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After some time, they were laying next to each other in a loving embrace. Setsuna had a happy expression in her face. An expression that had abandoned her features when the Sylver Millenium fell. She had seen everyone, and most importantly, the one she loved, die. "Ranma?" She asked.
He tightened the embrace. "Yes. You know why we are here." Before she could brake the embrace, he continued. "I don't want to fight you, my love. But your queen did something horrible to us. We just want to avoid that from happening ever again."
Setsuna relaxed in his arms. "I know. But this Serenity is different. She is so full of love, unlike her mother." She played with her finger on his chest. "You would like her."
Ranma took her hand in his. "She's still inexperienced and immature. I don't doubt her good intentions, but I think she is not ready yet."
Setsuna nodded. "None of them are. But queen Nova could help Sailor Moon. I know you guys will never submit to her, but Serenity won't force anyone into anything."
Ranma smiled at her, a smile that made all the girls lose their wits. Setsuna for the first time in a loooooooong time felt a blush on her cheeks. "You knew what was going to happen, didnt you?"
Setsuna smiled. "I also knew Hira was the one who called me. She was the first one to approve of our love."
Ranma finished for her. "And the only one shameless enough to set this little meeting for us. My mother is gonna have a heart attack when she finds out."
"I wouldn't say that." A third voice said from nowhere. Ranma and Setsuna blushed furiously and started putting their clothes on as fast as they could. They both heard Nova's laughter as she said. "Don't worry young ones. We can't see you, but we heard your conversation. Tell me when you are presentable."
Ranma and the senshi of time were completely dressed by now. "It's OK, mom. We are ready." A portal opened in front of them, and Setsuna recognized the magic as Nova's own. She gulped as Ranma took her hand in his. "Don't worry, love." And with that they entered the portal.
Usually, Setsuna would simply remain emotionless and confront what lay ahead. This time was different, though. Setsuna had been witness to the power Queen Nova had.
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"What the hell were you thinking?" Ryoga asked dangerously. He was seriously ticked off with Hinako.
The former teacher dismissed it easily. "Brother, you know as well as I do. Ranma loves her and she loves him." She smiled wickedly. "Besides, what better way to have her on our side?"
Ryoga blushed with the implication, and forgot all about his anger. Nodoka saw this and smiled. It was then that Ranma called, they were ready. As the portal opened, they could see Ranma walking in with Setsuna, hands locked together. "It's good to see you again, Guardian of the Gates of Time."
Sailor Pluto bowed politely and answered the formal greeting. "It's good to see you are well, Queen Nova." She was a little nervous. The woman in front of her could quite possibly destroy her newly re-found happiness by taking Ranma away. The only man to ever see her as a woman to love. This would destroy her completely.
Nova understood her visitor's uneasiness, and smiled. A smile that gave comfort. "You have nothing to fear, dear. Ranma is free to make his own decisions, and from what I know you did, I can tell you he is very much in love with you." Setsuna and Ranma blushed hard, which brought giggles from Hinako and a blown out laughter from Ryoga. Nodoka waited for them to finish, and continued. "As I said, I heard most of your conversation. Are you certain that this Serenity is different from her mother?" She asked seriously.
Setsuna understood the question. Nova was an understanding ruler, one that would not blame the errors of someone on another person. She was depending on her words to determine a course of action. Finally, she nodded. "Yes. If Crystal Tokyo ever comes to exist, Neo-queen Serenity will not force anyone under her rule, but people will elect her as their ruler. She is very different."
Nodoka thought about this for a while, and nodded. "I see." A tender smile came to her lips. Setsuna found it odd to see it there, but the faces of the other three people in the room didn't show any surprise at all. The senshi of Time assumed that it wasn't a rare occurrence. Of course, she also knew that they were the best at hiding their emotions in front of everyone. She hoped her assumption was right. Just as she reached this conclusion, Queen Nova started speaking again. "I'm happy because we might avoid a fight we didn't want in the first place."
"Talk for yourself." Said Ryoga, who always wanted a good fight.
