Imaginary (Rewrite)

Imaginary
Imaginary 5: Going Under
Characters: Hotaru, Michiru, Makoto
Warnings: The usual.
AN: Finally, the next chapter re-written and completed! I just have a couple more to work on and will do that in a bit of time, promise!

Hotaru’s P.O.V.

She stood in the kitchen, pulling out various ingredients from the cabinets as tears streamed down her face as they had been since the moment she had walked into the room. She started to cook, feeling that urge, and knowing that she would have to make enough food to help feed those who were going to the after funeral reception.

Starting to make rice balls, she barely acknowledged the door opening and closing, followed by Setsunas power signature start off down the drive. Shaking her head, she wiped at her eyes with her wrists, starting to roll the balls into proper shape.

She quickly finished the rice balls, moving on to start the snickerdoodles, knowing that sometimes sweet things were welcomed where there was sadness. While working on the cookies, she made sure to stir the stews that she had started while in the kitchen earlier. The scent of chicken, vegetables and beef filled the air, dancing over the scent of sweet cream butter and sweet bread. Smiling, she put the cookies into the oven finally and gave the stews another stir.

Turning around to face the counter with the breads that had been cooling and the dough that had been rising, her thoughts turned to the letter that sat in her purse. Shaking her thoughts away and set about kneading the dough before separating them out into muffin pans. Finally setting the dough aside, she washed her hands in the sink, the letter forgotten for the moment.

H.I.M. drifted out from under Michirus studio door, filling the air with ‘Heartache Every Moment’. She started to sing with the song.

****Makotos****

Watching as Setsuna paced back and forth, Makoto continued to sip from her cup before turning to look at Mamoru, who looked pissed off, and Minako, who was worrying her bottom lip. She was trying hard to enjoy the delicious soreness from their earlier activities but the news were spoiling her mood fast. Looking at Mamoru again, shesmiled a milk curdling smile.

"Now, now, no need to get into an uproar. What we need to do is get Ami to choose one of us to be the bearer of the crystal once she receives it, since it will be so hard to bear after all. And that person shall rule Crystal Tokyo for her. After that, we can get rid of her once she signs the contracts and all that rubbish. When we do get rid of her, we can reinstate everyone to their original levels," she said, sipping her champagne, her smile turning sweeter with the smiles she got.

"You're a genius, gorgeous," Mamoru told her, grabbing her glass and putting it down on the table near him. Snatching her up, he laid a deep kiss on her lips, making her feel aroused from it, knowing that she would soon be laid good and hard for the idea. Pulling away, she smiled at Minako, knowing she would be part of the fun when they had it. She smiled wanly back at Makoto.

"Now, we just have to work out the details of how we are to do this. We need to create illusions for Ami first I would think. We can use her dreams to start driving her towards us you know. She’s fiercely loyal to that conniving little bitch, though, and you know it," Setsuna pointed out with a frown.

"Now, now, no need to get in a pissy mood, Setsuna. We will be able to do so, and you know it. Now, let’s work out the details," Mamoru suggested. Sitting back and listening to what Mamoru had to say, Makoto watched as Minako turned the radio on and found a good station to have as back drop music. The envelope in her purse snuck its way into her thoughts, but she stopped it in its tracks as she listened to the plan to make Ami come to their side. She smiled an evil smile as she crossed her legs, letting the robe fall open, and watched as Mamoru looked over at her in appreciation.

She finished her champagne and placed the flute down on the coffee table as the letter snuck back into her thoughts.

****Michirus****

She stood at her easel, like she had been doing for the past hour since they had gotten back home. She didn't notice the tears sliding down her face, or the music that came out of her stereo system. All she could see was the face being created upon her canvas. The face of her princess, her friend, and her sister. Usagi. An angel with a heart of gold and a will of steel.

She was the one who had brightened their lives, and the one who had made their lives worth living, beyond those who still lived and stayed true to her. She picked up a thin brush and set to work on the details of her painting. The shape of her eyes, the way her hair hung around her shoulders, the line of her body and so much more.

Mixing two blues together to get the desired blue for her eyes, she listened to the noise from the kitchen knowing that Hotaru was preparing for tomorrow. Smiling slightly. Michiru continued to paint for a little while longer.

