***Wow. I don't think I've ever gotten two chapters out this close together before. Well, more information is reveled about Aurora in this chapter, like in the last. Hope you enjoy it. Please review! Let me know what you think. Greatest of thanks go out to all those who have already reviewed! Your comments keep me writing! BTW: I do not own Sailor Moon or any related characters. I do own Sailor Star/ Aurora, so please don't take her or use anything about her without asking me first. Thanks for the support! ***

Plus, since FFNet's upload service refuses to show Bold Italics, any thoughts are in …

Evening Star

With the Coming of the Dawn

Chapter 11

**At Umbrae Academy**

            Aurora's eyes trailed over the tiny white pebbles beneath her feet as she walked the isolated trail to the stables. The afternoon air still held the freshness of morning air; a light, crisp breeze passed through the quiet campus grounds. Aurora lifted her face up to the sun with a smile, closed her eyes, and listened to the birds singing as she continued walking down the trail. Her eyes were only closed for a moment, but she knew it mattered little. Despite the fact that the Academy's stables presently held over 60 horses owned by students, very few of those students ever bothered to personally care for their horses; horses were for show and competition alone. Aurora knew there was little chance she would ever run into anyone.

            Not that it bothered her. If fact, for the first time Aurora began to feel thankful for the egotism practiced by so many of the student at Umbrae; their firm belief that most other common forms of life were beneath them prevented any of them from disrupting her day with their endless bitching and criticism. Aurora's smile broadened at the thought of any of the pampered, preppy students she attended class with ever lowering themselves to such a demeaning task as washing their horse and cleaning its stall! Aurora, however, had spent the better part of her morning doing just that, and after a badly needed change of clothes thanks to Firewalker's streak of mischievousness, Aurora was on her way back to the stables to groom Firewalker and go for a ride.

            Looking ahead, Aurora's eyes took in the sight of the massive wood and stone structure that was the Stables. The building had been purposely built to resemble those constructed during olden times in Europe.

            Why they would want to construct the stables in the image of old Europe while we're in Tokyo I'll never understand, Aurora thought to herself, shaking her head as she went.

            Over the crunch of her feet on the gravel, Aurora could hear the sound of rushing water. Looking to her left as she continued walking, Aurora's eyes lit up with wonder. The sun was shinning brightly, its rays making the green of the grass and the leaves of the trees vibrate and rich. The spacious campus grounds this close to the stables were practically empty. Only a few stray, introspective students could be found throughout, finding their escape from the clique ridden school life under massive trees and in amongst large plots of flowers every color imaginable and some not.  Looking back behind her, Aurora could see the top of a massive white marble fountain, its top angel poised to release an arrow from which the water came. Bushes and trees mostly hid the rest of the massive stone structure from view, as it was situated more towards the center front of the campus grounds for all to enjoy. Yet, Aurora could still hear the water and see it sparkle in the sunlight.

            She smiled to herself again, This is a great day…

Walking in through the stable's towering wooden double doors, a strong breeze lifted the ends of the new red sundress Aurora had exchanged for her soaked and sudsy blue sundress. Firewalker stood attached to the cross ties in the middle of the stone floor corridor, some distance from the doors. Sighting Aurora, he gave a high whinny. Crossing her arms, Aurora raised one eyebrow.

"Don't you whinny innocently at me, you little brat! I was soaked because of you!"

Aurora continued her lecture as she walked towards the white stallion, "You may very well have ruined my dress! If that's the case, there will be no carrots for you for a week!"

Aurora laughed at the near groaning rumble Firewalker made deep in his throat, and laughed even harder as he poked his soft muzzle out to nudge her stomach as a means of a hasty apology.

"Oh no you don't! You're not getting off that easily!"

Firewalker snorted.

"Well," Aurora relented with a loving, yet humorous smile, "I guess I can give you a second chance, seeing as how you have saved my ass a few times over."

Firewalker gave an all out bay, a horse's hearty laugh, as Aurora picked up his grooming brushes, and picking her brush of choice, set out to make Firewalker's coat gleam.

"Got you make sure you're good and clean so you can go and roll in the hay of your stall," Aurora spoke with a smile, her tone sarcastic.

            Smile on her face, Aurora began moving the brush over Firewalker's coat, and was lost in the sensation of running her other hand over his back and shoulders, amazed at the strength and size of him. Humming a tune to herself, Aurora blocked out the world as she groomed her stallion. She never heard the soft footsteps coming her way, nor did she take notice to Firewalker giving a snort and raising his head slightly. Aurora just continued to hum the tune, a warm gleam to her eyes and a soft smile on her lips; she was completely unguarded, open – until a familiar voice broke the spell.

