SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRETS OF AN UNKNOWN PAST
Chapter 20: Reflections of a lifetime.
Darkness.
Silence.
Peace.
Emptiness.
Those are the first words that come to my mind. What am I doing here? I
can't remember… There's nothing but blackness here. But I don't mind.
The last thing I can remember is being in a place full of sorrow and pain.
But… how do I know the meaning of those words? They seem so strange, so
alien to me, and still… They are so familiar.
But that doesn't matter in this place. I don't want anything to disturb
the peace and quiet here. How did I arrive? I don't know, and I don't
care. It's so peaceful here… no more problems. No more responsibilities.
No more pain. No more lies…
No more happiness. No more love.
Love? What is love? Did I know the meaning of love? Did I ever experience
it? Was it good? Was it bad?
That doesn't matter anymore. The only thing I know now is that I'm better
here than… wherever I was before. It's so nice here… and I feel so tired.
Perhaps if I rest for a while, I may be able to go… to where I'm supposed
to go. Just for a little while… enough to rest… just… enough… to…
"You shouldn't rest when you have so many things to do, son."
What was that? I thought I was alone here. What is disturbing my rest? I
try to find the origin of that… whatever it is.
There.
A man. And how do I know that is a man? Doesn't matter. The man is looking
at me with a strange look in his eyes. As if he is… mad at me. But why? Do
I know him? He looks familiar, though…
"You really disappoint me, Yohann." Said the man. Yohann? Is that my name?
He doesn't give me the chance to think about it, though. He continues
talking to me. "I never expected for you to take the cowards exit. I
always thought you were better than that."
What is he talking about? What did I do? Did I do something wrong? And
what? I can't remember…
I can't think anymore, since he interrupted me. "Come with me, Yohann. I
want to show you something." He then begins to move away from me. Should I
follow him? I don't want to leave this place, but am I supposed to go with
him? This is so confusing…
"Well, what are you waiting for? We don't have all eternity."
He sounds… angry. I don't like angry. Looks like I don't have a choice
here, so I begin to follow the man. He remains silent for a while, so I
take a good look at him.
He looks old. At least, he's older than I am. But how do I know that? This
is confusing, knowing things that I'm not so sure I really know. I
continue looking at him, and see that he is wearing some sort of… uniform?
Yes, that's the word. A dark uniform… military one? Oh, well… I won't
fight this memory thing anymore, it only leaves me dizzy trying to figure
it out.
Yes, it's a military uniform. But why does it looks familiar too? Did I
wear one… in the place I was before coming here? And where are we going?
The strange man begins to talk to me again. "I understand that this…
experience must be disorienting for you, son. At least, that is what I've
been told about." That doesn't make sense, does it? Disorienting? "And
for your looks, it seems that I'm right. But don't worry Yohann. I'll help
you to remember everything."
Remember… what? Did I forgot something?
"Ah, here we are." I look around. There's still blackness all around us. I
don't understand what he's talking about. "Now Yohann, I want you to keep
in mind that what you are about to see are only shadows. They can't harm
you. Are you ready?"
What can I say to that? I can hardly make sense to what he's talking
about. But he doesn't give me the chance to answer. He takes something out
of a pocket from his uniform. It looks like a… clock? Yes, a clock. He
raises his hand with the clock on it, and does something with it.
And all of a sudden, we are no longer surrounded by blackness.
We are now standing on a street. The street is full of… people. A crowd.
But why are they all look so tense? I don't like this place. I want to go
back to the blackness. To that peaceful, comforting blackness.
The man that brought me here touches my shoulder, and points to a young
couple that gets out of a building. They are carrying a boy. A very young
boy, he looks like no more than two or three years old.
"Do you know who they are, Yohann?" He asks me. I look more intently at
the couple and the child. They look familiar, but I'm not sure. The man
keeps talking. "We are looking at the past, Yohann. To your past, to be
precise. Those are your parents… and the young child is you. You were so
cute at that age, don't you think?"
I look closely at the couple and the child. Yes… now that my companion
mentions it, they do look like me in some ways. And the little tike… he
looks like them. He has the face of the man, and the eyes and hair of
the woman. But there's something wrong with them… they look scared. But
of what? I get my answer too soon.
All of a sudden, the air vibrates with a howl… no, not a howl. What is
that? I force my memory, and a word comes to the surface. A siren. An
air-raid siren. The people on the street begin to run without direction,
pushing and sometimes trampling each other, everybody screaming. I try to
look for my… parents, but I can't see them anywhere. It doesn't take long
for the streets to be empty, but the siren continues its wailing. When I
try to ask my companion if he can do something about that irritating noise,
I notice that he looks… sad. Unhappy.
I look at him, not knowing why he looks like that. Then, all of a sudden,
a new sound grabs my attention. It's a high-pitched whistling kind of
noise. And it seems to come from above us. When I look up, I hardly
have time to see an object coming right at us…
Suddenly all around us is pure whiteness.
I cover my face with my hands, trying to shield my eyes from that burst of
light. I can feel myself trembling… I don't know why, but I know that
something terrible just happened. When I finally move my hands away, I
look around… and drop to my knees.
Where once a city stood, now only mountains of ruins exist. Not a single
living thing in sight, besides my companion and me. I look up at him, in
hopes that he tells me what happened.
As if he was reading my mind, he talks again. "Yes, Yohann. Nothing
survived this. Well, almost nothing. Let me explain.
"What you see here is your homeworld. The inhabitants never learned how to
live with each other, and instead decided to indulge themselves in greed,
ambition and self-loathing. They began to waste the resources of their
world, and as a result, they dilapidated them. In their mad quest for more
resources, they began to wage war against each other. What we just saw was
the last of the cities that tried to remain neutral, and got destroyed by
its neighbors. A real pity…"
I look around one more time, the meaning of his words engraving like fire
on my mind. How could people do this to each other? Why didn't they talk,
dialogued among themselves? Surely, there was a solution!
"But not everything was lost, you know?" continued the man. "You see,
three days have passed since the bombs destroyed this place. Look."
I don't know what he means with that, but I look in the direction he's
looking at. At first, I see nothing but heavy clouds obscuring the skies.
It takes me a while to see a strange light penetrating the thick overcast,
but after a few moments, the light comes out of the clouds, and I finally
can see the source.
It's a silver colored… thing. I blink a few times, trying to remember what
is that thing. Somehow, I know what it is, and I could name it if I could
only remember the word… a ship. Yes, a ship. No… not a ship. A starship.
That thing is a starship! It just floats there, effortlessly. It remains
there for some time before finally landing not far from where we are.
"That is one of the exploration vessels of the Agency." Begins to explain
my companion. "The Agency had been monitoring this system for quite a
while, but didn't want to interfere in their affairs. That is not their
work. Anyway, let's watch, shall we?"
I nod in agreement. Besides, what could I say? We remain silent, watching
how the… what is the word? Passengers? No, it's not that… crew, that's it!
The crew left the starship and began to wander around, each one holding a
strange looking object on their hands. They are dressed with strange
looking clothes… again, I stumble with my memory… yes, spacesuits. It
makes sense, since I don't think they could survive in this place after
the war, and they come from space.
All of a sudden, one of the men began to wave his arms, and the rest
converge to where he is. My companion and me follow suit, until all of us
are next to a particularly big mountain of debris. The one that called the
others is obviously nervous, because he keeps pointing to the thing he
holds and the debris. Another man begins to move his arm, and all the
others take something from their backs. I watch fascinated when all of
them aim at the debris, and in unison, from the new objects came out beams
of light that begin to destroy the ruins. In an instant, a cave… no, not a
cave… a passage is open for them to enter.
"Now, watch closely Yohann. This might interest you." Said my companion.
He didn't have to say it, because I'm really curious. Two of the men
entered the passage, while the rest kept watching. It didn't take long for
the others to return, and one of them seems to be carrying in his arms
something. I can't contain my curiosity, and come closer to them.
To my surprise, that man is carrying a small child… a child I recognize.
That little child is I!
The man that ordered the others to open the passage signals the one that
carries my younger self to move, what he does. The one carrying… me runs
towards the starship, while the rest take out the first objects they
were using and separate again, looking intently all over the place. It
takes them a while to look all over the place, but finally everybody
returns to the starship and board it. In a matter of moments, the starship
begins to move away, and disappears in the clouds.
"You were really lucky, Yohann." I turn around and look at my companion.
He seems to be smiling, but I'm not quite sure. "It was by sheer luck that
the crew of that vessel found you. Your life signals were too weak, and
they could have missed you. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. That was
one of the dozens of exploration vessels that searched the whole planet,
and the only one that found a survivor.
"You're the only survivor of your whole planet. The ships kept searching
for two months, but found no one else alive."
No… It can't be… a whole planet… a whole civilization… destroyed. That…
that is completely insane! Pure madness! But something inside me tells me
that my companion speaks the truth. Still, it pains me to know that.
My companion put his hand in my shoulder, interrupting my train of thought.
"Come, Yohann. There's nothing else we can learn here. And you have lots
more to learn." He then took out the clock he used before, and raised it
again. In an instant, we were back in the blackness. I don't know what to
think… this is too strange… It doesn't make sense to me…
"Follow me, Yohann. This is going to interest you." I don't want to follow
him, but looks like I don't have an option. Besides, this man seems to
know who I am, and has the answers to the questions that are starting
to pop in my mind. Well, why not? I begin to follow him. He kept silent
for a while, and I wanted to ask him so many things… but his expression is
so serene… and closed. I didn't press the matter, and continued our silent
walk.
Looks like we're here… wherever here is. My companion takes his clock and
does something with it. Again, the blackness disappears, and a new place
takes form around us. I look around, and notice that we are in a city of
some sorts. But on the contrary of the one that was destroyed, this one
looks cleaner, more… efficient. There is people coming and going from the
buildings, and look happy.
My companion looks around too, and seems to be nostalgic. He takes me by
the arm, and guides me towards one of the buildings. While we walk, he
begins to talk again… finally, some answers! "We are now on the Agency's
homeworld; the hospital facilities next to one of the starports, to be
precise. This is the place where you were brought, and spent four months
in intensive care. We came here because an important event is about to
take place. Follow me."
We continue walking down a corridor, and finally reach a door. Hey, why he
isn't stopping? Can't he see the door is closed? I'm about to tell him
that when he simply walks through the door! How he did that? I can't make
myself another question, since he pulled me along, and me too went through
the door like if it wasn't there!
"I already told you, Yohann. All these are only shadows." Now he reminds
me! "Now, pay attention." Of course I pay attention.
In the room, are a nurse and a man. He doesn't look older than… what,
twenty-five? The nurse is looking at something in her hands; looks like a
piece of paper or something. She's the first one that starts to talk.
"Well, everything seems to be in order, Captain."
That man… is a captain? Captain of what?
"Then we can proceed with the rest of the paperwork?" what paperwork is he
talking about?
"That's the only thing that will take some time. Mere details, you
understand." I wonder if everything is like this… "I understand your unit
is the one that found him, isn't it?"
"That's right. We weren't sure he could make the trip back to the
mothership, but the kid proved us wrong. The medical officer catalogued
his survival as nothing short of a miracle."
"At least, he resisted the trip back here." Who are they talking about?
Whoever that… kid is, he must be really tough. "This last months have been
a struggle uphill for him, but now he's out of danger. Your unit got
really attached to him, I noticed."
"He taught a big lesson… not to mention he was a real inspiration after
each mission we underwent. Some of the guys wanted to make him the mascot
of the ship." Well… that sounds nice… I think.
"Almost all the members of your unit came here to visit him, but no one
has visited him as much as you, sir." The nurse seems to be satisfied with
this person…
This captain character looks like a tough guy, but he certainly is a
marshmallow on the inside, it seems. Mmmm… somehow, this guy looks
familiar…
"Well… you see… we've grown really close to each other. We talked a lot,
and that helped both of us. He is pretty intelligent for his age, you
know? He wants to know so many things, and I am the only person that
he seems to be comfortable with. Our relationship grew during this last
weeks; that's the reason I decided to take this step."
"And I'm glad you are the one that wants to take care of him. That kid
needs lots of support right now. The only thing that remains is his name.
He didn't know his name, and personally, I don't blame him. He suffered a
rather traumatic experience."
That poor kid… at least, the people here helped him.
"Well, since it's my responsibility now, I'll name him." I hope this
captain chooses a good name! He writes something on the paper, and gives
it back to the nurse. She smiles when he read it… I wonder what name
he gave to the kid.
"The first name is nice… but why did you chose that last one?"
"For two reasons. One, because he has been the bearer of strength for all
of us, shining brightly in our minds and hearts, and second, because of
the name of our ship."
"And what is the name of your ship, captain?" hey, that's a good question!
"The 'lucky star'" Oh, boy… he has to be kidding!
"Pretty appropriate, under the circumstances. His name will certainly
stand in the files." That is certainly putting it mildly! I hope he didn't
name the kid Lucky! That would be embarrassing! "Now, do you want to let
me tell him the news, or do you prefer to do it yourself, captain?"
"I'll do it myself, thank you. Is he awake?"
Why does the nurse look so downcast? I thought everything was fine by now.
"Yes, he's awake. You know, captain? If it weren't for the visits of your
ship partners and you, that boy would have never reacted. He's so shy,
introverted… closed into himself. It's going to be a battle for him to
express his mind and feelings. Do I make any sense to you?"
"Yes, he's going to be quite a challenge… now, if you excuse me, I'll pay
him another visit."
We watched as the man got out, and began to follow him. Shortly, he
arrived at another wing of the building, where a lot of kids were playing.
One of them was certainly the isolated type. And that's precisely the kid
the two of them were referring at. As soon as the captain entered the
place, the kid went straight to him and embraced him. Those two seem to be
very close.
"Hi there, tiger! You've behaved, haven't you?"
