A/N: Otakon. Was. AWESOME. I got to meet Linda Ballantyne (DiC dub for Sailor Moon), Kaite Griffen (DiC dub for Sailor Mars), and John Stocker (DiC dub for Grandfather Hino as well as one of the staff for the show.) and get a picture with them as well as some autographs. As you can imagine, I was fan-girling and geeking just a lot. I got a horde of Sailor Moon (Specifically Sailor Jupiter) items, and had a ton of fun in general. The steampunk Espeon cosplay was a huge hit, which was amazing for me since it was the first cosplay I have ever sewn. I plan on attending Otakon again next year, and will be making one new cosplay for the con. My current project? Dark Jupiter. I already have the choker and tiara crafted, and it's only been eight days since Otakon ended.
Warning: This chapter contains... drama?
With love,
Korrupted.
Shout outs:
Manticore-gurl071134: I actually noticed that too. Really not many fics have her close to them, regardless of the fact that her planet is in their turf. I just kinda ran with it a bit. As for if she will stay close... Well, if you read Courage-less, then you have a hint of the answer.
Lady D: I'm so sorry to be getting to this comment so late! I kinda toyed with the idea for a bit, and since there is such a lack of Mako being closer to the Outers than the Inners, I just said, "Eh, screw it. For all of my fellow fan-girls, THIS IS FOR YOU!" *typetypetype* I'm really glad that you enjoy this so much. Did you know that in the original story line for Courage-less, there were only ten to twelve chapters at most, and absolutely no Dark Jupiter? It's kinda hard to imagine that looking at it now, but it's true. She just kinda happened in my mind at about chapter five and I tried it out. And now she is my favorite OC that I have ever crafted. Please, always feel free to drop a review.
To all my readers: Thank you for being so awesome. Without all y'all, I would not be writing any of my fics at all.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON! Nor will I ever. Sad, but true. Besides, could you imagine if I ever DID get my hands on the rights? I know, it's a terrifying thought indeed.
Haruka was standing opposite Makoto in the training hall, watching twelve year old warily as they stood clad in their Order of the Senshi fukus, weapons in hand. Her saber was powerful, but it wasn't nearly as dangerous looking as that. In her younger friend's hands was a double bladed naginata, the blades curved elegantly to look like lightning bolts. She knew that the Jovian's weapon would of course take the form of some sort of pole-arm, -all warriors from the planet of courage had some variety of one- but seeing two blades was a first. 'It probably manifested two blades to represent her being a twin.' The blonde realized, taking her combat stance.
Makoto didn't like this idea at all. She held the staff of the weapon nervously, the cool metal alien in her grasp as she prepared herself for combat training under Talia's watchful eye. Even Princess Sailor Mercury Janis was nearby with Unazuki and Lysander, just in case. The two Senshi locked eyes, calm blue looking into nervous green moments before the elder warrior of the sky called out, "Start!"
Haruka leaped at Makoto, the younger girl pulling up her staff to block before mincing away, her motions betraying her hesitation. Again, the blonde charged, the other girl blocking before twirling her weapon and launching her own attack. Twin blades swept at the now dodging teen, a few lucky slashes leaving rips in her skirt before she blocked and parried. The two Senshi were finally locked into a heated match, both trying to win as their competitive natures won out.
Lysander turned his head at the sound of approaching footsteps, the echoing noise proving that the people responsible for them were wearing armor. The footsteps drew closer still, finally the Moonlight Knight seeing a small entourage of warriors from Uranus enter the hall, Talia halting the training with a single command. This could not be good.
A soldier with grey streaked brown hair stepped forwards, his deep voice full of a soothing authority. "Princess Sailor Uranus Talia, Princess Sailor Uranus Haruka." He knelt respectfully, and continued. "At the request of your planet and approval of Queen Serenity, your presence required on your home planet. There is a rebellion of Dark Kingdom supporters that we can no longer quell on our own. You are to depart in three tolls with us to assist in handling the uprising. Forgive me for the intrusion." He stood upon finishing and bowed.
And as quickly as they had come, the men and women in armor left the six citizens of Crystal Tokyo behind, the only sound heard the fading foot falls.
"Haruka? Haruka, you can't go..." A tiny voice pleaded pitifully, four sets of eyes falling on a distraught looking Makoto as she let her transformation fall away, standing in her green and sea foam colored dress.
Haruka also dropped her Senshi form, her heart breaking at the tears that filled the emerald eyes of the Jovian girl. She took a few steps towards the auburn haired guardian before she watched the younger female break down completely, running towards her and embracing the tunic clad fighter tightly as she sobbed. "H-haru... Please, please don't leave me... Please, you can't go... You can't!"
