Collides With Beauty

By: Rini

Phase 3: Redemption

Diamond kneeled down next to his brother's lifeless body," I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize what you were saying. I really just wanted you to be happy. I thought what I was doing was right, but I see now that I was just falling right into Wiseman's hands. I was being selfish and I let that monster cloud my judgment. I promise you this, Brother, I will make amends for you. Your sacrifice will not be in vain."

" Diamond."

Imperial, leading the Scouts, walked over to Diamond who was still holding Sapphire.

Diamond stood up," Wiseman is far too strong. With all the energy we gathered for him, he'll easily be able to open the doorway."

Jupiter grabbed his collar roughly," This is all your fault. So, if you can stop this, now would be a good time to speak up."

Diamond smirked," He can't be stopped. Only the powers of the Silver Crystal of Crystal Tokyo can have any hope of destroying him now."

" But it's gone," Mercury mused," Didn't one of your members do something to it?"

" It was already gone by the time we attacked. That's why we traveled back in the past. We thought we'd stop the creation of Crystal Tokyo and stop the crystal from becoming as strong as it is."

" Guys," Venus cried," If Diamond didn't take it, this means we really did lose the Silver Crystal! What do we do now?"

Mars grabbed Venus," Calm down! We still have this Silver Crystal. We'll be fine. We'll just use it's powers to stop Wiseman before he opens the gate."

" It won't work."

Mars turned rapidly to Imperial," What do you mean?"

Imperial looked at Diamond," You knew it was already too late didn't you?"

Diamond closed his eyes," I have a plan, but you're going to need my help. I have no guarantees though, but it's better than waiting for the end to come."

" No!" Jupiter yelled.

" We are not about to listen to Diamond," Mars shrieked," This is his mess in the first place. How can we trust him?"

" I'm not doing this for you!" Diamond shouted," This is for Sapphire. I need to make it up to him."

Jupiter crossed her arms," How do you expect to do something when we together couldn't?"

Diamond walked forward and grabbed his sword still covered in Sapphire's blood," This weapon was created as a pair by Wiseman. One was entrusted to me and the other was entrusted to the Princess when she came under our control. These were made from the same black crystals Wiseman used to control all of us and they contain some of his power."

" You're going to use his own power against him?" Tuxedo Mask asked.

" Very good Highness. That orb of his only reacts to his own powers. If all your powers together couldn't break it, then his own power should be able to pierce it."

" But I don't have the other sword. I haven't seen it since that day I attacked Darien and the girls. It's lost."

Diamond raised his sword," If it's one thing I've learned, it's that Wiseman doesn't tend to lose his mark once he's made it. I'm sure the mighty Moon Princess can call on the powers of a simple sword."

Imperial cocked an eyebrow and smirked. She held out her hands and closed her eyes. Searching deep within her soul, she looked for any sign of darkness that might have remained. Digging deeper and deeper, she found the mark Diamond was speaking of. It was cold and bleak, but she drew it into her palms. Soon enough a familiar weight tugged down her arms and there it was.

Diamond lugged his sword over his shoulder," I told you it was there."

Imperial raised her sword and made a quick slice through the air," So shall we?"

Tuxedo Mask grabbed Imperial's hand," How do we know this is going to work? What if this is another trap and something goes wrong?"

Imperial looked into Tuxedo Mask's eyes and into the worried eyes of all the Scouts. They held the same distrust and doubt. Imperial noticed the small form of Rini clutching Tuxedo Mask's pant leg. Her eyes swam with unshed tears and she appeared as though she was trying so hard to say something, but the words just dried up in her throat before she could ever say them.

Imperial smiled and reached up for Tuxedo Mask's mask and removed it.

" Serena?"

" I made a promise Darien. It's time I keep that promise."

Imperial joined Diamond and together they walked towards the black mass of Wiseman as he was drawing in all the power he could to open his dark gateway. They raised their swords level with each other and waited.

" You sure you have the power to handle this?"

" You sure you can keep up with me Diamond?"

Diamond laughed," Point well met."

" You think those weak swords can stop me!" Wiseman boomed," It's already too late. The gate is nearly open!"

" Over my dead body! Phoenix Fire Storm Tsunami!"

" Black Shadow Dragon Oblivion!"

A huge fiery phoenix and a shadowy dragon erupted from the hilt of Imperial and Diamond's swords. Together, the two mythical beasts soared through the air and charged Wiseman's orb with all the might they contained. The orb began to glow even brighter and a crack was clearly visible. Black energy seeped out of the orb faster and faster as the orb began to disintegrate.

" No! This can't be possible!" Wiseman bellowed.

