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Author of 10 Stories |
Ice Squared
by Lerris
Smith
Author's Notes: A few things in the last section of the previous chapter were changed.
In the cold void between planets, a wanderer once more started a new journey. It was old, even as it measured such things. A closer look at this worn traveler revealed it to be a starship; bright flares of blue light powering it in-system. The ship was an odd one. It was dull white and scored with random gashes and carbon trails. Large differently colored plates had been welded over its skin in many places, possibly in haste. In short, it looked like the ship had survived a war or two, and then been repaired by the lowest bidder.
The ship itself was shaped a bit like a notched swordbreaker would be, long slim and deadly. There were two main engines with four smaller ones clustered in the center. Two additional small engines were positioned below each main engine for additional directional control and thrust.
The inside of the ship looked, if anything, worse than the outside. With difficulty you could tell that she had begun life with an elegant and coherent design. It was somewhat clearer that all the repairs over the years, or perhaps centuries, had made no attempt to maintain that design.
Such details went largely unnoticed by the group that gathered around the large circular couch shaped 'lounge'. The senshi were universally sprawled across it, with the sole exception of Pluto who sat in silence against a wall not far away.
The 'lounge' was divided at two places across from each other, such that it was possible to follow a straight line through the middle of the it. Up near the ceiling floated two C shaped sections of metal that might have made excellent tables for anyone sitting in that area, if they weren't so high up.
The girls had divided into two distinct groups. On one side lay Hotaru and Ranma-chan fast asleep from the effort of healing Ranma's injury. There was enough space leftover on that side to sit several others.
On the other side lay the still form of Minako Aino still clutching the rest of the hand that had been almost blown off such a short time ago. Sailor Moon had tried to heal Minako with her “Moon Healing Escalation” spell and everyone had expected the normal miraculous recovery. However it was not to be. Every so often Minako looked on her nearly healed, but incomplete, hand in horror, where her two little fingers should be there remained only little stubs. Thus far she had stubbornly refused to cry out or complain. She was the leader of the inner Senshi and she would not cry. Her valiant heart could not quite keep the tears from falling though, as Usagi and the others tried to hide their pitying looks.
Mercury was wearing her sensor visor and busily typing away. Deep in thought, she looked worried, but she was distracted by Sailor Moon shifting to her Moon Princess regalia and kneeling on the floor in front of her friend. She watched as the princess brought out the Silver Crystal for the second time that day and to the gasps of everyone and entreaties from many, including Minako, for her not to use it, she began to summon the power. As the light flared a sigh of relief could be heard from the girls as they saw Minako's hand restored to its usual perfection. This was rapidly followed by gasps of concern as their gazes shifted back to the princess. The loudest gasp seemed to come from Mercury, whose eyes remained shrouded behind the blue shade of her scanning visor. She quickly composed herself and fiddled with her ever present laptop computer. Suddenly her face took on a neutral expression that no-one awake had ever seen, before she excused herself with, “I need to try to get us on course for home.” She then walked in what the others presumed was the direction of the flight deck.
Endymion barely managed to catch his future wife, before she fell and her transformation faded into the rumpled nightgown she had on before she left the Earth. He gently laid her down on another portion of the couch before taking a seat on the floor in front of her. Seeing on how the immediate crises had been dealt with, the others in the room dropped their transformations, except for Sailor Pluto who still seemed to be lost in thought.
Makoto said, “We should look around to see if we can find a bed, or some blankets, or something for them. It's a little cold here.”
“So here we are flying a stolen space ship back to Earth. Ranma, Minako, Usagi, and Hotaru are sleeping, almost definitely as a result of the energy drain from healing. We are a few days away yet, but those days will probably be needed for the others to fully recover, and this ship is too big a prize to let go. At least I managed to grab Ranma's pack before we teleported. Knowing Ranma, It should contain enough food in it for a couple of small meals, even for a group as big as us. Given the unique color of the alien food rations I found, I suspect everyone will appreciate that instant ramen.” She paused for a few moments as if considering something before resuming her typing. “I need to get Setsuna to talk, but I have no idea how. On a good note, at least the water is palatable, and I have a lot of studying to do, so I don't suppose I'll get too bored.”
