Author's notes:

I've been a little slower with this chapter again, but it's a long one, so I'm hoping that somewhat makes up for my tardiness. I'm pumped for the next chapter, so it should be out really soon. Enjoy, and make sure to check out the important notes from the Prologue if you haven't already. Thanks for reading!

Music rec – Crest by Codeko

Chapter Thirteen

She tipped her head back to the stars piercing the midnight sky, breathing in the warm evening air, and found herself thinking: savour every moment of this life you current lead.

It was well into the early hours of the morning, but Usagi couldn't sleep. She had tossed and turned to no avail, finally throwing back the covers and settling on her balcony, where she had been for some time. She knew that even if she could succumb to sleep, it wouldn't be sound; instead, it would be filled with dreams of crystal, crowns and cloaks—things she simply didn't want to dream about, not any more.

In spite of the summery breeze, she wound herself up, feeling small beneath the galaxy above her. Thoughts of Mamoru, thousands of miles away as he collapsed among a sea of strangers, played over in her mind, and she drew a hand over her face wearily. He had insisted that he felt well—strong, in fact—and to ensure that the guardians to watch over Rini and Helios and not worry about him. She remembered the edge that laced his voice as she'd cradled the handset before they said their goodbyes; as he told her to please look after herself.

Their end, and their new beginning, was near. She was certain of it.

"But what am I supposed to do?" She grumbled, snatching her brooch from her pocket and gazing down at it angrily. "Put my entire life on hold while I wait for the end of the damn world?"

The etched golden heart shimmered in her hand, reflecting the twinkle of the stars above her. "I can't even transform!" She gripped it, hard, and let out a sigh. "You're giving me nothing, here!" The locket merely glinted up at her and she let out a growl. "Some princess I am…"

That world, that princess—it was another life. It doesn't have to define who you are now.

Seiya's words rushed back to her so rapidly that a lump formed in her throat. She thought of the way he told her proudly of his heritage, and the break in his voice as he spoke of his parents and the homeland that had been destroyed. The way he'd told her, outright, that she didn't have to be that princess—she didn't have to let that past life dictate every choice she made now, in the present.

She wished he were here, right beside her, so she could tell him everything. Maybe then, it would feel like a distant dream.

"I know, Seiya," she said aloud, swiping her thumb over one white wing jutting from the brooch. "But it's my duty to protect this world, and everyone in it." She curled it into her chest, cool over her heart's centre. "My eternal duty."

"Usagi?"

"Luna!" She said, as the black cat slunk out from behind her flowing drapes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you—"

She stretched out long, arching her back with a sleepy yawn. "It's alright," she replied, and came to sit alongside her. "What are you doing out here?"

Usagi focused her gaze back on the stars. "Just…thinking."

"Pretty loud thinking, I must say," Luna joked. The cat was silent a moment, before she said: "I heard what you were saying before—about not knowing what to do. Putting your life on hold."

"Oh," Usagi said, and then let out a forced laugh. "It's fine—I'm just being a big baby, you know me…"

"I do know you, Usagi," Luna said. She trotted to sit squarely in front of her, where Usagi couldn't ignore her intense gaze. "From the day I met you, I knew that this wasyour duty, no matter how much of a cry baby—you were destined for great things, because of the beautiful gifts that had been bestowed upon you."

Usagi gave her a scathing look. "You think I don't know that—"

"But," Luna continued, "you weren't born into this life—your gifts were bestowed upon you, for you to do with what you wished and felt was right." She paused, watching Usagi intently. "Things are changing—we don't know when the time will come. There's no sense in waiting around for that moment to arrive."

"But Luna, I have to be ready—"

"The Usagi I know wouldn't give up the life she loves." Luna smiled. "And I know this is the life that you love."

Usagi stared back into her friend's kind red eyes, and knew she was right. What could she do—pause the lives of herself and her friends, living in wait of an event that could strike at any moment?

I won't, she thought fiercely, thinking of her family, and her loyal senshi. Of Rini, and Chibi Chibi. I want to live.

"So, you're saying he basically had a heart attack, and now thinks he's perfectly fine?"

Seiya watched as Usagi sank back against the bark of tree that was supporting her, nodding to Yaten tiredly. The group had stolen away the moment the lunch bell had rung, sneaking to the far side of the oval where they could speak quietly about the recent developments. "Yeah," Usagi said. "He said that after he woke up in the hospital, he felt better than ever…"

"Strange," Ami murmured, shaking her head. "Helios loses possession of the Golden Crystal—it would seem logical that Mamoru's condition would worsen, not improve."

