I'M BACK!!! And with the long awaited AFTERALL CHAPTER 4! *Aren't you proud?! :) * Sorry this chapter took sooooooo long to come out with but I wanted it to be worth the wait. Plus I had to keep the quality going!And I couldn't let down my fans! Hopefully you'll find all my hard work worthwhile! *Phew!* As you can tell this chapter is considerably longer then the previous. ALL my chapters shall follow this pattern from now on. Hope you like it. PS: I'm Looking for an Editor. Your duties will include editing the story, giving me suggestions to fix it, ect, SPELLCHECKING, and of course yelling at me constantly to finish the next chapter on time! The benefits? You get to read all the junk I toss *thus realzing I'm not the great author everyone thinks! Yeah right!*, see all my stupid mistakes and getting to laugh at me *meanie*, and the biggest privilage...getting to read each chapter BEFORE everyone else! *Aren't you special!* ;) Anyone intrested please e-mail me at darkelf20@hotmail.com and let me know. Hope to hear from people soon. Lol Darkie Quick note: ***** shows jumping from 30th cen. time to 20th cen. time. or a long change in time. ::::English/Japanese Names::::: Serena = Usagi Amy = Ami Raye = Rei Lita = Makoto Mina = Minako Darien = Mamoru Rini = Chibi-Usa Sailor Pluto = Sestuna Sailor Uranus = Haruka Sailor Neptune = Michiru Sailor Saturn = Hotaru Molly = Naru Melvin = Gurio Andrew= Mokoti Chad = Yuuichirou Greg = Urawa Ken =Asanuma (In the Manga ther is no "Ken" but Makoto DOES have a boy "friend" name Asanuma who goes to school with Mamoru! :) Serena's dad = Kenji Serena's mom = Ikuko Serena's brother Sammy = Shingo Jedite = Jadeite Nephlite = Nephrite Zoycite = Zoicite Malicate = Kunzite Prince Diamond = Prince Demando Emerald = Esmeraude Sapphire = Safir ::::On with the Story!!:::: Afterall part 4 DarkElf usabunny@moonkingdom.com Rated: PG-13 Visit me at: http://clik.to/darkelf19/ Rei watched the clouds roll slowly across the sky, the pinks of the sunset staining them like cotten candy. A whole sky of pink cotten candy. She giggled at the thought. *Usagi* Instantly her mood darkened. Tomorrow. The meeting was scheduled for tomorrow. Tomorrow they'd tell her. Tomorrow they would destroy her. A slight breeze caught her hair flinging it across her eyes. Casually she brushed it back lost in her thoughts. *Are we really doing the right thing?* "Rei?" She turned. Yuuichirou. Her thoughts drifted back to their first meeting; to the young musician she'd found on the temple steps that fateful morning, and found herself smiling at the fond memories. They'd grown together in the years, becoming friends and perhaps, she thought shyly as her heartbeat quickened watching him approach, perhaps they'd become more. Every important event in her life he had been there; her shoulder to cry on, her pillar of strength, the confidant of all her hopes and fears, and somewhere along the way she'd fallen for him. *Yuuichirou.* She smiled wistfully remembering his relentless pursuit of her those first years and found herself wishing he'd show a fraction of the passion he once had. But there was no need for it now. They'd become comfortable with eachother; the passionate pursuits were no longer needed but oh how she longed for them. He approached agonizingly slow, her heart beating harder with every movement. Surely he could hear it! It drowned her hearing, roaring through her head like a frieght train. The sun sparkled and danced with his long brown hair which, at her assistance, had been trimmed allowing her to gaze into his beautiful brown eyes. He'd blushed when she'd told him that, which had made her smile all the more. Now he always wore the mass of hair back into a ponytail, showing his strong jawline somehow making him seem all the more masculine. Even the loose robes of the temple could no longer hide his broad shoulders or mask his bulgding muscles which, even now, were clearly visable, shifting slightly under the garments. Perhaps it was all her love suddenly surfacing, drowning her mind with euphoria, or perhaps it was just hormones but for whatever the reason Rei did something she would never admit to; she ran to him. Ran to him like the giddy 14 year old Usagi had run to Mamoru, flinging herself into his arms with such force it knocked them both off their feet. She heard Yuuichirou's soft gasp as their bodies collided and in that one instant before they fell, as she stood wrapped in his arms surrounded by her love of him, she knew what true love was. Then they fell. Laughing at her own carelessness she reluctantly pushed herself off his chest her violet eyes twinkling with the passion of youth, her cheeks stained a light pink, lips parted slightly with her raven hair strewn around them and looked into his eyes. He looked at her as if she was a madwoman. Abruptly her smile faded. "Gomen." She started to pull away when two strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her back into his embrace. Viloet eyes locked onto brown in surprise. He smiled at her confusion, kissing the tip of her nose with a teasing passion, causing her to blush even more. "Don't be," he whispered into her ear. She shivered delightfully. "You just surprised me...that's all." A grin spread across her face and she reached down to kiss him. "Yuuichirou?" came a distinct feminine voice. Rei froze, her heart clenched in her chest. "Damn," Yuuichirou muttered, his eyes looking into her's sorrowfully. "Finish this later perhaps?" Before she could reply he kissed her lips softly, teasing her unsatisfied passions, and slipped from beneath her, running towards the voice. Rei watched him go, an emptiness filling her where the passion had once been. Her heart clenched in pain, her mind whirling in confusion. *Who is she? Why is he running to her? Is she...* she forced her thoughts to stop and shakily got to her feet. *No. He wouldn't do that. He loves you too much. You're the only one for him. He says so! Silly Rei.* However a seed of uncertainly had been planted in her heart, and she wasn't so sure. *Yuuichirou?