THE SECRET BEHIND THE CYCLE

A glowing purple ball of energy appeared in the half dark room where a young
girl, Almost a child, was struggling in her restless sleep.
The ball of energy moved slowly toward the sleeping girl and began to grow,
Several minutes later it was floating a few inches from the girl’s face.
Hotaru gasped and woke from her feverish sleep when the purple shining
Ball of energy brushed against her forehead.
Then she heard a voice, Exactly like her own voice, saying: ”The time has come.
You must show the princess what she has forgotten.”
“What she has forgotten? ” Hotaru repeated doubtfully.
The voice said: ”Stretch your hands out and don’t be afraid .”
Hotaru did as she was told . A big silver bulb appeared between her hands .
Hotaru looked cautiously into the bulb and Suddenly she found herself
observing events that had taken place a long time ago.

***

The big ball salon of Kakyuu's Palace was filled with happy faces and enchanting
music. The sailor starlights stood beside their beloved princes ready to protect
her if necessary but inside their hearts, they knew too well that nothing Would
happen.
Kakyuu was celebrating the anniversary of reconstructing Kinmoku and her
guests, being from the most loyal and noblest families of Kinmoku, would never
cause any harm to her.
Healer was studying the guests with great criticism.
“They don't know who to behave at the presence of a princess .” she mumbled
under her breath and shook her head .
She looked lovingly at her princess and then at her fellow starlights. Maker was
deep in conversation with the ambassador of the golden planet Zar and Fighter
was watching the royal guards with great satisfaction .
Healer smiled and began to study the guests again. she had just found a new
target for her criticism when she heard a shrill scream.
She turned to Kakyuu with alarm but to her surprise the princes looked calm and
happy as if she hadn't heard anything.
Maker was still talking with the ambassador and Fighter looked relax and
carefree.
Healer's sharp gaze flow over the crowd but nobody showed any trace of fear or
astonishment.
“what's wrong with me?” she asked herself “Am I imagining things?”
For the rest of the night she didn't take her eyes from Kakyuu but nothing
happened. The party ended peacefully and the Princess was about to go to her
bedroom when Healer heard a loud cry.
"What was that? "She asked suspiciously.
"What was what?" Maker asked with surprise.
"Healer is something wrong? " the princess asked gently .
Healer looked with disbelief at her princess and asked: "Didn't you hear that
Scream?"
"Healer are you alright? " Fighter asked with concern.
Kakyuu smiled kindly and said: "She must be tired." then she added "You all can
go and rest now ,it isn't necessary to escort me to my bed room."
Fighter said firmly: "I'll escort you anyway. Nobody knows if all those people
have really left the palace. It's too dangerous for you to be alone. "
Healer looked bewildered. she opened her mouth to say something but then
decided to keep silent.
The Sailor Starlights escorted princess Kakyuu to her bedroom and checked
every corner and behind every curtain.
Meanwhile had the princes taken her hat off and began to open her hair.
Fighter faced the princess and said smilingly :"Nobody is here. Your bedroom is
absolutely safe."
The starlights were about to leave Kakyuu’s bedroom when Healer heard a voice
crying: "Please! Please somebody help me!"
"Did you hear ...?" she began nervously, and kept salient as she saw the strange
looks on her friends faces’ .
"Healer...."said the princess softly but Healer never heard whatever she was
going to say
instead she heard a familiar voice crying between sobs: "Fighter, I'll never give
up...Never...as you've thought me, but I can't do it without help... ,Fighter where
are you? where are you ?"
"Sailor moon!" She cried with surprise.
"What?" Maker and Fighter cried simultaneously , one with amazement the other
one frightened to death.

***

Seiya looked with horror at Rei’s tired face and her red rimed eyes and yelled madly:
” Where is she? ”
Rei invented him to sit with the gesture of her hand and said monotonously
” Ami has gone to fetch Hotaru chan for you. They’ll be here in a couple of minutes.”

Seiya grasped Rei’s Shoulders and shook her angrily shouting: ”Are you crazy?
Who is talking about this Hotaru!! Where is Odango? What happened to her?”
Rei allowed Seiya to shake her, Without any reaction.
“Seiya let go of her!” Taiki shouted angrily from behind and freed Rei from Seiya’s
grasp.
“Taiki! Yaten! What are you doing here? ”Seiya asked confused.
Yaten said Impatiently: “ The princess was worried about you and ask us to
follow you”
[Flash back]
“ Odango!” Fighter screamed tearfully and ran away.
Kakyuu faced Maker and healer and said:” Don’t let her alone”
Healer began to protest but Kakyuu silenced her saying: “Hurry!”
Healer and Maker began to run.
[End of flash back]
Yaten looked into Seiya’s worried eyes and said Firmly: ”Don’t Worry we’ll
find her. ”

***

“At last you’ve come.” Hotaru said “We were awaiting you.”
“Awaiting us ?”Taiki asked puzzled.
Hotaru nodded and stretched her hands out. When the silver bulb appeared
Between her hands she said: ”Now I show you how everything had began. ”
The three lights looked at the bulb and suddenly an image of their Galaxy appeared
In front of them. It looked so real that they forgot where they actually were. It was if
they were in another world .

Princess Kakyuu bowed with respect in front of her visitors , trying to dash her
tears back.
Knowing she can't refuse looking at them for ever, she bit her lower lip and faced
the three sad looking women in front of her.
"So you've won the battle“ she said with difficulty ,her eyes fixed on the sad face
of the legendary Neo Queen Serenity .
"Yes“ The queen answered "Thanks your help.“
"It's so strange. I had forgotten all about it.“ Kakyuu said with a troubled look.
"People seldom remember their past lives“ Sailor Pluto answered.
The queen said :“I can't force you to help me again .Not on this costs but this is
our only chance to save the entire universe.“
Kakyuu hesitated for a few minutes then she said: “I lead you to her chamber “
Neo queen Serenity took Sailor Pluto's orb and said:“ I wish to talk with her in
private. “
Sailor Pluto nodded with understanding but the young moon princess,
Lady Usagi wasn't pleased with her mother's decision.

