FIC: Gift for catalina_bella :: A Prayer Fulfilled
Title: A Prayer Fulfilled
Author: Mystery Senshi
Recipient: catalina_bella
Pairing: Chibiusa/Helios
Word Count: 4,125
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is property of Naoko Takeuchi, Bandai, Kodansha, TOEI Animation, and other companies.
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Selenity still have feelings for Helios, but how does Helios feel after all these years? King Endymion travels to the middle Earth to investigate not only for his daughter, but for the future of Crystal Tokyo.
Notes: Chibiusa/Small Lady is refered to as Selenity throughout the fic, as was requested from the giftee. Also, this fic takes place in the future, during a peaceful time in Crystal Tokyo.



The noon sun shined brilliantly against the vast crystal structures that made up the palace. A young woman rested her chin on her palm, and stared out over the kingdom which she would someday inherit from her mother. She remembered a long, long time ago when the Earth was must less advanced. Telephones had cords, cars created pollution, police were needed in order to keep peace, and a human being's lifespan would rarely reach three digits. Those times may have been inconvient and difficult, but the young woman enjoyed every moment of it. Traveling back in time allowed her to meet her future parents way before they knew the weight of a crown. She learned valuable lessons, and made so many friends. She even gathered vital first-hand experience in the destruction of evil and the power of love. But maybe more important than everything was a chance encounter with a magical, winged horse. Crimson eyes closed as the princess cleared her mind. If she focused enough, she could still hear the faint sound of hoves trample upon the ground, and a kind voice whispering, "My maiden". Selenity sighed, as she opened her eyes and raised her head slightly to watch the white, puffy clouds as they passed by. Somehow, each cloud could be morphed to resemble his face. "Helios.." The little princess whispered her true love's name like a small prayer. She missed him greatly, each year making the pain of losing him worse. Selenity knew her prince charming had a duty to uphold, and her selfish wishes couldn't take him away from that. Yet, that didn't mean she didn't still hope and dream to be reunited with him someday. She waited so long for that day, the day she could finally tell him her dream. She was well on her way to becoming the lady she always aspired to be. But a part of her was missing. A very important part that needed either growth or clear closure.

A lavender cape brushed against the princess' bedroom door. Walking with his head high, the king of Crystal Tokyo made his way down the long corridor, thoughts of the future stirring in his mind. He had his suspicions about the relationship between the high priest of the Earth and his daughter. It was evident that even at such a young age, his daughter had decided on a man good enough to win her heart. Endymion was perhaps a little jealous of his own priest. After all, she was still his little girl, no matter how big she got. Sitting down at the desk in his study, the king absentmindedly fiddled around with his ballpoint pen. His dear Serenity was reaching the age in which it would be suitable for her to start looking for a companion. Suitors from foreign galaxies were already asking for her hand. Endymion managed to keep them at bay, but putting off her selection could only last so long. He knew his daughter's decision would be a very important one. Crystal Tokyo was the reigning kingdom of the entire Milky Way Galaxy. The current queen, Neo Queen Serenity, had literally the weight of the world on her shoulders every day. Although the queen was the main ruling monarch, the king also held major responsibilities. Endymion was sure Serenity's suitor wouldn't have quite as many responsibilities, seeing how Serenity was always a bit more mature than her mother. He was confident his daughter wouldn't break over ten pairs of shoes a month, almost burn the royal kitchen down after a surprise baking session, or mistakenly call the royal head of a foreign galaxy Mr. Sour Face. The king cracked a smile, and relaxed back in his swivel chair. Yes, it was only a matter of time before such activities would become things of the past, and a new generation would take over. He wasn't quite sure if he could get used to calling his darling Small Lady "Sailormoon" without including the "chibi" part. Bringing his mind back to the original topic, he knew exactly how his daughter felt about Helios. The question was, did Helios feel the same, or did the years wane his affections for the pink-haired princess? Endymion needed to know the answer, not just for the future of the kingdom, but to give peace to his daughter's restless heart.

