44: "Compromise"
Now that all the former Senshi were gathered and rested from their travels, it was time to take action. While no grand plan for Japan's liberation had been formed, Kenji Tsukino had at least gathered lots of helpful information from his contacts, and combined with the research performed by Setsuna and Reika, and the information given by various first-person accounts, he believed they could understand their enemy more, and thus be better-prepared when the time came to fight them.
Adad, who mostly controlled wind and rain for Japan, seemed to take residence in the prison, fancying himself the guardian of society's dregs. He was obviously borrowing a few of the ubiquitous "star soldiers", but his main force comprised of thunder-sprites, humanoid creatures with properties like lightning. They were rarely seen, though, unless he chose to exert his full power, so Kenji doubted they'd be much of an issue. Of Anu, their grand overlord, they knew almost nothing, aside from the fact that all these soldiers patrolling the streets were his. Minako claimed he rarely involved himself in any affairs, mortal or godlike, and usually relied on people like Marduk to carry out his will. Speaking of Marduk, there had been no word or sign of him since the destruction of Azhi Dahaka. Although they had no proof, the Senshi feared the worst, and even though he was technically aligned with their enemies, they still felt a pressing concern for him.
Ea, a god of crafts and creation, seemed content to wander the streets and farmlands of the country, never lingering long, never causing any harm, and seldom even drawing much attention to himself. The Ayakashi sisters had actually crossed paths with him on numerous occasions, but the most they ever got out of the encounter was a glassy stare. He always seemed to be murmuring to himself, entrenched in thought, pausing only to repair some broken article or enrich a random spot of earth. The people generally thought well of him, perhaps because he never caused them any harm. Enlil, who controlled the waters, was almost never heard of. Umino informed everyone that he had taken root in the oceans surrounding Japan, controlling the waters so that nobody could get in or out.
"It's like the Tokugawa period all over again," he added. "And I'm guessing that with Adad's power over wind, planes can't get anywhere, either."
Four of the gods who were actively searching for the Senshi were Enlil, Gula, Ninhursaga, and Nanna. Gula frequented hospitals and sanitariums, and word was that she oftentimes loaned her aid to those most troubled—so long as they had not sinned in the eyes of the gods. Kenji confirmed that there were virtually no cases of anyone being admitted for very long, and for a moment, the Senshi felt like they might have another pseudo-ally. But then Minako dashed their hopes.
"I wouldn't count on it. Remember Hotaru telling us about how she killed Ninurta? Well, Gula's his wife, and Ninhursaga is his mother. I also think she's Enlil's mother, or maybe his wife; the stories weren't clear. Actually, considering how mythology works, she might very well be both."
"Gross," Makoto cringed. Minako shrugged.
"Hey, most of the major Greek gods married their siblings. Zeus and Hera were brother and sister. So were Izanagi and Izanami."
"And both of those turned out so well," Ami muttered.
"So what's the story on Nanna?" Makoto said. Ami hung her head darkly.
"He was at the hospital as well. My mother's there, also."
The room became silent for a moment; however, Kenji cleared his throat.
"Nanna's a god of the night, of the moon. I think he's responsible for dispatching those enormous bulls you see sometimes. Because of his association with steer, it's my belief that he had a connection with Gilgamesh." That didn't help them much, so they moved on to review Inana, the love-goddess. Minako listened in with heightened interest as Haruna Sakurada told everyone of how Inana had taken over Tokyo's various red-light districts, turning them into her personal love gardens. Male or female, young or old, she took in anyone willing to join her, and many accepted if only to escape the constant glare of the martial forces. It was an oasis of freedom in an otherwise restrictive state—however, Inana still ruled, and she still paid allegiance to Anu.
"What about all those scorpion-like creatures outside?" Michiru said. "Where did they come from? They don't strike me as the allies of gods."
"They're Shamash's," Reika told her. "As Nanna lords over the night, Shamash controls the day. There's little more any of us know about him, though. I believe that's all the ones I know of. There are others mentioned in the Enuma Elish, of course, but we haven't seen or heard anything about them."
"That's what scares me," Motoki said. As he squeezed his wife's hand, Reika sighed.
"I understand your concern, but believe me: we have enough to deal with as it is. If you want my advice, Mr. Tsukino, I would suggest we locate Marduk and Ea. While I'm not sure what Ea's stance is on this, it's clear he wants nothing to do with controlling the city or its citizens. He could be a powerful ally. As for Marduk, he's already shown his colors. If we can find him, perhaps we could use him as an arbiter."
