~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose
Keep in mind this story is based on the anime :)
Enjoy! =D
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.
The air smelt like spring after a long, frozen winter; cool and crisp.
Sailor Moon could taste the sweet raindrops on her lips. They were sprinkled in her hair and clung to her clothes like snowflakes. A gentle breeze swirled around, raising goosebumps on her arms. It was eerily quiet. Where was she again? What happened? It felt like she was moving in a dream, everything was so surreal.
Raising her eyelids required a surprising amount of strength. It took a full minute for her surroundings to soak in. And bit by bit, it all came flooding back: the fight, Pluto appearing, Chibi Chibi, forming a circle, the ginzuishou, and an explosion of pink light.
Staring at her white gogo boots, she saw glittering shards of glass scattered all around the marble floor. She didn't remember exactly, but she was positive that when the pink light had erupted from their circle, the windows of the entry room had exploded from the pressure. Glass had swirled around everyone in a tornado formation, slicing their skin and fuku. But now, as she sat among the aftermath, she was miraculously unscathed.
The ginzuishou...did it protect me? Aside from the disorientation clouding her brain, she felt fine. The warm light must have healed everyone when it expanded.
If that was the case...
"Chibi-Usa?" Sailor Moon said, her voice soaring with hope. She scrambled to her feet and looked all around for her daughter, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. All of the other senshi were getting to their feet, looking as dazed as she felt, but there was no sign of Chibi-Usa. A streak of fear darted through her stomach. Oh no. Where is she? She can't be gone! Whipping around frantically, a flash of pink hair caught her eye.
Super Sailor Chibi Moon stood a few feet away, clothed in her senshi fuku of pinks, reds, and yellows. She wasn't transparent any more, and looked as healthy as ever. White feathers and red reflectors adorned her cone-shaped odangos. Barrettes were clipped in her pale pink hair. A golden tiara, pink boots, and a choker with a heart in the center completed the look.
Her eyes were closed and her hands were cradling a glowing, flower-shaped crystal in front of her body. In the center of the crystal was a crescent moon shining bright. The mystical piece radiated hues of pinks so strong, Sailor Moon could feel the warmth from where she was standing.
"Is that...the ginzuishou?" Tuxedo Mask said slowly, appearing at her side.
Sailor Moon placed her hands over her heart and shook her head. She could feel the power pulsing within her and knew that the ginzuishou had disappeared back into her locket. The crystal that Chibi Moon held was different.
"It seems your power has birthed a new crystal for Small Lady," Pluto observed. She strolled towards them and rested her hand on Sailor Moon's shoulder. Her eyes crinkled when she smiled. "Well done, Princess."
"Does that mean Chibi-Usa's going to be alright?"
"Now that she has obtained the Pink Moon Crystal...yes," Pluto replied jovially.
"The Pink Moon Crystal?" Tuxedo Mask echoed.
"Yes. It is the evolved form of Small Lady's own ginzuishou. I heard legends of it in the future, but I did not realize it actually existed. It takes an incredible amount of power to crystallize it."
"Wow..."
The pink crystal floating in Chibi Moon's hands hovered towards her chest and faded into her body. Chibi Moon opened her eyes. "Everyone," she announced, "thank you so much for saving me." Her gaze swept around the room, lingering long on each senshi with gratitude. A tear threatened to escape her eye and slide down her cheek. Her hands were shaking slightly from where she'd held her new crystal.
"Chibi-Usa...?" Sailor Moon took a hesitant step in her daughter's direction. She watched Chibi Moon's expression change. Something lit up in her eyes. Her bottom lip trembled.
"Usagi!" The distance between them closed in a matter of seconds. Hugging Chibi Moon tight, Sailor Moon didn't ever want to let go. Everything about her was so real, from the heat radiating off her body, to the raspberry-scented shampoo in her hair, to the tiny freckles on her cheeks. Relief flooded her system realizing that she didn't have to worry about her disappearing anymore.
"I thought I was gonna lose you for good!" Sailor Moon burbled, tears streaming down her face. "I haven't been able to eat or sleep right ever since!"
"Usagi..." Chibi Moon said in a wobbly voice, squeezing her eyes shut. "You risked your life to save me... You really are my hero."
"It wasn't just me." Sailor Moon pulled back from their embrace and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "It was Fighter and Tuxedo Mask and Chibi Chibi-chan and everyone else too."
