Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 77: What I Think Happened
By: Sora Kazeno
Shiori recognizes her chance and she's not going to waste such an opportunity. With renewed determination she steps forward only to pause. How can she pull this off? Her voice will give her away if she answers anything directly. She reaches for her hair tie, another dead giveaway. She undoes the tie, her long hair falling down around her knees. A part of her is telling her it's a bad idea to present herself in this way. But right now, she doesn't care. She wants this, wants him.
She studies Seiya. His eyes are closed and his breathing is a little deeper. He might have fallen back asleep. She stands on the opposite side of the bed from him, watching his form for a few minutes. The only sound is his breathing. She crawls in the bed and slowly makes her way toward him trying to figure out her next move.
She is less than half a meter from him, searching for any reaction. She can't say anything. She's realizing how spur-of-the-moment this plan actually is.
Seiya senses her presence nearby and wraps his arm tightly around her, pulling her closer to him. "I can't say sorry enough for everything Odango," he whispers.
Shiori frowns; he clearly thinks she's Usagi. She utters an "um," response. Biting her tongue, she stops her herself from saying anything else. She can't help but nuzzle her face into his bare chest, enjoying this moment. Unsure if she'll have another one.
Seiya rubs his cheek against her forehead. "You smell different," he comments. The spacing between his words less than before, he might be starting to wake up. "I guess it's because you're using different things since you're on Kinmoku."
Since Shiori is this close to him, she nods her head yes trying to prolong this as much as possible while she plots. She has to make a move before he realizes who she is. But what and how?
They lie there in silence as the minutes tick by.
Seiya's breathing deepens. He fell back asleep. His head falls back onto the pillow, away from her forehead.
Shiori's mind is racing. She wants to stay here like this but sooner or later he is going to wake up. She raises her head slightly to look up at him trying to muster her courage. She carefully breaks free from his arms.
The movement causes Seiya to stir and roll over onto his back, still asleep.
She props herself up on her elbows just watching him, staring at his lips, thinking back to when she last kissed him. It was too long ago. She leans in and impulsively kisses him on the lips.
It takes him a moment to respond. His eyes are still closed and he assumed it was Usagi next to him the entire time. He never imagined someone else would crawl into the bed with him. Within seconds he returns the kiss and wraps his arms around her.
The sudden shift throws Shiori off balance as she falls onto his chest. She adjusts herself to lying on top of him, continuously kissing him.
His hands gravitate to her lower back and hips, pulling her closer to him.
Shiori is so wrapped up in the feverish kisses she doesn't hear the door of the room open and neither does Seiya.
Usagi gasps loudly at the image in front of her. One she will never forget. Shiori is on top of Seiya and they're kissing. His arms are around her hips and her hands are on his chest. "…Seiya…" Her voice cracks, she is too shocked to say anything else.
Hearing Usagi's voice, Seiya breaks away and opens his eyes. Only to realize the person that he assumed was Usagi was in fact Shiori. He sees the lavender haired woman on top of him, confusion on his features. Then the gut wrenching panic sets in. He pushes Shiori off of him and the bed onto the ground. He looks to the doorway where he heard Usagi's voice.
She's standing there with silent tears running down her face.
His first thought is what the hell just happened. He leaps out of the bed to approach Usagi. "Odango… I…" What can he say at this moment? He is still trying to comprehend what occurred.
She recoils, taking a step back. "I don't want to hear any excuses…" Her head shakes in disbelief. She had just poured her heart out to him in this very room last night regarding how she feels about Shiori only to witness this? "I…" Her throat feels tight as she tries to form the words she needs. "I hope you'll be really happy together," she finally manages before spinning on her heels and bolting out of the room.
He is about to run after her then realizes he can't run around the palace practically naked. He quickly grabs his pants and throws on his shirt. He frantically puts on his shoes, nearly falling over when he loses his balance. His thoughts consumed with Usagi, he completely ignores Shiori until she stands in front of him blocking his path to the door.
"Get out of the way," he growls, not leaving this open for debate.
She pulls rank on him with her arms across her chest, eyes narrowed. "No." Her tone is demanding. "You can't tell me that didn't mean anything just now. Not with your hands all over me."
He really doesn't have time for this as he glares at her. "I thought you were Odango. No one else in their right mind would do something like that unless you're romantically involved with them."
Shiori shakes her head. "No, you knew it wasn't her," she lies to him, trying anything to make him hers. "You wanted a real woman." She has to make him see reason.
Seiya doesn't have time for this. He is about to tell her to move again and realizes it is futile. This is who Shiori is. The side of her he has always expected. Not the comforting side but the I won't let anyone stand in my way of what I want side. He should have anticipated she would try some kind of crazy stunt. The longer he is stuck here, the worst things will become trying to speak with Usagi.
At this point it doesn't matter to him that she is the leader of the Queen's Guard and the highest ranking Starlight in the Scarlet Palace. Normally what he is about to do would have severe consequences but right now he didn't care. The rules don't matter to him, not when it involves Usagi. He has to forcefully shove her to the side to get to the door.
With a loud gasp, Shiori is pushed toward the table. She bumps into it with some force knocking over some of the sheet music he stayed up late creating. Her mouth is hung open trying to comprehend what Seiya had just done.
He doesn't wait for a retort as he bolts out of the room. He has to find Usagi and talk to her. Explain this misunderstanding and hope she'll listen.
Minako comes across a distraught Usagi, surprised to find her so quickly since she was going to see Seiya. "Usagi-chan?" When the blonde queen does respond but keeps running toward her room, Minako follows her. She catches the door before it closes, sneaking into her room. She can tell something is seriously wrong with Usagi. "Usagi-chan, what's wrong?"
Usagi collapses onto the couch silently crying.
Minako frowns. This isn't Usagi's usual crying, she is deeply hurt. She sits next to Usagi, trying to get her to talk. "What can I do?"
Her face is still covered by her hands. She doesn't want to look at Minako. "There isn't anything you can do…" Her voice choked with sadness. "Seiya…." She tries to say it out loud but the moment she does, it becomes real. "He… was with Shiori-chan…"
Minako is puzzled. "And…?" She doesn't understand how this would affect Usagi so much.
"…they were kissing…" She amends her statement.
Minako's eyes widen in disbelief. "… why…? I mean they never-" She stops suddenly recalling the conversation right before the after party begun on tour.
Rei's facial expression softens. "I don't know much about it either… other than it was something in his past regarding someone else he was with."
Yaten and Taiki exchange a look for disbelief with each other. "Seiya has never been with anyone else… that we know of." Taiki explains slowly. He looks at Yaten and his eyes widen. "What did he do that night?"
Yaten lets out a deep breath. "He never talks about it, you heard him." He shakes his head. "He can be extremely stubborn. It also means he did do something stupid."
Minako shakes her head, frustrated. This might be what Rei had meant. "Are you sure…?" She doesn't know what else to say.
Usagi lowers her hands to look at Minako between tear filled eyes. "They were making out and his hands…" she doesn't want to try to describe the image burned into her mind.
"But why would Seiya-kun…" Minako tries to find a way that could explain it. He didn't seem like the kind of person that would do this to Usagi.
"This is the not the first time something happened between them," Usagi rubs some of the tears from her eyes, starting to open up to Minako.
Minako grabs a nearby box of tissues and gives them to Usagi so she can wipe her eyes.
"When we spoke about forbidden relationships on Kinmoku after the Counsel Meeting, I never told you about what happened between… the two of them. It's why we fought on the tour." Usagi finally reveals. "I didn't say thing because I didn't want to risk anything happening to Seiya… but it doesn't matter now that the rules changed."
Minako places her hand on Usagi's lower arm to demonstrate support.
Usagi recounts what happened between Shiori and Seiya before he returned to Earth and their fight on tour.
Minako listens without judgement and begins to understand more of Usagi's strained relationship with Seiya since she returned from the other timeline. She bites her lip. They didn't have problems like before the timeline change. Did something else change?
Usagi sighs wondering how everything ended up as such a mess. "I didn't want to tell you any of this because I was also worried it might cause problems with you and Yaten-kun… so I was waiting to see what happened after we came to Kinmoku." Usagi hesitantly admits.
Minako smiles slightly at her. "I know you were protecting me and I understand. Yaten told me something similar when he told me about the laws, well what they used to be." She shakes her head changing her focus. "What did Seiya-kun say when you… found them?"
