Hey there!  Here is chapter 2 of Sunset!  Thank you SO much to all of you who e-mail me!!  I REALLY appreciate it!!  I LOVE to get comments from you!!  So if you’re reading this and you haven’t e-mailed me yet, please do!  I would LOVE to hear from you!  Thank you!!  The title of this chapter has a double meaning, so see if you can figure them out! 
Disclaimers: Same old, same old.  You know the drill, I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters in this story that are normally associated with Sailor Moon.  However, Princess Aurora is my own character, so please do not take her.  Thanks! 
Sunset by Chichiri 
Chapter 2- The Dawning 

Late the next morning, Usagi practically flew to Naru’s house she was so happy.  “Naru-chan!” she cried as she ran in the door.  “Naru-chan!” 
     “What?” Naru asked coming in the door behind Usagi.  “I was outside gardening.” 
     “Aurora-chan is coming!” Usagi exclaimed.  “She’s going to be here next week!  I’m so happy!  It’s been a whole year since I’ve seen her!” 
     “Princess Aurora is coming?” Naru asked. 
     “Yes!” Usagi replied. 
     “That’s great, she’s your best friend,” Naru said. 
     “You are too, Naru-chan,” Usagi said.  “There’s so much we have to talk about!” 
     Naru laughed.  “You talk just about every week through your mental link.” 
     “But that’s not the same!  It’s way better to talk in person!” Usagi insisted.  “Aurora-chan is going to stay for a whole month!  And later this month the other princesses are coming for the ball.  The ball is going to be so much fun!  I’m turning fifteen and we’re going to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Silver Millennium!  Well, I have to go now, ja ne!”  Usagi ran out the door again. 
     She ran back to the palace, slowing to an elegant walk when she came within view of the gates.  She smiled to the guards as she passed through the gates and entered the Main Hallway of the Palace.  She climbed the Grand Staircase to the second floor, and then she walked down the hall to her room.  She flopped down on her canopy bed and stretched out.  She lifted a hand and reached out to gently finger the petals of the red and white roses Mamoru had given her.  They stood proudly in a vase on the small table beside her bed.  She smiled at the delicate silky feeling of the petals. 

The sun was beginning to set when Usagi ran away from the palace again.  Something drew her to her tree.  She slowed to a walk when she saw Mamoru leaning against the tree looking up into the sky with a troubled expression on his handsome face. 
     “Hi Mamoru,” Usagi called as she walked up to him.  “What’s wrong?” 
     “Hi Usagi,” Mamoru replied looking down at her.  “Nothing’s wrong.” 
     “You can’t tell me that, I’m an expert at sensing when people are troubled and you’re definitely troubled.  Now, what’s wrong?”  Usagi looked up at him expectantly. 
     “Fine, Usagi, I’ll tell you,” Mamoru relented.  “My home is being destroyed.  My parents were already killed.  So I came to ask the Princess for help since I’ve heard so many stories about how wonderful she is.  But I had a bad run-in with her and I doubt she’ll listen to me now.” 
     “I’m sorry, Mamoru,” Usagi said softly.  She felt awful. 
     “For what?  It’s not your fault,” Mamoru said. 
     ‘Yes it is,’ Usagi thought.  The last rays of sunlight were slipping beyond the horizon.  “I’m sure you just caught Princess Serenity on a bad day,” Usagi assured him.  “I’m sure she’ll listen to you if you go back.” 
      “Maybe.”  Mamoru looked back up into the cloudless sky that was now completely dark.  He looked back down a few minutes later and saw Usagi’s shadow moving away toward the town.  He sighed.  ‘Things are getting more complicated than I expected,’ he thought.  ‘I have to find a way to save Terra.’ 
     Usagi looked back at Mamoru when she reached the edge of the town.  ‘It’s my fault he’s sad,’ she thought.  ‘I’ve got to find a way to help him.  I have to find out where his home is.  I won’t let the Silver Millennium’s peace end now.  We’ve come so far, it can’t end yet.  Mamo-chan, I wish I could make you smile.  I will find a way to help you.  Mamo-chan...’ 

