drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2010-02-19 12:11 am
drunkenpandaren) wrote2010-02-19 12:11 am
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I took a second look at the fic and decided that it needed a serious overhaul in some scenes. So here's where the new material begins.
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…?” The young man smiled down at her and she returned to giving energy to the key.
“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 and a radio. “I see…” Her expression focused into a strong resolve and her key glowed even brighter.
Hestia almost faltered at the moment, and then a pair of moon cats brushed up next to her, giving their own energy. “We’re counting on you three.” Said Artemis.
“That’s right,” said Luna as she curled up next to Hestia. “We’re all fighting.”
“As am I,” said Tuxedo Kamen, resting his hand on Hestia’s shoulder. “C’mon then, the final push is needed!”
Energy wrapped and flared around Hestia’s key and it glowed just as brilliantly as the other two. The three keys floated upwards and then in a burst of speed, shot out into the sky, leaving three drained women behind.
*
*
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. A second blast slammed them into the ground and there was a pained gasp from Venus as she spat up blood.
A third blast rocked into the senshi and Jupiter cried out in pain as she felt something snap in her arm. Another shockwave broke Mercury’s wrist and Mars screamed as her collarbone broke under the assault. Finally, one last slam impacted them into the ground and Moon felt her arm break.
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 a tech.
“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.
*
*
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 as she reached out and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “Oh my daughter… you’ve done so much for us.”
“Yeah…” sighed Usagi.
“Oh? What’s wrong?” inquired Serenity. “Is there something the matter?”
“Well… it’s just that everything’s moving too fast for me mother.” Said Usagi. “Here I am, I’m barely 19 and I’m a General now in the UN, just because it needed to be done. I… I’m not that much of a leader and even though people say I’m going to become a great Queen… I don’t feel like one.”
The queen smiled at her daughter and drew her into a hug. “Oh Usagi,” said the queen. “Nothing is set in stone my child; Pluto knows this best of all. Even if Crystal Tokyo were to come about in a heartbeat, it wouldn’t change the fact that you chose to make this come about.”
“But… my daughter!” exclaimed Usagi. “What of Chibiusa?”
“My dear daughter,” said Serenity fondly. “What do you think? Shall she be raised as Small Lady, the Princess of the Court? Or Usagi the Second, a normal girl who can enjoy her life and create her own destiny?”
“Destiny…” echoed Usagi. “I… never thought about it like that. If Crystal Tokyo were to come about… then first I need to know how to LIVE before I can rule. Correct?”
“That, my dear young one is all up to you.” Said Serenity with a brilliant smile. “Now wake up. It’s time for you to leave.”
Usagi… 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. She winced at the pain in her arm. “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 fell 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. Not yet. 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 right Usagi-chan, you need to sleep more.” Said Luna. “After all you ran yourself ragged the last week.”
“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!”
*
*
Sometimes, I wonder how it would have been like to be normal. Not a reincarnated princess, just plain old Usagi.
A Usagi with hopes and dreams…
A Usagi who grew up…
A Usagi who didn’t know what came next.
And then I realized that I was that Usagi. I was normal, no matter how many people refuted the challenge.
I am Usagi Tsukino. I am Sailor Moon. I am the future Neo-Queen Serenity.
Thus, I am writing this down, so that when my own daughter steps into my shoes, she will know of the battle fought, for I have been told that due to our actions, Crystal Tokyo will not come about from a Great Ice, but a time of peace, prosperity and hope.
My name is Usagi Tsukino. I have friends, family, a bratty brother, a spore of a daughter, a loving future husband and the best life in the world.
I am. Sailor Moon.
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…?” The young man smiled down at her and she returned to giving energy to the key.
“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 and a radio. “I see…” Her expression focused into a strong resolve and her key glowed even brighter.
Hestia almost faltered at the moment, and then a pair of moon cats brushed up next to her, giving their own energy. “We’re counting on you three.” Said Artemis.
“That’s right,” said Luna as she curled up next to Hestia. “We’re all fighting.”
“As am I,” said Tuxedo Kamen, resting his hand on Hestia’s shoulder. “C’mon then, the final push is needed!”
Energy wrapped and flared around Hestia’s key and it glowed just as brilliantly as the other two. The three keys floated upwards and then in a burst of speed, shot out into the sky, leaving three drained women behind.
*
*
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. A second blast slammed them into the ground and there was a pained gasp from Venus as she spat up blood.
A third blast rocked into the senshi and Jupiter cried out in pain as she felt something snap in her arm. Another shockwave broke Mercury’s wrist and Mars screamed as her collarbone broke under the assault. Finally, one last slam impacted them into the ground and Moon felt her arm break.
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 a tech.
“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.
*
*
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 as she reached out and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “Oh my daughter… you’ve done so much for us.”
“Yeah…” sighed Usagi.
“Oh? What’s wrong?” inquired Serenity. “Is there something the matter?”
“Well… it’s just that everything’s moving too fast for me mother.” Said Usagi. “Here I am, I’m barely 19 and I’m a General now in the UN, just because it needed to be done. I… I’m not that much of a leader and even though people say I’m going to become a great Queen… I don’t feel like one.”
The queen smiled at her daughter and drew her into a hug. “Oh Usagi,” said the queen. “Nothing is set in stone my child; Pluto knows this best of all. Even if Crystal Tokyo were to come about in a heartbeat, it wouldn’t change the fact that you chose to make this come about.”
“But… my daughter!” exclaimed Usagi. “What of Chibiusa?”
“My dear daughter,” said Serenity fondly. “What do you think? Shall she be raised as Small Lady, the Princess of the Court? Or Usagi the Second, a normal girl who can enjoy her life and create her own destiny?”
“Destiny…” echoed Usagi. “I… never thought about it like that. If Crystal Tokyo were to come about… then first I need to know how to LIVE before I can rule. Correct?”
“That, my dear young one is all up to you.” Said Serenity with a brilliant smile. “Now wake up. It’s time for you to leave.”
Usagi… 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. She winced at the pain in her arm. “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 fell 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. Not yet. 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 right Usagi-chan, you need to sleep more.” Said Luna. “After all you ran yourself ragged the last week.”
“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!”
*
*
Sometimes, I wonder how it would have been like to be normal. Not a reincarnated princess, just plain old Usagi.
A Usagi with hopes and dreams…
A Usagi who grew up…
A Usagi who didn’t know what came next.
And then I realized that I was that Usagi. I was normal, no matter how many people refuted the challenge.
I am Usagi Tsukino. I am Sailor Moon. I am the future Neo-Queen Serenity.
Thus, I am writing this down, so that when my own daughter steps into my shoes, she will know of the battle fought, for I have been told that due to our actions, Crystal Tokyo will not come about from a Great Ice, but a time of peace, prosperity and hope.
My name is Usagi Tsukino. I have friends, family, a bratty brother, a spore of a daughter, a loving future husband and the best life in the world.
I am. Sailor Moon.