Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 75: I just want to see you Happy Again
By: Sora Kazeno
Ami smiles at Asanuma as they discuss their future goals. She came across him during orientation weeks ago. She had met him a few times in cram school but never really spoke until Asanuma learned they were the Sailor Senshi protecting the Earth. Even then it was rare.
She was floored to learn Mamoru was once his tutor since he went to the same high school Asanuma attended. "I'm going to have keep studying hard if I want to able to study abroad like Mamoru-san." She pauses revealing her uphill battle. "The most challenging part will be having every class in English."
Asanuma agrees. "I'll need to work on my English in the next two years. I want to study abroad in my third year." He waves his hands in front of him, not wanting to dismay Ami. "I think that's incredible if you can study abroad during your first year."
"It is an amazing opportunity and I want to make sure I'm ready for it. But I don't want to abandon my duties here. The Earth has been peaceful giving everyone a chance to pursue their dreams. It's been wonderful," Ami explains. She never imagined she would be able to make it this far. She had assumed Crystal Tokyo would happen shortly after high school but now it seems like they a lot more time.
His eyes darkened for a moment. "How is Mamoru-san after seeing that newspaper article about Usagi-chan in Brazil? I e-mailed him but I haven't heard back." His face turns serious. "It's not true is it?"
Ami tries to suppress a frown; she is also questioning why Mamoru hasn't responded back to her emails to check on him. "It is true." Ami confirms, it's better he knows than waiting for a response from Mamoru.
"Is Mamoru-san alright? I thought they were going to get married. What happened?"
She hesitates to give any more information. "Mamoru-san's been struggling." Her eyes catch a clock in the hallway. "However, I have to be going, class will be starting soon." She quickly excuses herself.
After speaking with Queen Kakyuu, Shiori doesn't waste time making her way to Seiya's room. She needs to get him out of the funk he's in. She knocks loudly on the door and waits a minute or so before she enters.
He is sitting on his bed with pieces of paper scattered everywhere. He grumbles something before he balls up another piece of paper and throwing it toward a wastepaper bucket near the table across the room. He misses and it lands on the loveseat near the table. He curses.
She can tell he is moody and probably doesn't want company. "Have a minute?"
Seiya sighs and looks up at her. "Not really." His reply is short, conveying his annoyance. "I said I wanted to be left alone for a while."
"Well, it's been a while," Shiori quickly responds. "You can't sulk all day."
Seiya picks up the paper. "I'm not sulking." His eyes land on an attempt at lyrics. He is very much moping around. "I can if I want to."
Shiori grimaces for a moment; this could be harder than she expected. "I just spoke with Queen Kakyuu and she gave me consent to invite you for some off grounds training with the new Starlights for a few hours."
Leaving the palace for a little while peaks his interest. "What kind of training?"
"We're going to the mines for material collection. The builder need resources and it's the perfect opportunity for them to work on precision. Your attack is a narrow energy beam which is what the other senshi need to learn. I think it would benefit them a lot." She pauses to look at him directly. "And for you."
"I don't know…" Seiya questions if it is a good idea after all. The last time he left the palace, a mini earthquake happened.
Shiori moves closer to him. "You get to blow stuff up and channel some of that anger in a productive way. It's why I'm asking this. I know you. Letting it build up is just going to make things worse," Shiori tries to reason with him. "And if you don't let out that anger… something bad could happen."
Seiya stares at her, surprised by her level of concern for him. He seriously considers the offer. "What time is the training?"
Shiori grins as she gives him the details.
Less than three hours later, Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Destroyer, and the six new senshi in training are outside of the mines located hours away from the palace by foot or a short trip via teleportation.
A demonstration was done showcasing Fighter's abilities, tips to control energy attacks and warnings if the energy blasts are off. She gave them pointers on stance and how to adjust the intensity of an attack. Something about teaching them this just felt right.
Fighter looks at the entranceway. She's not sure the last time she was here. She questions if this was a good idea now that she is standing here. She needs to stay focused. She turns to look at the new senshi, hoping she is ready to help them with training. They are only a few years younger than she is but seem so much younger. Amazing how stress and life experiences can age a person a faster. Everyone is hydrating before entering the mines for the next few hours.
Sailor Star Seeker approaches Fighter somewhat in a state of awe. She has bright red hair with bronze color accents bands above her fuku shorts. She heard bits and pieces about the three Starlights that have been a long term mission on Earth. But everything changed recently after the meeting with Queen Kakyuu. Why are they so different other than being able to shift between forms? She wants to get to know these senshi better while they are here. "Your abilities are truly amazing and very different than the other Starlights." She compliments the raven haired Starlight. "You also have a lot of combat experience; very few people have that at the palace." She pauses. "Well… the ones that do are usually on missions or retired."
Seeker turns to Destroyer. "Fighter would be a huge asset staying on Kinmoku to help train us." She heard a lot of gossip surrounding the three Starlights that have been living on Earth but doesn't know the full story. She doesn't understand why they are there.
Fighter shoots Seeker a confused look which the younger Starlight misses. She then stares at Destroyer that this topic was not up for debate.
Destroyer quickly crafts a response. "Well… Sailor Star Fighter has a lot of responsibilities on Earth."
Sailor Star Dreamer joins the conversation. "What is it like to live on another planet so far away?" Her pink eyes full of curiosity; she's easily the shortest and youngest of the new senshi in training.
Fighter is a little surprised by the question. "It was an adjustment at first. It was really different but it's become easier over time," she keeps her answer vague.
Destroyer and Fighter are now surrounded by the rest of the Starlights in training each having different inquiries for Fighter.
Seeker has more questions for Fighter. She is adamant to have Fighter be one of the trainers on Kinmoku. "Is that place more like home to you than Kinmoku? Is that why you've been gone so long?"
Fighter was not expecting this question. "It's… ah complicated." She gives the short response. So many things in her life are complex right now until she can resolve everything with Usagi who still doesn't want to speak with her.
Sailor Star Gambler joins in. She has navy blue hair with a few streaks of green in her bangs and ponytail. She has a peach colored accent bands around her waist. "It's because of Sailor Cosmos isn't it? I heard she's on Kinmoku too but we haven't seen her yet. Is she as strong as they say?"
