Thanks to all those who have taken the time to review: Moon Bunny 10, Pixie Princess, Yana, and animeprincess 056 (thanks for all your reviews)and also thanks to my wonderful sister who said that she would proof my stories for me ;-)

On to the legal stuff: I don't own Sailor Moon only wish that I could be half as creative as the creators of the manga/anime.

Some Things Change

Chapter Four

By Catrina

00-00-00-00

Serenity stared at the moon. Somehow, it always gave her strength it was there, never really from her sight and if it disappeared then she would always see it the next night. Something about it would always soothe her. She turned around as she heard the door open to the balcony. She instantly smiles at her visitors. "Haruka, Michiru!" She exclaimed rushing forward to hug one and then another.

"Queen." Michiru said affectionately as she embraced the Queen before turning her over to Haruka.

"Queen." Haruka said as well holding the Queen as she hugged the other girl tightly. Haruka pulled away to lightly shake Serenity. "What the hell are they doing here?" They were both surprised as Serenity's laugh filled the room. She placed a hand on Haruka's cheek and smiled.

"You never change…" Serenity said softly appreciating the fact that she could always depend on Haruka to be herself. "After the restored their planet it never truly became strong enough to support the life that the people demanded. Their planet was destroyed by natural causes. All the citizens are currently on their way here. I accepted them here and they work with the Senshi."

"Queen you have much too soft of heart." Michiru stated coming beside her but understanding that that was one reason that everyone loved her and protected her so much.

"Where could I have sent them. I let them know a long time ago that they would always have friends on Earth."

"They took a risk coming here." Haruka said slightly steering the conversation off topic. "Another risk is being in your bed room." Both the other girls looked at the sandy blond confused by the quick jump to a new topic. Serenity blinked first and then pondered about how to proceed. She decided that simple would do it.

"I'm happy that they are here. And you should see Ami; she's walking on clouds…"

"Are they staying?"

"They have no where else to go," Serenity whispered, then stood her ground, "And they are welcome here, by all of us." She said glaring at Haruka then Michiru. They nodded understanding. "Shall we eat?" She asked lacing an arm through each one of her companions' arms.

"Of course."

00-00-00-00

After a long meal and discussion with Haruka and Michiru she returned to the balcony. This place was her sanctuary. For a moment she got lost in the thoughts of everything that had been happening since the arrival of the Starlights. Everyone seemed so happy. Taiki and Ami spent more and more time together and anyone could tell that there was more then friendship between the two, either from the shy looks to the tentative holding of hands. Yaten and Minako, on the other hand, were at each other's throats. When they weren't sneaking glances at each other, they were yelling at each other. Minako's temper was short, but Yaten seemed to be the only one that could get her to yell, most of the time. But she and Seiya seemed to be at a stand still, and it was of her own creation. She knew what was coming up. That damn festival that they all created for her benefit.

To say that she was not looking forward to the festival would be an understatement. The only purpose of the festival was to reassure the people of her Senshi's loyalty, but it also demonstrated their power. Not only that but one reason they had created it was because she was starting to be pressured from the people and other world leaders. In a way it was deceitful but it had also been necessary. She had still been grieving for Mamo-chan, and she had done the only thing she could. She turned to her friends. No one knew who was going to ask for her hand, but little did they know what they would have to go through., It was nice to have Seiya here as a companion and as a friend, but now the feelings that she had suppressed the first time he had been on earth had started to surface. It took her two years after they left to figure out what Seiya had meant when she left. In Serenity's heart, she knew that she loved Seiya back. She had figured that out about three years ago. Being lonely gave people time to think. She never thought that she would see Seiya again. The blur of time that they had been here, they had grown closer together, he once again become her anchor, even though she truly needed none. She wanted to be with him, but he could never make it through her Senshi, of that she was sure.

Seiya was waiting to tell her that he loved her because he knew as well as she did that there were things that stood in their way. Right now she couldn't tell him that she loved him, either. She wasn't ready to love someone if she couldn't have him. And the irony of it was that her Senshi were what was in the way. For a moment she laughed at the irony that was created in her life.

"Odango!" She heard his voice and looked around not seeing anyone. Then she looked down into the gardens that Mercury had first created for her.

