Chapter 11: A Wave of Jealousy

*Botan*

Botan bided her time, lounging in her suite. She'd decided not to object to the guard because it worked well into the plan she had for her next move. Of course she hadn't forgotten her objective of finding the golden crystal, but she had another objective as well. And allowing the Senshi near her worked perfectly into accomplishing that objective. The few hours that the insipid Seiya would be her guard seemed to go on forever. It would've been better if Seiya fit with her objective. However, Botan knew better than that. Seiya would be too distracted by the departure of her wife and too prone to violence for anything. This was why Botan had no desire to be loved, it made you irrational and vulnerable… Or at least that is what she told herself.

At last her door opened and Seiya entered, followed by a young red haired Senshi who must be Sailor Vesta…. The young Serenity's guardian and once a member of the Amazoness Quartet. Seiya looked at Botan, addressing her with irritation, "Princess Botan, this is Sailor Vesta. She will be your guard for the next six hours." Then she turned to Sailor Vesta and told her firmly, "Do not let her go anywhere unattended. She is fine to stay in the suite alone, but anywhere else will require an escort." Giving Botan one last suspicious look, Seiya left the room.

Sailor Vesta had turned to follow her out, when Botan called her, "Please stay for a bit Vesta. Is that your name? It's dreadfully lonely in here and I cannot sleep. I've spent so much time alone, I'd appreciate the company." Botan smirked as she watched the Senshi considering her request.

Sailor Vesta replied, "My name is VesVes, but Vesta is just fine. And I suppose whether I stand outside the door or am in here with you, I am still guarding you." She came back and sat down in a chair. Botan's smirk grew. Perhaps this would be simpler than she'd predicted.

*Kiyoko*

It had been difficult for Kiyoko to fall asleep last night, but she'd slept peacefully when she did. It was strange not to have nightmares for once. She pondered why that might be as she stepped out of the shower. Perhaps it was because of the time travel. Maybe it had something to do with being separated from the golden crystal. Though she thought that the most likely possibility is that the nightmares were had been some sort of psychic attack that couldn't be done across time. It made her think of what Bugendai had said…. You've been a thorn in my existence for so long now… He'd been working behind the scenes for a long time apparently. She puzzled over it as she got dressed. Today she wore a long maroon skirt and sleeveless blouse in a lighter shade of the same color with her heels from home. As she laced the ribbons up her leg the answer came to her… Bugendai had been behind it from the beginning….

Kiyoko recognized the signature of his energy. It was the same as the dark energy that had possessed Hina… The same energy that had come off of the Shibons. Bugendai had been trying to take Estara and her life for over a decade. Thinking back to what happened with Hina. That final attack must have wounded him in some way. Otherwise she couldn't see him waiting so long to strike again. And now he was after Earth, she was sure of that. That made her wonder if Botan was his partner or his pawn.

She felt so stupid for not having realized it sooner. Regardless, that just impressed upon her further the need to get back. She had to protect her children, her family, and her people… both on Earth and Estara. She'd already eaten breakfast. Now Kiyoko was headed out the door to see if she could find her mother or one of the others before they went to school.

When she stepped out of the building, Kiyoko looked up and noticed how bright and vivid everything looked today. The sun was out in full force. It felt wonderful to her. Kiyoko walked down the sidewalk. She'd asked around yesterday about where the high school her mother and the others had attended was.

As she walked in that direction she passed a park. Suddenly her ears caught the sound of the most beautiful music. It was a violin of course. Kiyoko knew Michiru was close by and thought about the possibility that she was being lured out. It was quite a brilliant idea. Kiyoko had always loved Michiru's playing. Unable to resist, Kiyoko followed the sound until she caught sight of Michiru. Even in a school uniform she looked elegant.

Kiyoko stopped about ten to fifteen feet away from her and listened. Michiru played until her piece was finished and then lowered her instrument, looking very seriously at Kiyoko. Kiyoko bowed and said, "Haruka-san was correct. To hear you play is to fall in love with your music."

"Thank you Atsuko-chan. Though I would say that Haruka is a bit biased. She seemed impressed with your singing however," Michiru responded in a cold yet polite tone.

That tone made Kiyoko purse her lips. She'd heard it before, but never directed at her. She had to remind herself that this Michiru hadn't known her all of her life. The Michiru she knew would've laughed and hugged Kiyoko. But this Michiru wasn't amused. After mulling things over, Kiyoko said, "You have no reason to be upset Michiru-san. My heart is spoken for." Her aim was to nullify those feelings of jealousy in Michiru, unfortunately she didn't think it had worked.

"Haruka says to hear me play is to love my music. But to spend any time with her is to love her. Most of Usagi-chan's other friends had a crush on her at some point. If you say your heart is spoken for, then who is its holder," Michiru questioned her, never breaking eye contact.

Kiyoko couldn't keep the sorrow off of her face now. This longing and lonely feeling was genuine. She whispered, "The keeper of my heart is…. That is complicated."

Michiru placed her violin and bow in its case, picked it up, and walked closer to Kiyoko, "So, what is your real name? Haruka and I are sure it isn't Atsuko." Her gaze was still hard. There would be no game of cat and mouse with her.

Kiyoko knew that Michiru respected strength of character. She returned her gaze steadily and replied, "My name is not important. I am no threat to you, Haruka, or Usagi-chan. I am simply passing through."

Michiru flipped her hair and questioned Kiyoko, "Passing through? And where is it the siren is going?" This Michiru looked as dangerous now as the one she knew did in combat. Kiyoko wondered if she would actually attack her at this point.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you Michiru-san. Though now I understand things that I never had before," Kiyoko was actually thinking back to a few of the women who worked in the Crystal Palace and how they shrank away from Michiru. Poor women, Haruka had probably flirted with them too.

Michiru replied, "Why is it you do that? You did that to Haruka as well. You act as if you know us quite well." She closed the distance between them and continued staring into Kiyoko's eyes. Again it help as if she were looking right through her.

"Michiru-san, I am a ghost. I'm certain Haruka told you that. Ghosts see things. What do you see when you look at me, objectively," Kiyoko stood proud and tall as she spoke, questioning Michiru, wanting Michiru to see her.

"What do I see? I see someone who doesn't belong here. I see someone with a pure heart, but you're not naïve like Usagi. You're hiding… Hiding who you are…. Hiding what you're after…. And I'd even say you're hiding from someone," Michiru spoke softly, but sternly. And Kiyoko could swear she'd seen the tiniest of softening in Michiru's eyes.

Kiyoko smiled, "You are as perceptive as ever. Now, would you like to take a walk with me?" She held her hand out, offering to carry Michiru's violin.

Michiru seemed to think this over and finally relented, handing Kiyoko her violin case. Then she looked at her, "Alright then." She and Kiyoko started walking out of the park, however it was clear that Michiru hadn't given up.