I think it is obvious by now that I sadly do not own Sailor Moon
Thank you all for your subscriptions and reviews! You keep me inspired. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It is still the night of the concert and jumps to different perspectives, but I think it was necessary to view these angles. I also devote some time to my personal favorite senshi, Sailor Saturn. I play up to the innocent child in her, so to some she may seem a little OOC. I'm also continuing the whole Haruka/Michiru skepticism of allowing Saturn to live. They just can't stop loving Hotaru though. ^_^ I also threw in a refference to season one! Long time ago, right? Well remember Mamoru's job? He worked at a tv station as a kind of delivery guy catch all grunt worker. Yeah, poor guy is still there.)
Sometimes You Just Need to Believe Chapter 8
(Luna's Story)
Luna would have been fine spending the afternoon napping on Usagi's bed until she came home. But Usagi never came home from school that day. Artemis had come by around dinner time to inform her that the girls were all going to the Three Lights reunion concert. 'Yaten is back! But this is going to make the princess even more confused. This is not good,' Luna thought to herself. Artemis stayed with her for a few hours most of the time in an awkward silence. Now that Artemis had spoiled Luna's plans for the afternoon and gone and left her all alonewith her worries, Luna spent the rest of the night pacing. 'Usagi's curfew is extended to 11:00 on non-school nights. I hope she isn't going to be late. When the clock was showing that Usagi had only fifteen more minutes to get home, Luna perched herself on the windowsill, hoping that Usagi would be home soon. They had quite a bit to talk about.
(Usagi's Story)
Seiya and Usagi were sitting close to one another in the back seat on their way to drop her off at home.
"Was that message clear enough for you, Odango?" Seiya placed his arm around Usagi and smiled at her.
Usagi blushed and smiled.
"You are so beautiful when you play at being shy," Seiya teased.
"Oh, we're here already," Usagi sighed. "I was hoping we could have more time."
"Odango, I'm here whenever you need me."
Usagi leaned into Seiya. He was so warm and comfortable. 'This is NOT our prince! How can you do this to Endymion? You are terrible. Why did I come back as someone like you?' 'Maybe because you needed to grow up.' 'Like you could show me that!' 'Leave me alone!'
"Odango! Please, Odango! Open your eyes!"
Usagi blinked. "Seiya-chan?"
"Oh thank God." Seiya held Usagi tight to him. He was crying. "I thought I was going to need to take you to the hospital."
Usagi felt the pressure of his arms around her. It almost hurt with how close he was holding her. "I have to go inside, Seiya-chan."
"I know. I'm just happy that you're alright." Seiya loosened his grip so that Usagi could sit up properly. "Let me help you out at least."
"Thank you."
Seiya opened the door and stepped out of the limo. Then he reached his hand in to guide Usagi to the sidewalk. "Now then, come here Odango."
"Seiya-chan, you know we can't tell anyone about this."
"I know. I'm just happy we're together now." Seiya leaned in to kiss Usagi.
Usagi enveloped Seiya in her arms returning the kiss. 'This is not right you foolish girl.' 'Please leave me alone!'
Eventually the kiss ended and Usagi knew she had to go inside. "What about my school things?"
"I'll see that you get them. There's just one catch."
"What is that?"
"You'll get them when we go to the movies on Sunday," Saiya said smiling.
"Ok."
"Good."
Usagi pecked Seiya on the cheek and headed for the house.
"Oi, Odango."
Usagi turned around.
"You looked beautiful tonight."
Usagi blushed and turned back to the house.
"Usagi," Ikoku gasped as her daughter came in the door. "I knew you were going to a concert. I know I gave you money to buy a dress because you said it was an extra special occasion. A limo, Usagi! You got dropped off in a limo!"
"Yeah that. Well, I told you it was special," Usagi said twiddling her fingers.
"And just what is this?" Ikoku changed the tv to the local news station.
"And tonight the Three Lights surprised everyone with more than just their sudden reunion concert. Who exactly is this mystery woman they had with them? The question everyone is asking is who is she and what is her relationship to them? When asked the Three Lights would only say, and I quote Kou Seiya, "She's an old and trusted friend." End quote. Well whoever she is, she made a lot of women jealous tonight," the anchorwoman said.
Usagi looked down at her dress and knew she would have to explain.
