Updated! Also I do NOT own Sailor Moon...

Chapter 3

Reunion

I didn't have to be told twice; I took off, Kaden following just behind me. As we ran I hoped that it wasn't another enemy attack. I wasn't sure if I was able to defend the planet without the aid of original Sailor Moon, although I could fight. Last time I had seen father collapse was when I was back in the past and he was Mamoru back then. It turned out that he had a curse, it was in the form of a black rose, and it was in his lungs. He had been "infected" because Helios had been as well, and Elysion too. Usagi winded up getting infected too. If not for the aid of the Golden Crystal all four would have expired.

"Where are they," I demanded as we ran.

"They are in the hospital ward," Palla said breathily. "That's why Queen Serenity left in such a hurry during dinnertime. As soon as Mercury gave Mina the call, Mina told your mother, and they both rushed to make sure that he was ok."

Palla, another of the Sailor Quartet, Sailor Pallas. She was the youngest of the Sailor Quartet, not being quite fifteen yet. Her light sky blue eyes held a child-like curiosity and playfulness about them, but she always surprised us by her ability to change mode when it came to her being a senshi, like she was someone else entirely. Her hairstyle was as unique as the eldest senshi in the quartet; she kept her light blue hair pulled up into a bun on top of her head, with two thin tightly winded like braids down each side with light blue ball like things on the end. She mostly only wore it like that in the palace.

Palla was also the only one who had parents and they worked outside of the Crystal Palace, but had connections to Ami. Which is how Ami found her. Palla's mom was friends with Ami through college, but they felt like sisters. The friend had told Ami about being pregnant with Palla and wanted to show Ami the baby after she was born. When Palla was about two or three, Ami's friends brought her daughter to see Ami for the first time. Recognizing the light blued eyed child as a planetary power holder, Ami decided kept tabs on the growth of the child and brought the mother to the palace not too long after I came back as a true guardian. Palla's mother had been proud to know that her daughter was a sailor warrior for the princess, and had agreed that, as long as Palla did well in her schooling, she was allowed to do her senshi duties and practices. They moved closer to the palace then. Palla often called Ami her aunt.

On the way to the palace's hospital wing, we happened to run into Ami. She was reading some charts as she walked. I was relieved to see her; if anyone could figure out, or knew, what was wrong with Dad she would know. I ran up to her to see if she could tell me anything.

"What is going on Ami? Is dad going to be ok? Is it another curse? What can we do to help him? Is there a way to even help him?" I knew bombarding her with questions wasn't going to help him, but I was too worried to really care. I felt Palla's hand on my shoulder in comfort, and Kaden had taken my hand.

"The king has just collapsed from over exhaustion," she replied, with a smile. "I have told him to rest for a few days that he is not to work for at least a week, although it's up to him to actually do as I have requested. He is just two doors behind you."

Ami, senshi of water and intellect, also Sailor Mercury. Her shoulder length hair was a bit darker than Palla's light blue hair, making most people think that Palla was Ami's love child, which aggravated Ami to no end, it didn't help that both their eyes were blue too.

She was the calmest, if not the shyest of the inner senshi, was the one well known for being the biggest voice of reason when it came to just about anything. She could also tell you just about anything you needed to know about… well everything! Of all the Sailor Guardians she was always the one to make sure that the Quartet and I did our homework diligently and efficiently, earning groans from us from time to time. One thing Ami wasn't good at, and the other Inner Senshi teased her about, was giving love advice. Her job was at the palace, and she had finally became a doctor that she had always aspired to be, even if it hadn't exactly been like she had originally planned to be in the past.

Her answer washed over me in relief, but then spiked another question; why was dad over exhausted? "Thank you, Ami," I told her, "I was really worried. I'm glad to know that he is okay."

Ami gave me a nod then continued walking, looking back at her charts. I turned to Palla and Kaden. "Palla, would you escort Prince Kaden, to his rooms? I would like to go check in on my father."

"Are you going to be ok," Palla asked me voice full of concern. "You look a little shaken up."

I nodded. "Your aunt says dad is ok, so I'll be ok too," I said trying to reassure myself more than her.

