Have a Little Faith Chapter 4
I still do not own Sailor Moon. T_T
(This chapter took a while since I was so close to the end of Kiba that I kept putting it down. I wanted no distractions. To re-immerse myself into the Seiya/Usagi pairing, I watched some of my favorite Stars episodes again, read a few other Seiya/Usagi fics, and even made a horrific attempt at an AMV…you can see it on youtube…If you want. I use the same pen name there. I wasn't too happy with it because I actually studied video editing for several years…All of it was analog. Real useful now I know, right? Well, I got a new computer and it came with a Windows video program so I played around with it…I didn't have a lot of pics of Seiya and Usagi sadly so several of them repeat. I lost a bunch when my old computer fried. Its taking a while to get them back. Some of the pics were too small so they lost quality when they were blown up…It really isn't anything to be amazed at. The saddest part is I picked the most perfect song I could ever imagine for the pair before I remembered how long goth songs are. (Hence why most of the pics repeat.) There are some Usagi/Mamoru pics in it, but if you listen to the lyrics playing while they're up, you'll understand why they are there. I do plan on fixing it later on once my pic library is big again.
Anyways, now I hope you enjoy this chapter. We are coming to a close on our couple's honeymoon, but don't worry, it won't end this chapter. ^_^ We also see a bit of drama, not a new enemy or anything like that…No, its more family drama. I delve a bit more into Rei since I think that as a Fire Priestess on Earth, she would feel more at home on Kinmoku. Thank you for the reviews so far. ^_^
A translation note…Tokai No Aru Akari means Illuminated City…I wanted it to be kind of like Paris so I used the term so it would sound like the City of Lights as Paris has been known to be called.)
Usagi and Seiya inhaled their breakfast as fast as it had been placed in front of them. Their stuffed and smiling faces let Hana know that they were more than pleased with her work. She even thought she could make out a thank you from both of them, but it could just have been trying to breathe as they chewed so quickly.
The couple looked longingly at one another. There were only a few more days of carefree bliss. Once they arrived back home there would be a crew of nurses and midwives examining Usagi to see if she had conceived or not. It would be an embarrassment to the kingdom if she had not, and if she had…If she had conceived she and Seiya would have to address the public to announce the good news. The one thing they had to look forward to was that an entire wing of the palace now devoted to them and construction had begun on a palace of their own near the city of Shori. These were the perks of being a royal couple. They had chosen colors and fabrics, but the ultimate design was going to be a surprise. The finest interior designers on the planet had vied for the job and eventually a team of four, were chosen.
Today, the pair were going for a ride along the beach. The unicorns were prepared and waiting for them outside. The saddlebags held their custom swimsuits, large beach towels, sunglasses, and a picnic lunch.
In the short time they had been there, Usagi had become, well not exactly a good rider, she was at least a bit more sure of herself and had come to enjoy brisk runs. Seiya had told her that tomorrow night she would need to be prepared for a formal function following a day in a nearby city. They would be staying overnight in the finest hotel. He would be taking her on a shopping excursion as it was the custom to bring gifts home for the royal court. Besides, some souvenirs would be nice. They would also be eating at an exclusive restaurant before attending a Kinmokuan opera. Usagi could tell he was keeping a secret, but regarding what she had no clue. He must have a surprise waiting for her.
Once she had mounted her unicorn, Usagi decided to hold on tight as she kept a sly grin well-hidden from her husband. Once Seiya had mounted and gripped the reigns, Usagi bolted into a brisk run smiling at her love. At first, Seiya was taken aback by her boldness, but neither Seiya nor Fighter had ever backed down from a challenge. Even with the head start, Seiya was soon neck and neck in a fight for the lead. Surprisingly Usagi won their little race when they came to the umbrella shaded spot.
As soon as the pair had dismounted, Seiya chased after Usagi and tackled her to the soft and sandy ground as payback for his loss. Sand full of hair and clinging to their bodies Seiya came atop his wife and stared her down with his cocky grin. "Do you surrender?"
