Empire of the Dark Ami
by amiwakawaiidesu
(Based on characters and situations from "Sailor Moon", created by Naoko Takeuchi and not owned by myself.
Just to quickly answer a question from suisei no mitsukai, the main reason Galaxia hasn't cared about Kuroiami yet is because--from a galactic perspective--Kuroiami is still a small-time villain, and Galaxia's government has many thousands of star systems to think about. Also, Galaxia wouldn't necessarily remove Kuroiami as the ruler of the Solar System just because Kuroiami isn't nice; since Galaxia isn't a dictator enforcing her will on the whole galaxy, she would be loath to depose of a local ruler unless that ruler were either grossly unfit to rule, or a danger to nearby civilizations. So far, Kuroiami hasn't really made life worse for most of the people on Earth--just the population of central Tokyo and the Sailor Senshi (whom she would characterize as troublemaking criminals out to usurp her lawful rule).
Of course, in the actual manga and anime, Galaxia is very interested in the Solar System because she wants the star seeds there--especially Sailormoon's star seed--but my 'good' Galaxia would only know the Solar System as one among thousands of star systems with Sailor Senshi. Even in this world, Sailormoon (and her star seed) are tremendously important, but my Galaxia--who has no interest in exerting personal dominion over the galaxy--has had much less incentive to learn about Sailormoon's star seed since she hasn't yet needed Sailormoon's power to help her with any of her crises.
But thanks for the question, and thanks to everyone who has commented on this story; I do appreciate your comments.)
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CHAPTER NINE
The whole next day after Hoshi died, Ami felt a strange mix of emotions--very good and very bad. Tokyo was clearly coming back to life; in the early morning, bulldozers started clearing away the wreckage of Kuroiami's battles, and a city utility crew actually reconnected the Tsukino house to the city's water supply and electric grid by the late afternoon. And of course Ami was glad she had Usagi back; Ami had risked everything to find Usagi and take her home, so at least half of that task was completed.
But Hoshi was never far from her thoughts. Ami spent the rest of that day helping Usagi clean up the Tsukino home--while Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna and Luna continued searching for Hotaru--but Shingo's face and voice returned to Ami whenever she had a quiet moment alone. She even snapped at Usagi once when Usagi mentioned how much she wished Chibi-Usa were there; at least Chibi-Usa was still alive in their own world, Ami said; Hoshi was gone forever.
"I'm sorry," Usagi said, hugging Ami as she cried. "It was mean of me to say that."
"It's just...I just never got to know him...and now he's dead!"
"I'm sorry," Usagi said softly. "I'm sure he would have loved you too, if he'd had the chance."
Later, when the Outer Senshi returned around dusk, Haruka took Usagi aside to ask why Ami's eyes were all red and puffy.
*"She just had a good cry,"* Usagi whispered confidentially, *"about Hoshi."*
"Ah."
"So, did you find Hotaru-chan?"
"No," Haruka admitted, "but we did find you and Ami some clothes that aren't all moth-eaten, and Luna made you a new henshin brooch."
"Oh, I forgot all about that!" Usagi admitted, only then remembering the ginzuishou she was keeping in a pocket of her moth-eaten old skirt.
But sure enough, Michiru and Setsuna then appeared with bags full of new clothes, and Luna appeared with a new henshin brooch for Usagi. Attracted by the commotion, Ami then came out of the kitchen just in time to see Usagi place her ginzuishou into the brooch under Luna's direction, which caused both the ginzuishou and brooch to glow from within with magical energy.
"And now we have Sailormoon back among us," Luna said, as Usagi attached the brooch to the front of her blouse.
"Oh, here's your clothes," Michiru said to Ami, handing her a bag, "just in case you want a change from that old uniform."
Ami looked in the bag, and saw some very nice-looking outfits.
"You didn't steal these," Ami asked suspiciously, "did you...?"
"Ami-chan!" Usagi said.
"Well, the city is pretty well wrecked," Ami said. "I doubt there's many dress shops left in Juubangai."
"Actually," Michiru said, "the city as a whole is in pretty good shape. This part--Minato-ku--was hit pretty hard, but that's just one district."
"So if it makes you feel any better," Haruka said, patting Ami on the shoulder, "we went up to Shinjuku and paid in cash."
Ami blushed slightly, realizing it was a silly thing to worry about anyway; with Kuroiami still unaccounted for, and this world's Usagi still missing, there were more important things to worry about than shoplifting.
"So I see the power's back on," Haruka remarked, noticing the lights.
"Oh yes," Ami said. "Should we have kept the lights off? I forgot what you said about snipers..."
"No, the lights are fine," Haruka laughed. "I don't think they'd go through all the trouble of reconnecting the power, just so they could shoot us."
"I was just checking the stove in the kitchen, and I think it still works; will ramen be all right for dinner?"
"Ramen sounds great," Haruka said.
Ami nodded, about to turn back to the kitchen, when a faint knock came at the door.
Haruka glanced around at the other Senshi--all of whom were accounted for. She then headed for the door while the other Senshi ducked behind cover--just in case there was trouble.
"It's probably just another utility crew," Haruka muttered.
But Haruka was astounded when she looked through the dusty window set in the middle of the front door.
"It's Tomoe-san!" Haruka exclaimed.
"Hotaru--?" Ami said, hurrying to join Haruka, Usagi, Michiru, Setsuna and Luna at the door. And indeed--wearing a short black dress with a white lace collar-- Hotaru was clearly recognizable through the window. Ami only caught a glimpse of Hotaru standing upright before the door, however; as soon as the door opened, Hotaru fell forward, collapsing into Haruka's arms.
All the Senshi gasped as one--Usagi and Ami gasping "Hotaru!" and the Outer Senshi gasping "Tomoe-san!"--but all were equally moved with concern.
"Is she all right?" Usagi asked.
"Has she fainted?" Michiru asked.
"I don't know," Haruka said, moving Hotaru briskly to the living room couch and setting her down there. Ami then checked for Hotaru's pulse at her neck.
"She has a pulse," Ami said, "but it's very faint. If only I had my minicomputer..."
"Oh, I can help there!" Luna said, suddenly running off somewhere. A few seconds later, she returned with Ami's minicomputer.
"Luna!" Usagi exclaimed; "did you just build that?"
"No," Luna replied, handing the device over to Ami. "It belonged to Kuroiami, before she was Kuroiami."
Ami activated the device, and was gratified to see that it worked the same as her own minicomputer (which she had left behind in her apartment before following Usagi to this world). Kuroiami had configured some of the programs differently, but the medical scanner worked just the same as she remembered.
"She doesn't appear to be physically injured," Ami reported, while scanning Hotaru, "but her energy level is very low. Is Hotaru sickly in this world, like the one in our world?"
The Outer Senshi looked at each other and shrugged.
"Actually, we've only met her once," Michiru admitted, "at Mugen Palace."
"We knew of her existence before that," Setsuna explained, "but Kuroiami had her executed before she could join us. To be honest, we're not sure how she came back at all."
Ami looked up at Usagi, but Usagi looked just as baffled as the Outer Senshi.
"Regardless of how she got here," Haruka said, "she is one of us. What should we do, Ami?"