“The subject of what has happened to me has not been brought up yet. I suspect the others are waiting for Usagi to wake, so I have a little more time. A little more time before I have to tell my best friend that the girl she knew is no more. A little more time to hope it will all work out. I'd almost rather tell my mother again. Still, everyone is healthy, and after their naps should be in good shape for the most part.” A smile grew on Nabiki's face as she typed, “I can just imagine how Usagi will react to the news of our next meal. Some things do not change, and perhaps that is as it should be.”
Michuru suggested that they move all four of them to this bed. They would be warmest together after all, and since they were all girls it shouldn't be a problem. Makoto tsked a little at Michuru's suggestion, but agreed, after all they were all just sleeping. Haruka made as if to object, and went so far as to say that they still didn't know enough about Ranma, before trailing off as she starred at Ranma's face. The new skin lacked the slight tan of the rest of her face providing reminder of just how much damage Ranma had taken; damage that was meant for her daughter.
Mamoru carried Usagi while Haruka carried Hotaru. Makoto followed with Minako leaving Michuru to handle the redhead, a task which earned her a look of warning from Haruka, in return for which Haruka received a smirk. They were placed in the bed at a slight angle with each curled up into the side of the previous person. Makoto carefully covered them with the thin gray blanket. It would not do much to keep them warm, but considering how close they were it would be enough. Michuru got a bit of a whimsical smile before she fetched a tiny camera out of her storage space and snapped a picture. This was followed by the other girls asking for copies, although Mamoru did have the good sense to wait till the others had left before asking for his own.
As Mamoru closed the door behind them, he cast one last fond look at the blonde with the odd hair style. After the door closed, a ghostly figure appeared before the window. She, for the figure had a clear feminine cast, seemed to be standing watch over the sleeping forms, and paying particular attention to the redhead nearest her, who, in the darkness was outlined with a dim yellow glow. The ghostly figure herself was transparent, barely obstructing the view of the stars behind her. Her long light green hair ran down her back to just above her knees.
As the minutes passed the stars that could be seen through her grew harder to see as she seemed to grow more substantial until it was clear that she was of a similar age to the other occupants of the room. The figure moved closer and seemed to be smiling a small smile as she tried to brush a few stray hairs out of the redhead's eyes. The attempt failed, causing the apparition to frown, as her fingers passed harmlessly through that red hair.
Her solitude was broken as the door quietly opened and Nabiki slipped in and closed the door behind her. Setsuna said nothing as the girl got up on the far end of the bed near the window and turned to face the stars as well. Nabiki didn't say a word, instead she seemed to be making every effort to get comfortable and enjoy the show, such as it was.
“You want to know something?” hazarded Setsuna.
“No, I think I've figured most of it out,” replied Nabiki quietly.
“Most? What have you figured out?”
“I'd rather not say. It doesn't matter now anyway.”
Setsuna nodded, but seeing as it was a useless gesture in the dark said, “That is probably true.”
“I am curious about a couple things though," Nabiki interjected almost casually. "Firstly, is there any way back inside Pluto?”
“If there is, I do not know it. The planet has been pulled out of time relative to the rest of the universe. For all intents and purposes it no longer exists. But things are never that simple. I can still draw power from it to transform, but lack the level of connection required to open portals. My abilities are probably half what they were.”
“Are you angry with Usagi?”
“Angry with her? No, I'm just annoyed. Even if I was trapped at the Gates for a hundred years, I could have still kept watch and done a lot more than I can now,” said a somber Setsuna Meio. She sighed before continuing with, “With the planet gone, and no one to monitor things and spot danger from the Gates themselves, anything is possible. Anything and I know almost nothing about this new group!”
“Will more come?”
“There wasn't enough time to know for sure,” She sighed before continuing, frustration written in her words, “As if I have ever known for sure. Looking into the future is always difficult and unreliable at best. There are so many potential futures and I can never see further into any potential future than I am alive now, since it is my connection to the gate throughout time that allows its use.”
