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annotate old/stories/cunpnk2.txt @ 3:4a98b0ae6e0b moonlitnights

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[svn r4] got moon images from NASA!
author rlm
date Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:01:51 -0400
parents fc00894c1d4a
children
rev   line source
rlm@2 1 Author's notes: ^_^
rlm@2 2
rlm@2 3 Most of the important stuff can be found in part one, so I won't
rlm@2 4 bore you with it here again. This is where the fanfic starts to earn
rlm@2 5 it's R rating, just as a reminder. This is also where you'll start to
rlm@2 6 understand why a certain plot point may or may not be a part of the
rlm@2 7 actual manga. :)
rlm@2 8
rlm@2 9 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
rlm@2 10 Chibiusa no PYUA na kokoro
rlm@2 11 (Chibiusa's Pure Heart)
rlm@2 12 Part 2
rlm@2 13 By Andrea Doolan <ajhd@king.igs.net>
rlm@2 14 "Sailormoon no ichiban daifan"
rlm@2 15 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
rlm@2 16
rlm@2 17 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 18
rlm@2 19 A scream rang out in the halls of Crystal Palace. This was in
rlm@2 20 stark contrast to the blue skies and singing birds outside the building.
rlm@2 21 For a few seconds there seemed to be silence all around, and the sun
rlm@2 22 seemed to shine just a little bit brighter. Then the cheers could be
rlm@2 23 heard all around the planet, or the solar system for that matter. The
rlm@2 24 date was June 30. 2001.
rlm@2 25
rlm@2 26 A child was born.
rlm@2 27
rlm@2 28 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 29
rlm@2 30 A solemn dark figure stood at the door where the celebrations
rlm@2 31 were taking place. The girl's features betrayed her overall appearance,
rlm@2 32 though, as she had a rather large smile on her face. A single tear
rlm@2 33 trickled down her cheek in both sorrow and happiness.
rlm@2 34
rlm@2 35 "Sayounara, Chibiusa-chan."
rlm@2 36
rlm@2 37 A gloved hand reached out and touched her on the shoulder. It
rlm@2 38 belonged to a blond haired women. Beside her stood a women in a green
rlm@2 39 fuku.
rlm@2 40
rlm@2 41 "It's time."
rlm@2 42
rlm@2 43 Without another word, Saturn stepped back from the door and
rlm@2 44 followed her parents down the corridor. They had already said their
rlm@2 45 goodbyes to the other Senshi, but had stayed behind just long enough to
rlm@2 46 see the miracle occur.
rlm@2 47
rlm@2 48 Saturn didn't think it fair that she, Uranus, and Neptune had to
rlm@2 49 leave Crystal Tokyo and Earth, but she knew exactly the reason why.
rlm@2 50 During the time Small Lady was growing up, all 901 years worth, she
rlm@2 51 hadn't seen a single one of them. Only when she travelled to the past
rlm@2 52 for the second time did she meet these Senshi. Pluto had explained the
rlm@2 53 timeline to Saturn very well, so she understood perfectly, but it still
rlm@2 54 almost felt as if she was losing a piece of her heart.
rlm@2 55
rlm@2 56 Uranus had also explained it to her in terms of duty. They were
rlm@2 57 the Senshi of the outer planets, and their mission was to protect
rlm@2 58 Crystal Tokyo and Earth from threats outside the solar system.
rlm@2 59
rlm@2 60 Still, leaving the only home you had ever known and your newly
rlm@2 61 born best friend was a little too much for a seventeen-year-old to
rlm@2 62 handle. The tears starting streaming down her face without her control.
rlm@2 63
rlm@2 64 Neptune looked back at the Senshi that quite possibly held the
rlm@2 65 most power of any of them, besides the Queen herself. She sighed
rlm@2 66 inwardly, and held her only daughter in an embrace. For a moment she
rlm@2 67 thought about using a name they had abandoned a few years before, but
rlm@2 68 thought better of it. She spoke in a slightly forceful voice, but not
rlm@2 69 one without compassion. "Saturn."
rlm@2 70
rlm@2 71 The black haired Senshi looked at Neptune with her purple eyes
rlm@2 72 full of sorrow. She blinked, and almost magically they appeared full of
rlm@2 73 duty and honour. "Hai, I know." She broke off the embrace reluctantly,
rlm@2 74 and continued with her parents down the long corridor.
rlm@2 75
rlm@2 76 At the end was a fairly large chamber decorated as if it held a
rlm@2 77 special purpose. Pluto was waiting for them there, Garnet Rod in
rlm@2 78 hand. The three just looked at her and nodded knowingly. The goddess
rlm@2 79 of time nodded back, but took special care to smile at the purple clad
rlm@2 80 Senshi. Without a word, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn vanished from Earth
rlm@2 81 for the better part of the millennium.
rlm@2 82
rlm@2 83 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 84
rlm@2 85 It wasn't as if Titan was a lonely place. Far from it. She got
rlm@2 86 frequent visits from Uranus and Neptune, and she visited them frequently
rlm@2 87 as well. If it wasn't a visit in person, they were always talking over
rlm@2 88 the monitors at least once a day. And about once a month, one or two
rlm@2 89 Senshi from Earth would come visit them (without the princess'
rlm@2 90 knowledge, of course) to see how they were doing. Sometimes the Queen
rlm@2 91 herself would come. One could tell Serenity felt more than a little
rlm@2 92 guilty for sending them out there, but Titan's Senshi stood proud and
rlm@2 93 was always pleasant. This made the Queen feel better, after all, which
rlm@2 94 was important.
rlm@2 95
rlm@2 96 It certainly didn't seem lonely, anyway. But for Saturn she
rlm@2 97 always had the thought of a certain pink haired girl in the back of her
rlm@2 98 mind. Her duty came first, but the memory of her dear friend could
rlm@2 99 still sometimes bring tears to her eyes. Even after all these years.
rlm@2 100 Though when this happened she always reminded herself of a pact they had
rlm@2 101 made when she was only twelve years old. She laughed sometimes when she
rlm@2 102 thought about it. It was a little childish, but somehow the knowledge
rlm@2 103 of it filled her heart with strength, and let her carry on.
rlm@2 104
rlm@2 105 Saturn walked over to the largest monitor in Titan's observation
rlm@2 106 room. She touched a control pad, and an image of the planet Saturn
rlm@2 107 appeared before her. Kirei, she thought. The swirling pieces of cosmic
rlm@2 108 dust and ice converging in a ring-like structure around the planet was
rlm@2 109 truly a sight to see. Sometimes she could just watch this for hours on
rlm@2 110 end, letting her mind flow into the planet's energies. Sometimes she
rlm@2 111 tried to replicate the effect using a technique similar to when she
rlm@2 112 would simulate the big bang as a child. It always had a calming effect
rlm@2 113 on her.
rlm@2 114
rlm@2 115 "I wonder what she's doing now..." she said aloud
rlm@2 116 absentmindedly. She shook her head and tried to get the thought out of
rlm@2 117 her mind. Thinking about it always made her depressed. How many more
rlm@2 118 years would it be? she thought. A few hundred more, she reminded
rlm@2 119 herself. She sighed. Being depressed was getting her no where. She
rlm@2 120 still had lots of great friends whom she saw often, and loving parents.
rlm@2 121 Plus she was a Senshi. A Senshi of death, she joked to herself, but a
rlm@2 122 Senshi of rebirth as well. Really, she was quite content right now.
rlm@2 123 And one day she would get to return to that blue-green sphere. To that
rlm@2 124 cheerful girl who brought so much joy into her life.
rlm@2 125
rlm@2 126 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 127
rlm@2 128 A faint pink beam of light shone briefly on a hill overlooking
rlm@2 129 Crystal Tokyo, and then flickered out as silently as it had come.
rlm@2 130 Standing there in its place was a girl in a blue and white sei-fuku
rlm@2 131 [school uniform]. The bright sun flickered off the royal buildings,
rlm@2 132 just as it always had. The girl smiled briefly in appreciation. She
rlm@2 133 then looked forward, and her smile grew even wider. She saw her
rlm@2 134 parents, of course, and Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus. Pluto was
rlm@2 135 standing beside them as well. As good as it was to see those people,
rlm@2 136 something else caught her eye right away.
rlm@2 137
rlm@2 138 "Masaka... Hotaru-chan! Hotaru-chaaaan!!" For a moment she
rlm@2 139 just stood there in disbelief, but then started running as fast as she
rlm@2 140 could. She ran into the slightly taller Senshi and hugged her closely.
rlm@2 141 Then she drew back and looked into her eyes. They seemed to be smiling
rlm@2 142 at her. "Hota-" she cut herself off, blushing slightly. "Gomen,
rlm@2 143 Sailorsaturn. Doushite?"
