Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Requiem of Hope ❯ Chapter 2 - Homecoming and a Tragedy ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two - Homecoming and a Tragedy!

 

A sixteen year old Serenity stood on the bow of the small nautical vessel. Before her loomed her home, someplace she sorely missed. The peaks of the temples' towers stood tall and proud, greeting her. The weather was warm, a very welcome relief from the bitter cold that was a constant at Macalania. As the harbor came into view, she reflected on her last days in Guadosalam.

 

Just before she left Guadosalam, Maester Jyscal and Lord Seymour held a small banquet in celebration of her becoming a summoner. It was a rare occasion, when both father and son were in each other's presence and the atmosphere so light. They presented her with gifts and mementos for her journey back home. She was a bit sad to be leaving, as she had grown a bit attached to her guado family. They showed her kindness and treated her well, even those who had little tolerance for humans showed her respect.

 

Her departure had been sad, and a bit unusual. As her carriage pulled away she stared for as long as she could at Guadosalam and at the man she had come to know as a father.

 

****

Just before she set off to Luca, Maester Jyscal took her aside. “I must say Lady Serenity, it has been a pleasure having you here as a guest for these past 3 years.”

 

“No, the pleasure is mine, your grace,” she replied hugging him.

 

He held onto her firmly. “You and I will never again lay eyes on each other in Spira. I have- so many regrets, but that cannot be helped anymore. At first I dreamed that you would make a good wife for my son, and allowed myself to think that with you, the darkness around his heart would dissipate, but I was mistaken.” She gasped at his words and tried to draw back, but he did not let go. “When you and my son meet again, he will not be the same as when you left. I want you to stay far away from him. Avoid him at all cost. Do this for me, please, I beg of you.”

 

Serenity hugged him back tightly, tears threatening to fall. “I promise,” she whispered. Finally, he let her go and escorted her to her carriage. Seymour never showed to see her off.

****

 

As the dock came into view, she noticed the small crowd which had gathered, instantly picking out her fellow priestesses. Everyone was so excited, she instantly smiled. Their energy very was infectious, and she hadn't even set foot on solid ground yet!

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Serenity barely stepped off the ship when she was flooded by the other priestesses, people whom she hadn't seen in years. Their smiling faces instantly dispelled the overwhelming homesickness she had felt ever since she knew she was going home.

 

“Welcome back Usagi!” Rei squealed, the two of them hugging tightly and exchanging kisses. They had all grown a lot in the years they were apart, and were well on their way to becoming beautiful women.

 

“I'm so glad that you made it back safely,” Michiru said smiling.

 

“How was the journey back?”

 

“You have to tell us all about your training!”

 

“Did you meet any handsome men?” Minako gushed out.

 

“What were the guado like?”

 

“I wish I went with you!”

 

“What did you bring back for me?” Hotaru asked excitedly. A gentle smile touched her face as she looked around at them. It had been too long since she heard their voices, and as much as they grew up, it was still nice to know some things never changed.

 

“Now, one question at a time,” she responded smiling. She looked around. “But, where's Lady Setsuna?”

 

“She's waiting for you at the temple. She sent us ahead to get us out of her hair. They're preparing a welcome back feast in your honor,” Ami explained to her.

 

“Come on, lets get back,” Hotaru insisted, tugging on her arm. “We have a surprise for you!”

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Serenity set her bag down next to her old bed and surveyed her room. It almost looked like time stood still except she remembered her room a lot messier than that. The windows were open and a crisp ocean breeze blew in.

 

She wandered over to the window and looked out, beyond the bustling streets and towards the horizon. Serenity closed her eyes, giving a soft laugh. No matter what, she always looked at the horizon, and she was always in apprehension of `it' being there. Serenity leaned out of the window, allowing the wind to sweep fully over her body, trying to wash away the memories, if only for a few moments.

 

A soft knock interrupted her out of her reverie as one of the acolytes came in and bowed. She was clothed in the traditional wear for the temple of Chronos, but Serenity had never seen her before.

 

“My lady, before you go to the banquet, Lady Setsuna requests an audience with you,”

 

“Thank you,” she smiled. “What is your name?”

