Chapter 5
Katsuro sat back in a chair posted outside of the guest bedroom he had been set in just before. Rei and Makoto both stood guard outside with their arms crossed, staring sternly in his direction telling him to stay out of the room while Ami tended to Minako's injuries. Like he was really going to try anything. He wasn't the type.
Besides, he technically had…someone. Though they had just returned from a victory, a defeated sigh left his lips as he leaned back in the chair, his gaze fixated on the ceiling above as if watching a movie take place. What was she doing right now? Rika…was she waiting impatiently at the shrine for the their triumphant returns? Was she eagerly anticipating the heroic tale of their victory and wanting to celebrate with them?
If you all are out there, did you see me? Did you see me fighting? If so then why? Why don't you all show up to join at my side so we can work together? Kenji, Takeshi, Ryoto…where are you all?
Rei's stern gaze seemed to soften as she studied his body movements, nervous tics, mannerisms. It seemed there was something weighing on his mind, something that almost seemed to heavy to bear, as if it was bursting at the seams, ready to just explode. And yet, there he sat, calm and maintained. Katsuro, just what kind of battle is taking place inside your mind?
Makoto shifted her emerald eyes over from Katsuro who seemed lost in his own world, to Rei who strangely enough seemed to be entirely absorbed in thought as well. A light sigh left her lips as she knocked gently on the door. "Everything going alright in there?" She questioned.
"Yooooowch! That stings Ami-chan!" Minako yelped out as the blue haired girl began to dab peroxide onto her wounds before bandaging them.
"Oh don't be such a baby Minako. You'll be just fine. Yes Mako! We're just about done. She's just being whiny in here." She giggled as she continued her work.
The sound of talking, followed by Minako's out cry seemed to snap him back to reality as he sat straight, looking at Rei who seemed to be focused on him. "Uhm, is everything ok? Can, I help you?" He asked as her eyes briefly widened as she shook her head.
"I was just wondering, why haven't you taken your mask off yet? We all know who you are now." Yeah, that was a good excuse and save right?
"Oh, I honestly had forgotten." He started to reach up to his face, only to see the door quickly swing open, the image of the stunningly beautiful goddess of a woman standing there, just bandages wrapped around her and a skirt on.
"Wait! Let me, I'd like to unmask the brave hero that rushed to my rescue." She walked towards him, leaning down, slowly extending her hands to his face. She was decent for the most part, however, even with bandages wrapped around her, there were two things he simply could not take his focus from.
As her hands neared however, he grasped them, and politely lowered them down to stand up as she gazed at him with confusion. His hands slowly slid away from hers as he reached up to remove the mask himself, revealing sapphire blue eyes that seemed to catch her attention. No matter the situation, he still had Rika. This wasn't right to do to her.
He must have had his reasons for doing it that way, so Minako just gracefully rolled with it. "Oh my, even more handsome without the mask." She teased.
Ami slowly walked out of the room after throwing away the rest of what she didn't use and cleaning her hands up. "Minako, don't you think you need to make yourself…more decent." She slowly glanced away, as did everyone else as the poor blond looked down to see herself topless.
"Oh shit!" She rushed back in the room to throw her blouse back on. Minako, space case as always.
Rei coughed to clear her throat before turning her attention back to Katsuro. "Alright, so tell us. Just how the hell did you get from being in here with us, to clear across town with new clothes AND perfectly healed up in a split second?" She crossed her arms again, seeing him take in a deep breath and stand up.
"Well, I know the reason I'm here now. It wasn't all just simple coincidence either. You all…might want to sit down for this." He explained as they nodded, waiting for Minako to step out blushing. The group walked down the hall to the room where they usually held their study group at, or gathered to talk.
"Alright, we're sitting. Now spill." Makoto spoke sternly.
Minako took a seat almost close to Katsuro. It wasn't every day some guy comes in like that, saves you and sweeps you off your feet. Must be how Usagi feels right? Her elbows placed on the table with her chin in hands.
Rei's stare shifted briefly to the blond. Jesus Minako…pull it together, you JUST met this guy and you're swooning over him. She closed her eyes, gently shaking her head then turning her attention to the red-haired boy again.
Ami carefully sat herself down aside Makoto, her hands politely placed in her lap as she watched, eyes alert. Her focus was ready to hear every last word he said. They needed as much information as possible on the situation. Usagi hadn't even been told yet. "Shouldn't we call…?"