"Well..." Ami said, "actually, I don't know. This may be a natural condition for her--like with Hotaru in our own world. If the condition is similar, she may just need rest to build up her strength again."
"You're the expert," Haruka said. "Tell us what to do."
For Ami--who was unaccustomed to such deference from the Outer Senshi of her own world--it was hard to know how to respond to that; quite probably, rest in a quiet place was all Hotaru really needed. But Ami suspected there was more to Haruka's deference than simple recognition of Ami's superior knowledge of science; ever since Haruka had recognized the error of their first meeting--when Sailoruranus had nearly beaten the life out of Ami, mistaking her for Kuroiami--Haruka had been very kind to Ami, perhaps to make up for that error. But Ami didn't want to make too much of that; Haruka was a proud person, and Ami didn't want to remind her of that mistake if she could help it.
"Perhaps some blankets would be good," Ami suggested. "But not too many; just enough to keep her warm, not enough to smother her."
"Blankets," Haruka said, hurrying off to find blankets, "right..."
"And it might not be a bad idea to have your first aid kit handy," Ami said to Michiru and Setsuna.
"Hai," said Michiru, leaving with Setsuna to find the kit. That left Usagi and Luna alone with Ami and Hotaru.
"Usagi-chan," Luna said, "did you know Hotaru very well in your own world?"
"Well, pretty well; she was a good friend of Chibi-Usa's."
Luna appeared confused for a moment.
"Usagi's daughter," Ami explained, "from the future."
"Oh, yes," Luna said. "So, what kind of person was your Hotaru?"
"Well, she's still around," Usagi said, "and she's a very sweet girl. She lives with Haruka and Michiru and Setsuna, and they're all one big happy family."
"But her life was harder when she was younger," Ami said. "Her father was corrupted by the Death Busters, and Hotaru was host to a terrible monster called 'Mistress Nine'. Hotaru was eventually forced to destroy herself--as Sailorsaturn--to overcome Mistress Nine and Pharaoh 90. If Sailormoon hadn't saved her, she would have been lost forever, since Sailorsaturn is normally destroyed when she uses her ultimate power."
Again, Luna nodded, but--before she could ask any more questions--Haruka returned with the blankets, and Michiru and Setsuna returned with a rather large first aid kit. To Usagi and Ami, the way that the Outer Senshi fussed over Hotaru did indeed seem very familiar, but both of the Inner Senshi had fond memories of Hotaru as well. They didn't really know the Hotaru of this world at all, but their own Hotaru was a person of surpassing goodness and selflessness, so it seemed natural to assume this Hotaru was similar.
"I'll watch over her," Ami said to the others, once Hotaru was nestled under the prescribed number of blankets. "The minicomputer will let me know if there's any change in her condition."
"Very well," Haruka said. "But let us know immediately if there's any change."
"Don't worry," Ami said. "I'll let you know."
* * * * *
Improvement was not long in coming; within an hour, Hotaru stirred (attracting the attention of all the Senshi to wonder at its significance), and Hotaru opened her eyes and spoke faintly a short time after that.
"Kuroiami...?" Hotaru said, looking at Ami.
"No," Ami said, "my name is Ami. How do you feel?"
"Tired," Hotaru said; "and a little thirsty..."
Haruka brought a glass of water at once.
"Be careful," Ami advised Hotaru; "don't try to drink too much all at once."
"Arigatou," Hotaru said, sipping the water. "I'm sorry to inconvenience you..."
"It's no trouble," Ami replied. "How did you know to come here, though?"
"And where did you go the other day?" Haruka asked. "We were worried about you."
Hotaru looked as if she was trying to remember.
"I don't know," Hotaru admitted, after a moment. "I know I was drawn to this place, but I can't remember anything before that..."
"Well, don't worry about that," Usagi advised. "I'm sure it will all come back to you once you get your strength back."
Hotaru smiled at Usagi.
"Are you...Sailormoon?" Hotaru asked.
Usagi was astonished--and the other Senshi no less so.
"Do you know Sailormoon?" Usagi asked.
"I have heard of her," Hotaru said, closing her eyes; "I have seen her...in my dreams..."
Watching Hotaru's eyes close, Usagi, Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna all turned to Ami with concern. But Ami reassured them that Hotaru was fine.
"She's just tired, I think," Ami said, after giving Hotaru a cursory scan. "She probably just needs a little more rest."
* * * * *
Eventually, later in the evening, Hotaru awoke again and seemed to have more energy this time. When Hotaru mentioned she was hungry, Michiru heated up the ramen that had been left neglected earlier in the day, and Hotaru expressed thanks for the portion she was given later. Usagi then suggested that Hotaru might be more comfortable in the master bedroom (where Usagi and Ami had slept the night before), and a great deal of fuss then attended the moving of Hotaru to those better quarters. Through it all, Hotaru was apologetic for being such an inconvenience, but all the Senshi insisted it was no trouble at all.
Once Hotaru was installed in the queen size bed, the Inner and Outer Senshi then stood around the foot of the bed and looked at Hotaru with nervous satisfaction. Hotaru did seem to have a slightly healthier glow in her cheeks than she had during the daytime, but she looked so tiny on the great big bed--covered by blankets and surrounded by pillows--that she somehow looked even more fragile than she had on the couch.
*"One of us should stay with Hotaru at all times,"* Ami whispered to the other Senshi. *"Perhaps we could take shifts."*
*"But only you know how to use the minicomputer,"* Michiru replied.
*"Well, I can use the minicomputer,"* Luna said.
*"Actually,"* Ami said, *"I've set the medical program to monitor Hotaru automatically. An alarm will sound if Hotaru's condition declines suddenly."*
*"I'll take the first shift then,"* Haruka volunteered.
Hotaru, however, seemed to have her own preference.
"Usagi," Hotaru said, lifting a hand, "will you stay with me?"
Usagi--who knew less about the minicomputer than anyone else--seemed surprised; and indeed Usagi was reluctant to make Haruka mad (after hearing how Sailoruranus had pummeled Ami earlier). But Haruka nodded in agreement with Hotaru's suggestion.
"All right," Usagi said, "I'll stay."
The other Senshi then withdrew from the master bedroom and made their own preparations for sleep. For the sake of safety, the Outer Senshi all slept together in the first floor living room (avoiding the upstairs bedrooms because of their ingrained concern about snipers, as well as their desire to avoid being trapped upstairs if the house was raided by enemies). Given Kuroiami's recent retreat from Tokyo, and the rapidly improving conditions in Minato-ku, Ami doubted an attack was likely, but nonetheless agreed that it was best to be on the safe side.
"May I stay out here with you?" Ami asked the Outer Senshi.
"Yes, of course," said Haruka; "you can have the couch."
Ami didn't argue, although that left Setsuna and Michiru to sleep on the floor; Haruka herself wouldn't be sleeping yet, since she would be the first person keeping watch that night.
"Tenou-san," Ami said, after Haruka had turned out the lights, "what do you plan to do next? Now that Kuroiami has fled, I mean."
"I'm not sure," Haruka admitted, taking up her watch post near one of the living room windows. "But Tomoe-san is key to our future; I know that."
