Chapter 159

Hotaru Tomoe stood at the edge of the apartment roof starring out at a cold but now relatively snowless city. She did this quite often.

They all know the battle is coming. The evil forces are concentrating for a final confrontation. Though it's never final for the Sailor Scouts. Unless they lose...otherwise...it's just the wait for the next battle to start. Considering the circumstances, they've handled everything surprisingly well. The life they lead can't be without it's pain and suffering, yet they seem to thrive..or perhaps not thrive..but survive it..and somehow maintain a regular lifestyle. I wish I understood them.

She closed her eyes and tried to think.

Sailor Moon...I wonder if there has ever been a previous event in which someone so immature has commanded so much power. The universe is random...chaotic...but not without a method to it's madness..if it were all chaos..there could be no order..so there must be some order...a mid point between complete organization and randomness. Not everything has a reason, but many things do. I have to wonder what the reason is that she possesses the power. While it is true she has managed...surely it would be safer to give that power to someone with greater control. Yet..that has not happened. Why would the positive forces in the universe combine to give her this power..or perhaps this is of such little consequence that randomness has taken over. Though I doubt that...I can't believe that the relative order I have seen could mean her position is also random. The Sailor Scouts and their entities are all quite ordered. The reborn scouts all settled in this city...they all were brought together by varying forces..but brought together none the less. They all possess a desire to defend the planet in varying styles and beliefs of how to do so. Yet the order that is found is also overshadowed by other randomness, in that Sailor Venus was awakened before the other inner scout brethren , and she continued in her role unnoticed, by the Sailor Uranus and Neptune who continued their own fights. Yet there is also order...the scouts have almost never failed to discover an evil attack, and considering the range of enemies, and the differences in styles, and strategies is uncanny. And this is even before Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Maverick arrived. Maybe someday the reasoning for Sailor Moon's identity will become clear. After all, her past self was much more dignified and proper. Her rebirth, still sharing her name and features left her with a different personality to go with her memories...why did that happen?

Tuxedo Mask, I have seen little of him, but that is his way. He is not using the same powers the scouts use..he is from Earth, which means there are different forces at work. Forces that I do not completely understand. He has the ability to sense if Sailor Moon is in trouble, but yet in many cases lately he has not assisted, perhaps reasoning that there are others that can. Perhaps the pressures of his real life have made it hard for him to continue in his role. As I try to think through this process I can't understand what his attraction to the human Serena is bred from...then again...love is not a logical processes...I don't know how it feels...maybe there is some force between them that makes it all clear. Or perhaps not. More randomness is what it may be. Still...he requires further study...he is an intriguing individual driven by his past more then most humans can be. I know what the past can do when driving someone..it may help or harm....or both....I wonder.

Sailor Mars. Unstable. Having undergone the traumatic experiences of the deaths of her close family before she even finished her teen years, she has shown incredibly resilience..but that is what she is good at. Resilience however can be misread..depending on the material that is being struck. Even outward shows of little damage on a surface may not display the inner damage slowly being done..eventually..the surface may survive only to collapse when the inside is destroyed. Her personality seems little changed from before her latest tragedy, but perhaps that is understandable, a desentization may have occurred, or she has grown more adept at hiding her inner pain then before. Her temper is understandable..when life chooses to be unfair, it is not wrong to want to strike back at it . He pursuit of perfectionism and praise..is to make up for what she did not have earlier in her life. She must rely on others to be the parent figures she never really had. And her development is still occurring. She may not know that though, as she was forced to assume larger responsibilities much faster then would be expected.

Sailor Mercury. Challenges used to be something she sought out, to prove herself, but her efforts were relatively voluntary. She wanted to succeed, be forced to overcome difficulties to make her stronger and prouder..but now the challenges are coming at her that she doesn't want to face...and pushing the challenge she used to sink downward...some of the challenges required the help of others to deal with..help she gratefully accepted, but all the while it eats at her...because she faced problems she couldn't solve alone..now she still searches for the confidence she used to have, the ability to do her absolute best, while distracted by the other concerns that her friends desperately try to shield her from. She doesn't seem to be as affected as would be expected, but one never knows, and every so often, she exhibits a different style...not for long, but it's still there. And what does that mean for her.

