An update! This story rises from the ashes like a phoenix, taking flight amid the shouts of delight from my readers! I will TRY updating more regularly from now on. Recently, my imagination has forced me to come back to this story. Sorry for any grammatical areas, I didn't proofread as much as I probably should have.

Disclaimer: It's been two years, but I still don't own Sailor Moon.

Chapter 3

"Ready?" Mina asked Serenity. They were standing behind a curtain, a crowd of reporters waiting in front of it. Serenity was dressed in open toed beige heels and a three quarter sleeve ampere-waisted silver dress with a white blazer over her arms. Her long hair was softly curled and fell around her shoulders.

"Can we switch? You can be the Moon Princess today?"

"We're not switching Sere, that's only for emergencies!" Mina giggled.

"Marcus and I will go out first, and then I'll introduce you, followed by your mother," Endymion instructed them. He was wearing a navy suit with a light gray shirt, a slate tie completing his ensemble. Marcus swept the curtain aside and the two exited, a flurry of flash bulbs lighting the curtain.

"It is my pleasure to welcome to the Capitol, their majesties Princess Serenity and Queen Selenity of the Lunar Kingdom!" Mina pushed aside the curtain and Serenity stepped into the flash bulbs, smiling her brightest. Her mother was not far behind. Serenity sat on the left side of the long table, her mother in the middle, the King on her mother's right. Marcus and Mina occupied the ends of the table.

"Drew?" Endymion directed the first question.

"My first question is for the queen," a sandy-haired man stood. "I'm assuming that your spaceflight went well?"

"Very! There was low turbulence when entering Earth's atmosphere and we were greeted by the King and his guard. Everything went according to plan."

"Kingston," Endymion said, pointing to a shorter, darker haired man.

"My question is for the princess, how are you finding your return to Earth thus far?"

"As pleasant as I remember! I've already stopped by the rose gardens, a personal favorite of mine. The King is holding a formal dinner tonight and I look forward to meeting with the Earthen diplomats."

"And if I'm allowed, one more?" Kingston asked. Endymion nodded. "I'll ask about the elephant in the room and do everyone a favor, where is Princess Trista during this crucial time, Endymion?"

"She was needed back on Pluto to perform her royal duties concerning the Gate of Time. She wanted to be able to make it back in time for the coronation celebration," Endymion informed him. He pointed to another reporter who stood.

"My question is for the queen, there are rumors on your home satellite that you plan to step down and allow your daughter to assume the thrown, is this true?"

"There have always been plans for me to step down and allow my daughter to govern," Selenity answered smoothly. "The timetable of said plans is yet undecided, although her graduation from University is coming in the winter and she will take on a more full time role within the court." Another reporter stood at the end of her answer.

"Princess, you were just voted the most eligible bachelorette in the Roman Solar System by the Sun Times, are you currently seeing anyone?"

"I'm sorry to report that I don't have time for dating right now, with my graduation and extended duties approaching," Serenity answered smoothly. "And there is no one on the horizon."

"Speaking of polls, you were ranked the most eligible bachelor, Endymion. Any chance of you and the princess becoming a couple?"

"I am completely happy in the relationship I currently have," Endymion tersely answered. Serenity blushed and looked down at her twiddling hands. Her mother placed a hand on her leg, forcing her to look up.

"Then why haven't you proposed?"

"Choosing a queen for my people is not something I take lightly, and although Princess Trista is a shining example of royalty, we both realize the weight of an engagement between us. Besides, we are perfectly happy in our current situation," Endymion elaborated. "If we could move the questions away from my personal life and back to the Lunadian visit, it would be greatly appreciated."

"What are your plans for the next few weeks?" Serenity, her mother, and Endymion answered questions for about an hour before posing for pictures with each other. The most in demand picture was one of her and Endymion, making her slightly uncomfortable when he put his hand lightly on the small of her back.

"Not so bad, right?" he leaned down, whispering in her ear.

"Tolerable. I can't believe you were voted most eligible bachelor, what media outlet would publish that?"

"The same one that voted you most eligible bachelorette." Serenity shifted her weight, putting it entirely on Endymion's toes. He gritted his teeth and let out a hiss.

"Until tonight, troll." Serenity moved away from him, following her mother and Mina back towards their rooms.

"Oh, I hope Marcus is wearing something orange tonight."

"Mina, you're the only person who thinks orange is an acceptable color to wear to a formal dinner," Lita commented.