Taiki looked at the blue-haired girl. "If his life force is connected to the energy of the Earth's crystal, that would make sense," he agreed, and then glanced at Usagi. "You said he experienced great pain, when he collapsed?"

Wary that the subject was sensitive, and Usagi had already endured enough, Seiya spoke up quickly. "Taiki…"

Usagi dismissed his warning. "That's right."

Taiki said nothing, instead furrowing his brow, deep in thought.

"Surely it must be our new enemy," Makoto said, her voice hushed. "They must have found some way to infiltrate Helios' dreams and steal the crystal."

Minako nodded. "Rini said that Helios has never dreamt—never even slept—before he came here to Earth," she said. "Maybe that's how they did it…"

"Mm," Yaten hummed, leaning back on his palms. "But if that were the case, wouldn't everything have turned to crap by now?" He turned his face up to the sunny sky. "If the enemy had the Golden Crystal, they wouldn't have wasted any time taking over this planet."

"Yaten's right," Seiya said, sitting forward to loop his arms around his splayed knees. The crumbling, broken ruins of their home tugged at his mind but he pushed the memory aside. "We've seen it before—there's no way they would wait."

Usagi chewed at her lower lip. "Maybe they plan to use it as bait," she said. "To lure us to them." She looked around at the group. "Perhaps they need the power of both crystals to take over Earth."

"I don't know," Ami said, shaking her head. "This enemy is unlike any we've ever seen—so far, they've shown little intent aside from causing pain and anguish. We can't be sure it's this planet they want—it could be something more."

"We're not going to let that happen," Seiya said fiercely, catching Usagi's downcast gaze. The instinct to fight—for her, and this beautiful place—felt like a livewire within him. "In a few days, we'll use everything we've got to destroy it—no questions asked."

"And if we can't destroy it, we will confront it and find out what it's business is here, Usagi," Taiki agreed.

Yaten let out a tut. "Yeah, with Tenou's brilliant plan I'm sure we'll save the day…"

"Come on, Yaten, we have to try," Minako pressed. "With your help, I'm sure we'll defeat them."

"You're lucky we're here, Mina," Yaten huffed moodily. "I don't trust Tenou and her lot as far as I can throw them."

"Yaten…"

Seiya agreed with the sulky Starlight, but his focus was honed in on Usagi, who was chewing her lip thoughtfully. "Odango—"

"Hey, Usa!"

Rafu had broken away from his rowdy friends who had been playing football nearby and was jogging over, puffing as he came to a stop. "Ladies," he said, giving Ami, Minako and Makoto a flirtatious smile. He set his sights on Usagi, who was quirking a brow at him. "Can I steal you away for a moment, Usa?"

Seiya glared at him and opened his mouth to retort, but to his surprise, Usagi rested a hand on his knee as she pushed herself up off the ground. "Yeah, yeah," she said, dusting the grass from her backside. "But there'll be no stealing, got it, Raf?"

Rafu ruffled a hand through his dusty hair and shot Seiya a smirk. "We'll see," he said, as they crossed the field toward the school building. Seiya didn't take his eye off the boy, who lightly shouldered the tiny blonde as they walked, saying something that made her scowl.

"Your super serious laser isn't going to seriously come out of your eyeballs, Seiya," Yaten teased. "He's probably harmless."

Seiya pouted. "I don't like him."

"Who, Raf?" Minako asked, and then waved off the comment. "Usagi's known him forever—they became closer friends this past year."

"How close, exactly?"

She smirked. "Not as close as he would have liked…"

"He does have a soft spot for Usagi," Ami commented. "He is a genuinely nice boy—even if he does portray himself as somewhat of a womaniser."

Makoto narrowed her eyes at the couple in the distance. "I'm telling you, though—if he gives her any trouble, I'll sock him one…"

"You and me both, Makoto," Seiya grumbled, eying the tall teenager as he teased Usagi, striding close alongside her, all smiles and hair-flicks. Jerk…

"I don't think Usa sees it, though," Minako said, and then cocked a brow at Seiya. "She tends not to get these things."

His cheeks flared instantly. "Hey, you don't know—I might have moved on—"

"As if, Seiya," Yaten snorted. "You'd have to be blind not to see it."

"Oh, you want to talk about feelings, now do you, Yaten? Well, let's see—"

"I swear, Seiya Kou, I will make your life a living hell—"

"Yaten, there's no need to be like that," Minako soothed, laying a hand on his forearm. His face went a deep shade of red and he muttered a 'fine'. Minako gave Seiya a smile. "He is right though—we all see it."

