Part Four:
16 August 2005
Ami had not slept that night. She had lain awake, replaying the conversation with Rei over and over in her mind.
This spirit was summoned back by one of us
Even now, as she rolled over on her futon, listening the Usagi laughing at something Makoto had said and the smelt the pancakes that the brawny girl had made them for breakfast, Ami felt unable to dispel the queasiness in her stomach at this thought.
"What are you saying, Rei-chan? That one of us wants to hurt Usagi-chan?" She had asked. To this Rei had shook her head and replied:
"No. We all love Usagi. None of us would wish her harm."
"Then I don't understand."
"Neither do I" Rei sighed in frustration, "We have all moved on, even Minako. I cannot see why anyone would want to invoke the past once more. Especially a part of the past that would want to hurt Usagi."
Ami, as much as she hated to admit it, knew that Rei was speaking the truth. Someone, one of them, had, possibly unwillingly, called back a being that hated Usagi and wanted to kill her. This latter bit, however, did not ring true to Ami's ears. If the spirit truly wanted Usagi dead then she would be. Ami had a feeling that there was something deeper to this than blind hatred. Rei had said that the spirit harboured a number of other emotions, including regret and envy towards Usagi and the life she led now. Their motive was not to kill but to frighten her, implying, at least in Ami's mind, that they wanted something from her but were unsure how to go about getting it.
They also spoke of the Ginzuishou. The Ginzuishou was gone, but it had the power to give life. Had they been jealous of the Princess and the Ginzuishou's power? Perhaps--
"Ami-chan!" Usagi burst into the room, clutching a glass of orange juice in one hand and a plate of pancakes in the other. Ami jumped slightly, distracted from her thoughts.
"Good morning, Usagi-chan" Ami smiled slightly, secretly glad that, after an uneventful night, her friend appeared to be back to her normal self again. Only her bruising implied that anything had happened at all. That and the way she clutched at the glass a little tighter than usual and the slightly darkened look in her eyes.
Makoto and Mamoru had guarded the shrine all night, making sure that no harm came to those sleeping inside. Minako had left after they had some dinner. She was torn between staying and also her want to check up on Shimura Hikaru. According to Usagi, Hikaru was Minako's boyfriend and had been attacked, too. Minako had blushed at the mention of him being anymore than just a friend and Rei had, for once, come to Minako's defence and then explained that there was more than enough of them here to look after Usagi. After repeating this several times, Minako had gone, although she had called them from Hikaru-san's apartment a few times to make sure that everything was still okay.
"Mako-chan's made some pancakes" Usagi said, distracting Ami from these thoughts once again, "Would you like some?"
Ami nodded, replying that she would just get dressed and would join them. Usagi, however, seemed in the mood to talk and sat down on the floor beside Ami's futon. Setting her plate and glass down, her expression suddenly became serious.
"I'm sorry to be such a burden to you, Ami-chan," she said sadly.
"Usagi, you're not a burden!" Ami cried, genuinely upset that her friend would think of herself that way.
"You were all going to spend o-bon with your families and instead you're here guarding me and not to mention risking your lives."
Ami couldn't deny that her mother had wanted her to spend o-bon with her and the rest of the family, but she had understood when Ami requested to go to Rei's instead. Her mother thought it was good that Ami some friends and was reluctant to stand in the way of her friendships, despite her own wishes.
"You were going to spend o-bon with Mamoru-san" Ami pointed out, "This isn't what you imagined either, was it?"
Usagi shook her head.
"Usagi-chan, you are very special to us. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you." Ami added softy, "You have nothing to be sorry about."
Slowly, Usagi raised her head and gave Ami a small smile, "Thank you."
Ami met her gaze, "And it doesn't mean that we cannot celebrate o-bon. We can all celebrate it together here."
"That's right!" Usagi exclaimed, as though she had only just thought of this herself, "We can celebrate together! I'll call Minako-chan and Hikaru-san, too. We can all have our own celebration. It will also show that spirit that I'm not afraid and that she can't spoil my life with Mamoru again."
With those words, Usagi hurried back into the small kitchen to tell the others about 'her' idea. Ami shook her head and set about getting dressed, wondering just what exactly she had managed to talk Usagi into.
All she had wanted was a chance to be free and now that time had been thrust upon her. Even if the old ways were nothing but myths of a time that no longer existed in this new modern world. If she could achieve some form of release then her heart, at least, would be lessened of this burden that it carried for a year now.
With this wish in her heart, the final piece of the treasure was now set into place.
Still shaking, her hands set the object of her pain back down and she stared silently, still under the candlelight. The hot wax trickling forth accentuated her tears and it was not long before she felt herself joining in its silent cries.
With its completion came liberation. Now… after a year of suffering she could finally lay her inner demons to rest and begin to truly live once more.
But was this true? Could she truly let go? It was hard to let go of something that had been a part of your past as well as your present. Ever present, even now, these feelings would remain. It was difficult to let go after all…
At first, when Minako woke, she wondered where she was. She had fallen asleep sitting upright and her back cracked painfully when she adjusted her position slightly as she opened her eyes.
Slowly, as her vision came back into focus, she recalled what had happened. She had gone to Hikaru's later that evening after leaving the Hikawa Shrine. Still feeling torn, her friends had urged her to go and see Hikaru. He had been glad to see her, stating softly that he was pleased that she had kept her promise. They had spent the evening watching various films, cuddling up together on the sofa and Minako had felt all her worries simply leave her. This was the kind of normality that she had dreamed of. Despite the sadness that this time of the year had brought her, Minako found herself really beginning to feel truly comfortable with her life now, and it was all to do with the man sleeping beside her.
