Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ The End Approaches! Invitation to the Final Battle! ( Chapter 30 )

Wow, it's been way too long since an update, hasn't it? But I'm sure no one minded it…

 

Ducks the projectiles being thrown in her direction

 

Ok, I'll say there's been more of a break between updates than absolutely thought there'd ever be. I'm sure there are those of you out there that even thought I'd abandoned this story. For shame! I promise that won't happen, though I can't promise there won't be any further delays, but I pray there won't be. At least none as long as this one…

 

Any way, let's just get on with why you clicked on the link that leads you to this page, the story!

 

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Chapter 30 - The End Approaches! Invitation to the Final Battle!

 

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Usagi was already several blocks from her house when she realized where her feet were taking her. She didn't have any specific destination in mind when she left her house; she only wanted to be alone to her thoughts. Perhaps it was those same thoughts that carried her so close to her missing friend's home. The blonde thought about turned around and walking back home, but decided against it. She was already more than halfway to the jinja and for some reason she felt she should continue there.

 

She maintained the same course she'd been on until moments before. She allowed her mind to drift back to her previous thoughts as well. Her thoughts centered around one thing, or rather one person. She had plenty of reason to be thinking about Rei and ever since she was kidnapped, the miko was never far from her thoughts. What happened earlier made her feel guilty though. Even when she saw the condition Rei put Mamoru in, her thoughts weren't where she expected them be, at least not entirely. She was worried about the Prince of Earth, sure, but he wasn't the first concern on her mind, despite his condition. She tried to tell herself it was because Hotaru was there, so Mamoru wasn't in grave danger and that Rei was once again taken from her so there was no guarantee she was safe. That reasoning was plausible, but she couldn't get herself to believe it. The reason seemed hollow in her mind for some reason.

 

Usagi sighed, she wasn't getting anywhere like this. The cool night air didn't seem to help her sort out her thoughts. She'd hoped to clear her mind, but the more thought she put into it, the more confused she became. She had the thought to go over to one of her friend's to talk, but it was already late and she didn't want to burden them. For some reason though, she never found herself worrying about that when it came to Rei. Perhaps part of that was because she irritating Rei was a talent she seemed to specialize in with even trying. `Although…' Usagi thought back to the occasions she'd woken the miko up in the middle of the night, usually through a phone call. `Rei never seemed angry…well too angry. Even that one time…'

 

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Flashback (Shortly after Usagi tells Rei that Mamoru left)

 

“Who is it!?” Rei called with at mix of irritation and anger.

 

The shrine had already been closed for hours, yet the incessant rapping on the door to the main shrine, forced her out of her warm blankets just after she'd gotten comfortable. Her Grandfather was away at the moment and Yuuichirou slept on the opposite end of the shrine, which meant he slept as far away from Rei's room as was possible, something she silently thanked her Grandfather for insisting on. So, by default it was Rei who had to answer the demanding visitor.

 

Rei reached the entrance and swung the doors open angrily and with every intention of severely chastising whoever was at the door. That was until she saw who was standing there, “…Usagi?”

 

Usagi silently stood in the entry-way for a few moments before asking, “Can I come inside?”

 

For a moment, Rei thought about mentioning how late it was but thought better of it. She didn't want to drive the girl away after she came all the way to her home; it wasn't exactly very close to Usagi's house. Rei stepped aside to allow the other girl room to enter, “Sure.” Rei closed the door and locked. She urged Usagi inside the main shrine and once both girls were inside, Rei asked, “What is it Usagi?”

 

The blonde haired girl looked around for a moment before speaking, “Is it ok if we go to your room?” She'd been to the jinja more time than she could remember, but she felt most comfortable in Rei bedroom, mostly because that's where they spent most of their time when anyone was there.

 

Rei shrugged her shoulders, “That's fine.”

 

Rei and Usagi walked silently to the miko's room and though she tried no to let it show the silence worried her, `Usagi isn't the silent type.' Once they reached her room, Rei slide its door open and motioned for Usagi to enter first, which she did. When she stepped inside, she noticed the messy blankets on the ground and the futon beside them. It looked like Rei just threw her blankets off and went to the door.

 

“Did I wake you?”

 

“It's nearly one in the morning, Usagi.” Rei stated matter-of-factly.

 

“Right…” Usagi muttered softly and turn her head away from Rei.

 

The darker haired of the two sighed silently, “It doesn't matter right now anyway.” She said dismissively as she knelt down and fixed the blanket on the floor. When she was done, she crossed her legs and looked over to Usagi who was still standing. “Well come on, have a seat.” Rei said and patted the floor beside where she was sitting. Her companion nodded and sat down on the offered space.

 

As soon as she sat down she started to feel stupid for bother her friend over something so simple, `I should have just called instead.' She thought to herself. She could feel Rei's eyes on her, so she knew she had to say something. She started to get up, “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you like this.”

 

The blonde was stopped by a hand around her wrist, “Usagi, you can't just come over here and wake me up at one in the morning, just to leaving without telling me what's wrong in the first place.”

 

Usagi looked down and said, “I'm sorry. You're just going to think it's something stupid.”

 

“Let me be the judge of that.” Rei said and released her friend's wrist. “Now sit down and tell me what's wrong.” She ordered.

 

“I had a dream…” Usagi started, she glanced at Rei to see if she was laughing, she wasn't, so she continued. “A youma was attacking the city and everyone was there, even Mamo-chan. No matter what we did we couldn't stop the youma and then one by one everyone died protecting me.” She looked back at Rei again and said, “It was horrible everyone was gone and I was left all alone! I don't want that to ever happen! I don't want to ever lose you guys again.” The tears that were threatening to fall throughout finally succumbed to gravity. Usagi fell into the miko's arms, surprising her.

 

Rei held the other girl as she cried. “Usagi, dreams are just that dreams, they aren't real. You don't have anything to worry about, they can't hurt you. Your mind is simply manifesting your fears about losing your friends, but we're not going anywhere. I'm not going anywhere, we'll be together forever.”

