Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ Divide and Conquer ( Chapter 21 )

Tenkaichi - I just hoped that I justified her angst, but I think guilt is a good enough justification. Isn't that where a lot of angst comes from anyway? I can't write Rei without some angst until…until…well ever, probably ;) Thanks for reviewing.

 

Kenshkrix - Thanks for your comments and yeah I do know waiting can suck sometimes, but it's not nearly as bad as some authors are. I think I said this before, but I set a personal goal to try to make the releases between chapters to be about a month and I think I do that pretty well (overall) :)

 

Hofftailing - I believe with the personalities the outers have, they had to have had some small arguments. I think I showed that their overall feels are the same though, they just have different ideas about what to do now. Yes, she finally has a name, I thought it was about time I said what it is. She hasn't even shown herself to be truly wicked yet though…

 

TopazDragon - “Other three?” Do you mean the remaining inners? I wouldn't limit it to just three others…

 

Lokiador - Well, I figured I'd just tell you anyway (about not being able to answer your questions). Thank you for the compliments. I'm finally getting into the meat of the story and you might finally be getting some answers, but new questions might be brought up as well. I hope you stay tuned for the upcoming chapters :)

 

The 13th Knight - Senshi powers sometimes make things to easy ; ) That little fight was only a taste of what she can do though…but by no means invincible. Oh, and of course Usagi loves Rei, she loves everyone. The question is more along the lines of, what kind of love is it? There are many forms of love after all ;)

 

Shiori Kaiou - Hi and thank you. There might be more scenes like that flashback ;) Since she's going to be in here more and more, I thought it would be a good finally say her name, even if it was earlier then I originally planned to say her name. Well, as I told Tenkaishi above, a feeling of guilt can make anyone angsty. Someone or something might help Usagi with that though. Nice thoughts on Kei, but I can't give any answers.

 

Serena CrystalMoon - Damn, you lost your files…I'm sorry. It's always a good idea to keep a back up or two to prevent that from happening again. I know how much work must have went into them, sorry. I'm glad you liked the Usagi scene at the end; that scene was actually the first thing I wrote for the chapter. There's a lot to Kei and I've left little clues that might tell you some things, but overall you're still in the dark about her and that's exactly how I want it. I'm glad you enjoyed that Ami/Makoto scene.

 

And thanks to everyone who reviewed, even if I didn't address you specifically. I edited a part of the conversation between Mars and Kei, towards the beginning. I'm surprised no one noticed my error, but it's all good now : D

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Chapter 21 - Divide and Conquer

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Usagi moaned quietly and stretched her arms. As she stretched her arms, she noticed her bed was unusually hard and cold. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at the ceiling, it looked higher then it did normally and not only that there were numerous creaks that spread across it. Usagi took her eyes off the unfamiliar ceiling and looked down to where she was lying. `What am I doing on the floor?' she thought to herself. She slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position and took in more of her surroundings. It became very clear to her that she was no longer in the room she fell asleep in. It appeared to be someone's bedroom, or at least it was at one time, the room was totally wracked. Everything in the room seemed damaged in some way, even the walls were creaked to the point that Usagi thought they were liable to cave in at any moment. Her eyes fell on a bed that was only short distance from where she sat; in fact, it was within arms-reach. She reached over and used the bed to pull herself into a standing position.

 

Once she was standing she could get a better look at the room, it would have been beautiful, if it weren't for how damaged it was. She walked over to an end table at the head of the bed and looked at the clock. Something was strange because even though it appeared undamaged it was frozen, the second hand wasn't even moving. She tapped the top of it to see if that would activate it, but that did nothing to activate it. She was still inspecting the clock and didn't realize that she was no longer alone in the room.

 

“Enjoying yourself?” the person questioned.

 

Usagi jumped at the sudden noise and turned around quickly. Her shocked expression turned to one of joy when she saw who was with her, “Mom!” she called and ran to the woman in white. When she made it to the taller woman, she hugged her tightly.

 

Serenity held her back and said, “I'm glad to see you again, Serenity.”

 

“Where is this? It looks like it's frozen in time or something.” Usagi asked as she let go of her mother and looked around the spacious room.

 

“You don't remember?” The taller woman asked. Usagi shook her head no, so her mother explained, “This is your room. Or rather, it was your room on the Moon. As for it seeming to be frozen, in a way it is. It's frozen in you mind, this is likely the way the room was when you last saw it.” She said and sat on the worn bed as Usagi examined her surroundings.

 

Usagi thought about it for a moment while she inspected the room more even more, when it clicked, `This was my room, I remember now. That must be why I feel so nostalgic here…' she thought before turning to her mother, “I don't understand though, why am I here?”

 

“I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that, your mind subconsciously brought us here. Perhaps it is because something happened here, something that if you remember will give you insight in your current enemy's actions.” Serenity offered

 

Usagi looked at Queen Serenity hopefully, “Can you tell me anything about this enemy? And what they want with Rei?”

 

“I'm sorry I can not. I came to you because you cried out to me for guidance. Therefore, I am here to help you in any way I can. However, there are still limits to what I can tell you, you have to learn a lot of things on your own. Someone such as myself, who is no longer bound to a mortal body, can not interfere in some things even if it is to help you.” Serenity explained and paused for a moment to observe her daughter's expression. Seeing Usagi's crestfallen expression, she sighed sadly. “Come and sit with me.” Serenity said and motioned for Usagi to sit beside her on the worn bed. Usagi took up her mother's offer and sat down to her left. Once Usagi was sitting comfortably, Serenity put her arm around Usagi's shoulders and held her. “I'm sure this is difficult for you.” Serenity said and Usagi nodded her head slowly. After a few moments of silence, Serenity spoke again, “I may not be able to tell you everything you want to know, but perhaps you have some questions that I can answer you on.”

