Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ Reunion ( Chapter 29 )

Well, it's certainly been a long time between chapters. I bet some of you out there thought I'd given up…tsk…tsk…as is apparent by this chapter, I haven't abandoned this story. There were many things that prevented this chapter from being available until now, not the least of which was a bit of writers-block. It's difficult to explain why that could happen to me, even though I have all the upcoming events just about set in stone. I guess it was because up until recently, I was extremely dissatisfied with the content in this chapter, expect for the last scene. So, I had to work from the end to the begin…I just hope it worked out well enough. Anyway, please forgive the lateness of this chapter and I hope all of you faithfully readers (you know who you are) are still out there for this…

 

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Chapter 29 - Reunion

 

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“Get your filthy hands off of her!” Sailor Moon yelled.

 

“I don't think so.” He said and picked her up. He raised his weapon once more and seemingly sliced the air, creating a hole. He turned around when he heard the Sailor Senshi's screams again. “I guess you enjoy pain as much as this one. I guess that's something all of you have in common.”

 

“You aren't taking her!” Venus yelled and tried to take one step, but it yielded the same result. The youma didn't even bother answering that time, because he was already stepping into the darkness of the tear he created with a smile on his face. The last view they saw of Mars was her being carried away by the large youma through the black opening.

 

Once the opening was closed, the effects of the youma attack seemed to end as well because everyone was released from torturous grip the area had over them. All the girls stared at the spot Mars was last seen and a few could even be heard cursing. Even though everything happened only a few paces away from them, they couldn't do anything to prevent Mars from disappearing with the youma.

 

Sailor Moon dropped to her knees and lowered her head. The inner senshi rushed over to the blonde, fearing the worst. Venus knelt beside her, her fear heightened when she realized the other girl was crying. `She isn't hurt is she?' Venus asked herself. She was about ask her if anything was wrong when she noticed Moon was smiling, even if it was only a small one. “Usagi…?”

 

“That was Rei…our Rei. Even if it was only for a few seconds that was really our Rei.”

 

Venus nodded her head and felt her eyes brimming with tears as well, “Yeah, that was our Rei all right.”

 

Sailor Moon looked over to Venus and smiled. She was relieved that the other girl hadn't thought she was crazy for what she just said; because even she wasn't entirely sure it made all that much sense.

 

“Come on; let's get you up off the ground.” Jupiter said from behind the two blondes. Moon nodded and accepted the tall brunette's help, while Venus stood up, on her own beside her.

 

“I think…” Mercury began to say, but the sound of someone moaning caught her ears.

 

“Arrg…”

 

All the girls turned with Mercury, when they heard a groan behind them as well. On the ground lay Tuxedo Kamen; he looked to be in urgent need of assistance. He'd had the toughest battle of all, fighting Rei or rather taking a beating from Rei. Unluckily for him, she didn't seem to hold back much either. His face was bloody, his breaths were labored, and pained expression showed on his features.

 

“Oh God! Saturn!” Sailor Moon called and ran to the beaten man.

 

“I'm on it.” The young said as she made her way to the injured man. When she reached him, she laid her Silence Glaive on the ground and knelt next to him, beside Sailor Moon. She placed both hands over the man's body and after moment a purple light surrounded her hands. Everyone watched anxiously, but in no time Saturn's efforts began to show results. Tuxedo Kamen's breathing started to sound normal and color noticeably returned to his face, the blood that was still on his face not with standing. The light faded from Saturn's hands and she

 

Sailor Moon held him in place, “You shouldn't move so quickly.”

 

“It's alright. I've healed all of his most dire wounds.” Saturn said started to stand up herself, but failed when she was half way up. Luckily, Uranus stood close enough to her and was able to catch her before she could fall back to the ground.

 

“Saturn!” The sandy haired blonde called worried.

 

The youngest senshi looked up to her savior and smiled weakly, “Sorry, I just get a little weak after I heal someone whose been severely injured.”

 

“It might be a good idea to go back inside, before we draw too much attention to ourselves.” Mercury suggested.

 

“Agreed.” Venus spoke up and looked to Jupiter. “Jupiter?”

 

She nodded, “Right, let's go.” The brunette said and lead the way. Sailor Moon and Mercury helped Tuxedo Kamen to his feet and Uranus continued to help Saturn.

 

The outers hung to the back of the group and when there was a short distance between them and the others Saturn whispered, “They must be unified with the same thought for this to work.” The dark hair girl was quiet for moment before looking over to the senshi of time, “Can I expect your help in this, Pluto?”

 

“Of course, but I believe they are already unified.” She answered.

 

“Perhaps…but let's air on the side of caution to be safe. We'll only get one shot at this after all.” Saturn remarked. “Today's events are only more reason to hasten our plan.”

 

“Because we don't know what Kei will do next?” Uranus asked.

 

Saturn nodded her head slowly, “Rei's actions have likely thrown a wrench into her plans.”

 

“You don't think that she'd kill her now, do you?” Michiru asked.

 

Saturn shrugged her shoulders and looked at Pluto, “I wouldn't rule that out as one of her possible solutions.” Pluto said somberly.

 

“Get a move on, guys!” Jupiter called from the door. The outers nodded in response and quickened their pace.

 

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

 

Ryuji walked through the halls to Kei's chambers, still carry Mars over his shoulder. `This woman is trouble, just as I expected.' He thought to himself. Luckily she wasn't putting up any kind of fight, she wasn't even saying anything. She was silent…too silent for Ryuji's tastes. `Perhaps this will prove it to her as well.' He thought as he reached his destination. He was about to push the door open when they opened before he could.

