41: "Over Me"

"Hey! I told you that we're the Senshi! Why don't you believe me? You're looking for us, aren't you? Well here we are! What more do you want?!"

"I want you to shut up!" With that, Minako was thrown back into her cell, along with Motoki, Nastya, and Makoto, whose fall was shielded by her husband. He immediately cradled his injured wife, caressing and kissing her face until she blinked back to life; meanwhile, Minako cursed and rattled her cell bars until the guard had left her. Once his foul visage disappeared, she relented and leaned against the wall, unable to suppress a satisfied chuckle.

"What are you laughing at?" Nastya said. "Was that big plan you have for store? Much good it did us just now! We are back where starting and no better off."

"[Hey, would it be easier for you to speak English?]" she wondered. Nastya said nothing, so Minako shrugged. "Au contraire, mon suere! Everything has fallen into place!"

"Would you care explaining it anyway?" Motoki said. "I don't see the benefit of...going through all that trouble." He had to be careful with his words, because Nastya, the guards, and a number of other prisoners were within earshot, and even hinting that there were two real Senshi in the dungeon would cause considerable trouble.

"I figured that we'd need to know the layout of this place once we busted loose. I mean, once we got out, how would we know where to go, or what places to avoid? Since I haven't seen what the outside looks like, I figured that would be our best chance of finding out. Thanks to my keen ocular perception, I was able to make a mental cartographical representation of the facility and store it for personal use!"

"Holy cow, Minako actually got her vocabulary correct," Makoto muttered. "A bit highbrow for her, but I guess that's what happens when you date Ami."

"Moving on," Minako grunted, "I can now safely lead us to guaranteed freedom. So you see, my dears, that charade was not without purpose."

"I suppose it makes sense," Nastya said. "However, we are still in prison. What proposition do you have for releasing us? Ah, how you say...you have gotten us from Point A to Point C, but where is Point B?"

"Point B, yes! The second phase of my dynamic escape plan! Yes-siree, gotta have that escape plan! Um...funny thing, that."

"Oh, good, I could use a laugh."

"Knock it off, Mako! I was about to say that...um...well, honestly, I haven't thought that far ahead yet. Eheheheheheh..."

All three of them groaned. But what else could they expect from Minako? Bless her, she tried, and she was certainly qualified to be their leader—and could even come up with good plans every now and then—but she was clearly better off being the team's morale booster, and not the brains.

"It's not funny if only one of us laughs, Mina," Makoto whispered.

"Anybody got a harmonica?" her husband said.

…...

Rei was still staring at a fire when Ami came back bearing some meager supplies, but if she was meditating, it certainly wasn't about their friends or their situation. She was far too relaxed as she looked at the flickering fire, her eyes somewhat distance, her posture loose, her hands idling with a broken bit of wire she had found. She was thinking—or drifting, really, not that Ami could really blame her. After everything that had happened, both recently and the longer span when they had thought themselves retired, it made sense that she'd need some time to sit and ponder. Rei and Ami sometimes had those moments when they allowed themselves to "do nothing", but for people like them, it was more luxury than privilege.

Ami subtly made her presence known by joining Rei by the fire and laying her burden down. Her first priority had been food; next came medical supplies, then information; and finally kindling, fuel, and ignition. They were all extremely difficult to procure, thanks to the martial law in effect, so Ami's trips had been brief and sporadic. Rei, meanwhile, had busied herself with locating their friends and allies. Judging by the meager pile Ami released, and the former shrine maiden's absentminded gaze when she arrived, neither had met with much success.

"It's all I could find," Ami quietly stated. Rei sifted through the pile, picking out a can opener, a half-used box of matches, some bandages and ointment, and three cans of fruit, vegetables, and meat. Ami had already found chopsticks and a plate, though she was reluctant to say where, and with two unopened bottles of lukewarm water, they could pull together a feast. Not wanting to waste their precious fire-making supplies, Rei ate the canned food as it was, sharing half the bounty and the plate with her companion.

"How bad is it up there? Are they still looking for us?"