rlm@2 144
rlm@2 145 The other just kept looking at her, happiness filling every pore
rlm@2 146 in her body. She choked back some tears. "Okaerinasai."
rlm@2 147
rlm@2 148 By this time everyone had evidence of strong emotions on their
rlm@2 149 features. Chibiusa glanced beside Saturn at another welcome sight.
rlm@2 150 "Uranus! Neptune!" She could barely hold back her shock.
rlm@2 151
rlm@2 152 "Yo, Chibi-chan," said the blond playfully.
rlm@2 153
rlm@2 154 "It's been too long," said the Senshi of the sea.
rlm@2 155
rlm@2 156 Chibiusa felt like she was in a dream state. Was she really
rlm@2 157 home? Had the future been changed somehow? She looked over at Pluto
rlm@2 158 who just had a smile on her face. This was all very confusing for her.
rlm@2 159 Finally she let go of Saturn, and walked over to her parents. She bowed
rlm@2 160 respectfully. "Princess Usagi Small Lady Serenity and Diana reporting
rlm@2 161 home from the 20th century. If it pleases the court, we would like to
rlm@2 162 return and live again in the 30th century."
rlm@2 163
rlm@2 164 Neo Queen Serenity just smiled. How proud she was of her
rlm@2 165 daughter. She had certainly come a long way over the last few years,
rlm@2 166 and was on her way to becoming a wonderful Lady and future Queen. "It
rlm@2 167 does please the court. Welcome home."
rlm@2 168
rlm@2 169 Chibiusa flung herself into her mother's arms and was then
rlm@2 170 greeted by everyone in turn. She wanted answers, of course, but right
rlm@2 171 now it was just good to be home.
rlm@2 172
rlm@2 173 ~*~*~*~*~ (from now on, I won't refer to her as Chibiusa)
rlm@2 174
rlm@2 175 "So, all those years... You were alone?" Small Lady was still
rlm@2 176 in shock and was trying to sort out some confusing feelings. She just
rlm@2 177 couldn't believe that all this time Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn had
rlm@2 178 been alive. She wasn't sure what had happened to them, but she knew she
rlm@2 179 had never seen them. She thought they must have died somehow, but
rlm@2 180 nobody would tell her. Now she understood why.
rlm@2 181
rlm@2 182 Saturn laughed a little bit. "No, I was far from alone. Uranus
rlm@2 183 and Neptune were there and the rest of the Senshi came to visit.
rlm@2 184 Besides, orbiting Saturn in Titan Castle was a wonderful experience. I
rlm@2 185 had forgotten what it was like to be so near my namesake. At first it
rlm@2 186 was overpowering. From my previous life, before I was reincarnated for
rlm@2 187 the first time, back in the Silver Millennium, I had very faint memories
rlm@2 188 of it. And even then I hadn't awakened, so I was in a dream-like state.
rlm@2 189 It took a little getting used to being away from Earth and everyone
rlm@2 190 here, but it was fine in the end. Now it's a very dear place in my
rlm@2 191 heart."
rlm@2 192
rlm@2 193 Small Lady's eyes looked as if they were going to shed tears,
rlm@2 194 but they were held back as best as they could. Right now it was just
rlm@2 195 her and Saturn on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean. There had been a
rlm@2 196 very big celebration when Small Lady returned, and everything was
rlm@2 197 explained to her. It was still that same night, but it was very late.
rlm@2 198 Her and Saturn had decided to take a walk and talk a bit. "But you did
rlm@2 199 all this just for me, and to protect Earth? I would have been so
rlm@2 200 scared."
rlm@2 201
rlm@2 202 "You're exactly the same as I remember you, Small Lady. Which
rlm@2 203 isn't surprising, as you just saw me less than twenty four hours ago."
rlm@2 204 Saturn tried to comfort her as best as she could. "Yes, we did it for
rlm@2 205 you and to protect the kingdom. *Any* Senshi would have done the same
rlm@2 206 thing. I'm not going to pretend that I didn't miss Earth...that I
rlm@2 207 didn't miss you, because I did." It was Saturn's turn to hold back her
rlm@2 208 tears. "But everyone's love filled me, and made me strong. There's
rlm@2 209 something else, too. I remembered the pact we made...to always be
rlm@2 210 friends. It kept me going. Whenever I remembered I would see you
rlm@2 211 again, it made me happy."
rlm@2 212
rlm@2 213 Both women lost control and tears started coming down their
rlm@2 214 cheeks. They hugged each other tightly; a hug that told of the 909
rlm@2 215 years they had spent apart.
rlm@2 216
rlm@2 217 "I can't believe you remembered," said Small Lady between sobs.
rlm@2 218
rlm@2 219 "Of course I did, baka," she joked back.
rlm@2 220
rlm@2 221 "So, even after all this time, we're still best friends?"
rlm@2 222
rlm@2 223 "Mochiron! Zutto zutto! Eien ni."
rlm@2 224
rlm@2 225 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 226
rlm@2 227 The years passed in Crystal Tokyo as they always did. The
rlm@2 228 unpleasantness brought about by Sailorgalaxia in the 20th century was
rlm@2 229 far behind them. Crystal Tokyo thrived again as the seat of power for
rlm@2 230 the solar system. Neo Queen Serenity brought back the greatness that
rlm@2 231 was once the Silver Millennium. The Earth, now free from evil, was
rlm@2 232 united and stood like a glistening Christmas ball in the blackness of
rlm@2 233 space. The other planets were now thriving, too. The great cities that
rlm@2 234 were held inside the planets' castles started to revive and were
rlm@2 235 prosperous once again. A princess was coming into her full glory and
rlm@2 236 beauty, and now had the appearance of an eighteen-year-old. She was
rlm@2 237 actually 910.
rlm@2 238
rlm@2 239 And two friends were enjoying life together.
rlm@2 240
rlm@2 241 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 242
rlm@2 243 "Small Lady, hayaku!"
rlm@2 244
rlm@2 245 "Hai! Ikimashou ne!"
rlm@2 246
rlm@2 247 For the moment, these two girls weren't an heir to the royal
rlm@2 248 throne and a Senshi who could destroy the universe with one swipe of her
rlm@2 249 Glaive. They were two friends going on a little trip together.
rlm@2 250
rlm@2 251 "You sure you know how to drive this thing?"
rlm@2 252
rlm@2 253 "Well, Uranus taught me, so I shouldn't be too bad."
rlm@2 254
rlm@2 255 The transport started off with a jolt. It left a slightly
rlm@2 256 startled expression on the younger girl's face, but it was quickly
rlm@2 257 replaced by a smile. They were taking a long needed vacation. The two
rlm@2 258 had hardly seen each other for the past couple of months with the many
rlm@2 259 diplomatic missions both had to go on. Now was their time to relax. As
rlm@2 260 evidence, both were wearing casual clothing. Sometimes it felt good to
rlm@2 261 get out of the sailor fuku and princess gowns they were always wearing.
rlm@2 262
rlm@2 263 Though even in her lose fitting pants and pullover top Princess
rlm@2 264 Serenity looked regal and glowing. She had really turned into quite the
rlm@2 265 lady. The tresses that flowed from her two odango had grown down to her
rlm@2 266 knees, and were now missing the "poofy" look they once had. Indeed,
rlm@2 267 from the shoulders up she looked like a certain Black Lady the 20th
rlm@2 268 century Senshi had fought all those years ago. Not that the princess
rlm@2 269 remembered any of that. She had also grown quite a bit over the past
rlm@2 270 couple of years. She now stood at 155 centimetres, just a hair less
rlm@2 271 than Saturn. Her body was, of course, proportionately built, just like
rlm@2 272 her mother's.
rlm@2 273
rlm@2 274 For Saturn's part, she hadn't aged in the past 905 years. Well,
rlm@2 275 not on the outside at least. She still had her purple-black hair cut
rlm@2 276 just above her shoulders, but her deep purple eyes told the whole story,
rlm@2 277 and let people know her true age. She had stopped her growth spurt at
rlm@2 278 the age of 22, growing into a lovely woman. I guess that's something we
rlm@2 279 have in common, thought Saturn. We both grew up in a rather odd way.
rlm@2 280 Today she was wearing a pair of khaki shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt.
rlm@2 281 Very normal, indeed.
rlm@2 282
rlm@2 283 It was Sunday, and the pair made their way to the Northeast of
rlm@2 284 Crystal Tokyo, about 120 kilometres from the centre of the city. The
rlm@2 285 transport they were in was a sleek new model, and was designed for
rlm@2 286 speeds of 200 km/h for normal travel. It could go much faster, if need
rlm@2 287 be. It also had a very good shock system, which made the trip through
rlm@2 288 the air especially smooth.