Princess Kakyuu opened the door to a small room where her favorite senshi was
already awaiting them.
Neo Queen serenity looked with tear filled eyes at the teenaged girl kneeling in
front of them, Remembering the last time she had seen her.
‘ She and Healer and Maker were laying unconscious on the wet sands when
Sailor Phi and Sailor Chi attacked them and took their star seeds’ She thought
guiltily ‘And I didn’t help them.’
She snapped out of her thoughts, noticing that Fighter was still kneeling in front
of her . Gently she lifted Fighter to her feet and said:” You don’t have to knee in
front of me Fighter. Once we were good friends.... Very good friends ”
She looked at Fighter’s puzzled expression and took Her hand , leading the
confused girl to a small couch .
“Come. Sit beside me” Neo Queen Serenity said in a very gentle voice ” I’ll show
you your past life”
“my past life?” Fighter echoed.
Neo Queen serenity lifted Pluto’s orb and whispered :”Just look into this orb and
you’ll remember every thing”
Suddenly time stopped for Fighter as she looked into the orb. She was sitting
beside Neo Queen serenity and at the same time she was at the airport of Tokyo.
And once more She experienced every single minute of her former life.
She saw how she had meet Usagi in the airport for the first time. She smiled sadly
when she saw herself carrying Usagi to her taxi and she began to sigh as other
pictures began to dance in front of her eyes : Sending Usagi post cards, talking to
her at school, singing for her , Protecting her and kissing her softly and wistfully.
She heard her own voice saying:“ I wish we could reincarnate together. “
Fighter gasped as she saw herself being blasted by sailor Phi and Sailor Chi.
Then time started for her again and she noticed that the Neo Queen was holding
her shoulders, looking at her with deep concern .
”What happened to her?” Fighter asked and blushed furiously as she
remembered who the Neo Queen actually was.
Serenity said: ” After the battle I married Endymion , who was called Mamoru at
those days, and gave live to our daughter Usagi and this wasn’t long before
That horrible moment when we discovered that our love had been an illusion . we
had been attracted to each other under the influences of the silver crystal .
Time passed and the days of crystal Tokyo came. I became Neo Queen Serenity
but this didn’t help us to feel less miserable. Centuries passed by and we
influenced our friends as well as the population with our sorrow , not noticing
that we’ve freed chaos from his prison. when I noticed that chaos was free and
gathering power from our dissatisfaction and bitterness I tried to change the
situation and discovered to my horror that I had less power then my past self.”

“It’s a sad story “the Neo Queen sighed after a long pause “all this years I had
depended on my past self and hoped that something would change . Meanwhile
chaos grow stronger and stronger and soon He’ll be even more powerful as he
had been a long time ago. ”
“What?” Fighter cried with alarm .
Neo Queen Serenity said:“ I don't have the power to defeat chaos .only Sailor
moon can do that but it doesn't do any good if she repeats the same mistake
again. Some one must prevent her from marrying Mamoru. Do you still like to be
reincarnated with me?”
"With you?“ Fighter echoed .
Neo Queen Serenity looked at Fighter's tear streamed face and answered :“Well,
actually not with me but with Tsukino Usagi. You still love my past self don't
you?“
Fighter nodded sadly .
The Neo Queen said:” I've spoken with the senshi of time and if you agree , we
can be reborn in the 20th century. “
Fighter said doubtfully:“ I don't think that I can prevent her from marrying her
Mamo chan. “
"But you love her !“ the Neo Queen protested using the same grammatical
pattern as Fighter . Fighter grated her teeth to avoid crying and said wistfully:“
If only I was a male. “
She ended her words with a deep sigh. The Neo Queen looked amazed .
“A male!“ She repeated Softly “Why not? ...but first I must talk with Kakyuu.“

Kakyuu and Sailor Pluto looked helplessly at Sailor star Healer and Lady Usagi
who were screaming angrily at each other.
“For me this means never being born " The panic haired moon princess shouted
furiously "but I accept it because it's the only way to save the world. I can accept
being erased from the world so why can't you bear the idea of being reincarnated? “
Healer shouted back angrily: “Better not being born at all then suffer again and again.“
"You are so selfish“ The moon princess yelled.
"Who is selfish“ Healer answered with sarcasm “me or your mother? “
The moon princess lifted her scepter to blast Healer.
"Chibi Usa stop it“ she heard her mother yell. The young moon princess froze
at her place looking hurt.
The Neo Queen faced Healer and said: “You don't have to go through it and
nobody has the right to force you to agree. That will always be your decision to
make“
Healer asked angrily:“ Suppose we all agree that Pluto Annihilates the time line...“
Sailor Pluto interrupted her calmly :“I won't Annihilate the time line ; I simply
change it into a cycle. It means ... well its hard to explain, it simply means that..“
"that there will be no tomorrow after today. We sleep soundly tonight but never
wake up the next day . we will be reborn one after the other in a long dead past!!!“
"It's not exactly like that“ Pluto said "of course you can't all be reborn at the same
time, let me put it this way each of you will be reborn at the exact date of birth of
her first life. “
"And the history will repeat itself.“ Healer said mockingly.
"I hope not.“ The Neo Queen said ungrammatically.
"And what if it dose“ Healer challenged her.
Pluto said: “ then we will be imprisoned in a dead cycle.“
"This won't happen “Fighter said seriously "Not if we have new powers.“
"but that is impossible“ Pluto protested.
Neo Queen Serenity smiled :“It isn't. Not if I give them their new powers before you
close the circle. “
Sailor star maker who was silent all the time asked: "What kind of powers ?“
The Neo Queen said: “I and sailor Venus do have the power to transform into other
people. But actually Sailor Venus don't needs this ability . I’ll give each of you ¼ of
her power , so that you can change into males if you wish. “
"That's crazy!“ Healer protested hotly .
"You don't have to use this ability“ the Neo Queen mentioned mildly.
Princess Kakyuu said:“ I see the point. If you can free yourself from the influence
of the silver crystal which forces you and the Neo king to be together, chaos won't
be reborn ...but still you have to defeat it one more time.“
"That's true“ Serenity agreed “but it's our only chance.“
Healer sighed: “Fighter she might hurt you again even if you can become a ...man“
Fighter answered with shining eyes: "I don't care , if she'll become happy.“
Princess Kakyuu turned toward the Neo Queen and said: “I don't need the power to
change my gender, please leave the reminding ¼ of Venus' change ability to her.
She may need it.“
The Neo Queen looked with admiration and reverent at Kakyuu and nodded in
agreement. The Neo Queen hugged her daughter , her tear filled eyes sadder then
ever :” I love you Usagi chan. I really do. I’m so sorry... ”
She couldn’t continue . Lady Usagi kissed her mother on the cheek saying:” Please
don’t cry. I’m happy that you had the courage to come to this conclusion. ”
The Queen lifted her silver crystal and Sailor Pluto lifted her orb . There was an
explosion of light and every thing vanished .The three lights blinked as the bright
light dazzled them. The Neo Queen’s last words were still hanging in the air: ”And
Remember, Thais time you can transform into guys if you want.”

