Okay, okay, last chapter was short, I know. It's O-K. I promise. This will
get longer and longer. Actually, this is the last chapter before the
epilogue so they'll just be two long pieces. Well, better start it huh? Oh,
and I keep forgetting if I put Nephrite or Nephlite, so if that changes
each chapter, you know why(both of them are acceptable, I just can never
keep track).
~*~*~*~
~Nephrite~
I had just started walking down the street with Shinozaki, the both of us having bought something for Makoto, when we saw the mob exiting a shop, this time with a strange woman holding Makoto up.
"Mako-chan!"
"Are you alright?"
The both of us were instantly running over to the group and trying to get to Makoto. Unfortunately, they were already piling into a Suburban. Setsuna, the apparent boss of the mob, along with Rei and this new stranger, gave the both of us rather unappreciative glances.
"She's going into labor. Contact Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru and get to the hospital. Move it." The Stranger instructed, then she shut the doors and started the car, heading off as fast as my convertible did on a good day.
Within a blink of an eye Shinozaki and I were getting ahold of the older senshi and running to the nearest car, mine. We got in and headed off. If we were lucky, the two of us might get into the room with her.
~*~*~*~
~Rei~
I sat next to Makoto as she breathed deeply, cringing at the start of each contraction. I knew everything she was going through, but, as I sat there, I could find no words of reassurance. Possibly because every pain is different, and the only thing you can really do is be there for a friend. Gently, I took Makoto's hand and squeezed it lightly. She looked up at me and managed a smile, squeezing back.
"Don't worry Mako-chan, it will all be over soon. You'll get to see Ran finally." I said gently.
Makoto winced and nodded. "For once I can talk to the kid about her kicking habits and she'll be able to hear me."
"Almost there Mako-chan. Just two more streets. I already called in. They'll be ready for us when we get there." Setsuna announced, looking back at us from the front passenger seat.
Makoto finished the contraction and breathed deep in relief. Usagi reached over from the back and put a hand on Makoto's shoulder.
"I'm glad I could be here with you, and I'm glad to have such great friends that support each other." She said with a smile.
I looked around and saw the exact thing Usagi was talking about. All of us were here, as we had been from the beginning, with all of us sticking through for each other. Minako, Usagi, and Ami were in the back making sure everything was still on track and that we weren't going in the wrong direction, and that no cops were chasing us. Toki and Setsuna were being careful that they got there and everyone was ready, and I was helping Makoto with contractions. The typical senshi image... with a few added pounds or so.
We pulled to a stop and instantly jumped out of the car, being met by Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, and a nurse with a wheelchair as we entered. I helped Makoto into the chair and she was immediately wheeled off.
~Nephrite~
I ran into the hospital with Shinozaki just as she was getting wheeled away to a room. Haruka crossed her arms, annoyed.
"What took you two so long?" She demanded.
"Traffic was heavy in our area." I commented. I always felt like I was being questioned for murder around that girl. I could never understand why, but some things aren't understood.
"I find that hard to believe, considering we passed you and made it here five minutes ago." She snapped.
"I don't have another woman to fake pregnant in the car!" I argued.
Michiru glared at me and I instantly went silent. Haruka was normal, Michiru wasn't. I didn't want to push my luck. Far from it if I wanted to get near Makoto.
"When can we see her?" Shinozaki asked impatiently.
"After the birth if I have anything to do with it." the stranger growled.
"Who are you anyways?" I questioned.
"Amaya Toki. If you don't remember me that's a good thing. I had the unfortunate oppourtunity of remembering you." Toki snapped.
I glared at her, only to receive what I could swear was a growl from Setsuna.
Rei then cleared her throat, which I thought could bring our saving grace. Boy was I wrong. "Perhaps it would be best if the two men waited outside until after the birth." she offered.
Great, I was getting conspired against by a mass of female fighters. There was no way to win this. I looked at Shinozaki, who was thinking the same thing. This was not going to work.
