Sailor Moon: Guardians of the Star Chapter Eight: The Calm before the Storm Saturn leaned the Glaive carefully against the wall and approached Haeth's bed. As she knelt next to the bed, her violet eyes met Haeth's silver ones. The utter trust in those silvery eyes shook her. she thought grimly, She laid one hand on the cast covering Haeth's injured arm and the other on her bare shoulder. As she stared at Haeth's arm, Saturn's hands began to glow with a soft pale light. The others all watched as Saturn struggled to heal Haeth's injury. They gasped as she began to falter, the light from her hands flickering weakly. "She has not yet recovered from the terrible draining effect of the Nullifier," Lynn explained hurriedly as she rushed forward. Her star symbol already glowing, she moved behind Saturn and placed her hands on the Outer Senshi's shoulders. As she began to transfer energy to the faltering Senshi, Saturn's trembling stopped and the glow on her hands grew brighter. She cast a grateful look over her shoulder at Lynn and turned back to her patient. Her hands glowed even brighter as she turned her full attention to the healing. She moved her hand slowly along Haeth's arm. Beneath her gentle touch, shattered bone, torn cartilage, damaged muscle and tissue mended at an incredible rate. As she healed and the pain ebbed, Haeth's eye lids grew heavy. She tried to stay awake, though it grew harder to do so the more the pain in her arm lessened. During this, Saturn eyes were filled with joy and her face bore a gentle expression. Healing always filled her with this incredible joy and she much prefered healing to using her other, much less wanted, power. When the healing was finally complete, Saturn sighed heavily and collapsed against the bed. Ikuko, rushing forward, caught her before she could slide to the floor. Dr. Mizuno checked her over carefully. "Ishiya-san?" Ikuko questioned worriedly. "It is exhaustion only," she said with a smile, "I think we'd better put the child to bed for now." Ikuko nodded and turned to her husband. "Kenji, would you be a dear and put Hotaru in Usagi's bed?" she asked. "Of course, dear," he answered as he lifted the sleeping Saturn into his arms, "We have a lot of talking to do, so she might as well sleep until we're finished." He left the room. Sailor Moon moved over to Mercury who was examining Haeth's arm carefully with her visor. "Well?" she queried. "The arm is fully healed," Mercury replied absently, "Of course, she should get that arm X-rayed again, but I think it's safe to remove the cast." Her mother went to get her bag and returned with the tools to remove the cast. As Mercury moved to help her, Sailor Moon went to Lynn. "Aisy-chan, I just realized something," she said shamefaced, "I could have healed Haeth with the Ginzuishou and saved her all this pain she went through!" Lynn turned to her and raised an eye brow. "Actually, you couldn't have," Lynn corrected her. "Why not?" Sailor Moon questioned puzzled." "Your healing via the Ginzuishou is magic, is it not?" Lynn asked with a smile at Sailor Moon's confusion. "Yeah. So what?" Sailor Moon returned. "Well, Dragonkin are HIGHLY resistant to magic," Lynn explained, "It's why Mars' fire didn't kill Ebonar but only wounded him. If you had tried to use the Ginzuishou on Haeth in her weakened condition, it might well have killed her." Sailor Moon paled and covered her broach with a trembling hand. "For once in my life, I'm glad I forgot something," she breathed softly. Lynn smiled and patted her shoulder comfortingly. When Haeth fell asleep during Dr. Mizuno's examination, everyone trooped downstairs to continue the discussion there. The Senshi powered down and the Guardians resumed their disguises as everyone took a seat. Usagi stood and began to explain what had happened since they had left the house. "And we were getting ready to dispose of the Nullifier, when Ebonar showed up!" she said softly. Ikuko gasped at that. "What happened?" she asked worriedly, "Did he get away again?" "Actually, I don't know," Usagi answered, "He had us down, but before he could do anything, another Dragonkin showed up to fight him! Last we saw, he was chasing Ebonar away from us." Ikuko looked vastly