Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 76: I'll Make You Forget about Usagi
By: Sora Kazeno
Sailor Cosmos grins as she looks down as her joined hand with Sailor Star Fighter as they return to the Scarlet Palace. She feels better after spending hours together under the tree in Geminga. She needs to be able to talk about her feelings regarding Chibi Usa with Seiya. Something that is foreign to her but it is the only way for them to move forward. She has so much she still needs to sort out with her own emotions.
Sailor Star Fighter escorts Sailor Cosmos back to her room so she can nap before dinner. She rested for a while on Geminga but it's not the same as actually sleeping. She suppresses a yawn. "Can you wake me up for dinner in a few hours?"
"I'll come back to get you," Fighter promises her. She wants lean over to kiss her but holds back. It was a big enough step for Cosmos to want to hold her hand. She doesn't want to rush anything. Instead she squeezes her hand tightly for a moment before letting go. She wants Odango to make the decision when she's ready.
Sailor Cosmos tries to hide a yawn behind her hand. "I can't stay up any longer. See you soon." She enters her room and softly closes the door.
Fighter turns from the door and reverts back to Seiya with a slight smile on his lips that things are slowly starting to look up. Usagi isn't as angry at him and things are improving. He vows to make this right.
Mamoru has been easily irritated for days over how quickly Usagi went back to Kinmoku when she was clearly upset over something that happened there. He keeps thinking of Sailor Cosmos' words to Sailor Pluto that it was her fault things ended with Seiya. Did that really happen? Are things over between them? No matter how many times he tried in the past few days and it was impossible gather any additional information. Rei is not going to tell him anything which means all he can do is wait for the next training session to speak to Usako directly.
He's worried if he confronts her too soon she'll shut down. He used to be one she always confided in. It's tearing him apart to know she is struggling so much and he can't do anything to help her.
Ayumi sits a short distance from him at a folding table in his room. She is not as willing to bite her tongue. "So are we going to talk about it?"
Mamoru looks up from the page he has stared at for the last ten minutes. "Talk about what?"
Ayumi rolls her eyes. "You've been spending a lot of time with Setsuna-san lately."
Mamoru doesn't understand what Ayumi is trying to say. "We've been talking about things."
She nods her head, waiting for him to elaborate. He doesn't. So she tries a slightly different approach. "It's a good thing we were all there when Sailor Cosmos appeared and attacked her." No response. "How is Sailor Pluto?"
"I'm not sure, I haven't heard from her in a few days."
Ayumi turns her head slightly at his response. "That's surprising considering how close you've become."
Mamoru gives his sister a questioning look. "What are you trying to say?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Is she going to have to spell this out to him? "You protected Sailor Pluto from Sailor Cosmos. Heck, you even attacked Usagi-chan."
"I would have protected anyone from Sailor Cosmos," Mamoru begins to explain dismissing Ayumi's remarks. "Usako would be upset with herself if she seriously hurt someone."
Ayumi doesn't believe his response. "I guess you're lucky you just happened to access a new power at that particular moment."
"Sometimes new powers surface at random times."
"Random…right…" Ayumi shakes her head at his remarks. He'll figure this out eventually. "So have you worked on your healing abilities for the next session with Sailor Cosmos?"
Mamoru frowns. "Well… if there is a next session." He sighs in frustration. "I still don't have any answers for what transpired. I'm going to talk to her when she gets back."
Ayumi nods her head in agreement. "Let me know what is going on." She stands up and stretches. She leaves for a few minutes to go to the bathroom.
Mamoru opens his laptop to check his e-mail. Still nothing. He hits the compose button and drafts an e-mail to Setsuna to see how she is feeling. It is only a few sentences. He pulls up the calendar on his screen to count the remaining days until the next time he is supposed to see Usako. It still seems so far away.
Hotaru shifts back in the chair letting out a deep breath she didn't realize she was holding. "How does it feel now?" She asks in a tired voice.
"Better, thank you," Setsuna smiles at the petite raven haired girl. "I know this has been difficult for you healing some of the injury the past two days. I know it's been exhausting."
"Why did Sailor Cosmos attack you?" Hotaru blurts out. The three woman look at her in confusion, before they can make an excuse she adds, "I know she attacked you. I heard you talking last night. I don't know why you'd think I believe that story about an accident walking home." She gives them a cross look. "I don't like being left out of things when it regards our Queen." Her voice reflects the hurt. "I have never withheld information from you about her wellbeing."
