An: I'm bad with chapter titles, so if you can think of a better one, feel free to comment so. Also, thanks for *all* the wonderful reviews! And I am calling the mansion where The outer Senshi and Usagi live, the Outers mansion, to keep things less confused.
And as mentioned, Diana doesn't talk. She *can* talk, but has decided not too.
Only A Memory Away
By: Lirial Raito
Chapter 6: Decision to Accept
"She said what!?" yelled Mamoru, after Hotaru and Usagi had gathered everyone to the Outers mansion.
Usagi nodded, "She told the Three Lights that she is Usagi Chiba, my mother and your wife, but that no one remembers because the Silver Crystal granted her wish for us all to have normal, non-Senshi lives. She also said she misses us."
"She didn't give details to everything," Hotaru added, "but that could be because they may already know some of them. And Kakyuu mentioned that, 'Our world decided it could use a long break from an Imperial system, and became rather demanding that we take a leave.' I believe that they are Senshi from another Galaxy that visited here before the freeze. Serenity called them friends."
(AN: from now on, when they refer to the Queen in the part tense, she will be Usagi-san, while Chibi-Usa will be Usagi-chan.)
Michiru leaned against Haruka slightly, hands folded neatly in her lap. "That could explain why she never questioned the painting I made for her… I could never paint Serenity, only Usagi-san. She said she always wanted more golden hair… and didn't question the broach she wore, or Luna in the background."
Haruka stared out a window for a second. "That could also explain why I've been seeing a stick with the symbol of Uranus on it appear before me for over a month, then disappear."
Setsuna nodded. "With the Queen trying to gain more contact with us, perhaps our former selves as Senshi are starting to awaken again."
Minako shook his head wonderingly. "All those times she claimed she knew us, and we politely told her we didn't know her personally. It must have hurt her deeply..."
Makoto set a plate of cookies in front of everyone. "I was going to turn down her job offer, you know, make it on my own? But now… I can't turn aside from Usagi-san, she was such a good friend."
Ami ate a cookie before speaking next. "Mako-chan, don't work for her just because she used to be our Usagi. She is obviously a much different person now, more mature and refined, a true Queen. Only accept the job if you really want it."
Rei patted Makoto's shoulder when she hung her head a little.
"Don't worry, it isn't as if she's asking us to be Senshi again, she's just giving us a chance to further that normal life she wanted us to have, and maybe earn our friendship again."
Makoto smiled a little, and nodded. "I know, but I want to now. I know I don't have to do everything on my own, and I know I probably won't ever need to use my fighting skills, but I like to stay in shape. And, I'll get to see all of you more often, though not like before the freeze. We still have our own, individual lives."
Mamoru stared at the ground, eyes large. Setsuna leaned over and touched his shoulder. "What's wrong Mamoru?"
He looked up, a slightly haunted expression in his eyes.
"She isn't my Usako anymore. You've all said it, and I feel it. I miss my Usako, but she's gone… not dead now, I know, but… I feel no romantic attraction to the Queen."
Setsuna smiled gently and patted his shoulder, "No fear Mamoru, I'm sure Serenity will understand. She is a very understanding person after all."
The others agreed with Setsuna, even Usagi. He smiled, relieved that they thought so.
"So," Rei said, "We accept our positions with grace, and try to be friends with Serenity. I suggest we all go home to rest, and meet with Serenity tomorrow morning to inform her of our decision."
Everyone agreed and dispersed to find relaxing things to do. Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru went out to the beach to star gaze, while Usagi went upstairs to pet Diana.
Hotaru followed her up and sat on her bed. "How are you taking this Usagi-chan?"
She sighed, pink hair falling gracefully down her back as she lowered herself into a chair with Diana in her lap. "As well as I can, I suppose. I know we'll still have to go to school, or at least get private schooling. I just hope that, if this is all true, that I'm not a disappointment to her."
Hotaru smiled gently, "I'm sure you won't Usagi-chan, after all, how can she be disappointed? You're sweet, kind, generous, smart, studious, and you stick up for what you believe in. You're the best daughter any mother could hope for, so don't fret."
Usagi bit her lip, crimson eyes filling with tears. "But… I have so many bad habits…"
Hotaru laughed walked over to hug Usagi, "Habits which no one can mind. I mean, who cares if you pop bubbles when you chew gum? Or sleep in late, or eat a lot, or are a little klutzy? You're body is still growing up Usagi-chan; no one can hold those things against you. And I just know that Serenity won't hold them against you."
Usagi laid her head on Hotaru's shoulder, glad more than ever to have such a great friend. "Thanks Hotaru-chan."
Hotaru smiled, "Of course, anytime."
Usagi sat Diana down on the floor, then stood up. "I'm so tired… this is really an emotional drain."
Hotaru nodded, then walked over to Usagi's bed and turned down the covers. "Well, you go on to bed then Usagi-chan, no one will mind if you go to sleep a little early."
Usagi smiled gratefully and climbed into bed, and Hotaru tucked her in. Diana watched for a moment, then ran down stairs.
"Night Usagi-chan."
"Night, 'taru…"
Once Usagi was soundly asleep Hotaru went downstairs to watch television. Diana was at the door, looking at her expectantly. With a small laugh, Hotaru let her outside. "Why don't you ever use the kitty-door in the back Diana?" She only got a small 'meow' as a reply before Diana darted outside to wonder the streets for awhile.
By the time Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna had returned, Hotaru was asleep for the night, curled up on the couch. Haruka carried her up to her room while Setsuna and Michiru went on to bed. After tucking Hotaru in, Haruka went to join Michiru.
"What do you think of all this Michiru?"
The aqua haired woman shook her head slightly.
"I don't know Haruka, but I think things are working out for the best."
Haruka nodded, then drifted off to sleep next to her partner.
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To Be Continued: