Taeniaea: thank you.
trish1573: thanks, and yeah we'll be continuing on.
tryntee13: I thought you guys might like the golden crystal hint. Lol
damonika2009: I really wanted to portray her weakness at the end of it but also include how her fight with the 'Pharoah 90' was. the anime didn't give us that.
Magic713: Sure did.
Lunarstar99: thank you!
lunaluna2709: don't apologize for the size of the review, the more information the better. I do want to have the opportunity to breach the 'mamo vs seiya' thing. I think that would be interesting as seiya obviously was falling seriously for Usa but her heart stayed true to Mamo. I think Mamo would have had a problem with Seiya around her as such. And I wanted people to feel for him since he didn't leave to go to Usa at the end in the anime. As for childish out bursts from Chibi Usa…perhaps but not anytime soon.
Mavebelikova: I'm glad you liked them. Writing Seiya when we get there will be fun cuase I see him as the type to say 'till she has the ring on her finger, she's a free woman'.
Spike: It is a huge taboo and that will be explained later on. She's made a deal and she will be reaping in the penalties for her decision. As for the outers taking their orders from Pluto to an extent they did. And yeah your right the anime and manga did contradict each other at certain turns. It makes it harder to mesh but not impossible. Back to Pluto and the other outers, from what I recall in the manga the outers in the past were able to keep such tabs on the solar system was due to the extensive technology they used to have before the big battle. Now on earth they don't have access to that technology. I do recall reading that bit for the technology in the manga. I do hope you continue to read my fanfic as there is only 2 ch/ep's left for this before 'Shaydoe' takes the reigns for 'Supers'. It will be MUCH different from the anime and the manga so be warned if you decide to read it. And yes I counter things as I can. It's nothing personal just habit forming.
LoveInTheBattleField: will do.
Ok 10 reviews, hopefully the last two ch/ep's will inspire more! A touch of smut but NOT a lot.
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah' ch/ep.47
(Waking up had felt like a chore, my mind was barely functioning, swimming in a fog of barely forgotten nightmares of the previous battles. I did want to open my eyes and greet the day, but neither did I want to dwell in this refuge state of being half alert. Every part of my body ached, with a deep painful burning as if I had suffered severe frost bite. The muscles stiff and tingling from last night's strain. I wondered oddly if my very bones had bruises.
With a moan of displeasure, I finally allowed my heavy eyes to open. Sighing despondently at the pale light of another grey and dismal fall sky that I could see out of Mamoru's bedroom window. Considering everything I have been through in the last twenty-four hours, the fact I was still breathing was pure luck. Without the energy from all of my senshi, I could have never achieved our victory. They gave me their last reserves to help fight and save Hotaru.
Even Michiru, Haruka...had finally fought with me. I had felt Setsuna giving me her powers as well. She had not been a part of that last battle, or even allowed me to sense her till the end. It left me with many questions that needed answers.
Deep down I believe they wanted little Hotaru to be saved. They had come through for me in the end. My memories of fighting Pharaoh Ninety was kind of hazy. A mish, mash of screaming, and distorted wrath that left me feeling sick inside. All I can remember clearly is baby Hotaru's warmth in my arms, Tuxedo mask's comforting presence before the baby was taken from me. I have a blurry image of Neptune cradling the baby as Uranus guided them away from the battle field. My energy reserves were too depleted to remember accurately.
"Mamo - chan..." I turned over to face him, his frame wrapped securely around my own. He opened his midnight blue eyes, "Arigato...for everything." I told him, nuzzling into his bare chest. So relieved to be in his arms and listening to the strength of his heartbeat. He smiled warmly before caressing my face, "Arigato...for not giving up. For coming back to me." he took my hand and kissed my knuckles. It was such a simply sweet gesture. "I love you." I told him as his lips then pressed insistently to mine.
"Chibi Usa should be waking up soon." He lightly started brushing my stray hair behind an ear. A purely meditative gesture to soothe himself as he contemplated an uncertain future. "Sailor Saturn came here and gave her pure heart back. Her silver crystal mysteriously reappeared along with her broach." Mamo - chan told me, "It was probably right when she destroyed Mistress Nine. Sailor Saturn was in control of Hotaru - chan's body as Mistress Nine was weakened." I explained to him.
He nodded, "Makes sense. Hotaru - chan was being used energy wise for years by Mistress Nine. I wouldn't be surprised if when Hotaru - chan got older that she no longer had any health problems." I nodded in agreement.
"Sounds like it's very possible. This new life she's been given, she'll use it well. It can feel it." I added with my usual optimism. He smiled knowingly before giving me a quick kiss and leaving the bed. "When Chibi Usa goes to school come back here okay."
I looked oddly to him. "I almost lost you Usako...I just need some alone time with you." He confided, "how about I drop her off at mama and papa's house before returning here?" I compromised with him.
He nods in acceptance before getting up, throwing on a white t-shirt and grey sweats. I get up from the bed and throw on a light buttercup yellow sweater and a pair of jeans before slipping on my socks on then my house slippers. Mamoru stopped at the doorway and looking fondly down at the hall floor. I unfortunately ending up bumping into his back, not really expecting him to stop so suddenly.
"What." I moaned rubbing my nose and glancing around him.
"Our daughter left us a token last night." he commented, crouching down. I followed his gaze finding a silver tray laid out with his best tea pot and two dainty white cups. A note in kanji scrawled in a child's awkward hand, balanced between the two cups. Mamoru lightly passed the note to Usagi, noticing her name was on it. Usagi gave him a curious look before unfurling the paper and reading quietly. Tears were welling in her eyes as she read her daughter's heart felt message. It was brief but it spoke volumes about Chibi Usa's honest feelings.)
Arigato, Usagi.
