Chapter Fifteen: Night Shift
Rei walked back into the house and gently closed the door behind her. She sauntered into the living room and sat on the couch, watching as Usagi moved her piece across the board. It wasn't long before Michiru looked up at Rei from her position on the floor. "Yuuichirou left?"
"Yeah," Rei said simply. She leaned her cheek on her palm and watched as Michiru shrugged and continued her game. She watched for a straight half hour and when the game slowly came to an end, due to the fact the only people left with money were Chibiusa, Michiru, and Mamoru, she grew bored of the group, stepped up and left the room. "I wonder where Setsuna is," she said, holding onto the smooth, wooden railing that carried her up the stairs.
She looked around and peeked through some of the bedrooms until she found Setsuna in the far end of the hallway. Rei only leaned in the doorway behind the half open door and watched. Setsuna was on her computer and she stared at the screen, reading. Michiru once mentioned that Setsuna is always on the computer, whenever she gets the chance. As the Senshi of Pluto, she enjoys her quiet time. She favors being alone, and the computer, to her, is her escape from the world.
'Such sad eyes,' Rei thought as she studied her. 'They remind me of Hotaru's eyes...' As if hearing her speak, Setsuna looked up from her computer. "Rei? May I help you?"
Rei shook her head. "May I come in?"
Setsuna nodded and motioned for her to grab a chair. Rei did, and sat beside her. She now looked at the computer. It was the website Ami made strictly for the Sailor Senshi. You need a password to enter, so anyone who visits that isn't a Senshi, can not enter. It was filled with battle records, profiles and full history on each enemy they had so far. Except there was no data on their newest enemy, because Ami disappeared on the very first night of the encounter. But, Ami DID make a note on the Note Page about the crater that mysteriously formed in the middle of Downtown Tokyo. Rei only remembers it as the time she say the Senshi for the first time in years.
Rei inched forward in her chair. Setsuna was scanning all the past enemies. Full profiles. Pages and pages and long data on each enemy. Like a biography. Ami really collected a lot of data. Rei was impressed.
She had her avatar in the notes page. Everytime she made a new discovery, she made the note on the Notes Page and put her avatar next to it. Also on that page was Setsuna's avatar, Minako's avatar, and Makoto's avatar from the past battles. If anyone wanted to put a note on the website, they logged in, typed the note, and placed their personal avatar next to it to identify who made that note.
As if reading her mind, Setsuna spoke. "I'm looking for data or notes on anything about this new enemy. I'm surprised, really. Ami put some notes down about it. But..." she pointed to the screen. "Usagi put some too. I don't know where she got this information, but it could be useful."
Rei nodded only to satisify Setsuna. She already had a feeling that Usagi knew about this incident far before Rei did, but she didn't have any evidence. Maybe Usagi isn't responsible for this incident. But somehow, it keeps coming back to that. And she doesn't know why.
When Setsuna added more notes about the enemy, she began to make a seperate page. All the other biographies had Ami's avatar in the beginning stating, "Biography made by Sailor Mercury", but now, Setsuna put hers and stated, "Biography made by Sailor Pluto". 'Finally,' Rei thought, 'a different picture.' She giggled and Setsuna smiled. She thought the same thing.
When Setsuna was finished adding pictures of the wolves and a snap shot of the puppet Sailor Mercury, (thanks to Michiru's Deep Aqua Mirror) she ended up with 8 Kbs of information. Must of it was describing the wolves, Rei's experience with them, and the fight earilier. Setsuna came to the conclusion that the wolves' power must come from the Sailor Crystal and that they appeared right after Hotaru ran away. It could be possible, even though Setsuna didn't want to believe it, that Hotaru's crystal was taken and used to grab Mercury's. "It could be possible," Setsuna said with worried eyes.
And Rei knew it could be. The Crystals make the wolves stronger and now it was proven. Setsuna sighed and rested her face in her palms. Rei patted her back. "Rest your eyes and call it a night, Setsuna."
Setsuna nodded and Rei stood up and left. She walked down the stairs and turned the corner again. Everyone was cleaning up the game and Rei walked into the living room. "Who won?"
"Michiru," Chibiusa said with a smile.
"It was a close game," Michiru said, looking up from putting the money away. Everyone looked tired. And they should be. They were playing that game for atleast two hours or so. Haruka looked the most tired; she was sitting on the windowsil again. Rei guessed she must have gotten bored of watching them play once she was out.
Haruka stood up now and stretched. "My dice was jipped," she said with a tease.