The shrine had not changed much, even with the passage of the years. A traditional, Roman architectural style shaped the center of the Earth, with pillars holding up beautifully carved roofs. Ivy and sweet smelling flowers hugged the legs of the structures, while all types of birds (some thought to be extinct) flew freely overhead. Horses of all sizes and colours grazed acorss the flat lands, and drank from the various, pure springs. The king inhaled a deep breath, savoring the crisp, clean air that couldn't be found anywhere else in the world. Descending the marble staircase, his cape rustling behind him in the cool breeze, King Endymion came upon the entrance to the heart of the planet. The identical shrine maidens greeted their king with honour and firm respect.

"Good afternoon, King Enymion. What brings you to the shrine," the two young women asked the king in perfect unison.

"Good afternoon to you as well. I'm here to discuss an important matter with Helios. Would you happen to know where he is at the moment?"

The two women tried their best to hide the worry in their hearts. It was very rare for the king to visit the center of the Earth. They assumed the matter at hand must be of great importance, especially if the king came himself, and did not send someone in his place to retrieve Helios. Their smiling facing only disappeared for a quick moment.

"Yes, he's currently in the prayer room, King. Would you like us to inform him of your presence?"

"No, that won't be necessary. I'd rather inform him myself, if that would be alright with you, ladies."

"Oh yes, please go right ahead." The two young women mirrored each other's movements on both sides of the king, gesturing with their hands in the general direction of the room. The king bowed his head slightly towards them, and thanked them for their help.

Please, allow the new kingdom of the Earth to continue prospering, and for the peace to not be broken by Chaos. The young priest steadily prayed in the center of a hallow room. The colours of the Earth poured in from the stained-glass windows, painting the priest in a technicolour of blues, reds, and yellows. The king watched in amazement of the silent power that radiated from the young man and his pure dreams. A warm light touched the priest's heart. He recognized it as the power of the Golden Crystal. Relaxing his hands, the priest rose his head, and turned to face the other person in the small, circular room. Helios smiled a little, and rose from the sun-warmed floor.

"King, it's an honour to see you."

"I feel the same, Helios. How have you been?"

"I've been well, thank you. Is all well with Crystal Tokyo? Are all the senshi in good health?"

"Yes, everyone is fine and even have found time to pursue some of their dreams during this time of peace."

"I'm very glad to hear this, Endymion-san. Relations with foreign galaxies are also going smoothly?"

"Very much so; it seems even the far reaches of the universe are enjoying the quiet time period we're currently in."

"I would hope so; it's been a long time since such peace has existed throughout the universe."

"Yes, and it's about time the senshi had time to think about something other than protecting their queen. They've sacrificed so much already."

"I agree whole heartedly."

The king flashed a quick smile. "Even Small Lady has been experimenting with different hobbies. She's become rather fond of ballroom dancing as of late."

Helios' eyes warmed instantly at the mention of her name. "Ballroom dancing..I'm sure Selenity would do wonderfully with such an activity. I'm sure she'd look like the most elegant woman in the galaxy. I'd love to see her dancing." The priest gasped quietly before the king could respond. "I mean, I'm sure her dancing will inspire the hearts of others."

Endymion believed he'd already found the answer to his question. "It's been a while, hasn't it? She's grown into quite the woman, I must admit. It took us by surprise, seeing how she had a child's body for over nine hundred years. Since her senshi powers awoke, however, her body is finally catching up with her mind. The queen and I were relieved, of course. As much as I love my daughter, I want her to have every opportunity any woman would have. Do you feel the same, Helios?"

"Of course, king! Serenity is wise beyond her years, and deserves the right to grow and become a beautiful woman."

The king nods, more to himself. "Helios, there's a matter I need to discuss with you, but I would much prefer to speak about it at the palace. Would you be willing to take a small leave from the shrine?"

"I'll do whatever I need to do, Endymion-san. The shrine maidens will take care while I'm away."

"Okay, then please follow me, and we'll make our way."

