Author's Note: ::yawn:: Mm? Oh, yeah, I took the SAT's this morning, and as a result my brain became a useless gray blob whose sole purpose was to keep my head from imploding. However, after replaying a fav video game (FFIX) I was sufficiently restored.
Sailor Wo-taki….hell I can't remember the rest…::sweat drop:: Thank you for being such a constant supporter! To the rest of you, (who are equally fine folk, but my memory as stated before is mush,) I extend my everlasting gratitude for showing interest.
Sailor Moon looked up and shrieked. She jumped out of the way just as the pavement where she'd been turned to dust. Landing several feet away, she braced herself to attack. The youma had been getting pushy lately and attacking often. The Senshi now protected Crystal Tokyo in shifts. Why the Youma didn't head into space was anyone's guess, but at the same time they were thankful. There was no way the Senshi could protect all the colonies, Tokyo itself was a drain.
The youma shot a blast of black energy from its mouth and Sailor Moon raised her hands. She caught the blast and slowly began to slide back. With a grunt, she dug her heels in and shoved back. The attack went down into the ground, propelling Sailor Moon up. The youma had enough time to look up in surprise before her boot heel went through its face.
As it faded into nothing, Sailor Mercury came running around the corner. She saw Serena wiping off her boot in the grass and yelled, "Sailor Moon!"
She looked up. "What?!" she shouted back.
Mercury pointed down the street she'd come from. "We got ambushed! Sailors Mars and Jupiter need help!" Sailor Moon got to her feet and raced after Sailor Mercury. Sure enough, quite the raucous was taking place down the street where a light had died. As they approached, Jupiter got thrown out of the shadows and into the light.
"Jupiter!" Moon yelled. Jupiter slowly got to her feet. Sailor Moon felt tears gather, but she held them back. Her friends were always getting hurt in these bouts, it wasn't fair. She dove into the fray and caught a youma by surprise as it held Mars up by her neck. It turned and she said, "You'll pay for this!"
Ayeka woke up, her mouth clamped shut so hard it hurt. She sat bolt upright and started trembling. Putting a hand to her forehead, she wiped away the beads of sweat that had gathered there. "I can't ignore it any more," she muttered to the dark room. The dreams had gotten worse, taking on a new form. This last one had been screaming at her to do something, she knew they had to be true.
Turning on a light she went to her laptop and typed up a note for anyone who came in to look for her while she was gone. Of course it was three AM, who would be up? Ayeka slipped on some clothes and grabbed a windbreaker. It was chilly out with spring breezes. She snuck out the window and climbed over the edge of the balcony. She hung from the railing by her hands and squeezed her eyes shut. "This is going to hurt," she said, and let go.
She hit the ground and rolled. Getting to her feet she was amazed to find she hadn't broken anything. Throwing one last look up at the balcony next to hers where her parents slept, she turned and ran off into the night to find her dream.
Behind her, standing like a sentry, was Sailor Pluto. The red eyes followed Ayeka anxiously before closing off again and becoming distant. She jumped down from the tower and followed Ayeka from the rooftops. Would the girl find her dreams tonight? Pluto paused on an apartment building and shook her head. Not tonight, the time wasn't right. This was just the first step. Her eyes glowed bright red, like a demon's, and she looked up at the moonless sky. This would be the first step in the resurrection.
Sailor Mercury looked up at Sailor Moon from the ground. She hurt! The youma had left burns on her before she killed it. Now she couldn't get up to help her friend and queen. The three surviving youma were ganging up the last standing Senshi, two holding her as the third tortured her with punches and little blasts. The fourth had run off, and Mercury had no idea why.
"Stop!" shrieked a voice. Mercury looked past Sailor Moon and saw a girl with dark hair and a turquoise windbreaker running towards them.
"No…" she moaned, unable to say anything louder. She could see Sailor Moon's head rise and her posture stiffen.
"No! Run!" Moon shouted, the youma punched her hard in the chest, making her slump forward.
The girl hadn't turned, she came up to the youma and did something very unusual. For any normal person, the sight of such grisly beings would have caused a revision of one's dinner, but she just ran up and punched the thing in the head. It stumbled, but before it could recover, she was hitting it again with an expert combination of blows and kicks. Finally, there was a dull cracking noise and the youma slumped to the ground to fade away. It's neck had snapped.
