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author | Robert McIntyre <rlm@mit.edu> |
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date | Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:42:35 -0400 |
parents | fc00894c1d4a |
children |
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1 Author's notes: ^_^3 Most of the important stuff can be found in part one, so I won't4 bore you with it here again. This is where the fanfic starts to earn5 it's R rating, just as a reminder. This is also where you'll start to6 understand why a certain plot point may or may not be a part of the7 actual manga. :)9 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10 Chibiusa no PYUA na kokoro11 (Chibiusa's Pure Heart)12 Part 213 By Andrea Doolan <ajhd@king.igs.net>14 "Sailormoon no ichiban daifan"15 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~17 ~*~*~*~*~19 A scream rang out in the halls of Crystal Palace. This was in20 stark contrast to the blue skies and singing birds outside the building.21 For a few seconds there seemed to be silence all around, and the sun22 seemed to shine just a little bit brighter. Then the cheers could be23 heard all around the planet, or the solar system for that matter. The24 date was June 30. 2001.26 A child was born.28 ~*~*~*~*~30 A solemn dark figure stood at the door where the celebrations31 were taking place. The girl's features betrayed her overall appearance,32 though, as she had a rather large smile on her face. A single tear33 trickled down her cheek in both sorrow and happiness.35 "Sayounara, Chibiusa-chan."37 A gloved hand reached out and touched her on the shoulder. It38 belonged to a blond haired women. Beside her stood a women in a green39 fuku.41 "It's time."43 Without another word, Saturn stepped back from the door and44 followed her parents down the corridor. They had already said their45 goodbyes to the other Senshi, but had stayed behind just long enough to46 see the miracle occur.48 Saturn didn't think it fair that she, Uranus, and Neptune had to49 leave Crystal Tokyo and Earth, but she knew exactly the reason why.50 During the time Small Lady was growing up, all 901 years worth, she51 hadn't seen a single one of them. Only when she travelled to the past52 for the second time did she meet these Senshi. Pluto had explained the53 timeline to Saturn very well, so she understood perfectly, but it still54 almost felt as if she was losing a piece of her heart.56 Uranus had also explained it to her in terms of duty. They were57 the Senshi of the outer planets, and their mission was to protect58 Crystal Tokyo and Earth from threats outside the solar system.60 Still, leaving the only home you had ever known and your newly61 born best friend was a little too much for a seventeen-year-old to62 handle. The tears starting streaming down her face without her control.64 Neptune looked back at the Senshi that quite possibly held the65 most power of any of them, besides the Queen herself. She sighed66 inwardly, and held her only daughter in an embrace. For a moment she67 thought about using a name they had abandoned a few years before, but68 thought better of it. She spoke in a slightly forceful voice, but not69 one without compassion. "Saturn."71 The black haired Senshi looked at Neptune with her purple eyes72 full of sorrow. She blinked, and almost magically they appeared full of73 duty and honour. "Hai, I know." She broke off the embrace reluctantly,74 and continued with her parents down the long corridor.76 At the end was a fairly large chamber decorated as if it held a77 special purpose. Pluto was waiting for them there, Garnet Rod in78 hand. The three just looked at her and nodded knowingly. The goddess79 of time nodded back, but took special care to smile at the purple clad80 Senshi. Without a word, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn vanished from Earth81 for the better part of the millennium.83 ~*~*~*~*~85 It wasn't as if Titan was a lonely place. Far from it. She got86 frequent visits from Uranus and Neptune, and she visited them frequently87 as well. If it wasn't a visit in person, they were always talking over88 the monitors at least once a day. And about once a month, one or two89 Senshi from Earth would come visit them (without the princess'90 knowledge, of course) to see how they were doing. Sometimes the Queen91 herself would come. One could tell Serenity felt more than a little92 guilty for sending them out there, but Titan's Senshi stood proud and93 was always pleasant. This made the Queen feel better, after all, which94 was important.96 It certainly didn't seem lonely, anyway. But for Saturn she97 always had the thought of a certain pink haired girl in the back of her98 mind. Her duty came first, but the memory of her dear friend could99 still sometimes bring tears to her eyes. Even after all these years.100 Though when this happened she always reminded herself of a pact they had101 made when she was only twelve years old. She laughed sometimes when she102 thought about it. It was a little childish, but somehow the knowledge103 of it filled her heart with strength, and let her carry on.105 Saturn walked over to the largest monitor in Titan's observation106 room. She touched a control pad, and an image of the planet Saturn107 appeared before her. Kirei, she thought. The swirling pieces of cosmic108 dust and ice converging in a ring-like structure around the planet was109 truly a sight to see. Sometimes she could just watch this for hours on110 end, letting her mind flow into the planet's energies. Sometimes she111 tried to replicate the effect using a technique similar to when she112 would simulate the big bang as a child. It always had a calming effect113 on her.115 "I wonder what she's doing now..." she said aloud116 absentmindedly. She shook her head and tried to get the thought out of117 her mind. Thinking about it always made her depressed. How many more118 years would it be? she thought. A few hundred more, she reminded119 herself. She sighed. Being depressed was getting her no where. She120 still had lots of great friends whom she saw often, and loving parents.121 Plus she was a Senshi. A Senshi of death, she joked to herself, but a122 Senshi of rebirth as well. Really, she was quite content right now.123 And one day she would get to return to that blue-green sphere. To that124 cheerful girl who brought so much joy into her life.126 ~*~*~*~*~128 A faint pink beam of light shone briefly on a hill overlooking129 Crystal Tokyo, and then flickered out as silently as it had come.130 Standing there in its place was a girl in a blue and white sei-fuku131 [school uniform]. The bright sun flickered off the royal buildings,132 just as it always had. The girl smiled briefly in appreciation. She133 then looked forward, and her smile grew even wider. She saw her134 parents, of course, and Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus. Pluto was135 standing beside them as well. As good as it was to see