Author’s Note: Okay, Faithful Readers, I’m going to say it loud and clear: this is one dark ficcy. It’s full of death, pain, and even a little blood. And, it’s long. I was in a bad mood, and I had “Total Eclipse of the Heart” running through my head. Not to mention the headache I got when I started trying to figure out that whole time traveling mess (don’t know how you do it, Pluto.) This story begins when Serena and Darien rule the moon kingdom. Rini is 12, and everyone refers to her as Serena now. (When she goes back in time, I call Serena Tsukino Serena, and the future princess Rini to avoid confusion) I use all the dub names except for the outers. Setsuna, Haruka, and Michiru seem to fit them better than Trista, Amara, and Michelle, and Hotaru doesn’t have a dub name. I don’t give many clues as to the plot yet, since I want it to be a surprise when it’s revealed. Anyway, enjoy.

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The gardens of Crystal Tokyo were alive with color. The flora was a swirling painting, made up of exquisite moon-grown blossoms, violets, lilacs, daisies, and the queen’s personal favorite, bright red roses. The beautiful queen strode through her sanctuary, her long, silver-white gowns trailing along the paths. Her hair had been taken out of its usual pigtails, a customary style for the women of the moon’s royal family, and flowed like a golden curtain over her thin shoulders and down her back. The loose tresses framed the woman’s flushed face, and emphasized the enormity of her cerulean eyes.

The air was heavy with the flowers’ perfumes, and the scent of fresh rain. Queen Serenity took a deep breath, inhaling the scent, hoping to draw comfort from the familiarity. The spicy, sweet fragrance tickled the young woman’s delicate nose. She blew out the breath in a heavy, hopeless sigh.

Pain. The word pricked Serenity’s mind like a needle, and sent an electric shock through her body. What a horrid word that was. And how awful that she knew all about it.

“What happened to Serena Tsukino?” she growled to the flora surrounding her. The plants, unfazed by her bitter, melancholy disposition remained silent. “Look at where I am! All this beauty, and what am I thinking? Pain. Just that one word. That one vulgarity that I know all too much about is all that is in my mind!” The pampered blossoms just smiled stupidly at the queen. Had she been her younger self, Serenity might have reached out and strangled the blood red flowers. But she had grown as much in her manner and conduct as she had in beauty and grace, and so the distressed ruler settled for sinking onto the nearest bench and burying her head in her hands. Before long, the small, square hands were wet with salty tears.

“What am I going to do?” she sobbed. “How can I stop this?”

“You’re thinking about the upcoming eclipse, aren’t you?” Serenity raised a tear-stained face, and found herself staring at a majestic, fuku-clad woman with a garnet orb atop a mighty staff in her hands. Her green hair was partially twisted on top of her head, while the rest spilled to her knees. The green haired woman bent at her waist in a bow of genuine respect. She was the only one, besides Serenity’s husband and daughter, who did not fall to one knee in her queen’s presence. Even the rest of the Sailor Senshi, who had once scolded and engaged the moon princess in childish banter, knelt in reverence before the regal woman.

“Setsuna!” Serenity rose and embraced her old friend. Setsuna returned the hug, and pulled back to study her friend at arms length.

“You know, don’t you Setsuna,” Serenity began. “That it isn’t the eclipse I wish to stop.” The time guardian chuckled sadly.

“Of course it isn’t. I know you want to prevent your death.” Serenity sighed heavily.

“It isn’t my death I wish to prevent. The curse has been placed, and nothing can be done to save me.” Sailor Pluto gripped her staff tightly, pressing it into the ground as though she needed it for support.

“That’s not what Small Lady will think,” she said softly.

“You know she doesn’t want to be called that anymore,” Serenity reproved gently “She won’t even let me call her Rini anymore.”

“I forgot.”

“Anyway, I wanted to speak to you about my daughter in relation to the lunar eclipse. I…” Serenity paused and lowered her eyes, afraid Setsuna would refuse.

“Yes?” Pluto prompted.

“Setsuna, I want to save Serena.” She raised her head, set her jaw, and stared into her friend’s eyes. “My daughter, Serena.” Setsuna was surprised, but only mildly. More than anything, she was disapproving.

“Serenity…” Serenity held up a hand to stem the senshi’s protest.

“Do not try and stop me, Setsuna Meioh. I know full well that I am lost if I attempt this.”

“Serenity, please don’t try!” Serenity’s eyes narrowed with the defiance of her childhood that Sailor Pluto had seen all too often.

“Do not try and stop me, Pluto. You know what I could do to you if I wish.”

“You, too, know what I am capable of, Sailor Moon.” Setsuna did not really believe either of them would resort to their senshi powers to get their way. They were merely idol threats tossed around in a vain attempt to make the other surrender. Setsuna dropped her air of the Sailor Soldier, and returned to being Serenity’s friend.

“Serenity, please…how do you plan on saving her?”

“You must not allow Serena to return to the past.”

“Serenity, you’ll die!”

“I know that, Pluto! I saw what was going to happen more than a thousand years ago! And I want to stop it!”

“You’re being stupid,” Setsuna declared flatly.

“It will be better this way! Don’t you see that? It will cause everyone less pain!”

“Watching you die?! The moon kingdom needs you!”

“They need Serena more!” Serenity took a deep breath, struggling to keep her anger in check. When she could speak softly, she did. “We shall need someone to rule in the future. Serena is maturing into the lady she always wanted to be, and Endymion can fill in until she is old enough. Please don’t let her go back. Promise me you’ll keep her here.”

“No,” Setsuna replied coldly. Serenity’s temper flared again.

“You insensitive, heartless, pathetic excuse for a senshi! You know if she goes back she’ll kill both Saturn and herself! Didn’t you learn from before!? Didn’t you learn that you are not always right!? Why are you willing to sacrifice two young lives to save mine?! Especially since one is Small Lady?!” Serenity could not stop her torrent of angry words. She wanted to shut her mouth. She wanted to bite her tongue until she tasted blood. More than anything, she just wanted the bitter-tasting words flowing out of her throat to cease. But it was as though she couldn’t control herself. It was as if the girl she had been during her earth life, the girl who had witnessed the awful events following the impending lunar eclipse, was speaking now, instead of Serenity. Was this what it was like to be possessed? Serena Tsukino, or perhaps it was Queen Serenity this time, spoke the fatal words. “I thought you loved her, Setsuna.”