***

The tree lights stood there shocked and motionless , their faces looking
extremely white.
Hotaru gave them a little time to recover, then she said “Now you know how
everything had begun.”
Seiya answered:” you haven’t told us anything yet. Where is she? What are you
hiding from us?“
Purple eyes met blue ones.
[Flash back]
Usagi stood between Hotaru and Setsuna in a half dark room .
She took her eyes from the bulb and began to cry saying between sobs: “
I feel horrible. I’ve caused so many people pain and trouble. There must be a
way to break the cycle. the sailor starlights shouldn’t pay for my stupidly.
Nobody should suffer for my sake. Nobody! Not in this life and not in other
ones. I’ll find away to free myself from Queen Serenity’s last wish. I have no
other choice. ”
She faced Hotaru: “Thank you Hotaru chan. It must have been very pain full for
you to show me the truth. I know that you love Chibi Usa as much as I do“
She began to cry again.
Setsuna said doubtfully :”Once the silver crystal is used to submit a wish
nothing in the world can stop it . But If the crystal is used to submit two
conflicting whishes, it is possible to undo both wishes. However it’s very
difficult and dangerous. You have go inside the crystal and regulate it from it’s
center. Have you ever heard about the silver gate?”
Usagi shook her head.
Setsuna said : “ The silver gate is a doorway to the heart of the silver crystal. The
special thing about it is that when you go through it , you’ll find yourself inside
the silver crystal , but neither your size changes nor the size of the crystal. I must
warn you that nobody had ever returned from inside the silver crystal. ”
[End of flashback]

***

So you think that she is imprisoned inside the silver crystal. Why did you let her
go alone?” Taiki asked cynically.” You are supposed to protect her”
“She didn’t tell us what she was about to do!” Said Rei accusingly.
“She wouldn’t be in danger if Pluto hadn’t told her about the silver gate.” Said
Minako angrily.
Ami shook her head: ”No that’s not true. If Setsuna san hadn’t helped her, She
would probably have done something dangerous or stupid. ”
“That’s right” Makoto said ”once a thought was in her mind, there was no getting
it out again.”
The four elder girls began to node : “Mmmm hmmm”
“And why didn’t you help her when you’ve found out where she is ?” Seiya asked
furiously.
Rei sighed :”That is easy to ask. Nobody can pass through the silver gate.
Nobody but the princess of the silver moon”
“Or her soul meat .”Added Minako.
“Mamoru san tried to pass through it but he couldn’t” Ami explained.
“You’ve said that you were awaiting us when we arrived” Taiki said “Why?”
Hotaru said firmly: ”Because, I think that one of you is her soul meat. ”
“Yaten!!!” Seiya gasped. His voice shaking. “So that’s why you were the one who
heard her cries”
He could hardly get his breath, his whole being was a battlefield between hope
and fear, Happiness and pain, satisfaction and jealousy.
“What are you waiting for?” He shouted ”You must help her.”
Yaten’s eye were wide with alarm as he said: “That’s impossible! She can’t be my
soul meat. She simply can’t .”
Taiki said :”We all go to the Silver gate and try our luck.”
Hotaru said: ”I’ll show you the way.”

***

Sailor Saturn, The four inners and the Sailor Star lights were at the Silver gate.
“The entrance has become smaller ” Hotaru explained “We don’t have much time
left. ”
“So what are we waiting for ?” Fighter asked nervously and run toward the gate,
Healer and Maker followed her. They were only a few steps away from the
entrance when an invisible energy field blocked their way .
“We can’t go farther!” Healer declared angrily.
“ You must go through it .” Fighter yelled out and pushed her ally energetically
forward . Healer got into the energy field.
“At last !” Fighter said with relief and expelled her breath but then she went stiff
with fright .She saw how healer was thrown backwards violently.
“No” She screamed and looked at Maker who was still struggling to enter the
energy field .
She ran back , took Healer’s hand and dragged her with herself. Again the energy
field blocked their way.
“It’s Hopeless!” Healer screamed.
“No , I won’t give up easily” Fighter said and jumped with Healer into the energy
field. They were blasted by a powerful wave of energy and were thrown in
different directions.
Fighter struggled to her feet and turned to fetch Healer but she couldn’t see her.
She was alone in a half dark area . She took a few steps forward and noticed that
she was inside the Silver crystal.
For a moment Fighter stood motionless , staring with disbelief at the perplexing
labyrinth in front of her , then with an unconscious shiver she began to make her
way through the gloomy and cold labyrinth, whispering : ‘”Odango chan , I hope
your are all right . Please hold on . I’m Coming.”

