I still own nothing and am a lowly fanfiction writer…Please don't sue me. ^_^
(Ok, I told you this would be longer. I was right. I'm not sure how many words I'm at but I've used up almost twice the number of notebook pages front and back than in any other chapter so it should be a lot. I am growing Hotaru to be complete. She will become one with Hotaru, Saturn, and Hotaru-hime. My hope is that the change is understood given her mission. She is my favorite character and I have always thought that if she were to become FULLY aware of the knowledge she has gained over countless lifetimes (I use the assumption that she has always been born and reborn even before Serenity was brought back in Usagi since someone has to be in charge of death and reincarnation) this is what she would be like. I also answer the question of what Haruka will do when it is confirmed…well almost. I did end the chapter before the final outcome but it would have gone on a lot longer and I wanted to split it so I could post for you all. ^_^ I will warn that there is some non-graphic yuri. I know some of my readers aren't into it but I gave Haruka and Michiru a little time to be affectionate. I absolutely adore them as a couple and I find them to be role-models for the lesbian community. Anywho, here goes with probably my most daring and potentially OOC chapter yet. Happy reading!)
Sometimes You Just Need to Believe Chapter 23
The Starlights, Usagi, and Kakyuu all managed to find their way back to the apartment without further incident. Somewhere along the way they had managed to de-transform, but everywhere they went people seemed to be in a state of panic. Lines out of hardware and grocery stores were flowing into the crowded streets of Tokyo. Whatever the reason, they decided that getting home first would be their number one priority. At least then they could be sure they were safe.
Mamoru heard the key slip into the lock. He and Setsuna remained seated but at the ready, just in case. When Yaten came in the pair eased and Mamoru placed a hand on Setsuna's. If Usagi noticed she never let on. They all seemed out of breath and Usagi and Seiya bore a few scrapes to their knees and arms like they had fallen down.
Usagi led Kakyuu to her room without a word and loaned her a pair of white Capri pants and a red shirt with pink and white hearts spackled onto it in a random pattern. Now at least Kakyuu could walk around without drawing too much attention to herself.
When Usagi and Kakyuu joined the group in the living room they were just in time to see Mamoru turn on the local news. It seemed that they would be streaming non-stop for something VERY big.
"We have more news regarding the local arisen attack at the first street park in the Jouban district. Eyewitnesses are giving consistent reports of several individuals fighting in, and I quote, "A superhero manner." The fire has been contained but it is still burning. The park will be closed until further notice. One of the persons of interest eluded police but managed to say "I am Serenity-hime. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you will know peace." The anchorwoman paused to find her breath as she was handed a new stack of papers. Her eyes grew wide and fearful in spite of her years of training as a journalist. This just in, we have the latest update on the yet un-named typhoon heading straight for central Japan. The National Weather Association says that it has jumped to a category four storm and is gaining strength despite high pressure that should be causing wind shear to tear it apart. Because this storm is behaving so differently than any other we have seen in the past, we are encouraging all citizens to seek shelter inland wherever possible. We will have a list of shelters up for you as soon as we receive them. The scouting plane that last went in to collect information on the storm went missing just six minutes after confirming the wind speeds. Weather forecasters are fearful that despite the odds, this storm will only increase. We can also confirm that reports spread online of the earthquake to hit the western United States, are in fact true. The quake was massive but like ours, there are no measurements. The earthquake raised several volcanic warnings, specifically in Washington State at Mount Saint Helens and Mount Baker. If you will remember the last eruption of Mount Saint Helens over twenty-five years ago blanketed the prominent city of Seattle in ash for days. These zones are under massive mandatory evacuations but the biggest fear is the super volcano as far east as Yellowstone National Park. As many of you know this particular volcano is estimated to have enough of a destructive force to majorly effect the entire world, though in specific manners scientists are at odds as to what exactly would happen should it erupt. The park has been closed and surrounding areas have been evacuated. Many Americans are seeking shelter in Canada and camps are being made up throughout the northern territories to try and accommodate the number of people. One thing the world has also seen on the rise is faith. With all of the natural disasters, people of all faiths are flocking to churches, temples, and mosques throughout the world. Religious leaders are fearful that cults may rise up in all this and urge you to stick to religious leaders you already know and trust. Again we urge you to take precautions regarding the coming storm by stocking up on canned foods, evacuating beachfront areas, making sure you have battery op…" Mamoru turned off the television.