Usagi had stopped crying a little while ago but her anger returned at being hurt by him a second time in such a short period of time. She never imagined he could hurt her this much. "I left before he could say anything. There really wasn't much to say. I saw them kissing." She leans back on the couch resting her head on the back of it. "I think I'm just ready to go home." She pauses, "but… I know we're supposed to have a few more days here and it won't be fair to you, Yaten-kun or Taiki-kun. I know they miss this place." Her voice is really quiet as she speaks, making up her mind how she is going to fill her remaining time on this planet.
Loud knocks disrupt their conversation from continuing.
Minako looks at Usagi for a moment as if to ask her if she should get the door. But the knocking persists. She doesn't have to open the door to know who is on the other side. He's not going to go away that fast. Minako takes a deep breath, its clear Usagi is not ready for this right now, and turns the knob, opening it slightly.
"I need to talk to her," Seiya states without even greeting Minako.
"That's not a good idea right now," Minako responds slowly trying to get him to go away.
"I just need to explain what happened… or what I think happened…" Seiya adds in a rush still trying to comprehend this morning's events.
Usagi can easily hear him and stands up. "What you think happened?" She starts yelling at him as she approaches the door. Her rings are glowing brighter than a few days ago. "It looked pretty clear to me what happened!" She shouts at him.
"Odango…" Seiya tries to talk to her. How can he explain it when he isn't completely sure what happened? "I was sleeping and-"
"Sleeping? You were wide awake!" Usagi fires back. Her anger is worse than when he first tried to speak with her upon her return to Kinmoku. She moves to stand in front of Minako, an eight point start blazing on her forehead. "I don't even want to look at you!" She screams at him, forcefully slamming the door.
Seiya stares at the closed door, fully understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll be back when you calm down a little." He snaps. Now who is the one refusing to listen? "So much for listening to each other." He mentally kicks himself for his last remark. He didn't mean to say it out loud. He turns to walk away and to see he is not the only person in the hallway.
Queen Kakyuu, Yaten, and Taiki are in the Queen's Quarters. The two members of the Three Lights are discussing their roles now that the Council has changed the bylaws. "The Council has made it easier for you to keep an eye on Usagi-san. Please do."
Yaten suppresses a smile, knowing it will also keep him close to Minako. The ruling from the Council truly seems like a blessing.
"For how much longer?" Taiki asks with little enthusiasm.
Queen Kakyuu is unsure how to respond to his question. She had thought their position was rather clear after the Council's ruling and her previous conversations with him. What is holding him back from finding a tranquil life on Earth like his cousins?
The question is unanswered as they hear screaming nearby. It is a woman's voice.
Yaten and Taiki are immediately on their feet to investigate the disturbance. They rush for the door, Queen Kakyuu following steps behind. Once the door is open they hear Usagi clearing screaming at Seiya she doesn't want to look at him and Seiya's remarks about them listening to each other. They find him alone standing outside of Usagi's room.
Queen Kakyuu's lips press tightly together. For as long she's known them both, she's never seen them fight so much or so intensely. She thought they were mending things. The screaming worries her. That is not like Usagi.
Yaten sighs in annoyance. "Did you do something stupid again?"
"Yaten," Taiki chides, conveying this is not the moment for comments like that.
Seiya shoots daggers with his eyes at Yaten.
Queen Kakyuu walks over to Seiya and asks him in a calm voice. "Can we speak privately?" She can't just stand by anymore.
Seiya is surprised by the Queen's request. They've spoke a few times during his visit but this is different. She isn't just asking to talk. He looks at the closed door to Usagi's room for a moment. Storming off like he did last time won't fix this either. He needs to try a different approach. "Sure." He eventually agrees. It's probably better if he's able to put some distance between all of this.
Queen Kakyuu tries to give him a reassuring smile as she leads him back to her quarters. She doesn't speak to him again until are in the sitting area with the door firmly shut.
Seiya looks around not sure where to start.
"I've seen you and Usagi-san struggling ever since the miscarriage… I was trying to keep my distance since it is not my place to meddle in relationships." Her posture shifts. "But I'm worried about both of you. This isn't like either one of you. What happened this morning?"
He never opened talked to Queen Kakyuu about this but everyone seems to know. "You know… what happened between Shiori-chan and I… before I returned to Earth?"
Queen Kakyuu stiffens a little. "Yes… I did not see a need to address it with you since nothing… serious happened." She chooses her words carefully. "It anything happened a second time, I would have been forced to address it."
Seiya shakes his head. "I would have thought after all this time Shiori-chan would have let it go. But the entire time I've been here, she won't take no for an answer." His voice rises at he discusses his frustrations. He closes his eyes as he continues. "It's no secret Odango and I have been together for a while."
"Is she behind what I just witnessed?" Her expression is serious.
"Yes," Seiya responds without hesitation. "But I'm not completely sure what happened."
The Queen looks at him puzzled, waiting for him to continue. She listens as Seiya recounted someone coming to his room this morning and he thought it was Usagi. He continued to explain how they kissed and he realized it was Shiori.
Queen Kakyuu inhales deeply. "I will talk with Shiori. This behavior regardless of the change in rules is not acceptable; especially for her position." She places her hand on Seiya's arm. "Give Usagi-san a little time and talk to her. I'm sure both of you will be able to move pass this."
Seiya frowns. "I don't know. This just seems different."
She tries to reassure him. "You've fought so hard to be by her side, I know you're not going to give up that easily." She pauses. "It's not who you are."
Seiya can feel his lips curling slightly into a smile. "I never know when to give up, especially when it is about her."
Queen Kakyuu smiles, "If this is what you want, then you know what you need to do." She hates to see him struggling so much. She frowns. "I've enjoyed seeing the three of you here with Usagi-san and Minako-chan."
Seiya knows her too well; he knows the Queen is holding something back. "But?"
"But it is becoming clearer to me… Earth is more yours and Yaten's home than Kinmoku." Her words hang in the air.
Seiya looks away. He feels like he is letting her down that he is abandoning his former home.
"I hope Taiki will one day come around. I understand the three of you have experienced so much loss here and Earth gave you a chance to start over," Queen Kakyuu continues. "It's seems Usagi-san and Minako-chan have a positive influence on the both of you." She recalls how Seiya used to be before Chaos attacked. "There was one change I didn't expect. You always used to honor our obligations fully as a senshi."
Seiya turns his head sharply not understanding what Queen Kakyuu is trying to tell him. "I still do."
Queen Kakyuu shakes her head no. "It's different now. Usagi-san is first, and being a senshi has come second. You were willing to cross the line so many senshi would never dare, turning your relationship forbidden. I never thought I would see that kind of change in you. But I am so happy it happened. You deserve happiness."
Seiya looks down at his hands. He feels anything but happy. "I think I ruined everything." He admits.
Queen Kakyuu lightly places her hands on top of his, displaying symphony. "Then it is up to you to fix what is broken."
Speaking with Queen Kakyuu can only help him for so long. As the minutes tick by his restlessness grows; when he starts to feel that way his minds centers on the events of this morning fueling his anger. He should be spending the day with Odango mending their relationship not wondering how long it will be before she's willing to speak to him.
He walks aimlessly around the gardens; he finally goes back inside the palace. He didn't dare leave the palace grounds this time. He needs to stay close to her, well as close as she will allow. Without realizing it, he finds himself back in front of Usagi's door.
He stares at the door. He needs to talk to her but given how she started screaming at him the last time he saw her, it would be wise for him to keep his distance for the rest of the night.
He changes his destination to the room next to hers. His old room. Currently Shiori's room and knocks on the door. He needs to clarify things with her. And he wanted to yell at her too. He's angry. Things were just starting to improve between him and Usagi and now this happened, sending everything spiraling backward.
After knocking a few times, he realizes she is not there. He's unsure if she was sent on a mission with the other members of the Queen's Guard. He starts combing the palace for her, his resentment growing with each room he visits.
Eventually he finds her in a conference room with Yuna and Sakura reviewing other upcoming official visits the Queen has scheduled for them now that Sailor Star Striker is back to resuming training the new senshi.
"We need to talk," Seiya interrupts them looking at Shiori.
Yuna and Sakura exchange a glance with each other not sure what this is about. Seiya's icy tone only adds to the enigma.
Shiori smirks slightly now that she has the upper hand. "We can talk later. I'm in a meeting right now." She dismisses him demonstrating her rank in the palace, knowing full well it will rile him up.
Seiya refuses to accept that as an answer. He grabs her by the wrist and walks her out of the room.
Shiori calls over her shoulder to Yuna and Sakura, "we'll finish this later!"