"If you need me or the others don't hesitate to call for us," she told me.

She turned to go; Kaden didn't say anything more to me but gave me one look before following after her. I watched them go before heading to the room. When I reached the door I hesitated with my hand on the handle. I was uncertain why but something felt off, I wasn't sure what it was but it was defiantly something, sinister. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind, and opened the door.

Mom and Artemis, a white cat with blue eyes, was with Dad, they were talking quietly. When I walked in, Mom looked up and smiled at me. When dad looked at me I had to hold back a gasp; he nearly looked more than frail. I stayed back, but I reached my hand out to him.

"Hello there my Princess," Dad said to me taking my hand. "Sorry to have worried you and your mom. I am doing ok and I plan on taking Ami's advice."

King Endymion, my father, was of average height for a man. His onyx black hair had turned lighter as the years passed by, looking more like sliver was in his hair, mom often joked that he was getting old. He was known to be soft spoken and was keen to listen intently to whatever someone had to say before taking action. It was rare for him to get mad or snap at anyone, which is why everyone said that I was so spoiled. He mostly wore white clothes around the palace, but in public he wore his lavender attire that looked much like a tuxedo and a simple white mask over his face, although they mostly looked like glasses.

"Your father and I decided that we will move our vacation a few weeks earlier. As soon as Queen Claire and her son leave we will pack our things and leave," mom said speaking up. "We thought we really needed the vacation after today's events."

"What of the palace and the other guardians," I inquired.

"Ami and Diana will be staying here as well as Setsuna," Dad answered. "Diana insisted she stay here."

"Diana has become a lot like her mother," Artemis, who was Diana's father, said with a slight chuckle. "I was surprised that she wanted to stay here, to be honest. Her main reason was because she wanted to do something for you, Princess Serenity. She told me, 'I want it to be my little surprise for the princess for when she comes home. It is something she dreams for most dearly.' That is all that she would tell me."

'A surprise for me, what could it be? What do I dream for most dearly?' I thought.

"She hasn't told anyone what it is, other than Setsuna who has been helping her," Mom added. "I offered my help but she insisted that only she and Setsuna could do it."

"Anyway," Dad continued, "Ami can contact us if she needs to, and using our powers we can simply transport ourselves back home. I will be making arrangements this week. Your mother wanted to go to the moon for one of our stops, but we will be going to other places as well. It's been awhile since we have seen your mom's earth mom too."

I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't wait to go, and it was the first time that I would be leaving the palace grounds in sometime, since I went to the past. I also hadn't seen my Grandmother in some time either. I felt sad for her; she lives in such solitude, and not in physical form. I haven't seen my other grandparents in sometime either, or uncle Shingo. I wondered how they were doing.

"I can't wait to go Papa!" I exclaimed. "I think we all need a break from our duties." 'I want to keep an eye on you too, Dad, I worried about this foreboding feeling that everyone else is feeling too,' I added in my mind.

"You can start getting ready whenever you want to," Dad told me, "just make sure you and your guardians are ready by the end of this week."

"No need to worry, I'll do my best to be ready on time," I promised.

Mom laughed, looking at Dad. "How many times have we heard that one, Mamo-Chan?"

Dad laughed with her. "I imagine that our little Usagi is very eager to go, Usako."

"Papa, I am not little anymore," I informed him scowling.

"Anyway," mom continued, "We will most likely be coming back a week just before our birthday, though we had originally planned to go after. When we get back I request that you help me plan for it."

"Will do, Momma," I promised her, "Can't wait. Thank you, Mom and Dad."

"Thank you, too, Lady Serenity," Dad said, smiling again, and then he yawned. "I think I need a nap, it certainly would help me rest and regain my strength."

I started to leave, but Dad stopped me and had a serious look on his face. "Daughter, I want to let you know that your mother and I both love you very much. Keep us forever in your heart."

I was confused, but didn't question his sudden change in mood as I replied, "Love you both two, Papa, and don't worry, I will."

