Chapter 21: Rebirth and Redemption
As Kiyoko looked around it was as if everything were moving in slow motion beside her… Was Setsuna doing this? It didn't feel like Setsuna's energy. It was so strange. Kiyoko wasn't certain how to react. It appeared that the mixture of the light and dark energy had blinded the Senshi. But she saw Bugendai on the move. He was making a strike toward her sister, creating a blade of dark energy. Kiyoko could see him coming and knew that she had to act!
Being able to move more quickly than anyone else for whatever reason worked to Kiyoko's advantage. She was able to channel the elemental magic within her and use Flame Sniper as Rei had taught her. She aimed her attack for the mark on Bugendai's forehead, praying that the blast she and Serenity sent out had weakened him. As she let the arrow go, time returned to normal and Kiyoko saw her aim still held true. The arrow struck the mark and he screeched, sounding like a banshee of legend! Kiyoko gripped her sister's hand and pulled her back quickly, a dark wave spreading from where Bugendai's body had shattered on impact.
Just as quickly as Bugendai's body and shattered, so did his army of phages. Serenity hugged Kiyoko tightly, but she the two of them looked at one another, they couldn't smile… Both of them thinking of Ami, Rei, and even poor Vesta. Serenity whispered to Kiyoko, "We have to do it again…."
Knowing what her sister meant, Kiyoko nodded and replied, "Yes we do." The two of them touched down on the ground together, looking around at the grief gripping all of those who remained. Kiyoko's core ached with the pain she could feel from Haruka. Seiya and Endo came running over, Seiya hugging Kiyoko to her with tears in her eyes, "I am so glad you're okay!" For just a moment Kiyoko hugged her back and then released her, "This is not finished." She turned to Hotaru and spoke somberly, "Please make sure the Asteroids and Botan are secured. We will deal with them soon enough." Then she looked back at her beloved, "We have to go to the temple now my love, Serenity?" She inclined her head toward her sister. Serenity nodded and so did Seiya. Gingerly she walked over to Haruka and took her hand, "We can get her back."
Haruka didn't say anything, but let Kiyoko lead her into the temple. Soon everyone was with them as they made their way to the temple, Helios and Usa-chan waiting for them…. Protecting the precious starseeds of those who had fallen. Kiyoko and Serenity walked up together, Usagi close behind them. She whispered to her daughters, "You can do this."
Kiyoko held Serenity's hand as they both concentrated their power, speaking together, "We call upon the power of the Silver Millennium and ask for their lives back. They are family and our kingdom depends on them." It was a prayer that they were taught by their mother long ago, knowing what may face them one day. As the golden crystal began to glow brightly alongside the silver crystal, Kiyoko felt that warmth within her again. But she focused on the task at hand and moments later they began materializing, those who had fallen. When it was finished, everyone gathered around Ami and even Vesta. Michiru was immediately swept up by Haruka, whose heart was overflowing with love, joy, and gratitude.
Kiyoko was happy too, but she needed air, thinking back to the strange events surrounding Bugendai's death. She walked out into the sunlight and looked up, taking in its beauty the same was she had when she'd been in the past. It felt like it was breathing life itself into her.
"Kiyoko, are you alright," Setsuna's voice spoke softly as she came to stand to next to Kiyoko. The look on her face was not one of victory.
That look made Kiyoko more anxious, "it wasn't you, was it?" She asked, despite being fairly certain of the answer.
Morosely Setsuna shook her head, "No, it wasn't. Even I cannot see what happened there. But…." She trailed off hesitantly.
Wrapping her arms around herself, Kiyoko murmured, "I know Setsuna. But I can't undo what has been done."
Before Setsuna could speak, Kiyoko was nearly tackled by her happy children, both hugging to her tightly. Ruka beamed up at her, "I'm so happy you're okay mama!"
Kiyoko stuffed her worry down and smiled at her daughter and son, "I'm glad you're alright too, both of you. And I am so proud of you." She tussled Endo's hair and kissed both of their foreheads.
"Do I get a turn," Seiya asked, walking up from behind. Endo and Ruka stepped back and Seiya scooped Kiyoko into her arms the same way Haruka had Michiru, kissing her deeply. Kiyoko returned the kiss, hungering for her wife's lips… She'd missed her so much.
Serenity came outside a moment later, "Should we go and see them?" She pursed her lips, obviously wanting to do anything but what she was suggesting.