Setsuna grimaced outwardly, and Serenity retreated to the bench. The accusation that she no longer held any love for Serenity’s daughter hurt Setsuna more than any other insult the queen could spit at her. And the tone of voice, a helpless, hopeless, heartbroken whisper, clawed Setsuna’s heart like needles of ice. How could she make Serenity understand?

“My decision has nothing to do with my feelings for either of you. But sacrifice is inevitable.” Serenity’s laugh was bitter and mirthless.

“Haruka and Michiru told me that again and again when we were fighting the daimons. I didn’t understand how they could stand to see innocent people in such pain, but they insisted that the sacrifice was worth the prize. I fought against that right up to the end. I never believed it, and in the end, I was proved correct. But I suppose in this case, it’s true. There really is no other choice but to sacrifice one of us.” Serenity threw herself beseechingly at Setsuna’s feet. “Please let it be me, Setsuna! Don’t let Serena die!”

Setsuna sighed despairingly at the image of the refined, powerful ruler sobbing at her feet, begging salvation for her daughter. Setsuna gritted her teeth. Was she really all that heartless? Was her refusal to try and spare Serena really a reflection of her kindness, or lack of it? No. She was not wicked or heartless or cruel.

“Stop this, Serenity!” Setsuna said sharply. She grabbed the queen’s wrist, and yanked her rather roughly to her feet. Serenity growled and yanked her hand away, falling against the bench. Sobs shook her body, and tears were dotting her skirt. Serenity threw back her head and screamed her daughter’s name to whatever heavens were above her.

Sailor Pluto was instantly sorry for her harsh treatment. She sat beside the queen, and awkwardly ran a hand along her back in an attempt to comfort. The two senshi sat in silence for a long while. Finally, Pluto spoke.

“The scouts and I will do everything in our power to sway her. But if she insists…I will not resort to force of any kind.” Serenity looked up. Her face was glaring, but her swirling blue eyes were void of malice. There was only sorrow here, a longing for so much she could not have.

“Agreed, Setsuna. I suppose that is all I can hope for,” she sighed. “Setsuna, don’t tell the other scouts yet. I would like to tell them myself.” Setsuna hesitated, but nodded. The queen could have so little of what she longed for now. Such a small favor wouldn’t hurt.

“Yes, Serenity.”

“Mama! Pluto!” The jovial voice of the Princess Serena interrupted the women’s conversation. They turned to see her running towards them, long pink pigtails fluttering behind her.

When Serenity had first met her daughter, she’d been fourteen, and Serena had been seven. Serena had traveled from the future to find the silver crystal, and save her mother. Back then, she’d been called Rini by many, and Small Lady by others. She had long since denounced the childish nicknames, and adopted Serena, a more formal abbreviation of her full name. Serena was quite another child at twelve than she had been at seven, especially in appearance. All the baby fat had melted off her, giving her the slender beauty of adolescence. Her bosom had become rounder, as she’d confided in her mother with modest pride. The pink tresses atop her blessed head were longer and finer. She had begun to twist the buns of her customary pigtails into spheres rather than the cones she had favored in her youth.

Behind the princess was her father, King Endymion. He walked with a joyful regality, showing his younger side much more than his wife.

Serena raced down the paths, lifting her gowns to avoid falling, and dropped them as she wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck. Serenity held her daughter tightly. Serena had no idea that they would soon be separated forever. One would have to live without the other. Serenity had known for years. Now that the time was so near, the reality hit her harder than ever. Serenity reluctantly let her daughter go as Serena turned to hug Setsuna. Serenity stared at Serena’s eyes as she babbled happily on about the beautiful waterfall she had discovered yesterday. The princess had eyes of crimson. Serenity often described them as rubies, or ‘born of the roses in the garden.’ But as memories of what was yet to come flooded the queen’s mind, they began to remind her of blood. The blood that had, or would flow from the bodies of the dying girls.

The garden suddenly blurred as an image filled Serenity’s head: a shadow of a grave sat alone in the garden. The gardens were dying, and the sky was gray, as was the grave marker. Serenity could make out two words on the headstone: Serenity Usagi. Those were the first two names of both Serenity and her daughter. The last name was hidden by a wilted rose. Please let it be Tsukino. Serenity abruptly let go of her vision.

“Serena, dear. Why don’t you go show Setsuna the waterfall? I’m sure she’d love to see it.” Serena nodded happily. She had no reason to suspect anything was wrong. Serenity and Setsuna had kept the curse a secret for centuries. Serena quickly kissed her mother’s cheek, and took Setsuna’s hand.

“Serenity, my love, is something the matter?” The voice of Endymion pulled Serenity from her momentary trance. She shook her head with a vengeance.

“Nothing is wrong,” she hissed through her teeth. Endymion pulled her gently to her feet.

“Are you certain? You look like you’ve been crying.” He thread his fingers through a strand of blond hair. “I can read you like a book, Meatball Head. By the way, where are your meatballs?” Serenity made a face.

“Don’t you call them that. I just haven’t put them in yet.” Endymion smiled.

“You look so much like Mina with your hair down. I remember when you two pulled that stunt on the senshi.” Serenity smiled at the memory of the time she had borrowed Mina’s ribbon while Mina had done her hair up in pigtails to confuse the sailor scouts. But the senshi knew their friends well and were quick to spot the real Sailor Moon.

“Are we planning to go to Earth for the eclipse? I’m sure it would be much more lovely from there.” Serenity inhaled sharply, and placed a finger across Endymion’s lips.

“Let’s discuss that some other time, alright love?”

“Serenity…” Serenity silenced her husband with a kiss. The kiss started out tender, then became passionate and amorous. Serenity enjoyed her moment of youthful frivolity. She slipped her arms around Endymion’s neck, and he laced his fingers at the small of her back.

Then, it started. The pain seemed to come from the ground. It entered through the soles of her feet, and spread through her entire body. It was excruciating, to say the least. Serenity broke off the kiss with a feeble cry, and her knees buckled beneath her. Endymion caught her before she hit the stones, and lowered her gently to the ground.

“Serenity, what’s the matter?” Serenity looked up, and began to massage her calf. She forced a smile in spite of the fact that pain was still coursing mercilessly through her body.

