**Okay, this was taking me way too long, so I decided to post this chapter before it was finished. This is the first part. I have no idea when the second part will be out. I start University come Sept. 4, so chapters will come when I have time. Which will probably be never _. But please! I'm begging you for reviews! I lost some 5-6 reviews during FFNet's upgrades and I want them back! *pouts* Hope you like this and that it makes sense. Enjoy!**

Evening Star    

With the Coming of the Dawn

Chapter Ten, Part One

Sailor Star stood amongst the ruins, her soul heavily laden with sorrow and regret. Turning to the Golden women standing beside her, Sailor Star spoke quietly.

"We should have been here."

"Beryl made sure we wouldn't be here. That had been her plan from the beginning."

"I don't accept that. We should have seen this coming," Sailor Star's voice betrayed no emotion.

"How?" 

To that, Aurora had no answer. Bowing her head ever so slightly, she walked over to the fallen columns that lay at the center of what had been, only moments before, the Moon Palace. As she approached, followed closely by the Golden woman, Sailor Star cursed Fate's cruel irony as she made note that the crumpled columns had fallen in such a way as to form a cross.  Aurora stopped once she stood over the lifeless Moon Queen's body.

Just moments before, Sailor Star had watched as this most powerful, most sage Queen had sacrificed her life to send her beloved daughter and court to Earth, 1000 years in the future. Just moments before, she had lived, drawn breath, and now she lay dead upon this make shift cross of stone.

With sympathetic eyes, Aurora turned to face her Queen, her confidant - the Golden woman – Sun Queen Kiaya. Standing at 5'10", Kiaya towered over her past life's Guardian. Her golden robes, her diamond studded tiara – both shone, catching the light of the Earth above. Her hair of spun gold, her eyes of the clearest blue, her lips of the truest hue of red - all went to give the past Queen an ethereal look. Kiaya was the strongest woman Aurora knew; seeing tears gathering in the lashes of her beloved Queen broke what little was left of her heart. 

"Kiaya, I'm sorry," Sailor Star whispered, genuine in her heart felt sympathy.

With a small, all knowing smile, Kiaya shook her head slightly.

"No need to apologize Aurora. This is the way of life, who are we to question it? Serenity lives on as I do. There is no need for tears."

"But you… you both were like sisters. Surely…" Sailor Star started and was stopped by Kiaya's up raised hand.

"We still are like sisters Aurora," Kiaya revealed with a small, "It just saddens me that it had to end like this; for both Serenity and I. She shouldn't have died this way. So much was left undone."

Sailor Star was tempted to question her Queen on what she meant, when Kiaya turned to her, prepared to speak.

"So ends the Silver Millennium – as tragically as that of the Golden Era," Kiaya spoke, her tone reflecting the irony. Though her manner was somewhat light, her eyes betrayed the sadness in her heart. "Now you know all there is to know about this time, this way of life during the Silver Millennium.  A new chapter of the Moon Kingdom has begun - but," Kiaya said with a teasing smile, "I need not educate you on that matter. It seems you're already making waves in the new life of Princess Serenity and her Court."

Sailor Star had to physically refrain from rolling her eyes.

"My intention had never been to 'make waves'."

"Well, they're certainly quite taken with you," Kiaya continued to tease.

Exasperated, her eyes sharp and flashing silver in the Earth's light, Sailor Star turned to Kiaya, "Has the whole world conspired against me? First Firewalker pushing at me, now you!" Star's voice was hard, her arms' movement accentuating her words, "Why is it of such importance that I make myself a part of their lives? They would be far safer without me rather than with me. Mars does not think I can be trusted and it will only be a matter of time before the others think the same," Sailor Star's voice reflected her struggle to restrain from lashing out at her Queen, "Of all people Kiaya, I would have expected you to have already realized this."

Kiaya gazed upon her Guardian's perturbed form with understanding. Slowly, the grim surroundings faded into nothingness as both figures stood facing the other. The history lesson was over – for now.