"Is THIS what was inside of me?" Usagi brought her hands to her face in horror. "My friends protected me because of HER! I have the power to destroy the world like this!?! It stretches beyond even Hotaru's grasp! Why didn't you all just kill me? How could you let me live with such a power?" Her tears were flowing strong. Seiya tried to put his arms around Usagi but she shirked away from his touch. He tried to hide the pain it caused him, but everyone could see it.
"Usako, you're nothing like Serenity!" Mamoru stood up and came close to Usagi. "You never thought to use the crystal like that. You are better and stronger than serenity."
Usagi stood and looked at Mamoru intensely. "Do you really believe that, Mamo-chan?"
"With my entire being," Mamoru replied.
Usagi allowed Mamoru to hug her in a friendly, but tight embrace. Gently Mamoru guided Usagi back onto the sofa and into Seiya's welcoming arms which locked around her tightly.
"Seiya-chan, you're not afraid of me?" Her eyes were pleading with him. They pierced his very soul. It was almost painful to see the way she was looking at him.
"Odango, the woman I know and love would NEVER become the tyrant Serenity is," Seiya said. He kissed her hand tenderly and smiled at the surprise on her face.
"Usagi-chan, I would sooner swear my allegiance to you any day over Serenity-hime," Setsuna said. "You are greater than she has ever been. I am sorry that I am eternally bound to her and her bloodline only." Setsuna lowered her head.
"Knowing what I know now I can't say that I blame her, though," Usagi said. Nobody seemed surprised. They had all gotten used to her sympathizing with anyone she could. "Maybe she would be kinder if I just gave in and helped her rebuild the kingdoms. She grew up without her mother. Her father was busy running a kingdom and then was stricken with dementia at an early age leaving her to run the kingdom alone. The one she loved she was not allowed to be with. When they defied the odds and made a relationship it sparked a war. She watched her love die defending her. Its enough to make anyone bitter and full of pain."
"Usagi-chan," Luna said. "You have suffered many of these things and some worse, yet you still find compassion in your heart for those who would destroy us. That is what sets you apart from Serenity-hime so much."
"That is the person who never gave up on even Galaxia," Taiki added.
"Or Hotaru and Nehellania," Setsuna chimed in.
"Or my Shitennu and myself. You even found it in your heart to forgive the Black Moon Clan and wept for both Saphir and Diamondo even after what he put you through." Mamoru's eyes flashed with a hatred Seiya had never seen in him before.
'Who is this Black Moon Clan and what did Saphir and Diamondo do to Odango,' Seiya thought.
"You also forgave Ail and An," Mamoru said smiling once more.
"I have to say even I don't doubt you anymore," Yaten said with a wink.
"You are more than worthy, and more than capable of defeating Serenity." Kakyuu smiled widely at Usagi.
Usagi smiled back and tried to make herself believe what her friends had said. That's when it dawned on her. "Guys, Mako-chan wasn't with them! That means she's still safe! We have to warn her!"
"It could be a trap," Luna warned. "We could try her on the communicator, but I don't think she should know where we are just yet."
Makoto was sitting across from Motoki enjoying a simple but tasty meal. They had gone to a tiny little restaurant Motoki swore by. It wasn't much to look at and probably could only seat fifteen people or so, but the food was amazing. They had ordered a lover's sample of tempura chicken and vegetables. The dipping sauce was a closely guarded secret, though Makoto thought she could identify most of the spices. Years of cooking experience could give you that talent.
Playfully the couple were feeding each other bites of food. Suddenly a news bulletin caught their attention from the little wall-mounted television. It was about the typhoon. It was only a few minutes later that Makoto heard the familiar sound of her communicator ringing. Thankfully it sounded like a cell phone. "Motoki-kun, I need to take this call. Let me step outside for just a minute."
"Whatever you need, Mako-chan."
