Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

Author's Notes: Just a quick note, I realized that I messed up on the last chapter when I said that Michiru gave Haruka both her earrings. I went back and changed it, so that now Michiru only left one of her earrings behind and not both. Oh, and I know that Kou is Seiya's first name but in this story, I'm just calling him Seiya.

Letting Go
Michiru gently opened her bedroom window, letting the cool night air wash over her. The light breeze played with her aqua locks and flowed through the light fabric of her dress. The princess sighed softly as she stared out the window and at the stars that shone above in the moon less sky. Her eyes scanned the sky and found the small star that was Pluto. Michiru couldn't help but wonder how Haruka was doing on Pluto. Had she gotten taller? Perhaps Haruka had finally mastered the technique with her sword.

A bird chirped outside and Michiru broke away from her thoughts on Haruka. She couldn't be thinking about Haruka. She had a duty as the princess of Neptune. She was going to be engaged to Seiya. Haruka already loved Yaten. Endless thoughts swirled around in Michiru's mind.

"Why?" Michiru asked softly pressing her forehead against her palm. Her eyes blurred as the deep blue orbs filled with tears. "Why can't I stop thinking about her?"

Michiru raised her head as she heard a knock on her door. She specifically had told her maid not to let anyone disturb her tonight. Massaging her temples, Michiru called out that she did not want any visitors. Regardless, the door creaked opened and Michiru spun around about to tell the person off for coming in to her room with out her consent. The words died in her mouth as Michiru realized that it was her mother.

Mother almost never visited her unless the situation was important. The Queen swept into the room, still in the outfit she had worn in the banquet. The sleeveless gown hugged the Queen's elegant body, showing that the Queen was still as youthful as she was fifty years ago. The long silk dress decorated with small black jewels glittered as Neptina moved. It didn't seem to show at all that the Queen had been through a difficult evening making arrangements and talking with all her guests. Even her hair that was held up in a tight bun, had all the strands still tucked neatly in place. Michiru looked up at her mother, confusion showing in her eyes.

"You have let yourself relax too much on Pluto," Neptina said as she approached Michiru. "Your performance tonight was lacking."

Michiru bowed down her head. There had been many things on her mind at the banquet causing Michiru to be uncoordinated and clumsy earlier today. She knew that she had embarrassed her mother when she had accidentally spilled juice on Seiya and Michiru had truly felt sorry for it. However, she simply could not keep her mind off a certain blonde. "I'm sorry mother, I'll work on improving my performance."

Sighing softly, Neptina shook her head and sat down on Michiru's bed. Motioning her daughter to sit down beside her, the Queen stared out the open window and into the moon less night. "What do you think of Seiya?"

Michiru smiled grimly. Seiya was the son of a powerful lord in the southern hemisphere of Neptune. His family owned large amounts of land and had hundreds of men at their call. Though the royal family was powerful, it was left weakened after the Battle of Keto. Everyone thought that after the invaders were defeated on Pluto that the battle was finished, however the outer planets were attacked again. With Pluto in its weak state, planet Neptune had mustered all its forces to defend the solar system. To expand Neptune's power, Michiru needed to marry Seiya.

"It doesn't matter what I think," Michiru replied, hiding behind a mask of indifference, "as long as it brings good to the kingdom."

The Queen nodded stiffly, but couldn't help but feel upset with her daughter's response. It was what she had done when she was Michiru's age. It was the ideal decision for any ruler to make. However, now that she looked back, Neptina was unsure. She had enjoyed her time with Asuran and she had learned to love him. However, Neptina often wondered what could have been if she had followed her heart. Her decisions had led to a prosperous kingdom, but would that have been possible as well if she had taken another path?

"Are you sure that is your decision?" Neptina asked in a voice that betrayed none of her emotions.

Michiru stared out at the endless sky. You are the only person that is able to choose the path you want to take. Some may end up with happiness and joy and some paths may end up with regret and pain.

Haruka didn't love her anyway. If she was going to lead an unhappy life no matter what, she should at least lead an unhappy life knowing that she had made the decision to help her kingdom and fulfill her role. "Yes, I'm sure."

"All right," Neptina replied evenly as she rose from Michiru's bed. "If that is the case, I'll finalize everything with the Kou family tomorrow."

Michiru nodded, staring down at her hands. As she heard the door close, the princess slowly walked over to her desk and reached for a small box. Flipping the lid open, Michiru drew out a small aquamarine earring that was shaped like a dolphin.

I believe that everyone is able to choose... The words echoed in Michiru's head with no meaning at all as she closed the lid of the box and stepped away from her desk. I want you to follow your heart. There is a sea of possibilities out there and if you follow your heart, it will never lead you astray.