 

“Bring her in here.”

 

Ryuji found himself surprised by Kei's appearance in the doorway. He recovered quickly enough when he saw an irritated look cross her features. He hurried inside, allowing Kei to shut the room's doors. Ryuji turned and addressed her, but noticed her eyes were on the person he was holding.

 

“Put her down.” She commanded.

 

He did as he was told and place the senshi of Mars down gently in front of Kei. She knelt down to match Mars' eye level; though the senshi had her head lowered causing her dark hair to hide her face. Kei put her hand on her chin and raised her head up to meet hers. Kei could see Mars had her eyes closed even though she lifted her head to look into her eyes. “Open your eyes and look at me.”

 

After Kei asked a few more times of asking her to open her eyes she finally complied. Mars blinked a few times before a look of recognition crossed her face, “You!”

 

Quicker than Kei could reaction, Mars slapped her hand away from her face, and grabbed her throat. Kei's eyes widened and on relax she grabbed Mars' hands in order to force her to break her hold. It seemed that the senshi of fire's grip only tightened as a result however. Kei could tell she was already starting to feel the effects of strangling hold, because she was getting light headed. Out the corner of her eye she could see the glint of metal coming closer and closer until it clanged off the ground. She could also breathe again, so she knew Mars had released her. Kei looked up and saw Mars was now standing a good distance away her and Ryuji, whom had his weapon in hand.

 

Kei stood up and observed Mars, `She's fighting back…because she knows or…'

 

“Subdue her, Ryuji!” Kei commanded the youma.

 

“With pleasure.”

 

Kei watched the youma charge the senshi with his weapon raised above his head. He was poised to swing the blade down, but her eyes widened as she saw something, only she'd ever known herself to have done, Mars stopped the weapon before it completed its swing. She grabbed the youma's hand and even though it seemed he was still trying to bring it down, neither his hand nor the weapon was moving from where Mars held it. She slowly moved her free hand to the lower part of handle and gripped it tightly. With one swift turn, she twisted the weapon out of the youma's hand and into her own. She looked at it for a moment before throwing it away, over her shoulder.

 

“You filthy bitch!” Ryuji cursed and swung his large fist at her.

 

Mars sidestepped the attempted strike and watched as the youma stumbled, but didn't take advantage of the opening it presented. The youma seemed to grow even angrier when he missed her because he quickly recovered his balance and glared at the senshi. Once more he thrust his fist at her and as before she stepped away from the punch. Yet again, she didn't go on the offensive even when the opportunity presented itself. It seemed as though she was toying with Ryuji. He growled before charging her again and throwing a third punch at her. This time Mars didn't seem to be making an attempt to dodge. Instead, she caught his fist before it could reach its intended target. The youma tried to pull his hand away, but was unsuccessful. With a quick thrust of her free arm, she elbowed the large youma in the stomach, sending him to his knees. This process continued a few more times, with Mars countering differently, but not changing the result.

 

“Useless…” Kei muttered herself as she watched Ryuji being thrown back by Mars again. She hadn't even used her senshi powers and yet she doing something Kei thought impossible, beating Ryuji in a match of physical strength. To Kei's eyes, Mars had barely even warmed, but she was handling Ryuji with minimal effort. The outcome of this fight was obvious if she allowed it to continue. “Ryuji! Stand down! I'll handle this.”

 

The youma looked at his mistress for a moment, “I'm not done!”

 

“Yes, you are!” Kei said and appeared beside Ryuji, quicker than he'd ever seen her move. In a moment she swatted the youma to the other side of the room with a strike from the back of her forearm.

 

Mars didn't even flinch as she watched the events before her. Her relaxed stance seemed to only prove her disinterest even further. The only sign she even observed what just happened was her eyes unconsciously drifting over to where the youma collided with the wall.

 

“You're strength has increased substantially, hasn't it? I know when you first fought with Ryuji; he wiped the floor with you.” Kei said.

 

Mars directed her full attention at the woman in front of her, “You'd do well not to underestimate me either.”

 

Kei smiled as she said, “So, you're letting that power control you. Your mind is telling you I'm your enemy, is it not?”

 

“That's because you are my enemy.” Mars countered.

 

“Am I? Your mind isn't stable at the moment and you don't even know what you're saying.”

 

Mars blinked a few times and stepped back from Kei. She undid her transformation and stared at her hands in shock. Again her body was acting without her full consent, she wasn't sure she'd be able to stop herself if it were to happen again. “I…I…don't know what came over me.”

 

“Shh...” Kei said and placed the palm of her hand against the side of the other girl's face. She closed her eyes for a moment and whispered something indiscernible, but after she said whatever it was Diana's eyes closed and she fell limply against Kei. She gently brought the girl to the ground, so that she was laid out on the ground.

 

Ryuji slowly walked over to the two women. Have to pick himself up off the floor because one the two women he was approaching was becoming an unwanted habit. He should have known better than to try to continue the fight after Kei told him to stop though. He stopped once he stood even with a now kneeling Kei. “Why'd you go so easy on her?”

 

“She will still be the one to kill Serenity.” She explained simply.

 

“But we can't succeed like this. Even with all you've done, she's still falling to their side.” Ryuji said.

 

“I'm aware of that!” Kei said sharply, silencing the youma.

 

“What do you intend to do now then?” He asked curiously.

 

“Correct the problem that arose, which is apparent to me now.” Kei said and looked down to Diana, “I left too many…” She added quietly.