Makoto slipped into an empty alleyway next to the restaurant. She saw who's signal it was calling her. "What's going on, Usagi?"
"Mako-chan, Serenity left my body!"
"What!?!"
"She's bent on restoring Elysion and the Moon Kingdom back the way they were. She's controlling Minako-chan, Ami-chan, and Rei-chan. I need you to avoid her at all costs. Can you do that for me?"
"Yeah, I'll see if Motoki-kun will let me stay with him. His apartment is further inland than mine so the typhoon will make a good excuse."
"Good."
"Are you safe, Usagi-chan?"
"Yeah, I'm not going to stay in any one location for too long in case she finds out where I am. I suggest you do the same."
"Ok, I'll keep in touch."
"Once a day, around noon or so, let's say you call me on the communicator. If I stop hearing from you, I'll assume she got you too."
"Sounds like a plan. Usagi-chan, please stay safe. If anyone can stop her its you." Makoto ended the transmission to go rejoin Motoki. 'To protect Usagi-chan I can't know where she is. If I know and I get caught too…"
Hotaru sat quietly at the Gates of Time with Helios opposite her. The question Hotaru was trying to answer was HOW could she bring the Shitennu back. Sure, she could access the Underworld, she knew she had done it before as Sailor Saturn. She had seen it in her recreation of history. But the Shitennu had no bodies to speak of and that posed a huge problem.
Helios studied his quiet companion. She seemed like her mind was consuming her. "Tell me your thoughts," He said breaking her concentration.
"I'm trying to figure out how to raise the Shitennu to help us in the fight."
"Can you really do such a thing?"
"Just as you can pass freely through dreams, I can pass through the realms of the dead. What we bring out must be justified to maintain the balance."
Helios nodded in complete understanding.
"It is just a matter of physical bodies. They have none to be restored to them. They all returned to stones…That's it!" Hotaru jumped up.
Helios watched as the child before him paced around deep in thought.
"Don't you see? If we can obtain their stones, well not theirs specifically since they all evaporated, but new stones to bind them to to aid in the resurrection! Now how to allow the stones to become flesh once more is another issue altogether."
"At least it's a start," Helios said. 'She's good.'
"Helios, can I ask you something?" Hotaru felt Saturn's courage. She was becoming one being within herself. No longer could she feel the separation. It was fading fast.
"Anything."
"If you weren't already in love with Chibi-Usa-chan…"
"You are a beautiful person." Helios blushed a little. "If I were not in love with my wonderful Maiden, I would like to see where we might go."
"Thank you." Hotaru felt a surge of energy through her body. The union was complete. Suddenly her clothing changed to the violet and black gown of the crowned princess of Saturn. Her tiara was that of Sailor Saturn's though the central jewel held a black onyx Saturn symbol encased within the amethyst.
"What just happened?"
"I accepted myself for all that I am. Tomoe Hotaru, Saturn, Hotaru-hime, all are one."
"Why did it happen? And How?"
"I think it happened because I finally accepted it and allowed it to. Tomoe Hotaru would never have had the courage to ask you what I did a few minutes ago, I found the courage deep within the core of Saturn."
"You're just full of surprises." Helios smiled. He really did like this girl. She was a good person to love and protect his Maiden.
The two of them laughed and smiled together as if they had known one-another for years.
"So, Hotaru, when do we tell the others about your idea?"
"Something else is in order first." Hotaru waved her hand and her glaive appeared in all it's glory. It shone brighter than it ever did for Sailor Saturn and in the center of the two blades was what looked like a Pure Heart Crystal encasing her violet Star Seed. With a gentle sway of the weapon of death, a window opened up. "I won't be long, but I must close the window so none cross the threshold unjustly. I am sure you understand."
"Of course," Helios nodded in understanding. Though usually dreams coming to the real world did not cause the problems leaving the door of the dead could pose wide open.
"If the Shitennu are willing, we will find a way to bring them back. Should Setsuna-san come, please ask her to wait for me. I'll need her to relay my message." With those last words, Hotaru leapt through the gateway and it sealed up behind her almost instantly.