"She has to be if she's called the Guardian," Sailor Star Spinner jumps into the conversation. Her long black hair is tied back into a ponytail like the others. Her bangs are parted down the middle and kept in place by light blue clips on each side of her head. She has turquoise bands. "But doesn't she have her own senshi to protect her?" She doesn't understand why any Starlight would be gone for so long to protect someone other than Queen Kakyuu. "Why are the three of you still there?"
Sailor Star Searcher echoes Spinner's questions. "Why are the three of you not here? What could keep anyone away from home for so long?" She has salmon colored hair with very short bangs. The bands on her fuku are yellow green.
Sailor Star Destroyer is about to join in until she sees the hurt in Fighter's eyes. She mentally curses Sailor Cosmos for causing Fighter pain. She's hoping Fighter will be in a better state of mind after the training session to talk. She clears her throat. "We're here to train, not interrogate Fighter and … her mission."
Fighter's answer to Sailor Star Searcher would have been simple. Love. Love will keep her away from Kinmoku in a heartbeat.
Queen Kakyuu stands outside the palace with Sailor Cosmos. It feels funny to Usagi to be her senshi form after all of the problems she had caused. She had restored the inside of the medical wing and insisted on coming outside with Queen Kakyuu to address a few structural cracks on the outside. She's embarrassed by what she done after everyone worked so hard to restore the palace. She nearly ruined all of this in an instant. She bows her head. "I'm so sorry for all the trouble I caused to the palace."
Her eyes are more worried about the Guardian in front of her than the palace to her side. "A building can be replaced. You cannot." She tries to reassure her. After receiving a small smile from Sailor Cosmos she continues, "How are you feeling after using your powers? I don't want you to overdo it."
"I feel fine," Sailor Cosmos promises her. Her eyes lower, the Queen wasn't only asking about she felt as a senshi. "Everything is still really difficult." She looks at the eight pointed star enclosed in crystal on the front panel of her skirt above the colored ribbons. For a few seconds she pictures the blood that appeared there. She raises her head to look away. "I'm glad Minako-chan was able to come too."
"Any senshi from Earth is welcome to visit at any time," Queen Kakyuu explains. "I understand some will want to visit more than others." She has a slight twinkle in her eye as she makes the remark.
Sailor Cosmos can't help but smile a little. She turns to look at the palace one more time before returning to look at the Queen. "I'm not sure what to feel. After losing Chibi Usa … this way… I feel lost." She finally admits out loud. It is the first time she is able to speak Chibi Usa's name without crying.
Queen Kakyuu hugs Sailor Cosmos and speaks softly. "Your path is not easy. It's harder than anyone else's. Surrounding yourself with people that care about you will make the journey easier and be able to lean on them for support." She pulls apart to look at her face. "It's the only way I've made this far."
Sailor Cosmos slowly nods her head, her eyes drawn to the setting sun in the distance. The colors are red and orange; the light reflects off the palace beside them. The palace. She turns back to the building. "I should fix up the last part before it's too dark out." The ring on her right middle finger glows and she focuses her energy on the task she has yet to complete.
The training session inside the mines was intense but the new Starlights in training show promise as there were no significant issues. They had taken Fighter's advice to heart on how to control their attacks. They cleared out a lot of resources for builders to continue their restoration efforts for the next several months. This mine has a special ore when fused with other building materials makes them very strong.
Spinner quickly approaches Fighter wanting to continue the conversation from before. "You have to stay on Kinmoku. We learned so much from you. You should leave Earth," the new senshi pleads with the Starlight in front of her, hoping Fighter could become a mentor. "Fighter, your place is here. Sailor Cosmos will be fine without the Starlights, she has her own senshi."
Sailor Star Runner wasn't able to stop them earlier but this was getting absolutely out of hand. She smacks Sailor Star Spinner on the back of her head. "How can you be so rude and insensitive?"
"OWW! What the heck was that for?" Spinner turns around to glare at her teammate.
Runner returns the glare, her black eyes flashing. Her hands are crossed against her chest, slightly above the lemon colored bands around her waist. She uncrosses her arms to address Fighter, pushing a few loose strands of her indigo hair out of her face that became lose after the training.
Sailor Star Runner's expression softens. "I want to apologize for my teammates. They seemed to have completely forgotten the meeting Queen Kakyuu had with all of us only a days ago."
Spinner resumes yelling at Runner. "I didn't forget anything! I just don't understand why they follow this other Queen and Sailor Cosmos!"
Runner teardrops at Spinner's clueless outburst. "You're as dumb as a pile of bricks which is why you never catch on to anything! Why the laws changed recently! Why Fighter, Maker, and Healer have different rules!"
Spinner takes a step back. She was angry at the start of Runner's remarks but now she eyes her with utter confusion, did she really miss something really serious?
Runner turns around ignoring Spinner and her teammates to speak something the others clearly did not know about or understand. "I wanted to convey my condolences to you and Sailor Cosmos for the loss of your unborn child."
Sailor Star Spinner's jaw drops. The other Starlights in silver fuku can only stare at Runner after her words. A child between two senshi would have exiled a senshi in an instant based on the old rules. Is this what everyone has been whispering about in the Scarlet Palace? How did they not pick up on this?
Anguish flashes across Fighter's face. She keeps up the same story. "Thank you…" she responds softly.
The Starlights in training do not speak as they quietly gather their belongings. They feel embarrassed by their questions earlier. Spinner's statement explained everything. Why Fighter remained on Earth and at Sailor Cosmos' side. It's clear now why she has no plans to leave Earth.
Spinner tries to break the silence by asking an entirely different question. "So… ah…. Sailor Star Fighter…"
Fighter turns to the younger Starlight with a slightly annoyed expression hoping she's not about to ask anything stupid.
Spinner swallows. "So… what's it like to be female…. and male?"
Sailor Star Fighter pauses for a moment. Out of all questions she could have been asked, this was not what she expected. She's caught off guard not sure how to respond. "It's… kind of hard to explain." That statement is true.
Searcher jumps in trying to compensate for her earlier questions. "I mean… you lived as a female on Kinmoku for years right? Why suddenly switch to a male from on another planet?"
