Author's Note: Hello Fanfiction universe! Especially to all the Moonies out there! Meredy here and this is my first time making a Sailor Moon fanfiction! To make it clear, I am not a hardcore Moonie. I have only watched Queen Beryl's arc and the Stars arc. However, I know all of the main soldiers and have an idea on their background and who they are. So anyway, I hope you will support this new fanfiction series of mine! I really did my best to bring out the essence of the characters and basically tried to give you all a nice beginning for this series. Fingers crossed that I didn't go out of character? hehe!

All of you might have noticed that I did not use the Starlight's civilian names, just a quick note. The Sailor Starlights and their civilian selves do not hold the same feelings, this also applies to all the sailor senshi involved in this fanfiction. By that, I mean their feelings as their civilian selves are not the same to the feelings when their transform into soldiers. I know it's a bit confusing, but don't worry, it will be easier to understand once I explain it in the story! I hope you all like the first chapter! Reviews, Follows and Shares are very much appreciated!


Chapter 1

Intertwined Lights

"Taking me high up where I've never been before"

It was surprising that three years can easily come and go. It felt only yesterday that the sailor soldiers were facing Chaos and were putting their lives on the line to protect their last hope; Sailor Moon. One soldier in particular couldn't get Sailor Moon out of her mind. Odango. It had been quite a while since Sailor Star Fighter, better known as Seiya, had the chance to see her adored dumpling face to face. She could never forget the day they said their goodbyes. The way Usagi had looked at her, how she smiled so warmly as she bid them farewell. I miss you, odango. Whose feelings were really in play? Was it Seiya Kou, or was it Star Fighter? She had a hard time figuring it out herself. At first she had believed these feelings only came because she carried the heart of a man when she was "Seiya". But it seemed that Sailor Moon drew not only Seiya to her light, but even the soldier that hid behind him. Fighter leaned against the balcony's edge, gazing at the stars that lightened the galaxy. With the time that had passed, Kinmoku was rebuilt and the civilization on the planet was restored. Through the leadership of their princess, Kakyuu and with the assistance of Sailor Galaxia, Kinmoku had returned to its former glory. Everything was back to normal. Everything was back to the way it was supposed to be. But the people were no longer who they were before.

Fighter closed her eyes, letting out a wary sigh. She took out a pink envelope that was covered with hearts and rabbits. She opened it, pulling out a letter that read:

Dear Seiya,

How are you? Is Kinmoku doing alright? How's everyone there? Life on Earth is still the same as always. Did you know, we're going to college already! Everyone's all set with their careers. Especially Ami-chan! She wants to become a doctor, so she's really working hard right now. I bet you're going to ask what I'm taking right? Well, I haven't exactly decided yet...

A light chuckle escaped Fighter's lips as she saw the poorly drawn emoticon at the end of the sentence. "You haven't changed at all, haven't you odango?" She continued reading the letter. Reading all about what had recently happened to Usagi and her friends these past few weeks. What probably made Usagi's letters amusing was that she never let the tiniest details out. However, no one knew that Seiya and Usagi had been keeping contact until now. It was their own little secret. One they chose not to disclose to their companions. But Maker and Healer, even Kakyuu, knew about Fighter's affections towards the moon princess. Though they didn't know how deep those feelings had gone. There was always one part in the letter that Fighter couldn't stop rereading over and over. It tugged her heart quite often and the words wouldn't leave her mind even as she slept.

Hey, Seiya... I'm sorry for being insensitive when you left. Minako-chan and Rei-chan scolded me really harshly because of what I said to you. I didn't realize there was a meaning to what I said.

An emoticon was drawn next to the period, a weeping emoticon.

But you know, about what you said to me before... about being good enough... I think you will always be good enough. So... I hope we can see each other again soon, okay? I miss you... Seiya.

-Tsukino Usagi

The Starlight held the letter close to her lips, closing her eyes as she quietly absorbed Usagi's last few words. We will see each other again. It's a promise, odango.

"Fighter, there you are!" said a familiar voice.

Fighter perked up, immediately stuffing the letter back to its envelope. She turned around, her eyes fixed on the two figures that began to approach her.

"Maker! Healer!" she called back, meeting them halfway through the hall.

"We've been looking for you! The Princess wants to see us." Healer said, a little annoyance mixed in her tone. Fighter always had the habit of disappearing from their sight and it didn't seem to change even after they came back to Kinmoku. Something that she and Healer had always fought about.

