Movements of the Psyche

"It's a nickname my cousin made up for me because at first I wasn't going to tell him my name."

Charon smiled slowly and sadly. ~Silver crystal is not the only weapon that can be, and is, well hidden. Combine the powers of light with the powers of darkness, and you have a very powerful force, capable of destroying many things. I do not think that they are immune to that, because the darker energy can seek out what silver crystal can not...~ She flipped her locket into her hands, then opened it so that the crystal reflected her face. The scrolled silver patterns caught the light from the sun and absorbed it instead of sending it back out.

Yaten breathed a sigh of relief at her words and shook his head. "Don't scare me like that. And for safety's sake I'll stay male. That girl didn't remember me, and she had the book." Then he stared down at the ground. "I felt it. A warm wave.. when I was searching for the pulse of the yellow crystal. At first I thought it might be Princess.." He trailed off a moment. Then continued. "But it felt more like.. 'Odango-atama's' than hers.. but it was different.." Yaten stared up at the stars. "Princess.. Fighter.. Maker.. are they alright? I can't feel their stars... yet I know they aren't dead because I haven't felt them go out.." He wrapped his arms around himself. "We have always fought together.. we're a team.. and I'm without my two best friends and Princess." Tears fell down his usually joyful face. "I keep telling myself that they're safe and that Kalko doesn't have them.. but.. I.." He was crying.. "I survived again!" he said shaking his head.. "At what price.. have I lost those closest to me?"

Sakura looked up and smiled. ~Will you two get along for now?~ She said to Calmarya and Charon. ~Or would you both like to play with the fish? I'm tired of the arguing..~ She continued to smile sweetly. ~Or I'LL get rough.~ It was a promise.. she wanted to see what awaited them on the mainland when they arrived and how they planned to do this.. after all, they were playing a game... one she intended to see through.

Calmarya looked at the light-absorbing stone in amazement. Nervously, she looked at Charon. ~Okay, I won't do anything.~ she sent to her.

Kalko looked at Endymion. "Tell me, King," he said, saying King with fierce sarcasm. "What did you and your Queen do to the Crystal? Where are the pieces?" he asked.

Charon sighed. ~Shadow stone is all but useless unless I'm transformed. I was created to guard it and the gate of death and rebirth when the true Charon royal family died out. I know very little about it, except that Serenity and the last true Sailor Charon used it to seal Queen Beryl away for a long time, but that She who came before me died to do so.~ She looked over at Galatica, her face set in a bitter smile. ~Fish don't like me. Maybe because some of them pissed me off when they were humans. And until one comes to take my place, I exist.~

"A pulse for the Yellow Crystal? So you think the Crystal has retreated into someone?" Haruka asked. "But instead you felt something different? Like the two Princesses? Hm. . ." Haruka looked at Yaten, seeing that he was saddened by the thought of not having his close friends around. Haruka thought back . .Yes, she felt the same way when she had no idea where Michiru was. . .But Yaten had three people to worry about. . .
"Yaten-kun," Haruka began. "They are safe. You survived, yes, but they have as well. Give them some time; they will come soon enough." She gave him a smile, hoping he would be convinced that his friends were fine.
Haruka then looked out to the sea. "When are they going to get here?" Haruka wondered aloud. "It shouldn't have taken that long. . ."

A faint tickle at the back of Nandeshiko's mind made her briefly look around, during Calmarya's and Charon's silent exchange. 'What was that' she silently wondered to herself. Dismissing it, she turned to face her traveling companions.
"Well, we're nearly in port now, there's another bullet rail we might be able to ride, but we'll have to be careful. If the enemy has truly invaded, they will be on guard for us.
"With luck, we can be in Beijing within a few hours, and... I'm sorry, we haven't been properly introduced, Sailor Wind, was it?"

As the senshi who had flown ahead silently conversed, a man approached them. While his features betrayed his age (white hair), he seemed unusually spry, like he could fight as well as a man half his age. His clothes were long and a bit loose, and he wore an old, beaten cap on top of a mane of white hair. In a quiet voice, he introduced himself "Good evening, soldiers of the royal court. I am Bao, Nandeshiko's uncle that she may have mentioned. She will be arriving in a few hours, may I offer you shelter in my house?"

Haruka had waited for an answer from Yaten about the pulse he felt of the Yellow Crystal when all of a sudden she heard someone quietly address them. She did an immediate about face, and her face changed to one of skepticism and suspicion. But he did know Nandeshiko. . .So this couldn't have been some random intruder trying to betray them. Besides, how could anyone miss the name 'Nandeshiko?' That wasn't the most common name in the world. Haruka's furrowed brow straightened out, and she looked at him casually.
"Hello, Bao-san," Haruka said. "How far is your house from here? And I'll have to see about the others. . ." She looked at Hotaru, Yaten, and Neptune. "I'll have to see what they think."

