*****
Kari exited the observatory and ran down the steps. The wind was blowing coldly around her. She felt tears in her eyes. This mission was turning out to be more difficult then she had ever thought. Not only did she have to look for whomever she was supposed to protect, but also some of the sailor senshi were against her. "It's not fair," she cried into the wind. She ran down the street. Faster…and faster. Her lungs begged for more air. Her legs screamed in pain. "Hey! Stop!" cried a voice, and two hands gently held Kari's shoulders. "What…" she looked up. It was… "Setsuna!" "What do you think you're doing? What's wrong?" "Oh Setsuna," Kari cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. A look of concern crossed Setsuna's face. This girl was almost a complete stranger… still, she felt a pang of pity. She gently took the crying girl into her arms. "Come on now, Kari. Tell me what's wrong." Kari sniffed. "It's just a lot of stuff. It's kind of hard to explain." "Oh. Is it school? Boys?" "Oh no, none of that. Just some other stuff in my life. But I don't want to talk about it." "That's ok then." "Setsuna, what are you doing out here now?" "Well… I was waiting for my…um…boyfriend." "You have a boyfriend? But a few days ago…" Setsuna laughed. "That changed. He's a really great guy though. His name is Jasper. We started talking and then we just clicked." "That's great. I'm happy for you." Setsuna noticed that Kari was shaking slightly. "I don't think you should be out here now, Kari. You seem a bit sick." "I'm on my way home." "Do you mind if I walk you home? I'm just a bit concerned for your safety considering the state I just saw you in." "All right." "Good." The two walked to Kari's apartment. "I think I can make it from here," Kari said as they neared the front of the building. "You sure?" "Yeah." "Well then I guess I'll see you around." "Bye Setsuna. And thank you." "It's nothing Kari. You get some rest. I'm sure everything will be ok." Kari nodded and walked into the building. When Setsuna was sure that she would be ok, she walked on. A thought crossed her mind. Why… I don't understand why I wanted to help her so much. She just seemed so helpless and lost. I've never experienced this before…well except with Small Lady. I really hope that she'll be all right.
*****
Kari entered her apartment and sank down on the couch. She hugged herself. What am I going to do? What can I do? Where do I go now? I don't understand my mission anymore. Why won't the senshi accept me? I know I'm not an enemy. I tried to tell them that I wasn't. Why won't they listen to me? I have nobody to turn to. Tears fell from Kari's eyes again, and she lied down. Soon she was fast asleep on the couch.
All was cold and dark as Jasper appeared in Dr. Tomoe's lab with updates on the mission. "You've failed twice already," said Dr. Tomoe. "Yes I know. But when my ultimate plan is carried out, we will not fail. I assure you." "I hope so. For your sake. And your brother's." "Leave Jay out of this. He's only a boy. He hasn't learned all he has to know." "Jasper you better not fail." "I won't." Jasper gritted his teeth as Dr. Tomoe walked away. He would not fail. It was time to put the plan into motion.
It was early morning. Setsuna was in her kitchen, preparing a cup of tea. The past few days had been tiring and stressful. Jasper hadn't shown up for their date the night before. "I can't believe that he stood me up," she muttered. "Are they all like that? I thought that I'd found…something…" She glanced out the window. It wasn't just Jasper that bothered her. Her mission was on her mind now too. Sailor Solari…was so hard to figure out. They still didn't have a clue as to who she was. And if she did join them…would she ever turn on them? The fight between Sailor Uranus and Sailor Solari played through Setsuna's mind. Sailor Solari…clearly overpowered Sailor Uranus. It was strange. Out of all of the senshi, Sailor Uranus was the strongest one physically. Setsuna sighed. Nothing made sense these days. Then there was Kari. Why did Setsuna care? She barely knew Kari, and yet…she felt for her. Setsuna took a sip of tea and switched on the radio. Music blared from it… "And nobody cares. No one really knows me. Nobody shares the other side of me, but you love like nobody loves me…" Setsuna quickly switched radio stations. Those words reminded her too much of what she had been feeling. Another song came on. "A million starts light this beautiful night. This is not a night to die. Let me sing and dance beneath the sky. I have so much love to give…to give. I want a chance to live. Live for the one that I love. Love as no one has loved. Give asking nothing in return. Free…free to find my way. Free to have my say. Free to see the day. Be…like I used to be. Like a wild bird free. With all of life in me. Live for the one that I love. Love as no one has loved. Give asking in return. Thought this world tears us apart. We're still together in my heart. I want the world to hear my cry. And even if I have to die…love will not die. Love will change the world…" Once again, Setsuna got mad at the radio and shut it off. Whenever that song came on…it made her think. In fact every song that she had heard recently reminded her too much of herself. But that song…sounded like it was almost made for her. "Live for the one I love…" Setsuna sighed. Who did she love? She thought it was Jasper. But clearly…she had been mistaken. "Free…free to find my way. Free to have my say. Free to see the day." That was how she had felt when she had guarded the time gates for so long. Of course she was free now…at least she had a little more freedom. The sound of knocking interrupted her thoughts. She put down her cup and went to open the door. When she did, she found… "Jasper. What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone a bit icy. "Listen to me Setsuna. I know I kind of stood you up last night…" "Kind of? What do you mean kind of? Couldn't you at least have the decency to tell me?" "I'm sorry! I had no way to contact you! I had business to attend to, and it ran overtime. I didn't want to stand you up. I swear!" Setsuna's heart softened. "You mean that?" Jasper nodded. "I really do. And that's why I'm here. I want to make it up to you. Come on! Let's go to the botanical gardens." "Well…" Setsuna said, still a bit cold, but easing up. "All right. Let me get ready." Soon Setsuna was ready, and she and Jasper headed to the botanical gardens.
