Guardians of the Star: Chapter Eight: Calm Before the Storm
Saturn leaned the Glaive carefully against the wall and approached Haeth's bed. As she knelt next to the bed, her violet eyes met Haeth's silver ones. The utter trust in those silvery eyes shook her. I must not fail, she thought grimly, She must fly again! She laid one hand on the cast covering Haeth's injured arm and the other on her bare shoulder. As she stared at Haeth's arm, Saturn's hands began to glow with a soft pale light.
The others all watched as Saturn struggled to heal Haeth's injury. They gasped as she began to falter, the light from her hands flickering weakly. "She has not yet recovered from the terrible draining effect of the Nullifier," Lynn explained hurriedly as she rushed forward. Her star symbol already glowing, she moved behind Saturn and placed her hands on the Outer Senshi's shoulders.
As she began to transfer energy to the faltering Senshi, Saturn's trembling stopped and the glow on her hands grew brighter. She cast a grateful look over her shoulder at Lynn and turned back to her patient. Her hands glowed even brighter as she turned her full attention to the healing.
She moved her hand slowly along Haeth's arm. Beneath her gentle touch, shattered bone, torn cartilage, damaged muscle and tissue mended at an incredible rate. As she healed and the pain ebbed, Haeth's eye lids grew heavy. She tried to stay awake, though it grew harder to do so the more the pain in her arm lessened. During this, Saturn eyes were filled with joy and her face bore a gentle expression. Healing always filled her with this incredible joy and she much prefered healing to using her other, much less wanted, power.
When the healing was finally complete, Saturn sighed heavily and collapsed against the bed. Ikuko, rushing forward, caught her before she could slide to the floor. Dr. Mizuno checked her over carefully. "Ishiya-san?" Ikuko questioned worriedly. "It is exhaustion only," she said with a smile, "I think we'd better put the child to bed for now." Ikuko nodded and turned to her husband. "Kenji, would you be a dear and put Hotaru in Usagi's bed?" she asked. "Of course, dear," he answered as he lifted the sleeping Saturn into his arms, "We have a lot of talking to do, so she might as well sleep until we're finished." He left the room.
Sailor Moon moved over to Mercury who was examining Haeth's arm carefully with her visor. "Well?" she queried. "The arm is fully healed," Mercury replied absently, "Of course, she should get that arm X-rayed again, but I think it's safe to remove the cast." Her mother went to get her bag and returned with the tools to remove the cast. As Mercury moved to help her, Sailor Moon went to Lynn.
"Aisy-chan, I just realized something," she said shamefaced, "I could have healed Haeth with the Ginzuishou and saved her all this pain she went through!" Lynn turned to her and raised an eye brow. "Actually, you couldn't have," Lynn corrected her. "Why not?" Sailor Moon questioned puzzled." "Your healing via the Ginzuishou is magic, is it not?" Lynn asked with a smile at Sailor Moon's confusion. "Yeah. So what?" Sailor Moon returned. "Well, Dragonkin are HIGHLY resistant to magic," Lynn explained, "It's why Mars' fire didn't kill Ebonar but only wounded him. If you had tried to use the Ginzuishou on Haeth in her weakened condition, it might well have killed her." Sailor Moon paled and covered her broach with a trembling hand. "For once in my life, I'm glad I forgot something," she breathed softly. Lynn smiled and patted her shoulder comfortingly.
When Haeth fell asleep during Dr. Mizuno's examination, everyone trooped downstairs to continue the discussion there. The Senshi powered down and the Guardians resumed their disguises as everyone took a seat. Usagi stood and began to explain what had happened since they had left the house. "And we were getting ready to dispose of the Nullifier, when Ebonar showed up!" she said softly. Ikuko gasped at that. "What happened?" she asked worriedly, "Did he get away again?"
"Actually, I don't know," Usagi answered, "He had us down, but before he could do anything, another Dragonkin showed up to fight him! Last we saw, he was chasing Ebonar away from us." Ikuko looked vastly relieved. "I'm glad about that," she said with a small smile, "I wonder who that other Dragonkin was and where he came from." Dr. Mizuno was about to answer when someone pounded on the door frantically.
