Chapter 24
The President's Ball
Serena knew that the others and herself didn't like leaving Tuxedo Mask behind to deal with Nephrite himself, but with three BAMs to account for, they couldn't take the chance of one of those three working together to kill them. They had to separate and fight them individually. Tuxedo Mask could take care of himself just as they could.
Together they sprinted down the exact same direction they came. As they did, Serena cast a fearful glance at Molly, still lying unconscious in the place where she'd left her. She feared that the BAMs would suddenly attack her friend, but to her relief they ignored the girl and continued with their pursuit after the Sailor Scouts. They ran faster, sensing that the BAMs were closing on them.
"Split up!" Serena yelled as they reached the stairs and escalators.
Serena kept going straight while Amy took off to the left and Raye to the right. The Leos were taken off guard by this sudden move for a brief instant before they too used the same tactic, each one going after an individual Sailor Scout.
Serena jumped onto the center stair's guard rail and grinded down to the first floor like a skater, the others getting down on their own ways. She landed on the floor and spun around, pointing her wand at the second floor. From the corners of her eyes she saw Amy and Raye do the same. They could also hear voices yelling outside, most likely the police officers outsides trying to get inside after hearing the explosion earlier. Now they paused and silence ensued at the sudden appearance of the Sailor Scouts.
Then the Leos suddenly leaped into the air off the second floor and dove down directly toward the Sailor Scouts. The move took them all by surprise and all three ended up missing their targets by a mile. They quickly scrambled out of the way before the Leos landed on the exacts spots where they'd been an instant before.
Serena rolled to a safe distance and came up on her knees. She took the moment to turn on her scanner to analyze the BAM before it'd recovered and attacked again. It was nearly three times the size of a normal lion, with a extremely long tail that had the ability to turn into a bladed weapon. The Leo looked at her and growled, lifting one mechanical paw and flexing its sharp blades that resembled claws. Thankfully, Serena was able to finish her scan just before it charged at her. The other two Sailor Scouts had done the same thing and all of them had discovered that while the BAMs were heavily and surprisingly agile, they weren't invincible. From that point each of them took the time to fending them off while trying to discover a weak spot.
Raye dodged every attack her own Leo launched at her, sprinting and rolling from side to side while shooting arrow after arrow at it. She knew her arrows weren't having any effect on the BAM's armor as they glanced harmlessly off, but she was using that in hopes of aggravating it. She was also avoiding the urge to leap into the air for the Leo's tail could easily catch her and knock her down, possibly dealing a fatal blow.
When she saw that the Leo was finally becoming impatient, she knew her plan was working and that her chance was soon to come. She placed another arrow onto her bow and waited. The Leo stared at her, daring her to move yet she did not. Nor did she blinked as the seconds ticked by. Then the Leo roared and reared up on its hind legs in an attempt to intimidate her. Instead it fell into a trap.
Raye's own scan had discovered that the BAM had weaker armor on its belly. As soon as it reared, she took aim and charged energy into to her arrow until the point glowed brightly with golden light. She released and the arrow struck the Leo dead center in it's exposed chest. The BAM stumbled as it tried to regain its balance, but Raye wasn't finished just yet. As soon as she'd released her arrow, she spun her weapon around and changed it to its crescent blade form. Then she held it up and it charged energy into it too glowed brightly with golden light before she sent rolling across the floor like a bowling ball. The crescent blade spun in its golden light like a hula hoop as it streaked straight toward to the BAM. The Leo was just starting to regain its balance when it was struck by the crescent blade.
The arrow had damaged it underbelly armor enough for the spinning blade to finish cutting through it and expose its vital part. It struck with such a force that the Leo lifted high into the air, the blade continuing to cut into its belly before Raye called it back to her hand. The BAM was suspended in the air for a moment as the crescent blade returned to its master, but even as it started to fall Raye was already summoning another arrow while spinning her weapon back to its bow form.
Her eyes searched for an opening in the BAM's chest and she immediately saw it. She drew, charged energy, took aim, and released. The Leo was no more than a yard above the floor when the arrow struck the opening in its chest, causing a chain reaction. The machine exploded and countless pieces of metal and wires flew in every direction. Raye, having already anticipated the explosion, summoned her shield as debris rained down on her.
