Shades of Gray - Teaser/Notes

Story Summery: This one is sad.. Sakura remembers something that Syaoran did to her a year before, then gets Kero to use three cards on her.

Author Notes:

• Chapter One
• FYI: I'm in a depressed mood right now, can't ya tell? This is a semi-songfic, one that is counted in pt. 2, Our Song. This fic was long for me (a good 5 & 1/2 pages written, by hand, on college ruled paper, in cursive), but it was worth it. I nearly cried when I was writing this. Yea yea, I'm the sensitive one of my group of peeps.
  
  I am currently halfway through the second part, and it should be up sometime tonight. The next chapter shows my love of Sailor Moon mixed in with S S, even though it doesn't seem like it until the end, but I'm talking too much.
  
  Please review. I know that you liked my other story more than any of my other, and I thank all of the reviewers (at this time, there are 20.. Thanks!!)
  
  Also, this is a trilogy. The third part has a plot already formed in my head, as does the second. Until I get those finished, you probably won't hear from me.
  
  I am still working on the ones that I have been for the longest, along with my personal website, Glass Angel. Be prepared for a link there soon! All I need is a host.
  
  So, until I finish typing the rest of this series, please check out some other people's fanfiction. Thanks!
  
  
• Chapter Two
• I tried to keep this one short, really I did. It's also rushed, isn't it?
  
  So, another night, another story that's been told. Wonder what's up for next time?
  
  Sakura remembers and we find out what happened in Hong Kong.
  
  
• Chapter Three
  
  • Well, that's it. First off, I'm surprised that I was able to write this in one week and get each chapter up within a day of the previous chapter.Second, I hope that you know why I chose 'Shades of Gray' for the title. If not this is why:
    
    It fit my mood when I started the fic.
    
    Third, I hope you don't mind the change of names for this part. Halfway through, I noticed that the plot had changed a little from what I had hoped that it would be, (although it is pretty darn close,) I still found that it met my approval, but don't be surprised if one day I pop up and say that I rewrote it.
    
    Fourth, I hope that all standard deci's apply. I don't care if you use Eian, since he lives in my head.
    
    Fifth, I'm high on pixi styx, so that's why I seem so off right now.

Shades of Gray - Chapter Three (Everything You Do)

dream scape
Darkness. Deep breaths. Loneliness. Running footsteps.

'Chestnut hair, brown eyes, and maybe an inch taller than you. At least he was the last time I saw him.'

'So that would make him about as tall as you, right?'

The footsteps grow faster.

'I've got to break it off.'

Quiet sobs fill the air.

'Sakura, if you could choose this life from another filled with magic, which would you choose?'

She dropped to her hands and knees. "If it means living with this pain, I'd rather not." She kept staring at the ground, her tears coming faster, falling all the way to the ground.

'it could change in an instant..'

"Why?"

'You are the card mistress..'

A light from above her head caught her attention as she looked up.

'I have to go back to Hong Kong, Sakura.'

She stood up and watched the light fade into the moon behind the tower.

'It wouldn't be fair..'

A boy appeared in front of he, reaching a hand out to her.

'I love you..'
Sakura's room

Sakura bolted up from her bed in a cold sweat. She glanced at the clock and got up to get dressed.

'What was that dream?' "I'm going out!" She ran out the door before her dad could ask questions, heading for Tomoyo's.

Eriol had been walking down the street, heading for the park, when he saw Sakura turn around the corner. "Hey Sakura! Wait up!" He yelled, starting to run.

Sakura stopped. "Why is everyone doing that?" She turned around just as Eriol turned the corner. "How may I help you?" She flashed him a smile.

"Just wanted to know if you wanted to go to the park. Wanna?" He gave her a smile in return.

"Sure!" She brightened. "I need to talk to you about my dream I had last night, along with these weird flashes."

They started to walk slowly, Sakura spilling out everything. They walked to the Penguin slide and sat in the swings.

"All of these seem so real, like they are true memories. They couldn't be, could they?" She asked, looking over at him.

Eriol pulled out a cell phone, a blue one, that Tomoyo had given him the night before. "I need to call Tomoyo." He pressed the button to speed-dial their friend. Syaoran was out grocery shopping when his cell phone went off. Dropping everything he had in his hand, he got it out of his pocket and glared at it before answering it.

"Syaoran! She remembers!" Shouted a voice from the other side.

"She does?" He asked.

"Yes! Now get over to the slide in the next few moments, or she's going to kick your butt!"

Syaoran flinched. "Tomoyo, what's going to stop her from doing otherwise?"

"Not Kero!"

"I'll be there in two seconds, all right?" "First off, Tomoyo, how did you keep this from me for three years?" Sakura asked, pointing to her friend.

"Eriol," Tomoyo replied, glancing behind her. Spotting Syaoran, she said, "Good, you're here."

"Well, I was on the other side of the park," he replied, sitting down in an empty swing.

"You aren't going anywhere for a while," Eriol said, appearing behind him and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Next, I want to know where Kero is," Sakura continued.

"He stayed at home. I wouldn't let him come to the grocery store. There's too much sugar there," Syaoran replied as everyone busted out into laughter.

"Third, what happened in Hong Kong when you," Sakura pointed to Eriol, "gave him the box?"

"He nearly killed me, that's what," Eriol said. "I swear, I didn't see what was wrong, I mean, I hand-delivered the letter, what else could he have wanted?"

"How about a warning so I could stop you from doing something like that?" Syaoran pouted. "Meling didn't like having Kero over, while I didn't mind."

"Sure you did. You could barely stop calling him the and I quote, 'Stuffed Animal.' Besides, if we gave you a warning, then you'd have done something drastic that you would have regretted."

"Wait, I don't know what you are talking about, and I don't think I want to," Tomoyo said.

"Stuffed animal?" Sakura asked. "I thought that would have went away after the year that you had already been gone. Do you still call him that?"

"Sometimes, when I call him a pig for eating so many cakes and cookies," Syaoran replied.

"Is that enough info for you, Sakura?" Eriol asked, stepping back into the shade of the trees.

"I guess so," she replied.

"I have a question," Tomoyo said. "How was Syaoran able to use the cards? I thought that only Sakura would be able to use them."

"Well, that was big on my part. I guess that while we were still going out, the trust that I had for him allowed the cards to trust too," Sakura replied.

"I'm surprised that the key would even transform. After that breakup, even I couldn't trust myself for a while," Syaoran continued.

"The cards pick up on the feelings of whoever controls them," Eriol said, looking towards the sky. "I should know." Three hours later, and a very tear-filled reunion later, the group decided that they were hungry, so they left for a local restaurant for lunch. Halfway through, Tomoyo, Eriol, and Kero decided that they had other things to do when Touya showed up as their new weightier.

"Can I get you anything.. Hey, what is that Chinese gaki doing here?" He stated, showing obvious signs that he was worried.

"Touya, he's just helping me on some homework. Trust me," she replied, looking him in the eye.

