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Post by Meiou Setsuna on Dec 12, 2008 23:30:23 GMT -5
It was very seldom that Setsuna ventured from her watch post, aside from the daily check ins with her Queen and King, but she too was getting wrapped up in the exciting times proceeding the wedding. Everything was starting to fall into place. The click clack of her black boots echoed throughout the tall empty crystal hallways. She was in her soldier attire, which commanded a high level of respect around the palace. Housemaid and a variety of other palace staff would bow, and stop her asking if she needed anything. She'd refused graciously, and soft sighs would escape her lips before she moved on. A stern look came upon her face when she looked at the time. She didn't realize that she had been stopped that many times.
"Shoot." she mumbled to herself, picking up her pace to make it into the chambers on time. Ironic, the Soldier of time was running late. But no matter, she was usually kept waiting at least 20 minutes by the King and Queen.
When she made it into the chambers, they were completely empty, as expected. So she stood there patiently, clutching on her her key-shaped staff waiting for anyone to come. She recalled the one time where she once waited 4 hours for Usagi and Mamoru... her majesty insisted on trying on every dress in the town. A soft melancholy smile came to her dark red lips. Was Usagi really ready to lead? She was still quite immature, whining at the king when he didn't give into her every whim, among many other things. Sometimes it irked Setsuna slightly, oh how she still longed after 3000 years to be by his side ruling, or doing anything for that matter.
"No." she firmly told herself. Now was not the time to be day dreaming about a love that was never meant to be.
But she wasn't able to stop her self, and she slipped far into a daze, dreaming about this and that, here and there. Her cheeks flushed a slight pink before she was brought back to reality.
"Pluto-sama." a servant said softly. "Are you alright?"
She tilted her head down, her emerald hair flowing around her face, completely concealing it besides her eyes.
"I am quite alright, thank you. Could you see where Lord and Lady are?"
Quickly the servant scurried off.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 13, 2008 2:12:46 GMT -5
Mamoru sighed irritably to himself as he hurried down the crystal hallways of his home. It aggravated him somewhat to realize he had completely forgotten his appointment. In fact, he hadn’t remembered it until the servant had come to inform him of Pluto’s arrival. Perhaps Usagi was rubbing off on him, or maybe it was just the stress of everything that was going on recently. Well, whatever the case at least he could keep her from waiting much longer.
He hadn’t the slightest idea where his soon to be bride was and had sent the servant off to find her. Mamoru had thought about searching for her himself, but that would have kept Pluto waiting that much longer. At least this way Pluto could meet with one of them until Usagi could be found, which might take hours if she had forgotten to inform someone of her whereabouts.
Mamoru smiled warmly at the thought of his lovely bride, but when he actually entered the chambers that Pluto was waiting in the smile faded somewhat as he turned more serious. He nodded politely at his guest and said, “Greetings Pluto, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. However, I’m afraid you might have to wait still longer for Usagi to be found. I’m not entirely certain where she is at this time.”
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Post by Meiou Setsuna on Dec 13, 2008 23:26:31 GMT -5
Pluto bowed slightly before Mamoru, before giving him her eye contact A slight blush still apparent on her bronze skin.
"Don't worry Endymion I understand." she said softly. "I'm just here for my daily report." After all, it was completely to expected in the newly developing world. Time slips away.
"We don't necessarily have to wait for Usagi." It was apparent that it wasn't in much interest to the budding Queen. There was nothing new to report as of yet, which meant everything was going fine. "However it is up to you."
Her eyes shifted slightly to the ground, before looking back up to him. She knew he was stressed. "Is everything alright?" It was rare that Pluto ever get too personal while on duty.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 14, 2008 1:38:52 GMT -5
Mamoru didn’t really even have to think about his answer before saying, “I’m certain that Usagi wouldn’t mind if we continued without her. I can always inform her of anything important later on.”
He smiled somewhat at her question wondering if he looked as stressed as he felt. “I’m fine Pluto. Things are just hectic right now, but I’m sure that they will settle down eventually. As I’ve already been told today, transitions don’t last forever and things will go back to being as normal as they can be in time.”
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Post by Meiou Setsuna on Dec 14, 2008 15:44:18 GMT -5
"Yes, I'm sure she'd be fine with us discussing this." Pluto paused, shifting her staff from one hand to the other. "Fortunately I have nothing new to report, everything is looking stellar. Things are coming along perfectly." Almost too perfect, but it was way better than the later. She did have one minor concern, Helios, and it was written in her eyes. If he were to remain around while Chibi-usa was growing up it might cause difficulties. The time goddess figured it was not worth mentioning now, the birth of Chibi-usa was far off and if she interviewed now it may cause damage to the future. Time is such a fickle thing, especially when it has been tampered with.
"Things should settle down soon for you two." she said to reassure her lord. "Just keep looking forward to the honeymoon. An exciting time for the both of you."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 14, 2008 16:44:43 GMT -5
Mamoru listened quietly as Setsuna spoke, glad to hear that everything was going on as it should be. He could see that there was something bothering her, but as she didn’t seem to want to talk about it at the moment, Mamoru decided not to ask. If it was something major then he knew that Pluto would bring it up. Whatever was bothering her was probably just some minor thing that might resolve itself without anyone having to do anything about it.
He nodded in agreement when Setsuna said that things should settle down for them. He knew that, it was just hard getting through the hectic times, but even while feeling stressed he knew that it wouldn’t last. He was just about to respond when her next comment took him by surprise and he nearly choked on his words.
Like any man he of course had been looking forward to his honeymoon, however to have the subject brought up by Pluto was simply not something he had ever expected. Trying hard to regain his dignity and not flush in embarrassment he finally stammered, “Is that right, well I’ll be certain to um, do that ....”
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Post by Meiou Setsuna on Dec 14, 2008 17:35:12 GMT -5
Pluto hadn't actually realized what she said until she noticed he stammered. She in now way meant it that way. She too tried to remain her serious composure, however that a slight flush came back to her cheeks. "I did not mean it in that way." she spoke softly, almost in a whisper. Her attention was now focused on the ground. "I am very sorry, I mean you can get a break from all this...." The woman had just decided to close her mouth. What was wrong with her today? She allowed her self to dream about Mamoru in such a forbidden way, and a servant had caught her doing so, and now this.
"So, are you two going anywhere?" Slowly her dark eyes rose from the ground.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 15, 2008 1:11:11 GMT -5
Mamoru gave Pluto a good natured grin and said, “There really isn’t any need to apologize Pluto. You just startled me that’s all and yes I do intend to take Usagi away from here.”
Although he wasn’t exactly sure where he wanted to take her, he had every intention of going somewhere far from Crystal Tokyo. If they were to stay here within reach of everyone then he was certain that some sort of crisis that no one else could possibly handle would pop up and then their time together would be ruined. Whatever he planned he would make absolutely certain that there wasn’t any way to easily contact them. After all he knew perfectly well that in the event of a real emergency the senshi would be able to get in contact with them.
Realizing that he had drifted off into his own thoughts momentarily, Mamoru brought his thoughts back to his meeting and said, “I am glad that things are going along as they should be Pluto. I know that if anything were to be amiss you would inform us, provided of course that didn’t damage the future.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 15, 2008 2:18:24 GMT -5
(Posting mostly as an NPC-- hope that's OK!)
"Are you alright, your majesty?" Came the concerned voice of her Chief of Staff, Hikari.
"Fine," Usagi said, wondering why she was blubbering over the two lines that had been submitted to the trade agreement. The stress was eating away at her-- it was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. She drew a thick line through the addendum, glad that none of the Trade Ministers were around to see her in tears over the latest frustration in negotiations. Staring down at the line she crossed out, Usagi scribbled over it several times until it was just a big black blob of drying ink. Seething slightly, she gave it to Hikari. "There, you can give it back to him. The answer is no. Yesterday's version is the final draft. He can take it for leave it. Why is free trade so complicated to understand?!" she ranted. "I don't know what he doesn't get it!" Shaking her head, she wiped the tears away. "Sorry, Hikari-san. Send it to him without the-- less than respectful comments." At least she kept her thoughts about his being a washed up South American coco-communist to herself...
