Wow. Hello there. Can I just say, I legitimately worked on this since May but could never get it to end in a way that seemed in character. Three weeks ago I finally got fed up and redid EVERYTHING. And now here we are clocking in at the 9,547 words mark. Next chapter we'll get some more one on one action with our couples, and I'll let you vote who you want first. But first up, let's see what they've been up to, yeah? Enjoy!
Thoughtful eyes gazed out over the landscape, admiring the golden-orange hues brushing over the bordering trees. Still mostly cast in shadows, the temple grounds were spotless with not a twig or leaf out of place and the only noise around were the soft greeting caws from Phobos and Deimos amid the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. It was a quiet time, an hour where few were up and fewer still were moving about. For those that were, it was a time spent in quiet reflection or preparation for the day ahead. As for the priestess of the Hikawa Shrine, it was when she felt most free.
Free to do what she wanted, wherever she wanted without all of the social restraints that had begun to dictate her way of life. After all, it wasn't really like anyone was awake to stop her. But even without those freedoms, the early mornings allowed her an hour or two to reflect in peace and to realign her spirit for the day ahead. A necessity but one she liked to indulge in.
Yes, she cherished the predawn hours more than any other time of day. In the past, she'd believed he cherished them too. He had been a kindred spirit. A like-minded soul forced into a society neither appreciated but both excelled at. Only she had been mistaken.
In time she had learned that Kaidou loved late afternoons and working his way up the political ladder. She had feared being tied to a man who neglected his family and, though he had claimed he felt similarly, he had married while embracing the long hours and the social world that came with it. Was it any wonder then that after five years of marriage his wife had left him? And now he was on the market once again.
Rei's gaze flickered over the note in her hand with distaste. Leave it to her father to take advantage of another's troubles—not that it mattered. Perhaps if she had remained the same naïve girl from five years ago she would consider meeting with Kaidou, maybe even date him. The years, however, had only made her less inclined towards wasting her time.
For a moment she had considered burning the note, a spark was all it would take, but the memory of what had happened in the jungle made her hesitate. As unpleasant as the message was, Rei would not risk losing control and burning down her home. She would just have to dispose of it later.
Slipping the note into her pocket, she turned, intent on returning to her rooms and preparing for the coming day, when footsteps near the shrine entrance caught her attention.
The idea that it could be Kaidou—or even worse, her father—was instantly dismissed. Both had heavier footsteps and Rei was certain neither would feel it necessary to disturb her just yet. She had only received her father's summons this morning, which gave her until the morning after next before he would bother with her again.
No…the footsteps most likely belonged to one of the girls and Rei had a suspicion of who it was.
Another moment passed, the consistent tapping against the cement never faltering, and when a blonde head appeared into view, Rei smiled, pleased that she was right.
"You're up early," she remarked when her friend made it to the top of the stairs.
The blonde pouted and made her way over to where Rei stood.
"And here I thought you'd be happy to see me."
Rei rolled her eyes but noticed how tense her friend seemed and how her pout was just a little too sincere. As she moved closer Rei could see that the other woman was exhausted, as if she'd had several restless nights of sleep.
Rei frowned.
"You look like hell."
"Well aren't you just a box of sunshine today," Minako grumbled, "What's the matter? Burn something down Pyro?"
"I'm thinking about it," Rei muttered.
Such a phrase could only make Minako snicker. The blonde moved to bump Rei affectionately with her shoulder but paused halfway, her eyes widening as she spotted something on the ground. Curious of all things involving Rei—including random trash on Rei's property—Minako snatched the paper up to examine it.
"Oh? What's this? It looks like a…Oh. Ooooh……Please tell me you're not going to this," Minako groaned, holding up the slip of paper between two fingers.
Rei recognized it at once, the stiff cream colored cardstock a trademark of her father's.
Damn. She had dropped the note.
"I can't believe your dad wants you to hook up with a divorcee." Minako continued oblivious to Rei's frustration, "I mean the least he could arrange for his daughter is a virgin groom."
Despite her annoyance, Rei felt the corner of her lips twitch upward at Minako's suggestion. What would her father say, she wondered, if she told him that? She tossed her dark locks over her shoulder and snatched the note back, this time making sure it was securely tucked away in her pocket.
"Doesn't matter, I'm not going."
"No? Well that's good. You don't need someone named Kaidou anyways."
Minako paused, something catching her attention and then began mumbling to herself.
"Kaidou…Kaidou…" She snapped her fingers and turned to Rei. "Hey isn't he the guy from before? The one that you—"
"Yes that's him."
If Rei had hoped that Minako would leave it at that, she was very soon dispelled of such notions. The blonde was on a single track this morning and the next thing she uttered had Rei praying for patience.
"Doesn't Kaidou look like Jun?"
"Excuse me?"
Minako plopped down on the veranda and looked up.
"Kaidou, he looks like Jun right? At least…from what I remember of your description he does."
Rei's brows knitted together as she pictured both men side by side. She supposed they did look similar. Blonde curls, sharp cheekbones and a slender build. Jun's eyes were a startling blue though, while Kaidou's were more of a murky brown.
"What's your point?"
"My point is," Minako grinned, "You seem to have a type."
Rei's brow shot up in annoyance.
"I didn't realize I was involved with Jun."
Minako froze, but only long enough that anyone who really knew her would notice. Rei however, had known the infuriating blonde for years and it was this action combined with the irregular hour of her visit that made Rei narrow her eyes in suspicion.
"No? Oh silly me," Minako laughed, a little too loudly in Rei's opinion, "I just assumed with how worried you were about him the other day that perhaps something had happened between you two. But I can see that's clearly not the case."
"Minako."
"If you'd like I could set you up with someone. I know a few blondes…"
"Minako."
"Unless that really isn't your type? Though really Rei, blondes do have more fun."
"Minako!"
All chatter came to an abrupt stop, leaving only the crows' soft caws and the leaves rusting in the wind to break the silence. Rei crossed her arms and stepped closer.
"What are you hiding Minako?"
The blonde in question had the gall to look affronted.
"Me? Hiding? That's rich coming from you."