Kari woke up on the couch. Her wounded arm ached a bit. She stood up and stretched. She decided that she needed fresh air. It would help her wake up. Kari was a bit tired of going to the park. So, for a change of pace, she decided to go to the botanical gardens.
Setsuna and Jasper walked around the botanical gardens. "Wow," breathed Setsuna. "I've never been here before, but I'm glad you took me. It's all so beautiful." "So beautiful. Like you…" Jasper looked at her, a sad look in his eyes. Setsuna really was the girl he had always dreamed of meeting. But now…he had a mission to complete. He didn't want to do it though. Setsuna was smiling happily. Suddenly the evil in Jasper took over. He laughed hysterically. "Jasper?" asked Setsuna. Jasper rose into the air and transformed into his villain self. "Jasper! What's going on?" He looked down at her, a grim look in his eyes. "Setsuna, I'm sorry," he muttered and shot a beam of light at her. The light shot through Setsuna's body, extracting her pure heart. Setsuna fell to her knees as her pure heart crystal floated above her. She couldn't let them take it. She'd fail her mission. Setsuna would not go down without a fight. "Pluto Planet Power!" she shouted, and became Sailor Pluto. Jasper gasped. "You're a sailor senshi?" "That's right…" she started to say, but collapsed. Without her heart…she couldn't fight. No…I can't give up. Suddenly she heard a voice. "Stop!" "What?" Jasper turned. Standing before him was another sailor senshi. "You've just taken the pure heart of one of my dear friends. I won't allow you to have it! Introduced to you from the Andromeda Galaxy, I am Sailor Solari. You'd best give that heart crystal back, or else you're going down!" Sailor Pluto's vision was going. Sailor Solari… dear friend? Who…She blacked out. "UV Ray!" shouted Sailor Solari. The purple ray shot from her hands, knocking the crystal out of Jasper's. Sailor Solari rolled across the ground and caught the crystal. "Why you little…" "Hold it right there!" came a shout. Solari turned. The five inner senshi were standing behind her. Sailor Moon stepped forward. "How dare you take the pure heart of Setsuna? On behalf of the moon, we will punish you!" "Yeah it looks like you're outnumbered," came another voice. Solari glanced in the direction from which it came. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune were standing there, arms crossed. "Well," snickered Jasper. "You may have gotten the heart crystal back, but…" He leapt over to Sailor Pluto and picked up her limp body. "You won't be able to put it back." He laughed evilly and disappeared. "No!" shouted the inner senshi. Sailor Solari stood holding Pluto's heart crystal, almost in shock. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune came up to her. "You'd better let us handle that," said Sailor Uranus as she reached for the crystal. Sailor Solari's eyes were wide, and light flashed through her mind. The mission. You must protect her. It's the mission… Sailor Solari gasped. She knew what she had to do. "No!" she shouted at the two senshi, and held the heart crystal to her chest. She closed her eyes as Pluto's heart crystal floated into her chest. "What have you done?" asked Sailor Neptune. "I've stabilized her life force for now." "For now?" "Yes. Now I must return it to her before it's too late." "Let us do it," said Sailor Uranus. "No. This is my mission. Don't interfere." Sailor Uranus was taken aback. Sailor Solari turned and took out her small time travel key. "Solari Time Travel!" she shouted, and a portal appeared. "What's that?" cried Sailor Moon. "The portal which will lead me to my mission," shouted Sailor Solari. She stepped into the portal, and it disappeared. The senshi stood silently for a moment. "She has Pluto's heart crystal," said Neptune. The inner senshi joined the two others. "How could they take her pure heart?" asked Sailor Venus. "Yeah I thought that her heart couldn't be taken because of the talisman inside it," added Sailor Mars. "Clearly it can be done," said Sailor Mercury. Sailor Jupiter was silent. Finally she spoke. "What I find strange was the fact that Sailor Solari had some kind of time key. I thought that Sailor Pluto was the only one who had them." "What can we do now?" asked Sailor Moon. Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus looked back at where Sailor Solari had disappeared. "There's nothing we can do now but wait," said Sailor Neptune. "Sailor Pluto's fate…is in the hands of Sailor Solari."
