I'm back! I'm pretty sure I got all the kinks out of this one. Oh, and before I forget, a quick note: The name of one of the mysterious girls in the 2nd chapter was stated as "Silvanus". This is wrong. It should have been Lumina. Sorry folks I've only just realised.
A great big thank you to all my reviewers for your support! You're keeping me on track and more-or-less on time with this story and I'm really grateful for your encouragement. Special thanks again to StrataLight for their kind words and suggestions. Thanks to you I was able to tweak a couple of scenes in here so they run more smoothly than before. I hope. Hope you feel better soon!
And now to our story; what's with Darien and why is he acting so strange? Why is Serena beginning to doubt him? Just who are those three mysterious girls? Will I get past my chemistry assessment this afternoon without blowing up the lab? (LOL) it's all right here in Ethereal Destiny! STAGE ON! ~Eb~
"But I just don't get it! I'm with him! It's destiny! Why the hell should he be so . . . so . . ." Serena threw her hands up into the air angrily and let a growl escape her. The inner Senshi watched her rant, calmly, albeit nervously, waiting for her to run out of steam before stepping in.
"Well duh Serena, of course he feels threatened." said Rei, irritation evident. "What did you expect him to do? Throw a welcome back party?"
"But he shouldn't be acting this way." the Moon Princess ground out, still pacing. "For heaven's sake he's the future king of Earth the least he can show is a little maturity!"
Rei shared awkward glances with the others. Serena, the crown princess of klutz and immaturity, was preaching about maturity.
Mina was more uncomfortable about the feelings radiating off her princess than her maturity level. "Serena calm down and think this through." she took a deep breath and held it as Serena looked at her before she nodded and sat down again, facing Mina. Mina released the breath and continued. "So, he's a guy right? What do guys do when a rival for their attention comes into the picture?"
"Act like five year olds who don't know how to share?" Serena supplied sweetly. Mina smiled and shook her head. Amy giggled and even Rei and Lita shared smiles.
"And why is that?" Serena opened her mouth and Mina quickly cut in with a "I mean besides their mental age."
Serena took a deep breath and closed her eyes, thinking. When she opened them she did not look happy. "Because there's no trust."
All the Senshi now looked taken aback.
"Serena of course he trusts you!" Rei blurted quickly.
"He loves you Serena." Lita reminded her gently.
"That wasn't exactly what I meant . . ." Mina muttered guiltily.
"He knows you wouldn't do anything like that; it's not logical that you would." Amy added. They realised they'd all spoken at pretty much the same time.
Serena looked out a window sadly. It was true. If Darien was acting hostile to Seiya because he saw him as a threat, then there had to be a reason for Seiya to be perceived as a threat. The only reason she could gather - and secretly Mina thought it too - was that he thought she, Serena, would leave him for Seiya for one reason or another. Or not even leave Darien before that point. Therefore he didn't trust Serena and therefore there was no trust in their relationship.
At least, not from his side.
Serena had been too upset with him for his actions to thank him for the meal out, and they had driven to Serena's, in silence, and she had got out and walked to her front door, in silence, and he had driven away angry that she was ignoring him and that Seiya was back on Earth. In silence.
Two days ago!
The relationship was falling apart without trust. That much was obvious. And now that she thought about it Serena could see that this had been happening for a while. It was only really brought to her attention now by the fact that the once gradual decline was now a steady drop. They'd been drifting, not seeing each other for days or calling each other for this or that reason.
The girls watched her thinking quietly, sensing their princess's sadness. They weren't surprised at this turn of events; they had noticed it happening a few weeks ago. They weren't sure what bothered them more; their princess's recent melancholy or the prince's recent behaviour.
Sitting here on the steps of the temple they all began trying to think about what could have happened to cause the rift between Serena and Darien.