 

“But it felt so real…” the Moon Princess mumbled into Rei's night shirt.

 

“Some do seem real, and yes that can make them frightening some times, but you wake up from them and realize they aren't real.” Rei said and held Usagi closer, “Believe me; I'm not going to leave you ever. I promise I'll be with you until the end of time.”

 

Questioning crystal blue eyes looked up into amethyst ones, “You promise?”

 

“I promise.” The dark haired miko said with a smile on her face.

 

End Flashback

 

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She sometimes worried the other girls would be jealous or upset that she went to Rei as much as she did when she had any problems. She didn't want them to think she was `playing favorites', because in her mind at the time she wasn't. Usagi couldn't understand it, they bickered almost constantly around everyone else, but when they were alone Rei was always gentler and just overall nicer. It was those times when she was alone with Rei that she probably missed the most.

 

As the entrance to the jinja came into view, she noticed someone standing at the foot of the steps looking up. Usagi stared at the person, somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected to see anyone else there. She was also kind of hoping she wouldn't see anyone that could identify her, namely Rei's grandfather and Yuuichirou. It was too dark to make out exactly who it was standing there, but the figure didn't match either of them. As she slowly drew closer she could clearly make out that the figure was female. She had a very familiar look about her, to Usagi's eyes. It suddenly clicked in her mind, the resemblance was uncanny, but still she doubted herself a little.

 

Was she seeing things? Could it really be…? Before she realized what she was doing, the word that was on her mind left her lips. “Rei!”

 

Her heart stopped as she watched Rei. She stopped when she called her! That was a good sign, right? She no longer had control over her actions. She ran to the other girl, completely ignoring the small voice in the back of her mind warning her to be careful. She stopped just short of her, she wanted to be closer, she wanted to be sure. She wasn't sure how her legs carried the distance they did, in what could have only been seconds, but she found herself breathing heavily as a result, though she remained focused on the girl in front of her.

 

She noticed Rei start to turn her head towards her and when she was finally looking at her, Usagi met her eyes. The dark haired girl seemed to be studying her and even though she couldn't see the recognition she was hoping in her eyes, Usagi's eyes grew blurry the long she maintained eye contact with her. The dark haired girl had turned around fully to face the blonde, it was clear to her that the girl with the weird hairstyle was about to cry. She raised an eyebrow at the strange girl, although the small change in her expression wasn't noticed by the girl with the odango hairstyle.

 

Without saying a word Usagi enveloped Rei in a tight embrace, she heard Rei say something at the unexpected contact, but she didn't let go, she didn't want her to run away like she'd already done before. Usagi chanted `Rei' over and over again, but stopped when she felt the other girl's hands on her shoulders. Hope swelled up in her heart as she loosened her grip and looked into the other girl's eyes. “Rei?”

 

The dark haired girl stared back at the blonde, but didn't reply. She appeared to be surprised, but remained calm for the most part. After staring at each other a little longer, the dark haired one finally smiled. Her smile was returned, although the other girl's enthusiasm behind her smile was much greater. While she didn't expect the other girl to take the actions she'd taken up to this point, she still had a job to do. “Hello Serenity.”

 

Usagi's eyes widened and her grip on Rei faltered to the point where she was barely holding on to her. Usagi felt the hands on her shoulders grow firmer and with one strong push, she knocked Usagi back several steps. The Moon Princess stumbled slightly as stepped back awkwardly. All she could do was stare at her friend, the small hope that had built up was scattered by one action. She wanted to question her, but her throat felt tight, it wouldn't allow her to voice any queries.

 

“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 frozen girl.

 

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KNOCK KNOCK

 

Setsuna turned to her door and called, “It's open.”

 

The door opened slowly and one who knocked seemed to enter just as slow. The short black hair gave the intruder away easily, since she was the only one in the house such hair. Hotaru stuck her head inside and looked as the senshi of time, “I'm not bothering you, am I?”

 

Setsuna shook her head, “Not at all.” She motioned for the other girl to enter. Hotaru nodded and entered the room fully, shutting the door behind herself as she walked in. The older woman watched the other girl take a seat in the loveseat in front of her. “It's quite late though Hotaru. So, what brings you to my study?”

 

“I wanted to talk to you about a few things.”

 

Setsuna nodded, “Even though you know some things the others don't, I'm still limited in what I can tell you.”

 

“I understand that, but nothing you can tell me will hurt the time stream, I promise. My questions have to do with how to handle our enemy after we help Rei-san.” Hotaru took a deep breath before continuing. “All our efforts thus far have been put towards returning Rei-san to herself, but even after that occurs she still must be dealt with. I'd like to have an idea about her powers, what kind of abilities can we expect her to possess?”

 

“I do not know. When I fought with her all those years ago and when I saw her again in this time, she possessed irregular strength. I don't know the extent of that strength nor do I know what new techniques she may have learned since the Silver Millennium. I can only believe that she improved herself since that time, which means she'll be difficult to handle.”

 

“Am I correct in assuming Queen Serenity imprisoned Kei…that is her name correct?”

 

“Yes, on both accounts.” Setsuna replied.

 

Hotaru was silent for a short time before speaking once more, “Is Usagi-san capable of doing the same thing?”

 

The senshi of time nodded her head slowly, “Yes, but we're already asking much of her. If Kei is as beyond reason as I believe her to be, it would be best to end her life.”

 

“Do you think Usagi-san could really kill another person?”

 

“The Princess? No, I don't believe she is capable of that.” Setsuna said earning a curious glance from the Hotaru. “However, assuming we're successful in returning Rei to normal, who'll be able to stop her from killing Kei, justifiably of course.”

 

Hotaru was silent as she thought about what the older woman said, `Sure it'd be justifiable, but we're not talking about a youma, they we're talking about a person, as twisted as she might be. Rei-san wouldn't sully her hands like that, she knows better than that. Besides, even if it came to that…' “Usagi-san. Usagi-san would stop Rei-san from committing such an act.”