Janis left quickly to give them some privacy, Lysander following suit with Unazuki as only Talia lingered. Part of the older woman could see that the two girls had become as close as she and Lacira had been, if not more so, and it hurt her to know that the younger guardian of Uranus might fall during the coming battle. How would little Mako take the death of her niece?
Haruka held the smaller fighter tightly against her body, kissing the top of her head gently as tears pricked at her own eyes. She knew that her charge feared losing the Outer warriors, and she had to go and take on a rebellion. "Shhhh... Shhhhh... It's okay, Mako. I'll come back. I'll come back to you, Michi, and all the others. I promise." The guardian swore, part of her cursing herself for making a promise she may not be able to keep.
However, the tender words seemed to ease her friend, the grip slightly less painful. Still, she had to prepare for departure and the coming fight, and also see to it that the young warrior would be watched over in her absence. There were two people that she trusted enough for the task of keeping her young crush safe, and with a quick motion, Haruka lifted Makoto into her arms and carried her out of the hall, Talia leaving as well to prepare in her own room. The tunic clad blonde walked in silence towards Setsuna's room, where the wind had shown her both she and her girlfriend were talking, entering with the crying girl in her arms. "I'm being called away to battle. There is a revolt on Uranus, and Aunt Talia and I must go." Her words were thick with sadness, Makoto's arms tightening around her shoulders. "I want the two of you to watch over Mako while I am away."
Setsuna stood wordlessly, Michiru quickly getting to her feet and rushing over to embrace her girlfriend with the smaller brunette still in her arms, the warrior of time joining the hug. As of yet, she couldn't tell if Haruka was going to be able to return alive or not, but the olive haired woman dare not say it aloud. After the other two pulled away, the Plutonian took charge of the weeping girl, holding her in her lap once she sat down again. At times, Makoto could still act very much like a child, the prospect of losing one of her dearest friends bringing up her habit of clinging to them tightly once more. And so, the eldest of the young Order held the Jovian as Haruka sadly left the room to prepare, her aqua haired lover following quickly.
Michiru caught up with the now silently crying Haruka in her room, wrapping her arms around the blonde's waist from behind firmly. She buried her face into her lover's spine, hiding her own tears in the deep blue fabric of the tunic. "Haruka, just... Just come back to us." Was her only plea.
The wind warrior turned to tightly cling to the other girl, tilting her face upwards gently and kissing her on the lips. "I will do my very best, my love. Watch over Mako for me, please. And I will write as often as I can." She murmured into the soft lips, breaking the contact as the guardian of the seas nodded.
They held each other like that for a long time, unwilling to end the embrace. They both knew that when she did, Haruka would have to don her armor and prepare for battle. And Michiru was terrified of losing one of the two girls she loved.
Makoto was standing in between Setsuna and Michiru as Haruka hugged Serenity, the princess of Jupiter watching the girl sadly. With a solemn wave, the butch watched towards the ship that would take her and Talia back to their home planet, her heart sinking with every step. The moment the young Senshi boarded, the Jovian felt Michiru take hold of her left hand and lace their fingers together, Setsuna placing a soft hand on her right shoulder. It hurt them all to see the leader of the Outer Senshi leaving, even Serenity walking over to hug the young fighter. Makoto was too sad to truly find it humorous that the princess was now a full two inches shorter than she was. "I'm sorry, Mako. She'll come back. I know it." The blonde reassured softly.
Serenity felt one of Makoto's arms around her, holding the older princess to herself. She could feel how hard the girl was trying to hold back more tears, her grasp tightening more. Makoto might have been the warrior that was destined to protect her most directly, but she was still one of her dearest friends. It really did hurt the empathetic teen to see the strong girl so hurt and scared as one of their own went off to battle an uprising, and so Serenity remained hugging the five foot tall female firmly as a means of comfort. Slowly, she felt the arm around her ease, the princess of the moon backing away and looking at the other two Outer branch warriors. "May I take Makoto? Please?" Serenity inquired, her blue eyes gentle.
As if hesitant to release the auburn haired brawler, Setsuna and Michiru both glanced at each other before slowly letting go of Makoto, Serenity lacing Makoto's fingers with her own. She offered a quick thanks before both of the barefoot princesses started walking back towards the rooms. Flowing gowns fluttered as the Jovian child followed silently behind the older girl, her emerald eyes cast upon the crystal floor. How would she manage without the guidance of her strong friend? Selene would continue to train her with her weapon, teaching her all that Lacira had, but who would show her grapples, or spar with her? Who would lean in her doorway and grin at her kindly in the mornings? Who would wrap their strong arms around her and kiss her forehead when she was scared, or nervous? Who would take her to the rose gardens and sit with her, Setsuna, and Michi? Who would call her 'Tiger' and carry her so protectively in their arms back to her room if she fell asleep outside?