“Just a little muscle spasm, darling. Nothing to worry about.” The lie had come to her so quickly, and slipped between her lips so easily that guilt stabbed Serenity in a blow more painful than the one she’d just experienced.

“I-I’d better go get fixed up. I have plans to make in regards to the dinner with the senshi next week.”

“You look worn out, Love,” Endymion said, stroking her pallid cheek tenderly. “I think what you need is a nap. I’ll take care of the dinner plans.” Serenity nodded gratefully as Endymion helped her to her feet. He planted a kiss on his love’s forehead.

“Think you can make it to the castle alright, Sere? You don’t look like you can walk three steps.” Serenity had to admit that she felt completely void of all energy. It was the same way she had always felt after transforming into Super Sailor Moon during her childhood: drained. But she shook her head at Endymion’s offer.

“I’ll be fine,” she said, walking slowly and carefully to the palace.

In her chamber, Serenity shed her gowns, and pulled on her nightdress instead.

“Serenity,” an English grandmother type voice sounded behind her. Serenity didn’t have to look to see who was behind her. The black cat sat on her haunches, her head cocked quizzically at her mistress. Once, Serenity had been her charge, one she had to mold into a queen. Now, she was the queen’s advisor, pet, and friend. Serenity smiled wanly at the cat.

“Yes, Luna?”

“Why are you in your nightgown already? Is something the matter?” Serenity frowned. She’d been asked that question too many times today. She wanted to tell the scouts, Endymion, Serena, and Luna exactly what was the matter. But she wasn’t ready.

“Nothing, Luna. I just didn’t sleep well last night. I just need a nap.” That really wasn’t a lie, Serenity told herself as she slid between the covers of her large bed. She hadn’t slept well, for the eclipse had weighed heavily on her mind. Serenity sighed, and snuggled up in bed, instantly feeling lethargy take her. Serenity was eager for sleep. When she was in that twilight zone that came just before the comfortable darkness, she could pretend that she did not have a senshi dinner to plan. She could imagine she wasn’t burdened with worry over Serena. She could even convince herself that the curse had never been placed. No. No, you can’t do this! Serenity, wake up!

Serenity suddenly threw back the covers, launched herself from her bed, and ran to the bathroom. She turned on the cold water in the sink on the vanity, and cupping her hands beneath the stream, splashed icy handfuls over her face.

“Why am I doing this to myself?” she snarled. “Why can’t I let myself sleep?” Because, my dear Serenity. If you sleep, it means that you are starting to feel the effects of the curse. And that means that you and Serena will be separated forever. Serenity raised her head and looked in the mirror above the sink. Her face was deathly pale, and looked a bit gaunt already. Her eyes were abnormally large, and a bit dull. She didn’t look well.

Serenity growled wordlessly, and shook her head. Droplets of perspiration flew from the ends of her hair. A coating of sweat encased her body like a suffocating wetsuit. She definitely wasn’t well. I am fine! Just a little tired is all. I am not feeling the effects yet, and Serena is safe.

Go to sleep. She told herself. You really need it. A couple deep breaths, and Serenity walked slowly back to her room. She collapsed in bed, and huddled like a child beneath the covers. She had to pretend it had never happened. But could she really deny it? Could she really deny that something was wrong?

“Mina, I can’t get over what exciting news that is!” Amy of Mercury told her friend at the table on the night of the senshi dinner. When all the former Sailor Scouts had arrived that evening, the queen of Venus had announced to her friends that she was expecting. To their greater surprise, Mina had told them that not only was she giving birth a daughter, to take over her role of Sailor Venus, but there was also a son growing in her womb! Following the announcement had been a chorus of shrieks and congratulations to Mina and her husband. Even Serenity and Setsuna joined in when all the scouts tackled the soldier of love in a bear hug, even though the happy event only reminded them of the inevitable tragedy only the two of them knew about.

Serenity looked around at her friends. Each was dressed in queenly gowns, in the royal colors of their respective planets, and their tiaras, which symbolized their scout hood. Even Haruka of Uranus, a die-hard tomboy who never wore any skirt save her fuku, had come in a simple, knee-length dress, with quarter-length sleeves. Her tiara graced her forehead, and did a respectable job of keeping her close-cropped blond hair out of her midnight blue eyes. When she had arrived, Michiru of Neptune on her arm as expected, the gathered senshi had not even attempted to hide their shock. They’d spent a good hour or so teasing her, and guessing how much of Michiru’s coaxing it had taken to get her into it. But they all had to admit that Haruka looked lovely.

So far, the whole dinner had gone well. Serenity now sat at the one end of the table, with Endymion on the other. Serena sat on Serenity’s right, on the same side as the senshi. The senshi’s husbands sat across from them. There had been minor chaos in trying to establish seating when they learned that Serena had rearranged the place cards in an attempt to help, but soon, the Senshi were catching up on old times, and savoring the mouthwatering lunarian delicacies the chef had made. Serenity looked at all the scouts, who were laughing at a joke Mina had told, and felt nostalgic tears prick her eyes. She and the senshi had been through so much together. They were all so happy now. And one eclipse could shatter their worlds.

Serenity sipped at a goblet of fine Martian wine, compliments of Raye of Mars, and slipped a sidelong glance at Setsuna. The scouts still had no idea of the Moon Queen’s peril. And the judgement day was drawing near. There were only four days left, and Serenity was growing feeble. She’d noticed how much thinner and paler she was becoming as the curse began to take effect.

Endymion stood up.

“I would like to propose a toast.” The gathered turned their attention on the king. “To Mina of Venus, and the two lives she is carrying.” Mina flushed with pride as the guests raised their glasses and drank in her honor.

“And,” Endymion continued, catching Serenity’s eye, “to the Sailor Senshi. When I found out that I was Tuxedo Mask, a survivor from the Silver Millennium, I felt I was all alone. I had friends on earth, but none whom I could tell exactly who I was. Then, I learned the identities of the Sailor Senshi. They were like me: not who they thought they were, but survivors from the Silver Millennium. They were, are, and always will be, very good friends of mine. Amy of Mercury, Raye of Mars, Lita of Jupiter, Mina of Venus, Michiru of Neptune, Haruka of Uranus, Setsuna of Pluto. My daughter, Serena, who will officially take on the name Sailor Moon. And last but not least, my love, the original Sailor Moon, Queen Serenity Usagi Tsukino of the Moon.”