Kenji got up and opened the door to see an anxious Galen standing there. When he staggered in, they saw he was exhausted as well. Kenji helped him to a chair and as Galen leaned his head on the back of the chair, everyone except Dr. Mizuno gasped with surprise. Easily visible on Galen's forehead was the silver dragon crest of the Dragonkin.
When everyone started to throw questions at him, he raised a hand imperiously. Everyone stopped talking as he turned to regard Dr. Mizuno with his silvery gray eyes. "Haeth?" he questioned. Dr. Mizuno smiled in reassurance. "Healed and resting, Galen-san," she answered with relief, "I trust that you DID see to her vengeance properly?" Galen grinned wickedly and nodded. He then turned back to the others and saw everyone was nearly bursting with questions.
"Mrs. Tsukino, you first," he said with a weary smile, "What would you like to know?" She looked down at her clenched hands briefly and then looked back at him. "Were you the one that helped the girls?" she asked hesitantly, "And if you were, did you catch that creature?" "You need not worry about Ebonar any longer," he affirmed with a smile, "I was, I did, and he's no longer a problem we need to deal with!" As she sighed deeply with relief, Galen turned to Usagi.
"OK Usagi," he smiled, "Ask away." Immediately, a veritable flood of questions burst from her. "Who ARE you? You have the moon crescent. Are you from the Moon Kingdom, too? Were there Dragonkin in the Moon Kingdom? Do you know about the Star Kingdoms?" she asked eagerly. Galen laughed heartily. "Slow down, please," he chuckled, "I'll answer all your questions, but first..."
He got up, moved to Usagi's chair and went down on one knee, to her wide eyed surprise. "I am Galen, son of Vordin and Maeribeth," he explained softly, "Commander of the Dragonkin Guard of the Moon Kingdom. Since you are Queen Serenity's heir, that makes me Commander of your Kin Guard. All Dragonkin who came to the Moon Kingdom and those, like me, who were born there, bear the moon crescent mark. And yes, the Star Kingdoms is where my folk originally came from, millennia ago."
"What was the Kin Guard?" Usagi asked curiously, "Was it Dragonkin mounted knights or what? And please get up! I don't want friends to kneel to me!" Galen smiled affectionately at her as he got to his feet. "You haven't changed a bit, you know," he returned in amusement, "No, the Kin Guard were full fledged Dragonkin. Only one Dragonkin, in the entire history of the Moon Kingdom, allowed a human to ride. It was my mother, Maeribeth, who formed the Kin Bond with your mother by allowing her to ride. After that, they were like sisters. It's the closest bond that Dragonkin and Human can have."
"Haeth let me ride her!" Usagi gasped in surprise. Galen smiled again. "I'm not at all surprised," he commented, "Haeth is a sweetheart and so are you! She would find no hardship in a Kin Bond to you. She won't tell you what it means because she likely won't want you to feel obligated, however, I'll tell you now that you have just gained a sister. We call it, as I said before, a Kin Bond and that means you are now Kin Sisters." A tear rolled down Usagi's cheek and she smiled tremulously. "It's no hardship for me either," she whispered, "But I may kill her for letting me think it was just an ordinary ride!"
Wiping her eyes, she looked up at Galen. "What about the other Dragonkin?" she asked anxiously, "Did they survive the destruction of the Moon Kingdom? And how did YOU survive?" Galen sighed heavily. "I wish I could answer all those questions, but I'll tell you what I know," he answered. "I was asleep when the Dark Kingdom attacked. The blasts that destroyed everything woke me but also caused a cave-in in the Kin Caverns. It took me three days to blast my way out, only to find everything in ruins. Queen Serenity's spirit came and told me to go to the future and keep an eye on you. She mentioned nothing about the other Dragonkin. She only said she mourned my mother's loss. This puzzled me because Dragonkin can sense the death of close kin and that sense tells me that my mother is NOT dead!"
Usagi gasped. "But why would she say such a thing if it wasn't true?" she asked incredulously. Galen thought deeply for a moment. "Maybe it was true as far as she was concerned," he answered thoughtfully, "Your moon mother died using the Ginzuishou to get all of you to the future. If your mother died and mine lived, she would still be lost to Queen Serenity. That COULD be one meaning to what she meant. I imagine we'll know when it's time for us to know."