The week passed slowly for Usagi, but finally the day came when Aurora arrived from the Universe of Light.  She arrived at the teleportation station in a different town than the Moon Palace.  The teleportation station was used for travel between the Universes since it was more complicated than teleporting within a Universe.  Aurora was escorted to the Moon Palace on a cloud carriage drawn by Moon horses.  Usagi ran out of the palace as soon as she caught the first glimpse of the cloud carriage that had been sent to retrieve Aurora and her escorts. 
     “Aurora-chan!” Usagi exclaimed, running over and giving her a hug as soon as she set foot on the ground. 
     “Hi, Usagi-chan!” Aurora said, equally excited, as she returned Usagi’s hug.  Aurora had started calling her ‘Usagi’ when Usagi had told her about Mamoru’s name for her.  Aurora had been unable to attend the ball in the Negaverse because she had been sick. 
     Usagi and Aurora had been raised as sisters, they didn’t know what had happened to Aurora’s parents.  It was only known that she was the Princess of the Universe of Light.  In the last year, Aurora had had to return to her kingdom in the Universe of Light for training in taking over from the temporary Guardians of the Throne, named Luna and Artemis.  Queen Serenity had appointed Luna and Artemis as the temporary guardians while she raised Aurora.  Luna and Artemis were born of the planet Iris in the Universe of Light. 
     Usagi and Aurora talked excitedly while they walked up the stairs to Aurora’s room, right next door to Usagi’s.  Once Aurora was settled in her room and her escorts were settled in their rooms along the hallway, Usagi and Aurora went into Usagi’s room to catch up. 
     “Where did those roses come from?  They’re so perfect, they don’t grow that perfectly here on the Moon do they?” Aurora asked referring to the white and red roses in the vase beside Usagi’s bed. 
      Usagi blushed slightly before answering, “They were a gift from Mamoru.” 
     “What?  When did you see him?” Aurora asked. 
     “Last week, he’s here on the Moon,” Usagi replied.  Then she explained how they had met again and how he didn’t know that she was the Princess.  “I feel awful that we had that nasty run-in.  Now he won’t ask the Princess for help and I can’t help him unless I know where he’s from, but he keeps avoiding answering that question.” 
     “Maybe he’s from the Negaverse and they’re plotting to take over!” Aurora joked. 
     “Don’t say that!” Usagi frowned.  “I told you what I heard them say the night they joined the Silver Millennium.  They are planning to take over and there’s nothing I can do about it because nobody believes me.  I bet the Negaverse is destroying Mamoru’s home.  They are planning something.  I’ve had a really bad feeling that something awful is going to happen soon.  I’m the Princess of the Silver Millennium and there’s nothing I can do to prevent the destruction of what we’ve worked so hard to achieve because I don’t know enough and nobody will believe me based on a feeling I have.” 
      “I’m sorry, Usagi-chan,” Aurora apologized.  “I believe you, but I would just like to point out that it’s been eight years and that’s why no one else believes you.  We have had eight years of total peace with the Negaverse.  But I’ve had a bad feeling lately, too, especially about my Universe of Light.  You’re right, something bad is going to happen soon and it’s so frustrating not being able to do anything about it!” 
     Usagi’s face suddenly became full of determination.  “We are not going to sit and watch our people be destroyed.  We’re going to find out what’s going on!” 
     “How?” Aurora asked sadly. 
     “I have to find out where Mamoru is from, then we can have some solid information to work with!” Usagi’s eyes flashed with the strength and determination that made her such a good princess. 
     “That’s a good start,” Aurora agreed.  “When are you going to see him again?” 
     “Tonight...”  Usagi’s voice trailed off as she glanced out the window and saw the stars twinkling in the black velvet sky.  “Oh no!  I have to hurry and get to Naru’s house!  I’m going to be late!” 
     “Usagi-chan?  You can change your clothes with half a thought and you can teleport yourself to Naru’s cottage,” Aurora pointed out. 
     “Right!” Usagi said, changing her clothes and hair with a brief thought.  “But I prefer to run than teleport because I like the feel of the wind, so I have to go!  I’ll see you later!”  Usagi climbed out of the window and down the trellis. 
     “Hey, Usagi-chan!  I’ll be waiting for a full report as soon as you get back!”  Aurora winked at Usagi and then Usagi took off running toward the village. 

