Chapter 5

Sol hated going into hospitals, even small ones. The smell of chemicals and cleaners was worse now that his senses were more enhanced and he could already feel his throat starting to burn. A few questions with the reception desk had directed him where he wanted to go. He was concerned the cadet that Tokiyama had beaten was suffering in more than a physical aspect and wanted to check in on him. The small hospital only had three floors and Sol was headed down the patient recovery hallway when Ami emerged out of a room, eyes down studying a patient chart. She didn't notice him at first, but when he got close she lifted her head enough to see who was standing in her way.

"Oh hello Sol. Can I help you with something?" Her blue hair was longer now and Sol thought it helped frame her face better. He noticed she was still wearing her Senshi uniform and had only donned a white lab coat. Always the busy body.

"I'm here to see the cadet that was injured today. Is this is room?" He gestured to the room she had just come out of with his chin.

"Yes he is inside. We've had to sedate him heavily due to some of the injuries so he may not be that responsive. If you'll excuse me, I have rounds to attend to." Without waiting for a reply, she slid the patient chart into a plastic folder hanging on the wall and walked passed him. Sol took a quick glance at the chart Ami had just been holding to get the cadets name. Raymond. He walked into the other mans room and stood at the end of his bed. Raymond stirred and began to rouse himself. Only one eye fluttered open, the other was so badly swollen it stayed shut.

"Hello Raymond, my name is-"

"Sol" the injured man finished for him. "I know who you are. Everyone in Rolling Thunder knows who you are." He managed a weak smile showing some missing teeth. His speech was slurred and slow, probably due to the sedation Ami had him on.

"What do you mean everyone knows who I am?" Sol asked before he could stop himself. That isn't what you came here for.

"They say you were there. With the Senshi when they defeated Koji. Is that true? Did you know them before they served the Queen?" Sol swallowed hard and thought carefully about what he would say next. He had worked hard to make sure no one knew about his past relationships with the Senshi. He decided it was best to change the subject.

"How is your eye doing? It looks beat up."

"The doctor says I may have permanent eye damage. She says the socket is broken and damage to the optical nerve." Sol opened his mouth to apologize for not getting there sooner, but never got the chance.

"Sol, outside this patient's room. Now." There was no mistaking her voice. Makoto. And she wasn't happy at the moment. He nodded towards Raymond who was already drifting back to sleep. He stepped out and closed the door quietly, looking Makoto in the eye. Her lower jaw was clenched and she had her arms crossed, ready to deal out some punishment.

"Did you put your hands on Tokiyama today?" Sol flinched back at your tone, full of acid.

"He was going nuts-"

"Did you put your hands on Tokiyama or not today?" She repeated, her voice getting louder.

"Yes." Sol narrowed his gaze, anger beginning to well up inside of him.

"You know you're not supposed to touch a Field Commander unless you're training or challenging for their position, right?" She continued to berate him in the sparkling crystal hallway.

"Yes." Was the only reply he gave, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"Tomorrow is The Festival of Light. You will be on server and clean up duty as punishment. Also you will need to run 50 extra laps around the complex everyday for the next month. Are we clear?"

"Yes." His anger seethed; he was ready to explode when her eyes went from a cold hard stare to a soft caring gaze. She reached her hand up to his face, caressing his check lightly.

"Now tell me what really happened." Instantly his rage was washed away by her loving touch and caring heart. He told her how Tokiyama had confronted Kid Brooklyn. He could only assume what Kid Brooklyn had said put Tokiyama in a bad mood and so he decided to take it out on one of the new recruits. When he was done he saw a pained look on her face. "Oh Sol." She began, shaking her head, chest-nut brown hair shaking with her. "That man is troubled. He doesn't have much humanity in his heart." Her eyes slid from his and she looked at the closed door of Raymond, lying beaten inside. "I don't mean to make you feel guilty, but if you were Field Commander, this never would have happened." Sol blinked, unable to process what she had said at first. Then the reality of her words came crashing into him like a runaway train.

