Starlit Ruins

The evening air of the clouded amethyst sky cast over the Shirinaui acreage like some great downy blanket, muffling the still bright sun and warding its soothing warmth. It was damningly cold, and Mamoru strode with the edge of wary concern, watching the world about him as much as Usagi. Makoto had told him of her outburst, and he knew from Minako that there was some change in her, some fearful, dramatic skewing of what she was. Worrisome, he took her in his arms, and she did not refuse him.

  Why she had chosen the contemplative territory of the open aired training grounds of the Shirnaui martial arts school puzzled him, and summoned forth unpleasant curiosity. It was unlike her to seek the outdoors when troubled. However, he was frightfully aware of there being so little that remained of her former self. On the matter of their earlier argument, he understood to a degree her angered reaction. In the revelation of suddenly becoming an Earthen creature of much strength and fury, an Earth Child, he had felt much the same. Bitter, angry, betrayed. By whom? Phate, probably, though she never made promises of any variety.

  'Usako, what about Makoto?' his voice was concentrated with acidic concern as he held her.

  'The NegaForce still wants to fight,' she began, her light tones lethargic. 'They just wanted us out of the picture. I see that now. Makoto is going to stay behind to help the Neo Senshi get together to fight for us until… until we can get our team back…'

  Mamoru's head shook slowly. 'What if they are not strong enough?'

  'I think Nasura knows what she is doing,' she replied, hatefully uncertain of her words. 'I don't know who else to trust anymore.'

  'You can trust me.'

  'Hai Mamoru-san,' she replied, as if unsure.

  The evening bitter wafted amongst them again, as if attempting to separate them. Mamoru was not so surprised by her tactility, but rather by her edgy demeanour and frantic emoting. Yet, he had sworn his life to her… a vow honoured in diligence by will of heart. There was an answer. It would be found!

  'Aaran is waiting. We should go.'

  'Hai, my love. Hai.'

  They proceeded beyond the walls of the structure ancient in design, recent of construction. The scene presented was one of nigh restless tranquillity, as if at any point a disruption would rend the canvas bound images to embittered shreds. Carl had honoured his promise of assistance, providing them the means to discover the precise whereabouts of Ami, and the opportunity to recover her. It was not an offer accepted ungratefully, nor without the acknowledgement of how fortunate they seemed.

  'You ready? Carl's waitin',' Aaran pointed out plainly in accented Japanese. She ushered them into the sleek black and white low slung vehicle with literal scads of armour and weapons adorning its nearly sensual aerodynamic figure.

  'Hai,' Usagi nodded. She glanced over at the silent, yet anxious Mamoru, who held a deep query in his soul as he reclined comfortably beside his formerly lost love.

  I feel that, my love. Tell me?

  Mamoru blinked. Hai! But I thought… no… nevermind. What did I miss? How did you escape?

  I've told you that, Mamo-san.. she noted gently. Carl was very kind. The 'CSM' a group of mutants, they, well… they offered to help free me, as I understand it, in exchange for sanctuary… You remember, right?

  Hai, I do.

  Is that all?

  Mamoru's eyes widened. Usagi's shocked expression passed for one of humour as she raised her slender prosthetic hand to her mouth.

  You're so cute when you look confused

  Confused? Ah… um… go ahead.

  Usagi shuffled the heavy grey overcoat she had acquired from Mai about the smooth curves of her matured figure.

  Carl 'ported us out of Lone Star… where… um… where they…

  I know. Let's not get into again.

  She smiled wistfully, and gratefully at him. I guess he was looking for Ami too, but she was gone. I was very angry about that… she noted in a nigh unemotional monotone. She blinked, and rubbed her eyes before continuing. When we found them, I fought with a small demon child who had claimed a very different Ami as her mother.

  Carl argued with her for a bit after I knocked Ami away with a faint energy burst. She wasn't hurt, I just wanted them separate. I remember clearly that Carl became quite vehement with the child, who took off shortly thereafter.