Chibi Moon sniffled, her lips upturning in a gentle, grateful smile.
"Small Lady!" Diana meowed. Healer smiled at the kitten in her arms and stroked her fur one last time before letting her down. The tiny kitten galloped straight to her owner.
"Diana!" She opened her arms and scooped up her kitty. Chibi Moon cuddled her close, relieved she wasn't ghost-like anymore and could physically hold her.
"Oh, Chibi-Usa-chan!" Saturn appeared and threw her arms around her best friend, nearly knocking her off her feet. "I'm so glad you're okay! I don't know what I would've done if I lost you!" she cried.
"Hotaru-chan!" Chibi Moon hugged her back, breathing in her friend's distinctive fragrance of sweet vanilla and lavender. "I missed you too. But... I can't...breathe!"
"Oh!" Saturn pulled away, her fair skin turning pink. "I'm so sorry! I'm just...so happy!"
"That's okay, I'm happy too." Chibi Moon grinned and gave her friend's hand a squeeze.
"It's truly a miracle." Mercury wiped her eye.
Maker, standing beside her, smiled. "Indeed."
Sailor Moon watched her friends circle around Chibi Moon like she was a celebrity, hugging her and gushing out words of relief and rejoice. The wind and rain dancing in from the nightfall slopped their hair into their eyes, and clung their fuku to their skin, but nobody cared. All traces of scratches, bruises, and burns from the brawl before had been erased. Every torn bow and ripped skirt had been mended miraculously when the pink light had washed over everyone.
Bliss bottled up inside Sailor Moon. She was grinning so wide her cheeks hurt, but she didn't care. Chibi-Usa was okay. Her friends were okay. For a second, things were starting to look up. She could finally see this storm blowing over and the sun starting to break through the clouds at last.
As if reading her thoughts, Uranus sauntered into sight. Crunch. Crunch. Her boots came down over broken glass with each step. "Pluto," she whispered, "you can't tell me that you're okay with this just because Chibi-Usa-chan is fine now, are you?" A pleading, almost desperate tone had found its way into her husky voice. "What's to become of the future?"
"Only time will tell," Pluto answered vaguely. Uranus's green eyes felt like barbs on her skin, but the senshi of time showed no emotion.
"Pluto," Neptune chided softly, "what will happen now? We cannot leave it at this. It's not over yet."
"But it is," Tuxedo Mask interrupted, stepping up beside Pluto. Their gaze met briefly with a furtive smile that vanished as quickly has it had happened. He then stared long and hard at Uranus and Neptune, his deep voice booming with a glint of authorization that made them flinch. "It's over. The future has changed, but it is safe. Don't worry about it any more."
Uranus stared at him, new expression contorting her handsome face. Anger. Confusion. Fear, perhaps. Why was he okay with this? He'd lost his wife and future kingdom, and had nearly lost his daughter. And yet, he looked happy. What the hell was wrong with him and Pluto? What was with those smug glances?
Uranus ground her teeth together. The irritating way Tuxedo Mask spoke left no room for arguing. It was easy disobeying orders from their Princess, but not from their Prince. Or ex-Prince for that matter, considering they didn't know what Crystal Tokyo, if it even existed anymore, may become.
Looking to Pluto for help, Neptune brushed a curly tress out of her face and pressed her glossy, peach-colored lips together tightly. "I suppose you wouldn't tell us what the future holds even if I asked, now would you?"
Pluto smiled. "You know me well."
Neptune nodded ruefully, narrowing her eyes. It was hard to tell with Pluto, but Neptune was positive she was hiding something. She was much too calm after everything. Had she known all along what would happen? Was she peeking into the future at this very second? And why were her sienna eyes smiling every time she looked at Tuxedo Mask? What was she keeping from them - and why?
Neptune discreetly raised an eyebrow at her. Pluto offered a tiny smile and lifted her shoulders ever so slightly as if to say, 'Sorry, the future was never intended to be disclosed'.
Neptune turned to her lover and touched her arm gently. Uranus didn't seem to notice. Eyes flickering at Tuxedo Mask, she clenched her teeth, opened her mouth, and clucked her tongue before snapping it shut. She finally turned away and ran her fingers through her wet hair, blowing out a hiss of air. "Whatever," she muttered.
