Part Three: A mysterious quest and the glitter of love! Shinzui is a mentor!
The three figures in golden robes
straightened as a silhouette approached them through the mists. They bowed
low to the newcomer as she arrived.
Child. We meet again.
The thunderous voice was tamed with reverence.
The girl nodded, her face obscured by
the darkness and steam from the hissing pipes above and below them. The meeting
place had remained the same for as long as any of them could remember. At
one time it had been a simple cave carved out of the rocks by an ancient
glacier; now it was part of a system of the wires and pipes that connected
Tokyo, far below the city streets. The spot was filled with heat and mists
from the water pipes and electrical wiring, and smelled faintly musty, as
though the rock walls that had stood for thousands of years were not at all
pleased by this recent invasion by human technology. The only light came
from the occasional electric torch ensconced in the walls at random intervals,
for the benefit of the repair crews who rarely entered this place. These
shed a startling bluish-white light over everything, and though the light
was so bright that one could hardly stand to look directly at it, the absolute
darkness of the underground tunnels swallowed it up greedily so that only
a faint, pale blue glow remained.
The Sacred Child's voice was sweet
and full of welcome. Neophilus. Oberon. There was a slight pause,
and a smile entered her tone. A light, silvery jingle
from her bracelets echoed as she extended her hand to the center figure.
The cloaked Guardian bent to kiss
the proffered fingers. His voice was very
soft.
A hiss of steam lifted the girl's
long shimmering hair, and it glittered blue in the glow of the electric lamps.
Her eyes were highlighted to a brilliant sapphire for the briefest of moments
before her features were again shrouded by the darkness. Well, Guardian
Brother. Tell me. Have you found it? Anyone who had not known her for
millenia would never have detected the carefully masked hope in her question.
But Demetrius heard it, and his heart sank as he lowered his head. He could
not bring himself to say the words.
Oberon did it for him. I'm
sorry, Child. His intense whisper reverberated around them. We
have searched as incessantly as ever. But I'm afraid the answer has
not been found yet.
Demetrius felt the Sacred Child's
hand tremble in his, almost imperceptibly, and he found his voice again.
We will find it, Child. I swear to you we will. His fervent promise
echoed against the sweating metal of the pipes.
The girl responded in a gentle,
tender tone that betrayed none of the disappointment he knew she was feeling.
It's all right, Guardian Brother. I know you have done your best--
all of you have. A smile entered her voice again. I have faith
in you. The answer will be found someday. Then the smile disappeared.
But until that someday' arrives, we are going to have to
do this the old-fashioned way. There's something else that needs to
be found.
Oberon nodded. The Silver
Dagger.
The Child inclined her head in
agreement. Yes, Guardian Friend. So do any of you have any ideas where
to start looking?
We do know one thing,
Neophilus spoke up. The Silver Dagger has been liquified this time,
before being reintroduced into the world after the last Sacrifice.
Her eyebrow lifted.
she repeated slowly. Ah, that explains
it.
Demetrius
questioned.
There have been jaki appearing
all over the city, the girl explained. Her long white gown fluttered
for an instant as a draft from one of the vents in the floor wafted warm
air towards them. They have been draining human blood.
The Avatar always did seem
to have a head start on us in the search for the Dagger, Oberon mused.
Luckily for us, his henchmen were never very subtle. He paused.
So... the Silver Dagger, in liquid form, has most likely been inscribed
into the blood of a human.
Neophilus agreed. Yes, that
would be the logical conclusion, he concurred.
The center figure shook his head,
the hood of his golden robe glimmering with blue sparks in the dull light.
There are millions of people in this city, Demetrius pointed
out. How will we ever find the Silver Dagger in time?
The Sacred Child turned to Neophilus.
How much time do we have, Guardian Father?
Neophilus answered her
matter-of-factly. We have four months until the vernal equinox,
Child.
She nodded and turned back to
Demetrius. Fear not, Guardian Brother. We will find it in time. We
always have.
But how do we even start
looking? Demetrius wanted to know.
The Sacred Child sounded amused
as she responded, Well, I would suggest that the three of you take
jobs at a blood bank. I'm going to keep my eye on the Avatar's
jaki. We cannot allow him to find the Dagger first.
The golden figures all bowed again
in deference. Suddenly, a light chirping noise was heard as a round stone
set into the Child's silver belt began to pulse with light, illuminating
the symbol imprinted there. She spoke again. They are tracking us.
It is not safe for us to congregate for so long. We must separate.
She leaned forward and placed
a kiss on Neophilus' forehead. Safe questing, Guardian
Father.
Oberon recieved a warm handshake.
Safe questing, Guardian Friend.
