Seiya with his friends were making ready for their last concert. They had new purpose: to call the Light of Hope to appear and erase Galaxia. "Odango, will you be there watching us? Even if you won't, I'll pretend to myself that you're there and I'll sing my song for you, only for you. I've never been trapped in between mission and love like that. Maybe it would be better for you not to know how deeply you're engraved within my heart. You'd be very sorrowful, but you couldn't help it..."

Suddenly someone knocked on the door.

"It's open!", Yaten cried.

The door opened and Usagi went in. Her face was pale, her eyes uncertain. Behind her Haruka and Michiru stopped, observing her carefully with severe faces.

"Odango...", Seiya whispered, "What are you doing here? Did you come to extinguish my hopes definitely?"

"Good luck in your final concert...", Usagi stuttered with trembling voice, "I..."

"Excuse me, but would you please leave us for a while?", Seiya interjected.

"Seiya...", Yaten growled. His friend glared at him.

"I want to talk with her alone", he remarked. "This is my last chance to express my feelings. After that concert Seiya Kou will surely die, only Fighter survives."

"Five minutes", Haruka grabbed Michiru's waist and they went outside.

"Us too", Kakyuu followed them, spreading the sweet fragrance of olive tree.

"Princess...!", Yaten mumbled with discontent, but went out as well.

The two were alone at last.

"Yesterday I really meant that.", Seiya started, "I fell in love with you without realizing it."

"Seiya...", Usagi clasped her palms together, "Actually... I..."

He leant forward, making her blush slightly.

"I'll carry you off after the concert...", he whispered straight into her ear, "I'm joking, but I don't want you to feel bad because I'm in a one-sided love. I wanted to tell you my feelings because Seiya's time is short. I hope you'll get together with your boyfriend soon."

"Seiya, you don't understand anything!"

"I wish I could have met you earlier...", his eyes were so mournful. He leant over as if he wanted to kiss her. Usagi's blush deepened.

They heard a loud knock on the door.

"Your time's up!", Haruka shouted, "Usagi, we'll walk you home!"

Seiya stepped through the door.

"No!", Usagi grabbed his hand, "Seiya, didn't you get it? Actually I..."

The door opened with a slam. Haruka entered and caught Usagi possessively. "Let's go."

"Odango!", Seiya exclaimed, "Wait!"

"Stay away!", Haruka threatened.

When two Earth Senshi disappeared, escorting their Princess, Seiya realized something.

"Fuck!", he screamed at himself, "Fuck!"

He summoned back the vision once again.

Yes, he was sure. Usagi wasn't wearing her ring anymore.

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The final concert of Three Lights was broadcast on the radio. Usagi listened to it with light switched off. The room was lit by the pale glow of one single candle.

Tears were slowly pouring down her face. Every line of the song resounded in her heart. In her memory she enjoyed again and again all the moments she had with Seiya, totally lost in her own dreamworld. She massaged her finger continuously, knowing she will never put her ring on again. "Maybe this is the best. We come from totally different worlds. It was a mere coincidence that we met each other even though I thought it was destiny. Even if I won't see him again I'll cherish those memories in my heart. He probably moves from Earth since he found his Princess. This is the best..." Her pillow was wet from tears. "Anyway there it will be a wall forever between me and my guardians. I got it at last – we can't understand each other. They want only fight, not to make friends. I'm not that strong. I just can't stand by myself."

After an hour the concert was over. Usagi took a shower and put on her new dress. She sat by the window and began to dream again.

Luna went into the room.

"Usagi-chan?", she asked anxiously, "What's wrong?"

Usagi looked at her with blurry eyes.

"Ah, Luna, that's you... Aren't you supposed to be with Artemis?"

"What are you saying?"

"I thought he had said he has something important to discuss with you. About the enemy."

"That jerk", Luna made for the door, "He apparently forgot. I'll teach him a lesson", she went downstairs.

"I am crazy. I'm going to destroy everything", Usagi looked at the clock. It was half past eleven. Her family was soundly asleep. "What do you think Usagi? That he really comes and carries you off? No way. They won't let him."

She heard the sound of car's engine. Her heart throbbed. She looked through the curtains.

The car stopped on the other side of the street and the driver went out. She knew that car pretty well, especially the shooting star labeled on both sides. The midnight haired driver leant against the car and rose his gaze to her window as if he was waiting.