"See us? What's the matter?" Fighter asked, diverting her attention to Maker who smoothly answered her question.

"We don't know either. She told us to come find you and meet her in the throne room."

Without further delays, Fighter nodded and the trio made their way to see their beloved princess. The throne room was particularly simple, a wide hall with a single throne placed at the middle. Simple decorations of gold and red were displayed around the premises, but the center remained bare from any embellishments. Upon feeling their presence, Kakyuu rose from her seat and greeted her warriors with a smile. The Starlights kneeled before their princess, bowing their heads as they acknowledged her.

"You called for us, princess?" Maker asked, the trio looking up to the maiden.

"Yes I did. Please rise, all of you." And so they did.

The princess clasped her hands together, her smile becoming warmer as if it was implying good news.

"You look pleased, princess. Did something good happen?"

Kakyuu happily nodded. "It has been three years since we've seen our friends from Earth." She began, immediately taking Fighter's attention. "Do any of you miss that planet?"

There was a brief pause, the Starlights looked at each, unsure on what to say. They did not expect their princess to ask such a question. It had been quite a while since they heard the word "earth" being brought up to a conversation. It brought a wave of mixed emotions to the Starlights. Taking a deep breath, it was Fighter who spoke first as she stepped forward.

"I will admit, I do miss being an idol." she said, looking back at her companions who exchanged nods before they responded.

"The same for me. The people there are annoying, but I do miss the liveliness of their world." Healer added as she took a step.

"I too, miss the place. I was very fond of the amount of support they had given us during our career." Maker finished, aligning herself with the rest of them.

"Why the sudden question, princess?" Fighter couldn't help but feel a small amount of excitement fill her veins. Was it time? Will she see her odango again?

Kakyuu gazed at Maker, then to Healer and lastly to Fighter. "Well, I've planned this for a while now. Why not go visit Earth?" she suggested, her smile unwavering. "I'm very sure everyone there misses you all."

Fighter's heartbeat quickened as the Starlights looked at their princess wide-eyed. She was excited, she was more than willing to go, she would leave for Earth now if it was possible. I can see her... was the thought that lurked in her mind as she heard her princess' words.

"But princess! Who will protect you?" Maker retorted, breaking Fighter from her thoughts.

"Exactly! How can we leave you here unprotected?" Healer added.

They're right. Fighter had a responsibility not only to her planet, but also to her princess. She was a soldier. How could she forget that?

She kept silent as they waited for Kakyuu respond and to their surprise, the maiden laughed.

"What's so funny, princess?" Fighter asked, confusion entering the minds of the Starlights.

"I knew you would all say that. That's why I had planned the trip very carefully." Kakyuu giggled, walking toward her three most trusted soldiers.

"Please do not worry about me. I have talked with Galaxia regarding this and she has agreed to give her protection to both me and Kinmoku." She explained, looking at the worried faces of the sailors.

"I promise you, I will be alright. You all have done so much for me and for Kinmoku, I believe it's time we return the favour."

"But princess! Even with Galaxia-sama's assistance, we can never be too sure if she can keep you safe. Who knows what underlying evil will approach us in the future!" Maker pleaded. She had always been the one with a strong sense of responsibility. In fact, she was the most passionate amongst the Starlights. There were no excuses when it involved her duties as a soldier.

"Please, listen." Kakyuu took hold of Maker's hand, holding it warmly in hers. "I understand your concerns. But for once, why not reward yourselves with your own happiness?"

Kakyuu's statement took them aback, rendering the trio speechless. "Our own happiness..." Fighter echoed beneath her breath. When was the last time they had done something for themselves? This has left them to ponder, to think about all the years that have come and gone. The Starlights had always fulfilled their missions, had always thought about the well-being of their princess and their home. But along the way, it seemed they had forgotten to fulfil one mission. A mission for themselves.

"Fighter, Healer, Maker." Kakyuu said softly, "Please. Consider this offer. For all the years of service you have surrendered to me and Kinmoku. Even just for this lifetime, follow where you heart is leading you to go."

The trio looked at each other, still finding it hard to find the right words to say.

"I'll give you time to consider my offer. I understand that this is something that needs time to take in. Why don't you three talk about it for now and you can come see me when you're ready with your answer. How does that sound?" Kakyuu let Maker's hand go, stepping back as she motioned to leave.

"We appreciate it, princess." Maker thanked, the Starlights lightly bowing their heads as Kakyuu began to walk away.

