Author's notes:

Hello again! This was a big chapter, so took a little longer! Thank you all once again for your support and comments, it's so great! And of course, as always, if you haven't, make sure to check out the important notes from the Prologue. Enjoy!

Music rec – Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran

Chapter Eight

Wake up, Fighter—it's time.

She still remembered the day she truly became Sailor Star Fighter.

She remembered the ceremony—the ritual—like it was yesterday.

She remembered standing alongside her cousins—three girls with no idea of who they were to become.

She remembered her father passing down his Star Yell, and the way it fit perfectly into the palm of her hand. She remembered the radiating energy that coursed into her body and ignited her core.

She remembered the hint of silliness she felt when she spoke the words of her own incantation, and the instant humbling of her attitude when the transformation took hold.

She remembered the way her body changed—the young girl suddenly becoming a woman, but so much more than just a woman. She remembered feeling beautiful, strong, lean and lithe, and she remembered feeling powerful.

She remembered thinking this warrior is the embodiment of every aspect of me—as a man, as a woman, and as a being.

Wake up, Seiya—you're home.

She blinked her eyes open slowly and was blinded by the spiked rays of Earth's sun, cast out far and wide into the vivid blue sky. The fresh, cool air permeated her lungs, opening her body up in a way that their Kinmokian air simply could not. She could feel the tickle of grass under her bare thighs, the fertile soil connecting with her spine, and as she gazed up into the daylight, the wispy arms of a willow shaded her, caught in a gentle breeze.

"Seiya!"

Suddenly a set of impatient eyes and cascading pigtails blocked her view from above and frowned down at her. "Seiya, wake up!"

In her daze, her heart stopped as she falsely placed the lovely face. "Odango…?"

The girl—who was clearly Rini, when she looked closer—rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "The Chibi kind, remember?" She growled, and then let out a loud huff as Seiya took her time to sit upright, still dizzy from their plummet to Earth. "Come on, we're here! Let's go!"

She marched off, and Seiya heard Yaten tut from behind her. "And we thought you were bad, Seiya…"

"Shut up, Yaten," Seiya replied, pulling herself to her feet. She looked around to where her fellow Starlights were also gathering themselves. "Where's—"

"Chibi Chibi!"

The little girl tore across the grass, coated in feathery blossoms, giggling wildly and throwing her tiny arms to the air. She was positively bursting with happiness as she danced around Seiya's feet, grabbing at her fingertips and tugging at her excitedly. "Earth, Earth!"

Seiya patted her head gently and gave her a smile. "Someone's excited," she murmured, warmth filling her chest as she watched the toddler race off after Rini. "Wait for us too, Chibi…"

Helios appeared beside her, looking a little dishevelled, but no worse for wear. "That was quite the trip," he said. "Are you alright?"

"Fine, yeah," she replied, and finally looked around at the tranquil place where they had been deposited from their trip above. The sanctuary was littered with the fairy-dust of cherry blossoms, shaded by tall willows and graced by the sound of birds singing. The beautifully manicured space held a certain sacred air. "Where are we?"

They began to follow after Rini and Chibi Chibi, who had skipped ahead over a small, intricately decorated bridge that sat over a trickling stream in the distance. "Hikawa Shrine, I believe," Helios answered, peering around.

"Rei Hino's shrine?" Seiya asked, surprised. "We never came here, but the Sol scouts spoke of it often…"

Helios nodded. "They use it as a meeting place. It is intriguing that we were sent here."

The wind caught the boy's wispy white hair as they walked, revealing a trace of dried blood around his crimson gem. "What you did to save Rini, in the Space-Time realm—that was pretty incredible," Seiya said, eying the trail. "Looks like it would have taken it out of you, though."

"No sacrifice is too great to save her," he replied, his amber eyes watching after Rini as she reappeared on the bridge. "I would give my life if it meant saving hers."

I will protect this girl's shine, even if it means my life. The words echoed in Seiya's mind and she stared at the young teenager, swamped by a deluge of memories that reminded her of just what lengths she would have been willing to go to in order to save Odango. Helios may have held the role of guardian to a hidden Earthen realm, but Seiya suspected he would give that all up in a heartbeat, if it meant saving Rini's life.

"You guys are so slow!" Rini called from the bridge, tapping her foot against the wood. "Hurry up already!"

Seiya cocked an eyebrow at her and very deliberately slowed down, stretching her arms behind her head. "We're coming, we're coming," she said, letting out a fake yawn. "Don't rush us, kid."

She glared at her and let out a loud, frustrated growl, stomping off once again. Chibi Chibi looked between Rini's disappearing figure and the remainder of the group, and scurried back toward Seiya. "Chibi!"

She caught the little one with ease and tossed her up onto her shoulders. "There ya go," she said, as the toddler giggled wildly and curled her fists in her short hair. "Ouch! Gentle, Chibi…"

The bright-haired girl continued to bounce and laugh, and Seiya rolled her eyes. Beside her, Helios laughed. "It would seem that she loves it here," he said.

"I think you're right," Seiya agreed, though the comment only added to the mystery surrounding the trio. Helios seemed to know Rini, yet very little of Chibi. Who was this tiny girl?

They followed after Rini, across the stream and through a beautifully tended garden that opened out into an expanse of lush green grass. Over the rise, the roofline of the temple came into view, silhouetted against the dusky afternoon sky. Though she had never been there during her time on Earth, Seiya sensed the mark of the Sol senshi in every inch of the spiritual place—it felt protected, honoured and fit for Earth's warriors. She bit her lip as she suddenly started to wonder: are you here, Odango? And have you thought of me?

The sudden scuffle of feet and the tell-tale sounds of a fight struck her keen hearing as they rose over the peak of the hill. She detangled Chibi Chibi from her shoulders quickly and handed her to Helios, moving ahead with Yaten and Taiki on her tail. She frantically sought out Rini across the field, who was much further ahead, but what captured her attention instead made time come to a grinding standstill, just like it had the very first time.

Odango.

Two shimmering blonde pigtails swirled about in the wind as her petite form moved clumsily across the faded grass, glowing so radiantly that Seiya wondered if she were the only one that could see her brilliant aura. In spite of her tiny size, the Moon princess still managed to be all flailing, fair limbs, darting wildly about her fight with raw experience and complaining masterfully at the tall senshi sparring her.

The mere sight of her stole the fresh oxygen from her chest, but refreshed her body with something far more potent.

Oh, Odango.

Seiya watched as she became locked face-to-face with her opponent, but within mere seconds the struggle was broken and Usagi knocked her down with one swoop of her leg. The two went crashing to the ground, Usagi straddled across Haruka's lap, effectively pinning her to the grass. Seiya looked between the two and a tiny spark of jealousy fired in the pit of her stomach—the lookon Haruka's face gave it all away: something Usagi had said had flawed her, opening up an opportunity for Usagi to steal her win. What did you say to her, hm, Odango?

The blonde panted excitedly and awkwardly pulled herself up to look around at her friends. "I did it, I did it! Did you see, I—"

She stopped in her tracks as she turned, her mouth falling open. Those beautiful cerulean eyes had fallen on the petite young girl standing ahead of Seiya, her short figure just visible over the crest of the hill. Usagi choked out a gasp. "Rini?"

She stared at her, wide and teary eyed, and then flew toward her, throwing herself around the girl in a crushing hug. She pulled away and held her at arms' length. "Oh my God, you're here!" She said, looking her over and smoothing over her mussed pink locks. The interaction was strange; tender and somehow nurturing, and it made Seiya's stomach knot even more than it already had done. Usagi continued to examine the girl, shock replaced by concern as she checked her for harm. "Are you alright? Why are you here? You've grown, you look so different—"

She stopped abruptly as her gaze shifted to the visitors following behind Rini. Her pretty mouth fell open and she drew in a sharp breath as her eyes locked with Seiya's. Her hands dropped from where they had gripped Rini's shoulders and she moved past slowly, the adolescent seemingly long forgotten. She looked confused and perhaps a little disoriented, her face flushing and her eyes filling with tears as she moved closer. Her voice broke as she spoke, barely above a whisper. "Fighter?"

"That's my name," she replied, a grin cracking across her face as the blonde beauty approached. She had to interject her rampant emotions with some sort of humour, otherwise she simply wouldn't make it through the reunion in one piece. "Well, actually, it's Seiya but—oof!"

Usagi leapt into her with such force that it nearly winded her, flinging her arms around her neck as Seiya caught her around the waist. The sudden scent of her was heady and intoxicating, and she revelled in the feeling of Usagi burying her face into the crook of her neck. Usagi let out a stifled breath and gave her a final squeeze before pulling back, but lingered in Seiya's grasp. She was so close, entrancingly so. "Hey, Odango," she said finally, her voice scratchy.

Odango looked at her, wide-eyed and shaky, as fat teardrops welled in her eyes and fell over the curve of her cheeks. "What are you doing here?" She breathed. Realisation crossed her lovely features and her eye darted back to Rini. "Wait, did you—and Rini—you brought her here?"

Seiya stroked her gloved thumbs over the junction between her teeny waist and the curve of her hip without thought and gave her a wink. "Of course—you know me," she said with a cocky smile. "I couldn't possibly leave a damsel in distress."

A few paces behind them, Yaten snorted loudly, and from over Usagi's shoulder, Rini complained: "I am not a damsel in distress, Seiya!"