Haruka answers first, it was her idea to shelter Hotaru. "We still don't know other than she was angry." She looks over at Michiru and Setsuna. "I don't like this. Being in the dark for so long and no way to contact her and ask for answers."
"She had said something about a change," Michiru turns to Setsuna to ask if she found the discrepancy.
"I have yet to find any changes. Sailor Charon was not successful either," Setsuna places the hand of her uninjured arm under her chin. "Perhaps it was a change related to Kinmoku?"
Haruka's eye twitches in annoyance. "Whatever happened, this is his fault. I know it." She looks at Michiru. "I warned him not to make her cry."
"We don't know what happened yet," Michiru tries to calm her partner in case she is wrong.
Haruka can't be discouraged so quickly. "I know he's a part of this."
Usagi stares at Seiya in utter annoyance. She is groggy from only a few hours of sleep after using her powers to restore the bridge.
Seiya gives Usagi a skeptical look. He had woken her up as promised. "Are you sure about skipping food?" He still can't believe she wanted to be left alone to sleep. That isn't how she normally reacts. But she's still a shell of her former self.
Usagi rubs her eyes a little and yawns. She can barely keep her eyes open. "Can they bring something by in a few hours?"
"Sure," Seiya responds. "Get some sleep and some food will be brought to you later."
"Thanks…" Usagi mumbles she flops back down on her side. Within a minute she is back asleep.
He watches over her for a few minutes, amazed at her resiliency to overcome so much in her life before reaching the age of eighteen. He has had his own obstacles but not to the same level. If he could trade places with her to take away her pain he would in a heartbeat.
He makes his way to the door. Silently walking to dinner, he reflects on the past couple of days. There is still tension between them but they are talking, a much needed step. The more time they spend together, the faster the tension will fade. When he finally makes it to dinner, he is the last one to arrive.
"Where is Usagi-chan?" Minako asks when she notices Usagi is not with him.
"She wanted to sleep more," Seiya explains taking an empty seat next to Taiki. "I tried to wake her up and—"
Minako laughs. "She gave you that look didn't she? The disturb my sleep and I'll murder you look?"
Seiya laughs light heartedly as he recalls Odango's repression. "Yeah…"
Minako immediately picks up on Seiya's mood. "So… how did things go?" She leans over past Yaten to get a better look at Seiya while awaiting an answer. "We kind of left in a hurry so you guys could talk."
"Mina…" Yaten warns. Not sure if it was a good idea to discuss this topic in front of everyone.
"It's… better," Seiya responds slowly with a smile.
Shiori is silent. She thought she had more time, a lot more time. She needs it to get worse between them, not better. She has to convince Seiya Usagi is not for him and she's going to have to find a way to demonstrate it quickly.
Shiori approaches Seiya after dinner. As time is ticking down, she's becoming more desperate. "You stayed in Geminga a lot longer than the others. I was starting to wonder if something happened."
"Everything was fine. Odango needed to rest. Restoring a large bridge uses up a lot of energy," He keeps his answer short.
Shiori's eyes widen. "The main bridge? It's taken them months to get that far!"
Seiya nods his head. "Her powers… are incredible."
Her lip twitches. "As long as she can control them. Geminga is lucky then she didn't lose control like she did at the Scarlet Palace." She pauses trying to reel herself in. "It was probably a good thing she left before anything else could happen."
"Sometimes you just have to leave…there is no other way…" his voice trails off. He still feels guilt about leaving Kinmoku in the middle of the war against Chaos. But they had to follow behind Kakyuu.
Shiori nods her head, now steering the conversation to where she wants it to go. "The three of you leaving Kinmoku was what saved us from Galaxia."
Seiya gives her a questioning look; it was as if she read his mind, "what do you mean?"
"Chaos was after Queen Kakyuu and your starseeds. When the three of you left Kinmoku you saved our planet because Chaos followed you. It was no longer interested in our planet since the starseeds it coveted were gone." She lets her words hang in the air. "Sometimes staying away, while difficult is for the best outcome."
"Are you trying to tell me I'm better off staying away from her?" He looks at her incredulously. Shiori always seems to have an ulterior motive lately.
