Attention all you dear, lovely, absolutely fabulous readers and reviewers!
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School has started, and my schedule is very busy, so if you want me to
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Disclaimer: Sailor Moon does not belong to me, and it never will. Ever. But this story is most assuredly mine.
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The Winning Losers Chapter Two: Nice to Meet You All...Except You
*Eight Years Ago*
Queen Serenity stood impatiently at the portal, located in the middle of the Royal Lunar Temple, waiting for the silhouette of her friend to appear. Her nervousness was apparent; she wrung her dress till her knuckles turned white. Her friend was about thirty minutes late, which was so not like Gwendolyn, and worried thoughts began to pop into her head. Did something horrible happen on the way? Was the Terran queen sick? Did they lose their luggage on the way? Did a war on Earth suddenly break out?! All sorts of "what ifs" swam in her mind, each more troubling and more ridiculous than the last.
Her little girl, who stood up to her waist with golden pigtails hanging down to her knees, waited right beside her, but without the anticipation. She heard stories of her mother's friend from earth before, the kind Queen Gwendolyn, and she really liked the woman without ever meeting her, but did her mother have to pull her away from her friends during a game of hide and seek and give her nothing to do while they waited? The Earth queen was almost half an hour late, and the Princess was going insane with boredom. 'I had a really good hiding spot, too,' she mentally whined. Then she mentally kicked herself; princesses didn't whine, and she was grown up too - a whole ten years old! Little Serenity straightened her spine and tried to impersonate her mother's regal attitude, only to sink back into her former attitude a minute later.
To her relief, she saw a bright red sailor uniform in the distance approaching them. "Rei-chan!" young Serenity squealed happily, thankful to have a friend with her. Rei was two years Serenity's senior. At first glance, the two were complete opposites, and they really were, but in reality, they were closer than sisters. Rei was like an older, protective sister, and Serenity usually ran to her for advice first. And just like sisters, they squabbled over petty things.
When Rei came up to them, she curtseyed prettily to the queen.
Serenity admired her friend's natural grace. Rei was only two years older than she, but Rei presented herself like the perfect proper lady without breaking a sweat. Everyone had high hopes for the Martian princess, and Serenity was relieved to have someone dependable like Rei to help her if whenever she screwed up badly.
"Good afternoon, your Highness."
"Hello, Rei dear."
"My relatives are not here yet?"
"Relatives?" interrupted Little Serenity.
Her mother answered for Rei. "I forgot to mention to you, Sere. Queen Gwendolyn is cousins with Rei's mother."
"Oh, okay." Serenity gave her friend a tight hug, and Rei tugged on Serenity's pigtail in sisterly affection, eliciting a satisfying "ouch!".
"Careful, Usa-chan, I just ironed my skirt!"
"But your skirt is always annoyingly perfect. I was helping you look more normal." Then in all her princess glory, she stuck her tongue out.
The queen thought that correcting her daughter would just be hopeless. And it would have been.
In another instant, the columns around them in the circular room began to glow a warm white, and just as suddenly, blindingly bright beams shot out from each pillar to the center of the floor where a flawless mirror was set in the marble tile. The ribbon of light reflected upwards to create a tall, two-dimensional doorway, and in the doorway, Queen Serenity was happy to see a familiar figure.
A tall woman walked through the illuminated door, waves of ebony hair spilling down her back and the long train of her royal blue dress streaming after her like the waters of Earth. Her beautiful face was wholesome and welcoming, and her brilliant smile reached passed her lovely light magenta eyes, which instantly met the silvery-blue eyes of Queen Serenity. Rei was able to pick up a well-remembered inside joke between the two gazes of the queens, but Little Serenity was so captivated by the beautiful newcomer that she didn't notice at the time.
"No Serenity, I did not stop there on the way here."
"I can never quite predict your actions, Gwen."
"But you know I wouldn't go there without bringing you."
"Indeed."
The two young girls watched this strange exchange, and the two queens grasped both hands together and laughed, to Little Serenity's horror, like little schoolgirls. When the two women separated from a crushing bear hug, Gwendolyn shifted her gaze to the young girls, first settling her gaze on Rei and kneeling down to meet her cousin's attractive daughter.