Helios stared in amazement. 'How many lifetimes of wisdom are held by Hotaru?' Though her body had not aged one bit, her eyes appeared as an elderly sage who held the greatest wisdom for those who were willing to listen and learn. Helios was reminded of the loneliness of the Guardian of Death. He had never really known loneliness like that. He always had the Maenads to talk to when he felt alone. How many times had those kind friends of his reminded him that he would see his Maiden again one day? 'What kind of dreams does Death have? Perhaps I can give her her greatest dream as a gift. I would imagine it would be a full life with no need to unleash her destructive power. Perhaps she could have children. This dream would have to be a masterpiece.
Helios allowed his thoughts to drift once more to his Maiden. How loyal she had been, never once revealing his secrets and always believing in him. 'Every day brings us closer.' Helios smiled warmly and allowed himself to daydream. Vivid dreaming was the one gift he allowed himself to use selfishly. In his dreams he could always be with his Maiden. Today would be no different. He was in a flower garden and could already smell her sweet scent. The pomegranate shampoo and tea tree oil body wash, with the light dusting of lavender talcum powder always let him know she was near. As she came into view he knew once more that she was perfect, and Helios was in his own personally created Heaven.
"There's nothing to indicate that Setsuna's been here," Haruka said without even trying to hide her frustration.
"Ruka," Michiru asked in a serious tone. Doesn't your cell have a GPS tracker in it?"
"Yeah, I'd better switch out the sim card with the old model. I'm glad we never got around to recycling it yet."
"Do you think the beach house is a likely spot, or would she have retreated to the Gates of Time?"
"She's someplace near Koneko-chan. I just know it. She is keeping as close an eye on her as possible."
"Isn't Usagi-chan staying with the Starlights?"
"I guess we need to look them up. Try calling her on the communicator."
"She needs constant guards."
"We'll still have one hell of a time trying to convince them that we trust Setsuna again."
"I know, Ruka." Michiru slipped her arms around Haruka's waist and kissed the back of her neck.
Haruka's skin tingled with excitement. She loved it when Michiru kissed her neck so tenderly, her warm breath blowing against her skin. "Michiru," Haruka whispered almost moaning.
"Shh…Right now I just want to enjoy you." Michiru raised herself to her toes to nuzzle deeper into Haruka's neck. She mixed her soft kisses with playful nips. As Haruka's breathing grewe heavier Michiru stepped back to remove her lover's jacket.
Haruka turned herself to the beautiful aqua-haired goddess to whom her heart belonged and pressed her lips to her. Michiru returned the kiss but allowed Haruka to take control. When Haruka's tongue slid across her lips Michiru complied and allowed her entry. Their tongues danced to a song yet to be written. As the kisses grew deeper, Haruka guided Michiru to the couch. Haruka moved her kisses down to Michiru's neck and playfully nipped at her ears. When Michiru begged for more with a moan of pleasure and a tug at Haruka's short blond locks, Haruka wasted no time in removing her lover's blouse. Michiru responded by leaning forward and hastily unbuttoning Haruka's shirt. The two eventually were intertwined and making love like a symphony. It was always like that between the two of them. Their lovemaking had always been their own personal song. It was pure and beautiful, just like them.
Hotaru stared into the abyss that was the Well of Souls. This was not her destination, but it was good to check on it. The well was where souls were born. When the well ceases to produce new souls for the universe it is said that the end of all worlds is fast approaching. Seeing that souls were plentiful and more were being born, Hotaru nodded in approval and continued on her way. There were many areas in the Underworld and each had it's basis in one faith or another. Hotaru allowed her heart to guide her. It had always worked for Usagi, it should work for her as well. "Valhalla," she said with confidence. "They are soldiers, after all. Valhalla makes perfect sense."
The mere thought of Valhalla placed Hotaru at the gates. The Valkyries were poised for attack until they recognized the sovereign who reigned over all of the Underworlds.
"Hotaru-hime," the Valkyries said in unison as they knelt in humility to honor Hotaru. Each held her bow in her right hand and sat it upright at her side as they placed their right fist over their hearts.
