Disclaimer: Sailor Moon belongs not to me, it belongs to Takeuchi Naoko
and those "wonderful" people at Toei. I only watch the series and love the
characters. Please sue me not, I have no money.
Ooookay, now for some more fun stuff! This is my new, revised edition, in which nothing was revised, except for the format. I realised that, the way this used to be…was rather hard to read. So, I changed it. I also put all the parts as different chapters. But I STILL cannot figure out why the stupid italics work not. Hey, I'm not ashamed to admit to my computer illiteracy, but I would like it muchness if someone could help me out? Email me at white_winged_sorrow@hotmail.com if you caaaaaan.
Aanywho, just to tell ya, this fic is rated PG-13 for inuendo, but chapter 5 has a small lemony scene. It's not big, and I don't think it's worth an NC-17 rating. So, that's just to tell ya. So, hope ya like the new format, and thanks to everyone who read this in it's eeeeeevil format.
And now we return you to your normally scheduled program.
Chibi-Usa awoke from her sleep, the dream fading in her mind. She could only remember that it was a good dream, and she had been enjoying it, but beyond that…She couldn't even remember who was in her dream.
"What a strange dream." She put her hand over her face, feeling a cold sweat on her skin. She had never had that happen before. She checked her forehead to make sure she wasn't ill. This was the third night in a row she had awoken from some strange dream, be it good or bad.
"Are you well, Lady?"
Chibi-Usa looked to see her advisor beside her. Diana was staring up with worried eyes, not sure what was wrong with her mistress.
"Are you well, Small Lady?"
Chibi-Usa glared at her cat friend. "I'm not little anymore, remember?"
Diana blushed as Chibi-Usa threw her covers off. The morning cold pebbled her bare skin with goosebumps, but today, she didn't mind at all.
"Diana," she said and spun around, "today I become a real lady."
The cat smiled and jumped off the bed, then rubbed her head against Chibi-Usa's leg. "That means you aren't Chibi anymore."
Chibi-Usa nodded and looked down at herself. Her dream had finally become a reality. Shortly after returning to the future for good, she had begun growing, until finally, she looked like she did now.
"I finally grew up. Maybe now…my prince will come."
"You have other concerns, Lady."
Chibi-Usa gave Diana a funny look, then went to her closet and grabbed her dress. She returned to her mirror, and held the dress before her. Then she looked at herself.
She remembered looking at Usagi and being jealous when she was younger. Now that she had aged, she looked like a sixteen-year-old; just like Usagi had. Her legs were long and graceful; her hips and breasts well developed and soft. Her hair was long and to her feet, like her mother's, and soft as silk. Her face had grown, so now she wore a calm beauty, and all traces of her childish cuteness were nearly gone. Diana as well had matured. She was now the spitting image of her mother, Luna, and her coat was soft and smooth. She even carried herself differently. They both did, now.
Chibi-Usa suddenly turned, scaring Diana to no end.
"What is it, Lady?"
"I thought...I thought I felt someone watching me." Goosebumps crept up her skin, but not from the cold. That presence...it had been calculating, thoughtful.
Suddenly a bell tolled, and Chibi-Usa hissed in exasperation.
"Crap! I'm gonna be late!"
Throwing on her gown, Chibi-Usa brushed her hair straight and put on her tiara. Her mother would be very upset if she wasn't on time. Today was a special day; it was HER day, and she didn't plan on missing it.
Running out of her room while putting her shoes on, Diana followed with her earrings in her mouth.
'Thanks!" Chibi-Usa grabbed the earrings and kept running, not caring how many servants stared. I won't be late, I won't!
Finally she reached her destination, a huge door. It was the door to the throne room. Before it, she saw her father. Endymion was still handsome, even after so long a life. The years would never do anything to him.
"My, but aren't we lady-like?" he arched an eyebrow and laughed. Chibi-Usa blushed, but came to him when he held out his arms. "My little girl grew up so quickly."
"Daddy…"
Endymion smiled warmly. "You're lucky you made it on time. Serenity would be very displeased. Now, come on. Today is your big day."
Chibi-Usa gulped, but Diana nudged her on with a mew.
"You can do it, Lady. Have confidence in yourself."
Chibi-Usa nodded, then straightened her back and took a step towards the door. Endymion nodded his encouragement and opened the door for her.
Inside, hundreds of people were assembled. And they were all looking at her. Chibi-Usa tried not to gulp, but it was difficult. Walking as she had been taught, she glided down the aisle, past all the eyes and smiles of encouragement. This was one of the things she had been waiting for. She wanted this. So why was it so scary?
The trip down the aisle took forever, but standing there, before her, was her mother, Usagi, Neo Queen Serenity. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, and her tiara glinted in the candlelight. She was perfection, a beauty girls could only dream of. And Chibi-Usa could remember when she did too; she still did, actually. Her mother was nothing like Usagi, that clumsy crybaby.
Neo Queen Serenity smiled warmly, taking away some of the cold chill in her daughter's stomach.
"You look beautiful, Serenity."
Chibi-Usa beamed at her mother.