Rei frowned, not bothering to hide her confusion.
"Me?"
"Yes you. You can deny it all you want but I know you like Jun."
She should have known Minako wouldn't let that go. Rei's frown deepened as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Why do you insist on bringing him up?"
"Why do you insist on denying it?"
"Because we're just friends!" Rei cried, flinging her arms out in exasperation. "That's all we'll ever be."
"But you like him, right? I know you do."
Why in all things holy…Why wouldn't she just let it go?
"I liked Kaidou at one point too," Rei hissed, "But clearly he wasn't worth my time."
Minako was on her feet in an instant, annoyance radiating off her every gesture.
"First off, I knew you liked him," Minako huffed, shoving her hair from her face, "And secondly, are you seriously gonna let one sleezebag stop you from pursuing love? The guy's a workaholic but they're not all like that."
"This from a woman who's never been serious about love a day in her life," Rei shot back.
Minako's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Take it back."
"Make me."
For a moment Rei thought she just might. She could see Minako's fists at her sides, clenched so tight the knuckles were white. But after a moment of glaring at one another, Minako backed down first, turning away to grumble.
"Damn it Rei, I didn't come here to argue."
That should have been her cue to cool off but Rei's blood was boiling in a way that made it impossible.
"No?" she said condescendingly, "And here I thought you were looking for a distraction."
Sharp blue eyes met her gaze and Rei knew she had hit the mark.
"Do you want to know what I think?" Rei demanded, "I think I'm not the only one with a type, now am I?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Rei scoffed, "Liar. Don't push your feelings on me just because you have it bad for a stony-ass general."
"You know as well as I do that it's my duty to fight," Minako hissed, "Excuse me for wanting better for my so-called friends!"
"Well excuse me if I don't take advice from a fake goddess of love," Rei spat.
"You…" Minako choked, "how dare you."
She glared at Rei, her eyes hard and unfathomable, and for a moment Rei feared she'd gone too far. It had been a low blow but she was in the mood to fight and damn it, Minako had pushed her. Phobos and Deimos crowed in the distance, their soft caws doing little to dispel the tension but eventually Minako decided she had enough and turned away.
"Clearly there's no talking to you, so I'll just leave," she informed Rei. She took a step then hesitated and added a "Later Rei" before walking away more swiftly than she'd arrive.
Rei watched her leave, anger still coursing through her veins, and decided that while she loved mornings, this was one she could have done without. She turned and headed inside her home to begin preparations for the day, wishing all the while that the day was already over.
oOo
Ami's finger hovered over the doorbell, not quite committed to closing the remaining gap. It was, after all, unusual for her to be seeking advice and even more so due to the topic. So if she was more than a little hesitant at the moment, it was entirely understandable.
She had just decided for the seventh and final time to walk away when the decision was made for her. The door suddenly flew open, revealing a tousled haired blonde wearing old jeans and a dark ribbed tank with a slight smirk gracing the woman's lips.
"Why Ami, I wasn't expecting to run into you."
A sly wink indicated otherwise and Ami had to fight the blush rising to her cheeks. She had forgotten the hidden security cameras. If only her indecision had gone equally unnoticed.
Haruka gestured with a nod of her head for the younger woman to follow and Ami complied obediently, stepping into the house and trailing her host all the way into a large and extremely professional looking kitchen where she was offered something to drink.
"No thank you," Ami replied politely, "I was actually hoping to speak with Michiru. Is she around?"
Haruka nodded while pouring herself a glass of water. "She is. She and Makoto are in the sun room."
'How odd', Ami thought. She hadn't expected Makoto to be here. Although this was hardly an issue seeing as how she had tried going to her first. When Makoto hadn't been at any of her usual locations though, Ami had decided to seek out Michiru. It was a testament of how inexperienced and out of her element she was feeling that she had continued to pursue someone to talk to, instead of just waiting to speak with Makoto at some later time.
"I wasn't aware that Mako-chan would be here."
Haruka grinned and led her down the hallway towards where Ami knew the sun room to be.
"She arrived shortly before you did ten minutes ago," Haruka called over her shoulder and Ami could have sworn she saw the blonde's grin grow even wider.
'Well,' Ami huffed, that would teach her to ever dawdle at another's doorstep.
A knock caught her attention and she looked up in time to watch Haruka step confidently through a doorway with zero hesitance. Her eyes narrowed just a fraction, as she hurried to follow after.
"Oh Michiru, love, you've got another guest. If I didn't know better, I'd probably start to grow jealous."
Both Michiru and Makoto looked up and smiled upon seeing them enter, although Michiru was quick to set her tea cup aside and eye Haruka with a speculative raised brow.
"Worried your lothario days are over?" she murmured, tilting her head to the side questioningly while exposing a graceful neck. "Don't worry, dear, you'll always be popular with the ladies."
"As long as I'm a favorite of yours, I'll be alright."
"Well that goes without saying," Michiru replied lightly, her gaze locking with the dark blue pair across the room.
The two lovers shared an intimate smile that left Ami feeling distinctly uneasy and even a slight envious in a way she had never previously known. It wasn't as if their actions were anything new but perhaps she herself had never truly understood what feelings were involved or how wonderful it felt to share such intimacies with someone.
She might have continued down this line of thought for a while longer but her reflections were cut short as Haruka was once again speaking.
"I was planning to change and head to the mall to pick up a new racing jacket that I saw. It's guaranteed to make you fall in love with me all over again," Haruka teased, "unless you need me for something?"
"I think the girls and I can handle ourselves for a few hours, can't we?"
The other two young women agreed they were fine, which was good enough for Haruka. The blonde took off with a wink and a "later girls", leaving all eyes on Ami as she took a seat on the small, pale sofa across from the other women's wicker chairs.
A credit to her hostessing abilities, Michiru picked up the conversation before Ami could began to fidget under their combined scrutiny.
"Makoto here was just catching me up on what happened during her mission and why she didn't show up at the base with the others upon her return."
The older woman cast a sly glance in Makoto's direction earning a bright blush from the brunette and a confused frown from Ami.
