I thank December Silentvale for helping me.

It was a brand new day in the Juban shopping district, as Rei, Ayame, and Jing were shopping. After leaving Tuxedo Mask back at the mall, Ayame had hurried back to Rei's to deliver the plum juice as requested and had went home. Now Rei was feeling loads better and asked Ayame to join her shopping. It came as a surprise to Ayame but gladly accepted. She did want to have time to bond with Rei. She also asked if Jing could come along since she admired Rei. Luckily, Rei agreed and Ayame was on the hunt not for monsters, but some good deals.

"Hey, Rei. Why did you ask me to come with you instead of Ami and Usagi?" Ayame asked.

"If I brought along that crybaby, then I wouldn't get anything done. She'll just complain about it being too early or hungry. Usagi already has a bathing suit. Ami has cram school today, so she's busy. I wanted to hang out with you. I realize you're different from Usagi and I shouldn't have treated you like a did. I want a fresh start and going shopping with you seemed like a good idea." Rei answered.

Ayame smiled. She knew Rei wasn't one to apologize so this was the closest she would get to one. "It's okay, Rei. I'm glad you invited me and allowed Jing to come too."

"I'm really glad too." Jing pipped up as she moved aside clothes to look at them between the racks.

Jing wore sleeveless printed blue and white summer dress with a O-neck neckline along with brown sandals. Ayame meanwhile wore a tie-die shirt, a pair of blue jeans and some tan flats. Rei had a more tomboy look with ripped shorts and a yellow tank top and red sandals.

"By the way, why the sudden rush for a swimsuit? If you don't mind me asking." Jing said.

"Usagi, Ami, and I are going on a weekend getaway and do some bonding at this pension I picked for us. I need a new swimsuit since my old one needs to be replaced." Rei answered as she stopped to look at a swim suit for a moment before putting it back.

Ayame stopped what she was doing at this information. Usagi hadn't told her about this, or Naru. Why didn't they get invited? Why did Usagi continue to build this between Ayame, Naru, and her new friends Rei and Ami?

"Oh...That sounds like fun." Ayame said nonchalantly.

Rei looked over at Ayame with a look of realization and guilt. She wanted to soften the blow Ayame had taken due to her not thinking but, she didn't know what to say. It was a training boot camp for Sailor Guardians only. Before Rei could say anything Jing broke the silence.

"Hey, Rei. What do you think of this one? I think it would look great on you." Jing offered a red and orange one-piece swim suit without any straps. The way it closed off in the back created a part showing the back.

"Wow. That looks amazing Jing. Have you found anything for yourself?" Rei asked as she checked to size.

"Yep! I found this nice brown one, but I want to try it on before I show it to you guys. Ayame, have you found anything you like yet?" Jing asked as she happily walked over to check the racks Ayame was looking in.

"I think so. I found a few that I need to try on." Ayame said as she showed her selection.

"Then what are we waiting for? To the dressing room!" Jing said as she led the way.

As they walked, Ayame glanced at the other merchandise in the store. One thing that caught her eye was the jewelry stand nearby. It wasn't as flashy as all the other jewelry. One could have called them simple and most would have just glanced past them. It was a pair of Sterling Silver earrings according to the paper. The jewel part of the earrings were 5MM Swarovski Crystals and in the shape of a Star. The top part of the star was blue and the rest was a white background with golden lines spreading out from the center, reflecting many colors. Ayame couldn't help but like them.

"What did you find, Ayame?" Jing said as she noticed her friend falling behind and looking at something.

"Oh, ah. Nothing important. Just a pair of earrings. Come on. We can't keep Rei waiting." Ayame said as she gently nudged her in the direction of the dressing room.

"Ayame, are you alright? I can tell you're a little upset." Jing whispered.

Ayame sighed and answered. "It's just what Rei said. The three of them are getting out of town to the beach and have some bonding time together. Usagi, Naru, and I haven't even done that together. I don't dislike Ami or Rei, but it just seems like Usagi is drifting away from me. She didn't even tell me about this, much less offer for me and Naru to come along. It hurts a little."

"Don't worry, Ayame. From what Rei has said and what you told me, Usagi can be forgetful at times. Maybe she just forgot and since you have so much volunteer work and you've been hanging out with me so much, she just didn't want to bother you. We can do something together later while Usagi and the others are gone if you want. We can invite Naru too." Jing offered.

