*-----[ Supernova ]-----*

Chapter XI

Note: May we always keep in us the memory of those that have died in the New York tragedy. But please, pray for the healing of the anger in people's hearts. The past of humanity is blood-stained enough and revenge is something not needed in this world. Please pray for healing and the souls of the departed.

Just in case anyone is sensitive to the subjects of planes or going on planes, please, I don't mean any harm to anyone in this chapter. If you don't know what I mean, maybe you will know when you read it. Thank-you.

* * * * *

The strange mood of unwillingness seemed to linger about the air around them. The group of Senshi stood silently in the early morning, seeing the approaching of the green-haired Time Guardian. In order to convince parents and whatnot that they were leaving, the five girls needed to pretend to pack. Instead of taking their bags along to Eidoran with them, they dropped it all off at Usagi's apartment and gathered here to wait for Setsuna.

It was a few minutes into nine o'clock when they saw a familiar figure coming down the stone walkway of a secluded area in the park. It was Setsuna and she had brought someone else. Hotaru had come along as well.

Pluto set her ruby eyes towards the group of Senshi. A confident smile touched her lips, seeing the contact between Seiya and Usagi the moment she approached them.

" You sure you don't want to come with us ?" Yaten smirked jokingly." It's a lot of action you haven't had in awhile."

Setsuna smiled." I've had enough action to last me a thousand lifetimes." Then she turned serious.

" I've given you everything I know." She said." I only pray that you'll succeed. It's not only for the future of others but more importantly, yourselves." Setsuna glanced at the trio of Star Senshi.

It was time to end torment. Seiya knew it had to be done, even going to the root of the problem. Trying to forget his thoughts, he stepped forward.

" The future will change won't it ?" Seiya asked her.

Setsuna replied," It already has." She glanced at Usagi, giving her a knowing smile." You can find out what it is on your own."

" Be careful." Said the dark-haired Hotaru. Her purple eyes reflected worry as she surveyed the group of comrades in front of her." Don't worry about us here on Earth. Now that there aren't any enemies of ours, protecting it comes easy. But for you, please come back."

Makoto walked over and put a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder." The Senshi have done many things already. It's hard not to think that we can't do it."

That gave some comfort to Hotaru. Turning away, she nodded to both Taiki and Yaten. Facing Seiya, Hotaru took his hand. She didn't need to say anything more while seeing the swirling blackness behind Seiya's eyes. The Nova was so alive within him. Hotaru looked worriedly at the young man, even though they hadn't known each other that well.

Hotaru tugged on Seiya's sleeve, gently bringing him down on one knee in front of her. Leaning forward, the other Senshi saw her whisper something in his ear. The silent message seemed only for Seiya as they saw a tiny smile peek at the corners of his mouth. Hotaru pulled back with certain gentleness in her eyes, lifting those purple hues towards Usagi.

The dark-haired girl seemed to understand what was going on as she gave Usagi a tight hug. Usagi hugged back, closing her eyes.

" Are you sure you're going to be alright without us ?" Ami asked Setsuna, again thinking about Haruka and Michiru.

" We're going to be fine. Just worry about yourselves. And Usagi, I'll let you do the worrying about Seiya."

Seiya chuckled nervously, brushing his thumb over Usagi's hand.

" We'd better get going before more people start to show up." Rei said." Who knows what they'll think when they see a group of us disappearing to nowhere."

The others nodded quickly.

" Mercury Crystal Power !"

" Mars Crystal Power !"

" Jupiter Crystal Power !"

" Venus Crystal Power !"

" Moon Eternal……"

" MAKE-UP !!!"

* * * * *

Mamoru had his hand placed on the glass. On the other side of it he could see the arrivals and departures of different planes.

Another fierce roaring of a plane engine grew louder as it made its lift-off towards its destination. As he watched it with sunken eyes, it disappeared into the sky and clouds ahead.

" Flight 136 to Los Angeles, United States is now boarding. All passengers please report to Gate F."

The announcement played as only background noise to Mamoru's far away thoughts. His mind was anywhere but the airport as he mindlessly picked up his very small carry-on bag.

The man didn't blink as he sauntered towards the rest of the crowd that was boarding the flight. Mamoru stood quietly in line as the flight attendants began checking boarding passes ahead.

His last meeting with Usagi was replaying again and again inside his head. Perhaps the other half of him was still trying to grasp the fact that Usagi had turned away from their "set" future. Mamoru loved her, yes, and still couldn't bring himself to let go.