Usagi stepped back and stumbled, with her knees turning into melted butter. "Hold on, Usagi! You've already made it up, right? Now you should only face the consequences."

She sneaked out of the house and went across the street. The man stepped towards her and hugged her tightly, burying his face into her silky hair.

"Odango..."

After the moment he grasped her hand and caressed it with his fingers as if he has been checking that the ring wasn't still there.

He opened the door to let her in, sat at the steering wheel and started the engine. They went on their way.

"I didn't know you can drive, Seiya...", she smiled shyly.

"In fact I don't have a driving license, but I don't mind", he grinned, "To steal you away I could even pilot a space shuttle."

She flushed.

"Where are we going?"

"I have no idea", he shrugged, "Is there a place you want us to go?"

Usagi shook her head. "Let's just drive where the road leads us."

"Okay", he speeded up.

They just enjoyed their journey, not talking, just occasionally smiling at each other. Usagi opened the window and waved her hand on the wind. The night air was so cold she quickly stopped that. The speed carried away all their concerns, all problems. All what was left was the sweet feeling of being together at last, with no spying eyes behind them, no growling friends, no reprimands, no fights, no duties to fulfill.

"Ne, Seiya... how did you manage to escape from your friends?", Usagi inquired.

"I told I'm going to the bathroom", he winked playfully.

She giggled lightly, but after the moment that giggle changed into wholehearted laughter. Usagi felt like she hasn't been laughing like that from ages. She laughed and laughed until the teardrops rolled down her face. Suddenly the laughter turned into cry.

"Why don't they understand?", she whispered, "Why?"

"I wish I knew", Seiya shook his head, "They have their own reasons for sure. Besides, we don't understand them too."

"Yes...", she nodded. "But, Seiya, tell me what are we going to do?"

"Well, you know, we're going to Las Vegas to marry! I am so rich I think you won't be resisting too long", he joked. "To be serious, I don't know. I just wanted to see you again, that's all. I wanted to see you without any bodyguards behind the door, giving us only five minutes. And... to be honest...", he gulped, "I must know why you are not wearing your ring any longer."

Usagi looked down at her palm. The beautiful heart-shaped ring decorated with zircons was lying abandoned on her desk at the moment. Her gaze went back to Seiya's face, who was obviously waiting for the answer.

"I... I fell in love... with you."

Seiya stared at her with his mouth opened until she screamed.

"Look out!"

They almost crashed into another car.

"Seiya, you're going to kill us!", Usagi writhed on her seat. "Please stop!"

"We're going to stop anyway", Seiya muttered, "Your tomboy Senshi with her girlfriend is chasing us."

Usagi looked back and saw familiar sports car.

"Well", she collapsed into the seat, "You're right. It is impossible to escape Haruka's pursuit when she's driving."

They reached a small car park near the road and stopped. After just few minutes Haruka's car appeared with a screech. Haruka and Michiru got out.

"Haruka-san, Michiru-san, good evening", Usagi greeted them politely.

"Go aside, Princess, I have a business with that asshole", Haruka clenched her fists, "What he has done was unforgivable. He has to pay for that."

Michiru gripped Usagi's hand and tried to pull her away.

"Please, let me explain", Usagi begged.

"I don't want to fight", Seiya added, "We need to talk."

"You prick", Haruka's eyes narrowed, "Just fuck off."

She threw her transformation pen up. "Uranus Planet Power, Make Up!"

"Don't!", Usagi snatched.

Seiya didn't transform in spite of fact he could barely stand Haruka's insults.

"I want to talk", he repeated.

"World Shaking!" - Uranus flung the golden ball of energy straight into her black haired opponent.

"No!"

Usagi finally escaped Michiru's grasp and threw herself ahead to block Uranus' attack. It hit her body with an enormous power. Usagi screamed shrilly and fell down, losing her consciousness.

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Seiya rushed into Three Lights' apartment, carrying fainted Usagi. He put her onto the sofa and brushed her hair aside of her face, whispering her dear name. There was no reply.

"Princess", he rose his gaze to Kakyuu, "Please... help me..."

"Where have you been?" Yaten inquired harshly, "What's going on? Taiki had to go to search for you!"

"She was struck by the attack of her Senshi", Seiya knelt down next to the sofa, "I'll explain everything later."

"Why do you care about her? You should just let her guardians take care of her."

Kakyuu sat down and moved her hands along Usagi's body.

"She was badly hit, but I think she'll be okay. Healer, please help me."