I left, closing the door behind me. I stood at the door for a few minutes. I wasn't sure if I wanted to cry or seek out a friend, but I knew my heart was breaking, and I didn't want to admit to myself the one thing I never thought I would have to face for a long, long, long time; the passing of my parents. I knew it was some time before that would probably happen but after my dad collapsing, it felt like it was going to come soon.

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I didn't know what I wanted to do. I just walked, unsure of where I wanted to go, but my heart seemed to know. I found myself walking down to the "Garden of Serenity" and sat by my birthday tree, and just started crying. I let my mind go into its own little misery, Mom and Dad didn't have to tell me, I just sensed that their time was coming, and nothing could stop it. The Crystal wouldn't let them live forever; only a little longer, and no one knew just how much that longer would be.

I'm not sure how long I sat there crying, but it had grown dark and the moon was shining it brightest when I looked up. I felt like I could draw in on its strength, similar to how Sailor Moon always drew in her strength from Tuxedo Mask, and how Mom does from Dad. They always kept the other going, no matter how bad things got. Would I find someone like that for me? Could I find someone to take in the power of the Golden Crystal to help me when I'm in need? I sat staring at the moon till I fell asleep, bathed in its gentle white light.

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I woke up to a short haired furry face rubbing mine. It was a white winged horse, with a shiny golden horn atop its head. My eyes flew wide open when I recognized the creature, it could only mean one thing; I was still asleep, but my spirit was not home, I was in Elysion. It had been many years since I had seen this place. It surprised me that I was finally here.

"Pegasus, I have missed you so much," I told the beast, standing up and hugging him around his strong neck. "Where is your friend, Helios?"

Pegasus stamped a hoof on the ground, and gave a small whinny. I stroked his face. He seemed to like that as he pushed his face into my hands. I couldn't help but laugh at him as I continued to rub his face.

"I see that Pegasus found you before I had, Little Maiden," a voice said with laughter.

My eyes opened in shock. The owner of the voice was behind me, but I could recognize it anywhere. It was the one person I had been hoping to see again for a long time, the one man that my heart belonged to, as well as the only one I had ever kissed; Helios.

My feet felt frozen to the ground, my heart hesitant, and my mind blank. I wanted nothing more than to run into his arms and have him hold me. I wasn't sure if he felt the same for me though. Pegasus seemed to remember me; he hadn't left me since Helios found me.

"Pegasus, would you go search out Amara," Helios asked the alicorn, "we need to let her know that our supposed intruder has been found."

Pegasus neighed and pulled away from me. He took off in a gallop and was off in a flurry of feathers. I watched him go, remembering the time I had rode upon his back; though at the time he and Helios had been of one body due to a curse.

"It is good you see you again, little maiden," he said to me as Pegasus flew off. "I would like it to have been during a better time for you, and not when you have been under stress. Although, I must admit that I am a bit surprised that you were able to make it here on your own. As it has been many years since you have been here."

"I thought you had forgotten about me," I said quietly. I still had not moved from my spot, I didn't want him to see the tears that had suddenly came to my eyes upon hearing his voice. "To you it has probably been years since you have seen me, although to me it has only been three years."

"I couldn't forget about you, little maiden," Helios said sounding slightly startled. "In fact I have been trying to arrange a…" he paused then instead said, "I have wanted to see you for some time, I have just been looking for the right time to come see you, or for you to visit me here. Also I have been waiting for you to come back to this era."

"Really, you have?" I asked, finally turning to face him. "So you do know me? You have been waiting all this time for me, did the years seem long for you?"

Helios walked to me, as if hesitant. "Why do you cry Little Maiden?" He inquired.

"I do not know," I answered. "I'm just so glad to see you again." I looked down at my hands unsure of what else to say. There wasn't much to say and there was everything to say, silence was the best thing I felt I could do for the moment. Silence sometimes seems to stretch infinitely when there is so much to say though.

I had not noticed that Helios had come to me until I seen his hands come near mine and I looked up at him. He wiped away the tears from my face, as he did so, his amber eyes looked into mine, and I knew in that instant that he had been waiting for me and that he cared for me. He didn't have to say anything, I just... knew.

