Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ Past ( Chapter 23 )

Before I get started, I want to say I'm sorry for the long wait between updates. I never intended for there to be a delay, but I got very busy at work and consequently, I didn't have a lot of time to write. That might not seem like a good excuse to some people, but it's the truth. While I probably could have put more pressure on myself and got this chapter out closer to a month after 22, it would have been rushed and I wouldn't do that just for the sake of a quicker update. With all that out of the way let me get started…

 

I didn't really expect anyone to know what the translation of the title of the last chapter, so I guess I might as well say what it meant. “Kimi wa Baku ni Niteiru” means “You are Similar to Me.” It's the name of a song I've been listening to a lot; it's the forth and final closing to `Gundam SEED Destiny'.

 

Be prepared for a lot, and I mean a lot, of talking…

 

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

 

Chapter 23 - Past

 

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

 

“I think it's best to tell you what's going on. That I tell you, what Rei is up against as long as she remains her hands.” Pluto said quietly.

 

Sailor Moon whipped her eyes quickly with one gloved hand, “You mean…?”

 

Pluto nodded her head slowly and paused for a moment to undo her transformation. “You requested that I give you any information I can about what's happened recently. I've come to the realization that I can't let this continue as it has been, you have the right to know what's going on. However, you must know there are still some things that I cannot tell you. You must find them on your own.”

 

Sailor Moon nodded her head quickly. She didn't expect Setsuna to tell everything, but what the older woman just said gave her some hope. Hope that Setsuna would be able to shade some light on their enemy and more importantly Rei's whereabouts. Sailor Moon stood up and undid her transformation. Tuxedo Kamen followed her example and did the same. Usagi walked up to Setsuna and they both started back to the older woman's house. Mamoru silently followed the two women. Once all three of them reached the stairs to her home, Setsuna turned around and faced Mamoru.

 

“I'm sorry, Mamoru-san, but you can't come with. What I have to say is for Usagi's ears and hers alone. She is free to tell you and anyone else anything she wishes afterwards though.” Setsuna said.

 

Mamoru looked at Setsuna for a moment and though he would rarely question the senshi of time in such matters, he felt he should here, “If this pertains to Usako's safety, I believe I should here this too.” necessarily

 

She shook her head slowly in response, “What I have to say does not merely pertain to Usagi's safety, but to that of her senshi, namely Rei. I understand your wish to be present, but as I told you Usagi may discuss with you anything I tell her later, or if she chooses, she doesn't have to. I'm bending enough rules to tell Usagi what I can, Mamoru-san.”

 

“But…” Mamoru started to speak, but Usagi finally broke into the conversation.

 

“It's alright Mamo-chan. I'll tell everything afterwards.” Usagi promised.

 

Mamoru looked at Usagi for a few minutes, he appeared to be mulling over what the girl just said. `I guess my time away from you has forced you to grow less dependent on me or maybe…' Finally, he nodded his head in agreement. “Alright, I'll stay out here until you're done.”

 

Usagi smiled brightly at the dark haired man, “Thank you, Mamo-chan.” She said and began to walk to the house again, but stopped when she noticed Setsuna hadn't moved.

 

“Since you're going to remain outside, Mamoru-san, could you tell the girls, when they arrive to remain outside as well? That includes Haruka and Michiru.” Setsuna said.

 

Mamoru didn't need to ask how she knew the girls would be there soon, he simply nodded his head in response, “Sure, I can do that.”

 

Setsuna bowed slightly and added, “Thank you, I appreciate your understanding.”

 

She kept her head lowered as she turned around and walked past Usagi to the door. Usagi started to turn to follow Setsuna, but stopped and looked back to Mamoru. “Thanks again, Mamo-chan” She said before smiling and following Setsuna inside the house.

 

Mamoru couldn't hold back a smile of his own as he watched Usagi enter the building and the door close behind her. `I guess standing back and letting her do what she need to do, is one way of helping her. I did tell her, we'd get Rei back and if this will help, I can't stand in the way. Still, I can't help but wonder why Setsuna insisted I not be there too. I'm sure she has her reasons.'

 

Once inside, Setsuna motioned for Usagi to follow her and she lead her up the large staircase near the entrance. When they reached the top Setsuna, she turned left, Usagi followed closely behind her. Usagi hadn't realized how large the building was, it was quite spacious for three people. They continued walking until they reached the end of the hallway and a double-doored room.

 

Setsuna pulled out a key and unlocked the doors. She put her hands on the doorknobs and turned her head to Usagi, “Are you ready?” She asked, though in all honesty she already knew what Usagi's answer would be. `I'm merely delaying the inevitable. Am I worried about her reaction? I'm breaking a rule that I set for myself, to not reveal the past myself, to instead allow everything to come out at it will. There's been enough damage already, will this repair that or make it worse?'

 

“Yes, I am.” Usagi said determinedly, breaking Setsuna's train of thought.

 

Setsuna nodded and proceeded to open the doors. She stepped to the side to allow Usagi to enter the room first and she did so. Usagi awed at the sheer size of the room, not to mention the number of books that filled the room. There were enough books lining the walls to make Ami jealous. She heard the door click shut after a few more moments, followed by the clicking of Setsuna's heels against the wooden floor. “This is one my studies, my favorite actually.” Setsuna explained quietly and Usagi nodded in acknowledgement.