relieved. "I'm glad about that," she said with a small smile, "I wonder who that other Dragonkin was and where he came from." Dr. Mizuno was about to answer when someone pounded on the door frantically. Kenji got up and opened the door to see an anxious Galen standing there. When he staggered in, they saw he was exhausted as well. Kenji helped him to a chair and as Galen leaned his head on the back of the chair, everyone except Dr. Mizuno gasped with surprise. Easily visible on Galen's forehead was the silver dragon crest of the Dragonkin. When everyone started to throw questions at him, he raised a hand imperiously. Everyone stopped talking as he turned to regard Dr. Mizuno with his silvery gray eyes. "Haeth?" he questioned. Dr. Mizuno smiled in reassurance. "Healed and resting, Galen-san," she answered with relief, "I trust that you DID see to her vengeance properly?" Galen grinned wickedly and nodded. He then turned back to the others and saw everyone was nearly bursting with questions. "Mrs. Tsukino, you first," he said with a weary smile, "What would you like to know?" She looked down at her clenched hands briefly and then looked back at him. "Were you the one that helped the girls?" she asked hesitantly, "And if you were, did you catch that creature?" "You need not worry about Ebonar any longer," he affirmed with a smile, "I was, I did, and he's no longer a problem we need to deal with!" As she sighed deeply with relief, Galen turned to Usagi. "OK Usagi," he smiled, "Ask away." Immediately, a veritable flood of questions burst from her. "Who ARE you? You have the moon crescent. Are you from the Moon Kingdom, too? Were there Dragonkin in the Moon Kingdom? Do you know about the Star Kingdoms?" she asked eagerly. Galen laughed heartily. "Slow down, please," he chuckled, "I'll answer all your questions, but first...." He got up, moved to Usagi's chair and went down on one knee, to her wide eyed surprise. "I am Galen, son of Vordin and Maeribeth," he explained softly, "Commander of the Dragonkin Guard of the Moon Kingdom. Since you are Queen Serenity's heir, that makes me Commander of your Kin Guard. All Dragonkin who came to the Moon Kingdom and those, like me, who were born there, bear the moon crescent mark. And yes, the Star Kingdoms is where my folk originally came from, millennia ago." "What was the Kin Guard?" Usagi asked curiously, "Was it Dragonkin mounted knights or what? And please get up! I don't want friends to kneel to me!" Galen smiled affectionately at her as he got to his feet. "You haven't changed a bit, you know," he returned in amusement, "No, the Kin Guard were full fledged Dragonkin. Only one Dragonkin, in the entire history of the Moon Kingdom, allowed a human to ride. It was my mother, Maeribeth, who formed the Kin Bond with your mother by allowing her to ride. After that, they were like sisters. It's the closest bond that Dragonkin and Human can have." "Haeth let me ride her!" Usagi gasped in surprise. Galen smiled again. "I'm not at all surprised," he commented, "Haeth is a sweetheart and so are you! She would find no hardship in a Kin Bond to you. She won't tell you what it means because she likely won't want you to feel obligated, however, I'll tell you now that you have just gained a sister. We call it, as I said before, a Kin Bond and that means you are now Kin Sisters." A tear rolled down Usagi's cheek and she smiled tremulously. "It's no hardship for me either," she whispered, "But I may kill her for letting me think it was just an ordinary ride!" Wiping her eyes, she looked up at Galen. "What about the other Dragonkin?" she asked anxiously, "Did they survive the destruction of the Moon Kingdom? And how did YOU survive?" Galen sighed heavily. "I wish I could answer all those questions, but I'll tell you what I know," he answered. "I was asleep when the Dark Kingdom attacked. The blasts that destroyed everything woke me but also caused a cave-in in the Kin Caverns. It took me three days to blast my way out, only to find everything in ruins. Queen Serenity's spirit came and told me to go to the future and keep an eye on you. She mentioned nothing about the other Dragonkin. She only said she mourned my mother's loss. This puzzled me