The revisions came out kind of...not so great, so this chapter will probably continue to evolve as I figure out why it's not up to par...Sorry guys! :(
Chapter 46
Ami tried to control the shaking of her hands as she moved through the models she'd built around the lake. It looked so serene, but knowing that they were about to head underneath the water was giving her minor panic attacks. Especially since the shrine itself seemed to be interfering with her ability to assess exactly how deep they'd be going.
Never mind that there wasn't any submersible equipment in sight.
Ami had a backup plan for that, at least. Code Umibozu had been designed specifically for ease of activation, and should, provided she wasn't unconscious for any reason, encase them all in a shield that would provide air and safety for a brief amount of time in the event of a catastrophe.
She hadn't shared that plan with anyone – she didn't think it fair to spread her own paranoia.
But she'd feel a little better if she could just plug in how deep the stupid lake was. Touma leaned into her personal space suddenly, and Ami let him. It had taken some getting used to, but despite her discomfort, it was nice to have a second set of eyes vetting her work. To have someone else able to work through some of the more complex strategy models she often built.
"You're missing this," he said, pointing at her screen without touching. His tone wasn't haughty or accusatory. It was eager to be helpful. "Hey Shin!" he called. Ami winced. He might have moved away from her ear first before yelling.
Suiko approached them, already fully armored, his helmet missing. He stared at them both inquisitively, his bearing one of polite interest. "What's up?" he wondered. Touma flicked his fingers at her screen.
"How deep would you say this lake is?" he asked. Shin turned, using his hand as a visor and squinting out over the body of water. He turned back to them.
"Somewhere around a hundred and fifty fathoms, I'd guess," he replied. When he noticed Ami entering the figure into her code, he waved his hands, eyes wide. "That's not a precise measurement!" he said, looking alarmed. Ami raised an eyebrow and turned to Touma. The archer rolled his eyes and favored Ami with a lopsided grin.
"Don't listen to him. That's probably accurate down to the centimeter," he said jovially. She nodded, her own lips curving as Shin strode away, grumbling under his breath about how it wouldn't be his fault if someone's calculations were off.
Ami felt some of her anxiety ease as she watched the missing figure flow down through her models. Yes. These numbers looked very do-able.
"Hey. What's this?" She looked over to see Touma furrowing his brow, his gaze focused at her machine.
Right at the little icon for Code Umibozu. Ami spluttered.
"Oh, ah, it's….an emergency contingency I built", she said, wondering how on earth to frame it without seeming like she had no faith in their ability to get through this without issue. She did, she absolutely did, but just in case…
"May I?" he asked, already using the key pad to click open its properties. Ami cursed herself for keeping her machine set to Japanese instead of its native Lunar Language. She'd done it to share with him, of course, but now she wished he hadn't figured things out so quickly.
She watched his face as he narrowed his eyes at the screen, waiting for a quiet censure or perhaps a quick show of temper, her heart pounding. This was so new, having someone understand her work this well.
"Wow. This is amazing. I can't believe you're able to do something like this. But wait," he murmured, his brows easing as he clicked around her keyboard again. Ami watched him, trying to be patient as he mucked around in her fail safe. After a moment, he straightened, nodding.
Ami looked at what he'd done, scanning the update quickly, and then feeling excitement bubble up inside her.
He'd altered the program so that if her energy reserves were too low, it would automatically activate Code Umibozu, using the energy of any benevolent force nearby with enough reserves.
"This is rudimentary right now. We probably don't want this to kick in, but just in case…" he murmured, trailing off, sounding almost…shy. Ami realized he hadn't executed the change and she moved to do so swiftly.
She turned when it completed, studying her companion again. He seemed subdued for some reason.
"It makes me feel a lot better, knowing that you can do something like that. That you're ready for anything," he said quietly. Ami smiled, laying a hand on his arm.
"I try to be prepared. I can't cover everything, but this at least is something," she replied, flushing a little.
"It's not just something. This is the difference between living and dying if a crisis arises," he told her earnestly. "Ami. This is important." Her mild flush became a full-on blush, but riding its heels was the absolute relief that Touma was happy to back up her paranoia.
"So are we turning the Mercury computer into a submarine?" Minako wanted to know. Ami smiled kindly at her, forgetting her discomfort as she took in Venus' attempt at levity in this tense moment.
"I don't think the Mercury computer has transformational capability, no," she said. Minako snorted and waved a hand at her.
"Please. If we gave you an hour, I bet you'd have that thing ready for a six-month undersea mission," she said confidently. Ami flushed again, putting a hand to her mouth, but couldn't deny that that confidence bolstered her spirits.
She hadn't lost her teammates' trust. They still believed in her.
