Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Crystal Dreams ❯ Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

The next day, the guardians and their new friends gathered in the throne room to discuss possibilities for their next move. For Serin, however, the reason was far more personal.

After passing out immediately after the battle with the clone, he had awoken later that night in a hospital room with Makoto watching over him, notwithstanding the bandages that were wound around nearly a quarter of her body. Despite the pain she was obviously in, her face brightened when he opened his eyes and began to stir.

Standing and hugging him gently, she whispered, "I'm so glad you're back with us, Serin-kun. I was so afraid that I..."

Serin gently extricated himself from the hug, and looked her in the eye, with a playful smirk on his face. "Come on, Mako-chan...you should know better than to think that a mere clone would be able to put me out of commission. Besides, I've got the moves, I've got the weapon, and dammit, people like me."

His last statement sent Makoto into a fit of uproarious laughter that was unfortunately cut short by a stabbing pain from her ribs. "Ouch..."

On his feet instantly, Serin took a step forward before he noticed that he felt awfully cold. That, coupled with Makoto's furious blush, prompted him to look down and notice...

"Oh, GEEZ!" he shouted, diving back under the covers. Once he was back in place, Serin quickly glanced around the room, hoping to spot at least a pair of pants, which he did after a few seconds. Pointing to them, he asked, "Um, Mako-chan...Uh, could you...?"

The whole time, both he and the warrior princess steadfastly avoided looking at each other, but Makoto nodded and retrieved the article of clothing in question, handing them to Serin.

As she did so, their hands touched for a brief instant, and both lovers felt a spark pass between them. This prompted the pair to truly look at each other, which they did for several moments. Finally, Serin blinked, momentarily breaking the spell, but he held her eyes fast as he spoke.

"Uh, Mako-chan. I, um...I have something I want to ask you...but could you turn your back for just a sec?" That last was said with a slightly embarrassed grin, which Makoto returned as she complied. Playfully, she tossed back over her shoulder, "I don't see why you're embarrassed about your body...I didn't see anything to hide-not from me, at any rate."

<Thud>

Makoto barely restrained the urge to turn, but did begin a giggling fit that got an answering growl from Serin, along with, "Not funny, Mako-chan." After that, a sly note crept into his voice as he added, "I'm guessing you were really looking, then."

The senshi of lightning was certainly grateful that her back was to her boyfriend at that point, as her face could most likely have passed for a tomato. Silence pervaded the room then, until Serin called out, "Okay, you can turn around now." By then, Makoto's blush had faded, and she turned to face her lover with a look of curiosity. "So...what was it you wanted to tell me?"

Serin took a deep breath...and then another...and then a third, before he finally stepped closer to her, took one of her hands...and then abruptly narrowed his eyes. "Just a sec," was his simple reply as he mimed putting his hands over his ears. Makoto, with a bit of hesitation and confusion, complied as he stepped up to the door, and...

"YAAAAAAHHHH!!!" he screamed. Faintly through the door, Makoto could several shrieks and yells followed by a few crashes and thuds, to be topped off by a round of muttering, which if the eavesdroppers were who Makoto thought they were, was anything but polite.

Turning with a self-satisfied smile, the paladin returned to his original position, and cleared his throat. "Okay...what I wanted to ask you was...Kino Makoto...will...will you marry me?"

For several long minutes, there was no sound at all, save for the A/C's drone. As the silence stretched on longer than he had originally thought, Serin began to have second thoughts just as Makoto cried out with joy and barreled into him with a tight bear hug.

"Yes, YES! I've wanted to for so long, I'd love to be your wife!"

"Mmm...agh...ack!"

"Oh! Sorry!"

As Makoto released him, Serin began gasping for breath, and shook his head once he'd at least partially recovered his composure. "Maybe I'd better let Ryuhi put the engagement ring on your finger, if that's how you respond to a proposal."