Then the Sacred Child turned to
Demetrius and wrapped him in a hug. Safe questing, Guardian Brother.
Demetrius held the girl's
slight frame in his arms for a moment, and his heart clenched. I will
find the answer this time, Child, he whispered in her ear so that only
she could hear it. I promise you... the Sacrifice will be avoided this
time.
The Child squeezed him a bit tighter
as she whispered back, Please, Demetrius. You mustn't make promises
you can't keep. Everything will turn out all right in the end, you'll
see. Be strong, Guardian Brother. Then she pulled away.
Go now, all of you.
Her three Guardians touched their
foreheads in salute. Safe questing, Sacred Child. Then their
forms shivered and melted away into the mists.
The girl watched them go, her
expression unreadable in the darkness. Then she turned and walked back the
way she had come. The hissing steam enveloped her, and the ancient tunnels
were empty once more.
Michiru and Haruka entered the university
classroom, where other students were already beginning to assemble. There
was a small upright piano to the left of the desk, and a set of drums and
other percussion instruments stored neatly against the opposite wall. Rows
of desks had been set up, nearly filling the room. The two girls managed
to find seats near the east windows.
As she put her violin case and
school bag under her chair, Michiru glanced up at her friend. I'm
glad you decided to come with me, Haruka.
The tall blond nodded. I
want to find out what's going on. I've never felt like that around
anyone, the way I did with Shinzui. She shook her head, remembering
the strange feelings of hatred that had washed over her inexplicably at the
sight of the blind girl. It wasn't fair of me... I want to give
her another chance.
Michiru smiled. I think
you're right, Haruka. You were probably just having a difficult day
when we met her, and you took it out on unintentionally."
Haruka's sky-blue eyes clouded
at the memory. I hope that's what it was. But even so, I was wrong
to have been so rude to her. I'm going to apologize to her for
Her teal-haired friend winked at
her. Now that's the Haruka I know and love. Never hates without
a darn good reason... but once she finds one... look out! Michiru's
aqua eyes widened in mock terror, and Haruka snorted in derision, though
she did give her friend a half-grin.
The quiet conversations that filled
the music room were quickly muffled and brought to silence as the door opened
and a beautiful golden retriever entered, leading the very tall fair-haired
girl that Michiru and Haruka had encountered two days before. The guide dog
brought his mistress to the desk, where she reached out and felt for the
edge. Once she had established its location, she swung the bag she was carrying
off her shoulder and set it on the desk, then gracefully located the chair
and sat down. She pulled out some papers and a clipboard, and set them on
the desk.
Haruka felt her jaw tense at the
sight of her. What's wrong with me? she wondered silently, willing herself
to relax. But her muscles remained rebelliously tightened. Who is this
girl? How can she have this effect on me when she's never done anything
to deserve it? Suddenly she felt Michiru's hand on her shoulder,
and she looked up into her partner's concerned face. Haruka shook her
head in response to the unasked question there. No, I'm not all right.
I don't understand what's going on. She turned back to the
front of the classroom, and deliberately forced herself to watch Shinzui
as she prepared to introduce herself.
Hello, everyone.
Shinzui's melodious voice, quiet as it seemed, filled the room somehow
with its gentleness. My name is Giseino Shinzui. But since most of
you who are taking this class are older than me, I'd prefer being called
Shinzui, if you don't mind. She smiled at them, her half-closed
eyes seeming to be focused on some far distant point beyond the surface of
the floor.
Haruka felt the hairs on the back
of her neck bristle at the sound of the young teacher's voice. This
is ridiculous, she chided herself. What's wrong with me?
Shinzui slid herself on top of
the big teacher's desk, and her legs swung absently as she began to
speak. Now, when most of you signed up for this class, they probably
told you that I was a musical prodigy, a virtuoso', so to speak,
and that is why a second-year high school student is being allowed to teach
music at a university level. Let me say, first of all, that I do not consider
myself a virtuoso. To be honest, I don't think I even believe in such
a thing. Music is not something which can be learned. Music must be developed;
and that is why I am here.
I am going to show each
of you where music comes from in yourselves. Beyond that, there is not much
I can do for you. It will be up to each of you to bring out the music in
your own hearts. I can teach you to play an instrument, read notes from a
piece of paper, or even to understand the emotions behind each composition.
But none of these things will make you good musicians. I am not here to teach
music theory. I am here to help you discover that you can make each musical
piece your own. That is where a musician's power lies; in taking any
piece of music and finding out what it means to them, then sharing those
feelings with the rest of the world. Shinzui felt about next to her
on the desk until she found the clipboard, and she scanned the page with
her fingertips. She paused when she got about halfway down the paper, and
a slight smile curved her lips. Is Keioh Michiru present
today?