Turning around so that she was facing him, Minako reached up and ran a hand through his hair, her fingers snagging in a few knots that sleeping in this position had caused. Smiling, she worked silently, teasing these out with her fingers and brushing the freed pieces behind his right ear. All the while Hikaru slept on, blissfully unaware of this.
Then, Minako's hand paused, her smile turning into a concerned frown when she saw a spot of dried blood on his neck, directly below his ear. Brushing more of his hair aside, she gasped softly at what she found. Hikaru had not been wearing his usual stud earring yesterday and Minako now saw why. It looked as though someone had grabbed a hold of the stud and pulled. His ear lobe was swollen and the area around the hole was torn and bleeding a little.
Minako reached for a tissue, gently dabbing at this wound. As she did so, Hikaru woke, starting slightly he caused Minako to draw back a little way. He frowned and reached up to touch his ear and then drew his hand away again, staring blankly down at the blood on his fingertips for a few seconds before turning to Minako.
"I cut it yesterday" he said as an explanation, "I must have aggravated it by sleeping so awkwardly."
Then, without waiting for her response, Hikaru hurried into the bathroom to get it cleaned up. Feeling as though she had somehow upset him without meaning to. Minako also go up. After straightening up the sofa, she went into the kitchen and set about making them some breakfast.
Looking through the cupboards, Minako wasn't surprised to find that Hikaru didn't have much in the way of food. Mamoru was just the same, or so Usagi had often complained. Shaking her head in slight amusement she eventually found some bread and decided on making them some toast.
After putting two slices in the toaster, she also found some tea bags and was brewing a pot when Hikaru emerged from the bathroom. He greeted her by wrapping his arms around her waist, taking the girl idol completely by surprise with this gesture and then pressing a kiss to her lips.
"Good morning" he murmured as they parted to draw breath.
"Good morning" Minako returned his greeting and allowed him to draw her to him, her head now resting on his chest.
Snuggling closer, she couldn't help but close eyes and enjoy the closeness of him. Hikaru seemed to sense this and held her until the smell of burning toast forced Minako to pull away.
Hikaru laughed as Minako dashed over to the toaster, pulling out the two very burnt slices and dropping them on the sideboard.
"This is your fault" she tried to sound angry, but she just couldn't keep up that act with him. Allowing herself a small smile, Minako said, "And that was the last of the bread."
Hikaru shrugged and went to pour out the freshly brewed tea. "I'm not that hungry."
Minako had to admit that she wasn't either and sat down at the small table in the centre of the room with her cup of tea, watching in amusement as Hikaru put about three sugars into his before joining her.
"How is your ear?" Minako asked, "And your head?" she added as an after thought, referring to yesterday.
Hikaru gave her another smile and took a sip of his tea before answering, "They're both fine. Its nothing for you to worry about."
Minako nodded and expressed how glad she was that he was okay. The thought of anything happening to Hikaru was almost akin to… she bit her lip and looked away, automatically feeling guilty for thinking of another when he was so close.
Saying nothing to indicate her feelings, Minako drank some of her own tea and asked Hikaru if he was working today.
"No. The studio called and said that they didn't need my help today."
"Have you started to look for another job yet?"
"No" he admitted, "Not at the moment."
"I could put in a good word for you" Minako repeated her offer of earlier that week.
Hikaru smiled, "Thank you, but I do not think that will be necessary."
"But you will stay in Tokyo?" she pressed him, feeling somewhat on edge at the thought of him leaving.
"For as long as I can" Hikaru promised, seemingly a little taken aback by her pushiness.
"I'm glad" Minako smiled and finished the rest of her tea. "We have the whole day," she continued as she stood up, smoothing out some of the creases in her skirt and blushing slightly as she recalled the state that she was probably in.
Hikaru laughed when she commented on this and was quite happy for Minako to go and freshen up in the bathroom. Giving him another quick kiss, Minako went to do this.
The bathroom was as unfurnished as the rest of the apartment; having only the essentials inside and it took Minako a few minutes to even find a soap and towel. As she was searching for these, she had allowed the shower to run as the water had been cold still and now, even as she placed a hand under the shower head, the water was still freezing to touch. Sighing, she called out to Hikaru and asked him why there wasn't any hot water. He answered that the entire building was having trouble with its water supply and that the managing agents were supposed to be getting onto the water board about it as soon as o-bon ended.
Sighing softly, Minako discarded the notion of having a shower and instead started to comb through her hair with her fingers. Had she known that she would be spending the night here, she would have brought with her some essentials she thought to herself as her fingers worked through the tangles. As she did this she allowed her mind to wander, turning over possibilities for the day ahead. The apartment wasn't decorated for o-bon in the slightest, she had noted and, of they were going to celebrate together, this would have to be rectified as soon as possible. Hikaru didn't even have an abutsudan and, for a fleeting moment, Minako wondered if he even celebrated the old ways. Of course he hadn't said anything different, but perhaps he was embarrassed? She hurriedly dismissed this thought. Most likely he hadn't had time to decorate as he had just moved in. They could decorate together and this evening they could go to the festival being held at the Yasukuni Shrine. Minako smiled at this thought as she untangled the last knot and again checked her appearance in the small mirror. She would have to go back to her hotel and change before they went anywhere she decided. Her clothes from yesterday were still a little crumpled.
As she processed this thought, Minako became aware that he phone was ringing and had been for some time, she realised as Hikaru called out that he would get it for her. Minako thanked him, but, after a few seconds it was still ringing.
Minako hurried out of the bathroom. Stepping into the adjourning front room, she stopped dead when she saw that her bag was set on the small coffee table, and her phone beside it still ringing. Hikaru stood over them, his gaze locked on another object clenched tightly in his right hand.
Still shaking, her hands set the object of her pain back down and she stared silently, still under the candlelight. The hot wax trickling forth accentuated her tears and it was not long before she felt herself joining in its silent cries.
