"No, I'm in your debt."  She turned and the Sailor Soldiers started to walk out with her, all except the outers.  Turning back to them she said. "Aren't you guys coming?"

"We have a couple of more questions we'd like to ask the Princess and the Starlights." Amara spoke up cool as ever.

"Yes just a couple of things they won't take long." Michelle put in.  Serena firmed her lips and spoke before she had really thought about it.

"That won't be necessary.  Everyone has been through such an ordeal today. I think it is rude for you to stay and bother them after they have shown us such hospitality."  At the censor in her voice every one looked at her as if she had grown a second head.  She tired to tone it down but the message was the same. "Look guys I know you like to have all the answers, but can't we just rest tonight.  We've all been through so much.  I've really missed you all.  It would really make me happy if you all joined us at Darien's house at least for tonight so we can catch up.  Huh what do you say?"  Trista being wiser and hearing and accepting the authority in Serena's voice more easily then the others spoke up.

"Of course my Queen.  You're right how very rude of us.  We'd love to catch up with you, nothing would make us happier."  She turned to the Starlights and the Princess. "Forgive us our manners, lack of sleep and such.  We are grateful for you hospitality and for much more I believe. As our Princess said we are in your debt have a safe and peaceful night."  She bowed and walked to stand with Serena.  The others bowed and followed suit, too confused by the last couple of minutes to do anything else.

"Okay well great!"  Serena's overly bright voice rang out. "See you guys later!"  She waved as they begin walking out the door.  The Starlights waved back but Seiya whispered "Good bye Serena." Because is seemed more fitting as he lost sight of her through the door.

///

ONE WEEK LATER

A week had gone by fast.  Serena had insisted that everyone sleep the first night.  More so, because she had a lot on her mind then she was tired.  The next morning she stared telling them how she had spent their months apart.  She left out nothing.  They deserved to know everything.  She told them how she had been catatonic at the start and how if it wasn't for the Starlights, she probably would have died from grief.  She told them in no certain terms that they should leave the Starlights and Princess Kakyuu alone until it was time to see them again.  When asked when that time would be she told them she would let them know.  She told them about the Starlights pledging themselves to her.  How they had become her new family.  She got through all of it with out crying.  When she got to the part about her family and missing them she didn't break down either.  She told them about pretending to be a newswoman just to see them and how the Starlights had found a way to reunite her.  How she had told her parents the truth about Sailor Moon and how that had lead to the decision to tell everyone else.  They were all shocked at this but she told them everything that had happened.  So it wouldn't be a problem really with their families they just had to figure out a way to make them coming back to life logical for everyone else.  Ami being Ami came up with the simple idea.

"We'll use the same story as you.  That we washed up somewhere far off, it took time to find enough supplies to make some kind of raft, plus we were busy trying to survive and finally we made it to a harbor."  Some frowned, but most figured, it they bought it once why not again.  Amara grumbled.

"Why can't you just wipe away their memories or something?

"I guess I could, but well memories are important.  They were all I had of you guys when I thought I'd lost you. I don't want to take other peoples away for my own selfless reasons."

"Okay, okay."

"Anyway, with a little work I think Ami's idea will work!"  She continued and told them about the memorial, and then about the three times she had used large amounts of power.  They were all awed at her new abilities the depth of them were truly just sinking into everyone.  Serena felt as if everyone looked at her different now so she turned the conversation.

The second morning every one left.  Michelle and Amara's apartment had been rented, but Trista's house was still hers so they moved in there.  They returned Hotaru back to her loving father, who asked no questions.  The rest of the girls went back to their respective places.  Lita stayed with Mina and contacted her grandparents for help with setting up another apartment.  Of course everyone was thrilled to have their loved ones back and there was much joy around the city.

On the third day the girls contacted the media and school and it was a circus that lasted well into the fourth day, until someone told the reporters how rude it was to bother them after being gone for such a long time.  That slowed them down somewhat.  As for school they had barely a month and a half before the next year started.  As with Serena they offered the girls a month to study and if they passed they could start on time in the right grade.  Everyone agreed that was fare.

