Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / Gundam Wing Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Lives Crossed ❯ Step in the Dark ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Lives Crossed
Chapter One - Step in the Dark


Prologue



The sound of heeled boots clicking against hard marble floor echoed in the silence. An eerie silence filled the area. It did not seem to bother the figure that walked through the mist. The figure waved her hand willing the mist to clear. The mist seemed to swirl for a moment before solidifying into some sort of mirror, it seemed fogged at first as if shrouded but then it cleared. An image began to form in the mirror and a smile crept on the figure's face.

A blonde woman roughly in her twenties and a man slightly older came into focus. The woman was holding a small pink haired child in her arms. The image was full of a light and happy aura and slowly as if the figure had willed it to change again the image in the mirror changed. Just as something was beginning to focus the mirror blackened and with out warning it shattered into small particles returning to mist. The figure gasped, shock clearly written on her features.

"That just isn’t possible," she whispered to herself.

She ran a tan hand through her long emerald hair as several thoughts crossed her mind. It was a rarity for one of the viewing mirrors to shatter that way, and it was never good when it happened. In all her time as guardian of the gates and time had Setsuna seen a viewing mirror shatter once and what had followed had been the biggest catastrophe of all time, the fall of the Silver Millennium. Had she been able to see it she would have prevented it. This was why there were some things the fates did not allow her to foresee. There were rules to being the gate guardian and they bound Setsuna. She could not alter any events nor was she allowed to see her own fate. On these occasions where Setsuna was not allowed to intervene the mirror would shatter not allowing her to see, which the case was now.

Setsuna felt a strange sense of foreboding as she wondered what action to take. Her first instinct was to inform her Queen, Neo Queen Serenity. Clutching her garnet staff with new resolve, Setsuna turned to the gates set on paying the young Queen a visit.


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Chapter One


"Setsuna, will you relax? "

That was the Queen's first reaction when Setsuna relayed what had happened to her at the time gates. Her voice held a hint of youth and joy, yet at the same time held a regal air to it. Authority was prominent as she spoke. She was sitting on the thrown with the small princess on her lap. There was a rattle clutched in the 11 month old's hand and she was giggling.

"Serenity, something just doesn’t feel right. I'm worried that something may happen." Setsuna insisted.

Despite the fact that everything seemed peaceful and the royal family had for once found happiness Setsuna had a gut feeling that the glass shattering truly was a bad omen. The Queen shook her head still holding a smile.

"Honestly, we haven’t been attacked for quite some time now. Life is so peaceful; I don't think we've ever been at peace for this long. Maybe you just need some time away from the gates. You look tired my friend."

Setsuna smiled slightly. Serenity always worried about her, and everyone else around her. Becoming Queen had not changed her at all. Her innocence still shone through like the purest light. Serenity would always be a good-natured person and this is why everyone loved and respected her. Setsuna caved under Serenity's concerned gaze.

"Perhaps that's all it is, I've been at the gates far too long."

Serenity smiled again.

"You're more than welcome to stay at the palace. Reeni's birthday is in a few days, you can be here for the festivities." She offered.

Setsuna bit her bottom lip contemplating the thought of leaving the gates. It was definitely a change to be out of the solitude of the gates she had seldom been allowed that privilege. She would also be closer to Serenity and the others incase something did happen.

"I suppose it will be alright for a few days," she finally agreed.

Setsuna leaned back in the armchair she sat in across from the Queen. A sigh escaped her lips. Something still did not bode well with her. It was like some little voice in the back of her mind was yelling for her to see what she could not. The voice was taunting her, crying out to be heard. Yet there was nothing to do, her foresight only went so far and what she could not see she could not fight until it was upon them. All they could do was sit, sit and wait.

Soon the two women were joined by the other outer senshi. Setsuna and Michiru exchanging knowing looks as the aquamarine haired woman entered followed by Haruka. Haruka had a protective arm around her lovers waist as the four of them talked over several things. After a lengthy conversation, the outers offered to show Setsuna to a room and get her settled in. They exited the thrown room bidding good-bye to the Queen and walked through the corridor leading to the foyer of the palace where the main staircase would take them to the upstairs rooms.

