A/N: alright guys my muse for writing is spilling out of me so you get another chapter before x mas!! get ready the real action starts in this chapter!!!
I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON!!!
Chapter 2: Into the Freezer, Shocking Truth! Start of Ami and Saeko, Intro to Makoto and Yasu!
Xen wasn't in the best of moods as she struggled to maintain her ability to be calm. Here she was piloting an airship while a boy of the flame, Zori sat below her polishing his blades. Yumi sat with him chatting idly. Next too him in the two pedal seats Mari and Haruka gave the small ship the power it needed. Rei was quiet as she watched Xen steer the ship, she was very skilled and seemed to know a lot about earth. It was an odd thought from Rei's perspective. She was out of earshot from anyone below the cockpit meaning that Xen was the only one who could hear Rei at the time.
"Xen, I'm sorry about earlier." Rei apologized "I was out of place, you were right about not knowing the ways of life on the outer realm." She didn't receive a response for a long time. Then after an unsettling silence passed Xen spoke. They had been traveling for eight long hours already and each time Rei attempted to speak she was ignored.
"Don't do that. Don't pretend that you even care about what you said before. You're a person who will kill off my people with your way of life, just as your people feel we abandon the planet. See these skies Rei? They are my home, they are where I learned to live my life. You live in molten areas, hot lava, and fire is what you need to survive as a whole. Without that carbon in the air you wouldn't live past a day. People like me can't breathe without clean pure air. That is why even if you live up here, carbon is up here from your smoke. If I live down by you I will slowly choke from the impurities. Don't pretend you know a damned thing until after you live on my turf like you must now." Xen snapped back as she watched the area in front of her.
"Your wrong." Mari said as she came up the ramp. Yumi had taken her spot for pedaling so that the aqua haired girl could rest. "You are very wrong Xen. Rei, and Yumi didn't come from the planets that hate you or me. They aren't the same. Rei was raised on earth, she doesn't know of anything outside this planet long term. Likewise we, as their children felt the same way. We still do, our parents you see before you never lived in the future, they could never understand what me and my friends do. The adult Senshi you will meet will never understand what you do. At least not fully, you have every right to hate those that have wronged you, but don't hate any of our friends, or those who travel with us."
"Can you honestly tell me you trust them all with your life?" Xen ask incredulously. Trust was something she gave to very few people. Even with her own kind like Mari, someone of mixed elements, it wasn't safe to trust so willingly.
"I can not speak for the people they may travel with. Within that I say I do not trust people I don't know first hand with my life. You have proven to me that you will stand along side me as a friend. For now I do trust you as much as one can for what little we know of each other. In regards to my friends, yes I trust them with my life. However like you, I would not give Rei, or any of our parents full trust with our lives had we not known them in the future. Even now, we kids look after one another because in a way, we know we can't fully depend on them. Even if Yasu hopes differently." Mari explained seeing both sides of the argument.
"I see." Xen said as she nodded on an understanding. "By the way, tell your papa that we will be coming upon the ice fields soon. We won't be able to fly past that so we will have to set down and I'll have to pull out the flat panel skis."
"How are you able to tell that?" Rei's interest in how Xen was able to tell such things grew immensely by the moment. "so is that her skill as a flier." Rei wondered almost a little too loud for her own good as she watched Mari go back down the ramp where Haruka and the others were.
"No, that's basic knowledge of being a nomad." Xen said as if it were obvious. Then she sighed and took pity on Rei when she remembered what Mari had told her. Xen was not expected to trust Rei, and she didn't plan to. Even so, she felt bad for the tall raven woman near her and she spoke with less venom in her next set of words. "We need to learn to navigate our way quickly, but that is a skill that happens over time. It's not a magic power. Here is another bit of learning for you. Most Senshi have powers, however we do not use them for idle gain. Yes I can toy with the power of wind, but that does not mean I should willingly. We all have a level pride for our planets, because of that we respect it. It is a law never spoken, yet understood by all. You don't use your powers out of self gain and only use them if you don't have a different way to do things."
Rei nodded in her ability to understand what that meant. She thought for a moment on what Xen had said. Most Senshi had powers, yet they never abused that power. It was a direct conflict in terms. Why would people just let their abilities fall by the wayside and forget about them. On that other side of the coin was a question of what would happen if everyone started to use their powers at the same time. Planets could die out, Rei knew that to be truth, she wondered in the back of her mind if her power was indeed infinite like she had thought, or if it could run out somehow.
Mari returned to Xen saying that they were ready when she was and the brunette gave the final orders needed to set down. "Mari I need you to push that wooden weight in the back of the ship around and into the indent in the front. Rei I need you to push all the wooden leavers that you see into their sockets. Tell Yumi and Zori to do the ones on the lower floor." Mari went to do just that, and Xen prepared for a simple landing.
If Rei was honest, she had no idea it took this much work to live in the air. She strained her body as each leaver was a fight to push back into the right socket. She felt it become progressively more difficult at the task wore on. She also noticed when she did get one into the socket, the ship slowed down. She realized that each socket slowed down the rotation of propellers. This was vital to slow the ship too a compete stop safely when someone would stop running power to the propellers.
The air was very chilly and all of them would surely freeze in this climate if they stayed in the air. It was hard to set down in the snow and took several attempts. The ice and frost covered a thick layer of the ship. The conditions around them made it hard to see much less travel in the blizzard that roared around them. Xen exited the ship and worked alone to attach two long skis to the bottom of the ship. She had Haruka and Mari on the inside pushing a large pressure weight that was often located on the bottom center of the ship around to lift the sides so that she could do her job. It took a long time, and Xen was very cold and wet when she had finished. Her body was pale and most of the color was gone from her body. She wasn't used to traveling in the snow without a very large ship and a number of people to match.