Nodoka turned to him and smile. "I know, my son, that you so enjoy fighting. But don't you prefer to fight them for fun, instead of fighting them with the intent to kill?" Ryoga was taken aback by this, and remained silent. She turned her attention to Setsuna. "I trust your judgement, Sailor Pluto. Could you make arrangements for a meeting between myself and the princess?"
Setsuna was glad this had happened. She hadn't seen any of this in their future, the future of Crystal Tokyo, but she would never try and change things now that Ranma was back in her life. Now that she had a life. She felt a slight squeeze in her hand, and turned to see Ranma smiling at her fondly. She turned to Nova. "It will be my pleasure, your highness. When do you want it to take place?"
Nodoka smiled and waved it off. "You don't have to call me that, Setsuna. Queen Nova lived a long time ago, now only Nodoka remains." She turned to her children, and noticed they were excited with the idea of finally living their real lives, not a lie. "As to when, whenever young Serenity can speak will be alright. Ranma will be my messenger."
Setsuna nodded and took this as her leave. Ranma asked of his mother. "May I take a time off, mother? I'd like to catch up with Setsuna." A faint blush colored his cheeks.
Nodoka noticed this and nodded. "Take as long as you wish, my son. Just remember to at least give us a call if you are not coming to spend the night." Both Ryoga and Hinako smiled teasingly at this, to which the couple once again blushed. Nodoka opened a portal and they stepped through it.
Hinako couldn't take it any more and started laughing very hard, which was soon joined by Ryoga and Nodoka. Nodoka, in between laughs, was happy for her adopted son. Though she felt as if he was of her own flesh and blood. Ranma had remained faithful to the Guardian of Time for so long. Years passed by, but never did they diminish his love for the green haired senshi. *Such a surprise it was! The heartless senshi falling in love with Ranma.* It shouldn't surprise her, though. Ranma always had a way to make the impossible quite possible.
Ryoga sobered enough to be able to speak again. "The look on their faces alone."
Hinako wiped away a tear from her eye. "You're one to talk. Your face was beet red at just imagining what they had done." She taunted, knowing he would get back at her somehow. She didn't mind, though. It was a game brother and sister liked to keep up. She giggled when she saw Ryoga blush once again.
Nodoka shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. They could be quite serious when the situation required it. But when they were in family and relaxed, she really didn't think things were such an act of weirdness back in Nerima.
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Makoto and Minako were currently involved in one of their favorite hobbies. Boy hunting. They were walking on the park, looking around to see what was available. They had been hyperactive these days since no more attacks had been registered. Kicking Youma butt was a very successful way to release stress. As it was, they were disappointed at the lack of boys to look at, but managed to see ,on the other side of the park, a certain green haired person they knew. "Hey, is that Setsuna?" Asked Minako, who couldn't believe her own eyes.
Makoto was in a similar state of shock. "It can't be. She's walking with a boy." She stuttered. They could clearly see Setsuna walking, her hand joined to the one of the boy next to her. Boy wouldn't be the right word, but he seemed to be younger than their friend. The couple was resting weight on each other, like two teenaged lovebirds. Makoto finally slapped herself out of her awe and groaned. "Aw man! Even miss Cold Heart has a boyfriend."
Minako decided to follow the couple and tease Setsuna about it later. Makoto followed just because she had nothing else to do. As they followed, they were shocked to actually see Setsuna smile and kiss the guy. He was tall and had long black hair tied in a pigtail. His black clothes made a perfect match with Setsuna's dark ones. Minako and Makoto got bored when Ranma and Setsuna sat on a bench and simply remained there, enjoying each other's company. The fact that the couple spoke in barely a whisper and they couldn't here a word they said also added to their frustration. They decided to go tell the others in the meeting scheduled for today at Rei's temple.
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As they sat together, in a loving but decent embrace, they looked at things in a whole different way. The park seemed to be full of life, as the world in general did. "Ranma?" Setsuna asked resting her head on his shoulder. To those who knew her, this would be a signal of the end of the world, but she lost her love once. She wouldn't waste valuable time because of her pride, as she once did.
"Yeah?" Came the response from the man. He rested his head on hers, feeling pretty much the same way.
"How long has it been since you resurrected?" She expected for him to have regained his memories a few months ago.