 

“Please sit down. I believe this will take a while.” Setsuna said motioned to the loveseat in front of where she was standing. Usagi silently walked around Setsuna and took a seat on the offered piece of furniture. Setsuna took the same path as Usagi, but instead of sitting beside Usagi, she sat on a chair that stood facing the loveseat. Usagi watched her expectantly while Setsuna sat back and sighed softly, `It would be best to keep everything I tell her to a bare minimum though. I know she'll find everything out in time, even what I don't tell her.'

 

“Setsuna?” Usagi questioned, breaking the silence.

 

“I'm sorry. I was trying to decide where to start. I guess the best place to start is at the beginning…”

 

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

 

“Now then, tell me, do you have any memories any at all of your previous life?” Kei asked and looked at Mars for her answer. She smiled at Mars' attempts at speech, “Oh, please forgive me, I had forgotten.” She said and waved her hand, “Better?”

 

Mars gasped and glared at the woman standing before her. “What the Hell kind of game are you playing!?” Mars yelled.

 

“There's no need to get so upset, as you can see the loss of your voice was only temporary. If you can control yourself, perhaps I won't need to do that again.” Kei said.

 

“Why don't you just tell what you want and stop playing games?” Mars said.

 

“Games? This is far from a game. This is life and death! This is Destiny and freedom!” She announced loudly. Kei took a deep breath and added in a quieter voice, “But there's time later to discuss all that, for now just answer my question.”

 

“What question?” Mars asked.

 

“I don't like have to repeat myself, but perhaps you were so absorbed in trying to speak you didn't pay attention to me. So, I'll do you a favor and repeat myself, but don't expect me to do it again. Do you have any memories, any at all, of your previous life?”

 

“What does that have to do with any thing?” Mars asked.

 

“Must you continue to ask such questions? There is no need for me to answer that question, nor any others you have. You merely have to answer my questions. Of course, if you choose not to answer, I can always silence you. I can do all the talking…” She said and looked at Mars intently. “I see you doing a better job of hiding your thoughts. I'd expect nothing less from someone with you abilities. Though it appears that you don't have any intention of answering me and if that's the case…” Kei said and lifted her hand up. Mars could hear her muttering something and afterwards her hand started to move towards Mars.

 

“Fine.” Mars said quietly.

 

“What?” Kei asked stopping her hand before it reached Mars.

 

“I said, fine!” Mars said loudly and after a moment Kei dropped her hand to her side, so Mars continued. “I don't know what it matter to you, but I can honestly say, I don't recall much from my past life.”

 

“But you do recall some things. What do you remember?”

 

“I remember the destruction of the Moon Palace. I remember fighting with my friends, everyone fell, even Venus, she was supposed be the strongest. I remember dying. I remember seeing Princess Serenity running towards me as I lay on the ground. She yelled something, but I couldn't hear her, there was too much noise. I remember, before she reached me everything went black.” Mars said quietly. `Where…where…did that last part of memory come from? It just came out as I spoke about it…'

 

`That's it? That should make things easier…' “You don't remember anything before that?” Kei asked, interrupting Mars's thoughts.

 

“I told you I don't remember that much! I've told you what I remember, so tell me what my previous life to do with anything!” Mars demanded.

 

“It has to do with everything! It's where everything started and where everything should have ended if I would have had my way.” Kei said.

 

“What would you know?” Mars asked.

 

“I know, because I lived it and I remember it, fully.”

 

“What?”

 

“I'm from it, of course.”

 

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

 

“This all goes back to before you were even born, to your mother's reign as Queen, during the first Silver Millennium.”

 

“My mother's?” Usagi asked.

 

“Yes. I believe there is very little you know of your mother's reign, correct?” Setsuna asked.

 

Usagi looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, “I don't really remember much from the Silver Millennium.”

 

“Well, you've always been meant to remember everything after your own ascension. Most of what I have to tell you, you wouldn't likely anyway because the events either took place before you were born or when you were very young.” Setsuna explained and took a moment before continuing. “It would be best to explain some things before questions arise.”

 

Usagi nodded and Setsuna continued, “Your mother ruled for several thousand years, but she never really ruled alone. Each planet had their own King and Queen and Moon governed over them. Serenity's right to rule wasn't questioned by any planet save for one, Earth. The Gods themselves granted her right and her descendants the right to rule. There was chaos before her Silver Millennium started, there was near consent conflict between various planets as well as within the planets themselves. She brought peace to the solar system with the help of her senshi…”

 

“Her senshi?” Usagi interrupted

 

“Yes, the senshi that preceded your senshi. Bringing peace to the solar system was a large task; she certainly needed aid in the task. There were those that didn't wish for peace, but that isn't what we need to discuss. It's only important that you know the basics to understand why some things happened how they did.” Setsuna said and waited to see if Usagi understood.

 

Usagi nodded in acceptance. She always knew there was a lot she didn't know about the past, but it felt strange that she didn't have any recollection of them. After a little more thought, it made sense. She knew in the future that her own daughter would have protectors separate from her own.

 

“Usagi?” Setsuna asked when she noticed Usagi with a thoughtful expression. “You shouldn't think too much of it. You didn't interact with them often, so it's natural that you wouldn't recall them. The most significant thing they did for you was train your senshi.”