"Now," the queen nearly yelled to the crowd. Well, it sounded like yelling from where Chibi-Usa stood. Her mother was a wonderful speaker. "Today is a special day. Today we crown our princess, Serenity, to be a true adult, and the true heir to our world. Serenity, bow your head and accept this tiara, the symbol of your rise to adulthood and your agreement to your responsibilities."
Chibi-Usa bowed her head and accepted the tiara her mother placed upon her head.
"We now accept the responsibilities placed upon us," Chibi-Usa said in the royal plural, "and humbly ask to assist in the protection of this world." Yes! I didn't forget any of it!
"Stand and let us acknowledge you."
Chibi-Usa stood and turned to face the crowd, who began to cheer and holler as loud as they could. The princess blushed, but a small smile crept onto her face. I did it! I finally grew up!
Chibi-Usa shivered slightly, and she could feel that presence again. She turned to look at the cheering crowds more closely, but before she could thoroughly search, the feeling had vanished.
The castle was decked out like it would be for a holiday. Servants scurried through the corridors with food and decorations, trying not to get underfoot. Chibi-Usa walked through the halls in a daze, not quite sure she believed what was happening. A few months ago she looked like an eight- year-old, and now she was a full-grown woman in her own right. She reveled in the fact that people didn't look down on her anymore, and treated her according to her stature.
But something seemed wrong, and she couldn't tell what it was. So she was wandering the halls before she had to go to dinner, lost in thought and trailing a pale hand across the walls.
"Lady, you should be careful. If you don't pay attention, you could hurt yourself." Diana trotted by her mistress' side, her eyes filled with worry. "You haven't been acting like yourself all day, Lady."
Chibi-Usa sighed and let herself fall to the floor, leaning against the wall. She quelled Diana's protests with a raised hand. "It just feels weird, Diana. I think I need more time to adjust. Can you…can you please leave me alone for a minute? I'll see you at dinner time, I promise."
Diana balked at the suggestion, but finally relented. "Dinner, time, Lady. You promised, and a princess always keeps her word."
Chibi-Usa watched as her cat ran down the hall, then she stood and brushed the dust off her bottom. Her mother would have a fit if she found her dress dirty.
Chibi-Usa walked through the corridor, trailing her hands and not paying attention at all. Suddenly, though, she felt that presence; the same one from her room earlier. She quickened her pace, but the presence never seemed to leave. Instead, it felt closer.
Chibi-Usa hurried up more now, almost running. She was almost to the dining hall, because she could hear people talking and laughing, when the presence suddenly lurched, and she could feel hands reaching for her waist. She almost screamed, but just as she was about to, Endymion put his head through the door, and the hands vanished.
"There you are. We've been looking all over for you. Diana said you were wandering the halls alone again." His face became serious. "You know how we feel about that. Too many bad things happen when you're alone in these halls." Chibi-Usa knew what he was talking about, and lowered her head, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She tried not to think about that time.
"Daddy, um…I…"
"What? Well, never mind. Hurry up and get in here, since it's you're party in reality."
He grabbed her arm and dragged her into the room, nearly shoving her into her seat beside Serenity. Chibi-Usa was still blushing and looking at her lap, and Serenity placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, honey. You'll do fine."
"Usa-ko, I've been thinking lately. Chibi-Usa needs a new name."
Both Chibi-Usa and Usagi's eyes widened in unison. Endymion kept on going.
"Chibi-Usa is wrong for her. She's not chibi, anymore." He turned to his daughter. "From now on, you'll just be Usa."
"But, Daddy…doesn't Chibi-Usa…um…you don't like it anymore?" After all, it had been Mamoru who had dubbed her Chibi-Usa.
Serenity glared at her husband. "Mamo-chan, don't tease her."
Endymion laughed and put a hand behind his head. "It's alright Usa- ko. She needs to be teased a little. She's becoming way too tense." Chibi-Usa blushed, but before she could reply, the food arrived. "Ah, food. The true wonder of the universe."
Chibi-Usa stared as her father began eating. So did her mother. He had never acted like this before. Chibi-Usa looked to her mother, but Serenity could only shrug. Chibi-Usa shrugged back, and together they began eating like pigs too. Old habits die hard.
After the meal, jugglers and singers from all over came to entertain the royal family, and Chibi-Usa enjoyed it all. She was still maturing, and little things like entertainers still filled her with a childish joy she hoped to never lose.
Suddenly, though, she felt a strong sense of depression, and her smile wavered and then disappeared.
Her mother noticed almost right away. "What's the matter, honey?"
"It's just…well…I thought…someone else might come."
"That's rather vague."
"Well…"
Serenity placed a hand on her daughter's, and she smiled at Chibi- Usa. "You need to believe in people with all your heart sometimes, even when you don't think they can feel it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. Now enjoy the show. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."
Outside on the balcony, Chibi-Usa was probably the only person left awake. It was well past midnight, and dawn was only a few hours away. But she couldn't sleep, and she was embarrassed to tell anyone why. Not only was she upset because someone she had hoped to see wasn't at her coronation, but also, she was afraid of her dreams. She had been having some very strange ones lately, and she usually woke from them scared. Or, on occasion, she had a very pleasant dream, but could never remember what it was. So she stood on her balcony alone, while the wind whipped her robe around her legs and her hair flew behind her.