“I take it that some of those were like that,” Nabiki said, going on without waiting for confirmation either way. “What is the worst variation you saw before, you know?..”
In the dark Setsuna's grimace could barely be made out, but then Nabiki was still looking at the stars. Setsuna answered, “The worst thing that I saw was a newspaper headline where the average temperature of the planet had dropped five degrees Fahrenheit in a year.”
Nabiki gasped, “Your kidding? Did you see a date on that paper?”
“No, I'm not kidding. It was in a possible future, and I don't know why, or even if it is related to this group, and no I didn't see a date.”
A resigned sigh escaped Nabiki's lips before she continued. “I hope to learn something from the ships computer, but that could take some time, and there are no guarantees. The unknown language combined with the possibility of encryption may make it impossible any time soon. When you add in the complete and total nightmare of botched and incompatible repairs the whole thing is a complete disaster. Fortunately, the Mercury computer was able to interface with the jury rigged manual flight control system and keep us on course for home, although there are still a few details to work out.”
“There always are..” said an almost amused Setsuna before her tone once again became somber. “I'm afraid I can't be of much help to you there.”
Nabiki nodded absently, seemingly expecting her response. She then became quiet for a moment before starting to speak and then halting.
“What is it?”
“What is what?”
“Your avoiding asking me something...”
Nabiki's resolve firmed before she said quietly, “What about Usagi? It is the Crystal isn't it?”
“Oh that.” said Setsuna in a flat voice. “Usagi is fine,” she said reassuringly.
In an slightly irritated tone Nabiki said, “Just tell me. I'm a big girl. You don't have to protect me.”
“No, I suppose not, or at least not now.” Setsuna stretched out her legs somewhat and tried to find a more comfortable position before continuing with, “The Mercury computer combined with your visor is able to see such things I expect, at least if you go actively looking, as you no doubt had incentive to do after your own crises. For that matter Ranma could see it as well, were it not for the moon kingdom's magic subtly deflecting such notice.”
She continued, “Yes, the Silver Crystal does directly draw on Usagi's own life force, among other things, and yes if she is careless it will kill her, but then you already knew that.”
“That doesn't explain...”
“No, it doesn't. What you do not know, or at least fail to understand fully, is the kind of link that is between Usagi and us. You see it goes both ways, and when you were sick like you were, well, it was one of those purely spiritual things that is beyond the Silver Crystal's ability to affect directly. It did not, however, stop energy from flowing out from Usagi on an unconscious level to aid you though the bond we all share with our princess.”
“But that would mean...”
“It was never a possibility. While the lingering nature of what was wrong with you made it theoretically possible that Usagi would eventually die from it, I assure you, if it came down to it, and this path didn't work, I would have fixed things.”
“You would have killed me,” Nabiki concluded, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“In a heartbeat, if it was necessary to protect her,” Setsuna continued softly. “It is my duty, after-all.”
“Good,” said Nabiki with resolve. There seemed no doubt she approved of Setsuna's duty.
“And now you too have that duty,” said Setsuna sadly. Nabiki nodded slightly in the starlit room before Setsuna continued. “Just remember that when ever Usagi is in need the bond will also help to heal her, as it does even now. It is why the Silver Crystal can be used at all, but it in no way makes that thing safe to use.”
Nabiki nodded. Safe was the last thing she would ever attribute to that energy sucking rock.
Setsuna was relieved to finally unburden herself of a few secrets. The others would not understand some of the things she had done although the outer scouts sometimes came close. Still, she had kept back one important thing about the Silver Crystal, because sometimes knowledge was better not known. She thought Ami would figure even that out someday, but then it was anybodies guess now if they would even live to see that day. For now the bed was comfortable and the room was quiet and dark, and the covers, while thin, helped a little, as did the warm body next to her. The stars would keep watch over the pair as they found their way to an uneasy rest.
At the Nekohaten Cologne brooded, or as she would have it said, planned. Such was the gravity of the situation that an unlikely meeting was occurring with the towns most famous pervert.