 

“My mother's senshi trained Rei and the others?”

 

Setsuna nodded, “Yes, but as I said before, that part is unimportant to what I have to tell you today. Knowing about them will not help with the problem at hand.”

 

“I'm sorry; it's just that this is the first time you've ever talked to be about these things with me.”

 

“You don't need to apologize, it's only nature for questions to come up, but if we can I'd like to keep that to a minimum.” Setsuna said.

 

“Alright, you don't need to tell me anything that won't help us get Rei back.” Usagi said and Setsuna nodded.

 

“Now, where was I…yes; once Serenity brought peace to the planets, she restored all of them to their original, beautiful states with the Ginzuishou. Serenity valued the opinions of the other planets and to prove as much, she set up a planetary council with representatives from every planet in this solar system, all except for one. The Earth refused any part in it, feeling that it just a way for Serenity to subjugate them completely by appeasing them with positions that were seemingly powerful, but were really nothing in the grand scheme of things.”

 

“Why would they think that?”

 

“I believe it was out of fear. Mainly because those from Earth have never been as magically inclined as those from the other planets. Serenity did her best to quell their fear, but she wasn't very successful and as a result, relations between the Moon and Earth were never very good. Your mother still protected the Earth as best she could from potential invaders, but there was little she could do about wars that spread on the Earth itself. It was during a particular bad time that Serenity visited me at the Gates.” Setsuna said, taking a deep breath before continuing.

 

“I believed she was coming for counsel on what to do about Earth, but I was surprised when that wasn't the case.”, Setsuna noticed Usagi was about speak, so she quickly answered her question before she even ask it. “I do have limits Usagi and my knowledge isn't infinite. Besides, your mother requested that I not fully engross myself in the knowledge of the Gates because, `There is some thing to be said for living life as it comes too. Living life with all the answers holds no meaning.'” Usagi nodded so Setsuna continued, “She came to discuss a matter that came up at her most recent meeting with the planetary representatives. They wished for one of her senshi to investigate this matter. Serenity explained that her senshi were all occupied with other things, but they were very persistent and she eventually agreed to send someone.”

 

“You?” Usagi asked.

 

“Yes. While I was resistant at first, Serenity convinced me, and I conceded.” Setsuna said.

 

“What was it that my mother asked you to look into?”

 

“Don't worry; I'm getting to that Usagi.” She answered with a small smile, but that faded quickly and a serious expression replaced it. “This is what's most crucial to our current enemy. Your mother asked me to do this mission because she believed in my judgment. You see, this wasn't any ordinary mission, it was to investigate the merit of a girl residing on the moon of my home planet, Pluto.”

 

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

 

Mamoru's head shot up at the sound of a familiar car engine in the distance and approaching fast. He looked down the driveway, already he could see a yellow convertible turning the corner and into the driveway, `I doubt either of them will be pleased when I tell them they can't go into their own house.' He thought to himself. He realized the car would be in front of the door in a few moments, so he stood up.

 

As Haruka neared the building, both she and Michiru could see someone standing at the entrance waiting for them. As they drew nearer, they could tell it was Mamoru, but neither Usagi nor Setsuna were anywhere to be seen. Haruka put the car in park and barely even shut the car off before exiting the vehicle. Michiru followed her seconds later. The aquamarine haired woman quickly made it to Haruka's, after seeing her approach the Prince on unsteady feet.

 

Mamoru watched the two woman and frowned, both looked like they ran into trouble of their own, Haruka seemed have gotten the worst of it though. Before either woman could say anything, Mamoru decided to speak, “What happened to the two of you?”

 

“That's not important. Where's Usagi? Is she alright?” Haruka asked.

 

“You look pretty beat up, maybe you should go to the…” Mamoru started to say.

 

“You're avoiding my question, where's Usagi? And Setsuna for that matter.”

 

Mamoru lowered his head, “They're inside.” He said and stepped in front of Haruka as she tried to pass him, “And they ask to not be interrupted. I promised them that I wouldn't let anyone, even the two of you interrupt.”

 

“What's so important she has to keep us out of it as well?” Michiru wondered aloud.

 

“Whatever it is, it has to with our enemy, Usagi, and Rei.” Mamoru said.

 

Michiru looked over at Haruka, “Could it have to with the woman Setsuna told us about?”

 

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

 

“What do mean?”

 

“It's exactly as I say, I was born and lived most of my life during the reign of the Moon Kingdom, what you would call, the Silver Millennium.” Kei said seriously.

 

“You're lying.” Mars said quickly.

 

“What reason do I have to lie? How do you think it is that you couldn't hide your presence from me? Are you so conceited as to believe that you, your senshi pals, the Prince, and the Princess are the only ones alive from that time?”

“Are you telling me you were reincarnated, like the rest of us?” Mars asked.

 

“Reincarnated?” Kei responded with an expression Mars couldn't quite figure out. Kei stood and took a few steps away from Mars before speaking again, “I had no need to any such thing. A reincarnation is only necessary for one who has died.”

 

“Let me get this straight, you're telling me you are like me and my friends, except you never died?” Mars asked, not sounding entirely convinced.