As they walked through the empty halls, the only company was the noise their heeled boots made as they clicked on the hard surface of the marble floor. It was an eerie silence aside from the echoing sound of their steps. Behind Setsuna's normal facade, she was becoming seriously unnerved. It was a very strange sensation so foreign to her that she couldn’t comprehend it. It was a silence that was disturbing, unlike the quiet dignity with which Hotaru constantly held herself. It was as if the whole palace was plunged deep into a deathly silence much worse than the Messiah of Saturn could ever fathom or create in all her glory.
Ironic how such a delicate and sweet little girl like Hotaru could carry the strongest and deadliest power out of all the senshi and even that wasn’t enough to scare Setsuna. Setsuna didn’t know fear, her life had shown her to brush it off. As they continued their walk, however Setsuna began to slowly register what she was feeling, it was for the first time fear, something she didn’t feel often and she didn’t understand why she was feeling it now.

The outer senshi gathered in the room that Michiru and Haruka shared. Hotaru had joined them and was sitting on Haruka's lap. She had playfully dubbed Haruka, Otou San ever since she had come to live with them as a child. Hotaru being as young as she was still considered Michiru and Haruka her parents and to an extent, they were surrogate parents to the little senshi. Setsuna went into some detail of what happened at the gates when she had tried to see into one of the mirrors.

It was Michiru who first spoke up. She had similar means of foreseeing events but her mirror as effective as it could be was completely blackened to her request. She was going by feeling alone much like Setsuna was.

"I feel it too. I've felt it for days now even before you came. The scent of the sea is different; it carries the taint of blood."

Michiru was sitting on the window sill looking out to the ocean view the waves were crashing lightly on the beach. Nothing seemed out of place. The positioning of the palace was quite breath taking the whole west side of the palace had an ocean view which was why Michiru had urged Haruka into taking a room on the west side.

Haruka looked skeptically at her lover. True Michiru was more in tune with these kinds of things but Haruka would have felt something by now as well. She didn’t though, unless you counted the fact that every now and then when she looked at the King this nagging sense of foreboding would come over her which she had shrugged off and chalked it up to the fact that she didn’t like him. She never had liked Endymion simply because she was over protective of Serena, their princess now Queen.

"Michiru," Haruka spoke calmly shifting Hotaru slightly whom had fallen asleep," I really don't think anything is going to happen. It’s been so peaceful since Serenity came into reign and besides it’s almost princess Reeni's birthday. No one in their right mind would attack the palace when so many of the senshi are gathered. "

Haruka's words held a lot of truth in them. The senshi united were a force to be reckoned with. They did not satisfy Setsuna however no matter how much truth there was. The nagging feeling in the back of her mind just wouldn’t leave her entirely. She kept her thoughts to herself though and allowed the rest of them to take confidence in the wind senshi's words. Michiru bit her lip and nodded, choosing to put faith in her lover’s words.



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The days after that night went quickly. Preparations for the princess’s birthday celebration were under way and even Setsuna was enjoying herself. On days that she wasn’t helping Serena with the preparations she spent her time in the gardens with Reeni and Diana or out on the beach shore.

Reeni’s birthday finally came almost all too soon. Setsuna had offered to take Reeni and Diana out to the beach for the morning so that Serena could tend to things with out worrying about her. So there she was lying back in a beach chair and watching the girls play in the sand right in front of her. The sun was beginning to set so she gathered the girls and took them inside.

Serena was waiting inside after having just left Luna with the last final arrangements. A swift greeting was exchanged and Serena took both children up for a bath. Setsuna retreated to her own room to take a shower.

Giggling could be heard from Serena’s bathroom as the girls splashed around in the bath water, their hair all soapy from the shampoo. Serena giggled at the girls antics as she rinsed their soapy hair. Reeni sputtered a little bit at all the water before splashing Serena getting her partially drenched. Serena laughed as she reached up to get two fluffy, dry towels from the rack.

"Okay time to get you girls dry and into your party dresses." she told them cheerfully.