At the other side of the silver gate the girls were hugging each other with
happiness.
“She had succeeded!” Sailor Venus cried joyfully ”She had succeeded. ”and put
her arm around Sailor Mars’ neck.
“Finally!” Mars said and closed her eyes.
“I’ll inform Mamoru san” Sailor Mercur said and detransformed .
Healer looked at them with shinning eyes and whispered in Makers ear: ”I’m so
happy for Fighter. ”
“Me too” Maker said “It’s a good thing that she isn’t your soul meat .”

***

Sailor Moon was crumbled into a shaking little heap .
She felt how enormous strong waves of energy , radiating from the inner walls of
the silver crystal ,were paralyzing her, but she was too weak to continue fighting
against them and too tired to cry.
Nothing mattered any more, not even pain, hunger and physical discomfort.
Her head was throbbing, strong voices echoing in her ears: ”Serenity, wake up .
Wake up. WAKE UP ! ”
‘I’m at the end of my strength’ she thought miserably .’I can’t fight against the last
wish of queen serenity, the silver crystal will destroy me , if I don’t turn into
princess Serenity.’
“ But I’m not her.” She mourned silently “I’m not her. She died a long time ago.
I’m Tsukino Usagi. Just Tsukino Usagi.”
“Serenity....Serenity...Serenity...SERENITY...” The voices grow louder and louder,
preventing her from thinking.
She didn’t notice the faint sound of footsteps from far away.
The pain in her head increased until she began to gulp for air. Her vision blurred
and she felt that she was loosing her sanity.
She began to twitch and struggle like a fish outside the water.
The sound of the foot steps didn’t stop. It rose higher and higher until a pair of
firm hands grasped her shoulders and began to shake her.
Suddenly the voices calling her “Serenity” stopped. She gasped wildly , filling her
aching lungs with air . Her vision cleared and she saw fighter peering worriedly
into her face.
“Fighter!” she sobbed and began to cry violently.
Fighter drew her within her arms and began to rock her back and forth with soft
noises.
After a while, Sailor Moon stopped crying. Fighter dried sailor Moon’s wet eyes
with her finger tips . Then she took from somewhere , a small sandwich and
offered it to sailor moon.
Sailor moon took it greedily and stuffed the whole sandwich in her mouth , her
expression rather goofy.
Fighter watched her with amazement, a soft tender smile, playing with her lips.
“Mmmm... that was delicious.” Sailor moon said with shining eyes ”Have you
some more?”
Fighter sweet dropped and shook her head then she simply said: ”Come, I’ll lead
you to the center of the Silver crystal ”

