Story Title: "It Can't Get Much Worse"

---Chapter 4: Such a beautiful disaster...---

On Earth, reports were breaking out everywhere that evil monsters were wreaking havoc in cities and towns, causing destruction and mayhem. Mamoru, Prince of the Earth, walked onto a pedestal in front of hundreds of reporters. "My fellow earthlings, nothing causes me more grief than to declare a formal state of emergency and to stress that everyone must stay indoors. There will be no stores opened, no door left unlocked. Every policeman who is or has ever has been part of a force is hereby called out of retirement and asked to help. If you do not come, I understand, but I need you, your planet needs you, to help us fight this evil. Use every asset available to you. There will be no time now for questions. Thank you." With a quick turn on his heels, he disappeared back into the Earth's Rose-colored Palace, reporters calling out after him for questions to be answered.

On the Moon, Princess Usagi watched what happened on the Earth in shock. They did not have television, but they had holograms which showed things they asked to see using the power of the ginzuishou. She asked to see her beloved, Mamoru. Examining the grainy picture, it appeared he was boarding a ship. Good, she thought, at least he'll be safe. I just hope he is coming here, where we are safe from that evil.

Haruka dashed into the church's side door and just stood there in awe. There before him was the only one he had ever loved, decked out in an extravagant wedding dress, kissing another man to seal a bond of marriage. "No..." whispered Haruka, "No!" He turned and dashed off, knowing he could not stop it now... Heartbroken and sad, he boarded the carriage, demanding the chauffer to fly back to Uranus immediately. He disappeared from Saturn, dreading the idea of ever returning.

Many weeks pass on Saturn; the Neptunian princess hears no word from the one she loves so dearly, though she tries and tries to contact him, there is never any response. The Prince of Saturn, Yukio, lusts for Michiru, but knows that she does not return the feelings. She knows that his feelings are that of lust and power, not love, he merely thinks she is beautiful on the outside and only wants her for that and that alone. Unfortunately for Michiru, once a Prince and Princess are married, they are bound forever, and Yukio is the dominant one. Yukio therefore has the rights to do with Michiru as he pleases. He does do just that, taking advantage of her over and over again... our poor princess is unable to stop him from what he does, and so, a little girl is conceived.

A little over seven months pass, and Michiru still hears no word from Haruka. She paces around in front of a window, staring at the planets and moons she can see in the night sky. She rubs her tummy thoughtfully, it is bulging quite a bit now from her pregnancy. However, she is incredibly worried about Haruka and the stress is getting to her. She is worried that it might affect her pregnancy and she knows she carries a future senshi. Michiru knows the rule: If a King and Queen have a boy, then their next child, or the boy's child (if the King and Queen have no girls), will be a girl, to take over the senshi power of that planet. Michiru knows Yukio is an only child, and therefore she carries Sailor Saturn. Michiru misses Haruka very badly, even though he has cut off communications with her. She desperately writes him letters, begging him to come see her, to visit, anything... and then, she finally receives a reply. Inside a wax-sealed envelope addressed to her is a ring. It is of two silver dolphins surrounding a dark blue sapphire gem. It must have been imported from Earth, she thought, it's hard to find silver or sapphire on any other planets... What does it mean, though? Michiru is confused, but still, she takes the ring and wears it on her left-middle finger. Perhaps Haruka will explain later what it means...

The next morning, Yukio and Michiru have an argument, one that is heard throughout the entire palace. There is yelling, screaming, throwing of pillows, they are just outright upset with each other. Yukio is upset at Michiru for wearing a ring that is obviously from Haruka, when clearly, nothing has happened between the two recently. Haruka has never visited Saturn since their wedding day, but he does not believe her. After a good hour of arguing, suddenly, Michiru breaks down in tears and grabs her stomach in agony. "The baby... is coming early." she is barely able to mutter. For some reason she is in extreme pain. Michiru had never previously had any children, but she knew that something was wrong with this happening so early. Yukio starts calling for servants left and right.

----- 20 hours later... -----

20 hours in labor. My water breaks and Yukio flips. Maybe he cares a little. God, all this pain and insomnia, and I am still in labor... Why won't this damned child come out already!? After 20 hours, I know I'm ready to be done with it! These thoughts and many others ran through the sea princess' mind. Finally, a nursemaid had told her it was time, she was dilating enough that it would be possible. But the baby was more than a whole month early! I cannot imagine a poor, pre-mature baby growing up to be a senshi! The women helped her along through the entire process, gave her a hand to hold, and eased her through it. It took another hour or two, but eventually, there she was: A crying, bloody, baby girl. The doctors surrounded the child to check for healthiness. Due to it being premature, there were three doctors there to inspect the tiny future Sailor Saturn. The Silver Queen took nothing for granted when it came to her senshi. The baby did seem to be a bit weak, but she was healthy enough. Michiru was handed the child and immediately, the Queen stroked the forehead of the child to view the mark of Saturn, this indicated her to be a Senshi. A firm nod from the Queen to Michiru was given as she spoke, "She is beautiful, my senshi of Neptune. Take care of my Sailor Saturn, and I hope all your future children will be healthy." Yukio had walked in at that very moment and heard what they said. So my wife and daughter are both Senshi... and I will have more children? Wow... And here I thought Michiru would never let her near me again as long as I lived. The Queen and King of Saturn marched in to see their grandchild. She was picture perfect! She had dark violet hair matching that of her father's, but a face like an angel, taking after her mother. Everyone raved as to how beautiful she was! "Surely, she will be the most beautiful of Queens!" said one of the nursemaids. "Rivaled only by our beautiful future Queen Michiru, of course," stated Yukio. Michiru smiled a bit, at least he's trying to pretend like he loves me, but I know he does not... I am merely his play thing, his bearer of children, and nothing more... He shows me no respect, he hurts me, beats me... I just... I know I can never love this man who is so rough and uncaring... I miss Haruka... Michiru's eyes averted to the only window in the room, staring at the many rings and moons of Saturn, glowing brightly in the black night...