  Mamoru shook his head morosely. She'd never had struggled in school with a vocabulary like that!

  It's been a year Mamoru! I've been through so much. Do you honestly think I haven't learned?

  No, Usako, he sighed audibly. I guess not.

  I mean look what you've learned! You're a Knight, besides being an Earth Child… you know?

  Silly woman, I didn’t learn that.

  Foolish man, does it matter?

  It does when I’m right.

  She pushed his chest playfully. I could be so mad at you, but I don’t want to be alone right now. She yawned and leaned forward, as she locked her arms around his torso, head on his chest.

  You don’t want to be a Knight?

  No. Because of my responsibility to the Senshi. Luna is right. I can feel it. We can still win. I can't be a Knight, a Sailor Senshi, and a Demon Hunter all at once. She looked at him with the regard of a hyperactive child and giggled warmheartedly. Silly love. There's so much you don't get.

  He sighed, and urged her to continue. Do you know where they went?

  I told him I felt a dimensional shift, like when Makoto disappeared. I wonder if it was a transit to the same place, and why she hasn't talked about it…?

  I imagine she has good reasons, even though we haven't thought to ask. What about Ami? Has Carl found her?

  Oh, I'll ask her when we get back. Anyway… hai, he knows where she is. He said he would find her while we helped look for Makoto. That was when he brought me to England… to be with you again,

  Mamoru smiled at that. So many anxieties abated, so many others born. He paused as he noticed the lack of forward motion. Glancing about, he noticed only the succinct wash of green forest and shining sky.

  'That's the ride kids, thanks for traveling Dimensional Skippers!' Aaran laughed.

  'Where are we?' Usagi hissed, hackles risen.

  'A world of fantasy, to put it mildly. This is where Ami is,' she replied, then shrugged. 'All's I know is Sarge told me to bring you here!'

  The side door opened, and as they stood and stretched, Mamoru gathered the existence of a distant town.

  'Usako, look,' he indicated with word and directional finger.

  Usagi inclined her shoulders upward for a moment as she slipped the heavy overcoat from them.

  'It's nothing, just a warring town,' she elaborated, folding the coat into her palm, where it seemed to disappear. 'They're in the middle of a war against some local demons.'

  Mamoru just gaped at his soulmate, completely befuddled.

  'She's right,' stated a friendly baritone in perfect Japanese. 'I guess there's more to her transformation than even I can sense.'

  'Hello Carl Silver,' Mamoru offered somewhat stiffly.

  Carl regarded the tone with sympathy, a vaguely concerned expression upon his face. I am sorry that I cannot change what has happened here. We have acted as swiftly as humanly possible.

  The fire in Mamoru's bosom tamed, and calmed in respect, but found words lacking.

  We're grateful, Usagi elaborated softly, where he could not.

  'Listen gang, I'd love to chat, but I'm needed!' Aaran proclaimed, bowing her head as her blond hair altered to red, her figure gaining a shapely quality formerly lacking as a dark brown kimono concealed her newly adorned body. She cast her brown eyes skyward and called a summoning in a strange tongue. "Sakoheni-li!"

  Usagi's gaze met a small winged creature which glided effortlessly to Aaran's gauntleted arm. She retrieved a miniature note from its leg, and upon reading it, set it free with a whispered phrase:

  "Corr cheni. Ska!" She then bowed deeply two the gathered three, and set off towards the war borne town.

  'What did sh
e say Carl?'

  'Sakoheni is the family name of the house she serves. Li is "come." Corr cheni roughly translates to "go home," and ska is "hurry." She is speaking the family tongue…'

  'A mage's language!' Usagi snapped, whirling with white fire in her clenched fists and sparkling eyes towards Carl. 'I'm going with her.'

  'No, Usagi-san. The plan is very delicate and…' he blinked, and saw she was gone. 'Usagi?! You can't do this! Ami is depending on you!'

  'Carl, she's asking me to say "It's nothing you haven't already figured out. Besides… you can't force me." Before you ask, I don't know where she is.'