She drained the water from the bath and wrapped a towel around each of the girls. Lifting them out of the tub she took them into the bed room where she proceeded to dry them properly. Turning around leaving both girls still wrapped in the towels and in toddler underwear, Serena proceeded to look through her daughter’s closet.

She found a form fitting small white gown that Reeni had just about now grown into. It was simple with a tea party cut and gold trim. Serena unhooked it from the hanger and set in on the bed while she returned to searching for another gown for Diana. She found an adorable lavender dress with the similar tea party length that would look perfect on Diana. Drawing the other dress out she pulled out two boxes of dress shoes. A pair of ivory ones for Reeni and black ones for Diana. Her attention turned to the girls ready to dress them when a voice came from outside the bedroom.

"Serenity, love? Are you girls ready yet?" The King asked from outside.

"Almost!" Serenity called back cheerfully, "We'll be right down in a minute."

The King smiled upon hearing his wife. She sounded giddy and excited like the teenage girl he always knew and always would love. She had never lost her innocence even after all the ordeals they had lived through together. This was why he adored her so much.

"I'll be down stairs attending to the guests. Some have already arrived." he called back to her.

"Perfect, I'll join you as soon as I’m done with the girls. " she replied.

With that, he turned to join the arriving guests downstairs. Inside Serena returned her full attention to getting the girls dressed. She still had herself to dress since she had been drenched from the girls’ bath.

"Okay, "she said to them with a smile, "Raise your arms up for Mum . " she instructed while performing the action for her daughter to follow.

Reeni did so and Serena slipped the white tea dress over her. The ivory shoes followed and Reeni was finally dressed. Serena repeated the process for Diana and then brushed out both girls still damp hair. The girl’s hair was starting to curl softly which gave Serena the idea of letting them both wear it down and maybe have a nice clip on the sides. She found a pair of crescent moon shaped clips for Reeni which she put on either side and cute lavender star shaped clips for Diana. She smiled approvingly at her work, feeling that both girls looked simply adorable.
She set them in Reeni's play pen so that she could get dressed herself. She hopped in the shower quickly to rinse off; she had taken a proper shower earlier in the morning and didn’t feel the need for another one. The warm water just felt refreshing. Drying off with another towel she stepped out of the bathroom with the towel wrapped around her. She rummaged through the closet she shared with Endymion. Her dresses taking up most of the space. She quickly drew out a white gown. It was fitting for the occasion and looked really extravagant. The gold trim was of very fine material. She dressed quickly almost in a rush since Endymion had told her guests were already arriving.

"Why am I always so late to everything?" She asked herself as she slipped on her shoes.

A knock came to the door just as she was starting to do her hair.

"Yes?" Serena asked.

"Serenity it’s me Luna, may I come in? "

"Oh, Luna of course. Diana is in here with me." Serena replied.

Luna walked in already dressed, fitted with a soft yellow gown that suited her beautifully. Her hair was let down in wavy black tresses. She smiled approvingly at Serena and what she had chosen to wear.

"Everything looks wonderful. I don't think we missed anything for this event." Luna informed. Her eyes falling on the girls whom were playing in the playpen.

"Thanks, I don’t think it would have come out so well with out all of your help." Serena replied as she picked up her hair into the meatball head style that everyone recognized and had grown to love.

"Oooh! The girls look simply adorable!" Luna gushed as she picked Diana up out of the pen.

"Yes, I think that dress looks particularly cute on Diana. She should keep it." Serena replied.

Serena leaned down scooping Reeni out of the playpen as well and turning back to Luna.

"We should go I'd expect everyone is waiting for us downstairs already."

Luna nodded and they headed downstairs to join everyone.



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The festivities were in full swing once they arrived downstairs. Serena was greeted by everyone as she made her way to Endymion whom was talking to Artemis by the thrones. They exchanged a smile. Artemis greeted Serena with a curt bow.

He looked stunning in a dress version of the guard’s uniform. He was now one of Endymion’s generals when the new kingdom had been constructed. Artemis excused himself to join his family and Serenity was finally left to really admire her husband.

