Notes: This story takes place after the battles with Galaxia as the Sailor Soldiers work to build Crystal Toyko. This is my intrepretation and sometimes I don't follow the canon or popular theories, so just work with me about that. ;> It begins with Haruka's point of view, but eventually the perspective of all the major characters will be covered.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, I'm just borrowing them.
Please enjoy and review. I love reviews!
"When the Battle is Over"
By Jema
The Soft Breezes: Chapter 1
Usagi sat alone.
How often did that occur? Usually there were several people hovering around her, scolding her, laughing with her, loving her. Where were all the cute bubbly girls who guarded the slight framed blonde with friendship and feirce loyalty? Where was the little black cat who contained much humanistic wisdom in the depth of the feline eyes? Most importantly, where was Mamoru, the tall, dark man with the baring of a knight sworn to his lady fair?
Haruka pondered these things quietly as she strolled over to the lonely looking figure on such a brisk autumn day. Haruka smiled softly, a gentle smile that rarely crossed her face, and placed her slender, feminine hands over Usagi's eyes.
Usagi smiled warmly and turned toward Haruka, but her expression faded almost instantly. Haruka's smile faded simultaneuously with Usagi's as Haruka realized her face was not the face Usagi had expected to see. Usagi's eyes flashed with apprehension, confusion, and, did Haruka dare admit to herself, compassion. The breeze lifted Usagi's long cornsilk hair and tossed the twin trails playfully. Haruka felt the breeze lift her shaggy locks from her forehead.
Haruka stopped in front of Usagi, seeing in her eyes a seriousness
that seemed foreign to the cheerful young girl, and yet, it also
seemed familiar. Haruka knew where she had seen those eyes before,
looking up toward her, begging for answers to questions unanswered.
Haruka swallowed the knowledge complacently.
Haruka smiled her usual charming, crooked grin and teased Usagi. "You better quit hanging around on my way home. I might eat you up." Haruka had meant to the words to sound light, with the sarcastic edge that could hide the real meaning. Haruka panicked slightly when the words rang back in her ears and she heard her own sadness reflected as clearly as the full moon in a still pool. Usagi's eyes, so blue and clear, reminded Haruka of rainy days, of playing in the drizzle with a bright red umbrella and rubber boots that were too big.
Haruka was giving away too much. She had let down the barriers that she had constructed to give her eyes a reflective look. Usagi looked into Haruka's eyes steadily and Haruka suddenly felt trapped.
She started away, stretching her long legs in each stride, longing to run. But she wouldn't run away, she refused to let herself. Usagi's youthful voice called her back. Usagi's voice had a hidden edge, a sharpness that was jarring. Haruka wondered over this as she turned back toward Usagi. She seemed so small, so delicate in the dim autumn sunlight. Usagi bounded to her as her trademark tails of honey-touched blond trailed behind her blue pleated skirt.
"You're Sailor Uranus, aren't you, Haruka?" Usagi's eyes held such a fervent compassion. "You both smell like the wind." Usagi was trying to control herself but the passion of her misunderstanding and confusion rang in her voice. "You're our allies, right? You're Sailor Soldiers like us. Why won't you tell us anything?"
Haruka studied her a moment as Usagi's long hair whipped about Usagi's face, her cheeks rosy from the brisk breeze and her determination. Haruka almost sighed, but swallowed the urge. When she spoke, her voice was as soft and as uncommital as she could manage. "If I could, I would like to see you like this... without you knowing. As Usagi... And Haruka."
Haruka found herself lifting her hand towards Usagi's face, the clear oval of captured moonlight. Usagi did not flinch at the touch but stared at Haruka steadfastly. "Haruka, are you a guy or a girl?" The question was asked hestitantly as a blush crept across Usagi's cheeks.