Out of breath, Usagi burst in through the back door and paused to catch her breath.  She shut the door and walked into the living room where Naru sat reading on the couch.  “He isn’t here yet,” she said without looking up.  Usagi collapsed into the overstuffed armchair.  She thought about the night she had overheard the Negaverse plotting to take over the Universes.  A troubled expression appeared on her face as she tried to figure out what to do.  She definitely had to do something, though, with or without help from her mother. 
     “Usagi!” Naru shouted.  “Hello?” 
     Usagi snapped out of her reverie and noticed that Mamoru was standing beside Naru, smiling broadly.  “What’s so funny?” Usagi demanded. 
     “You look cute when you’re thinking,” Mamoru said, laughing.  “Shall we go?” 
     “Yeah.”  Usagi smiled.  “Bye Naru-chan!” 
     “Bye!” Naru called after them as they walked out the door.  “Have a great night!” 
     “So where are we going?” Usagi asked. 
     “I thought we could just go for a walk,” Mamoru said.  “I only have a little bit of time.  Is that okay?” 
     “It sounds lovely!” Usagi said, skipping happily ahead. 
     Mamoru watched her with a smile on his face, but he was troubled.  ‘I have to go back to Terra,’ he thought.  ‘I don’t want to leave Usagi, though.  I feel so happy when she’s around.  I want her to be mine.  She is my best friend and I have fallen in love with her.  She’s so happy and innocent and full of life, and yet there is a hidden strength inside her eyes.  Aishiteru, Usagi, but I have to go back to Terra.  I have to at least save my Guard if I can.  Goodbye, Usagi, my rabbit.’ 
     Usagi turned around suddenly, having unconsciously heard Mamoru’s mental goodbye to her.  “Where are you going?” 
     “I have business to take care of, please forgive me,” Mamoru said.  “Goodbye, Usagi.” 
     ‘But where are you going?’ Usagi thought as she watched him go.  ‘Why don’t you tell me?  Are you truly from the Negaverse?’  Usagi was crushed at the thought.  ‘... Terra... why did Terra suddenly enter my thoughts?  That must be where Mamo-chan is from, I just know it!’  She looked up at Terra among the silver stars, then headed back to the palace. 

“How do you know he’s from Terra if he didn’t tell you?” Aurora asked. 
     “I felt it,” Usagi tried to explain it.  “He must have told me subconsciously.  When he left, I had a strong feeling of Terra and why else would it suddenly pop up?  In any case, it’s the best lead we have right now.” 
     “Yes,” Aurora sighed.  “But now what do we do?” 
     “We go to Terra,” Usagi said simply. 
     “What?” Aurora asked. 
     “We go to Terra,” Usagi repeated.  “We have to investigate.  You agreed that we shouldn’t just sit and wait for this bad feeling to turn into an attack.” 
     “Yeah, but going to Terra?” Aurora said.  “And I suppose we’re going without escorts?” 
     “Well, if we have too many people, they’re bound to notice us,” Usagi pointed out.  “But if it’s just the two of us, we’re less likely to be noticed.  So are you coming Aurora-chan?” 
     “Yes,” Aurora said reluctantly.  “When are we going?” 
     “Now,” Usagi replied. 
     “They’ll miss us in the morning, though,” Aurora pointed out. 
     “We’ll leave a note saying that we left early to see the sunrise from the Crystal Bluffs.  Mother won’t worry.  After all, she doesn’t know that we’re about to be attacked.”  Usagi wrote out a quick note and placed it on her bed.  “Ready to go?”  Aurora nodded.  They joined hands and teleported to Terra. 
     “Isn’t Terra beautiful?” Usagi asked when they arrived in a forest near a river. 
     “Yes,” Aurora agreed.  “It’s quite beautiful.  Now that we’re here, what do we do?” 
     “We look for signs of attack,” Usagi said.  “Shall we go to the capital?” 
     “I suppose,” Aurora said. 
     “It’s not far from here, we can follow the river,” Usagi said. 
     “Have you been here before?” Aurora asked as they began to walk along the riverbank. 
     “A really long time ago,” Usagi answered. 
     “Then how do you know which direction the capital is in?” Aurora asked. 
     “To tell you the truth, I don’t know,” Usagi replied.  “It’s just a feeling.” 