 

Ryuji looked at her, “What?”

 

Kei looked up from the resting girl and looked at the youma, “Her real memories…I left too many of them intact, or rather, the memories I gave her were too closely tied to her real memories. I'm sure that's what brought about this.”

 

“What do you intend to do then?” Ryuji asked as his gaze traveled down to the resting girl. “She's of no use…”

 

“Don't be foolish.” Kei said cutting off the youma. “I never said that, did I?” She asked and looked to Ryuji, who nodded when he saw the look he was receiving. Kei turned back Diana as she said, “This wasn't entirely unexpected. The struggle she put up when I forced her to forget made me think about what further actions I might have to take if a case such as this should arise.”

 

“You planned for this?”

 

“Of course not, but I wasn't going to find myself in a position I wasn't prepared for. There was always the possibility that she wouldn't take to the memories I gave her. I manipulated her real memories in the hopes that she would accept them easier, but it seems they only caused more problems.” She explained.

 

“What do you intend to do now then?” Ryuji asked as he looked from Kei to Diana and back again.

 

“I will ensure she no longer has any ties to the Sailor Senshi…particularly the Princess. I will clear her mind completely and rewrite her memories. Her mind is more pliable…with her doubt of what is true and what is false. She no longer holds the same conviction she did when she first came here, which will make it all the easier. If she hadn't struggled like she did originally, I would have done this from the beginning.”

 

“Is this wise though…what if she doesn't completely fall under your control?” Ryuji asked.

 

Kei turned to Ryuji and smiled, “In the unlikely scenario that occurs, I'll kill her in front of her friends…in front of her Princess.”

 

“It sounds as if you're as cruel as ever…” Ryuji muttered quietly.

 

“Don't mistake my actions towards her since she's been here as kindness, I have no need for that emotion any longer. She is nothing more than tool for my use, an important tool, but a tool nonetheless.” Kei said and paused for a few seconds, “My orders about your actions toward her haven't changed. Until I deem her to be expendable, you are not to lay a false hand on her.”

 

Kei was silent afterward, awaiting the youma's response, which he moments later, “It will be as you wish.”

 

She turned away from the youma once again, “Excellent. Now, if you'll leave, I have some work to do.” She said as looked at Diana's sleeping form.

 

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

 

Everyone took the same seats as they did earlier. Usagi and Ami eased Mamoru on to the sofa. Usagi sat next to him once she was sure he was comfortable. Haruka was still helping Hotaru, despite her protests that she was better. Usagi eyed her boyfriend worriedly, though she didn't say any thing. Mamoru caught the look he was being given and although he hesitated for a few seconds to question her on it, but when she didn't turn away or act differently, he felt it was best to reassure the girl.

 

“I'm fine.” Mamoru said softly to Usagi. She nodded her head and sat beside the dark haired man, though she still looked uneasy.

 

Once everyone had finally settled in, Hotaru looked around the room at its occupants, “It's clear after what we just witnessed that Rei hasn't given up, so I think it would be best if our next meeting with Rei be when we take action to return her to normal.”

 

“The sooner the better.” Makoto commented

 

“She's been used for too long as it is.”

 

“We're all in agreement then?” Hotaru asked the room's occupants.

 

Everyone nodded in response to the youngest girl's question, “I think that's something all of us can agree on.” Minako added.

 

“Just tell us what we need to do.” Makoto said, sounding eager.

 

“I've already said all of us must be in good physical condition and thankfully that seems to be the case. Of course, being in good condition physically is only a small part of this process. Without Rei to give her energy, all of us will have to compensate for that. So, that leads me into the first real step and that is to make sure everyone is unified spiritually and mentally. This may sound a bit strange, but the best way to do this is to separate everyone and ask each person a few questions.” Hotaru explained

 

“Okay, but why separately?” Ami asked.

 

“It will be easiest that way.” Setsuna replied.

 

“Would you mind being first Minako?” Hotaru asked.

 

After a short hesitation, she nodded her head, “Sure.”

 

Everyone stood up except for Minako and Usagi, who had been quietly staring off into space. The Moon Princess jumped slightly when she felt someone's hand on her own. Her eyes followed the hand up to its owner and she found herself looking at Mamoru.

 

“Are you alright?” He whispered quietly. She nodded her head slightly in response, but Mamoru didn't exactly buy it. “Are you sure?” He persisted.

 

“Yeah, it's just…” Usagi said and shook her head, “…it's nothing.” Usagi shook her head once more as though she was seemingly trying to reassure herself more than Mamoru. He still wasn't entirely satisfied, but she didn't seem to be very forthcoming either. He weighed his opinions over in his head and in the end he decided to leave Usagi to her thoughts, believing she'd come to him if she wanted to talk.

 

“Let's step out for little while then.” Mamoru said as he offered his hand to Usagi. She nodded her head once and took a hold of the offered hand. Together, they walked out of the room, leaving Minako alone with Hotaru and Setsuna. Nothing was said initially, though it seemed the two outer senshi were simply waiting for the Usagi and Mamoru to be out of earshot.

 

“I'll start by being straight forward…” Hotaru said and took a deep breath, “Do you want Rei back?”

 

“Of course!” Minako answered quickly.

 

Hotaru held up her hands defensively, “Do not take this personally. We are simply trying to gauge your resolve, nothing more.”

 

“Having Rei back is the most important thing to me right now. My resolve is as strong as anyone's.” The leader of the Sailor Senshi said resolutely.