* "A meeting? I don't remember anything about a meeting." Usagi spoke quietly unable to meet Luna's eyes. She couldn't face the truth in those eyes; the truth which she had just realized herself. That she still loved Mamoru, and she had thrown that love away. It hurt too much to face so she just ignored it, or tried to anyways. Luna sighed. She hated this but it was time. If only Mamoru hadn't come back.... "Yes Usagi, a meeting. It's a 7:00. Don't be late....it's important." "Hai," came the hoarse whisper as Usagi turned once more towards the window, her eyes gazing wistfully at the moon. Luna sighed again, softer this time. This was wrong! They should wait. She was hurting enough; she didn't need this too! Not now. The timing wasn't right. But it was too late. The meeting was scheduled. Tomorrow they'd tell her. Tomorrow. Luna left the room, her padded feet muffled by the carpeting made her exit soundless. "Luna?" Usagi turned realizing the room was empty. *Luna* Numbly she walked to her dresser looking for her pajama's when her hand collided with something. Curious she lifted the silk tank top and felt her heart shatter anew. It was the locket. Their locket. Still stained with her blood. *Mamoru...* Carefully she lifted it, the music drifting around her in a comforting embrace. Tears began to flow freely down her face as memories flooded her mind. Memories of Serenity and Endymion and their forbidden love founded, explored and it's tragic ending. Memories of being reborn, for him, only to watch him die in her arms again. Memories of Ali and Ann, of the pain of remembering but knowing he did not, of trying to win him back again and succeeding only to have him unexpectedly end their love a short time later without reason. Memories of a plane leaving, carring him far away from her as she watched through tear-stained eyes. Memories of her family's death and the lonliness that followed it; of the blood, her blood, surrounding her weakened body on that cold bathroom floor, Rei screaming for help as she lay dying in her freind's arms, giving in to the cold dark that beconed her... She slammed it shut silencing the haunting melody but the memories did not end. Neither did the pain. Tears spilled from her lashes, her chest heaving with silent tears as she felt her heart shatter again with realization of the loss of her love. Only this time she was the one responsible. It was her who had tossed his love away and somehow that made it hurt all the worse. *Mamo-chan!!* She watched the food before her grow cold as she waited. Time clicked by slowly. The office had closed hours ago and his secretary had said he'd taken an early day....so where was he? As the clock rang softly eleven times Ami pushed herself from the table and walked into her room, shutting the door with a soft click. The food sat untouched on the table. Sleep evaded her that night and when she did sleep she was caught in a parade of nightmares, tossing and turning in her sleep as she desperately tried to outrun them. Morning found her a tangled mess at the bottom of her bed. Yawning and still trembling from her last nightmare she reached for the comforting warmth of her husband only to find cold sheets. *Urawa?!* Panic filled her chest rapidly as her hands fumbled for the light hoping to reveal him hidden just out of her reach - it didn't. Panic-stricken she called the hospital and, after a moment of indecision, the police. Her efforts revealed nothing. She stared at the empty spot for a long time feeling a strange numbness. Finally she turned the light back off and crawled under the blankets but sleep didn't come. She watched through half-closed eyes when Urawa came home around 6:30 that morning to shower and change before leaving a note stating he'd had to work late last night and that he'd see her after work and rushed out of the apartment, his briefcase still leaning against the dresser he'd placed it by earlier that morning. "DAMMIT!" Mamoru slammed the door of his new apartment. Angerly he paced across the floor, his feet muffled by the thick carpeting. "Dammit to Hell!" *How could she?! Another man? Demando, her boss!?! Dammit!!* He paused, his eyes focused on the picture before him. A picture of happier times. Of Usagi, Chibi- Usa and him. They were at the carnaval, both their faces smudged with chocalate, hair tosseled from the wind...and too adorable for words. Usagi. Her eyes, so blue, so happy and care-free, so full of love...for him. *Usako.* Slowly he sank to his knees before the small table, one of the few furnishings in his tiny bedroom. *Usako.* Tenderly he pressed his fingers to his lips, vividly remembering their kiss; the feeling of her in his arms, her hands caressing his hair, her lips pressed against his own, her tounge exploring his mouth with a passion to match his own. He could still taste the lingering satisfaction of having won her heart again, mixed with the bitterness of loosing her all too quickly. He hugged the picture closer to his cheast longing to hold her just a moment longer but knowing he couldn't. -She'll die.- A sob escaped his throat. *Usako.* Tenderly he ran his finger across the glass tracing her tiny jaw, his thoughts spilling over the last several years, all spent withou her. *Stupid dream! Usako!! All I want is you! You're all I've ever wanted, but I...I can't...* The first tear splashed onto the picture leaving a streak on the otherwise immaculate glass. -Forget about me- *Forget her?! But how...* -She'll die- He gazed at the picture once more, his eyes locked in her gaze. *Forget her.* Slowly he rose from his cramped position on the floor, his eyes never leaving her love-filled gaze. -She'll die- -Forget her- *Usako.* He froze before the fireplace watching the flames dance seductavily within their stone prision. *Usako.* Slowly his eyes fell on the picture once more, on her smile. A hundred emotions flew across his eyes in that moment, each stronger than the last. -Anger- -Pain- -Hate- -Love- -Despair- -Lonliness- -Betrayel- -Emptiness- -Defeat- *Usako* Stiffly he tossed the picture into the flames watching with empty eyes as the glass shattered and broke from the heat of the fire, as the once glossy gold frame blackened from the ash. Watched as his beautiful Usako and all his dreams of a future together burned into nothingness, the picture turning in on itself as if in mortal pain. -I'll miss you Mamo-chan!!