That question was easier to answer. "It was easier to stay hidden from Chaos and we thought it would make it easier to find Princess Kakyuu… rather Queen Kakyuu." Fighter pauses. "Besides… male is our original form. Being in that form didn't present a danger to us on that planet."
Searcher continues. "So what else is great about a male form?" There has to me more to it. She can't believe anyone living one way and then easily changing to something else without a problem.
"There are plenty of advantages," Fighter starts to explain.
"Yeah right," Sailor Star Searcher doubts her answer.
Sailor Star Destroyer joins in. "Well for one, it's the perfect disguise. No one would expect a man to a senshi."
"But that only works on Earth. Everyone here knows you're both," Sailor Star Searcher counters, still trying to find another solid reason.
"Now they do… but that wasn't always the case…" Fighter reflects on the relief she felt when the other Starlights finally accepted her for her abilities and not always thinking of her as a cursed child.
A thought occurs to Sailor Star Gambler. "You get to avoid monthly cycles that way, don't you?"
Fighter blinks a few times, expecting this question even less than any of the others. She slowly nods her head yes, not sure what else to say.
Gambler grins. "That has to be the best part!"
Sailor Star Dreamer can sense this conversation is on the verge of being even more awkward and cuts in before the others can ask any more insane questions. "Is it true the three of you are pop idols over there? I mean I heard some crazy rumors before but…"
Fighter teardrops.
Destroyer laughs. "Nothing like going to Earth and seeing their faces plastered everywhere."
The Starlights in training look at Sailor Star Destroyer before turning all their attention to Sailor Star Fighter.
"Really? I thought that was just a crazy rumor? It's true?" Searcher asks incredulously.
"Yeah…" Sailor Star Fighter responds slowly not sure where this is leading and why all of them are suddenly interested in her person life.
Sailor Star Destroyer grins. "You know, I've never actually heard you sing in person."
Sailor Star Fighter raises an eyebrow at Destroyer for her remark. She knew what was about to happen next.
"Sing something!"
"I wanna hear too!"
"Just a paragraph!"
"Pleaseeeee!"
The rest of the Starlights in silver chime in. Fighter sighs. They still have to teleport back and she assumes they will not leave her alone until she does. She's not sure if she's in the right frame of mind to sing. Attempting to write lyrics was difficult enough. Another thought crosses her mind. When is the last time she sang in her feminine form? Her voice would be a bit different. As the other Starlights crowd around her, she realizes she doesn't have a choice any more. "Fine." She relents. "I'll sing a little bit but then we need to be heading back."
She sings the first song that comes to her mind, the songs that started it all, Nagareboshi He.
Sweeping across the distant night sky
I'm wishing on a shooting star you're mine
I whisper that I want to be with you
But so much time has passed by
Will you even recognized me
The piece that I've been missing all along is you
The seven Starlights are speechless after listening to Fighter sing. There is a lot of sadness in her voice she couldn't hide. Singing this verse today had a new meaning. She turns her back to them as she tries to hide her tears. "We should be heading back," she adds softly walking away to put more distance between herself and the others. She quickly brushes the water from her eyes.
The eight senshi return to the Scarlet Palace and are walking through the gardens toward the entrance of the palace. They are in high spirits laughing and joking, accept for Fighter. Her mood is still somber. She yearns to speak to Odango.
Sailor Star Gambler is at the front of the group and stops suddenly when she eyes a figure in white up ahead. "Is that her?" She sprints ahead.
The other five senshi in silver fukus rush after, not knowing why they are running.
Destroyer exchanges a glance with Fighter. Their first concern is something is wrong with the palace and follows behind.
The Starlights in training slow their pace when they see Queen Kakyuu. They immediately drop to one knee.
Queen Kakyuu is surprised by their sudden appearance.
Sailor Cosmos doesn't speak as sees the new Starlights she heard so much about. She inhales sharply and when recognizes the two senshi behind them approaching, Sailor Star Destroyer and Sailor Star Fighter.
Shiori's words replay in Cosmos' mind. Fighter is spending time with Destroyer. That can't be denied. This angers her further.
Queen Kakyuu gestures for them to stand up and casts a glance to Destroyer and Fighter that conveys to skip the formality of bowing. "I assume training went well?"
Sailor Star Seeker is quick to respond. "Fighter is an amazing teacher! I wish she could be a regular trainer."
Sailor Star Destroyer laughs lightly. "Don't let Sailor Star Striker hear you say that."
Queen Kakyuu suppresses a laugh and turns to Sailor Cosmos. "These are the new Starlights in training." She introduces each senshi to Sailor Cosmos. She then introduces the Starlights to Sailor Cosmos.
"I can't believe we're meeting you! We've heard so much!" Sailor Star Gambler practically has stars in her eyes meeting the Guardian.
Sailor Star Runner notices the large cracks in the palace wall are gone. "The palace was fixed! How did that happen so fast?"
"… I restored the palace," Sailor Cosmos hesitantly adds. Mentally she adds it was her fault.
"Don't exert yourself… given everything that has happened," Sailor Star Fighter stares into Sailor Cosmos' eyes, worried she could exhaust herself quickly. Her eyes scan Cosmos for any sign of distress.
"I've regained… most of my strength back," Sailor Cosmos reassures her.
Destroyer observes their interaction carefully. It looked more like acquaintances speaking than lovers. Or rather former lovers.
Fighter's eyes are focused on Sailor Cosmos the entire time.
Sailor Cosmos inhales sharply at the intensity in Fighters eyes; Fighter is anxious to talk to her. Giving her space was very difficult for Fighter. Cosmos can only hold her gaze for a few seconds before she looks over at Destroyer and shakes her head to convey she is not thrilled with whom Fighter is standing next to. "It's rather late and I need to rest after restoring the palace." She addresses Queen Kakyuu and the other Starlights in training. "Please excuse me."
Queen Kakyuu suppresses her frown. Cosmos was fine until she seen Fighter. Things are still so rocky between them. She hates to see them like this but she can't push her. "Very well. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Sailor Cosmos nods, walking a few steps away from the others, her cape flaps in the breeze for a moment before it disappears and her fuku dissolves into a black dress, her hair darkening from white to blonde. She doesn't look back as she walks inside. She knows she needs to speak with Fighter but not in front of such a large audience; especially not with Destroyer standing right there.