"And if not?" Haruka said. Reika shook her head.
"Setsuna, Michiru, and Ami are the geniuses, not me."
"You give me too much credit, friend," Setsuna smiled. Haruka waved for their attention.
"Hey, um, I really don't mean to be rude or to cut down your plan, Miss Nishimura—"
"Please, just Reika."
Haruka cleared her throat. "As I was about to say, I'm not comfortable with the idea of us relying on these beings for any help. I thought the whole point of this exercise was to liberate us from their control. Wouldn't depending on them invalidate all of that?"
"There's another flaw to your plan," Michiru added. "Marduk and Ea might not be our enemies at the moment, but what makes you think they'd be our allies? I know I would never work against Haruka, regardless of the circumstances." Reika slumped in disappointment.
"I was just thinking out loud..."
"I like the idea of getting a go-between," Haruna said. "Marduk may not be willing to turn against his own kind, but I'm sure he'd be capable of negotiating. If we can find him, of course."
"Rei?" Setsuna looked over to the former shrine maiden, who had been listening intently.
"Well...I could give it a try... My abilities have been a bit sporadic, though."
"Ryo?" Ami said, nudging him. He and Bertier looked at each other.
"They're closed off to me. Adad's so powerful that I couldn't even tell that he had imprisoned you three, so I don't doubt the others can block me as well. But something tells me we won't succeed, anyway."
"You mean we'll all fail?" his lover shrieked. "That all this is for nothing? Tokyo's going to be under their control forever?!"
"That's not what I meant. Our long-term chances are too vague for me to grasp hold of. I'm pretty sure we're all destined to get into a fight with them, but I seriously doubt any of these gods will be on our side. Regardless of station," he added, staring grimly at Reika. She frowned.
"A fight, huh? In our present condition, we'll most certainly lose."
"If it's that certain, why can't my Ryo see it?" She shook her head.
"Let's try to back up and simplify our priorities," Usagi said. But of course Usagi would suggest that: she was lost enough as it was, and all this debating and bickering wasn't helping. Their plans needed to have a first step if they had any chance of getting off the ground. "Our only three objectives are reestablishing communication, saving the people of this country, and driving our enemies away. Whether we do that by talking or fighting doesn't matter at the moment. If we're to have any chance, we need to unite the people against them. Dad, do you know how many underground resistance bases there are?"
"I'm in contact with eleven, and I'd estimate there's somewhere between seventeen and twenty-three. Most aren't even half the size of ours, though."
"How do you keep in touch with them?"
"I'm an editor-in-chief at a magazine, remember? And somehow or another, we're still in publication. Our enemies can't read kanji, so it's been pretty easy to get information across."
"Tell them to gather everyone they know; we're going to start liberating our people."
"I think I could get my father in on that," Rei said, surprised at her own outburst. After glancing away, she muttered, "He was keeping in touch with people he knew overseas, like in the U.N. He might be able to gather more forces. I'd also like to liberate Juban Primary Hospital first."
"Why? Freeing Shibuya's police force would be my first objective."
"I know, and it makes perfect sense. But..." She clenched her fists, sparing a glimpse at Ami. "I promised someone I would." It slowly dawned on Usagi that Ami's mother, who was unaccounted for, was still at that hospital, and had stayed behind so that she would be able to escape. Usagi owed Saeko Mizuno her life.
"Then I will promise, too."
"Thank you, my friend," Rei whispered. She smiled at Ami, who was drying her eyes. "And then the police. And those prisoners."
"We'll have to deal with those gods," Minako warned them. "They're not exactly going to let us tango in there."
Everyone in the room grumbled, nursing a sudden headache. Ami recovered fastest, having grown strangely fond of Minako's misplaced maxims. She nudged Makoto and smiled.
"You've been awfully quiet, Mako. Do you have anything on your mind?" In spite of all the time, care, and attention she had gotten, Makoto was still recovering from the wounds she got several days ago. It took her a bit longer to wake up from her reverie.
"Just thinking."
"About what?"
"Whether or not our Senshi abilities are really gone." Usagi's expression darkened, and she curled up into herself.
"Believe me, Makoto, I've tried. I tried with all of my heart."
"Setsu, what about you, or Mina? You two were Senshi long before any of us."
"I'm afraid I've met with the same results," Setsuna sighed.