"This... This is my fault" He heard himself whisper. The room was spinning suddenly and he lost his footing. Makoto moved quickly and caught him before he fell to the floor. He felt himself being held up by her as she half dragged, half carried him to a nearby bench. Once he was seated, she got in front of him, holding his head in her hands.

"Sol this isn't your fault. You can't control what other people do. You have no way of knowing what the future holds. You already blame yourself for enough as it is, so please, don't add this to that list as well." The more she talked to him, the more he regained his composure. Her voice was soft and caring, pleading with him to heed her advice. He looked deep into her sparkling green eyes, like he had done countless times before, and each time it was like seeing those brilliant green orbs for the first time. "Don't worry I'll deal with Tokiyama as well. This is an abuse of his authority. I'll make sure it never happens again." Make sure it never happens again. A light bulb went off inside Sol's head. It was crystal clear to him. Why hadn't he seen it sooner?

"That's it Makoto!" He exclaimed, startling her. Makoto's eyes went wide with puzzlement and she tilted her head slightly. "I'm going to challenge Tokiyama. I'm going to challenge him and I'm going to beat him."

-/-*-\-

Minako stepped lightly out of the small shower in Kid Brooklyn's bathroom, excited for what lay ahead when she realized the door was closed. Why would he close the door? She wondered. Wrapping a towel around herself she went to turn the knob when she heard a voice speaking. She knew it wasn't Kid Brooklyn because the pitch was too high to be his. Pressing her ear against the door she strained to make out any words, but only got muffled sounds. After a short time the conversation stopped and she felt the knob, still in her hand, turn. Jumping back in surprise she was relieved to see the grinning face of Kid Brooklyn peeking in.

"Hurry up and get dressed, Sol just challenged Tokiyama!" He burst out excitedly. It's about time Minako thought to herself, but instead said.

"Are you serious? Do you think he can beat him?" She knew the answer to her question, but out of respect for Sol, she had kept his power a secret, even from Kid Brooklyn.

"Oh yeah, he can beat Tokiyama. As long as he doesn't hold back that is." Kid Brooklyn stayed where he was standing, head poking out from behind the door, watching her. "Well come on! Get that towel off already!" He shouted at her playfully

"Gimme some privacy!" Minako shouted right back.

"Bah! You're no fun." The tall blonde man scoffed, disappearing on the other side of the door, closing it behind him. "I'll go now so we don't leave together and raise suspicion." She heard him call. Perfect, now I don't have to feel guilty about asking him. She finished drying off and quickly got dressed. All of the Senshi had been waiting for Sol to become Field Commander of Rolling Thunder for some time now and she couldn't keep herself from smiling. She was about to open the door into the hallway when she realized she hadn't donned her disguise. Not that it mattered if people knew about their relationship; she just felt a little embarrassed by it at the moment. On days like today she wished she had Makoto's self confidence to walk the halls, hand in hand with the man she loved, ignoring the whispers and stares.

Gingerly, she placed the large sun glasses on her face and opened the door a crack. The hallway was empty so she darted out and hastily walked down the empty corridor, making her way outside. A special ring had been set up in the event a Field Commander was challenged, though it wasn't really a ring. More like lines drawn in the dirt so if either competitor stepped out of the lines it was regarded as retreating to avoid fighting and the offender was disqualified. Her footsteps echoed into the empty hallways as she made her way towards the nearest exit. Everyone must have heard the news already and is waiting for the fight to begin. She pushed open a small door that led outside and was greeted by the peaceful setting sun. Now that she was outside, she removed the sun glasses so people would recognize her.

After a challenge had been issued, the two combatants had one hour to prepare. This also gave everyone time to get gather round and watch the outcome. For the battalion involved, the outcome was usually a big deal, as for the rest it was just entertainment. The fight was with bamboo practice swords, or whatever weapon that person was most used to, whether it be hammer, axe, spear or any other type of weapon, they had it in bamboo form. Tokiyama and Sol were both well versed with a katana, so this would be an interesting matchup. Minako only hoped that Sol wouldn't hold back. If he lost, he would lose the remaining respect he held with Rolling Thunder. She had heard the rumors about him, and most of them were true. He had been with them when they fought Koji. He fought side by side with Tuxedo Kamen against a huge number of Forsaken. Minako recalled her and Makoto had trouble with just one so to take on multiple at once spoke volumes of his resolve and ability to fight when his back was pressed against the wall.