Usagi was barely listening when Hikari listed off her next appointments, vaguely tuning in when the South African delegation was mentioned.
"Give me a few moments to collect my thoughts," she interrupted, and sat in silence for a moment. She had to get out. She had to do anything! The delegation wasn't due for another three hours... She had nothing to do...
The desire to flee was so strong that she didn't even think about fighting it. After staying up past 4 am working on these agreements, the endless diplomatic dances, the nuances, the newest briefing on the latest conflict or intelligence... She hadn't seen her friends in ages. Even time with Mamoru was not as it once was... She couldn't remember the last time she was doing anything other than working. Before she had a moment to be reasonable, Usagi took down her hair and changed into civilian clothing. She hadn't been Sailormoon for nothing... she could sneak out...
...The servant boy who had been sent to fetch her regarding the meeting with Sailorpluto didn't even notice his Queen as she slipped by...
--------
A firm knock came against the doors to the chambers, a knock that would not be dismissed. "I am sorry to interrupt, your eminences, but I am afraid this is an emergency," came the direct, forceful voice of the Head of Security.
Lucan Felix was nearly at his wit's end. "It's about the Queen. There's a... situation." Lucan set his jaw. In all of his professional career, as private security and working for various dignitaries, he had never, not once, lost his charge. If the she wasn't found shortly, he would resign. What could have happened to her?
"Review the tapes-- I want all closed circuit footage from the past two hours put on priority. Seal off all entry points. I want her found!" he yelled at his subordinates. "And I want her immediate security detail interviewed and then I want them doing push-ups! I want them doing push-ups until they puke! You don't LOSE the Queen, dammit!"
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Post by Meiou Setsuna on Dec 15, 2008 19:31:32 GMT -5
Pluto nodded "Wherever you choose, I'm sure it will be magical and mean so much to her. " She gave him a warm smile, before her head quickly turned to the knock at the door.
The soldier wasn't too worried about the 'situation' . It was typical for Serenity to slip and sneak away. A flurry of memories came rushing back, from the distant past. She remembered the rumors of the Moon princess sneaking away to Earth, the rumors that weren't rumors. The thing that she had seen with her own eyes...
"Mamo.. I mean your highness, I'm sure the Queen is fine. This isn't the first time she has gone off radar, and I'm sure it won't be the last." The whole time she spoke she tried to hide her playful smile, after all the head of security was all in a fit about it.
"Sir Lucan." she said softly, offering a warm smile. "Please don't worry, if she doesn't turn up in another couple hours than it is panic time. Isn't that right King?"
Pluto walked over to Mamoru's side, lightly tapping her staff against the floor. "Shall we review the tapes or leave her be?" It was obvious that the time goddess wasn't too worried.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 16, 2008 0:16:13 GMT -5
Mamoru returned Pluto’s smile and would have responded to her, however it was then that Lucan knocked. His heart nearly stopped the moment he heard the words "It's about the Queen. There's a... situation." Many scenarios entered his head, but before he even had a chance to process even one of them Pluto was already taking charge.
He glanced at her momentarily, taking in the fact that she didn’t seem in the slightest bit worried. Her calmness helped his own racing heart to slow down and allow him to think clearly. He knew that Usagi was probably feeling even more stressed then he had been and more then likely had found an opportunity to bolt from the palace. He was very much aware that she was perfectly capable of sneaking out. Pluto’s quiet authority and his own thoughts allowed him to be able to resist strangling poor Lucan as had been his very first thoughts when the man arrived.
However, even though he knew Usagi had probably just snuck out of the palace he was also very much aware that these days even that could get her into trouble. He was no longer feeling that blind panic of a few moments ago, but he was still worried about his soon to be bride. It wasn’t exactly safe for someone like Usagi to be traveling around town on her own anymore.
Giving Pluto a grateful glance, Mamoru turned fully toward Lucan and took over. “Pluto is right we have no reason to panic just yet. I’m sure that Usagi is just fine. Let us review those tapes just to be certain that she was indeed the one to walk out of the palace without any help. Also, even if she is the one to have left it would probably be a good idea to alert Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter to her disappearance. It isn’t exactly the best of times to be wandering around all on her own. I’m certain they will be able to find her.”