Sailor Solari appeared in a corridor. It was cold…and clammy. The place reeked of evil. "Where could she be? Where do I start?" she asked herself. A voice in her head spoke up.
Dr. Tomoe slammed his fist down on one of the tables. "Jasper! You've returned unsuccessful." Jasper shook his head. "Not true. Look." He held out his hand. An image of the unconscious Sailor Pluto appeared. "I don't have her heart crystal, but I have her." "You've captured a sailor senshi?" "Yes. She'll be the perfect pawn." Dr. Tomoe laughed evilly, then frowned again. "Where is her pure heart?" "That annoyance, Sailor Solari, took it." Just then Jay walked into the room followed by Mimet. "Dr. Tomoe, would you please tell her to stop following me?" asked Jay, clearly irritated. "Mimet, I thought I told you that you were on hiatus." "But Dr. a strange feeling has come over me. There's an intruder somewhere around here. I can feel it." "I don't believe you…" "Hold it," interrupted Jasper. "She's right. I can feel it to. It's the power of a pure heart. I think it's Sailor Solari…she must have found her way here." "But how?" asked Jay. "I don't know." Dr. Tomoe stood up from where he had been sitting. "Jasper, do you have any idea of who Sailor Solari is?" "Actually, I think I do…" He went over to the computer and closed his eyes. An image began printing out of the printer. "This will tell us who she is?" asked Jay. Mimet rolled her eyes. "Yes it will," said Jasper. The image finished printing, and they all dove for it. Jasper got it first and held it over his head. "Now, everyone, this is who Sailor Solari really is." He turned the picture around. Everyone stared at it. Jay gasped. "It can't be… it's Kari. I can't believe this." "Something the matter Jay?" asked Dr. Tomoe. Jay backed toward the door. "No…no nothing. I've got someplace to be." He turned and walked swiftly out the door. "What's up with him?" asked Mimet. "He appears to know Sailor Solari," said Jasper. "Good," said Dr. Tomoe. "Jasper…go and find him. He can be a key part in destroying her."
Jay ran down the twisting hallways to the locker room. Once inside, he shut himself into one of the lockers. Nobody would find him in there. Frustration ran through his mind. Kari…is Sailor Solari. I can't believe this. My friend…is my enemy. One of my best friends. I just can't believe it. I've never been so confused in my life. Do I have to choose between…the Death Busters and Kari? He thought for a moment. I want to help Kari. I don't know why. I'm sick…sick of being evil…
Sailor Solari moved swiftly down the hallway. The place was like a maze. How would she ever find Sailor Pluto? Time was running out. Though Sailor Pluto's life was being stabilized by Sailor Solari's life force…it couldn't last forever. If Sailor Solari didn't get to Sailor Pluto soon, she's use up her life force and both she and Sailor Pluto would die. Sailor Solari turned another corner…and found a locker room. There was a door on the other side. She had to keep going. She was almost certain that the enemy knew she was there, and it was only a matter of time until they found her. Sailor Solari walked quickly by the rows of lockers. Suddenly she heard the slamming of one, and was grabbed from behind. Her scream was muffled by someone's hand over her mouth as she was pulled into one of the lockers. She looked to see a young man…one of the Death Busters. "You're Sailor Solari," he said. She didn't have time for this. "UV…" she began. The young man grasped both of her wrists. "Don't! I know who you are. You're Kari. Kari, it's me, Jay." She shook her head. "Jay isn't evil. He's one of the nicest people I know. He's not my enemy. Solar…" Jay pinned Kari's arms above her head. "Stop it and listen! They're on to you! But I can help you find Sailor Pluto." "How can I trust you? How do I know that you're Jay?" "Because. I was there with you at the hospital. I let you use my jacket. We first met when you ran into me. How much more do you need to know?" Kari's eyes softened. Jay released her arms. "Jay… I never thought that you'd be my enemy." "Well I never thought that you'd be a sailor senshi." "Well I'm you're enemy…" "No you aren't. I'm giving up on evil I want to help you. I know where Sailor Pluto is being kept." "Oh Jay, please help me. I'm keeping her alive with my own life force. If I use it all up then I'll die. I must find her. It's my mission." Jay hugged her. "Don't worry I'll help…" his words were interrupted by a loud bang. Someone had entered the locker room. "That's my brother, Jasper, and Mimet," whispered Jay. "We have to be silent. Maybe they'll leave." The two overheard Jasper and Mimet talking. "Do you really think he came this way?" asked Mimet's voice. "I'm sure of it," said Jasper. "And besides…I feel purity here. Pure hearts." "Whatever." Kari and Jay held their breath as they heard Jasper and Mimet walking around the locker room. Kari felt her heart beating very fast. Then she felt a bit dizzy. Her life force was being used up quickly. Not only did Sailor Pluto not have enough time, but Kari was also running out of time. Finally Jasper and Mimet were satisfied. Jay was nowhere to be found, so they left the room. "That was really close," whispered Jay. Kari slumped over. "Kari? What's going on? Are you all right?" Kari was breathing heavily. "Yes, I'm still ok. But not for long. I must find Sailor Pluto." Jay opened the door of the locker and looked around. "The coast is clear. Come on." He stepped out of the locker and Kari followed. He took her hand and gave her a reassuring smile. "Let's go, Sailor Solari. Let's go find Sailor Pluto."