rlm@2 289
rlm@2 290 "What's our ETA?" asked Small Lady.
rlm@2 291
rlm@2 292 "A little over half an hour," replied her friend.
rlm@2 293
rlm@2 294 "I can hardly wait! I haven't been to your beach house in so
rlm@2 295 long!"
rlm@2 296
rlm@2 297 The older girl laughed. The mini palace the Outer Senshi
rlm@2 298 shared was situated on the shores on the Pacific Ocean. The appearance
rlm@2 299 of the outside of the building had all the earmarks of the modern
rlm@2 300 buildings in Crystal Tokyo. It's fundamental element was crystal, with
rlm@2 301 some stone and glass thrown in just the right places for good measure.
rlm@2 302 It's sleek angles shimmered in the sun as it made it's arc across the
rlm@2 303 sky. The inside, however, was remarkably different. It's most
rlm@2 304 prominent architectural style was from the Victorian times in England.
rlm@2 305 Though one could also make out some 20th century designs and some modern
rlm@2 306 ones as well. They all blended together to form an elegant structure
rlm@2 307 that most designers cited as a wonderful example of architecture from
rlm@2 308 any time. Even though this was a mini palace, with the building and
rlm@2 309 grounds covering about 50 hectares of land, the Senshi still refered to
rlm@2 310 it as the "beach house." For the obvious reason that it was on the
rlm@2 311 beach.
rlm@2 312
rlm@2 313 "Ne, will Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto be there, too?" asked the
rlm@2 314 younger girl farther into their trip.
rlm@2 315
rlm@2 316 "Ee. Uranus and Neptune will be there for sure, and I think
rlm@2 317 Pluto's going to try and stop by, too."
rlm@2 318
rlm@2 319 "Good, I've hardly seen any of them lately." Small Lady sighed.
rlm@2 320 "It seems like our lives are just getting more and more hectic."
rlm@2 321
rlm@2 322 The other girl smiled. "That's why we're taking this vacation.
rlm@2 323 Sometimes it's good just to sit back and watch the world go by. Kami
rlm@2 324 knows the Senshi deserve it."
rlm@2 325
rlm@2 326 "Yeah, even though it's just for a week, it's better than
rlm@2 327 nothing."
rlm@2 328
rlm@2 329 The computer in the transport beeped slightly and then said,
rlm@2 330 "Incoming message for Princess Serenity. Sailorvesta from Crystal
rlm@2 331 Palace is on com channel 5."
rlm@2 332
rlm@2 333 With a little laugh Small Lady pressed the button that would
rlm@2 334 receive the call and put Vesta on the view screen. "Hai, moshi moshi.
rlm@2 335 Small Lady desu."
rlm@2 336
rlm@2 337 "Konnichiwa, Small Lady," said the red haired girl in a sailor
rlm@2 338 fuku. "I know you just left, but we just got a request from the colony
rlm@2 339 of Africa for you to visit there late next month."
rlm@2 340
rlm@2 341 Small Lady looked slightly annoyed. "This couldn't have waited
rlm@2 342 until I got back?"
rlm@2 343
rlm@2 344 "Gomen, they asked for a reply right away. Besides, the Prime
rlm@2 345 Minister there is a friend of mine, and I owed him a favour..."
rlm@2 346
rlm@2 347 "Okay, okay. I see where this one is going." Vesta looked
rlm@2 348 slightly embarrassed. "Of course I'll go. Hmm, I really like Africa in
rlm@2 349 the fall. But, Vesta, no more calls, please. Not unless it's really
rlm@2 350 important."
rlm@2 351
rlm@2 352 "Hai, wakateru. Enjoy your trip!" With that the communication
rlm@2 353 ended and the screen went black.
rlm@2 354
rlm@2 355 "Honestly, I still think the Quartet needs more training." said
rlm@2 356 Small Lady.
rlm@2 357
rlm@2 358 "Maybe you could send them back to the past," kidded Saturn.
rlm@2 359 Both girls started to laugh at the idea.
rlm@2 360
rlm@2 361 "Ah! Mite!" said the princess excitedly. The transport slowed,
rlm@2 362 and came to a stop in a garage of sorts beside the beach house. "Sugoi!
rlm@2 363 It's just like I remember it." Both girls got their luggage from the
rlm@2 364 transport and walked to the front doors of the "house."
rlm@2 365
rlm@2 366 "Tadaima!" said Saturn as she walked into the front hall.
rlm@2 367
rlm@2 368 "Okaeri." came a voice from one of the rooms off the main hall.
rlm@2 369
rlm@2 370 "Ohayou," came the greeting from Small Lady.
rlm@2 371
rlm@2 372 A head popped out from one of the doorways. "Ara, Small Lady.
rlm@2 373 Ohayou. Saturn told us you'd be coming." Neptune looked elegant as
rlm@2 374 always in a flower print sundress.
rlm@2 375
rlm@2 376 "I'm going to take her upstairs," said Saturn with a smile.
rlm@2 377 "We'll be back down for lunch." The two girls took the staircase up to
rlm@2 378 Saturn's bedroom and got their luggage settled. Really, there were many
rlm@2 379 free rooms that Small Lady could have used, but both wanted to spend
rlm@2 380 their vacation together. The bed was more than large enough to fit two
rlm@2 381 people, and they liked to tell stories and play games before they fell
rlm@2 382 asleep. Someone might have mistaken them for actual teenagers, if they
rlm@2 383 didn't know better.
rlm@2 384
rlm@2 385 "It's such a pretty room," said Small Lady. "You've still got
rlm@2 386 all your lamps." The room was done in purple colourings. The walls
rlm@2 387 were a very light purple, while her curtains and bedspread were much
rlm@2 388 darker. Most of the furniture in the room including her desk and
rlm@2 389 dressers were white. It made for a very interesting effect with the
rlm@2 390 lamps turned on at night.
rlm@2 391
rlm@2 392 "Yeah, every now and then I'll even pick up a new one, if I like
rlm@2 393 it." She smiled at the younger girl.
rlm@2 394
rlm@2 395 Small Lady walked towards her and held her hand. Let's make
rlm@2 396 this a vacation to remember. With so much going on, we have to make our
rlm@2 397 time together count!"
rlm@2 398
rlm@2 399 The other girl agreed. They had to make the most of their
rlm@2 400 friendship when they had the chance. This was going to be one of the
rlm@2 401 best weeks of their lives!
rlm@2 402
rlm@2 403 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 404
rlm@2 405 The sun shone brightly on a Wednesday afternoon in August. It
rlm@2 406 was about 35 degrees C, which made the warm Pacific waters even more
rlm@2 407 inviting. The calmness of the waves washing ashore and the gentle sea
rlm@2 408 breeze was only interrupted by the happy cries of two friends having a
rlm@2 409 good time.
rlm@2 410
rlm@2 411 "I'm going to get there first!" cried the pink haired girl.
rlm@2 412
rlm@2 413 "Oh no you're not! I'm a better runner than you, and you know
rlm@2 414 it!" exclaimed her black haired companion.
rlm@2 415
rlm@2 416 There was a temporary splash as both girls reached the water at
rlm@2 417 the same time, and then began laughing. Their adventurous attitude was
rlm@2 418 accompanied by a brief, if not large, water fight. Afterwards, the two
rlm@2 419 just stood in the water happily, but out of breath.
rlm@2 420
rlm@2 421 "I would have beat you if I still had Neptune's mirror," said
rlm@2 422 the princess slyly.
rlm@2 423
rlm@2 424 "Ha! She's my mama, she would do anything to protect me,"
rlm@2 425 replied the other with a defiant expression on her face. The charade
rlm@2 426 didn't last long, though. Both girls immediately broke out laughing
rlm@2 427 again. They started to swim normally in the water, both under and on
rlm@2 428 top. It really had a calming effect, and was a place anyone would feel
rlm@2 429 at peace. No wonder Neptune loves it so much, they both thought.
rlm@2 430
rlm@2 431 An hour or so later they both reluctantly started to emerge from
rlm@2 432 the water. Both were pretty tired, but it was a great swim, and it
rlm@2 433 relaxed a lot of the built-up tension in their muscles due to Senshi
rlm@2 434 duties.
rlm@2 435
rlm@2 436 Saturn was a few steps behind Small Lady, and was almost out of
rlm@2 437 the water. Unfortunately, she tripped on a rock she didn't see,
rlm@2 438 crashing into Small Lady, and sending them both to the sandy ground.
