Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Don't take me home ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Ok I'm amazed! I honestly didn't think my story would become this popular and I'm thrilled. I realize that I might be hunted by angry people with ravenous dogs and sharp pointy sticks for this next statement…but I'm working on some other Sailor Moon fanfic. (ducks tomatoes and bricks thrown at her). I am enjoying writing this story as much as some of you are enjoying reading it, and I must be devoted to it because I'm sick as a dog with the flu and have a fever of 104 and I'm STILL writing for you people! I am a bit afraid for when I write the scene of who Usagi chooses (which won't be in this chapter), because I know that there will be a wailing and gnashing of teeth, but you can't please all the people all the time right? Just a note, those who want her reunited with Mamoru are beating out those who want her to stay with Seiya. Anyway enough of my pointless rambling and on with the story! Please R/R but be kind and no flames. Standard disclaimers apply, I do not own Sailor Moon, but in my fevered haze I think do….
Nephrite stood guard while Ami and Naru got some rest. They had been on the run for days now, with the Void toying with them. Pulling the minions back only to set them on them again. He yearned to be flesh once more and protect Naru, the girl who had once given him everything. Naru and Ami slept back to back, not the most comfortable position, but one in which they could move if they were awakened suddenly. The door to the room creaked open and Nephrite prepared to sound the alarm. Motoki poked his head in the room, seeing Ami and Naru still asleep, he breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to Nephrite. "They look so drained."
"You would too if you'd been through what they have." Nephrite replied. "Naru is still so new to this and it's scaring her more than I would have thought. Ami is handling it little better."
"You need those knives though before you go to Usagi though don't you?" Motoki questioned.
Nephrite nodded. "Luna is playing both sides, and she'll create a diversion so the girls can sneak in and steal a couple of them, but I fear for their safety. Luna is doing this out of loyalty to the senshi, not loyalty to Usagi. She has made it very clear that she hates Usagi and really doesn't care what happens to her, and she is very angry at Artemis as well. He was her mate a thousand years ago and in the future, and now he's found a new love, and she's angry."
"Hell hath no fury," Motoki sighed. "Well you can crash here for as long as you need to, and when they wake up, I'll have some food brought to them."
Nephrite nodded. "I thank you Motoki, you are truly a good man."
Motoki shrugged. "Just doing my little bit to help." He walked out the door, closing it softly behind him.
"That was nice of him." Ami muttered in a sleep filled voice. Nudging Naru, she slowly began to stand up. "Come on Naru, wake up."
Naru moaned. "I hate mornings."
"Technically it's not even morning yet." Nephrite pointed out.
"But just before dawn is the best time to sneak into the jinja." Ami pointed out. "With the information Luna gave us, we know that the early morning light is painful at best to them, which means Rei and Jadeite SHOULD be somewhere dark."
Naru stood, brushing herself off. "Well let's do it. I'm still amazed that I'll be able to see Usagi by the end of the day."
"Unless we get killed doing this." Ami said calmly. "Have you accepted that fact as well Naru?"
Naru nodded. "It's not a pleasant thought, confronting one's own death, but I have thought about it and I will die for Usagi if needs be."
"Spoken like a true senshi." Nephrite smiled. "Makoto is still alive, though barely. She will not live much longer."
"And we cannot do anything to help her." Ami's voice caught in her throat. "She is on her own."
Naru placed a gentle hand on Ami's shoulder. "We have no choice Ami. Usagi herself said it, Makoto is performing the greatest act a warrior can, giving of herself to save her princess and friend. We must not let her sacrifice be in vain."
Ami wiped her eyes. "Let's move. The sooner we are out of here, the better."
Moving so silently that not even the leaves of the trees moved, Naru and Ami crept towards the jinja, the darkness radiating out like a pulsar. What was once one of the holiest places in Juuban was now a vortex of black nothingness. The black acts that were performed there were unspeakable, and the screams that frequently cut through the night heartbreaking. No one from the community dared climb the front steps, and those who had tried to call Rei had gotten screamed at before she killed them through telepathy. Rei was out of control and dangerous, and the knowledge that she and Usagi would fight the final battle made Naru terrified indeed. She had always known Usagi possessed power, but what power could she wield that could rival THIS? Despite assurances from Ami and Nephrite, Naru was convinced they were dreaming. She believed wholeheartedly in her best friend, but she doubted that even she, the infamous Sailor Moon, could stop this evil and save the world. Ami held out a hand, indicating that Naru should stop, and she held her breath as they waited. The unlucky minions performing a patrol of the jinja walked past, avoiding the cleansing morning light that was beginning to break through. Luna was at their pre-arranged spot, staring disdainfully at Naru, who she didn't like. "Well?" Ami breathed to Luna.
Luna shook her head. "Rei and Jadeite are in the room with the knives. You don't want to know the ritual they had here last night, suffice to say that the community will be talking about the screams for the next millennia. They are preparing to finish off Makoto, having bled most of her energy away. The minions are moving as we speak on Usagi, who is at a crossroads. I WISH they could just kill her and be done with it."