"Did something happen?" Ami asked. Her arms began to itch slightly and it was the only warning she had that maybe it was something she didn't want to know.
"It's nothing serious, Makoto sighed, "I'm just a bit embarrassed because I woke up in Nao's bed."
Ami blinked and felt the itching spread to her sides. Well that's not what she had expected.
"You slept with him?" she gasped before slapping a hand across her mouth and blushing as red as Rei's priestess robes.
Michiru shot Ami an amused glance even as Makoto spluttered to get out a response.
"NO!" Makoto cried, completely horrified. "Not in the way you're imagining it! We had all our clothes on! We were just sleeping! I don't even remember the journey home!"
"Oh…well alright then."
It was Makoto's turn to blink, her expression becoming owlish, as she took a few moments to process what just happened.
"That's it?" she asked flummoxed, "That's your reaction?"
"Well," Ami muttered, "I imagine Nao was in much the same state as the others upon using his magic and after hearing the details of your trip, I can imagine you were probably exhausted as well."
"Oh."
"Besides," What was the saying? In for a penny, in for a pound. "I could hardly fault you after wanting to do the same thing with Satoru."
"WHAT?!"
"Well this is unexpected," Michiru chimed in, her eyes dancing.
Ami tried to ignore how flushed her face felt or how even her stomach itched now that she was discussing something out of her comfort zone. However she had come here for a reason and she would just have to deal with it until she was satisfied. First though, she would have to clarify things for her friend because Makoto's face seemed to be darkening to a dangerous shade of purple.
"We didn't do anything," She informed them, "Well, nothing like that anyways."
A squeak escaped from Makoto but luckily it was one that Michiru seemed to be able to interpret.
"So something did happen then?"
Ami's cheeks flushed again but she managed to hold her head up and look the older woman in the eye as she spoke.
"We kissed for a bit, nothing more."
"I see." Michiru smiled and turned to pat a still speechless Makoto on the knee. "There, there. You see? It wasn't anything too shocking was it?"
"I…I guess not…I guess I just never thought I'd hear Ami talk about it. That's sort of Minako's thing isn't it?"
"Indeed," Michiru chuckled, "I suppose I'm honored then that you chose to share that with me."
Ami smiled; relieved it was going so well, but quickly glanced back down at the coffee table, her fingers inching toward the irritated skin on her arms.
"Actually that's kind of the reason I'm here. I was hoping you might be able to give me a bit of advice."
"If you're wanting tips on what to do with him…well, I wouldn't know the first thing when it comes to that. Now if you're looking for advice on self-pleasure…"
"No! No….of course not," Ami blushed, ninety-five percent sure she could now feel her skin itch down to her toes. "I was just…You see, when we returned from our mission, he was acting different."
"How different?"
Michiru's voice had dropped no more than half a note but it contained a more dangerous quality that instantly put Ami on alert.
"He's not being controlled, if that's what you're implying. He just…seemed to want nothing to do with me."
Ami frowned, hating how her voice seemed to crack over those words but was unable to prevent it. The others wouldn't think less of her, she knew, but that didn't mean she had to like it.
Makoto—now over her embarrassment— leaned forward to speak in an almost conspiratorial tone that Ami would have found amusing if she weren't distracted by negative thoughts.
"But he kissed you, right? So then it can't be because he doesn't like you."
Ami didn't respond but the look on her face implied skepticism. After all, if he liked her, then why was he ignoring her? She asked Makoto this but that only seemed to confuse the other woman more.
"Exactly what happened after the kiss?" Michiru asked instead, forcing Ami to recount a semi play-by-play.
She explained how he had saved her leading to the subsequent kiss and then went on to describe how they had gained entrance inside the temple, the puzzles they had to continue to solve and so forth. Finally she told them that she had passed out and awoken to a fuzzy image of Satoru smiling and lifting her up and then ignoring her the second they arrived at the base.
"Maybe he doesn't like PDA?" At least, Makoto reasoned that made that most sense but Michiru immediately dismissed it.
"Disliking displays of affection is not the same as ignoring someone," she argued.
"Then what else could it be? Cause honestly it doesn't make any sense."
That was true, Michiru wouldn't deny that. And yet men didn't just kiss women one minute and then ignore them the next. Well…at least not the good ones and Ami was still of the belief that despite his behavior towards her, Satoru was a good man.
Michiru lips formed a small frown as she poured more tea into her cup, taking care to add just a dash of sugar and a splash of lemon before taking a quick sip.
"It could have something to do with his memory…"she said finally, placing the cup back on the table. Ami nodded, having come to that conclusion herself and was on the verge of asking if Michiru might even be able to learn what it was in her mirror until Michiru said something that wiped the request from her thoughts.
"Honestly this is why I hate the idea of you girls getting involved with them. Even if we can trust them, there's so much history…it doesn't seem wise."
"I had no idea you felt that way," Ami replied, her voice reflecting the surprise she felt. "Does Haruka feel the same way?"
A sympathetic smile did nothing to soften the blow and Ami was alarmed to feel herself grow teary. She had supposed the only obstacles to be whatever Satoru's issues were—for she certainly had none—but to learn that two of the women she looked up to were so opposed bothered her greatly. A quick glance at Makoto indicated that she also seemed disturbed by this intelligence and the other woman was soon on her feet pacing back and forth like a caged jungle cat.
"You and Haruka are against this? But why? They haven't done anything wrong. They were under mind control! Like Mamoru! Like us with Galaxia!"
Makoto spun suddenly, sparks flashing all around her.
"If anything we're the bad guys here. We've treated them like garbage. We've—"
"Makoto, please…it's not like that. Just, please, give me a moment to explain."
Michiru gestured for Makoto to sit and began gathering her thoughts, not noticing Makoto blush in self-recrimination. Ami noticed though, and gave her friend a supportive smile as she returned to her seat.
"Personally," Michiru began, "I don't necessarily distrust the Shitennou. What I'm more concerned about, is their power over you girls."
"But they just barely got their powers back! They don't even know how to use them!"
"And yet Ami has already been hurt by the confusing actions of one in their ranks."
