Have a Little Faith Chapter 6
By Rhinoa Lunar
I do not own Sailor Moon. Takeuchi-sensei does and she is in our hearts as her home is undergoing such a terrible tragedy. She and her family are lucky. They are safe.
(A/N: I am so sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. It has been written for months but I have had little time to sit at my desk unless it was for school work. I am currently working AND attending college at night. Currently I had some free time so I decided to type as much of the handwritten story as possible for posting. Thank you for understanding and I hope you enjoy. Look for me on Tumblr for insane ramblings and random posts a lot of which is Sailor Moon, Queer As Folk, Gundam Wing, and Kuroshitsuji based. Also a translation note: Kaze Arekuru'u Sosha means Violent Wind Runner. Pretty fitting when you see what the name is for.)
Usagi took a deep breath and stepped out into the hall. Everyone had opted to give her and Seiya some privacy for the initial announcement. She looked at Seiya with joy on her face. With no words Seiya instinctively knew what she was going to say. She was glowing again with that amazing telltale aura.
Seiya rushed to Usagi smiling. He even teared up a little with his joy. "Is it true?"
Usagi nodded and jumped into her husband's arms.
"That's wonderful!"
"How soon do we tell everyone? I was hoping to celebrate with you over lunch."
"Sadly it is customary for us to go before Kakyuu-hime and inform her so she can arrange for the temple to go on with the festival. But I will have our lunch brought to us so we can celebrate afterwards." Seiya was happy when he saw the relief on Usagi's face. Her aura finally faded from the bright glow and it was time to go inform the princess.
The couple found Kakyuu-hime sitting on her throne. She rarely sat there. Seiya remembered her once saying how embarrassing it was to have people gawk at you as you sat above them like that. Still, for formal occasions and courtly celebrations, Kakyuu-hime endured the ritual.
Seiya and Usagi entered and paid their respects to the princess in front of all the senshi except of course for Haruka and Michiru. They all wore courtly gowns and knelt as the Duke and Duchess of Shori walked past. Once they were at the platform base of the throne respects were paid once more in a bow from Seiya and a curtsey from Usagi.
There were other members of the court present, but in the short amount of time she had lived on Kinmoku Usagi had watched them come and go so frequently that she did not know them well. Usagi's chief midwife was there as well. She kept her face emotionless because it was up to Usagi and Seiya to make the formal announcement. If she were smiling or appeared even the slightest bit excited the secret would have been revealed.
"Stand please," Kakyuu-hime said in an official tone, though her eyes were giving away her delight in seeing her friends' return.
"Your Highness, we are pleased and honored to announce that Her grace Kou Serenity Duchess of Shori is indeed with child." Seiya had fallen effortlessly into the show of courtly manners.
For a moment Kakyuu-hime looked as though she would burst out with joy. The other Sailor Senshi and the Shitennu did as well, but all held it back. "Excellent news for our kingdom," Kakyuu-hime said. "I will contact our capitol's temple at once. The public announcement will be made within the week. On that day the festivities will begin."
A round of applause broke out and Kakyuu's smile beamed into them not as their princess and sovereign ruler, but as their friend. "Kou Seiya, I ask that you show her back to your new home." With a swift motion of her right hand a housemaid came into view and curtsied low. "Please lead the way for them."
"As you wish, Your Highness," the girl said. She was a fourth generation servant to the palace. Her mother had been head housekeeper, her grandmother a gardener, and her great-grandmother had been the morning chef. Now she herself was going to be the head housekeeper for the Duke and Duchess of Shori. This was indeed a great day for Tanashii Mejika.
After their final farewell respects, Seiya took Usagi's arm and they began to walk to the door. Usagi looked at the small bump on her friend setsuna's belly she smiled again. Her eyes traveled to the man at her side. 'Who is that next to her? It can't be…But it looks so much like him.' She almost broke the formalities and rushed to them but the look on Setsuna's face was stern and she shook her head in a silent but deafening "No."
Once the happy couple was gone Kakyuu-hime motioned for Helios to step forward. "Have the ceremony preparations been completed?"
"Yes, they have, Your Highness," he said as he knelt down on one knee before her.
"Has her advisor been assigned?"