Makoto had never really considered just how important Haruka truly was to her. She had always relied on her for strength, but the lightning guardian hadn't truly thought about the full extent of it until now. Verdant eyes glanced up when she heard a heavy door open, seeing the blonde close them into the plant filled room before being lead to the green covered bed and sitting upon it; when had they made it to the rooms? "Mako? Talk to me, please. You and I are so close, and I want to try to help." Serenity urged in a very gentle voice.
The young guardian gingerly traced her right hand over the golden bangle on her left arm, her lower lip trembling as she felt the designs cut into the metal. She didn't fully understand where to start, so she simply began to talk. "Haruka is my best friend. She and the other Outers always looked out for me when I was with them. I just..." Tears began to fall from her pain filled hues. "I'm scared she won't come back, Serenity. I'm scared, and angry, and there's nothing I can do!"
Makoto hung her head, sobbing quietly. "I c-can't help her fight. I have t-to stay here and train, and I w-want to make her p-p-proud of me."
Her words were cut off by slender arms embracing her, the young moon princess holding her firmly. Strong arms moved to return the hold, the sun-kissed face buried in the shoulder of the white gown. After the tears quieted, the shorter girl grinned up at her younger companion, the joy as infectious as ever. "Want to come with me to the ice skating lessons? Mother wants me to start today, and we could learn together! Please? It would be fun!"
Blue eyes searched verdant orbs as the auburn haired girl nodded and wiped her eyes free of more tears, a gentle grin on her lips. "I... I think I would like that." Was the timid admission, the blonde beaming and dragging the tall female along behind her. She was going to hopefully cheer up her closest guardian, and maybe after Makoto would make them some delicious food!
Sakura sat at her oaken desk, trying her hardest to focus on the important documents regarding crops and hunting records that the Queen had left for her to study. If she was to be as good a ruler as Akira, she had to know what in the Thunder she was looking at in the political aspect of things. However, the princess' mind was billions of miles away at the moment, wondering about her elder twin. On a nearly weekly -though sometimes daily- basis, one of Makoto's letters would reach her and the brunette would read about life in Crystal Tokyo.
It was the tenth of Storm Moon, and in the last letter that she had received, Makoto had talked of the progress of her weapon handling as well as how the youngest members of the Order were doing. Sakura had noted over the years that aside from Serenity, her twin mentioned the three Outer branch members often, and to be honest she could understand why; Haruka was always nice to her when she visited the Moon Kingdom's capital, Michiru gave her advice and tips on painting, and Setsuna would show her various tiny creatures long extinct to amuse her. Honestly, the green-hazel eyed princess liked the always smiling Serenity most of all. Joy was just so contagious when she was nearby, and it was a refreshing change to the boring pieces of parchment holding dull and dry numbers of Razor Boar hunts, and Henhawk hatchling farms. With a heavy sigh, Sakura looked out to the rainy forests, watching the heavy sheets of rain fall on the trees and leaves.
She missed her sister. She missed learning all of the different summonings and sparring bouts they would have in their room that now felt far too big and far too quiet. For the past seven years, she had been missing her twin dashing around, playing, spying on Lightning Wolves, and just talking. Akira refused to remarry, and thus she had no siblings on the way; but the future queen was alright with that. Makoto wasn't something to be replaced like that.
Her eyes returned to the papers sadly, considering her own fate in the regards of marriage. She was almost old enough to be presented suitors to select from, eligible men and women from all over the galaxy would flock and try to win her hand, but she already had a standard to measure them against: First Prince Kal of Venus. He was tall, smart, kind, and so very handsome. His shade of golden hair was a touch darker than his younger sister Princess Sailor Venus Minako (who was almost as stunning as he was), but his ice blue eyes were what captured her attention. Though he was already betrothed, the young princess still could use him as a standard for the men, and Moon Princess Serenity as a standard for women. Sakura's sun-kissed hand grasped the oak pendant that hung from the green crystal studded leather necklace on her, wishing that Makoto could be here to help her pick out a suitable candidate. If she didn't have someone by the age of forty, Akira would be forced to arrange a marriage for her, and neither of them wanted that. "Oak Parade." Sakura muttered, pieces of the table shifting up to form images of Jovian soldiers.
Green-hazel eyes watched the figures move and march, inwardly counting the days until Hunt Moon arrived, and she could visit her twin and her friends.
