Stars in a New Sky

Chapter 13: Retrocognition

"Don't be such a cry baby. You're stronger than you think." A familiar voice and a warm embrace comforted her troubled mind. Though try as she might, Usagi could not pierce the foggy veil shrouding her memories. The harder she tried to remember, the faster everything slipped away. She was standing on a balcony in a fancy party dress. Her surroundings were a riot of rich color and life. So why couldn't she clearly see who she was talking to!?

Frustration filled her as the vision melted before her eyes. Why couldn't she dream of her prince? She infinitely preferred the dreams with him. He made her feel safe. 

"Princess Serenity!"

A chill ran up her spine at the terrified voice belonging to the one she loved most. Her prince. Usagi turned and gasped. The beautiful grounds and palace had been reduced to rubble. Bodies lay strewn about like ragdolls. Her heart ached in her chest. She didn't know their names, but she recognized their faces. The faces of people she loved.

Trembling, she stumbled backwards. Tears filled her eyes as a deep sorrow filled her soul. "Stop it! I don't want to see this!" She screamed, covering her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but you must."

That voice. I know that voice. It was the same voice that echoed in her head the night she and Mamoru were attacked. Slowly, Usagi lowered her hands. Her heart skipped a beat. It was as if she were looking into a mirror. Her otherworldly doppelganger drew close. Her beautiful white gown was ragged and bloody. The buns in her hair had started to come loose. Long golden strands hung about her in disarray. "I know it's awful."

"Then why?" Usagi sobbed.

Her double smiled sadly. "Because you can't make the same mistakes I did. You must train. You must grow strong. You must protect them....protect him." Her eyes welled with tears. "Metalia cannot succeed. If she does, your world will die."

Screams echoed around the marble halls reverberating in her ears. It grew louder and louder. Usagi covered her ears and fell to her knees. Those screams. They belonged to the citizens of the Moon Kingdom. It was the sound of their final moments as death came calling. A scream of her own tore from her throat.

"USAGI!"

Usagi's eyes flew open as she bolted upright in bed. Her tears mingled with the sweat running down her face. She looked down at her lap to see Luna's concerned eyes watching her. "You were having a nightmare. Are you okay?"

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, she pulled Luna close, burying her face in her soft black fur. The black cat snuggled closer, offering what comfort she could. Usagi didn't want to think about the Moon Kingdom. Or that the terrible tragedy could happen here too. She just wanted to be a normal girl. Was that too much to ask for?

"What was...what was Princess Serenity like?" She muttered against Luna's fur.

Luna wriggled free of Usagi's grasp. "What do you mean?"

"Was she...strong?"

"Yes." Luna replied promptly.

"But..." Usagi trailed off.

"What brought this on?" Luna asked, nudging Usagi's hand to continue.

"I had a dream...the princess was there. She told me...she told me..." Fresh tears ran down her cheeks. "She told me not to make her mistakes!" She cried. As the tears ran down her face, Usagi wasn't sure whom they were for...herself or Princess Serenity.

Luna stared in horror at Usagi's words. Had the princess actually felt that way? Or was this Usagi's subconscious terrified of failure? "Usagi...please look at me."