Shiori shrugs. She was trying to be more subtle but Seiya saw right through her.
"Nothing you say will ever keep me from Odango. Haven't you figured that out yet?" He snaps at her before walking away. At this point he would welcome some of the crazy fans in Tokyo, Peru, or wherever to get away from Shiori.
Shiori smirks. "Nothing I say… huh?"
Usagi is still sleepy as she sits down next to Minako the following morning.
Minako is shocked to see the blonde still exhausted. "Are you okay?"
"I woke up in the middle of the night and went to the library since I couldn't sleep anymore," Usagi begins to explain.
"Usagi-chan, are you sick?" Minako blinks a few times in disbelief.
"Well reading usually puts me to sleep," Usagi admits sheepishly. "But there was this place mentioned a lot in the book called the Tankei Kingdom and I couldn't figure out where that was."
Shiori snickers as she keeps her eyes focused on her food.
"It is the Kinmokian term for the Scarlet Palace," Taiki explains to Usagi.
"Oh…" Usagi responds feeling embarrassed. "I guess I still have a lot to learn," she rubs the back of her head.
A few minutes later a scholar enters the room and bows to Queen Kakyuu before he moves to stand next to Shiori. "We have been looking at this book for weeks and we are still unable to determine the contents. We were wondering if you could take a look to see if you recognize the language."
Shiori accepts the aged hard covered book, opening to a random page. She scans the contents before coming to the conclusion she can't read it. "I don't recognize it as a language I speak but I will look into it further to see if I can narrow it down." She places the book in front of her and to the side in the direction of Queen Kakyuu and Usagi. "It looks like it has a seal here too. It might be really important. Figuring out the seal is the key."
Usagi inhales sharply when she sees the pale pink cover. It takes a lot of control to not have her voice tremble when she asks, "Can I see the book?"
Shiori gives her a skeptical look but passes the book. It couldn't hurt.
Usagi stares at the cover for a moment before she opens it to confirm its contents. It's exactly what she thought it was. She turns to look at the scholar. "How did you get this book?"
The scholar is baffled by the sudden question. "It's been in the palace for centuries. We've been trying to figure out the meaning but the writing doesn't make sense." He pauses eyeing Usagi carefully now. "Do you recognize the writing?" He asks excitedly at the thought of this mystery finally being solved.
Usagi looks down at the book in her hands hesitating before she finally responds. "Yes."
The man beams at her answer. "That is wonderful! Perhaps you can tell us its contents and who wrote it."
Minako curiously looks at the book. The marking at the bottom of it looks familiar. She knows she's seen it before, she can't just place where.
Usagi shakes her head no. "I can't tell you the contents of this book."
Shiori is aggravated by Usagi's response and stands up from her chair. "What do you mean you're the only here that seems to be able to read it!"
"Shiori." Queen Kakyuu speaks softly in a commending tone. She doesn't have to utter another word as Shiori immediately knows to take her seat.
Usagi realizes she is going to have to explain everything. "This book is written in Lunarian. It was my private journal in my previous life."
No one says anything.
It clicks for Minako. The marking on the bottom is the Royal Seal of Princess Serenity. "I knew that seal looked familiar," she whispers.
The scholar glares at Usagi. "Former life…I see… my apologies," he storms off not believing a word of her story. Lunarian has been a lost language to the Tankei Kingdom since the fall of the Silver Millennium. The kingdom didn't exist anymore which meant no one passed down the language over the centuries.
Sakura tries to lighten the mood. "I heard you were reincarnated, how does it work?"
Usagi subconsciously brushes against the crystal pendant around her neck. "It's because of the Ginzuishou that I'm still alive…it has saved me or brought me back so many times."
"It's not just the crystal that has saved us," Minako tries to support Usagi. "To be able to yield such power is amazing."
Yaten adds, "without its power some of us," he pauses to amend his statement. "All of us would still be dead."
Shiori looks at them questioningly. "You're making it sound like all of died or something." She doesn't understand how it is possible; people don't just come back from the dead. Is this how Usagi didn't die when the child's starseed burned out?
Usagi answers bluntly, "I've died six times."
"I've died… five times," Minako adds, it sounds strange to speak the words out loud.
Yaten grimaces, he was there for three of them.