Yaten pouted and gazed aside.

"Princess, don't ask me for that. I'll do everything for you except that one thing. And you should kick his ass since he returned. He's a mere traitor."

The door slammed against the wall and Uranus invaded inside with her inseparable companion, Neptune.

"Get out of here!", Yaten stepped in their way, "Don't allow yourself just to get in!"

"Get out of my way", Uranus was serious, "I'm going to take my Princess with me."

"And who is going to heal her?", Seiya was angry at Uranus' stubborness, "Let her stay here until she is healed!"

Kakyuu looked up.

"Healer, please..."

Yaten rolled his eyes and placed himself next to her. He started chanting in Kinmoku's ancient language.

"Okay we'll wait", Neptune elbowed her unruly lover, "Uranus, your job is to get all the girls here in ahalf an hour."

Uranus glared at her, but nodded in agreement and ran out. Neptune approached the two attempting to save the Moon Princess with their powers.

"How is she?"

Seiya glanced at her distrustfully.

"Princess says that Odango will be alright."

"I'm glad", Neptune sighed with relief, "Uranus' assault was pretty hard."

She opened her communicator and called all the girls. In half an hour Haruka brought all the team to Starlights' headquarters. At last Taiki appeared and his jaw dropped to the floor, seeing the bleak view: the unscouncious Usagi lying on the sofa with Kakyuu and Healer treating her, around them the crowd of Earth Senshi wringing their hands and crying, grievous Seiya standing near, lost in thoughts, and close to the door, Outer Senshi sunk in quiet conversation.

Suddenly everyone froze when Usagi gave a little moan.

"Usagi-chan!", Minako watered her friend's dress with tears. "Yokatta!"

"Good work, Healer", Kakyuu smiled to her Senshi with praise.

Usagi weakly moved her hand.

"Seiya...", she whispered.

He pushed everyone aside and knelt down, grabbing her hand.

"Are you... alright?", she stuttered.

"Of course I am, baka! Thanks to you! Never do it again, do you hear me!", he squeezed her hand, "I'm begging you!"

Tears escaped his eyes. He wiped them quickly.

"You know I had to...", she stroked his locks, "Seiya, I can't lose you..."

He leant over her and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him nearer, kissing him back with all her might, her fingers entwined with his hair.

"Seiya! Usagi-chan!", the scream of astonishment floated up into the air, "What are you doing!"

Haruka stepped forward, willing to punish Seiya for bringing shame on her Princess, but when she learned about Usagi's smile of delight, she froze astounded.

Seiya slowly broke the kiss.

"You see, we are both traitors", he caressed Usagi's cheek with his thumb, his eyes focused on hers.

"Do you think we'll be punished severely?", she smiled sadly.

Yaten approached his friend.

"Seiya!", he shook his arm, "You owe us an explanation!"

"Isn't that obvious?", Seiya looked up at his friend, "Odango and I..."

He was suddenly interrupted by the overwhelming noise coming from all directions. The dark clouds covered the sky and an ear-splitting rumble reverberated.

"At last I found the one who resisted me so long", announced the evil voice.

"Galaxia!", Three Lights shouted in unison.

Everyone transformed into their Senshi forms. The final battle began.

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Eternal Sailor Moon was staring at the sky, where Galaxia disappeared a moment ago, guiding the Star Seeds to their home planets.

"Everyone... I won...", she whispered, "But I feel so lonely..."

The circle of glimmering Star Seeds slowly gathered around her, turning into dear figures of her friends.

"Mamo-chan!", Usagi exclaimed and tears trickled down her face. "Girls!"

"Usako", Endymion clasped her tightly, "Well done."

She shuddered slightly and moved back, not looking into his eyes. Her wings fluttered and she flew down to Sailor Starlights.

"Fighter, please give me some time. I have to explain them everything."

Fighter touched her hand.

"Of course."

Moon noticed Fighter's gaze slipping down from her face to her naked body. She reddened and detransformed quickly into Usagi. Fighter reddened as well, averting her eyes off.

"Well", Usagi cleared her throat, "It's time for me."

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"She did what!", Minako's mouth was wide opened.

"She broke up with Mamoru", Rei repeated the tenth time.

"But she can't break up with the prince, can she? They are meant to be the future queen and king, so..."

"Maybe they aren't. Maybe the true king of Usagi's heart is Seiya."

"But Chibiusa?"

