching the battle over the Pacific right now. I know you expect us to save you, but we can’t do this alone. Already our men and women are fighting to protect what is precious to us.”
She exhaled. “I’m asking everyone to lend their power. Raise your hands and believe that your hopes and dreams will defeat this foe. You can’t let the fears he is plaguing you with to get a hold of you. Please.”
*
*
It started small, but then it grew.
Pinpricks of light began to flow towards the battle as even the crews of the ships wished them well. Hopes, dreams, and the will to live flowed in steady streams before twisting into the shell of the evil god.
And as one, it slammed home into the Silver Crystal. Sailor Moon had a moment to squeak in surprise as the force of an entire world slammed into Kronos.
Kronos screamed, not in fury but in pain as the magic began to tear him apart. His pain followed its way to the creatures, the Things as they stopped and started to fall apart. The brilliance of the silver light grew and exploded, as a massive beam of light streaked to the skies. It traveled through space and soon, one by one, the four remaining parts of the dark god were atomized.
*
*
Usagi… Usagi!
Usagi opened her eyes and sat up in the formless white void as a elegant woman looked down on her. “Usagi…” smiled the ancient Queen.
“Mother…” said Usagi. “Am I dead?”
“No, just overcome by the Crystal for a moment.” The old queen smiled fondly at her daughter. “Congratulations Usagi, you did it. You defeated the last of the line of Metallia.”
“I didn’t do it alone. Everyone helped.” Said Usagi. “Is everyone alright?”
“A little winded, but yes everyone is fine.” Said the queen. “Now wake up. It’s time for you to leave.”
Usagi… Usagi…!
*
*
“Wake up!” exclaimed Mars as Moon was shook to consciousness. “Geez, don’t scare me like that!”
“Rei-chan… oh, did we win?” said Moon, sitting up at the huge hole in the meteor and the lack of Kronos. “Did we get him?”
“Yeah we got him good,” grinned Jupiter.
“We kicked its tail!” added Venus.
“And we’re all safe,” said Mercury.
As if to prove them wrong, the meteor began to shake. Venus paled and exclaimed, “LOAD-BEARING BOSS! EVERYONE OUT!”
The girls scrambled to their feet and charged towards the newly made exit as the entire structure began to com down on them. Nearing the end, steam hissed from cracks in the wall. “Jump!” yelled Mercury and the senshi leaped free of the meteor just as it began to explode.
The world was lit up with a giant fireball as the girls feel free.
*
*
One Week Later…
*
*
“… and thus, we thank the Sailor Senshi and their allies for their part in the battle against the alien Kronos. And we award them with medals of honour, medals of service to the world, and medals of bravery.”
The applause was thunderous as the girls blushed, ranging from the battered Outer Senshi to Moon who stood in the middle, nursing a broken arm. Tuxedo Kamen stood behind Hestia who was in a wheelchair from exhaustion of nearly all of her power. “And now, we would like Sailor Moon to speak.”
John Keller smiled at the girls as he gestured towards Sailor Moon who strode up to the platform. “Thank you Secretary Keller, members of the UN, everyone.”
Sailor Moon inhaled and let out a deep breath. “When we were first beginning, we had a tough time. But through the help of our friends, allies, and people who soon began to trust us all, we earned a place in your hearts, that you all lent your power to defeat Kronos.”
“When I was elevated to the position of Sailor Moon, I was told in time that there would be a shining city where Tokyo stood. Now, with the help of our friends, we can build that city. But…” Sailor Moon looked down. “I don’t feel right, being your ruler.”
A murmur went through the crowd and Setsuna smiled despite Luna’s expression.
“The old me, would have jumped at becoming Queen of a Crystal Tokyo as Neo-Queen Serenity. I would have ruled, but to me, that doesn’t feel right. And despite it being ‘predestined’, I like to make my own destiny. This event changed everything. And like a butterfly, I need to learn to spread my wings and make my own changes. I am Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. I am also Eternal Sailor Moon, your savoir. But…”
And Sailor Moon reached up and touched her forehead, and there was a flash of light as Usagi lifted her head. “But I am also Tsukino Usagi, student at Cherry Blossom University and soon, will be graduating with a basic C average from Political Sciences. Because lord knows, I’m never the best student. I don’t deserve the title of Princess, or General or anything. Not yet. I am Usagi. Thank you.”
And as Usagi turned to step down to the podium, a cry rang out. “USAGI!”
She lifted her head to see Naru muscling through the crowd. “So that’s it? You’re going to just give up on the dream?”
“Naru-chan?” inquired Usagi.
The girl grinned and folded her arms. “Usagi, you’re strong, you’re brave. You have people to help you, people to support you. You aren’t just Usagi; you’re Sailor Moon, you’re a General, you’re a Princess, you’re a QUEEN. And I think that’s what everyone feels.”
The sound was soft at first, but then it grew. People started to clap, whistle and cheer. Usagi blushed and Naru gave her oldest friend a grin. “Do it!”
Filled with encouragement, the Senshi started to clap too, whistling. And Tuxedo Kamen nodded, his eyes filled with happiness.
And with that, Usagi threw up a hand. “Moon Cosmic Power…!”
And a thunderous cry of “MAKE UP!” echoed across the land amidst cheering for the girl who would be queen, as she was bathed in light.
*
*
“Usagi? USAGI!” Ikuko sighed as she tapped her spatula against her hand. “Really, she’s still so lazy in the morning.”
“Usagi’ll never change,” replied Shingo as he took a bite of his toast.
“Now, now, Shingo, stop picking on your sister,” chided Kenji as he read a paper with the headline “Sailor Moon Revealed!” splashed across it.
“Mrgh…” said a tired sounding voice as Usagi stumbled into the room. “Good morning…”
“Usagi, were you out all night again?” remarked Ikuko sternly. “You know that’s bad for you.”
Usagi yawned as she sat down and blindly groped for her coffee mug which was pressed into her hand. “She’s righr Usagi-chan, you need to sleep more.” Said Luna.
“Since when did you encourage laziness?” inquired Usagi of her cat.
“Since the battle,” replied Luna as she returned to her eggs.
“Usagi-chan, Naru-chan called today. She’s coming to pick you up. Said something about spending the day with an old friend?” said Ikuko.
“Oh right, almost forgot,” yawned Usagi as she continued to drown herself in coffee. Eating quickly, she meandered back upstairs. “Dibs on the shower!”
*
*
“Usagi-chan!” called out Naru as she waved at the girl, holding onto the handles of the wheelchair she was pushing.
“Usagi-sama, hello!” exclaimed Elvana.
“Naru-chan, El-chan!” called out Usagi as she walked up. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Waiting for us at the shrine. Ami-chan’s going to be late though as well as Hotaru.” Replied Naru.
“Eh? How come?” inquired Usagi as the group headed off for the shrine.
“Seems that Ami-chan and Hotaru-chan made a great impression on their squads; they keep phoning her! Same with Hotaru-chan.” Giggled Naru.
“Oi!” called out Mamoru as he walked up to them, folding his girlfriend in a hug who snuggled up. “Naru-san, El-san.”
“Let’s get a move on; the girls are waiting for us.” Said Mamoru and the others shared a grin.
As they walked along, Usagi looked up into the sky as she walked along. For once, the future didn’t seem set in stone. She was free to make her choices, Crystal Tokyo or not. Everything looked fine. “I’ll be queen. But not today.”
“Hey Odango-atama, we’ll leave you behind!” called out Naru and Usagi fumed.
“H-hey! Are we going to go through that again?!”