"You have to admit though, this dress does me right." Mina twirled in the mirror before staring at her derriere a little longer. It was a sleeveless, backless floor length halter neck dress. Lita had on a shorter, deep magenta cocktail dress with her hair pulled back, signature rose earrings glittering in the lamplight. "Serenity, come out already! What are you doing in there?"

"I can't get my zipper up!" she shouted back.

"Well if you would ask for some help!" Mina opened the door and went over to Serenity, grabbing the zipper of her pale lavender dress. They both exited into the main room to join the others. Raye had on a black sheath with a slit up the side, an embroidered pattern at one of her sides, extending to the rest of the dress. Amy was wearing a chiffon, one shouldered gown with roses that extended over her one sleeve. "I don't know how we're going to top this at the coronation ball." There was a knock on the door immediately after Mina's statement.

"I got it," Amy answered, opening the door.

"Mi'lady," Jace held out his hand to Serenity. She giggled, putting her hand delicately in his. "I definitely picked the star of the evening."

"You flatter me Jace."

"I saw parts of your press conference on the evening news, well done!" Jace complemented her. "Our people are quite taken with you."

"Of course they are," Mina giggled. "It's the 'moon magic'."

"Moon magic?" Jace questioned.

"Mina, you know that's a myth," Amy interrupted. "Supposedly, moon royals automatically emit some kind of magic that attracts people to them, ergo forcing them to obey."

"Serenity, quite the temptress! Should I reconsider my offer this evening?" Jace questioned.

"I wouldn't force anyone to do anything, consciously or subconsciously!" Serenity stammered.

"Is that how you got Endymion to go on all those dates with you?" Jace laughed.

"JACE!" Serenity squealed.

"Enough with your petty banter. The media could hear," Endymion scolded. "You don't want them to find out what a dog you are, do you Jace?"

"It's already too late!" The group approached a set of doors and was ushered inside a waiting room. Serenity's mother and the Dowager Queen were already seated within.

"Right on time," Queen Selenity stated. "They are going to introduce Hestia first, followed by Endymion, and finally you my dear." Serenity nodded.

"Introducing, her royal highness, the Queen of the Moon, Selenity, with her councilor Artemis!" The Queen stepped through a set of curtains to thunderous applause. Queen Hestia followed her shortly after. "Your Lord, King Endymion of Terra with the Martian Princess, Lady Raye!" Endymion's applause was just as loud as her mother's, a few cheers rising from the audience. "And finally, her majesty and heir to the Lunar Kingdom, Princess Serenity!" Jace clutched at Serenity's hand and slowly led her through the curtains. Her applause was the loudest, people staring at her with awe.

"I'm here just as long as you want me to be," Jace informed her. "They're chomping at the bit to speak with you."

"Who should I go to first?"

"Ah, my mother." A woman with short strawberry blond hair approached them, her arms extended.

"Serenity! What a pleasure to see you again, aren't you the most beautiful thing this woman has ever laid eyes on!" Serenity giggled at her complements.

"Thank you Lady Annabel. You haven't changed a bit."

"Why thank you dear, but we all know I'm a little bigger in the middle."

"Mom, Serenity has many important matters to discuss with the heads of states!"

"I'm a head of a state, my ungrateful son."

"Serenity," a voice called. Serenity turned to see Molly, the daughter of Endymion's Minister of Finance. She lunged to give her a huge hug. The two had occasionally played together when her brother, Endymion, and his cronies had abandoned her.

"Molly!" she responded excitedly. "Oh my gosh, how are you?"

"Well…I'm married!" she stated happily.

"Where is the lucky guy?"

"Over talking with the Princess of Mercury. He works for the castle Internet security, so he's quite interested in Mercurian anti-spyware." Serenity glimpsed a slight young man with wiry black frames standing next to Amy. "He's not a politician or anything, but-."

"I'm sure he's absolutely wonderful," Serenity assured her. "And what are you up to?"

"I actually own a jewelry store in the capital! I'm not sure how busy you are, but if you have some free time to spare, I would love for you to stop by," Molly asked her.

"I'll be there!" Jace tugged on Serenity's arm and she looked up at him.

"The orchestra wants to start up. As an honored guest, they're insisting you lead the first dance."

"Only if you'll dance with me," Serenity joked with him.

"As your escort, my one and only job is the first dance." Jace led Serenity out onto the dance floor. Endymion was already standing with Raye and her mother with Artemis. The orchestra started up with an Earthen traditional waltz and Serenity's feet moved with the tempo.

"I don't remember you being so light of foot," Jace pointed out. Serenity's laughter filled the space.