 

She looked startled and her cheeks colored. “M-My name? It's Belgemine my lady.”

 

“How long have you been an acolyte, Belgemine?”

 

“Not long, my lady. Just 6 months. I've wished to serve as a nun in the Temple of Chronos ever since I was a little girl. Only now am I able to fulfill my wish.”

 

“And is it all that you hoped it would be?”

 

“Yes! Of course my lady!” she exclaimed. “I am deeply honored to serve under the high priestess.”

 

Serenity giggles lightly. “Well, Belgemine, will you wait for me until I am ready?”

 

“Yes my lady,” she responded instantly.

 

As Serenity started to remove her top, she colored even more and lowered her eyes, “Would you like my assistance?”

 

Serenity blinked. “No, that's alright. You may wait outside until I'm ready to go.”

 

Belgemine bowed again and closed the door. Serenity shook her head. “How odd,” she said simply, pulling off her shirt.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Serenity followed Belgemine through the winding side passages into the main antechamber of the temple when Setsuna was waiting.

 

“We have returned Lady Setsuna.” Belgemine announced, kneeling.

 

“Good job Belgemine. Now please go help the others at the celebration any way you can.”

 

“Yes my lady,” Belgemine answered obediently, closing the door behind her.

 

“Please follow me,” Setsuna said, turning towards a small door in the rear of the room. Usagi followed her.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

 

Serenity followed Setsuna to her private chambers in the east tower. The room was just as she remembered it, still warm and inviting. Setsuna motioned for her to sit on the bed and sat along side her.

 

“My, you have grown up so much. Tell me honestly, how were you treated by the Guado?”

 

“Very well my lady. I couldn't ask to be in better hands.”

 

“I'm relieved. I heard some troubling things and my priority right now is to know that you were safe and not a part of it,” Setsuna explained. Serenity looked at her quizzically. “How was the Maester when you left?”

 

“He was well when I last saw him. He sent me off warmly and also gave me gifts for all of you and for our temples. He sends best wishes to you as well.”

 

“I see. And what of his son, Seymour Guado?”

 

“I-” Serenity hesitated a bit. She remembered Maester Jyscal's words as she departed, and they still weighed heavily on her heart. “I didn't get a chance to see Lord Seymour before I left. He was called to the Palace of St. Beveille on short notice.”

 

“Very well then,” Setsuna said. She turned towards the single window in the room, opening it wider and straightening the curtains. She knew she was hiding something, but calling her on it would only make Serenity non-responsive.

 

“You said that you received some troubling news, my lady?”

 

Setsuna was startled a bit, but quickly regained her composure. “If everything went well in Guadosalam, then it's nothing. Now, go and get ready, my little Usagi,” she smiled touching her face.

 

Serenity smiled and nodded. She was in the clear for now. She hugged Setsuna before leaving.

 

As Setsuna watched her go, her smile faded and a look of concern replaced it. “You take Spira on your shoulders, Usa. But Spira is not your concern. And neither are the Guado,” she whispered to the closed door.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Her welcome home feast was very lavish in recognition of the monumental event. It seemed that no expense was spared in welcoming their very first summoner home. The doors to the great hall remained open, and everyone, peasant, noble or priestess was allowed to enter.

 

In the midst of all the dancing, eating and drinking, Setsuna stood up and tapped her fork against her glass.

 

“Everyone, please quiet down!” she commanded and when all the talking had subsided, she continued.

 

“We're here to celebrate the homecoming of one of our daughters, who has been gone for what I consider is too long,” she said, looking at Serenity and smiling. “You have done well, Serenity, and have proven yourself once again. Now, show us the gift of Yevon.”

 

Serenity nodded and stood up, making her way to the center of the room. Staff in hand, she turned to face Setsuna and her other priestesses. Closing her eyes, she spun, stirring up snow and causing a significant decrease in temperature. Large ice crystals crashed to the earth behind her, and a ghost like figure descended from above to manifest within the ice. Instantly the figure became solid and shattered the ice into thousands of tiny pieces.

 

It leapt in front of Serenity, standing tall and proud before them, the cold radiating from her body.

