Illusion of the Morning Star written by: Gina Biggs & A.N.Ferguson site: http://secondlight.animehunters.com/ contact: secondlight@animehunters.com date completed: 1997 (revised 02/2003) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode 18 - Awakening Dreamer! The Golden Aura Reforms Two coinciding Kingdoms, ruling side by side. The Moon and Sun forever there to shine on the earth with their eternal lights. What happens when the sun's light dies? Eclipsed with darkness, evil envelops the hearts of all who dwell there and chaos reigns... *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Hogosha traveled for what seemed an eternity through the portal until finally, she was hurled from it's darkness. She blinked her eyes, adjusting to the light. It took her but a moment to realize she stood in the throne room of the Eclipsed Sun Kingdom. Her gaze roamed the expansion of the chamber, eventually resting on a single object. In the center of the room was an orb, a black mass swirling inside the entrapment. "Welcome home, Hyperion." "Erebus," she hissed. "You say my name with such contempt and disrespect," he sighed. The orb floated closer to the fiery-haired girl. When she tried to back away, she discovered her limbs would not cooperate. "What the...?" "Tsk, tsk," Erebus scolded. "Did you really think I wouldn't be cautious? I've placed a hold on you. Can't have you running away, can I? You don't seem to understand how very precious you are to me, Hyperion." "Let me go!" Her demand reverberated off the walls as she looked at the orb angrily. "Really, there is no need to be so loud. Why protest? Like I said before, you are very precious to me. I would never hurt you, Hyperion. I need you. Give to me that which is not yours and I shall replace it with a body you can call your own." Hogosha's ears perked, "What do you mean?" Erebus chuckled softly, "Help me to take the body which houses you now and when the transaction is complete, I shall have enough power to grant your one wish. A body for you alone is what I offer." Hogosha lowered her eyes to the floor, thinking. "How could he have known the wish I secretly keep? A body of my own... Could it really be true? Do I dare to hope?" Outloud she questioned him. "Can you really do that? If so, why haven't you already created a body for yourself?" Erebus chuckled again, pleased he had her attention, "Of course I can do this, but not as I am now. This prison which I have been placed in prevents me from using my true power, but with the help of the Golden Aura I could break free. I desire a life free of this prison, as you desire a life free of yours. Simply say you will help me; lend your strength." She continued to contemplate the temptation. "How easy it would be to give in. An actual body. My own. The thought makes my heart soar!" Suddenly, her face fell. "But... what about Chibi Usa-chan? I can't just do that to her. I can't just give her body away. I can't!" "No, Erebus! I will not help you. Chibi Usa-chan unselfishly lent her body to me. I will not let you have it!" Hogosha glared at the twisting, angry mass of her enemy. With determination etched across her face, a stream of glowing, yellow ribbons emerged from her brooch and reformed into her sailor uniform. The kindness was gone as Erebus growled at her. "You dare refuse me? Then I will take what I want by force!" The orb expanded and cracked in places. Light spilled from the tiny cracks in the glass and touched Sailor Sun. The particles seeped into her skin, causing her physical pain. Through her agony, Sailor Sun called out. "Usagi! Please help me!" ****************** Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon were floating somewhere between their origin and destination when they heard the child-like voice echo in their ears. "Usagi! Please help me!" "Chibi Usa?" Sailor Moon gasped and looked about her morbid surroundings. No one, save the two, were to be found in the swirls of black and gray. They cast their gaze towards each other. "Isn't there any way out of here?" Sailor Moon questioned; her words resounding. "There doesn't seem to be any obvious way to leave this place." Tuxedo shook his head. "It's hopeless. We're stuck here," Moon said in defeat as she curled herself into a ball. "Sailor Moon, don't give up! We have to help Hogosha-chan and Chibi Usa." With a firm confirmation of her head, she agreed. "You're right!" Clasped each other's hands, they