I hope you feel better soon. I know you fought so very hard for me, and for Hotaru. No matter how things turned out, please tell me. I will not blame you if you couldn't save her. I wasn't even able to get back to the fight and help. Even if I don't show it much, I just wanted you to know how much I love and admire you. Please train me well, I want to one day be a proud Guardian of the Moon just like you.
Chibi Usa
"Oh, Chibi Usa..." she sighed, pressing the note to her breast. She could tell the little girl was feeling weak and worthless right now.
Mamoru quickly retrieved the tray from the floor and headed down the hall, with Usagi in sympathetic contemplations behind.
As they entered the living room the girls were surrounding a sleeping Chibi Usa, upon the couch dressed in their various school fuku's, Ami was checking her vitals. "Everything seems normal. As if nothing happened. Living off of Mamoru - san's life force even for the short period of time helped a great deal." she concluded.
("It's fascinating really." Ami typed away happily on her Mercury computer as I stepped into the living room. "Its fine Ami - chan right now it think Chibi Usa needs her friends and family here with her." I explain.)
She nods, "I'll put the data in but computer it later." She relented.
"How did you guys even get in here? I don't remember giving you a key?" Mamoru scolded, now curious on their lock breaking skills.
Mina smiled coyly. "You think locked door could stop the infamous Sailor V." She held up a victory sign and winked.
Then Mamoru noticed the knob of is balcony door was a tad bent and slightly melted off. The fallout from using her powers he concluded. "You crescent beamed my lock..." He whined, running up to the melted door knob. Shaking his head ruefully.
"Best lock pick ever." Mina stated proudly.
Makoto merely rolled her eyes at it, while Ami looked bashful hiding her blushing face in her data pad.
"Gomen, Mamoru. We just couldn't wait any longer. We needed to make sure everyone was doing ok." Rei stated without remorse, moving swiftly to Usagi's side and giving her a once over as she made sure for herself that her princess was back to normal.
"I am fine, Rei - chan." Usagi giggled, placing comforting hands on her shoulder's to stop the raven haired woman from inch by inch survey of her. Pressing her forehead against the Miko. A silent communion of love and friendship passed between them. The dark haired girl sighed and smiled warmly.
"Thank the Kami." She laughed softly.
"You didn't sleep at all did you?" Usagi noted the dark circles under her eyes.
Rei merely shook her head.
"You worry way to much, you need to work on that." Usagi tossed her, a smug grin wanting to rile her up a bit.
"You don't worry enough!" Rei shot back, crossing her arms and huffing hotly.
(I laughed cheerfully, walking up to the couch. I sat next to Chibi Usa, adjusting her blankets motherly. "She'll wake up soon." I murmur.
Sure enough Chibi Usa came to, upon hearing my voice. Seeing me she smiled, "Where is she?!" her first train of thought was on Hotaru, "I...ah not sure currently. She was reborn as a baby after the battle. I believe she's in good hands. I think Michiru and Haruka have her." I confided. The girls look to me in wonder, "Hotaru - chan is nothing but a baby now, she's of no threat to anyone." I state confidently. Chibi Usa gripped her tiny fists into the blanket over her.
"I knew you wound save her!" She cried, sitting up abruptly and wrapping her arms around my waist. Tears of appreciation and relief flowing down her face. "Arigato." She breathed, pressing her face against my stomach as she cried. I petted her head lovingly, smiling fondly down at her innocent face.
"But I don't understand why she attack me." Her sobs suddenly stopped and she look up at me, her eyes moist and expression was morbid. I knew I'd need to break it to her that she had been possessed. "Chibi Usa..." I started, "Hotaru - chan had been taken over by Mistress Nine. Mistress Nine was in her body took over completely and took your pure heart for energy. But Hotaru - chan was able to fight back at the end. I think it was your friendship with her that gave her the strength." I smiled, meaningfully.
She nodded, "Do you think we could go visit her at Haruka and Michiru's place?" I sputtered nervously. I didn't know where we stood now, they had been so cold after the battle. I wanted to tell her yes. But one look to the girls said otherwise. They felt the Outer's needed some space, and so did I. "Maybe later on but for right now as you seem to be full of energy you can go to school today. We can go and talk to Haruka and Michiru about seeing Hotaru - chan." I advised, and ruffled her hair.
She nods, "Did you see her in the end?" She asked me hopefully, slipping out of the blankets revealing that she was wearing a t-shirt of mine instead of one of Mamoru's. I couldn't help the surprised grin that spread upon my face. It was soft pink with lace along the v-neck and sleeve cuffs. It looked very much like a nighty on her shorter frame. I quickly averted my blushing face when she turned to determine my expression. Ignoring my obvious pride at being favored, she headed for the kitchen to find some juice to drink.
"Hai, we owe a lot to Hotaru - chan." I confided.
"Sailor Moon saved her." Mamo - chan came followed Chibi Usa into the kitchen and help her find the orange juice in the fridge. She looked up in wonder up to him, "I saw her carrying Hotaru - chan out as an infant. It know she's alive and well. It saw it myself."
He sat down beside me with Chibi Usa climbing up onto the couch on the other side. His arm came around me in a comforting hold as Chibi Usa placed her hand on my own in gratitude. I passed her a appreciate smile. "I think someone needs to get ready for school." I chided, as she downed her juice in one gulp. She nodded in agreement before getting up.
"I need to take her back to mama and papa's house. Make sure she leaves for school." the girls look to me oddly, "Nani?" I asked. "So you're staying at Mamoru - san's for good?" Ami asked in confirmation. "It kinda looks like that huh?" I could giggled a sad one, "Honestly I don't know what's going to happen. Papa always gets so upset and it seems that even with Mamo - chan and I being good together, even with my rising grades and added maturity papa cannot accept him." the girls knew it all looked to me with sympathetic eyes.