"I am searching for four warriors," Hotaru said. "In life they were known as the Shitennu. Their names were Jaedite, Nephrite, Zoicite, and Kunzite. I believe they are here."
"Of course," one of the women said. "I know of whom you speak. They are indeed here. I shall summon them at once." The Valkyrie took a horn from her belt and blew four distinctly different sounds.
Immediately the souls of the Shitennu appeared before Hotaru. The men clearly had no idea who she was, much less why they had been summoned.
"I have much to explain and no time for arguments," Hotaru said boldly. "I am the keeper and guardian of all the Underworld. I must speak with you. I offer you another shot at life before your due reincarnations. Will you hear me out? The choice is entirely yours, of course."
The men looked to one another in utter confusion. One-by-one, however, they nodded in agreement to listen to what the young woman had to say.
"Good, follow me." Hotaru turned to the Valkyries once more. "Should they decline my offer, I ask that they have safe passage back. Remember their faces well."
The Valkyries all nodded with another saluting bow.
Haruka and Michiru dressed as quickly as possible. They could not believe that they had gotten so caught up in the moment that the danger was closer the longer they stayed in the house. If the princess was in fact another entity residing within Usagi's body, this woman knew them as well as Usagi did. Worst of all, this woman knew where they lived.
Hastily Haruka switched out her cell phone and grabbed her prized rapier. Beautiful as the steel blade was, it was still a deadly weapon in her hands that she could draw if there was no time to transform.
Michiru packed extra clothing for both Haruka and herself as well as a few things for Setsuna and Hotaru. She even pulled some of Hotaru's favorite books from the shelf. She hoped the gesture would make them more welcome with Setsuna.
Haruka and Michiru rounded the corner at great speed. They were long gone from their street when Serenity knocked on their door.
"Motoki-kun, thank you for letting me stay with you for the duration of the typhoon. My apartment is in the evacuation zone," Makoto said leaning into her boyfriend.
"Are you sure you don't need to stop by your home for anything? I can take you."
"Nah, I wanted to buy some new jeans anyway. I can grab a couple of shirts and things at the store. Its no big deal. Besides, getting back out of the evacuation zone would be a real pain in the ass." Makoto blushed a bit. She had never felt awkward about swearing before. She had told numerous youmas not to "fuck with her" but somehow, swearing in front of Motoki made her feel embarrassed.
Motoki looked over at the brunette beauty and smiled. After over a year of hoping, finally he had won her heart. He wished that he could hold her close forever. He didn't even mind her tomboy ways, or even that she could swear and then pretend she was embarrassed by it. It all added up to his wonderful, beautiful, Makoto, and that was just fine with him.
Together the new couple went into a small discount store where Makoto was able to pick up some essentials including a couple pairs of jeans, three t-shirts, a toothbrush, some panties, an extra bra, and some of her favorite toiletries. Motoki carried half the bags since Makoto insisted on helping. With their free hands clasped, Motoki led Makoto to his apartment. The apartment was only a little smaller than Makoto's. It was a studio like her own. There was a nice futon sofa and two small closets, one of which held Motoki's computer hutch. The kitchen spanned one small wall and had a small bar that jutted out with two stools pushed up to it. The bathroom was more of a closet than anything else. Two windows spanned the wall that the futon sat against. Motoki looked relieved that Makoto did not seem put off by the small size of his apartment. He checked his kitchen to see that they had some canned food and batteries for his tiny old radio. Since supplies were plentiful, he could relax a bit. It was going to be a nice, but stressful few days. At least he would not need to worry about Makoto being alone when the storm hit.
Serenity was fuming when she arrived at the Tsukino family home. That cat had disappeared no doubt to inform the sniveling twit of her plans. Thankfully she did not know about the plans she had for Jupiter. Venus had ordered Artemis to stake out the apartment building where Makoto lived when she had searched high and low for her and even waited for three hours for the girl to come home. No doubt remained in Serenity's mind that even though they did not know of her exact plans for the thunder senshi, they had likely warned her and she would be avoiding her usual haunts.