"I don't understand. I thought for sure…"
Chibi-Usa felt tears in her eyes, and quickly brushed them away. She wasn't a child anymore, she didn't need to be crying whenever something didn't go her way.
She was about to return to her room when she heard something behind her. The moonlight glinting off the crystal of the palace didn't provide enough light to tell if someone was there or not, and she was scared. Now was a time she cursed ever leaving her light off.
She backed away from the edge of the balcony slowly. If the person wanted her dead, he could easily push her off.
She was well away from the edge now, but still far from her room. Diana was nowhere to be found, since she had decided to spend the night with her mother and father. Chibi-Usa was all alone.
She kept backing away, but suddenly she felt arms around her waist and something pressed against her back. She screamed, or at least tried to, but one of the hands rushed up and covered her mouth. Bringing her teeth together, she bit down hard, and was rewarded with a gasp of pain from her pursuer.
Taking advantage of her moment of freedom, Chibi-Usa reached back her elbow and scored a direct hit into her captor's side. She heard another grunt, and this time the person folded in on himself slightly. But before she could make another attack, her arms were grabbed and she was turned around, so she was facing right into her captor's chest.
Struggling futilely, Chibi-Usa wriggled in his strong grip, but couldn't do anything. Then, she stopped dead when she heard him speak.
"You've grown, my Little Maiden." She froze when those words floated through the air towards her, and she held her breath, not sure whether she could believe or not. "So lovely. Perhaps I should call you my Lovely Maiden, now. I can't call you little anymore, now can I?"
Tears sprang up in Chibi-Usa's eyes. "Elios? Is it really you, Elios?"
He brought a hand up and wiped her tears away, then nodded. Chibi- Usa laughed, then fell against his chest, holding his shirt in her hands.
"I didn't think you'd come, Elios. You weren't here at all."
"Actually, I was here, just I didn't want you to see me. I wanted to surprise you. The King asked me to come, or else I never would have known."
"Daddy…"
"I'm sorry if I made you worry, Maiden. But…"
Chibi-Usa shook her head. "No, it's alright. It was a pleasant surprise." Suddenly, she put two things together. "Were you…did you try to talk to me before the banquet?"
Elios blushed and put a hand behind his head. "Um…yes. Did I scare you?" Chibi-Usa stared at him so hard he took a step back. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Then that also means you were the presence I felt in my room this morning. When I was changing."
Elios gulped and took an even bigger step back, but Chibi-Usa grabbed his shirt and made him stay still. "Well, you see, that was an accident. I wanted to come and see you, to tell you I was here, but I came in at the wrong time."
"Came in? I didn't see anyone."
"Well, remember when I took the form of Pegasus in your dreams? I wasn't real; it was just my presence. That's what I did. But when you turned around I left, so you didn't know it was me. I left when I realized my mistake."
"I felt you staring at me for at least a minute."
Elios gulped again. He looked so cute, Chibi-Usa began to laugh. He blinked questioningly.
"You're so sweet, Elios. So why did you hide after my coronation? You could have come out, then. I still would have been surprised."
"I was still embarrassed about walking in on you."
Chibi-Usa blushed, and looked down. She wanted to talk to him about so many things, like she used to, but no words would come to her. All she did was stand there like an idiot, leaning against his chest and listening to his heartbeat. He was warm, and his heart was beating fast.
"Little Maiden, I have a gift for you. The maidens in Elysion also have gifts for you, but I forgot to bring them. They'll be here tomorrow though." He smiled shyly, and his heart began pounding even faster.
"What's wrong? You sound nervous." She smiled up at him. "But you don't need to give me anything. I'm happy enough. See?" She backed away and twirled around. "I grew up, just like I dreamed."
Elios smiled warmly, then reached out and took her hand. Chibi-Usa blinked, then smiled. Elios drew her to him in a hug, then lifted her chin in his hand.
He lifted her face slowly, and bent his head. His heart was racing, and Chibi-Usa could feel it. She remembered that one time when he had revealed himself to her for the first time, and how he had kissed her.
This time, however, it wasn't a small kiss. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and pulled her to him. He was warm and soft, but she could feel his lean muscle beneath his ceremonial robes. And he smelled nice, like lavender.
It seemed like forever before he released her, and she was still rather stunned. She had never believed this shy, innocent boy could ever kiss a girl like that. Elios had a dupey grin on his face, and he was bright red.
"I should probably go now, Maiden."
Chibi-Usa stood still as he turned to leave. It was still hard for her to believe this blushing boy was Elios, that serious young man that had helped Mamo-chan and Usagi and her to defeat the Dead Moon Circus. She never remembered him blush, or stammer, then.
"Elios…" He stopped and turned around. "You…you don't have to leave…just yet. Please stay awhile. I haven't seen you for a long time." He smiled and nodded, and Chibi-Usa felt her heart leap. Was this how Usagi felt all the time when Mamo-chan had been around?
"Lovely Maiden…thank you."
"Please. You can call me Chibi-Usa." Even though she did love it when he called her maiden. It had a wonderful ring to it.
