34: "Down time"

It was still raining as Gurio Umino stepped out of his car, staring up at the door to his apartment, the staircase that led to it, the sidewalk that connected it to the street—and then the street itself, his car, his block, his insignificant sliver of the universe, his world. This was Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan—rebuilt. Every centimeter of concrete. Every measure of metal. Every pane of glass, every wooden support, every pebble of crushed asphalt, every drop of water in every pipe. From the epicenter of technocratic supremacy to the humblest and most ancient shrine, from the Prime Minister's decorations in his office to the lonely structures on the edge of town, every bridge and road and post and building and landmark had been rebuilt, as good as new.

Umino could have lived a hundred lifetimes and would never have felt it sink in. He could have surpassed Amida and all the Buddhas and would never have meditated enough to comprehend it all. Only by coldly examining the facts and accepting them as facts could he have any hope of maintaining his sanity. There had been a giant dragon rampaging through the city, and the Sailor Senshi had joined forces to stop it, and there had been creatures who called themselves gods helping them. After it was over, these so-called gods went to work, painstakingly reconstructing Tokyo to the exact condition it had been in before this whole mess started—minus the people, of course. That had taken considerably longer, and it would take more time still. One does not simply ask millions to file back into their city and expect it to be done in an afternoon, especially when many believed it had been leveled (Kotono Sarashina's reports had revealed that). Umino had only been among the first because he was among the first contacted—he and Naru.

Naru. Trying to put all that behind him. Trying to forget what he knew, what he said. What she said. What they both believed. What they both wanted. What sort of plans reality would have in store. Naru could be nothing more than a person now because the present-day chaos afforded him no further luxuries. Few, a very few, had those. Motoki and children were last seen in the arms of the Kino matron, and disappeared shortly after. Aino had nothing but time on her hands. Tomoe had availed herself of the company of the Tsukino family, smiling. And Naru, whom he treated cordially, but distantly...

No idea. To the ends of the earth, for all he knew. But most likely the hospital.

Umino got out of the rain, slipped into his apartment, tested the lights. Yes, the gods had taken care of that. Every part and parcel was exactly where he had left it, unmarred by the dragon's fury—almost as if the nightmare had never happened. Only all the lights were working now, quite perfectly at that (which amazed him, because his landlord had claimed the light in his closet was irreparable, and there had been no available replacement bulbs for several of his custom-made lamps). In fact, everything in his apartment seemed to have been given an improvement. His two computers were cleansed, upgraded, faster and stronger than before, and his laptop was missing several bumps and bruises it had accumulated over the years. The faded photographs he kept were cleaner, sharper, as if made moments ago. The hole in his shoe was fixed. The hairline crack in his tub was gone. His movies and video games were organized, the bed cleaned and made properly, clothes laundered, birds' messes on his balcony removed. And this was merely one apartment amidst thousands. All of Tokyo had been refurbished.

The gods didn't simply return everything to the way it had been. They made it better.

The litter that had amassed the streets and sidewalks and parks and sewers was gone. Most of the landfills were cleaned up as well, or at least the parts that would've been consumed anyway. The subway cars were cleared of graffiti, and they ran perfectly, silky smooth and precisely on time. Bleak alleyways encrusted with filth were sparkling. Rusted cars were restored to their original glory. Lime and calcium buildups on statues were scrubbed away. Color was restored to old art. Anything that jammed worked perfectly. The smog was cleared, the rivers cleaned, the oceans pure. While nothing could be said of the animals left behind in the exodus, the trees and flowers and gardens were at least given new life. It was as if Paradise had descended upon Tokyo, briefly giving unto itself before the slow trickle of humanity changed it back to its dreary ways.

"Oh, shoot," Umino muttered, as he accidentally knocked over his glass of root beer. Speaking of which... "Grr, this'll never come out of the carpet."

As soon as he uttered it, he was proven wrong. The mess he made was unmade before his eyes. Startled, he put the remains of his drink on the table, cleaning the leftover spray, drinking stiffly. Well. Most unexpected.

"Maybe I just need a rest," he said, finishing his drink. "I've been working too hard lately. I'm starting to see things." He put the glass on his counter, went into the bathroom, had the first perfect shower of his existence—at just the right temperature and at just the right pressure—then nestled into his dubbed copy of Twin Peaks, listening to the rain hiss in the background.

