I do not own Sailor Moon. This story is mine, hah! Enjoy everyone and please I beg you! Review for me...please? ^.^;


Falling Stars

Chapter 8


Usagi sat up in bed late that night. She hastily threw the rough cotton sheets to the edge of the cot and huffed, pushing away errant locks of gold that invaded her blurred sight. There was no point in keeping track of the time or date anymore. After all, what were the chances she'd survive, or even succeed in rectifying the grave mistake the Dark Ones caused by invading this world? Often Usagi wondered what this world really was--or had been. Hinotama had said it was a universe parallel to her own, an exact copy except with different people. The planets, and even the resources and astronomical characteristics were identical, though perhaps labeled with alternate names. It came as little surprise to Usagi that Hinotama, too, once had her own senshi. Their purpose much resembled that of Usagi and her own, if not held a greater significance to the planet they protected. In Hinotama's world, they were revered and praised...looked upon as saints. But they were dead, and even in light of this, Usagi could relate; she having had and lost her own once before that is.

But was this place really once a beautiful home world? Such a possibility seemed impossible, seeing as how darkness was a permanent resident. The blonde had by now become accustomed to the complete darkness day in and day out. That is, if day even existed anylonger. For now, she inhabitated a comfortable, though somewhat cramped dwelling within the shelter, which was separate than Hinotama's prior location across town. It was one of the main headquarters where many in hiding met and fled to after the fall of the universe to darkness. It was seemingly primative, but served its purpose and held a variety of modern conveniences and technologies Usagi thought only to be a dream. It was composed of three, large, main rooms underground: a nursing station, an enormous living space for those in hiding, and two small offices adjascent to the living space. In additon to the obvious "nuances," a vast amount of corridors and hallways ran off from the main areas and to the surface. Their fairly lit lengths held secrets housing places possibly more advanced than what Usagi had already seen. God only knew what type of surprises lay down those corridors.

And yet, Usagi could not help but feel bitterly angry. 'I hate this god forsaken hole.' Usagi looked over at the bunk beside hers and sighed quietly. She could see Hinotama sleeping, although not too deeply, on her own cot. Her eyes were shut tight, and her face was littered with an aggravated expression. Cascading chestnut hair fell over her closed lids softly, reminding Usagi of herself. Two weeks they'd been locked up to recuperate and heal. Not necessarily locked up, but being closed in for so long was stifling. Hinotama was restless and eager to get back out and fight after the first two days. It wasn't her strong suit to be patient and quiet. In fact, she was just as outspoken and loud as her sister Usa. On the other hand, Usagi could now see why her friends back home became so irritated with her. She was just too hyper and fidgety to be held in one place for a long time. Hino was like her reflection, however, driven by a differing morale and goal.

'She is so strong, and she'll fight to the death...I was like that once. Once that is...so long ago. Was it really so long? Have I fought so long and hard only to turn my back on my friends? And this world? What is this place? I mean...my sister...a parallel universe? I thought life was complicated enough just having ChibiUsa for a future daughter and present "cousin". What a joke things have turned out to be.' The young woman's lips parted and she released an inaudible sigh. Usagi rubbed her eyes groggily and lay back onto her cot. The mattress was stiff and uncomfortable, and nevertheless shooting pains began their tirade up Usa's spine. The blonde's hair was let out and fell into her eyes and twisted beneath her back. She felt dirty, and tired, and fed-up all at once. This world was having a pretty miserable effect on the young future White Moon Queen.

"I hate this place..." she muttered bitterly as she finally flipped onto her side and bit her lip.

"So do I," Hinotama's voice rang out in reply.

*~*~*

"Myou has been gone for weeks now, and not a single trace has been brought back by our search teams!" a young man of about 22 shouted, slamming a furious fist onto the already rickety table of the shelter office. The boy beside him, whom of which was one year younger, grimaced at his act and hung his head. The aforementioned boy was Cody, a cheerful, but incredibly clever and spirited young man as well as a fighter. His wild green eyes and short blonde hair reflected his personality, as well as the skill he possessed on the battlefield.

"Jerrid, we've been searching for weeks now. Myou was like blood to me...to all of us. I know you're upset...but-

"UPSET? Do you realize just how big of a problem this is? Hinotama was close friends with her, almost like a sister. She was the last living link our Sun Princess had to what remains of our joyous past. And now Myou is gone too. All you can say is that you're sorry?!" Jerrid raged. His eyes of glowing amber were furious beneath his unruly midnight hair.

As if a cord had snapped within him, Cody bolted up out of his chair and gripped the man opposite him by the collar. "Jerrid, you know that's not why!" Cody growled, blinking his emerald eyes angrily. "I cared for Myou, with all of my heart. You know that. It's taking all I've got not to break down when I think about losing her. Hikari, all the senshi, and now my Myou...Hinotama has suffered far too much." His grip tightened for a moment then abruptly loosened, and Cody backed away from the other man. He shoved his hands into his black fatigue pants and his matching solid black tank was almost navy beneath the swinging light above. "Do you really think Hino-chan can withstand the pressure? Can you?"

"How dare you insult-

"If you call this quiet, I'd hate to sample your bedside manner," Usagi quipped from the office doorway, her blue eyes slightly cold and her blonde hair flowing behind her. "Do you think it wise to discuss Hinotama and her best friend behind closed doors? You never know who could be listening." Jerrid stood a full foot or so above Usagi, and Cody about the same. Their gazes connected and their minds wandered to her sudden entrance.

