Guardians of the Star: Epilogue
Usagi sat on her bed, looking depressed, as Luna jumped up next to her and regarded her charge impatiently. What is WRONG with this child?! "Usagi! This `gloom and doom' attitude has got to stop!" Luna demanded, "Whatever is wrong can't be THAT bad! You stopped Morgoth AND saved your families. So why are you acting this way?"
She looked down at Luna. "The Guardians are going home on Saturday," she answered, subdued. Luna sighed with long suffering patience. "I KNOW that, Usagi. While we WILL miss them, I STILL can't see why you'd think it's the end of the world!"
"But Luna, that means Haeth's leaving too!" she cried, "I don't want her to leave!" Luna understood. "Usagi, do you KNOW that she's leaving?" "Well, no," Usagi answered slowly, "But her family and home are in the Star Kingdoms!"
"Usagi," Luna said patiently, "Haeth is Kin Bonded to you AND deeply in love with Galen. She has good reasons to stay. Why don't you ASK her if she's staying or going?" Usagi stood up, a determined expression on her face. "You're right, Luna!" She left the room and walked down the hall, to her Kin Sister's room.
"Haeth?" she called as she knocked on the bedroom door. At her touch, the door swung open. Usagi peeked into the room. Haeth was not there, but the sight her eyes fell on, brought the tears streaming down. Open suitcases lay on the bed, about half packed from the look of things. She really IS leaving! she thought in despair. She ran from the room, her hand over her mouth to hold in the anguished wail she felt rising up.
Chibi-Usa walked in the front door. "Hello! Anyone home?" she called. Ikuko peeked out the kitchen door. "Haeth and I are in the kitchen, dear," she replied, "We're just putting away the leftovers."
Usagi left leftovers? "Is Usagi in there too?" Chibi-Usa asked. Ikuko smiled. "Not likely, dear!" she laughed softly, "You know that Usagi and work don't mix very well!" Chibi-Usa smiled back. "Well, I'll just go upstairs and brighten her day!" A worried expression crossed Ikuko's face, replacing the smile. "You do that, dear," she said subdued as she ducked back into the kitchen.
Chibi-Usa frowned as she climbed the stairs. Ikuko-mama looked worried about something. I wonder... Her thoughts were interrupted by a blonde haired streak, whipping past her and into Usagi's room, the door closing with a SLAM!
As fast as she had gone by, Chibi-Usa still had seen the look of anguish on Usagi's face. Mama! she thought as she hurried after. She reached Usagi's room and entered, closing the door behind her. Usagi was sobbing hysterically into her pillow, with Luna beside her demanding to know what was wrong.
Chibi-Usa walked up to the bed, Usagi's desolate weeping bringing tears to her eyes. "Mama!" she cried softly, "What's happened? Why are you crying?!" Usagi tried to explain and despite the fact that her words were distorted by the sobbing and the pillow, both Luna and Chibi-Usa got the gist of what she had said. They exchanged looks of dismay.
"Haeth's leaving?" Chibi-Usa repeated in disbelief, "That's just not possible!" Luna sighed. "She saw the suitcases," Luna pointed out, "Any ideas on how to stop her?" Chibi-Usa brightened. "I was going to get Usagi. The others wanted us at the shrine for some reason," she explained, "My Kin Sister is there now. I'll go get her. SHE'LL talk Haeth out of leaving!" Before Luna could even reply, Chibi-Usa was out the door, and out of the house.
Luna pressed herself against her charge and started purring. She didn't think it would do much good, but she was at a loss on what ELSE she could do.
"Haeth?" Ikuko asked as she took the supper dishes from the table, "Do YOU know what's bothering Usagi?" Haeth looked up in concern at her question. "Something is bothering her? Are you sure?" Ikuko nodded. "Oh yes! Ever since you all returned from the north, she's been moping around like she's lost her best friend! Since you all came through the fight okay, I just can't imagine what she's moping about!" Ikuko smiled as she remembered the day everyone came back. The Senshi had survived the most terrifying fight they had ever had, only to be almost killed by the frantic affection of their families!
