(A/N - thanks for comments; It seems quite a few were concerned with what kind of plan Minako and Rei could come up with, and I wasn't confident either, so we called in some reinforcements. )
~*~*~
She leaned forward, resting her forearms on her knees as she desperately struggled to catch her breath. She would have been impressed with how quickly she arrived if she wasn't trying so hard to keep from passing out.
"How…are…they…?" She managed to ask between gasps.
"Shhhh. Just breathe," Michiru cooed as she rubbed Usagi's back. "They're fine, but you must relax before going in there."
As soon as her communicator lit up and the voice on the other end relayed that Ami and Makoto were awake, she took off, not caring that her mother believed her to be homesick or even the distance to the arcade she covered in such a short time. Her need to see her friends, to ensure they were alight, compelled her to resist any rational thought. She smiled warmly at the teal haired woman as she finally got the rise and fall of her chest under control, the older girl nodding as she moved into the medical room.
"The scans are almost normal," the green haired woman explained to Ami as she handed her a data pad. "There is this spike here, and it appears on both of you, so I can only assume it was from the hit you received."
"That doesn't make sense. Why would the spike still be there after all this time?"
"I agree. It also appears that that energy hit you two evenly, which is statistically unlikely," Setsuna pondered as she tucked her hands inside her white lab coat pockets. Makoto sat on the edge of the other bed, seemingly lost at the two scientist's debate.
"They can go home now, right?" Usagi called from the door as all three sets of eyes turned to her. Tears nearly came to her eyes with the radiant smile Makoto wore at the sight of her princess.
"Yes, I cannot see a reason to require more testing," Setsuna smiled. Makoto jumped from the cot with the confirmation that she was finally free. Ami explained that they kept them asleep when they first noticed the strange energy signature, expecting it to dissipate after a day. Instead, when the reading was the same, they woke the two senshi only to submit to a more intense examination. They both seemed healthy, their energy levels where they should be, with just a lingering hint of something alien.
"We should do one last test," Ami pondered as Makoto released an involuntary groan. "We should transform. It's better to know if something is wrong with the alien energy now than when in battle," the blue haired genius reasoned.
Makoto sighed heavily, unable to find any reason to disagree with the plan. She raised her henshin high, calling out her incantation, Sailor Jupiter standing in the same spot a short moment later.
"Everything seems right," she murmured as she checked her bows. "I don't… feel any different," she added as she looked at her gloved hands, a few static sparks jumping from the white surface. Setsuna raised her datapad, a blue light scanning Jupiter's form before the other woman looked over the results. Ami smiled, giving a thumbs up as Jupiter let her transformation fade. By the time she returned to the leggings and tank she was resting in, Usagi had crossed the room to engulf her in a hug impossible for the blonde's small stature.
"Are you hungry?" The amazon asked as the short blonde nodded. "Good, I am in the mood to make an elaborate snack," she smiled as she led the blonde out of the room.
"Did you see that?" Ami's hushed question echoed to the only other person in the room.
"The color of her sparks changed," Setsuna nodded, agreeing she saw the subtle change in the Thunder Guardian's usual charged persona. "But I don't know what it can mean—"
"I'll run some tests myself in the training room," Ami sighed as she stood up from the bed.
"I can come with you—"Setsuna began to offer as the blue genius shook her head.
"It will be fine to run them alone. Right now, it's better to stick close to Usagi's tail. We can fill in Makoto once I have an answer if there is any change in our attacks." Setsuna nodded as she looked toward where the younger girls had disappeared. Her priority was identifying the plethora of senshi that had shown up suddenly. Seeing as the pseudo-leader of the Outers, it was her duty to know. That was the best way she could help ensure their princess was protected.
~*~*~
The warm sun danced over her skin as she paused with the picnic blanket still in her hand. The sun brought almost as much reassurance as the full moon, a welcome break from the constant weight of dread that seemed to linger over her head in recent weeks.