"Yes, King."

Together, the priest and the king traveled from the Earth's magical center and arrived at the palace. King Endymion excused himself, and welcomed Helios to explore the vast castle. The young priest observed his surrounds in silent awe. The palace was more beautiful than he could have imagined. The sun shone through the crystal, filling the hallways with an ethereal light. Carefully crafted furniture lined the rooms on each side of the priest, while beautifully sown, antiques rugs covered the crystal on the floor. Servants bowed their heads as they passed by the priest. Some only knew to expect him from the king's orders, but others recognized him as the great priest of the middle Earth, whose prayers helped secure the kingdom's future.

The drawer opened without a sound. Inside, a slender arm reached in, and pulled out a small item. The long piece in the middle made a small sound as it gentle knocked against the round sides surrounding it. Selenity took a deep breath, then called out a phrase many would think she long forgot.

"Twinkle..Yell!"

The little bell rung through her room, but no tiny Pegasus appeared before her. The princess dropped her arm, and sighed. She knew it was foolish, but a small part of her wished so hard that the past could repeat.

"Selenity-san, I do not believe that bell would work anymore."

The princess turned around to see her feline advisor slowly stretching, trying to wake up from a rather long cat nap. Selenity blushed slightly, and hid the bell behind her back.

"I..I'm afraid I don't what you're talking about, Diana."

The little cat yawned, and shook her fur out. "I heard you utter those words clearly, Selenity-san. There's no use trying to hide it from me."

The young woman bit her bottom lip slightly, knowing very well that her secret action wasn't such a secret after all. "I told myself it was a dumb idea, but I just.."

"..You miss him?"

The princess didn't answer her guardian. She only pulled the bell from behind her back, and stared at it as an old pain burned in her heart. Suddenly, she heard her door creak open very slowly. Selenity tossed her head to the side, curious as to who would disturb her, when her eye lit up like fireworks. Rising from her chair, she firmly believed she must be dreaming. She fought to utter his name, but the prayer would not escape her lips. With a small smile, Helios ended the silence between them.

"Well, maybe that bell still works after all."

"I-I-I.." Selenity attempted to cover her face, as her cheeks revealed her inner embarrassment. Helios laughed a little, then entered the room and closed the door over a little behind him.

"You've grown into quite the beautiful woman, my maiden."

The young princess blushed again, but this time, a warm smile crossed her face. Not only because of the man's compliment, but she finally heard it, the nickname he had given her all those years ago. She was overjoyed to know he did not forget her, even after so many years had passed between them.

"And you are the same as I remember, Helios; you don't even look a day older." The young man smiled.

"Thank you for your kind words."

As euphoric as Selenity was, it occurred to her something was not right. For what purpose would Helios have in coming to Crystal Tokyo? "Helios, may I ask, why exactly are you here?"

"Your father requested my presence. He told me there is a matter in which we need to discuss in private."

A private matter? The princess was confused and bewildered. The king hardly even mentioned Helios, and had never visited the middle Earth since the battle all those years ago, as far as Selenity knew. So, for what purpose was Helios' presence needed? The young princess felt a bit uneasy, but before she could question Helios further on the manner, the little grey kitten leapt from the royal bed, and landed in between the two.

"I'm glad to see both of you have been given the opportunity to see one another again, but this setting isn't the most appropriate place for that. If a servant was to pass by the princess' room, and see a man inside, can you imagine what kind of scandal could be started?"

Both humans in the room stared at one another for a moment, before a slight red passed by their cheeks.

"T-Thank you, Diana, for being so observant."

"My pleasure, Selenity-san. It is one of my duties as your advisor."