"I have had a lot of practice since the last time you saw me; the life of a princess is dance lessons, political theory, and history."

"What would you prefer?"

"Sleeping and eating."

"Your delicate steps and party dress are fooling these diplomats into believing you are the leader of a nation."

"JACE!" Serenity screeched, but only loud enough for them to hear. More couples began to fill the dance floor, including Mina and Xander and Lita and Neal. When the waltz ended, Jace led them off the dance floor and towards a group of elderly men.

"Gentlemen, may I present the Princess of the Moon, Serenity," Jace introduced them.

"Your majesty," the head of the group addressed, all of the men bowing to her.

"Serenity, these are the Minister of Labor, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of Health." Jace pointed to each of the men as he said their titles. Serenity began discussing Lunar policy on each of their respective areas, drawing up every ounce of knowledge she had. She stumbled a few times, but the men just laughed at her mistakes and complemented her eloquence. Serenity spotted Mina waving to her and she politely excused herself from the group.

"I need you to do me a favor. You looked a little bored with those old guys."

"Mina, someone could hear you!"

"Well it's a good thing I'm twentieth in line to receive the throne of Venus. I am going to lightly bump into Marcus and I need you to observe his body language and report back to me on it."

"You couldn't get Lita to do this?"

"She's been dancing with Neal for the last half hour. Amy's chatting with the Minister of Technology and Raye would tell me to fuck off."

"How many champagnes have you had?"

"Only two!"
"What did you have to eat today?"
"A bagel. Serenity, I needed to fit into this dress and I'm not a black hole like you are."

"Get someone else to do your dirty work," Serenity told her.

"Please? Because I'm the best cousin ever?" Serenity sighed and nodded her head. "Great, love you, pay you back later!" Mina glided off in Marcus' direction, bumping into his side. He turned from the conversation he was having with Xander and nodded at Mina. Serenity noticed his hands tense slightly and his eyes shift to her bare back, but other than that, he paid her no attention and went back to his conversation with Xander. Mina's mouth was slightly agape as she looked back at Serenity, who giggled.

"Ah, to be young again," the Dowager Queen sighed from Serenity's left. "Having a good time?"

"Yes, very much." Serenity glanced around the room at all the formally dressed dignitaries. Music tinkled in the background. It was a very romantic scene. Serenity searched for Endymion and found him talking with Raye, the Minister of Education, and a woman with shocking red hair. Endymion glanced up and met her gaze, smirking slightly. Serenity quickly looked away and down at her feet.

"I feared your mother and you would never grace this room again," the Queen informed her. Serenity looked up at her with a serious expression. "I have been quiet lonely in your absence. The obvious fact is, I lost my husband, but then I lost Endymion to the Kingdom." Serenity grabbed one of the Queen's hands in both of hers. "Serenity, you are always welcome in this castle. Please, think of it as a second home, as you used to."

"My view of this castle and the people within has never changed," Serenity replied. "And it never will."

"Your highness," a voice hissed from Serenity's right. She turned to see a man with pale white hair and lavender eyes. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Diamond Bellum of Bellum Media, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Ah, Mr. Bellum," the Dowager Queen acknowledged him. "Serenity, Mr. Bellum owns the largest TV Network and newspaper on Earth. He's responsible for airing your press conference."

"If the lady would enamor me with a dance?" he asked. Serenity kept peering at him, trying to place his face. He looked incredibly familiar, it must have been from the various press releases she had read over the past couple weeks.

"Yes," Serenity promptly responded. He placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. Serenity felt how tense he was.

"You look absolutely ravishing this evening," he whispered in her ear. Serenity shivered. Her breathing picked up and a panicky feeling set into her stomach.

"Thank you, Mr. Bellum." They turned to one another, Diamond placing his hand on her lower back, the other grasping her outward facing palm. She rested her free hand on his shoulder uncomfortably.

"Diamond, please," he corrected. "I was hoping one of my reporters could do a piece on you, an interest piece. It could either be an article or a television interview."

"Whatever would be best for the viewers," she answered.

"A television interview it is. When is best for you?"

"I have to talk with my advisors and then I can give you a call. I am sure the palace staff has your number."

"Whatever is best for her majesty," he replied silkily. "Where would be best? I heard today during your interview that the rose gardens are your favorite palace locale."

"I'm not sure Endymion would feel-."

"The princess can have her interview whenever she wishes, and wherever she wishes," Endymion suddenly cut in. He was dancing with his mother next to them, eyes staring harshly into Diamond. "Princess, the next dance?" Endymion asked her, his eyes never leaving Diamond's.

