Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 64: A Night Out
By: Sora Kazeno
Several hours later, with additional help from Ayumi, Mamoru attempts to use his ability to find Usagi. Each time it becomes a little easier. Ayumi informed him it was roughly a year for her to master. Mamoru is wondering how he is supposed to figure this out in significantly less time.
The second time he is able to find Usagi she is sitting outside a café across from Rei with shopping bags next to her.
"Focus on their location and where in Peru they are," Ayumi instructs him, she also has her hand on the ground, trying to use her ability to help guide him.
Mamoru's brow furrows in deep concentration. He starts to change his focus to the surroundings, looking for something to mark their location. He sees the name of the café. He loses the connection.
He sits down for a few moments. Hoping this will be easier in time and less draining. After a quick breather he tries again and is able to find a few street names.
Ayumi frowns. "You're going about this wrong," she comments. "You can pinpoint her location and essentially bring it up on a map."
Her statement breaks his focus. "How?"
"I'm going to show you how to find Mai-chan," Ayumi explains knowing Mai went to complete an errand on campus somewhere. "Put you hand back on the ground."
Once Mamoru complies; she places her hand next to his. "Follow my lead." She closes her eyes. Mai appears for a few seconds before the image zooms out until they have a birds eye view of the building. Seconds later it expands further out to look like a map. The image remains for a few moments before it fades all together.
Mamoru stares at Ayumi in awe at how effortlessly she was able to accomplish this task without even breaking a sweat.
"We'll try again tonight to find Usagi-chan. The next class is about to start." Ayumi frowns. "We're running out of time if we're going to talk to her before we see Ami-chan."
Usagi still can't believe how Seiya just gave her money to go shopping to buy a new dress. "It's like it wasn't a big deal."
Rei shakes her head at Usagi. She is going to have to spell everything out to Usagi and help her connect the dots. "You know the Three Lights are a popular idol group right?"
"Of course!" Usagi puts her hands across her chest after hearing Rei's question, almost feeling insulted Rei had asked such a question.
"So they sell lots of CDS, concert tickets, and merchandise," Rei continues to explain.
Usagi nods her head in agreement. "Well yeah." She pauses to look at Rei as it clicks. "But that much?" She picks up her drink to take a few sips.
Rei laughs and drinks from her tea. Usagi just doesn't get it. "Minako-chan told me yesterday this concert tour is on track to earn around one billion yen."
Usagi spits out her drink, some of it lands on Rei hands and face.
Rei glares at Usagi while grabbing a napkin.
Usagi looks at Rei with her mouth hanging open. "that's….. that's a lot."
"But that doesn't count all of the expenses for hotels, staff, venue costs, transportation, staff, etc." Rei rattles off some of the costs.
Usagi blinks a few times. "You know a lot about this."
"Minako-chan was talking about her career last night. It sounds like this tour is helping her a lot." Rei explains, pausing to look at her watch. "Why don't we go and catch the end of her interview?"
Minako is sitting behind a table with a microphone on a raised stage. She is trying her best to answer the questions.
One of the younger female reports stands up, "what is it like to be surrounded by handsome men all trip?"
Minako giggles before responding, "It's great!"
The crowd laughs at her response.
Another woman stands up to ask the next question. "How did you end up singing with Yaten-san?"
"The producer wanted a duet to bridge their performance and it turns out Yaten-kun's voice and mine match the best." Minako speaks slowly making sure to add a suffix at the end of Yaten's name. It would be too hard to explain otherwise. "He's been great to work with."
The brunette that tried to kiss Yaten the other day is in the audience and chimes in, "you only got picked because you know them from school!" She's clearly jealous of Minako's ability to see the Three Lights all the time.
Minako is not going to forget that girl any time soon. "I auditioned like everyone else and it was the producer that had the final say." She immediately fires back. "I've been working hard for years independently to be an idol." Minako elaborates trying to keep her composure.
The female reporter that asked the last question continues. "Well your music is starting to climb the charts and that only happens with great talent!" She compliments Minako.
Minako smiles broadly. A few more questions are asked as the session wraps up.
Minako spots Rei and Usagi in the back and walks over to them. She pulls them aside to talk. "That is the same fan from the other day that tried to kiss Yaten." She hisses.
"Just ignore it," Rei tries to keep her calm. "She's just jealous. Besides you already got the guy." Rei gives her a knowing look.
Minako blushes a little. "Yeah…" She giggles.
Usagi looks over at the brunette, vaguely remembering her. The azure haired girl is the one she won't forget.
Rei lowers her voice a little more. "That's another reason you're keeping it a secret, you're worried about people will make comments like that girl."
"It's mainly my dad," Minako replies. "But that is a factor too. I want to be able to stand out on my own and not because I'm with Yaten." She pauses. "Though there is nothing wrong with being in the spotlight!" She winks.
Cheers erupt as the Three Lights take the stage for their question and answer session.
The first couple questions are about their time in Peru and what they like the best.
"The culture here is really unique," Taiki responds. "It is a hint of Japanese culture but ultimately it is entirely different."
Yaten appears thoughtful for a moment. "I love the food here. It is some of the best food I've had this entire tour."
Seiya contemplates his answer before he speaks, "It is too hard to pick one thing and everyone has been great here."
"So Seiya-san, you just announced the other day that you have a girlfriend. Why wait so long?" It was the same reporter that asked Minako what it was like to be surrounded by handsome men all day.
Seiya can't help but smile. "We were in high school when we started dating and wanted it to remain private for a while. But then people found out and it wasn't really a secret anymore." He tries to be a vague as possible.