Sailor Star Fighter takes a few steps forward planning to speak with Usagi further but Queen Kakyuu stops her. "She needs more time." She explains, hoping to prevent a scene in front of the other senshi.
Fighter sighs loudly. All she wants to do is speak with Odango. She has to fix this but she can't if she isn't able to talk to her. "Damn it!" She curses before she storms off into another section of the gardens away from the others. They don't need to see her like this. No one does.
Sailor Star Destroyer watches Fighter's retreating form. "Things don't seem to be going well for them… still…" After a few moments she decides to follow Fighter to check on her.
The Starlights in training watch everything and know better than to comment. It is clear something else is going on.
"I'm sure you all have an early morning tomorrow," Queen Kakyuu dismisses the Starlights, not wanting them to see what is transpiring.
The Starlights take the Queen's hint and walk inside.
Queen Kakyuu remains in the gardens a few moments longer, watching Destroyer until she is no longer in sight. She realizes she is going to have to watch Shiori carefully now that the rule change is in effect. It is clear more than ever she still harbors feelings for Seiya.
Whatever the outcome, someone is going to be hurt. She tries to stay out of such personal matters. She makes a mental note to see Yuta tomorrow. Perhaps she can shed some light on her next course of action.
Fighter reverts back to Seiya seconds before he slams his hands down on a dark brown wooden banister of a small gazebo in the garden. He would have loved to show this place to Usagi but they're not really speaking. He undid his transformation knowing it was better to not be in a senshi form when this livid. His hands grip the side of the plank. "Why won't you talk to me Odango?" He asks himself out loud. His voice cracks, "I know we can work this out." He closes his eyes tightly breathing deeply. He needs to calm down before he re-enters the palace. He is struggling against the urge to run after her. He wants to fix things, not make them worse.
"Maybe she doesn't want to work it out?" Shiori asks from the other side of the gazebo.
Seiya's head jolts up at the sound of Shiori's voice. He turns to glare at her.
Shiori continues, "It's been days and you've barely talked. What happens when you go back to Earth?"
Seiya wants to snap at her but relents, speaking in a low voice. "Just leave me alone."
She frowns at his response. He sounds defeated and broken. Something she is not used to. This is worse than when returned from Earth the previous year. Nothing will snap him out of it. "Why? So you can run off and be a hot head? Do something dumb?"
"When's the last time-" He stops mid-sentence and teardrops. He is in this situation because he's a hot head and started yelling at Usagi instead of talking to her. He did do something dumb.
Shiori laughs lightly as his expression as he caught himself before he could finish the question. "See? It's already happened a couple of times." Her light hearted tone turns serious. "Things can't keep going on like this. If you can't get past this, what kind of relationship is that?"
Seiya scowls at her discouraging comments. "Get out of here." He tells her again.
She shakes her head in frustration. "I know you don't want to hear it but you need to be realistic."
Seiya doesn't respond and looks away from her.
Shiori sighs. "I'm heading back inside. Try not to do anything stupid while you're out here." She is about leave but instead quickly closes the gap, wrapping her arms around his waist to hug him. "I'm really worried about you. This isn't like you. I've never seen you so unhappy." She lingers a few seconds longer to hug him tighter.
Seiya is too stunned to respond or make any effort to reject her. He's not used to seeing this side of Shiori.
After one more squeeze, she removes her arms from around Seiya's waist. She doesn't need to say anything else. As she walks away, she grins. She's making him doubt Usagi.
Sailor Cosmos gasps when she sees her inside the Galaxy Cauldron. "Chibi Usa!" She runs over to the pink haired girl in her super senshi fuku, embracing her tightly, tears flowing from her eyes like a river. "I'm so sorry Chibi Usa; I never thought I'd lose you like this."
Sailor Chibi Moon hugs her mother back. "It's okay." She reassures her. "I'll see you again really soon."
Sailor Cosmos immediately lets go of the girl with a puzzled stare. "I don't understand."
Sailor Chibi Moon smiles. "You'll understand soon. You just have to be patient even though I know that's impossible for you." She playfully sticks out her tongue.
"Hey!" Sailor Cosmos yells at her.
The pink hair girl retracts her tongue. "Don't blame yourself for this Usagi. You had no way of knowing. I know you would have taken care of me." She pauses to make sure she has Sailor Cosmos' full attention. "No matter what happens, you have to keep protecting everyone. Protect Earth for me… and look after Mamo-chan."
Usagi wakes up to find herself crying in bed for several minutes; she sniffles as she glances at the clock. She barely slept an hour since she returned to her room. She stands up and her legs are shaking as she does so. She's exhausted from using her powers of restoration but too distraught to fall back asleep. She needs to go somewhere to get her mind off her dream. She steps out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The cool breeze hits her warm skin. For a moment she feels relaxed. After a few minutes she turns around and heads back inside to change. Maybe a short walk will help her sort out her thoughts. She changes out of her pajamas into the first thing she finds that is clean, a bright pink chemise and white shorts.
Twenty minutes later she is standing in the spot she was in only a short time ago with Queen Kakyuu. She nearly runs into Minako and Yaten.
"Usagi-chan!" Minako smiles brightly at her. Her expression softens when she her eyes are slightly red, she was crying again. "Are you okay?"
Usagi tries to smile. "Yeah… I just need some air."
Minako eyes her thoughtfully. "Do you want to talk?"
Usagi shakes her head no. "Not right now. Enjoy your time Yaten-kun. We can always talk tomorrow."
Minako frowns a little. "Okay… if you're sure."
"Thanks…." Usagi responds and she turns to walk away before Minako can say anything else. She keeps walking and doesn't look back. She wanders around for a while and comes across a section of the garden that looks familiar. Last year she bought flowers back to life here. She sits down on the bench where she cried over not being sure if she made the right decision to leave Mamoru. Now she's crying over losing Chibi Usa.
And Seiya. Shiori's words stung. Usagi acknowledges she has hurt Seiya as well. She wants to go back to before any of this happened. They were so happy on the tour the week they spent together. Her heartbeat quickens. She'll never forget the nights they spent together. The way he made her feel, the passion. Just thinking about it makes her body feel hot.