She turned to face the other two, but they had dropped Sailor Moon and leapt up high above the light so she couldn't see them.
"Above you!" Mars managed to say from the base of the dead street light. Mercury let out a breath of relief, her friend was alive.
The girl looked up and braced herself. She jumped to the side and did a roundhouse kick. The two youma fell right into it, and ended up on the ground. Without giving them a chance to fight back, the stranger grabbed a knife from seemingly nowhere and cut the youmas' heads off. Their bodies faded into shadow and she ran to Sailor Moon's side. Mercury found she could move and raised herself to her hands and knees.
"Serena!" the stranger whimpered, cradling Sailor Moon in her arms. Mercury looked at Mars and they shared a nervous look. Who was this person? Was she dangerous? How did she know Serena was Sailor Moon? Then Jupiter limped over and looked down at the newcomer.
"Ayeka?" she said, her voice a whisper of disbelief. The girl looked up and Mercury could now recognize the dark hair as purple and the tearing eyes as red. Serena's good friend knew, had Serena told her? Ayeka looked back down at her friend and stroked her cheek. Slowly, Sailor Moon opened her eyes.
"Wha—? Ayeka?" she said. Ayeka smiled and wiped her tears off her cheeks. Serena sat up and looked around. "Where are the youma? What are you doing here? Wait—how do you know who I am?"
Ayeka looked at her lap. "I have these dreams, usually dark and apocalyptic ones. They stopped when I was a girl when I stopped painting them, but now they won't go away and they've turned…" She took a shaky breath. "Now I see you guys, fighting, and getting hurt, but tonight I couldn't take it anymore. So I got out of bed and came to help."
Jupiter put her hands on her hips. "That doesn't make what you did any less risky. Leave the fighting to us, normal people can't handle it."
Ayeka got to her feet and glared at the Senshi. "Oh really? Are you aware that the last two wars were ended by normal people? My father is as normal as they come! Do not tell me that normal people can't handle it because I can.!"
Up above, Sailor Pluto watched. Well, it had almost happened. What other incentive was needed? She heard a scratching noise and looked below and to her left. More youma, so that's what the lone one was running to! She braced herself and jumped down to defend her fellow Senshi and queen.
Soon, she promised herself as she blew away the first youma, soon the time would come.
~ A month or so later~
Ayeka sipped the punch and winced. There was way too much lime in this! She set the cup aside and looked around. Serenity Luna had insisted on throwing her good friend Hilde a small birthday bash. That meant live music, about two-hundred guests, and formal dress. Duo had thought it was a great joke when they had gotten their invitation. Ayeka was just happy to be back in Crystal Tokyo. After the incident with the Senshi downtown, she had been sent to spend time with her Aunt Misaki and young cousin Sasami. She loved them, but she'd missed her friends.
Now she couldn't find someone else. Serena noticed Ayeka's searching eyes and asked quietly, "Anyone in particular you're looking for? Say, someone whose name starts with an 'O'—"
Ayeka glared at Serena. "Enough! I told you, I'm going to die young and a virgin." Serena just shook her head and listened in on the conversation Ami and Rei were having with Michiru. Then someone tapped Ayeka's shoulder and she turned.
Right into someone. Ayeka stepped back hastily and blushed. Odin also turned a little red. "Hi, long time no see," she said, looking up into very blue eyes.
Odin grinned. "Same here, how have you been? I heard you went to the colony for a while."
Ayeka nodded. "To see my aunt and Sasami, Sasami is growing up into a fantastic cook! You'd never believe what that girl can do!"
Odin nodded, then brushed the comment aside and asked, "Do you know where Ami is?" Ayeka felt a little hurt that he wasn't interested, but didn't let it bother her.
She turned and pointed. "She's over there talking to Serena." Odin thanked her and went over. Ayeka shrugged and went off to find her parents.
She found them in a deep conversation with some strangers and turned right around. Eventually she made her way back to Serena and her group and noticed Odin and Ami were missing. "Where'd Ami go?" she asked.
Rei looked around. "Well, Odin said something and they wandered off, maybe to dance." Hotaru and Lana came over and took Ayeka's hands.
"Uhhh," Ayeka said as they started to drag her away. She removed herself from their grip and asked, "What's up?"
