KONNICHIWA MINNA! It's me! Xaph-chan! Here for your literary pleasure! ^^;; So anyway… I didn't name this 'Saturn' because there isn't that much Saturn… I personally think it's boring… but so… to each his own! There is Saturn there, but not a lot… so well, I hope you have fun! Ja ne!
PS: I don't own Sailor Moon! ^^
A mud-covered Seiya went straight into the shower when he had returned to the apartment. The steaming water seemed to wash away not only the mud, but his cares also… well, most of them anyway. Usagi.
Usagi was still fresh on is mind, and a pain in his heart. Seiya couldn't help but miss her. And Luna seemed to make things worse by telling him that Usagi may not be with him. It hurt him inside…
"Damnit," He cursed as the hot water suddenly ran out. He stepped out of the shower quickly and wrapped himself in a towel. He walked into his room, tossing his dirty clothes into the hamper. Suddenly there came a knock at the door. Not really caring who saw him in a towel he went to the door and opened.
There stood a raven-haired young woman with wide-violet eyes, and a frightened expression.
"Oh!" She gasped, stepping back. Well, at least this time there was something covering 'down there'.
"Ah! Rei-san!" Seiya blushed red, rubbing the back of his neck as the other hand fought to hold the towel up. "Um… come in… why don't you wait here… and I can go change!"
Seiya quickly raced to his room and dressed. He wanted to know what the girl wanted. He really wasn't in the mood for some 'bonding with your colleague' time. Finally he returned to where Rei was. She sat very nervously on the couch, with her hands folded neatly in her lap.
"So what's up?" Seiya questioned.
"I…" Rei blushed suddenly as she looked into his eyes. Something inside of them made her whole body seem as if it was on fire. "I wanted to… apologize for what happened before. I didn't see anything… I mean well… uh…"
Seiya blushed, "Rei-san, it's alright. I mean… I didn't mean to frighten you or anything, but wait until someone answers the door next time, okay?"
Rei nodded. She knew he was treating her as if she was a child… but it didn't seem to bother her. In fact, there was something she liked about it. She smiled softly up at him, then rose and bowed.
"I just wanted to apologize… I-"
There came a sudden knock at the door. Seiya went to open it, there stood a blue-haired young woman with shining blue eyes. Rei quickly felt jealousy sweep over her. And exactly who was this … girl?
"Ami-san? Are you okay?" Seiya asked, placing his hands on the sounders of the smaller girl. Ami shoved a piece of paper into his face and sobbed as tears rolled down her cheeks. He took it into his hands and began to read the small print.
"'This states that after extensive investigation, we have found no evidence of any kind with the kidnapping of one, Tsukino Usagi, and we must hereby claim her to be…'" Seiya looked at the last word, tears pouring from his eyes.
"'Dead…'" He whispered. Ami sobbed and threw herself into his arms. Her best friend… dead! Gone forever!
"Seiya-san," She sobbed into his shirt, "She can't be dead! She just can't!!"
Seiya rubbed Ami's back as he whispered comforting things to her.
"Ami-san… Shhh…. Calm down," he whispered, trying to force his own tears down, "It's all right. It's going to be alright. Usagi's out there, I swear. She'd never leave us…"
Ami pulled away suddenly and yelled in anger, grabbed the paper from him and threw it on the ground. "DAMN THEM! Damn everyone of them! The police! The stupid… 'enemy'… and those blasted Sailor Senshi for not saving her! They let her get away! I hate them!"
This comment struck Seiya like a dagger. It made him feel like he'd never be able to get Usagi back. Like there was no hope left. But most of all, like he wasn't true to his duty of being Sailor Star Fighter.
Ami cried into his shoulder, pounding on his chest with her tiny fists. "I just want Usagi back!"
"Ami, it's okay… it'll be okay. She'll be back. I promise. I promise…" He held her tightly, rubbing her back comfortingly. She gasped for breaths of air as she rubbed her face into his shoulder.
"Ami… Ami, it'll be okay. Calm down… calm down," He whispered, his own tears falling into her aqua hair.