She had convinced Makoto that a large meal was best-served family style and a picnic would be a lovely addition. Once she suggested the botanical gardens as the meeting location, the idea was sealed, much to Usagi's disappointment that she wouldn't have a whole pie. However, the tall brunette complied with the meal in no time, much to Michiru's pleasure as she watched from outside the apartment building.
The violinist disliked being such a pessimist, but there were too many signs to ignore something new was on the horizon. She smiled at the word, remembering the cheerful observation that her adoptive daughter had made. Then, shaking her head, her focus narrowed. Even if it meant that her destined partner would return, the events surrounding them currently were too ominous to ignore. Without knowing where Sailor Uranus had been all this time, there was no way to be sure that danger wouldn't follow from where ever she emerged from, and it was her duty to anticipate that alien danger.
"Wow, Michiru! You picked a great spot!" The brunette called as she waved to the older woman. Her shoulder dropped slightly from the basket's weight, and for a moment, Michiru questioned how much Makoto could have baked in such a short time. As she watched the approaching figure, her eyebrows went up in a worried gesture as she glanced around. She had followed the girls to Makoto's apartment, silently waiting outside with the amazon and the princess inside. In reality, she only beat the girls to the park by a few minutes, so she knew that Usagi was in toe.
"Are we waiting for the others?" The young blonde called out, peaking out from behind the taller girl.
"They should be along shortly," Michiru smiled, graciously releasing her breath.
"But I'm so hungry! Watching Mako bake makes me want to try it even more." Usagi whined as she sat on the blanket.
"Don't be so drastic, Usagi. I let you have the leftovers that didn't fit in the basket," Makoto scolded as she pulled some of the containers free, placing them on the cloth surface.
"It only made me MORE hungry from how delicious it was!"
"Is there ever a time you are not hungry?" Rei scolded as she stood over the petite girl.
"There's no need to be so mean, Rei," Usagi huffed, folding her arms over her torso as Rei and Minako kneeled on the blanket. "After all, you were the ones that missed greeting Makoto and Ami when they woke up!" She continued to pout.
"Don't be silly. The medical room cannot fit that many people," Minako quipped, offended to be pulled into Usagi and Rei's usual tiff.
"They were given a different assignment," Michiru gently scolded, hopeful of diffusing the younger girls from having a full-blown yelling match in the park. "What did you find out about what Tenoh saw that night?" Her cold stare burrowed into the two girls as she asked the question. A teal eyebrow raised in a questioning look as Minako shared a glance with the miko.
"I borrowed one of Minako's uniforms so we could confront him on campus, ensuring that a scene was not caused," Rei explained. Michiru nodded, impressed that the two would go to that length and annoyed at the same time with all the words that didn't tell her what they had learned. "He echoed Usagi's story that he was in the park by chance. He also said that he was so worried that Usagi was hurt when Aluminum Siren appeared that he was looking for her all morning."
"We had got to him just in time!" Minako added enthusiastically. "Usagi's absence today went relatively unnoticed, along with Makoto's and Ami's. Who knows what kind of alarm Tenoh could have raised!" Rei glared at the bubbly blonde, Minako recoiling her arms back towards her body as if to put a cork on her enthusiasm. Michiru watched the exchange, a smile gracing her lips as she seemed pleased with what they uncovered.
"It's good to know that he didn't see anything that he shouldn't. It would be terrible if he got hurt because of our carelessness," the violinist calmly responded. Usagi seemed to gasp at the thought, achieving the desired concern the ocean Senshi expected from the compassionate girl.
"Oh, Look! Ami, Setsuna, and Hotaru have arrived," Makoto observed, breaking the somber silence.
"Hi girls, sorry we are late," Ami apologized as they joined the others. Within minutes, the food had been served, and the group enjoyed the bites in between some chit-chat.
"Bunhead! Where did you get all this food?" A sudden voice called out in the park.
"Seiya?" Usagi questioned. "Taiki? Yaten? Haruka?" She added as the others trailed behind. They stopped a few steps away from the blanket's edge, each waving or winking at the group.