That seemed to shut Makoto up. The Amazonian flushed guiltily and looked to Ami, her face filled with confusion, before turning away quickly to stare at some potted flowers on a side table.
"It never mattered to us," Michiru continued, "who you were interested in before. What human man could measure up to a Senshi? However for the first time you are in the presence of men that are your equal. Who know everything about you but are very little known themselves, despite the prince's claims, and who you'll be dealing with for a very long time."
She paused, taking another sip of her tea and then returned it to the saucer on the table.
"We can't help being wary."
Ami frowned, seeing the logic of the other woman's words. She had had her doubts before coming here but this only seemed to cement them. Already she was feeling the negative repercussions of getting too involved with a Shitennou and all signs were stating that it would be unwise to continue. Not only because they would be working together professionally for the rest of their long lives but because Chaos fed off negative emotions and to be successful at fighting it off, they needed to maintain a united front. Could they still do so if personal feelings were involved?
"Does Haruka feel the same way?" Ami asked again after a moment, making sure to keep her voice as neutral as possible.
Michiru frowned and looked out the large bay windows, eying two hummingbirds that fed from an out of sight feeder, before speaking.
"Do you know," she murmured, her eyes never leaving the window, "that Haruka has always felt guilty over leaving you to face Beryl and Black Moon alone."
"But neither of you were awakened then," Makoto pointed out.
"No," Michiru agreed, "we weren't. However we each saw you in action at one time or another." She turned to glance at them both, her eyes twinkling. "You're not exactly easy to miss you know." Her features then grew serious.
"Haruka was at the scene when Mars was taken by the Black Moon group, having been drawn there by a feeling." Michiru pursed her lips. "There was nothing she could have done, it's true. She wouldn't awaken until a few months later. However that moment has haunted her forever and the guilt that she feels doubled after discovering that she could have helped, if she'd been awakened sooner."
"That's still not her fault," Makoto argued, "Besides, we've grown stronger since then."
"Not strong enough to stop Galaxia," Michiru countered and Makoto flinched in response, her fingers flexing into fists against her knees.
Ami meanwhile felt a chill take hold of her. Michiru's comment didn't hurt her like it did Makoto, who had always been praised for being the strongest of them all, but she didn't necessarily care for a reminder of their failures either.
Michiru looked on, silently observing the two, her sea green eyes tight.
"Haruka will always be protective," she murmured, her tone almost apologetic. "It's just in her nature…but she will come around eventually."
Makoto snorted.
"Like how she's come around with Mamoru?" demanded the Amazonian.
"Well," Michiru smiled, "She'd never admit it but that's her way of showing approval."
"I highly doubt Mamoru considers flirting with his wife after shoving him into a pool, a sign of approval," Ami stated dryly, though the small smile on her lips betrayed her.
And just like that the tension seemed to dissolve and even the room appeared to grow a bit brighter. Laughter was shared all around with the conversation continuing on in that vein for several minutes and soon Ami was surprised to realize how relaxed she felt. Her prior worries, while still unresolved, no longer overwhelmed her and her mind felt entirely clear.
Ami had a decision to make, it was true, but she wouldn't waste time worrying about it until Satoru got over his own issues. In the meantime, she would treat him with civility and polite indifference while not forgetting to enjoy herself or her friends. She had survived countless youma, exams, Usagi's cooking and even one encounter at a local bar Minako and Rei had dragged her to…and she'd survive this just as well.
oOo
Two malls, eighty three stores and one iced honey mocha later—after she had first left Rei's and decided that a shopping day was just what the nurse had ordered—Minako was feeling decidedly put out. She had bustled from store to store all afternoon and the only thing she had to show for herself were the claw marks of a pushy middle-aged lady who hadn't taken kindly to her pointing out that the woman was too big for a medium, let alone the small size sweater she was attempting to wrestle from Minako's hands.
She glared down at the angry red slashes trailing down her forearm, grateful that at least the old hag hadn't drawn any blood. With a sigh Minako slumped onto a bench, frustrated that one of her favorite hobbies had failed to distract her in the slightest. And boy did she need a distraction.
The past week had been one issue after another it seemed, with no relief in sight. It figures that right after helping the men get their powers back, the girls would lose their own. Well…not exactly. Rei's was working a little too well and they hadn't even bothered to see if Ami's or Makoto's were working normally. She supposed she should be grateful she could still transform at all but her lack of ability still grated on her nerves.
Suddenly she was feeling a whole lot more sympathetic towards the Shitennou.
Minako dropped her head into her hands, rubbing her temples as she decided what to do now. She couldn't just sit here. That would look strange and might even draw weirdos to her. Never an attractive option. However she couldn't go home since all she'd do there is think—which was what she was presently trying desperately to avoid.
Normally when she felt like this she'd eventually find herself at Rei's. The priestess had a way of soothing Minako's ruffled fur with her dry and stoic manner. Rei's, however, was currently not an option. Not after this morning's argument. And really the nerve of her. Fake goddess of love her ass. Rei wouldn't know emotions if they came up and whacked her in the face.
"Care for some company or do you prefer to stew alone?"
Startled, Minako's head snapped up only to spy the owner of the husky voice staring down at her.
"Oh, it's you."
"It's me," Haruka agreed, smiling, "Last I checked anyways. Wanna grab some coffee?"
Minako accepted, feeling a degree of apprehension as she followed Haruka to a little café nestled just off the corridor. The last time they had spoken Minako had slapped her, and while it felt good at the time…the lingering emotions combined with the embarrassment at having to be rescued by Haruka after her powers had failed left the normally cheerful blonde feeling like an awkward preteen. And Minako didn't do awkward preteen not even when she was one.
She ordered a peach tea instead of coffee, deciding her nerves were already wired as it was—there was no need to add caffeine to the mix—and waited for Haruka to join her at the small table in the corner where they could have a semblance of privacy.
A few minutes later, Haruka slipped into her seat, a large coffee, no cream, in hand.
"So," she huffed, tearing a single sugar packet and dumping it into her coffee, "How've you been? Mamoru seemed to patch you up alright but you still looked a bit out of it when we left the other night."