 

“She would certainly try; I have no doubt of that. Our Princess is too kind for her own good some times. Kei already proved imprisonment won't make her change and I don't believe that'll be any different this time. For Rei, it'd be difficult to hold back. I'm sure you can understand why it'd be hard. Imagine if you were in the same position as her, being forced to hurt someone you care about as much as she cares about Usagi. You'd want to erase the person making you do those things against your will from the face of the Earth.”

 

“I understand what you're saying, but her death shouldn't come by Rei-san's hands.”

 

“However, you know you'd invoke your power of death if Kei becomes too dangerous.” Pluto commented.

 

“It's my job to govern over death as it's yours to govern over time and if the only solution is to end Kei's life I will make sure that fate is carried out. Death is my burden to bear.” Hotaru said quietly.

 

The room fell silent for some time after the senshi of death and rebirth's statement, for the really wasn't more to add. “Was there anything else?” Setsuna asked

 

The youngest senshi thought for a moment when one other question entered her mind, “Actually yes, I haven't had the opportunity to ask you yet, but why did you have the change of heart? Why are you backing my plan?”

 

Setsuna was silent as she thought back to her trip to the gate to the past. “I became enlightened on my last trip to the Gates. You are here for a reason, that I can't deny, and I've decided to step back and allowing things to happen as they will.”

 

“And what of…?” Hotaru asked cautiously.

 

“I can deal with her.” Setsuna said. Hotaru stared at the older woman skeptically. “If her aim remains the Princess' life, I will do everything in my power to stomp out that ambition.”

 

“Can you handle her on your own though? You said yourself that you aren't aware of the extent of her powers now.” Hotaru asked.

 

“Don't worry, Hotaru. I am aware of how much her strength has increased since I saw her all those years ago, very much aware, but I won't allow her to harm our Princess.” Setsuna said and paused, “I think it's about time you went off to bed. I have a feeling all of us are going to need our rest for the coming fight.”

 

Hotaru nodded her head before standing up. She paused and looked at Setsuna thoughtfully, “Did you see if we'd be successful?”

 

“It remains unclear.” Setsuna said

 

“I see.” Hotaru muttered quietly, before starting to leave the room.

 

“However…” The senshi time began, causing the other girl to stop, “…saving Rei from this is the only way I see us having a hopeful future.” She looked at the younger girl to see her reaction and noticed small smile crack her previously solemn expression. If nothing else, her statement gave Hotaru further assurance that they were headed down the right path. Without another word she left Setsuna to herself.

 

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

 

“Do not worry; I have no intention of starting anything at the moment.” Diana said and watched the other girl relax. A small smile crossed her lips, “You're the gullible type aren't you?” Diana raised her hand to prove her point and gauged the girl's new reaction. Usagi noticeably flinched, by instinct more than anything. The dark haired girl lowered her hand and smiled wider, “Relax…if I was lying, you'd be dead already.”

 

Usagi didn't know how to react to Rei, but it was clear that she was toying with her. She could tell without a doubt that this wasn't the Rei she wished it to be. Although, despite any kind of threat the fire senshi could say to her she didn't feel in danger by them. She felt certain Rei didn't pose any threat to her, despite what she'd seen her to do to Hotaru and Mamoru, first-hand in the case of the later. It was perhaps illogical, but she knew in spite of everything, Rei wouldn't hurt her. “You can't kill me.” Usagi retorted.

 

Diana cocked her head slightly to her right, “And why is that?”

 

“Because I know you, Rei.” Usagi said calmly.

 

Diana frowned a bit, hearing that name again. `Is she fixated on that name or something?' “I'm afraid you're mistaken, my name is not Rei.”

 

The blonde's face fell; she'd heard the other girl deny her name before, but hearing her deny it again drained much of the hope she had. “Do you still not remember anything?”

 

“Remember?” Diana repeated and tilted her head to the side, “I don't have anything to remember.” She said seriously.

 

Usagi shook her head slowly, “You're wrong. There's a lot you have to remember.”

 

Diana studied the other girl for a few minutes, before settling on saying, “Is that so?”

 

“It is. If you remembered, you wouldn't be acting like you are. I know you well enough to know that. You're not the cold person you're acting like. I can feel the pain you're in right now.” Usagi said her vision blurring as she spoke.

 

`By Gods, she's starting to cry.' The dark haired girl thought as she watched the girl. She felt a mixture of annoyance and pity for her; she suppressed the urge to call her a cry-baby. “I'm not in any pain.” Diana contradicted.

 

The princess of the moon shook her head, “Not physically….” She said and covered her heart with her left hand. She reached out to the other girl with her only free hand and covered her heart. Diana froze at the feather-light touch, “In here…”

 

Diana stared at the hand touching her chest; she was at a loss for words. `This girl is so different than what I was expecting.' She thought to herself. `Of course, their names and abilities are the only important things to know, but it seems this girl, Serenity, has an ability I wasn't aware of.' Diana's eyes traveled up the girl's arm and soon she was eye to eye with its owner once again. She was about to chastise the girl for touching her like she was, when the blonde haired girl spoke again.

 

“Please listen to me. If you'll hear me out, I promise your feelings will change, but please don't disappear from in front of me again.”

 

Diana's expression didn't change as she listened to the other girl and she waited until she was done before saying anything in return. “Maybe we'll talk…if you remove your hand from my chest.”

 

Usagi blinked confusedly and looked at her hand; her cheeks turned a light shade of pink and quickly retracted her hand. She hadn't realized she still had her hand there as she talked. She looked down before apologizing quietly.

 

`Strange girl.' The darker haired one thought as she watched the other girl's embarrassed mannerisms. “Listen, I don't have any interest in simply standing around here all night, so say your piece.”

 

Usagi looked up when her companion addressed her, she sounded irritated and thus far nothing had been said to change her mind, but Usagi intended to change that now. “Rei…” she stopped when other girl shook her head. She continued before the other girl could say anything in response, “I will not call you by another name, you are Rei and that's what I'll call you.” She paused to see if the other girl would have something to say, but she simply sighed and remained quiet otherwise. “I didn't think I'd have another chance to talk with you, away from any battlefield. I was worried about you when you were taken away after our last encounter. I'll glad that you don't seem to have been hurt, at least physically.”