Michiru laughed and rested her head on Haruka's shoulder. "Let's show them to their rooms so we can sleep, 'kay Haruka?"
She nodded. "Alright."
Everyone nodded and Usagi instantly jumped up. "Okay! But I get the biggest room!"
Chibiusa frowned and chased her up the stairs. "NO! We are going to share!"
Rei followed Haruka and the rest up to the second floor of the house. Setsuna now came out of the computer room, rubbing her eyes. "Tired, Setsuna?" Michiru asked, putting her hand on her shoulder.
Setsuna nodded and yawned. "I'm going to take a nice hot shower." She walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. 'Poor Setsuna', Rei thought as she watched her. 'She is going through a lot right now, just like Michi-chan said.' After Michiru's worried look followed a smile. "Let's get to your rooms now."
---
Rei sat up in bed late that night, about 3 a.m. Her door was closed and the room was pitch black. She would have turned on the light, but her eyes were not yet adjusted to the darkness; all except the yellow strip of light on the bottom of door from the nightlight in the bathroom, that was right across from her room. She made her way to the door now, only wearing a long t-shirt, similiar to the one Setsuna wore. Rei opened the door slowly and walked out of the room. She made her way down the hallway.
The first stop was Michiru and Haruka's room. They slept together in the same king sized bed on the far end of the room. Michiru's hair was pulled back into a ribbon, similiar to Rei's hair, that was in a ponytail. Michiru and Haruka faced each other, eyes closed, and they snuggled close. She looked at Michiru. She must be dreaming about a violin recital; she was smiling and lost in her dream. Haruka's face was different though, peaceful. And for the first time in a while, did she look like a woman. Maybe it was because Rei hadn't seen her in a while.
Their room was decorated in a creamy white color; rose petals were painted on the walls, but there weren't many, just enough to add the romantic touch to the room. There was a candle lit in the far end of the room on the table next to the Deep Aqua Mirror. Now the room smelled like roses. Rei could instantly tell whose idea the candle was: Michiru's.
She smiled at the couple and continued down the hallway. Next stop was Usagi's room. She opened the door wider and looked inside. Usagi was sleeping on the right, Mamoru on the left, and Chibiusa stuck in the middle. It was a huge king sized bed. It looked bigger than Michiru's and Haruka's. And looking at the group was the most cutest thing Rei had ever seen.
Usagi's hair was loose and curly. She laid on her side facing her daughter who slept the same way: hair out and curly; Mamoru slept on his back with his hands on his stomach. The bed covers were a soft pink color and there were two pillows; Usagi and Chibiusa shared. The pillows themselves were a creamy white color and trimmed with white lace. As for the walls, they were a soft pink. Rei giggled to herself. 'I wonder what Mamoru's first impression was.'
Now, Chibiusa yawned and opened her eyes. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes, then looked over to the doorway. When she saw Rei, she waved and smiled. Rei waved back, mouthed Good-night, and closed the door again. She looked between the crack and could see Chibiusa switch position and cuddle against Mamoru. He smiled, kept his eyes closed, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
Finally, the last stop. Setsuna's room. Rei looked inside. No Setsuna. The covers were still messy, so she must have recently gotten up. Maybe doing the same as Rei? Checking on everyone? She turned around. Nope. She wasn't there. Rei looked into the computer room. It was dark. No Setsuna. Only one more explination: the kitchen.
Rei bounced down the stairs and spun around the corner, almost slidding on the smooth waxed floor. She walked into the kitchen and shaded her brow from the light. Setsuna was sitting at the table on her laptop with a cup of tea next to it. She looked up instantly. "Rei? Is something wrong?"
Rei shook her head and sat down across from her. "No. I was just... walking to the bathroom and noticed you weren't in your room. Is everything okay?"
Setsuna didn't say yes, didn't say no. She just pointed to her laptop. "Just doing research for the site." She looked at Rei who yawned now. "Do you want some tea?"
Rei nodded. "Please?" Setsuna stood up, smiled, and made her way to the counter. She took out a pack of tea, put hot water in a mug, and walked to the other side of the counter.
Rei yawned again and looked around the room. "Setsuna...?" Setsuna looked up from the mug. "Why are you down here so late? I thought you were tired."
"I am," she said and went back to work with the tea. "But finding Hotaru and Ami comes first. Sleep and rest, second."
"That's not what Ami would say," Rei said.
Setsuna turned around. "And what would Ami say?"