Makoto smiled at her fiancé, and hugged him again, though more gently this time. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you ask me that. I know that we've only rediscovered our past recently, but still..."

"Yeah...I know what you mean, Mako-chan. When I was first in the military, I, uh...had a major crush on you. The only problem was that I had no idea how to make you notice me without looking like a total doof."

Makoto smirked at that, and asked, "What? Like you still aren't?"

His eyes widening in mock outrage, Serin took a menacing step forward. "Oh, that's it. You're gonna pay for that."

For some time afterwards, shrieks of laughter could be heard up and down the hall just outside Serin's recovery room. Smiling to themselves, the other Scouts placed a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, then left the two lovebirds to enjoy some privacy.

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Serin shook himself out of his reverie as he realized that the senshi and his other companions were looking to him, as King Endymion gestured, "Serin...I assume that you have something to tell us?"

Serin nodded, and slowly stood. Pulling out his sword, he placed it on the table, and turned to his sister, though she didn't know it yet.

"Your Highness...may I borrow the Imperium Silver Crystal?"

Everyone present gasped at the enormity of Serin's request, but not as much as they did when Serenity unquestioningly complied. Smiling in gratitude, Serin placed the crystal into the niche on his weapon, where it fit perfectly, as if it had been designed specifically for that. A few moments later, a flash of light brought forth an image of Queen Serenity herself, who smiled serenely at everyone present.

"Greetings, everyone. I'm relieved to see that you're all well. For some time, I had wondered if I was ever going to get to see you again."

The younger Serenity gasped and stood, shockingly extending a hand to her mother. "M...mother? Is that you?"

"Yes, my daughter. A portion of my essence was captured inside of the Silver Imperium Crystal and the Crystal Sword moments before I passed on, so that when they were finally brought together, I would be able to return, albeit briefly, to tell you something important," the elder Serenity replied.

"What would that be, Your Highness?" Mercury asked.

Serenity turned to regard them all for a brief moment, then smiled over at Serin before revealing the story. She told them about the first contact with the Lunarians and their world-ship, and how she had fallen in love with the ambassador, TroYa...and he with her. She told them about the construction of the Crystal Sword with a portion of the Imperium Crystal, which brought startled comments from all save for Endymion, Jupiter, and Serin, who smirked slightly at the reaction their 'secret' had gotten. The queen also told them about how TroYa and all but one of the other Lunarians had been forced to leave, due to the act of treason committed by Zemus, and how she had grieved for him when she believed him to be dead.

Finally, she layed out her trump card. Turning to her daughter, Queen Serenity added, "My darling daughter...there was one final thing that was never revealed to you, because the time was not yet right. But now that the two Crystals are brought together...I want you to meet your brother, Serin."

Silence was the only thing that remained in the room for a full two minutes, during which the paladin shifted uncomfortably, unsure what the response would be to his royal lineage being revealed. Truth be told, he would have preferred not telling anyone about that, but if you got lemons, you made lemonade, as the old saying went.

The tableau was broken when Venus stood up from her place at the table, came around, and extended her hand with a smile on her face.

"Welcome to the team, prince."

Everyone around the table, and Serin echoed the senshi's sentiments, not sure how to respond, simply nodded, and put on a slight smile.

Once the initial excitement had died down, the younger Serenity turned to her mother's image, and asked, "Mother, all of this is fascinating and exciting, but...what does all of this mean? What relevance does it have now?"

The queen pursed her lips, and sighed. "Since the Crystal Sword's power has been unleashed, that can only mean one thing...Zemus has returned. I don't know how, but...I fear that he..."

At that, the queen's image took a deep breath, and visibly composed herself before continuing. "At any rate, somehow, Zemus is behind everything. That is the only way that the Crystal Sword is able to be unsealed. It is up to you to put a stop to him once and for all...but be careful. He was powerful enough to keep the Lunarian council at bay back in the Silver Millennium, and who knows what else he is capable of now. I have fait...all of...to...store pea..."