Touya seemed to catch a hint, then promptly decided to leave, leaving the two alone. The sunset was beautiful above the wind-swept lake. Sakura was busy twirling around in small circles, Syaoran looking on from beneath a tree. She stopped, staring at the beautiful painting in front of her, almost losing her balance due to the constant spinning.

In a flash, Syaoran was beside her, holding out a hand if she needed it. She closed her eyes and said, "It feels so good to act eleven again!"

Syaoran laughed, sitting down on the grass. "What is we going to do tomorrow in school?" he asked, looking up at her face.

She opened her eyes and looked down at him. "I think another field trip," she replied, sitting down also.

Silence. She laid her head down on his shoulder and let out a small, content sigh. "What's the deal with us?" Syaoran asked, almost nervously.

"Depends. Do you still love me?" She replied.

"What do you think?"

"I think you do!" She turned her head to look into his eyes. "And so do I."

"I hope you love yourself." Syaoran suppressed a laugh.

"You know what I mean." She closed her eyes. "What's in store for the future?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

A figure appeared beside the tree that Syaoran had been under before, his back to the trunk, looking over them.

"Really now? Are you sure that you'll be here for that?" Sakura asked, starting to shake.

"I'm here for good this time," Syaoran replied, laving his fingers with hers. "Besides, after my exit a week ago, I'm surprised that they haven't called me yet."

The figure was joined by a second, one that was shorter. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"

"Yes," the figure replied.

"How?"

"Naoko, when you have your eyes open, you can catch anything."

Naoko sighed. "Eian, you didn't have to break up with her last night though. Even if she didn't remember.."

"I know, I know. It couldn't be helped." Eian turned to leave. "Besides, my dreams are never wrong."

"Well, how much did you know?" Naoko tilted her head, slightly confused at his reply.

"Oh, that it had been the fourth year anniversary of the break up," he started to leave. "And the rest you don't need to know."

Naoko watched the two for a moment, before turning to follow Eian. "What don't I need to know?"

Fin

Shades of Gray - Chapter Two (Our Song)

"Hey you two love birds! Don't you know what today is?" Sakura shouted, running towards the couple.

Both stopped. Tomoyo turned around and replied, "Yes! We have to get our stuff."

"Before you ask," Eriol said, turning around also, "it's in my locker."

"Oh, OK!" Sakura stopped running as a teacher turned the corner. "What are we going to do tonight?"

"You know, the thing we always do," Eriol replied.

"Other than that. I mean, what other things?"

"Movies!" Tomoyo squealed as they started down the hall again. Twenty minutes and five pointless conversations later, they reached Sakura's house. Touya was there, leaving for work.

"Hey guys! I made you some snacks. They're on the counter. Sakura, dad will be home by seven," Touya said, starting his motorcycle. "I'll be home around nine thirty!"

"Ja!" the trip exclaimed as he drove out of sight.

"Shall we?" Sakura asked, her mind on sweets.

"Yes!" Tomoyo exclaimed, throwing a victory sign.

"Sakura, Tomoyo," Eriol said softly, his eyes trying to hide laughter.

"Oh yea," they both said. "Are you sure here? Why not in the living room again? Last time was so cool!" Tomoyo asked.

"Eriol said where ever I felt more comfortable. Besides, I thought you liked my room!" Sakura replied. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, Tomoyo on the floor, and Eriol getting her desk chair. "Why do we do this, anyway?"

Eriol put the chair in front of her and sat down. "To check up on you."

"What about Tomoyo?"

"I check her Saturdays."

Sakura turned to Tomoyo. "Does he?"

"Yes," Tomoyo replied. "Besides, I thought you like this!" Tomoyo mocked Sakura, who stuck out her tongue.

"Girls, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can eat." The girls looked to the ground. "Sakura, remember..."

"Think of nothing but let the images flow." She looked up at him. "I'm not a blond."

"All right then. Ready?"

"Yes," She closed her eyes as he lifted his right hand and tapped her forehead with two fingers. He Tapped again, but let them stay there, and a blue light surrounded them.

Tomoyo gasped. They had never gotten this strong of a connection before. As quickly as it had started, it flashed away and Sakura came out of her reverie. Eriol dropped his hand and all three got up.

"Sakura, I need to talk to Eriol for a moment. We'll be down in a few, k?" Tomoyo said, getting a nod from her friend, who was already halfway out the door.

"What do you need to say?" Eriol asked, a speck of fear in his eyes.

"You made a full connection. Even I saw it," she replied. "What's wrong?"

"She's starting to remember."

"You mean, it didn't work?"

"I don't know what was her full plan. I'll have to call Syaoran as soon as possible."

Tomoyo sat down on the bed. "But I thought it would be awhile before it was time for that."

"Maybe her soul decided it was time. I believe there might be a question about a guy tonight, but I'm not sure. It was sort of in the back of her head." "What were you two doing?" Sakura asked, picking up a cookie as the two walked into the room.

"Nothing. What did you see this time?" Tomoyo asked.

"A tower. And you, and some weird stuffed animal thing, and some boy," Sakura replied. "Eriol, do you know what it could be?"

"I have a theory, but I need to make a phone call. It's long distance, but I have my card. Could I use yours?" Eriol replied.

"Sure. You know where it is." Eriol left. "Tomoyo, you know what it ment, right?"

Tomoyo got a pained look on her face and replied, "I'd rather not talk about it now. Maybe later?"

"Sure, I guess. Who is he calling?"

"A friend that he wants you to meet, although I don't think he'll come." "Syaoran, it's Eriol."

"What's up? I haven't talked to you in what, three years?" Syaoran asked.

"It's time. That's all I can say. How soon can you be here?"

"Whoa, wait. It's time for what?"

"You might loose her." Eriol heard the phone drop and then a door close. He smiled, then hung up and left the hallway.

later that night

The trio were in Sakura's room, laying on sleeping bags on the floor. They had decided to ditch the movies for a while, at least waiting until Touya and Sakura's dad had gone to bed.

Sakura sighed. She could think of nothing else to do but to sleep, except, "What does your friend look like, Eriol? Tomoyo told me he was the one you were calling."

"Chestnut hair, brown eyes, and maybe an inch taller than you. At least he was the last time I saw him."

"So that would make him about as tall as you, right?"

"Yes."

"Am I going to get to meet him?"

"I believe that it is quite possible."

"What's his name?"

"Can't tall you. It'll ruin the surprised."

"You are so mean!"

"Guys, no need to start a fight," Tomoyo said, knowing where that last comment would get Sakura.

"But I want to know!" Sakura replied, giving a pout.

"Well, I have a feeling that he'll be here by tomorrow," Eriol replied. "I told him that I had a really cute friend that was available.

"Now, why would you say something like that, eh?" Tomoyo asked, poking him in the ribs, which was replied by a simple and playful 'ow,' laughing at the small joke.

Sakura sighed as she laid her head down on her pillow, staring up at the ceiling. "Hey guys? What do you think about Eian?"