Jay led Sailor Solari through the cold dark corridors. He had decided to not call her Kari for her own sake. Finally they reached a door. "She's in there," whispered Jay. He opened the door. Sure enough, Sailor Solari saw Sailor Pluto lying unconscious on a table. "Thank God!" Jay turned to her. "You go return her heart crystal. I'll keep watch out here." "All right." "Good luck, Sailor Solari." "You too." She entered the small room, and Jay closed the door behind her. She ran to the table. Sailor Pluto looked almost dead. She was very pale. Sailor Solari felt dizzy again. It was now or never. She held her hands over Sailor Pluto's chest. Sailor Pluto's heart crystal floated from her body and back into Sailor Pluto's. Sailor Solari heard Sailor Pluto take a deep breath. But she couldn't watch. She swayed a bit, and landed on the floor with a thud. Sailor Solari breathed sharply. She was weak…too weak. Sailor Pluto's eyes opened slowly, and she sat up. "Where am I?" she asked. She looked around. "The Death Busters…but how?" She looked down. "Sailor Solari?" Sailor Pluto jumped off of the table and knelt down beside the other sailor senshi. "You saved me?" Sailor Solari nodded weakly. "But…but how? And why?" "I…I kept you alive by putting your heart crystal into my own body. It's my mission. I think…that I was sent to protect you. I know you all thought that I was your enemy…but I'm not, and I never will be." Tears formed in Sailor Pluto's eyes. "Sailor Solari…I'm sorry for misjudging you." "Help me get up. I know that the Death Busters know that I'm here. We've gotta get out of here." Sailor Pluto pulled Sailor Solari up. "I can get us out. We need my time key though. I can't perform my duties without it." "Then we'll go get it." Sailor Solari pushed the door open. "Jay! Jay she's all right!" Jay turned around. "Oh Sailor Solari! I'm so happy for you!" he hugged her. Sailor Pluto looked perplexed. "The enemy?" "No Sailor Pluto, he's a friend. Jay, do you know where Sailor Pluto's time key is?" Jay thought. "I think so. Follow me."
The three ran down the corridors. Sailor Solari was feeling weak. But she had to keep going. She had to protect Sailor Pluto for her mission. They entered a room, and Jay quickly shut the door behind them. "See that door over there?" he pointed. The two senshi nodded. "Pluto's time key is in there." "Let's go then," said Sailor Solari, and the other two nodded in agreement. "Not so fast!" shouted two voices. The three turned to see Jasper and Mimet standing with their arms crossed. "Just what do you think you're doing, Jay?" asked Jasper. Jay stood his ground. "I'm giving up on evil. I'm saving the lives of my dear friends. If you want them, you'll have to come through me first." "Nice speech, but come now, and don't be a fool." "Never." Jasper looked at Mimet and back at Jay. He sighed. "All right then. Have it your way." He built up a ball of dark energy and shot it at them. "Move it!" shouted Jay. Sailor Solari knocked Sailor Pluto out of the way. "What are you doing?" asked Sailor Pluto. "I have to protect you. It's my mission. I won't fail my mission." She jumped up. "Well well well what do we have here?" said a voice behind her. It was Jasper. "Greetings to you, Sailor Solari. How nice of you to try to ruin my plans. But now I've got you and Sailor Pluto cornered. And that means that I get two pure hearts!" he laughed and built up another ball of dark energy. Sailor Solari felt her feet give way, and she fell. Her life force was still weak. Jasper's eyes turned red. "Good- bye!" The ball was released from his hands. Sailor Solari shielded her eyes. It was over. She was going to fail her mission. "NO!" shouted Jay's voice. He leapt in front of the two fallen senshi. The ball hit him. "Jay! No!" shouted Sailor Solari. She heard Jay cry out in pain and watched as he fell over. "Jay!" she caught him as he fell. His eyes were closed and his clothed were charred. Sailor Solari held him close. "Oh Jay. Why did you do it?" "I…" his voice came weakly. "I had to save your life." "Well you failed!" shouted