Sailor Moon - Sailor Phoenix Pt13

Jasumin ran down the street as fast, and as safely as she could, weaving her way through the few pedestrians on the sidewalk who were out in the heavy downpour. She had been unable to take the car that she and Setsuna shared, as Setsuna was out shopping for the both of them. Jasumin had only just heard the news about Usagi and what had transpired the previous day with Seiya. Rei had told her to come to the Hikawa Shrine with all haste and after Jasumin had left a note for Setsuna as to where she was heading, left as quickly as she could. Normally, she would have taken steps to avoid being soaked by the rain, but this was an emergency and as such, speed was of the essence. Besides, she could dry herself off with ease within the meditation chamber.

As she neared the Hikawa Shrine, Jasumin put on a burst of speed and with precision and grace, quickly ascended the slick stairs that lead up to the Shrine. Minako was waiting outside the meditation building, her chin resting on her hands. She looking up, she spotted Jasumin appear over the staircase and began to make her way over to where Minako was sitting.

“How is she?” Jasumin asked, not quite out of breath, but still breathing heavily. She was completely soaked by the rain.

“Upset would be putting it mildly.” Minako replied softly. “She hasn’t said anything to us since last night.”

The door slid open as Makoto stepped out, starting slightly upon seeing Jasumin. “Jasumin! I guess Rei-chan told you too huh?”

“Hi, Mako-chan, yes she told me. Where are Rei and Ami?” Jasumin began to wring some of the water out of her soaked hair.

Makoto pointed behind her. “Inside, trying to console Usagi.” She sighed. “All this time, she kept it hidden from us. Trying to be strong and we never suspected anything.”

“I guess she wanted us not to worry that she hadn’t heard anything but…I wish she had told us sooner.” Minako murmured.

“I’ll go talk with her. Perhaps she will open up to me.” Jasumin said before quietly sliding the door open.

Inside the meditation room, the large fire filled the area with a pleasant warmth, warming Jasumin up instantly, and began to dry her wet clothes. Seated nearby was Usagi, staring blankly at the floor with Rei and Ami beside her. Noticing that she was there, Rei and Ami got up and walked over to her.

“Jasumin, thank you for coming.” Rei whispered.

Smiling slightly Jasumin put an arm on Rei’s shoulder. “Anything yet?”

Ami shook her head. “No. She’s just been sitting there ever since we brought her here, simply staring at either the floor or at the fire and sometimes crying to herself.”

“May I speak with her alone please?”

The two girls nodded and quietly made their way outside.

Jasumin made her way over to Usagi and sat down beside her, noticing her gaze was directed to the flickering flames.

“Usagi?” Jasumin softly asked. Usagi made no acknowledgement as she kept staring blankly at the fire. “Princess Serenity?” This time Usagi blinked and turned slightly to look at her. “You’ll hurt your eyes if you stare too long at the fire that way.” She said with a small smile.

“Something’s happened to him right, Jasumin?” Usagi whispered, “He promised…promised me he would write to my every day.” Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. “I haven’t gotten one letter from him all this time.”

Jasumin’s heart went out to Usagi. “Perhaps he had been very busy?” She suggested hopefully.

Shaking her head she replied, “No, no something happened and I can’t bear to be without him Jasumin. I tried so hard. I thought that I could go on without him being here, but when I saw that rose, I realized I couldn’t go on like that. I need him!” Unable to hold back any longer Usagi broke down crying, wrapping her arms around Jasumin, and ignoring the semi-damp clothes. “I need him!”

Fighting back the urge to cry herself, Jasumin wrapped her arms around Usagi allowing her to cry into her shoulder.

“I know. I know exactly how you feel, Usagi.” She finally murmured after a few minutes. “I know the pain and emptiness of being alone, separated from the one you love. The hole that is created when the person you’ve been with for so long is no longer a part of your life.” Jasumin paused as a small tear fell down her cheek. “When Setsuna was gone, I felt as if I couldn’t go on, that nothing would ever heal the wound of her no longer being there with me. Then you and the other girls helped me. You shared your love, you were there for me, letting me know that you were by my side; all you wanted was for me to be happy once more.”
“How did you deal with be separated though?” Usagi whispered, still holding onto Jasumin, her head resting on her chest.

“Because I knew deep down, that no matter where my beloved was, I knew that our love would never stop.” Jasumin replied, “It is the same with you and Mamoru. No matter where he is, he will never stop caring about you, Usagi. Therefore, you must be strong until the day you will be reunited with him again.”

Sniffling, Usagi looked up at Jasumin. “Do you think so?”

“I know so.” Came the reply. “Come, dry your tears, the girls are worried about you.”