Seiya pursed his lips and craned his neck to look across the field at the two friends once again. They had stopped and were speaking lowly, close to one another—a serious conversation if ever he'd seen one.

"Give Usagi some credit," Ami said quietly after a moment. "She understands a lot more than she lets on—especially with Mamoru gone."

The mention of the Usagi's boyfriend caught his attention. It pained him to ask, but it was in her best interests—which was all he ultimately cared about, in spite of the longing to have her all to himself forevermore. "Shouldn't someone be insisting he gets back here—with everything that's happened?"

The three girlfriends exchanged uneasy looks. "We've learned the hard way not to get involved in Usagi and Mamoru's relationship," Makoto responded tactfully. "It's best that the two of them sort it out."

"Usagi is determined not to get in the way of his dream—especially not after last time," Minako added. She began helping Makoto pack away their lunch scraps. "They don't have that much time, you know—"

Seiya tilted his head, casting Taiki and Yaten a confused look. "What do you mean 'they don't have that much time'?"

"She means Mamoru doesn't have that much time," Ami said quickly, lumping her books into her lap. "This was the last opportunity he had for Harvard to take on his research."

The comment seemed odd, but the bell rang out across the grounds before he could ask any further questions. The three girls leapt into action hurriedly, gathering their things and making a start for class. Makoto faltered, looking back at Seiya. "She just wants him to be happy," she said, before turning to follow her friends.

"Yeah," he said aloud, "but is she?"

He looked over to the Moon princess, feeling a growl grow at the base of his throat as Rafu tugged on one of her pigtails playfully. She promptly punched him in the arm in retaliation, and Seiya grinned. That lively spirit and spark made her exactly who she was—who he loved—and if Mamoru wasn't going to be there to make her happy, to protect her, then he sure as hell would.

Rini raced out the front gate after school was finished for the day, barging through the dawdling students as she careened around the street corner. "Stupid Mr Sikuno, letting us out late again—"

The wind was immediately thumped out of her and she went tumbling toward the pavement as she collided with someone on the sidewalk. Instead of hitting the concrete, she found herself on a soft surface, and reluctantly opened her eyes. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going—Helios!"

She looked down at the boy, wide-eyed, taking in his lovely appearance in the fresh light of day. His fair skin was iridescent in the sunlight; amber eyes a brilliant rusted tone as they gazed back at her with a hint of amusement. "Good afternoon, Rini," he managed beneath the weight of her. "I came to greet you—though it seems we were both running a little late."

Her face flushed, suddenly acutely aware that she was sprawled across his lap. "Oh, I'm sorry," she mumbled, scrambling back until she was knelt on the footpath between his splayed knees. "I didn't hurt you, did I? Sometimes I think I've inherited Usagi's clumsiness…"

He laughed and shook his head, propping himself up. "Not at all," he said. "Your clumsiness is endearing."

She glared at him, a warning. "Hey…"

"Here." He extended a hand and tugged her to her feet, and they began walking side-by-side. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she told him, looping her hands around the straps of her backpack tightly. "Helios, I've been thinking about you all day—I know Puu said she'd keep an eye on you but I've been so worried!"

He gave her a kind smile. "Well, all that worrying was for nothing—as you can see, I am perfectly healthy."

"Really?" She asked quietly, eying his silvery curls and the absence of his magnificent golden horn. She bit her lip and tugged the straps against her chest, like a straightjacket. "I was scared you might fade away, without the Golden Crystal to keep you here."

He met her eye, and she could seethat the loss of the crystal he was destined to protect was affecting him—she knew those eyes; he couldn't hide it from her. "But I'm still here," he replied. "I don't know how, or why, but it seems Earth is where I am supposed to be, for now."

"Do you feel different, without it?" Rini found herself asking, as they wandered crossed a quiet park toward Haruka's soccer practice to meet the others. "Is it strange?"

He considered her question. "It's…quiet," he said finally. "The crystal's energy was always alight with the dreams and life of the people of Earth." He let out a long breath. "Now I feel oddly peaceful—more human, perhaps."

She blinked at him. "But you're not human, are you, Helios?"

"I'm not quite sure what I am, Rini," he said. "These past weeks have defied everything I know about myself and my purpose."

"Maybe your purpose has changed," Rini offered. "Maybe that's why the crystal has disappeared?"

"Perhaps," he said thoughtfully. "Dreams change, and new dreams awaken." He looked at her, a fondness painted across his ethereal features. "Especially when dreams become reality."

She blushed and released the tension from her bag, letting a hand fall by her side to brush against his. "Is that what you wanted—to be here, on Earth?"