 

Usagi nodded her head and thought for a moment, `What can I ask her about that she would be mostly likely to be able to answer?' When she thought about it, a thought struck her, “Can you tell me why the Ginzuishou didn't answer my question? Why didn't it tell me where to find Rei?” Usagi asked.

 

“This might be hard for you hear, but perhaps Mars' current predicament is something you can't interfere with. Perhaps, this is her battle and hers alone.” She said.

 

Usagi stood up quickly and turned to Serenity, “I can't believe that! There's no way I can just leave her to fight this alone. She's always been there for me when I needed her and I want to do the same for her. She's…she's…important to me.” She said and could feel her eyes fill even before she finished what she was saying.

 

“I understand your feelings; I don't wish to see anything happen to her either. I remember how very close the two of you were on the moon and I imagine the two of you are similarly close in this time. The two of you were always protective of each other. However, if the Ginzuishou refuses to answer you that could only mean that a higher power doesn't want you find her.”

 

“Are you telling me I should just give up on trying to find her? That I should reside myself to whatever fate befalls her, merely because some power doesn't wish for me to help her!” Usagi yelled, more loudly than she intended.

 

Serenity shook her head slowly, “No, I would never tell that you have to sit back and wait for the unknown, I just want to let you know what you might be up against. When all else fails, when you're unsure of what you should do, just follow your heart.”

 

“Follow my heart?” Usagi asked, sounding confused.

 

“Yes, trust in your feelings to know what path to go.” Serenity said and lowered her head a bit. Before continuing, a small smile spread across her lips. “There's no need for me to tell you any more because I'm sure you already know what you feel you must do.”

 

With a quick nod of her head, Usagi sat down next to Serenity, “Yes, I know.” She said and hugged her mother. When she let her go, Usagi looked up at her again questioningly, “Is there anything else you can tell me?”

 

“I can tell you no harm has come to her, for if anything were to happen to her, you would know it.” She said and received a curious look from Usagi, prompting her to explain further, “I'm sure you recall your battle with the Dark Kingdom at their base, the D-Point.” She said and got an affirmative nod from Usagi, “You were able to feel your soldier's passing, even when you weren't right next to them. This is a feeling I'm sure won't ever forget. This ability does not exclusively apply to their deaths. Rest assured that if something were to happen, something so severe it would cause their very soul to cry out to you, you would know then that something did happen.”

 

“That sounds like the connection Mamo-chan and I have…” Usagi thought aloud.

 

“You're not too far off actually, it is the same and yet it's also different. The term for such connections is soul-bonds. You are bonded to your soldiers as they are to you and same can also be said for your soul mate. The stronger your connection to that person the stronger the bond, so in those terms, soul mates have the strongest bond. For soul mates, the bond goes beyond just feeling when the other person is in trouble or in some kind of distress. Soul mates should be able to hear each other's thoughts, their actual words, if the one thinking has a strong enough will to project their thought to the one they are soul mated to.”

 

“So I'll know if she's hurt or dies, but I can't do anything for her if that point ever comes because it would be too late anyway.” Usagi said sadly and lowered her head.

 

Even though she tried to hide it, Serenity could see her body shake from silent tears. Serenity looked at her daughter sadly and sighed. “Even though I can't really help you here, have you thought about consulting Pluto? She has a link to the past and future the rest of us don't, even myself.” Serenity said.

 

Usagi looked up at Serenity, but didn't look very hopeful about her suggestion, “Do you really think she might be able to help me? Whenever I ask her about the unknown she always gives me vague answers.” Usagi said.

 

Serenity wiped away the wetness from Usagi's eyes before responding, “Being who she is, she must keep some things from you, but it's only with your best interests in mind that she does what she does, I know that. During my reign on the moon, I looked to her often for counsel and she helped me more she'll ever know. She loves you as I do and if you go to her and sincerely ask for her aid, I have no doubt that she will tell you all she can.”

 

When Usagi opened her mouth to thank her for her suggestion, she saw that the woman was starting to fade. Usagi looked surprised and saddened at the same time, but Serenity just smiled at her, “It appears my short time with you has ended. I'm happy to have seen you once again, Serenity. If there comes another time you need me please don't haste to call for me.” Serenity said and smiled warmly at her daughter. She could feel her time with her daughter was just about up, but before that, she wanted to tell her one more thing, “If you should ever face a question or a choice that is difficult, simply follow your heart and you will never fail. I love you, my dear Serenity…”

 

“Wh-What do you mean?!” Usagi called to her barely visible mother.

 

“When the time is right you will. Just don't forget following your heart can never led you down the wrong path. The Ginzuishou follows your heart; it has, and always will.” Serenity said and paused for a moment and smiled at her daughter, “It appears my time is up.”

 

“Wait…”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

“…Mom!” Usagi called as she sat up quickly.

 

Luna, who was lying at Usagi's side, felt the movement and awoke just as quickly as her charge. When she heard what Usagi said, she looked up at her curiously, “Usagi…?”

 

Usagi looked down saw Luna looking at her. She took a moment to take a quick look at her surroundings and it became undeniable, that she was back in her bedroom. “I'm awake.” She thought aloud.

 

“Yes, what were you…?” Luna started to say, but stopped when she heard someone approaching the door. Only a few moments later there was knocking on the door.