Maybe HE was also to blame. After all, the year that he left her in Japan had enabled her to meet up with Kou Seiya. Though Mamoru had a burning and seething anger inside him for the young Starlight, he told Seiya silently to take good care of her.

Losing Usagi was the biggest thing he'd ever lost. Mamoru was going to have to pick up the pieces somehow. Someday he'd have to let go.

" Sir ? May I see your boarding pass ?"

No answer, Mamoru stood lost in front of the doorway to the plane. The hollow look in his eyes widened.

The flight attendant looked at him closely. It looked like he didn't sleep at all last night." Excuse me, sir ?"

Mamoru's head turned finally." Yes ?" he croaked.

" Boarding pass ?"

" I'm sorry……here." He said fishing through his jacket pocket. He gave no heed when the attendant tore the paper slip and handed it back to him.

" Seat 18. Enjoy your flight."

Mamoru stepped onto the path. This would be a flight to a new future, leading the way to the unknown.

* * * * *

Haruka's feet pounded hard on the dirt. She couldn't believe it. There had to be some sort of mistake. Was she dreaming ? It had to be a bad dream.

All those things she did to preserve the future that Setsuna foretold. It couldn't have been wasted. The future couldn't be changed. Crystal Tokyo HAD to be still in sight with Endymion and Serenity as rulers. There had to be a mistake.

Haruka swerved around another corner. Just a while ago she'd left a bewildered Michiru at home. She woke up to the news that Mamoru was gone, making her thoughts drift back to the day before.

When Mamoru had called the other day, he had asked her to pick him up at the airport. There was a definite sadness to his tone but at that time, Haruka made no point to it. When she picked him up, there was something strange about the way he acted. Each smile and laugh from Mamoru seemed so forced out.

Mamoru requested to be dropped off at Usagi's apartment right after they left the airport. Haruka wondered if he would be staying with Usagi but to her surprise, he asked to stay with her and Michiru instead. Haruka didn't question him that time and offered to take his carry-on bag home with her after she dropped him off at Usagi's place.

From there, Haruka tried to not let it bother her as to what might be going on. Later, Mamoru took a cab back to her place looking broken.

Haruka arrived at home from a day at work when she found that Luna and Artemis had appeared with the most sullen looking faces ever. By then she knew that something was wrong and went to find Mamoru.

She found him outside on the balcony. It was late at night when the next thing Haruka knew, he was telling her that it was over. There was no more Endymion and Serenity.

At first, she and Michiru couldn't believe it. Each of the Senshi tried so hard in vain to protect the princess and the future of Crystal Tokyo. Now Usagi had gone against the future and decided to be with Seiya. It even struck them more to know for the first time that Kou Seiya was back.

It was puzzling the way Mamoru was silent about the whole issue right after he told them. It seemed that he already accepted it.

The three of them slept late, obviously troubled by the happenings of Usagi and Mamoru's breakup. Haruka fell in into a bothersome sleep after she promised Mamoru she'd speak with Usagi and Setsuna full-out the next day. And if she was lucky, Haruka would confront Seiya as well. She wanted to straighten EVERYTHING out.

This morning, Haruka woke up to a worried Michiru and two troubled cats. Luna exclaimed that Mamoru was gone. Artemis hurriedly gave Haruka the note that Mamoru left behind.

In his heartbroken state, he left, knowing that there was no more hope in a future with Usagi. Usagi had fallen deeply for Seiya. The note also explained that even if Haruka wanted to go after him, it would already be too late.

Haruka left the house in a hurry, asking Michiru where Setsuna was. Michiru answered that Setsuna took Hotaru to the park for a walk. Luna and Artemis agreed to accompany Haruka, seeking answers as to why this was happening.

" Over there !" Artemis called as a faint white light flashed before his eyes. It looked like the use to teleportation. Haruka turned course along with Luna as an extra burst of speed brought them closer.

* * * * *

The flash of light could almost blind those who were near it. A flying spectrum of colors surged through the air as five of the Senshi reappeared in their sailor fukus.

Seiya, Yaten and Taiki stared most longingly, remembering clearly their long lost Senshi forms.

" Pluto Crystal Power, MAKE-UP !"