"It doesn't matter whether or not it's logical Amy," Serena said at last. "What matters is that he seems to think there is a reason not to trust me. I just don't get why! When Seiya and the others were last here I thought he was dead, and Seiya was a really good friend to me and helped me through that." she looked at each of them in turn and they could see tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm destined to be with Darien and he knows that. So why doesn't he believe me when I say that I won't go?"
Mina watched her princess as tears rolled down her face as Serena looked imploringly at each to explain this to her. None of them had an answer.
Mina's eyes gained a determined glint. 'Don't worry Serena. I will find out why your chosen prince is acting this way. I will find out why the prince you don't fully realise you desire has returned. As a daughter of Venus, I will help you in this.'
They heard laughter heading their way and they all looked up. Amara, Michelle, Trista and Hotaru were all walking up the steps to the temple.
"Kitten what's the matter? You hung up on me the other day and then you didn't return my text or any of my other calls." Amara asked gently as she and Michelle sat down next to her. Trista and Hotaru hurried the inner Senshi away.
"I'm sorry Amara," Serena said with a small smile. "But it's just that . . . Right after you called someone called my name and it was someone I recognised. I guess I was in shock for a while."
Amara watched her thoughtfully. She wasn't fooled so easily.
"Serena, you have to tell me what's bothering you. We've all felt you growing sadder and sadder lately and it's worrying us." She said. Michelle said nothing, instead nodding encouragingly when Serena looked at her.
Serena sighed and leaned back to look at the sky above. "You're not going to like it very much."
"Do I ever?" Amara joked. Michelle stood and moved to talk to Mina, who was standing a few feet behind them. The blonde pair watched her before Amara turned to face Serena again. "Princess, when you're in pain so are we. We don't like seeing you this way. Let us help."
Serena looked at the sky for a long time before glancing sideways at Amara. The older woman looked so sincere. "It's Seiya. He's back."
Amara made sure to keep her face completely neutral. "Really? I'd thought as much."
Serena looked shocked. "Why?"
"Well first because Pluto finally managed to figure out what was wrong." explained Amara before throwing a scowl over her shoulder. A chuckle was heard and Amara cast a sly look at Serena again. "Also I've only ever heard one person call you 'Odango' in that way and his annoying voice isn't one I'm soon to forget."
Serena stared. Amara was being calm? Over Seiya? Someone call the media! Then the last sentence hit her. "Ah you er . . . Heh you heard him."
"Over the phone." Amara confirmed, still smiling. "And in case you were wondering, I had my rant last night."
Serena blushed. "Why didn't you tell me that Pluto knew? What else does she know?"
"I tried to tell you Koneko-chan, but you weren't answering or returning my calls, remember?" Serena smiled apologetically and Amara nodded before she became more serious, "We don't know what else she knows. She won't tell us. Pluto always was harder to read than most."
Serena looked at her for a few minutes before turning to look at Trista. The long-haired woman was talking with Amy and Rei. There was a smile on her face but it didn't reach her eyes, which were darker and sadder.
"Michelle sensed two presences on Earth last night besides the Starlights and their Princess. She couldn't tell anything about them but that they have no ill will. It's got her on edge that they can shield against her like that." Amara sighed. "It's got me worried too. Trista seems to know more than she's letting on. How can I protect you when I don't know what I'm protecting you from?"
"I'm sure she feels it necessary that you don't know and that she will tell you when she feels you need to know. She is one of my Senshi and a good friend and so I trust her." Serena said at last.
Amara looked at her, barely hiding the shock she felt at her princess's words. Serena had grown up so much over the last few years.
Mina had been watching this interlude thoughtfully, not really focusing on her conversation with Michelle before the older girl had wandered over to Rei and the others. Michelle had mentioned that Amara was only being calm for Serena; when the tall blonde had found out who the three newcomers were she'd gone on a rampage through the house and destroyed the window in the back door while exiting the house in a 'not-so-peaceful way' as Michelle had put it.