"Uh, huh!" Hey, I know that kid! But… who could he be? "And you? Are you
going to leave soon?"
"I'm afraid yes…" hey, what's wrong with this guy? That's not the kind of
thing you should tell a kid that age! "But this will be the last time we
see each other here."
"You don't want to see me again?" Poor kid…
"No, it's not that! Listen… do you remember what we discussed the other
day?" I wonder… is it related to what he and the nurse talked before?
"About… well, you know…"
"Yeah… you be my new daddy?" So… that's it!
"Yes… do you still want me to be?"
The kid doesn't say a thing for a moment… he looks afraid, hesitant. I
look to my companion, but he doesn't seem to be preoccupied. In fact, he
looks quite… smug?
The kid continues without uttering a word… but he seems to be a guy with
initiative! He embraces the captain with all the strength of his little
arms. And the captain… well, the look of happiness that shines on his face
is undeniable. I hope those two are happy together…
My companion drags me away from the tender scene and we end up waiting
next to the nurse we saw before. It doesn't take long before the captain
returns. The nurse looks at him, curiosity clear on her face.
"Everything is all right?"
"Yes… better than I expected." The captain looks ready to cry… and I don't
blame him.
"Do you want the papers be sent to your actual assignment, sir?"
"No. This was my last trip on the 'Lucky Star'. I've been reassigned to
another post."
"I see. So, where are you now?" The nurse picked up another piece of
paper. I hope this doesn't cause too much trouble.
"I've been reassigned to the Diplomatic Corps. I'll give you my full data
as soon as I'm installed. Now, if you excuse me, I have to report to my
new station."
"Of course, sir."
My companion raised his clock one more time, and the scene disappeared. We
begin to walk again, and I can't help but feel a sense of… attachment to
what I witnessed. Hey, wait a moment! That kid… that kid was me! They were
talking about me! And that captain… how could I have missed it! He looked
like my companion, but only younger! I have to stop for a moment and think
about it… this is too much!
"Good. You're beginning to remember." I look at my companion… he's smiling
at me. "I was beginning to wonder when would you start remembering, Yohann."
we continue walking, all the while he keeps talking.
"That was the happiest day of my life. A lot of my shipmates were trying
to do the same, you know? We all had grown so attached to you… but you
clearly showed everyone that you had a mind of your own. You didn't want
anyone else around you but me… and I still feel honored for that."
I don't know why… but I feel pretty happy now. I look at my companion
again, and that happiness intensifies. That's strange… or perhaps not. I
wish I could remember his name, but… if things keep going at this rate,
I'll remember it soon. I hope so. Meanwhile, we continue walking towards
what's supposed to be next.
* * * *
Usagi, Mamoru, Rei, Ami, Minako, Makoto and Laurella had gathered at the
temple. The others had gone to finish their respective chores and
compromises; this didn't bother the rest, since this was an impromptu
meeting.
"What are we going to do now?" asked Mamoru. He was embracing Usagi in an
effort to keep her calm. So far, he was doing a good job, since the leader
of the Senshi was looking better than before.
"I'm not so sure." Said Ami. "Tactically, this would be the best moment to
finish what Yohann had started, but…" she hesitated when she reached that
point.
Minako chose that moment to speak, while she held Ami's hand in hers. "I
guess I understand you. We are not at our best to continue, and more since
Robin is also sick." She sighed, and closed her eyes. "This is really
taking a toll on all of us."
"Hogosuro has taken this pretty harshly." Said Makoto. "He refuses to move
from the hospital until all proceedings are done. I tried to convince him
to get some rest, since he's not in top shape right now… but he's really
stubborn."
"And the same goes for Sonya." Continued Rei. "She returned to the base,
stating that she wanted to help Alex to finish the repairs. But I think
that she really wanted to escape her own pain…"
"The one I don't want to talk about this, is Alex." Said Laurella. "She
has quite a temper, and when she knows about what happened… I don't want
to be close to her."
"I'll talk with her." Said Usagi. Everybody looked at her, worry evident
in their eyes. "We can talk about this, and perhaps… I can help her to get
over with her own pain… unlike others…"
"Love, you did great." Said Mamoru, tightening his embrace. "Nobody could
have done better under those circumstances. It wasn't your fault."
"We all have told you that, Usagi." Added Rei. "She would have known one
way or another… it was just… bad luck that it happened with you present."
"Yes… I guess you're right." Sighed Usagi. Nobody said a thing after a few
moments, each one deep in their own thoughts.
Laurella was the first one to break the silence. "Does anybody knows how
many bases he closed?"
"Including the first three we went with him… eighteen." Said Ami. "Why do
you ask?"
Laurella didn't say anything immediately. Instead, she opened the shopping
bag she was carrying with her, and placed Yohann's armor on the table. Her
actions elicited a collective gasp. Noticing that, she began to explain.
"Technuma and Dr. Mizuno helped me to get his armor back, don't worry."
"But why did you take it?" asked Minako.
"I couldn't trust that it was going to be safe at the hospital. Who knows
what might have happened?" answered Laurella. "Anyway… I've been thinking…
why not finish what we all started? I mean… that would be the best way to…
to honor his memory, don't you think?"
"That's a good idea, and personally, I approve it." Said Makoto. "But
still, that doesn't explain why you took it."
"Guys, remember that Yohann erased all the files related to Cauldron's log
back at the base." Said Laurella, "and that included Alex. He was the only
one, besides Cauldron, who knew where those places are."
"I see." Commented Ami. "So, it's logical to assume that he stored the
location in his armor's memory banks. Good thinking Laurella!"
"I don't know…" muttered Usagi, drawing the general attention. "Wouldn't
that be like… invading his personal thoughts? Personally, I wouldn't like
someone rummaging on my personal things if… if something happened to me.
It wouldn't be right…"
"Then, what do you suggest?" asked Mamoru, looking at her with pride on
his eyes.
"That decision must be taken by the two people most close to him." Said
Usagi. "Robin… and Alex."
"You're right." Said Laurella. "I'm sorry… I don't know what I was
thinking… it's just that…"
"It's all right, Laurella. We understand." Said Minako, smiling faintly at
her friend.
After that, the general conversation derived to other themes, but the
slight atmosphere of depression kept hanging around the place for the
duration…
* * * *
Technuma was seated at one of the personnel lounges at the hospital,
drinking some coffee after his turn ended. He felt completely drained, and
only his own training had helped him to finish his work. He did it fine,
but he didn't put his heart on it. As a matter of fact…
'All this situation is completely my fault.' He thought. 'I should have
listened to them, instead of imposing myself.'
Absentmindedly, he acknowledged the greetings of his fellow co-workers,
but all in all he remained brooding. After finishing his cup of coffee, he
leaned back on his seat, closing his eyes. He had never felt so depressed
since he faced Gallagher and knew the truth about the Prime. Over and over
again, the talk he had had with Akane kept replaying in his mind, haunting
him.
'Why?' he thought one more time. 'Why did I react like that? I should have
accepted their relationship, instead of stopping it. I should have
supported them, instead of chastising him. I should… have talked with
them.' He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, trying to find some way to
calm his troubled mind.
"Would you mind if I join you?" The voice that interrupted him was a
welcome interruption, but still, in the end it only added to his own
troubled thoughts.
"Be my guest, Akane." He opened his eyes, and watched as Dr. Mizuno poured
herself another cup of coffee and took a seat next to him. Once she was
settled, he spoke again. "Are you going to tell me that you were right?
Because if it is, you're welcome. You were right, in all respects."
Dr. Mizuno didn't say a thing immediately. Instead, she took a sip of
coffee and remained silent for a few moments. Without looking at him, she
answered. "There's no need for me to say a thing, Ulysses. There's
nothing else any one of us could say."
"Yes… I guess you're right." Admitted Technuma. "And that's the hardest
part… to know that everything's my fault…"
"It wasn't your fault, Ulysses." Said Akane, seeing where his thoughts
were going. "It could have happened one way or the other."
"No, Akane… it was my fault. It was I the one that forced Yohann to run
away… it was my decision the one that put my own daughter under so much
stress… and it was my fault that he is now dead, causing my daughter to be
in such a terrible state." Concluded Technuma.
"Ulysses, don't say that, please." Said Akane, placing a comforting hand
on his shoulder. "You are in no blame of what happened. You saw your
mistakes, and were on the way to correct them. It's just that…" she
couldn't finish, since a sudden lump in her throat prevented her.
"Don't say anything else, Akane." Said Technuma after a while. "You know
as well as myself that this whole situation is completely my fault. And
nothing will change the hard facts now…" he slumped even more in his seat
when he said that.
Both doctors remained silent after that, each one deep in thought.
* * * *
"Well, that shall do it." Said Alex. After she was able to put a few
maintenance bots online, she had started by reestablishing the etherlink
all over the base to speed up the repairs. Her next priority was to repair
the damaged links to the War Room in order to obtain the backup data from
the inner computers. "Now, to put this place back in order!"
She was in the middle of copying the files when Sonya entered the
Computers Room. "Hey, Sonya!" greeted Alex. "Long time no see! You caught
me in the middle of hard work! So, how's everything going on in the
outside world? Crazy as ever?"
Sonya clinched her fists in order to control the sudden surge of emotions
that flooded her mind and heart. She wasn't looking forward to tell Alex
the latest happenings, and tried to gain more time. "Yes, Alex… everything
is as crazy as ever. Say, do you have a damage report yet? The place looks
in shambles."
"Oh please, don't remind me! I still don't have a complete report, but
what I have so far indicates a LOT of hard work ahead! Do you want a brief
list?"
"Yes please, Alex." 'Anything but let you know the worse news…' added
Sonya for herself.
"Ok, here goes…" with that, Alex started her rundown. "We lost completely
all the weapons in the armory, as well as practically all the equipment at
the Medical Ward. Engineering seems to have a few tools left, but the
specialized ones are gone. The hangar is still operational, at least! But
we lost almost all of the replicators all over the base, so we'll have to
find another source of materials until at least one replicator is back in
operation. The laboratory was almost destroyed, but most of the material
can be replaced with local supplies, with the exception of the
Nanoreactors. We can count ourselves lucky that the desalinization plant
and the power reactor weren't touched!
"Now, as for the mansion above us… well, it will be better to say that it
will be better to completely refit it instead of trying to repair it. At
least, with the desalinization plant working, getting hard cash from the
minerals and precious metals from it to finance the repairs won't be a
problem. That's all I know for now, but when the repairs on the etherlink
are finished I'll be able to get a more accurate damage report."
"Thanks Alex, you're very efficient, as always." Said Sonya, smiling
faintly. "No wonder the Lieutenant is so fond of you." As soon as the
words left her mouth, Sonya cursed herself.
"Yeah! And speaking of my pork chops, how is he? I haven't heard anything
since the girls mentionned that he was in the hospital. Any news on his
condition?" inquired Alex.
"Ahhh… Alex, yes, there was a change in his condition…" started Sonya, her
voice trembling slightly.
"Aaah, that's so good to know!" interrupted Alex. "I bet he's about to get
released from the hospital as we speak! He's always been a fighter, you
know? Nothing has kept him out of the action for long!!"
"Alex…" began anew Sonya. "What… are you doing now, precisely?"
"I'm copying the security files from the backups in the War Room. Why do
you ask?" asked Alex, puzzled.
"You should better stop for now, Alex. I… I have something serious to tell
you."
Alex didn't answer immediately. Instead, a series of code strings appeared
on a screen. "all right, I put the copying process in auto. Now, Sonya…
what is it?"
"Thank you Alex. The girls and myself went to the hospital a couple of
hours ago… Usagi, Robin, Ami and Minako were the first ones that reached
the hospital…" Sonya continued explaining the events that transpired after
the first group arrived to the hospital.
"… and that's what happened until now." Finished Sonya. "Alex… I'm sorry."
"Sonya…" said Alex, after a brief silence. "if it's a joke, it's not
funny… it's rather bizarre and macabre…"
"It's… it's no joke, Alex." Answered Sonya, a couple of tears running down
her face. "The autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Hogosuro and I
have already signed the legal forms. He's at the hospital right now,
waiting for… for… everything to end."
"He… he's dead." Said Alex, her voice subdued. "But… that's not possible.
It can't be! There's no way he can be dead! I refuse to believe it! You
are lying Sonya! He can't be dead! Not my Yohann! he can't die like that!!"
In that instant, all activity in the base ceased, the lights going dimmer
until the light was no more than the one caste by a few candles. The soft
murmur of the maintenance bots stopped, sending the whole base into
a deafening silence.
Sonya looked around during the whole happening, an icy chill running down
her spine. "Alex? Alex, are you there?" when she didn't get an immediate
answer, she hurried towards a computer console, and activated it. "Alex,
answer me! Where are you? Alex! ALEX!!"
"I… I'm here, Sonya." Finally answered Alex. "I… had to shut down for a
moment." Sonya sighed in relief. Alex continued. "Sonya… what's going to
happen now? What are we going to do? What's going to happen with us?"
"Alex… for starters, what about finishing the repairs to the base?"
"What for?" retorted Alex. "this place is useless now that he's gone… and
so do I…"
"Alex, don't say that!" retorted Sonya. "Do you really think the Lieutenant
thought so low of you? Don't you remember what he said in that recorded
message? He trusted in you! He left you in charge of the base!
HE charged YOU to keep an eye on the girls if something happened to him!
"Are you going to let him down like that?"
Alex kept silent for a couple of minutes, seemingly pondering what Sonya
had said. Finally, she answered. "No… I won't let him down, and you know
it."
"So? What are you waiting for? Let's continue with the repairs, and make
this base something he would have been proud to call home!"
"yes… yes, you're right… he would have liked that, wouldn't he?"
"Of course! And you're the perfect AI for the job!" punctuated Sonya.
"Of course I am!" said Alex, her voice regaining a little more strength.