“To the Sailor Senshi!” the gathered called with spirit. The meal officially over, the Senshi were dismissed to the ballroom for the dances.

Serenity felt suddenly dizzy as she stood up. The dining hall was whirling around her, and the floor tipped precariously, and her breathing came out in hard puffs. Serenity gripped the back of her chair tightly for support, and took greedy gulps of air. Why was she so out of breath? She took breath after breath, but it wasn’t enough. Serenity clung white-knuckled to the chair, and forced herself to breathe in and out.

“Mama?” Serena’s voice seemed to quiver and swirl, almost beyond comprehension.

“Serena…” she began. Then the pain hit. It was the worst pain Serenity had ever known. White-hot and merciless, it coursed through her body, eating its way through her muscles, beating her down with the vengeance of years past. Serenity screamed in agony, falling heavily against the chair.

“Mama!” Serena’s voice was frantic. “Daddy! Something’s wrong with Mama!”

“Serenity.” Somehow, Setsuna’s voice reached her through the ringing in her ears. “Is this…?” Serenity nodded, tears of pain in her eyes.

“It hurts, Setsuna! Oh God, it hurts!” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, echoes of what was yet to come.

“I know,” Setsuna answered in a whisper. Serenity barely heard her. She felt the chair leave her grip, and the floor came up to meet her.

Serenity felt as though she were drowning. She was ice-cold, and her lungs were starved for air. She just had to turn her head away from the floor and take in the air. But pain flared up again, pulling another tortured cry from her.

“Serenity!” Endymion’s familiar embrace enfolded her. Serenity trembled with pain and cold, and a small, warm hand covered her own.

“Her hands are like ice!” Serenity could barely recognize her daughter’s voice. Her blood sang against her eardrums, and her head was throbbing.

“And she’s shivering!” Raye--was that Raye?--added. A cool hand smoothed her brow.

“She’s burning up!” Endymion declared. “Raye, get Amy! And hurry!” Serenity whimpered in pain.

“What’s wrong with her?” someone who sounded like Mina asked.

“She’s pretty sick, that’s for sure. This looks bad.” Serenity didn’t even try to identify the voice.

“Serenity, speak to me!” Serenity forced her eyes to open. The face above her was seen through water.

“Endymion?” she asked weakly. “Endymion, it hurts! Endymion?”

“Shhh. I’m right here, love. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Pain, Endymion. There’s so much pain!” Serenity’s vision dwindled to a pinpoint, and vanished, leaving her in blissful unconsciousness.

Serena huddled in the corner of her parent’s bedroom, hugging her knees to her chest. It had been almost six hours since her mother had fainted in the dining hall and her father had carried the queen to her chamber, and laid her on her great bed. Serenity still had not awakened. Serena had peeked at her mother’s inert form a couple hours ago. She’d been so scared by Serenity’s deathly pallor and frail appearance that she’d taken refuge in the corner, and had not yet moved. She sat there, watching the activity from a safe distance.

Amy sat on one side of the bed, analyzing a sample of Serenity’s blood, and frowning at it. On Serenity’s other side, Raye chanted softly, trying to reach her friend’s mind. Haruka, standing at the foot of the queen’s bed, had an arm around Michiru’s shoulder. Michiru held her lover tightly around the waist. Setsuna leaned against the wall behind Raye. Mina, Lita, and Endymion had slipped out to find anything that may have been of some use to them. Luna, along with her husband, Artemis, and their daughter, Diana, sat outside the closed door, anxiously awaiting news of Serenity’s condition.

“Anything happen yet?” Mina asked as she came in with a glass of water. Haruka shook her head.

“No change,” she said grimly. Mina set down the glass, and wrung her hands.

“This is so scary. I wish she’d just wake up.” She turned to Amy. “What’d you find out, Amy?” Amy threw up her hands in bewilderment.

“Nothing! This blood sample is completely inconclusive!”

“What’s that mean?” Serena piped up from her place in the corner.

“Serenity’s in pain, she fainted for no apparent reason, and she’s got a fever but Amy’s brainless computer can’t find a damn thing wrong with her.” Haruka growled. Her statement resulted in a scolding from Michiru, and brought Serena no comfort. Raye abruptly stopped chanting, and sat quiet, deep in concentration.

“Raye? What is it?” Michiru asked anxiously. Raye didn’t answer for a moment. Then her shoulders sagged.

“Nothing. For a moment, I had her. Then I lost her again. But she definitely in there, and she definitely trying to get back.”

“That’s good right?” Mina asked. Raye nodded.

“I’m going to try and find her again. Maybe I can help bring her back.” Raye folded her hands again, and began chanting. The senshi heard a pawing at the door, which could only mean that the cats were in need of an update. Mina opened the door, and filled them in just as Lita approached the door with a tray of muffins.

“I thought we could all do with one,” she explained. “I even made one for Serenity when she comes to.” Mina sniffed approvingly.

“Mmmm! Maybe the smell will wake her up.” Lita chuckled wryly, and pushed past her friend into Serenity’s chamber. All the scouts, excluding Raye who was in a trance, gratefully accepted the offered snack. Endymion soon entered, carrying a basin full of cold water, with a cloth floating in it. He set it on the bedside table, and sat in the chair Amy had quickly vacated for him.

“How is she?” he asked.

“Still no change physically,” Amy said. “But Raye said she was able to find her briefly. She’s trying to contact Serenity again. She thinks she may be able to assist in bringing her back.” Endymion reached out, and stroked his wife’s pallid cheek. Feeling the heat it gave off, he wrung out the cloth in the basin, folded it neatly, and draped it tenderly over Serenity’s fevered brow.

“Daddy…” Serena said meekly. She ventured from the corner, and laid her head on her father’s knee as the king took his wife’s slender hand in both his own. Her fingers rested limply in his.

“Please wake up, Love,” he whispered, kissing her knuckles. For a moment, there was no sound, save Raye’s chanting, and Serenity’s shallow, labored breathing. Then Raye sat up straight.

“I’ve got her!” she said. She screwed her violet eyes shut, and hissed word of encouragement to Serenity through her teeth. Endymion gasped as Serenity’s fingers tightened ever so lightly around his hand.

