Title: Offering reassurance
Author: Ree
Theme: Setsuna (Jillian (I'd Give My Heart)" by Within Temptation )
Genre: General
Version: Anime/Manga - After Stars
Rating: G

Setsuna and her friends all belong to Takeuchi Naoko. I just asked them very nicely if they wanted to play. They agreed, and quietly snuck out without Takeuchi-sensei's knowledge.

Offering reassurance

"Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like you are trapped here. " Usagi looked at Setsuna, her eyes pleading.

Setsuna smiled and rested her hand gently on her Queen's arm. Trying to sound reassuring she answered. "It's okay. It's my destiny, my duty. It is my task to guard the Gates."

Usagi's eyes reflected the relief she felt inside, but Setsuna could still see the worry behind it. Of all the Queen's she had guarded these doors for, Usagi was the only one not raised as a princess. Her newest Queen understood the importance of this post, and she truly understood that they could not be left unguarded. And yet...

"I don't want to leave you here alone. I should be able to prevent you from having to be cut off from everyone. " Usagi turned around. Setsuna knew she was trying to hide her tears. Rei had finally convinced her that it wasn't right for the Queen to cry in front of people. Everyone agreed that they could not stop her from crying in private, nor did they even want to try.

The tears sounded in her voice as she continued to speak. "It's all my fault. If I didn't have the silver crystal, no-one would have to guard constantly."

Setsuna decided she better soothe Usagi now, before she started feeling more guilty. "It's okay. I like it here. It's quiet, and peaceful. And everyone can visit on occasion, just not continually. I will watch the world pass by here, and you will get to watch it pass by in the Crystal Palace. Personally I'd rather be here. Far less politics."

She heard a sniff, then Usagi turned around and looked once again at her. Smiling a weak smile, Usagi spoke quietly. "I will not command you to stay here. You can come and go as you chose."

Smiling down into the sad eyes, Setsuna replied with as much reassurance as she could. "Thank you for that."

A clock sounded out the hour, echoing its chimes down the hallway. Usagi jumped slightly. "It's that time already? I have to get to a council meeting." She turned to run off, but stopped and looked back. "Setsuna..."

"Go on. You'll be late if you don't."

Nodding her head, Usagi turned and scampered down the hallway, her white dress flowing behind her.

Setsuna watched her leave, and almost wished she was going, too. But she would never let Usagi know that. Setsuna was very sure that her Queen would give away her heart and soul if that was what it took to let Setsuna leave her post. 'And I'm not accepting that cost.'

Turning, she faced the Gates of Time. It was like seeing an old remembered friend. Raising her henshin stick, she quietly called out. "Pluto Planet Power! Make-up!". Sailor Pluto stood quietly. It was time to start her duty.