Before her last sentence could be finished, the image faded away, and the Crystal Sword's glow subsided. Each member of the group sat quietly, absorbed in their own particular thoughts, when Sephiroth spoke up.

"Okay...we know who's responsible for all that's happened in the last month. The only problem I can see is..."

"...Where he is," Uranus finished with a tightening of her hands. Michiru placed one of her own delicately over her lover's hands.

"Don't worry, Uranus, he can't hide forever." She smiled slightly as she added, "It seems to be a genetic trait for villains to reveal their whereabouts with some sort of grand revelation."

The senshi and their auxiliaries laughed at the truth to that, until Ryuhi commented, "Then I think Zemus has decided to extend an invitation. Unless, of course, I'm seeing double here."

The others turned to their comrade, who stood near a window, gesturing with a jerk of his head outside. Serenity and Endymion were the first ones there, with the rest close behind.

Up in the sky, the full moon's silvery glow could be plainly seen, blanketing Crystal Tokyo in its cold light. And next to it…

Most of the scouts stood in shock and confusion at the twin image, though Hotaru, Sephiroth, and Ryuhi showed no reaction to the spectacle. A long moment passed before Serin commented, "I'm not a big believer on omens, but…a blood moon rubs me the wrong way, ya know?"

Not even Venus smiled at that one.

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Serin lay in bed that night, thinking about the turn of events that had led him to this moment, and shook his head.

`Man…going up against Zemus? I know that my sister and the others have been through some tough fights and all, but…can I really put them in danger like this? Even if they're doing it voluntarily?'

As if in answer to his question, a knock came on the door, and after making sure he was decent, the paladin called out, "Enter."

The door quietly swung open a crack, and Sephiroth slipped through the opening, stopping just inside the room. His eyes were serious and intense, and Serin noted that not only was he dressed in his battle uniform, he was also carrying Masamune in a sheath on his back.

The confusion must have shown on his face, because before he could say a word, Sephiroth stated, "We're leaving in approximately twenty minutes to destroy Zemus. I thought you might like to know, so you could come with."

Serin blinked, and said, "Really? I didn't think the girls would be so quick to jump the gun like that…"

Sephiroth cut the sentence short by raising his hand. "They won't be coming with us," He stated bluntly. "If all goes well, Zemus will be dead by sunrise. The only ones going will be you, I, Ryuhi, Urawa, and Kara."

Serin frowned in puzzlement, and warily asked, "Why the sudden change in plans? Wouldn't it be better to go as one big group?"

The swordsman countered by asking in turn, "Do you want your sister or Jupiter to be in danger? I see no need for…any of them to go. I feel confident that the five of us will be able to handle anything that this Lunarian can throw at us."

Serin pursed his lips, and then slowly nodded. "Let me get my armor and sword, okay? I'll be ten minutes, tops."

Sephiroth nodded and left as silently as he came, leaving his friend to gather his equipment. As Serin fastened his sword, he pulled it free of its sheath, and stood there contemplating its blade for some time.

`I know we're doing the right thing. I don't want my sister or Mako-chan in harm's way again, but…why do I have such a bad feeling about this?'

The thought soon passed, and Serin departed, hoping against hope that Sephiroth was right.

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As Serin stepped outside, he noticed Ryuhi leaning against the ramp of their transport, casually cracking his knuckles. Glancing up, the martial artist straightened when he saw the paladin approaching.

"Good, you're coming after all. I was starting to get bored."

Serin stopped short just as he was about to pass by his comrade, slowly turned to look at him, and asked, "Are you like this all the time, or does it happen to be Asshole Day?"

Narrowing his eyes, Ryuhi took a step closer, and stated very deliberately, "Just be glad I'm on your side, princeling." With that, he turned and marched into the Big Whale.