Michiru's eyes widened, but
she rose to her feet. Yes, Shinzui-san. I'm here.
Haruka turned to look at her friend,
then back at the young blind woman whose presence filled her with disgust.
Her eyes narrowed. Why is it that I don't trust her? she wondered.
Shinzui smiled, and raised her
head in the direction of Michiru's voice. They tell me that you
are quite an accomplished violinist. Did you bring your instrument today?
she inquired.
Michiru glanced down at her violin
case. Uh... yes, I did, sensei.
Good. Would you mind assisting
me in a demonstration? Shinzui requested sweetly.
I'd be happy to,
Michiru responded, taking her violin case and joining the teacher at the
front of the classroom. Haruka watched the goings-on with mistrust, but remained
seated. She was here to apologize for her rude behavior; she was not about
to make matters worse. Besides, Michiru didn't seem to feel that anything
was wrong, and Haruka had always found her friend's judgement of character
to be impeccable.
Taking out her precious violin
tenderly, Michiru cradled it in her arms and turned to face Shinzui. What
do you want me to do? she asked.
Play something, came
the gentle response. Something you like.
Michiru thought for a moment,
then lifted the instrument and began to play. It was a sweet, delicate melody
that many of the more music-proficient students recognized as a part of
Claire de Lune, by Debussy. She played lightly and skillfully, and
when she had finished the class applauded enthusiastically for the brief
performance.
Shinzui also applauded, but when
the clapping faded, she turned to the class. Michiru-san has a lot
of skill in her fingers, she stated, as well as an understanding
of the music in her heart. But there was something missing. The blind
girl faced Michiru. May I?
Of... of course, Michiru
answered, handing Shinzui her violin and bow with a look of curiosity.
Shinzui took the instrument, and
positioned it beneath her chin. She closed her sightless eyes and there was
a hush that fell over the class as she began to play the same song that Michiru
had just performed. But from the very first note, this performance was different.
Michiru closed her own eyes as the melody washed over her, bringing with
it some very powerful feelings that seemed to ebb and flow with the sound
of the song. Shinzui drew the bow across the violin's strings, coaxing
the sound from it as a mother would coax her frightened child from some hiding
place. Debussy's music soared from the instrument into the room, swelling
and filling it until every single student felt it take hold of their souls,
so that it seemed that without the melody they would all forget to breathe,
and their hearts would forget to beat. Even Haruka felt it, the power of
the deliciously melancholy emotions that entwined themselves inside the melody.
She closed her eyes, and her breath caught in her throat as the sweet sadness
overwhelmed her. To make music like this-- so beautiful! Surely I was
wrong about Shinzui. No one can make music like that and not be
beautiful.
Shinzui continued to play, drawing
out the last few notes, which hung in the air and seemed to shimmer for a
few moments before fading away. The class remained quiet as the room returned
to silence, and Michiru felt a tear slide down her cheek as she opened her
eyes. She noticed most of the others in the room were also misty-eyed, and
she stared at Shinzui in wonder as the blind woman lowered the violin.
the teacher said
softly. Tell me, Michiru-san. What was different?
Michiru swallowed, and cleared
her throat before responding. When you played the song, it was like
I could... see it, with my ears. I felt the music inside of me.
Shinzui nodded. What did
you feel?
came the
gentle reply. I felt this sadness and lonliness. But it wasn't
despairing, though; it was like there was hope there, or contentment. Something
that made the emotions bitter-sweet.Michiru's aqua eyes felt as
though they were about to spill over again. It made me want to cry--
though out of sadness or happiness, I'm not sure. I think it was a mixture
of both. When you played, I could almost feel what Debussy had been feeling
when he wrote the piece. I never realized it was so sad.
At this, Shinzui smiled. Well,
that is not entirely correct, Michiru-san. The piece of music that you heard
me play was not Debussy's Claire de Lune any longer. It was
my Claire de Lune... the one that I felt in my heart when I
considered the song and how it made me feel. I took a piece of music, written
by someone else a hundred years ago, and made it my own. Then, I shared those
feelings with all of you by putting them into the violin.
Shinzui handed the instrument
back to Michiru. Now, Michiru-san, she said, I want you
to play the song again. I don't want you to think about what the song
meant to me, or even what you think it might have meant to Debussy. I want
you to look inside yourself and find out what it means to you. Then, I want
you to give those feelings to the rest of us.