those people,136 something else caught her eye right away.138 "Masaka... Hotaru-chan! Hotaru-chaaaan!!" For a moment she139 just stood there in disbelief, but then started running as fast as she140 could. She ran into the slightly taller Senshi and hugged her closely.141 Then she drew back and looked into her eyes. They seemed to be smiling142 at her. "Hota-" she cut herself off, blushing slightly. "Gomen,143 Sailorsaturn. Doushite?"145 The other just kept looking at her, happiness filling every pore146 in her body. She choked back some tears. "Okaerinasai."148 By this time everyone had evidence of strong emotions on their149 features. Chibiusa glanced beside Saturn at another welcome sight.150 "Uranus! Neptune!" She could barely hold back her shock.152 "Yo, Chibi-chan," said the blond playfully.154 "It's been too long," said the Senshi of the sea.156 Chibiusa felt like she was in a dream state. Was she really157 home? Had the future been changed somehow? She looked over at Pluto158 who just had a smile on her face. This was all very confusing for her.159 Finally she let go of Saturn, and walked over to her parents. She bowed160 respectfully. "Princess Usagi Small Lady Serenity and Diana reporting161 home from the 20th century. If it pleases the court, we would like to162 return and live again in the 30th century."164 Neo Queen Serenity just smiled. How proud she was of her165 daughter. She had certainly come a long way over the last few years,166 and was on her way to becoming a wonderful Lady and future Queen. "It167 does please the court. Welcome home."169 Chibiusa flung herself into her mother's arms and was then170 greeted by everyone in turn. She wanted answers, of course, but right171 now it was just good to be home.173 ~*~*~*~*~ (from now on, I won't refer to her as Chibiusa)175 "So, all those years... You were alone?" Small Lady was still176 in shock and was trying to sort out some confusing feelings. She just177 couldn't believe that all this time Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn had178 been alive. She wasn't sure what had happened to them, but she knew she179 had never seen them. She thought they must have died somehow, but180 nobody would tell her. Now she understood why.182 Saturn laughed a little bit. "No, I was far from alone. Uranus183 and Neptune were there and the rest of the Senshi came to visit.184 Besides, orbiting Saturn in Titan Castle was a wonderful experience. I185 had forgotten what it was like to be so near my namesake. At first it186 was overpowering. From my previous life, before I was reincarnated for187 the first time, back in the Silver Millennium, I had very faint memories188 of it. And even then I hadn't awakened, so I was in a dream-like state.189 It took a little getting used to being away from Earth and everyone190 here, but it was fine in the end. Now it's a very dear place in my191 heart."193 Small Lady's eyes looked as if they were going to shed tears,194 but they were held back as best as they could. Right now it was just195 her and Saturn on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean. There had been a196 very big celebration when Small Lady returned, and everything was197 explained to her. It was still that same night, but it was very late.198 Her and Saturn had decided to take a walk and talk a bit. "But you did199 all this just for me, and to protect Earth? I would have been so200 scared."202 "You're exactly the same as I remember you, Small Lady. Which203 isn't surprising, as you just saw me less than twenty four hours ago."204 Saturn tried to comfort her as best as she could. "Yes, we did it for205 you and to protect the kingdom. *Any* Senshi would have done the same206 thing. I'm not going to pretend that I didn't miss Earth...that I207 didn't miss you, because I did." It was Saturn's turn to hold back her208 tears. "But everyone's love filled me, and made me strong. There's209 something else, too. I remembered the pact we made...to always be210 friends. It kept me going. Whenever I remembered I would see you211 again, it made me happy."213 Both women lost control and tears started coming down their214 cheeks. They hugged each other tightly; a hug that told of the 909215 years they had spent apart.217 "I can't believe you remembered," said Small Lady between sobs.219 "Of course I did, baka," she joked back.221 "So, even after all this time, we're still best friends?"223 "Mochiron! Zutto zutto! Eien ni."225 ~*~*~*~*~227 The years passed in Crystal Tokyo as they always did. The228 unpleasantness brought about by Sailorgalaxia in the 20th century was229 far behind them. Crystal Tokyo thrived again as the seat of power for230 the solar system. Neo Queen Serenity brought back the greatness that231 was once the Silver Millennium. The Earth, now free from evil, was232 united and stood like a glistening Christmas ball in the blackness of233 space. The other planets were now thriving, too. The great cities that234 were held inside the planets' castles started to revive and were235 prosperous once again. A princess was coming into her full glory and236 beauty, and now had the appearance of an eighteen-year-old. She was237 actually 910.239 And two friends were enjoying life together.241 ~*~*~*~*~243 "Small Lady, hayaku!"245 "Hai! Ikimashou ne!"247 For the moment, these two girls weren't an heir to the royal248 throne and a Senshi who could destroy the universe with one swipe of her249 Glaive. They were two friends going on a little trip together.251 "You sure you know how to drive this thing?"253 "Well, Uranus taught me, so I shouldn't be too bad."255 The transport started off with a jolt. It left a slightly256 startled expression on the younger girl's face, but it was quickly257 replaced by a smile. They were taking a long needed vacation. The two258 had hardly seen each other for the past couple of months with the many259 diplomatic missions both had to go on. Now was their time to relax. As260 evidence, both were wearing casual clothing. Sometimes it felt good to261 get out of the sailor fuku and princess gowns they were always wearing.263 Though even in her lose fitting pants and pullover top Princess264 Serenity looked regal and glowing. She had really turned into quite the265 lady. The tresses that flowed from her two odango had grown down to her266 knees, and were now missing the "poofy" look they once had. Indeed,267 from the shoulders up she looked like a certain Black Lady the 20th268 century Senshi had fought all those years ago. Not that the princess269 remembered any of that. She had also grown quite a bit over the past270 couple of years. She now stood at 155 centimetres, just a hair less271 than Saturn. Her body was, of course, proportionately built, just like272 her mother's.274 For Saturn's part, she hadn't aged in the past 905 years. Well,275 not on the outside at least. She still had her purple-black hair cut276 just above her shoulders, but her deep purple eyes told the whole story,277 and let people