"Rei dearest, you've grown into a lovely young lady since I last saw you," said she as she lightly stroked Rei's hair. Rei wrapped her arms around her neck for a warm hug and kissed the woman on the cheek.
"I've missed you, Auntie Gwen."
"I've missed you, too. So does Endymion. Is your mother well?"
"Yes, she is very well."
"Good. Send my regards for me."
"I will, Auntie."
Queen Gwendolyn then looked at the short blonde girl standing next to Serenity Sr. "This must be your beautiful daughter, Serenity."
"Yes she is. Sere, this is my old friend, Queen Gwendolyn of Earth. Gwen, this is my daughter, Princess Usagi Serenity II."
"Nice to meet you, Princess Serenity," said the terran queen to the petite Lunarian royal.
"Please call me Sere, your Majesty."
"Then I must insist that you call me Queen Gwen."
Serenity looked to her mother for assurance, and the Moon queen nodded, so the little princess curtseyed and said, "Thank you for visiting us from afar, Queen Gwen."
"She's adorable," whispered the queen of Earth to Serenity Sr. Serenity smiled proudly at her daughter.
"Gwen, where is your husband?"
"James? He had some last minute matters to take care of, which was the reason for my tardiness, so he will arrive any second now with Endymion. My son wanted to bring his friends along, the princes of the four hemispheres of Earth and Endymion's future royal guard, with him on our little holiday, so they were delayed a bit in the teleport because of the extra luggage. I'm sorry I couldn't inform you earlier of the extra company. Do you mind?"
"Of course not, Gwen. The more, the merrier." She couldn't have said so at a better time, for at that moment, the portal opened up again and through walked an enormous figure, so big that Little Serenity cowered behind her mother. Atop the man's dark grey hair was a golden circlet, but the man looked not too much older than his youthful-looking wife. He had a very muscular build, but one look at his jolly face erased the first impression of his domineering stature. Following him was a young boy, about twelve years old, whose dark hair matched his mother and whose navy blue eyes were inherited from his father. Beside the boy were four other boys only a little older than him and all just as good-looking, though all of them had quite contrasting physical features.
"What took you so long, husband?" inquired Gwendolyn. "Was the teleport being unagreeable, or did your mansculine pride lead you in the wrong direction?"
"For your information, encouraging wife mine, I did ask the station guide for directions."
"After Father led us into the wrong gateway three times," added the dark-haired prince.
"Mmm hmm," mumbled the Earth queen knowingly as she glanced sideways at Serenity Sr., eyebrow arched sarcastically.
Quickly changing the subject, King James addressed Queen Serenity. "My, my, Serenity, you look chipper, as always. You haven't changed since last I saw you; you look marvelous!"
"You flatter me," returned the queen modestly.
"No, no. I must save up my powers of flattery for whenever my Gwen is mad at me. Hello there, Rei."
"Hello, Uncle."
"Have you practiced to become that skilled archer you vowed to be?"
"I hope I can be as good as you, Uncle."
"Capital! I will have to challenge you later."
"I look forward to it, Uncle."
"But who's there behind you, Serenity?"
"Oh, James, this is my daughter, Princess Usagi Serenity II, though she will insist you call her Sere. Sere, this is King James V of Earth."
"Welcome to the Moon, your Majesty," Little Serenity greeted automatically as she curtseyed.
"What an angel! Just like her mother. Allow me to introduce my son, crown Prince Endymion, heir to the Terran throne. Son, this is Queen Serenity of the Silver Millennium and her daughter, heiress to the Silver Millennium."
At the mention of his name, the dark-haired boy stepped forward and bowed to the queen. Then he bowed to Little Serenity, and Serenity curtseyed to him. When he finally met her face to face, he gave her a quirky grin. The look he gave her said "don't you hate formalities?" and she grinned back at him. Serenity couldn't help but notice how much he resembled his mother and Rei. 'Of course, Usagi you idiot, they're related!' her mind screamed.