- He watched as the fire consummed all he had once held dear, an emptiness settling in around him. His life no longer had meaning. Ashes flaked from the blackened picture falling around his feet leaving a trail of soot on what had been an immaculate carpet. Numbly he turned away as the angry flames continued their relentless desctruction, the last image in his mind of the flames consumming his Usako's beautiful smile. *Good-bye my love.* ******* Thursday. 7:00 PM. The girls looked from one expectant face to another. No one spoke. No one breathed. Usagi towered over them, her face contorted in a mask of calmess, her 'Serenity' face as Luna called it. Usagi's eyes drifted over all present daring someone to meet her gaze. Finally her eyes settled to Rei. "Well?" she spoke quietly, yet her voice still held some note of authority. Rei started. "Ummm...well...uh...have some cookies Usagi! Makoto baked them herself! You can even see all the delcious chocolate chips..." she babbled, smiling forcefully as she handed the plate to Usagi, Yuuichirou's earlier actions still playing in her mind. *Would he?...* "Gomen. I'm not hungry." She looked over her Senshi once more before seating herself in an unoccupied chair. "So what is this all about?" Again she peered at the faces surrounding her, struggling to keep her emotions at bay. *Mamoru!* "Minako?" *Have to be strong! Have to be!* Minako took a deep breath filling her lungs with fresh air, the sweet smell of freshly cut grass still lingering in the gentle wind, tickling her nose, and began. "Usagi-chan I...we, as your Senshi I mean, we had a meeting and..." "Meeting?! Why wasn't I informed!" Usagi demanded her eyes narrowing, pale fingernails biting into the soft wood of the table before her. "Well!" "Let me explain." Usagi nodded stifly, returning to her seat for the moment. "We decided, as your guardians, Princess," Usagi noticably flinched but said nothing, "that it would be safer for you, and Chibi-Usa, if...if..." "Yes? If what Minako?" *Have to be strong! For Usagi! For Chibi-Usa! I HAVE to do this...for my princess. Gomen Usa!! Gomen.* Taking another breath of fresh air, gathering all her will power, she continued. "Usagi, we have decided, in the best intrest of your's and Chibi-Usa's protection, that you should step down as our leader." *There I said it! Forgive me Usagi!! Forgive me!* Usagi looked from one downcast face to another, the shock of their words and it's meaning still sinking in. *Step down?* "You...you ALL agreed to this?" "The vote was unanamious Usagi-chan." Rei said quietly, the tears hidden behind her long raven hair. Usagi stared at her in disbelief. *They ALL agreed? They all....?* "Is that true Makoto? Ami?" She asked quietly, her voice strained, threatened to break. Both nodded sadly, never meeting her eyes. Usagi never noticed Ami's stiff movement or Makoto's unshead tears, so lost was she in her own pain. She never saw their pain, only her own. "I see," she breathed quietly. *They've betrayed you. Just like him. Betrayed.* "Usagi-chan," Luna began, taking a tenitive step towards her charge, "please don't get upset. Understand that we only do this because we worry for you...and your daughter." "But Luna..." *Daughter. My daughter. Chibi-Usa's safety. Maybe...* "Gomen Usagi, but this is for your own good." *Our good?* "Minako will take over as leader for the Senshi, just as it was a millenium ago on the Moon. You are our princess, and the keeper of the Ginzuishou. If anything were to happen to either..." *The Ginzuishou....not me...the Ginzuishou. They only care about the Ginzuishou. As SailorMoon it's in danger....because I'm in danger. They don't really care....just like him.* "I understand Luna." she abruptly cut in, the hurt clear in her voice. "I understand that you are tired of taking orders from a klutzy, stupid, blond-ditz who should've never been intrusted with something as important as the Ginzuishou!" "Usagi! That's not..." Rei cut in. "What?! That's not it? Is it because you'd be a better leader Rei?!" "Usagi..." "Or because I'm not as smart as you Ami?!" She flinched, her head dropping even lower to hide the sting of tears that flooded her blue eyes. "Or maybe because I'm not as strong as you Makoto?!" "Usa..." "Forget it!! I see what kind of friends you are! You wanted to be leader, right Minako?! Fine! Have fun! Enjoy your new powers!! Just leave Chibi-Usa and me alone!" "USAGI!!" "Oh, and Luna, you'll need this more than I," she said bitterly, tossing the Ginzuishou at her. "USAGI!!" They yelled running after her. "No." Minako ordered quietly. "Let her go. She needs time." They watched her rapidly shrinking figure from the confines of the temple. *Gomen Usagi-chan. Gomen.* ============================================= Ginzuishou = Imperium Silver Crystal Gomen = sorry. *Weep* I hope this isn't too sad for ya all. ============================================= She furiously wipped away her tears, angry that she'd let them see her cry. *How COULD they?! Don't I mean ANYTHING to them?!!* She stopped watching her reflection in the rippling waters of the fountain. *Was it always just about the Ginzuishou? Were they ever really there...just for me? Was anyone?* A single tear escaped from it's prision of lashes. *Mamoru. Minako. Ami. Rei. Makoto. Mom. Dad. Shingo. You've all betrayed me. You've all left me alone. I've lost everything I ever held dear; everything I've ever loved!!* She choaked back a sob, her chest heaving with hiccuping breaths. "Mommy!" She watch the young boy fling himself into his mother's waiting arms, hugging her with all the love in his tiny heart, and smiled. *Chibi-Usa. I still have you. My daughter. My life.* She pushed herself away from the railing heading towards school...to Chibi-Usa. *We'll just start over. New friends. New places. Maybe we will move, far away where no one knows us, far away from all the pain. Too many memories here. Too much pain. We'll leave. We'll be okay, you'll see. We'll make it without them, just us.