Sailor Jupiter. The brawn of the group. One wonders what she has to prove. Maybe she feels much safer being tougher than most girls her age. But she's a contrast to that in her other pursuits...the cooking she does to please others and to show her compassion and care for them. She seems very complex. Then again there is her divorced mother she never speaks of and her father who she's always afraid won't come back one day. Her defensive posture seems to be her way of dealing with everything, she hopes that any assaults on her will come purely physically, because the emotional may be too much for her. I wonder if she knows that, or if she just acts the way she does not consciously. It's really not my concern..but it always makes me think. Then there's that curious infatuation with her old boyfriend..she hates him and still wishes he hadn't left her, still hoping an exact clone of him will walk into her life...that may be unhealthy..or it may just be wishful thinking. Still it is odd.

Sailor Venus. I have trouble understanding her. Her family is set. She has everything she wants basically. But there is a different sort of weirdness to her. Yes she was the first inner scout to appear and do battle, but that doesn't seem to wear on her any more then the others. She seems to have adapted the most of her new position, and perhaps the glamour helped her, she had become a star without even trying. And perhaps her life has been without it's pressures and troubles unlike her friends. But this has lead her to have an interesting ideas of responsibility. After her experiences of having the stardom of that Sailor V character, she expects success to be handed to her..or she did...her dream to be an idol star has persuaded her to make an effort in that field..but she is not trying nearly hard enough..and that may be because she doesn't understand just how much work it takes. Her gymnastics experience did not help, because even though she worked hard, her skill was higher than most and she learned quickly. This has lead her to believe anything is innate..and that she is blessed to be successful in whatever she does. That's not always a good position to be in.

Guardian Uranus. The only scout to have died in battle, seen the afterlife, and returned. What experiences he must have had..and yet he seems content to go back to living his life exactly as he did? I can't understand why...he doesn't seem the least bit changed by his experience. How could that be? How could he just ignore or accept so easily all that happened. Recognizing ones own mortality is a very cold hard event to accept, and he has...unlike even his girlfriend who still shuddered at the thought of losing another person close to her. He is a baffling character...but it is interesting that once he encountered the scouts his own destiny and approach to life changed, and his meeting of Raye Hino is a very large turning point in his life because of all that has happened as a result of his acquaintance with her. But I sometimes wonder where that relationship between them is going. It is held together by some very strong thread, but there are other concerns, what draws them together could thrown them apart.

Guardian Neptune. Everyone believes that his outward appearance defines him, when in truth he uses his contact with others to draw him out of his inner problems. Everyone believes that he is relatively unintelligent and lackluster. His actions are that, but his inner character leads him to do this. Like his associate Maverick he has a greater appreciation for the problems of the world, and he does know his own mortality brought on by experiences with his sister Lara...who did scar him whether he admits it or not. To escape from the seriousness that weighs heavily on him, he must act weird and stupidly, that way...he can't be drawn into discussions that might depress him..or hurt him more...even his conduct in battle is that way. He'd rather bear the physical pain caused from a useless fighting style then the inner pain of using his mind. And he now has the unpredictable Mina to deal with who he enjoys talking with immensely, but he also worries about her and her apparent pompous attitude...unlike his facade which he knows isn't the real him..he really wonders about her..and he even fears she may hurt him some day..but he can't let go..even though he sometimes wishes too.

Guardian Pluto, what an interesting person. Appearances can be deceiving. He likes it rough yes, he doesn't mind his strength, and he prefers to see things as simply as possible. He doesn't have to, but it's just easier to. He's an artist, even though he rarely shows off what he draws and keeps that to himself. What a contrast..a fighter and a drawer..then again..everyone is a contrast inside..they have to be...everything can't just fall into line. He does his best to try and prove how much he like's Jupiter, despite the fact that he gets bored by the romanticism she adores. Which is another contrast...most artists are romantic..he likes to draw, but nothing anyone would call beautiful..just well done. So...he tries to enjoy the sports that he and Lita share enjoyment for, but knows his weaknesses. He doesn't have a much of a burden to carry. He doesn't worry about it. But he does worry that maybe Lita's looking for something more and that he won't have it. And he doesn't want to lose her as a friend..then again...maybe that's all the are. He doesn't know..and that bothers him..but unlike most of his friends, it doesn't consume him.