 

“From the Macalania Temple, Shiva.” Serenity introduced, bowing.

 

Everyone sat there, wide eyed. Even Setsuna was amazed and rather impressed. Minako stood up, clapping and soon the whole room was filled with thunderous applause. Murmuring once again started as well.

 

“Ah, she's so pretty!” Hotaru gushed out.

 

“That's an aeon?! Amazing!” Rei exclaimed.

 

Shiva glanced at Serenity, who nodded. She then crouched down and jumped, disappearing into the darkness above them. Slowly the room warmed up and everyone went back to eating.

 

Setsuna sat back down, reflecting on what she saw. While that thing was definitely very powerful, it was nowhere near the power of sin, a power that had been burnt deeply in her memory even after so long.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Serenity sighed, taking in the cool night air. She decided to step out for a moment to get away from all the questions and praises she received. She had a long journey and was very tired. She gazed up at the moonless sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds set against the velvet sky, tempting you to touch them.

 

This was what she missed most. The stars seemed so far away in Spira, so out of reach.

 

“I'm home,” she whispered to herself.

 

“I thought I would find you here,” someone said behind her.

 

Startled she spun around only to discover it was just Minako. “You scared me.”

 

“I'm sorry if I did. I just wanted a chance to chat with you alone.”

 

“Really? What about?”

 

Minako walked towards her, stopping less than a foot in front of her.

 

“Don't think that you can come back here and take everything I've worked so hard for. You having found favor in Setsuna's eyes is meaningless. I am inline to be head priestess, remember that,” she said in a tone so cold, it shocked her.

 

“I-I understand,” Serenity stammered out. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she knew that it was coming.

 

As Minako walked away, she paused and turned. “I honestly hope that you begin your pilgrimage soon. After all, you are a summoner now.”

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Rei decided to go look for Serenity. The two of them didn't have any time alone together since she arrived and she had so many things she wanted to talk with her about.

 

On her way to Serenity's normal spot, she passed Minako coming from the opposite direction.

 

“Goodnight, Lady Mina-ko,” she paused after seeing the stern look on her face. Minako didn't even look at her as she went back to the main hall.

 

Rei found Serenity standing head down, facing away from her. `They're still at it even after all this time?' she thought to herself as she made her way towards her friend.

 

---

 

Serenity turned around when she felt another presence besides her. “Rei? What are you doing out here?”

 

“I came to see you. There were too many people around for us to catch up earlier,” she replied smiling gently. Serenity smiled as well.

 

“You didn't have to come out here though. We would have talked later, you know.”

 

“I was worried about you. You seemed a bit down at such a happy time.”

 

“I did?” Serenity answered a bit surprised. “I didn't know. I'm sorry, Rei.”

 

“It's alright. I always worry about you. Even when you were in Macalania I thought, `What's she doing? How's she sleeping? Is she eating enough? Is she dressed warm enough?' I can tell you, worrying about you isn't easy,” Rei scolded her playfully. A bright smile lit Serenity's face as she laughed. `That's the look I wanted to see,' Rei thought as she laughed as well.

 

“I'm sorry I worried you Rei,” she managed to reply in between laughs. The two friend talked light heartedly after that.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Serenity decided to stay home for six months before starting her pilgrimage. During that time, she served as a full priestess at her temple, performing her duties as a spiritual guide, leader in ceremonies and also as a healer. Just as when she was younger, people came to see her with all their ailments, from cuts and bruises to more serious injuries. She was always kind and gentle with them, and that made them love her more.

 

She was born to do this, helping people. She tried hard and often worked into the dawn with the sick and wounded. From simple accidents to fiend attacks, she was the first one they called when there was trouble. And she enjoyed it immensely. The look of relief their loved ones had on their face when she told them that the patient was out of the woods was priceless. She wanted to make sure that she helped as many people here as she could before she left for the final time.

