Chapter 17: Trying to Stand Alone
Trying to Stand Alone
Celeste helped Mamoru load Makoto’s suitcases in the open trunk of the waiting car, as Usagi and the others gushed over Makoto. Mamoru closed the trunk with a decisive click, signaling that everything was ready. With a final goodbye and promises to see her soon, everyone watched Makoto leave with Minako and her parents. As the car disappeared, everyone turned and looked at each other. No one seemed to have an idea on what to do with the rest of the afternoon.

“Study group at my place?” Ami offered.

‘What!” Usagi exclaimed. “Our exams aren't until next week!”

The genius blushed. “It doesn’t hurt to prepare a little early, Usagi-chan.”

Rei laughed. “With her grades, it would be a great idea.”

“Hey!” Usagi protested, now within inches of Rei.

“Well, if you take your school work seriously, maybe your marks would be better. Ever thought of that?”

Mamoru moved to separate the girls while Celeste and Setsuna tried to hide their laughter. However, both were failing miserably as Rei and Usagi began to stick their tongues out at each other. They were also deaf to Mamoru’s cries for peace.

“And they are in high school?” Celeste quipped in English.

Setsuna laughed quietly. “Amazing, isn’t it?”

Mamoru, apparently hearing the exchange, gave the women disapproving looks. He finally succeeded in separating Rei and Usagi and ordered them to apologize to each other. Swallowing their prides, the two quickly made up.

“Now that’s settled, what does everyone want to do?” Mamoru asked. “I would hate to waste this lovely afternoon.”

Rei had to return to the shrine. No entreating could dissuade her, but she promised to call Usagi later. With a wave, she turned and headed down the sidewalk to the bus stop.

“Well, how about a museum?” Ami suggested. “There is one not too far from here.”

“A museum?” Usagi asked, staring at the other girl in disbelief. “How about we go get an ice cream and then go feed the ducks at the park?”

Celeste smiled at the banter as they tried to find something that everyone wanted to do. However, her thoughts soon drifted to Jonathan. ‘I will find you,’ she vowed silently.

“Celeste-chan, are you okay?” Ami asked, gently touching her arm.

Smiling, Celeste nodded in reply. “Just lost in thought for a moment, Ami-chan.”

“Do you want to stay at my place tonight?” the blue-haired girl asked. “My mom is gone to a conference for a couple of days.”

“I could give you a ride when we get finished,” Mamoru offered.

“Thanks, really, but, I’m tired. I think I will head back to the hotel and take a nap.” Celeste smiled. “Besides, I don’t think we all could fit in your car.”

“I’ll go with her,” Setsuna stated. “I will see you all later.”

Celeste made sure that they were out of hearing distance before giving Setsuna a cool glance. As they stopped on a street corner, she looked for a cab. Finally, she turned to the other woman.

“You don’t have to keep babysitting me,” she stated.

“I’m concerned about you,” she replied. “And I am not the only one.”

“I’m fine, Setsuna,” Celeste answered. She sighed. “Well, I don’t see any taxis. Want to walk?”

“Sure.”

They rounded the corner and walked in silence. Around them, streams of people passed. Celeste ignored the families, young couples, and groups of friends walked in the other direction.

She was pulled from her thoughts as her communicator began to beep. Digging into her purse, Celeste retrieved the device and opened it. Ami’s face appeared.

Following Setsuna, Celeste entered the alley, hoping to avoid any eavesdropping. “What is it, Ami-chan?”

“I am detecting more of those energy readings and sending you the coordinates. We are already on our way.”

“Right,” Celeste replied. “We will meet you there.”

She closed the device and turned to Setsuna. “Ami-chan has detected some more of those energy readings. I’ve got the coordinates.”

“So I heard.” She studied her friend for a moment, concerned. “Are you sure you ready for this, Celeste?”

Celeste looked down at her transformation pen. It seemed to glow in the sunlight, radiating with power. She thought of all the times she had given her life as Sailor Sol. She remembered Charon and his death. She thought of Jonathan and briefly imagined what Scorpios could be doing to him.

“I have to, Setsuna,” she replied simply.

Taking a step back, Celeste raised the transformation pen. “Sol Star Power, Make-Up!”

“I guess you do,” Setsuna sighed. “Pluto Planet Power, Make-Up!”