Endymion's voice broke her train of thought. "Hello, Cousin Rei!" he said cheerily. It was apparant to Little Serenity that the two were pretty close, though why Rei never mentioned him to her, she never knew.
"How are you, Cousin Endy?"
"Ever since you melted one of my boots, I've been very wary around fires."
"Ah yes," smiled Rei nostalgically. "Good times."
"Good times, good times," repeated Endymion as he and Rei patted each other on the backs like two old people reminiscing about their golden years. The adults around them were highly amused. Serenity Jr. noticed the four other boys watching the two cousins' conversation in interest as she was.
"Now," cut in King James, "I'd like to introduce Endymion's future guard, the heirs of their respective hemispheres of Earth: the princes Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoisite. Gentlemen, this is Queen Serenity, Princess Serenity, and Princess Rei, the heiress of the Martian dynasty."
Obediently, the four minor princes followed the example of their crown prince. Rei nodded her head mutely to them in her most regal manner. As future guardian of Princess Serenity, she had to take careful note of any warrior, even if they were her cousin's upcoming guardians, for the safety of her princess. The four young soldiers, the oldest of the four no more than fifteen, regarded her in the same critical manner. She decided they would not be a problem, and they seemed to accept her as well, except for one of them. That one particular person, a boy with short blonde hair, looked at her too snobbishly for her tolerance.
She disliked him already.
At least the two of them found something in common: they hated each other already. 'What a priss,' thought young Jadeite. 'This chick's nose is pointed up so high, I'm surprised no spaceships hovering above have collided into in.'
Queen Serenity's gentle voice interrupted their heated, vicious staring contest. "Now that all the pleasantries are over and done with, how about a nice cup of tea and pastries? I believe Princess Makoto is experimenting in the kitchen today, and she is a great cook. I'm nearly a third of a millennia older than that talented young girl, and I'm not even a fraction as good a chef as she is."
"Don't worry, Serenity. We know you can hardly boil water."
"Hush, Gwen. Speak for yourself."
"Guilty as charged," and she raised up her hands for effect.
"Mother? Father?"
"Yes, Endymion?" answered King James.
"May I go around and explore the palace and garden grounds? You have such an interesting estate, your Highness."
The queen was quite pleased with the compliment, for she made sure the grounds were kept in picture perfect shape. Little Serenity jumped at the chance to make a new friend, as such was her nature. "I will show the prince around, Mother! Oh please, it will be lots of fun, and I can give a grand tour and continue my hide-and-go-seek game with him!" She then utilized her special puppy dog look - a step up from the normal pleading look but not as pitiful as the 'damsel in distress' look - for emphasis.
"That sounds fun! May I, Father?" asked Endymion, his voice hopeful.
The king and Queen Serenity looked at one another, and the king nodded. "Alright," agreed the queen, "but you must come in by sunset and wash up for dinner."
Little Serenity and Endymion thanked their parents effusively and pardoned themselves. Serenity grabbed Endymion's hand, and the two children ran off together, laughing and chatting the whole way until they disappeared from the adults' sight.
"I'm glad they get along so well!" commented Queen Gwendolyn. Her husband and Queen Serenity were just as delighted to see their children become good friends within the first few minutes of their acquaintance.
The servants, who watched and gossiped amongst themselves to the side the whole time, started to carry away the suitcases to the exclusive guest quarters, which reminded the queen of the other four guests. "Rei? Will you escort our guests to their chambers, please? I'm sure they want to see their rooms and organize their belongings to their liking."
"Yes, your Highness."
"Thank you, Rei. If you need me, I shall be at the gazebo in the Gardens of Selene." With that said, Endymion's friends bowed as Rei curtseyed to the retreating elder royals.
So Rei was left alone with them...with HIM.
She really didn't like the kid.
And from the strong vibes she sensed from the so-called Prince Jadeite, she knew the feeling was mutual.
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IMPORTANT: Sorry, this chapter was just to bring in characters, so it wasn't that funny, but I promise the next chapter will be much better, and it will go back in the _present_time_. Don't get confused. I will be skipping back and forth from past and present, but it will be really easy to follow if you read the story the whole way through and not skip around.