Saturn by this time had detransformed to Hotaru, seeing that no trouble was coming yet she didn't want to be the red flag that Kalko's forces could spot that yes, they were senshi. She was still cautious and wary of her surroundings as she looked about the area of the port looking for the other girls. But when she looked back in the direction of Haruka, Neptune, and Yaten, she came over at once, seeing a stranger approach the three. She had heard his offer of shelter, and Haruka looked at her and the others with a look of inquisition and uncertainty.
"I suppose all we could do now is take his offer. If he is who he claims to be, then I am willing to go. I didn't mention I would trust him, I only mentioned I would go with him. Besides, standing out here isn't doing us any good either," Saturn concluded quietly to her three companions. She then waited for Yaten's response along with Neptune's.

Neptune detransformed into Michiru and walked over to Haruka and the old man Bao. "Thank you Bao-Sama, but I think I'll let Haruka handle this."

Yaten looked at the man and shook his head.. what other choice did they have. ~I'll tell you later Haruka.~ He said meaning the crystals.
He looked at the man with white hair and regarded him silently, he knew better than to judge a person by hair color.. after all his was silver. "It would appear that at the moment we have no other choice but to believe you." Yaten answered. "Trust is another story." He said looking out over the water. His tears after years of training had disappeared leaving no trace, when the man had made his presence known. "Makenai..(Don't give up.)" He looked at them. "Shall we go?"

Sakura looked at Charon and shook her head. ~Sorry. I don't intend on truly killing. Once you're dead that's it you're dead and I can't have fun with you anymore. Do continue to play please. It'll get boring, and I have to find a new player to take your place if you don't... perhaps the Princess Serenity.. or is it Chibi Usa? These royal names can get so very confusing...~ she smiled and looked at the girl. From the relative safety of Wind's arms....

Charon looked at Galatica. ~The princess' name is Usagi, just like her mother's was. She's called Chibi Usa to distinguish her from her mother.~ She flipped her locket closed, then detransformed. From a hip pouch, Midoriko pulled a CD player and a Lunarock CD to listen to while they docked.

"Given all that has happened, I understand you not fully trusting me. Come, and I will explain everything." Turning, Bao walked off, heading towards a less populated part of the area they were in. As the senshi walked through with their newfound companion, they noticed something odd. No one was looking at them. This was not the normal introversion one might see in a city, it was as if noone perceived their very existence. That was especially true when two people, dressed in the uniforms of Kalko's minions, walked right by them without so much as a second look. Or a first look, for that matter. "A clouded mind sees nothing." was Bao's only explanation. "Ah, we are here." The senshi saw that they had come across an old house, similar to the ones they had passed before. "Please, enter, and make yourself at home. You have the word of a retired Psycho Soldier that no harm will befall you while you are here."

The docking complete, the senshi who had traveled by boat were quietly unloaded before the boat could be searched. They emerged from a darkened building, a little damp. Remembering Charon's uneasiness, Nandeshiko kept an eye on her. *Could she be afraid of water?* she asked herself. *I'm an idiot! I should have checked first!*
"Charon-san, I'm really sorry if I've caused you any trouble. I should have checked to see if there was some other way than by boat." A voice from the shadows called over to them.
"Quickly, this way!"
"Who's there?" Nandeshiko asked.
"Your uncle Bao sent me to meet you, we have to hurry. Kalko's troops are coming this way!"

Yaten had followed and didn't think much of the men not noticing them.. Bao's words confirmed what he thought might be happening. His thoughts were elsewhere and when they arrived at the house he sat down in a chair facing out the window.. without thinking he began to hum.. it slowly worked its way into a lowsung song.. he was trying to relieve some of the stress he was feeling..
"KAMEREON no toiki nigotta EMERARUDO betsu ni IYA janai kedo wareta SANGURASU mikazuki no GEEMU KONTORORAA futari oite sotto nuke dasu AIDORU no sekai kara Benkyou, RESSUN, soshite mayo naka tameiki bakari nemurenai.... nemurippa nashino keitai denwa PURINSESU wa ima doko ni ashita mo mata, ano hito o zanashi MAIKU ni sasayaku..."
(The deep sigh of a chameleon An impure emerald I don't really mind it, but Broken sunglasses Crescent moon game controller Leaving the other two I softly slip away From the world of idols Studying, lessons, and then it is midnight Nothing but sighs, I can't sleep My cell phone is still lying asleep Where is our princess now... Again tomorrow I will search for her Whispering into the mike..)
"kiiroi bara no hohoemi himo no kireba BASSHU betsu ni IYAjanai kedo gyakuten no tokei yaru kinai ginno SABAIBARU NAIFU futari oite sotto nuke dasu shounen no sekai kara"
(The yellow smile of a rose Sneakers with cut shoelaces I don't really mind it, but A reversed watch A silver survival knife I won't use Leaving the other two I softly slip away From the world of boys...)
"MEIKU APPU, sentou, soshite mayo naka hoozubakari tsuraidake.... tsuraku seiza hyou, utsusu MONITAA PURINSESU wa ima doko ni"
(Make up, battle, and then it is midnight Just resting my chin, only hardships... The painful star chart displayed on the monitor Where is our princess now...)
"ashita mo mata, ano hito o zanashi GITAA o tsumabiku"
(Again tomorrow I will search for her Strumming my guitar)
"benkyou, RESSUN, soshite mayo naka KOOFII ireta, nantonaku....nazedaka ooku, toketeku MIRUKU PURINSESU wa ima doko ni..."
(Studying, lessons, and then it is midnight I made coffee, somehow or other For some reason most of the milk is melting away Where is our princess now...)
"ashita mo mata ano hito o zanashi MAIKU ni sasayaku" Yaten let the melody fade off of as he stared out the window... the tension in his chest a little less than before.. singing helped him relax.. it was going to drive him crazy if he couldn't find another means of unwinding..

