Notes: Episode 124, "The Horror of the Approaching Shadow! Eight Soldiers in Tough Battle". Or, "The first part of the two-parter season climax where the Senshi assault Mugen."
Episode 124
It was the not knowing, really.
Setsuna sat in the helicopter, vaguely aware of Uranus and Neptune stealing some measure of comfort from each other. Setsuna unconsciously wrapped an arm around herself, and considered all of the many things she did not know, and the one thing she did.
She was about to die.
As a general concept that would have been bothersome enough, but the uncertainty of the result painted everything in shades of desperation. Desperate people made mistakes, and this was one mistake she wasn't sure she'd be able to fix.
But there was no denying it: they were desperate.
Nothing had worked. They had tried again, and again, and again, and nothing turned the hand of fate. This idea had occurred to her many iterations ago, the idea that Pluto herself was the piece that must be sacrificed. Her young queen (for she would forever be a princess in Pluto's eyes) had denied the possibility. There WAS an answer that didn't require sacrifice, they just had to try harder.
Pluto couldn't help amusement that her queen's infamous idealism would finally fail, now of all times.
Finally, even she was forced to relent. "Will it hurt?" The question was whispered, fearful of the answer.
Pluto couldn't answer. She didn't KNOW.
For Setsuna, the answers would be coming too soon.
She had enjoyed this life, more than she would have expected. Watching her Small Lady find true friendship. To perhaps have found true friendship herself?
Setsuna turned away from the window and toward her fellow Senshi. She remembered lively debates with Haruka, and quiet jokes exchanged with Michiru. The evenings wiled away in conversation. The feelings of camaraderie and togetherness, feelings she was certain were long past her.
And yet.
The moment was fast approaching. Setsuna studied Uranus and Neptune, their expressions set and determined.
She saw Haruka, her face flushed after a hearty laugh. Saw Michiru, her eyes twinkling with unspoken mischief.
Pluto didn't know. Setsuna didn't know. Perhaps that was for the best.
The moment had arrived.
I've probably scrapped and rewritten this a dozen times. I'm still not exceptionally happy with it, but putting this much attention in it is rather defeating the original intent of doing these at all, so I yield.