"And after we finish here… do you think Ami would be interested in a
homeless AI?"
"Oh, Alex…" that was all Sonya could say, since she became overwhelmed by
her own emotions in that instant and began to cry on the computer console…
* * * *
This whole experience has been… enlightening, to say the very least! My
companion has been taking me to one place to another, showing me what was
my life. The first day me an my adoptive father moved to our new home… the
years I spent at school… how I was criticized by my classmates at first,
and how I closed even more into myself, forcing me to focus on my studies
harder than anybody else… the day I told my father that I wanted to join
the Agency's Academy… my first exploration mission to a parallel universe…
During the whole recollection, my companion kept pointing out the details
that otherwise I could have missed, but saying nothing else besides that.
Well, I'm not going to complain, but I wish he could say something else
besides the obvious!
It was until we reached the last year of my life that everything changed.
When I saw that scene in the Observation Post when I was sent to my last
mission, the final pieces fell into place. My companion… he's my
commanding officer! Even more…
HE IS MY FATHER!!
"Good." Said my companion… no, my father! "You finally remembered who are
you. But it take you long enough, boy." He then signaled in front of us
again. "Now, keep watching, since this is vital."
What can I say to that order? So, I keep watching.
Oh, boy… how could I have forgotten her? Alex… my companion… my friend.
The Leviathan… the crash landing… Oooh, so THAT'S why we were found! Alex
forgot to lose the link. She was so worried for me…
Those young ladies taking Alex and me to that temple… the one with the
glaive is beautiful, I must say… the time I spent asleep… Oh, man! There
she is again! She's talking with me… oh, what a lovely voice… Robin
Redwing? The name fits her like a glove… she looks like a paradise bird…
"Down, boy, down!" I turn around, and notice that my father is looking at
me with an amused look. "Just keep watching… and stop drooling!"
Well, I keep watching… That's strange; I never noticed before that faint
glow the first time we touched. The first meeting I have with her
companions… the return to the Leviathan… the recorded message stating
the true nature of my mission… the return to the city… The construction of
the base… our training together… My, what a kiss! That's something I
should have never forgot… our first mission…
Cauldron…
"Yes, son. Cauldron." Added my father. "The greatest threat you all have
faced so far."
The preparations we make for our second mission… Oh dear God… Robin
kidnapped by Cauldron… my nervous breakdown… the girls going alone to the
next base… my talk with Robin's father… our encounter at Rainbow… meeting
the Guardian… the frantic time we spent there… our near destruction at
hands of Cauldron… our mysterious ally of the Infinity…
The kidnapping of the girls' families at hands of Cauldron… our rushed
departure towards England… our battle against the hostages, so horribly
altered by that monster… Sonya and the others rescuing us… Chibi-Usa
escaping the device, but ending up inside that energy cocoon… Our last
encounter with Cauldron and his new ally, MerLynn… Our return to the base,
only to find out that we don't have the means to heal their families…
Luna rushing to tell us that help from our ally is on its way… the arrival
of the Nanoreactors… the confrontation with Technuma… Robin's anguish when
Technuma tested his treatment without telling anyone… the wait until the
process is complete… the success of his experiment and subsequent
treatment of the others…
The talk Technuma and I had regarding Robin… my decision of finishing the
mission alone, leaving the others behind…
"You really made a tactical error with that decision, son." Said my father.
"why do you think I asked for the help of the Senshi? And why, in the
Multiverse's name you had to leave behind that girl? Were you mad, or
what?"
I don't know what to answer to that… perhaps I really was mad. The only
thing I can do for now is keep watching my life…
I watch myself sealing one base after another, until I was flying away
from the Amazonia base I closed… I watch Cauldron's ship blasting me out
of the sky… and the Leviathan landing next to the wreckage. My goodness…
Robin is the one that saved me!
"She wasn't going to wait for you to return." Well, that's obvious! "I
have to admit, that young lady has spunk."
I keep watching.
The trip to the hospital… the treatment I received… the stern looks
Technuma sent my way in utter silence… Robin's arrival…
Oh, dear lord… how could I have said such things to her?!?! I WAS
completely crazy!! Hey… what am I doing? Oh, no… it's not possible… I… I
killed myself!?! I… I…
I… am dead.
I hardly notice the blackness surrounding us again. Suddenly, I don't find
it comforting anymore; instead, I find it oppressive…
"Well, that's all son." I turn around and look at my father. "Now, it's
time for you to make a decision." In that moment, a bright, pure white
light appears in front of us. That light… is so warm… so calm… it's
calling me…
Next to it, another source of light appears. This one is slightly dimmer
than the first one, and it has a somewhat foreboding quality to it. I
don't like it… somehow, it promises pain and sorrow… but I find it
equally attractive, somehow…
"Well, son? What's your decision? Are you going to continue your path, or
are you going to face what's in store for you?"
I don't know… the bright light… it's so beautiful… I want to be with it…
"Yohann…"
That voice! It's… it is Robin's! Is she here? It can't be! She can't be
dead as well!! Wait a minute… her voice… is coming… from the other light
source…
"Yohann… where are you? Why did you leave me? I need you…"
She… she's calling me… she… she needs me. I…
I need her.
I turn around and look at my father. His expression is blank, and he isn't
saying a thing. He seems to be expecting an answer from me.
"Yohann."
That's it. I made up my mind.
I smile at my father, and he returns it. He seems pleased. Without
hesitation, I leave him behind, and walk towards one of the lights…
* * * *
At the Gate of Time…
Setsuna had been keeping watch of the Gate, at the same time sensing the
Timestream. There had been a slight shift of it, and she was trying to
assess the changes such shift would cause, when suddenly the Gate opened.
Commander Galos walked through it, looking tired, but with a confident
smile on his lips.
Setsuna looked at him sternly, not a hint of amusement in her general body
language. "I hope you're satisfied… the timestream is shifting."
Galos lost his smile upon hearing that. Without further ado, he took his
clock out of his pocket and pointed it towards the Gate. Immediately, a
series of images appeared on it. Both him and Setsuna watched at them
intently. Once the last image faded away, his smile returned.
"You scared me for a moment there, Setsuna." He said. "I was seriously
considering throwing myself to your feet and await your fair judgement."
Setsuna blinked only once, her only concession to the impact his words had
on her. She took a calming, deep breath to sort her thoughts, and finally
addressed the Commander. "Well, at least be glad that you didn't betray my
faith on you. Although you took a really big chance."
"Believe me, I'm the first one relieved to have fulfilled my promise to
you." Was his answer.
Setsuna thought for a moment his words. "Now, would you be kind enough to
tell me exactly what you did? It would be useful for me in the future."
She smiled faintly at that last word. Certainly, it didn't have a true
meaning in her line of work.
The Commander smiled somewhat timidly at her, and answered her question.
"Well… to be sincere, I did absolutely nothing." When he noticed her
expression, he quickly explained. "The only things I did, were to
point out certain details that he would have missed otherwise. Besides
that, the final decision was made completely by him. I didn't intervene in
that."
"Are you completely sure about that?" she inquired, still a little
skeptical.
"Positively!" he answered, but his expression showed doubt as soon as he
said that word. "Although… there were a couple of details that puzzled me
during the whole experience…"
"Which were?"
"First, a little occurrence that happened during his first encounter with
Miss Redwing…" he pondered that for a moment, but dismissed it the next.
"Second… I don't know, but it seemed that Yohann was listening to
something at the moment he made his decision. I didn't hear a thing,
though…"
A strange twinkle appeared briefly on Setsuna's eyes, completely unnoticed
by the Commander. None said a thing for a few moments, each one thinking
of what happened lastly. Setsuna was the first one to talk.
"Anyway, things seem to be back in order now, don't you think?"
"It looks like it." Commented the Commander. "But we all have a lot to do
before we can say that everything's fine."
"Indeed." Was Setsuna's last comment.
* * * *
"Hey, bring up the next customer." Said the doctor in charge of the morgue.
"We are way behind our schedule, remember?"
"Ok, ok, hold your horses! Geez, did you forgot to take your coffee in the
morning?" was the assistant's response, but still, he went to the freezers
to retrieve the next body.
The doctor only sighed, feeling weary. And this was just the first hour in
the schedule! The doctor had found himself wishing that the 'good old days'
returned. That is, if a person died, just cremated it on an open fire, and
get done with it. No fuzz over the legal technicalities, and certainly no
waste of his talents in this mind-numbing job!
He got out of his reverie when his assistant rolled over the corpse.
Taking the chart accompanying it, he took a mike next to him, and began to
read in a tired voice. "Name of the deceased: Starr, Yohann. Age,
approximately 23-24. Probable cause of decease: complete metabolic
shutdown." At this, he raised an eyebrow and disconnected the microphone.
"Well, it seems that we'll have a full day knowing what really went wrong
with you." Turning the mike on again, he continued with his report.
"The patient seems to be Caucasian, black haired, around six foot, seven
inches…" he paused to lift an eyelid briefly. "Blue eyes, well muscled.
There are no discernible recent scars that can be accounted to his death…
No sign of concussions at first sight…" he paused the recording one more
time, and took a scalpel from a nearby tray. Eyeing it closely, he resumed
the recording. "I'm about to extract the brain, and send some samples to
the lab, in order to assess if there were some neural dysfunctions that
can be accounted for the decease…" He once again paused the recording, and
leaned next to Yohann.
"How I wish something exciting happened in this line of work…" the doctor
muttered to himself.
"Did you see the mammoth standing in front of the office?" commented his
assistant in that moment. "He gave me the creeps when he looked at me when
I arrived. I swear, he looked like he wanted to snap me in two!"
"Yeah, I saw him. He asked me about this fellow here." The doctor paused
for a moment, glad for the interruption. "Looks like they were good
friends. He also asked me to tell him when the autopsy was over."
"I heard a rumor that this guy's girlfriend," continued the assistant, and
pointed at Yohann, "got into shock when she learned about his demise, and
that she's in this hospital."
"Where do you hear all this stuff, anyway? I thought you didn't like that
kind of gossip." Asked the doctor, amused.
"Hey, if it involves pretty chicks, I keep my ears open! The rumor says
that she's gorgeous! And now that she's available…"
The doctor shook his head, feeling sorry for the girl. His assistant was a
perfect geek, and knew that he had as much chance at hitting a girl as a
snowball in Hell. Dismissing his assistant's presence for the moment,
he went back to work, placing the scalpel in Yohann's forehead and
beginning to cut the flesh…
He hadn't cut more than an inch when, all of a sudden, Yohann's right hand
bolted and grabbed his wrist.
This unexpected reaction didn't surprise him more than the fact that
Yohann opened his eyes, and looked straight at him.
The doctor felt his hands going numb, and didn't notice when he dropped
the scalpel.
His assistant looked at the whole thing mesmerized, his face a mix of
fascination and revulsion.
With a raspy voice, barely a whisper, Yohann addressed the doctor. "What…
are… you… doing… to me?"
Time seemed to stop in that moment, nobody moving. The impasse was broken
when the assistant fainted, the noise shacking the doctor out of his
stupor. Yanking his hand free from Yohann's grasp, he ran to a nearby
intercom while Yohann closed his eyes again, a thin line of blood coming
out of the cut from his forehead…
* * * *
It was a completely different Usagi the one that arrived the next day at
the hospital in Mamoru's company. She couldn't believe the news when Ami
called her the previous night! If it weren't for Robin's condition, she
would have thought that the whole experience had been nothing but a bad
dream. It had taken the combined efforts of the Senshi's families,
Technuma's orders and Luna and Artemis' suggestions to convince everybody
that only she and Mamoru should go to the hospital to visit their friends.
It also took a titanic effort from Sonya and Ami to keep Alex in the base,
since the AI was attempting to hack into the hospital's mainframe and make
sure for herself that this time the information was accurate.
After signing their entrance at the hospital's reception, the couple went
straight to Yohann's room. There, they found the Guardian keeping watch in
the corridor, his arms crossed over his massive chest.
"Hello Hogosuro!" chirped Usagi. "How are you today? And what are you
doing out here?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Said the Guardian, smiling at his friends. "And as
for my presence here… well, I wasn't allowed to be inside, no matter how
much I tried to convince the administrators of the contrary."
"At least they allowed you to remain here." Commented Mamoru.
"Only after I crushed a stretcher with my hands. Hospital's security
stopped bugging me after that." Said the Guardian, smirking. He then
added. "I hope the Lieutenant won't be too mad at me. They added the cost
of the stretcher to his account."
"Ouch." Grimaced Usagi, while Mamoru shook his head, but kept his smile.
"So… how's Yohann?"
"Resting." Said the Guardian. "And per Doctor Redwing's orders, only one
person at a time can visit him. He's still weak after his… ordeal."
"Oh…" Usagi frowned slightly, but before she could say a thing, Mamoru
said. "In that case, it would be better if I go visit him."
"Just a minute, muffin!" Mamoru almost jumped at the force on Usagi's
voice. Undaunted, she added. "Why don't you go and check on Robin? I have
a need for certain… answers I want to hear from him, and I prefer to get
them on my own."
"Usagi, are you sure?" asked Mamoru, suddenly worried… and not precisely
for her…
"Perfectly sure." She said. Noticing that Mamoru was still unsure about
her decision, she decided to use her ultimate weapon: She flashed at him
her most brilliant smile, at the same time she batted his way her
eyelashes while giving him her most innocent and mischievous look. "Don't
worry, nothing will happen. Now, would you please check on her? I am sure
you won't object to do me such a petty favor, would you?"
Mamoru knew he couldn't resist her once she decided to use those tactics
on him. Sighing, he acknowledged her desires, and headed towards Robin's
room; not after he gave her a quick kiss and murmuring in her ear. "You
cheat."
Before entering the room, Usagi addressed the Guardian. "Hogosuro, would
you mind going with him?"