To see her treasure now… in the hands of the man she loved… Minako felt a stab of pain in her heart as she thought of the one who had given it to her. Such destruction had been in her power…
As she watched, Hikaru giving no sign that he had heard her, she saw several emotions on his face. One was pain. The pain of knowing that this had been given to her by another and that Minako still had it meant that she still harboured feelings for the gift bearer. Another was shock, and the last was some anger as he held the treasure tightly, drawing back his hand as though to hurl it to the ground.
A cry caught in Minako's throat at this action, but Hikaru managed to contain his anger in time and, instead, stared down at it for a few seconds before reaching out with his other hand to open it.
"Don't!" Minako snapped, racing forward now to pluck the treasure from his shaking grip. Who knew what powers it still might contain… even now…
Hikaru turned away as she delicately placed it back into her bag and then, reaching for her phone; Minako cancelled the caller and moved over to Hikaru's side.
"Hikaru?" she said softly, "I'm sorry."
"Why do you still keep it?" he answered, "When it obviously causes you so much pain."
"Pain can be comforting" Minako admitted quietly, "I had moved on… or so I hoped."
"Have you?"
"Yes" she drew a sharp breath and placed a trembling hand on his shoulder.
Hikaru considered her words for a few minutes, "I'm sorry that I intruded on your suffering."
"You didn't" Minako shook her head, "Whatever went on in the past… it should stay in the past. You and this life are what matters to me now."
This life… She bit her lip, but Hikaru didn't appear to have picked up on this slip of the tongue.
Hikaru silently pulled her into his arms, saying nothing and simply holding her. Minako was grateful for this comfort, his touch familiar and reassuring and allowing her tenseness to evaporate as she leaned into this contact. Her bliss, however, could not last as her phone started to ring again.
Apologising, Minako freed herself from his arms and reached for it. Accepting the call she smiled slightly as she heard Usagi's voice.
"Minako-chan, where have you been?"
"I was with Hikaru" she replied and then regretted it when Usagi let out an elated squeal and relayed this information to the other girls.
"Usagi-chan, calm down" Minako said, despite the background chatter that continued for a further minute or so until Minako was forced to prompt her friend:
"What did you want me for?"
"Ah yes!" Usagi exclaimed, obviously a little embarrassed that she had forgotten her reason for calling so easily, "Because of what is happening, we are celebrating the end of o-bon at the shrine tonight and I was hoping that you would like to come. Hikaru-san is welcome, too," she added as an after thought.
Minako covered the speaker piece and turned to her boyfriend. She had hoped to spend time with him alone, but a part of her wanted to be with Usagi in case anything happened. Hikaru seemed to sense this as he indicated that he didn't mind if Minako would prefer that they go to the Hikawa Shrine.
Answering Usagi, Minako said that they would come this evening. Usagi was glad and repeated her happiness at this several times before finally saying that she would see them later and hung up.
Minako placed her phone back into her bag and thanked Hikaru, adding that she was only sorry that they couldn't spend some time together alone.
"I know how important Usagi is to you" Hikaru replied to this. Minako smiled and leaned up to thank him properly before adding that she should go home and change.
"I'll come back a little later on," she promised him. Hikaru only nodded and told her to take her time as he also had some things to do.
Even so, Minako found herself leaving his apartment in a hurry to get home and change. For some reason she wanted to spend every waking minute today with him for reasons that she herself wasn't altogether sure why.
He sat on the steps of the shrine, frustrated and angry that he was powerless to protect the girl he loved. With the climax of o-bon tomorrow, he knew that the spirit would be more determined than ever to get at Usagi.
At this thought, Mamoru slowly curled his palm to stare at the object, still stained with blood. It pained at him to even gaze upon it, knowing what this meant… what it symbolised. The metal felt cold against his skin and Mamoru involuntary shivered slightly.
This was something that he had to keep to himself, for now at least.
Mamoru walked briskly towards his apartment block, his heart racing as his gaze fell upon it and he recalled the events that had taken place last time he had been inside that building.
As he raised his right hand, his skin brushed something warm. He recoiled, twisting sideways and sprawling on his back on the kitchen floor. As he hit the tiles, Mamoru fought furiously to right himself, kicking out at this unseen enemy as he did so.
Scrambling to his feet, he darted backwards, desperately searching the darkness as the whispers died down completely. Then he felt it. Soft breath on the back of his neck.
Mamoru whirled around again, casting a wild glance in the window behind him as he did so and, for a fleeting second, he thought he saw the silhouette of a human being standing behind him, one hand slightly outstretched as though beckoning him.
Before entering the apartment alone would fill him with an uneasy sense of dread, but not anymore. Usagi was safe with Rei-tachi and Mamoru had felt it appropriate to slip away. Just to check up on things, or so he told his girlfriend. Had she known the true reasoning behind his departure, Mamoru knew that she would never let him go.
As it was, Mamoru now had conflicting feelings on the matter in hand. He desperately wanted to protect Usagi against any more pain, but there was also another part of him, the quieter voice in the back of his mind telling him that he had caused the being as much pain as Usagi and the fact that it couldn't even see this hurt Mamoru the more. He would much rather be on the receiving end of its wrath than Usagi.
Slowly, he made his way into the apartment block and, as before, he took the stairs rather than the elevator. Taking the steps two at a time, Mamoru hurriedly scaled them lest he lose his nerve.
Reaching the front door, it took him two or three attempts to open the door as his hand holding the key was trembling slightly.
I shouldn't be afraid… it does not wish me harm…
Bracing himself, Mamoru stepped inside his apartment, pausing only to hang his jacket up behind the door before shutting it and sliding the chain across as he moved into the front room. The August sun shone brightly through the window, warming the apartment and indeed it did not feel oppressive as it had done two night's ago.
