Travel
Once they were boarded, with Seiya at the helm, the ship lifted off and they were on their way. Kiyoko got their things put away. She and Seiya had only brought one suitcase. Kiyoko had lots of things still on Earth. Endo and Ruka both had a suitcase of their own. She'd had the second set of sleeping quarters set up with two twin beds for Ruka and Endo. The two children were out in the common area. Ruka was playing with a celestial simulator she was in love with. Endo was reading a very thick book about dragons. Kiyoko was happy that her children were so gifted. She was truly blessed.
Seeing her children completely occupied, Kiyoko slipped up to the cockpit. As she approached Seiya from behind she knew Seiya would sense her, but it was fun to pretend she could surprise her. She wrapped her arms around Seiya and kissed her cheek, "I love you."
Seiya replied, "I love you too Kiyo-chan. What are the children up to?" There was a sly grin on her face. She was up to no good. Kiyoko just knew it. But she answered anyway, "Ruka is playing and Endo is reading." This seemed to please Seiya. She turned her head slightly, "So they're completely occupied?" Kiyoko nodded, knowing where this was going.
Seiya flipped on the autopilot and stood up, pulling Kiyoko close and pressing her lips to Kiyoko's, gently at first but deepening the intensity as they kissed. Kiyoko responded to the passion she felt in her partner and returned the intensity of the kiss, twisting her fingers in Seiya's hair and wrapping her leg around Seiya. After a few moments Kiyoko broke away, very reluctantly. Her breath was ragged, "The things you do to me! But I want to get back to the children. Although, I think the autopilot can handle things tonight." She winked. As she walked away she saw Seiya's hungry eyes and was certain she agreed.
When she left the cockpit she went to the kitchen. Ruka jumped up from her simulator and ran to her mother's side, "What are you doing mamma?" She almost bounced in place. So rambunctious, Kiyoko thought to herself. She patted Ruka on the head, "I'm going to make us all something to eat." Ruka seemed surprised, which made Kiyoko laugh, "You've never seen me cook, have you?"
Ruka shook her head, "Nope! You always say it's an important skill and that we'll have to learn, but I've never seen you do it." This gave Ruka an idea, "May I help?" She was mischievous like everyone said, but she really liked new experiences. She was incredibly excited to visit Earth. She looked over her shoulder at her brother, his nose firmly planted in his book. She used the big booming voice she knew was required to get his attention at times like this, "Endo! Do you want to help mamma too?"
Endo could never ignore Ruka when she raised her voice like that. He knew that if he did, she'd just come jump in his lap. Besides, he enjoyed doing things with his mother. Their psychic abilities made learning new things easier. His abilities were nowhere near hers, but he could get a sense of what she was doing without a lot of explaining. He closed his book and stood up, "Of course I'd like to help. Is that alright mother?"
Kiyoko nodded, pondering the great differences in her twins. It always amazed her. And so they set about preparing the meal. They were making a stew that was common on Estara. It consisted of potatoes, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, and meat that would be comparable to beef on Earth. Of course Endo took to it naturally. Ruka had a bit more difficulty. She seemed frustrated. Kiyoko put a hand on her daughter's shoulder, "No one is naturally good at everything. Not even your brother, remember how much better you are at archery?" This seemed to cheer Ruka up.
The three of them sat down and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. Kiyoko delighted in this quiet and simple moment. She didn't get to experience them often as Queen. She'd made sure to establish the ruling council, but they often requested her presence whenever they met. She'd also spent a great deal of time over the years building a temple to the Silver Millennium. Kiyoko didn't expect anyone else to follow her spiritually, but she felt it was important to have this connection to Earth nonetheless.
After they'd finished Ruka and Endo helped her clean up. Then Kiyoko took a bowl of the soup to Seiya in the cockpit. She was very happy when the smell wafted through the air. She flipped the autopilot and turned in her chair, "I would've eaten with you and the children Kiyoko." Kiyoko handed her the bowl and smiled, "But don't you want to save that autopilot time for later?" Seiya smirked back at her love, "Very good point my Queen. But we'll have breakfast together." Kiyoko caressed her cheek, "That sounds like an excellent idea my dear Starfighter."
Kiyoko returned to the children and started their lessons. She tried to honor the upbringing she'd experienced, but with a bit more freedom. They worked on things ranging from reading skill to astronomy to magical training. Afterward Kiyoko told Ruka and Endo it was time to get ready for bed. After showers, teeth brushing, and pajamas the twins were tucked into their beds. Kiyoko read them a story and then began singing their favorite lullaby. Even at nine years old they insisted they couldn't sleep without a song from her. It was a soft song about a star that worshipped the moon. They couldn't resist the soothing sound of their mother's voice and were soon fast asleep. She kissed each one on their forehead and went to her own sleeping quarters.
Her beloved was waiting inside and soon they were wrapped up in each other as they had been nearly every night for the last ten years. Once they'd settled into cuddling together Kiyoko voiced thoughts she knew Seiya was already aware of, "It's been ten years…. And what if they don't like Ruka and Endo?" Seiya lay there, running her fingers in trails up and down Kiyoko's hip, "You worry too much my love. The only one who may face their wrath is me, if they blame me like Haruka still does. And don't look at me that way, she does." She kissed Kiyoko's forehead and said, "As far as Ruka and Endo are concerned… No one can resist them. They'll soon have even more people who love them as fiercely as Taiki and Yaten."
Seiya had this ability to sooth Kiyoko that reminded her of Helios and her sister Serenity. Perhaps this was simply what love was. She fell asleep secure and peaceful and woke to her two children jumping up and down on the end of the bed chanting in unison, "Mamma and Papa, WAKE UP!" As annoying as it might be, Kiyoko couldn't help but be pleased. Ruka was so good at bringing the child out in Endo. His serious nature often worried Kiyoko.
And so they all got up and had breakfast together. Once things were cleaned up Seiya had to return to the helm and make sure they made it to Earth, which she believed they'd make not long after sunrise tomorrow. Kiyoko sat down with Ruka and Endo and began telling them more stories of Earth and its wonderful group of Senshi. Ruka was particularly interested in learning more about Sailor Uranus and Neptune. Endo listened in silence.
Later as they were working on their lessons for the day, Kiyoko decided to ask Endo about what she'd sensed in him earlier, "Are you nervous my young prince?" She sensed some annoyance wash over him and she laughed, "You're not the first to be annoyed by my intuitive powers. It drives most people crazy, especially Yaten." This made her son smile, he'd always liked Yaten a lot.
He looked at his books as he answered his mother's question, "These people were your family for 200 years. But will they accept us?" He felt an image of his grandmother, who loved them very much and doted on them every time she visited, flash in his mind. He looked up at his mother now, "I know grandmother loves us. But will the others?"
Kiyoko sighed, her little boy certainly had an old soul. He'd always seemed older than he was. She hoped he wasn't missing out on being young, but then again she'd always felt like he had a great future ahead of him too. She tried to reassure him, but she knew he was aware of her anxiety too. That night she read the twins an extra bedtime story and promised them a great adventure come morning. Ruka looked enthusiastic and Endo anxious. Kiyoko went to bed a mixture of both. Seiya slept with her only half the night so that she could be sure the landing went smoothly in the morning.