“She’s trying to squeeze my hand!” he whispered excitedly. The scouts all began to call to their friend, encouraging her to wake up. Raye crowed in triumph.

“She hears you, guys! It’s helping! Keep calling!”

“Wake up, Mama! It’s me, Serena!”

“She’s coming around!” Raye declared. Serenity moaned, and slowly, her eyelids lifted, exposing enormous blue eyes, glowing with a feverish light.

“Mama! You’re awake!” Serena fell onto her mother, enfolding her in a joyful embrace. Serenity blinked hard, attempting to clear her vision, which wavered in the room’s intense heat.

“Serena?” She became aware of the pressure on her left hand, and her gaze traveled up her arm, and up to the face of the person who clutched her hand so tightly. “Endymion?” She felt more than two pairs of eyes on her. Someone else was here. Many someones, actually. “Scouts?” Mina grinned at her.

“Welcome back, girlfriend. How are you feeling?” Serenity let out another moan, and shut her eyes.

“I’m hot…a little dizzy…I’m so tired.”

“Oh, no you don’t!” Raye said sternly. “I just got you to wake up! No way I’m letting you go out cold again.” Serenity gave a feeble laugh, and opened her eyes.

“What are you all still doing here? Haven’t you gone home yet?” The scouts exchanged glances.

“No one’s left since you collapsed at the senshi dinner last night,” Lita told her.

“You’ve been out for nearly six hours,” declared Serena.

“Gave us all quite a scare,” Endymion added.

“Sorry.”

“You have a rather high fever,” Amy explained. “But the blood sample I took doesn’t indicate any problems.”

“I’m not surprised,” Serenity said heavily. The senshi looked at her in confusion.

“What do you mean?” Raye asked.

“Where’s Luna?” Serenity inquired suddenly.

“She’s outside with Artemis and Diana. Why?”

“Serena, will you let them in?”

Luna was pacing restlessly by her mistress’s door. Artemis and Diana were fairly antsy themselves. The family of cats jumped as the door opened and the princess stuck her head out.

“Princess Serena? What is it?” Diana mewed at her charge.

“Mama’s awake. She told me to let you in.” Luna didn’t listen for more. She squeezed past the princess and bounded to Serenity’s side.

“Oh, Serenity! I’m so glad you are alright!” Artemis and Diana jumped up beside her, expressing enthusiastic agreement. But the queen’s feverish appearance, combined with the sorrowful look on her face stopped them short.

“Your Majesty?” Diana asked. “What’s the matter?” Serenity attempted to sit up, and Endymion hastily propped a pillow behind her.

“I know why I’m sick,” she said when she had settled.

“It’s not serious, is it?” Artemis asked.

“I’m afraid it is,” Setsuna said. The senshi jumped. Setsuna had been so quiet, they’d forgotten she was there. Serenity sighed.

“We agreed that I would explain this.”

“Setsuna, you knew about this?” Raye demanded. Setsuna nodded.

“I did. I didn’t want to pretend I didn’t any longer. But you may explain, Serenity.” Serenity heaved another sigh.

“As you all will remember, Serena’s friend from the past, Hotaru Tomoe, was possessed by Mistress 9, but ultimately defeated her.”

“Yes, but what has that got to do with you?” Amy inquired.

“If you’ll let me explain, Amy…?”

“Sorry.”

“A while after Serena returned to the future, Mistress 9…found her way back into Hotaru’s body. She was looking for revenge, and managed to find me alone.”

“Revenge on you?”

“On all of us—the senshi. Especially Hotaru. But she found me first. She stole my brooch, so I was unable to transform. She put a curse on me. She was about to go after everyone else, but…Setsuna showed up. She got into a fight with Mistress 9. She had the upper hand, but Mistress 9 wouldn’t let herself be beaten by one of us again. She took a poison intended for one of you. She died, and because it was her body taking the poison…Hotaru was destroyed.”

“What was the curse Hotaru put on you?” Luna questioned, fearing she already knew. Serenity looked the cat in her eye.

“Death, Luna.” Her expressionless gaze swept over the senshi, and her family. “I have three days. I will not live beyond the eclipse.” Following her mother’s announcement was the loudest silence Serena had ever known. She guessed that it was even scarier and more deafening than the prophetic Deadly Silence Michiru and Haruka had spoken of so long ago.

Serena’s mind was screaming at her. Hotaru? My friend, Hotaru cursed my mother? The silence was soon filled by the scouts’ general denial. Serenity attempted to stem their protests, but a fit of coughing cut her off as the fever claimed her. Hotaru’s the reason Mama’s going to die?

“Serenity needs her rest,” Luna said. “Why don’t you leave her with us. We’ll let you know if something comes up that we can’t handle.” Endymion nodded reluctantly. That seemed to be everyone’s cue to clear out. Serena felt Setsuna’s fingertips on her back, gently prodding her towards the door. Endymion and the senshi exited, leaving Serenity with her cats. She drifted back into the throws of her fever, racked with pain.

Hotaru caused this suffering? Serena thought, her mind reeling. How could she do this to me?

News traveled quickly in the moon kingdom. By midday, everyone as far as the Plutonian sector had heard of the queen’s imminent death, and had already begun mourning.

The former scouts refused to leave the crystal palace. No way they were going to sit at home when Queen Serenity was dying! Having worked out an acceptable rotation, Luna, Artemis, and Diana on a schedule of their own, each sailor took her turn at Serenity’s side, and watched their friend rapidly deteriorate.

“I can’t believe she’s really going to die!” Michiru told Haruka as the Scout of Uranus left her post and a very anxious Serena took her place. Serenity had just come to after a long stretch of delirium. Not wanting Serena to see her mother in such a state, Haruka had stayed for the duration of the nightmarish experience.

“I remember when she was younger. She was so full of life,” Michiru almost laughed.

“Ditzy was the word we used. She used to drive us crazy.”

“Only as Sailor Moon, though. And she did prove herself. What I found most…interesting about her was how she never gave up. One of her more…endearing qualities that made me want to strangle her.”

“It was that perseverance that saved us on more than one occasion.”

“I hate to admit it, but it’s true. We probably owed her a lot. And now, when she needs it most, no one can save her.”