Zori couldn't care less about the Flier as she shivered in the corner. She was in no condition to try to navigate the storm, and no one had asked her too. The boy was not outwardly rude, but if her death would befall her tonight he would not morn. Yumi and Rei on the other hand attempted to warm the room around them to keep Xen stable and bring heat back into her very cold body. They chose that night to rest at that spot until Xen was able to properly lead the way one again.
Yumi and Mari had their eyes on Xen the entire night, trying to keep her warm and comfortable. Haruka being very tired had fallen asleep in one of the hammocks found in the cockpit. She was one of the ones who had worked the hardest to keep the ship running all day, so Rei understood the need for rest. This left her and Zori alone on the lower floor.
He was a quiet boy over all. One could describe him as humble, and a very hard working young man if he put his mind into things. His blades were sharpened and polished to perfection by this time and he had been in the corner most of the day. His disciplined silence and perceptive demeanor were that of a soldier in training. Rei knew he had seen basic combat on the front lines. Nothing overly major, yet she also knew there was more to his training and eagerness as a warrior than he let on. Perhaps she would find out more of this boy in the calm that was known as night.
"Zori?" Rei said as she sat down next to him. "What are you still doing up? I thought you would be asleep by now." She whispered quietly. Without the noise of the wind there was little privacy to be had. that's why they both kept their voices low.
"I don't need sleep yet. It is only day one of our departure and there have been times I have had to be awake for days on end. Your safety comes first." Zori said as he clutched the blade at his side looking around in uncertainty. He didn't trust the ways of Fliers and here he sat in their domain. It was clear he didn't like it.
"I take it you trust Xen about as much as she trusts me." Rei said in understanding. It must be hard for a boy like him, raised to fear and even hate curtain planets to now travel with them. Was this what is was like for the Mars of the past? Did she also have to calm the fears of others? Rei could only wonder at this point.
"Do you blame me? They are weak, none of them know what true battle even is. Sure there are a few of them who may have seen it, but the days they had of being proud of their combat is gone. They haven't seen the pure carnage we of the flame have. Knowing that, how can we accept them and their idealist ways of peace. They run when things are too hard, it's just that simple." Zori said, it was as if the words from his mouth weren't his. As if he had heard them time and time again and so, in his mind they became truth.
"What about our people? We don't like to fight, at least I know I don't like it. Haruka does it more than I do if we are being truthful on who can be a larger aggressor. You are only a few years younger than I am, yet you are already swearing your life to protect me." Rei said as she took hold of the blades in his hands. He held onto them and she placed her other hand over his own. "Why do you swear to give your life for me, when you don't even know me? Does your life hold that little value to you?"
Zori's eyes hardened at those questions. It wasn't a look of spit or hate, it was more of careful calculation and pensive thought. "It holds a great amount of value, but not to me as myself. It holds value to the people I vow to protect. We of flame have a need to have one to protect, especially the males. We are used to ways of danger and of combat, because of this, men who choose to fight choose women of equal strength. They carry the weight of battle together. Those that don't become mercenaries live quiet lives hidden in deep faith and simplicity. Men like that wed someone of equal wishes, they want to protect and be protected from the insecurities of this world." Zori explained before pausing and carefully thinking of how to better describe the situation.
"I know you may not see it, but he see's Yumi as your daughter, and child who even in her strength needs protection. He views you in the same basic light. You are a woman of great power, yet you should not be forced to stand alone. We don't bear grudges to who anyone falls in love with. Be it a male or a female, he wishes you happiness. However even if he see's you with a child, he sees no lover at your side. Both of you are wondering for you lover in his eyes. Your protector so to speak, Yumi needs a second parent to help raise and protect her. You need your lover to both protect, and be protected, from what ever this world may dish out. When you asked me to come along, he saw it as accepting my protection and seeing me as what could one day be a truly strong warrior." Zori said as a sort of understanding hit Rei's eyes.
It was true in many ways. In thinking on it Rei had always wanted to have someone to watch over, in that same regard she also longed for the same equality. She had always had someone to watch over. Her ravens gave her solace and she had taken good care of them for years. Friends like Ami she become a protector of even before she knew she was a Senshi. A person like Minako could dish what ever Rei threw out right back at her. In the same way she knew she could show weakness in front of Minako, and she wouldn't view it as a deterrent. In fact if one thought carefully on all that Rei's emotions were, Minako acted as if Rei displayed nothing but pure strength. Rei protected not only Usagi, but everyone who requested her help even if they weren't always kind to her in return, now she knew why. It was a common need for her people.
"Well then, I guess I see his point of view to a degree. I do have someone I want to protect, and will every day of my life if I'm able. Will you do the same when you find the person you love?" Rei asked seeing the pensive thoughts in Zori's eyes.
"I will when I find that person to full that role. For now I am just a simple militant, training for a brighter tomorrow. I am not a good warrior yet, and until I can become one I should not seek a space in the heart of another." Zori said as he glared at his blades again. It was as if he was remembering something very dear to him, yet he quickly shook it off as if it were nothing. Rei left the matter be saying she needed to sleep and excused herself. It was a lie, they both seem to know it, yet both seemed grateful that at least a small bit of light was shed on a few topics.
The morning came and the blizzard had cleared. The sun beating down on the snow made a glare in the distance and even if it was bitter cold it was very easy to receive sun damage. Xen was feeling better and was able to navigate the ship to where it should go, only problem was, she wasn't sure where exactly to find Ami. The people of ice could live in many areas of a cold climate, and because of this she could only randomly guess as too where to begin the search. It would seem due to the storms that out in the open was a bad idea. Ice caverns or a place with shelter from the oncoming wind and snow seemed a better bet. It was also common knowledge to all nomadic Senshi for any planet to know that snow was an insulator to both warmth and cold. This meant if you were careful you could build a home of ice and snow to protect yourself in open areas.
