Title: Revelations

Date: 26. Feb. 2007

Author: Katigox

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi created it. I am not making a dime here.

- - - -

Prologue

It arrived on a sun filled day. A guard had handed him the pastel pink envelope and he opened it along its side. Another envelope was inside of it, and with a little bit of annoyance he repeated the gesture he had done with the first envelope. Finally he pulled out the invitation and read it:

Neo Queen Serenity

requests the honor of your presence

to the nuptials of her daughter

Princess Serenity

To

High Priest Elios

of Elysian

at Crystal Tokyo

It went on to announce when it was and he noticed a reception card and a reply card tucked away inside the first envelope. He lifted a brow in smitten disbelief and reread the name on the front to make sure it really was meant for him in the first place: Seiya Kou.

- - - -

Chapter 1

Usagi sat in front of the high mirror that held various holograms she had collected from the main center over the past few years. It had brought the only kind of comfort she could find since her Mamo-chan passed away. It had happened almost five years ago, just another month until that somber anniversary would come around the corner to laugh in her face once more. Evil never won, she was always able to get him back no matter what foes or hardships they faced. But a heart attack - the only thing she couldn't save him from, kills him. And now, she was alone and it had kept her from her subjects, her friends and even her family - sweet Chibi-Usa. They had become distant; and it was because of her, only her; and she understood that.

What was she supposed to do though; pretend that loosing the man she had loved over several lifetimes didn't bother her?

Knock. Knock.

She turned around in the chair after cutting off the transmitter to the hologram,

"Come in."

The door opened only a crack as Luna entered. But she remained by the door,

"Usagi - some of them have arrived; they're waiting for you in the reception hall."

Usagi barely mustered a smile and stood up, patted down her long, flowing white dress and proceeded to fallow Luna to the reception hall. Neither of them spoke a word to the other.

- - - -

Chibi-Usa laughed out loud. It had been to long since she last saw the Senshi - years in fact; except for Setsuna and Hotaru, she saw them at least once a month. And now here they were, all gathered in her honor. She was ecstatic and humbled all at the same time,

"I am so happy that all of you could make it. Where are the others though?"

When she said "others" she meant Minako's and Rei's children. Only they two had settled down and begun a family after Crystal Tokyo was established. They never felt it hindered their ruling over their respected planets.

And that was another major event that happened after Crystal Tokyo was founded; the Senshi's planets were restored to their original glory with the help of their collective powers. It had solved the overpopulation issue with Earth, too.

"How can you ask us about your family with your wedding only two weeks away?!," Minako smiled.

Chibi-Usa's cheeks flared with a pinkish color that matched her hair and she replied only with a giggle.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything."

Everyone turned and looked Usagi; she had sneaked into her throne without them noticing her, looking glum. Rei was the first to walk over to Usagi and kneel before her,

"Neo Queen Serenity, it is an honor."

Usagi winked at Rei and laughed,

"Guys don't act so serious! How many times do we need to go over this? To you guys I will always be Usagi."

They all smiled and gathered around her, hugging and embracing one another. But in the background Chibi-Usa was holding Luna in her arms and they both looked on in disbelief,

"She laughed," Chibi-Usa whispered.

"Maybe this is what she needed all along, us to give her an excuse to see the only people who could cheer her up without making her feel like she was asking for help," Luna replied.

"So my wedding is an excuse now?"

Luna laughed almost nervously, "No, I just think it's great that the all the Senshi being here knocks out two birds with one stone. One, as guests to your wedding, and two, to help your mother get out of this depression."

Chibi-Usa's sarcastic smile faded and with a serious tone she responded,

"I hope so."

- - - -

Usagi sat at the head of the dinner table waiting for the entrée. Her staff had done a wonderful job on decorating the dining area with flowers that represented each Senshi's birth month. Tall candles burned dimly masking the room in a mysterious atmosphere. And even the curtains had been freshly changed to an imperial purple to match the table cloth. The slip seat covers were white but bound down to the seats with a purple lace. Everything was perfect, except her stomach was growling so loudly that it sent the others into a roar of laughter,

"Maybe I should get back there and whip something up for you," Makoto chuckled.

Usagi gripped her stomach and waved on, "I'm about to take your word for it."

Ami jumped in, "Besides the hunger pangs, are you doing all right?"

Usagi gave a weak smile and replied with a quiet, "yes;" making everyone uncomfortable. The mood had changed but it was restored again when the cooks entered with their feast. When everyone had gotten an ample serving laid out in front of them, Usagi grabbed the crystal chalice in front of her. She pushed the chair back a little and lifted the glass towards the others,

"I would like to make a toast."