rlm@2 439 The scene was a pretty big mass of tangled limbs. Saturn ended up
rlm@2 440 straddling Small Lady's torso, with her arms on either side of her head.
rlm@2 441 She managed to stop herself a few centimetres before she flattened the
rlm@2 442 girl.
rlm@2 443
rlm@2 444 There was silence as both girls just looked into each others
rlm@2 445 eyes. Their breathing was hard, and they could feel each others hot
rlm@2 446 breath on their cheeks. Several moments passed where no one moved at
rlm@2 447 all. The calming sound of waves on the shore could be heard again.
rlm@2 448 Then, ever so slightly, they both moved at the same time. Their lips
rlm@2 449 met in a kiss that was timid at first, but grew into something more
rlm@2 450 passionate quickly.
rlm@2 451
rlm@2 452 As if something snapped in both their brains, the kiss came to a
rlm@2 453 crashing halt. Saturn retreated off of the princess with a terrified
rlm@2 454 expression on her face. Small Lady's features almost matched hers, with
rlm@2 455 her eyes displaying great shock.
rlm@2 456
rlm@2 457 Small Lady was the first to speak. "Sa..turn..." But as soon
rlm@2 458 as she started, Saturn was already up, and running towards the house,
rlm@2 459 tears streaming down her face. "SATURN!!!" yelled the princess after
rlm@2 460 her, but she didn't look back. "Saturn..." said the princess again as
rlm@2 461 she started to cry. She tried make any sense she could out of the
rlm@2 462 situation.
rlm@2 463
rlm@2 464 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 465
rlm@2 466 Saturn reached her bedroom and shut the door with a slam. Thank
rlm@2 467 kami Uranus and Neptune weren't home, she thought. She flung herself on
rlm@2 468 the bed and started to sob. A million confusing emotions were running
rlm@2 469 through her head. Not the least of which was the total rush she felt
rlm@2 470 when Small Lady's lips touched her own. Kami, kami, that had been so
rlm@2 471 stupid, she scolded herself. She tried to remember why she had done it,
rlm@2 472 but she couldn't. It was like a big blur in her mind. The tears kept
rlm@2 473 streaming down her face. Had she really sacrificed all those years of
rlm@2 474 friendship, all those years of waiting? Small Lady was her first friend
rlm@2 475 and her best friend. She was someone who would be friends with her when
rlm@2 476 no one else would. No one was forcing the princess, she *wanted* to be
rlm@2 477 friends with her. That had been a first for Saturn, all those years
rlm@2 478 ago. Now Saturn thought she had thrown it all away, that her best
rlm@2 479 friend in the world hated her and no longer wanted to be her friend.
rlm@2 480
rlm@2 481 "Damn these lamps!" she screamed. "Damn these lonely lamps!"
rlm@2 482
rlm@2 483 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 484
rlm@2 485 Small Lady was really no better off. She was still down at the
rlm@2 486 beach. She just couldn't find the energy to stand up. She kept going
rlm@2 487 over and over the events that had happened. She still didn't understand
rlm@2 488 any of it. Besides the kiss itself, she was mostly terrified of
rlm@2 489 Saturn's reaction. She just ran away, she thought. And that look she
rlm@2 490 gave me... Is she really disgusted with me? It was all so confusing.
rlm@2 491 The worst part was she didn't know if they were still friends. The
rlm@2 492 thought of not being friends with Saturn chilled her to the bone. She
rlm@2 493 didn't know if she could live without her. But what had the kiss meant?
rlm@2 494 Was is just a kiss? Or was it something more...? Small Lady tried to
rlm@2 495 think about it, but it was like her brain turned to mush. She just
rlm@2 496 wasn't sure of anything anymore.
rlm@2 497
rlm@2 498 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 499
rlm@2 500 A sporty looking transport pulled into the garage of the beach
rlm@2 501 house. It's three occupants got out, and started taking in groceries.
rlm@2 502
rlm@2 503 "With all this technology, you'd think they be able to sell ripe
rlm@2 504 tomatoes, wouldn't you?" complained Neptune.
rlm@2 505
rlm@2 506 Uranus just laughed. "Maybe something else in here needs a
rlm@2 507 little ripening, ne?"
rlm@2 508
rlm@2 509 Neptune threw a sultry glance her way. "Maybe you're right.
rlm@2 510 You can never tell until you feel the softness..."
rlm@2 511
rlm@2 512 Pluto, being used to similar exchanges for centuries, virtually
rlm@2 513 ignored them, and started to put away the groceries. Young love, she
rlm@2 514 thought absentmindedly. Suddenly she realised Saturn and Small Lady
rlm@2 515 weren't there to greet them. "Saturn to Small Lady wa?" she asked the
rlm@2 516 couple who were now in an embrace.
rlm@2 517
rlm@2 518 "E?" asked a puzzled Neptune. "Maybe they're still down by the
rlm@2 519 beach. Saturn mentioned something about going for a swim today. Maybe
rlm@2 520 you better call them, dinner will be ready in half an hour."
rlm@2 521
rlm@2 522 Pluto nodded, and walked out the patio doors onto the deck. She
rlm@2 523 couldn't see anyone on the beach, so she decided to look through the
rlm@2 524 house instead. She heard some soft humming coming from one of the rooms
rlm@2 525 down the hall, so she went to check it out. There, sitting in a
rlm@2 526 darkened room, she found Small Lady listening to some music with a head
rlm@2 527 set.
rlm@2 528
rlm@2 529 "Oh, hello, Puu," she said calmly. "I didn't hear you guys get
rlm@2 530 back."
rlm@2 531
rlm@2 532 "Small Lady," asked Pluto cautiously, "is there something
rlm@2 533 wrong?"
rlm@2 534
rlm@2 535 "Hmm? Oh no. Nandemonai." She just smiled.
rlm@2 536
rlm@2 537 The older Senshi looked at her strangely, then decided just to
rlm@2 538 tell her when dinner would be ready. The princess said she'd be there
rlm@2 539 on time.
rlm@2 540
rlm@2 541 The Senshi of time had a similar experience when she found
rlm@2 542 Saturn in her room. She just sat there calmly on her bed reading a
rlm@2 543 book, acting as if nothing was wrong.
rlm@2 544
rlm@2 545 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 546
rlm@2 547 Dinner was an interesting experience to say the least. Both
rlm@2 548 Small Lady and Saturn got there at the same time, but didn't seem to
rlm@2 549 look at each other. Their faces showed signs of considerable stress,
rlm@2 550 and they bowed their heads while they ate. The other three Senshi tried
rlm@2 551 to strike up conversations with them the whole time, but the most either
rlm@2 552 would give were one word replies. The three, knowing something was
rlm@2 553 wrong, could just look at each other and shrug. If this kept up, they
rlm@2 554 would have to do something, but right now it was best left alone.
rlm@2 555
rlm@2 556 Small Lady stared down into her rice bowl and tried to imagine
rlm@2 557 it as a snowy mountain in the winter, and skiing down it with the wind
rlm@2 558 blowing through her hair. It would be better than being here, she
rlm@2 559 thought. God, anywhere would be better than here right now. She...she
rlm@2 560 won't even look at me. She must hate me. The sight of chopsticks in
rlm@2 561 the bowl brought her back to reality again. She just sighed. Baka,
rlm@2 562 baka, baka. I'm such a baka.
rlm@2 563
rlm@2 564 Atashi no baka, thought Saturn. How could I just throw away
rlm@2 565 years of friendship for a kiss? It's funny how something as simple as a
rlm@2 566 kiss can change one's life so drastically. The memory kept tearing away
rlm@2 567 at Saturn's heart. The thought of losing Small Lady... She just
rlm@2 568 couldn't handle it.
rlm@2 569
rlm@2 570 The dishes were beginning to get washed up. "Don't forget your
rlm@2 571 baths tonight, you two." Sometimes Neptune forgot just how old they all
rlm@2 572 were. Saturn just nodded and headed up the stairs. Small Lady's heart
rlm@2 573 ached as she watched the other leave. She waited until she was out of
rlm@2 574 sight before she went up, too.
rlm@2 575
rlm@2 576 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 577
rlm@2 578 Saturn warmed the bath water, and settled in for a nice relaxing
rlm@2 579 soak. She hoped some of the worries of the day would somehow just wash
rlm@2 580 away. She was wrong. Somehow her mind wouldn't let her think of
rlm@2 581 anything else.