I hesitantly smiled at him. Then I noticed something that I hadn't noticed till just then. "You're taller," I remarked. I looked him over. He seemed a little older than I had last remembered him, his hands bigger and his body looked more, stout. We seemed to be more even in height, with him only a half a head taller than I; last time he was nearly a foot or so taller than me, having to get on his knees to actually look me in the eyes. His appearance hadn't changed all that much though, he had the same bluish, mostly white, tousled short hair and amber eyes, and his gem on his forehead was still there and as red as ever, like a shiny red ruby. He still wore his loose white priest like clothing with a dark blue ribbon like sash tied around his waist and had five blue tassels hanging on the chest of his shirt, clipped on with gold-like buttons.

"Strange isn't it?" Helios replied with a grin, it looked funny on him. I don't ever remember him grinning before. "And you look… like a beautiful young lady. I guess I shouldn't call you "little" maiden anymore," he said taking my hand and giving it a kiss. His touch sent a shiver down my spine, I had to suppress it.

"My friends simply call me Usagi; in court I am called Lady Serenity," I told him.

"Would you care to walk with me, my maiden?" he asked holding out his arm.

"I would love to kind sir," I replied with a small smile.

"We never really had the chance to talk and get to know each other," he told me, as we started walking. "I would love to be acquainted with the beautiful young maiden that had saved my life."

He seemed to be leading me toward the shrine, which happened to be a few acres away from us. Elysion was even more beautiful than I had last seen it. I was amazed by its beauty. There were lots of lush green wildlife, there were no birds but I'm sure they would have been singing their beautiful tunes of harmony. The shrine itself had golden hue to it; everything was also so bright and the air was clear and sharp.

"Let me start with…" I paused, thinking, "my full name. I am Usagi, Lady Serenity, crown princess of Silver Millennium, Daughter of Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion."

"Wow, sounds like that has been reversed many times," he remarked, but seemed impressed all the same.

"Rei has made sure that I am very proper," I told him, "I try to do my very best, I have always wanted to be a real lady, and it has always been my dream since I was little."

"I think you are very much a lady," Helios told me, "I have seen some of your dreams, and they are most beautiful dreams."

"Thank you," I said blushing, secretly hoping that he hadn't seen my dreams about him. "Anyway," I continued, "I live in a place on Earth called Crystal Tokyo, I am over nine-hundred years old; although I have very recently grown; my favorite color is pink and red, and I am a glutton for sweets, yet somehow have a high metabolism. My best friend is my cat Diana. I enjoy playing games. My favorite place to be is the "Garden of Serenity", and that's all I can think of at the moment."

"That's a lot to know about someone," he said with a smile. "I am, by far, older than you though."

"Are you really?" I said in surprise.

Helios nodded. "Yes. At the fall of the Silver Millennium, and death had befallen your father, Prince Endymion at the time, Queen Selene had used the Legendary Silver Crystal to have her daughter and the prince reborn into another time. The menaeds and I were put into a state of sleep, just as Artemis and Luna were. When Sailor Moon was found and awoken by Luna, that's when the menaeds and I awoke from our near eternal sleep. Endymion, Mamoru at the time, felt something from Sailor Moon. In his heart he already knew her, though he hadn't truly remembered her just yet, but I already knew and had decided that I would help guide them back to each other. I started praying, and prayed for the dreams that they had. Since Mamoru had not come into his full power yet, my power was too weak to actually be of any true help."

"After Queen Metalia was defeated and peace was restored I felt no more need to interfere, though I did continue to pray and watch over the prince and princess. It wasn't too long after that when you fell out of the sky, from this time. I saw everything then, but after that, just before you and Sailor Moon defeated the Black Moon and that solar eclipse happened I was put under Nehelenia's curse…" Helios paused and looked away his eyes not looking at anything in particular, as if remembering his terrible ordeal. "Other than the need to keep watch over Prince Endymion, one other voice kept me going; that voice was you, Princess Lady Serenity."

He stopped walking to turn me to look at him. His amber eyes seemed to be searching my soul. I was entranced by the way he was looking at me, and I could feel the heat in my cheeks as I felt a blush coming on.