     They walked in silence through the dark forest.  Patches of moonlight lit up the forest where the canopy wasn’t as thick.  They came upon a clearing and stopped.  The Moon illuminated the burnt trees and brush.  Beyond the ashes was a cliff, and past the cliff the lights of the capital twinkled.  “I’d say this is definitely a sign of attack,” Aurora said grimly.  “Just what we’re looking for.” 
     “Definitely,” Usagi agreed.  “Let’s get a sample of this ash.  We can scan it for Negaverse energy when we get back to the palace.”  She pulled a small container out of the air and filled it with ash.  Then she put it back into the air and sent it to her room in the palace.  “All right.  That castle ahead is where the Terran royalty live.  Let’s go check it out.  Maybe they can tell us what’s going on.” 
     “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Aurora asked. 
     “We don’t have another choice,” Usagi said seriously.  “We have to find out what’s going on.” 
     “You’re right,” Aurora relented.  “Let’s go.” 
     They walked among the shadows and into the capital.  “Now all we have to do is find a way to get in,” Aurora said as they reached the wall that surrounded the castle. 
     “That’s easy,” Usagi said.  She climbed to the top of the wall and called, “Come on, Aurora-chan.”  Then she dropped to the other side.  Aurora followed a few moments later.  They crept up to the castle walls and Usagi suggested, “Let’s look for a trellis, like how I get in and out of my room.”  They walked around the castle, staying in the shadows.  On the far side, they found what they were looking for, a trellis that led to an open second story window.  “Perfect,” Usagi whispered. 
     Usagi climbed swiftly up the trellis and Aurora followed going at a slower pace.  When Usagi reached the top, she carefully looked in the window.  The room was empty.  Aurora joined her and they climbed into the room.  They walked silently through the maze of empty hallways without encountering anyone.  As they neared the throne room, they could hear voices floating into the hall.  They pressed themselves against the wall beside the door and listened. 
     “Now that my mother is dead and I am Queen, our plan will commence as soon as the troops are ready,” a woman said.  “Kunzite, are you ready to take your father Malachite’s place as leader of the Generals?” 
     “Yes, Queen Beryl,” Kunzite replied. 
     ‘Beryl!’ Usagi thought.  ‘I knew it, the Negaverse is planning to attack now that Beryl is Queen.  Aurora, we’ve got to get out of here before they find us!’ 
     ‘Agreed!’ Aurora thought back. 
     They crept down the hall away from the throne room and as they rounded a corner they ran into another of Beryl’s Generals.  “Who are you?” Jedite demanded. 
     “We’re maids,” Aurora said quickly. 
     “Then where are your uniforms?  And what are you doing sneaking around?” Jedite asked.  “You’re coming with me!”  He grabbed Usagi’s arm and she cried out with pain. 
     “No we’re not!” Aurora shouted.  She spun around and kicked Jedite’s arm, knocking Usagi free.  Usagi stood again and saw Zoisite running down the hall.  Usagi cartwheeled down the hall and landed a kick in Zoisite’s stomach.  After getting in a few more kicks, Usagi and Aurora ran down the hall.  “I knew those martial arts classes would be useful someday,” Aurora commented and Usagi smiled.  “There’s more up ahead!” Usagi warned.  “I’ll take the gold one, you take the green one!” she said referring to the color of the lining on their grey uniforms. 
     After defeating Kunzite and Nephrite, Usagi and Aurora continued running down the hall.  “There’s an exit!” Aurora pointed happily.  They ran out the door and through the gardens.  Usagi stopped suddenly and looked back at the castle. 
     “Usagi-chan!  Come on, they’ll send more guards after us!” Aurora said urgently. 
     “I just got a feeling that Mamo-chan is in there!” Usagi said.  “He’s in pain!  We have to help him!” 
     “Usagi-chan!  Please, we have to go!” Aurora pleaded. 
     “No, I won’t leave him!” Usagi insisted.  She ran back toward the castle and Aurora followed reluctantly.  Usagi led them to a large empty room where they saw Mamoru fighting the Four Generals.  Or rather, the Four Generals fighting Mamoru while he pleaded with them to stop and remember.  “Hey, look!” Zoisite said pointing to Usagi and Aurora standing in the doorway.  Zoisite formed a crystal dagger behind them and shot it at them.  Aurora grabbed a sword out of the air and spun around to deflect the crystal dagger.  “Good idea!” Usagi said.  She reached into the air to grab a sword, but instead came up with a handful of water.  “Not quite what I wanted, but it’ll do.”  Usagi threw the water into Jedite’s face as he approached her. 