Thanks to the readers! Now, REVIEW!
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon does not belong to me, and it never will. Ever. But this story is most assuredly mine.
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The Winning Losers Chapter Two: Nice to Meet You All...Except You
*Eight Years Ago*
Queen Serenity stood impatiently at the portal, located in the middle of the Royal Lunar Temple, waiting for the silhouette of her friend to appear. Her nervousness was apparent; she wrung her dress till her knuckles turned white. Her friend was about thirty minutes late, which was so not like Gwendolyn, and worried thoughts began to pop into her head. Did something horrible happen on the way? Was the Terran queen sick? Did they lose their luggage on the way? Did a war on Earth suddenly break out?! All sorts of "what ifs" swam in her mind, each more troubling and more ridiculous than the last.
Her little girl, who stood up to her waist with golden pigtails hanging down to her knees, waited right beside her, but without the anticipation. She heard stories of her mother's friend from earth before, the kind Queen Gwendolyn, and she really liked the woman without ever meeting her, but did her mother have to pull her away from her friends during a game of hide and seek and give her nothing to do while they waited? The Earth queen was almost half an hour late, and the Princess was going insane with boredom. 'I had a really good hiding spot, too,' she mentally whined. Then she mentally kicked herself; princesses didn't whine, and she was grown up too - a whole ten years old! Little Serenity straightened her spine and tried to impersonate her mother's regal attitude, only to sink back into her former attitude a minute later.
To her relief, she saw a bright red sailor uniform in the distance approaching them. "Rei-chan!" young Serenity squealed happily, thankful to have a friend with her. Rei was two years Serenity's senior. At first glance, the two were complete opposites, and they really were, but in reality, they were closer than sisters. Rei was like an older, protective sister, and Serenity usually ran to her for advice first. And just like sisters, they squabbled over petty things.
When Rei came up to them, she curtseyed prettily to the queen.
Serenity admired her friend's natural grace. Rei was only two years older than she, but Rei presented herself like the perfect proper lady without breaking a sweat. Everyone had high hopes for the Martian princess, and Serenity was relieved to have someone dependable like Rei to help her if whenever she screwed up badly.
"Good afternoon, your Highness."
"Hello, Rei dear."
"My relatives are not here yet?"
"Relatives?" interrupted Little Serenity.
Her mother answered for Rei. "I forgot to mention to you, Sere. Queen Gwendolyn is cousins with Rei's mother."
"Oh, okay." Serenity gave her friend a tight hug, and Rei tugged on Serenity's pigtail in sisterly affection, eliciting a satisfying "ouch!".
"Careful, Usa-chan, I just ironed my skirt!"
"But your skirt is always annoyingly perfect. I was helping you look more normal." Then in all her princess glory, she stuck her tongue out.
The queen thought that correcting her daughter would just be hopeless. And it would have been.
In another instant, the columns around them in the circular room began to glow a warm white, and just as suddenly, blindingly bright beams shot out from each pillar to the center of the floor where a flawless mirror was set in the marble tile. The ribbon of light reflected upwards to create a tall, two-dimensional doorway, and in the doorway, Queen Serenity was happy to see a familiar figure.
A tall woman walked through the illuminated door, waves of ebony hair spilling down her back and the long train of her royal blue dress streaming after her like the waters of Earth. Her beautiful face was wholesome and welcoming, and her brilliant smile reached passed her lovely light magenta eyes, which instantly met the silvery-blue eyes of Queen Serenity. Rei was able to pick up a well-remembered inside joke between the two gazes of the queens, but Little Serenity was so captivated by the beautiful newcomer that she didn't notice at the time.
"No Serenity, I did not stop there on the way here."
"I can never quite predict your actions, Gwen."
"But you know I wouldn't go there without bringing you."
"Indeed."
The two young girls watched this strange exchange, and the two queens grasped both hands together and laughed, to Little Serenity's horror, like little schoolgirls. When the two women separated from a crushing bear hug, Gwendolyn shifted her gaze to the young girls, first settling her gaze on Rei and kneeling down to meet her cousin's attractive daughter.