 

“Again, what makes you think I've been hurt?”

 

“To understand that, you have to understand what's happened to you. You have to understand what I'm telling you is the truth, and you should be able to tell if I'm lying anyway.” She paused and watched Rei nod her head slightly. “You're my friend, my close friend and you have been for sometime now. We've fought together through many battles, but a short time ago a new enemy made themselves known. You were lured into a trap and they kidnapped you. In your time away from me, your captor cast a spell on you to give you different memories. You've been made to think I'm your enemy, but that couldn't be further from the truth. That's what she wants you to think because she wants you to kill me.”

 

Diana was silent through out the other girl's explanation and once the fantastic tale was done she spoke her piece, “So you're telling me I've been kidnapped, lied to, and my memories have been altered all for the sole purpose of killing you?” Usagi nodded her head affirmatively at the questions. “I'll admit you aren't lying, because you truly believe what you're saying, but tell me…what makes you so important that someone would go to such lengths to kill one person?”

 

“I don't know.” Usagi answered honestly. “I would have rather faced any attack directly than for her to have used you as she has. I would have given myself to her if it could have spared you the pain you're in.”

 

“You seem as though you'd be very comfortable throwing your life away.”

 

“It wouldn't be thrown away if it could save you.”

 

`She's serious…what's wrong with her?' Diana asked herself, but she had no answer so she reacted the only way she could. “I don't believe you, nor do I accept your lies. You've certainly come out with one amazing story though, I'll give that, but you've done nothing to convince me of anything.”

 

“Why does it seem you've fallen further away from me?” Usagi said and extended a hand toward the other girl.

 

The dark haired girl slapped away the seeking hand and glared at its owner, “Don't touch me! Who do you think you are? Don't try to touch me so casually, like you did before. We're not friends!”

 

Usagi held her previously extended hand in her other hand against her chest. She could feel tears start to well up in her eyes, but she tried to fight them back. It was a fruitless effort as they fell against her will. Words didn't seem to be helping her get through to Rei, no matter what she said. She felt completely helpless; nothing she said was getting through to Rei. She was running out of ideas as to how to get through to Rei. A stray thought entered her mind that she should just grab her and force her to stay, until she could get a hold of the rest of the senshi, because she feared Rei run off most of all and she knew if she couldn't get through to her that's exactly what would happen. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Rei speak again.

 

“Your life is nearing its end. I have no intention of fighting meaningless battles. Every battle I fight, I fight to win. In this case, that means I'll kill you.” Diana said and looked at Usagi seriously. “You are something special, I can feel that and I can feel the power you possess. However, you are also pure of heart. That is not a good quality for a warrior to have, it'll only…”

 

“You're wrong! It's my ideals that have enabled me to win over all my past enemies. It's because of my ideals that I still believe in you.”

 

Diana stared at her with a confused expression, `This girl either seriously has me confused with someone else or she's insane.' “Have you no common sense? Why do you believe in me? What do you think I am to you?”

 

Usagi stared at Rei and spoke as serious as she'd even before, “I'm not the smartest person, but I know you Rei. I care about you; I care about you so much. Even though you're staring at me like I've lost my mind, I won't lose my faith in you. I won't…I can't…because you're too important to me.”

 

Diana stared at the other girl, how did she justify her feelings? It made no sense to her…how can she care about a complete stranger the way she seems to. She shook her head, giving up on trying to understand the strange girl. “You're foolish! Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound?”

 

“I don't care if I sound ridiculous, those are my feelings and they won't change despite what you say. I'll make you remember no matter what it takes.” Usagi reached into her pocket for her compact and as soon as her fingers grazed its surface, Diana reacted.

 

Sensing the other's girl aura flare up, she quickly materialized a bow of fire to her hands, along with an arrow of flame. She held the weapon close to the other girl's neck, the tip of the arrow was no more than a fraction of an itch away from Usagi's skin. Usagi was frozen; she could feel the heat from Rei's weapon. It was so close to her face, but the heat wasn't as scorching as she thought it would be.

 

“You seem to be a nice girl, so don't make me hurt you right now. That's not why I came here today.”

 

“I don't want to fight you either.”

 

“Then why did your energy suddenly increase so much a few seconds ago?”

 

Usagi looked confused at the question, but she thought about it a few seconds and she realized what must have happened. She continued reaching into her pocket as she did before, she could tell Rei was pulling back the bow's string as she reached for her compact, but she didn't stop. She grabbed the metallic object firmly and pulled it out of her pocket and showed it to Rei. “This is what you felt.”

 

Mars lower her bow and stared at the jewelry piece, at least it appeared to be a simple jewelry piece, but it radiated such immense power. She unconsciously let the bow and arrow disappear from her hands. She noticed the blonde touch the top of the compact, opening it. Nearly immediately, the object gave off a bright light, forcing Mars to shield her eyes. Usagi stared at the crystal in her broach, the Ginzuishou; she hadn't expected it to react like it did. Mars backed away a couple steps before falling to her knees. The senshi of Mars cried out in pain, she felt like she was dying. Usagi immediately closed the object in her hand, extinguishing the light it had been emitting. She quickly made her way to Mars.

 

Usagi's eyes widened as Mars' hand shot for her throat. She instinctively grabbed the other girl's arm as she grabbed her throat, dropping her compact in the process. She could feel herself being pushed back, but couldn't do anything to stop it. Mars pushed Usagi against the brick wall and shouted, “What do you take me for?!” Mars pushed her harder against the cold brick and subsequently tightened her grip around the other girl's throat, causing her to whimper slightly. “I warned you already! You should have listened me and lived a little longer! But you couldn't do that, could you? No, you had to play that little trick!”

 

Tears flowed down Usagi's cheeks freely, but her eyes remained fixed on Mars. She'd never seen Mars as enraged as she saw her now. It scared her to see Mars the way she was at the moment. Usagi gasped for breath, realizing it was becoming harder and harder take in any oxygen. She frantically reached forward with both hands to where Mars' face was and as soon as she was able, she cupped both of her cheeks in her hands. “P-Please…stop…this…” Usagi gasped.