rlm@2 582
rlm@2 583 Small Lady stood in the toilet room just outside the shower/bath
rlm@2 584 room. She was ready for a bath, and was just wearing a robe. She
rlm@2 585 sighed. Part of her wanted to run in and make up with Saturn right
rlm@2 586 there. The other half wanted to run as far away as possible. She went
rlm@2 587 over her options. If this was all a big misunderstanding, she could go
rlm@2 588 in and talk to Saturn about it and work things out. On the other hand,
rlm@2 589 if Saturn hated her she could be told to get out and go back to Crystal
rlm@2 590 Tokyo. Was the pain of not knowing worse than being rejected as a
rlm@2 591 friend? Small Lady didn't know, but she did know that she needed
rlm@2 592 answers. So far the night had been awful... It couldn't really get
rlm@2 593 much worse. That's when she decided. For better or for worse, at least
rlm@2 594 they were going to talk about it.
rlm@2 595
rlm@2 596 The door to the shower room slid open, and Small Lady stepped
rlm@2 597 in. Saturn was caught completely off guard, and instinctively lowered
rlm@2 598 herself in the tub to hide her body.
rlm@2 599
rlm@2 600 "We used to bathe together all the time. Are you really that
rlm@2 601 ashamed now?" Small Lady chanced a smile.
rlm@2 602
rlm@2 603 "Small Lady, I..." Saturn trailed off. She couldn't think of
rlm@2 604 the words to say.
rlm@2 605
rlm@2 606 "Look, Saturn... We, we have to talk about this! I can't go on
rlm@2 607 if things are going to be like tonight. It's killing me! I couldn't
rlm@2 608 stand it if you weren't my best friend!" Both girls were sobbing.
rlm@2 609
rlm@2 610 "Then... You don't hate me?" Saturn looked so timid.
rlm@2 611
rlm@2 612 "Hate you? Me? I could never hate you! You're my best
rlm@2 613 friend!" Small Lady walked up to her, and sat on the edge of the tub.
rlm@2 614 "I thought you hated *me*..."
rlm@2 615
rlm@2 616 "No! Never!" Saturn looked away from the girl. "I'm sorry for
rlm@2 617 the way I acted. I had no right to kiss you. Then I was so afraid of
rlm@2 618 what you were going to say, that I just ran away. I was scared."
rlm@2 619
rlm@2 620 "So that's why..." Small Lady wiped away a few of her tears.
rlm@2 621 "I thought you were disgusted because I kissed you..."
rlm@2 622
rlm@2 623 Saturn laughed. It felt like the first laugh in a very long
rlm@2 624 time. "I guess there was a little misunderstanding between the both of
rlm@2 625 us. So...we're still friends?"
rlm@2 626
rlm@2 627 "Always and forever, right?" Small Lady smiled. Something was
rlm@2 628 still tearing at her mind. "But I don't think we can just leave it at
rlm@2 629 that. Something...happened between us. I think we need to figure out
rlm@2 630 why."
rlm@2 631
rlm@2 632 Saturn looked depressed again. "I couldn't get passed it
rlm@2 633 either. The kiss, how did it make you feel?"
rlm@2 634
rlm@2 635 The other girl blinked. "Nani?"
rlm@2 636
rlm@2 637 "How did it make you feel? Inside?"
rlm@2 638
rlm@2 639 Small Lady thought back to the moment her lips touched Saturn's.
rlm@2 640 It was like someone had set a fire in her body. Her head felt light,
rlm@2 641 and all she knew was that she wanted to continue... "I can't lie. It
rlm@2 642 felt good. Very good. But I don't want you to be scared away! Just
rlm@2 643 staying friends is good enough for me."
rlm@2 644
rlm@2 645 Saturn looked at her, gratitude in her eyes. "You'd do
rlm@2 646 something like that for me... The truth is, I enjoyed it. too. I'm
rlm@2 647 just not sure what that means. Small Lady, why don't you come in? The
rlm@2 648 water's nice and warm."
rlm@2 649
rlm@2 650 She hesitated a bit, but undid her robe, and then stepped into
rlm@2 651 the tub. She submerged herself until her breasts were covered by the
rlm@2 652 soothing water. "I don't know what it means, Saturn. But I know I
rlm@2 653 can't just ignore my feelings! Whatever...whatever happens between us,
rlm@2 654 I don't want our friendship to be affected. I think that scares me more
rlm@2 655 than anything else."
rlm@2 656
rlm@2 657 "Atashi mo. Today I've done a lot of thinking. I don't think I
rlm@2 658 realised how strong my feelings were towards you. It scared me. It
rlm@2 659 scared me a lot."
rlm@2 660
rlm@2 661 Small Lady moved over to her friend to comfort her. "Don't be
rlm@2 662 scared, Saturn. We'll always have each other." The princess leaned in
rlm@2 663 closer and kissed the black haired girl. She expected the other might
rlm@2 664 back away, but she didn't. Instead she returned the kiss with the same
rlm@2 665 vigour. When they broke the kiss no one ran away. There were no broken
rlm@2 666 hearts.
rlm@2 667
rlm@2 668 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 669
rlm@2 670 Later that night in Saturn's bed, both girls laid on their
rlm@2 671 backs, and looked at the ceiling. They were holding hands.
rlm@2 672
rlm@2 673 "It's almost as if someone removed a cloud from my mind," said
rlm@2 674 Small Lady. "I think my feelings for you have been more than just
rlm@2 675 friendship for some time. I didn't realise it before, though. It's
rlm@2 676 like we were such good friends that our friendship grew into love."
rlm@2 677
rlm@2 678 The other girl looked over in surprise. "Love?"
rlm@2 679
rlm@2 680 The princess blushed. "Hai, love. I love you, I really do.
rlm@2 681 With all my heart and soul."
rlm@2 682
rlm@2 683 Saturn just gasped. "I think it was the same for me. Our
rlm@2 684 friendship was just so strong that it sort of mutated into love. Now
rlm@2 685 that I see it, it all looks so clear." Saturn looked Small Lady
rlm@2 686 straight in the eye. "I do love you. More than I will ever be able to
rlm@2 687 tell you." Both girls smiled. Saturn went on. "I think... I remember
rlm@2 688 being on Titan and thinking of you sometimes. Sometimes I would think
rlm@2 689 of holding you, of being close with you. But I buried the feelings so
rlm@2 690 deep that I didn't recognise them. Until now."
rlm@2 691
rlm@2 692 Both girls got closer to one another so that they were almost in
rlm@2 693 an embrace.
rlm@2 694
rlm@2 695 "I don't ever want to let you go."
rlm@2 696
rlm@2 697 "Me neither."
rlm@2 698
rlm@2 699 They moved closer again, and touched lips for the third time.
rlm@2 700 Their hands travelled up and down each others bodies, exploring the new
rlm@2 701 feelings they had. They stopped for a moment and looked into the
rlm@2 702 other's eyes. The both smiled as they saw the love and caring in them.
rlm@2 703 They whispered "aishiteru" to each other, and went back to kissing and
rlm@2 704 trying to remove their partner's clothes.
rlm@2 705
rlm@2 706 A special night followed for both of them. Special because of
rlm@2 707 the fact it was the first time for both of them, and because they were
rlm@2 708 glad to finally share how they felt with someone they loved more than
rlm@2 709 life itself. Not just their bodies, but their souls touched that night.
rlm@2 710 When their souls touched, they fused together as one, making the
rlm@2 711 partners two beings of one whole. Forever, they would always be united
rlm@2 712 as one.
rlm@2 713
rlm@2 714 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 715
rlm@2 716 Birds chirped, and the sun cast a ray of light over the land
rlm@2 717 signalling the beginning of another day. A body stirred slightly in a
rlm@2 718 bed. The figure's eyes slowly opened, and were greeted with a welcome
rlm@2 719 sight. She moved forward slowly, and kissed the other girl. Her
rlm@2 720 friend's eyes fluttered open, and a smile crept across her face.
rlm@2 721
rlm@2 722 "Ohayou, Saturn."
rlm@2 723
rlm@2 724 "Ohayou, Small Lady."
rlm@2 725
rlm@2 726 They both just laid unmoving for several minutes. They couldn't
rlm@2 727 take their eyes off of each other. They would look up and down the
rlm@2 728 other person's body, all the time breathing in their wonderful sent. It
rlm@2 729 was like a dream state, and neither one wanted to leave.
rlm@2 730
rlm@2 731 "I suppose we should get up, ne?" said the princess in a voice
rlm@2 732 that told she really didn't want to.
rlm@2 733
rlm@2 734 "I suppose," the other replied.
rlm@2 735
rlm@2 736 Several more minutes passed where neither one moved.
rlm@2 737
rlm@2 738 "Although..." chanced Saturn, "we *are* on vacation..."
rlm@2 739
rlm@2 740 Small Lady's eyes lit up. "Sou ne... It's not like we have any
rlm@2 741 official business we have to do..." She leaned forward, and their lips
rlm@2 742 met again in a passionate kiss. "After all, we're here to have fun."