know her true age. She had stopped her growth spurt at278 the age of 22, growing into a lovely woman. I guess that's something we279 have in common, thought Saturn. We both grew up in a rather odd way.280 Today she was wearing a pair of khaki shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt.281 Very normal, indeed.283 It was Sunday, and the pair made their way to the Northeast of284 Crystal Tokyo, about 120 kilometres from the centre of the city. The285 transport they were in was a sleek new model, and was designed for286 speeds of 200 km/h for normal travel. It could go much faster, if need287 be. It also had a very good shock system, which made the trip through288 the air especially smooth.290 "What's our ETA?" asked Small Lady.292 "A little over half an hour," replied her friend.294 "I can hardly wait! I haven't been to your beach house in so295 long!"297 The older girl laughed. The mini palace the Outer Senshi298 shared was situated on the shores on the Pacific Ocean. The appearance299 of the outside of the building had all the earmarks of the modern300 buildings in Crystal Tokyo. It's fundamental element was crystal, with301 some stone and glass thrown in just the right places for good measure.302 It's sleek angles shimmered in the sun as it made it's arc across the303 sky. The inside, however, was remarkably different. It's most304 prominent architectural style was from the Victorian times in England.305 Though one could also make out some 20th century designs and some modern306 ones as well. They all blended together to form an elegant structure307 that most designers cited as a wonderful example of architecture from308 any time. Even though this was a mini palace, with the building and309 grounds covering about 50 hectares of land, the Senshi still refered to310 it as the "beach house." For the obvious reason that it was on the311 beach.313 "Ne, will Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto be there, too?" asked the314 younger girl farther into their trip.316 "Ee. Uranus and Neptune will be there for sure, and I think317 Pluto's going to try and stop by, too."319 "Good, I've hardly seen any of them lately." Small Lady sighed.320 "It seems like our lives are just getting more and more hectic."322 The other girl smiled. "That's why we're taking this vacation.323 Sometimes it's good just to sit back and watch the world go by. Kami324 knows the Senshi deserve it."326 "Yeah, even though it's just for a week, it's better than327 nothing."329 The computer in the transport beeped slightly and then said,330 "Incoming message for Princess Serenity. Sailorvesta from Crystal331 Palace is on com channel 5."333 With a little laugh Small Lady pressed the button that would334 receive the call and put Vesta on the view screen. "Hai, moshi moshi.335 Small Lady desu."337 "Konnichiwa, Small Lady," said the red haired girl in a sailor338 fuku. "I know you just left, but we just got a request from the colony339 of Africa for you to visit there late next month."341 Small Lady looked slightly annoyed. "This couldn't have waited342 until I got back?"344 "Gomen, they asked for a reply right away. Besides, the Prime345 Minister there is a friend of mine, and I owed him a favour..."347 "Okay, okay. I see where this one is going." Vesta looked348 slightly embarrassed. "Of course I'll go. Hmm, I really like Africa in349 the fall. But, Vesta, no more calls, please. Not unless it's really350 important."352 "Hai, wakateru. Enjoy your trip!" With that the communication353 ended and the screen went black.355 "Honestly, I still think the Quartet needs more training." said356 Small Lady.358 "Maybe you could send them back to the past," kidded Saturn.359 Both girls started to laugh at the idea.361 "Ah! Mite!" said the princess excitedly. The transport slowed,362 and came to a stop in a garage of sorts beside the beach house. "Sugoi!363 It's just like I remember it." Both girls got their luggage from the364 transport and walked to the front doors of the "house."366 "Tadaima!" said Saturn as she walked into the front hall.368 "Okaeri." came a voice from one of the rooms off the main hall.370 "Ohayou," came the greeting from Small Lady.372 A head popped out from one of the doorways. "Ara, Small Lady.373 Ohayou. Saturn told us you'd be coming." Neptune looked elegant as374 always in a flower print sundress.376 "I'm going to take her upstairs," said Saturn with a smile.377 "We'll be back down for lunch." The two girls took the staircase up to378 Saturn's bedroom and got their luggage settled. Really, there were many379 free rooms that Small Lady could have used, but both wanted to spend380 their vacation together. The bed was more than large enough to fit two381 people, and they liked to tell stories and play games before they fell382 asleep. Someone might have mistaken them for actual teenagers, if they383 didn't know better.385 "It's such a pretty room," said Small Lady. "You've still got386 all your lamps." The room was done in purple colourings. The walls387 were a very light purple, while her curtains and bedspread were much388 darker. Most of the furniture in the room including her desk and389 dressers were white. It made for a very interesting effect with the390 lamps turned on at night.392 "Yeah, every now and then I'll even pick up a new one, if I like393 it." She smiled at the younger girl.395 Small Lady walked towards her and held her hand. Let's make396 this a vacation to remember. With so much going on, we have to make our397 time together count!"399 The other girl agreed. They had to make the most of their400 friendship when they had the chance. This was going to be one of the401 best weeks of their lives!403 ~*~*~*~*~405 The sun shone brightly on a Wednesday afternoon in August. It406 was about 35 degrees C, which made the warm Pacific waters even more407 inviting. The calmness of the waves washing ashore and the gentle sea408 breeze was only interrupted by the happy cries of two friends having a409 good time.411 "I'm going to get there first!" cried the pink haired girl.413 "Oh no you're not! I'm a better runner than you, and you know414 it!" exclaimed her black haired companion.416 There was a temporary splash as both girls reached the water at417 the same time, and then began laughing. Their adventurous attitude was418 accompanied by a brief, if not large, water fight. Afterwards, the two419 just stood in the water happily, but out of breath.421 "I would have beat you if I still had Neptune's mirror," said422 the princess slyly.424 "Ha! She's my mama, she would do anything to protect me,"425 replied the other with a defiant expression on her face. The charade426 didn't last long, though. Both girls immediately broke out laughing427 again. They started to swim normally in the water, both under and on428 top. It really had a calming effect, and was a place anyone would feel429 at peace. No wonder Neptune loves it so much, they both thought.431 An hour or so later they both reluctantly