" Guys! Let's attack Wiseman now! Mars Celestial Fire Surround!"

" Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!"

" Venus Love Chain Encircle!"

" Mercury Shine Aqua Illusion!"

Diamond looked at Imperial and they both nodded. Both raised their swords and absorbed the attacks from the Scouts and threw the swords directly at Wiseman. He screeched as his body began to disappear and all the power within him gushed out endlessly. The orb he carried shattered completely and a burst pushed everyone back. All that remained were the two swords stuck in the ground and Wiseman's black cloak falling aimlessly to the earth before it too disappeared.

Diamond walked forward to grasp his sword, but suddenly both swords dissolved in thin air to become nothing but sand in the wind.

The Scouts and Tuxedo Mask, carrying Rini, ran toward both royals.

" The last of his powers. He must be gone now."

Imperial put her hand on Diamond's shoulder," He'd be proud of you."

Venus jumped up and down," We did it! We saved the future!"

Mars looked up to the sky," This darkness isn't dissipating."

Mercury pulled out her scanner," Something must be wrong. There is no trace of Wiseman I can find."

Jupiter dropped into a defensive stance," Then why are his shadows still here. I don't trust this."

Diamond looked over to where the cloak once was and something bright caught him at the corner of his eye.

" Watch out!"

Diamond pushed Imperial aside as a long black tentacle shot straight through Diamond's shoulder. He fell with a crash to the ground and Imperial rushed to his side. Everyone looked around frantically, but came up with nothing. Soon, the same dark, ominous laughter started up again. Above them, two shining stars could be seen and a blast of black wind knocked everyone back.

" You think that could defeat me! I am Wiseman no more! My prison is broken and I am Death Phantom once again!"

Venus weakly pushed herself up," Death Phantom? You mean we released him?"

A large black shadow that filled the entire sky swatted at the Scouts," You fools! I was imprisoned by the powers of the Silver Crystal into a shell known as Wiseman. Now that you have managed to destroy it, I can resurrect myself as Death Phantom again. Nothing can stop me now! I will destroy this planet and rule the galaxy!"

Imperial, held tightly by Tuxedo Mask and Rini, pried herself from their grasp and moved over to the prone body of Diamond. He was bleeding profusely and his skin was starting to turn an ashen color.

Diamond reached a hand up and caressed Imperial's porcelain face," I'm truly sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I should have never trusted Wiseman, but that is the sin I shall carry in the Afterlife. I truly do wish we could have met under different circumstances as well. You know what you must do. I know what it is I must do as well."

Diamond closed his eyes and his body began to glow. His smile was the last thing she saw as his form became nothing but a small glowing star. It brushed her cheek and entered the locket on her chest. Her crystal began to pulsate and released itself from the confines of the locket. She held it in her hands and stood up. Her form shifted and she stood as regal as ever with flowing white pigtails and a silk dress.

" I forgive you Diamond. May peace find you and Sapphire in the hereafter."

Imperial started to walk towards Death Phantom. She closed her eyes and raised the crystal high above her head. Wings grew from her back and she was lifted into the air as she battled the darkness that was Death Phantom.

Mars pushed herself off from the ground," Let's go you guys. You know what we have to do."

Each Scout slowly stood to their feet and joined hands in a circle.

" Venus Star Power!"

" Mars Star Power!"

" Mercury Star Power!"

" Jupiter Star Power!"

Their respective powers flared to life and each Scout was surrounded by the respective color of their element. Columns of light flew up and joined Imperial floating in the air. Her dress began to change from her Princess form into something far more regal and striking.

Tuxedo Mask let go of Rini as she walked forward a few steps," Mommy?"

Tuxedo Mask stood next to Rini," That's your mother?"

" All that power must have changed her. That's not just Serena anymore. She's not Princess Serenity anymore either."

" Neo Queen Serenity," Tuxedo Mask whispered.

Rini started to tug frantically at Tuxedo's cape," Darien! Mommy isn't strong enough like that. That isn't her Silver Crystal! She needs the Silver Crystal from this time to stop him!"

Tuxedo kneeled down and took Rini's hand," What happened Rini? What happened to the Silver Crystal from this time Rini?"

Rini started to cry and she dropped her head," I took it."

Tuxedo tipped her chin up to face him," You can tell me Rini. I swear no one will be mad at you."

" When they attacked the city, Mommy, Daddy, and the Scouts all ran to help. I wanted to help too, but Mommy said I wasn't enough of a lady to help yet. She said I wasn't strong enough on my own and I should stay behind where it was safe. So I went into her room and I took the Silver Crystal. I knew it granted wishes and I wanted to wish to be a lady so I could help Mommy.