"Lost her best friend..." Haeth repeated. She looked up sharply. "Maybe she thinks I'm returning to the Star Kingdoms next week with the other Guardians!" Ikuko looked at her blankly. She had forgotten that Haeth was not from their universe. In fact, she had even forgotten that Haeth was not even human, but a legendary creature of great power. All she knew was that she loved this alien child like a second daughter. As the thought of Heath leaving them entered her mind, she was suddenly as sad as Usagi appeared to be lately. She would miss this child dreadfully. "Aren't you?" she asked softly, "It IS your home, you know."
Haeth smiled slightly. "Home is where the heart is!" she answered, quoting an Earth saying that she liked. Ikuko looked at her hopefully. "Does that mean that you'll stay?" she asked quietly. Haeth nodded slowly. "My life is HERE now," she explained, "I'm Kin Bonded to Usagi which makes her my sister, and Pair Bonded to Galen which makes him my Lifemate. My dad can visit me here whenever he wants since I'm not old enough yet to use THAT power. My sister, Sarenath, is the Eldana of my people and will replace Father when he goes into the void, may that be centuries away! I'm not needed there but I AM needed here."
Ikuko stopped Haeth's speech with a hug. She didn't need to give up this daughter after all. "Now, I think you better let Usagi know," Ikuko suggested as she released her, "Chibi-Usa won't have had much luck cheering her up, if THAT is what she was worrying about!" Haeth smiled and kissed her `mother' before turning and running up the stairs as if her feet were winged.
Haeth paused as she was about to knock on Usagi's door. She listened intently, and the sound of muted weeping was clearly audible to her sharp hearing. She opened the door silently and stepped into the room closing the door behind her. Usagi was lying on her bed, her face buried in her pillow. Her shoulders shook with sobs. Luna lay next to her, purring sympathetically. At Haeth's entrance, Luna looked up at her, her eyes filled with a plea that Haeth had no trouble understanding.
Haeth moved to the bed and sat next to her weeping Kin Sister. She had barely a second to brace herself as Usagi flung herself into her arms. "I...I'm s..self..fish and r..rotten b..but I d..don't want you to g..go!" Usagi sobbed hysterically. Haeth brushed Usagi's bangs from her hot forehead. Usagi was so distraught that her Moon Crescent sigil was visible and glowing in response to her emotional state.
"Silly Child!" Haeth remonstrated gently, "You are neither selfish nor rotten for wishing that I remain here! I, on the other hand, WOULD be selfish and rotten if I chose to leave!"
Usagi looked up, her tear-filled eyes full of hope. "Y..you...you're not l..leaving?" she stammered, desperately wanting to believe what Haeth seemed to be implying.
Luna watched gratefully as Haeth helped her sister to dry her tears. "I'm glad you're staying, No...I mean Haeth," Luna corrected herself hurriedly at Haeth's glare.
"Haeth," Usagi said hesitantly, "I was looking for you so I could ask if you were leaving or not. I saw the suitcases on your bed!"
"Oh dear DEAR Kin Sister!" Haeth cried, throwing her arms around Usagi, "I'm so VERY sorry I caused you pain!" She pulled back and regarded her Kin Sister, eyes filled with sorrow over the grief she had inadvertently caused. "Galen and I are Pair Bonded and we'll get married soon." she explained, "And when I get married, I'll be moving out. That's why I was packing most of my stuff."
"So, you're Pair Bonded. When IS the wedding date?" Usagi asked eagerly, after she and Haeth had erased all signs of her weeping bout.
At her sister's eager question, Haeth suddenly looked uneasy. Standing up, she walked to Usagi's dresser and stood there seemingly contemplating her reflection, her back turned to her now worried Kin Sister.
