For the One I Love
Chapter 18
"The Moon Kingdom"
The Moon's reflective glow crept through the cracks of the silvery curtains, casting long patches of light across the marbled floor in Fighter's bedroom. It was late, or rather early 'morning' by this point and her eyes were wide open, peering out into the surrounding darkness unable to sleep. She'd been lying in her bed watching, waiting for the glow between the curtains to change from white to a warm gold, signaling the arrival of their artificial morning.
Fighter rolled over restlessly, watching the patch of light creep its way across Maker's face who was asleep in the bed next to hers. The last bed closest to the window sat unmade and empty and belonged to Healer, who was currently completing her rounds of the castle. Unknown to Queen Serenity and her castle entourage, the Starlights had been taking turns watching over the Princess or keeping an eye on the Prince who calls himself Demande.
They had been guests at the Moon Castle of the past for a few days now under the same false pretense as Demande, that they were there to help join their two kingdoms together with the possibility of a peace treaty. While Demande was essentially impersonating himself, the Starlights decided their best chance of staying close to the Princess was to retain their female forms and pose as handmaidens. They were to be an offering to the Moon Princess from their planet, while also hiding their identities as Senshi from another system. Unsure of their plan at first for fear of any real interactions the Moon Kingdom may or may not have had with outlying planets at the time, their plan seemed to be working so far. The Queen accepted them with open arms and they had barely left Princess Serenity's side since.
Fighter's mind rested on the thought of her. Usagi's former incarnation of Princess Serenity had been everything from her dreams and more, her beauty never ceasing to take her breath away. However, upon seeing her something else welled up in the pit of Fighter's stomach. The image from her nightmares, of Serenity's screaming figure in Demande's hands. Quickly trying to shake the image from her mind, Fighter rose silently from her bed as the moonlight finally gave way to daylight, and just as the door slammed inward with a profound thud.
Healer stormed inside; thrusting the door open she marched across the room to her bed and collapsed backward onto it. Fighter raised an eyebrow at her.
"Rough night?" She asked.
"Unbelievable!" Healer muttered through the pillow she had draped over her face. "Who does that man think he is, actually getting to sleep while I'm up all night outside his room?"
"Are you serious?" Came a drowsy voice from Maker's bed. "You woke me up to complain about nothing?" Healer shot daggers from her tired eyes, but before she could verbally respond Fighter cut across her.
"And you're sure he was there?" This was apparently the wrong thing to ask.
"Of course he was!" Healer snapped, obviously irritated. "I'm not incompetent!"
"Alright, relax. It was just a question."
"He woke to meet the Queen when I left. What's he playing at anyway?" She suddenly burst out. "We've been in the past for five or so days and he hasn't made one move towards the Princess or against the Kingdom."
"I wouldn't say that." Fighter said crossly.
"Besides his failed attempts at flirting." Healer waved her comment aside.
"That is troublesome." Maker sighed, replying to Healer's first comment. Abandoning any chance of falling back to sleep she rose from her bed as well. "The problem is we don't really know his full objective. We know the Princess is part of it, but that's about it. We don't know what he's scheming, we just assumed he would come back to the past and start wreaking havoc like he did with Crystal Tokyo. If we're ever going to get back home, we need to start being proactive versus counteractive."
"Are you suggesting we get closer to the Queen?" Fighter asked while putting the finishing touches on her dress.
"Her and her inner court, yes." Maker replied. "Where all the kingdom's politics take place, then maybe we can figure out what Demande is truly after."
"That'll be hard." Fighter looked over at her. "We're wearing thin as it is between the three of us just watching over the Princess and Demande."
"You've been watching over the Princess yourself mostly anyway, and with Demande nearer the Queen more and more I don't think it'll be that much harder as long as Healer is willing to-"
"Don't look at me!" Healer said wrapping herself in blankets. "My shift is over and I am not pulling a double! I will be going to bed now!"
"She'll come around." Fighter smirked at Maker's disapproving face. "Just let her get some sleep first. So," She started normally, "if you'll excuse me, I-"
"Have a date, we know." Healer rolled her eyes before placing her pillow over her head. Fighter didn't hide her smile fast enough, and Maker caught her back by the arm.
"Fighter," She cooed warningly, "remember-"
"I know." Fighter interrupted.
"We hesitated when we got here, but in the end we agreed its better you're the one to get close to her since you know her best, but-"
"I know." Fighter interjected again. "I know what's at stake, trust me." With those words Fighter tugged away from Maker's grasp, waved without looking back, and disappeared behind the doors.