Yuna and Sakura can only stand there stunned.
Seiya drags her to the next conference room over that is empty and closes the door. He doesn't want everyone to hear what he is about to say to her.
She grins at him in the closed room. "I knew you would come to your senses and be back for more."
Seiya can't believe what he is hearing. The comment throws him off and he tries to gather his thoughts. He didn't think this through. There are a lot of things he hasn't thought through during the past week.
Shiori takes his silence to mean something else. She presses her lips against his, more forcefully than she did this morning. Seiya is shocked by her action and his lips open slightly. Shiori takes advantage of the moment and shoves her tongue down his throat.
He pushes her away from him, wiping his mouth. Trying to understand what she is thinking. "What the hell was that?" He snaps. "Why are you doing all of this?"
Shiori is baffled by his reaction. How can he not understand why she is doing this? "What do you mean? You invited me into your bed this morning and now you obviously can't stop thinking about me based on how you forcefully pulled me away from my meeting."
"I thought you were Odango," he tells her again, realizing Shiori is only going to hear what she wants to hear.
Shiori tries to keep a neutral expression. A part of her had assumed before she lied down next to him he would think it was Usagi and even confirmed it when he called her Odango. But it doesn't change the moment they shared together. She is not going to let it go so easily. She needs him to understand what they have, what they could have. "Stop making excuses and just accept what is going on between us." She tries to convince him. "The laws on Kinmoku changed and we can finally be together without losing our Change Stars. That is the only reason we stopped last time."
She hasn't changed at all. "You have it all wrong," Seiya clarifies for her. "I'm with Odango."
Shiori snorts. "Really? Your hands were all over me this morning, telling a very different story. You were enjoying yourself quite a bit." She boldly takes a few steps closer to him. "Stop making excuses for what happened between us. You knew exactly what you were doing and who you were with." She softens her tone slightly. "You're only mad you were caught. You wanted it be a secret." She eyes him mischievously. "You wanted us to be a secret." She refuses to be brushed off so easily. She always gets what she wants. She takes a few steps closer to him.
Seiya is absolutely amazed at the words coming out of her mouth. "It's not like that."
Shiori tilts her head to the side, demonstrating she does not believe him. "Oh? It's not? Then why did you kiss me and start taking my clothes off last time? There was no confusion on who I was then." He doesn't respond. "Admit it Seiya-san, you have feelings for me but couldn't fully act on them back then because of that law." She places her hands on his chest. "But we don't have that restriction any more. We don't have to hide it."
Seiya firmly removes her hands from his chest.
Shiori keeps pushing. "You have feelings for me and you're too afraid to admit it."
She is relentless. "No, you have it all wrong. I'm with Odango," he tells her again.
Shiori laughs at his response. "It didn't sound like it this morning." She looks into his eyes. "It didn't feel like it either with how you were kissing me." She keeps pushing back, trying to wear him down so he won't fight his feelings anymore. The feelings she is sure he has deep down.
Seiya's agitation is growing. He can't get through to Shiori. "Nothing is going to happen between us." He makes his stance clear. "You're not her and you'll never be her."
Shiori hides her anger with a smirk. "Something already happened between us." She takes a few steps closer to him, also in the direction of the exit. "Just remember, you were with me before you were ever with her."
He looks at her stunned at the nonsense she is spouting.
Shiori stands close to him to whisper, "I'll see you again soon." She hastily exits the room before Seiya can respond back. She needs him to him to think about what she has said before she tries again.
He stares at the door Shiori walked out of trying to figure out what she is thinking. How did she end up this way? Why is she the leader of the Queen's Guard if she is this out of control?
Yaten sits down next to Seiya with raised eyebrows after speaking with Minako. "So… you and Shiori-chan…" Is all he needs to say before Seiya goes off the deep end.
"You have no idea what you are talking about," he snaps. "That would never happen."
Yaten looks at the raven haired person next to him. "That is not what I heard from Mina."
Seiya ruffles his hand through his hair. Minako heard what happened from Usagi and he could only image what was said after he left.
Yaten looks at Seiya, "maybe you should have stayed on Earth with Usagi-chan. You would have had a lot fewer problems."
Seiya shoots Yaten of look of pure annoyance.
Taiki can see things will only escalate unless he interjects. "I imagine you are going to try to fix this?"
"Of course!" Seiya responds without hesitation. He adds with less confidence. "…I just don't know how. She's so angry."
"At least she didn't attack you like she did Sailor Pluto," Taiki suggests.
Seiya blinks a few times at Taiki's comment. "That's… a good thing…" He doesn't know what else to say. He never thought of that. He didn't know what he would do if Sailor Cosmos attacked him out of anger. It's something he never had to consider. The thought of it terrifies him.
Yaten offers his words of wisdom. "Stop doing dumb stuff."
Seiya tries to explain his version of events. "I was half asleep! Why wouldn't I assume it was Odango?" He grumbles. Wishing he could take back what happened.
"Because the two of you had a lot of problems lately," Taiki points out mater of factly, amazed Seiya could find himself in such a situation.
"We're working them out," he counters. "We… were working them out."
Yaten looks at him skeptically. "How are you going to work this one out?" Seiya didn't hear the anger in Minako's voice as she relayed the events to Yaten. The anger was driven by the hurt she had seen from Usagi.
Seiya's shoulders slump. It seems to be the questions of the day. "I don't know yet."
Usagi is absent from dinner that evening, which was not surprising to most of them.
Her empty seat at the table further irritates Seiya. He was hoping the thought of food might lure her out. More than once he finds himself glaring at Shiori. All of this happened because of her. She thought she stood a chance with him.
Yuna and Sakura notice Seiya staring at Shiori several times with a scowl. They haven't confirmed what happened yet but heard the rumors. Shiori's callous attitude is on display more than usual when it comes to Usagi.
There is a thick tension in the air. Minako tried to break it once or twice but was unsuccessful. What was the point? Usagi is miserable; of course she doesn't want to be at dinner. She made it clear she didn't want to see Seiya.
Yuna and Sakura confront Shiori after dinner. She didn't want to talk to them about her conversation with Seiya when he interrupted their meeting. "What did you do?" Yuna asks the lavender haired woman in front of her.
"Seiya-san is just mad he was caught kissing me," Shiori calmly explains. She knew her teammates would find out soon enough. She would rather be the one to tell them to control the narrative.
Yuna stares at her leader. She couldn't have heard her right. "I don't believe you." If it's true, how did Shiori pull that off? What did she do?
Shiori shrugs. "Why would I make it up?"
"Then why does Seiya-san look so angry at you?" Sakura tries to poke holes in Shiori's declaration.
Yuna doesn't give Shiori a chance to respond, demanding more answers. "Why would he? He's with Usagi-san and he's clearly in love with her."
"People change their minds and when they find someone better," Shiori is playing this up as much as she can. They don't need to know Seiya was half asleep for most of it.
"How could you do that?" Sakura probes further.
"I'm pursuing the relationship I should have had years ago if not for that law," Shiori justifies her actions.
Yuna was hoping Shiori would tell the truth, it is clear she will not. She is done playing around and calls her out. "I overhead what happened. You know he only seems to kiss you when he's not in the right frame of mind. He's either drunk or half asleep."
Anger flashes across Shiori's eyes. "What are you trying to say?"
"It's obvious how he feels about Usagi-san. It should be clear he doesn't see you as anything other than a teammate." Yuna regrets not being this direct with Shiori before. It might have stopped all of these issues.
Shiori snickers. "Not anymore. Usagi-san ended things with him. It takes two people to be in a relationship."
"So when are you going to learn that?" Sakura questions her leader.
Shiori shakes her head at her teammates and walks away. She assumed there would be fallout she just never though this part out. In that moment all she could think about was Seiya and kissing him. Now she'll just have to deal with the aftermath.
Once she's alone, her mask crumbles. She hates knowing they are supposed to return to Earth in a few days. Was it all for just a mere moment? Trying to recapture a fleeting memory from her past? She had tried so hard to bury her feelings. But she can't. A realization hits her. Is this exactly how Seiya felt about returning to Kinmoku while Usagi remained on Earth the first time?
She doesn't want to hurt him but she needs him to see what his future could be. His future wasn't set yet… was it?
Usagi spent the evening in bed as she had done so frequently after she learned she miscarried Chibi Usa. Her rage from earlier subsided and was replaced with feelings of intense depression. She refused to cause any damage to the palace and it was easier to control then earlier in the week.