Watching them silently, Sailor Moon breathed a sigh of relief. Uranus was pissed off now, but something told her that she'd get over it...eventually. There was nothing else she and Neptune could do, and thankfully, it looked like Pluto and Tuxedo Mask wouldn't let them if they tried. Now that Chibi-Usa was okay, they had no reason to tear her and Fighter apart. Their mission had failed, yet had succeeded unexpectedly. If they hadn't come to Kinmoku to take her away, the other senshi wouldn't have been here to contribute their power. Without their help, Sailor Moon couldn't have done it on her own without the risk of shattering her ginzuishou. In a roundabout way, Sailor Moon was grateful they'd come after all.
Fighter sashayed over to her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around her tiny frame. Sailor Moon let out a surprised, "Oof!"
"Looks like you did it, Odango. You saved her. I knew you could..." Fighter pulled her close and nuzzled her face into her golden hair. The scent of fresh-picked strawberries wafted around her nose, and she inhaled the sugary fragrance in a large gulp of air. She pulled back and gazed at Sailor Moon, too ecstatic for words.
"Fighter..." Those sultry blue eyes... Would she ever be able to look into them without her legs turning into noodles?
Fighter trailed her hands up from Sailor Moon's pink shoulder pads and caressed the skin of her neck, just below her golden star and moon earrings. She toyed with a blonde curl before tucking it lovingly behind Sailor Moon's ear. Fighter cupped her face in both hands and planted a tender kiss right on her lips.
Sailor Moon melted, a soft moan escaping her mouth. It was the first kiss in a long time with Seiya that she wasn't drenched in guilt over. Now she could kiss her as much as she wanted without anyone telling her otherwise, and she milked that fact happily. She felt like a bird released from its cage; finally free.
She knotted her fingers in Fighter's glossy hair, allowing her to deepen the kiss. Fighter's lips were moist and warm against her own, moving just right in a rhythm that made her head spin. She let Fighter's hands wander down her hips and pull her body even closer, so every part of them touched. Sparks zipped to her toes, which curled instantly in her boots.
Snickers erupted around them, a reminder that they had spectators. Sailor Moon yanked away like Fighter was suddenly on fire. She already felt her face growing hot, and shot Fighter an accusing look, as if she was entirely to blame.
"Get a room!" Mars joked. Venus doubled over in giggles. Chibi Moon smirked, amused.
Sailor Moon turned red. "Rei-chan!" she hissed. Fighter flushed at the mere thought and quickly turned away, a reaction that made Healer snort in laughter. Even Kakyuu cracked a smile.
"I'm just kidding, Usagi." Mars closed one eye in a playful wink.
"No you weren't!"
"Chillax, I was too."
"Nuh-uh!"
"Uh-huh!" Mars stuck out her tongue.
"Girls, let's try to get along..." Mercury's voice drowned in their bickering. Maker touched Mercury's shoulder and gave her a look that said, 'don't bother'. They both smiled.
Jupiter leisurely stretched her arms behind her head. "Here we go again..."
"Go... again? Here we go?" The high-pitched voice caused the room to fall silent. Sailor Moon and Mars immediately stopped quibbling and stared.
A little girl toddled forward wearing a blue sailor collar, a matching miniskirt, and round, white shoulder sleeves. Her hands were sheathed in tiny gloves, her feet in little boots. A red bow with a pink heart in the center fanned out on her chest, matching the hearts on her earrings, necklace, and reflectors in her heart-shaped odangos.
"Sailor Chibi Chibi Moon...?" Sailor Moon squeaked. She'd almost forgotten Chibi Chibi was a sailor senshi too. When the light exploded and transformed Chibi-Usa, it must have transformed Chibi Chibi as well. She'd been so worried about Chibi-Usa, then preoccupied with Fighter and Mars, that she'd forgotten all about her.
"Chi...Chibi Moon!" Chibi Chibi Moon jabbed her finger in Chibi Moon's direction excitedly.
"Me?" Chibi Moon pointed to herself.
"Chibi!"
Sailor Moon giggled. "I think that's a yes."
Chibi Moon smiled and approached the tiny girl. She got on one knee and waited as Chibi Chibi Moon ogled at her in fascination. Chibi Moon smiled and touched the toddler's face, caressing her chubby cheek. Her skin was as soft as rose petals. In fact, she even smelled like flowers.