"Fine, you guys win. We'll sit here until you come get us." Shinozaki said as we both sat down obediently.
For some reason, I felt like a dog being owned by ten more dogs.
~Makoto~
The pain seemed to last forever, radiating throughout my body every time a contraction came. Yet, at the same time, I looked forward to each and every one, because it was another moment closer to seeing the one person in my life I would be closest to. I knew it would be more than challenging to have Ran around, but it was an adventure that few of us have braved as senshi.
Setsuna entered the room and came over, taking a seat next to me and taking my hand, running her finger along gently. Then she looked at me with her dark red eyes, smiling gently.
"I think you and I already know a number of things that most of them would have never guessed about Ran, parenting, and family." Setsuna said gently.
I sighed deeply, knowing exactly what she was going to say, and understanding, for once in my life, everything about it. Still, Setsuna spoke again as I nodded.
"Ran will not have a father in this lifetime. Rei saw it in a vision that she spoke to no one. I honestly believe that is why she so ardently fought for you to spend that time alone managing yourself. Nephrite will come to understand why this is when it is right for him to. Until then, you must be strong, and have faith in yourself. We all have secrets that we are forced to keep for time. I noticed that you have discovered mine, though it will be revealed soon enough." she said, a distant look in her eyes as she watched the clock, as if watching our very plans unravel in the designated form of life.
"I understand. I plan to do whatever it takes to make this world safe for Ran, and our family." I managed, taking a deep breath.
Setsuna smiled warmly. "Just as I knew you would. Well then, perhaps it is almost time for our next child to arrive."
She left the room and the nurse came in, followed by Rei, Usagi, Ami, and Minako. They would be the only ones with me during the birth. I had decided it and told everyone else in some way, shape or form. After a short time of examining the scans in the room, the nurse nodded and looked at us all.
"It's time to get the show on the road."
~Usagi~
We were all given scrubs and fitted into them on the way to the delivery room. Everyone else was already waiting outside, including the annoyed men, waving anxiously as we went off. Once inside, we waited for the next contraction. Instinctively, we all went over to Makoto's side. Minako and I were together, with Rei and Ami on the other side, holding on to both of Makoto's hands.
"Well minna, it seems we have the start of a new family already. May this new member be as safe and happy as Sakura, and may Ran be the best of friends with them all, just like us." I said, adding a pep talk into the nervousness of us all.
Makoto smiled, taking a deep breath before taking out her hands and putting one out.
"To friends." she declared proudly.
I couldn't help smiling, taking her hand in mine. "Friends."
Rei was the next to join, a gentle smile that was rare on her, but always genuine, followed by Ami, who simply nodded, and lastly Minako, who proudly and cheerfully put her hand on top before the all chorused together. "Friends!"
A contraction came and Makoto let out a moan of surprize, then pushed as hard as she could, holding on to all of us. The contraction ended and a head had barely breached the outside. One more push and it would all be over. I leaned over and rested my head on Makoto's, smiling gently.
"Come on Jupiter, we can do this. Senshi power." I whispered.
Makoto looked up at me, surprized, then nodded. "Hai, I know."
The next contraction came and Makoto screamed in pain, then there was a faint cry in the background. Makoto released us, falling back into the pillow with a deep sigh. As the nurse had no idea who else to give the newborn baby to, she handed the child to me while Rei and Ami cut the umbillical cord. Minako let out a squeal and hugged Makoto happily as I stared at the tiny creature in my arms, though she was still wailing. Her newborn blue eyes were a sharp contrast to her dark brown hair, but I knew what color they would be soon. I smiled and gently handed the girl to her mother. Our new family member had come.
~Makoto~
Usagi handed me the sobbing baby, and instantly she grew silent. I smiled and laughed gently, staring at her small face.
"Good to see you too, Ran. I've waited a long time for this." I managed.
The nurses and doctor left the room and the influx of people rushed in. First came Setsuna, Amaya, Mamoru, and the outer senshi, followed by Jadeite, Sakura, Nephrite, and Shinozaki. It was all finally over.