She shook herself and looked at the other Senshi, deciding who to talk with about her concerns. Finally she called quietly to Amy, who glanced at her before excusing herself and coming over.
"Amy, do you notice anything strange about Serena lately?" asked Mina, looking from Amy's eyes of sapphire to the blonde in question.
Amy followed her gaze and stared sadly at the back of the blonde head. "She's grown up a lot." the girl replied at last. "Much more than Rei gives her credit for, although I'm sure that Rei thinks it too. But . . ." her voice trailed off.
"But?" asked Mina, paying attention to Amy.
The blue-haired Senshi of Mercury shifted from foot to foot uneasily, as though unsure whether to confide. Eventually she met Mina's eyes. "I can't help but feel that, well . . . That it was at a cost."
Mina nodded encouragingly for her to continue as they walked away from the main group towards a cherry blossom tree.
"It's like . . . I don't know Mina it's like she's hurting, regretting something. I can't help but feel that it's linked to the … to the Three Lights returning." the words seemed choked.
Mina took a long look at Amy; the girl was now refusing to meet her eyes.
"Amy, are you . . .?"
"Yes, yes I'm quite fine." Amy said hurriedly. She changed the subject. "Do you miss them?"
Mina stared at her for a minute or two, struggling to keep from looking like a goldfish. She hadn't missed the change in topic, but unsure who to react to the new one she played dumb. "Who?" she asked innocently.
"Them." Amy said softly. Her eyes were gentler now, the melted waters after the snow. "The Three Lights. The StarLights. Whichever you want to call them."
Mina watched her now rather than stare. The intelligent girl's stance wasn't so confident now, or nervous, it was gentle and sorrowful. Mina dared think that Amy missed them terribly.
"Yes." Mina answered, and when Amy heard the edge to her voice it was her turn to look. "I miss them . . . very much. I don't think it's the same without them. I'm almost glad they're back, even if it does cause trouble with Amara." she laughed.
Amy laughed too; she could see how this situation would go down with the hot-headed woman.
"What about you?" Mina asked, watching a blossom float to the ground. "Do you miss them?"
"Of course." Amy said. Then she glanced at Mina quickly. "I'm very grateful for the help Seiya gave to Serena. He was there when she needed him, like she said." her tone suggested she thought she'd previously said too much.
"Do you think they've moved on?" the very thought made Mina's eyes water a little, but she hid it by looking behind her at the tree.
Amy looked at her carefully. "I would hope so. But then, in a way, I suppose, part of me hopes that they haven't. Maybe this is why they've come back?" Amy's tone had startled Mina; sadness and hope!
Then she realised that it made sense; Amy had gotten very close to the brain of the StarLights, Taiki Kou. Finding out who he was had been a big shock but Amy hadn't cared, or appeared not to anyway. Mina's empathic abilities had allowed her to see that the Senshi of Ice had cared deeply for the violet-eyed StarLight. Mina smiled remembering thinking how they were perfect for each other; a match in every way. Mina didn't think anyone else deserved Amy's gentle and caring heart so much as the intellectual Taiki Kou. She knew they'd more than enjoyed the challenge each other presented. After they'd left she'd been a little . . . off, for a while. Not Amy. But then Amy had seemed to shake it off.
Now Mina knew she'd only buried the feelings deep. The news of their return made the emotions swirl beneath the surface of both their hearts.
"But I forget," said Amy, smiling gently at the sky, "we were talking of Serena. I daresay she misses Seiya."
"Yes." agreed Mina softly.
"Maybe . . . a little more than she's letting on?"
"Why do you think he's the reason behind her actions of late?"
"The fact that since she saw him she's been more quiet than ever." Amy told her, smiling. The smile told Mina all she needed to know.
She had found another ally for Serena.
"Seiya will you open this god damn door!" Yaten bellowed for the hundreth time. Taiki was sitting on a sofa in the living room with his eyes closed, his expression somewhere between calm and angry as he tried to ignore the fact that one of his best friends hadn't come out of their room for over 24 hours and his other was pounding on said door in a miniature rage.