Ranma was confused. "Resurrected? You mean like the senshi?" Setsuna nodded. "We never died." He stated simply.
Setsuna broke the embrace in an instant. Her features hardening and her manner returning to the cold one all the senshi knew so well. "You never died?" She asked in a tone of voice that revealed little to no emotion at all. *Why didn't he look for me, then?* On the inside, she was hurt at this revelation.
Ranma knew instantly that he had said or done something wrong, but for his sake he couldn't figure out what. He sighed and closed his eyes as he started explaining what he remembered. "After we parted so that you could go to your queen, Queen Nova summoned all of us." His eyes started to water at the memory of that day, but he kept the tears in check. "We were to submit Beryl with just enough force not to kill her. Just as we were about to leave, Serenity used the Moon Crystal to defeat my sister and send the dead senshi to the future." He turned to Setsuna, who was regarding him with a careful eye. "We only found out about the resurrection part a few months ago. All we really knew was that the Silver Millenium had come to an end, with all of its followers." His eyes turned to some kids that were happily playing around. This brought a smile to his lips. "When I found out that some of the senshi had returned to life in this time, I dared hope you would be among them." He let go a sigh of relief. "And you were."
Setsuna heard to Ranma's explanation and it hurt deep down inside, but not because of him. She was hurt because of her own distrust in her lover. It was obvious they had a lot of catching up to do. *Several dozens of thousands of years.* She reminded herself. Right now they were too happy to be rejoined, but if they wanted a lasting relationship, they would have to talk to each other. Really talk, about everything. "Ranma, I didn't resurrect like the others." When Ranma turned to her with a questioning glance, she continued. "I didn't die that day. The Gates of Time protected me." She looked down at an interesting point in the floor. "I tried to look for you, but you are so full of chaos that it's simply impossible to do with magical means." She smiled at him. "Guess we both thought the other dead, huh?"
Ranma chuckled humorlessly at the joke. "I guess we did." He said as he removed a lock of green hair from her beautiful face. Those red eyes, used to piercing souls, softened to reveal love. They kissed gently, without the desperation they had a few hours ago. They had time to explore their love.
Time. This reminded Setsuna about a question she wanted to ask. "Ranma?" As soon as they finished kissing, of course. "How come you look exactly as you did in the Silver Millenium?"
Ranma sighed. "Mother used a very powerful spell to save us from the Moon Crystal. It had the side effect of making us ageless." He turned to Setsuna with a loving gaze. "I guess you don't have to worry about me dying on you now, huh?"
Setsuna didn't respond, but she inwardly sighed in relief. One of the main reasons why she had alienated herself from any kind of romantic relationships was that she feared to see her loved one get old and die. In her position as the Guardian of the Gates of Time, unless something really powerful finished her existence, she was pretty much immortal. Hearing Ranma say he was in the same situation was very comforting to her. Remembering something about a senshi meeting today, not that she usually attended, she took a look at the time. "Ranma. We might be able to catch Serenity if we go to the Shinto Shrine now."
Ranma got serious and nodded. He had been requested by his mother to be the messenger with the princess, and he would deliver the invitation for the audience. As soon as possible. He stood up and offered a hand for the green haired girl to stand up as well. Smiling at him and taking the offered hand, Setsuna stood straight. "My lady, lead the way." He said offering his right arm, which Setsuna took and they walked arm in arm to carry out Nodoka's request.
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Rei was angry with Minako and Makoto. They came late to the meeting, and excused themselves telling that they got distracted when Setsuna was out on the park with her boyfriend. This would have convinced her of the importance of matters if it wasn't for one thing. They were talking about the Guardian of Time. The coldest woman to ever enter the lives of the senshi. "You liars. Why don't you admit you are late and stop making stupid excuses? Setsuna, having a boyfriend?" She snorted in annoyance.
The others weren't convinced either. Setsuna was as cold hearted as the ground temperature of her planet. Haruka couldn't help but put in. "Next thing you tell me is she was actually laughing. Get real, you know who you're talking about." The others nodded their assent.