"Chibi-Usa…"
She took his hands in hers. "Please feel free to stay in the palace as long as you want. Daddy wouldn't mind, I know, and Mama likes you."
"Thank you. But I really do have to go now. I need to meet the King and be shown my rooms."
"Well, isn't it rather late for that?"
"Well, yeah, but I wasn't given rooms when I arrived. And where else could I stay?"
"Well, you could stay here in my rooms. What?! Why did you get that look on your face?!"
"Mai—Chibi-Usa, it's rather…conspicuous…to have a man in your apartments at night."
"It is?"
Elios laughed and shook his head. "You may look older, but you still have a ways to go, my Chibi-Usa."
Chibi-Usa smiled and dragged him into her rooms, where she looked for a suitable pair of pajamas. Elios didn't object, but he didn't look comfortable either.
As she was throwing articles of clothing left and right, Elios could barely hear her. "Remember when we would talk in my room before, Elios? You didn't have a problem with it then. Ah! Here!"
"That was a bit differ-oof!"
"Try those on, please."
Elios inspected the garments with some consternation. "Are they…will they fit?"
Chibi-Usa shrugged, and Elios went towards her siting room to change.
"Where are you going? You can change here!"
Elios stopped in his tracks. "But, Chibi-Usa, it's not very...decent…for me to change in front of you."
"Nonsense, I changed in front of you all the time and you never minded."
"You were upset about this morning."
"That was different. I'm grown up now. What's the big deal if you change?"
"But…Chibi-Usa…"
"Just try those on, and you can sleep in my sitting room on the futon. I'm just joking around, you know. I know what my parents would say if you slept in the same room as me. I'm not that dense."
Elios nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Chibi- Usa counted to ten, then
sneaked over to the panel beside the door and lifted the covering to the peephole. She giggled.
The Priest of Elysion was holding the clothes she had given him up before him, making funny faces at them. They were bright yellow and had pink stripes down the arms. Chibi-Usa almost felt pity for the boy, but didn't expect him to wear them.
"Ugh…yellow and pink…? Chibi—no, I shouldn't bother her. I'll just wear something else." He put a finger to his lips. "Now that I think about it, I wonder if she's playing a prank on me?"
Chibi-Usa snickered, but didn't leave the peephole. She didn't hear her window open behind her.
Elios was about to take off his shirt when something grabbed Chibi- Usa's hair and pulled her head down and backwards. She was staring at a pale upside-down crescent moon on a gray background.
"Lady! What are you doing?!"
"Umm…nothing?"
Diana pushed between Chibi-Usa so she could look through the peephole, but she pulled back quickly and blocked the hole with her body.
"Lady! I can't believe you! You were raised better than that!"
Chibi-Usa gave Diana a flat look. "I used to stay the night at Mamo- chan's. What's different?"
"You're spying on him, that's what!"
Chibi-Usa put an innocent look on her face. "Spying? I would never!"
Diana hissed, then placed the covering over the hole and made Chibi- Usa go over to her bed. Chibi-Usa objected, but Diana sat her down.
"I should tell the King and Queen what you were doing, Lady. They will be very displeased with you."
"But…I don't know. I couldn't help it. I haven't seen him in so long, and every time I see him, this feeling comes over me."
"That's no excuse, Lady. Now go and tell him to leave. I'll find him apartments."
Diana made sure Chibi-Usa agreed, then left the room to find a suitable place for the priest of Elysion to stay.
Chibi-Usa took a deep breath after Diana left, then stood and made her way to the door. She paused before opening, but decided against knocking.
"Elios, you need to…"
Her words were cut off as she saw her beautiful priest lounging on the futon, asleep. He had removed his tunic and was in only his pants, and one of his arms was splayed across his face, while his leg was hanging off the bed.
Chibi-Usa repressed a giggle, and went closer to see if he really was asleep. His heartbeat was regular and slow, so she was confident he wouldn't know she was there. Careful, since she had no idea how light a sleeper he was, she lifted his leg so it was back on the futon, then sat back and waited for Diana. She didn't have to wait long.
"Lady, what are you—I see. Well, wake him up." She was whispering now. "The King has a room set out for him."
"Can't he sleep?"
"No, Lady. Now wake him." And she left.
Dammit. Diana is no fun. But I do need to get him to his own rooms. I've played long enough. Now I have to be the serious princess Mama sees me as.
Chibi-Usa quietly crept up to Elios, then nudged him with her fingertips. He squeezed his eyes a bit, but moved nothing more than that. Chibi-Usa tried again, this time patting his cheek around his arm. He swatted her hand away, but left his face open. So she did what any girl would do at this point in time…
She plugged his nose and covered his mouth.
Elios seemed to be giving in after a few seconds, because he began sputtering, but suddenly his eyes opened and he grabbed Chibi-Usa's arms. He still wasn't allowed to breathe, though.
They stared at each other like that for what seemed forever, until he pulled Chibi-Usa's hands away from his mouth. She thought he was going to say something, but instead he just took a huge gulp of air and began coughing. Chibi-Usa frowned.
"All that melodrama, and you cough?"
Elios looked at her funny, then started laughing. However, he started coughing again a few seconds later.