"Yes—or rather, they're looking for the Senshi."

"What for?"

"I'm not sure. I just overheard something."

"Hmm. Have they found any yet?"

"I couldn't tell. I couldn't really judge the intent, either; it was far too neutral. Like if you or I were searching for something in our homes and asked a visitor to help us look."

"So they're going round asking everyone they meet to help them find us?"

"Basically." Rei almost laughed.

"What a waste of time! There's hardly anybody that knows who we are, and all the people that do know would never betray us. Oh, did you learn anything about your mother?"

Ami shook her head despondently.

"I'm sorry," Rei whispered genuinely. They ate in silence for a moment, going easy on the water. Ami then surprised Rei by shifting into a lighter mood, reaching into her pocket for two bars of chocolate. Rei was as stunned as if her friend had delivered gold.

"Where did you get these?"

"It's a long, sad story. Let's just call them a gift. I was hoping we could talk a little while we eat them."

"Ami, you know you don't need to be so forward with me," Rei said, giving her an affectionate stare. "How long have we been addressing each other informally, anyway?"

"I mean about our relationship."

"Like I said," she gestured. Ami blushed and looked away.

"Our sexual relationship." Rei balked, almost choking. Well, that certainly came out of nowhere.

"Oh."

"I figured it was high time. There's an American expression called 'addressing the elephant in the room', basically focusing on something painfully obvious, with the emphasis on pain."

"Can we not?" she said tensely. "It was a one-night stand, it happened a long time ago, I was right to say nothing would come of it... Look, I'm not ashamed that it happened, I just really don't know what else there is to say."

"Well, maybe I'm the one that needs to air grievances." Rei gave a start, but Ami looked so vulnerable that she couldn't deny this request. Ami sighed, casting her own gaze into the fire.

"When I came out...how did you feel?"

"Surprised, just like everyone else. But I certainly didn't think any less of you."

"And what exactly was going through your mind when we met that night at that club?"

"Again, I was surprised. I had thought we were close, that I knew you... And I was a little embarrassed, too. I mean, I was there. I was...there."

"But for awhile, we didn't quite treat each other like old friends. There was something more. Why did you kiss me when I saw you to your door?" Rei didn't need to think about that, at least. She had asked herself the same question for years, and had slowly formed an answer.

"It was impulsive. I thought... Well, to be honest, I had been attracted to you for awhile, even before you came out. But I formed innocent girl-crushes a lot when I was growing up. That doesn't necessarily make me gay, or even bisexual... I mean, hell, I've fantasized about Minako, but who among us hasn't?" At that, Ami had to laugh. She also, of course, had to gloat.

"And yet only one among us has lived that fantasy, time and again. Jealous?"

"No, of course not. I was happy for you two back then, and if you decide to get back together, I'll be happy for you again. I think I'm entering into my own relationship now, but it could also be another one-night stand. You see, I'm trying to get over my crazed infatuation with Usagi."

"Ah, so you did have a crush on her."

"I was actually in love with her," she sighed forlornly. Then, more saucily, "Hmph! You see what sort of wicked deviant behavior you've pushed me towards?" Ami giggled, so much that she almost fell over. It felt good to genuinely laugh in those trying times.

"Rei... I know it's pointless to think about what might have happened, but there are times when I can't help it. If...things had been just a bit different between us..."

"Would you have wanted it? Because I've thought about that a lot myself, and every time I do, I always come to the same conclusion: you gave your heart to Minako, and Minako alone. We were intimate, and it was great, but Ami's always going to go back to her one true love. So to answer your question, no: it wouldn't have worked out." Ami seemed satisfied by this pseudo-logic, and gave an appreciative smile.

"You're right. Next to my mother, Minako's the person I wish were here the most."

"Yeah, well, you're stuck with me instead!" Ami grinned and snuggled close, her sapphire hair matting against Rei's shoulder.

"I couldn't ask for a better person to be with. Even Minako wouldn't be the same as this."