  Usagi. What are you doing?

  It's really simple. There are demons out there, and I have to kill them. Got it?

  Uh… I guess. What about Ami? was his less than calm reply, knowing he could only fail in an argument with her.

  Don't worry about that. I'll be there when you need me. That's real simple too, but I don't expect you to understand.

  It's not about understanding, Usagi. He loves you, Aaran interjected. Even I get that. Well, if you are going to tag along, then hurry up, and stay close!

  Hai, she agreed.

  'Ultimately she is correct. I cannot coerce her into an action not of her own agency. Come Mamoru, we will discuss Ami's alteration. Usagi, I imagine, is powerful enough to take care of herself.'

  'She's changed so much… I don't know if I'll ever get used to it,' Mamoru groaned.

  'Mayhap… though are not the ways of women mysterious and fantastic? Perhaps that is why they intrigue us so vastly.'

  'Uh, yeah…'

  @~%~~~

  The young red-headed woman flicked her head about, as though a suggestion of a presence had glimmered aside her. With a frown, she glanced downwards, before returning her gaze to the silver armoured man among those of the court. Her dark dress of short skirt, grey leggings, headband, and hefty armor of legs and arms appointed her the squire of the Knight. A pretty young woman, who seemed ill at ease in the presence of royalty.

  Ayana! Usagi rasped mentally. Makoto's little girl? Grown? I don't get it…

  What?! I thought Ayana was with Makoto! Aaran blurted skeptically. Are you sure?

  "Please, Sir Knight, call me Arthur."

  Undeniably. Her power reads the same, but it's much higher… The young man bowed deeply, the short black lengths of his hair unmoving.

  "If it is your lord's wish."

  Arthur smiled faintly. "Your exploits are well heard. It takes considerable skill to dispatch those beasts as you have done."

  It also seems to require a bloodthirsty blade as well, the recipient sighed internally.

  "And your squire…" he indicated to her that she should step away, and without hesitation, she complied. "It is important to nurture her skills, her… ability. Also, have you kept in mind to respect her interests in you?"

  "I'm afraid I understand you not," qouth the undeniably nervous Knight.

  "Nay…? Sir…" he paused, searching for a name.

  "Sir Lording, my liege. Narayan, if it so pleases you."

  "Narayan, then. Can you see it not? Her pleasure as you have ascended so abruptly? She cares for you. To have earned the concern and feelings of one such as her… a point worth attention, no doubt."

  "No doubt," he agreed half-heartedly as Usagi traced his gaze to the young woman, her eyes intent upon him. Ayana could not belay the sharp anxiousness and curiosity stemming from within, and immediately, Usagi became aware of Narayan's sense of her beauty. As if he was seeing her as a young woman rather than a girl. An instant later, embarrassment flashed across her cheeks, and she turned her burning eyes away. The young man once again faced the emotional revelation.

  "You are a very perceptive man, my King. I am afraid I failed to notice. I have been distracted by the war, as you have said. Thank you for informing me. Is that all, my Lord?"

  "Were I you, and plainly I am not, I would become less 'distracted.' As for her… talents, know you well, or might have you a question or three?'

  "I will not trouble his Lordship with such a trifling matter. I wish not to disturb you any longer. May I be dismissed? I have preparations for the battle tonight to make."

  "Indeed. Fare you well good knight. May Phate smile upon us."

  "May she indeed, and may you stay safe m'lord. I will be by your side," he bowed deeply. "It is in my blood. It is in my name."

  With a nod fell their dismissal, and as they departed, the arrival of Aaran. "Sir Lording!"

  He blanched, and nigh clumsily about-faced to meet the voice. "I know you not!" he snapped, unsettled. "State your business or be on your way."

  Aaran simply produced a silver-white pendent with a family crest upon it. "I am but a humble messenger, Sir Knight."

  "Aye then," he coughed and swallowed. "What message have you?"

  "It is the wishes of your house that you should represent them in the war. They have sent you a small token of men with which to battle."

  "How many?"

  The woman's eyes flitted to Ayana, who shrunk behind Narayan.

  "Two thousand men. I am sorry to say that they are not well trained. The house suffers ill funds. The taxes have taken their toll."

  "Are they ready for battle?"

  "Barely. They wear light leather armour, wield cheaply wrought swords and shields, and hold only a months training in the summer's scorching light."

  "Are they ready for battle?" he demanded impatiently.

  Impudent brat! Aaran snapped harshly in thought alone as a dangerously intolerant glare soured her face. :If I wasn't here to save your thick skull, I'd hack it off!: Despite these inner decrees, her face softened, and her tone, when offered, was gentle.

  "They can fight, aye, Sir Knight."

  "Come then. We will attend them."

  As they proceeded, Usagi gauged the older Ayana, pressing her mentally, attempting to gain a sense of her ability.

  Usagi-san? Is that you?

  Such was her shock that she tumbled over her intangible self, bringing Ayana to a halt, and calling attention to the entirely imperceptible matter.

  "Ayana? What is it? We must proceed apace! The men wait," Narayan iterated pleasantly, a dark patch of unrest serving as an undertone.

  Are you alright? I'm sorry if I startled you! Ayana apologized, not giving Narayan his due.

  Usagi brushed her transparent body off as she stumbled to her feet. I'm fine! How did you know? I mean… Carl couldn't even sense me…

  "Ayana!"

  She spun on one foot, facing him with a puzzled expression. "What?"

  "Didn't you hear me?" he frowned.

  "Nay, I'm sorry. Aren't they waiting at the Silver Blade? Shouldn't we get going?"

  Narayan sighed loudly. "Aye, they are."

  I'm sorry. Where were we?

  I don't remember. Um… so how'd you end up with this kid?

  Kid? You mean Sir Lording?

  Hai.

  It was prearranged. Phate is healing Mama-san while I'm away.

  What?! What happened to her?

  Uh… nothing.

  Usagi glared at her, winding her fists into balls. Who hurt Makoto?

  It doesn't matter, Ayana admonished, abruptly nervous. She's okay. Really!

  It does to me! Tell me! Usagi flared, a light forming in her hands as her power spiked aside her ascending rage.

  She's going to be fine! Usagi-san… don't! You're attracting attention!

  Aaran had, indeed, redirected her gaze to the emotionally and dramatically empowered woman, as had several others as they had approached the aforementioned inn. Narayan faced the semi-opaque Usagi, poised and eager to fight.

  "Fell creature! Behold Sir Lording, slayer of demons and your end! Stand ye back from my squire!" Narayan declared, drawing a seven foot blade from his back to leer over the unimpressed woman. "Harken to my command lest I entreat your annihilation!"

  "Sir Lording! No!!" Ayana desperately wailed.

  "What ar
e you saying, brat?" Usagi growled, assuming a stance of trained defense and dropping the waning facade of invisibility. "Are you trying to say you want to fight? Okay. Bring it."

  " 'Tis no use, this creature is as stubborn as the wicked sea! I shall have to banish this lovely yet evil creature!"

  The blade fell with a swiftness nigh inconceivable, and was met by a steady hand, reflecting its fatally segmenting force. Usagi grinned. The blade, through each strike, harboured a faint sapphire light, a visual echo of every movement.

  Bloody hell… Aaran cursed, standing stunned, as Ayana, uncertain of how to avert further disaster, if even possible…

  "Natole!"

  The female tones expressed such discord, surprise, and outright fear that the small gathering crowd, both combatants halting, simultaneously faced the direction of the vocal proclamation.

  "Ami?!" Usagi started, silver light spinning in balled fists. The curvaceous blue locked woman donned a classy sexy dress of deep sea sapphire, offering only frightened glances.

  "Why'd you follow me Usagi? Why?"