 

Hotaru nodded her head in acceptance and looked over her shoulder. “Setsuna?”

 

The tall green haired woman stepped away from the wall and stood beside the chair in which Hotaru sat. “I'm sorry if I sound harsh…but stop feeling guilty.”

 

“I don't…”

 

“Don't lie to me Minako.” The green haired woman said sternly. She took a deep breath and added, in a more gentle tone, “She would have gone even if you'd taken her henshin stick. The youma threatened Usagi so she accepted their challenge.”

 

Minako lowered her head so the two outer senshi couldn't see her face, “She should have called me…”

 

Setsuna walked over to the blond and put her hand on her shoulder. “She's stubborn to a fault. I'm sure even as she went to fight; she knew it was a trap.”

 

Minako looked up sharply and when she did her two companions could see her eyes were filled with tears that were threatening to spill over any moment, “Then why did she go?”

 

“You know that probably better than anyone. She let her emotions dictate her actions. Had she been thinking rationally, she would have called you, but again, you know full well how stubborn she is. Ironically, her stubbornness is likely what's keeping her within our grasp.”

 

Minako nodded, she had to admit that she did feel a bit better, but even without this talk with Setsuna she felt she couldn't be deterred from giving her all to bring Rei back to normal. Setsuna looked at her fellow outer senshi and nodded.

 

“I believe that is all.” The dark haired girl said. She watched the other girl stand up and as she turned away she added, “Could you ask Makoto-san and Ami-san to come in together?” Minako nodded a moment later, “Please don't discuss with them what we spoke about.” The other girl nodded once one before exiting the room.

 

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

 

A soft moan escaped the dark haired girl's lips as she rolled on to her side, in her restless sleep. She rolled back on to her back and offered up another uncomfortable moan. She seemed to be dreaming, some less than pleasant dreams in fact, probably more commonly called nightmares. The young girl continued the same routine of rolling from side to side for sometime.

 

To the side of the sleeping girl, knelt another dark haired girl. She didn't seem concerned in the least about the other girl; in fact, she wore a smile on her face. She was tempted to wake her, but she decided she enjoyed watching the other girl helplessly whimper uncomfortably. She realized her entertainment was coming to a close when the girl stopped turning over. A few moments later, her dark eyes opened and stared up at the ceiling.

 

“Ah…so you're finally awake?”

 

The formerly sleeping girl turned her head to face the other person in the room, “Yes.” She said simply and sat up.

 

Kei watched her for a moment, to see if she could spot anything unusually. “Do you feel alright?”

 

“Yes.” She said once more and looked around the room curiously.

 

“Is something wrong, Diana?”

 

“Nothing…really.” She said and patted the ground a few times before asking, “Is there any reason I'm on the floor though?”

 

Kei shook her head, “I'm afraid I do not have an answer to that. You were already like that when I found you, and since you were fast a sleep by that time, I didn't see any sense in waking you.”

 

Diana looked at her strangely, but shook her head after a short time, “I guess it's not that important.” She said as she stood up. Diana stretched her arms above her head and yawned, “Did you have any plans for today?”

 

“What?” Kei asked, sounding surprised.

 

“Are we doing battle today? Do I need to make preparations for battle?” She clarified.

 

Kei stared at the dark haired warrior, `She's only just woken up and she wants to know that?' “No. I have no such plans for today.”

 

“I'm going to take a walk then.” Diana said and walked away slowly. Once she reached the door, she looked back to the center of the room where she had previously left Kei, “I'll be around if that changes.” She said before opening one of the doors and leaving without another word.

 

Kei was a little dumbfounded as she walked to back of the room and sat down on the only chair, in fact the only furniture of any kind in the area. She slumped back against the chair's high back and sighed. `That wasn't the personality I'd like her to have. She's too similar to… In fact, she's virtually just like other Martian warriors I've met.' She rubbed her temples slowly and shut her eyes as she thought about her next course of action. `Perhaps she'll be easier control like this, if I do everything right. Either way, it'll soon be time to end this…one way or another.'

 

Kei was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a knock at the door. Her eyes traveled in the direction of the knocking and she took a deep breathe before calling to whom she already knew was at the door. “Come in, Ryuji!”

 

The doors slowly creaked open and once they were nearly open fully, the large youma entered the room. He closed the door when he was inside and advanced into the large room. “How did it go?” Those were the first words said since he entered.

 

“As well as to be expected.” She answered vaguely. It was true for the most part though, without going into the details. The mind is a fragile thing and she wanted a usable subject, but not a mindless killing machine. If she were to become such a mindless thing, that would make her difficult to control, though for an entirely different reason than before.

 

“How long should we expect her to be useful to us?” Ryuji asked.

 

“That's unimportant now.”

 

The youma looked confused for a moment before saying, “I don't understand…”

 

Kei smiled as she asked, “How many youma remain in our ranks?”

 

“A couple dozen or so.” Ryuji responded.

 

`That might not be enough…' She thought to herself. Kei tabbed her finger on her chin as she stared off into the distance for a short time before speaking. “All of them will be needed shortly, Ryuji. I plan to bring an end to all of this soon. With so few youma, I'll depend heavily on you to pick up the slack.”

 

“I'm more than ready.”

 

“That's exactly what I expect of you.” Kei said and smiled slightly.

 

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

 

Ami and Makoto entered the room with the two outer senshi. They were curious as to what they were going to be asked, more so after seeing Minako. She looked as though she had been crying, although she clearly wasn't any longer, she was sometime before she told them to go speak with Hotaru and Setsuna. They didn't pry, so it was up to their imaginations as to what happened.