"So you say," Seiya retorted, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from the fair-haired angel before her to glare playfully at Rini. "You're yet to prove it though!"

A smile broke across Usagi's face, one that was so alight with happiness it took Seiya's breath away. "You're really here," she said quietly, and then looked over to the other Starlights. "You're all reallyhere."

"Usagi," Yaten said, giving her a rare, warm smile.

Taiki nodded to her kindly. "It's lovely to see you again."

"We brought a couple of extras, too," Seiya added as Usagi greeted them in return, visibly emotional. Even so, she hadn't budged from her place in Seiya's grip, and the Starlight certainly wasn't complaining. "I believe you know these two…"

Helios moved forward and bowed gracefully before Usagi. "Princess," he said gently. "A pleasure to be with you once more, as always."

Usagi blinked at the boy, once, then twice, and finally let out a breathless laugh. "Helios!" She said, shaking her head incredulously. "This is just—I don't understand—"

Suddenly she looked down to where Chibi Chibi was bashfully tugging on the hem of her skirt. It was for the little girl that she moved out of Seiya's touch, bending down to her level as Chibi scuffed her shoe in the dirt and held out a pink blossom coyly. "Chibi Chibi," Usagi said, taking the flower and letting more tears fall. She wound her up into her arms and held her tight, and Seiya's heart clenched as she watched. She stood with the little girl cradled in her arms and looked at Seiya. "I can't believe it…"

Seiya smiled back, awash with a sense of calm and contentedness as she took in the most beautiful creature she thought she'd ever seen. "Neither can I," she said softly.

There was a flurry of activity and high-pitched squawking as the four inner senshi rushed over to Rini from where they had been frozen on their training ground in astonishment. The girls showered her with kisses and cuddles, welcoming the young girl as though they hadn't seen her in a very long time.

"Look at you—you've grown up so much!"

"We're so happy to have you back!"

"We've missed you, Rini!"

Haruka had hung back, watching the scene unfold carefully. "Hello again, Small Lady," she said as she finally made her way over and bopped Rini on the head lightly with a smile. "What a surprise to have you here."

Small Lady, Seiya wondered, what does that mean?

Suddenly the broad grin across Rini's face disappeared as she looked over to the stairs of the shrine, where Michiru and Hotaru had emerged. The tiny soldier of destruction, ever serene and unmoved, gave her perhaps the brightest smile of all. "Hello, Rini."

Rini didn't waste a second—she collided into the girl in a tight hug, crying in earnest. "Hotaru," she said, "I've missed you so much!"

Yaten stepped alongside Seiya and folded her arms over her chest. "Hey we're here too, you know…"

"Needy, much, Yaten?" Seiya teased.

"Speak for yourself, jackass."

Usagi snatched Seiya's wrist and dragged her down the hill eagerly, her fellow guardians following closely behind. "Come see everyone! Come on!"

They met in the middle, and the four young women they had gone to school with and fought fiercely alongside flocked around them, welcoming them with tight hugs and sincere smiles.

"Welcome back," Rei said, and cast her arms out toward the shrine. "And welcome to Hikawa Shrine!"

"Thank you," Taiki said, releasing Ami, who had been the last to give her a hesitant embrace. Seiya smirked as she caught the shy smile shared between the two—the same one she had noticed once before during their final days on Earth. Taiki's gaze didn't shift from Ami as she commented on the shrine: "It is beautiful."

Beside her, Yaten gasped for air as Minako dramatically threw her arms around the petite senshi's neck. "That's okay," she wheezed, "I don't need to breathe…"

"Healer!" Minako cried, squeezing her tightly. "We told you to come visit, and here you are! This is so exciting!"

Yaten swatted her away, her face scarlet as she eyed the flamboyant blonde. "Yeah, well, we had some escorting to do…"

Makoto chuckled. "Looks like it…"

"What are you all doing here, all together?" Usagi breathed, and Seiya watched, captivated, as the young woman gazed after Rini, who had rushed off to fetch Helios. There's something about the way she looks at her…

"It's a long story," Taiki said, and then nodded to Michiru, Hotaru and Haruka as they joined the rest of the group. "Hello again."

"Starlights," Michiru replied with a kind smile—one that lingered on Seiya playfully. "Far better circumstances to see one another once again, don't you think?"

"Definitely," Seiya replied with a grin. She slid her eye to Haruka and gave a tiny nod. "Tenou."

"Kou," was all she got in reply.

Rini tugged Helios over, who had hovered behind the reuniting friends hesitantly. "Hotaru, Michiru, Haruka—this is Helios!"

He nodded to them gracefully. "It is an honour to finally meet you," he said warmly, and looked across to the inner guardians fondly. "And to see you all again."