The two men exchanged glances. Usagi walked past the two and sat down, folding her arms, "She's dead isn't she?" Her voice, contrasting completely with the previous statement, was so ragged, unhappy, and fearful it was startling to both Jerrid and Cody.

Cody spoke up gently, his eyes seeming to quiver as he choked back tears, "Usagi, we did our best to search for her. But nothing has turned up and the frequency of attacks is growing with each time we patrol. There is no other answer..."

At this Usagi hung her head and glanced away. "Hinotama has lost everything. Her friends, her family, everyone she ever loved. Myou was like her last living connection to her lost life...and now she is gone too. I feel so selfish--all of my friends and family are safe at home. And all I can do is complain about this place. I didn't deserve for her to save my life..." Cody settled a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"We all make mistakes, Usagi. It isn't your fault our world is like this, but you are here and that is all that matters. We can change things, for our future."

"Cody, Hinotama isn't going to take this well. In the back of her mind, she knows the truth, but her heart is unwilling to accept it. I want to cry everytime she smiles, knowing that deep inside she is in agony. She hates this world, she hates this life, and all she can think about is avenging those who were lost, and protecting those here. Hinotama is so selfless, and so giving. How can I be called "Princess" when she is true and kind?"

"We'll find a way...there has to be a way..." Jerrid whispered. "Hino-chan is strong, and loving. You and your sister will find a way to save us all." The young woman glanced up at him and took note of the intense sparkle in his eyes at the mention of Hinotama's name. It was strange, how quickly it appeared and faded once he realized Usagi was staring.

'He cares for her deeply...but then again everyone loves and respects her. She is the true Princess, who is just and loving. I am the selfish outsider...but I can change that. Hino knows, and being my sister ensures she understands. That's all that matters. Oh, Myou, if you are truly lost, I will avenge you, not for my self validation, but for Hinotama.' Usagi sighed and closed her eyes. Jerrid suddenly felt more at ease, knowing that Usagi was a mirror of her sister and that she was trustworthy.

"Usagi-san," he spoke up. The girl's eyes immediately fluttered open as her gaze settled on the handsome man. "I would like to be the one to tell her...to tell Hino-hime about Myou. But for now, we are going to continue our searches. Go back to sleep, Moon Princess. You will need your rest for the upcoming patrols. We need to get to work with our plans and launch our attacks into action before the hell lords catch on." Jerrid and Cody offered the blonde kind smiles. Usagi nodded.

"Yes, but I don't think I'll be able to sleep, knowing that yet another person is lost at the hands of those monsters."

*~*~*

Hinotama peeked through the rusted door that led into the nurses' station clinic. She'd carefully stolen away from her bed without the nurses noticing, whom of which were quite strict when it came to bedrest. The hallway that led into the shelter and over to the offices was empty and quiet. Sensing she was alone, the brunette of flashing blue-green eyes slipped carefully out of her room and down the hall. 'I have to keep using all resources to connect with Myou. If she is alive, I can use my inner powers to contact her within the astral plains.' The pattering of her feet against the cold stone ground echoed softly. Her long black pants and black tank blended her into the shadows of the back hallways--these in actuality were numerous paths leading up to the surface. A sudden rustle to her left down another corridor caused Hinotama to jump back into a wall, slamming her wounded arm painfully against it. "Mmmm..." she tried to muffle her cry, biting her lip firmly as her eyes watered.

"Hinotama?" The brunette stepped into the light of the joining hallway and came face to face with none other than Jerrid.

"Jerrid, I-I...was just getting some air, er actually I just needed to stretch," Hinotama spoke, her voice soft and unconvincing to Jerrid. The midnight haired man of amber eyes watched her curiously.

"Don't lie to me," his voice snapped, betraying the gleeful sparkle in his eyes. It was so abrupt it forced a both surprised and hurt glint into the eyes of the Sun Princess.

"Excuse me?" Hinotama replied, rubbing her throbbing left arm gingerly as she spoke. Her long hair fell into her eyes, half concealing the guilty expression she held of being caught.

"You know what I mean, and I know what you're trying to do, Hinotama-sama," Jerrid answered, mercilessly glaring at her. The girl shifted slightly underneath his glower.

'Why is it I am fearless around anyone but him?'

"Nothing to say for once?" The girl nearly fell at his statement, bewildered at the degree of unbridled and careless insult.

"Listen, Lieutenant," Hinotama quipped seriously. "You are in command of combat dispatch, but under my advisory and orders only. I did not ask to have a lecture, nor did I expect you to undermine my authority." Her eyes were dark and her expression was cold and unlifting. Jerrid was used to this, but this time, Hinotama was not going to get her way.

"I am fully aware of my conduct. Hinotama, I cannot allow you to leave this shelter. You are too weak and injured to enter a battle in this condition. You could die this time!" The girl sighed with disgust, shooting the man a dirty smirk.

"It wouldn't be the first time." Flipping her hair, Hinotama sauntered past him and continued down the hall--that is, until a firm hand latched onto her good arm and held her in place. Almost upon immediate instinct, with her remaining strength and stability, Hinotama used her back and shoulders to flip the man over her shoulder with relative ease. Jerrid landed with an unpleasant thud upon the concrete and Hinotama merely smiled. He looked up from the floor, meanwhile on his back, and gazed at her in a daze.

"What happened?"

"I just taught you never to undermine my authority." With a smile of sheer pleasure, Hinotama continued down the hall, the clicking of her combat boots echoing as she went.



Revised as of 3/3/2002.