She looks up at the full moon and crescent moon of the second moon in the horizon. It makes her miss home. Her silent tears fall down as she sits in the moon's light. After a few minutes she pulls her knees to her chest in a fetal position. Her head is buried in her knees as asks herself out loud. "What am I going to do?" This can't go on forever. "I don't know what to say to him." She grips her legs even tighter, muffling a sob from her small frame.
"Then let me talk."
Usagi raises her head when she hears his voice, wiping the tears from her eyes, shocked to see him here. He is standing a short distance in front of her in a plan gray tang shirt with matching gray pants. She looks at him but isn't able to respond yet. Her throat feels tight as she tries to speak.
"Is it okay if I sit here with you?" Seiya cautiously asks given how their last interactions went trying to speak with her.
She looks at him for a moment, her brain slowly processing his request and gradually nods her head yes. She can't put off talking to him anymore because she's scared.
Seiya sits down on the bench but closer to the other end allowing her space. He would rather be sitting right next to her with his arms around her comforting her when she is so upset. He forces himself to keep his distance. "I never really had a chance to apologize to you." He begins. "I should have listened to you and stayed by your side to figure this out."
Usagi turns her head to look at him but doesn't respond.
Seiya continues, "I acted like a jerk and you have every right to be mad at me for how I reacted."
Her eyes widen slightly as she listens to his apology.
He finds it as a sign of encouragement to continue. "I've wanted to apologize to you all week. I hate how things are between us." He pauses to look into her eyes. "I want to fix it."
Usagi breaks the eye contact by looking down. "It's not that easy to just fix all of this." She whispers before redirecting her attention upward to look at the stars.
"I know…" Seiya adds turning his focus to the stars too.
She can't look at him while she explains how she's felt. "It really hurt you were so quick to assume I was with Mamo-chan." She pauses, closing her eyes tightly. "I thought… we were past that."
A small sigh escape's Seiya's lips, "On the tour you asked if I was jealous…" His voice trails off.
Usagi turns to face him after the long pause.
"My greatest fear is that one day you'll wake up and realize you made a mistake and go back to Mamoru-san." Seiya finally comes clean why the miscarriage stuck such a nerve with him.
Usagi gasps as she covers her mouth with her right hand, shocked at Seiya's confession.
Seiya turns to look at Usagi after hearing her response.
"Why didn't you tell me this before…" Usagi looks at him incredulously. She couldn't believe he kept this to himself having feelings bottled up like this.
"It's not something I like to discuss," Seiya tries to justify his actions.
Usagi frowns. This is why he lashed out the way he had. It was his greatest fear playing out right before him. Of course he would be angry. One of her greatest fears have been losing control of her powers and hurting everyone, especially him. When she returned to the palace she couldn't talk him, she was terrified she would hurt him out of the anger of losing Chibi Usa and his harsh words. She was taking out some of that anger on Seiya even though not all of his was his fault. She shakes her head for a moment before she leans over a little closer to him to lighten the mood. "No more secrets, huh?"
Seiya teardrops at Usagi's comment. "I'm working on it…" He responds with a slight smile.
Usagi nods. After all, she is keeping things from him. There are premonitions of the future she has never shared. But how can she discuss something that doesn't make sense? She doesn't want him or the others to worry yet. She places her hands on opposite sides of her body pressing them down on the bench and looking upward again to the stars. "Everything seems so peaceful out here."
Seiya nods his head slightly in agreement as he gazes at Usagi. This is the longest they've spoken in days. Her rings have not appeared on her fingers. "There is a lot of beauty out here." He adds.
His comment causes Usagi to turn her head to face him again, only to find him staring at her.
Usagi feels a blush creeping up her cheeks as she quickly turns away. He always knew what to say to make her flush. "Can we sit here for a little bit?" She asks hesitantly.
"Anything," Seiya whispers. He pauses for a moment. There was one other thing he needs to verify for himself. He starts speaking in Kinmokian. "You really are beautiful in the moonlight no matter what planet you're on."
"Seiya… you really can't stop flirting can you?" she fires back in Kinmokian without realizing it.
Seiya's eyes widen in surprise after receiving his confirmation. "So it's true you speak Kinmokian?"
Usagi blinks a few times as she realizes she is indeed speaking in Kinmokian. "Ah… yeah… it just kind of happened. I just figured it out recently."
"When?" Seiya probes as he switches back to Japanese out of habit.
"During the Council Meeting when you were yelling at them I didn't speak the language. But I understood what was being said. It was really weird and I didn't have time to figure out how I learned the language," Usagi recaps.
"Probably when you held my Change Star," Seiya suggests.
Usagi jaw drops silently. "I've been trying to figure this out for a week!" She is glad she finally has an answer to the question.
"You know you could have figured out that answer a lot sooner," Seiya teases. After Usagi looks at him bewildered he continues. "So… those secrets, huh?" Seiya arches a playful eyebrow at her.
Usagi laughs for the first time in almost a week. "It wasn't meant to be a secret. It's just a lot happened right after the Council Meeting and…" her voice trails off. She doesn't need to finish the sentence regarding what they did right after the meeting but the reddening of her cheeks give away what is thinking.
Seiya moves a little closer to Usagi to place his left hand on top of her right hand.
Usagi is surprised by the sudden movement but she doesn't reject him. Instead her thumb brushes against his fingertips.
Seiya smiles at her action and takes it is a sign of encouragement. He watches her closely.
Usagi eyes him carefully. "I'm still really mad at you."
"But you won't be mad forever," Seiya states with some hope in his voice. This is the first sign he's had in days they can work this out.
"Not sure…" Usagi immediately continues. "We are going to have some pretty long lives so I can be mad at you for a very long time."
Seiya bursts out laughing. Usagi laughs as well.
He beams. It's been too long without seeing her smile or laugh.
Usagi gazes back up at the stars, away from Seiya and that killer smile that can melt her heart.
It is clear things are far from normal between them but it is a start. They still have more to figure out but just being in each other's presence was enough.
Unazuki collects their orders and quickly leaves the table, leaving the three girls alone to talk. All three of them wear a similar worried expression.