"Sorry, but my duty is to guard the Lieutenant." Said the Guardian,
unfazed.
While the general public might thought that Usagi was a complete klutz,
very few knew that, when she decided to put her mind onto it, she could
very well be a real force to reckon. Unfortunately, the Guardian didn't
know that, and he was about to find out in the most painful way…
"But Hogosuro… don't you trust me? The only thing I'm going to do is have
an amiable chat with Yohann. Nothing more, nothing else." Said Usagi.
"I trust you, Usagi." Said the Guardian. "But…" he wasn't sure what else
to say, and that proved to be his doom…
'Oh, yes… now I got you right where I wanted!' thought Usagi. "Well, if
you trust me… why don't you go and guard Robin as well?"
"Guard her?" asked the Guardian, puzzled. "But… why?"
"How can you ask that?" said Usagi, raising an eyebrow in disapproval.
"You know, as well as myself, that they love each other. And what kind of
thing do you think Yohann might thought if he learns that you haven't
taken care of Robin during his absence?"
"What?" asked the Guardian, confused. "But… that's not true!"
"I know that, and you know that." Said Usagi, lowering her gaze. "But he
doesn't know that." she then added. "And… don't you think he would think
otherwise if I tell him that you're taking care of her?" Seeing that he
was still undecided, she decided to press on. "Come on, we all will
appreciate that gesture. Or aren't you our friend?"
"But of course I'm your friend!" said the Guardian, scandalized. "What
kind of question is that??"
"Precisely the question he might ask, and you know it." Looking up straight
into his eyes, Usagi finished with these words. "Go on. We'll be fine, and
besides, I have my armor with me." She raised her hand with her ring on it.
"If something happens, and I sincerely hope nothing will, mind you, I'll
transform and call you all for backup. Satisfied?"
The Guardian blinked only once, still trying to adequately process
everything Usagi told him. Dropping his arms to his side in a clear sign
of acceptance, he nodded at her, and headed towards Robin's room.
Looking at his retreating form, Usagi sighed and thought. 'sorry for doing
that, Hogosuro… but this is something I have to do… alone.' And after
taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she entered Yohann's room. Upon
crossing the threshold, the first thing she noticed were the IV's and the
different monitors all hooked to his body. Taking good care of not making
any noise, she closed and locked the door and walked next to his bed.
Yohann was sleeping peacefully, in part from his exhaustion and in part
from the tranquilizers the nurse in turn had injected into his IV an hour
ago. Therefore, it wasn't too surprising that it took Usagi a good
couple of minutes to wake him up.
"Come on, sleepy head. Rise and shine!" said Usagi once again. This time,
her efforts were rewarded with Yohann's slight groan. When he opened his
eyes, she smiled slightly. "well, about time! What does it takes to wake
you up, a cruise missile?"
Yohann blinked slowly, taking a deep breath in an attempt to clear his
mind. After making a mental list of the different parts of his body that
ached, and reaching the conclusion that he wasn't in immediate risk of
getting more pain, he turned his head to one side and focussed his
attention on his visitor. It took him a few seconds to recognize the
blonde lady standing next to him. "Hi… Usagi." He said, returning her
smile with a small one of his own.
"You gave us a big scare, you know?" she said, her face going serious. Not
a trace of humor was in her voice now. "Can you tell me what happened? And
don't lie to me! You know that I will know if you try to lie."
Yohann noticed the tone of her voice, and immediately knew that she wasn't
going to take any more arguments from him. She wanted the truth. But still,
he wanted to gain a little more time to put his thoughts in order, so…
"Usagi… I… I don't know… what are you talking about…"
Baaaad move.
One thing that needs to be cleared at this point, is that Usagi is the
kindest, sweetest person that ever walked on the earth. She has a heart
made of pure gold, full of good will and love for her friends.
Therefore, it takes a LOT to wear her patience thin. And even then, she is
quick to forgive and gives a friendly hand.
This time, she had completely run out of patience. Even more…
She was absolutely PISSED OFF.
"Very well, buster… if that's how you want it, I'll be happy to oblige."
Said Usagi, her voice suddenly cold. She then began to pace the room
slowly. "First, let's get a few points clear, ok? If I may recall, it was
YOU the one that asked for our help. All right, we helped you. It was YOUR
superior officer the one that asked for our assistance in this coka-meenee
mission of yours. I can accept that…
"It was a project of YOUR society the one that created Cauldron. I can
accept that, since accidents can happen. But there is one thing that I
can't accept…"
She then walked closer to Yohann and leaned next to him, until their faces
were barely an inch away. Yohann began to sweat all of a sudden. Unfazed,
Usagi said what she wanted to say for quite some time. Or, more accurately…
she screamed in his face.
"WHAT I CAN'T ACCEPT IS THAT YOU HURT ONE OF MY FRIENDS BECAUSE OF YOUR
STUPID, INSENSITIVE SENSE OF DUTY AND CHIVALRY!!!"
Yohann had a hard time trying to reconcile that fury in front of him with
the sweet lady he knew.
Slightly more calmed, Usagi continued in a lower tone of voice. "Even more,
what was the big idea of breaking her heart with all those stupidities you
told her!?!? You said you love her! And you repay her love with that!?!?"
"Usagi… I…."
"Shut up and let me finish!!" interrupted Usagi. "Do you realize how much
she suffered when you left us all behind?? Robin was so depressed that it
hurt just looking at her! She almost lost her mind when we thought you had
died!"
That last statement kicked Yohann's mind back into functioning order.
"Wait, wait, wait! What was that? You almost lost Robin?"
"Yes, you heard right. Robin went into shock when she learned that you had
died." Said Usagi, loosing lots of her temper when she remembered that
incident. "It was shortly after you had spoken with her."
Yohann saw his opportunity there, and decided to take it. Addressing Usagi,
he said. "You can't imagine how much I regret what I said. I thought that…"
"You thought that you were doing her a favor, right?" finished Usagi for
him, still looking straight into his eyes after she stood up from her
position. "And you decided to apply that same logic to the rest of us,
including Sonya and Hogosuro. Well, let me tell you one thing, Yohann… you
didn't have to do it! I mean, we all know how to take care of ourselves,
you know? You should know better, since you have trained with us!"
"Believe me Usagi. I am perfectly aware of that… now." Said Yohann,
closing his eyes. "I am so ashamed of myself… I don't know if you will be
able to forgive me for such a terrible offense against you all."
The last of her fury left Usagi's mind when she noticed the sincerity in
Yohann's voice. Placing a nearby chair next to his bed, she took a seat
and placed a hand on top of his. Yohann opened his eyes at her contact,
and saw Usagi smiling faintly at him.
"Yohann…" began Usagi. "You only did what you thought was right. Granted,
you made a gross mistake with that decision, but that's in the past now."
Yohann chuckled at her choice of words. "Yes, you're right. That was
definitely a gross mistake! And now look at the consequences of that
decision…"
"Yohann, stop it." Said Usagi. "The important thing now is that you have
to recover, as well as Robin."
"Robin…How is she?" asked Yohann, stirring a little.
"She's fine now, don't worry." Answered Usagi. Seeing him getting agitated,
she decided to explain a little more. "She's in her room right now. Mamoru
and Hogosuro went to check on her."
"You mean… she's here, in this hospital?"
"Yes, she's on the fourth floor." Said Usagi without thinking.
Those last words prompted Yohann to move. He began to take the IV needles
off his arms, as well as the sensors. He stood up, feeling slightly dizzy.
Dismissing it, he began to walk wobbly towards the door. During his whole
antics, Usagi remained fixed on her seat, her mouth open. She never
expected him to react in that way.
When he began to open the door, she rushed to his side. "Yohann, what do
you think you're doing?? Get back to bed!" She tried to grab one of his
arms to stop him, but had to let go when he grimaced. "Sorry, sorry!"
Yohann said nothing, and continued on his way, Usagi following him closely.
They had barely cleared a corner towards the elevators when a nurse
entered his room. When she noticed the empty bed, she hurried towards the
nurse station on the floor to give the alert: one of the patients was
trying to get out. He has to be stopped.
At the same time…
Mamoru and Hogosuro had entered Robin's room. While Hogosuro remained next
to the door, Mamoru went to Robin's side. Taking a seat, he looked at the
young lady. Robin had finally regained consciousness, but she refused to
say a thing. The morning nurse had to retire her breakfast tray untouched,
since she didn't ate a thing.
"Hello, Robin. How do you feel today?" asked Mamoru. Robin didn't even
look at him. Instead, she remained looking at the ceiling. Undaunted,
Mamoru continued. "You look better than yesterday. You had Usagi worried
when you fainted on her."
The room remained silent for a couple of minutes, Robin showing no signs
of even had heard Mamoru, while he exchanged worried looks with the
Guardian.
This time, the Guardian walked next to Robin, and addressed Mamoru.
"Excuse me, but if you don't mind, I have to return to the Lieutenant's
room. He's still very weak, and Ms. Tsukino could hurt him without
knowing."
"Hogosuro, you should know by now that Usagi could never hurt anyone."
Said Mamoru, smiling. "Although… is she decides to play nurse with him,
that's another story entirely."
"You two are confused." Said Robin in that instant, startling them. "He's
dead, remember?"
"Robin, welcome back." Greeted Mamoru, alleviated. "No, Robin. You see…
there was a sudden surge of developments around while you were… aaah…"
"What he tries to say," continued the Guardian, "is that the Lieutenant
isn't dead. Right now, Usagi is with him in his room"
"He… he's not dead?" asked Robin, looking at them, puzzled. "But… I
remember Ami telling Usagi that Yohann had died…"
Mamoru and the Guardian looked at each other, unsure of who should speak
first. Nodding slightly, Mamoru began. "Well… you see Robin, he really
died . But, as far as the doctors and ourselves know, what happened was
that he suffered an epilepsy episode caused by the medicines and the
toxins in his body."
"Fortunately, he came out of it just in the nick of time." Continued the
Guardian. "Another minute, and the doctors should have performed his
autopsy before he recovered."
Mamoru looked at the Guardian, shocked. Shaking his head, he wondered what
made the Guardian say something so… inappropriate to her. Regaining his
bearings, he added. "So, you see… Yohann is back with us. And I bet he
will be happy to see you again."
"I doubt it." Said Robin, looking away from him.
"Why do you say that?" inquired the Guardian. "He really appreciates you."
"I don't think so, Hogosuro." Said Robin. "He told me some very… nasty
things the day he…" she gulped at the memory. Sighing deeply, she
continued. "He made perfectly clear in that moment that he didn't want
to see me again. He broke all compromises with me."
Mamoru flinched under her words, remembering all of a sudden a certain
experience he lived with Usagi along the same lines. Closing his eyes, he
addressed Robin. "I don't think he… really meant all that, Robin."
"What do you mean?" asked Robin. The Guardian looked at him as well, an
inquiring look showing on his face.
"Because… I did the same thing with Usagi some time ago." Confessed Mamoru.
It was the Guardian who made the question, since Robin was busy looking at
Mamoru, completely shocked. "You… broke with her too? But… you look so
happy together now."
"I'm not proud of it, believe me." Said Mamoru without opening his eyes.
"I did it because… at the moment, I thought I was protecting her with my
actions. It almost cost us our relationship… and our lives. That's an
experience I don't want to repeat ever again in my entire life."
"You… hurt Usagi… the same way… Yohann did with me??" asked Robin.
"Because you… wanted to protect her?" Mamoru only nodded. "Now I see… all
men think women are just objects to play with… you don't care for our
feelings at all!"
"No Robin, you're wrong!" said Mamoru, opening his eyes and looking at
Robin. "It was because he cares for you that he did what he did! Just like
me, he did all that because he didn't want to see you hurt!"
Robin didn't say a thing. Instead, she clinched her fists under the sheets,
grabbing a handful of the fabric. Very calmly, she asked Hogosuro. "Excuse
me, but where is Yohann now?"
The Guardian blinked once, confused by the sudden turn of events. "He is
in his old room, on the second floor. Why do you ask?"
"For nothing in special." Said Robin. Suddenly, she stood up, surprising
her companions. "Just have a couple of things to say to you… 'Lieutenant'.
That's all."
And without waiting for an answer, she exited the room. As soon as the door
closed behind her, Mamoru and the Guardian moved immediately behind her.
None of them wanted to admit it, but they were afraid… for all concerned.
* * * *
The elevator doors opened on the fourth floor, allowing Yohann and Usagi
to exit. Yohann was successfully ignoring Usagi's continued demands for
him to return to his room, that he wasn't fit to walk around like that. He
had a goal fixed in his mind, and he wasn't going to quit, no matter what.
At the same time, Robin turned a corner in the direction of the elevators,
closely followed by Mamoru, the Guardian, two nurses and one orderly. All
of them trying to convince her to get back to her room and wait for the
doctor to check on her. She, too, was pointedly ignoring them.
It was right in front of the floor's reception desk that they encountered
each other. Only a distance of around seven feet separated them. In that
instant everything and everyone went still. Instinctively, all the
presents sensed that this was a pivotal moment, and no one dared to
interfere.
Yohann looked intensely at Robin, breathing shallowly.
Robin looked at Yohann, her face neutral.
In unison, both took one step forward… then another, until they closed the
distance between them. Each one looked at the other right into their eyes.
Their friends and the hospital personnel didn't move. They even didn't
dare to even breathe.
After a few moments, Yohann was the first one to break the silence.
"Robin, I…"
"Yohann," interrupted Robin. "Don't say a thing. I'll talk now." Yohann
nodded in agreement.
Satisfied by his reaction, Robin sighed. And without warning, she raised
her right hand…
And slapped him. Hard.
Her action caused all presents to gasp.
Yohann looked at Robin, completely confused… And then she said two words
he never expected to hear from her.
She said:
"Drop Dead."