On the other side of the store, Amy was using a different tactic to defeat her own Leo. She'd discovered several obvious weak points, typically those located at the joints. She fired a shot, knowing it would have little effect, but she only intended to distract it. A split instant after she fired she flipped open her boomerang and threw it, sending it spinning at the legs. The boomerang cut into the joints, not deep but enough to cripple the BAM.
At the same moment, Amy ran directly at it. The Leo roared and lifted a paw to swipe, but as it started to bring down the blow Amy rolled forward and slid across. The paw missed her head by inches as she reached out and grasped a metallic lock resembling a mane. Locking her hand in a firm grip, she used her still sliding momentum to lift herself off the floor and swing up onto the Leo's shoulder, calling her boomerang back at the same time.
Her weapon came back to her hand and she closed it. Placing her feet, she took aim and fired into the base of the BAM's neck. The machine roared and began throwing itself around fiercely in order to shake the Sailor Scout off, but Amy held on tightly by holding onto another metallic lock with one hand while continuing to shoot at its neck with the other. In a desperate act, the Leo brought out the blade in its tail and it shot toward Amy like a scorpion's sting.
Amy sensed it coming; she'd been waiting for it. Her shots that had struck the Leo's neck had weaken its armor significantly. She jumped up high into the air just before the bladed tail struck, right into the place Amy had been shooting. The point pierced deep and the BAM went into a spasm as though it was in real pain. High above, Amy charged a shot into her weapon until a ball of pink light was glowing brightly at the barrel.
The Leo was able to remove its tail before she landed on its shoulders again. She released her shot, using the momentum to carry her into the air again before she flipped backwards. The BAM's head exploded, its limbs shooting out from under it before it collapsed on it belly, where it lay still and unmoving. Amy landed a good distance behind the smoking machine, letting her body relax to relieve the tension.
Meanwhile, Serena was using frontal attacks to destroy the Leo that now remained. Some would considered a suicidal tactic, but Serena had learned long ago how to be aggressive while being cautious even against the strongest of enemies. She charged at the Leo and slash it several times at the head with lighting quick strikes before jumping back to avoid it claws and teeth. Once she set her feet, she would charge forward and do it all over again.
Then the Leo became impatient and attacked with it bladed tail as she close the distance again. Serena had been waiting for this and spun around to the side. The tail impacted the floor in the exact place she'd been an instant before. At the same time, using her momentum from her spin, Serena swung her blade at a soft spot in the tail where the joints were connected. The blade sliced right through, severing the bladed tip from the tail. The BAM roared, but Serena wasn't finished just yet.
She charged at the Leo, dodging a blow from it paw before she jumped onto its head. She continued running, slashing to and fro as she did. Reaching its rear, she hopped off and charged energy to her feet the instant she hit the floor. The Leo reared up on its hind legs in an attempt to crush her, unaware that it had exposed it belly. Serena released the energy and sprinted underneath the BAM, slashing it belly. The Leo came down on all fours, but Serena didn't stop and turn around. Instead she ran straight toward the wall, hoping that it would chase after her.
Sure enough, the machine chased after her like an enraged animal. Serena came to the wall and energy jumped before it. When she was twenty feet above the floor, she placed her foot against the wall and pushed off it, turning around so she was facing the Leo. The BAM had reached the wall at that instant and was preparing to leap at her. At the same time, Serena charged energy into her weapon until the blade was a blinding beam of white light. Still suspended in midair, she placed both hands on her weapon and held it over her head.
The Leo leaped up, claws extended and teeth exposed, and she unleashed her attack. The crystal blade seemed to explode and she somersaulted down at a blinding speed, turning her weapon into a large white discus. Her blade struck the Leo right between the eyes, cutting through its armor like saw blade. Serena's rapidly spinning momentum carried her down its entire body until it was sliced directly in half.
She landed on the floor in a crouching position, her white blade before her as its glowing light dimmed. The last BAM was suspended in the air for a moment, before both halves of the machine crashed to the floor on either side of Serena. The one named Sailor Moon remained in crouching position as the dust settled, the only sounds to be heard where the sparking wires of the destroyed BAMs before the machines flickered into nothingness and were gone. Then she rose and brandished her blade before she looked to both sides.
"Everyone alright?" she called out. Amy and Raye signaled to her, communicating that they were alive and in one piece.