rlm@2 743 Now a wicked smile crossed her face, which made the other girl laugh.
rlm@2 744
rlm@2 745 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 746
rlm@2 747 Small Lady and Saturn were late coming down for breakfast. The
rlm@2 748 others were worried because of the way the two had acted last night.
rlm@2 749 They weren't sure what was going on. They were beginning to think they
rlm@2 750 might never come. Needless to say, they were shocked when the two girls
rlm@2 751 came bounding down the stairs happily, while holding hands.
rlm@2 752
rlm@2 753 "Ohayou gozaimasu!" chimed Saturn.
rlm@2 754
rlm@2 755 "O- Ohayou," replied Neptune. She had a look of confusion on her
rlm@2 756 face.
rlm@2 757
rlm@2 758 "What's for breakfast?" asked Small Lady. Then she saw the eggs
rlm@2 759 and rice already laid out for them. "Ah! Arigatou. Gomen, omatase."
rlm@2 760 She stuck her free hand behind her head to show her slight
rlm@2 761 embarrassment.
rlm@2 762
rlm@2 763 The rest of breakfast went fairly normal for everyone. Uranus was
rlm@2 764 reading the paper, Pluto was sipping her coffee, and Neptune was reading
rlm@2 765 a good book she had started last night. Small Lady and Saturn happily
rlm@2 766 talked away while consuming their meal. The only strange thing was they
rlm@2 767 never stopped holding hands the entire time.
rlm@2 768
rlm@2 769 Uranus threw a glance over to Neptune, who raised an eyebrow. But
rlm@2 770 neither said anything. It was when the plates were being put away that
rlm@2 771 Pluto finally spoke up.
rlm@2 772
rlm@2 773 "Saturn, Small Lady, can we talk to you for a minute?"
rlm@2 774
rlm@2 775 The two girls just looked at each other with puzzled expressions
rlm@2 776 on their faces, and nodded. The five made their way over to the living
rlm@2 777 room, and sat down. At first there was only silence.
rlm@2 778
rlm@2 779 Uranus was the first to speak. "We're...concerned about you two.
rlm@2 780 Yesterday it seemed like you didn't want to have anything to do with one
rlm@2 781 another, but today you're close again. Even closer than before."
rlm@2 782
rlm@2 783 Neptune jumped in. "Don't get us wrong, we don't want to invade
rlm@2 784 your privacy. If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to.
rlm@2 785 You're both adults; you can handle you're own problems, but we just want
rlm@2 786 to let you know we're here if you wanted to talk."
rlm@2 787
rlm@2 788 Pluto decided to add something. "We love you both dearly. We
rlm@2 789 don't like seeing you hurt. Sometimes it helps to talk to other
rlm@2 790 people." She smiled at them.
rlm@2 791
rlm@2 792 Small Lady looked at her friend, and smiled slightly. Saturn
rlm@2 793 smiled back and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "There's really no
rlm@2 794 sense in keeping it a secret. I think we should tell them everything."
rlm@2 795
rlm@2 796 Saturn nodded. "There shouldn't be secrets in a family. I guess
rlm@2 797 we should just get it out in the open first. Small Lady and I are
rlm@2 798 partners. We're in love." The two sat closer together, and held each
rlm@2 799 other protectively.
rlm@2 800
rlm@2 801 The three glanced at one another, and blinked a couple of times.
rlm@2 802 There was no denying the shock they felt. Then large smiles crept
rlm@2 803 across their faces.
rlm@2 804
rlm@2 805 "We're glad for you," said Neptune. "It's always wonderful to
rlm@2 806 find someone you love." She looked over at Uranus who was already
rlm@2 807 looking at her.
rlm@2 808
rlm@2 809 Saturn and Small Lady let out a sigh of relief. Well, the worst
rlm@2 810 part was over. "Arigatou," said Saturn. "Your blessing means a lot to
rlm@2 811 us."
rlm@2 812
rlm@2 813 "I knew it," said Uranus half jokingly. "It's too bad all the
rlm@2 814 pretty girls are already taken." She winked at Small Lady, who had a
rlm@2 815 very large blush across her cheeks.
rlm@2 816
rlm@2 817 "Uranus!" scolded Saturn. They all laughed. The family was back
rlm@2 818 together.
rlm@2 819
rlm@2 820 "But," broke in Pluto, "that still doesn't explain the way you
rlm@2 821 were acting yesterday. Why were you both so depressed?"
rlm@2 822
rlm@2 823 Small Lady sighed. It still brought pain to her heart to think
rlm@2 824 about it. "Up until yesterday, we weren't sure of how we felt.
rlm@2 825 Actually," she laughed a little, "we weren't even really aware of it."
rlm@2 826
rlm@2 827 Saturn jumped in, sensing her friend was having a hard time.
rlm@2 828 "There was a misunderstanding. Our feelings were confused. During
rlm@2 829 dinner we weren't sure what to say to each other, and we were ashamed.
rlm@2 830 Both of us were afraid of losing a friend. But," Saturn looked Small
rlm@2 831 Lady in the eye, "we talked about it, and we managed to work it all out.
rlm@2 832 That's when we revealed how we truly felt." She left out the details
rlm@2 833 about the kiss, and the night that followed, but it was enough to make
rlm@2 834 her parents understand. Besides, they were probably filling in the
rlm@2 835 details for themselves anyway.
rlm@2 836
rlm@2 837 "Are you going to tell the others?" asked Uranus.
rlm@2 838
rlm@2 839 "Hai," said Small Lady. "Actually, we plan on discussing it with
rlm@2 840 my parents first. Mama's been bugging me to find a koibito for the last
rlm@2 841 little while, so we'll see how that goes. Then we'll tell the others."
rlm@2 842
rlm@2 843 "So," said Saturn, "before we have to go back on Saturday, we plan
rlm@2 844 on enjoying the last few days. No worries, no troubles. Just a couple
rlm@2 845 enjoying their time together." They both smiled. The next few days
rlm@2 846 would be bliss.
rlm@2 847
rlm@2 848 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 849
rlm@2 850 Later that day Saturn was alone in the kitchen trying to find
rlm@2 851 something to snack on. She didn't hear anyone come up behind her.
rlm@2 852
rlm@2 853 "Saturn," said a woman with long aqua hair.
rlm@2 854
rlm@2 855 "Ah, Neptune," said Saturn as she turned around. "Doushitano?"
rlm@2 856
rlm@2 857 Neptune didn't say anything, but showed how she felt with her
rlm@2 858 actions. She hugged the younger girl and held her in her arms.
rlm@2 859
rlm@2 860 "Neptune?"
rlm@2 861
rlm@2 862 "Gomen," said the woman, still holding her. "Saturn, I really
rlm@2 863 want you to know how happy I am, how happy we all are about you and
rlm@2 864 Small Lady. And I want to let you know that we'll support you in any
rlm@2 865 way." She laughed a little. "But why do I feel like I'm losing you?"
rlm@2 866
rlm@2 867 "Mama," Saturn said in almost a whisper. "I'm 915 years old. I
rlm@2 868 think it's time you let go."
rlm@2 869
rlm@2 870 The other laughed. "I suppose you're right. But you'll always be
rlm@2 871 my little girl. I hoped you'd find someone to love and be loved by.
rlm@2 872 Now you have. I hope you become very happy, musume."
rlm@2 873
rlm@2 874 "Arigatou, mama. I love you."
rlm@2 875
rlm@2 876 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 877
rlm@2 878 Saturday morning rolled around far too quickly for the happy
rlm@2 879 couple. They wanted to stay at the beach house for all eternity,
rlm@2 880 without having to face the real world, but they couldn't do it, and they
rlm@2 881 knew it. The morning was being spent packing up luggage and saying
rlm@2 882 goodbye. It could be months until they got to see these Senshi again.
rlm@2 883 It surprised them when Uranus offered to drive them back to Crystal
rlm@2 884 Tokyo. They accepted, of course, but they sensed a motive behind her
rlm@2 885 asking.
rlm@2 886
rlm@2 887 Pretty soon they were on the road, or the sky, actually. With
rlm@2 888 Uranus driving it would probably take them twenty minutes to arrive at
rlm@2 889 their destination. Or it would, if she drove as fast as she usually
rlm@2 890 did. Today it seemed almost as if she was holding back. Neither girl
rlm@2 891 knew why, but they were just content to sit in the back seat holding
rlm@2 892 hands. They would get to Crystal Tokyo soon enough.
rlm@2 893
rlm@2 894 "I have a little story to tell you," said Uranus, which slightly
rlm@2 895 surprised the girls. "It goes back quite a ways, but I think it's
rlm@2 896 important."