Finally, the ring was in site, surrounded by people from every battalion. The Crystal Palace also employed many who didn't engage in combat, and most of them were present as well. Minako scanned the crowed, looking for her friends, but could only find Ami and Makoto. Pushing her way through the mass of people, she squeezed in between her two friends. Ami turned and smiled brightly, while Makoto looked straight ahead, eyes focused and sharp.

"Where is Serenity and Rei-chan?" She asked them both. Makoto seemed not to hear so she turned to Ami. Her blue haired friend only shrugged her shoulders and shook her head, long locks shaking from side to side. Minako reached out and grabbed a handful of her friend's hair. "You need a hair cut Ami-chan. I think you look cuter with short hair." Ami turned and faced forward suddenly, her cheeks going red.

"Well I thought I would grow it out... For a change of..." Minako knew the look on her friend's face instantly.

"You can't hide your emotions at all Ami-chan!" She laughed as the crowd of people began to buzz louder with anticipation. "You're growing your hair out for someone, aren't you?" That broke through Makoto's concentration, reeling over Minako's shoulder, her face only inches from Ami's.

"Is that true Ami-chan? Are you growing your hair out for someone?" The red colour on Ami's cheeks deepened and she turned away from them.

"Is this really the right time to be discussing this?" Ami asked, regaining some of her composure, but still having red in her cheeks. "What were you concentrating on so hard Mako-chan?" Makoto went from wide eyed shock, back to her stoic composer, staring straight ahead again.

"See how half of Rolling Thunder is on one side of the ring, while the other half is on the opposite?" Minako hadn't noticed, but now that Makoto brought it up, she was right. "It's because there is a divide in my battalion. Half want Tokiyama to remain Field Commander while the other half want Sol to over throw him. Unless Sol can utterly defeat Tokiyama, he'll never truly have their respect. He has to beat Tokiyama so there is no doubt who the rightful Field Commander should be. I can only hope Sol realizes that as well." Minako hadn't thought about it like that before, but she knew her tall friend was right.

"Did you try telling Sol that before the match?" Ami asked over Minako's shoulder.

"It wouldn't matter if I did. You know how he gets. Just look at when we fought The Forsaken. He didn't listen to any of us. Once he gets an idea in his head of what he is supposed to do, there's nothing that can stop him, or change his mind. It's a quality I love and hate about him." The mass of people went quiet and Minako directed her attention to the center of the ring. Kid Brooklyn was standing there, his back to Minako, holding one hand up trying to get everyone's attention. Wearing his official Field Commander uniform, a yellow jacket signifying his rank within the Cutie Raiders, with a crescent moon emblem stitched over his heart. He turned slowly as a hush fell over the crowd. When he was facing Minako she noticed he had something in his other hand, holding it near his mouth. Is that... A burrito? She looked closer, and he was in fact, chewing on a burrito. When did he find the time to go and get one of those? She wondered and couldn't help herself from giggling. She also wondered whether everyone was going quiet because he was eating, or trying to calm the crowd. A Field Commander was always present during one of these contests to ensure no serious injuries took place. The fight went on until one was unable to fight or was disqualified. Minako didn't see Rei anywhere so that meant Veronika wasn't here either. As for Oakley, the man rarely left his room if he wasn't training. So that left Kid Brooklyn in charge of this match. He stuffed the last bite into his mouth and swallowed quickly.

"Everyone, we are gathered here today because a challenge has been issued." He paused as whispers and murmurs ran through the crowd. "Commander Tokiyama, you have been challenged by Sol Aherne. You don't have to accept this challenge, but in doing so, you would relinquish your title of Field Commander. With that being said, do you accept his challenge?" Tokiyama, standing on the far side of the ring from Minako nodded, holding his bamboo sword in front of himself, ready to fight. "All right gentlemen, you know the rules. Let's do this!" Kid Brooklyn backed out of the ring quickly as the two men took his place in the center.