"If you're mother or Mr. Bellum doesn't mind," she replied.

"Not at all!" the dowager queen smiled. Diamond just nodded his head. Serenity was transferred to Endymion when the song ended, another one beginning soon after. Warmth flooded back into her hands and arms. Her breathing resumed its slow pace and her shoulders dropped slightly.

"Stay away from Bellum," Endymion warned her. "He's not a good man. I respect him because of his position in the media, and the fact that he could make my life a living hell, but I otherwise avoid him entirely."

"What did you want me to do? I couldn't refuse him a dance."

"I understand that. But don't talk with him; don't share anything about your time here with him. If you want to talk to one of his journalists, I will have my PR staff set it up for you. You are not to be alone with him."

"Yes, sir," Serenity replied back sarcastically. "You can't order me around like that-."

"I'm doing it for your safety; I don't want to see you get hurt. And Diamond will hurt you if it brings him revenue and prestige. Trust me," Endymion interrupted her.

"There…there is something familiar about him. Maybe I have seen his face on Lunar television before," Serenity told him. "But he gives me the chills. His voice," Serenity told Endymion, shaking slightly. Subconsciously, Endymion pulled her body closer to his. Serenity could smell his cologne, inhaling deeply. It smelled musky with a hint of roses.

"You must be tired."

"But everyone is having such a good time. I don't want to spoil it for them," Serenity told him. "We don't get out much."

"Let's go and get some fresh air for a couple minutes then."

"People will notice we're missing!" Serenity scolded him. "In case you have forgotten, you're the king of Earth and I am the princess of the Moon."

"I didn't mean leave the castle, I just meant take a walk out on the terrace or something," Endymion told him. "For ten minutes. Just follow my lead." Serenity saw that Endymion had been dancing them closer and closer to the open doors which led onto the terrace.

"Do you plan these escapes frequently?"

"I've already been out to the gardens three times this evening. Did you notice?"

"Three times!?"

"Once for respite, once with a phone call, and once to discuss a private matter with Marcus. I'm very good at disappearing when I want to be," Endymion informed her.

"What if someone sees us disappearing together?" Serenity asked. "You said Diamond's a dangerous guy!"

"Does someone want to be seen leaving with me out the back door?" Endymion chuckled.

"Absolutely not! Number one, you're like almost married and number two, you're not my type."

"Then quiet down." Endymion jokingly looked left and right at the guests, who were so preoccupied with their own conversations that they never noticed Endymion sweep her out onto the terrace. He broke away from her and they began walking across the marble veranda.

"I didn't expect it to be so chilly for the summer," Serenity told him, grabbing at her upper arms. She felt Endymion's warm waistcoat drop on her shoulders and his smell waft around her. "Someone may have learned how to be a gentleman in the past six years."

"Someone still hasn't learned how to be a lady and just say, 'thank you' over the past six years," he parroted back. "And what did you mean by 'almost married'?"

"Endymion, I am not going to assume about what goes on in your head, but you have been seeing the princess of Pluto for over three years."

"You're right; you don't know what goes on inside a King's head. Only I do," he insisted. "If I wanted to be married, I would be. Why aren't you paired off? You're of age."

"I don't want anyone to hold me back. From now on, a lot of things will be changing for me. University graduation-."

"You're not allowed to date, are you?" Endymion asked. "Newspaper answers won't work on me princess."

"I can date anyone I want!" Serenity shot back at him. "If I wanted to be dating, I would be dating. You can't understand what goes on in a princess' mind," she reiterated his answer. Endymion held up his hands.

"Fair play." The two had reached the end of the terrace, both staring up at the moon. "And I'm not your type?"

"Hardly."

"A king, handsome, intelligent, strong, successful, loved."

"Pompous, arrogant, severe, secretive, jealous-."

"Jealous!?" Endymion exclaimed. "You think I am jealous?"

"Sometimes," she smiled. Her hands were crossed over her body, holding his jacket onto her shoulders. "You got one princess to fall in love with you; I suggest you hold on to her tight. You might not get another one." Endymion laughed at her.

"You and I both know I could have anyone I wanted."

"Is that why you're not married? Not a one-girl kinda guy?"

"Ah, I thought we were off of this topic," he pointed out. "We should be heading back inside. I think we have disappeared long enough." He turned away from the moon and started back for the doors, Serenity trailing behind him.