…...

He smiled and waved at her as she exclaimed, "Oh, hello, Motoki!"

"Hey, Ami. How is she?" Ami couldn't form the words. Shaking her head would have to suffice. He took in a deep breath. "Don't worry, it's only been three days. From what Mako told me, she really went all-out in that battle. I wasn't surprised at all to hear she passed out like that."

"It's worse than that," she answered throatily. "Usagi's...comatose now."

The rain poured steadily. The white noise of a newly-rebuilt hospital. The tick of a clock.

"She'll pull out of it. Like I said, it's only been three days. Still, I was hoping she'd be awake by now. You know." He bashfully held up the bouquet, causing Ami to smile feebly, tears welling in her eyes. She led him into the room, dazed at how great a facsimile this hospital was to the original, waited outside for courtesy's sake, smiled as he emerged sans flowers. He seemed emptier for it.

"How are you holding up?" he managed. Ami closed her eyes. No need to feign strength in front of an old friend.

"I'm not. I only allowed myself one break ever since the hospital got on its feet again."

"To sleep, I hope."

"Well, besides that, obviously. I mean some real time off. Four hours, really."

"Can you last on that for three days?"

"I can when she's like that," she said breathlessly, gesturing to the room. "And honestly, I only allowed myself that time because I had an errand to run."

"Sounds almost like a silly excuse," he grinned. She didn't return his expression.

"It was something that needed to be done."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Her eyes glinted at his genuine concern. Time to change the subject.

"How are Makoto and your children?"

"Oh, the kids are on Cloud Nine. They're all starry-eyed over the dragon and the Senshi, and how all the little broken things in our hotel are repaired. Nao's started getting homesick, though."

"And you?"

"Homesick? Not so much. Wherever Makoto is, is home for me." She finally grinned, knowing precisely how he felt. Because, for her...

"Speaking of loved ones..."

"I asked her to give me some space...and time."

She glanced down, as she always did when they were young—that self-effacing expression of uncertainty, now mixed with longing and just a twinge of regret. Motoki didn't need to wonder how Ami had spent those four hours of free time, because that expression told him the entire story.

"Rei, then. Tell me about Rei." He managed to smile again, brightening the hallway. "I'm afraid the Missus has been keeping me out of the loop lately!"

Ami giggled sadly. "Affectionately, I hope."

"Quite affectionately."

I'll just bet, she blushed.

"Embroiled in her daily labors. They're not so mundane now that Pandora's Jar is opened."

"Oh, poor Rei. Having to explain everything without actually explaining it."

"I'm afraid there's no use sweeping any of this under the rug. The PM knows he'll be eaten alive if he tries covering this up. There's simply too much evidence to the contrary."

"And just how is our old friend Kotono Sarashina anyway?"

"Rei's actually closer to her than I ever was. I haven't been able to gather much, but her report's drawn some very polarizing reactions."

"No doubt."

[Paging Dr. Mizuno,] sounded the public announcement. [Dr. Ami Mizuno to room 7-D, please.]

She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. Motoki drew her in for a tight embrace. She wept to be so helpless.

"It'll be okay," he whispered, trying not to be afraid of what he saw in that room. "Everything will be all right. It has to be."

She looked up into his eyes, frozen. She was left alone shortly after.

…...

"A Tom Collins, please, and a shot of bourbon. You look like hell, Setsuna."

"I've been here longer than you," she smirked. They raised a glass together, swallowed, exhaled. "I'm glad you could make it, Reika. How long has it been?"

"Hmm...since just before you left Tokyo to go on your fashion designing spree. And before that, when I got back from studying abroad."

"Hmm. Time seems to lose all meaning when glanced at from the present."

"Which means you scarcely felt my absence—while sitting here, I mean."

"Oh, I've had some good company," she answered merrily, eyes twinkling. Reika peered over Setsuna's shoulder, spotting a vaguely familiar woman with long black hair, wearing a business suit, her face slightly flustered from drink. Noticing that Reika didn't recognize her drinking partner, Setsuna made introductions. "Forgive me, I forgot the two of you were never well-acquainted. Reika, Rei. Miss Future Senator Hino, Professor Nishimura."

