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SailorMoon History of Phoenix and the Golden Flame

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“I’ll be just a minute, I have to go and grab something from the other room really quick! If you could finish up that’d be great!” Rei called as she stepped outside the room.

Hotaru giggled. “You heard her you two, finish mopping the floor.”

Setsuna glared at the young girl with mock severity. “Jas, I don’t like the way she’s bossing us, do you?”

A mischievous grin appeared on Jasumin’s face. “She seems a little too bossy if you ask me.”

 

As one, the two young women pounced on Hotaru, Jasumin pinning her arms back as her lover, Setsuna, tickled Hotaru’s stomach.

“No no! Stop please!” She squealed, trying to get away from Setsuna’s fingers, laughing uncontrollably.

All of a sudden the tickling stopped as Setsuna leaned forward and whispered something into Hotaru’s ear, causing her to grin in delight. Suddenly Jasumin found herself at Hotaru’s mercy and was soon laughing and squirming in Setsuna’s grasp.

The door opened as Rei came back in. “I leave you three alone for a few minutes and look what you get into.” She scolded, reprimanding them like a mother who had caught a child misbehaving. Rei got no further as a damp cloth landed on her face. Setsuna, who had thrown the cloth, pointed with a face of pure innocence at Hotaru. Before she could protest, Rei had thrown the cloth right at Hotaru’s face and the four of them suddenly burst out laughing.

“The look…hahaha…on your face Rei was priceless!” Jasumin managed to say between laughter.

“You…you should’ve seen Setsuna!” Rei remarked holding her sides, trying to contain her own glee, “The way she…hehehe…she blamed Hotaru!”

 

Minako and Makoto poked their heads in the doorway, drawn by the sounds of laughter.

“Is everything nearly ready for ton-…?” Makoto started to say but stopped as she saw Jasumin ready to throw the damp cloth. “Jasumin, throw that at me and you won’t get any of my special treats tonight.”

Makoto’s glare told her she was serious. “Aww you’re no fun Mako-chan, but I love your treats so I won’t this time.” Jasumin winked at her friend.

“Are we nearly ready?” Minako asked as Artemis and Luna jumped off her shoulders down onto the counter. “The others will be here soon.”

“Finished!” Hotaru announced as she finished wiping down the last spot of the floor.

“Excellent, now we can set everything up.” Rei said happily. “Oh, but where should we have it tonight? Here or in the Meditation Chamber?”

“Let’s have it in here tonight.” Setsuna suggested, already starting to lay things out. “That way we don’t have to move anything to the other room.”

 

The girls quickly got to work getting everything set up for the night. It wasn’t long until Ami showed up and immediately went to work at arranging candles to light up the room.

“Haruka! Michiru!” Hotaru called excitedly as she saw the pair appear in the doorway and ran to give them each a hug.

“I hope you haven’t been bothering the girls too much, Hotaru.” Haruka teased as she and her lover moved to help out.

Smiling Jasumin replied, “She’s been a big help tonight.”

“Usagi’s late again it seems.” Michiru remarked as everything was ready at last.

“Forgive me.” Said a familiar male voice, “I’m the one to blame this time for her being late.”

Turning to the doorway, they saw Mamoru smiling and holding Usagi’s hand. The two of them had been inseparable and were rarely seen without each other the past few weeks ever since the defeat of Galaxia.

“Come in come in!” Minako beckoned as she sat down with everyone else at the table.

 

Mamoru and Usagi sat down at the head of the table with Ami, Minako, Rei and Makoto on either side of them, while Haruka, Michiru, Jasumin and Setsuna sat towards the end with Hotaru sitting in between the two pairs of lovers.

“Well I’m sure everyone is hungry so please dig in.” Rei said with a smile.

 

Everyone went to it with a will, and soon the room was filled with conversation and laughter.

“How are things down in the city, Haruka?” Ami asked.

“Things are slowly starting to return to normal. People are still a bit on edge from the events with Galaxia.” Haruka replied.

“It was to be expected. Galaxia did quite a number on the city.” Ami pointed out.

“Aren’t you going to tell them, Haruka?” Michiru gently asked.

“Tell us what?” Minako asked curiously.

“I…I was invited to participate in the upcoming Formula 1 trials.” Haruka replied a bit hesitantly.

“Haruka that’s wonderful! We will all be there to watch and cheer for you.” Rei exclaimed.

 

“Setsuna, has Jasumin told you about our upcoming concert in a few weeks?” Michiru asked.

“Michiru! That was supposed to be a surprise!” Jasumin cried out.

“Hehe she was going to tell her regardless, Jasumin.” Haruka replied, chuckling softly.

“It’s ok, Jas. I had a feeling something was coming up when I noticed you practicing a bit more than usual.” Setsuna murmured, as she placed a light kiss on Jasumin’s cheek.

 

“It’s wonderful for us to be able to all get together, without worry of anything happening.” Minako said.

“I hope this peace will last. We could sure use it, Minako-chan.” Rei replied.

“Yes, and thank you for hosting this tonight, Rei-chan.”

“My pleasure.”

 

“You seem to be enjoying yourselves.” A warm motherly voice spoke in Jasumin’s mind. “Do you think they would mind if I came to be with all of you?”

Joy welled up within Jasumin. “No of course not, Mother. Please, come and share this night with us.” She paused. “How were you planning…?”

“Do not concern yourself with that, my child.”

 

As the conversations continued, out of the corner of her eye, Minako noticed Jasumin seemed distant. Looking closer, she seemed to be lost in thought, but then something else caught her eye.

“Jasumin…?”

“Hmm? Yes, Minako?”

“Are my eyes deceiving me, or is your…hair on fire?”

All eyes turned to look at Jasumin as she replied, “My hair is on fire? Are you sure?” Inwardly, she had guessed what was happening, for she had already felt a strong power building up within her. With each passing moment, her hair began to glow brighter and soon tongues of fire could be seen within the strands.

Usagi quickly got up and ran to where Rei kept a small fire extinguisher under the sink, only to find it missing.

“Jasumin, are you alright?” Minako asked worryingly, as Usagi frantically searched the nearby cupboards.

“Minako, I assure you she is quite alright.” A voice that each of them barely recognized.

 

Everyone gasped as tendrils of gold fire emerged from Jasumin’s hair and moved to a space behind her, creating a small vortex. With a small burst of flames, a feminine being made entirely of gold fire stood behind Jasumin. Her hair fell to the middle of her back and was made of ice-blue fire, tinged with white flames; her eyes were white with pale-blue irises, barely containing the immense power behind them, with a hint of a smile playing across lips made of white fire.

Rei quickly pulled out one of her charms and was just about to throw it when she paused. As she looked at the being, its presence felt so familiar to her; one that told her everything would be fine. The eyes of the woman seemed to twinkle with amusement as Jasumin stood up, turning to face the fiery woman. To everyone’s surprise she embraced the woman of fire and she in turn returned the embrace lovingly, holding Jasumin tightly against her, the fire for some reason not harming her. After several moments, the two of them let go and this time Setsuna, who had gotten up, shared a similar embrace.

 

“Do you think I scared them too much?” The woman finally spoke with amusement. Her voice filled with warmth and kindness.

Jasumin couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I think they’re still trying to figure out what’s going on.” Turning to face the others she said, “My friends, there is no reason to be afraid or concerned. This is my Guardian: The Golden Flame.”

As Jasumin was speaking, her Guardian began to change form. The fiery body disappeared and was replaced by a beautiful woman in her thirties. She was tanned, with icy-blue hair that fell to the middle of her back, and had the same pale blue eyes as Jasumin. She wore a knee-length white dress with a plunging neckline. As she took a few steps forward, her legs seemed to fade in and out of existence, wreathed in golden flame. The same flames flickered up and down her dress and her bare arms. Much of her hair also seemed to be constantly transitioning between icy locks and licks of icy flame. Her body radiated the promise of warmth and protection to those she cared about, and destruction to those who crossed her.

 

It was Mamoru who broke the silence as Usagi sat back down beside him. “It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you, mighty Guardian.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you too, Prince Endymion.” Looking around the room the Flame greeted the others in turn. “Princess Serenity, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. It is wonderful to see you all again.” She looked down at young Hotaru looking up at her with curious purple eyes, she added as she knelt in front of her, smiling, “My dear Hotaru. It’s so wonderful to see you again. I have a special gift just for you.”

With that, the Flame leaned forward and kissed Hotaru’s forehead. The planetary symbol of Saturn blazed to life as energy poured into Hotaru’s body. A golden glow surrounded her childish frame growing larger, and after a moment, faded away, revealing Hotaru back to her normal age, before being reborn after the fight with Pharaoh 90.

Hotaru looked at herself as the symbol on her forehead faded away, and then smiling in delight, embraced the Flame tightly.

“Thank you, Mother Guardian.” She murmured. “I can remember everything now.”

“I kept my promise to you, my dear Hotaru.” The Flame replied softly as she hugged Hotaru just as tight.

Everyone stared in surprise at the change in Hotaru by the Flame.

“How did you…”Rei began before her voice trailed off.

The Flame’s eyes merely twinkled as she smiled secretively, as she sat down at the table next to Jasumin and Hotaru. “That’s my little secret.”

“Forgive my asking, but what brings you here before us?” Haruka asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Quite the contrary.” The Flame replied, as she placed an arm around Jasumin. “I felt the joy and happiness from Jasumin and from all of you, and I wondered if perhaps I could join and share the night with all of you.”

Rei spoke for everyone, smiling. “You are more than welcome to join us, Guardian.”

 

With the ice broken of the arrival of the Flame, conversations began anew between everyone. Haruka and Michiru became engaged in a conversation her. While they talked, Hotaru climbed into the Flame’s lap and rested her head against her shoulder, joining in on the conversation.

Meanwhile, Usagi was trying to remember where she had seen something similar to the Flame’s appearance. The memory struck her like a lightning bolt; she had seen something before. She remembered that Phoenix took on a similar appearance during the fight with Galaxia and how it had surprised her. The revelation had brought up the question of not who Phoenix was, but what she was, however during the fight there had been no time for such questions.

 

Usagi suddenly blurted out, “Jasumin, what are you?”

The room immediately grew silent at Usagi’s question.

Jasumin tilted her head quizzically. “What do you mean, Usagi?”

All eyes turned upon Usagi as she began to explain her question. “When you fought on the roof against Galaxia…you...changed. You became something similar to how your Guardian looked when she appeared before us. So I’d like to know…what you really are.”

