Chapter 16: Trapped

*Botan*

She had Sailor Vesta and Pallas, she knew that much. And now that stupid niece of hers had assigned Sailor Juno to guard her. As Botan sat in the library, reading history that she'd missed. There were many things she knew, having psychic abilities like Kiyoko… Thinking of Kiyoko trapped alone in the past made Botan smile. However, she was reading to find out about the things that she didn't know. Sailor Juno stood nearby, stiff as a board. It was obvious she was trying to prove herself, but from what she could see, the Senshi was impulsive and rash. This would work in Botan's favor.

After reading a bit more Botan stood and looked at her guard, "Sailor Juno, I would like to go and have a snack. Since you are required to accompany me, let's go." Sailor Juno nodded, a little bit of annoyance on her face, and the two of them set off toward the kitchen. As they waked down the hall Botan saw the last of her targets. She stopped and smiled at the Senshi with the pink hair like the little queen, "Hello Sailor Ceres."

"Hello princess Botan. How are you today," Sailor Ceres asked her with a polite smile and a brief bow.

Botan thought to herself, at least this one has some etiquette. That must be why she is their leader. "Do you have somewhere you need to be young Senshi? It'd be wonderful if you could join me. It seems everyone has decided to ignore me," Botan said with a sad tone.

By the look on Sailor Ceres' face it seemed she was sympathetic, "I have a little time before I have to be anywhere. Where are you headed?" She fell into step with Botan and motioned Sailor Juno forward.

Botan smirked and kept walking, "We're on our way to find a snack." Sailor Ceres smiled back at her and the three of them walked toward the kitchen. It was almost time to draw the curtain, she just wished she knew where Kiyoko had hidden the golden crystal!

*Kiyoko*

The sun streamed into the room through the crack in the balcony doors. Kiyoko looked over at Seiya, who was still sleeping peacefully. It reminded her of a thousand morning before and it was hard for her to separate the Seiya lying next to her and the Seiya that she'd joined her life to a millennia from now. The feelings were the same, but the history wasn't there. She couldn't ask her about or discuss their children with…. Seiya wouldn't understand and probably wouldn't believe her. This made Kiyoko a little bit sad. She started to crawl out from under the covers when she felt an arm swoop around her and pull her back down. Blushing, Kiyoko whispered, "I didn't know you were awake."

"Remember, I didn't want to wake from this dream," Seiya said as she rolled onto her side and looked at the window. She shook her head, "Damnit! I have to get going. We have a bunch of things to do today, interviews and such. May I use your shower?"

Kiyoko smiled and told Seiya, "Only if you want to join me. That is where I was headed." Seiya grinned and the two of them playfully made their way to the small shower. That was very interesting to say the least.

All too soon Kiyoko had to walk Seiya down to the street and say goodbye. She pondered the idea of how this could've been her life, had she not been born royalty. But would it have been with Seiya? The two of them held hands, facing one another in front of the hotel. Kiyoko smiled at Seiya, "Thank you for last night, for staying, for making me feel alive again."

Looking deeply into her eyes, Seiya told Kiyoko, "I am glad I did. May I see you again tonight?"

Tonight? Kiyoko was supposed to be finding Setsuna today. What of that declaration she'd made? And the battle she knew would be raging soon…. Kiyoko had to go back, but looking into Seiya's eyes, she couldn't tell her no. At last Kiyoko said, "Yes, meet me back here after sunset." Seiya grinned from ear to ear and kissed Kiyoko passionately before leaving. Kiyoko waved to her future wife, watching as she took off down the street. Kiyoko had made her late for her first appointment of the day.

A moment later she felt the presence…. When she looked around she saw her across the street... Haruka standing there looking as angry as she had when she'd walked in on Seiya holding Kiyoko on their mission against Hina. Hell, Kiyoko thought to herself… Some things would never change. She walked over to where Haruka has clearly been watching from and smiling, pretending to be unaware, "Good morning Haruka-san."

But Haruka wasn't having it. She stood there with her arms crossed and her face full of anger and snapped, "Obviously." It reminded her so much of the Haruka she knew it made her want to laugh and scream at the same time.

Kiyoko just couldn't take this! She caught hell from Haruka a millennia in the future… Or what was over a decade ago in her mind…. And here she was giving her hell again! Honestly, Kiyoko would've thought it'd make Haruka happy to see Seiya with someone besides her mother! She just couldn't contain her aggravation with the whole thing… So she did what she almost never did, Kiyoko yelled at Haruka, "I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU! SHOULDN'T YOU BE HAPPY? THIS SHOULD RELIEVE YOU! SEIYA INTERESTED IN SOMEONE BESIDES YOUR PRINCESS!" As soon as the words flew out of her mouth Kiyoko knew she'd made a grave misstep here. Her hand flew to her mouth as Haruka eyed her seriously.

"What are you talking about Atsuko? You need to tell me what you know," She stood straight up at that point, looking very imposing.

Damnit…. What could Kiyoko say to her at this point? She sighed and said, "I'm sorry I yelled… But I am tired of this conversation…. And I know none of this makes sense to you…. All you want to do is to protect that which is precious to you…. I'm sorry that I can't tell you more about me. I can't tell you anything besides the fact that I am not a threat."

She'd started to walk away, preparing to run, when Haruka took hold of her wrist. Kiyoko looked behind her, taking in Haruka's expression. She still seemed angry, but it was clear she didn't want Kiyoko to disappear. The question was why. Haruka told Kiyoko, "I still owe you a ride." She tilted her head toward the motorcycle sitting nearby.

Kiyoko looked down at the purple spaghetti strapped dress she wore with the split skirt and the black boots and cringed a little. She replied apologetically, "I couldn't possibly."

Haruka didn't let go of her hand, "I have a helmet you can use, and I'll lend you my jacket. I promised." She narrowed her eyes and Kiyoko could tell this was another dare, quite possibly a trap as well.

However, again she felt left with no other choice, "Alright Haruka-san, if you insist." Haruka nodded and the two of them walked over to the motorcycle.

Haruka handed Kiyoko a helmet and her jacket, climbing on. Kiyoko got on behind her, but wasn't quite sure how to hold on. She understood the mechanics of course, but should she be putting her arms around this Haruka's waist? She thought of Michiru and of Seiya. Haruka had put on her own helmet, she started revving the bike's engine and told Kiyoko, "Better hold on tight mysterious siren." Kiyoko pursed her lips, but followed Haruka's instructions. A moment later they were off, whizzing down the streets of Tokyo at what were most likely illegal speeds. But Haruka was Haruka after all.

Eventually they reached the edge of the city, but Haruka didn't stop. Definitely a trap of sorts, Kiyoko thought to herself. Eventually she turned off onto a dirt road. Haruka drove down the road or trail, Kiyoko wasn't entirely certain which, until she reached a clearing that overlooked a waterfall. It was a beautiful place. But Kiyoko wasn't going to get an opportunity to enjoy the sights. Standing there were Michiru and, ironically, Setsuna. Kiyoko supposed she'd finally found Setsuna…. When she wasn't sure she was ready to find her yet…. They both looked as if they were ready for battle, even in civilian clothing. This was what it meant to be a soldier… Bound by duty. Kiyoko had to remember that was all they were doing, following their duty…