TO BE CONTINUED…
Chapter 20: Reflections of a lifetime.
Darkness.
Silence.
Peace.
Emptiness.
Those are the first words that come to my mind. What am I doing here? I
can't remember… There's nothing but blackness here. But I don't mind.
The last thing I can remember is being in a place full of sorrow and pain.
But… how do I know the meaning of those words? They seem so strange, so
alien to me, and still… They are so familiar.
But that doesn't matter in this place. I don't want anything to disturb
the peace and quiet here. How did I arrive? I don't know, and I don't
care. It's so peaceful here… no more problems. No more responsibilities.
No more pain. No more lies…
No more happiness. No more love.
Love? What is love? Did I know the meaning of love? Did I ever experience
it? Was it good? Was it bad?
That doesn't matter anymore. The only thing I know now is that I'm better
here than… wherever I was before. It's so nice here… and I feel so tired.
Perhaps if I rest for a while, I may be able to go… to where I'm supposed
to go. Just for a little while… enough to rest… just… enough… to…
"You shouldn't rest when you have so many things to do, son."
What was that? I thought I was alone here. What is disturbing my rest? I
try to find the origin of that… whatever it is.
There.
A man. And how do I know that is a man? Doesn't matter. The man is looking
at me with a strange look in his eyes. As if he is… mad at me. But why? Do
I know him? He looks familiar, though…
"You really disappoint me, Yohann." Said the man. Yohann? Is that my name?
He doesn't give me the chance to think about it, though. He continues
talking to me. "I never expected for you to take the cowards exit. I
always thought you were better than that."
What is he talking about? What did I do? Did I do something wrong? And
what? I can't remember…
I can't think anymore, since he interrupted me. "Come with me, Yohann. I
want to show you something." He then begins to move away from me. Should I
follow him? I don't want to leave this place, but am I supposed to go with
him? This is so confusing…
"Well, what are you waiting for? We don't have all eternity."
He sounds… angry. I don't like angry. Looks like I don't have a choice
here, so I begin to follow the man. He remains silent for a while, so I
take a good look at him.
He looks old. At least, he's older than I am. But how do I know that? This
is confusing, knowing things that I'm not so sure I really know. I
continue looking at him, and see that he is wearing some sort of… uniform?
Yes, that's the word. A dark uniform… military one? Oh, well… I won't
fight this memory thing anymore, it only leaves me dizzy trying to figure
it out.
Yes, it's a military uniform. But why does it looks familiar too? Did I
wear one… in the place I was before coming here? And where are we going?
The strange man begins to talk to me again. "I understand that this…
experience must be disorienting for you, son. At least, that is what I've
been told about." That doesn't make sense, does it? Disorienting? "And
for your looks, it seems that I'm right. But don't worry Yohann. I'll help
you to remember everything."
Remember… what? Did I forgot something?
"Ah, here we are." I look around. There's still blackness all around us. I
don't understand what he's talking about. "Now Yohann, I want you to keep
in mind that what you are about to see are only shadows. They can't harm
you. Are you ready?"
What can I say to that? I can hardly make sense to what he's talking
about. But he doesn't give me the chance to answer. He takes something out
of a pocket from his uniform. It looks like a… clock? Yes, a clock. He
raises his hand with the clock on it, and does something with it.
And all of a sudden, we are no longer surrounded by blackness.
We are now standing on a street. The street is full of… people. A crowd.
But why are they all look so tense? I don't like this place. I want to go
back to the blackness. To that peaceful, comforting blackness.
The man that brought me here touches my shoulder, and points to a young
couple that gets out of a building. They are carrying a boy. A very young
boy, he looks like no more than two or three years old.
"Do you know who they are, Yohann?" He asks me. I look more intently at
the couple and the child. They look familiar, but I'm not sure. The man
keeps talking. "We are looking at the past, Yohann. To your past, to be
precise. Those are your parents… and the young child is you. You were so
cute at that age, don't you think?"
I look closely at the couple and the child. Yes… now that my companion
mentions it, they do look like me in some ways. And the little tike… he
looks like them. He has the face of the man, and the eyes and hair of
the woman. But there's something wrong with them… they look scared. But
of what? I get my answer too soon.
All of a sudden, the air vibrates with a howl… no, not a howl. What is
that? I force my memory, and a word comes to the surface. A siren. An
air-raid siren. The people on the street begin to run without direction,
pushing and sometimes trampling each other, everybody screaming. I try to
look for my… parents, but I can't see them anywhere. It doesn't take long
for the streets to be empty, but the siren continues its wailing. When I
try to ask my companion if he can do something about that irritating noise,
I notice that he looks… sad. Unhappy.
I look at him, not knowing why he looks like that. Then, all of a sudden,
a new sound grabs my attention. It's a high-pitched whistling kind of
noise. And it seems to come from above us. When I look up, I hardly
have time to see an object coming right at us…
Suddenly all around us is pure whiteness.
I cover my face with my hands, trying to shield my eyes from that burst of
light. I can feel myself trembling… I don't know why, but I know that
something terrible just happened. When I finally move my hands away, I
look around… and drop to my knees.
Where once a city stood, now only mountains of ruins exist. Not a single
living thing in sight, besides my companion and me. I look up at him, in
hopes that he tells me what happened.
As if he was reading my mind, he talks again. "Yes, Yohann. Nothing
survived this. Well, almost nothing. Let me explain.
"What you see here is your homeworld. The inhabitants never learned how to
live with each other, and instead decided to indulge themselves in greed,
ambition and self-loathing. They began to waste the resources of their
world, and as a result, they dilapidated them. In their mad quest for more
resources, they began to wage war against each other. What we just saw was
the last of the cities that tried to remain neutral, and got destroyed by
its neighbors. A real pity…"
I look around one more time, the meaning of his words engraving like fire
on my mind. How could people do this to each other? Why didn't they talk,
dialogued among themselves? Surely, there was a solution!
"But not everything was lost, you know?" continued the man. "You see,
three days have passed since the bombs destroyed this place. Look."
I don't know what he means with that, but I look in the direction he's
looking at. At first, I see nothing but heavy clouds obscuring the skies.
It takes me a while to see a strange light penetrating the thick overcast,
but after a few moments, the light comes out of the clouds, and I finally
can see the source.
It's a silver colored… thing. I blink a few times, trying to remember what
is that thing. Somehow, I know what it is, and I could name it if I could
only remember the word… a ship. Yes, a ship. No… not a ship. A starship.
That thing is a starship! It just floats there, effortlessly. It remains
there for some time before finally landing not far from where we are.
"That is one of the exploration vessels of the Agency." Begins to explain
my companion. "The Agency had been monitoring this system for quite a
while, but didn't want to interfere in their affairs. That is not their
work. Anyway, let's watch, shall we?"
I nod in agreement. Besides, what could I say? We remain silent, watching
how the… what is the word? Passengers? No, it's not that… crew, that's it!
The crew left the starship and began to wander around, each one holding a
strange looking object on their hands. They are dressed with strange
looking clothes… again, I stumble with my memory… yes, spacesuits. It
makes sense, since I don't think they could survive in this place after
the war, and they come from space.
All of a sudden, one of the men began to wave his arms, and the rest
converge to where he is. My companion and me follow suit, until all of us
are next to a particularly big mountain of debris. The one that called the
others is obviously nervous, because he keeps pointing to the thing he
holds and the debris. Another man begins to move his arm, and all the
others take something from their backs. I watch fascinated when all of
them aim at the debris, and in unison, from the new objects came out beams
of light that begin to destroy the ruins. In an instant, a cave… no, not a
cave… a passage is open for them to enter.
"Now, watch closely Yohann. This might interest you." Said my companion.
He didn't have to say it, because I'm really curious. Two of the men
entered the passage, while the rest kept watching. It didn't take long for
the others to return, and one of them seems to be carrying in his arms
something. I can't contain my curiosity, and come closer to them.
To my surprise, that man is carrying a small child… a child I recognize.
That little child is I!
The man that ordered the others to open the passage signals the one that
carries my younger self to move, what he does. The one carrying… me runs
towards the starship, while the rest take out the first objects they
were using and separate again, looking intently all over the place. It
takes them a while to look all over the place, but finally everybody
returns to the starship and board it. In a matter of moments, the starship
begins to move away, and disappears in the clouds.
"You were really lucky, Yohann." I turn around and look at my companion.
He seems to be smiling, but I'm not quite sure. "It was by sheer luck that
the crew of that vessel found you. Your life signals were too weak, and
they could have missed you. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. That was
one of the dozens of exploration vessels that searched the whole planet,
and the only one that found a survivor.
"You're the only survivor of your whole planet. The ships kept searching
for two months, but found no one else alive."
No… It can't be… a whole planet… a whole civilization… destroyed. That…
that is completely insane! Pure madness! But something inside me tells me
that my companion speaks the truth. Still, it pains me to know that.
My companion put his hand in my shoulder, interrupting my train of thought.
"Come, Yohann. There's nothing else we can learn here. And you have lots
more to learn." He then took out the clock he used before, and raised it
again. In an instant, we were back in the blackness. I don't know what to
think… this is too strange… It doesn't make sense to me…
"Follow me, Yohann. This is going to interest you." I don't want to follow
him, but looks like I don't have an option. Besides, this man seems to
know who I am, and has the answers to the questions that are starting
to pop in my mind. Well, why not? I begin to follow him. He kept silent
for a while, and I wanted to ask him so many things… but his expression is
so serene… and closed. I didn't press the matter, and continued our silent
walk.
Looks like we're here… wherever here is. My companion takes his clock and
does something with it. Again, the blackness disappears, and a new place
takes form around us. I look around, and notice that we are in a city of
some sorts. But on the contrary of the one that was destroyed, this one
looks cleaner, more… efficient. There is people coming and going from the
buildings, and look happy.
My companion looks around too, and seems to be nostalgic. He takes me by
the arm, and guides me towards one of the buildings. While we walk, he
begins to talk again… finally, some answers! "We are now on the Agency's
homeworld; the hospital facilities next to one of the starports, to be
precise. This is the place where you were brought, and spent four months
in intensive care. We came here because an important event is about to
take place. Follow me."
We continue walking down a corridor, and finally reach a door. Hey, why he
isn't stopping? Can't he see the door is closed? I'm about to tell him
that when he simply walks through the door! How he did that? I can't make
myself another question, since he pulled me along, and me too went through
the door like if it wasn't there!
"I already told you, Yohann. All these are only shadows." Now he reminds
me! "Now, pay attention." Of course I pay attention.
In the room, are a nurse and a man. He doesn't look older than… what,
twenty-five? The nurse is looking at something in her hands; looks like a
piece of paper or something. She's the first one that starts to talk.
"Well, everything seems to be in order, Captain."
That man… is a captain? Captain of what?
"Then we can proceed with the rest of the paperwork?" what paperwork is he
talking about?
"That's the only thing that will take some time. Mere details, you
understand." I wonder if everything is like this… "I understand your unit
is the one that found him, isn't it?"
"That's right. We weren't sure he could make the trip back to the
mothership, but the kid proved us wrong. The medical officer catalogued
his survival as nothing short of a miracle."
"At least, he resisted the trip back here." Who are they talking about?
Whoever that… kid is, he must be really tough. "This last months have been
a struggle uphill for him, but now he's out of danger. Your unit got
really attached to him, I noticed."
"He taught a big lesson… not to mention he was a real inspiration after
each mission we underwent. Some of the guys wanted to make him the mascot
of the ship." Well… that sounds nice… I think.
"Almost all the members of your unit came here to visit him, but no one
has visited him as much as you, sir." The nurse seems to be satisfied with
this person…
This captain character looks like a tough guy, but he certainly is a
marshmallow on the inside, it seems. Mmmm… somehow, this guy looks
familiar…
"Well… you see… we've grown really close to each other. We talked a lot,
and that helped both of us. He is pretty intelligent for his age, you
know? He wants to know so many things, and I am the only person that
he seems to be comfortable with. Our relationship grew during this last
weeks; that's the reason I decided to take this step."
"And I'm glad you are the one that wants to take care of him. That kid
needs lots of support right now. The only thing that remains is his name.
He didn't know his name, and personally, I don't blame him. He suffered a
rather traumatic experience."
That poor kid… at least, the people here helped him.
"Well, since it's my responsibility now, I'll name him." I hope this
captain chooses a good name! He writes something on the paper, and gives
it back to the nurse. She smiles when he read it… I wonder what name
he gave to the kid.
"The first name is nice… but why did you chose that last one?"
"For two reasons. One, because he has been the bearer of strength for all
of us, shining brightly in our minds and hearts, and second, because of
the name of our ship."
"And what is the name of your ship, captain?" hey, that's a good question!
"The 'lucky star'" Oh, boy… he has to be kidding!
"Pretty appropriate, under the circumstances. His name will certainly
stand in the files." That is certainly putting it mildly! I hope he didn't
name the kid Lucky! That would be embarrassing! "Now, do you want to let
me tell him the news, or do you prefer to do it yourself, captain?"
"I'll do it myself, thank you. Is he awake?"
Why does the nurse look so downcast? I thought everything was fine by now.
"Yes, he's awake. You know, captain? If it weren't for the visits of your
ship partners and you, that boy would have never reacted. He's so shy,
introverted… closed into himself. It's going to be a battle for him to
express his mind and feelings. Do I make any sense to you?"
"Yes, he's going to be quite a challenge… now, if you excuse me, I'll pay
him another visit."
We watched as the man got out, and began to follow him. Shortly, he
arrived at another wing of the building, where a lot of kids were playing.
One of them was certainly the isolated type. And that's precisely the kid
the two of them were referring at. As soon as the captain entered the
place, the kid went straight to him and embraced him. Those two seem to be
very close.
"Hi there, tiger! You've behaved, haven't you?"