Rei thought. "She would say... 'Finding your friends is very important, just like their lives. But you must take care of yourself in order to. If something happened to you, how could you protect and save them?' "
Setsuna didn't speak, just turned and put the mug in the mircowave. She then sat down at the table and went back to work. It was silent for a minute, all until the tea was ready and the microwave went off. Setsuna got up and retrieved it for her. "Here. It's hot, so don't be like Usagi."
Rei knew she met it as a tease, but when you are tired and worried, it's hard to get emotions across. Rei just smiled and took the mug, blowing off the top and stirring it around. The two were silent, just the sipping from the tea and the fast clicking of the computer keys. Rei studied Setsuna, who was too lost in her world to notices Rei's stares. She looked peaceful, yet worried at the same time. She skimmed past the keys, typing about 80 words a minute, and every once in a while, she would smile. Maybe chatting with a friend of hers online?
And watching Setsuna, Rei only thought of Hotaru. She could picture it now: Hotaru knealing on the chair next to Setsuna and watching her work. Did they ever sit down here alone at night together and just be silent? 'I think they have...' Rei said, looking at Setsuna. She sighed every once in a while and stared at the empty seat next to her. 'Must have. She must really miss that kid.'
Of course she misses her, Rei thought. Setsuna, Michiru, and Haruka have lived together for years and they raised Hotaru from her very rebirth. Sure, she was a handful, but she was their daughter: they all were the parents. The ones resonsible. And loosing the child you took in and cared for can really tear you apart.
Is that why Setsuna uses the Internet a lot? Rei thought and finished off her tea. 'Michiru once told me that the computer sort of calms Setsuna down and takes her mind off the pain. Is that why she comes down on countless nights to just be alone?'
Once Rei finished studying the woman, she said her goodnights to Setsuna and went back upstairs.
About ten minutes later, the door to Rei's opened slowly and Rei looked to the doorway. Setsuna smiled from the door. "Good night, Rei. And remember. If you don't rest, you can't take care of those you love for."
Rei noticed the hurt in her eyes. Who knew Ami's small advice would have such an impact on poor Setsuna? Rei just smiled and watched her leave. Maybe she does know more about the world.
---
Rei suddenly shot up in bed. She found herself in her bedroom in Jaedite's apartment. She looked around, felt her arms and legs, and gasped. "I'm... home?"
Soon, Jaedite appeared in the doorway with a toothpick in his mouth. "Morning Rei," he said, removing the toothpick and kissed Rei's cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
Rei stared at him with wide eyes. "...Jaedite? What are you doing here? I thought... I thought Silver Maiden captured you!"
"Who?" Jaedite asked, cocking an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Rei sat up in bed now, inching over to Jaedite. "Silver Maiden! I thought you left when Yuuichirou-"
"Rei, Rei, calm down! I'm right here! I'm not captured." He grabbed her by the shoulders gently. "Everything's okay."
Rei had a hard time believing this. Everything's okay? But that must mean... "Is Ami okay?!"
Jaedite nodded and pointed over to the door. Ami stood in the doorway with a smile on her face. Her eyes were crystal blue and sparkled. No longer sad. They were just as they were six years ago: cheerful and full of spirit. This time, Ami had a textbook in her hand. "Rei! How come you aren't studying! There is NO time to sleep and make out when your College Education is at stake!"
"College?" Rei asked, as Ami pulled her out of bed.
"YES! You have to apply for College now! You are in your early twenties! You BETTER apply!"
Rei smiled. That's the Ami she remembered. The Super Test Taker Ami. She now pulled her into the living room, which suddenly changed to Usagi's house. Jaedite was leaning against the wall with Mamoru as they laughed and joked around. Minako and Usagi sat on the couch by the table and waved. "Rei! Ami! Finally you guys are here! Come on! Let's study!" Minako said cheerfully.
Now, the doorbell rang and Makoto walked through the doorway with Kunzite's arm around her waist. "Hey everyone! We're here!" Makoto said with a huge smile. She slightly blushed and gripped Kunzite's arm tighter.
Kunzite held out a tray of cookies that were wrapped in a hot pink cover. "And we brought cookies!"
"YAY!" Usagi said cheerfully and clapped her hands. Rei smiled widely and joined the rest of them. "Great! Cookies!!"
Now, Chibusa popped through the door behind Kunzite. "Hi everyone! Sorry I'm late!" She bounced across the room and joined Usagi and grabbed a cookie.
Rei smiled and they began to study, laughing and asking Ami everyone question in the book. She helped like always, and everything felt like it used to be. Usagi would squeal and cry if she got the answer the wrong, Rei would call her a name, and they would fight, bringing smiles on everyone's faces and laughs tagged along.