"Seiya." She smiled noticing that he was holding a bouquet of flowers. He tossed them up gently and she caught them with ease. "What are you doing up so late?"

"Couldn't sleep." He stated simply not seeing the point in telling her that since he had slept with her he wasn't sleeping quite as comfortably alone as he used to. "Are you ready for the festival?"

"As ready as I can… Are you sure?" She asked breaking contact with his intense eyes before asking the question.

"I have no doubt." The dark haired man told her intensity evident in his words. Then he paused and frowned a thought crossing his mind. "Unless you don't want me to." He told her not making eye contact with her again. "The last thing I want to do," he continued in a rush his throat tightening at the thought "is to force you into something." He heard her shocked gasp and quickly looked up feared the worst. But when he found the courage to meet her eyes he saw tears glistening in the blue depths.

"Never… Never think that. I never would have welcomed you openly if that was the case." When he still looked unsure she leaned over the balcony and whispered down to him. "Come to the balcony, Seiya… we should talk." He met her eyes and studied her before simply jumping up to the balcony and pulling her into his arms. For a moment she stood cradled in his embrace. "I don't think you understand what will happen. My Senshi are strong…"

"They have always been strong, full of love and hopes and dreams for everyone… you were always strong."

"Thank you." She said just stood their enjoying his warmth, strength, and scent. Soon she was almost asleep. Seiya picked her up and carried her into her bed room. Gently he laid her down and tucked the sheets around her. She whispered incoherently as she eventually fell asleep, the stress of tomorrow swept away by his embrace.

00-00-00-00

Taiki laid on his back staring up at the ceiling studying the boring ceiling tile simply because there was nothing else to do. Amazingly he was calm and relaxed but still even the idea of sleep evaded him. He turned on his side looking out the window there was nothing but the twinkle of stars and the shine of moonbeams. For a moment he remembered the first time he landed on the planet. How empty and cold he had felt. For one reason he had been here, to search for his princess. But he had gained so much more and now he had repaid the person he owed his life. He sat up quickly when the door to his room creaked. A blue hair pixie peeked in a little surprised to see that he was still awake.

"Hi…" He said quietly, floored to see her there.

"Hey…" She responded a little on the bashful side.

"What brings you…"

"Aren't you up…" They started to talk at the same time, then they both laughed. It was what then need to break the surprise tension in the room. She glided all the way into the room closing the door behind her, as he settled back against the head board and extending his long legs back to a comfortable position. She came to sit beside him on the bed, pulling her short blue night gown down over her thighs.

"I couldn't sleep." She said answering his question first.

"Me either." He agreed, and watched as she curled up in the bed beside his long form resting her head lightly on his thigh. He laid a hand in her silky blue hair and combed through it. "Tell me about this festival?" He asked as her body seemed to relax

"You'll see." She stated cryptically.

"Will I like it?" He asked peering down at her. She reached and arm across his leg and entangled her fingers with his hand not in her hair. She rubbed her thumb across the smooth skin on the top of his hand and sighed.

"Maybe… I don't like it. It's kind of egotistical on our part but at the time it was what everyone needed." She said still not giving anything away about tomorrows events.

"Egotistical?" He questioned trying to get anything out of her.

"On our part it's a pretty display of our power. Don't worry, you'll see." She said, he had now moved to rubbing her shoulders and it seemed to melt all the tension and apprehension away. He smiled as her breathing slowly evened out and he let her sleep comfortably, and still being unable to sleep, he watched his blue haired pixie dream.

00-00-00-00

While everyone else was sleeping Minako was walking everywhere, nervous for the first time about the festival. The others may not have noticed but she knew that she would be testing Seiya tomorrow. She had already noticed the connection between them as well as between Ami and Taiki. She stopped at the playground noticing how empty it looked, kind of how she felt. She walked through the sand and sat quietly on the swing and glancing up when the chains squeaked at her weight. She was jealous and it was simple as that. Everyone was finding someone to love but her… she was unsure. Since he had been here and they had started to work together they had formed more of a bond. She kicked lightly making the swing moving slightly before being caught.

