I still do not own Sailor Moon and I am still sad about it. =(
(I want to thank you all again for reading and reviewing. This was a hard chapter for me to write. I did not trust my instincts at first but in the end I decided that like with most art, your first impulse is usually the right one. I hope it is. Regardless I hope you all enjoy it. I will write some more tomorrow and hope to post it as well. For now I am still using the story POVs. I rather like it and it allows for more depth for each character. Let me know if I'm right or if its just annoying, ok. ^_^ )
Sometimes You Just Need to Believe Chapter 9
(Usagi's Story)
Usagi hit the snooze button for what she thought was the fourth or fifth time. 'Why did I agree to lunch after a concert?'
"Usagi," an annoying voice called from down the hall.
"Shingo! What do you want?"
"That Mamoru guy is on the phone for you."
"Oh, thanks." Usagi picked up her phone. "Shingo, you can hang up now." Usagi waited to hear the click to make sure her brother was not eavesdropping. "Mamo-chan, I'm sorry. I just can't seem to get myself going this early."
"That's ok. I figured as much. Why don't we make it dinner instead of lunch then Usako? I have something I want to talk to you about."
"Is something wrong?"
"Not exactly."
"I'll get dressed and come over. You sound so serious Mamo-chan."
"No, you get your rest. We can talk for a while if you like."
"Ok." 'Is he upset about the limo?'
"I saw some of the concert coverage last night. It was nice of the Three Lights to invite you girls to come in the limo with them. I only saw you come out before my boss called for me."
"Oh about that, Mamo-chan. Mako-chan and the others were going to go shopping for outfits and go invite Motoki. I didn't have any allowance money left (its not technically a lie) so I did not go with them. But then Rei ran off. I met up with the Three Lights later and wound up being asked if I'd like to ride in the limo with them as a good friend."
"I see."
"The media keeps calling me 'The Mystery Woman' or some such nonsense. Such a fuss. Everyone said I was an old trusted friend. I met up with the girls at the show and Mamo-chan, Mako-chan didn't chicken out! She asked Motoki to come and he did! He even had his arm around her during the show! Mako-chan's cheeks turned so red. You should have seen it!"
"Usako, you certainly seem to be waking up. Let's meet by the fountain at the park. I'll take you anywhere you want to go for lunch."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I'll run all the way there." 'You see I will always win.'
Usagi could not even reply to Serenity this time. It was as though she was not even there.
Later on at the park, Mamoru had seated himself on a bench by the fountain. As he waited for Usako he saw her out of the corner of his eye. 'Serenity? The princess is approaching me.'
"Mamo-chan are you in there?" Usagi was waving her hand in front of Mamoru's face.
"Oh yes," he replied. As soon as he had acknowledged her presence the overpowering image of Serenity dissipated. "So what would you like for lunch?"
"I really just want to grab a burger and milkshake over at Crown Parlor if that's ok. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I get to be with you, Mamo-chan."
'Something's different with her. She woke up so much right when I mentioned changing our plans. Her voice sounds different somehow, and yet the same. Her face looks like it is struggling to keep a relaxed look about it.' "Usako, are you ok?"
"Of course." A strange smile curled up on her lips. It was unlike anything Mamoru had ever seen on Usagi's face, yet it had no malice. It looked like the princess' smile from his dream. Usagi latched herself on to Mamoru's arm.
"Not so tightly, Usako. I'm not going to run away."
"Oh, right," Usagi laughed nervously.
Arm in arm they walked toward the small restaurant.
Across the street walked Seiya. He had somehow managed to look normal enough to avoid a commotion so far. 'Is that her over there?' He was ready to call out to her he saw who's arm she was latched onto. 'I know I can't say anything…But why?' Seiya's heart physically hurt. 'Is this what love does? Does it only hurt when you can't have it, or can't shout it out?' A figure turned from Usagi. The face glared at him. It did not really do anything to him or even say anything to him. It simply made him feel alone. More alone than he had ever felt in his entire life.
'This is my chance. She's turned her attention. I can be me again.' 'No. We are staying here. You will listen to me.' 'Leave me alone! I'm out with Mamo-chan aren't I? What more do you want?' 'I want you to go away.'
"Usako! Usako!"
Everything simply went black.
Usagi awoke to find herself in a hospital bed. At first she had only known because of the noises the machines were making. Opening her eyes hurt.
"Usako, you're awake!" Mamoru clasped onto Usagi's hand. "You grabbed your head and collapsed to the ground. You hit your head pretty badly. The doctor is checking your scans now. They think you might have a concussion."
"Oh," Usagi said as she tried to sit up.
"No, don't get up, Usako. You need to rest until the doctor comes back."
"Mamo-chan, do you think two people can coexist…I mean…Is it possible that…I think Serenity is…"
"What? You think Serenity is what?"
"Its probably nothing."
"Have you been dreaming too?"
"What? No. Not unless I dream when I'm awake."