The electrics were working fine now, another of the spirit's display of power, Mamoru thought, lest he had flicked on the switch and found out who he was truly dealing with.
Sitting down on the sofa, Mamoru felt in his pocket and pulled out the item that Usagi had retrieved from the woods. He had cleaned most of the blood off but there was a spot at the tip of the pin where the clip at the back joined the rest of the earring that Mamoru could not get clean. This was of little consequence and Mamoru set the earring down on the table in front of him and sat in silence for several minutes lost in his own thoughts.
"It's okay" Mamoru said at last, as he set the shards down on the counter and hunted around for an old newspaper to wrap them in, "It was an accident. Ikuko won't mind."
Usagi nodded, still mute and wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly.
Mamoru paused and looked up at her. "Usagi? What's wrong?"
"Nothing" she shook her head quickly, before adding, "You'll think I'm being childish."
"No" Mamoru answered, a little intrigued now, "Tell me."
"Well" she chewed apprehensively on her lower lip, locked in thought before continuing, "I put the glass down here" she indicated the counter where its remains now laid. "It fell off on its own accord."
It had all started with that glass… Mamoru could recall now his own unsettlement that night but had dismissed what his own senses were telling him, preferring to reassure Usagi. It had always been the same for him. During the mission he had turned a blind eye to the past life, not wanting to believe the terrible things about his past that he had been told. He had only wanted to focus upon the present and, in doing so, he had completely forgotten about those who did not have a present in this world. Mamoru had vowed not to be bound to the past life, but he wasn't the only one who had been enslaved by destiny. All of them, including Beryl, had been helpless against fate and what it had in store for them and then, when he could have made a difference… when Usagi could have made a difference. Mamoru could now understand the spirit's pain and was furious that he himself had given it no thought.
Of course, Usagi was not to blame. She had come so close to losing him before that her heart had been misguided. The Ginzuishou was a powerful weapon and had only listened to the will of the Princess and that will had been strong… right up until the end.
Usagi…
Slowly, Mamoru looked up, focusing his gaze on the wall opposite, as he said softly:
"I know it's you."
Silence was his only reply. Still, not deterred, Mamoru said again, "I know it's you. I just want to talk to you."
"There" Usagi declared happily as she hung the last lantern on the ceiling of the shrine, "Perfect."
Ami paused in rolling up the futons from the night before and smiled at Usagi's work. All morning the pigtailed girl had worked very hard on making more Chouchin in preparation for tonight's celebrations.
Anxious to take her mind off of darker thoughts, Usagi had managed to get lantern making down to a fine art and had also assisted Makoto in choosing the recipes of various meals that she was going to get ready for the celebrations. The brawny girl had currently gone into the city to get some supplies leaving Rei and Ami to stay with Usagi and make sure that she was all right.
Usagi had been overjoyed when Minako had accepted her invitation for her and Hikaru to join them. Still, after all this time, Usagi sometimes found it a little difficult to believe that she was friends with Aino Minako.
She was also glad that, at last, Minako had found some happiness and someone that she could love.
The idol had always been the source of Usagi's own happiness. Through Minako's songs Usagi had always felt better about herself and able to do her best. The songs had always brought a smile to her face, even when she was sad. Minako had given Usagi so much happiness and one of the only things that Minako had that made her feel as Usagi had done and Usagi had taken it away. Perhaps unintentionally, but still she had been the cause of Minako's suffering, despite the idol trying to hide it. She had insisted that it did not pain her, but Usagi had seen the look on her face when she had found out, even when she tried to disguise it.
The mission is all that matters…
"Usagi-chan?" Ami prompted her, "Daijobu?"
"Hai" Usagi smiled, "I was just wondering when Mamoru would be back."
"He's only been gone for an hour," Ami answered softly.
"I know" Usagi bit her lip, "But I can't help worrying about him. What if… what if something happens to him?"
"Nothing will happen" Ami reassured her, "He said that he would be back by lunchtime, didn't he?"
Usagi nodded, suddenly feeling a little foolish for worrying so much. Mamoru would be back by lunchtime. Nothing was going to happen to stop that. Nothing at all.
Mamoru glanced down at his watch, gazing silently as the minute hand struck twelve. All morning he had been sat here waiting for them. He knew that they were aware of what he was doing and this angered him somewhat. Why not face him? Why stay hidden in the shadows?
They hurt Usagi…
Mamoru, despite his pity, could not bring himself to forgive them of this… not a second time.
Finally, after another hour, he gave up waiting. He did not have the time to sit around. Not if he wanted to make things right for both the spirit and Usagi.
She told me that I was not to interfere
According to Usagi, Shimura Hikaru's apartment block was in the same street as Mamoru's own. Giving his girlfriend a quick call to explain that he had got delayed, whilst extracting the exact address, Mamoru hurriedly locked up his own apartment again.
"So when will you be back?" Usagi pouted slightly and Mamoru smiled as he could just imagine her lower lip jutting out in indignation at this new information.
"Not for a while yet. I have some things to do in the city."
"But you will be back in time for the celebrations this evening?" Usagi pressed.
"Of course" Mamoru assured her, "I promised you that we would spend o-bon together, didn't I?"
The slight trace of annoyance in his voice did not go unnoticed and Usagi apologised, murmuring that she didn't feel truly safe when he was away from her.
Again, Mamoru assured her that he would be back as quickly as possible before hanging up the phone.
During the time it had taken to assure Usagi that he would make it back in good time, Mamoru had crossed the street and was now standing outside the apartment block when Hikaru-san lived and was just debating how best to go about approaching him when, as luck would have it, the man in question exited the building from a side entrance.
Calling his name, Mamoru made his way hurriedly over to him. Hikaru appeared a little surprised to see him, but hid this behind a shy smile and a: "Mamoru-san, how are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you," Mamoru said, deciding not to tiptoe around the subject, "I was just coming to see you."