"I suppose I could start dressing up as Sailor V again," Aino mused. She beamed bashfully, chuckling out of morbid embarrassment. "But I'm tellin' ya, Mako, I really don't have any special powers! And that outfit really doesn't fit me anymore! I mean, I may be a model—"
"Ex-model," Setsuna smirked. Minako turned deep crimson.
"Ack. Um, what I mean is, I've got a woman's body, and Sailor V was meant for a girl's. I can do it, it'll just be a little...um..."
"Confining?" Minako turned even redder, hung her head, and nodded. Ami herself turned a little pink, but only because she was wondering exactly what her lover would look like if she wore her Sailor V uniform again. The words confining, restricting, and womanly body repeated in her mind.
She wiped the dribble of blood from her nose before anyone noticed.
After several more minutes of debating, everyone finally agreed to the first step of their plan. Hotaru was of the idea that since she had killed the god who had stolen their powers at Juban Primary, then the Senshi should return there and try to shed more light on the results such an action would have. It might have been illogical to hope that some semblance of their other selves was lingering in the air ("Like something a video game boss might leave behind," were the words Usagi used), but it was at least worth a try. Even if they had nothing to gain, they at least wanted to free Ami's mother. Of course, running into Nanna, Gula, or any of the other gods was an almost certain possibility, but the former Senshi had confidence in their abilities. Humanity had proven that there were ways to slow down and distract these powerful beings, and wherever there was the will, they would find a way.
"Be careful," Ikuko said, hugging her daughter. She laughed sadly as she realized what she had just said, and how many times she had said it before. Usagi still made the old promise, though, and she promised her father, Naru, Umino, and everyone within earshot of the same.
"And don't think you'll be getting off easily either, sister," Unazuki Furuhata said. "Mizuno might have given you a clean bill of health, and I know you're a lot stronger than most other women, but you're still going up against some pretty insurmountable odds, and I don't wanna lose my only sister-in-law!" Makoto merely smiled warmly, drawing the other woman into her arms. Her husband kissed her cheek slowly, savoring her warmth.
"We'll take care of the kids, so you give it all you've got, okay?"
"You know I will," she winked. "Love ya."
"Okay, mom and dad, I'm gonna go help save my girlfriend's mother!"
"Oh, so Setsuna has parents now?"
"Get with the times, ma! Ami and I just got back together! Didn't you hear us having unnecessarily loud sex just a few hours ago?"
All eyes turned to Ami. Despite her attempts at hiding.
"Minako, for the love of all the Buddhas..." Fortunately, Ryo was there to offer his hand. She shook it, then got tackled as Berteir hugged her.
"Don't...you die, Ami!" she blubbered. "Or get...hurt! Or lose...any body parts! Or burn to death, or...or anything else!"
"Umm, thanks, Bertier, I won't."
"Because if you did, we'd never ha...have that duh...d-double wedding!" She bawled uncontrollably, forcing her sisters to pry her away. While Rei wished that Kaidou was there to see her off, she had Setsuna by her side. Her fingers found themselves entwined with the older woman's, and Setsuna offered her a warm smile.
"Hurry up, Firefly," Haruka called. "Sheesh, why was she only enthusiastic when we told her not to follow us?"
"Obviously trying to squeeze a few more moments with that boyfriend of hers," Michiru smiled. Haruka chuckled.
"I'm sure there's plenty of squeezing involved." Hotaru came out to join them at last, her face flushed and glowing. Not wanting to waste any more time with farewells, the team left at once, making sure nobody saw them leave the cosmetics shop.
…...
Despite the increased level of security and awareness the soldiers were exhibiting, the Senshi were able to split up and slip through town with little trouble. They met up again about half a kilometer away from Juban, as close as any of them could get without arousing suspicion. Ami knew the hospital inside and out, and suggested they all try different exits. The main entrance was obviously under the heaviest guard, but rooftop access was almost entirely deserted. Minako and Rei assured everyone it would be no trouble for them to get up there, even as they were, but Makoto proposed a more direct strategy:
"Well, I'm still a little busted up, right? I mean, no offense, Ami; you did a great job. All I'm saying is that you've got someone here who's not at the top of her game, and a hospital right in front of us. And," she added, winking at Ami, "conveniently enough, a doctor who just so happens to work here."
"But we couldn't possibly sneak all nine of us in like that," she countered. Haruka grimly rolled up her sleeve, producing a nail-file from her vest pocket.
"If that's what it takes..."