Maker stared after her. "I'm trying…" She muttered. "What do you think?" She turned to Healer who grudgingly pulled the pillow from her face.
"I think," She started, "that Fighter would let the universe burn if it meant being with that girl. Now, can you shut the curtains? I'm still waiting to sleep."
Maker wrinkled her nose. "R-right… 'Night then." After yanking the curtains closed, she too took off into the castle grounds.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Bang, bang.
"Come in."
Fighter pressed against the heavy double doors that led into Princess Serenity's chambers. "Princess." She smiled and curtsied before clicking the door shut and fully entering.
"Fighter!" Serenity said happily from the left side of the room. "Good morning." The Princess sat atop an ornamented gold stool with crystal beading as fringe in front of a large matching vanity. She was already dressed in her customary royal gown, and a handmaiden was currently fussing with her long rumpled hair which spilled out across the floor.
"May I?" Fighter reached out her hand, for which the handmaiden happily placed a hairbrush and walked away after a quick curtsy to the Princess.
"Are you sure?" Serenity chuckled.
"It's not a problem." Fighter said warmly back as she began to brush.
"Usually Venus does my hair for me. If not her one of the other girls, but they're all busy preparing for the ball this evening."
"I'm more than happy to do it." Fighter continued to brush her hair with care. Serenity closed her eyes as the gentle tugs rocked her into a relaxed state. Minutes passed of the two in silence, except for the placid sound of the brush drifting through the Princess's hair and Fighter's hands sifting through it. After another few moments, Fighter broke the silence.
"Hair pins?" She asked.
"On the vanity." Serenity reached forward and grabbed some, then passed them back over her shoulder. "I almost fell asleep, I'm sorry. You must be bored."
"Not at all. It's calming for me as well." This was more than true. While Fighter had kept an eye on the Princess most out of the Starlights, it was still a rarity to be completely alone as they were, and even more of a rarity to be alone in such a close and calming manner.
"I haven't asked how you like it so far." Serenity asked. "Living here. Are your accommodations okay?"
"Our accommodations are splendid, thank you." Fighter stated, studying Serenity's long strands over her fingers as she began to separate her hair into pigtails. "And it's beautiful here, from what I've seen. The lush greenery surprised me, and the blue sky. I wasn't expecting that. Princesses Venus and Mercury took Healer and myself around the grounds the other day."
"Oh, yes." Serenity said. "With our technology, we're able to simulate a climate as well as days and nights similar to Earth within the barrier. Oh! Did Venus happen to take you to the Royal Gardens?"
Fighter plucked a hair pin from her mouth where she had been holding it and nudged it into Serenity's hair, completing one of her buns. "I think we skipped over that one, actually."
"Do you mind if I take you? Only Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, my mother and myself are allowed there without an escort, but it's by far the best part of the castle."
"I'd love that." Fighter beamed. "I'm almost done; we should still have plenty of time before brunch."
"Wonderful! There're flowers as far as the eye can see, artificially grown of course, but still lovely, and it's the best location to view Earth. If you go at the right time, Earth can look enormous. I hear there's thousands of different flower species there. I tried finding photos in our database, but we just have a handful from afar since no one's really allowed there."
"You're not allowed to Earth?" Fighter looked up mildly surprised.
"No." Serenity smiled, but somewhat sadly. "We're at peace with them, but Earth technically operates outside The Silver Millennium's rule. I'd like to see the flowers in person, but I know that probably won't ever happen. Their people don't have the same longevity that we possess, which Mother has mentioned causes a problem with some of their subjects. Either way, we just watch over them from afar…"
Fighter hesitated. "So- if you've never been to Earth, has anyone from Earth ever been here? To meet with the Queen perhaps?"
"Mm." The Princess thought about it for a moment. "Not that I know of, or remember. Why do you ask?"
"I was just curious; maybe you met someone from Earth and didn't even realize it." Fighter quickly dropped her eyes back to the task at hand. It seemed like Maker's intuition had been correct. Not only had they arrived at the point in which Demande specified, a time in which Usagi was Princess Serenity and not Sailor Moon, but they also arrived at the point in time in which Fighter was originally planning to go; a time before Serenity had even met with Endymion. However, there was one way to make absolute sure. "Actually, I was wondering- a question, but I fear it's above my place to ask."
The Princess turned her head gently to the side so Fighter wouldn't lose a hold of the last bun she was about to start pinning into place. She looked up with her gentle blue eyes, full of sincerity. "Fighter, we're friends, please don't worry about silly formalities. Ask me anything."