"To see me?"
"Yes. It's about the other day, at the cinema."
"Would you like to come inside?"
"No" Mamoru shook his head; not understanding why he said what he did next, "It's a nice day. It would be a shame to be inside."
Hikaru was not in disagreement to this and Mamoru led the way, the two of them making small talk, Hikaru explaining that he had been on his way to meet Minako at the studio. She had supposed to be spending the day with him, but her manager had insisted that she spend a few hours in the studio first. This fact didn't seem to bother Hikaru in the slightest and he mentioned briefly how much Minako loved her singing that this would always take priority.
"That and her friends" he added. "She is very fond of Usagi-san especially."
Mamoru chose not to comment on this and instead found himself lapsing back into his own thoughts. His first impressions of Hikaru had been ones of suspicion. The man was familiar somehow, he just couldn't place him at all and this made Mamoru uneasy. This familiarity wasn't in so much personality but more in body language. When with Minako, Hikaru appeared immensely self-assured and confident, and then, at times, he was so gentle with her as though he understood all that she had been through without her having to say a word. Around Usagi, he was gracious enough, speaking to her politely and with some degree of arrogance and still that confidence. When he spoke to Mamoru he was the same but… Already today, when Mamoru tried to make eye contact, the man would look away, either pretending to be interested in something else or looking at the ground. He was almost tense and continuously changed the subject, in a bid to reassure the situation. Pretending to ignore this, Mamoru took up the conversation once again as they reached their destination.
Parks were not uncommon in Tokyo. You could, one minute, be walking through a busy street and upon turning a corner; you could be in a completely different surrounding. The park, if Mamoru could even describe it as that, was nothing more than an open field, a bench at one end and a lone tree in the centre. The flowerbeds bordering it had been neatly kept and few people sat eating late lunches at its edge. Mamoru felt a chill go through him as he realised exactly where he had taken them. This had been an unconscious decision on his half and yet he still couldn't turn back, leading the way through the centre of this park as the conversation between the two men ceased.
Coming to a pause under the aforementioned tree, Mamoru turned to Hikaru and said:
"That day in the cinema. You said that 'she told you not to interfere'. Who was 'she'?"
"I don't know. I only heard her voice" Hikaru answered, turning away from Mamoru as he circled the tree, coming to a pause the other side of it and kneeling down, staring intently at the ground beneath it before continuing, "She told me not to interfere and then I passed out."
"But it was definitely a female voice?"
"Yes."
"And you do not doubt this?"
"I can tell the difference between a woman's voice and a man's, Mamoru-san" came the response to this.
Mamoru, for an inexplicable reason, got the sudden impression that Hikaru was lying and came around to the other side of the tree to kneel beside him. Hikaru had one hand on the trunk of the tree and had paled slightly.
Unsure of what to make of this, Mamoru said, "Have you been here before?"
"No."
Again there was a falseness in his voice and Mamoru, annoyed at how unhelpful he was being, decided to press the issue, "Why are you being so unhelpful? I only want to save Usagi any more pain."
"I have told you all I know."
"Have you? Then why are you being so evasive?"
Hikaru tilted his head so that he was, for once, looking Mamoru direct in the eyes, "There is something" he said finally, after allowing Mamoru to hold his gaze for several seconds, "But I don't know how helpful it will be to you."
"Tell me."
"I am sensitive to spirits, call it a gift if you will. I can feel the pain of those who have crossed over. Around o-bon, it is worse for me. Thousands of spirits are summoned back by their loved ones and all wish to communicate to them in some way. They see me as a channel to the living. I can feel their sorrow, their regret and, even, their anger if they died before their time."
"So you are saying that you can communicate with these spirits?"
"No. I can merely sense their presence. Here, for example. This place is a source of pain for you. You lost someone here, someone who meant a great deal to you."
Mamoru balked slightly at his words, although outwardly he didn't even flinch.
"This 'gift' gets too much sometimes, especially during o-bon and I have learned to shut them out. This makes them all the more determined" Hikaru was quiet for a few minutes, allowing Mamoru time to absorb this new information, before adding, "Minako knows nothing of this. I would appreciate it greatly if you did not speak of this to anyone. It is not a gift that I am comfortable with, as you will understand."
As you will understand…. Could he sense it? Could he sense something of my past self? If so, then his gift must be strong… stronger even than Rei's abilities…
"I understand" Mamoru said at length. Everyone had something that they were not willing to talk about, but Hikaru was right; this knowledge did not help him with his own answers.
Then perhaps I was wrong? If he is so in tune with his gift then could it be that I am wrong about everything?
But that earring… I cannot be wrong about this…
Still… Mamoru knew, deep down, that there was nothing more he could do. Hikaru could not help him further and, in light of his revelation, it would be unfair of Mamoru to ask.
If he does make an appearance then it will be tonight now… If he does then we may need Hikaru's help…
"I should go" Hikaru said, breaking the uneasy silence, "Minako will be wondering where I am."
Mamoru nodded, "Are you coming to Rei's shrine tonight? Or will it be too much for you?"
"I'll be there" Hikaru answered, "For Minako's sake."
"You really like her, don't you."
"I love her."
The way he said that… Mamoru felt as though there was an eco of something else in his words almost apprehension at what his reaction to this might be, but this statement had been sincere, that Mamoru could not doubt.
Thus they parted ways.
"So when will you be back?""Not for a while yet. I have some things to do in the city."
"But you will be back in time for the celebrations this evening?"
"Of course. I promised you that we would spend o-bon together, didn't I?"
Mamoru did not intend on breaking his promise to Usagi, but first he needed a little time to think. To collect his thoughts and fully take in all that he had learned this afternoon.