Ayame smiled and threw her arm around Jing in a one arm hug. "Thanks, Jing. I'm glad you're my friend. Now, enough of this depressing talk. Let's shop until we drop!"

Reaching the dressing room, Ayame and Jing went to try on the swimsuits they found. Ayame culled a few after seeing they didn't fit right and weren't that flattering on her. She soon found one she liked and called out to the others she wanted their opinions. The others saying them same.

When they stepped out of the dressing room Jing wore a brown one-piece with ruffle going around the front and back. It had a slightly floral pattern to it.

"What do you guys think? The straps are detachable and adjustable. It has a shelf bra with soft molded foam cups and armhole opening for it to be worn off the shoulder." Jing asked as she gave them a twirl.

"Looks good on you, Jing. What do you think of mine?" Ayame had found swim shorts with a caress sport top. Either way she wore it, either with shoulder straps worn straight over the shoulders or crisscrossed for a sportier look, the crisscross shape made it look sporty and fun. It came with removable shaping cups and adjusts in back for a perfect fit. The fitting and fully lined swim shorts provided just the right amount of coverage and the waistband could be worn folded up or down. And both had a pop art palms design on it.

"Woah! You're rocking that one Ayame. You should totally buy it." Rei said as she showed them hers. Jing sure knew how to pick a good swimsuit.

After checking the store one last time the three of them headed to check-out. Ayame casted a longing glance at the earrings before she left, but decided against buying them. She needed to save her allowance in case of emergencies.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As they were leaving, they didn't notice someone who was watching them the entire time enter the store. Purchase something and disappeared to go and proceed with his plan.

"So, where do you guys want to eat?" Rei asked as they stood in front of a fountain. They had been trying to decide for ten minutes and their stomachs were growling at them to hurry up and decide.

"I got it! I know this good Lo Mein place nearby. How about there?" Jing offered.

Rei perked up at the suggestion and soon the three of them were seated at a table and eating their ordered food. Ayame had opted for a Shrimp Lo Mein.

"I never asked before, but how did you two meet?" Rei asked after she chewed and swallowed her food.

"It was back when Kijin had gotten recognition for the photo contest. We were both not fully looking where we were going and bumped into each other. I noticed she had the same uniform you did and asked Jing if she knew you. We talked a little and she introduced me to Kijin. After that, I came over to your school and we hung out together." Ayame explained.

"Now, we're friends and thanks to Ayame's encouragement, I told Kijin my feelings for him and we're dating now. We'd been pen pals before I moved to Tokyo with my mom, dad, and my little twin sisters. They can be such a handful at times." Jing added.

"That's an amazing story. Do you have any other friends besides Jing, Usagi, and Naru." Rei asked Ayame.

"Not really. There are other girls I talk to at school sometimes, but I wouldn't consider them close enough to be real friends. But, I'm warming up to you and Ami. Do you have any siblings, Rei? I know Usagi has her little brother Shingo, but I'm an only child. Does Ami have siblings either?" Ayame asked.

"No. I think Ami is an only child. I know her mom is a doctor. I'm an only child too. All I have is grandpa and my father." Rei explained.

"Huh, that's interesting. How did you meet this Usagi girl?" Jing asked.

"It was back when there were strange things happening around the shrine. People were disappearing and I accidentally hit her with a spirit-be-exorcized spell tag. After that, I didn't like her at first since I thought she was thinking like all the others. That we were behind the disappearances. After the Sailor Guardians saved and returned all the missing people, we began to hang out. Even though I don't know why. She's such a crybaby." Rei complained.

"True. But Usagi's still a good friend. I heard from Usagi you're dating someone. Who is it?" Ayame asked.

"Remember the guy that saved Usagi's cat? Mamoru Chiba? Well, I'm dating him. What about you, Ayame? Jing and I have boyfriends. Do you have one?" Rei asked.

"Me?! N-Not really. The guys are my school just don't interest me." Ayame answered as a light blush appeared on her face.

"That blush says otherwise, Ayame~. What about outside of school? There has to be someone who's caught your eye." Jing teased.

Ayame thought about it and the only one who popped into her mind was Masato.

"I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn't matter. Anyway, what are you two going to do after this?" Ayame asked.

"Kijin and I are going to meet up later and maybe go to the movies. We're also going to talk about future plans. We've been thinking about going to the beach, but we haven't decided when." Jing answered.