started to emerge from432 the water. Both were pretty tired, but it was a great swim, and it433 relaxed a lot of the built-up tension in their muscles due to Senshi434 duties.436 Saturn was a few steps behind Small Lady, and was almost out of437 the water. Unfortunately, she tripped on a rock she didn't see,438 crashing into Small Lady, and sending them both to the sandy ground.439 The scene was a pretty big mass of tangled limbs. Saturn ended up440 straddling Small Lady's torso, with her arms on either side of her head.441 She managed to stop herself a few centimetres before she flattened the442 girl.444 There was silence as both girls just looked into each others445 eyes. Their breathing was hard, and they could feel each others hot446 breath on their cheeks. Several moments passed where no one moved at447 all. The calming sound of waves on the shore could be heard again.448 Then, ever so slightly, they both moved at the same time. Their lips449 met in a kiss that was timid at first, but grew into something more450 passionate quickly.452 As if something snapped in both their brains, the kiss came to a453 crashing halt. Saturn retreated off of the princess with a terrified454 expression on her face. Small Lady's features almost matched hers, with455 her eyes displaying great shock.457 Small Lady was the first to speak. "Sa..turn..." But as soon458 as she started, Saturn was already up, and running towards the house,459 tears streaming down her face. "SATURN!!!" yelled the princess after460 her, but she didn't look back. "Saturn..." said the princess again as461 she started to cry. She tried make any sense she could out of the462 situation.464 ~*~*~*~*~466 Saturn reached her bedroom and shut the door with a slam. Thank467 kami Uranus and Neptune weren't home, she thought. She flung herself on468 the bed and started to sob. A million confusing emotions were running469 through her head. Not the least of which was the total rush she felt470 when Small Lady's lips touched her own. Kami, kami, that had been so471 stupid, she scolded herself. She tried to remember why she had done it,472 but she couldn't. It was like a big blur in her mind. The tears kept473 streaming down her face. Had she really sacrificed all those years of474 friendship, all those years of waiting? Small Lady was her first friend475 and her best friend. She was someone who would be friends with her when476 no one else would. No one was forcing the princess, she *wanted* to be477 friends with her. That had been a first for Saturn, all those years478 ago. Now Saturn thought she had thrown it all away, that her best479 friend in the world hated her and no longer wanted to be her friend.481 "Damn these lamps!" she screamed. "Damn these lonely lamps!"483 ~*~*~*~*~485 Small Lady was really no better off. She was still down at the486 beach. She just couldn't find the energy to stand up. She kept going487 over and over the events that had happened. She still didn't understand488 any of it. Besides the kiss itself, she was mostly terrified of489 Saturn's reaction. She just ran away, she thought. And that look she490 gave me... Is she really disgusted with me? It was all so confusing.491 The worst part was she didn't know if they were still friends. The492 thought of not being friends with Saturn chilled her to the bone. She493 didn't know if she could live without her. But what had the kiss meant?494 Was is just a kiss? Or was it something more...? Small Lady tried to495 think about it, but it was like her brain turned to mush. She just496 wasn't sure of anything anymore.498 ~*~*~*~*~500 A sporty looking transport pulled into the garage of the beach501 house. It's three occupants got out, and started taking in groceries.503 "With all this technology, you'd think they be able to sell ripe504 tomatoes, wouldn't you?" complained Neptune.506 Uranus just laughed. "Maybe something else in here needs a507 little ripening, ne?"509 Neptune threw a sultry glance her way. "Maybe you're right.510 You can never tell until you feel the softness..."512 Pluto, being used to similar exchanges for centuries, virtually513 ignored them, and started to put away the groceries. Young love, she514 thought absentmindedly. Suddenly she realised Saturn and Small Lady515 weren't there to greet them. "Saturn to Small Lady wa?" she asked the516 couple who were now in an embrace.518 "E?" asked a puzzled Neptune. "Maybe they're still down by the519 beach. Saturn mentioned something about going for a swim today. Maybe520 you better call them, dinner will be ready in half an hour."522 Pluto nodded, and walked out the patio doors onto the deck. She523 couldn't see anyone on the beach, so she decided to look through the524 house instead. She heard some soft humming coming from one of the rooms525 down the hall, so she went to check it out. There, sitting in a526 darkened room, she found Small Lady listening to some music with a head527 set.529 "Oh, hello, Puu," she said calmly. "I didn't hear you guys get530 back."532 "Small Lady," asked Pluto cautiously, "is there something533 wrong?"535 "Hmm? Oh no. Nandemonai." She just smiled.537 The older Senshi looked at her strangely, then decided just to538 tell her when dinner would be ready. The princess said she'd be there539 on time.541 The Senshi of time had a similar experience when she found542 Saturn in her room. She just sat there calmly on her bed reading a543 book, acting as if nothing was wrong.545 ~*~*~*~*~547 Dinner was an interesting experience to say the least. Both548 Small Lady and Saturn got there at the same time, but didn't seem to549 look at each other. Their faces showed signs of considerable stress,550 and they bowed their heads while they ate. The other three Senshi tried551 to strike up conversations with them the whole time, but the most either552 would give were one word replies. The three, knowing something was553 wrong, could just look at each other and shrug. If this kept up, they554 would have to do something, but right now it was best left alone.556 Small Lady stared down into her rice bowl and tried to imagine557 it as a snowy mountain in the winter, and skiing down it with the wind558 blowing through her hair. It would be better than being here, she559 thought. God, anywhere would be better than here right now. She...she560 won't even look at me. She must hate me. The sight of chopsticks in561 the bowl brought her back to reality again. She just sighed. Baka,562 baka, baka. I'm such a baka.564 Atashi no baka, thought Saturn. How could I just throw away565 years of friendship for a kiss? It's funny how something as simple as a566 kiss can change one's life so drastically. The memory kept tearing away567 at Saturn's heart. The thought of losing Small Lady... She just568 couldn't handle it.570 The dishes were beginning to get washed up. "Don't forget your571 baths tonight, you two." Sometimes Neptune forgot just how old they all572 were. Saturn just nodded and headed up the stairs. Small Lady's