"He will eventually. He just needs time to adjust. Stay where you are with Mamoru - san, enjoy the time together. The more you're away the more your father will have no choice but to give in and accept fate." Minako told me. "She's right Mamoru - san's a good guy. You're his perfect 'mate' so to speak. If your father can't accept that then screw him. It's your life to live, you're not there to live HIS life." Rei snapped, the venom in her words very telling as to how sour her own relationship was with her own father.
"If anything I've seen nothing but improvement in you since you've been here." Mamoru added proud. I smiled and lightly shook my head at him for patting his own proverbial back. He laughed it off and left the living room to help Chibi Usa track down her clothes from yesterday for school that day.
"Let him be mad at you. When you do the early graduation he'll change his tune really fast. It'll be like this huge accomplishment to prove to him that you have grown up considerably." I nodded as Ami joined in, "That may actually work. Once your father sees you as the young lady you've become he may just accept everything." I arched a brow at her.
Before I could ask Minako jumped in, "Yeah, he'll might accept Mamoru - san in time. But if you got pregnant..." she added seriously. Everyone sweat dropped, Mina the ever tactful never even blinked. She dived right into the taboo subject without doubts.
Mamo - chan walked back in, "She isn't going to be, how irresponsible do you think I am?!" his peacock feathers were out as he strutted next to me. He was appalled that Minako would assume such things.
Not to mention the drawer full of condoms would be enough to last a few months…or just the rest of this month. "What he means is on the off chance that were to happen, we have already started our lives together. We'd make the best of an early pregnancy. But were good there. We keep ourselves plenty protected. Which reminds me it have to update my prescription for birth control." I muttered out loud. Makoto smiled as did Rei and Minako but Ami's clinical expression had me curious.
"Hai, I think a few of us do." She added, clearing her throat as Minako and Makoto blushed slightly in remembrance.
Mamo - chan's eyes widened at the obvious confession that neither Minako nor Makoto were all that innocent either. I felt bad for him, he was suddenly rather flustered. I could sense his unease, his curiosity and above all his male ego flare to life at the thought of two of my friends being sexually active.
Men could be such dogs...
But it was getting humorous for me, to humorous for me to stop the conversation. "Forgive me I only mention it since its good for regulating menstrual cycles and for the relief of cramps." Ami's reasoning still had Mamo - chan uncomfortable, "Yeah to much information about you girls." he muttered red in the face now. Left to hide away by his broken balcony door, clearing this throat and grumping about Mina being a delinquent. Tainting the maidenly minds of all around her.
I laughed, "Yet you wanted to know all about my meds." I smiled in response, "I'm having sex with you, NOT with them." he stated, a little louder than he wanted to. "We could remedy that? I hear you're a stallion in bed." Makoto stated mischievously, winking at him. My jaw dropped, and I couldn't help but blush. I knew Makoto was just teasing but my god!
Mamoru was far worse, his face looked ready to catch fire and he couldn't find his voice. "How much of our private lives are you aware of?" he shuddered, nervously. His eyes briefly went to my own. "Not much only what we can grill her for when we have enough time to do so which lately hasn't been much at all." Minako pouted.
Mamo - chan looked to me, his eyes glaring with humiliation. I gave him a nervous smile, pressing my hands together as I stood from the couch. Giving him a slight bow of apology before making a hasty retreat. "Let me go get Chibi Usa to the house before coming back here." I tell him. He nods but then before I can move Ami says, "We should go back to the remains of Mugen. The army by now has quarantined the site so we will have sneak in again." She rolled her eyes, getting tired of having to duck the authorities all the time.
"We need to see if we can find any traces of the daimon's or Pharaoh 90." She sighed, slowly standing up and dusting off her navy skirt. I agreed to meet them there as soon as I could. They headed towards the balcony only to get a glower from Mamoru, who pointed towards his front door. "Leave like normal girls." He stated. They all laughed and darted for the front door. They were just bugging him and it relieved a lot of the tension from the uncomfortable conversation of beforehand.
I turned to retrieve Chibi Usa, when Mamo - chan held me back, spinning me in his arms so he could kiss me sweetly. I melted into his embrace, "Later my love..." I whispered feather soft into his ear, brushing my fingertips up and down his cheek.
"I nearly lost both of you yesterday…" He voice broke, as he slowing closed his eyes. Pressing his forehead up against mine. Taking one shaky breath after another valiantly trying to find his composure once more.
"But you didn't." I smiled, cupping his cheeks. "We got our happily ever after again. I intend to enjoy it for however long it lasts this time." I promised, placing a tender kiss on his lips before pulling away. He held onto my hand, unwilling to let me go as I giggled and swiftly left his presence to retrieve our daughter.
I quickly changed into my own school fuku and brushed and styled my hair. Before guiding Chibi Usa towards the front door by holding her hand. She was oddly clingy this morning, I figured she needed some reassurance after seeing me so beat up yesterday. Mamoru caught us at the door. He set his coffee mug down on the island and crouched before Chibi Usa as she was pulling on her pea coat.
"Take a deep breath now, it's all over. Everyone is safe and the Enemy is gone. I plan to spend some time with both my girls real soon. Okay." He smiled warmly, ruffling Chibi Usa's hair in a fatherly manner.
"Ok, Mamo - chan." Chibi Usa giggled. Turned back to me and immediately taking my hand.
"How about we go to that new amusement park in Shibuya before it closes for the winter?" He offered. Chibi Usa instantly lit up.
"That's a promise Mamoru!" She exclaimed, hopping on her toes with excitement.
I had to admit even I was excited to go see it. But it was a bit pricing, I figure he would be working extra shifts soon to save up the yen. But treated Chibi Usa after all this was worth it. I would miss him, but I understood his need to spoil her.
