Defeating all thoughts of bitterness, Chibi-usa used the morning to her advantage, preparing for the event that would soon be happening: her birthday party. This was especially important, since this year she would be an "adult" of sorts, able to take the throne if anything ever happened to her mother. She was excited for the responsibility, but also afraid of it. Her powers were still not fully developed.

"It's so pretty, Small Lady!" cooed Diana as the Princess twirled in her white, flowing dress. She felt very beautiful, just like her mother. Instead of her usual pigtails, the girl brushed through her bubblegum-pink tresses until they were pleasantly wavy. After she finished, it surprised her how much older she looked. Dare she think it? She looked mature.

She headed downstairs, Diana weaving beneath her feet, and she began to greet her guests. Moon people, Moon people, more Moon people...

"Small Lady!" Four older giggling women drifted to her side, all giving her hugs and well-wishes. They were her mother's guardians: Aino Minako, Hino Rei, Mizuno Ami, and Kino Makoto, who were Sailors Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter, respectively. They all looked so mature and elegant in their evening gowns, and the small Princess silently admired them. She was always rather close to them, but tonight for some reason they seemed to be in a different league. So tall, stunning... she wanted to be like that someday.

Soon after, her own guardians arrived, also dressed nicely. "Happy birthday!" they all said. The Asteroid Senshi made her feel a little less lonely; even though it was her night and she should feel like an adult, she didn't. It made her seem even more childish beneath all these tall, glamorous people. Hotaru wasn't even here to sympathize...

"All right! Time for cake!" shouted Neo-Queen Serenity, and everyone grew silent. Endymion presented Chibi-usa with her pink, layered cake. It was truly beautiful, yet tiny compared to her mother's seven-layered masterpiece. Surrounded by family and friends, she watched her father light the candles, and her eyes grew fuzzy at the sight. Sixteen. It seemed like such a huge skip from fifteen...

"Blow them out!" screamed Minako (a little drunk), and Chibi-usa's mother blew out her candles; she only missed one. "Your turn, Small Lady," she said with a smile.

Chibi-usa stared into the flames before closing her eyes. I wish to grow up and be strong and mature... just like my mom and dad. Concentrating on this wish, she blew out the candles. Applause and shouts of "Congratulations!" were emitted, and she smiled in response.

Everyone enjoyed both cakes, and Chibi-usa couldn't help but to eat more than one piece. She let loose, enjoying the party's people and events. It was loud, a celebration! What could be better than the Moon Queen and Princess' birthdays?

Around midnight, the guests were let out, the royal family thanking everyone for coming. Chibi-usa's guardians were the last to leave, and then they shut the door for the evening. "I ate too much cake," complained the Queen, sitting down in a chair in utter despair.

"Well, four pieces is a lot," replied Endymion with his eyebrows raised. Serenity didn't respond, but groaned and clutched her stomach. The King turned to his daughter. "Well, did you have fun, Small Lady?"

"I had a lot of fun!" Chibi-usa replied with a grin, sitting next to her mother.

"Now, you're an adult, a young lady," explained Endymion. "The Kingdom is up to you if anything were to ever happen to your mother–-"

"Like overeating?" moaned the Queen, rolling her head around.

Endymion sighed, but continued. "Small Lady, this is a big responsibility, and I think you're mature enough."

The Princess was unsure how to answer her father, so she fell silent for a moment. "I know I can do it. I can fill for my mom if it's ever needed."

"It may be sooner than you realized," boomed a cruel, echoing voice, and then one of the tall windows was blown out. Glass shattered everywhere... stepping on the broken shards with no remorse was a tall, glimmering figure, clad in golden armor and sporting a wicked grin.

"Now, no need for such kind greetings," drawled the woman, staring down the royal family. "Bow to me and call me your ruler, and there will be no trouble at all."