Chapter 2: What It Means…

*Usagi*

She had felt as if she could crawl out of her own skin and shoot off into the cosmos for the last four days. She thought back to the very argument that led to her waiting.

…Usagi had stormed from the inner chamber of the temple and was almost immediately bombarded by Minako, Haruka, along with her granddaughters Ruka and Michiko. Michiko had chased after her from the chamber and the others approached from the direction of the main Palace. They all wore expressions of confusion and concern.

Minako spoke first, "What in the world just happened Usagi? It felt like an earthquake, but it came from the temple."

The Queen Mother nodded and sighed, "Yes… Well, we received some news from Botan that… It caused a... reaction if you will in poor Kiyoko." Then her thoughts were overcome again with the idea that Endymion could be alive somewhere and Usagi continued, "Please excuse me, I have to go."

From behind her, she heard her usually quiet niece's voice ring out, "Grandmother! You are going to leave without my mother and Aunt Serenity? He's their father!" That garnered a look from Haruka that Usagi swore could have killed a normal person on the spot and things had spiraled from there…

So now she was stuck waiting. Of course, Usagi knew that they'd been right. Her daughters should be with her in this. However, that did not make waiting any less difficult. Yet still, as she looked up at the setting sun she could not help the desire that welled up within her. Just then one of the Palace staff appeared. The pretty young lady with the sandalwood bun bowed and addressed her, "Excuse the intrusion your majesty, but you said that you wanted to be informed the moment Queen Kiyoko woke."

Her eyes widen a bit and then Usagi recovered herself, the time was at hand! She smiled at the young lady and replied, "Thank you. I will see her right away." She watched as the servant excused herself and then took off for the temple straight away.

About halfway there, Usagi found herself joined by her daughter. The two of them exchanged a look. Usagi knew that Serenity had been waiting for this moment as well. Serenity smiled, "I assume you're headed to the temple mother."

Nodding, Usagi responded almost breathlessly, "Yes Serenity, you too I am sure." She laughed as she saw that her daughter was trying to race her by all appearances. It reminded her of their rivalry form eons ago! In good spirits the Queen Mother gave in and picked up the pace.

Immediately the two began laughing together. As they passed young Ruka they shared a smile, extremely amused by the look on the princess' face. She hadn't really experienced either one of them like this. But this news, this opportunity filled them both with such joy.

After a moment, the princess fell into step and easily kept up with the two of them. Usagi laughed thinking about how much Ruka really was like her namesake despite no biological relationship! She shared a grin with the princess and they all made it to the temple swiftly.

A short time later, the three of them found themselves entering the innermost chamber of the temple, beholding something that could only be described as a silent battle. Usagi shifted uncomfortably as she looked at her daughter and her wife.

Ruka tugged on her dress and leaned into her grandmother's ear, whispering, "They're fighting. I've seen them do this before." Her words only served confirm Usagi's assumption.

At that, her daughter with the raven hair turned her gaze on the three entering and she wasted no time in addressing the Queen Mother sharply, "Mother." It was only one word, but it spoke legions of the hurt inside of her.

It was a disconcerting feeling, having Kiyoko look at her that way. It reminded her of the faded past, when Mamoru would chastise her for slacking in her studies. Perhaps it was the current situation that garnered those ancient memories. Regardless, Usagi could not help but squirm a bit as those deep blue eyes that matched his, with that strong jaw, fair skin and raven hair struck a chord in her.

Seiya huffed and stood, her eyes kind as she looked at Usagi. Maybe her old friend understood. She hoped so. Then she watched as Seiya turned her eyes on Kiyoko, a sense of pleading in them that Usagi was sure she understood. Seiya addressed only Kiyoko, "I am going to go and inform Taiki and Yaten that you are awake. They've been worried about you as well." Usagi looked on silently as Kiyoko nodded and then stepped aside in the same way as Seiya left the room.

Seeing Seiya leave the way that she did sparked something in Usagi and she found her voice, "What is going on Kiyoko?" She loved her daughter, but she knew how difficult Kiyoko could be.