 

During this time, Minako kept her distance from Serenity. She barely hid her resentment for her when they were together. And no matter how much it pained Serenity to know that the only family she had left hated her, she kept her distance as well. Minako had to sort out her own feelings, but then again, soon it wouldn't matter anymore.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Gohan looked up at the sky, noting how clear the weather was. The sky was a deep blue, cloudless for as far as the eye could see. It was a great day for traveling, and he was very excited. Ever since he had been brought back by Porunga, he wanted to do this.

 

“Hey Trunks, would you hurry up!” he shouted from his position near the time machine.

 

“I'm doing the best I can, so sit and wait,” he sighed frustrated. He thought he had fixed everything, but there was still a problem with the startup phase of this machine. `If only it would just work', he thought a bit angrily, all the while wondering how he got into this mess.

 

After he had destroyed Cell in this time, he had used one of the new spaceships that his mother gave him to travel to New Namek. There he was able to restore the earth, to a point. His three wishes were used to restore the earth from all the damage that was done by the androids, fix the damage to his space ship and revive all the people who were killed by them. There was only one problem, while the rest of the z-senshi came back, piccolo, Goku and Vegeta decided to stay dead. So as of now, he and Gohan were the only two saiyans alive.

 

After Gohan came back, he and Trunks talked a lot. After hearing about his adventures in the past, he too wanted to meet the people there. And that's how Trunks got stuck tinkering with his old time machine and trying to get it to work again.

 

“Damnit!” he exclaimed, banging his fist against the exposed circuitry. Suddenly, the machine came to life.

 

“Finally,” Gohan's voice broke through his thoughts. “Lets go.”

 

Trunks rolled his eyes, a bit resentful of still being treated like a pupil. “Get in already.”

 

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

It was cramped in the time machine, and for the first time, Trunks realized exactly how small it was. Thank goodness they put everything in capsules! He didn't know what he would do without those. With the limited space, they wouldn't be able to breath if there was anything else there.

 

“So how long is this going to take?” Gohan asked.

 

“Depends on a lot of things, but it's not that long. If I had to judge, it seems like 5 minutes,” he responded thoughtfully. His hand hovered above the launch button. ”Are you ready?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Then here we go.” Trunks said, slamming his hand down.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

 

Gohan closed his eyes for what seemed like and eternity, expecting something to happen right after Trunks pushed the button. But apart from a little shaking, he felt nothing. When he opened his eyes, all around them was black.

 

“Did we make it?” he asked tentatively.

 

“We're going through time and space right now actually,” he said calmly. After all, this was his third time doing this.

 

“Ohhh.”

 

They fell silent, each immersed in their own thoughts. Things were smooth until Trunks spied something to the side. `Is that light?' He thought, turning his head to get a better view.

 

It was, but not the light he was accustomed to, that was certain. Suddenly, the time machine began to rattle, and then stopped.

 

“W-what was that?” Gohan managed to stammer out.

 

“I don't know, this hasn't happened before...” he replied, checking his instruments. Everything had froze, Almost like time itself stood still. Then it started up again, this time going a whole lot faster. If he were a normal person, he guessed he would be unconscious right now.

 

The machine rattled again, this time much more violently. It started to yaw to the right strongly, almost as if it was caught and being pulled by a rope. And their destination? Towards that light!

 

“What's going on?”

 

“We're being pulled in by something!” Trunks said alarmed. He looked at his control panel desperately, searching for anything that could help, knowing in the back of his mind that there was nothing he could do but watch helplessly.

 

“Do something!” Gohan yelled. He too saw the light and knew that this wouldn't end well. There was just too little time left.

 

“I'm trying!” he said. Now the time machine was rattling so violently that the metal was distorting, and started to pull apart as they were fast approaching the light. It definitely wouldn't hold for much longer. Thinking fast, he decided to change the direction of the thrusters but it was too late.

 

The time machine started to break apart, and they were sucked in by the light. The sound was almost deafening to their sensitive ears. Just as they were completely engulfed by the light, a hand appeared and snatched them before it was too late.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Lady Serenity was in the temple antechamber with Lady Rei when one of the acolytes burst in panting. It was clear she had been running.

 

“My lady, please come quickly!” she gasped out

 

Serenity looked at her with concern. “What's the matter, Lyina?”