"Hey, let's not do anything extreme!" Usagi blurted, quickly grabbing her wrist. "Maybe Ami and Mako can go in the front while Rei and Mina come in from above. I think four people will be enough."
"Too many of us wandering around would draw a lot of unwanted attention," Michiru agreed. "And love," she said, putting a gentler grip to Haruka's arm, "while I would have followed you, I'd rather you preserve your skin. I've grown quite fond of it." As she humbly smiled, Setsuna separated herself from the group, walking away from the hospital. Ami called out,
"Um, where are you..."
"To see something for myself."
"Are you going in another door? I'm afraid you're headed to the ER entrance, and that'll be blocked."
"Sorry, but it looks like I won't be joining you for this excursion after all. I will return shortly." With that parting enigma she took off. Any citizen running in Tokyo these days caught the attention of the soldiers, and Setsuna was no exception: within moments a small squad was sent after her.
"Hey," Usagi called, "she's in trouble! We've got to help her!"
"No." Haruka clutched onto her shoulder firmly and looked her in the eye. "Don't you see, dumpling? She just bought us an easy way inside. Michiru, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Aren't I always?" she smirked. "Coming, Firefly?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, I understand now. Please don't worry about Setsuna, Usagi. She's always had her own way of doing things and they've always turned out for the best."
"Ah...I suppose you're right. So you three are going in through another way... I guess I'll have to find a—"
"No, you're staying here," Minako stated. Usagi stopped dead in her tracks.
"Wah?"
"Leader's orders, princess. It's for your own good."
"Don't feed me that, Mina! You know I can take care of myself! Heck, with all my police training..."
"But they know you in there," Rei said patiently. "Or did you forget which hospital you were admitted to? You going back in there would be too suspicious—and besides, we'll need someone on the outside just in case we botch this."
"Yeah, don't police officers usually go on stakeouts?" Makoto added. "If one of those goons sees you, you could just say that you're watching for signs of trouble. At least you wouldn't be lying." Usagi pouted and crossed her arms, looking exactly as she did half a lifetime ago.
"Darn it, I hate it when you guys make sense like that."
"At least you're good enough to go along with it," Ami giggled. She gave her oldest friend a long, warm embrace, caressing her cheek as she glowed with love. "I'll always be grateful to you for this, Usagi. My...my mother and I have become closer lately, and...I really don't know what I'd do if something terrible happened to her. Just having you be here means the world to me." She leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss, then once everyone agreed to a rendezvous time and place, they moved into position and played their parts. Even though she was being left behind, and was being treated like "a china-doll princess" (as she would say), Usagi couldn't help but feel encouraged. She silently vowed to stand watch and put forth all her effort to making sure everything went smoothly for her friends.
The hospital's receptionist recognized Ami immediately, and—panic-stricken—rushed right at her, pale and perspiring.
"Dr. Mizuno! Oh my gosh, we were so worried! We haven't seen you or heard from you in ages! We thought you might..."
"I know. I apologize, Ritsuko. Please forgive me for putting you through all that. Could you please register this woman? She's been here before: Mrs. Kino, Makot—"
"Oh, her again? Back so soon, Mrs. Kino? Was it rock-climbing this time?"
Ami looked on as Makoto blanched. The receptionist immediately realized her mistake.
"Whoa, sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you! It's just that, umm, she was in here a few weeks earlier... White-water rafting, wasn't it? And I think we've treated her before with other sports-related injuries. Umm, let's see: bocci ball, tennis, football, basketball, and I think her first visit was twelve or so years ago, when you helped set her bones after that martial arts tournament..."
Makoto was deep red by this point. The receptionist was equally hued in complexion.
"Whoops! I just keep digging that grave, don't I? Um, well, if it's any consolation, Lady Gula is an exceptional healer. Why, she might even put you to shame, Dr. Mizuno! ...Oh, shoot, there I go again!"
"It's all right, Ritsuko," Ami sighed. Makoto was processed and put on a stretcher; she flashed a thumbs-up before leaving. Once they were alone, Ami said, "Tell me, Ritsuko, do you know where my mother is?"
"Probably in the ER, working her magic."
"Probably?! You mean you don't know?"
"You know how she is—a lot better than I do."
"When was the last time you saw her?"