She reflects on what she was told by Karin. Her powers were unstable due to her pregnancy and now that it's over… control of her powers will improve.
Exhaustion takes over and finally allows her to sleep only to be met with another confrontation.
Neo Queen Serenity shakes her head at Usagi in disgust. "You never should have opened your heart up to him. He's hurt you worse than Endymion ever had." The blonde haired version of Neo Queen Serenity will not let Usagi forget her mistake. "He never would have betrayed you like that. He only wanted what is best for you."
Usagi can only stand there. She is too upset to fight against Neo Queen Serenity anymore. "Please just let me be." She pleads.
Neo Queen Serenity disappears to be replaced with Sailor Chibi Moon. "You're really stubborn Usagi, that hasn't changed!"
Usagi gasps when she sees the little girl. She runs over to her and hugs her tightly. Her tears fall into the senshi's pink hair.
"You need to figure this out Usagi. Before it's too late."
"What do you mean?" Usagi lets go to look at Chibi Usa's face.
"Something is going happen soon and you have to know what you want before it happens."
"It?"
"Hmm." Sailor Chibi Moon nods her head. "Otherwise, she'll destroy you."
Usagi stares at Sailor Chibi Moon after her warning. "Who?"
"You'll meet her soon." Sailor Chibi Moon vanishes is a blaze of pink, white, and blue light leaving Usagi alone, surrounded in darkness. She falls to her knees. Nothing is making sense anymore. Was that part of a premonition or just a nightmare?
Helios will honor Queen Serenity's wish but that does not prevent him from reaching out to King Endymion in the dream world.
King Endymion gasps at the sight of the priest.
Helios immediately drops to one knee as a sign of respect. "I offer my sincere apologies for not visiting you sooner after you became King." He begins with his head bowed. "There were a lot of changes… that directed my attention elsewhere."
King Endymion nods at Helios as he stands up. "I've wanted to ask you about Chibi Usa. Is it possible to see her, even if it is only the dream world?"
The white hair man frowns. "It is not possible at this moment." He quickly adds. "I wish I could assist you." Because of recent events in Endymion's world regarding Chibi Usa it would be too unstable to try to find a time where she is thriving.
King Endymion catches onto Helios' word choice. "What do you mean at this time? Could be possible in the future?"
"Perhaps," Helios responds thoughtfully. "Chibi Usa-chan's circumstances are unique and it will take me time to determine if it possible." He needs to change the subject incase he says too much. The golden horn on his forehead flashes and a small oval shaped golden crystal appears in his hands. He moves closer to Endymion. "It's been a longtime since these two crystals were in such close proximity."
King Endymion's crystal appears on the top of his staff and flashes for a moment reacting to Helios' Golden Crystal.
The priest raises his hand with the crystal slightly. "This one represents the dream world associated with Earth. Your crystal represents the surface world on Earth." He notices the shape of the crystal. "You have not harnessed its true power yet."
King Endymion frowns slightly as he looks at his crystal. "I'm still trying to figure out to do so." He remembers the question he's wanted to Helios since he first spoke with Ayumi but didn't know how to contact him. "Could you assist me in learning how to use its powers?"
Helios shakes his head sadly. "I cannot until the crystal transforms into its true shape. The crystal will not be fully compatible with the crystal in Elysion until that change. Once that occurs I will gladly teach you all I know but the crystals must be harmony first."
"I've tried so many times to use the crystal with some help from Serenity but it is not working," King Endymion hates to discuss his short comings. He feels like he should have been able to use the crystal correctly by now.
"That will take time. The Golden Crystal is a reflection of the yielder's soul. They have to be at peace with themselves otherwise that will not happen. I wish Princess Rosalinda would be able to assist but she is the not a Crown Princess. The crystal will only answer to you and your descendants." Helios wishes he could do more to help him. But King Endymion must find a way to be at peace first. "Once the yielder of the crystal finds peace within themselves, the power of the Golden Crystal can be released. I hope you find that soon King Endymion."
"Peace within themselves…" King Endymion responds slowly. He knows if Serenity is by his side he will have peace. He's unsure what transpired between Usagi and Seiya. If they worked it out, does that mean he has to be able to let go of Serenity to find inner peace? But how can he just let her go? His heart won't let him.
Usagi takes a deep breath before entering the room for breakfast. She's vowed not to let her emotions get the best of her. She is going eat the meal and then leave. She has a long journey ahead of her. She doesn't care what the others say, it is something she has ached to do for days but never had the strength or courage, until this moment.
She takes the seat closest to Queen Kakyuu who was the first to arrive this morning and hopes Minako or anyone but Seiya will sit next to her.
"Usagi-chan!" Minako exclaims moments later when she enters the room, claiming the seat next to her. "I'm glad to see you're here this morning."
"I was hungry…" Usagi admits softly.
She stiffens when she sees the Queen's Guard appear at the table. Yuna quickly maneuvers herself so she would be sitting closest to Usagi rather than Shiori. She smiles slightly at Yuna as way to stay thank you.
Yuna nods her head in acknowledgement.
"Good morning," Taiki greets everyone as he sits down next to Minako. He, Yaten, and Minako agreed they would try to place as much distance as they could between Seiya and Usagi until they are able to talk to each other.
Yaten joins a few minutes later. He hasn't seen Seiya all morning, probably for the best.
"What did you want to do today Usagi-chan?" Minako asks, trying to see how she is feeling today.
She was hoping to say this after breakfast to leave quickly with minimal discussion but she can't avoid Minako's question. "I am going to the Galaxy Cauldron."
Queen Kakyuu places her tea cup down. "Are you sure you're up for it?"
"I've been feeling stronger each day," Usagi explains, adamant in not changing her plan. "I should be back by this evening."
"Are you sure that's a good idea to go on your own?" Seiya asks when he overhears the conversation walking into the room.
Usagi looks down at her plate. "I don't need anyone to come with me. They would only slow me down by not being able to keep up."
"While that may be true, it is a rather long journey," Queen Kakyuu quickly adds not giving Seiya chance to respond.
"If the journey is tiring, there are other places I can stay nearby for the evening," Usagi looks at Queen Kakyuu.
"Where would you stay Usagi-chan?" Minako asks, trying to determine where Usagi could go.
"Home is closer than here," Usagi answers simply.
Queen Kakyuu clears her throat, a warning to Usagi to not reveal more of the location.
"I have a lot to learn. I can only understand so much from books," Usagi finishes explaining. "I need to see if Chibi Usa's starseed returned to the Galaxy Cauldron."
The room is silent after hearing Usagi's last statement.
Queen Kakyuu knows she can't persuade her stay. Sooner or later she would search for the lost child's starseed. "Please take your communicator with you should you run into any complications."
"Hmm," Usagi agrees as she takes a sip from her tea cup.
The rest of breakfast is uneventful.
Seiya looks over at Usagi several times throughout the meal but it is clear she isn't ready to speak to him and her mind is likely elsewhere thinking about the journey is about to take. He hates this but he should wait until tonight or tomorrow before he attempts to speak with her alone.
As everyone finishes their meal, Queen Kakyuu rises from her seat. "Shiori."
The lavender haired woman's heart is racing at the tone her name is called.
"After Sailor Cosmos departs, I wish to discuss some rather delicate matters in my office," Queen Kakyuu choses her words carefully. "Please wait for me there."
Shiori bows her head. "Of course My Queen."
The silence is a break from Kinmoku and all the problems she has faced there. It is also a break from the problems she will have to face when she returns to Earth. She'll have to fill in Ami, Rei, and Makoto. She needs to give Haruka her communicator. They'll want answers as to why she attacked Setsuna. Then there is training with Mamoru. She smiles a little. "Maybe I should just stay here."
Sailor Cosmos stands on the barren rock that is the Galaxy Cauldron. It's quiet and looks the same as when she last stood here. Except this time she is utterly alone. No Sailor Galaxia. And she didn't yet know she was about to miscarry Chibi Usa.
She closes her eyes tightly. She's been trying to distract herself from why she is really here. Because she doesn't want to feel the pain she can already sense washing over her at the thought of Chibi Usa.
The Guardian can't put how she feels into words. She closes her eyes tightly trying to sense Chibi Usa's starseed. She doesn't sense anything. She can't locate it. Shouldn't she be able to?
Panic sets in. Did something happen to prevent the starseed from reaching the Galaxy Cauldron? How long does it take for a starseed to reach here?