The pair stepped out of the princess' bedroom, as she closed the door behind her. Walking side by side, the two young people made their way down the long corridor, catching up on old times. Selenity shared her experiences in the battle against Sailor Galaxia and Chaos, and how excited she was to finally fight alongside her own team of senshi. The priest couldn't even look into her eyes as she described her death, and what existence felt like inside the Galaxy Caudrion. However, he learned to smile again as she told him how she had found Usagi and her friends once more, and flew off with a sparkling pair of white wings into the future for the final time. Helios wondered why she couldn't be there for her mother and father's wedding, to which Selenity herself wasn't sure. Yet, when he better thought on the matter, he understood the reason with a slight blush. The young princess realized the answer had come to him, but he was too shy to admit what exactly the problem would be. She pouted like a spoiled child, and he laughed slightly, saying he was glad she had not changed too much in all their years apart. Before the young woman could respond, her father appeared before them.

"Helios, I'm afraid some urgent business has come up, and I must postpone our discussion."

"I see. I hope it's nothing too serious."

"No, but it is also something I cannot delay. I have to travel to another near-by galaxy, so Helios, I would like it if you would stay at the palace until I return."

Both of the young people were surprised by the king's request.

"Would the shrine maidens have a difficult time carrying on without you for a few more days?"

"No, I wouldn't think so, Endymion-san. Is it really okay though?"

"Yes, and I think it would be good for the two of you to become reacquainted. It's been an awfully long time since the battle with the Dead Moon Circus, and I'm sure you can think of more than enough to talk about for the next few days."

Selenity wasn't sure if she was awake anymore, or if all this was some kind of cruel yet wonderful dream.

"I have no objections to such a suggestion, as long as Selenity feels the same."

"Oh, um, of course I don't!"

"Then, please enjoy yourselves for the next few days while I'm gone. Selenity, please wa-"

"Watch the stove if mother tries to cook, I know father, trust me."

The group shared a small giggle before the king excused himself so to begin preparations for his trip. The pair looked into each other's eyes, and silently agreed they would enjoy the next few days with the utmost satisfaction.

A little over a week's time later, the king opened the door to the bedroom he shared with his queen. Neo-Queen Selenity embraced her husband, and placed a longing kiss on his lips.

"I've missed you terribly, Endymion."

"As I have missed you, my dear Selenity. Has anything exciting happened during my absence?"

The queen laughed and shook her head. "You mean besides the various sightings of a beautiful princess riding through the night's sky on a white horse? It seems those two have fallen in love all over again. They spend every waking minute together. I think poor Diana is starting to get lonely without her princess."

The king smiled; glad to hear the news he was hoping for. The queen recognized her husband's smile, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You were planning this, weren't you?"

"I think you'll have the answer to your question by the end of the day, my dear."

"Let's hope. My daughter deserves her own happy ending." The royal couple shared a deep kiss, as the parental instinct inside them felt a large sense of pride in the knowledge that their unique little daughter was finally growing up after many years of waiting.

The princess tucked the lovely flower behind her ear that her partner had picked for her. It was a very rare flower from the days of the Silver Millennium. The climate around the garden was enhanced to be identical to the climate on the Moon during those times.

"It's nice to see some familiar breeds of flowers. I rarely left my post during the Silver Millennium, but when I received the invitation to visit the Moon Kingdom, one of my favourite activities was to roam the gardens and take in all the colours and scents of the hundreds of flowers."

"I'm sure it was lovely..Sometimes I wished I could have lived back then. I've heard of Queen Selenity, my grandmother, but I never had the chance to meet her.." The princess lowered her head, a melancholy look across her face. Helios sensed her pain, and lifted her chin with his fingers.

"From the few times I met with her, she seemed like a good woman and queen, and I'm sure she's proud of her beautiful granddaughter to this day."

"Helios.." The princess closed her eyes, titled her head, and smiled warmly. "Thank you."

The priest nodded his head, and lowered his fingers from her face slowly. A sudden heavy footstep took the pair's attention. Helios turned his head, while Selenity craned her neck around him. The king appeared before them. The princess rose from her sitting position, and wrapped her father's waist in a hug. Her father welcomed her embrace, and never grew tired of her love, no matter her age. Helios rose from the ground shortly after.

"It's good to have you back, King Endymion."

"Thank you, Helios; it's good to be back home."