 

Mars stared at the blonde, her touch seemed to dampen the anger she felt for some reason. She loosened her grip around her neck until she'd completely released her. The blonde haired girl slumped to the ground against the wall. She let her anger take over and it clouded her mind, it made her forget herself and her reasons for coming down to Earth in the first place. She could hear the other girl coughing so she took the opportunity to undo her transformation. Diana looked down at the sidewalk; she hadn't intended to let things go as far as they did. The girl held a lot of power, but she was harmless for the most part, because she harbored no murderous intent. “I'm sorry to end things like this…I had hoped I could've simply talked to you, but at this time, I don't believe there is anything left to say.” She started to walk away, but stopped. She snapped her fingers and a white envelope appeared in her hand. The dark haired girl turned around and walked back a little. She threw the envelope at other girl's feet, “That's for you.”

 

Usagi looked down at what Rei threw. She could see the paper had something inscribed on its surface. She leaned forward to pick up the envelope; she brought it close to her face so she could clear read what it said. She dropped the envelope as soon as she read whom it was addressed to.

 

“We'll meet again and at that time, I will kill you.” Diana turned away from Usagi and started to walk away once more from the still recovering girl, after a few steps she stopped, similar to before. “It's a shame we're enemies…you're kinda cute.” She said and looked over her shoulder for a moment to see the other girl's reaction. She faced forward once more with a small, yet satisfied smile on her face.

 

Usagi stared at Rei's back as she walked away for several seconds before the reality of the situation sunk in; Rei was going to disappear again. “P-Please…” The word was barely a whisper and if she was heard there was no indication. She coughed a few times before speaking again, “D-Don't…go…”

 

This time it appeared she was heard, because Rei stopped. “I'm sorry if I hurt you, there is a time and place for everything, but this wasn't the time for that. However, I'll warn you to be prepared when we meet again.” She started walking again, after a few steps she added, “Don't even think about following me.” Afterwards, she sprinted away, her speed aided by her senshi abilities.

 

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

 

Off into the distance a woman in shining armor could be seen lying on the ground. A short distance away a dark haired warrior approached the lying woman; she'd tracked the woman from a star a short distance from their current location. She didn't know what happened but once the woman left, the star's light disappeared. That meant the woman had some questions to answer.

 

“As emissary of Queen Serenity of the Moon, I hereby detain you for questioning in regards to the disappearance of a star.” The dark haired warrior declared. She waited silently for the woman to say something in return, but she didn't even so much as acknowledge that she wasn't alone any more. The warrior balled up her fists at her sides, “I don't know who you are, but if you refuse to say anything, I'll be left with no choice other than to use force!” She threatened.

 

“Big words for such an insignificant creature such as yourself.” The person said, however the woman made no motion to rise, she just continued looking at the endless blanket of stars over head.

 

“If you are going to insult me, you better prepare yourself for a fight.” The warrior said and entered a defensive stance.

 

“Are you a champion of that system?” The person asked and looked over to the other woman, while simultaneously pointing towards an area in the sky.

 

“I protect that system.” She replied.

 

The woman seemed to study her for a few minutes longer before speaking, “No, you're not a champion. Am I thought that lightly of that you'd be the only one sent?”

 

“What is that supposed to mean?!” The dark haired warrior asked angrily.

 

“You don't have what I desire, so be gone.” The woman said with a wave of her hand.

 

“What do you mean, `what you desire'?”

 

The woman stood up and walked over to the warrior, “I've changed my mind…you might be of some use after all…”

……………

…………

………

…..

…

.

 

Kei's head shot up, a loud noise could be heard booming through out her room. `Why was I dreaming about that?' She questioned herself, when she heard the pounding again. An irritated look replaced the confused one on the woman's face, “Enter!”

 

The large doors opened and in stepped a large youma. He quickly made his way over the woman in the room. Kei sighed and looked at the youma with disinterest, “What do you want Ryuji? I didn't send for you.”

 

“Are you sure it was wise to not have me follow her?” Ryuji asked, getting straight to the point.

 

“There is nothing to worry about. It's the middle of the night right now where the Sailor Senshi reside, so the likelihood she'd encounter any of them on the streets is minimal. Even if she does meet one of them, their words won't have any effect on her. Besides, I gave her a mission and she'll attend to that, all else will be unimportant when she reaches her objective.”

 

“I could have done any mission you needed accomplished…”

 

Kei shook her head, “It'll have more of an impact on the Princess this way…”

 

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

 

Usagi sat on the cold concrete in front of the sign to the entrance to Hikawa Jinja. She hugged her knees against her chest and buried her face in her knees. Rei was gone again and she only had herself to blame. She had the opportunity to stop her, but she didn't, it was that simple. She looked up where Rei left, she was too far away for her to follow now. She whipped her eyes and noticed something reflecting the light from the streetlights, her eyes widened when she realized what it was. She quickly got up and walked over to the device. She opened it to see the jewel inside, `Why did you react like that?' she asked the crystal. No answer seemed forthcoming from the object so she shut it was a downcast expression. Usagi dropped the compact inside her pocket again and walked back to the torii at the front of the shrine. She leaned against the wooden pillar and slid to the ground once more.

 

After a few minutes her hands went up to her neck. `It's probably bruised…' she thought idly. It hurt. No. She hurt, in more ways than one. She could feel her eyes again fill with tears and she didn't fight them. Rei had scared her, seriously scared her. Usagi had to tell herself that the person she'd just been with wasn't Rei, not her Rei. Her Rei was a different person. Yet the fact that she had to keep telling herself that frightened her, she didn't want to lose the Rei she knew.

 

“Tsukino-san…?”

 

Usagi wiped her eyes upon hearing her name being called and looked up. “Ojii-chan!”

 

The short bald man just smiled, “Is something wrong, child?” Usagi was hesitant to answer, but the truth of obvious enough without her saying anything. “Does it have anything to do with my granddaughter?”