 

“Usagi, are you alright? I heard you call for me.” A voice said from behind the door.

 

Usagi threw her blankets off herself, unintentionally trapping the small black cat that was on the bed with her beneath the covers, and jumped out of her bed. She hurried over to the door and opened it as soon as she reached it, “Sorry mom, it was only dream.” She said honestly.

 

“Sounded more like a nightmare, from how you yelled.” Ikuko said.

 

Luna was able to free herself just as Usagi's mother was responding to her, `My thoughts exactly.' She thought to herself.

 

“Really it was just a dream.” Usagi said.

 

Her mother looked at her for a moment, as if she was trying to make sure she was being honest. “Then why did you call for me like that?” she asked.

 

Usagi thought about it for a moment, `Think of something plausible.' She told herself. “I'm not really sure, it just kinda came out when I woke up. I didn't mean to worry you.” She said and hoped her mom would be satisfied with half the truth.

 

“Are you sure?” Ikuko asked.

 

Usagi nodded and added, “Yeah, I'm sure.”

 

“Alright.” Her mom said, sounding not entirely convinced though. She started to shut the door, but added, “When you're ready, breakfast is already prepared downstairs.” She said and closed the door.

 

Usagi sighed and leaned against the closed door. Luna jumped off the bed and padded over to the blonde girl, “Usagi, what was that really all about?”

 

Usagi looked down at the black cat, “It was just a dream, like I said.” She said and stepped away from the door.

 

“I know that wasn't `just a dream'. There's more to it then that isn't there?” Luna asked.

 

“Yes, but it's not something you can help me with.” Usagi said and went to her closet to get her school uniform. `I have to at least act though I'm going to school.' She thought to herself.

 

“What do you mean?” Luna asked.

 

“I spoke with my mom.” Usagi said and continued collecting her things for school.

 

“Queen Serenity?” She asked and Usagi nodded, “What did she tell you?”

 

“That I have to ask Setsuna my questions.” Usagi said and started to head out the door, when Luna stopped her.

 

“What do you mean? Are going to see her now?” Luna asked, but Usagi didn't say anything. However, her silence did affectively answer Luna's question. “Are you sure this is something you need to do now?”

 

Usagi nodded her head, “Yes, I have to do this now because if I wait, it might be too late.” She said honestly.

 

Luna looked at her and saw a determination in her eyes. A determination to do this no matter what and nothing would be able to stop her. Luna sighed, “I won't stop you.” She said and stood aside and let Usagi pass her. Before she did, she bent down hugged the small cat and quietly thanked her. A few seconds later Usagi was out the door.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Makoto opened her eyes and looked around. Almost immediately, she realized she wasn't in her apartment. She could hear the quiet breathing of someone to left. She sat up and her eyes traveled to the ground, where her blue haired friend was still sleeping peacefully. `Oh right, I stayed over at Ami's place.' She remembered. Her gaze lingered on Ami as she remembered the previous night as they tried to decide on sleeping arrangements, `And here I thought Rei was stubborn…'

 

~~

“What are you doing?” Ami asked when she saw Makoto carry in a futon and start to prepare it.

 

“I need to sleep somewhere don't I?” Makoto said without even looking over to Ami. Ami walked up behind her taller friend and put her hand on her shoulder, causing Makoto to stop what she was doing and look at Ami. “What?” she asked.

 

“You're my guest here, so you can take the bed and I'll sleep on the futon.” Ami said.

 

Makoto shook her head slightly, “No, because I'm a guest in your home I should be the one sleeping on the futon.”

 

“Don't be silly, I want you to be comfortable here. So please take the bed.” Ami said.

 

“I don't want you to put yourself out for me, Ames. I'll be fine on the futon.” Makoto said and went back to preparing the futon.

 

Ami smiled at the nickname she used, but frowned when she saw her friend was still not accepting her offer. She walked around the futon, so she now stood in front of Makoto, instead of behind. “Come on, Mako-chan, I insist. I want you to be comfortable, so I want you to have the bed.”

 

“But Ami…” Makoto started to say

 

“No more arguments, Mako-chan.”

~~

 

Makoto smiled and a thought struck her, `I know the perfect way to thank her for letting me stay over here.' She thought and got out of bed as quietly as she could. She smiled when she made it out of the room without disturbing Ami and quickly headed to the kitchen.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Minako groaned and creaked open her eyes. She rubbed her eyes to see where she was clearly. Her eyes widened when she realized that she was in her room, but that wasn't the reason, she didn't remember walking back the night before. She sat up and looked at herself; she had grass stains on her school uniform as well dirt in various spots on her clothes. She was even still wearing her shoes, and yet she was lying in her own bed.

 

She spotted Artemis on the floor beside her bed asleep and decided to wake him. She only needed shake the white cat a little to wake him, he was a little sleeper. Once awake, he stood and jumped up on the bed beside her, “Oh, so glad you're finally awake Minako.”

 

“Artemis, how did I get here?” She asked cautiously

 

“Well, I got worried when you didn't come back home last night so I went out to look for you myself. It didn't take me too long to find you, but when I did you were asleep on the ground. You looked so worn out that I didn't wake you.” Artemis explained.

 

“Don't tell me you…?” Minako asked.

 

“I had to. I couldn't really bring you home in this form.” Artemis said and motioned to himself with his paw.

 

Minako lowered her head, “I see your point…” she whispered. She lifted her head and added, “But what if you were seen?”

 

“I'm not an amateur Minako. Don't you remember who it was that trained you?” Artemis said

 

“Point taken.” She answered quietly.