because Dragonkin can sense the death of close kin and that sense tells me that my mother is NOT dead!" Usagi gasped. "But why would she say such a thing if it wasn't true?" she asked incredulously. Galen thought deeply for a moment. "Maybe it was true as far as she was concerned," he answered thoughtfully, "Your moon mother died using the Ginzuishou to get all of you to the future. If your mother died and mine lived, she would still be lost to Queen Serenity. That COULD be one meaning to what she meant. I imagine we'll know when it's time for us to know." "I think it's my turn now," Jadeite cut in with an amused grin. "Go ahead, Jadeite," Minako said with a glint in her eye, "I am curious to hear YOUR story!" Jadeite turned to regard Minako and as he studied her, his eyes filled with admiration. Minako flushed and looked away. Jadeite chuckled to himself at her school girl reaction and began to tell his tale. "After Sailors Moon, Mars, and Mercury defeated me at the airport, Beryl imprisoned me in a stasis crystal for my failure," he explained with a slight shudder. "I was imprisoned in that cursed crystal for over a year when suddenly, a few days ago, the stasis field failed and I was able to use my powers to free myself. Before I did, however, I used my powers to gain some information on my surroundings. What I found out was surprising.....and frightening! Morgoth plans to destroy all life here and use the power to invade the Star Kingdoms! And I can assure you, with that kind of power behind him, the Star Kingdoms don't have a hope in hell of defeating him. He must be stopped here!" Usagi paled immediately as she made a deduction that none of the others had come to, yet. "If you found that out," she said apprehensively, "That must mean....!" Jadeite nodded. "Yes indeed," he confirmed, "The Dark Empire base is in the northern latitudes, at the site of the old Dark Kingdom base." He looked on in confusion as the Inner Senshi all paled at this revelation. Mamoru instantly took Usagi's hand in a comforting grip. "What...," Jadeite started. Usagi shook her head. "We don't talk about it," she said very softly, "Suffice to say, our memories of the last fight there against Beryl and Metallia are VERY bad!" Jadeite turned to Minako. She was white as a sheet and trembling. He instinctively reached out a hand in comfort and almost winced at the strength of her grip as she took it. He made a few soothing sounds as if comforting a frightened animal, and Minako drank up that concern as if she was starving for it. When all the Inner Senshi, with the help of the others, managed to regain their composure, Lynn began to speak. "It's good to know the location of our enemy's base, although I think the Inner Senshi are of two minds about that," she said with a compassionate look at each of them. "However," she continued, "We CANNOT attack until all the Senshi have gained their new powers. We simply aren't strong enough yet. We have no choice but to fight a holding action until this occurs." With this said, they ended the meeting to head home, as it was late and most of them would have school tomorrow. Michiru and Haruka went upstairs and returned a moment later with Haruka carrying Saturn, and Michiru carrying the Silence Glaive. They bade everyone good night and headed out to their car. Mamoru gave Usagi a tender kiss. "Good night, Usako," he said softly, "Sweet dreams, hmmm." Usagi smiled. "If they're about you," she returned just as softly, "they will be." Mamoru turned and, offering Galen a ride home, walked out the door with Galen behind him. "OK girls," Dr. Mizuno said, getting up from her seat, "I'll take you all home, and you Guardians as well." After a moment, Usagi and her parents were alone. "Interesting night," Kenji commented. "Mama, Papa, I love you," Usagi smiled. "Time to go to bed, Usagi dear," Ikuko said as she smiled back, "It's been a long and eventful night!" The next day, after school, Usagi came home in a happy mood. She'd passed another test, and while her mark wasn't stellar, it WAS a vast improvement. "Look, Mom!" she sang out, waving the paper in the air, "I passed another one!" Ikuko took the test from Usagi and smiled when she saw the mark her daughter