Minako and Makoto wanted to cry out in frustration. They knew what they saw, and it was the news of the millenium, but no one, not even Usagi, believed them. They were about to resign themselves and admit to telling lies when Setsuna entered the shrine, with the boy by her side. "Greetings." She said with a smile.
The brains of the present people simply shut down. Setsuna? Smiling? A boy holding her hand and still alive? Makoto and Minako were the first to recover and looked at the others, giving them 'I told you so' stares. As soon as Rei recovered, she got angry and demanded. "What is he doing here, Setsuna?" Bad enough was to be proven wrong, but for her companion to avoid secrecy when she was the one that scolded them for the pettiest of mistakes was another thing.
The senshi of time didn't even bother to answer, she turned to Usagi and asked. "Princess, there is someone who seeks an audience with you. When will you let it take place?" Her tone of voice was a little light hearted, confusing the people in the room. Such a change in attitude became suspicious.
"Huh?" Usagi asked intelligently. She was still in extreme shock from seeing Setsuna with a man. She got out of her trance and said. "Audience? What's that?" Half the room had huge sweat drops on their heads.
Setsuna sighed and asked again, in less complicated terms. "Someone wants to talk with you. When can you see her?"
Haruka and Rei quickly got protective of their princess. "Who is it, Setsuna?" Rei asked, still angry at the senshi of time for bringing a boy to one of their meetings. The fact that the boy wasn't bad looking didn't escape her attention, but she dismissed it as quickly as she could.
The senshi of time looked at her and said. "That's not of your concern, Mars." Rei would have physically attacked Setsuna, if it wasn't because Haruka got to her first. She was mighty mad with her fellow senshi because of her lack of secrecy, and now she was setting up a meeting for Usagi with no one else invited. Frustration has a way of accumulating itself, and it suddenly simply explodes and makes us do things we wouldn't normally even consider doing. She was about to place her hand on Setsuna's shoulder to deliver some bodily harm when the boy moved. The next thing she knew, she was resting on her bottom, on the ground.
The boy looked mightily pissed off. "Don't you dare put your filthy hands on her, child killer." He was breathing heavily due to his extreme rage. As soon as he saw her, he could not help but think of all the blood she had drawn just to please her violence lust. And with children no less!
Haruka was at a loss. She was sure she didn't know this man that came with Setsuna, but he had attacked her, being extremely protective of the senshi of time. She wondered when did he move, since she didn't know what really happened. One moment she was about to grab Setsuna, and the other she was pushed with enough force to lose her balance and fall flat on her butt. She didn't see him move either. "What are you talking about?" She asked as she got up, anger replacing her shock. If he wanted to be on the receiving end of her anger, as Setsuna, that sat well with her.
Setsuna watched the events transpire and couldn't believe her lack of foresight. She knew Ranma was still angered with the senshi of Uranus, but didn't expect him to simply attack her. Sure, she was about to be attacked herself, but Ranma way overreacted. Ranma's words about a child killer called her attention though, she didn't know about that part. Quickly examining the rest of the room, she could tell that none of the present knew a word about what was going on.
Ranma saw the woman he so much despised stand up and snarled. "How convenient of you to forget. I suppose you also forgot about sentencing me for death after I tried to defend a child you called a spy." His knuckles were white with the pressure, and the others noticed in his expression that he was about to attack.
Setsuna lost her breath. She had read the reports, but never did any of them tell the age of the spy. Uranus had killed a child in front of Ranma's eyes? No wonder he was so ticked off. He always did everything possible to defend those who couldn't do it by themselves. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Let it go, Ranma. They are different people now. Their memories were nearly completely gone with the reincarnation." She kept her tone of voice as emotionless as she could, but to Ranma, who knew her very well, she was almost pleading him to stop. Setsuna didn't say it, but she was sure Haruka wouldn't dare do something like that, not now at least.
Haruka was about to call this boy a liar when Setsuna said that. She turned to her fellow senshi with a shocked expression. "Setsuna, you mean?"
The green haired senshi stared at her. "I read the report in which Sailor Uranus sentenced him to death for protecting a spy from her torture. The report didn't specify the age of the spy. As for Ranma, he was sentenced without a trial." She then turned to Ranma, who was trying to calm himself before he really attack his tormentor. "It's OK, Ranma. This Uranus would never do something like that."