Jasper. He shot darkness at them. "No!" shouted Sailor Solari, and she stood up, a look of warning in her eyes. "I won't let you hurt him anymore!" She felt a surge of power overcome her. Her hair flew into the air as she spread her arms. A ball of black energy, surrounded by light appeared at each hand. She joined the two together above her head. "Solar Eclipse!" she shouted, and the huge ball of power blasted Jasper and Mimet to the other side of the room. Sailor Solari fell to her knees…and untransformed. Sailor Pluto could not believe her eyes. "Kari," she gasped. "You're…" "Yes. That's right, Setsuna." "How did you…" "I knew." She turned to Jay. "Oh Kari," he whispered. "Why did you do that? You're just making yourself weaker." "I couldn't let them kill you." "They've succeeded already." "You mean that…" "Kari, I'm dying." Tears streamed down Kari's cheeks. "No. Jay you're not going to die." "I know that I am. I accept it. Why can't you?" Kari wiped her eyes. "Because you're my friend, and…" she was overcome by tears. Jay reached up and touched her cheek. "Don't worry about me now, Kari. You've got a mission to complete. Protect Sailor Pluto." "I…" "He's right," came Jasper's weak voice. "Jasper?" "Go on. I'll take care of my brother." "But I thought that you…" "I was wrong about what I did. I take full responsibility. Now get Sailor Pluto out of here." He looked at Sailor Pluto. "Setsuna…I'm sorry. Won't you forgive me?" Sailor Pluto was taken aback. "I…yes I forgive you." "Thank you. Now go on. Your time key is through that door. Go get it and leave this place." Sailor Pluto lifted Kari from the ground. "All right. Good-bye Jasper." He nodded and smiled weakly. Sailor Pluto pulled Kari to the door. "Come on Kari, we're almost there." She swung the door open and found her time key. Sailor Pluto grasped the key, and both were blinded by a bright light.
Jasper still sat in the middle of the room. He was grieving over his brother. "Jay…why did you do that? Better yet…why did I do that? I'm so sorry. I really am…" He cried. Mimet appeared, floating in the air. She laughed. "Well Jasper it looks as if you failed." "Mimet, you…" "Hahaha! Did you actually think that I was trying to help you? Jasper, you're a fool, and we don't need fools around this place." She held out her hand, and a bomb appeared. "Ten seconds. Good-bye forever Jasper." She laughed and disappeared. Jasper was too weak to run. So he held his younger brother as the timer ticked down. Five…four…three…two…one. There was a huge blast. "Good-bye Jay. Good-bye…Setsuna."
The flash of light cleared. The two senshi were lying on the ground. Sailor Pluto stood up. Sailor Solari was back in her sailor uniform. She opened her eyes and looked around. "Setsuna…where are we?" Setsuna glanced at their surroundings. They were at a dark, cold, desolate place. "I think," she finally said. "That something happened between time and space, and that we're now on Pluto. Can you stand, Kari?" Kari nodded and stood up slowly. "Why are we on Pluto?" "I don't know." Setsuna looked into the distance. The ruins of the Pluto castle were there. The ruins, she thought. "Come on Kari, let's go over there to those ruins." The two walked to the ruins. "Why are these here? I don't understand." "This was the castle of Pluto. This is where me father and my mother lived," said Setsuna. "I don't remember much of them. I was taken away to guard the gates of time when I was very young." There was a flash of light, and an apparition appeared. "A ghost," whispered Kari. "Welcome to Pluto," the apparition said. "I am Rhea, queen of Pluto." "Mother," whispered Setsuna. "That voice," said Kari. "I know that voice." "What do you mean?" "That was the voice that told me to protect you. The voice that gave me my powers. The one that told me my mission." "What does this all mean then?" Rhea smiled. "I've been waiting until the right time to tell you this. And now the time has come." She reached out and touched Setsuna and Kari's foreheads. Their surroundings melted away as memories rushed into their heads.