Immediately the crowd erupted into cheering, some calling for Sol to win, some rooting for Tokiyama. Others were there just for entertainment. Minako felt herself tense. She knew Sol could win, but what Makoto had said was absolutely true. If he left any doubt in their minds as to who the winner should be, there may be more problems arising in Rolling Thunder than there was now. Tokiyama went on the offensive right away, thrusting his wooden blade forward at Sol's throat. Sol sidestepped, holding his weapon low at his waist. What is he doing? Minako thought as Tokiyama followed through, slicing towards Sol's midsection. This time threw his hips back, narrowly avoiding the slash, the tip brushing against his clothing. Tokiyama carried the momentum of his swing behind his back, holding the hilt above his head as he slashed down. Again, Sol dodged, not making any effort to parry or counter, still holding his practice sword by his waist. If he keeps backing up, he'll be disqualified for leaving the ring. Tokiyama noticed this too, and went for another forward thrust, pushing Sol even closer to the edge as he jumped back. One more step back and the match would be over. Tokiyama took advantage and slashed from the side again, predicting Sol would just back up and win the fight. Minako watched as his blade swung through the air towards Sol's face, dreading the outcome. In a blur of motion even Minako had trouble keeping up with, Sol reacted. She doubted anyone else other than Ami and Makoto knew what happened until it was over. Sol had blocked Tokiyama's strike. Not only had he blocked the strike, but he had done so with the slightly curved tip of his practice sword. Amazing! To be able to stop Tokiyama's sword on the tip of his own was next to impossible. If he was off even by the smallest amount, Tokiyama's sword would have deflected off and struck him in the face. The crowd went silent, unsure if what they were seeing was really happening.

Minako caught a glimpse of Tokiyama's expression. The smug look he had before was replaced by one of shock. Sol pushed Tokiyama's sword away and very deliberately lifted his leg for a high kick. Tokiyama easily stepped back, avoiding the strike, but Sol followed through, planting his foot and spinning, kicking his other leg out in a round house, his heel connecting with Tokiyama's chin. The other man fell to the ground, flat on his back. Minako knew Sol had the upper hand and could finish him off, but instead Sol waited for him to get back to his feet, spitting blood into the dirt, rage seething in his eyes. Tokiyama, in his fury, came at Sol with his sword high, swinging down violently. Sol brought his blade up to block the attack. Or so Minako thought. Instead of just blocking, he angled his sword just enough that Tokiyama's strike would deflect, missing Sol. Once Tokiyama was off balance, Sol drove the hilt of his weapon into Tokiyama's midsection, hard and fast. The other man gasped, but before he had any time to recover, Sol threw his fist straight into Tokiyama's surprised face, blood splaying out from his nose almost instantly. The other man stumbled back, hand going to his face and coming away dripping with crimson blood.

"Do you give up?" Sol asked quietly. Everyone could hear it though; the crowd had gone silent since Sol had blocked Tokiyama's attack with the tip of his sword.

"I'll never lose to you!" Tokiyama screamed, rushing forward. Minako noticed then that Sol's stance changed. He went from relaxed, holding his sword casually in one hand, to tense and ready, placing both hands on the hilt. Tokiyama went for another side cut; Sol blocked it easily and countered. Not just once, or twice, Sol unleashed a flurry. His sword was a blur even to Minako, so for the other people watching, they must have not been able to see his attacks, only hear them. Tokiyama dropped his sword and collapsed to the ground, curling into a ball, arms protecting his head, suddenly pleading with Sol to stop.

"I give up, I give up!" He yelled frantically. The stunned crowd was silent for another few seconds before exploding into cheers. The half of Rolling Thunder that supported Sol rushed into the ring then, hoisting him up triumphantly onto their shoulders. Minako turned to Makoto, smiling as she did.

"So is there any doubt who the winner should be?" Her green eyed friend smiled back and shook her head before getting up and making her way to the ring. She'll probably kiss him in front of everyone, like she always does in these situations. Minako shook her head while smiling, envying her friends self confidence, again. The blonde woman turned to get her other friend's opinion on the fight and noticed she had her visor on.