Then it disappeared. I didn't know where it went to and that's when the city's defenses fell and everything went wrong. Mommy fell asleep and Daddy got really hurt. I knew it was my fault, so I stole a Time Key and went to Puu to ask for help. I was always told stories about Sailor Moon and I knew she could help me. So I went back in time to get Sailor Moon to use her crystal to wake up Mommy."

Tuxedo looked at the girl and smiled," Rini. Your mother and father are very proud of you. I'm glad you were able to tell me the truth. Rini, I need you to make a wish now. Make a wish with all your heart."

Rini clasped her hands together and started to cry," I want to help everyone. I want to help Serena and Mommy. I want to be strong enough to fight too!"

A tear made its way down her cheek and stopped in midair as it began to shine. Rini stopped crying and watched, as the shine got larger and larger until it formed a bright glowing crystal.

" The Silver Crystal?" Rini asked in awe.

Tuxedo took her hands and gently cupped them around the crystal," Rini. When you took the crystal it didn't disappear. It went inside your body to protect you just like you wished. You wanted to be strong and you were. You've had the crystal inside this entire time. You were the one that brought Serena and me back to life after the battle and it was you who wished you two back here from Diamond's palace.

It isn't power that makes the Queen strong. It's the strength of her heart. As her daughter, you have an even stronger heart. You know what you have to do Rini. We all believe in you. We all love you and have faith in you."

Rini tackled Tuxedo in a bear hug and kissed his cheek.

" Thank you, Daddy."

Rini grabbed the crystal and ran towards the battle, leaving a torn Tuxedo Mask.

" I believe in you Small Lady. You can do it."

Serenity fought with all the strength in her heart to stop Death Phantom, but it was a gradual losing battle.

I need more power. I can feel Diamond and the Scouts with me, but I need more.

Serena. I'm here with you. All the strength you need I will give you.

Serenity. It just isn't enough. He's too much for me.

" Then let me help you!"

Serenity opened her eyes and gazed down at the determined face of Rini. She raised her hands in the air and bright light swarmed around her, transforming her into Neo Princess Serenity. She was lifted into the air until she was even with Serenity.

" Rini?"

" I'm sorry. I took the Silver Crystal so I could be strong like you Mommy. I shouldn't have done that, but I'm not afraid anymore. I'm ready to stop crying now. I'm ready to be a lady and face my fears."

Serenity smiled," I'm proud of you Small Lady. Together, nothing can stop us."

Rini smiled," Together."

" Silver Crystal Power!" They shouted in unison.

" Foolish Queen. You can't stop me!"

Suddenly, two beams of light tore through the darkness to reveal patches of the night sky.

" What! How can this be! Two Silver Crystals! That can't be true. The other was lost. You can't destroy me!"

Both Moon royals fought on hard, but they were slowly starting to slip again. Suddenly, a ghost appeared in front of Serenity. She had long golden pigtails and a white silk dress. Her ocean blue eyes and smile were so familiar and comforting. Serenity would know the ghost anywhere. It was the former Princess Serenity. The ghost of her former life.

" Serena. I'm sorry our time together must be cut short, but in order to truly banish Death Phantom forever you must sacrifice all your new powers."

" Does this mean you and I won't be one anymore?"

The ghost shook her head," We are forever bound by love and time. I will always be there whenever you need me. I will be your shadow by your side. But this form can no longer exist. You have done well Serena. You are far stronger a person than I could ever dream to be. We are all proud of you. Never forget that."

The ghost kissed Serenity's cheek and she lost her Queen transformation. She turned around and kissed Rini's cheek and she lost her princess transformation. The ghost Serenity grew long, flowing white wings and she fell up high into the sky, charging upwards like a star searching for heaven.

" No! This power! How can it end like this!"

Death Phantom made one last attempt to stop the ghost, but it proved useless as the ghost exploded in a burst of light, like a supernova.

Everything turned to white and for once in a long time, everything was at peace.

Venus slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes only saw white as the bright light started to die away and color once again dominated everything. She stood up and found herself completely drained of power. Around her, the face down bodies of Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury didn't move.

Venus watched as Jupiter and Mercury started to make noises and get up. Venus rushed over to Mars and propped her up on her lap and tried to gently shake her.

Mars slowly opened her eyes," Meatball Head?"

Venus humphed," Is that the thanks I get for waking you? Next time I'll let you sleep."

Mars started to laugh as Venus gave her a wink.

" Look!" Jupiter shouted.