Guardian Saturn. Very intelligent...and he used to be telepathic, a power which has since disappeared, and he welcomed it. That shows maturity on his part, and he is perhaps the most mature of the group I've described. He is cautious and worried about the consequences of any action he takes. He's been fortunate to have fallen in with the scouts who are quite friendly and tolerant of his still relative shyness..and of course his close friend Amy and he get along quite well sharing many things in common as well as a desire for learning, but when she went through the turmoil of her parents crimes he had to go through it with her, sometimes from afar worrying whether he'd be the same girl he liked so much and wishing there was something he could do. He wasn't a strong as he thought he should have been and that's his regrets. Up till then he had been able to get away with his shyness..he had even overridden it when faced with Amy being in danger..but this perceived failure brought him back down to Earth somewhat. But he still is in good shape. I guess that's good, someone has to be.

Maverick. He was at the breaking point until he found a way to fight back, to gain some measure of revenge for his parent's deaths, and somehow that doesn't seem like the right course he should follow. He was clinically insane before he was able to react with violence to his problem. While violence has it's uses, it's clinical effects on him is worrying. And he still doesn't have his vengeance...that creature that killed his parents is still out there, and when he finds it will he be able to be as patient as he has shown. His skill is very advanced. With the exception of Sailor Uranus he may be the best overall combatant in our group. But then again, he beat Sailor Uranus...still..he's also the weakest power wise of our number...which gives him a need to be skilled. But like Uranus, he shows little humanitarian concern, which I can understand, but also find worrying as well. Uranus is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the Earth, is Maverick willing to do the same to get his revenge..and does he realize what that entails. My prediction when he is given the opportunity, and it will happen, he will hesitate...drawn in two directions at once. His cold hard exterior, and the person caught inside, the person that lead him to do as much as he could to enhance Amy's happiness even at risk to his emotional well being. If those two sides conflict..he won't be useful to anyone..and if the second side wins..he'll lose his edge...not a choice I'd like to be faced with. That is assuming he ever comes back.

Sailor Uranus. She possesses the same desire, and about the same level of skill as Maverick, she is also willing to go to the any level necessary to defend the planet, even if that means the death of an innocent. This disturbed me..but at least she is steadfast in that determination, not undecided like her only real match..Maverick. Her determination is admirable though, along with her partner Neptune. They have fought longer than any other scout and done their jobs well. But she has been exposed to newer ideas with her encounter of the Sailor Scouts, they weren't willing to sacrifice me to save the world. Uranus can understand their concerns, but not their logic. I have nothing against her..perhaps in her place I would hold the same beliefs..most likely I would..one young girl's life would mean nothing if the messiah of silence was called upon. Yet...with her solemn duty she has managed to remain human, presenting herself as a mature, but still emotional girl. This is surprising, I know there is inner turmoil in her, but she masks it as well as the other scouts do...and she has more to hide.

Sailor Neptune. It's her trust of Uranus that drives her actions. After the two have worked together for so long it's only natural for her to feel the same way Uranus does about winning. Though she has tried to open up to the other scouts outside the battlefield, she knows that if faced with another choice like that of my life for the worlds..she would still side with her lifelong partner. Though she is more independent then most would think. In battle she and Uranus are of one mind, outside that, they disagree, something I've seen, but that they probably keep hidden from the other scouts. They don't like to show weakness. Neptune carries the same burden Uranus does she responds remarkably well. She understands what she must do, and accepts it, rarely questioning her motives or her life choices. This leads her to be probably the most together of the scouts. She is capable of compassion and has tried her best to show that, and she is certainly more relaxed then Uranus in almost any circumstances.