Ami frowned at Luna who shrugged. "Hey you asked. I'm playing this role of the double agent for you girls, and because I believe Rei needs to be stopped. I am not doing this for Usagi and I want that to be very clear."
"It is." Naru said in a tight voice.
Luna paused as more minions walked past. "They have been breeding the minions and multiplying them. They have an army the size of which I've never seen before, and they are preparing to head for Usagi. I can feel her energy here, and I'm not evil." She shook her head. "That girl is the brightest and most pure light in the galaxy, and salvation lies within her hands. I wish it had been given to a stronger warrior."
"Like Rei perhaps?" Naru snapped. "Rei who would have used that power to destroy the world?"
"I think Rei was misunderstood." Luna sighed. "But no matter. Rei Hino is dead and the Dark Flame remains. I will draw off the minions and hopefully lure Jadeite and Rei out of the dojo so that you can sneak in and swipe those knives. I promise nothing more than that."
Ami and Naru nodded. Nephrite narrowed his eyes, not trusting Luna for a second, smelling a trap. Luna had evidently forgotten all about him and he planned to use that to his advantage. He might not be flesh, he might not be able to lift a sword and fight, but he could make noise and that might buy them time. "Come on." Ami whispered, crawling on her stomach through the shrubs to the dojo doors. "Now we wait." She said quietly.
Luna walked to the other end of the grounds and tore her dress, mussed her hair and used some mud to make herself look dishevelled. "Sailor Senshi on the grounds!" she hollered at the top of her lungs! "They've come to rescue the girl!"
Minions swarmed out from around the trees and bushes, making their presence known. There were more of them than Ami could count. Closing her eyes to block out the sight, she listened inside. Rei and Jadeite ran for the door and dashed out into the early morning air, leaving the door open behind them. Instantly Naru and Ami were inside. Ami scanned the room, trying not to let her horror at the changes inside distract her. She gestured to a table where there were countless knives, and knew these were the ones they needed. Counting eight, she and Naru shoved them into subspace pockets and prepared to leave the way they came. Naru was thrown to the ground when she bumped into Ami who had froze in shock. Hanging from the ceiling at the other end of the room was Makoto. Her appearance was unspeakable, yet it was still her. Breaking Naru's grip on her arm, ignoring the fact that they had to escape, Ami crept over to Makoto and brushed some hair off her burned and disfigured face. "Mako-chan." She whispered, tears filling her eyes.
Makoto opened her eyes briefly and smiled. "Tell the princess that she was right." She breathed in a voice Ami had to strain to hear. "I held on so that you could steal those knives. Usagi must win and eradicate this evil."
Ami nodded. "Makoto…"
Makoto painfully moved her head, blood breaking through the scabs and cascading down her back. "You cannot save me Ami." She said in a pain filled whisper. "Don't let me die in vain. Remember me and take me with you."
Ami nodded, her tears coursing down her face. "Always." She promised.
"Go." Makoto ground out.
Ami knew she had to go, but found herself quite unable to move. Naru ran up behind her and wrenched her away from Makoto who nodded approvingly and smiled. "You will do well." She told Naru.
Naru pulled Ami to the door and froze, her heart sinking. Jadeite stood there idly, smiling. "So that stupid Luna managed to deceive us." He said conversationally. "No matter. Her fate is fixed anyway. Flame is angry at having been awoken when we were…occupied."
Naru raised angry eyes to Jadeite. "Let us pass, or you die." She hissed through clenched teeth.
"Oh no young senshi," Jadeite mocked. "You are the one to die. I imagine Luna never told you that those knives are good only for killing the weakest of minions, but to kill ME and Flame, only Usagi herself can do that. She is the antithesis of all that we are, and she is the only one who can kill or harm us."
"This was a trap." Naru breathed.
"It was." Jadeite nodded. "Luna's loyalty was good though misplaced. I knew she couldn't bear to let her senshi who she found and trained die, so she gave you a chance. I knew when she turned Makoto over that she had changed sides and I've had her watched. I've heard every word you spoke to her, and know every plan and detail." He slowly walked towards them. "Your energy will be a great help to us."
Nephrite watched in helpless anger, unable to do a thing. The girls had no way to get out, and he didn't dare open a warphole, for Jadeite would overrun that as well. Makoto stirred in her bonds, drawing attention to herself. Jadeite laughed. "You see what awaits you? She has stayed alive for weeks, such power you senshi have. But she has outlived her usefulness. Her blood was unwillingly given, and now we can make her a servant of the Void, good only for hunting and killing."
