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Chapter 6
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The birds were singing a lovely little melody as her eyes slowly opened to a bright new day. Yawning, Setsuna got out of bed and opened her bedroom window.
"Wow... It's a beautiful day out today. Wait a minute, whattime is it?"
She turned around and picked up her clock. "Awww!... It's 11:30am!" Setsuna rubbed her head, *Great. I'm picking up Usagi's sleeping habits now*, she thought to her self. "Oh well, at least I feel GREAT!"
She got dressed and went out to the kitchen to cook something to eat. *I wonder if Nanako is up yet*. She put on some coffee and tip toed to check and see if she was.
When she pushed open the door, she noticed that the bed was already made, and there was a note laying on the pillow.
‘I went out to arrange everything. I should be back just after lunch. If you can hold out, I'll take you out for lunch to return the favor of last night. I'll have the money I owe you as well. Take care until then.
Your friend.
Nanako'
*Now I told her she didn't have to repay me. Why is she always so stubborn?* She sighed. Looking up and smiling as she returned to the kitchen, "well, at least I don't have to cook again." She poured herself a cup of coffee and settled down in front of the TV in the living room to see what was new in the news.
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"Thank you once again Mr.Chen. I really love this place."
"No problem dear. Now just sign here and the place is yours. Are you sure you want to pay in cash though?" The middle aged gentlemen looked at the young girl. She certainly seemed nice enough, but who carried that much cash on them to pay for every thing up front.
"Oh yes. It's easier this way. I still have to set up a bank account here, so until I settle in, I don't really have a choice," she said sweetly.
"Ok then. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
With that the house was hers, well for the time being anyway. It was a beautiful two story home, done in a Victorian style. It came fully furnished, so all she had to do was bring a few things in to decorate with. Everything was new, but looked antique, giving the place an adorable atmosphere. Best of all, the bay windows overlooked both the pond in the park that lay behind the house, as well as the rose garden. It was an exquisite view, and a wonderful
house. She simply adored it.
The money she got from the pawn shop was more then enough to pay for the house for 3 months, pay back Setsuna, and be able to live comfortably for that time as well. Though she didn't think she would be there that long, it was better to be safe than sorry. The guy there was really nice, and gave her a reasonable amount for the few bits and pieces that she brought in, though his thought betrayed that they were worth a lot more. She didn't care though, and was actually happy to be rid of some of the fragments of her past, some of the memories. Besides, she had more then enough money now.
"I can't wait for Setsuna to see this. She'll love it as much as I do, I'm sure of it." All she could think of, *finally, a place of my very own. I LOVE it*. She was truly happy for the first time in a long time, forcing herself not to think about what was
ahead, waiting for her. She had vowed that she would enjoy this little time she had, and she would keep it.
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*12:30. I wonder where Nanako is?*
Before Setsuna could even finish her thought, Nanako came running into the door with a big smile on her face. "You're happy. It's good to finally see you this way. What's got you in such a good mood." Setsuna said kindly. It was good to finally see the girl wear a smile that actually reached her eyes.
"Well if you want to come with me, I'll show you." Grabbing Setsuna by the arm, the two ran out of the apartment once again. Outside, Nanako got into the used car she had bought.
"Not bad. It's a really nice car. Are you renting it, or leasing?" Setsuna asked, admiring the car. It was a 1969 boss mustang, dark blue, with white racing stripes.
"Neither" Nanako said with a grin. "I bought it this morning. Don't you just love it. I always loved, as you say... um... sports cars." She said as she gunned the engine.
They laughed and giggled all the way there, surprised at many of the strange looks they were receiving.
Nanako pulled into the driveway of a beautiful old Victorian house. Setsuna looked at her puzzled, "what are we doing here?"
She was smiling from ear to ear, and with that comment nearly burst out loud with laughter. "This was the place I was telling you about. I signed the Lease this morning. This is my new place. Isn't it great. Wait until you see the inside."
Almost pulling Setsuna up the front stairs, Nanako burst through the front door. Setsuna's breath was taken away when she seen the inside. It was gorgeous. She recognized many of the ornaments that were strewn about as Nanako's. They suited the interior furniture and decor perfectly.
*I knew she'd love it* Nanako thought, beaming from ear to ear. "Come on. You've got to see the view I've been talking about. I've had my eyes on the place for a while. I seen it when I was looking at the park." "It's gorgeous. I can't believe this place... I mean..... Wow!" *No wonder she wanted this place*, she thought to herself. When they reached the big bay window, her breathe was taken away again. The sun was reflecting off the water, and the trees and
flowers looked gorgeous. "It's beautiful!"
"I knew you'd like it! Oh Setsuna... I love this place. I just wish I could stay here longer." *No... don't dwell on this. You can't change what will happen. Stay in the moment.*
"I know. But at least it's a beautiful place."
"Setsuna?" Nanako's face went slack. She had to get part of this over with so her mind would stop worrying. "Did you get a hold of the outer Senshi yet?"