"Do you know anything about her past?" Ami asked, pausing as she felt Luna jump up onto the couch with her, then curl up and go to sleep. "I mean, how she could have come back to life, after she was dead?"
"I don't know. But miracles do happen; you and Usagi are proof of that."
* * * * *
Usagi, meanwhile, curled up in a chair near Hotaru's bed, feeling the warm satisfaction she always felt from looking after another person. This sort of thing suited Usagi better than battle, though she was often forced to do battle as Sailormoon.
Eventually, with the room lit only by the glow of a soft light from the adjacent bedroom, Usagi was lulled to sleep herself by the soft beeping of Ami's minicomputer, signifying that everything was normal. It wasn't something she meant to happen...
I must remain awake, Usagi thought; I must remain awake...
...but she fell asleep all the same, and dreamt of her last battle with the Death Busters. It was a frightful experience, as Mistress Nine threatened to kill Sailoruranus and Sailorneptune if Usagi didn't hand over the Holy Grail; even Usagi knew that Mistress Nine wasn't likely to keep her word, but she handed the Holy Grail over all the same. But then the dream departed from reality as Mistress Nine transformed back into Hotaru, smiling and happy, saved and healed by the power of the Grail...
"Usagi..."
It wasn't until a moment later that Usagi realized she was no longer dreaming; opening her eyes, she saw Hotaru--pallid and sweaty--reaching out to her.
"Usagi, help me..."
"What is it, Hotaru?" Usagi asked, leaping from her chair at once to sit beside Hotaru. "What's the matter?"
"Something inside me is dying..." Hotaru said, looking up at Usagi--or more specifically at Usagi's henshin brooch. The brooch was glowing with power now, responding to something inside Hotaru.
"I need...the Grail..."
Usagi felt a chill run through her body.
"How do you know about the Grail?" Usagi asked.
"I...don't know...
"But know I need it; I need it, or I will die..."
Usagi backed up off the bed, clutching her brooch. She could feel the fire inside the ginzuishou--but was it a warning, or something else?
"I don't have the Grail," Usagi replied. "I don't even know if the Grail exists in this world..."
"The Outer Senshi can summon the Grail," Hotaru replied, "but only you can wield it; only you can give it to me..."
Usagi was about to respond, but then Ami's minicomputer began beeping fast and loud.
"I'm going to get the others," Usagi said. "Wait here."
Since Haruka was still up and standing watch, it only took Usagi and Haruka a moment to wake the other Senshi and Luna. Then--as a group--they moved to join Hotaru.
"Hotaru is very weak," Ami said, checking the beeping minicomputer. "Her whole system is shutting down..."
"What can we do?" Haruka asked.
"I don't know," Ami said. "I don't even know what's causing this..."
"The Grail," Hotaru said, weakly. "I must have the Grail..."
"What's the Grail?" Michiru asked.
"An artifact of great power," Setsuna said. "We three have the power to summon the Grail, but only our princess can use it."
"The princess..." Haruka said, glancing suddenly at Usagi, "Sailormoon!"
"I think I know what she means," Usagi said.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Haruka said. "Let's summon the Grail!"
Ami, however, wasn't quite so enthusiastic.
"Haruka," Ami said, "I don't think that's such a good idea."
"What are you talking about? You said yourself you don't know what's happening to her!"
"Haruka," Michiru said, touching Haruka on the shoulder, "let's not get carried away. Remember, Ami and Usagi know a lot more about Hotaru than we do."
Hotaru moaned fitfully.
"Do you know what to do or not?" Haruka said to Usagi, backing her up against a wall. Usagi was frightened, but looked at Ami.
"It's your decision," Ami said; "but remember Mistress Nine."
An agonizing moment passed, as Usagi heard Hotaru groaning, felt the ginzuishou burning, and felt her own heart beating fearfully fast. Usagi--as Sailormoon--had handed over another Grail once before, but her heart told her to heed Ami's warning; the Grail held awesome power, and everything about this situation spoke of danger. If this world's Ami could be thoroughly evil, then why not this world's Hotaru as well?
Suddenly, though, Ami's minicomputer stopped beeping altogether--the beeping replaced by a single continuous tone. Ami glanced at Michiru, and Michiru moved to feel for a pulse at Hotaru's neck.
"I think she's dead," Michiru said.
"You bitch!" Haruka spat at Usagi. "I'll kill you!"
Usagi shrank backward, realizing Haruka meant to strike her. But then, suddenly, Ami moved between Haruka and Usagi.
"Then you can kill me too," Ami said.
Haruka seethed with fury, but she could not bring herself to strike Ami.
"Kuso!" Haruka said, punching the closest wall.
"I'm sorry..." Usagi said tearfully, wanting to explain how Mistress Nine had once exploited her love for Hotaru, and how the world had nearly been extinguished because of it. But this was only a rationalization. Inside, Usagi felt hollow and false; it was not like her not to help someone--anyone--who asked for help.
Perhaps I am the evil one, Usagi thought, staring numbly at Ami's back; perhaps I am the true evil in this world...
But even as she thought so, slipping into a well of her own despair, Usagi was startled by a strange familiar beeping...
"It's Hotaru!" Ami said suddenly, lifting her minicomputer. "She's alive!"
The Outer Senshi turned to Hotaru as one, and Usagi fell to her knees. Nobody seemed to quite believe it, but the Hotaru moved beneath the covers, blinked her eyes and look back at the other Senshi curiously.
"Tenou-san? Ami-san? Is something the matter?"
Ami looked at Haruka.
"She seems fine," Ami said, lowering her minicomputer.
Haruka and Michiru were overwhelmed, and joined Hotaru on the bed; Hotaru, for her part, seemed mystified by all the attention, but bore it with good humor.
"Arigatou," Hotaru said to Haruka and Michiru, "but I'm fine, I'm fine..."
"You gave us a scare," Setsuna said. "We thought you had died."
"I think I'm alive..." Hotaru replied, looking down at her own body.
"Do you remember asking us about the Grail?" Ami asked.
"No…
"What's a 'Grail'?"
Ami looked at Usagi--who was still on her knees--but Usagi was too distracted by the ginzuishou to notice; the fire inside the gem had faded now, perhaps because the danger from Hotaru had also faded.
But someone--or something--alien *was* alive inside Hotaru; of that, Usagi had no doubt.
* * * * *
The rest of the night passed without incident; Haruka decided to stay with Hotaru the rest of the night, while the rest of the Senshi retired to the living room, but Hotaru soon fell into a restful slumber and awoke the next day in surprisingly good spirits. Ami and Usagi were quite stunned when Hotaru walked into the living room in her unwrinkled black dress--seemingly none the worse for wear--and greeted them with a cheerful "Ohaiyo gozaimasu!"
"Ohaiyo gozaimasu!" the girls replied.
"Are Kaiou-san and Meiou-san here?" Hotaru asked.
"I think they went to get some breakfast," Usagi replied. "Are you...all right?"
"Oh, I'm fine," Hotaru replied, "although I could use some breakfast. I'm famished!"
Haruka then appeared behind Hotaru--and Usagi flinched--but Haruka greeted Usagi and Ami with a friendly "ohaiyo gozaimasu" as well.