 

She turned back to Mars upon hearing her question, “The simple answer is, yes. However, you seem unconvinced by my words alone. Perhaps, you are looking for a more complete explanation?”

 

“If you are planning on telling me the truth, I would love an explanation.” Mars said.

 

“You still think I'm lying.” Kei stated, rather than questioned. She took a deep breath, “Fine, since it's clear you remember nothing. Maybe my words of the past will get through that thick head of yours.”

 

Mars was about to make one of her sarcastic comebacks when the woman in front of her spoke up. “I was born a great many years after Serenity's reign began, on a world a great distance from the moon, on the moon of Pluto, Nemesis.”

 

“Nemesis?” Mars asked and looked at the darkly dressed woman with shock. `I know that world, one of our previous enemies haled from there, could she be an enemy from them. No, she can't be. They were from the future and she claims to be from the past.'

 

“Indeed. I'm sure you're at least aware that the planets, its moons, and the stars surrounding them all contained life, at least most of them did.” Kei said calmly. “Or perhaps, you're thinking of something else…?”

 

“That's none of your business.”

 

“Then I can continue?” Kei asked and when Mars remained quiet, she took that opportunity to begin again. “I never really knew my parents. My mother died when I was young and from what I heard, my father abandoned me because I never saw him. I lived with grand parents, but even when I was very young, I knew I was different…special. I could do things that other kids couldn't. Even when I wasn't trying, I could hear things. When I showed the other kids, they all thought I was weird.” Kei said her voice gaining an angry edge to it at the end. She walked away from Mars and looked out the lone window in the room, “I believe you know what that feels like.”

 

Rei didn't say anything though, she only watched her captor. `Is that what she meant? We've lead similar lives.' She still couldn't see her face, which only served to frustrate Mars more. This woman kidnapped her and has kept her from her friends and family, she was keeping her from Usagi. Moreover, she had yet to learn why all this was happening. “What's the point?! Why are you telling me any of this?”

 

Kei turned and addressed Mars, “So you can understand.”

 

“Understand what!?” Mars yelled.

 

“How foolish you are.” Kei said calmly and walked away from the window, back to where Mars was. She smiled at Mars as she glared at her, “Now to continue. As I said before I knew that I was different, but I didn't realize how different I was until I encountered a mysterious woman. It was a fateful meeting, one that changed my life…”

 

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

 

`It's not my fault I can do this…I just can.' Kei thought as she ran. She soon found her vision was becoming blurry, so she hastily wiped her eyes with her sleeve. No matter how many times she wiped her eyes, she found it impossible to clear her vision. Giving up, she closed her eyes and ran faster, `I know how to get back home with my eyes closed anyway.' She thought only to come to a sudden, painful stop.

 

Kei opened her eyes as she fell back, on to the ground. “Ouch!” she exclaimed when she hit the ground. With her eyes opened once again, she noticed her vision was still blurry, but she could make out someone or something standing over her. She wiped her eyes for the umpteenth time, but this time she found she could see clearly afterwards.

 

“I'm sorry child, I didn't see you.”

 

Kei's eyes focused in on the source of the voice and the reason she was currently sitting on the ground. She could feel her heart beat increase as she stared up at an unfamiliar woman with long dark hair that gave of a green tint to it as the light hit it.

 

“Here, let me help you up.” The woman said, offering a hand.

 

Kei hesitated for a moment, but took the offered hand anyway. The moment she touched the older woman's hand, she felt something, something she'd never felt before. She didn't know if what she felt was good or bad.

 

The older woman released her hand, before helping her up and looked down at the young girl on the ground in shock, “You?!”

 

Kei could tell her worst fears were realized by the way the woman reacted, but she couldn't help to ask, “What do you mean you?!”

 

“You, you're the one I've been looking for on this world.” The woman explained.

 

“You can't be looking for me, I'm weird…I'm different.” Kei said and looked away from the tall woman.

 

“I'm looking for you because you are different.”

 

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

 

“What do you mean by investigate?” Usagi asked.

 

“To put it simply, this girl was showing talents she shouldn't have. You see, each system has a predetermined number of persons capable of being protectors, soldiers if you will, of the planets or stars or moons of that particular system. The council was aware of that and yet they concluded that she was solider, yet to awaken. I was sent to determine the validity of it all and should I determine that it was true, I was instructed by your mother to train her.” Setsuna explained.

 

Usagi listened to Setsuna intently as she spoke. She wondered why she didn't have any knowledge of most of what Setsuna was telling her, but still she paid attention to everything Setsuna had say because she didn't know if Setsuna would ever tell her this again or if she would ever be this open the past she, herself, didn't recall.

 

“Obviously my first task was to find the girl and I came across her far quicker then I thought I would. There was never a doubt in my mind once I found her that she was the one I was looking for. As I'm sure you realize, everyone has their own distinct aura about them and for anyone trained to sense them, it's simple enough to find those with unique auras. Even though finding her was simple, convincing her of my intentions took a little more time…”

 

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

 

“So you're a Sailor Senshi? A guardian of the Queen?” Kei asked as she and the taller woman continued down the dirt path, towards her home. Her companion insisted on coming along.

 

“Correct.” The woman said calmly.

 

Kei looked at her, as if inspecting her, “You don't look like a solider.” She commented.