Staff in hand, Pluto had appeared as well. She faced the Senshi, an overall concentration marking its way on her face. The luster of her dark green hair flickered as each strand of silk started to rise. Slowly, a white aura began to enclose her body, flowing freely from the staff she held in both hands.

The Inner Senshi stood close together, helping Setsuna along to summon enough power for galaxy travel.

With her wings behind her, Usagi slid her arms around Seiya's waist. There was no turning back now. She looked up at him, her eyes telling him all the emotions that she felt that moment. He understood by squeezing her just as tight.

The scenery around them seemed to fly. It quickly became nothing but a flash of whirling colors disappearing from sight. Enclosed by a bright column of light, it grew brighter as it met the sky. The whirling colors faded into darkness, the Senshi knowing now that they've already passed the brink of Earth's atmosphere. Earth had faded away.

Hotaru looked to the sky, seeing the Inner Senshi and Starlights disappear. The white aura began to die down as Pluto's staff lowered. Immediately a voice followed.

" Setsuna !"

Hotaru and Pluto whirled around to find Luna and Artemis running towards them down the path. Haruka was sprinting behind them.

Setsuna glanced once at Hotaru and de-transformed back to her original form. She watched as Haruka panted heavily towards them. There was full distress on all three of their faces.

" Setsuna we must speak with you immediately concerning the future of Crystal Tokyo." Luna said seriously. There was a fearful look in her eyes." It's Usagi."

While Haruka needed to catch her breath, Artemis spoke." Endymion and Serenity are no more." He said in a sorrowful voice as he closed his eyes." The future isn't what it should be--what it was meant to be……"

" Of all her imprudent decisions……" Luna said sadly and heatedly." This had to be the one to destroy it all……foolish child told me she loved Seiya."

Haruka swallowed hard. She didn't care if her throat was still dry." Why Setsuna ?!" she rasped in a cracked tone. Her hands were outward, eyes pleading for answers." I don't understand ! We, the Senshi have tried SO hard to protect the Kingdom of Crystal Tokyo ALL our lives ! EVERY injury and EVERY sacrifice has brought us faith to believe that one-day we'll see it with the two rightful rulers ! Don't tell me each one of us did that all in vain ! Usagi foolishly running off with Seiya is the same as throwing away everything that we've done for her !"

Setsuna's eyes lingered over Haruka's heaving. The Senshi of Uranus was frantic and angry and trying still to catch her breath.

" Do you really believe that the future lies in ruins ?" The Senshi of Time asked quietly.

Luna and Artemis looked up, almost puzzled in the midst of their frenzy. Haruka had also caught Setsuna in the eye.

" Wouldn't it be ?" Haruka shot.

" Uranus…..listen to me……who do you care more for ? Usagi or a kingdom ?" Setsuna asked her." Or do you just care about Serenity and not take to notice Usagi ?"

At that point, Haruka gave her a confused stare.

The green-haired woman regarded Luna." Luna, at her young age, you've given her more responsibility than she could ever handle in one lifetime. She's still a child. You've forgotten that Serenity is only apart of Tsukino Usagi now. It was a risk that Queen Serenity of the Silver Millenium had to take. Only apart of her daughter would be born in the reincarnation. That reincarnation is Tsukino Usagi."

" But she's still the princess of the moon and she's the same--" Artemis started to say.

" No. She's not." Pluto replied instead." Usagi has matured into a young woman. The Serenity in her accepts the leading that Luna has done. But Usagi herself finds only imprisonment. She wants to make her own decisions and live her life as if it hadn't been LIVED for her already. Usagi has her own heart and mind……and her heart has chosen Seiya."

Luna and Artemis stared at Setsuna in shock. This struck them as nothing did before. It was a completely different answer than they expected from the Guardian of Time.

" Don't you see ?" Setsuna implored them." A trapped child, who knew nothing but what her superiors tell her, finally wants freedom. Seiya was able to reach through that barrier you put up around her. Usagi loves him for many things."

" But what about Chibi-Usa ? She doesn't even exist because Usagi and Mamoru aren't together anymore." Said Luna.

" Destiny can be selfish." Setsuna told her." It's only when the destined have strength enough to change it, it will change. Myself, as the Time Guardian, can only see so far into the future. I did not see Usagi's decision to be with another at first when Chibi-Usa came into our time."

Haruka shouted." Don't you even care about Small Lady ?! We're never going to see her again !"

