Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.
A/N: Progress! Slowly but surely this story is coming together. Thank you to everyone for your patience!
Chapter 15: Past Tense
-Distant Future : Crystal Tokyo-
Michiru held the brush a few inches from the canvas, considering the work she'd done so far. The crystal palace was beginning to emerge, just how it looked in her memories. Her eyes moved over the hints of pink and blue highlighting the walls, giving them the iridescent shine they used to possess. A perfect crescent moon hung in the cloudless sky behind the palace. She'd added tiny points of light to the courtyard, a reminder of the lavish parties they used to throw. She thought back, trying to remember the last song she'd played for a ball.
Her expression fell. She couldn't hear the music any more and in her mind's eyes, the lights began to dim. Shadows stretched across the gleaming city and the moon slowly went dark. She dipped her brush in the black paint and slashed viciously across the canvass. She stared at the jagged line cutting across the palace for a moment before throwing the brush down. It clattered at her feet, leaving black starbursts on the dingy white floor. Instead, she picked up a small knife from her supplies and stabbed it through the canvas, tearing it from corner to corner. She lifted the knife for a second time but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
She turned angrily as she heard the handle turn but her words died in her throat as Setsuna stepped into the room. She gave Michiru a mild smile, eyes moving to the ruined painting before returning to her face.
"I thought you'd like to know that Hotaru just called. They're arriving on Mars. She said she'd let us know when they had Rei with them."
Michiru nodded, considering the words Setsuna didn't say. She wondered if the Time Senshi had the same sick feeling in her stomach, thinking of their little girl facing the soldier of fire. "Does Haruka know?"
"I was going to find her next," Setsuna replied, watching her carefully. "Would you like to come with me?"
Michiru turned away before answering. "No." She glanced around and settled on her discarded brush. She ignored the mess she'd made as she picked it up and moved back to her easel.
"I see."
She sighed before turning back to the other woman. "Was there something else?"
Setsuna shook her head but, instead of leaving, moved further into the room. "We have to trust that she'll be alright," she said softly. "And we have to hold onto ourselves until she gets back." She gently pulled Michiru into a hug. Michiru stiffened, but felt her resolve crumble under the weight of her fears. She returned the hug, dropping her head to hide her eyes in Setsuna's shoulder for a moment. "She needs us to stay strong for her."
"I know," Michiru said as she straightened. She blinked back tears and nodded. "Haruka is probably in the garage," she continued. "I'll help you find her."
-Distant Future : Deep Space-
Chibi-Usa took a step back, pushing damp bangs out of her eyes. Her pink practice staff was threatening to slip through her sweaty fingers. She took another step back, trying to catch her breath.
"Do you want to stop?" Makoto asked. She straightened from her fighting stance and lowered her weapon.
Chibi-Usa shook her head stubbornly and lifted her staff with shaking arms. "Not yet."
Hotaru moved to her side and gently touched her back. She felt her shirt stick to her skin where Hotaru's fingers had been. "Maybe that's enough for today."
Chibi-Usa dropped her head in defeat and let go of her staff. She watched the weapon bounce gently on the mat before lifting her eyes to Makoto. "We'll be on Mars in two days," she reminded them. "I need to be ready."
Makoto's gaze shifted behind her and she turned to find Ami watching them from her place on the couch. Taking the silent cue, she set aside her computer and stood to join them. "We've been preparing for weeks. This is as ready as we're going to be." Chibi-Usa opened her mouth to argue but Ami talked over her. "We should all just rest now and conserve our strength."
Hotaru nodded in agreement and moved to sit on the end of the couch. Chibi-Usa looked between her and Ami, feeling mutinous even though she knew they were right. "You two agree?" she snapped, venting some of her frustration on them. "That's new."
Rather than take her bait, however, the two simply exchanged a look before Ami sat down on the far end of the couch and picked up her computer again. Chibi-Usa bit her lip, feeling guilt rising inside of her to join the fear and uncertainty already there. "Sorry," she said softly, sitting heavily beside Hotaru. Her friend offered a tired smile before sinking back into the cushions and closing her eyes.
Chibi-Usa looked her over in some concern. Hotaru seemed to be sleeping less and less these days. Over the last few weeks, her relationship with Makoto and Ami had improved drastically. At the same time, she was spending more time alone and seemed to be slowly distancing herself from everyone. As much as Chibi-Usa wanted to be there for her, she was having her own problems. They would be on Mars in two days and she had yet to access the Silver Crystal at all. She leaned forward, covering her face in her hands. Every time the crystal crossed her mind, it brought an almost suffocating wave of despair with it.