Usagi giggled softly to herself. "You know I don't give up, Seiya-chan," she said with the glow of her senshi eyes.
"Well, maybe this will help." Seiya leaned in and kissed Usagi softly.
Together, they wrestled playfully in the sand and eventually washed both their cares, and the sand away in the waters of the ocean.
"So he said he would wait for her until the end of time," Mamoru said proudly as he looked at Setsuna.
Setsuna smiled sweetly. "I have seen it, and it is true. They are quite happy together. He remains true to his word and is faithful even as they are apart. He will be tested here though."
"Tested?"
"There is another beautiful dreamer who lives on this planet who will fall in love with him. She will try to win his heart. He will be tempted emotionally, but will not falter in his resolve."
"Are you supposed to be telling me all of this, Sets?"
"Probably not," Setsuna laughed a little bit. "Maybe its the hormones making me too sensitive…Perhaps I should try not to speak at all about the future until Endymion is born."
Haruka was frantically calling on the palace communicator to the medical rooms. "I need medical attention in her NOW! My chambers! Please hurry! There's something wrong with Michiru…Please come now!" Haruka was in tears. She couldn't care even a little who saw them. All that she cared about was that her two greatest loves were in danger. It was obvious that Michiru was suffering both physically and mentally and Haruka felt powerless. Haruka hated the feeling.
A team of midwives and nurses came in almost immediately. They were accompanied by one Mizuno Ami. She would be a royal physician one day after all. Behind them all was a doctor.
"What seems to be the trouble," the doctor asked Haruka.
"She's…Well, she's spotting." Haruka was trembling.
Ami had never seen such fear in Haruka's eyes. She kept her head cool however and tended to her duties seeing that Michiru was taken care of properly by the medical team.
"I'll have the midwives check her," the doctor said as he stepped outside pulling Haruka along by the arm.
Haruka was so numbed by now that she did not even notice she was being led out of the room. "Hotaru-chan…My sweet firefly…Please be ok. Michiru…Michiru I don't know what I'd do without you. Please be alright, Michiru…I know I don't pray often, but Cosmos and Serenity, please save Michiru and Hotaru for me."
The doctor tried to ignore her pleas. 'She must not even realize she is speaking out loud, the poor dear.'
Usagi leaped up from the dinner table and nearly choked on her food.
"Odango, what's wrong?" Seiya stood at Usagi's side immediately.
"Its Michiru-san and Hotaru-chan! Haruka is pleading and praying for their very lives!"
"You will grant the request and they'll be fine," Seiya assured Usagi as he placed his arm around her.
"I already have…But…I can't stop Hotaru's destiny." Usagi's eyes began to trickle crystal tears down her face.
"What destiny would that be?" Seiya pulled Usagi in to face him and held her close.
"For the cost of her power, not only must she die upon using it," Usagi paused a moment. "She will forever be plagued with illness in every lifetime," she practically yelled into Seiya's chest.
For the remainder of the evening, Seiya pampered Usagi. He drew her one of the finest Kinmokuan herbal baths and washed her since she seemed incapable of bringing herself to do so. He gave her a small glass of red wine since it was widely believed on Kinmoku that a glass of red wine was good for a developing baby and the mother. 'Just in case,' Seiya prayed to Cosmos.
Usagi gave herself over to Seiya's pampering. True, he had been a romantic and playful husband, but tonight all he wanted was to ease her pain. It was yet another side of him that she had fallen in love with within him. After she managed to towel herself off, Usagi found herself in a candle lit bedroom flowing with the scent of firelilies. Seiya motioned for Usagi to lie face down on the bed and she allowed herself to enjoy every sensation of the massage Seiya gave her. His hands were skilled and he never pressed too hard, yet he never pressed too soft. It was perfect. Usagi fell into a trance-like sleep without even realizing it.