Drying her eyes, Usagi murmured a heartfelt thank you as she got up with Jasumin and gave her a long hug, before walking with her to the door.

“Did you come here in the pouring rain, Jasumin? Just to see me?” Usagi asked, finally noticing the nearly dry, but still damp clothes and hair.

Jasumin smiled sheepishly and nodded. Usagi was touched and gave Jasumin another long hug, whispering “Thank you.”

As Jasumin opened the door, and she saw the relief on the girls faces as Usagi walked out beside her.

“Thank you, everyone.” Usagi said softly, as she looked at each one of her dear friends.

Wanting to lighten the mood and help distract Usagi a bit, Jasumin walked off towards Rei’s kitchen calling over her shoulder, “Mako-chan! Would you like to come and make something with me? My treat.” Her eyes twinkling in delight.

Without a moment’s hesitation Makoto was right beside Jasumin and the two of them entered Rei’s kitchen with the other girls close behind wondering just what kind of treat it would be.

A short while later, the girls were savoring hot bowls of noodles that Jasumin had made, with Makoto’s special cakes and tea for dessert. A perfect meal for a rainy day. There was plenty for everyone, including Usagi; while still feeling down, she still had her appetite. After Makoto and Jasumin had cleaned up the dishes, Minako got up and headed over to the door.

“Why don’t we go take a walk and enjoy the rest of the day outdoors?” She suggested, as she peeked outside. “It looks like the rain has stopped too.”

“I agree.” Ami replied, as she got up. “Now that the rain has stopped, it should be the perfect time to take a walk.”

With a bit of reluctance, Usagi agreed to go as well, and headed outside with Ami, Minako and Makoto following behind her.

“Rei, could you stay with me for a few minutes?” Jasumin softly called as Rei was about to follow behind the other girls.

“I’ll catch up with you girls in a bit!” Rei called after Usagi and the others, before closing the door and sitting down at the table.

Jasumin passed a fresh hot cup of tea to Rei and sat down opposite of her, looking down at her own cup. “Tell me what happened yesterday.” She said calmly.

Rei sighed, her fingers caressing the warm cup for a few moments, before speaking. “We weren’t there for all of it; I spoke with Seiya after the events transpired to know exactly what had taken place.

We were doing our best to protect Usagi since she became the target of the enemy. I guess we over did it, as Usagi got upset with us, and asked for Ami, Makoto, and Minako to leave her alone for a while. They reluctantly agreed and when they came to meet up with me, I found out that Usagi wasn’t with them. I reminded them that we couldn’t leave Usagi alone, not with the knowledge that she could be attacked at any time. We hurried back to the school to search for her, but we didn’t know where Usagi had gone. Turns out, Usagi had made her way onto the roof of the school, where she was confronted by Sailor Tin Nyanko. Nyanko forced a fight with Usagi, who was forced to transform in front of her. The fight escalated, and not in Sailor Moon’s favor. Suddenly, a red rose impaled the ground between the two of them.” Rei paused and took a gulp of tea. “Seiya was the one who threw that rose, and he saw the look of shock on Sailor Moon’s face as she saw him standing nearby. Seiya transformed as well, into Star Fighter, and with her attack, gave Sailor Moon a chance to force Nyanko to retreat, with her scepter having some effect on Nyanko. When it was over though, after Seiya reverted back to her civilian guise, he found Usagi on her hands and knees staring at the rose he had flung. It was here that myself, and the other girls came upon them.”
“What happened next?” Jasumin gently pressed.

“It began to rain as I heard Usagi speaking softly, her voice breaking. She said, ‘When I think about it…I’m not that good at enduring things. For instance: even if I decide to do my homework tonight, I easily lose myself and start eating snacks until I’m full and sleepy, and usually right after that I take a nap. I thought I could be strong. A strong enough will to go on without him, but…but when I saw that rose; I knew I needed him to be here with me! I thought he had come back! Even though I can only hear his voice on his answering machine, and I haven’t received any letters from him, I thought I was okay. That I could survive just by myself, but…but I can’t stand being by myself! I want to see you! I want to see you, Mamo-chan!’ With that, she broke down sobbing. Seiya then came up to her, knelt down in front of her and gently lifted her chin and asked, ‘Am I not enough?’” Rei let out a deep sigh. “Usagi simply knelt there, staring in shock at Seiya’s question, before crying her heart out for Mamoru once more, and it was then we made our presence known to them. Seiya didn’t say a word as Makoto and Minako took Usagi, and guided her downstairs. I stayed behind to question him what had taken place. Then, after taking Usagi here, I called you.”