She finally stepped back from the painting and studied it. It was of Usagi as she stood in the garden of the Crystal Palace, the actual building in the background. She was wearing the Neo Queen outfit, silver wings that were outstretched adorned her back and she held the Eternity sword in her hand. Her crown sat upon her head and sparkled in the moonlight. The dress sat upon her body and showed off the curves of a woman, but the body of a warrior. A choker sat, wraped around her neck, with a 9 point star hanging from it. On the moon in the sky the planets symbols sat on it, creating a 9 point star again.

Smiling, she decided to name it 'A Moonlights Warrior Queen' and would have it star in the next show that she was planning on. Place a finishing touch on the painting, a single tear drop sliding down Usagis cheek, she signed the corner.

Walking over to her sink, she washed the brushes and paint holders, along with the various other items. Capping her paint tubes and lining them up in order she set the last tube upon the table and looked at the envelope upon the table. She had an urge to pick it up and finally read it. She shook it off and finish cleaning up her paint studio. Opening a few windows and finally allowing herself to just sit on the couch, she watched the painting set and listen to music.

****Hotarus****

She was soon finished getting the bread dough ready and set it to the side to rise. It wasn’t long before the letter snuck back into her head and she finally give into reading it seeing as she have nothing else to do, seeing as the snickerdoodles she had made were done and cooling in peace, the stew would be done in another 45 minutes, and the dough had to still rise. Walking over to where her purse hung on a hook with Michirus purse, and the purse that Setsuna usually took with her, she opened hers and grabbed the letter.

She took the time to look at the envelope before finally opening it, noticing that it was a small envelope, about half the size length wise as a regular envelope. Her name was written across it in Usagis simple, yet surprisingly neat cursive writing. She smoothed her hand over the writing and a sad smile crept over her lips as she remembered the times that she had watched Usagi write something or another. She turned the envelope over and opened it gently, making sure not to tear it, wanting, no needing to keep it in one piece. She easily slipped the letter out and started to read.

My dearest Firefly
,
I am sorry that I am putting you through this pain, that you are in the middle of it all, and I'm sorry that I am the cause of it. Hades, your brother will tell you how sorry I am, there is no doubt about that.

I can imagine that right now you are either waiting for something to rise, or something to cook, or both. I know that you are cooking for those who are going to be at my parents’ house after the funeral. I also know you are trying really hard to ignore the tears coming down your face.

Don't my dearest one. I want you to release the grief you are feeling, but then look back on your memories of me with fondness. Know that I will always be with you in your heart.

I have to tell you that right about now the others are reading their letters or feeling the urge to. Let me guess as to how they are doing.

Ami is crying and watching a movie, any movie probably, Minako is probably feeling guilty in Mamorus home, Rei is to but also writing a eulogy, Makoto is feeling happy that she got laid a few times today, and feeling good that I'm not there anymore.

Setsuna is more then likely throwing a hissy fit about what I did, Michiru is painting and ignoring the world around her and Haruka is working on her car. They all got letters as you know, and they all say different things.

But one thing that is said in all the letters, or nearly all of them, is this: Ami is the new queen of Crystal Tokyo. So protect her well. She will need it. I hope you stay loyal to her, as you stayed loyal to me.

Anyways, remember that I will always love you and those who stayed true to me. Even the ones who didn't stay true, I will always love them. Now, wipe your tears off your face, powder the counter lightly and knead your dough and stir the soup. And make some chocolate, chocolate chip cookies for me.

Love ya always,

Usa-mama

Placing the letter back into the envelope, she put it back into her purse and returned her purse back onto the hook. She then followed what Usagi ahd told her to do.

She wiped her tears, powdered the counter lightly with some flour and kneaded her dough. She then split the dough into 4 loaves and put them into separate bread pans. Placing those aside to rise again, she started to make the chocolate, chocolate chip cookies to be served tomorrow, in a way to remember the bubbly blond.