A tingly sensation tickled the back of her throat, and her eyes started to well with unshed tears. Chibi Moon quickly pulled the toddler into a hug and buried her face in her shoulder before anyone could notice. She promised herself after what she saw in the future that she'd be strong about it. "Thanks for taking care of Usagi when I was gone," she whispered, almost silently.
"Chibi..." Chibi Chibi Moon murmured. When Chibi Moon pulled back, she touched her hand and smiled.
"And thanks for saving me," Chibi Moon said aloud, ruffling her curly, scarlet bangs. "I owe you one."
Chibi Chibi Moon giggled and laced her fingers through Chibi Moon's.
Sailor Moon's heart swelled in her chest. It was unreal seeing the two of them together, they looked like long lost sisters. She sometimes wished Chibi-Usa hadn't gone back to the 30th century and had been around to meet Seiya and Chibi Chibi the first time. They all would've gotten along together so nicely.
"You know," Chibi Moon said suddenly, in a loud voice. Her ruby-eyed gaze shifted from Chibi Chibi Moon to Sailor Moon, "It's funny how much she looks like you, Usagi."
"What? Who, me? Oh. Yeah, I guess she does!"
"I always thought so too." Fighter grinned.
"So who is she exactly? Puu said you two took care of her last year. I can't believe you replaced me that quickly!" she joked.
Sailor Moon chuckled. "Well, you know... It's kind of a long story..." Chibi Moon listened intently, waiting for her to go on. Sailor Moon scratched the back of her head, unsure what to say. "Chibi Chibi-chan was...Sailor Galaxia's starseed. In human form. She was the Light of Hope. I know you weren't here for the battle, but basically, when Galaxia sealed Chaos inside herself, she sent out her starseed and it reached me through Chibi Chibi-chan. She helped us win the fight."
"She also guided me to you when I got my own starseed back," Tuxedo Mask reminded her.
"Right. Then after that...well, she kind of disappeared. I never really thought about what happened to her, but now she's here again."
"Maybe Sailor Galaxia sent her here?" Jupiter suggested. "Maybe she knew we needed her help."
Mercury shook her head. "If she was her starseed, it's unlikely she could survive without it."
"Then who is she?" Chibi Moon asked again, more impatiently. Tuxedo Mask sent her a stern look.
"Does it matter? She's here, so that's that," Healer said indifferently. She was too preoccupied with the kitten rubbing up against her ankles to care. It seemed like Diana was as crazy about her as Luna was. Smiling, Healer bent and scratched behind Diana's ears, making her purr loudly. She didn't seem to mind one bit.
Venus nodded. "Healer's right. She helped save Chibi-Usa-chan, I think we should just be glad she came back."
"So... What do we do?" Mars eyed the tiny senshi. "Keep her around and pretend like nothing happened? Just say she's Usagi's sister like before if people ask questions?"
"It seems like we don't have much of a choice," Mercury said.
Sailor Moon crouched down and patted Chibi Chibi Moon's head. "You know, I wouldn't mind that. I really missed having her around." She smiled knowingly up at Fighter. "It'll be just like old times."
Fighter smiled back weakly, her gaze fixed on Chibi Chibi Moon. Eyebrows knit close together, she tilted her head to the side in a pensive expression, only half-listening to them.
"What's wrong, Fighter?" Sailor Moon asked, standing up. "You look worried. Everything okay?"
"Yeah. It's just...I don't know. Never mind."
"What?" Sailor Moon persisted.
Fighter sighed. "Chibi Chibi."
"What about her?"
"That's just it, I can't put my finger on it. But I don't think she's Sailor Galaxia's starseed anymore."
"Why...not?"
"Because when I was holding her before, I felt something. Almost like a connection of some sort... I mean, I always felt a link to Chibi Chibi back on Earth, but I thought it was just because she had the incense burner that held our Princess. But now..." Fighter looked over at Pluto and Tuxedo Mask suspiciously. "Is there something you two aren't telling us?"
Tuxedo Mask fiddled idly with his black top hat. The only sound was the flapping of his cape in the chilly breeze that cut through the palace's entry room.
Sailor Moon held her breath. Thunder rumbled faraway among the stars. Two of Kinmoku's three moons hung low in the sky like giant orbs. The sun would rise in a few hours.
"We haven't been completely honest with you, Princess," Pluto admitted finally.
"About...what?" Sailor Moon's voice wavered. After everything that had happened, she didn't know if she was game for any more surprises.