 

“Some times looks can be deceiving.” She said casually.

 

Kei turned away from her for a moment and looked forward, “Alright, if you are a Sailor Senshi, what planet do you govern?”

 

“I am the avatar of Pluto, the planet this moon orbits, Sailor Pluto.”

 

Kei was quiet for a few minutes before finally saying what she was thinking, “Prove it.”

 

“Prove it?” The woman repeated.

 

Kei stopped and said, “Yes, if you really are a Sailor Senshi, you should have awesome powers, abilities that normal people don't have. Show me something to prove that you're really who you say you are, that you are Sailor Pluto.”

 

“It appears you already have some preconceived notions about Sailor Senshi. While it's true, we do possess abilities that others do not, being powerful does not necessarily mean that person is a Sailor Senshi or even on the side of good. There are beings that reside in the darkness that also have amazing powers. Perhaps, I'll teach you how to tell the difference between the two.”

 

“What do you mean?” Kei asked.

 

“Later. For now, just trust my words. I mean you no harm; I simply wish to speak with you and your guardians and perhaps spend some time here.”

 

Kei studied her companion carefully, she still couldn't read her, but she also didn't feel anything bad from her either. “Alright, you can speak to my grandparents, but it's up to them whether you can stay or not.”

 

“Fair enough.” She agreed.

 

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

 

“It didn't take very long to realize there was something unique about her and since your mother put it in my hands, I decided to go forth and begin her training.” Setsuna said.

 

“What kind of training?” The blonde asked.

 

“The few destined to become protectors of this solar system required special training. They needed to train under of warriors before they can be given the title of Sailor Senshi.” Setsuna explained.

 

Usagi looked confused, “You mean the girl you're talking about is…?”

 

“Because of my position, there would not another Sailor Pluto, my position is permanent. Even though I could not pass my title on to another, I could still train another. When her training completed she took on the title of Sailor Nemesis, the planet of chaos and vengeance.”

 

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

 

“Do the two you know more about this then you've said?” Mamoru asked and looked at Michiru and Haruka.

 

“We don't know very much really, but the little we do know came from Setsuna.” Michiru explained.

 

“But that means that the two of you did know something, and you withheld what you knew from Usako and the others. Telling them could have prevented…” Mamoru said, only to be interrupted by Haruka.

 

“It wouldn't have prevented anything! Setsuna warned us who we're dealing with and told us to keep a better eye on Usagi. Don't lecture us when you weren't even here up until a few days ago!” Haruka said and took a step towards the dark haired man.

 

“I have my reasons.” Mamoru responded assertively.

 

“And you think your reasons are good enough for leaving Usagi like you did?”

 

“Ruka…” Michiru scolded quietly and put her hand on the blonde's shoulder. Haruka didn't say anything more, instead choosing to turn away from and walk back to her car. Michiru looked at Mamoru and smiled apologetically, before walking over to Haruka.

 

Mamoru looked at Michiru and Haruka as they talked, but his eyes soon wandered past them and to someone running up to the house. It didn't take long before the two women noticed the person as well. Soon enough the person was close enough to be identified and all three of them recognized her.

 

“Sailor Venus!”

 

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

 

“The woman I encountered had a powerful presence and she was different than any other person I'd met before. While, I could read anyone else I came across, I couldn't read her. The woman I refer to is no ordinary woman. I believe, no in fact I know you know her, she is Sailor Pluto, the guardian of time.” Kei said.

 

“You're lying.” Mars stated.

 

“I am not. She taught me how to use my power, to be a warrior of my home world. So I could be a Sailor Senshi and…” Kei and paused before angrily adding, “So I could be a slave to the Serenities.”

 

“You're not a Sailor Senshi.”

 

“Now, why do you think that? You think because I'm not a servant of the Serenities, I can't be a Sailor Senshi as well? You're greatly misguided if you believe you and the Senshi of this solar system are the only Sailor Senshi in existence. Or are you just upset that I'm not a slave anymore, while you remain one?” Kei asked.

 

“I am no slave!” Mars shouted.

 

“What would you call it? Our lives are bound to that of those of the Serenity bloodline; a bound so strong even death is not a release. All born with the blessing of their planet or star is a slave.”

 

“It's not like that!” Mars yelled and in the blink of an eye, Kei crouched down beside Mars.

 

“Silence.” Kei said and touched Mars' lips before she had a chance to react. “You should realize by now that what I say is true. If you die in their service you will be reborn again, only to do it all over again.” Kei said and stood up. She stepped away from Mars before continuing to speak, “Such a life holds no meaning. Even all those years ago I knew this and it was then I tried to change things.”

 

“Despite being trained by Pluto, I was not allowed to have contact with her for the most part, but I would sneak away and find her. She would tell me that I shouldn't disobey Queen Serenity, but she never told me to leave. In the years of my training I'd grown quite fond of her and one day I decided to take a chance and see if my feelings would be enough to break the bounds of destiny.”

 

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

 

“A Sailor Senshi?”

 

“You should not refer to her by that honorable title. The woman I refer to now is not honorable, she one who has committed crimes and is still committing crimes.” Setsuna said seriously.

 

“Are you saying…?” Usagi started to ask when Setsuna nodded her head.