"Rei dearest, you've grown into a lovely young lady since I last saw you," said she as she lightly stroked Rei's hair. Rei wrapped her arms around her neck for a warm hug and kissed the woman on the cheek.
"I've missed you, Auntie Gwen."
"I've missed you, too. So does Endymion. Is your mother well?"
"Yes, she is very well."
"Good. Send my regards for me."
"I will, Auntie."
Queen Gwendolyn then looked at the short blonde girl standing next to Serenity Sr. "This must be your beautiful daughter, Serenity."
"Yes she is. Sere, this is my old friend, Queen Gwendolyn of Earth. Gwen, this is my daughter, Princess Usagi Serenity II."
"Nice to meet you, Princess Serenity," said the terran queen to the petite Lunarian royal.
"Please call me Sere, your Majesty."
"Then I must insist that you call me Queen Gwen."
Serenity looked to her mother for assurance, and the Moon queen nodded, so the little princess curtseyed and said, "Thank you for visiting us from afar, Queen Gwen."
"She's adorable," whispered the queen of Earth to Serenity Sr. Serenity smiled proudly at her daughter.
"Gwen, where is your husband?"
"James? He had some last minute matters to take care of, which was the reason for my tardiness, so he will arrive any second now with Endymion. My son wanted to bring his friends along, the princes of the four hemispheres of Earth and Endymion's future royal guard, with him on our little holiday, so they were delayed a bit in the teleport because of the extra luggage. I'm sorry I couldn't inform you earlier of the extra company. Do you mind?"
"Of course not, Gwen. The more, the merrier." She couldn't have said so at a better time, for at that moment, the portal opened up again and through walked an enormous figure, so big that Little Serenity cowered behind her mother. Atop the man's dark grey hair was a golden circlet, but the man looked not too much older than his youthful-looking wife. He had a very muscular build, but one look at his jolly face erased the first impression of his domineering stature. Following him was a young boy, about twelve years old, whose dark hair matched his mother and whose navy blue eyes were inherited from his father. Beside the boy were four other boys only a little older than him and all just as good-looking, though all of them had quite contrasting physical features.
"What took you so long, husband?" inquired Gwendolyn. "Was the teleport being unagreeable, or did your mansculine pride lead you in the wrong direction?"
"For your information, encouraging wife mine, I did ask the station guide for directions."
"After Father led us into the wrong gateway three times," added the dark-haired prince.
"Mmm hmm," mumbled the Earth queen knowingly as she glanced sideways at Serenity Sr., eyebrow arched sarcastically.
Quickly changing the subject, King James addressed Queen Serenity. "My, my, Serenity, you look chipper, as always. You haven't changed since last I saw you; you look marvelous!"
"You flatter me," returned the queen modestly.
"No, no. I must save up my powers of flattery for whenever my Gwen is mad at me. Hello there, Rei."
"Hello, Uncle."
"Have you practiced to become that skilled archer you vowed to be?"
"I hope I can be as good as you, Uncle."
"Capital! I will have to challenge you later."
"I look forward to it, Uncle."
"But who's there behind you, Serenity?"
"Oh, James, this is my daughter, Princess Usagi Serenity II, though she will insist you call her Sere. Sere, this is King James V of Earth."
"Welcome to the Moon, your Majesty," Little Serenity greeted automatically as she curtseyed.
"What an angel! Just like her mother. Allow me to introduce my son, crown Prince Endymion, heir to the Terran throne. Son, this is Queen Serenity of the Silver Millennium and her daughter, heiress to the Silver Millennium."
At the mention of his name, the dark-haired boy stepped forward and bowed to the queen. Then he bowed to Little Serenity, and Serenity curtseyed to him. When he finally met her face to face, he gave her a quirky grin. The look he gave her said "don't you hate formalities?" and she grinned back at him. Serenity couldn't help but notice how much he resembled his mother and Rei. 'Of course, Usagi you idiot, they're related!' her mind screamed.
Endymion's voice broke her train of thought. "Hello, Cousin Rei!" he said cheerily. It was apparant to Little Serenity that the two were pretty close, though why Rei never mentioned him to her, she never knew.