Naru and Ami shared a glance at each other, both having decided that they would not be taken alive. They did not count on Makoto. Pushing past the pain, pushing past the fear of death, Makoto reached into herself. Touching the bond to Usagi one last time, she sent all her love for her through and reached deeper still. Coming to the centre of her being, the essence of Makoto, she touched it and pulled it out. Straining against the bonds that held her, she used all her defiance of the Void and love for her friends to the forefront. 'I love this world.' She thought. With that hope in her heart, the symbol of Jupiter burned brightly on her brow. Drawing all attention to her, she gestured to Nephrite who she could just see through her slitted eyes, making him get them out. The green essence that was Makoto rose and pulsed out. With all that she was she fought and concentrated only on Jadeite, the one who had tormented her the most and the one who had destroyed all their lives. Glowing so brightly no one dared looked directly at her, shining like the corona of the sun she opened her mouth one last time. "Supreme Oak Evolution!" she screamed, the lighting coming to her one last time in a lethal blast. Opening her eyes one final time, she saw an angel before her. "Queen Serenity." She breathed.
Queen Serenity nodded, and touched Makoto. The pain of suffering was gone, the furious sound of Jadeite's voice drowned out by the softness that was the Queen. Focusing her will one final time, Makoto gave herself up to the realm of the dead, having destroyed half the jinja, most of the minions and wounding Jadeite badly. She stood as a spirit and watched as Naru half pulled and half drug Ami across the grounds to safety, watched Ami crying so hard she could hardly move. Closing her ethereal eyes, she focused on Usagi and there she was. She had frozen in the middle of battle and screamed out Makoto's name, knowing she was dead. Weeping in agony, Makoto watched as Usagi attacked with a ferocity she never could have dreamed, tears coursing down her face. Reaching out to her fading bond, she let Usagi know that she was all right and in the end there had been no pain, only peace. "Are you ready?" Queen Serenity asked softly, holding the girl tight.
"Where am I going now?"
Queen Serenity gestured. "Go to the light Makoto. Jupiter will rise again, and your spirit will never die."
Makoto walked towards the light, smiling at Queen Serenity. "You'll let her know, won't you?"
"In the end, you were fine." Queen Serenity nodded. Makoto entered the light, felt love and acceptance and knew it was the aura of her princess, and then knew nothing more.
Usagi's bloodcurdling scream had tore through the air, shaking Setsuna and Seiya out of their reverie. Tears ran down her face as she dropped to the ground. "Makoto!" she screamed. "No!"
Setsuna paused for a moment, closing her eyes in respect. Makoto had sacrificed her life to buy her princess more time. "Don't let her sacrifice for you be in vain." She hissed at Usagi. "Fight Usagi."
Usagi glanced up at Setsuna, wiping her eyes. She let rage and hatred cascade through her as she lunged at the nearest minion, almost bodily tearing it apart. Throwing her attack in a wide range, she took out all the minions with ease, drawing deeply on the crystal and letting her grief direct her actions. Setsuna and Seiya stared at her in awe. Glowing with a silver aura around her, she no longer appeared as Sailor Moon, as she fought to keep her transformation. Turning into the princess, Usagi brought up her hands as she prepared to send another wave of energy to the minions who were retreating. "What happened?" Seiya questioned. "Why did she transform into the princess?"
Setsuna paused, thinking. "She'll be eighteen in seven months Seiya, and then Sailor Moon will be gone forever. The closer she gets to her birthday and her transformation into a full Lunarian, the harder it will be for her to stay transformed." She explained.
"What do we do?" Seiya questioned.
"Do not presume too much Seiya, she is my princess, not yours." Setsuna warned. "Do not interfere with the person she is meant to be."
Seiya held up his hands. "I was worried about her. She is my girlfriend after all."
"She is your girlfriend for now. She has a choice to make Seiya, either you or Mamoru, do not force her to make that choice and know that it will be hers alone." Setsuna cautioned. "She must think only of herself when she makes that choice."
Seiya narrowed his eyes at her. "You know who she's going to choose, don't you?"
"I do." Setsuna replied. "I will give you no indication as to who, or when she will decide. She doesn't even know I know, and we'll keep it that way."
Usagi walked over to them, going into Seiya's outstretched arms then turning to Setsuna. "Take me home Sets?" she questioned. "I'm very tired. It's been a hellish day."
Setsuna wrapped an arm around Usagi's shoulders and led her to her car, casting a warning glance at Seiya. "We will pay tribute to Makoto." She murmured to Usagi, helping her into the car. "And prepare to finish this at last."
Minako closed her eyes; tears welling out of them and letting Artemis pull her close. Usagi had just told them every detail of Makoto's glorious sacrifice and she grieved. When she didn't have Usagi, she had Makoto. The three of them had always been closer than the rest of the senshi, and now she was gone. The wonderful girl who could fight so well and cook like a dream, the girl with so many aspirations in life, was dead. She had died alone. "No," Hotaru replied to her unspoken thought, wiping tears from her eyes as well. "Makoto didn't die alone."
Michiru sat next to Minako. "She died to save her friends, she died to buy Usagi time, and in the end she wasn't alone. The Queen was with her."