"So that means that Yaten-san and Taiki-san are still available," the brunette shouts loudly for everyone to here.
Minako glares at the brunette again. She is glad there are so many people in between her and the other girl. She needs to keep her cool if she wants to keep her relationship with Yaten a secret.
She turns to Usagi. "How did you handle this Usagi-chan?" She whispers.
"I was thinking the same thing the other day," Usagi responds nodding her head several times.
"And…?" Minako eagerly waits for a response.
"I missed most of their events because I was studying for exams trying to pass high school!" Usagi laughs throwing a hand behind her head.
Minako teardrops. She knows Usagi is not wrong.
She changes the topic when she notices the orchid colored shopping bag in Rei's hands. "What did you buy?" She moves closer to see.
"Me? Oh I bought some shoes," Rei smiles. "My current ones are worn down after all the walking," she admits.
"And you Usagi-chan?" Minako spies the orchid shopping back her hands but she is eyeing the larger sapphire bag.
"I bought shoes and a dress for tonight," Usagi grins, happy with her purchases.
Minako gasps. "Oh that's right you have your date with Seiya-kun, you must be excited. I remember he mentioned it earlier."
Usagi nods her head; stealing a quick glance at Seiya on the small make shift stage. He looks like a natural in front of crowd like that. They all do. She is reminded of the comment he made this morning that he knew what he was signing up for when they agreed to reform the Three Lights. They make it look easy.
"What time are you going out?" Minako asks wanting to hear all the details.
"Seiya told me to be ready at five," Usagi responds, finally taking her eyes off the Three Lights.
Minako checks her watch and gasps. "That's in two hours! Come on," she grabs Usagi by the arm and starts to lead her out. "We have to get you ready for your big date!"
Minako quickly drags Usagi out. "Minako-chan!" Usagi shouts at the blonde.
Rei sighs and follows the two blondes.
A nearby reporter writes a few more notes down and follows the girls.
Seiya returns to the hotel room a few minutes after five. The last event wrapped up later then he would have liked. "Sorry I'm late Odango," he immediately apologizes when he returns to the room. He had expected Usagi to be either getting ready or waiting for him.
He doesn't find her anywhere within the room. He walks over to the bathroom and finds the door wide open. That room is empty too. He puts his hands on his hips for a moment, wondering what is going on. He thought she was excited for their date and yet she is missing. Panic sets in next. Did something happen? This isn't like her.
He walks out of the bathroom toward the main section of the room to pick up the phone but stops when he notices a sheet of paper on the dresser. He didn't leave anything there this morning. He picks it up and doesn't recognize the hand writing. 'I kidnapped Usagi-chan to help her get ready of her big date! Swing by when you're ready.' At the bottom of the note is a doodle Minako made flashing a victory sign. He can't help but chuckle. That mystery is solved.
He shakes his head. He caught a glimpse of Usagi with Minako and Rei at the start of the interview. He goes over to the closet to pull out a black suit and maroon shirt, he's still wearing some red but a darker shade.
Usagi pouts as she looks at the clock. "Seiya's late." She is reminded of the time they met at Ichinohashi Park. He was late then too.
"I'm sure he was delayed because of the press event but he'll be here any minute," Minako comments looking at the clock showing it is twenty five minutes after five.
Rei raises an eyebrow at Usagi. "You're always late. Besides you weren't ready until five minutes ago and you had two people helping you."
Usagi fidgets with her dress.
"Are you okay Usagi?" Rei turns to the side to look at her.
"I was struggling with my powers a lot yesterday…. And today it seems to be a lot better, I just hope it continues," Usagi explains what has consumed her thoughts for the past hour. Sailor Cosmos' words come to mind, when Usagi is too angry or emotional it makes her powers unstable. She feels more relaxed now and hoping it will continue. Before she can say anything else there is a knock at the door.
Minako is the closest to the door. She gets up to answer it and gasps. "I don't think I've ever seen you in a suit that wasn't red!" She commends Seiya.
Seiya teardrops at the greeting. "I do wear others things when I'm not performing," Seiya explains with a slightly nervous smile. He lowers his voice for Minako only to hear. "Yaten wants to see you in a few hours. He and Taiki are currently wrapped up in lyrics for a song that they just came up with. Though I don't know when I started to become his messenger."
"Thank you!" Minako beams with little hearts in her eyes at the thought of seeing the white haired Three Lights members later. She lets him into the room. "I'll check on him in a few hours. I know it can be a long process."
Usagi stands up wondering who Minako is talking to. She sneaks around the corner and freezes when she sees Seiya. She had seen Seiya in suits before but this one was a more tailored fit than what she is used to.
Seiya stares at Usagi, speechless. She is wearing a fuchsia colored strapless dress with a heart shaped bust line, which falls halfway between her thighs and knees with matching open toed sandals.
The two look at each other without saying anything.
Rei rolls her eyes. "Are you going to just stare at each other or go eat?"
Usagi laughs nervously and walks over to Seiya. Seiya offers her his arm and Usagi immediately links hers with his. They say bye to the girls and leave.
Rei shakes her head. "You'd think they never went on a date before."
Minako raises her voice to higher pitch when she addresses Rei. "Like you never looked at Yuichiro-san like that before."
"I'd never!" Rei retorts back. "You're as bad as Usagi!"
"We're going to keep bugging you until you finally admit how you feel. Be honest, you miss him." Minako looks at Rei right in the eyes.
Rei fumes. "It's not like that at all!"