"With you," he finished boldly, lacing his fingers between her own. "To hide in your dreams is one thing, but to stand alongside you is another entirely, princess."

Rini hadn't realised that she had stopped walking until she was staring up into his warm eyes. She could feel the hot sun on her back, a flowery breeze filling her with oxygen and the cool palm of his hand resting between her own. Everything in this time, this place, felt real—no blurred edges; no muddled memories. She propped herself up on the tips of her toes and fluttered a kiss against the skin alongside his lips, heart hammering madly. "Maybe now you can stay?"

He smiled, but there was a hint of sadness she could not ignore. "Maybe," he said, tucking a stray pink lock of hair behind her ear. "We must see what our destinies bring."

Destiny, she thought, as they continued on, hands entwined, recalling the fear that had flashed in Usagi's eyes when faced with the prospect of what was to come. They knew nothing—now that the Golden Crystal was gone, would it change their paths entirely? Or simply bring about the end of this time as she knew it? "Hey, Helios…"

"Mm?"

"I think Usagi is afraid of her future," she told him. "And at first I was kind of mad, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised how scary it would be to know how everything was to be laid out for you." She sighed. "Especially when the lives of everyone you love are on the line."

Helios skimmed his thumb over her knuckles tenderly. "I think what Usagi is experiencing is perfectly understandable," he said. "There have been some unexpected twists and turns that may have altered her trajectory, as well as the trajectories of those around her."

"Exactly!" She burst. "And now the enemy has the Golden Crystal, who knows what is going to happen!"

"I don't know that is necessarily true," Helios said. "The crystal may have disappeared, but that doesn't mean it has fallen into the hands of our enemy."

Rini frowned. "Where else would it have gone?"

"To its rightful place," he murmured cryptically. She was about to press for more information when he pulled her to a stop at the fencing of the soccer pitch. "Rini, do you often think of Crystal Tokyo?"

"All the time," she said honestly. "But it's fading from my memory—and I don't know what to do; I have no guide, no mission…"

"You don't need one," he said firmly. "That future that I found you in…it was broken—like a fracture in time." He shook his head, catching her eye. "Don't believe everything that you think you know about what is yet to come."

Helios, the boy and the being she had become so entwined with in her time in the twentieth century, was kind, wise and gentle—but in that moment, he spoke with an authority and a caution that was oddly comforting and familiar. She sought to identify the strange feeling as she stared back into his eyes—nearly as red as the gemstone upon his forehead. "Helios…"

"Something has changed, drastically, and we have to let it run its course," he said. "Promise me you will."

"Usagi, remind me again why we're being dragged along to these soccer try-outs for Haruka's team?"

Usagi spun on her heel and skipped backward, bag slung over her shoulder as she grinned at her raven-haired friend. "Oh come on, Rei—you can't tell me you don't want miss a chance to see a showdown between Seiya and Haruka," she said. "It's an opportunity too good to pass up!"

"She has a point," Makoto agreed, unlatching the gate as they arrived at the field. "That's if Seiya comes at all."

"Yaten did say they were pretty booked out," Minako said. "I don't think they'd have time to think about more extracurricular activities…"

"Is that so, Mina?" Rei teased, tossing her bag onto the stands. "You sure do seem to know every detail about their schedule…especially Yaten's!"

The blonde blushed and she turned her nose up. "Hey—it's not like that—"

"Sure," Makoto chuckled. "That's what Ami says about her 'study sessions' with Taiki."

"Well, I, um…" Ami fumbled, equally as flushed as Minako. "It is nice to have someone of a similar intellect to bond with—"

Usagi wriggled her eyebrows at the mousy girl. "Ooo, bond with, huh—"

"Usagi!"

"I'm just kidding around, sheesh," she said, leaving her bag on the bleachers and hopping down the deep stairs until she was standing on the worn oval. From the corner of her eye, she spotted a mess of pink hair. "Rini, Helios!"

The teen leapt a foot away from her companion, but Usagi didn't miss the rosy tinge staining her cheeks. "Usagi…" She greeted sheepishly.

There was a tiny smirk on Helios' face, but he simply nodded in Usagi's direction. "Hello, Usagi."

"How are you feeling?" She asked him worriedly.

"I'm just fine, thank you," he said, watching as Rini darted off to link arms with Hotaru, who was helping Michiru fish snacks out of her car as they arrived. The sun was beginning to set, casting a purplish hue across the field, but the air temperature was still blazing from the hot summer day. A whistle blew sharply and the team jogged out onto the pitch, ready for practice.