Rei lifted her hand up as to quiet her for now. "Not yet. Don't you think Usagi deserves a bit of peace and happiness without worrying about the fate of the world for once?" Her voice was stern with Ami, which was unusual to be honest.
Rei was right though, so many times Usagi's been at the front of everything, taking in all the pain, the sadness and having to protect everyone. It was time they tried to do their duties as guardians and keep their future queen safe.
He took a deep breath as he removed his jacket to sit down. "Well, as it happens to be, it seems our fates are a little bit more connected that I had thought originally." He began to explain. "As you know, I'm not from this world. I was brought here as a result of a large battle that took place in my world. The energies combing and mixing from the attacks tore a portal open and pulled me to this world." He began talking.
Minako hadn't heard any of this yet, her hands slowly slipped from her face, her elbows moving from the table as one hand moved over her chest, grasping at her blouse gently. Another…world? Like alternate universe? Her mind started to race.
"Or so we had originally thought." He crossed his arms, waiting for their reactions before continuing.
"What do you mean, originally thought?" Rei questioned him.
"As it turns out, it wasn't simple coincidence. I was intentionally brought here by someone seeking my help. My foe Zeo crossed over into this world by accident. Me, not so much." His hand slowly rubbed the back of his neck, then brushed through his long hair.
"Then, who was it who brought you here? And who could possibly have that much power to cross to a parallel universe to pull you and your team here?" Ami pondered. Things were getting interesting indeed. Whoever it was had to have a great deal of power at their disposal right?
"I think you all know who's powerful enough to pull a feat like that off right?" He asked as Rei quirked a brow.
"But Usagi hasn't said anything to us! I just saw her today!" Minako smacked down onto the table. This was unbelievable. How could they give in to this? Usagi would never do something like that so secretive. How DARE he try to lie like that.
"Minako, calm down. It wasn't Usagi, you and I, we all know this." Rei's eyes fixated on the blond, trying to hint the answer to her, before another spoke up.
"Queen Serenity…right?" Makoto asked.
"That's what I thought no. Honestly, Minako isn't far off from the truth. Neo Queen Serenity." He explained.
"The future queen?!" Makoto exclaimed.
"Yeah. As Ami was bandaging me up, time just stopped. She appeared to me and explained everything to me, as well as healing my wounds and well, hooking me up with some new threads."
"So then how did you get all the way over there to helping me?" Minako was now calm and more postured as she sat straight, her eyes, as blue as the sky, locked onto him.
"Although, my powers are on the fritz and don't work. She provided a way for me to rebuild them and get me back to full. I was told with every encounter we win; I can absorb the remaining energy of the monster into my jewel. Using my powers before everything is fixed, could destroy the jewel…or end my life. Once she explained everything to me, she showed me the fight taking place. From there, I asked that she send me to it so I could help." He explained to her.
"So you chose to come help me?" A gentle smile graced the blond's lips.
"Hey, I couldn't let you get hurt. And I couldn't let them believe this world can be taken like that."
"So Neo Queen Serenity brought you to help us huh?" Makoto's arms crossed as she thought. "Sounds like something Usagi would do…or well, future Usagi." She giggled; her mood was much lighter than before.
"Everything does seem to add up and make sense now. So, then what is our plan?" Ami asked, right to the point as always.
"Yes, oh great hero from another world. What is your plan?" Minako asked, inching closer to him.
Rei looked to everyone who was starting to bombard him with questions then slowly back to studying him. For some reason, he seemed rather uneasy. He was struggling with the answers himself. She could tell he had no idea what to do. With everything that's happened just in this one day for him, he simply HAD to be overwhelmed. She could act stern and like a hardass all she want, but even she had to feel some compassion him to be going through what he is.
"To be honest I-!?"
"Hey, girls. I think that's enough for today." Rei cut him off, standing up slowly and brushing her priestess uniform. "He's been through a lot, and he's probably exhausted. I think we should let him get some rest and reconvene tomorrow when everyone is refreshed.
"Rei-chan…you're no fun." Minako pouted lightly as violet eyes glanced back to her.