"Ohaiyo gozaimasu," Usagi and Ami replied.
"You didn't ask to be relieved," Ami noted to Haruka. "I take it nothing happened?"
"No, Hotaru slept like a baby. And I dozed off myself there as well, eventually…"
"Hotaru," Ami said, "do you remember anything about yesterday?"
Hotaru thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"Not really. I remember you taking care of me...and I remember waking up this morning...but nothing before that. In fact I was going to ask, do you know how I got here?"
Ami and Usagi looked at Haruka, and all of them shrugged.
"Well, don't you worry about that," Haruka said. "You're here now, and that's all that matters."
"Perhaps you're right," Hotaru replied. "Oh, Ami-san, and Usagi-san, you can have your bedroom back if you'd like. I think I'm feeling better now, and I hate to impose on your kindness."
"Oh, it was no trouble," Ami replied.
Actually, though, Usagi and Ami were both keen to have the master bedroom back to themselves--partly so they could change out of the ratty clothes they'd been wearing for days, and partly so they could avail themselves of the shower that had just started working the day before. Thus, while Michiru and Setsuna were returning from their shopping expedition and greeting Hotaru, Usagi and Ami were both scrubbing out the tub and shower, prior to taking turns under the refreshing spray of water from Minato-ku's recently reconnected water supply. The girls then changed into two of the outfits that the Outer Senshi had found for them the day before.
"I'm guessing Michiru and Setsuna did the shopping," Ami said, after changing into a pretty blue sundress.
"Yeah," Usagi agreed, after putting on a pink Usui Yoshiki top and matching shorts; "Haruka-san would have got us all fatigues and combat boots."
"I do feel almost normal again," Ami said, picking up the sandals that went with the dress; "but things aren't normal, are they?"
"Well, we're a gazillion kilometers from home," Usagi said. "That's not normal."
"I was thinking of Hotaru. Is she as dangerous as I think she is?"
"It's hard to believe she could be dangerous," Usagi said, "but I know my brooch responded to her…or whatever's inside of her."
"We need to be careful, then."
"Well, yeah," Usagi said. "I don't want Haruka to slug me like she did you!"
"It is ironic," Ami noted; "back in our world, the Outers desperately wanted to kill Hotaru. Here it's exactly opposite; I'm just concerned she could hurt them, if they're not careful."
"That's my Ami," Usagi said, putting an arm around Ami; "always worrying."
Ami smiled feebly.
"Let's go join the others," Usagi suggested. "With any luck, the Outers are better at making breakfast than we are!"
* * * * *
With the Outer Senshi fussing over her, Hotaru had hardly a moment alone all day; Haruka did make a show of helping Ami and Usagi fix up the house, but the littlest sign of distress from Hotaru would bring Haruka running from whatever part of the house she happened to be in.
It seemed to sadden Haruka, thus, that Hotaru actually came to prefer spending time with Ami and Usagi--if only because Ami and Usagi weren't nearly as obsessed with her well-being. But Haruka bore this stoically, and even tried to appear encouraging when Ami and Usagi offered to take Hotaru for a walk around the neighborhood.
This walk was strangely melancholy for Ami and Usagi; although city workers had already repaired much of the damage to the area, landmarks like the Crown Building, Juuban Hall, Juuban Junior High, and Juuban High School were all in shambles. On the other hand, though, the Hikawa Jinja and the chapel at the T.A. Private Girls' School were both surprisingly well-preserved.
"Perhaps God spared those places," Ami suggested.
"That's not a very 'scientific' opinion," Usagi kidded Ami.
"I think Ami-san is right, though," Hotaru said. "Haruka-san says we must believe in miracles."
"So there," Ami said to Usagi.
Some minutes later, they returned to the Tsukino residence, but Hotaru asked for a moment alone when they returned to the front yard.
"All right," Ami said; "we'll let Haruka know you're outside."
Hotaru nodded, and walked over to the side of the house to commune with her master.
Mother, Hotaru thought, I have failed. The others would not bring forth the Holy Grail.
But why not? Kaorinite replied. I thought they were devoted to you!
They are; but Sailormercury sewed the seeds of doubt in Sailormoon's mind, and Sailormoon would not cooperate.
Did you not simulate your own death, as I showed you? Did you not mold their dreams to make them tractable?
Yes, but Sailormoon remained suspicious; it was vital to turn her, and she would not turn.
Very well Kaorinite thought, this situation will have to do for now. Remain with the Senshi, and watch for another opportunity to seize the Grail.
Yes, Mother.
Hotaru then looked up, and was surprised to see a most incongruous sight--a blue-haired boy of perhaps 14, wearing what looked like a blue cape and some sort of military tunic and trousers, standing on top of a nearby fence.
"Pardon me," the blue-haired boy said; "might this be the Tsukino residence?"
"Who are you?" Hotaru asked.
"Forgive me," the boy said, leaping down from the fence to land near Hotaru, "your beauty has made me forget myself. My name is Hoshi, and I am an ambassador from my mother, Kuroiami-sama."
Hotaru blushed very slightly--even as she braced herself defensively.
"Kuroiami is the enemy of all the Earth," Hotaru said; "what business do you have here?"
"I have merely come to offer an invitation. You are a Sailor Senshi, are you not?"
"How do you know that?"
"You have a powerful aura," Hoshi said. "Beautiful, but powerful as well."
"I am Sailorsaturn," Hotaru admitted.
"Very good. Then perhaps you can relay a message to the Senshi on my behalf; my mother would like them to come to the Palace of Queen Serenity on the Moon--in the Mare Senenitatis--to be her guest."
"What for? To kill us all in one convenient location?"
"I certainly hope not," Hoshi said, smiling at Hotaru; "who could want to hurt such a beautiful young lady as yourself?"
Hoshi then lifted Hotaru's hand to kiss it, and stepped back.
"Until later," Hoshi said, "sayonara."
Hoshi then disappeared in a shower of cherry blossoms, just as Haruka--finally unable to contain her concern about Hotaru any longer--came outside to check on her. Michiru, Setsuna, Usagi, Ami and Luna then followed, and all of them formed a semicircle around Hotaru.
"Tomoe-san," Haruka said, "are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm all right," Hotaru said, looking at her hand for a moment, then looking up at the other Senshi. "I was asked to deliver a message to you, though. A boy named Hoshi just extended an invitation for us to join Kuroiami at the palace of Queen Serenity on the Moon."
Ami gasped, and suddenly turned white.
"Hoshi…?" Ami asked.
"Ami-chan!" Usagi exclaimed, hurrying to catch Ami before her knees buckled.
"Did he have blue hair?" Michiru asked.
"Oh yes," Hotaru said.
Ami then collapsed altogether, despite Usagi.
"And I must say," Hotaru added, "he was very handsome."
Setsuna raised an eyebrow.
"Handsome? That's an odd description for such a young boy."
"Well, he wasn't *that* young," Hotaru said. "He was at least as old as me. Or perhaps a little older."