"I honestly couldn't say, Dr. Mizuno. I've been really stressed out over these weird guys in armor, and those giant glowing people, and all those...things that follow them around. I guess it was sometime before they came here." Ami glowered in frustration. She couldn't blame Ritsuko for being frightened out of her wits, or not keeping track of everything, but being stymied like that brought out her seldom-seen anger.
"Could you page her, please?"
"I'm sorry, doctor, but I'm not allowed to do that. There's, um...new management..."
"You don't have to say anything else," she said darkly. "But how do things get done around here...?"
"Lady Gula handles most of the patients. The doctors are more like consultants or helpers. At least everyone still has their jobs."
Perhaps, but it's under a totalitarian dictatorship!
"I'll go look for her, then. If you'll excuse me."
"Whoa, wait a second! Um, sorry," she fretted, "I didn't mean to yell, doctor, but you're supposed to report to Lady Gula at once. It's part of the new order around here."
"Oh, I see. But I'm just going to find my mother, and then I'll be on my way."
"Doctor, please, I'm begging you! You do NOT want to cross these people! They kill anyone who disobeys them!"
"Yes, I know," she murmured grimly. "Have they killed anyone in here?"
"No, Gula doesn't allow it. Thank goodness for small favors, right? But I'm serious about everything else, doctor, and please don't think I'm a part of it. I mean, they do a lot of good around here, but..."
"I know. Their ends seldom justify the means. Well, I suppose I should meet up with this Lady Gula."
"Yes, please, thank you. And be very careful around her. I mean, I know you're smart, I'm sure you'll figure it all out..."
"Thank you, Ritsuko." Ami let out a little sigh, feeling relieved to be away from there. She hardly ever spoke with Juban's receptionist, but until now, she felt guilty about not getting to know the girl. Oh, she wasn't a bad sort, it's just...she made Usagi and Minako seem lucid and sensible even on their worst days.
She wasn't going to see this Gula woman, that was certain. If what Hotaru said was true, then Gula would do anything in her power to get revenge for her husband's death. Ami might not be a Senshi anymore, but that wouldn't stop a goddess from exacting bloody, painful retribution, and she'd likely use Ami's mother to reach that end. Her only option was to find her mother as quickly as possible, and extract herself as best she could. Before going in, the former Senshi gave themselves a ninety-minute deadline, figuring if they could find no trace of Ami's mother in that period, then it would become too dangerous to linger, and would be forced to escape. Ami glanced at her wristwatch; it read 11:47. At one o'clock, she'd have to make tracks, mother or no mother.
Having spent a lifetime adjusted to much harsher pressures, Mizuno found the nearest staircase and began a long climb...
Makoto was wheeled into a large space very unlike an operating room. It looked as though several empty patient's rooms had been converted into a single, large unit, with dozens of beds spread around, and Gula, flanked by Juban's finest, in the center. Makoto sat up, wondering if she could spot Ami's mother, but she was laid to rest by an orderly, who shook his head grimly.
"Please don't, ma'am. Lady Gula will take care of everything."
"So are you all her slaves?" she snorted. The orderly's face turned grave.
"Say what you will, but everyone you see is here by choice. And if they're not here, then they're locked up until they change their minds."
"That's horrible! How can you...ow." Wincing, Makoto grasped her side, where one of her ribs had cracked. Ami did a magnificent job of setting it, but she was no match for her friend's excitable nature. "How can you work for someone like that?"
"Lady Gula's different. She helps people, and she wants us to understand that. It's not that healing's in her nature; it's like she's made out of charity. I'm not sure how else I can describe it. She is, and because she is, we follow. Besides, she's not responsible for what's happening out there."
"And you're just going to ignore that?"
"What good would it do me anyway? The police are in their pocket, the Prime Minister's been deposed, the U.N. can't intervene... I've even heard they defeated the Sailor Senshi. What sort of fighting chance do we have against that?" Makoto laid back down, closing her eyes. She knew from recent experience that sometimes, giving in to defeat really was the best option. Surrendering, for the greater good, was not only necessary sometimes, but beneficial.
This clearly wasn't that time.
"If you've given up, then they've already won."
"You're up next," he said, coldly ignoring her. "Gula is patient, wise, and gentle. I believe she's on our side. Not all of those so-called gods are tyrants, Miss." Makoto said nothing. In a moment, she was wheeled up to Gula's side, where the monstrous benevolence gently took her hand. Usagi had been permanently scarred by touching one of the gods, but evidently not all of them had that effect: Makoto began to feel rejuvenated and strengthened almost at once.
