Chapter 15

Sol fell to the ground slowly as Ami watched his eyes roll back. Luckily he had Makoto, who was as strong as an ox, to keep him from getting further injuries. Mamoru was still carrying her, dried blood plastered on his face from the broken nose he had received, courtesy of their number one enemy. Artemis, who had accidentally caused him to faint in the first place, couldn't hold back his laughter. "He's the first one to pass out from learning a cat can talk." Makoto turned her attention from Sol to Artemis, her glare shooting daggers at the small white cat, but he hadn't noticed as he continued to laugh.

"It's not funny Artemis! He's been through a lot in a short time!" Makoto wasn't the type to lose her cool, but it was obvious she cared deeply for him. Artemis had stopped laughing, but didn't back down.

"He must not be very strong mentally if he passes out from learning there are cats that can speak."

"Actually" Ami began, not willing to let this get into a heated argument, but also wanting to defend her friend. "The human mind can only take so much before it shuts down. It's kind of like a defense mechanism, to prevent it from overloading. Sol has suffered a deep traumatic wound psychologically with the loss of his parents, plus he's been thrust into a world he didn't know existed only a short time ago. I think it's a miracle he's been able to continue on as far as he has without breaking down. He's showing no signs of giving up either. If anything, that shows just how strong he really is."

"I'm sorry Makoto. Ami is right, I shouldn't have laughed" Artemis hung his head in shame, clearly regretting his actions. Makoto's features softened as he apologized and held her hand out to the boisterous cat. "It's alright Artemis. I know you didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. Plus, if I know Sol, he'll have a good laugh at this when he wakes up."

"I think I'm ok from here Mamoru-san. You should probably help Mako-chan get Sol to a bed." Ami suggested as she wiggled out of his gentle but strong arms. She watched as Makoto and Mamoru lifted the limp body of Sol between them and carried him off into one of the buildings of Hikawa Shrine. Artemis looked on at their backs as they disappeared behind one of the sliding doors. "So Makoto had no choice but to transform in front of him, and now he knows her identity. I guess it couldn't be helped." Luna snorted "That's all you have to say?" Luna sounded very upset, and when she was upset, she usually took her anger out on Artemis. "We still don't know what his true intentions are and-" Usagi turned quickly from walking down the stone path, her long blonde pony tails whirling around as she spun.

"Luna!" She yelled. The black cat stopped her rant and cowered at the sudden outburst. "That is enough of that kind of talk. Sol isn't our enemy; we met our enemy today head on. Sol almost got killed because of us. If Makoto hadn't arrived in time, he would be dead right now, and that responsibility would be on us for not protecting him. I won't stand for you saying anything bad about him anymore." Luna had seemed frightened at first, but as Usagi spoke, she seemed to gain back her confidence and was ready to lash out as soon as the short girl finished.

"It's my duty to see you crowned Queen, and some kid off-"

"Luna!" The conviction in Usagi's voice was unmistakable. Ami and the other girls stood silently, tension filling the air. "If the next words that come out of your mouth aren't an apology, then I will be relieving you from your duty as my advisory." The normally soft blue of Usagi's eyes had turned into a cold steal icy glare. "He's risked his life more than once and you still suspect he's plotting against us? If he wanted revenge, he could have led Koji and Aksuna to us a long time ago." The two stared down at one another for what seemed an eternity to Ami. She wanted to try and ease the tension, but something told her not to get involved. A part of her was glad to see Usagi taking her responsibility much more seriously, but at the same time, this was so out of character for the jovial girl and it was unnerving.

Finally Luna visibly relaxed, hanging her head, eyes closed, she spoke softly. "I'm sorry Usagi-chan. For once, you're absolutely right. I won't ever doubt him again." Usagi's cold blue eyes began to fill with tears, her lower lip quivering as she held back her emotions. "I'm sorry too Luna. It's just now more than ever we need to be united. We can't turn on each other, or have any doubts of anyone if we're to succeed. I'm so glad you apologized, I don't know what I would do without you." The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks as she bent down to embrace the small, quick tempered cat.