Hotaru then thought to add how he'd kissed her hand, but--given Ami's state of near-collapse--she decided to keep that detail to herself.
by amiwakawaiidesu
(Based on characters and situations from "Sailor Moon", created by Naoko Takeuchi and not owned by myself.
Just to quickly answer a question from suisei no mitsukai, the main reason Galaxia hasn't cared about Kuroiami yet is because--from a galactic perspective--Kuroiami is still a small-time villain, and Galaxia's government has many thousands of star systems to think about. Also, Galaxia wouldn't necessarily remove Kuroiami as the ruler of the Solar System just because Kuroiami isn't nice; since Galaxia isn't a dictator enforcing her will on the whole galaxy, she would be loath to depose of a local ruler unless that ruler were either grossly unfit to rule, or a danger to nearby civilizations. So far, Kuroiami hasn't really made life worse for most of the people on Earth--just the population of central Tokyo and the Sailor Senshi (whom she would characterize as troublemaking criminals out to usurp her lawful rule).
Of course, in the actual manga and anime, Galaxia is very interested in the Solar System because she wants the star seeds there--especially Sailormoon's star seed--but my 'good' Galaxia would only know the Solar System as one among thousands of star systems with Sailor Senshi. Even in this world, Sailormoon (and her star seed) are tremendously important, but my Galaxia--who has no interest in exerting personal dominion over the galaxy--has had much less incentive to learn about Sailormoon's star seed since she hasn't yet needed Sailormoon's power to help her with any of her crises.
But thanks for the question, and thanks to everyone who has commented on this story; I do appreciate your comments.)
-------
CHAPTER NINE
The whole next day after Hoshi died, Ami felt a strange mix of emotions--very good and very bad. Tokyo was clearly coming back to life; in the early morning, bulldozers started clearing away the wreckage of Kuroiami's battles, and a city utility crew actually reconnected the Tsukino house to the city's water supply and electric grid by the late afternoon. And of course Ami was glad she had Usagi back; Ami had risked everything to find Usagi and take her home, so at least half of that task was completed.
But Hoshi was never far from her thoughts. Ami spent the rest of that day helping Usagi clean up the Tsukino home--while Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna and Luna continued searching for Hotaru--but Shingo's face and voice returned to Ami whenever she had a quiet moment alone. She even snapped at Usagi once when Usagi mentioned how much she wished Chibi-Usa were there; at least Chibi-Usa was still alive in their own world, Ami said; Hoshi was gone forever.
"I'm sorry," Usagi said, hugging Ami as she cried. "It was mean of me to say that."
"It's just...I just never got to know him...and now he's dead!"
"I'm sorry," Usagi said softly. "I'm sure he would have loved you too, if he'd had the chance."
Later, when the Outer Senshi returned around dusk, Haruka took Usagi aside to ask why Ami's eyes were all red and puffy.
*"She just had a good cry,"* Usagi whispered confidentially, *"about Hoshi."*
"Ah."
"So, did you find Hotaru-chan?"
"No," Haruka admitted, "but we did find you and Ami some clothes that aren't all moth-eaten, and Luna made you a new henshin brooch."
"Oh, I forgot all about that!" Usagi admitted, only then remembering the ginzuishou she was keeping in a pocket of her moth-eaten old skirt.
But sure enough, Michiru and Setsuna then appeared with bags full of new clothes, and Luna appeared with a new henshin brooch for Usagi. Attracted by the commotion, Ami then came out of the kitchen just in time to see Usagi place her ginzuishou into the brooch under Luna's direction, which caused both the ginzuishou and brooch to glow from within with magical energy.
"And now we have Sailormoon back among us," Luna said, as Usagi attached the brooch to the front of her blouse.
"Oh, here's your clothes," Michiru said to Ami, handing her a bag, "just in case you want a change from that old uniform."
Ami looked in the bag, and saw some very nice-looking outfits.
"You didn't steal these," Ami asked suspiciously, "did you...?"
"Ami-chan!" Usagi said.
"Well, the city is pretty well wrecked," Ami said. "I doubt there's many dress shops left in Juubangai."
"Actually," Michiru said, "the city as a whole is in pretty good shape. This part--Minato-ku--was hit pretty hard, but that's just one district."
"So if it makes you feel any better," Haruka said, patting Ami on the shoulder, "we went up to Shinjuku and paid in cash."
Ami blushed slightly, realizing it was a silly thing to worry about anyway; with Kuroiami still unaccounted for, and this world's Usagi still missing, there were more important things to worry about than shoplifting.
"So I see the power's back on," Haruka remarked, noticing the lights.
"Oh yes," Ami said. "Should we have kept the lights off? I forgot what you said about snipers..."
"No, the lights are fine," Haruka laughed. "I don't think they'd go through all the trouble of reconnecting the power, just so they could shoot us."
"I was just checking the stove in the kitchen, and I think it still works; will ramen be all right for dinner?"
"Ramen sounds great," Haruka said.
Ami nodded, about to turn back to the kitchen, when a faint knock came at the door.
Haruka glanced around at the other Senshi--all of whom were accounted for. She then headed for the door while the other Senshi ducked behind cover--just in case there was trouble.
"It's probably just another utility crew," Haruka muttered.
But Haruka was astounded when she looked through the dusty window set in the middle of the front door.
"It's Tomoe-san!" Haruka exclaimed.
"Hotaru--?" Ami said, hurrying to join Haruka, Usagi, Michiru, Setsuna and Luna at the door. And indeed--wearing a short black dress with a white lace collar-- Hotaru was clearly recognizable through the window. Ami only caught a glimpse of Hotaru standing upright before the door, however; as soon as the door opened, Hotaru fell forward, collapsing into Haruka's arms.
All the Senshi gasped as one--Usagi and Ami gasping "Hotaru!" and the Outer Senshi gasping "Tomoe-san!"--but all were equally moved with concern.
"Is she all right?" Usagi asked.
"Has she fainted?" Michiru asked.
"I don't know," Haruka said, moving Hotaru briskly to the living room couch and setting her down there. Ami then checked for Hotaru's pulse at her neck.
"She has a pulse," Ami said, "but it's very faint. If only I had my minicomputer..."
"Oh, I can help there!" Luna said, suddenly running off somewhere. A few seconds later, she returned with Ami's minicomputer.
"Luna!" Usagi exclaimed; "did you just build that?"
"No," Luna replied, handing the device over to Ami. "It belonged to Kuroiami, before she was Kuroiami."
Ami activated the device, and was gratified to see that it worked the same as her own minicomputer (which she had left behind in her apartment before following Usagi to this world). Kuroiami had configured some of the programs differently, but the medical scanner worked just the same as she remembered.
"She doesn't appear to be physically injured," Ami reported, while scanning Hotaru, "but her energy level is very low. Is Hotaru sickly in this world, like the one in our world?"
The Outer Senshi looked at each other and shrugged.
"Actually, we've only met her once," Michiru admitted, "at Mugen Palace."
"We knew of her existence before that," Setsuna explained, "but Kuroiami had her executed before she could join us. To be honest, we're not sure how she came back at all."
Ami looked up at Usagi, but Usagi looked just as baffled as the Outer Senshi.
"Regardless of how she got here," Haruka said, "she is one of us. What should we do, Ami?"
