Chapter 11: Hope

"We're almost there," Charon whispered. "Just hang on, Tennyo-chan. Okay?"

She weakly nodded. Never in all her life, or the numerous past lives, had she ever felt this drained, so completely numb. In response to the fading nod, Charon squeezed her ever closer, urging her to continue.

Her eyes closed out of weariness, only to open a few seconds later out of a vague sense of guilt. "Puu," she whispered.

"She is doing everything she can to help us," Charon said. "Even a few things she shouldn't."

He looked down at her for a moment. "Let's use this chance wisely. It may be our only shot."

Again, she nodded. She thought that she could see the faint outline of something in the distance. She gestured at it.

"That's right," Charon said, trying to appear stronger than he felt. "We're almost there.

Just hold on, Tennyo-chan. Just hold on."

* * * * *

Galena looked over the top of her romance novel as Gypsum strolled casually into the room. Sighing, the older woman plopped down into the leather loveseat, her blue dress billowing around her. Her legs were propped on the cherry table between them.

"These people," Gypsum growled, throwing her black whip across the room. "These people are so primitive. I am so sick of dungeons and shadows and," her eyes landed on the discard whip, "tacky black uniforms and even more primitive weapons."

Galena quirked an eyebrow. She tried her best to stay on the safe side of Gypsum's temper. However, that tightrope was becoming thinner each day. 'Someday, the rope will snap,' Galena realized.

"So, what don't you do something else?" she asked cautiously.

Gypsum's eyes narrowed. "Scorpios won't allow it. He seems to enjoy these little games."

"I would tread softly," Galena warned.

"Besides," Gypsum continued, unaffected, "you have to deal with these people in a certain manner. At least Scorpios thinks so."

"He has had more experience with them."

Gypsum studied Galena for a moment. "I guess so." Her eyes swept across the room. In a huff, she rose to her feet.

"Where are you going?" Galena asked, once again looking over the top of her book.

"Part of our mission is to capture Sol. While that man," Gypsum crinkled her nose in disgust, "may not have been particularly helpful in terms of information, he may be useful yet."

Gypsum walked to the door, pausing as the sensor held the door open. "Well, are you coming?"

The tone indicated the statement was an order. Sighing, Galena marked her place in the novel and stood up. They left the room and transformed in the hallway.

As they left the building, Gypsum looked over her shoulder at Galena. "Don't worry. We'll be back in time for you to finish your novel," she said scornfully.

Galena pressed her lips together. 'It's not time yet,' she thought, 'but your day will come, Gypsum. That day will come.'

* * * * *

Celeste rubbed her eyes. While she had recovered most of her memories, she had only vague images of those last days with Charon. 'What had happened that lead Charon to commit suicide before my eyes? Is it that horrible that I truly don't want remember?'

'Why were we out of the system in the first place? What was Setsuna doing that she wasn't suppose to? Why can't I remember?!'

Frustrated, Celeste stood up. Glancing at Makoto, she crossed the room and poured herself a glass of water. Usagi and Mamoru had left an hour ago. 'I hope they are enjoying themselves,' Celeste thought.

Taking the cup with her, Celeste resumed her seat. The doctor had suggested that everyone talk to Makoto as if she was there. Any kind of stimulation, he had said, may prod her to wake up.

"Have you ever felt like this, Mako-chan?" she asked softly. "Like there is something in the back of your mind, in your subconscious, that is trying to break free?"

Celeste paused, realizing that she was hoping for a response. She stared down at her cup, softly laughing at herself. However, the slight rustle of bedsheets drew her attention.

Makoto's forehead was wrinkled with effort. She appeared as though she was fighting within herself. Celeste rose and grabbed the nearest hand.

"Makoto-san?" Celeste thought that the hand was warmer but credited it to her imagination. "Mako-chan, wake up! Please, wake up! We're all so worried. Usagi-chan is about to make herself sick!"

Makoto turned slightly in Celeste's direction. Her eyes moved rapidly under her eyelids.

"Hai," she whispered, her eyes never opening. Speechless, Celeste watched Makoto turn away and drift back off into sleep.

Pulling the hand to her chest, Celeste use her free hand to shake the girl gently. "Mako-chan, you have to wake up! Now! Everyone needs you, Mako- chan! Mako-chan!"

Celeste lowered her head, attempting to choke her sobs. Tears followed down her cheeks and onto Makoto's hand. "You have to, Mako-chan. You have to."

Celeste suddenly stopped. She thought that she had heard more movement in the bed. She looked up and stared into a pair of confused green eyes.