"How are you, Cousin Endy?"
"Ever since you melted one of my boots, I've been very wary around fires."
"Ah yes," smiled Rei nostalgically. "Good times."
"Good times, good times," repeated Endymion as he and Rei patted each other on the backs like two old people reminiscing about their golden years. The adults around them were highly amused. Serenity Jr. noticed the four other boys watching the two cousins' conversation in interest as she was.
"Now," cut in King James, "I'd like to introduce Endymion's future guard, the heirs of their respective hemispheres of Earth: the princes Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoisite. Gentlemen, this is Queen Serenity, Princess Serenity, and Princess Rei, the heiress of the Martian dynasty."
Obediently, the four minor princes followed the example of their crown prince. Rei nodded her head mutely to them in her most regal manner. As future guardian of Princess Serenity, she had to take careful note of any warrior, even if they were her cousin's upcoming guardians, for the safety of her princess. The four young soldiers, the oldest of the four no more than fifteen, regarded her in the same critical manner. She decided they would not be a problem, and they seemed to accept her as well, except for one of them. That one particular person, a boy with short blonde hair, looked at her too snobbishly for her tolerance.
She disliked him already.
At least the two of them found something in common: they hated each other already. 'What a priss,' thought young Jadeite. 'This chick's nose is pointed up so high, I'm surprised no spaceships hovering above have collided into in.'
Queen Serenity's gentle voice interrupted their heated, vicious staring contest. "Now that all the pleasantries are over and done with, how about a nice cup of tea and pastries? I believe Princess Makoto is experimenting in the kitchen today, and she is a great cook. I'm nearly a third of a millennia older than that talented young girl, and I'm not even a fraction as good a chef as she is."
"Don't worry, Serenity. We know you can hardly boil water."
"Hush, Gwen. Speak for yourself."
"Guilty as charged," and she raised up her hands for effect.
"Mother? Father?"
"Yes, Endymion?" answered King James.
"May I go around and explore the palace and garden grounds? You have such an interesting estate, your Highness."
The queen was quite pleased with the compliment, for she made sure the grounds were kept in picture perfect shape. Little Serenity jumped at the chance to make a new friend, as such was her nature. "I will show the prince around, Mother! Oh please, it will be lots of fun, and I can give a grand tour and continue my hide-and-go-seek game with him!" She then utilized her special puppy dog look - a step up from the normal pleading look but not as pitiful as the 'damsel in distress' look - for emphasis.
"That sounds fun! May I, Father?" asked Endymion, his voice hopeful.
The king and Queen Serenity looked at one another, and the king nodded. "Alright," agreed the queen, "but you must come in by sunset and wash up for dinner."
Little Serenity and Endymion thanked their parents effusively and pardoned themselves. Serenity grabbed Endymion's hand, and the two children ran off together, laughing and chatting the whole way until they disappeared from the adults' sight.
"I'm glad they get along so well!" commented Queen Gwendolyn. Her husband and Queen Serenity were just as delighted to see their children become good friends within the first few minutes of their acquaintance.
The servants, who watched and gossiped amongst themselves to the side the whole time, started to carry away the suitcases to the exclusive guest quarters, which reminded the queen of the other four guests. "Rei? Will you escort our guests to their chambers, please? I'm sure they want to see their rooms and organize their belongings to their liking."
"Yes, your Highness."
"Thank you, Rei. If you need me, I shall be at the gazebo in the Gardens of Selene." With that said, Endymion's friends bowed as Rei curtseyed to the retreating elder royals.
So Rei was left alone with them...with HIM.
She really didn't like the kid.
And from the strong vibes she sensed from the so-called Prince Jadeite, she knew the feeling was mutual.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
IMPORTANT: Sorry, this chapter was just to bring in characters, so it wasn't that funny, but I promise the next chapter will be much better, and it will go back in the _present_time_. Don't get confused. I will be skipping back and forth from past and present, but it will be really easy to follow if you read the story the whole way through and not skip around.
Thanks to the readers! Now, REVIEW!