"No," Hotaru said, giving him the same respectful nod he had given them. "The pleasure is ours, Helios."

Casting her eye back to the temple, and then over her shoulder, Rini's face fell. "You guys," she said quietly, "do you know where Puu is?"

"Don't worry, Rini," Hotaru said. "She's here on Earth, with us."

Rini frowned. "Why—shouldn't she be at the Space-Time Door? She wasn't there when we came through and I was worried something might have—"

"There is much for you to catch up on," Michiru told her. "And much for us to catch up on too, it would seem."

Amongst their reunion, an impatient Chibi Chibi had clambered out of Usagi's embrace to grant everyone an enthusiastic 'hello'; rushing about to pluck daisies from the grass and hand them to each person with a smile. "Chibi Chibi! Chibi Chibi!"

Rini laughed as she took the flower from the little girl. She raised her eyebrows at Usagi. "She's pretty fascinating, huh?"

Usagi stared back at Rini as though she were analysing every part of her. "Yeah," she said distantly, "she is."

"Come on, let's go inside so we can catch up properly," Rei said, ushering them toward the stairs of the shrine. "I'm sure you're all in need of something to eat and drink, after your long journey."

The group followed on, but Seiya noticed that Usagi remained rooted on the spot, staring after the adolescent girl who had spiritedly started play fighting with Makoto as they moved across the field toward the temple. Seiya took the opportunity to sweep her eye over the Moon guardian while she wasn't watching; taking in the pastel blue skirt and simple blouse that exposed how she had developed over the past eighteen months. The sudden curvature and definition of her figure made Seiya's cheeks and neck heat up, and she cleared her throat. Get it together, Kou…

"Odango," she said softly after a moment, watching the bleary-eyed girl stand frozen on the grass, "you okay?"

Their eyes met once again—a tug in her stomach every time—and Odango nodded slowly. "I just can't believe you're here," she said, her voice wavering. "I'm just a bit overwhelmed…"

Seiya cocked an eyebrow at her and gave her a cheeky smirk. "I tend to have that effect," she said cockily. "Especially on you…"

Usagi's face flushed and she came back to herself somewhat, shooting her a glare. "Oh, you haven't changed one bit," she growled. "Have you, Seiya Kou?"

"Nope," Seiya replied, savouring the sound of her name on Usagi's lips—she had never called her by her real name in her female form. "Oh, and…" She dropped her voice low as she turned to follow the others, intentionally brushing against her as she did so. "I've missed you too, Odango."

Usagi's blush only intensified and Seiya knew she could feel the tension between them; nearly tangible, just like it had been before. "Well—I—um—" She fumbled, and Seiya chuckled as she jogged away, following after the others. "Seiya!"

"Hey, Setsuna," Mamoru said, balancing the phone between his cheek and his shoulder as he jumbled a stack of textbooks on his lap. "Sorry to bother you, I know you're in the lab right now—just hoped you could fax through that research paper I was telling you about?"

The guardian's soft voice was warm on the other end of the line. "Sure," she said, and he could hear her shuffling paper about. "Here they are…the one from Paediatric Haematology and Oncology? It's a meta-analysis, are you sure you don't want me to locate specific references?"

"Nah, that's fine," he told her, sitting back against the window and staring out to the oak trees lining the campus grounds. He let out a long breath and ran a hand through his hair. "Thanks, Setsuna."

"It's no problem," she said. "Are you alright, Mamoru? You sound tired."

One of the thick textbooks slipped between his legs and he lost his page, so he let the lot fall away and took the phone in his hand instead. "I'm alright," he replied. "Just a lot going on."

"A lot going on at university," she asked, sounding sceptical, "or a lot going on with you…?"

He thought back to the disturbing episode he had experienced the prior afternoon, and the mere thought of his dizzy trance left his head throbbing. He pressed the heel of his palm between his eyes in an attempt to dull the ache. "Both," he said. He hadn't planned on telling anyone about what had happened, or the dreams he had been having, but the words tumbled out of him before he could think twice. "Some…odd things have been happening. It's difficult to explain…headaches, dreams. That sort of thing."

The time guardian was quiet a moment before she carefully responded: "And I assume you believe these aren't ailments that a doctor can fix."

He hummed in agreement; she knew that what he referred to went beyond his physical wellbeing. "I keep hearing a voice," he said, and it echoed in his mind, crystal clear. "I know who it is, but I just can't put a name to it…"

"Perhaps I can speak with the other scouts," she suggested, "see if they are having anything similar occur?"

"No," he said quickly. He didn't need Usagi worrying about him—they both had more important things to focus on. "No, don't tell them. I'd rather we just kept it between us."