She saw a large snow formation that had collected on a ridge, it was not showing any rock or other surface and the clarity of the ice surrounding it seemed like a good indicator. When they arrives Xen and Zori prepared for the worst, Yumi and Mari on the other hand left the ship with reckless abandon. If Ami was here, they knew no harm would come too them.
It was a large housing of ice and snow, there was no doubt in Xen's mind when she carefully studied it. However she also knew they were to late to catch up with whoever seemed to have made it. "It seems we are about a day too late. The travelers have moved on from this home. Judging from the make of this structure, I'd say that this wasn't meant to be a permanent dwelling." Xen said as she took a look at the poor foundation and cracks that seemed to be rising from the ground up.
"How can you tell?" Rei asked truly interested in learning more about all of the Senshi and the skills each learned to use in order to survive. Perhaps it was simply because Rei never had to use most of these skills. In a way it was like out of a history book. Primitive ways of life seemed to take precedence over technology. At least, so far anyway.
"Simple the foundation is not what it should be, this was a rush job. Also, the snow in here is clean, barely marked, this means that no one has used this place for long." Xen said before she paused and took in another sight before her. "Hmmm, looked to be as if they headed to some type of mountainous area. Look at that." Xen said as she pointed to what looked to be gigantic paw print in the snow. "Looks like they brought in the friggin' cats again. Man we can't ever get a break can we." Xen said as she sighed. While her people used bird mounts, the people of ice, though not nomadic, had cats trained for many things.
"Oh no, you don't mean those trick Saber Tooth do you? Zori said remembering facing them in combat. He wasn't fond of the large cats in the least.
"Yep, the stupid Homotherium strikes again." Xen said as she sighed. Not that she had an issue with the over all use of animals to help get a job done, but those cats weren't exactly tame by any means. They good thing about birds were that they seemed to get used to multiple handlers quickly and never tried to maul you should you piss it off. The big cats used by many ice Senshi were by far a different story. Normally they remained responsive to only one handler. If they were cubs at the start then perhaps people they were used too were tolerated, yet the reactions were still hard to gauge.
"What exactly is that?" Mari questioned as she looked at the paw print. It was quite large and didn't look like anything she had ever seen. "What do they look like?"
"Turn around and find out for yourself!" Quume said as she came into the makeshift shelter. Quickly a beast followed her and it was much more fierce than the birds by those of the wind.
"Holy Shit!" Haruka said as she took in the sight of the overly aggressive animal. It's growl was low and primal as it made it quite clear it didn't approve of being within their range. It's body was built like a lion in many respects. It was rather large and as it rested more of it's kind followed suit.
"Watch your mouth." Came a reply from Saeko. In her arms she held Hitomi who was currently fussing about something. Ami followed with Nao in her arms and he was asleep. It was all Ami could to contain her amusement when Haruka ran and hid behind her in fear. Xen just raised a confused eyebrow and Zori scowled in distaste.
"Don't worry, even if they are aggressive, they won't attack unless we command it. I'll admit though, I'm not sure I can say that's pure fact considering that it's a prehistoric beast. Even by Senshi standards this is truly something I never thought would happen. Think of them as a sort of lion, quite interesting in fact when one thinks about it. Who knew we could possibly one day walk with animals that had long since become extinct!" Leave it to Ami to find that way beyond the point of exciting.
"Ironically that basic reason is why we came." Rei said as she placed a comforting hand on Zori's shoulder. "We have a few things we want to talk with you guys about. It seems like your not the only ones who do that."
"Alright," Ami said as she nodded in agreement. "If you want to stay awhile though, I would suggest that we go back to the caves. There's more shelter there. It'll be safer." To get back up the trail, they would have to go by foot, or so she thought. "I hope you don't mind long walks."
"Long walk my ass, we're taking the Ship. There's enough room for all of us, it'll be a tight fit, but it's better than getting our heads bitten off." Xen said as she scowled at the cat in front of her. Haruka hurriedly jumped to the same conclusion and quickly helped Xen prepare to leave.
"Actually, that Flier is right for once. We don't use cats, we use horses like normal people. birds and cats are just stupid. You people and your advanced technology. It's the very thing almost all the other planets can agree on. It's a detriment to society." Zori said as he followed the other two outside, He knew Rei would be safe, and in reality that was the only reason he permitted anyone of the neighboring planets near her.
"Don't mind them" Rei said as she addressed Ami. "That's one topic we came to talk about with you. It seems as if most of the planets with differing elements hate each other. The reasons seem to be largely due to misunderstanding, or some sort of previous war." Rei's eyes fixed on Zori as she said this and it didn't go unnoticed.
"Hmm, I can't argue with you there. You of the flame sure do have an odd way about you. Yet even so, I can't agree more with the spoken knowledge you seem to have. There are in fact many of the ice who have reservations about your kind. It's seems by the actions of that boy, the feeling is mutual." Quume sighed as she took residence on the far wall awaiting to be told it was time to leave. The large cats around her congregated and used her as focal point. It seemed they followed her command.
"What I don't get is why. I can see the differences in each of us to be largely due too fear or lack of understanding. Xen has made that clear even to me." Rei said as she kept her focus on an outside verbal argument. It was getting heated and the last thing Rei wanted was to have to break a fight between the two. Zori seemed calm, but Rei could easily sense he was ready to draw his weapon. The others turned around to follow Rei's gaze when the actual fight broke out.
"I told you, Stay the hell outta my way!" Xen said as she landed the first blow right to Zori's face. "You have no right to make that claim and you know it!" She said sending another hard punch knocking the boy back again.