The anger welled up inside the princess and she could take it no longer. Her mind was consumed by the betrayal of her senshi and the absence of her precious Endymion. It was that man…His prison, who was to blame. Endymion would want to set things right. There was no other reasonable explanation. As her anger and pain grew her eyes flashed with fire and a great explosion ruptured somewhere halfway around the world. The explosion had not happened in that place in a long time, but every time it had tragedy was all that had remained. With her anger released, Serenity slumped onto Usagi's bed and cried. She really was alone in this horrid world. She had to make her senshi love her and she had to get Endymion by her side. She just had to.
In the city of Naples in Italy, it was a beautiful sunny day. The weather was warm but not too hot. The tourists were buying trinkets from the local vendors. The locals were enjoying leisurely lunches at cafes. Then it happened. Black smoke rose from the infamous Mount Vesuvius. The sirens went off and people rushed to their cars. Strangers welcomed strangers into their homes and vehicles as the mass evacuation began. The black cloud disappeared momentarily as the sky filled with fire. The cloud soon blanketed the city and rained down burning hot ash. Everyone who had not already found shelter began to scream in agony as they were slowly scorched alive.
And so, the city that was built atop the ruins of two ancient cities who had met the same fate, was being blanketed with ash and soot.
Hotaru waved her glaive to reveal a door. She motioned for the Shitennu to enter. The men realized that there was not much that the girl could do to them since they were already dead, so they obeyed. Hotaru followed and the door was closed.
They stood in a grand sitting room. Purpled velvet covered chairs and sofas with matching draperies were matched with black onyx tables on a black marble floor.
"Please, sit and make yourselves comfortable. I would offer refreshments but we are in the ruins of my former kingdom and so I have none to offer," Hotaru said as she tucked her glaive into thin air.
Zoicite and Kunzite sat side-by-side and Kunzite's arm wrapped around his love. Jaedite and Nephrite took separate chairs.
"So what exactly are you proposing," Nephrite asked.
"And why were the Valkyries bowing to you," Kunzite asked.
"You look like just a kid," Zoicite added with a cocky grin.
"Am I the only one curious to know who the hell you are," Jaedite asked in complete confusion.
"Me…I have several names. Death, Life, Mistress of the Underworld, Hotaru-hime, Sailor Saturn…Call me what you will, but know that I rule over both the Well of Souls and all the realms of the dead," Hotaru said bluntly as she took her seat on the love seat alone.
The Shitennu's eyes grew wide. This child was not only in control of their fate, but she was a Sailor Senshi. None could forget what their fates were the last time they had dealt with those senshi. Kunzite almost stood to leave right then and there, but Zoicite held fast to his arm.
"I know you have been enemies in the past with the Sailor Senshi of the inner solar system," Hotaru said. "But I also know that deep within you lies your loyalty to Endymion-sama."
"Go on," Kunzite said with intrigue in his voice.
"The Sailor Senshi are facing a fight in which we need strong fighters who are not bound to Serenity-hime. She has broken free of the seal binding her to Sailor Moon. She has assumed a physical form of her own. She is going to wind up destroying the Earth again at the rate she is going if we cannot stop her. As her senshi, if she commands us, we must comply, but you are not bound to her in this manner and can help to prevent her from repeating the past."
"As much pleasure as fighting Serenity would bring us, who is to say we should want to?" Jaaedite looked at Hotaru. His eyes were gleaming with what looked like a forced hatred.
"I said from the beginning it would be your choice," Hotaru said.
"Do we get to maintain our lives should we survive the fight?" This time it was Zoicite.
"Yes," Hotaru nodded.
"How can we know you will keep your word?" Nephrite stared at Hotaru. "You are the keeper of death, if what you claim is in fact true."
"You needn't worry about me," Hotaru said with a forlorn look on her face.
"And why is that?" Kunzite now seemed quite amused.
"When serenity is sealed away, my death will be the final lock. I will be reborn as I always am. I have even already selected the means of my birth and where it will occur. Nevertheless, a baby, a child unaware of being Sailor Saturn or even Hotaru-hime, could not harm you. Should you correct the mistakes of the past where you, through Queen Beryl and Queen Metallia, tried to destroy Earth again, the other Sailor Senshi will forgive youand you may once again stand by Endymion-sama." Hotaru scanned the men's eyes for any sign that they might show interest.