"YOU in particular, should be resting too. You've been through a lot today. Your body needs to rest. Ugh, we can't have you going home like that though." Rei crossed her arms, her eyes closed as she thought. "Stay here with me tonight, maybe tell your family your going to be doing something with us for a while, or something." She began throwing a plan together. This was Rei for you. While yes, Ami was the brains of all of them. Rei always felt more like the parent to everyone, with Makoto as coparent of course. Which, she turned her gaze to Makoto as if asking for back up.
"Rei's right Minako, you should stay here with her tonight and rest up. You took a pretty harsh thrashing today. And Katsuro, while I still don't fully trust you. You should rest as well. Tomorrow we can start trying to figure this mess out and what we're going to do." She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. It was pretty late.
"Yes, of course. Sorry for the interrogation." Ami stood up and bowed politely to Katsuro. "And it was nice meeting you today. I look forward to our combined efforts and your assistance. Rei, I'm going to head home. I still need to finish up some of my practice exams anyways. Makoto, Minako, rest well you two. Goodnight." And with that, Ami took her leave.
"What was supposed to be a light jog today, turned into being thrown into a new world ending threat. Such is the life of a Sailor Guardian I suppose." Makoto lightly joked. "Everyone rest up, tomorrow, we start grinding." She flexed one arm forward then grabbed it with her left, flashing a smirk, her emerald eyes filled with determination. "Goodnight you guys." She waved before following Ami out.
Damn…he hadn't thought of anything like a place to stay. Looks like he was sort of odd man out here. Worse than that, he had no money on him. Even if he did have his bank card or anything, that account existed in the other world. "Ah mou." He hung his head down. Alright, no worries. I've roughed it before. I'll figure something out. He began to stand up. "Thanks for everything. Guess I'll be heading out too." He waved, flashing a peace sign, before being stopped by a stern parent like voice.
"Hold it Mr. Other World Hero." Rei's voice sharply spoke out, her arms crossed. "Just where do you think you're going?" She questioned him as Minako gazed up from where she sat between the two.
"I was just going to-"
"You were just going to what? Wander around the streets? I don't think so. For one, we need to keep an eye on you. And two, if you're going to be of any use to us in this fight. You need to rest. I'll talk it over with grandpa in the morning. I'm sure I can work out the same plan we had with Yuuichirou. You work around here and earn your keep. Capisce?"
"Oooooh a sleep over then?" Minako's eyes seemed to light up before being shot down by THAT look Rei had. We all know the look.
"Really? Are you sure?" Not like he had any room to argue. "Alright then. Deal." He nodded. Just then though, there was a strange feeling that shot through his being, like something took hold of his heart and grabbed it. There was a slight glow radiating from his jacket, one that only he caught a glimpse of before it was gone. Had to be something he was imagining. He shook off the feeling before taking a deep breath and letting it out.
"Minako, head on to my room. I'll be there in a bit. I'm going to get him situated first." Rei glanced, seeing her nod, then turned her attention to him. She had wanted to get him alone all day today. There were certain looks he had, nervous tics, the way he acted when he thought no one was looking. It wasn't that she was suspecting anything foul. Quite the opposite. "Follow me, I'll get that guest room re set up for you ok?" Her tone was more soft as she motioned him to follow.
"Yeah, right…" He nodded, grabbing his jacket up to follow after her down the hallway.
"Goodnight Katsuro, see you in the morning." Minako flashed a friendly smile before walking the opposite way down the hall to Rei's room.
The walk was quiet, he really didn't know just what to say. Here he was in the world of one of his favorite anime, and goddamnit…he couldn't be happy. It was the fear of the unknown. He was here with no power, Zeo was alive, his team…his friends were MIA. Worst of all, what the FUCK became of the life he left behind? Of the people? Of…of…Rika…? Fists clenched tight, his nails digging into his palms to use pain as a way to break his attention from the though.
As Rei led him down the hall, she slowly glanced back to him out of the corner of her eyes. Her soft violet eyes studying him, seeing him clench up. His eyes were distracted, it was that look again from earlier as if lost in another world and running on auto pilot. She knew this look all too well. There was a struggle going on in that head of his. But what could she do? There had to be something she could say or do to help.
There it was again, that grasp at his heart. What the hell was that? He bit into his lower lip to fight this strange feeling coming over him. He wasn't familiar with this, he could feel his arms tremble and shake. "Hah…all this shit seems pretty wild doesn't it?" He asked to break his attention away.
