"Ailiana, would you hurry up? We'll take care of it inside!" Anoa cried, pulling her sister by the arm. Setsuna looked up from her conversation with Lela and Carmen. Anoa rolled her eyes and shoved her sister toward the laundry room. "Setsuna-san, could you help Ailiana? Hotaru spilled chocolate milk all over Ailiana's shirt," Anoa explained. Setsuna set her tea down and nodded. She headed out of the room. "Do you have it?" Anoa asked, looking over at Lela the moment Setsuna was out of the room.
"Yup," Lela stated, pulling out a box.
"Thanks. How much was it?" she asked. Lela shrugged.
"Enough," Lela replied, planning on not allowing Anoa to pay her back. "It's fine. Just tell me how she reacts. When's the party?" Lela asked. Anoa shrugged.
"I think we're just having a nice, family dinner. I don't think Setsuna wants a large party. It's never really been her…" she trailed off as Ailiana and Setsuna came back into the room. Ailiana had changed into a clean shirt, but was thoroughly upset about the chocolate stains in the shirt that Setsuna's money had paid for in the first place. Jenelle and Hotaru finally came inside. They had been cleaning up the chocolate milk from the seats of Haruka's car.
Anoa stretched and grabbed her bag, heading into her bedroom. Lela and Carmen excused themselves, and headed out the door.
Anoa quickly brushed her hair, pulling it back into her usual style of a low, loose ponytail. She brushed out the skirt of her uniform. She stretched as she joined her sister, Setsuna, and Michiru at the table. "Ohayo!" she said cheerfully. As Haruka moved to sit down, she stole Haruka's mug of tea and took a sip. Haruka raised an eyebrow.
"Help yourself," Haruka stated sarcastically. Anoa grinned.
"Good morning girls," Setsuna greeted as Jenelle and Hotaru joined them. Anoa turned.
"Good morning….Hotaru-chan, what happened to your face!?" Anoa cried, spitting out her tea. Hotaru smiled brightly.
"I'm wearing make-up!" she stated, without a second thought, "…I put it on myself and everything! Do you think the boy I like will like it?" she asked, blushing a bit. Anoa couldn't help but chuckle.
"Hotaru, go wash that stuff off of your face. Now!" Setsuna ordered, "You know you can't wear make-up to school!" she finished. Anoa couldn't help but smile as Hotaru reluctantly walked back into her room to remove the make-up. When Hotaru came back out, she was wearing a heavy, winter jacket. Anoa raised an eyebrow as Haruka asked her about it and Hotaru shrugged it off as something for her class. A knock at the door caused Anoa to jump to her feet and rush to the front door. She pulled it open and smiled to find Katsuya there.
"Want a ride to school?" Katsuya asked. Anoa raised an eyebrow.
"In whose car?" she asked. Katsuya chuckled, and motioned behind him to the black, corvette convertible behind him. Anoa grinned and looked over at Haruka the moment Jenelle asked if she could pilot the Tenoumaru. Her eyes widened. She grabbed her bag, her sister's arm, and rushed out the door.
As they pulled up to the school, Anoa pulled a note out of her pocket. Ailiana looked over her shoulder. "You're skipping class?" Ailiana asked, her voice filled with disapproval. Anoa shrugged.
"I convinced Onee-chan to sign it. I'm going to Usagi's. She and I need to talk," she explained.
"You can't do it after school?" Ailiana asked. Anoa shook her head.
"No. I have rehearsal this afternoon," she stated. "Just give the note to Yamamoto-sensei," she stated. Ailiana sighed and took it.
"I'm coming with you," Katsuya stated, looking at Anoa. The blonde shrugged, knowing it was useless to argue with him. He drove off.
When they arrived at Usagi's, she leapt out of the convertible, just as Mamoru stepped out of the front door.
"Anoa!" he called. Anoa grinned and rushed over, bowing.
"Ohayo, Mamoru-san!" she cried. Katsuya climbed out, but leaned against the side of the car.
"I'll wait out here," he called. Anoa nodded and smiled at Usagi through the door.
"I need to talk to you," she stated. Usagi nodded and kissed Mamoru goodbye, then stepped aside for Anoa to come in. Usagi motioned for Katsuya to come in. Being polite, he walked up to the door and inside. He kicked off his sneakers and followed them into the living room.