Michiru slowly walked towards the window with the earring clenched tightly in her hand. She did not have a choice to make. This was the only path left for her to choose. Haruka would never love her. Haruka would never know her feelings towards the other woman. Michiru would marry Seiya and live the rest of her life being content, knowing that her marrying Seiya will lead to the well being of thousands of people on her home planet. She would forget about Haruka.

These are to remind you that you will always be free like the dolphins.

Michiru had left one of her earrings for Haruka to show that a part of her will always be with her. She hoped that Haruka would be able to carry out her dream of being free. Michiru smiled. The princess knew Haruka would be able to carry it out. As for her, she was not as strong willed as Haruka. She could never break free from her chains.

Stopping in front of the window, Michiru opened her palm with the earring in it. The aquamarine glittered softly, reflecting the candle light emitting from Michiru's room. Tilting her hand sideways, Michiru watched as the earring slid off her palm and plummeted into the darkness below.

Some may end up with happiness and joy and some paths may end up with regret and pain.

As soon as she was dismissed, Haruka had stormed out of the kitchen to look for Michiru. She knew Souichi would be angry later on, but Haruka couldn't let Michiru marry Seiya. Forget about asking Michiru why she wasn't going to return to Pluto, the blonde was going to find Michiru, set her straight and bring her back to Pluto with her so that they could continue their training. Growling, Haruka stormed up the staircase, with no idea where she was going. After passing a familiar looking door several times, Haruka realized that she was going around in circles.

Cursing, Haruka made a mental note to find the people who designed this castle and have a talk with them. Pausing for a moment, Haruka spotted a young maid who was carrying a pile of books in her arms.

"Excuse me, miss," Haruka called out, however the girl simply walked past her.

"Can't you see I'm busy!" The young woman yelled, as she struggled to hold on to the toppling pile of books. She was already having enough trouble seeing where she was going over the pile of books and now there was this boy standing firmly in front of her blocking her way. Anna stopped and tried her best to glare at the person.

"Perhaps I could help you with these books," the young man said, "if you could do me a favor afterwards."

Anna felt her load lighten considerably as the blonde took a few books from her pile.

"Thanks," the girl mumbled, turning to look at blond. Anna's mouth dropped open as she finally got the chance to take a good look at the young man. His sandy blond hair was messy and windswept, giving the young man a carefree appearance. Standing beside him, Anna felt as if a cool breeze was winding around her. She found herself staring deeply into his beautiful gray green eyes that sparkled with independence and determination. The young woman instantly changed her attitude.

"I don't know what I would have done without you," Anna said, batting her eyelashes. She flung her golden hair back and smiled sweetly at the young man. "Sure, I'll help you afterwards. I'm Anna. What is your name?"

"Haruka," Haruka mentally kicked herself for her slip. She was suspicious enough. She didn't need people comparing her to the Princess of Uranus. It wouldn't take long for a person with brains to figure out who she was.

"Haruka?" Anna mused as shifted the weight of the books and led Haruka to her destination. "That's a nice name."

Haruka laughed, slightly relieved that Anna made no connection with her name to Princess Uranus'. "You think so?"

Anna nodded vigorously as she half stared at Haruka and half kept her eyes on the direction she was going. It would be very embarrassing if she accidentally walked into a wall while leading this cute young man. Surprisingly, Anna was able to lead Haruka to their destination without any accidents which was very impressive due to the fact that she had nearly kept her eyes glued to Haruka the entire time.

Pausing outside a polished oak door, Anna shifted the books onto one arm and knocked on the door. The empty hallway echoed with the hollow sound. Haruka eyed her the hallway wearily, not liking her surroundings. The candles in the hallway flickered dimly, casting long shadows in its surroundings. Beside the door was a painting of a falling city. The fire in the painting seemed to come alive as it was shown devouring the buildings in its way.

"Come in," a cool voice floated through the door.

Anna shifted the books in her arms once again and turned the handle of the door. Haruka silently followed the young woman, scanning the room as she walked in. Books written in unrecognizable languages lined the rows of shelves that covered the walls. The sound of a quill scratching on paper was the only sound in the room as the two neared the desk with a man seated behind it.

"Here are your books, Master Malachite."

Haruka recognized the man as the person that sat beside Souichi during dinner. His dark gray hair glimmered in the candlelight that filled the corner of the room and his pale eyes were focused on the piece of paper lying in front of him. Without looking at the two, Malachite pointed his quill at a spot near the corner of the room. "You could put them there."

For the first time, Haruka glanced down at the books. It was written in an old language during a time of witches and wizards. Haruka recognized the language because her mother had wanted her to learn it however she had never been very interested. After all, no one currently living in the solar system was able to do any of the spells. If Haruka remembered correctly, those who learned the magic had been devoured by the dark side of the magic and used the spells for evil. They were eventually forced to leave the solar system by the rulers of the planets. The books were confiscated and were kept in the palaces and was only accessible to those with the permission of the royal family. Haruka remembered that there were a few of these books too locked away in the library back home.

