2822/Under the Same Glow

Under the Same Glow
Date of Scene:	04 November 2025
Location:	Radiant Heart Academy
Synopsis:	Troubled with Veronica's state after 2816/Fall of Kyoto: What's Up With Emi, Coralie breaks her vow of silence and seeks Luna for information.
Cast of Characters:	Veronica Perenna, Usagi Tsukino

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Veronica Perenna has posed:
To say that Coralie was concerned was an understatement. Never before had she seen Veronica come back feeling so tired and drained, and there was only so much she could know by still faking to be a normal housecat.

And she had an inkling this situation was a lot more pressing than that, so a rain check on how Veronica's allies were doing was definitely important.

She couldn't go to just anyone. The Chara fairies would probably attract unwanted attention, and she is not fond at all of how grandstanding that monkey is. But she knows there is someone around here she could carry a normal conversation with, a fellow cat fairy.

With these thoughts in mind, the feline waits for Veronica's absence again, and slides out of the dorm room, heading out under the open sky in search of the one known as Luna. Who had good taste in names too, apparently.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Luna has had her own concerns about what her charges have experienced since Halloween, though, having long ago made her ability to speak not only known but respected, she finds it much easier than some to gather information and express herself.

It's been a couple of quiet days, the weekend after the hambombie apocalypse and nightmare loss in Kyoto having been restorative in more ways than one for her girls, but that doesn't mean Luna's been taking catnaps! Oh no, she's been on the prowl, making sure to keep an eye on each of her charges in their various classrooms from tree branches and campus fences, making certain that everyone had recovered well.

Chibiusa has Diana to watch over her (though Luna still checks in, of course) and Minako has Artemis, but Makoto, Rei, Ami, and Usagi are Luna's to watch over, exclusively, and they're not all in the same classes, which makes spreading out to peek in on each of them a necessity. It's as she's walking along the wall separating one of the gardens from the rest of the campus that Coralie may spot her, black fur and golden crescent moon quite distinct against the cheerful campus.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
As a normal cat, Coralie doesn't have anything as distinctive as Luna's crescent "bald" spot. From all points of view, she looks like your standard Russian Blue cat with the blue eyes of a British variant of the species. If Luna had ever met Emery, she would have recognised the two of them as the same cat right away.

Coralie's search comes to a stop when she spots the alien fairy atop a wall. Is she patrolling the boundaries of the school? Even with the Crystal Heart, it is still a good idea: it has only made certain villains sneakier, those who had a choice at least. She isn't sure who might be hiding out of henshin, for all the times she had tried to find out.

Jumping on top of the wall just behind Luna, Coralie raises her voice for the first time in who knows when. "Excuse me, Luna-san, right? Can I borrow you? For a just a few moments. It's about the last few days our mahoujin have gone through", she specifies.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
This garden is on the other side of the wall where one of the science buildings is. Rei has courses there at this time, so Luna will make sure that she looks well, before heading on to the home economics course that Usagi and Naru share -

Or, that was the plan, before another cat interrupts her, the sound of a body settling causing Luna to turn in curiosity. The scent is familiar, but from where...

Ah! Yes! She knows that scent, though only secondhand.

"Luna-san is correct," she answers, wine-red eyes fixed curiously on the other not-quite-cat. "You may borrow me, as you put it. You're partnered with one of Sailor Moon's friends, aren't you?"

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Coralie's ears flicker, chasing all sorts of sounds, and her eyes follow suit, trying to make sure it's indeed just them. But It seems like a tranquil day. A break in what is to come, maybe?

"You are right about that. I am the fairy keeper of the island of Sarek", she introduces herself, with a small change in wording. She wouldn't quite call herself partnered, not the same way Luna is. Maybe one day, if Veronica can show herself up to par. "You may call me Coralie."

She takes a closer look at the fellow cat fairy, her ears taking their time with swivels towards her interlocutor. So polite right now. This seems like the right call on her part.

"I have been keeping an eye on the Princess of Sarek, and I must confess her return from Kyoto startled me", she explains. "You are with the Sailor Senshi of the Moon, is that right? It seems the two were together before her return. How is she faring these last days?"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
The two are indeed alone - oh, there is the quiet scurrying of little creatures in a garden, but when it comes to sapient life, they are alone. Thus, Luna settles herself in a nice loaf, her tail draping over the garden wall, and considers the Fairy Keeper of the Island of Sarek, Coralie.

It is not lost on her that she is not quite partner to the girl - that mild correction without correcting observed - but it was Luna's mistake, and not to Coralie's discredit.