Everything felt like it used to be. The way it should be.
Then, Jaedite stood up and cleared his throat. "Everyone, I have an announcment." Everyone grew quiet and watched as he walked over to Rei, pulling a small box from his pocket. Mamoru nudged him in his shoulder and he smiled, showing Rei the velvet box with a red ribbon around it. He slowly opened it and all the girls gasped at the sight of the beautiful diamond ring that slept inside the box. "Oh my god!!" Minako screamed at the same time as Makoto. Their eyes sparkled as they continued to squeal.
Rei's eyes widened as she stared at the ring that Jaedite opened to her. Now, he took her left hand in his. "Rei... will you marry me?"
Then the room when silent. Rei could see Minako and Makoto smiled and nodding. She looked back at Jaedite and said, "Yes," but was surprised when the words did not leave her mouth. He contiued to wait and she began to panic. "YES!" She said, but nothing left her mouth.
Suddenly, the windows burst open and two wolves appeared in the entrance, and standing above them floated a Senshi. She had dark purple eyes and her short black hair blew across her face. Dark energy circled around her body and everyone slowly began to fade. Rei gasped and held up her hand. "MARS CRYSTAL POWER!"
And the familiar warmth of the flames surrounded her body and left her in her comfortable Sailor Suit. When her vision became clear, she could see all the Senshi lined up on the ground, dead, and what seemed like Crystals hovering over their chests. Sailor Saturn giggled and hovered in the air over them all.
Sailor Mars frowned and fire formed in her fists. "GIVE THEIR LIVES BACK! Mars Flame Sniper!" And as the flaming arrow shot threw the air, what seemed like a water barrier blocked it. And standing in front of Sailor Saturn stood Sailor Neptune, Sailor Uranus, and Sailor Pluto. They all looked angerly at Rei and Sailor Saturn laughed.
Then she woke up in a cold sweat.
---
Early that morning, Michiru yawned and opened her eyes. She moved Haruka's arm from on top of her and sat up in bed. Her digital clock read 6 a.m. Now, she quickly turned and shook Haruka. "Haruka. Haruka, wake up."
Haruka groaned and opened her eyes. When her vision cleared up, she saw Michiru in front of her, smiling. Haruka smiled back. "Good morning."
Michiru giggled and held Haruka sit up. "Wanna go outside on the balcony and watch the sunrise like we always do?"
Haruka nodded. "Okay..." They both got up and threw on their yukatas; Michiru's was green and Haruka's was black. They opened the glass doors to the balcony that was just outside their bedroom.
Michiru walked over to the railing and leaned on it, ignoring the chill of the new day. Her hair blew across her face and she hooked the locks back behind her ear. Now Haruka stood next to her and wrapped her arm around her waist. They both stared off into the distance, waiting for the sun to peek up behind the trees that lined the horizon. If you were to stand on top of the roof, which Haruka and Michiru have done before, you can see the ocean off in the distance. Sometimes, Michiru would sit on the roof and play her violin early in the morning, about 7 a.m., before everyone woke up. And if children were walking to school, she would still be up there, and they would all stand and listen.
Haruka gently squeezed Michiru's waist as the sun began to rise. "Another day, Michi-chan. What is your wish for today?"
Michiru thought, then closed her eyes. "I wish... that Yuuichirou got home safely and today will be more calm and peaceful."
Haruka nodded and looked off to the distance. Now, the sun was sneeking up between the trees and the sunlight touched their house first. "I wish..." she thought. "...that we will overcome the struggles of today and find a way to win." Michiru didn't even change expression. Haruka always wished for strength and triumpth. And when Haruka noticed Michiru's silence, she continued. "...and that everyone will work out their problems and be friends again."
"Do you really mean that?" Michiru asked, looking up at her.
Haruka nodded. "Yesterday... was how everything was supposed to be. Except... everyone wasn't there to experience it."
Now, Setsuna opened the glass doors and stepped behind them. "I knew you two would be here."
They both turned around and Michiru smiled. "Setsuna, quickly. Make a wish before the sun touches the sky."
Setsuna walked up to the balcony and closed her eyes. She could tell the two of them were staring at her. "I wish... we will find Hotaru and everyone will be happy today."
Michiru held her Deep Aqua Mirror to the sky now and it glistened a dark green. "May our planets continue to bless us. And as impossible these wishes seem..." she closed her eyes, and so did the other two. "...grant them."
Hehe. Just a simple chapter to explain the feeling of the Outer Senshi home, and a dream of Rei's. Hope you liked. Review please!!