 

“Please sit down.” Hotaru waited from them to get comfortable. Once it appeared that they were she began. “I'm going to blunt, do you want Rei back?”

 

Makoto looked at the young girl as though she grown two heads, “Are you serious?”

 

“Quite.” She replied simply.

 

The two inner senshi looked at one another and shrugged their shoulders, still unsure why they would be asked such a ridiculous question. They both looked back at Hotaru and said together, “I do.”

 

Hotaru look at them for some time, as though she were scrutinizing the response they had just given her. After she was satisfied she nodded her head and looked over her shoulder to the senshi of time, “Setsuna…?”

 

The older woman lowered her head for a moment before speaking her piece, “Would your feelings waver if, by chance, Rei were to harm Ami?”

 

Makoto's eyes widened and she stared at the senshi of time. She felt unsure of herself, should she question why Setsuna would asked that or should she answer with a response even she wasn't positive on. Her instincts told her to return any pain Ami would feel twice over to whom ever dealt it. However, that wouldn't be right in this case. If she hurt Rei for doing anything to Ami, it wouldn't be right. Her anger would be misplaced. The one her anger should be directed at the one who put Rei in that position in the first place. Makoto felt a hand squeeze her own and she looked to her left. She smiled at Ami and turned over her hand. The girls intertwined their fingers and Makoto looked over to Setsuna confidently.

 

“I don't think Rei would harm Ami, but even if anything were to happen, I couldn't blame Rei. So no, my feeling would not waver.”

 

Despite herself, a small smiled crept onto the timeless senshi's lips. She looked over to the blue haired senshi of ice and asked her a similar question, “Would your feelings waver if, by chance, Rei were to harm Makoto?”

 

Ami smiled, expecting the question, especially after Makoto had been asked it already. “I won't waver. In the unlikely event that Rei attacks Makoto, I'll stand between her and any attack. I wouldn't let Makoto get hurt.” Ami said, and finished her last sentence while looking at the brunette beside her. As though being draw together by some invisible force

 

“I'm satisfied.” Hotaru said, interrupting the two girls with a wide smile on her face. The two girls pulled apart and youngest senshi was met by a pair of very red faces looking back at her.

 

“As am I.” Setsuna said.

 

Both girls got up and began to take their leave when the youngest of their group spoke called to them once more, “Please ask Usagi-san to come in next.”

 

Both girls turned around and looked at Hotaru questioningly. Even Setsuna turned to her fellow outer senshi, seemingly not expecting her want to question Usagi as well.

 

“Usagi? You don't really think she has any reservations, do you?” Makoto asked.

 

Hotaru shook her head, “I'm going to talk to her about something else.”

 

Setsuna's eyes remained fixated on the other girl, she was about to question her but she realized the two inner senshi were still in the room. The senshi of time looked at Ami and Makoto and once they both caught her eyes, Setsuna spoke to them. “Could the two of you give Hotaru and I a few minutes before ask Usagi to come here?”

 

“Sure.” Ami replied and took Makoto's hand and ushered her to come along with her.

 

Setsuna watched as they left before looking back over to Hotaru. “What are you planning to tell Usagi?”

 

“I'm confident Usagi-san will succeed in helping Rei-san, but this is more than just about Rei.” Hotaru said looked at Setsuna seriously. “I'm not seer you are, but I do know what my visions left me feeling. Many things have the potential to be altered depending on our Princess's efforts from this point on.”

 

“You're forgetting that Rei can change things as well, if she takes the course of action I expect her to. It'll soon be two-person act between those two and neither Mamoru nor I will have any say in their choices.”

 

Hotaru studied the senshi of time for a time before asking, “You've resigned yourself to accept Usagi-san's choice?”

 

“It was always been out of my control; I just needed to be reminded of that by someone. I will take the path that I must to give Usagi that chance to make her choice.” Setsuna said. Hotaru was about to question her about what she meant, but her ears detected someone entering the room again.

 

“Hotaru-chan? Setsuna-san? You wanted to see me as well?” Usagi asked.

 

Hotaru turned away from Setsuna and addressed the room's new occupant, “Yes. Please sit down.” The young girl motioned to the loveseat in front of her, Usagi silently complied, and she waited for one of the two outer senshi to say something.

 

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

 

Diana walked past the threshold and down the marble stairs to what appeared to be a courtyard. A courtyard of more marble, with pillars lining the walkways, or rather they seemed to at one time, because very few of them seemed to stand at their full height any longer. Diana walked to approximately the center of the area, when she stopped suddenly. From where she stood she could see things couldn't see from inside. More specifically, she could see a large round world of blue and white hanging in the distance. Though it was farther than it appeared, she felt she could descend there with minimal effort. She closed her eyes and silently concentrated on planet

 

“Enjoying the view?”

 

Diana opened her eyes and addressed the new presence, “Yes. It's quite breathtaking from this distance.”

 

“I thought that'd be your reaction.” Kei said as she walked up beside Diana. “That is Earth. We are currently on its one and only satellite. That world is our target.”

 

`They reside there then…' Diana thought and took a side ways glance at her companion, “When do we begin?”

 

“Eager?”

 

“Somewhat…I also want to observe these soldiers.”

 

Kei looked at her companion oddly, “I don't believe that's a very good idea.”

 

“Why would you say that? A warrior must prepare herself by studying her enemies.” Diana said.

 

“I can tell you all you need to know about them. You'll only be putting yourself in unnecessary danger by going down there.”

