Disclaimer: Yeah. I don't own Sailor Moon or any of its characters, settings, or locations... though I wish I did.
A/N: Chapter 7 is complete! I probably won't have 8 up till the weekend because of school, but I would appreciate some reviews! For anyone who has read all the way to six so far, thanks!
This story is dedicated to a little SM guild called Nobara, and also to a very lovely girl in my life.
The young Princess awoke to soft purring at her side. Ruby eyes opened to meet another pair of optics. "Diana?" muttered Chibi-usa sleepily, sitting up.
"Happy birthday, Small Lady!" squeaked the purplish cat, leaping up into her lap and nuzzling her. "Today you are officially a Lady!"
The pink-haired girl had almost forgot. She leapt out of bed, her soft pink nightgown fluttering as her feet hit the floor. As she ran to her tall windows, Diana just sat, tail wiggling happily, her eyes squinting as sunlight flooded the room."What a beautiful day!" shouted Chibi-usa, scooping up her companion and sliding her feet into pink slippers. Today was the day: her sixteenth birthday!
Chibi-usa, or more properly labeled as Princess Serenity, walked the spacious, bright halls of Crystal Tokyo in pursuit of her parents.
"Mama! Papa!" she called, her voice echoing endlessly down the well-lit walkways. She stopped as she approached the dining hall, hearing hushed voices from beyond. Chibi-usa was almost positive her parents were in there.
She stepped over the threshold into the cavernous room, the sight of her parents making her heart beat quickly. They both turned to her, equal looks of excitement upon their faces. "Happy birthday, Small Lady!" they chimed, both standing to embrace their daughter. Chibi-usa gladly buried her face into their clothes... oh, how she loved her parents.
"And happy birthday to you, Mama!" retorted the girl, and her mother smiled.
"My day isn't as important as yours,but I'm not going to lie and say my cake isn't bigger," replied Neo-Queen Serenity, a goofy grin appearing on her face. Chibi-usa didn't mind; if anything, it comforted her that her mother wouldn't be eating her cake. The Queen was infamous for indulging in food, particularly sweets.
Suddenly, Luna and Artemis leapt onto the table, a scroll secure in their mouths. Nudging it open for the King and Queen, everyone sat down expectantly, including the Princess. Diana jumped into her lap to listen to what her parents had to say.
"The guest list has dwindled a bit," explained Luna, showing that a few names had been crossed out. "The Outer Senshi can't come... Pluto explained that there has been a lot of alien activity."
"Relatively minor things," Artemis assured as the King and Queen froze in their seats. "But... they are consistent, minor attacks."
King Endymion nodded, and he leaned forward to examine the list. "The Inner Senshi can still come though, right?" he asked, glancing to Chibi-usa to see if she was disappointed. She raised her eyebrows thoughtfully, keeping her mouth shut so she didn't appear too hurt.
"Yes, of course!" Luna said quickly, nodding furiously. "Small Lady will still have an audience for her big day!"
"Well then, we'll have to start setting up," said Neo-Queen Serenity, standing and retreating to the kitchen. "I want these cakes done early so I can taste-test!"
The cats also departed, and so it was just the King and Princess at the table. Sensing tension, Endymion placed his arm around the girl's shoulders. "Small Lady, they would come if their duty wasn't so necessary to our survival."
Chibi-usa nodded, trying to fight the hot tears pricking at her eyes. She was so eager to see Puu and Hotaru, but they were busy... every year, it seemed they were. But the Princess always forgave them, due to the magnitude of their responsibilities.
But... this was the year it really counted.
"Everyone else will be there!" said her father, squeezing his daughter. "Please try to feel better, because you know they would be here if they could." He stood, giving his daughter one last fleeting smile before turning to the kitchen, his cape sweeping as he walked.
Diana stared up into Chibi-usa's eyes, which still glittered with tears. "Small Lady, don't frown," she whispered. "Do it any other day but today! You'll only turn sixteen once!"
The pink-haired girl was silent, but then smiled gently. "You're right... I shouldn't be mad, because they are doing a big thing for Crystal Tokyo."
"Right," replied Diana with a nod. "How about you go start getting ready? I want to see your dress!"
The Princess gave an appreciative nod, lowering the cat to the ground before taking off back to her bedroom. The disappointment dug at her a little, but overall, she knew it was for the best. It was better than something attacking the Kingdom, especially on her birthday! Determined to have the best birthday ever, Princess Serenity took to her room to start getting ready.