Ami smiled at Usagi's honesty. Some things will never change, I suppose. Rei and Minako, with Artemis now hanging off her shoulder, went to were Usagi and Luna were still hugging each other and began a cheerful conversation. Ami peered past them to see Mamoru coming out of a Shrine building, wiping away dried blood from his face with a damp cloth. Ami took a small step forward and a deep shooting pain screamed up her back. The damage Koji had done was being downplayed by the intelligent youth, but she walked on slowly, holding back her own grimaces as tears began to fill her eyes.

She continued to walk slowly towards where Mamoru had come out of, determined not to let her friends worry. She knew she would recover from this, but the other girls would be in an uproar if they knew how bad it really was. They all looked out for her like she was the little sister of the group. Ami knew she had the least offensive attacks, but that didn't mean she couldn't hold her own against any foe.

"It seems you're in more pain than you're letting on Ami." She hadn't noticed Artemis keeping step beside her. The small white cat kept a cheerful look on his face, but his voice was wrought with concern. Ami took in a small breath before replying.

"Thank you Artemis. I don't want to worry them. I'll be alright, I just need some time to rest." Artemis nodded and turned his attention to the shrine building.

"I'm heading over there to ask Makoto something. Mind if I walk with you?"

"Of course not." Ami had always thought Artemis was polite and often wondered what he was like during their time together while in the Silver Millennium. The odd pair made their way to the sliding door, and Ami opened it slowly. The room was dark with the curtains pulled shut, blocking out the rays of the setting sun. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness, seeing the figure of Makoto bent over what she could only assume was Sol. The blue haired girl spotted a chair across the room and began her methodical approach, trying to keep her range of movement to a minimum.

"Is that you Ami-chan?" She heard through the darkness. She swallowed hard before she spoke, hoping she would sound normal.

"Yes. I just need to sit down and rest for a short time." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Makoto got up and came to her side.

"I know you don't need it, but let me help you to the chair." She couldn't see it, but she knew Makoto was had a sly smile on her face. With Makoto's help, she was in the chair and sitting comfortably in no time. Ami let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding as she finally let herself relax, the pain already subsiding.

"Thank you Mako-chan. Please don't tell anyone. I don't want them to worry."

"Don't worry Ami-chan" she began softly "we all know you're tougher than you look." Ami closed her eyes and let her head fall back.

"So what happened today Makoto?" She heard Artemis ask. She listened for Makoto's answer and could tell the green eyed girl was suddenly nervous as she began to shuffle around.

"Didn't they tell you what happened?" Makoto replied, trying to sound relaxed. What's he getting at? Ami wondered.

"Yes, they told me about the fight with Koji. But I'm interested in what you did today. I can sense that a new power has awoken within you Makoto. So what happened?" Ami lifted her head and opened her eyes. This wasn`t anything she was expecting to hear. She waited for an answer from Makoto and was beginning to think the other girl wasn`t going to give one when she inhaled deeply and began.

"When we were searching for Sol, the car Koji was driving went past me. I followed him into a warehouse and got attacked by surprise. When I came to, Koji was there with Aksuna and Sol was chained up to some sort of metal rack. Koji ordered Aksuna to finish me off and he went to Sol. He picked Sol up by the throat and he was going to kill him. I knew I didn't have time to run over and save him, so I wished to be faster. I needed to be faster in order to save him. I don't know how to explain it really, but it was like I became lighting. Suddenly there was a loud crack and I was in front of Sol and time seemed to stand still. When I took Sol out we were both engulfed in electricity. I don't know how I did it, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to do it again."

"Is that what happened? I thought I was being blessed by an angel when I saw the bright light." The groggy voice of Sol asked out of the darkness. Makoto spun around and hovered over him.

"Are you ok Sol? You passed out again" Ami saw his silhouette sit up as he rubbed his eyes. "Yeah I'm alright. I lost consciousness when I thought I met a talking cat." Artemis cleared his throat as he sat tall and proud, like a regal cat.

"You did meet a talking cat. My name is Artemis. It's nice to-"

"You've gotta be kidding me! Is this for real?! Does a talking cat really follow you around Mako-chan?!" Sol interrupted, his voice going up an octave as hysteria began to set in.