"The rest of us died at various times," Queen Kakyuu comments softly as she looks at the Three Lights.
Sakura struggles to process this information as she looks back and forth at all of them.
"Excuse me," Usagi stands up from the table with the book in her hand. "I'd like to read this book on my own."
Hours later, Usagi is halfway through the book. It takes a while to read as she still struggles with some symbols in Lunarian. Speaking it is much easier than reading it. As she reads each page, more memories come back to her, ones that she has long forgotten about.
She had to stop several times as many of the entries revolve around Endymion. She was so happy in that lifetime until Queen Beryl destroyed everything. She fights to keep her eyes open. She loses that battle.
It starts as darkness in a dreamless state until a forest comes into view. She's been here many years ago, Elysion. The dream world guarded by Helios.
Her heart races as she sees this place. Memories flood her mind of the last time she was here with Chibi Usa. She glances down at her attire to discover she is dressed as Sailor Cosmos. Given how much has changed since she has been here, it seems fitting.
Sailor Cosmos walks slowly to the staircase. Her eyes travel upward to find them empty. She inhales a deep breath as she starts to climb, grabbing the fabric of her cape; she holds it to the side to prevent herself from tripping up the stairs.
Once she reaches the top she finds the priest standing in front of the inner shrine.
Helios gasps when he first gazes upon Sailor Cosmos, it was clear he was expecting someone else. "I had hoped Sailor Moon would appear."
The Guardian tries to keep her voice from wavering. It's no secret how Helios felt about Chibi Usa and she will have to tell him what happened. "I am no longer Sailor Moon." She starts.
Helios presses his lips together slightly with a short nod. "It explains why your dream drastically changed. It has taken me quite a while to find you. I started to fear the worst for you."
Sailor Cosmos looks away in shame. "I'm sorry…" She begins to apologize. "Chibi Usa… is from a timeline that no longer exists."
"She does not exist in your timeline," he corrects her. "I frequently visit Chibi Usa-chan in other timelines."
Sailor Cosmos gasps. Of course Chibi Usa was not completely gone!
Helios further explains, "Elysion represents ones dreams and desires. Timelines have no place here." He takes a few steps forward. "There are other versions of you where your dream has never wavered to protect the Earth alongside King Endymion." He pauses to bow to her. "Neo Queen Serenity, thank you for breaking the seal on the Golden Crystal that protects the surface world on Earth." The horn on his forehead flashes brightly for a moment. "I look forward to the time I will be able to return to the surface to further assist King Endymion."
"The Golden Crystal was never broken in a world where Chibi Usa-chan is from."His eyes are downcast when he speaks of the pink haired maiden. "I'm also worried about King Endymion. I see a lot of turmoil with him… his dream is to protect the Earth but a part of it seems unclear." He looks into Sailor Cosmos' eyes. "But the turmoil I see in his it is not as strong as yours. I've detected a great sense of loss in your dreams."
She can feel the tears begin to blur her vision as she lowers her eyes to her white shoes. She should tell him but she's afraid she will start crying the moment she tells him what happened.
Helios tries to present a neutral expression. "I know about recent events in your timeline regarding Chibi Usa-chan."
Sailor Cosmos' eyes dart upward to look at his face for confirmation.
"I've seen… part of it pay out in your dreams," Helios responds softly.
Cosmos slowly nods her head. Maybe it was easier this way. She didn't have to tell him if he already knew. Another thought occurs to her. "You can't tell Endymion." She pleads with him. "…he doesn't need to know… it will only cause him pain." She explains in a small voice.
Helios is dismayed at her request. "He has a right to know. You are asking me to keep this a secret from My King." There is a long pause in the air between them. "However, nothing can be done to save Chibi Usa-chan from her fate."
He considers her request for several minutes before he provides an answer. "I will follow your wish because I also do not want to see King Endymion grieve. And this would only cause great suffering for him, especially in his current state as he tries to overcome his loss in regards your relationship."
"Thank you…" Sailor Cosmos whispers softly, grateful for him acknowledging her request.
Helios eyes Sailor Cosmos carefully as he discusses the main reason she has come to this shrine. "You are at a crossroads at this moment, one that will fully shape your new dream."
"My new dream…?"