"That is right. Sailor Moon is both my charge and my leader, and she shared the disaster that was their venture into Kyoto. She is well, given the many events of that long day. She's complained that it's cheating for their enemies to return from defeat." She won't be sharing Usagi's weaknesses with a stranger, but she can offer this, at least. "Does the Princess of Sarek know of you?"

It's a question that comes to mind specifically because of Vice President - Wako Agamaki's own companion from beyond mundanity, who had quite sincerely asked that Luna keep quiet his greater cognition.

"I'll not reveal you to her, if that's what you prefer, but it would help to know why you've come to me, rather than her."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Her eyes dart around one last time, and Coralie imitates Luna's shift, settling down in a comfy position that conceals her paws. Her attention is completely set on Luna now, only giving a small unnecessary regard towards the rest of their surroundings now.

The grey-blue cat smiles at Luna's reply, even if the circumstances aren't quite as content. "My sympathies: it is terribly unfair: all the hard work you put in, and yet yesterday's problem is also today's." Her tail has a brief swing before settling again.

She breathes in rapidly at the last question. The danger of seeking someone smart that knows what subtletly is. Of course she would also be be able to pick up on it. "She knows I exist, but I am not yet ready to reveal myself."

She gives a slow nod. "I came to you because you are one of the few fairies around able to maintain a certain volume, not one that would get a mahou to interrupt our little talk."

She isn't quite sure she can count on Luna's discretion after their meeting is over, but that much is fine. What importance it is that Veronica learns she is actually close by? "I am worried about her, and her allies. Can you tell me a bit more about what happened?"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Just two cats, sunning themselves on a wall, nothing exciting to see here. The garden wall in the Monday sun is just a perfect spot to warm up and absolutely nothing else.

At least, that's what most people will think if they happen to glance out a window and spot them.

"It is, but as the young lady in charge of that dreadful zombie plague said: they are villains, it's only natural they cheat."

Oh, she'd heard all about that from Usagi as well.

The rapid breaths of the other cat are acknowledged, and Luna patiently waits for a moment, before nodding. "I understand - it is your choice when and how you'll reveal yourself. It's wise of you to come to me - certainly, there are a number of... unsubtle helpers among us."

The Chara come to mind, though she isn't above blaming then Gretchen now Kamiko for their early tussle.

"One of their friends, a mahoujin with power in the realm of dreams, ventured off to Kyoto to face an enemy she appeared to have been studying for some time. She overestimated herself, or underestimated her enemy - she could not handle it on her own, and when the others came after her, they found that many Nightmares had been revived. Among them were Nightmares which stole words and forced happiness, as well as those which attacked them physically and mentally, tearing them down with their worst insecurities."

Luna's tail whips about, her ears pricked in frustration.

"Each of them defeated once before, but far more difficult to handle as a group."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Coralie's tail flits about at the quote provided, almost as if seeking out an elusive insect. "Isn't she a spirited young lady? I am sure she would be a pleasure to have over", she comments drily.

How commendable that she would recognise her own nature, she gazes down at the school perimeter. If only that honesty were paired with self-improvement.

"I will one day. Until then, I will keep nudging her in the right direction my way. If she is made of the right stuff, that should be enough." She looks at Luna. How much does she know? Can she tell how close Coralie is to Veronica exactly?

"I appreciate your help, and am glad you are as wise as you appear."

She listens intently to the explanation Luna has for her, and by the end of it, her own ears match the other cat's movement. "That would do it. I have no idea what kind of preparation would let them overcome the lack of words."

"I can guess at what kind of insecurity Veronica would have been attacked by, though. She will try any trick in the book to give away anything more."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"A joy to have at parties, truly," Luna agrees, and shakes her head. She has not been impressed by the little she's heard of Corona.

The same cannot be said of the Princess of Sarek, who she's heard Usagi speak favorably of more than once - the phantom thief with a disguise for near every occasion, who had bravely taken the form of Sailor Mars when the Black Moon Clan struck to draw fire. She isn't sure what it is that Coralie needs to see to deepen her bond with the girl, but it isn't her place to interrogate it.

She is here is she not? Come to call on a stranger, for the sake of learning more of her erstwhile charge.

"Sailor Moon was able to defeat that creature once, with the help of Tuxedo Kamen and a few others - my understanding is that it took a great deal of raw power and the help of the young woman who had trapped the creature in her mind. Defeating him again will not be easy..."

And her ears flatten at the mention of Veronica's insecurities, a touch of worry in the shift of her tail.

"I don't know Veronica well enough to gather at her weaknesses, but the creature was certainly unkind. Sailor Moon isn't the sort to be too bothered by others' cruel words, but only because she's heard it all before. Do you know if Veronica would have been... vulnerable, to that sort of harassment?"