Tuxedo Mask walked over with Rini by his side, her face lighting up as she ran over to join the girls. Yet they instantly noticed she wasn't the only one he had. In his arms, limp and unconscious, was the body of Sailor Moon. Her golden pigtails brushed the ground as he carried her and her all too familiar blue and red sailor suit looked as new as the day she first transformed.

Mars quickly got to her feet and joined the other girls rushing to Tuxedo Mask's side.

" Is she?" Mercury could barely finish her sentence without the tears forming in her eyes.

Tuxedo Mask shook his head," She won't wake up."

Mars started to shout," You can't leave us now Meatball Head! Not after all of this!"

" Raye," a weak voice called out.

Mars stopped her impassioned rant and saw how Sailor Moon slowly turned her head with her eyes as vivid and expressive as ever.

" Do you always have to yell when I'm trying to sleep?"

Everyone burst out laughing, including Raye, as Sailor Moon cuddled close to Tuxedo Mask and fell asleep again.

" Now that's my Meatball Head," Raye joked," Glad she's finally home."

Serena sat on the park bench and looked up at the full moon. It had been two weeks since they had returned to the past again and everything seemed to fall right back into place like it was always meant to. She picked up a small stone and tossed it over the surface of the lake as she watched it skip all the way out to the middle of the lake before disappearing in the reflection of the full moon.

She picked up the paper in her hand and unfolded it again for the thousandth time since she had received it from Pluto.

Dear Serena,

I hope you are having a fun time with the rest of your summer vacation. The rebuilding is coming along quite nicely now that Mommy has her crystal back and the Scouts are awake again. Daddy is up and around and back to perfect health. He says he's very proud of me for traveling back in time to get Sailor Moon. Mommy said she's proud too of how I was able to use the Silver Crystal. She said I'm a real lady now.

I hope you and the girls won't fight anymore. Friendship is too important to ever let go. Now you and Darien can be happy again. I hope you all have fun and get along again.

Don't cry Serena. We'll meet again. Before you know it, I'll be causing trouble for you in no time. Remember. We can do anything. Together.

Love,

Neo Princess Serenity aka Rini

" Don't worry. She'll be back soon."

Serena turned her head to see a beaming Darien leaning against the park bench. Serena smiled and looked back out into the water.

" I know. In my heart, she's always going to be right here."

Darien walked around the bench to stand in front of Serena. He offered her his hand and she took it as she was standing up. She got up slightly too fast and tripped, but Darien was quick to sweep her into his arms and dip her back in a low bow. Serena giggled and saw their combined reflection in the water.

" Now there's my Serena. Not used to gravity again?" Darien joked.

Serena burrowed her head into his shoulder and continued to watch their reflection ripple in the moving water," I think I like tripping much better. Being graceful was hard work."

Darien kissed her lips softly," I prefer this you much more. You just so much more."

He paused.

" Human."

Serena leaned up and pressed her lips tightly against his," Me too Darien."

She gave one last peek at the image in the water and she was met with the silvery image of Imperial Moon. She grinned at Serena and gave her a wink before fading out of view completely as Darien brought the couple to stand up straight.

" Me too," Serena whispered.

Darien sat down on the bench and tucked Serena safely into his side," So what did you whisper to Diamond?"

Serena looked up at the full moon.

" I told him that nothing could hold him back now. Not even Fate."

Darien looked up too.

" Yeah. Nothing can stop us anymore."

This is the life I chose. This is the scene I watch. Never will I fail to become what I might have been. Never will the light of the moon grace those again. It's a dark journey I seek. The path I have chosen to follow will lead to my destruction. They will learn to fear this name.

I have chosen this. The seduction is far too alluring. I walk the blade of a knife. One slip is all I can take. Yet, I won't be pushed again. Passion is far too intense. Our darkest of sins. Our mightiest hour. There is no longer a distinction between reality and nightmares. I am what they try to hide.

The tangled webs we weave.

Our hour has come.

It is all in our path.

To Collide With Beauty.

So there is the end of the story. I hoped you liked it. I'm sureI got some details wrong here and there. It has been quite a while since I've watched the second season but hey. It wouldn't be fan fiction without a little creative room to work with. I hoped you all enjoyed the tale as a whole altogether. It was a wonder to work on, but I think I'll lay off all the magic writing for a while. It's not easy to try to get people to relate with since we all don't have the power to destroy evil. So the next story I'll write will be more along the lines of Remember When It Rained. I'm so sorry to everyone that it took so long, but graduating high school and starting college is a rough transition for right now. Thank you to everyone who stuck it out to read and continued to review it. I would be nothing without you, the fans. So this is dedicated to all of you. Thank you for everything...