She woke slowly. The brightness of the Sun blinding her through curtains of lavender. She groaned as she rolled over and staggered out of the soft, warm, friendly, bed. Looking in her vanity mirror she huffed. The makeup from the night before was smeared across her pale blue face. Her usually wavy sea green hair was a tangled mess. There was a faint stench of alcohol eeking from her pores.

She sighed.

Sneaking out had it's advantages, but always the morning after...hiding the evidence is no issue. She smiled to herself remembering what she could of the night before and that handsome stranger she allowed in her embrace. He was good she'll admit, but what was his name?...Oh well. She gingerly stepped into the shower and let the comforting water wash away her delicious sin.

The Queen sat writing a letter with much trepidation. Her wording must be careful, diplomatic. Trade with the Inner Kingdoms was necessary for the survival of her people. Without it the economy would fail. They would rebel. They would die..

No pressure.

Beside her stood her long time close friend, gently looking over the Queen's shoulder. "You shouldn't say that. Not with the death of the Venisian Prince. It could be taken as an insult."

"If you would rather-"

"I can't get involved."

"Then kindly go see to our ward and leave me to diplomacy."

The time guardian smirked as she left her love to her "diplomacy". The click of her heels echoed through the empty halls.

The lab. The place she could be herself. The place where everything made sense. The place where it all came together. The only place she felt safe.

She looked at the computer again. But this...This wasn't making sense. The universe had an equation. If it didn't fit in the equation it wasn't suppose to exist. How? Why? Who?

She removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes. A small headache had started to form.

Who could make the impossible, possible?

A loud noise permeated her solitude. A transmission? No one had this contact. She replaced her glasses and looked carefully at the screen. She couldn't believe it..

"You..."

Just as the taste of booze and man was leaving her mouth, a gentle knock came to her door. Followed by, of course, the immediate entry of the devil woman who knocked. She didn't know which one it was. They're all devil women.

Through the bathroom door an ageless voice commanded, " It's time for training."

"Just five more minutes," she said coming out the door and virtually flying to find her training clothes in her, what they call,"mess" of a room.

"If you would just let the slaves clean it, you would be able to find what you need quickly."

"I don't want their dirty hands touching my things. Besides, chaos is genius."

The young teen could feel the eyes of her mother roll as the shirt she had been struggling with finally pulled free from the drawer.

"Since it's taking you so long and you're running late, recite the soldier's creed."

"but I'm almost done," she said looking for her other shoe under her bed. It has to be here somewhere. It's not like they can walk on their own. Then she felt the glare and a slowness to the ebb of time. She stood and sighed briefly.

"A soldier is loyal.

A soldier is honest.

A soldier never kills.

A soldier never loves..."

Across the galaxy, another teen, who wasn't late for her training, steadies her bow. She slowly inhales as her vision focuses on her target. With the thought of all she had to do today, she releases the arrow.

"WooHoo! I swear you get better every time Princess Rei. Soon You'll be zeroing without thinking about it!," cheered her friend Princess Usagi. Rei smiled as she let down her bow. If it wasn't for how insanely positive the Moon Princess was...

"O! Can we go have lunch now?"

"It's still morning. We have to go to-"

"O! Can I have ice cream for lunch? Or how about funnel cake?"

"Caligraphy. Now," she demanded gently pushing her slightly, ok not so slightly, annoying friend back into the palace.

"But we've worked so hard we deserve a break."

"You didn't do anything."

"I cheered you on."

Rei sighed and couldn't help but smile remembering the "bunny" cheering with every bull's eye.

"Fine."

"WooHoo!"

The trumpets sounded. The crowd cheered. She choked down her tears. Yes, death was celebrated by her people. But her brother...her prince. She stood gracefully, not letting the uncertainty of her heart show. She must be strong for her people. She approached the edge of the balcony just as her brother's casket left the courtyard. The smell of flowers is in the air.

She inhaled deeply,"Citizens of Venus. Today we celebrate the passing-"

She looked down at her chest. Gingerly she placed her hand on the newly found arrow. A fading pulse welcomed her hand. The screams of her people, she could only see.

" To the Royal House of Mercury,

I, Queen Hotaru of the Outer Kingdom Saturn, wish this letter finds you well. I have done as you have requested, and a shipment of our best chemical weapons are enroute to you. As your representative stated at the Imperial Convention, I too believe equal powers must be placed throughout the kingdoms. Enclosed you will find a photo of the soldier we wish you to train, along with the information you requested. We look forward to seeing you at the Royal Ball.

With best wishes,

Royal House of Saturn"

Her movements brought it to life. With every stroke, it's soul grew. She moved as the violin sang. Waves crashed along the shore, spreading their comforting scent. A gentle breeze embraced her. A smile crept to her face.

A voice of tenor whispered through the wind," It's done my love."

She placed her bow by her side and looked to the twin moons.

"Your job isn't done yet my warrior," she slipped into the secret shadow with a graceful joy.