 

“I know how to handle myself and besides I like to scout enemies rather than rely on someone else's information.” Diana said and paused before adding, “Of course, that doesn't mean I don't trust your information, I simply prefer to do this stuff on my own.”

 

“I understand and I see your mind is already set on this, so I won't stop you.” Kei said and bowed her head in defeat.

 

“Thanks, I won't be long…” She said and looked over at her companion, who seemed she had something to say.

 

“Wait.” Kei said and motioned for the other woman remain still. “I'd like you to stop by my chambers in a little while, but I have to prepare something first. Feel free to wonder around here in the meantime though.”

 

Diana silently mulled over the other woman's words for a few moments before settling on saying, “Just be quick.” Her attention turned once more to the blue planet in the distance.

 

“You'll remain here then?”

 

Diana nodded, “Yes. If I can't be there at the moment, I wish to get a better feel of the planet from here. Perhaps I can even pinpoint our enemy's location, if I concentrate enough. We'll be facing enemies with unique auras, auras unique to the other planets of this solar system. I'm going to see if I can locate their general area with that information. They should be easy enough to find when I get there, but if I can recognize them from this distance, it'll make finding them there all the easier.”

 

“You're a warrior through and through, I see.” Kei commented as she turned around and began to head back to the building behind them.

 

“That is my purpose after all.”

 

Kei smiled as she walked away, `It is indeed…to fight and die.'

 

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

 

Usagi looked at both of her companions, waiting for one of them to start the conversation. It seemed only one of them was likely to say anything and Usagi's eyes focused on her, “Hotaru?”

 

“I'm sure you're already aware that much is dependent on you and even though I know you are sure of your self, I would like to ask you about the worst case scenario.” Hotaru began. She took a breath before continuing, “What would you do if we are unsuccessfully?”

 

“I won't let that happen.” Usagi stated calmly.

 

“Let's just speak hypothetically. How far are you willing to go? Would you be willing to give up on what you know to be true and move towards something else? Would you give her your…”

 

“That's enough Hotaru!” Setsuna said, silencing the other girl. She sighed as she added, “It's not your place.”

 

The room was pregnant with silence for some time before Hotaru lowered her head shamefully, “I'm sorry, you're right.” She said before raising her head and looking at Usagi, “I'm sorry Usagi-san. I've stepped over the line with that. Please forgive me.”

 

Usagi stared at young girl, not entire sure what she was apologizing for, she hadn't said anything that upset her. “That's alright Hotaru, but what…?”

 

“I believe Usagi's determination is without question.” Setsuna said, interrupted the Princess before she could finish.

 

This time Setsuna received a quizzical look. There was something they weren't telling her and she wanted to know what they were keeping from her. “Why do I get the feeling both of you are trying to keep something you know from me?” Usagi didn't receive an answer. “If it's something important I want to know.”

 

Setsuna started at Hotaru disapprovingly, she wanted to avoid this. They were in position to disclose someone else's deepest secrets. She sighed, she'd have to have to give Usagi some answer that would postpone further questions. “It's unimportant at the moment, but if it puts your heart at ease, you'll surely discover it for your self shortly.” Setsuna explained.

 

“Thank you, Setsuna.”

 

“You are welcome, Usagi.”

 

“The matter at hand has not changed and even when you become Eternal Moon, it will be a difficult task. As Setsuna-san has said, this is old magic, but strong magic. There's no telling whether she further fortified the spell somehow either. Though I believe what I saw as I awoke, I believe you are the only one that can return Rei-san to normal. It might be a lot to put on your shoulders, but you'll need to endure it until you bring Rei-san back to us. The fact that we know Rei-san hasn't given up should help us as well because I'm sure she'll be fighting on the other side.” Hotaru said.

 

“I will not fail.” Usagi said, she remained undaunted. She continued to hear that the task ahead of her was difficult, but she would not waver.

 

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

 

Kei folded a piece of paper before slipping it inside what looked to be an envelope. She held the flap shut with her fingers as she thought, `It would be bad if she sees this…I need to make sure only Serenity can read it.' She tapped her finger on the arm of her chair as she tried to remember how to create a seal that only one of the Serenity bloodline could open. She smiled triumphantly when the way finally came to mind. She put the letter down unto her lap and closed her eyes. She held her palm over it and whispered a few words. After a couple seconds the paper began to glow a dim shade of gold, although it only lasted for a few seconds before the paper returned to normal. Kei opened her eyes and grabbed the letter again just before she heard knocking on the door to her room.

 

“Come in!” She called to currently empty room. The doors opened to reveal Diana, bring a small smile to her face. “Perfect timing.” Kei quickly put the letter behind her back; there'd be time later to discuss that.

 

“You've finished what you needed to prepare then?” Diana asked as she stepped into the room.

 

The other woman nodded her head briefly before responding, “Yes, but first I'd like to talk to you about the warriors that will oppose us.”

 

“What about them?”

 

“There is one who will be our primary target, because without her they'll be broken.” Kei explained.

 

“Their leader?”

 

“Something like that…” Kei said trailing off. Diana looked at her strangely, as though wanting her to elaborate further. When Kei saw how she was being stared at she elaborated, “She's more like the one the others are charged with protecting.”

 

Diana cocked her head to the side and asked, “Why is she so special?”

 

“That's not important for us to know. All you must concern yourself with is eliminating our enemies resolve and in order to do that our primary objective is to kill the one they protect.” Kei said.