"Yes, she has. She is one of the top shrine maidens in the kingdom. Her devotion to the Flame of Kinmoku is unsurpassed. Hikari Amai is a perfect spiritual caregiver. She is meditating as we speak to prepare for her stay with the duke and duchess. She has been informed that as the time draws nearer she will not be able to visit the Flame often. She has already accepted the honor with kindness and humility."
"Please begin the preparations for her departure and go forward with the festival. I'll be expecting you and Amai to council the duchess in the writing of her speech as well."
"Of course." Helios took his leave politely nodding at Mamoru on his way to the doors.
"I am retiring now," Kakyuu-hime said. "May you all do as you would until the feast tomorrow afternoon." Kakyuu-hime stood and left the vast room barely noticing the crowd dispersing behind her.
"Sets, can we go visit them? I could see how happy she was," Mamoru said taking Setsuna's hand in his own.
"They'll come by soon enough." Setsuna giggled in that manner unique to her and her alone.
"What?"
"You haven't seen her express true happiness yet."
"What do you mean?"
"You know now that she was blessed by Guardian Cosmos. You know she is now an angel of peace and love. You also know that some call her a Goddess of the same. When Usagi is in a completely happy state of mind she emits a strong golden glow from her aura. This is no ordinary aura. Anyone, psychic or not, can see it."
"Amazing. I can't wait to see her. I have so much to say."
Haruka was relieved to see Ami return. Kakyuu had joined her and was holding her preta. "So how is koneko-chan?"
Michiru's eyes were open and she was propped up only as far as needed to eat and drink. "I wish I could have seen them home."
"I'm certain they'll be visiting soon." Kakyuu smiled as she sat down on the spare bed that was now Ami's.
"Ami-chan…Is she…"
"Yes," Ami said cutting off Haruka excitedly.
"That's wonderful," Michiru said almost dreamily.
Ami was noticing with each day who was the strongest of the two despite how things may look on the outside to others. "I'm sure she and Seiya-kun will be here soon."
"For now, let me play for you," Kakyuu said with a smile as she began to strum a soothing melody on her preta.
Ami set about the mundane examinations that had become routine. Everything appeared normal. Haruka even moved herself from the bed to the beautiful miniature grand agote and played a melody that fit with Kakyuu's tune. Ami had read theories and viewed statistics on musical therapy, but it seemed to relieve both Haruka and Michiru. It would be a perfect thesis, so she took daily notes both during the music and throughout the day.
Jaedite and Nephrite were on what they still called guard duty outside of Mamoru and Setsuna's apartments in the palace when a dressed down Seiya and Usagi approached. Usagi was in a sundress which fell just at her mid-thigh. It was a pastel pink which just made her look all the more delicate with her silver hair falling over her. It was set with its' trademark odangos, but three braids cascaded from each bun and were looped between each side to form a knot pattern. Seiya wore a nice dress shirt but the top three buttons lay open. His shirt was a blue that matched Usagi's eyes. He had simple black slacks and left the shirt untucked.
"They're expecting you," Nephrite said smiling.
"They?" It was scarcely above a whisper, but it confirmed what Usagi believed she had seen in the throne room.
Jaedite nodded as he said, "Yes, they."
The Shitennou opened the doors and revealed Setsuna wearing a deep emerald green summer dress that fell to her knees. She was seated on the couch next to Chiba Mamoru who was dressed similarly to Seiya, though his shirt was gray.
Knowing they were not at a formal function Usagi refused to let anything stop her. Her eyes welled up with tears as she ran to hug her dearest friend. The one who had always been there for her when he could. The one who had died and miraculously returned. As she hugged him she began to glow.
The light emitting from Usagi was nearly blinding. Mamoru had never seen anything like it. She was brighter than anything he'd ever seen. Clumsily he realized hugs were not meant to be one-sided things and put his arms around her. "Usako."
"Oh, Mamo-chan, I'm so happy you're here."
Seiya stood aside knowing that even though these were not the caged souls of serenity and Endymion, these two had a deep connection he was simply not a part of. He turned his attention to Setsuna and waved.
"I think I'm supposed to tell you something," Mamoru said as he pulled away from the hug. "I think Serenity wanted me to say thank you for her." Usagi's blank expression became clear as her aura faded. "She stopped fighting you just before she died. She allowed the seal to close in, but used the last of her power to bring me back."