     “Get Mamoru, Usagi!  I’ll cover for you!” Aurora commanded. 
     Usagi ran to Mamoru’s side and caught him just before he fell.  He was badly injured.  “My friend the great Wind, please help me!” Usagi begged.  The wind came to her call and helped her carry Mamoru’s unconscious body outside.  Aurora followed after freezing the door shut shouting, “Hurry!  That small door freezing spell won’t hold them in for long!” 
     They ran quickly across an open field and came to a halt where the ground suddenly dropped off to the ocean.  “My friend the gentle Water, please help us!” Usagi whispered. 
     Usagi grabbed Mamoru and Aurora and jumped off the cliff.  The water swelled up and caught them.  It cradled their bodies and carried them gently to a small cove.  “Let’s go home,” Usagi said.  She and Aurora teleported themselves and Mamoru back to the Moon. 

Usagi reluctantly left Mamoru’s side when the rosy tint of dawn began to light the land.  Aurora and Usagi had taken Mamoru to Naru’s house and now he lay on the bed in the tiny guest bedroom, still unconscious.  Usagi and Aurora had to return to the palace.  In the hall outside Usagi’s room, Usagi stood in front of the full-length mirror and said: 
 “Mirror, Mirror in the hall, 
 Show me my Guardians, one and all.” 
     The glass shimmered and seven sleepy faces and Setsuna’s usual emotionless face appeared.  “What’s wrong Princess?” Minako asked sleepily. 
     “I need your help, all of you.  The Negaverse is planning to attack soon,” Usagi said seriously. 
     “What?” Rei asked.  “This again?” 
     “It’s true,” Aurora said, stepping in front of the mirror beside Usagi.  “You have to believe us, you’re the only ones who will.  We need your help.” 
     “All right, what can we do though?” Makoto asked. 
     “I need you to watch for signs of attack,” Usagi said.  “They have already taken over Terra, we cannot count on the Terrans for help.  We are the last hope of the Silver Millennium.  Don’t let the public know anything, I don’t want them to panic.  Just watch everybody and everything carefully please, you are my last hope.  I just wish there was more I could do.” 
     “You’re doing all you can,” Minako assured her. 
     “But I wish I could do more,” Usagi sighed miserably.  “The Silver Millennium is on the verge of destruction and all I can do is watch and wait.  Please let me know if you see or hear anything suspicious.” 
     “We will,” the eight Senshi assured her. 
     “Thank you,” Usagi said.  The mirror shimmered again and showed the reflection of Usagi and Aurora again.  Next Aurora contacted her Guardians and told them to keep watch as well.  When she had finished she turned and saw that Usagi had gone into her room.  She was sitting on the bed sadly.  “Usagi-chan, you’ve done all you can,” Aurora said, sitting beside her and giving her a hug.  “Unless you want to try Mother again.” 
     Usagi shook her head.  “I’ve tried for eight years, it won’t work now.”  She got up and walked to the table beside her bed and bent to smell the roses.  Then she reached out her hand to finger the petals and smiled at their soft feel. 
     Aurora watched her and said, “You love him don’t you?” 
     “Huh?” Usagi asked. 
     “You love Mamoru,” Aurora said. 
     “What?  No, he’s just a good friend, he--” Usagi protested. 
     “Give it up, Usagi-chan,” Aurora laughed.  “It’s written all over your face.  You can’t deny it, so just admit it.  Come on, I’m your sister.” 
     “All right!” Usagi admitted.  “I love him!  But does he love me?  I wish I knew!  And I wish I could save Terra for him, but without Mother’s troops...” 
     “Hey, it’s okay, Usagi-chan,” Aurora soothed.  “Stop worrying.  Let’s go see if he’s woken up yet.” 
     “All right.”  Usagi smiled. 

Usagi sat by the bed that Mamoru lay in again.  She looked at his face with a smile gracing her own face.  She bent down and softly kissed his forehead.  “Aishiteru, Mamo-chan,” she whispered.  She got up and went out to the kitchen where she gratefully accepted a cup of hot chocolate from Naru and sat at the table with Aurora.  She quietly sipped her hot chocolate.  Half an hour later, she returned to Mamoru’s side.  She pulled a book out of the air and began to read it. 
