Epilogue: A Nocturnal Meeting
"You're late," the woman with long, purple hair stated with a broad grin. "How ironic, you being the Guardian of Time and all."
Setsuna smiled slightly as she admired the view of the city below them. "Even after all these millennia, you are still the same."
Not offended, the other woman laughed and joined Setsuna at the railing. However, as she stared at the bright lights of Tokyo, she sobered. "Amazing how those lights can hide all the ugliness that lingers in it."
Setsuna nodded thoughtfully. "There's beauty there, too."
The two women stood in silence for a while, letting their thoughts drift as they studied the lights. Finally, the other woman sighed and sat down on a nearby bench. A few moments later, Setsuna joined her.
"Yochi Tomiko, tell me," Setsuna said quietly. "Whatever message you bring, waiting is not going to make it easier to hear."
Shaking her head, Tomiko studied her friend. "You are still as blunt as ever, but you are right. Waiting will not make hearing my message easier."
"What is your message?" Setsuna braced her hands against the edge of the bench, although outwardly she appeared calm.
"Sol will be tested."
"Tested by who?" Setsuna demanded, any trance of serenity gone.
"It's not clear," Tomiko replied. "Honestly, I just don't know."
"Will she succeed?"
Tomiko hesitated, shying from the other woman's angry gaze.
"Tell me. Will Sol survive?"
"No," Tomiko whispered, closing her eyes.
Setsuna muttered a curse and stomped back to the railing. She held the railing tightly, fighting back tears. "Why now?"
Tomiko joined her at the railing. "Setsuna, you of all people know that there is no easy answer to that question. As she is now, Sol will be defeated. Yet, there is some hope."
"As she is now," the Guardian of Time repeated. "Tomiko, what are you hinting at?"
"You know what I'm hinting at, Pluto."
Setsuna gazed down at the city lights once more. "And is this part of your message as well?"
"No, I'm bending the rules a bit."
The green-haired gave a bitter laugh before turning back to Tomiko. However, the messenger held up her hand, halting the coming tirade. With a sigh, Setsuna leaned against the rail.
"I know how important Sol is to you," Tomiko stated, "and I know that she has a good life now. I wanted to know that there is a way for us to help her. It doesn't have to end that way."
"You know what you suggesting we do."
Tomiko nodded. "I do, Pluto. What do you say?"