"About certain things..." Pluto looked at Tuxedo Mask before continuing. "The truth is, your destiny lies in your own hands. Or destinies, shall I say. All along, you've been free to create your own fate. There is no such thing as a 'destined path'. It never existed. The future is solely the outcome of present decisions, and always will be."
"Wait a sec," Uranus interrupted, raising a hand, "are you saying she doesn't have a destiny? Of course she does! As senshi, we all do. No matter what life we've been reincarnated into, she'll always hold that fate."
Pluto nodded. "Yes, that much is inevitable. But what she does in that life is entirely up to her. And seeing that she and Endymion were together in the past, I understand why it is easiest to believe that there is a greater force linking them together time and time again. But that is not true. Contrary to belief, her 'fate' was not altered when she came to Kinmoku recently. The changes begun as early as when Fighter initially crossed her path."
Sailor Moon flinched. "You mean... Me coming here isn't what did it? It was way back when we first met...?"
"Of course your visit to this planet only furthered the changes, but this was not sudden by any means."
Fighter's eyes closed. She'd always known that day was magical. She'd recalled it so often, every detail at the airport where the story began was practically etched permanently into her brain. From the smell of burnt rubber, coffee, and air conditioning, to the girly squeals of the crowd of fans she'd been desperately trying to get away from, to the way time seemed to move in slow motion. In that moment when she'd passed by the beautiful blonde for the very first time, everything had changed.
"Seeing that I was not to interfere, I chose to ignore the fact that another path was being formed for her as long as I could. And little by little, that future starting taking shape."
Sailor Moon swallowed. "You mean...me and Seiya's future?"
Pluto nodded. "The closer you two got, the more an alternative path for you unwound. Granted it had not been entirely fulfilled back then, or I would have seen signs of Small Lady disappearing much sooner."
"What does Chibi Chibi have to do with this?" Fighter asked skeptically.
Pluto pinched her lips together. "You see, when Galaxia sent out her starseed, it needed to take a physical embodiment to reach you."
"Yeah. She said, 'to someone who will embrace you warmly', if I remember right," Sailor Moon added, combing back through her memory. "And it did. Reach Chibi Chibi, I mean. She was the Light of Hope."
"Correct. But do you have any idea what made her of all things the Light of Hope?"
Sailor Moon paused. To be honest, she'd always thought that Chibi Chibi was just chosen for the job, just like she was chosen to be Sailor Moon. But she had a feeling that wasn't the answer Pluto wanted to hear.
Pluto didn't wait for a reply. "Princess," she said, "you're much more powerful than you know. You are one of the strongest senshi in the galaxy apart from Sailor Galaxia herself."
"I am?" Sailor Moon squeaked. Somehow that thought was a little terrifying.
"Of course. And knowing that now, do you wonder why the starseed did not simply fly to you rather than Chibi Chibi?"
"Because...Chibi Chibi-chan is a strong senshi too?" she guessed.
Pluto narrowed her sienna eyes, a glint of mystery glowing in her inky pupils. "Or perhaps because the same power within you pumps through her veins as well."
"Huh?"
Tuxedo Mask chuckled at her dullness. "Usako," he said slowly, as if speaking to a kindergartener, "your name is Sailor Moon. Chibi-Usa-chan's name is Sailor Chibi Moon. And Chibi Chibi-chan's name is Sailor Chibi Chibi Moon. Are you seeing the pattern?"
"Yeah, but...that's just a coincidence, isn't it?"
"Or is it?" Fighter said quietly, tapping her chin.
Sailor Moon shot her lover a quizzical look. Did she know what Pluto was getting at? Was she the only one who didn't know where this was going? Her jangling nerves rattled even more nervously.
Pluto cleared her throat before continuing. "Chibi Chibi was a futuristic child born from the protectors of the Star and Moon; an everlasting and powerful combination. It is no wonder why Sailor Galaxia's starseed was drawn to her of all things in the universe. Your bond with Fighter was so strong last year, Chibi Chibi's existence actualized, much like how Small Lady was born in the future from you and Mamoru-san. And because Sailor Chibi Chibi Moon is a lunar senshi like yourself, the starseed was drawn to her power, giving her the ability to actually exist in this world for the time being."