Chibi Usa and I took the bus at the end of Mamo – chan's block, to the old neighborhood. As I walked her to the house, the silence between us was pleasant and not awkward for the first time in a long time. Using my keys for a brief moment I had a strike of fear enter me that they had locked me out, or changed the locks on me. As my key slid inside I breathed a sigh of relief before walking inside.
"Usagi! Chibi Usa." Mama said greeting us at the door. We were welcomed inside before Mama hugged me. "I missed you." She mumbled into my hair. "And you to mama." I answered, as she pulled away.
"I suspect you're dropping Chibi Usa off." my mama knew me well. That I wouldn't be home any time soon. Not with how papa last reacted. I pretty much choose Mamo - chan over them and I still felt a little bit guilty over it.
"Hai, but I will be seeing her off before I leave myself." It was a given I was skipping school today, we had to make sure the earth was safe from intruders once more. But had to have an alibi, my family had to believe I was just a normal junior high school girl. But Chibi Usa was not exempt from going to school. I watched as she dashed upstairs to gather her backpack. Giving me a few moments alone with my mom.
"How's Mamoru - san doing?" mama asked, honestly interested. "He's doing good. We ah just went for a nice picnic with Chibi Usa and Hotaru - chan recently. Mamo - chan got a lot of pictures taken."
I smiled in remembrance. "I know he had a good time. It think he took it as a moment to let his more fatherly side out." I laughed, "That's good. Guys his age are usually just about themselves. I've noticed how kind and selfless he can be with you. They can be so single minded, concerned only with schooling or all about sex." we both laughed knowing Mamo - chan had both but still maintained the need for a sense of family commitment and bonding.
"I assume papa's at work." I sighed, leaning casually against the wall of the entryway. She nodded, "He left earlier this morning than he usually does. Said he has a new story he's working on and if he can get it done before the dead line. He can schedule some time off for us all to go on little trip to Kyoto to the hot springs resort." She answered with a dreamy smile.
Briefly I recalled the hot springs we had gone to as a family a couple years back. It was also where I ran into evil Endymion at one point. The whole confrontation there had been odd. He had recognized the music form my star locket and it had stayed his hand. And in the end he had saved my life. I wondered if I would be included in this family trip. She must have seen the worried look on my face.
"Usagi you will always be invited. Just make sure to remember it's our family only. Mamoru - san is a part of your new family but until you two are wed I don't think he is welcome. Living with him at such a young age is inappropriate. I do not support it, but neither will I stand in the way of your love." I nodded. It appreciated her honestly on the matter.
After talking with mama Chibi Usa came downstairs ready for school. I giggled as mama said, "She reminds me of you at her age." She looked to Chibi Usa in glee. "Hai." I agreed, looking from her to Chibi Usa, to her once more. I saw the odd expression of her trying to figure the connection between us. It was no secret on how much alike Chibi Usa and I looked to one another. I knew most presumed we were sisters which came in handy but to family that saw us as cousins it would strike a cord every once in a while.
I bolted off with a, "Ja Ne mama. Asitero." to mama before she could think any more on it or respond to my leaving so suddenly. Getting back outside, I called out to Chibi Usa, "Don't forget your bento from mama - Ikuko." I may call her mama but to Chibi Usa its 'mama – Ikuko'. "I already have it. Arigato." She called back to me before meeting her friends just past the gate. "She's trying to hide her pain of loosing Hotaru – chan. I know it." I spoke to Luna and Artemis, knowing they both were sitting on the stand out in front of the house.
"Chibi Usa is her mother's daughter. She's sensitive to others feelings and doesn't want to burden you." Artemis said, "We at least know she's safe but we still don't know where Sailor Pluto is. The senshi of time must be found or at least for her whereabouts to be known." Luna interjected. "Hai…your right…" I mutter. I leaned against the post at the property line of the house, "I know I felt her at the end...she is still alive." I concluded.
"We will have to investigate, try and find clues to what happened to her...try and track her back down." Luna mused. I nodded.
"Thing is that there aren't many places she was known to be at, so going through the list will be easier than one would think. I know Ami – chan would rather go back to the site where Mugen was for more clues. There's more of a chance to find a clue there than a place she MIGHT have been to." I begrudgingly admitted. I knew Pluto kept herself well hidden that was for sure. Only Haruka and Michiru would really know anything. And I doubted they were up for a friendly chat any time soon.
"I won't give up though. I felt baby Hotaru – chan's warm energy through my own hands, I know she's safe but I need to see her again." I looked to my hands, "Such innocence…" I clenched my fists in mild anger over the situation, "I'm glad Hotaru – chan has a second chance I just wish I knew how she was doing so far in her new life." I admitted. "I need to know that what I felt didn't go away." I finished.
Luna looked to me, "You think maybe your maternal instincts are kicking in with Hotaru – chan since Chibi Usa has been acting indifferent up until recently? Or because you felt her warmth as a baby?" I looked up to her, "She and I did get close…I think she may have looked up to me as an older sister but I wouldn't put it past that." I didn't want to sound to conceited in believing Hotaru may have looked to me as a mother figure.
As it stood Hotaru and Chibi Usa were like sisters. I did wonder about Luna's words but couldn't believe them until Hotaru would state something herself. "I can't believe those words now, I would be to presumptuous to do so. I'll take some time to think on it later. I have to go back to Mamo – chan's we need to talk, then I am meeting up with the girls at the Delta ruins, to make sure our Enemy is completely gone." I smiled meaningfully up at the black furred guardian before jogging away.)
Meanwhile on the transit bus Chibi Usa sat alone from her friends and let her mind wander, not wanting to let on so easily that she was putting up a front. Acting strong and unconcerned the same way her mother would to keep her sadness at bay. "I hope you're okay." She sighed, focusing on her somber reflection in the window. Her bus flew by a familiar yellow sports car out front of a little French cafe.
With Michiru and Haruka sitting inside, enjoying tea together.