All laughter stopped. "Eian? Sakura, what are you talking about?" Tomoyo asked, worried that Eriol's prediction to Syaoran would be true. She hadn't ment to eavesdrop, but it had happened.

"You know," Sakura trailed off, a light blush on her cheeks. "He asked me out, and I said I'd have to answer that later. So, what do you think of him?"

"Does he consider himself worthy of our Sakura-chan?" Eriol mocked Tomoyo from the time before the incident. "I mean, do you think he is worthy?"

"Oh yes, really worthy. He's cute, and sweet, and all that kawaii stuff!" Sakura replied, the blush deepening. "Besides, I can't stay single forever."

"She has a point there. I have one regret," Tomoyo said. "My little Sakura is growing up!" Sakura grabbed her pillow from under her head and threw it towards Tomoyo, getting a small sigh from Eriol.

'Girls,' he thought, shaking his head. 'Dear Diary,
Eriol did the test thingie on me again, and I thought I'd write down what I saw. This time, I saw a guy, dressed in some weird clothes, as was I, and this little floating, stuffed-toy looking thing. There is these weird looking cards floating down all around us. I said to the boy, 'Syaoran I'm scared,' then I was pulled back since the test was over.
On another note and I'm sorry for switching so quickly, Eian finally asked me out! I just asked the guys about him a few minutes ago, and they didn't give me a clear answer. Those two are already asleep, cuddled next to one another. Gods, it makes me feel left out since I don't have a boyfriend yet. I'm calling Eian tomorrow.

Yours,
Sakura'

Sakura sighed as she closed her diary and hid it under the mattress of her bed. Hey, last time she forgot to do it, a very annoyed brother tried to kill her current crush. She laid back down in her sleeping bag, curled up, then went to sleep. Tomoyo opened her eyes to find that the sun was shining directly into the window, meaning that it was about nine in the morning. She tried to sit up, but was stopped when she felt Eriol hug her tighter. She giggled, and turned around so that she was facing him. She wondered how she had gotten into that position in the first place.

"Morning!" An all-to-chery voice said. Tomoyo looked up and into the eyes of her best friend.

"Hey, how'd you sleep?" She asked.

"Except for that dream, all right. How did you sleep?"

"Fine. What dream?"

"Oi, is it morning already?" Eriol said, imitating the crocodile hunter.

"It is, love." Tomoyo giggled again as she gave him a soft good-morning kiss.

"OK you two, no PDA in here, k? You don't want Touya to show up," Sakura said, half-laughing.

"Sorry," the two said in unison.

"So, what are you going to do about Eian?" Eriol asked.

"I called him and said I made a decision." Two pairs of eyes stared at her, trying to force the answer out. Sakura sighed. "I said yes."

'Oh no,' Tomoyo said. 'What if Syaoran arrives today?' "That's great Sakura! Now you can go on dates!"

"And do all the fun stuff us 'love birds' do!" Eriol put in.

"Hey, we've only started going out. Besides, you two act as if you are engaged." Sakura ducked as two pillows flew at her head. "Sorry, sorry. I need to go get some things at the store. You two can do what ever you want. I'll be back in an hour."

"All right," Tomoyo replied. "But only if you bring us some chocolate!"

Sakura walked out the door. "I will!"
thirty minutes later

Eriol and Tomoyo had decided to get some more sleep, that is, until the door bell kept them from doing so. Eriol growled and went to answer it, knowing that Sakura's brother and father would be out.

Opening the door, he was shocked to see Syaoran, holding the box with Kero flying near his shoulder. "I got here as fast as I could," he simply said. "Has she told you anything?"

Tomoyo walked down the stairs. "Gomen, Syaoran. Not much. I think you'd better talk to her when she gets home, though. I think that you may be suppressed."

"She's starting to remember," Eriol said, his eyes downcast.

"How? I thought it was to last for more than just three years!" Kero said, nearly falling out of the air.

"Kero-Chan! It's been forever!" Tomoyo yelled, reaching out to give the animal a hug.

"Syaoran, come on in. Sakura will be home in a few moments. She just went to the store not thirty minutes ago." Eriol looked up.

"I haven't lost her, have I?" Syaoran asked.

Tomoyo stole a glance at Eriol. "That depends on how you would like to put it," She said, still hugging Kero.

"Does she love another?" Syaoran asked.

"Does who love who?" Sakura asked, holding what seemed to be a really heavy bag of stuff for the guests. "Hi, I'm Sakura Kinomoto. This is my house, and I believe you've already met Tomoyo and Eriol."

"Want me to take those for you? They look heavy," Eriol asked.

"Nab, they're all right. Come on in, umm."

"Li. Syaoran Li." Sakura froze. Tomoyo noticed and ran to help her, Kero acting like a stuffed animal.

"Sakura, let's get you inside. You look as though you've seen a ghost," She said, barley getting a small movement from her friend.

"Tomoyo, he was in my dream last night! I'm sure of it!" Sakura exclaimed, stamping her foot. "I even said his name then! I don't want my dreams to come true!"

"What exactly have you been dreaming about, Sakura?" Tomoyo asked, a little worried. She glanced towards the hallway where Eriol was keeping Syrian while Tomoyo calmed Sakura down.

"That I had to give something that was really important to me up for my friends. I know it's selfish, but still. Tomoyo, I'm so confused!" Sakura sat down in a chair. "The worst thing is that they all seemed so real, like they were memories of some sort. But that man out there, I feel as if I've known him my whole life instead of just two minutes! What do I say? How do I act? I've never had to go through this!"

"First off, do you think it's important?"

Sakura thought a moment. "Yes,"

"Second off, do you still like Eian?"

"Yes,"

"Just checking. Look, I'm not an expert, but maybe." Eriol walks into the room.

"Sakura? Are you OK?" he asks, noticing that she's sitting down.

"Yea, just thinking about things. I hope I'm not being a bother to you, since I am your host for today." She stood up. "Now, time for some breakfast!"
a week later
(sorry for skipping a whole week, but it was needed in order to keep this chapter a one-part thingie, k)?
autmn ball
"Sakura, if you don't hurry up and get down here, we're all going to be late!" Tomoyo exclaimed, throwing a worried glance up the stair case. This was her week to host the sleep-over, and since it was the night of the ball, they decided to get ready there, then make their way to their school.

"You guys go ahead! I'll catch up!" Sakura replied, looking in a mirror.

"You sure?" She heard Eriol call out.

"Yes, Now you better not miss the first dance!" She heard a door open and close, then let out a sigh. 'Syaoran, why do I feel as if I've known you for my whole life instead of a week?' She thought, smoothing out her dress. 'And why did Tomoyo come up with the idea of me going as Princess Serenity from Sailor Moon? I'll never understand that girl.'

She prepared to leave, then remembered that they had also asked that they wear a mask so it could double as a masquerade, then headed off. Syaoran was busy getting his cape on. Finally satisfied on how it looked, he grabbed his top hat, mask, and cane, and took the short-cut through the park.