"Artemis lives with Minako-chan actually." Makoto answered calmly. A long silence followed as Ami strained her ears for any other sounds. She heard some ruffling of the blankets and assumed Sol was getting out of bed. In the dim light she could just make out the figure of Sol wrapping his arms around Makoto, who seemed rather surprised at his reaction.

"As long as you're here, I can deal with it Mako-chan. Before I met you, I was drowning in despair, being swallowed by my own desperation. My wound went past flesh and bone and cut into the soul. I honestly thought for a time that life wasn't worth living. But you changed all that for me. You're light shone through the darkness like the rising sun over the horizon. You brighten everything you touch Mako-chan, even my sadness."

There was only sincerity in the words he spoke, Ami could tell. She found herself having a hard time holding back the tears as a lump formed in her throat. If anyone deserves that kind of love, it's Mako-chan. Ami heard what she could only describe as 'sniffles' from her tall friend. His words must have a deep meaning for her.

"I've been waiting for someone like you to come and sweep me off my feet. Thank you Sol. No one has ever said anything like that to me before." Makoto said in a voice that cracked, betraying her calm demeanor. "I usually fall for older boys though" she finished with a laugh.

"What if I told you I was held back a grade" Sol replied.

"Really?"

"Sure." He said with as they both began to laugh as they whispered sweet nothings into each other's ear. Artemis cleared his throat having seen enough. "We need to figure out what the enemy's next move is going to be."

"I think I can shed some light one that." Sol muttered gravely. All the giggles were gone from the two love-struck teens. "Koji is going to that palace of yours."

"And how could you possibly know that?" Artemis nearly choked. Ami didn't know Sol personally, but she had taken some classes with him and knew he was bright. Also Makoto had told her about his quick wit and ingenuity under stressful situations. She was willing to bet that he was right.

"Because when Koji touched me, he could feel this new power I have. I wasn't going to say anything but then Aksuna brought Makoto in and threatened her life. I thought I had no choice because I didn't know she was Sailor Jupiter when I spilled the beans." Makoto stood up but it was Artemis who spoke.

"You and the others aren't going anywhere Makoto. Let Luna and I search. From what you told me, Koji has taken some serious damage and he won't be able to heal right away. So we still have some time. Chances are he'll have someone looking for you and he knows who you are now. No one would suspect a stray cat, so please just let Luna and I do this for you. Please keep this between us until we can find out some information." Ami watched as Makoto stood still, contemplating what Artemis offered. Ami knew this was the best course of action, but she also knew that Makoto grew restless when she couldn't act. Finally Makoto nodded in agreement and sat back down beside Sol.

The door to the outside world slid open and Ami had to shield her eyes from the change in brightness. "Good, you're up" came the voice of Mamoru. "Read this tonight and get the basics down" he continued as he tossed a book towards Sol.

"What is it?" Makoto asked as Sol picked the book up and began examining the cover.

"Samurai sword techniques." Mamoru replied for him. "If you're going to fight with a katana, you better know how to use it. Training starts first thing in the morning." The conversation continued but Ami was no longer able to fight the overwhelming urge to close her eyes. She lie back in the chair and let her eyes slowly close, sleeping washing over her quickly.

-/-*-\-

The sun was up much quicker than Sol would have wanted. His ribs still ached terribly and he struggled to breath. Makoto had slept on the floor beside him, wanting him to get as much rest as possible to help him recover. Sitting up in bed and looking down at the peaceful features on her face he realized right then what he was fighting for. I won't let anyone ever hurt you Mako-chan. As quietly as he could, Sol pulled the covers back and slipped out of bed. The steady rise and fall of Makoto's chest told him she was still sleeping soundly, as was Ami, slumped over in the chair from last night. She'll probably need a chiropractor after that sleep. Sol grabbed his shoes and sheathed katana and slid the door open, quietly stepping outside.

The morning air was still cool and refreshing. The sun was just starting to come over the horizon as Sol surveyed the area, looking for any sign of Mamoru. I glint of light caught his eye deep in the trees on the shrine grounds as he pulled his shoes on. He crossed the open stone path towards the tall trees as quickly as his injuries would allow. Picking his way through the trees, Sol found Mamoru waiting in a small clearing. He was wearing the same plain clothes as the night before, but now he had a medium length black cane in his hand. "Unsheathe your sword and come at me with everything you've got. I want to assess your ability." The words were not unkind, but there was a certain coldness to his voice that Sol had never heard before.