Ami bit her lip to avoid tearing up, and ducked her head, poking at random keys and flicking through the models again for a quintuple check.
"Heads' up. Company's coming." Seiji's tense warning had them all alert, postures straightening as Kayura and the Masho could be seen walking toward them along the shore.
"Well, at least they didn't just poof in right next to us," Jupiter muttered, standing near Mercury now. Venus and Mars had moved to bracket Usagi, Shuu and Shin standing in front of the three women, eyes narrowed, armor on. Touma had pulled himself from beside her, and Ami didn't miss the way he'd angled his now fully armored body in front of she and Jupiter. Ryo and Seiji had taken point in the front of the group.
The Troopers were tense, almost hostile, and it set her on edge. Part of it, Ami reminded herself, was that they felt it was too soon and too uncertain – it made Ami smile to think of how protective they were, particularly wherever Usagi was concerned. It was a relief to have doubled their fighting force, and moreso knowing that there were five extra sets of eyes on Usagi now.
Kayura and her entourage approached their own group, and Ami thought she looked every bit the role of Empress today – especially surrounded by the fearsome looking masho. It might make her odd, but it helped to know they were all a little uneasy. Kayura raised her chin in Usagi's direction. Not that she could see Usagi, with Minako and Rei on top of her and Shuu and Shin standing shoulder to shoulder in front of her.
There came an exasperated noise, and Ami put a hand to her face and hid her eyes when Usagi's head came up over Shuu's, her limbs wrapped around him as she climbed him to get a better view. Shuu's face was comical, but Ami couldn't enjoy the spectacle when she was too busy being embarrassed for the Senshi.
"Hi!" Usagi waved as if the Empress were a thousand yards away instead of a mere meter or two. Ami hunched her shoulders and tried to keep her cool. Beside her, Jupiter chuckled under her breath.
"She'd make friends with a cobra if she could," the girl whisper-muttered. Ami bobbed her head in agreement. Kayura and the Masho looked unprepared for the enthusiastic welcome, their faces going amusingly blank for a moment. Kayura recovered quickly.
"Greetings, Yoroiden, Senshi. Are we ready?" she intoned gravely, waving the shakujou. In front of them, Touma moved his arm, and Ami assumed he was gripping the Jewel where it hung against his heart.
"We're ready," Ryo snarled, sounding like the only thing he might be ready for was a brawl. Ami felt an answering warmth bloom in her chest despite his tone. It was embarrassing how just the sound of his voice could make her feel happy, even if he was threatening someone.
Part of it was knowing that his anger was in her defense. It was almost always in her defense.
Without further conversation, Kayura turned, gestured with the staff, and then pounded its base against the shore.
Like magic, the water of the lake parted dramatically in a clear, straight path to its center. Where an unassuming shrine sat waiting for them. It was fantastic. Like something out of one of her favorite fantasy novels.
"Remarkable," Ami breathed.
"Uh. Won't people wonder what's going on with the giant walls of water here?" Minako wondered, gesturing with her fingers at the spectacular display. The Masho with the eye patch – Rajura? – scowled at her.
"My ability with illusions will keep us hidden," he grunted at her, as if the answer were obvious. Venus put a hand on her hip and rolled her eyes.
"Well of course, how silly of me," she muttered. Beside her, Rei was tight lipped, staring at Rajura and Kayura both with a guarded expression. Her face didn't change as she took in the other Masho. None of the Troopers seemed thrilled with the idea either.
"Umm. You want us to go in there?" Usagi asked, her voice loaded with trepidation. She'd climbed off of Shuu, and was now standing beside him and wringing her hands.
"Ah, it's all right. Shin's got us if there are any problems," Shuu reassured her. Usagi slid a look over to a stone-faced Shin as he was giving Shuu a dirty look, biting the nails of one gloved hand. Shin smiled at Sailor Moon reassuringly, but she didn't seem pacified.
Ami herself was wondering what Shin could do to help if something went wrong. As far as she understood their abilities, Shin could certainly create a tsunami, but she hadn't heard anything about him abating them.
"Do you suggest Lady Kayura is weak, girl?" Naaza hissed at Usagi. She jumped back behind Shuu, and Kongo growled, thumping his tetsubo in the ground at Naaza's feet so hard he left a crater in its wake.
"Don't talk to her like that," he grated in a low voice at the Doku Masho.
Naaza puffed up like an irritated cobra, and they all tensed. Ami wondered if their trip was even going to get underway to the shrine at this point. Kayura wedged herself between the two of them, shooting them both dark looks. She curled her lip at Naaza. "We respect our allies," she snapped at him.
Naaza growled, bending to get in her face. "You heard what she said!" he yelled. "She's questioning your skill!"