"Haeth, what's wrong?" Usagi asked gently, "Is there something wrong between you and Galen?" Haeth turned slowly to face her. "No, it's not us," she larified, "I...um...I kind of have a favor to...uh...ask you."
She's AFRAID! Usagi thought in surprise. She stood and walked over to her nervous sister and took both Haeth's hands in her own. "Ask, dear Sister," she said softly, "You know I will refuse you nothing, except for Mamo-chan." She grinned impishly. "And I KNOW you'd never ask for HIM."
"Well, for Pair Bonded Lifemates, it's not exactly a wedding," Haeth explained hurriedly, before she lost her nerve, "It's more of an affirmation ceremony since the couple is ALREADY bonded. And, well, I'd like YOU to officiate!"
"Me? ME?!" Usagi gasped as her eyes widened, "You want ME to do the ceremony?!" Haeth nodded jerkily. "Galen said that your mother, Queen Serenity, did the ceremony during the Silver Millennium."
Usagi actually recalled the two times she had seen her mother perform the Pair Bonding ceremony. "I remember," she whispered hoarsely, "But..."
"PLEASE, Sister!" Haeth begged, almost in tears. Usagi rushed into her sister's arms and embraced her tightly. "You KNOW I'll do it!" She laughed shakily. "I even remember the words... but, are YOU sure?"
Haeth nodded against her sister's shoulder. "I'm sure," she whispered, "Being bound to Galen by, not only my Princess, but my sister as well, would give me great joy," she sniffled.
Usagi sighed. I'm going to have butterflies in my tummy until the ceremony. Hmmm, speaking of which... She held Haeth at arm's length. "When IS the ceremony to be held, and where?"
"On Saturday at Hikawa Shrine," Haeth answered. Usagi looked thoughtful. "That gives us only three days to prepare," she pointed out, "Do you have a wedding gown yet?"
Haeth shook her head. "Then I think that's the FIRST thing we need to do." Usagi advised, "It usually can take a while to get the RIGHT one, so we might as well head over to the Mall."
As the two girls moved down the stairs and into the living room, there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Tsukino smiled at them and walked into the hall to answer the door. Usagi heard the sound of unknown voices and her mother's reply. Haeth, however, stiffened in shock. "Haeth dear," Mrs. Tsukino called as she led their visitors into the room, "You have some visitors to see you."
Haeth took one look at the silver bearded man entering with Usagi's mother and gasped. "PAPA!" she cried joyfully as she rushed into his open arms. Askalon embraced his daughter tightly and smiled at Usagi. "You would be my daughter's Kin Sister."
Another person entered the room, a tall slim woman with long silver hair. She bore a striking resemblance to Haeth and carried a small dog in her arms. "Sarenath!" Haeth gasped. Reaching out an arm, she hugged her older sister and kissed her on the cheek. "What are you and Papa DOING here?" she asked incredulously.
lon laughed at Haeth's breathless question. "You didn't seriously hink we wouldn't be here for the Pair Bonding ceremony, did you?" Sarenath asked reproachfully. The dog in her arms crooned softly and veryone except Haeth's sister and father looked at it in surprise. "I ever heard a dog make a sound like THAT before," Usagi said in surprise.
enath laughed. "I'd be surprised if you had," she replied, amused, "This is a disguise." She waved a hand over the dog and the image wavered and vanished. In her arms, rested a tiny Dragonkin no more than four feet long. The tiny head lifted as she looked at Haeth and crooned again. "Sherriath!" Haeth gasped. She placed a trembling hand on her baby sister's head. "All my family is here!" Haeth murmured, "I can't ask for anything more."
Sherriath looked past Haeth at Usagi. Her mind detected the Kin Bond at once. Too young to know exactly what it was, she stretched her foreclaws out towards Usagi and crooned urgently. "Precocious, isn't she?" Sarenath remarked as she handed Sherriath over to an enchanted Usagi. Usagi took the hatchling and, seated herself, crooning to her as she rocked back and forth. Mrs. Tsukino moved over to her daughter. "Oh! She's adorable!"