The trio made their way to Fighter's room, sitting on the round couch covered in black leather. They sat in silence for a while, trying to absorb what Kakyuu had said to them. Maker could see the distress their eyes, which made her opted to talk first.

"What do you think we should do?" she asked, looking at her two companions.

Fighter closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh before she opened them again. "I don't know. I want to go, but I don't want to leave our princess either." She replied, slumping against the couch. There were many things that filled her mind, conflicting thoughts that made her confused on what to do.

"Can't the princess just come with us to Earth?" Healer suggested.

"She can't do that. Kinmoku will be left without its princess again; no one will be here to lead the people." The brunette explained, making Healer cross her arms as she grunted.

"Why did the princess have to bring this up?"

The three fell silent once more, conflicted on their duties as soldiers and their personal feelings as their human counterparts. What were they supposed to do? They knew that each choice had a consequence, but which among them had a lighter punishment? Happiness awaits them on Earth, but they are bounded by duty. A duty they cannot easily take for granted. These thoughts made Fighter frustrated. What we want is so close, but there's always something getting in the way.

She gazed at the ceiling, staring at the chandelier that hanged above them. "Do you think princess is... trying to help us?" Fighter suddenly said, gaining Healer and Maker's attention.

"Help us? With what, Fighter?" Maker inquired.

"With our happiness."

"Are you saying we should go to Earth and abandon her?" Healer snapped which irritated Fighter.

"I didn't say that! I just think maybe she wants us to decide something for ourselves." She snapped back, crossing her arms as her brows furrowed.

"You're just saying that because you want to see that Usagi girl."

Healer was testing Fighter's patience, and she didn't like it one bit. Again with that! She mentally yelled, her irritation slowly becoming anger.

"Don't bring odango into this. It has nothing to do with her!" Fighter boomed, her uproar surprising Maker.

"It does have something to do with her! Look at how you're acting right now!"

Maker rubbed her temples as she gave an exasperated sigh. "Both of you-" Just as she was about to bring a stop to the two's little bicker fest, she was cut off by Fighter's comeback.

"Look who's talking! As if you wouldn't do the same to see Minako-chan again."

Maker turned her attention to their silver-haired companion, who stared at Fighter with widened eyes as she was unable to answer back. A triumphant smile was on Fighter's face as she leaned back on her seat, knowing that she had hit the mark with her comeback.

"Healer, is that true?" the brunette inquired.

A soft blush crept on her companion's face as Healer looked away. "Shut up."

"See? Admit it. You want to go back to Earth just as much as I do." Fighter gloated.

"My, my. It seems that both of you are blinded by your desires." Maker commented, which made Healer snap her head back at her.

"Don't act like you don't have a thing with that Usagi girl's friend. I've seen you two together a lot of times!"

It was Maker's turn to blush, which surprised not only Fighter but even Healer as well. "It was supposed to be a joke... Maker... you like her?" Healer said, dumbfounded with the new revelation.

"It's not what you think! I'm merely fond of her." She coughed, bringing a wave of silence amongst them. They looked at each other, bursting into laughter as they realized their feelings.

"Look at us, fighting over things like these." Maker giggled, looking back at her comrades.

"Earth has changed us a lot."

The trio looked at each other and silently smiled. It was indeed true, but it wasn't the planet that had changed them, it was the people in it. They could remember the day they had landed on Earth, the only thing in their mind was to find their Princess, and that was it. They didn't care for the people around them, they only thought about their goal. The Starlights didn't sing for their fans, but sang only for their Princess. But that soon changed on the day Fighter had crossed paths with Sailor Moon. From that day onwards, the Starlights faced many trials and began to change slowly. From their mindsets and personal beliefs, the people they met on Earth had left the biggest impact unto their lives.

Maker stood from her seat, taking Healer and Fighter's attention. "I'm going back to my room. I want to think this offer through."

Healer also stood as she heard Maker's decision. "Me too. I think we should figure out our decision on our own. Without each other butting in."

Fighter got up, showing her two companions out. "Yeah. I'll be doing the same." She agreed, opening the door for them.

"This is goodnight then, Fighter." Maker said, giving a small smile. She and Healer motioned to leave when Fighter suddenly spoke out.

"Hey. I hope all of us will come to an agreement on what to do. But, I really want to go back to Earth. That's how I feel."

"Let's meet the princess two nights from now. By then, I'm sure all of us will come to a decision." Maker suggested, to which both Healer and Fighter agreed. As the two finally left, Fighter closed the door behind her and went to lie down on her bed. She had taken her accessories off, leaving only her top and bottom on as she hugged unto one of her pillows. She faced the window door, gazing at the stars that twinkled along their skies. Seiya!

The image of Usagi haunted Fighter, making her turn to the other side. Odango. She has never forgotten what she had promised the moon princess, and that was to remember her in all her days. Her long golden hair that was twirled into the cute signature buns, the expressive blue eyes that made Fighter feel that she could see right through her in any given moment. Why would she forget? How could she forget? The sailor soldier closed her eyes, reminiscing her times with Usagi as Seiya.

The times Usagi had scolded her, cried for her, smiled for her, they were tiny pieces of an unforgettable memory. She remembered the time they had encountered Sailor Iron Mouse, where she had pulled Usagi close to her as the lights went out. All she wanted to do was to protect her, keep her close and away from any danger. The warmth she exuded still lingered within Fighter, even after the amount of years that had passed. It lingered in her veins, in her heart.

"I want to see you so badly, odango." Fighter hugged the pillow tighter, quietly falling into a peaceful sleep.

In the quarters of the other two soldiers, they too were restless. Maker was sitting on her favourite chair with a book in hand. It was actually a book that Ami had lent her when she was learning about astronomy. As she gazed upon the words, she could silently hear Ami's voice dictating each word. As if she was there, telling her all about the subject. Maker closed the book as she sighed, leaning back on her chair gazing at the ceiling. "What a mess. What have you done to me, Mizuno-san?"

It wasn't like she was expecting an answer. But she knew that over the short period of time they had together, she had grown fond of Ami. She was one of the only people who could keep up with her intellect, and even outsmart her at some point. The memory of their first fight began to replay in Maker's mind. She remembered it well, when she had given the blue-haired darling the cold shoulder when their opinions regarding love and science were clashing. She did ask herself, why did she save Ami that day? The irony of it all, she didn't quite understand either. For someone so smart, Maker felt completely naive over her own feelings.

Another sigh escaped her lips as she got up from the chair, leaving the book on the small table next to it. She prepared herself for bed, looking outside her window before slipping unto the covers. I wonder if you seek my presence as well, Mizuno-san.

Healer was sprawled on her bed, her hair spreading across the mattress as she stared at the ceiling. She let out a frustrated grunt. "It's all your fault, Minako." She complained, twisting and turning on her bed as she took hold of one of her pillows. "Why am I so worked up over that idiot?"

Why was she? She and Minako had shared a few good moments and a few bad ones as well. But it has never crossed to her mind that the diva could leave an impression on her. Minako was noisy and incredibly nosy with their affairs during their arrival. Healer remembered the many times Minako had tried to ask her out on dates but only got rejected each time. She's pushy, noisy and annoying. Healer told herself, hugging the pillow as she laid flat on her back. But she's also passionate, radiant and strong. The day Minako had impressed her during her audition to become an idol, Healer could not forget the look in Minako's eyes. She may seem to be an airhead, but the girl had a lot of determination which became her strength and made her shine in the audition. "Ugh!" Healer plopped the pillow on her head, becoming more confused and frustrated with herself. What's wrong with me? She took the pillow off her face and placed it to her side as she turned over to the left. She had closed her eyes and tried to keep the worrying thoughts out as she attempted to get a good night's sleep. There were a lot of things to take in.

The days had come and gone and the Starlights had call to meet Kakyuu in the throne room. They had secluded themselves from one another for the past three days, thinking and considering which option they should take. In fact, the past three days felt like the longest three days the trio had experienced. But now, it was time. They could only hope that what they decided on, was the right decision to choose. The three of them stood before the princess, giving a light bow as she greeted them.

"Have you all come up with a decision?" Kakyuu asked, gazing at her Starlights.

"We've thought about it carefully, princess." Maker began. "We had talked about our final decision yesterday and we believe this is for the best."

Kakyuu nodded as Healer stepped in to speak. "We take our role as your protectors seriously, princess. There is nothing more important to us than keeping you and Kinmoku safe. Our duties as your soldiers has always been our priority."

The princess closed her eyes briefly; she could tell what decision they had chosen. She wasn't sure yet, but she knew it was leaning to what she assumes it to be. Finally, Fighter stepped forward. She gazed upon Kakyuu directly in the eye as she spoke.

"We've decided, princess."