            "That's a beautiful song, what's it called?"

            Aurora started out of her reverie, her eyes sharp and her body tense as her head turned sharply to her right. For a moment, Aurora's eyes deceived her. She thought she saw standing before her a minion of the Sorceress, lit from behind as the girl was. The fact that Firewalker had yet to react badly to the girl's presence prevented Aurora from acting rashly. Her eyes adjusted to the light shinning in from the doors far at the other end of the corridor and slowly the true identity of the newcomer was revealed.

            "Hello Beth," Aurora's voice was quiet, reserved. Her silver eyes, now guarded, took in the appearance of the young girl who had once tried to befriend her back during her first days as Sailor Star. It was a friendship that had ended in tragedy, though Beth knew nothing of it.

            She's grown.

            The fact surprised Aurora, though she did not know why. Her blue hair was much longer than Aurora remembered – much longer than it had been that day in the Stables when Beth had woken Aurora from her magic induced healing sleep after that first battle with the Sorceress. Now the blue eyed girl's dark blue hair was done up in a long braid that reached a good ways down her back. Her slight frame was hugged gently by a long flowing skirt and airy blouse.

            She's still shorter than me however.

            Aurora nearly smiled at the thought. She remembered, from the few conversations they had had two years back, that Beth had desperately wanted to be at least 5' 6" in height. It seemed she would not make it.

            "I'm sorry to have startled you Aurora," Beth smiled, her voice light and soft, "But I couldn't help but over hear your humming. What song was it, may I ask?"

            Aurora's brow furrowed, "I didn't realize I was humming."

            Beth smiled at her once friend's absent-mindedness, Aurora always did seem to have so much more on her mind…

            "You were humming," Beth spoke gently, as she always did with Aurora. Beth felt the need to reassure Aurora that she was not a threat to the senior student.

            "It went something like…" Beth began to hum what little of the tune she could remember.

            Aurora listened intently, trying to place the song, "It sounds familiar."

            Aurora looked at Beth, "But I have no idea the name. I'm sorry, I don't know why I was humming it."

            Beth smiled again, a warm smile of friendship, "That's fine. How have you been Aurora? You're nearly finished High School! Only a few more weeks to go."

            Aurora nodded, "Yes. My exams start in two weeks. Graduation is set two weeks after that. In one month, I'll be gone from The Academy."

            Beth was taken aback, "Gone Aurora? You're not staying to get your degree?" Beth was astounded. Aurora was one of the highest ranked High School students at the Academy. Aurora was graduating a year early because of the excess of summer courses she had taken over the years instead of going home for summer vacation as most of the students at The Academy had done and still do.

Granted, Aurora suffered for her academic success. Most of the students, Beth knew, felt intimidated by Aurora's presence - the fact that she excelled in her courses and was graduating a year before the rest of her class hadn't helped matters. Beth's heart had always gone out to the silent, silver eyed young woman; Beth knew there was so much more to Aurora than she let the world see, lying just below the surface of solitude and indifference she portrayed. She had tried to befriend Aurora, and just when she'd thought she'd earned Aurora's trust and acceptance, Aurora turned away from her. She'd quietly told Beth that it would be in Beth's best interest not to be seen with her any longer and walked away, leaving it at that. Beth hardly ever saw Aurora after that and had always wondered with a hurting heart what she had ever done to offend the older girl. Studying Aurora's features, Beth could feel the aura of exhaustion that permeated the senior student.

Perhaps, Beth reasoned to herself, it is better she wont be staying…

"No," Aurora answered, "I may get my degree later on, in a few years, but it will not be at this school. I've had enough. I'm getting out."

Aurora's honesty shocked Beth. She hadn't expected such a straight answer from the senior. Usually Aurora's answers were vague and cryptic.

Beth bowed her head in thought, "I see. I can understand that."

Beth looked up to find Aurora's eyes were trained on her. Holding the older girl's gaze, Beth continued, "We're going to Egypt next semester. I remember you said once that the Academy had already gone to that country, that it had been a favorite of yours because of the people's history. I had thought you were looking forward to it."

Aurora looked at Beth for a moment longer before responding, her face void of expression, "I am looking forward to getting out of here."

Aurora went back to grooming Firewalker. The discussion was over, but Beth was not willing to give up so quickly. She wanted answers.

"No thoughts on why they may be returning to a country they've already visited? There are so many other countries…" Aurora cut her off.