"You look pretty comfortable there." Haruka remarked as Michiru fed the baby. Hotaru sucked her bottle while Haruka herself sipped her tea.
Haruka could see the adoration Michiru had in her eyes to have a child of her own. But for them the closest they would ever get would be adoption and that was if the battles ever stopped. Usagi and Mamoru were quite different in that they needed to provide heirs to their family's legacies so it was naturally expected of them to have families and provide that for the future. For the rest of the senshi they had no obligations in that way. They were destined to protect the royal family, to have children of their own would less easy for them.
They were the ones out on the front lines more so in the future. While Neo Queen Serenity would take her place in diplomacy. Haruka was sure that Chibi Usa would want to be on the front lines fighting eventually. But for now that was her mother's job. In time she would have no choice but to let her senshi fight for her. Would have to take up the duties as queen, to become the rock that her people drew strength from. Along with Mamoru as her King.
Though she highly suspected that her little 'koneko' would get restless at not being able to fight with the rest of her senshi. More than likely Haruka figured that Usagi wouldn't want to be on the sidelines while everyone else fought. She'd jump into the fray as she always did. It was something she admired and felt her little 'koneko' was reckless at. As she was lost in thought, Michiru looked fondly down at baby Hotaru.
"What's wrong with wanting a little bit of normalcy here and there? Besides she won't be in our care for much longer." Michiru chided. She then burped Hotaru before saying, "I wonder what happened to Pluto."
"Yeah, one minute she's there wielding those new incredible powers, then the next she gone again. I wonder if this disappearing act is going to become routine with her." Haruka smirked thinking on the senshi of time.
"We should disappear as well. It's time to go." Michiru smiled softly. Baby Hotaru was clueless to the current events or anything about to take place. Only aware that she was happy and safe with the aqua haired woman with her short blonde partner.
They drove off to the International Oharaja hospital that all survivor's from the Delta had been admitted to. A prestigious medical center, known for aiding people with severe head trauma. A huge medical center of white brick and glass, with a sprawling courtyard around the two main buildings. That housed the clinics and various emergency wards. It looked more like a university campus then a hospital.
Once inside, Haruka checked them in at the front desk. A nurse came and took Hotaru. While they followed respectfully behind, heading down wide brightly lit corridor's to the shiny metal elevators at the back of the main lobby.
They silently entered the Professor's private hospital room. It was white washed room, with a single bed with monitor's surrounding the head of it. The professor was laying back, staring up at the ceiling. Badly beaten and with very little memory of the traumatic events that had happened, that he had witnessed. Though some part deep down inside of him knew what happened. It wouldn't be too long before they would come forth.
Dr. Tomoe was banged up, with a cast around his left leg, along with his left arm in a sling and his head wrapped in bandages to. How he had survived was a mystery to the doctors that took care of him. But it wasn't uncommon for people in Japan to experience miracles when dealing with the sailor senshi. It was the reason why the papers never called them vigilantes or set out to arrest them for interfering in what they considered police matters.
Though the doctor knew very little on what really happened. What he did know was that the sailor senshi from the rumored reports were there that day and had somehow stopped the explosion from within Mugen, from spreading beyond the Infinity bank. Medically as it stood his doctor was trying to figure out the medical marvel that was Tomoe. He couldn't figure out how he had survived yet once more no one else – besides the senshi – did.
However one thing was certain Tomoe recognized his little girl. The nurse placed the baby into his eager arms. He cradled the cooing infant to his chest, tears of appreciation glittering in his eyes as he gazed down at her lovingly. He knew her presence, her warmth as any loving parent would from their child.
Tomoe's doctor was a young idealistic man, fresh out of his internship. With long dark hair tied back in a ponytail and tiny rectangular glasses that made him look hip and trendy. Haruka had had a long and charming conversation with him the night before when Tomoe was admitted in to the hospital. They had gotten along splendidly and he trusted Haruka had the professor's best interests at heart.
Believing she was a research college back at the Tomoe research laboratory. It was outside with Haruka talking to the doctor that pulled Michiru away, "Mr. Soichi Tomoe's loss of memory will be hard." the doctor began quietly, paying Haruka a fleeting smile. It was illegal to release patient information to a none other then family members. But he was willing to divulge what he knew, trusting Haruka explicitly.
"But it will be workable." He read some more files out loud, from his clipboard. "In addition to his head trauma he has been and will continue to experience nervous break downs. It's why we will keep him here for a little while for observation. We hope that the sight of his daughter will help in fortifying him to recover more quickly. But he does have severe trauma from the events that took place at Mugen. He will never be stable human being again."
It was still a startling mystery as to why the large and very prestigious school was bombed to begin with. Not a trace of the foundation remained. It was fact that only a mass pile of rubble and a crater where the Infinity bank once resided was all that remained of the once grand school in Japan. The pile everyone knew would take weeks to sift through and months of cleaning crews and construction teams to repair.
All anyone could think of or come up with as an explanation was that an internal pressure from a potentially deadly science experiment raged out of control and destroyed the building and surrounding areas. The only parts unaffected by the blast were the area's of the Delta outside of the Senshi wards.
Those who saw the building explode claimed to have seen the renowned sailor senshi having formed a barrier to keep the blast contained before its final explosion destroyed it. Yet they also claimed that it was probably due to their powers that kept the 'combustible' explosion from reaching out and latching onto other buildings while Mugen went down. The Senshi had disappeared to regain their strength. It was Luna and Artemis that caught the news reporters trying to give explanations to the explosion, later that night.
Haruka handed the doctor the rest of the money for the remaining information on Tomoe. "It may be possible for him to recover fully but it will take time. Hopefully with his daughter here it will be faster and easier for him." though the doctor was highly skeptical on the infant and how she was here the way she was. According to Tomoe's files he and his late wife gave birth to a daughter nearly 10 years ago. She would clearly not be an infant.