Rei walked back into the house and gently closed the door behind her. She sauntered into the living room and sat on the couch, watching as Usagi moved her piece across the board. It wasn't long before Michiru looked up at Rei from her position on the floor. "Yuuichirou left?"
"Yeah," Rei said simply. She leaned her cheek on her palm and watched as Michiru shrugged and continued her game. She watched for a straight half hour and when the game slowly came to an end, due to the fact the only people left with money were Chibiusa, Michiru, and Mamoru, she grew bored of the group, stepped up and left the room. "I wonder where Setsuna is," she said, holding onto the smooth, wooden railing that carried her up the stairs.
She looked around and peeked through some of the bedrooms until she found Setsuna in the far end of the hallway. Rei only leaned in the doorway behind the half open door and watched. Setsuna was on her computer and she stared at the screen, reading. Michiru once mentioned that Setsuna is always on the computer, whenever she gets the chance. As the Senshi of Pluto, she enjoys her quiet time. She favors being alone, and the computer, to her, is her escape from the world.
'Such sad eyes,' Rei thought as she studied her. 'They remind me of Hotaru's eyes...' As if hearing her speak, Setsuna looked up from her computer. "Rei? May I help you?"
Rei shook her head. "May I come in?"
Setsuna nodded and motioned for her to grab a chair. Rei did, and sat beside her. She now looked at the computer. It was the website Ami made strictly for the Sailor Senshi. You need a password to enter, so anyone who visits that isn't a Senshi, can not enter. It was filled with battle records, profiles and full history on each enemy they had so far. Except there was no data on their newest enemy, because Ami disappeared on the very first night of the encounter. But, Ami DID make a note on the Note Page about the crater that mysteriously formed in the middle of Downtown Tokyo. Rei only remembers it as the time she say the Senshi for the first time in years.
Rei inched forward in her chair. Setsuna was scanning all the past enemies. Full profiles. Pages and pages and long data on each enemy. Like a biography. Ami really collected a lot of data. Rei was impressed.
She had her avatar in the notes page. Everytime she made a new discovery, she made the note on the Notes Page and put her avatar next to it. Also on that page was Setsuna's avatar, Minako's avatar, and Makoto's avatar from the past battles. If anyone wanted to put a note on the website, they logged in, typed the note, and placed their personal avatar next to it to identify who made that note.
As if reading her mind, Setsuna spoke. "I'm looking for data or notes on anything about this new enemy. I'm surprised, really. Ami put some notes down about it. But..." she pointed to the screen. "Usagi put some too. I don't know where she got this information, but it could be useful."
Rei nodded only to satisify Setsuna. She already had a feeling that Usagi knew about this incident far before Rei did, but she didn't have any evidence. Maybe Usagi isn't responsible for this incident. But somehow, it keeps coming back to that. And she doesn't know why.
When Setsuna added more notes about the enemy, she began to make a seperate page. All the other biographies had Ami's avatar in the beginning stating, "Biography made by Sailor Mercury", but now, Setsuna put hers and stated, "Biography made by Sailor Pluto". 'Finally,' Rei thought, 'a different picture.' She giggled and Setsuna smiled. She thought the same thing.
When Setsuna was finished adding pictures of the wolves and a snap shot of the puppet Sailor Mercury, (thanks to Michiru's Deep Aqua Mirror) she ended up with 8 Kbs of information. Must of it was describing the wolves, Rei's experience with them, and the fight earilier. Setsuna came to the conclusion that the wolves' power must come from the Sailor Crystal and that they appeared right after Hotaru ran away. It could be possible, even though Setsuna didn't want to believe it, that Hotaru's crystal was taken and used to grab Mercury's. "It could be possible," Setsuna said with worried eyes.
And Rei knew it could be. The Crystals make the wolves stronger and now it was proven. Setsuna sighed and rested her face in her palms. Rei patted her back. "Rest your eyes and call it a night, Setsuna."
Setsuna nodded and Rei stood up and left. She walked down the stairs and turned the corner again. Everyone was cleaning up the game and Rei walked into the living room. "Who won?"
"Michiru," Chibiusa said with a smile.
"It was a close game," Michiru said, looking up from putting the money away. Everyone looked tired. And they should be. They were playing that game for atleast two hours or so. Haruka looked the most tired; she was sitting on the windowsil again. Rei guessed she must have gotten bored of watching them play once she was out.
Haruka stood up now and stretched. "My dice was jipped," she said with a tease.