~*~*~*~
Okay, I promise there's a tiny bit more to this. It's called an epilogue. Me, leave the story ending like that? No way in hades. Until next time, Ja ne!
~*~*~*~
~Nephrite~
I had just started walking down the street with Shinozaki, the both of us having bought something for Makoto, when we saw the mob exiting a shop, this time with a strange woman holding Makoto up.
"Mako-chan!"
"Are you alright?"
The both of us were instantly running over to the group and trying to get to Makoto. Unfortunately, they were already piling into a Suburban. Setsuna, the apparent boss of the mob, along with Rei and this new stranger, gave the both of us rather unappreciative glances.
"She's going into labor. Contact Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru and get to the hospital. Move it." The Stranger instructed, then she shut the doors and started the car, heading off as fast as my convertible did on a good day.
Within a blink of an eye Shinozaki and I were getting ahold of the older senshi and running to the nearest car, mine. We got in and headed off. If we were lucky, the two of us might get into the room with her.
~*~*~*~
~Rei~
I sat next to Makoto as she breathed deeply, cringing at the start of each contraction. I knew everything she was going through, but, as I sat there, I could find no words of reassurance. Possibly because every pain is different, and the only thing you can really do is be there for a friend. Gently, I took Makoto's hand and squeezed it lightly. She looked up at me and managed a smile, squeezing back.
"Don't worry Mako-chan, it will all be over soon. You'll get to see Ran finally." I said gently.
Makoto winced and nodded. "For once I can talk to the kid about her kicking habits and she'll be able to hear me."
"Almost there Mako-chan. Just two more streets. I already called in. They'll be ready for us when we get there." Setsuna announced, looking back at us from the front passenger seat.
Makoto finished the contraction and breathed deep in relief. Usagi reached over from the back and put a hand on Makoto's shoulder.
"I'm glad I could be here with you, and I'm glad to have such great friends that support each other." She said with a smile.
I looked around and saw the exact thing Usagi was talking about. All of us were here, as we had been from the beginning, with all of us sticking through for each other. Minako, Usagi, and Ami were in the back making sure everything was still on track and that we weren't going in the wrong direction, and that no cops were chasing us. Toki and Setsuna were being careful that they got there and everyone was ready, and I was helping Makoto with contractions. The typical senshi image... with a few added pounds or so.
We pulled to a stop and instantly jumped out of the car, being met by Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, and a nurse with a wheelchair as we entered. I helped Makoto into the chair and she was immediately wheeled off.
~Nephrite~
I ran into the hospital with Shinozaki just as she was getting wheeled away to a room. Haruka crossed her arms, annoyed.
"What took you two so long?" She demanded.
"Traffic was heavy in our area." I commented. I always felt like I was being questioned for murder around that girl. I could never understand why, but some things aren't understood.
"I find that hard to believe, considering we passed you and made it here five minutes ago." She snapped.
"I don't have another woman to fake pregnant in the car!" I argued.
Michiru glared at me and I instantly went silent. Haruka was normal, Michiru wasn't. I didn't want to push my luck. Far from it if I wanted to get near Makoto.
"When can we see her?" Shinozaki asked impatiently.
"After the birth if I have anything to do with it." the stranger growled.
"Who are you anyways?" I questioned.
"Amaya Toki. If you don't remember me that's a good thing. I had the unfortunate oppourtunity of remembering you." Toki snapped.
I glared at her, only to receive what I could swear was a growl from Setsuna.
Rei then cleared her throat, which I thought could bring our saving grace. Boy was I wrong. "Perhaps it would be best if the two men waited outside until after the birth." she offered.
Great, I was getting conspired against by a mass of female fighters. There was no way to win this. I looked at Shinozaki, who was thinking the same thing. This was not going to work.
"Fine, you guys win. We'll sit here until you come get us." Shinozaki said as we both sat down obediently.
For some reason, I felt like a dog being owned by ten more dogs.