The doctor came into the room. "Ahh, Miss Stukino, glad to see that you are awake. Your scans all came out ok. There is no damage. I just want to know about your collapse. Did your head hurt?"
Usagi shook her head no.
"Ok, did you get dizzy or light-headed," the doctor asked.
"Well I know I felt light-headed," Usagi said.
"Ok, is your stress level alright," the doctor asked.
"No worse than usual." Usagi laughed on the inside. 'If he only knew!'
"Are you eating and sleeping properly?" The doctor was now looking at her like a father would look at a child.
Usagi nodded her head.
Well for now all I can recommend is that you take one of these vitamins every day. These light-headed spells can sometimes be caused by an imbalance in your diet even if you think you are eating well. If they continue after two weeks I'll have to ask that you see me in my office or that you see your own doctor, ok?" The doctor handed Usagi a bottle of pills. "You have a dedicated friend here. He never left your side." He turned his focus to Mamoru. "You see to it that she gets home safely."
"Of course," Mamoru said.
A few moments later the nurse came in and began disconnecting Usagi from the machines. Knowing how she hated needles, Mamoru made sure to hold her hand fast as the IV was removed. When all was finished, the nurse and Mamoru left the room so that Usagi could change back into her regular clothes in privacy.
Usagi changed quickly and met with Mamoru outside her door. 'See, our prince cares for us.' 'I never doubted that. I'm just…I just don't know if its what I want.'
"Usako, let me walk you home." Mamoru offered his hand.
They walked in an uncomfortable silence the entire way to Usagi's house. It felt almost as though a barrier had been placed between them.
'I do love him,' Usagi thought to herself. 'He's always there for me. He takes care of me. I look up to him like a…oh no! I love him like…like a…brother? Is this what I've been feeling this whole time?' Usagi waited for Serenity to pop up but was grateful for the silence and clarity in her head for a change. 'How could I ever tell him this? First a secret voice in my head, then a secret romance. Now this! Its too much!'
'Mamoru looked down at Usagi as they walked. 'She's so sweet and lovable. I love her. I just worry about her so much. I always want to be there for her. I feel a bit like her…oh no…that can't be right, can it? Is this how an older brother loves his sister?'
Neither wanted to share their thoughts with the other. Seeing Usagi's house was a Godsend. The weight seemed to instantly lifted. They hugged each other awkwardly and pecked each other on the cheek. Neither could look the other in the eye.
They parted and Usagi walked to her door. She turned and looked at Mamoru. "Call me to let me know you got home ok, Mamo-chan."
"Of course." Mamoru stepped out into the night feeling confused and utterly unsure of himself.
(Rei's Story)
Rei woke up early as usual to perform her chores at the temple. Just as she finished sweeping the clearing she saw Haruka and Michiru with Hotaru in tow coming up the steps. 'That's certainly an unusual combination.'
Hotaru ran up and gave Rei a hug. "Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama said I could come if I was quiet. Can I stay please, Rei-san?"
"Of course, Hotaru-chan," Rei replied in confusion.
"Haruka has agreed to keep a close eye on her to see that she behaves," Michiru said calmly.
"She also understands that she cannot talk to Setsuna about any of this. Last night Setsuna said or did something that scared her," Haruka said as she watched the little girl chase after crows who were not high in the treetops. "Whatever Setsuna is up to, if Hotaru is a part of it, she has no idea about it. We'll stay out here so you can concentrate. Rei, listen to her well."
"Of course," Rei said nodding to Haruka.
Together Rei and Michiru walked to the shrine and sacred flame.
"Ok, we're going to start this off slow." Michiru looked into Rei's eyes. "I do not care, nor will I ask about your current skill level. What you know will come through so you do not need to bother me with it. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"We'll begin with an easy subject. I want you to pick one of your friends. Usagi is not an option for this. Who will it be?"
"Ami-chan."
"Alright. Keep Ami and Sailor Merury firmly in your mind. Nothing is to override them."
"Them?"
"No questions, remember?"
"Of course. I am sorry."
"Focus into the fire on them and tell me what you see."
Rei closed her eyes and embedded the images of Ami and Sailor Mercury in her mind as though they were standing side-by-side. When they were firmly there Rei opened her eyes and gazed into the flames. Ami was normal. She was feeling shyness and a crush flowing from Ami. None of this was a surprise since she knew how Ami felt about Taiki. Moving on to Sailor Mercury…Wait,there were two Sailor Mercuries! One was protecting Usagi and the other was protecting Princess Serenity. That was not the Serenity Rei knew, but she recognized her. That was the Serenity who had spoken to her last night. Feeling light-headed, Rei broke her gaze.
"Well?"
"Everything with Ami-chan was no different than I had expected. Sailor Mercury on the other hand is a whole different story. There were two of her. One was guarding Usagi and the other was guarding the princess."
"That's odd that there would be two of them. Anything else?"
"Usagi and the princess were nothing alike. Michiru I should tell you about the concert."
"What about it?"
"Well, I sat next to Usagi. I should have waited for your instructions, I know, but I looked at her aura."
