~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose

Well, here's Chapter 2!

Enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

Chapter 2: Storms

Fighter trudged down the palace's long hallways to her room. The day was nearly over. The setting sun spilled in through the cathedral-style windows giving everything a soft, pink glow. She had finished her guardian duties and was heading straight to bed. The lack of sleep was starting to give her a throbbing headache. In a flash, Fighter let her transformation go, returning to her civilian self.

"Seiya!" a distinct voice echoed from the end of the corridor. A petite figure approached her from the shadows.

It was Yaten, walking slowly as if she expected the world to wait for her.

"What is it?" Seiya asked tiredly. She didn't want to deal with anyone. All she wanted to do was lay her head on her pillow and close her eyes. Her dreams were much better than reality lately.

"The Princess wants to talk to you," Yaten replied. There was a serious edge in her voice.

"Oh?"

"I'm not sure what it's about. She seemed worried though. She wants you to come to her room." Yaten raised her eyebrow as she spoke.

Seiya was shocked. Rarely did the Princess ever invite anyone there. What could this be about? She gave a nod to Yaten and made her way to the Princess's quarters. Have I done something wrong?

At the end of the hall, she raised her fist and gently knocked.

"Princess?" she called softly.

"You may enter," replied Kakyuu.

Seiya pushed the door open and stepped into the Princess's room. The walls were a soft pastel orange, accenting the plush cream carpet at her feet. It was large and dimly lit by candles along the walls. She'd only been in there a few other times, and the exquisite interior never failed to take her breath away. Kakyuu was sitting on a sofa in the corner. She motioned for Seiya to come and sit next to her.

This is weird. I feel out of place in here. What's going on? Did something happen? She sat uncomfortably on the edge of the soft sofa. "You called, Princess?"

Kakyuu nodded. She raised her orange eyes to meet Seiya's. The dim light made them sparkle like rhinestones.

"Fighter... I know you are most likely tired, so I will get straight to the point. Something has been bothering you lately. Do you wish to speak of it?"

Seiya was taken aback. She wasn't expecting this. First Yaten, and now the Princess. Was she being that weird lately?

"I'm fine, Princess," she answered quickly, realizing Kakyuu was waiting for a response. She held her gaze steady to be more convincing.

Kakyuu smiled warmly. "You can tell me anything. You do know that, right?"

Seiya nodded without a moment's hesitation. "Yes, of course."

"You know, it's almost the anniversary of our return. Perhaps you're reminiscing of your time on planet Earth? With Sailor Moon?"

Seiya flinched, but hid it well. A bloom of pink tinted her cheeks.

Noticing the subtle reaction, Kakyuu said, "I understand. It was an interesting journey for you three. Through Chibi Chibi's incense burner, I only caught glimpses. Now that things have returned to normal, it may be difficult to adjust to our previous lives. But I have a feeling that that isn't what this is about..." Her voice was soft and nurturing.

"Yes," Seiya admitted.

"Sailor Moon... You were very close to her, weren't you, Fighter?"

Seiya hesitated and found herself whispering, "Yes. I...loved her." There was no point in trying to hide it, the Princess knew them better than anyone.

Kakyuu sighed, not surprised at all by her confession "That is what I was afraid of," she said.

The two of them sat in silence for a few seconds.

"I know it's wrong and I should let her go by now." Seiya looked up desperately. "But I've tried, believe me. I think about her everyday. I'll never forget her." Tears started to swell up, blurring her vision. No... I can't cry like this in front of the Princess...

Kakyuu placed her hand on Seiya's shoulder. "It's alright to love her. Sailor Moon is a good person and we all respect her for what she's done. But you and I both know very well that she already has somebody dear to her."

Seiya nodded. "I never meant for this to end up like it did. Before I knew it, I had fallen for her. I was selfish and wanted her for myself, even though I knew she had a boyfriend overseas. Some part of me was holding onto the idea she'd choose me over him. But to think she could possibly fall in love with a girl from different stations in the galaxy..."

Seiya looked away, hiding her eyes. Tears were trickling down her face now. She clenched her jaw at her lack of control. She'd tried so hard in the last year to keep her feelings from the others, and her cool had been dwindling slowly with each passing day.

Kakyuu brought her hand to Seiya's face and gently brushed away a tear. She didn't say a word. She didn't need to. Princess Kakyuu always had a soothing aura radiating from her. She shined like the sun because of her dear Starlights, and she had to care for them. She silently comforted her protector, wishing there was something she do.

"I'm so sorry, Princess," Seiya apologized. "I promise I'll try to forget her quickly. I won't let it interfere with my duties any longer." Seiya rose from the sofa, wanting nothing more than to disappear from the room, she was so embarrassed.

"Fighter... I do not wish for you to forget her. We are all alive thanks to Sailor Moon. I do not like seeing you hurt. I just want you to realize the reality of the situation, that's all."

Seiya nodded and knelt before her. "I understand now. Thank you, Princess."

"Get a good night of sleep tonight, alright? If you ever need to talk, I am always here."

"Yes." Seiya managed a smile. She turned and exited the beautiful room as quickly as she could. She pulled the door shut behind her with a click.