rlm@2 897
rlm@2 898 Saturn winced slightly. She knew what was coming. She didn't
rlm@2 899 know all that much about Uranus or Neptune before they became her
rlm@2 900 parents, except the little bits they told her. She knew for a fact that
rlm@2 901 it was very painful for both of them, so she never pressed the issue.
rlm@2 902 She was a little scared, so she squeezed Small Lady's hand. The other
rlm@2 903 looked at her slightly confused, but smiled at the same time.
rlm@2 904
rlm@2 905 "It's about Neptune and I...when we were young." She seemed to
rlm@2 906 pause for a bit. "When I first laid eyes on her, I couldn't believe
rlm@2 907 how beautiful she was. She was like a shimmering angel trying to pull
rlm@2 908 me out of the darkness of my existence. I had been having dreams about
rlm@2 909 her and the mission for some time. So while I was overjoyed at meeting
rlm@2 910 her in real life, I pushed her away, because I was afraid of the
rlm@2 911 mission, and all I would have to give up. But she wouldn't give up.
rlm@2 912 She always has been persistent." She stopped and laughed. "Actually
rlm@2 913 she told me she had been following my F1 career long before she knew
rlm@2 914 about the mission. She would always watch from a distance...
rlm@2 915
rlm@2 916 "Anyway, I eventually gave into her. I couldn't help myself, I
rlm@2 917 had fallen in love. For the next little while we were very concerned
rlm@2 918 about the mission. It meant saving the world from the silence, so we
rlm@2 919 had to stay focused. But at the same time... At the same time we grew
rlm@2 920 closer as a couple. I began to wonder how I ever lived my life without
rlm@2 921 this woman. Before any of this had happened I had already left home.
rlm@2 922 Being at home was just too painful. After I left I vowed to make *my*
rlm@2 923 family life a happy one." Uranus winked at Saturn, who smiled. "But
rlm@2 924 Neptune was still living at home. She was distant from her parents,
rlm@2 925 they really didn't seem that interested in her, and I think they fought
rlm@2 926 a lot.
rlm@2 927
rlm@2 928 "Something happened that I'll regret for the rest of my life. Her
rlm@2 929 parents were on vacation. I think it was Hawaii or some such place.
rlm@2 930 So, Neptune invited me over. It was a very special night. We ate by
rlm@2 931 candle light, and played a lovely duet afterwards. It was almost
rlm@2 932 magical. I should have went home right then, but I didn't. Her scent
rlm@2 933 intoxicated me, and drew me in. I couldn't leave her arms." Uranus
rlm@2 934 coughed a bit, sensing the blushes on the other girls' cheeks. "To make
rlm@2 935 a long story short, her parents came home unexpectedly that night. They
rlm@2 936 were none too pleased when they found me sharing a bed with their
rlm@2 937 daughter... They said some horrible things to Neptune, to us both.
rlm@2 938 Needless to say we left that night and never looked back, thereby
rlm@2 939 severing our family contacts forever."
rlm@2 940
rlm@2 941 Uranus looked back at the couple, they had slightly pained
rlm@2 942 expressions on their faces. "Gomen, I didn't tell you that story to
rlm@2 943 scare you. Far from it. Small Lady, you're mother is a very caring
rlm@2 944 woman, you have nothing to worry about. But you have to be prepared for
rlm@2 945 the reaction of the masses. You're Princess Serenity, heir to the
rlm@2 946 throne of the Moon Kingdom, wielder of the most power force in the
rlm@2 947 galaxy. You have to expect some sort of negative reaction to your
rlm@2 948 decision."
rlm@2 949
rlm@2 950 "Uranus, this is Crystal Tokyo. We're in an age of peace and
rlm@2 951 love. People's opinion's have changed over the past 900 some years."
rlm@2 952 said the princess in a calm voice.
rlm@2 953
rlm@2 954 The blond woman tried to smile. How naive she is, she thought.
rlm@2 955 "That's true. You'll have an easier time than Neptune and I ever had,
rlm@2 956 but you have to expect some resistance. Some of the fringe religious
rlm@2 957 groups are still around, and they can get quite opinionated."
rlm@2 958
rlm@2 959 By this time Small Lady was slightly angry. "So what do you want
rlm@2 960 me to do, Uranus? Just give Saturn up? I can't do that! I'm not going
rlm@2 961 to bow to any sort of public pressure!"
rlm@2 962
rlm@2 963 "No, no, please don't get me wrong, princess. You know how I feel
rlm@2 964 about your partnership. If anything I'll be the first to protect you if
rlm@2 965 any controversy comes of your announcement." She sighed. How could she
rlm@2 966 make the younger girl understand? "I just don't want this to be a shock
rlm@2 967 for you. I want you to stand strong if any resistance does come up."
rlm@2 968
rlm@2 969 Saturn had been sitting quietly for some time, but now spoke up.
rlm@2 970 "Uranus," she said in a loving voice, "believe me, we appreciate your
rlm@2 971 concern. We understand what you're trying to say. But Small Lady and I
rlm@2 972 have a force stronger than any resistance we might come up against. We
rlm@2 973 have love. If we stand together, no harm will come, ne?"
rlm@2 974
rlm@2 975 "Sou," said Small Lady. "All we need is each other. It might be
rlm@2 976 a little selfish view, but it's true. We'll be together, and that's all
rlm@2 977 that matters."
rlm@2 978
rlm@2 979 Uranus smiled. "Yokata na. Forgive me, I just wanted to make
rlm@2 980 sure that you were ready. Now there's no doubt that you are."
rlm@2 981
rlm@2 982 The transport picked up speed, and zoomed along to Crystal Palace,
rlm@2 983 which was just starting to appear in the distance.
rlm@2 984
rlm@2 985 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 986
rlm@2 987 "Serenity-sama," said a servant, "you have visitors."
rlm@2 988
rlm@2 989 "Thank you, Naomi-san. Please show them in."
rlm@2 990
rlm@2 991 Neo Queen Serenity sat in one of her private chambers overlooking
rlm@2 992 a spectacular view of Crystal Tokyo. Of course, any room in the palace
rlm@2 993 had a spectacular view since it was situated in the centre of the city.
rlm@2 994 This particular room, however, was facing the south, which held a
rlm@2 995 dazzling view of the Tokyo Tower. After all these years it was still
rlm@2 996 standing. King Endymion was in the adjoining room attending to some
rlm@2 997 paper work. Serenity herself was just about to start work on answering
rlm@2 998 the many communiques she had received over the past day.
rlm@2 999
rlm@2 1000 The door to the room opened slowly, and in stepped Small Lady in
rlm@2 1001 her full princess gown and Sailorsaturn in her star fuku, Silence Glaive
rlm@2 1002 in hand. Both women bowed respectfully, which slightly surprised the
rlm@2 1003 older woman who wasn't used to such formal treatment by her daughter and
rlm@2 1004 close friends.
rlm@2 1005
rlm@2 1006 "Small Lady, Sailorsaturn. Please come in and have a seat."
rlm@2 1007
rlm@2 1008 "Mama, we're sorry to disturb you, but we would like to talk to
rlm@2 1009 you about something important. I'd like papa to come in, too." The two
rlm@2 1010 sat down on the couch and held hands.
rlm@2 1011
rlm@2 1012 "Small Lady, I'm never too busy for you," she said with a smile.
rlm@2 1013 She called to the other room. "Endymion, Small Lady and Saturn are
rlm@2 1014 back. They'd like to talk to us."
rlm@2 1015
rlm@2 1016 A man in a lavender tuxedo entered the room with a smile on his
rlm@2 1017 face. "Okaerinasai. My, don't we look formal today?" He gave a little
rlm@2 1018 wink.
rlm@2 1019
rlm@2 1020 "I hope you both enjoyed your vacation, ne?" asked the queen.
rlm@2 1021
rlm@2 1022 The two couldn't help but smile. "Hai, it was the best week of
rlm@2 1023 our lives, Serenity," spoke Saturn.
rlm@2 1024
rlm@2 1025 "Now, what would you like to talk to us about?"
rlm@2 1026
rlm@2 1027 Saturn squeezed Small Lady's hand. It was a bit harder than
rlm@2 1028 telling Uranus-tachi, but they couldn't back down now. Small Lady
rlm@2 1029 squeezed back, and had a look of confidence on her face.
rlm@2 1030
rlm@2 1031 "Mama, while I was on vacation...I fell in love." Saturn beamed.
rlm@2 1032 So far, so good.
rlm@2 1033
rlm@2 1034 Happiness and shock seemed to express themselves on the king and
rlm@2 1035 queen at the same time. "That's wonderful, Small Lady," said the queen.