"I'm hungry" Usagi stated softly, her voice taking on a somewhat whining tone.
"Usagi" Rei said in a mock pout whilst adjusting a Chouchin that had fallen off of the ceiling during the celebrations, "It is almost midnight. How can you be hungry now?"
Usagi pouted louder and then, deliberately, crumpled up a spare piece of tissue paper into a ball and then threw it in her friend's direction. The paper struck Rei squarely in the temple.
"That was childish" Rei stated softly as she drew back her own arm and let fly a retaliation.
"Now who's the child!" Usagi cried, reaching behind her for her pillow before jumping at Rei and trying to hit her on the head with it. Rei grabbed her own pillow and soon Ami and Makoto had also joined in, Ami opting to defend Usagi whilst Makoto joined Rei.
From her position sitting on the floor near the door to the shrine, Minako couldn't help but laugh and snuggled further against Hikaru. The o-bon celebrations had, thankfully, been uneventful and now, with midnight not ten minutes away, she felt, like the other girls, that she could relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Mamoru, too, appeared to be on his guard and kept his gaze trained on Usagi for most of the evening. It was only now that he had begun to let his guard drop and a small smile was playing on his lips as Rei and Makoto overpowered Usagi and Ami in their pillow fight.
"Minako-chan!" Usagi cried, appealing for the fifth former Senshi to come to their aid. Minako smiled but didn't move from Hikaru's side.
"You can join in if you would like to" Hikaru whispered softly.
Minako shook her head, "I'm fine here." In truth she was worried about him finding the whole situation a little childish and Minako had no wish to appear as such in front of him, despite her want to join in the fun.
"Minako!" the decision, however, was made for her when Usagi scampered over to them, in desperate need of sanctuary with Makoto in hot pursuit. Hikaru, gently but hurriedly, got up, dislodging Minako from his lap and moving to stand beside Mamoru as the girls descended on the helpless idol.
"Matte!" Minako protested, although a smile was forming on her lips, "This is hardly fair!"
Makoto paused and then threw her a spare pillow, "Now it is."
Minako didn't need much persuading after this and, for a while, she lost herself in the pillow fight and a whirlwind of feathers and laughter.
Still, despite their side having three people, Makoto's added strength meant that very quickly they were overpowered again. Laughing, Minako dropped the pillow she was holding and slumped down beside a very exhausted but happy Usagi. Ami sat down the other side of the heavy oak table, flanked by Rei and Makoto.
"Give up?" Makoto asked smugly.
"Never!" Usagi declared, jumping back up to accentuate her words, but only succeeding in getting her feet tangled in Minako's handbag strap. She shrieked and fell down onto her back. Another round of laughter followed this.
Shaking his head, Mamoru came over to help Usagi to her feet once more. As he did this, Minako noted that Hikaru was no longer in the room.
"He went outside to get some air," Mamoru answered when he saw Minako's searching gaze. Nodding, she reached down to pick up her bag.
Some of the contents had fallen out and Minako saw, with some horror, that her treasure also lay on the floor, near to Usagi. The pigtailed girl, ever wanting to help her idol, cried out at the sight of her things all over the tatami matting and knelt down to help her.
"It's okay" Minako protested, reaching for her treasure, but Usagi got there first, her happy smile dying on her lips as her hand closed around it.
"Minako-chan?" Usagi raised her head, her eyes searching Minako's face questionably. "Is this…?"
She held the music box shakily in one hand, the beautiful frosted glass shining slightly under the candlelight. Minako could only stare at it for a few moments, unable to speak.
"Usagi?" Makoto asked, "What is that?"
"If someone listens to the music that it plays then they will forget everything about the person they love. It will not work if the heart is guarded. She will not resist it if you are the one doing it."
Minako looked away, guilt and shame eating away at her soul when she saw the hurt and pain in Usagi's eyes. Why had she brought the cursed thing here?
Makoto and Ami, not realising just what this music box symbolised to their former Princess, glanced at each other in confusion as Usagi spoke.
"You kept it? You kept that--that thing? Why?"
"I…" Minako trailed off. How could they begin to understand? How could they understand that by hanging onto it she had retained a little of the person that she had treasured most back in the old kingdom.
"Minako-chan?" Usagi cried again, tears in her eyes now, "How could you?"
"Usagi! Get rid of it!" Rei suddenly shouted, herself not recognising the object, but sensing the power that Minako now could. The pain… the anger… the regret… all radiating from the treasure that Usagi held in her hands.
"Usagi-chan!" Minako cried, diving forward towards her friend, "Do as Rei says!"
All she had wanted was a chance to be free and now that time had been thrust upon her. Even if the old ways were nothing but myths of a time that no longer existed in this new modern world. If she could achieve some form of release then her heart, at least, would be lessened of this burden that it carried for a year now.
With this wish in her heart, the final piece of the treasure was now set into place.
I did more than set my own guilt and pain free that day… I called him back… I called him back and he seeks to do Usagi-chan harm…
Usagi, sensing the urgency in her friends' voices, gave a small cry and allowed the music box to fall from her fingertips. It bounced harmlessly on the matting beneath them, and Rei stood, already armed with an ofuda scroll as the pain and regret heightened and a voice reverberated around the shrine:
You knew what I wanted… but still you denied it… you took everything and gave nothing… all that was sacrificed for you…
Usagi screamed, even as Mamoru leapt forward, pulling her back from the door, as the rice paper screen was torn open in a rush of magical energy. Ami and Makoto cried out as the table that they were sitting behind was thrown back against them, pinning them helplessly against the wall of the shrine.
Minako also leapt to her feet, placing herself between Usagi and the door. Rei stood firm beside her, having the same idea. They stood in front of the Prince and Princess, preparing to defend them.