"Young lady how do you know them? I'm a fan too and you never mentioned it to me! You'll have to invite them over for dinner," Her mother was rambling on faster than Usagi and Minako, well, almost faster. "Seiya said you were friends. You must know their favorite foods!"
"Wait a minute, mom." Usagi paused looking puzzled. "You're a secret fan?"
"Well, yes." Ikoku was blushing.
"I'll see what I can do. But mom, they don't like it when people invite them places and then get all star struck. Can you contain yourself?"
"Look who's talking! If they hate that so much then why are you such a close friend that you're in their limo?"
"To be honest mom, when I first met them I had no idea who they were, so I never acted that way really."
"How could you not know?"
"I just didn't that's all. They joined our class and all the girls went crazy. I want to go soak in the tub and get to bed. I'm going out with Mamo-chan tomorrow."
"Fine, hun. Goodnight then, Usagi." It wasn't until Ikoku heard the bath water running that she realized the necklace her daughter had been wearing. It looked expensive.
Usagi had undressed and was taking off her necklace when Luna approached her. She really did not want to deal with whatever the black cat had to say at the moment. "Luna, I'm going to take a bath and go to bed. Can whatever it is wait please?"
"Ok, Usagi." Luna was frustrated but refused to let it show. 'She'll come to me when she's ready. I just don't understand her lately.'
Usagi threw on her bathrobe and made sure she locked the bathroom door before drawing her bath. 'If I was on tv, on that station…That's where Mamo-chan works. What will I say to him? I can tell him the truth. Seiya wanted me to go with them as friends.' Usagi sank into the water blissfully.
(Mamoru's Story)
As Mamoru was carrying equipment for God only knows what, (it was a bunch of video clips from not too long ago. They run the same stuff over and over here) he saw one of the screens up in the studio. 'That's the live broadcast editing room. That's right, we're the station with exclusive live coverage of the concert Usako is at tonight. Maybe they'll scan the crowd and I can catch a glimpse of her and her friends. I hope Motoki said yes. The poor guy's been crushing on Makoto for over a year now. Makoto isn't really good with guys though…She scares them sometimes. Maybe they ended up inviting Naru instead.' As he started to continue on his way he saw they were just showing the grand entrance limo arrival. 'It will be a while before they star scanning the crowd. Wait a minute! Is that Usako coming out of the limo? Wow! Any minute the other girls will step out giggling no doubt.'
Hey, Mamoru, we need those clips! Can you hurry it up a little bit please," Mamoru's boss started yelling.
"Oh, right. Sorry," He said. Mamoru quickly turned his attention back to his work. The night went on as usual. In truth, Mamoru hated his job. 'At least it pays the bills.' If it were not for his scholarships he would end up in jobs like this for the rest of his life. Rather than dwelling on it he had decided long ago that he would keep focused on the big picture. When the night finally ended Mamoru went straight home. 'That's odd,' he thought as he stared at the answering machine waiting for it to blink. 'Usako usually calls me before she goes to bed. She even leaves messages around that time if I'm working late. She was probably just exhausted after the concert. Poor thing. Maybe I should think about making it dinner and not lunch tomorrow. There's no way she's going to be up for lunch without being completely spaced out.' Mamoru took his shower and dressed for bed. He set his alarm for 8:00am. On the weekends it felt nice to sleep in a little bit. He made sure to look at the picture of Usagi, Chibi-Usa, and himself before he rolled over and went to sleep. This was a nightly ritual of his.
Mamoru dreams were stronger than usual. It reminded him of when King Endymion had been sending him messages. Only this time, it was Princess Serenity. She was standing in his room at the foot of his bed. His room vanished and they were in the palace of the White Moon Kingdom. She did not seem like Usagi. She was more possessive. She came and clung to his arm with a tighter grip than Usagi ever did. This is when he realized that he was dressed as Prince Endymion.
"Oh, my love, is it not spectacular?"
'The princess' voice is different too. I just can't put my finger on why. Though as Prince Endymion this felt so much more familiar. It was better than being Mamoru. He had power. It is better than being near Usagi. Perhaps its just more passionate.'
"I can rebuild it with you, you know," the Princess said.
"That would be wonderful."
"I can set Elysion right as well. It would be exactly the same."