"Alright. Then- does the Princess have anyone she's currently in love with?"
"Oh." Serenity laughed. "No." Fighter's heart instantly skipped a beat. She inhaled deeply, trying hard to steady it. "I haven't met anyone like that yet, but that's okay. I have my friends, and my mother." She beamed. "And what about you?"
"Huh?"
Serenity grinned. "Don't pretend you didn't hear, it's only fair I get to ask the same thing."
Fighter locked eyes with the Princess, debating for a moment before answering, "Yes."
"Really?" Serenity asked enthusiastically. "What are they like?"
"They're…" Fighter continued to stare directly into the Princess's gaze. "They're the most beautiful person I've ever met. Not just on the outside, but their kindness, and compassion for others is the most remarkable thing I've ever seen. They put others before their own happiness, no matter what. They believe in the best of someone, even if that someone is their worst enemy who seems past saving. Their energy could light up the night sky, brighter than the brightest star. Though sometimes a bit spastic, they always mean well. Truly, the most honest, loving, charismatic soul I have ever met."
"Wow. You make them sound like a truly amazing person." Serenity said in admiration. "I'm envious, to have something so special sounding. You must really love them."
"They are." Fighter's eyes crinkled in the corners. "And I do." With one final twist and one final tuck of a hair pin, she completed the Princess's hair. "Finished."
Serenity leaned forward in the mirror slightly to study Fighter's craftsmanship. "You've done this hairstyle before." She stated. "Thank you, it looks great. Shall we go to the Royal Gardens then?"
Serenity and Fighter spent some time casually walking and laying about the gardens conversing before they headed in for brunch. When they arrived at the gardens, they had walked down a long tiled path surrounded by stretches of pond and high pillars, talking about nothing in particular, before Serenity led them up a small hill of brightly colored flowers. At the top of the hill, a large Earth hung in the horizon with nothing but starry sky and more fields of flowers in sight. Even Fighter couldn't dismiss the sight of how beautiful Earth was in that moment. Their conversation briefly rested on the blue marbled planet once more before turning their attention to less complicated matters such as the ball that evening, and then, eventually the promise of food awaiting them. Fighter was so complaisant in the moment, she came to a jarring halt as they rounded the corner and saw something that thrust her back into the reality of their situation. Queen Serenity accompanied by Prince Demande were walking directly at them.
"Mother." Serenity curtseyed. "Prince Demande." Fighter begrudgingly half curtseyed behind her, aiming her intent at the Queen amid Demande's smug expression.
"Princess." Demande bowed.
"Were you going to brunch?" Serenity asked. "We can walk together."
"Actually dear, the Prince and I have some more things to attend to this morning, I'm afraid we'll have to take meal later." The Princess frowned slightly. "I'm sorry." Her mother smiled. "I know I've been busy lately." She tucked her daughter's hair behind her ear.
"It's alright." Serenity said grabbing her mother's hand. "I understand."
"I'm sorry for keeping her from you." Said Demande.
"Oh, not at all."
"I'll see you later tonight." Queen Serenity assured her daughter. She briefly looked at Fighter and nodded with a smile before starting to depart.
Demande followed suit but stepped towards the Princess before continuing. Fighter instantly tensed, uncontrollably taking a half step to move between them. Demande ignored the motion as he reached out his hand and took Serenity's in his.
"Your highness, I hope to see you at the ball tonight as well." He grinned, brought Serenity's hand slightly closer to him and bent his head in a low bow before brushing his lips placidly against her skin. "Save me a dance."
"O-of course." She blushed at the gesture.
"Lovely." He lightly squeezed her hand, then sweetly placed the ends of her fingertips between his lips before letting go. Demande bowed once more before taking stride behind the Queen, making no acknowledgment of Fighter as he passed except for the faintest of smirks.
Fighter burned. She could feel her heart thumping in her throat, the image of him touching her so familiarly seared across her vison. She turned to see Serenity hot in the face as well, but for another reason. She was flushed, obviously not knowing what to make of the encounter, her hand still suspended in midair where Demande had released it. Serenity blinked awake when she felt another hand find its way into hers, smaller and softer.
"C'mon." Fighter grumbled. "Let's get you food."