 

Her eyes widened slightly and she looked away from, her eyes focusing on the ground, “You could say that…”

 

There was a long silence, during which the elderly man sat on the ground as well. He noticed the girl beside him didn't seem very willing to speak, so he broke the ice, “You care a lot about my granddaughter, don't you?”

 

Usagi nodded her head slowly, but firmly answered him. “I do.”

 

The aged man looked away from the teen and stared out toward the street. “She cares about you greatly as well.” Usagi turned to him wearing a somewhat surprised expression. “My granddaughter built up a wall around herself ever since she was young. I fear her father is to blame for that; he was not cut out to be a single father. When she was put in my care she even maintained her distance from me for the longest time. It took several months before she allowed herself to trust me. Even though she has always been popular at school, she never let any one get too close. It didn't help that she goes to a Catholic school and lives in a Shinto shrine and practices its religion. Of course, that was her father's decision as well. He wanted her to have the best education and I'm sure you know about T.A's high standards. I do believe he meant well, but he didn't even ask her, her feelings about going there. She'd have probably be happier going to the same school you go to.” He paused for a moment when he noticed his companion was staring at him intently. “I'm sorry. I'm rambling on aren't I?” He said and laughed throatily.

 

Usagi shook her head, “It's alright, I never knew.” Usagi turned away from the elderly man and looked at the starry sky, “Rei doesn't tell me this kind of stuff, she keeps a lot of her feelings inside. It's frustrating sometimes; I wish she was more open with me.”

 

Rei's Grandfather laughed again and looked at Usagi, “I know what you mean, but she does it to protect herself.”

 

“I would never do anything to hurt her though.”

 

“I don't believe you would, but I think my granddaughter still has trouble opening up to someone completely. I know she cares about you, but think she's afraid of losing you.”

 

“That'll never happen.” Usagi said, but let her mind drift to her current situation. `I'm losing her right now though and if this continues much longer, I'm afraid I'll really lose her.' She thought to herself sadly.

 

“That's good to hear. I don't know what'd happen if she ever lost your friendship. Her whole world really turned around when you came into her life. She was much happier. She didn't spend all of her free time at the jinja; she actually went out like a regular teenager, which was something she didn't do before. I don't want her to ignore her duties here, but I also don't want her miss out on the life of a teenager.” He paused for a moment to look at the blonde haired girl beside him, “You opened up that life to her.”

 

Usagi held out her hands and shook her head slightly, “I-I think you're giving me too much credit…”

 

The elderly man quickly spoke up, cutting of the teen's statement. “I'm not. You were the first person I saw to crack the walls she put up. I'm sure she would have closed herself off more if you hadn't come to our shrine a few years ago. I doubt my granddaughter has ever expressed this to you, so I'll say it for her, I'm glad you befriended her.”

 

Usagi could feel her cheeks warm causing her to look down, “It was nothing; Rei's been an irreplaceable friend to me as well.”

 

“I'm happy you feel like that because I'm sure Rei feels the same. Through all of her hardheadedness you've remained her friend, which I'm sure isn't the easiest thing…”

 

“I wouldn't have her change though because her stubbornness is one thing that makes her, her.”

 

“I think I understand why Rei cares about you so much.” The older man said and smiled at the blonde girl beside him.

 

Usagi stared off into the sky once more, `I'm that important to Rei?' She closed her eyes; she couldn't imagine her life without the fiery miko either, though recently she'd been forced to and she could truthfully say it wasn't any way she wanted to live.

 

“I trust you're taking good care of my granddaughter?” He said out of the blue and looked at the teen beside him questioningly.

 

Usagi froze for a moment, she'd almost forgotten about that lie she told him. Once she realized his eyes were on her, she quickly answered, “Y-Yes, I am.” She hoped the elderly man didn't notice her hesitation.

 

“Well, tell her drop by soon, her Grandfather misses her. This place isn't the same without all you girls over.” Grandpa Hino said and laughed a little afterwards.

 

“I-I will.” Usagi as she fought to keep her voice level. She stood up so Rei's Grandfather couldn't see her face, “I should be going, it's late.”

 

Grandpa Hino looked at his watch, “It has gotten quite late hasn't it?” he said when his eyes caught a white piece of paper the ground. He leaned over and picked up the object, “Did you drop something?” He turned the letter over and tried to read the name inscribed on it, but it was in a script he'd never seen.

 

Usagi turned to the elderly man and saw what he was holding. She noticed him staring at the writing strangely, “Is something wrong?”

 

He looked over to the blonde haired girl and said, “I've never seen manner of writing…do you write this?” He held out the envelope to her after his question.

 

Usagi shook her head as she took the letter, “No, it was given to me.” She looked at the writing again and she could read it as clear as when she first received it.

 

Rei's Grandfather shook his head a little, “I think someone's playing a joke on you to write a letter in gibberish.”

 

Usagi laughed nervously, she didn't understand why he thought the writing was `gibberish', nor did she tell him she could read it just fine. She did however, take that time to say her farewell, “Well, I should be really go back home now.”

 

The elderly man looked over the teen, “Yes, I believe that would be a good idea. Sayonara Tsukino-san and tell my granddaughter hello for me.”

 

Usagi nodded and turned to leave, “Sayonara Ojii-chan.”

 

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

 

Setsuna sat at her desk writing and sighed. She'd told Hotaru everyone needed to get rest, but she'd yet to get a wink. Every thing was going to end soon one way or another and she felt the need to make her final preparations. She knew one outcome would require these preparations done before they left for the final battle and that left her with little time. It's funny how someone who commands time can't have enough of it. She closed the notebook she'd been writing in and opened the top draw of her desk and placed it inside before closing it again. She took a notepad from on top of the desk and wrote down one sentence, but it would be enough. Afterwards, she put the pen down and stood up leaving the notepad on top of her desk.