" I do care, Haruka. In fact, I care a great deal more than you know. It saddens me immensely that there will be no more Small Lady. But who's decision was it really to have a child? Usagi and Mamoru. Not us, we can't decide that for them. Now that they aren't together, there is no more decision."

" The future." Artemis mused critically." We've done so much to secure it and now we have no idea what is going to happen. What if something terrible happens without the existence of Crystal Tokyo ?"

" No. You've done everything you could to protect Usagi." Setsuna looked from Luna, to Artemis and to Haruka." All your sacrifices weren't in vain. You fought to protect her because you were able to love her as well. And Artemis, I may think that you GREATLY underestimate Kou Seiya. Do you really think that one must be royalty in their past life to be a gracious ruler in their next life ?"

What are Setsuna trying to imply ? Artemis wanted to look up at her but instead was shocked as the three of them watched her walk away. Only Hotaru stood there with an unreadable expression on her face.

Haruka stood there, letting Setsuna's words sink in. The Senshi of Time had a habit of doing this. Leaving right after she gave provoking speeches. The tall female began to think. This change came so suddenly and out of nowhere. It's like it crept in behind her back.

Suddenly, Haruka didn't know what to feel. Her anger started ebbing away at the mention of Usagi's true feelings. Did she want to understand ? Haruka accepted Seiya as a comrade and an honorable warrior…..but to accept him as a vital part to Usagi's future ? She just needed to think.

Luna's voice broke the silence although her tone had no emotion in it." Hotaru…….before we came……" the black cat said, remembering the column of light." What was going on ?"

Hotaru blinked." Usagi and the Senshi." Artemis' head shot up.

" And the Starlights." She continued." Usagi wanted to help Seiya……"

* * * * *

Usagi could feel her skin start to scorch like flame, but contrary to that of the ice-cold feeling lodged on the inside of her body. She felt dizzy, the bright column of light swirling around with the darkness of the universe. Her hands gripped Seiya tightly with every stomach churning turn.

Seiya's arms held her equally tight, his eyes were open towards the destination despite the white blur around them. He gave a sideways glance towards Yaten. Held on tightly to Yaten's shoulders was Minako. Her eyes were clamped shut from the dizzying sensation.

They weren't far. Swiftly they tore through the barrier of the galaxy. The white shield of power propelled them, scattering through the thick debris of what was once Kinmonku.

The speed increased the moment they drew closer to the opposite end of the galaxy. It was so dark and so isolated. The black planet grew larger as the Senshi began to plummet into its depths. Down, each one of them flew, anticipating the sudden fall.

And it came. The column of light gave way a few short meters from the ground. It flickered once then disappeared into a trace of nothingness. The Senshi were robbed of Pluto's protective barrier. Sudden gasps and shocked screams filled the silent air as they all found the hard way to the ground.

The numerous crashes and scrapings were heard when the Senshi finally landed.

" Shit……" muttered Rei. The fall had been quite far and she forced herself to sit up. Right in front of her stood a fairly scraped knee, small droplets of blood bordering the side of her calf." Is everyone alright ?" she called to the atmosphere.

From the cloud of clearing gray dust came answers." A little woozy but here." Replied Makoto.

" We're okay." Said Taiki helping Ami up, who was coughing from the dust." Yaten ?"

" Ughhhh……" came a stifled groan.

" Yaten ? Are you okay ?"

" ……..Does being crushed count ?"

Taiki walked over to the sound of his voice. From the fall that they all had, Yaten had managed to break Minako's fall. Minako was sprawled on top of him, her eyes wide with worry at Yaten's stiffened features of pain." Oh God, Yaten. I'm so sorry….I-I just didn't see."

With another grimace, Yaten forcefully waved her and her apology away hurriedly." Yeah whatever just get off…….please ?" He croaked.

Minako obediently got off the crippled young man and helped him up. Taiki came to her aid just as Seiya and Usagi appeared on the other side. Seiya immediately went over to see to Yaten.

" Oh Seiya, just go away !" Yaten snapped, holding his ribs." I'm fine, just-just don't fuss over or anything. I can take care of myself."

" Are you sure ?" Seiya asked, half-worriedly. He knew Yaten was going to be fine. They've undergone worse scrapes than this. To guard his pride, Yaten had always denied help for a situation he called "little" or "unimportant".

Usagi stood, watching the rest of them help each other from the fall. But she couldn't help but notice the atmosphere. It was so cold. Not physically cold but more like emotionally cold. It was mind-boggling on how this made her feel but this planet was so dead and strung with scattered feelings of hate and suffering. She shivered slightly, finding herself moving quickly towards Seiya to be near him.