****Makotos****

Leaving Mamorus house a while after Setsuna did, Makoto was feeling even sorer than she had from earlier that afternoon, but feeling quite happy about what was planned and had happened after Setsuna left. She smiled as she got into her jeep and looked to the sky. She noticed that it was nearly sunset and remind herself that she had to get up earlier than usual to get ready for the bitches funeral. She had to smirk to herself as she checked her makeup in the mirror. She watched Minako walk towards her own car where she left it earlier in the day, gazing at the leggy blond as she got in and drove off, deep in thought apparently.

Shaking her head and deciding that it was time to read the letter that Usagi left for her, she pulled it out of the glove box and opened it up starting to read.

To Makoto:

You are one of the few people that I would expect to have turned on me. I remembered to late that you did the same thing that you are doing now to me during the Silver Millennium, and I still don't understand why. To say other wise would be lying to you and to myself. I have to say though; it hurts just as much now, as it did then.

I have to make a decree about you, the same as Setsuna and Mamoru for your betrayal to me and to the crown.

You three have no hearts at all, so you’ll probably just get pissed at me. It still needs to be done.

I, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom and present holder of the Imperial Crystal, do hereby decree that you shall continue to rule the planet Jupiter until your death, or until it is decided that you are no longer able to rule in the proper way. If and when that decision is made, then Princess Rei of Mars shall take your place and rule Jupiter until a heir is able to step forward.

No longer will you be able to achieve new powers. From now on you will be a sailor scout, and only a sailor scout, staying at your current level. Like Setsuna, your child shall not rule unless it is approved by Ami. If your child is unworthy to rule, Rei and her heirs shall continue to rule.

I hope you understand why I do this. I will also hope that you will understand that you are now just an ally and not a friend of the Silver Alliance.

Princess Serenity

Sneering, Makoto tore the letter up, quickly taking a lighter to it. As she stood in the parking garage and watched it burn, so did her anger burn at what the conniving little whore has done to them. Then she remembered what they had planned for Ami and the others. The smile that she wore would have made a heartless murderers blood run cold in it’s fierceness. Getting back into her jeep as soon as she had made sure the paper was completely out and just a black spot on the concrete, she headed to her home and prepared for bed, setting her alarm for 7 the next morning. She smiled as she turned over and fell asleep.

****Michirus****

Looking away from the painting and noticing that the sun was almost down, she stood up and picked up her letter, knowing she was going to have to read it sooner or later. She opened the envelope, and gently tugged the letter free as a warm breeze blew in through the window. She read it, and felt her heart hurt more.

Dear Michiru,
I know you are in pain, and I know that you are putting that pain on a canvas. I also know that eventually you will start playing your violin and will play a tune that will break hearts.

I also know that you will play my favorite song at my funeral.

I want you to know that I love you and will continue to do so beyond the grave. I want you to always remember me with happiness in your heart. I also want you to continue painting, and playing your violin and loving those around you who love you.

I also want you to protect Ami and love her like you love me. She is your new princess and queen.

I know that you will hurt for some time, but love life like I did for so long please.

I love you all so very much, and I will always be with you.

Love,
Usa-chan

Putting the letter back into its envelope and laying it into a drawer, she stuck a sheet over the painting to keep dust off it, and then closed the windows. Turning off her stereo and leaving the studio, she walked towards the stairs as Haruka came in out of the garage. She couldn’t help but notice that Setsunas energy wass in her room, and Hotarus in the kitchen. She looked to Haruka and hugged her tightly.

"Hold me tonight, Haruka. Just hold me," she said softly to her lover, feeling her nod.

"Of course darling," she replied. They walked upstairs and got ready for bed, Michiru slipping into the bed followed by Haruka drawing her close. She closed her eyes and fell asleep quickly.

The next morning...

****everyone****’

The next day, everyone woke early and headed for the funeral home, meeting up with the people they were loyal to. Ami, Rei, Minako, Michiru, Haruka and Hotaru all sat on one side of the walk way behind Usagis family, while Mamor, Makoto and Setsuna sat on the other. They glared at one another before the soft music started to play, Hotaru and Michiru singing something else that wasn’t the funeral march.

"So go on and scream, scream at me. I'm so far away. I won't be broken again. I've got to breath, I can't keep going under..."