Much to Usagi's surprise, she found herself in a dark, yet welcoming room. The Guardian Spirit Sailor Saturn looked at her with kind eyes. "Do not suffer to dwell on it any longer. In every body I have ever known, there have been weaknesses. I trust Michiru and Haruka to take care of Hotaru until we can be one person again…Beyond that even. You should too, Serenity-sama."
"I do trust them. I trust them with all of my heart. But why? Why should Hotaru-chan and you need to endure this?"
Saturn paused for a moment. 'Usagi does not have the lifetimes of wisdom and knowledge to understand it well. Yet she will not relent and be calmed.' "Forgive me. I can never make you understand it. This is something you must learn on your own. Just know that there must be a pure balance in power."
"So you suffer because you can heal others! That's so unfair!"
All Saturn did was smile as Usagi faded away. 'I underestimated her. She really did grow when Cosmos granted her this power.'
Usagi woke up in Seiya's arms. The candles had all been blown out and she had been brought up onto a pillow and a sheet slipped over her form. The third sun was already rising. She pulled herself closer into Seiya's arms. 'I want to rest just a while longer.' Usagi closed her eyes and allowed herself to nap a while longer before they would need to start getting ready for their ride into town.
"Bedridden?" Haruka nearly stumbled at the very word. "Yes," the doctor said flatly. "We are having the bed moved closer to the bathing quarters and we have supplied you with a special recliner for her showers. She is to lie down and rest more than anything."
"I want Mizuno Ami with us at all times."
" I am sorry. I wish I had better news." The doctor turned and left Haruka nearly broken in the hallway.
Haruka broke through the doors. The nurses and midwives were all astonished…Well, the resident doctor did not appear so shocked. Ami had known almost exactly how Haruka would react to the news. It would be the show of anger to hide the unbearable agony. 'Her dearest love and her daughter are in danger. Its only natural for her to be worried.'
There was to be complete around the clock care for Michiru. From the moment Haruka had heard the doctor say that she knew the news would not be good. Thankfully the doctor had not attempted to try Haruka's patience when she had demanded Ami to stay with them. Ami still had much studying to do before she could call herself a doctor, but Haruka trusted no one more than Ami since she knew what was at stake. Haruka was fine with the nurses and midwives assisting Ami. It was also a precaution to have the doctor on call for any changes for better or worse.
Most of the medical staff was leaving when Ami felt a hand on her arm. Looking up she saw Haruka. Not Haruka the strong woman…Not Haruka who flirted with and teased young girls…Not the spirited senshi of the wind and sky…But a breaking woman full of her own fears.
"Ami, I asked that you personally oversee her care."
"But I'm not a doctor just yet."
"But it is you that I trust the most. You're the only one I completely trust to put all of your heart and soul into saving them. I'll arrange for a bed to be brought in for you as well as to have your textbooks and studies brought to you. I know you'd never forgive me if I let you fall behind." Haruka saw the room was empty at the moment while the medical staff was getting supplies and making preparations. "Please save them," Haruka said pulling Ami in for a tight hug. "Taiki can stay too if you like. Or at least visit as often as you want. Just don't leave them."
"I won't leave them." It was a vow Ami intended to keep at any cost.
Usagi had dressed for the visit to the neighboring city of Tokai No Aru Akari. From Seiya's description the city sounded like the pictures she had seen of Paris on Earth. Usagi could scarcely contain her excitement. Arrangements had already been made for a deluxe hotel suite at the finest hotel in the city. This particular suite was supposed to have the best view of the skyline. They would enjoy shopping and spending time during the mid-day before going to change for dinner and the opera. Seiya still had not revealed anything about his surprise. This only added to Usagi's already thrilled mind.
"Odango, the carriage is ready," Seiya called from the hall.
'He sounds excited. I can't wait to see what he has planned.' "I'll just be a minute. I'm finishing up my hair." She smiled to herself as she placed fireliliy chains filled with golden pearls around each odango. She wanted to please Seiya in return for his kindness last night by using the hairstyle that had caught his attention so well.