"How did things go, papa?"

"Well, my little angel. We worked out a compromise, so both parties will not feel cheated out of any territory."

"That's good to hear, did you see mama yet?"

"Yes, I just came back from there, actually. Helios," the man lifted his head, "about the matter we had to discuss, do you have a free moment now?"

"Of course, Endymion-san."

"Good, then let's attend to our business."

The two men excused themselves as they passed by the princess. Selenity smiled until they were out of sight. She signed, and felt her time together with Helios was too short. She already missed him although he was still in the palace. The past week, she had had the time of her life. The emptiness she felt in her heart finally felt filled again. Every minute with Helios was like a sweet dream come true. She never wanted their time together to end. The young princess reassured herself of what she earlier expected: she still loved Helios deeply. No suitor or foreign dignitary could take his spot in her heart. Selenity placed her hands over her heart, and wished with all her being that Helios could make her dream come true. She was almost a mature woman, so now she wanted to concentrate on the other part of her dream: to have a prince all her own. Determined to know if Helios loved her as well, she rushed down the halls in hopes of speaking to him before he flew out of her life again.

Helios closed the door behind him, as the king leaned over his large computer equipment.

"Did you enjoy your stay here, Helios?"

"Yes, my king, it was most pleasant."

"Did you enjoy spending time with my little princess?"

Helios smiled. "I must confess, king, I enjoyed every minute of our time together. She has truly become a lovely woman, and..I'll miss her greatly when I return to my post."

"I see...Helios, may I ask you a very important question?"

The priest's face grew very stern. "Yes, please do, Endymion-san."

The king turned to face the young man. "Do you love my daughter?"

Helios was taken by complete surprise. He never expected the king to ask him such a thing. As much as he wanted to admit what was in his heart, he knew his duty came before his selfish feelings. "King, my personal feelings are of no importance. My destiny is to pray for the safety and prosperity of the reborn Moon Kingdom, so tragedy will always be a thing of the past for those of Moon and Earth descent."

"Helios, I wanted to use this opportunity to inform you that your position is no longer necessary."

The young man was in utter disbelief. "What does this mean, Endymion-san?"

"You see, during the ancient times, civilizations were so unadvanced that prayer was needed to insure the well-being of the Earth. Now, with such vast technology," the king gestured to the large computers behind him, "and the awakening of so many sailor senshi, your position is no longer needed. The Earth will remain in peace and prosperity, even without your daily prayers"

Helios bowed his head, and tightened his balled fist. "Then..I've failed somehow. I'm terribly sorry, King Endymion, I have failed in my duty, and my prayers are worthless.."

The king smiled sympathetically, and placed his hand on the man's shoulder. Helios looked up into the king's eyes.

"Helios, you have performed your duty with uttermost excellence. I am proud to say you are my subject, and would be more honoured if you fulfilled an even more important role."

The priest eagerly asked what that important role was.

"Being the man to make my little princess happy."

Helios was stunned, but overjoyed at the king's words.

Suddenly, the door opened behind them, and Selenity appeared, hiding her mouth with her hands, while tears ran down her face. Helios smiled at her, and walked towards her. He bend down on one knee, and looked deeply into her ruby eyes.

"Selenity, may I fulfill your father's wishes?"

The emotional princess nodded her head, as new tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. Helios smiled warmly, then attempted to rise from his knee, but before he was even half-way up, Selenity leapt into his arms, the Moon flower slipping from her hair.

"Helios! Helios!"

The young man embraced her closely, tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear, and whispered the words he longed to tell her for so many years.

"I love you, my dear maiden."

Selenity swore his words were like a special prayer, for her and her alone. She pulled away from him slightly, and Helios wiped away the tears that traveled down her rosy cheeks. Their hearts ready to explode from a love created many years ago and now strengthened, Helios wrapped her tightly in his arms, and kissed his beautiful maiden deeply.

Satisfied, the king watched tenderly from afar, as the new generation of Crystal Tokyo was being born right before his eyes.