Then they heard the sounds of blades clashing against each other in the distance, followed by a crash and the shattering of glass. Serena took a sharp breath, remembering that Tuxedo Mask was still fighting with Nephrite alone.
"Come on!" she yelled at he friends and they took off towards the stairs. The sounds went silent, and Serena feared the worse, but when they arrived there was no one in sight. While there were signs of two people fighting scattered around the hallway, Tuxedo Mask and Nephrite were no where to be seen.
"Luna?" Serena looked frantically around.
"Over here!" yelled the cat. They rushed forward and found Luna staring up at the ceiling, "They just went through the roof," she gestured at the broken glass roof up above, "Get up there, quick!"
The Sailor Scouts wasted no time and energy jumped up through the hole, Luna following them. Drawing their weapons, they found Tuxedo Mask and Nephrite still fighting a short distance away. Neither of them seem to bore any wounds, but they could see that both of them were getting tired. The Sailor Scouts quickly closed the distance as Tuxedo Mask pinned Nephrite into a corner and surround him, causing the Dark Kingdom general to pause and look at them. Whether he was astonished that they had survived his BAMs or disgusted for that very reason, they couldn't tell, yet the hatred was plain in his face
He lowered his rapier, as though acknowledging his defeat. Tuxedo Mask, however, didn't strike him down but lowered his own weapon. Serena remembered her hero's strict code of honor and understood that he would not kill a man who was surrendering.
"I clearly underestimated all of you," Nephrite said slowly, "I honestly didn't believe you could defeat my Leos. But know that you haven't defeated me just yet. We will meet again... soon."
Before any of them could react, Nephrite disappeared in a flash of purple light and was gone. Silence ensued for a moment before the sounds of police sirens and yelling of officers stirred them into action.
Tuxedo Mask sheathed his blade and turned to them, "Step closer to me. Hurry!"
The Sailor Scouts blinked and looked at each other, uncertain of what he was trying to do.
"Go with him," Luna insisted, "I'll catch up with you later."
Knowing they were pressed for time, the girls put away their weapons and did as Tuxedo Mask instructed. When they were shoulder to shoulder together, with Serena's face almost buried in her hero's broad chest, Tuxedo Mask lifted his cape and flung around all of them.
Everything seemed to black out, and the air seemed to be sucked straight out of Serena's body, but only for a brief moment. Then the cape was flung off of them and she could breath again. A quick glance told her that her friends had experienced the exact same thing since they were holding their chests and taking deep breaths. She brought her gaze up to Tuxedo Mask, but found he was looking over her head. Suppressing a sigh of minor disappointment, she stepped away and turned around.
Tuxedo Mask had teleported them over to the top of a building across from the mall. Down bellow, they could see several police cars park in front of the entrance and policemen rushing inside. Serena glanced at the mall itself, realizing that it would have been difficult to leave the without being noticed. She hadn't wanted to leave Molly behind once the skirmish had ended, yet she knew her friend was now safe, especially once the ambulance arrived.
"Think Molly will be all right?" asked Amy, as though she'd been reading her thoughts, when they saw Molly being carted into the ambulance.
"Yeah, she should be," she said, watching the ambulance roll away before adding, "But it isn't her health that I'm worried about."
"You mean that declaration of love she was making to Nephrite?" said Raye.
Serena nodded, "I hope she wasn't serious about it, otherwise we're going to have a serious problem."
"Let's hope she forgets him and listens to reason," Amy declared, "I would hate to see her ruin herself over someone like Nephrite, or worse join the Dark Kingdom because she loves him so much."
Serena suppressed a shiver, "Yeah," she agreed and turned to thank Tuxedo Mask for his help, but found that he was already gone. While she wasn't surprised, she was still disappointed. Stifling a sigh, she glanced at her friends, "Let's head home and get some sleep. Hopefully we'll have another chance to bring Nephrite to justice."
Zoisite was furious, both at Nephrite and at Queen Beryl. When Nephrite had arrived at the throne room and revealed that he had failed to destroy the Sailor Scouts, he smiled with glee over the victory he believed he'd won. But his celebration was quickly stopped short when Nephrite held out the ball of energy he'd collected in the process. Zoisite was convinced that that alone wouldn't save Nephrite, but when he saw how pleased Queen Beryl was, he could no longer keep his silence.