Placing the books down, Haruka took one last look at Malachite before exiting the room with Michiru.

"Now that that is done, what did you want?" Anna asked, smiling at Haruka. She led the young man out of the hallway and to a nearby balcony that over looked the palace gardens. The scent of flowers and the sound of water splashing filled the warm night air. Stars glittered brightly in the moonless sky. Even though Haruka was not the romantic type of person, she could clearly tell that Anna was after her.

Anna leaned back on the railing and let the wind lift her shoulder length hair.

Clearing her throat, Haruka said, "I need you to take me to Princess Neptune."

Anna blinked and leaned forward, looking curiously at Haruka. "Why? Are you one of her Highness' admirers?"

Haruka blushed. "No! I'm just a friend."

"Humph... You look like one of her admirers."

"Will you help me then?" Haruka questioned, looking directly at Anna. For the first time, Anna felt the effect of Haruka's eyes. During the conversation with Haruka in the hallway, he had never looked directly at her. The girl blushed but shook her head. Haruka tried her best from appearing annoyed. "What do you want?"

"Well," Anna mused, walking towards Haruka. Her face was tomato red but she worked up her courage. "How about you be my boyfriend?"

Haruka thought for a moment letting the idea roll in her mind. She had no intention of being Anna's 'boyfriend' however this seemed like an interesting concept and could work to her favor. Then again, she didn't want to break the poor girl's heart. "Well..."

Haruka tilted her head to one side and examined Anna, trying to figure how much power she had over her. "How about you give me sometime to decide."

Anna blushed and brushed Haruka's hand with her own. Haruka didn't respond and Anna was worried for a second that she had upset the blonde. Anna bit her lip, however she realized she thought wrong when Haruka smiled kindly at Anna, causing her insides to melt.

"First, could you show me where to find Princess Neptune?" Haruka asked. Though Neptune was nice and beautiful, she wanted more than anything to return to Pluto with Michiru by her side.

Anna blushed and nodded, leading Haruka out of the balcony. "See, I actually have a friend who looks after her Highness. If you need anymore, I could contact her for you."

The two chatted for a while not paying too much attention to their surroundings. There were so many fascinating things about Neptune that Haruka never knew about. Haruka listened, nodding once in a while as Anna rambled on about food, buildings and people. The blonde pretended to listen attentively to all the things Anna had to say, but what she was really interested in the things Anna knew about Michiru.

"I remember when her Highness was young, she had no friends. All day, she would study in her room so that she could become a successful ruler in the future. The Queen wanted to make sure her daughter learned everything."

Haruka ran her fingers through her tangled hair. Was that how Michiru spent her childhood. While she was able to be run wild outside the palace, Michiru had spent her days locked up in her room studying. Haruka realized that there was so many things she didn't know about Michiru and that there were so many things that she had never bothered to ask her friend before. However, on Pluto, Michiru was free to do whatever she wanted. Haruka was sure Michiru could be a great Queen even with out studying her entire life. Now that Haruka thought of it, she remembered that Michiru once told her that she felt free and less burdened on Pluto and felt truly happy to be with Haruka. Was Michiru going to give up her happiness just because

It was only until Anna bumped into someone that Haruka had realized how careless they had been. Instantly two men appeared before them, with their arms crossed and a stern look plastered onto their face. Looking past the two bodyguards, Anna squealed as she realized who she had run into and quickly curtseyed.

"Her Majesty, I'm t-terribly sorry, I should h-have been paying m-more attention," Anna sputtered, her head bent down.

Neptina merely frowned as she listened to Anna sputter her apology. She thought that the people serving at the palace had been trained better. Neptina made a mental not to talk to the supervisors when she had the chance. However, first, she needed to arrange the engagement with the Kou family.

Neptina's eyes fell over the young man bowing beside the sputtering girl. It was uncanny how similar he was to Urana. Could he be related to her in someway? Neptina's eyes narrowed at the thought. Was this young man a spy?

Haruka glanced up to find Queen Neptune's eyes staring directly at her. The blonde told herself to stay calm even though hundreds of horrible thoughts raced through her mind. What if the Queen recognized her similarity to her mother? What if she arrested her for trespassing? Haruka knew that relations between the two planets were not good, and she didn't want to drag her mother into this.

"What is your name?"

Haruka swallowed, her mind racing to find a suitable name. "Bob-Joe."