He did as Mamoru asked of him and drew his blade from its scabbard. The blade sang as it announced its presence, the sun gleaming of the flawless steal. Sol took a deep breath as he prepared for the pain that was about to shoot through his body. Holding the blade in front of him Sol dug his toes in and leapt forward as pain flared up in his midsection. He raised his hands, the katana high above his head.

Kirioshi! A downward straight cut, the first shown in the book Mamoru had brought him. His weapon whistled through the air, and was easily blocked by the cane in Mamoru's hand. Once Sol heard the clang of metal on metal, he let his wrists relax on the follow through, dropping the handle and sliding the blade off the cane to his right. Mayoko giri! Turning the sharpened edge towards his opponent, he let the blade fly again, executing the side cut. Mamoru had dropped his own guard after blocking the first attack, and just as easily blocked the second, the two weapons crashing together again.

He's too fast for the power attacks Sol thought as he backed up, creating some distance between them. Still holding his katana in front of him, he began to circle to Mamoru's left, the hand not holding a weapon. As Mamoru put his weight onto his left foot, and began to pivot, Sol took advantage of his off-balance. Tsuki! The straight thrust while his weapon was behind him and his center of gravity off, Sol was confident this attack would land. Mamoru flicked his wrist, bringing the end of his cane up deflecting Sol's attack away from his body and up above his head. With his sword in a favourable position for the downward diagonal strike, Sol went for his next attack. Kesa giri! But once again Mamoru was too fast, side stepping his slice as Sol missed and the end of his blade dug into the ground. He felt the cool end of Mamoru's cane pressed into the side of his neck. "Now you're dead." Again, his words were cold.

"You're too fast, I can't hit you. Plus I'm having a hard time breathing with this injury to my ribs." Sol confessed. Looking into Mamoru's eyes, he was greeted with an icy stare.

"Do you think your enemies will care if you're injured? Do you think they'll wait for you to recover before continuing the fight?" Sol knew he was right, but felt a little annoyed. This was a practice, not the real thing. "Remember, you're emotions dictate your power. Right now you're stiff and emotionless, calculating your actions like a program. Think of Makoto while you fight, it'll help." Sol had dropped his hands to his knees as sweat was beginning to bead on his forehead, trying to keep his breathing calm. Think of Mako-chan. He closed his eyes and pictured her face, chest-nut brown hair pulled up into a pony tail, a smile that touched her sparkling green eyes. Almost immediately he felt alleviation from the pain in his torso.

He raised the sword again and watched Mamoru, observing his movements as he circled one way and the other. He favours an open stance. He wants me to attack so he can counter. Sol rushed forward, holding his blade in front of him. He watched as Mamoru pulled his cane in front of himself now, ready to defend and counter. He slashed and Mamoru blocked, slashed and blocked, over and over again, increasing his speed as he pictured Makoto in his head. Mamoru was back peddling, their weapons flying frantically through the air.

Finally the older man had had enough and countered, the opening Sol was looking for. The black cane blocked one of his attacks from the side and slid down the blade. Sol let his wrists go limp, the end of the sword pointing towards the ground. It was enough to throw Mamoru off balance. He brought the blade back up as Mamoru tried to regain his balance, stopping as the cold steal made contact with his neck. "Now you're dead" Sol said with a smile.

"Perfect Sol. Now I know I can go full out against you. I had no idea you were such a quick study. Come, let's take this seriously now." His words of encouragement really did mean a lot to the tall Irish boy. The two went back and forth, attacking and blocking, countering and parrying each other as they practiced well into the afternoon, undisturbed.

A/N: It feels like forever since I posted the last chapter! I haven't forgotten and I try and work on the story as much as possible although lately I haven't had a lot of free time. Things are looking like they will calm down here so hopefully I can get back to really turning the chapters out. And as always I would like to thank everyone who is reading and enjoying the story,