***

Sailor Moon was running behind fighter with full confidence, her desire to reach
her goal stronger than ever. It didn’t occur to her that Fighter might loose the
right direction and lead her to an dead end.
‘I’ll make it with Fighter on my side’ She thought happily, her eyes shining with
determination.
In less then half an hour they reached the center of the ginzuishou .
Fighter stood next to Sailor moon, her experienced eyes observing every thing
within her eye shoot.
“We’ve made it!” Sailor Moon said happily “Thank you Fighter.”
Suddenly a dens misty figure appeared in front of them . Fighter jumped in front
of
Sailor Moon ready to protect her.
“Queen Serenity!?!” Sailor Moon gasped and stepped forward, gently pushing
Fighter aside.
Fighter caught her from behind saying: ”Wait ! She is not real.”
“What !” Sailor Moon asked giving fighter a swift look , then she nodded with
understanding :”I see! It’s almost like a hologram or something.”
She didn’t protest when fighter stepped in front of her again, although her eyes
were fixed on of the queen’s misty figure.
She saw how Queen serenity lifted the ginzuishou and used it with all her power,
saying in a powerful voice:” Let the princess of the white moon, her protectors
and the prince of Earth reincarnate and bring them together in their next life .
Don’t let anything or anybody interrupt Serenity and Endymion’s marriage after
their reincarnation. So be it ! ”
Then she died.
“No!” Sailor Moon cried running forward. Fighter caught her saying: “Everything
is alright Odango. All this things happened a long time ago.”
“Sorry ”she uttered “It looked so real .”
Then she noticed something which looked as real as what she had seen a few
minutes ago.
The walls of the silver crystal were covered with frames each frame showing a
possible future, she could have, if the ginzuishou hadn’t interfered.
Some looked very funny like her possible future with Omino while some were
unpleasant like her future with Ail or boring like her future with Motoki.
“Oh Motoki! ”she said sadly “All your sufferings are my fault. The silver crystal
made you and Reika to fall in love with each other. Reika is avoiding you, feeling
somehow that you are not made for each other but she can’t do anything. She
also a helpless puppet in the hands of a dead queen. ...Oh God what should I
do?”
She turned to ask Fighter for advise.
“Fighter” She began and stopped as she saw Fighter’s pale face.
Tears were rushing down her face , her eyes fixed on a couple of frames .
Sailor Moon followed her gaze and blushed as she saw noticed that these
mirrors were showing two possible futures with Seiya and sailor star Fighter.
in one frame she saw herself sharing the must wonderful future she could ever
imagine with Seiya and in the other one to her disbelief a serene but romantic
future with...Sailor Star Fighter!
She covered her eyes blushing furiously: ”It’s impossible” she mumbled
“I’m not attracted to girls! ... It can’t be. ”
again she looked at all the different futures she could have. At all the children that
could be hers. Some of them ugly like the son she could have with Omino ,Some
extraordinary beautiful like the tree twins, four girls and two boys that she and
Motoki could have and some sweet and lovely like that little girl who looked
exactly like Chibi Chibi and could be hers and Seiya’s.
She was completely unguarded and defend less when all the frames disappeared
and strong waves of energy hit her .
She screamed wildly . her head began to throb again. Fighter jumped forward to
help her but was stopped by an invisible wall .
“No” Fighter screamed, her tears splashing in the air.
A strong silver light fell on sailor moon and she turned into princess Serenity.
“Princess! ” a voice said inside her head “princess Serenity , Welcome back.”
“NO” She screamed “I’m not Serenity. ”
“look at your self “ the voice said “Look at your self princess of the white moon.”
“I’m NOT serenity” She screamed again “I’m not the moon princess or Moon’s
anything. I’m Tsukino Usagi. Tsukino Usagi”
“Yes always Tsukino” the voice said “Your the rabbit of the moon, sailor moon,
the moon princess. Accept your destiny”
“No” She shouted angrily “Never. I rather die.”
“Then die and let princess Serenity overtake your body” the voice said.
She felt who memories from a far past were coming back to her , but somehow
they weren’t her memories, they belonged to somebody else.
The voice inside her head began to cause her pain .
she screamed with all her power and the vibration of her voice broke the invisible
crystal wall into thousands of tiny splinters.
Fighter rushed anxiously towards her, crying her name.
“I’m not Serenity” she moaned .
“Of course not Odango ” Fighter said in a tearful but friendly voice and embraced
,the shaking girl in white , holding her firmly in her arms.
“Fighter !” The confused moon princess choked clinging to her like a frightened
child.
Fighter tightened her embrace , feeling the other girls fear and pain.
For a short moment their emotions and thoughts were linked, as if they were one
person in two bodies.
Their bodies began to glow encircled in golden light. Usagi’s transformation
broke. The crescent moon on her forehead vanished and her princess gown
disappeared.
A beam of light separated her from Fighter and broke the mental link between
them.
Usagi hugged herself and bent like an embryo . A red light encircled her and she
began to rotate in the air . Slowly she stretched her body as a new sailor Fuko
appeared on her .
Fighter watched this process with wide eyes . Doubtfully she stepped forward
staring at the girl who stood before her. She had heart shaped odangoes and
wore a simple white Sailor fuko with winged golden sleeves. Her thin chain like
tiara with the golden star in it’s center looked so much like Fighter’s. on her skirt,
as well as on her chest a little golden star was shinning at the center of a winged
pale full moon. She didn’t wear gloves and Fighter could see that her well shaped
fingers were encircled by pearl rings.
“Sailor Moon?” Fighter asked her voice shaking with anxiety.
Her companion answered:” No Sailor moon any longer but Sailor cosmos.”
“Sailor Cosmos?” Fighter asked impatiently , her hunted eyes betraying her
fears.
Sailor Cosmos smiled , her blue eyes bright with happiness.
” I’m still the same person ” she said in a soft, caring voice ”The perfect princess
Serenity is dead but not the careless, incapable Tsukino Usagi”
Fighter looked at her with shinning eyes and said “I’m so happy that you’re
alright.”
The tenderness in Fighter’s voice made Sailor Cosmos blush. She thought a few
seconds searching for something to change the subject and came up with: ”It’s
rather scary here. Come let’s go home .”
And with this words she began to run. Fighter looked suspiciously at Sailor
Cosmos' high hills ,expecting her to loose her balance and fall.
'I've better stay close by to catch her in time' She thought and ran after sailor
cosmos but to her enormous surprise somehow Sailor Cosmos managed to run
on her new hills without difficulty .

***

Sailor Cosmos looked at her friends through a film of tears , deeply touched by
their affections for her .
She faced the sailor star lights , her eyes fixed on Fighter and said; ”Thank you
for helping me to break the dead cycle ”
Then with stately slowness she turned to face Mamoru, her eyes filled with
sadness and guilt.
“Serenity is dead” she whispered uncomfortably “I’m sorry Mamo chan but I can’t
be her. I...I...”
She didn’t know how to finish her sentence , being too aware of the shocked and
disapproving looks of her friends.
“Let me make it easier ,” Mamoru answered , his expression unreadable” you
need time to work the things out ,to see if our love is dead . you want to be
unbound, so that you can make your decision freely.”
“I’m Sorry ” She repeated.
“Don’t be Usako” he said calmly his voice as cold as his eyes :”We both need
time on this. You’ve no obligation toward me.”
“Mamo chan ”She said uneasily “ Your friendship means a lot to me.”
“We always remain friends ”Mamoru answered in a control voice “no difference
what your decision will be.”
“You’re such an idiot! “ Yaten yelled angrily “Isn’t that obvious that she loves
you!!”
“She is only doubtful about her feelings” Seiya answered troubled.
“ This is your chance to win her love!” Yaten snapped.
“No , Yaten . You can’t force anybody to love you .” Seiya uttered “You are loved
or not. It’s as simple as that”
Yaten gazed at him with disbelief, then he said seriously:” But this doesn’t
change your love for her. She needs you now .Do you know how it feels to deal
with such a burden on your own? Have you ever thought that she might need a
friend on her side?”
Seiya looked at Yaten as if he had never seen him before, then after a long silence
he said:” Tank you Yaten”.