Haruka's face didn't change, but held the same seriousness as before. "Guy or girl," she answered softly. "Is that so important?" Haruka lowered her face to Usagi's and kissed her lips softly and quickly. Mamoru appeared in Haruka's side vision and she lifted her face from Usagi's. "And the prince arrives," Haruka muttered with a sarcastic smirk on her face. Haruka could bear it all no longer and lifted her legs into a run, her figure fading into the horizon like leaves carried by a restless wind.
Haruka wondered why that memory struck her now, nearly six years after that incident. All was resolved. Haruka and Michiru learned to trust the younger girls. World crisises have been averted as the girls all worked together. Time and time again.
Haruka bit her bottom lip as she remembered the final great battle. Sailor Galaxia had proven to be the most harrowing enemy any of them had faced. Haruka swallowed hard remembering the horrible details. But it was all okay in the end. All of them were granted the gift of their former lifes and peace had continued. The world had been left in shambles, but Mamoru, Usagi and the rest of the Sailor Soldiers were working to repair it. They were building Crystal Toyko and for a time didn't even realize it. Even though the final battle had been the most destructive, the others that preceded it were also devastating. How many times would they have to die? To fight? Was it this truly a time of peace? How long will the peace last?Were they destined to fight? Time and Time again?
Haruka grinned at Setsuna who particularly enjoyed the expression, "time and time again", which Haruka had been in the habit of using. Setsuna did not notice as she sat primly on a kitchen chair making notes in a notebook. Haruka glanced back down into the sink filled with soapy water and wiped out the last dirty dish. Haruka ran the hot water over her hands to remove the suds, and bit her bottom lip in reaction to the harsh heat of the water.
Michiru entered the kitchen stepping lightly. Michiru's smile reminded Haruka of springtime, cherry trees, and whispered secrets. "Hi," Michiru replied softly, her voice as light as a ripple on the water. Michiru stood up on her toes and kissed Haruka gently. "Hotaru went to bed. Can you give her a ride to school tomorrow? She has a large project for her art class. I'd hate it if she were to drop it on the way."
"Sure, no problem," Haruka answered, wiping her hands and putting away the remaining dishes.
Michiru greeted Setsuna, who looked up from her notes with a smile. Haruka sat in one of the kitchen chairs next to Michiru, propping her chin up with her palms. Setsuna looked at Haruka with the same familiar warmth, but a new question was swimming in the garnet depths. Haruka resisted the urge to frown. It always seemed like Setsuna could read her thoughts.
Michiru ran a hand through her pale green locks. "Okay, guys, my tour starts in three days. Can you two handle things while I'm away?" She had said 'you two' but she pointedly glanced at Haruka.
Haruka lifted her hands in defense. "Hey now, I am more capable than you give me credit for. Believe me, we'll manage." Haruka raised her eyebrow at Setsuna.
Setsuna gaze was down studying her notes. "I'm leaving as well," she replied, her voice sounding flat.
Michiru shared a look with Haruka. "You're leaving, Setsuna? Where are you going?"
"I can't tell you," Setsuna said while jotting down information on her notepad.
"Can't tell us? What's going on?" Haruka raised her voice in frustration.
Setsuna stood from the table smiling patiently. "I have business. Haruka and Hotaru will be fine here by themselves. I leave in the morning. Have a good tour, Michiru."
Haruka and Michiru seemed astounded as they watched the tall woman,
her dark green hair cascading down her back, shut the door to her
room without a second glance.
"What's going on?" Haruka muttered.
Michiru shrugged. "Beats me. I wouldn't worry about it though. You know how mysterious she can be."
Haruka nodded. "I know." Haruka grabbed Michiru suddenly and held the beautiful girl close to her. "I'll miss you," she murmured looking down into Michiru's sparkling ocean green eyes.
The girl in her arms smiled warmly and leaned her cheek against Haruka's chest. "I'll miss you too, Haruka," she whispered. "Hasn't this year been wonderful? No enemies, no battles, just... life."
Haruka rested her chin on top of Michiru's head. "I'm still getting used to it. I still feel so jumpy sometimes like something is going to happen any moment."