"I'm going to go home and get ready for the trip." Rei answered as she finished her food.

"I hope you guys have fun. I'm going to head home. I have a date with homework. Oh! And, Rei. Make sure to hit Usagi with a pillow at least once for me okay?" Ayame asked with a wink.

Rei nodded and soon they were all done and went their separate ways.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As Ayame walked home, she wondered about what Rei had said. She didn't necessarily need a man to make her happy like other girls who constantly did. She was happy being single for now and would wait until she was older to get into a serious relationship. She was only fourteen after all. She didn't have a problem with others who wanted to go out, she just didn't see the appeal or need to.

But her thoughts wandered back to the man she had thought of earlier when she spoke to Rei and Jing. Why of all the people she knew, did she have to think of him? Masato Sanjouin. Why was he the first and only one to pop into her head? It confused Ayame to no end. Sure, she's known him for a while now and he was quite dashing. However, there was the age difference to take into consideration. He wouldn't be interested in her like that. Though, he said she was different from other girls.

"Agh! Why does this have to be so difficult?!" Ayame yelled as the contradicting thoughts crammed her head. With a sigh, she pushed the matter aside and seeing she was home, checked the mail.

The mail box was empty of any mail, but Ayame's hand brushed against something else. Bending down, Ayame checked to see what this mystery item was. Inside was from the looks of it a present. Pulling the present out, it was a small package about as big as her palm and wrapped in galaxy wrapping paper. The ribbon was silver with a tag attached. The tag reading 'To Miss Ayame Mascari.'

Taking it inside, Ayame greeted her parents before going to her room. Actaeon currently wasn't there. Who knows where he went off to in his free time. Maybe he had a lady friend. None the less, at least he wasn't there to interrogate her about the present. She ripped of the wrapping paper and soon found the black box within. After opening, she was shocked to find the same pair of star earrings along with a small letter.

Opening the letter, it said:

'Dear Ayame,

You are the star in my heart that lights up my bleakest of nights. I happened to see you while I was in town and saw you admiring these earrings. Take them as a token of our connection to each other. I hope the stars align to let us meet again soon,

Signed, Masato Sanjouin.'

Ayame couldn't help but blush. Here she was trying to sort out her feelings about the man and now he sends her a present. Despite herself she takes them out and puts them on. Looking in the mirror, she thought they really did suit her. Next time she saw Masato, she would have to thank him and find something for him in return.

For the rest of the afternoon and night, Ayame wondered what this meant for them. Masato and her. In his note, he said it was a token of their connection with each other. He didn't say friendship or anything like that. The part about the star in his heart could be taken as she was just someone who cheered him up from time to time. Or it could be taken more romantically. Just was she to him? A friend? Something more?

With a heavy sigh, Ayame set it aside and turned in for the night, all the while gently touching the precious gift from the mysterious man.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That morning, Ayame called Usagi to find out she had already left for the trip. Usagi couldn't have even bothered to say bye to her. Not even over the phone. Jing was busy with Kijin and Actaeon hadn't come home last night. Ayame decided to call her other friend to see what she was up to.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Naru! How are you? Have you heard about Usagi?" Ayame asked as she twirled the phone cord.

"I'm okay, I guess. What about Usagi? Is she in trouble?" Naru asked.

"Not unless you want her to be when she gets back. She's gone with Ami and Rei to this beach getaway I guess. She didn't even tell me about it. I heard about it from Rei. Her mom told me Usagi had already left when I called earlier. Did she tell you about it?" Ayame asked.

"No, this is the first time I'm hearing about it." Naru answered.

"Oh well. Since Usagi is off having fun, I was wondering if we could get together and do something. Any ideas?" Ayame inquired.

"Oh! I know! There is this art exhibit of Yumemi Yumeto's artwork open. She does wonderful art. We could go see it if you want." Naru proposed.

"That's a great idea. I can't wait to see how she worked with the paints to produce those wonderful colors. Let's meet up at the park and go. See you there. Bye!"

Once she said her farewells for the moment, Ayame rushed to her closet to pick something to wear.