"Wait. I thought we were going to build our own paradise here."
"Any world is fine as long as you are with me. I only need a favor from you."
"Anything."
"Set me free."
"I thought we had. Aren't you already in control of the crystal? Aren't you alive and around us my beloved Usako?"
"Do not speak that name to me! That sniveling creature is not me and you know it Endymion."
"I don't understand."
"Of course they would have clouded you as well, my prince."
"Who?"
The palace exploded around them and the princess was gone. It was a void. Before him stood Sailors Pluto and Saturn, guarding a purple sphere of energy.
Mamoru sat up in his bed. 'What the hell was that?' "It was just a dream." Mamoru's chest felt heavy and yet empty somehow. Sweat was heavy on his brow. Glancing at his clock it was 7:50am. 'No point in going back to sleep now,' he thought as he crawled out of bed. "I still don't understand."
(Hotaru's Story)
'I think Setsuna-mama is fighting with Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa again. Its probably about me again. I know they fight about me a lot. I wish Chibi-Usa were here.' Hotaru grabbed onto her teddy bear and started to cry. She paused for a moment afraid that she needed to be silent. 'Someone's knocking on the door. "Setsuna-mama," she said looking up. "Are you and the others fighting about me again?"
"What would make you think that, sweetheart?"
"It just seems like you are avoiding them and they're avoiding you. Usually when that happens they're mad about me being here."
"No. They are never mad that you, Hotaru, is here. They are just afraid of Sailor Saturn. They don't quite understand that you aren't bad when you're like that."
"Right, but why don't they understand?"
"Its hard to explain. Just know that they love you."
"I know."
Setsuna kissed Hotaru on her forehead and left the room.
'Now even Setsuna-mama doesn't want to see me.' Tears were falling freely from her at this point. Not even her teddy seemed to bring her comfort. 'Chibi-Usa! I wish you were here with me! I really need you right now! I don't understand what's happening. I'm scared.' She clutched the teddy bear tighter. There was another knock at the door. 'Its Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa.'
Haruka and Michiru entered the room and closed the door behind them.
Michiru looked at the tear-stricken face on Hotaru. 'What did Setsuna say to her that made her cry so?' Michiru took a seat beside Hotaru and offered her hand. Hotaru leaned into her lap crying.
Haruka remained standing stoically by the bed with her hands in her pockets. "Hotaru, what happened?"
'Haruka-papa is concerned about me! She really does love me! Setsuna-mama had not lied just to make me feel better,' thought Hotaru. "I was crying so she came in and asked why. I had thought you were all fighting about me again. I just can't stand it when you do." She clung harder onto Michiru.
Haruka knelt down next to the bed. "And what did she tell you?"
"She told me that you all loved me and were not fighting about me," Hotaru answered between sobs. "I don't know why, but I think she's the one who doesn't like me anymore! All I want now is Chibi-Usa. I know I can't have her here with me. She belongs in the future. I know how selfish it sounds. But I'm just so…" Hotaru fell off the bed into Haruka and cried even harder. "I don't want anyone to fight because of me!"
Haruka placed her arms around the small child. "Its ok, we do love you." 'What am I saying? This girl can bring about the end to everything and I'm telling her I love her. I know I like the kid, but…I can't understand why?'
Hotaru's sobs died down some. Michiru took this opportunity to place her hands on the girl's shoulders, they were bared by her night shirt whick was a simple tank top. A flash came though on the contact. By the look on her face Haruka knew she had seen something too. 'Even Hotaru's mind has been clouded. Whatever she is up to, Setsuna covered her tracks well.' "Feeling better, little one?"
"Yes, thank you," Hotaru paused. "Can I sleep with you two tonight?"
Haruka and Michiru exchanged confused glances. "Sure, I think that's ok," Haruka said.
"You go on in and get settled in the middle," Michiru said. "We'll be along in a few minutes."
"Thank you!" Hotaru was very relieved. She kissed both of them on the cheek and clutching her teddy she ran to their room.
Haruka and Michiru left the room and hand-in-hand they stepped on to the balcony making sure they closed the door behind them.
"What did you see, Michiru?"
"I did not see anything exactly. All I know is if Hotaru is with Setsuna on this she has no idea about it. Her mind is a complete haze."