Haruka swished her cup, mixing the sugar in better, then glanced up expectantly.
"Better than ever," Minako smiled. As long as one didn't count her lack of power, the fight she had with Rei that morning or even…no, she was avoiding that, best not to even think about it.
Clearly her smile didn't fool Haruka.
"Oh? Powers under control again?"
"Haven't run into any youmas to test it out, sorry."
Haruka snorted and Minako raised a single brow in response.
"You could always practice by yourself."
"And risk destroying the surround areas? No thanks."
"Would your power be able do something?" Haruka looked genuinely confused at this prospect, knowing that the girls liked to train up in the mountains.
"Bits of metal can be found anywhere really," Minako sighed, "It's not something I really want to test out…just in case."
The older woman nodded and sipped her coffee, reminding Minako that her own drink was getting cool. She took a sip, savoring the sweet tang, before returning it to the table.
"I wanted to say I'm sorry," Haruka mumbled, breaking the silence and leaving Minako to stare at the other woman like she'd grown two heads.
Haruka seemed on edge and frustrated and it was painfully obvious that she was avoiding looking in Minako's direction.
'Probably cause she's not use to apologizing,' Minako surmised. She sighed, knowing that she should try and meet the other woman half way even if she didn't want to.
"No, I'm sorry. I knew why you were angry…hell I was having similar thoughts myself but…" Minako bit her bottom lip, "they're soulmates. That's what my gut tells me, which means there's little I can do about it." She shot a halfhearted smile in Haruka's direction. "Besides, if I'm being truthfully honest…I want them to be happy. They deserve to love and be loved."
Haruka sighed, rubbing long fingers through her hair and over her face.
"Yeah…yeah they do."
She took a swig of her coffee, then leaned away from the table, throwing one arm over the back of her seat.
"So soulmates huh? Does that include you?"
Minako blushed, The Incident she was refusing to think about forcing itself to the forefront of her mind, but quickly shoved it aside and laughed it off.
"Not likely. I'll always choose duty over love so it's unlikely I'd have a soulmate."
Haruka rolled her eyes.
"Right, self-proclaimed Goddess of Love has no time for it. Who put that dumb idea in your head?"
"No one put it in my head," Minako scoffed, "I'm the leader of the Senshi. It's a given that my duties take priority."
Blue eyes, the color of the sky just as the sun sunk under the horizon, stared at Minako hard, as if trying to make her give up a bad joke. When it didn't work, Haruka scowled instead, clearly displeased with what she was hearing.
"Look," she huffed, leaning forward in her seat in order to dominate Minako's attention. "I don't normally say this, because really it's Usagi's thing and no one can come close to being as pure and naïve as that little kitten can…but you can't honestly believe that. Usagi wouldn't want that for you."
Minako shrugged, growing uncomfortable.
"I have responsibilities. Usagi comes first."
"Then what about me and Michiru? Are we irresponsible?"
"Not at all but then," Minako frowned, "You'd both die for Usagi so it's a mute point."
"It's moot point," Haruka corrected, growling as she shoved her hand into her hair only to drop it back on the table and hit Minako with her sternest glare.
"Look, I can see nothing I say is gonna sway you but I think you're being an idiot."
Minako merely raised a brow but nodded, accepting the uneasy truce the other woman had offered.
Haruka took off shortly after that. Displeased, she hadn't even bothered to finish her drink before leaving. Minako meanwhile, was just relieved she had avoided another serious argument. Although she was unsettled by how similar it had been to her earlier confrontation with Rei.
Watching as Haruka disappeared around the corner; Minako slumped over the table and began to rub at the newly forming headache that was just the cherry on top to all her latest troubles.
Perhaps she should just avoid people for the rest of the week.
oOo
"You must be excited to have Mamoru back soon," came the deep voice of the woman sitting beside Usagi.
The smaller woman smiled, something she did whenever she thought of Mamoru, and nodded, her long hair bobbing up and down from the gesture.
"I know it's only been two days but I miss him. I just can't sleep when he's not there."
The other woman nodded, but Usagi wondered if she really knew what it was like having been alone for so long. She frowned, not liking that she had thought such a mean thing, but was soon filled with worry that perhaps she had said something insensitive instead. But then, what did she know? Setsuna was the most mysterious Senshi and even after all these years little was known about her out of sight activities. Perhaps she had a wild side?
Usagi snorted, imagining Setsuna in go-go boots, a leather miniskirt and a sheer top, only to realize it wasn't all that different from their normal Senshi outfits…
"Do I want to know what you're thinking?" Setsuna questioned, interrupting Usagi's thoughts.
The petite blonde merely grinned.
"We could trade," she cast a sly glance in Setsuna's direction. "My thoughts for your knowledge of the future?"
"You're going to trip on your way home this evening."
Usagi pouted and stuck out her tongue.
"Doesn't count, anyone could guess that."
Setsuna smiled. "Not true, you've become more graceful of late," she informed the young woman.
Usagi beamed, pleased to hear that she was improving, and turned to spy on Hotaru in the distance. The young girl was currently on the playground, swinging alone, while several girls played a game of tag nearby. Poor thing. It was harder for her to make friends without Chibiusa around. Speaking of which…
"Perhaps we should return Hotaru to baby size after everything settles. I mean won't she be full grown by the time Chibiusa is born? Won't it be hard having such a large gap between best friends?"
Setsuna smiled again, warmth filling her eyes as she studied the other woman.
"No need to worry princess. Hotaru will remain this size until Chibiusa catches up with her. She has the ability to control her own growth rate."
Relieved, Usagi smiled and returned her gaze to Hotaru.
"It's nice their friendship can survive the passing of time, despite how many different ways it seems to get distorted."
In fact it reminded her of her own relationships with the girls and she wondered if it was similar for Mamoru and his men.
"It is," Setsuna murmured quietly, drawing Usagi back from her thoughts.
She nibbled at her bottom lip, a question on the tip of her tongue. She knew the rules, Setsuna would tell her no but only because she was doing her duty. Still...Usagi desperately wanted to know and if there was a small chance that Setsuna might cave for once, then she had to take a chance.