He wore a very handsome black tuxedo. A sword in its sheath was secure around his waist much like Artemis had. She sat in her throne next to him, setting Reeni on her lap. Everyone approached the couple and child to wish Reeni a happy birthday, though the toddler didn’t quite understand the concept yet she was very happy. When it came time for what Reeni now understood to be cake or what she had dubbed ' ca-kee' the little one year old couldn’t be more pleased.

After the banquet, Luna offered to take care of Reeni so that Serena could dance a song or two with Endymion. Gratefully, Endymion offered his hand to Serena and whisked her off to the dance floor. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dancing, laughing and enjoying the music.

All in all Serena had to admit that it was turning out to be a perfect evening. The couple danced for what seemed like an eternity to them in their own little world. They were vaguely aware of the others around but nothing mattered to them anymore. It had been so long since they had enjoyed each others company that they were planning to fully enjoy the short time they had.

As the music ended, Endymion kissed his wife and guided her back to the thrones where Luna was waiting. Serena smiled taking Reeni back into her arms. The toddler gave a small yawn as her eyes struggled to stay open. Serena giggled as she watched Diana mirror the action.

"Why don't I take the girls upstairs to bed? I think they've had a long enough night." Serenity offered.

Luna nodded.

"That would be great; we can enjoy the rest of the night."

Serena smiled and shifted Reeni slightly whom was almost asleep and Luna handed Diana to her as well. She excused herself and headed towards out of the ballroom towards the foyer. The glass spiral stair case shimmering pleasantly as she started her ascent.


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Setsuna had been enjoying herself the whole night. She had been in conversation with the outers for some time and had even been asked to dance by one of the royal guards. She had been about to sit down with Michiru and Haruka when she noticed a familiar mop of blonde hair exit the ballroom.

Her better judgment told her to follow so she did. She left the hall, finding Serena as she was about to head up the stairs with the girls. It was then they both felt it. A dark, ominous feeling that had them both feeling as if they had been drenched with a bucket of ice water. Serena's head spun, she felt dizzy. The feeling had been so intense it nearly knocked all senses out of her. It was Setsuna’s quick reaction time that saved her from a nasty fall. With in seconds Setsuna had closed the gap between them to reach her and held her steady before she could fall with both girls in her arms.

"Are you okay ?" Setsuna asked concerned.

Serena nodded.

"Did you feel that just now?" Serena asked her blue eyes finally coming to focus.
"I did,” Setsuna replied, “I just wish I knew what it was."

Serena shook her head.

"We're probably just tired. It's been a long night." Serena said, trying to convince herself of that as well.

"Maybe," Setsuna added as an afterthought. " Can I help you with the girls?"

"Sure." Serena handed Diana over to Setsuna and they continued up the stairs.

Entering the bedroom Serena laid Reeni down in her crib, drawing the bunny print sheets over her small form. She turned to take Diana from Setsuna and lay the other sleeping toddler down to sleep. Drawing another blanket from the changing table she had beside the crib, she placed it over Diana. She smiled slightly at her daughter. She loved her baby more than life itself.
She kissed Reeni’s forehead, making a silent vow to always protect her. Something told her she would have to keep that promise soon. Her intuition never failed her even though right now she tried to convince herself that she was imagining things.

“I fought for this peace,” she thought to herself, “I won a chance for my people to have freedom and peace.”

But why can’t I shake this feeling ….

Where there is light, there is darkness …

“Come what may, my daughter, I will always protect you “

Serena turned away ushering Setsuna out of the room. She made it a point to shake the ominous feeling that now bothered her. Together she and Setsuna returned to the ballroom joining Endymion and the other guests. Taking her place at Endymion’s side she gave him a half hearted smile.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asked.

“Much,” she replied, her feigned smile still in place.

He didn’t buy it. He could see right through Serena whenever something was troubling her such as was the case now. He felt what she felt. The haunted look in her eyes ever since she had returned was almost unnerving. He took her hand gently and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Join me for another dance?” he asked hopefully.

“Of course.”

As they made their way to the dance floor, a sudden flash of light caught everyone's attention. Silence issued over the room until several explosions rang out from outside. Endymion was quick into action.

“Guards, go out there and find out what is going on!” he commanded.