Rei drank the rest of her tea, and then asked, “Why didn’t she tell us, Jasumin?”

“Because, she didn’t want us to worry about her.” Jasumin replied softly. “I too felt the same way, and I know that right now, what she needs is to be with her friends. She needs to know that she’s not alone, that we are there for her. That we are always there for her.”

“I agree. Have you told Haruka or Michiru yet?” Rei wondered.

“No. I will talk with them and Setsuna as soon as I return home. From there, we will figure out what to do.” Jasumin answered.

“Very well. I’m sure they will not like what has taken place.” Rei said, as she got up to wash her cup and the tea pot.

“I know they won’t, but we can only hope they won’t do anything rash.” Jasumin replied as she helped Rei clean up.

After everything had been tidied up and put away, Jasumin made her way to the door. Pausing she quickly wrote down something on a sheet of paper and handed it to Rei.

“I must be going now, Rei. Setsuna is most likely back by now and waiting for me. Please, give this to Ami and ask her to look into this, and give me a call if she finds anything. Also, may I use your telephone for a brief moment?”

“Of course, you know where it is.” Rei replied, “I’m going to go catch with Usagi and the others, and keep an eye out on her. I’ll pass on your note to Ami and let you know if anything comes up.” She grabbed something from a nearby pot and tossed it to Jasumin. “Here. You can borrow this in case you need to keep dry on the way home.” Rei winked. “I don’t think Setsuna would be happy knowing you went out without an umbrella.”

Jasumin caught the umbrella with ease and smiled, nodding in agreement. “No she wouldn’t. Thank you, Rei.”

Setsuna, Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru were waiting in the living room conversing with each other as Jasumin came in through the front door. Upon hearing the door open, Hotaru got up and darted over to greet Jasumin.

“Welcome home, Jasumin!” Hotaru greeted with a wide smile.

Jasumin smiled and picked up Hotaru in her arms after placing the umbrella she had borrowed from Rei beside the door, before proceeding into the living room. “Have you been telling Haruka and Michiru all the fun things you’ve been up to?”

Hotaru nodded, giggling. Looking into Jasumin’s eyes, she noticed that they seemed distant, as if Jasumin’s mind was elsewhere. She reached up and lightly touched Jasumin’s cheek, bringing Jasumin back to reality. Smiling, she sat Hotaru down between Haruka and Michiru before turning to face Setsuna.

Setsuna had gotten up and gave her beloved a warm hug and a quick kiss. “Did you forget to take an umbrella, my love?” She whispered, smiling knowingly. “What am I going to do with you?”

Jasumin blushed slightly and moved to sit with Setsuna across from Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru.

“Why did you call us here?” Haruka asked.

“What’s wrong, Jasumin?” Hotaru chimed in.

“Is everything ok?” Michiru added.

Jasumin hung her head slightly and let out a sigh. “I only wish it was.” Looking up, she met the gaze of her friends. “I found out what’s been troubling Usagi lately. More to the point, what she’s been hiding from us.” She paused for a moment to let the words sink in before continuing. “I’m sure you are aware that Usagi has been pining for Mamoru ever since he left, and no doubt has been trying to keep in touch with him. As far as we were all aware, the two of them had been in contact. However, it wasn’t the case.”

“What do you mean?” Setsuna asked surprised by what Jasumin was saying.

“What I mean is, Usagi has been writing to Mamoru ever since he left, over a month ago, and she has not gotten one single letter back from him.”

“Not one?!” Michiru exclaimed in astonishment.

“Poor Usagi-chan.” Hotaru murmured.

“Not a single one.” Jasumin affirmed. “She didn’t want any of us to worry, but yesterday, the dam finally broke, and it just happened to be in front of Seiya.”

“I thought he agreed to stay away from her.” Haruka growled in annoyance.

“He was, however…”

Jasumin then proceeded to tell them what had taken place, and when she was done, each of them fell silent in their own thoughts.

It was Setsuna who finally broke the silence. “Whether we like it or not, Seiya did protect Usagi from Sailor Tin Nyanko.”

“That one has been appearing more and more recently too.” Michiru said. “I’m sure the three of you felt the immense burst of power when the Starlight’s Princess Kakyuu appeared?”

Jasumin nodded. “We did.”

“It felt similar to the same burst of power that took place a couple weeks before that. We still don’t know what precipitated that, or who caused it.” Setsuna added.

Haruka spoke up, “On the subject of the Starlight’s Princess. She has asked for assistance from Sailor Moon to find what she called the ‘Light of Hope’. I…reminded them that the Starlight’s are from outside of our Solar System, and as such we do not trust, nor wish to help them.”