'I can't do this anymore. I knew she wouldn't remember me, but that look she gave me,' he thought, remembering her first appearance, 'that scared me. Kami-sama, if we are ment to be together, then just give me a sign!' Looking at his watch, he started to run, not wanting to be late. 'Ugh, why did I have to come this way?' Sakura thought, walking under the cherry trees. 'It reminds me of something..' Before she could finish her thought, she heard a cracking noise, then felt the wind pick her off the ground.

Screaming, she shut her eyes until she felt something solid under her and a pair of strong arms around her. She heard a crash, and, opening her eyes, saw an old tree that had fallen right where she was before, only now she was up on a wall. She gasped, and turned around in the arms to get a look at who it was.

"You OK?" The guy asked, his eyes full of worry.

"I am now.. uh.. Thanks!" She said, looking for a way down.

"We better get going. The ball has already started." She felt the arms fall to her waist as she was lifted into the air again, only to touch the ground faster than her getting up on the wall. "Where are they?" Eriol asked, standing at the door. They had danced the first three dances, and still there was no sign of Sakura or Syaoran.

"I don't know. Maybe they're running a little late?" Tomoyo replied. She looked out the door. "Here they are!" She exclaimed, throwing the door open as far as it could go for the pair.

"Where have you been?" Eriol asked in a joking tone. "Tomoyo and I have danced the first three songs, and you missed it!"

"You mean the two future bride and groom actually danced?" Sakura laughed. "And I didn't have my video camera."

"Sakura, we need to go fix that dress! What happened?" Tomoyo asked, grabbing hold of her friend's arm and pulling her towards the bathroom.

"In a minute!" Sakura said in vain as the door closed.

"So, Syaoran, why are you guys late?" Eriol asked.

"Trouble by an old tree. Need I say more?" He walked over to a chair. "I've got to get rid of this annoying cape and top-hat!"

Eriol laughed. "Fine then. You don't have to really tell me. Do you want to know what's been on Sakura's mind this past week or so?"

Syaoran stopped halfway of dumping his cape. "No," he replied. "I know what she's been thinking. 'How is Eian going to like my ball gown?'"

Eriol stopped laughing. "You still love her, don't you?"

"As much as you love Tomoyo."

"Who says I love her?"

"Well, if that little 'gift' I helped you pick out isn't an indication, then how you're acting around her is."

The girls showed back up then, Sakura's dress fixed and all. Syaoran finally got a full glance at her.

"Sakura, want to dance?" A tall, blond-haired man asked, holding a hand out to lead her out to the dance floor.

"Of course," she replied, accepting it. The two walked away, leaving the trio alone.

"I swear, if he hurts her.." Syaoran said, his face turning red.

"We know, Syaoran," Tomoyo said. "Besides, let her have one night of fun."

Syaoran left to get some punch. "It's going to be over with tonight," Eriol said, looking towards Sakura.

"How do you know?" Tomoyo asked.

"Eian told me." The slow song ended, and another one started, one with an upbeat tempo. "I need to talk to Tomoyo," Sakura said, looking Eian in the eyes.

"Can't. She's up on stage," he replied, pointing. Sakura followed his finger, then let out a scream.

"Go Tomoyo!"

Tomoyo took the microphone in her hand and said, "This song is for my friends! It's I Will Survive by Cake!"

The first part of the song started, and Tomoyo sang:

"At first I was afraid
I was petrified
I kept thinking I could never live without you
By my side
But then I spent so many nights
Just thinking how you've done me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to get along
And so you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you
Here without that look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid look
I would have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me
Well now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around
Now, you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one
Who tried to break me with desire?
Did you think I'd crumble?
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh not I,
I will survive
Yeah
As Long as I know how to love,
I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive,
I will survive
Yeah, yeah"

"Sakura, I need to tell you something," Eian said, getting her attention by putting his hand on her cheek.

"What is it?" Sakura asked, looking into his eyes.

"I've got to break it off," he replied, dropping his hand and looking down.

"Why?" Sakura asked, stepping back.

"My father got transferred to another country. Besides," he looked back up at her. "I can tell you love someone else."

"Sakura couldn't say anything. She just ran towards the door. 'I'm sorry Sakura. I love you,' Eian thought. Syaoran saw Sakura run past him as Tomoyo started the next verse. He dropped everything he was doing and ran after her.

"It took all the strength I had
Just not to fall apart
I'm trying hard to mend the pieces
Of my broken heart
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry,
But now I hold my head up high
And you see me
With somebody new
I'm not that stupid little person
Still in love with you
And so you thought you'd just drop by
And you expect me to be free
But now I'm saving all my lovin'
For someone whose lovin' me
Well now go,
Walk out the door
Just turn around
Now, you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one
Who tried to break me with desire?
Did you think I'd crumple?
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh not I,
I will survive
Yeah
As long as I know how to love,
I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive,
I will survive
Yeah, yeah
Oh no"

"Sakura! Wait! What's wrong?" he called after her, trying to catch up.

"It's nothing!" She shouted back, running a little faster.

"If it wasn't nothing, then why won't you stop running and tell me what's wrong?" Syaoran asked, noticing where they were headed. They had just passed the park's entrance. "Sakura, please! Talk to me!"

Sakura stopped and turned around. "Why do you want to know?" She whispered as he finally caught up to her.

"Because you're one of my friends," he replied, taking her hand and guiding her to the swing set. 'Funny she should end up here.'

Sakura sighed as she sat down. "It was Eian. He broke everything off with me," she said, looking down. "I thought I was being a good girlfriend. I never looked at guys in that way, never thought about cheating on him.. What did I do?"

"You didn't do anything wrong," Syaoran replied. Sakura's key that he had been wearing since she had sent it to him a year ago started to shine.

"If I didn't do anything wrong, then why did he break it off? I know his dad isn't being transferred because he can't!" She started to cry.

The pendant grew into the staff.

"Sakura, if you could choose this life from another filled with magic, which would you choose?" Syaoran asked, staring at the staff.

"Depends on who would be there. Why?" Sakura looked up and saw the staff.

"Because it could change in an instant," Syaoran replied, gripping the staff.

"Who are you?" Sakura asked.

"I am Syaoran Li of the Li clan of Hong Kong." He took out a card. "And you are the card mistress of the Sakura Cards."

"I can't be!" Sakura stood up and started backing away. "I can't control magic! I've tried!"

"You did control magic, and you did recently. Shield, release!" A shield formed around the pair as he took out another card.

"What are you doing?" Sakura asked as she tried to get out.

"Doing what a love told me to do a year ago today." He held out the card and the wand towards her. "Restore! release!"

Sakura screamed as she felt the magic around her. She ran towards the shield, this time making it through.

"Kami, what have I done?" Syaoran asked into the night, staring up at the sky.

"You did what needed to be done." Syaoran turned around and saw Eriol. "It was time."

"But she had a new life," he replied, the staff turning back into the key.

Eriol looked towards where Sakura had ran. "Now all we can do is wait and see if she was ready."