* ****** "Another failure." "Gomen mistress, but their energy is too strong..." "Then find a way to break it!" Esmeraude snapped storming from the room. Carefully she poured herself a glass of wine, seating herself beside the roaring fireplace. A cold chill sweapt through her body and she pulled the fur robe tighter around her knowing it wasn't the frigid weather outside that chilled her but the thought of facing her Prince with yet another failure. *There MUST be a way through...but what IS it?!* She stared bemusingly into her glass and found her thoughts drifting back to their childhood on Nemesis. Back to all the awe and wonder that comes with childhood as they explored their deserted world; their dependancy on eachother to survive and the love that grew with it. Back before the Death Phantom had appeared and driven her prince to the madness that now consummed him. *Demando. I'm scarred. Why are we doing this? We've lost everyone!! Why do we still fight? What is it you really want?* The heavy fog began to thin revealing the sparkling towers of the Crystal Palace, shimmers of light danced along the razor edges of the upped towers, pale blues and pinks mixing with the yellows and whites in hypnotizing patterns that took her breath away. But she knew the truth behind that beauty. Neo- Queen Serenity. It was because of her that her prince had been driven to such madness. It was her fault. She had bewitched him. She had stolen her prince. Anger surged through her petite figure, her fists clenched in anger shattering the forgotten glass. Red wine mixed with her blood, running down her pale flesh, staining the light silk robe. *Neo Queen Serenity...Demando...* Jelously raged through her silencing any rational though that might have broken through. *It's her fault! She stole him from me!! But I will win. I'll find a way into that palace and kill that witch. Then Demando will be mine again. And I'LL be Queen...HIS queen.* Smiling wickedly she called for her servant. A green skined woman entered the room, her long pink hair flowing after her. "Yes mistress?" she asked bowing low before Esmeruade, her low cut dress nearly slipping from her small body. Esmeruade smiled again, her plan rapidly forming in her irrational mind. "Attack the fortress again..." "But Mistress..." the yoma interupted, one pale hand reaching out for her master. Esmeruade slapped it away, turning on her in a fit of rage. "NEVER speak back to me!!" the terrified yoma could only nod, pressed against the wall she nurtured her bruised hand. Esmeruade continued unconcerned. "I want you to attack the Crystal Palace again, however instead of trying to hit the palace itself I want you to concentrate all the energy at the NorthEastern corner of the forcefield. Aim about 15 feet above ground leval. Report the results back to me." The confused yoma nodded quickly sulking away from it's angry mistress. *The NorthEastern corner? The only thing there is the abandoned training room. What use could that be?! We need to get to the palace! But...the energy there does seem the strongest...as if something's there, stopping us. Hmmmm.....I wonder whatever happened to the Senshi?* ****** Saturday. 6:45 P.M. "Mommy are you sure you should wear THAT dress?" Chibi-Usa asked skeptically. Usagi looked at her daughter bemusingly. "Why, it IS a formal restaurant and this IS my nicest dress, honey. Besides don't you think Demando will like it?" *A little too much.* "Oh I'm sure he'll like it..." Chibi-Usa agreed looking at the dress once more. The thin black material clung to her mother's slender body like a second skin, accenting her feminine figure as it flowed like a river to a mass of wrinkles and folds at her feet. The high slit revealed long shapely legs that called to be touched and the low cut bodice revealed a little too much of her breasts, Chibi-Usa thought unhappily. She'd left her hair down tonight, the rich golden rings of curls draped majestically across her shoulders and back as it ran to her ankles in a sweeping gesture. She looked stunning, and that would be trouble. *I bet Mamoru would've never left if he'd seen her in that...Mamoru.* "Mommy?" "Yes honey?" she asked leaning towards the mirror as she applied the finishing touches of her makeup, followed by a quick spritz of her favorite perfume. Chibi-Usa watched in awe , a strong feeling of dejavu stunning her. *I've seen this before....long ago...that scent...my mother always smelt of that. Mommy...* "Chibi-Usa?" She blinked realizing Usagi was staring at her, a concerned look on her angelic face. Wisps of golden hair floated around her, tickling her cheek. Soft lips gleamed with the light pink lipstick she'd applied. *I know that color...Baby Rose...Mommy's favorite...* Blue eyes watched her worridly, deep compasion shine brightly in them. *So blue...like Mommy's...just like Mommy.* She watched stunned as Usagi walked to her, seating herself on the bed next to her child, her fingertips brushed Chibi-Usa's forehead gently. *I KNOW this....mommy...Mommy used to do this...when I was a baby, so I'd sleep. Her touch was always so soothing...safe....but...but I didn't meet Usagi until I was 3!! But it's the same!! I KNOW it is!! But it CAN'T be!!* "Honey, are you ok?" Usagi asked pulling Chibi-Usa into her arms, her hands rubbing the Chibi-Usa's back comfortingly. *The same....it can't be true...but it MUST be HER!! But HOW?!?* "Yes I'm fine," she mummbled abruptly coming out her her trance, her mind now whirling with confusion at her new realization. Usagi looked unconvinced, worry deep within her blue eyes, as she gently lifted her daughter's chin, their eyes locking. Usagi's fingers gently brushed Chibi-Usa's forehead, her creasant moon appeared glowing faintly. *What?...* Usagi smiled softly, a small dimple appearing as she repeated the procedure, her cresant moon instantly appearing, glowing with a soft blue light. Slowly Usagi lowered her head until their foreheads meet, the two cresant moons glowing brightly. Chibi-Usa gasped as the first wave of light hit her, drawing her body into a state of relaxation; before the next hit drawing her into a warm place. A safe place. A familiar place. *Mommy...* The strong feeling of love surrounded her, sheltered her in it's strength. *So familiar...