Mamoru held Usagi tightly in his arms, keeping her from harm or from doing anything full hardy as they all awaited, with baited breath, for the spirit's true form to be revealed.
Inwardly cursing his blindness, Mamoru's gaze fell on the music box once more. He had, had his suspicions. In the past life he had seen the closeness between his guardian and the Senshi of Venus, but never had he suspected that the connection between them ran so deep. Minako, always hiding her emotions, had kept the object safe for a year as a reminder of the guardian and the closeness that they had shared.
Now, as the figure in the doorway stepped forward, his frame shimmering slightly, giving a clue as to the fact that he was no longer of this world, a small cry escaped Minako's lips. However, both girls stayed firm as he came nearer, his blue gaze looking straight passed them and focusing only on the Princess.
Usagi's grip on Mamoru faltered slightly as she whispered in a hushed breath, "The one I failed to mourn…"
Pushing Usagi further behind him, Mamoru came to stand between Minako and Rei, his gaze flickering to Ami and Makoto who were still pinned helplessly to the wall. They had ceased struggling, their horrified eyes trained on the scene unfolding before them.
"Zoisite" Mamoru spoke, and the Tennou turned slightly, brushing his cape over his shoulder as he acknowledged his Master's presence.
You never learned when to leave well alone. That there were some things that were older than your love for Mamoru.
The Shitennou's duty towards the Prince had been as old as time. There were no men more loyal and Mamoru had disregarded their warnings and had, inadvertently, caused the destruction of his planet.
Yet you could never see it like that. It was nothing but something that could threaten to steal him away.
Nothing could come between the Prince and Princess… she would have never allowed it to be so, but that wasn't who Usagi was now.
Zoisite… I don't understand…
Although Mamoru had his suspicions as to the spirit's identity, to have them confirmed… it hurt… he felt this pain of betrayal as he had the day Zoisite died.
"Zoisite" Usagi whispered softly, coming to stand beside Mamoru, despite his protests. "Why do this? You didn't die with hatred in your heart. Why do this to us?"
For a while no one spoke, the girls seemingly wanting an answer from the deceased Tennou and Zoisite himself debating the answer that he would give.
Finally, unable to stand the tension that had rapidly built up any more, Mamoru stepped forward, pushing between Rei and Minako, the latter girl had gone into shock and barely registered what Mamoru was doing. Usagi and Rei both cried out warnings but Mamoru paid them little heed. Zoisite would not hurt him, this much he knew.
"You did all this. You hurt Usagi" Mamoru stated softly, "Yet you sacrificed yourself to save her. You gave up your life for her."
"As one of the Shitennou, my duty was to the Master, you. You gave yourself up to Beryl so that we could live. My life was of little consequence compared to the happiness of my Master. This I learned at the end."
"Then why do all this?"
Zoisite said nothing, but he didn't need too. Mamoru could feel the pain, the regret and the anger… he knew now what had driven the Tennou to this…. He exhaled loudly, recalling the last time that he had seen him. They had pledged their allegiance to him, the Master, once more. Should he need them… should he need them then they would appear once again. They had given him his life back… so that he might spend this life with Usagi… Zoisite held no hatred in his heart…. It was not possible that he could have felt that much hate and Mamoru didn't pick up on it.
Hiding behind the past life you are too terrified to admit the truth to them all. The truth about what you are and what you did. The very truth of the Ginzuishou's power. The fact that you…
The Ginzuishou… the Ginzuishou and the Princess had the power to give life. All that had been destroyed was restored. Mamoru and Usagi had given up their own lives to make this so. All had been granted life except…
Usagi cried out, coming to the same conclusion that Mamoru had done. Whereas all life had been restored, the Shitennou had remained in the limbo, unable to move on because of their ties to Endymion. Unable to rest and having life denied them when all others had been given a second chance.
"The Shitennou sacrificed everything for this planet" Zoisite whispered, accentuating this point, "I gave up my own life for you, Princess. Yes, I died in the comfort of knowing that, at last, we had an understanding. I was wrong. You did not mourn what was lost. You did nothing to try and restore the lives of the Master's guardians at the end. We were nothing to you. Our pain meant nothing to you. We were only another obstacle that could potentially come between you and the Master."
"No" Usagi whispered, shaking her head as she trembled at his anger, "Had I known that you felt this way… I wouldn't have left you… not if you mean this much to Mamoru."
"So you tried to kill Usagi-chan" Minako spoke for the first time, taking a very hesitant step forward, "You betrayed me again."
Zoisite turned, his gaze narrowing slightly as his eyes met her own, "You cannot speak to me of betrayals, Venus. Not when you broke your word to me also."
"Things are different in this world" Minako whispered, "I am different."
"You are not the Venus I knew."
Minako had clearly expected him to say something else and uttered a small sob when his gaze was diverted back to the Princess again.
Mamoru again stepped between them, still feeling his own pain. Even in this world, Zoisite had remained loyal to him. How could this change be possible now? But the fact remained, Zoisite had tried to kill Usagi and would do so again and Mamoru wasn't altogether sure if he would be able to stop this.
"No" Zoisite said, guessing Mamoru's train of thought, "I do not wish the Princess dead."
"Then why?" Usagi whispered, "Why do all of this?"
The Ginzuishou…
"When o-bon is over I will again be trapped, forever bound in limbo, with the other Tennou" Zoisite said, his voice clearly stating his pain, which in turn hurt Mamoru as Zoisite, in life, had rarely given away any indication as to what he was thinking and feeling. "I cannot deny that I was angry at first and I did seek retribution. Princess, forgive me for hurting you, but I must now implore a favour in return for my sacrifice."