Michiru laughed and rested her head on Haruka's shoulder. "Let's show them to their rooms so we can sleep, 'kay Haruka?"
She nodded. "Alright."
Everyone nodded and Usagi instantly jumped up. "Okay! But I get the biggest room!"
Chibiusa frowned and chased her up the stairs. "NO! We are going to share!"
Rei followed Haruka and the rest up to the second floor of the house. Setsuna now came out of the computer room, rubbing her eyes. "Tired, Setsuna?" Michiru asked, putting her hand on her shoulder.
Setsuna nodded and yawned. "I'm going to take a nice hot shower." She walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. 'Poor Setsuna', Rei thought as she watched her. 'She is going through a lot right now, just like Michi-chan said.' After Michiru's worried look followed a smile. "Let's get to your rooms now."
---
Rei sat up in bed late that night, about 3 a.m. Her door was closed and the room was pitch black. She would have turned on the light, but her eyes were not yet adjusted to the darkness; all except the yellow strip of light on the bottom of door from the nightlight in the bathroom, that was right across from her room. She made her way to the door now, only wearing a long t-shirt, similiar to the one Setsuna wore. Rei opened the door slowly and walked out of the room. She made her way down the hallway.
The first stop was Michiru and Haruka's room. They slept together in the same king sized bed on the far end of the room. Michiru's hair was pulled back into a ribbon, similiar to Rei's hair, that was in a ponytail. Michiru and Haruka faced each other, eyes closed, and they snuggled close. She looked at Michiru. She must be dreaming about a violin recital; she was smiling and lost in her dream. Haruka's face was different though, peaceful. And for the first time in a while, did she look like a woman. Maybe it was because Rei hadn't seen her in a while.
Their room was decorated in a creamy white color; rose petals were painted on the walls, but there weren't many, just enough to add the romantic touch to the room. There was a candle lit in the far end of the room on the table next to the Deep Aqua Mirror. Now the room smelled like roses. Rei could instantly tell whose idea the candle was: Michiru's.
She smiled at the couple and continued down the hallway. Next stop was Usagi's room. She opened the door wider and looked inside. Usagi was sleeping on the right, Mamoru on the left, and Chibiusa stuck in the middle. It was a huge king sized bed. It looked bigger than Michiru's and Haruka's. And looking at the group was the most cutest thing Rei had ever seen.
Usagi's hair was loose and curly. She laid on her side facing her daughter who slept the same way: hair out and curly; Mamoru slept on his back with his hands on his stomach. The bed covers were a soft pink color and there were two pillows; Usagi and Chibiusa shared. The pillows themselves were a creamy white color and trimmed with white lace. As for the walls, they were a soft pink. Rei giggled to herself. 'I wonder what Mamoru's first impression was.'
Now, Chibiusa yawned and opened her eyes. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes, then looked over to the doorway. When she saw Rei, she waved and smiled. Rei waved back, mouthed Good-night, and closed the door again. She looked between the crack and could see Chibiusa switch position and cuddle against Mamoru. He smiled, kept his eyes closed, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
Finally, the last stop. Setsuna's room. Rei looked inside. No Setsuna. The covers were still messy, so she must have recently gotten up. Maybe doing the same as Rei? Checking on everyone? She turned around. Nope. She wasn't there. Rei looked into the computer room. It was dark. No Setsuna. Only one more explination: the kitchen.
Rei bounced down the stairs and spun around the corner, almost slidding on the smooth waxed floor. She walked into the kitchen and shaded her brow from the light. Setsuna was sitting at the table on her laptop with a cup of tea next to it. She looked up instantly. "Rei? Is something wrong?"
Rei shook her head and sat down across from her. "No. I was just... walking to the bathroom and noticed you weren't in your room. Is everything okay?"
Setsuna didn't say yes, didn't say no. She just pointed to her laptop. "Just doing research for the site." She looked at Rei who yawned now. "Do you want some tea?"
Rei nodded. "Please?" Setsuna stood up, smiled, and made her way to the counter. She took out a pack of tea, put hot water in a mug, and walked to the other side of the counter.
Rei yawned again and looked around the room. "Setsuna...?" Setsuna looked up from the mug. "Why are you down here so late? I thought you were tired."
"I am," she said and went back to work with the tea. "But finding Hotaru and Ami comes first. Sleep and rest, second."
"That's not what Ami would say," Rei said.
Setsuna turned around. "And what would Ami say?"