Hesitantly, because although she liked Setsuna the woman could still be intimidating, Usagi went for it.
"Setsuna." She murmured in her most collected voice. "Setsuna, I'm going to ask you a question which I hope you'll answer."
Setsuna frowned, but indicated she would listen to her princess' request.
"Setsuna…I'd like to know if the girls and Mamo-chan's men will be happy. And I mean truly happy. They've all been such a mess lately for one reason or another and I need to know how to support them. Please," Usagi begged, "I promise I won't ask anything else. I just need to know."
There. She had asked her. If she learned nothing from this, at least it wasn't because she didn't ask.
Setsuna frowned. She had never liked being put between her duty and relieving the others' worry, but Usagi seemed desperate.
Finally after a long, long minute Setsuna spoke.
"There are still too many decisions for them to make for me to be able to answer that," she admitted, "However, in the end…I think they will be."
So she didn't know.
Usagi sighed, knowing that was all she was going to get. At least Setsuna believed everything would turn out alright. If Setsuna believed that, then Usagi could probably rest easy. It was just so difficult watching the girls resist their men for whatever weird reasons they concocted. Then again, she hadn't gotten along with Mamoru immediately…perhaps this was the way reincarnations and soulmates worked.
Still…it was hard to watch without interfering and it was even worse now that the men were away. She just wished they'd come home already so things could improve with the girls!
"The best way for you to support them, is to be there for them like you've always been," Setsuna murmured, pulling Usagi back from her thoughts.
The blonde woman smiled, unable to disagree, and felt herself relax for the first time in days. Setsuna was right, everything would be okay.
"I answered your question. Now I believe you owe me your thoughts from earlier," Setsuna reminded her.
Usagi blinked, startled by Setsuna's demand but quickly grinned and turned sparkling eyes on the taller woman.
"How do you feel about go-go boots?"
oOo
Keisuke stared over the cliff side, taking in all that Elysion had to offer. The citadel was nestled into the remaining hill side to the west and just north of that he knew the sacred lake to be. The forest, currently a mixture of auburn and gold, lay in the center and to the east stood the temple grounds that only Helios, their prince and the shrine maidens had dared to enter. It wasn't as if he was forbidden from entering but the recent influx of memories haunting his sleep had left him feeling unclean more often than not and he felt uncomfortable entering their planet's most sacred of spaces with the whispers of taint clinging to him. He imagined the others felt the same.
Perhaps in time he would pay his respects but for now he was content to stare out over the horizon and think. It was something he'd done a lot of during their stay. For the past five months, he had thought of little else except for training his men, fixing their weaknesses and studying the inner planets in preparation for when they finally resumed their journey. Now, however, as the final day drew to a close, Keisuke could only think about one thing. Or more accurately, one person.
He had successfully avoided thinking of her during this time but today, everywhere he looked, something seemed to remind him of her. The golden leaves shone like her hair and the lake, already so similar a shade of blue, sparkled under the sun in a way that was just like her eyes when she was about to say something scandalous. Even the wind seemed to tease him, blowing playfully here and there. It was enough to make Keisuke admit just how much he missed her.
Secretly he hoped she missed him too but in all practicality, while five months had passed here, only two days had passed back in Tokyo. That wasn't enough time to miss anyone in the slightest, let alone someone she could barely tolerate.
He wondered how he could change that.
"So this is where you sneaked off to," called a low tenor voice.
Keisuke frowned but bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement of his prince's presence.
"I thought we talked about the bowing thing," Mamoru grumbled.
"We did. I explained how you should get used to it now because as future King it'll happen a whole lot more often."
Mamoru rolled his eyes and took a seat beside him.
"Also, I don't sneak." Keisuke eyed his prince with a knowing look, "If you spent less time daydreaming about your princess and more time paying attention to your surroundings, you would have seen me leave."
"Well doesn't that sound familiar," Mamoru grinned cheekily and Keisuke found himself smiling a small smile in return.
"Indeed," Keisuke nodded, "However this time you don't have to remain with us. You could have gone to her whenever you wished it."
Mamoru smiled, his face taking on a wistful expression.
"I suppose that's true."
Keisuke looked at the younger man curiously. "Then why do you stay?"
Mamoru's cheeks and ears turned the faintest traces of pink, reminding Keisuke of the days when a young boy would sneak into the kitchens while the cook's back was turned and snatch berried treats to share with his friends. He missed those times.
"Would you believe I spent five months away from my wife because I missed you all?" Mamoru's skin flushed a bit darker, "I know Usagi gives us time to have "Guy Nights" but it's just not the same."
Keisuke nodded, feeling his own ears grow hot and stared steadfastly ahead. He had felt that way often himself throughout the past year and had found the past five months pleasant, a kind of tribute to simpler times.
He cleared his throat, reigning back in his emotions.
"It has been good to have you here with us, sire."
Mamoru glanced at his friend and smiled widely, before turning back to gaze out at the landscape.
"This is quite a view," he chuckled. "Gold as far as the eye can see."
Keisuke nodded and shifted slightly in his seat.
"It's no wonder you like it up here."
"It's…nice," he agreed, his voice noncommittal.
"Keisuke…"
"Yes master?"
The other man shot him an exasperated look.
"It's not like I don't know," he argued.
"That doesn't necessitate that there is anything to talk about."
Mamoru frowned and stared at his general, a look of bemusement plastered all over his face. "What do you mean? Don't tell me you're not going to do anything about it."
Keisuke didn't respond. It's not like it was up to him alone. However, something in his looks must have given away his thoughts because Mamoru's eyes widened and he turned away abruptly.
"I see."
Another moment passed and Keisuke watched from the corner of his eye as Mamoru climbed to his feet and patted down his backside. Once finished he stared back over the golden landscape, his fists on his hips, before proceeding to speak again.
"You two are similar you know," Mamoru kicked a pebble over the edge, "Hard to read and even harder to understand."'
"I've never claimed to be anything more than a simple man."
Mamoru chuckled, "You? Simple?" He paused, "Well perhaps." He scratched his head and kicked another pebble for good measure.