Kayura rolled her eyes. "This is a normal emotion when confronted with a giant ravine made of water that could easily crush you," she spat back, gesturing down the liquid corridor. "I know it's hard, but do try to think first Naaza." Anubis snorted, not bothering to conceal his amusement. Kayura looked as though she might be ready to roast them both.
Instead, she simply huffed, and then turned. And walked right into the watery canyon. Sniping at each other, the Masho followed right behind her. It seemed even annoyed, they were still in step with her.
Not wanting to waste a moment, Ami took a deep breath, let it out, and followed right behind them. She heard footsteps behind her, but it wasn't Makoto who drew up along side her, it was Ryo. His face was hard, and trepidation lurked in his gaze, but he caught her eye then, and his expression softened into a smile.
"You doing ok Ami?" he asked in a low voice. Ami turned, looking back down at her display, clicking through her screens, and then nodded at him when everything seemed nominal.
"Yes," she said, and then turned to look back at the rest of their group.
Makoto was right behind her, face determined, and Touma walked beside her bearing a similar expression. Behind them, Rei, Shin, Usagi, and Shuu moved in a line together, with Usagi at its center. Rei was holding her hand despite the aggravated look on her face, Ami noticed, and smiled.
Seiji and Minako took up the rear. The Senshi of Venus still moved stiffly, and Ami worried she should remain on the shore. Seiji moved beside her, vigilant, and Ami trusted that he could help Venus if the need arose.
She turned back to Ryo, surprised to see he was offering her his hand. She smiled at him again, shut her computer, gesturing it back into subspace, and shyly reached out to take his hand. Her visor continued to track their progress, but behind the models and figures flickering in front of her eyes, Ami took a moment to savor his profile.
It was getting harder and harder to ignore the way he kept wanting to look after her. The way he always seemed to be…around. Ryo didn't strike her as a particularly patient person, but when it came to her he seemed to have vast stores of it.
She wondered about that, sometimes.
He helped her over boulders, lifted her over deep craters of slick and dense mud, and steered her around other strange obstacles that littered a lake bed but never saw the light of day. And he never let go of her hand. It was very sweet, she decided. He was so…good.
She still hadn't figured out why he seemed to be concerned with her in particular, but she wasn't really inclined to dissect it too much. It was nice, having someone look out for her.
By the time they reached the shrine, Ami felt as if she'd climbed several mountains. She squinted up at it, perched on several large rocks, disappointed with how…simple it seemed. For a mystical underwater temple, it looked so…clean. There were no gilded corners or intricate carvings. Just a lot of smooth grey stone.
Which probably made sense, she decided as she started climbing up the rocks. If you wanted an underwater structure to last through eons, stone was going to be the best way to go. Any frippery would inevitably disintegrate. The less effort used to maintain something like this, the better, probably.
Kayura and the Masho bowed their heads in reverence outside the entrance, and performed a cleansing ritual with a small basin just in front of the front steps. Ami tried hard not to be amused by the idea of a cleansing basin full of water outside a shrine that existed…underwater.
Dutifully, she followed their lead, approaching the basin and performing her own cleansing rite before passing the ladle to Ryo. Rekka performed his ritual absently, eyes on the building in front of them. Kayura and the Masho had already disappeared inside, and he scowled at the darkened entryway as he finished, passing the ladle to Touma.
Ami walked up the stairs, but Ryo stilled her before she could enter. He gestured with a nod at the others. "Let's stay together, ok?" he told her softly. She nodded at him, turning to wait as the others took their turn cleansing. Touma and Makoto finished next and moved to stand beside them.
"Ami. How're the readings?" Touma asked her softly.
Dutifully, Ami cycled through each screen on her visor, carefully scanning each for signs of trouble. "Nominal so far," she answered him. He nodded. It was still strange, getting used to the idea of someone as bright as Touma looking to her for answers.
"Should you be wearing that thing this long?" Ryo wanted to know. He wasn't able to disguise his anxiety very well, but Ami held back a giggle, not wanting to hurt his feelings.
"I can wear this for as long as I need. It was only an issue in the Underworld because they didn't want me to have access to it," she reassured him. Her mood immediately darkened then. They hadn't wanted her to have access to it so that she wouldn't understand what was happening.
Makoto put a gentle, supportive hand on her shoulder and Ami smiled up at her in thanks.
Rei joined them next, followed by Shin. Ami looked to Mars expectantly, but despite her troubled expression, she shook her head. "Nothing," she said, and Ami nodded. Mars sighed and then continued, "The space is definitely pure. She wasn't lying about that. I haven't felt anything this…clean…in a long time."
