Helios

Before Serenity could respond she and Kiyoko were joined by an unwanted, but not unexpected presence. Minako came skipping up to them and hugged Kiyoko tightly, "Kiyo-chan! I've been waiting for you! We have so much to do!" As she released Kiyoko she looked between the two sisters and was confused, "Am I interrupting something?"

Serenity didn't say anything. Kiyoko wondered if she were still speechless or simply refusing. Nonetheless, it left Kiyoko no choice but to answer Minako, "We were discussing the wedding, mostly." Her sister shot her a look at that, but didn't contradict her. Minako's eyes lit up and Kiyoko had to do something, "Don't worry. I'm sure you and I will have plenty of time. But could Serenity and I have some time please?" She tried to look as sweet as she could.

Minako appeared a bit disappointed, but simply said, "Of course. You're right. I will see you soon. Excuse me." Her gate as she retreated was much sadder than the skip she'd approached them with, but Kiyoko had to hear Serenity's response.

As soon as Minako was out of earshot Serenity looked at Kiyoko very seriously, "What are you talking about Kiyoko? This is about the Shitenou, isn't it! What on Earth can we do for them? They were lost in the 20th century and never reincarnated."

Kiyoko was a little taken back by her sister's words. She pushed forward regardless, "Yes, it is about the Shitenou. Yes, they were lost in the 20th century. But father believed we could help them. There is a spell that could resurrect them. The stones on his sarcophagus hold their star seeds, at least according to his letter."

Watching further shock show on Serenity's face was difficult for Kiyoko. She knew that their father had shared more with her from this realm of magic than he'd shared with Chibi-Usa, Serenity. It took a moment to gather herself, but Serenity did respond, "So, what exactly are you asking of me Kiyoko? This sort of magic is your realm, not mine."

This was where things could go south as Kiyoko appealed to her sister, the overprotective leader of Earth. She exhaled deeply, "According to father's letter and the spell itself it requires the power of both the golden and silver crystals."

Serenity turned away from her sister and began pacing a small path, thinking. After about five minutes of this she finally looked Kiyoko in the eye, "This is bigger than you and I. We will have to speak with the others. I do not wish to endanger either of our worlds, but neither do I wish to leave those poor souls trapped forever. First we will discuss it with Helios. What did Seiya say?"

This is where things would get dicey, Kiyoko turned her eyes to the ground, "Well, I didn't discuss it with Seiya. I knew she'd object, so I decided to come straight to you." She chewed on her lip and hoped her sister would understand.

Serenity replied, "Of course you didn't tell her…. You always try to take the most difficult things on without consulting the people they affect most until the very last minute!" She stopped and took a deep breath, "We'll present it to Helios and the Senshi. But even if they all agree to it, I will NOT do it until you've spoken to Seiya. She has the right to know." Kiyoko nodded, not sure if she could really tell Seiya. And so the two of them went to see Helios, who was in the Temple of the Silver Millennium, unsurprisingly.

Serenity and Kiyoko had walked to the temple in silence. Kiyoko was tempted to peek into her sister's mind, but didn't. That wouldn't help her cause. When they entered they found Helios tending the roses that hung from the ceiling. Kiyoko found this odd, since usually Makoto tended them. She called it her duty, just as much as anything else. Helios smiled when he saw the two Queens enter, but his expression changed when he took the two of them in.

Helios bowed to them and inquired, "What is going on ladies? You both look very serious." He approached them and put one arm around Serenity. It made Kiyoko feel very alone for a moment.

Serenity looked at her sister, obviously expecting her to explain this risky idea to Helios. So Kiyoko took a deep breath, "When I went back to Estara I discovered that our father had sealed a letter in one of its pages. This letter requests that Serenity and I work together to resurrect the Shitenou. According to the letter, their star seeds are sealed in the stones that are encrusted in the top of his sarcophagus."

Helios stood silently for a few minutes and then looked Kiyoko in the eye, "The energy required for such a spell would be enormous." He squeezed Serenity just hair tighter.

Kiyoko nodded, "That is correct my dear brother. It would require the power of both the silver and golden Crystals, and even then it would be risky." She looked at both of them, trying not to make them feel guilty, but express how strongly she believed in this at the same time.

Serenity remained silent and Kiyoko wasn't sure what to make of this. Helios seemed lost in thought and didn't see anything for a long time either. At last he spoke, "I want to help them. I remember them from the original Silver Millennium. However, I am not sure I am comfortable with the risks. We should convene the Senshi and ask them for their thoughts. This is a very big decision and should include them." Kiyoko nodded in agreement, knowing that Serenity and Helios were right about that, even if she had already decided within her heart.

However, Serenity looked at Kiyoko and was fuming, "So…. Aren't you leaving something out Kiyoko? Why don't you tell my beloved husband what your fiancée said about all of this." Kiyoko looked guilty and turned her eyes to the floor.

"You haven't told her, have you?" Helios exhaled, "Of course you haven't. Some things never change. But your life has changed Kiyoko. You have a partner, two children, and an entire planet to consider when making decisions." His voice was firm, but his eyes were sympathetic. He knew how private Kiyoko had always been. This was like the untethering all over again. She had refused to even discuss the matter with Serenity, despite knowing it was possible, until she was forced to by circumstances.

Kiyoko tried to keep her composure, but one tear managed to escape, "I know Helios. Trust me, I feel the weight of it each day. But you know me, when I believe in something I do so with my whole heart. It's simply not in me to do otherwise."

Helios nodded, still hugging Serenity, "That's true. Serenity my love, let's begin with the Senshi. But ultimately it is the two of you who must decide. I cannot speak for Seiya, but I will stand by whatever decision you make."

Serenity sighed, "Sometimes your diplomacy infuriates me my love. But you are correct. We will have to discuss this with all of the Senshi. I will have word sent for them to meet us in the temple courtyard. It's only fitting we discuss something like this there." With that statement she left, not saying a word to Kiyoko.

Once the temple doors closed Kiyoko could no longer hold her regal poise. She dropped to her knees and cried like she hadn't cried in such a long time. Helios bent down and hugged her to him, feeling sympathy for his strong-willed and compassionate sister-in-law. He whispered, "She is only angry because she loves you." Kiyoko didn't say anything and the two of them sat there on the floor until Kiyoko could contain herself again. She thanked Helios and returned to her quarters to prepare for what would be one of the most difficult conversations she'd ever had. It felt like she'd gone back ten years and was preparing to propose the untethering of the golden crystal all over.