"What is thy name?" Gula said, her voice melodic and sweet, like a mother's. Makoto swallowed and answered her. "I understand that in thy country, all names have meaning. What does thine own mean?"
"'Wisdom of Trees'. Makoto also means 'sincerity' or 'true heart'."
"So thou art considered wise, sincere, and truthful?"
"Maybe not all at once," she tittered. It was strange, but Makoto felt...comfortable around this creature, like she was in her favorite place, with all of her loved ones gathered around. She didn't remember the embrace of her parents, but she believed this is what it must feel like, and for a moment, she could understand the orderly's zeal. If she were asked to serve this illuminating creature, she might have accepted, too. Gula smiled.
"And do you have any affinity to the trees?"
"Oh, some. I'm the outdoorsy type."
"I do not understand."
"Well, I like camping, fishing, boating, mountain climbing, hiking, skiing... Pretty much anything fun you can do outdoors."
"Ah, you are not unlike the Grecian Atalanta, or perhaps Artemis."
So I'm like Artemis, huh? I bet Mina would get a kick out of that!
"But where did you get such wounds?" Gula said, staring intently at her patient. Makoto felt the comforting spell dissolve as Gula interrupted her work, drawing away slowly. "Servants do not acquire the harms you have accumulated through natural means. I recognize the cause of thy tribulation. Only one could have performed this deed, and he was robbed from me." Gula then glared furiously at Makoto, with all the might of the heavens and the earth behind her terrible eyes. The hospital rumbled, and everyone fell to the ground, as if kneeling to appease their goddess' wrath. Makoto wasted no time with explanations and made a run for it, but Gula caught her, wrapping a glittering golden band around her ankle. With a gesture, she drew the band back, with Makoto still tied on. Makoto went to break the band, but it felt like freezing fire to the touch.
"DID YOU DO IT?!" the goddess roared, her every breath thundering with unrestrained rage. "WERE YOU THE ONE WHO KILLED MY HUSBAND?! ANSWER ME!"
"I...I don't know your son!"
"YET THOU FOUGHT HIM, SERVANT, AND LIVED! WHOM BUT HIS KILLER COULD SHARE SUCH WRETCHED FORTUNE?!" She extended her arms, hovering over the floor, carrying Makoto with her. The goddess opened her mouth, roaring and screaming with all her might; it looked as though she could swallow all of Japan. Makoto wriggled helplessly, bracing herself for the worst. Suddenly something cracked her on the head and shoulders, and she found herself limp. The cord around her ankle was cut; she had been freed. The orderly she had spoken to stood over her, wielding a bonesaw.
"I...I couldn't just...stand and watch, Lady Gula. That...that was no way to...to treat a..."
"YOU DARE SPEAK THAT WAY TO ME?! FOOL!" The entire planet seemed to thunder as she struck, blasting the orderly to bits with her awesome power. Makoto and everyone else gawked at the spectacle, but none were as shocked as Gula herself. Suddenly realizing what she had done, she calmed down, and wailed quietly as she hovered over the remains.
"Ah... What have I done? I have taken a life... I have done that which I must not...cannot do. No. NOO! Who am I? What am I capable of? Was he not merely a servant, and am I not a goddess? I can bring him back. Yes. I can undo all of this. I can make it better. These hands weren't meant for killing; they were meant for healing. Yes. I have to restore it. I must. I need to. I'm Gula; I can do this."
Muttering incoherently, she gathered the pieces together and labored over them, to no effect. The shock of actually having destroyed a life, rather than restoring one, had rent Gula's goddess mind asunder, leaving her babbling and empty. As horrifying as all of this was, Makoto knew she could not remain any longer. The healing she received was sufficient enough to strengthen her, so she ran off, tears bubbling over her eyes.
…...
"Okay, thanks. Hey, listen: we didn't see you, and you didn't see us." The doctor nodded bluntly and made himself scarce. Haruka took in a deep breath, stretching her arms. "So which is it, love? The lady or the tiger?"
They had just learned where Gula kept all the hospital's doctors and staff: by her side, or locked away. The only question was, where?
"If I knew Dr. Mizuno, senior, at all, I might offer a solution. The only person that would know is our little dolphin."
"Hmm, and getting in touch with her would be impossible. I suppose we could split up again... Our group's about big enough to do it. Only one question,though: who does Hotaru follow?"
"That's simple," Hotaru said. "Hotaru finds Ami."