Ami and Makoto both nodded, and Ami felt her tension ease. Makoto seemed to relax a bit as well. It helped, knowing that they really were in the right place. Usagi was next, Shuu right behind her. Sailor Moon's eyes were huge in her face.
"You guys", she breathed. "How cool is this place?! This is nuts!" She spun around in a circle with her arms out, and Ami smiled at her softly. Sometimes, she felt as though Usagi were the child in all of them. She wished she could treat situations like this with the same innocent wonder that Usagi did, but her life experience had simply drowned any of that out.
She reminded herself, gently, that one of the reasons she and the other Senshi fought so hard and stayed so vigilant was for exactly this reason. So that Usagi could still have the wonder and love and genuine trust in the goodness in everyone.
Shuu's face was full of tender affection as he watched her, and Ami looked away for a moment, to where Minako was making her way carefully up the stairs, followed by Seiji. Once they'd all assembled, Ami locked eyes with the other Senshi over Usagi's head, nodding with them.
They were going in.
They were going to see this done.
Rei stepped forward, hand up, a small flame dancing on her open palm. She lead the way into the darkness. Ami followed her, Makoto right behind, and next to Usagi. Minako brought in the rear again, and this time the Troopers surrounded them, faces grim.
They were very worried, she realized, and she felt guilty now for not taking into account how they must feel having to trust their former enemies so completely. She resolved to get some of their history out of Ryo later. She'd find a way to thank them all for this sacrifice. She wished they'd let the Senshi take the lead now. If their enemies were going to turn, Ami would rather be the one to launch the defensive back and spare them another battle.
Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.
If it did, Code Umibozu wasn't the only thing she had up her sleeve.
The corridor had started wide, but now had narrowed so they could only walk two people at a time through to its exit. It terminated in a large room that appeared empty from what Ami could see, but Shin and Ryo were blocking the doorway, scanning the inside of the room.
When they didn't move, Ami put an inquisitive hand against Ryo's back. He hunched his shoulders, but reluctantly, he and Shin both stepped through the doorway. Ami and Rei entered after them, on high alert. Makoto followed, using her body to block Usagi behind her as she surveyed the room. Eventually, she eased, but Ami didn't miss the way she stayed close to Sailor Moon. Touma stepped out beside her, and stayed by her side.
Minako was next, her expression cold and shrewd as she bracketed Usagi with Makoto. Shuu and Seiji were last, bodies angled to intercept anything that might come at them from the hallway they'd just left.
The room was glaringly empty, and that made Ami just a bit nervous. She was getting Cask of Amontillado vibes, but Kayura was merely standing next to a smooth, functional stone that served as an altar. There were, at least, the appropriate accoutrements on its surface, which made Ami feel better.
She reached up, clicking through her screens again, taking in the readings on her visor with caution.
All normal. Somehow.
Kayura gestured Usagi to the altar, and Rei, Minako, and Makoto made a horeshoe around the Moon Princess, moving them as a pack. Ami paused, putting a hand on Tenku's arm as he moved to follow. She took a deep, steadying breath, and summoned the Mercury computer.
Opening it, she ensured it remained at the appropriate menu, and then without looking, thrust it in his direction. He made a noise of surprise, and took it gently from her hands. She heard him clicking around on it and turned to look back at him reluctantly.
He looked back up from the display, his expression one of stunned gratitude before he nodded at her, face hardening.
He'd know what to do with it if she became…indisposed.
Something she hadn't shared with anyone was that she was a little concerned over what might happen to the Guardian Senshis' starseeds in this process. Hopefully, whatever magic would realize they were already in the right bodies and…skim over.
Hopefully.
Ami scurried to join the other Senshi around Usagi, grateful when she felt the Troopers move in supportively.
Usagi and Kayura faced each other for a moment, before Usagi smiled beatifically and reached for the pendant with the starseeds.
This is it. There's no turning back, Ami thought.
Usagi balanced the stone on the palm of her hand as Kayura raised the Shakujo. Its rings clanged as the air began to move. The starseed pendant drifted upwards, floating into the space between Usagi and Kayura. As soon as the pendant left her hands, Usagi reached for the Silver Crystal, which was already glowing.
As her fingertips touched it, the Crystal pulsed once, and a long pearlescent staff extended from where it stood in the air. Usagi grasped the staff reverently, and her Sailormoon uniform broke into ribbons, before reforming into the delicate silvery gown of Neo Queen Serenity.
Touma made a noise, and Ami turned in time to see the Jewel, glowing, float off his neck and toward the cluster of crystals near the Shakujo.
A pair of wings, huge and white, sprouted from Usagi's back, and now the Troopers all made noises of astonishment. Ami closed her eyes, tried to quiet her mind, and reached for her own Sailor Crystal.