"Now you sound like Usagi-chan when Seiya-kun teases her." Minako waives her finger back and forth.
"So anyway…. What did you want to do?" Rei immediately changes the subject.
Taiki and Yaten are standing up glaring at each other. They don't say anything but they are both frustrated with each other. They are at a stalemate.
After a few minutes of this, Yaten huffs while sitting back down; he's tired of cramming his neck upward at Taiki. "We'll ask Seiya tomorrow on the flight which version of the lyrics he likes better." He absolutely hates that Seiya will be the tie breaker. But then again, Yaten has been the tie breaker between lyrics when Taiki and Seiya had a similar standoff.
Taiki sighs and sits back down. "He should be working on this with us too."
"He's out with Usagi-chan," Yaten reminds Taiki. "Seems like ever since he announced they are dating, it only made us more popular."
"Yes…" Taiki responds slowly. "They shouldn't be doing what they're doing."
Yaten shrugs his shoulders. "It's their business and we're here to protect Sailor Cosmos, who also happens to be a Queen that makes the rules for the senshi. So…" Yaten points out to Taiki.
Taiki eyes Yaten closely, he's been listening to Seiya too much. "Senshi she can't keep in line apparently. Look at Sailor Pluto, Sailor Uranus, and Sailor Neptune."
Yaten affirms. "Give them a few centuries; apparently we're all going to be around for a long time."
Taiki looks at Yaten confused for a moment until it clicks. "That's right… we've been granted a longer life than normal. We should make the most of it."
Yaten nods his head in agreement. "The rules changed ever since Queen Kakyuu sent us here. Somehow we're serving two different kingdoms at the same time. I didn't know it was possible."
Taiki exhales slowly. The silver crescent marks on their brooches. "It does put Seiya in a difficult position. Who is he going to be more loyal too?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Yaten fires back.
"You seemed to blur the lines a well," Taiki studies Yaten's reaction.
"It just… kind of happened." He stammers. "But I never crossed the line." He leans back on the couch. "I have a feeling we're going to have to talk to Queen Kakyuu to figure this out. Can Seiya go back to Kinmoku and keep his Change Star or should he just stay on Earth?"
"It's better if we have this conversation without him present." Taiki stands up to fish out a small golden star compact with red wings from his already packed suitcase. "There is only way to find out." He turns on the device to allow him and Yaten to speak to the Queen of Kinmoku.
"Are you ready to try again?" Ayumi asks Mamoru. The window to Ami visiting is growing smaller the longer they wait. "Once you find her, we'll go and visit."
Mamoru nods his head. He is nervous to see Usako so soon after the recent visit. Their lives will always be linked no matter what happens. He lightly places his hand on the Earth focusing on her energy. Within seconds the symbol of Earth blazes on his forehead as he summons his powers from within. He sees Usagi in a dress out to dinner; he widens the image and realizes her companion is Seiya. He's witnessed enough and ends the connection. He doesn't need to see any more of it. He sighs loudly standing up.
"We'll go tomorrow," Mamoru tells Ayumi.
Ayumi looks at him questioningly. "Why the change? Where is she?"
"Out to dinner… with him," Mamoru didn't want to elaborate any further.
"Yeah," Ayumi immediately agrees. Nothing would end well if they showed up and interrupted their dinner. "But it has to be tomorrow because Ami-chan is going to be here the day after." She smirks. "Or I could just show up with you and introduce myself and Usagi-chan can hear about it when she goes back to Japan."
Mamoru can't help but smile slightly at Ayumi's words to lighten up the mood. She knows how hard this is for him. But he can only talk to her so much about this because she wasn't there to witness everything that happened in the past few years. His face turns more serious. "I'm just not sure how she is going to react after the last time we spoke. It's… hard to see her… like that."
Ayumi nods her head. "We need to find a time when we know she'll be by herself or with Rei-chan." She pauses. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but we need to look up the schedule for the Three Lights and find a time they are at some event that is not a concert."
Mamoru looks at Ayumi for a moment. It is a solid plan. He just doesn't want to see their smiling faces.
"Tell you what, I'll look it up but I want to look it up in your room. Nami-chan would never let me hear the end of it if she saw me looking up the information." Ayumi suggests.
Mamoru considers the offer. He nods his head. "It's a deal."
They return to Mamoru's dorm room. Ayumi sits down in front of Mamoru's computer and begins typing away. She stares at the screen, scanning for events. After a few minutes Ayumi is annoyed. "They have a brief television appearance in the morning and then they are flying to São Paulo." She frowns. "The girls are going to be rushing to the airport and it would a lot harder to slip into an airport than anywhere else."
Mamoru shakes his head in frustration. "That can't be a long flight."
Ayumi searches the internet. "About five hours." She goes back to the website for the Three Lights. "Ah ha!" She shouts looking at the screen. "There is an appearance at a radio station scheduled later that night."
"Perfect," Mamoru is relieved there was an alternative option.
Usagi smiles as she looks out at the ocean from their table. The evening was flawless so far as the last rays of the sun set into the ocean. "How did you find this place with such an amazing view?" Usagi turns to look at him. She laughs when she realizes how silly her question was. "Of course you'd get a table without a problem being an idol." Usagi's eyes turn downward somewhat.
Seiya doesn't understand what happened. "Odango…" He looks at her questioningly.
"Some of the whispers I heard in the crowd or at the concert the other night…" Usagi begins to explain.
Seiya cuts her off. "Just ignore them, they don't know the real you like I do. The answer is simple, you're amazing and I wouldn't trade you for anyone."
