Chapter One: Training
The yard in the back of where the StarLights lived proved to be an efficient training ground. Usagi knew Katsuko would be a rigorous trainer and she was surprised at how much she knew. Katsuko began teaching them archery, fencing, kendo, different styles of martial arts, weaponry and other combat skills. She wanted to be sure the senshi were able to take whatever the enemy threw at them and was becoming immensely pleased at the progress. Rei's archery skills were already excellent, but her fencing was improving by the day as was Taiki's and Michiru's. Ami was turning out to be quite the swordswoman along with Minako and Yaten while Makoto enjoyed working out with Haruka and Seiya in different forms of martial arts. Usagi wasn't fond of a bow and arrow nor did she care much for hand to hand combat, but she gave her best at what Katsuko taught her and learned surprisingly well. Mamoru joined them too, but soon decided to stick to his own version of swordplay. Training sessions went from late afternoon to late night. Everyone was tired, but no more than Katsuko. She was pushing them all, it was true, but she was pushing herself most of all, her Leader's words ringing in her ears.
I will not have it taking you away from us..Your Guardian sisters need you as well as I do..
Mane..
"Aaa!"
In a moment of fury and pain, Katsuko clashed swords with Michiru, bringing her weapon down hard and causing Michiru's own to break. "Oh! Katsuko-chan!"
For one blurry moment, Katsuko saw only Galaxia, in her madness, her insanity, laughing at her friend's departing life and raised her sword, ready to strike.
"Katsuko-chan!"
Michiru's voice finally broke through and Katsuko's vision cleared. There was no more Galaxia, no laughter, only Michiru's shocked face and wide eyes. Katsuko stopped short and her dark eyes slowly filled with tears. She stepped back and quietly sheathed her rapier to her side.
"Gomen nasai." She rubbed her eyes tiredly, wanting to drop to her knees, but resolutely stayed on her feet. "I am..I am."
"You are fatigued, my friend." Michiru came forward and took her centuries long friend in her arms. "It is alright."
Katsuko pushed back her tears as she laid her head on Michiru's shoulders. "I want to see her again, Michiru-chan, but I can not." She sighed. "I will never be able to."
Michiru said nothing as she stroked the long black ribboned hair, understanding Katsuko's grief. "Perhaps you should retire," she said after a few moments. "We will finish today's lesson while you rest."
The green-haired girl watched Katsuko walk away, never knowing that there was another reason as to why Katsuko pushed herself so hard, one she was afraid to speak out loud.
The yard in the back of where the StarLights lived proved to be an efficient training ground. Usagi knew Katsuko would be a rigorous trainer and she was surprised at how much she knew. Katsuko began teaching them archery, fencing, kendo, different styles of martial arts, weaponry and other combat skills. She wanted to be sure the senshi were able to take whatever the enemy threw at them and was becoming immensely pleased at the progress. Rei's archery skills were already excellent, but her fencing was improving by the day as was Taiki's and Michiru's. Ami was turning out to be quite the swordswoman along with Minako and Yaten while Makoto enjoyed working out with Haruka and Seiya in different forms of martial arts. Usagi wasn't fond of a bow and arrow nor did she care much for hand to hand combat, but she gave her best at what Katsuko taught her and learned surprisingly well. Mamoru joined them too, but soon decided to stick to his own version of swordplay. Training sessions went from late afternoon to late night. Everyone was tired, but no more than Katsuko. She was pushing them all, it was true, but she was pushing herself most of all, her Leader's words ringing in her ears.
I will not have it taking you away from us..Your Guardian sisters need you as well as I do..
Mane..
"Aaa!"
In a moment of fury and pain, Katsuko clashed swords with Michiru, bringing her weapon down hard and causing Michiru's own to break. "Oh! Katsuko-chan!"
For one blurry moment, Katsuko saw only Galaxia, in her madness, her insanity, laughing at her friend's departing life and raised her sword, ready to strike.
"Katsuko-chan!"
Michiru's voice finally broke through and Katsuko's vision cleared. There was no more Galaxia, no laughter, only Michiru's shocked face and wide eyes. Katsuko stopped short and her dark eyes slowly filled with tears. She stepped back and quietly sheathed her rapier to her side.
"Gomen nasai." She rubbed her eyes tiredly, wanting to drop to her knees, but resolutely stayed on her feet. "I am..I am."
"You are fatigued, my friend." Michiru came forward and took her centuries long friend in her arms. "It is alright."
Katsuko pushed back her tears as she laid her head on Michiru's shoulders. "I want to see her again, Michiru-chan, but I can not." She sighed. "I will never be able to."
Michiru said nothing as she stroked the long black ribboned hair, understanding Katsuko's grief. "Perhaps you should retire," she said after a few moments. "We will finish today's lesson while you rest."
The green-haired girl watched Katsuko walk away, never knowing that there was another reason as to why Katsuko pushed herself so hard, one she was afraid to speak out loud.