"Uh, huh!" Hey, I know that kid! But… who could he be? "And you? Are you
going to leave soon?"
"I'm afraid yes…" hey, what's wrong with this guy? That's not the kind of
thing you should tell a kid that age! "But this will be the last time we
see each other here."
"You don't want to see me again?" Poor kid…
"No, it's not that! Listen… do you remember what we discussed the other
day?" I wonder… is it related to what he and the nurse talked before?
"About… well, you know…"
"Yeah… you be my new daddy?" So… that's it!
"Yes… do you still want me to be?"
The kid doesn't say a thing for a moment… he looks afraid, hesitant. I
look to my companion, but he doesn't seem to be preoccupied. In fact, he
looks quite… smug?
The kid continues without uttering a word… but he seems to be a guy with
initiative! He embraces the captain with all the strength of his little
arms. And the captain… well, the look of happiness that shines on his face
is undeniable. I hope those two are happy together…
My companion drags me away from the tender scene and we end up waiting
next to the nurse we saw before. It doesn't take long before the captain
returns. The nurse looks at him, curiosity clear on her face.
"Everything is all right?"
"Yes… better than I expected." The captain looks ready to cry… and I don't
blame him.
"Do you want the papers be sent to your actual assignment, sir?"
"No. This was my last trip on the 'Lucky Star'. I've been reassigned to
another post."
"I see. So, where are you now?" The nurse picked up another piece of
paper. I hope this doesn't cause too much trouble.
"I've been reassigned to the Diplomatic Corps. I'll give you my full data
as soon as I'm installed. Now, if you excuse me, I have to report to my
new station."
"Of course, sir."
My companion raised his clock one more time, and the scene disappeared. We
begin to walk again, and I can't help but feel a sense of… attachment to
what I witnessed. Hey, wait a moment! That kid… that kid was me! They were
talking about me! And that captain… how could I have missed it! He looked
like my companion, but only younger! I have to stop for a moment and think
about it… this is too much!
"Good. You're beginning to remember." I look at my companion… he's smiling
at me. "I was beginning to wonder when would you start remembering, Yohann."
we continue walking, all the while he keeps talking.
"That was the happiest day of my life. A lot of my shipmates were trying
to do the same, you know? We all had grown so attached to you… but you
clearly showed everyone that you had a mind of your own. You didn't want
anyone else around you but me… and I still feel honored for that."
I don't know why… but I feel pretty happy now. I look at my companion
again, and that happiness intensifies. That's strange… or perhaps not. I
wish I could remember his name, but… if things keep going at this rate,
I'll remember it soon. I hope so. Meanwhile, we continue walking towards
what's supposed to be next.
* * * *
Usagi, Mamoru, Rei, Ami, Minako, Makoto and Laurella had gathered at the
temple. The others had gone to finish their respective chores and
compromises; this didn't bother the rest, since this was an impromptu
meeting.
"What are we going to do now?" asked Mamoru. He was embracing Usagi in an
effort to keep her calm. So far, he was doing a good job, since the leader
of the Senshi was looking better than before.
"I'm not so sure." Said Ami. "Tactically, this would be the best moment to
finish what Yohann had started, but…" she hesitated when she reached that
point.
Minako chose that moment to speak, while she held Ami's hand in hers. "I
guess I understand you. We are not at our best to continue, and more since
Robin is also sick." She sighed, and closed her eyes. "This is really
taking a toll on all of us."
"Hogosuro has taken this pretty harshly." Said Makoto. "He refuses to move
from the hospital until all proceedings are done. I tried to convince him
to get some rest, since he's not in top shape right now… but he's really
stubborn."
"And the same goes for Sonya." Continued Rei. "She returned to the base,
stating that she wanted to help Alex to finish the repairs. But I think
that she really wanted to escape her own pain…"
"The one I don't want to talk about this, is Alex." Said Laurella. "She
has quite a temper, and when she knows about what happened… I don't want
to be close to her."
"I'll talk with her." Said Usagi. Everybody looked at her, worry evident
in their eyes. "We can talk about this, and perhaps… I can help her to get
over with her own pain… unlike others…"
"Love, you did great." Said Mamoru, tightening his embrace. "Nobody could
have done better under those circumstances. It wasn't your fault."
"We all have told you that, Usagi." Added Rei. "She would have known one
way or another… it was just… bad luck that it happened with you present."
"Yes… I guess you're right." Sighed Usagi. Nobody said a thing after a few
moments, each one deep in their own thoughts.
Laurella was the first one to break the silence. "Does anybody knows how
many bases he closed?"
"Including the first three we went with him… eighteen." Said Ami. "Why do
you ask?"
Laurella didn't say anything immediately. Instead, she opened the shopping
bag she was carrying with her, and placed Yohann's armor on the table. Her
actions elicited a collective gasp. Noticing that, she began to explain.
"Technuma and Dr. Mizuno helped me to get his armor back, don't worry."
"But why did you take it?" asked Minako.
"I couldn't trust that it was going to be safe at the hospital. Who knows
what might have happened?" answered Laurella. "Anyway… I've been thinking…
why not finish what we all started? I mean… that would be the best way to…
to honor his memory, don't you think?"
"That's a good idea, and personally, I approve it." Said Makoto. "But
still, that doesn't explain why you took it."
"Guys, remember that Yohann erased all the files related to Cauldron's log
back at the base." Said Laurella, "and that included Alex. He was the only
one, besides Cauldron, who knew where those places are."
"I see." Commented Ami. "So, it's logical to assume that he stored the
location in his armor's memory banks. Good thinking Laurella!"
"I don't know…" muttered Usagi, drawing the general attention. "Wouldn't
that be like… invading his personal thoughts? Personally, I wouldn't like
someone rummaging on my personal things if… if something happened to me.
It wouldn't be right…"
"Then, what do you suggest?" asked Mamoru, looking at her with pride on
his eyes.
"That decision must be taken by the two people most close to him." Said
Usagi. "Robin… and Alex."
"You're right." Said Laurella. "I'm sorry… I don't know what I was
thinking… it's just that…"
"It's all right, Laurella. We understand." Said Minako, smiling faintly at
her friend.
After that, the general conversation derived to other themes, but the
slight atmosphere of depression kept hanging around the place for the
duration…
* * * *
Technuma was seated at one of the personnel lounges at the hospital,
drinking some coffee after his turn ended. He felt completely drained, and
only his own training had helped him to finish his work. He did it fine,
but he didn't put his heart on it. As a matter of fact…
'All this situation is completely my fault.' He thought. 'I should have
listened to them, instead of imposing myself.'
Absentmindedly, he acknowledged the greetings of his fellow co-workers,
but all in all he remained brooding. After finishing his cup of coffee, he
leaned back on his seat, closing his eyes. He had never felt so depressed
since he faced Gallagher and knew the truth about the Prime. Over and over
again, the talk he had had with Akane kept replaying in his mind, haunting
him.
'Why?' he thought one more time. 'Why did I react like that? I should have
accepted their relationship, instead of stopping it. I should have
supported them, instead of chastising him. I should… have talked with
them.' He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, trying to find some way to
calm his troubled mind.
"Would you mind if I join you?" The voice that interrupted him was a
welcome interruption, but still, in the end it only added to his own
troubled thoughts.
"Be my guest, Akane." He opened his eyes, and watched as Dr. Mizuno poured
herself another cup of coffee and took a seat next to him. Once she was
settled, he spoke again. "Are you going to tell me that you were right?
Because if it is, you're welcome. You were right, in all respects."
Dr. Mizuno didn't say a thing immediately. Instead, she took a sip of
coffee and remained silent for a few moments. Without looking at him, she
answered. "There's no need for me to say a thing, Ulysses. There's
nothing else any one of us could say."
"Yes… I guess you're right." Admitted Technuma. "And that's the hardest
part… to know that everything's my fault…"
"It wasn't your fault, Ulysses." Said Akane, seeing where his thoughts
were going. "It could have happened one way or the other."
"No, Akane… it was my fault. It was I the one that forced Yohann to run
away… it was my decision the one that put my own daughter under so much
stress… and it was my fault that he is now dead, causing my daughter to be
in such a terrible state." Concluded Technuma.
"Ulysses, don't say that, please." Said Akane, placing a comforting hand
on his shoulder. "You are in no blame of what happened. You saw your
mistakes, and were on the way to correct them. It's just that…" she
couldn't finish, since a sudden lump in her throat prevented her.
"Don't say anything else, Akane." Said Technuma after a while. "You know
as well as myself that this whole situation is completely my fault. And
nothing will change the hard facts now…" he slumped even more in his seat
when he said that.
Both doctors remained silent after that, each one deep in thought.
* * * *
"Well, that shall do it." Said Alex. After she was able to put a few
maintenance bots online, she had started by reestablishing the etherlink
all over the base to speed up the repairs. Her next priority was to repair
the damaged links to the War Room in order to obtain the backup data from
the inner computers. "Now, to put this place back in order!"
She was in the middle of copying the files when Sonya entered the
Computers Room. "Hey, Sonya!" greeted Alex. "Long time no see! You caught
me in the middle of hard work! So, how's everything going on in the
outside world? Crazy as ever?"
Sonya clinched her fists in order to control the sudden surge of emotions
that flooded her mind and heart. She wasn't looking forward to tell Alex
the latest happenings, and tried to gain more time. "Yes, Alex… everything
is as crazy as ever. Say, do you have a damage report yet? The place looks
in shambles."
"Oh please, don't remind me! I still don't have a complete report, but
what I have so far indicates a LOT of hard work ahead! Do you want a brief
list?"
"Yes please, Alex." 'Anything but let you know the worse news…' added
Sonya for herself.
"Ok, here goes…" with that, Alex started her rundown. "We lost completely
all the weapons in the armory, as well as practically all the equipment at
the Medical Ward. Engineering seems to have a few tools left, but the
specialized ones are gone. The hangar is still operational, at least! But
we lost almost all of the replicators all over the base, so we'll have to
find another source of materials until at least one replicator is back in
operation. The laboratory was almost destroyed, but most of the material
can be replaced with local supplies, with the exception of the
Nanoreactors. We can count ourselves lucky that the desalinization plant
and the power reactor weren't touched!
"Now, as for the mansion above us… well, it will be better to say that it
will be better to completely refit it instead of trying to repair it. At
least, with the desalinization plant working, getting hard cash from the
minerals and precious metals from it to finance the repairs won't be a
problem. That's all I know for now, but when the repairs on the etherlink
are finished I'll be able to get a more accurate damage report."
"Thanks Alex, you're very efficient, as always." Said Sonya, smiling
faintly. "No wonder the Lieutenant is so fond of you." As soon as the
words left her mouth, Sonya cursed herself.
"Yeah! And speaking of my pork chops, how is he? I haven't heard anything
since the girls mentionned that he was in the hospital. Any news on his
condition?" inquired Alex.
"Ahhh… Alex, yes, there was a change in his condition…" started Sonya, her
voice trembling slightly.
"Aaah, that's so good to know!" interrupted Alex. "I bet he's about to get
released from the hospital as we speak! He's always been a fighter, you
know? Nothing has kept him out of the action for long!!"
"Alex…" began anew Sonya. "What… are you doing now, precisely?"
"I'm copying the security files from the backups in the War Room. Why do
you ask?" asked Alex, puzzled.
"You should better stop for now, Alex. I… I have something serious to tell
you."
Alex didn't answer immediately. Instead, a series of code strings appeared
on a screen. "all right, I put the copying process in auto. Now, Sonya…
what is it?"
"Thank you Alex. The girls and myself went to the hospital a couple of
hours ago… Usagi, Robin, Ami and Minako were the first ones that reached
the hospital…" Sonya continued explaining the events that transpired after
the first group arrived to the hospital.
"… and that's what happened until now." Finished Sonya. "Alex… I'm sorry."
"Sonya…" said Alex, after a brief silence. "if it's a joke, it's not
funny… it's rather bizarre and macabre…"
"It's… it's no joke, Alex." Answered Sonya, a couple of tears running down
her face. "The autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Hogosuro and I
have already signed the legal forms. He's at the hospital right now,
waiting for… for… everything to end."
"He… he's dead." Said Alex, her voice subdued. "But… that's not possible.
It can't be! There's no way he can be dead! I refuse to believe it! You
are lying Sonya! He can't be dead! Not my Yohann! he can't die like that!!"
In that instant, all activity in the base ceased, the lights going dimmer
until the light was no more than the one caste by a few candles. The soft
murmur of the maintenance bots stopped, sending the whole base into
a deafening silence.
Sonya looked around during the whole happening, an icy chill running down
her spine. "Alex? Alex, are you there?" when she didn't get an immediate
answer, she hurried towards a computer console, and activated it. "Alex,
answer me! Where are you? Alex! ALEX!!"
"I… I'm here, Sonya." Finally answered Alex. "I… had to shut down for a
moment." Sonya sighed in relief. Alex continued. "Sonya… what's going to
happen now? What are we going to do? What's going to happen with us?"
"Alex… for starters, what about finishing the repairs to the base?"
"What for?" retorted Alex. "this place is useless now that he's gone… and
so do I…"
"Alex, don't say that!" retorted Sonya. "Do you really think the Lieutenant
thought so low of you? Don't you remember what he said in that recorded
message? He trusted in you! He left you in charge of the base!
HE charged YOU to keep an eye on the girls if something happened to him!
"Are you going to let him down like that?"
Alex kept silent for a couple of minutes, seemingly pondering what Sonya
had said. Finally, she answered. "No… I won't let him down, and you know
it."
"So? What are you waiting for? Let's continue with the repairs, and make
this base something he would have been proud to call home!"
"yes… yes, you're right… he would have liked that, wouldn't he?"
"Of course! And you're the perfect AI for the job!" punctuated Sonya.
"Of course I am!" said Alex, her voice regaining a little more strength.