Michiru sighed softly, reminding Haruka of a calm ocean breeze wafting through the sea grass. Haruka smiled to herself. She liked to compare Michiru to anything sea related. Stroking her masses of aqua-toned hair, it just seemed appropriate.
Michiru glanced up and caught Haruka's smile. "What are you smiling about, Haruka," Michiru said playfully.
"I'm just imagining you as a mermaid, my dear," Haruka replied. "Nude of course... the water shining on your bare skin... the sea air is very cold of course... very cold..."
Michiru, grinning, smacked Haruka on the arm. "Stop it, ecchi!"
Haruka lowered her eyes seductively. "Oh, I can be worse... Much worse."
Haruka lunged for Michiru but she nimbly leaped out of her reach. Michiru leapt over the couch, as Haruka reached for her again. Haruka misjudged her distance and fell on the couch with a flop.
"Oh," she moaned. "I'm injured." She winked at Michiru. "I think I need... dare I say it? A nurse."
Michiru sauntered over to Haruka. "Nurse Michiru at your service." She lifted her hand to her forehead in mock salute.
Both Haruka and Michiru started laughing. Michiru sat next to Haruka and smoothed the blond strands of hair off her forehead. "You are so much fun, Haruka."
Haruka smirked and pulled Michiru's face close to hers. "You too," she whispered before kissing her passionately.
Haruka had just dropped Hotaru off at the newly reinstated high school, watching the thin girl climb up the steps with her large sculpture cradled in her arms. The sun glinted off her straight black hair. When she reached the top she turned back to smile Haruka away. Haruka lifted her hand in a farewell as she kicked the car in drive. Before she turned the corner, Haruka watched a tall young man open the door for Hotaru, the shy sixteen-year-old blushing furiously.
Haruka chuckled a bit to herself as she drove along the city streets. Hotaru had grown up so much. The school was doing wonders for her. It had taken almost seven months to get the Academy running again. She was developing so quickly. It seemed like she was a baby just yesterday, but now, when Haruka looked at her, she could see the wisdom of centuries buried in her lavender eyes.
Haruka drove past the apartment where she, Michiru, Hotaru, and Setsuna were living. She didn't want to go into the empty building. Setsuna had left early that morning, as she said she would. Michiru was busy making preparations for her latest, and possibly (although Haruka didn't believe it for a minute) last tour. The morning sun was warm and comfortable. Haruka could have driven in her car with the windows rolled down forever.
But she didn't. She pulled over on the curb in front of a small apartment building. While she locked her car, she glanced over at the construction site across the street. The site was massive and stretched as far as her eyes could see. Wooden stakes protuded from the ground marking the boundaries of where the future palace of Crystal Toyko was to stand. Haruka walked into the building and went to the right door.
Usagi answered looking confused and startled. "Haruka?"
Haruka grinned. "Hi, Usagi. Are you busy?"
Usagi smiled warmly. "No, I was actually making some tea. Can I make you a cup?" Usagi held the door open as Haruka walked in.
Haruka slipped off her loafer-like shoes. "Yes, thank you."
Usagi slipped into the kitchen and Haruka sat on a stool at the open bar. The apartment Usagi and Mamoru were living in was sparsely furnished, but a few small touches made it seem like home. Large picture windows faced outside, looking out on the empty lot that would be their future home.
Haruka leaned on the bar, folding her hands under her chin. She studied Usagi as she poured the tea. Usagi had grown more beautiful these past few years. She seemed a little taller and her trails of blond hair seemed longer. She wore a simple white cotton dress that touched the floor, barely hiding her bare toes. Balancing the two saucers and cups carefully in her hands she moved to the bar where Haruka sat. With a small smile she placed one in front of Haruka.
"Sugar? Or cream?" she asked politely.
"No, thank you," Haruka answered. "This is great."