Fin

Shades of Gray - Chapter One (The Day You Went Away)

I hear it. Rain. It still has a soothing effect on me. No, this isn't my fault, I didn't use the cards. After today, they will be in safe hands.

I finger my pendant as I finish the letter to Tomoyo, my best friend. I know I won't remember the past two and a half years right. It's for everyone's good.

I choke back a sob. That's all I have been able to do for the past year. I sign my name with the signature wings. A lone tear falls. This is my last time being able to do that.

I pull out another sheet of paper, and address it how it should be. This letter isn't formal, but it is important.

I get to the "dear" part, but then stop. Flashbacks spring back into my mind, a memory I have tried to block from myself.

scene change
a year ago

"Sakura, I need to tell you something," Syaoran said, nervously looking at the ground.

"You can tell me anything," I reply, reaching out to touch his shoulder. We were in his apartment, just barley inside the door.

He looked up. I gasped at what I saw. Tears. "I have to go back to Hong Kong, Sakura."

Those words stabbed my heart. I felt a lump grow in my throat as I managed to squeak, "When?"

He looked down again, and I knew the answer. "How long have you known?"

"Since last night."

I took as much air in as I could. My one true love, my life, was leaving me. "What time?"

"One o'clock," he lied. I knew he was. He looked up again. God, I will never forget the way he looked then. "Sakura, it wouldn't be fair for me to ask you to wait for me. I may not be able to come back this time."

My whole world seemed to crumble as I fell to the ground, the lump in my throat growing bigger. He sat down beside me, and put his arm around me as I loose control. Sure, I know what he was saying, and I know he didn't mean to hurt me, but he did. I cried into his shoulder as he rocked me back in forth, trying to hold in his on sobs. Suddenly, I jumped up and ran. He didn't follow.

scene change, back to before

I guess that's what hurt me most, him not following. Since then, I cry myself to sleep every night, only to relive that same nightmare of that flashback.

Kero walks over to me, across the desk, and asks, "Sakura? Are you sure you want to do this?"

I reply, "Yes, I am sure. Kero, I can't live with this pain anymore." I pick up the pen I had dropped during the flashback. and wrote, "Dear Syaoran."

"It's.. well, I know how you feel. I don't want to loose you."

"I know, but I won't be completely gone." I finish the usual "Hi!" and, "How's life?" bit that I normally do, then skip down to another line,

'I don't know how you'll react to this. Please don't call me, because I won't remember you.'

'I still don't know what happened that day. I don't want to. Remember that even though it's been a full year since then, I can't let go. I still love you.'

I go on to tell him the plan and explanation on why I have to do what I will be doing in a few moments. I then close, asking him to take care of the cards and Kero. I fold the paper and put it in an envelope, then into a box. In the box was the book of the cards, and a small package, a new card. The Restore. I made that card some time ago. I turn to Kero, activate my key and called out three cards, the Sleep, the Erase, and te Create. They took their true forms, except the create, which took a human form. "Please, follow the instructions that Kero gives you," I said, standing and walking to open the door.

Outside is Eriol about to knock. I give him a weak smile and motion for him to come in. He wanted to be here. I nodded to Kero, then laid down on my bed.

"Sleep, use your power to make Sakura sleep," he said as I look into Eriol's eyes.

Eriol's POV

She's brave. I can't believe that she's going through with this, but it's her life.

I lock eyes with hers and I see fear in them. I reach out for her had, but she's already under the spell. I'm going to miss her.

Kero returned Sleep, and asked Erase to erase her memory from the past two and a half years. Sleep floated to me as Erase did it's job. It changed back without Kero's prompt. It too floated over to me as Kero asked the Create card to give her a new memory. It did, then changed back and fell to the ground. I picked it up and placed all three in the book.

The key floated from it's place on Sakura's necklace and dropped into the box itself. I replace the lid and picked it up, along with the letter for Tomoyo. Then I noticed another box, a small one. It was wrapped in brown paper and had 'Tomoyo' written on the top. I pick that one up too, then walk out the door, giving Kero a chance to say good-bye, Touya was standing outside, looking worried.

"She'll be OK. She'll remember you, just not Syaoran, Kero, the cards, or me." He nods in response and helps me carry the boxes downstairs. Moments later, Kero lands on my shoulder.

I bend down and open my backpack and put Syaoran's box in there. Kero floated inside too. I zipped it and stood, getting the other stuff from Touya, then walked out of the house and to Tomoyo's.

I don't know how long it took me to walk there. The rain had stopped some time ago, so I was grateful for that.

She opens the door when I'm halfway up the steps, and turns to me. She started to cry. I gathered her into a hug until she calmed down.

We stood there for almost five minutes until I was able to give her the letter and the box. I feel bad for her. She knew Sakura for a lifetime, as where I have for only around two years. I give her a hug and kiss bye, and left. I know I'm coming back.

The rest of the day was spent on an airplane to Hong Kong. This will not be good.

Fin

Total Eclipse of the Heart - Chapter One

Usagi sighed as she opened the cover to her favorite manga for the tenth time that night. She was sitting sideways on her recliner, her feet neatly folded at the ankles, falling off the padded armrest. Her hair kept wanting to fall into her eyes, so she had decided that she would take a break from the usual buns and settle for a pony-bun instead, situated high on her head.

She heard the front door open to the apartment she had been staying in since the fight with her parents. Truth be told, she didn't know how long she could keep up the charade that her friends had told her to go along with. It had already been a year.

"Welcome back, Mamoru. What took you so long?" she asked, flipping the page to her favorite part.

"Traffic," he replied simply. His reaction caused Usagi to look up at him.

"Traffic? We never have traffic. Anything bad happen?" Usagi made to close her book, but stopped short when Mamoru waved his hand.

"Nothing bad. There was some sort of construction going on down the road a piece." She watched him as he shook off his jacket and was amazed to see that it was glistening with raindrops.

"I didn't know it was raining!" she exclaimed, jumping while throwing her book down onto the chair. She heard Mamoru start to laugh.

"It's nothing big. Just a small spring shower." He disapeared behind his bedroom door.

Usagi, however, was getting anxious. Her friends were coming over for a small get together. She pushed aside the curtains and sighed in relief that the rain had stopped.

"What are you so uppity about?" Mamoru asked, startling her.

"I don't know. I'm just having one of those inky feelings." She sighed and let the curtains drop. She shook her head and walked back to her chair, tossing the manga to the coffee table.

Mamoru, she realized, had dissapeared into the kitchen.

( º)

Makoto had just reached the apartment building when she saw the drenched form of Ami hurrying along the sidewalk. She bit her lip from trying not to laugh.

"What happened to you?" she managed to ask with a straight face.

Ami stopped dead in her tracks and looked at Makoto with the 'don't ask' look, then continued on into the building.

As soon as she had disappeared, Makoto shook her head.

"Mako-CHAN!" someone called from behind. Makoto smiled, then took on a feigned scared look and whirled around.

"Wha.. Who's there?" She saw Minako and promptly burst out laughing. "You look as if the cat drug you through the swimming pool!"