Everyone looked at her and she began,

"I am so grateful to be sharing such a joyous event with you all. I am thankful that I am so blessed to have you all in my lif-"

She stopped, her throat closed up on her and she let out a choked cry. Who was she trying to fool? Herself? The others? She was faking this happiness; not that she was doing such a great job of it in the first place, but still, she was a fake. She was thankful and blessed to have had Mamoru in her life, too. But that didn't stop him from dying within ten minutes in front of her on that horrible day.

All of her Senshi were here, in her life, right now; and they could all be dead within the next ten minutes of "natural causes," and there would be nothing she could do about it. A stifled cry escaped next as she tried to keep her composure, but to no avail, she dropped the cup on the floor, smashing it to pieces. And with a pitiful sounding voice, spoke,

"I'm sorry."

She ran out of the room, up the stairs, down the hall and into her chambers. She landed on her bed with a soft thud and there, in the comfort of her room; she let it out - repeating the same cries of questions filled with unavailable answers that she had asked every night since Mamoru died.

- - - -

Seiya stood in front of the gates with a bag slung over his shoulder and a red baseball cap set firmly in front of his eyes. The heat was almost unbearable, and he resolved to get inside quickly. He hated it but, by his fidgeting, he could tell that he was nervous.

I refuse to put myself in that position again.

She had gotten the better of him years ago, ages ago. Almost seemed like a lifetime ago to him. It didn't matter, he was here and that's all that mattered.

After his invitation was reviewed and his id scanned, the heavy gates pulled apart just enough to let him in.

But why? Why am I here?

He could always say he didn't want to cause a social etiquette outcry by declining to attend; but no one would believe him. Hell, he had hard enough time trying to convince himself of that. No he was there because an invitation was sent to him. But instead of replying the usual RSVP kinda-way, he decided to come here early and find out why he was invited in the first place; to come to a wedding of people he had never met. And see a woman he had not seen, much less spoken to, in twenty five years.

He tugged at his shirt for a moment and then proceeded inside the main entrance. Once in, he looked up from under his cap to see that the entrance hall was almost a building by itself that, whether intentional or not, became a museum for all onlookers to gawk at.

It was filled with replicas of transformation staffs, weapons, attack holograms, life size statues of each of them and even a recount of why Usagi was the Queen. It almost seemed to read like a resume and Seiya had to roll his eyes at that one. He knew Usagi herself wouldn't have put this all up, probably a grateful subject turned stalker; but by the looks of the others who were visiting, it seemed to bring some joy.

He pressed the button to one of her holograms and watched the screen come to life.

The battle with Galactia.

He grimaced at the memories but continued watching anyway. That is, until a guard walked up to him,

"She sure is something, isn't she?"

Seiya looked down and with a hint of somberness, replied with a quiet, "yes."

The guard watched for a moment longer and recognized Seiya once he appeared on the screen, "Oh my God - is that you!? Are you a Senshi!?"

Seiya grew more nervous and tried to smile, "Uh - yes?"

"Which one?"

Seiya stood tall and proud, feeling a little more comfortable, "Sailor Star Fighter."

After an extended pause the guard asked, "Who?"

Crushed, Seiya waved him off, "Never mind. Can someone show me to my room?"

- - - -

After knocking on the door twice, Minako and Artemis almost stumbled their way in. Minako and Artemis had not seen each other in years but that didn't seem to stop them from reversing right back into their mischievous roles again. Of course Artemis still tried to be the voice of reason,

"Maybe she wants to be alone."

Minako made her way towards the other end of the suite to reach the actual door that led to Usagi's private chambers, "She's been alone long enough."

Artemis couldn't say anything to that and looked on as she walked in, closing the door behind her.

- - - -

Usagi only heard the faint click of her door and bolted up, "Who's there?!"

Minako walked past the canopy curtains to reveal herself and smiled down at her, "It's just me."

Usagi moved aside a little bit and Minako sat down beside her, "You don't seem like you're doing too good."

Usagi had to actually look at Minako and when she did, Minako was ready to cry herself. Usagi's cheeks were flushed, her eyes looked puffy and her lips quivered as she tried to compose herself. Minako patted her lap and Usagi almost reluctantly laid her head in it, "Are you going to try and tell me, too - that everything will be okay?"

Minako gently stroked Usagi's hair and leaned over to see her face once again, "I'm here to be a friend; and I know that that is the only comfort I can give you."

Usagi began to whimper softly and Minako didn't interrupt her.

- - - -

Seiya was being shown to his room by a guard when he turned around and asked,

"Thank you very much. When is the next available appointment so I can personally congratulate Princess Serenity?"

The guard shifted his shoulders and replied, "To be honest I have no idea. If you want to I can send a page here first thing in the morning to arrange that for you."

Seiya nodded and the guard left.

Now he was alone. In the palace where she was. Having to wait another night to see her. But heck, if he waited 25 years, he could wait one more night, right?

It's not like he have to see to her.