Rei breaks the silence first. "I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing we haven't heard anything from Usagi."
Makoto looks glumly at her companions. "I hate not being able to communicate with her and she's so far away when she needs us."
"It is a problem. I've been trying to make adjustments to our communicators but I haven't had any luck. Technology on Earth isn't as advanced. I haven't been able to reach the Moon Senshi on Pluto yet."
The girls exchanged worried glances with each other regarding what happened to Usagi.
Rei is annoyed. "I can't believe how Seiya-kun acted toward Usagi after everything that happened on the tour."
"He's always had a temper," Makoto points out. "How could he not give Usagi-chan a chance to explain things?"
Ami chimes in, "I'm assuming he felt hurt and didn't think things through." She looks toward the doorway. "It's been several days, maybe they talked it out." Rei and Makoto don't say anything. "Maybe we haven't heard back from Usagi-chan because they are working through it. Usagi-chan hasn't come back yet so maybe that's a sign things are okay."
"Probably," Makoto agrees. "I'm glad she has Minako-chan with her. Whatever happens she is going need our support when she returns."
"The only question will be what kind of support," muses Rei. The girls didn't show broken Usagi was when she arrived at the shrine.
There is a long silence among the group before Ami asks the next question. "How did Mamoru-san take the news?" She isn't sure what to write in an e-mail to him.
Rei frowns. "She didn't tell him and I don't think she will."
Ami and Makoto look at Rei in alarm. "She can't keep this from him!" The brunette slams her fist down.
"Mako-chan!" Rei hissing after her actions drew attention to them. "She thinks she's protecting him this way. Even if she tells him, it won't bring Chibi Usa-chan back. She feels like she's already hurt him enough."
Ami looks at her friends. "Then we won't tell him either. Losing Chibi Usa-chan was bad enough for him when we fought Chaos." She pauses. "It's also Usagi-chan… no Neo Queen Serenity's wishes." Her words hang in the air.
The following morning at breakfast on Kinmoku, Seiya sits down next to Taiki, clearly in a better mood than he has been in days.
"So it looks like the training session from yesterday was beneficial?" Taiki asks trying to figure out what caused Seyia's mood to improve drastically.
"It helped a bit," Seiya shrugs it off. He is keeping it to himself he spoke to Usagi last night. He doesn't want to jinx anything and the others will figure it out soon enough.
Shiori grins believing she is responsible for his improved demeanor. "I'm sure the new senshi would love to have you teach them some more. I can arrange it," she quickly offers.
Seiya doesn't understand Shiori's eagerness. "I don't want to be intruding on Sailor Star Striker's training plans."
Before Shiori can respond back she hears Minako and Usagi laughing slightly as they entered the room. She studies the blonde. Usagi is acting a lot differently since she seen her last night. It is the first time most of the people have seen Usagi laugh all week.
The two blondes sit down in the empty seats near Queen Kakyuu. As Usagi looks around the table her smile starts to fade.
Seiya picks up on this immediately. She is trying to make it look like on the outside everything is fine but in reality she is still crying in the inside. She wants to put on a brave face in front of everyone else.
Usagi turns her attention to the Queen next to her. "Is there anything I can do to help Kinmoku while I'm here? I was thinking about it last night after fixing the palace…" Usagi adds quietly still embarrassed she damaged the palace in the first place.
Queen Kakyuu is quiet for a moment considering Usagi's request. She thinks about her kingdom before she suggests, "perhaps Geminga?"
Yuna makes an annoyed face after hearing the name of the town. "Is that a good place to go? We've had a lot of problems there."
Yaten looks at her in surprise. "You have? They've always been very welcoming to us."
Sakura rolls her eyes. "That's because they still worship the three of you for some reason. They always talk about how you helped them at the beginning of the rebuilding efforts."
Queen Kakyuu smiles, "then it's settled." She looks over at Minako as well, "the five of you should travel there and see what assistance you can provide."
Usagi stiffens a bit at the thought of spending most of the day in Seiya's presence. They just started to speak to each other last night.
Shiori tries not to appear annoyed at Queen Kakyuu suggestion. She thought she was just starting to make progress with Seiya but she's not going to be able to progress if she's not around him. She'll have to find him later.
The five senshi teleport to the small village of Geminga after breakfast concludes. They arrive on the east side of the town and are greeted by dozens of villagers. There is a river that crosses through the heart of the town separating the two sides. The bridge between the two sides is partially built on each side. The east side has more trees and homes whereas the west side has rows of businesses and some scattered homes.
Sailor Cosmos and Sailor Venus fall back a little as the Starlights take the lead. The three of them are greeted eagerly.
"Yuna-chan wasn't kidding," Sailor Venus comments to Sailor Cosmos. "You think there was a Three Lights performance happening."
Sailor Cosmos suppresses a laugh. "Just popular wherever they go?"
"I'm glad you finally talked last night, you're happier," Sailor Venus whispers with a wink.
"We… still have a lot to discuss. But it's a start," Sailor Cosmos explains. She doesn't want to go into details with Minako. No yet. Not until she figures this out. She thought a lot about her conversation with Seiya. She's not sure how to fix everything yet. But she knows she missed him. A lot. She doesn't want to be without him. She loves him too much and wants to be by his side.
An eight year old boy runs up to Sailor Star Fighter and hugs her tightly.
Fighter looks down at the child and laughs a little. "Keitaro-kun! You've grown a lot since last time."
The child beams. "Yup! And when I'm older I still plan on marrying you!"
Healer and Maker suppress a laugh.
"I wish I knew what they were saying," Sailor Venus grumbles since everyone was speaking Kinmokian. She looks at Usagi, "I guess I'm the only one here that doesn't understand, eh?"
Sailor Cosmos laughs a little looking at Fighter's expression to the child's request.
Fighter tries to let him down easy. "Ah… we'll see…" She was hoping Keitaro would have grown out of his crush by now but that was not the case.
A brown haired woman quickly grabs her son. "Keitaro! What have I told you?" She chides her son. "Sorry," Keitaro's mother apologizes to Fighter. "Ever since you saved him from the falling debris saving his life, you've been his hero." She looks at Fighter's right shoulder. "I'm glad to see it looks like any injuries healed."