A premonition hits her out of nowhere. She is near the ledge that leads to the center of the Galaxy Cauldron. She's weak and exhausted, as if all of her energy was drained. She looks up to see Fighter in tears. "I was so afraid I lost you. We all thought…." Her voice is choked with emotion as she hugs Cosmos tightly to her.
Her mind registers Fighter is still talking but she can't make out the words anymore. All of the sudden she is watching this scene from the distance. She can hear other muffled voices. She spins around trying to make sense of it. "Lost me…" She repeats. "But I'm right here." Why would Fighter think she was lost? And why does the Starlight have her arms around her like that?
It's a dream she tells her. It has to be. Things are over between them. Fighter was probably just being protective of her. Fighter is a member of the Royal Court. They are going to have to interact sometimes. It's hard to avoid Seiya on Kinmoku. She tells herself it will be easier to avoid him on Earth. He'll have to focus on his music career.
For a moment she feels sad at the thought of never being in Seiya's arms again. But the pain was too deep. She wipes a few tears out of her eyes. She feels dizzy.
As she wakes up she finds herself on the ground. She sits up in a daze, her thoughts now on Seiya after the premonition ended. She ended things with him. She's furious at what she witnessed between him and Shiori. How could he kiss Shiori after she told him how she hates the way Shiori looks at him? It's so messed up!
The previous night she had told him she wanted to work things out between them and things where starting to improve. But now, the hurt she feels is crippling.
Maybe she should have listened to what he had to say. She was furious Seiya didn't believe her or listen to what she had to say. He left the room and ended things. She inhales sharply. She did the same thing by screaming at him she didn't want to see him and then slamming the door in his face. She did the same thing on the tour when she learned about his past with Shiori. She feels guilty. She should at least hear him out. But she's not ready just yet. They're supposed to return to Earth in a few days. She can worry about it tomorrow.
She tries to push those thoughts to the side. But moments later she is thinking about him again. She can't stop thinking about him.
But this is different. She caught him kissing Shiori. That can't be disputed; she saw it with her own eyes. She inhales sharply thinking of Shiori's comment about who Seiya has spent his extra time with. What are they doing right now? It's probably better she doesn't know. How long has Seiya been like this with Shiori? What if he… did things with her when she went to Earth to confront Sailor Pluto after he thought she cheated on him? A cold chill fills her body at the thought of him with anyone but her.
The other timeline. If she stayed, she would still have Chibi Usa. If she would have stayed on Earth and never exerted herself she would still have Chibi Usa. And she never would have felt this heartbreaking pain of witnessing Seiya kiss someone else.
Her ring flashes on her right index finger. She looks up and she sees her. The energy in the Galaxy Cauldron feels peaceful and inviting all due to the other senshi's appearance. She can feel the warm light she radiates. For a moment it relaxes the turmoil in her heart.
It is the blue haired Sailor Cosmos she seen weeks ago. The one she has kept to herself. She can see her figure a little clearer to day. Her hair is pulled back…into pigtails? She can't clearly see the top half of her face. "Who are you?"
"A possibility," she responds.
Sailor Cosmos doesn't recognize this other woman's voice. She's never heard it before. "A possibility…" She repeats slowly. What does that even mean? "Are you another Sailor Cosmos?" Judging by her fuku, she had to be. How can they both be here?
"Perhaps." She responds with a playful smirk. "Times are difficult for you right now but they will not always be that way. You still have a bright future ahead of you but you have to be strong for what awaits. Your true test will be here soon."
"What test?" Cosmos is desperate for answers. Too many of these premonitions or dreams offer more questions than answers.
"A test that will determine your future..." The other Cosmos stares at her. "Your future and so many others," she turns away from the Queen. She softly speaks to herself. "Your decision… that will determination my fate." Her midnight blue eyes are cast downward.
The white haired Sailor Cosmos tries to ask another question but a large gust of wind blows her hair in front of her face. She pushes it out of the way only to see the other senshi is gone. She is alone in the Galaxy Cauldron again. The warm light she felt only moments ago is gone. Suddenly she feels cold. She felt a similar version of this light before. Who's light was like this? Why did it fill her heart with such warmth?
She cautiously walks forward to the doorway where she had first seen this other Sailor Cosmos. What did she mean a possibility? Sailor Cosmos places her hand on the stone column of the doorway and sighs. "Who are you really? What true test?" She has no new answers.
She sighs as she looks around her location. She can feel it. Something is going to happen here; something that will change everything and set the course of her future. She can't describe how she knows it but she can feel it to her core.
But what will it be? Why can't she find Chibi Usa's starseed? Why isn't it here? All starseeds are supposed to return to here when they burn out, aren't they?
She walks over to where she saw the purple haired lady and the other senshi. She tries to refocus her thoughts. Why are the others at the Galaxy Cauldron? Queen Kakyuu and Sailor Galaxia explained the location is a secret, yet all of them are here.
Who is this purple haired woman she still hasn't met? What is her role? Who is she? How is she a part of this?
Still with no answers, Cosmos enters the heart of Galaxy Cauldron and stops. This is the location of where the premonition took place that involved Fighter she had when she first arrived. She recalls another brief premonition from before, also in this spot also involving Fighter. She has in tears telling Fighter she was sorry and then there was a bright flash of light. Sorry about what? Why does some of this involve Fighter? "What am I missing?" And when should she tell the others what she has seen?
The purple haired woman stands in front of the three senshi before her. She is thrilled at their update to continue to hear of Sailor Cosmos' struggles but she needs more.
"I overheard the Guardian mentioning the Galaxy Cauldron is closer to Earth than to Kinmoku during breakfast this morning."
She smiles at this update. "Perfect. Keep a close eye on her and see if you can learn anything else. I have a few other senshi that can follow her once she returns to Earth. I must know the cauldron's precise location otherwise I will never be able to create a portal there or within its vicinity."
The woman sits back down in her regal chair. "These difficulties are pushing the Guardian to her limit." The instability will make the senshi that much easier to control. With a wave of her hand she dismisses the women before her.
The Queen's powers are steadily growing as she learns the dark arts. She plans to reclaim what was once hers. She knows Sailor Pluto foolishly used the Crystal Key. She felt its power being released. If she can feel its powers it means she can still wield the staff to bend time to her will but she will need all three for what she is planning. Cosmos will be her most difficult obstacle. She'll have to strike her when it is unexpected.
She ponders her options. Maybe she is going about this wrong. She needs to befriend the Guardian first. It would be easier to manipulate her. Perhaps she can find a way to convince Sailor Cosmos to take her to the Galaxy Cauldron. She briefly considers this idea before dismissing it. If that one senshi is on Earth, her cover will be blown. That senshi would recognize her immediately which is why she has taken such caution to remain in the shadows for so long.
She may not currently possess her previous abilities but she has learned to adapt. She picks up her tarot card to help her read the future.
Shiori can't recall the last time she was nervous to speak with Queen Kakyuu. She waits in the monarch's office while the Queen sees Sailor Cosmos off. She has a few assumptions on why the Queen wanted to talk to her. News of her and Seiya seemed to travel quickly even among the senshi that were out on assignment. Her training session with Striker and the new senshi was interesting to say the least. The senshi in training wanted to ask her so many questions if it was true. They had seen how the two of them interacted in the mines and Cosmos' coldness toward Fighter when they returned. She frowns. He's leaving in a few days. Her actions created the tension she need between Seiya and Usagi. But Seiya is now avoiding her after he confronted her yesterday while she was meeting with Yuna and Sakura. Usagi is at the Galaxy Cauldron. She'll speak to him after.
Queen Kakyuu enters the room and Shiori is immediately on her feet to acknowledge her Queen's presence and bows.
"Please be seated." Queen Kakyuu quickly dismisses the lavender haired woman as she sits down behind her desk. She looks at Shiori with a stern expression. "Do you know why I have summoned you?"
Shiori shifts in her seat moments after she sits down. "I have a few ideas." She admits, not wanting to look at her Queen.
"What were you thinking?" Her tone is anything but friendly.
Shiori realizes she is going to be on the defensive since no one will advocate for her. "The new law is meant to allow the Starlights to pursue relationships… it no longer limits us who we can be with." She speaks confidently. The new laws grant her a lot of freedom she did not previously have.
"We talked about how inappropriate it was last year after they returned to Earth."
"The rules were different then," Shiori tries to defend her actions. "Nothing happened between Seiya-san and I since, until the laws changed."
Queen Kakyuu watches Shiori carefully waiting for her to continue.