"I think it's my turn now," Jadeite cut in with an amused grin. "Go ahead, Jadeite," Minako said with a glint in her eye, "I am curious to hear YOUR story!" Jadeite turned to regard Minako and as he studied her, his eyes filled with admiration. Minako flushed and looked away. Jadeite chuckled to himself at her school girl reaction and began to tell his tale.
"After Sailors Moon, Mars, and Mercury defeated me at the airport, Beryl imprisoned me in a stasis crystal for my failure," he explained with a slight shudder. "I was imprisoned in that cursed crystal for over a year when suddenly, a few days ago, the stasis field failed and I was able to use my powers to free myself. Before I did, however, I used my powers to gain some information on my surroundings. What I found out was surprising...and frightening! Morgoth plans to destroy all life here and use the power to invade the Star Kingdoms! And I can assure you, with that kind of power behind him, the Star Kingdoms don't have a hope in hell of defeating him. He must be stopped here!"
Usagi paled immediately as she made a deduction that none of the others had come to, yet. "If you found that out," she said apprehensively, "That must mean...!" Jadeite nodded. "Yes indeed," he confirmed, "The Dark Empire base is in the northern latitudes, at the site of the old Dark Kingdom base." He looked on in confusion as the Inner Senshi all paled at this revelation. Mamoru instantly took Usagi's hand in a comforting grip. "What...," Jadeite started. Usagi shook her head. "We don't talk about it," she said very softly, "Suffice to say, our memories of the last fight there against Beryl and Metallia are VERY bad!"
Jadeite turned to Minako. She was white as a sheet and trembling. He instinctively reached out a hand in comfort and almost winced at the strength of her grip as she took it. He made a few soothing sounds as if comforting a frightened animal, and Minako drank up that concern as if she was starving for it. When all the Inner Senshi, with the help of the others, managed to regain their composure, Lynn began to speak.
"It's good to know the location of our enemy's base, although I think the Inner Senshi are of two minds about that," she said with a compassionate look at each of them. "However," she continued, "We CANNOT attack until all the Senshi have gained their new powers. We simply aren't strong enough yet. We have no choice but to fight a holding action until this occurs."
With this said, they ended the meeting to head home, as it was late and most of them would have school tomorrow. Michiru and Haruka went upstairs and returned a moment later with Haruka carrying Saturn, and Michiru carrying the Silence Glaive. They bade everyone good night and headed out to their car. Mamoru gave Usagi a tender kiss. "Good night, Usako," he said softly, "Sweet dreams, hmmm." Usagi smiled. "If they're about you," she returned just as softly, "they will be." Mamoru turned and, offering Galen a ride home, walked out the door with Galen behind him.
"OK girls," Dr. Mizuno said, getting up from her seat, "I'll take you all home, and you Guardians as well." After a moment, Usagi and her parents were alone. "Interesting night," Kenji commented. "Mama, Papa, I love you," Usagi smiled. "Time to go to bed, Usagi dear," Ikuko said as she smiled back, "It's been a long and eventful night!"
The next day, after school, Usagi came home in a happy mood. She'd passed another test, and while her mark wasn't stellar, it WAS a vast improvement. "Look, Mom!" she sang out, waving the paper in the air, "I passed another one!" Ikuko took the test from Usagi and smiled when she saw the mark her daughter had received. "A '75'!" she said, beaming proudly at Usagi, "And in English, your worst subject! Very, VERY good, dear." Usagi nodded happily and was about to mention her teacher, when the phone rang. Her mother moved to answer it.
Ikuko picked up the phone and spoke into it and listened for a moment before she turned and held the phone out to her daughter. "It's for you, dear," she explained with a smile, "It's Mamoru-san." Usagi blushed slightly under her mother's knowing look as she took the phone. "Hello?" she said hesitantly. Ikuko, knowing that Usagi would like privacy, headed for the kitchen. Have I got a surprise for them! she thought gleefully as she started on supper, I can't wait to see the looks on the boys' faces when they see the girls in what I got for them! She laughed quietly to herself at the thought.
