The setting sun glinted off the crystal stronghold of the Neo-Queen, the sky filling with splotches of lavender and crimson, illuminating, just for an instant, the lone figure that stood on the outcropping near the top of the spire. The figure had its arms outraised, as if in prayer, their mouth opening and closing with silent cries. There was a quick, fierce, explosion of light, and then all was plunged into darkness.

      Unbeknownst to the suddenly laughing figure, troubled green eyes watched the scene from within the confines of the crystalline palace. Green eyes that belonged to the Princess of Jupiter, Makoto Kino.

      'Again... she's doing it again... why must she do it so many times?' she thought, face pale, her lips pursed.

      Someone cleared their throat, and Makoto stiffened. "Yes?"

      "Elder, I greet you." There was a pause, and when there was no response, the voice continued, somewhat miffed, "The Lady Hino requests your presence in her quarters."

      Makoto took a long drag of the cigarette she held between her fingers, and blew out as she turned. The servant who had been speaking coughed and sputtered, and shrank away from her, his eyes darting around nervously.

      "Tell the," she spat out the words, "Lady Hino, that I won't be able to fulfill her request."

      "Elder Senshi Jupiter," the cool voice wafted from around the adjoining corridor, and Makoto waited, her teeth on edge, for the voice's owner to join them. A woman with wavy ashen-colored hair sauntered demurely around the corner, the same superficial smile that she always wore frozen on her face. "I greet you." She gave a mock bow, and righting herself, continued, "I'm afraid you cannot refuse dear Lady Hino's request. She gave me specific orders to... escort you to her chambers."

      Makoto glared at the woman. 'And you... you were my replacement.' She smiled bitterly. "Ah... I didn't realize. And how delightful it is that she would send -you-..." Makoto stared at the woman for a second more, than strode down the hall in the direction of her former friend's quarters.

      Rei Hino, known now as either General Mars or Lady Hino, had been appointed trainer of the Neo-Senshi soon after the rise of Crystal Tokyo, and soon after that, had changed. Although if Makoto would ever bring it up, even with the other Elder Senshi, the stares would either be blank, or uncomfortable. Minako, Ami... they both knew, but didn't want to face it; and Makoto had found herself growing farther and farther away from her friends, if not in distance, then in mind. She was the only one who hadn't actually participated in the rise of the new Silver Millennium, if anything, they would say she had hindered it. But she refused... she refused to be behind that woman...

      "Ah.. Makoto. How good it is to see you." The voice jerked her from her reverie, and involuntarily, she winced. Even Rei's voice...

      "May I be excused, Lady Hino?" the polite voice of Makoto's replacement again wafted in from behind her, and Rei got up from where she was sitting, her red dress making soft rustling noises.

      "Of course, Emmeline." Rei gestured dismissively with her hand, and the Neo-Senshi retreated, closing the door resoundingly behind her.

      "Well," Makoto started, uneasily, her eyes flicking coldly over Rei .

      "Well," Rei echoed, smiling, "I suppose you're wondering why I brought you here?" Makoto took another drag from her cigarette as she nodded, uneasiness increasing. The ebony-haired woman wrinkled her nose in something like disgust, but no emotion reached her dark eyes. "Serenity has sent me a message to convey to you, Makoto."

      Makoto turned away from her. "Is that so?" she murmured. "Serenity? I had no idea she was running--"

      Rei made an impatient noise. "I don't wish to know your views on either the Neo-Queen, or her.. partner, Lady Faustine. Even if they are... treasonous," at the last word, Rei's eyes met Makoto's, an odd expression held within them. "Serenity's message to you is this... either participate actively in this government, or be cast out. The Queen is becoming impatient with you.. and frankly, so am I." Her lip curled, and she waited for a response.

      For a long moment, there was utter silence. Both of the former Senshi's faces contained no emotion, until finally, Makoto shrugged, that same, bitter smile touching her lips. "Tell Serenity... or whoever it is you report to," he green eyes flashed, "that I will ponder her offer, and report back to her, personally, with my response."

      Makoto turned on her heel and left, oblivious to the sudden flicker of relief that appeared in her former friend's eyes.

      That night, when the Moon shone full upon the crystal palace, a lithe figure, dressed in green, slipped out into the palace garden, emerald eyes anxious.

      "Hello, Makoto." At the whisper, the Princess broke into a smile, her arms immediately going around the neck of the one who had spoken.

      "Shinju-chan.." She buried her face in his neck, bitter tears falling silently down her face. "I've missed you.."

      "It's only been two days, Mako," he said teasingly, pushing her lightly away from him. He flashed his white teeth at her, and brushed her tears away. "But I've missed you too.." He kissed her head. "Let's go into my... abode." He smirked, nodding towards the small shack on the far side of the garden.

      Makoto smiled, and the two of them made their way over to the little house.

      High above them, it seemed situations had reversed. A figure dressed in a dark cloak watched the pair with a barely concealed smirk.

      "Information?"

      "Shinju Menboku. Age: 27. Occupation: Gardener for the crystal palace. Height--"

      "That's enough." The voice was unmistakably female, and the computer which had been rattling off information fell silent. "Hmm..." She laughed suddenly, a dark laugh, one which would have caused chills to run down the spine of the computer -- had it still been human.

      In a tavern not far from the palace, the only tavern still open, three rambunctious teenagers, and one brooding woman sat on the stools, the only people who could truly be called patrons. The teenagers laughed amongst themselves, and drank until they were silly, while the woman drowned herself in a beer. The only other person in the bar was a drunk, slumped over the table and muttering to himself.

      "Hey, lady! Don't we know you?" One of the more drunken teenagers squinted at the woman, a leer on his face. "Hell yeah, I know you... Elder.. Saturn? Woo-hoo, you sure are a fine lookin' chick..." He reached out a hand to touch her...

      ...She grabbed it... and twisted it back until it made a sickening crunch. The boy made a half-whining, half-screaming sound, and fell in a heap to the floor. His friends looked back and forth between the woman and the crumpled heap, and left in a hurry, dragging their still screaming friend along with them.

      'Alone at last...'

      "Not quite... Hotaru."

      The woman sighed, but didn't look up from her drink. "Do I know you?"

      The drunk sat down next to her, face hidden beneath a dark hat and coat. "Yah.. well, probably no. Doesn't matter." Hotaru couldn't decipher if the voice was male or female. "Anyway.. come to bring you news." A gloved hand whipped in and out of the coat, retrieving a white envelope, which was tossed next to the woman's drink. "I think you'll find this... helpful."

      The drunk got up to leave, but Hotaru held up her hand. The figure halted. "Something else I can do for you?"

      "This.. this is it. No more after this." She rubbed her brow wearily, eyelids drooping. "I'm finished."

      "She... wouldn't have wanted you to quit so soon," the drunk answered hesitantly.

      "Dammit!" The force of her fist sent her drink splattering. "Don't you tell me what -she- would've wanted me to do," she said vehemently." -She- isn't living anymore.. not.. not now." She rubbed her eyes angrily, and stood up. "I'll do this. I'll do this for you. For all of them. But that's it! Do you hear me? Do you--" She stopped suddenly when she realized she was all alone.

      She sighed one last time, gathered up her belongings, including the envelope, and left.