"Xen! Sto-" Rei's mouth was quickly clamped shut by Quume as the one of ice glared in disapproval. then she spoke. "Let them go at it, it's the only way they will get through." She pointed out to the two going at it and noticed Yumi and Mari were quickly getting involved, but no one really had any idea why. "Watch closely." she whispered.
"Look! It's not my fault you're not of one kind! Ya got no place to go, can't help but feel sorry for you. Lord knows it's a good thing you can fight, or I'd hate to see where you'd stand." Zori said itching to piss his rival off more. That's when Mari took her stand. Pulling a swift uppercut and sliding to the side she nailed him under his chin. Yumi by this point had Mari aside and restraining her.
"Zori, let me just say one thing" Yumi said before knocking Mari to the side so she hit the ground. As she stood before the two of them it was clear that she meant business, and both combatants stood down momentarily to at least hear her out. "Zori, I have not the slightest idea what the hell crawled up you butt and died, but if you ever make one more comment about someone of multiple planets I swear to the almighty gods I'll lay you out myself." she commanded in a very firm voice before turning to Mari looking beyond the point of angry.
"As for you! Mari what the hell! How many times do I need to tell you to lay off! You pick fights all the damned time and I get why you did it, but that doesn't make it right! Your under my command, we have jobs to do and if you attempt to kick every planets ass then you only make what Zori says correct! Even if that was a smart ass remark it didn't need to be answered with a smart ass reaction! Got it!" Yumi said as high amounts of frustration took over her voice. The verbal thrashing continued as Haruka went back in to speak with the others.
"Well that's one way to stop a fight." Haruka laughed as Yumi then went after Xen for flying off the handle so easily. No wonder she was going to be a combat leader, it seemed she held more control than anyone had given her credit for.
"Yeah, but not necessarily the best way in my book." Rei said as she noted Yumi was back on Zori after he copped an attitude. "Still though, she's holding her own. I just wish she would ease up sometimes" Rei said as she sighed at the lack remorse Yumi had when she herself nailed Zori when he didn't quit.
Something was spoken from the boy but it wasn't heard inside by the older Senshi, Yumi's voice rang out loud and clear that he had crossed the line that time. "I told you to shut the hell up!" Yumi shouted from outside as another brawl broke out. This time it was Yumi doing just as she had threatened. She was a force to recon with as she started wailing on Zori. When he started to fight back Mari wasn't far behind to give Yumi backup.
A punch to the right side of his face, delivered the first trickle of blood as he bit his inner cheek from the force. In retaliation a kick to Mari's stomach gave him a grim satisfaction. This was when Xen tackled him to the ground hard. Inside Quume had told everyone to stay out of this because of social normality. Rei and Haruka explained why they understood it and also about how Senshi of multiple planet power were often cast out or killed due to the fear people had of them. Ami for her part looked highly worried as she watched the fight outside become more heated yet made no move to stop them. She even pulled Saeko back when she was about too, silently shaking her head to not make a move.
"If I may, it's no different from you back when we were fourteen. If I remember correctly you always had a rant on how Usagi behaved. Not that she didn't need improvement back then, but you could be just as harsh." Ami said in memory of how much Rei had toned down over the years.
"Yeah, but mine was more verbal. I wasn't trying to actually hurt her." Rei winced as she saw Zori getting what was coming to him by three girls. The only reason Rei wasn't stopping the battle royal was because no one was actually using blades or planet attacks. This meant they were at least holding back a little bit. As much as skin on skin fighting hurt, for a Senshi it wasn't fatal, at least not in the way this fight was going about.
"I told you we should have brought the medical supplies." Ami sighed as she rolled her eyes. Saeko could only nod her head pretending she wasn't watching what was going on. The fight finally ended with Zori pretty badly banged up and Mari no better. Yumi seemed to come out mostly unscathed and Xen got a away with just a few scrapes.
"Yo, you can come out now, besides we have an ice cavern too get too." Xen said as if nothing happened and Quume allowed the others to exit. "Then we shall go. I'll lead the cat's back up, you go ahead with your friends." She said starting up the pathway as Rei scraped a very injured Zori off of the pink snow. His blood had tainted his cloths and surrounding area. Even so, he was not critically injured.
A few burses to his face, a swollen cheek, a torn lip and bloody nose made up the worst of what he sustained. That was nothing to be highly concerned of. Considering the reality of what those kids had the power to do to him, he came out lucky in Haruka's eyes. Had he pissed off Makoto and herself at that age he would have been worse off by a long shot. In a way even Ami and Saeko knew that too be fact. Mari's wounds were much the same, she had a small amount of blood from her lip, nose, and a scrape over her left eyebrow, but nothing to warrant worry for a Senshi. It was clear that both of them would be sore for at least a while.
As they entered the ship Haruka and Rei took the pedals while Xen gave Ami the first aid kit to allow them to cover the small open cuts the kids had gotten from the fight. Xen seemed calm now as she allowed Saeko and Yumi to each sit with a baby on their lap while she navigated through the snow. Xen held a remorseful look on her face as she looked to the baby boy in Saeko's arms.
"That baby, both of them. They're outcasts too aren't they?" Xen said as she gained a confused look from Saeko, so she clarified. "They aren't purely a water manipulator. They hold Jupiter in them too, I can feel it." Her eyes grew to that of sorrow as she hardened her emotions for a brief moment. It was if she took pity on them. Yumi felt that emotion clearly in Xen.