Hotaru grinned and said, "Your mother told us to come find you and bring you to her, even if we had to drag you."
"If you'd asked first you wouldn't have to drag me," Ayeka pointed out.
Lana chuckled and said, "We know, but we just wanted an excuse to drag you through the crowd." Ayeka sighed and shook her head. As she started to follow, Ami returned.
Ayeka heard the conversation faintly as she dodged guests to get to her mother. First was Serena. "Ami! Where'd you go?"
Then Ami said uneasily, "Odin just asked me out… I mean, I've known him for years, but…" Ayeka lost the rest of it. She felt her hand clench into fists and she ordered herself to relax. You don't mind, it's none of your business, just keep walking. Remember, your mother has something undoubtedly important to say.
She approached the group of chatting adults and said, "Mom?" Hilde turned and smiled. Ayeka noticed her mother's necklace as the light reflected off of it. She'd never seen it before, it was obviously old, but there was something about the droplet pattern that made her think of the diamonds as tears.
Hilde smiled and said, "Perfect timing! Come with me, it's time for the announcement!" Ayeka silently wondered what announcement it could possibly be, but obediently followed her mother as she tried to get Odin out of her head. Hilde stepped onto the platform where the orchestra sat and picked up the microphone. "May I have your attention?"
The din of the party slowly faded to a manageable level and then silence. Hilde smiled brilliantly. "Thank-you all for coming, this means a lot to me, but today I will follow the tradition set by my great to the nth power grandmother." She motioned for Ayeka to join her and stepped behind her. "Today, the Terra Jewels are yours," Hilde said, and Ayeka felt the necklace of diamonds settle on her chest.
They were cold, surprisingly so since her mother had been wearing them all evening. Then Ayeka looked up and noticed the guests were all applauding her. She looked out and recognized many of the faces present, then she saw Setsuna in the back. A sharp pain in her chest made Ayeka gasp. She managed to get down without showing any pain, but then she went to a dark hallway with all haste.
She ran down until she felt no one could see her and feel to her knees, gasping for air. What was wrong with her? Ayeka felt her stomach twist and her dinner threatened to come up. She stretched out on the cold floor and took deep breaths. Eventually the pain and nausea faded and Ayeka got to her feet. "How are you feeling, Sailor Terra?" asked a feminine voice. Ayeka turned toward the party and saw her mother and Setsuna standing just beyond the distant room's light. She started towards them, then blacked out.
Odin looked around and did his best not to sulk. Ami had said no, sending his hopes down the drain. What now? As far as he could see it, she was the only friend he had down here on Earth. His old pals lived in the colonies, that is, accept one… He looked around and noticed Ayeka was gone. Where'd she go? She'd looked rather shocked up there as her mother gave her that necklace, it had been very nice. Now he couldn't find Ayeka or her mother. He did see Serena effusively apologizing to someone who was brushing beads of punch from their tux. Odin walked over and asked, "Serena, where did Ayeka disappear off to? You'd think she would stick around."
Serena stood on her tiptoes and looked around. "I guess you're right—oh there she is!" She pointed and Odin saw Ayeka emerge from a dark hallway.
He smiled. "Thanks, Serena," he said, and he headed over.
Ayeka turned and smiled weakly as he approached. "Hi, Odin, what's changed in the past hour?"
Odin felt a pang of guilt for some reason as Ayeka smiled up at him. He shrugged. "Oh, I just got rejected. How about you?"
She waved a hand. "Oh, I just got some necklace or other." They stood in awkward silence a moment, watching the dancers on the dance floor. Then Odin got an idea.
He held out a hand and Ayeka stared up at him. "Would you like to dance?" he asked. She blinked and put her hand in his. As that song ended, another began. Odin led Ayeka out onto the floor and rested one hand on her waist and the other held hers. They slowly drifted over the marble as they'd been taught by Relena and Heero. Duo was a hopeless cause with dancing, so Hilde never had.
Ayeka smiled as memories overcame her and she asked, "Do you remember when your mother first tried to teach us how to dance?"
Odin chuckled. "Yeah, she dragged Dad in and had us mimic their steps. Then you tripped over the rug and we both fell into a crying pile on the floor. I'd forgotten that, how old were we? Four? Five?"