"He and Usagi-san have had nothing but problems since they came here in the past two weeks. He needs to be aware he has options and he doesn't have to be with her. He's not going to be on Earth forever. The Starlights serve Kinmoku."
Queen Kakyuu holds up her hand to cut off Shiori. "What if Seiya is meant to remain on Earth?"
Shiori lets out of a small gasp. She had tried to assure herself repeatedly that will not happen since she struggles with the idea of him never returning permanently. "Their place is on Kinmoku."
Kakyuu slowly shakes her head sadly. "The Oracle doesn't agree with you either."
Shiori swallows the growing lump in her throat. "I don't understand… why … they are Starlights just like the rest of us."
"They would not be the first Starlights to leave the palace. You know this. You've seen their abilities when they fight. They possess powers none of you do."
The lavender haired woman recalls when they transformed for the training. She was stunned as well as the others to the see the Starlights with feathers wings. Their sailor collars are different. When they transformed they each had an eight pointed star mixed in with a two five pointed stars. Their brooches have a silver crescent moon on them. They are members of another kingdom. "They are more powerful but that's it." She minimizes not wanting to accept it.
Queen Kakyuu shakes her head. "I haven't told the others because I know how the Council will react. I am telling you this in strictest confidence so you will understand. The silver crescent moon marks on their brooches means they are members of the Silver Millennium Court." She pauses, "those markings also mean Neo Queen Serenity and her court… have extended lives."
Shiori inhales sharply. "What are you saying?"
"They will outlive all of us," Queen Kakyuu responds softly. "Which is fortunate since Fighter, Maker, and Healer will play a large role in the recreation of the Silver Millennium… more than they have of the restoration of Kinmoku." The Queen looks directly at Shiori. "Especially Seiya. He needs to be by her side."
Her shoulders slump in defeat. "Why… does it have to be him?" Her voice cracks. Why did the Oracle have to see this?
"The heart does what it wants," Princess Kakyuu tries to explain to her. "And it won't always listen to reason."
"Maybe… he'll change his mind." She looks away. "He can be with her in another lifetime… after… I pass on."
Queen Kakyuu gives her a skeptical look. "His feelings for her didn't change when he hadn't seen her for a year. Why would it change now?"
"Well the miscarriage…Usagi-san was carrying someone's child," Shiori tries to find a reason for him to leave Usagi.
Queen Kakyuu's eyes narrow.
Shiori lightens her tone, "it was an unusual situation…but…"
"They were in the process of mending things until you interfered."
Shiori's eyes are lowered. It is clear by the Queen's voice she is disappointed in her actions. She hates to displease her Queen.
"I want you to keep your distance from Seiya." She pauses. "No, both of them. They need to work this out. So much depends on it."
Shiori picks up her head. "Why? Why is it so important for them to be together? Why is Usagi-san's kingdom so important?"
Queen Kakyuu facial expression hardens. "I cannot discuss what the Oracle has seen in their future."
"So… I'm supposed to just watch the person I care about the most leave?" Shiori can feel tears stinging her eyes at the thought.
"He's happiest with her. Shouldn't his happiness be important to you?" The two women sit in silence for several minutes. "There will be no further issues." She pauses; she needs to make Shiori understand this is not open for debate. "If there is another instance I will see to it personally you will no longer be a senshi."
Shiori can only nod her head with her eyes closed. She's too upset and doesn't think she can answer without bursting into tears.
Sailor Cosmos leaves for Kinmoku later than she anticipated. She lost track of time and how long she remained at the Galaxy Cauldron. The sun is setting by the time she returns to the Scarlet Palace. She had considering staying at the Silver Millennium for the evening but she didn't want the others to worry. After all she will be returning to Earth soon enough. She contacted Queen Kakyuu to let her know she was on her way back.
When she arrives she is greeted by Minako, Queen Kakyuu, and a doctor.
Sailor Cosmos is winded but overall feels fine. "I'm okay, just tired after the long journey." She reassures them. "I just want to rest for the evening."
The doctor nods his head after listening to the Guardian. He was there in case she needed any assistance when she first arrived.
"Let me walk you back," Minako offers, not wanting to leave Usagi alone after everything she experienced.
"I'm fine, Minako-chan. I want to be on my own for a bit." Cosmos voice softens. "I didn't find Chibi Usa's starseed. I'll try again after we go home in a few days." She turns and walks away, her cape blowing slightly in the evening air.
Sailor Cosmos walks back to her room, her heels clicking loudly on the floor but she doesn't pay attention. She's too pre-occupied with trying to figure out where Chibi Usa's starseed could be and why it has not appeared.
She turns the corner and barely misses walking directly into Seiya.
She gasps seeing him. Her eyes meet his for a few seconds. She sees agony, uneasiness, and remorse in them before she looks away.
Seiya witnesses a slightly different range of emotions in her eyes. First he saw unbearable sadness, surprise and then anger. "Odango…" he whispers softly.
She shakes her head no at him and starts to walk away.
"We need to talk." His voice softens. "Please." He pleads with her.
Sailor Cosmos stops but refuses to turn around. "We leave in two days. We'll talk before we leave." She is about to resume the walk back to her quarters and then adds, "after dinner tomorrow." She needs time to mentally prepare. "Until then, please keep your distance. I need time before I'm ready to talk about this."
Her voice sounds so fragile to him. "Tomorrow," he agrees. Relieved she is willing to talk to him.
"I'll listen but that doesn't mean things will change between us," Sailor Cosmos cautions him. She's too hurt to even consider being with him.
The moment of relief Seiya felt is short lived. He wants to say more but doesn't want to risk angering her, especially while she is in her sailor fuku. "I'll wait for you after dinner." He finally responds.
"Hmmm," Sailor Cosmos agrees before she continues down the hallway.
She de-transforms when she arrives at her room. Will anything even change between them? What possible explanation could he have? Her shoulders slump. How far would things have gone if she hadn't walked in?
A knock on the door disrupts her thoughts. She sighs. She just wants to be alone. She opens the door to find Rose.
"Good evening, I brought a large tray of food, they thought you'd be hungry," Rose passes the tray to Usagi.
Usagi is grateful for the food as her stomach rumbles. "Thank you."
Usagi spent part of the morning in the library searching for anything else on the Galaxy Cauldron. She is grateful Queen Kakyuu allowed her access to the materials. It seems strange that she is the one reading books. Normally this would have been left to Ami. But the information is monitored on whom has access. The books are also in Kinmokian so it is taking her a long time to read.
Nothing in the books discusses the location and it seems like most of them are speculation on how the Galaxy Cauldron works. It doesn't match what she was directly told by Karin. The books are a dead end. She sighs loudly in frustration temporarily hitting the table a few times with her hands. She is on her own.
She leaves the library and walks outside in the gardens, enjoying the fresh air. They are leaving tomorrow afternoon for Tokyo. She bypasses the rose bushes she saved last year as they still remind her of Mamoru. She won't be able to avoid him forever either.
As she wanders the grounds she finds a gazebo. She's not sure if she's ever seen it before. It is made of dark wood and rather large with a few benches. One area over looks a pond and the rest is surrounded by different bushes and flowers. She enters the structure and then spots him.
Seiya sees her and he turns to leave. "It's alright. I've been out here for a while. I'm going to head inside. Enjoy the view." He keeps his response short trying to honor her request from yesterday. "I'll see you later."
Usagi is a little surprised; she assumed he would try to talk to her now. "Thank you…" she murmurs.
Seiya gives her a half smile before he turns to leave.
Usagi sits down on the bench Seiya had occupied moments ago. She looks at the pond in the distance. It is a beautiful view. Sudden her nose catches his lingering scent. Her hands are on her lap and she clenches them tightly together. Water droplets begin to land on her hands. She cries softly. She just wants to stop feeling this pain. Pain of losing Chibi Usa. Pain of her fights with Seiya. She just wants these feelings to end. Maybe it would be better if she can't feel anything anymore.
Seiya watches her from a distance for a few moments before she breaks down. He hates seeing her struggle so much and he can't be the one to comfort her. If only he had listen to her from the beginning when they learned about the miscarriage. Things never would have become so out of hand.
On his way inside he passes Shiori. She barely acknowledges him. Whatever Queen Kakyuu had told her yesterday has forced her to keep her distance. For that he is grateful. He couldn't handle another pushy encounter. He was trying not to lose it as it is.