Today, Ayame wore a sleeveless tank top that reminded of the ocean. Starting out as a pale blue and gradually into a tan that reminded her of sand. Along with a pair of blue jean shorts, a pair of brown sunglasses, and grey flip-flops. She brought a straw handbag to complete the summer look. Once she told her parents where she was going, she headed to the park to meet up with Naru.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Once the two girls meet up, it was smooth sailing to the art gallery and even if it hadn't been, the trip was definitely worth it. The place was filled with art with different subjects. Some were portraits of women in what could have been a casual day at home or places straight from a fairytale or sci-fi book. Flying saucers and blimps could be seen in the backgrounds of some paintings. One looked like a noblewoman of japan with the moon behind her as she prayed to the heavens.

Ayame couldn't help but admire the technique Yumemi Yumeto used and the various colors she used. She wished she could meet her and ask her about how and why she had chosen the colors she did. They looked fantastic!

"I'm so glad we decided to come here! The colors are superb!" Ayame said as she looked around.

"Me too. I had almost forgotten how much you love art and colors in general. Did you know, they say if you have one of these paintings, your own wishes of love will be granted?" Naru asked.

"Really? Sounds nice. Even if they don't fulfill your wish, you can't deny they're beautiful. Yumemi took a lot of care to make these, each and everyone of them." Ayame said.

"I'm going to go look over there and ask about how much they are to get a poster. I'll be back in a flash." Naru said as she waved.

Ayame nodded and turned back to the painting. Would getting one of these help her sort out her feelings with Masato?

"Do you like art?" A voice asked.

Ayame jumped as she turned beside her to see Masato as he looked at the same picture she was looking at. Ayame blushed as she tried to collect her thoughts and answer him properly. She wasn't prepared for this, but she would wing it somehow.

"I could ask you the same question, Masato. You keep surprising me right and left. Are you sure you're not stalking me?" Ayame teased.

Masato smirked as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "I'm sure. I just happened to be passing by. Judging from how your wearing them now, I'm guessing you like them." Masato asked.

"Yeah." Ayame shyly admitted. "You went through the trouble of buying them and giving them to me with the pretty wrapping paper, how could I not? You put so much effort into the present. It was a shame I had to tear the paper. It was pretty and fitted with the star theme. Thank you, for the earrings."

"You're welcome." Masato answered.

Ayame smiled and in silence they walked around the gallery together and looked at the painting. However, the peaceful moment was cut short when someone grabbed her arm. Turning, Ayame saw a young woman with brown braided hair and blue eyes framed behind round glasses. She was wearing a pink jacket with yellow insides over light blue shirt with white stripes and buttons and a solid blue skirt to match.

"I'm sorry, but are you feeling ok? Your grip is kinda tight." Ayame said trying to be polite.

"You! You're perfect! Please, help me! I need your help." The lady said beaming and her grip only getting tighter.

"Miss, she said your grip is kinda tight. Can you please let her go?" Masato said as he glared at the woman and became slightly intimidating.

The woman turned to look at him and adjusted her glasses as her smile got even bigger. "Lucky Day! This is just perfect! I managed to find both of you at once! Please, I beg the both of you! Please agree to be my models for my next painting!" The lady said.

"What?" Masato and Ayame asked at once.

"What do you mean by models?" Ayame asked suspiciously.

"O-oh ah! Nothing bad, I assure you! You won't have to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. I'm a painter you see and I can't paint without the right inspiration and models. You both fit perfectly with what I have in mind. I won't be able to paint without you two. Please say you'll agree. Who knows if and when I'll find someone as perfect as the both of you. Just one day is all I ask. Just enough to do the first sketch. Please!"

Ayame and Masato looked at each other before answering.

"I don't have anywhere to be for a little while longer." Masato answered as he shrugged.

Ayame considered it for a moment. This lady seemed like she really needed their help and if Masato was going along then it would probably be alright to go with this energetic woman. She was sure Naru would understand her leaving early. "Well, maybe for a little while. I need to tell a friend of mind first." Ayame answered.

"Thank you both so much! I'll wait for you outside. Then we can go to my studio and house." The woman said as she scurried off.

"I'll wait outside. You go ahead and tell your friend where your going." Masato said as he went after the woman.

After explaining to Naru that she had to leave early and to enjoy the rest of the gallery, Ayame joined Masato and they followed the woman who hadn't given them her name yet.

Her house was a two story building with red shingles and white paint. From the front, Ayame could see a green house in the backyard close to if not right beside the main house.

"Come on in and make yourselves at home. I'll make you some coffee and I've got some cookies if you want them." The woman said as she went to the kitchen. Ayame looked around the room and saw the garden and green house outside a glass door. The room was filled with canvases and knickknacks. In the center was a bench.