"If that's what you'd prefer, Endym—," she said, and cut herself short. "Mamoru. My apologies."

Mamoru laughed and shook his head. "Setsuna," he said, "it's fine—I've told you before not to worry about it."

He had—his identity in their past and future lives had slipped out of her on multiple occasions since they had grown closer, and each time she had blushed and apologised profusely. He could almost see the flush staining her olive cheeks.

"Sorry," she said again. "But sometimes you forget: I am the only guardian with connection to you as your future self, and some habits are hard to break."

"No, I don't forget," he said sincerely—in fact, he thought about it often. He wondered what he was like as his future self; if he achieved his dreams. If he was happy. "And I hope that my future self told you just to call me Mamoru, too."

She chuckled lightly. "He did," she said. "Every time I saw him."

He leant his head against the glass of his window and let a brief silence set in. There was something about speaking to Setsuna that made him feel grounded and alert; engaged with himself and the world around him in a way that no one else could. When he spoke to Usagi, he felt comfortable and at-ease, but also as though he were forever chasing his tail—explaining himself, and wondering where her mind was. Setsuna was a mystery—it formed a part of who she was—but one he didn't feel he had to solve, because he felt like he already understood.

Fighter...

Rini…

Usagi's head spun wildly, her heart throbbing in her ribcage. They're here.

The moment she had spotted her future daughter, her soft pink hair peaking out over the crest of the hill, her heart had swelled with so many emotions she feared it would burst. She may have been yet to find out what had happened to the young girl, or why she was even in the twentieth century once again, but Usagi was simply elated to see her, alive and well—albeit, a little different from the last time they had met.

More than a little, she thought, picturing Rini's taller, more slender figure that was showing the first signs of becoming a young woman, along with her sharper features, longer hair and deeper voice. She looks older, but something else is different…

Usagi had so many questions, but for the meantime, she was happy—she was relieved—to watch her wrestle and laugh with their friends under the scorched sunset as they headed in to the shrine.

And then there was Fighter.

No, she thought, correcting herself, and then there was Seiya.

Why did it feel like her world had bent on its axis all over again when she laid eyes on the beautiful warrior?

For a moment, her surroundings had fallen away, her body growing hot and her heart's crystal drawing her to the Starlight like the strongest of magnets. She could nearly feel her own blood hammering through her veins and the scorch of her crescent moon on her forehead, even though she knew it hadn't really appeared. Nothing—nobody—elicited that kind of response within her, and before she could barely process her own actions, she had thrown herself into the Kinmokian guardian's arms and hoped she'd never let go.

And there was something—just something—magical about hearing her nickname in that feminine, velvety voice.

It's just the shock, that's all, she thought feebly, face still fiery and chest still skipping madly as she followed after the thigh-high boots and barely-there fuku that made her bite the inside of her cheek painfully. That's all.

"Come on, Usagi!" She heard Rini call, waving at her from the top of the stairs. She narrowed her eyes, presumably observing Usagi's rosy cheeks and swollen eyes. "Are you being a cry baby again?"

Steps ahead of her, Seiya laughed and tossed a look back over her shoulder. "She's got you all figured out, Odango," she teased.

"Hey!" Usagi cried, glaring at Rini, who giggled and skipped inside. She turned her scowl on Seiya. "So what if I am a cry baby?"

Seiya spun around to walk backward, tilting her head as she looked at her. "I never said it was a bad thing," she said simply.

The response left her a little speechless.

They made their way inside and settled in to one of the larger rooms, which was loud with chatter amongst the Sailor senshi. As Usagi stepped over the threshold and slid the wooden door closed, she spotted Rini and glared at her once again. The pretty girl poked out her tongue, and Usagi's belly churned at the striking resemblance she had to her own mother. "Brat," she murmured.

Rini grinned and bumped her shoulder against Usagi's—a shoulder that was nearly in line with her own. "Yep," she said. "But you love me."

Rei poured hot tea and offered it around as the group made themselves comfortable. Haruka took her usual place, leaning up against the window, her arms folded over her chest. Her teal gaze followed Seiya, who had taken a seat on the floor beside Usagi. The sandy-haired warrior narrowed her eyes and Usagi rolled her own. "Why don't you sit down, Haruka," she said with a sigh.

"I'm fine right here," she replied.

Suddenly a warm vibration brushed against Usagi's side, and Luna appeared next to her. She scratched between her ears. "Look who's here, Luna!"

"Luna!" Rini said excitedly, and then spotted Artemis. "Artemis!" Her face fell before they could even greet her. "I'm sorry…I didn't bring Diana with me."

Luna climbed into Rini's lap and looked up at the girl. "That's alright," she said softly, but Usagi could hear the longing in her voice. "Hello everyone—Fighter, Maker, Helios," she paused and looked over at Yaten, who smiled at her. "Healer."