 

Setsuna walked over to the door of her study. She opened the door and stepped out of the room. After looking back for a few minutes, she turned off the light and closed the door. As she began to make her way to her room her mind drifted back to her last trip the Gates. She'd promised to let Usagi choose the path she wished to take on her own and she'd keep that promise. Of course, one choice would mean a lot more work for her, but it would be unavoidable. If Usagi could regain all of her past memories, there wouldn't even be a choice, there'd only be one option, but she needs to remember on her own. There's no right or wrong and someone will be hurt either way. `Whatever she chooses, I'll protect that choice.'

 

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

 

Usagi entered her room through her window in her usual quite manner. She'd become an expert at leaving and returning to her room through her window without being detected by anyone. It was essential because youma seemed to enjoy attacking in the middle of the night. Usagi spotted Luna lying close to her window on her bed, but she didn't disturb her. Instead, she bypassed her bed entirely for the most part. She quickly slipped off her shoes and sat at the desk beside her bed. She turned on the lamp on the desk and tore open the letter. It was written in the same writing as `Serenity' on the envelope, so she threw the envelope to the ground and began reading.

 

Dear Princess Serenity:

 

I'll make this short and sweet Princess, so pay attention to what I've written here. I'm sure Pluto has already told you who I am, so I'll skip the introduction.

 

I'm sure you wish to bring an end to this as much as I do, so I have a proposition for you. I would like to invite you to one final fight. This fight will take place at a location of my choice, I'll notify you of where exactly tomorrow at the place specified at the bottom of this letter. It matters not whether you bring your senshi or not. I'm afraid your presence is required however, Princess. If you choose to not appear, I'm afraid I'll have to execute your solider of Mars. It's your choice, Princess.

 

You must realize by now that you can't change your senshi back, she's mine now. Of course, I'm sure she's still precious to you, so you'll do the right thing and show up. Does it hurt to see one you love forced to do another's bidding?

 

Usagi stopped reading the letter abruptly and reread the last sentence she read, `Does it hurt to see one you love forced to do another's bidding? Love? What does she mean by that?' she asked herself. Of course she loved all of her senshi and friends, but she felt the woman meant something else. Usagi covered her mouth to prevent herself from blurting anything out loud. `S-She thinks I love her like that?' she thought. Rei was special to her, but she'd never thought of her like that. `Besides, Rei doesn't like me like that…' With that thought in mind she continued reading.

 

It must be painful, but it's not enough, not nearly. Even the pain you're feeling now pales in comparison to mine. Make no mistake; she deserves to suffer as much as you do, Princess. Once she kills you, I'll release her only so she can know that she took your life with her own hands and then I'll send her to Hades with you. You can then spend eternity together.

 

Follow all of these conditions and I won't harm your precious senshi before you arrive:

 

First, don't try anything funny, like trying to trace this. You should already know I cover my tracks very well from when you tried to determine your senshi's location.

 

Second, be in Juuban Central Park just after sunset. There will be someone there to tell you the where we'll bring an end to this.

 

Third, as I've already said, you must be at the location I specify.

 

I trust you understand what you need to do now, Princess. I'll be expecting you.

 

 

Usagi lowered the letter and placed it on her desk. She stared angrily at the letter; she didn't realize a simple letter could invoke so many negative emotions. `She's using Rei's life like it's a bargaining chip! I don't care what happened in the past, she has no right to play with Rei's life.'

 

“Usagi, where did you get this?”

 

The moon princess jumped out of her seat and held her chest. She looked at the ground and saw Luna carrying the discarded envelope in her mouth.

 

“Luna! You scared me half to death!” Usagi hissed, trying to keep her voice down.

 

Undeterred, the black cat repeated her question, “Usagi, where did you get this?”

 

The blond sat back down and grabbed the letter she'd placed down, “Rei gave this to me.”

 

She offered the letter to the feline. Luna looked at the paper for a moment before saying, “Put that on the desk so I can read it.” Usagi complied and place the letter back down. Luna leaped on the desk stood over the letter as she read it. The black cat was surprised by some things the letter said, but considering where it was coming from how much of it was true. She looked up at her charge who was watching her, “She intends to kill you if you go to this place, Usagi.”

 

The teen shook her head, “She intends to make Rei kill me. And if I don't go, she'll kill Rei, I'm sure. I won't let that happen, I'll save her no matter what.”

 

Luna stared at Usagi, `She really determined.' She hadn't seen Usagi this determined Chibi-Usa was manipulated by the Black Moon. `She knows it won't be easy and yet…' “Usa…” Luna started to say, when she was cut off by her charge.

 

“I'm prepared, Luna. I'm prepared to do what ever it takes to bring Rei back.” Usagi said and gave the cat serious look, “I won't accept anything else.”

 

It was clear that her mind was focused, but the black cat was a little scared as to where the single-mindedness could lead Usagi. `A small change of subject might be in order.' She thought when an idea struck about the letter. “Do you know how this letter was written?” Luna asked. The Moon Princess shook her head. “There is no doubt that the person who wrote this has extensive knowledge of the Silver Millennium and they wanted it to be something only you would understand.”

 

“I don't …”

 

“Usagi, it's written in the same script we used back then.”

 

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

 

Diana walked down a long hallway, her high heels clicking against the floor loudly. She rubbed her temples as she walked; her journey to Earth hadn't been at all like what she expected. Rather, the girl she'd encountered, Serenity, hadn't been anything like she expected. The girl wasn't threatening in the least; in fact she was quite the opposite. `If all the warriors turn out to be like her, I might have to change my tactics…' She thought as she reached a set of double doors. She pushed the doors open and walked inside; closing them once again once she was inside. She headed straight the bed against the far wall. She flopped backwards on to the fluffy surface. After a few minutes of laying there she held her hand up in the air. She turned it so she could see her palm, `I nearly killed that girl with this hand.' She clenched her hand into a fist and punched her hand into the bed she was laying on, “How can I be such a hot-head?” She asked the empty room.

 

She got up and began to pace the room, a part of her, a dark part, was angry she didn't finish the job. Another part of her was disgusted with herself for coming so close to killing an unarmed girl; it was that part of her that drove her to apologize for her actions. While it was true she possessed a strange object, the one that gave off the light, it was by no means a weapon, she didn't know what it was but she was sure it wasn't a weapon.