"Glad that's not me out there," Minako said, suddenly alongside her. The group had made their way over, standing at the edge of the oval.

Rei chuckled. "Yeah, we get our fair share at training."

Usagi tracked Haruka's lithe form as she addressed her teammates, hair already slick with sweat and t-shirt clinging to her snugly. "Did she already warm up?"

"Of course she did—she's been here all afternoon. Naturally." Michiru's voice rang. She smiled cheekily. "I think she's been preparing so she could make sure she's in top condition for her onlookers."

Rei snorted. "Doesn't surprise me…"

"Is she expecting many people to try out?" Ami asked.

"A few," Michiru said, inclining her head toward the small group of women waiting patiently on the bleachers. "The team have won multiple national titles—they had been chasing Haruka to replace the captain for months before she gave in."

Usagi watched over Michiru's shoulder as Haruka ran the team through a gruelling warm up drill. "Well, whoever they do get better be ready to get their ass kicked…" She shot Makoto a sly grin. "Maybe you'd be up for the challenge, Mako!"

"Ha!" Makoto replied. "I'm not that crazy…"

Makoto trailed off, her eyes widening as she stared across the open field behind Usagi. "Are you sure?" Usagi asked playfully, waving a hand in front of the brunette's stunned face. "Mako…"

A smile slowing spread across Michiru's face as she followed the girl's gaze. She bit her lip with a chuckle. "Oh my," she said, arching a perfect brow. "This should be interesting."

Usagi frowned and turned to see what all the fuss was about. "What are you talking about—"

Her heart leapt into her throat.

Whoa.

There, crossing the field beneath the scorching sun, was Seiya.

Not Sailor Star Fighter, not the famous Three Lights idol—Seiya.

She commanded the attention of every eye on the ground in a way that only she could manage, with her mischievous smirk and confident stride. Long, lean legs carried her with strong, graceful agility, barely covered by a pair of shorts slung low on her hips. A loose bomber jacket hung open over a defined abdomen and a plain sports bra, firm across the bust that instantly made Usagi's cheeks flush. She had seen her just like this many times before, in a scant outfit fit for admiration and battle, but as she strode across the grass in her sneakers and backward cap, Usagi couldn't deny the Kinmokian senshi's raw sexuality and cocky cheek.

Seiya hitched the soccer ball from its place resting against her hip and tossed it in the air, catching it in one hand. Her dark sunglasses hid her gaze but Usagi was certain they were trained on her. For a moment, she saw nothing else but her, in what seemed like exquisite slow motion, and she felt herself grow white hot.

"Didn't miss anything, did I?" Seiya said, her velvety voice curling around every word as she came to stand before them.

"Not at all," Michiru hummed, drawing a delicate hand to her lips as she eyed her up and down. Seiya's gaze broke from Usagi's to give the aqua-haired senshi a cheeky smile, which only caused Usagi's flush to deepen. "I'm sure it won't be long before Haruka gets started."

"Seiya!" Minako gasped. "You're here!"

"We didn't think you'd come," Rei added. "Or be mad enough to want to spend more time with Haruka…"

"And miss out on my spot on the team?" Seiya said arrogantly. She smirked. "I don't think so."

"You'll totally get in—you're super fit, we all know that," Makoto chirped, and then proceeded to elbow Usagi in the ribs. "She looks super fit, don't you think, Usagi?"

Usagi spluttered as she tore her eyes from the beautiful warrior's strong physique, feigning disinterest and a hint of sarcasm—though she suspected it didn't make up for the deep shade of crimson her cheeks had taken on. "Oh, sure," she managed finally. "Idols have to look after their figures, you know!"

Seiya laughed huskily and said nothing, her eye on Usagi once more.

"Makoto's right—you probably will make the team," Ami said kindly. "Your athletic ability is far superior to most regular people."

Haruka, who had been busily barking at the team in frustration after most heads had turned to stare at the stunning competition that had strutted her way onto the grounds, was suddenly standing alongside Michiru, a scowl on her face. "I wouldn't be so sure," she said coolly, looking over the Starlight critically. "That spot isn't guaranteed for you."

"Well, you just can't turn down a good thing, Tenoh," Seiya replied with a sigh. She brushed past Usagi to make her way over to the bleachers, adding: "Can you, Odango?"

Usagi gaped at her and shook her head, finally coming to her senses as she glared after her. "Seiya!"

Haruka growled and mumbled something under her breath, storming back toward the panting players. "Alright, let's begin!"