Sakura frowned as she watched them all get wet.. 'Girl-chan' as she preferred to be called had kept her above the water. How long before they got to this safe heaven... or until Calmarya decided to finally betray them? This was fun.

Midoriko looked up at Nandeshiko and nearly fell in when the stranger interrupted. She caught her balance and again wished furiously for her mirror, just to check if the reports were true. Not a fool, she resolved the watch, in case it was a trap.

Sarice followed slowly keeping quiet other than the low hum forming in her throat. She seemed to be distracted by something, yet there was nothing to be distracted by. She looked up and frowned and said in a loud clear voice, "It's too quiet, no one's talking I can't stand such silence!" her bottom lip started to quiver and she turned her attention to the child in her arms. She started to sing in a low voice, "Hikaru kaze no naka, hohoenderu anata ga iru..."

Midoriko was getting annoyed. Whats her name had started singing, which furthered that, until Midoriko mistepped. She fell in water shallow enough for the boat, but deep enough she couldn't touch bottom. She screamed and thrashed about, panicking like she had only once before in her long life, the first time she had fallen off a boat. She still couldn't swim, and her efforts were barely keeping her head above water.

Sarice stared in shock and set down Sakura, running over to Midoriko to help her up, "Are you ok? Are you hurt?" She helped her up and then rushed back over to the child and held her in her arms once more.

Midoriko coughed up a large amount of water, then gagged. Looking down at her arm, she saw a long red welt, common in very poisonous jellyfish stings. "No..." She managed to reply, before she passed out.

"OH MY!" Sarice looked around and gently put Sakura in the arms of the closest senshi, then rushing over to Midoriko softly catching her before she hit the ground, "We need ice!" she pulled Midoriko over to a post and leaned her back, "This can't be good..."

Ryuoshi hissed as his lower right arm started burning. His object of eternal hatred had hurt herself with something poisonous, and that was leaking into his system as well. Without thinking, he appeared where she was and roughly shoved the senshi next to her away, carefully examining her arm to see what was wrong.

Sakura sighed and climbed out of the person's arms that was holding her. This was an end game move she didn't like. Walking over to Midoriko she stood in front of her. ~Just this once I'll help you. Only because I don't want to spend the rest of my time in this rat infested area.~ In the center of her forehead the five marks began to glow. The center star, the small one on the top right and the small one on the lower left. She reached into the past and spoke this girl's true name as it was in the books of knowledge.. Sakura's eyes cleared and became a crystalline blue. No longer dark. There was a light and clarity to them unlike any other. The wound seemed to happen in reverse closing itself and pushing out the poison. There however was a mark where the wound had been. ~That is the most I can do. You will be woozy for a while.. and a little tired but your life is no longer in danger.~ Sakura's voice was soft and gentle.. then it darkened as her eyes once again became clouded and dark. ~Don't expect it a second time.~

Ryuoshi watched carefully, then frowned as something slipped through his mind, almost but not quite within his grasp. He shook it off, then disappeared with his mind ringing.

Midoriko watched Sakura carefully. She heard the person Sakura had been, and caught a distorted echo of what had driven her mad. ~I thank you, and owe you a debt. And I always pay my debts, in my own time and way.~

Calmarya took note of the strange man who came to Midoriko, learning with her powers that it was Ryuoshi, Midoriko's brother. She then watched as Sakura healed the wound, noting that she would be an enemy not to cross with.

Kalko looked at Endymion, held by the guards. "Release him." he said to them. "I can handle him." As the guards let him go, Kalko walked to him, got in his face, and laughed evilly. "Where is your kingdom now, Great King?" he asked mockingly. "And where are the pieces to the Crystal? And, while we're at it, where are the Senshi and the Princess? If you don't tell me, I'll make you tell me."

Haruka followed Bao to his house, noting that fact that "a clouded mind sees nothing." She thought it was rather interesting that Kalko's men didn't notice the group of detransformed senshi walking through the city. She entered Bao's house, not wanting to sit down just yet, still a little unsure of Bao. He had given her his word, but still. . . she was always suspicious. Haruka then decided to join Yaten while the group waited for the other senshi. "Hello there, Yaten-kun," Haruka said. "Are you okay? 'Still thinking about your friends, ne?" Haruka continued, concerned. "But your feelings about the Crystal. . . did you want to talk about that as well?"