 

“The reason I keep stressing that this enemy is so different is because we aren't fighting a youma or something similar, we're against someone who once fought the forces of evil. Someone with existing knowledge of all of our abilities. Someone I know to be very dangerous and very skillful. She has knowledge of magic that you don't, magic I taught her and magic she devised on her own. Even I as her former teacher am no match for her.” Setsuna said regretfully.

 

“You're sure?” Usagi asked.

 

“I'm positive.” The older woman answered.

 

“Why are you so sure?” The Princess questioned.

 

“Not more then a few days ago, she paid me a visit. At that time, she showed me how helpless I was before again. I could tell she'd changed even from the last time I saw her all those years ago. She was even stronger, but not in a way that can be achieved by training, it was something else. One thing was clear; she was consumed by hatred and anger, more so than I could have ever imagined.”

 

“Why did she show up now? Where has she been all these years?” Usagi asked.

 

“I'm not sure why she chose now, but it's possible that she wasn't capable until.” The dark haired woman theorized.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I mean, a long time ago, when you were still very young, as punishment for her crimes, Queen Serenity sealed her away on her home, Nemesis.”

 

“My mother…” Usagi whispered.

 

“At that time she had committed many crimes and since your mother didn't believe in execution of anyone human, she did the only other option.” Setsuna explained.

 

“But from what you've told me, she wasn't always like this. She was a good person once. What happened?” Usagi asked.

 

“It all started very simply. She asked something of me, but it was something I couldn't agree to.” Setsuna said, leaving it at that.

 

Usagi looked at Setsuna curiously. The older woman didn't wear her usual calm and unreadable expression. To Usagi's eyes, she looked sad, so Usagi couldn't help but ask the question that was on her mind, “What did she ask?”

 

“She asked…”

 

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

 

“I asked her to give up her title of Sailor Pluto, Guardian of Time, and be with me.” Kei said and was silent for a moment, for as long as she could hold her anger in check. “And she declined, telling me that she didn't feel the same about me. She went on about destiny and our duty to the Queen, but I know the truth now. She was so utterly tied down to fate that she couldn't give it up.”

 

Mars watched the woman in front of her as the tone of her voice changed from her usual angry or calm tone, to something on the verge of insanity. Mars tried to tell her as much, but found moving her lips, let alone speech impossible. `Did she ever consider that Setsuna honestly didn't feel the same?'

 

“I don't know why but Pluto avoided me after that and without even realizing it I was doing the same. It wasn't very long after that that Queen Serenity came to me with a scouting mission, outside our solar system...”

 

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

 

“Haruka, Michiru, and…Mamoru-san?” Venus called back. `If Mamoru's here does that mean that Usagi is as well?' she thought as she quickened her pace to meet the trio. As she got close, she could see the remains of a battle on lawn. `Something did happen here.' She thought to herself. She was shocked to see both Haruka and Michiru had sustained a number of injuries and by the looks of it, they had yet to get them treated.

 

“You can undo your transformation Venus, there are no youma here.” Mamoru called over and turned away from the blonde. Minako nodded and undid her transformation.

 

“There were youma here? And where's Usagi?” Minako asked.

 

“Yes, there were. We weren't given all the details, but Usagi is inside with Setsuna.” Michiru explained.

 

“What do you mean, you weren't given all the details? Did you three fight?” Minako asked and looked at Mamoru, Michiru, and Haruka.

 

“We, Michiru and myself, fought, but not here. We ran into some trouble after we left here.” Haruka said.

 

“And you?” The blonde haired girl asked, directing her question at Mamoru.

 

“I was here, but I didn't really fight. Usagi fought alone because that was the youma's demands and the only way she thought she could get information on where Rei might be.” He explained.

 

“Is Usagi alright and did he give any viable information?” She asked.

 

“She made it through with alright, but it wasn't easy. However, we weren't able to get much information because he died before that.” Mamoru said dejectedly.

 

“Damn it.” Minako cursed under her breath. “At least Usagi's…” Minako started to say, only to trail off.

 

“What is it?” Haruka asked.

 

“You two were attack, there was an attack here, and I was attacked…Ami and Makoto might be in trouble!” Minako said and spun around to head out in search of her two missing friends, only to collide with someone.

 

“Jeez, Minako! I'm standing right here.”

 

Minako looked up and saw…,”Makoto! When you get here?”

 

“Only a few seconds ago, I was about to say something when you nearly knocked me over.” Makoto said.

 

“What about Ami though?” The blonde question.

 

“I'm right here.” The blue haired girl said and stepped out from behind Makoto.

 

Minako and the others let out a sigh of relief that everyone was accounted for. Minako noticed Ami's arm was bandaged and her suspicious were confirm, “Both you what were attack as well then?”

 

Both Ami and Makoto nodded, “Where's Usagi?” they asked together.

 

“Inside with Setsuna.” Mamoru said and when on to explain everything all over again to the new arrivals.

 

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

 

“It was shortly after that, that she became distant. I had no reason to think it was anything out of the ordinary, because one would only think it natural to avoid the one who likely broke the other's heart. I didn't try to confront her or anything; I thought space between us would be best.” Setsuna said.

 

Usagi nodded and waited for Setsuna to continue. “It wasn't too long after that that, that strange occurrences started happening. A disturbance was reported just outside our system. In system not too far from our own, stars started burn out, no not burn out, stars were dying.”