Haruka turned to the others, who were watching the display with a mixture of shock and fear. None of them knew who this person in front of them was, just that he came from the distant past. Haruka turned once again to the boy, and wondered where had she seen him before. He did seem a little known to her, but not from the Silver Millenium. Putting those thoughts aside, she asked in a more controlled voice. "Who are you?"
Ranma looked at her directly in the eye. "I'm Ranma, adopted son of the House of Nova. My mother wants to speak to the princess about certain things concerning our future." He was telling them this to avoid any further conflict. Setsuna's hand took his to give him strength. He had to overcome his demons if he wanted a new world.
Michiru suddenly asked. "Wasn't Beryl a member of House Nova?"
Ranma nodded. "She was my sister." He said sadly. He still couldn't believe he was talking peacefully with the ones that killed his sister. The first person to show him an unconditional friendship. Out of his family, she was the first to approach him and listen to what he had to say. He remembered one particular night in which he was having the nightmare again. Uranus using her wicked sword to skin a little girl, the screams of pain that came from the little thing. And she did it for fun. She had tormented him, but found it frustrating when he didn't give her the satisfaction of screaming in pain. He simply stared at her directly to the eye, challenging. Uranus changed her tactics. As soon as she found out he cared for others, she would keep him in perfect health so that he could watch as she tortured and killed heartlessly. She had a preference for kids, though, and Ranma hated her more than anything else for what she did. He woke up from his nightmare with a start, sweating profusely and shaking uncontrollably. The first thing he saw that night, was his sister. She had heard his screams and came to comfort him. They talked for a while, and he finally fell asleep again. It happened many times, but never once did Beryl abandon him. She was always there for him, ready to listen. The nightmares finally subsided, and Ranma started to live once again. Thanks to his sister, Beryl.
Ranma shook himself out of his memories and turned his attention to the present. "Well, what is your answer?" He asked of the princess.
The senshi eyed each other with distrust. They remembered the Beryl that had tried to kill them all, the ruthless lady of darkness. If her family was as bad as she once had been... Setsuna saw their expressions and said. "Queen Serenity betrayed the House of Nova when she refused to accept their help in submitting Beryl without harm. She didn't want to lose power to the only house that didn't obey her commands."
Uranus spoke in defense of her queen. "But Queen Serenity did what was best for everyone."
Ranma snorted. "Wake up. Your queen ruled over an empire. The other planets didn't have a choice but to follow her rule or be destroyed." He didn't care for the hateful gazes directed his way. He knew the senshi were not to be messed with, but he had done it before. Many times.
Setsuna noticed this was leading them nowhere, so she decided to end the pointless discussion. "Princess. When will you see Queen Nova?" This quieted everyone down. From all the senshi, Pluto was the one that protected the princess the most. If she believed this would be good for their future, then maybe it was worth a try.
Usagi, who had been silent, turned to Ranma. She looked intently into his eyes, since they were the expression of the soul. What she saw broke her heart. Ranma was restraining himself from lashing at them in anger. It seemed like he had cared greatly for Beryl. Behind the pain and anger, she could see a man who had suffered more than any should. Usagi wasn't the best judging characters, but her feelings told her she could trust this man. And that he would never betray that trust. After staring at his eyes for a minute, and neither of them parting their gaze, the princess did something that took everybody by surprise, she bowed to the man. "Please forgive my mother. Please forgive us all for killing your loved one." She didn't like Beryl from the beginning, but she knew what it felt to lose your loved ones. Knowing that his pain was partly because of her, she couldn't think of any other thing to do. Usagi was surprised as she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Ranma saw the young princess bow to him, and ask for forgiveness for something she wasn't guilty of. He was angry, yes, but couldn't blame her. Now he witnessed an act that surprised him, simply because he didn't expect for a member of the Moon Family to think herself on equal ground to others. He smiled faintly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Stand straight, your highness." She did so, and surprise could be seen in her features. Blue eyes met each other, and remained that way for what looked like years. Only this time, Usagi found something else in Ranma's blue orbs. Something hidden from everyone. Ranma broke eye contact, by kneeling.