Serena, meanwhile, sat at her mother’s side, fighting the urge to run from the pale, tired image of her mother that lay before her. It was such a contrast from the capable warrior she had once been, back when she’d been Sailor Moon.

“You can’t really die, can you, Mama?” Serena asked. “After all, you’re Sailor Moon.”

“I’m not Sailor Moon anymore, darling. You are,” Serenity told her daughter proudly.

“But you’re still as strong and powerful as Sailor Moon. You can’t die.”

“I will possess the strength of Sailor Moon until the eclipse in two days. But I am not immortal. You are going to have to rule as Queen Serenity sooner than expect, I’m afraid.”

“Mama, I can’t! I don’t know how!”

“You’ll be fine, sweetie. Daddy and the Scouts will help you.”

“I’ll miss you, Mama,” Serena whispered tearfully. Why did you do this, Hotaru?! Why?!

“Don’t be mad at Hotaru, hon.” Serena jumped. Her mother couldn’t read minds, could she? “It wasn’t her fault. Mistress 9 caused her to do this.” Serena didn’t answer. She didn’t want to disappoint her mother with malicious thoughts, but her anger with Hotaru remained.

Exactly one day before the eclipse, Serenity took a turn for the worse. She was feverish one minute, and cold the next. Much of the time, she dozed fitfully. Once, she fell into a deep sleep even Raye could not wake her from.

Serenity lay helpless in her bed. The faces above swelled, pressing towards her until she was sure she’d suffocate. Then, they dwindled smaller and farther, until she could not call them back. A green flush spread over the walls and receded at steady intervals. She was overcome with a terrible thirst, and someone mopped her brow with a cool cloth. Serenity drifted in and out of consciousness, burning with fever.

The hour of the eclipse came. Again, it was Serena who sat by a sleeping Serenity’s side. Her father and the senshi would be in shortly to be with the queen when she died. Serena was determined not to run away from the death. She was going to be right by her mother’s side when she died.

“Serena…” Serena started. Her mother was awake.

“Yes, Mama?”

“Come here.” Serenity patted the bed beside her. Serena climbed onto the bed, and lay beside her mother. She had long ago abandoned what she thought was a childish act, climbing into her parent’s bed and sleeping beside them. But today she did without shame.

“Serena. Remember that you must rule the moon kingdom very soon.”

“Yes, Mama.”

“Try to be fair to everyone.”

“I will.” Serena sensed that there was something else her mother was trying to tell her. She decided to wait.

“Lead the new generation of Sailor Scouts well.” Serena nodded. What was she trying to say.

“Please don’t be mad at Hotaru. She was your best friend. You were always defending her when Mistress 9 first possessed her. Don’t start hating her on my account.”

“I’ve already forgiven her,” Serena lied. Which would be worse, lying to her mother right before she died, or having her die unhappy? Neither one really sounded good, but Serena preferred her mother’s happiness to her unhappiness. If her mother died happy, a bit of a guilty conscience was nothing she couldn’t handle. She was rewarded; Serenity smiled.

“I’m proud.” She shut her eyes. Serena took to watching her chest rise and fall until Endymion and the senshi came in. Each took a place around the bed. Endymion seated on her right, Raye at her left. Setsuna took a spot behind Raye. Haruka and Michiru stood at the foot of the bed, Mina took a seat on the end. Lita sat opposite Mina, Amy stood behind Endymion, Artemis, Luna, and Diana sat at her feet, and Serena lay beside the queen. With everyone in place, they began their final good-byes.

“Take care of Serena, okay Luna?” Luna tried to wipe away the tears wetting her coal-black fur.

“Your mother said the same thing before she died. I’m going to miss you, Serenity.” She allowed the queen to stroke her gently before she went from the bed, sobbing, to bury her head in Amy’s leg. Serenity beckoned Artemis and Diana to her, and pet them both.

“The same goes for you two. Take good care of Serena for me.”

“We promise we will,” they said in unison, tears slipping down their furry cheeks.

“Raye, thanks for being such a good friend all these years. Even if we were always fighting, you always were there to help me. The scouts couldn’t have gotten along without you.”

“You helped me a lot, too. You really were a good leader,” Raye whispered.

“But I was really a leader. I couldn’t have been without anyone to lead.”

“You said it girlfriend,” Mina said in a choked voice.

“You should know, Sailor V,” Serenity teased. “You were my idol until I learned I was Sailor Moon.”

“And then you learned that you were a future queen,” Lita said. Her tone was nondescript, but Serenity laughed.

“Lita, Lita. Thanks for sticking up for me.”

“How could I not?” Lita’s voice cracked with emotion. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too.”

“We’ll all miss you, Serenity,” Amy declared.

“Amy. My first ally. Always the voice of reason. I’m glad to know you.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to hear what she’ll say about us,” Haruka said, attempting to lighten the situation. A smile parted Serenity’s lips.

“I don’t know what to say about you guys.”

“How about a simple good-bye?” Michiru asked.

“Good-bye, you two. Glad we were finally able to settle everything. Setsuna.” Setsuna winced, but Serenity’s statement was not what she thought it would be. “Thanks for keeping my secret.”

“Your welcome. Good-bye.”

“Mama…” Serena began.

“I love you, Rini. Sorry, I just had to call you that one more time.”

“It’s okay. I love you, too.” Serenity kissed her daughter’s forehead, and turned to Endymion. Endymion leaned over and gave her a final kiss. Serenity extended her fingers.

“Hold my hand, Endymion.” He took the offered hand. “Don’t let go until I’m gone. I love you, Darien. You are my one true love, forever and ever.”

“I love you, too, Serenity.” Good-byes said, all was quiet for a moment. Then Raye told them it was starting. Endymion gripped the queen’s hand tightly.

“I love you,” she whispered, and the room was bathed in the darkness of the earth’s shadow. Serena huddled close to her mother. The only sound was a long, peaceful sigh as the former Sailor Moon drew her last breath. When the light returned, she was pale and still. Dead. Her cold hand slipped from the king’s, and gracefully fell to the floor. The room was soon filled with sounds of mourning. Endymion called her name. The senshi wept openly.

“She’s gone! She’s really gone!” Amy was wailing. Even Haruka allowed her tears to go undisturbed. But Serena was not crying. She gritted her teeth and glared at Serenity’s inert form. I swear on my life. I will save my mother.