Seiya hurried to her bedroom. The last thing she needed was to bump into Yaten or Taiki at a time like this. The sound of her footsteps were in sync with her racing heart. I can't believe I've worried the Princess now. I'm such an idiot...

Luckily, she made it without seeing more than a few passing maids who gave her a concerned look. She ignored them and stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. She reached for the lights, but her hand stopped midway. The darkness seemed too inviting and her emotions got the best of her. She leaned against the door and slid down until she was sitting on the floor. She brought her knees to her chest and began to cry silent tears.

This is the last time. This is the last time I will dwell on her like this. From now on, I'll live my life as if I don't remember her at all. It's the only way to conceal the pain. It's the way it has to be.

"This is it," Sailor Mercury declared, punching a few numbers into her blue, mini computer. "According to my data, the palace is just up ahead." Pinching her earring between gloved digits, her Mercury visor disappeared. She clicked her computer shut and pointed in the direction.

"Whoa, I can see it!" Sailor Venus cried in excitement, bouncing on the heels of her feet.

"It's huge!" Sailor Mars breathed, taking a step in the direction.

Everyone had just arrived on Kinmoku and were taking in their surroundings. The trip was long, but they made it just at the break of dawn. They were standing in a quiet, cool street. From the little they had seen of the planet so far, it didn't seem to be much different from Earth. There were some oddly shaped buildings lining the streets, but it looked like a peaceful town. Trees danced in the winds, their colorful leaves rustling.

Sailor Moon stood in the middle of her friends in awe. This is it, I'm really here! Oh, I can't wait to see them!

"They don't know we're coming. Don't you guys think it'd be rude of us to show up so early in the morning?" Sailor Mars asked.

Sailor Moon giggled. She was sure they'd be more than happy to see them, at any time of day. She was even more ecstatic to find that their planet seemed to be in one piece. The chances that they were well looked good.

"Let's go!" Sailor Moon waved to them, taking charge.

Everyone nodded and followed their leader towards the palace in the distance.

Healer yawned as she walked down one of the many spiral staircases. The morning light streamed in through the windows and reflected off her glossy, silver hair. Her stomach rumbled with each step she took. I wonder what the Princess had to say to Seiya last night...

Suddenly, she felt a large hand on her shoulder.

"Hey! Look who's up on time again! You should really make this a regular habit," Maker teased, coming down the stairs behind her.

Healer brushed her hand away. "Shut up," she muttered.

Maker's expression become serious and she lowered her voice. "Do you feel it?" she asked.

"Feel what?" Healer grumbled. "The only thing I feel is my stomach demanding breakfast... Ugh, what're you talking about?" She wasn't a morning person.

Maker brought her hand to her chin. "No, I'm serious. I just...never mind." She hurried ahead, making a sharp turn to the corridor that led to the front gate.

Healer watched her go suspiciously. What's with her? So early in the morning... She entered the massive dining room and made her way across the shiny marble floor.

"Good morning!"

Healer jumped in surprise. She was really tired of people startling her. It was Fighter this time, sitting at the long dining table. She hadn't expect to see her up already, at least not with her unusual behavior as of late.

"Um, morning," she mumbled and pulled out the chair next to her. She heard Fighter humming quietly. It was a familiar tune that she hadn't heard in a long time. "Todokanu Omoi", one of the songs they'd written and performed as the Three Lights. It was strange to hear it coming from her this morning. Although they still did music occasionally, they tended to avoid singing any songs they wrote on Earth.

Healer eyed her suspiciously. "Hey, are you feeling okay? Did you hit your head or something?"

"I'm fine. Hey, are you gonna eat that sausage or can I have it?"

Healer shook her head, noting her obvious attempt to change the subject. "So what did the Princess say to you last night?" She casually poked at her food.

"She just wanted to remind us of the party and the preparations for it," Fighter lied smoothly.

"Oh." The party was next week, and everyone had been getting ready for it. Most of the town was invited to celebrate one year of their return and progress in rebuilding their planet. "I see..." Healer raised her glass of juice to her lips.

"Guys!"

Healer almost jumped out of her skin. She snapped her head in the direction of the interrupting voice. The tallest Starlight was quickly making her way towards them, her chestnut ponytail swinging over her back with each step.

"Geez, what the hell?" Healer complained, wiping her face with a napkin. She'd managed to slosh the juice against her chin when Maker had startled her.

"Come here quickly," Maker commanded when she reached the table.

"What's wrong?" Fighter asked, her voice sharply inclining with a tint of alarm.

"Did something happen to the Princess?" Healer pushed away from the table.

Maker shook her head. "I...there's..." She looked uncomfortable. Her amethyst eyes lingered on Fighter warily.

Fighter raised her eyebrow. "Well?"

"Spit it out already!" Healer snapped.

"There is a visitor," Maker said calmly, "at the front gate. The Princess is already outside. She wants us to come there immediately."

Healer sighed. "Is that all? God, you had me worried. Is it-"

"No," Maker said stiffly.

Healer narrowed her eyes. She knew something was up when Maker, who was usually so calm and collected, started acting funny. "Then who is it?" she demanded, frustrated with her riddles.

"It's...Sailor Moon."