Chapter 4
Over the next few months Makoto and Nobuyuki courted carefully. Being away on tour with Haruka and Michiru made it difficult to stay positive - Nobuyuki had returned to Japan on the same day that the three women had left China for their next lot of performances.
During her time with touring with the outers, Makoto learned she had a talent for playing the keyboard. As she practiced, Haruka and Michiru gave each other secretive, knowing looks which confused Makoto, but she shrugged it off.
Six months soon flew by and before they knew it they were heading for home. Makoto was nervous. The other Senshi had already told her that the rest of the Shitennou had also returned to Japan, having all decided to settle there and that they had already begun rekindling their relationships with the Senshi.
Makoto turned to Haruka on the plane while Michiru was asleep on Haruka's shoulder. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sounds serious."
"Back in China, when I woke up to find Nouyuki in my room he gave me back my memories of the Silver Millennium."
Haruka didn't look surprised to hear it. "And?"
"I married him," she said, "and you not only gave me away, but he asked you for permission, as my guardian and sister, to marry me." She looked at Haruka, expecting an answer to her underlying question. Instead of answering directly, Haruka asked Makoto to bring her hand luggage down from the storage compartment. Makoto obliged and handed it to her. .
"I'm glad we did not use paper in silver millennium," Haruka said as she pulled out an ancient-looking document.
Makoto smirked. "Well it would have deteriorated beyond recognition now."
Haruka passed the document to Makoto and Makoto read it carefully.
The last will and testament of Queen Hera and King Zeus
We leave all our worldly possessions from Uranus and Jupiter to our two daughters, princesses Ziarre and Corentine.
Ziarre is to rule Uranus and Corentine Jupiter when they come of age at twenty one years old, but for now they are to be put in the care of Queen Serenity who is to act as their legal guardian, should anything happen to us before the girls are twelve years of age.
Corentine is set to marry a king of earth when her sixteenthh year of birth encroaches. This is a pre-arranged agreement which might be prevented should Queen Serenity deem the friendship and alliance with Earth to be in doubt.
There is no such arrangement for Ziarre - she is free to make the decision herself. Once Ziarre comes of age, she will take on the role of legal guardian of Corentine.
Finally, Ziarre is to be bequeathed the space sword and Corentine the oak of Jupiter.
Makoto read the letter and then sat for a while, contemplating the implications of it in stunned silence. "Wow, so you are my sister and my guardian?"
"I am."
"Is that why you've always looked out for me?" When she thought about it, Haruka had always been more generous with her time and affections when it came to Makoto.
Haruka nodded and put the old documentation securely back in its zip lock bag and in the hand luggage.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"Because I remembered the past and you didn't. You suffered a lot back then, and you lost your parents in this life, too. For you to find out that I was your sister back in the Silver Millennium would mean you would have to remember everything, and until the memories were triggered into resurfacing, I didn't want to burden you."
"I was never really alone, was I? Just like back then, we always had the light of each other," Makoto smiled.
The PA system activated. "We are now arriving in Tokyo, please gather all your personal belongings. Your luggage will be with you shortly after the plane has fully landed and everyone has disembarked. Thank you for flying with Air Japan."
When they arrived in the airport Nobuyuki was waiting alongside the other senshi, Shittenou, Mamoru and Usagi. Hugs and kisses were shared all around, but when Makoto finally reached Nobuyuki she smiled at him as he passed her a bouquet of flowers. "Welcome home, Sparky," he grinned and then they embraced.