"At the time, before you had healed me, I had not realized that it had been you that had been a part of the revelation that was sent to me about the Golden Crystal," he said in serious tone, "I reflect back on it now that, even though Sailor Moon was Princess Serenity, she was never called "Lady" by anyone. No one ever called you by full name, other than Chibi-Usa, but you held similar glow and power to her." He paused and took my hands. "Princess Lady Serenity, I feel it is necessary to ask you one thing," again he paused, as if searching for the right words to ask. "Back when I… kissed you, did you feel that I had stepped out of line or did you too feel something? I really need you to answer my question, Lady Serenity. My actions have been bothering me since I have acted upon them."

My heart already knew the answer, and my mother had always taught me to trust my heart and that it is my strongest ally. I wanted to word it right, so that there would be no confusion with my answer when I gave it to him. "I must confess that I was rather surprised, especially when you had been a Pegasus just moments before," I admitted, "but your kiss has stayed in my mind since then, no other man has had the chance to win my heart because… well, you are the one that has it. I know that we don't truly know each other, so in saying that, I can't say that what I feel for you is actually..." I didn't know what more to say to finish that thought, but it hung there like an elephant in a room. I wanted to tell him that I love him, but how can one love someone when they haven't really had the chance to get to know each other?

"I can understand that," Helios said looking away from me, looking a bit sad, and then turned back at me with a smile, "although it makes me immensely happy to hear you say that I have your heart. I think my mind can be at ease with you answer, my maiden. It will make it easier for me too…" he quickly trailed off.

"What about you?" I asked quietly, looking down at my feet. "How do you feel about me, Helios?"

His long fingers cupped my chin, and he gently tilted my face up to look at him. "I can defiantly say that I care about you, and that I feel a connection," he told me softly, "I can't say that it is love either, but I can defiantly tell you, without a doubt, that there is something in here," he pulled one of my hands to his chest. "Like a connection of two souls."

"Do you mean that?" I asked hopefully, feeling my heart pound. I could feel the warmth of his chest underneath my hand.

Helios nodded his eyes never leaving mine. "Every word," he answered with conviction, gently squeezing my hand, as if to confirm his words.

He started to lean down to kiss me, when we heard Pegasus neighing at us happily. I blushed and Helios stepped back. That was the second time today that something interrupted a kiss that I was about to receive. I just couldn't be mad at Pegasus though. He was too handsome of a beast to have a temper toward.

"Did you alert Amara to our guest," Helios asked Pegasus, giving him a pat on his neck. Pegasus gave a loud neigh, pawed the ground, and bobbed his head up and down, as if saying yes in an impatient manner. I couldn't help but giggle at him. Helios smiled.

"Pegasus seems to be very smart," I remarked. "He is handsome too."

Pegasus leaned toward me when I said that, when he did Helios chuckled. It was a nice deep sound; I hadn't heard him laugh before either. "I think you just made his day, my maiden."

I was beginning to like the way he was calling me his maiden, it made my heart a little fuzzy, kind of the same way mom explained the way she and dad calls each other Usako and Mamo-chan. I wondered what nickname I could make from Helios's name. I would need to remember to make up one when I got the chance.

"I think that we need to get going," Helios said as he rubbed the white beast. "I do not know when you will wake up my maiden, but I hope to spend some time with you before you stir from your slumber." He held out his hand. "Do you need help getting on Pegasus, Lady Serenity?" He asked me.

"Yes please. With this dress on, it is hard to climb on," I replied blushing for what seemed like the hundredth time.

Helios smiled, and then put his hands around my waist, easily lifting me up onto Pegasus. He got on after me, setting just behind me, my back against his chest. I almost wondered if he could feel my heart hammering inside my chest. Helios took ahold of Pegasus's reigns and put an arm around me. "I just want to assure you that Pegasus is perfectly reliable."

"I trust him, he is a good boy," I told him, then added jokingly, "Just don't let go of me. I should hate to die here away from my body."