Rei combed through Ami's hair lovingly. The closeness eventually made them drowsy, and they napped lightly. Rei woke first as the fire flickered out, and Ami came to as her friend stirred. They were about to make another fire when Rei froze and signaled for Ami to be quiet. Her senses were on high alert, eyes darting and ears perked. If any of the Senshi could boast superior senses, it was definitely Rei, and with her psychic abilities augmenting them, she proved an invaluable and dauntless sentry.

Slowly, she raised her hand, pointing to one of the passageways. Ami cupped her ear, faintly hearing a shuffle. It was indistinct, but too heavy and regular to be an animal or the wind. Clearly they were not alone in these sewers, so while Ami worked to erase any sign of their presence, Rei scouted ahead, searching for places they might hide or run to. Just as Ami was sweeping away the ashes and packing their supplies, Rei's legs locked in place, and she stiffened like a poker. It was all she could do to stop herself from making a noise.

Gesturing to Ami, her eyes wide with fear, she indicated that something large was coming through the passages. While it was not one of the gods (much too dim for that), it was definitely an agent of theirs. Rei took off her shoes and padded over to another passage, Ami at her heels. They didn't stop until the tunnel diverged again, then they glanced back, only barely able to see where they had been.

Although they could no longer hear it, they could see the beams of light coming out of the entity. Several shapes were silhouetted against it, most likely foot soldiers, and though visibility was poor, Rei could see it hovering about half a meter in the air. The lights it cast slowly circled the entire room, never lingering yet always lighting everything with meticulous care. It neared their campsite, and in spite of Ami's care, an article of theirs was found. They knew this because the patrol suddenly became noisy and animated, and foot soldiers spread out to various passageways to find the intruders.

"Looks like the jig is up," Rei said. Ami frowned.

"Sorry, I didn't have time to clean everything up."

"These things happen," she replied nonchalantly. "We need to stay ahead of them. Hopefully there aren't too many other patrols around here." She took point and led them to another room. While her psychic abilities came in handy now and then, Ami's knowledge was just as valuable. She had apparently found bits of a map for Shibuya's sewers and subways, and led them down paths even Rei never would have considered. Sometimes, though, her decisions were vetoed, and rightly so: one area Ami thought perfectly sensible was crowded with guards, and another had one of those floating devices spraying the room with light. Both their abilities turned out to be essential for the escape; one couldn't have made it without the other.

"Hey," Mizuno said, nudging her friend playfully, "we make a great team."

"On and off the battlefield, sister." They shook hands, but then Ami suddenly kissed Rei, as passionately and as briefly as she had on that night many moons ago.

"Not a word," she said, putting a finger where her mouth had once been. "That was for posterity."

"Then we'd better make sure we can enjoy it! This way, I think."

"Oooh, good choice! That should lead us to a department store basement. Maybe we can use it to get back to the surface."

"Yeah, we'll crawl out reeking in the sporting goods store."

"Maybe there'll be a perfume lady giving out free samples." Rei desperately wanted to laugh—she had forgotten what a witty, quick sense of humor Ami possessed—but they were in danger enough as it was. There would be plenty of time for perfumes and laughter later.

Narrowly evading a shaft of light, they slipped around a corner and found themselves in a small room. There were three grates surrounding them, sturdily built and not easily opened, and rungs hewn into the stone, leading up to a dimly-lit area. Presuming this would take them to the surface, Ami climbed up first while Rei kept watch. The underground patrol that had been dogging them was hot on their trail, in spite of all the weaving and turning they did. Rei could hear a great number of footsteps getting louder, and even picked up the low hum of those hovering devices. Calling out for Ami to hurry, even at a whisper, would be lethal for their plans, so she impatiently waited.

"Got it," Ami said, coming to the grate. She tried opening it, but no tool or strength she possessed could coax it away. "Rei!" she hissed. "It's not opening!" Rei motioned for her to be quiet, and since she couldn't go up, Ami came back down. The patrol was very close now, the soldiers so near that Rei could make out their metallic shapes even in the darkness. She could also see what sort of device they carried with them, and she soon wished she hadn't. It was an enormous face—not a dismembered head, but a face, huge and ominous. Its eyes acted as the beacons of light, but nothing else moved, like it was made of stone. Rei and Ami had certainly seen stranger things in their careers as Senshi, but it was still a disquieting sight.