"I know…" she whispered, her sobs becoming less and less evident. Slowly she pulled away from him and looked sadly up into his eyes. "I can't stay…" She picked up the paper and folded it into her back pocket. "Mako-chan is waiting for me…" She sniffed, tears coming to her eyes again, "I just thought… you should know."
"Ami… she'll be back. Usagi will come back," Seiya said sternly. He was going to make sure that she got back.
"I know… I know… Sayonara, Seiya-san…" She forced out, then walked out of the apartment. Seiya ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair.
"Usa…" He whispered, his indigo eyes clouding over. "She's not dead," He was now speaking to himself, and Rei felt some how… as if she were eavesdropping on his private thoughts. "I'll get you back, Usagi. I promise… Yakusoku."
Rei felt … hurt in a way. What was this all about? Seiya was going to be hers! Only hers! And no one was going to tell her otherwise! She looked up at him silently.
"It'll be alright, Seiya… she'll be back before you know it. We'll get her back…" She leaned up and kissed his cheek, then bowed softly and left.
Seiya watched her go, touching his cheek. He was glad for the comfort and support she gave him, but he was anything but interested in her. He loved Usagi… he would always love Usagi, and there was no mistaking that.
Hotaru looked up at the black sky, riddled with stars. She smiled and closed her eyes as she saw a shooting star.
"Star-light, Star-bright, grant this wish I wish tonight…," she whispered, "I wish… I wish that something interesting could happen to me. Something special…" The thirteen year-old smiled as she opened her eyes and the star faded from her view.
She picked the paper she had been doodling on and studied it carefully. It was a beautiful princess… but she seemed sad. So sad… Hotaru wanted to make her look happy, but she couldn't find it within herself.
"Hm… I wonder what makes you so sad…" She placed the paper in a folder and put it away. Something told her that it was time to go to bed, because tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day.
"Who?"
"Saturn," Setsuna said. She was been back on her feet, and had been so for several days. It was time to reawaken the next Sailor Senshi.
"Saturn?" Haruka questioned, "Why?"
Setsuna looked up at Haruka, "She has powers you wouldn't believe. She is the Sailor Senshi of Destruction."
"But…" Haruka thought for a moment, "She was always the youngest one, was she not?"
Luna nodded, "Hai… but she could be the oldest of us now." Everyone seemingly agreed. Seiya merely looked up, nodded, and then looked back to the floor again.
He had been quiet for the past several days. He hadn't mentioned Usagi's 'death' and he didn't want to. The only one who knew about it was Rei, because she had been in the room with him. And she'd barely spoken since she became a senshi.
"We're going to see her this afternoon," Taiki spoke, calmly. Seiya looked up, and spoke for the first time that meeting.
"I'm not… or I can't, really…" Seiya said. Mamoru looked strangely at him.
"Where are you going?" He questioned.
Seiya looked sadly at them, his eyes graced with tears, "To Usagi's funeral."
Everyone went silent and stared at him.
"Several days ago… Ami came to me and she showed me this paper that Usagi's parents had given her. They couldn't find any trace of Usagi… and she is presumed dead." He bit his lip slightly, and looked away from their eyes.
"Oh, Seiya…" Luna whispered.
"Usagi?" Mamoru looked as though he were in a state of shock, her funeral? Usagi… dead? "I'm coming with you," he stated firmly. Seiya immediately glared at him with hatred.
"No." He stated simply and forcefully.
"No? She's my girlfriend!" Mamoru snipped losing his temper quickly.
"So? I don't want you there. She's still alive, and you know it!" Seiya hissed.
"So!? What would her parents think if I didn't show up to my own girlfriend's funeral?" Mamoru yelled back. "And you don't decide what I do and don't do anyway!"
"Your Girlfriend!?" Seiya hissed.
"Yeah!" Mamoru yelled, standing up to look more aggressive, "My girlfriend. You've got a problem with that? She loves me! Not you! Nor will she ever love you, so go to hell, Seiya."