  The reply was tremulous at best, scattered, and vague. "I wanted… Mamoru and I… we… Luna, um…" she swallowed, tearful eyes shining. "The senshi need you!"

  Sir Lording's gaze hardened reflexively.

  "I d-don't know nothin' 'bout n-n-no demons, witch," she nigh stammered. Thunderous steps introduced a masculine mountain of muscle, a twelve foot rock face of testosterone power into the verbal battlefront.

  "Natole!" Sarah whimpered, taking his thick forearm in her slender arms, "she wants Shyanne!"

  A wash of frightened gasps fell across the small crowd like a threatening tsunami as the Half-Giant scowled darkly.

  "I am One-Punch," he declared in a drawling bassoon voice. He opened his tree trunk of a free hand, and an iron staff appeared within reach of his massive fingers. Usagi instinctively recoiled.

  "Called so with good reason. You," he deftly demolished an empty iron wine keg, then placed the blunt tip of the brutal fourteen foot weapon inches from Usagi's flared nostrils and wary, anxious eyes. "Stay away ye from my wife, lest I flatten ye."

  Usagi, without hesitation, bowed and respectfully stated: "Aye. Coril so sa lynn." Respect to the Order.

  …and was then gone.

  Sir Lording made his efforts in the dispersal of the crowd, cursing himself the futility of the battle.

  Usagi? Ayana's uncertain mind tones rang freely, receiving no response.

  We are alone, Ayana. Usagi's back with Mamoru, Aaran affirmed, entreating Sarah's attention. She hesitated briefly as Natole glared down upon her for a moment, before Sarah bid him calm.

  "I'm okay sweetie," she urged, caressing his thick hand subconsciously.

  "What do you remember?"

  Sarah shook her head, squinting, thoughts vague.

  "She… the witch tried to steal my little girl before we came here. Did…" here was a frightened pause. "Did she summon those dreadful white cats? They've vacated half the populace."

  Aaran gazed at her sharply, inquisitive. "Pardon?"

  Sarah - Ami's amnesia balking - blinked, a detached expression holding her slender facial arrangement. "Well, observation indicates that the number of felines doubled when she arrived here. Now that she's departed, the total is decreasing rapidly."

  "So…?"

  She frowned as if it were self-evident. "They're following her. That's the only reasonable conclusion."

  "So you could follow her?"

  Her eyes rolled in consideration. "Sure," she shrugged. "Why you'd want to though… Yeah. It could be done."

  "Why all the combustible cats? Besides the horror factor," Sir Lording queried curtly.

  "That's precisely it though, you see? No people equal inequitable land. Felcor is worthless without the magic and economy of the Felynx," she elaborated, unblinking. "It would win the war for the enemy. The Felynx cannot fight without supplies, and a supportive social structure."

  Aaran nodded. Sharp girl.

  So this is what my Aunt Ami is like, Ayana smiled. Isn't she a scientist or something?

  "Well, no. I'm studying to be a doctor, actually. Though I still have a long way to go," Ami blurted with a blush, her mousey posture momentarily breaching the sundry guise of her fragmented mind. The moment fled, and she blanched, bursting into great gasping sobs as she ran from the scene, leaving the remaining participants stunned. Natole swiftly, for a several hundred pound creature, pursued Sarah, belaying the others with his mere action, and the intimidation of his incredible presence.

  Yet it no longer mattered. She was still in there somewhere, terrified, the very same Ami, a victim of this twisted weaving. She was split, in fact, a fragment of her scarred consciousness living for her when she could not otherwise survive.

  "Ayana, go see what…"

  "No Sir Lording," she negated oh-so gently.

  "Listen, she knows about the demons… I want you to…"

  "Respectfully, I can't do it. She's scared! I'm scared! Please, don't push her. Zen lass, sein tol." Forgive me, my lord.

  The annoyed look immediately faded as he gazed at her. "Of course," he smiled softly. "Of course, girl. I'll simply contact my sister."

  Chapter 32

  Risk Taking