The guards quickly took off as Artemis made his way to Endymion.

“I don’t like the sound of those explosions.” Artemis said.

As he spoke another explosion came louder than the last, much closer than the others had been. Two out of the five guards Endymion had sent burst into the hall. They were bloody and looked terribly worse for wear.

“King Endymion!” one exclaimed, “We’re under attack!”

Serena watched wide eyed as the other guard collapsed.

“Artemis, gather the royal guard and anyone who can come to arms. “ Endymion commanded.

Artemis gave a curt nod and left. Ami and Makoto joined the group as Artemis raced off to alert the guards. They had their transformation pens in hand and determined looks on their faces.

“Ami ! I need you to get all the guests out of here as calmly as possible. We don’t want a riot and Mako, get the other senshi to transform we’re going to need the fire power!” Endymion instructed both women.

“Right!” they replied in unison before they bolted in opposite directions to follow orders.

Serena stared in shock as the scene unfolded before her then something clicked in her mind. The girls they were upstairs. She had to get to them.

“Endymion! Reeni she’s upstairs! “

“Serena go to her and get to safety!” Endymion told her.

Serena shook her head.

“NO! I have to help I can’t just leave you all. “

Endymion grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.

“Serena GO! Promise me you will keep yourself and Reeni safe! “

“but..”

“GO!”

Serena was about to protest again but he drew her into his arms and kissed her. It was a kiss he knew would be the last he shared with his wife. Something told him that this was a force they couldn’t combat at least not when they had been so off guard and so unprepared. He released her, shoving her forward towards the doors.

“Serena GO!”

She gave one last look back before running out to the foyer. Tears were starting to stream down her cheeks as she ran. She had the feeling that from this moment on she would never see her husband alive again. She feared the very worst would come of the attack. She burst into the room acting on instinct alone. The girls were both crying, frightened from the loud noises coming from below.

“Shhh…It’s okay.” she said in an attempt to sooth the girls.

“We have to get out of here.” she thought to herself looking around the room frantically.

There was no other way besides going through the foyer again and attempt to make it to the hidden passage that led to Endymion’s base. She gathered two more blankets and wrapped each of the girls in them to shield them somewhat against the debris. She lifted the girls out of the crib and left the room heading in the direction of her own room. She needed to get her brooch and the one thing that had the possibility of getting them out safely.

Entering the room she set the girls on the bed and turned to a key pad on the side of her of her night table. Kneeling beside it, she dialed in the code revealing a small compartment. With in it lay the Emperium Crystal and a small golden key that hung from a thin necklace. She slipped the necklace over her head letting it fall loosely around her neck and then took the crystal into her hands. It quickly disappeared into her, where it would be safe.

After having experimented with the crystal for some time she had discovered that it was able to merge with her and she figured that this was the best way to keep it out of the wrong hands. The last thing she grabbed was a photograph, which she slid carefully into the sheets that wrapped around Reeni.

The picture was of her and Endymion when they had brought Reeni home. They both wore smiles as they looked adoringly at the small pink haired infant in her arms. They had been so happy that day.

She took the girls into her arms again and left the room racing towards the stairs. As she started her decent another explosion rang through the palace. It racked through the whole area making the entire palace tremble in its wake . The stairs shattered sending Serena and the children plummeting to the ground. Serena cried out in horror as the girls flew out of her arms.

She felt herself hit the ground forcefully and something pierce through her side. Her vision was blurred all she could see was the red of her blood staining the white dress she wore. Then just as suddenly as she had hit the ground she was lifted into the air a strong hand wrapped around her neck choking her. She coughed struggling to breath. Her steel blue eyes met the dark eyes of her attacker. They were cold and unforgiving and the dark energy he gave off surpassed even Galaxia in her glory. Her mind reeled as several thoughts raced through her.

She had failed Endymion she didn’t know what had happened to the girls when they had fallen through the stairs. She was going to die. She felt it as the hand tightened its grip around her neck. Her vision was clouding over and she was about to resign into her fate as everything began to grow black. A brilliant flash of light was the last thing she saw before falling into unconsciousness.