While they waited, Masato looked out at the garden and Ayame looked at some of the canvases laying around. They reminded her of Yumemi Yumeno's artwork. Ayame glanced back at the woman and wondered if she was her. But, she decided not to say anything. Some artists didn't want people to know what they looked like to avoid the public and have their private lives just that. Private. Besides, it wasn't any of Ayame's business.

Putting the picture down, Ayame went over to look at the garden with Masato.

"Do you like flowers?" Masato asked.

"I do. I've never tried to grow my own though. So I don't know if I have a green thumb or not." Ayame said.

"What's you favorite?" He asked.

"There's lot to choose from, but my favorite would have to be the Iris." Ayame answered.

"Iris? Did you know the iris takes its name from the Greek word for rainbow?" He asked.

Before she could answer Yumemi came back with the coffee and cookies. "Here we go! Thank you for waiting. Hmm. You know, if you don't mind me saying, you both look so cute together."

Ayame blushed and looked away. Masato thanked her and he went over and accepted the coffee. Yumemi quickly grabbed a sketch pad and a piece of charcoal and pulled out a wooded folding chair as she sat down.

"Where do you want us to pose?" Ayame asked.

"If you could just sit on the bench first and I'll ask you to position yourselves when needed. Until then, just enjoy the refreshments." Yumemi answered.

Ayame sat down along with Masato and the three of them got straight to work. Yumemi had them pose with their warms wrapped around each others and had they look into each others eyes. Both of them trying to hide their blushes from being in such close proximity and the position they were in. It was something lovers would do and Ayame couldn't help but like it. The feeling of being safe and protected in Masato's arms returned from the other day when he helped her and Kijin at the cliffs.

Soon Yumemi told them they could move again and Masato let go though Ayame could have sworn he was a bit reluctant to do so. However, Ayame summed it up as her imagination and her growing crush on the man.

Yumemi for the most part was silent as she continued to work in the sketch. Ayame grew curious and got up to look over the woman's shoulder. The image took her breath away. Even though it was just the first sketch, it was amazing with Masato and Ayame in each others arms. Looking into each others eyes as they stood in a garden, under the moon and stars. Surrounding them were irises. Off in the distance was a pavilion.

They each wore different clothing too. Masato wore what reminded Ayame of an army officer of some type. Ayame wore a flowing simple dress. Since it was just charcoal, Ayame didn't know what colors it would be but, she knew it would be amazing.

If Ayame wasn't sure this woman was Yumemi Yumeno before, she sure was now. "This is beautiful." Ayame muttered.

"Thanks." Yumemi replied. Not once taking her eyes off the picture.

Masato came over as well and gasped at the picture. Slowly he asked, "Where did you get the idea for this from?"

"I had this image from a dream of two lovers surrounded by nature. The irises, moon, and stars, the only witnesses of their love. The man is a general in the army seeing his lover in the night. The girl is a noble lady and if anyone knew about their feelings for each other, it would be frowned upon. She is expected to marry a man of far more prestige than the general, but despite that, they can't help but be drawn to each other. At the pavilion, there's a priest there too. But you would have to look real close to see him." Yumemi answered.

"Once I'm done with sketching this one, I have another idea for a different painting." Yumemi added.

Masato was still a little stiff as he looked at the painting. Ayame couldn't help but wonder what about the picture had spooked him.

"Masato? Are you okay?" Ayame asked.

He tore his eyes away from the picture and looked at Ayame. "I have seen that pavilion before. A really long time ago. I can't remember where. I was hoping our host had seen it in real life and could tell me where it was."

"Really? Such a beautiful place exists? I would have loved to have seen it. If you remember, do you could tell me where it is?" Ayame asked.

Masato smiled at that and answered. "Maybe. We'll have to wait and see."

"And, done!" Yumemi said as she put her charcoal down and gently took the picture out and laid it aside. "After this next drawing I will be done. Thank you both again for agreeing to help me."

"Don't mention it, Miss. Do you think we can see them after you have painted them? I can't wait to see them in color." Ayame said.

"O-oh, um. Y-yes. You should be able to see them later at the same art gallery we met at earlier." Yumemi answered.

"Thanks." Ayame said with a bow.

