A New Love and A New Life
Chapter 5.
When they reached Juuban Park Haruka was pleased to see Michiru had chosen a spot that would give them total privacy. They had almost finished setting up the picnic/birthday party things when Molly joined them carrying her contribution to the event. A full sized chocolate sheet cake with cream cheese icing and a two gallon tub of chocolate mint chip ice-cream. It was silently decide between the senshi to wait until everybody had eaten and the gifts had been opened to begin the explanations. So the next couple hours were spent pleasantly eating, talking and watching Usagi open her gifts. She loved them all. If forced to choose though she would say that the pearl set from Haruka and Michael was her favorite of the gifts.
Once the debris was cleared away Haruka and the others sat back down. Drawing her knees up and placing her arms around them Haruka told her son. "As we said earlier little man there are a lot of things for you to know. Simply because keeping you in the dark would cause you greater danger then knowing the truth would. This truth also comes with a very true story. A story that starts more than ten thousand years ago. But the part that we'll be telling today and will directly concern you starts a little over a thousand years ago." Haruka then launched into the senshi's story. Telling her son everything. Hiding nothing from him. Michael was stunned at first when Artemis talked. Because as promised whenever Haruka's or one of the others memories grew fuzzy. Artemis filled in the details.
Though he was highly advanced in his mental faculties and other areas. Michael typical of other children his age let slide the details he felt un-important and focused on the ones he felt mattered. Grinning he said. "So you guys are the senshi. You need me to step in as a temporary replacement as mom is pregnant thanks to Taiki's help. Molly is replacing Rei as Mars if she chooses to take on that duty. I have a grandmother and after tomorrow two of them actually worthy of the word. Man this is going to be oh so cool." Haruka couldn't resist a small smile. Like her. Her son had focused on the bare nuts and bolts of the situation. Not letting the details matter, just the end results.
"Why don't you seem surprised by all this little man? If I was your age hearing this; I would be on the phone calling the nut-house." Michael rolled his eyes. "Oh please mom I always knew I was a bit different besides being adopted. Because whenever I got good and pissed or scared this weird mark would show up on my left arm." Taiki who'd worn shorts and a tank top so she could prove her claims of being a gender-morph without actually having to strip said. "Now I have a question for you. Setting aside the fact I'm from another planet. Why haven't you as of yet asked me to prove my claims of being a true gender-morph? And not a female hermaphrodite." The boys answer had Seiya falling back on the grass howling in laughter. "Well since when you make the switch you're loosing your female parts and growing a yogurt spitter and a set of mushrooms I imagine it's very painful. Probably briefly makes you a bit nauseous too as you're trading one set of hormones for another. Since we just ate. Why should I want to risk hearing and seeing you blow chunks into a nearby bush."
Haruka scrubbed a hand over her face. "And just were did you learn to call a mans private parts a yogurt spitter and mushrooms?" Grinning the boy replied. "From you actually mom." Haruka leaned forward. "Now when at all today have I said anything like that?" Michael replied. "It wasn't today. It was six months ago in Dublin. Jean and Scott took me on a trip to Ireland. Wanting me to study Irish history up close and personal. You were there for a moto-cross event. Jean and Scott took me to see it. You didn't see us but we saw you. Some guy grabbed your ass. You decked him for it and told him if he touched you again you'd rip off his yogurt spitter and mushrooms then feed them to the first hog you could find. By the way mom. You have a mean right hook."
Before Haruka could comment she caught a flash of light out the corner of her eye. It was Queen Serenity and her group. Standing she said. "They're here. Those of you that can henshin, do it now." Haruka chuckled softly at her sons' wide-eyed expression when the transformations were complete. But her chuckle was lost to her sons ears. Though Hotaru's height and looks still hadn't changed greatly. It was her transformation that had Michael's attention. Or more correctly her glaive. When he began to reach out and touch the shaft itself Saturn said sharply. "Don't! Do not touch it! As it has been less than 24 hours since I woke. My transformation cost me a great deal of the energy I regained during my coma. The glaive, like the Ginzuishou, is sentient. In my weakened state, it will react on its own if you directly touch it. Since you are not yet a senshi knight. The power surge will kill you. As a senshi knight it will recognize you as one of us and not harm you. But as a normal human like now. If you touch it you will die." Saturn then smiled softly. "But if you don't mind little brother. Please move to my other side and support me a bit. That way I can walk without having to lean too heavily on the glaive." Although the top of his head only came to her shoulder, Michael still managed to support a great deal of Saturn's' weight.