"You can always trust me, my Maiden," he murmured in my ear, making my heart skip a beat. Then he gave a gentle tug on Pegasus's reigns and the alicorn took off at a fast gallop. The rush of the wind felt good against my face. I felt like I myself was running. In moments Pegasus spread his wings and we were off the ground in seconds. I could hear the flap of his powerful wings as he ascended. I wondered if it was tiring to carry both of us.

"I have forgotten how beautiful it was up here," I told Helios, in awe. "If only I could do this more often. Daybreak cannot fly like Pegasus can, but I wish she could."

"I would love to grant that wish, if it were within my power," Helios told me. "When I am I able I would like to… um…" he stopped talking midsentence, and then said, "My maiden, do you like it here? Your father used to. He would roam the halls with his four generals assigned to guard him, just like your mother's four closest guardians. The Golden Palace used to stand a couple miles from here; I visited often but never really came in contact with your father. He was a very wise and defined prince, well respected and loved by nearly all."

"It was a shame what became of them later," I said. "But going back to what you were saying, what do you mean by 'when I am able'?

Helios didn't answer for a minute. "I believe you misheard me, Lady Serenity," he finally said. "I said that if I were able I would like to."

I didn't correct him but I was positive that he had said 'when I am able' and not if, but I decided to drop it, for now. Eventually, I leaned into him and closed my eyes just taking it all in, hearing the rush of the wind in my ears. I wish I could get to know Helios better; there must be a way for us to be together. I felt Helios tighten his grip around my waist when I had leaned further into him.

"You know Lady Serenity," Helios said speaking up again, "I think you are a beautiful young lady. The dress you are wearing makes you look so mature and feminine."

I had forgotten about me wearing my "ladylike" dress, as I had call it. I recalled what Cere had said to me, 'It was a good thing that you chose the long dress, your legs are enough to drive the men insane. Men like a girl with curves in all the right places.' I wondered, if not for the first time, how exactly Helios feels about me. I had looks but did he care for my personality or my looks. I couldn't say for sure, although I'm sure that it the former and not the latter.

"Think you, Helios," I said softly, unsure of what else to say.

Soon Pegasus descended toward the ground and landed. Helios slid off of Pegasus, and then turned around to get me. He put his hands on my waist, but he didn't take me off Pegasus right away. He was standing there, looking at me with his hands there on my waist. "Serenity, I... Uh..." he paused, and I noticed that he was turning slightly pink in the cheeks. "Never mind," he finally said looking away. He took me down from Pegasus, who then went off to graze, but not before pushing Helios slightly closer to me. We stood by the shrine's entrance for a few minutes. Helios had not taken his hands off my waist.

"Helios, are you ok," I asked hesitantly.

He nodded, finally looking up at me. He looked pained, almost hesitant. "I am just thinking about something, my Maiden. There is no need to be concerned about me."

I brought one of my hands up to his face and placed it gently on his cheek, I was almost afraid that he would back away with the look that he was giving me. "We can't say that what we have is love, but I can defiantly say that I am falling for you," I told him with a smile.

He returned the smile and put his forehead on mine. "Is that so? I'll tell you a little secret." He lowered his face till our lips were nearly touching, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt my heart pounding hard in my chest and vaguely wondered if he could hear it. "I have already fallen for you, my maiden," he said gently, in almost a whisper. Then he gave me a sweet gentle kiss.

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"Usagi, are you ok," came a deep distraught male voice, "please answer me."

I woke up to see myself in my father's arms; we were in the Garden of Serenity. It was weird to see my dad looking so worried. He is usually so calm and collected.

"Dad what's wrong," I asked, my words all in slur from sleep.

"Everyone has been looking for you," my father explained, starting to look relieved. "You have been gone for nearly three hours. I found you almost a half an hour ago, and have been trying to wake you up for some time now. I thought you had been lost to us, but I think I know where you were, so to speak."

"I came out here to… have a moment to myself," I told him, not wanting him to know my true intent in coming here, "I winded up falling asleep."

"You have been crying," he noted, looking at my eyes. "Why? Did someone hurt you, Usagi?"

"No dad, just feeling… like I am a little lonely," I admitted, at the same time not telling him the full true reason.