"It's great to see you all," Artemis added, sitting beside his feline companion on the floorboards. "A bit surprising, but great all the same."

Makoto leant her elbows on the low coffee table and cupped her face between her hands. "You have to tell us, Rini," she said, "what happened? Why are you here with the Starlights?"

Usagi looked at her expectantly, noting the look Rini shared with Helios from across the room. "I…don't really know what happened."

The vague answer fooled no one. "What is it, Rini?" Hotaru asked, concerned for her best friend as she always was. "Whatever it is, you can tell us…"

"Taru is right—you can tell us," Minako said gently. "Was something wrong in Cry—"

"I found Rini and Chibi Chibi, in the Space-Time realm," Helios interrupted quickly. Usagi eyed him closely—something was amiss. "They were wandering there, lost."

Rini nodded. "That's right," she said. "I got…lost, in Space-Time…" She trailed off, chewing her lip, and her eye moved around the room to each of the Sol senshi, as though she were trying to convey a message. "I found Chibi Chibi, and then Helios found us both, and somehow we made it to Kinmoku."

The only concern at the forefront of Usagi's mind in that moment was for her safety. "Were you hurt, while you were lost?"

Rini shook her head. "No," she said, and smiled at Helios. "Helios looked after us."

"You looked after yourself," Helios corrected, returning the beaming smile. "You were very strong, Rini."

"So you just wandered on in to Kinmoku, through Space-Time, without Setsuna there to guide you," Haruka reiterated sceptically. She looked at Helios. "And you just left your post to go find them…"

"That's right, Haruka," Rini said, her voice fiery. Usagi could have sworn she heard Seiya muffle a snort of laughter beside her. "Any other questions?"

"Plenty," Haruka replied, raising an eyebrow at the girl. "And then what happened?"

"We met with the Sailor Starlights, who greeted us with some apprehension," Helios said, and then smiled at them understandingly. "Which was to be expected."

Taiki nodded. "We recognised Chibi Chibi, and the resemblance between Usagi and Rini was uncanny—there was no denying the two of you were related in some way," she said. "Rini later told us that the two of you were cousins, and with our princess' word, we decided to escort them back to Earth."

Usagi bit her lip, growing anxious. The Starlights didn't know—not about Rini's true identity, or Crystal Tokyo, or the details of their past lives; nothing. There were so many secrets—secrets she'd promised never to keep from Seiya. But for now, was that for the best?

Seiya wrapped her gloved arms around her splayed knees, feet crossed at the ankle. "Once we found out who they were—well, as much as they'd tell us," she quirked an eyebrow at Rini, "we knew we had to bring them back home."

Usagi couldn't help but stare at her, captivated by the way her voice was laced with something more as she spoke of bringing them home. You left your princess, your world, for my daughter?

Michiru hummed thoughtfully. "That sounds like quitethe journey," she said lightly. It was clear that she had sensed that there was more to Rini and Helios' story—information that went beyond what the Starlights knew and could overhear. She smiled at Rini. "I'm sure we'll figure out what happened to you, Rini, but for now you're safe and well."

Rei cleared her throat and shifted awkwardly on the floor. "Not to be rude—we're happy to see you all," she began, "but I think that the person we're most surprised to see is Chibi Chibi." She looked at the child, who was busily stacking empty cups atop one another, her tongue stuck out in concentration. "How can she be here?"

"It is quite strange," Ami agreed, examining the toddler. "After restoring Sailor Galaxia's starseed, we believed that she should have…passed on."

Usagi felt Seiya's sapphire eyes boring into her. "We figured she wasn't your sister, after all," she said. "Was she?"

"No," Usagi replied, avoiding her gaze. "It was only because she looks so much like me—we kind of assumed…"

"Wait," Rini suddenly said, "I'm confused—you don't know who she is?"

Usagi shook her head. "No, we don't," she told her. "Do you?"

Rini frowned, staring at the little girl. "I thought I did…"

"In any case," Hotaru said, sliding across the floor to steady the wobbling cups for Chibi Chibi, "she's here now. There are many things we are uncertain of, but we're not going to find answers tonight."

"You're right, Hotaru," Ami agreed, and then looked around at the three Starlights. "Tell us—how is the restoration of your home planet coming along?"

"It is progressing well," Taiki said with a smile. "Considering the destruction left behind after we were attacked, it was no simple task."

"Is no simple task," Yaten grumbled next to her. "It's certainly taking its time…"

"It would help if you'd get off your lazy ass and interact with the people," Seiya scoffed.

Yaten glared at her. "Oh, but you've been doing such a great job all on your own, Sei-ya," she sang sarcastically. Usagi shared a stifled giggle with Minako from across the room, who seemed equally as entertained by their squabbling.