"You previously wished to protect the Earth alongside King Endymion. Now you wish to protect Earth, Kinmoku, the Galaxy Cauldron… and bring peace to the various galaxies. A dream like that is difficult to achieve."
She tries not to become very defensive. "I have my friends and the other senshi to help me."
"They can only help so much." He dismisses part of her claim. "If you will succeed depends on some upcoming choices you make, and those you chose to stand next to you." Helios does not speak the Starlight's name that caused the King so much pain.
He redirects her focus. "There are many things only the Guardian can do. But you must be careful and not give up or everything will fall into darkness," he cautions her.
"No matter how hopeless things may become, I won't let my light be extinguished," Sailor Cosmos vows.
The book drops from Usagi's hands, snapping her back to reality in the Scarlet Palace. She bends down to pick up the now open book off the ground. The page is open to an entry that features Endymion and her first encounter with him. She closes her diary as she collects it from the ground and places it on a nearby chair in the front room.
She walks into her bedroom and then directly out onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air. The afternoon sun is warm on her skin. A cool breeze hits her. She closes her eyes listening to the sounds around her, attempting to block out all of her worries.
The sound of laughter forces her to open her eyes. Not too far in the distance are Minako and Yaten walking by. From here she can see the broad smile on Minako's face.
She is glad to see Minako so happy after all of the hardships she has faced. For the longest time Minako and believed she was doomed to never find love in this world.
Usagi grips the banister tightly with her fingers. Would Minako still be this happy if she remembered her first love from the Silver Millennium? Would the other girls? She can't tell them, she never will. The generals are deceased and would only cause pain and confusion. It's better if they never remember a love they will never have in this lifetime.
She turns away from the two of them to walk back inside. Perhaps it is better to find a different love in this lifetime, one that can truly make the soul full of bliss. She smiles a little at the thought of Seiya by her side. They are going to get past this, she can feel it.
A knock on the door disrupts her from her happy thoughts. She opens the door to find a doctor there to check on her again. She tries to be patient but someone is always checking on her multiple times a day.
After receiving an update from Sailor Galaxia; Queen Kakyuu is troubled by this news. "Are you sure?"
"I'm afraid so. I've been to the cauldron every other day since… Sailor Cosmos lost the child. That child's starseed has not arrived at the cauldron. I had expected it would have returned there by now," Sailor Galaxia is worried about the implications. Could Chibi Usa's starseed be missing like the others from Kinmoku? It does not make sense. Her star burned out, the circumstances are entirely different than Chaos attacking the planet.
Queen Kakyuu frowns deeply. "She is already asking about the cauldron. The doctors will only be able to convince her for so long that she is not ready to journey that far. I hate lying to her but I don't think she is ready for this. She is in a delicate state as it is."
"She is more resilient than you believe. She has overcome all odds before in the face of greater danger more than once," Galaxia argues believing Sailor Cosmos should be aware the starseed cannot be located. "She needs to know."
"No. Fighter has been her greatest source of strength and things have been too tense between them lately. I don't want to add to it." Queen Kakyuu is adamant about her decision.
"Sailor Star Fighter has nothing to do with this and is not the father to the child despite what you have let everyone believe at the palace." The golden senshi tries to make sense of what Queen Kakyuu is thinking.
"It was easier that way. I don't want to embarrass or have Usagi-san try to explain it to the others," The Queen explains her rational.
Sailor Galaxia studies her carefully. It is clear Queen Kakyuu has another agenda. Of course. "What did the Oracle show you of the future you are not telling me?"
Queen Kakyuu's eyes widen while she takes a deep breath. "A new Sailor War is approaching. It will be different than the others."
Sailor Galaxia stiffens at the warning. "But Sailor Cosmos has already been found."
"I do not know the cause, but I know it is necessary for Fighter to be at her side before this war begins. If Fighter is not there, Cosmos will crumble," Queen Kakyuu reveals some of what she has learned.
"Does she know this?"
"No. She can't. They have to be able to fix their relationship on their own. It can't be forced." As much as the Queen wants to help Usagi and Seiya, it is necessary for them to sort this out themselves. She's afraid any actions she takes could have a negative outcome.
"There has to be more it than just this."
Queen Kakyuu can't tell Sailor Galaxia everything. She can't risk Fighter learning what events will unfold in the future. Not yet. Fighter would do anything to save Sailor Cosmos from her fate. "Please continue to monitor the Galaxy Cauldron… it is the key to everything." She needs more information on the future if she has any hope to stop the next Sailor War from happening.