With the two Tsukinos concentrating on Sherriath, the three Dragonkin moved aside to catch up on things. "She detected the Kin Bond, didn't she?" Haeth asked. Sarenath nodded. "She's getting quite good at detecting bonds," her father explained, "I think she'll be an even more powerful Soul Healer than you are. That's disquieting." Haeth looked startled. "Think, Daughter!" he urged gently, "Soul Healers and Empaths are RARE. They're usually born only when there will be a need for them. Do you really want to know about something that needs a Soul Healer of greater power than yours?" Haeth shuddered as she remembered everything they had gone through. "Not hardly!" she said firmly as she studied her little sister worriedly.
The front door opened and closed with a loud BANG, and two people ran into the living room, out of breath. "Now, why the need for such a rush, Little Sister?" the dark skinned girl panted. Askalon and Sarenath smiled at Chibi-Usa, having met the enchanting child at the shrine. They turned to the other girl and the smiles dropped from their faces.
"DARK KINDRED!" Askalon bellowed in fury as Sarenath bared her teeth in a vicious snarl. Noir recoiled at the infuriated reaction from the two Dragonkin. "Papa! Sister! NO!" Haeth cried in futile protest as the two Dragonkin began to stalk poor Noir, who backed away fearfully, carefully keeping Chibi-Usa behind her.
"She's protecting the child!" Askalon sent to his eldest. "From US?!" she returned aghast, "That's NOT the sort of thing a Dark Kindred would do!" Sarenath turned her Sight on Noir and gasped. Askalon hesitated at the incredulous reaction from Sarenath. It was enough as intervention came from a TOTALLY unexpected source.
Sherriath launched herself from Usagi's lap with a scream of protest. She half-flew half-walked to where Noir cowered in front of her Kin Sister. She butted an imperious head against Noir's leg, an unmistakable demand to be picked up. When Noir hesitantly obliged, Askalon was further shocked by the delicate fluting trill from Sherriath. Sarenath was less surprised by her baby sister's intricate vocalization, based on what her Sight had shown her.
"She may be Dark Kindred, Father, but she's not at all evil," Sarenath remarked, "Her aura is as blue as ours, and Sherriath's reaction only confirms it." Haeth let out a pent up breath. "That's what I was TRYING to TELL you!" she said reproachfully.
Askalon turned an apologetic smile on his middle hatchling, and turned to face an uncertain Noir. He approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder. At his touch, she trembled, despite Sherriath's reassuring croon. "My profound apologies, Hatchling," he said softly, "That was inexcusable. My only defense is that instinct is sometimes HARD to overcome. I ask your forgiveness."
"I forgive you, Eldar," she answered with a hesitant smile. She looked down at the hatchling in her arms. "How...?" He understood her unspoken question. "That precocious youngster is a Soul Healer and she sensed that you weren't evil," he explained, "By the Gods! If she can sense that at HER age, she'll likely be the most powerful Soul Healer EVER hatched!"
Noir smiled and turned to her fascinated Kin Sister. "Shall we return to the shrine?" she asked, "I don't know why you insisted we come here, but whatever the problem was, I think it's solved." Chibi-Usa looked at Usagi and saw no trace of the grief that she had seen before. "I think you're right, Noir."
Noir took Chibi-Usa by the hand and they left, followed by good-byes from two very repentant Dragonkin. Sherriath walked imperiously across the room, back to Usagi, who picked up the demanding little princess, with a laugh.
"I feel horrid about frightening the Hatchling as we did, Father," Sarenath said shamefaced, "I wish we could do something to make amends!"