Soon, Masato and Ayame were posing again for the artist. This time Yumemi had Masato stand on a stool and Ayame stood near him, reaching her hand up and his reaching down to her. So close yet, not close enough to touch each others hands. Ayame wondered what the story was behind this picture was and wondered if it was the same couple helping each other climb up a hill of some sort.

Meanwhile, Nephrite was still thinking about the previous picture. It was the exact same pavilion as the one he had seen in two of his visions. He had gotten his hopes up for nothing. Maybe he was beginning to lose his mind from spending too much time around humans. Though how did this human woman see the same pavilion he did? Something like that couldn't be coincidence, yet he had no way to truly explain it. By human or Dark Kingdom means.

Soon the last picture was done and it was similar to the other picture, but not as happy or peaceful. In this picture the couple were surrounded by fire. The man's hair was different and in a long ponytail. But he wore the same uniform as before. The girl wore a different dress though. It was if the man was coming down from the heavens to help his lover escape the flames that surrounded them.

"What's the story behind this one?" Masato asked.

"It's in the middle of a war. The enemy has set fire to their home and the girl is trying to reach her love. He is also, but he's also being drawn away from her by the darkness of the enemy." Yumemi answered. She looked like she was going to cry.

"Don't cry Miss. It's beautiful, that even in the darkest of times, these two try their hardest to stand by each other and support each other." Ayame said.

Yumemi smiled and after once again thanking them for their time, Masato and Ayame left. She hadn't realized it had gotten so dark out.

"Ayame?"

"Yes, Masato?"

"If you still have free time, would you like to go stargazing with me?"

"You sure you have time for that?" Ayame asked. "Don't you have a big company to run. You've spent nearly all day with me."

"The night is still young and unlike you, I don't have a curfew. We won't be out for too long. I just have some paperwork to sign when I get home. I made sure I didn't have anything pressing when I went out today." He assured her.

"Very well then, MR. President. Lead the way." Ayame teased.

Masato smirked as he took her hand and lead her into the park Ami had showed her all those weeks ago and they met for the second time. The park was quiet and peaceful. It seemed as if they were miles away from the city. They sat down at a bench and as they did, Masato pointed out constellations and storied he knew about them.

"Oh! I remember that one from my book! That one is Cassiopeia. Queen Casseopia, wife of King Cephus and mother of Andromeda, was very beautiful. She boasted that she was the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. As time went by, she began to say that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Eventually, her boasting proclaimed that her beauty even exceeded that of the gods. Poseidon, the brother of Zeus and the god of the sea, took great offense at this statement, for he created the most beautiful beings ever in the form of his sea nymphs."

"In his anger, he created a great sea monster, Cetus, to ravage the seas, sinking ships, killing the sailors, and destroying towns and villages along the seacoast. This created great fear among the people of Casseopia's country. In an effort to stop this tremendous destruction, the people went to Poseidon and asked what could be done to stop this monster. Poseidon replied that if Casseopia would admit that his sea nymphs were indeed more beautiful than she was, he would stop the monster. But Casseopia refused. The people asked Poseidon if there were any other ways to stop the destruction. He replied that if the beautiful Andromeda, Casseopia's only daughter, were to be sacrificed to Cetus, the destruction would stop. The people took Andromeda and chained her to a rock which projected out into the sea to be sacrificed to Cetus. However, she was saved by Perseus, and Cetus was turned to stone."

"Cassiopeia was a really stupid, selfish, and conceited queen, bragging about her beauty and look what happened to her! Poseidon and his brother Zeus decreed that Casseopia would be placed in the sky as a constellation, and as punishment for being so conceited about her looks, she would suffer the humiliating position of being upside down in the sky." Ayame finished.

"Amazing, Ayame. What got you so into Astronomy? Don't tell me it was because of me." He teased.

"What?! No! I just felt like it." Ayame said. Thankful it was so dark.

"Do you want to hear one of Greek legends about the moon?" He asked.

"Not really." Ayame said, still pouting a little.

"Not even a little curious?" Masato asked.

Ayame though for a moment before she answered. "Maybe a little."

"It all starts with Selene. Selene was the Titan goddess of the moon. She was depicted as a woman riding sidesaddle on a horse or driving a chariot drawn by a pair of winged steeds. Her lunar sphere or crescent was either a crown set upon her head or the fold of a raised, shining cloak. She was sometimes said to drive a team of oxen and her lunar crescent is often compared to a pair of bull's horns."

"Selene's great love was the shepherd prince Endymion. The beautiful boy was granted eternal youth and immortality by Zeus and placed in a state of eternal slumber in a cave near the peak of Lydian Mountain, Latmos. Every night, Endymion's heavenly bride would go there to be with him there in the night. It's said that Selene loved Endymion endlessly and that she even passed the task of ending the night onto her brother for a while. Yet Helios, being inexperienced, made the nights too short sometimes and brought the dawn too late others."

"It's also why the moon wax and wanes. Selene is only showing parts of herself so she can spend more time with Endymion. That's one of the legends anyway." Masato explained.

As he finished, Ayame's head began to hurt as she could hear echoes of the shepherd prince's name being said over and over in many different tones and voices. Causing her to shiver.

"Are you cold?"

Ayame turned to see Masato beside her with a look of concern.

"Just a little." She lied. She didn't know what was wrong with herself.

Masato took off his jacket and placed it on he shoulders.

"Thank you, Masato. You didn't have to do that." She said, but the familiarity of the situation reminded her of the last vision she had.

"I felt like it." Masato said as he checked the time. "It's getting late though. We should probably head home."

Still wearing his jacket, Ayame and Masato walked back to their respective homes. Telling each other different Greek constellation stories of stars they could see and the ones they couldn't.

When they arrived at Masato's house, Ayame, even though she would never admit it, hesitantly gave him back his jacket. Despite not really being cold, it had been nice and warm. There was also a faint scent lingering on it from what she assumed was his cologne. It was just as nostalgic as being in his arms.

"Goodnight Ayame. I'll see you next time the stars allow us to meet." Masato said as he kissed her hand, and left a blushing Ayame as he headed up the drive way to his mansion. After a couple of minutes, Ayame shook off the effects Masato had left on her and hurried home. She wondered if Actaeon would be home and worried about her.

When Ayame got home, she quickly ate something and headed to her room. Her parents, knowing she would be out until possibly late, weren't worried as long as she was back by curfew.

In her room, Ayame found the missing furball at her window seal. "Good evening, Milady. Where have you been today?" Actaeon asked.

"I could ask you the same question, Actaeon. You've been gone for a few days now. I went to an art exhibit with Naru and ran into Masato again. Yumemi Yumeno showed up and asked us to model though she didn't tell us she was her. I could tell from the other art pieces in her house. We stopped by the park and talked about constellation legends and the moon. Then, we walked back until we reached his mansion. Then I came home alone." Ayame summed up.

"I've been looking into some things. Why didn't Usagi go with you two?" Actaeon asked.

"She left to go on a beach getaway with Ami and Rei. She didn't even tell me and Naru about it, much less invite us. The only way I learned about it was through Rei. She needed a new swimsuit and Jing and I went with her." Ayame huffed.

"Is that where you got those new earrings?" Actaeon asked.

"T-The earrings? Yes and no. While I was with Rei and Jing, I did see these there, but later I got them as a gift." Ayame answered.

"From a secret admirer?" He teased.

"No. It was a gift from Masato. He sent them as a token of our connection to each other." Ayame answered.

Actaeon gave her a smug look that Ayame wanted to wipe off before he got up and went to get something.

Curious, Ayame got up to follow him a bit.

The furry feline went over to her closet and began rummaging through the bottom of it. Moving shoes and others objects that had accidentally fallen to the floor.

"Hey, Actaeon? What are you doing? In my closet?" Ayame asked as she watched confused and wondering if she should help or stop him from making a mess.

"I placed something special in here for safe keeping until I thought you were ready to start training with it. I couldn't carry it around with me all over the place so I had to put it somewhere safe for the time being as it was. I know it's in here somewhere!" He yelled as he got frustrated.

"Maybe if you told what is was you're looking for I could help you find it quicker." Ayame suggested.

"Don't worry. AH-HA! Found it!" Actaeon said in a sing song voice as he pulled something out of the closet by his teeth or was it fangs? Ayame didn't know.

Once Actaeon pulled it out Ayame got a good look at what it was. It was a white glove similar to her usual one she wore when she was Sailor Gaea. The difference being the design on the back. It was similar to the one on her hair ornament she still wore in one of her blue-dyed braids.

"Okay. Why did you put a single glove in my closet for safe keeping? Is it similar to the hair ornament you gave me?" Ayame asked confused.