"Hi, Usako," Mamoru said over the phone, "How's my favorite girl?" "Wonderful, Mamo-chan!" she exclaimed happily, "I got a '75' on my English test today!" "Very good, Usako!" Mamoru congratulated her, "A '75' is an excellent mark, considering English is your worst subject. Good thing I called. I have a surprise for you. I phoned your parents this morning to get their okay. We'll be joining Haeth and Galen on their dinner date tonight!"
"REALLY?" Usagi cried, "I better get my homework done quickly then! I would have thought that they would have preferred to be alone." Mamoru laughed at that. "Oh, we'll split up after dinner so they can go off by themselves," he said, amused, "Besides, I have to admit that I'd like some quality time with you as well!" Usagi blushed and began wrapping the phone cord around her finger. "I'd like that too," she said softly, "And if we're going to get it, I better start on my homework now." Usagi could practically see Mamoru smile at the other end. "Okay, Usako," he said, "We'll be there at 7:30. Bye, Love!"
Haeth had spent the day in bed, Doctor Mizuno's orders. If her teacher hadn't stopped by, at her request, with some work for her to do, she would have died of boredom. She longed to change into her Dragonkin form in order to test her newly healed wing in flight. As it was, Galen had called to confirm if she was well enough for their date tonight, so the day wasn't a TOTAL loss. She had learned that Mamoru and Usagi would be joining them for dinner. After dinner, she would go off alone with Galen. I'm sure Usagi-chan won't mind some time alone with Mamoru either, she thought with a small smile.
Haeth looked up at a knock on the door, to see Usagi looking in. "Hi Haeth-chan!" Usagi said, "Mind if I join you? I have homework to do." Haeth shook her head and smiled. "Come on in, Usagi-chan," she replied, "As you can see, I have my own work to do!" She waved at the open notebooks and textbooks lying on the bed. "You're supposed to be resting, Haeth-chan!" Usagi accused. "Now Usagi-chan, Dr. Mizuno said I had to stay in bed today," Haeth explained, "She didn't say I had to do nothing all day. The boredom was driving me crazy!" Usagi looked as if she were about to remonstrate further and Haeth sighed in relief when she apparently thought better of it.
"Anyway, there's another topic I'd like to discuss with you, Haeth-chan," Usagi said quietly. "Oh? And what might that be?" Haeth asked, puzzled by the sudden hurt in Usagi's eyes. "Two words," Usagi returned, watching Haeth closely, "Kin Bond!" At those words, Haeth paled and looked down at her hands, clutching the bed cover so tightly that her knuckles were white. "You know?" she asked in a whisper. Usagi nodded. "You should have told me what it meant when you let me fly!" she said angrily, "Such an important and sacred thing like Kin Bonding, and you left me in the dark! WHY?" Haeth's head ducked lower in her distress, her long white hair hiding her face. She's angry at me! she thought, almost crying at the thought. And hasn't she a right to be? her conscience rebuked her, She's your Kin Sister now. You know how she loves her friends. How much more would she love a sister?
Usagi's big heart softened immediately. She never could stay angry for long. She laid a gentle hand on Haeth's shoulder. "You didn't want me to feel obligated, I'm told," Usagi said gently, "But I am, just by being your friend. When I heard what your letting me fly REALLY meant, I was overjoyed. Then saddened and angry that you left me ignorant of such an honor. You're my sister now. I won't forget it, make sure you don't either." Haeth nodded shakily and dared a look at her Kin Sister. When she saw Usagi smiling at her, she relaxed and managed a small smile in return. "Now, we have homework to do," Usagi commented, "We'd better get started or we won't be done in time!" Haeth nodded and the two girls began working quickly, in order to be finished before their dates arrived.
As they began putting their work away, Usagi glanced at the clock next to Haeth's bed. "Well, Haeth," she said happily, "We're done, and just in time to get ready for our date with the guys." Haeth was about to respond when Usagi's mother walked in, burdened with what looked like dress boxes. "What have you got there, Mama?" Usagi asked curiously. Putting the boxes on the bed, she turned to place a large jewelry box carefully on the nightstand beside the bed. "I was shopping, dear," she explained, "And I found a pair of gowns that were perfect for you and Haeth, and I bought them so you'd have something special to wear for your date tonight."