"Possibly economic reasons, possibly political. Maybe because some parent of some spoiled child would rather that the Academy go to Egypt than another country," Aurora's tone was deadpan.

"Who knows and who cares," Aurora finished, continuing to give the act of grooming her stallion her utmost attention. Beth gave a small sigh.

"Aurora, have I ever done anything to offend you?"

Aurora's hand stilled. She didn't look up. Beth continued.

"Two years ago, I thought we were becoming friends. And one day, you just walked away, saying it was in my best interest. Why? Were you ashamed of being friends with me because I'm a grade level or so beneath you? For some other reason?"

Beth stood beside Aurora at Firewalker's side. She placed her small hand on the stallion's neck, patting him in soothing motions. She waited.

"Beth," Aurora began with a sigh after a thorough examination of Firewalker's coat, "You have never offended me. What I said was the truth. It was in your best interest not to be seen with me." Aurora left it at that.

"How do you mean, Aurora?" Beth pushed, "How could it be in my best interest not to be friends with you?"

Aurora turned tired eyes to Beth, "Beth, you are young. You do not know the world or its dangers. Please, just leave it at that it was in your best interest."

Beth wanted to fight her on it. She just knew there was more to it, but the look in Aurora's eyes kept her silent. Nodding her head, Beth made to say her goodbyes.

"Alright Aurora," she spoke quietly, "Tear Song is due back from the Vet. I should be going." Beth turned to leave.

"Is there something wrong with her, Beth?" Aurora was concerned. Tear Song was a beautiful young mare, and hated the idea that harm might have come to her.

Beth gave a weak smile, "No, just a check up. Goodbye Aurora." Beth walked out of the stables, a softly spoken whisper following her out:

"Goodbye Beth."

*                                                *                                              *

Aurora closed her eyes, concentrating on the rhythmic movement of Firewalker beneath her, her body swaying slightly to his step. She rode bareback, no reins, letting Firewalker go where he pleased.

It was late afternoon, and the sunlight had turned from the bright intensity of morning to the deep, honey golden of the afternoon. The air was beautifully warm and birds continued to sing off in the distance. Aurora knew Firewalker was heading back to a secluded river they had found while wondering one of their first days in Tokyo. The river was several meters across and banked by small grassy fields and forests on either side. It was beautiful and peaceful and what Aurora needed more than anything was something to keep her mind from Beth.

"I knew someday she'd come asking Firewalker," Aurora said softly while soothing his wind-ruffled mane, "I knew someday she's ask why. It had been too easy to walk away the first time. But, Gods, I was not ready for that today." Aurora sighed.

She looked down at her Guardian as he continued to pick his way through the near invisible forest path.

"Tell me, Firewalker, how could someone I nearly killed still want so desperately to be friends?"

Firewalker stopped abruptly. He pawed the ground, reared up and brought his front hooves down hard on the ground, giving a strong whinny. Aurora gave a shout of surprise, tighten the hold her legs had about Firewalker's girth and grabbed a fistful of his mane. Firewalker snorted again and refused to move forward.

Aurora sat back, still atop the great stallion. She closed her eyes a moment.

"Fight me as you will, Firewalker, but it was my selfish, foolish desire to befriend her that lead to the attack."

Aurora snorted derisively, "And you and Kiaya still think that the Scouts are safe knowing me? You're both fools." Aurora's tone turned bitter.

Firewalker savagely threw his head side to side, pawing the ground viciously.

 "I'm not wrong," Aurora tone was low and dangerous, "It was not a coincidence that Beth was there the night Miseria attacked. The Sorceress had set that minion to kill Beth and not even you can argue that fact Firewalker! There had been no crystal, absolutely no reason for that minion to attack. She'd been sent for Beth!" Aurora became angry, aggressive.

"Miseria hadn't sought me out. She hadn't gone to the paddock where you were kept. She had gone for Tear Song's paddock; she had gone to seek out Beth. Miseria found her and attacked her. If I hadn't been there to stop that final blast…"

Aurora's mind took her back to that night as a chill ran through her. She'd been out practicing jumps in the corral with Firewalker when she'd felt the Sorceress's presence. She'd been inexperienced then and had been delayed in her reaction to the warning. It wasn't until she'd heard Beth scream that she'd known. The Sorceress had gone after her one and only friend, the one person Aurora felt she could trust…

I'd been a fool. I knew the risk, I knew the Sorceress was watching and I ignored that fact. She saw Beth as a means to get to me – and rightfully so. I'd considered her a friend…

When Aurora had arrived on the scene, Beth was lying, bloodied and broken, in a crumpled heap at the far end of Tear Song's paddock. Miseria had been preparing for the final blow when Sailor Star finally attacked. Miseria hadn't been expecting Sailor Star, only Aurora Barrett. Miseria had thought she'd set everything up perfectly for a quick surprise attack, setting Aurora Barrett up to watch helplessly amongst a sea of onlookers as she, Miseria, destroyed her dear friend. Yet, there had been no great sea of onlookers to prevent Aurora Barrett from transforming. This had not been expected by the overly confident minion.