Rei thought. "She would say... 'Finding your friends is very important, just like their lives. But you must take care of yourself in order to. If something happened to you, how could you protect and save them?' "
Setsuna didn't speak, just turned and put the mug in the mircowave. She then sat down at the table and went back to work. It was silent for a minute, all until the tea was ready and the microwave went off. Setsuna got up and retrieved it for her. "Here. It's hot, so don't be like Usagi."
Rei knew she met it as a tease, but when you are tired and worried, it's hard to get emotions across. Rei just smiled and took the mug, blowing off the top and stirring it around. The two were silent, just the sipping from the tea and the fast clicking of the computer keys. Rei studied Setsuna, who was too lost in her world to notices Rei's stares. She looked peaceful, yet worried at the same time. She skimmed past the keys, typing about 80 words a minute, and every once in a while, she would smile. Maybe chatting with a friend of hers online?
And watching Setsuna, Rei only thought of Hotaru. She could picture it now: Hotaru knealing on the chair next to Setsuna and watching her work. Did they ever sit down here alone at night together and just be silent? 'I think they have...' Rei said, looking at Setsuna. She sighed every once in a while and stared at the empty seat next to her. 'Must have. She must really miss that kid.'
Of course she misses her, Rei thought. Setsuna, Michiru, and Haruka have lived together for years and they raised Hotaru from her very rebirth. Sure, she was a handful, but she was their daughter: they all were the parents. The ones resonsible. And loosing the child you took in and cared for can really tear you apart.
Is that why Setsuna uses the Internet a lot? Rei thought and finished off her tea. 'Michiru once told me that the computer sort of calms Setsuna down and takes her mind off the pain. Is that why she comes down on countless nights to just be alone?'
Once Rei finished studying the woman, she said her goodnights to Setsuna and went back upstairs.
About ten minutes later, the door to Rei's opened slowly and Rei looked to the doorway. Setsuna smiled from the door. "Good night, Rei. And remember. If you don't rest, you can't take care of those you love for."
Rei noticed the hurt in her eyes. Who knew Ami's small advice would have such an impact on poor Setsuna? Rei just smiled and watched her leave. Maybe she does know more about the world.
---
Rei suddenly shot up in bed. She found herself in her bedroom in Jaedite's apartment. She looked around, felt her arms and legs, and gasped. "I'm... home?"
Soon, Jaedite appeared in the doorway with a toothpick in his mouth. "Morning Rei," he said, removing the toothpick and kissed Rei's cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
Rei stared at him with wide eyes. "...Jaedite? What are you doing here? I thought... I thought Silver Maiden captured you!"
"Who?" Jaedite asked, cocking an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Rei sat up in bed now, inching over to Jaedite. "Silver Maiden! I thought you left when Yuuichirou-"
"Rei, Rei, calm down! I'm right here! I'm not captured." He grabbed her by the shoulders gently. "Everything's okay."
Rei had a hard time believing this. Everything's okay? But that must mean... "Is Ami okay?!"
Jaedite nodded and pointed over to the door. Ami stood in the doorway with a smile on her face. Her eyes were crystal blue and sparkled. No longer sad. They were just as they were six years ago: cheerful and full of spirit. This time, Ami had a textbook in her hand. "Rei! How come you aren't studying! There is NO time to sleep and make out when your College Education is at stake!"
"College?" Rei asked, as Ami pulled her out of bed.
"YES! You have to apply for College now! You are in your early twenties! You BETTER apply!"
Rei smiled. That's the Ami she remembered. The Super Test Taker Ami. She now pulled her into the living room, which suddenly changed to Usagi's house. Jaedite was leaning against the wall with Mamoru as they laughed and joked around. Minako and Usagi sat on the couch by the table and waved. "Rei! Ami! Finally you guys are here! Come on! Let's study!" Minako said cheerfully.
Now, the doorbell rang and Makoto walked through the doorway with Kunzite's arm around her waist. "Hey everyone! We're here!" Makoto said with a huge smile. She slightly blushed and gripped Kunzite's arm tighter.
Kunzite held out a tray of cookies that were wrapped in a hot pink cover. "And we brought cookies!"
"YAY!" Usagi said cheerfully and clapped her hands. Rei smiled widely and joined the rest of them. "Great! Cookies!!"
Now, Chibusa popped through the door behind Kunzite. "Hi everyone! Sorry I'm late!" She bounced across the room and joined Usagi and grabbed a cookie.
Rei smiled and they began to study, laughing and asking Ami everyone question in the book. She helped like always, and everything felt like it used to be. Usagi would squeal and cry if she got the answer the wrong, Rei would call her a name, and they would fight, bringing smiles on everyone's faces and laughs tagged along.