"Mercury Crystal Power!" she called out, summoning her crystal's energy and focusing it toward Usagi.
"Mars Crystal Power!" Rei yelled next. Minako and then Makoto followed, all of the Senshi glowing now.
Their power filtered into the light of the Crystal, and Usagi furrowed her brow, concentrating. Kayura closed her eyes, her own brow furrowed, as the rings on the Shakujo moved faster and faster. Finally, Usagi looked up.
The light surrounding the crystals flared so brightly it hurt to look then, a shockwave of energy radiating from the epicenter of their focus and filling the small room. She let the warmth and purity of the crystal's power wash over her, mingle with her own energy, as it filled the space around her.
As the light dimmed, Ami blinked her eyes, looking up.
And gasped.
The room was full of what looked like billions of stars – an entire Universe hanging in the air around them. Amazing. Ami felt moisture rim the bottoms of her eyes. All the people they'd lost. Getting a second chance.
This meant more to her than she could ever express. The gift that the Troopers, and even Kayura and the Masho were giving them could not ever be reciprocated.
"You did it, Usako. Well done," a familiar male voice rasped. Ami gasped again, turning back to the space in front of Usagi with all the Senshi, eyes wide and tearful. Around them, the Troopers tensed at the unfamiliar sound.
In front of Usagi, five small points of light, each tinged with a different color, hovered in a line. As the Senshi watched, the light in each grew brighter, stretching and warping into a column that then took on familiar human shape. Four women in Senshi Uniforms and a man in a button down and pressed slacks.
"Your love and courage have saved us all," Pluto said softly, smiling at all of them. "You never gave up, and now we have a second chance."
Ami tried hard not to cry. She wanted to throw herself at them and just…hug them. And she couldn't. She might not ever hug them again. Tears spilled over, and she sniffled quietly.
"We have failed you, Princess", Pluto said sadly, bowing her head. Usagi lowered her hands, clasping them over her heart, already crying even as her face crumpled with emotion. She seemed unable to to respond, and Minako stepped up beside her, the orange of the Venus Crystal's glow giving her a warm halo of light.
She bowed her head. "I am so sorry we weren't there with you," she whispered. She raised her gaze and cut a pained look across the Outer Senshi and Mamoru. Ami pressed in with the other Senshi, crowding supportively around Usagi and Minako.
"No apologies, pretty girl. We all did our best, and we don't have time," Haruka said, her gaze full of fondness as she took them in. She ran fingers through her short blonde hair – a sign of agitation, Ami remembered. "Besides," she added, "apologies aren't going to help right now." She cut a pointed look at Pluto.
"This is not over. This entity has devoured other Universes in addition to our own. It must be stopped. Act. Defend the Princess and the starseeds", Neptune said, a core of steel in her voice. "Guardian Senshi, it's up to you to keep everyone safe."
Ami put her hand over heart, nodding her head in agreement with the other Senshi. A stir went through the Troopers, but Ami ignored it.
"I tried to drop my glaive, but I was stopped," Saturn said, regarding them all with a soft smile. "This enemy knows much of our powers and abilities. You must think differently." Ami felt alarm move through her. It had known enough to stop Saturn from dropping her glaive?
"The enemy has learned about you from your past. It knew of your potential future. All you have is the moments you are in now. Your future is unpredictable. You can be unpredictable. You can change the future. Remember that," Pluto said, holding them all with her gaze.
"Protect the Princess. Protect the Future. Protect the starseeds," she said, thumping her key against the ground. Ami nodded with the Senshi again, determined.
She wouldn't fail again. Not this time.
The Troopers stirred again, but remained silent, and Ami wondered if something else was happening that she couldn't see. Usagi lurched forward then.
"No. You can't expect them to do all that. I don't need protection. I'm not a Princess of anything anymore. I won't lose anyone else. I won't stand by and watch the people I love die trying to keep me safe. Not again. Not ever again!", she cried out. "We can protect the future and the starseeds together."
Ami put a hang on Usagi's shoulder with the other Senshi, letting her know without words that they were behind her. They would always protect Usagi, so there wasn't any point in arguing with her about it. In this Universe or any other, she was still their Princess, and she was worth protecting.
Haruka huffed out a breath of exasperation. "Hell, kid. When did you grow up?" she muttered, smiling and catching Michiru's gaze for a moment. Michiru returned the smile, and reached down for her hand. "Just wait until we catch up with them again," she said, her smile turning into a smirk. Haruka rolled her eyes.
Ami felt her spirits bolstered by the idea that someday, some way, they'd meet the Outer Senshi again.