Minako wept bitterly into Artemis' embrace, not wanting to hear the words. Artemis stood, lifting Minako. "I'm going to take her to her room." He said in a quiet voice. "She's in no shape to hear condolences."
Haruka and the others nodded, knowing Usagi was in much the same condition. With little effort, he carried her up the stairs in the spacious house Haruka and Michiru had bought and laid Minako on her bed. Kissing her forehead he prepared to leave. Minako reached out and grabbed him. "Don't leave me." She said in a small voice.
Artemis shook his head. "I can't stay here Minako. You're grieving and that's good. Let yourself grieve for Makoto. Our time will come later."
"Our time is now." Minako said firmly. "I need…something Artemis. I need to feel alive, to feel loved. I am the cursed scout, destined to never know love. I just lost one of the people I love more than life itself. I need to feel love around me now."
"You are overcome." Artemis said. "I do not want to take advantage of that."
"You won't be Artemis." Minako breathed, pulling him to her. "Let's mourn Makoto together and celebrate her life."
Artemis gave in, wanting to be close to the one he had found, trained and loved from afar for so long. "For Makoto." He agreed, lowering himself to her bed.
Ami and Naru returned to their hiding spot by the arcade. Ami was doubled over with grief, unable to stop sobbing. She had stayed as long as she could, feeling she owed that much to Makoto to make sure her death was remembered. "Come on Ami." Naru said urgently. "Once we get to Usagi then we can grieve, but for now we have to run!"
Ami nodded, grabbing Naru's hand. "Sailor Teleport." She murmured, focusing on their destination.
Naru held Ami's hand tighter, remembering her lessons. In a back part of her mind, she thanked Makoto for her sacrifice and promised to remember her always. Makoto's death would not be in vain.
Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna and Usagi stood in a circle in their yard. Usagi had pulled out a picture of Makoto and had created a monument to her. While Minako and Artemis consummated their emotions at last, in an attempt to give them privacy and grieve as one, Usagi had suggested a memorial. Closing her eyes, she let all her memories of Makoto invade her senses, knowing that she couldn't hold on to the pain much longer. She had to be strong and that meant she couldn't mourn much longer. The pain was fresh, but she knew the way of fate. Jupiter would be reborn, Makoto's soul immortal. She cursed the Void for changing fate, for Setsuna had finally admitted that the future was now damaged beyond reparation.
Michiru stared into her mirror with concern. Ami and Naru were on their way, as was the blackness for Usagi. As she transformed into a full Lunarian and came into her powers she would be vulnerable. They fought an enemy they had no way to defeat, and she knew, as the other Outers did that Usagi soon would not be able to transform at all until her birthday. Without Sailor Moon, they had no way to defeat the minions because none of them were willing to risk the life of their princess until she was strong again. Haruka stood beside her, sharing her worry.
Hotaru let out a small sigh of sadness. She hated being right all the time. She shock of Makoto's death had startled her to the point she had asked to be excused from classes, unable to concentrate. The climax was approaching, the last battle coming near. She turned her eyes to Usagi and prayed that her princess would be strong enough, for in the end, it all fell on her.
Luna was surprised they hadn't come after her. She glanced around her, not seeing or sensing any evil. Dashing towards the park, she thought cleverly of her plan, not realizing that she was losing her grip on reality. Like Rei, the Void had swallowed up the goodness that was inside her. She had turned long enough to help the girls get the knives that would enable them to kill minions, then in a fit of betrayal had admitted the truth. She hadn't saved Makoto but she had saved Ami, while hoping she doomed Usagi. Through her muddled mind, she admitted things didn't make sense though she didn't care. She had lost Artemis, one who she wanted to make pay for leaving her. She had loved him, though she had never told him and never said anything nice to him, but she thought he should have known of her love. Stumbling to a halt, she saw a figure before her, radiating black nothingness. As the bolt struck her, darkness moved over her senses and she knew nothing more.
Rei stared at the limp body of Luna, who she had NOT killed, despite Jadeite's orders to the contrary. She was saddened by the death of Makoto but could not find it within her to mourn or to cry. Sympathy and compassion had fled her black heart, leaving only emptiness that swallowed her whole. She sneered at the thought of Jadeite who had outlived his usefulness. It was time for him to die, time for blood, and she would be the victor. She looked forward to the final battle between her and Usagi, as it was meant to be. She remembered the spell Jadeite had cast on her, making her the Dark Flame. The last thing she saw was her heart, still beating, breaking out of her body and flying away, before that void was filled with black. Planning on how to kill Jadeite, she lugged the body of Luna up the jinja steps and back into the evil that she had willingly embraced.
Usagi sighed into the night. She had the gift of foresight and she saw the terror that would be rent upon the earth if she failed in her task. Accepting her destiny had never been easy for her, but now she had to. Blowing a kiss into the night she smiled. "Goodbye Makoto." Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to remember briefly before choosing her next plan of attack. The moon would not be covered over by blood and flames this time. This war was personal, and she would make them pay.