Michiru nodded, and accepted her
violin again. Taking a deep breath, she considered the piece for a moment
in her mind first. Then she smiled, and lifted her instrument. The same song
again, but Michiru was a fast learner. The melody took on an entirely different
feel as she played it, and Haruka found herself smiling this time as her
beloved friend filled the room with a new set of emotions. When the exerpt
from the composition was finished, Michiru looked up to find Shinzui smiling,
her clouded eyes shining softly.
That was excellent, Michiru-san.
You did indeed make the song your own. Shinzui turned to her class.
So tell me, anyone. What did you feel this time?"
A dance. Haruka's
low, rich voice sounded unexpectedly from the left, and Shinzui turned towards
it. Michiru's green-blue eyes met Haruka's deep azure ones, as
the tomboyish blond watched her friend intently. It was a song of romance,
like a waltz with the one you lo
Other students in the classroom
murmured their agreement, and Michiru nodded, her expression mildly surprised.
That's true. That has always been what Debussy's song makes
me think of. But I've never told Haruka that. So she really did
get it from the music. That's... incredible! Her gaze was still locked
to that of her friend's, and Haruka, realizing the intensity of the
moment, winked at her flirtatiously. That brought Michiru around, and she
sighed and rolled her eyes at her friend. It was a rare occasion, after all
this time watching Haruka flirt mischievously with other girls, that Michiru
could be made to blush when that teasing was turned upon her.
Shinzui smiled. I, too,
felt like I was at a dance. I was informed correctly when they said you were
a quick study, Michiru-san. I think I am going to enjoy having you in my
class. She then turned to her other students. And that goes for
the rest of you as well. Please remember that I can show you where to find
the music in your hearts; but it's up to you to have the courage to
bring it out. Shinzui smiled. That's all the time we have
for today. Since I am only a high-school student, I'm afraid I don't
have office hours. There were a few chuckles from her students.
Still, if any of you need to speak with me, I work as a volunteer in
the evenings at the Banpuku youth center on Eighth Street. I'll be happy
to help you then... but you may get recruited into a few games of basketball
before you leave. More chuckles. All right then. I'll see
all of you again Thursday. Have a nice week.
Michiru made her way against the
flow of student traffic back to where Haruka was waiting for her, and picked
up her bag.
she inquired of
her friend as they joined the others who were shuffling towards the door.
Haruka cocked an eyebrow.
she repeated.
So, how do you feel about
her now?
The tall blond shook her head.
I don't know, she responded frankly. I just can't
shake this feeling of dislike for her. But when she was playing that
song... Her eyes darkened. I don't understand how I could
be suspicious of anyone who can make music be felt like that.
Do you still want to talk
to her? Michiru wanted to know.
Yes, but... Haruka's
gaze drifted over the front of the classroom, where Shinzui was nowhere to
be seen. I think she's left already. We may have to take her up
on her offer and visit her at the youth center.
Michiru nodded. All
right.
By the way, Haruka
added. That was the best I've ever heard you play. You did very
well. She touched her friend's shoulder and smiled tenderly at
her.
Michiru glanced at her out of
the corner of her eye with a half smile. The compliment is appreciated,
Haruka. But it isn't going to work.
What isn't? Haruka
inquired innocently.
I've known you too
long, my friend. You can't fluster me like you do other girls.
A grin crept across Haruka's
face. Guess that means I'll just have to keep trying,
huh?
Michiru shook her head, her teal
curls bouncing, and rolled her eyes again. But she accepted Haruka's
offered arm anyway, and allowed her friend to escort her out of the
university.
"Haruka-chan! Michiru-chan!"
The two girls turned to see
Tsukino Usagi and Chibiusa hailing them from across the street. Haruka smiled
to herself.
"Looks like we're going to
have company," she murmured to Michiru under her breath. Her friend nodded
slightly, and greeted Usagi and Chibiusa with a smile as the two girls crossed
the intersection. She didn't have time to even say hello, however, because
both dumpling haired senshi began peppering them with questions before they
even reached them.
"We haven't seen you guys
in forever," Chibiusa complained. "Where have you been?"
"What are you up to? Are
you going someplace?" Usagi wanted to know.
"Can we come?" Chibiusa added
enthusiastically, not even waiting for an answer.
Haruka held up a hand to
quiet them. "Hold on, there, odango atama. We can only answer one
question at a time."
Michiru smiled at the
pink-ponytailed little girl. "We saw you just two days ago, Chibiusa. Don't
you remember?"
Chibiusa stuck out her lower
lip. "Well, two days sure feels like forever to me."
Michiru patted her head
affectionately. "We're on our way to the Banpuku youth center to see your
piano tutor, Shinzui-san." She winked at Haruka before asking, "Would you
like to come with us?"
Chibiusa's russet eyes widened.