"Aurora, there's no need for you to hide yourself away from life. You may be Sailor Star, but you were Aurora Barrett first – don't forget that. Firewalker and I want you to be happy. I know you've refrained from befriending anyone since you became Sailor Star for fear that they would fall victim to the Sorceress. I can understand and condone those actions. But these young women Aurora are soldiers just like yourself. You risk nothing by befriending them," Kiaya spoke softly, yet purposefully. She worried over the emotional strength of her Guardian – as it was, Aurora's strength had already suffered many a terrible blow. If something wasn't done soon…

" I risk everything by befriending them. I risk their lives, I risk the fate of the Universe. True, they maybe be soldiers, but they wouldn't survive against the Sorceress and you well know that Kiaya," Sailor Star spoke evenly, her voice steeled and almost biting in its tone.

Kiaya remained silent, her lips set in a grim line. Heavens Angeline, she's as stubborn as you…

"Our time here grows short, Aurora. I bid you farewell, my dear Guardian. Be safe… be happy. May the powers of the Sun Stone protect you on your journeys," Kiaya announced, though her eyes conveyed a different meaning. Aurora knew Kiaya feared always, that these meetings in the Realm of Dreams may be their last. Aurora knew it tore at Kiaya to have to remain in this Realm of Nothingness, in which they now stood, while her Guardian left to fight alone against the Sorceress.

But that is the way of life – who are we to question it? Aurora's mind mocked Kiaya's earlier statement, as she bowed her head in acceptance of her Queen's good wishes.

All bitterness aside, both women looked at each other, their eyes filled with quiet, sad understanding.

"It's almost over Kiaya. Only two more crystals are left," Sailor Star spoke quietly. With a warm smile, Kiaya closed her eyes briefly before looking back at her Guardian standing not 5 feet away.

"I know Aurora," Kiaya's voice was hardly a whisper. For a moment, Aurora was certain she saw the shine of unshed tears in her Queen's eyes.

"Once the Sun Stone is brought forth…" Aurora paused, unsure of how to word what it was she wanted to say. Deciding to be as straightforward as always, she just came out with it, "Will I ever see you again?"

Always trying to keep on a brave face, Kiaya smiled softly, "No, I don't think you will Aurora. It will be time for a new Queen to take my place; there will not be a need for me any longer." Seeing Aurora was all too prepared to argue that point, Kiaya continued on quickly though her voice never betrayed it, "With the new Queen's ascension to the Throne of the Sun, it will be my time to take my place amongst all the great Queens of the Past, lending my power and knowledge to the Sun Stone."

Sailor Star fell silent at that, understanding the returning of her soul to the Sun Stone after her death was the destiny of every Sun Queen. Her essence actually lived on inside the Sun Stone, lending her energies and knowledge to help protect the present Queen and empower the Sun Stone even more.

"Regardless Kiaya, I will always be your Guardian," Aurora stated simply, her matter of fact tone making it clear her words were not up for debate.

"I know Aurora," Kiaya spoke with a sorrowful smile, "But the time for good byes has not come yet. Summer has come Aurora! Take some time to relax and enjoy the sunshine."

Aurora smiled at this as everything began to faded into a bright light, "I just might Kiaya, I just might…"

Though she could no longer see her, Aurora heard Kiaya's voice clearly before everything vanished. "Admit it Aurora, you loved meeting the Sailor Scouts…."

A small smile tugged on her lips as Aurora opened her eyes to the bright cleansing light of the early morning sun. Sitting up in bed, Aurora couldn't help but shake her head, chuckling to herself. Kiaya knows me too well…

Her silver eyes bright, Aurora looked around her dorm room. Everything seemed so much softer in the sunlight. Looking across at her clock perched on the edge of her bureau, the red numbers almost over powered by the bright light of the sun, Aurora realized it was only 7:30 on a beautiful Saturday morning.

I think Kiaya, I'll do just as you said and get out to enjoy this sunshine!