Midoriko felt nothing more than stunned surprise when she hit the floor. This was similar to her gating with mirrors, except it lasted longer. Feeling the lack of Ryuoshi's annoying mental presence, she realized that he couldn't trace her when Nandeshiko gated. She bent down and checked on the exhausted girl. "She needs rest more than anything..."

Yaten had listened to the man and shrugged. It didn't mean that he trusted him. He then turned to Haruka. "I remember during the battle with Galaxia that this silver crystal, also happens to be Usagi's star seed. I have the ability to sense them, star seeds. If I can find the wave of each one by harmonizing my empathy with my ability to feel the light of each individual starseed, I might be able to find them. I'm thinking maybe the colors represent her emotions. Red love, yellow hope.. see what I mean? If I can find something relaxing I might be able to. Before, it was sitting with Fighter and Maker, or listening to Michiru's violin music. But now..." He shrugged.."I wouldn't know where to find the music. Your world has changed alot..."

"The greatest kingdoms are held within the heart by honest beliefs, not by power. If you are so powerful, why can't you find them yourself? Or since you seem to think you're smarter than them, why don't you just figure out where they are yourself? I mean, power brings arrogance, so you must be very powerful." Endymion retorted, and took a step back away from Kalko with an apology. "Gomen, but I cannot bear to be so close to such ugliness inside and out."
The 'King' showed no sign of any emotion on his tired body and expression besides pity. The pity was directed at Kalko somehow, and Endymion still managed to hold himself in a regal manner.
"Too bad you don't have intelligence or a soul to go along with your power." He said, pity dripping off his every word.

Haruka sat herself in a chair beside Yaten. Bao had given his history as well as Nandeshiko's. What was she supposed to say? Reject it as false? Accept it as truth? She was. . . indifferent toward the issue. Yet she kept it in mind. But it bothered her: The Psycho power had to be suppressed in order for the Silence to proceed? Was it truly that powerful? Just then, a bright flash of purple light emanated from the middle of the room. "Nani. . .?" Haruka wondered. Then she saw the rest of the senshi standing before them, except Nandeshiko, who fainted, but was being taken care of by Midoriko.
"Take her somewhere where she can rest then," Haruka said to Midoriko. "But you never told us you could teleport, now, did you?" Haruka knew that her fellow senshi: herself, Saturn, Neptune, Healer could have teleported using the Sailor Teleport technique, but Kalko would definitely have felt the surge of power and followed them quickly. Haruka hoped that Nandeshiko's teleportation stunt didn't give them away. Haruka simply did as Yaten did and shrugged at the situation. It would be a while before they could get going and find the Yellow Crystal. She turned to Yaten to listen to his Crystal analysis.
"It does make sense for one of light to perceive the light of Crystals with emotions locked inside of them. Perhaps if Seiya and Taiki were here, it would help. If I could help you with it, I would. I only know the location perhaps of two of the Crystals: Purple in Southeast Asia, and Blue in the Ocean. And those haven't been confirmed either."
Haruka then smiled at Yaten's last sentence. "Oh, so you think my piano playing isn't relaxing?" Haruka asked, one eyebrow raised and a teasing look on her face. "Ne, Yaten-kun, you have to know where to find the music." She then gently tapped her index finger on Yaten's chest, where his heart would be.
"The true music you have to listen to for now is inside. It'll be an endless search to find the music you require in this world, especially now with Crystal Tokyo in ruins and such. For now, it's all inside," Haruka finished, placing her own hand over her heart.

Yaten felt a heated blush slowly crawl up his cheeks when she laid a hand over his heart. "I never really got to hear any of your playing." He said trying to regain his composure. "You were too busy throwing daggers at us." He was still blushing. "Not that I blame you we were throwing a few of our own. But trust was a funny thing then." He shook his head. "Glad we can trust each other now... I'd hate to be alone on this world of yours."
He listened to her words. Inside of his heart. He had to find the peace inside of his heart... He slowly became aware of a second heart beat. It was hers.. and it was calm compared to his racing one. How in the world she could be so very calm was beyond him. But he listened to it. The sound of her heart, and realized that his own was slowing down. He was calming down. "'Ruka," He said looking up at her. He placed one of his own hands over hers. "I can't find peace in my heart. I'm trying, but I'm worried about Fighter and Maker. On top of my Princess."
He closed jade eyes and took a deep breath. They'd find them. But right now, he was feeling like Usagi once had. He needed to know...
"'Ruka," he looked at her. "We're friends right?"

Sakura was slightly impressed by this. She looked up at the man named Bao and at the others. Walking over to Calmarya she said in a soft tone. "Forgotten." Referring to how she was being so very quiet.