"No. If you have a phone, I can get a hold of them now." Setsuna couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. *Back to business,* she dismally thought. Nanako pointed over to a small coffee table in the corner. "Thanks. I just want to get this over with."
Setsuna had no problems getting hold of the outer Senshi. She arranged for them to meet that evening.
Once they all arrived at her apartment, Setsuna brought
Michiru, Hotaru, and Haruka to Nanako's realm where she was presently waiting for them.
As they came through the golden gateway, they all marveled at what they seen before them. It was a beautiful garden, full of countless species of flowers and plants. There were a few small waterfalls, no more then 10 feet tall, which appeared to border on a void. There were a few tropical birds about, which gave a faint sing-song quality to the area. Countless fountains were scattered throughout the little paradise. There were elegant and exquisite
tropical fish in the pools which interconnected along the base of several of the waterfalls.
"This place is exquisite, but why is it bordered by the void? Even the sky is cut off by it." Michiru looked inquisitively at Setsuna, patiently awaiting an answer to her question.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know. According to Nanako, that's all there was in the beginning. This place was quickly formed when she arrived here though. She says it reminds her a lot of her old home."
Setsuna had filled the others in on what the situation was, and told them much of what she knew about Nanako before they arrived. They wouldn't have agreed to come any other way, or rather Haruka
wouldn't have agreed to come, causing Michiru to stay behind as well.
As they walked the small path through this garden, they could see there were many benches made of intricately designed metal beside many of the fountains, and a bed under one of the larger trees.
Within the flat placid waters of the fountains, they could see many places and people the world over. They even noticed one with a vision of Usagi and the gang in the arcade.
"This is a little creepy. Can she see anywhere with these things?" Haruka was a little unnerved at the possibility she just brought to everyone's attention.
"Yes, but don't worry about it. She only watches to ensure that the destiny of the earth and everyone on it is going correctly. She'd never misuse it Haruka." Setsuna tried her best to bestow
faith in this person they never met. *They will know what I mean when they meet her. They will all understand soon, and perhaps some the questions I have will be answered as well* Setsuna thought to herself, while giving a kindly smile to her companions.
When they went around the next corner, they finally came upon Nanako, who was patiently waiting for them seated on a large boulder in front of one of the waterfalls. They all had the same thought,
that she was utterly stunning and fit in with her surroundings.
"Welcome. I see that Setsuna has already explained why I have called you all here." Her voice was warm and rich, being very friendly. Although her expression was attempting to be happy, her eyes betrayed her, showing them some of the pain and worry she always carries with her. She looked truly elegant in her earlier garments and the blue markings she bore. She waited patiently for them to grasp what she had truly done.
With an amused look on her face, Nanako stood up and continued on. "It is quite plain in your thoughts. But I promise you I shall not delve into your minds. I wouldn't cross that personal boundary. But do be careful what thoughts you direct at me, I will easily be able to pick them up." Turning to Haruka she added, "and there is no need to be distrustful of me. I shall answer anything you ask. You shall find that I am a very up front person."
Haruka looked away a little disgusted that she was so easily read. Michiru moved closer to her, rapping her arms around her. "Give her a chance. If Setsuna trusts her, we should as well."
Sighing, Haruka gave into her companion's will. "I know, andI will try."
"I'm sorry to have to meet you all under such circumstances, but it was unavoidable. After much consideration, I've decided to come to you first. As the outer Senshi, you are all more powerful than the inner, and more mature. I'm sure that you will be able to accept what I am about to show and tell you, much more readily than the inner Senshi would be able to. And I need your help to locate this foe, and hopefully delay its return to earth."
"Why not come to everyone? Why would the others not understand?" Hotaru asked in some confusion.
"It is difficult to explain, but if you would allow me to show you, you will all understand why the inner Senshi will have questions, and perhaps reservations, when it comes to helping me." Nanako looked from one to another, waiting for some acceptance, or some sign to continue.
"Very well. Show us what we have come here to see." Michiru wanted to see what this was all about. Setsuna had already told them to keep all possibilities opened when it came to this girl. She had admitted that she didn't know the limits of her power now, and once the crystal was whole, she had admitted that ‘their' power could very well be limitless, though none knew what she meant by the last part. The only explanation given was that Nanako would be able to explain it later, and that it wasn't her place to do so at this time.
"It will be much easier for me to show you what happened in the past. Does anyone have any qualms about me doing that?" She held her breathe, hoping that they would not. It would be much more
difficult to explain everything with just words.
The four girls looked at each other, then agreed aloud.
"Thank you. Just relax. This will be like a flashback. You will see everything through my eyes. The past will unfold for you as it did for me. I will start at the beginning. Be minded that many of those you know today, I knew in the past in their past lives. Hopefully, all will be explained." She waited for a moment for everything to sink in.
Taking a deep breath, she focused her energy. Once again she levitated slowly off the ground. Her markings began to glow, and pulsated, growing brighter each time until all were engulfed in the warm and loving light.
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