And that is the end of this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it and please let me know if you want more! Another chapter? To all Makoto lovers, I am sorry about her death, but it was necessary for the plotline. I don't hate Makoto, I rather enjoyed her most of the time and killing her was very difficult to do. NO FLAMES PLEASE! If anyone wants more of this story, let me know through reviews which are my life. I realize this chapter might not be as good as some of the others, but let's remember that I'm also very sick and writing this. If all goes well, tomorrows chapter will be better.
Ja ne!
Nephrite stood guard while Ami and Naru got some rest. They had been on the run for days now, with the Void toying with them. Pulling the minions back only to set them on them again. He yearned to be flesh once more and protect Naru, the girl who had once given him everything. Naru and Ami slept back to back, not the most comfortable position, but one in which they could move if they were awakened suddenly. The door to the room creaked open and Nephrite prepared to sound the alarm. Motoki poked his head in the room, seeing Ami and Naru still asleep, he breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to Nephrite. "They look so drained."
"You would too if you'd been through what they have." Nephrite replied. "Naru is still so new to this and it's scaring her more than I would have thought. Ami is handling it little better."
"You need those knives though before you go to Usagi though don't you?" Motoki questioned.
Nephrite nodded. "Luna is playing both sides, and she'll create a diversion so the girls can sneak in and steal a couple of them, but I fear for their safety. Luna is doing this out of loyalty to the senshi, not loyalty to Usagi. She has made it very clear that she hates Usagi and really doesn't care what happens to her, and she is very angry at Artemis as well. He was her mate a thousand years ago and in the future, and now he's found a new love, and she's angry."
"Hell hath no fury," Motoki sighed. "Well you can crash here for as long as you need to, and when they wake up, I'll have some food brought to them."
Nephrite nodded. "I thank you Motoki, you are truly a good man."
Motoki shrugged. "Just doing my little bit to help." He walked out the door, closing it softly behind him.
"That was nice of him." Ami muttered in a sleep filled voice. Nudging Naru, she slowly began to stand up. "Come on Naru, wake up."
Naru moaned. "I hate mornings."
"Technically it's not even morning yet." Nephrite pointed out.
"But just before dawn is the best time to sneak into the jinja." Ami pointed out. "With the information Luna gave us, we know that the early morning light is painful at best to them, which means Rei and Jadeite SHOULD be somewhere dark."
Naru stood, brushing herself off. "Well let's do it. I'm still amazed that I'll be able to see Usagi by the end of the day."
"Unless we get killed doing this." Ami said calmly. "Have you accepted that fact as well Naru?"
Naru nodded. "It's not a pleasant thought, confronting one's own death, but I have thought about it and I will die for Usagi if needs be."
"Spoken like a true senshi." Nephrite smiled. "Makoto is still alive, though barely. She will not live much longer."
"And we cannot do anything to help her." Ami's voice caught in her throat. "She is on her own."
Naru placed a gentle hand on Ami's shoulder. "We have no choice Ami. Usagi herself said it, Makoto is performing the greatest act a warrior can, giving of herself to save her princess and friend. We must not let her sacrifice be in vain."
Ami wiped her eyes. "Let's move. The sooner we are out of here, the better."
Moving so silently that not even the leaves of the trees moved, Naru and Ami crept towards the jinja, the darkness radiating out like a pulsar. What was once one of the holiest places in Juuban was now a vortex of black nothingness. The black acts that were performed there were unspeakable, and the screams that frequently cut through the night heartbreaking. No one from the community dared climb the front steps, and those who had tried to call Rei had gotten screamed at before she killed them through telepathy. Rei was out of control and dangerous, and the knowledge that she and Usagi would fight the final battle made Naru terrified indeed. She had always known Usagi possessed power, but what power could she wield that could rival THIS? Despite assurances from Ami and Nephrite, Naru was convinced they were dreaming. She believed wholeheartedly in her best friend, but she doubted that even she, the infamous Sailor Moon, could stop this evil and save the world. Ami held out a hand, indicating that Naru should stop, and she held her breath as they waited. The unlucky minions performing a patrol of the jinja walked past, avoiding the cleansing morning light that was beginning to break through. Luna was at their pre-arranged spot, staring disdainfully at Naru, who she didn't like. "Well?" Ami breathed to Luna.
Luna shook her head. "Rei and Jadeite are in the room with the knives. You don't want to know the ritual they had here last night, suffice to say that the community will be talking about the screams for the next millennia. They are preparing to finish off Makoto, having bled most of her energy away. The minions are moving as we speak on Usagi, who is at a crossroads. I WISH they could just kill her and be done with it."
Ami frowned at Luna who shrugged. "Hey you asked. I'm playing this role of the double agent for you girls, and because I believe Rei needs to be stopped. I am not doing this for Usagi and I want that to be very clear."
"It is." Naru said in a tight voice.