"But that may be just what she needs."
That said, the younger man turned and nodded his farewell, leaving Keisuke alone with his thoughts…as if that would change anything. His mind was already made up and nothing would change that.
Keisuke picked up a small stone with decent weight and then chucked it as far as he could. It disappeared somewhere betwixt the forest of golden leaves and after hearing a small rustle of branches, he rose to his feet and began his way back to the citadel. It was time to return home.
oOo
"What do you think the girls are up to?" asked the other man for what felt like the ten thousandth time that day.
Jun frowned, struggling to keep his patience, though he had thought the question just as many times himself.
He was supposed to be researching the planet Mars, preparing for the journey to come. The people of Terra had had little experience traveling to space back in the day, never going any further than the moon in their attempts to broker peace and even those had had varying levels of success.
Luckily, Mercury had insured the survival of her people's knowledge by stashing it in Elysion and now everything they could have ever wanted to know was available to them. Unfortunately, it might have been too much and they had hardly known where to begin. It had taken them a full week just to sort through everything and determine whether the information contained inside was useful. Jun was pretty sure he'd never need to know traditional recipes or Mars' male grooming standards and had confidently placed those to the side.
So now, here he was in the library, spending his final hours in Elysion with piles of books spread out before him as he poured over a copy of the last edition of Mars: A Lesson in Geography. His neck was aching, the light was growing dim and he was pretty sure he had read the last paragraph three times already. The last thing Jun needed was a reminder of a woman with raven hair and eyes that burned like wildfire and he had to keep reminding himself that if he could just get through the day, he would see her again soon.
"The day will go by faster if you stop asking that," Jun mumbled matter-of-factly, as much for the other man's sake, as well as his own. "And then you can find out for yourself."
"I don't see why we can't just leave now. It's not like a few hours in Elysion will be more than a few seconds on the surface."
Jun sighed.
"Keisuke wants us to use this time as wisely as possible," he explained, "And that's what we're going to do."
The larger man grumbled something that sounded decidedly like "suck up" and "stick in the mud", propped his feet up on the table and then proceeded to pick up the nearest book in front of him and thumb through it, much to the younger man's relief.
Nao had made it almost a third of the way through the text before something stood out to him and he moved his finger to run along the sentence carefully as he read.
"Huh…Did you know," he said, raising his voice to ensure Jun could hear him, "That most of Jupiter's population actually lived on the moons back in the day? Says here the storms were considered too dangerous for young babes or the elderly and so many families ended up having permanent homes just off the planet."
"Well let's hope Sailor Jupiter wasn't one of them, otherwise you'll have your work cut out for you."
Nao frowned, clearly not having thought of that.
"Well what about Mars? You know we're not flame proof right?"
Jun grinned and held up the text he'd been reading. "Apparently there are places that are actually much cooler than the rest of the planet. Has something to do with them being connected to the volcanic pits and the heat being funneled out one end like some convection tunnel or some nonsense like that."
"Just pray nothing's changed then," Nao huffed, "Or better yet, that Beryl never got to it. Who knows how that nasty evil piece of work would fester over time."
"Indeed."
A silence over took them both at the mentioning of Beryl. None of the generals found those dark times particularly worth discussing. Instead they each had their own ways of dealing with the memories but the telltale signs of dark circles and haunted eyes would always be there the next morning.
Jun sometimes wondered if it wouldn't be better to just talk about. Perhaps lessen the guilt they each carried by seeing that they alone hadn't failed. But then the next morning he would see the usual signs in one of his brothers and dismiss any desires to talk. He didn't want to make them think about it more than necessary.
"Do you think…" interrupted the deep, gruff voice that could only ever belong to Nao, "That perhaps the girls are better off without their memories?"
Jun glanced at the other man and eyed him with confusion.
"But they need their memories to regain their power, just like we did."
"I suppose that's true."
However Nao's heavy sigh told Jun that he wasn't satisfied with such an answer.
"Are you worried how she'll react?"
A wry grin flashed across the large man's face. "Not as worried as you should be."
Jun rolled his eyes but couldn't prevent a small smile. Mars had always been a passionate woman, Rei wasn't much different.
"Then what's the issue?"
Nao sighed a bit louder this time and swung his feet off the table, content to stare at his hands while he brewed over his thoughts.
"I just don't want her to get hurt," he admitted after a moment. "The memories feel so…fresh and I would rather let her go on thinking I sold out to that evil bitch than have her relive the pain I'm sure she felt."
Jun's heart clenched and a nauseous feeling took hold of his stomach. He had avoided thinking about how Mars must have felt, content to wallow in his own nightmarish turmoil instead. Part of him had even tried to convince himself that she hadn't cared for him the same way but that had only left him feeling worse than before and he had quickly dismissed such thoughts.
With a sigh he rose to his feet and made his way over to his troubled brother.
"Then it's a good thing you'll be there for her," Jun remarked, laying a comforting hand on Nao's shoulder. "Be strong for her and in the face of her doubts. And swear you'll never fall prey to such evil again."
"You know I won't," Nao huffed.
Jun nodded.
"No," he agreed, "we won't."
oOo
From several feet away, Helios watched the young man sitting at the edge of the lake. He had been there for the past hour and the time was drawing near for him and his brothers-in-arm to depart. Helios, however, was reluctant to disturb him. He had seen the turmoil in the other man's eyes for the past five months. Felt the anguish coming off him in waves. And while the general had endured and even excelled during training…time had not been able to ease his pain.
"I know you're there…" called Satoru. He snapped his wrist and a stone went skipping over the water. "You might as well join me."
Helios moved past the foliage and stepped quietly into view, his eyes never leaving the general's face.
"I didn't mean to disturb you," he explained, "But the others are preparing to leave upon the hour. I thought you might need time to gather your things or take care of any last minute projects."
"Thanks Helios. But I'll be alright."
"Very well."