"Here, we have plenty if you'd like to join," Minako offered, taking the plate Rei was filling with octopus balls.
"That's kind of you, but we are on our way to rehearsals," Taiki explained as he waved his hands to prevent Minako from forcing a plate into them. "But the question remains where you obtained such a big selection," the tall brunette musician questioned.
"Oh, Mako is a great chef!" Usagi cheered. "These are her creations; we just enjoy them!"
"Is that so?" Taiki pondered. "In that case, I am afraid I may have a favor," she smiled at the green eyed chef. "I am appearing on a morning show the next day to promote the concert, and I am asked to bring a recipe. So would you be willing to help me?"
"Oh, um, I guess I can. What would you like to make?" Makoto asked as Taiki just waved their hands again.
"It is not important. Whatever you enjoy will do perfectly." Taiki glanced at her watch before apologizing to the group. "Perhaps we can discuss more after the garden club meeting? Again, I apologize that I'm in a hurry, but we need to be on our way to rehearsal."
"You girls are always welcome to come to watch," Seiya winked as she wore a challenging smirk that the others quickly recognized.
"Com'on Seiya, that is no way to spend their afternoon. Hell, that's not even how I want to spend my afternoon," Yaten whined as she shoved her hands in her pockets.
"Watch a Four Lights concert for free?" Minako squealed, and she pulled on Rei's arm.
"Don't Praise them like that," Michiru hissed. "I'm sure it's just music played over the speakers while they hop around. I hardly call that performance." The curl on her lips sent a clear challenge to the idols to deny her claim. Michiru would admit she was bitter at the moment, but if the band had had one rehearsal with her, she would have had a much better intuition about them than waiting until her concert with them. It was very— strange that they would invite them now.
"Of all people, Kaioh-san is the one who doesn't believe we sing live?" Seiya asked incredulously. "Now I've seen everything. Perhaps like you're jealous." The raven haired singer added as she strolled past the group. "If you change your mind, we'll be at the music hall," she called over her shoulder.
"That wasn't very nice, Michiru-mama," Hotaru scolded her parent's outburst, the senshi of the seas biting her lip in guilt. The young girl was right, her words were uncharacteristic of her, and she had no excuse for the distrust directed at the idols.
"Gomen, you're right," the teal haired woman sighed. "If you girls would like to go watch them, please provide my apologies." Her head dropped down as the dark eyes of the small girl lit up.
"Well then, are we going?" Hotaru smirked, her eyes narrowing at the twin-tailed blonde blinking in confusion.
"Why are you asking me?" Usagi muttered, shifting with the attention that was suddenly on her.
"It's clear that Seiya was inviting you!" Rei huffed. "How can you not notice it?"
"Notice what?"
"That's not important," Makoto muttered as she flipped her hand to dismiss the thought. "Do you want to watch them?"
"I guess it could be fun," the short blonde shrugged. The others cheered as they began to pack up the picnic.
"You girls go on ahead," Setsuna offered. "Michiru and I will clean this up." The olive skinned woman wore a warm smile as Minako and Rei studied her carefully. This was quite different behavior than the angry Sailor Pluto they saw earlier. "You don't want to miss the good part. Go on!" Usagi beamed a warm smile, pausing as she reached for the last mochi, pushing it in her mouth before she ran to catch up with the others.
"Setsuna, what—"Michiru began to question.
"I have threatened all of the inner scouts with sending them to the past and forgetting about them if they let Usagi out of their sight," the older woman explained without looking up from the containers she was collecting. "We both suspect that there is something about those Starlights. I don't like the idea, but if we want a chance at finding out anything about them, we'll need to be close."
"Demo, what if someone—"
"If an enemy appears tonight, when there is no one else there but the Starlights, then we will have our answer."
"At the expense of the princess's safety?"
"Hai," Setsuna paused, her eyes downcast. "We know a new horizon is coming, and she will be in danger until we identify the source."