“Usagi of course did not like this.” Michiru added. “She still believes that we can all work together.”

Jasumin couldn’t help but smile. “That’s our Princess. I cannot help but wonder the same thing, but…” She looked at Haruka, “I do know that our priority is to protect Usagi. We still don’t know what side they are on, and on top of that, we have Tin Nyanko and Galaxia to deal with as well.”

“Yes, and I feel that events are going to escalate soon.” Setsuna said softly. “More and more stars are losing their light in the sky, and the darkness is inevitably coming here.”

Michiru let out a deep sigh. “When that time comes, we will do what we are sworn to do: Protect and believe in our Princess.”

Haruka nodded. “Michiru and I are going to talk with Usagi, and remind her that she needs to stay away from Seiya and the others. The last thing we need is for her to be caught in the crossfire.”

Setsuna nodded in agreement. “Jasumin, Hotaru and I are going to see if we can find out what this ‘Light of Hope’ is. Perhaps it will be something we can use to end this crisis once and for all.”

“Right now, let’s leave Usagi in the care of the other girls.” Jasumin suggested, “She’s still trying to come to terms with the absence of Mamoru. I think the last thing she needs right now is us going to her and telling her not to see the Starlight’s.”

Haruka reluctantly nodded in agreement. “Very well. Michiru and I will speak with her tomorrow morning.”

“We should be going too.” Michiru added, standing up. “There are things the two of us need to take care of today.”

After saying their goodbyes, Hotaru found Jasumin lost in thought once more as Setsuna shut the front door.

“Jasumin?” Hotaru asked softly, “Is something wrong?”

Setsuna saw the look on her lover’s face as well. “Jas?”

“I’m fine.” Jasumin replied, shaking her head slightly. “I’m going to go visit Seiya myself before Haruka and Michiru cross paths with him again. I want to hear his version of what took place myself.”

Setsuna raised an eyebrow slightly for a brief moment, before nodding. “Okay. Just remember that dinner is at six thirty tonight. Hotaru is going to be helping me make dinner.”

Jasumin saw the twinkle of delight in Hotaru’s eyes. “I won’t be late, I promise.”

Smiling, Setsuna handed Rei’s umbrella to her beloved, winking mischievously.

“I’ll be back soon, my love.” She murmured as she took the umbrella, placed a quick kiss on Setsuna’s lips and then headed through the front door.

~Three Light’s Residence~

“I’ll get it.” Yaten announced, getting up off the couch as the sound of soft knocking was heard. His eyes widened in surprise as he opened the door. “Jasumin!” Regaining his composure, he glared at her. “Why are you here?”

Jasumin held her hands together over her thighs as she replied, “I wanted to talk with Seiya.”

“He…”

“Healer?” A warm female voice called out from inside the room, “Let her in, please.”

Yaten bowed his head in defeat and stood aside, shutting the door as Jasumin entered the room. The room was a simple private room for party goers that wanted to get away from the crowd in the main party building. At one corner, was an assortment of musical instruments: drums, electric guitars, and an electric piano. Sitting at the bar table, was Seiya, his chin resting on the palm of his hand. Taiki was sitting upon one of three couches in the middle of the room. Sitting to his left, was a woman that Jasumin instinctively knew that this was their Princess.

Taiki and Seiya’s attention focused on Jasumin as Yaten strode over and gestured to the woman sitting on the couch. “It’s only right that I introduce you, Jasumin. This is our Princess, Fireball Princess Kakyuu.” Turning to Kakyuu, he continued, “Princess, this is …”

“A Sailor Senshi.” Kakyuu interrupted, “No doubt one of Sailor Moon’s and this planets protectors.”

Jasumin walked over, transforming in mid-stride as she stood before the Princess. “Princess Kakyuu, I am Sailor Phoenix, the Soldier of Purity.” Phoenix said, getting down on one knee. “It is an honor to meet you.

Kakyuu smiled and gestured for Phoenix to sit down across from her. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Sailor Phoenix. I trust that you’ve come here on Sailor Moon’s behalf.”

“I am, but please, call me Jasumin.” Phoenix replied, as she reverted back to her civilian guise. “I did not come here on Sailor Moon’s request, but on my own.”

Jasumin’s statement earned her glares from both Taiki and Yaten, while Seiya looked at her in curiosity. “Why are you here then?” Yaten asked as he sat down beside his Princess.

Jasumin looked at the floor for a moment. “I wanted to thank Seiya.” She answered, looking up at Seiya surprised face. “I wanted to thank him for being there with to save Usagi yesterday.”