"Well, that's for later," Askalon stated firmly and turned to face Haeth, "For now, a gift from the Elven Queen for you." He reached up and plucked a box from thin air. He handed it to a mystified Haeth. With trembling hands, she opened the box and lifted out a white gown. "Oh!" she breathed in awe. The material was as fine as silk and rainbow colors reflected softly from the gossamer like threads. "The Spell Weavers of Tarandar worked mightily on that gift for you, my daughter," he said with a gentle smile, "I trust I can tell them you were pleased?"
"`Pleased' doesn't begin to describe how I feel, Papa," Haeth whispered. The three Kin turned as a cry of wonder came from across the room. Usagi and her mother were staring at the dress Haeth was holding, in wonder. On Usagi's lap, Sherriath gave a smug chirrup. "Oh child!" Mrs. Tsukino said softly, "Come with me upstairs. I'll help you try it on." Sarenath joined them. The three of them went upstairs to Haeth's room.
Askalon joined Usagi and seated himself on the couch. "When we came through the gate, your friends and the Guardians were gathered at the shrine," he explained, "They told us of the battle at the Pole, and of Morgoth's defeat. Princess, our people are in your debt." Usagi looked uncomfortable. "Sir..." she started. "Just Askalon will do, Hatchling." he interrupted. "Askalon then," she said with a slight smile, "We owe YOU the debt. Without our Guardian friends, we would have lost...big time!"
"Maybe so, maybe no," he responded, "Still, that creature is gone and maybe now, we can have some peace." He suddenly remembered something. "Oh yes," he recalled, "General Lierianna wanted me to let you know that she has gone to the Moon to take command of the Elven contingent there." Usagi looked worried at that. "Will they accept her?" she asked, "She IS a Dark Elf you know." Askalon nodded in reassurance. "They will because she is YOUR general. You rule, or will rule, THIS kingdom. The Elves who came, will remain here with the Dragonkin of the Moon Kingdom. They acknowledge you as their Queen." "But..." She stopped as she caught a movement on the stairs. Turning to look, her jaw dropped and her eyes widened in shock. At her reaction, Askalon turned to look. Despite knowing what he would see, his reaction was identical to Usagi's.
Haeth flowed down the stairs, a vision in gossamer silk. Her white gown was floor length. The dress was three tiered. Every time the light struck it, rainbow colors flowed across the material. A silver belt went around her waist. On the front, the Dragonkin symbol was displayed, carved from ruby. Behind it, was not the familiar eight pointed star of the Star Kingdoms, but the Crescent Moon in solid gold, signifying her change of alliance. A long flowing veil fell from her head, held back from her face by a delicate silver tiara. Mrs. Tsukino and Sarenath followed, huge grins on their faces at the reaction of the two, below.
"Oh, Haeth!" Usagi cried softly, tears coming to her eyes, "Galen won't be able to take his eyes off you!" Sherriath crooned with pride from Usagi's lap. Askalon rose up and walked to his middle child. Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her forehead. "My child..." He choked up. Clearing his throat, he tried again, "My Child...You look like your mother! I'm so proud of you..." Haeth hugged her father fiercely.
Saturday...
"Where IS she?!" Rei cried as she paced back and forth in agitation, "The wedding is only a couple of hours from now! Most of the Guardians and Dragonkin guests are already here!" Ami looked up calmly from where she was sitting. "Your grandfather can keep them entertained," she pointed out, "I doubt that they've seen a Shinto shrine before. The tour he's giving them should keep them occupied." The other Senshi nodded. "We DO have two hours, you know," Arilith remarked from where she was seated next to Hotaru, "She's not actually needed until then."
She was drawn to the fiery dark haired Senshi. Tentatively, she reached out with her powers. Rei felt herself calm down at Arilith's words. "She SHOULD practice though," she said calmly. She was surprised at her calmness. A moment ago, she had been ready to spit acid at Usagi's absence. Sensing something, she turned just in time to see a slight figure duck out of the room. Azeroth! she thought, Did she calm me down? For some reason, she felt drawn to the tiny Dragonkin empath. She seemed so lonely. Rei KNEW how THAT felt. Before she had met Usagi that is. At that, she smiled.