 

Artemis and Minako were silent for a few minutes before he decided to ask her the question that had been on his mind since found his charge alone in Ichinohashi Park. He jumped on top of Minako's bed and sat beside her. “Minako?” He started quietly.

 

“Yeah?” Minako responded.

 

“What happened last night?” He asked and waiting for a response, but Minako didn't say anything. “Minako, what happened last night?” He asked again.

 

“They took her.” Minako said her voice barely above a whisper.

 

“What?” Artemis asked and looked at her curiously. When he looked at her, he could have sworn he saw a tear roll down her cheek.

 

“They took Rei.” Minako explained. Artemis was about to say something when he heard Minako's mom said that breakfast was ready. Minako stood up and walked over to her closet on the other side of the room. “I've got to get ready for school; we can talk when I get back.” She said took out her school uniform.

 

“Minako, why are you blaming yourself?” Artemis asked.

 

Minako stopped at her dresser, “I should have done more to have prevented it.”

 

Artemis looked at her curiously, “I don't understand what you mean? You didn't know that was going to happen.”

 

“I did know something was off though, something didn't feel right about our enemy, and something told me had to do with Rei. Yet, I didn't do enough make sure she was safe.” Minako said and opened the top drawer of the dresser. Minako took out the underwear she desired and started to walk away again when Artemis spoke again.

 

“You can't blame yourself for that, Rei a very capable person. I'm sure…” Artemis said, but Minako cut him off before he could finish.

 

“I'd rather not continue talking about this now. There'll be time when I get back from school.” Minako said and walked out of the room before Artemis could say anything more.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Haruka pressed the gas more and achieved her more desired speed. Even though she wasn't in any particular hurry, it didn't feel right to her unless she was driving fast. Her eyes remained on the road, while her partner's were on her.

 

“So what exactly was it that you had in mind?” Michiru asked.

 

Haruka glanced over to her companion and smiled, “Let's wait until we get to where you're going.”

 

“And where exactly are we going anyway? You haven't told me yet.”

 

“Oh, I didn't? We're going back to park from last night.” Haruka said, trying to sound as though she had forgotten, but Michiru saw right through it. Michiru was about to say something Haruka announced, “Oh look, we're here already!” Michiru sighed and sat back to enjoy what was left of their drive.

 

Haruka parked the car and she and Michiru exited the vehicle. They quickly made their way back to where they remember they were last night. Once there, Michiru turned to Haruka and again asked, “Alright we're here, so what exactly did you have in mind Ruka.”

 

Haruka turned to her and smiled, “Well first we transform and then…”

 

“And then…?”

 

“Then we wait.” Haruka finished.

 

“You mean that's it…I thought…” Michiru said, sounding a little confused.

 

“What?” Haruka asked.

 

“Well, from what you said last night I thought you had planned out a more elaborate strategy.” Michiru said.

 

“After some thought, I realized it would be risky to show ourselves more publicly, it would only endanger innocent people. Then I thought about something Setsuna told us. She told us that there was a high likely hood that we're all being monitored somehow.” Haruka explained.

 

“So essentially, it doesn't really matter where we show ourselves, just that we show ourselves.” Michiru said and Haruka nodded at her deduction. “Do you really believe this will work, though?” Michiru asked.

 

“If Setsuna's right that we're always being watched, then yes. I say, why don't we use that knowledge to our advantage for once?” Haruka said and pulled her henshin stick out of her pocket.

 

“Uranus Planet Power, Make Up!”

 

Michiru shrugged her shoulders and drew her henshin stick as well.

 

“Neptune Planet Power, Make Up!”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Ami and Makoto walked into the near empty classroom and took their seats beside each other. Though Ami was used to being early, she was rarely with any of her friends. Especially when two of her friends were late, nearly everyday and Makoto would almost always arrive on time, but not early enough for the two of them to really talk. `I finally have some time to talk to Makoto before class, but I don't know what to say. We didn't even talk too much last after we got to my place. I guess we were both still wrapped up in the events of the previous night…' Ami thought. She'd never felt so useless, until last night, when she could do anything to help find Rei. Ami sighed and tried to think of anything she could have done differently, something she might have missed.

 

“What is it?” Makoto asked.

 

Ami looked over her, “Just thinking about last night.” She said simply, but she didn't have to explain.

 

Makoto lowered head; they were going to have come up with some sort of plan to get Rei. They couldn't very well leave her with their enemy; there was no telling what they were doing to her. “We won't let them have their way, Ami.” Ami simply nodded in response. Though the subject of last night wouldn't really leave either of their minds, Makoto felt a change of subject was in order, if only to change the mood somewhat. “Say Ami? Thanks for letting me stay over at your place last night.”

 

Ami shook her head a little, “No, it was my pleasure. Umm…Mako-chan, thanks for the breakfast this morning.” Ami said and turned away from her friend to hide her burning cheeks.

 

“Ami, for hundredth time, you don't need to thank me. It was my way of thanking you for letting me stay at your place last night.” Makoto said.

 

Unknown to either girl certain blond haired friend had already taken her behind the two of them and heard their exchange. Being who she was, she couldn't help but comment, “Oh, what's this about breakfast?”

 

The two girls in front of her nearly jumped out of their seats. They both turned around that the same time and said together, “Minako, when did you…?”

 

Minako just smiled and said, “Only a few minutes.”

 

“You shouldn't…” Makoto started to say, but she heard the teacher call for everyone to quiet down because she was starting class.