*He's. . . blushing? Yaten Kou, hardest-headed Sailor Starlight of Kinmoku. . . blushing?* Haruka thought to herself with a laugh, making sure not to embarrass the silver-haired Starlight though. "Of course I trust you. . . Before, I wouldn't have, you know," Haruka said with a wink. "Ja, Yaten-kun, you can trust me. We're all senshi, we're all the in the same situation. . ."
Normally she would have been slightly surprised at Yaten's action of placing his hand over her heart. But Haruka allowed him this one time to do so since he looked as if his own heart were to die of exhaustion. Haruka then gently removed his hand from her heart, but she still held it reassuringly. "Yaten-kun, Fighter and Maker, and your princess are alive. You won't have peace in your heart if you don't believe that."
*He's still worried. . . I'm such a hypocrite though! Kami-sama, if anything at all happened to Michiru. . .*
"Yaten-kun," Haruka said with a pleasant smile. "Of course we're friends." Then she added in a low voice. "We need as many as we can keep for now. . . I still have to see if I can trust the other newer senshi." She glanced over at the others warily, but turned back to Yaten with a smile. "But cheer up, Yaten-kun. Your friends and princess are safe."

"Hate to break it up you two, but could one of you help me move Nandeshiko into a bedroom? It's a two person job. I don't know if Kalko could sense it, but my twin sure as h*ll couldn't, which means at least one of our pursuers is off our backs for a while."

Yaten coughed into his fist, his eyes returning to normal as he calmed down. "I'll remember that." He said with a wink referring to her pep talk. He tried to shove his worry for his friends and princess to the far recesses of his mind. Then he stood and walked over to the fallen girl. Sighing, he lifted her up under the shoulders. "I'll get her." He then picked her up and turned to face the group. "Where do you want me to put her..." he narrowed his eyes at him. "What! Just because I'm shorter than most of you doesn't mean I'm weak! I'm forever carrying around people bigger than me." He said tartly. Then turning he walked into a room with a bed and set her down. He went back to the window seat, sat down with a hmpf. And gazed out the window arms crossed. His old aquarius temper was starting to pick up... so much for happy go lucky...he couldn't seem to relax enough for that.

Sakura picked up a trinket on the table and began to play with it. Amused with the whole situation.

Kalko was filled with rage at Endymion's words. However, he remained calm, and patient. "Yes, I am very powerful." Kalko said to him. "But I do have limits. All of my power comes from my Empress. Without her, I am nothing. She gave me power, but of course not as much as she has. Only she would have enough power to find the Crystals immediately, and she is occupied with controlling the other planets that she has rule over to be overly concerned with this pitifully weak one. That's why she made me Governor, so that I could handle the affairs of Earth. Now you may wonder why she even wants the Crystal if she's so powerful, right? Well, even she has limits, although I don't know them. With that Crystal, she would become the most powerful being in the Universe, her power multiplied by thousands, and nothing could stop her. Naturally, I feel obliged to help her. After all, if not for her, my sister and I would not be alive."

Calmarya looked at Sakura, playing with the trinket. Not understanding what she meant, she walked up to her, acting as if she were playing with her, and asked "What do you mean 'Forgotten'?"

Smiling, Bao offered to assist moving Nandeshiko to another room where she could rest.
"Teleporting this many this far was only possible by combining all of the power had by the psychics here; we won't be doing anything like that again for a while. And there is no need to fear Kalko's forces finding us here; even at this low level of power, we can still put up a cloak over this house; no one will see anything unusual here, either physically or psychically. We cannot maintain it for long with this many people or power levels, maybe a day or two at best."
Looking over at Haruka, he said "May I please have a word with you?"

Haruka smiled at Yaten's indignation. Yes, he was short, shorter than most of the other senshi around!
"Yaten-kun, I thought you were supposed to cheer up," Haruka said, teasing her friend. "Don't tell me I said all of that for it to be forgotten?" Haruka said, raising another eyebrow of playful skepticism again. "Hold on a minute, I'll be right back."
She got up from her seat and was about to see how Michiru was doing, but Bao stopped her. "Sure, I can talk," Haruka said seriously. "What did you need to talk to me about?"

Sarice just stood there, being as quiet as possible. She finally decided to say something but she didn't know what... *I've never NOT said anything when I had nothing to say...* She looked over to Sakura as she played with the trinket and smiled closing her eyes, "At the moment we can relax... let's just see how long that lasts!" she grinned playfully and found a chair to lounge in.

"It is about Nandeshiko. Her power is currently about that of the Inner Planet senshi when you fought the Death Busters, though I sense that she may even surpass her grandmother. She will need someone to guide her as she progresses. She is also new to this type of fighting, and she will need all the friends and allies she can get. I ask that you please keep an eye on her, and to please trust her."