"Of course!" she answered. "I've never been there before, but I hear they
have a swimming pool, and indoor tennis, and everything. Can we play
some games?"
"I want to come too," Usagi
jumped in. "Please?"
Haruka grinned at her. "Sure,"
she agreed. "But we have something to take care of with the music teacher
first." She and Michiru exchanged a meaningful glance.
"Hooray!!" Usagi and Chibiusa
cheered, both jumping up and down.
"Bet I get there first!" Chibiusa
challenged her future mother, taking off down the street.
"Oh, no you don't... Hey,
that's cheating. Chibiusa, wait for me!" Usagi chased after her, leaving
the amused Haruka and Michiru to follow along behind, shaking their
heads.
In the deserted field on the outskirts
of Tokyo, ominous laughter echoed over the empty plain. The black stone monument
that emerged from the dry grass like a blemish was pulsing again with negative
power. Above it, the very fabric of space itself seemed to have been ripped
open, and the darkness that lurked on the other side of this hole in the
air was forbiddingly cold and all-consuming.
The edges of the tear glistened
with a wet, oily substance, and in a few minutes this greasy liquid had collected
at the bottommost corner of the jagged hole and dripped down onto the surface
of the ornate, rectangular monument. As soon as the drop of black goo made
contact with the smooth stone, it began to swell and take shape. The creature
that formed was another jaki, as hideous as its predecessors. It owned three
long, wicked tails, each one barbed with some very nasty looking spikes at
the tip.
The jaki grinned, exposing
its yellowed fangs, and addressed some entity on the other side of the spatial
distortion. Where I should go, Lord Narcissus? it hissed.
The voice that responded
would have sent shivers down the back of a wolverine. It does not matter,
my jaki. Just find as many of those pitiful humans as you can and drain their
blood, until you find the Bearer. The Dagger will be in our hands this
time.
The monster hissed its
understanding and made as if to leave, but the bloodchilling voice stopped
it. The others before you were unsuccessful because they underestimated
the abilities of those loathsome Sailor Scouts. See that you do not repeat
their mistake.
The jaki's eyes glowed
green as it made another noise like a spitting cat. Leaping from the top
of the seven foot monument, it rolled into a small black ball that struck
the ground and bounced, and bounced again, and bounced a third time. Then
it soared into the air, making a perfect arc toward the city skyline.
Chibiusa reached the doors of the
Banpuku Center a split second before her future mother did, and flung them
open. I won! she announced gleefully as she entered the
building.
Oh, no you
didn't, Usagi responded, because you cheated and...
her voice trailed off as she, too, entered the center and got her first look
around. Her eyes widened with delight.
On the left was a row of
windows looking into the swimming pool area. Usagi and Chibiusa could see
kids in the pool, playing on the water slide and jumping from the diving
boards. Straight ahead there was a hallway, with signs posted directing visitors
to the indoor volleyball courts, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Another
hallway to the right designated the location of the game room and workout
rooms, as well as classrooms where local youth could take music and art lessons.
There was a map of the layout of the center hanging on the wall next to them,
showing where the outdoor facilities such as the soccer field and private
park were. And there was even a library where students could study and get
help from volunteer tutors.
both Chibiusa
and Usagi breathed as they gazed around them.
Haruka and Michiru followed
them in a moment later. Michiru went to the information desk right away.
Can you tell me where we could
find Giseino Shinzui? she inquired of the boy behind the counter.
Shinzui-chan? Sure.
Everybody here knows her. The boy grinned from ear to ear and pointed
down the right hallway. She's down there, in one of the art
classrooms, with her Banpuku friend.
Her Banpuku friend?
What's that? Usagi wanted to know.
The boy looked over at her
in surprise. Banpuku Friends is a mentoring program sponsored by the
Banpuku Center. Shinzui-chan is one of the founders of the program, and
she's been a part of it for as long as any of us can remember. It's
one of the most popular programs we offer here.
Michiru nodded, and turned
back to her friends. Why don't you two go take a look around.
Haruka and I will go talk to Shinzui-san, and meet you later.
I wanna go swimming!
Chibiusa demanded, turning to Usagi.
All right, but then
we have to go to the game room and play some of their arcade games.
Usagi decided. Chibiusa grinned and seized Usagi's hand. The two girls
took off down the hallway ahead of them towards the pool locker rooms.
Michiru looked at Haruka,
who was trying not to grin at their friends' childlike excitement.
Are you ready, Haruka? she asked her.
Haruka instantly became serious.
The pair headed down the hallway
the boy had indicated, following the signs to the art classrooms. They passed
two of them, but looking through the window of the third, Michiru saw
Shinzui.
She's here,
Haruka.