 

“Dying?” Usagi questioned.

 

Setsuna nodded her head slowly, “Yes. Stars and planets do have tendency to die over time, but this was unnatural. All the other Sailor Senshi were busy training their heirs, but the disturbance was too close to be ignored. Your mother had little choice, so she sent her out to investigate. We thought everything had gone well, but when she returned I could tell something had changed in her.”

 

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

 

“I faithfully took up the mission given to me and in my time away from Serenity's influence, I became enlightened by someone. This person showed me how clouded my mind was and I was offered something I couldn't refuse. It was at that time that I made a decision, I decided to say fuck duty, fuck destiny, and I decided to make my own destiny. I chose that destiny to be one that destroyed the current one. One that would irradiate everything that hurt me, starting first with eliminating the Serenity bloodline that has enslaved Pluto.”

 

Mars looked at the woman in front of her, `She's insane…can unrequited love really drive someone to become like this?' she thought to herself.

 

“I failed at that time, but this time will be different because this time I'm not alone. Now simply ending Serenity's life is not enough, I don't just want to eliminate that repulsive bloodline; I want her most loyal servant to do it with me. I want the fool that dared to challenge me all those years ago to be the one to end everything.” Kei said and smiled at Mars' shocked reaction. “You understand then. You, Sailor Mars, solider of flame, you will be my yakubyougami, my angel of death.”

 

`That does it! I've had enough of this, where the hell does she get off telling me to hurt Usagi! This damn spell can't be unbreakable.' Mars thought and concentrated on moving her lips. She found that if she tried hard enough she could move them a little, `If she thinks I'll just sit back and listen to this anymore, she wrong!' Suddenly the signal of Mars flared on her head and Mars screamed, “Where in that sick twisted mind of yours did you ever come to the conclusion that I could harm Usagi, let alone kill her?”

 

“How did you…?” Kei asked, taking step back from Mars.

 

“I protect her because I want to, because I love her! It's never been about duty!” Mars declared.

 

“You're a fool! You protect her because of destiny! You protect her because your soul is bound to hers in that way!” Kei yelled back.

 

“You're wrong. We may have been brought together because of our souls being bound, but I protect her with my life because I love her with all my heart!” Mars said, surprised even herself with her open declaration.

 

“Don't you understand? She can never love you like Pluto couldn't me.” Kei said.

 

“I don't pretend to know what happened between you and Pluto and you shouldn't pretend to know anything about Usagi and I. You say you loved Pluto, but don't you see that's where we're different my love for Usagi is eternal.”

 

“You know nothing!” Kei said angrily.

 

“You're right, I don't know anything about you and I can't answer for what Pluto may have said or done, but my love for Usagi is real. Even if all she'll ever see me as is a friend, I won't protect her any less fiercely because my love for her will never dwindle!” Mars said passionately, leaving Nemesis at a loss for words. “You and I are nothing alike and if you can't see that then you have learned nothing in your many years of life.”

 

Kei looked furious. She balled up her fist and walked over to Mars. She punched her as hard as she could before Mars even had a chance to react, “You dare to parch to me! You, who holds on to an impossible love, spare me your pathetic ideals! I've been around far longer than you and seen far more than you can imagine, so you need to realize that you can only hold on to those ideals for so long.” She said angrily. She turned around and made her way to the chambers' only door, “I would think about my proposition if you know what's good for you. Rest assured, I will have what I want, one way or another. You have one day and if you don't give me the answer I'm looking for, I'll resort using more extreme methods to get what I want!” Kei said before slamming the door, making a loud echoing boom through out the small room.

 

Mars pulled herself to her feet and brought her left hand to her left cheek, “Must have hit a nerve.” Mars muttered as she whipped away a small amount of blood from the corner of her lips and started to rub her cheek. “Damn, she hits hard.” Mars complained.

 

Mars stopped rubbing her cheek and looked at her wrist. Two golden chains were attached to her wrist, one on each, and from her wrists, the chains connected to the wall. Mars pulled her right arm, with all her strength yet it had no effect, “I need to get out of here. Usagi is in danger if I stay here.”

 

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

 

“She was a different person. She tried to do something awful, something I'll never forgive her for.” Setsuna said.

 

“What did she do?” Usagi asked.

 

“She tried to kill…” Setsuna opened her mouth to finish the sentence, but she stopped and closed it. “She tried to kill someone, but she was thwarted, primarily by one individual.”

 

“Who?” Usagi asked.

 

Setsuna sighed, “I can't tell you that. I can't tell you who either of the persons were. All you need to know is that this woman is dangerous and she can't be allowed to continue her wicked ways.”

 

“But Setsuna, she's a Sailor Senshi like us…”

 

“She isn't! That part of her, that noble and honorable side, died a long time ago. Do not refer to her as a Sailor Senshi. If you wish to call her something, call her Kei, that's her given name.” Setsuna said seriously. “Listen to me Usagi, what she was isn't important. What you need to know right now is that she'll do everything in her power to cause you pain. The reality right now is that she has Rei and we don't know what she's going to do, but I can promise you that where we stand, the future doesn't look very bright.”

 

“What is she planning to do with Rei, Setsuna?” Usagi asked seriously.