"I'm not allowed to date," Serenity told him. He stopped. "I'm not as lucky as you," she continued. "Female royals are much more limited. I can't have anyone I want." Endymion turned around to stare at her, looking at him in the moonlight. His jacket dwarfed her, nearly reaching her knees. "I used to think I had more of a choice. I used to think I would have prince charming and some fantastic happy ending. But they're just stories. Being a princess is only good when you marry into it."

"Have fun."

"What?"

"Have fun while you're on Earth. I can set you up with someone if want, King's orders. You're mother can't say no to that."

"I don't want to date anyone you suggest!" Serenity scoffed. "I prefer being alone." She stomped past him back towards the doors.

"Serenity," he called out softly. She stopped and turned back to him, letting out a huff. Endymion put his hands in his pockets and slowly walked over to her. He bent down so his mouth was inches from her ear, "my jacket," he whispered. She backed away from him, letting out a cry of disgust and shrugging it from her shoulders, throwing it at his smirking face. He let out a chuckle and began putting it back on. She spun around again and continued her proud walk back to the ballroom. "One last thing," he called out before she could step inside. He jogged to catch up with her, whispering as he went past, "I think I'm exactly your type."

"I don't date jerks."

"You don't date anyone."

"Ah!" she screamed after him in frustration. "That's the last time I ever share anything with you!"

"Chicken or vegetable?" Serenity asked the child in front of her. Amy, Lita, and Serenity were at a school for the day, visiting classrooms and helping to serve the students' lunch.

"Chicken!" the child responded back enthusiastically. Serenity picked up a piece of grilled chicken with her utensils and put it on his plate. "Thank you, your highness." Amy was handing out drinks while Lita was spooning potatoes beside the student's main course. Jace and Neal were helping the smallest students carry their trays back to their tables. When the group had finished serving, they each filled up a plate and headed to separate tables. Serenity chose a seat next to a little girl sitting by herself. Her pants were a little too short on her and her shirt was frayed at the end.

"Can I sit here?" Serenity asked. The little girl looked up, eyes wide in surprise. She nodded her head furiously and Serenity put down her tray and slid into the seat. "What's your name?"

"R…Ra…Rachel," she stuttered.

"It's nice to meet you Rachel, I'm Serenity."

"You're the moon princess!"

"That's true. How old are you?"

"Seven."

"Do you want to go to the moon?"

"Yeah, that's where my dad is."

"Is your dad Lunadian?"

"No, my mom said that my dad went to the moon when I was little. One day, I'm gonna go to the moon to see him." Serenity nodded her head, a slight frown on her face. "I've never met him, I hope he remembers me."

"I'm sure he will," Serenity reassured her. "So you live with your mom? Do you have any brothers and sisters?"

"No, just me," Rachel told her. "Just me and my mom."

"Why are you sitting over here by yourself?"

"I don't like the girls in my class. They're not nice to me."

"What about the boys?"

"Boys don't wanna sit with girls." Serenity nodded her head in agreement. She looked around and spied three little girls looking at her and Rachel. They quickly began whispering amongst themselves.

"Why don't we ask those girls to come sit with us?"

"Nah, they don't like me either. My mommy told me it's okay if people don't like you. You should ignore them."

"Let's ask them anyway, maybe they want to sit next to you!" Serenity stood up and walked to the little girls. "Do you want to sit with Rachel and me today?" A little girl with a sparkly barrette nodded her head rapidly and they gathered up their things, moving to Rachel's table. "What are your names?"

"I'm Eve, and that's Sara and that's Wendy," the girl with the barrette answered.

"What animals do you like?"

"I like bears!"

"I like cats!"

"I like birds!"

"What animal do you like, Rachel?"

"Rabbits," she answered shyly.

"Rabbits are my favorite animals too!" Serenity said enthusiastically.

"I like bunnies too!" Sara responded enthusiastically.

"Would you four like to come with me to the abandoned pet home this weekend? We can play and feed with all the animals!"

"Okay!" the three little girls chorused.

"What about you Rachel?"

"I don't know…" she trailed off.

"Rachel's mother works every day, so she can't come out and play," Wendy explained.

"Why don't I talk to your teacher, and she can talk to your mom, and maybe I can come pick you all up in a horse carriage on Saturday?" Serenity suggested. Rachel's eyes lit up with hope and her little hands clasped together. "We can all be princesses."

"But Rachel doesn't have any dresses, she can't be a princess," Eve butted in.

"You can't wear a dress to the pet home silly!" Serenity stated. "Besides, we princesses don't wear dresses every day."

"What's the moon like?" Rachel asked.

