It's been a while, ne? ENJOY!! R & R please! And as always, I do not own Sailor Moon.
Falling Stars
Chapter 14
Jerrid was briskly making his way throughout the shelter, careful to make sure that the other occupants were prepared for anything. Arms tensed at his sides, and amber eyes to the floor, he allowed his mind to wander despite the current situation. He could still feel the force of the door ringing throughout his arm as he slammed it shut on Hinotama and her ridiculous mood swing. His thoughts, still reeling, replayed over and over the furious scene that had occurred moments before as he continued his tirade throughout the halls. What had been happening to him? To her? His beloved...she was so consumed with hate that she was losing sight of the mission before them. But how could he blame her? The demonic forces had stolen away everything and anything she'd ever loved. How funny that he still remained alive in spite of that...
Did he really mean that little to her? Of course he did. He was just another lackey to her, an underling that leapt at her every whim. Princess and celestial guardian or not, he loved her. Jerrid wasn't sure how to prove it her anymore, after all, she was so far gone. Usagi's condition had torn her off of a stable track entirely and callously tossed her to the side. And it was now, at the worst possible point, that Hinotama was beginning to endure the effects.
Usagi. He realized then how much they were alike--how fiery and devoted to those they loved. Mind spinning, Jerrid's amber eyes took in little of what lay before him. Without even seeing his body seemed to direct itself throughout the weaving passages and corridors, knowing them like he knew himself. Though these days, that had become surprisingly little...
His determined pace, however, immediately halted as he came to the clinic and could see her quiet body lying upon the cot. Jerrid shook his head and let it hang, shameful to think he could even look upon such a beautiful creature without feeling guilty. 'Usagi-san. Hino's dear sister is suffering for our world's endeavors. Our world does not deserve redemption. We've failed.' Regarding the unconscious young woman with a silent bow from the hallway, Jerrid then quickly took his leave. He loved Usagi like a sister, but Hinotama was his soul. But for now, he'd have to settle for the nothingness she'd once again bestowed upon him.
Now, he would have to prepare both mentally and physically before engaging in this war. For this would be his last.
*~*~*
As she raced breathlessly towards the surface door of the refuge, Hinotama's legs pounded against the cold, earthen floor. Her heart beat furiously in her ears, echoing throughout her body and blurring her thoughts. "I promise I'll end this," she concluded under her breath, locks flying behind her. Still the incessant beating of up her footsteps upon the ground echoed, numbing her. There could only be one outcome now.
She would allow her heart to guide her to source of darkness, and there she would inflict its demise. At this point, there was little--in fact--no room for error. It was either her death...or theirs. Her thoughts soon wandered to Usagi...Jerrid. Was she pushing them away again? Is that why she lost everyone, because she didn't want anyone else to experience the same pain that she had? And in the end, she was always left alone. Kei would have scolded her then, and Hinotama realized this with an almost pleasant smile on her face. He'd always said she was so stubborn, sometimes too much even for her own good.
"Hino-san! Get back here!" Cody's voice suddenly called out to her. Her solitary steps were now joined by his, thumping in unison. She shot a quick glance over her shoulder, taking in his bright eyes and clean cut blonde hair.
"Cody, I have to do this. I don't have a choice!" Hinotama shouted back, forcing her pace to increase. Somehow he'd caught wind of her imminent escape and decided that if Jerrid wouldn't, he'd prevent her from going alone. In her mind, however, she would have to keep anyone from following her. She would do this alone.
"You can't do this without Usagi!" he finalized and out of no where, his firm hands latched around her waist and he ripped her to the ground with him. "I'm not going to let you embark on this suicide mission! Have you lost your mind?" Hinotama looked up at him in a daze, head spinning as she registered how quickly his assault had occurred.
"Cody, I'm not asking," she growled through clenched teeth, trying to force him away. The young man, however, held a strong advantage over her, keeping her steadily pinned to the floor.
"And I'm not waiting for orders. Hinotama, you've gone crazy. You drag your sister into this and then you decide to take on an entire army of hell on your own? Wasn't her purpose here for the two of you to complete this as a team? You're turning her desire and obligation to help into a pitiful attempt at suicide! Hino-san! Don't take away from her what you've been trying to get back for us...life."