At the time gate, Setsuna stared sadly at the young girl in front of her. “Your mother would not want you to do this,” she told Rini for the thousandth time.

“I have to,” Rini said stubbornly. “Even if I cannot save her, I will avenge her death.” With a look born of sorrow, Setsuna handed over the key.

Serena Tsukino stared at the figure in front of her, numb with shock. Just a moment ago, she had been talking with Hotaru Tomoe. The next thing she knew, she was face to face with Mistress 9 in a deserted parking lot somewhere in the outskirts of Tokyo. Her brooch was gone from her, vanished into the evil woman’s hand.

“Mistress 9?” The villainess smirked.

“You win the door prize, Sailor Brat.”

“But…Hotaru defeated you!” The woman flicked her wrist, sending the brooch in her hand a couple inches into the air. The jewelry piece stopped its ascension, and dropped neatly into Mistress 9’s palm. She continued to toss the brooch, knowing full well it was tormenting Serena.

“That she did. And she will be punished. But Hotaru was so much fun as a vessel, I decided to use her while I sought my revenge on you sailors. Once I’ve had my vengeance, Hotaru will be disposed of.”

“Hotaru!” Serena cried. “Mistress 9, I won’t let you do this!” Her hand flew to her collar. Oh, if only she had the brooch!

“And what are you going to do to stop me?” Serena glared. She wouldn’t be defeated so easily. Slowly, discreetly, she slid her hands behind her back, felt for the “call all” button on her scout communicator, located, and pressed it. But Serena was not discreet enough. Mistress 9 saw her. She pointed a wicked claw at Serena. A stream of dark magic hit Serena, surrounding her in a whirl of agony. Her power was slowly being drained. She had to get to the silver crystal and restore her energy! But how could she? Oh, why couldn’t Mistress 9 just kill her now?! Anything had to be better than this torture. Serena felt herself fall.

“Serena? Serena, is that you? Serena come in!” The voice was coming from her communicator. Weakly, she brought her communicator to her mouth, and attempted to speak.

“Scouts…help…please.” Her head dropped, and her ears were filled with the cries of the unidentifiable scout on the other end. Serena concentrated. Maybe Darien would be able to hear her. In the distance, she heard a child calling for her mother. Wait…it wasn’t in the distance! It was right above her. She opened her eyes. A twelve-year-old girl, with ruby red eyes, pink hair, and pigtails like her own stood over her.

“Rini?” she whispered. The girl nodded.

“It’s me, Mama.” Serena stared. Rini had not called her Sailor Moon, Meatball Head, or even Serena. Just ‘Mama.’ “Has Mistress 9 put the curse on you yet?”

“Curse?” Serena asked. Rini smiled.

“I guess that means she hasn’t. There’s still time!”

“Guess again!” Mistress 9 cackled. “Sailor Moon, your death is set for the next lunar eclipse.

“No!” Rini shrieked. She grabbed her own brooch, and transformed. Serena’s eyes went wide. Rini’s fuku was now just like her own!

“I remember you!” Mistress 9 said gleefully. “You’re that Chibi-Moon character! The one with the sugary heart crystal that awakened me! Most delicious.” Rini glared.

“I was Chibi-Moon when you knew me, Hotaru. Now, I am Sailor Moon!”

“Rini?” Serena gasped. “You’ve become…” Rini, Sailor Moon, smiled at Serena.

“In my time, when you are queen, I have officially taken that name, and I’m going to lead the next generation of Sailor Scouts.”

“That’s beautiful,” Mistress 9 hissed. “But I’m afraid you won’t live that long.”

“You’re wrong, Hotaru. You will pay for what you did to my mother.”

“You insist on calling me Hotaru, do you?” Mistress 9 sneered. “Well, then that’s who you’ll see.” It wasn’t long before Sailor Saturn stood where Mistress 9 had been. But it was not the real Saturn, for instead of irises of electric violet, this girl’s eyes were bloody red. The eyes of the two girls met. Ruby on blood. Red on red. Rini stood her ground as Mistress 9 charged, the silence glaive aimed for the Sailor Soldier’s breast.

Raye watched tearfully as the servants made ready to remove Serenity’s body, and prepare it for burial. All the senshi save Setsuna were still in the queen’s chambers, not wanting to leave. Raye reached out to squeeze her friend’s hand one last time. Raye…Raye. Queen Serenity’s voice spoke inside Raye’s head. Raye gave a little gasp and dropped her friend’s hand, an action that went unnoticed by the senshi. Immediately the voice fell silent. Raye frowned and took Serenity’s had again.

Raye. It’s me, Raye. Don’t be afraid.

“Amy! Endymion! She’s not all dead!” The senshi looked up at Raye’s statement.

“What?” Endymion’s voice was full of disbelief…and just a hint of hope. All the senshi gathered nervously as Amy did a quick check of Serenity’s vitals.

“There are no physical signs of life, Raye.”

“Are you sure you weren’t just sensing her spirit?” Lita asked.

“That’s exactly what I’m sensing!” answered Raye. “But only when I touch her! Her spirit has not left her body yet!” Amy turned to Endymion.

“It’s your call.” Endymion hesitated, then spoke.

“Delay the burial. Don’t take her out yet.”

“Rini!” Serena cried. At the last moment, Rini grabbed the glaive’s handle, and buried her foot in Mistress 9’s stomach, sending her sprawling on her back. With a howl of attack, the future Sailor Moon leapt gracefully to stand over her enemy, and attempted to drive the glaive into her heart.

“You will pay, Tomoe!” she cried, pushing the weapon furiously in an attempt to overcome Mistress 9’s resistance. The red-eyed Saturn growled and swiped at Rini with long, sharp claws. Serena screamed, and hid her eyes. Sounds of the battle filled her ears, and she had to look up. Hotaru, no longer in a fuku but the regular clothes she had always worn, lay on her back in a heap beside her silence glaive. The weapon’s head was covered in blood. Hotaru’s heart had been pierced by the blade. Serena staggered to her feet just in time to see Hotaru’s electric violet eyes close forever. Mistress 9 was destroyed. And now, so was Hotaru. But what had happened to her daughter?

“Rini!”