"Well, it's very white! Earth has such colorful flowers and buildings, but the moon has white and silver buildings. And you can see the sun and Earth in the sky! The Earth looks like a BIG blue and green marble with white clouds spinning across the surface."

"I wanna go!" Eve shouted. "Are there lots of princes on the moon?"

"There are a few," Serenity told them.

"I am going to marry a prince so I can be a princess. See my barrette, it's made of lucky moonstones! My daddy gave it to me."

"And I have a moonstone necklace!" Wendy heralded, holding up a dangling tear drop pendant.

"And I have moonstone earrings!" Sara pointed to her ears. Serenity turned to Rachel, who hung her head and stared at her thumbs.

"Rachel has a moonstone bracelet," Serenity told them. She removed a silver bracelet from her wrist. A rabbit charm, made from moonstone, was its only ornament. She clasped it around Rachel's wrist. "Now we all have some princess magic." Rachel stared at the little rabbit.

"Rachel, you can be part of the moonstone club!" Eve told her.

"Girls, it's time for the princess to leave." Their teacher was standing at the edge of the table. "Please say thank you."

"Thank you," they all chorused.

"No, thank you! I will see you on Saturday?" They all nodded enthusiastically. Serenity picked up her tray and put it with the empty ones on a conveyor belt. She rejoined Amy, Lita, Jace, and Neal, who were waiting for her at the door.

"Princess!" a little voice yelled. Serenity turned to see Rachel running to her. She enveloped Serenity's waist in a big hug. "Thank you," she whispered. Serenity crouched down and took Rachel's hands in her own.

"If I see your daddy on the moon, I will tell him you're looking for him," Serenity told her. Rachel nodded before running back towards her table.

"Somebody has made a little friend," Jace chuckled.

"You gave that little girl your father's bracelet," Amy remarked.

"It's too small for me anyway," Serenity pointed out. "It has a better home now. Neal, I promised those little girls they could help us at the abandoned pet home this weekend. Is there any way we could possibly get a horse and carriage?"

"I am sure the king would approve, I will make a reservation."

"I want to go in the carriage!" Lita exclaimed. "I've never been in a carriage!"

"Mina will want to join too," Amy pointed out. "Raye and I are off that day." The five boarded an airship and headed back for the palace. The girls from the moon chatted about the week's itinerary while the men flipped through their electronic communicators, answering messages and making reservations.

"The royal carriage is available," Neal told them. "It will be at your disposal on Saturday."

"Thank you so much Neal." The airship landed and they all descended onto the landing pad. Amy and Serenity continued walking until they noticed Lita was missing. They turned back to see her talking with Neal. She nodded her head quickly before scurrying away back to them.

"Something about the carriage?" Serenity asked. Lita shook her head rapidly, walking past them. "Wait up; my legs aren't as long as yours!"

"He asked me out!"
"He asked you out?"

"Yes, he asked me out to dinner in the city, tonight!" A big smile spread across Serenity's face. She and Lita let out a squeal and Amy giggled. "I have to get ready!"

"Dinner's not for another…five hours!" Serenity told her.

"It doesn't matter, I need to be ready! Where's Mina! I can't wait to rub it in her face!" The girls quickly walked through the halls of the Earthen palace, back to their lodgings. They found their rooms empty upon entering.

"Maybe they're not back from the training grounds yet."

"Where are you going tonight?" Serenity asked.

"I don't know, he just asked me to meet him at the landing pad at seven."

"Lita, is this the best idea?" Amy asked seriously. "I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but we really shouldn't be distracted during this visit."

"I haven't been acting distracted!"

"I'm really happy for you Lita," Serenity interrupted their argument. "But Amy also has a point. We have to be careful while we are here."

"I'll…I can cancel…"

"Oh no, please, go! Have fun!" Serenity quickly parried. "But, don't get your heart broken."

"My heart? Broken? Never!" Lita responded.

"What about Edward? And Frederich?"

"In the past!"

"You girls are back early," Raye stated, entering the room with Mina. Both were dressed in tight fitting, sweat-covered clothes. "Why is Lita all flushed?"

"She has a date tonight," Serenity said slyly.

"WITH WHO!?" Mina thundered.

"Neal," Lita whispered.

"I can't BELIEVE this! I can't get Marcus to merely LOOK at me and Lita is going on a date with Neal!" Mina squealed. "I'm supposed to be descended from the goddess of love and beauty!" Serenity and the rest of the girls giggled as Mina continued her rant, arms violently jerking to convey her dismay with her current situation.