The brunette's jaw dropped, frozen as she continued to support Cody's weight. Usagi....
"I would never hurt her, I would never hurt anyone I love."
"But you have. Jerrid has felt your anger one time too many. You're forcing us away because you're focused on this kamikaze hell mission. I lost the woman I loved...and she's never coming back. Don't make the same mistake, Hinotama! Trust us and let us help you! Let us help!" Cody shouted.
"She can't fight! Usagi will die if she engages in battle! It's my fault she's the way she is..." she shouted, her blue-green eyes wild beneath the dim lamplight.
"Hinotama, Jerrid loves you. He's been by your side since the day Kei and the others died. And he has never once tried to silence your fits of anger, to dismiss your pain, or to force away your needs. He loves you with everything inside of him. And each day...you further pride yourself on stealing away his very dignity! You've made him a shell of a man and nothing he does is ever good enough for you!"
"Ugh!" Hinotama raged at this, and with an unbelievably forceful push, knocked Cody off of her and into the nearby wall. He winced harshly and slid down to the floor, half-glaring at her as he tried to clear his dizzy head. Kicking her legs up into the air, Hinotama flipped back up onto her feet and took off in a dead run. "Usagi can't fight, and I won't let her suffer my fate. Neither Jerrid nor anyone else can stop this!"
*~*~*
Her eyes fluttered open like butterflies' wings, and the sharp light infiltrated her senses all too suddenly. The clatter of alarmed and fleeing people entered her ears, clouding her thoughts. The evacuation was nearly on it's way as Usagi regained consciousness and struggling to sit up, she realized once again where she was. The room itself was dark and dank, but the hallways outside were alive with a sort of perilous flight, terrified and energized by fear. Something had happened.
But Hinotama was no where to be found.
Her sister would have been the first to notify her in case of such an event, and without any doubt would have proceeded in sending her to a safe haven. Hinotama, however, could not be seen racing throughout the halls, busily called out commands and warnings. She was gone and this Usagi knew.
"Hinotama..." she murmured groggily. "Where are you?" Literal waves of blonde hair draped over her shoulders and arms, slipping over the edge of the cot. "I have to find her...she's gone out alone. Oh, Hino, you're such a fool." The constant bleeping of the surrounding monitors suddenly ceased as Usagi proceeded, wincing, in removing them from her body. She would no longer need these. Within moments, she invested all of her strength in removing herself from that forsaken bed, unsteady and dizzy as she clambered to her feet. Her cerulean eyes had by now adjusted, and quickly caught onto Jerrid's retreating form.
"Usagi-san?" his voice, full of concern came as soon as his gaze fell onto her. His strong form rushed into the room and quickly placed his arms around her as a means of support. "What are you doing up? It's not safe!"
"Nothing is safe as long as my sister has gone crazy...she can't take them on alone you know," Usagi snapped, somehow knowing what Jerrid did not. She glanced up at him and this quickly registered as she recognized that same petrified glint enter his eyes as it had when Hinotama knocked at death's door those weeks ago. "Hino-chan is gone. She went to stop them by herself."
"Usagi, you were dreaming! Hinotama-san has done no such thing," he replied slowly, searching his beloved's sister's eyes for assurance. Instead, he received a negative answer.
"No, I know her. I can feel it. Stop wasting time and help me find her!" Usagi shouted, pushing away Jerrid's arms. "If you won't listen, I'll do this on my own!" Jerrid stood motionless for a moment, his amber eyes filled with pain, concern, and terror all at once.
"How do you know?" he stammered, his midnight hair falling into his eyes. Hastily, he brushed it away and awaited Usa's answer. But for the moment, she stood silently, her head tilted to one side as if she were trying to listen, catch the smallest decibel of sound that had managed to elude her knowledge. Her long blonde hair rippled down her back, dancing around her waist as she remained in such a stance. Suddenly, she stood fully erect, eyes ablaze.
"My gift..."
"Huh?"