She felt Hotaru's comforting hand on her back and shifted to lean against her instead. She was conscious of how sweaty she was but Hotaru didn't seem to mind. She curled an arm around her and moved to let Chibi-Usa rest her head on her shoulder.
"It's going to be okay," Hotaru said softly into her hair. Chibi-Usa nodded, closing her eyes against the tears that seemed so close to the surface lately.
She heard the creak of the chair across from her as Makoto joined their circle. "I've been thinking about Mars," she began. Chibi-Usa sighed but kept her face hidden in Hotaru's sleeve. She didn't want to talk about what was coming on Mars. She'd thought of little else for months.
"What about it?" Ami asked reluctantly.
There was a long pause before Makoto spoke again. "Where are we going to put Rei once we have her?"
Chibi-Usa sat up and looked around at the others. Their expressions told her that this was the first time any of them had considered the question. Makoto seemed to be purposely avoiding Ami's gaze as she stared at Chibi-Usa.
"I don't…" She glanced at Hotaru for help but the other girl was frowning as she gazed between the others. Chibi-Usa looked back at them. It was true that they were getting along better now, but their interactions were still very formal. She doubted that they would be willing to share a room. "I guess I could-"
"I'll sleep out here," Hotaru interrupted, moving away from her to prop her elbows on her knees. "She can have my room."
"It might not be necessary," Ami started. Her voice trailed off as the others' heads snapped to her. For some reason, she looked past Chibi-Usa to shoot Hotaru an apologetic look. Chibi-Usa twisted toward her but Hotaru's face was expressionless. Ami was blushing now and said in a rush, "I only meant that maybe we should just wait and see what happens. You know how Rei is, she might decide to sleep in the pilot's chair." She attempted a laugh that turned into an embarrassed cough. "Anyway, I should…" She pulled her computer back into her lap and disappeared behind her visor.
Makoto frowned at her for a long moment before turning back toward the sparring mat. Hotaru leapt to her feet and hurried over to join her. Chibi-Usa was left to contemplate the three of them in silence.
Snow was falling in soft, fat flakes as Hotaru stepped out of the ship. She surveyed the city in front of them. The dark buildings looked peaceful and picturesque covered in mounds of white, the black windows swirling with frost. She zipped her jacket to her throat and continued down the ramp to the ground. The snow crunched under her feet as she made her way forward.
Behind her, she heard Chibi-Usa exclaim and quicken her steps. Her gaze traveled to the columns of smoke in the distance, just visible against the gray sky. They marked the mines at the heart of the city. She'd read that the ore found beneath the Martian surface was unlike any Ami had seen before. It could be worked up to a steel alloy that was nearly indestructible. The black metal covered the rooftops of the nearby buildings and was used in most of the tools and weapons on the planet.
Something burst against the back of her jacket and Hotaru whipped around to find Chibi-Usa grinning as she quickly knelt to form a second snowball. Hotaru stared at her in shock for a moment. "What are you doing?" she asked slowly.
The princess laughed at her as she stood. "What does it look like?" she replied as she cocked her arm back.
Hotaru ducked and the snowball sailed harmlessly over her head. She frowned but couldn't maintain her outrage in the face of Chibi-Usa's impish cheerfulness. She hurried to scoop up a handful of snow, but dropped it as the Princess's next shot hit her in the ear. Instead, she lunged forward and caught her around the waist, throwing them both into a nearby snowbank. They laughed, lying side by side as the powder settled around them.
Hotaru turned to look at her after a moment. "You're really not worried?"
Chibi-Usa rolled onto her side to face her. "I am, but..." she shrugged one shoulder and smiled. "It's Rei. If any of them would fight this for my mother, it's her."
Crunching snow and a pointed cough drew their attention to the others standing a few feet behind them. They scrambled to their feet, dusting the snow from their clothes and hair. Ami and Makoto were watching them with stony expressions and Hotaru felt a pang of guilt, wondering if they'd heard.
"Ready?" Makoto asked, attempting a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Hotaru nodded. She glanced at Ami, but she dropped her gaze, instead opening her computer and activating her visor.
"It looks like there are a few new buildings since those maps were updated," she commented, gesturing vaguely ahead. "I'll add them as we move."
The tavern room was packed, with only a narrow path from the door to the bar. A few people glanced up as they passed, shooting them curious stares, but their entrance was mostly ignored. Chibi-Usa led the way toward the back of the room and found a gap at the bar. "Excuse me," she began, but the bartender looked past her.
"What can I get you?" She looked over her shoulder to Hotaru, whose eyes widened.