“I tell you he is gone! Heck, I don't think he is even in Japan!” snapped Cologne.
“I'm not disagreeing with you Cologne. I just think that for all his bravado the boy can take care of himself, or are you worried he has finally managed to slip your grasp Cologne-chan? Why I hear the boy took the middle Tendo daughter with him. That one has a nice body. Yes, the boy must finally be growing up.” Happosai's mocking tone at the end was not lost on Cologne and she glared at him.
“He would not. Besides that one should be dead. It makes no sense.”
Happosai's laughter filled the room. “It seems the boy has even figured out a trick or two you didn't know and all for a pretty girl other than your great granddaughter.”
“Get out! Just get out!”
“Love you too Cologne-chan," Happi teased. "Perhaps I will go have a look for the boy,” said the small pervert before pulling a super soaker with a bra wrapped around it out of nowhere, before continuing with, “Ranma's about due for his lessons after all.”
Cologne sighed before going into the other room and whacking Mousse on the head with her staff.
“What did you do that for? You old mummy.”
This of course was followed by a second whack and the words, “Stress relief.”
“I bet he dumped her! I mean look at him. He's a total stud, and she just insults him and hits him!”
“I wonder if he is free now. Why if he was my boyfriend...”
A certain chef smiled as she stood nearby selling Okonomiyaki, certain that now everything would go her way.
Akane dimly noticed that the women who were praising her baka fiance failed to list any of his infuriating qualities. Yes, a mallet was absolutely necessary with that baka. “Besides,” she ruefully admitted to herself, “it hurts too much to hit him bare handed.” She paused in her attempt to avoid listening to them by hiding behind Kasumi's food and said, “Nabiki went somewhere and, since she was recovering from being sick, Ranma's dad told him to go with her. I don't know where they are.” That was all true, but she really hoped it was all of the truth, or at least she thought she did.
Akane then proceeded to return her attention to Kasumi's wonderful food, and to wonder what again always went wrong when she tried to cook. Food seemed a much safer topic, after-all.
The amazon in the tree made her way silently away from the school and back to the Nekohaten. It seemed that great grandmother already knew that Ranma was with Nabiki, but had no clue where either. She spent the rest of the day in search of where to deliver an order of ramen noodles. Said ramen noodles had grown cold hours ago, and said destination was only a couple blocks from the Nekohaten. Shampoo was taking the scenic route.
“Rei's fine. They are all fine, although it may be a few days yet before they get back.” A tension seemed to drain out of the old priest as Artemis said those words. The cat continued with, “You know I'm actually glad our Mau mental suggestion techniques failed on you. I get so tired of pretending to be a normal cat to everyone, and at least you can play chess.”
“Well then, lets get the board out before Luna comes to drag you away again.”
“Oh, you should know that Ami's mother seems to know now too. From what I gather she caught Luna trying to sneak in. Luna would have been okay too, except for the bit later where she flipped out a communicator and started talking to me.” Artemis seemed sheepish as he said the last words.
“So, your going to get blamed for that huh?”
Artemis swiped his paw over his head and said bitterly, “What else is new?” He paused for a few seconds before continuing in a more normal tone, “At any rate, it is not a total loss since it seemed she had figured it out already anyway. The more intelligent and or spiritually aware you are the easier it is to fight off.”
The old man said with amusement,“And yet you tried to pull it off on me. . .”
With annoyance the cat said, “You don't have to keep rubbing it in you know.” He paused for a few seconds before continuing normally with, “Besides, it is not as if we had a choice. Having their parents go crazy every time they are not home on time would be a pain.”
“Yes, I imagine it would,” Rei's grandfather sighed. “Had the Great Fire not showed me how important this all was, I would never have allowed it.” He paused in thought for a few seconds leading Artemis to wonder if he was regretting that decision before continuing with, “Still, the past is no place to dwell for overly long. Tell me, what is my errant granddaughter up to now?” The last was said as if he was asking for information about the weather or some other truly trivial thing.