Usagi beams at his words. "The real me…" she repeats slowly, contemplating exactly what Seiya means.
Seiya nods his head. "Hmm. And you're one of the few people on this planet that knows the real me." He reminds her.
Before any more words are spoken, the waiter comes back with a small chocolate cake and ice cream for each of them
Usagi stares at the cake for a moment. She grabs her spoon and digs into the desert eager moving the spoon to her mouth. She can taste warm gooey chocolate and cold ice cream. "It's so yummy!" Within in minutes the lava cake is gone. Usagi pouts slightly since she would have liked more.
A short time later they leave the restaurant, smiling and laughing, oblivious to the paparazzi that knew to find them here. He had been waiting for a while and recognized exactly where to stand for good lighting and the flash wouldn't be noticeable.
The couple head down the back entrance leading them out onto the beach. Both are carrying their shoes in one hand and holding each other's hands in the other.
Usagi closes her eyes tightly inhaling the salty scent of the ocean beside her and listening to the crashing of the waves for a few moments. Everything seemed so peaceful; she didn't want this moment to end. She wants all of her days to be like this. No internal struggle between Serenity, Cosmos, and Usagi throughout the day after she woke up. Maybe it was that simple, she just has to keep her emotions in check.
"Odango, are you okay?" Seiya asks Usagi, snapping her out of her thoughts.
She turns to smile at him, "everything is perfect Seiya." The moonlight from a full Moon illuminates her golden hair.
The sight took Seiya's breath away.
Usagi looks at the dazed look on his face. "And you were worried something was wrong with me!" She teases him.
"I was distracted by how beautiful you look." Seiya admits.
Usagi can't help but smile a little. "You do look pretty handsome in that suit too…"
"Naturally," Seiya responds back immediately. "I saw you staring at me earlier you know."
Usagi pouts her lips at him. "One compliment and it goes to your head-" Usagi never finished her statement as Seiya leaned down to kiss her on the lips and wrapping his arms around her. She can feel the passion behind the kiss and when their lips part it was Usagi's turn to feel breathless.
"Why don't we head back," Seiya whispers in her ear.
"Seiya…" Usagi looks at him with worry. "But…after everything you told me about Kinmoku…"
"Kinmoku would look at it the same if it was one time, a hundred times or a million times," Seiya explains, he doesn't want to think about it right now. "I think we should focus on enjoying our time together on this planet." He pauses to look at her questioningly, "unless you made a rule against it…?"
Usagi laughs at his last comment. "Never. Everyone should be free to love whoever they want," she latches onto his arm tightly and they continue walking up the beach to their hotel.
They stop at a foot wash station briefly before putting their shoes back on as they make their way to the back entrance of the hotel.
Once inside the hotel, Seiya immediately leads them to the elevator to head up to their room. They enter the elevator with a few other people, waiting for the numbers to slowly ascend. It seems to take forever. The elevator stops at several of the lower floors as other guests exit, until they are finally alone.
Seiya has a playful smile as he turns to look at Usagi for a moment.
Usagi looks at him with a small smile.
In a blink of an eye he has her pinned to the back of the elevator kissing her feverishly.
A few moments later the elevator pings, it reached their floor. Seiya breaks away, gently pulling her hand as they exit.
They walk quickly back to their room. Seiya fumbles with the room keycard, becoming impatient when it takes him three tries for the door to open. After he finally has the door open, he picks up Usagi in his arms, carrying her to the bed.
It doesn't take long before clothing ends up on the floor and they fall asleep exhausted but fulfilled. They neglected the packing they still need to complete before moving onto the next city.
Minako checks her make up one more time as she adjusts the collar on her short black dress with some vertical rotating lines of color between white and orange. She puts a large white hat over her head. She pauses to grab her white purse long enough to make sure her room key is in it before she dashes out the door, eager for her last minute date. She closes the door with a grin.
Her mouth drops when she realizes she forgot one important detail as she rides down the elevator. She rushes to the bathroom nearby and checks to make sure it is empty before she pulls out on a crescent moon shaped compact. "Crescent Moon Power, Transform!" In a flash on light, Minako's appearance changes to a girl with fiery red short hair. She pouts a little at her reflection. Eventually she'll be able to go on a date with Yaten as Minako. She opted to keep her dress the same so Yaten will know what to look for. She ducks around a corner when she sees Usagi and Seiya return to the hotel and get into an elevator hand in hand.
Once they are gone, she exits the hotel. She hid from them out of habit. She had gotten used to sneaking out of hotels to meet Yaten, while it may no longer be a secret to her friends; it is still a secret to the entire world.
She walks down a few blocks to go to a small restaurant they had found the first night in Peru. After passing through the front door, she sees him, rather her, in a back booth. Her hair is down and is wearing a black tank top; ironically it is one of Minako's. She sits down in the booth across from Yaten.
Yaten has her arms folded across her chest. "I'm not doing this when we get back to Tokyo." She says flatly. She hates sneaking around like this. She had spent so much time in a male form in the past few years it feels strange to be in this for a lengthy time not as Healer. The years of her being a female all the time seem like a long time ago. But no one is going to be looking for a female form of Yaten Kou. It is how they have been able to spend so much time together without anyone catching them.
Minako nods her head. "I'm tired of being in a disguise too. Maybe we can make some kind of announcement a week or two after we get back?" Minako takes off her hat revealing her red hair.
Yaten shrugs. "We should order first." This is the price they pay to keep their relationship a secret from everyone in public. She looks at the menu again, Taiki's words still echoing in her head, what is she doing with Minako?