"So you go into this knowing that death will be your fate?" Nephrite was baffled.
"Death and rebirth will cycle always," Hotaru said. "I am merely the keeper of it's knowledge and power. I will always exist, yet I never live through using my less subtle abilities."
"So you are willing to sacrifice yourself to seal away your princess' with the help of her enemies even though you are one of her Sailor Senshi," Kunzite asked with a smile. "What's the catch?"
"You are to protect Sailor Moon at the cost of your lives," Hotaru replied. Her statement was met with sighs and grunts of disapproval. "Serenity was your enemy. Sailor Moon was never your true enemy. Serenity uses the Silver Crystal for selfish purposes and everytime she does so a part of the Earth is destroyed. With each piece so goes a piece of Endymion. Sailor Moon uses the same crystal to heal even the bitterest of enemies. Even Beryl is not dead. She wanders the world in Canada. I believe she is in Ontario working as a high school geometry teacher if I am not mistaken. She has no memory of the evil acts she committed under Metallia's influence. Metallia has been sealed away, for good this time I hope."
"It could be entertaining, love," Zoicite cooed to Kunzite who nodded in agreement.
Nephrite stood and nodded as well.
Jaedite hesitated, but he did not want to be left out. That had always been his weakness. He was the youngest. He was the least trained. He always felt left out. He refused to feel that way now. "I'll go too," he said with firm resolve in his voice, but doubt clouded his eyes.
"Now I must go about how to bring you back into flesh." Hotaru wandered to a dusty bookshelf and pulled out what appeared to be an ancient and large. It was thick and heavy and bound in cracking leather. The script on the cover was not recognized by any of the Shitennu, but the silver-leafed figure of Hotaru wielding the glaive she had held just minutes ago made it clear…It was the Book of the Dead. "I will return soon. This room is sealed off since the rest of the palace…Well, what little is left of it, is dangerous even for the dead. This library is vast and I am sure you noticed the piano in the corner. If any of you play you will have music at least." Hotaru smiled warmly at the men. It appeared to confuse them that she was being so kind. "Pray when I return I have good news. Thank you for giving this your thought and especially for agreeing to help us."
The only one of the Shitennu to give a hint of thanks was Zoicite, who merely smiled back at Hotaru.
Once the glaive returned to her hand, Hotaru opened the gate directly to the Gates of Time. She allowed the view to be wide enough for the Shitennu to see Helios before she closed the door.
"That was," Nephrite said with surprise in his voice.
"I guess this Sailor Senshi is not lying to us," Kunzite pondered aloud.
"We should probably consider renting a hotel room inland," Taiki said.
"Very low-key. No limos. No press," Yaten added.
"That's not going to be easy." Seiya leaned forward on the sofa.
Usagi put her arm around Seiya.
"Even if you went into female forms, Serenity would know," Mamoru said.
"Wait a minute," Usagi said jumping up.
"What is it, Odango?" Seiya looked up at Usagi. 'What could she possibly do to help us wit this?'
"You thought enough to grab the disguise pen when you went by the house, Usagi-chan," Luna said with thrilled happiness and pride.
"You betcha!" Usagi was beaming with pride. Finally she had done something right! "We can use it to disguise each of us and check into a hotel room without any issue."
A knock at the door sent shock waves through the room. "I'll step into another room just in case," Setsuna whispered.
"You can use my room. It's the first door to the right," Yaten said.
Setsuna nodded and smiled in reply. Mamoru followed since if it was in fact who they believed it would be, they would be pissed if they saw him there without Hotaru in tow. Once Setsuna and Mamoru were tucked away, Taiki made his way to the door. As it was opened Haruka and Michiru politely asked if they could come in.
'They're being polite to the Starlights? This is serious,' Usagi thought.
"Koneko-chan, how are you feeling? Haruka came behind the couch never letting her right hand visable since her entry. She placed her left hand on Usagi's shoulder. Seiya wrapped his arm around Usagi once more and was shocked at the lack of concern in Haruka's eyes. 'Something must really be wracking her brain not to even react a little.'