had received. "A '75'!" she said, beaming proudly at Usagi, "And in English, your worst subject! Very, VERY good, dear." Usagi nodded happily and was about to mention her teacher, when the phone rang. Her mother moved to answer it. Ikuko picked up the phone and spoke into it and listened for a moment before she turned and held the phone out to her daughter. "It's for you, dear," she explained with a smile, "It's Mamoru-san." Usagi blushed slightly under her mother's knowing look as she took the phone. "Hello?" she said hesitantly. Ikuko, knowing that Usagi would like privacy, headed for the kitchen. she thought gleefully as she started on supper, She laughed quietly to herself at the thought. "Hi, Usako," Mamoru said over the phone, "How's my favorite girl?" "Wonderful, Mamo-chan!" she exclaimed happily, "I got a '75' on my English test today!" "Very good, Usako!" Mamoru congratulated her, "A '75' is an excellent mark, considering English is your worst subject. Good thing I called. I have a surprise for you. I phoned your parents this morning to get their okay. We'll be joining Haeth and Galen on their dinner date tonight!" "REALLY?" Usagi cried, "I better get my homework done quickly then! I would have thought that they would have preferred to be alone." Mamoru laughed at that. "Oh, we'll split up after dinner so they can go off by themselves," he said, amused, "Besides, I have to admit that I'd like some quality time with you as well!" Usagi blushed and began wrapping the phone cord around her finger. "I'd like that too," she said softly, "And if we're going to get it, I better start on my homework now." Usagi could practically see Mamoru smile at the other end. "Okay, Usako," he said, "We'll be there at 7:30. Bye, Love!" Haeth had spent the day in bed, Doctor Mizuno's orders. If her teacher hadn't stopped by, at her request, with some work for her to do, she would have died of boredom. She longed to change into her Dragonkin form in order to test her newly healed wing in flight. As it was, Galen had called to confirm if she was well enough for their date tonight, so the day wasn't a TOTAL loss. She had learned that Mamoru and Usagi would be joining them for dinner. After dinner, she would go off alone with Galen. she thought with a small smile. Haeth looked up at a knock on the door, to see Usagi looking in. "Hi Haeth-chan!" Usagi said, "Mind if I join you? I have homework to do." Haeth shook her head and smiled. "Come on in, Usagi-chan," she replied, "As you can see, I have my own work to do!" She waved at the open notebooks and textbooks lying on the bed. "You're supposed to be resting, Haeth-chan!" Usagi accused. "Now Usagi-chan, Dr. Mizuno said I had to stay in bed today," Haeth explained, "She didn't say I had to do nothing all day. The boredom was driving me crazy!" Usagi looked as if she were about to remonstrate further and Haeth sighed in relief when she apparently thought better of it. "Anyway, there's another topic I'd like to discuss with you, Haeth-chan," Usagi said quietly. "Oh? And what might that be?" Haeth asked, puzzled by the sudden hurt in Usagi's eyes. "Two words," Usagi returned, watching Haeth closely, "Kin Bond!" At those words, Haeth paled and looked down at her hands, clutching the bed cover so tightly that her knuckles were white. "You know?" she asked in a whisper. Usagi nodded. "You should have told me what it meant when you let me fly!" she said angrily, "Such an important and sacred thing like Kin Bonding, and you left me in the dark! WHY?" Haeth's head ducked lower in her distress, her long white hair hiding her face. she thought, almost crying at the thought. her conscience rebuked her, Usagi's big heart softened immediately. She never could stay angry for long. She laid a gentle hand on Haeth's shoulder. "You didn't want me to feel obligated, I'm told," Usagi said gently, "But I am, just by being your friend. When I heard what your letting me fly REALLY meant, I was overjoyed. Then saddened and angry that you left me ignorant of such an honor. You're my sister now. I won't forget it, make sure you don't either." Haeth nodded shakily and dared a look at her Kin Sister. When she saw Usagi smiling at her, she relaxed and managed