 

The rest of their first period went by slowly, because there was something that didn't sit right with the three senshi. Usagi hadn't shown up, and even though it wasn't unusual for her to be late, it was unusual for her to miss all of their first class. Even before the belled toned to signify the end of their first period, the three girls silently agreed to postpone going to their next classes to discuss their missing Princess.

 

The bell couldn't seem to come soon enough, but when it did, the three girls were the first out the door. Since there was a door that lead outside rather close to the room they were in, they headed there. At least there, it was far less likely someone could overhear them if they went outside and if they needed, they could quick escape.

 

When all three girls were outside and the door was shut, Minako began, “Did Usagi inform either of you that wasn't coming to school today?” Both girls shook their heads no in response.

 

“I just assumed she was going to come to school today and try to act as though everything was normal.” Makoto said.

 

“Like we are?” Minako asked quietly and was met with dejected expressions from her two friends.

 

“What do you think we should do?” Ami asked cautiously.

 

Minako sighed and thought over what they should do. Ami and Makoto both anxiously awaited Minako's choice of action. Finally, with another Minako sigh she spoke, “With our current situation, I say we assume the worst. We assume that something happened on her way to school, so our first and primary course of action is to find her and make sure she's really alright and I hope I'm just being paranoid here.” All three girls nodded their heads and hastily left the school grounds.

 

The departure didn't go unnoticed though, because across the street from the school someone could be seen leaping from tree to tree in pursuit of the three girls.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Setsuna entered her study and sat down tiredly the large office chair at her desk. She got very little sleep the previous night, there was too much on her mind. Setsuna picked up a mug from the desk and took a healthy drink of black coffee. `How did all of this good so wrong? Was it wrong to have trained her in the first place? I had my doubts after all and so did she…'

 

~~

Pluto stood silently and observed the Gates of Time. Each gate leads to something different, but there were three larger gates that she was always to keep an eye on. Kiou no Seki, Konyo no Seki, and Mirai no Seki; from just these three gates she could find almost any answer she wished to know. Everything had variables though, so nothing she ever saw was definite, but even so most of the events she saw did come to pass and this was something that worried her. Despite the Queen's wishes, she looked into the future of her reign, but it's always been too clouded even for her sight. She sighed and shut the door to Konyo, `They're still warring on Earth.' She thought when she felt the presence of another. She gripped her time staff tightly and pointed it at the presence in the fog, “Stop! Trespassers are not allowed to leave with their life!”

 

“Dead Scream.”

 

The purple energy flew at the trespasser at an amazing speed. Before the energy could reach its target, a bright white light replaced it. Pluto dropped her time staff and bowed very low to the ground. “My Queen, I am so sorry. I did not realize it was you.” Pluto apologized.

 

The person stepped out of the fog, as the light subsided, “You needn't apologize, my friend. It is I who should be apologizing. I should have known better than to try and sneak up on you here.” The woman wore a white dress, with no design on it except for golden circles around the bust. She had long silver hair done up with two buns on either side of her head.

 

“But still, your majesty…”

 

“Don't call me that here, Kameko. There is no one else here save for us and referring to me as such without being at court isn't necessary for a friend such as you. Please, would you stand as well, there is no need for formalities here.” She said and motioned for Pluto to stand.

 

“As you wish, but may I ask why you're here? Is it because of Earth?” Pluto asked.

 

“While they are still refusing our assistance, I have not come because of that. It has been brought to my attention of a girl on the satellite of your home planet, Nemesis. They tell me of her outstanding potential. The alliance members are in consensus on this; they believe she is a new warrior that has yet to awaken.” The Queen said.

 

“A new warrior? Are they seriously talking about another Sailor Senshi?” Pluto asked. `There aren't supposed to be any more senshi for this solar system.'

 

“I'm leery about this as much as you are, but with as much power as I have; I could not sway them. That is also the reason why I came to you.”

 

“What is it that you wish of me, Serenity?” Pluto asked.

 

“I want you to be the one to go and inspect her. See if she really does have the ability. If in your judgment she does, I wish for you to supervise her training.” Serenity explained.

 

“Me? But, I can't leave my post here and training for a Sailor Senshi takes at least five years and even longer in most cases.” Pluto said clearly confused.

 

“I need you to do this. I can trust you to do this for me.”

 

Pluto bowed her head, `I could never refuse her anyway' she thought to herself. “Alright, but I don't think it's possible for her to be a Sailor Senshi, I would have known before now.”

 

“You have great vision, but even your vision is not without blind spots. This girl may have been out of your sight because she resided in one of those blind spots. As I said though, I'm not entirely convinced that she is as talented as they say. I'm told she possesses strengths similar to those of some of the inner planets. If it is true though and we do nothing, she could become the target of an enemy of ours…” Serenity said.

 

“The Dark Kingdom…” Pluto said.

 

“Or others, they are not our only enemies. I don't want an innocent to become a tool of our enemies.”

 

“So, you wish for me to have her firmly on our side?” Pluto asked.

 

“It's not just that, the next line of senshi must be chosen.” Serenity said firmly.

 

“What is it?” Pluto asked when she noticed her friend's seriousness.

 

“Surely you must know already…I'm pregnant.”

~~

 

DING DONG

 

Setsuna thoughts were interrupted by the loud echoing ring of the house's doorbell. Setsuna put down her mug and left her study to see who was at the door. It was only a quick walk down a flight of stairs to reach the front door. She did think it was a little curious that she didn't know that she was going to have visitor, let alone whom it was. She reached the door and opened it. Setsuna did her best to mask her surprise at her visitor, “Usagi?”