Serin followed suit almost immediately, and saw that everyone else was already present. Urawa was sitting in a nearby chair, with his head bowed and staff held upright, while Ryuhi sat in another seat far off in the corner. Kara and Sephiroth, in the meantime…

"Look, I just don't understand what you're trying to say here! Are you saying that you have no faith in the Sailor Scouts? Or," she asked with a dangerous tone, "are you implying that men are superior in battle?"

Silently glancing upward, Sephiroth remained silent for a few moments, and then glared at Kara. "A), I'm not saying anything of the sort, B), you're being ridiculous, and C)…if you must know, I am simply not keen on putting them in danger unnecessarily. I don't care how tough people think Zemus is, the five of us can handle him just fine. Therefore, we go, they stay, we're back before they know what happened, end of discussion. Clear?"

Kara deflated a little, but remained sounding petulant as she muttered, "Crystal."

Letting out a sigh of relief, the swordsman turned, and smirked as he spotted his friend. "Ready to go?"

Serin smiled slightly, and gave a mock salute. "Let's do it. What do we have to do?"

Pointing over to the crystal, Sephiroth said, "The inscription's translation is over there. Just go ahead and take care of it while I shut the hatch."

Nodding, Serin strode up to the indicated location, and after skimming through the plaque, reached out and placed his hand flat on the crystal. Taking a deep breath, he then attempted to visualize the ship's travel to the second moon that had appeared over the earth.

Seconds later, the others felt more than heard a low humming sound build up throughout the ship, which gradually became accompanied by a steady rumble. Urawa glanced out one of the few windows in the ship, and saw the ground slowly pulling away from their ride as they rose into the air. Grinning, he turned to his friends, and shouted, "Looks like we're in business…"

…Just before the crystal flashed, and the entire party found themselves flattened by a tremendous force of acceleration as the Big Whale headed for its destination. This lasted for only a few minutes, but it was enough to shock everyone, even Ryuhi.

"…The **** was that?!?" the martial artist queried.

As Sephiroth regained his footing, and shook his head to clear it, he replied, "Ungh…I believe…that that was the sudden acceleration into escape velocity. Since we're able to move around now, I imagine that we're already in space."

Urawa raised a surprised eyebrow at the swordsman's explanation, and asked, "Wow…you must have studied quite a bit when you were younger…or were you an astronaut before the Cataclysm?"

"Uh…I…think I just studied a lot…yeah, I'm pretty sure that's it."

A brief moment of silence fell before Serin took charge. "Alright, then, let's get cracking. We have to work on a strategy before we get to Lunaria, and I think it's safe to say that at this speed, we won't have much time."

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As it turned out, they did have quite a bit of time before finally arriving at Lunaria…three hours, to be precise. Kara spent most of the time alone in a different part of the ship, though Ryuhi swore several times that he would walk by to use the facilities, or fix up some food, and heard her talking to somebody. As soon as he approached to investigate, however, Kara would stop talking, and act as if nothing had happened. After awhile, Ryuhi just shrugged, and ignored it.

Urawa spent most of his time alone as well, though he would often be seen kneeling in prayer, with his staff lying in front of him. The few times he got up it was only for a few seconds before he returned to his normal position.

Sephiroth and Serin outlined a few strategies against Zemus once they got to him, though neither one of them knew just how useless those strategies would be once they reached their goal.

Ryuhi, however, was the most restless. The first hour was okay, since he devoted himself to running through several of his katas, and keeping his mind and body in top condition. The second hour was more strenuous on him, but he kept himself occupied for the most part by eating his double portion of the food that he had packed from the palace kitchen. He just hoped they didn't notice that half of the pantry was gone…

By the third, however, he was extremely irritated.

"When are we going to get there? I need something to fight!"

As Serin and Cid attempted to make sense of the controls and readouts, Sephiroth politely cleared his throat from behind the martial artist, and calmly stated, "If you need someone to fight, then you can fight me. I don't think it will hurt our fighting strength at all if you were injured here, since you seem to be adept at quick recoveries."