Usagi nodded and sat on a stool next to Haruka. The cheerful, bubbly,
bright Usagi of a few years ago almost seemed to not exist. Usagi
was becoming Neo Queen Serenity before their eyes. There was a
gracefulness in her movements as her slender hands raised the cup to
her lips. Usagi looked up at Haruka and Haruka held her eyes for a
moment. The innocence had long faded, but when? Haruka knew this
transformation did not take place over night, and yet, she almost
felt like she no longer knew Usagi at all. The blue eyes, once so
bright and vivacious were placid and serious.
Usagi looked away from Haruka's penetrating stare. "So what brings you out this way, Haruka?"
Haruka turned back to her tea and studied the smooth brown liquid. "I thought about you the other day and I was free today so I thought I might drop by. Where's Mamoru?"
"Meeting with the Council. Making more plans, you know. Mamoru has been accepted as King, but the politics are still so involved." Usagi exhaled softly and took another sip of tea.
"Why aren't you in attendance? Or the rest of the Senshi for that matter?" Haruka set her tea down gently on the white marblized counter top.
Usagi sighed softly and Haruka suddenly saw weariness in her pale blue eyes. "The members of the Council are... more comfortable with Mamoru. In Mamoru they see something real... something familiar. They don't trust us yet, Haruka--"
"Don't trust us! We saved the world and this is the thanks we receive?" Haruka interrupted.
Usagi didn't answer but silently gazed out her windows at the emptiness beyond the street.
Haruka swallowed hard. "Usagi, I'm sorry. You know me.. Always flying off at the handle." Haruka smiled weakly.
Usagi sighed softly. "Haruka, I might as well tell you now. A new enemy has been spotted. Rebellious forces who challenge mine and Mamoru's power."
Haruka thought a moment. "Then let's gather the Senshi. We'll plan an attack. Wipe them out. It won't be too bad. We can at least gather information."
Usagi folded her hands in her lap. "Haruka, times have changed. We can't just wipe out this enemy. They are our own people. This battle will have to be fought with diplomacy."
Haruka frowned. "Thus, the Council meetings?"
"The bargaining has begun. Treaties being written... Mamoru is better suited for such things. That is why I am not at the meeting. Besides I have other matters to attend to later." Usagi rose from the stool and paced back into the small kitchen.
Haruka ran a hand through her tousled blond hair. So much had changed. How long had it been since they were all attending school and doing Senshi business after hours? She could barely remember the years after the battle with Galaxia. They awoke to the turmoil of a dying Earth wounded terribly after the massive, destructive battles. Hope burned brightly in the hearts of each of them, remembering what the future was to contain. But the flicker of the flame was threatened by the horrific losses they had encountered. She squeezed her eyes closed as she remembered the blackened streets and toppled buildings. The Senshi stepped precariously around rubble and broken glass. Not many had survived. Not many at all.
When Haruka opened her eyes, Usagi was staring at her puzzledly. "What are you thinking about, Haruka?"
"That day."
Usagi lowered her eyelashes. Haruka didn't have to say what day... she knew. Usagi probably remembered the best of them all. The sun hadn't shined in months. They had done all they could to to salvage the city. They had tried to reassure the shivering, battered civilians, who gazed at the Sailor Senshi with a mix of wonderment and apprehension. Sailor Moon had climbed up the rubble of a fallen skyscraper and scanned the horizion with tears in her eyes. Tuxedo Kamen climbed up beside her and clutched her hand. The Sailor Senshi looked up at the figure of Sailor Moon silottueted against the dimly lit violet sky. The long tails of her hair and the ends of her ribbons fluttered in the breeze behind her. That was when Sailor Moon raised her crystal and began the Freeze.
None of them had any idea how long it lasted. Even Pluto, when questioned, was very vague on the matter. After the Awakening, the sun was shining again. The Earth healed itself and the grass and trees were growing again. The healing process had been complete and the remaining surivors had been healed as well. Finding themselves out of pain and finding peace in the warmth of the sun, they turned toward the Sailor Senshi for guidance. Help us rebuild, they cried.The figures of the strong women were a symbol, a precious thing they could hold on to.