Minako pouted, then stuck her tounge out. "Meanie!" She hen giggled and linked arms with her friend. "So, are you ready to climb that 20 flights?"

They mounted the steps.

( º)

She heard a knock on the door, and knowing that Mamoru was busy cooking dinner, raced from her seat to see who it was.

"I'm coming!" she yelled, throwing open the door and gasping with shock. "I'll be right back," she nearly yelled with one look to Ami, who was hugging herself, shivering.

"That's all right, Usagi! I'll be OK!" Ami yelled, frantically trying to keep her friend from worrying about her, but failing.

It was at that time that Mamoru decided to appear. "What's wrong, Ami?"

Ami shook her head, then softly giggled. "I had a run-in with someone trying to water their plants just before that brief shower."

They both laughed as Usagi appeared with huge towels and an extra change of clothes. "This’ll do until after yours get dry. Come on!" Usagi pulled her to the bathroom, then locked her in.

Mamoru chuckled and started to close the door until he noticed Makoto and Minako standing there.

"Hi!" they both half-yelled, striking different poses that reminded Mamoru of Charlie's Angels.

"Come on in, ladies. The fun is just beginning!" He ushered the two in, then warned Minako about what Usagi had done to Ami.

Minako looked confused, whereas Makoto just laughed. That's when Usagi appeared and started to "mother" her two late friends.

( º)

Swirls. Small bubbles. Steam slowly forming circles in the air. Drool. Hot chocolate.

Usagi smiled in bliss as she listened to everyone talking. The conversation ended, and Usagi sighed.

"I wonder why Rei couldn't come?" she mused out loud, tracing the rim of her mug.

Everyone sighed and looked into space at that comment.

"She said there was some family thing going on up North. She should be back shortly," Minako said, taking another sip of her drink.

"I hope its nothing bad." Usagi took another sip of her coca, and giggled. "Maybe she's gone to a wedding!" She took on a fake hurt expression while the others sweat-dropped. "She knows how much I love weddings. Why wouldn't she tell me about it?" She pulled on her pigtails that she had put up just after the girls arrived and pouted.

Everyone burst out laughing as Usagi got up and turned on the TV. "Time for Bad Movie Night to commence!"

As she was putting in the first movie, the phone rang. Seeing as it was beside her, she answered.

"Moshi moshi?"

( º)

"What movies are we watching tonight?" Makoto asked, setting her now-empty mug on the coffee table and sitting back.

"I don't know but, knowing Usagi, it'll probably be another Mystery Science Theater 3000 things," Minako replied, taking another sip.

Everyone tensed when they heard the phone ring and Usagi answering after only one ring.

"I think Minako might be right," Mamoru said, closing his eyes and allowing the tension to fade in his shoulders.

"Yes, this is she. May I ask who is calling?" Mamoru noticed her shoulders scrunch up.

Minako looked to Makoto with a worried glance. Usagi never talked formally unless something was wrong.

After a few moments, they saw Usagi start to hyperventilate and clutch the phone tightly.

"I'll be there as soon as I can." Usagi slammed the phone down and ran out of the door, not grabbing her coat.

The four that was left satin stunned silence before Ami sat down her half-full cup and ran after her friend, causing the rest to follow suit.

( º)

Usagi had been running for about fifteen minutes, never slowing her pace. She stopped just outside the hospital doors, pausing a moment to catch her breath.

'I am Sailor Moon.. I can do this..' she thought to herself, climbing the steps and entering to the emergency lobby.

She stood there, trying to get used to the mayhem, until a young doctor pulled her from the door to a sitting room that was empty.

"Tuskino-san, I'm glad you could make it on such short notice," the doctor began, getting a stunned look from Usagi.

"How did you know me?" she asked, fighting the tears back.

"Your father had a picture of you in his wallet. I rode with him here, and he showed me the photo, and told me where to call to reach you. I take it you don't live with your parents?" He opened his clipboard.

"No I don't, not any more," Usagi replied, sitting down on a chair that was near the door. "Can you tell me what is going on?"

The doctor shook his head and wrote something down, then looked her in the eye. "I'm afraid there's been an accident, Tsukino-san."

Usagi didn't hear anymore before she finally let loose of her emotions and broke down and cried. "Where are they?"

"There currently in ICU. You're mother has yet to wake up, and your father is currently being prepped for surgery."

( º)

The group of four had arrived and was standing a little to the left of the door. The three girls were bent over, hands on their knees trying to catch their breath. Mamoru, however, caught sight of Usagi and made his way to the room she was sitting in.

"Usa?" He knocked gently on the doorframe. "What's wrong?"

Usagi wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "It's my parents."

Mamoru walked over and placed his hands on her shoulders, bending down to sit on his knees. "Want to tell me about it?"

Usagi shook her head and drew her knees up to her chest, resting her heels on the edge of the chair. She looked out of the window and wasn't suprized to find that the rain had started back up again. "Dad has just gone into surgery. They think they may be able to stop the bleeding. ." A fresh wave of tears started to fall. "Mom. . They think she may have fallen into a coma. They don't expect her to wake up soon." She buried her head in her lap, the sobs too much for her.

Mamoru reached out and hugged her, not knowing what else he could do. "What happened?" He felt her shake under hid touch.

"They were in a head-on collision. The driver of the other car was drunk." She sniffled and leaned into the hug. "He didn't survive."

( º)

Mamoru walked out of the room, being as quiet as possible as not to disturb the sleeping bunny. He looked down the hallway, and saw the girls sitting in a row.

Ami was the first to notice his arrival, and stood to meet him. Mamoru held up a hand, and said, "It wouldn’t be wise to try to talk to her right now." He found himself a seat, and dropped into it. "She's really upset right at the moment."

"What's going on?" Makoto asked, twisting a piece of paper she had found.

"It's her parents." Everyone jumped at the sound of the newcomer.

"Rei? What are you doing here?" Minako asked, standing and hugging her friend.

Rei hugged Minako for a brief second, then pushed her away. "I had a vision in the flames. I saw what was going to happen, and I left ad fast as I could." She shook her head. "Our princess is in trouble, and there is no way we can help her."

Everyone jumped at that sentence, as well as Mamoru.

"What do you mean, Rei? Do you know who the princess is?" Mamoru asked, casting a hopeful glance at her.

"Yes, I do. I also know of the past." Rei looked into Mamoru's eyes. "I also know who you are, although Usagi doesn't."

The other girls watched as the two looked at each other, never blinking, never speaking. They saw Mamoru look down, and sigh.

"Usagi?" He asked, keeping his head down.

"Hai."

"Wait, wait. What is going on here?" Minako asked, throwing her hands up and waving them.

Rei told them what had happened to Usagi's parents, and what was going to happen afterwards. That stunned everyone into silence, even though the identity of the princess wasn't revealed.

"Mamoru, she has to find out on her own. Don't push her to find the answers too soon." Rei turned her backs on everyone. "That is the way Selene wanted it." She walked out the door, and into the room Usagi was sleeping in.