But once he saw the look Tomoe had on his face he wisely said nothing. As far as he saw it Hotaru lost her life in the building. As far as the doctor saw it the news of her death would devastate the professor and put him even further behind in recovery. Possibly make him suicidal as he would have no one left to hold on to in this life.
So when these two found an 'adoptive child' for the professor to hold onto he agreed to let it slide. She was after all a mirror image of Hotaru as an infant. It would lure the professor into a false sense of security and hopefully make the professor become himself again. The doctor could only think to lose such a brilliant mind would be a waste. He never questioned the adopted child's origins.
He didn't let the paperwork issue bother him. It wasn't the first time he broke the rules to aid a patient or the patient's family and it wouldn't be the last. It was why he was seen as good at his job. His aim was to truly help the patients even if a little manipulation of the sacred rules was involve. He would always aid his patients in any way he could legal or not. The bureaucrat who had no idea about human suffering and loss could be damned.
Meanwhile in a nearby park, Chibi Usa made herself have some fun with her friends. They were bike riding after school down the paths. The day had been long and drawn out but she managed to pay attention and get through the classes. When the end of the day came she raced home to change, grabbing her favorite white sun hat and got her bicycle out to go riding. "Come on Chibi Usa lets go riding over here." Momo exclaimed, pointing off past a large cement fountain to the heavily treed area. Two boys around their age were already waiting at the fountain.
She laughed in agreement. "OK!"
She had just caught up to Momo, when her hat flew off.
"Oh...you are so troublesome!" She groaned, watching it float off over a hill top. "Keep going, I'll catch up!" She shouted, dismounting her bike and guiding it off the path. She went in search of the illusive gift from Ikuko, mounting the hill with irritated stomping feet. Seeing it float behind the hill, she finished her climb. Reaching the peek, she saw it land on a pathway just below. Having to suddenly shield her eyes as a blinding light flashed from the pathway.
She knew it was too bright to be that of an enemy and felt a familiar presence behind it. As the light faded, Pluto appeared below to her stunned eyes. Dressed as she always was in her dark battle fuku, yet this time it looked more powerful. Gripping her Garnet staff tightly as she stalked towards an older man sitting in wheel chair, a few meters down the path. She was intent upon her target, her eyes cold and calculated.
"Pu!" she called out, the Senshi of time froze her back gone stiff as she slowly turned to greet her. Chibi Usa stumbled and tripped down the hill, eager to catch up to her dear friend. Stopping short and cringed slightly at the disturbing change in Pluto's features.
Her dark pupils were now in the shape of hourglasses. Creating a feline lilt to her almond shaped eyes. Her gloves were gone, now replaced by silver gauntlets and a thick iron band adorned her neck with a heavy chain dangling down near her stomach. Chibi Usa swallowed hard the lump in her throat, her blood turned to ice at the ghastly change in her.
"Pu..." She moaned, as the Senshi sighed heavily. Turning her back upon her, her physical body fading into a ghostly after image. Shielding her now feral appearance from the little girl's tender gaze. Reality around her bent to her powerful will, and as quickly as she had appeared she shimmered away. Chibi Usa was horrified had how she had reacted. "Pu please come back! Hotaru - chan is gone and I'm lonely." Chibi Usa admitted, her childishness coming out.
Dashing down the path at top speed, seeking to grapple the Senshi of Time before she completely disappeared. She lost her footing and tripped miserably. Left sprawled out on her stomach upon the dirt, her bare knees and palms of her hands covered in small cuts. Tears beading out of the corner of her eyes, she felt like the weight of the world was crushing down upon her.
"I can no longer exist as a physical form in this reality, Small Lady. At least not for a very long, it is to taxing upon my powers." She answered.
"Why?!" Chibi Usa relented.
"I have to pay the price for my disobedience. Sweetie. I used my father's power's and sacrificed my mortal body to change our path." She answered.
"Come back, I am tired of being alone..." Chibi Usa moaned.
"Now you know that's not true, you have wonderful friends and Hotaru - chan." Pluto voice explained, echoing fondly to her from space between time. Chibi Usa's eyes widened, "Hotaru - chan is alive?! So Sailor Moon did save her." Chibi Usa had been skeptical since Usagi hadn't brought her back to Mamoru's apartment. "Is she alright?" she asked her. "She was given a new life thanks to Sailor Moon."
As if an invisible hand was guiding her, Chibi Usa looked down the path towards the man in the wheelchair. Finding he was holding a small baby, swaddled in blue blankets in his lap.
"Chibi Usa…the world was saved but not because we, the outer senshi, defeated Mistress Nine, not because we tried to destroy Hotaru – chan when she was at her most vulnerable. But because we all believed in Sailor Moon and that belief gave her the power to achieve the impossible." And she had.
"We feared Sailor Saturn because of what her powers could do, we could not accept that it was the end. I was forced to make a deal, so that I might borrow the power necessary to lock away that tainted timeline. Sailor Moon in return pulled Hotaru – chan from Pharaoh 90 just as his form was being destroyed and sealed away by her. Sailor Moon gave her new life and a second chance." Sailor Pluto explained, her voice patient and kind.
She had accepted the new path she must wander alone to ensure the proper future. The price she had to pay to wield her father's great power over time and space.
"I shall see you soon my small lady." Pluto left this point in time, wandering down the lonely paths of the third dimension towards her fate. Her time fighting alongside everyone had reached it's conclusion. From this point on she would be an outsider. A harbinger of the cruel tests to come. She held back her tears, even as she heard Chibi Usa calling for her to stay.
"Go to her..." It was then that Chibi Usa heard the familiar voice of Pluto urging her. The Senshi sounded to distant, sad and forsaken. Chibi Usa swallowed hard worried about her first real friend and what she had gone through during that battle to change her so drastically. Looking down the path she saw Tomoe, whom didn't seem to recognize her waving her down with the white hat in tow.