Artemis raised his front shoulders in what seemed to be the equivalent of a cat shrugging before saying, “Why not? It is not as if Luna can get any more mad at me. Besides, if I'm any good at guessing, I'd say Mizuno-san is practicing her interrogating skills right now. . .”
Usagi next went from door to door, glancing in each to see what was inside. She spotted Mamoru when she opened the seventh door. The temptation to crawl in with him was a strong one, especially after seeing the interesting position of Haruka and Michuru, but for once her sense of duty pushed her onward and finally on the tenth try she found it, or rather them.
The sight was certainly much less interesting than the other one. This pair looked warmer for one, what with them still wearing all their clothes. She walked over and gently shook Nabiki until her eyes opened and starred at Usagi's rumpled nightgown before focusing upward on her blue eyes. “We need to talk.”
Nabiki gave a very small nod before extracting herself from the covers quietly and following Usagi out the door. As the door was closing, Setsuna opened her eyes. Once it was completely closed she let out a very small sigh before saying very softly, “I'm sorry princess, but I couldn't bet the future on so small a chance. I couldn't bet you.”
“What are you doing? Isn't that Ranma's bag?”
Nabiki grinned. “Don't worry, Ranma-kun doesn't have any secrets from me, and as for what I'm doing...” Usagi gave her a curious look before turning back to Nabiki who was busy unloading the pack. She set some ramen noodles and a sleeping bag aside before pulling out a set of Ranma's trademarked clothing. “Here you go. Put this on. It is much warmer than what you're wearing.”
Usagi peered at her friend and asked, “How would you know that?”
Nabiki blushed red before taking a stranglehold of her emotions. “It is nothing like that. She was all wet and cold, and well, I put them on to dry them off.”
Usagi nodded. It was only a few minutes ago she was reminded of how certain girls kept warm, but still, this was Ami. “If you say so...”
“Usagi!” Nabiki knew she was doomed now. Once bunny got an idea like this in her head it would be a pain to change it. Still, they hadn't found out about Ranma's curse yet either. Now that was going to be quite interesting. She glanced over to see that Usagi had already put on Ranma's spare set of clothing. They fit better than on Ranma's girl form of course, since Usagi was somewhat closer to Ranma's normal size. All in all, Usagi managed to make the outfit look cute, but then she could make almost anything look cute.
Usagi finished cinching the waist before turning to stare directly at Nabiki. She reached out her right hand and grabbed ahold of Nabiki's left, and then covered it with her own left. “Tell me, Ami. What happened to you?”
Nabiki sighed before leading Usagi over to that circular couch area and waiting for her to sit down. In the process, Usagi managed to trade Nabiki's left hand for her right.
“You must understand that some of this is guesswork. Without directly confronting Setsuna I may never know for sure, and I suspect even she cannot be certain.”
“I think it must have began when the Silver Millennium fell. Your mother, bless her soul, did her best sending our souls forward in time to be reborn here, yet sometimes one's best isn't quite enough.”
Usagi's grip on her hand tightened, although not painfully so. “Go on..”
“I think my star seed was damaged when it was sent forward in time. It was probably a small thing at first, like a tiny crack in a windshield, but being a Senshi is no small thing, and the flaw must have grown with time...”
“Ami...” said Usagi softly.
With a wry voice Nabiki continued in what she hoped was a disarming tone, “And then there was that whole dying and being brought back thing. I really can't recommend that much.”
“Ami!” yelled Usagi.
“Relax. It wasn't your fault. The only alternative you had was to leave us dead, and well, I'm glad you didn't.”
Usagi lessoned the tension in her grip a little. “So how did...”
Nabiki put a finger of her non imprisoned hand gently against Usagi's lips to silence her. “Please, just let me finish. Okay?”
Usagi nodded before Nabiki continued with, “It seems Setsuna knew of a way to heal me, but it came at a price that she doubted the others would easily accept, or perhaps she feared that one of you would volunteer. Figuring out Setsuna can be a difficult thing.” Usagi unconsciously nodded once before Nabiki continued with, “You see, a star seed is a thing of the soul. It is sometimes possible to damage one with great works of magic, but almost impossible to heal one, for how do you patch one weak area without taking material from another?”