"So what's going on?" Usagi asked. Anoa bit her lip and hung her head.
"I want to go to Alania," she stated. Usagi raised an eyebrow.
"Okay…but why come to me? I'm sure your senshi, or Haruka-san would go with you," she stated. Anoa shook her head.
"It has to be you," she stated. "I have this feeling in my heart…that it's important…but this feeling tells me it has to be you who goes with me," she finished. Usagi nodded.
"You know I'd do anything to help, Anoa-chan," Usagi stated with a bright smile. Anoa nodded and stood.
"What about me?" Katsuya asked. Anoa bit her lip.
"You can come…I wasn't sure you'd want to…" Anoa stated.
"Tch, 'course. That's what I'm here for, right?" he asked with a smirk. Anoa smiled softly and stood.
"I guess we should transform first," she stated and pulled off her pendant, thrusting it into the air.
"Alania Immaginarium Power, Make-UP!"
"Moon Eternal Power, Make-UP!"
"Sailor Moon, do you have sunglasses?" Katsuya asked. Sailor Moon nodded and disappeared into the hallway, returning with a pair. "Put them on," Katsuya stated. Sailor Moon shrugged and did as she was told. Alania lifted her hand into the air. A bright light surrounded them as Katsuya donned his own sunglasses.
Katsuya looked around the bright planet. "Would I look retarded if I wore two pairs of sunglasses?" he asked.
"Why is this place so bright?" Sailor Moon asked. Alania stretched, her eyes not seeming to be bothered by the bright light.
"This planet also serves as the Luster System's source of light. It's not a star, and not a sun, but it's bright enough that all the planets can see by its light. The rotation of the planets allow them a form of night, Alania is never dark," Alania finished explaining.
Katsuya raised an eyebrow. "I'm standing on an intergalactic nightlight? I'd hate to see the electric bill," he commented. Alania rolled her eyes.
"Come on," she growled, leading them down what was once a road. As they walked, Sailor Moon latched herself onto Katsuya's arm. Katsuya, completely uncomfortable, stiffened, walking at Sailor Moon's pace, but being careful not to touch her in any way that would piss Alania off. Sailor Moon didn't release his arm until they stopped. He lifted his gaze to the statue in front of them. A marble piece of artwork, it bore the forms of a woman and two young girls. Katsuya could see Alania's features in the woman's face. Her… Katsuya thought as he stared into the marble face. Why does it look like her? He looked at Alania, whose face seemed grave.
"Who is she?" he asked. Alania lowered her gaze.
"Kydaer mali Cel Arsfel Ailiana Myusotis Alpastis StormGard eil Volaeraer Anoamias Anna Arefel Alpastis StormGard eil Ailiana Alissa Avorthal Myusotis StormGard…" Alania read sadly. "She was my mother," she finished. Sailor Moon's eyes widened and knelt down before the statue, touching a hand to the faded inscription upon the stone.
"And the two girls are….you and Ailiana?" she asked sadly. Alania nodded and hit her knees, bowing her head before the female form.
"Tyraes...saisaili os saerarol iadyl sor malaer kyl. Ai baer os kedali. Ai shol Volaer Maesaeloria eil oli os os vaedi shor ti. Os vali car byr por. Vaeri...nis ti..." Alania whispered.
As Alania uttered those last words, the statue glowed for a moment, and she stood, pulling Sailor Moon back as she did. From the marble form of her mother, a translucent, glowing figure formed. Alania's eyes widened as she bowed her head, unable to look upon the ghostly face of her mother. Katsuya remained silent, staring in utter shock at the glowing figure in front of them. His only thoughts were on the fact that this figure looked so much like her. The woman before them bowed her head to Sailor Moon and spoke, her voice regal, and her Japanese filled with the same accent that Ailiana and Anoa bore. "Princess Serenity, I have longed to gaze upon your mother's heir. I see now that the Ginzuishou was entrusted to the right person. I have a gift for you that will allow you to aid my daughter in the fight against her father," Arsfel stated. The figure's lips never moved, but her voice rang clear through their minds. Katsuya wrinkled his nose, unable to shake the fact that her voice even sounded so much like hers. Arsfel's figure moved forward and held out a locket. The locket opened, and lifted into the air, floating in front of Sailor Moon's brooch. Within moments, it turned around and became one with the brooch Usagi currently wore. The brooch was simple, and shaped like a star, with small wings protruding from the sides. Sailor Moon was covered in a bright light, as her fuku changed shape.