Setsuna had seen Usagi ask for forgiveness, and smiled at the love the girl emanated. Indeed, she would make a wonderful queen. When she saw Ranma kneel before her, she gasped. Never before had she seen him kneel to other person than Nova. His next words were also a surprise. "You might become a great guide, princess Serenity." And with that he stood up and stepped back.
The senshi in general were shocked speechless. A boy that had come in arrogantly and nearly fought Uranus had shown such respect to Usagi that she felt like a queen already. Setsuna turned to him, and saw only determination on his features, not any of the anger he had when they came in. She smiled inwardly. The Guardian of the Gates of Time cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "Princess, when would you like to talk to Queen Nova?" A question asked again.
Usagi finally realized time hadn't stopped, and answered. "Whenever she's available." She favored them with a smile.
Ranma took this as a yes. "We'll send an escort tomorrow after you leave from school. By your leave." And with that he turned on his heels and left the room. "I'll be outside, Setsuna." He said without turning or stopping.
After he left the room, Haruka glared at Setsuna. "Explain." She barked the command. Others accompanied the gesture, but Pluto noticed with satisfaction that Ami and Usagi didn't distrust her. Saturn even seemed reluctant to stay in the room, so as their gazes met, Pluto nodded for her to leave. Hotaru left in a whiff.
"What do you want me to explain?" She asked coldly. Haruka recoiled at the tone of voice used, remembering who it was she was talking to. Had there been a flame in front of Setsuna, it would be frozen.
Rei didn't have such qualms as she demanded. "Who is that boy and what's this about a Queen wanting to see Usagi?" She usually fought with the girl, but also wouldn't let anyone harm her.
Setsuna remained calm, as usual, as she answered. "That boy you are talking about is the man I love. The only man ever to come close to me." The conviction in her voice convinced everyone that this wasn't a lie at all. "As for Queen Nova, she is the one that summoned the Youma of the other day, expecting to gauge our strength. I managed to convince her to see Usagi so she decides if our princess is suitable to be the Queen of Crystal Tokyo or not."
"How dare she?!" Yelled Haruka. She looked at the door Ranma had used to leave and was very tempted to step outside and give that boy a beating he would never forget. Ever. She waited, though, wanting to hear the rest of the explanation from the senshi of Time.
Ami had been silent, pondering things as they presented themselves. So far, she had no real reason to trust this Ranma, but she didn't have a reason to distrust him either. She looked up and asked of Setsuna. "You agree with this?"
The senshi of time turned to Mercury. "Queen Nova is as ruthless as you will find, but she's also just and honorable." Turning to the others. "Besides, you know as well as I do that Serenity will be a loved Queen. Don't doubt her." With that, she turned and left to meet with Ranma.
Her words had an effect on everyone, as they remained silent for a few seconds, making sure Setsuna had left as well and pondering her words. Usagi was the first to break the silence. "I trust them." This came as no surprise for the others, as she usually tended to see only the good things on people.
Jupiter and Venus seemed reluctant to take any side, and wondered how Setsuna could admit so openly that she loved that boy. Michiru was silent, pondering things carefully. Rei and Haruka were fuming and about ready to go out looking for their 'friend' and beat the crap out of her. Not that they would do it, but were ready to. Ami turned to Usagi and asked. "Do you remember him?"
Usagi shook her head. "But I know we can trust Setsuna. Besides, remember that the Youma we fought the other day didn't hurt anybody." She looked curiously at Ami. "Do you remember him, Ami?" This question brought the attention of the entire room to the senshi of Mercury, who fidgeted nervously. She nodded and started.
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Sailor Mercury walked the halls of the Silver Palace. She had been dismissed from a meeting with the Queen. The usual, Queen Serenity wanted to make sure all her senshi were happy with the present situation. She adjusted her sight to the wall as she walked. Paintings adorned the view, paintings so beautiful they could make a person forget about the world. She smiled as she remembered the history behind a particular one, history she had read about in the library.