"Beautiful night," Yaten whispered, "Good for sleeping." He commented pushing her lightly in the swing before catching her as the swing raced back towards him.

"Why are you awake?" She asked, not minding the company or the push.

"I heard you walking the halls. You woke me up." He complained, before pushing her forward again. Personally he couldn't stand to see her looking so tired and lonely.

"Oh? Sorry I didn't mean to wake anyone." She said softly, looking down watching the grass and earth move as she swayed gently.

"Are you all right?" He asked moving around the front of the swing, pulling her up and out of her seat.

"Yeah." She looked up to him and smiled a bright smile. "I'm perfectly all right."

"Don't lie to me." He snapped. "I thought we were friends." He heard her laugh but it wasn't a laugh of joy. It seemed she was laughing more at herself that anything else. She started walking away from the playground, noticing that he was following behind her. The wind picked up and she pulled a hand to her face to keep the golden strands out of her eyes.

"We are…friends." She said glancing back at him.

"So why are you lying to me then?" He asked almost pouting. He stopped and crossed his arms and waited. After a couple steps she stopped and turned towards him, "Are you nervous?"

"About the festival? No." She laughed. "I always wanted to be a star. I just hate parts of the festival."

"The others haven't been very forthcoming. What is it about?" He asked curious as he sat down on a stone bench waiting for her to join him.

"Well, in the beginning of the Queen's reign may people were afraid that without us, she would be weak and her power would be limited. So every year we vow our loyalty and our lives to her. Something that every Senshi knows but normal people can't understand. We would never turn against her…she is our soul purpose for living. One year a man chose this time to purpose to Serenity. She panicked and turned to us and on the fly we said that before he could court her he would have to pass a test from each Senshi. No one has ever made it past Mercury."

"So that's what this festival is?" He asked floored.

"Yeah, silly huh?" She asked looking him in the eye for the first time that evening. Feeling drawn to her she reached up and placed a hand on her cheek. Her skin was smooth and chilled by the night air. She turned her cheek into his hand and sighed.

"But that doesn't explain why you are so sad." He stared her down demanding and answer.

"I'm not sad…I'm wallowing in pity when I should be happy."

"Pity?"

"Yes," She told him and her eyes started to fill with tears, "Everyone found someone to be with. All but me. I still feel alone." She told him her bright blue eyes releasing the tears that had gathered there. He smiled at her before using his thumb to wipe her tears away.

"You have me, baka. You are not alone anymore." He told her bringing her close and wrapping his arm around her lightly.

"I'm happy for them… really. I'm just jealous, and that so shallow." She seemed to be beating herself up rather well.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of." He told her in softly trying to soothe her. "You simply want what everyone wants. A place to belong." He ran a soothing hand down her hair and kissed the top of her head.

"A place to belong." She whispered relaxing against him. That sounded like heaven to her.

00-00-00-00

A little girl ran into her mother's room brown curls bouncing in the rising of the morning sun, "Momma, momma. We must hurry. The festival is today and I don't want to miss anything." The same scenario was happening all over Crystal Tokyo. The city was just overflowing with activities. Over the few years that the Senshi had done this act of 'Renewal' it have become a huge event changing from a simple 15 minute ceremony to a whole day of events. With Venus preparing for the Festival, Yaten bared the weight of making sure that everything ran according to the plan they had created. Except for a couple of glitches all was going smoothly. He caught up with his princess and the others when the masses of people started to head for the amphitheatre close to the palace. Over all it could hold thousands of people and it would overflow today.

"Come on, the Odango reserved us seats in the front." Seiya told them. The walked down to take their seats and started to wait.

The Senshi on the other hand were stuck getting ready, though they all looked stunningly beautiful, they wondered if it was worth the time and money. Serenity was wearing her normal sparkling white gown, with a gold lace overlay and her hair was tied back normally but with the accent of white pearls. The Senshi looked equally stunning. The dresses all looked the same but in different colors. The gowns looked like some thing out of the fairy tale. The dresses had a low cleavage that went to the top of the bust line and followed the chest tightly, at the waist there was a seam that formed and angle point down past the waist. From there the skirt flowed down trailing behind each almost five feet. The sleeves were long, starting tight at the shoulders, and then growing loose to join in with the train. The time for the renewal had begun.