Ayeka smiled. "That sounds about right, and we were clumsy, too. I must admit you've improved your ballroom dancing skills." They continued on in silence, just letting themselves get immersed in the music and familiar motions. When the music faded, it was like waking up. Ayeka and Odin stopped somewhat suddenly and blinked. Ayeka stepped back and said, "Wow, I think I zoned out there."
Odin nodded. "I know what you mean, how about some punch?" They walked off the floor, but Ayeka grabbed his arm and steered him away form the punch bowl.
"I'm warning you that it tastes horrible, so lets not." The real reason was Relena was over there, and Ayeka knew Relena would try and interpret Ayeka and Odin's friendship as more than it was just like Ayeka's mother.
Her mother. Ayeka felt the cold necklace grow heavier at the thought. She'd been deliberately left in the dark, led to believe she was losing her mind with these dreams. Suddenly she wished she hadn't gotten rid of all her paintings.
"Ayeka! How nice to see you again!" Ayeka tried not to let her disappointment show as she turned to face Relena. Relena was smiling warmly and Ayeka smiled back.
"It's been a while, Mrs. Yuy," she said.
Odin looked at his mother and wondered what was up. "Is there something important you want to tell us?" he asked.
Relena looked at him in surprise. "Actually, I just wished to talk to Ayeka about something. If you would excuse us to some girl talk?" Odin rolled his eyes and walked away. Relena put an arm around Ayeka's shoulders and led her to the side and started talking in hushed tones.
Later that night, Ayeka would wonder what she'd ever done to deserve this role in life, but she decided it was all from her parents. The next morning, Serena went to Ayeka's room to ask what they were planning to do for their first day together in a month, when she saw Odin coming out with a frown on his face. At first she panicked, then reason set in and she remembered that Ayeka had goals in life. Odin saw her and came over. "Do you know where Ayeka went? Her room is empty."
Serena turned. "I guess she could've gone outside…"
Odin shook his head. "No I mean empty. All of her stuff is gone." Serena ran into the room and looked around. It was true.
Left with many questions, Serena headed down the hall and said over her shoulder, "Let's go ask my mother." They found the president in her home office, as usual, but not on the phone. Serenity looked up and smiled.
"Serena! Odin! Can I help you with something?"
Serena nodded. "Yes, where's Ayeka?"
Serenity looked down at her desk and stood. She came around the desk and embraced her daughter, much to Serena and Odin's surprise. "My dear, you probably aren't going to see Ayeka anymore. Please understand, she's the only person who can do what we've asked of her, and her chances for survival are slim, but she accepted it."
Odin stared. Serena backed away until she bumped into a chair. Her eyes were wide with horror. "You're joking, right? Oh, God, what are you talking about? No, she couldn't, no."
Serenity turned and returned to her seat behind her desk. "I'm sorry, but there was really no choice. Hilde, Setsuna, and Relena broke the news last night and she opted to leave right away." She seemed to consider a moment, then she said, "There is a chance that she will return, but I don't want to get your hopes up."
Serena sagged with relief. "Still, there's a chance…" she said quietly. Odin opened the door and let Serena leave first. He closed it behind him and started back down the hall. He went straight into Ayeka's old room and walked into the closet. When they had first come to Crystal Tokyo and gotten permanent rooms from the Luna family, he and Ayeka had played clubhouse in their closets. There was plenty of room to assemble the 'club members' which were really stuffed animals, and to set up stores of crackers and flashlights.
He took his pocket light out and closed the door. The light was weak, but that was what he wanted. It was easier to imagine Ayeka sitting beside him as they giggled conspiratorially and waited for someone to walk by their hiding place searching for them. It still smelled like her, that somewhat spicy scent.
"While you cannot see me, I can see you. Don't worry, Odin, I am alive for now, and plan to be for some time. Remember me in your dreams…old…friend…" Odin bent his head down as his light went out and he shed silent tears. She was special, Ayeka was his one constant in life, through all of the moves his family had made, and all of the schools. Ayeka, I never wanted to admit it, he thought as he pulled something out from seemingly nowhere. It was a knife, exactly like the one she'd used to kill the youma. Ayeka, my once and future wife.
Author's Note2: Wow, there goes one Saturday. Well, I hope this satisfies those appetites for the next week. See ya!