"Sol's ability has increased since the last time I analyzed him." She said before Minako had a chance to ask. "His speed and dexterity are far beyond what they used to be."

"Well you know, he trains with Mako-chan almost every morning in hand to hand combat. Since you taught us how to focus our power to increase the abilities we already have, I'm not surprised he's faster. Mako-chan uses her speed and strength to overwhelm us in training. And if I know her, she won't go easy on him either." Since Ami had taught them how to focus their power, each Senshi had built up a different strength. Rei used her clairvoyance; Makoto increased her speed and physical strength, while Ami had unlocked the full potential of her mind. Minako didn't understand it completely, but when Rei was on her enormous winning streak, Ami had caught on and was able to trick Rei into thinking she was going to do one thing, but sub-consciously make different decisions to throw her off. Minako had focused her abilities in her actual Senshi powers, making her even more destructive. Of all the Senshi, she was the only one who held back during training when it came to using the power of Venus. If she went all out, she had no doubt that she would destroy the Gym, and possibly kill her friends. She had no idea at the time how much her destructive power would increase, and was amazed at what she could do now. So they all agreed that she would fight handicapped, only going all out in emergency situations.

Ami was about to reply when the lights to the stage not far off came to life. Not everyone noticed, so the cheering continued. Minako squinted her eyes, straining to see who was on stage. All she could make out were 4 people, one of them probably Serenity, she always stood out wearing her pure white dress.

"If I could have everyone's attention please." Serenity announced over the speakers that surrounded the stage. The cheering died down as everyone recognized her voice. "Could everyone please gather around the stage, I have something I need to say." People exchanged confused glances with one another, Minako and Ami included. The Queen almost never made announcements like this, and when she did, there was prior notice.

"What do you think is happening Mina-chan?" Ami asked as people began to walk towards the stage, a somber feel in the air.

"I don't know, but I have a feeling it isn't anything good." She replied, falling in with the crowd and making her way to the stage. As they closed the distance, Serenity spoke into the microphone again.

"If I could have my Senshi and their corresponding Field Commanders join me on stage as well, that would be appreciated." Minako and Ami pushed their way to the front and climbed up onto the stage. Not long after Makoto and Sol emerged from the crowd followed by Kid Brooklyn. Rei and Veronika were already on stage so the only one missing was Oakley. They all gathered around Serenity with confused looks on their faces. All except Rei, who Minako noted looked furious at the moment.

"Serenity, what's going on?" Minako asked, taking the lead. Her white haired friend cast her eyes to the ground, a sad expression all over her normally jovial features.

"The Black Moon Clan isn't coming. They've been defeated." Minako blinked upon hearing the news, unsure how to react at first.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Ami asked, seeing everyone's confusion deepen.

"The army that defeated them are on their way to Earth. They have given us conditions in which we won't have to fight. He said we have until tomorrow to decide." Serenity informed them, not making eye contact with anyone. Endymion appeared at her side, wrapping his arms protectively around her.

"Well what are the conditions?" Minako asked, beginning to grow impatient.

"Ganymede, the leader of this army, wants to come to Earth and unload his ships. Once he has, he wants Sailor Moon and her Senshi to board one and leave the planet."

"Well I guess we have no choice but to fight." Minako began, but was cut short by Serenity, turning fierce suddenly.

"No! We will not fight! Fighting only leads to more bloodshed. If it means everyone can carry on peacefully, than I will gladly sacrifice my own life."

"There's no guarantee he won't try and enslave everyone here, or worse." Makoto defended. "I can't go along with this Serenity. We have a duty to protect-"

"I am your Queen and you will do as I say!" She interrupted. Minako couldn't recall Serenity ever getting so mad at any of them before. She had never seen this side of Serenity, and it broke her heart to see her friend suffering so much. "I have called everyone here to inform them of our decision."

"But it isn't our decision. It's your decision." Makoto pressed. "This is what we've been training for Serenity! Are you going to let-"Serenity turned her back then, walking to the front of the stage, ignoring anything else Makoto had to say.