***

Usagi bowed over the rails and gazed at her reflection in the water.
“I’m so confused” she sighed sadly.
Never in her life had she felt so helpless ,lonely, tired and frightened.
She closed her eyes remembering Rei’s words :”This Is your battle and nobody
can win it for you! ”
‘Why has every body left me?’ she thought sadly ‘ even Luna is avoiding me
saying that she doesn’t want to influence my decision.’
She was straggling with her unpleasant thoughts when she felt a firm hand on her
shoulder.
She give her head the slightest movement and said: ”Fighter!”
Seiya laughed:” Now you sound exactly like Princess Kakyuu, Odango chan ”
Usagi blushed ferociously ,hearing the chan suffix.
Seiya grasped her by the shoulders and turned her round. He looked with
satisfaction at her burning cheeks and smiled naughtily but his eyes reminded
sad and filled with concern.
Usagi give him an equal sad look and said in a faint voice:” Seiya kun , I’m so
confused! I don’t know what to do . I don’t know ... what I want.”
She covered her face and began to cry. Seiya took a deep breath and took her
in his embrace.
She didn’t protest , knowing that this was the gentle embrace of a dear friend.
After a long time she stopped crying and whispered :”sorry , I didn’t meant to
bother you with my problems.”
“You’ll never bother me, Odango” Seiya answered sincerely and let go of her.
Usagi looked into his eyes and asked naively:” You’re still my friend right?”
Seiya smiled at her tenderly :”Of course Odango chan!”
Thais time Usagi ignored the Chan suffix . She tilled her head and said almost
pleadingly: ”I must clear me thoughts. I ...I don’t want to be alone but.. but I
don’t want to be hunted with questions and bombed with advises. How does
this sound to you?”
Seiya smiled reassuringly:” Like listening to you in silence.”
***
“I’m so happy you’re here ”Usagi told Seiya for tenth time in an hour.
It was an eye opener to her, being with Seiya day after day. Talking to him about
her fears and thoughts , enjoying his gentle way of comforting her and seeing his
great confidence in her.
“I know ” he answered her teasingly.
“ Now I know that I can’t be happy at Mamoru’s side” she said gravely “ And
although I hate to admit it but Motoki is also not suitable for me. I guess he is a
better match for Mako chan then me.”
“Are you sure Odango ?” he asked thoughtfully.
“Mmmm hmm” she nodded .

***

“Why don’t you tell her?” Yaten asked.
“I want her to be free from the past .”Seiya answered selflessly “And I’m a part of
her past life.”
Yaten shook his head with disapproval :”If you don’t stop worrying about her
past life ,you’ll lose her and this time for ever.”
Seiya sighed :” I wonder if she ever could love me.”
Yaten puts his hands on Seiya’s shoulders and looked deep into his eyes: ” I
know that she loves you. ”
[ The same time at the Tsukino’s]
“Usagi chan you have to tell him what he means to you, before it is too late.”
Luna said
Usagi shook her head and dried her tears with the bed cloth saying nothing.
“Usagi you know that he wouldn’t stay here for ever . not if he hasn’t a good
reason for it.”
“I’ve caused enough havoc in Seiya’s life.” She said sadly “I love him too much to
commit him to myself. He won’t be happy with me. Not for a long time. I’ve
learned that keeping love alive isn’t easy. may be he is attracted to me, but how
would he feel when our love loses it’s freshness ? He will find himself lonely and
far away from his home and friends. No Luna I can’t be so selfish . ”
Luna looked at her with admiration.

***

Usagi was dreaming . In her dream she saw the events that took place inside the
silver crystal. She saw herself transforming into Sailor Cosmos and how she
reassured Fighter that her character hadn’t changed.
Then she noticed that something was different about fighter but she couldn’t tell
what. A soft voice was telling her something about her transformation item but
she couldn’t concentrate on the words. The voice grow higher and higher till she
woke .
She took a deep breath murmuring sleepily:” I’m sure my dream has a meaning”

***

“Hey Odango, were you missing me?” Seiya asked teasingly as Usagi entered
their flat.
“of course not” Usagi snapped trying to sound angry.
“Tsukino san would you like something to drink?” Taiki asked politely
Usagi shook her head.
Seiya looked at her with surprise ,noticing her pale face .
”What’s the matter Odango? ”he asked with concern “Some thing wrong?”
“Not actually.....” Usagi began to tell him about her dream.

“Nothing easier then that” Taiki said “Seiya has only to transform and we’ll find
out if there is really something wrong with her.”
“Well what are you waiting for?” Yaten asked naughtily.
“Hey , that was only a dream ”Seiya complained . he looked helplessly at his
Friends who seemed to enjoy themselves enormously and then at Usagi’s eager
face and sweet dropped.
Unwillingly he reached for his transformation Item and yelled “Fighter star power
make up.”
But to his surprise nothing happened.
“Fighter star power make up.” He yelled again.
Taiki and Yaten exchanged looks .
“Can you transform into Sailor Cosmos witout difficulty?” Taiki asked.
“Eh?” Usagi tilled her head looking stupidly at him “What a silly question. I just
have to...to...Um...”
“I don’t know how to transform into Sailor Cosmos .” she finally announced.
Everybody sweet dropped.