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The castle was in absolute silence. A soft groan echoed through the shattered palace as Serena began to stir. She struggled to sit up as the pain in her side from where a glass shard had pierced her gave her the reminder that she was still very much injured. Her hand instinctively went to her neck, which felt bruised from where she had been choked.

“Why am I still alive?” she wondered.

Her vision was beginning to focus as she attempted to stand but failed the first time. She growled as another wave of pain shot through her. Serena tried again this time succeeding. She removed the shard from her side and fresh blood began to stain her dress, not that it mattered to her as she walked around.

“How long was I out?” she thought as she stared in disgust at her surroundings.

Her home, her palace was in shambles, her peoples murdered blood staining everything her eyes set on. She hoped someone was still alive among all the destruction. Limping heavily, she looked for any survivors. At times she wanted to cry out but the fear of not receiving an answer kept her from doing that. Serena knew in her heart that their wouldn’t be anyone left to answer. She continued to walk, new tears coming to her eyes.

Why are the fates so cruel...

Why am I alive while the others lay dead trying to protect this kingdom…?

She couldn’t bare to go on as everywhere she went there was more death. She was about to collapse and give up when her eyes fell on him. She cried out in horror.

Endymion NO!

She ran to him. He was sprawled against one of the less destroyed walls of the palace with his own sword driven through him. She removed it letting it fall with a clatter to the ground beside her as she desperately tried to revive him. She knew he was gone but still she cried as she lifted his lifeless form into her arms.

You can’t leave me!

Her eyes fell to his sword beside her and an idea came to her mind.

She laid him down and picked up the sword holding it over her chest.

This life is no longer worth living.

Her hands trembled as she closed her eyes in silent prayer. There was no longer any will to live. She was about to drive the sword through her when a distant cry pierced the silence. Serena dropped the sword with a loud clatter.

Reeni was alive!

Serena knew her daughters cries anywhere. Running towards the crying she was brought to a pile of debris. Frantically she began to throw everything out of the way and finally there the two infants were. Both were crying a few scratches here and there but they were safe. The crystal must have reacted when the three of them had fallen through the stairs and saved the girls by encasing them in a protective bubble of energy. It had also kept the debris from crushing them. The energy subsided and Serena took both girls gratefully into her arms.

They stopped their crying after a few moments but now it was Serena’s turn to cry, in relief.

I thought I had lost you …

She held the girls tightly as if she was holding on for dear life. Serena spent minutes trying to gather her thoughts. Holding the girls gave her new strength.

“We aren’t safe here. We have to go.” she thought to herself as she stood.

The key that still hung around her neck began to glow as if her will alone commanded it. She looked around at those who lay defeated. Her life, her being would always stay with them.

In that moment she vowed on avenging all of them.

She closed her eyes as the key’s power was reaching its peak

Her will was passed on to the key and a brilliant light began to fill the room. The light soon began to envelope the three survivors.

Farewell my friends…

After a few final moments, they were gone.

A/N : :: sniffles :: Wow ..that was sad wasn’t it? I think this was even sadder than the first time I wrote chapter one. I hope everyone enjoyed this one better. Those who are reading this for the first time I hope you all enjoy this chapter and the rest that are coming. Please review and let me know if you all like the improvements, I have made. If it works out I’ll continue to improve the rest of the story. Thanks for everyone’s patients on the rest of the chapters I promise a chapter 23 real soon!

Please review and let me know if you all like the improvements I have made. If it works out I’ll continue to improve the rest of the story. Thanks for everyone’s patients on the rest of the chapters I promise a chapter 23 real soon !

Here are a few age facts :

Serena and the Inners - 19
Reeni - 1
Diana - 1 ( a few months older than Reeni )
Endymion / Darien - mid 20s 22-24
Outer Senshi - 22 ( Hotaru - 11 )

Other notes for the sake of the story :

Everyone knows that Luna, Artemis and Diana are supposed to be cats. In the manga however they have human forms as well. Since it was believed that peace had been achieved with the defeat of Galaxia the cats assumed their human forms. That is why I decided to write them in their human forms.

Any questions just ask in the reviews and I’ll be happy to answer in authors notes.