"Until just recently, that is, when the future shifted and she became an actual part of it," Tuxedo Mask added. He blew out a breath of air past his lips. "And I lied about before. Chibi Chibi-chan didn't appear and lead us to Kinmoku, we brought her back from the 30th century, knowing she could help save Chibi-Usa-chan. You - er, I mean, the future you, gave us permission to."
"W-what?" Sailor Moon stammered, her head spinning. "Why was Chibi Chibi-chan in the future? What are you saying?" Thump. Thump. Her heartbeat gushed loudly in her ears.
Fighter stared, the realization sinking in. Her face slowly paled to the color of sheets. "I-I'm sorry, I must have heard wrong. Because to me, you're making it sound like Chibi Chibi is me and Odango's child or something."
Pluto opened her mouth, then closed it. "She is."
"What!?" Sailor Moon squealed, her mouth popping open like a fish. Eyes bugging out, she waited for Pluto to say she was kidding. But she'd come to learn that Sailor Pluto never joked. And especially not about something like this.
Sailor Moon looked at Fighter. Fighter looked at Sailor Moon. Everyone stared at them both. A full minute passed, and no one said a word.
Mars was the first to break the silence. "So this whole time Chibi Chibi-chan was, or is, Usagi and Seiya's daughter...from the future?"
"In simpler words, yes," Pluto replied. "But just as how Small Lady could not exist if Sailor Moon chose Fighter, Chibi Chibi could not exist if Sailor Moon chose Tuxedo Mask. Out of the infinite destines possible, those two were the most prominent and likely to occur."
"But...that's impossible! Seiya's a girl!" Healer interjected. "They can't have a kid together!"
Pluto brushed an imaginary fleck of dust off her garnet rod. "Yes, well, please keep in mind that the future at the time took shape when you three physically embodied men."
"Yeah, but not any more!" Healer gaped at them, pieces clicking together in her mind. "So what are you saying then? That sometime in the near future Seiya's going to, like, turn into a dude for one night and bang Usagi?"
"Healer!" Maker shot her a disapproving frown.
Pluto looked uncomfortable. "Possibly..."
Fighter pressed her hand to her mouth, looking distraught as her face rapidly turned pink, then red. "No... She can't be my..." Staring at Chibi Chibi Moon in awe, the resemblance was as clear as day: Usagi's big eyes, odango hairstyle, and high-pitched voice. Then she begun to see herself in the child: curly hair, blue eyes, and crooked, curious smile. Even the toddler's personality was a mixture of them both, from Chibi Chibi's love of sweets like Usagi, to her playfulness and fearlessness like Seiya.
"Oh my god." Fighter felt faint. She really is our kid. This whole time...
"Chibi Chibi?" Chibi Chibi Moon cocked her head to the side, her way of asking Fighter what was wrong.
"Chibi Chibi-chan is my daughter? Me and Seiya's...daughter?" Sailor Moon's voice trailed off. Her insides flipped over like a chocolate chip pancake, and her legs dissolved to Jell-O. At the same time, a bubbly, happy feeling fizzed up inside her. It stunned every muscle in her body.
"Oh my gosh, no way!" Venus's baby-blue eyes enlarged and twinkled. "That means Seiya and Usagi-chan will have that kind of future together! I'm so jealous!" she said in a dreamy voice.
"Venus... Now is not the time." Mercury shook her head.
"What?" Venus asked innocently. "It's totally true!"
Everyone's voices started to mesh together before they met her ears. Sailor Moon felt like she was floating outside of her body. Is this really happening or am I still lying in bed curled up with Seiya, sound asleep? Sailor Moon pinched her forearm and winced. Wide awake.
"Odango..." Fighter's eyes were steady on her. She took a step facing Sailor Moon, then stopped. She could feel the bloom of warmth in her face spreading to her ears and down her neck and chest. She suddenly felt exposed, and blamed her Starlight fuku for making her feel naked. She was sure she and Sailor Moon were thinking about the same thing... And when Sailor Moon smiled bashfully and blushed, Fighter knew she was right. They both quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"Well!" Sailor Moon fudged an uneasy laugh. "I guess this explains a lot of things. Haha...ha."
"Yeah." Fighter smiled and scratched the back of her head sheepishly. She busied her hands by untying and retying her ponytail, even though not a hair was out of place. "I suppose it does."
