Chapter Eight: The Decision

AN: Two guesses on what happens in this chapter…

Kakyuu listened to Sailor Star Maker's speech calmly, not revealing her thoughts. It was obvious what her Starlights wanted; she'd seen it in their eyes ever since they'd returned to Kinmoku almost a year ago. She'd sensed it when the Moon Princess' shine went out, and she understood her Starlights' anxiety. She herself was concerned about what could be happening on Earth, and knew that it was time for them to return. She was just concerned about Fighter. 'Seeing Serenity-hime could open old wounds…' the Fireball Princess worried silently. 'I don't want Fighter to suffer more heartbreak.' Still, it wasn't her place to stop Fighter from going. That would only hurt her even more. It could also mean disaster if a battle needed to be fought; the Starlights, like the Sol Senshi, were strongest when they were together.

Her Starlights were watching her, waiting for her reply. They knew that it would be awhile before they could leave. They had to make certain that their Princess would be safe in their absence, and then there was the emotional preparation required. It was out of the question for them to leave permanently. That could never happen. And then one had to factor in Fighter's unrequited love. Healer and Maker could most likely stay with Mercury and Venus if they desired, but their duty to their Princess came first to them. Then, there was the, ah…gender issue. The good people of Terra tended to be picky and/or close-minded about that sort of thing.

Kakyuu smiled kindly at her Starlights before she replied, "I understand your reasoning, my Starlights…you may certainly go to Earth. All I ask is that when you return, you let me know, and inform me if any real trouble has arisen. I will join you if necessary." She meant it when she said that; if any real trouble arose, she would join her Starlights and personally see to it that they all returned to her safely.

"Of course, Princess," Maker replied calmly. The chestnut-haired girl failed to hide the slightest hint of a smile. Healer and Fighter were grinning broadly.

The Fireball Princess dismissed her guardians shortly afterwards, and smiled as she watched them leave. She could tell that all three of them were already planning what they were going to do once they returned to Earth, and that they were dreaming of the ones they loved. 'It is not fair," the redhead thought. 'It is not fair that Fighter is trapped in an unrequited love because Serenity-hime has a predetermined destiny.' Kakyuu wished that she could find a way to make it less painful for her most devoted guard. Silently, she swore that if any opportunity arose where Fighter could be granted her heart's desire, she would make the dark-haired girl take it. Fighter deserved to be happy. All of them did.