"And after we finish here… do you think Ami would be interested in a
homeless AI?"
"Oh, Alex…" that was all Sonya could say, since she became overwhelmed by
her own emotions in that instant and began to cry on the computer console…
* * * *
This whole experience has been… enlightening, to say the very least! My
companion has been taking me to one place to another, showing me what was
my life. The first day me an my adoptive father moved to our new home… the
years I spent at school… how I was criticized by my classmates at first,
and how I closed even more into myself, forcing me to focus on my studies
harder than anybody else… the day I told my father that I wanted to join
the Agency's Academy… my first exploration mission to a parallel universe…
During the whole recollection, my companion kept pointing out the details
that otherwise I could have missed, but saying nothing else besides that.
Well, I'm not going to complain, but I wish he could say something else
besides the obvious!
It was until we reached the last year of my life that everything changed.
When I saw that scene in the Observation Post when I was sent to my last
mission, the final pieces fell into place. My companion… he's my
commanding officer! Even more…
HE IS MY FATHER!!
"Good." Said my companion… no, my father! "You finally remembered who are
you. But it take you long enough, boy." He then signaled in front of us
again. "Now, keep watching, since this is vital."
What can I say to that order? So, I keep watching.
Oh, boy… how could I have forgotten her? Alex… my companion… my friend.
The Leviathan… the crash landing… Oooh, so THAT'S why we were found! Alex
forgot to lose the link. She was so worried for me…
Those young ladies taking Alex and me to that temple… the one with the
glaive is beautiful, I must say… the time I spent asleep… Oh, man! There
she is again! She's talking with me… oh, what a lovely voice… Robin
Redwing? The name fits her like a glove… she looks like a paradise bird…
"Down, boy, down!" I turn around, and notice that my father is looking at
me with an amused look. "Just keep watching… and stop drooling!"
Well, I keep watching… That's strange; I never noticed before that faint
glow the first time we touched. The first meeting I have with her
companions… the return to the Leviathan… the recorded message stating
the true nature of my mission… the return to the city… The construction of
the base… our training together… My, what a kiss! That's something I
should have never forgot… our first mission…
Cauldron…
"Yes, son. Cauldron." Added my father. "The greatest threat you all have
faced so far."
The preparations we make for our second mission… Oh dear God… Robin
kidnapped by Cauldron… my nervous breakdown… the girls going alone to the
next base… my talk with Robin's father… our encounter at Rainbow… meeting
the Guardian… the frantic time we spent there… our near destruction at
hands of Cauldron… our mysterious ally of the Infinity…
The kidnapping of the girls' families at hands of Cauldron… our rushed
departure towards England… our battle against the hostages, so horribly
altered by that monster… Sonya and the others rescuing us… Chibi-Usa
escaping the device, but ending up inside that energy cocoon… Our last
encounter with Cauldron and his new ally, MerLynn… Our return to the base,
only to find out that we don't have the means to heal their families…
Luna rushing to tell us that help from our ally is on its way… the arrival
of the Nanoreactors… the confrontation with Technuma… Robin's anguish when
Technuma tested his treatment without telling anyone… the wait until the
process is complete… the success of his experiment and subsequent
treatment of the others…
The talk Technuma and I had regarding Robin… my decision of finishing the
mission alone, leaving the others behind…
"You really made a tactical error with that decision, son." Said my father.
"why do you think I asked for the help of the Senshi? And why, in the
Multiverse's name you had to leave behind that girl? Were you mad, or
what?"
I don't know what to answer to that… perhaps I really was mad. The only
thing I can do for now is keep watching my life…
I watch myself sealing one base after another, until I was flying away
from the Amazonia base I closed… I watch Cauldron's ship blasting me out
of the sky… and the Leviathan landing next to the wreckage. My goodness…
Robin is the one that saved me!
"She wasn't going to wait for you to return." Well, that's obvious! "I
have to admit, that young lady has spunk."
I keep watching.
The trip to the hospital… the treatment I received… the stern looks
Technuma sent my way in utter silence… Robin's arrival…
Oh, dear lord… how could I have said such things to her?!?! I WAS
completely crazy!! Hey… what am I doing? Oh, no… it's not possible… I… I
killed myself!?! I… I…
I… am dead.
I hardly notice the blackness surrounding us again. Suddenly, I don't find
it comforting anymore; instead, I find it oppressive…
"Well, that's all son." I turn around and look at my father. "Now, it's
time for you to make a decision." In that moment, a bright, pure white
light appears in front of us. That light… is so warm… so calm… it's
calling me…
Next to it, another source of light appears. This one is slightly dimmer
than the first one, and it has a somewhat foreboding quality to it. I
don't like it… somehow, it promises pain and sorrow… but I find it
equally attractive, somehow…
"Well, son? What's your decision? Are you going to continue your path, or
are you going to face what's in store for you?"
I don't know… the bright light… it's so beautiful… I want to be with it…
"Yohann…"
That voice! It's… it is Robin's! Is she here? It can't be! She can't be
dead as well!! Wait a minute… her voice… is coming… from the other light
source…
"Yohann… where are you? Why did you leave me? I need you…"
She… she's calling me… she… she needs me. I…
I need her.
I turn around and look at my father. His expression is blank, and he isn't
saying a thing. He seems to be expecting an answer from me.
"Yohann."
That's it. I made up my mind.
I smile at my father, and he returns it. He seems pleased. Without
hesitation, I leave him behind, and walk towards one of the lights…
* * * *
At the Gate of Time…
Setsuna had been keeping watch of the Gate, at the same time sensing the
Timestream. There had been a slight shift of it, and she was trying to
assess the changes such shift would cause, when suddenly the Gate opened.
Commander Galos walked through it, looking tired, but with a confident
smile on his lips.
Setsuna looked at him sternly, not a hint of amusement in her general body
language. "I hope you're satisfied… the timestream is shifting."
Galos lost his smile upon hearing that. Without further ado, he took his
clock out of his pocket and pointed it towards the Gate. Immediately, a
series of images appeared on it. Both him and Setsuna watched at them
intently. Once the last image faded away, his smile returned.
"You scared me for a moment there, Setsuna." He said. "I was seriously
considering throwing myself to your feet and await your fair judgement."
Setsuna blinked only once, her only concession to the impact his words had
on her. She took a calming, deep breath to sort her thoughts, and finally
addressed the Commander. "Well, at least be glad that you didn't betray my
faith on you. Although you took a really big chance."
"Believe me, I'm the first one relieved to have fulfilled my promise to
you." Was his answer.
Setsuna thought for a moment his words. "Now, would you be kind enough to
tell me exactly what you did? It would be useful for me in the future."
She smiled faintly at that last word. Certainly, it didn't have a true
meaning in her line of work.
The Commander smiled somewhat timidly at her, and answered her question.
"Well… to be sincere, I did absolutely nothing." When he noticed her
expression, he quickly explained. "The only things I did, were to
point out certain details that he would have missed otherwise. Besides
that, the final decision was made completely by him. I didn't intervene in
that."
"Are you completely sure about that?" she inquired, still a little
skeptical.
"Positively!" he answered, but his expression showed doubt as soon as he
said that word. "Although… there were a couple of details that puzzled me
during the whole experience…"
"Which were?"
"First, a little occurrence that happened during his first encounter with
Miss Redwing…" he pondered that for a moment, but dismissed it the next.
"Second… I don't know, but it seemed that Yohann was listening to
something at the moment he made his decision. I didn't hear a thing,
though…"
A strange twinkle appeared briefly on Setsuna's eyes, completely unnoticed
by the Commander. None said a thing for a few moments, each one thinking
of what happened lastly. Setsuna was the first one to talk.
"Anyway, things seem to be back in order now, don't you think?"
"It looks like it." Commented the Commander. "But we all have a lot to do
before we can say that everything's fine."
"Indeed." Was Setsuna's last comment.
* * * *
"Hey, bring up the next customer." Said the doctor in charge of the morgue.
"We are way behind our schedule, remember?"
"Ok, ok, hold your horses! Geez, did you forgot to take your coffee in the
morning?" was the assistant's response, but still, he went to the freezers
to retrieve the next body.
The doctor only sighed, feeling weary. And this was just the first hour in
the schedule! The doctor had found himself wishing that the 'good old days'
returned. That is, if a person died, just cremated it on an open fire, and
get done with it. No fuzz over the legal technicalities, and certainly no
waste of his talents in this mind-numbing job!
He got out of his reverie when his assistant rolled over the corpse.
Taking the chart accompanying it, he took a mike next to him, and began to
read in a tired voice. "Name of the deceased: Starr, Yohann. Age,
approximately 23-24. Probable cause of decease: complete metabolic
shutdown." At this, he raised an eyebrow and disconnected the microphone.
"Well, it seems that we'll have a full day knowing what really went wrong
with you." Turning the mike on again, he continued with his report.
"The patient seems to be Caucasian, black haired, around six foot, seven
inches…" he paused to lift an eyelid briefly. "Blue eyes, well muscled.
There are no discernible recent scars that can be accounted to his death…
No sign of concussions at first sight…" he paused the recording one more
time, and took a scalpel from a nearby tray. Eyeing it closely, he resumed
the recording. "I'm about to extract the brain, and send some samples to
the lab, in order to assess if there were some neural dysfunctions that
can be accounted for the decease…" He once again paused the recording, and
leaned next to Yohann.
"How I wish something exciting happened in this line of work…" the doctor
muttered to himself.
"Did you see the mammoth standing in front of the office?" commented his
assistant in that moment. "He gave me the creeps when he looked at me when
I arrived. I swear, he looked like he wanted to snap me in two!"
"Yeah, I saw him. He asked me about this fellow here." The doctor paused
for a moment, glad for the interruption. "Looks like they were good
friends. He also asked me to tell him when the autopsy was over."
"I heard a rumor that this guy's girlfriend," continued the assistant, and
pointed at Yohann, "got into shock when she learned about his demise, and
that she's in this hospital."
"Where do you hear all this stuff, anyway? I thought you didn't like that
kind of gossip." Asked the doctor, amused.
"Hey, if it involves pretty chicks, I keep my ears open! The rumor says
that she's gorgeous! And now that she's available…"
The doctor shook his head, feeling sorry for the girl. His assistant was a
perfect geek, and knew that he had as much chance at hitting a girl as a
snowball in Hell. Dismissing his assistant's presence for the moment,
he went back to work, placing the scalpel in Yohann's forehead and
beginning to cut the flesh…
He hadn't cut more than an inch when, all of a sudden, Yohann's right hand
bolted and grabbed his wrist.
This unexpected reaction didn't surprise him more than the fact that
Yohann opened his eyes, and looked straight at him.
The doctor felt his hands going numb, and didn't notice when he dropped
the scalpel.
His assistant looked at the whole thing mesmerized, his face a mix of
fascination and revulsion.
With a raspy voice, barely a whisper, Yohann addressed the doctor. "What…
are… you… doing… to me?"
Time seemed to stop in that moment, nobody moving. The impasse was broken
when the assistant fainted, the noise shacking the doctor out of his
stupor. Yanking his hand free from Yohann's grasp, he ran to a nearby
intercom while Yohann closed his eyes again, a thin line of blood coming
out of the cut from his forehead…
* * * *
It was a completely different Usagi the one that arrived the next day at
the hospital in Mamoru's company. She couldn't believe the news when Ami
called her the previous night! If it weren't for Robin's condition, she
would have thought that the whole experience had been nothing but a bad
dream. It had taken the combined efforts of the Senshi's families,
Technuma's orders and Luna and Artemis' suggestions to convince everybody
that only she and Mamoru should go to the hospital to visit their friends.
It also took a titanic effort from Sonya and Ami to keep Alex in the base,
since the AI was attempting to hack into the hospital's mainframe and make
sure for herself that this time the information was accurate.
After signing their entrance at the hospital's reception, the couple went
straight to Yohann's room. There, they found the Guardian keeping watch in
the corridor, his arms crossed over his massive chest.
"Hello Hogosuro!" chirped Usagi. "How are you today? And what are you
doing out here?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Said the Guardian, smiling at his friends. "And as
for my presence here… well, I wasn't allowed to be inside, no matter how
much I tried to convince the administrators of the contrary."
"At least they allowed you to remain here." Commented Mamoru.
"Only after I crushed a stretcher with my hands. Hospital's security
stopped bugging me after that." Said the Guardian, smirking. He then
added. "I hope the Lieutenant won't be too mad at me. They added the cost
of the stretcher to his account."
"Ouch." Grimaced Usagi, while Mamoru shook his head, but kept his smile.
"So… how's Yohann?"
"Resting." Said the Guardian. "And per Doctor Redwing's orders, only one
person at a time can visit him. He's still weak after his… ordeal."
"Oh…" Usagi frowned slightly, but before she could say a thing, Mamoru
said. "In that case, it would be better if I go visit him."
"Just a minute, muffin!" Mamoru almost jumped at the force on Usagi's
voice. Undaunted, she added. "Why don't you go and check on Robin? I have
a need for certain… answers I want to hear from him, and I prefer to get
them on my own."
"Usagi, are you sure?" asked Mamoru, suddenly worried… and not precisely
for her…
"Perfectly sure." She said. Noticing that Mamoru was still unsure about
her decision, she decided to use her ultimate weapon: She flashed at him
her most brilliant smile, at the same time she batted his way her
eyelashes while giving him her most innocent and mischievous look. "Don't
worry, nothing will happen. Now, would you please check on her? I am sure
you won't object to do me such a petty favor, would you?"
Mamoru knew he couldn't resist her once she decided to use those tactics
on him. Sighing, he acknowledged her desires, and headed towards Robin's
room; not after he gave her a quick kiss and murmuring in her ear. "You
cheat."
Before entering the room, Usagi addressed the Guardian. "Hogosuro, would
you mind going with him?"