~Makoto~
The pain seemed to last forever, radiating throughout my body every time a contraction came. Yet, at the same time, I looked forward to each and every one, because it was another moment closer to seeing the one person in my life I would be closest to. I knew it would be more than challenging to have Ran around, but it was an adventure that few of us have braved as senshi.
Setsuna entered the room and came over, taking a seat next to me and taking my hand, running her finger along gently. Then she looked at me with her dark red eyes, smiling gently.
"I think you and I already know a number of things that most of them would have never guessed about Ran, parenting, and family." Setsuna said gently.
I sighed deeply, knowing exactly what she was going to say, and understanding, for once in my life, everything about it. Still, Setsuna spoke again as I nodded.
"Ran will not have a father in this lifetime. Rei saw it in a vision that she spoke to no one. I honestly believe that is why she so ardently fought for you to spend that time alone managing yourself. Nephrite will come to understand why this is when it is right for him to. Until then, you must be strong, and have faith in yourself. We all have secrets that we are forced to keep for time. I noticed that you have discovered mine, though it will be revealed soon enough." she said, a distant look in her eyes as she watched the clock, as if watching our very plans unravel in the designated form of life.
"I understand. I plan to do whatever it takes to make this world safe for Ran, and our family." I managed, taking a deep breath.
Setsuna smiled warmly. "Just as I knew you would. Well then, perhaps it is almost time for our next child to arrive."
She left the room and the nurse came in, followed by Rei, Usagi, Ami, and Minako. They would be the only ones with me during the birth. I had decided it and told everyone else in some way, shape or form. After a short time of examining the scans in the room, the nurse nodded and looked at us all.
"It's time to get the show on the road."
~Usagi~
We were all given scrubs and fitted into them on the way to the delivery room. Everyone else was already waiting outside, including the annoyed men, waving anxiously as we went off. Once inside, we waited for the next contraction. Instinctively, we all went over to Makoto's side. Minako and I were together, with Rei and Ami on the other side, holding on to both of Makoto's hands.
"Well minna, it seems we have the start of a new family already. May this new member be as safe and happy as Sakura, and may Ran be the best of friends with them all, just like us." I said, adding a pep talk into the nervousness of us all.
Makoto smiled, taking a deep breath before taking out her hands and putting one out.
"To friends." she declared proudly.
I couldn't help smiling, taking her hand in mine. "Friends."
Rei was the next to join, a gentle smile that was rare on her, but always genuine, followed by Ami, who simply nodded, and lastly Minako, who proudly and cheerfully put her hand on top before the all chorused together. "Friends!"
A contraction came and Makoto let out a moan of surprize, then pushed as hard as she could, holding on to all of us. The contraction ended and a head had barely breached the outside. One more push and it would all be over. I leaned over and rested my head on Makoto's, smiling gently.
"Come on Jupiter, we can do this. Senshi power." I whispered.
Makoto looked up at me, surprized, then nodded. "Hai, I know."
The next contraction came and Makoto screamed in pain, then there was a faint cry in the background. Makoto released us, falling back into the pillow with a deep sigh. As the nurse had no idea who else to give the newborn baby to, she handed the child to me while Rei and Ami cut the umbillical cord. Minako let out a squeal and hugged Makoto happily as I stared at the tiny creature in my arms, though she was still wailing. Her newborn blue eyes were a sharp contrast to her dark brown hair, but I knew what color they would be soon. I smiled and gently handed the girl to her mother. Our new family member had come.
~Makoto~
Usagi handed me the sobbing baby, and instantly she grew silent. I smiled and laughed gently, staring at her small face.
"Good to see you too, Ran. I've waited a long time for this." I managed.
The nurses and doctor left the room and the influx of people rushed in. First came Setsuna, Amaya, Mamoru, and the outer senshi, followed by Jadeite, Sakura, Nephrite, and Shinozaki. It was all finally over.
~*~*~*~
Okay, I promise there's a tiny bit more to this. It's called an epilogue. Me, leave the story ending like that? No way in hades. Until next time, Ja ne!