 

KNOCK KNOCK

 

Diana looked at the door for a moment; she didn't particularly want to talk to anyone. She wanted to sort out her mixed feelings and to do that she didn't want company. Against her better judgment she opened the doors for the person knocking.

 

“I trust you delivered the letter?” Kei asked as she entered the room.

 

“I did.”

 

“That girl you delivered the letter to is our primary target. She must be eliminated at all costs.”

 

“She isn't any threat.” Diana stated simply after listen to the other woman.

 

“Oh…why is that?”

 

“I just know it from speaking with her. She can be dealt with without killing her.”

 

“Impossible. She must die.” Kei said firmly.

 

“Are you saying you don't trust my judgment? I know how to read people and I was able to read her easily. She is extremely powerful, but she isn't dangerous nor a threat, her powers lie else where. She doesn't have the desire a warrior should have, she's…she's different.” The senshi of Mars ended with that, not knowing any better way to describe the girl.

 

“Then she deceived you.” Kei said quietly and walked over to Diana and put her arm across her shoulders, “Let me explain something to you…” She started to lead the Martian warrior to the room's doors, “There are individuals that know how to manipulate others by making them believe they are something that they aren't. You shouldn't allow yourself to be fooled.”

 

“I felt her aura though. She's the purest being I've ever encountered and that can't be faked.”

 

Kei opened the doors and walked out with Diana, “No one is that pure, I can promise you that. Even the purest being still has a bit of darkness within them, it's impossible for a being to be devoid of darkness. I have it within me and you have it within yourself as well.”

 

“I would never claim to be pure.”

 

“Nor would I, which is why I'm telling you she tried to deceive you.” Kei said and stopped. Diana looked out to where her companion was looking. As far as she could see there stood the ruins of the other half of palace they were in, it looked like a war zone. “She used to live here a long time ago. What you see out there is how this place looked when I arrived, that was how she left it. I was only able restore part of it.”

 

“Are you saying she was responsible for what happened here?”

 

Kei shrugged her shoulders, “I couldn't say I wasn't here.” She watched the other girl's reaction carefully before deciding it would be best to leave her to her thoughts. “I must be going now, but be sure to get enough rest tonight. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow…”

 

Diana nodded her head, “I'll be prepared.”

 

“Very good.” Kei said and released her companion. She turned around and began to leave the senshi of fire alone, she only took more look over her shoulder before continuing on.

 

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

 

Usagi lay in her bed, she didn't know how much sleep she was going to get, but she prayed it'd be enough to give her the energy she knew she'd need tomorrow. She was sure she'd be late for school, since she'd have to be up in four hours to be on time, it was out of the question. School wasn't her top priority though, as seemed to the case most of the last few years. Any normal girl her age would be worried about high school entrance examines, but not her. She was worried about her best friend's life being in the hands of a psychopath. She turned on to her side so she could see out her window and took a deep breathe.

 

She closed her eyes, trying to let sleep overtake her. Sleep never seemed to be an obstacle for her in the past but after reading that letter she still felt too awake. Though because sleeping had never been a problem for her, she didn't know any methods to make herself drift of to sleep. She had heard counting sheep made it easier, it sounded silly, but anything was worth a shot. Before she knew it she'd reached one hundred with little effect. She sighed and turned on her back before staring up at the ceiling. She focused on a certain part of the ceiling that wasn't particularly unique, it was just something to focus on, and hoped her body would reach its limit and she'd be forced to sleep. Thankfully, it wasn't long before she felt the pull of Hypnos, expect it was at that time that her mother's words chose to echo in her mind, `Follow your heart…'

 

“My heart…” Usagi whispered sleepily.

 

The words echoed again in her mind, `Follow you heart…'

 

“I am…” She whispered back.

 

Again the voice persisted, `Follow your heart…'

 

She didn't know what to say to make the voice be silent; she'd finally just begun to drift off the sleep too. She didn't offer a verbal response this time; instead she hoped to appease the voice by giving more thought to its words. `Follow my heart….I am. My heart told me to pursue Rei. My heart tells me to continue believing in her. My heart tells me I can bring Rei back. And my heart tells me…my heart tells me…' Her train of thought trailed off with that final realization. Usagi sat up sharply, surprising the black cat beside her, throwing her off the bed, in fact.

 

Luna pulled herself off the ground and stared at her charge. She was about to ask the girl what was wrong, when she saw the girl laying back down calmly after the sudden out-burst. She jumped back on to the bed and walked around Usagi's body to see her face, though it was hard to see, the light from the outside gave her a little bit of a better view. She was noticeably crying to the black feline's eyes. Luna opened her mouth again as though to say something, but stopped when she noticed an odd expression on the young girl's face. She almost seemed happy…

 

Usagi had her eyes closed as she made a promise to herself, `Tomorrow will be different…I won't fail you again. I promise I'll be there and I'll protect you, Rei. I'll bring you back.' Usagi turned her head up, so that she was now looking directly out her window and made one more promise, a silent promise, a promise that would likely change everything, but it was a promise she had to make. Afterwards, she closed her eyes one final time, this time she was finally granted sleep.

 

End Ch. 30

 

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

 

lionspaw2182 - Thank you for all the kind words. I can honestly say I've never really thought about writing professionally. It'd be nice to do, especially because writing fan fics don't pay the bills ; )

 

 

As the title to this chapter suggests this story drawing ever closer to its conclusion. When I say a battle, it'll be a battle. You can expect it to be anywhere from three to four chapters in length. Most things that were unclear should be clear by this chapter, but there are still a few more surprises left.

 

I actually didn't want to release this chapter until I finished replying to all the reviews from the last chapter, but I figured it would be better to put out the chapter and then worry about replying. Feel free to leave any feedback, even if it's just say, “Where the hell have you been?!” LOL

 

For anyone that doesn't know:

Hypnos = the Greek God of Sleep