The blond tomboy peered through
the glass. At the sight of the pretty blind woman, who was absorbed in completing
a puzzle with a little redheaded boy, her jaw again clenched involuntarily.
Determinedly she ignored it and opened the door.
Shinzui looked up as the door
opened and two people walked through it. Her face lit up. Haruka-san!
Michiru-san! I'm glad you came.
A frown crossed Haruka's
brow. How did you know it was us? she asked, then flinched inwardly.
Her tone was much harsher than she'd wanted it to be. She felt
Michiru's concerned gaze on her, but had no time to respond as Shinzui
giggled in that airy, tinkling way.
It has to be you two.
No one else has footsteps like yours. One set light and delicate, as though
she were floating. One set firm and aggressive, almost like a man's
except it isn't heavy enough. To me, a footstep is as good as a
fingerprint.
Michiru smiled.
That's amazing.
The redheaded boy next to
Shinzui looked up from the puzzle piece in his hand. Shinzui-chan is
amazing, he interjected proudly. She can do anything.
Shinzui smiled fondly in
the direction of the child's voice. Haruka-san, Michiru-san, this
is my young friend Takuma.
Before either of them could
greet him, the child had risen to his feet. With surprise, Haruka noticed
the boy's half-closed, unfocused eyes. Takuma was also blind. But it
didn't seem to matter to him as he made the customary bow. Nice
to meet you, Takuma said. I'll bet you're
Shinzui-chan's students, right? Isn't she the best teacher in the
world?
Michiru nodded. She
is a very gifted musician, and a good teacher.
Takuma grinned with satisfaction,
and turned back to his mentor. Told you, he exulted proudly.
Everybody likes you.
A touch of a smile curved
the blind woman's lips, but she shook her head. Not everyone,
she responded sweetly. Haruka again got the strangest feeling that the comment
had been directed at her, and she felt uncomfortable. She still couldn't
shake the feeling of repulsion that lingered whenever Shinzui was near her.
Michiru noticed the tension
in her friend, and decided that it was the right time to bring up the purpose
of their visit. Actually, Shinzui-san, there was something that Haruka
wanted to say to you. She looked at her tall partner expectantly.
For a moment, Haruka's
face remained hard, and Michiru wondered if she was going to apologize after
all. She looked more like she wanted to walk out. But Michiru knew her friend
better than Haruka knew herself, and she just waited patiently for what seemed
like a full minute of uncomfortable silence. Finally, Haruka spoke, her voice
even lower than usual as she forced the words out from a heart that didn't
want to mean them.
I've... been rude
to you. I apologize. Even her apology came out brusque and angry-sounding.
As if she's really going to think that was sincere, Haruka thought
to herself in frustration.
But the half-closed eyes
flew wide at that statement, so that for the first time they could see her
eyes were a pretty soft grey color, unfocused as they were. Shinzui gasped
slightly in surprise. Oh... I... She stammered for a moment.
I never expected... that is... Then she was able to recover herself.
That is quite all right, Haruka-san. Please don't feel badly about
it. And... thank you. For apologizing. I know how hard that must have
been.
Haruka frowned slightly at
Shinzui's tone. She couldn't possibly really know how much I did
not want to say that to her... But she sounded so genuine, I could almost
believe that she does understand. She shook her head. The feelings of disgust
were still with her, and she could not overcome them, even with her own
formidable willpower. But she tried to smile, anyway. You're...
welcome.
Takuma reached out and took
Haruka's hand eagerly. Want to help us with the puzzle?
Michiru looked down curiously.
How do the two of you manage to put a puzzle together if... Her
question trailed away as she realized that it was rather a rude thing to
ask.
Takuma wasn't offended
at all. Like this, he responded exitedly, putting the puzzle
piece into a reluctant Haruka's hand. You feel the edges of it,
see? And you make a picture of the piece in your mind. Then you feel the
other pieces, until you find one that seems like it might fit. And you put
the puzzle together. Go on, try it.
Haruka rubbed the puzzle piece
uncertainly. I don't think I can do it that way, she admitted
to the child with a bit of a laugh. Then she looked at the piece, and the
partially completed puzzle. Finding the right spot she put the piece where
it belonged. I'm afraid I have to cheat and use my eyes.
Takuma grinned at her. It
was hard for me, too, at first, he confessed merrily. But
Shinzui-chan helped me learn, and I can do it now.
Shinzui smiled and ruffled
the boy's hair. He's a smart kid, she said proudly.
He didn't really need much teaching.
Takuma turned to his mentor
and gave her a big hug. I have the best teacher in the whole world,
he asserted. Shinzui hugged him back with a hint of a smile.