“I was wondering if she would ever ask about that.” Jasumin thought as she became the center of attention. “Well, let me ask you this: who am I to all of you?”

“You are the Soldier of Purity, a talented musician, and a wonderful friend to us all.” Minako answered.

Michiru nodded in agreement. “You help to protect our Princess and our Solar System.”

“You are the one whom I have given my heart to.” Setsuna said as she took Jasumin’s hand.

“You are my daughter, whom I love very much.” The Flame declared as she put an arm around Jasumin.

Jasumin smiled. “All of you are correct. I am all of those.” She paused, “What am I…? I am Phoenix, the daughter of Charon.”

Jasumin’s revelation caused the girls to stare at her in surprise. Only the Outer Senshi were not surprised at this.

 

It was Rei who spoke first. “Charon? I feel as if I know the word Charon, but I cannot remember where.” She said her chin on her palm in thought.

“The only Charon I know of is a moon in orbit around Pluto.” Makoto piped up. “In terms of celestial bodies Charon is the twin to Pluto, dancing eternally through space together. I remember reading about that for one of our class assignments.”

“You are correct Mako-chan.” Ami said. “Charon is indeed a moon. However, contrary to what scientists and astrologists have agreed on, Charon is actually a planet of our Solar System.”

“Wait, I’m still confused. You said that Charon the name of a planet, which is apparently part of our Solar System, but the way you described yourself, Jasumin, you made it sound as if someone was named Charon.” Minako said slowly, turning to look at Jasumin. “So if that’s the case, then who is Charon?”

Jasumin looked up towards the ceiling, lost in thought. “Charon…” She said softly. “As Ami-chan and Mako-chan have both said, Charon is a planet within our Solar System. It is a beautiful place, filled with wonders found in water, crystal and ice. It is the place its Senshi and I call home. Charon’s protector, the Soldier of Ice and Illusions, worked together with the other Outer Senshi to protect the Moon Kingdom. You have all met her.”

“Wait, there was another Senshi that was a part of our Solar System?” Both Minako and Makoto exclaimed in surprise.

“We have met her?” Rei mused aloud. Suddenly she turned facing the Guardian Flame, the answer hitting her like a lightning bolt. “You don’t mean… no it couldn’t be…you’re…?!”

“Yes, Rei. I am the Soldier of Ice and Illusions.” The Flame softly announced. “I am Sailor Charon.” She looked at Haruka, and Michiru, then at Hotaru, the only three besides Jasumin and Setsuna not surprised by her revelation. “I believe that you three have known the truth as well.”

“Yes.” Haruka answered, “We kept your request that you asked of us to not reveal who you truly were to anyone until you had decided the time was right. However, I was unaware that Hotaru knew as well.”

“I knew.” Hotaru said simply, “I too kept your secret safe.”

“I don’t understand, Guardian.” Usagi began, “All this time we thought you were, well, a living fire in a gold bowl inside of a cave. Is Jasumin really your daughter and you were a Senshi as well? And Haruka and Michiru knew who you were all this time?  Even Hotaru? Why? Why didn’t you…”

Charon held up her hand, motioning for Usagi to be silent. “Please, call me Charon. It is who I am.” She paused. “What you have been told and what you have seen were what I wanted you to know and see. It was necessary to keep the truth hidden until I could trust all of you. As for Haruka and Michiru, I have known them from the time we defended the Moon Kingdom together. Hotaru discovered by herself who I was some time ago. Therefore I asked them, as well as Jasumin and Setsuna to keep my identity a secret from you.”

“You mean everything we’ve known about you was a lie? But why?” Usagi pressed. “Why hide yourself?”

Jasumin looked at Charon. “Do you wish to tell them the truth now, Mother? The true story?”

There was a faint smile on her lips. “Yes, yes I think it’s time. I trust all of you enough to tell you not just my story, but the story of my daughter, Phoenix, as well.” Charon looked at each of the young girls faces. “But this story is quite long, and it cannot be told by words alone. If you want to know the truth, I must show it to you as well.”

“How do you propose to do that?” Luna asked curiously.

Charon smiled. “Close your eyes and open your minds to me, let me in and you will see everything as I tell the story. I will share with you my memories and those of my protectors, allowing you to see events unfold before your eyes as if you were there yourself.”

Looking at each other they nodded and one by one, each of them including Mamoru and the cats closed their eyes and relaxed. As they did, tendrils of fire appeared from Charon’s body and came to rest upon each of the girl’s foreheads, causing their planetary symbols to appear. The tendrils also touched foreheads of Mamoru, Luna and Artemis.

“Now, Usagi, I will answer all of your questions.” Charon began. “However in order to understand, like all stories, we must start at the beginning…”

 

The darkness in front of their eyes suddenly gave way causing them to gasp in surprise. They found themselves standing in what appeared to be a street and before them was the Palace of Charon. The palace was made of pale-blue ice and clear crystal. If a person was to look close enough, the marble foundation could be seen underneath. From a distance it was nearly impossible to tell the difference of where the ice ended and the crystalline formations began. Supported by two intricately carved pillars of white marble was an overhang. Above it was what could only be the planetary symbol of Charon set in ice-blue crystal. The symbol was the same as Pluto’s, only mirrored, lending to the fact that Charon was the twin to Pluto. It was then that they realized that it was not just a street they were standing on, but the pathway that lead to the palace.