Ryuhi smirked, and slowly eased into his combat stance. Before Sephiroth could prepare himself, Serin called out, "Looks like we made it…"

Checking his initial attack, Ryuhi snapped his head around in surprise, and ran over. After briefly glancing at the readouts, the warrior turned to Serin and demanded, "How do you know we're here? None of these gauges make any sense!"

Smirking in reply, the paladin reached down and pressed a small button that had a dark oval set above it. Instantly, a screen materialized, showing an almost immaculate view of outer space. Centered in this view screen was a picture of a planetoid, almost 1.5 times the size of the moon they all knew, seemingly lifeless. From the distance they were positioned, the redness that had been prominent from the ground was no longer visible; instead, its surface was a light brown, still apparently very much devoid of life.

As they watched the view screen, Cid carefully piloted the Big Whale closer and closer to the ground, ever on the alert for a possible attack. Once they had reached a safe cruising altitude, the pilot relaxed and began searching for a safe place to land.

It was that inattention that cost them all.

A sudden explosion from the port side of the ship caught everyone's attention, as did the sudden acrid smell of an electrical fire. Before anyone thought to shout a warning, two more explosions erupted from the starboard, and from the stern.

A mere second later, the fuel cells in the tanks detonated.

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Makoto woke with a start, drenched in sweat, and tightly gripping her bed sheets. Glancing around the room, she slowly began taking deep breaths, calming her racing heart.

`Only a dream, thank goodness…but…it seemed so real…'

Shaking the last remnants of the dream out of her head, the warrior-princess threw the sheets back, and hopped out of her bed, pulling a nightgown on top of her normal nightwear as she opened the door. Whether it was a dream or not, she had to make sure that Serin was okay.

Silently padding down the halls, she passed by the royal bedchambers, faintly catching a loud snore from the other side. Makoto giggled to herself as she heard it, shaking her head in amazement.

`No matter how `old' she gets, some things never change,' the senshi thought wryly. No sooner than that thought had passed through her mind, than she reached her fiancé's quarters. Taking a deep breath to calm her fluttering heart, Makoto knocked several times, and stepped back.

When she received no answer, even after ten minutes of waiting, Makoto frowned and knocked again, this time a bit louder.

Silence.

A sudden trickle of fear began to work its way into her system, causing the senshi to throw open the doors, and peer inside.

It only took her a few moments of frantic searching to discover that Serin wasn't here.

As if to confirm her thoughts, a near-deadpan voice from behind her stated, "Serin isn't here, Makoto-san. None of them are."

Whirling around, Makoto blinked as she saw Hotaru standing there, glancing around the room briefly before resuming eye contact with her comrade.

"H…how do you know, Hotaru-chan?"

Hotaru's eyes flashed briefly with pain and worry, and she looked down. "Because Seph-kun and I…are psychically linked. And…" At this, she suddenly looked up at Makoto and flung herself into the older senshi's arms, crying. "And now the connection's broken! All I got was a brief flash of pain, and now he isn't answering! He might even be…"

Makoto squeezed her young companion tightly, if only to stop the inevitable possibility from slipping out. "Sh, you know him better than that, Hotaru. Sephiroth's way too stubborn and too tough to roll over and die that easily. But…I'd be willing to bet that those dummies took off and are trying to take out Zemus themselves. That flash of pain was probably just from a battle they had, and Sephiroth is unconscious for the moment. That's all."

Sniffling, Hotaru looked up, her eyes filled with hope, and asked, "R…really?"

Makoto nodded, forcing a fake smile that apparently reassured her comrade greatly. "I'm sure of it. But I'm also sure that the others wouldn't want to be left out of this fight, so why don't you see if you can get Haruka and Michiru awake, alright? I'll go get the others."

Reassured now, Hotaru quickly ran down the hall toward her `parents' room, while Makoto, who was filled with terror at the very real possibility that she wouldn't let Hotaru voice, turned in the other direction and ran as fast as she could to her friends.