"I have feared that with the return of Sailor Uranus, she will bring the danger with her," Michiru admitted. It was the first time she voiced the conflict between finding her partner and the dangers that could come along with it. "I sense danger all around us. So much so that I have difficulty pinpointing a source. I can't help but think if the Aqua Mirror had its sister talisman, then I could—"
"Forgive me, Michiru, but please do not dream of luxuries we don't have. Please take it from someone who had centuries to think of the if onlys. It will bring nothing but disappointment and pain."
"Alright then, how will we get on friendly terms with those idols?" Michiru changed her tune, a thoughtfully curious frown on her face. They had not started well with any of them.
"You can make friends with anyone," Setsuna smirked as the frown grew on the teal haired woman's face. "Rei and Minako spoke with Tenoh at school the other day, and he mentioned something interesting. He assumed Sailor Aluminum Siren had hurt Usagi, and they told him she was safe."
"So he has already connected the three of them to what happened that night," Michiru frowned as Setsuna shook her head. "He may know too much."
~*~*~
"Wow," the five girls cooed as they entered the music hall, their eyes widening as they stared at all the decorations moving around the back side of the stage.
"Oh hey, bunhead! Girls! You made it!" Seiya called as she finished a spin in the center of the stage. She smiled and waved as she grabbed a small towel, wrapping it around her neck as the four paused for water.
"There are so many decorations!" Minako admired as Seiya walked toward the edge of the stage where they stood.
"Yes, they overdid it with props and costume changes this time. We needed to rehearse to know where to stand on stage." Haruka added in, her hand rubbing the back of her head as she looked at all the different scenery pieces. In her opinion, the director was a little literal on the song's search for your love aspect. "You girls will be attending tomorrow night, right?" She confidently asked, already suspecting the answer.
"Hai!" Haruka blinked as it was the youngest girl who responded.
"I don't think we've met," Haruka blushed as the young girl locked eyes with her. "My name is Haruka Tenoh," she added, kneeling before the girl.
"My name is Hotaru Tomoe. I'm much younger, so I don't get to go to high school yet," she added in a sad tone. Haruka tilted her head, wondering for a moment how this elementary school student came to be friends with the other girls.
"This is Seiya Kou, our lead singer; Taiki Kou, our guitarist; and Yaten Kou, our bassist." Hotaru smiled as she pointed to each of her band members.
"I look forward to watching the performance tomorrow night!" The small girl greeted the other members as they gathered around the girls.
"Alright, that's enough water!" An authoritative voice echoed from the stage. "Let's go one more time!" The four idols move to the location, finding their marks as the lights dim. Suddenly a light behind the stage lit, then one illuminating the larger set pieces. The two lights moved across the background until they found the four idols. They were already in motion when the light hit them.
"Step! Step!" Ordered from a microphone. "Kick! Seiya, you better pick up the pace or that lighthouse will run you over!" The four moved to the middle of the stage, a light coming from the audience, lighting their faces as they broke into harmony.
"Ahhhhh!" They sang in unison before the music picked up.
"Five, six, seven, turn!" The megaphone voice continued.
"Search for your love," their voices ran out as the girls watched enthusiastically from the side.
"Step! Step! Step! Turn! Watch out!" Several cries rang out as the set piece shook as the two lighthouses passed too close to each other. One piece fell across the stage, seemingly landing on top of the singers. They rushed to the scene as a group of stagehands were moving the lighthouse cut out back to a standing position. As the prop was lifted, they could catch the glance of Taiki and Yaten watching worriedly from the side.
"Seiya! Haruka!" Usagi called out as she realized they were the only ones missing. "Are they alright?"
"We're fine, Koneko," a tenor voice sounded as the prop was lifted the rest of the way. Haruka sat with her butt on the floor, Seiya sitting in front of her.
"Tenoh was able to move us to the window cutout. For the first time, I'm not upset he's faster than me," Seiya explained, shrugging slightly. Then, noticing all the eyes on them, Seiya jumped to her feet, showing that she was okay. She turned and extended a hand to Haruka, who was unexpectedly slower in getting up.