Usagi squealed and ran to hug her mother. "Oh thank you, Mama!" she cried as she took the box containing her gown, "I love you!" She ran to her room, to change. Ikuko laughed as her daughter ran out, and turned to Haeth. "Why, Haeth dear!" she said with concern as she noticed Haeth was crying silently, "Whatever is the matter?" "I...I'm sorry," Haeth whispered, "You remind me so much of my mother that I couldn't help it! She...she was killed during the Second Doomwar." Ikuko moved at once to embrace her and laid her cheek against Haeth's white hair. "Ah child," she said softly, "A greater compliment I've never received. I've heard about the Kin Bond. Usagi has gained a sister but if you'll permit me, I've gained a daughter as well!" Haeth hugged her back tightly and Ikuko held this new daughter of hers until she calmed down. After a short time, they heard the boys arrive downstairs, and Kenji's voice as he greeted them and let them in. "And now, child," she said quietly, "It's time to get you ready for Galen. You'll knock his eyes out, daughter!" Haeth smiled at her timorously.
Awhile later, Haeth stared at her mirror in wonder. After Ikuko had finished doing arcane things to her hair and helped her into her new gown, she had sat her in front of the mirror and uncovered it with a flourish. A startlingly lovely young woman stared back at her. Her beautiful white hair were braided up in an intricate style with a curly lock falling in front of her ears on each side. Her long gown was black as jet, adding emphasis to her pale hair and skin. Delicate silver designs decorated the sleeves, hem, and neckline. Mrs. Tsukino was right! she thought in a happy daze, Galen's eyes are SURE to fall out when he sees me!
Just then, Usagi entered the room. Looking at Haeth, she gasped at her transformation. "Why, Haeth! You're gorgeous!" she cried. Haeth was just as stunned at Usagi's appearance. "Hmmmm. You're no slouch yourself, Usagi-chan!" she commented with a blush. And how, she wondered, Did her mother manage to get a gown that so resembles her royal gown? Its neckline was higher, of course, but it was just as long, just as white, and had a large bow at the back that almost resembled wings. Ikuko looked at both of them with pride, and picked up the jewel box.
"What's that, Mama?" Usagi asked. "This, my dear, is a tiara that has been in our family for generations," Ikuko explained, "I don't even know how old it is. It is passed from mother to daughter and with you being a princess, well, it just seemed appropriate that I pass it on to you. Besides, it goes perfectly with your gown!" Usagi glanced at her mother worriedly. "You don't think I'd be overdressed, do you?", she asked, concerned, "I mean, it's only a dinner date!" Ikuko looked back at her daughter in surprise. "Didn't Mamoru tell you?", she queried, "Galen wanted this date to be something special, so he and your father gained a reservation at an exclusive restaurant. Your father often takes clients there on business. Believe me, you won't look out of place there!" She opened the box and took out a jeweled tiara. At sight of it, Usagi gasped in shock. "Don't worry, dear," her mother said, misinterpreting Usagi's reaction, "No one knows for sure what the jewels are, so it's not as valuable as it looks." Usagi didn't even hear her mother. I don't believe it! she thought in shocked fascination, It's THE tiara! The one my future self wears! Ikuko walked up and placed the tiara carefully on her daughter's golden head.
Usagi glanced at the mirror and was shocked anew. Aside from the fact that I'm younger and have no moon crescent at the moment, now I DO look like HER. Neo Queen Serenity! she thought, "This is DEFINITELY going to floor Mamo-chan!
"If you girls are ready, do you think...," Kenji said as he entered. He broke off at sight of the girls and pursed his lips in a silent whistle. "WOW!" he exclaimed with a grin, "Maybe I should call the emergency crews. I think the boys will need them when they see you!" Haeth quickly looked into the mirror. "Do you really think so?" she asked worriedly. "Daddy!" Usagi remonstrated, trying not to smile, "Stop teasing!" Her father grinned, unrepentant. The girls headed downstairs to meet their dates. Usagi's parents followed, curious to see the effect on the boys.