Luna paused as more minions walked past. "They have been breeding the minions and multiplying them. They have an army the size of which I've never seen before, and they are preparing to head for Usagi. I can feel her energy here, and I'm not evil." She shook her head. "That girl is the brightest and most pure light in the galaxy, and salvation lies within her hands. I wish it had been given to a stronger warrior."
"Like Rei perhaps?" Naru snapped. "Rei who would have used that power to destroy the world?"
"I think Rei was misunderstood." Luna sighed. "But no matter. Rei Hino is dead and the Dark Flame remains. I will draw off the minions and hopefully lure Jadeite and Rei out of the dojo so that you can sneak in and swipe those knives. I promise nothing more than that."
Ami and Naru nodded. Nephrite narrowed his eyes, not trusting Luna for a second, smelling a trap. Luna had evidently forgotten all about him and he planned to use that to his advantage. He might not be flesh, he might not be able to lift a sword and fight, but he could make noise and that might buy them time. "Come on." Ami whispered, crawling on her stomach through the shrubs to the dojo doors. "Now we wait." She said quietly.
Luna walked to the other end of the grounds and tore her dress, mussed her hair and used some mud to make herself look dishevelled. "Sailor Senshi on the grounds!" she hollered at the top of her lungs! "They've come to rescue the girl!"
Minions swarmed out from around the trees and bushes, making their presence known. There were more of them than Ami could count. Closing her eyes to block out the sight, she listened inside. Rei and Jadeite ran for the door and dashed out into the early morning air, leaving the door open behind them. Instantly Naru and Ami were inside. Ami scanned the room, trying not to let her horror at the changes inside distract her. She gestured to a table where there were countless knives, and knew these were the ones they needed. Counting eight, she and Naru shoved them into subspace pockets and prepared to leave the way they came. Naru was thrown to the ground when she bumped into Ami who had froze in shock. Hanging from the ceiling at the other end of the room was Makoto. Her appearance was unspeakable, yet it was still her. Breaking Naru's grip on her arm, ignoring the fact that they had to escape, Ami crept over to Makoto and brushed some hair off her burned and disfigured face. "Mako-chan." She whispered, tears filling her eyes.
Makoto opened her eyes briefly and smiled. "Tell the princess that she was right." She breathed in a voice Ami had to strain to hear. "I held on so that you could steal those knives. Usagi must win and eradicate this evil."
Ami nodded. "Makoto…"
Makoto painfully moved her head, blood breaking through the scabs and cascading down her back. "You cannot save me Ami." She said in a pain filled whisper. "Don't let me die in vain. Remember me and take me with you."
Ami nodded, her tears coursing down her face. "Always." She promised.
"Go." Makoto ground out.
Ami knew she had to go, but found herself quite unable to move. Naru ran up behind her and wrenched her away from Makoto who nodded approvingly and smiled. "You will do well." She told Naru.
Naru pulled Ami to the door and froze, her heart sinking. Jadeite stood there idly, smiling. "So that stupid Luna managed to deceive us." He said conversationally. "No matter. Her fate is fixed anyway. Flame is angry at having been awoken when we were…occupied."
Naru raised angry eyes to Jadeite. "Let us pass, or you die." She hissed through clenched teeth.
"Oh no young senshi," Jadeite mocked. "You are the one to die. I imagine Luna never told you that those knives are good only for killing the weakest of minions, but to kill ME and Flame, only Usagi herself can do that. She is the antithesis of all that we are, and she is the only one who can kill or harm us."
"This was a trap." Naru breathed.
"It was." Jadeite nodded. "Luna's loyalty was good though misplaced. I knew she couldn't bear to let her senshi who she found and trained die, so she gave you a chance. I knew when she turned Makoto over that she had changed sides and I've had her watched. I've heard every word you spoke to her, and know every plan and detail." He slowly walked towards them. "Your energy will be a great help to us."
Nephrite watched in helpless anger, unable to do a thing. The girls had no way to get out, and he didn't dare open a warphole, for Jadeite would overrun that as well. Makoto stirred in her bonds, drawing attention to herself. Jadeite laughed. "You see what awaits you? She has stayed alive for weeks, such power you senshi have. But she has outlived her usefulness. Her blood was unwillingly given, and now we can make her a servant of the Void, good only for hunting and killing."
Naru and Ami shared a glance at each other, both having decided that they would not be taken alive. They did not count on Makoto. Pushing past the pain, pushing past the fear of death, Makoto reached into herself. Touching the bond to Usagi one last time, she sent all her love for her through and reached deeper still. Coming to the centre of her being, the essence of Makoto, she touched it and pulled it out. Straining against the bonds that held her, she used all her defiance of the Void and love for her friends to the forefront. 'I love this world.' She thought. With that hope in her heart, the symbol of Jupiter burned brightly on her brow. Drawing all attention to her, she gestured to Nephrite who she could just see through her slitted eyes, making him get them out. The green essence that was Makoto rose and pulsed out. With all that she was she fought and concentrated only on Jadeite, the one who had tormented her the most and the one who had destroyed all their lives. Glowing so brightly no one dared looked directly at her, shining like the corona of the sun she opened her mouth one last time. "Supreme Oak Evolution!" she screamed, the lighting coming to her one last time in a lethal blast. Opening her eyes one final time, she saw an angel before her. "Queen Serenity." She breathed.