"Nephrite had boasted that he would kill the Sailor Scouts," he stated, "Yet he has still failed. He should be punished by placing him in 'Eternal Sleep'!"
Nephrite only stood there quietly, awaiting whatever sentence his queen would give him.
"I do agree," Queen Beryl's entire gaze was locked on the ball of energy Nephrite had presented to her, "but this energy he has brought us has enormous power. It is enough to awake our great ruler, but not enough to free her so she can use her powers. Nephrite!" she lifted her gaze to her General, "Despite your failure to destroy the Sailor Scouts, I will give you another chance to redeem yourself."
Zoisite gaped at her, while Nephrite smiled and bowed, his shoulders easing in relief.
"M-My Queen!" Zoisite sputtered, "You cannot mean—"
"I can punish him anytime I want!" Queen Beryl narrowed her demonic eyes at the younger general, "You, on the other hand, should stop your complaining and focus on the task I've given you! In fact..." she glanced at Nephrite, "Why don't you tell your fellow general about what you have discovered just recently?"
Zoisite gritted his teeth, obviously reluctant to share any information with his rival, yet he cleared his throat and said, "I have recently discovered that the President of the United States is holding a birthday ball for his daughter at the... White House, as these humans call it. In addition, they will also be displaying a special and valuable diamond that has been passed down through their family for generations."
"We have reason to believe that it could possibly be Sybilla's crystal," added Queen Beryl, "Judging by the shape of the diamond provided by these pictures Zoisite presented to me."
"However," Zoisite stated irritably, "We do not have enough evidence to prove that it is the crystal we're looking. Yet—"
"It is something we should investigate," finished Nephrite, automatically understanding the situation.
"I shall look into it immediately!" Zoisite declared, desperate to have an advantage over his rival, "Leave it all to me!"
"If Sybilla's Crystal really is in the capital of America," Nephrite went on, "Then it's probably best if I took this investigation myself."
"Do not interfere!" Zoisite went red in the face, "Searching for the crystal is my responsibility and mine alone!"
Nephrite ignored and continued, "Washington D.C. is currently my jurisdiction. I'll have an easier time doing this investigation than you will."
"Your recklessness and your impatience is also something that has not been brought under tighter reign, Zoisite," Queen Beryl added, causing Zoisite to clench his fists, "It appears to me that your have an advantage in this, Nephrite. How is that?"
"Since I've arrived there," Nephrite explained, "I have established myself under the alias of a local businessman who has a habit of helping people when it comes to their hobbies and passions. Now that I've become well known, I've most likely secured an invitation to the ball. Therefore, I will be able to access the White House better than anyone else can."
"And what of the Sailor Scouts?" Queen Beryl asked next.
"Unfortunately, they have become aware of my alias and will be on the lookout for me," Nephrite paused, "However, we do have another advantage. The Lunarians never discovered what happened to Sybilla's Crystal after her noble sacrifice on Zitios. They tried to search for it, but only had rumors to go on and quickly gave up on it. The Sailor Scouts we are dealing with now may not even be aware of Sybilla's Crystal or of the possibility that it could here on Lunaria itself. Therefore, it's quite possible they will not be attending this ball and I will be able to investigate this crystal without any interference. If by some chance they are there, then I will have on opportunity to finish them for good. I will need your permission to use our soldiers, especially since I wish to use one of our Black Widows as well."
Queen Beryl's brow peaked, "Do you now?"
"It is a considerable risk," Nephrite agreed, "but one that will be well worth it in the end, even if the crystal does not turn out to be the one we're looking for."
Silence passed as Queen Beryl considered his plan, causing Nephrite and Zoisite to wait with held breath. Then she nodded, "Very well. I will leave this task to you. And you have my permission to use our soldiers and the Black Widows. Commence your plan as soon as the ball starts."
Zoisite snarled in disgust at Nephrite, who only smiled and bowed, "Thank you, my Queen."
Once Nephrite had teleported away, Zoisite turned his rage to his queen, not even caring if he'd offend her.
"Nephrite has failed ever since he'd started!" he screamed, "Why are you giving him this task when he has clearly proven his incompetence?!"