After brushing themselves off, they all stared at the barren landscape before them.

Taiki put a hand over his eyes to shield them from the bright blue glare of the light above them. There in the sky hung the sphere of the sun. The sun was blue, touching the lifeless land with its mournful glow. There were two other faint circles in the far distance. The other two suns. The moon was nowhere to be seen.

" So where do we find it ?" Rei asked Taiki, coming up behind him. He didn't turn to look at her but still kept his view of the bizarre sun.

" We follow that." He finally spoke, pointedly at the orb of light in the sky.

Rei nodded." Is that all ?"

" Yes. Besides, it's the only lead we have to get this done."

With not another word, each Senshi followed the other down the steep gravel hill.

There were no paths to guide them. If not for Setsuna's words, they would've been completely clueless and lost…….but it wasn't like they were comfortable with Setsuna's vague instructions either after three minutes of walking.

A dry wind ruffled their way.

" Don't you feel that ?" said Ami.

Minako asked," What ?"

" Nothing."

Minako looked puzzled." Feel nothing ?"

" Yes. Don't you feel the nothingness ? It's like you can still sense a strange type of force that sucked out the very soul of this planet. We know it happened so long ago but……you can't help but feel such emptiness." Ami finished.

Makoto looked around. This place looked worse than she imagined." Do you think anything lives here ?"

" Hard to tell." Replied Rei. Her arms came up to wrap themselves around her body from the shivering feeling she got from the wind." You don't have to see something to know its there but yet I can't feel any living presence either. This place in unpredictable."

" I guess it's a gut feeling then." Yaten lamented, frowning upon his surroundings. [ I promised myself I would never go here……..]

The group followed the uncertain paths, keeping their eyes steady on the ghostly circle in the bizarre sky. This place did have an emotional effect on each one. It was like they couldn't feel happy or think happy thoughts even if they wanted to. And it was chilling.

Usagi tread the stone ground alongside Seiya. She could see the growing trouble on his face every time they took a step forward. She couldn't begin to imagine what kind of fear was plaguing him. They all had to be on their best guard this time, most of the people in this group didn't even know how it felt like to meet the Diviners in combat. She kept glancing over at Seiya, unable to control her worry from showing.

Seiya on the other hand, felt a strange "merging" with this place. The Nova inside him belonged here, its feathery moving inside him smooth but dangerous. He looked towards the sky and beyond. A small range of mountains was in the distance. They looked black against the unnatural cloudless pale of the blue sky.

The Senshi tripped over a few jagged rocks that blocked their path. It took them awhile to get around them safely, emerging with few scrapes and cuts. Minako almost tripped headfirst toward a rock's sharp edge if it wasn't for Ami that was near her. Ami pulled her friend back up, soothing the shock that Minako received.

" Sure as hell this place is so dead." Makoto mused after a long period of silent walking. She rubbed her arms from the windy chill as her brown ponytail rode the breeze." I'm beginning to think that even the Diviners abandoned this ball of dirt."

" I don't think so." They heard Taiki reply from near the front." You can never trust this place." He glanced over at Yaten, who had been surprisingly quiet with the rest of them. After giving his companion a questioning look, he turned back to the front.

Rei stepped around a large rock and was careful not to slip. After hoisting one leg over it's rough surface, she shifted cautious weight to bring her other leg over. Successful, Rei took a step forward. Strangely, the single weight of her foot caused a small crack in the ground. She took another step. The same thing happened except the crack under her was much larger.

An uneasy feeling swept over Rei as she began to take softer and lighter steps. She also took the precaution to walk more slowly. Crack. Another sound came from under her.

Rei looked ahead, the rest of the Senshi were leaving her." Guys !" she hollered." Wait !"

They all turned around to see Rei take another step forward to run.

This time, the ground under Mars gave way. A stifled gasp was pulled out of her as she heard the horrible sound of cracking. The ground under her feet was starting to crumble. Rei fell hard on her knees, her gloved hands trying to claw her way up the tumbling rocks.

" Rei !" Usagi screamed. She fled urgently towards her.

" Usagi, wait !" Ami cried. But Usagi didn't hear. The blonde girl was flying towards her falling friend.