"Well, I think that does it, Galen-san," Mamoru remarked as he finished with his friend's sword belt. He stepped back and gave Galen's armor a close look. "Perfect!" Galen wore the dress uniform of the Kin Guard. Chainmail shirt and leggings and calve length boots. A sky blue tabard with gold trim over the chainmail. On the front was emblazon in silver, the symbol of the Dragonkin with the crescent moon behind it, in gold. He held a dragon helm in one arm. Flared wings on each side of it, topped by a silver Dragonkin with folded wings. Galen sighed. "I hope Haeth likes it," he said doubtfully.
Mamoru snorted as he checked his own armor. "Haeth thinks you walk on water!" he shot back, "I doubt she'd notice if you showed up in rags!" Galen laughed at the picture THAT conjured up in his mind. Still laughing, they stepped out of the room to join the others.
Everyone looked up as Mamoru and Galen entered the room. Arilith pursed her lips in a silent whistle. "VERY nice, Galen!" she smiled, "Haeth will be impressed I'm sure!" Galen flushed at her appreciative stare.
"That's assuming our Odango Atama ever gets here!" Rei snorted, feeling her internal temperature rising again, "I swear that girl would be late for her own funeral!"
"I'm not THAT bad, Rei-chan!" an indignant voice came from behind them. Everyone turned to see Usagi, or rather, Princess Serenity, standing in the doorway, hands on hips, glaring at her bad tempered friend.
At sight of her, all the Dragonkin present in the room scrambled to their feet and bowed deeply towards their Princess. "Oh stop that!" Usagi cried in embarrassment, "I want friends, not servants!" Arilon looked at Ami and they both shrugged. "Sorry, My Princess, but it's a reflex," Arilon explained, unperturbed.
"Usagi," Galen broke in, "Is Haeth with you?" Usagi smiled and her crescent moon glowed. "She's in the car with my folks and her family, Galen-san." He made as if to go past her when she stopped him with a hand against his armored chest. "And just WHERE do you think YOU'RE going?" she demanded, as Mamoru grinned at her tone. Galen, however, could think only of his intended. "Why, to see Haeth of course!" he replied, surprised. "Oh no you DON'T!" she retorted, "You don't see the bride until she walks down the aisle on her father's arm!" His mouth turned down in disappointment. "But...!" "But nothing!" she interrupted, "You have less than an hour before you see her! I'm not going to let you ruin it for her because you're impatient."
Galen gave in. Haeth's happiness was more important to him than anything else. "Very well, Your Highness," he conceded with a deep bow. He grinned knowing that she would hate the formality. When her eyes narrowed, he took Mamoru's arm. "C'mon, my friend," he said hurriedly, "Let's wait in the shrine." Mamoru took a quick look at his Princess and smothered a grin. "Wise decision," he murmured as he followed Galen out of the room.
As the others all followed them out of the room, Rei walked over to where Usagi was standing glaring after Galen. "Usagi," she whispered, "Are you nervous about the ceremony?" Usagi glanced at Rei and looked down. "Petrified," she admitted, "I've never done this before. I want it to be right for Haeth, but you KNOW how often I can screw things up."
"Would you feel better if I stood up there with you?" Rei asked tentatively. Usagi looked sharply at her friend, but saw only concern in her violet eyes. "I would," she said softly, "Askalon will be with me as the Star Kingdoms representative. You can stand on my other side as the Moon Kingdom's envoy. I can't be, because I'm doing the ceremony. Mamoru will stand with Galen, and Noir is standing with Haeth."
Grandpa Hino peeked in just as Haeth came in the other door with her family and Usagi's. "It's time, children," he advised. Usagi nodded and Grandpa Hino led them out while Haeth and her father waited for their cue.
Her family took the seats saved for them with the rest of the Senshi's families, while Grandpa Hino led Usagi and Rei to the front of the Shrine. When they reached the front, Usagi turned to face everyone, Rei at her right.