* Emotions overwhealmed her. Love. Peace. Security. Safety. Warmth. Home. "Mommy..." she whispered unknowingly. A shiver ran through her as they parted. Usagi's eyes shone with love as she kissed her daughter softly. "When I was a baby, my mother, Serenity, used to do that. She said it always calmed me and helped me sleep better. I just remember how safe and loved it made me feel. " Chibi-Usa nodded dumbly still shocked. *My mother...she used to always do that...to help me sleep...Serenity....her mother's name was Serenity...* "But I thought Iukko was your mommy's name." "It was..." Usagi replied softly, tears shimmered in her eyes, "but a long time ago I had another mother, Serenity." *Another mommy?!?* "Now to bed with you. Naru will be here soon. I don't want you to give her any trouble, ok?" "Hai." *Mommy.* Chibi-Usa snuggled deeper under her covers as Usagi closed the door, a broad smile covered her pleased face. *It's her! I finally found her!!! Mommy!! Usagi's my mommy in the future!! Daddy will be so proud.....DADDY!!!!* Chibi-Usa jolted upright. *Mamoru looks just like daddy. It MUST be him!! Mamoru's my furture father!! Wait until Usagi finds out her and Mamoru....wait....he doesn't want to see her anymore. And she HATES him!! They'll never get married like this!! But if they don't get back together...I'LL NEVER BE BORN!!* " Oh my god..." "Um...Usagi?" "Hai?" "There's more." Shocked Usagi looked up from the two dozen red roses to find herself face to face with.... "A BLOND ULTRA HUNK!" ;) "NARU!!" Embarassed Usagi turned back to the driver. "Gomen." A smile crossed his face, as he extended his hand to her. "It's alright. This way Miss." Hesitately she followed, a nagging feeling deep in her gut. *I know him from somewhere...but where?!* Glancing out the window she could still see Naru on the doorstep, drooling over the driver. Giggling at her freind's childness she laid back, the cool leather cusioning her tired body, as she tried to relax herself for a night out with her boss. Chibi-Usa watched the limo as it pulled away carring her mother to another man, Demando. *What am I going to do?! If Mommy marries Demando I'll never be born! I don't want to not exist!* She looked at her necklace turning the key slowly, lights sparkling on the garnet gem. * I know Mommy and Daddy love eachother. Why won't they just forgive eachother?! They'd both be happier! Oh, Pu! Help me!* Crying she dropped her heads in her hands. * I want to exist!* ***** "Wha..." Black hair flew across her face, clinging to her sweat soaked body. She took several deep breathes, trying to calm herself. Marroon eyes looked once more at the unfamilar horizon of Crystal Toyko. *The future's changing. Time has changed it's course. Our world is in danger* A sharp pang erupted into the quiet room, her Garnet Rod glowing as red and purple lights illuminated the dark room. Whispers were heard; whispers through time. Disturbed she made a grab for the rod when a familiar voice reached her ears. *Oh, Pu! Help me!* "Small Lady?!!* *I want to exist!* The whispers grew louder chanting Small Lady's message over and over, deafening her. "Enough!" the Guardian of Time demanded. Silence closed in around her once more. *Small Lady. What do you mean? What is happening there?* She looked again to the unfamiliar future before her. Wearily she stood, grasping the Garnet Rod in her hand, pale fingers clenched around it's staff. *Our time has come.* The sudden click of shoes caused her to jump. She looked up expecting to see her king; instead she was greeted by an even older friend. "Sestuna?" The green-haired woman beside her rose abruptly at the unexpected visitor. "Sestuna what a plesant surprise! Would you like a drink?" Pluto smiled at her hospitallity. No thank you. I'm afraid I come on buisness." Immidately the attmosphere darkened. The blond woman stood. "We are ready." Michiru nodded her agreement into blond's chest, their hands twineing through eachother's. Sestuna smiled fondly at her friend's happiness, slightly envious that she had no one of her own. Shaking the thought from her mind she turned away giving them thier moment of privacy. A soft click startled her from her thoughts. "Hotaru." The girl smiled lightly, walking to her side. "Small Lady?" Sestuna nodded sadly. "Something has changed in the past. We should leave as soon as possible." "What of the Inners?" "It is their duty to protect the Royal Family. Let them stay to do their duty." Hoatru nodded looking back at the two woman. "And them?" Sestuna smiled lightly. "Give them their moment. It could be their last." Wordlessly she turned her Garnet Rod over willing the Time Portal open to bring them back to 20th century Tokyo, knowing they had no idea what they were aganist or if their future could even be saved. ***** He stood silently watching her leave arm in arm with Demando, a sinking feeling filling his gut. "Is it her?" a soft voice asked joining him. Irritably he pushed the long white strands of hair from his face. "I think it is, but I didn't see Endymion." "Who's he?" "Apparently her date." "Date?" Troubled he watched them enter the resturant. "What has happened since our departure?! I'll inform Nephrite and Jedite. Keep an eye on them." "Yes Sir." He watched the other go, the wind tugging at the blond mass he kept severaly tied behind his neck. However a few strands broke free tickling his angular chin. *Endymion...