The group returned to the stands, watching from afar as the potential new recruits joined the intensive warm-up, skimming the ball across the grass, between cones and amongst push-ups. Usagi watched Seiya intently, freakish in her movement, strength and dexterity.

"Is that Seiya?" Rini asked as she dropped onto the step alongside her, a sandwich in hand.

"Mm hm," Usagi responded distractedly. She yelped as Minako pinched the back of her arm from behind her. "Hey!"

"What?" Minako said innocently. "It's rude to stare…"

"I wasn't staring," Usagi grumbled. "It's just…different, seeing her like this."

Michiru giggled as they watched Seiya shoot Haruka a very daring smirk as she swept the ball around her neatly. "It's certainly entertaining, if nothing else," she said.

"When we were on Kinmoku, Seiya showed me some combat tricks as part of their senshi training," Rini said suddenly through a mouthful. "Guess she's good at all kinds of physical stuff."

Usagi snorted. "You did combat training?"

"I did," Rini said with a glare. "And I was great at it!"

"Yeah right…"

Hotaru shuffled in next to Michiru, interrupting right before their bicker began. "I'm sure you were, Rini—you pick up on these things fast." She turned her attention to Usagi, dark eyes filled with concern. "Usagi, are you doing alright?"

Usagi smiled at the young girl. "I'm just fine, Taru—no need to worry about me."

Hotaru studied her for a moment, before glancing out to the field and back again. "That's good to hear," she said, and then leant closer, speaking in a hushed tone. "I have been watching over Helios, and all seems to be well."

Usagi spotted the boy, whitish curls seeming oddly vacant without his shining horn, as he watched Rini fondly. The adolescent squirmed under his gaze and offered him part of her snack, which he politely declined. The coy smiles, the ardent exchanges—they were looks Usagi understood well, and she knew Hotaru wasn't the only one looking out for him. "Thank you," she whispered to the young girl.

"Do you actually think Haruka will let Seiya play on the team, Michiru?" Makoto asked. "I thought it would have gone against everything she stood for—she hates her!"

Michiru tilted her head from side-to-side uncertainly. "You might be surprised," she said vaguely. "Besides, she may be their captain, but the team will put forward a vote."

"Oh," Rei said, nodding slowly. "So she may not have a choice!"

Minako snickered, elongating her neck to peer at Seiya across the field, where she was dawdling at the back of a line for a relay drill, chatting away closely to two other teammates. The girls threw back their heads in laughter at something Seiya said, before she sped off for her turn. "The way she's winning everyone over, Haruka won't have a choice!"

Usagi slumped her chin in her hands, something twisting uncomfortably in her gut. Haruka blew her whistle loudly, signalling the start of try-outs, and Seiya ran over to the stands, sweaty and flushed from the evening heat. "We're starting," she said with a puff, peeling the bomber jacket away from her athletic arms. There was no question that she held onto the lean musculature of her male counterpart, while capturing the feminine curves and trademarks that could easily turn any head.

Usagi squirmed in her seat awkwardly. Including mine, apparently…

Seiya slid her sunglasses off her face. "Take a picture, Odango," she joked. "It will last longer."

"Oh my god," Usagi scoffed as Seiya ran off, laughing. "Could that have been any more cliché?!"

Minako tutted playfully. "I warned you, Usa—it's rude to stare."

Seiya joined the others in what appeared to be a tough circuit. She swiftly dodged the players, bouncing the ball from heel-to-heel, manoeuvring her limbs expertly to ensure it was in her possession at all times. She never placed a foot wrong, as one darted behind the other, like a dance she had rehearsed thousands of times before. She ducked and weaved beneath each kick above her head, off her knees, and between her legs as she spun—it was dizzying to watch, but nothing short of spectacular. Usagi didn't realise she had been holding her breath until Seiya was heading straight toward the goalkeeper, who, of course, happened to be Haruka.

"Oh man…" Makoto said, covering her eyes. "I can't watch…"

It was an opportunity to showcase their goal-kicking skills, but each girl before Seiya had failed miserably. She nicked between two players, knocking the ball expertly against the outer heel of her shoe, and swung her leg out wide to connect for a long, hard kick.

Almost effortlessly, the ball was caught in the net, missing Haruka's dive by mere inches.

Usagi chewed her lip, trying to stop herself from cheering. Her friends weren't nearly as thoughtful as they hooted across the stadium. Seiya turned and gave them a thumbs-up, a smug look on her face.

Not long after, once the sun had well and truly set, the try-outs came to an end, and the teammates huddled for a meeting with their captain. As the group started packing up their things, Seiya jogged in from the field, breathing heavily as she came to a stop.