 

Diana thought what was said over for a moment. It was true, it was none of her concern as to why the warriors she'd be fighting act the way they do nor was it her concern to know more about the girl other than her fighting capabilities in order to eliminate her. “I guess that's true…then what's this girl's name?”

 

“Her code name is Sailor Moon, but her true name is Serenity.” She replied and watched the other girl's reaction. She'd thought about using a different name, but in the end she went with the Princess' true name. She wanted to see if the name could cause a reaction in Mars

 

“…Serenity?” Diana mumbled under her breath. The name sounded vaguely familiar, though she couldn't figure out why that was.

 

“Is something the matter?” Kei questioned, sounding concerned.

 

Diana shook her head, “No, it's just that her name is unique.”

 

Kei smiled, “That it is.” He smiled faded as she reached behind her back and pulled out a small, thin, white paper. She held it out to Diana and said, “I want you to give this to Serenity.” Diana stepped forward and took the paper, which she realized was an envelope once she took it. Diana took it and turned it over and inspected it briefly, one side read Serenity while the other side was were it was sealed, before being interrupted by her companion. “That is for her eyes only. Do you understand?”

 

Diana nodded and the letter disappeared from her hand. “She will receive your letter.”

 

“Thank you.” Kei said and bowed her head for a second. “You should be aware that I want to finish this as soon as possible and that I expect much from you in order to accomplish this.”

 

“That will not be a problem. My skills are unparalleled and there is no fear to fight.” The Martian warrior said confidently.

 

“You are the star of Ares, even as you walk on that planet's surface, do not forget that. Walk among them as a proud warrior.”

 

“I shall not forget that.” Diana said and turned around.

 

“Be sure to return safely as well!” Kei called as the other woman began walking away.

 

She stopped and called back, “I don't think that will be a problem.” After her statement Diana continued on her way, leaving Kei to herself.

 

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

 

Usagi had arrived home some time ago and after a quick meal with her family, she retreated to her room. They went their separate ways, from Makoto's shortly after Usagi called for everyone to return after she spoke with Hotaru and Setsuna. It was earlier than she usually would go to her room, so she received a few curious looks from her family, but she reassured them she was just tired. In reality, she'd gone up to her room to think, to think about their current situation. To think about what they were preparing to do. What her mind was focused on at the moment was her conversation with Hotaru and Setsuna. Hotaru's words still echoed in her mind as she lay in her bed.

 

`How far are willing to go? Would you be willing to give up on what you know to be true and move towards something else? Would you give her your…'

 

`What was she going to say? Setsuna stopped her before she could finish. I've told her that nothing will stop me from succeeding and I mean that. I'm sure Hotaru knows I'm serious. So, what does she believe can make me flatter now?' Usagi thought as she closed her eyes. She tried to think of words that could finish Hotaru's statement, but everything she came up with made little or no sense. `If there's something I have to give up to help Rei, I'll do that.'

 

Usagi sat up as a thought crossed her mind, `My life….is that was Hotaru was going to say?' she thought to herself. `It made some sense…the future we've seen I'm alive…she asked how far I was willing to go…and it fits with the question she didn't finish.' Even though it shouldn't be an easy question to answer, Usagi didn't have a shred of doubt in her mind. `If it came down to it…if it came down to my life or hers, I wouldn't hesitate to give up my life.' Even as she thought about it, she was calm. A person shouldn't be calm about dying, should they?

 

Usagi shifted so that she was sitting with her legs dangling off her bed, her feet resting on the ground. Out of the corner of her eye she a dark patch of fur on her pink bedding. Usagi placed her hand on her feline advisor and petted the small animal's black fur. After a few minutes she spoke, “Say…Luna. Do you think it's strange that I'd give up my life if it would return Rei to normal?” Usagi didn't look at the cat as she asked her question although her attention was on what the cat's answer would be.

 

Luna looked up at her charge, “Usagi, you're a kind and selfless girl who'd do anything for her friends. So, I don't think it's weird. I think you care about your friends a lot and you're resolute desire to keep them safe is quite admirable.”

 

Usagi continued to stroke Luna's black fur as she spoke, “Thank you Luna.” After a little while longer, Usagi stopped, “Luna? Did you notice Rei acting strangely before she was kidnapped?”

 

Luna was too startled by her charge's question to react. She hadn't expected her to ask that after all this time, but her thoughts unconsciously traveled to that morning she exchanged words with the fiery miko. That was the first sign to Luna that Rei was acting unusually. Luna was about to answer, but she wondered if it was best to confirm her charge's suspicions or to play dumb. She chose the latter, “I didn't notice anything.”

 

“Then maybe it was just me that noticed…” Usagi said a paused and looked thoughtful for a few moments before continuing. “Rei and I were closer than we'd ever been, at least I thought so, but around the time Mamoru returned she started acting differently.”

 

Luna stared at Usagi strangely, though the Moon Princess didn't seem to notice, `Did she just call Mamoru…Mamoru?' “What's brought all this on?” Luna asked, choosing not to question her charge about her thoughts, instead deciding it was likely a slip of the tongue.

 

Usagi sighed, “I've just been thinking about…things…a lot of things.” She paused for a moment as though she were reflecting on the things she just mentioned. “We're going to try Hotaru's plan when we meet Rei again and once she's back to normal I want…I just want to…”

 

Luna looked at her curiously, “You want to what?”

 

Usagi remained silent for several minutes and just when her feline companion was going to prompt her once more, she spoke. “I want to talk to her again, I want to be able to hug her again, I just want her to be with me again….God, I miss her Luna…”

 

Luna sigh silently, “I know Usagi, I know.” The black cat placed her paw on her charge's thigh.