* The high ceilings made her dizzy as she strained to see their elaborate designs. The soft music drifted over her like a dream, a strong sceant of wax filled the air as hundreds of candles burned around her. Quietly, and in awe, she followed Demando to their table nearly jumping when a young man appeared from the shadows to pull out her chair. Carefully she sat, wrapping her dress around her legs; the soft velvet crunched beneath her weight. She sat rigid feeling horribly out of place watching Demando's ease with envy. Smiling he grasped her hand. "Relax," he breathed into her ear. She shivered. The waiter returned with a rare vintage and their menu's, of which she looked at horrifed. Not only were the prices outlandish, she doubted she could pronounce any of the meals and wouldn't know what she was ordering even if she could! Carefully she scanned the menu hoping to reconize something that promised to be edible. She didn't. She heard Demando's chuckle and glanced up to find him watching her. Uasgi shifted in her chair uneasily. Smiling he recommened a pasta platter - one of his favorites. Usagi smiled gratefully, blushing asked him if he'd order it for her and quickly sipped her wine. He chuckled again, ordered their food and conversation began. She stared at the silent phone, lonliness her blanket. Unshead tears welled in her eyes as the knowledge that Usagi wouldn't call tonight sunk in. How she missed her friend already. But they had to do it; she had to step down as leader. It was much too dangerous for her... especially with Chibi-Usa. She shouldn't have ever fought to begin with. She was their Princess; it was their duty to protect her - not fight beside her. They'd done the right thing...hadn't they? Shaking herself from her troubling thoughts, Minako stepped into the shower, letting her long blond hair down from it's usual style, the longest strands brushed her knees lightly. Taking a deep breath she allowed the steam to relax her tired body, but her mind would not relax so easily. *Usagi. Perhpas this wasn't right? Maybe...no! This is the way it HAS to be! We are here to protect her! Our lives don't matter. They never have.* A tear creapt down her face as lonliness settled in again. She'd never had anyone. She remembered her younger self, watching her friend's happiness with envy...and hating herself for it. Hating thier happiness. Sighing she stepped from the tub, her relaxful mood broken, and wrapped a fluffy, pink towel around her slender body twisting her long hair into a sloppy bun. Pausing before the mirror, Minako looked sorrowfully into her bathroom mirror, lonliness suffocating her. Casually she swipped aside a stray tear and strolled into the bedroom. With a sigh she crawled into her cold, empty bed watching the room through watery eyes. *No one....Never...* Stiffling a tear she turned over in her bed, shutting the lamp off with a soft click. *Usagi...is this lonliness...this emptiness...is that why you...* Sadly she looked at her own tender wrists and cried herself to sleep. Artemis never stirred. Pulling her coat a little closer to her body she turned back to Demando thanking him for a wonderful night. He smiled handing her a velvetly red rose he'd somehow kept hidden from her view. Tearfully she accepted it wanting to cry. *Mamoru!* Vaguely she heard him ask her out again - or more like telling her when they'd meet again. She nodded meekly fumbling with the door. "Good-night Demando and thank-you," she whispered closing the door on him, tears heavy in her eyes. She heard him leave several minuetes latter, probably upset that she hadn't given him a kiss good-night. She let her eyes drop once more to the rose she held, tears filling her eyes as she remembered Mamoru - Tuxedo Kamen - Endymion and felt her heart shatter. Naru, awakened by the sound of weeping, found her some time later in a crumpled heap by the door and, in her best-friend maner, concluded the problem could be solved over tea and cookies. By the time Naru left almost two hours later she knew what she had to do. Smiling sadly she closed the door after her best friend and walked upstairs. She stood there for a long time, watching Chibi-Usa sleapt peacefully. Naru's words still echoed in her mind, 'whatever's best for Chibi-Usa.' Wordlessly she left, the door closing with a soft click. She ran down an endless hallway, tears streamed down her face. 'Mommy!! Mommy please wake up!' Dark figures chased after her reaching for her with sharp claws. 'Rabbitt! Come back Little Rabbitt!' Crying she flung herself around the corner running into a tall figure of white. He smiled cruely, lifting her by her ponytails. She screamed in pain struggling to get away but he held her fast. Sniffling she finally looked up and into the eyes of her capturer. A dark purple glared back at her, thin lips smiled evily. 'Small Lady....you will never see your mother again. She's mine now.' Gasping Chibi-usa jolted from her dream, small hands clenched her blanket. That man, she knew that man. From long ago in a crystal city. He was a prince, an evil prince and he wanted her mother. Shivering she creapt from her room to find Naru but stopped when she saw the dim light coming from her mother's room. *Mommy!!* She paused at the door when she heard weeping. *Mommy?!* Carefully she opened the door a crack and peered inside. Usagi sat next to her bed. Around her were thousands of photographs - all of her and Mamoru. *Mommy...you do still love him.* Quietly she tip-toed back to her room, a plan forming in her mind. All she had to do was get them together. She was sure of it. He glanced back to his watch. She was late....again. Sighing he strolled over to a nearby bench seating himself in the cools shadows. He watched the children playing nearby and found himself smiling. In a few years....but first he had to tell her. Tell her the truth abour how he really felt, then, maybe in a fancy resturant lit by candlelight he'd propose. That really made him smile. The sound of running just to his right made him turn. "Makoto!" She smiled returning the wave as she joined him. "Hey Asanuma. Sorry I'm late." *He's so cute!!* "It's ok. Ready?" She nodded taking his arm. *He's perfect!And he's my best friend. I just know he will ask me out soon! I can see it in his eyes!* Smiling she sorted the laundry, humming softly to herself. To her even this simple chore was fun, even a challange, as she sorted through the baskets as quickly as she could. Empting the pocket of Urawa's favorite jeans she paused, startled to find a letter addressed to him. Curious she opened it dropping the forgotten pants into the washer as her heart pounded. 'My dearest Urawa...' *No!