Chapter Three: New Warrior

"The.the Sailor Elite? The Guardian Elite?"

Usagi was more than stunned, she was in shock. "You mean.there's more?"

"Yes, milady. Every planet has a protector, someone of the bloodline of the first family, the royal family, who came to be on that planet or astral body. There are so many senshi out there than you, the StarLights and we Elite. So many more. Of course they all keep to their territories and unless you have unlimited range as the Elite do or are given special privileges, you may never see them."

"Wow," breathed Makoto. "I.we never knew."

Katsuko laughed. "No, princess and they know just as much as you."

Ami sat quietly as did Rei, digesting this new information. Rei wasn't sensing any bad vibes from Katsuko, but still felt compelled to ask.

"Are they in danger?" Her violet eyes became worried. "Is that why you're here?"

Clear ebony eyes looked upon her with infinite kindness. "No, princess Mars. No one is in harm's way. I am here to return the StarLights."

"Return?" Ami turned to where Taiki sat beside her. "Does this mean.?"

"Yes," he told her with a sad smile. "Kinmoku is gone. The princess is resting from the shock. We were just out today to let her do just that."

Ami gripped his hand under the table, grieving with him silently. She had never been to Kinmoku, but Usagi had seen it through Seiya's magically enhanced singing and told her of a beautiful green planet full of life and light. Earth was like that. Ami would be grief-stricken to see it destroyed. "Oh, Taiki-san. Gomen nasai."

He could only smile. If he spoke, the tears would fall. Minako turned to Yaten, but he was staring at the table in a pained silence. She was reaching for his hand when she spied him already clutching Katsuko's under the table. Her face dropped some, but she quickly assumed them just friends and had to settle for rubbing Yaten's back. Her heart gladdened when he smiled at her.

Haruka sighed. The StarLights may not have been her favorite people, but losing a home was important. She straddled an empty chair, lean arms hanging over the back, Michiru standing beside her.

"So what do you plan to do now?"

"We're going to stay here until it's time," said Seiya.

"Time?" Haruka's brow wrinkled.

"Yes," explained Katsuko. "The StarLights and the princess will stay here until Kinmoku is restored."

"But how long will that take?," asked Rei.

"We're not real sure," spoke up Yaten. He let out a sigh, then suddenly beamed at Katsuko. "But we have Katsuko-chan with us, so everything is fine."

Seiya chuckled as he watched them, and then gazed at Usagi. "We should be getting back," he said, playfully flipping her bangs. "The princess should be awake by now."

Usagi wanted to stay and talk more, especially with Katsuko, but tomorrow would be another day. "Let's talk again. Tomorrow. Please, Seiya."

He smiled. "Of course, odango. We will see all of you tomorrow. Ja, mata."

The girls walked home in high spirits. Their friends were back and on top of everything, there was a new warrior in their growing family. Usagi called Mamoru with the good news. He hadn't gone back to America just yet. After what happened with Galaxia, he wasn't ready to leave his Usako alone now that his life had been given back to him. Hearing her voice so light and carefree again made him relax. He wasn't even worried about Seiya. His Usako loved him; it was his ring she wore. There was nothing to be concerned about.

"So this Sailor Monarch..where is she from?"

"Well, we didn't have a lot of time, Mamo-chan, that's why we're meeting tomorrow. Come with us and meet her. I know you'll like her."

Mamoru didn't question his beloved's judgment. "Alright. I'll be there."

"See, that's why I love you so much. You're so sweet." She laughed.

"How can I say no to you, Usako?" He grinned. As long as she doesn't ask me to take her to dinner, I'll be fine..

"Well, since you put it that way."

"Nani?"

"Take me to dinner?"