"You of all people shouldn't be wandering around here all alone. We should have kept you with the bunny-girl."
"But you needed me," she said, playing with a smile. "You had to be sure."
"I don't believe splitting up any further will benefit us," Michiru said, analyzing the situation calmly as she always did. "We can already rule out the lobby and the lower levels, as Ami and Makoto will check those. Rei and Mina have the upper levels—the only question is, where else would you hide an uncooperative doctor?"
"So you think Mizuno's mother's locked up?"
"Think of it this way, love: if she's not, then Makoto will find her. Since Gula's so keen on healing everyone she meets, that will give Makoto the opportunity to see who she keeps in her company. So that part is covered. If we discover the area where all the staff is kept, and find nothing, then we can conclude where she is, and who's going to extract her."
Haruka whistled. She had known Michiru all her life and never once ceased to be amazed by her.
"I see someone's been reading those Agatha Christie novels."
"Actually, I've been watching Thin Man films."
"Well, let's all check these rooms, then," Hotaru said, beginning on the left side. "With three people here, we'll get it done much faster."
Haruka smirked at her adopted daughter. "Really knows how to rub it in, doesn't she?"
"I suppose you'll blame me for that."
"I'll take credit if you want me to."
"Oh no you don't, love. This one's all—"
"Hey, are you two going to banter, or are you going to help me look?!"
Michiru snickered. "Mine."
Their jovial mood darkened considerably several minutes later, when they found the room all the remaining staff were holed in. It was guarded, of course—not that that stopped the trio. But once they got inside and freed the staff, they found Saeko Mizuno, petrified and drooling, her eyes staring emptily into the void, her hair and clothes unkempt. She was being tended to by several coworkers, who were a little surprised to be freed. Many of them began talking at once, but only one had the sense to understand that now was a time for action.
"Okay, stop that nonsense, we're running out of time. Let's get her out of here first. You, young man, you look strong enough."
"Young woman, actually."
"Whatever. Can you help carry her?"
"Sure." Haruka knelt down and folded Saeko's arms around her neck so she was riding piggyback. The doctors warned them not to trust any elevators, so they all took the stairs. Haruka stopped on the second floor, winded and wearisome.
"Hey, here's good enough. This is where we came in."
"On the second floor? We're nowhere near a fire escape."
"That didn't stop us."
"Perhaps, but Dr. Mizuno's in no shape to climb."
"And we're in no shape to go out the front door. Just let me rest here for a few seconds. Michiru, the rope, please?"
"If only these cords could talk," she muttered,opening a window and throwing the rope out. She fastened it securely and escorted the doctors out, ending with Hotaru. She then offered to carry Saeko.
"No, I'm better now, but she's really out of it. What do you think made her go catatonic?"
"What else?" she said grimly. Haruka drew in a deep breath, hoisted the doctor up, and carefully climbed down to the ground, while Michiru gathered the rope up. She opted to climb down the hard way, fingers and hands clinging to the window's railing and any other foothold she could.
"You know," Haruka called up, "for such a feminine person, you definitely know how to scale a wall."
"Yes, there's no end to my talents. Ah. Well, to the rendezvous, then?"
"Sure. How much time do we have left?"
"Seventeen minutes. The others will leave on their own, though I wish we could get in touch with them."
"We won't be waiting long. They may not be Senshi, but they can take care of themselves." While they couldn't take the staff with them for fear that large crowds would draw attention, the doctors assured them that they'd be fine, and scattered before anyone had second thoughts. Usagi had been designated as the meeting spot: hopefully she hadn't moved.
Makoto had reunited with Ami, and judging by the look on her face, Ami could tell she had been through a grisly ordeal. Ami wanted to continue searching, but Makoto desperately wanted to get away; she could still see that poor man being disassembled. In any event, Gula's enforcers were starting to suspect something, and had been following Ami around from time to time. As concerned as she was for her mother, she knew the older woman would want her preserved more. On their way out, they were stopped by a number of the star soldiers, all armed and not in the mood to negotiate.
"Okay, you two. Back inside."
"Another fine mess we've gotten ourselves into," Ami murmured. "Can you fight?"
"I'll do a lot more than that, Ami," Makoto growled. "I'm going to bust them up so much that the entire army will fear me." She charged at one, grabbed it by its jaw, and vaulted it in an arc, slamming it head-first into the ground, where its whole body shattered. The other soldiers backed away in shock. Not to be outdone, Ami charged after another, striking it in the throat with the butt of her palm before whirling around and launching her heel against its kneecap. As it bowled over in pain, she picked it up and put it over her back, squeezing until its spine had snapped. Both women glared at their opposition, daring them to strike.