"Good work, Seiya!" Minako exclaimed, as she gathered up her bag.

"You did great," Rini agreed. "That spot is totally yours!"

Seiya grinned at her, placing her hands on her hips. "Thanks, kid."

Rini narrowed her eyes at her. "Oi…"

"Come on, Usa, Rini, we'd better start walking home!" Rei called from the gate, her friends close by her.

"Michiru said I could stay the night at their house—would that be okay?" Rini asked Usagi.

Usagi looked at her strangely. "Of course, why would I care?"

Rini shrugged, before darting off to help Michiru, Hotaru and Helios finish loading up the car.

"I'll see Odango home!" Seiya replied to Rei and the others. Usagi opened her mouth to protest, but didn't have a chance. "She says that's fine!"

She pouted at her. "Seiya…"

Seiya chuckled and propped a foot up on the stand alongside her to tighten her shoelace, before bending down to fossick about in her backpack for a t-shirt. The artificial stadium lights caught the sheen on her skin, and Usagi was certain that she bent forward in a deliberately revealing fashion.

"Something the matter, Odango?"

Usagi shot her a glare as she tugged the loose-fitting t-shirt over her torso. "Not at all, Seiya."

One of the team members, a short brunette girl who had shadowed Haruka for the entire practice, came across and gave Seiya a broad smile. "You're on the team," she said happily.

Seiya grinned and thanked her, before peering back at Haruka, who was avoiding her eye entirely. "Shame the captain couldn't come tell me that herself."

The young woman rolled her eyes. "You'll get used to her," she said, slapping her on the arm in congratulations before darting off. "See you next week!"

"Well done," Usagi said sincerely, as she hauled herself up from the stands. She smirked. "Although I don't know whether you will get used to Haruka…"

Seiya slung her bag over her shoulder and grinned. "Probably not," she agreed. "Come on, let's go get some food."

Seiya let out a snort of laughter as she watched Usagi slurp her bowl of hot broth, almost pouring the entire contents of the bowl into her lap. "Making enough of a mess there, Odango?"

Usagi glared at her as she shovelled noodles into her mouth. "I told you I was hungry!"

"Clearly," Seiya remarked, sitting back to let the burger she had practically inhaled settle in her full stomach. It was well past dinnertime, but Crown's was open late into the evening, so the duo had slipped into a booth up the back for a quick bite to eat—needless to say, it seemed Usagi was right in her element. "Your appetite never ceases to amaze me."

Something about her words stopped the pretty girl from wolfing down her food and place the bowl down with a clunk. "You got a problem with the way I eat, Kou?"

"No way—I like a girl who can eat," Seiya chuckled. She tilted her head, looking at Usagi closer as she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. "Why—does someone else have a problem with it?"

Usagi hesitated, swirling her chopsticks around the murky liquid. "Mamo says I'm not very ladylike," she replied, pouting lightly. "What even constitutes being ladylike, anyway?"

Seiya folded her arms over her chest, swallowing down the sudden desire to tell Usagi that her boyfriend sounded like an inconsiderate jerk. Be nice—the guy just had a near-death experience. "Let's see," she said instead, "coming from a lady—"

Usagi cocked a brow at her. "You're the expert…"

She sat up tall and stuck her nose in the air, lacing a proper tone to her voice. "Be polite, well-spoken, cultured, sophisticated—"

"Oh, come on—"

Seiya laughed and let her shoulders slump. "Seriously though," she said, "I don't think what makes someone ladylike is your ability to eat politely or like a bird, or have brilliant grades and perfect speech. I think it's your ability to care and love; to be a friend and a sister and a lover, to be kind and forgiving and strong." She smiled at her, simply unable to stop herself from telling the truth. "And you are every one of those things."

Usagi stared back at her, cheeks rosy and eyes like saucers. The impact of her honesty seemed to have flawed her, and Seiya temporarily—and perhaps a little selfishly—relished the feeling of her admiring gaze.

"Don't let anyone make you believe anything different," Seiya finished.

Usagi narrowed her eyes at her. "Is that always how you come on to girls? By showering them with compliments?"

"I mean it!" She defended. "And I don't want anyone making you feel any less than that—especially Mamoru."

Usagi stilled, a distant look passing over her features as she pushed her half-finished bowl of soup aside. Perhaps she had been insensitive, criticising her prince charming when he was yet another source of stress in her world. "Sorry—I didn't mean to—"

"No, it's fine," Usagi cut in, shaking her head. "You're totally right."