***

The tree lights and Usagi stood silently behind Rei who was gazing into the fire.
After a long time Rei rose to her feet .
“I had a vision ” she said .
“well?” Yaten asked Impatiently
Rei said :”The power of love turned Usagi to sailor cosmos and I have the funny
feeling that Fighter also had a new transformation, but we were too busy with
Usagi to notice that. How ever as they were inside the crystal ,their transforming
items hadn’t changed and of course ... Usagi was too stupid to notice that “
“I’m not stupid!” Usagi yelled angrily.
“Yes you are” Rei yelled back.
Seiya caught Rei’s arm :”Stop acting so childish and tell us instead if you’ve seen
how we can transform again.”
Rei sweet dropped and said uncomfortably : ”you must repeat ....what ... had
caused your new transformation and because you are outside the crystal now,
your transformation items will also change .
Usagi and Seiya looked at each other blushing furiously.
“ Could you leave us alone for a moment “ Seiya asked.
Yaten and Taiki looked at each other and then at Seiya And Usagi before leaving
the room. Rei remained there reluctant to go but seeing Seiya’s Serious face she
changed her mind and left them alone. Usagi stepped shyly back , her cheeks as
red as possible.
“You’re not afraid to let me hold you , afraid of that Odango? ” He asked gently.
Usagi shook her head, blushing even more. Slowly Seiya drew her in his
embrace, his arms tightening around her . He felt her heart beating madly like the
heart of a frightened little rabbit.
“Don’t worry Odango” he whispered holding her tight.
He could feel her embarrassment and her fear..., her fear that might find out how
much she loves him. Seiya forgot how they were supposed to act . Nothing
mattered to him, nothing except the fact that Usagi loves him . He loosened his
hold on her and kissed her tenderly. Suddenly Usagi discovered that Seiya
knows her secret. She felt his endless love for her as well as his fears that she
wouldn’t accept his real self. Once more they become one soul in two bodies
before a beam of light broke the link between them. Usagi saw how her
transformation Item Changed into a winged sphere with a shining star ,
containing the silver crystal, in it’s center. Unconsciously her fingers tightened
around it and she cried:” Cosmos macrocosm power make up”
Seiya’s transformation item also changed into a winged moon with a star at the
center of it.
“Fighter macrocosm power make up” he yelled, transforming into Sailor
Macrocosm Fighter.
Fighter’s outfit had hardly changed. Only her tiara look a little thinner and the
winged star on her chest was encircled by a pale moon but she felt that she was
bursting with power. She kneeled in front of sailor cosmos and kissed her hand
saying:” From now on I’m your protector.”
Sailor Cosmos blushed cutely.

***

Usagi lay on her back, on the top of a green little hill outside Tokyo, observing the
movement the white clouds on the blue sky and enjoying the smell of wet grass
and wild flowers .
She heard Voices from a little distance , where Seiya was beading farewell to his
friends .
She rolled to her side and leaned on her elbow gazing steadily at Seiya .
After a long time the tree lights transformed.
“Seiya! NO!!” she gasped rubbing her eyes unbelievingly. For a moment she
froze at her place unable to breath.
‘So he is also leaving me ! ‘ She thought sadly tears running down her cheeks. ‘I
wish I could scream: Seiya don’t make me to be alone but I don’t have the right to
separate him from his friends.’
Impatiently she dried her tears and managed a bright smile before running
towards the starlights.
“Odango!” Fighter said with surprise as she saw Usagi beside herself “are you
already missing them? ”
“Want to say good body for the last time ?” Maker asked kindly.
Usagi swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at Fighter :” I want to tank
you for your help ... ”
Her lips twitched and her voice began to shake .her smile was crumbling in every
direction.
“Odango are you alright? ” Fighter asked nervously .
“Yeah! “ Usagi tried to laugh “ Sorry about that . actually I had intended to see
you off smilingly.”
“To see me off ?” Fighter asked puzzled “Are you sure you are alright? ”
Healer chuckled heartily :”She had seen your transformation and thought that
you are also coming with us .”
Usagi looked pleadingly at Fighter :” Does it mean you’re not leaving me? ”
“Odango !” was all Fighter could say.

Fighter hugged Healer whispering in her ear :”I hope you’ll become as happy as I am .
am. ”
Healer smiled without humor :” the weal of fortune isn’t that generous with every
body .”
Fighter said softly:” Take good care of her ”
Healer nodded :” You know ,I will .”
Knowing how much Maker disgusted showing unnecessary emotions , Fighter
simply shook hands with her saying: ”Good bye Maker. ”
Healer and Maker vanished in a fraction of time from sight.
Usagi touched Fighters arm to see if she was really there .
Fighter faced her guiltily :”Odango ...” she began.
Usagi silenced her with an impatient movement of her hand, asking in a soft
voice:” Can‘t you trust me at all?”
Fighter looked troubled.
“Hasn’t the time come to share with me who you really are.” Usagi asked softly
“Do you think I’ll let you down, somehow , if you trust me? ”

***

***

Ami came in with a try and served her guests tee. She smiled warmly at Mamoru
who was taking care of their son Takishi and sat opposite him.
“ It has been a long time since we all had gathered like this“ she said .
“Well I’m glad that there is no need for senshi meetings . It’s wonderful that we
have time for ourselves. ” Minako said leaning against Rei. Rei scold slightly and
pushed her gently away. Haruka and Michiru exchanged looks and smiled.
“What does she mean by senshi meetings?” Motoki asked Makoto in a low voice.
Makoto looked uncomfortably at her husband and sweat dropped . She smiled
stupidly waving her hands :”Nothing important. Forget it.”
Setsuna changed the subject .
Hotaru sat silent in a corner .
‘ they don’t know’ She thought ‘They don’t know that they own their happiness to
Usagi san. In the last four year Sailor Cosmos and Sailor macrocosm Fighter
were protecting the world bravely . ’
[Flash back]
The outer senshi was loosing the battle. The intruders were too powerful.
Then Sailor cosmos and Sailor macrocosm Fighter arrived and defeated the
enemy.
After the battle Sailor Cosmos faced the outers and said:” Please don’t say
anything to the others. They deserve peace and happiness. ”
[end of flash back]
Setsuna give her a meaningful smile as if she wanted to say:” Even we would
have much more trouble if not for them. ”
“...And Usagi is late again.” She heard Rei saying.
“I don’t understand why She and Seiya kun don’t get married” Motoki asked” the
two of them seem madly in love with each other.”
Mamoru’s eyes darkened as he said:” I guess she fears the consequences.”
“You mean having children? “ Motoki joked.
Mamoru shook his head.
Minako lifted her head ,looking puzzled . Rei whispered in her ear :”She is afraid
that she still might be under the influence of the silver crystal.”

