Have a Little Faith Chapter 2
Sadly I still do not own Sailor Moon. =( do I need to cry yet?
(So here is the second chapter. I hope the last one set the tone for everyone if the epilogue wasn't clear enough in Sometimes You Just Need to Believe. I am really excited about this sequel even though it is not going to be exactly like the other story. There is so much to do to get to my goal. ^_- I can't wait to take you there!)
The preta melody signaled that dinner was in an hour or so. Dinners in the palace were so formal. Everything about Kinmoku was actually. It had taken everyone a lot of getting used to. Various protocol such as how to address certain title holders were confusing at first.
Haruka sat behind Michiru on their bed and brushed out her aqua locks lovingly. It was something tender and somewhat sensual that they both enjoyed. Somehow it could also be relaxing. Haruka liked to keep such feminine signs of affection secret.
Haruka helped Michiru into a lovely floor-length blue gown with silver accents. Michiru took to applying her make-up while Haruka donned a plain black suit with a matching blue shirt and black tie. She did take time with her hair. One thing Haruka was feminine about and extremely vain about at times was her hair. It took perfection for her to be satisfied. Hearing Michiru stir Haruka rushed to her side. "What can I get for you?"
Michiru giggled softly. "I was standing up to get some earrings and a necklace from the jewelry box."
"Tell me which ones you want. I'll get them for you."
"Ruka, I'm pregnant, not an invalid."
Haruka gave a nervous smile. Ever since they had arrived on Kinmoku she and Zoicite had been reading whatever books they could find about proper diet, exercise, and rest for a safe pregnancy. It seemed like neither slept unless they were caring for Michiru or Setsuna by laying with them in bed for comfort's sake.
The dining hall was decorated in an array of pinks, yellows, and golds. 'I wonder who Priest Helios is bringing tonight. It sounded so urgent," Kakyuu-hime thought as she gave her nod of approval to the staff.
Makoto and Motoki were the first to arrive and take to their seats. Makoto was nervous about her belled sleeves falling into her food. This mossy green gown had only just been finished for her and she did not want to ruin it in one night.
Soon to follow were Taiki and Ami. Everyone had noticed how close the two of them had been lately, and the ring Ami tried to hide, though no one dared say a word. They probably had good reason to keep it a secret. Ami was wearing a mermaid cut pastel blue gown. She had never gone with a strapless dress before and seemed self-conscious about it. Taiki held her chair out so she could sit. He was always such a gentleman to her.
Jaedite and Nephrite led Setsuna and helped her into her seat before taking their respective seats. Rei was not far behind and took a seat beside Nephrite. The two were not openly dating, though rumors were running around. Rei was in a glitzy red spaghetti strap gown.
Setsuna followed wearing a black gown with dark green trimmings. A black mourning hat with a slight veil sat gracefully on her head. The veil scarcely covered her eyes.
Haruka came into the room and aided Michiru into her chair before taking her seat next to her. She very openly placed her hand over Michiru's on the table. Kinmoku was more accepting of these unions than Earth, and the delighted couple were already planning their wedding.
Kunzite walked in with Zoicite. While they were both still in uniform as were Jaedite and Nephrite, Zoicite had taken his hair down and was sporting some lip gloss and eye shadow on his practically perfect face.
Minako and Yaten entered giggling like schoolgirls over something. They were holding hands like dear friends and walking very close to one another. They were dressed in practically identical long gowns with spaghetti straps. Minako was in gold while Yaten was in emerald.
Kakyuu-hime entered and greeted them in her usual attire. The friends all began to stand but Kakyuu motioned for them to stop. A smile brighter than any ever seen on her face save for her reunion with her Starlights on Earth took over her face. "We are still waiting for Galaxia-hime and Priest Helios who is bringing a guest of honor. Though he was not specific with the details of who this person was, I think they may be involved in the holiday preparations for next year."
"Guest of honor," Rei asked. She cut herself off when she saw the man who had entered the room with Helios. "Ma…Mamoru-san?"
Before Jaedite or Nephrite could stop her, Setsuna rose to her feet. As fast as her legs would carry her she ran before Rei had even gotten Mamoru's name out of her mouth, Setsuna was by his side, "Mamoru!"
