- Catching Up With The Past (part 2) -

It was getting late. The others were beginning to become uneasy, especially the eldest of the three, Star Healer.

Her head lifted suddenly looking off into the distance. Her expression at first was a mixture of fear and surprise before her eyes narrowed.

"Something's not right."

The two sitting next to her sensed something was up and seemed to know just what was to come next.

"Fighter's in trouble."

"Lets go." Kakyuu was the first to respond as she calmly brought herself to a stand. The other two gave a nod and followed in suit.

--

She didn't make it that far before she was forced to take a rest. Her body was quickly loosing energy and she could feel her strength slipping away. Fighter proceeded to prop the woman's figure on a park bench near the entrance while her own figure stood leaning against the gate. Blue eyes looked to the sky feeling very defeated at the moment. If only she had just walked away she wouldn't be in this situation right now. She'd be well on her way home and having a peaceful night's rest. Well, as peaceful as she could hope for anyway.

A long sigh escaped. Her gaze shifted to the woman beside her feeling very resentful. "This is all your fault." Naturally, and luckily all the same for the Starlight, the recipient failed to respond. She let out another sigh. For a moment she considered leaving her and just forgetting the whole thing happened, but she knew deep down she couldn't.

So much was on her mind right now. She was beginning to wonder why she was suddenly so... curious about the woman. Maybe the recent dreams were bothering her more than she let on, or perhaps it was even the fact she seemed so... Different. This was clearly not the same person who once almost brought this galaxy to it's knees. And why didn't she sense much of a shine from her?

"Damn. What the hell happened to you and why won't you wake up?" She continued to speak as if her words would actually reach her. A sigh. "Not like you can hear me anyway." Her head would shake realizing the more she spoke the more useless it was. She would move to seat herself next to her, not because she wanted to actually sit by her, but because she needed to rest for a bit.

Several moments passed before she looked over to the one next to her. She shook her head before bringing herself back to a stand. Fighter reached for the woman's hand. She went to pull the figure towards her but was surprised to have the grip returned suddenly. There was resistance and without warning Fighter felt her own figure being forcefully pulled in the opposite direction.

The woman's eyes suddenly opened and was an obvious knee-jerk response. Her person was not fully coherent and her eyes narrowed in suspicion not seeming to fully grasp who it was who just grabbed her.

Fighter's eyes widened at the response. Of course she didn't expect that in the least bit. A combination of fear and surprise crossed her expression as she stared to the woman momentarily out of options of what to do.

It didn't take much longer afterwards for realization to set in as the woman's view set to a heavy glare. She continued to hold the Starlight close as if her gaze alone would pierce a hole through her head.

"Why did you interfere, Starlight?" Her tone was cold as she was obviously not pleased by the results.

"If I would have known it was you, I wouldn't have bothered." Fighter returned the glare. Her reply was only partially true. In reality she honestly didn't know what she would have done but under the circumstance it was a natural response to reply in anger to such a person. She went to forcefully pull her hand away and was surprised when she was actually able to. Her figure straightened deciding not to think too much of it. "But since you seem to be fine now, I have my own questions for you." There was a defiance. Even so close to death it didn't seem to phase her at the moment. She would get answers, or die trying, either which wouldn't matter much at this point being so close to the one who was capable of destroying entire worlds. Even if she didn't pry her life meant nothing to such a person and she knew as much.

"Do you." It was a retort that was not meant to be a question or a statement but more of a passing thought as a matter of fact. She brought a hand to her side proceeding to raise her self to a stand, though seeming to put in a bit of effort. "As bold as your demeanor is in such a circumstance, I do not suppose you are expecting an answer in return." Her tone was partially sarcastic, partially an order.

This wasn't something that went unnoticed to Fighter. "I take it you're still recovering." Her tone was half sarcastic though she mainly meant it to be serious.

A scoff. "I take it there will consequences for your poor choice of words." Galaxia proceeded to lean her back against a nearby lamp post as she simply crossed her arms across her chest. It seemed that was all she was able to do at the moment was simply make threats.

The Starlight was puzzled as to why she was acting so...Well not her usual self to an extent. By now she would have assumed her person would have been blown across the ground but this person before her seemed to make no attempt at physically striking her -- Which also struck her as odd.

Regardless, Fighter seemed to ignore her response all together as she went on to questioning her anyway. "What was that thing that was attacking you?"

"That is none of your concern."

She should have figured as much. Her head shook in response letting out a sigh. Maybe she should start with a question she couldn't so easily avoid. "Why did you approach me in the subway?"

Galaxia's expression went even as she practically raised an eyebrow to the Starlight. "Such an event never took place."