I wonder about that. What's her secret. Why does she carry her burden so lightly, and yet respond with seriousness when called for? That I can't figure out.

Sailor Pluto. The wisest of the sailor scouts, also the most secretive. She's wary of me even while trying to help. She knows I could learn some of those secrets, secrets Pluto has kept with her throughout time. She is the most dutiful of any of us, devoting almost all of her time to Sailor Scout business, which is more time consuming then I knew. And I don't even know if it's the same Sailor Pluto each time I see her, with someone in control of time and at least one other dimension with Sailor Scouts in existence...even I can't tell, or maybe I will someday. I get the sense though that if Sailor Pluto thought she could, she'd settle down and try to live a normal life here on Earth, helping to protect it yes, but not being as heavily involved as she is now..that's why I find her even less at ease then Sailor Neptune. She knows so much more, and I think she knows that our battles are not over, and that must make her worry. There are times I see her up at night pacing...trying to relax herself. I wonder why. But I can only guess, even though it most likely means another enemy is on the way.

And what about me Sailor Saturn...do I even know who I am? Not really..I was consumed for years...the puppet of evil..that was not my life....that was the messiahs..all I have is what came before and what came after...and this is after. Before was nothing..I had so few experiences...I don't remember most of them now...I remember my upbringing..I remember learning at a faster rate then usual...I remember what my father looks like...but after that only the bits and pieces of my former existence. And now I'm here. Hotaru Tomoe, age sixteen. Spending my time thinking and learning. I guess I want to rejoin society..maybe go to school..make some friends..other then the ones I have. I get the sense though that Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna are taking care of me just as much to keep an eye on me then as if they actually cared for my well being. Well Setsuna might care. Michiru might..a little. Haruka..she just wants to make sure I'm not any more trouble. I want friends who don't know who I am..who don't need to know my past..can accept me for what I am..but then..what am I? Who am I? Why would anyone want to be my friend? I wish I knew that..

"Hotaru..you know you shouldn't stay out there this long..you might catch cold," Setsuna said standing at the roof door.

"I haven't caught a cold in several years. If I did it might help to prove I was human," Hotaru said.

"There are other ways to do that," Setsuna said.

"I am at peace up here," Hotaru said.

"Yes...but you can be at peace where it's warmer too," Setsuna said.

"Warmth..." Hotaru said. "I rarely felt that, only cold.."

"Too much cold isn't good."

"I never said it was good," Hotaru said. "But it is what I'm used to.."

"You'll just need to adjust."

"Adjust...yes...are the Sailor Scouts back yet?"

"No..they're still up at the hot springs..they'll be back tonight. Why do you ask?"

"Curious that's all," Hotaru said. "Fortunately Nephlite will not attack today."

"But he will attack..you certainly wouldn't want to catch a cold before the big battle."

"No..that's true," Hotaru said. "I will come in.. "

She headed for the door.

"It's really a matter of when and where isn't it," Setsuna said.

"When is tomorrow...where? Where else.." Hotaru said.

"How do you know it's tomorrow..he didn't say that in his plans..and they were foiled anyway.." Setsuna said.

"I know.."Hotaru said.

"Don't give me that...you only know so much."

"That I do know.." Hotaru said. "He will attack tomorrow..and he will attack Juuban High School."

"The high school..you'd think they'd stop doing that?"

"Regardless of past failures...he knows that the Sailor Scouts have to hide before they can transform..those seconds could be crucial especially since he knows exactly where to look," Hotaru said.

"Your tactical analysis seems accurate," Setsuna said.

"If he does not do that..I will be surprised.." Hotaru said. "But after all..would we expect it?"

"I wouldn't..but you would."

"He does not know me."

"Good point."

Meanwhile in the sewer...Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus sat across from each other starring down the tunnel towards where the negaverse headquarters was.

"Nothing today.." Neptune said.

"I didn't think so," Uranus said.

"Why?"

"Just a hunch...Nephlite tried to get the scouts yesterday, that failed. His resources must be low...he won't try to attack two places at once..he'll want to get us all into one place."