Michiru watched the tender
moment and she couldn't help smiling too. But all of a sudden,
Shinzui's head snapped up, and a look of alarm appeared on her face.
Michiru frowned and was about to ask her what was wrong when an instant later
the communicator on Haruka's arm went off. Haruka and Michiru looked
at each other.
I'm sorry, we
have to go, Michiru said to Shinzui and the boy. We have... some
friends we need to see. It was nice talking with you.
The two senshi sprinted out
the door, not waiting for a response. They ran down the hall, Haruka consulting
her communicator as they went. Odango-- I mean, Sailor Moon.
What is it?
Haruka, Michiru...
there's a jaki in the game room, draining the kids! And... it's
got Chibiusa! The Sailor Scout's leader sounded close to tears.
You have to get over here fast!
We're on our
way, Michiru promised, and Haruka switched the communicator off.
They pulled out their pens
simultaneously. A few moments later, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune arrived
at the game room, only to be attacked unexpectedly by three long, spiked
tails that knocked them against the wall and left a cut on Sailor Uranus'
cheek.
Damn! Where did that
come from! Sailor Uranus growled, rising to her feet.
Uranus! Neptune! That
thing's got Chibiusa! Sailor Moon wailed.
Sailor Neptune looked up
as the creature headed down the hall, and she could see that a terrified
Chibiusa was indeed being carried along in the jaki's arms.
Come on, Sailor Moon.
We have to stop it!
Sailor Moon seemed to snap
out of it then, and nodded at Neptune. All three Scouts chased the monster,
as it headed for the entrance. Reaching the main lobby just in time, they
watched the jaki duck into the next hallway, headed straight for the classrooms.
The Scouts pursued it. Suddenly they stopped short as the creature turned
around and flashed them a wicked grin. He dropped Chibiusa's lifeless
body on the floor, and they could see the fang marks on her arm.
Sailor Moon cried.
But there was no time to
go to the unconcious child, because the jaki caught a glimpse of another
human through the window in the door to the art classroom.
Human juice! it
hissed, and thrashed its spiked tails at the door, which immediately splintered.
Ignoring the damage, the monster strode through the opening and headed straight
for the redheaded boy that it had spied.
That's Takuma!
Sailor Neptune exclaimed, running into the room. She dodged around the jaki
and put herself between the monster and the blind child. You're
not getting to him, she told the creature. Deep
Submerge!
The jaki snarled as the power
of the watery attack knocked him backwards. Sailor Neptune snatched Takuma
in her arms, and dodged as the monster opened his mouth and sent a stream
of black energy at them. But, though she got out of the way, the blast of
power struck the shiny metal surface of the supplies cabinet behind them
and was able to reflect itself back at Neptune and the boy. Sailor Neptune
was not able to dodge in time, and the power hit both of them, sending them
crashing to the floor, paralyzed with pain.
Sailor
Uranus bellowed, leaping into the room to confront the creature herself.
Her eyes blazing with fury, she raised her arm. World Shaking!
Again, the power of her attack
was enough to knock the monster backwards a few steps, but it quickly recovered,
and opened its mouth to send another dark bolt at Sailor Uranus.
The
musical voice seemed to fill the whole room, and both Uranus and the jaki
froze in their tracks. Sailor Uranus looked towards the door.
I've just about
had it with you, jaki. Attacking children! Don't you know that the laughter
of a child is the sweetest music of all? Sailor Orion stood in the
doorframe, over the unconcious form of Chibiusa and Sailor Moon, who was
bent over her future daughter anxiously. Her silvery eyes glittered dangerously.
I am Sailor Orion, and with the melody of Orion I will protect the
music of a child's heart from being silenced by a monster like you.
From behind her rose the Orion Music Sphere, glowing and humming sweetly.
The peach and black clad senshi's gaze flickered down behind her to
Sailor Moon's tear-streaked face. But... I think this time I am
going to let our Princess do the honors.
Sailor Moon looked up in
surprise, but then she nodded, realizing that Sailor Orion was offering her
the chance to avenge the pain inflicted on her future daughter. Her face
grew hard as she rose to her feet and pulled out her Moon Spiral Heart Rod.
Deliberately she approached the jaki until she could look it in the eyes.
Without saying a word, she raised the Rod above her head and began to spin
as the Rod powered up. Moon Healing Activation! she cried as
the Rod came down to focus its energy towards the three-tailed monster.
The jaki looked as if it
wanted to dodge out of the way, but it was frozen in place by the spectacular
power that streamed towards it and enveloped it in cleansing waves. With
an angry scream, the jaki seemed to melt, until only a small pool of black,
sticky liquid was left. This quickly absorbed into the floor and
disappeared.