heart573 ached as she watched the other leave. She waited until she was out of574 sight before she went up, too.576 ~*~*~*~*~578 Saturn warmed the bath water, and settled in for a nice relaxing579 soak. She hoped some of the worries of the day would somehow just wash580 away. She was wrong. Somehow her mind wouldn't let her think of581 anything else.583 Small Lady stood in the toilet room just outside the shower/bath584 room. She was ready for a bath, and was just wearing a robe. She585 sighed. Part of her wanted to run in and make up with Saturn right586 there. The other half wanted to run as far away as possible. She went587 over her options. If this was all a big misunderstanding, she could go588 in and talk to Saturn about it and work things out. On the other hand,589 if Saturn hated her she could be told to get out and go back to Crystal590 Tokyo. Was the pain of not knowing worse than being rejected as a591 friend? Small Lady didn't know, but she did know that she needed592 answers. So far the night had been awful... It couldn't really get593 much worse. That's when she decided. For better or for worse, at least594 they were going to talk about it.596 The door to the shower room slid open, and Small Lady stepped597 in. Saturn was caught completely off guard, and instinctively lowered598 herself in the tub to hide her body.600 "We used to bathe together all the time. Are you really that601 ashamed now?" Small Lady chanced a smile.603 "Small Lady, I..." Saturn trailed off. She couldn't think of604 the words to say.606 "Look, Saturn... We, we have to talk about this! I can't go on607 if things are going to be like tonight. It's killing me! I couldn't608 stand it if you weren't my best friend!" Both girls were sobbing.610 "Then... You don't hate me?" Saturn looked so timid.612 "Hate you? Me? I could never hate you! You're my best613 friend!" Small Lady walked up to her, and sat on the edge of the tub.614 "I thought you hated *me*..."616 "No! Never!" Saturn looked away from the girl. "I'm sorry for617 the way I acted. I had no right to kiss you. Then I was so afraid of618 what you were going to say, that I just ran away. I was scared."620 "So that's why..." Small Lady wiped away a few of her tears.621 "I thought you were disgusted because I kissed you..."623 Saturn laughed. It felt like the first laugh in a very long624 time. "I guess there was a little misunderstanding between the both of625 us. So...we're still friends?"627 "Always and forever, right?" Small Lady smiled. Something was628 still tearing at her mind. "But I don't think we can just leave it at629 that. Something...happened between us. I think we need to figure out630 why."632 Saturn looked depressed again. "I couldn't get passed it633 either. The kiss, how did it make you feel?"635 The other girl blinked. "Nani?"637 "How did it make you feel? Inside?"639 Small Lady thought back to the moment her lips touched Saturn's.640 It was like someone had set a fire in her body. Her head felt light,641 and all she knew was that she wanted to continue... "I can't lie. It642 felt good. Very good. But I don't want you to be scared away! Just643 staying friends is good enough for me."645 Saturn looked at her, gratitude in her eyes. "You'd do646 something like that for me... The truth is, I enjoyed it. too. I'm647 just not sure what that means. Small Lady, why don't you come in? The648 water's nice and warm."650 She hesitated a bit, but undid her robe, and then stepped into651 the tub. She submerged herself until her breasts were covered by the652 soothing water. "I don't know what it means, Saturn. But I know I653 can't just ignore my feelings! Whatever...whatever happens between us,654 I don't want our friendship to be affected. I think that scares me more655 than anything else."657 "Atashi mo. Today I've done a lot of thinking. I don't think I658 realised how strong my feelings were towards you. It scared me. It659 scared me a lot."661 Small Lady moved over to her friend to comfort her. "Don't be662 scared, Saturn. We'll always have each other." The princess leaned in663 closer and kissed the black haired girl. She expected the other might664 back away, but she didn't. Instead she returned the kiss with the same665 vigour. When they broke the kiss no one ran away. There were no broken666 hearts.668 ~*~*~*~*~670 Later that night in Saturn's bed, both girls laid on their671 backs, and looked at the ceiling. They were holding hands.673 "It's almost as if someone removed a cloud from my mind," said674 Small Lady. "I think my feelings for you have been more than just675 friendship for some time. I didn't realise it before, though. It's676 like we were such good friends that our friendship grew into love."678 The other girl looked over in surprise. "Love?"680 The princess blushed. "Hai, love. I love you, I really do.681 With all my heart and soul."683 Saturn just gasped. "I think it was the same for me. Our684 friendship was just so strong that it sort of mutated into love. Now685 that I see it, it all looks so clear." Saturn looked Small Lady686 straight in the eye. "I do love you. More than I will ever be able to687 tell you." Both girls smiled. Saturn went on. "I think... I remember688 being on Titan and thinking of you sometimes. Sometimes I would think689 of holding you, of being close with you. But I buried the feelings so690 deep that I didn't recognise them. Until now."692 Both girls got closer to one another so that they were almost in693 an embrace.695 "I don't ever want to let you go."697 "Me neither."699 They moved closer again, and touched lips for the third time.700 Their hands travelled up and down each others bodies, exploring the new701 feelings they had. They stopped for a moment and looked into the702 other's eyes. The both smiled as they saw the love and caring in them.703 They whispered "aishiteru" to each other, and went back to kissing and704 trying to remove their partner's clothes.706 A special night followed for both of them. Special because of707 the fact it was the first time for both of them, and because they were708 glad to finally share how they felt with someone they loved more than709 life itself. Not just their bodies, but their souls touched that night.710 When their souls touched, they fused together as one, making the711 partners two beings of one whole. Forever, they would always be united712 as one.714 ~*~*~*~*~716 Birds chirped, and the sun cast a ray of light over the land717 signalling the beginning of another day. A body stirred slightly in a718 bed. The figure's eyes slowly opened, and were greeted with a welcome719 sight. She moved forward slowly, and kissed the other girl. Her720 friend's eyes fluttered open, and a smile crept across her face.722 "Ohayou, Saturn."724 "Ohayou, Small Lady."726 They both just laid unmoving for several minutes. They couldn't727 take their eyes off of each other. They would look up and down the728 other person's body, all the time breathing in their wonderful sent. It729 