"All of us kids are some sort of mix in elements Xen. That's why Mari and I stood up for you. We will do the same for our siblings, I don't know what the hell kind of people would kill off others for a simple power merger, but I won't let that happen to you or anyone else. If I did that I'd have do the same to myself." Yumi said as she looked at the bottle Hitomi was currently enjoying seeing it was almost empty. She wondered how her brother was doing in the midst of all of this and apart of her felt bad for not being there for him.
"You say that now, and don't get me wrong I thank you for your actions earlier. It's just people change in due time, I've seen it. Living like I have Cade has taken good care of me, even so, I wonder if my family is still out there some place. If they aren't I really have no place to go. That's the way life is for nomads. When Zori told me that I was destined to be alone, in our world it would be true. I would be alone right now if it wasn't for Cade." Xen said, it wasn't mournful like Yumi thought it would sound. More like down to stating simple facts and a way of life.
Yumi knew it would be the same for her and the others and that was way Xen allowed them to fight what would have only been her battle. It was odd to Yumi, Xen seemed hardened and quite brash, extremely rude in many regards, yet when she piloted the ship she gained a sense of calm and understanding. Even the fields of snow and ice became her backyard as she navigated through what would be a normal passing to get to an area to rest. It was second nature as long as they were on the move.
The tracks in the snow made it easy to see where to go and Xen followed without a question as she continued to steer the large craft up the mountain. When they finally reached the caves she noted the cats had taken refuge in a small cavern to the side. Inside the icy cave they all exited the ship and made their way deeper in. It resembled a lot of what the volcano did, except the earths core was not exposed and at the height they were at, snow and ice caked the inner walls and flooring. Instead of it being slippery the snow was thick and dense on top of the ice making for good traction. The individual lodging weren't covered in any snow or ice. Making them feel much warmer and homelike.
Once everyone had settled into the warmer house, Quume had stated she had to tend too some of the areas outside where the ice needed to be recovered in snow and took her leave. The babies were placed for another nap which instantly meant Ami became a makeshift body pillow for Nao who still refused his crib. It was quickly learned that babies of the ice slept a lot as a survival method a lot like hibernation and could sleep for fifteen hours a day easy until they were a few months old.
"So, now that we are here, lets get down to business." Xen said as she kicked off the many debates that then took place. She recounted the basics of what had brought them too want to meet up in the first place and also retold her side of the story that lead her people to Haruka. Rei jumped in foretelling her side of things and the oddities that seemed to be different among the people of Flame. She then took this time to explain the theory had about the issues dealing with the development of the planet. All the while Ami listened intently and very carefully. Saeko for her part seemed lost by it all.
"So, let me get this strait. You think due to the plates moving the way they are we will have another Pangaea?" Ami said in careful thought. "I guess if what Rei says is true we may in fact see one, yet I wouldn't count that as the only change we may see." Ami said thinking carefully. "In any case this isn't very helpful and we should probably go check out the other areas we seem to inhabit. Perhaps some scans will show us something." She said as she pulled forth her computer and did some random internet searches on the entire theory, instructing Saeko to do the same.
"We can't travel anyplace right now, it's too dark to do anything tonight. We will need to kill time until day break. Ami, that's your name right? Tell us what version of the story you heard. How was it different?" Xen said finding it interesting that Rei's story was different, knowing the people of ice, Ami's would be too.
~~~~~FLASHBACK! AMI'S AND SAEKO'S START!~~~~~~~~
Ami agreed thinking back to the day Quume had picked them up. Using a sailor teleport from a few others that had came with Quume they quickly arrived to where they needed to be, in the middle of the arctic. Quume had told them very basic things as the day wore on and over time Ami and Saeko met a lot of different people. Most were clad in clothing like Quume, ice as a form of material.
Technology was still kept to a minimum since most of them had traveled with little to nothing at their disposal. Most of the population consisted of orphan children and teens where were well enough to make the long trip. Quume explained that those of ice were not able to live in warm areas by nature and due to this many old Senshi were unable to make the travel to a safer home. In their place they sent the many children sure to provide a future. The older ones were primarily siblings or young adults who had volunteered to make the dangerous journey to earth.
She went further to note that the younger you were the easier it was to adapt to an environment outside of the bitter cold ice. Technology allowed them clothes that remained somewhat cool even in the hottest of temperatures, however it wasn't a total safeguard and over time one would become ill if they stayed in the heat too long. Mild warmth was more easily tolerated for longer periods of time. If one was born outside of the world of ice they became attuned to a warmer climate from the start of life, and thus had the best chance of life outside of the cold that they needed to reside in. Even in knowing all of that, ice was still the home to many, and it was the safest place for them.
The story told too them was by none other than the eldest of the men that happened to go along with them. At the age of twenty-six he was also the eldest brother of seven boys and three girls. Ami then realized what Luna meant when she said big families were normalcy when dealing with people of the ice.
"Our people followed a woman named Mercury. She was a woman noted for her supreme intellect by many. Yet there was one thing that surpassed her abilities in knowledge and that was her exemplary ability in firearms. Since we were able to use much in the way of advancement with all sorts of materials we were noted to be a deadly force on the battle field. We were also the most advanced when it came to our medicines and many hated that we had superior methods to cure wounds, and create them.
Our people lacked physical strength and this was why we needed a powerful weapon, or a very strong hired army from the flame. Over time we were tired of war and wanted to leave for a higher advancement. Mercury founded the way for many as she and her travel party came to find others with like minded views. Though they weren't from the ice, they were willing to learn our ways on an intellectual level and help pave the way. They came to a large mass of land and Mercury being the fine leader she was instructed everyone to attack a particular place and it would send the planets flying to a continual orbit around a large core. This would provide a proper heat source for the many planets. This is how we of the ice allowed the Kingdom to form!" The man had said with a deep sense of pride for the story.
