Title: House of Cards
Author: Girl Who Writes
Feedback: If you feel so moved.
Characters: Outers
Theme: SM - Optional
Word Count: 432
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Summary: "But do you feel guilty?" Haruka persisted. "She doesn't know any of this, and we're trying to drag her into a war."
Notes: Something short and sweet to end the story :) I hope you all enjoyed these fics.
Disclaimer: Naoko Takeuchi owns the characters and scenarios of Sailor Moon. I am a humble fan and thus make no profit from this venture.

They sat together in one of the summer houses, looking as if they were simply enjoying the mild weather, and playing cards. The attendants served drinks, before Princess Haruka dismissed them.

Princess Hotaru threw her cards to the table and picked up her drink. "How much longer do you think she'll be?" she asked in a low voic

Michiru began gathering the cards. "Not too much longer," she replied in an equally quite voice. "A long meeting is a good sign. It means they're discussing details."

"Or arguing. You know how short Setsuna's temper can be, especially with Selenity," Haruka looked over at where Princess Serenity was sitting in the gardens with her little court of four, spinning her parasol in her hands, giggling at something the Venusian princess was saying.

"Do you feel guilty we're doing this?" Haruka mused as Michiru shuffled the cards.

"We have no reason to feel guilty," Hotaru replied. "She's one of us."

"But do you feel guilty?" Haruka persisted. "She doesn't know any of this, and we're trying to drag her into a war."

"You don't know that. We're trying to give her the birth right she's entitled to," Michiru replied, putting the stack of cards down, twisting her necklace through her fingers.

"Ignorance is bliss," Hotaru said softly, following Haruka's gaze to the Moon Princess.

"Not when it comes to the people you love," Michiru said firmly. "And I know Princess Serenity would agree with me."

Haruka turned to Michiru with a tiny smile on her face. "You're right. Nothing would make up not knowing something that could save you." She kissed Michiru's cheek and Hotaru made a face, flicking a card at the pair.

Before anything else could be said, Setsuna was seen, making her way towards the summer house, her black dress streaming behind her, her face devoid of any determinable emotion. Hotaru jumped to her feet, pouring Setsuna a drink as the princess of Pluto made her way into the gazebo.

"What's the verdict?" she breathed as she passed Setsuna her drink.

"Queen Selenity refused," Setsuna said, looking frustrated. "She will not awaken Princess Serenity as Sailor Moon. Her decision is final."

All four of the Outer Planetary senshi exchanged a look before they turned their gaze to the young blonde princess sprawled out on the grass, giggling with her friends. The princess who would not be awakened as Sailor Moon whilst her mother held the thrown.

Hotaru sighed and took her seat again. "Well, we tried. At least we know where we stand." She picked up the playing cards. "I'll deal."