"Did you lose your memory?" Fighter half trailed to herself letting out a sigh. It would figure she would try to avoid answering such a question but she wasn't about to give up that easily. "You grabbed my arm in the subway and were speaking in riddles."

"My 'memory' is well in tact, Starlight. Perhaps it is you who is 'losing your memory'." Her eyes narrowed.

"I'm not--" She went to argue but stopped herself realizing that to do so was useless. "Look, not that you care, but I've been having a really bad past few months. Appearing in dreams, running into you under strange circumstances -- Everything that's happened seems to elude to you one way or another and I can't help but wonder what the hell you want with me."

"Your disillusioned behavior is unsettling. While as I should be flattered or deeply disturbed that you appear to be otherwise obsessing over me, I would like nothing to do with your person."

"I'm not obsessing over you!" Fighter felt a sudden shortness in breath as she went to clench a fist. She felt her body becoming weak again but she did all she could to hide it. Galaxia was the last person she wanted to show weakness to. Her view looked away for a moment to regain her composure. "I felt your power." Her fist remained clenched at her side as she turned her head to face her again. "This person looked right at me and looked just like you and now seeing you again... What else am I supposed to think?"

If Galaxia took notice to the Starlight's discomfort she didn't make any indication she did. "Whatever you saw was not me. This has been the first and last encounter you will further have with me." She went to move from her spot to close the distance between them but did not get far enough to stand on her own. A hand reached for the post for support narrowing her eyes. "Do you understand?" Her words finishing as if everything was as it should be.

This situation was practically hopeless. Feeling frustrated Fighter went to turn her back to the woman with intentions of walking away. However, she didn't get very far before a sudden pain in her chest caused her to waver in her stance. Her eyes shut in discomfort bringing a hand to her chest. This was the same pain she had had before. She felt her figure fall to one knee trying to fight against what was inevitable. Her eyes looked back up to Galaxia who still seemed unfazed by what just happened.

"You are in no position to be out playing 'hero' for those you do not have business with."

"What do you care anyway?" Fighter glared.

"It is simply an observation."

A pause as she narrowed her eyes. "Why the hell are you still here anyway?"

"I--" Galaxia seemed to be slightly taken off guard at the question before quickly snapping herself out of it. She turned a bit crossing her arms against her chest. Her backside leaned against the pole once again. "I am simply waiting for you to leave." She was almost indignant to the matter.

"Waiting for me to leave?" Her response was quick. There was a clear expression of being puzzled written across the dark haired female's face. It wasn't the kind of reply she was expecting to hear.

"Yes, I am waiting for you to leave. You should do so quickly before I change my mind and decide that disposing of your existence is a better option."

The dark haired female shook her head a bit before forcing herself up a bit. "Waiting doesn't suit you." Suspicion filled her being as she drew back on what had just happened and how she didn't sense much of a shine from her. She looked to her a bit. It was strange but even as she took her hand a moment ago she still didn't feel anything. At least nothing like she should have, nor had felt in the subway. "It looks like you're not fully yourself."

"I am perfectly fine!" She clenched a fist in frustration as anger became apparent.

A small scoff. "You seem mad. Why aren't you doing anything?"

"Perhaps it is that I do not see it fit to waste my energy on a Star of such insignificance."

"Or maybe you can't."

Galaxia's expression darkened as she went to move from her spot. She didn't get very far before collapsing to one knee. She forced her head to raise to glare to Fighter. There was a pause and no words exchanged between the two for a moment. Either the woman was deep in thought or was about to snap at any second.

The truth was she could not do much and she knew the Starlight's words to be true. However, she would never admit to such. She made a grab for her chest as her gaze shifted to the ground. Her breathing became heavy when she began speaking. "You will... never know of such things... Starlight..." Her attempt to stand failed as her body collapsed to the ground once again.

So much prying her for information. Fighter gave a sigh of defeat as she hung her head at what just happened. At least there was some light shed to her former suspicions. However, she didn't feel much better. In fact, she almost felt worse.

She made her way to the bench taking a seat once more. Her gaze fell on Galaxia who appeared to have revised her unconscious state for the time being. Maybe she was right and she wouldn't know of such things after all and she should have just stayed home. Then again there was the fact that whatever it was that attacked her was still out there somewhere. She supposed the best alternative was to get her on their turf to further question her. Perhaps with the others she could find a way to figure this whole thing out. After all, if she was right and she did in fact no longer poses the power she once had, she couldn't be all that much of a threat to them. Right?

