Among Friends, Part 6
Dilemmas
By Taerir

All Sailor Moon references are the property of their respective owners. Any concepts, characters, world names, plotlines, and so on not found in the Sailormoon television series or manga are the property of the author, Taerir, copyright 1999. No duplication is permitted without written permission from the author.

"WHAT?!?" Asami responded in shock. A cold feeling settled over the pit of her stomach as she watched Nuru glare at her.

Elina let out a small gasp. "Nuru..." she said softly, but the other girl didn't listen.

Nuru rolled her eyes at Asami. "Are you really all that surprised? You were never a great leader. I was always the cunning one... the smart one. I had every situation under control. But YOU were the teacher's pet."

Asami took a measuring glance over Nuru and sighed. The girl was probably right. Asami remembered her death silently, and realized what she'd tried to forget.

Sailor Taerir surveyed her surroundings, calling the rest of her team to her.

"Did you find anything?" Sailor Taerir asked, looking at her companions, for whom she had been appointed leader.

The others shook their heads, and Sailor Isis spoke aloud. "There's no one around. The place seems to be deserted already."

Sailor Taerir sighed. "Okay, we'll move on, then."

Just then, there was a rustling in the bushes, as countless enemy soldiers came out of hiding. They rushed the senshi, who prepared to attack immediately. The battle, though grueling, was going relatively easily so far.

Sailor Taerir turned to face her next opponent, a sword in her hand. As she prepared to deal her first blow, the unknown soldier lifted his face gear, revealing a familiar visage.

"Keelan?" Sailor Taerir whispered in Enyddan, momentarily confused. The soldier took her hesitation to his advantage, and Sailor Taerir never managed to get her rhythm back.

*An illusion...* Sailor Taerir thought, too late, as the enemy soldier's sword ran through her. He pulled his sword free, as if disgusted, and she fell to the ground.

Another senshi defeated Sailor Taerir's opponent a moment later. The battle was practically finished, and Sailor Ilia knelt by her fallen comrade.

Tears filled Sailor Taerir's eyes as she gazed gently at the younger senshi through the searing pain. "I'm sorry... I failed you all."

Sailor Ilia looked desperate. "No, no - It's not too late! We can get you help. You're our leader; we need you!"

Sailor Taerir smiled weakly. "It's too late for me. I should-I should have done something else. I shouldn't have hesitated. I don't deserve to be called your leader anymore. Go with my blessing, and know that my spirit is with you."

With that, Sailor Taerir died.

Asami had never been worthy in the first place.

Still held by an empty, disturbed feeling, she turned to Nuru. "Okay, so you're right. I will give up my position. It's all yours. The position requires honor, too, though; remember that. I'll see you around."

She turned and began to walk away. I'll still help... she thought, trying to calm her nerves. I just won't lead them anymore. But I will make sure they're safe.

Nuru smiled, amazed at the easy win. It had almost been too easy.

Elina stared after Asami, torn. How could she have just walked away? Asami was a Guardian, and the only one who'd had much experience in this life. Silently, Elina wondered if Nuru had already gained her memories enough to lead. This certainly didn't seem like the Sailor Isis she remembered...

Most of all, Elina simply needed time to think. She turned to Nuru apologetically. "It's getting late. I'd better get home, before someone misses me." With a friendly wave, she started toward home but ended up at the park instead, to ponder the day's events in the branches of her favorite tree.

At Rei's temple, the inner senshi debated their options, after the attack they had not been present to witness. Usagi had met with a very confused Elina long enough to find out that there had been a second attack. Elina, however, had wisely left out the argument that had occurred afterward.

"I don't like it," Rei announced. "It's like we're not supposed to be involved in this at all."

Ami nodded. "But we should help. The Gate Senshi aren't anywhere near a full team yet. They're strong, but if there's something that's targeting them..."

Makoto grimaced and shook her head. "We can't help if we don't even know when there's a battle going on."

"Don't they still have communicators?" Minako asked, confused.

"I don't think Asami-san has one, at least," Ami told them, with a shake of her head. "When she was brought back to be a Guardian form, she didn't seem to have one anymore. I don't know about Elina or any others that have been found, but they probably haven't had time to use them during the fights." She paused. "What do you think we should do, Usagi-chan?"

Usagi sat up straight suddenly, from her very comfortable position for dozing. "Nani?! I didn't eat it, I swear..." Realizing where she was, she blushed furiously.

"It would help if you would stay awake during meetings, Usagi!" Rei snapped. "We were discussing what to do about the new attacks that seem to be coming."

"We have to help Asami-san and the others. They're our friends," Usagi stated simply.

"But how?" Makoto pointed out again. "We don't seem to be able to sense the attacks, and the Gate Senshi haven't contacted us during them."

Usagi shrugged. "Ask Taerir to tell us mentally. We see her and Elina-chan around a lot, and Mamo-chan goes to school with Asami-san and Kensaku-san." She glanced at the others, a slightly beseeching look in her eyes. "Minna, we have to help. No matter what."

"I agree," Ami added.

"Alright," Makoto agreed. "We'll find a way."

Nodding in mutual agreement, the five girls agreed to help their newer friends, whatever it took.

Many thanks to both Pisces and Andromeda for help with the plot.