Title: Insight
Author: Krysia
Theme: Pilgrimage
Genre: General/drama
Version: Manga
Rating: G

"No. I must go."

She shook the girl's hand off her arm and turned back towards her closet for her jacket. The normally neat apartment, while still clean, had a sense of disorder about it. Maybe because on the bed laid a bag still open, obviously being packed.

Blue eyes filled with tears. "Why?"

Makoto bowed her head and gripped the jacket she held in her hands. She refused to allow the feeling of loss and despair overwhelm her.

"Because it is something I have to do."

She felt warm arms embrace her from behind. It took all her willpower to not just give in, to turn and cry in her friend's arms. To allow the light and warmth that she emanated to wash over her and remove the blemished that marked her soul.

"Makoto." The soft voice beckoned her to turn around and face its source.

As she turned, Usagi reached up a gentle hand to lay against her cheek. As rebellious tears coursed down her face, the blonde smiled.

"It will be ok. You need to finally say good-bye to your family and have some peace. And even though they are gone from their life on earth, they live on in your heart. They love you Makoto and are proud of you."

Later, as Makoto shouldered her bag as she stood in the airport where she would have greeted her parents those many years ago, she reflected on the words of her dear friend. Even through she made this trip to honor her parents, she wondered if her true pilgrimage in life was what resulted in bringing her to the presence of her princess.