All right, where do we go from here, Senshi?

[bloodsong1]

Makoto's lips remained in a firm, straight line as she wrapped Sarah-Kaasan's burned arms in bandages. On the other side of the still unconscious woman, Mamoru's hand hovered over her face, slowly healing the burns on her cheeks, lips, nose and chin. The Inner Senshi had been horrified at the blistering wounds, as no other victim had been injured before or after a Witches 5 attack. Returning the heart crystal was all that had been needed for the victim to have a complete recovery.

It had been decided by Mamoru and Ami, resident medical team, that Sarah-Kaasan's arms should be treated as normal second degree burns, but her face required the healing touch of the Earth Prince. Makoto had insisted on carrying her Kaasan to the Hikawa shrine for treatment. Mamoru only agreed once the widow had been wrapped in his cloak for concealment and wound protection. Makoto finished tying the bandages and sat back. Her vehemence in taking care of Sarah-Kaasan to the exclusion of all others save Mamoru had startled the rest of the Inner Senshi. They were in Rei's room, conferencing over how to proceed. Makoto folded her arms and glared into the middle distance.

I wasn't able to protect her. This wonderful woman who's embraced and practically adopted all of us targeted by the enemy, WOUNDED by them, and I couldn't stop it. I couldn't even beat the Daimohn! What kind of Senshi am I?

"It's done," Mamoru said, his voice rough. Makoto blinked her attention back to Sarah-Kaasan. Her lips were very chapped and her cheeks were unnaturally pink and a little shiny, but the blisters and angry red of Makoto's failure were gone. She sighed.

"Thank you, Mamoru-san. How long do you think she'll stay asleep?"

"She'll wake up when she's ready. I don't think it will be too much longer. She's a very stubborn woman." Makoto tried to giggle, it came out a choked noise. Mamoru reached over Sarah-Kaasan and took Makoto's hands.

"We got there as fast as we could. You didn't do anything wrong, Makoto-chan. Please don't blame yourself for this. If anything, blame me."

"You?" Makoto snatched her hands back. "Why? You're the one that told us what was going on!"

"Yes, at her expense. She spotted Eudeal and sent me to find you." Mamoru dropped his eyes and his fingers clenched into tight fists. "She wouldn't even let me transform to protect her! 'You're faster', she said. 'You weren't targeted.' 'I'll guide the target to the greenhouses.'"

"Is nothing I say going to alleviate this unnecessary guilt?" A soft voice broke in and two warm, bandaged hands lifted and rested against Mamoru's and Makoto's.

"KAA-SAN!" Makoto gently scooped Sarah-kaasan's shoulders into her arms and held her close, tears finally being allowed to fall and soak the older woman's hair. Sarah-kaasan gripped Makoto's wrist in one hand, used the other to hold Mamoru when he tried to bolt.

"Once again you've given me a great gift, Chiba Mamoru, Avatar of Earth. I thank you." She tugged his hand close enough to kiss the back of it. Mamoru flushed bright red and scrambled back.

"Please, Neesan. Don't." Sarah-kaasan winked and turned her attention to Makoto, cooing soothingly and stroking the brunette's hair.

"Please forgive me, Kaasan," Makoto choked out. Sarah-kaasan rubbed the back of Makoto's neck.

"There is nothing to forgive, Mako-musume-chan. I knew you would come and rescue me." Sarah-kaasan continued stroking Makoto's nape and shoulders until the younger woman stopped crying and gently laid her back on the futon. Sarah-kaasan sighed and glanced around.

"The others?" Makoto looked, Mamoru was gone.

"Mamoru-san went to get them. I...I insisted on treating your wounds, but we needed him for the burns on your face. Your arms we left alone, so you'll have to be careful for the next few weeks." Sarah-kaasan nodded and smiled at Makoto.

"You're very pretty, Sailor Jupiter." Makoto blushed.

"Kaasan," She whined, just a little. Sarah-kaasan giggled, then sighed.

"Mako-musume-chan? What was the Daimohn you fought? I'm presuming there was one, since I'm pretty sure I saw either Sailor Uranus or Sailor Neptune take my heart crystal." Makoto nodded.

"It was Ironder. Ugly thing, purple and red and what looked like an electrical plug sticking out of its skull." Makoto frowned and clenched her fists. Static electricity sparked across her fingers. "I couldn't do ANYTHING against it! It was too strong physically and my Sparklnig Wide Pressure did NOTHING!" Sarah-kaasan touched Makoto's fist and hissed when she was shocked.

"Oh no! Kaasan! I am so sorry!!!" Sarah-kaasan shook her head, reached up to silence Makoto with a gentle finger.

"Will you listen to some motherly advice?" She asked. Makoto nodded eagerly, blinking back a fresh onslaught of tears. "Here it is, then. There is a priest in the mountains, Yakushiji Kakusui. He's been there for about four years now and he's training to reach Enlightenment. If you go and train with him, you'll find what you need."

"Thank you Kaasan!" Sarah-kaasan held up her hand.

"However! If this guy doesn't even exist, let me know." Makoto blinked a few times, then her eyes went wide.

Kaasan! You're giving me secret information to help me!

"Yes, Kaasan. I will." Makoto bowed to the floor. Sarah-kaasan rapped the back of her skull with her knuckles. Makoto blinked and peered up. "Kaasan?"

"Gods above and below, Mako-musume, don't bow to ME like that! Get up!" Makoto sat up, confused. Sarah-kaasan shook her head.

"I love you, Mako-musume, but please. Don't hold me to the same pedestal as Usagi-imoto and Mamo-ototo. I'm not supposed to be here."

"I know. But I'm very glad you are!"