Haruka glares at Michiru. "You can't be serious. I'm going to kill him if I have to spend the entire day with him."
Michiru shrugs at her partner's outburst. "It is to help promote an art exhibit I have in Odaiba and you are the pianist accompanying me on the piece."
Haruka groans. "Why them?"
"We've performed a few times together in the past, and every time it draws a large crowd." Michiru reminds Haruka of the last two events. "They are quite popular." She pauses as she considers another idea. "We can always invite Usagi and keep an eye on her too."
Haruka scowls at the teal hair woman next to her for the suggestion. "Why, so we can see them together?
Michiru frowns at Haruka's response. She is not going to let this go so easily. "We are going to have to get used it. You've seen how happy they look in the newspapers."
Haruka sighs. "If it's for the Queen…I'll try to be nice. But for that long?"
Michiru nods her head. "It is an all-day event. We will be part of a group seeing the new exhibits first, followed by some small performances at the end." She pauses when a wicked idea enters her mind. "If you don't want to be my pianist … I guess I could ask one of the Three Light's members to assist me…"
Haruka's eyes narrow. "Like hell that will happen."
Michiru giggles at Haruka's outburst. "You're so cute when you're jealous."
Haruka is taken aback by the comment. "Jealous of them?"
"I seem to remember how much you hated to find Seiya-kun in my dressing room," Michiru walks over to Haruka with an amused smile on her face. "After all the times I've seen you flirt shamelessly with Usagi..."
"Michiru… that is something completely different…" Haruka tries to explain.
Michiru silences her partner by placing a finger on her lips. "Maybe you can help me pick out a dress…" She leads Haruka to their bedroom.
The woman with purple hair puts down the tarot deck and frowns. How much longer will she have to wait for this event to take place, when Sailor Cosmos will finally be at her breaking point? What event has to transpire first?
She flips over the next card, staring at it intently. The Death Card. The card can mean the death of someone or something. Perhaps the end of something. She taps her fingers on the desk. The card could symbolize an end to so many things.
Once the events of this card go into effect, it is only a matter of time until she will finally meet the Guardian face to face. Her patience will finally be rewarded. Waiting is something she has gotten used to over the millenniums. She is as old as time itself. This would have been so much easier if her key was not taken for her but the King didn't see the bigger picture. The other senshi will. She smiles, she can't wait to be reunited with her.
Sailor Cosmos regains control of her limbs and rips off the scroll from her forehead. She laughs at their effort. "It wasn't too bad of plan even though it wasn't well thought out." Her gaze falls on Sailor Star Fighter clutching the staff. "Based on your facial expression, the staff sparked another memory for you." She smiles. "I wonder what you saw this time."
Sailor Cosmos stares at Sailor Star Fighter for a moment before continuing. "It was a good idea to take the staff. But if you remembered everything, you would remember these amplify all of my powers." She holds up the eight pearl rings around her fingers. A bright white flash is emitted from a few of the rings as she disappears.
Only to reappear behind Sailor Star Fighter, whispering in the Starlight's ear, "I hope you remember everything soon. It will be that much more fun to take your starseed once you remember how important you truly are to Usagi. I can't wait to see the look in your eyes the moment Usagi betrays you." She kisses Fighter on the cheek, using the distraction to effortlessly grab her staff from the senshi's hands. She vanishes temporality only to reappear in front of the senshi a short distance away.
Her cold eyes glare at the problematic Starlight that seems to thwart her plans every step of the way. "I should just take your starseed and destroy it." Sailor Cosmos taunts Fighter. She smiles instead. "But I want to see you and Usagi suffer like I have; waiting to be free from this prison, to finally be truly awakened and not relying on others starseeds."
The scenery changes to a field of orange flowers containing starseeds, surrounding a whimpering Sailor Cosmos. One of the flowers bloom and a starseed rises from the open flower into the Guardian's out stretched hands. Tears are streaming down her cheeks as she does this. This starseed is precious to her and what she is asking of it is dangerous but there is no other way to save the galaxy.
The images shift again. The field of flowers is gone. Sailor Cosmos is on a rocky surface and strong energy waves are surrounding an object from behind the woman that stands before her.
To Cosmos' right are the Inner Senshi and Starlights. To her left are Outer Senshi, King Endymion and Sailor Earth.
The purple haired woman looks at the Guardian. "I've been waiting so patiently to meet you Sailor Cosmos. I've waited so long, eager for your return." She stretches her hand out to Sailor Cosmos, hoping she will take it. She smiles at the Guardian.
Sailor Cosmos takes a few cautious steps toward this woman. Who is she? Where are we? What is that energy source behind her? She has so many questions racing in her mind, it is becoming too much to handle. Is she an enemy? Is she an ally they haven't met yet?
Seiya is woken up by a bright light next to him. He blinks a few times as his eyes try to adjust. He searches for the source and realizes it is coming from the eight pointed star on Usagi's forehead. He inhales sharply. This isn't good.
Usagi is mumbling in her sleep, suddenly her body starts trashing back and forth for a moment as if she is fighting something or someone. Seiya is becoming frantic as he tries to wake her up but she is unresponsive. "Odango?" He grabs her arm, her body feels cold.