She then saw the tiny bundle in his arms. She smiled at peace now that she saw that Hotaru was still alive and well as her father now was taking care of her. Her spirits brightened just a bit as she jogged over to meet Hotaru again.
(By the time I got back to the apartment. Mamoru was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with his black leather jacket zipped up. Leaning against the stone privacy fence that guarded the property with two takeout cups sitting upon the top of the fence. I knew one was a coffee, black. The other would be a hot chocolate. The air this morning was rather wet and cold, I felt we were in for a storm soon. He pulled out a brown paper bag he had been hanging onto and offered me what lay inside of it.
With a happy grin I found two large Cinnibon buns, drenched in cream cheese.
With an eager giggle I took one bun and began to rip it apart, stuffing my face without any pretense of being lady like. I was starving!
We huddled together against the low fence, sipped our hot drinks and talked lovingly while waiting for the bus. Needing to get out to what was left of the Infinity Bank to make sure we were in the clear.
The bus only took us as far as the entrance to the Rainbow bridge, forcing us to get off at Shibaura Peir. We didn't mind as we were left to wander down the sidewalk along a major avenue. With Tokyo bay sprawling away on one side of us and a labyrinth of abandoned warehouses on the other.
"I expected as much." Mamoru sighed, brushing a hand through his hair as he scanned the suspension bridge that spanned the bay, leading towards the reclamation area beyond. I was chilled the wind blasting off the water felt like frozen darts striking my face. Huddling in my black wool pea coat I popped my collar to try and stay warm.
Spotting Makoto and Minako pacing along the edge of a flat roof of a storage building across the street. I dashed away with Mamo - chan on my heels. "Hey! Minako - chan! Makoto - chan!" they came down a rusted out fire escape to greet us, "We got trouble." Minako's eyes were stern. I nodded and soon we were all clamoring up the fire escape. Once on the roof top, I noticed Ami and Rei hunched over the street side. Binocular's pressed firmly to their eyes.
"The Army has come in a quarantined off the whole area, they are blocking both bridges to the island. So we have no way to get back over there now to check things out. Their making our job's difficult." Rei growled.)
Mamoru took the binocular's Ami offered him and looked for himself. Scanning the water front, he took note of the armor vehicles currently blocking the Rainbow bridge and the massive amounts of infantry currently paroling the perimeter. Then he noticed a certain yellow sports car, parked a little further down the block. He realized who else was here, checking things out. "It seems were not the only ones." He murmured.
(It was then that I heard a violin playing, it was beautiful. The tune was low and graceful, ebbing and flowing like the waves in the ocean. Both fathomless and lonely at the same time. Michiru's talent behind the violin was no secret. She had had many concerts over time and those even on the list would be lucky to get anything in the first several rows.
However this song was meant to lure me in. They wanted to confront me. I began to walk when Mamo - chan stopped me, "I don't like this." he warned, "I'm not hiding from my own senshi. Their pride is getting in the way of seeing things for how they are. Besides I can find Pluto's whereabouts through them. They were the last ones to see her alive." I argue back. He nods and lets go, "I'm watching the whole thing." he puffs his chest out. "Hai, arigato for that." I just hoped for them to be no cheap shots taken today.
"We got your back this time!" Makoto stated, clenching a fist.
Rei and Ami strode up next to her both determined to defend me if necessary.
"Be careful." Minako laid a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Aren't I always?" I questioned with a laugh, before leaping to the street.
"That's what I'm afraid of." Rei huffed, crossing her arms. Usagi always put on such a brave and off handed front when she was the most nervous. They let her go ahead, but they all promised silently to follow her.
Listening for the music, "There has to be a trick to this." I could hear Rei mutter, "There is...it's a lure for me. Their still pissed that I did things my way and NOT their way. I just need to make them see the truth is all." I respond. They nod as I look about for Haruka. No signs of her I jog off into the maze of storage buildings and warehouses. Making it into a huge parking lot full of storage container's.
The music is louder here, flowing over the ship yard in a crescendo, like waves crashing upon the shore. Moving forward more cautiously I find myself in an open area with container's stacked all around me. It's as if they planned to lead me into this make shift fighter ring. Then a flying projectile comes out from behind a tower of cargo container's, I leapt aside to avoid getting hit landing hard on my stomach I catch only a glimpse of Michiru's thick curly hair.
Seeing the piece of rubble I looked up to find Michiru gone. "Haruka..." I muttered, gathering myself to my feet and looking out for them both.
I knew I had the girls here today to back me up. But the aggression I felt from Haruka and Michiru was off the charts. Makoto began to run to my defense as did Rei, from between two containers. "Are you alright?" Makoto asked, as I was dusting off my school skirt.
"Fine." I muttered with irritation, staring at the chunk of concrete. I recognized it as a piece of Mugen. What was wrong with them? Why were they acting this way? I thought we were all friends now?
"Come out and face me!" I shouted at the end, wanting to see them for my own eyes. They both came out from the shadow's between two stacks of cargo container's. A defiant, smugness about them that I didn't like. Haruka was dressed in a white jacket and pants with a soft blue blouse underneath. Michiru as well was in a prime and proper looking skirt and blouse, with a wool shawl draped over her shoulder's.
I stood my ground, with my friends behind me. Catching sight of Mamo - chan hanging back crouching out of sight atop a set of container's. He wasn't going to intrude on this standoff unless he needed to.
They look ready to rip your head off. Mamoru spoke through our link.)
I think we just need to talk things out once and for all.
(I stated back to him, never taking my eyes of the Outer's.
Okay...but please be careful my love. If things get out of hand, you may need to use some of your powers to make them see reason. He suggested.