"That's wonderful! I knew there was good in her! Besides, I'm a Sailor Senshi too. I had to save her. I'm so glad I was able to in the end." Usagi smiled wide and seemed oblivious to the stares from everyone else.
'It amazes me more and more every day how much she's grown,' Setsuna thought. Her womb quickened and she smiled as she brought her hand over the spot her baby had kicked.
Mamoru sat once more beside Setsuna and motioned for Usagi and Seiya to take a seat opposite them on the loveseat. The two couples talked for well over an hour. Over the course of the visit Usagi and Seiya presented Setsuna with her gift. It was an amber-like stone pendant, though the "amber" looked more like a garnet in its coloring. Along with the necklace was an intricately carved antique jewelry box with a dark green velvet lining.
"We're sorry, Mamoru-san," Seiya said. "If we had known we would have bought you something as well."
"That's not really…"
"We can go into the city and buy him something!" Usagi nearly jumped out of her seat as she cut Mamoru off.
"Has no one told you, Usagi-chan," Setsuna asked with concern in her eyes.
"Told me what?" Usagi's eyes blinked with that blank expression it seemed only she could pull off.
"Odango," Seiya started as he faced his wife and covered her hands with his own. "For the reminder of your pregnancy, well, as soon as it is announced to the public, you and I must remain on the palace grounds."
"What," Usagi exclaimed.
"It is customary for those of royal heritage such as the house of Shori, to remain hidden from the public so that there is less stress on the family, in particular on the mother-to-be." Mamoru appeared sad. "I feel as though I have cut off a bird's wings, Usako."
"You're still free to roam the grounds and attend any major courtly events provided you are not in your third trimester when such things as dancing could send you into early labor," Setsuna said trying to comfort Usagi.
The joy had drained from Usagi's face. It was not as desperate a look as Seiya had seen on his beloved's face that day in the rain on the school rooftop when he could see her heart tearing itself apart, but it was a look of dread. He searched for words but could not find the right ones.
"Why don't you go visit Haruka and Michiru…But you have to cheer up first, Usagi-chan," Setsuna said with a smile. "It wouldn't do well for them if you showed up with that sad face."
"Yes, of course." 'It seems they all know that they don't have to tell me outright. I guess even my friends see me as some strange sort of Goddess now too.' Usagi allowed herself to smile once more as she hugged Setsuna before moving to Mamoru.
Seiya went to shake Mamoru's hand but was pulled into a manly hug and given a few good pats to his back. Seiya gave Mamoru similar pats. 'This guy never ceases to amaze me.' Seiya then kissed Setsuna's hand and taking Usagi's arm, they went to see Haruka and Michiru
Ami opened the door when the couple arrived. Usagi hugged her friend close and whispered into her ear. "How bad is she, Ami-chan?"
Ami smiled and whispered back, "It was a miracle, Usagi-chan, as I'm sure you are well aware." Ami winked at her friend. "Haruka-san prayed to you and Cosmos…"
"Wait, Haruka-san prayed?" Usagi seemed dumbfounded though there was a glimmer in her eyes. 'I knew that was her.'
"Anyway, the very next morning all signs of Michiru's condition were gone. We're still keeping her on bed rest until Hotaru-chan is born as a precaution though. No sense in endangering them again."
Usagi and Seiya nodded in agreement before stepping into the room. Haruka and Kakyuu were still playing their melodies for Michiru who was propped up with some pillows and drawing in a sketchbook.
"Koneko-chan!" Haruka abruptly stopped playing her agote and ran to her friend's side. "Thank you so much! I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't saved Michiru and Hotaru."
As Haruka's arms were thrown around her, Usagi was rendered speechless. 'My shoulder is warm with tears? Poor Haruka must have been so scared.' "It's alright now, Haruka-san."
Haruka loosened her grip and kissed Usagi's cheek. It was not her usual flirtatious style but rather a kiss of gratitude and respect. "Do you want to see her? They took some pictures to make sure Hotaru was ok. I forget what they call them here."
"Oh they're still called ultrasounds, Haruka-san," Ami said sweetly. "They just use a different machine."
"Oh, we still have your gifts," Usagi said smiling.
