Uranus ♅ Troposphere ♅ Stratosphere
Thermosphere ♅ Exosphere ♅ Outer Space


168 "Saturn Awakens! The 10 Sailor Soldiers Gather"

Haruka and Michiru are the first of their group to show up again. Pulling up to a lovely yard, they step out of their car, soon to be greeted by a tiny Hotaru. With a strong voice and an energetic run, Hotaru stops in front of Haruka. She addresses them as "Haruka-papa" and "Michiru-mama". The entrance of the house is shown with Setsuna standing behind Hotaru. Setsuna is also addressed as "Setsuna-mama."

Anyone can see that Hotaru is living happily with the three of them and sees them as her guardians. In turn, you can also see how at ease and happy Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna are with Hotaru. The entire setting is warm and loving. Nevertheless, there is still a reality the "adults" of their group cannot ignore. While they let Hotaru continue on in her ignorance as long as possible, they see plenty of signs. Finally Michiru says disapointedly, sadly, "I was hoping she culd grow up as a normal child..."

If this scene wasn't cut off by their sudden realization that Hotaru was no longer outside with them, it likely would have shown Haruka and Setsuna expressing the same concerns and dashed hopes they had for Hotaru. Eitherway, again, it is still shown they truly care for her as Hotaru and not just a soldier.

As soon as tey notice her disapearance they all search the house ferverently, thrusting foors open, calling her name each time. Finally they settle upon Hotaru's room. Entering quietly, they find her safe and sound and they look to each other as they sigh in relief.

Hotaru soon displays an ability to recreate a miniature version of the Big Bang and leads onto the creation of the universe. Though Michiru and Haruka never knew of her developing this ability, they don't come to arms. They trust Hotaru now. Instead, they simply observe, letting her develop her skills, but still be on guard should anything go awry.

Watching a simulation of the Solar System flourishing, they ease and watch rather contentedly. Seeing the moon, they think of Usagi. There are looks of peace and admiration upon their faces and in their words.

Michiru, already standing close to Haruka, tilts her head close (just like in the previous episode) leans in to rest her hand on the other's shoulder. Again, you rarely see these sort of moves shared by anyone but those romantically involved in this show.

Hotaru suddenly collapses, ending their moment of contentment and they all run to her aid. Their concern and love for her is written all over their faces. Their concern calms a bit when they realize she is having a premonition, but once she shows absolute fear and begins trembling, Haruka gently shakes her, encouraging her to hang on. Eventually the premonition ends and Hotaru does snap out of it. Her eyes suddenly tear up and she lunges into Haruka's chest, desperate to be protected. Haruka quickly holds her protectively and pets her hair, uttering words fo comfort, "We're here."

It is evening and Michiru enters the livingroom where Haruka and Setsuna are waiting worriedly. Michiru asures them that Hotaru is okay and is sleeping. Their faces show relief upon hearing this. Setsuna even lets out the breath she was holding. It is upon knowing Hotaru is alright do they then allow themselves to focus on the premonition she made.

While this is happening, Hotaru is awoken by Nehellenia's presense, only to be saved by her soldier side. Her memories of the previous year return: from the good of making friends to the bad of being made an enemy, Mistress 9 and seeing her father's pains. Awaking fully as Sailor Saturn, she soon steps out of her room to join the others.

Having grown to what looks to be the age she was before she was possessed by Mistress 9 (maybe eight or nine?), she informs the other three of the crisis. You see she holds no anger or fear against them. There is no emotional outburst. I think this again shows she completely understood their positions in the S season when they realized she was Sailor Saturn. She bears no grudge against them and understands they held no personal grudge against her. They all were simply doing their duties.

Because of their new powers and new roles in this present day, they are able to cast away those old duties to a certain extent. They can easily form into a team and work together, and it is obvious none of them oppose working with each other... Because Sailor Saturn was reborn in more ways that one just like how the other three were.

Uranus and Neptune no longer must fight seperately at their posts against outside invaders. Pluto no longer must remain forever at the Time Door all alone. Saturn no longer has to appear only as a last possible measure to stop evil, only to kill herself and everyone else with her. All four of them know this.