"Well..." Ami said, "actually, I don't know. This may be a natural condition for her--like with Hotaru in our own world. If the condition is similar, she may just need rest to build up her strength again."
"You're the expert," Haruka said. "Tell us what to do."
For Ami--who was unaccustomed to such deference from the Outer Senshi of her own world--it was hard to know how to respond to that; quite probably, rest in a quiet place was all Hotaru really needed. But Ami suspected there was more to Haruka's deference than simple recognition of Ami's superior knowledge of science; ever since Haruka had recognized the error of their first meeting--when Sailoruranus had nearly beaten the life out of Ami, mistaking her for Kuroiami--Haruka had been very kind to Ami, perhaps to make up for that error. But Ami didn't want to make too much of that; Haruka was a proud person, and Ami didn't want to remind her of that mistake if she could help it.
"Perhaps some blankets would be good," Ami suggested. "But not too many; just enough to keep her warm, not enough to smother her."
"Blankets," Haruka said, hurrying off to find blankets, "right..."
"And it might not be a bad idea to have your first aid kit handy," Ami said to Michiru and Setsuna.
"Hai," said Michiru, leaving with Setsuna to find the kit. That left Usagi and Luna alone with Ami and Hotaru.
"Usagi-chan," Luna said, "did you know Hotaru very well in your own world?"
"Well, pretty well; she was a good friend of Chibi-Usa's."
Luna appeared confused for a moment.
"Usagi's daughter," Ami explained, "from the future."
"Oh, yes," Luna said. "So, what kind of person was your Hotaru?"
"Well, she's still around," Usagi said, "and she's a very sweet girl. She lives with Haruka and Michiru and Setsuna, and they're all one big happy family."
"But her life was harder when she was younger," Ami said. "Her father was corrupted by the Death Busters, and Hotaru was host to a terrible monster called 'Mistress Nine'. Hotaru was eventually forced to destroy herself--as Sailorsaturn--to overcome Mistress Nine and Pharaoh 90. If Sailormoon hadn't saved her, she would have been lost forever, since Sailorsaturn is normally destroyed when she uses her ultimate power."
Again, Luna nodded, but--before she could ask any more questions--Haruka returned with the blankets, and Michiru and Setsuna returned with a rather large first aid kit. To Usagi and Ami, the way that the Outer Senshi fussed over Hotaru did indeed seem very familiar, but both of the Inner Senshi had fond memories of Hotaru as well. They didn't really know the Hotaru of this world at all, but their own Hotaru was a person of surpassing goodness and selflessness, so it seemed natural to assume this Hotaru was similar.
"I'll watch over her," Ami said to the others, once Hotaru was nestled under the prescribed number of blankets. "The minicomputer will let me know if there's any change in her condition."
"Very well," Haruka said. "But let us know immediately if there's any change."
"Don't worry," Ami said. "I'll let you know."
* * * * *
Improvement was not long in coming; within an hour, Hotaru stirred (attracting the attention of all the Senshi to wonder at its significance), and Hotaru opened her eyes and spoke faintly a short time after that.
"Kuroiami...?" Hotaru said, looking at Ami.
"No," Ami said, "my name is Ami. How do you feel?"
"Tired," Hotaru said; "and a little thirsty..."
Haruka brought a glass of water at once.
"Be careful," Ami advised Hotaru; "don't try to drink too much all at once."
"Arigatou," Hotaru said, sipping the water. "I'm sorry to inconvenience you..."
"It's no trouble," Ami replied. "How did you know to come here, though?"
"And where did you go the other day?" Haruka asked. "We were worried about you."
Hotaru looked as if she was trying to remember.
"I don't know," Hotaru admitted, after a moment. "I know I was drawn to this place, but I can't remember anything before that..."
"Well, don't worry about that," Usagi advised. "I'm sure it will all come back to you once you get your strength back."
Hotaru smiled at Usagi.
"Are you...Sailormoon?" Hotaru asked.
Usagi was astonished--and the other Senshi no less so.
"Do you know Sailormoon?" Usagi asked.
"I have heard of her," Hotaru said, closing her eyes; "I have seen her...in my dreams..."
Watching Hotaru's eyes close, Usagi, Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna all turned to Ami with concern. But Ami reassured them that Hotaru was fine.
"She's just tired, I think," Ami said, after giving Hotaru a cursory scan. "She probably just needs a little more rest."
* * * * *
Eventually, later in the evening, Hotaru awoke again and seemed to have more energy this time. When Hotaru mentioned she was hungry, Michiru heated up the ramen that had been left neglected earlier in the day, and Hotaru expressed thanks for the portion she was given later. Usagi then suggested that Hotaru might be more comfortable in the master bedroom (where Usagi and Ami had slept the night before), and a great deal of fuss then attended the moving of Hotaru to those better quarters. Through it all, Hotaru was apologetic for being such an inconvenience, but all the Senshi insisted it was no trouble at all.
Once Hotaru was installed in the queen size bed, the Inner and Outer Senshi then stood around the foot of the bed and looked at Hotaru with nervous satisfaction. Hotaru did seem to have a slightly healthier glow in her cheeks than she had during the daytime, but she looked so tiny on the great big bed--covered by blankets and surrounded by pillows--that she somehow looked even more fragile than she had on the couch.
*"One of us should stay with Hotaru at all times,"* Ami whispered to the other Senshi. *"Perhaps we could take shifts."*
*"But only you know how to use the minicomputer,"* Michiru replied.
*"Well, I can use the minicomputer,"* Luna said.
*"Actually,"* Ami said, *"I've set the medical program to monitor Hotaru automatically. An alarm will sound if Hotaru's condition declines suddenly."*
*"I'll take the first shift then,"* Haruka volunteered.
Hotaru, however, seemed to have her own preference.
"Usagi," Hotaru said, lifting a hand, "will you stay with me?"
Usagi--who knew less about the minicomputer than anyone else--seemed surprised; and indeed Usagi was reluctant to make Haruka mad (after hearing how Sailoruranus had pummeled Ami earlier). But Haruka nodded in agreement with Hotaru's suggestion.
"All right," Usagi said, "I'll stay."
The other Senshi then withdrew from the master bedroom and made their own preparations for sleep. For the sake of safety, the Outer Senshi all slept together in the first floor living room (avoiding the upstairs bedrooms because of their ingrained concern about snipers, as well as their desire to avoid being trapped upstairs if the house was raided by enemies). Given Kuroiami's recent retreat from Tokyo, and the rapidly improving conditions in Minato-ku, Ami doubted an attack was likely, but nonetheless agreed that it was best to be on the safe side.
"May I stay out here with you?" Ami asked the Outer Senshi.
"Yes, of course," said Haruka; "you can have the couch."
Ami didn't argue, although that left Setsuna and Michiru to sleep on the floor; Haruka herself wouldn't be sleeping yet, since she would be the first person keeping watch that night.
"Tenou-san," Ami said, after Haruka had turned out the lights, "what do you plan to do next? Now that Kuroiami has fled, I mean."
"I'm not sure," Haruka admitted, taking up her watch post near one of the living room windows. "But Tomoe-san is key to our future; I know that."