Near the palace entrance, a building on the right could be seen. It was a simple normal sized house, decorated beautifully with glowing crystals in different shades of blue, some dark and some light. The crystals were arranged with glimmering ice in intricate designs, especially on the front where it looked like they formed the same symbol above the front door.

Turning around, they saw a town with dozens of buildings dotted around nestled inside of a marble wall and in the center was a large town circle with what looked to be an ornate fountain in the middle. To the south was a large ornate gateway presumably leading outside of the surrounding walls. To the west was a dome-like structure and from a distance they could see it was beautifully decorated as well. Like the Palace, it was constructed of white marble and set with beautiful designs of glowing crystal and ice.

“Welcome to Charon, my home.”

“It’s beautiful.” Minako whispered. The others quietly agreed.

The scene changed and they found themselves walking through the streets of the town, illuminated by lamps of glowing crystal. They passed by stalls and shops all seemingly empty before emerging into the town circle. The fountain gracing the center was a gorgeous sight to behold. It was the planetary symbol of Charon made entirely of glowing crystal which pulsed in many shades of blue with water flowing down from the top and into the fountains pool below. From the base, water flowed out following patterns carved into the stone streets, filling the air with the relaxing sounds of flowing water.

“It must be wonderful to live here.” Ami murmured.

“What is the dome structure to the west, Charon?” Rei asked.

“It is where the portals to the Moon Kingdom and Pluto are located.” Charon explained. “However the only portal active there now is the one to Pluto.”

Once more the vision changed, and this time they were inside the Palace. It was a large single floor building constructed of white marble with beautifully carved pillars on either side of a walkway of polished marble. The walls and pillars were decorated with intricate patterns of glowing crystal in many different colors. In the middle of the Palace was a large fire pit set twenty feet into the ground with railing guards a foot back from the flames to protect anyone from getting too close.  Facing the back of the Temple was a small set of stairs that led to the fire, and on either side were small alters, decorated with small shards of yellow glowing crystals and other assortment of ritual items. The light from the fire was enough to illuminate the entire room and cast reflections from the crystals to create mesmerizing patterns on the ceiling, walls and floor as well as keeping the Palace at a comfortable temperature.

“This is the Palace of Charon, although we refer to it as the Temple of Charon. It is here where my story takes place.”

She paused to gather her thoughts. The vision faded away into darkness as she began speaking once more. “The story takes place about five years after Queen Serenity, Princess Serenity’s mother, took the throne on the Moon Kingdom. The day began like any other; a day of peace.”

 

The scene changed once more and they found themselves face-to-face with a very familiar young woman. She looked to be in her thirties. Her skin was tanned and she had icy-blue hair that fell down to the middle of her back and her eyes were a pale-blue. She was dressed in a white with a black trimmed one-piece Sailor Fuku outfit, a gold tiara with an ice-blue gem flecked with veins of white and blue sat upon her forehead. Her white gloves came up to her elbows where they were trimmed with light blue.  Black boots with white trim at the top came just under her knees, and as they looked down, they noticed her right hand was resting on a baby bump, and discovered that she was pregnant.  It was then that they realized that they were looking at a reflection in a mirror.

 

“Charon, dear?” A worried male asked as he strode into view. He was a handsome man in his mid-thirties with short well-kept midnight blue hair dressed in what looked to be hard leather armor with some metal plating on the front chest and forearms. Two long swords with gold pommels in sheaths hung from a belt around his waist. 

“Mamo-chan, he looks a bit like you doesn’t he?” Usagi whispered.
Mamoru merely nodded. He too had noticed similarities between the two of them.

His blue eyes radiated concern as he placed one hand over the hand on Charon’s belly, planting a small kiss on her cheek. “Must you go and fight? What would happen if you are injured and our child…”

His voice trailed off as Charon turned and placed a finger on his lips. “I must go and fight. This is my home and I will not let any foe roam freely while I still have the strength to fight.” She smiled slightly. “Do not worry, Jason, I’m not due for a few weeks still and I know my limits. I will not let any harm come to our unborn child.”

Outside the sounds of battle could faintly be heard and were coming closer. “Go. Defend the Temple with the other Protectors. I must go and help those in the town.”

Drawing Charon close, Jason placed a loving kiss on her lips. “Be safe.”

“And you as well.”

 

After exiting the house together, they split up, Jason heading towards the Palace and Charon down the path into town. Moving at a quick easy pace, she made her way to the town circle and found the Head Protector, Sage, doing battle against two men and a woman covered head to toe in what looked to be a mix of plate and chainmail. Sage was dressed in armor very similar to Jason, made from a lightweight but strong metal, only hers was more metal based and less of leather. Her pale green hair streaked with light purple tied up in a ponytail, flowed behind her as she fought with a beautiful silver sword with a basket hilt, set with a deep blue sapphire on the pommel and a kite shield with the symbol of Charon emblazoned in the middle, made from the same metal, on her wrist against her attackers. Her hazel eyes blazed with the light of battle. All of them were very skilled in swordplay and while Sage was a master at it as well, she was outnumbered.

Wasting no time, Charon moved towards them, summoning her staff. It was a beautiful weapon to behold. The base of the staff was fashioned from strong unyielding dark brown wood and shaped into an oar with silver filigrees lending it strength. The silver flowed upward, becoming multiple silver tendrils that twisted up towards the top of the staff and cradling, to everyone’s surprise, the Garnet Orb.