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Post by Kino Makoto on Dec 16, 2008 12:39:16 GMT -5
Makoto was surprised to see the two agents sprinting along the hallway, and even more surprised when one came to a screeching halt in front of her. She raised her eyebrow at the disturbance, until she heard what the man had to say. As if enough hadn't happened already today, Usagi was now missing. She looked behind her and saw the second agent continuing down the hall towards Ami's quarters. Mako nodded to the agent standing before her and quickly said "Thanks" before taking off down the hall.
She didn't bother knocking when she reached the Chambers. She wasn't even concerned that she was still wearing her dirty gardening clothes. She opened the door and saw Sailor Pluto calm and collected as always, Mamoru seated and calm but still a slight worry on his face, and an incredibly frazzled Lucan Felix. Man that guy could get worked up...no wonder those agents were hauling ass down the hallway. She gave a slight bow as she entered and quickly walked over to the three of them.
"I got here as quickly as I could! What happened?"
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Dec 16, 2008 12:52:06 GMT -5
Ami blinked and shook off any remaining thoughts of her own embarrassment at the report of Usagi being missing. Part of her mind told her that Usagi was under even more pressure than Mamoru and had probably just escaped. However, Ami spent more time out of the palace than she did inside it, and she knew that there were some rather angry dissidents out there.
It did not occur to her that she was going to Usagi and Mamoru's personal chambers until she got there. However, the moment she reached it, all the embarrassment from the gossip - now that she knew what the gossip was - came back full force. She blushed as she bowed to Mamoru and moved to join him and the others.
Ami managed to not stare at the carpet the whole time, but she did not look at Mamoru, instead, her attention was turned to Lucan, and since she got there just a few moments behind Makoto, she did not repeat the question as to what had happened.
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Post by Hino Rei on Dec 16, 2008 15:21:55 GMT -5
A few moments after the message had been delivered to her door, Senshi Mars came storming into the Queen's Chamber's looking like the fury that she was. Her good, peaceful day completely ruined, Rei didn't seem much inclined to worry about the Queen--she seemed more ready to wring her neck. "Which way did she go and who did they see leaving the quarters? We never heard her wailing, so they either offered her cake or candy... did anyone find a crumb trail?"
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 16, 2008 15:31:45 GMT -5
Mamoru was not at all reassured after Lucan had finished speaking. He had of course known that it was dangerous for Usagi to be out on her own. However, he hadn’t even begun to think of half of the possibilities that Lucan had just mentioned. He could feel that panic of a few moments before attempting to rise once more. However, once again Pluto’s calm demeanor was sufficient enough to allow him to remain calm, at least outwardly at any rate.
He listened as Lucan and his subordinates spoke, but he remained quiet allowing the Head of Security to do his job. He still felt relatively certain that it was Usagi herself that had left the building, but thanks to Lucan’s previous words he could now imagine all sorts of horrible things that could be happening to her.
He struggled to remain calm, but he was eternally grateful when the senshi arrived on the scene. He had full confidence in their ability to find and protect Usagi, even if Mars seemed more likely to strangle her ... a thought that had occurred to him once or twice in the last few moments.
He noticed the fact that Ami seemed to be refusing to look at him and wondered about that for a moment. He couldn’t recall anything that might have caused this, after all they had just shared a rather nice conversation. He gazed at her in concern for a fraction of a moment, a frown settling on his features as he tried to figure out what was wrong with her. When he couldn’t come up with anything he decided that he would simply have to speak with her later and ask her what was wrong. Now was not the time though, he needed to concentrate on finding Usagi before she got herself into more trouble then she could handle.
“Although Lucan’s cameras show someone that doesn’t register as Usagi, I still believe that she has probably left under her own power. Things have been tough for her over the last few weeks and she more then likely fled because she was over stressed. However, Lucan has very kindly informed me of all the various things that could happen to her out there on her own and so I would appreciate it if you would locate her and bring her back.”
Mamoru couldn’t help a note of irritation creeping into his tone over the fact that Lucan had managed to increase his previous worry.
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