Seiya handed packages to Ami, Haruka, Michiru, and Kakyuu-hime. When opened Ami had received a personal dictation device with a medical reference and medication/treatment reference guide built in and a personal computer small enough to fit neatly into her pocket. Kakyuu-hime had received a state-of-the-art preta cleaning kit and four high quality string sets all presented in a red preta case lined with gold velvet. The outside of the case had gold pearl accents and in finely cut firestone was a good sized crest of Kinmoku. In gold leaf lettering the princess' name almost glowed. Haruka opened her gift to find a picture of a beautiful fire unicorn. It was obviously a racer from the muscle of the legs, and definitely a thoroughbred.
"There are no cars or motorcycles here. I figured you might like him," Usagi said smiling.
"His name is Kaze Arekuru'u Sosha," Seiya added. "Once we saw him and heard his name we knew he was for you."
Haruka smiled. "Thank you so much. As soon as Michiru is better I'll have to get to riding him."
"Ruka, why don't you take the poor dear out once a day before that. Ami-chan and the others will stay with me," Michiru said smiling softly. "The communicators still work so if anything should come up you'll know right away."
"Michiru, I can't…" Haruka was stammering.
"Haruka-san, I'll stay with Michiru-san while you ride," Usagi offered. "I can keep her company along with Ami-chan so you can take a little time for yourself."
"You need that for your own well-being after all," Ami added.
"I'm itching to ride again," Seiya said smiling at Haruka arrogantly. "Let's see if I have any decent competition to race against."
That clinched it. Seiya had challenged Haruka to daily races. There was no way she'd back down. "You're on, you cocky S.O.B." Haruka smiled at the prospect of leaving Seiya in the dust.
Michiru smiled knowingly and exchanged looks between Ami and Usagi.
"Oh, Michiru-san, you still need to open your present," Usagi exclaimed.
In Michiru's rather large box were several new canvases of varying sizes along with an elaborate set of pastels. The pastels came in a personalized leather case with Michiru's name in gold leaf.
"But, Usagi-chan, this says Tenoh Michiru," Kakyuu said upon closer inspection.
"Call it a hunch," Usagi said with a wink that made everyone smile back. "So, Haruka-san, you said you have pictures of Hotaru-chan?"
"Yeah," Haruka answered.
"Here you go," Ami said handing Usagi and Seiya a few pictures.
Both Usagi and Seiya struggled to find the shape of the baby with no luck. It became quite obvious to everyone around them when they began turning the pictures around and around.
"She's right here," Haruka said pointing at a small spot on the picture as she smiled.
Guided by Haruka's finger, Usagi and Seiya saw what appeared to be a head and a shadow fell covering the rest. Flipping through the pictures now that they knew what they were looking for was a breeze. Both breathed a sigh of relief and returned the pictures to Ami.
The visit was fun for everyone. Both Seiya and Usagi were impressed by Michiru's concept art for the design of Hotaru's nursery. Two hours would pass before the couple decided to see their other friends and present their gifts.
Rei and Makoto were walking through the hall when Usagi and Seiya came out of Haruka and Michiru's apartment.
"Rei-chan, Mako-chan," Usagi exclaimed as she jumped onto her friends' arms. "You two need to take a walk with us."
"She won't let go until you both agree," Seiya said with an arrogant wink.
The four friends headed straight for the royal gardens. Seiya and Usagi stopped at the doors to an enormous greenhouse.
"We already sent some plants from the four main regions of Kinmoku," Seiya said. "Usagi knows how much you like flowers. With many varieties maybe you could even cross-pollinate and make some new kinds."
"I don't know what to say," Makoto finally managed to choke out after staring dumbfounded for what felt like hours.
"Don't say anything. Your face shows it all." Seiya smirked and took Usagi's hand in his own.
"Rei-chan, your surprise is out here in the gardens too," Usagi said as she squeezed her husband's hand before letting go in favor of clasping both hands onto Rei's. The two girls took off with Usagi leading the way.
"Is it safe to leave those two alone," Seiya asked.
"That depends on many things actually. I can never tell with them. What did you guys get her anyway?"