00-00-00-00

A hush fell over the crowd as the show started. The open theater somehow grew dark and at center stage, an image of the moon shone. A female's voice filled the air welcoming everyone and then started to portray the history of the Senshi and the Moon Kingdom.

"A long time ago, there was a kingdom on the Moon. This kingdom, protected peace and the whole galaxy." The picture in the middle changed from the moon to a picture of the Moon Kingdom. "This is where the original Senshi came. They each were princesses of their own planets, but served as the Moon princess's guard." The picture changed to that of the Senshi and the Moon Princess. "Then a great evil came and these soldiers were defeated and sent to a new time and place on Earth, where they fought to protect this planet and their princess. We are here today to watch them as they renew their vow to the Princess."

Yaten looked at the other lights. Just how many times had these girls died? They had such a rich past and such a glorious future. It was amazing that it all started on a little moon of a small planet. They processed the information and the proceeded to watch the show.

Ami hated this. She hated to be put on display and she wished she didn't have to do this. She looked around nervously and continued to pray that she wouldn't mess up.

Minako played with the long sleeve of her dress. She hated showing off her power, but she loved the feeling of being on stage, it was something that she truly missed from her old life. "Let's get the show on the road already."

Haruka looked over at her and said: "I couldn't agree more." The shared a smile and waited to be called.

"First, our loving, wonderful queen." The narrator's voice filled the air again. Serenity walked down the path to where her throne sat. She walked gracefully down and took her seat, but not without gracing the crowd with her smile. "Thank you all for coming to witness this amazing event. We hope that you will enjoy yourselves." Her voice carried over the crowd and she was answered with a load cheer.

"Sailor Venus, Princess of Venus." Minako started down the path her train following behind her. There were nine paths to the throne; they all had their own path. She felt her hair lift in the wind. Her hair was in the normal style, but instead of a bow there was lace. The fine lace was woven through her hair. Her dress of yellow flowed around her as she walked. She bowed in front of Serenity and fell to her knees.

"I, Princess Minako, Sailor Venus, Senshi of Love, give you, Neo-queen Serenity, my vow of loyalty. I shall protect you and be your friend as long as I shall live." With that said her Venus sign appeared on her forehead as she started to glow.

"Sailor Mercury, Princess of Mercury." She walked down her own path as quickly as she could, with out looking in haste. She was very scared that the blue roses in here hair were going to fall out. Once to the thrown, she like Venus fell to her knees.

"I, Princess Ami. Sailor Mercury, Senshi of Wisdom, give you Neo-queen Serenity, my vow of loyalty. I shall share with you my wisdom and I shall protect you with my life, for this is all I have to give." With that said she reached her hand toward Venus who took it and then her sign formed on her forehead and she stared to glow.

Next came Mars. She also walked quickly. Her hair was braided with pearls twisted in the braid. She looked stunning in her red dress that followed behind her.

"I, Princess Raye, Sailor Mars, Senshi of War, give you, Neo-Queen Serenity, My vow of Loyalty, along with my friendship and my vow of protection." With that said she joined hands with Mercury and started to glow.

Next came Jupiter. She walked with almost ran down the path not seeing reason to make this last to long "I, Princess Makoto, Sailor Jupiter, Senshi of Protection, give you my vow of friendship and loyalty. For you Serenity I will lay down my life." Short but got to the point. She then started to glow like the others holding hands with mars.

Next came Neptune and Uranus. They joined hands with each other in front of her. The pants that Uranus had worn were feminine and flattering, along with a button up shirt that showed just as much cleavage as the rest of the girls. Neptune on the other hand was dress in an aqua gown similar to the other Senshi. Together they pledged their vow.

"I, Princess Michiru, Sailor Neptune, Senshi of the Planet of Seas…"

"And I Princess, Haruka, Sailor Uranus, Senshi of the Planet of Wind…" They continued the rest together "Give you, Neo-Queen Serenity, our undying loyalty until the end." Michiru then joined hands with Jupiter as they started to glow as well.

Pluto came next dressed in dark green her hair fully down nothing special for her. She bowed before her queen and fell next to Uranus.