"Proff," Rei waved, her speech slurred. Reika smiled warmly.

"Motoki's friend from Crown Game Center and Fruit Parlor, right? We've met a few times, but that was a lifetime ago."

"Mmmmotoki's...hic!...girlfriend."

"Ex, sorry to say...though perhaps not. He's a good match with Makoto."

"That he is," Setsuna said. "And why are you still Miss Nishimura, and not Mrs. Something-or-other?"

"Oh, it's bound to happen one of these days. Two steps forward, one step back. You?"

"Recently dumped. Peacefully dumped. Really more of a co-dumping."

"Blondes are nothing but trouble, Professor Reika," Rei called. Reika laughed.

"I can't imagine any man easily recovering from that injury."

"Woman," she corrected, "and it's not a simple story. I've been unloading all my cares on Miss Hino here; she might give you the abbreviated version if we stay here long enough."

"Love quadrangle." Rei winked, raising another cup of sake. "I also speak from personal...nnngh...sperience. Blondes is nothing but trouble, the whole lot."

"Motoki included?"

"Hess married. Blon' women specially."

"Sweetheart, have some water," Setsuna said, combing through Rei's hair. "Have something to eat. You're losing your balance."

"Juss one more, Setsu," she implored, slapping her drink on the counter. "We started this night bemoaning crazy blonde women and we'll wrap it up the same way. It'll be bookends, you'll see."

"Okay, just one more, honey. Then we'll have to cut this party short."

"And to whom are you two toasting to?" Reika pointed. Setsuna, admittedly more intoxicated than Rei but better-equipped to handle it, smiled slowly.

"I was co-dumped by a silly, sweet blonde woman, and Rei's coming to terms with her own issues with the same. It seems she's been in love with Usagi this whole time and—uh, Usagi Tsukino, you remember her—anyway, I think she's through with her. Did I get that right, Rei?"

"More or less," she nodded. "I'm sick of it. Pining, pining, pining...and we're great friends, and she always knows what...hic!...to make me cheer up, an' she's like the light of my life, but lately I been thinking it's too much crazy trouble and drama, and she's not like that at all, and she never would be, and I think she's aware of it all but is really cool about it, and don't never give me no any indication that I could stand a hell-ball's chance in snow...whoa." She stood up, wobbled, tumbled down, was caught by Reika. There was a sad, noble smile hidden behind that pickled veneer of hers. "I know I could say it more elephantly if I hadn't been drinking with Setsu. But we had some dirty laundry to air out, an' now we feel clean."

"That's 'elephant' enough," Setsuna chuckled. "Perhaps I should take Rei home before we're kicked out. Sorry for the early exit, Reika dear, but we will do this again, I assure you."

"I don't normally drink, Setsu, but I'm game for anything. Maybe one day we can have a hash about our exes."

"No hashing about Mokoti, he's a good man," Rei slurred. Reika smiled warmly.

"Excluding him. Fare thee well this eve, ladies, and hurrah for Tokyo's return. Not a moment too soon." Setsuna paid for her part of the tab, and Rei was just sober enough to lay her credit card on the counter. She got better as Setsuna bought her some crackers and juice, and better still as they strolled home. Sharing an apartment made their soiree considerably easier.

"Darn, my key doesn't fit," Rei muttered, jabbing the door. Setsuna gently took hold and helped her.

"We're both still a little tipsy, honey, so let's watch those hands."

"In more ways than one," Rei chuckled, causing her companion to blush rather hotly. Open, in, shut, lights. "When'd it get so bright in here?"

"I kept forgetting to replace that light. What's-his-name fixed it for us. They made everything perfect, in the span of a few hours. Quite astonishing, really—and here I thought I'd seen everything."

"S'enough to make you wanna go out drinking so you can blot out the craziest darn thing you've ever seen. But Usagi, Setsu, she's going to drive me to drink. I gotta get her outta my mind."

"Can you really do that?" she wondered. "The two of you have a special bond. I'm fairly sure most of the other Senshi were in love with Usagi at one point or another, but...it hasn't shaped anyone the way it's shaped you, if that makes sense."