~~~~~~~~~END FLASHBACK~~~~~~~~
"Hmm, sounds about right." Xen said as she sighed at the stupidity of it all. "The stories changes more and more with each elemental power. I guess it's to be expected, but still!" The brunette paced around in exasperation. "Alright, lets get this over with! Who are you taking with you so I can kick their ass in before we go!" Xen rolled her eyes stressed.
"What do you mean?" Ami said highly confused, before Quume made her voice heard through the door. She placed down some refreshments apparently hearing Xen's last remark. She took a plate of the dark meat and a drink of the greenish liquid that smelt kind of like tea prompting the others to do the same.
"As I see it, Xen wants you to take someone along with you familiar with the outer realm. In all reality I think it's a good idea, seeing that you don't know much about life out there." Quume said as she took a bite of her food. "Only thing is, I should stay here and over see matters of advancement. Most of the adults will be needed. Perhaps you could take little Hana." Quume said with a small unknown motive behind that particular child.
"You mean that small eight year old?" Ami said recalling the fearful child. She had a very dark past, of that much Ami was assured with the way the small girl acted. "I don't think it would be wise to send her along for the ride, I think it would just make her more fearful." blue eyes lowered to her son in her arms.
Quume simply nodded before continuing her drink. That child was the youngest that had gone with the travel party. Her parents sent her on ahead, knowing they would never see her again. Quume assured her family the child would be safe, and so far the promise was kept. However if no one took her in then she would be alone. She hoped that if she would have to live on her own, then only the skills learned on this travel would help. Perhaps, since she was young enough she would adapt to the outside and another family would have the heart to take her. Even if the hopes were slim, Quume had a soft spot for the child.
"but," Ami said as she noted the look in the child that she has seen. It was a look she had seen in Makoto, in Yasu, and all of the Senshi's children. It seemed as if this was the reality they had to live in. "She has no one else does she?" Ami asked as a rueful smile crossed her face.
"No, that's why I want her to go with you. Perhaps someone will take her in, and if not, she needs the skills going with you can provide. I'm not asking you to raise her. Just to take her with you." Quume said as she looked to the Senshi that surrounded her, she was pleading too them silently. They could clearly see it and together it was agreed that the child would join in the travel party. Xen seemed particularly adamant about the idea demanding that she would keep a very close eye on the child.
That night all slept well except the children who had a meeting in the morning to talk about what would happen. Yumi spearheaded the conversation. "Look guys, I know it's hard to ask you to be best friends, but.. Please work side by side for now. We all could lose the very thing we want to work for if we keep up the irrational fighting. Just, please try and accept each other. You don't have to be friends, just tolerate each other." She said as her eyes looked pleading instead of demanding.
"Alright." Xen nodded as she offered Zori her had to shake. "Lets call truce. I'm tired of this crap anyway. Lets let it go for now." He nodded his understanding and took the agreement meeting her hand with his own. Mari and Yumi smiled as they saw what looked to be a small glimmer of hope at the end of a very long tunnel. Perhaps these two could be civil after all.
When Rei woke up she dragged Haruka too the opening of the cave where the kids were cleaning the ice and snow off the areas of the ship that could cause issues. Zori threw a snowball from the top where he stood and it hit Xen before she retaliated with her own ball of snow. An all out snow fight started as one missed and hit Rei in the face. Haruka laughed as Mari got her with one a moment later.
All of the ruckus woke up Ami and Saeko who saw the barrage of flying snow from all directions. Rei was nailing Yumi and Haruka was getting Xen pretty good. Zori had his sights on Mari. They looked like kids for once in their lives and Ami couldn't help but smile as she took in the scene. It was a far cry from the fighting that had taken place the day before. She didn't know what happened to make things finally cool off, but she was happy not to ask.
Soon Quume brought the small child and introduced her to the group. She was welcomed quickly by everyone including Xen, and Zori. Quume for her part was astounded by what she saw. The smile of acceptance filled the many faces and it was peaceful on that icy mountain. When they took their leave Quume was at peace watching little Hana go with them perched on Xen's shoulders. Somehow, Quume just knew that everything for the little girl would be alright.
They traveled by air in the ever shrinking space of the ship. Ami and Saeko held the twins close as they flew through the sky. Mari and Haruka were working the pedals seeing who would tire out the quickest. Yumi and Zori were outside on the main deck feeling the chill of the icy wind and laughing as it slightly stung their faces. The landscapes were priceless as they watched it pass by. Hana stayed near Xen and Rei smiled too herself as the child ran circles around Xen often asking questions.
"Remind you of anyone?" Saeko whispered to Ami as she dodged a flick to her face as a result. The kids were all getting along for once, and things were starting to become relaxed. Rei told more of the things she had seen as time continued on.
"You really think we may see a new type of Pangaea?" Rei said reopening the conversation for debate. "If so, It'll be soon right?" She asked looking for at least simple answers.
"I don't know. It's possible, but if it does happen it won't be for at least a few years I'm sure." Ami said in speculation. "I would think we have plenty of time to prepare for that if it's true." Looking outside she saw that the snowy area was dissipating and they were now crossing a very large body of water. "If we do have a new Pangaea it will be very different to the one in the past. I'm sure of that much." she said in a whisper.
"If I may. When you live like we do in the outer realm, we learn quickly that it doesn't really matter what happens a week or months later down the line. Mostly to look that far ahead is a grim fate. Besides the old folklore we sing and dance too, all of us, no matter what planet your from. You live for the day you wake up in hoping you get to see the night. Because of that, I see very little in worrying about with this planet will, or will not be." Xen said as she looked to where Ami was. She then looked to where the others were around the ship. This is what it was to be a nomad to fly with others, in search of a new home constantly. Living no single place for a long time, but to always travel.