"I, Princess Setsuna, Sailor Pluto, Senshi of the Gates of Time and the Planet of Space and Time, give you my queen, my loyalty and my respect." With that she joined hands with Haruka and started to glow.

Last was Saturn. She walked slowly. She looked out of place but she smile gently when she reached her Queen.

"I, Princess Hotaru, Sailor Saturn, Senshi of Death and Rebirth, give you my Queen, my solemn vow of loyalty." She joined hands with both Venus and Pluto. The formed a circle around the queen.

"We as your loyal servants and your Senshi, give you our lives." They all chanted together. Then a tower of light formed around each Senshi. From this the lights started to mix above the queen forming an orb of mixing colors. The light filled the stadium with its brilliance; it could have lighted the world, if so desired. Many of the audience were covering their eyes. The light faded flowing slowly into the queen. She smiled at them, crying as she did every time by what they said and what their hearts said.

"All of you, you know that I love you more than anything else in the world. I will fight death to keep you by my side, and I will protect you with my life as you do for me. For without all of you my life would mean nothing."

The Starlights were amazed at the power radiating off of the Senshi. Once it was all finished the Senshi got up to take their seats, which had risen out of the lower level of the stage. Yaten could tell that Minako was getting tired, as was Mercury. Taiki smiled lovingly at her as she took her seat. There was a set of chairs each imprinted with a planets' sign. They each took their seats as the narrator droned on about the history and the power of the Senshi, but all of them just sat there and smiled. Then the narrator said something that stood out.

"Anyone willing for the Queen's hand must now stand and face the challenge." One man in the back stood up and yelled, "I will take the challenge."

00-00-00-00

This was the part that Serenity hated. Every year, some man had to try to steal her throne. She watched as the dark-haired man stood up and walked toward them.

"State your name," She ordered, gently remaining kind.

"Kyo."

"Proceed with the test."

Michiru stood gracefully and walked toward the man. "Kyo. The past is an important part of your life. My duty is to check your past and past lives to see if you are worthy to be by my queen's side." Her mirror appeared in her hand and the young man's eyes widened. She looked into the mirror. "You have nothing that you regret doing in this life and your past lives have been of high society and of grace. My test you pass, but be warned, you will not make it to my queen." She turned coldly on him and returned to her seat beside Haruka.

Mars was next. She walked over to him and looked at him. "I will test you Kyo. I want to know what evils lie in your heart." With that she touched he forehead. People in the crowd saw the man jerk and his closed eyes pop open. He looked to be pain and a scream ripped from the man. Mars simply walked through his soul. He had done the normal things that a man does, but he wasn't truly evil. She took away her hand and the man collapsed to his knees. "My test you pass Kyo, but you can not be the king." She turned and returned to her chair.

Mercury walked to him in slow and steady steps. "I will test you also Kyo. I want to know what you think and know of or lovely queen." She touches his arm gently and fell into his thoughts. "You know much about our Queen, but not enough to love her. My test you can not pass." She turned and walked away.

"What do you mean? I know everything to know about the queen."

"Right, but you do not know her heart." Ami took her seat. The announcer's voice started up again and asked for more volunteers. Seiya angry that someone had jumped up before him stood slowly. Yaten after talking with Minako he had a feeling that this would happen.

"I would like to try for the Queen's hand." The Senshi didn't really look that shocked, excluding Haruka who looked very angry and directed a glare to the person now standing. He stepped forward to the first pedestal and waited for Michiru. She walked forward slowly and again her mirror appeared.

"You have lived many lives, Seiya. In all lives you are a soldier. You are proud with a pure heart. You have all the qualities I see needed in a King. My test you pass. Good luck, Seiya." Rei came forward next.

"Seiya, I will test you for evil. This may hurt." She touched his forehead and he felt his world being ripped apart. She was tearing apart and raping his soul, yet he refused to fall to his knees. The audience looked in awe as the man hardly moved and made a sound. They had heard of the test of Mars and couldn't believe what they saw. "You are a Senshi. You have no evil. My test you pass." She smiled a brilliant smile. This is what Serenity needs to be happy. Mercury looked at Seiya as she walked to him.