"It's fine. It was healed at the palace when we returned," Sailor Star Fighter assures her.
"So the rumors of you visiting today are true!" An elder man happily greets the Starlights. He is a village elder dressed in lose black robes. He stops talking when he sees two other senshi he does not know. "I see you brought two other lovely ladies with you that I don't recognize."
Sailor Star Healer was standing closest to the man and introduces them. "The senshi in orange is Sailor Venus. The senshi in white is Sailor Cosmos."
The group is quiet.
"…Sailor Cosmos…. Are you sure?" The man studies her carefully. Everyone on Kinmoku knew of Sailor Cosmos, he just never thought he would actually meet her.
"Yes," Sailor Star Fighter confirms. She turns to Sailor Cosmos to gesture her to come forward.
Sailor Cosmos hesitantly takes a few steps forward. No sure what to do or say.
"We wanted to help with restoration efforts," Sailor Star Maker adds.
The village elder looks thoughtful for a moment. "Helping us with the bridge would be marvelous. The river is rather deep and it is taking a lot longer then we'd like to fix it. Villagers have to take the foot bridge almost a mile away but no carts are allowed due to weight." He points to the bridge behind them. "As you can see this one is larger for vehicles but we can only do so much."
"…let me try…" Sailor Cosmos speaks up timidly in Kinmokian, hearing herself speak the language still sounds foreign.
Sailor Venus can only stand by and guess what they are saying.
"Usagi-chan is going to try to fix the bridge," Sailor Star Healer whispers to Sailor Venus when she moves closer.
"Thanks," Venus grins at Healer. "I wish I could learn a new language overnight too."
"You… could always learn the language. I… um could try to help you?" Sailor Star Healer stammers. It sounds strange to make such an offer given they will be on Earth most of the time.
Their conversation is cut short as a white light catches their eye.
Everyone clears the work area. Sailor Cosmos stands alone near the edge of the bridge, her cape blowing in the gentle breeze. The white glow is coming from the ring on her right middle finger. Oddly enough restoring a structure like this is easier from bringing one person back from the dead. Her entire body twinkles as she starts to dispel the energy coursing through her. The golden star on her forehead is blazing as bangs and loose strains of hair blow in front of her face. She doesn't seem to notice it as she is in deep concentration with her eyes shut. She doesn't utter a word as the orb on her staff flickers. Miniature white sparkles scatter from her staff the size of large snowflakes. The energy circles the support beams under the bridge as they strengthen. Raw materials that have been shaped but not place within the water fly forward, landing vertically. Moments later materials used for the road between the supports begin to move to their proper location.
Cosmos is focused, bending the materials to her will after seeing a drawing of how the bridge should appear. It reminds her of last night, restoring the Scarlet Palace. Her mind drifts wondering how much of the kingdom still needs help like this.
As the first wave of exhaustion hits her, her mind is redirected to the task at hand. She needs to concentrate to finish this. The bridge needs to be safe for everyone to cross. She slowly opens her eyes as her energy fades. She is more winded then she thought. She staggers a little but keeps her balance. She is weaker than she thought. She hadn't recovered nearly enough from last night after fixing the palace.
Sailor Venus is the closest to her and reaches Cosmos. "Usagi-chan, are you okay?"
Sailor Cosmos nods her head. "Just a bit out of breath, think we can sit somewhere?"
Venus looks around their surroundings and guides them to a shaded area under a large tree. They sit down on the grass at the base of the tree, Cosmos leans her back against the tree.
The village elder is thanking the three Starlights for coming to assist them. He is about to thank Sailor Cosmos as well but he is called off on another issue.
Sailor Star Fighter is about to check on Sailor Cosmos and Sailor Venus but Healer stops her. "You need to figure out what is going on with the two of you." Her tone is sharp. "It's going to affect whether we stay on Earth or not."
Fighter immediately recognizes this conversion is more about Healer and Venus and if they will have to be separated. "We talked last night. We still have somethings to sort out… but it's getting better."
"So that's why you were such a better mood this morning," Sailor Star Maker comments. She had assumed it might be related to Usagi.
Sailor Venus walks up to the three Starlights. "Usagi-chan is going to need to rest a bit before she goes anywhere." She begins to explain with a grin as inspiration hits her. She links her right arm around Healer's arm and her left around Maker's arm. "Why don't we head back to the palace since there isn't anything else to do here?" She takes a few steps forward with them, nearly dragging the two confused senshi with her.
Venus turns her head slightly toward the raven haired Starlight. "I bet Usagi-chan would love some company until she feels stronger to travel back." She winks at Fighter.
Fighter can't help but give Venus an appreciate smile for her actions to give them a chance to talk some more away from the palace. "I'll see you guys later." She quickly turns to approach Sailor Cosmos.
Cosmos has her eyes closed as her head is leaned back against the tree. She's tired but not so much she would instantly fall asleep.
"Mind if I join you?" Fighter asks, waiting for a response.
Sailor Cosmos opens her eyes to see Fighter standing in front of her. "Um… sure…" she hesitantly responds. She is about to ask where the others are but she sees three flashes of light as the senshi teleport away. She shakes her head. "This has Minako-chan written all over it."
Fighter sits down next to Sailor Cosmos, at a much short distance than last night. "It was her idea. If you want me to leave you alone…"
"No it's fine," Cosmos quickly responds grabbing her arm. She was surprised by her own eagerness to have Fighter next to her. She lets go of her arm and they sit in a comfortable silence as they watch some of the eager villagers shouting as they run across the bridge Sailor Cosmos finished restoring.
After some time passes Fighter decides it time to see if things have improved. "...are you less mad than you were last night?"
Cosmos nods her head slightly before turning to Fighter. "I thought about what you said and some things we talked about on the tour. I mean… I hated to see how those fans surrounded you when we were trying to talk and that girl thought she could just kiss you."
"Oh?" Fighter grins a little. "Jealous?"
"Hmph," Sailor Cosmos responds crossing her arms against her chest.
Fighter leans in to whisper in her ear. "Don't be. You know I only have eyes for you."