With a nod of satisfaction,
Sailor Moon turned back to find that Sailor Orion had gone to be with the
paralyzed Sailor Neptune and Takuma. Cradling the towheaded child in her
lap, Sailor Orion summoned the power of her Sphere.
Heavenly Symphony,
she sang softly, and the glass orb began to glow as it filled the room with
its healing, restorative powers. As the melody swelled, the fair-haired Sailor
Senshi began to sing with the music:
All of my life I've felt dullness inside
Like my heart was a simple black hole
An undecorated,unconsecrated,undemonstrated half-soul
A blank sheet of paper; A match saved for later
A water glass only half full
Days flow with whispers like misty gray shadows
No peacefulness, no wrong, no right
Cold verification, No explanation
Intoxication with night
The darkness can hide me The drabness will find me
This dullness I feel is all right
But I see you
And you're glittering, glittering, glittering
Trillions of stars
They're all glittering, glittering now
Red and yellow sparkles; Blue and green explosions
Everywhere I look the color's bursting all around
You make me feel
Like I'm glittering, glittering, glittering
Deep in my heart
I feel a glittering, glittering now
And I am like a diamond; I can catch the sunlight
Symphonies of glory lift my feet right off the ground
Never before have I known such emotion
You've introduced me to your world
Exploding sensation, Sweetness, vibration
Total elation unfurled
The energies thrill me, The fireworks chill me
I love watching joyfulness swirl
Everyone, look!
See? I'm glittering, glittering, glittering
You set me free
You've got me glittering, glittering now
I can be a princess; I can be a hero
Everything I dream of lies just waiting to be found
Just come to me
Watch me glittering, glittering, glittering
And feel the beat
You'll start glittering, glittering now
Love creates the glimmer; Makes the moonlight shimmer
Come and dance with starlight and we'll turn the world around
And we're glittering, glittering, glittering...
As the last strains of music faded
away, Sailor Orion greeted the now revived child in her lap with a sweet
smile. Takuma's clouded eyes blinked a few times.
Who are you?
he wanted to know.
A friend, Takuma-chan.
My name is Sailor Orion.
The little boy stretched
out his fingers to touch her face, and ran them over her features lightly.
His face lit up with recognition. That's not your only name,
he grinned at her.
Sailor Orion smiled back,
but took his finger and put it to his lips. Shhh. That has to be our
secret, she admonished gently.
Takuma nodded in response,
but his grin got even wider. Told you you were special, didn't
I? He rose to his feet. I'd better get home. My mom will
worry. Picking up his small white cane near the door, he left the room,
confidently tap-tapping his way to the exit.
Sailor Moon!
Sailor Moon turned to see the little pink haired girl standing in the doorway
with her hands on her hips. You are supposed to be looking out for
me! I could have been killed by that thing, and then my mommy would have
been mad at you!
Chibiusa's frown turned
into a look of surprise as Sailor Moon rushed over to her and picked her
up in her arms, holding her close. She buried her face in the pink cloud
of her future child's hair. Oh, Chibiusa-chan, I'm so sorry.
Are you all right?"
Well... yeah,
the child responded. But she couldn't resist adding, No thanks
to you.
You mustn't say
that, Small One. Sailor Moon and Chibiusa both looked up to see Sailor
Orion gazing at them. The willowy soldier's eyes went from one to the
other. I know the Princess. She would give her life to protect those
she loves. Princess Serenity may not be your mother yet, and she may not
yet possess all the qualities that you expect from her; but her soul is the
same, and she loves you just as much as your mother in the future
does.
Chibiusa looked up at Sailor
Moon's face, and for the first time noticed the tearstains on her cheeks
and the brightness of her eyes. Her own then filled with tears. I'm
sorry, Usagi, she whispered, and hugged her.
Sailor Orion smiled at them.
Respect each other. Love each other. You're family. Her
eyes suddenly got very sad. Please don't take that for granted.
Without another word, the tall Sailor Scout pressed the peach stone on her
bracelet and shimmered into thin air.
Usagi's form shimmered
as she detransformed, still embracing Chibiusa. Then she set the little girl
down and offered her her hand. Come on, Chibiusa. Let's go
home.
Haruka and Michiru detransformed
in the empty classroom , then looked at each other and smiled.
Think it will last?
Michiru wondered as they watched their friends leave.
Haruka shook her head. Not
this time. A grin spread over her face, which had been healed so not
even a trace of the cut she had recieved from the jaki's tails.
But... someday... it will.
The girls smiled at each other again,
then Michiru took Haruka's arm and they left the youth center, heading
for home.
Back
to Part
Two
On to Part
Four
Back
to the
Library
Back
to the Refuge