harnessed their powers. Together, they concentrated on Chibi Usa; on going to the source of the troubled voice. A flash of silvery light shone in the throne room as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen appeared. Erebus, surprised by the intrusion, released his captive. "Who are you?" "I am the pretty suited sailor soldier who fights for love and justice, Sailor Moon. In the name of the moon, I will punish you!" Moon finished her speech, then noticed her fallen friend. "Hogosha-chan!" She ran to Sailor Sun and asked, "Where is Chibi Usa? I heard her voice!" Erebus laughed heartily. "Haven't you figured it out yet, little moon princess? Your ever so trusted friend, Hogosha is Chibi Usa." "What?" Moon's expression was one of disbelief. "How?" Tuxedo continued the one syllable questions. "Dionysus needed a body for the captured soul of Hyperion to inhabit, one that was strong. It was our good fortune that a young child of the Moon Kingdom's bloodline had that strength. Melding the two spirits, placing Hyperion's spirit into the child was a simple task. We could not allow her to retain her true memories, of Chibi Usa or her life as Hyperion, so I purified her with my power. I gave her the freedom to be Solaris." "I don't believe you!" Sailor Moon screamed. Sun wearily caught her eyes, then spoke softly, "It's true, Usagi. I'm sorry for not saying anything. I know it was selfish to keep it a secret and worry you so. I just couldn't tell--" "Enough!" Erebus interrupted. Energy flew from the orb towards Sailor Moon. Sun wasted no time in blocking the attack. She screamed as the blast penetrated her body. Her eyes glazed over as the Golden Aura was pushed out of her brooch. The small stone remained floating in the air, while it's owner fell limp as a rag doll. A faint glow began to pulse around the stone, then the crescent piece given to Princess Serenity long ago manifested before Sailor Moon. In a transfixed state, she reached for the crescent. Just as her hand touched it, beautiful white wings sprouted from her back. The Moon Rod appeared as well, lengthening into a staff. A slight squeak came from Tuxedo Kamen as if he meant to speak, but could not find the words. He stared, in awe, at the ethereal angel Sailor Moon had become. ****************** On Earth, all the sailor soldiers had awakened and were rising to their feet. Mercury eyed the debris around them, searching for some sign of Tuxedo Kamen or Sailor Moon. Not finding them, she inquired, a touch of panic in her voice. "Where did they go?" "After Sailor Sun," Neptune answered, her tone grave. "We should help them!" Jupiter argued. "Yes," Venus agreed. "Let's teleport there and--" "No, this is their battle," voiced Sailor Uranus, her face stern. "But--" Venus stammered in protest. Neptune held her hand up to quiet Venus. "No, Uranus is right. This will be the final battle. We must not interfere." Rather distressed, Jupiter asked, "Isn't there anything we can do?" "Pray," Mars whispered, looking to the dark red sky. ****************** The orb housing Erebus shattered, freeing him from his prison. Like a fog, he encompassed the Golden Aura, covering it's brightness. Slowly, his gaseous form began to solidify into the figure of a huge beast-like man. Horns poked out of his shoulders and head, jagged teeth sprouted from his jaws. Along with his transformation, the Sun Kingdom grew dark with colors of black and red. "Finally!" Erebus roared, "The Golden Aura has given me the power to cleanse the Earth even without a body! I will create a world of total darkness, one of which one has dared to dream, a place where I shall rule supreme!" His crazed laughter died when Sailor Moon returned, "NO! I won't let you do that!" "Within my body rests the power of the Golden Aura. There is no means to stop me now!" ****************** A light flashed for Sailor Sun's sight only. Laying on the cold floor pitifully, her courage sank. "I failed. I failed not only the princess of the past, but the princess of the future kingdom as well." All around her, a white haze hindered her sight. When her vision finally cleared, two figures stood before her. Hand in hand, they approached her. The smaller figure proke away from the other and knelt beside her. "Chibi... Usa-chan?" The girl giggled as she touched her hand. "You didn't fail us, Hogosha-san." "But I did fail," Sailor Sun cried as she recoiled from the child's touch.

