Chapter Six: New Life

Katsuko began staying with the princess Kakyuu and the StarLights after that. In school, she quickly became popular with boys and girls alike because of her quiet nature although most of the males didn't stick around too long. Yaten made sure of that. Lunch became her favorite time of the day; she was amazed by the different types of food and Makoto's skills. When she wasn't with her Silver Hair, Usagi and the Scouts enjoyed watching Katsuko's reaction as they gave her dish after dish to sample. The discovery of chocolate nearly undid her. It was practically the only thing that could entice her away from Yaten's side. During school hours, Katsuko could generally be found with Usagi and her Scouts as they talked in the hallways, quietly admonishing Yaten because of another cutting remark he made to a fan or having a quiet conversation with Ami in class. After school, she was with Taiki as they watched Seiya practice American style football or with both Ami and Taiki talking in an empty classroom. Majority of her time after school was spent talking with Haruka and Michiru or with Yaten. Minako would often spot them together, their hands clasped as they talked and couldn't help the empty feeling inside her.

DING DONG! Katsuko heard the doorbell from where she sat at her desk working and got up. "My lady Kakyuu, please don't get up," she called out as the princess rose from the couch in the living room.

"Are you sure, Katsuko? Seiya can get it."

Katsuko couldn't help the giggle. "Has my lady forgotten? The StarLights are doing a photo shoot this afternoon."

The princess looked startled, then laughed herself. "Oh, you are right. I had forgotten."

DING DONG! Katsuko quickly went to the door and opened it wide.

"Princess Venus! Hello! Please come in."

Minako awkwardly stepped inside, a little damp from the light rain that had begun to fall, and forced a smile albeit a nervous one as Katsuko ushered her into the living room. The princess Kakyuu had already retired for the night, seeing how her StarLights wouldn't be until in much later. Minako perched on the couch, ready to flee, but knew she came for a reason. She needed answers. Her heart needed answers.

"Are you alright, princess? Is anyone in trouble?"

Seeing the sincere concern on Katsuko's face endured her even more to Minako and made it a little more difficult for her, but she went on. "No, no, it's nothing like that. No one is hurt or anything. I..I just had to speak to you."

Katsuko patiently waited. "Yes, princess?"

"I just want to know..I need to know.about you and Yaten kou." Oh, I see. "Yes?"

Minako's eyes flickered away. "Are you.are you together?"

The monarch senshi smiled. She turned to look out onto the falling droplets of silver, a soft look on her face. "What do you know of love, princess?"

".." Minako couldn't answer. Sure, she loved boys and sure, she had her share of crushes, but it seemed all her romantic endeavors fizzled before they even got started. She was a joke to her title. Solider of Love? Ha! "I know..it hurts."

Katsuko's eyes gazed gently at her, understanding. "Yes, it can, princess, but it can be wonderful as well." She sighed. "I have known love and I have known the loss of love as well. Long ago on Monarch, I was married to a wonderful, kind, good hearted man. I thought nothing would ever tear me away from his arms. In the end, I was wrong. There was a terrible battle on my planet and he lost his life. I was distraught. Seeing my husband, the love of my life being taken from me, I thought my heart would never heal. But then I was asked to join the Elite and did so, thinking that getting away from Monarch was what I needed to do. It was. I have much to thank my Leaders for because through them I met Yaten and the StarLights." Katsuko brightened as she remembered. "I can not marry again, but I suppose that yes, you could say that we are together." She looked away, thoughtful, and then laughed. "After all this time? Yes I would say so too!"

Minako's heart broke, for herself and for Katsuko. She never let on how much grief and pain she was actually carrying. "You can't marry again?"

"Iie. As a member of the Sailor Elite now, it is against our rules. However, should I lose my place as a Guardian or even give it up, then I would go back to Monarch and marry if I so chose."

"Oh." Minako was quiet, thinking of Yaten again.

"I know you love him."

Blue eyes met black in fright, but Katsuko leaned over to pat her hand gently. "It is alright, princess. Yaten kou chooses for himself. You know that as well as I. He chooses whom he wants and yes, at the moment, that happens to be me, but should I fall from his favor, then, Mother Goddess willing, may he find happiness with you."

Minako wanted to cry at such selflessness, but just smiled her gratitude. "Arigato." She rose to leave and headed for the door, but soon turned back again.

"Now that the StarLights are back here on Earth, what happens now?"

"I do not know yet, princess. My Leader has not contacted me, but until she does, I have a new life, a new life with the love of my heart and more friends than I could hope for. I am blessed by Mother Goddess for what She has given me in you all. Whatever happens, princess, She will look after all of us. She will protect us. Be safe in your travels home. May Mother Goddess keep you."