Kiyoko's eyes softened a touch, a mixture of hurt and understanding, "Honestly? She does not want me to go with you. She is worried about the dangers." Her daughter paused and turned sorrowful, "She's afraid I will get hurt and she just got me back. Somehow, despite our connection she can't see past that to know this is something I have to do. And she's mad that I want her to go back to Estara."

Nodding, Usagi came to sit down on the bed next to Kiyoko, "I understand her feelings, on both accounts." She put her hand on her daughters, hoping to keep that sharp look away.

Looking down, Kiyoko conceded, "I do too. But if it is as bad as Botan says, how can I leave only Taiki, Yaten, and the children behind to protect our world?"

Ruka stomped over and jumped on the bed on the other side, "You are NOT leaving me behind mama!" She crossed her arms and wore a look that made Usagi think so much of Haruka and Seiya that she nearly burst into a fit of laughter.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Usagi looked up to see Serenity there. Her oldest daughter spoke at last, "Kiyoko, I get where you are coming from. However, you should let Seiya and at least Ruka come. Usa-chan and Ceres are coming. Helios would be, but with the new crystal…. Well, anyway you should let them come. Endo looks too much like father to come. Trust me, we already had that fight with him. And well, Michiko's powers would be better served protecting Estara."

In that moment two more figures appeared in the doorway. Usagi smiled at Botan and Hestia. Botan had come to an uneasy acceptance of the keeper and Usagi was glad she wanted to help them and that Chronos had allowed it. Hestia spoke first, "I'm glad you are well your majesty. And I understand your concerns for Estara. While I know this will sound very strange to you, but I would like to offer my services in looking after Estara so that the three of you can go with your mother without fear." She actually bowed very genuinely.

Usagi turned, studying and waiting for Kiyoko's reaction to the proposal. Would her daughter fall prey to suspicion and mistrust based on the past or would she allow this?

*Yaten*

Sitting at the communication monitors, the snow haired Starlight could not believe her ears! She shook her head as if she could shake the information away. With a sigh, she responded to Seiya's update, "She cannot be serious! After everything that she went through with that… that reaper! Kiyoko can't possibly think running off into the face of danger at the other side of the galaxy is a good idea!"

Yaten looked at Seiya incredulously as she watched her friend and compatriot laughing on the other end of the communication. When Seiya finally stopped, "Did you just listen to what you said and who we're talking about here?"

Processing Seiya's response, Yaten let out an exasperated sigh, "Yes, I suppose I shouldn't expect any less from our queen. She'll risk anything… Even herself… for the ones she loves." Her expression quirked into a smile, "Lucky you, huh."

She watched in amusement as Seiya's brow arched and the jet black haired Starlight with the midnight blue eyes queried, "What in the would do you mean Yaten?"

Yaten chuckled, "You married her. Now you get to stand by her side while she throws herself in front of all the dangers in the universe."

Seiya snapped back, "She is your queen and even a Senshi now. Doesn't that mean you're stuck with it too?" Her expression made Yaten laugh loudly.

When she was able to stop, she retorted, "Yes, you know it does. But love like the two of you share makes it totally different. I don't envy that difference." She paused taking in Seiya's worried eyes, "Do not worry Seiya. She's survived so much. We all have. Together we can do this. You protect her out there and we'll protect the world you'll bring her back to." Yaten paused and really thought about what was going on. She thought back to when she'd accompanied Kiyoko to Earth and the Shitenou had been resurrected. She knew how much Mamoru meant to Kiyoko. The green eyed Starlight said, "We need her, but she is right in needing to do this." She smirked as she watched defeat cross Seiya's face. Before ending the conversation, Yaten told her, "Make sure you update us when a plan is made." With that she said her goodbyes and ended the transmission. As she left the room she was met by the third original starlight who looked just as worried as Seiya. Shaking her head, Yaten laughed and starting updating Taiki on the situation.