"Ok." She mumbled softly, letting Fighter take the lead and steer her gently away.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The castle ballroom was already grand on its own accord, but the masque event made it even more so. Tall vases of flowers from the Royal Gardens sat center amongst all the silk draped tables. More silk drapery hung in repetition across the vaulted ceiling, while elaborate candelabras adorned all corners of the room. The room was flooded with a variety of dresses, suits, and armor as people from all stations swirled around in their best attire. It was a feast meant to celebrate their new guests and possible alliances, both Demande and the Starlights.
Demande thrived in the spotlight, obviously no stranger to formal occasions and royal etiquette. Fighter was no stranger either, but as she was posing as a handmaiden to the Princess, a mere gesture from her own court, she had no reason to worry about such things. Fighter glowered in his direction over the many heads, watching from a distance as he was once again glued to Queen Serenity's side. She wondered how long Demande could hide behind his ruse before his true personality showed.
"We should have sold ourselves as diplomats." Fighter looked up to find Maker at her side, starring in the same direction she had just been. "That would have made this whole situation much easier."
"Considering you're down here with me, and not up there with them, I'm assuming that you haven't gotten any closer to the Queen's inner circle?"
Maker shook her head. "I have honestly. Queen Serenity was impressed and intrigued by my knowledge pertaining to certain affairs, particularly those surrounding the outer regions, but, it's not enough to stand on the same platform as a Prince."
"Not yet." Fighter said continuing to watch the Prince and the Queen. "You're smarter than he is, it'll just take some time before the Queen sees that."
"Time is what we're running out of." Maker looked down and swirled a maroon colored liquid in a champagne glass. "We've already been here far longer than we should have ever been. How we left the present wasn't exactly a promising site to behold, and I don't know how our little stay here is affecting anything further there."
"What we need is to get that key off of him and drag him back to his own timeline, before he even has time to enact whatever he's plotting."
"Easier said than done." Maker took a drawl from her glass. "He doesn't seem the type to go down without a fight, and we can't afford a scene, besides-" She added somewhat bitterly, "both Healer and I have searched his quarters rigorously for that key, nothing. It has to be on him." As if suddenly remembering something, Maker looked in both directions over Fighter's shoulders.
"Healer is with Serenity and the Senshi." Fighter acknowledged Marker's searching gaze.
"That's unlike you. Leaving her side."
Fighter shrugged. "I didn't have much of a choice honestly. If I didn't give Healer a change of scenery from that glob," She thrust her thumb in Demande's direction, "we'd be dealing with other problems."
"Ah." Maker paused for a moment, then sighed. "Drink?" Fighter stared at her outstretched arm for a second before taking the glass from her.
"What the hell?" She thought, bringing the glass to her lips and promptly pursing them as a bitter sensation saturated her mouth. As she hastily brought down the glass, she saw Princess Serenity enter the room in a long flowing white gown with silver crystals stitched across the bodice in the pattern of flower. She was surrounded by her usual entourage, all dressed equally as fanciful. Healer entered behind them and instantly began scanning the room. As Maker and Healer made eye contact, Healer bowed to the girls before making her way through the throngs of people.
"Anything interesting happen?" Maker asked indifferently. "What?" She raised her eyebrows at Healer's expression. Healer glanced at Fighter, then back to Maker, obviously struggling with something.
"Something happened?" Fighter turned to Healer who kept glancing between the two, biting her bottom lip in contemplation.
"Healer-" Maker began to warn.
"Damnit." She cursed. "Fine. C'mere." She grabbed Fighter by the wrist and led the two girls across the room to a corner of the dance floor secluded from the majority of people. Fighter kept turning her head to make sure Serenity stayed within her sights.
"What are you doing?" Fighter asked. "It's harder to watch them from here." As if he was waiting for this very opening, Demande approached Serenity for the next dance.
"Leave it for now." Healer waved her concern aside. "I know how you're going to react, so the less people around us the better. So, that said, can you please just not freak out?"
"What in the-"
"I overheard the girls whispering as they were dressing for tonight. Apparently, Prince Demande has conditioned his so-called treaty to include an engagement to Serenity. She doesn't know yet."
Maker managed to clasp her hand over Fighter's mouth before she could shout. Fighter pivoted towards her with an angry, desperate glare and wrenched her hands away.
"Over my dead body!" She barked.
"Quiet!" Maker hissed through her teeth, glancing around her.
"That was his plan." Fighter seethed, still loudly. "This way he still gets rule over the Silver Millennium, but with Serenity by his side. Something he failed to obtain in Crystal Tokyo."
"He's cleverer than I thought."
"Now what?" Healer asked. "It's the Queen's decision, how do we interfere with that?"
