One Last Smile ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Protect the Princess!" Time shattered, the moment becoming an ephemeral dream. Wading through the ethers of the second, Minako found herself losing her grip on reality. To slow. She was too slow. If only she could shove aside the molecules of air that blocked her path, then maybe the task before her wouldn't seem so impossible. Tearing her way forward, Sailor V leapt into the air. 'I've got to make it,' she though as her body spun through the void, 'Please, God, grant me the power to make it!' She could see the fire, all too close, tearing its way forward. 'I must be faster than the fire...' she though, 'I can't let the flame defeat me!' And, somehow, she did. Minako plowed bodily into Sailor Moon, covering her Princess's body with her own. And, with the finality of a broken mirror, the instant ended. The fire placed itself a close second, tearing its way across the back of Sailor Venus's fuku. Mina screamed in pain the burning energy ripped her back open and lay it bare, a mass of burned bone and flesh. There was a momentary pause, then the other Senshi moved, crushing the Youma with a torrent of attacks. As it crumbled to dust, a silence fell. "Are you... all right... Princess?" Minako rasped, struggling to breathe. The pain was overwhelming, but that was not her concern. Slowly, she pulled herself up on her hands and knees, trying to let Sailor Moon slip out from under her. Usagi, however, made no move to do so. "Why?" the Princess asked softly, gazing at Minako with her big blue eyes. Even now, Minako had to smile. "Because your eyes are beautiful," Minako whispered, "I've always thought so... especially when you smile. When you smile, your eyes sparkle like diamonds. No, they shine more than that. Your smile makes the sun look dim. You... you have a shine that could light the entire cosmos. I... had to protect that incredible shine." "We've gotta get you to a hospital," Sailor Mars stated, tears welling in her eyes. "Yeah," Jupiter concurred, "We wouldn't want you sitting out any battles, now would we?" "You need to be looked over by a professional," Mercury added, "I'm sure my Mom can fix you up, though. Really..." "Don't lie to me..." Venus murmured, closing her eyes. There was an awkward silence, then Minako spoke again. "Princess Serenity... you are my reason for living. To know that you are safe... it makes me feel good. I... I don't have anyone... no family... no one to love... just you. I love you, Princess. Please... Minako's eyes flashed open. Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus exchanged a long moment, each gazing deeply into the other's eyes. "Just... let me see you smile... one last time." "Mina-chan..." Sailor Moon breathed, tears running down her face. "Please..." Mina begged, "Just one smile..." Slowly, Sailor Moon nodded. There was a pause, then... the most beautiful, tender smile that any of the Senshi had ever witnessed spread across Sailor Moon's face. It was the smile of a Mother... a Lover... a Friend.... The smile was intimate, caring, and passionate in a way impossible to fully comprehend. But, most of all, the smile was one of parting... a final goodbye. There was no pity... just sadness. A beautiful, beaming sadness. "Thank you..." Minako breathed. Then, fuku dissolving around her, Minako slumped to the side. Her eyes were still and listless. Her limbs limp. Her breath stilled. Slowly, Sailor Moon reached over and closed Minako's eyes. Then, almost as an afterthought, Sailor Moon replaced the long unused Sailor V mask on Minako's face. "Rest well, V-chan..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 1999 to Charles Drake.