"We're connected. I know where she's going. I can't wait for the rest of you to prepare--I have to go now!" Usagi exclaimed, her eyes wide, staring out into space. Jerrid's arms shot out to prevent her escape, but nevertheless her agility prevailed. Leaping over the now fallen male, Usagi tore down the hallway, clumsily if anything, and desperately sought out the arsenal chambers.
"Usagi-san!" she could hear Jerrid shouting after her as she scrambled to his feet. Even in her state, she manged to reach the area and even in her blood-soiled street clothing, she fully armed herself. "Silver Crystal, light of hope where none exists. Help me find her...take me to her." A fully loaded hand gun hidden in her back pocket, a large blade slid into her boot, and several other weapons slung into her beltloops, the blonde threw her hair back into a messy ponytail. She paused for a moment as a wave of nausea passed over her, rendering her still until Jerrid entered the room, his eyes wild.
"I can't let you run out there and get yourself killed! I don't know what's wrong with her, but if anything happened to you...who know's how she'd take it. You're not leaving this base," Jerrid commanded, his voice gruff and authoritative. '
"If she dies, this world goes with her--all of you will! And I refuse to allow my world to suffer the same fate--sisters or not. I may hate my duties, the stress its imposed upon me, and all of the happiness I've left behind by accepting it. They say ignorance is bliss--they were right. But for every moment that I deny who I am and what I was meant to be...another person will die. In light of everything, I won't let anyone else suffer the pain I have. And Hino-chan has tried just the same to prevent you from feeling that same pain. Don't turn her efforts into a false attempt," the blonde justified, steadying herself against the doorframe. She couldn't lose her resolve now...even if she was still ill.
"You nearly died...you took a blast that should have killed you. Don't tempt Fate," he exclaimed, latching his hands onto her shoulders, his expression fierce.
"I've always been Fate's puppet..." Usagi answered quietly, staring him in the eyes. The effect her gaze had upon him was immense, and he was stricken with both fear and pain all at once. The weight of the world--the souls of those loved and lost--all in those eyes.. Seeing his faltering concentration, Usagi slammed her foot into the side of his knee with a shrill cry and waited only until he slumped to the floor before she raced out of the room and made her escape. "Always..."
Falling Stars
Chapter 14
Jerrid was briskly making his way throughout the shelter, careful to make sure that the other occupants were prepared for anything. Arms tensed at his sides, and amber eyes to the floor, he allowed his mind to wander despite the current situation. He could still feel the force of the door ringing throughout his arm as he slammed it shut on Hinotama and her ridiculous mood swing. His thoughts, still reeling, replayed over and over the furious scene that had occurred moments before as he continued his tirade throughout the halls. What had been happening to him? To her? His beloved...she was so consumed with hate that she was losing sight of the mission before them. But how could he blame her? The demonic forces had stolen away everything and anything she'd ever loved. How funny that he still remained alive in spite of that...
Did he really mean that little to her? Of course he did. He was just another lackey to her, an underling that leapt at her every whim. Princess and celestial guardian or not, he loved her. Jerrid wasn't sure how to prove it her anymore, after all, she was so far gone. Usagi's condition had torn her off of a stable track entirely and callously tossed her to the side. And it was now, at the worst possible point, that Hinotama was beginning to endure the effects.
Usagi. He realized then how much they were alike--how fiery and devoted to those they loved. Mind spinning, Jerrid's amber eyes took in little of what lay before him. Without even seeing his body seemed to direct itself throughout the weaving passages and corridors, knowing them like he knew himself. Though these days, that had become surprisingly little...
His determined pace, however, immediately halted as he came to the clinic and could see her quiet body lying upon the cot. Jerrid shook his head and let it hang, shameful to think he could even look upon such a beautiful creature without feeling guilty. 'Usagi-san. Hino's dear sister is suffering for our world's endeavors. Our world does not deserve redemption. We've failed.' Regarding the unconscious young woman with a silent bow from the hallway, Jerrid then quickly took his leave. He loved Usagi like a sister, but Hinotama was his soul. But for now, he'd have to settle for the nothingness she'd once again bestowed upon him.
Now, he would have to prepare both mentally and physically before engaging in this war. For this would be his last.
