Preparations

Just before they entered the temple Kiyoko stopped and turned to Yaten, "Whatever happens in here, DO NOT try and argue with Sailor Mars. Let me do that." Yaten agreed reluctantly and the two of them entered the Temple of the Silver Millennium. Kiyoko's breath was still taken away by the beauty here. The roses still hung everywhere among the silver and golden tapestries.

Yaten, walking behind her remarked, "I see where the inspiration for the temple on Estara came from. It's beautiful." Kiyoko agreed and the two continued toward the fire room that was adjacent to the main alter room.

Standing outside the door Kiyoko knocked softly. Rei's voice came from within, sounding exhausted, "Come in Kiyoko."

She wanted to laugh because that was normally her, but she didn't. Instead Kiyoko slipped off her shoes and slid open the door. She entered, seeing Rei sitting in front of the fire, not in her Fukui, but in the temple garb she'd been wearing since youth. Yaten quietly stood in the doorway. Kiyoko went and sat down next to Rei, "I here that you've been here most of the time since we spoke."

Not looking away from the fire Rei replied, "Yes. Makoto and Ami both came to see me, but yes." Poor Rei looked as weary as she sounded.

Fearing the worst, Kiyoko pushed forward, "Have you found any answers? What has the fire shown you?" She looked into it herself, feeling its energy.

Rei exhaled, "It has shown me their deaths…. Again and again…. It has shown us attempting their resurrection…." She paused here and looked at Kiyoko heavily.

Swallowing, Kiyoko replied, "It has? And does it show us as successful?" She knew by that look that Rei knew the piece of information she wasn't sharing. Of course, Setsuna most likely knew as well, but hadn't said anything obviously.

Rei shook her head, "I can't get a read on the outcome at all…. That is why I haven't left here. I keep searching for it, but it is hidden from me."

Feeling sympathy, Kiyoko put her hand on Rei's shoulder, "We can't know how everything will turn out. But you look exhausted. Why do you come back to my chambers and you can take a nice hot bath and prepare for the meeting in a few hours."

Rei looked at Kiyoko and replied, "Advice from one psychic to another?" They laughed together and then Rei continued, "Alright. That sounds like an excellent idea. Are you avoiding your mother?" She laughed again as she took in the look on Kiyoko's face, "I don't think there's a single person in this castle that doesn't know about what happened on the moon." Kiyoko nodded with resignation and she, Rei, and Yaten all walked to her quarters. Yaten excused herself and promised to be waiting for her when the time came. Though, interestingly enough she didn't head into her room, but down the hall. Kiyoko wondered where she was going, but tried to stay focused on helping Rei prepare and preparing herself.

*Yaten*

Yaten knew that Kiyoko was leaving something out from observing her all day. She also knew that based on what everyone was saying and that encounter with Sailor Mars, that more than likely the spell would be performed. So she headed to the communications room to see if she could reach Seiya herself. When she entered Sailor Vesta, one of the Asteroid group was on duty. When Yaten asked to use the room privately Vesta seemed hesitant, but agreed. Luckily the system was the same as the one on Estara thanks to Taiki and the others. Yaten connected with Estara and Taiki appeared on the screen, "Hey Taiki."

His voice tight, Taiki replied, "Yaten, has a decision been made? Seiya told me what's going on, but no one else knows."

This relieved Yaten, she didn't want to worry Ruka and Endo or their people unnecessarily, "No, not yet. They meet on it in a couple of hours. Is Seiya around?"

Taiki had a serious look on her face, "What's wrong Yaten?" She could tell something was weighing on her mind. Yaten just shook her head. Taiki sighed, "She just finished sitting in on a council meeting for the Queen. I'll get her." With that Taiki disappeared from the screen. Yaten groaned internally. Seiya hated those meetings, hopefully she wasn't irritable from it.

A few minutes later Seiya sat down and appeared on screen, "What's up Yaten? Taiki said there'd been no decision yet."

Yaten was thankful that Seiya didn't seem ill tempered. She spoke, "No, not yet. But I wanted to talk to you." Seiya got a worried look on her face. Yaten continued, "I have been observing things that concern me, though I'm not withdrawing my support. But I wanted to consult with you." Seiya nodded and told Yaten to go on, so she did, "To begin with, I thought you should know that it appears Kiyoko has garnered enough support to do this."

Seiya wore a mixture of worry and pride, "I should've known she'd convince the others. When she sets her mind to something." She shook her head a little.

Yaten continued, "Second, I'm concerned after listening to her discuss things with her sister this morning. It sounds like Kiyoko intends to limit who is there to witness this event, but that it will be extremely draining for her. She also intends to take on the more complex part of the work." She debated about telling her of her suspicion that Kiyoko was leaving something out, but decided it didn't benefit Seiya to tell her at this point. This was going to happen, so she would just keep a watchful eye.

Seiya sighed, "She's always so insistent on taking the most risk. Even if I tried to speak to her, it wouldn't change anything. How badly do you think it will drain her?"

Weighing what she'd observed and what she knew of Kiyoko Yaten responded, "It's my belief that the drain will be extreme. Honestly, I wish you were here to support her."

Seiya desperately wished that too. She knew it was right for her to be on Estara. She also knew that Kiyoko would insist on quick action if this was going to go through, so even if she could leave now it would be pointless. However, Kiyoko doing something so draining made Seiya worry. She knew that she needed support. She asked Yaten, "Who do you think she's going to allow there?"

Thinking back, Yaten responded, "I can't say for complete certain. But if I had to guess: herself, Queen Serenity, Usagi, the four Inner Senshi, and myself possibly. And to be blunt, I think the only reason she'll allow me to be there is because of Estara's stake in the outcome."

Seiya knew what had to be done and it made her so angry her eyes teared up, "Thank you Yaten. " Trying to keep her temper in check she gave Yaten specific instructions in the event she was correct and the plan to resurrect the Shitenou was approved. Yaten shifted uncomfortably as Seiya spoke, not sure how she felt about the instructions Seiya was giving, but she agreed to follow them nonetheless. After the two of them terminated the connection she went back to wait for her Queen, her queen who'd become family to her, hoping she wouldn't be delivering her to a decision of disaster.

*Yaten*

In Kiyoko's quarters things were peaceful. Rei and Kiyoko had both taken a bath. Kiyoko was dress in her favorite black and white dress after making a couple of minor alterations so that it would work with her wings. She was growing increasingly fond of them. Right now she was brushing out Rei's hair since she'd decided to stay in the tub and soak a bit, attempting to center herself, as Rei sat on her floor in front of Kiyoko in one of her fluffy robes. Kiyoko spoke as she continued brushing, "I love your hair Rei."

Rei laughed, "Thank you… For the compliment, and for making me take care of myself." She took hold of Kiyoko's hand that was holding the brush, "I hope you're doing the same."

Kiyoko looked down and smiled, "I'll do my best Rei. I think your hair is good though." She set the brush on her table and they both stood up. Rei borrowed a simple red dress that fit her from Kiyoko's closet, but ended up deciding to transform into her Fuku in the end. Kiyoko realized it must be time.

Just before they stepped into the hall, Rei went over to the nightstand next to Kiyoko's bed, "You're missing something." She smiled and brought Kiyoko her tiara, placing it gently on her, "You must be a queen tonight." And with that the two of them stepped into the hallway to find Yaten waiting as she'd promised, though the look on her face was stormy. Kiyoko wished they had time to talk, but they didn't. Yaten fell into Kiyoko's right flank position. And the three of them walked to the courtyard everyone else was making their way to as well. It was finally here, the meeting that would decide the fate of four great men…. To decide whether or not Kiyoko would be able to fulfill her father's wish.