"I have always thought of you as a kind person, Seiya. You are one person who knew Usagi inside and out. Now we test your knowledge of Serenity." She touched his arm and unlike Mars's test he felt a warm glow. Her sprit was calming and just a little curious as she looked through his mind. When she lifted her hand she smiled. "Seiya, you know what the rest of us know. My test you pass. I would love to have you as a king." She said as she blushed and turned away. Setsuna walked forward to meet Seiya.

"Never has one passed Mercury's test. I am surprised in you Seiya-san. My test is the future. As you know I stand at the gates of time. Time is my friend and companion." She lifted her staff and cried to the heavens. "Pluto, source of my powers. Please grant me my wish." Seiya felt a pain wash through him, so intense he wavered on his legs and reached out for his balance. He opened his eyes to see Setsuna with her eyes closed. When her eyes opened she smiled a very small smile. "My guardian planet has allowed me to see a possible future with you as king. All things look well. My test you pass. Protect her." With that she returned to her seat. Makoto stood next she walked to Seiya and looked at him.

"I already know the answer to this question, but this is a test I must perform. Seiya, how far would you go to protect Serenity?"

"I would give my life." He told her without pause, knowing that in the past he had already done so.

"Prove it." With that a knife appeared in her hand and she aimed directly for the Queen, and threw the knife.

"NOOOOOO!" yelled Seiya as he jumped in front of the knife. He closed his eyes as the knife was supposed to make contact, but nothing happened. He opened one eye than the other. "Huh?" Then thought back knowing that Mako-chan would never hurt Serenity.

"My test you pass Seiya. You would give your life for the queen." The crowd was in awe over what had just happened. They had never seen the test go this far. No one had ever made it. Haruka walked forward as Makoto walked back.

"I have been waiting for this a long time." She looked up with a smirk on her face. "You see, Seiya, my test is of physical strength." With that said, she let a punch go right for his head. He blocked and she did a roundhouse kick to his leg, which was also blocked. She continued her assault, but all Seiya did was block. "Fight back, Damn you!" If he fought back they would never get along. Whether he liked it or not this woman was very important to the woman he loved. Maybe words could get through when nothing else could.

"No, you are a Senshi like me, we shouldn't fight each other." Her assault stopped.

"Damn you, damn you, DAMN YOU! My test you pass." Seiya smiled at her, which made her even more angry. She tuned and walked away in an angry puff. Minako walked forward to greet Haruka. She gave the other girl a pat on the shoulder and whispered, "What ever is best for Serenity." Haruka nodded and continued back to her seat. Minako looked at Seiya. Seiya had never seen Minako so serious, it was almost scary.

"No one has ever made it this far. Right now I must ask this," she turned toward her Queen. "My queen, should this man pass my test will you take him as you King?" The crowd let out an audible shock at the question.

"Of course." Serenity smiled and nodded.

"Seiya, my test is that of love. As leader of the Senshi, I feel informed to tell you if I do not find you worthy you will not be king. Seiya, look in my eyes." He did as he was told; only this time he was not looking at Minako, the world around him had blurred to the point that hall he saw was blue. Then the world came sharply back into focus; she took his hands, and looked through his heart. "Who do you love?"

"I love Serenity."

"Serenity or Usagi?" Yaten looked shocked as the test went on. She was radiating with such power that he was amazed. She was glowing with an intensity that had some closing their eyes, but he stared as she showed her true form. She was beautiful. Seiya on the other hand, looked very confused.

"Both, they are one in the same. Serenity is Usagi, just as Serenity was always in Usagi, and all are my Odango."

"Oh, Seiya. You have answered correctly. Both in heart and in words, My test you pass." She bent down and kissed his hand. "I wish you luck." She took her seat and Seiya walked to Serenity.

"I love you Seiya, but I want you to know that Mamo-chan will always hold a place in my heart."

"I understand, there is always something about your first love, but do you accept me as the one who loves you now?"

"I would love for you to be my king and lover." They smiled at each other and he gave her a hug followed by a long kiss. "But there is still one more Senshi who must test you." She told him.

He turned slightly noticing that Hotaru was standing beside him smiling up at him.