In a secluded part of the garden Usagi finally came to a stop and once Rei had caught her breath she squealed with joy. "My very own meditation garden!" Rei stood now in complete shock. They were standing on a red wooden bridge that crossed the tiny river of water surrounding the rock garden. In the center of the garden a pavilion stood housing a fire pit with a burning flame already set. Fish of many colors seemed to dance in the water around them. Propped against a post of the pavilion was a rake for sculpting the rocks. Rei wrapped her arms around Usagi in a tight hug. "Thank you…I know this had to be your idea, Usagi. Seiya-kun never really knew much about my life at the temple." Rei turned her head so she could wipe a tear from her eye. As much as they fought Usagi and Rei really were connected to one another.
Usagi simply gave her friend a smile. She was happy that Rei finally saw how much she meant to her as a friend. A tear escaped Usagi's left eye and her aura grew bright again.
Some onlookers in the garden saw the light and immediately fell into deep bows of reverence. All but one child cast their eyes down to the ground. "Why is she a phoenix lady, mommy?"
The boy's mother hushed the child and looked like she may discipline him for further transgressions, but she paused when she saw Usagi standing beside them smiling.
"Everyone has a little light of hope inside their hearts. Even you do. Mine is just very happy right now, that's all." Usagi patted the boy's head gently as he seemed satisfied with the answer. Usagi turned to his mother never faltering in her kind smile. "To question is a wonderful thing. He wishes to learn and does not hesitate to ask. You are a lucky mother to have such a wonderful boy."
The mother had fallen to her knees weeping with joy. Usagi placed a hand on her shoulder causing all the tension in her neck to dissipate and her body grow warm. Usagi smiled once more before walking back to the palace.
'This attention is really weird,' Usagi thought to herself as she entered the palace. 'I wonder if I'll ever get used to it.'
Seiya found Taiki reading in his room. Taiki spent most of his free time reading or writing poetry so it was easy enough to figure out. It had always been a passion of his and that was the very reason that Seiya presented him with four antique poetry volumes.
"Seiya, are these…"
"From Odango and I. She doesn't know much about Kinmoku poetry but when I read her a couple of the pieces she was hooked. You'd do them better justice though. She said they'd be perfect for you and I agreed."
"Thank you. They're beautiful."
"These two are about eighty years old. This one is one hundred and sixty. This one," Seiya held up a musty old leather bound volume. "This one is dated by the Shori antiquitarian at four hundred and thirty years old. There's no date. He had to…"
"Carbon date it. I can see the area he used to sample."
"He said based on the condition the carbon dating should have no real effect on the value."
"It's priceless." Taiki delicately ran his index finger along the prized text. "I don't know how to thank you, Seiya."
Yaten snuck another glance at the beautiful blonde she saw walking the palace halls with. It no longer confused her. She knew she was enchanted by her somehow. "Minako, it's this way."
"Oh, ok." Minako followed Yaten around the corner where she saw Usagi and Seiya who had met up again. "Hi, guys."
"Minako-chan, here," Usagi said as she presented her with an envelope.
"It's for you both, actually," Seiya said with his trademark smile.
Minako opened the envelope and found tickets for a two week long cruise in a tropical gulf Yaten recognized as being popular for honeymooners and other romantic getaways.
Yaten almost seemed angered at first that it should be so easily assumed she wanted to go on such a trip with Minako, but when she saw the look on Minako's face her face softened and relaxed. Seiya shot his sister a knowing grin and knew that Usagi was giving Minako a similar look.
Before objections could be made, Seiya wrapped his arm around Usagi and led her away. They had only a brief window to catch all of the Shitennou together.
It was time for a shift change outside the Chiba apartments. Usagi and Seiya found all four men in the hall.
"We didn't expect you back so soon," Jaedite said.
"Yes, surely you have more settling to do in your quarters," Nephrite added.
"Oh but we wanted to have you all together for this," Usagi said smiling as she presented two small boxes. Seiya similarly presented two more.
Each box was plainly wrapped but clearly labeled. Each man opened his respective box and found an identical ring inside. The only difference in their design were the names inscribed on the inner rim of the yellow gold bands. The rings were the seal of Endymion-sama's kingdom, Elysium.
The Shitennou bowed to Usagi and Seiya as they placed the rings on their fingers.
"Thank you," Kunzite said after a lengthy silence.
The other men smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Please get up. You know you don't need to bother with that," Usagi pleaded.
The men rose to their feet and were rewarded with hugs from Usagi.