was like a dream state, and neither one wanted to leave.731 "I suppose we should get up, ne?" said the princess in a voice732 that told she really didn't want to.734 "I suppose," the other replied.736 Several more minutes passed where neither one moved.738 "Although..." chanced Saturn, "we *are* on vacation..."740 Small Lady's eyes lit up. "Sou ne... It's not like we have any741 official business we have to do..." She leaned forward, and their lips742 met again in a passionate kiss. "After all, we're here to have fun."743 Now a wicked smile crossed her face, which made the other girl laugh.745 ~*~*~*~*~747 Small Lady and Saturn were late coming down for breakfast. The748 others were worried because of the way the two had acted last night.749 They weren't sure what was going on. They were beginning to think they750 might never come. Needless to say, they were shocked when the two girls751 came bounding down the stairs happily, while holding hands.753 "Ohayou gozaimasu!" chimed Saturn.755 "O- Ohayou," replied Neptune. She had a look of confusion on her756 face.758 "What's for breakfast?" asked Small Lady. Then she saw the eggs759 and rice already laid out for them. "Ah! Arigatou. Gomen, omatase."760 She stuck her free hand behind her head to show her slight761 embarrassment.763 The rest of breakfast went fairly normal for everyone. Uranus was764 reading the paper, Pluto was sipping her coffee, and Neptune was reading765 a good book she had started last night. Small Lady and Saturn happily766 talked away while consuming their meal. The only strange thing was they767 never stopped holding hands the entire time.769 Uranus threw a glance over to Neptune, who raised an eyebrow. But770 neither said anything. It was when the plates were being put away that771 Pluto finally spoke up.773 "Saturn, Small Lady, can we talk to you for a minute?"775 The two girls just looked at each other with puzzled expressions776 on their faces, and nodded. The five made their way over to the living777 room, and sat down. At first there was only silence.779 Uranus was the first to speak. "We're...concerned about you two.780 Yesterday it seemed like you didn't want to have anything to do with one781 another, but today you're close again. Even closer than before."783 Neptune jumped in. "Don't get us wrong, we don't want to invade784 your privacy. If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to.785 You're both adults; you can handle you're own problems, but we just want786 to let you know we're here if you wanted to talk."788 Pluto decided to add something. "We love you both dearly. We789 don't like seeing you hurt. Sometimes it helps to talk to other790 people." She smiled at them.792 Small Lady looked at her friend, and smiled slightly. Saturn793 smiled back and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "There's really no794 sense in keeping it a secret. I think we should tell them everything."796 Saturn nodded. "There shouldn't be secrets in a family. I guess797 we should just get it out in the open first. Small Lady and I are798 partners. We're in love." The two sat closer together, and held each799 other protectively.801 The three glanced at one another, and blinked a couple of times.802 There was no denying the shock they felt. Then large smiles crept803 across their faces.805 "We're glad for you," said Neptune. "It's always wonderful to806 find someone you love." She looked over at Uranus who was already807 looking at her.809 Saturn and Small Lady let out a sigh of relief. Well, the worst810 part was over. "Arigatou," said Saturn. "Your blessing means a lot to811 us."813 "I knew it," said Uranus half jokingly. "It's too bad all the814 pretty girls are already taken." She winked at Small Lady, who had a815 very large blush across her cheeks.817 "Uranus!" scolded Saturn. They all laughed. The family was back818 together.820 "But," broke in Pluto, "that still doesn't explain the way you821 were acting yesterday. Why were you both so depressed?"823 Small Lady sighed. It still brought pain to her heart to think824 about it. "Up until yesterday, we weren't sure of how we felt.825 Actually," she laughed a little, "we weren't even really aware of it."827 Saturn jumped in, sensing her friend was having a hard time.828 "There was a misunderstanding. Our feelings were confused. During829 dinner we weren't sure what to say to each other, and we were ashamed.830 Both of us were afraid of losing a friend. But," Saturn looked Small831 Lady in the eye, "we talked about it, and we managed to work it all out.832 That's when we revealed how we truly felt." She left out the details833 about the kiss, and the night that followed, but it was enough to make834 her parents understand. Besides, they were probably filling in the835 details for themselves anyway.837 "Are you going to tell the others?" asked Uranus.839 "Hai," said Small Lady. "Actually, we plan on discussing it with840 my parents first. Mama's been bugging me to find a koibito for the last841 little while, so we'll see how that goes. Then we'll tell the others."843 "So," said Saturn, "before we have to go back on Saturday, we plan844 on enjoying the last few days. No worries, no troubles. Just a couple845 enjoying their time together." They both smiled. The next few days846 would be bliss.848 ~*~*~*~*~850 Later that day Saturn was alone in the kitchen trying to find851 something to snack on. She didn't hear anyone come up behind her.853 "Saturn," said a woman with long aqua hair.855 "Ah, Neptune," said Saturn as she turned around. "Doushitano?"857 Neptune didn't say anything, but showed how she felt with her858 actions. She hugged the younger girl and held her in her arms.860 "Neptune?"862 "Gomen," said the woman, still holding her. "Saturn, I really863 want you to know how happy I am, how happy we all are about you and864 Small Lady. And I want to let you know that we'll support you in any865 way." She laughed a little. "But why do I feel like I'm losing you?"867 "Mama," Saturn said in almost a whisper. "I'm 915 years old. I868 think it's time you let go."870 The other laughed. "I suppose you're right. But you'll always be871 my little girl. I hoped you'd find someone to love and be loved by.872 Now you have. I hope you become very happy, musume."874 "Arigatou, mama. I love you."876 ~*~*~*~*~878 Saturday morning rolled around far too quickly for the happy879 couple. They wanted to stay at the beach house for all eternity,880 without having to face the real world, but they couldn't do it, and they881 knew it. The morning was being spent packing up luggage and saying882 goodbye. It could be months until they got to see these Senshi again.883 It surprised them when Uranus offered to drive them back to Crystal884 Tokyo. They accepted, of course, but they sensed a motive behind her885 asking.887 Pretty soon they were on the road, or the sky, actually. With888 Uranus driving it would probably take them twenty minutes to arrive at889 their destination. Or it