They ran. Prophecy fulfilled.
Even that didn't help them, though, as they were assaulted in the blink of an eye. Makoto and Ami stood puzzled, but amazed, as they saw Setsuna crouching in a stylish post-beatdown stance.
"We meet again," she said, smiling warmly. Ami laughed.
"You're late!"
"I, the Guardian of Time, late? Surely you jest, Mizuno."
"Hey, I don't mean to rain on this parade, but I'm still pretty shaken-up, and I'm not in the mood for jokes. Setsuna, did you see Ami's mother anywhere?"
"I'm afraid not; I apologize. I was investigating something far more influential. No offense, Ami."
"Tell us," she insisted. Setsuna looked around cautiously.
"Not here. Follow me, back to the rendezvous point." She raced off again, leaving Ami and Makoto no choice but to follow. Rei and Minako came in last, three minutes late, fatigued and sore. They had met with utter failure, and more than a few battles they couldn't win, but it all seemed worth it to know Ami's mother had been rescued.
"In theory, anyway," Michiru said, snapping her fingers in front of the woman's face. "As you can see, she's a little..." Suddenly, her arm was brushed aside.
"Oh, stop that, I was just acting! It was the only way I could get out of those miserable interrogations."
"Mother!" Ami tackled her with a watery-eyed hug, which stunned Saeko for a moment. Gradually, though, she returned her daughter's embrace.
"Dr. Mizuno, if I may interrupt?" Minako said, respectfully giving them a minute. Saeko looked over at her.
"Ah, you're my daughter's ex-girlfriend, correct?"
"Current, actually," she replied bashfully. "We got back together."
Saeko couldn't help but be surprised. "Oh. Well, as long as you can make my daughter happy..."
"She does, every moment I'm alive," Ami grinned. Saeko gestured.
"You were saying?"
"You should probably join the rest of the staff. I think it would be safer for you."
"I see. But what do you mean, 'safer'? Are you all planning on getting into danger?"
"We'd like to avoid it, actually," Haruka said. "But it tends to catch up to us."
"It sounds like you're used to it," she said evenly. Ami averted her gaze when her mother looked to her, almost as if she were hiding a secret. While Saeko still wanted to confront her daughter about her Senshi persona, she respected Ami's decision to keep it secret. "Very well," she sighed, standing up with Haruka's help. "If they're heading to a safe place, then so will I. Ami, I'll try and get in touch with you somehow. Miss...um..."
"Aino, ma'am."
"Right. Miss Aino, this may go without saying, but...please keep her safe. You will hear from me if you don't."
"You don't have to worry about anything, ma'am," Minako laughed. "Most of the time, it's your daughter who takes care of me!"
"Is that a fact? Well, then I leave you with full confidence. Miss Aino, ladies. Ami."
They hugged one last time, then she was off. Ami smiled wistfully as her mother vanished.
"I'm afraid this moment is more bitter than sweet, Ami," Setsuna said, touching her shoulder. "You all wondered why I took off; now is the time to tell you. When Minako, Makoto, and the others were extracted from that prison, I'm afraid you were followed. While we were here at the hospital, the resistance was compromised and exposed."
"No!" Everyone went pale, fearing the worst.
"There is more. Every resistance in Tokyo was soon unearthed."
"I don't believe this..." It was like a blow to heart, soul, and mind, sucking the strength and will from everyone there.
"That is not the end of it. Normally, this sort of behavior is met with imprisonment...or worse. But this time, the members of the resistance are being gathered in one place. It's happening even as we speak."
"But why?"
"I can't say. I left before I found out any more. I'm sorry, but if I had waited any longer, I would have been captured, and you all would most likely be walking into a trap."
"Then my mother's..."
"In the exact same position as everyone else, for what relief that may bring."
A dreary silence settled in, pressing coldly upon each heart there. One's world can only be undone so many times; after that, what madness is sanity in a mad world? Usagi stood apart from her friends, her braided hair billowing, sapphire jewels glazed over emptily as she stared, meeting her heavenly twin. The ghostly moon hung without comment, barely a sliver of its former self. Soon its light would be extinguished utterly.
"Usagi," Rei called desperately, "what are we going to do now?"
She closed her eyes solemnly, unable to answer.