"Is this what you four got into music for?" The director boomed as she approached the stage. "Inviting girls to a practice to fawn over you and distract you?"
"Perhaps you're distracted by this bad stage design," Yaten snarled back. "I told you the lighthouse was tacky. It's search for your love, not warn your love of the coastline," she sneered.
"I think we should just get rid of the lighthouse," Taiki added. "It won't change the choreography and doesn't add anything."
"Fine! We're done with rehearsals as well. You're free to flirt as you wish," the director jested before storming away, yelling some orders at the other stagehands.
"What's up with all the choreography?" Rei asked as the idols took a seat on the edge of the stage.
"Dunno, a new director, wants to make their mark and have us act out the lyrics of the song," Seiya shrugged as she looked back at the stage. "I agree it's a little weird."
"Then why go along with it?"
"It's what the fans asked for," Taiki smiled. "I'm sure it will help the message be understood even by those who don't speak the same language." The girls nodded in agreement.
"Ano, Haruka…" Minako mumbled, her cheeks burning red. "I was wondering if you were able to arrange… you know?" Minako continued as serval eyes watched her curiously.
"Yeah, Haruka," Seiya elbowed her as she wiggled her eyebrows. "What special surprised did you have planned for our sweet, innocent Minako here?" Haruka blushed furiously at what the young blonde seemed to be implying. She shoved the singer hard as she raised her feet, taking a few tender steps to where her bag rested. She didn't realize how sore her ankle was until then, a flash of worry that she must have caught it under the scenery. Ignoring the discomfort, she took as steady of steps as possible, retrieving the tickets from the bag and turning back to the group.
"I was going to surprise you with these, but since Seiya had to assume the most impure thing," she added with a daggered glare at the singer.
"It's not like Mina left the purest idea in our heads," Yaten snorted.
"It's your impure imagination," Haruka bit back, silencing the short singer. "Now is as good as any," smiling, she handed the backstage pass to the girls.
"Wow, these will get us backstage tomorrow night?" Makoto asked as she read the pass.
"Yes, we'd like to see you before the show," Haruka blushed.
"You'll come and wish us luck, right Usagi?' Seiya leaned closer to the twin-tailed girl. "I feel like I'd sing even better knowing you're there."
"We'll all come to wish you luck!" Usagi cheered, not noticing the slight twitch from the raven haired singer.
"Excellent! We look forward to seeing you!" Taiki smiled. "Now, I am afraid we must get going before it is too late," the tall singer added, glancing at her watch.
"Come, we can walk you out," Yaten smiled as she motioned for the girls to follow.
"I'll be right there. Rei and I wanted to see Haruka's piano," Minako mumbled. Yaten looked at her curiously, her face shifting as if she was going to ask. Still, the silver haired idol only shrugged as she started walking out, Makoto, Ami, Usagi, Taiki, and Seiya following her out.
"I'd like to see it too," Hotaru asked softly.
"Okay," Haruka was slow to answer as she glanced at Minako.
"Wait," the young girl placed a hand on her knee as Haruka moved to stand. Teal eyes glanced curiously as the petite raven haired girl only smiled. "It looks like that accident hurt you. Here, let me help." Hotaru placed a hand to cup around the swelling ankle, a slight glow illuminating the area, but Haruka could only focus on the warm touch. "There, that's better," the young girl smiled. Haruka moved her foot carefully, examining that the pain was gone. Finally, she nodded towards the girl, and her eyes fixed on the mysterious look in the young girl's eye.
"Who are you?" Haruka asked before she could consider her words.
"Shouldn't we be asking the same of you?" Hotaru countered. Haruka glanced at the other girls for help, but they both wore the same worried look. "There isn't much to say. I can feel the power of the stars." Hotaru smiled as she lifted her hand from the tall blonde's leg.
"I like her," Haruka smirked towards Rei as she nodded towards the younger girl. "Can she help us?"