 

“May I come in please?” Usagi asked.

 

Setsuna stepped aside and opened the door wider to allow the blonde entrance, “Sure.” Once Usagi was inside Setsuna shut the door, “I thought you had school today?”

 

Usagi nodded her head and looked at the older woman, “I do, but this is more important to me right now.” She said seriously.

 

“What is it?” Setsuna replied with equal seriousness, though she had a good idea exactly what Usagi wanted to know.

 

“I want you to tell me everything you can about this enemy we're dealing with and why you think they took Rei.” Usagi said and looked

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

`I can't delude myself. I said I have all the time in the world, but with everything within my grasp, I can't help but want to do this a quickly as possible.' Kei thought and smiled when about the foolishness of her thought. `I thought I would have gained some patience after a thousand years of solitude.' She thought and looked up at the door to the room when she heard someone start to open it. In only a few moments Ryuji stepped through the door and began approaching her. “Is there something you need, Ryuji?”

 

“No, however you told me to inform you if the Sailor Senshi start taking action.” He said.

 

“Go on.” Kei encouraged him to continue.

 

Ryuji bowed and continued, “Yes. Two of them, Uranus and Neptune have returned to where Kenjiro and I fought with Mars.”

 

“And?” She asked.

 

“Aren't you concerned about them investigating that area?” He asked.

 

“No, it's a futile effort by them. If they believe they can find something there, they are mistaken.” Kei said dismissively.

 

“They seem to believe we'll take some action against them, they almost seem to want us to take action against them.” Ryuji explained.

 

“I don't play by their rules. There is nothing to be gained by engaging them in battle there.” Kei said

 

“The Princess is separated from them; she's taken action on her own.” Ryuji said, hoping that would get her attention. He smiled when it in fact seemed to.

 

“Explain.” Kei prompted.

 

“She's gone to visit Pluto.” Ryuji said.

 

`Pluto? Does she perhaps what to learn about me? Or perhaps, she wishes to know of my intentions with Mars?' Kei thought and smiled, `Pluto isn't likely to give you the answers you seek.' She thought when an idea struck her, “What of the others?” She asked.

 

“They have been spotted leaving their schooling facility together a short time ago.” Ryuji answered quickly.

 

“Is there any indication they are aware of the Princess' whereabouts?” Kei asked.

 

“No. As far as we could tell, they're completely unaware.” He said.

 

Kei smiled and to Ryuji's ears, he could have sworn he heard quiet laughter coming from her. `Perfect.' She thought to herself. “Dispatch three youma to intercept each girl once they separate.”

 

“Three youma, for each girl? Isn't that a bit excessive?”

 

“Don't take these girls lightly. The worse thing you can do is be so cocky as to underestimate your opponents. Besides, this let's us take the next step because while they are occupied, Kenjiro deliver a message to our little Princess.” She said with a smirk.

 

“You seem confident, as if you knew this would happen.” Ryuji thought aloud.

 

“Do you think I'm hiding something from you? It's as though, you believe I have the ability of foresight.” She said and paused to gauge his reaction. He remained, as he always was, stoic. Kei shrugged her shoulders, “You think to highly of me, I think. There is only one person with the ability to see the possible futures and it's not me. Splitting up and looking in opposite directions for something that is lost, is the quickest why one can find that which they are looking for. It would be stupid to remain together, only divided can they cover all the ground they need to.”

 

Ryuji nodded his head and brought up the next thing on his mind the reason he was even there, “What of Uranus and Neptune then?”

 

“Give them what they want, send Ichiro to keep them busy. The highest priority is that the youma, Ichiro included, keep the rest of the senshi from making it to the Princess before Kenjiro does what must be done. That's also where you come in Ryuji.” Kei said and stood up.

 

“Me?” He questioned and watched as she approached.

 

“Yes, I need you to ensure Kenjiro doesn't let anything slip. He doesn't know much, but he mustn't be allowed to tell her anything of where we are, it's too early for that. If he does try to tell her, I expect you to do what must be done to silence him.” Kei said seriously. She stopped and looked to Ryuji to make sure they're on the same page. Ryuji nodded and bowed slightly. Kei seemed to except that because she nodded in return.

 

“What about you?” Ryuji asked.

 

Kei continued walking, after hearing Ryuji's question, “Not that it's really any of your concern, but I'll be speaking with our guest. I have some points that I need to get across to her.”

 

“What do you mean?” Ryuji asked curiously.

 

“Don't concern yourself with matters you can't understand.” Kei said sternly.

 

“Forgive me.” He said as he bowed slightly.

 

“Just go dispatch the youma already. I'll speak with Kenjiro and Ichiro.” She ordered. Ryuji bowed quickly and went down the opposite path she was taking.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Mars sat against the stonewall and sighed. She hadn't gotten much sleep, because continued to trying to find some way to escape. Despite all her efforts, she was still in the same position she was when she first woke up. She couldn't even tell how long she'd been there already, but she assumed it was morning or maybe even afternoon. Mars lifted up her arm and looked at her wrist and cursed. Even through her gloves, she could tell it was bleeding. `The only thing I'm doing is hurting myself.' She thought and lowered her arm.

 

Mars eyes became fixated on the only door to the room, `Someone's coming again.' She thought and focused on identifying the presence approaching. `It's that woman again.' The door opened not too long after that thought and in walked exactly whom she suspected.

 

“I see you're not feigning sleep today.” The woman said as she entered the room.