She moved up beside Chibi-Usa to rest her arms casually on the bar. "I'm looking for information," she replied, her voice just audible over the din around them.
To Chibi-usa's surprise, the bartender laughed, violet eyes sweeping over their group. "What, are you playing tour guide today?"
Hotaru smiled uncertainly and the princess realized that they thought she was a local. She did look like them, Chibi-Usa noted, considering the dark hair and eyes. Ami pushed her way up next to them, frowning. "We are here from Crystal Tokyo, representing the Neo Queen." She seemed annoyed, possibly because this was the first time the locals hadn't recognized her. Chibi-Usa bit back a smile at the thought and returned her focus to the woman in front of her.
The bartender gave Ami a flat stare before returning her attention to Hotaru. "Right, well, what can I help you with?" Ami's expression darkened and Makoto moved closer to put a comforting hand on her arm. Ami shook her off irritably and crossed her arms tightly on the bar.
"Um," Hotaru tore her gaze from them and returned to the matter at hand. "We're looking for someone." The bartender raised her eyebrows and Hotaru leaned forward, dropping her voice a fraction. "Sailor Mars."
She bit her lip, frowning as she considered. "Have you checked near the docks?" A man on Ami's other side asked, leaning across her to join them. "They're on the south side of town, just past the market."
"No, not an actual sailor," Hotaru amended. Several more people had crowded closer, apparently eager to help. "Her name is Rei-"
"Ray from the mines?" someone interrupted. "He'll still be at work this early in the day."
"No, they're looking for a woman."
"Yeah, named Sailor."
"Have they checked down by the docks?"
Chibi-Usa smiled a little as she maneuvered between the others. "Thank you, but the woman we're looking for isn't from here." The group quieted, watching her intently. "She would have arrived here about sixteen years ago from Earth." She looked around as they all considered.
"You'd think a psychic with fire powers would stand out," Ami said sourly, rolling her eyes.
Everyone around her fell silent, staring at them with wide eyes. "Oh," the bartender said softly. "You're here to see the High Priestess."
No one spoke for almost a minute. Hotaru looked around at the stupefied patrons before leaning toward the bartender. "We don't need anyone to come with us, just give us directions and we'll find it on our own."
An old man snorted and shook his head. "You're planning to just waltz into the holy shrine? You won't make it a step beyond the threshold." Several others chuckled in agreement.
Ami frowned at them. "We need to speak with her. Surely there must be some way to see her."
A young woman with spiky black hair pushed through the crowd, giving the old man a hard nudge as she passed. He glared at her but didn't say anything. "They're here for the Neo Queen," she snapped, "Show some respect."
"Apologies, Captain," the bartender said quickly, shooting a scolding look at the nearest patrons. "They didn't mean any harm." The crowd melted away from them, returning to their drinks.
The woman nodded curtly before turning her attention to Hotaru. "If you'd like, I can take you to the Temple of Flame." The followed her out into the snowy street, which seemed harshly bright after the dim bar. Hotaru fell into step beside her, letting the others trail after. "I'm Captain Rellas of the Red Guard," she offered, glancing sideways at her companion.
"Hotaru." The soldier watched her for a moment, giving her time to elaborate. When it became clear that she wasn't going to, the woman nodded and quickened her step.
"The High Priestess lives in a shrine on the hill behind the temple," she explained. "The acolytes bring her provisions and bring the questions of the people to her. If you'd like, you can ask your questions of them, but no one sees the High Priestess."
"So you've never seen her?" Ami asked from behind them. Rellas shook her head. "But you're sure that's where she is?"
The Captian simply smiled. "She is the spiritual leader of the city. We don't have to see her to benefit from her guidance. When we have questions, she reads the sacred fire and guides us through her acolytes."
Ami frowned but didn't respond. The city around them was loud and full of people going about their daily lives. It seemed chaotic after the years she'd spent on Mercury, surrounded by people who only spoke when necessary and performed their tasks to perfection. Here there were shouts and laughter, people pausing in their work to chat to neighbors or play with children or pets. This was what life looked like when people were given the freedom to choose. They seemed happy.
Her jaw tightened as she looked around again. They were happy. Because of Rei. Ami wondered if people would ever revere her the way they did the Senshi of fire. No matter how she tried to help, people only saw her with fear. She remembered the villagers on Jupiter, cheering for Makoto even after years of living in fear of her. The people of Mercury had probably cheered too, she thought, knowing she was gone.