“Setsuna, isn’t that…!” Makoto gasped.

“Yes.”

“Dead Scream!”

“And that was…”

Setsuna reached over and lightly touched Makoto’s shoulder. “Watch and you will understand.” She said softly.

The energy blast slammed into two of the guards forcing them to fly back before the blast exploded, while the third managed to leap aside. Charon closed the gap and while the man was distracted, Sage quickly finished him off with a powerful thrust.

“Sailor Charon!” Sage gasped, trying to regain her breath. “Perfect timing as always.” She was about to question why Charon was risking her child, but wisely held her tongue.

“What’s going on here?” Charon asked.

“I’m at a loss myself. All I know is that there was a lot of shouting and suddenly this large fight broke out. Look out here comes more of them!”

Four more similarly dressed and armed, three men and a woman rounded a corner, and with shout ran at them weapons drawn. Both women stood apart from each other, taking the mysterious foes two on one. Sailor Charon, while slightly handicapped by her pregnancy, did not let it hamper her fighting skills. Her staff was a blur of motion, striking and blocking each strike against her. One of the men managed to force an opening and before he could capitalize on it, Charon shouted “Shattering Illusion!” In a flash she disappeared, leaving behind a copy of her made from ice which exploded in the man’s face. Dazed, neither he nor his companion noticed Charon reappearing behind them and struck hard against his armored head, knocking him to the floor.

Together with Sage and another “Dead Scream!” they made quick work of the remaining foes. Breathing heavily, Charon moved to where the man lay on the ground, the one she had struck on the head.

“It’s time to find out who’s behind all of this.” She said as she removed the helmet from the man’s head.

A horrified gasp came from Sage. “I know him! He is one of the Protectors under my command!” She quickly removed the other helmets of the other dead men and woman. “These three are as well!”

“What?!” Charon nearly shouted in disbelief. “You mean we’ve been fighting our own?!”

A pained chuckle was heard as he turned his head and looked up at the two women. “So you finally figured it out huh?” His eyes gleamed with wicked delight. “You’re too late, Sailor Charon.” He made as if to spat but instead coughed painfully.  “By now the plan will have been completed and your precious Temple will have fallen under our control.” He got no further as Sage rammed her sword into his heart, killing him instantly.

“I must go to the Temple.” Charon said with worry. “I have to warn Jason and the others.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No, Sage.” Charon replied firmly. “You must go and get help from Pluto and the Moon Kingdom. They must know what is happening here. There is something else at work here, something powerful.”

Sage reluctantly nodded. “Alright, I’ll go get help.”

“Do not stop for anyone or tell anyone where you are going.” Charon warned. “If the portals are closed, well, you know what to do.”

Nodding, Sage took off at a quick run heading west, while Sailor Charon headed as fast as she could to the Temple.

 

Upon reaching the Temple, the sounds of fighting could be heard inside and the doors had been flung wide open. Dashing inside, she found Jason and fifteen other Protectors fighting against the traitorous men and women guards, the guards nearly outnumbering them three to one.

Charon fought her way through to Jason’s side helping him to fight off the attackers to allow a small breather.

“Jason, we have been betrayed.” She gasped out as she supported herself against her husband.

“Betrayed?” He echoed in disbelief. “By who?!”

The loyal Protectors, ten women and five men quickly pushed forward, to allow the two of them a longer period of rest.

All of a sudden, a tremendous force slammed everyone into opposite walls as if something or someone was clearing a path down the middle. Groaning in pain, Charon looked towards the doorway and saw more of the traitorous guards rushing in, and quickly captured both her and Jason, locking their arms behind their backs. The Protectors had been surrounded by the remaining guards. The ones holding Charon and Jason forced them to the middle of the Temple, near the giant fire pit and there standing in the middle of the doorway was the one person she least expected.

 

“You know, I was expecting you take longer to realize what was going on, Sailor Charon.” The feminine figure said as two guards closed the Temple doors behind her.

As she stepped into the firelight, she revealed herself to be a woman of average height, in her late twenties. Her hair was the color of scarlet and tied up in a bun. Bright green eyes panned across the Temple before settling on Sailor Charon and Jason being held captive.

“Driana?!” Jason exclaimed in disbelief. “What is the meaning of this?!”

Driana smirked. “Oh, just finishing a plan I set in motion a few years ago.”

“What are you talking about?” Sailor Charon demanded, struggling to break free from the guard’s tight grip.

“Did you ever find it odd at how we met three years ago?” Driana asked as she walked towards them. “How I simply just appeared out of nowhere? You see, I’ve been planning for this day ever since I came to this planet. Waiting patiently for the time to be right.” She stopped a few feet in front of them. “I’m here for one thing; no doubt you already know what it is, don’t you Sailor Charon?”

Charon did know exactly what Driana was talking about. “What makes you think I would give it to you?” She growled.

“Oh you will don’t worry about that.”

“We trusted you!” Jason shouted angrily. He too knew what Driana was after. “We treated you like family!

Driana threw her head back and laughed. “I know! And that’s what will make what’s coming next so much more satisfying. Since I’m sure you’re just dying to know what it is my plan involves, I’ll tell you. It won’t make much of a difference.” A wicked grin appeared on her face. “I’m after your power, Sailor Charon. The power residing inside of you, your Star Seed. I knew that you wouldn’t suspect me if I befriended you and I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Once I had your trust, all I had to do was just wait for you to let your guard down. When I found out you were pregnant, it provided me with the perfect opportunity to strike. I had planned to take over your Temple and set a trap for you, but you unintentionally beat me here.”