 

Usagi looked out her window silently; she began to feel the urge go out there. She glanced at the clock beside her bed, it was later than she thought, but she wasn't tired. She weighed her opinions and eventually decided to follow the urge she was feeling. “Luna, I'm going go out for a little while.”

 

“It's getting late though. Don't you think you should get a good nights rest?” The black feline asked.

 

“I know, but I feel like taking a walk to be alone with my thoughts. Maybe the cool night air will calm me because I don't think I can fall asleep like this.” Usagi said and walked over to her closet. She opened the door and pulled out a pair of sandals she kept in there for occasions like this; where she didn't leave through the front door, which was where she always removed her shoes. She slipped them on her bare feet and knelt on her bed to open her window. Usagi looked at the black cat once more, “I won't be out long.” She said and stepped through the window.

 

Luna jumped on the window's ledge and watched Usagi leap off her roof and onto a nearby tree, as she'd seen many times in the past. `I wasn't much help…' She thought as she continued to watch the girl disappear into the dark.

 

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

 

`It seems as though few people wonder about once it gets dark.' Diana thought as she walked across another street. She seemed to walking around aimlessly, but she was simply allowing her legs to carry her wherever they desired. She could feel that there were only a hand-full of auras that could be the warriors of this planet, but there was no sense of urgency to locate them. If need be, she felt she could easily find them. Her first stop would be the one who felt the strongest, `She'd likely be the one named Serenity.'

 

Diana walked down many streets already, but she found herself stopping as a near overwhelming sense of nostalgia washed over her. She looked around until her eyes focused in on the start of a long stone stairway. `Why do I feel such a strong pull from this place?' she thought as her hand felt the wooden sign on the street. Of course, she was on Earth in order to scout the Sailor Senshi, but she also wished to explore this Earth city, Tokyo. This was the city they resided in and it can be good to know your enemy's environment. At least, that's what she reasoned as she stood at the foot of the seemingly endless stone steps.

 

“Hikawa Jinja…” Diana mumbled under her breath.

 

She looked past the sign and up the steps, although she couldn't see the top, she felt as though she could already imagine what it looked like. Diana took a step towards the steps, the entrance to the shrine and thought, `Perhaps I should inspect this place closer…'

 

Diana slowly brought her left foot on to the first step in order to begin her ascent. There was no strategic reason for her to investigate this shrine, but there was little reason for to ignore the place either, especially after the feeling she got when she first stepped in front of the entrance to the shrine. She sighed and looked up the long walkway once more, `Whatever it is about this place, I'll discover it soon enough.' She thought and took another step, but paused mid-stride of her next because she heard something behind her, approaching.

 

“Rei!”

 

Diana didn't know why, but she felt compelled to stop and look over her shoulder at the person calling for `Rei'. A young girl, who seemed to be about her age, was standing a short distance behind her. She was breathing heavily, as though she'd be running for some reason. Her hair was done up in a most particular style, there were two buns on either side of her head with two long pigtails trailed from them.

 

The two girls stared at each other for some time before the blonde's eyes grow blurry and she could no longer hold eye contact. For her part, Diana continues staring at the other girl with a raised eyebrow. `What in heavens is wrong with that girl?' Before the dark haired girl realized what was happening she felt a pair of arms around her waist. “Hey…!” She yelled, trying to worm away from the strange girl, she didn't even respond to Diana yelling at her. She merely continued muttering that same name over and over again. After quite a lot of struggling, she freed her arms, which had previously been pined to her sides by the other girl. Diana grabbed the blonde's shoulders in an effort to push the other girl away, but she found herself frozen once she made contact with her. `Why didn't I feel this until now?' She questioned herself. What she felt wasn't unlike what she felt from other stronger auras that were situated around this city, yet the girl that was currently holding her held a very distinct one, `Her aura is on a whole other level…it's limitless…'

 

Diana felt the loosen her hold a bit as she looked up at her, she finally seemed to realize there was a hand on her shoulders, “Rei?”

 

`There's no doubt this girl must be…' Diana thought as she stared back at the other girl. She hadn't expected to be approached by one, let alone be hugged by one, but the facts were what they were and she would have to adjust herself to them. For whatever reason, she seemed to be happy to see her, even though she got her name wrong, she could see that the advantage was hers. Diana smiled and the blonde did the same, though with more gusto, “Hello Serenity.”

 

Usagi's eyes widened and her arms around her companion loosened further. Diana took that opportunity to push the other girl away from her finally. Usagi stumbled back a few steps from the force and barely maintained her footing. Usagi stared at `Rei' in disbelief, the fleeting hope that unwilling built up in her heart was all too easily crushed. She tried to will the questions to she wished to ask to leave her lips, but all she could do was stare blankly at `Rei' as she smiled coldly at her.

 

“I'm glad you showed up here, you saved me the trip of looking for you, Serenity.” Diana said and took a step toward the stock-still girl.

 

End Ch. 29

 

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

 

Well that's it for this chapter. I know it was a long time coming and really the story advanced very little, but the coming chapters will make up for this, I promise. I think I'm going to enjoy the next chapter much more, because even after the great amount of time I spent on this chapter, it's not something I'm happy about. I wanted to finish this by the end of year, but that won't happen now, sadly.

 

Also, I didn't reply to all the review for the last chapter and I'm sorry about that, but I'll try to reply to them including any for this chapter shortly.