Haruka pondered Bao's request. She still had no idea if she should trust him, or even Nandeshiko. But so far, they seemed to be trustworthy. Then again, that was only the surface. . . Haruka only knew them for such a short period of time. If she were the Haruka of old, she probably would have rejected the idea straight out, especially since before, she had such a hard time trusting the Starlights, and even believing in her own Princess, who was now the Queen. . .
But after growing up a little bit more, living in peaceful Crystal Tokyo. . . She supposed she could comply with Bao's request. She still wouldn't trust them completely. . . not yet. There was always the chance that they could gain her trust, but it would take a little bit more than just a kind face and some temporary hospitality.
"Hai, Bao-sama," Haruka said respectfully. "I'll look after Nandeshiko-san. I'll be sure to keep an eye on her, yes. After all, it is the least I can do for you since you've treated us this well already."
She was still rather indifferent to her new position, but she'd follow through. Besides, it would be a good way to see if she really could trust Psycho Soldier Nandeshiko.
But something began bothering her. *When did we want to leave? We still have to look for the Crystal; we can't waste our time here anymore. The gathering of power here is very strong. . .*
"Excuse me, Bao-sama," Haruka said. "But the whole group needs to be leaving soon. We have to start looking for the Crystal. How long will it take Nandeshiko-san to recover?" She didn't want to sound cold, but what needed to be done, needed to be done. And soon.

*No, Haruka, your words weren't forgotten.* Yaten thought as she walked away. He calmed his breathing and his heart beat, and closed his eyes. One would almost think he was sleeping. Almost. His hands sat on his lap, and he felt for it, the shine of a star seed, that radiated hope...He could feel the pulse of each person's starseeds in the room, but that wasn't what he was looking for, his body slumped against the chair as he continued to look not with his eyes, but with his mind.. humming the tones of a piano violin piece that he had once heard on one of Michiru's CD's... seemingly an eternity ago... He was no longer aware of his surroundings... he would trust his safety to Haruka.

Sakura looked up at Calmarya and smiled. "Studying?" She asked. ~Or are you learning all you can before you go running back to your Empress?~ She asked quietly. ~You're awfully quiet, trying to become a forgotten wall flower?~

Midoriko watched the arguments taking place across the room and sighed. "Nande-san won't be awake for several hours. I think we all need to rest during that time." She sighed and went back to analyzing the feelings she'd gotten from Sakura mentally. There was hurt and madness, the same patterns of emotions that drove her brother. But there was something else too. Leaving it as a lost cause, she turned her mind away, almost but not quite reaching for her twin. For a few seconds, she wasn't a strong and proud senshi, but a lonely girl looking for the one person who should have been there for her, but wasn't. She listened to Yaten's humming and, reaching into her hip pouch, drew out a plain wooden flute and tried to follow the melody.

Calmarya looked at Sakura, slightly surprised. How had she known what she was doing? ~For your information, going all the way to China from Japan can be somewhat stressful and tiring. I was simply trying to stay awake.~ she lied.

Sarice went into the room where Nandeshiko was put and watched her, she started humming quietly. *I hope she's ok...* she closed her eyes and prayed for Nandeshiko's safety.

Midoriko couldn't help but hear Calmarya, and know that she was lying. She mentally began thinking of all the wonderous nasty places she could send Calmarya's soul when it came into her keeping, making sure that they were broadcast right at Calmarya.

Yaten continued to hum the melody unchanged as his mind seemed to travel on its own accord... searching out a light of hope brighter in a single star seed than any other... and he could almost feel it.. almost.

Sakura smiled. ~Lair.~ She smiled. ~Perhaps you really don't know the whole story behind the Sailor Wars, Choas, and Galaxia. If that's the case all you have on me is a name. Interesting.... Betraying them won't do you any good you know. It's a waste of time. They're capable of more than you're giving them credit for. I'll enjoy watching you crash and burn....~ She smiled sweetly.

~Yeah, whatever.~ Calmarya answered Sakura. ~I wouldn't be betraying them. They were stupid in trusting me - even slightly - to begin with. Besides, I'm doing this as much for my own knowledge as for my brother's. He and I were always taught to learn our enemies, and even if I decide not to go back and tell Kalko, I'll still be learning on my own.~ At the same time, she was trying to ignore Midoriko, being a little intimidated by all those bad places. *Well, I'll just make sure it's a long, long time before I die.* she thought to herself nervously.

Sakura smiled sweetly. ~There's this old saying Calmarya dear.~ She thought while spinning the object of her attention on her finger tip. It was an expensive glass ball, it had several small red roses hardened in it. ~Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer. Who ever said they trusted you? The best way to keep an eye on you is to keep you right where they can see you...~ She smiled sweetly as she tossed the ball up into the air. ~Let's see who's been paying attention to a child compared to a full grown adult ne?" The ball went soaring up through the air...where would it go when it came down? She didn't care.