"On second thoughts, maybe you should just stay in the palace where nobody has to put up with your conceited bullsh—"

"There is some apprehension from the people of our kingdom," Taiki said, interrupting their bickering. "Some still hold the belief that we abandoned our home when we went in search of our princess."

"That's hardly fair," Rei said with a frown. "You were only doing what was best for your planet."

"Unfortunately some don't see it that way—but they'll come around," Seiya replied. "And if we can't convince them, I'm sure one day our princess certainly will."

"And how is your princess?" Haruka asked suddenly. "I trust she is well, back home without you?"

Seiya's almond eyes snapped to her and narrowed. The question was loaded, with the aim to get a rise out of the Starlight. She opened her mouth to speak but Michiru got in quicker, admonishing her stormy girlfriend. "Be nice, Haruka," she warned.

"Yes be nice, Haruka," Seiya said lowly, leaning back on her palms. She cocked an eyebrow at her. "Or need I remind you that we filled in where you couldn't?"

Haruka's jaw tightened and she said nothing.

"So, are you going to stay for a while?" Makoto asked, breaking the tension that had suddenly filled the room. Her eyes lit up. "Are you going to reform the Three Lights?"

Minako gushed excitedly. "Oh, please say you will!" She said. "Please!"

Yaten sighed, looking less than enthused. "I don't think so…that was only so we could find our princess—"

"Oh, come on, Yaten," Seiya interrupted. She grinned. "It could be fun."

"Of course you would think so—with all the fame and girls chasing around after us," Yaten complained. The comment made Usagi wonder just how much Seiya truly enjoyed the attention associated with being famous. "It was all so annoying…"

"We haven't discussed it," Taiki finished. "Nor have we discussed how long we plan to stay—but if we can be of service, we will certainly extend our visit."

Seiya caught Usagi's eye, her expression serious. "If there's anything you need, we'll stay," she said softly. "Anything at all."

Usagi stared at her curiously. It was almost as if she knew something had been wrong—but that couldn't possibly be, could it? "Well, actually—"

"We've got things under control," Haruka cut in. "There's no need for you to stay any longer than required."

"But they can, if they would like to," Michiru said tightly, giving Haruka a reproving look. She stood and began gathering teacups. "We can talk about it more tomorrow—I'm sure you're all exhausted and in need of some rest."

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you need," Rei added, moving about to tidy up. "We have plenty of room." She gave Helios a smile. "You too of course, Helios."

Makoto jumped to her feet. "I'll whip you up something to eat before I go," she said, and dragged Minako up with her. "Mina, you can help."

"But Mako…"

"Food?" Rini cooed, scrambling up from the floor to follow them. "I'll help!"

The three filed out the door and down the hall, Chibi Chibi on their tail. Seiya laughed. "Rini sure does love to eat," she said. "Like someone else I know…"

Usagi scowled at her. "Shut up…"

"Come on, Usagi, let's get the guest rooms ready and show everyone around," Rei said as she shuffled out the door. "Yuuichirou, we have visitors!"

Usagi smirked at the raven-haired soldier and felt a tinge of pity for the devoted apprentice who was always being bossed around without qualm. It was lucky he wasso enamoured with the young woman—most wouldn't have tolerated her overbearing attitude.

"Need a hand?" Seiya asked as she rose to her feet and extended her hand. There was a hint of smugness playing on her full lips, and Usagi was reminded of a bright, sunny day at Ichinohashi Park where she had been asked the very same question.

She pushed herself up off the floor and dusted off her skirt. "I'm okay," she told her with a haughty smile. "Thank you."

Seiya grinned devilishly, and then purred as she brushed past: "Good girl…"

Usagi blinked at her as she walked away, a blush heating her cheeks. There was no question: it didn't matter if she were male or female, Seiya Kou was exactly the mischievous, beautiful soul she remembered her to be.

Seiya hummed to herself as she squeezed the water out of her wet hair, ruffling her fingers through her locks until they stood on end. She unravelled the towel from around her bust, tossing it onto the low mattress and snatching up the pair of plain cotton trousers Rei had kindly offered them, tugging them up over her hips. Night had set in, and the full moon cast a white glow across the room, calming her frantic, excited mind. She moved to stare out the window at the dark sky that was murky with cloud, hiding away the stars that dotted their universe and making Earth's moon seem even brighter. Even in the cool stillness of the evening, the soft light warmed her skin, and she basked in it for just one more moment, closing her eyes. I have missed this.

She let go, feeling her body instinctively shift to her male form with ease, and when he opened his eyes, the reflection staring back at him shone under the moonlight.