He decided to look around this suite of a room before going to bed; it had been a long journey after all, and he was tired. He made his way towards the large balcony with its circular opening. The stars were shining brightly against the crystal walls of the palace. He had no idea how beautiful it was. Seiya had always heard rumors, but those rumors didn't hold a candle to this flame. He leaned over and saw that he was only on the third story. But the thing he noticed more was the balcony beneath his, far larger than his and it was covered in red rose bushes. He leaned over more, and got the distinct smell of it in his face.

Then he heard it, her voice, aching and crying out in pain.

He didn't know what she was saying but from the tone of her cracked voice she could tell it was upsetting her. Seiya leaned over more to see if he could hear it better when he felt the sudden rush of wind slapping against him and realized he was falling straight into the rose bushes beneath him.

- - - -

A loud thud crashed just outside Usagi's room and both women bolted up. They heard the rustle of Usagi's rose garden next, quickly fallowed by a familiar cry - a man's cry; Seiya's cry. The woman ran towards the balcony and saw him slowly getting up, his back to them.

Usagi blushed as her eyes snuck a peek before she could stop them. She saw his muscular back, his small waist, his round- . . .

"Seiya-kun?," she shook herself out of it.

He turned quickly, a thorn noticeably stuck in his side. She winced for him and didn't even notice his taken aback stare.

Minako knew just what to do, "Usagi I'll go get a first aid kit!"

Before Usagi could even protest, Minako ran off, only stopping long enough to reach for a very confused Artemis who had waited so long, he had fallen asleep.

"Hello Usagi-chan," was all he could muster.

He stepped further out of the rose bushes and further into her bedroom. She didn't even try to stop herself this time and walked towards him. He tensed at the possibility of what could happen, until he realized what was happening, happening quite painfully actually.

A small yelp escaped his lips and he rubbed his side gently. Usagi held the thorn in her hand and kept her gaze downward, staring at the unbelievable two inch long length of it. It was only then that Seiya trusted himself enough to look at her, when her eyes wouldn't be looking back at him, sucking him into a place he refused to go back to. She hadn't changed much - her long blonde hair, her slim figure. Only her eyes had changed; they had dimmed with barely a sparkle left. But they still carried enough of a flicker that could attract him - like a moth to a flame,

"I'm sorry for the intrusion."

He couldn't, he wouldn't let himself.

When Usagi remembered what she was doing not even ten minutes before, she quickly wiped her tear stained face and turned only slightly to reply, "Seiya - this is a surprise."

Seiya, gripped his side to make sure he didn't bolt up to quickly and stammered, "Wait a minute. You had no idea I was coming?"

Usagi finally looked at him and blushed, but Seiya didn't notice since her cheeks were so flushed to begin with. She had tried so long ago to forget any and all memories of him; and had pretty much succeeded until just then, when they managed to flood right back. He looked a little older but not by much - the rejuvenation powers of the silver crystal must even reach out to his planet, "No, I had no idea."

Seiya took a moment for his confusion to settle in and even tried to blink away the thoughts about her that tried to return to him. He told himself so many things, so many times over the past years; that he wouldn't allow himself to react to anything now. He had caught a glance of her though, and his body was still in overdrive. Shaking his head a little he finally responded, "I got an invitation."

"To what?"

Seiya almost smiled. Could she just not believe that he would have even been considered on the guest list?

"To your daughter's wedding."

Usagi took a step back, "What?"

Seiya looked down a little in a mix of embarrassment and hurt at her bluntness. Usagi leaned against the end of her bed frame and shook her head, "I'm sorry. I'm being rude. You just fell into my rose bushes and I'm sitting here making you feel bad for coming."

Usagi's head shot up, "Wait a minute, just how did you land in my garden in the first place?"

Seiya leaned to the side a little bit to get more comfortable, "I'm staying in a room directly above yours. I was just checking out the view when I heard you crying and I leaned over the edge to see if it was really you and I guess I was leaning to far because the next thing I know I have a two inch long thorn stuck in my side-," Seiya smiled, "- which reminds me; it's been a while since Minako left. You think she's coming back?"

The image of Minako telling the others that Seiya, of all people, was in her bedroom; manifested itself for both of them and they both replied with a "nah!," shaking their heads.

Usagi tried to contain herself, but couldn't help but laugh, "You know it's been a long time since I've had all you guys together and it just reminds me of the good old days - filled with all these random adventures."

"Hey, if you're trying to imply that I'm old - speak for yourself. And besides; being mutilated by botanical objects is not my idea of an adventure, unless you're into that masochistic sorta thing," Seiya smiled back down at her. The memory came to back to both of them where Usagi had asked him if he was masochist and he told her yes. Suddenly the room got filled with so much thick air, they could have cut it with a knife.

Why does this sorta thing always happen to me?

The silence reached across the room.

To the door.

Which was cracked open a bit.

Where Chibi-Usa frowned in a mix of hurt and anger grasping the first aid kit.

End of Chapter. 1