would, if she drove as fast as she usually890 did. Today it seemed almost as if she was holding back. Neither girl891 knew why, but they were just content to sit in the back seat holding892 hands. They would get to Crystal Tokyo soon enough.894 "I have a little story to tell you," said Uranus, which slightly895 surprised the girls. "It goes back quite a ways, but I think it's896 important."898 Saturn winced slightly. She knew what was coming. She didn't899 know all that much about Uranus or Neptune before they became her900 parents, except the little bits they told her. She knew for a fact that901 it was very painful for both of them, so she never pressed the issue.902 She was a little scared, so she squeezed Small Lady's hand. The other903 looked at her slightly confused, but smiled at the same time.905 "It's about Neptune and I...when we were young." She seemed to906 pause for a bit. "When I first laid eyes on her, I couldn't believe907 how beautiful she was. She was like a shimmering angel trying to pull908 me out of the darkness of my existence. I had been having dreams about909 her and the mission for some time. So while I was overjoyed at meeting910 her in real life, I pushed her away, because I was afraid of the911 mission, and all I would have to give up. But she wouldn't give up.912 She always has been persistent." She stopped and laughed. "Actually913 she told me she had been following my F1 career long before she knew914 about the mission. She would always watch from a distance...916 "Anyway, I eventually gave into her. I couldn't help myself, I917 had fallen in love. For the next little while we were very concerned918 about the mission. It meant saving the world from the silence, so we919 had to stay focused. But at the same time... At the same time we grew920 closer as a couple. I began to wonder how I ever lived my life without921 this woman. Before any of this had happened I had already left home.922 Being at home was just too painful. After I left I vowed to make *my*923 family life a happy one." Uranus winked at Saturn, who smiled. "But924 Neptune was still living at home. She was distant from her parents,925 they really didn't seem that interested in her, and I think they fought926 a lot.928 "Something happened that I'll regret for the rest of my life. Her929 parents were on vacation. I think it was Hawaii or some such place.930 So, Neptune invited me over. It was a very special night. We ate by931 candle light, and played a lovely duet afterwards. It was almost932 magical. I should have went home right then, but I didn't. Her scent933 intoxicated me, and drew me in. I couldn't leave her arms." Uranus934 coughed a bit, sensing the blushes on the other girls' cheeks. "To make935 a long story short, her parents came home unexpectedly that night. They936 were none too pleased when they found me sharing a bed with their937 daughter... They said some horrible things to Neptune, to us both.938 Needless to say we left that night and never looked back, thereby939 severing our family contacts forever."941 Uranus looked back at the couple, they had slightly pained942 expressions on their faces. "Gomen, I didn't tell you that story to943 scare you. Far from it. Small Lady, you're mother is a very caring944 woman, you have nothing to worry about. But you have to be prepared for945 the reaction of the masses. You're Princess Serenity, heir to the946 throne of the Moon Kingdom, wielder of the most power force in the947 galaxy. You have to expect some sort of negative reaction to your948 decision."950 "Uranus, this is Crystal Tokyo. We're in an age of peace and951 love. People's opinion's have changed over the past 900 some years."952 said the princess in a calm voice.954 The blond woman tried to smile. How naive she is, she thought.955 "That's true. You'll have an easier time than Neptune and I ever had,956 but you have to expect some resistance. Some of the fringe religious957 groups are still around, and they can get quite opinionated."959 By this time Small Lady was slightly angry. "So what do you want960 me to do, Uranus? Just give Saturn up? I can't do that! I'm not going961 to bow to any sort of public pressure!"963 "No, no, please don't get me wrong, princess. You know how I feel964 about your partnership. If anything I'll be the first to protect you if965 any controversy comes of your announcement." She sighed. How could she966 make the younger girl understand? "I just don't want this to be a shock967 for you. I want you to stand strong if any resistance does come up."969 Saturn had been sitting quietly for some time, but now spoke up.970 "Uranus," she said in a loving voice, "believe me, we appreciate your971 concern. We understand what you're trying to say. But Small Lady and I972 have a force stronger than any resistance we might come up against. We973 have love. If we stand together, no harm will come, ne?"975 "Sou," said Small Lady. "All we need is each other. It might be976 a little selfish view, but it's true. We'll be together, and that's all977 that matters."979 Uranus smiled. "Yokata na. Forgive me, I just wanted to make980 sure that you were ready. Now there's no doubt that you are."982 The transport picked up speed, and zoomed along to Crystal Palace,983 which was just starting to appear in the distance.985 ~*~*~*~*~987 "Serenity-sama," said a servant, "you have visitors."989 "Thank you, Naomi-san. Please show them in."991 Neo Queen Serenity sat in one of her private chambers overlooking992 a spectacular view of Crystal Tokyo. Of course, any room in the palace993 had a spectacular view since it was situated in the centre of the city.994 This particular room, however, was facing the south, which held a995 dazzling view of the Tokyo Tower. After all these years it was still996 standing. King Endymion was in the adjoining room attending to some997 paper work. Serenity herself was just about to start work on answering998 the many communiques she had received over the past day.1000 The door to the room opened slowly, and in stepped Small Lady in1001 her full princess gown and Sailorsaturn in her star fuku, Silence Glaive1002 in hand. Both women bowed respectfully, which slightly surprised the1003 older woman who wasn't used to such formal treatment by her daughter and1004 close friends.1006 "Small Lady, Sailorsaturn. Please come in and have a seat."1008 "Mama, we're sorry to disturb you, but we would like to talk to1009 you about something important. I'd like papa to come in, too." The two1010 sat down on the couch and held hands.1012 "Small Lady, I'm never too busy for you," she said with a smile.1013 She called to the other room. "Endymion, Small Lady and Saturn are1014 back. They'd like to talk to us."1016 A man in a lavender tuxedo entered the room with a smile on his1017 face. "Okaerinasai. My, don't we look formal today?" He gave a little1018 wink.1020 "I hope you both enjoyed your vacation, ne?" asked the queen.1022 The two couldn't help but smile. "Hai, it was the