The fifth day everyone did their own thing trying to get reacquainted with life.  Serena and Darien went on a date in the park.

"Oh Darien this feels so right.  I'm so glad everything turned out okay."

"So am I dumpling.  I feared the worst for everyone but you changed all that.  You've changed."  They sat on a bench along one of the pond paths Serena was silent for so long that Darien finally asked was she okay.

"Yeah, your right I have changed.  Do you think you can still love me, with my changes?  I'm a slightly different person."  He took her face between his hands and made her look him in the eye.

"Serena of course I can.  You're still so bright and full of life.  Thinking about you is what kept me going.  You should be different we all are after going through this.  I'll always love you."  She smiled as a single tear dripped out of her eye and they kissed.  The first kiss since he'd been back.

The sixth day arrived and that night she called them all over to her place. They talked and enjoyed each others fellowship.  It felt as if she was basking in ten suns by being in their presence.  Later right before they left she told them that they would meet with that Starlights and Princess Kakyuu tomorrow, apparently to say goodbye.  There was no need for her to tell everyone to stay on their best behavior, so instead when they parted all she said was "We all owe them much.  I will be very sad to see them go."

So now it was the seventh day and the guardians who served under the Moon Kingdom and protected the Milky Way system stood once again on the roof of the T.V. station.  They formed two half moon arches behind their leader.  Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask stood together. Then behind them spread out stood Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.  Finally in back of them arched out stood Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto.  They were early but they waited in silence and in seriousness. 

Meanwhile at the Starlights home things were not going as smoothly.  Princess Kakyuu had just told her three soldiers about the meeting ten minutes ago and from their reactions she was glad she had decided not tot tell them earlier.

"You've joking right?  You mean to tell me we're going to say good bye to them now and that we'll be going home today."

"Yes Seiya for the third time that is what I said.  You three really should transform so that I can transport us.  If you don't hurry we'll be late."  She was already back in her traditional red and gold grown.  Yaten sat legs and arms crossed on a breakfast stool.  While Taiki paced rubbing the bridge of his nose, now he spoke seeing Seiya about to explode.

"Princess, what about our pledge to Serena?  Can we break it so easily and just leave like this?"  In their seven days they had also shared everything with their princess.  At first they had felt slightly ashamed by their admission.  However, she had assured them that in the circumstances they had not only made an honorable decision but a wise one as well.

"Do not worry, I will handle everything.  Serena will understand.  Already she is taking us leaving way better then any of you.  Why she didn't even flinch when I told her we would be meeting to say our farewells."

"Maybe she didn't understand exactly what you meant?"  Seiya got out.

"She understood exactly what I was saying. I felt the pain go through her body but she didn't flinch.  Seiya you really should stop making your self believe that.  Serena understands a lot of things.  She just keeps them to herself."  He blushed and she continued. "You three on the other hands are acting like little children.  You mission was to find me and somehow defeat Galaxia.  You have done both.  Is it that you don't want to return to our home planet so that we can rebuild, bring life back to it?"

"Of course we do princess.  Your right our time here has been exceptional and brought us some happiness but I see your point. We belong back home, bringing our people to life, our planet to thrive."  Yaten said, then transformed.  Taiki stopped pacing and transformed also.

"Forgive me my princess." Taiki said. "You are right as always.  If you say it is time to go, then it is time to go. Serena and her friends have their planet, we must go and make sure ours survive."  That left Seiya looking at his beloved Princess, she smiled at him and that was all it took.  He felt her warmth.  Just as he had come across the galaxy looking for her, he would follow her back no matter what, he transformed.

"As always wherever you go I go my princess." He bowed and the other two did the same.

"Very well my Starlights.  I know it isn't easy but duty calls us once again.

///

Rei had just stared tapping her foot thirty seconds ago.  She knew it was probably driving everyone crazy, but she couldn't help it.  She knew this was very hard for Serena.  After everyone had left the other night Rei had came back.  Serena's parents had let her in and as she had stood outside Serena's bedroom she could here the girl crying.  She had went in and held her through the night as she cried out her grief for her new friends.  Now she was impatient to get this over with just so Serena wouldn't have to suffer.  She felt the pull of power in the air and her tapping stopped.  They had arrived.  They stood less then ten feet away. Princess Kakyuu in the front the Starlights behind her.  Both Princesses stepped slightly forward.