“Her spirit is becoming louder!” Raye called. Amy lifted one of Serenity’s eyelids, shining a small light into the eye.

“Her pupils responded to the light!” Setsuna entered the room, her expression one of indescribable sorrow.

“Setsuna!” Mina cried. “She’s coming back to life.” Setsuna’s face did not change.

“Sailors, we have a problem.”

“What’s wrong?” They were interrupted by a strangled cry from Raye. The Scout of Mars collapsed in a heap on the floor. Her pupils seemed to vanish as she went into convulsions.

“Raye!”

“Mama! Mama!” the girl screamed. Serena blanched. Ignoring her extreme loss of energy, she raced to her wounded daughter’s side, and gathered the sobbing child in her arms. Rini’s breast was savagely torn. Long, deep gashes ran all across her bosom, made by the evil woman’s claws. Warm blood spilled from the wounds, and soaked her fuku. Serena pressed her hands over the gashes, desperate to stop the bleeding and save her life. She ignored the blood that stained her hands, and pressed harder until Rini let out a cry of pain from the pressure.

Fear born of love for her daughter gave Serena extra strength She didn’t hesitate to grab the sailor uniform’s bow, and tear away the fuku’s torso. She ripped the miniskirt off the rest of the leotard-like outfit, and tied it around Rini’s wounds. But she knew it wouldn’t be enough. Rini needed medical attention, and fast. Never mind that she was wearing a senshi tiara, and the bloody remains of a fuku. Serena cradled Rini, and stood up with her. But Rini was bigger than the last time Serena had seen her, and even her love could not give her enough strength to carry her daughter to the hospital. Serena staggered and fell. Rini cried out in pain.

“Mama, it hurts! It really hurts!”

“Shhhh. I’m here, honey,” Serena said, rocking her gently, beautiful crystalline tears pouring down her cheeks.

“Mama, don’t cry,” Rini said.

“How can I not?” Serena demanded. “You’re hurt bad, and I can’t do anything to save you.” Rini smiled. Serena noticed a drop of blood on her lip.

“Mama, I’m not even really born yet! How can I die? This isn’t a real death.” Serena wiped her eyes.

“Really?”

“Yeah! Maybe I won’t be able to come back anymore, but I’ll be born before we know it.” Encouraged, Serena smiled at the girl. Hope restored, Serena just rocked her future daughter as the pink-haired girl slowly quit breathing, and died in her arms.

“Until we meet again, honey,” Serena whispered.

“Small Lady…” a voice said from beside her. Serena looked up. Next to her was Setsuna Meioh, dressed in civilian clothing. Serena gasped as Rini’s body faded in a cloud of golden. She glared at the woman beside her.

“Darn it, Setsuna! Did you have to take her back so soon? I know she just died, and has to go back to the future, but I would have liked to hold her just a little longer.” Setsuna sadly shook her head.

“I didn’t take her, Serena. She’s gone to whatever afterlife awaits her.” Serena was jolted by her words.

“But her death is only temporary! She told me!”

“I’m so sorry. You will give birth to her when the time comes, but your daughter will not live beyond the eclipse.”

“Raye! Raye! What’s going on?” Raye lay writhing and moaning on the floor, gripped by an uncontrollable seizure. All at once, she stopped twitching. Her muscles relaxed and her eyes returned to normal. Amy declared suddenly that Serenity had fully returned to life. Raye blinked and sat up.

“Princess Serena is dead.”

“What do you mean?” Serena demanded. “Mistress 9 put the curse on me!” Setsuna raised an eyebrow.

“Did you hear the incanation she recited to place the curse,” Serena halted. She hadn’t. She hung her golden head.

“What did she say?” Setsuna sighed, and began to recite.

Serena gasped at the words.

“You don’t mean…”

“I’m afraid so. In an attempt to avenge the death of Queen Serenity, Rini made the trade. She gave her life to save you.” Serena stood in complete shock. Setsuna looked towards the body of Hotaru. Quietly, she walked over and scooped the dead girl into her arms. Hotaru’s dark head fell back over Setsuna’s elbow, and her hands dropped towards the pavement. The body which had once been a sickly little girl was even paler than she had been during her life.

“What are you doing?”

“We can’t just leave her here. Her father must know that she is dead.”

“You won’t tell him anything, will you?” Serena asked anxiously.

“I will tell him what her needs to know,” she said, and walked off without another word. Serena was left all alone in the deserted lot. She felt small and helpless as she never had…as she should never feel.

“Serena!” Serena turned. Tuxedo Mask and the Sailor Scouts were running towards her.

“Are you alright?” Tuxedo Mask asked worriedly. “I felt you call me.”

“We picked up your signal,” Mars said. “What’s up?”

“Serena! You’re covered in blood! Were you hurt?” Jupiter exclaimed. Serena shook her head. Immediately, dizziness hit, and she fell heavily against Tuxedo Mask, who lowered her gently to the ground, and rocked her as she had just rocked Rini.

“Appears she had her power drained. She needs the Silver Crystal.” Mercury declared. Serena shut her eyes tightly.

“It’s over here!” Venus called. Someone pressed the brooch into Serena’s hand. Immediately, she felt the crystal’s power flow into her and revive her. But in spite of the warmth from Darien’s body, and the crystal, Serena was so cold.

Queen Serenity strolled through the Crystal Tokyo gardens, which were dying, preparing for the winter cold. The wind trailed its icy fingers over Serenity’s beautiful face, and kissed the tears, which streaked her cheeks, turning them to ice. Serenity trembled with the chill, but didn’t turn to the castle. She strode through the crumbling flowerbeds, the cruel wind forever pulling at the loose strands of sun-gold hair, which graced her head. Serenity stopped at the patch of dying roses. Her daughter’s eyes were born of these roses. Serenity sank to her knees in front of the cold gray headstone. The name on the grave screamed her anguish at her. Serenity Usagi Chiba. Her daughter. The one who had died to save her. Why hadn’t she just stayed here. Serenity’s fingers fluttered to the epitaph that had been etched in the stone. The hateful words that had separated Serenity from her child, yet, were a symbol of their everlasting love:

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Well, that’s my fic. Sorry if it’s depressing. Send all your thoughts to ehart000@ameritech.net. I’ll accept anything from praise to flames, though if you send the latter, you may be subject to retaliation. Thanks!