"Trapped," Ami said, as low as she dared. Rei nodded, feeling helpless yet defiantly protective.

"I guess I screwed up, guiding us both into this dead end."

"These things happen," Ami whispered, echoing her friend's earlier sentiment. She clasped Rei's hand, adding untold layers of strength. Rei sensed that Ami was willing to fight, but dying in the sewers wasn't exactly an aspiration of hers, and neither was capture. Rei's pulse rattled as she tried thinking of another way out, just as the large face turned around, its lights pouring into the room they were cornered in.

"What was that? Check it out." Rei and Ami wedged themselves in the corners, away from the light, waiting to spring their futile ambush. One of the soldiers poked his head into their room, peering left and right slowly, but by some freakish good fortune, the light pouring into the room could not extend to the corners where they hid, so as long as they remained still, they were invisible.

A loud banging ripped the silence apart and drew the attention of all involved. Another bang brought the whole company running off, giving Rei and Ami unexpected grace. A third banging told them this was no coincidence: someone else was in the sewers with them, and unless they were woefully clumsy, they were aware of their company, and had come to help them.

"Sheesh, I thought we were done for there," Rei wheezed. "What do you suppose that noise was?"

"I say we investigate. Someone else may have found their way down here." Rei agreed, and followed the company at a respectable pace, careful not to give away their presence. The noise led them, oddly enough, back to their old campsite, which further proved the "mysterious helper" theory. They could not tell who, or how many, had come to save them, for soldiers and their hovering faces had surrounded them. Rei and Ami looked at each other gravely.

"Now what?"

"A pincer attack."

"With what? We don't have any weapons!" Actually, Ami had managed to find a worn-out pocket knife, and the can opener had a sharp point which was used to pierce tin, but their greatest asset was fire. Taking one of the emptied cans of food, Ami cobbled together a crude Molotov cocktail and flung it into the group. Although the armor the soldiers wore protected them well, the attack was still effective at surprising them, giving their surrounded saviors time to strike back. Ami gave Rei the rest of the fuel, matches, and kindling, taking the knife and opener for herself. Rei resisted the strong urge to call out the names of Sailor Mars' attacks as she smashed a burning log onto the first enemy she spotted. Ami felled one by plunging the knife into its soft throat, then slashed at another with her opener until it crumbled, gurgling. The weapon was quickly knocked out of her possession and she was forced to rely on hand-to-hand combat.

Meanwhile, Rei plunged her flaming log into the eye of one of the floating faces, sending it smashing to the ground where it broke to pieces. She ducked, avoiding a wild swing, and picked up some of the shards, hoping to use them as weapons. She was forced to throw most of them—deadly accurate, but mediocre results—before successfully felling one with a lucky shot through its eye socket (all the while resisting the urge to scream "Here's some face...in your face!"). Five of the soldiers surrounded and pinned her, but two were torn off before she received much harm, presumably by her saviors. Ami dove in to tackle another, leaving Rei to contend with the other two. A fierce kick to the crotch disabled one, and she slammed the other against the hard wall with her back, before turning around and twisting its helmet with all her might.

"Goodness, how uncivilized!" someone exclaimed. Rei knew the voice well, and panted triumphantly as she faced it. "However would your friends at that private school feel if they saw their graceful contemporary acting so barbarically?"

"That's nothing! Check out all the damage Mizuno's done! Good to see you, Michiru." They shook hands, and Michiru gave Ami a polite peck on the eyebrow when it came her turn. "So how'd you find us, anyway?"

"I had help," she replied evasively. Ami gave a start when she beheld the second half of Michiru's company, blushing and even stammering. The other person's reaction was no better, and for a long time, they exchanged nothing but awkward rambling.

"Hello."

"Hello. You're looking very well."

"You, too. How have you been?"