Helios bowed, meaning to take his leave, but couldn't refrain from lingering on the edge of the clearing. As a young apprentice, he had often been taught to leave those who visited Elysion to themselves. For 'they were here for one reason or another and wouldn't care for a meddling priest' his masters would lecture. However, Helios had always had a gentle heart and was unable to bear seeing another's distress. It had often lead him to disobeying his masters but he found that a soft voice and a bit of empathy often did wonders for those who had come in search of peace but had been unable to attain it on their own.
Which is why he remained, just on the outskirts of the clearing, unable to leave as requested. His masters would have insisted he leave. His heart demanded he stay.
'She would want you to stay,' a traitorous thought whispered and it was that last belief that decided him. He moved closer, his footsteps near silent as he treaded across soft earth.
"I've noticed that a willing ear can relieve the greatest of worries," Helios murmured once he had reached him. "I'd would be happy to lend mine, should you wish it."
Listless green eyes flickered in his direction and then just as quickly looked away.
"I'm afraid there's not much to say Helios. It's an old story. I'm just the most recent fool to play the part."
Ah. It was a woman.
"I see," Helios nodded, moving to lean against the trunk just to the right of Satoru. "So I take it she does not return your interest."
A scowl suggested he was right but when Satoru shook his head furiously, Helios was forced to reconsider.
"No, no…it's not like that." Satoru mumbled frustrated. He picked a stone up, quickly examined it, and then flicked it across the lake.
"But it will be…there's no way she'll even be able to look at me once she remembers our past."
A Senshi then, Helios concluded. He had speculated, given one or two late night discussions with the men, but until now he had never had more than an inkling towards a Shitennou-Senshi pairing.
For a brief moment he wondered which woman they were discussing, but quickly gave that thought up. What mattered now was easing the other man's concerns.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I imagine all the Senshi are already aware of your history."
"History," Satoru hissed, "my history indeed. As far as I know, they all think we went willingly to that witch. They couldn't be further from the truth."
"And yet you claim one woman still returns your affections."
Satoru frowned and tugged roughly on his curls, dislodging several locks.
"Maybe I'm wrong. She was probably just too polite to say anything."
It could only be Mercury. Hotaru was too young, Setsuna knew more of the past than anyone should have to bear alone and the others…well, no one could accuse them of being too polite. If they were displeased then you would know.
Helios smiled, pleased that he had learned enough to help guide the conversation.
"You forget she is still a Senshi. They may be different but they are all unfailingly honest." He placed a hand on the weary-eyed general's shoulder. "If you believed she returned your affections, then she did."
Satoru sighed and turned back towards the lake, his fingers busy rotating a stone for inspection.
"Even if she does…I killed her once, Helios. I…" Satoru chucked the stone but it merely plopped into the water and sank. "There's no way she can forgive that."
"If she can forgive you, after believing you willingly betrayed your prince, then she can forgive you when your actions were not your own." Helios withdrew his hand and turned, prepared to leave.
"You've stated before that you thought Beryl's victory was inevitable but have you forgiven yourself for it? That, I think, is the real question."
With that said, Helios walked away from the clearing, intent on praying for the young general and his compatriots to ease their troubled dreams.
Woo! Did you enjoy it? I wanted to finish the chapter by Monday as a special birthday treat from me. My brother and I will be celebrating our birthday by doing what all mature 27-year-olds' do. Buying a sega genesis and beating that damn lava level from the Lion King. (So be kind and review plenty, I'll need it :P ) Tell me what you loved and what you didn't. And also let me know who you want to focus on first next since we'll be going to the Inner Planets! Because I like to please my readers like that when I can. ;)
Next up Review Responses:
First up: Guest: Never apologizing for living for Minako/Kunzite scenes! They're basically oxygen to me! XP As for the speed of their relationship...I like to play around. I imagine they could be all over the place or firmly in control of themselves but when they do...lookout ;)
MeekxThree: Welcome! And I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. I also panic when I see an author hasn't updated in a while but I like to give the ones under a year a chance...just in case they're like me...
Flareup4Ratchet: ...I'm sorry. I might be one of those authors who live to make things difficult for the characters...not that I mean to. I don't like it much either. But I'm trying to make it work within the story so sometimes we have more angst then seems necessary...
Anonymous Coward XVI: Literally my first two thoughts when I saw that you had a legit account was: Anonymous Coward was already taken? Followed by: So they decided to go for a royal theme? Which I admit amused me to no end. Don't worry about keeping up, I've been bad too. And as for SMC...well, let's just say I totally agree. I think my breaking point was when they took Venus' most bad ass scene of stabbing Beryl and then gave it to Sailor Moon. That on top of everything else just killed it for me. I might give it another chance later but...I'm still bitter. And thanks for all the comments on my writing. It's always nice to get feedback. I suppose it would help if I got a beta, I know a lot of authors do that but I guess I just like doing things solo. Then I don't have people waiting on me...you know...besides my readers...
KageNoNeko: Hehe, I liked that part best too. And also, whatever gave you that idea? ;)
Valkyrie Ceres: Thank you! I had a a lot of fun writing Minako's scene. Also you're telling them to "Talk Already" totally made me picture a person with a Minako and Keisuke doll pushing them together to kiss. XD Also it does and doesn't have to do with the boys, if that makes sense? Sailor Moon has always been about finding your own personal strength after all and then also finding strength in your friends and loved ones.
Vchanny: Not gonna lie. Saw your comment for my other story and then started giggling because I had literally just finished this chapter and planned to edit it the next day. Glad you're liking everything so far (I'm flattered you read it so quickly although, I admit when I see your update I jump on it as well. I don't always have time to write a comment though...sorry :( I usually read at work on my lunch and then forget by the time I get home because I'm sleepy...) and the men will use their powers although I may have deliberately left them out from this chapter just to add suspense...
espoir1066: I hope your finals went well! Sorry I didn't update sooner...though I'm happy you enjoy it so much?
To everyone else that has commented since the last chapter, thank you! You're all awesome! Nothing makes me happier than knowing other people get excited by the same silly things I get excited about...wait...don't tell my husband that. He's good too. :P
Anyways, that's all until next time but since two people or even two couples are easier to focus on than a whole bunch of people, expect an update much sooner. Thanks for reading!
Love,
B