Usagi can hear everyone speaking around her but she doesn't pay attention to what they are saying. Her heart is beating so fast at the thought of speaking to Seiya about what she witnessed between him and Shiori. She's angry whenever she thinks about it. She struggles to eat her dinner, a rare occurrence for her.
"It will be okay Usagi-chan," Minako whispers trying to encourage her. She turns to Yaten and Taiki. "I want to ask you guys for some help with a song!"
"A song…?" Yaten looks completely baffled at the request out of nowhere.
Minako gives him a look and then gestures to Usagi and Seiya.
Yaten leans back slightly in the chair and sighs. Of course he was somehow going to be roped into this. He turns to Taiki, "it wouldn't hurt."
Once they leave, it doesn't take long before Seiya and Usagi are the only ones left in the room. Usagi hasn't moved yet.
Seiya hesitantly approaches her. "Where did you want to talk?"
"Not in your room," Usagi immediately answers.
"Right." Seiya racks his brain for a moment before he comes up with an idea. "What about the gazebo from this afternoon?" He's always wanted to take her to that spot in the gardens as it's been one of his favorites. He would have preferred different circumstances but the peaceful atmosphere might help.
Usagi considers his suggestion. It would be better to talk somewhere more neutral. "Sure." She pauses for a moment. "You can go on ahead, I'll be there shortly."
"Okay," Seiya slowly gets up and heads out to the garden. He's been rehearsing what he wants to say in his mind all day. He has to make things right with her. It can't keep going on like this. He paces back and worth, waiting for her to arrive. As he waits, the sun lowers a little more into the horizon and begins to light up the sky in shades of orange and pink.
He reaches the end of the gazebo and turns around to find her at the other end. The colors of the sunset hit her perfectly, taking his breath away. But the frown on her face reminds him of what they need to discuss.
She hesitantly takes a few steps forward. "I was really mad at you when you didn't want to listen to me…" She sighs and sits down on a nearby bench unable to finish her sentence. "But after what I saw…." She looks like she wants to be anywhere but here. "I'm not sure if we have a lot of talk about."
Seiya resigns himself to this being an uphill battle. He sits down on the bench next to her. This is his one chance to plead his case. "I was asleep and there was a knock at the door. I thought it was you. Things are a little hazy because I only remember a part of it. I remember someone crawling into the bed… and I was apologizing to you for the things that happened… well I thought it was you. I feel back asleep and was woken up when… I was kissed."
Usagi hands clench tightly on her lap.
"I thought it was you Odango. I never imagined someone else would sneak into my room like that. Had I realized it was Shiori-chan sooner, none of that would have happened."
Usagi struggles with his explanation. "I found you practically naked with… another girl on top of you and your hands were around her hips. And you're trying to tell me, your reasoning for that is because you thought it was me?"
"I don't want to be with anyone but you," Seiya tries to reassure her. This whole situation would be easier if it was anyone but Shiori. But no one else is crazy enough to pull such a stunt.
"…what would have happened if I didn't walk in?" She has to ask, looking at him to gauge how he reacts to the question.
"Nothing," Seiya immediately responds. "As soon as I realized it wasn't you, everything stopped."
"It stopped because you heard my voice." Usagi speaks softly. Her hurt and disappointment become more evident. "This isn't the first time something happened between you and Shiori-chan either." She stares at her hands. "How… how do I know that nothing happened while I was on Earth or at the Galaxy Cauldron?"
"There is nothing going on," Seiya tries to alleviate her anxiety. "It's kind of like…" He stops.
"Like what?"
"… like how you spend time with Mamoru-san… but nothing happens." Seiya bites his tongue. He doesn't dare mention the time at the Silver Millennium when they first started dating and something did happen.
Usagi glares at Seiya. "That's different. You knew about our history… what I gave up to be with you. And yet you hid you history with Shiori-chan like it was a dirty secret."
"It was only because of the laws on Kinmoku. It was never important to me. You are." He is trying really hard to stop her from becoming upset.
She asks in a small voice, "where you going to hide this from me too?"
Seiya sighs. "I don't want to hide things from you Odango. I mean what I said about not having secrets between us." He wishes he could lean over and hug her tightly but he's afraid of how she would react based on the direction of this conversation. It is not going as well as he had hoped.
"I think all of this happened because of the ruling from the Council Meeting. Her behavior has changed a lot since then and it's because of the laws," Seiya thinks out loud.
Usagi recalls the relief she felt that night to know Seiya would be able to keep his Change Star. She was so happy that night and then everything changed. "I can't just get past seeing you kissing someone just as we were starting to move past the miscarriage. I can't just unsee it. And with her out of all people." Her voice cracks a little at what she about to say. "It… would have been better if I didn't insist on coming to Kinmoku." She shakes her head. "No…its better I know about you and Shiori-chan now before things went any further with us."
Seiya can't believe what he is hearing. He needs to change her mind. "There is nothing going on between Shiori-chan and I."
"You can't just brush this off like you did your last encounter with her Seiya," some of her anger is starting to surface. She can't get the image of Seiya and Shiori kissing passionately out of her head. She stands up abruptly. "I don't think this is going to work." Her words are similar to the ones Seiya spoke to her when he walked out of her room at the medical wing.
"Odango, please…" Seiya pleas as he reaches over to hold her hands, trying to get her to reconsider. "I know we can talk this out." He stands next to her, closing the distance between them.
Usagi shakes her head no. Looking up into his eyes this time, "when we get back to Tokyo, I don't want to see you for a while. Maybe longer." She starts to free her hands from his. She is confused for a moment when she feels a few drops of water hit them.
She looks at Seiya and sees the tears in his eyes. For a moment she reconsiders but then pictures him with Shiori. "I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast and when we leave. Queen Kakyuu has a few things she wishes to go over with me." She quickly slips away before her own tears fall. She is angry at him but this moment is still heartbreaking to her. She thought Seiya would have been her forever. She had once thought the same about Mamoru, but she was wrong then too.
"I'm sorry your visit here was… so difficult," Queen Kakyuu offers her sympathy to Usagi. "I hope this will not deter you visiting in the future."
Usagi nods her head. "I will visit you in the future, but it might be a little while."
"That is understandable. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me as much as you need to on the communicator," Queen Kakyuu reminds her gently.
"Thank you… for the communicator."
"I do have the final one I wanted to present to you to give to Sailor Uranus," Queen Kakyuu hands Usagi another device. It has red wings and a golden heart. In the middle of the heart is the planetary symbol for Uranus. "I do hope in time, everyone will be able to get along." She references the struggles between Haruka and Seiya.
"Yeah…" Usagi adds numbly. It's clear she is still struggling with recent events between Shiori and Seiya.
"Have you spoken to him? He was rather upset last we talked when you are the Galaxy Cauldron."
"Last night," she responds softly, tears threatening to return. "I don't want to discuss it."
Queen Kakyuu frowns. She was hoping to let Usagi know she spoken to Shiori regarding her actions but she does not want to upset Usagi any further before she leaves. Instead she responds, "I understand." She changes the subject. "Your birthday is coming up."
"Hmm," Usagi responds with a little more enthusiasm. "I'm going to spend the day with Minako-chan, Rei-chan, Mako-chan, Ami-chan, and Naru-chan. It's a tradition that we have."
"That sounds wonderful to be surrounded by friends on such a joyous day," Queen Kakyuu is trying to lift Usagi's spirit but it seems impossible at the moment. There is one final matter she needs to discuss. "I understand Chibi Usa-chan's starseed as not appeared at the Galaxy Cauldron."
The Queen's statement causes Usagi to look up and her full attention is now on the red haired woman across from her. "I don't understand why her starseed hasn't appeared."
She realizes it time to tell her about her beloved, Akio. "There are a handful of starseeds that never returned after Chaos attacked Kinmoku. Since then, Galaxia has tried to find those missing starseeds, as well as many of the Starlights that you met during the training. But each time it has been a dead end." Her composure begins to crumble. "One of those starseeds is Akio, my fiancée."
Usagi's eyes widen in surprise. "I'm so sorry…" She feels horrible for the woman sitting across from her. To not have the person she cherishes most returned to her after the battle.
"If Chibi Usa-chan's starseed is found, I will notify you personally," Queen Kakyuu wipes a few tears away from her eyes as she thinks about Akio. "Treasure the time you have with everyone because you never know when it may suddenly end."
"…I will…" Usagi responds solemnly. She had felt that pain too often in combat seeing her friends die and not knowing if this will be the time she will not be able to save them.