"It's my turn, now. I am the Senshi of death and rebirth. When Mamoru, guardian of earth died, his powers were passed to me until another person worthy of his power came along. Kou Seiya, you have passed all the necessary test and proved your love for the Queen so I shall grant you his power. IF you live through this test all is well. However if you cannot take his power, you will die and the power will be returned to me" Her Glaive appeared in her hand. "The Planet of Saturn has given her approval of the king, so I princess of Saturn grant you, Kou Seiya, the powers of earth. You are now the king of Earth and you have the powers. Along with these powers comes the golden crystal." As she said the crystal materialized in his hands and then faded. For a moment he felt slight pain and the world around him turned white. For a moment he was in a different world, with a man that looked so much like him.

"I didn't want to leave her." The apparition in front of him stated sadly. "She truly meant the world to me. It was no fault of hers that I died. I'm glad you made her see that." Seiya nodded as Mamoru explained. "Seiya, a part of her loved you back then, but I never worried. She loved me so much and I do still love her. But she doesn't deserve to be alone. I'm glad its you. I know you love her just as much as I do. Take care of her and tell her hello."

"I will and I will love her and take care of her." He vowed as the men shared a look of understanding.

The world around him shifted back to the worried glances of the Senshi around him but as soon as his vision cleared all was fine. He focused on Sailor Saturn.

"The Crystal is now inside of you and will come to your call when needed. Do not abuse these powers. I gave them to you and I can also take them away. Congratulations."

"Thank you Hotaru." She leapt into his arms and gave him a hug. She pulled away then ran back to her 'parents' and Seiya walked back over to Serenity.

"Are you happy?"

"Yes." She started to cry as they embraced each other and left the stage.

"Good, I love you, and Mamoru says hello." For a moment she looked shocked then smiled.

"Part of him was in the crystal, so he approves of you." She realized taking his hand.

"Say it Odango… I want to hear the words, now that you have nothing to be afraid of."

"I love you, Seiya." He swept her against him and kissed her, claiming her for eternity. Around him the Senshi smiled and the crowds cheered.

00-00-00-00

Yaten caught up with her as she was leaving the stage. "Minako!" He yelled catching her attention. She turned quickly and tripped in the long train of her dress.

"Yat…" She had started to say his name but as she started to fall it turned into a screech. Luckily he was close enough to grab her as she made her decent to meet the ground.

"Clumsy…" He muttered trying to help her get to her feet. But her train was tangled around her feet. Sighing and muttering, Yaten picked up the very embarrassed blond and carried her to the nearest seat. She blushed red at the ridiculous situation. Once seated Yaten kneeled before her straighten out her dress, then sat up beside her. "At least you didn't do that on stage." He grumbled.

"Hey! Its not easy walking around in a dress like this you know." She commented playing with her hair and not looking him in the eyes.

"How are you doing today?" He asked looking at her trying to catch her eyes. When she wouldn't look at him he grabbed her face gently making her look at him.

"I'm better." She remembered falling asleep with him on the bench then both of them waking as the morning sun had started coloring the sky. They had quickly said good-byes and then went to their own rooms.

"Damn you woman, when are you going to learn?" He asked harshly. He watched the shock register in her eyes.

"What?" She asked in a soft whisper.

"Think about this Minako." He said before laying his lips gently on hers and silencing any words that may have come. It was a gentle brushing of lips, a slight connection that caused her to gasp and her body to shiver. What was he trying to say? What did the gentleness he gave, the comfort he offered, and the fights he started; what did they mean? It was all hear in the secret of his kiss. He pulled away his green eyes bright with an emotion she wasn't sure that she was ready for.

"Yaten…

"Just think about it…" He said then he got up and walked away.

00-00-00-00

The next chapter will be the last chapter to this story… I never thought that reviewing and revising my stories would take so long, but thanks for those who have been patient with me. Thanks also to the people who have reviewed all my stories. I never thought that it could be so exciting to see reviews and see that people like to read my stories as much as I like to write them. I hope that this chapter is what some people where wanting.

Also for those that are curious, I am getting ready to revise the sequel to Romance and Dreams so you should all be seeing that one shortly along with another Sailor Moon story where unlike this one the Earth is destroyed.

As always let me know what you think of this chapter.

Cat