Rei stopped in front of the guest room before taking a deep breath. "Katsuro, stop deflecting." She spoke, still not looking at him. "You put on this strong front for everyone. You carry on like you have everything under control, like you've got everything figured out and know what to do." She began to softly speak to him. "But, I'm guessing that's far from right isn't it?" She turned slowly to meet his gaze. Those eyes, those sapphire eyes that were filled with determination and so cocky today, they were swelling with tears?
"I…I can't…" He was choking up on his words. "I can't afford to lose it now." He turned his gaze from her. That was the feeling wasn't it? Grief. Why though? He still didn't know whether or not they truly did lose. Hell, as he thought before, Rika was probably back at the shrine worried sick about them. He was their fucking leader for crying out loud. He couldn't allow himself to lose his grasp on everything. He was the one that had to figure out how to fix this goddamned mess. Everyone's waiting for your ass to pull through, fucking stop it!
That look again…why was he fighting himself so much? She slowly made her advance to him. She didn't know him, but she knew what it was like to be the hero with the world's fate resting on your shoulders. She knew what it was like yearning for someone to confide your struggles in. "Katsu...ro..." Her soft voice spoke as she gently took his hands into hers, making him release his clenched fists. This was a new side of Rei completely.
"It's ok. Its ok to hurt. Its ok to grieve. Don't take on the whole world by yourself." To only him, he could hear the voice of two girls speaking at once.
His eyes slowly widened, seeing the image of another girl by her side. There was a flash of light from the inner pocket of his jacket. It was like seeing a ghost. The transparent figure was of another raven-haired girl, one with bright shimmering emerald eyes.
The ghostly figure slowly walked to his side, gently placing a hand onto his shoulder, then sliding it up to his cheek. Her delicate pale face raising to his, the feel of lips pressing against him as the glowing figure slowly disappeared. Her spiritual essence had managed to transcend world because of the bond they shared, only long enough for a gentle goodbye.
He could feel the stinging of warm tears filling his eyes. There was no doubting it now, the woman he loved was no more. The city he loved and protected…was no more.
"Aaaaaaaahhh!" He yelled out, dropping to his knees and hands. The tears flowing from his eyes as he punched the ground. "Rika!" He yelled out.
"Katsuro!" Rei kneeled down to him, her arms moving around him as he wailed in pain from the heart. She was unsure of what was going on. But this was it, this was the true Katsuro. She looked up to see a girl who looked similar to her standing there, smiling down. Maybe it was because both of them were in touch with their spirituality. She could feel a presence around her now. Please, take care of him. He can be stubborn at times and hardheaded, but he always means well. I leave him in all of your capable hands…The voice echoed only in her mind as the figure faded away in the moonlight. She looked back to Katsuro who was almost in an uncontrollable fit of sadness and grief. His heart was filled with so much pain.
"Rei!" Minako came running down the hallway after hearing the yelling only to see the two on the ground and his pained cries continuing on. "Katsuro…?" She was unsure of what was happening, but it seemed Rei had an understanding. She kneeled down as well with the two, wrapping her arms around Katsuro as Rei was. "Shh…its ok. You're not alone." She spoke quietly.
Rei gazed to her friend who was trying to console him with her. He had lost the love of his life, and an entire life that was left behind as well. Fuck, this had to be breaking him inside. What could they do? Rei brought blankets and pillows into the hallway, it was all she could think to do. We'll do our best for him. That…I will promise. Though her presence was gone, Rei spoke through prayer to answer the last request.
The three were gathered together in what almost seemed to be a pillow and blanket fort on the floor, in desperate attempts to console him to help him shoulder this immeasurable pain as they had done for Usagi so many times. Minutes passed, and soon a few hours. The three of them had all been pulled into the embrace of a deep sleep. He had completely exhausted all the strength and energy he had left in his being. The two close friends refused to leave his side all night and slowly found themselves into the realm of deep sleep together, huddled around him.
Briefly, violet eyes opened slowly to see that her and her dearest friend were laying close together, embracing each other and him. Her heart hurt for him and the loss he suffered. She could see the soft sapphire eyes the blond girl opening only slightly to meet her gaze. The two reached their hands across him, lightly grasping each other as they accepted the warmth of slumber.