Rebirth… they want to live again… but that is impossible… the Ginzuishou is…
"I cannot" Usagi said, her voice so small that Mamoru almost didn't hear her reply, "I do not have that power… Not anymore…"
Zoisite showed no outward sign that this hurt him, but Mamoru sense the change in aura around him. The defeat… he had come back… known what it was like to be free and now, come midnight, he would be imprisoned once more, together with the other three guardians. Imprisoned until Mamoru called upon them again… forever in his service and even after he died there would be no relief. Again and again the past would be repeated, for them at least.
The white haired Tennou turned away, not wanting Mamoru or Usagi to see this defeat, elegantly flipping his cape over one shoulder and out of his way as he did so.
"Zoisite" Minako broke the silence this time, stepping forward and reaching out to the Tennou. Mamoru expected her hand to pass right through him and was a little stunned when it closed around his wrist, causing the man to turn around.
"I called you back" Minako whispered, "I was in so much pain… I thought that mending the music box would help assuage my feelings. I am the cause of your suffering, not Usagi."
"I mourned you" Minako continued, her voice cracking slightly, "I mourned you every day. I couldn't let you go. I couldn't let go of the past and what had been."
Come midnight, he would be imprisoned once more, together with the other three guardians. Imprisoned until Mamoru called upon them again… forever in his service and even after he died there would be no relief. Again and again the past would be repeated, for them at least.
I couldn't let you go
Is that what I have to do? They will never truly be alive again but maybe, maybe I can give them peace…
Looking down at his watch, Mamoru saw that there was less than a minute until midnight. A minute to decide. Could he truly let them go?
I cannot deny that I was angry at first and I did seek retribution. Princess, forgive me for hurting you, but I must now implore a favour in return for my sacrifice
He had wanted to hurt Usagi, but his pain and desire for revenge was born out of his suffering, his regret… these were emotions that Mamoru had caused. As long as the Shitennou were bound to him then they would continue to suffer.
"Zoisite" Mamoru said, stepping away from the girls, ignoring Rei's warning, "I release you. I release you from your guardianship. I release you from the oaths you took in the past life. I release all of you."
"Master--"
"I release you all from them" Mamoru said, cutting off any further protests, "You are free. I no longer hold you to your oaths."
As he finished this sentence, a clock in the next room started to chime, signalling that midnight was upon them. To this, Minako uttered a small cry and again attempted to grab hold of the Tennou, but her hand passed through him this time. O-bon was coming to an end. All spirits were bound under tradition to return to the afterlife once more.
Mamoru held Usagi in his arms, watching the Tennou's form flicker and fade with every clock chime until the final toll and he disappeared completely before their eyes.
Master… thank you…
As she slumped against him, Mamoru could feel Usagi's relief, but he managed to prise her grip upon him for long enough so that he could move the table that still rendered Ami and Makoto motionless. Once free, the two girls ran to Usagi's side, receiving shaky assurances from her that she was okay.
Stepping away, Mamoru's gaze now fell on Minako. She stood in the centre of the room, where Zoisite had been; the music box lay shattered beyond repair at her feet. He had gone… there would be no rebirth… not in this lifetime.
As Mamoru watched, Rei went to her, placing a hand on Minako's shoulder in an act of compassion. For a moment it seemed as though Minako would accept this but then, as though Rei's touch had burned her skin, Minako shook her away before spinning around and racing towards the exit of the shrine, one name alone on her lips: Hikaru…
Minako couldn't breath… tears stung at the backs of her eyes and lump in her throat was becoming increasingly heard to force back down. She stood where Zoisite had been, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, her body shaking slightly. She had lost him… she had lost him again… This knowledge was almost too much for her to bear. Every night for the past year she had pondered his fate, wished desperately to be given just a few seconds to tell him that she was sorry, to tell him how she had felt about him. She had been given that chance and she had thrown it away. She now knew the extent of his suffering and had not said a word of comfort.
I mourned you every day. I couldn't let you go. I couldn't let go of the past and what had been
She had only thought of herself… she couldn't even tell him that she loved him.
As she watched, Hikaru giving no sign that he had heard her, she saw several emotions on his face. One was pain. The pain of knowing that this had been given to her by another and that Minako still had it meant that she still harboured feelings for the gift bearer. Another was shock, and the last was some anger as he held the treasure tightly, drawing back his hand as though to hurl it to the ground.
A cry caught in Minako's throat at this action, but Hikaru managed to contain his anger in time and, instead, stared down at it for a few seconds before reaching out with his other hand to open it.
"Don't!" Minako snapped, racing forward now to pluck the treasure from his shaking grip. Who knew what powers it still might contain… even now…
"Hikaru" his name caught in her throat and came out as a strangled cry as she shook off Rei's gesture of comfort and fled the shrine, her heart beating wildly in her chest as she frantically searched under the light of the Chouchin for her boyfriend.
Hikaru was leaning up against one of the frames on the outer doors to the shrine, his head slumped forward onto his chest and his eyes closed. One hand was wrapped loosely around this post whilst the other hung at his side, his fingertips just brushing the dirt beneath them.
"Hikaru" Minako whispered reaching out to him and placing a hand on his shoulder. At this touch he slumped towards her, his head all but falling into her lap. He was still warm, thus indicating to Minako that he hadn't been dead long. A minute at the most.
When the clock struck midnight…
Minako cradled his body in her arms, at last allowing her tears to fall; some splashing down onto the cheeks of her lover as her free hand gently brushed some strands of hair back from his eyes. After doing so, her fingers moved lower to caress his cheek.
"Hikaru-san!"
Behind her, Minako could hear her friends shocked cried, but they seemed far away… beyond her reach.
"If you don't want me to leave then you can just ask me to stay."
"Would you?"
"If you asked me to."
"Hikaru" she whispered, closing her eyes in a bid to assuage further tears.
Who was Hikaru? Minako had thought she knew, but now…
Zoisite… Hikaru…
She didn't know what to believe anymore…
End.