He pulls her close to him, hoping his body heat will help warm her up, holding her firmly. Seiya doesn't have a clue how he can help her. "Odango you need to wake up," he tells her, rubbing her back, trying to think of something, anything to make her wake up. He tries shaking her a little more to see if that would help. The mark of Cosmos begins to fade from her forehead. Seeing the mark disappear, gives him a sense of relief. "Come on Odango…"
Usagi opens her eyes to find herself sitting up in bed, wrapped tightly in Seiya's arms. "Hmmm?" How did she end up sitting upright in Seiya's arms. "Seiya…?"
Seiya lets go of Usagi when he hears her call his name. "I woke up when I saw a bright light and it was coming from your forehead. Was it a nightmare?"
Usagi slowly nods her head.
Seiya closes his eyes and sighs. He's angry. "You shouldn't have to experience all this again because of Sailor Pluto."
"It started as a nightmare… but I think it ended as another premonition," Usagi shares.
"A premonition?" Seiya repeats not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing yet. "What did you see?"
"I was with everyone in a place I didn't recognize and there was this purple haired woman that was really excited to see me. She had been waiting a long time to meet the Guardian. I don't think she was dangerous." Usagi tries to focus on the woman's face. "She was really happy, excited even."
"We still have to be careful, we don't know who she really is," Seiya cautions Usagi. He loves that Usagi has such a big heart but if she is too trusting, she can be hurt.
"I know…" Usagi's eyes are confused facing downward on the bed sheets in front of her. "I also saw myself as Sailor Cosmos… and I was threatening to take your starseed."
Seiya lightly taps Usagi on the nose. "My starseed is safe and sound."
Usagi nods her head not taking her eyes off the bedsheets.
"Remember, you're not alone in this Odango. We're all here to help you," Seiya is glad Usagi isn't keeping everything bottled up as far as he knows. "And you'll always have me by your side."
Usagi picks her head up to look at him, a blush appearing on her cheeks. "You always know what to say."
Seiya smiles. He is a little surprised at how Usagi still blushes around him. His hand lightly rubs against her back, "even after the past week, you're still blushing?"
Usagi's face reddens in response as she fumbles with her words. "I'm not used to this…." She gestures at him with her hand. "Seeing you like… this… and with your hair down…and…" she rambles, trying to avert her eyes from staring at his naked body.
Seiya grins. "It does take some time to get used to not seeing your hair in odangos too." His fingers brush through her long hair. "But I like seeing you like this too, especially after having such a perfect night."
Usagi beams as she recalls last night. "Yeah… then I was rudely woken up!" She sighs. "But I can't do anything about it." She pouts slightly as she realized something else. She really enjoyed staying with Seiya these past few nights. "Once we go to Brazil, I'll be staying with Rei-chan again."
Seiya nods his head. "Probably for the best, this last city is going to be really busy and I'm not sure if we're going to have any free time. It is going to be difficult to see you," He looks at her mischievously. "So we have to make the most of the time we have together."
Usagi looks at him carefully, trying to figure out if he is implying what she thinks he is. "Oh, what did you have in mind?"
Seiya caresses her cheek. "A few things, if you're up for it."
Usagi stares at him for a moment before a knowing smile forms on her lips.
Without another word, Seiya closes the distance between them, eagerly kissing her, slowly lowering her back down onto the bed.
The next morning Seiya and Usagi are frantically trying to pack everything.
Usagi still has her hair down and hasn't bothered putting it up yet in her normal style. She had just wasted ten minutes trying to find some of her make up when she remembered Minako had helped her with make up the night before for her date with Seiya. The make up was still in Minako's suite and not in the room.
Seiya is folding his remaining clothes on the bed to be packed in his suitcase, when he hears a knock on the door. He sighs. He thought he had more time. Opening the door are two annoyed members of the Three Lights.
"We need to be going, why aren't you in the lobby?" Taiki asks.
"I woke up…. late," Seiya finishes. It is mostly true, neither one of them wanted to get up this morning, and one thing led to another and now he still needs to pack.
Usagi appears next to Seiya in the doorway. "Go ahead. I can finish packing everything."
Yaten stares at Usagi for a moment, not used to seeing her hair in anything but odangos.
Taiki looks less amused. "Just make sure you're ready in an hour to go to the airport with the other girls."
"Of course!" Usagi nods her heads. "Leave it to me!" She turns around to go back to packing and trips on the empty plastic bag she forgot she placed on the floor. She falls over and then sits back up. She turns to the door and laughs.
Yaten shakes his head side to side. "She was bested by a plastic bag."
Taiki can't help but giggle a little at Yaten's assessment. "It's a good we never faced an advisory like that."
"Hey!" Usagi shouts when she stumbles to get up. The plastic bag stuck to her foot, she starts sliding on the bag but this time she somehow kept her balance. She teardrops looking at them. "yeah… well…"
Seiya laughs at this scene. "I'll see you on the plane."
Usagi nods her head and waves goodbye to them. As soon as the door closes she reaches down to grab the bag that was stuck to her foot and glares at it.
The Three Lights are in the car with their manager heading to their final fan event in Peru before moving on to Brazil. Minako has the morning off and is getting ready to leave with the other girls.
Their manager, Kazuki, is with them in car. He is in his mid-thirties, and started to become popular as a manger when he discovered the Three Lights. He looks at the three young men in front of them, hoping they will agree to what he is proposing. He knows it has been a grueling month. "I know we talked about some time off after the tour and a few follow up radio interviews but there is one other event you were personally invited and I would love to see you guys there before you leave."
The Three Lights members exchange looks with each other, wondering whom Kazuki is referring to.
"What is it?" Yaten asks his annoyance a bit too obvious.