After they calmed his cough, Elios left with Diana to his rooms. Chibi-Usa was still happy, though, because she knew her prince had come at last.
Ooookay, now for some more fun stuff! This is my new, revised edition, in which nothing was revised, except for the format. I realised that, the way this used to be…was rather hard to read. So, I changed it. I also put all the parts as different chapters. But I STILL cannot figure out why the stupid italics work not. Hey, I'm not ashamed to admit to my computer illiteracy, but I would like it muchness if someone could help me out? Email me at white_winged_sorrow@hotmail.com if you caaaaaan.
Aanywho, just to tell ya, this fic is rated PG-13 for inuendo, but chapter 5 has a small lemony scene. It's not big, and I don't think it's worth an NC-17 rating. So, that's just to tell ya. So, hope ya like the new format, and thanks to everyone who read this in it's eeeeeevil format.
And now we return you to your normally scheduled program.
Chibi-Usa awoke from her sleep, the dream fading in her mind. She could only remember that it was a good dream, and she had been enjoying it, but beyond that…She couldn't even remember who was in her dream.
"What a strange dream." She put her hand over her face, feeling a cold sweat on her skin. She had never had that happen before. She checked her forehead to make sure she wasn't ill. This was the third night in a row she had awoken from some strange dream, be it good or bad.
"Are you well, Lady?"
Chibi-Usa looked to see her advisor beside her. Diana was staring up with worried eyes, not sure what was wrong with her mistress.
"Are you well, Small Lady?"
Chibi-Usa glared at her cat friend. "I'm not little anymore, remember?"
Diana blushed as Chibi-Usa threw her covers off. The morning cold pebbled her bare skin with goosebumps, but today, she didn't mind at all.
"Diana," she said and spun around, "today I become a real lady."
The cat smiled and jumped off the bed, then rubbed her head against Chibi-Usa's leg. "That means you aren't Chibi anymore."
Chibi-Usa nodded and looked down at herself. Her dream had finally become a reality. Shortly after returning to the future for good, she had begun growing, until finally, she looked like she did now.
"I finally grew up. Maybe now…my prince will come."
"You have other concerns, Lady."
Chibi-Usa gave Diana a funny look, then went to her closet and grabbed her dress. She returned to her mirror, and held the dress before her. Then she looked at herself.
She remembered looking at Usagi and being jealous when she was younger. Now that she had aged, she looked like a sixteen-year-old; just like Usagi had. Her legs were long and graceful; her hips and breasts well developed and soft. Her hair was long and to her feet, like her mother's, and soft as silk. Her face had grown, so now she wore a calm beauty, and all traces of her childish cuteness were nearly gone. Diana as well had matured. She was now the spitting image of her mother, Luna, and her coat was soft and smooth. She even carried herself differently. They both did, now.
Chibi-Usa suddenly turned, scaring Diana to no end.
"What is it, Lady?"
"I thought...I thought I felt someone watching me." Goosebumps crept up her skin, but not from the cold. That presence...it had been calculating, thoughtful.
Suddenly a bell tolled, and Chibi-Usa hissed in exasperation.
"Crap! I'm gonna be late!"
Throwing on her gown, Chibi-Usa brushed her hair straight and put on her tiara. Her mother would be very upset if she wasn't on time. Today was a special day; it was HER day, and she didn't plan on missing it.
Running out of her room while putting her shoes on, Diana followed with her earrings in her mouth.
'Thanks!" Chibi-Usa grabbed the earrings and kept running, not caring how many servants stared. I won't be late, I won't!
Finally she reached her destination, a huge door. It was the door to the throne room. Before it, she saw her father. Endymion was still handsome, even after so long a life. The years would never do anything to him.
"My, but aren't we lady-like?" he arched an eyebrow and laughed. Chibi-Usa blushed, but came to him when he held out his arms. "My little girl grew up so quickly."
"Daddy…"
Endymion smiled warmly. "You're lucky you made it on time. Serenity would be very displeased. Now, come on. Today is your big day."
Chibi-Usa gulped, but Diana nudged her on with a mew.
"You can do it, Lady. Have confidence in yourself."
Chibi-Usa nodded, then straightened her back and took a step towards the door. Endymion nodded his encouragement and opened the door for her.
Inside, hundreds of people were assembled. And they were all looking at her. Chibi-Usa tried not to gulp, but it was difficult. Walking as she had been taught, she glided down the aisle, past all the eyes and smiles of encouragement. This was one of the things she had been waiting for. She wanted this. So why was it so scary?
The trip down the aisle took forever, but standing there, before her, was her mother, Usagi, Neo Queen Serenity. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, and her tiara glinted in the candlelight. She was perfection, a beauty girls could only dream of. And Chibi-Usa could remember when she did too; she still did, actually. Her mother was nothing like Usagi, that clumsy crybaby.
Neo Queen Serenity smiled warmly, taking away some of the cold chill in her daughter's stomach.
"You look beautiful, Serenity."
Chibi-Usa beamed at her mother.
"Now," the queen nearly yelled to the crowd. Well, it sounded like yelling from where Chibi-Usa stood. Her mother was a wonderful speaker. "Today is a special day. Today we crown our princess, Serenity, to be a true adult, and the true heir to our world. Serenity, bow your head and accept this tiara, the symbol of your rise to adulthood and your agreement to your responsibilities."