"And what would prevent him from just drawing the scouts back?"

"He knows we wouldn't wait for him.."

"But if he set a trap...."

"He does have the energy to set a trap."

"Are you sure?"

"Well..whatever trap it was..he couldn't spring it on us and then expect to do the same to the Sailor Scouts."

"A hostage situation then?"

"That wouldn't stop us."

"Does he know that?"

"He can probably figure it out."

Neptune nodded.

"You've thought this through," she said.

"I usually do don't I?" Haruka asked.

"Not this much."

"Oh."

"And what are we doing down here if you're so sure."

"Well..I could be wrong," Uranus said.

Neptune smiled.

Chief Ozaki meanwhile was waking in the hospital up to see General Nagumo and Colonel Patterson standing there.

"Aw..geez..I'm dead and you two are waiting for me.." Ozaki muttered.

"We're hardly dead," Nagumo said.

"Neither are you," Patterson said.

"Oh...what happened?" Ozaki asked.

"That will take some explaining," Nagumo said. "Just what day is this Chief?"

"How many days have I been out?"

"One."

"Oh..well then it's the twenty seventh."

"Right...and tell me..who did we track down in the negaverse conspiracy."

"Negaverse conspiracy? You figured it out?" Ozaki asked.

"As I suspected," Patterson said.

"Memory wipe," Nagumo said.

Patterson nodded.

"I've got some things to do," Patterson said.

Nagumo nodded and Patterson walked out.

"You wanna tell me what's going on?" Ozaki asked.

"Oh sure..and wait till you hear where you were seen in a dress.." Nagumo said with a smile.

"WHAT?" Ozaki said.

Meanwhile at the hot springs.

"Lita are you sure about this?" Steve asked.

"Sure.." Lita said. "We can take you..."

Lita, Mina, and Raye all holding kendo swords stood opposite Mike, Steve, and Rick in a clearing.

"Uh..but we've got skills," Rick said.

"Yeah..we don't want to hurt you, or at the least humiliate you," Mike said.

"When have you three been ever to do that except by being seen with us?" Raye asked.

"All right..all bets are off," Rick said and the six got ready.

"This should be interesting.." Amy said watching from in the forest.

"I don't know what's going to happen..everyone's activities always defy logic," Greg said.

The two sides let out battle cries and leapt forward attacking. Seconds later all six were lying on the ground.

"How'd that happen?" Amy asked.

"It was too fast I couldn't see.." Greg said.

"The chances of them all hitting each other..simultaneously are.." Amy said.

"Enormously low..but there it is," Greg said.

"Yeah.."

The six started to rub themselves as they stood up.

"It's your fault, Mike," Mina said.

"Why?" Mike asked.

"You weren't supposed to actually be able to use a sword."

"Surprise."

"Well I knocked you down too."

"Only because I tripped over your sword as you were falling down."

"So I got you anyway."

"It's hardly a victory you know.."

"Well...it's hard to move in this kimono anyway.."

"Sure it is.." Mike said. "You know what you can do with that excuse don't you?"

"No I don't.." Mina said.

"Save it..it might actually work someday," Mike said and started laughing.

Meanwhile down by the lake Darrien and Serena stood looking at the sun setting.

"Well we'll have to go soon," Serena said.

Darrien nodded.

"You remember this place..what a mess that was.." Serena said.

"Serves me right for trying to take control of evil water sprites that can turn into dragons."

"You said it," Serena said.

"But now we get to go home and keep fighting."

"Well we relaxed didn't we...I feel better."

"Oh sure..it's been fun.." he muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing. Never mind."

Serena grabbed Darrien's arm and threw him into the lake.

"Wha...hey..why'd you do that?" Darrien said.

"Because...it..uh..I'm sick of people not telling me things!" Serena said. "Now get out here and tell me what's wrong."

"I'll tell you what's wrong after the battle is over."

"No now.."

"Well then..I guess I won't have time to give you a kiss then."

"Okay..later.." Serena said.

And Darrien kissed her.

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