"Sets," Mamoru said as her wrapped his arms around the woman he loved. He could feel the warm liquid of her tears covering his shirt. He enjoyed the embrace even if her nails were digging into him painfully. He was overjoyed by the small bump in her belly pressing into him. He had been wondering why Endymion had not been in his mind until he spoke with Helios, but to actually see Setsuna glowing with her pregnancy was a feeling unlike any he had ever known.
"How are you…" Makoto started.
"I really have no idea," Mamoru answered. "All I remember was a woman's voice telling me I was denied entry into the Underworld"
"Hotaru-chan!" Minako jumped up.
"I doubt it," Mamoru said. "This woman was, well not a child. She was not dressed as a Sailor Senshi either. She was veiled in shadow as well. Scanning the room he had expected two faces to be missing, but when the little girl with the violet eyes and hair was not in sight his heart sank. "She did it in the end, didn't she?"
"Yes, but she…" Michiru was cut off by an overjoyed Haruka. "She wanted US for parents! She turned into a mist and flowed into Michiru! Isn't that wonderful?"
"So, Mamoru-san, where have you been all this time," Kakyuu asked.
Before Mamoru could answer a woman of incredible beauty entered the room.
Galaxia was wearing her humble white gown and had her long two toned hair pulled back into two long braids held together in three places traced down her back. "You're the man with the Golden Star Seed!"
Not recognizing her with her hair down and sadness instead of hatred in her eyes, Mamoru was nearly at a loss for words. "I'm sorry…Have we met?"
"Mamoru-san, that is the fully healed and restored Galaxia," Minako said smiling widely.
"She's really nice, but kind of shy," Makoto added.
Galaxia blushed and took her seat beside Kakyuu-hime. She bowed her head low, but a hand set on top of her own. It was Kakyuu's way of reassuring her that Mamoru would be as forgiving as everyone else had been. Kakyuu was always doing things to remind Galaxia that she was accepted as a friend. 'But this feels like so much more,' Galaxia thought. 'Or perhaps its just because I've never really had a friend before that it feels so strong.'
"So then Helios, what traditions have you come up with for Shori Day?" Kakyuu smiled at the priest.
"Well the sun known as Shori should be just before it's full peak," Helios said with a grin. "There should be a grand parade with the Duke and Duchess. Serenity should deliver a speech in full regalia as the Angel Cosmos. The pair should sit at a place of honor near you for a traditional ceremony commemorating the day. This will be followed by a bestowal of gifts from a procession of the people. After the sun of Shori sets, there should be a grand festival much like today's culminating in a fireworks display."
"That sounds fantastic," Mamoru said unaware of what Shori Day was, though the angel reference combined with the name Serenity gave him a pretty good idea that it had something to do with Usagi.
"The Duchess Serenity will be reluctant to deliver a speech," Haruka said. "Poor, koneko-chan."
"I remember how much it took to get her to agree to her bridal speech," Rei said.
Minako burst into laughter as Yaten imitated the face Usagi had made when she first found out she would have to give the speech.
Kakyuu couldn't help but smile. The smiles exchanged by Haruka and Michiru were unmistakable as well. Those two were smitten with each other but had no idea what to do about it since they were both girls and had never thought of "that" type of relationship. Kakyuu even found herself giggling a little bit in spite of herself.
'So Usako is not only a bride, but a Duchess…She has been bestowed royal status.' Mamoru recalled Setsuna's words, 'Usagi cannot become queen because she is not of royal blood, but somehow her daughter can. The details are rather sketchy at best even to me.' A smile widened on his face.
Usagi nuzzled into Seiya. His arms were wrapped tightly around her. The first sun, Shori, the star of victory…Seiya's star, was rising. The first week had come and gone. Tonight, Seiya had told Usagi that they were going to go and see something rare. 'I wonder what it could be…'
"Mmmm…" Seiya stirred from his sleep pulling Usagi closer. His eyes remained closed, but he was waking up. It took Seiya almost as much effort to wake up as it could take Usagi.
The scent of breakfast flowed from the kitchen. On Kinmoku, breakfast and lunch were more important than dinner, unless it was a special occasion. Most weddings, such as Usagi and Seiya's took place mid day for this reason. Breakfast was usually filled with pastries and fresh fruit. The pastries were much like those on Earth and filled with fruit or various crèmes. Fruit syrups were always drizzled over top them.