best week of1023 our lives, Serenity," spoke Saturn.1025 "Now, what would you like to talk to us about?"1027 Saturn squeezed Small Lady's hand. It was a bit harder than1028 telling Uranus-tachi, but they couldn't back down now. Small Lady1029 squeezed back, and had a look of confidence on her face.1031 "Mama, while I was on vacation...I fell in love." Saturn beamed.1032 So far, so good.1034 Happiness and shock seemed to express themselves on the king and1035 queen at the same time. "That's wonderful, Small Lady," said the queen.1036 "Who's the lucky person?"1038 "She's right here. Mama, I fell in love with Sailorsaturn."1040 "Queen, King, before you say anything," spoke Saturn with clear1041 devotion in her eyes, "please listen to what I have to say. I love your1042 daughter. I lover her dearly. As you know, we've been friends for a1043 long time. Long ago we swore we'd never be apart. Over time, and1044 partly without our knowledge, that devotion and friendship turned into1045 love. It's a deep love and we cherish it dearly. Please, you have to1046 see that we're taking this very seriously." Saturn was looking the1047 queen straight in the eye, trying to look as sincere as possible.1049 "Saturn," said the queen softly, "daijoubu yo. I know you would1050 not make an announcement like this without thinking it through1051 thoroughly. I can see how deeply you care for one another."1053 Small Lady and Saturn didn't quite know what to think at this1054 point. Was that a blessing, or was there going to be a "but" to this1055 statement. Waiting was killing them.1057 The queen surprised them slightly by getting up from her chair and1058 walking over to them. She surprised them even more when she began to1059 give them both a big hug. "Omedetou ne! I'm so happy for you both!"1061 "So, you're okay with it?" asked Small Lady hesitantly.1063 "Okay with it? I'm overjoyed! We both want to see you happy1064 with someone, and now it's come true. We're glad you could find love in1065 such a close friend." The queen looked like she was glowing.1067 "Small Lady, Saturn, Serenity and I wish you all the best. We1068 love you both." spoke the king with clear emotion in his voice.1070 "Papa, mama," said the princess with tears in her eyes.1071 "Arigatou." She held Saturn in an embrace and hugged her tightly.1073 "Do you plan to tell the others?" asked Serenity, while wiping the1074 tears from her face.1076 "Hai. Uranus-tachi already know, and we'll tell the other Senshi1077 whenever we can get them all together. And...I know I'll have to make1078 an announcement to the world soon. It'll just get leaked to the press1079 anyway. I'm prepared, mama. We both are. But we're also both strong1080 enough to get through any hard times. Love conquers all, ne?"1082 "Sou ne," spoke her mother. "Love is everything."1084 ~*~*~*~*~1086 To be continued in part 3. ^_^;1088 Well, that was a whole lot longer than part 1, eh? Parts 3 and 41089 may not be as long. I don't really know. ^_^;1091 Okay, there will be fairly long author's comments this time. Yay! :P1093 Chibiusa and Hotaru as a couple. Some of you may be thinking, "Is1094 this girl out of her mind?" But it interested me, and I thought it1095 would make a good fanfic. :) There's only circumstantial evidence to1096 support it in the manga, but those few pictures were enough to peek my1097 interest. Stay tuned for the next two parts, though. They may just1098 surprise you (ooh, plot twist! :P).1100 It took all my will power not to call Saturn "Hotaru" and Small1101 Lady "Chibiusa." Or to use Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna's names, for1102 that matter. Never in the manga do we see them using their human names1103 in Crystal Tokyo, so it's fairly safe to assume that they never do.1104 And, of course, we *know* Chibiusa was a 20th century invention and that1105 everyone in the future calls her Small Lady. Still, it was hard. I had1106 to hit backspace more than a few times, lemme tell ya. ^_-1108 Now a note about all the ages and dates I threw at you. Some of1109 them may not seem to make sense, so I'll go over them in detail.1110 Remember, this is canon as per the manga. :)1112 * June 30 2001 - this should be when Usagi turns 22, if we assume she1113 turned 17 in June 1996 (this is when the fifth series manga came out,1114 and Usagi was in second year high school (Grade 11) at the time). The1115 second series manga establishes she rises to power and gives birth to1116 Chibiusa when she turns 22 (since Usagi and Chibiusa share the same1117 birthday, this seems to be the only plausible date). Plus it makes1118 sense since 2001 is the first *real* year of the new millennium.1120 * Hotaru at twelve-years-old - I meant in appearance. She'd actually be1121 about a year old at this point (since the reincarnation).1123 * Small Lady at 910-years-old looking 18 - If we assume she turns 904 in1124 1996 (she turned 902 in '94 in an enikki), and since she looked 12 in1125 '96, we can assume, if she continues to age normally, that she'll look1126 18 when she turns 910. In the 30th century, the year would be 29111127 (2001 plus 910).1129 * Saturn not ageing for 905 years and stopping her growth at age 22 - We1130 know Usagi stopped ageing at 22, so it's probably the same for the1131 others. By 22 I mean the appearance of age 22. Saturn would have1132 actually been 11-years-old, and the year would be 2006. Subtract 20061133 from 2911 and you get 905 years.1135 * Saturn at 916-years-old - 2911 subtract 1995 (when she was1136 reincarnated) equals 916.1138 If there are any other dates that I missed, they should all fit this1139 timeline in a similar fashion.1141 If any details don't make sense, like who Sailorvesta is, or what1142 Titan Castle is, you'll have to read the manga to understand fully. It1143 doesn't make much sense to go into a long explanation here. :)1145 Yes, I know I based Uranus' speech on anime events, but nothing is1146 mentioned about it in the manga, so I took a little artistic license. ;)1147 And I think I kept it general enough that it probably fits the manga1148 anyway. :)1150 Okay, feedback time. ;) If you have any questions or comments,1151 just email me at ajhd@king.igs.net. And if you don't, but liked the fic1152 anyway, arigatou. I know I never email people even when I like their1153 fanfics. ^_^;; Well, that's not true. I did email Tim Nolan once. ^_^;1155 Extra special thanks to Jay Dee Archer (aka Jupiter Knight) for1156 proof reading my fanfic for me! Arigatou gozaimashita! Go see Jupiter1157 Knight's fanfic archive, he has lots of great stories. ^_^1159 http://www.dragonfire.net/~JupiterKnight/1161 Music I was listening to when I wrote this: Disc 1 & 2 from the1162 Memorial Music Box (first season BGM). Actually, by pure coincidence,1163 I was listening to the same BGM that played during the end of ep 88 when1164 I was writing the 'Chibiusa returns home' scene. Any similarities can1165 be blamed on that. :P1167 Completed: Aug 20th 1998.