"Mmm-" Maker placed her fingers to her temple in deliberation. "The easiest way would be to find some information on his home world that would be a cause for the Queen to steer clear from a treaty all together."
"That sounds promising." Healer remarked.
"And based on his character I'm sure it would be, but the problem is actually finding the information. I've looked before, there's absolutely nothing about a planet named Nemesis stored in their archives, at least not on public record. I'd have to gain access into their secured files, and even then the Queen doesn't come off as someone who wouldn't do her own research."
"So that's a complete dead end then?" Fighter snapped. "Why even mention it?"
"Hey." Maker snapped back. "I'm trying to think of a solution to a situation you put us all in to begin with, remember? Do you have any better ideas?"
Knowing she couldn't argue, Fighter grumpily looked away. A split second later, she panicked. Serenity and Demande had vanished. She frantically searched over the tops of heads, hunting for a glimpse of either. With no sign of them she twisted her neck to look for the Sailor Senshi instead, all of whom were preoccupied with either dancing or chatting. None noticed their Princess's departure, or rather, didn't know the nature surrounding who she seemingly departed with.
"They're gone!" She croaked. "Serenity and Demande."
"Fighter hey!" Healer grabbed her arm as she began to charge into the crowd. "Calm down, you're not thinking straight right now."
"She's right." Maker agreed. "Now that there's been a marriage proposal, Demande wouldn't endanger that possibility by hurting her."
"He doesn't have to hurt her to put his filthy hands on her!" Fighter tore her arm out of Healer's grasp and sprinted off.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Serenity leaned against the edge of one of the upper balcony's which overlooked the west side of the castle. In the distance from where she stood, she could partially see the entrance on one side, and the wall surrounding the Royal Gardens on the other. Small specks of varied colors that were the flowers just visibly peaked from behind it, and hanging high in the dark star spattered sky was a smaller version of the Earth she had seen earlier in the day. She tilted her head in the palm of her hand as she looked out onto it, taking in the cool night breeze that stirred around her face. As she gazed at the planet she wondered what a real breeze felt like, if it would feel any different. Her eyes flickered over to a large screen that hung down from base of the balcony above her. Using a small remote she turned it on revealing a picture of the most gorgeous red flowers Serenity had ever seen, something their gardens lacked. She gently set the remote on the ground next to her when a voice called from behind.
"You sure like gazing at that blue planet."
Serenity arched her head to see Prince Demande strolling towards her. "Ah, Prince Demande."
"So, this is where you escaped to."
"Sorry," She apologized, "for not granting you another dance. I just needed some fresh air. You're welcome to join me." She smiled as he came up beside her. "It's kind of my secret hide away besides the gardens."
"Tell me," Demande remarked as her focus turned back to Earth. "What intrigues you so much about that planet?"
"Oh." Serenity mouthed slightly surprised. "No one's actually asked me that before. I guess- it's just beautiful isn't it?" She beamed in adoration. "It's all these magnificent colors compared to anything I've seen. They have a giant blue ocean that covers most of the planet, great land masses full of real vegetation, all colors of flowers and other plants that would never be able to grow here, and an array of different animals. Or, so I've read, and seen from a few pictures. I've never actually been there."
Demande surveyed her attentively as she spoke with enthusiasm. "Is that why Serenity loves the Earth so much?" He asked. "Anything else?"
"Anything else?" She asked curiously.
"Any- person?" Demande moved closer to her.
"I've never met anyone from Earth. But, I'm sure they're lovely people. Perhaps one da-"
"You're wrong." He said quietly, but firmly. "The people of Earth are a selfish, greedy, destructive kind. They care nothing for their planet like you do. They'll destroy it themselves and not even care."
She stared at him for a moment, mildly surprised. "That can't be."
"Your unnatural longevity," He placed his fingertips gently on her shoulder, tracing them down to her own fingertips, "is something they would devour, yet never deserve."
"But-" She stuttered. "A planet so beautiful, surely-"
"Nothing next to you." Serenity blushed furiously, then froze. The hand he used to brush lightly against her skin now held her hand firmly in his. He placed his other hand against her cheek, wrapping his fingers behind her head. He used his thumb to brush a small piece of hair away, before resting it on the edge of her lips. "Forget Earth." He lifted her chin upwards towards his. "Forget Earth, and be mine."