Ivee, sitting with the other Guardians, caught Usagi's eye and winked. Usagi giggled in spite of herself. She found herself relaxing. Despite the fact that there were many strangers here, there were also many friends. Usagi looked at the back, where Askalon was looking in. She gave a slight nod and turned to watch Galen as Haeth came in on her father's arm.
Everyone gasped at sight of the bride, and Galen's reaction was everything Usagi had hoped for. His eyes bugged out, his jaw dropped and he swallowed, hard. She smothered a laugh as Haeth was transferred from her father's arm to Galen's. Askalon moved up to take his place at Usagi's left, while Mamoru and Noir moved up to stand at the groom's right and the bride's left respectively.
"My friends," Usagi began, "I bid welcome to those of the Star Kingdoms and those of my people who are here today." She took a deep breath to settle her nerves. "We are here to witness the affirmation of the Pair Bond between these two beloved Dragonkin. The Commander of my Kin Guard and my friend, Galen, and my beloved, Kin Sister and a Princess in her own right, Haeth."
She looked at Galen, who smiled at her, then at Haeth, whose return smile was blinding in its joy. "A Pair Bond born in desperate times. A Pair Bond means love, it means commitment, AND it means contin...con..." Askalon leaned over as she stumbled over the unfamiliar word. "Continuity," he supplied in a whisper. "Thanks," she muttered loud enough for everyone to hear, "They really should shoot people for making words like that." Everyone laughed at THAT statement.
"Pair Bond means CONTINUITY," she continued unabashed, "Galen, do you acknowledge the Bond along with the love and commitment it entails?" Galen nodded firmly. "I do, Your Highness!" he affirmed. She turned to Haeth and her eyes softened with love and joy for her sister. "Haeth, do YOU acknowledge the Bond, along with the love and commitment it entails?" "I do, Kin Sister," she responded in a shaky whisper.
"Then do I confirm this Bond in front of these witnesses," Usagi stated firmly, "And I declare before this company that these two are Lifemated." She grinned impishly and added her favorite wedding line to conclude the ceremony. "Galen-san, you may kiss your bride!"
Galen cast a startled look at his Princess and then answered her grin with his own. "As you command, Your Highness," he answered eagerly. Turning to his Lifemate, he took her veil and gently lifted it over her head. Haeth's heart was in her eyes as they stared wordlessly at each other. Taking her face gently in his hands, he bent down until his lips met hers. He was quite serious about it and her head was spinning when Galen ended the kiss and grinned at her reaction. As they turned to face the guests, there was a moment of silence, then the cheering and clapping began.
Later, in the Gate Glade...
"But Haeth! You said you were staying!" Usagi cried. Haeth turned to her sister and smiled in reassurance as the Guardians filed one by one, back through the gate to the Star Kingdoms. "We are, Kin Sister," she soothed, "Galen wants to see my old homeland, so we're taking our honeymoon in the Star Kingdoms. We'll be back in about two weeks." Usagi sighed in relief. She hugged her Kin Sister fiercely, and then Galen. She watched them as they disappeared through the gate with a wave. Lynn and Greywolf approached her. "I'll miss you, Aisy-chan!" Usagi said sadly. Lynn looked at her in surprise. "Why?" she queried, "You can visit us whenever you wish!"
Usagi turned to meet surprised looks from the other Senshi. She turned back to Lynn. "How?" she asked simply. "You are Guardian Senshi now," Lynn explained, "Saying `Sailor Teleport Alare' will take you to the Guardian Star in the Star Chamber." She hugged and kissed each of the Senshi before she and Greywolf, the last to leave, moved through the Gate. "Wait! Aisy-chan!" Usagi cried as the gate began to close, "How do we get back HOME from Alare?!" She heard a ghostly chuckle come through the gate as it closed. "How else?" Lynn's voice answered faintly, "Say `There's no place like home'..."
THE END