"Good. Um, great, ah...all things considered. You?"

"Wonderful. Very well. Considering."

"Right. Um...are you hurt at all?"

"A few scratches, maybe some burnt clothes, nothing serious. You?"

"Nothing I'm not used to. Ah, considering." They laughed. Rei naturally felt perplexed.

"Ami, who is this? Do you know him?"

"Oh, sorry, I've been rude! I didn't think you'd remember: this is Ryo Urawa. We used to go to school together...and, um, date."

"Only briefly," Ryo noted, "very briefly. And...um...I have someone now, someone very special."

"Oh, really, Ryo? That's great! I'm very happy for you!"

"Thanks, um... So do you have, uh...someone special?" Ami closed her eyes and smiled warmly, thinking of Minako.

"Yes, I do."

"That's great. Married?"

"Not yet. You?"

"Any year now," he chuckled. They shared a laugh, but as sweet as this moment was...

"Excuse me, Urawa, but since it seems we found what we were looking for..."

"Oh, right! Sorry, Miss Kaioh! Ami, Miss Hino, we'll have to cut this reunion short. I've come to bring you two to our secret hideout."

"As long as it takes us out of this sewer, I'm in!" The ladies followed Ryo outside, where he carefully took them across the occupied city to the Ayakashi sisters' defunct cosmetics store. Rei and Ami felt a pang of nostalgia as they approached the building: it had been a long time since they heard anything from Koan, Bertier, Calaveras, and Petz.

"So tell me, Mr. Urawa," Rei said as Ryo took them inside, "how did you find your way to us, anyhow?"

"You really don't remember?"

"Ten years is a long time." Ryo smiled sadly; she had a point.

"Much like you, Miss Hino, I was born with extrasensory perception. However, it feels like this is the first time I get to use those abilities for good, instead of cheating on tests."

"Ah!" she cried, "Now I remember you! You were the boy who beat Ami's test scores!"

"Illegitimately," he noted humbly. "And I soon learned how difficult things were without it. But I wanted to live my life fairly, and not become corrupted by my advantage. So far, I'd say I'm doing well, and I've even found someone who loves me for who I am."

"As I recall, that's not a difficult thing to do," Ami noted warmly. "So is this the place?"

"Yeah. Down here." Ryo led them to the basement, and was about to undergo the long series of actions needed to verify his identity, when the door flew open and out burst Bertier Ayakashi, squealing and throwing her arms around him.

"Ryoooooooodarling! You're safe! You're in one piece! I missed you—oh—I was so worried! Ugh, but you stink! Oh, I don't care, I'll be smelly with you! Ack, and you're dirty, and...all bruised and scratched, darling! Are you okay? Did you...whew! That reeks!"

"It's good to see you too, Bertie," he laughed. "I think everyone knows everyone, so I don't need to make introductions."

"Oh? Wow, Ami, is that really you? It's been so long, darling; you look fantastic! It's great to see you! Wait!" Bertier suddenly relinquished her hold, turning around and crossing her arms defensively. "It's not great to see you! You're my Ryo's ex, aren't you? I hope you're not getting any funny ideas while you're here!"

"It's nice to see you too, Bertier," she laughed feebly. "And you don't have anything to worry about: I'd never dream of stealing Ryo away from you. Besides...I already have someone special in my life."

"You do?" she said, her composure changing almost immediately. "Then why didn't you say so?! Now we can be friends again! And hey, maybe we can have a double wedding someday—that is, if Mr. Psychic over here ever gets up the nerve to ask me!" They linked arms and walked away, Ami's spirits far more troubled than her companion's. Rei and Ryo watched them walk away, quite relieved to be out of their influence.

"Quite the lover you have there," Rei teased. Ryo smiled feebly.

"She's certainly never boring. Anyway, it's not much, but make yourself at home. Oh, and speaking of your house, Miss Hino..."

…...

