[Video] Locked From Usagi's View

[aquaticbeauty]

[Ami appears on the screen, her soft features hardened into a gravely serious expression.]

Alright.

[She lifts up a finger as though she's about to wag it, but instead it remains erect beneath her chin.]

As expected, Usagi-chan is not being forthcoming in the slightest as to what has transpired here prior to my arrival. [Re-arrival? Doesn't

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[marsfireignite]

[She almost looks surprised, at the words -- normally she's told to lay off Usagi or to constantly see it from her point of view, and not much has changed in Adstringendum -- but it's quickly followed by a crippling sense of relief.

It's such a relief to hear someone agree with her. But then, Ami's always been the sensible one who can look at something without a bias. Maybe that's what Rei needs.]

It's not your fault.

[Quickly, and with something of a look. No one chooses whether or not they arrive or leave Adstringnedum.]

I'm fine. I've -- adapted, but -- she hasn't put herself in danger directly, but -- sometimes she refuses to believe that people are just -- there are people here, Ami, that are evil.

[It's said without forgiveness or hesitance.]

And there are some people that don't deserve the chance she wants to give them. People who would just kill you because you're there. And -- between that and hanging onto every single memory and person that comes and goes here --

[Rei sets her jaw.]

I'm the only senshi that's stayed here for as long as anyone else. I haven't been home in a year and a half. Everyone else has come and gone, but I haven't. And it's been hard, but I've -- learned. A lot of my friends and family have come and gone, people I'll never see again, and you just -- you have to just accept it, that that's how this world is, and she can't. She won't.

And I don't know what to do to fix it. Everything I say or do makes her feel worse, because she won't accept this world.

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[aquaticbeauty]

[Ami listens, not nodding, looking down, or showing any reaction to the words that come from her sister in arms. She watches Rei's movements and expression to get a full idea of what Rei was saying, not just taking the words, but how she said them, when she said them. This place had clearly taken as much a toll on Rei as it had Usagi. And if this was the outcome, Ami had no doubt this place was as dubious as Rei claimed.]

Her pacifist nature is what makes protecting the princess a duty consisting of our lives' worth of diligence and dedication. [Ami says this softly, as a fact, not a reminder. It's what made Usagi both worth protecting and a trial to protect, all at once. How much easier would it be if the princess chose to wield what power she had without concern for her adversaries? The senshi wouldn't have much of a job, would they?]

I am sorry, Rei-chan. [She lowers her eyes for a moment. Rei said it wasn't her fault, but still...] I was told that I was here before, but I have no memory of it. All I can say is that I wish I was at your side for all this, if only to take some of the burden off of you.

[Ami looks back up to Rei.] I can see it hurts you to see Usagi-chan when she's upset. I will do my best to keep her spirits up. That's really all we can do. Usagi is who she is, after all. [Ami smiles.] And that's what makes her benevolent in the long run. We just have to see her through until we find our way out.

[Ami feared that Rei would find her just as ignorant. After all, she'd only just arrived, and she knew that there were trials and tribulations that awaited her as well.]

And we will adapt. Usagi's always been a bit slower to adjust to things, you know that. Perhaps she just needs some positive reinforcement.

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[marsfireignite]

[She listens, unusually patient, before her brow furrows slightly. Ami always has the answer to everything -- because she's Ami -- but something is still bothering Rei, and she bites her lip slightly before responding.]

... she's had a long time to adjust, Ami.

This place is going to destroy her unless we figured something out.

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[aquaticbeauty]

[Ami's expression has remained serious. Ami nods in understanding.]

We'll figure something out. Right now, though, we need to do what we can to keep her spirits up.

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[marsfireignite]

... right.

[She lets out a long exhale.]

I hope you're better at it than I am.

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[aquaticbeauty]

[Ami offers a little wink in hopes that she could encourage her friend.]

Not better, Rei-chan. Strength in numbers.

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[marsfireignite]

[ -- and that gets something of a smile out of her.]

Right. Strength in numbers.

-- thanks.

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[aquaticbeauty]

[Bright smile from Ami!]

It's what I'm here for!

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[marsfireignite]

[It's amazing what support and being told you have a point does. She instantly feels like eight tons of pressure have been removed from her shoulders. And she returns the smile with a grin.]

Definitely.

It hasn't really been the same without you around. You shouldn't be here -- none of us should be -- but I'm glad you are.

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[aquaticbeauty]

I am, too.

[We'll see how long that lasts, though.]