"Then what of you and Zori?" Rei said as she heard the muffled laughter from outside. She smiled as Yumi and Zori were waving at some birds on the outside. Rei's raven was flying next to the ship causing amusement as it swooped down on Yumi's shoulder.
"He and I are just that. He is Zori of the flame. I am Xen of the fliers, and it's clear Hana is of the ice. That's what we are, aside from that, it really doesn't matter. Learn this now, all of us will get along better the less we are forced to accept and the more we just let people stand near us. I could care less what Zori knows to be truth, he can say the same for me. As for Hana, she's one of us. The same applies too her now too." Xen said as she laughed when the small child climbed back up the railing. It was time Xen told them all one last key thing, the one that Quume never mentioned.
"Besides Hana is a loner now. If we don't look after her, no one will. Same goes for me and Zori, Mari, and even Yumi." Xen said as she smiled as she held her hand out for Hana to grab for leverage and pull herself up over the bar.
"What do you mean loner?" Rei said as she raised an eyebrow in annoyance and even more confusion.
"What she means is that we have decide to band into our own travel party." Zori said as he and Yumi joined their side. "When children leave to go their own way, they form a group. Sometimes they are small, other times they are big. Either way, we deal fine on our own when we do. My eldest brother left a few years back with a large mix of kids and teens. Who knows where he is, but I know for a fact he's just fine."
"Wait then what about the fighting from yesterday?" Ami said clearly remembering that Zori and Xen weren't on good terms. Sworn enemies were much more like it.
"Yumi won that power battle, she's strongest, thus we follow her." Xen said as she smiled back to the adults behind her. "Zori and I are from different places, and thus we follow different lines, but our loyalty with Yumi make it so that we happen to deal with each other. We don't have to like each other as long as when shit hit's the fan we help each other out." She explained as she focused her eyes on the land they were now over looking for traces of any clues as too where to go next.
"In other words, think of it as one very messed up family. Some of us hate each other, some of use would give our lives for others. However we all fight for the same cause. In this case it will be a safe place to live. It won't work if all we want to do is fight" Zori said as he picked up Hana on his back to prove a point. "Yumi wants us to work together, this is why we are on a team now. Our place in this world depends were Yumi leads us. Hana is also apart of that now, she has no where else to go. Rouge teams like this one would often pick up stray kids. Hana is no exception to the rule. In fact it's cases like Her and Xen that make the teams what they end up being." Zori explained.
No one attempted to question it further as Xen told them to prepare for landing. She had seen a few from the wind, Cade was among them and she threw out the red flag that signaled that they wanted the other travel party to stop. "Cade up here!" Xen waved as the old man called his party too a stop. After the landing she went to greet the old man and introductions were made.
"Xen, how can I help you?" Cade asked in his normal happy voice glad to see so many along with the girl he had raised for several years now. She looked happy for once in a very long time.
"We need a few birds to go by land for a while. Can you spare the birds in exchange for the ship?" Xen asked and Cade agreed. After the switch off Xen told Saeko to share the largest one with Haruka and Zori. Yumi, Mari, and Hana took the second. On the third one Xen carried Hitomi in her arms and told Ami to carry Nao. It was amazing that the birds followed vocal commands. They rode the birds for a long time past flat grasslands and over small hills. Xen was very careful with the birds making sure they kept a slow but steady pace. She didn't want to make the babies unhappy. Often stops for feeding and changing had to take place.
Soon they came to a forested area. It was raining only lightly and the cool water felt good to those of the ice who manipulated water. Ami was amazed at the thick trees and ground cover as they ride onward. That night they camped out by a pond. Fish provided dinner, and Xen made a tent of leaves and trees with some netted cloth. Every one were tired from their travels so aside from very light banter not much was spoken. The sun set early, and along with it, sleepy eyes closed to await for the new day.
Early before sunrise packed berries along with some nut grain provided breakfast on the go as they left as soon as the babies had been fed and changed. The birds ran past the hills and valleys again as the sun rose too the world around them and another forest presented it's self. Inside were people, and Xen knew these were the ones of the storms. One man she knew well as he passed by. The others remembered him too.
"DAD!" Xen said easing off the bird and passing Hitomi off before running and tackling the man before her. "It's been so long! I missed you so much!" she said as she buried her face into his chest afraid if she looked up it may not really be him, even if common logic stated otherwise.
"Xen?" The man said in confusion. "Is that you…Xen?" He said lifting her face to meet his own. His eyes glazed over in tears as he realized his daughter who had been away from his watchful eyes for over six years now had run into his arms. "Oh my god! Thank god! Xen!" he said as he embraced her once again for the first time in years. "You look just like your mother." He said as he smiled.
"I missed you Dad." Xen said in disbelief, she had finally found him. She found her father the man she had been looking for wasn't with the people of the wind, instead he was his people, that of the storm. She was smiling as much as she could and in a way Ami and Rei felt a twinge in their hearts looking at the sight. Ami for a moment looked on and slightly wondered if she would have done the same if she could remember her father. Rei wondered how great a man he must be, and in a small way wished her father could have been a great man like that.
"What's all the commotion about Baen?" Yasu said before losing her train of thought at the sight. "Holy!" She said running completely backwards shouting for Makoto. "Maka, you better come quick! Mom came!" Yasu yelled as she ran into one of the further huts.
Makoto left the hut and took a double take as she looked at the people that surrounded Ami. Running at full speed she and Yasu quickly made it back to where everyone stood. Yasu's first priority was Nao and as soon as she got him from Ami, Makoto embraced the woman she loved. Saeko came next, Hitomi and Nao both took residence in Makoto's arms as Yasu got the embraces she missed most. Mari tackled Yasu followed quickly by Yumi as introductions were given.