"She'll be born for sure", Setsuna explained, "Her Star Seed is just waiting for its time to take physical form. Since it is related to Usagi's Star Seed, no doubt Chibiusa will be born from her, even if her father would be Seiya."

"Amazing", Minako started to let the truth in, "So you're saying Usagi and Seiya will be Chibiusa's parents? This is not a dream?"

"No", Rei pinched her friend, "You're not dreaming."

"Ouch!", the blonde hissed.

"Rei-chan, you're suspiciously calm about all of that!", Makoto furrowed her brow.

"Sorry gals", Rei was perplexed, "I didn't tell you but I've learned about Usagi's feelings a time ago."

"Fine", Haruka scoffed, "Are there more surprises hidden here?"

"I know Usagi-chan is very fond of Seiya", Ami stated, "But doesn't she confuse love with a mere fascination?"

Rei shook her head.

"They are coming", she pointed at stairs leading to the shrine, "Look at them and tell me are they friends or lovers?"

Everyone turned their heads to oncoming couple.

"To be honest, Usagi-chan seems to be incredibly happy", Ami admitted, but her eyes were fixed on someone else, who was following Seiya.

Finally the council which was to discuss Usagi and Seiya's affair was at full strength. The guilty couple was a bit unnerved until Rei asked them.

"What are you going to do?"

Usagi gasped, not hearing flames.

"Errmm...", she stuttered, "What do you mean?"

"Are you going to leave Earth?"

"Well", Usagi scratched her head, "We didn't talk about that yet, but I think..."

"You can't", Setsuna interjected, "You're not a mere Senshi, you are a Princess. Even if Neo-Tokio won't happen, you can't just leave. Besides, Seiya has his duties as his Princess' guardian. Until he is released you can't decide on anything."

Everyone's gazes turned to Kakyuu, who was sitting still, lost in thoughts. Seiya knelt down before her and put his hand upon his chest.
"Princess...", he started.

"Don't!", Yaten snapped with teary eyes, "You can't leave us, asshole! There were always three of us, three guardians, three lights...", he choked.

"...please release me from my duty as your guardian", Seiya continued. Usagi knelt down next to him.

"Please", she bowed to his Princess.

"How can I refuse the one who saved the whole universe?", Kakyuu's smile was so weak, "Are you sure, Fighter?"

"Yes", he nodded, "I request from the bottom of my heart."

"Jerk", Yaten was trembling all over, "Stop him", he pleaded. Taiki squeezed his arm.

"Don't you know Seiya? He always gets what he wants. This is what makes him shine so brightly, isn't it?"

"Fighter, my guardian...", Kakyuu got up, "Thank you for your service. You were the best. From that moment you're free yet you are welcome in Kinmoku kingdom wherever you want to come back."

Usagi wept quietly.

"You can decide on your own now", Kakyuu remarked.

"He always decided on his own", Taiki commented with a snort.

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Three shooting stars crossed the sky. Seiya and Usagi watched them from the balcony until they vanished in the distance.

"Princess... Maker... Healer... Goodbye", he murmured.

"Seiya", Usagi stroked his arm anxiously, "Don't you regret?"

He looked at her and his eyes sparkled, reflecting his love.

"I will miss them, but as long as you're with me, nothing matters. Besides, I hope you let me visit them someday", he winked. "I realized I traveled across such a distance just to meet you. From the first Galaxia's blow we were meant to meet, every path we stepped onto was leading us to each other. This is the end of that journey, the most wonderful end I could ever imagine. This is why I am as much happy as I have never been in my life, even if I had to surrender many things to be with you at last."

"Thank you, Seiya", he heard a dear voice, "I love you so much."

He looked into those blue eyes which enchanted him from the first time. There was such a total devotion in them, a trust, a happiness, a promise of uncountable brilliant moments by her side.

"Odango...", he could barely speak.

Their lips met in so long expected kiss. Its tenderness made them moan, its depth made them shiver, its sweetness made them pant, its fierceness made them yearn for more. "I love you", she groaned while his lips slipped down to her neck, brushing her skin softly, "Seiya, I love you."

"You should prove it, Odango", Seiya grinned devilishly, gripping her waist tighter, "You're trapped now."

She giggled madly and ran away into his apartment. Seiya jumped up and followed her.

"Catch me if you can!", she laughed heartily.

"There will be no mercy if I catch you!"

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And the raven strands entwine with golden ones.

THE END

Kitsune1978

October 2006