"What in hell is going on?" Her eyes drifted from the sky, to Galaxia and to the sky again. "How am I going to manage to get you back?" A pause. "I guess I should get going and hope I can pull this off." She let out another sigh.

--

"Her energy is close but it's very weak."

"I sense it too, Healer."

"It's going to be difficult to find her in this state. This is a large city and I fear we are searching blindly." Maker, now dressed as Taiki Kou of the Three Lights stated the grim reality of the situation at hand.

She knew it too. If only their leader had listened. They wouldn't be out searching for her at this late hour. "Fighter, you idiot!" Healer, Yaten Kou, clenched a fist in frustration shooting a glare to the ground.

A hand gently placed on the girl's shoulder. Yaten looked to the source knowing who it was before she saw her.

"We'll find her." Kakyuu gave a reassuring smile passing a glance to Maker. Maker dropped her eyes to the ground, of course having faith in her princess, but torn between what she knew to be facts.

Kakyuu was one of the few who could talk her out of her despair. One of the few who knew her true self. Yaten in turn gave her a nod. "Lets keep going."

It wasn't long before they spotted a figure up ahead. They appeared to be moving slowly and carrying something rather large over their shoulder. The figure was an outlined shadow at first but the others had a suspicion this person was familiar. As they advanced closer it became apparent who this person was. It was Fighter and she wasn't alone.

The female couldn't physically go on much longer. Several breaks had already been taken along the way and now it was time for another. If this had been before this ailment had presented itself, this wouldn't have been such a painstaking task. She leaned the body against the wall of a nearby shop along the sidewalk. Her own body collapsed next to it in a seated position.

Three figures approached from the distance. As this person became more clear their steps quickened.

"Fighter!" The sound of Star Healer with the appearance of Yaten Kou was the first to speak. Fighter turned her attention immediately relieved at seeing everyone.

"You guys!"

It was a matter of mere moments before the group was reunited, however, the newest addition brought about much question and unease.

"Where in hell were y-- Galaxia!" Yaten's eyes would grow large at the realization of who exactly was at her comrade's side. Her body came to a screeching halt. The others stopped in their steps as well with much concern in their expression. "What the hell is she doing here!?"

Oh hell, she had forgotten about her long enough to cringe at the reaction. She forced herself to a stand placing herself between the woman and the group.

"She's unconscious." She attempted to reassure them.

"Unconscious?!" Yaten seemed to be the quickest to respond to the matter and appeared to be the most upset exteriorly.

"For now, yes--"

"What do you mean 'for now'?"

"Fighter, what happened?" Kakyuu intervened stepping forward to her other soldier.

"She was attacked... I stepped in and well, she fell unconscious."

"Why the hell did you do such a thing!?" Yaten broke in again.

"It wasn't an easy decision! I couldn't just leave her!"

"What is so difficult about it! LEAVE Galaxia. GO home!" The shorter girl retorted in appall at their leader's decision.

"Fighter, where were you planning on taking her?" Kakyuu spoke with curiosity.

"Back to to the house."

"WHAT!?" The white haired girl stood in shock. It wasn't clear which matter the girl was upset more about; The fact the Starlight had impulsively decided to dive head first into a battle or the fact the Starlight had impulsively decided to bring home Galaxia. This was almost as bad as the time they were practically forced to fight against her in her 'decision' to align with the Moon Soldier. In fact this was far worse.

"I think it would be best to keep her close to question her further when she regains consciousness again."

"Have you lost your mind, Fighter?" She silently began to wonder if this illness was effecting her head.

"This is Galaxia we are talking about..." Taiki spoke up to back her older comrade's concern.

"I know but... Something is wrong. She was attacked and doesn't seem to have her previous abilities. I didn't sense the same shine from her."

"That isn't your concern! You should leave her and only hope whatever attacked her comes back and finishes her." Yaten's later remark was half sarcastic, though mostly blunt.

"Healer..." Kakyuu intervened looking to the eldest of the trio. Yaten remained silent afterwards proceeding to just look to their leader with a disapproving expression. Kakyuu's gaze shifted back to Fighter. "Are you certain this is a good idea?"

"I am. It's just a gut feeling I have." Fighter remained serious.

"I'm not sure what is going on but if this is something you feel strongly about, I support your decision."

"Princess..." Yaten and Taiki's expression was about the same. They were taken back by their Princess's apparent "approval" over Fighter's impulsive decision. There seemed to be no further room for argument but that didn't mean Yaten wouldn't give Fighter a good whack in the head later on.

Although a feeling of relief struck the raven haired soldier, there was much unease among the others, mainly Star Healer. It seemed things were off to an interesting start since their arrival here. She only hoped things weren't about to get worse than they already were.