*~*~*
As she raced breathlessly towards the surface door of the refuge, Hinotama's legs pounded against the cold, earthen floor. Her heart beat furiously in her ears, echoing throughout her body and blurring her thoughts. "I promise I'll end this," she concluded under her breath, locks flying behind her. Still the incessant beating of up her footsteps upon the ground echoed, numbing her. There could only be one outcome now.
She would allow her heart to guide her to source of darkness, and there she would inflict its demise. At this point, there was little--in fact--no room for error. It was either her death...or theirs. Her thoughts soon wandered to Usagi...Jerrid. Was she pushing them away again? Is that why she lost everyone, because she didn't want anyone else to experience the same pain that she had? And in the end, she was always left alone. Kei would have scolded her then, and Hinotama realized this with an almost pleasant smile on her face. He'd always said she was so stubborn, sometimes too much even for her own good.
"Hino-san! Get back here!" Cody's voice suddenly called out to her. Her solitary steps were now joined by his, thumping in unison. She shot a quick glance over her shoulder, taking in his bright eyes and clean cut blonde hair.
"Cody, I have to do this. I don't have a choice!" Hinotama shouted back, forcing her pace to increase. Somehow he'd caught wind of her imminent escape and decided that if Jerrid wouldn't, he'd prevent her from going alone. In her mind, however, she would have to keep anyone from following her. She would do this alone.
"You can't do this without Usagi!" he finalized and out of no where, his firm hands latched around her waist and he ripped her to the ground with him. "I'm not going to let you embark on this suicide mission! Have you lost your mind?" Hinotama looked up at him in a daze, head spinning as she registered how quickly his assault had occurred.
"Cody, I'm not asking," she growled through clenched teeth, trying to force him away. The young man, however, held a strong advantage over her, keeping her steadily pinned to the floor.
"And I'm not waiting for orders. Hinotama, you've gone crazy. You drag your sister into this and then you decide to take on an entire army of hell on your own? Wasn't her purpose here for the two of you to complete this as a team? You're turning her desire and obligation to help into a pitiful attempt at suicide! Hino-san! Don't take away from her what you've been trying to get back for us...life."
The brunette's jaw dropped, frozen as she continued to support Cody's weight. Usagi....
"I would never hurt her, I would never hurt anyone I love."
"But you have. Jerrid has felt your anger one time too many. You're forcing us away because you're focused on this kamikaze hell mission. I lost the woman I loved...and she's never coming back. Don't make the same mistake, Hinotama! Trust us and let us help you! Let us help!" Cody shouted.
"She can't fight! Usagi will die if she engages in battle! It's my fault she's the way she is..." she shouted, her blue-green eyes wild beneath the dim lamplight.
"Hinotama, Jerrid loves you. He's been by your side since the day Kei and the others died. And he has never once tried to silence your fits of anger, to dismiss your pain, or to force away your needs. He loves you with everything inside of him. And each day...you further pride yourself on stealing away his very dignity! You've made him a shell of a man and nothing he does is ever good enough for you!"
"Ugh!" Hinotama raged at this, and with an unbelievably forceful push, knocked Cody off of her and into the nearby wall. He winced harshly and slid down to the floor, half-glaring at her as he tried to clear his dizzy head. Kicking her legs up into the air, Hinotama flipped back up onto her feet and took off in a dead run. "Usagi can't fight, and I won't let her suffer my fate. Neither Jerrid nor anyone else can stop this!"
*~*~*
Her eyes fluttered open like butterflies' wings, and the sharp light infiltrated her senses all too suddenly. The clatter of alarmed and fleeing people entered her ears, clouding her thoughts. The evacuation was nearly on it's way as Usagi regained consciousness and struggling to sit up, she realized once again where she was. The room itself was dark and dank, but the hallways outside were alive with a sort of perilous flight, terrified and energized by fear. Something had happened.
But Hinotama was no where to be found.
Her sister would have been the first to notify her in case of such an event, and without any doubt would have proceeded in sending her to a safe haven. Hinotama, however, could not be seen racing throughout the halls, busily called out commands and warnings. She was gone and this Usagi knew.