a small smile in return. "Now, we have homework to do," Usagi commented, "We'd better get started or we won't be done in time!" Haeth nodded and the two girls began working quickly, in order to be finished before their dates arrived. As they began putting their work away, Usagi glanced at the clock next to Haeth's bed. "Well, Haeth," she said happily, "We're done, and just in time to get ready for our date with the guys." Haeth was about to respond when Usagi's mother walked in, burdened with what looked like dress boxes. "What have you got there, Mama?" Usagi asked curiously. Putting the boxes on the bed, she turned to place a large jewelry box carefully on the nightstand beside the bed. "I was shopping, dear," she explained, "And I found a pair of gowns that were perfect for you and Haeth, and I bought them so you'd have something special to wear for your date tonight." Usagi squealed and ran to hug her mother. "Oh thank you, Mama!" she cried as she took the box containing her gown, "I love you!" She ran to her room, to change. Ikuko laughed as her daughter ran out, and turned to Haeth. "Why, Haeth dear!" she said with concern as she noticed Haeth was crying silently, "Whatever is the matter?" "I....I'm sorry," Haeth whispered, "You remind me so much of my mother that I couldn't help it! She....she was killed during the Second Doomwar." Ikuko moved at once to embrace her and laid her cheek against Haeth's white hair. "Ah child," she said softly, "A greater compliment I've never received. I've heard about the Kin Bond. Usagi has gained a sister but if you'll permit me, I've gained a daughter as well!" Haeth hugged her back tightly and Ikuko held this new daughter of hers until she calmed down. After a short time, they heard the boys arrive downstairs, and Kenji's voice as he greeted them and let them in. "And now, child," she said quietly, "It's time to get you ready for Galen. You'll knock his eyes out, daughter!" Haeth smiled at her timorously. Awhile later, Haeth stared at her mirror in wonder. After Ikuko had finished doing arcane things to her hair and helped her into her new gown, she had sat her in front of the mirror and uncovered it with a flourish. A startlingly lovely young woman stared back at her. Her beautiful white hair were braided up in an intricate style with a curly lock falling in front of her ears on each side. Her long gown was black as jet, adding emphasis to her pale hair and skin. Delicate silver designs decorated the sleeves, hem, and neckline. she thought in a happy daze, Just then, Usagi entered the room. Looking at Haeth, she gasped at her transformation. "Why, Haeth! You're gorgeous!" she cried. Haeth was just as stunned at Usagi's appearance. "Hmmmm. You're no slouch yourself, Usagi-chan!" she commented with a blush. she wondered, Its neckline was higher, of course, but it was just as long, just as white, and had a large bow at the back that almost resembled wings. Ikuko looked at both of them with pride, and picked up the jewel box. "What's that, Mama?" Usagi asked. "This, my dear, is a tiara that has been in our family for generations," Ikuko explained, "I don't even know how old it is. It is passed from mother to daughter and with you being a princess, well, it just seemed appropriate that I pass it on to you. Besides, it goes perfectly with your gown!" Usagi glanced at her mother worriedly. "You don't think I'd be overdressed, do you?", she asked, concerned, "I mean, it's only a dinner date!" Ikuko looked back at her daughter in surprise. "Didn't Mamoru tell you?", she queried, "Galen wanted this date to be something special, so he and your father gained a reservation at an exclusive restaurant. Your father often takes clients there on business. Believe me, you won't look out of place there!" She opened the box and took out a jeweled tiara. At sight of it, Usagi gasped in shock. "Don't worry, dear," her mother said, misinterpreting Usagi's reaction, "No one knows for sure what the jewels are, so it's not as valuable as it looks." Usagi didn't even hear her mother. she thought in shocked fascination, Ikuko walked up and placed the tiara carefully on her daughter's golden head. Usagi glanced at the mirror and was shocked anew.