Though she already knew her daughter had chosen Molly to replace Rei and knew of the boys' parentage. Queen Serenity was still a bit puzzled as to why Haruka had remained in her civilian form. So when Usagi's group stopped a respectful four feet from her the Lunar Queen said. "Senshi Uranus. You have always been a stickler for details and followed the rules as a senshi even more closely than your own mother. So why did you not henshin to approach me? I am not angry mind you as I always felt some rules are made to be broken or at-least bent a little. But I am curious." Haruka replied. "Because if I was to do so I could be putting the child within me in danger." Star Maker stepped forward. After bowing slightly in respect she said. "Queen Serenity, it is good to finally have a face to go with the voice in our heads, I am Sailor Star Maker. If I may speak freely I would like to explain the situation." When Star Maker finished the queen said. "Oh my words. The three of you were correct to worry about possible side effects of power use-age just now. And I agree Prince Michael is indeed the best candidate to act as a temporary replacement." Once Michael's henshin item and the mars stick was placed into her hand the queen first looked at the starlights. "Starlights the only order of business for you today is a change in fuku. Simply because knowingly or not, you have already bound yourselves into service as my daughters senshi. By shedding blood in her name and swearing to protect her even at the cost of your lives during the battle with Galaxia, you bound yourselves to the princess of Lunaria." Then one by one, using her own personal magic the queen switched out their fuku's for ones similar to the ones worn by all the outers save for Haruka.
Star Healer absolutely adored her new boots. The heels only are two inches high and thick. Purring in satisfaction she said. "Oh man these are so much more comfortable." Star Maker moved her hips slightly in a testing manner. "Oh hallelujah! No more wedgies." Star Fighter shrugged her shoulders. "I can live with it." Serenity then brought her attention back to Michael and Molly.
"Prince Michael as you will only be temporarily taking your mothers place in the senshi you will not be required to take a blood oath. You will only need to swear to me that you will protect my daughter, your fellow senshi and the people of this planet to the best of your ability."
"I swear on the honor of The House of Uranus. I'll do all that and more."
"Then take your henshin item and place it on your wrist. When it seals itself solid you'll feel the power there waiting for you and will know what to say."
The moment the bracelet sealed itself a minni tornado shielded Michael from their sight. But they could all hear the boy shout. "Uranus Knight Star Power!" When the magical tornado vanished Haruka smiled broadly. The teenage boy was a handsome fellow dressed similar to Prince Endymion as a senshi knight. Eyes bright and misting over she said. "You look just like your grandpa Masaki as a young man." The young man smiled. "I'm glad of that. I would have hated growing up to look like you know who." When the Uranus Knight backed up and stood at his mothers' side it was Molly's turn. "Molly Osaka. Many times you involved yourself in a battle to help the senshi. I am proud of you for that. But what I have always found most admirable was the time you fought against my daughter to protect Nephrite. Your love for him allowed you to see past the evil spell he was under and into his true heart. It was because of the brief love you two shared his soul isn't in the fiery pits of Hell."
"Because of your actions and pure heart you have earned the right to start out at the Super Sailor power level. Without ever knowing the full truth of who she was till now. You showed your loyalty to my daughter many times and in many ways. Though you will have to speak a heart felt oath. You too have earned the right to forgo making it a blood oath. If you choose to take on the duties and persona of Sailor Mars Mistress of Flame. The moment you speak the final word of your oath. This henshin stick will leave my hand placing itself into yours and this time only you will henshin without calling the power to you verbally." Belladonna/Mars stepped to her queens' side. "Molly I know some would call this emotional black-mail, but right now I don't care. Please accept this honor. Please help me bring honor and integrity back to the House of Mars. I can't do it alone."