Her senshi collar remained the same deep blue she always wore. From the red chocker around her neck hung a star pendant. Where the fuku covered her stomach, a diamond was cut into the fabric revealing the skin beneath. The skirt of her fuku wrapped tightly around her thighs, ending just above her knees. Both the skirt, and the collar were accented by embroidered gold stars. A single red bow covered her chest, beneath the brooch Arsfel had given her. Her gloves reached no longer than her wrists and finally, her boots were a simple style that reached the length of her calves, ending just below her knees. They curved, forming a point facing downward. They were the color of red, and bore a wedge heel. Upon her brow rested the symbol of the Moon, and in her odangoed hair were not only the hair jewels she usually wore, but a crown much like the one she wore as Neo Queen Serenity.
Sailor Moon stared at her skirt, and spun a bit, trying to get a look at the whole thing. Arsfel smiled and turned her attention to Alania. "My dear daughter, I have a gift for you as well, but it is not the gift of power, for I cannot give you any more power than I already gave when I presented you with your Hikarizuishou. The gift I have for you is knowledge. You have often wondered why it is you survive when you use the Light of Ages, when legend states that you should die. As long as you wear the Hikarizuishou the Light of Ages cannot kill you, but know that one day you will have to make the decision to pass the Hikarizuishou on to your child," she stated.
Katsuya finally decided to pay attention at the moment the word 'child' reached his pointed ears. He remained silent, making sure he would comment on this notion later.
"…when the time comes for you to save your people, the Light of Ages will claim your life. I pray to our Mother Goddess that such a time will not come to pass. Finally, Katsuya, I have something I would ask of you. For the time that you are with her, even if it is not for eternity, I would ask you to protect and love my daughter, for she is precious to me. With all my heart, I wish I could fight alongside you and end the terror that is Merrick, but my time is over, and I must pass my Starseed onto another. I know this will not be the last time you meet the Senshi of Steel. I hope that the one who receives my Starseed will love you as I do. I must now take my leave of this world. Do not fear, my daughter, we will meet again," Arsfel finished. With those final words, the form of Anoa's mother disappeared into the statue. A red Starseed with a silver core formed before them, and vanished. Alania hit her knees, and let out a cry of anguish.
"Tyraes, vaeri pyl's jhaeli ti. Ai baer o ail tia caes. Ais o jhaeli byrn, Ai thaes Ai shor byr shi eirdi sai taji ei mal eindral tia tharaes. Ai eis byr myl aelyl!" Alania cried. Katsuya knelt beside her and wrapped his arms gently about her shoulders. Sailor Moon knelt down and placed a hand on Alania's shoulder. The three remained silent, only the sound of Alania's weeping could be heard upon the air.
"What a wonderful display of love," cried a voice behind them. "I didn't think you'd have the guts to return here, Princess, but now I know that you truly have a cold heart," the voice finished.
Alania stood immediately, brandishing her Celestial Katana. Katsuya jumped to his feet, his own sword forming in his fingers. Sailor Moon was the last to her feet, worry lining her face as Sailor Darkstar, Sailor Methone, and Sailor Pallene stepped out in front of them. "So you've finally become Himitsu's lapdog. Talis, I hope you can live with yourself when this is over," Katsuya stated. Talis lowered her gaze, clenching her hands around the staff-end of her naginata.
"I'm here only because Merrick threatened Methone and Pallene. I'd give my life to save them," Talis explained. Himitsu stepped forward, placing a hand on Talis' shoulder.
"They won't be fighting you. I've come to extend an invitation for you to come and see my Lord Merrick. I believe he's finally grown intrigued by the power Sailor Moon and my dear Princess have gained from the spirit of his dead wife," Himitsu stated. Out of pure anguish and pain, Alania lifted her blade into the air, and let out a cry.