Sailor Pluto stood by the time gates. It was her duty to guard them. That was all she knew. She hadn't seen her family in ages. Suddenly a shadow moved in the fog. "Hold it!" shouted Sailor Pluto. "Who goes there? If you're an enemy, then I will destroy you in the name of my guardian planet, Pluto!" "Setsuna, it's me." "Mother?" "Yes." The shadow stepped out of the fog, revealing Rhea, Sailor Pluto's mother. "What are you doing here?" "I need you to open the time gates." "Why?" "I must save this child." Rhea revealed a tiny baby girl. "The attack on the Silver Millennium has started. Pluto is being attacked first, right now as we speak. I must save this baby." "Well all right. It seems important to you." Sailor Pluto took one of the small keys from her belt and handed it to her mother. "Give this to the baby. A gift from me, letting her know that she once traveled through time." "Thank you Setsuna." Her mother kissed her forehead. Sailor Pluto stepped back. "Time gates open!" The gates opened, and her mother smiled once more, and stepped through. The gates closed behind her, and Sailor Pluto was alone again.
Both Setsuna and Kari gasped at the vision they had just seen. "Mother?" asked Setsuna. Rhea smiled once again. "What does it all mean?" asked Kari. "It means, dear child, that you are my daughter." Setsuna's and Kari's mouths dropped open. "What?" whispered Setsuna. "Kari is my child. She was the baby in that vision that you just saw. Setsuna, she is your sister." Setsuna glanced at Kari. "So that's why…I felt a connection to you." "And that's why my mission was to protect you…" "Yes," said Rhea. "Kari has been on the planet of Solari in the Andromeda Galaxy for many years. I came to her as a light, giving her rightful senshi powers. I saw the time of danger approaching, so I came to her once again and sent her to earth to protect you, Setsuna." "I never thought that I had any family," Setsuna said slowly. "I never knew that I would feel the love of a sibling." "Me neither," said Kari. Setsuna took Kari into a hug. "Kari, I'm so happy. Thank you for being my sister." They both cried tears of happiness. Rhea held up her hand. "You must return now. People are waiting for you…" her voice faded and she disappeared. Setsuna reached for her time key. "Come on, Kari. Let's go home."
The sailor senshi stood in the botanical gardens, worried. Neither Sailor Solari, nor Sailor Pluto had come back. "It was a trick," Sailor Uranus grumbled. "No look!" shouted Sailor Moon. Two figures had appeared. Neither of the figures were wearing sailor outfits. The senshi approached them. "Setsuna!" shouted Sailor Neptune, and ran to her. "Look everyone, the sign of Pluto is glowing on her head." "What's Kari doing here?" asked Sailor Venus as she knelt down next to her. "Beats me," said Sailor Jupiter. Setsuna stirred and woke up to see the senshi staring down at her. "Sailor senshi…" She was engulfed in hugs. "Setsuna! We're so happy to see you! You're ok!" "Come on, give her air," said Sailor Mars. The senshi backed off. "Where's Sailor Solari?" asked Sailor Uranus. Setsuna glanced at Kari. "Her forehead's glowing," said Sailor Mercury. The senshi watched as the sign of Solari appeared on Kari's forehead. "I don't believe it. She's Sailor Solari?" asked Sailor Moon. Kari's eyes opened. "I don't care who she is," said Sailor Uranus. "She must be destroyed. She directly endangered one of us!" Sailor Uranus lunged at Kari. "No!" shouted Setsuna, and shielded the fallen girl. "What?" asked all the senshi. "Leave her be. She saved my life. Kari, are you all right?" "Setsuna," whispered Kari. Rain began to fall. Setsuna stood slowly and helped Kari get up. She hugged her. "I'm so glad that we're both all right." "Yeah." Kari turned. "I…I need to go." She broke away from Setsuna, and ran. "Where's she going?" asked Sailor Mars. "More importantly," said Sailor Uranus. "Why did you protect her, Setsuna?" Setsuna turned to her, her eyes a bit teary. "Because…she's my sister." Setsuna heard gasps behind her as she took off running. She had to find Kari.