A soft, melodic voice she remembered only in dreams spoke. Queen Serenity calmed the despairing sailor soldier before her with her gentle words. "The battle is not over yet. Go back and fight in the light of the sun, Princess Hyperion." Sailor Sun's vision blurred once again and when it cleared again, the scene had changed. The struggle had already begun. Sailor Moon's white wings fluttered in the downcast of howling winds. Behind her stood Prince Endymion, holding steady to her and the weapon before them. Together, they held a long staff which radiated with the power of the Silver Crystal that rested on it's highest point. Erebus was quickly winning over them. "I have to help," Sun though as she rose to her feet. Her will once again strong, the fiery haired girl allowed her sailor uniform to melt into her royal gown. The symbol of her star appeared on her forhead and transparent wings stretched from her back. Quickly, she flew between the enemy and couple, blocking Erebus' attack. She turned to the Moon Princess. "Princess Serenity, stop using the Silver Crystal against him. If you don't, you'll surely die!" "Hogosha-chan, I have to protect my world and everything I love, no matter the cost!" Hyperion smiled sadly, knowing full-well the stubborn extent of Serenity goodness would not waver. Without hesitation, the sun princess sent a blast of energy to Serenity's staff, breaking it apart. The Silver Crystal returned to Usagi's body, sleeping once again within her. "I'm sorry, but I will not watch you die." Panic engulfed the couple's thoughts. They turned to each other, then back to Hyperion and the battle before them. Sailor Moon grasped onto Tuxedo Kamen's jacket as she hung her head, helpless to do anything. The anguish on their faces was soon replaced with dread. "Hogosha-chan! Look out!" Sailor Moon shrilly warned. In the corner of her eye, Hyperion caught sight of Erebus' second wave of power coming down upon her. A bubble of light encircled her body, shielding the sun princess. "Usagi," she called, "now that Erebus holds the Golden Aura, you cannot defeat Erebus with your power, else you will be killed. I have been selfish for too long. I will die, and in that way you and your prince can live. Farewell, Usagi, my princess." "Hogosha-chaaaaaaaan!" Sailor Moon screamed. The brilliance surrounding Hyperion grew blinding as her spirit split into little bubbles and left her body behind. Drawn toward the Golden Aura, the spirit sailed towards Erebus' and pierced his chest. As the bubbles entered the stone, howls of the creature's pain rocked the kingdom. Sailor Moon's hysterical screams of Hogosha's name were lost in the violent winds. Her voice was silenced as Tuxedo Kamen took hold of her slender arms and kissed her deeply. When he pulled away, she stared at him in surprise, but as if finally understanding, she turned her tear-stained face toward the enemy. The small crescent appeared before her once more and as she took it in her hands, the glow became intense. "This power..." she thought, "Hogosha-chan, you don't have to be alone!" Leaving the side of her beloved, she ran toward Erebus. The light of the stone touched his body and suddenly, the Golden Aura seemed to come alive, shooting beams of light in all directions. In one final scream of terror, Erebus was torn apart and all fell silent. ****************** The dreary atmosphere of the Sun Kingdom lifted as if the eclipse was ceasing. Brighter and brighter the walls seemed to shine. In the midst of this splendor, floated Hyperion's body. The only thing adorning her lifeless body were the gauzy wings, which held the princess in the air. Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon watched the Golden Aura move above their friend. The light was almost blinding, but their stare kept on the girl. Atmosphere around them began to change, but they did not take notice. Finally, they tore their gaze from the fiery girl and realized they were no longer on the sun. Instead, they stood amongst the other soldiers, whose mouths were agape. "Sailor Moon? Tuxedo Kamen-sama?" they cried in unison. "Everyone!" Sailor Moon opened her arms to except a group hug. The girls crowded around her and held onto her joyously. The happy reunion did not last long and as the moon soldier turned somber the curious Mercury asked, "What