"Several hours?" Haruka questioned Midoriko about her estimate on Nandeshiko's recovery time. "Oh, if Saturn can, maybe she can heal Nandeshiko-san. Saturn does have the power to heal after all."
*If I have to look after Nandeshiko, I might as well do a good job at it.* Anything Haruka undertook, she always gave it her best, whether she enjoyed it or not. So she promised herself that she would do her best and keep an eye on the Psycho Solider.
"Saturn," Haruka said, approaching her friend. "If it's not too much trouble, would you please heal Nandeshiko? All of us have to be on our way soon. We'll get a little bit of rest, but we'll have to leave soon." Haruka glanced over to see how Yaten was doing. He seemed to be all right, but still, he looked pensive, searching for something. . . that elusive something. . .
The tall blonde then turned to Michiru. She wrapped her arms around the aqua-haired senshi lovingly. "I hope you're doing all right, my love," Haruka said, then giving Michiru a kiss on her forehead. "You're so quiet. . . Is there anything wrong?"

Midoriko reached out and caught the glass ball before it could hit the ground. In her hands, it glimmered and shone, as if for a second it reflected the light of another place. She turned to Calmarya, and gave a faint smile. ~Only the first ones know when someone will die. When it is your time, I will judge you as I have judged others, by what good and what evil you have done in your life. If you want to avoid those places I thought about, you'll find a way to make up for all the evil you've done in life.~ She turned to Sakura, and her eyes saddened. ~What drove you to madness, Sakura? What wounds did your twin Galaxia inflict that drove you to this blind hatred? Don't try to lie to me about that, I can feel it in your heart.~ Her thoughts took a desperate turn. She had sworn nothing would interfere with this mission, but she hadn't planned.... ~Haruka, I need to ask a favor of you...~ She thought to the blond woman standing with Michiru.

Michiru smiled as Haruka kissed her forehead. "Just worried about everyone in the palace. And about Pluto, we haven't seen her since the attack started, and I'm afraid something awful has happened to her..."

Hearing music and conversation in the next room, Nandeshiko slowly woke up.
*Mmmm...... where am I?* slowly standing up, she walked into the main room, where the rest of the senshi were. And her uncle.
"Oji-san!" Nandeshiko said, hugging her uncle tightly.

"Nothing to worry about, my love," Haruka replied with a smile. "Everyone's all right. All our friends are all right. We have to believe in that." She kissed her lover once again, and held her in her embrace.
"Oh, Nandeshiko-san is back!" Haruka said as she saw the girl hug her uncle. "This means we can be on our way soon--" But suddenly she heard a voice in her mind.
*A favor?* Haruka wondered to herself. *Everyone's been asking me for favors lately,* she thought. But she was glad at least that they could depend on her. Her heart had slightly softened to the newcomers; perhaps if she showed them that they could trust her, maybe they would show that Haruka could trust them in return. She was still suspicious of the white-haired girl and the child who seemed to always be at odds with each other. The child was a little too precocious. . . ~What did you need, Midoriko-san?~ Haruka thought-back to the girl.

Midoriko took a deep breath and plunged into it. ~If my twin becomes a problem, I want you to stop him at any cost. Even if it means killing me. I can't take the risk that he'll kill you and the others to get to me, and I can't kill him without driving myself insane. If it comes down to the mission or me and my brother's life, the mission takes precedence. I'm asking you because I know you're the only one strong enough to kill me if it comes down to that.~

Haruka was shocked at hearing Midoriko's words. The group of senshi had hardly started off the mission, and the girl was already thinking about death. . .
The sky senshi then formulated her answer. ~Midoriko-san,~ she answered back. ~I thank you for believing in my strength, but what is more important. . . I don't want to lose anyone if I don't have to. I've had enough with the sacrificing; I've had to deal enough with that already. We will deal with your twin. And no one is going to die. No one on our side is going to die.~

Midoriko smiled bitterly. ~People have already died because of this. I understand how you feel, but if it comes down to a confrontation with Ryuoshi, I am useless. The last time we fought, I had the chance to kill him, to stop at least part of this madness, and I failed. I banished him like a weak child would, not realizing the consequences. But thank you for giving me a chance to hope.~ She turned her eyes to the cold night sky, remembering another night, and hearing the faint echo of her own words. *I banish you...* Without a thought,she mumbled a song under her breath.

"How will I start
Tomorrow without you here
Whose thought will guide me
When all the answers disappear

Is it too late?
Are you too far gone to stay
Best friends forever
Should never have to go away

What will I do?
You know I'm only half without you
How will I make it through?

If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do
What I would give if you
Returned to me someday
Somehow, some way
If my tears could bring you back
To me

I'd cry you an ocean
If you'd sail on home again
Waves of emotion
Will carry you and all they can

Just let love guide you
And your heart will chart the course
Soon you'll be drifting
Into the arms of your true north

Look in my eyes
You'll see a million tears have gone by
And still they're not dry...