Molly gave her answer with a slight nod of her head making the elder Mars smile. She then turned to Haruka. "Haruka do you still carry a pocket knife with you?" Haruka replied. "I do. You wish to make your oath a blood oath then." Molly replied. "Yes I do." Haruka got into her jean pocket pulling out the knife and opening it. "Hold your right hand out palm up." Haruka then made a quick slashing movement cutting open Molly's palm. After thinking for a moment, Molly then turned her hand so the blood could splash onto the ground at Usagi's feet.
"For the honor of The House of Mars. I shed this blood willingly in the name of Usagi Serenity Tsukino. Crown Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom." Molly then began the heart-felt oath that would bind her into service as the new Sailor Mars. "There is a song that the universe sings of warriors who fly on angels wings. To protect the royal family and her. I will guard her forever. Should I ever betray her or commit high treason I forfeit my life with good reason. When the day comes, full of blood and death, I know this vow will be put to the test. I know and accept that I may die. And pray that she will bless me where I lie. When the pain hurts the most and the midnight shines like noon. I will make my final stand for the princess of the moon. This to the Kibou no Hikari I do swear."
The moment she finished speaking a vortex of flame hid Molly from sight. Though she wore the fuku Rei had worn when it vanished. Three things about Molly had changed greatly. Her short brown hair had turned flame red and had grown to her knees. Her hair bow had changed to a solid gold clasp shaped like a bow and arrow. And her eyes had changed from brown to gold. When Michiru/Neptune showed Mars what she now looked like with her mirror, Mars said. "Oh my lands! I hope I get to keep the hair and eyes as a normal girl." Usagi laughed at her best friend. "The eye color and hair length you will keep, but not the hairs color. To help hide from outsiders who you really are." When Molly let her new form slip away Usagi took her friends hands.
"Now Molly tell me the truth. How have you been doing since the accident?" Two months ago Molly and her boyfriend Melvin had been with Molly's mother for a trip to the hot springs. A drunk driver had crossed their path causing a four car pile-up. Only Molly had survived. "Not good. If I don't find renters soon for the three apartments above me and get some extra help in the shop soon. I won't be able to re-enter school come fall and might wind up losing the store too." Usagi gently rapped her friends chin with her knuckles. "Don't worry girl I have you covered." She then raised her voice and shouted. "All-right you four you can come out of hiding."
Molly watched amazed as Zoiycite, Kunzite, Nephrite and Grandpa Hino came from their hiding places behind some trees. "For the remainder of the summer you will stay with grandpa Hino at the temple so he can train you properly in the art of reading the sacred flame. Kunzite and Zoiycite will train you in different fighting techniques. Nephrite too will train you in fighting and meditation. Those three will also be renting the apartments and helping you in the shop so you can finish school." Molly didn't fight the urge that seized her. She ran right into her first loves arms. Nephrite whispered into the tearful girls' ear. "Let's go get that chocolate parfait."
When the laughing girl pulled back wiping her eyes she asked. "Grandpa Hino how is it you know the truth about the senshi?" The little monk replied. "At the behest of Artemis Usagi trusted two civilians with the truth of all. She chose me because of spiritual reasons. She then chose Ami's mother, just in-case the senshi were ever in dire need of medical care. Lilly would have been here as well if there hadn't been an emergency at the hospital." Reacting on new instincts Molly turned sharply when two flashes of light went off behind her. But it wasn't anything to worry about. Usagi and Queen Serenity had accepted their gifts from the late Neo Queen. They both looked so beautiful, so different yet the same. Queen Serenity's odangos' were now heart shaped and she wore the fuku and carried the staff of Cosmos. Usagi's hair while still short had turned silver just as her eyes and crescent insignia had. The puff sleeves were gone from her princess dress making it sleeve-less. The skirt part now wasn't any longer than her senshi skirt. Real working wings had sprouted from her back and her boots while still white had a silver stripe at the top instead of a red one.