"By the grace of the Mother Goddess who sings within my heart, I will end this battle with my father's life, but I will start it by freeing my people from his grasp. Himitsu, I swear you will be free. Alania Illuminated Flash!"
As the attack washed over him, the Light had no effect upon his eyes, though he saw the pain wash over Darkstar's face. Himitsu felt his heart break when he saw the danger he was putting Darkstar into. He grabbed her hand, and lifted his free hand into the air. In his hand was a single card, but before anyone could recognize it, he was gone, along with Darkstar, Methone, and Pallene.
Katsuya sighed and shook his head. "Coward," he spat. He looked over at Alania and Sailor Moon and gave a grin. "Let's go home," he stated, then wrapped an arm around Alania's shoulders. "By the way….who said anything about kids?" he asked.
Anoa looked up as Haruka opened the front door. She gave a bit of a grin as she spotted Hotaru's teacher. She could tell immediately that he wasn't Japanese. She stretched as she listened to Haruka introduce herself.
"I've heard a lot about you from Jenn'e. She seems to greatly admire you," Mr. Sweers stated. Haruka grinned and flexed her muscles a little.
"Of course my daughter wants to be just like me! She's even thinking of becoming a formula one racecar driver," Haruka replied. Anoa rolled her eyes.
"No she doesn't! She wants to be a ballet dancer. Hey! You can't move that piece there, Setsuna-san!" Anoa cried, looking back at the chess board. That resulted in Anoa and Setsuna arguing over the rules of Chess. Ailiana looked up from her book and raised an eyebrow at the two.
"Anoamias, you didn't even know how to play chess before tonight," Ailiana stated. Anoa picked up a pillow from the couch and tossed it at her sister.
"Don't call me Anoamias!" Anoa cried. Mr. Sweers chuckled as he followed Haruka over.
"That's an interesting name, Miss Anoa," Mr. Sweers stated. Anoa blushed a bit. "I'm from Britain...there's not much I remember about my parents though," she lied. Mr. Sweers nodded and looked over at Haruka.
"I wanted to discuss the arrangements we made about…" he trailed off as Chibiusa appeared on the landing. She held up her hands.
"Attention family of Hotaru!" the pink-haired girl cried, "The bride has requested that her family attend the wedding!" she finished.
Anoa's eyes widened. "Uh oh…" she muttered.
"Wedding?" Setsuna asked.
"Oh, dear lord," Jennelle muttered as Hotaru made her way down the stairs in a white dress and a veil from her dress-up trunk. Hotaru made her way toward Mr. Sweers.
"I'm so happy that we're finally getting married, my love!" Hotaru stated with a smile. Mr Sweers stared at her in utter shock.
"M-Married!?" he cried.
Michiru leaned over and whispered in his ear, "It's only a game. Just play along. She likes to do this all the time."
Mr. Sweers nodded and bowed slightly. "I'm happy to soon be married to you, too, Hotaru-chan," he stated, obvious discomfort evident on his face.
Anoa sat back as the wedding ceremony went under way and ignored most of it, though she responded and cheered in the right places. She remembered having a play wedding with one of Jason's friends a few months after she was adopted. It hadn't turned out alright in the end. When everything was said and done, Hotaru rushed back up to her room to pack.
Just as Mr. Sweers was getting ready to head out of the door, Hotaru came rushing down, carrying two small suitcases in her hands. "I'm ready for our honeymoon, my love!" she cried with a bright smile. "We're going to be so happy living in my tree-house!" she finished.
"Hotaru-chan, we're not really married," Mr. Sweers said, kneeling down to eye-level with the small girl.
"Yes we are! We exchanged rings, and even got the blessing of my parents," she argued.
"It was only a game," Mr. Sweers replied.
"You're gonna marry big sis, aren't you!?" she cried and turned, rushing out the backdoor.
"Hotaru-chan!" Mr. Sweers cried, but Jenelle stopped him from going after her.
"I'll talk to her," she stated and rushed off.
"Go on home," Haruka stated, "…this is something only a big sister can fix," she finished. Mr. Sweers nodded and stepped out of the door.
"Hotaru's first real crush…" Anoa mused, "…she's growing up."