Haruka mentally kicked herself once again for coming up with such a name. Holding back a sigh, Haruka decided that it was better than saying that her name was Haruka and at least the name was manly. Very manly. Out of the corner of her eye, Haruka saw Anna give her a questioning look, but Haruka shook her head slightly, telling her not to say anything. The young woman merely nodded, showing that she understood.

"All right then... Bob-Joe," Neptina said with slight distaste, not quite believing that anyone could have such an odd name. "Let's have a chat. Follow me."

Haruka found that she had no choice, as one of Neptina's bodyguards grabbed her arm and dragged her after the Queen. Sighing, Haruka followed without much protest.

"So... Bob-Joe," Neptina said slowly as she sat behind her desk. Haruka shifted uncomfortably at her position standing in the middle of the floor. Seeing that Haruka was nervous, Neptina nodded to the chair in front of her desk. "Please take a seat Bob-Joe."

Haruka mentally winced as she said the name but nevertheless seated down in front of the Queen. Once again, Haruka felt her eyes burning into her.

"Are you new here?"

Haruka decided that it was best to stick as close to the truth as possible. Nodding, Haruka replied clearly, "Yes, I just arrived here yesterday."

"Where did you live before?"

Thinking carefully yet quickly so she wouldn't appear suspicious, Haruka answered, "I lived on Pluto before, your majesty."

"How do you like it here on Neptune?" Neptina asked gesturing with her hand out the window.

"It's very beautiful," Haruka replied, and started naming the things that she liked about the planet. However, as Haruka continued to name things, the princess kept her guard up and an eye out for what the Queen wanted from her. "I have never seen such beautiful fountains anywhere else in the solar system."

Neptina nodded, her icy eyes never leaving Haruka's face. "They don't spend as much money on these things on Uranus do they?"

Haruka shook her head. Her mother was not really into aesthetics and beauty. She knew that Queen Neptune was a very practical person but she appreciated art and beauty. Haruka's heart jolted as she suddenly realized her mistake. Thinking quickly, Haruka said, "I don't know because I have never been to Uranus."

Neptina raised an eyebrow. She had thought that she had caught him. Even so, she was sure Urana only had one daughter andthat Urana wasa single child. There was a very small chance that this young man was related to her, yet they appeared to be so similar. If Bob-Joe was a girl, then she definitely would have locked her up in the dungeons right away for questioning.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Without taking her eyes off Bob-Joe, Neptina indicated to her bodyguards to open the door.

"Mother, Lord Kou wanted..."

Haruka spun around in her chair at the familiar voice. Michiru's eyes widened as she met Haruka's gray green eyes. Even though Haruka was dressed as a boy, Michiru instantly recognized her friend.

"Do you know Bob-Joe?" Neptina questioned.

Michiru appeared confused for a moment before realizing that her mother was talking about Haruka. Seeing her face, Haruka put on a lopsided grin as if telling Michiru that she had gotten that name by accident.

"Um, she --hehelped me find an earring I lost earlier today," Michiru lied with difficulty. She had never before lied to her mother but she knew that the Queen would take drastic actions if she found out that this young man was actually the Princess of Uranus. Collecting her thoughts, Michiru pulled away from Haruka's gaze and turned to her mother. "Lord Kou wanted me to tell you that he wished to change the date of the meeting. He said that there were some important things that he needed to attend to."

Neptina nodded. Sighing softly, she said, "All right, both of you can leave now."

Haruka quickly got out of her seat and followed Michiru out the door.

As soon as the door shut, Haruka grabbed Michiru's arms and shoved her into the nearest room, which happened to be a broom closet. After lighting a candle and placing it onto a nearby shelf, Haruka grabbed Michiru by the shoulders. "Michiru! Thank goodness I've found you. You don't know how much trouble I went through to contact you."

"Haruka-"

"You have to come home with me," Haruka said, fumbling with a pouch in her pocket. She drew out the dolphin earring that Michiru had left behind and took Michiru's hand firmly in her own. "You left this behind when you left. Here, take it back."

Michiru pulled her hand away and looked Haruka squarely in the eye. "L-Listen Haruka, I'm not going back with you. I can't go b-back with you. I have a duty here on Neptune."

Haruka looked at her friend in confusion. "But Michiru..."

The aqua haired woman looked at Haruka and trying to hold back her tears. "Haruka, I would love to go back with you, but I..."

"Is it because of Seiya? If it is, I could go kill him for you."

Michiru shook her head, and wrapped her arms around Haruka, tears falling down her cheeks. She clung desperately onto the other woman as if it would be the last time they would ever see each other. Her voice shaking, Michiru whispered softly, "No, it's my decision."

Wiping her tears, Michiru stepped back from a bewildered Haruka and opened the closet door. "Go back to Pluto Haruka."

With that said, Michiru left.

Author's Note: No offense is meant for anyone who is named Bob-Joe.