It wasn't fair. She'd seen the way Chibi-Usa's mood had lifted the instant her feet touched the Martian soil. It was obvious that she believed Rei would come with them, fight the darkness inside of her for Serenity. Because she was the most loyal, the Queen's favorite…
A gentle nudge brought her out of her dark thoughts. She glanced up to see Makoto watching her in concern. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.
Ami almost laughed at how ridiculous that question was in their current situation. Instead she shrugged and forced a tight smile. "I was just thinking."
Makoto nodded and chuckled under her breath. "I guess I should have known." Her smile disappeared when she glanced ahead at the temple looming into view. The building wasn't overly large, but the dark colors made it seem imposing all the same. "What do you think she'll be like?"
Ami simply shook her head, bringing her thoughts firmly back to the present. "I guess we'll see."
The temple was surrounded by a wall of dark stone but a gate stood open as they approached. Hotaru looked around but didn't see any guards as they passed through into a snow-covered yard. The Captain led them into the main building and through a short hall that opened into what she guessed was some sort of prayer room. A large fire in a black metal grate sat in the center of the open space, surrounded by benches and cushions. A few people sat or knelt, their heads bowed as they faced the roaring flame. Here and there an acolyte in black and red robes roamed between them. The air was pleasantly warm and soft singing echoed around from somewhere above them.
They passed through a set of double doors that led to another yard. The snow was thinner here and within a few steps gave way completely to brittle yellow grass. Looking up, Hotaru saw a small hill in the distance with a small building on top. A long stairway led up to it, reminding her of Rei's shrine in Crystal Tokyo. A waist-high wall circled the hill and a priestess holding a basket smiled as they approached.
"Good morning, Captain," she said pleasantly, lilac eyes drifting over their small group.
"Good morning, Ma'am," the Captain replied with a stiff bow. "These people have traveled from Crystal Tokyo to ask a question of the High Priestess."
"Certainly." She turned to set her basket down and began to dig through it. The woman smiled as she returned to them, holding out a pencil and small piece of parchment.
Hotaru looked down at the items but didn't take them. "Actually," she began hesitantly, "we need to speak to her in person."
Her smile slipped a little as the priestess lowered her arm. "I'm afraid that's not possible. The High Priestess demands complete solitude to see into the flames."
Hotaru stepped around her toward the gate behind the woman. She heard the others move to follow. "We represent Neo Queen Serenity and it's a matter of life and death. I'm sorry but we have to speak to her."
When there was no objection, she continued toward the stairs up the hill. The moment she passed through the gate, however, a screech sounded above her followed by a rustle of wings. She looked up just as a huge black bird dove toward her, claws raking her cheek as it passed. A second Raven dropped from the sky, flapping at her face and forcing her back. She stumbled away from them, one hand clutching the gash the bird's claws had opened. It took a moment to recognize them. "Phobos, Deimos it's me! It's Hotaru!"
She moved toward the gate again and both birds fluttered to perch on the wall. They cawed angrily but stopped when she backed away, both continuing to watch her with hostility. Behind her, she heard the sound of metal on leather and turned to find the Captain facing her with a drawn sword.
"You dare bring darkness to this holy place?" she demanded, dropping low as she prepared to strike.
"I didn't-" the sword flashed down before Hotaru could finish the denial. She stepped back, bringing up a barrier between them. "It's not what you think," she tried as the woman continued to hack at the shimmering purple wall.
Behind the captain, Ami and Makoto both called their weapons, preparing to face her. Desperately, Hotaru looked at Chibi-Usa. The princess was watching the exchange, seemingly frozen in indecision. "Stop them," Hotaru gasped, indicating the other two senshi. "We don't need to fight these people."
Abruptly, the onslaught stopped. The captain dropped her sword, then dropped to her knees with her head bowed. The priestess beside her did the same and behind them Ami and Makoto lowered their weapons, staring at something behind her.
Slowly, Hotaru let her barrier fall and turned, already knowing who was behind her. She wore a black and red robe with the hood pulled up, casting her face in shadow. Her head turned toward the two on the ground.
"High Priestess," the Captain gasped, keeping her eyes on the ground. "I've let strangers bring darkness to this holy place. I offer my life for my failure."
Rei slowly shook her head. "She didn't bring darkness," she said softly. "She is darkness." She took a step closer, revealing a shadowed smile beneath her hood. "Isn't that right, Hotaru?"
As she spoke, Rei pulled back her hood to look at her fully. Hotaru felt her chest tighten as she looked at her former friend. Even the whites of Rei's eyes were an inky black. Hotaru felt tears sting her own eyes as she stepped back beside the others. The soulless gaze followed her and she smiled. But there was no trace of the woman they used to know. Rei was gone.