If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do,
What I would give if you
Returned to me some day
Somehow, some way...
If my tears could bring you back
To me

I'd hold you close
and shout the words
I only whispered before
For one more chance...
For one last dance...
There's something
That I would not endure

If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do,
What I would give if you
Returned to me some day
Somehow, some way...
If my tears could bring you back
To me"

Sakura regarded her quietly. ~So you want to know what drove me to this point? You can feel it in my heart?~ She thought smiling darkly at Midoriko. ~So be it.~ She walked forwards and up at the woman after her conversation with Haruka. The five marks began to glow in her forehead as her pigtails bounced. She took Midoriko back to a time before any of them were born.
*'Galaxia is that you?' A Galatica asked walking out of her bedroom in the large palace. She was full grown, her hair twisted up into the four buns with the rest trailing down to her ankles, shimmering from silvery white to light blue. She wore her armor and held a staff similar to Pluto's time key, except that her staff held four crystals inside of it, and a crystalline rose on top. She moved down the hallway and found the girl in question. She was leaning against the far wall, alone. 'Galaxia, you're back. I hope you didn't do anything drastic... you... you aren't her!'
'Don't be silly, of course I'm Galaxia, the strongest senshi in the Galaxy.' Galaxia said standing up off of the wall.
Galatica backed up, her eyes wide and shaking her head. 'You're right, the body belongs to my dear twin, but you're not her.'
Galaxia came at her then, with the Sword of Sealing. It clashed against the Staff of Knowledge.
'Stop this! This isn't like you!" Galatica pleaded. 'Fight it!'
Galaxia just came at her again. Knocking the staff out of her hands. Galatica formed a ball of white hot light, and launched it at her. It hit taking her down. Galaxia cried out.
'Galatica! Please why, don't do this!" Galaxia pleaded for a moment looking like her old self. Galatica gasped.
'Sis..' she said softly. Galaxia stood then, and blasted her in the chest, her flower appeared and so did her starseed, for a brief moment before it pulsed violently as the staff and five marks on her forehead began to glow. Then it went back inside, Galatica had cried out in pain.... falling to her knees.
'Galaxia..' Galatica said looking up. Tears in her eyes. 'Please sister stop this.'
Galaxia smiled. 'Because I'm your sister I'm doing this, you don't deserve to live in this wretched world, I will take all the starseeds and rebuild it the way it was meant to be...' She walked forwards then and plunged her hand into Galatica's chest, a river of golden light seemed to burst out and flow down to the floor. Galatica screamed in pain, her cries echoing throughout the system. When Galaxia pulled her hand out she held in her hand a glittering stone that looked like a flowing river. There was a blinding flash of light as Galaxia crushed it in her hand. Galatica fell to the ground breathing hard, her gentle eyes filled with pain. Galaxia grabbed her by the hair and lifted her head so that they were looking each other in the eyes. 'Because we're sisters, and your power equals mine I have to either eliminate you or make it so that you have something more important to handle. Since I can't kill you, I choose this. You can blame it on the joint galaxies my twin. They couldn't handle Chaos, they couldn't handle the hate, and were destroying each other, now I have to take care of them.'
'No you're wrong..' Galatica said softly.
'Am I? You who hold the four sacred books, the past, present and future, plus the fourth that bears no name, but all names. You who've seen all that they have done, all that they will do, and all that they are?' Galaxia shook her head. 'Losing the Stone of Flowing won't kill you my twin, but you'll be trapped in the body of a child when not transformed, limited in talk, in what you can do. You will get to see all that man is capable of, and remember that they choose this, they choose to do all of this. And remember that I your twin plan on rebuilding everything. Making a galaxy where their greed and hatred don't exist. It's all their fault, they couldn't handle what they created, so I had to.'
That said Galaxia walked away leaving her laying on the floor, the golden river still flowing as her life and age reversed. She lay in a pool of golden energy screaming as it hurt... her life going in reverse. Being in too much pain to stop the reverse of her transformation. A three year old girl watched her twin leave, the river of gold had finally stopped.. 'All their fault.' Kept ringing in her ears, at first she didn't believe it... but after an eternity of being trapped as a child... she began to.. and she hated all living beings for it....*
Sakura smiled savagely as she had let Midoriko live through all of the pain. ~Now do you get it? I hate all of you. You're all weak and pathetic. It's all but a game now. A game which you're all pawns in. Don't cross me.~ She thought savagely.

Yaten slowly stood, and turned... he had stopped humming but didn't open his eyes.. he could feel it.. a star shining with pure hope... almost to the point he could touch it. Opening his jade eyes he began walking without truly seeing where he was going he was headed for the door....

*We shall deal with your twin when the time comes. Only then will we know exactly how to deal with him.* Haruka kept this thought to herself because she thought at this time that Midoriko would not be ready to accept the fact that there were other alternatives to dealing with the twin. Haruka then noticed Yaten suddenly standing up and walking. He looked like his eyes had glazed over. . .
"Hang on, Michiru, our Starlight is out in space," Haruka said with a playful tone, but one could tell she was still concerned about her friend. Haruka dashed in front of Yaten, putting her hands tightly on his shoulders.
"Yaten-kun! What are you doing? Wake up!" she said in the same teasing tone, using that tone to cover up her concern.
"Yaten-kun, look at me," Haruka said, taking his chin in her left hand, and moving his head so she could look eye-to-eye with the Starlight. "Where do you think you're going without the rest of us, ne?"