***

“At your place I wouldn’t heisted too long” Michiru said ,looking mysteriously at
Seiya“ Seiya is Really charming and not only as a male.”
“Eh?” Usagi asked innocently not understanding what Michiru intended to say.
“Thank you Michiru!” Seiya answered impishly ,enjoying Haruka’s obvious anger
“ It’s nice to hear compliments from a lovely girl like you.”
Usagi’s eyes rested on Michiru’s face.
[Flash back]
Usagi and Haruka entered Michiru’s dressing room. Haruka said: ”we are coming in
Michiru”
“Seiya!” Usagi Gasped as she saw him standing beside Michiru , fumbling at he
zipper.
“Well, Well Odango” He answered “You’re with a nice guy!”
Usagi said:” Don't be rude! Haruka is...”
Michiru interrupted her:” My Special person. ”
“I’m Kou Seiya” Seiya said.
“Tenou Haruka” was Haruka’s cold answer
when Seiya left Haruka said :” Don't let him into your dressing room, okay?
Michiru asked:” Oh? Are you jealous?”
[End of Flash back]
“So why Don’t you ask her to marry you ?” Usagi snapped angrily “After all ,
you’ve always found her attractive, haven’t you?”
“Odango...” Seiya began but Usagi turned angrily asking Haruka to take her home.

***

Seiya couldn’t sleep. Usagi refused to talk with him on the phone. He had never
known that his Odango could be jealous.
“She must be very angry.” He sighed “was flirting with Michiru worth this much
trouble ?”
He hold his head in his hands. Sure it was fun to flirt with Michiru and tease Haruka
but not at this price. Never at this price.
“Odango!” he said helplessly “for your sake I’ve become a boy and stayed here.
You can’t...”
He rouse to his feet , his eyes glittering with determination.

Usagi couldn’t sleep. She sat sadly on her bed, thinking about Seiya and Michiru.
‘ Is he in love with her?’ she asked herself.’ Michiru san is so perfect. She isn’t like
me. ‘
“Luna ? Do you think Seiya will leave me for Michiru’s sake?” she asked sadly.
“Nonsense!” the black cat answered “He loves you.”
Usagi sighed ” Does he really love me our Does he think so because Neo queens
Serenity’s last wish was , that he .... that Fighter , protects her from falling in love
with Mamoru again ?”
“Usagi chan !” Luna said sadly.
Usagi rose to her feet. “I can’t bear it any more . I have to talk with him.”
“Usagi wait. It’s too late!” Luna cried.

***

She was running carelessly in the dark streets not noticing that a group of punks
were following her. When she entered a narrow alley They attacked her .
She screamed in terror, and tried to reach for her transforming Item but it was too
late. One of them had garbed her hands , preventing her from moving.
She heard an ugly voice saying:” she has nothing with her.”
The rest of the group began to swear.
“Well she is not bad looking” one of them said . the rest of the group laughed.
“Let go of me !” She screamed.
“Cry as loud as you want ” one of the punk said” nobody will help you.”
They began to laugh.
She screamed again kicking and twitching wildly.
This time there was no laughter. One of the guys slapped her with all his power.
She felt the test of blood in her mouth . The world began to turn in front of her eyes
, her vision blurred and darkness overcame her.

“Cosmic Serious laser” a voice yelled and then she was falling.
A pair of hands caught her .

Somebody was carrying her.
“No ” she screamed wildly.
“Shh , Your safe Odango” a sweet voice answered.
“Fighter! “ She said with relief and then she added blushing: “ you can put me
down . I’m ok.”
Fighter ignored her request . Usagi closed he eyes . She was too tired to argue with
her.
At her flat, Fighter lowered Usagi on her bed asking angrily “What were you doing
outside at this time ?”
“I can ask the same question !” Usagi answered.
“Unlike you, I’m quite capable to take care of myself .” Fighter snapped.
Usagi began to cry: “ once you believed in me but now that we are free from the
influence of our past lives you find me incapable. ”
She looked angrily at Fighter still crying bitterly : “Why don’t you leave me in
peace ? I’m quite sure that Michiru is smart enough for you.”
Fighter give Usagi a sad look then she said: “Sorry Usagi, I didn’t mean it. I just
was angry with myself. I’m your protector and it’s my duty to guard you. I don’t
dare to think what could have happened to you if I hadn’t arrived in time.”
Usagi stopped crying and watched Fighter transforming back into Seiya.
“I’m not a child anymore” she said in a low voice “ you shouldn’t blame yourself.”
“No it’s all my fault Odango” Seiya said in a huff “I shouldn’t have flirted with
Michiru. If you were not so angry with me, you would have asked me to escort
you.”
He looked at her with curiosity: “by the way where were you going at this time?”
Usagi hang her head : “Well actually ......”

***

Usagi and Seiya were at the balcony of Seiya’s apartment, watching the clear night
sky. Seiya put his arm around Usagi and asked:” Odango are you sure? ”
“Yeah ” Usagi answered “I’ve thought a lot about your words. There is no guaranty
for anything in the life and nothing can last for ever.”
She give him a sad look “If our love , is only a fake caused by the wish of my past
self , Neo queen Serenity , then the sooner it comes to an end the better it will be.”
Big tears began to roll down her eyes and she wrapped her hands around herself
, bending her head.
Seiya tightened his grip around her, looking at her with love, concern and pain.
Usagi cried for hours, feeling how her hot tears washed all her fears and pains
away.
Finally she stopped crying, Feeling guiltless and free.
Exhausted she looked into Seiya’s worried eyes and said :” Now I feel much
better.”
Seiya lead her inside not daring to break the silence.
Usagi accepted a cup of steaming chocolate from him and said: ”You know that I
make a poor house wife.”
Seiya smiled :”Well, you are a princess after all !”

THE END