Mamoru and Galen were in the living room discussing their various classes as they waited for the girls. Galen's attention was diverted as he looked at something behind Mamoru and Mamoru was startled at his reaction. Galen went pale and then flushed. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung open. He looks like a stranded fish! Mamoru thought in surprise as he turned to look at what had caused such a curious reaction in his friend. The vision before him stopped his breath. A distant part of him sympathized with Galen's reaction. Haeth was stunning, but most of his attention was focused on his white clad princess. She looked like a dream. He vaguely took note of the tiara and made the connection to Neo Queen Serenity at once, but was too stunned at his beloved's appearance to do more than stare. I probably look like Galen-san right now, he thought dimly.
Ikuko turned away with a hand over her mouth to smother her laughter. Kenji tried, with only partial success, to hold his own amusement in. Usagi and Haeth looked at their dates, then their laughing parents and then each other. They grinned and gave each other a high five.
After dinner, Usagi leaned back in her chair and sighed. "That was lovely, Mamo-chan," she said. "Yes it was, but how did you manage to keep from flying apart at having to eat at the same speed as the rest of us?" Mamoru teased her gently. Usagi just grinned. "It was no problem," she returned, "I just USUALLY enjoy my food a little faster than most people." Haeth leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I don't know, sister," she said with a slight smile, "When you're in your full swing, you COULD shame a vacuum cleaner!" Usagi gasped in surprise. "Haeth!" she cried in delight, "You TEASED me! You've never done that before!" Haeth smiled at her Kin sister's pleasure. "I've never been at ease enough to do it before," she pointed out, "You're my sister now, though, and sisters DO tease each other."
"Just so," Galen commented as he accepted the bill from the waiter, "But we'd better get moving since you have to be home in an hour." "An hour is ample time to be alone for a while," Mamoru agreed. Haeth and Galen climbed into Galen's jeep and drove off. Mamoru helped Usagi into his van and they left as well.
Usagi and Mamoru sat on a park bench with the van parked nearby. They spoke quietly of events past and present. After a time, Usagi looked down at their clasped hands. "Mamo-chan, do...do you REALLY love me?" she asked hesitantly, "I mean, I AM only fifteen." Mamoru sighed silently. I guess that until she's old enough to be secure in the fact that I love her, he thought, I'll have to reassure her from time to time. He smiled to himself. Not that I mind. I enjoy the reassurance as much as she does. "There's only one effective way to answer that, Usako," he said softly. He took her by the chin and raised it until she was looking at him. He let all the love he felt for her show in his eyes as he leaned down to kiss her, thoroughly. When he finally lifted his head, Usagi's blue eyes were shining. "You know, you have a way with words, Mamo-chan!" she said breathlessly. Mamoru laughed at that and took her hand. "C'mon, Usako," he said smiling at her, "It's time I got you home, or your dad will come looking for me...with a gun!" Usagi laughed joyfully as Mamoru helped her into the van. All was right with her world. How quickly that would change.
Leaving the jeep parked at the roadside, Galen and Haeth walked into the field. There was a shimmer and two Dragonkin stood where they had been moments before. They leapt into the sky and winked out as they entered the interdimensional void. On the Moon, there was a flash as the two Dragonkin appeared and settled to the ground.
Haeth looked around at the ruins and shuddered. "It looks so desolate!" she said unhappily. "It was not always so," Galen rumbled consolingly, "There was a time when this moon was glorious!" He looked around for a moment and pointed at a low mound with rubble blasted outward on one side. "That was where the Kin Caverns were," he explained, "Though I was the only one there at the time of the attack." They shimmered into their human forms and walked to the mound. "I'm surprised that the Kin came here so long ago," Haeth commented, "We have only been in the Star Kingdoms for just over a millennium. How could you have been here so much longer and why could the Kin not prevent the Moon Kingdom's destruction?"
Galen sighed. "I'm not quite sure," he admitted, "My ancestors came to help the Moon Kingdom against the Dark Kingdom, but when they arrived, they found out that they were two thousand years too early. The second Queen Serenity was ruling a young Moon Kingdom and the Silver Millennium was not yet formed. My ancestors were delighted because this would give them time to breed and increase in strength. The Serenity who ruled at that time, saw the possibilities immediately and formed the Dragonkin Guard to help the Sailor Senshi defend the Kingdom." "For all the good it did!" he added bitterly.