"Sorry, but my duty is to guard the Lieutenant." Said the Guardian,
unfazed.
While the general public might thought that Usagi was a complete klutz,
very few knew that, when she decided to put her mind onto it, she could
very well be a real force to reckon. Unfortunately, the Guardian didn't
know that, and he was about to find out in the most painful way…
"But Hogosuro… don't you trust me? The only thing I'm going to do is have
an amiable chat with Yohann. Nothing more, nothing else." Said Usagi.
"I trust you, Usagi." Said the Guardian. "But…" he wasn't sure what else
to say, and that proved to be his doom…
'Oh, yes… now I got you right where I wanted!' thought Usagi. "Well, if
you trust me… why don't you go and guard Robin as well?"
"Guard her?" asked the Guardian, puzzled. "But… why?"
"How can you ask that?" said Usagi, raising an eyebrow in disapproval.
"You know, as well as myself, that they love each other. And what kind of
thing do you think Yohann might thought if he learns that you haven't
taken care of Robin during his absence?"
"What?" asked the Guardian, confused. "But… that's not true!"
"I know that, and you know that." Said Usagi, lowering her gaze. "But he
doesn't know that." she then added. "And… don't you think he would think
otherwise if I tell him that you're taking care of her?" Seeing that he
was still undecided, she decided to press on. "Come on, we all will
appreciate that gesture. Or aren't you our friend?"
"But of course I'm your friend!" said the Guardian, scandalized. "What
kind of question is that??"
"Precisely the question he might ask, and you know it." Looking up straight
into his eyes, Usagi finished with these words. "Go on. We'll be fine, and
besides, I have my armor with me." She raised her hand with her ring on it.
"If something happens, and I sincerely hope nothing will, mind you, I'll
transform and call you all for backup. Satisfied?"
The Guardian blinked only once, still trying to adequately process
everything Usagi told him. Dropping his arms to his side in a clear sign
of acceptance, he nodded at her, and headed towards Robin's room.
Looking at his retreating form, Usagi sighed and thought. 'sorry for doing
that, Hogosuro… but this is something I have to do… alone.' And after
taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she entered Yohann's room. Upon
crossing the threshold, the first thing she noticed were the IV's and the
different monitors all hooked to his body. Taking good care of not making
any noise, she closed and locked the door and walked next to his bed.
Yohann was sleeping peacefully, in part from his exhaustion and in part
from the tranquilizers the nurse in turn had injected into his IV an hour
ago. Therefore, it wasn't too surprising that it took Usagi a good
couple of minutes to wake him up.
"Come on, sleepy head. Rise and shine!" said Usagi once again. This time,
her efforts were rewarded with Yohann's slight groan. When he opened his
eyes, she smiled slightly. "well, about time! What does it takes to wake
you up, a cruise missile?"
Yohann blinked slowly, taking a deep breath in an attempt to clear his
mind. After making a mental list of the different parts of his body that
ached, and reaching the conclusion that he wasn't in immediate risk of
getting more pain, he turned his head to one side and focussed his
attention on his visitor. It took him a few seconds to recognize the
blonde lady standing next to him. "Hi… Usagi." He said, returning her
smile with a small one of his own.
"You gave us a big scare, you know?" she said, her face going serious. Not
a trace of humor was in her voice now. "Can you tell me what happened? And
don't lie to me! You know that I will know if you try to lie."
Yohann noticed the tone of her voice, and immediately knew that she wasn't
going to take any more arguments from him. She wanted the truth. But still,
he wanted to gain a little more time to put his thoughts in order, so…
"Usagi… I… I don't know… what are you talking about…"
Baaaad move.
One thing that needs to be cleared at this point, is that Usagi is the
kindest, sweetest person that ever walked on the earth. She has a heart
made of pure gold, full of good will and love for her friends.
Therefore, it takes a LOT to wear her patience thin. And even then, she is
quick to forgive and gives a friendly hand.
This time, she had completely run out of patience. Even more…
She was absolutely PISSED OFF.
"Very well, buster… if that's how you want it, I'll be happy to oblige."
Said Usagi, her voice suddenly cold. She then began to pace the room
slowly. "First, let's get a few points clear, ok? If I may recall, it was
YOU the one that asked for our help. All right, we helped you. It was YOUR
superior officer the one that asked for our assistance in this coka-meenee
mission of yours. I can accept that…
"It was a project of YOUR society the one that created Cauldron. I can
accept that, since accidents can happen. But there is one thing that I
can't accept…"
She then walked closer to Yohann and leaned next to him, until their faces
were barely an inch away. Yohann began to sweat all of a sudden. Unfazed,
Usagi said what she wanted to say for quite some time. Or, more accurately…
she screamed in his face.
"WHAT I CAN'T ACCEPT IS THAT YOU HURT ONE OF MY FRIENDS BECAUSE OF YOUR
STUPID, INSENSITIVE SENSE OF DUTY AND CHIVALRY!!!"
Yohann had a hard time trying to reconcile that fury in front of him with
the sweet lady he knew.
Slightly more calmed, Usagi continued in a lower tone of voice. "Even more,
what was the big idea of breaking her heart with all those stupidities you
told her!?!? You said you love her! And you repay her love with that!?!?"
"Usagi… I…."
"Shut up and let me finish!!" interrupted Usagi. "Do you realize how much
she suffered when you left us all behind?? Robin was so depressed that it
hurt just looking at her! She almost lost her mind when we thought you had
died!"
That last statement kicked Yohann's mind back into functioning order.
"Wait, wait, wait! What was that? You almost lost Robin?"
"Yes, you heard right. Robin went into shock when she learned that you had
died." Said Usagi, loosing lots of her temper when she remembered that
incident. "It was shortly after you had spoken with her."
Yohann saw his opportunity there, and decided to take it. Addressing Usagi,
he said. "You can't imagine how much I regret what I said. I thought that…"
"You thought that you were doing her a favor, right?" finished Usagi for
him, still looking straight into his eyes after she stood up from her
position. "And you decided to apply that same logic to the rest of us,
including Sonya and Hogosuro. Well, let me tell you one thing, Yohann… you
didn't have to do it! I mean, we all know how to take care of ourselves,
you know? You should know better, since you have trained with us!"
"Believe me Usagi. I am perfectly aware of that… now." Said Yohann,
closing his eyes. "I am so ashamed of myself… I don't know if you will be
able to forgive me for such a terrible offense against you all."
The last of her fury left Usagi's mind when she noticed the sincerity in
Yohann's voice. Placing a nearby chair next to his bed, she took a seat
and placed a hand on top of his. Yohann opened his eyes at her contact,
and saw Usagi smiling faintly at him.
"Yohann…" began Usagi. "You only did what you thought was right. Granted,
you made a gross mistake with that decision, but that's in the past now."
Yohann chuckled at her choice of words. "Yes, you're right. That was
definitely a gross mistake! And now look at the consequences of that
decision…"
"Yohann, stop it." Said Usagi. "The important thing now is that you have
to recover, as well as Robin."
"Robin…How is she?" asked Yohann, stirring a little.
"She's fine now, don't worry." Answered Usagi. Seeing him getting agitated,
she decided to explain a little more. "She's in her room right now. Mamoru
and Hogosuro went to check on her."
"You mean… she's here, in this hospital?"
"Yes, she's on the fourth floor." Said Usagi without thinking.
Those last words prompted Yohann to move. He began to take the IV needles
off his arms, as well as the sensors. He stood up, feeling slightly dizzy.
Dismissing it, he began to walk wobbly towards the door. During his whole
antics, Usagi remained fixed on her seat, her mouth open. She never
expected him to react in that way.
When he began to open the door, she rushed to his side. "Yohann, what do
you think you're doing?? Get back to bed!" She tried to grab one of his
arms to stop him, but had to let go when he grimaced. "Sorry, sorry!"
Yohann said nothing, and continued on his way, Usagi following him closely.
They had barely cleared a corner towards the elevators when a nurse
entered his room. When she noticed the empty bed, she hurried towards the
nurse station on the floor to give the alert: one of the patients was
trying to get out. He has to be stopped.
At the same time…
Mamoru and Hogosuro had entered Robin's room. While Hogosuro remained next
to the door, Mamoru went to Robin's side. Taking a seat, he looked at the
young lady. Robin had finally regained consciousness, but she refused to
say a thing. The morning nurse had to retire her breakfast tray untouched,
since she didn't ate a thing.
"Hello, Robin. How do you feel today?" asked Mamoru. Robin didn't even
look at him. Instead, she remained looking at the ceiling. Undaunted,
Mamoru continued. "You look better than yesterday. You had Usagi worried
when you fainted on her."
The room remained silent for a couple of minutes, Robin showing no signs
of even had heard Mamoru, while he exchanged worried looks with the
Guardian.
This time, the Guardian walked next to Robin, and addressed Mamoru.
"Excuse me, but if you don't mind, I have to return to the Lieutenant's
room. He's still very weak, and Ms. Tsukino could hurt him without
knowing."
"Hogosuro, you should know by now that Usagi could never hurt anyone."
Said Mamoru, smiling. "Although… is she decides to play nurse with him,
that's another story entirely."
"You two are confused." Said Robin in that instant, startling them. "He's
dead, remember?"
"Robin, welcome back." Greeted Mamoru, alleviated. "No, Robin. You see…
there was a sudden surge of developments around while you were… aaah…"
"What he tries to say," continued the Guardian, "is that the Lieutenant
isn't dead. Right now, Usagi is with him in his room"
"He… he's not dead?" asked Robin, looking at them, puzzled. "But… I
remember Ami telling Usagi that Yohann had died…"
Mamoru and the Guardian looked at each other, unsure of who should speak
first. Nodding slightly, Mamoru began. "Well… you see Robin, he really
died . But, as far as the doctors and ourselves know, what happened was
that he suffered an epilepsy episode caused by the medicines and the
toxins in his body."
"Fortunately, he came out of it just in the nick of time." Continued the
Guardian. "Another minute, and the doctors should have performed his
autopsy before he recovered."
Mamoru looked at the Guardian, shocked. Shaking his head, he wondered what
made the Guardian say something so… inappropriate to her. Regaining his
bearings, he added. "So, you see… Yohann is back with us. And I bet he
will be happy to see you again."
"I doubt it." Said Robin, looking away from him.
"Why do you say that?" inquired the Guardian. "He really appreciates you."
"I don't think so, Hogosuro." Said Robin. "He told me some very… nasty
things the day he…" she gulped at the memory. Sighing deeply, she
continued. "He made perfectly clear in that moment that he didn't want
to see me again. He broke all compromises with me."
Mamoru flinched under her words, remembering all of a sudden a certain
experience he lived with Usagi along the same lines. Closing his eyes, he
addressed Robin. "I don't think he… really meant all that, Robin."
"What do you mean?" asked Robin. The Guardian looked at him as well, an
inquiring look showing on his face.
"Because… I did the same thing with Usagi some time ago." Confessed Mamoru.
It was the Guardian who made the question, since Robin was busy looking at
Mamoru, completely shocked. "You… broke with her too? But… you look so
happy together now."
"I'm not proud of it, believe me." Said Mamoru without opening his eyes.
"I did it because… at the moment, I thought I was protecting her with my
actions. It almost cost us our relationship… and our lives. That's an
experience I don't want to repeat ever again in my entire life."
"You… hurt Usagi… the same way… Yohann did with me??" asked Robin.
"Because you… wanted to protect her?" Mamoru only nodded. "Now I see… all
men think women are just objects to play with… you don't care for our
feelings at all!"
"No Robin, you're wrong!" said Mamoru, opening his eyes and looking at
Robin. "It was because he cares for you that he did what he did! Just like
me, he did all that because he didn't want to see you hurt!"
Robin didn't say a thing. Instead, she clinched her fists under the sheets,
grabbing a handful of the fabric. Very calmly, she asked Hogosuro. "Excuse
me, but where is Yohann now?"
The Guardian blinked once, confused by the sudden turn of events. "He is
in his old room, on the second floor. Why do you ask?"
"For nothing in special." Said Robin. Suddenly, she stood up, surprising
her companions. "Just have a couple of things to say to you… 'Lieutenant'.
That's all."
And without waiting for an answer, she exited the room. As soon as the door
closed behind her, Mamoru and the Guardian moved immediately behind her.
None of them wanted to admit it, but they were afraid… for all concerned.
* * * *
The elevator doors opened on the fourth floor, allowing Yohann and Usagi
to exit. Yohann was successfully ignoring Usagi's continued demands for
him to return to his room, that he wasn't fit to walk around like that. He
had a goal fixed in his mind, and he wasn't going to quit, no matter what.
At the same time, Robin turned a corner in the direction of the elevators,
closely followed by Mamoru, the Guardian, two nurses and one orderly. All
of them trying to convince her to get back to her room and wait for the
doctor to check on her. She, too, was pointedly ignoring them.
It was right in front of the floor's reception desk that they encountered
each other. Only a distance of around seven feet separated them. In that
instant everything and everyone went still. Instinctively, all the
presents sensed that this was a pivotal moment, and no one dared to
interfere.
Yohann looked intensely at Robin, breathing shallowly.
Robin looked at Yohann, her face neutral.
In unison, both took one step forward… then another, until they closed the
distance between them. Each one looked at the other right into their eyes.
Their friends and the hospital personnel didn't move. They even didn't
dare to even breathe.
After a few moments, Yohann was the first one to break the silence.
"Robin, I…"
"Yohann," interrupted Robin. "Don't say a thing. I'll talk now." Yohann
nodded in agreement.
Satisfied by his reaction, Robin sighed. And without warning, she raised
her right hand…
And slapped him. Hard.
Her action caused all presents to gasp.
Yohann looked at Robin, completely confused… And then she said two words
he never expected to hear from her.
She said:
"Drop Dead."
TO BE CONTINUED…