Rei's grip was slipping. The white cloths of her gloves were tearing under her scratching to support herself. She held with tense hands to the side as the crumbling sound rang in her ears.

Usagi reached the side, the others following her." Rei ! Just hold on !" And she knelt down desperately to offer her hand.

" Don't let go !" Sailor Mars begged as she grasped a firm hold of Usagi's hand. She watched as she held her tightly so to not let her slip. Usagi shut her eyes tight in attempt to pull her up by herself. Seeing Usagi struggling, Yaten also came to her aid by taking hold of Rei's other outstretched hand. Together they pulled and brought her back safely to the top.

Yaten heaved as his bottom hit the rocky ground. Rei was gasping in her knees, trying to collect herself from almost slipping into the crumbling pit.

" Are you…alright ?" Seiya asked. He received a short nod from Rei. He swept a relieved hand over his forehead while Ami and Makoto sat next to Usagi.

" Close call." Said Taiki, while receiving a few voiceless agreements.

None of them noticed the barely audible cracking sound underneath them all. It wasn't until they caught their breath when fear took them all by the throats. Taiki darted a wide-eyed glance downward at the shaking dirt but it was too late.

The cracking sounds turned into crashing sounds. Bigger rocks fell out of place beneath them, eliciting shrieks of terror.

With limited time, the Senshi jumped up and started to run. Yaten had yanked Minako's arm and pulled her up roughly to get her to safety.

" This way !" shouted Makoto in the front. The ground was giving way fast. A gaping crack was starting to separate the grounds to two separate sides, creating a jagged gorge. If they didn't move fast enough, they would all fall into the depths.

Usagi's scream filled Seiya's ears. Quickly he whirled around." Usagi !" he shouted.

There she was, the rocks dangerously giving way under her feet. The ground shook violently as Seiya fled back to help her. It was going too fast. Seiya leapt forward, reaching out. He succeeded in grasping her hand before she completely went over the unsteady edge.

" I won't…..let you go…." He seethed through gritted teeth. A trickle of worried sweat ran down the side of his contorted face.

" Seiya please !" she cried hoarsely, looking up at him with wild eyes.

Although his grip was firm, Seiya's body was starting to slip from his perch. The rocks were loosening even more and if he were to move, the whole thing would collapse.

" VENUS LOVE CHAIN !" They heard a cry from behind. A golden chain of hearts shot out through the air and wrapped tightly around Seiya's leg. The rest of the Senshi were further down from where Seiya and Usagi were struggling. The ground was too shaky; they couldn't risk even one more person to help the endangered pair.

Seiya felt a sudden support wrap around his leg. He didn't have to look back to know that the other Senshi were attempting help. At that moment, he strained to pulled Usagi up. It was a big mistake on his part for moving. The loose rocks shifted once and crumbled mercilessly underneath both himself and Usagi.

A scream stayed lodged in both of their throats as they felt themselves falling away from the top. The numerous daggers of rock rained hard on them as they continued to fall. A sickening lurch followed as they tumbled into the depths.

Ami shrieked in horror as she saw the ground rumble and Seiya and Usagi disappear over the falling edge. Minako gripped her chain tightly as Rei fled to help her hold on.

" Don't let them go !" Makoto yelled with worried anxiety. She grabbed hold of Minako's chain alongside Rei. Each one of them pulled with all their might. Then suddenly, Minako, Rei and Makoto were thrown back most roughly. The sound of a viscous snap filled the air and Venus' golden chain lay next to them, broken.

Seiya grasped Usagi's body tightly until both of them hit hard rock. They slid down the jagged side, only to feel the burning and painful scraping. They tumbled endlessly until they reached the cold hard bottom. The crumbling stopped.

Usagi felt like every bone in her body was broken. She felt she couldn't move but yet Seiya's arms were placed protectively over her even if they both lay rugged on the stone. She bit her lip at the searing pain across her leg. The falling had torn her fuku terribly. With a weak hand, she strained to pull herself up to Seiya.

" Seiya…" she croaked. She attempted to shake him." Seiya ?…."

His face was streaked with dirt and small debris from the fallen rocks and lay like sand on parts of him.

Seiya stirred, quite painfully. Blood had etched its way from his forehead and down between his eyes. Seiya grimaced as he fought against his ailing muscles. He lifted a hand with difficulty to touch Usagi." You're safe……" he managed out with a weak smile with a voice barely audible.