"So Setsuna knew we'd suspect her to be a part of it. I say for once let's be the ones protecting her."
"Something is certainly tearing her apart."
"For now all we can do is wait and see."
"Let's go inside."
They found Hotaru sound asleep facing Haruka's side of the bed. The women changed for bed and held hands atop Hotaru's small frame.
(Setsuna's Story)
She could hear the sobs and the mumbles of a conversation. 'Hotaru please do not discover things too soon. If you do then I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you.' Setsuna had changed and was sitting on her bed once more staring into her talisman. As far as she could see, everything was going to design. Nothing was out of place. 'They went to Mars as I expected. There will be no chance of any of them denying the truth once her schooling is finished. That is good because we need Mars to have the skills. It is Haruka and Michiru who could throw everything off course. It will only be a few weeks before Hotaru finds out. Saturn will do her job, of that I am sure. She will do it well. We cannot set Serenity free until she learns to control herself. Part of that is accepting that the body that holds her is NOT her. She has to allow Usagi to live her own life with or without Mamoru.' She put away her talisman. 'Please everyone do your part. Please do not destroy it all!'
(Seiya's Story)
The limo pulled away leaving Seiya to his thoughts. 'A secret romance.' He chuckled softly. "This would make a great song, if it were not a true secret, of course. The last thing I want is to hurt Odango.' When he finally arrived at the apartment Yaten and Taiki were sitting on the sofa like parents would sit waiting for a child who was late for curfew. "What guys?"
"Oh we just wanted to know if you had made any headway regarding the alliance," Taiki said.
"Or did you just have a nice little date?" Yaten was smiling smugly.
"Hey, we all know she's mulling it over, don't we? I mean Pluto told her about everything," Seiya replied in his defense.
"And has she discussed it with the others? Surely Princess Serenity will not make her decision on her own," Taiki said.
"She didn't exactly listen to anyone when she was fighting Galaxia. And we all know who won that battle," Seiya said arrogantly.
"That may be true, but still," Yaten added.
"This is only two kingdoms! She did not listen to anything or anyone but her own heart when she was defending the entire galaxy! What makes you think she won't follow her heart again," Seiya shouted.
"Its her following her heart that worries us,Seiya," Taiki said.
"And yours as well," Yaten added
"Serenity is bound to Endymion. You are well aware of this," Taiki said.
"But Odango is not!" Seiya slammed his fist into the wall. The blow was so hard it knocked a picture down nearby. "I'm taking my shower and going to bed if you two don't mind judging me behind my back instead of pestering me," Seiya turned for the bathroom.
"I think we're going to have to step up for this to get anywhere, don't you Taiki?"
"More than likely. I'll speak with Ami after school on Monday."
"I'd talk to Minako but she's so infatuated with me I don't think we'd get anything done."
"And you're complaining oh so much about that."
"I think I'll try and talk to Haruka and Michiru. They're the hard ones to talk to. They're stubborn and really hate Seiya."
"You know you'll just end up spending time with Minako and we both know it. You love the attention that girl gives you."
"And what about you going off with Ami?"
"That's entirely different! She's calm and has a level head. She will listen carefully and pay attention."
"You're still excited that its going to be her. Its written all over your face. You know you should learn how to hide it so you can enjoy it more. Take me for example…"
"Here we go again."
"What? Just sit back and take in all the attention for a change. Or are you afraid you'll never attract the same kind of attention that I do?"
"I'm going to bed. You can bask in your ego alone and uninterrupted."
"I was bored talking to you anyway."
Seiya had finished his shower and throwing on a pair of boxers he hopped onto his bed. He had framed the letter. HER letter. He had it displayed on his night table. He enjoyed looking at it before he went to sleep. 'The guys are right to worry. They don't know about the other part of the mission. The second alliance I am trying to get. Princess Kakyuu must have an heir. She trusts me to ensure that. Only a female of royal blood can use the powers of a kingdom's queen or princess. Princess Kakyuu would soon be crowned as queen. I hope she can find a suitor, but it is an honor that she has assigned me this task. I cannot let her down. Odango taught me that. I can't say that Sailor Saturn did not help with that, though. Such power for a child. But in the end, Odango proved it to be true. I'll never give up.' Seiya curled up and fell fast asleep