The smile on her lips did not fade as Aurora threw back the covers and walked into her small private bathroom. Turning on the water and shedding her nightgown, Aurora stepped in under the invigorating stream of water. With a small sigh of contentment, Aurora let her mind wander as the water did its job of waking up her still somewhat sluggish body. It was true, she had enjoyed meeting and being with the other Sailors, even if it had been for such a short time. Oh, so refreshing it had been to stand with other Sailor Soldiers! Sailor Mars did worry her, but Aurora knew the Sailor of Fire and Gifted Sight had to be given time, and with that time would come understanding – if not acceptance.

Drawing the shower curtain aside, Aurora leaned over towards her bathroom vanity, reaching out to grab hold of her toothbrush and toothpaste. Getting hold of both, she quickly drew the curtain closed, and worked on brushing her teeth. This was a habit she had gotten into over the years to save time. Now, it was one of her morning traditions.

Final exams were coming up in two weeks. Aurora's heart leapt at the thought. Soon it would all be over: she would graduate and would finally have her freedom. Inwardly she cringed however, knowing that she still had a long road ahead of her.  Physics, Calculus, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced English…and all of two weeks to study them. Aurora cringed again, rethinking her decision to go out today instead of staying in to study. When suddenly she could hear Kiaya's words ringing true in her inner ear, Aurora was reminded of her dream… and with the reminder came confusion.

The battle with Feronia was the night before last. Kiaya had returned to me the memories of the Moon Kingdom's destruction not last night, but the night before…I wonder why it was that I re-dreamt my conversation with Kiaya again last night… Aurora continued to turn the question over in her mind as she turned off the shower and began to dry herself off. With a large towel wrapped around her, and a small one being used to dry her blond, silvery tresses, Aurora walked out of her bathroom – then stopped.

Light washed over her, warm on her cooling skin. Her eyes were momentarily blinded, but Aurora didn't mind. The sunlight was incredible. Closing her eyes, Aurora could hear the chirps of the morning birds on the light wind that, presently, was rustling the leaves of the tree just beyond her balcony. And then she knew. Why else would she dream the same dream twice? Kiaya was trying to drive home a point.

"Okay Kiaya," Aurora spoke out loud, a smile sounding in her voice, "Okay, you win. I'll take the day off. I'll relax." 

Walking to her balcony doors, Aurora threw them aside, stepping out into the light. The wind carried the sweet scent of fresh summer flowers, the sunlight beating down warm on her up turned face.

"Okay, Kiaya," Aurora smiled softly, "You win. Happy now?"

Twenty minutes later, Aurora had put up her tresses in their usually bun and ponytail, and dressed in an airy, light blue sundress, was on her way out of her dorm room. 

Stepping out of her room and gently locking the door, Aurora took notice to her surroundings for what felt like the first time. Quietly she began to walk down the long corridor that stretched out before her. Her feet padded softly against a luscious royal blue carpet as her fingers delicately traced a richly cream colored wall. For the first time in many years, she took notice of the beautiful paintings framed in mahogany wood that were hung along the walls, separated by the occasional door. Looking above her as she continued to walk, Aurora was amazed at the beautiful, gleaming hard wood patterns that made up the relatively high ceilings, which were adorned with the most breath taking of the smaller crystal chandeliers.

Finally reaching a set of massive double oak doors, Aurora pushed them aside, stepping into a small lobby that contained elevators to the Main Lobby. On either side, Aurora's peripheral vision picked up on additional double doors, both of which opened up to other grand corridors not unlike the one she'd just left. Pressing the down button, Aurora waited patiently for the elevator to arrive. Keeping her back straight and her shoulders square, Aurora cautiously peered to either side of her, silently praying that no other student would pass by. Today was not a day she wanted to be reminded of the scorn and loathing her peers felt towards her.

Thankfully, the elevator doors soon opened. Within a few moments, Aurora reached the Main Lobby and walked out the front main doors.

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