The Chance at Hope

Kiyoko steeled herself, drawing on her conversation with Minako for strength, and greeted Rei, "Good afternoon Rei." She smiled at Rei, hoping Rei would smile back. She didn't.

With a very serious look on her face and a brief bow, Rei replied, "Good afternoon Kiyoko. May I speak with you?" It was a question, but Kiyoko didn't feel it was a request.

With a deep breath Kiyoko spoke, "Of course Rei, please come in." She invited her into her chambers, partly because she did not want a scene in the hallway. Everything she was reading from Rei was clearly oppositional. The two stepped inside and Kiyoko walked immediately to the table the spell book lay on, still open. When she looked down she saw a few fading tear drop spots and knew they were Haruka's, she bit her lip for just a second and then sat down. Kiyoko motioned for Rei to join her and she did so silently. Kiyoko knew she had to begin before Rei could start yelling, "Rei, I assume you want to speak to me about resurrecting the Shitenou. I also assume you are still opposed to it."

Rei's face stayed serious, "Yes, on both accounts. It's too risky. I can't just stand by and allow you to risk your life and Serenity's for our sakes."

Kiyoko took a deep breath, "I love you Rei, and the others, but you honestly think this is just for you? No. It's for them. They deserve a better fate than trapped in limbo. It's because it is simply the right thing. It's because my father had the faith in me to do this. It's not just about you, Minako, Ami, or Makoto."

Seemingly taken back by Kiyoko's words it took Rei a moment to respond, "How is it right for Earth or Estara to risk the lives of their queens in order to save four men? We're talking about billions of lives versus four!"

Kiyoko was trying to keep her voice even, if she yelled so would Rei, "I know that Rei. But how does one decide which lives are more important? What about when I went to Estara to begin with. There was great concern for my well-being. Some would say that my life was being valued more than the people there. Was that right?"

Rei blinked, "If you recall I was in favor of that mission. But this is not the same. There isn't some evil force trying to kill people here."

Kiyoko leaned forward and cut her off, "No. There isn't. The evil force already killed these men. And although that force was stopped there was never another chance for these victims of that war to recover, to move forward. My mother was able to restore so much after that, but she wasn't able to bring them back. Now there is an opportunity to do so, how can I ignore that?" Kiyoko felt like she was growing stronger in her resolve each time she fought this battle.

Rei looked at the spell book, "This spell… If it could've brought them back, why didn't Mamoru ever try it with Usagi?"

This made Kiyoko frown, "His magic, his inner magic, wasn't strong enough. But he knew that mine would be. And he knew that I could channel the Golden Crystal in ways he couldn't."

Surprisingly Rei actually chuckled softly, "Yes, you changed everything… Especially for him. Don't get me wrong, he loved Chibi-Usa heart and soul. But she was the heir to Usagi's crystal, to the Sailor Senshi legacy… You on the other hand, so magical and so clearly his successor…. But so much more powerful than he could dream of being. He struggled a lot, feeling he wasn't strong enough to protect your mother." She seemed lost in thought.

But Kiyoko saw an opportunity as Rei connected with her memories of Kiyoko's father and she took her hand, "Please Rei look through my eyes. The page that is blank, read it through my mind." Kiyoko focused on her father's letter.

She saw Rei's eyes widen as she saw the letter, the plea her father had made, and for a split second she saw Rei's resolve falter, sensed it really. But just as quickly Rei pulled it back and spoke, "It's a noble sentiment, but I still can't say that I think it is wise."

Kiyoko knew this, and replied, "It seems you are in the majority Rei. Serenity seemed against it, at least conflicted. My mother is most definitely unsure about it. Haruka and Setsuna are VERY against it. Even Seiya needed time to think about whether or not she could support it."

Rei interrupted her, "Then why is it still even up for discussion?" Kiyoko could sense the frustration emanating from Rei, but she sensed that it ran deeper than her duty. It was as if she couldn't support this because she couldn't dare to hope it would work. She was afraid.

Kiyoko decided to confront her about the fear she was sensing, "You're afraid to hope it could work. You're afraid to even think that you might be able to have Jadeite back. I can sense it. Your opposition isn't just about duty. You're terrified to hope after living so long alone."

Not only could Kiyoko sense that she'd hit the nail on the head, it was written all over Rei's face. Flustered and red, Rei's voice rose as she spoke, "I am a Senshi, I have duty. I have no need for a man. Never have, never will."

Unable to help herself, Kiyoko actually rolled her eyes, "Please… Everyone wants to be loved, whether it's by a man or woman. Duty is important, essential even, but it isn't everything. And you shouldn't try to lie to another psychic." Seeing the redness in Rei's face increasing Kiyoko decided to change her approach, "I'm sorry. But in all seriousness…. I had resigned myself to a life of solitude serving as high priestess, telling myself that my duty was enough. But then everything changed and I saw the possibility of love and an entire life I never imagined in front of me. It terrified me. But I knew that it was something I had to take a chance for. A chance at hope. Don't rob yourself of that chance."

The redness subsided and Rei was able to speak, "Of course it would be wonderful to be loved…. To be with him again… But two entire planets at risk…. I know it's not just about our love lives. And I agree that they deserve better than the purgatory they must be in now. But two entire planets Kiyoko…."

Kiyoko nodded, "I understand your reservations Rei. It took me three months to even work up the courage to come here. I read that letter and studied that spell countless times before I came. But in the end I am willing to risk everything because I genuinely believe in this. All of you taught me to stand up for what I believe in. Fight the good fight. I am only doing what my family raised me to do. However, I can assure you I didn't come to this lightly."

Rei peered out the window, "The sun will be setting soon. But Usagi gave us two more days before any official decisions are made. Perhaps I need to spend some time with the fire. Think this through. I am not saying I support this. I don't. But you are right. They deserve better. This isn't a simple matter of black and white." Kiyoko was satisfied with that. Honest consideration was all she could ask for. Rei excused herself and Kiyoko decided she wanted to soak in the tub. She prepared it and got in. However a few minutes later she realized someone was not only in her chambers, but preparing to enter her bathroom at that!

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