"Sense enough. Don't worry, I managed to get over Kaidou. I can get over Usagi, too." Rei sat down on her loveseat—or collapsed, rather—kicking off her heels, unbuttoning her blouse. She regained enough sense to grab the remote to her TV and mimic a microphone, singing a ballad better suited for karaoke:

"Moon-head, I'm gonna sing of all the trouble you bring me. Dumpling, I wish I could tell ya how much you mean to me. Whooooaa, hoooah, hmm-yeah...hmm... Gotta love you little bunny even though you make my head throb hard...hmm, yeah, because even though I love ya, hmm...what else rhymes with hard, Setsuna?"

"How about, 'you push my patience too far'? It sort of rhymes."

"Thanks. Because even though I love ya, hmm, you push my patience too far! Yeah. Usagi, Usagi, you're my first true love—I mean of course there was that one guy, but then he got married and he broke my heart, but what else are ya good at, Usagi? Yeah. Well I love you but I gotta leave, yeah, I say I love you but I'll leave ya cuz' you're just too complex for me...don't ya see? And Rei needs herself some-ONE else, who won't make her mind melt like YOU do... I just wish I could hold ya but sometimes I also wanna choke ya, my one true love..."

"Don't forget about that time you slept with Mizuno," Setsuna pointed, clearly enjoying the impromptu concert. Rei blushed ferociously.

"Shaddap! And how'd you know about that, anyway?" All she needed do was wink, and Rei knew. "Damn that Minako! Your blonde's just as bad as mine! Why'd we have to fall in love with them, anyway?"

"It's like you said, sweetie," she glowed, touching Rei's face: "They're crazy, and they drive us crazy, and yet they're the light in our lives. They're the most beautiful chaos we could possibly imagine."

"Hey, that's pretty poetic! I gotta work that into the song! Okay, are you writing this down? This is the one that's gonna send me to the top! Gonna quit my stupid day job for this—no, wait, let me sing it first. Gonna quit my stupid day job and become a star...yeah...because you're the most beautiful chaos this girl could possibly imagine—even though that doesn't rhyme!" Setsuna laughed out loud, clapping and whistling, and Rei put her imaginary microphone down, flustered by her performance, glowing beautifully. Setsuna was allowed into her luminescence.

"We deserve better, don't we? Someone not so complicated and...flighty. We need some...freaking stability in our lives, damn it!" She pounded on her loveseat, causing Setsuna to laugh again, tumbling by her side. Their arms went around each other, Rei resting her head on the older woman's shoulder.

"Who do you suggest?" Rei shook her head, smiling.

"No blondes."

"What else?"

"Mature. Dependable. Steadfast. Not so gossipy. Deep, sincere. Hmph, single."

"I guess that leaves the four-way with Haruka and Michiru out." Rei chortled, lifting her head, smiling up.

They kissed very suddenly. Full-on sobriety kicked in.

"Did that happen?" Setsuna wondered. Rei turned pale.

Then she turned feral, and kissed her again.

"Yes it did."

"Ah, so that's why you asked me to come in. You had ulterior motives."

"We live together, Setsuna." More, more, more. And her resolve? What resolve?

"Con...venient."

The last thing she saw before the lights went out was Rei's fiery, loving eyes, deeper and more reflective than any soul she had yet encountered. Quick roll call: inhibitions? Logic? Decency? Modesty? Patience? Second thoughts? Uncertainty?

Not here.

"Very," she purred, cloaking them in the night, and naught else.

…...

Naru had expected Shingo when she came to the hospital—he or another member of Usagi's family—but she didn't expect to see him with a girlfriend in tow, and she especially didn't expect that girlfriend to be Hotaru Tomoe. She was dying to ask how that came to be, but the gravity of the situation precluded everything save a few awkward bits of conversation. While it had been years since she had last seen Usagi (barring their recent reunion), it had been much longer since she had seen any other member of the Tsukino household, so there was very little for her to say in any case. Still, she hugged when she needed to, spoke when the time came, cried and smiled when it felt most opportune, and even slipped her way through some comforting words.

Mother and father had went first, of course, then Shingo, leaving her with Hotaru. The two women were stark strangers, having no connection, no bond, no previous acquaintance, nothing that could possibly cause them to draw together save the one person who specialized in drawing people together. So there was a bit of silence between them.