Veronica Perenna has posed:
"Power..." Coralie comments quietly. That's what it does come back down to, isn't it? Is what Veronica has not enough? She has obtained more than a few relics by now, is it not enough yet? What else could she bring she doesn't have already in their fight?... Is what else she could possibly need?

Well, anything that she has to find, she assumes that they will have to find along the way, if they can pay attention. "Is it trapped in the mind of the dream friend they mentioned? Or can it do as it wants now?"

"Not quite. But there is something specific that touches on things, something that won't just go away by being prepared for it. The nightmare's words is not what she fears, but I won't be talking about it now. I hope you understand."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"Power, and the ability to unleash it... for all that wisdom, courage, and compassion are crucial for our young charges, in the end, their ability to wield their power is essential."

Luna has often dwelled on the day she found Usagi - the day a silly girl late to class and panicking stopped running to help a stray cat. In the dead of night, purring to soothe nightmares and disturbed sleep, she's often regretted the necessity of awakening Usagi. And yet...

She's biased, of course, but she thinks the world would be far worse without Sailor Moon.

"I don't believe any of them are contained, unfortunately. It seems that even the Guardian of Dreams herself is concerned as to how these creatures returned, which leads me to fear that they may well be free to do as they please. If they return to Tokyo - and surely, they will attempt to do so - it will be up to our charges to turn the tide once more."

Which will be difficult.

"I understand, however. You must protect her secrets as much as your own. But... I can only hope that she has someone that she speak to, about what those creatures may have dug into her."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
"If I didn't believe she would be able to wield it, I would have taken it away as soon as possible. It has chosen to respond to the plea of her heart, and she seems to be doing well with it, so with her it stays." Her ears flicker again.

One like her should have not been needed again, but she entrusted it to the Ward herself, she doesn't have any right to complain. She can only witness how this tale will end.

"I imagine you must be proud of your charge. She has accomplished so much in so little time, even with the sudden bumps and falls of her path."

Coralie sighs. "They are many, so powers aren't really lacking, and with all they have achieved so far, I trust they will be able to rebound it in the right direction. Without much of a price this time, if possible."

That will certainly be difficult.

"Thank you, Luna-san. I really appreciate your sympathy", Coralie replies bowing her head at the other cat.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"True. You've trusted Veronica-chan thus far, and she's truly come a remarkable fighter."

Luna licks at a paw, carefully beginning to groom some of her fur as she thinks, about Coralie's worries for Veronica, and the worries she once had for Usagi.

"I am very proud of her. She's grown very much, even if it's been hard for her, too. Growing is hard, and harder still in this life, and she's never been very suited for it." Gifted at it, capable of rising to the occasion, but suited? No, poor Usagi had been suited for the softer things in life..."

"Still. They will be able to solve this, as they have solved every problem to face them. I believe in Sailor Moon... as you should believe in the Princess of Sarek."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Trusted? Coralie's tail swishes. Is that really what it looks like? That's a nice thought. Or a bad one. She would like to say she hasn't forgotten yet.

"She has been working hard to live up to her name", Coralie agrees, bowing her head at Luna respectfully.

"In this life?", Coralie asks, and her ears pivot at Luna's direction. "Is it true people reincarnate then?" She knew that was the eastern belief, but she had never had proof of one or the other.

Coralie looks away from Luna. Why does she feel like she is being reprimanded? "I will support her. I want her to thrive too."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Luna scrubs a paw over her ears, moving a bit of dust away, as she considers Coralie.

"She does!" And her tone is encouraging, at this. She doesn't know what Coralie's relationship with Veronica is. It must not be excessively close, not now - but oh, that could change in the future. "And - ah, well, yes. We aligned with Sailor Moon all once lived another life, in a time long forgotten."
Shehe glances off the side of the wall, thinking of those days, half-forgotten, half-remembered, more clear every day.

"I apologize if I was forceful. Your relationship with Veronica is not mine to critique. Only - that I have seen what trust and faith can do to raise the strength of a warrior."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
When Coralie looks back at Luna, her eyes are much warmer. The encouragement in the other cat's voice brings a new relaxation to her limbs, and she instinctively uses a paw to cover her face, but moves it away right after.

No use dwelling on it, with things like this.

Coralie's ears lower for a moment when she hears it's only for the people associated with Sailor Moon. There goes that chance. "I hope you have found much joy in this new life", she smiles, her tone placid.

"I am not mad at all", Coralie remarks wistfully. "Thank you a lot for your time. You have given me a lot", she says and stands up, walking away with a bow of her head.