Usagi entered Seiya's sight and he reveled in her innocent appearance. It seemed nothing could make that innocent look go away. She was wearing a knee-length white sundress with tiny ruffled sleeves that barely brushed against her arm as they swayed with her every move. There were a few firelilies scattered in a random pattern. She had done her silver hair up in those odangos that drove him mad and had adorned them with gold pearls and firelilies. Seiya marveled until Usagi took his arm and brought him back into reality. The couple made their way to the carriage which was being drawn by the two unicorns. This would be how they arrived into town. Moeru was seated in the driver's chair and the back compartment was filled with the belongings they would need while in town.
Rei was meditating in the temple. Because of her senshi status she had been denied the positions of both shrine maiden and priestess. The message had not been an easy one for Helios to deliver. While Helios was seated on the high council, he still did not have much sway since he was new. The vote to deny Hino Rei had overruled the ones to allow her the position she so craved. Still, it had amazed Helios that every day before the mid sun reached it's peak, but after the first one had done so, Rei made her way daily to the temple in humble attire to meditate by the sacred flame of Kinmoku. The shrine maidens never bothered her and were amazed by her focus. Helios could do nothing to sway the council even after proving her devotion to the flame, but he could admire her dedications to the flame element that was embodied on Kinmoku. Despite her being denied any real standing in the temple, many citizens would often ask her to give them guidance or pray for them. Rei never faltered. She was surely someone to admire.
As was usual, when Rei was done with her daily meditations she left the temple to be greeted by Nephrite. He enjoyed escorting her home. All of the senshi still lived in the palace, though the Dukes and Duchess were having wings built and bestowed to them as well as palaces of their own for retreats in times of leisure.
"Rei-chan?"
"Yes, Nephrite-kun."
Nephrite's face lit up with hope. It was not often that Rei used terms of affection for him in public. "I was wondering if you would like to take the rest of your day off. It would be nice to wander the ciry and spend some time with you."
"It would be nice," Rei said with some obvious hesitation. "I'm just afraid we'll be seen and…"
"You're still going on about that!"
"I know its silly. I just don't want to take their attention away."
"Rei, its been almost a full month. They'll be home soon and then their time in the spotlight will be done."
"And if she's pregnant?"
"Look, you're a Sailor Senshi and while you are an important member of the royal court, until you unite with the princess of Mars within you, that is all you are…A member of the royal court. You dating a glorified bodyguard such as myself would only cause minor gossip if any at all."
"Err…"
"Besides, more than half of the royal court already suspects it. We leave meals too close together. I walk you to and from the temple daily. We walk the gardens almost daily now. We even visit Setsuna and Michiru together. When will you get it through your head that I'm tired of hearing the same excuses from you and I am sick of hiding my feelings for you!"
Rei was taken aback. She had actually been rendered speechless with no valid argument back. This wasn't Earth and she wasn't at the Crown sipping milkshakes or playing video games. She could not just resort to sticking her tongue out at him. Besides, Nephrite would think she were still a little kid if she did that. 'I really miss you Usagi-chan…Especially right about now.' Despite her previous arguments and protests, Rei reached over and held Nephrites hand.
Nephrite beamed as they wandered aimlessly about the city that bore the planet's name. Rei had finally given up her silly notions about showing her feelings under the guise of stealing her friend's spotlight. Today was a grand day for him indeed. Hardly anyone recognized them since he always escorted her out of uniform and she always dressed so plain for her meditations. They even enjoyed lunch at a small family-owned restaurant before returning to the palace for the evening meal.
(There you have it. Its finally up and done. The next chapter will reveal Seiya's surprise and focus on their homecoming. There will be more as well, of course, but I don't want to spoil it all. ^_^ Again I am sorry that it took so long. I will be making the effort for almost daily posts again now that I am done watching Kiba. I know I keep shoving it down everyone's throat, but it really is an amazing show. I hope you enjoyed!)