"I hear you've been studying abroad."

Nod. "In Kyoto."

"That's far away. Do you...ah...have family here, or..."

Hesitation. "In a sense. I was...adopted."

"So do you, uh...know Usagi at all?"

A gentle smile. "I suppose we're friends. I've never been close to anybody before, but...we know each other. How about you?"

"Best friends since we were thirteen."

"Oh, that must be nice. I was around that age when I first met her." Naru smiled brightly.

"Were your first impressions of her as awed as mine were?"

"No," she answered sweetly. "I mean, I liked her... But I never felt like I really knew her until I started dating Shingo. We share several classes."

"Usagi never told me her brother went to Kyoto University," Naru mused, staring up at the ceiling. "We've...not been close lately."

"Why?"

Inside, Naru wept. She didn't have an answer.

Could the relationship they had spent many long years of their youth building have washed away so easily? What was it all for, if something so strong could be broken just like that?

"Hey," she heard someone call, and looked up to see Shingo waving at them. "He says you can come in now, but she's still not awake."

"How bad habits linger so," Naru shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "Usagi always did like to oversleep." Hotaru was typically gloomy as they filed into the room, staring at a motionless body kept alive by tubes and wires. Usagi had only been comatose for three days now, but her doctors—at least those outside the Mizuno family—weren't optimistic. It was as if something had drained her body, soul, and mind, all at once, until there was nothing left but a crude mortal husk. Whatever had drained her had performed so well it was miraculous she was still alive, even with the machines aiding her. Shinji, Ikuko, and Shingo had immediately figured out what did this to her—Hotaru had actually seen it firsthand—but Naru had known before seeing any footage, before hearing any rumors, long before she stepped inside Juban Primary. She touched Usagi's arm and felt very little warmth.

"Her braids are undone," was the only thing she could say. Hotaru nodded mutely.

"Braids?" the resident doctor said. Naru took a deep breath.

"Her family didn't mention anything? Well, Usagi normally puts her hair in these braids, and she ties them together in these cute little buns. That led to her getting a lot of nicknames in junior high and high school, like dumpling and meatball-head. It's very unusual to see her like this, with her hair undone, flowing as it will. It makes her look like a different person. So mature, wise, worldly...but still very beautiful, ethereal even..."

She swallowed, pushing the tears aside. "Has anyone else visited her?"

"Yes, but we normally don't disclose that information."

"A tall woman with brunette hair and green eyes? Maybe she keeps it in a ponytail?"

He nodded. "I saw her." And Naru's heart skipped a beat. Makoto!

"What about her doctor? The younger Mizuno."

"She's not Miss Tsukino's official doctor, but she's certainly been in here, though she refused diagnosis since the matter was a personal one."

"I see. There might have been another blonde, one with longer hair than hers, and a dark-haired girl who looks like a shrine maiden."

"Like I said, I can't disclose that."

"But they've been here? They're friends of hers." He nodded silently; Naru felt a pang of relief. She'd hate to be the one who had to break this wrenching news to Usagi's circle. Hotaru touched Usagi's other hand, rubbing it gently. She didn't think her regenerative powers would work against something of this magnitude, but she tried anyway, because what else could she do?

"I wonder if my parents or Setsuna were here?"

"Guess I'm just talking to myself now," the doctor sighed, taking his leave of them. "You have an hour, ladies. Then we need to keep monitoring her. She's in good hands, I assure you."

Shingo had matters to take care of, so he dutifully kissed his sister and took Hotaru with him. Mother and Father Tsukino stayed with Naru until visiting hours ended, then they parted with one last hug and a few muttered well-wishes. Naru spotted Ami as she left, and called out to her, but only got a backwards glance.

Some other time, she reasoned. Mizuno's busy enough, I'm sure.

Then the smallest most secret part of her conscious said, Maybe I can get in touch with Makoto.

But their last day together lingered in her mind, and she ended up going back outside in the rain.

"Still?" she said aloud, questioning the heavens. A sigh. "Business is bad when it rains. Not too many romantics looking for jewelry in this weather."

She got a call when she finally came back to the shop, and paused before answering it. She didn't recognize the number.

"Osaka Jewels, how may I help you?"