Queen Serenity nodded, and touched Makoto. The pain of suffering was gone, the furious sound of Jadeite's voice drowned out by the softness that was the Queen. Focusing her will one final time, Makoto gave herself up to the realm of the dead, having destroyed half the jinja, most of the minions and wounding Jadeite badly. She stood as a spirit and watched as Naru half pulled and half drug Ami across the grounds to safety, watched Ami crying so hard she could hardly move. Closing her ethereal eyes, she focused on Usagi and there she was. She had frozen in the middle of battle and screamed out Makoto's name, knowing she was dead. Weeping in agony, Makoto watched as Usagi attacked with a ferocity she never could have dreamed, tears coursing down her face. Reaching out to her fading bond, she let Usagi know that she was all right and in the end there had been no pain, only peace. "Are you ready?" Queen Serenity asked softly, holding the girl tight.
"Where am I going now?"
Queen Serenity gestured. "Go to the light Makoto. Jupiter will rise again, and your spirit will never die."
Makoto walked towards the light, smiling at Queen Serenity. "You'll let her know, won't you?"
"In the end, you were fine." Queen Serenity nodded. Makoto entered the light, felt love and acceptance and knew it was the aura of her princess, and then knew nothing more.
Usagi's bloodcurdling scream had tore through the air, shaking Setsuna and Seiya out of their reverie. Tears ran down her face as she dropped to the ground. "Makoto!" she screamed. "No!"
Setsuna paused for a moment, closing her eyes in respect. Makoto had sacrificed her life to buy her princess more time. "Don't let her sacrifice for you be in vain." She hissed at Usagi. "Fight Usagi."
Usagi glanced up at Setsuna, wiping her eyes. She let rage and hatred cascade through her as she lunged at the nearest minion, almost bodily tearing it apart. Throwing her attack in a wide range, she took out all the minions with ease, drawing deeply on the crystal and letting her grief direct her actions. Setsuna and Seiya stared at her in awe. Glowing with a silver aura around her, she no longer appeared as Sailor Moon, as she fought to keep her transformation. Turning into the princess, Usagi brought up her hands as she prepared to send another wave of energy to the minions who were retreating. "What happened?" Seiya questioned. "Why did she transform into the princess?"
Setsuna paused, thinking. "She'll be eighteen in seven months Seiya, and then Sailor Moon will be gone forever. The closer she gets to her birthday and her transformation into a full Lunarian, the harder it will be for her to stay transformed." She explained.
"What do we do?" Seiya questioned.
"Do not presume too much Seiya, she is my princess, not yours." Setsuna warned. "Do not interfere with the person she is meant to be."
Seiya held up his hands. "I was worried about her. She is my girlfriend after all."
"She is your girlfriend for now. She has a choice to make Seiya, either you or Mamoru, do not force her to make that choice and know that it will be hers alone." Setsuna cautioned. "She must think only of herself when she makes that choice."
Seiya narrowed his eyes at her. "You know who she's going to choose, don't you?"
"I do." Setsuna replied. "I will give you no indication as to who, or when she will decide. She doesn't even know I know, and we'll keep it that way."
Usagi walked over to them, going into Seiya's outstretched arms then turning to Setsuna. "Take me home Sets?" she questioned. "I'm very tired. It's been a hellish day."
Setsuna wrapped an arm around Usagi's shoulders and led her to her car, casting a warning glance at Seiya. "We will pay tribute to Makoto." She murmured to Usagi, helping her into the car. "And prepare to finish this at last."
Minako closed her eyes; tears welling out of them and letting Artemis pull her close. Usagi had just told them every detail of Makoto's glorious sacrifice and she grieved. When she didn't have Usagi, she had Makoto. The three of them had always been closer than the rest of the senshi, and now she was gone. The wonderful girl who could fight so well and cook like a dream, the girl with so many aspirations in life, was dead. She had died alone. "No," Hotaru replied to her unspoken thought, wiping tears from her eyes as well. "Makoto didn't die alone."
Michiru sat next to Minako. "She died to save her friends, she died to buy Usagi time, and in the end she wasn't alone. The Queen was with her."
Minako wept bitterly into Artemis' embrace, not wanting to hear the words. Artemis stood, lifting Minako. "I'm going to take her to her room." He said in a quiet voice. "She's in no shape to hear condolences."
Haruka and the others nodded, knowing Usagi was in much the same condition. With little effort, he carried her up the stairs in the spacious house Haruka and Michiru had bought and laid Minako on her bed. Kissing her forehead he prepared to leave. Minako reached out and grabbed him. "Don't leave me." She said in a small voice.