 

Mars looked at her angrily, “How could I sleep when I'm chained up like this?!” she yelled and raised her arm.

 

“I see you've been hurting yourself.” She said and shook her head, “I thought I told you it's useless to try to free yourself.”

 

“I guess I'm just stubborn.” Mars said sarcastically.

 

“I expected as much.” Kei said a paused for a moment, “I suppose you understand the uselessness now?” she said but Mars didn't answer. Kei walked further into the room, but stopped before she was within reach of the senshi of fire.

 

“Why don't you just tell what you want?”

 

“You know I've watched you for quite sometime now; well you and the other Sailor Senshi.” She said, avoiding Mars' question.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I'm sure you've been curious how I know of who you and your little senshi pals are. Well, even before your reawakening on Earth I knew it was only a matter of time before the Sailor Senshi would emerge again. The enemies of light were already working in secret, after all. So, I dispatched a number of youma that excelled in stealth to various places that the newly reborn senshi would likely awaken, places with the highest levels of evil energy. First Sailor Venus awoke, but she worked alone in England and under a code name, Sailor V, but that couldn't fool me. When she appeared it was a sign that the rest of the senshi would soon appear, it took a little over a year before finally another senshi awoke. I'll admit I was a little thrown off by the emergence of a Sailor Moon, but I realized this awakening was different and once she showed herself it was only a matter of time before all of you awakened again. In due time Sailor Mercury awoke followed by you and finally Sailor Jupiter. You caught my eye, unlike the rest though.” Kei explained.

 

“And why would that be?” Mars asked.

 

“I was searching for something, but I couldn't very well do this right away. I needed to make sure you were strong enough.” Kei said.

 

“What do you mean `strong enough'?” Mars asked.

 

“You didn't find the frequency of attacks on you peculiarly?” Kei asked.

 

“You were trying to kill me.” Rei said.

 

“No, not kill, test. All of this has been a test, a test to see if you are worthy.”

 

“Worthy of what?” Mars asked.

 

“Of being my key.” Kei said with a smile.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Minako, Ami, and Makoto were now a good distance from their school, but they didn't have any luck finding Usagi. Minako motioned for them to stop as they approached an alley. Minako stepped into the alley and was followed by her two companions. “We need to go about this differently.” Minako said.

 

“What do mean?” Makoto asked.

 

“We need to split up. We won't be able to cover enough ground if we stay together.” Minako explained.

 

“That would probably be the quickest way to find her.” Ami said.

 

“Everyone, keep out your communicators in case you run into anything.” Minako ordered and the girls went their separate ways.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Makoto ran straight ahead after they stopped and decided to split up. Though she knew it would be a quicker way to find Usagi, she didn't know if it was the best idea to separate. `Minako has the right idea for us to keep our communicators out in case we do find Usagi and she's in some kind of trouble.' She thought and stopped for a moment to quickly scan the street to her left for any sign of her friend.

 

She had just barely stopped when she felt like she was being followed; she didn't turn around and look though. Instead, she casually turned the corner and waited for the person she felt was following her. She only had to wait about a minute or so before she saw someone dressed in black, with a hood covering his or her face from view, stepping around the corner as well. Makoto instinctively threw a punch at the one that was following her. Her eyes widened when the person easily sidestepped the punch, `Those are human reflexes.' She thought and stepped back, away from the youma. When she back off she felt someone grab her from behind and hold her tightly.

 

The youma she attempted to hit looked up at her, “Nice instincts for a human.” He said and started to walk towards her.

 

Makoto reacted on instinct and stepped on the foot of the youma what was holding her, causing him to loosen his grip and allow her to free herself. She pulled out her communicator, but had it knocked away by another youma that came from behind her. “I don't have time to play you guys.” She said and pulled out her henshin stick this time.

 

“Jupiter Crystal Power, Make Up!”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Ami ran to the left when the separated. She hoped they could find Usagi as soon as possible, but hoped above all that she wasn't in danger. She hurried down the street when a feeling overwhelmed her, a feeling that she was being watched. She to her right for moment and saw nothing, but turned to look forward again, she saw three rather large people standing in her way. She was so close to them by the time, though, that she didn't have the time to stop. She accidentally bumped into the middle one. She fell backwards from the impact, but the one she bumped into seemed completely unaffected.

 

“I'm so sorry, I didn't see you.” Ami apologized.

 

The larger person in front of her merely started to laugh. Ami pulled herself up off the ground and looked at him curiously, when the other two started to laugh as well. “Funny bumping into you like this Sailor Mercury.” He said as he turned around. Ami's eyes widened and she immediately took out her henshin stick.

 

“Mercury Crystal Power, Make Up!”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Minako took off to the right when she saw that her friends had already taken off in the opposite directions. `I wonder where she is. She didn't come to school, so something had to have happened; I just hope she isn't in trouble.' Minako thought. She quickened her pace in the hopes of covering more ground. A thought had crossed her mind that she may have return to Ichinohashi Park. She started to speed up, but stopped herself when she felt the presence of something that wasn't human. The problem was she couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from, she wasn't as attune to sensing presences as Rei was.

 

Minako dropped her speed so it wasn't much above jog, so she wouldn't be caught off guard by anyone. She reached into her pocket for her henshin stick, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw something coming at her from her right, and she stopped so abruptly the youma heading at her didn't have time to adjust and went right past her. He went into the grass on the by the sidewalk where Minako was standing. Minako looked at the youma, “Where's Mars?” She asked, but the youma only smiled at her. She noticed he gave a quick glance to his right, so she did the same. She barely had enough time to react when another youma leapt at her. She jumped backwards and was able to avoid the second youma.