Yaten could barely contain his anger. “I thought you were going to stay away from her!” He shouted at Seiya before turning his attention back to Jasumin, “And you…”

He stopped as Kakyuu placed her hand on Yaten’s arm. “Let her speak.”

“If I am not mistaken,” Taiki began in a calm voice, “You and the other three with you demanded that we stay away from Usagi. Now you are thanking Seiya for being there to protect her?”

Jasumin clasped her hands on her knees. “You must understand.” Jasumin said softly. “Usagi means the world to us. Yes, she can be annoying, clumsy, and childish, but beneath all of that, she is the most caring person I know. She wants nothing more than for than for all of us to work together as friends. I truly believe that we could, but at the same time, I am reminded of my duty to her. You are all from outside of our Solar System. We don’t know what it is you’re truly after, and it is our duty to protect her from outsiders. Would you not feel the same way if our positions were reversed?”

“Yes, we would.” Seiya replied, surprising Taiki and Yaten. “I know how you feel, Jasumin. We have to protect the ones who are important to us. In that respect, we are alike.”

Jasumin smiled slightly. “And that is why I, no all of us, are thanking you, for protecting Usagi from Tin Nyanko’s attempt to steal Usagi’s Star Seed. Even Haruka and Michiru, while they won’t admit it, were glad that you were there. They still don’t like the fact that you were there, but they are grateful nonetheless.”

“It’s strange, hearing that coming from you.” Taiki said. “You’re not like the other two.”

Jasumin couldn’t help but smile as she shook her head slightly. “No, I’m not.” Wanting to change the subject, she looked at Seiya. “Is it true you three are having your last concert tomorrow?”

Seiya nodded. “Yes. With it, we hope to be able to find the ‘Light of Hope’, that we can use to defeat Galaxia once and for all.”

Jasumin tilted her head slightly, quizzically. “What is this ‘Light of Hope’ exactly?”

“We are not sure ourselves.” Kakyuu admitted, “But what we do know is that it is something left over from the Sailor Wars, when the strongest of the Sailor Senshi sealed away Chaos.”

“I see. Let us hope that you’ll be able to find it.” Jasumin said. Judging the moment to be right, she looked over at Seiya. “Seiya, may I speak with you alone for a few minutes?”

Nodding, Seiya got up and motioned for Jasumin to follow him outside the room.

After a several minute long discussion, Seiya had confirmed what Rei had told Jasumin earlier that day. Excusing himself, Seiya reentered the room. Left alone, Jasumin leaned out over the metal railing that overlooked the floor below, lost in thought. She didn’t hear the door open again, and started slightly when Yaten came up beside her, adopting the same pose.

“I wanted to apologize for my outburst earlier.” He said softly, turning his gaze towards Jasumin.

“There’s no need.” Jasumin replied, with a small smile. “You were not nearly as bad as Haruka was when she found out who you were.”

Both of them chuckled.

Yaten grinned for a moment. “I can only imagine her reaction. Still, I hope that you and I can still be friends, even though you don’t fully trust us.”

“I would like that as well, Yaten.” Jasumin let out a small sigh. “I must be going now. I hope that your concert goes well tomorrow, and that you are able to find what you are looking for.”

“I hope so as well.” Yaten replied. “I’ll see you around, Jasumin.”

~Jasumin and Setsuna’s Residence~

“I got it!” Hotaru called, as she darted over from the kitchen to the ringing telephone and picked it up. “Hello, Jasumin and Setsuna residence.”

“Oh hi, Ami-chan!” Hotaru said excitedly, then frowned. “No, I’m afraid she’s…Oh wait she just came in the front door. One moment please.”

Hotaru rushed over to Jasumin who had just entered the house, and handed her the phone. “It’s Ami-chan.”

Nodding her thanks, Jasumin took the phone from Hotaru, who then dashed back into the kitchen to resume helping Setsuna.

“Hi, Ami-chan. What were you able to find out?” As she listened, she found herself leaning against the wall for support. “Are you certain?...I see…Thank you, Ami-chan.”

Jasumin hung up, and slowly walked into the kitchen. “Ami-chan just confirmed my worst fear.”

Setsuna and Hotaru both stopped what they were doing and turned to face her.

“What do you mean?” Setsuna asked.

Jasumin looked down towards the floor. “I asked Ami-chan to see if Mamoru actually made it to America.” She said solemnly, “According to the university he was supposed to be attending, Mamoru never showed up.”

Setsuna quickly walked over to Jasumin and took her hand. “Is she absolutely certain?”

Jasumin nodded sadly. “Something must’ve happened to him, but no one has any information regarding his whereabouts.”