"Hinotama..." she murmured groggily. "Where are you?" Literal waves of blonde hair draped over her shoulders and arms, slipping over the edge of the cot. "I have to find her...she's gone out alone. Oh, Hino, you're such a fool." The constant bleeping of the surrounding monitors suddenly ceased as Usagi proceeded, wincing, in removing them from her body. She would no longer need these. Within moments, she invested all of her strength in removing herself from that forsaken bed, unsteady and dizzy as she clambered to her feet. Her cerulean eyes had by now adjusted, and quickly caught onto Jerrid's retreating form.
"Usagi-san?" his voice, full of concern came as soon as his gaze fell onto her. His strong form rushed into the room and quickly placed his arms around her as a means of support. "What are you doing up? It's not safe!"
"Nothing is safe as long as my sister has gone crazy...she can't take them on alone you know," Usagi snapped, somehow knowing what Jerrid did not. She glanced up at him and this quickly registered as she recognized that same petrified glint enter his eyes as it had when Hinotama knocked at death's door those weeks ago. "Hino-chan is gone. She went to stop them by herself."
"Usagi, you were dreaming! Hinotama-san has done no such thing," he replied slowly, searching his beloved's sister's eyes for assurance. Instead, he received a negative answer.
"No, I know her. I can feel it. Stop wasting time and help me find her!" Usagi shouted, pushing away Jerrid's arms. "If you won't listen, I'll do this on my own!" Jerrid stood motionless for a moment, his amber eyes filled with pain, concern, and terror all at once.
"How do you know?" he stammered, his midnight hair falling into his eyes. Hastily, he brushed it away and awaited Usa's answer. But for the moment, she stood silently, her head tilted to one side as if she were trying to listen, catch the smallest decibel of sound that had managed to elude her knowledge. Her long blonde hair rippled down her back, dancing around her waist as she remained in such a stance. Suddenly, she stood fully erect, eyes ablaze.
"My gift..."
"Huh?"
"We're connected. I know where she's going. I can't wait for the rest of you to prepare--I have to go now!" Usagi exclaimed, her eyes wide, staring out into space. Jerrid's arms shot out to prevent her escape, but nevertheless her agility prevailed. Leaping over the now fallen male, Usagi tore down the hallway, clumsily if anything, and desperately sought out the arsenal chambers.
"Usagi-san!" she could hear Jerrid shouting after her as she scrambled to his feet. Even in her state, she manged to reach the area and even in her blood-soiled street clothing, she fully armed herself. "Silver Crystal, light of hope where none exists. Help me find her...take me to her." A fully loaded hand gun hidden in her back pocket, a large blade slid into her boot, and several other weapons slung into her beltloops, the blonde threw her hair back into a messy ponytail. She paused for a moment as a wave of nausea passed over her, rendering her still until Jerrid entered the room, his eyes wild.
"I can't let you run out there and get yourself killed! I don't know what's wrong with her, but if anything happened to you...who know's how she'd take it. You're not leaving this base," Jerrid commanded, his voice gruff and authoritative. '
"If she dies, this world goes with her--all of you will! And I refuse to allow my world to suffer the same fate--sisters or not. I may hate my duties, the stress its imposed upon me, and all of the happiness I've left behind by accepting it. They say ignorance is bliss--they were right. But for every moment that I deny who I am and what I was meant to be...another person will die. In light of everything, I won't let anyone else suffer the pain I have. And Hino-chan has tried just the same to prevent you from feeling that same pain. Don't turn her efforts into a false attempt," the blonde justified, steadying herself against the doorframe. She couldn't lose her resolve now...even if she was still ill.
"You nearly died...you took a blast that should have killed you. Don't tempt Fate," he exclaimed, latching his hands onto her shoulders, his expression fierce.
"I've always been Fate's puppet..." Usagi answered quietly, staring him in the eyes. The effect her gaze had upon him was immense, and he was stricken with both fear and pain all at once. The weight of the world--the souls of those loved and lost--all in those eyes.. Seeing his faltering concentration, Usagi slammed her foot into the side of his knee with a shrill cry and waited only until he slumped to the floor before she raced out of the room and made her escape. "Always..."