"I didn't know where else to put it, okay! I'm a cat! It's not like I have pocket or any other place besides Jing's house with her two nosy little troublemaking sisters to put it. You can see the problem with putting it there. Who knows what would happen if those two got a hold of it. It's similar to the hair piece and that it rightfully belongs to you. However, it has a completely different function than that. The reason it's a single glove is because it just is." Actaeon explained.

Ayame chuckled at him before patting his head. "Okay, okay. There is no need to get so defensive about it, Actaeon. How does it work?" She asked as she picked it up. "Am I suppose to put it on once I transform or is it for when I'm not Sailor Gaea like the hair piece you gave me?"

"It's for when you're Sailor Gaea." He assured her. "Come along, Milady. Like I said before, I think you're ready to start training with it. I'll explain further on the matter after you transform and put it on. I'll go on ahead. Don't let your parents see you sneak out." Actaeon warned as he went outside via the window.

Watching him go, Ayame wondered if she should go out the window and climb down as well or try to sneak out past her parents. Both options were troublesome in their own way. If she fell climbing down and got hurt then her parents would find out and she would get in trouble for sneaking out. If she tried sneaking past them then she would be less likely to get hurt but still get in trouble for trying to sneak out.

"I've never done this before..." Ayame muttered as she slowly climbed down from her window. In hindsight, climbing down maybe wasn't the best idea she ever had, but she was already there so she might as well finish what she started.

Ayame tried not to look down before she got there in case she froze up. Before when she first climbed out the window, Actaeon freaked out and tried to tell her to sneak out another way. She kinda wished she had listened to him. She could hear him encouraging her and telling her how much farther it was until she was safe on the ground.

When she safely reached the ground without any problems, both Ayame and Actaeon let out sighs of relief.

"Hey, Actaeon? You failed to mention where it was we were going so I can transform and train." Ayame pointed out.

"Patience is a virtue milady and curiosity killed the cat." Actaeon said.

"But pleasure brought it back and don't cats have nine lives?" Ayame pointed out.

"Let's not test that idea. I would rather keep this and any other lives, thank you very much." Actaeon replied as he began to lead the way.

"Actaeon, what have I asked you to do about the whole milady thing?" Ayame groaned.

"Sorry. Force of habit." Actaeon answered.

"Habit? But I never asked you to call me milady. How can it be habit? Actaeon? Is there someone else you call milady?" Ayame asked as she stopped and looked at him.

It was then Ayame was reminded once again she didn't really know all that much about her furry companion Actaeon. Actaeon stilled and looked Ayame directly in the eye.

"Ayame, listen closely to me. There is absolutely no one else in this life time or any of my other nine lives other for that matter, besides you, I have called Milady. What I meant was it was a force of habit to address ladies like yourself with proper titles. Don't worry. Are you perhaps jealous? Worried my allegiance wasn't to you maybe? Don't worry, you will always be milady to me even if you don't like being called that." Actaeon teased.

"Hmp! As if. I was just wondering since you never really talk yourself. I was beginning to think you had a lady friend. If I remember correctly there is this female cat down the road. Maybe your disappearance the last few days had you looking into some thing involving her?" Ayame teased.

"WHAT!? No! Ugh! Come on! We need to start training already and standing here all night won't get anything done tonight." Actaeon said as he hurried along.

"Hey!" Ayame said as she followed after him. Eventually leading them to an empty construction site.

Here should be a good spot to train for now. Go ahead and transform please. The sooner we start the soon we can go to bed." Actaeon said this a yawn.

Ayame nodded as she transformed. "Gaea Founding Power! Make Up!"

Once she was ready, Sailor Gaea took off her regular glove and placed the new one in its place.

"What am I suppose to do with it now?" She asked.

"Well, from what I've been told, that glove your wearing has the ability to heal others. I've never actually seen it in action so and I've never been told of any other functions if there are any. So I don't really know what to tell you. There wasn't enough time to fully learn about it. That's why I wanted to start training with it to see if anything called out to you. Instincts. Listen deep inside and see what happens." Actaeon suggested.

Sailor Gaea sighed exasperated but she couldn't find it within herself to really blame him. His home was destroyed and there wasn't enough time for these things like he said.

Closing her eyes she listened and she could hear whispers 'Not yet. Not yet.'

Sailor Gaea wasn't giving up 'Just the words. Please.' Ayame thought back.

It was silent before the whispers answered. 'Gaea...Rejuvenating...Caress'