"Usagi, you are never alone," he told me. "Your mother and I are with you and you have your senshi and Pluto as well as Diana."

"I don't mean like that," I said setting up. "While it is true that, I have Cere and the others, I am not alone when it comes to protecting this world, but I'm talking about lonely as in… more than needing simple friendship, like what you and Momma share."

A look of surprise appeared on my dad's face. "You are feeling lonely because… you don't have someone to love?" He inquired and then went on to say, "You have never taken an interest to anyone or otherwise your mother and I would have been making arrangements for you to see each other more often. That is partly why Kaden and his family is here, by your mom's request."

"That's because…" I paused, hesitant to tell him who I really cared for.

"Because of what?" dad pressed, encouragingly.

"The one in my heart is Helios," I finally admitted with a sigh, looking down at my hands. "I don't even think it's possible for us to be together. He has he own separate duties… His place is in Elysion, just as my place is here in the palace."

"I have been aware of that for some time," he told me calmly, much to my shock and I looked back up at him. "I knew that you would tell me eventually, in your own time, when you were ready. I have not told your mother; I know how she and her closest guardians can be. I think she knows that you have someone you like, but does not know who."

"How did you know about it?" I asked, still a bit surprised that Dad already knew.

"Through my connection with Helios," he answered simply.

"I'm sorry," I said looking back down at my hands. "I have been feeling for some time that I should let you and mom know about my… love issue, as the Quartet and Diana have been calling it," I heard dad give a small chuckle, I gave a quick half smile too. "I have just been unsure on about how to go about the subject. That and with my new duties to keep me busy, love has not been in my top few priorities."

"Usagi," dad said bringing me into a hug. "No one can help who they fall in love with. Just like your mother and me. She and I were forbidden to fall in love. She was from the moon and I from Earth, forbidden to even see the other."

"Yes that may be true," I countered, "but you could still fulfill your duties, as you both still do."

He let me go. "Where there is a will there is a way," Dad told me with a smile, touching my nose. "Tell you what; I will try to see what I can do. I don't want to see my daughter sad. In the meantime, go see him as often as you like, as long it does not interfere with your studies, that's my only request. It will be our little secret." He gave me a wink and I beamed.

"Thank you, Papa!" I exclaimed grinning, giving him a big hug.

#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*

Together, Dad and I left the garden. He and I talked no more about Helios, instead we talked about vacation, and about all the things we would like to do. I had almost forgotten what it was like to talk to my dad. It wasn't at all like talking to Momma.

We headed to my room; Dad said that he had told Mom to wait there while he went to go find me. I was not sure what to tell her when we arrived there. She was setting on my bed looking at a picture that sat on my nightstand. It was a picture of Eternal Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask and me, as Eternal Sailor Chibi Moon. It was a pose we had done after our battle with Nehelenia was over, Sailor Venus had taken the picture. When we walked in she looked up and relief seemed to wash over her.

"Lady Serenity," she said walking over to me and embracing me into a rather crushing hug, "I was so worried. Ami said that she had seen you take off and you looked sad. No one needs to be alone when they are sad." Dad gave a little 'ah-hem' and Mom looked at him, and he mouthed 'tell her.' "Ah yes," mom said. "I wanted to tell you that arrangements have been made and we will be leaving as soon as Monday, which will be in three days' time."

"That's great mom!" I said excitedly, "I can't wait for the three of us to spend some time together."

"It's been a long day," Dad commented. "I think it is time we go to bed soon."

"I agree with you Mamo-Chan," Mom said to Dad, then turned back to me. "Oh! I almost forgot! Prince Kaden was worried about you too. I told him that he could come see you when we left. That is, if you are up to it Usagi?"

I nodded. It was nice of him to care, though I now know the reason. "Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing him."

Mom smiled, and I then wondered if she thought I had feelings for him. If mom did, she wasn't telling or asking, and I wouldn't be telling her either. After both gave me a hug they left my room promising that we would have a family outing with our guest tomorrow afternoon. I went to my mirror to start taking down my hair, which was starting to get some tangles in it. I was nearly finished when I heard a knock on my door. When I opened up the door Kaden was there and was holding some ivory colored roses for me.