The blonde, although in pain when she shifted her body, had a wave of relief wash over her. Seiya was alright, momentarily immobile, but alright. Usagi squeezed her eyes shut while trying to sit up. She could feel rocks and pebbles roll off her back. Not only that, her leg was killing her.

After completing an ailing movement to allow Seiya space to move, Usagi dragged herself to sit against the rocky side. Seiya had also gotten up, panting and heaving from his efforts.

" Are you alright ?" Usagi asked worriedly, glancing at his condition. She'd seen him in worse but still.

Seiya gave her that same lop-sided smile that told her that "everything was okay" even if it sometimes wasn't. Usagi watched him bite his lip in his last body shift to bring himself nearer to her." Ugh…..never felt better." He winced tightly at the sight of his badly scraped hand. The gash in his palm seemed to gape at him.

Wide-eyed, Usagi immediately tore off a hanging piece of her fuku and took his hand. Before Seiya had time to react, she had already begun making a bandage for him. It stung, as he kept a straight face.

" Seiya ?! Usagi !" called voices frantically from the top. The Senshi were obviously very panicked. They kept calling until they came closer.

Both Usagi and Seiya strained to look up against the high cliff of rocks. Taiki had poked his head along the side, a fear dancing in his eyes. A moment of relief flickered within his purple hues at the sight of the pair sitting up. He sighed heavily and turned back briefly to the others.

" It's alright !" he hollered." They're alive !" The rest of them came.

" How many lives do you have ?!" Yaten's voice bounced off the rocky walls. He looked down to see Seiya's tooth-filled grin in spite of his condition.

" I dunno." Came his companion's reply." But I hope whoever's saving me, keeps them coming….ah shit……" Seiya winced at his arm. Yaten gave a laugh of relief.

" Is Usagi alright ?"

" I'm fine." Eternal Sailor Moon replied but she couldn't help but glance at her immobile leg. Seiya caught that and followed her eyes.

" Oh my God, Usagi ! Are you really alright ?" Seiya immediately moved over to her leg, ignoring his own pain.

" I-I don't know. I just feel as if I can't move it." Usagi mused. She gripped his arm in response to its hurting.

" It's okay." He said soothingly, taking her hand in his. Then he looked up." Can anyone get us out of here ?"

The tight and jagged slot that Seiya and Usagi seemed to be stuck in had high and sharp walls. What was even worse was that those walls still looked unsteady and would be ready of cave in if someone where to touch them.

" I can try my chain again." Minako said hurriedly, ignoring that fact that it just broke a few moments before. It was the only way. The Senshi were running out of ideas.

" VENUS LOVE CHAIN !" The golden Senshi bellowed. A spark of light illuminated the small space around her and a glowing tangle of power shot forth from her outstretched hands. It formed a bright chain and before long, was plunging down into the rocky slit.

Seiya groped the wall to push himself to stand. He looked up at the golden trail of light coming towards him. It kept coming and it was almost there. Seiya reached up a desperate hand towards Minako's chain.

Unfortunately, it stopped just a few feet from where Seiya stood his tallest." Minako !" he yelled loudly." A little lower maybe ?!"

Minako was bent over the cliff as far as she could go. She stared down at them with the most helpless and self-disappointed look in her eyes. It was like she was going to panic." Seiya, just try to reach it please !"

" I can't !"

The chain dangled below but was still unable to reach his fingers.

" Well then jump !" Makoto hollered." We HAVE to get you and Usagi out of there !"

Seiya was in no position to jump. Besides, from just basic calculating, Seiya could tell that even if he jumped his highest he would never be able to get a hold of the chain. Nevertheless, he gave a few weak jumping tries. His body protested in agony and he was forced to stop. Seiya inhaled sharply, looking defeated up at the Senshi.

Rei urged," Keep trying ! Please…..keep trying…."

" Come on Seiya, we can't move on without you or Usagi." Came Ami's sullen voice.

Usagi tried lifting herself off the rocky floor but Seiya stopped her." Usagi no, give it a rest for a bit. Don't worry about it right now."

" How can I not worry ?" She implored him." We're stranded down here and we need to find ways of getting up."

Taiki stood alongside Ami, who was staring worriedly into the pits. He had his chin in his hand, a deeply troubled look on his face. Every possible solution to get both Seiya and Usagi out successfully wasn't feasible. It was like there was a block to everything he came up with. Taiki hated to face the truth but……Seiya and Usagi were stuck.