Her heart caught in her throat as she heard Gurio Umino on the other end.

"Naru...it's been a long time. Can we meet?"

She hesitated.

…...

"Sheesh," Ittou Asanuma said, flinging water from his cap as he sat down. "It just keeps getting worse and worse out there."

"Tell me about it," Kotono Sarashina replied. "And yet our work is never done."

"Tell me about it. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, Sarashina. Those few minutes of video you recorded were historical. Giant dragons, gods, the return of the Sailor Senshi...man! Almost makes my trials seem petty."

"Petty, eh? I think I'd rather get mobbed by rival reporters, city officials, and every citizen with a television set than try and reorganize everyone like you're doing. Tens of millions out, tens of millions in, and pandemonium trying to explain what just happened without looking, or turning, insane. You can't tell them the truth because it's just too damned crazy, and you can't fall back on the same stale lies because people will know it. Ugh. And on top of all that, the heroine of this whole affair's in your department, and nobody but a select few will ever know it. How is she doing, by the way?"

"Bad. You'd know more though, I think, since you were right there."

"So nobody told you?"

"They just said she was in a coma." Sarashina covered her mouth, feeling her blood run cold. She wasn't as close to Usagi as Rei was, but they had certainly been friends in high school, and to hear of something so terrible happening to someone so good and noble, so shortly after she demonstrated those traits...

"Don't look so pale," he smiled. "We both know what Tsukino's capable of, and she's only been out of it a short while. I'm actually more worried about what will happen in the future."

"What do you mean?"

"I ran into Kino and her family recently. She was with that friend of hers, Miss Aino, the famous model. We all got to talking, and soon the talks turned dark. They couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen to this city, now that everything's restored and the Big Bad's been taken care of."

"Well...it all goes back to normal, right? Wasn't that how it used to happen? The Senshi always had these climactic battles with wild and powerful evil forces, then pulled through and vanquished the evil, everyone going home happier and wiser."

"Except there's another player on this field. There are the Senshi, as you said, and the evil, which was represented by that dragon and a few others. But your report also suggested the presence of this third power, and the restoration of this city proves their existence. Somehow I find it hard to believe they helped save the day because of charity. The problem is that there'll be no way of knowing until whatever they have planned comes to fruition. They may have good intentions, but they may also make the evils we've seen look like shadows. The worst part is that, as I've said, I can't even warrant a guess. I don't know them. Nobody does. Maybe not even that psychic friend of yours."

"She stopped getting those visions, the last I heard."

"What visions? What are you talking about?" Harisvatta Utnapishtim strolled by, managing a tablet and more than a few fresh gray hairs. Asanuma stood to attention while Sarashina merely shrank away.

"Nothing. Officer Asanuma's just being odd. We were actually discussing what might happen next."

"And do you have a hypothesis?"

"No, ma'am, we do not," Asanuma stated. Sarashina shrugged, and Hari raised a suspicious eyebrow.

"Well, I'm sorry to break all this up, but we've got more pressing matters to worry about. Miss Sarashina, did you need our services for anything?"

"No thank you, Chief Utnapishtim, I can ride the train on my own. Your headquarters looks nice, by the way."

"Nicer than it's ever been."

"Does that bother you?"

"I try not to look a gift horse in the mouth...or do you have that expression in Japan?" Sarashina waved silently, excusing herself to go back out in the rain. Asanuma drew a deep breath and put his jacket back on.

"Once more into the breach?"

"We're not quoting Shakespeare today, officer. I want you to take Hayashida to Juban Primary."

"Why, is she hurt?"

"There's been an incident, officer, and Hayashida was a witness. Although it was a matter for forensics, she swore there was a doctor who worked in Juban Primary Hospital that would be a better option."

Asanuma dwelt on this strange request for a moment. "Did she say who?"

"Mizuno, I think the name was." This was staggering. Asanuma knew who Mizuno was—that is, he KNEW who she was—but how did Hayashida? And what incident would warrant her expertise? Unless...

"Ma'am, what sort of incident was this?"

Hari's face sunk grimly, and her dark skin turned pale.

"There was a break-in earlier today. A burglar found their way into one of the unoccupied houses."

"Considering how many people have yet to return to the city, that's not a surprise."