( º)

Usagi was having a strange dream, one in which her parents were yelling at each other. She stood wide-eyed as they continued their verbal fight, wanting to turn and run away, but finding her feet rooted to the spot. She looked around and took note that she was in the hall closet.

'Not again,' she thought, being able to finally move her legs and cowering in the corner. She heard the fight get louder, and she cupped her hands over her ears.

"Usagi?"

She sunk into the wall further, closing her eyes.

"It's just a dream.. It's just a dream.."

The fight got louder.

"Usagi!"

She opened her eyes and dropped her hands. "Nani?"

( º)

"Usagi, it's OK. It's only me," Rei said, gently shaking the small figure in front of her.

"Where am I?" Usagi asked, wiping some sleep out of her eyes.

"You're in a waiting room in the Hospital." Rei sat down next to her friend. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Usagi shook her head. "None that I can think of." She pushed her dream to the back of her mind. "When did you get here?"

"About half an hour ago. Some things are more important than being at a family reunion." She slightly smiled. "I wish it really was a wedding. Those are way better."

Usagi giggled. "So everyone told you about that?"

Rei nodded. "They told me everything that happened." She became serious. "Have you gotten any news from your parents?"

Usagi shook her head again and looked to the table. "They won't tell me anything, although I think they didn't want to wake me." She looked back to Rei. "How did you get here so fast?"

Rei looked at her friend sadly. "I had a feeling that I should be here, one about something big going down." 'Well, not a total lie.' "I got grandpa to bring me home. We've been on the road for about three hours."

Usagi winced, then laid her head down on the tabletop. "what was your feeling about?"

"It was about the princess. I couldn't get a clear picture, but the fire told me to get down here as fast as I could." She laid her hand on Usagi's back. "Don't worry about it. They'll be plenty of time for reading the fire again after your parents get better." She winced.

( º)

Usagi sighed as she opened the door to her childhood home. She shut her eyes as she walked, trying to keep the wave of flashbacks from coming on.

She had taken the doctor's advice and went home, although she didn't go to her real home, or what she truly thought of as her home. She walked in, carefully closing the door and walking up the stairs.

Each step she climbed she could hear the screams. She shut her eyes as she blocked them out, before finally reaching the top and opening the door to her old room.

She was shocked. Her mom hadn't been in here, and had obviously kept her father out. She sat on her bed, which was still un-kept from her hasty retreat. Tears sprang to her eyes as she remembered.

( º)flashback( º)

"You're drunk! I thought you had given that up after the accident with the kids!"

Usagi winced when she heard her mother's yell. 'Why now, after all these years?' she thought, pulling the covers over her head.

"I'm not drunk!"

Usagi tried to hide further down in the covers when she heard her father's slurred words and then a crash. She heard some thumping coming from the stairs, and nearly screamed when her door flew open.

"Usagi! Get up. You've got to get out of here!" Her mother grabbed her suitcase and started to pack it, throwing everything in without folding it.

Usagi flung the covers off her bed and helped her mother. "How much time do I have?" she asked, adding in her school uniforms.

"I don't know. I've knocked him out with the lamp." Her mother closed the suitcase. "Go. Don't try to come back. I'll try to join you soon."

They heard moaning downstairs, and Usagi quickly opened the window.

"I'll keep him out of here as long as I can." Her mother handed her the suitcase. "I've put my savings in here. Please find you a good place to stay, one far away from here." Her mother opened the door, locked it, and then walked out, closing it behind her.

'There's only one way I'll be able to get out,' Usagi thought, grabbing her broach off her bedside table. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!" She whispered the whole command, and was instantly Sailor Moon.

Not wasting another moment, she jumped out the window, hearing a scream from somewhere inside.

( º)end flashback( º)

'How could I have left my own mother to the hands of that monster?' she thought bitterly. Wiping her eyes, she reached under the bed and pulled out a box.

She smiled as she shook it. It was still there. "Great. Now I can fulfill my wishes." Her smile vanished. "But Mom.."

Suddenly, her television flicked on. She dropped the box on her bed, and sat on the floor, trying to hide.

"Sailor Moon? I have your pathetic Moon Princess. If you want her back, you must come to the Starlight Tower at midnight tonight, otherwise she will be killed. Come alone."

Usagi gasped at the figure on the screen. "Kunzite?!" The figure fizzled out, then was replaced with a void of black.

Usagi shakily stood up, then promptly fell onto the bed. "What am I going to do?"

'Go to her,' a voice said inside her head. 'Save the princess.'

Usagi looked around and saw the box. She saw no harm in taking that with her, so she picked it up, and walked to the door, then stopped. 'Once the princess is found, will there be no more Sailor Moon?' She sighed and sat the box down on her dresser, then walked to her closet and pulled out another suitcase, and filled it with the dresses she could from her stash. She smiled. It was the only part of her room her Father didn't know about, otherwise they would be sold for his late night drinking binges.

Finishing her packing, she pulled out her old back pack and stuffed what few books and photo albums she could into the larger part, then got all the jewelry that she had hidden in the bottom of her sock box and threw all of it into the small pouch.

Seeing that everything was done, she transformed without even calling out, and disappeared from the house.

( º)

Mamoru looked up with a far away expression in his eyes. "She transformed," was all he said before he stood up and transformed himself.

"Remember, Tuxedo Kamen, that she must do this on her own. She will call us when she's ready," Rei said, pulling out her pen. "Everyone, transform. We won't know when she will call unless we do."

In a flash of four different colors, everyone stood in their uniforms.

( º)

"All right, Kunzite! I know you're here!" Sailor Moon yelled while running through hallways. "Show yourself!"

"I thought you wouldn't show, Sailor Moon." Kunzite appeared behind her. "Where are your Sailor Soldiers?"

"They aren't here. Can't you tell?" She stopped and turned around, casting a glare at the man in front of her. "Where is the princess?"

"Patient, Miss Moon. All will be revealed. But first, you must defeat. ." He disappeared, allowing Sailor Moon to see behind him.

"Mom! Dad!" She ran towards them, but they shot an attack of pure black energy to stop her.

Kunzite reappeared, floating in mid air. He had a smirk on his face. 'Come on, Usagi. I know you can do this.' "Give it up, Sailor Moon. Hand over your locket, and all this will be over."

Sailor Moon looked up at the man. "Never." She started her tiara attack, but a shield formed around her, canceling out the magic. "What the.."

She stared wide-eyed as her parents started to advance. She unconcusly started to back away, only getting zapped by the shield.

"Mom? Why are you doing this?" she cried, dropping the useless tiara to the floor.

"She's not your mother anymore, but a servant of the Dark Kingdom!" Kunzite exclaimed, dropping to the ground. "Just admit it, Sailor Moon. You can never win." He shot out a wave of dark energy, and it hit its mark.

Sailor Moon covered her ears and screamed.

( º)flashback( º)

Mamoru, please! I need help!" Usagi was banging on his door, still transformed in her Sailor Moon form. It was near midnight, and she was upset that she had, what she thought, lost her only living family in the world.