Kari ran blindly through the rain from the botanical gardens. Nothing could stop her. She was soaking wet as she entered her destination: the park. Once at the park, she took off to the bridge. He's there. He's gotta be there. But when Kari reached the bridge, there was nobody in sight. Her cheeks were wet…was it rain or was it tears? Kari couldn't tell anymore. The rain splashed into the lake, sending ripples everywhere. It spattered off the bridge. Kari sank to her knees, and realized that she was still wearing Jay's jacket. She pulled around it her, wishing that Jay would magically be standing there, alive and well. Why Jay? Why? "Kari," Setsuna's voice said from behind. She looked at the girl. "Kari did you hear me?" Setsuna approached her and knelt beside her. Kari turned to Setsuna, tears in her eyes. "Oh Kari…don't cry." "I…it's Jay. He's gone. I can't believe it." Setsuna then realized what was wrong with Kari. She hadn't gotten over the fact that she would never see him again. "I'm sorry," whispered Setsuna. "Setsuna, I think… I think that I was…in love with him." Setsuna gasped. "Oh no. I'm really sorry. I don't know what to say…" "Yes. I just can't believe that I'll never see him again. He took care of me when…" she took her arm out of one of the sleeves of the jacket. Setsuna could see the stitches. "When you fought with Sailor Uranus." Kari nodded. "I didn't realize how serious that injury was," Setsuna said. "I know that we were all wary of you then, but I'm sorry that we neglected you." "Don't worry about that. It was natural of you to think of me as an enemy." "But not anymore. You're my sister. I promise that I'll help you through this." A warm feeling washed over Setsuna. She had never felt this way before. She had never felt simple family love. And now…she had a sister. Now that she thought about it, she had always wanted a sister… someone who she could tell everything to. "Come on Kari," she finally said. "I'm taking you home. If you stay out here too long, you'll get sick." She gave Kari a quick hug, and made her get up. Then the two slowly walked out of the park. Two shadows moved from behind a tree. Haruka and Michiru watched Setsuna and Kari go in the rain. "I can't believe that Kari's her sister…and that I almost attacked her again," said Haruka. "You had no choice…you thought she was the enemy." "But I should have thought before I attacked." Michiru didn't respond to that. Haruka didn't usually think twice about fighting. Finally Michiru spoke again. "I'm happy now though." "That's good. But why?" "I'm happy because I figured out what was bothering Setsuna. She wanted love. Family love or other…and now she has it." Michiru turned to Haruka. "Do you know what that means?" "What?" "It means that she's happy now. It means that Setsuna will be all right."
It had been a few days since Setsuna and Kari had returned from their "adventure". Now both were at Setsuna's apartment. Setsuna was making Kari stay at her apartment because she felt that Kari was in no condition to be alone. And she was right. The girl had gotten sick from the rain. She had a fever, which came and went. She was also exhausted from using up almost all of her life force. Right now Kari was sleeping in Setsuna's guest room. Setsuna had monitored her around the clock for the last few days. At that moment Setsuna was leaning against the wall, watching Kari. To think…that she's my sister. It's almost too weird. I always wanted a sister. I never realized how lonely I really was at the time gates. I know I'll have to go back someday though. Nothing lasts forever. She smiled to herself. But I won't think about that now. Nothing lasts forever. Why did that make Setsuna think of Jasper? She shook the thought from her head. The doorbell rang. When Setsuna opened it, she found Haruka, Michiru, Usagi, Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Minako standing there. "What are you guys doing here?" "We've come to see how you and Kari are doing," said Rei. "Yeah!" said Usagi. "Are you guys all right?" "I'm fine," said Setsuna. "But Kari's taken a bit of a beating. She's still recovering from when she had to use her life force." "Can we see her?" asked Minako. "Sure. She's sleeping now, but if you go down that hall you can see her." The five inner senshi walked quietly down the hall and into Kari's room. Setsuna then motioned for Haruka and Michiru to come in. Haruka placed a hand on Setsuna's shoulder. "Setsuna…I just want to tell you that I'm sorry." Setsuna shut the door and turned around. "For what?" "For hurting your sister. And for not giving Sailor Solari a chance." "You don't need to apologize to me. You did what you thought was right." The three walked down the hall and peered into Kari's room. "She really used her life force to save your life?" asked Michiru. Setsuna nodded. "That's amazing. She was very brave to have done that." "I know. And when she did, she didn't know that we were sisters. Neither did I. She used her life force…out of her own will."
Kari knew that she was sleeping…but now she felt a presence. A voice spoke clearly to her. Kari…wake up. "Mother?" Yes it's me. "What's going on?" Your mission isn't over yet. "But I saved Setsuna. I thought that was my mission." That was part of your mission. But there's another part. The time has come for you to fulfill the other part of your mission. And suddenly Kari knew what she had to do. The mission wasn't over yet.