Anger coursed through Charon at how easily she had overlooked a threat right under her nose. “How did you corrupt my Protectors?”

There was a chuckle. “That was rather easy actually. A rumor here, a promise of unimaginable power there. It was all too easy to make many of them switch sides and turn them against you. My plan worked perfectly. You never suspected a thing.” Driana’s tone grew darker as she took a sword from one of the guards next to her. “Now, let’s make this easy. Hand over your Star Seed before I am forced to take it from you.”

“Never. I will never let my Star Seed fall into your wicked hands.”

Driana shrugged. “Well so much for the easy way then.” She quickly stepped forward and plunged the sword into Jason’s heart.

“JASON!!!” Charon screamed in horror as she watched her husband fall to the floor, the sword sticking out of his chest. “NOOO!!!”

The guards holding her barely managed to keep her back as Jason lay on the ground gasping for breath. Tears flooded from Charon’s eyes as she was forced to watch him. Unable to form words, Jason managed to mouth out “I love you” before breathing his last breath and died.

“A pity.” Driana said as she took a second sword into her hand. “He might still be alive if you had just given me what I wanted the first time I asked.” She pointed the sword at Charon, right at her baby bump. “I’ll ask once more; give me your Star Seed.”

Charon was sobbing uncontrollably, but managed to choke out, “Never!”

“Why do I even bother?” Draina asked in annoyance. She motioned to the guards holding Sailor Charon and pointed to the fire pit behind them.

Charon was too distraught to notice what was happening until it was too late. She was tossed into the fire pit by the guards, letting out a scream of fear as she disappeared from view.

“You two, go get something to put out that fire and make it quick.” Driana snapped.

 

There was a loud shout of anger, causing Driana to whirl around. The loyal Protectors had used the opportunity to break free and rush their captors. They were determined to avenge Sailor Charon and her husband and also mete out vengeance on the betrayers. Driana moved towards them, arms out in front of her as she prepared to summon a shockwave to put down the fighters when an ear-splitting shriek filled the Temple.

Everyone present was witness to what happened next. The fire in the pit exploded with a loud bang, the flames getting larger, turning bright white with heat. Hovering at the top of the flames made of bright gold fire was a large phoenix bird with bright glowing blue eyes. The fire bird let out another shriek filled with anger and sorrow. It flapped its wings twice before slamming them together. Driana managed to scream once before there was a tremendous explosion of fire. The powerful fire swept through the entire Temple, the force was so strong that it blew open the Temple doors causing the flames to shoot high into the sky.

When the flames had cleared, a figure collapsed to the ground in front of the fire pit. Sobbing her heart out and completely transformed was Sailor Charon. Her body had changed from flesh to being made entirely of gold flames. Bright white fire tinged with blue flame tongues had become her hair. She still wore her Sailor Fuku; it too was made of gold fire. Her body shook with sorrow as she looked at what she had become. Suddenly she scrambled over to where Jason’s body had lain and found the ground scorched and bare. Not even a speck of ash was found. Looking around she saw the damage the fire explosion had done to the Temple. Every wall had been blackened by flames, even the crystals glow had been hidden from sight. The entrance doors swung slightly in the breeze, charred black by fire.

The thought of her unborn baby brought fear to her. Charon’s hands quickly shot to her stomach, and felt the reassuring shape of her baby bump. She could still feel the baby inside of her and fresh tears fell at knowing that her child was still there. She then became worried about what the transformation had done to her baby. Was it still alive? What would happen when she gave birth? Would it be like her instead of being human?

 

Outside, the sound of footsteps running was heard before slowing down and a figured entered the doorway. It was Sage. She looked around in disbelief, trying to figure out what had happened, when she saw what appeared to be Charon sitting on the floor weeping. Sage cautiously entered the Temple, and Charon looked up with tear filled eyes.

 

“Charon?” Sage asked hesitantly.

“Sage.” Came a whispered reply.

“What…what happened?”

“Terrible…things.”

Sage looked back at the doorway. “I’m going to detail some of my Protectors to guard the pathway entrance so nothing will disturb you.”

 

Charon simply nodded and buried her head in her arms. It was but a few minutes before Sage came back and knelt beside Charon. She was hesitant to touch her due to the fear of being burned, but as she brought her hand close, she felt no heat. Carefully laying her hand on Charon’s shoulder, she found herself not being burned.

 

“Tell me what happened.” Sage said gently. “Is the baby ok?”

Before Charon could respond, a voice interrupted them. “Sailor Charon?”

Looking up, the two of them saw fifteen phoenix birds all made of gold fire, with bright gold eyes looking down at them. One of them stepped forward and changed shape, morphing into a beautiful female woman who knelt down in front of Charon and Sage. Like Charon, she too was made of golden flame, but with bright white eyes with gold irises.

“Lily?” Sage asked in disbelief.

“Yes, Sage, it’s me.” Lily said reassuringly.

“What…happened to you?”