"Thank you Princess Serena for granting my meeting.  I am honored."

"Don't be silly how could I do anything else but come.  You and the Starlights are important people."

"As are you and the Sailor Scouts.  I come before you today to say many things.  One of which is thank you again.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for finding the love needed to defeat Galaxia. I always knew the hope lay in you.  I also thank you for taking care of my precious Starlights before and after they found me, they are everything to me."

"Please it's me who should thank you for the Starlights, without them I would be lost and none of us would be together right now."

"You honor them greatly by saying that.  But every Solider in the galaxy mine included owe you thanks that can never be repaid.  You are truly one of a kind. Never have I seen one person turn the heart of so many so easily.  One person be so many things to so many people.  My Starlights told me how they pledged them selves to you that they are now under your rule"

"Please understand they only did that because they felt they had no other choice.  They thought you and any hope of home was gone forever.  That's the only reason they did it."

"No those are not the only reasons they did it.  In you they saw a leader and ruler that not even you saw.  They saw greatness and so do I.  However, they can not server under two Princesses pledged directly to both."

"Oh of course not.  Um I here by resolve the pledge of protection and service under my leadership from this day forth.  They are free and clear of any obligation they may have had to me, all debts are paid."

"How kind of you.  But since you have done that I may now do what I really wanted to do."  Slowly for all to see she knelt in front of Serena.  Serena was stunned and tried to back away but the princess hurried and grabbed her hand.  In a loud clear voice so that none could mistake her intent she stated.

"I fourth daughter of the house of Kou, once known as Sailor Kinmokusei, now known as Princess Kakyuu and future Queen Kakyuu and sole ruler of the planet Kinmokusei on this day pledge my allegiance to Eternal Sailor Moon, Princess Serena and future Queen Serenity.  From this day forward if you are in need all you have to do is call on me.  Everything that my planet and I have is at your service.  Through me I pledge my Starlights, my faithful Soldiers into your service as well. You may call on them at any time as you may me.  With this pledge I promise to be faithful to believe in you and to serve under you guidance.  With this pledge I bind my self to you and yours.  You or any of your Sailor Soldiers will always be welcome on Kinmokusei for as long as it stands.  Do you except my sincere pledge that I offer to you of my own free will."  No one said a peep.  Everyone's eyes were bulging out of their sockets and Serena's mouth looked as if it would hit that floor any second.  Princess Kakyuu smiled and encouraged her.

"It would honor me greatly if you said yes."  Serena nodded and managed to close her mouth.  Taking a deep breath she spoke.

"You honor me beyond belief. I accept all that you give and in return I give the same to you." Serena knelt down in front of her and grabbed her other hand. "As your governor I promise to lend you my protection when you are in need and to help you when you call.  I promise to be your friend to the end of time.  You and the Starlights have changed my life in so many ways I can never repay you, but I will never stop trying.  I promise that you will always have my love and my hope."

"That dear Serena, is more then enough.  We have all seen what your love and hope can do.  If those are what I get from you then I will be blessed."  The two shared a brief hug and the deed was done.  They got back to their feet smiling.  When Serena let a giggle escape everyone let out the breath they were holding.  Princess Kakyuu shook her head and spoke again.

"I must say my good byes now.  To the Sailor Soldiers who fought for this planet and aided in the defeat of Galaxia I thank you.  Spending time with you in the void of light gave me a chance to get to know you.  You are all amazing.  The love you have for Serena though each different is astounding.  It is from your love that she gets her hope, never forget that.  I wish you all a long peaceful life.  I hope one day to visit again.  Who knows maybe you and your Princess will grace Kinmokusei with a visit." The Sailor Soldiers and Darien bowed and accepted her praise.  She then turned to the Starlights behind her.  "It is time for me to go now."

"But we haven't had a chance to say good bye to Serena."  Kakyuu smiled and walked up to Seiya and palmed his cheek.