"Usako. I'm so proud of you. You're so strong. So brave. I know you'll keep all of us safe," Mamoru said gently, his face so full of a deep, unending love as he looked at Usagi it hurt Ami to see it. Usagi's expression contorted with agony.
"Mamo-chan," she whispered. "I…I miss you so much!"
She buried her face in her hands and burst into silent sobs, her shoulders shaking beneath the burden of her grief. Ami wept with her, leaning forward, moving her arms around her, trying to offer comfort. The Senshi all moved in with her, wrapping Usagi in a group embrace.
The shadow of Mamoru smiled sadly at her, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Usako. Never forget that I will always love you. But I want you to be happy. Please. Be happy," he pled.
Ami's heart ached for the terrible finality of this separation. Even if Usagi and Mamoru ever did meet again, their ages would never permit them to share the deep love and connection they had held before.
This was awful.
She hiccupped, curling herself closer to Usagi.
"Princess. Guardian Senshi," Pluto began," Your courage, your love, and your selflessness are your strengths. As long as you are together, you can take on anything. Remember that. You have saved us all. The gift of your sacrifice will echo through every soul as it's reborn. Thank you."
"Take care of yourselves. The seas are restless. I see many storms ahead," Neptune said.
"Give 'em hell, Kitten," Uranus said.
"I wish you peace," Saturn said.
"Take care of Usako," Mamoru said.
"You know we will," Venus replied tearfully.
The Outer Senshi and Mamoru bowed low.
And disappeared.
Ami gasped as Usagi reached her hands out to where they had been. The lights around them all began to glow brighter and brighter, the rhythmic clanging of the staff's rings changing pace. The Jewel and the Silver Crystal began to glow more brightly again as well, filling the room with light.
As they all watched, the light formed into a column full of intense wind, and the starseeds were drawn upwards into it. The energy from the Crystal, the Staff, and the Jewel meshed together into one single stream of incredible power. Ami held tightly to Usagi, curling protectively around her with the other Senshi, vaguely aware of the Troopers pulling in closely around them in all the chaos.
She closed her eyes against the brilliance.
And then everything went still.
She opened her eyes to a dark, empty space.
Usagi let out a small breath, her clothing transitioning from gown to uniform to civilian clothing rapidly, the Crystal already back to its place on her pendant. Makoto caught her expectantly, lifting her as though she weighed nothing, cradling her protectively against her body.
Ami activated her visor, blinking the moisture from her eyes, and immediately flicking through the screens. Touma materialized beside her suddenly, holding out her computer. Ami took it from him gratefully, performing the same check again, and nearly collapsing with relief.
She looked up at the Senshi and nodded, knowing they'd understand. Speech was difficult at the moment. They all made noises of celebration, pulling together, and Ami threw herself on top of their group huddle as they all struggled to get their emotions under control.
They'd done it.
Somehow, they'd rebirthed the starseeds in a whole new Universe without a cauldron. Ami struggled to get her herself under control. Gradually, they all straightened, wiping beneath their eyes.
"Whew, that was intense," Minako murmured, shaking out her limbs. She bounced on her toes a few times. Ami could relate. Calmer, she looked back at the Mercury computer again, flicking back through her models as figures and statistics began accumulating into a steady picture.
"I want to keep an eye on things as data continues to be populated, but everything is behaving as anticipated," she declared. Beside her, Touma bobbed his head in agreement.
"We can pull together a monitoring station at Nasuti's so that she and I can help," he said. Ami smiled at him with gratitude.
"An extra set of eyes would be ideal," she replied, trying not to let the relief she felt at the idea of additional support show. She would do it on her own, of course she would, but the more people watching the better.
"Think they'll really remember us once they're reborn?" Makoto asked wistfully, still cradling Usagi as if she could do it all day. Shuu hovered beside her, his expression deeply worried.
"It's probably better if they don't," Rei said quietly, her expression distant as she watched the Moon Princess. She favored Jupiter and Venus with a sad smile and they both nodded in somber agreement.
Ami ran a quick check over Usagi. The figures flickering across her screen indicated that she would be just fine with some rest. She approached Makoto, smiling at Shuu reassuringly.
"She'll be fine. She just needs some sleep," she told him confidently.
"And food," Makoto added with an emotional laugh. "A lot of food." Ami giggled with the other Senshi, glad to shake off the somber mood. She flicked through her computer a final time.
"All right," she declared, snapping her machine shut and gesturing it back into subspace. "I'm declaring this mission a success." She kept her visor on to monitor their journey back. Just in case.
"Great. Can we get out of here then? This place is bringing up some bad memories," Minako replied, hunching her shoulders and looking around.