I'll take it into consideration. I say purely to appease him and his worrying mind. Right now the three of us needed to talk things out and powering up as senshi right now would create more tension to an already tense situation that were in.)
"Where's Hotaru - chan?" I asked, taking the direct approach. Neither Michiru nor Haruka respected anyone who dealt with them in a half-hearted manner. I was their leader and future queen. I would always confront them with my head held high and confidence in my stride. I would never show them weakness or back down from them.
"Safe. That's all you need to know for now. If I feel differently I'll tell you more." Haruka remarked coldly. "Usagi - chan you were to foolish when it came to Hotaru - chan. Regardless of the fact that things didn't go as planned what you did was unacceptable." Michiru added. They were standing back to back with their arms crossed. Glaring down at me in a disrespectful manner. "You are so lucky that the earth was saved this time. But what about next time huh?" Haruka scolded me.
"We cannot let go of the fact that your idealistic nature nearly got us all killed." She added, I forced my face to remain impassive in front of Haruka. Deep down I was still reeling at how close we came to annihilation. My actions may not have been logical, they were all based upon my heart. But I would never change them or retracted my decisions. If had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a single thing.
"You protected the senshi of destruction and risked earth, your princes earth no less. Billions of people and you risked it all." Michiru sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she felt a headache coming on. I could not refute that, I had fought that battle with faith in Hotaru. Trusting in that brilliant light of hope that if we all worked together we could recreate a better future. I refused to bend to their will. I stood tall and proud, not letting their words show how much they hurt me.
"Usagi - chan...We've decided..." Michiru began, anger in her voice. "That you don't have what it takes to be the future queen of earth or of any other planet. Even your kind hearted mother would be disgraced by your careless, reckless, idealistic actions." Haruka boomed at me. I was shocked by their words. How dare they bring my moon mother into this.)
"How cruel!" Minako screeched out, "I thought we had come to some sort of agreement here?" Rei seemed stunned by their words as well.
"Don't bother we knew the type of senshi they were from the start. Out on their own crusade like their better than us. Like their even better than Usagi - chan." Makoto said. Haruka laughed as Michiru spoke, "Well when it comes to you guys we are better." Haruka looked with a smirk to her partner, "Let me guess, you all wanna to beat us up now? What are you gonna do get angry, throw a lightening bolt?!" she was goading.
"I do, I want to wipe the floors with you, I wanna to show that you're not the supreme senshi you both think you are, but at the same time what would it do in the end? Create more animosity between us. Let's go girls." Makoto tried to gesture, "No..." I stated, I wasn't going to back down this time. I looked to both Michiru and Haruka, my eyes were cold and determined. But I knew I couldn't keep the hurtful tears I held within them from their scrutiny. "You want to battle fine. But it's just you and me, no help from anyone." it was between us anyways.
"Uranus Planet Power!" Haruka held up her henshin and called down the wind. It enveloped her, obeying it's mistress leaving the Senshi of the Sky behind.
"Neptune Planet Power!" Michiru clutched her henshin tight, raising the wand above her head as she called down her powers. The depths of the ocean appeared and encased her body. As the water dissolved the Senshi of the Deeps remained.
"Hell no!" Makoto yelled, "We fight regardless. When you start to verbally attack us personally or for egotistical issues. You challenge all of us and we accept it. Jupiter Star Power!" She held her henshin high, spinning in the vortex of lightening. Glaring at the outer's as she became the Senshi of Protection.
"It's been a long time coming." Rei yelled. "Mars Star Power!" She became fire ball, bending and twisting within her living flames. Prepared to take them down, the Senshi of War stood guard over her princess.
"Venus Star Power!" Mina screamed, enveloped in a blinding flare of light.
"Mercury Star Power!" Ami followed, diving into the cool current of her power's. When their transformation ended, all four guardian's of the princess stood tall around her. Prepared to go to war with their own to defend her. Usagi was at a loss, everything was spinning out of control to fast. Her gaze darting back and forth amongst her friends who look ready to rip each other's heads off. The tears that she had been holding back, now spilling from her eyes. This was not how she planned on this going. If anything this was the opposite.
("Stop it!" I didn't want them to fight. Finished transforming I got in the center, "This is my fight, not yours." I told my senshi, "You're such a crybaby." Uranus snipped. "Hai, I am, but at least when I go I'll know what it's for. And NOT for the death of an innocent child that could have and WAS saved along with everyone else." Feeling stronger I got in front of my senshi that had taken their place in front to protect me.
"Usagi - chan..." Mars asked. "This whole thing isn't about the earth, well not just about the earth, it was about your friggin' egos. You were wrong and unless you were proven indefinitely that way you wouldn't give up your beliefs that Hotaru - chan couldn't be saved." I snapped, clenching my fists.
"I respect that to an extent because I believed that she could be saved regardless. We both fight for the same thing, for our enemies of evil to go down." I stated.
"Don't get me wrong I wish you could see my side of things more clearly and I wish to understand your side better but the factor is that you were wrong and you have to accept that just as I would if I were wrong." I tell them. "Now when Hotaru - chan and I got out I felt her warmth as a baby...it was too good for her to have been anything less than a pure heart." I pleaded with my eyes watering towards them. Neptune's eyes flickered bashfully towards the ground briefly but in the end she stayed strong.
"Whether she's the senshi of destruction or not she saved us all. Her powers destroyed our enemy. I felt her warmth and we understood one another. So I'm telling you now, change your positions. Don't fight. ANY of you." I commanded. I saw Neptune hesitate before regaining herself. "You are weak both in mind and body. You are not fit to be our future queen." Her words stung more than anything.
"Fine...do it yourself then." Uranus challenged. "If not then we will forever be your enemy." Neptune finished. "Fine, have it your way." I agreed, clenching a fist to me breast. I swiped my hand across my broach calling down my own Senshi powers.
To be continued…