Chibi-Usa bowed her head and accepted the tiara her mother placed upon her head.
"We now accept the responsibilities placed upon us," Chibi-Usa said in the royal plural, "and humbly ask to assist in the protection of this world." Yes! I didn't forget any of it!
"Stand and let us acknowledge you."
Chibi-Usa stood and turned to face the crowd, who began to cheer and holler as loud as they could. The princess blushed, but a small smile crept onto her face. I did it! I finally grew up!
Chibi-Usa shivered slightly, and she could feel that presence again. She turned to look at the cheering crowds more closely, but before she could thoroughly search, the feeling had vanished.
The castle was decked out like it would be for a holiday. Servants scurried through the corridors with food and decorations, trying not to get underfoot. Chibi-Usa walked through the halls in a daze, not quite sure she believed what was happening. A few months ago she looked like an eight- year-old, and now she was a full-grown woman in her own right. She reveled in the fact that people didn't look down on her anymore, and treated her according to her stature.
But something seemed wrong, and she couldn't tell what it was. So she was wandering the halls before she had to go to dinner, lost in thought and trailing a pale hand across the walls.
"Lady, you should be careful. If you don't pay attention, you could hurt yourself." Diana trotted by her mistress' side, her eyes filled with worry. "You haven't been acting like yourself all day, Lady."
Chibi-Usa sighed and let herself fall to the floor, leaning against the wall. She quelled Diana's protests with a raised hand. "It just feels weird, Diana. I think I need more time to adjust. Can you…can you please leave me alone for a minute? I'll see you at dinner time, I promise."
Diana balked at the suggestion, but finally relented. "Dinner, time, Lady. You promised, and a princess always keeps her word."
Chibi-Usa watched as her cat ran down the hall, then she stood and brushed the dust off her bottom. Her mother would have a fit if she found her dress dirty.
Chibi-Usa walked through the corridor, trailing her hands and not paying attention at all. Suddenly, though, she felt that presence; the same one from her room earlier. She quickened her pace, but the presence never seemed to leave. Instead, it felt closer.
Chibi-Usa hurried up more now, almost running. She was almost to the dining hall, because she could hear people talking and laughing, when the presence suddenly lurched, and she could feel hands reaching for her waist. She almost screamed, but just as she was about to, Endymion put his head through the door, and the hands vanished.
"There you are. We've been looking all over for you. Diana said you were wandering the halls alone again." His face became serious. "You know how we feel about that. Too many bad things happen when you're alone in these halls." Chibi-Usa knew what he was talking about, and lowered her head, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She tried not to think about that time.
"Daddy, um…I…"
"What? Well, never mind. Hurry up and get in here, since it's you're party in reality."
He grabbed her arm and dragged her into the room, nearly shoving her into her seat beside Serenity. Chibi-Usa was still blushing and looking at her lap, and Serenity placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, honey. You'll do fine."
"Usa-ko, I've been thinking lately. Chibi-Usa needs a new name."
Both Chibi-Usa and Usagi's eyes widened in unison. Endymion kept on going.
"Chibi-Usa is wrong for her. She's not chibi, anymore." He turned to his daughter. "From now on, you'll just be Usa."
"But, Daddy…doesn't Chibi-Usa…um…you don't like it anymore?" After all, it had been Mamoru who had dubbed her Chibi-Usa.
Serenity glared at her husband. "Mamo-chan, don't tease her."
Endymion laughed and put a hand behind his head. "It's alright Usa- ko. She needs to be teased a little. She's becoming way too tense." Chibi-Usa blushed, but before she could reply, the food arrived. "Ah, food. The true wonder of the universe."
Chibi-Usa stared as her father began eating. So did her mother. He had never acted like this before. Chibi-Usa looked to her mother, but Serenity could only shrug. Chibi-Usa shrugged back, and together they began eating like pigs too. Old habits die hard.
After the meal, jugglers and singers from all over came to entertain the royal family, and Chibi-Usa enjoyed it all. She was still maturing, and little things like entertainers still filled her with a childish joy she hoped to never lose.
Suddenly, though, she felt a strong sense of depression, and her smile wavered and then disappeared.
Her mother noticed almost right away. "What's the matter, honey?"
"It's just…well…I thought…someone else might come."
"That's rather vague."
"Well…"
Serenity placed a hand on her daughter's, and she smiled at Chibi- Usa. "You need to believe in people with all your heart sometimes, even when you don't think they can feel it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. Now enjoy the show. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."
Outside on the balcony, Chibi-Usa was probably the only person left awake. It was well past midnight, and dawn was only a few hours away. But she couldn't sleep, and she was embarrassed to tell anyone why. Not only was she upset because someone she had hoped to see wasn't at her coronation, but also, she was afraid of her dreams. She had been having some very strange ones lately, and she usually woke from them scared. Or, on occasion, she had a very pleasant dream, but could never remember what it was. So she stood on her balcony alone, while the wind whipped her robe around her legs and her hair flew behind her.