Makoto was walking gingerly in the skates behind Serenity, the metal items clicking on the crystal floors as they made their way to the ice arena. The lightning warrior knew that the Outers all knew how to skate to varying degrees, Rei avoiding the frozen surface like the plague while Ami had started lessons several months ago. Minako had the least amount of success; she mostly flailed and fell flat on her rear, the leader of the Inner branch currently being instructed under the watchful eyes of Helena and Janis. The blonde in front of Makoto tripped and was sent to the floor, the taller girl instantly rushing to help only to join her on the crystal ground, both laughing at their own gracelessness. "Damn, Serenity. I guess we can't even make it to the ice without falling flat on our faces!" She chuckled, finally righting them both.
As they made it to the wall surrounding the large icy surface, Lysander, Selene, and Setsuna gracefully made their way over to help them through the opening and onto the ice. Lysander took charge of Serenity, Setsuna holding Makoto's hands to help stabilize her; both girls clearly nervous as Selene smiled at them kindly. "Mako, Serenity, don't worry about a thing. These two will teach you how to skate perfectly. If you need me, I'll be helping with Minako."
Blue and green hues turned towards the struggling Venusian, grinning nervously at how much better they were compared to the young leader of the Inner branch. The white-blonde seamstress skated over to help Helena and Janis, Makoto shakily trying to skate while tightly clutching at the eldest warrior's hands. Setsuna could tell she was scared, her magenta hues soft as a patient smile tugged at her lips, helping to keep her friend steady. "It's okay, Mako. Now, let's take a few steps." Were her gentle instructions.
At the mention of moving, the Jovian's grip on her hands tightened more, the girl stiffening. So, the olive haired young woman leaned in and whispered into her ear, "Don't worry. I'll catch you. We'll always catch you."
Makoto's gaze met hers as she felt the fighter relax a bit, the younger girl's skates moving slowly as the twenty year old guardian of time calmly instructed her on how to move. She was quite glad that the girl was a quick learner; unlike Minako who had been struggling with this for years. An image passed before her eyes of Makoto skating with Serenity, both moving with a fluidity that was unrivaled as they laughed and grinned at each other. Was this a vision of the skill that the two would possess soon? If so, it would be certain that they would be the best skaters in all the universe.
Luna sat in Rei's arms happily; the Martian wouldn't be caught dead on that slippery surface, no matter how much the others begged her. Fire and ice just didn't mix well in that regard. Violet eyes found their way over to her commander, giggling as Minako's skates slipped out from under her comically, causing Selene and Helena to catch and right the blonde. Rei had zero doubts that her appalling skill level would make even the warrior of love's ability look astounding. "Luna? Why is everyone learning to skate?" She inquired curiously.
The black cat turned to face the warm shrine dweller, her eyes gentle. "Well, it is one of the more famed pass times for the Moon Kingdom. Skiing is another one. Perhaps you may prefer that as there is no ice." The feline informed her.
Rei pursed her lips in thought. The six year old would investigate the other activity, possibly ask her aunt Amari to allow her to watch the elder Order before casting judgement upon it. Her focus drifted to Makoto and Setsuna, watching the two Senshi on the ice as the lightning wielder struggled to correct her own motions. The six year old was constantly perplexed by the auburn haired girl; she was strong, stubborn, but far kinder than she had ever dared imagine any Jovian to be. The stories of the enemy King in battle was the only mention of any honor from the planet of the storms, the man Motoki staying behind to fight an unwinnable battle to allow his own soldiers time to make it to safety. Perhaps she was like her fallen father?
Amethyst hues followed the girl's motions around on the ice for a few more minutes before she and Luna left in search of Ami. The bluenette proved to be very logical, providing her with a good conversational companion as opposed to the boy-crazy Minako. They often met up in the library, pouring over scrolls and tomes while debating topics light-heartedly, comparing planetary customs and traditions. However, both of them were more comfortable in the company of each other than in the large group as a whole, opting only to be in the company of two or three of their fellow warriors at a time. An idea struck Rei; maybe Ami could instruct her on ice skating.
It seemed reasonable. Ice was the element of Mercury, and the seven year old was already a passable skater. If nothing else, it was worth a shot. And then the two of them could spend more time with Makoto without being under the watchful eyes of her two Outer branch sentries. Sometimes it aggravated her how much the trio, currently duo, clung to the fighter of their group; Makoto belonged to the Inner Senshi, not the Outer Senshi, and Rei felt that it would do them well to remember that fact.
The Outers had no place with one of their guardians among them.
A/N: Damn. Rei seems to have a ton of prejudice in that young frame of hers. Walk it off, buttercup! Anyways, I hope all y'all enjoyed this update to the fic. I can't wait to start on the next chapter.