"I believe it is safe for us to leave the Shrine now, yes," the Empress said, stepping forward and handing the Jewel to Ryo with some reluctance. Ami jolted, having completely forgotten about Kayura and the Masho. There was a longing in her gaze as she handed the pendant to Ryo, but Ami respected her for giving it over willingly. Ryo accepted it but handed it to Touma, who slipped it around his neck.
For a moment, they all stood around in an awkward silence, staring at each other. Minako squared her shoulders then, and stepped forward. She bowed low in front of Kayura for a moment before straightening, but keeping her head tilted down.
"Thank you", she said simply and sincerely. Any other words wouldn't be able to describe the gratitude they were all feeling. Ami echoed her bow with the rest of the Senshi, holding their stance low for a moment before straightening. To their surprise, Kayura smiled and returned the bow.
"I am happy that we could help. I am sure we will remain in contact as we continue to hold vigil over each of our realms," the Empress said gravely. Minako nodded. Kayura gestured, and they turned toward the exit where Rei already stood, a small flame dancing over her palm again, ready to light their way.
This time, the Senshi went first, the Troopers once again surrounding them. Ami noticed that they had been largely quiet, and she wondered if what had transpired today between the two groups might have begun to build a bridge between them.
Though they were still surrounded by a massive canyon of displaced water, Ami breathed deeply, savoring the fresh air and the light of day as they emerged. The journey back was less harrowing – but she supposed this was thanks to the Senshi and Kayura being exhausted. More than once, Ami caught Rajura or Anubis or Naaza gently helping the Empress around obstacles out of the corner of her eye.
The Senshi were ragged by the time they reached the end of the path. Ami hadn't expelled Usagi levels of energy precisely, but she'd still expended a good deal, and a nap was looking nicer and nicer the longer she had to walk. She nearly wept with relief when she was able to finally put two feet on the grass.
Once they were all out, and she'd checked at least three times that Ami had counted – the Empress merely gestured, and the water slid back into place, transforming itself into a serene lake once again. Ami stared at it mutely, trying to wrap her brain around the fact that she'd been under that lake not half an hour ago.
When she turned back to the group, it was to find the Masho staring at Usagi with entirely too much interest. Makoto had turned, maneuvering her body around in an effort to shield the Moon Princess, narrowing electric green eyes at them. Only Makoto could protect and intimidate at the same time, Ami thought.
Shuu stepped in front of her, blocking both she and Usagi completely from view, fists clenched. Shin stepped up beside him, and the rest of the Troopers tensed. The Masho, in return, stiffened their own postures, and Kayura looked very much like she had a headache coming on.
"This isn't the time or the place," Rei admonished them all. Exhausted, Mars' temper was bleeding through her bearing, and Ami guessed she had little patience for any outbursts. Her statement didn't seem to have any effect on the Masho, and predictably, the Troopers didn't let their guard down either.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Rajura leered, feigning innocence, and Kayura's eyebrow twitched.
"Fine," Rei growled, "Let me spell it out for you then. Come near my princess, and I'll end you," she said succinctly. Ami fixed cold eyes on the Masho as they digested the threat.
"I thought she implied that she didn't need your protection," Anubis said with a grin. Shuu growled, dropping into a battle-ready stance, but it was Makoto who replied.
"Oh, I heard her. That's not going to stop me from going after anyone who tries anything stupid," the Senshi of Jupiter said, voice flat. She looked ready to shove Usagi at Shuu and jump into a brawl with all three masho at once. The air began to reek just a bit like ozone.
"Your help and support were invaluable. But that doesn't mean that I trust you yet," Minako said, a cheerful smile on her face. Beside her, Seiji's face was dark. "The way the three of you are staring at Usagi is kind of upsetting me, and I'll protect her with my life," she added, gesturing at all three of them while her smile intensified.
"I'll stare at her however I want!" Naaza snarled, and Ami got the idea he was being contrary simply to be contrary. Kayura's temper finally snapped. Without looking, she reached back and shoved the Doku Masho, pinching the bridge of her nose and curling her lip in agitation.
"Cease", she snapped at him.
Venus giggled at him. "Try something. I dare you," she said in a soft, even voice. It was times like these that Ami really felt Minako was the most terrifying Senshi in their group. She had a ruthlessness underneath her sunny demeanor that could undercut Mars and Jupiter both.
Minako didn't care what obstacles stood in her way when it came to Usagi. She'd simply remove them, however that needed to happen.
Seiji shot Venus a comical look – a brief flicking of his gaze to her face and back again, but Ami noticed it and tried not to laugh during such a serious moment.
A wave of tension had smothered the peace from earlier, and even Kayura was studying them carefully now. "Today should be a celebration for all of you. We mean you no harm," she finally said after a moment. Naaza grumbled, and she elbowed him so hard he doubled over.