 

“Sin has been spotted near the coastline and there are two bodies on the beach!”

 

“What?!” she exclaimed, dropping small chest she was holding. “Take me to them,” she said seriously. She turned to Rei, “Gather a few warrior monks and come down to the shore. Also have the acolytes prepare the treatment ward for two.”

 

“How do you know they're still alive?”

 

“I don't, but it's better to take every precaution,” she responded.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

They ran all the way from the temple soon reached the shore. Serenity's lungs burned and her breathing was a bit labored but she didn't have time to think about that.

 

“Which way?” she managed to gasp out.

 

“Over here,” Lyina responded, pointing to a spot where people were starting to gather. Serenity surveyed the horizon but didn't see sin anywhere. A wave of relief passed over her. She wasn't ready to face sin, not yet. She then realized the true purpose of her coming here, and they quickly ran to the crowd.

 

“Please, make way,” Lyina called out, forcefully making a path for her lady.

 

When Serenity saw the bodies, she was shocked to say the least. Never had she seen such bad injuries before. She wondered if they could even be alive. That was soon dispelled when the dark haired man moved slightly. She quickly fell to her knees, making sure not to disturb him. She moved his head slightly, searching his neck for any sign that blood was still flowing (1) in him. Finding it, she smiled in relief. It was strong He was alive for the time being.

 

Her attention then turned to the man next to him. He hadn't moved at all and that worried her. In the distance she could hear the rattling of metal and knew it was Rei with the warrior monks. She stood up and went to the other man. His hair was long and she had to brush it aside to find his neck. It was badly swollen, as she feared. With the utmost care she touched it, and to her surprise found that his blood was still flowing, though it was very weak. She noticed Rei was tending to the other man she left. He was in better shape than this one.

 

She directed her attention at the monks. “Take them to the temple, but please, be very careful, especially with this one,” she said motioning to the man next to her.

 

“Yes ma'am!”

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Serenity and Rei followed the monks back to the temple. While the acolytes were cutting away most of their tattered clothes, they were changing from their priestess robes into plain white ones used for treatment.

 

“Do you think they'll be alright Serenity?” Rei asked while gathering some of the herbal medicines lined on shelf before her.

 

“I don't know. I've never treated someone with such serious wounds before,” she responded softly. “I called for Lady Setsuna but it may be some time before she comes, and they cannot wait for that. We must try to help them ourselves.”

 

Rei nodded. She looked down at the bottle of ground gynasl (ii) in her hand. “I think we need something stronger.”

 

Serenity nodded and bent down to retrieve the stronger medicines from the cupboard. These were used only in extreme emergencies.

 

“We have to use our white magic (iii) as well,” Serenity mused.

 

“That's not my strong point,” Rei muttered. Serenity smiled, taking some more medicines out.

 

“I will help you out. Besides, you're not that bad,” she laughed.

 

“Oh ho! Not that bad?” Rei ribbed with a mock dismayed look on her face.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Both Serenity and Rei worked hard and well into the night. The acolytes rotated twice during that time on orders of Lady Serenity. She didn't want to tire them out as she needed their full attention. Finally, with the first traces of dawn peaking from the horizon, they were finished. They were very exhausted, both physically and mentally. Rei slumped to the floor as soon as the last bandage was applied and the last spells were cast.

 

“Its dawn already,” Serenity stated rather than asked. She got up and opened all the windows to allow the fresh sea air to fill the room. “I'm so tired.” She leaned on the window frame.

 

“You two did really well,” a voice behind them said. They both turned.

 

“Lady Setsuna!” Rei exclaimed, bowing. Serenity did as well. Setsuna walked over to the beds, surveying their work.

 

“They'll make it, thanks to you,” She smiled. “Now go to sleep, I'll watch over them for now.”

 

“Thank you very much your grace!” Serenity and Rei said in unison. After they left Setsuna gazed hard at the lavender haired youth. She then turned that gaze to the dark haired one. “I'm counting on you two,” she whispered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know it's called a pulse but since this is spira, I won't use medical terms.

A self created herb used to fight weak infections.

While they possess the same white magic abilities the also have abilities that are different than those in the game