"Attending an art exhibit and giving a small performance at the exhibit with one of the artists, Kaiou Michiru-san," Kazuki explains, when he doesn't receive a verbal response but rather blank stares, he continues. "Some of her work is featured at TeamLab, it would be for one day only and nothing will be planned after that day." Still no response, he keeps rambling. "Kaiou-san invited you three specifically."
Seiya stares at Kazuki in disbelief. "She invited us personally?"
Kazuki nods his head yes. "She has a pianist for most of her most of her performance, the one that typically accompanies and then one or two jointed pieces at the end."
Seiya looks at Taiki and Yaten. They all have the same thoughts; something is up given how cold the reception they have received from the Outer Senshi in the past. Considering what happened recently with Usagi in another timeline, they can't refuse it. Those senshi won't be crazy enough to spring some kind of trap on them, would they?
"We have performed with her twice already," Taiki looks at Yaten and Seiya. They are also suspicious but they can't pass this up at the same time. Michiru would never do anything in public that could jeopardize her career. "And this is only for one day?" Taiki wants to make sure they are not missing anything.
"Yes, " Kazuki eagerly agrees. "I can make the arrangements while you're at today's interview."
Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki look at each other. Taiki answers for the group. "For one day, yes."
"That's great!" Kazuki exclaims, "I'm sure she will be thrilled." He pauses hoping to find out a little more from his clients. He is wants to make sure they don't up and disappear again. "I know you guys want some time off to travel to wherever it is you go… but how can I reach you if there is a problem?"
"Sorry," Seiya apologizes quickly, "but we never tell anyone where we go, otherwise it won't be a relaxing trip and someone is bound to find us," he explains, hoping the excuse will work.
Kazuki shrugs. "I guess everyone wants their own hidden place to rest a bit, but remember a new album is due out later this year and we need at least six new songs to finish. Three group ones and solo ones from each of you."
"We know, and we have some ideas floating around already," Yaten is quick to add to avoid the rest of the subject.
"That's wonderful news!" Kazuki responds enthusiastically.
Kazuki is still talking to them but Seiya is barely paying attention anymore. He stares out the window wondering why Michiru invited them to perform personally after the recent tension because Usagi still chose him and will continue to choose him. What is it going to take for them to finally accept he is with Usagi? Why can't they just leave them alone?
Usagi, Rei, and Minako arrive at the airport ten minutes early.
Usagi lets out a sigh of relief, "I can't believe we made it on time. I didn't realize how much stuff I had left to pack." She left out the part where she finished up Seiya's belongings too.
"You should have packed the night before like the rest of us but probably waited until the last minute; you couldn't have been that busy…" Rei is going to continue but stops and looks away. Of course Usagi was busy.
"How was your date?" Minako cuts in. Things looked like they were going well when she saw them in lobby even though it looked like they were back kind of early.
"It was great!" Usagi answers with a wide grin on her face. "The food was so good. We watched the sunset while we ate and walked on the beach for a little bit too."
"It looked like you guys were having fun," Minako comments.
"Huh? You saw us?" Usagi asks turning to look at Minako puzzled. She didn't remember seeing Minako last night.
"Oh… you didn't see the entertainment section in the paper this morning did you?" Minako opens her bag, rifling through its contents for a newspaper that was delivered this morning.
Usagi stares at Minako wide eyed, wondering what she is going to find in the newspaper next.
Minako finds the paper and begins flipping through the pages until she finds the one she needs. She passes it to Usagi.
Usagi stares at the picture. She is wearing her fuchsia dress and Seiya has his black suit and maroon shirt with a skinny black tie. They are looking at each other smiling and laughing. They look so happy. It's the perfect candid shot. "When did they even take this?" She doesn't remember anyone taking their picture.
"When you weren't paying attention," Rei comments looking over Usagi's shoulder at the picture.
Usagi looks up from the picture to glower at Rei.
"Well, obviously! All of your attention is on Seiya-kun in this picture," Rei points at the picture.
"Ne, Usagi-chan…" Minako interrupts. "If they are taking your picture this much now, wait until we get back to Japan."
Usagi gasps loudly. "I was supposed to call my parents yesterday and I completely forgot!"
Rei looks at her watch. "It is kind of late over there but they might still be up."
Usagi runs off to find a payphone to use her calling card.
Rei and Minako shake their heads.
"Is she more or less responsible since dating Seiya-kun?" Rei asks.
Minako laughs. "I don't really know."
Five minutes later, Usagi comes back looking at Rei and Minako confused. "My mom… said not to worry about visiting until I'm officially back." She looks at Rei and Minako with panic in her eyes. "She says reporters have been swarming the house wanting more information about me and all the family is apparently calling too… I don't get it."
"Well, you are dating a major celebrity and everyone wants to know who you are," Minako reminds Usagi. She begins to rethink how long she is going to hide her relationship with Yaten.
Usagi looks at Minako for a moment. "It's just Seiya…" After seeing the wide eyed stare from Minako and Rei she laughs. "I mean yeah… he's kind of an idol and really popular…" She laughs nervously a little more.
It is supposed to be a short, uneventful flight to their last destination. Instead, Taiki, Yaten, and Seiya are arguing over lyrics for a new song.
Minako is trying to look at a magazine but can't focus and is listening to them.
Usagi is trying to take a nap in the next aisle over but keeps waking up from the noise.
Rei has a vein on the side of her head, growing larger by the second while Minako looks at the magazine next to her. She can't take it anymore. She unbuckles her seatbelt and moves to the back of the plane where the three of them are sitting at a table with pages of paper sprawled out. "It is not working because there aren't enough syllables! It doesn't match the melody you want to use!"