“We’re not sure ourselves.” Lily replied slowly, as the other fourteen phoenix birds took on human form, revealing that each one was one of the Protectors of Charon that had been in the Temple with her. “We thought we had died from the explosion of fire. It’s so hard to explain but, it felt as if our bodies were cleansed by the flames, and reborn into what you see now.”

“Why only you, and not the others that were here?” Charon asked.

“When you released that power, we felt your want for the destruction of the traitors, but you were also grateful to us for being loyal to you.” Lily explained. “We think it was that thought that gave us a rebirth. We are eternal now, Sailor Charon, and we give our oath that we will protect you, just as we always have.”

“Thank you.” Charon murmured gratefully.

“The people will want to know what has happened here, and to you, Charon.” Sage pointed out.

“I will tell them in time. Please, do not let them come to me yet, I…” Her voice broke as the thought of Jason longer being with her came rushing back.
“I understand.” Sage said gently. “Take as much time as you need. We will be here whenever you need us.” Looking up at Lily and the others she added, “We should get this place cleaned up and restore it to its proper state.”

 

Lily and the others nodded, and set out in preparation to restore the Temple. Sage helped Charon to her feet and after getting a reassuring nod from her, left to go inform the other Protectors down at the town. Charon, feeling drained emotionally and physically, wanted nothing more than to rest and quietly mourn the loss of Jason and take care of her unborn child. She turned and looked at the fire, still burning a bright white. She felt an urge to walk into the flames, and be at one with them. Charon found herself giving into the urge and walked into the white fire, feeling herself becoming one with it. Opening her eyes, she saw that she was the fire and it had changed to a bright gold color. Looking around she could see the Protectors already working on the restoration and also saw Sage disappearing past the Temple doors.

 

The vision flickered slightly in the sight of the girls.

“Charon? Is everything ok?” Ami asked, concerned.

Jasumin, who had broken the vision link, was holding Charon, silently consoling her mother.

“I’m…I’m fine.” Charon replied, as she embraced Jasumin, both of them trying to hold back tears. She let out a deep sigh. “There is still much more to show you.”

 

“Push, Charon.” Sage urged. “The baby is nearly out.”

Charon let out a cry of pain as she pushed once more.

The past two weeks for Charon had been enlightening. She had been discovering new abilities brought on by her transformation. She had discovered that she could regain human form, but not completely. She was able to manifest herself to look almost how she did before, but was unable to hide the golden fire that flowed across her body. Whenever she walked, her legs seemed to fade in and out of existence, and was quite disorienting when she noticed this. Her hair had changed as well. While it stayed the same length as it had been when she was human, it too seemed to transition from icy locks to licks of icy flame. Curiously, the fire emanating from Charon’s body did not cause anything to spontaneously catch fire. Only when she actually thought to do so did the flames catch and burn. Sadly, to Charon’s dismay, no matter how hard she tried, she was unable to fully regain her human appearance, only being able to appear in between. Sage had suggested that it may have been due to her being thrown into the fire, that her human body had burned away and her essence was reborn as living fire. It was this semi-human form that she was in currently, dressed in a white maternity dress, about to give birth to her baby inside her home.

Another contraction interrupted Charon’s thoughts. “Okay you can relax now, Charon.” Lily said and smiled up at the exhausted mother. “It’s a girl.” She carefully held up the little bundle of life, and both Sage and Charon gasped. Her baby daughter was made of gold fire, just like Charon, and even the cord connecting them.

Sage gently propped Charon up against the bed. “Let me hold her please.” Charon said softly, holding her arms out to Lily.

“Let me cut the cord first.” Lily replied. After doing so, she walked over to Charon’s side and held her out to her.

As Charon was just about to take her baby daughter, all three of them gasped in amazement as they saw the little girl’s body change from being made of living fire, to a form in between fire and human like her mother, before becoming fully human. Charon gave a small laugh of joy as tears fell down her cheeks as she took her daughter, who had begun to fuss, in her arms.

“What’s her name going to be?” Sage asked, as she gently stroked the little girl’s forehead.

“Phoenix.” Charon replied, drying her eyes. “Because she was born from living fire.” She didn’t know how nor care how the change occurred. She was just glad that her newborn daughter would be able to live as a human, even if she was made of living fire.

“Phoenix. That’s a beautiful and fitting name for her.” Lily murmured.

“It seems she’s also blessed as well.” Charon added, as she saw a symbol appear on Phoenix’s forehead; a gold phoenix bird with wings outstretched to the sky.

“A Sailor Senshi.” Sage breathed.

 

“So Jasumin does that…” Usagi began.

“Aww Jasumin you look so adorable as a little baby!” Minako gushed.

“Yes she does.” Rei agreed. “I would’ve loved to have held her.”

Charon smiled. “One of you got to.” She said knowingly.

“Who?” Rei and Minako asked at the same time.

 

Charon had told the Protectors that she didn’t want anyone coming to see her while she took care of baby Phoenix. Although she didn’t want to, she needed to focus on taking care of her newborn daughter, as well keeping her mind off of the recent events.

One day, something unexpected happened. Charon was sleeping within the fire in the Temple with Phoenix when a little voice called out, “Hello?”

Charon partially woke up, thinking that she was still dreaming, until she looked at the doorway. There, standing at the door was a little girl, no more than six years old with long pine green hair and beautiful garnet colored eyes. In her hands she clutched a silver staff shaped like a key, and topping the staff was a silver heart.