"Everyone, I have asked you all to come here tonight to inform you that I have been contacted by what some would call our enemy. He has given us a chance at peaceful resolution. Everyone here knows that is what I have wanted all along, and if given the chance, I would take that route. The only problem is" Minako heard her voice crack, and from the side could see her eyes fill with tears. She watched as Serenity closed her eyes and swallowed hard, her voice sounding calm and confident. "The only problem is that myself, and the Senshi are to leave this planet. Forever." The crowd began to buzz with confusion, some blatantly disagreeing. It seemed Serenity had prepared herself for such a response, just like she had with talking to Minako and the others. She knew now why Rei was so upset. "I am your Queen, and you have all taken a vow to obey me!" Her one declaration silenced everyone.

The sun was almost fully past the horizon now and it was beginning to get dark. Everyone seemed to be in shock, no one had ever seen the Queen act in such a way. Minako was trying to think of some way to talk her out of it when Kid Brooklyn broke rank and approached the Queen. He towered over her short frame and bent slightly, speaking softly into her ear. He must have asked to use the microphone, because she handed it to him, looking confused herself. He cleared his throat before he began, addressing everyone standing before him.

"She's right, you know. We have taken an oath. Taken an oath to obey. But we have also taken an oath to protect our Queen!" He shouted into the microphone, taking everyone off guard. "Our Queen always sacrifices herself for others, always puts others ahead of herself. Well now it's our turn to do the same for her!" An enormous roar spread through the soldiers gathered, fists pumping into the air. Kid Brooklyn carried on with the momentum he had gained with the crowd. "She tries to shoulder everyone's burden alone. Well this is one burden no one can shoulder alone. Stand up my brothers and sisters! Raise your hands and take this weight off her shoulders! The Queen has served her people, now it's time for the people to serve their Queen! Are you with me?!" Another huge roar came from the crowd, accepting his challenge. Serenity had heard enough and rushed across the stage, taking the microphone from her hands, tears flowing down her face.

"No!" She screamed into the microphone. "No I won't let you! I am your Queen, and you will do as I say!" Kid Brooklyn stared deep into her eyes, a painful expression crossing his face.

"Then you leave me no choice." He whispered. Minako wouldn't have been able to hear it, and there was no way the crowd could hear him. He pulled his hand up towards his heart, gripping the crescent moon emblem that he had worked so hard to obtain and ripped it off his jacket, letting it fall to the ground. Turning to face the crowd, his voice boomed without the aid of the microphone. "I, Kid Brooklyn, hereby relinquish my title as Field Commander and quit the Queens Guard." He turned slowly, facing his former Queen. "You can't stop a free man from fighting. I'll take them all on, alone, if that's what it takes to protect you." Tears were flowing down his face now as he spoke to Serenity. The crowd grasped what he was doing, and Minako heard material being torn all around her. This is what it means to be a leader she thought to herself, moved by Kid Brooklyn's speech and actions. All of these people will follow him.

Serenity dropped to her knees, covering her face with her hands, uncontrollable sobs shaking her entire body. Endymion was at her side again, and leaned in close. Minako had no way of knowing what he said to her over the deafening roar of men and women ready to go to war, but he saw Serenity look up at him, and then out at the crowd. She stared at them for a long time before facing her husband and nodding. She got back to her feet and raised the microphone to her lips. Kid Brooklyn hushed the crowd, noticing she had more to say.

"Your actions have moved me, Brook." She began speaking quietly. "You leave me no choice. Please, stay as Field Commander. We will fight." Minako didn't think the crowd could have gotten any louder, but they managed it somehow, calling out to the sky, ready to lay down their lives so no one would have to suffer.

A/N: I have some bad news, but I'll make it quick. In short, I have been laid off from my job and have decided to join the military. That doesn't mean I am giving up on this story, it just means it may be a long time before I can finish it. I don't know when I'll get deployed, so I'll try and finish as many chapters as I can before leaving. With that being said, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I look forward to continuing this story