"I don't understand. I thought for sure…"
Chibi-Usa felt tears in her eyes, and quickly brushed them away. She wasn't a child anymore, she didn't need to be crying whenever something didn't go her way.
She was about to return to her room when she heard something behind her. The moonlight glinting off the crystal of the palace didn't provide enough light to tell if someone was there or not, and she was scared. Now was a time she cursed ever leaving her light off.
She backed away from the edge of the balcony slowly. If the person wanted her dead, he could easily push her off.
She was well away from the edge now, but still far from her room. Diana was nowhere to be found, since she had decided to spend the night with her mother and father. Chibi-Usa was all alone.
She kept backing away, but suddenly she felt arms around her waist and something pressed against her back. She screamed, or at least tried to, but one of the hands rushed up and covered her mouth. Bringing her teeth together, she bit down hard, and was rewarded with a gasp of pain from her pursuer.
Taking advantage of her moment of freedom, Chibi-Usa reached back her elbow and scored a direct hit into her captor's side. She heard another grunt, and this time the person folded in on himself slightly. But before she could make another attack, her arms were grabbed and she was turned around, so she was facing right into her captor's chest.
Struggling futilely, Chibi-Usa wriggled in his strong grip, but couldn't do anything. Then, she stopped dead when she heard him speak.
"You've grown, my Little Maiden." She froze when those words floated through the air towards her, and she held her breath, not sure whether she could believe or not. "So lovely. Perhaps I should call you my Lovely Maiden, now. I can't call you little anymore, now can I?"
Tears sprang up in Chibi-Usa's eyes. "Elios? Is it really you, Elios?"
He brought a hand up and wiped her tears away, then nodded. Chibi- Usa laughed, then fell against his chest, holding his shirt in her hands.
"I didn't think you'd come, Elios. You weren't here at all."
"Actually, I was here, just I didn't want you to see me. I wanted to surprise you. The King asked me to come, or else I never would have known."
"Daddy…"
"I'm sorry if I made you worry, Maiden. But…"
Chibi-Usa shook her head. "No, it's alright. It was a pleasant surprise." Suddenly, she put two things together. "Were you…did you try to talk to me before the banquet?"
Elios blushed and put a hand behind his head. "Um…yes. Did I scare you?" Chibi-Usa stared at him so hard he took a step back. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Then that also means you were the presence I felt in my room this morning. When I was changing."
Elios gulped and took an even bigger step back, but Chibi-Usa grabbed his shirt and made him stay still. "Well, you see, that was an accident. I wanted to come and see you, to tell you I was here, but I came in at the wrong time."
"Came in? I didn't see anyone."
"Well, remember when I took the form of Pegasus in your dreams? I wasn't real; it was just my presence. That's what I did. But when you turned around I left, so you didn't know it was me. I left when I realized my mistake."
"I felt you staring at me for at least a minute."
Elios gulped again. He looked so cute, Chibi-Usa began to laugh. He blinked questioningly.
"You're so sweet, Elios. So why did you hide after my coronation? You could have come out, then. I still would have been surprised."
"I was still embarrassed about walking in on you."
Chibi-Usa blushed, and looked down. She wanted to talk to him about so many things, like she used to, but no words would come to her. All she did was stand there like an idiot, leaning against his chest and listening to his heartbeat. He was warm, and his heart was beating fast.
"Little Maiden, I have a gift for you. The maidens in Elysion also have gifts for you, but I forgot to bring them. They'll be here tomorrow though." He smiled shyly, and his heart began pounding even faster.
"What's wrong? You sound nervous." She smiled up at him. "But you don't need to give me anything. I'm happy enough. See?" She backed away and twirled around. "I grew up, just like I dreamed."
Elios smiled warmly, then reached out and took her hand. Chibi-Usa blinked, then smiled. Elios drew her to him in a hug, then lifted her chin in his hand.
He lifted her face slowly, and bent his head. His heart was racing, and Chibi-Usa could feel it. She remembered that one time when he had revealed himself to her for the first time, and how he had kissed her.
This time, however, it wasn't a small kiss. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and pulled her to him. He was warm and soft, but she could feel his lean muscle beneath his ceremonial robes. And he smelled nice, like lavender.
It seemed like forever before he released her, and she was still rather stunned. She had never believed this shy, innocent boy could ever kiss a girl like that. Elios had a dupey grin on his face, and he was bright red.
"I should probably go now, Maiden."
Chibi-Usa stood still as he turned to leave. It was still hard for her to believe this blushing boy was Elios, that serious young man that had helped Mamo-chan and Usagi and her to defeat the Dead Moon Circus. She never remembered him blush, or stammer, then.
"Elios…" He stopped and turned around. "You…you don't have to leave…just yet. Please stay awhile. I haven't seen you for a long time." He smiled and nodded, and Chibi-Usa felt her heart leap. Was this how Usagi felt all the time when Mamo-chan had been around?
"Lovely Maiden…thank you."
"Please. You can call me Chibi-Usa." Even though she did love it when he called her maiden. It had a wonderful ring to it.
"Chibi-Usa…"
She took his hands in hers. "Please feel free to stay in the palace as long as you want. Daddy wouldn't mind, I know, and Mama likes you."