“Sailor Charon?” The girl called again, walking into the Temple towards the fire in the center.

As she got closer, Charon noticed that her little eyes radiated concern. It was then that recognized who the little girl was standing in front of her: Sailor Pluto.

Little Sailor Pluto stopped in front of the gold fire and looked up into the flames. “I wish you could talk.” She said softly. “Perhaps then you could tell me what happened to Sailor Charon and her child.”

The flames seemed to flare in response, and then suddenly a voice was heard. “I’m right here, Sailor Pluto.” Charon said gently, trying to not scare the little girl.

Pluto clutched her staff and took a step back. “Sailor Charon?” She asked timidly.

She gasped in surprise as she saw a baby wrapped in a white blanket fast asleep, appear out of the gold fire and float down to her. Placing her staff in the crook of her arm, Pluto held her arms out and the baby came to rest on them. She held the baby close, looking at the little baby girl in wonder.

“She is my daughter, Pluto.” Charon explained softly as she appeared in her half-human form and knelt down in front of Sailor Pluto.

“She’s so beautiful, Charon.” Pluto murmured.

“Yes, she is.”

“Is she like you?”

“In some ways, yes.” Charon said slowly. “I don’t know for sure. I’m just thankful that she is alive.”

Phoenix opened her eyes and looked up at Pluto with her pale blue eyes in curiosity. “She has your eyes.” Pluto said with a smile.

“She does.” Charon agreed as she took baby Phoenix back into her arms from Pluto.

“I must be going.” Sailor Pluto said sadly. “The Queen has asked me to guard the Door to Space-Time.”

“Wait. Please.” Sailor Charon softly said as Pluto turned to leave. “I have something I wish to give to you.”

She summoned her staff and took from it the Garnet Orb. She held the Orb, which had begun to glow, out to Pluto.

“This is for you, Pluto.” Charon said. “Its power will help you defend the Door. “

Pluto held out her staff towards the Orb, and it floated over, coming to rest in the center of the silver heart on the top of her staff.

“Thank you, Charon. I will take good care of the Talisman.” Pluto promised. “I know of the responsibility that comes with it.”

 

 

“So that’s how you came to have the Garnet Orb Talisman.” Makoto exclaimed.

“Yes.” Setsuna murmured in reply. “A gift that I have treasured greatly. Its power has protected me many times.”

“Charon, do you not have a Talisman anymore?” Ami asked.

“I have one.” Charon assured. “It was given to me much later, at the awaking of Phoenix’s power.”

“All of us Outer Senshi have a Talisman.” Haruka explained. “I have my sword, Michiru has her mirror, Setsuna and Charon have orbs, Jasumin with her daggers, and Hotaru has her glaive.”

 

Sailor Charon watched Sailor Pluto leave her Temple, and as she did so, she realized that she needed something else to protect herself and baby Phoenix. The realization was that Pluto had simply walked into her Temple, somehow avoiding her Protectors. Charon did not want to take the chance of another enemy finding a way to her in her vulnerable state with her baby, and so she began to think of a way to add another layer of protection.

 

Sage was closing the Temple door behind her when she did a double take. In front of her was not the interior of the Temple as she was expecting. Instead what she found was large cave network, branching out in different directions. Drawing her sword, she began to make her way through the tunnels, worried that something had happened to Charon.

“Charon?” She called out as she wandered the passageways. “Charon can you hear me?!”

Without warning, the cave network vanished from her sight and Sage found herself standing in front of the large gold fire.

“Forgive me, Sage.” Charon spoke softly. “I wanted to test a new type of defense for the Temple. I apologize for not letting you know. I had to see if you would realize what was happening.”

“An illusion.” Sage guessed. “An effective defense, but why place one here?”

“My plan is to use it to see the truth in those who come seeking me, whether for good or evil.” Charon explained. “I do not wish to be caught unawares again.”

“I understand.” Sage replied. “But do we, your Protectors, have to navigate that maze each time?”

“No. I will adjust it so that you, Lily, my daughter, and a few others that I fully trust will be able to see through the illusion.”

 

The vision faded away and everyone found themselves sitting back around the table.

 

“So that’s why when we went to visit you we had to have Setsuna guide us through that cave. It was your illusion!” Rei exclaimed.

“Yes.” Charon replied. “The entrance to that cave is actually a portal I created that leads to my Temple. Those who enter the portal step into the illusion immediately. That was why Setsuna had to guide you. However, now you do not need to have her assistance. You will no longer be affected by the illusion anymore.”

“Does that mean we could come visit you whenever we wish to see you?” Minako asked eagerly.

Charon smiled at her. “Yes, you can come visit me whenever you wish.”

There was a few moments of silence.

“So Jasumin,” Usagi began again, “Are you really made of living fire?”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

“Am I made of living fire?” Jasumin repeated a small smile on her lips. “Well, in order to answer that, you will need to know my true story too.”

The time has come for the illusions to fall away. It is time for the true story of Phoenix and her Guardian to come to light, to revisit the past, and see what truly took place.




Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi.
Jasumin Salina/Sailor Phoenix belongs to me. The Golden Flame/Sailor Charon belongs to :iconzoe-the-pink-ranger: and I.
© 2015 - 2024 Seer99
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Zoe-the-Pink-Ranger's avatar
Did this get taken down and put back up or something? :?

I was sure I'd faved and praised it already :?