Everything felt like it used to be. The way it should be.
Then, Jaedite stood up and cleared his throat. "Everyone, I have an announcment." Everyone grew quiet and watched as he walked over to Rei, pulling a small box from his pocket. Mamoru nudged him in his shoulder and he smiled, showing Rei the velvet box with a red ribbon around it. He slowly opened it and all the girls gasped at the sight of the beautiful diamond ring that slept inside the box. "Oh my god!!" Minako screamed at the same time as Makoto. Their eyes sparkled as they continued to squeal.
Rei's eyes widened as she stared at the ring that Jaedite opened to her. Now, he took her left hand in his. "Rei... will you marry me?"
Then the room when silent. Rei could see Minako and Makoto smiled and nodding. She looked back at Jaedite and said, "Yes," but was surprised when the words did not leave her mouth. He contiued to wait and she began to panic. "YES!" She said, but nothing left her mouth.
Suddenly, the windows burst open and two wolves appeared in the entrance, and standing above them floated a Senshi. She had dark purple eyes and her short black hair blew across her face. Dark energy circled around her body and everyone slowly began to fade. Rei gasped and held up her hand. "MARS CRYSTAL POWER!"
And the familiar warmth of the flames surrounded her body and left her in her comfortable Sailor Suit. When her vision became clear, she could see all the Senshi lined up on the ground, dead, and what seemed like Crystals hovering over their chests. Sailor Saturn giggled and hovered in the air over them all.
Sailor Mars frowned and fire formed in her fists. "GIVE THEIR LIVES BACK! Mars Flame Sniper!" And as the flaming arrow shot threw the air, what seemed like a water barrier blocked it. And standing in front of Sailor Saturn stood Sailor Neptune, Sailor Uranus, and Sailor Pluto. They all looked angerly at Rei and Sailor Saturn laughed.
Then she woke up in a cold sweat.
---
Early that morning, Michiru yawned and opened her eyes. She moved Haruka's arm from on top of her and sat up in bed. Her digital clock read 6 a.m. Now, she quickly turned and shook Haruka. "Haruka. Haruka, wake up."
Haruka groaned and opened her eyes. When her vision cleared up, she saw Michiru in front of her, smiling. Haruka smiled back. "Good morning."
Michiru giggled and held Haruka sit up. "Wanna go outside on the balcony and watch the sunrise like we always do?"
Haruka nodded. "Okay..." They both got up and threw on their yukatas; Michiru's was green and Haruka's was black. They opened the glass doors to the balcony that was just outside their bedroom.
Michiru walked over to the railing and leaned on it, ignoring the chill of the new day. Her hair blew across her face and she hooked the locks back behind her ear. Now Haruka stood next to her and wrapped her arm around her waist. They both stared off into the distance, waiting for the sun to peek up behind the trees that lined the horizon. If you were to stand on top of the roof, which Haruka and Michiru have done before, you can see the ocean off in the distance. Sometimes, Michiru would sit on the roof and play her violin early in the morning, about 7 a.m., before everyone woke up. And if children were walking to school, she would still be up there, and they would all stand and listen.
Haruka gently squeezed Michiru's waist as the sun began to rise. "Another day, Michi-chan. What is your wish for today?"
Michiru thought, then closed her eyes. "I wish... that Yuuichirou got home safely and today will be more calm and peaceful."
Haruka nodded and looked off to the distance. Now, the sun was sneeking up between the trees and the sunlight touched their house first. "I wish..." she thought. "...that we will overcome the struggles of today and find a way to win." Michiru didn't even change expression. Haruka always wished for strength and triumpth. And when Haruka noticed Michiru's silence, she continued. "...and that everyone will work out their problems and be friends again."
"Do you really mean that?" Michiru asked, looking up at her.
Haruka nodded. "Yesterday... was how everything was supposed to be. Except... everyone wasn't there to experience it."
Now, Setsuna opened the glass doors and stepped behind them. "I knew you two would be here."
They both turned around and Michiru smiled. "Setsuna, quickly. Make a wish before the sun touches the sky."
Setsuna walked up to the balcony and closed her eyes. She could tell the two of them were staring at her. "I wish... we will find Hotaru and everyone will be happy today."
Michiru held her Deep Aqua Mirror to the sky now and it glistened a dark green. "May our planets continue to bless us. And as impossible these wishes seem..." she closed her eyes, and so did the other two. "...grant them."
Hehe. Just a simple chapter to explain the feeling of the Outer Senshi home, and a dream of Rei's. Hope you liked. Review please!!