She turned left on an intersection, intent on going to the lake. It was her favorite spot for reading in the Moon. It was so peaceful and mysterious. As the hall ended with a great door framed in gold and diamonds, she smiled as the Sun illuminated her world. Her hair fluttered with the wind, while her skin rejoiced in the warm air. Looking forward, she could see her destination. A small lake, surrounded by a small forest. Some animals lived in it in perfect harmony. She would always just lose herself in her reading with the sound of the trees moved by the wind, and the animals enjoying life.
She was almost there now, but something didn't seem right. The forest was too quiet. She looked all around, but noticed nothing amiss. Then it happened. "No. Leave me alone!" Came the cry of what appeared to be a little girl. It was from within the forest, so Mercury ran as fast as her senshi powers allowed her, which was very fast. She didn't have to run much, as she quickly found the source of the cries. A small girl was struggling to get free from a guard of the palace.
The guard could be heard saying. "You are invading the Palace grounds. You must be punished." And Mercury knew what the punishment was. A week in the dungeon, if things went well. The girl seemed to be frightened to dead, and tears fell from her eyes as she cried for help. The guard shook his head and readied himself to hit her.
Mercury was about to intervene, when a voice was heard from one of the trees. "Stop." And a figure landed two steps from the guard. Scanning him quickly, she noticed he was completely dressed in black. His features were the ones of a young man, probably in his late teens. "What are you doing?" He asked coldly.
The guard growled at him. "I was about to send this little girl to the dungeon for invading the palace grounds. It seems you will be joining her." With that he threw the girl away and readied his sword to deal with the young man.
The one dressed in black clenched his fists when he noticed the girl hit herself on the head and lost consciousness. He stared coldly at the guard. "She's just a little girl. How dare you do something like that to her?" He ignored the guard as he walked to her still form. Kneeling before her, he started to examine her head.
Mercury remained silent, not wanting to interrupt the scene from playing out. She wholeheartedly agreed with the young man, but also knew the rules imposed by Queen Serenity. If things came to worst, she would have to intervene and send the girl and man to the dungeon, something she didn't want to do. A male voice was heard from a shadow just as the guard was preparing a strike. "Don't even think about it?" The guard turned to face a heavily built man also wearing nothing but black. He had short black hair and a black bandana. "Leave before I brake something." He said casually. The guard charged him. "Oh well." What happened next really frightened Mercury. Instead of dodging the slice, the man stood still as the blade neared his skull. Then the unthinkable happened. The sword shattered as it touched the man's head. Reaching forward, he caught the guard by the throat and lifted him. He delivered a single punch to the gut, which sounded horribly, and head-butted the guard into unconsciousness. He let go with a look of boredom on his features. "Really, Ranma. You always get in trouble like this." He said without really meaning the accusation.
Ranma turned and smiled. "The girl is fine, Razt." This brought a smile to both of them. Ranma lifted the small body and asked. "Why did you have to beat him so bad?" He noticed the man's nose was bleeding profusely.
Razt laughed loudly. "Come on, man. I was going easy on him. You shouldn't expect me to go as easy on him as I go on you, though." And with that both men left. Mercury regained her senses and walked into the area. She studied the fallen form, and noticing he wasn't hurt too badly, left. She didn't like the way things happened, but it would be best if it appeared like she wasn't there.
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Ami finished with her story. "I later found out that Ranma and Razt were the sons of Queen Nova." She sighed at the memory. She could never thank those two for helping that little girl.
The others pondered this for a while, gauging the effect it had on their current situation. Usagi smiled brightly. "This only strengthens my decision. I'm going to see Queen Nova." The others could only agree with her. Not that they had any choice, anyway. Once Usagi made up her mind, it was very difficult to convince her otherwise.
Michiru suddenly found something amiss, and started looking everywhere in the room. After making sure her feeling was correct, she asked. "Where's Hotaru?"
END PART 2
Author's notes: How about it, people? Sorry it took such a long time to post, but real life's been a real pain. I received some mails asking for me to continue this story, so I put TWTR on hold until I finished this part. As for the story, I bet you didn't expect some of the things that were revealed in this part.
Well, see you next time in PART 3
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