They fell into an awkward silence. Sailor Moon stared at the tips of her gogo boots, thinking back to all the times she, Chibi Chibi, and Seiya had spent together on Earth. The time they'd hid in the cupboard together, to the time Chibi Chibi had splattered cake on Seiya's face, to the time Chibi Chibi had opened the cabin door, pushing Seiya to fall on top of her. It put everything in an entirely new perspective.
As exciting as it was, it certainly would take some time getting used to - with both Chibi Chibi and Seiya.
"Why are you two so shy? You should be happy everything's gonna work out! And congratulations on Chibi Chibi-chan!" Venus gushed, throwing her arms around both of them and pulling them close together.
"Thanks, Venus," Sailor Moon said, rolling her eyes. Her gaze met Fighter's. The Starlight bit her lip, then broke out into a sheepish smile that made her look utterly adorable. Sailor Moon managed to grin back, her heart galloping faster.
Watching the scene unfold from the sidelines, Uranus and Neptune made their way to Pluto. "Why did you tell them this?" Uranus deadpanned. "What happened to not wanting to reveal the future?"
"They deserved to know," Tuxedo Mask said coolly. "Besides, if we wouldn't have told them, Chibi-Usa-chan would have."
Neptune's perfectly-arched eyebrows shot up. "She knew about this?"
Pluto nodded regretfully. "She was with us when the future changed before our eyes, unfortunately."
"And how's she taking it?" Uranus said frostily. "She must be thrilled knowing that her mother has a new child to love in her place." Uranus looked at Pluto in disbelief. "I thought you were fighting for her. How could you let this happen?"
"Uranus, please stop," Pluto said, sounding tired. "What happened was beyond our control. The important thing is that Small Lady is safe now with the Pink Moon Crystal. If we hadn't brought Chibi Chibi back, we wouldn't have been able to-"
"I get it. But it doesn't mean I'm happy about it." Uranus folded her arms across her chest and started to walk away. Her eyes fell on the others again and she paused to watch as Sailor Moon scooped up Chibi Chibi Moon in her arms and handed her to Fighter, giggling. Chibi Moon said something and they all laughed. From where they were standing, it looked like Chibi Moon was doing a good job of concealing any hard feelings she had for Fighter or her new sister fairly well.
"You know, they look like such a happy family," Neptune commented, a smile whispering across her lips. "I'm a little envious."
Uranus's features settled into a scowl. "How can you say that, Neptune? That girl nearly wrecked everything we live to protect. I still fear what Crystal Tokyo will become. Don't you?"
Neptune's slender shoulders rose in a nonchalant shrug. They watched the others in silence for a while. Chibi Chibi Moon had climbed onto Fighter's shoulders and they were all laughing. Mars said something that upset Sailor Moon, leading them to squabble for a while before Jupiter intervened. Sailor Moon then turned her back to Mars and took Chibi Chibi Moon's hand and swung it playfully before leaning forward and pecking Fighter on the lips. Neptune noticed the muscle in Uranus's jaw tense out of the corner of her eye.
"Uranus," she said quietly, so only they could hear, "what are you really upset about here? The fact that Sailor Moon fell in love with someone else, or the fact that that person is Sailor Star Fighter?"
"The latter of course."
"Is that so?" Neptune flipped her curls over her shoulder. "Because I'm beginning to believe that deep down you are simply jealous."
Uranus scoffed. "Jealous?" she repeated incredulously. "Jealous of what? Of who? You're wrong."
"Am I?" Neptune rested her head on Uranus's shoulder, inhaling her woodsy cologne and welcoming her warmth. "I think you're in love with her, just a little bit at least, and you're upset that someone you don't like loves her back."
Uranus chuckled. "You think I'm in love with Koneko-chan? That's crazy. You're the jealous one here, Michiru."
Neptune fluffed her violinist fingers through Uranus's hair, pretending to brush out a piece of dirt. "I was only messing with you," she said in a silky voice, before pulling away.
Uranus smirked, her green eyes trailing back to the couple. She focused hard on Fighter. She'd never understood why, but she couldn't stand the Starlight for some reason. She had everything; looks, talent, and a way with women. Maybe it was because she'd caught her in Michiru's dressing room, but she couldn't stand knowing that Usagi was hanging around with such a player. She deserved so much better.
Uranus stopped herself just as the thought rang through her head. She bit down hard on her lip, eyes lingering on the beautiful blonde cuddling with her new daughter and girlfriend.
I'm not jealous... Am I?