"Thank you. But I really do have to go now. I need to meet the King and be shown my rooms."
"Well, isn't it rather late for that?"
"Well, yeah, but I wasn't given rooms when I arrived. And where else could I stay?"
"Well, you could stay here in my rooms. What?! Why did you get that look on your face?!"
"Mai—Chibi-Usa, it's rather…conspicuous…to have a man in your apartments at night."
"It is?"
Elios laughed and shook his head. "You may look older, but you still have a ways to go, my Chibi-Usa."
Chibi-Usa smiled and dragged him into her rooms, where she looked for a suitable pair of pajamas. Elios didn't object, but he didn't look comfortable either.
As she was throwing articles of clothing left and right, Elios could barely hear her. "Remember when we would talk in my room before, Elios? You didn't have a problem with it then. Ah! Here!"
"That was a bit differ-oof!"
"Try those on, please."
Elios inspected the garments with some consternation. "Are they…will they fit?"
Chibi-Usa shrugged, and Elios went towards her siting room to change.
"Where are you going? You can change here!"
Elios stopped in his tracks. "But, Chibi-Usa, it's not very...decent…for me to change in front of you."
"Nonsense, I changed in front of you all the time and you never minded."
"You were upset about this morning."
"That was different. I'm grown up now. What's the big deal if you change?"
"But…Chibi-Usa…"
"Just try those on, and you can sleep in my sitting room on the futon. I'm just joking around, you know. I know what my parents would say if you slept in the same room as me. I'm not that dense."
Elios nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Chibi- Usa counted to ten, then
sneaked over to the panel beside the door and lifted the covering to the peephole. She giggled.
The Priest of Elysion was holding the clothes she had given him up before him, making funny faces at them. They were bright yellow and had pink stripes down the arms. Chibi-Usa almost felt pity for the boy, but didn't expect him to wear them.
"Ugh…yellow and pink…? Chibi—no, I shouldn't bother her. I'll just wear something else." He put a finger to his lips. "Now that I think about it, I wonder if she's playing a prank on me?"
Chibi-Usa snickered, but didn't leave the peephole. She didn't hear her window open behind her.
Elios was about to take off his shirt when something grabbed Chibi- Usa's hair and pulled her head down and backwards. She was staring at a pale upside-down crescent moon on a gray background.
"Lady! What are you doing?!"
"Umm…nothing?"
Diana pushed between Chibi-Usa so she could look through the peephole, but she pulled back quickly and blocked the hole with her body.
"Lady! I can't believe you! You were raised better than that!"
Chibi-Usa gave Diana a flat look. "I used to stay the night at Mamo- chan's. What's different?"
"You're spying on him, that's what!"
Chibi-Usa put an innocent look on her face. "Spying? I would never!"
Diana hissed, then placed the covering over the hole and made Chibi- Usa go over to her bed. Chibi-Usa objected, but Diana sat her down.
"I should tell the King and Queen what you were doing, Lady. They will be very displeased with you."
"But…I don't know. I couldn't help it. I haven't seen him in so long, and every time I see him, this feeling comes over me."
"That's no excuse, Lady. Now go and tell him to leave. I'll find him apartments."
Diana made sure Chibi-Usa agreed, then left the room to find a suitable place for the priest of Elysion to stay.
Chibi-Usa took a deep breath after Diana left, then stood and made her way to the door. She paused before opening, but decided against knocking.
"Elios, you need to…"
Her words were cut off as she saw her beautiful priest lounging on the futon, asleep. He had removed his tunic and was in only his pants, and one of his arms was splayed across his face, while his leg was hanging off the bed.
Chibi-Usa repressed a giggle, and went closer to see if he really was asleep. His heartbeat was regular and slow, so she was confident he wouldn't know she was there. Careful, since she had no idea how light a sleeper he was, she lifted his leg so it was back on the futon, then sat back and waited for Diana. She didn't have to wait long.
"Lady, what are you—I see. Well, wake him up." She was whispering now. "The King has a room set out for him."
"Can't he sleep?"
"No, Lady. Now wake him." And she left.
Dammit. Diana is no fun. But I do need to get him to his own rooms. I've played long enough. Now I have to be the serious princess Mama sees me as.
Chibi-Usa quietly crept up to Elios, then nudged him with her fingertips. He squeezed his eyes a bit, but moved nothing more than that. Chibi-Usa tried again, this time patting his cheek around his arm. He swatted her hand away, but left his face open. So she did what any girl would do at this point in time…
She plugged his nose and covered his mouth.
Elios seemed to be giving in after a few seconds, because he began sputtering, but suddenly his eyes opened and he grabbed Chibi-Usa's arms. He still wasn't allowed to breathe, though.
They stared at each other like that for what seemed forever, until he pulled Chibi-Usa's hands away from his mouth. She thought he was going to say something, but instead he just took a huge gulp of air and began coughing. Chibi-Usa frowned.
"All that melodrama, and you cough?"
Elios looked at her funny, then started laughing. However, he started coughing again a few seconds later.
After they calmed his cough, Elios left with Diana to his rooms. Chibi-Usa was still happy, though, because she knew her prince had come at last.