Usagi is quiet at dinner reflecting on the encounter she had with Helios.
Seiya watches her carefully as she sits next to him. It's not much, but small interactions like this give him a sense of hope things will go back to what they were. He can tell she is distracted. "Odango, are you okay?"
Usagi tries to smile at him but it is a sad one. "Can we talk about it after dinner? I don't want to talk about it in front of everyone…" she whispers back to him.
Seiya nods his head and focuses on eating the meal in front of him faster so they can speak.
Once dinner is over, they stand in the hallway. "What is going on?" Seiya asks, worried about her.
"I was reading the book from earlier," Usagi begins to explain, struggling to find the correct words to describe her feelings. "It made me think of things I haven't thought about in a long time…" She pauses trying to think of how to explain Helios. "I fell asleep and was visited by Helios in the dream world."
"Helios…" Seiya repeats slowly. "The name sounds familiar."
Usagi slowly nods her head. "He… sought out Chibi Usa to help save the Earth from Queen Nehelenia."
Seiya frowns. Another battle he was not present for. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Usagi's expression softens at his offer. "I've been thinking a lot… about us…"
Seiya inhales sharply. "And…?"
Usagi tries to reassure him. "Can we talk somewhere private?"
"Of course," Seiya agrees.
He is about to lead them back to Usagi's room but she stops him. "Can we go somewhere else? I'm tired of doctors constantly checking on me when I'm in my room. I just want to be able to speak somewhere without them showing up."
"…my room?" Seiya offers, realizing she had never been to the quarters used to house the other Starlights in the palace.
"Perfect!" Usagi eagerly agrees. "They probably won't think to find me there!" She is happy at the thought of avoiding them for a little while. She lowers her gaze with a slight blush, "…just to talk is all."
Seiya nods his head. "Of course. We still have a lot to discuss and I know it will take some time sort things out." He adds. The last thing he wants is for Usagi to feel uncomfortable in his presence.
Usagi sits next to Seiya on the loveseat in his room. "I've been thinking a lot… about what we've discussed the past few days." She begins to explain. She has reflected on this all afternoon but is struggling putting her thoughts into words now that she is sitting next to him. "I think I understand more clearly why you were so angry and thought…" she pauses, not wanting to repeat his words. "I mean…I just wish we could have talked more to figure it out. But you were so angry. I want to be able to talk things out… like what we're doing now."
"I know I can have a temper at times it's just… everything seemed so perfect and then..." He gazes into her eyes. "I don't want to lose you Odango… and the thought of you with someone else and pregnant was too much for me handle."
Usagi leans back into the cushion. "You had every right to be angry but I need you to listen to me." She adds quietly, "to believe in me."
"I don't always listen to reason when I'm really upset," Seiya begins to explain. He reaches over to hold her hand in his. "I don't want you to ever feel like I don't believe in you Odango. I can't apologize enough for causing you so much pain."
Usagi sniffles a little at his words. He always knows just what to say to make her feel better. But there are a few more things she still has to discuss. "I… guess I can understand the jealously you mentioned." She hates to admit she has these feelings and tried to avoid the question yesterday.
"Oh? Are you finally admitting you can be jealous too?" He asks trying to lighten the mood.
Usagi shifts in her seat. It was time for her to come clean. She pouts a little as she speaks. "I hate seeing… how Shiori-chan looks at you or how she tries to find as many excuses as she can with trainings to spend time with you."
Seiya raises an eyebrow at Usagi for the last comment regarding trainings.
Usagi stares at him confused, not understanding why she is receiving that look. Then she starts laughing nervously. "It's totally different with Mamo-chan!"
Seiya shakes his head a little. He makes a mental note that Shiori brings out the jealous side of Usagi to try to avoid any future issues. "So it sounds like we can both be a bit jealous."
"A bit? Everywhere I go there are women chasing after you," Usagi grumbles. "The tour, the crazy fans in Japan… Kinmoku…" Usagi rattles off.
Seiya lets go of her hand to cup her face with both of his hands. "I love you Odango. I don't want anyone else. I will be here for you… as long as you'll have me."