Miseria had fallen quickly.

"But not quickly enough, Firewalker. Not quickly enough to prevent Miseria's attack and not quickly enough to heal Beth before stable hands came running. Over a week Beth spent in intensive care before I could finally get into see her – before I could finally heal her. She almost lost her life because she wanted to be friends," Aurora shook her head in mock amazement.

"And here you and Kiaya are, suggesting I fight along side the Soldiers of the Moon!" Aurora laughed.

"My fuck, that's a good joke. Beth didn't pose any threat to the Sorceress and the Sorceress sent someone to assassinate her. Imagine what would have happened if Beth had actually been able to fight against the Sorceress. I fucking well wonder what would have happened in that case!"

Roughly Aurora dismounted, "Sailor Moon, especially, would be perceived as a great threat to the Sorceress. How long do you think the young Princess could hold her own against the Sorceress?" Aurora's silver eyes burned into Firewalker's blue eyes. He made no move, gave no response.

Aurora snorted, "That's what I thought."

With that, The Star Child made her way down the forest trail on bare feet, ignoring the slight pricks of pain caused by the rough forest floor. She'd left her shoes back at the Stables. She didn't have the mind to regret that decision at the moment.

It was twenty minutes before Aurora made it to the river's grassy banks. The sun was setting now, the sky alight with colors of pink, purple and blue. A wind blew throughout the clearing; the quiet murmur of the river seemed magnified in the relative silence. Standing at the river's side, Aurora locked her anger away again. Closing her eyes, she took a few moments to get hold of herself and to put away the pain of old memories she could do nothing to change.

She heard the soft padding of Firewalker's hooves over the grass long before she felt a tentative nudge on her shoulder from a down covered muzzle. Aurora's hand came up to trail down the cheek of the head that came up over her shoulder.

It was a silent apology that passed between them, but it was there all the same. Firewalker stood quietly for one moment longer, looking out over the scenery before him and enjoying Aurora's soft touch oh his neck and cheek.

This day had started out so differently, Firewalker thought to himself. He looked back over the morning in his mind's eye. Had he been able too, Firewalker would have smiled. Aurora had been in such a playful mood, sculpting the soapsuds she was washing him with to give him a beard, then a poorly shaped saddle, then a tattoo of a star on his shoulder. Her laughter had become addictive, and wanting to prolong it, Firewalker had reached for the hose at his hooves, and picking it up with his mouth, sprayed his young charge. The squeal Aurora let out as the cold water hit her had been priceless.

Firewalker got an idea. He studied the river for a moment. The current was practically nonexistent, and it was at least a good four feet deep at its center. Using the excuse that the Devil made him do it, Firewalker moved his head to butt Aurora into the river.

"Ahh!" Aurora gave a startled scream as she once again found herself soaking wet, this time standing in a river chest deep.

"Firewalker!" she all but screamed at him as she waded to the grassy banks, "When I get my hands on you, you little bastard!"

Firewalker began to run away from her, "Don't even think about it! Get back here!"

Aurora began to run after her Guardian, her drenched sundress hindering her movements. Her pale blond hair stuck tenaciously to her face, partially blinding her. She laughed out load for the first time since that morning, "When I get my hands on you!

Aurora's laughter died abruptly. A concerned look crossed her face; she stopped and listened. Her pale blond brows came together as she tried to understand something her heart was telling her…

Firewalker came to a halt. Fun was over. He knew this was no ploy of Aurora's to catch him. An element of fear had entered her eyes, her stance. Something was wrong.

"Firewalker…" Aurora turned her head from one side to the other, her voice a hushed whisper.

"The Scouts are in trouble."

Her Guardian gave a soft whinny of question as he slowly approached his charge.

"I don't know. I don't know how I know. But the Princess and Prince are in danger. Something evil…" Aurora's voice trailed off.

"We have to go to them," Aurora slipped into Sailor Star's mindset, her voice calm and deadly with intent, "Now."

Turning her eyes to the evening sky, Aurora called out, "Imperial Star Power!"