There was a sharp knock at the slider, breaking him from his thoughts. "Yeah?"

To his surprise, Haruka slid the door open and leant against the frame, her expression cool. Seiya cocked a brow at her. "Hoping to catch me undressing, were you?"

"Certainly not in that form, no," she tutted in response, folding her arms over her chest.

He had intended on putting on the kosode lying on the bed, but decided against it, opting instead to mirror her stance and fold his arms over his bare chest, flexing lightly. He smirked when she gave him a withering look. "Problem?"

"Actually, there is," she said, her voice low. "Don't think that because you helped save our princess I'll welcome you back here with open arms." She narrowed her eyes at him. "I am grateful for what you did, but no less wary of your intentions."

"Oh?" Seiya quipped. "What intentions?"

Haruka pushed away from the doorframe and approached, using her height to tower over him. "Don't interfere," she rumbled. "Or I will kick your ass off our planet in a heartbeat."

Seiya was unmoved. "You can try," he said arrogantly.

"And I will succeed." She stalked away from him toward the door. "So stay out of it, Kou."

The group buzzed about as the night fell, organising linen and giving their visitors a tour of the shrine. Usagi yawned and stretched her arms out long as she made her way into the kitchen where Rini was helping Makoto place freshly cooked stir-fry into bowls for their visitors. "That smells delicious…"

"It tastes delicious," Rini said, holding the pot of rice in one hand and a huge scoop in the other. She grinned at Usagi. "I can make you up a plate, if you want."

Usagi shook off the bizarre image of the growing girl standing tall at the bench without a step to help her reach, her thick candy hair falling long to her waist. "Really? That would be so great!"

"Hmm, actually…" Rini hummed, her red eyes turning cheeky, "I think I may have eaten your share! Sorry, Usa!"

Usagi felt her temper flare up rapidly. "Oh, you are such a pain!"

"Come on, you two, don't start," Makoto said, reaching past Rini with a hot fry pan and spreading the food across each bowl. She placed it down and slid a finished tray across the counter. "Here, Usa, you can take this to Seiya if you want."

Usagi glared at Rini, doing her very best to look menacing, but they broke into a fit of giggles instead. She had missed their banter, somehow. "Okay, Mako," she said, taking the tray and heading for the hallway. "There'd better be some when I get back, Rini!"

"Keep dreaming, Odango-head!"

Usagi rolled her eyes—it seemed that maybe Rini had already been spending too much time with Seiya…

She arrived at the guest room at the end of the hall, and through the translucent slider, she could see a figure moving about the dimly lit space. Curiosity gnawed at her as she watched the silhouette for a moment, mesmerised by the swishing ponytail and long limbs. She blinked and looked away. What is wrong with me…?

"Oi, Odango," a husky voice said suddenly as the door slid open. She jumped, almost spilling the food all over the floor. "You know these sliders are translucent both ways, right?"

Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice, and she stared blatantly back at the boy she had grown so close to. He had an amused look on his striking features, and as she took in his broader chest, lean arms and glinting sapphire eyes, she couldn't help but feel struck by his epicene beauty, standing right before her eyes. "Seiya…"

His smirk softened into gentle smile. "Hi," he said simply.

She let out a breathy laugh and shook her head, feeling foolish. "Sorry, it's just…" She trailed off, uncertain of what she was trying to say.

"Please don't apologise," he said. "I understand."

She tore her gaze away from him and held out the tray. "Here," she said quickly. "Mako made this for you!"

"Thank you." He took the tray and placed it down by the bed, and then looked at her oddly as she lingered in the doorway awkwardly. "You can come in, you know."

"It's fine," she said. "We really need to get going, Mama's probably worried sick about us." She didn't want to leave—in fact, she wanted to spend every moment she could learning more about him, as they had promised they one day would. "I'll be back first thing in the morning to see you, though, I promise."

"I'd like that," he replied, and then gave her a roguish grin. "But next time you want to perve on me, you might want to switch off a light or something—those buns are pretty obvious, Odango."

"What—no, I didn't—" She spluttered with a huff, her face flushing scarlet. "I wasn't—"

"Sure," he laughed, flopping down onto the mattress and reaching for the food to tuck in. "Whateveryou say…"

She turned to leave, but something he had said earlier was tugging away at her. "Seiya…"

"Mm?"

She met his waiting stare, which was all lashes and kind-hearted mischief. "I did miss you," she said quietly.

His boyish cheek slipped away briefly and he gave her a smile that made her breath hitch. No sooner had it appeared, than it turned into a cocky grin. "Of course you did," he said. "Who wouldn't?"

She snorted derisively and rolled her eyes. "You're so full of yourself," she told him, and he only laughed. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Alright," he replied, and gave her a wink. "Sleep well, Odango."