"The burglar's body was burned inside and out—cause unknown."

Asanuma flinched. That was certainly...different.

"Where is Hayashida?"

"Firing range. She's obsessed. I can't blame her, though, with all that's been going on."

Yeah, he thought to himself as he went on his way. Something tells me she's gonna need the practice.

…...

"Let this meeting come to order, please. In lieu of Lord Marduk's absence, I shall preside over matters. If there are any objections—"

"Where is Lord Marduk? What has happened? We cannot sense him, nor do we feel the presence of Azhi Dahaka."

"Peace, Ninhursaga, the Great Lord is not some whelp to fret and mull over. He has faced many evils and will not easily be defeated."

"There is no 'ease' when the Bane is concerned, Ea. Its emergence alone raises too many questions."

"Hence the purpose of this meeting, friends, I assure you. Lord Marduk would have felt the same. Now, as I was saying—"

"I object." The congress murmured as Ninurta, god of war, rose and centered himself. "I consent of thy wisdom, Ea, and who would not? And were this any ordinary proceeding, I would not deny thee leadership, for whom save our lords Marduk and Anu could contest it? Yet why do we babble over matters past? For what purpose have we emerged from our long absence?"

"It would behoove us all to know what hands broke Azhi Dahaka's chains. They may yet play a part in these endeavors you refer to."

"Shamash, illuminating as ever," Ninurta said, brittle with hidden sarcasm. "Yet who was it that turned that evil tide, and wiped clean the blight, ages before any prophesized hero would? Who among us stood to weather that horrible storm? You, Shamash? Ea, in all thy wisdom? Nanna, surely thou! Was it not thy acolyte upon that field? Didst thou not sponsor her?"

"Choke on thine own words, Ninurta," Enlil sneered. "Your feet were not so swift to join the call. Only Marduk suffered that tribulation, and what of his fate?!"

"Could one be called a coward in the face of Azhi Dahaka, unless they were of higher authority than mine? If so, then I am thus! But nevertheless, the Apkallu have shown their merit. I say let them be the focus of these hands you fear so dreadfully. They shall keep our backs safe while our vanguard marches forward."

"You over-heap scorn on Shamash, cruel one," Ea pointed. Ninurta sneered.

"Do I speak to gods, or defenseless churls? Why have we emerged, my companions? Was it to be idle, quarrel, cower, be hid? Tell me true, for I wish to know what Lord Anu sought in this campaign! Strike me down if you will, but my words will yet echo long after my ashes have blown away!" Echo they did, from one end of the room to the other, reverberating over everyone in attendance. Regardless of how they all felt about Ninurta, he was absolutely right. The gods had a reason for crawling back out of obscurity, and it was high time they fulfilled it.

Author's notes

It's a shame I can't add any audio, because I had a good melody in mind for Rei to sing to. You'll just have to imagine it, sorry. I tried to give her SOME dignity when she was intoxicated, but Rei clearly had a lot of emotional baggage, and most of it was tied to Usagi (regardless of the canon, this is true. Rei certainly loves Usagi but it's a mixed love, and her moment in this chapter was my attempt at her untangling and making sense of it). Drinking obviously didn't help her much, but having an audience who was both impartial and sympathetic was just what she needed, and the song helped her express what she'd normally never be able to. Yet the question remains, regardless of my input: could things ever work out "that way" between them? It's always possible, but to see my thoughts, you'll just have to keep reading.

Normally the boys are all over Makoto (she was MY favorite), but how will she react when Motoki's old flame shows up? And for that matter, just what exactly is going on between her and Naru? Reading "When the Soul Speaks" won't offer any clues to their more recent exploits, I'm afraid (but you're welcome to try!). And yes, I unceremoniously explained a big part of the tension hinted at between Rei and Ami. So now their earlier thoughts and conversations should make more sense.

Ami: And let's not forget that Usagi and I used to be roommates!

Usagi: Erm...yeah...

Ami: And is the "fannon" between Makoto and I really just imaginary?

Minako: Okay, sweetie, you've made your point!

Ami: Michiru and I became AWFULLY friendly after that race!

Michiru: Would someone please stick a gag in her mouth?!

All: …...

Haruka: …...

Michiru: …...That came out wrong.