Usagi seemed confused. Nabiki thought she could easily get her hand back now, but made no attempt to do so. A few seconds later Usagi spoke with a hesitant voice, “Your not just Ami now are you?”
Nabiki briefly tried to puzzle out how Usagi jumped to that conclusion before dismissing it as irrelevant. “No, I'm sorry Usagi, but I'm no longer quite the Ami you knew. She is a part of me now, as is one Nabiki Tendo who freely became a part of me so that we both could live.”
“I don't understand. Who is Nabiki and what was wrong with her?” asked a somewhat confused Usagi.
Nabiki for her part was stunned. She was sure. She was so sure, that Usagi would react worse than this. Then it hit her. To Usagi she didn't lose anything, for she was still here. What an odd way of thinking that girl had.
Nabiki smiled as she went on to explain a bit about Nabiki Tendo and her life. She steered clear of Ranma's secrets, even if his curse was one of the worst kept secrets in Nerima, it was still his secret. She was also careful to portray her former self in a positive light. So many people could take blackmail and extortion the wrong way. Still, it earned a few frowns from the princess from time to time. When Nabiki was done Usagi said, “I would have done it. Then I could have been really smart and Rei couldn't tease me any more.”
Nabiki couldn't help herself as she broke out in laughter. At times she was sure she understood the blonde, then at other times, she was like a completely different person. It hit her then. The missing piece of the puzzle fell in place, and Nabiki said, “Usagi, I need to go talk to Setsuna now.”
Usagi nodded as Nabiki stalked off.
“You knew all along.”
“Knew what?”
“About Usagi...”
“Oh that...” said an uncomfortable Setsuna.
“It's her isn't it? Some part of Usagi's mother is linked with Usagi or that crystal... Something..”
“Yes.”
An angry Nabiki continued, “Is that all you have to say? What of Usagi? Will she one day stop being who she is after the spirit of her mother takes over?”
“No, it is never that simple. You should know that. Also, no it is not really Usagi's mother, or more to the point it is not only Usagi's mother. Usagi represents the end of an unbroken chain spanning back many generations, from mother to eldest daughter. That is where her true wisdom comes from.”
“And your going along with this?” exclaimed Nabiki.
Setsuna said, “You would rather have me do what?” Nabiki frowned, but had no answer to that. Setsuna continued sharply, “Even if you could stop it, and I have no idea how that could be done, you would have to take the silver crystal away from her if you expected her to live, since I doubt circumstances will let her avoid using it forever.”
Nabiki had no answer to that other than the obvious. They must grow stronger and they must rely on Usagi less but even then there were no guarantees. Taking the silver crystal, even if she could bring herself to do it, might just condemn them and the world to death sooner. Setsuna continued, trampling over Nabiki's thoughts, the bitterness in her tone obvious, “Or would you rather go out and tell her? It would do no good and only end up costing her more of this childhood.”
Nabiki gulped at that. She had been thinking of doing that, but now that seemed the dumbest idea in the world.
Setsuna resumed in a reassuring tone. “She is still Usagi. Her merging, unlike yours is a slow thing. There will be no day she suddenly stops being Usagi, for that core will always be there, just as the core of what both of you were before remains. This is why Serenity inspired such loyalty in so many, and such jealousy in so few. It is not a bad thing. Wisdom and power must always have a price lest it be abused.”
Nabiki had no answers and wished, no she didn't wish she never found out, she never wished that. Lacking a clearer purpose Nabiki tossed out, “I better get back to work.”
Some might have noticed that I have made a few changes here and in the previous chapter to insure continuity. I try to keep such changes to a minimum, but any incomplete story is always a work in progress to some extent.
The ship in this series is based on the series Lost Universe as mentioned in the disclaimer. The inclusion of the ship does not imply any other elements will be included, not does it imply that even the ship will remain the same as in that series.. At any rate, Let me know what you think.
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