"Do you know anything about her past?" Ami asked, pausing as she felt Luna jump up onto the couch with her, then curl up and go to sleep. "I mean, how she could have come back to life, after she was dead?"
"I don't know. But miracles do happen; you and Usagi are proof of that."
* * * * *
Usagi, meanwhile, curled up in a chair near Hotaru's bed, feeling the warm satisfaction she always felt from looking after another person. This sort of thing suited Usagi better than battle, though she was often forced to do battle as Sailormoon.
Eventually, with the room lit only by the glow of a soft light from the adjacent bedroom, Usagi was lulled to sleep herself by the soft beeping of Ami's minicomputer, signifying that everything was normal. It wasn't something she meant to happen...
I must remain awake, Usagi thought; I must remain awake...
...but she fell asleep all the same, and dreamt of her last battle with the Death Busters. It was a frightful experience, as Mistress Nine threatened to kill Sailoruranus and Sailorneptune if Usagi didn't hand over the Holy Grail; even Usagi knew that Mistress Nine wasn't likely to keep her word, but she handed the Holy Grail over all the same. But then the dream departed from reality as Mistress Nine transformed back into Hotaru, smiling and happy, saved and healed by the power of the Grail...
"Usagi..."
It wasn't until a moment later that Usagi realized she was no longer dreaming; opening her eyes, she saw Hotaru--pallid and sweaty--reaching out to her.
"Usagi, help me..."
"What is it, Hotaru?" Usagi asked, leaping from her chair at once to sit beside Hotaru. "What's the matter?"
"Something inside me is dying..." Hotaru said, looking up at Usagi--or more specifically at Usagi's henshin brooch. The brooch was glowing with power now, responding to something inside Hotaru.
"I need...the Grail..."
Usagi felt a chill run through her body.
"How do you know about the Grail?" Usagi asked.
"I...don't know...
"But know I need it; I need it, or I will die..."
Usagi backed up off the bed, clutching her brooch. She could feel the fire inside the ginzuishou--but was it a warning, or something else?
"I don't have the Grail," Usagi replied. "I don't even know if the Grail exists in this world..."
"The Outer Senshi can summon the Grail," Hotaru replied, "but only you can wield it; only you can give it to me..."
Usagi was about to respond, but then Ami's minicomputer began beeping fast and loud.
"I'm going to get the others," Usagi said. "Wait here."
Since Haruka was still up and standing watch, it only took Usagi and Haruka a moment to wake the other Senshi and Luna. Then--as a group--they moved to join Hotaru.
"Hotaru is very weak," Ami said, checking the beeping minicomputer. "Her whole system is shutting down..."
"What can we do?" Haruka asked.
"I don't know," Ami said. "I don't even know what's causing this..."
"The Grail," Hotaru said, weakly. "I must have the Grail..."
"What's the Grail?" Michiru asked.
"An artifact of great power," Setsuna said. "We three have the power to summon the Grail, but only our princess can use it."
"The princess..." Haruka said, glancing suddenly at Usagi, "Sailormoon!"
"I think I know what she means," Usagi said.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Haruka said. "Let's summon the Grail!"
Ami, however, wasn't quite so enthusiastic.
"Haruka," Ami said, "I don't think that's such a good idea."
"What are you talking about? You said yourself you don't know what's happening to her!"
"Haruka," Michiru said, touching Haruka on the shoulder, "let's not get carried away. Remember, Ami and Usagi know a lot more about Hotaru than we do."
Hotaru moaned fitfully.
"Do you know what to do or not?" Haruka said to Usagi, backing her up against a wall. Usagi was frightened, but looked at Ami.
"It's your decision," Ami said; "but remember Mistress Nine."
An agonizing moment passed, as Usagi heard Hotaru groaning, felt the ginzuishou burning, and felt her own heart beating fearfully fast. Usagi--as Sailormoon--had handed over another Grail once before, but her heart told her to heed Ami's warning; the Grail held awesome power, and everything about this situation spoke of danger. If this world's Ami could be thoroughly evil, then why not this world's Hotaru as well?
Suddenly, though, Ami's minicomputer stopped beeping altogether--the beeping replaced by a single continuous tone. Ami glanced at Michiru, and Michiru moved to feel for a pulse at Hotaru's neck.
"I think she's dead," Michiru said.
"You bitch!" Haruka spat at Usagi. "I'll kill you!"
Usagi shrank backward, realizing Haruka meant to strike her. But then, suddenly, Ami moved between Haruka and Usagi.
"Then you can kill me too," Ami said.
Haruka seethed with fury, but she could not bring herself to strike Ami.
"Kuso!" Haruka said, punching the closest wall.
"I'm sorry..." Usagi said tearfully, wanting to explain how Mistress Nine had once exploited her love for Hotaru, and how the world had nearly been extinguished because of it. But this was only a rationalization. Inside, Usagi felt hollow and false; it was not like her not to help someone--anyone--who asked for help.
Perhaps I am the evil one, Usagi thought, staring numbly at Ami's back; perhaps I am the true evil in this world...
But even as she thought so, slipping into a well of her own despair, Usagi was startled by a strange familiar beeping...
"It's Hotaru!" Ami said suddenly, lifting her minicomputer. "She's alive!"
The Outer Senshi turned to Hotaru as one, and Usagi fell to her knees. Nobody seemed to quite believe it, but the Hotaru moved beneath the covers, blinked her eyes and look back at the other Senshi curiously.
"Tenou-san? Ami-san? Is something the matter?"
Ami looked at Haruka.
"She seems fine," Ami said, lowering her minicomputer.
Haruka and Michiru were overwhelmed, and joined Hotaru on the bed; Hotaru, for her part, seemed mystified by all the attention, but bore it with good humor.
"Arigatou," Hotaru said to Haruka and Michiru, "but I'm fine, I'm fine..."
"You gave us a scare," Setsuna said. "We thought you had died."
"I think I'm alive..." Hotaru replied, looking down at her own body.
"Do you remember asking us about the Grail?" Ami asked.
"No…
"What's a 'Grail'?"
Ami looked at Usagi--who was still on her knees--but Usagi was too distracted by the ginzuishou to notice; the fire inside the gem had faded now, perhaps because the danger from Hotaru had also faded.
But someone--or something--alien *was* alive inside Hotaru; of that, Usagi had no doubt.
* * * * *
The rest of the night passed without incident; Haruka decided to stay with Hotaru the rest of the night, while the rest of the Senshi retired to the living room, but Hotaru soon fell into a restful slumber and awoke the next day in surprisingly good spirits. Ami and Usagi were quite stunned when Hotaru walked into the living room in her unwrinkled black dress--seemingly none the worse for wear--and greeted them with a cheerful "Ohaiyo gozaimasu!"
"Ohaiyo gozaimasu!" the girls replied.
"Are Kaiou-san and Meiou-san here?" Hotaru asked.
"I think they went to get some breakfast," Usagi replied. "Are you...all right?"
"Oh, I'm fine," Hotaru replied, "although I could use some breakfast. I'm famished!"
Haruka then appeared behind Hotaru--and Usagi flinched--but Haruka greeted Usagi and Ami with a friendly "ohaiyo gozaimasu" as well.