Seiya glared at him before storming out of the apartment. Haruka stared at her friend and Rei looked worriedly at the closed door. Mamoru seemed pissed as all hell, and Setsuna and Luna were exchanging glances.
Everyone knew Mamoru had lost his temper. The little squabbles between him and Seiya were building upon one another and it was beginning to be the straw that broke the camel's back. Words of hatred for the other were exchanged, but it would always lead to Usagi. Who did she really belong to?
Seiya loved her with his whole heart, he'd been reborn to find her. Mamoru had nothing like that to his name. True, he knew there was something he felt inside him during the Silver Millennium, but he loved her now and there was no mistaking that love. So damned be anyone who got in his way, and that included Seiya.
Seiya slammed his fist on the wall. "DAMN HIM!" He sobbed, tears streaming down his face. He futilely tried to wipe away the moisture on his face. He hated Mamoru for saying those words… what if he was right? What if what everything Mamoru said was right? What if Usagi didn't love him any more? What if he was only reborn because he would need closure…
"But…" Seiya sobbed, "My children…" He looked out the window. He promised Ami he would be there… he promised.
Seiya got up and changed into something dark and formal. The sky was clouding heavily, and it seemed to mirror the feeling within him. He took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror. He felt depressed… there would be weeks before he would know if Usagi loved him. Was it worth it to wait that long?
Trying to push aside the thoughts, he put on his black blazer and walked out of the apartment. Usagi's friends needed him today.
Ami was dressed all in black as she saw his car pull up. She looked up and nudged Minako and Makoto.
"He came," She whispered as they both looked up as his stylish red car pulled into cemetery and parked. He got out and approached them.
"Hello…" He whispered.
"Hello…" They all said gravely back.
The minister came forward and cleared his throat. "Please… I would like you all to sit down…"
Mamoru squirmed in the car seat next to Haruka. He should be at Usagi's funeral, he shouldn't be reawakening this senshi. It wasn't… it wasn't right. He loved Usagi. He should be there!
Haruka looked over at him, "This is your duty, Mamoru-san. This is what you are meant to do. Let Seiya be."
Mamoru glared at her before speaking, "Haruka-san, you don't understand… I love her. I've never loved anyone like this before. I just… Argh!" He cried in frustration, "Why is it always Seiya? Why can't I love Usagi?"
"You may love Usagi-san, but that doesn't keep her to you. Maybe she loves Seiya… Maybe she loves you. Mamoru, it's her choice. And I know it will hurt if it's not you… but this is why life is worth living. To feel pain… and then the gladness that comes after." Haruka spoke with an odd, heavy sort of calmness. It made Mamoru feel more at-ease with himself and the way things were.
"Maybe you're right, Haruka-san…"
Suddenly the dark clouds burst with a billion tears as the city became soaked. Mamoru sighed deeply.
'Usako…'
Seiya didn't move as the rain fell upon him. In fact… no one moved. Everyone stood there, staring at the casket. Seiya knew there was no body inside it… but he felt as though this seemed to be a premonition of the future.
What if they didn't get Usagi back? What if all of their careful preparations failed? What if…
Seiya stepped up to the casket and everyone stared at him. He didn't care. He leaned forward and kissed the wet surface softly. In this casket lay nothing… nothing but Seiya's fears. Maybe now… it was time to bury them. Maybe now… it was time to get Usagi back.
A young girl of thirteen answered the door. She held a smile on her face that glittered endlessly.
"Hello, Haruka-san!" She smiled. Haruka nearly choked.
"Hotaru-chan?" Haruka stepped back, feeling her head reel. Setsuna looked over at the sandy haired woman.
"Haruka-san? Are you all right?" She questioned. Haruka looked as though she were going to faint.
"Setsuna! Hotaru is a child!" Haruka growled, "We can't awaken her! She-"
"She is the next senshi. She will understand," Setsuna said quickly in a no-nonsense tone.
Hotaru watched this display with intent eyes. There was something about it that she felt she was supposed to know and understand.
"Would you like to come inside?" She questioned. Haruka glared at Setsuna before excepting her offer.