There was a shared sadness in the eyes of Zoiycite and the princess when they came face to face. Before her princess could speak Zoiycite said. "Princess Serenity. Don't let my brothers' fate trouble you. As Jaedite gave himself willingly to the Negaforce. There was no saving him." Haruka had to ask. "Michi and I gave ourselves willingly to Galaxia. What was different about it? Why was Usagi able to bring us back?" Sailor Cosmos replied. "Because it was a faked treason. You did it in an effort to get close enough to Galaxia to stop her. You did it to hopefully keep my daughter protected and out of the fight. Since before now, use of the Crystals full power nearly always almost completely drained her. It's what also helped you to keep partial control of your minds."
Letting her new form slip away Usagi said and asked. "Sailor Cosmos/Queen Serenity/Mother. My new form gave me a new understanding of something. Something I was too blind to see because I was locked in my own pain. Something that just may bring Mamoru out of the dark and back into light with us. After one such use of the crystal someone dear to him gave up their life energy to save me. I am sure this person still lives because before my eyes lost sight of them; I could feel his heartbeat as if it were my own. Please will you use your power to find Fiore and bring him back here? There's no doubt in my mind that Mamoru will fight the feelings for this man he has buried deep in his heart. Thinking same sex love is wrong. But I have no doubts that Fiore is stubborn enough to show him the error of that thinking."
Sailor Earth smacked herself on the forehead. "I don't know why I didn't see it before. Only a person who buries their true nature so deeply that it goes into hiding even from themselves would react as badly as Mamoru has. He has called out for this Fiore in his sleep many times. I think you may be right with this one Usagi. Oh and don't expect me to cut you or prince Michael any slack come fall. I'm going to be your new calculus teacher." Cosmos laughed when her daughter groaned. "It won't be that bad daughter. Now as far as this Fiore fellow goes, I'll do what I can." Before Cosmos and her senshi took their leave the elder Uranus took a broad sword from her subspace pocket. Gesturing to the empty scabbard at the Uranus Knights side she said. "This is the Holy Blade of Uranus. On loan to you from Uranus himself. While it will let me touch it. It will only allow a senshi knight to command it. Meaning it is geared only for use by men. Use its power wisely."
The moment he sheathed his new blade Michael let his teenage form slip away. "I wont disappoint you grandmother." Miranda/Uranus knelt to the boys eye level. "I know you won't. You're a Uraniun after all. Now come here." When she brought the boy into a hug Uranus quickly whispered into his ear. "I know where he is. I know his cell number. I know how to get the job done and make the wound look self inflicted. The bastard who hurt your mom will be dead by morning." Michael knew without being told he needed to keep this secret. As they made their way to the furniture store fifteen minutes later Haruka asked her son.
"I know my mother well Michael. What did she tell you? What is she up too?" Not knowing he was actually telling the truth. Michael told what he thought to be a fib to cover up what Miranda planned on doing. "Just that she has a surprise in-store for you tomorrow that will have you wondering if you should scratch your ass or wind your watch." Haruka's lips were set and firm when she pulled to a stop in-front of the furniture store. Turning in her seat she said. "That's bullshit and we both know it. The only thing that could surprise me that much is if she revealed who her secret lover was. Pardon my language but mother was always a bit like a bitch in heat needing sex constantly. With the exception of your aunt Ariel. She's tried to bed every last one of Serenity's senshi. She finally succeeded with one and has been with that person ever since. But she never revealed who it was. If she shows up at the wedding wearing the royal gown of her lover I'll believe you. But if she shows up wearing pants like I know she prefers to do. You and I are going to have a serious talk about what secrets you can and can not keep from me." Michael just smirked inwardly as he got out of the truck. Just from being around her today. The boy knew already when it came to him. In some areas, his mother was going to be all talk and no walk. He wasn't worried a bit.