The Three Lights stare at her for a moment and look down at the lyrics in front of them, and then back up to Rei. They look utterly confused when they realize she is right.
"How…" is all Yaten can muster.
"I wrote songs for a performance at a school festival and even performed some of them. It's hard to get the melody and syllables to line up just right when you're making something so complex. You need to simplify it."
The Three Lights continue to stare at her for a moment before there is a flutter of pages as they examine the song lyrics.
Rei sits back down in her seat and fastens her seat belt.
Minako smirks still looking at her magazine. No one knows Rei helped her write some of her own music but chose to use an alias.
"Thank… you…" Taiki stutters when he realizes Rei was correct and the three of them missed something that seems so basic. He scribbles down a few ideas and shows them to Seiya and Yaten.
After reviewing the proposed changes, they are all in agreement on the improvements.
Usagi looks at the three of them from other side of the plane, hoping she can get some sleep now. "I'm surprised you haven't made a new version of some of your older songs."
"Yeah, like a remix!" Minako looks up from her magazine to find the three boys staring at her and Usagi.
"Where were you guys thirty minutes ago when we started having this issue?" Seiya asks bewildered.
"Right here, listening to you argue!" Minako laughs at their dumbfounded expressions.
The Three Lights teardrop. They resume working on lyrics in a normal tone.
Usagi yawns again, unable to stay awake much longer.
"You should have went to bed sooner instead of staying out so late," Rei comments to Usagi. She stops, and looks away.
Minako laughs slightly since it's a little awkward.
"If I could have just one night with any nightmares or premonitions…" Usagi closes her eyes trying to rest.
"Premonitions? Usagi?" Rei immediately turns her head to look at the blonde, wanting to make sure she heard her correctly.
Usagi nods. "I saw another Sailor Cosmos with light blue hair and then… a lady with purple hair greeting me really excitedly. Everyone was with me." She opens her eyes to look at Rei. "I have no idea what it means or who those people are but they need to leave me alone so I can sleep." She keeps some of the other ones to herself, they are just as confusing.
Minako is focusing on another aspect which angers her. "Usagi-chan… it's been a week with nightmares every night, hasn't it?"
Usagi lowers her head and nods. "I'm not sure how much more I can take."
"What made them go away last time?" Rei asks, hoping the same steps could be taken to help Usagi.
"I talked to people about them and for a little while it helped but they never vanished until we defeated Queen Beryl." She pauses to look at both Minako and Rei. "But then I started having some of my old memories and premonitions show up when we fought the Black Moon." She hangs her head slightly. "I'm hoping I can get more some sleep tonight."
"I'm sure you will," Minako tries to reassure her. "This last stop is going to be really busy as soon as we land. I won't see you guys that much outside of concerts or any events you go to, well the ones that you are allowed to." Minako adds, so many of the events are ticket only or press events.
"Well, at least they will have a room for us, right?" Rei adds looking at Usagi.
Usagi nods her head before yawning again. "I'm going to try to take a nap." Usagi closes her eyes and finally has a moment to sleep undisturbed.
Rei and Usagi arrive at the hotel and are able to check in without a problem. A staff member checks in the Three Lights and Minako, dropping off their luggage in their room. Minako and the Three Lights were taken to the radio event directly from the airport. Once they were done there it was off to the concert hall to get acclimated to the new set up.
Usagi looks around her shared room with Rei and stretches her arms over her head. She feels a little better after the nap she had on the plane. She feels like she can face the rest of the day.
Usagi turns to Rei, "how about if we see what this new city is like?"
Rei nods her head, hoping it will cheer Usagi up a little bit after learning more about the persistent the nightmares are that plague the Queen.
The two girls wander around the area, remaining close to the hotel. They find a small dessert café and stop for a snack.
Usagi eagerly digs into her Bolo de brigadeiro, a chocolate cake. They are eating outside enjoying the scenery when Usagi drops her fork into her cake.
"Usagi?" Rei looks at her companion across the table from her.
Usagi is staring wide eyed over Rei's shoulders at something. Seconds later she murmurs, "Mamo…chan….?"
Rei stares at Usagi for a moment before turning around. She gaps when she sees Mamoru and Ayumi standing a short distance away.
Monimezu has made some amazing art of this story that has been posted on Tumblr under monimezu and sorakazeno. I am so thrilled by the pieces created and bringing the story to life! So inspirational to keep going!
Snippet number 2 appeared! "I'm going to kill him if I have to spend the entire day together." Was claimed by Haruka!
For the longest time I struggled with writing fighting scenes so I kept working on them until I improved. I realized this chapter even more so… I'm not used to writing really mushy/steamy Seiya and Usagi scenes. For some reason I seem to struggle with those the most now… so I guess I know what I'm going to be slowly working on. The editing for their scenes were rough in the chapter.
What is Usagi seeing of the future and what does it mean? A breaking point… hmmm… maybe things aren't going as well as Usagi thinks. Who is the purple haired lady? I have finally decided on her backstory! So excited! You will know who she is by the end of this arc and her name.
Things are not going to be dull when everyone returns to Tokyo soon. TeamLab was created in 2001, and the story is currently set in 1998. The art exhibits there are amazing and I have a few things planned for this event. I will be posting videos and pictures I took (or my husband took) on Tumblr when that chapter is posted. Will Haruka kill Seiya? ^^;;
Find out how Mamoru, Ayumi, and Usagi's conversation goes in Act 65: A Bond that cannot be Broken, out on 2/24!