Sailor Cosmos turns a deep shade of red as a shiver shoots down her spine. Her mind immediately wanders to their night together after their date in Peru. She closes her eyes tightly to calm her racing heart. She needs to think about something else.
She recalls Shiori's comment from the other day and the one topic she never really discussed with the Starlight next to her. "We never…um…" She struggles with how to bring this topic up in conversation. "Really talked about how…you can be both genders… and what it means for our relationship," she rushes the last part of the statement.
Fighter looks at Cosmos a little confused. "I thought you preferred me to be in a male form. It's what I've always used on Earth." She's not sure where this is coming from.
"That's not what I mean…" Cosmos stammers. "I umm…. never asked what you wanted to be."
Fighter lets out a deep breath, surprised by the question. "No one's really asked me that before." She had always assumed she would be in a male form on Earth, especially with the idol career. "Whatever form makes you happiest."
"No…" Cosmos turns to face Fighter. "I mean…. Ugh why is this so hard?" She pouts.
Fighter grins devilishly. She places an arm around Cosmo's shoulders, leaning in closely. "This is about you never being with a girl before isn't it?"
The Guardian's face turns red like a tomato feeling the Starlight's arm around her. "…Seiya…"
Fighter laughs as she removes her arm from around the bashful Sailor Cosmos. She enjoys teasing the white haired senshi. She looks at Cosmos with a serious expression as she begins to explain, "It's okay Odango. Let me explain it this way. Even when I lived on Kinmoku for years as a woman, I wasn't truly comfortable when I wasn't a senshi. It didn't bother me as Fighter because this is the only form that can be used to be a Starlight. It was an adjustment to live as a male again after so long but I'm fine with it. I don't mind it at all." She pauses, "Unless you prefer something else?"
"Um…no it's fine…" Cosmos slowly responds, glad she was able to discuss this with Fighter.
Fighter grins wanting to make her squirm a little more, "Unless you want to experiment… just let me know…." Her voice trails off as she winks at Cosmos.
Cosmos' jaw drops and she won't look at Fighter. The thought had crossed her mind every now and then.
Fighter lightly places her hand on Cosmos' thigh. "You're adorable when you're flustered."
Sailor Cosmos' heart is hammering in her chest at the closeness of Fighter and brushes her hand away. "I… I thought we were just talking."
"Of course," Fighter agrees. "Whatever you're comfortable with." She studies the Guardian carefully turning serious. "I just want to see you happy again."
Sailor Cosmos leans her head back against the tree, looking up at the tree leaves. She wants to be happy too. "Me too… but I can't help but feel guilty I lost Chibi Usa." A lump forms in her throat. She had told Seiya about Chibi Usa before but never in great detail because it was too painful. "If… I stayed in that other timeline; I wouldn't have lost Chibi Usa or fought Chaos. But… I never would have seen you again." She closes her eyes tightly, trying to will herself not to cry. "I can't have both."
A new round of guilt crashes into Fighter. She looks away. A part of this truly is her fault. She never wanted Odango to feel guilty about being with her. "I'm sorry," she whispers, "for making everything so painful for you." Her voice cracks at the end.
Cosmos sharply turns her head after she hears Fighter's words. "Don't even think about blaming yourself. I chose to leave that timeline. Chibi Usa… I thought I was over never seeing her again. But to know…" she can't finish the words as she places her hands on her stomach where Chibi Usa was once growing inside of her. If she had known she was pregnant, would she have stayed? She can't keep it in. She starts crying softly.
Fighter doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around Cosmos pulling her close, lightly rubbing her back while she cries her heart out. Fighter lightly rubs her cheek against the top of Cosmos' head, trying to find some way to console her love.
Yuna, Shiori, and Sakura are surprised when they come across Taiki in the corridor. "You're back really soon." Sakura comments as she glances around to see if the others are with him.
"There wasn't too much we could assist with," Taiki explains to them. "Sailor Cosmos restored a bridge to finish connecting the town for larger vehicles to travel."
Yuna eyes widen. "A bridge?" She remembers hearing Cosmos had restored the damaged areas of the palace and verified it herself this morning. "That must have taken a lot of energy."
"Yes, she is still in Geminga resting before she returns to the palace," Taiki agrees.
Shiori tenses a little. "Where is everyone else?"
"Yaten and Minako-chan returned with me but I'm not sure where they are at the moment."
Shiori is pretty sure she already knows but she wants to confirm it. "What about Fighter?" She was hoping to speak with Seiya again.
Taiki tries to keep a neutral expression, "with Sailor Cosmos."
Shiori shakes her head angrily and walks off in a huff. She thought she was making progress but now it seems like they're spending time alone together.
Once Shiori is too far away for them to hear, Taiki speaks with Yuna and Sakura. "I'm not sure why she's still so angry. Seiya and Usagi-chan have been together for the past year. It's not new. The laws recently changed on Kinmoku due to their relationship."
Yuna sighs. "The change of rules has given Shiori a new perspective."
"And since they've had issues recently, she thinks things can change," Sakura adds exchanging a knowing look at Yuna.
"Emotions like that only get in the way of being a senshi," Taiki responds in a bored tone. He's not a fan of these issues related to relationships. He bids goodbye to them and leaves. As he walks down the hallway he thinks about Queen Kakyuu's caution to him that it can be lonely by one's self. He dismisses the thought. Emotions just complicate things. Nothing more.
Once Taiki is further away Sakura turns to Yuna. "They're not going to be here for much longer before they go back to Earth."
"Yeah… we need to keep an eye on Shiori. I have a feeling she's going to try something before Seiya-san leaves."
In the manga, Asanuma was Mamoru's underclassman. I think he was two years younger than Mamoru and the same age as the girls. He is one of the few people that know the identities of the senshi.
Lots of Starlights names starting with S. I had others I wanted to use but then I saw the attacks for the Queen's Guard and the name was part of the attack phrase so that didn't work. Ah well. They are all minor characters as it is.
Version of Nagareboshi He is a modified translation from various sources mixed into one.
Usagi and Seiya are sorting things out but… we still don't know what Shiori has planned. Next chapter! To be posted on 10/5, Act 76: I'll Make You Forget All about Usagi
Typo section!
She would to have Fighter be one of the trainings on Kinmoku.
"A building can be related. You cannot."