Kiyoko nodded and stepped away from Seiya, feeling like she was doing that far too much right now but also like she had no other option. She looked at her beloved, "We have to go and see them. I genuinely believe they can be saved."
It took a direct order to disburse most of the Senshi to check for damages or anything missed while Serenity, Kiyoko, Usagi, and Minako as leader went to question the Asteroids and Botan. They were in the suite Botan had used. Of course Vesta had been brought with them. Ceres, Pallas, and Juno all sat on the couches there, Botan was apparently in the bedroom, and had been seriously injured as Kiyoko had thought before.
Minako looked at Serenity and the others, "My queen, I think that you and I need to deal with the Senshi. It'd probably be best if Usagi and Kiyoko went and saw Botan."
Serenity looked at her mother and knew that it was important for her to do this, so she agreed, then she turned her attention to her guard, her Senshi who'd allowed themselves to be brainwashed. She wasn't unsympathetic. It simply reminded her of her own moment of weakness so long ago… Becoming Black Lady for a time.
Kiyoko told Serenity, "We'll leave you to it then." She turned to her mother, "Are you certain you want to do this?"
"Yes. I'm sure," was all that her mother said, a look of determination…. It made Kiyoko smile on the inside to see her mother so strong. She still worried that one day she'd choose sleep again. The two of them turned and went into the bedroom. When they saw how battered Botan was, they both felt a compassion for her.
Usagi approached the bed first and sat on its edge, "Botan, why did you do this?" The words were simple but they said so much.
Sounding as weak as she looked, "Why? She chose you…" Her eyes wandered to Kiyoko and Botan continued, "When faced with a child not so unlike your golden child, our mother chose you. I was five…. I didn't know better…. But she feared my powers…. We didn't have a father like your Endymion… No one to teach me what to do…. So she locked me away… catching glimpses, but always alone…"
Kiyoko came closer as well, sitting on the other side of Botan. She held out her hand, "May I?" Botan nodded and placed her hand in Kiyoko's, the flood of images entering her mind. She tried to focus only on a few. What she saw was heartbreaking. Botan was gifted much as she was, but their mother couldn't teach her how to control it, what to do and what not to do…. She and Usagi had been inseparable. Then one day a boy, the child of noble family began picking on Serenity… Usagi, and Botan became so angry that she used her powers and the boy nearly died.
Queen Serenity decided Botan was too dangerous… But she couldn't kill her own child, in a moment of desperation she ended up unknowingly doing something far worse. She trapped Botan, forcing to be alone forever.
Tears wet Kiyoko's cheeks as she let Botan's hand drop, "That must have been terrible for you. May I help you?" Botan nodded and Kiyoko called forth the golden crystal, channeling its power she set to work, healing Botan's body and spirit, though the spirit would need to mend on its own to completely heal.
When it was finished, Botan smiled, "Thank you Kiyoko. And thank you Usagi, you never lost hope for me." She reached out for Usagi and took her hand.
Usagi smiled back at her, "I've seen the bond of sisters in my daughters. They never give up on each other. I wasn't giving up on you."
Kiyoko left the two of them to talk, knowing that her mother would be safe and hoping that Botan could find peace with what happened. Kiyoko saw that her sister and Minako were still dealing with the Asteroids, who looked like children being lectured at the moment.
Kiyoko decided it'd be best not to interrupt, so she quietly left the room and started down the hall. She was using her magic to search out her beloved Seiya. Kiyoko's heart ached to see her, to be held by her. There would be much to be dealt with though… Things Kiyoko didn't know the answers to. Those things seemed to redirect Kiyoko to the Temple of the Silver Millennium without her realizing it.
When she entered, Kiyoko was greeted by the smell of the roses she loved, the familiar gold and silver tapestries, it was a tiny bit of peace in her mind. When she reached the alter she saw Setsuna there, Kiyoko wasn't certain how to react, "Setsuna, what are you doing here?"
Her gaze heavy, Setsuna replied, "We need to talk Kiyoko. We need to talk about what has happened and what it means…."
Again, Kiyoko wrapped her hands around herself, "I know Setsuna... I felt it as soon as I touched the golden crystal again…. A new star has been born… That is why I am here…. I need guidance….." Saying it out loud somehow made it real and Kiyoko burst into tears…. Setsuna walked over and hugged her tightly.