They sat around Hotaru's coffee table, staring at each other. Hotaru was silent and she rose from her spot next to Haruka to pace around the living room angrily.
"No!" She stated firmly after a while. Setsuna looked at her in surprise.
"'No'? But… You have to! The world depends on you!"
"So what!? I'm a child! I can't do this! I'm thirteen, I'm supposed to be interested in boys and music, not fending the world of evil!" Hotaru had a good point.
"But-" Setsuna began. Haruka cut her off.
"She's right, Setsuna-san."
"You can just shut up," Setsuna snipped. Haruka raised an eyebrow. Setsuna had never spoken like this to anyone before.
"Ya know what Setsuna! You can just shove it," Haruka growled angrily.
Setsuna's head jerked in surprise, "What?"
"You heard me! You can't take it, that some one other then you is right!"
"Well-"
"Stop this!" Rei rose from her position in a chair and looked angrily at the two. She stepped around the couch to look at Hotaru.
"Hotaru-san… I know this is a big deal for you… but, we need you. Not just us as a group, but the whole world needs you. The princess needs you, I know this is hard. But please, Hotaru-san, we need your help more then anything…"
Hotaru looked at the young, raven-haired woman in shock. She was quiet for a moment as she averted her gaze. Then the two pairs of violet eyes matched again, and Hotaru silently nodded.
Tears flowed silently down both their faces as Rei embraced the young child.
"Thank You, Seiya-san, for coming…" Usagi's parents said. He shook his head quietly.
"No… I wanted to come," he swallowed hard and looked into their sad faces, "She'll come back. I know it… Usagi won't give up…"
They nodded, tears flowing down their face. "I hope so…"
Seiya looked at them determinedly, "I know so."
Hotaru felt an odd burning in the middle of her forehead and she rubbed furiously at the spot. "What is it?"
"The symbol of Saturn," Setsuna said. She had calmed down but was still angry at Haruka. Haruka had no right to say such things to her!
"So… now what?" Hotaru asked.
"Now we have a training session in a few days," Luna spoke. Hotaru was still a little worried that the cat actually talked.
"Or an attack," Haruka mumbled sardonically.
"Attack?" Hotaru looked petrified, "You mean… I still have to fight?"
"Well…" Setsuna looked confused, "That is part of being a senshi."
"I don't want to fight! I'm too young!" Hotaru looked as if she were going to cry.
Haruka smirked at Setsuna, knowing that Setsuna was finding out that she was getting more then she bargained for.
"Hotaru… it will be okay, everyone is here for you. Me, Uranus, Healer, Maker, Pluto… and Fighter," Rei said, patting Hotaru on the shoulder. "It's going to be okay."
Hotaru looked up at the young woman, tears gracing her eyes.
"I'm here for you," Rei hugged the young girl and she nodded.
"Thank you…"
Haruka stood up and hugged Hotaru also, "We'll protect you, Hotaru. And you'll start to remember things…"
Hotaru looked interested at this, "What things?"
"Like the princess… the Kingdom… Seiya. Your attacks, henshin… things that are repressed as a side effect of the rebirth," Rei said calmly. Hotaru nodded for a moment.
"Like the woman I saw when Setsuna touched me?"
"What did you see?" Haruka looked interested.
"A pretty woman, kissing a man… she had long blonde hair… and the guy had long black hair…" Hotaru looked up innocently. "Who were they?"
"The blonde one was the princess," Taiki spoke up, "And the other was Seiya. Don't worry, you'll get to meet him… although…"
Yaten snickered without Taiki even having to finish his statement. "No comment," He chuckled.
Setsuna popped open one eye and stared at the two, "Let's go home…" she whined slightly, "I'm tired and very… irritated."
Everyone chuckled at her and they said good-bye to Hotaru. She nodded, and told them to call her.
"It's gonna be okay," Haruka said before she left, "You have nothing to worry about."
Hotaru looked up at her with her seep purple eyes an nodded slowly. "I… I think it will be…" She whispered softly. Haruka ruffled her hair, as she always did when she was at her apartment, and smiled.