* Sliding to her knees Ami continued to read the love letter she knew she hadn't written. ***** Slowly she ran her fingers across the faded picture of Mamoru remembering their short happy time together before he'd left. The smell of Demando's roses surrounded her, filling her heart with a heaviness. He was so sweet, a perfect gentleman: kind, considerate of her feelings - he'd even remembered their one month aniversery without her telling him! - but she didn't love him. She couldn't. Mamoru was the only one for her but he'd just hurt her again; she knew it. His love was pain. Sadly she tucked the picture back into her drawer and crawled into bed. Closing her eyes she dreamed the dream she'd dreampt every night since he'd left. That they were together...happy...it was their wedding. Laughing she turned to her Senshi, her friends; happiness shone brightly in her eyes as she watched them dance with their loved ones. Smiling she looked to Mamoru reaching out for him, longing to feel his warm lips pressed against hers. "Mamo-chan!" He smiled leaving his best-man, Mokoti, and walked to her pulling her against him, holding her there lovingly as he leaned down for a kiss. His breath tickled her neck, her lips longed for him to move more quickly, needing to taste his love when a cold chill sweapt through her body. She watched bewildered as Mamoru faded from her vision, her arms reached into nothingness as she screamed his name begging for him to stay. Around her the laughter and joy turned into screams and destruction. Tears streaming down her pale face she collapsed, her legs unable to hold her as her tiny body racked with sobs, the pain and lonliness consuming her. *Mamo-chan....* Blond hair flew around her, tears falling from empty blue eyes as she watched the plane leave carring him further and further away. Red blood dripped from her wrists as she lay on the cold bathroom floor, her life draining from her tired body and still the pain did not end. Always the pain...always the darkness....always alone. Crying she shot upright, her body shaking as tears streamed from her terrified blue eyes. *Mamoru!!* Makoto warily wipped the sweat from her brow, scampering for the phone. She got it on the fourth ring. "Moshi Moshi!" "Hey Makoto." "Asanuma!" "Um...are you free Sunday?" *Oh my God! He's asking me out!!! I KNEW it!!* Giddy she agreed, writting down their meeting place. Happily she gazed at the address; a new resturant owned by Demando Enterprises. *Asanuma.* ***** "Again! Attack it again!" Laughing Esmeruade watched as the Crystal Palace shattered from the viloent explosions. The four Inner Senshi lay at her feet soaked in their own blood. Lifeless eyes stared at their murderer in surprise, the pain of their death forever eached on their faces. Carelessly she kicked the mangaled corpse of a white cat from her path and entered the palace, one murderous thought on her mind; the death of Neo-Queen Serenity. ***** *Ohh! That man! I Swear he does it on purpose just to irritate me! Well he won't get away with it! Not this time! Just wait until I find him I'll...* Rei walked around the cornor of the temple just in time to see Yuuchirou lean down and kiss the young woman before him lovingly on her cheek. Giggling she returned the kiss before running off waving good-bye. Smiling Yuuchirou returned her farewells. Rei watched the sceane heartbroken. *Yuuchirou. How could you?* ****** Weakened from the blast Endymion struggled to his feet, his flesh gripping the cold wall he had collapsed against months ago. Dried blood flaked into dry bloodshot eyes. Agonizing slow he stummbled down the twisting halls, one thought running through his spinning mind - Serenity. A hard blow to his back sent him splattering to the marble. Gasping for breath he struggled to his side. Two long black boots stood before him. "Neo-King Endymion." "Esmeraude," he breathed reconizing the Black Moon's signiture upon her forehead. She smiled cruely. "You've awakened just in time. History is about to be made." He glared at her pushing himself to his feet. "And what great event is happening." Her smile deepened, her eyes twinkling with hate. "The death of our dear Queen Serenity," she purred. His eyes opened in horror, knowing he could not possibly protect her in his state. "NO!" Screaming he flung himself at Esmeruade, his only hope weakening her enough that the Ginzuishou would be able to withstand her attack. Screaming her rage she fired a thunderbolt at him, knocking him back several feet. "Out of my way little man!" Glaring he pushed himself to his feet once more. "You'll never get near her as long as I live." "Then I'll have to fix that," she smirked preparing her next attack. Endymion grimanced knowing he only had one last chance. He acted quickly throwing the rose with deadly percision. It buried itself deep within her cheast and she fell, her power disrupted. "You..."she growled. He glared at her, and summoning all his power, used his only attack. "Tuxedo the Smoking Bomber!!!" Screaming his rage he threw all his power, his love, his hate, every once of emotion he could muster and poured it into this one attack. The energy burned his fingertips leaving hard painful blisters in their wake. Esmeruade looked up just in time to see the bolt strike her. "No! My Prince!" She screamed as the attack peeled away flesh, ripping tender muscle and shattering bones. Using the last of her energy she transported herself away. Endymion collapsed in front of the blackened marble, the last of his life draining from him. Smiling weakly he realized he'd once again beaten the odds and saved her. *Serenity* He watched in distaste as the faint green light appeared before his feet. Shattered and brusied she reached out one trembling hand, barely brushing his long pants. "Esmeraude," he growled kicking her hand away. "You've failed." She stared at him in shock as he released the power of the Black Posion Crystal on her, melting her boken body into a gooey puddle, sucking the last of her energies into the crystal. Smiling cruely he turned the crystal in his hand. "Do not worry my sister, you shall have your revenge." Summoning his power he activated the Black Posion Crsytal; it glowed with an uneasy purple light. Smiling he looked once more at the peaceful Crystal Palace before him. "Good-bye..." With a flick of his hand he released it's energy, sending it crashing into the frail crystal. Thousands upon thousands crystal shards rained upon the deserted city, a large crack traveled up the side of the tower as it started to cave in from the pressure. The