Mamoru was shocked to say the least when he opened his door to find the super hero clutching the small suitcase and looking down to the ground.

"What's wrong?" he asked, holding out his hand to take her burden from her hands.

Usagi looked up and let her transformation drop. "Gomen nasi. I had no where else to go." She fainted into his arms.

( º)end flashback( º)

Usagi was still screaming while the black energy washed over her. Her eyes were locked on her mother's, still thinking that she really wasn't one of the Dark Kingdom.

The energy stopped suddenly, and she fell to her knees, shaking.

"I did what you asked, why are you attacking me?" she asked, placing her hand on the ground to keep her balance.

Kunzite shook his head. "You should have never came to this place alone, Sailor Moon." He looked at the girl in front of him. "You aren't ready to protect the princess!" He shot another beam towards the weakened girl.

( º)

Tuxedo Kamen looked up to the moon, which had started to grow brighter.

"Sailor Mars, what's going on?" Mercury asked from somewhere behind him. He heard a slight tapping.

Sailor Mars sighed. "She's calling us. Everyone, stand in a circle, now!" They all did as they were told, and they disappeared in a beam of white light.

( º)

Total Eclipse of the Heart - Chapter Two

Usagi was still screaming while the black energy washed over her. Her eyes were locked on her mother's, still thinking that she really wasn't one of the Dark Kingdom.

The energy stopped suddenly, and she fell to her knees, shaking.

"I did what you asked, why are you attacking me?" she asked, placing her hand on the ground to keep her balance.

Kunzite shook his head. "You should have never came to this place alone, Sailor Moon." He looked at the girl in front of him. "You aren't ready to protect the princess!" He shot another beam towards the weakened girl.

( º)

Tuxedo Kamen looked up to the moon, which had started to grow brighter.

"Sailor Mars, what's going on?" Mercury asked from somewhere behind him. He heard a slight tapping.

Sailor Mars sighed. "She's calling us. Everyone, stand in a circle, now!" They all did as they were told, and they disappeared in a beam of white light.

( º)

pov: Usagi

I don’t know.. One minute, I’m screaming my head off, the next I’m just sort of floating there, the shield thingie gone. My mom, dad, and Kunzite seemed to have disappeared, trapped in the darkness of this.. dare I say, void?.. that threatens to take me.

I wrap my arms around my chest, struggling to breathe. All around me, this nothingness pulses with a strange sort of life. I feel so alone here. It’s eerie in it’s own way. It feels like when you’ve run out of options and have to do the one thing you’ve never wanted to do.

Why do I feel this?

I mean, honestly, I’ve never had to pass up the chance to save the world, have I?

I’ve never had to leave everything behind. .

I’ve never had to say..

Goodbye...

( º)

When the light cleared, the sailor soldiers were shocked to see Sailor Moon staring towards the top floor of the tower, her eyes unseeing. She had a soft glow around her, something familiar.

The group, excluding Mars, started to rush to their immobile leader. A voice held them back.

"I wouldn’t if I were you."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and whirled around. Mars and Tuxedo Kamen both dropped to their knees while the other three stood, awestruck.

"Stand, my friends. You know how much I hate formalities. However, I am impressed that you should remember me, after all that has happened," the figure said as the two on the floor slowly rose.

"My Queen, I am afraid that we have come to have a.. problem with things that have happened," Mars said. "How do we awaken the Princess before she transgresses her limit?"

The queen smiled. Mercury opened up her computer, taking a scan of the once-queen. She gasped. "You are a hologram!"

Serenity sadly nodded. "When the Moon Kingdom fell, I was able to put a likeness of my persona into the palace’s computers. The time has come that I may help reawaken my daughter to her rightful name." She turned from Mercury and looked at her daughter.

"Usagi is the princess?" Venus asked, eyes wide.

The queen’s shoulders tensed from laughing. "That she is, but only because her sister couldn’t handle the powers of the crystal."

( º)

pov: Usagi

This darkness.. It’s growing. How am I to stand against this?

I feel there is much to do. I can feel the horrors that mankind has brought upon this marble. I can feel their negativity. Kami-sama, what am I to do?

I see now. There is a light. . one that must be free.

Blessed bittersweet agony. .

Take me. .

Home. .

( º)

The queen smiled and started to fade away. "I must be leaving, my soldiers. Take care of the princess."

"How do we unlock the powers she has to control to defeat the Dark Kingdom?" Jupiter asked, reaching out to the ghost-like queen.

The queen pointed. "Even as we speak, the seal has been broken." She turned her head to look at the four. "You have my blessings. Farewell." In a burst of silver and blue sparkles, the queen was gone.

The group turned to see a bright flash of light. Tuxedo Kamen rushed to the source while the others covered their eyes.

"Usagi!" someone screamed from behind as time seemed to slow down.

Sailor Moon held her arms out from her chest, cupping the air between her hands. The light from the flash started to collect in the middle of the air, just above Sailor Moon’s heart.

Tuxedo Kamen felt his transformation drop as he watched Sailor Moon change back into Usagi. Still he rushed on, hoping to help.

The others watched in horror as another bright flash erupted from Usagi’s brow and from the sky.

( º)

pov: Usagi

Why do I feel so.. trapped? Has everything in my life been a lie?

I can see the blurred image of my mother ahead of me. I reach out to touch her, but she smiles and backs away, shaking her head.

"Usagi, you are my daughter. But now, you have a greater problem." She turns away from me, and I see the air around her start to shimmer. A picture forms.

"Just before you were born to us, I had a strange dream one night of a lady from a far away land. She told me the horrors that would soon befall the Earth, and asked for my help."

"Mama, don’t.." If she heard, she didn’t show it.

"I told her I would do anything in my power I could, and she told me I had to watch. I was shocked, when she started to chuckle.

"’The night is always darkest before the dawn,’ she said, ‘however, sometimes the sun and moon need a little help.’

"A glowing light appeared before me then, and she continued.

"’This is what I mean by you have to watch. You have a choice, Tsukino Ikuku. You can either help or walk away. Either way you choose, it wouldn’t change my opinion of you.’

"I asked how I could help, and she told me to touch the glowing sphere in front of me. I did. She gave me the best gift I could ever receive."

"What gift was that, mama?" I asked, tears glistening in my eyes.

"She gave me you." Mama turned around and with tears in her own eyes, continues. "Now it is time for us to help you." The shimmering became brighter as I saw papa appear behind her, wrapping his arms around her stomach. "We give you the gift of light."

I screamed as I saw the blast that I knew would kill my parents somehow become localized as it turned into a brilliant sphere. I reached out to touch it and was instantly filled with light.

I’m going home..

( º)

The light slowly faded away as the Soldiers lowered their arms from their eyes.

"Princess!" Mercury screamed, starting to run toward her friend before being stopped by Mars.

"No! If we go now, we’ll be more harm than good."

The four stood, watching the couple before them.

( º)