"I thought I would get some roses for the beautiful Lady Serenity," he said, holding out the roses. "You were sad earlier before your dad had collapsed; I thought they would brighten your evening."

I smiled genuinely and took them. "Thank you, Kaden, they are beautiful. Would you like to come in and have a seat?"

His cheeks turned a little pink, he almost looked embarrassed that I had asked such a question. "Are you sure? I don't think your father would approve."

"As long as the door is open, you will have no problems with my father," I told him with a laugh. "Besides my guardians, as well as my mom's guardians, check up on me often."

"I wanted to ask you something," he said, finally walking in after thinking that over.

"What would that be," I inquired, going back to the mirror to take down the rest of my hair, but looked at him occasionally just so that he would know that I was listening.

"I wondered if you have feelings for someone else," he began, "I ask because I noticed that you had looked a little relieved that Freckles had interrupted me from my kiss, and the way you talk about this Helios person you seem to mention and get sad after mention his name."

Surprised by his inquiry, I looked at him through the mirror, not stopping what I was doing. "Yes," I finally replied quietly after a moment's pause. "The reason why is because someone already has my heart."

"I thought so… it was hidden in some of your comments you made earlier..." he said in a sad voice, looking away from me. Then he stood up, and walked over to me and got on his knees beside me. "Then I would like to make a request that you spend some time with me to give me a chance at winning your heart."

I finished taking down my hair, which was now wavy from it setting in braids for a few hours. "Your efforts would be in vain," I told him quickly.

"I still want to try," he insisted, taking my hands "that is, if you would let me, Princess Lady Serenity."

I sighed, and thought about it for a moment. I didn't think it would hurt, maybe it would be fun. I could spend time with Kaden and have some fun and then see Helios of the evenings. To top it off, Kaden would already know that I already have a lover, so it would make it a bit easier.

"I guess," I conceded, "but on two conditions."

"Anything," he said eagerly. "You name it and I will be happy to oblige."

"First off, please do not call me maiden," I ordered, I wanted to be Helios's maiden and no one else's, "and second please try not to bring up our past, what has been done cannot be changed, and I have forgiven you."

"I will Lady Serenity," Kaden vowed, taking one of my hands to his lips to give it a kiss.

It was weird that he was so eager to jump to my request. I guess that since I had grown up physically really helped him change his mind. He was being more of a gentleman now than he was when I looked younger. I wondered how long he would actually wait to see if I would choose him. Kaden's actions also made me remember the comment that Cere had made earlier.

I put my hand over my mouth to hide a fake yawn. "I am very tired, Kaden," I said, "I wish to sleep."

He stood up, and bowed to me. "I shall be taking my leave then," he said, "I shall see you in the morning, Lady Serenity."

After he left, I got up and closed my door. I turned my back to it and leaned against it. I have never felt happier than I did then, to be in the confines of my room. It had been such a long day. Lots of weird things had been going on. First Kaden admitting his feelings, and then Dad collapsing and being put on bed rest, then seeing Helios, and then Kaden telling me he was going to fight for my affection. The only bright thing to today's events was dad giving me permission to see Helios whenever and the thought of vacation.

Sighing I went to my closet and changed into my night dress, then went to my bed. I hoped tomorrow would be better. I didn't want any more surprises thrown in my direction, nor did I want any more confusion clouding my judgment of the heart.

NOTES: Most of what I have typed is from the Manga version, (before the Sailor Moon Crystal anime), with a few things from the 'original' anime

The Shrine Maidens of Elysion were not given official names but I figured that they should have. One means sun and the other means eternal

Helios: I'm not sure if Helios is the guardian of dreams in the manga, but he is in the anime, and I like the idea so I let him "keep" that job, also he has to have some part of a past, though it's never written in too much detail; such as; was he reborn? Was he "stuck" at the same age until Endymion learned of who he truly was? When did he reawaken? There are mysteries shrouding him. Although if anything needs correcting please let me know (Honestly I wish she would divulge deeper into his back story... although they might for Sailor Moon Crystal, who knows... )