Kari bolted upright. The senshi jumped in reaction. Kari had been sound asleep only a few minutes ago. Kari's eyes were wide as she looked at each of them. "Kari?" asked Setsuna. "Setsuna? What's going on?" "I'd like you to meet the sailor senshi. Usagi is Sailor Moon. Ami is Sailor Mercury. Rei is Sailor Mars. Makoto is Sailor Jupiter. Minako is Sailor Venus. Michiru is Sailor Neptune. And Haruka is Sailor Uranus." Kari looked around the room. "Wow…that's so cool." Then she looked at Michiru and Haruka. "I met you guys. Haruka?" Haruka stepped forward and cleared her throat. "I'm sorry Kari. I should have given you a chance. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I am happy that you did what you had to do." Kari smiled. "I accept your apology." Haruka smiled, as did the other senshi. Finally Makoto stood. "We should be going." "That's right," said Ami. "We've got study group." The other girls stood. "I'm glad that you're all right," said Usagi. "Yes," Rei and Minako said in agreement. "Thank you," said Kari. The girls left the room. "We should be going too," said Michiru. "Yup," agreed Haruka. "Take care, Kari." "You too." Setsuna followed Michiru and Haruka out of the room. When she returned she found Kari looking a bit sad. She sat down beside her. "What's on your mind Kari?" Kari turned to her. "My mission isn't over." "There's something more that you must do?" Kari sighed heavily. "Yes. I must leave this place." "Why?" "I was ordered to become the guard of the time gates until you return from fulfilling your mission." "You're going to guard the time gates?" "That's right. Temporarily at least." Setsuna was silent. The time gates. It was lonely place between time and space. There was hardly any activity there. And Setsuna knew that Kari could be guarding the time gates for quite a long time. But it was her destiny. "Nothing lasts forever," Setsuna said slowly. "I know. I thought that we'd hang out and be like normal sisters." Kari smiled. "But I guess I was wrong. This must be how our destiny was written. We must follow it." "I agree. When do you…" a lump rose in Setsuna's throat. "When do you leave?" Kari looked at her hands. "It has to be tomorrow." She hugged Setsuna, and both of them cried. Life could be so unfair. Why did life have to be that way?
The next day had come quickly, and all of the sailor senshi assembled at the entrance of the park. "Sailor Solari, are you sure that you have to do this?" asked Sailor Moon. Sailor Solari smiled bravely. "Yes, Sailor Moon. This is my destiny." "But will we ever see you again?" asked Sailor Mars. "I hope so. I really do." Sailor Pluto touched her shoulder. "Are you ready?" Sailor Solari nodded. "All right then." Sailor Pluto held out her time key. "Touch the key." Sailor Solari smiled at the rest of the senshi. "Good-bye." Then she touched the time key and her surroundings melted away.
When her surroundings had settled, Sailor Solari found herself standing before a large door. Sailor Pluto appeared beside her. "Here we are. These are the time gates." Sailor Solari looked up at the huge door. "I protect this?" "Yes. Do you still have that time key that I gave you when you were a baby?" "Yes." Sailor Solari pulled out the small key. Sailor Pluto touched it with her own key and it grew into a large time key. "There. Now you hold a key to the gates of time. Use it well." "I am honored to guard the gates of time for you Sailor Pluto." "I know that you'll protect them with your life. I trust you with everything." "Thank you." A tear slipped down Sailor Solari's cheek. She hugged Sailor Pluto. Sailor Pluto hugged her back. "Be safe, little sister." "You too. I hope that your mission goes well." "Thank you." They pulled away from each other. Sailor Pluto sighed. "I have to go now. But don't worry. We'll see each other again someday. Soon…I can feel it. Good-bye Kari." She raised her time key and disappeared. Kari smiled faintly. "Good-bye Setsuna. And good luck." Then she leaned up against one of the posts of the great door. How long would she have to stay here? Would Sailor Pluto really return soon? That was something that only time would tell.
A few hours had passed. Setsuna was at the park, leaning on the side of the bridge. She watched the couples in the rowboats on the lake. It was almost as if nothing had changed. But that was not true of course. "Hey there," came the voices of Haruka and Michiru. They joined her on the bridge. "Rough day?" asked Michiru. "Yeah I guess so. I miss her already." "You'll see her again though, right?" "I really do hope so." Haruka leaned against the side. "She's a good kid. She'll be all right at the gates." Setsuna sighed. "I know that. But I don't want her to stay there forever. I don't want her to go through the loneliness that I had to go through. I want Kari to be able to feel love and friendship. I want her to grow up and be happy." "She will," said Michiru. "Because she knows that she has our friendship when she returns. And she knows that she'll always have you, her sister, waiting for her. Nothing can change that." Setsuna smiled. "Yeah I guess you're right." "Well come on," said Haruka. "Let's get on with a new plan. The sooner our mission is fulfilled, the sooner Kari comes home." "That's right," said Michiru. The two started walking down the bridge. "Hey Setsuna! Are you coming or not?" "Yeah in a second." Setsuna walked down the bridge, and saw all of the happy families. But instead of feeling sadness this time, Setsuna felt happiness. She had what she had longed for. She had a family. It was a small one, but it was still there. I promise you Kari… I promise you that we'll be together again. One day we'll both leave the time gates and lead normal lives. I'll see you again soon. Then she ran to catch up with Haruka and Michiru as the shouts of happy children rang throughout the park. Someday…everything would change. Setsuna's mission would be fulfilled…and she'd get to see Kari once again. The enemy would be gone. And finally the world would be able to live in peace.