Usagi leaned against the countertop. "So much has changed."
"I know," Haruka murmured.
Usagi shifted her weight and smiled brightly at Haruka, causing her to recall the Usagi of a few years ago. "Is that why you came by, Haruka? To reminiscence? Where's Michiru?"
Haruka pushed her tea cup away. "Michiru has a tour she is preparing for. She's been quite busy."
"I see. It's wonderful, you know, that she still plays her violin. I know many people look forward to her concerts. They do wonders for improving goodwill." Usagi tilted her head to the side. "Of course, I am sure you miss her terribly."
Haruka stood from the stool and strolled to the window. "Yes, I miss her terribly."
Usagi felt the silence that followed fill her ears and consume her thoughts. She found herself remembering the first day she met Luna and the first time she had become Sailor Moon. Life was so simple then. She had been so upset about a... math test. Now, her worries consisted the future of her entire world. She began laughing, a light, mocking laughter unusual to her, as she laughed at herself. She laughed, remembering how clumsy she used to be. She used to cry like a baby and fall flat on her face.
As Usagi's laughter got louder and more hysterical, Haruka turned her eyes from the window. Usagi laughed so hard she was nearly doubled over, her white hands clutching at her stomach. "Usagi?"
The future queen seemed suddenly so small and she fell to her knees,
her laughter melting into wracking sobs and wailings. Haruka knelt at
her side, her eyes widened in shock. "Usagi? Usagi, what's wrong?"
Usagi choked with emotion and unable to speak she leaned against Haruka's chest. Haruka folded her arms around Usagi's small frame, cradling her in her strong arms as she did with Hotaru when she was young. Usagi sobbed against Haruka, quietening slowly.
Haruka lowered her face to kiss Usagi's blond hair. She rocked Usagi back and forth on the floor, murmuring words of comfort.
The door opened and Mamoru stepped in. His regal stance stooped as soon as he saw Usagi crying. He knelt beside Haruka and gathered his weeping fiancee in his arms. His waery eyes questioned the tall blonde.
Haruka shrugged, brushing a lock of honey-colored hair from Usagi's face. "I don't know what's wrong, Mamoru."
Mamoru eyes seemed to age. The blue depths faded and clouded in despair. He shook his head sadly and lifted Usagi into his arms. She huddled against him, whimpering like a lost child. Mamoru turned to the bedroom and laid Usagi on the large bed. He pulled the covers over her shoulders and after kissing her moist cheek, left her in the pale light of the room.
Mamoru and Haruka stood apart from each other for a moment, each studying the other with steady eyes. Mamoru cleared his throat motioned for Haruka to sit. "It's been awhile, Haruka. How is Michiru? Setsuna? And how is Hotaru now? I'm sure she's grown up very much."
"Yes, Hotaru is now a blushing teenager. But it amazes me, because she isn't gawky or awkward at all." Haruka sat on the couch and Mamoru sat across from her.
Mamoru's eyes squinted thoughtfully. "Hotaru has always had a ageless quality about her."
"That she has... As for Michiru, she's fine. She's beginning a tour soon in accordance with the Arts Doctrine. And Setsuna is as private and mysterious as ever. She left this morning for who knows where." Haruka folded her hands in her lap, appearing unusually ladylike.
Mamoru rested his cheek in his palm. "I'm glad everyone is doing so well." Mamoru rubbed his eyes. "Look, Haruka, things have been stressful around here. I know Usagi hasn't been sleeping well and all this really takes a toll on her."
Haruka frowned guiltly. "It's my fault, Mamoru. I was remembering the Last Day. I shouldn't have brought that on her."
Mamoru sighed. "It's not your fault, Haruka. Times are hard now, but they'll get better. We know they'll get better." Mamoru meant for tone to be light, but the bitterness seeped through.
Haruka found her eyes wandering back to look out the window. A breeze was beginning to blow and the packed dirt billowed in small cyclonic gusts. "Yes, everything will be fine."
Chapter 2 coming soon. Please review!