     A while later, Mamoru opened his eyes and looked around.  He saw Usagi sitting beside him reading a book.  ‘She looks cute when she’s reading...  But when doesn’t she look cute?’ he thought.  “Usagi?” he asked. 
     Usagi quickly turned her head and smiled when she saw that Mamoru was awake.  “Hey there, Sleepyhead!” she said.  “How are you feeling?” 
     “Okay,” he replied, but he winced as he sat up. 
     “Are you sure?” Usagi asked concerned.  “You were hurt pretty bad.” 
     “I’ll be fine,” Mamoru insisted.  “What were you doing on Terra?  Why did you save me?” 
     “Um, I followed you,” Usagi said, telling part of the truth.  “And you’re my best friend so I couldn’t let you be killed.” 
     “But...” his voice drifted off as he decided not to ask more. 
     “Would you like something to eat?” Usagi asked.  “I’ll be happy to make you something.” 
     “Actually, food sounds good,” Mamoru admitted. 
     “Great,” Usagi said.  “I’ll go make some breakfast.” 

Usagi had returned to the palace with Aurora, after telling Mamoru that she had to take care of a few things and promising to return in the morning.  Later that night, Queen Serenity came into her daughter’s room.  Aurora had already gone to her own room.  “My dear Serenity,” Queen Serenity said sadly.  It was obvious that she had been crying recently.  “I have learned today that the Negaverse is planning an attack.  You were right all along, I should have believed you, but believing you would have meant giving up my dream of peace among all of the Universes.  I was wrong now, I know.  A dream is not as important as the lives of my people.  Terra has already betrayed us and joined the Negaverse.  But a messenger has come with an offer to us from the Negaverse.”  Queen Serenity paused to wipe a tear from her eye.  “If... if you were to agree to be married to one of the princes from the Negaverse, they would call off the attack.  But I cannot ask you to do that, so I have come to tell you that the Silver Millennium is coming to an end.  This will be the final battle.” 
     Usagi looked horrified.  She was speechless as tears slipped down her pale cheeks.  ‘It’s truly over now,’ she thought.  ‘I have known this was coming, but now that Mother is saying this to me it seems all the more real and horrifying.  I won’t let it end though!’  Queen Serenity headed for the door, leaving her daughter silently crying. 
     “Mother,” Usagi said in a falsely calm voice.  “I will do it.” 
     “What?  But Serenity...” Queen Serenity protested. 
     “You will have no luck in trying to dissuade me,” Usagi insisted.  “I will not allow the Silver Millennium to end now.  I will not lead our people into war.” 
     “Very well, I should have known not to tell you,” Queen Serenity sighed.  “Your engagement will be announced at the ball.”  Queen Serenity left the room, wiping tears from her eyes. 
     Usagi collapsed onto the bed, her body shaking with silent tears.  Gaining control of her tears again, she stood and went over to the table beside her bed.  She gently picked the white and red roses out of the vase.  She brought them up to her nose and slowly inhaled their gentle smell.  Then she turned and moved over to the open window.  She looked out at the starry sky and the beautiful colors of Terra.  But there was a darkness emanating from Terra that made her heart cry even more.  She smelled the roses again and then whispered, “My friend the great Wind, please take this rose to Mamo-chan.”  She threw the red rose out the window and the wind caught it and carried it away.  “I’m doing this for you Mamo-chan.  I will save Terra for you even if it means giving up my own happiness and freedom.  Aishiteru, Mamo-chan!”  Usagi fell to the ground.  She curled up on the floor, her small body racked with sobs. 

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That’s it for chapter 2!  Isn’t it sad?  Well, I would promise you a happy ending, but this is a Silver Millennium story and we all know how that ends.  Gomen!  But I will make the ending as happy as possible despite the fact that everyone dies.  Did you figure out the double meaning of the title?  The first meaning is the arrival of Princess Aurora.  In Greek mythology, Aurora is the dawn, so in my story Aurora’s arrival is ‘the dawn.’  Also, Usagi and Mamoru realize that they love each other, in other words, it ‘dawns’ on them.  Wasn’t that fun?  Please e-mail me, ‘k?  (runnerup2001@netscape.net)  Ja ne! 
~Chichiri 
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