"It did do SOME good, Galen, son of my Kin Sister!" came a voice from behind them. They whirled around to see spectral winged woman standing before them. Haeth knew who it was at once by her resemblance to HER Kin Sister. "Serenity!" Galen gasped in surprise, "What..." Queen Serenity held up a hand to stop the flood of questions. "I don't have much time, so listen carefully!" she commanded, "After Metallia obliterated a full wing of Kin Guard, I realized that not even the powerful Dragonkin could halt the Moon Kingdom's destruction. I could send my daughter and her court to the future, so I ordered the remaining Kin Guard, INCLUDING MY KIN SISTER, to go into exile. To hide until summoned by my daughter. The time draws near when my daughter must exercise her royal prerogative and summon her Kin Guard. You will know when that time comes. Until then, keep this to yourself." Serenity began to fade as she turned to Haeth. "You are my daughter's Kin Sister, Haeth of the Star Kingdoms," she stated, "Please help her. She will need you desperately." Haeth nodded as Serenity disappeared.
Galen stared numbly at where Serenity had been, a single thought running through his mind, MY MOTHER'S ALIVE! I KNEW IT! Haeth walked over to Galen and embraced him tightly. She looked up at him, and as their eyes met, the Pair Bonding kicked in again. Visions of Haeth's childhood when through Galen's mind as his childhood and service to the Moon Kingdom danced through Haeth's. He leaned down and their lips met as the Pair Bonding continued. When he raised his head, the Pair Bonding stopped, satisfied for the moment.
"I like kisses!" Haeth said breathlessly and she blushed. Galen laughed. "Haeth! You're an innocent!" he grinned, "And I hope you mean only mine!" Haeth flushed furiously. "That's what I meant!" she stammered, red as a rose. He hugged her fiercely. "I'm only teasing, sweetheart," he soothed. "Does the Pair Bonding usually happen in stages?" she asked curiously when she regained her composure. Galen nodded. "That's what I was taught," he confirmed, "Now I'd better get you home. Or Mr. Tsukino will show up, even here, and ask why I'm late!" "He IS a bit on the protective side!" she agreed with a chuckle, "And I love him for it." With a shimmer, they adopted their Kin forms and winked out, leaving the desolation behind.
When Mamoru pulled up in front of the Tsukino house, he saw Galen's jeep just pulling away and Haeth waiting when she saw the van. "Good night, Usako," Mamoru said, kissing her tenderly. "Good night, Mamo-chan," she whispered as they parted. She got out and returned Mamoru's wave as he pulled away. Together, the girls turned and entered the house, chattering excitedly like a pair of squirrels.
Ikuko and Kenji looked up as they came in and Ikuko smiled at their animated chatter. "Did you have a good time, children?" she asked and smiled at their enthusiastic affirmatives. "I hope everything went as it should," Kenji remarked with a sharp look at the girls. "Yes it did, Dad," Usagi said, easing his concern, "You know Mamoru and Galen wouldn't do anything untoward!" Kenji conceded reluctantly that this was true enough. Haeth walked over and kissed his cheek, to his surprise. "Mr. Tsukino," she said affectionately, "Don't change!" The girls then went upstairs to get ready for bed.
Ikuko hid a smile at Kenji's puzzlement. "What was THAT all about?" He asked his wife in confusion. "I'm sure I don't know, dear," she replied, affecting surprise, "After all, who understands kids these days?"
Meanwhile, in the far north... Lieriana brushed her pale hair behind one pointed ear nervously as she waited for permission to approach the throne. When it was given, she approached the dark figure seated there and knelt before it. She hid her fear carefully. The figure leaned forward, the light falling across its skeletal frame. "Is everything in readiness?" he asked in a dead whisper. "Yes, My Lord Morgoth!" she replied with a nod, "It awaits only your word to begin." Morgoth's eyes glowed with unholy fire. "Yesss!" he hissed, "Implement the plan at once! And General Lieriana, do not fail me as Ebonar did!" She shuddered involuntarily at the menace in his tone and getting to her feet, left hurriedly. Morgoth turned to contemplate the large black faceted gem floating next to the throne. Each facet displayed an image of one of the Senshi. As he watched, the images altered until just ordinary school girls were displayed. Morgoth's hissing laughter, filled with triumph, rang through the Throne Room.