All were surprised to note that Xen's father was Baen but Makoto was happy part of the Man's family had come back too him. He still had no idea where his wife was but if his little girl was alright, then perhaps his wife and other children were as well.
All were welcomed into the land owned by the storms and Baen ordered a large feast in celebration. Laughter rang out as Xen was welcomed and Baen explained the she was his daughter. Story after story was told about nomadic travels and the things Xen had seen. Over all it was a humbling experience. The Senshi never really knew all that could happen in a short lifetime, but Xen had plenty to tell and explain. Sleep was found that night peacefully as warm beds and a shelter from the rains were offered.
The next morning battle horns in the distance automatically woke those still asleep and quickly the people of storm got ready to face who or what ever it was. "What the hell?" Rei asked half asleep as all havoc broke loose. Before she knew it the kids were already on there feet in battle stances. Outside people in black cloaks were already in combat. Makoto had no idea what to do as Baen was ahead of the defensive pack.
"Makoto! Get everyone out of here! It's a surprise attack!" he shouted as he moved to move people to a safer location. Two of the men in cloaks had Baen cornered as they seemed to be closing in on all sides. "Damn it!" He shouted as he took a wooden Lance and attempted to defend himself. Stabbing the First masked man in the shoulder he was able to break away and delivered a finishing blow to the first of many. He fought his way to the middle of the crowed when he saw Rei and Mari trying to force their way through.
"Fire soul!" Rei shouted sending a blast of flames towards three of the cloaked men heading for Xen as she fought next to Yumi and Yasu. "See that! Send your attacks! Do it now!" Yumi ordered at Yasu and Mari.
"Cupid Flame!" Yumi shouted sending a long ranged attack at a barrage of oncoming enemies. She was so focused in front of her she forget to watch her side and barely dodged a ball of dark energy. Yasu jumped and tackled Yumi to the ground as a arrow filled with dark light almost hit her. "DAMN YOU!" Yasu shouted as she readied her attack at an oncoming archer.
"Freeze Atom!" She shouted as her attack phrase and sent lightning and rain into her hands clasping them she sent it flying while running right into the pack. The electrical current sent a shock to the nervous systems before turning the bodies to ice. "Yumi! NOW!" She shouted ducking to the side as a whip if flame came and shattered the many bodies to frozen dust.
"What in the flying fuck do these guys want!" Haruka shouted to Xen who was fighting with her knives and basic combat to keep the close ranged enemies away from her friends. She looked back to Rei and Mari who had too many enemies in close range to fire off an attack, sending one their way to knock a few back. "World Shaking!"
"Hell if I know ask them yourself!" she shouted blocking an oncoming attack and sidestepping a nearby crate she almost tripped on. "These shit heads are relentless!" She shouted to no one in particular as she dodged another arrow and got nicked by a blade in the process. She had to dodge out of the way before she really got hurt, lucky for her Zori was nearby.
"Damn it! You fliers need help fighting!" The boy of flame taunted as he downed another with his sword. Knocking a few back with his foot he took a stab to the nearest one on his left to clear a path to where Yumi and Yasu were. "Get next too them!" He commanded as he deflected a blow to the face. "It'll be better if we can push our way through as a group!"
On the other side of the battle Makoto had rounded everyone she could to safety, those that didn't make it were either killed, or still in combat. Ami, Saeko and the babies were alright, but Yasu was still in the Frey. She had to go back and bring the others out.
"Saeko! Protect Ami with your life! You wanted to be a Senshi here's you chance!" She said as she charged back into the battle. "Supreme Thunder!" she shouted sending a blast of electricity through the bodies. She had her lance nearby as she fought her way through the masses towards the other Senshi who by this time were one large mass. In the middle a body lay motionless on the ground. It was Mari. Haruka was pretty badly injured as well and madder than hell. Rei was covered in her own blood as a deep wound from her leg gushed blood with whatever move made.
"MAKOTO! GET MY MOTHER OUT OF HERE!" Yumi shouted as she gave Rei backup. Rei was doing all she could to dodge arrows and send her own hurling back, even so, she wasn't able to do much and was too hurt to be of use in combat. Yasu for her part had Mari on her back and was attempting to run back through the runway trying to get to the safety of the masses.
Makoto nodded and flung Rei over her shoulder and went running to catch up too Yasu. Yumi had made the right call since moments later Rei passed out. When Makoto reached the outskirts of the forest Mari was receiving medical treatment from Saeko. Ami ran to Rei. The babies by this time had been passed off to the protective inner circle that the adults had formed around the other children.
Makoto ran back in to help out and offer cover. Baen was still fighting alongside the others as Haruka became fatigued. She passed out from exertion and that was when Makoto removed her as battle shouts could be heard in the distance. Finally a woman came riding on a horse. She was tall and very voluptuous as her voice ran out clearly. "Stop! You aren't to kill them! Your task was not to kill! Pull back!" The woman shouted as she gained control of the many around them. "You! Take this!" She said as she tossed a letter down too Yumi "From here on out, You guys are on your own, I'm sorry!" As she road off a small bit of her hair came down from the black cover it was in.
Very few saw what the hair color was, but Yumi knew who was under that mask. The hair color was black as night, yet her eyes were loving. Inside the letter Yumi knew was a key bit of info. As she turned to the others she looked at the carnage created. It was detrimental how many lives had been taken. Yet even if Yumi didn't like it, it had to be done, this letter was proof that it was time to find the other Senshi. It was time to bring forth all of their power.
When she and the others walked back to the crowed she called all the Senshi aside. She held up the black envelope and spoke only one simple sentence. However to the others it spoke volumes. "The rise of the Neo Moon has finally come."
TBC!
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