Wavering Destiny

Chapter 3: The Watercolor Sunrise

Things are starting to happen! Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this fanfiction, it really means a lot to me.

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"That's a good one," Fighter said with a forced laugh.

Maker frowned. "I am very much serious. They're outside the gate now."

Fighter's breath caught. Her heart hammered in her chest, and for a split second, she'd wondered if she'd misheard. But Maker's voice was steady.

"Wonder what this is about," Healer said, standing.

Fighter let the words sink in. Sailor Moon is here. Without a second thought, she stood and headed for the door.

The Starlights headed down the hall towards the entrance. She hadn't expected Odango. Not here, not on Kinmoku. She pushed ahead of Maker and Healer. What would she even say?

They reached the entrance doors of the palace to find them held open by two guards. Fighter gave them a nod of acknowledgement and continued outside at a brisk pace. The sweet scent of freshly cut grass floated through the air. The sun had just peeked over the horizon, illuminating the dark sky with its radiant rays. The sunrise was watercolors of blue and purple. It was a beautiful morning in more ways than one.

And there was the Princess, wearing her usual gown. She had her back turned as they approached her. Her red hair fluttered over her shoulder blades in the slight breeze.

"Princess?" Fighter started.

Kakyuu turned around gracefully. With a smile she said, "We have some visitors. Follow me." She held her gaze to Fighter, giving her a meaningful look. But Fighter couldn't read her expression and dismissed it.

Kakyuu led them down the stone stairs and towards the gate. As they got closer, Fighter could see five silhouettes standing in the distance. The rising sun behind them made the figures difficult to make out. Her pulse quickened. Could it really be...?

"We are so happy you came so far to visit us," Kakyuu greeted them. "I'm sure the journey has been a long one."

"We're glad we made it," answered a familiar, high-pitched voice.

The voice cut straight through her. With each step, the silhouettes became clearer. Standing before them were five sailor guardians. In the middle - golden hair tied in buns.

Fighter inhaled sharply.

Sailor Moon peered over Kakyuu. "Everyone" she cried in excitement. When her eyes fell on Fighter, her face lit up.

Fighter's knees suddenly felt weak. Sailor Moon stood there, angel wings unfurled, just as radiant as she remembered. Her golden hair shimmered in the breeze, that familiar crescent moon shining on her forehead.

"What brings you here?" Maker asked, all business.

"We wanted to see you," Sailor Moon answered, still smiling. Her eyes flashed to Fighter.

The occasions Seiya had imagined traveling to Earth, she never once considered the guardians would show up on their home. The idea seemed out of reach.

"We've been wondering how you've been," Mercury said. "A year with no word felt longer than we expected."

"We appreciate it," Maker turned to her. "We've been rebuilding and settling in. It's good to see you all in person again."

Venus caught Healer's attention and gave her an energetic wave. Healer blinked at her, unsure how to respond. Finally, she offered a small smile that made Venus beam.