Chapter Fifty Three: I miss you

It had been four days since Fighter left. Obviously, things had gone decently enough on Earth, or she would've returned by now. Maker picked up her journal, writing slowly, putting thought into every curve that formed each symbol of the Kinmokan language.

It's been four days. Something must have happened or she would've returned. Is it possible, that the princess of that planet has received Fighter's affections? I thought her loyal to her prince. I want to go after her, but Kakyuu has strictly forbidden me, saying that we all need to give Fighter her time. What if she doesn't return? I wanted to tell her that I love her. Shortly after Fighter left, I came clean. I told Healer that I just couldn't love her as honestly as she needed me to, as she deserved. She hasn't spoken to me since. She spends most of her time with Kakyuu. I am glad she has someone to talk to. I have no one. I miss Fighter more than I ever thought possible. I've made a promise, that if she were to ever return, I would confess to her my feelings.

Maker set her journal down. For once, they weren't in immediate peril, they could enjoy themselves. Yet she had to be foolish, and rejected Fighter. By the time Fighter came back, there'd be trouble again. All she wanted was some time to just..love Fighter. Was it so hard? Since when did she care so much about love, an emotion she had once labeled as petty and useless? It must be the influence of Sailor Moon back on Earth, to sway her opinion so.

Kakyuu and Healer were enjoying each other's company, chuckling softly over a fond memory.

"Ne, hime.."

"Hmm?"

"Did you love her?...Fighter?"

Kakyuu sighed heavily. "Hai. I still do.."

Healer nodded. "It's hard, loving someone who doesn't love you back. We all thought she was ridiculous for feeling that way towards Usagi...but now we all understand too well how she was feeling."

Kakyuu smiled faintly at the silver haired starlight. "But we are not as alone as she was, we have each other."

"I don't want to give up on Maker." Healer said determinedly. "Isn't it what Fighter told us? Not to give up? She hasn't given up on Usagi, that's why she left. Why she hasn't returned."

Kakyuu looked to the floor. "That..is a possibility..but.."

"But what?" Healer asked, a bit harsher than she intended.

"I need to face the fact that Fighter will never love me the way I need to be loved. That's what Maker told you, isn't it?"

Healer didn't answer, for she knew Kakyuu already knew the answer.

"Hime, don't you have to marry to become queen?"

"Hai."

"Doesn't it have to be a man, anyways? Fighter...is well, a girl."

"Traditionally, yes. But it's always been a matter of love and choice above all else."

"I see.."

Kakyuu gently embraced the petite starlight. "Don't fret, I'm sure we'll all be able to work this out, once things have settled."

Healer numbly stood. "Excuse me." she said softly, exiting the room. Kakyuu watched her go as a fresh wave of loneliness assailed her senses. That, and a feeling of dread.

"Fighter, please return soon.." Kakyuu pleaded. This feeling of dread had swept in the moment Fighter had left, and had only continued since.

In a dimly lit room, somewhere on Kinmoku...

A voice cackled in laughter as the summoning spell was completed successfully. A wavering image of the deceased Sailor Star Destroyer stood in the center of the room, looking around.

"Come! Destroyer! Seek vengeance!" the voice boomed, determinedly masculine.

Destroyer's eyes narrowed.

"I won't be used again. Why have you woken me from my eternal rest?"

"You've forgotten our plan already? Knew I shoulda resurrected you sooner.."

"Plan?"

"As you were dying, I summoned your spirit here, trapping it within this sword. By preserving your spirit and consciousness, you agreed to let me use you to whatever means I chose, as long as you were able to get your revenge."

Recognition glimmered in Destroyer's eyes. "Is now the time?"

"Shortly it shall be. Kakyuu has not ascended fully to the throne. She had intentions of being wed to Fighter...only to be rejected. This gives us a perfect opportunity."

Destroyer smirked. "Fighter's always held attraction for the bookworm."

"Is that so..." the man said, an evil smirk forming on his lips.

"No matter, you remember the assignment?" he continued.

"Of course." Destroyer cooed, in a strangely sultry voice.

"Excellent. Fighter has left the planet for now, but when she returns, I will take action. You will know when to act when her blood stains this sword! Return now.." Destroyer complied immediately.

"And they said the shades were gone. Hah!" the man said, exiting the room, sheathing the cursed sword onto his back. "They've no idea what they're in for. By sealing Destroyer into this sword, I effectively have her power and strength. And when it is stained red with blood from her enemy..." he burst into another fit of psychotic laughter.

Healer bolted awake, having heard a strange echo of laughter. It was ominous. She didn't like it. She roused herself, transforming, heading to the kitchen and getting herself some coffee. No way she'd be able to sleep after something like that. She only hoped it didn't mean anything.

A few hours later, Kakyuu spotted something bright outside her window. She rushed to it, watching fearfully. A blue streak crossed the sky, then circled back, as an exploding light came from the field. The feeling of warmth and relief in her heart told her what her mind already knew, Fighter had returned! Excitedly, she ran out of her room and down the hall, meeting up with Healer who had felt the return of her leader. In their passing, Healer knocked loudly on Maker's door, shouting as she raced down the hall with her princess.

"Leader's back!"

Despite holding contempt for Fighter, the object of Maker's affections, Healer was greatly relieved that she'd returned. It just wasn't..normal for her to be gone. She had felt the concern and dread coming off of her princess at the absence of Fighter. She wanted her princess to feel safe. She noticed too, with the excitement of Fighter's return, her nightmare faded into the background.

"FIGHTER!" Kakyuu called loudly to the starlight who was making her way to the palace. Fighter smiled as the delicate princess ran to her, not caring if her skirts were soiled, hugging the leader senseless.

"I'm so glad you've returned!" Kakyuu said, her crimson eyes alight with happiness.

"Is something that matter?" Fighter asked, suddenly concerned. Kakyuu shook her head vigorously in denial. "I just missed you. We all did."

Fighter smiled slightly, noticing Healer approaching at a much more respectable pace. She opened her embrace when the smaller light had caught up, the three engaging in a group hug. Fighter looked up then, and in the doorway of the castle stood Maker's stoic frame. Her lilac eyes betrayed nothing.

Kakyuu noticed Maker and then turned to Healer. "Let's tell the cooks to have an early breakfast feast to celebrate. Come."

Reluctantly, Healer followed.

Fighter took several steps towards Maker. She'd had it all planned in her head what she'd say, but now it all flew out the window. Maker too, advanced towards her leader.

"Maker.." Fighter said softly, almost as if the mere act of saying her name would satisfy what she wanted to do. She wanted to hug and kiss her, but knew that was too much at once, especially for Maker. She'd have to confess her feelings first.

"Fighter.." Maker said, just as softly, in disbelief. She'd returned. Had things not gone well on Earth, after all?

Fighter broke out into one of her trademark smiles. "Miss me?" She teased. Maker rolled her eyes. "You're awful full of yourself this morning."

"So you didn't?" Fighter feigned hurt.

"Err! No! Of course I did!" Maker said quickly, frantically, afraid she'd hurt her leader's feelings further. Though when she saw the Cheshire cat like grin of Fighter's, she knew she'd been had.

"You're infuriating." Maker stated calmly, turning to walk back into the castle.

"But that's why you love me, ne?" Fighter said cheerfully, bouncing to catch up with Maker. Maker paused for a split second, wondering if this was the right moment. Sure, it was a perfect set up..

No, it wasn't. She wanted it to be more sincere. She'd pick a time when Fighter was better rested, when they could work things out without being expected at the breakfast table shortly.

Coward her inner voice scolded her, but she shrugged it off.