"Dema-" Without warning, something strange happened. Serenity felt her body go weak. Her mind began to go blank as a bright light blurred her vision. "Kiss me…" Came a foggy voice. "Kiss me… make me your king…" Striking violet eyes, and snow-white hair were all she could see. And a hot breath, coming closer…
She blinked furiously. Her sight rapidly returned just in time to catch herself from slamming into the ground. Her hands skid across the stone floor, scratching her palms. Serenity whirled around squeezing her aching fists to find Fighter grabbing at Demande, trying to swing at him. Demande blocked her efforts, but not without putting in his own. She was tough. He clutched the collar of her dress in an effort to shake her off him, but every time he came close Fighter found her footing and took an even tighter hold.
"S-" Serenity sat on the ground in shock, trying to push herself up. "S-stop!" She hollered at them, but neither was listening. The two sent each other crashing into the pillars. As they did, the Princess shakily stood and rushed at them.
"Princess!" Fighter gave a strangled shout as the young woman tried holding onto both of them. Demande also looked down in surprise, still ensnared in Fighter's grip.
"Please!" She tried to wedge herself between them, but caught in the scuffle she began to stumble backwards. Muddled together, Fighter and Demande started to fall with her. Fighter released Demande in an effort to grab onto Serenity, but didn't have time.
"Ow!" Fighter's back collided firmly against the hard ground and a searing jab spread through her upper arm. She reached underneath it and pulled out an oddly shaped object; the remote Serenity had set there prior. Annoyed, she chucked it across the floor and looked over to the Princess. "Serenity, are you alright?" She asked anxiously. "Serenity?" Only the Princess's attention was elsewhere. Fighter turned to see what she was staring at, and instantly felt her heart falter.
She was staring at the screen from earlier, but at a new image she had never seen before. There were dozens of the same red flowers from the previous one, only this one had someone in it. The portrait of a young man; hair as dark as a starless night sky and eyes as blue as the vast ocean.
"Serenity." Fighter reached out her hand to touch the Princess's arm, but recoiled, her hand hovering midair. The Princess looked directly past her, never noticing.
"Tsch." Demande scowled as he stood from the ground. It wasn't until Fighter made to lunge at him that Serenity found herself again. She grabbed onto the Starlight's arm with a pleading look. Mustering all her self-control, Fighter let Demande walk away. She turned her attention to the Princess instead.
"Are you alright?" Serenity nodded, but winced as Fighter turned her hands over to look at her palms. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright." She shook her head.
Fighter studied her for a minute before asking, "What happened between you two?"
"I-" She looked up into Fighter's concern filled eyes. "We were just talking, and then you-" She cast her eyes downward.
"You don't remember anything else?"
"I-"
"Princess?"
They both turned as Princesses Jupiter and Venus walked out onto the balcony.
"We figured you'd be here." Venus said. "Your mother's been asking for you."
"What happened?!" Jupiter suddenly grabbed Serenity's hands in her own. She looked up at Fighter for an explanation.
"It's nothing, really." Serenity reassured her friend. "I tripped over myself, right Fighter?"
"R-right."
"Guh, you would." Jupiter sighed. "Well, there's no going back to the ball looking like that, you're fifthly. Let's go." Princess Jupiter wrapped her arm around Serenity's waist, leading her away. As they turned the corner, Serenity glanced back first at Fighter, and then once more at the screen before disappearing from view.
"Star Fighter?" Venus called over to her. "Thank you for always watching after her, but please feel free to return to the ball for tonight. It is to partially honor your arrival after all."
"Thank you."
They bowed to each other before Venus quickened her pace to catch Jupiter and Serenity. Fighter however, continued to stand there with no desire or intention to return to the festivities. Instead, she teetered to one of the pillars and slid down it, heaving a great sigh and placing her arms over her head. For a while, she let the laughter and music still drifting in from the party below drown out her thoughts. She finally uncovered her face and looked up, her gaze landing on the same image that captivated Serenity just moments prior. "Destiny." Fighter muttered sourly. In the same moment she noticed the remote she'd tossed, next to her. "I get it already." She clicked the image off. "Stop mocking me."
Authors Note:
This and the next chapter were trickier to write because we don't have much information on how people lived during The Silver Millennium. I did my best with the pieces Naoko has given us. Besides that, I'd like to say please check out my artwork on Deviantart. My pen name is Kimiski, just like here. I like to draw scenes from my fanfictions every once in a while, especially this one, so you may find that interesting to check out. Also, give the song, "The One That Got Away" by The Spacies a listen. It's absolutely a song written by Seiya to Usagi, and I couldn't help but envision my fanfiction while listening to it. I had it on a constant repeat while writing these last two chapters.