Princess Kakyuu was sitting on the other end of the sofa, her book lying forgotten in her lap. She had turned in her seat to follow Yaten as he strode across the living room to force the depressed StarLight out of his room half an hour ago and had been watching the sad show ever since.
At first Yaten had been angry and the other two concerned. Now, after so much bellowing and punching, Kakyuu and Taiki were very worried and Yaten was beginning to get a little concerned that there was no answer.
"Do you think he's alright?" asked Kakyuu quietly. Taiki looked at her. It was amazing how quickly she had gotten used to addressing them by the right pronouns.
"Honestly?" he asked her just as quietly. When she nodded he sighed. "I just don't know."
"Seiya for gods' sake open this door! It's not worth it!" a new edge of worry laced Yaten's voice. "If this door isn't open in five minutes I'm coming in!"
Still no answer.
"Seiya please! I'm begging you. Open the door. You're scaring us Seiya!"
Nothing. Not even a sound.
New panic gripped the three as they strained to listen. There was a dull thunk and a rolling sound, as though something small had fallen and rolled over the floorboards.
Something like a small bottle.
"SEIYA!" Yaten started trying to shoulder the door open and only stopped when he heard a pop in his shoulder. Ignoring the dislocation he instead took a step back and put all his force behind a powerful kick to the door. He only succeeded in bouncing off onto the floor.
'Don't do this Seiya! Not again.' he thought worridly as he struggled to get up. Taiki crossed the room swiftly and steadied him as they both put their combined forces into two powerful kicks.
The door swung open with such force that it nearly closed on them, but not before the two had darted through into the gloom beyond.
"Seiya? Seiya!" Yaten shouted frantically as he began searching everywhere for the dark-haired young man. Under the sheets, under the bed, the wardrobe the -
"I hope you're going to replace that door."
"Seiya!" Yaten spun and launched himself at the taller man, his shout a mixture of joy and utter relief. Both ended up on the floor.
"Seiya don't you ever do that to me again do you hear? You had us scared to death!"
"Alright ok I get it!" said Seiya quickly.
"Because really it's not the right thing to do and -" Yaten stopped in mid flow and looked at him suspiciously. "What exactly were you doing?"
"Standing outside on the balcony with my earphones up to max to drown out your shouting." Seiya said, his expression and tone darkening. "Why?"
Guiltily Yaten looked at Taiki for help.
Seiya looked from one to the other and then at his princess standing in the doorway as he put two and two together. "You've got to be kidding me." he said suddenly. "Please tell me I'm wrong, you guys thought that . . ."
All three looked at their feet.
"You did! You thought I'd tried it again didn't you? What the hell guys come on, why did you go and think that for?!"
"Well what with the other night and you locking yourself away almost as soon as we got in and … and your expression after Shields spoke to you and you not answering just now and … I heard something roll in here." Yaten finished lamely.
Seiya's expression went from hard and angry to much softer but still unyielding. "Guys, I know I tried that before, and I know you're all really worried about me right now. I'd be the same if it was reversed." he glanced at all of them in turn before settling on Yaten's bright green eyes and his expression became a little fiercer. "But you've got to trust me on this. I'm not about to try that again, it would upset everyone and I'm not willing to do that again. I was in a really bad place before. But I'm happier now, I am, and I'm not about to blow my second chance at life."
'And with any luck my second chance at love.' he thought, determined. Out loud he continued;
"The other night was just . . . a really big shock for me. None of us was expecting to see her," he didn't see Kakyuu's eyes shift slightly and carried on, "And Shield's words sort of brought it all back to me. I've been doing a lot of thinking over the last couple of days and I've decided . . . I'm not going to give up so easily this time. I have a 50% chance, right?" he looked at Taiki who nodded, looking uncharacteristically emotional. Yaten met his gaze again with a determined nod and Kakyuu smiled at him, gentle and encouraging.