The mood lightened, and Kayura was smiling again.
"I think we'll get along well," the Empress said to Minako. Venus linked her fingers behind her back and shrugged.
"That'd be nice," she said casually, her tone implying that the outcome of their relationship would be dependent upon a few contingencies. "Usagi comes first," she added. The Empress nodded respectfully.
"You are entirely too arrogant for a bunch of girls," Anubis scowled. Kayura smacked him in the chest so hard he winced, rubbing the area gingerly.
"Who's a girl?" she asked him tartly, raising an eyebrow at him. Anubis waved his hands in front of him in denial, shaking his head.
Ami was pretty sure she trusted Kayura. But it would be a while before she'd let her guard down in front of the Masho.
"We're leaving," the Empress snapped. She turned, favoring the Senshi with another slight bow that Ami and the others returned. "Farewell. I'll be in touch," she promised. And vanished.
"Ugh. It sure would have been nice of her to poof us closer to home," Makoto complained. She handed Usagi over to an eager Shuu carefully, no longer able to resist her own exhaustion. She arched, putting her hands against her lower back.
"The train ride shouldn't be too bad," Shin encouraged softly. Makoto and Rei both made a face.
"Welllll…" Venus began tentatively. Ami, Rei, and Makoto looked over at her. She shrugged. "Sailor Teleport?"
That they all took a pause to consider it spoke volumes about how tired they were. Rei looked at Ami. "What do you think?" she asked. Ami hummed thoughtfully, pulling out her computer again and plugging in the calculations. She checked them twice, but admitted she was too tired to do it a third time. She snapped the computer shut and gestured it away again.
"Yes. I think we can handle it. It won't be particularly nice, especially without Usagi, but we can do it," she said. They all looked relieved.
"Handle what exactly?" Ryo said, sounding suspicious.
"A trip home," Minako said cheerfully. When Ryo's face went blank, Ami realized that Venus was being purposefully misleading.
Probably a good idea considering the Troopers might not be too happy with what they were about to do.
They made a circle around the cluster of Troopers, linking up hands.
"Armors off please. Hold on to Usagi," Ami instructed.
"Um hey – what are you guys doing?" Touma growled, his tone suggesting he was getting a good idea as to what might be going on.
"Taking a trip home," Minako repeated in the same cheerful tone. She beamed at Tenku and then yelled "Venus Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"Mercury Crystal Power!" Ami added her own quickly, seeing the indignant looks blooming on the Troopers faces.
The Silver Crystal glowed, surrounding Usagi in gentle light.
Well, at least the Moon Princess would be carrying her own weight, even if she was unconscious.
The Senshi firmed their grip, making eye contact with each other.
"SAILOR TELEPORT!" they all yelled at once. And their surroundings vanished.
It felt like eternity until Nasuti's living room manifested around them. The poor woman shrieked, clearly not expecting company to literally drop in. Ami kept her hands linked with Mars and Venus as they all stabilized themselves.
Exhaustion made itself known almost immediately.
Carrying the weight of five extra people only a short distance had looked fine on paper, Ami thought, but in practice, it wasn't something she was eager to try again anytime soon.
"Well. That sucked." Minako muttered, staggering as she let go of their grip. She caught her balance, locking her legs underneath her like a colt and gripping the arm of a nearby chair. Ami was sure it was probably pure will keeping her upright. Especially since pure will seemed to be the only thing keeping Ami upright at the moment.
"Still better than that train ride," Makoto grumbled. "At least we're home now." She reached out and put a hand against the nearest wall.
"We're not doing that again without Usagi," Rei muttered as she hobbled over to the couch and collapsed like a defunct puppet.
"I did say it wouldn't be nice," Ami reminded them, looking for a good place to collapse herself.
"What in the Hell just happened?!" Ryo asked, blinking. The Troopers were all still standing in a small cluster, confusion visible.
Whoops.
"We took a trip home," Minako sighed, easing herself into the armchair she'd latched on to for support. She sank into its cushions with a grateful gust of air, stretching her feet out in front of her and relaxing into an exhausted sprawl. "You're welcome," she added grumpily.
Unable to stand anymore, Ami wobbled and then let herself drop bonelessly to the ground. Well. That was better. She wondered if Nasuti would mind if she took a nap right here. It wasn't too in the way, right?
Ami didn't care. She hit the floor, heedless of the hard drop, and pillowed her head on her hands.
This was the most comfortable floor she'd ever slept on.
"Ami!" Ryo yelled.
He sounded worried, Ami thought.
Somebody ought to reassure him.
Not her though. It was nap time for Ami Mizuno.