"We know it is not Setsuna who is our enemy," Haruka blurted out.
"I have finally been able to see into my mirror after having it blocked," Michiru said quietly.
"Rei sent us a message, but she said someone had come for her and we should trust Setsuna," Haruka said in defeat.
"We know we can trust Setsuna-san," Usagi said happily.
"My concern is can we trust you?" Haruka gave Usagi a look that made her nervous that the woman was so close to her.
"Me!?!" UIsagi was horrified.
"In our vision you and Serenity-hime are not of one mind," Michiru said almost sweetly. "We feel you need constant guarding so that you do not do anything rash."
"But its not like that," Seiya said pulling Usagi away from Haruka across the room.
Haruka pulled the rapier from it's sheath behind her back and held it to Usagi's throat. "Then tell me what it is like to know we have been protecting the one thing we should have destroyed?"
"That is quite enough, Haruka," Setsuna's voice sounded from behind them.
Haruka and Michiru turned their attention to Setsuna. Haruka lowered her rapier in the trust that Rei's fire and Michiru's mirror had been correct. 'Is Mamoru-san holding her hand,' Haruka thought.
"I think we all need a long talk," Mamoru said.
"Where is my daughter," Haruka demanded.
"She is safe and away from all danger," Setsuna said "I must check on her though. She has a very important task and is at the Gates of Time with Helios right now."
"What," both Haruka and Michiru said more out of shock than questioning.
"We needed to keep her in a place where Serenity cannot get to her," Setsuna said.
"Have a seat," Taiki said. "Tea anyone?" Taiki was met with several nods and so he set to work once more to prepare tea for everyone. He was going to run out of his best leaves at this rate. What did it matter now, though…What did anything matter anymore?
(Ok guys…I know I said it would be a few days. I felt like this was a place it could end without compromising the story, even though I wanted to continue. I have already started the next chapter. I was inspired to use Vesuvius because Pompeii is a site I have always wanted to visit and they have discovered there was yet another city buried by a confirmed volcanic eruption. The city of Naples rests above much of these ruins. I live in Florida so I have experience with hurricanes…Face it I live on a target that SCREAMS hit me! The first one I remember clearly was Andrew back in 1992 when I was 12…yeah I'm old, lol. Anyways, I am unsure of how they measure typhoons vs. hurricanes. I know that typhoons form in the Pacific and Indian oceans and spin in the opposite direction as hurricanes. I know that when a powerful storm is coming we hope for a high pressure system to steer it away. Since a typhoon is basically the same thing but with a different title and I think system of measurement I went with what I knew. I'll give the storm a name next chapter. Well, I hope the yuri was not too much for anyone. I thought I made it more about loving than sex. How about Haruka pulling her sword on Usagi? Even I was shocked when I wrote it, but I kept it because I feel that she really would have done it. I don't think she would have followed through with killing Usagi. She loves her too much. I just think she would test Usagi's resolve like that. Haruka does strange things like that. ^_^ As for the Washington state and Yellowstone volcanos...I used to live near Mount Baker in beautiful Mample falls Washington and my friends were there for the erruption of St. Helens. I saw a show recently about the super volcanow under Yellowstone and how they close off certain parts of the park when they feel the ground is too hot, or there is "unusal activity. I thought it was neat and most scientists think if this one blew it could be a global killer like the dinausaur meteor. Some think it would throw us into another ice age and only wipe out most of the population. Others still doubt that it is even an issue. I figured it would be a neat concept to introduce since Serenity obviously has no control. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope it was worth the wait. I hope to have the next one up soon but tomorrow I am actually getting out of the house! I have a doctor's appointment but tomorrow night I get to go see Stephen Lynch!!! I'm so excited! If you are NOT easily offended I suggest looking up some of his stuff on youtube. I warn you NOTHING is taboo for this guy. He's like George Carlin with a guitar in a weird way. Religion, kids, gerbils, DnD nerds (go us we have a song!)…none of it is off-limits. Anyways, if I am later with the next chapter you know it was because I had a night out! This is a rare thing for me so I'm happy about it!)