Usagi nuzzled into Seiya's neck a bit and took in his scent. Without warning he rolled on top of her with his devilish grin. Usagi melted into his kisses and they let go to their passions. Every morning since they arrived had been like this and Usagi treasured it. Neither of them wanted it to change. When their morning "antics" were done, Seiya took his shower as Usagi dressed into a soft knee-length white sundress with pink trimmings at it's empire waistline. She allowed her hair to settle under three twisting braids. As odd as it seemed to her, she was really enjoying wearing her hair differently on some days. She did make sure to give Seiya his odangos on occasion though.
Once Seiya was dressed, he kissed his bride before clasping her hand and escorting her to the dining hall. Once they had finished breakfast, Seiya took out a cloth that could be compared to silk and blindfolded Usagi. He gently guided her outside and across a field. When he removed the blindfold Usagi squealed with delight. Two bright orange unicorns with golden horns and manes stood saddled and ready for a leisurely ride.
"Oh, Seiya, they're beautiful. They're just like the ones from our wedding procession!" Usagi leaned up and kissed Seiya sweetly on his eager lips.
Seiya helped Usagi onto her unicorn before he mounted his own. The two kicked their heels to the side of the muscular thighs of the magnificent animals and the unicorns took off into a nice trot. Seiya was unsure of Usagi's riding skills so he kept the pace slow. Soon it became obvious this was a good idea because she was struggling to keep mounted even during the trot.
Michiru was laying down across her bed sketching out what she wanted Hotaru's nursery to look like, when she felt a flutter in her belly. It felt like someone had gently flicked her with their finger, but from within her slightly swollen belly. "Ruka, come quick!"
Haruka rushed to Michiru's side worried that something was wrong until she saw the smile across her lovers face.
"Ruka, I think Hotaru just Kicked!"
"That's amazing!" Haruka came to touch her hand to Michiru's belly.
"I don't think you can feel it outside for a while."
"I don't care, I just want her to know I'm here."
"Of course she knows, Ruka. She chose us."
"Yes, she chose us." Haruka smiled wide before leaning in for a kiss. Haruka was not good at using words to express how happy she was, but it was written all over her face. 'Hotaru actually chose us to be her parents! I love you so much my little firefly!'
Kunzite and Zoicite were resting comfortably in each other's arms. They were sipping tea on the balcony of their private suite. The second sun was now at it's peak.
"Were you really taking notes when you were helping Usagi plan her wedding," Kunzite asked with a sly look in his eyes.
A huge blush came across Zoicite's face.
"I thought so." Kunzite stood up and knelt to one knee presenting his love with a lovely wrapped box.
Zoicite had a good idea what was inside and tears of happiness trickled down his face.
"Yes, Zoicite. I never had a chance before, but I wanted to express my love for you in this way. Kinmoku accepts our love openly and I want to proclaim it publicly."
Zoicite opened the box to find a yellow gold band with a princess cut fire diamond stone.
Kunzite placed the ring on Zoicite's left ring finger and before he could even ask the pressing question he found Zoicite's arms wrapped around him as he cried yes between sobs. Kunzite wrapped his arms around Zoicite in turn and thought, 'Finally we can be a married couple.'
As the three suns began to set, Usagi and Seiya came upon a clearing that had already been laid out with torch lights and an outdoor dining set lait out with fine linens. The food smelled amazing. Seiya dismounted his unicorn and tied him to a tree before helping Usagi down. He then showed her how to tie the unicorn so it could move around comfortably. They each took a piece of fruit from the table and fed their eager four-legged friends.
Together they enjoyed sharing tiny bits of food with one another. As the final sun set, Usagi stared around in awe, completely forgetting about the food. Knowing Usagi as he did he realized he had chosen the perfect thing to show her and a smile spread across his face. As Seiya watched her her grin grew wider as did her eyes.
"Seiya, what is it?"
"Those are phoenix hatchlings, Odango," Seiya said standing to pull her close to him. "Here on Kinmoku they only hatch on this one night a year. I wanted you to see the hatchlings take flight."
"They're beautiful!" Usagi's eyes danced underneath the fire lit sky of the hatchlings. "We had a legend on Earth about the phoenix. They don't die. They grow old and then burst into flames to be born anew right away."
"Ours come from, and return to, flame. Seiya wrapped his arms around Usagiand beamed as she sank into his embrace. Her hands dug into his sides and she twirled her finger around the secret spot at his side just by his pant line that she knew drove him mad. Once again, the couple made love under the stars, only this time, they did so as new life sprung up all around them.