Setsuna was jarred from her nap by a sharp knock on the door. At first she thought herself back at the modeling agency, late for a meeting or a shoot, as old habits do wear off slowly. Recognizing the room to be Rei's den, she climbed off the couch, paused a moment to fix her hair and clothes, and peered through the peephole warily. Who on earth could be visiting Rei now, of all times, when there was martial law in-

Oh. Haruka.

"This is very strange," she said as she opened the door. Haruka, leaning against the door frame, elbow raised, shirt partially open, smelling wonderful, smiling roguishly, glowed with flirtatious charm. She couldn't help it (not that she ever minded); it was just the way she was.

"Hello to you too, bed-head." Setsuna huffed and put more effort into combing her hair. Haruka grinned, handing her a mirror and brush. "Benefits of living with Michiru."

"Oh, really? I thought you used these for yourself."

"Sometimes."

It's got nothing but blonde hairs in it, she remarked to herself. I'll bet she used that same line on Mina and Usagi...and goodness knows how many others! Setsuna used it anyway, tartly thanking Haruka and asking what this unexpected visit was for.

"Isn't it obvious? I've come to fetch you."

"For what, exactly?" she grumbled, nearly reeling from the sweetness of her fragrance. Haruka winked.

"Excitement, fun, thrills...maybe a bit of danger. Today's Saturday, right?"

"It's Wednesday. And I must politely decline your adventurous offer, Haruka. This is hardly the time or the..." Haruka leaned back, giving Setsuna a serious expression. Having lived with the other woman for some time, she could read her nearly as well as Michiru. "Oh, you mean that. So things are being put into motion."

"You haven't figured it out?"

"Speculation and foresight isn't as effective with my Senshi abilities lost."

"Lots of things have gone out of whack. We need to find the others, too. Michiru's with me, and Ami and Rei are safe, relatively speaking... No word on your little plaything, though."

"I broke up with her, Ruka."

"Really." A flash of interest graced her features, and she offered a classic wolfish smile. Setsuna just rolled her eyes.

"That's a losing battle, old friend. Even you can't compete with Mizuno."

"Ah, if that's the case, I wouldn't want to. Listen: I came to recruit you, but I think I'll nab my daughter and the bunny while I'm at it. I'd just feel unsatisfied if all I came back with was you."

"I'm flattered."

"Come on, I didn't mean it like that!" Setsuna smiled warmly at her friend's discomfort.

"I know, and I'm worried about them, too, but where do you suppose they are?"

"Why not look in the most obvious place? If Usako got out of that hospital, eventually she'll want to return home, right? Even if she's not there now, we can leave a sign or something."

"I suppose it's a start. So what are you recruiting me for, exactly?"

"Not much," she said, ruffling her hair while Setsuna made preparations. "We're just overthrowing the tyrannical new government."

"So it is a date," she smirked cheekily. Gathering what few belongings she thought she'd need, Setsuna headed out, locked the door, and kissed Haruka's cheek for good luck. "Let's go."

Haruka couldn't help but smile.

Hmm, I still got it.

Author's notes

Combine the titles of the last three chapters for a musical surprise!

I've discovered something. No matter who I put Haruka with, the bantering between them is ALWAYS great. No, seriously. Be it Usagi, Motoki, Michiru, Setsuna...heck, I'm sure I could get a few witty one-liners if she were speaking to a wall! As fun as Minako is to write, Haruka seems to work best whenever she's talking with someone else. I'm not especially a fan, but...wow, she brings out the Tarantino dialogue in me!

For those of you who haven't paid attention, Ami and Rei had hot steamy lentil soup—I mean, lesbian sex. This was AFTER Minako broke up with her and went to live as a vagrant model, so don't start hating. The odd thing is that even after openly confessing a girl-crush on Mina, an intense love for Usagi, and having sex with both Ami and Setsuna, Rei doesn't consider herself homosexual. Remember, her first "serious" love was Kaidou (canonically), and that had just as much impact for her. In fact, she canonically expressed her frustration that Kaidou didn't marry her, which made sense logically (since he was going into law and politics) and emotionally (because he was one of the few men she honestly loved and trusted). But let's be honest, Rei just feels right with other girls. Or at least we imagine it to be so.