 

Setsuna looked at Usagi for a moment before turning away from her, `I can't tell her.'

 

“Please tell me, Setsuna.” Usagi pleaded.

 

Setsuna opened her mouth and then shut it, “You have to understand something, telling you about the past is one thing, but…” she said and pause for a moment, “The future is a whole other thing. Remember before we started talking, I said there will be limits to what I can tell you?” Usagi nodded slowly. “I can't tell what the future might hold. Even if I were to tell you the possibilities, there's no way to know exactly what will happen. While some events have a higher probability then others, there is always a certain amount of guessing involved, even on my part. One thing I can say is, the sooner we get Rei back, the better. The sooner the gates will become stable again.”

 

“What's wrong with the gates?” Usagi asked worriedly.

 

“Kei's interference has caused some instability in the Gates of Time, particularly the primary gate to the future. I know this even without visiting them directly. Her presence and all that she's done thus far and she may have done permanent damage already.”

 

“How?” Usagi asked.

 

“She wishes to change the future.”

 

“Change the future?” Usagi repeated.

 

Setsuna nodded gravely, “Yes, and in order to change the future she wants you dead. However, she told me from her own lips that before that, she wants you suffer. I believe that is at least part of her reason for taking Rei, to cause you pain by taking away one of your guards as well as one of your friends.”

 

“It's my fault Rei was kidnapped.” Usagi said, more as a statement then a question.

 

“Don't think that! None of this is in anyway your fault.” Setsuna said seriously and Usagi nodded slowly. “Now I'm afraid there's nothing more I can tell you, Usagi. I know I told you before we began you are free to tell the others anything you wish, but I ask that you not tell anyone of the instability of the Gates…”

 

“I won't.” she promised and stood up. The blonde haired girl could sense that Setsuna wanted some time to herself and frankly, she felt the same way.

 

Setsuna remained seated as Usagi made her way to the door. She heard the doorknob being turned and was about to say something, but she remained silent as Usagi exited. There was a soft clicking sound, letting Setsuna know she was alone. She took that moment to mutter the words she was going to tell Usagi before she left, “I'm sorry.”

 

End Ch. 23

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

 

I know I made everyone wait a long time for this chapter and I'm sorry it took so long for an update. Thanks for your patience everyone : )

 

Reviewers Comments: (Should I do this on the bottom or top? I'm thinking of doing this on bottom from now on, so you can get right into the story, and not have to go through this if you don't want to. Let me know if I should continue to do this on the bottom, ok?)

 

Jaimie Daly - You must think this wait was really cruel after the last chapter ended how it did then…sorry for the wait.

 

Hofftailing - That's kind of how I wanted you to feel during Usagi's fight. I didn't take pleasure in writing her get beat up either…what…don't look at me like that…I really didn't ; )

 

Minnie - I enjoyed writing Venus' fighting scene greatly. I was able to have her use her `Wink Sword', which is one attack I really like, and liked showing her in the fighting state she was in. This chapter answered most of you're other questions and for those that weren't answered, that will come later ; )

 

Shiori Kaiou - The title was fairly simple Japanese, but it would be hard if you have very little to no knowledge of the language. Jupiter Coconut Cyclone is a manga-only attack, it was used during the Infinity Arc (Sailor MoonS). Kenjiro? Well that's up to you ; )

 

Lokiador - So was your prediction about Kei correct? I'm curious, I did throw some hints out there…

 

Sailorangelfox - I think after this chapter, it should be clear how close you are…

 

Shadow41 - I'm glad you're liking my story, hope you didn't mind the wait for this chapter and answer. You can find “Absence” in three places.

Sorry about the spaces, but FF.net forces urls to look like that : (

 

One, MediaMiner.org ( h t t p : / / w w w . m e d i a m i n e r . o r g / f a n f i c / v i e w _ s t . p h p / 2 0 5 1 5 )

Two, Shoujoai.com ( h t t p : / / w w w . s h o u j o a i . c o m / f a n f i c s / s m o o n / a b s e n c e / )

Three, The author's (Kirika's) website ( h t t p : / / u s e r s . b i g p o n d . n e t . a u / k i r i k a / )

 

Sensational Sista - Wow, thank you. Number one drama, eh? I'm always so flattered when you guys (and gals) say stuff like that, thanks.

 

Prophecy - Kei beat someone up? I have to save her up for the grand finale, not that that's any time soon ; ) Well, she did punch Rei at the end of chapter, so I guess that's some thing : )

 

Blaze - I think your questions were answered in this chapter, for the most part…

 

Master/James - Sorry about the long wait, I know I've never gone this long without an update, so I beat you were getting worried I wasn't ever going to update, huh? How would I rate “Absence”? For me it gets a 10 on a scale of 10. I know it's not perfect, but I love it nonetheless. My biggest complaint was some characters (Makoto and Rei) were OOC at times, but it happens to the best of us. I didn't think Rei would be so obsessive and borderline stalker of Usagi. I won't go to much in detail, because I'm sure there are still people who haven't read it and I don't want to spoil it : )

 

Thanks to everyone else that reviewed as well…yes…even those of you that just said `update soon.' : P One last thing, if anyone was having trouble telling what's a flashback (though I think it's clear) let me know and I'll make it clearer, ok?