"Odango, we need to find Helios and Galaxia now. It's almost time for our lunch. It's been such a long day so far. You need your rest." Seiya smiled at his wife who nodded and took his arm.
As they walked Usagi sighed softly. "Do you think Galaxia will like her gift?"
"It's difficult to tell, Odango. She is still distancing herself from anything that could be considered extravagant. Perhaps she could in time."
"I just want her to know it's ok now. She's set everything right so…"
"Odango…" Seiya ran his hand through his wife's silver hair and smiled softly. "Not everyone can be as forgiving as you. She probably hates herself for everything she did as Chaos."
"Then we'll make her feel welcome." Usagi stopped in her tracks as the subject of their conversation walked out of her apartment just then. Not knowing of her new name yet, Usagi called out to the woman. "Galaxia! There you are."
Galaxia paused cringing at the name but knowing the voice she quieted herself from correcting the infraction. "Serenity-sama, welcome home. Forgive me but I need to find someone…A large number of fine dresses and a jewelry set have appeared in my room and I think they should be returned to the owner without delay."
Usagi giggled. "Please, call me Usagi. You don't need to be so formal with me. And the dresses and jewels are yours. They're your gift from us."
"We thought you might enjoy dressing up a bit every now and then. Odango wanted you to know that you deserve to feel special and pretty." Seiya smiled and squeezed Usagi's hand. "I think so too."
Galaxia smiled and a tear came to her eye but she didn't allow it to fall. "Thank you. I had forgotten how to accept gifts. They're lovely. I will try to find a place to wear them." Galaxia smiled widely and clasped her hands together somewhat awkwardly. She wanted to hug Usagi and Seiya but wasn't sure how to ask exactly.
Usagi smiled wider and let go of Seiya's hand nearly knocking over a bewildered Galaxia. "Wear one to dinner tonight. The oranges would look amazing with your hair and the gold will highlight your eyes. I'm so happy you like them."
Galaxia placed her arms around Usagi and hugged her back warmly unable not to relax in her presence. Something about the silver-haired girl made her feel as though she belonged.
"Odango, we just need to find Helios and then we can relax and enjoy lunch on the balcony." Seiya offered his arm to his wife who hugged Galaxia tighter for just a moment before letting go and resuming her place by Seiya's side. "We'll see you at dinner."
Helios was somewhat difficult to find as he had the most to do regarding the festival planning and arranging for the spiritual guidance. Here on Kinmoku there was not so structured a doctrine of religion but a collection of beliefs and morals based on interaction with one another to ensure kindness was always extended and that no person went without basic needs or comforts. People could advance if they set their mind to it, but they generally gave back to the community through either goods or volunteer service. All of this kept a priest like Helios quite busy.
As luck would have it he was in the grand receiving hall mapping out decorations for the celebration of the announcement of the child soon to come to the royal house of Shori. He was speaking with one of the designers when Usagi and Seiya found him. His composure remained very focused but his smile rose even into his eyes showing how happy he was to see them. "Serenity-sama, Seiya-sama, I'm flattered to have your visit."
"Usagi crinkled up her nose a bit but smiled. "Just call me Usagi, Helios. We wanted to give you your gift and see how you've been. It seems you're always so busy here."
"The people of Kinmoku are very spiritual, Usagi-san. They have a drive to help one another and are very attentive to even complete strangers' needs."
"I'm glad you like it here. I was worried that all that time spent alone with only the Maenids and Pegasus to keep you company you'd be lonely." Usagi produced a small basket with a bright pink bow tied at the top.
"Is this for me?" Helios lifted the basket to find its' contents to be heavier than they looked. Opening the cloth laid over he saw several books on Kinmoku dream divination and how to make charms to ward off nightmares and help one remember their dreams. Some small crafting supplies were included for the basic patterns as well. "Usagi-san…"
"Odango came up with the idea. She said your specialty was with human dreams so we stopped at this tiny shop full of crystals and incense."
"It's perfect. Absolutely perfect."
(A/N: This took way too long to update and I'm deeply sorry for that. Please enjoy it and keep an eye out as I will be updating as often as I can. It's hard when you're working and in school but I enjoy writing too much to stop entirely. Thanks for being so patient and understanding everyone. ^_^ Hugs and free internet cookies to one and all!)