"My dear loyal Seiya you don't have to.  I said it is time for me to go now.  I have much to do."  All the Starlights frowned.  Serena frowned also and stepped forward.

"I don't understand.  I thought we were coming to say good bye to you and the Starlights today."  Princess Kakyuu turned back around.

"Yes that was to be the case, but after some thinking I have changed my mind.  Only I will be returning to Kinmokusei."  There were shocked gasps all around

"Why Princess? We told you that our place is with you.  We have important and hard work to do to restore our planet."

"Yes Taiki you are right.  However, as your Princess I am responsible for that task.  On this planet you have all shown valor and strength. I thought you should be rewarded.  You may stay here on this planet until the work I have to do is done.  If that is all right with Serena?"

"Of course it is!  I would love for my friends, I mean the Starlights to stay…if that's what you want and they want."

"But Princess won't you need us?" Yaten asked worry lines on his forehead.

"As I said this is really my task.  Please don't take offense to this.  Our planet has been dead for many, many months.  It will take a long time for me to revive it.  After that it will take me even longer to revive the people.  While I am doing that I will be in a deep sleep, using all my energy for the revival.  I will have no need of you and it would be nothing for you three to do but wait."

"Yes but we could stand guard over you while you slept."  Taiki put in.

"Yes I thought about that but there really is no need.  Our sector of the galaxy had long been mainly peaceful place until Galaxy came.  All the closest planets will be busy reviving just like me, there is no danger.  Besides to stay alive you three would have to take from your own energy then mine.  I need all my energy to put into the planet.  It would actually be better if I did not have to worry about you."

"I see your point but Princess you would leave us behind?"  Everyone could here the hurt in Seiya voice.

"No Seiya that's not what I thought I was doing.  I thought I was leaving you on a planet where you have met new friends.  Where you have a young carefree life that you never really got to have at home.  I thought I was giving you extra time to be happy and free.  For us Soldiers duty calls so often, it is nice when can set it aside for a while."

"I…what about you?"  Seiya stammered out.

"What about me?  I will be doing my duty that must be done if our planet is to be reborn and you will be keeping my mind unworried and happy knowing you are safe and happy.  Don't fret when I do wake I will contact you with news and keep you updated Then when the time comes I will call for you to come home."

"How long do you think that will be Princess, before you call us home?"  Taiki asked.

"I would say you three would have at least two Earth years here.  As you know our time goes faster so I will have really been at home for almost three.  After that I could call you home at anytime."  She turned and looked into Serena's bright eyes and restated this.  "So yes you have at least two years maybe more but I will have need of you soon after."

"Don't worry.  We will drop everything and come as soon as you call."

"I know you will Yaten, and unfortunately it will probably be that abrupt.  So make sure to enjoy your time here to the fullest.  Do not worry over when I will call, just know that I will.  Now I really must be going.  I feel the urge inside me to start the process.  My home is calling to me."  So with that she said her farewells one more time.  Hugged the Starlights and gave them words of encouragements and was off.

She closed her eyes and her body started to shimmer in different colors.  Slowly she disintegrated into the air, leaving behind the smell of fragment olives.  Now they all stood in regular clothes loosely around each other.  Talking and laughing and the girls giving the Starlights a welcoming hug.  Darien held Serena and she signed as she looked at all her friends.  The outers looking bored and restless, ready for the next fight.  The inners jocked for attention of the perplexed Starlights.  Yes very thing was as it should be.

"Are you happy Serena?"  Darien asked.

"So happy I could explode.  I have my friends and my future back."

THE END

1=Taiki white energy/rose means-loyalty

2=Yaten yellow energy/rose means- friend ship

3=Seiya amaranth red energy/rose means-long standing desire and love.

Author's Note: Okay, I have two other stories that technically come after this.  There are some differences but they easily connect give or take.  The first is "I Would Steal You" and the next in order is "Love Triangles".  They follow how things are after this what has been going on the next two years etc.  About to begin work on "Love Everlasting" which will be my last SM fanfic that flows with these three.  Hope you liked and Review Please.

ALTY