Seiya smiled; he had support. He'd definitely get through this.
"But what rolled?" asked Taiki suddenly, confused. Seiya glared at him before producing the hysteria-inducing object from the floor by the bed. "My pen."
The purple-haired woman stood before the full length mirror in the apartment she shared with her comrade and waved a hand across the reflective surface. Instantly her reflection rippled and became the image of another; the red-headed Lady General.
"Report Lumina?"
"We have arrived safely and with only a minor detection. The Senshi of this system know only that we are here on Earth and nothing else. Everything is settled for our stay. We have sensed nothing ominous as yet but there are curious vibrations from this planet and its satellite and so will investigate further. Amorina is currently checking out the moon."
"The old Moon Kingdom?"
"Yes."
The Lady General looked down at the floor that would be before her at her end of the communication gravely, thinking.
"I have consulted all those who I deem as necessary for the moment." she said finally, looking up. Her light-tanned face was grave as her brown eyes stared straight into Lumina's yellow amber orbs. "They agree that the ripples spreading throughout the realms are disturbing but cannot agree on the cause." she glanced away again and looked back, her old determination and indifference back in place. "Lumina, Sailor Pluto is on Earth."
"The Time Guardian?" asked Lumina incredulously. "I thought she swore never to leave the Time Realm!"
"She has, but leaving was through no fault of her own. It was to protect her Princess Serenity and so it was allowed to be so." the Lady General paused, choosing her words carefully. "Watch her. I cannot help but feel that these ripples are somehow emanating from Pluto and those connected to her. I fear that leaving the Gates of Time has caused her to lose sight of her role."
"As you wish Lady General. I shall inform Amorina of our orders and we shall begin at once."
"I mean it Lumina. We cannot fail at this. Your orders are thus; Watch Sailor Pluto and ensure she is doing her job. Watch the other Senshi of this system as well and ensure that they are capable of protecting their princess. And finally watch over the heir to the Moon Kingdom, Princess Serenity. You must do this without alerting any of them to you or your task. Especially Pluto. Understood?"
"Yes Lady General, I understand. I shall inform Amorina at once."
The Lady General nodded and Lumina's reflection replaced her image once again.
Lumina sighed. Watch Sailor Pluto? What had happened to force them to keep tabs on old friends and comrades? No matter. She would do as her commander ordered, because the Lady General would only order this if she deemed it necessary.
She thought back over the last thousand years. Since the Sirius Constellation had been attacked and pretty much destroyed it had been slow going to track down those survivors that remained and rebuild the Empire. Even slower as their High Princess had gone missing during the attack, her body not to be found. She was presumed dead but lack of evidence had many who returned believing that she was still alive and in hiding somewhere. A thousand years passed and when they finally found her, wreaking havoc on Earth, it was to find her in the clutches of the one who had destroyed their kingdom! A long battle later and after much help from the Senshi Princess Thuraya was returned to them and the Ancient Evil was sealed away. Time had been restarted and no memories of the event allowed in order to protect the Senshi of the Silver Millennium, the Guardian Senshi and their weakened Empire. No one on this planet remembered the weird happenings at all.
Lumina shook her head and brought her wrist communicator to her mouth. "Amorina, we have our orders."
A crackle of static and then the younger girl's voice came through, clear as a bell. "I hear you Lumina. I will return shortly. Found something interesting in the palace."
The line went dead as Amorina hung up.
Lumina went over to the balcony and looked up at the moon sadly. Its glow was dimmer than it should be. That meant that the Moon Princess was upset or in some sort of situation that caused her glow to lessen. Why?
A warm wind caressed her cheek and swirled her midnight purple hair. Lumina traced the glowing orange winds back to their source and waited for the blonde to speak.
"I'm here Lumina, now what are our orders before I tell you what I found."