They were silent a moment longer as Usagi watched the traffic go by out the window, and Seiya found herself on-edge—it was just as it had been when she was last on Earth: Odango, quietly struggling with the absence of her boyfriend, and her, picking up the beautiful, broken pieces. "Odango," she said, "I'm worried about you."

Usagi looked over at her curiously. "Why? I told you—I'm fine—"

"You're not, I can tell—"

"But I have to be, Seiya," she said tiredly. "What's the point in worrying about things I can't control? Mamoru says he's fine and I trust him."

"But he should be here, with you—looking after you—"

"Did it ever occur to you that maybe I'm the one insisting he doesn't come home?" Usagi replied abruptly. "If Mamo had it his way, he would have been back weeks ago."

Seiya ground her jaw and said nothing.

Usagi caught her eye and gave her a small smile. "There's just…too much at stake," she said. "I have to get on with things, as they are now."

"That's true," Seiya agreed quietly. She shot her a lop-sided smirk. "I suppose you're pretty lucky I'm here to protect you then, huh?"

Usagi slid the bowl back toward her and took a long sip, grumbling something under her breath.

Seiya leant across the table toward her playfully. "What was that, Odango?"

"Nothing," Usagi said sweetly, swatting her away with a laugh.

Seiya grinned. "Oh? I thought it sounded like 'thank you, Seiya, you're just so strong and hot and wonderful'—"

This time, Usagi threw her chopsticks at her. "Shut up!"

"That's better," Seiya commented, after she'd finished laughing and deflecting the flying wooden sticks.

"What?"

"You're smiling," she said simply. She let out a long sigh and pulled her cap off, tossing it on the booth beside her and ruffling a hand through her knotty curls. She looked back up at the blonde through a black tuft dangling in her vision. "So, are you going to tell me what your little conversation with Rafu was about today?"

"It was weird," Usagi said casually with a shrug. "He's been acting strange lately—asking me how I am and telling me he's worried about my safety…"

That was odd, considering the way Seiya had seen Rafu cast his eye over the beautiful girl. "I'd say he just wants to get in your pants—"

"Mm, I don't know," Usagi wondered. She frowned. "Today he told me he wanted to apologise for something, but when I asked him what it was, he didn't really tell me—just said he knew I'd been going through some stuff, and that he could come by to keep me company any time."

"Definitely just wants to f—"

"Seiya," Usagi growled. "I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt—he's my friend. Besides, I can take care of myself—I have a strong will and won't let any guy other than Mamo come stay with me."

Seiya drew up her eyebrows in mock surprise. "Really? That's not what I recall—you seemed all too happy to let me in your bedroom—to be your bodyguard—"

"That was different—"

"Oh?" Seiya grinned. "Maybe I'll come by again then, to keep you company." She locked eyes with her intently. "In this form, of course, so I don't break your rule."

Usagi's cheeks immediately flushed red. "That won't be necessary, thank you."

"Does that make you uncomfortable?" Seiya asked.

"No!" She burst in reply, and then shook her head, a smile creeping onto her lips. "Not at all."

Seiya smirked and pushed back the hair from her eyes showily. "Didn't think so," she said, and after a moment of silence, she leant back in toward her. "You know, I saw the way you were looking at me this afternoon."

"What? Everyone was looking at you—you make that your business," Usagi scoffed. "Plus, you sure do know which buttons to press—"

"So you admit it?"

For the umpteenth time that day, she had managed to completely fluster the girl, and she was all about with nervous, stammering energy. "Well, I, um…"

Seiya laughed and decided against continuing to torture the princess, instead flinging a bundle of cash onto the table and tugging her to her feet. "Home time, Odango."

They made their way out onto the quietened street, down the footpath toward Usagi's house. The air was still warm and a tiny slither of the moon was visible in the navy sky above. Seiya breathed in the humid air, momentarily reminded of the sweltering heat of Kinmoku, before the magnetic energy of the moon seeped into her skin once again. She let out a satisfied hum and Usagi started to giggle at her. "What?" She asked.

"Oh, nothing," Usagi said slyly as she wandered beside her. "Just looks like you're enjoying your time here."

"I am," Seiya told her honestly. "I love it here."

Usagi was quiet a moment, before she suddenly said: "Maybe you should stay, then."

The comment halted her in her tracks, and she stared down at Usagi in surprise. "Odango, you know it's not that simple—" She trailed off, distracted by a vivid, pinkish glow emanating from the city's skyline behind them. The light pulsed wildly, growing in leaps and bounds. "What the hell…?"

Usagi spun to investigate the source of the light, and her cerulean eyes grew wide. "Rini," she breathed, before breaking into a sprint.