"Ohaiyo gozaimasu," Usagi and Ami replied.
"You didn't ask to be relieved," Ami noted to Haruka. "I take it nothing happened?"
"No, Hotaru slept like a baby. And I dozed off myself there as well, eventually…"
"Hotaru," Ami said, "do you remember anything about yesterday?"
Hotaru thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"Not really. I remember you taking care of me...and I remember waking up this morning...but nothing before that. In fact I was going to ask, do you know how I got here?"
Ami and Usagi looked at Haruka, and all of them shrugged.
"Well, don't you worry about that," Haruka said. "You're here now, and that's all that matters."
"Perhaps you're right," Hotaru replied. "Oh, Ami-san, and Usagi-san, you can have your bedroom back if you'd like. I think I'm feeling better now, and I hate to impose on your kindness."
"Oh, it was no trouble," Ami replied.
Actually, though, Usagi and Ami were both keen to have the master bedroom back to themselves--partly so they could change out of the ratty clothes they'd been wearing for days, and partly so they could avail themselves of the shower that had just started working the day before. Thus, while Michiru and Setsuna were returning from their shopping expedition and greeting Hotaru, Usagi and Ami were both scrubbing out the tub and shower, prior to taking turns under the refreshing spray of water from Minato-ku's recently reconnected water supply. The girls then changed into two of the outfits that the Outer Senshi had found for them the day before.
"I'm guessing Michiru and Setsuna did the shopping," Ami said, after changing into a pretty blue sundress.
"Yeah," Usagi agreed, after putting on a pink Usui Yoshiki top and matching shorts; "Haruka-san would have got us all fatigues and combat boots."
"I do feel almost normal again," Ami said, picking up the sandals that went with the dress; "but things aren't normal, are they?"
"Well, we're a gazillion kilometers from home," Usagi said. "That's not normal."
"I was thinking of Hotaru. Is she as dangerous as I think she is?"
"It's hard to believe she could be dangerous," Usagi said, "but I know my brooch responded to her…or whatever's inside of her."
"We need to be careful, then."
"Well, yeah," Usagi said. "I don't want Haruka to slug me like she did you!"
"It is ironic," Ami noted; "back in our world, the Outers desperately wanted to kill Hotaru. Here it's exactly opposite; I'm just concerned she could hurt them, if they're not careful."
"That's my Ami," Usagi said, putting an arm around Ami; "always worrying."
Ami smiled feebly.
"Let's go join the others," Usagi suggested. "With any luck, the Outers are better at making breakfast than we are!"
* * * * *
With the Outer Senshi fussing over her, Hotaru had hardly a moment alone all day; Haruka did make a show of helping Ami and Usagi fix up the house, but the littlest sign of distress from Hotaru would bring Haruka running from whatever part of the house she happened to be in.
It seemed to sadden Haruka, thus, that Hotaru actually came to prefer spending time with Ami and Usagi--if only because Ami and Usagi weren't nearly as obsessed with her well-being. But Haruka bore this stoically, and even tried to appear encouraging when Ami and Usagi offered to take Hotaru for a walk around the neighborhood.
This walk was strangely melancholy for Ami and Usagi; although city workers had already repaired much of the damage to the area, landmarks like the Crown Building, Juuban Hall, Juuban Junior High, and Juuban High School were all in shambles. On the other hand, though, the Hikawa Jinja and the chapel at the T.A. Private Girls' School were both surprisingly well-preserved.
"Perhaps God spared those places," Ami suggested.
"That's not a very 'scientific' opinion," Usagi kidded Ami.
"I think Ami-san is right, though," Hotaru said. "Haruka-san says we must believe in miracles."
"So there," Ami said to Usagi.
Some minutes later, they returned to the Tsukino residence, but Hotaru asked for a moment alone when they returned to the front yard.
"All right," Ami said; "we'll let Haruka know you're outside."
Hotaru nodded, and walked over to the side of the house to commune with her master.
Mother, Hotaru thought, I have failed. The others would not bring forth the Holy Grail.
But why not? Kaorinite replied. I thought they were devoted to you!
They are; but Sailormercury sewed the seeds of doubt in Sailormoon's mind, and Sailormoon would not cooperate.
Did you not simulate your own death, as I showed you? Did you not mold their dreams to make them tractable?
Yes, but Sailormoon remained suspicious; it was vital to turn her, and she would not turn.
Very well Kaorinite thought, this situation will have to do for now. Remain with the Senshi, and watch for another opportunity to seize the Grail.
Yes, Mother.
Hotaru then looked up, and was surprised to see a most incongruous sight--a blue-haired boy of perhaps 14, wearing what looked like a blue cape and some sort of military tunic and trousers, standing on top of a nearby fence.
"Pardon me," the blue-haired boy said; "might this be the Tsukino residence?"
"Who are you?" Hotaru asked.
"Forgive me," the boy said, leaping down from the fence to land near Hotaru, "your beauty has made me forget myself. My name is Hoshi, and I am an ambassador from my mother, Kuroiami-sama."
Hotaru blushed very slightly--even as she braced herself defensively.
"Kuroiami is the enemy of all the Earth," Hotaru said; "what business do you have here?"
"I have merely come to offer an invitation. You are a Sailor Senshi, are you not?"
"How do you know that?"
"You have a powerful aura," Hoshi said. "Beautiful, but powerful as well."
"I am Sailorsaturn," Hotaru admitted.
"Very good. Then perhaps you can relay a message to the Senshi on my behalf; my mother would like them to come to the Palace of Queen Serenity on the Moon--in the Mare Senenitatis--to be her guest."
"What for? To kill us all in one convenient location?"
"I certainly hope not," Hoshi said, smiling at Hotaru; "who could want to hurt such a beautiful young lady as yourself?"
Hoshi then lifted Hotaru's hand to kiss it, and stepped back.
"Until later," Hoshi said, "sayonara."
Hoshi then disappeared in a shower of cherry blossoms, just as Haruka--finally unable to contain her concern about Hotaru any longer--came outside to check on her. Michiru, Setsuna, Usagi, Ami and Luna then followed, and all of them formed a semicircle around Hotaru.
"Tomoe-san," Haruka said, "are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm all right," Hotaru said, looking at her hand for a moment, then looking up at the other Senshi. "I was asked to deliver a message to you, though. A boy named Hoshi just extended an invitation for us to join Kuroiami at the palace of Queen Serenity on the Moon."
Ami gasped, and suddenly turned white.
"Hoshi…?" Ami asked.
"Ami-chan!" Usagi exclaimed, hurrying to catch Ami before her knees buckled.
"Did he have blue hair?" Michiru asked.
"Oh yes," Hotaru said.
Ami then collapsed altogether, despite Usagi.
"And I must say," Hotaru added, "he was very handsome."
Setsuna raised an eyebrow.
"Handsome? That's an odd description for such a young boy."
"Well, he wasn't *that* young," Hotaru said. "He was at least as old as me. Or perhaps a little older."
Hotaru then thought to add how he'd kissed her hand, but--given Ami's state of near-collapse--she decided to keep that detail to herself.