sound of shattering glass filled the air with tiny, sharp pings and pangs as the Posion crystals's energy literally ripped the Crystal palace in half. ***** Saturday. Three months after their first date. Usagi blushed pulling her coat tighter around her shivering body and accepted his hand. Smiling he pulled her close, kissing her passionately causing her blush to deepen before leading her into his new resturant. Her blue eyes looked at the silken tapistries lining the walls in wonder. It was the print that confused her though; a crystaline city that seemed suspended in a permanent sleep. The thick blood red velvet crunched lightly beneath her feet, making her movements as soundless as death. Quietly she followed Demando to their table, a shaded booth lit only by the flickering candlelight. Fine linen covered the table set by crystal dishes and silver utensils. Light conversation drifted to them as they sat in silence, Demando watching the night's entertainment with a humorous look, the sweet sound of the violin oblivious to him. Usagi turned away, instead focusing her eyes on the young violinist before her, wathcing her graceful movements with envy. The violoinst opened her eyes momentarily, her eyes burning into Usagi's with silent warning. Troubled Usagi averted her eyes, focusing instead on the menu set before her a while Demando watched the waiter pour their champange, a strange look of satisfaction of his face. "It's all so expensive!" she giggled looking over the menu. He smiled leaning towards her. "Order anything you like. Money is not an issue. However," he started placing the menu to her side, covering her slender hands with his own. She smiled brillantly, a sinking feeling pulling at her gut. The viloinist was now playing a sharp, lively piece; the music itself was alive with an unknown warning putting her nerves on edge. Confident her had her attention, the smiling Demando removed one hand and reached into his pocket. ***** Pieces of crystal shattered around him, the tower shaking from the force of the explosion. *Serenity!* Forcing himself forward he stumbled into the throne room heading for the glass coffin he'd come to know so well. The one that held all the meaning of his life; the one that contained his wife, Neo-Queen Serenity. "Serenity..." Another explosion erupted to his right, sending him to his knees. Blood trickled from the newest wound as his head collided with the marble floor. Teary-eyed he looked back at his wife once more, at her ashen face, her lifeless figure. *She looks dead...Oh God! Serenity!!* A loud crack was heard, the sound of crystal shattering, the pressure from the newest explosion threatening to collapse the fragil crystal. Already the floor had collapsed in areas, the fissures spreading rapidly beneath his feet as he stumbled once more towards his beloved Serenity. Suddenly the floor split before him torn open from the pressure of the collapsing palace, the force sending him tumbling back several feet. "Serenity..." he looked to his wife, longing clear on his tear stained face. Suddenly a bright light erupted from within the coffin. He stared in disbelief as her figure began to fade. "No!!" Screaming he threw himself across the widening fissure; his stomach slamming into it with sickening force. The light grew brighter, a hurrican-like wind having appeared threw shards of crystal and heavy marble around the room, slamming into crystal walls shattering them upon impact. With no support the heavy ceiling buckled, caving in. Even as death closed in upon them all Endymion could see was the fading form of his wife. In a flash of brilliant blue she vanished from the confines of her crystal coffin. "NO! Serenity! SERENITY!!" Endymion's screams of anguish were silenced mere seconds latter as the Crystal Tower crumpled, a silent figure of blue watching from nearby was the only one to hear his final words of dispair. ***** The violin fell silent, the green-haired woman clutched her cheast in fear. *Something's wrong. The future's changed!!* Green eyes looked to the blond beauty seated before her, the same fear shone in those eyes. A sinking sensation filled her being making her sick with fear. But there was something else too, a foreboding that she was missing something vital. She turned back to the Black Moon's prince, Demando, searching for the answer. Slowly her eyes drifted across the table trying to make out the figure shadowed by the dim light. A sweet laugh reached her ears the the woman leaned forward, blond hair drifting around her slim body, blue eyes twikling with happiness. The violin clattered to the stage as the green-haired beauty collapsed, reconization still sinking into her frazzled mind. *PRINCESS!! Oh God!* Usagi gasped when he revealed the perfect solitare diamond ring. It sparkled with a life of it's own as if it was on fire, a burning passion that would never go out. She looked into his ice blue eyes, her breath refusing to come as she struggled to control her racing heart. The world slowed to a halt around her as he spoke the words she'd waited a lifetime to hear...from Mamoru. "Marry me Usagi." End part 4. ***************************************************** Don't hate me!!! *Hides* I know this chapter took a long time to come out with but hopefully it was worth it! I even bought a new book to help me write better! *Smiles* Aren't you proud? Hopefully chapter 5 won't take as long now that the plot will really start moving but give me a month or two at least. *Ummm...maybe 3 or 4 would be better. I'm going back to college this Fall and working Full Time!! Oh so busy!!* Oh! And everyone read my short fic A Rose For Mamo-Chan at The Portal. Very cool site found at http://members.xoom.com/portalsms/ Most of my stories go there. Yes I know I'm using this as free publicity but his site is cool and NO ONE has written any e-mails about A Rose For Mamo-chan. *Weep* I'm hurt. Anyways same rule applies...no E-mails no more story. *Like I'd ever really do that though!! But I'll be hurt if no one writes* Lol Darkie PS: EVERYONE visit MY PAGE!! http://clik.to/darkelf19/ And Sign the Guestbook....Or Join the Guestbook Wars...then I'll forgive you if you don't e-mail me.