happened?" "She saved us," Moon answered, nodding at the still figure of Hyperion. "She risked her life to save us." "What do you think she'll do now," Tuxedo inquired, taking Moon's hand. "How will she give back Chibi Usa's body?" His comment having raised several eyebrows, Sailor Moon explained, "To bring Hogosha-chan to life, the Sun Warriors stole a body for her to inhabit.... Chibi Usa's. Her spirit has left that body. I don't know what will happen next." "Took Chibi Usa-chan's... oh my." Venus covered her mouth in shock. "Everyone," Sailor Moon began, "this may be an odd request, but could we give Hogosha-chan the energy from our new powers? With that strength, maybe she could find a way to live. Perhaps we could help her make a body of her own." "It wouldn't hurt to try." Jupiter patted Moon's shoulder. This brought about equally enthusiastic cheers of "Yeah!" and "Let's try!" ****************** In a dream-like state, Hyperion felt warmth spread over her. Strength filled her every pore as she heard the offerings of the soldiers. "A body!" "Yes, a body for Hogosha-chan!" "Could it be?" She wondered, "This feeling is their powers?" She opened her eyes to find herself in a long hallway. Her white and gold gown swished about her ankles as she gracefully made her way down the corridor. Noticing an added weight on her head, Hyperion felt for the item, discovering a delicate, golden crown. She reached a set of heavy doors, which opened with a simple touch of her fingertips. Upon entering the room, she saw, lying on a bed of sparkling silk, a child. Closer inspection revealed the crescent mark of the moon upon the sleeping girl's forehead. "Chibi Usa-chan..." Hyperion whispered and shook the child gently. Her voice turned urgent when she didn't wake. "Chibi Usa-chan?"

"The battle..." Hyperion choked on her tears. "The battle must have weakened her body too much. It's not fair! You can't die!" She gathered the small princess into her arms. "I won't let you die. You gave me a chance at life and it's my turn to return the favor. Wake up Chibi Usa-chan. Wake up." Hyperion transferred all the power that had been offered to her by the sailor soldiers into the child. She stopped when she felt a stirring of life and glanced down. The tiny princess was rubbing her eyes sleepily. When she noticed Hyperion, she grinned. "Thank you, Chibi Usa. Thank you so much. I was finally able to protect her. My promise has been fulfilled. Now it's time for you to go back." "Where will you go?" Chibi Usa questioned. "Back to where I belong... In the heart of the Golden Aura, to watch over the stars as the Guardian of Light." "Guardian of Light? Will you come back?" "Probably not for a long time." Small Lady hugged her tightly. "I'll be waiting for you, Hogosha-san." Hyperion smiled at the innocence of the child. Her vision faded. ****************** "Chibi Usa? Chibi Usa!" Sailor Moon kneeled and burst into tears as the two embraced. When they pulled away, they beamed at each other. "What took you so long to save me?" Chibi Usa teased. "Hey!" Sailor Moon fumed as the others laughed. The Golden Aura pulsed with a new glowed, ending their conversation. "Welcome home, Chibi Usa-chan. I'll miss you all." "Hogosha-chan, you're not staying?" Moon frowned. "I can't. I must return to the Sun and protect it as the Guardian of Light, for that is who I truly am. I fear, though, I have not reached my fullest potential. Until that time, I must sleep to gain my strength. Duringthis period, the Earth may not be safe from the evils born of the Sun." "Don't worry," Chibi Usa declared. "We'll protect the Earth for as long as it takes." "Thank you everyone, for letting me fight along side of you, instead of in the darkness. Thank you." The voice of the Guardian resounded in their ears. The soldiers waved as the Golden Aura left their sight. She appeared in her restored kingdom filled with joy. "We never know what the future holds..." One last time, she gazed with psychic eyes at the soldiers. She watched as their Aura suits were replaced by the old uniforms. Then as she drifted into content slumber, she though, "...for even the Guardian of Light was able to live among people and find love within the stars." An image of her beloved filled Hyperion's mind. "Alpha Centauri... maybe we shall meet again in my dreams." The End.