Sailor Venus, Sailor Star Healer, Sailor Star Maker, and Sailor Star Fighter stand with the Queen's Guard in the garden as they wait for Usagi and Queen Kakyuu.
"Time went by kind of fast," Venus comments. She was just getting used to the palace but it was time for them to return to Tokyo. She looks over at Yuna and Sakura. "Thank you for teaching me a lot about the palace and how it functions. I know I still have a lot to learn."
"Of course," Sakura smiles. "I would have loved to take you on scouting missions too but we don't have many of those anymore."
"That is expected since your role is to stay by the Queen," Sailor Star Healer interjects. "Venus is the not the best at stealth either."
Venus turns her head sharply at Healer. "Really?"
"Nemesis," Healer responds.
Sailor Venus opens her mouth to retort but stops and starts laughing. "Yeah… well I pulled an Usagi-chan and tripped. You just happened to be there." She tries to brush it off.
Yuna laughs. "You two are really alike. I wish you could have seen when Hikaru-san tried to review hand to hand combat with her."
Shiori suppresses a laugh at the memory. "That… was something else. I never expected a senshi to be so… uncoordinated."
"It takes some getting used to," Sailor Star Maker adds recalling the times she had rescued Sailor Moon against the Animates.
Fighter is quiet while everyone speaks. She's been desperate to speak to Odango since last night but the blonde is clearly avoiding her. She doesn't know what to do. She doesn't want to anger her any further but she can't just leave things like this. They can't work this out if they don't talk.
Shiori picks up on how distant Fighter is. It reminds her of how Fighter acted when she first returned to Kinmoku after Princess Kakyuu was found. But this is worse. The senshi before her is an unbearable pain. She bites her lip. She caused part of this. Before she can dwell on it further, Queen Kakyuu and Sailor Cosmos arrive.
Cosmos hesitates as she looks at the group gathered here. It's not surprising to see Yuna, Sakura, and Shiori here. She just wishes she could have avoided them.
Queen Kakyuu addresses the five senshi before they depart. "I truly enjoyed our time together and I hope to see you all again soon." She genuinely means it.
"Try to stay out of trouble," Yuna smiles looking at Yaten.
"Back to being famous, eh?" Sakura teases them.
"Have a safe journey," Shiori adds, unsure of what else she should say after she was given a directive to keep her distance.
Queen Kakyuu already gave personal goodbyes to Maker, Healer, and Fighter this morning. It is difficult each time to see them leave but in her heart she knows they are happier on Earth. Even Maker, she just hasn't realized it yet. "I'm glad I got to know you better Minako-chan. You're welcome here, always."
Sailor Venus smiles. "Thank you! I learned so much here and I can't wait to come back." She conveys her enthusiasm. She knows how important this kingdom is to Healer.
Feathers fly through the air as large wings appears on Sailor Cosmos' back as she prepares for the journey. She pauses. She contacted Sailor Callisto earlier this morning. "We'll be stopping on Pluto to see the Moon Senshi. We promised to see them on the way back."
"Are you sure you're up for this journey?" Sailor Venus eyes her Queen for any sign of exhaustion.
"I… will manage. But we'll be moving slower," Sailor Cosmos hesitates. She places her staff in front of her. "Is everyone ready?" Her voice already sounds weary. She struggled with sleeping last night after speaking with Seiya.
The four senshi gather around Sailor Cosmos and hold each other's hands. Sailor Cosmos inhales a deep long breath to focus her energy before she raises her staff in the air. The ring around her right ring finger glows first to activate teleportation. The other seven begin to glow followed by the eight pointed star in her staff.
Wind begins to pick up around the senshi. The star on her forehead flashes brightly as wall of white light washes over her and the four senshi around her. Instantly they are gone and out of the atmosphere of Kinmoku.
Queen Kakyuu and the Queen's Guard watch five fading stars as they travel to Earth. Within a matter of minutes they can no longer see them.
Despite just wanting to go home and put her trip to Kinmoku behind her, Sailor Cosmos takes a brief detour on Pluto to keep her promise to visit the Moon Senshi.
When the five senshi arrive, all the Moon Senshi are present and waiting for Sailor Cosmos. They had some questions for their Queen based on what they learned from Sailor Charon.
Sailor Charon is the first to speak to her. "Why did you return to Earth to attack Sailor Pluto?" She immediately questions rather than greeting the Queen.
"Charon," Sailor Callisto chides, trying to remind her she is speaking to their Queen.
Cosmos' anger flares as she is reminded of what Sailor Pluto and Sailor Charon cost her. "Maybe the two of you shouldn't have tried to change the timeline."
"We wouldn't have had to if-" She stops. She doesn't want to have this conversation in front of the others. She switches language to Lunarian. "If you didn't pick that Starlight."
The Starlights and Venus only understood one word of what Sailor Charon spoke, Starlight. They could already guess where this conversation was going.
Fighter eyes narrow as Charon continues to speak to Sailor Cosmos but she doesn't know what they are saying. It's their fault all of these issues started with Odango. Everything was fine until they meddled. She's at her breaking point. She can't hold it in. "Why couldn't you let her made her own decisions?"
Sailor Charon turns to Fighter in annoyance. "If you had returned to Kinmoku and stayed where you belonged, none of this would have happened! Pluto and I wouldn't have needed to correct it! Your mere presence changed the timeline."
"You spend too much time worrying about a timeline rather than protecting your Queen," Sailor Star Fighter snaps back as she advances forward, energy sparking around her fingertips as she glares at the senshi that created this whole mess. If wasn't for her meddling with Pluto, everything would be perfect between her and Cosmos.
"That's enough!" Sailor Cosmos shouts, silencing everyone. "I'm tired of listening to what my future should be and shouldn't be!" Her hands shake as her rings glow. She is tired of all of this. She wants to stop feeling hurt and this pain.
Venus rushes over to Sailor Cosmos to hug her. "It's okay Usagi-chan." She has to calm her down incase her anger escalates further. After a moment she shifts to face the Moon Senshi. "Shouldn't her future be her decision? Maybe this new future won't be so bad? Did you even think of that? You should be supporting her!" She glares at them. "It's a good thing you remain this far away from us. It's been a year but nothing has changed with you."
"Please accept my apologies, My Queen. Sailor Charon does not speak for all of us," Sailor Phobos adds while giving Sailor Charon a piercing glance.
"But it doesn't explain why you would attack a fellow senshi. It has us concerned," Sailor Triton responds her emerald eyes studying Sailor Cosmos. "What could have angered you so?" She asks softly.
Sailor Cosmos shakes her head. If she tells them it is only a matter of time until Pluto and the other Outer Senshi find out. They'll eventually tell Mamoru. She can't have that.
Seeing how much Cosmos is struggling, Sailor Venus comes to her defense. "She'll tell you when she is ready."
Sailor Cosmos corrects her posture to stand a little taller. "We need to be heading back to Earth; the others are waiting for us." Her voice cracks. She's tired of fighting everyone. She doesn't have the strength to defend her decision to choose Seiya when everything has come crashing down. She pauses. They are going to notice her presence more if she goes to the Galaxy Cauldron. She speaks to Oberon. "I have some …. things I need to do within this star system. Don't be surprised if you see my energy source more frequently in certain areas." She keeps her answers vague.
Sailor Star Maker's eyes widen at the implications. She murmurs in Kinmokian, "The Galaxy Cauldron is in this star system."
Sailor Cosmos turns her head sharply at Sailor Star Maker with her eyes narrowed to give her a warning to not say anything else.
"…Odango…" Sailor Star Fighter looks at her in shock. It makes sense why she said home was closer than Kinmoku. Why her starseed was chosen to be the new Guardian, to have Sailor Cosmos reborn and remain so close by the Galaxy Cauldron to guard it.
"We need to leave," Sailor Cosmos repeats, she raises her staff in the air to let the Starlights and Venus know it was not a suggestion.
Seiya can't catch a break! Poor guy. Why won't Usagi believe him? The same thing she accused Seiya of doing, not believing her. Maybe she just needs some time to cool down.
NaNoWriMo begins on November 1st. Excited to write out some more plot points! Such as: Mamoru learns about Chibi Usa, how will Seiya and Usagi work out this new hurdle, Sailor Cosmos meeting Queen Pandora…. and the answer to the blue haired Sailor Cosmos. _ Sadly 50,000 words is not enough to cover all of it but we are getting closer!
I'm going to guess the next part will out in December. Mid December is my best guess. I'll have a better idea after I see how November goes. Updates will be posted on Tumblr and Twitter. See you then!