"And what did you see?"
"The princess turned to me and asked me to free her. She said that she would reward me."
"I see."
"She was nothing like Usagi, yet a part of me felt more at ease with this princess. Something far in the back of my mind."
"I think we will call it a day now. Rei, I want you to meditate on what you saw. With a clear mind I will visit tomorrow. We'll be making things a bit harder. I will be choosing your subject, alright?"
"Of course," Rei said bowing respectfully.
"Meditate with a stillness you have never reached before."
"I will."
"Haruka and I expect to see great things from you," Michiru praised. "You know she'll never admit that though."
Rei giggled. Haruka admitting that the two of them would ever need anyone other than themselves would be like Yaten calling himself ugly. Neither was likely to happen that was certain. Rei led Michiru back out to catch Haruka chasing Hotaru around playfully.
"Let's go then," Michiru said.
Rei watched the three of them disappear down the temple steps. 'What is with them?'
(Michiru's Story)
Leaving the shrine hand in hand with Haruka who's other hand was held by Hotaru. Michiru looked to her love. "Haruka, can we go to the aquarium now?"
"The aquarium! I get to see the fish! I'd love to go! May I come too please?" Hotaru looked up at Haruka doe-eyed.
"It could be educational for us all, Haruka," Michiru said.
Judging by her tone, Haruka knew Rei must have found a piece of the puzzle, or at least was closing in on it. She knelt down to Hotaru so she could look the child in the eyes. "You know it is a quiet place. You can't go running off. But I think if you can be quiet and stay close you'll enjoy it."
"Ok, Haruka-papa!" Hotaru jumped up hugging her 'papa' tight.
Haruka smiled in spite of herself. Michiru noticed and held her hand to her face to keep from laughing. Haruka stood upright again and the three of them finished climbing down the stairs and climbed into Haruka's car. The parking garage near the aquarium was not too crowded. Haruka placed the ticket on the dashboard and helped Hotaru out of the car. Michiru walked over and made no effort to contain her laugh this time.
"What?" Haruka had not noticed how, well, how caring she was being to the little girl.
"You're just a sweet 'papa' that's all." Michiru smiled at Hotaru and Haruka.
Hotaru smiled up at both of them. The three of them headed inside. Once Hotaru was preoccupied with some of the sights in the saltwater tank, Haruka and Michiru perched themselves against a wall in sight of her.
"I take it she's on to something," Haruka said.
"She read Usagi's aura at the concert…"
"And?"
"It would appear that the princess is not like Usagi, or something worse."
"You think a new enemy has taken her mind?"
"I don't know. She read Ami and Sailor Mercury in the fire."
"I'll bet she questioned you on that one. Are you such a harsh teacher?" Haruka flashed Michiru a flirtatious and loving smile.
"She said Ami was normal, but that there were two Sailor Mercuries."
"Two? How?"
"I don't know, but one protected Usagi while the other protected this princess who is unlike Usagi."
"Things are getting interesting again aren't they?"
"I fear for Hotaru. If Setsuna is going to use Sailor Saturn for something…"
"It won't matter. We have one job to do, and you know that."
"I know." Michiru tried as hard as she could, but a few tears still managed to fall onto her cheeks.
Haruka leaned in and kissed one salty cheek. "We're in this together."
"As always."
(Seiya's Story)
After the incident on the street, Seiya decided to head home. Yaten was in female form making notations as she played around on her keyboard. She was obviously working on a new song. Taiki's door was shut. Seiya waved at his sister as he headed for his room. He had just opened the door when Yaten called out to him. "There's a letter for you."
"Thanks," Seiya answered. He looked down and saw the letter laid on his bed.
Yaten placed her hand on her brother's shoulder. Its from Princess Kakyuu. We all got one."
"I'll go read it now." Seiya walked into his room closing the door behind him.
Yaten shrugged and went back to her keyboard.
Seiya sat down on his bed and opened the letter.
My loyal Fighter,
Things are going well here at home. I do get lonely though. The new recruits you all picked out are making progress every day. I know it has not been that long for it to matter. It is just that they feel as though they cannot approach me freely as you do. I asked if Sailor Galaxia could see to it that this letter found you. We can communicate through her. If you wish it come to me, she will hear you.
I still have not mentioned the potential for a union to the others. Sailor Galaxia contacts Sailor Pluto every day and she still sees no change in the time line so I think we can still proceed as we had planned on this matter. Even if the union is not successful, I want you to have fun. I trust that you will secure the alliance, but I so wish for the union, if only for your happiness.
Please write to me often so I know how things are going for you.
With all my love,
Princess Kakyuu
'What do I tell her? I need to sleep on it. I'll write her after I see Odango tomorrow. I can't wait to see her. Seiya fell over on his bed to see the framed letter and drifted off to sleep.
(Ok, so I went with my instincts on that bit with Usagi and Mamoru, as well as making Haruka and Michiru begining to care for Hotaru as a person. More will come as soon as possible. I promise! I hope you enjoyed it!)