Artemis shook his head. "I can't stay here Minako. You're grieving and that's good. Let yourself grieve for Makoto. Our time will come later."
"Our time is now." Minako said firmly. "I need…something Artemis. I need to feel alive, to feel loved. I am the cursed scout, destined to never know love. I just lost one of the people I love more than life itself. I need to feel love around me now."
"You are overcome." Artemis said. "I do not want to take advantage of that."
"You won't be Artemis." Minako breathed, pulling him to her. "Let's mourn Makoto together and celebrate her life."
Artemis gave in, wanting to be close to the one he had found, trained and loved from afar for so long. "For Makoto." He agreed, lowering himself to her bed.
Ami and Naru returned to their hiding spot by the arcade. Ami was doubled over with grief, unable to stop sobbing. She had stayed as long as she could, feeling she owed that much to Makoto to make sure her death was remembered. "Come on Ami." Naru said urgently. "Once we get to Usagi then we can grieve, but for now we have to run!"
Ami nodded, grabbing Naru's hand. "Sailor Teleport." She murmured, focusing on their destination.
Naru held Ami's hand tighter, remembering her lessons. In a back part of her mind, she thanked Makoto for her sacrifice and promised to remember her always. Makoto's death would not be in vain.
Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna and Usagi stood in a circle in their yard. Usagi had pulled out a picture of Makoto and had created a monument to her. While Minako and Artemis consummated their emotions at last, in an attempt to give them privacy and grieve as one, Usagi had suggested a memorial. Closing her eyes, she let all her memories of Makoto invade her senses, knowing that she couldn't hold on to the pain much longer. She had to be strong and that meant she couldn't mourn much longer. The pain was fresh, but she knew the way of fate. Jupiter would be reborn, Makoto's soul immortal. She cursed the Void for changing fate, for Setsuna had finally admitted that the future was now damaged beyond reparation.
Michiru stared into her mirror with concern. Ami and Naru were on their way, as was the blackness for Usagi. As she transformed into a full Lunarian and came into her powers she would be vulnerable. They fought an enemy they had no way to defeat, and she knew, as the other Outers did that Usagi soon would not be able to transform at all until her birthday. Without Sailor Moon, they had no way to defeat the minions because none of them were willing to risk the life of their princess until she was strong again. Haruka stood beside her, sharing her worry.
Hotaru let out a small sigh of sadness. She hated being right all the time. She shock of Makoto's death had startled her to the point she had asked to be excused from classes, unable to concentrate. The climax was approaching, the last battle coming near. She turned her eyes to Usagi and prayed that her princess would be strong enough, for in the end, it all fell on her.
Luna was surprised they hadn't come after her. She glanced around her, not seeing or sensing any evil. Dashing towards the park, she thought cleverly of her plan, not realizing that she was losing her grip on reality. Like Rei, the Void had swallowed up the goodness that was inside her. She had turned long enough to help the girls get the knives that would enable them to kill minions, then in a fit of betrayal had admitted the truth. She hadn't saved Makoto but she had saved Ami, while hoping she doomed Usagi. Through her muddled mind, she admitted things didn't make sense though she didn't care. She had lost Artemis, one who she wanted to make pay for leaving her. She had loved him, though she had never told him and never said anything nice to him, but she thought he should have known of her love. Stumbling to a halt, she saw a figure before her, radiating black nothingness. As the bolt struck her, darkness moved over her senses and she knew nothing more.
Rei stared at the limp body of Luna, who she had NOT killed, despite Jadeite's orders to the contrary. She was saddened by the death of Makoto but could not find it within her to mourn or to cry. Sympathy and compassion had fled her black heart, leaving only emptiness that swallowed her whole. She sneered at the thought of Jadeite who had outlived his usefulness. It was time for him to die, time for blood, and she would be the victor. She looked forward to the final battle between her and Usagi, as it was meant to be. She remembered the spell Jadeite had cast on her, making her the Dark Flame. The last thing she saw was her heart, still beating, breaking out of her body and flying away, before that void was filled with black. Planning on how to kill Jadeite, she lugged the body of Luna up the jinja steps and back into the evil that she had willingly embraced.
Usagi sighed into the night. She had the gift of foresight and she saw the terror that would be rent upon the earth if she failed in her task. Accepting her destiny had never been easy for her, but now she had to. Blowing a kiss into the night she smiled. "Goodbye Makoto." Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to remember briefly before choosing her next plan of attack. The moon would not be covered over by blood and flames this time. This war was personal, and she would make them pay.
And that is the end of this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it and please let me know if you want more! Another chapter? To all Makoto lovers, I am sorry about her death, but it was necessary for the plotline. I don't hate Makoto, I rather enjoyed her most of the time and killing her was very difficult to do. NO FLAMES PLEASE! If anyone wants more of this story, let me know through reviews which are my life. I realize this chapter might not be as good as some of the others, but let's remember that I'm also very sick and writing this. If all goes well, tomorrows chapter will be better.
Ja ne!