 

Minako kept her eyes on the two youma, but before she knew it, yet another youma came at her. Instead of moving away from this one, she crouched down to avoid him. The third, like the other two missed her, but not by much. `This is a little ridiculous; I can't stay on the defensive.' She thought and saw the three youma approaching her again. “If that's how it's going to be…” Minako said and took out her henshin stick.

 

“Venus Crystal Power, Make Up!”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Uranus and Neptune were pretending to search the ground when they felt a new presence approaching them, an unfriendly presence. The two women glanced at each other and with a quick to each other, they turned around to where the presence was coming from.

 

“World Shaking!”

 

“Deep Submerge!”

 

The two attacks combined a sailed into an area dense with greenery. The attack easily tore through the bushes and trees in its path and the two senshi could have sworn the attack hit its target, but after few minutes, they could see some movement coming from where their attack hit.

 

A tall youma stepped out of the area torn apart by the two senshi's attacks, looking unharmed. “We don't need to fight.” Ichiro said.

 

“You're right, we don't need to. Just tell us where you have Mars and we'll go our separate ways.” Uranus said.

 

“I can't do that.” He replied.

 

“Why is that?” Neptune asked.

 

“I don't know where she is.” Ichiro said.

 

“You're lying!” Uranus accused.

 

“I'm not, only she really knows.” Ichiro said seriously.

 

“Who is this she you're talking about?” Uranus asked.

 

Ichiro smiled as he said, “Someone with far greater power than the two of you.”

 

“Are you talking about your leader?” Neptune asked.

 

Ichiro turned away from Uranus and turned to Neptune, “Yes, and she's ordered me to kill the two of you. So I'll say this one more time, we don't need to fight.”

 

“What would be the alternative?” Neptune asked.

 

“Give up your lives willing, because you can't win against me.” Ichiro said confidently.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

“Please Setsuna, you're the only person I can come to if I wish to learn anything, my mother told me this.” Usagi said.

 

Setsuna looked at Usagi in surprise, “Your mother?”

 

“Yes, I dreamt of her last night.” Usagi explained. She waited a few minutes and awaited her reply, but she didn't receive one. Setsuna seemed to be thinking over exactly what she should say. “Please Setsuna; I need you to tell what you know.”

 

“Usagi…” Setsuna started to say, but some yelling from outside cut her off.

 

“Princess! Princess of the Moon! I'm here to call you out! Will you be kind enough to battle me once again?”

 

Both Setsuna and Usagi moved to look out the window. Usagi instantly recognized the youma as one of them from the night before. Usagi turned to Setsuna, “That's one of the youma that took Mars!” she said and ran to the door, but Setsuna was there just as quickly to stop her. “What are you doing? Let me pass!” Usagi demanded.

 

“No, that's exactly what he wants.” Setsuna said and looked through the window again. “You stay here. I'll deal with him.”

 

“But…”

 

“No buts, you stay right here.” Setsuna ordered and took out her henshin stick.

 

“Pluto Planet Power, Make Up!”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Kenjiro watched the door with interest. This was going to be his last stand and he knew it, but didn't stop the excitement from filling him. `The battle, this is what I've always lived for. If I die here or if I succeed, there is nothing for me, nothing except this battle.' Kenjiro thought and took a sideways glance to a large tree that stood at the front the build he stood before, `He's still there then. I guess he's here to make sure I do as I'm told and nothing more.' He thought and turned back to the house when he heard the door open.

 

He smiled for moment but faded so quickly it was barely noticeable. “I called for your Princess, not you Pluto.”

 

“She is not here.” Pluto said calmly.

 

“There is no need to lie, I know she's here. So is she coming out or not?” Kenjiro asked.

 

“I already told you, she is not here.” Pluto said calmly, but more forcefully this time.

 

“She ordered me not to kill you, but she also told me to not let stand in my way.”

 

“You will leave these grounds of your own accord or I will make you leave forcefully.”

 

Kenjiro smiled and seemly ignored Pluto, “I guess this is the loyalty of royalty! I guess you care not that I have information on the one you lost last night, the one that controls fire! Will you let this one opportunity pass you by?!”

 

“Be quiet! There is no one here save for me!” Pluto said angrily.

 

“Tell me what you've done with her!” Sailor Moon demanded.

 

Pluto turned around to see Sailor Moon standing outside of the house. She looked with a mixture of disappointment and worry, `You're doing exactly what they want you to do Usagi.'

 

Kenjiro gave Sailor Moon a cocky smirk, “Maybe I'll tell you…if you can defeat me, that is.”

 

“Fine, but if I defeat you have to promise to tell me where you've taken Mars.” Moon said.

 

Kenjiro continued to smirk at Moon and shrugged his shoulders, “Sure, but that's only if you can beat me.”

 

End Ch. 21

~~~~******~~~~

 

It's finally done, this one took me much longer then I thought it would. Expect everyone senshi to get some spotlight in the next chapter. I've never seen each Sailor Senshi handle themselves (alone) in such situations and I look forward to showing exactly what they are capable of…

 

Anyone notice the unusual name Serenity called Pluto? Well there's a reason for that and I'll explain it if anyone wants to know. Leave me a review and let me know what you think of this chapter.

 

Oh, for anyone that's curious:

Kiou no Seki = Gate of Past (Past's Gate)

Konyo no Seki = Gate of Present (Present's Gate)

Mirai no Seki = Gate of Future (Future's Gate)

I think their meanings are self-explanatory.