rlm@2 1036 "Who's the lucky person?"
rlm@2 1037
rlm@2 1038 "She's right here. Mama, I fell in love with Sailorsaturn."
rlm@2 1039
rlm@2 1040 "Queen, King, before you say anything," spoke Saturn with clear
rlm@2 1041 devotion in her eyes, "please listen to what I have to say. I love your
rlm@2 1042 daughter. I lover her dearly. As you know, we've been friends for a
rlm@2 1043 long time. Long ago we swore we'd never be apart. Over time, and
rlm@2 1044 partly without our knowledge, that devotion and friendship turned into
rlm@2 1045 love. It's a deep love and we cherish it dearly. Please, you have to
rlm@2 1046 see that we're taking this very seriously." Saturn was looking the
rlm@2 1047 queen straight in the eye, trying to look as sincere as possible.
rlm@2 1048
rlm@2 1049 "Saturn," said the queen softly, "daijoubu yo. I know you would
rlm@2 1050 not make an announcement like this without thinking it through
rlm@2 1051 thoroughly. I can see how deeply you care for one another."
rlm@2 1052
rlm@2 1053 Small Lady and Saturn didn't quite know what to think at this
rlm@2 1054 point. Was that a blessing, or was there going to be a "but" to this
rlm@2 1055 statement. Waiting was killing them.
rlm@2 1056
rlm@2 1057 The queen surprised them slightly by getting up from her chair and
rlm@2 1058 walking over to them. She surprised them even more when she began to
rlm@2 1059 give them both a big hug. "Omedetou ne! I'm so happy for you both!"
rlm@2 1060
rlm@2 1061 "So, you're okay with it?" asked Small Lady hesitantly.
rlm@2 1062
rlm@2 1063 "Okay with it? I'm overjoyed! We both want to see you happy
rlm@2 1064 with someone, and now it's come true. We're glad you could find love in
rlm@2 1065 such a close friend." The queen looked like she was glowing.
rlm@2 1066
rlm@2 1067 "Small Lady, Saturn, Serenity and I wish you all the best. We
rlm@2 1068 love you both." spoke the king with clear emotion in his voice.
rlm@2 1069
rlm@2 1070 "Papa, mama," said the princess with tears in her eyes.
rlm@2 1071 "Arigatou." She held Saturn in an embrace and hugged her tightly.
rlm@2 1072
rlm@2 1073 "Do you plan to tell the others?" asked Serenity, while wiping the
rlm@2 1074 tears from her face.
rlm@2 1075
rlm@2 1076 "Hai. Uranus-tachi already know, and we'll tell the other Senshi
rlm@2 1077 whenever we can get them all together. And...I know I'll have to make
rlm@2 1078 an announcement to the world soon. It'll just get leaked to the press
rlm@2 1079 anyway. I'm prepared, mama. We both are. But we're also both strong
rlm@2 1080 enough to get through any hard times. Love conquers all, ne?"
rlm@2 1081
rlm@2 1082 "Sou ne," spoke her mother. "Love is everything."
rlm@2 1083
rlm@2 1084 ~*~*~*~*~
rlm@2 1085
rlm@2 1086 To be continued in part 3. ^_^;
rlm@2 1087
rlm@2 1088 Well, that was a whole lot longer than part 1, eh? Parts 3 and 4
rlm@2 1089 may not be as long. I don't really know. ^_^;
rlm@2 1090
rlm@2 1091 Okay, there will be fairly long author's comments this time. Yay! :P
rlm@2 1092
rlm@2 1093 Chibiusa and Hotaru as a couple. Some of you may be thinking, "Is
rlm@2 1094 this girl out of her mind?" But it interested me, and I thought it
rlm@2 1095 would make a good fanfic. :) There's only circumstantial evidence to
rlm@2 1096 support it in the manga, but those few pictures were enough to peek my
rlm@2 1097 interest. Stay tuned for the next two parts, though. They may just
rlm@2 1098 surprise you (ooh, plot twist! :P).
rlm@2 1099
rlm@2 1100 It took all my will power not to call Saturn "Hotaru" and Small
rlm@2 1101 Lady "Chibiusa." Or to use Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna's names, for
rlm@2 1102 that matter. Never in the manga do we see them using their human names
rlm@2 1103 in Crystal Tokyo, so it's fairly safe to assume that they never do.
rlm@2 1104 And, of course, we *know* Chibiusa was a 20th century invention and that
rlm@2 1105 everyone in the future calls her Small Lady. Still, it was hard. I had
rlm@2 1106 to hit backspace more than a few times, lemme tell ya. ^_-
rlm@2 1107
rlm@2 1108 Now a note about all the ages and dates I threw at you. Some of
rlm@2 1109 them may not seem to make sense, so I'll go over them in detail.
rlm@2 1110 Remember, this is canon as per the manga. :)
rlm@2 1111
rlm@2 1112 * June 30 2001 - this should be when Usagi turns 22, if we assume she
rlm@2 1113 turned 17 in June 1996 (this is when the fifth series manga came out,
rlm@2 1114 and Usagi was in second year high school (Grade 11) at the time). The
rlm@2 1115 second series manga establishes she rises to power and gives birth to
rlm@2 1116 Chibiusa when she turns 22 (since Usagi and Chibiusa share the same
rlm@2 1117 birthday, this seems to be the only plausible date). Plus it makes
rlm@2 1118 sense since 2001 is the first *real* year of the new millennium.
rlm@2 1119
rlm@2 1120 * Hotaru at twelve-years-old - I meant in appearance. She'd actually be
rlm@2 1121 about a year old at this point (since the reincarnation).
rlm@2 1122
rlm@2 1123 * Small Lady at 910-years-old looking 18 - If we assume she turns 904 in
rlm@2 1124 1996 (she turned 902 in '94 in an enikki), and since she looked 12 in
rlm@2 1125 '96, we can assume, if she continues to age normally, that she'll look
rlm@2 1126 18 when she turns 910. In the 30th century, the year would be 2911
rlm@2 1127 (2001 plus 910).
rlm@2 1128
rlm@2 1129 * Saturn not ageing for 905 years and stopping her growth at age 22 - We
rlm@2 1130 know Usagi stopped ageing at 22, so it's probably the same for the
rlm@2 1131 others. By 22 I mean the appearance of age 22. Saturn would have
rlm@2 1132 actually been 11-years-old, and the year would be 2006. Subtract 2006
rlm@2 1133 from 2911 and you get 905 years.
rlm@2 1134
rlm@2 1135 * Saturn at 916-years-old - 2911 subtract 1995 (when she was
rlm@2 1136 reincarnated) equals 916.
rlm@2 1137
rlm@2 1138 If there are any other dates that I missed, they should all fit this
rlm@2 1139 timeline in a similar fashion.
rlm@2 1140
rlm@2 1141 If any details don't make sense, like who Sailorvesta is, or what
rlm@2 1142 Titan Castle is, you'll have to read the manga to understand fully. It
rlm@2 1143 doesn't make much sense to go into a long explanation here. :)
rlm@2 1144
rlm@2 1145 Yes, I know I based Uranus' speech on anime events, but nothing is
rlm@2 1146 mentioned about it in the manga, so I took a little artistic license. ;)
rlm@2 1147 And I think I kept it general enough that it probably fits the manga
rlm@2 1148 anyway. :)
rlm@2 1149
rlm@2 1150 Okay, feedback time. ;) If you have any questions or comments,
rlm@2 1151 just email me at ajhd@king.igs.net. And if you don't, but liked the fic
rlm@2 1152 anyway, arigatou. I know I never email people even when I like their
rlm@2 1153 fanfics. ^_^;; Well, that's not true. I did email Tim Nolan once. ^_^;
rlm@2 1154
rlm@2 1155 Extra special thanks to Jay Dee Archer (aka Jupiter Knight) for
rlm@2 1156 proof reading my fanfic for me! Arigatou gozaimashita! Go see Jupiter
rlm@2 1157 Knight's fanfic archive, he has lots of great stories. ^_^
rlm@2 1158
rlm@2 1159 http://www.dragonfire.net/~JupiterKnight/
rlm@2 1160
rlm@2 1161 Music I was listening to when I wrote this: Disc 1 & 2 from the
rlm@2 1162 Memorial Music Box (first season BGM). Actually, by pure coincidence,
rlm@2 1163 I was listening to the same BGM that played during the end of ep 88 when
rlm@2 1164 I was writing the 'Chibiusa returns home' scene. Any similarities can
rlm@2 1165 be blamed on that. :P
rlm@2 1166
rlm@2 1167 Completed: Aug 20th 1998.