Usagi can't stop the few tears that escape from her eyes.
He tenderly wipes her tears away with his thumbs, before slowly removing his hands. If he doesn't remove his hands now, he is going to start kissing her and let her know just how much he missed her. Odango isn't ready for that.
"I want to work this out…" She whispers softly with a few more tears in her eyes. "It will just take some time."
Seiya smiles at her. "Take as much time as you need."
Usagi nods her head. "Can we just sit here for a while?"
"That sounds wonderful," he eagerly agrees. He's just happy to be in her presence.
Usagi moves closer to him and rests her head on his arm, enjoying this moment with him.
He shifts his position slightly to be able to hold her hand while she comfortably rests her head against his arm. He wants to feel as close to her as he can.
Usagi left out a content little sigh.
Seiya leans in and kisses her lightly on the forehead before he rests his cheek near the top of her head, a joyful smile on his lips.
Shiori finally worked up the courage to confront Seiya. She has searched several different locations throughout the palace but each time she came up empty. Eventually she tries his room. She is running out of options. She convinces herself when she finds him; he'll be alone because things are still tense between him and Usagi.
This is the chance she needs to set things right between them. She can prove to him things will never work out with Usagi. They are too different. Time is passing quickly and they will be returning to Earth soon. If she doesn't make him understand now she will miss her last chance.
She knocks on the door and waits a second or two before she opens it. She doesn't have the luxury of time to waste. She is about to call his name to see if he is in the room but stops in her tracks when she sees him with Usagi.
Usagi is sound asleep resting her head on his arm.
Shiori narrows her eyes at Seiya as if to ask what he thinks he's doing after everything that happened since he arrived at Kinmoku.
Seiya glares at Shiori giving her a warning look not to disturb them. He is not going to let Shiori jeopardize repairing their relationship. With his free hand he gestures for her to leave.
She bites her tongue. Yelling at him right now while he is with Usagi will only make matters worse. He's spending too much time with her, making it difficult for her to remind him of why he shouldn't. She scowls at the blonde for a moment before she leaves. It's pointless to speak with him until tomorrow.
Tomorrow. She doesn't know how yet, but she is going to change everything.
Shiori ate breakfast earlier this morning due to needing to be in a meeting with the scholars. She popped her head in as breakfast concludes to see Usagi leaving with Minako. Everyone but Seiya is present. Taiki and Yaten told her they assume he overslept. She doesn't waste time and immediately leaves the room before Sakura and Yuna can say anything to her.
Perfect. This is her chance to talk to him while Usagi is busy. Shiori was denied the opportunity to speak with him last night. That won't happen again. Time is ticking away.
It doesn't take long before she is standing in front of his room. She hesitates while gathering her thoughts. This could be one of her last chances. She can't let them get back together so fast. She takes a few deep breathes to steady her nerves and knocks on the door. This time she waits and hears a muffled response from within.
She can't make out what was said and slowly opens the door, closing it behind her. She finds Seiya still lying in the bed on his side. Her cheeks turn bright red as she sees him shirtless and in shorts. It completely flusters her. She can't talk to him seriously wearing so little clothing and he looks like he's still asleep. She takes a step back, closer to the door.
"You can always join me instead of standing there," He murmurs, his eyes still closed. His speech slower indicating he is not fully awake yet.
Shiori's eyes widen at the invitation. She is speechless. Whatever she expected to happen, it was not this.
"I understand if you don't want to. I know things have been tense between us," Seiya adds repositioning himself but still mostly asleep.
"Umm hmm…" Shiori finally finds her voice. Is this really happening? She takes a hesitant step forward and stops, questioning if Seiya thinks it is Usagi that entered the room and not her. A smile slowly spreads across her face. She'll make him forget all about Usagi.
What is Queen Kakyuu hiding from everyone else that she saw after speaking with the Oracle? A new Sailor War?
So…. What is Shiori going to do?
Scene continues in the next act! Stay tuned for October 26, Act 77: What I Think Happened
Be on the lookout for 5 short stories for Sailor Moon Villains week related to this story, starting tomorrow October 6th!
Teaser for Act 77 will be posted on October 18th.
My favorite typos from this section…
Sailor Cosmos tries to hide a yawn between her hand.
Hotaru shits back in the chair letting out a deep breath she didn't realize she was holding.