"He is well aware of his situation and he's determined to redeem himself. I am giving him the chance to do so since he is more trustworthy than you are," Queen Beryl's eyes flared at him, "You, on the other hand, are always testing my patience. Do not ever question my orders again, Zoisite, or I will give you the sentence of 'Eternal Sleep'!"
Zoisite flinched and took a step backward, realizing that he had overstepped his bounds.
"Forgive me, my queen," he quickly apologized and bowed, "I will follow your orders from now on. I will take my leave now."
He teleported himself away from the throne room and into the room the Dark Kingdom's Generals used as a lounge. Yet he was still furious that his opportunity that he'd waited for so long had been taken away from him because of Nephrite cunning and his timely fortune. He stepped inside and stomped straight to the man who sat lazily in a large high chair, swirling his drink around in his glass.
The man was dressed as all the generals were, except his uniform was much more decorated and a cape was draped across his shoulders. His long limbs and broad shoulders made him a very tall and imposing figure, and despite his long silver hair signifying his age, he looked nowhere near passed the age of forty.
The oldest general of the Dark Kingdom, Kunzite, lifted his ice-blue eyes to the younger and inexperienced general, immediately seeing the disgust on his protege's face.
"I take it things didn't go as planned?" he said in his deep, seductive voice.
"No," Zoisite snapped and told him what happened, "If only I had the skill Nephrite has! I would finish him off quickly and have what should rightfully be mine!"
"Patience, Zoisite. Patience," Kunzite said calmly but firmly, "Remember what I have been teaching all this time. Impatience will always take its toll."
"But—"
Kunzite held up his hand, "You should truly think you head instead of your anger all the time. We can dispose Nephrite anytime we please. Let's take this opportunity to see how powerful he truly is."
Friday was the day of the President's ball, and when it arrived the entire city was buzzing over it. Serena wasn't even aware of the event until she noticed how the streets were lined with vehicles as far as the eye could see while running late for school. Again.
"Wow," she stared in amazement as police were directed traffic, specifically ones heading to The Mall, the term used for downtown Washington D.C., "I wonder what's going on?"
Someone walked passed her and she realized it was Molly.
"Hey!" she came up to her friend's side, "Good morning, Molly?"
Molly didn't look at her, nor did answer her right away, but when she did Serena see that her friend wasn't herself. Molly had stayed overnight at the hospital after the incident at the mall the other day. Once she been released her mother had taken her home, who gave her a fierce scolding for her immature actions which resulted in Molly being grounded for an entire day.
Serena hadn't been able to see or speak to her because of that, but now that she stood beside her, Molly seemed to be in a state of trance after what she went through.
"What's wrong?" she asked, hoping that Molly wasn't thinking about Nephrite, who she believed was Mason Sanderson, "You look like you haven't slept well."
"I didn't," Molly said weakly.
Serena suppressed a groan, things were only going to become worse, "Well, whatever it is that's bothering you, cheer up and put it behind you!" she grabbed Molly's arm, "Come on! Let's get going before we're late!"
"Uh..." Molly blinked in confusion, "Oh... O-Okay."
She let Serena drag her along. Serena knew she was probably going to yelled at sent out into the hall by Miss Harrison again, but she didn't care at the moment. All she was worried about was Molly's safety and her innocence. They arrived at school just before the first bell wrung and they sprinted toward their classroom.
"Made it just in time!" Serena gasped as they took their seats.
"Hey, Serena!" Melvin came over to her.
"Hey, Melvin," Serena gestured out the window, "Any idea what's going on out there?"
Melvin stared at her, "You're kidding. Haven't you been watching the news lately?"
"No," Serena frowned at him, "Why? Is some foreign ruler of another country coming over for a visit?"
Melvin sighed and sat down in the desk in front of Serena. When he finished explaining what all the commotion was all about, Serena was gaping at him.
"A ball?" she exclaimed, "The President's holding a ball for his daughter's birthday?"
"Yeah," Melvin nodded, "From what I've heard it's supposed to be a real old fashioned ball, supposedly because his wife and daughter insisted on it. It might even be a masquerade, but they'll definitely be waltzing and all that kind of stuff."
"Wow," Serena said dreamily and looked up at the ceiling, imagining what it would be like to go to a old fashioned ball, dressed like a princess and meeting her Prince Charming, "I wish I could go.
Melvin chuckled, "Maybe you will, since the President and the First Lady know just about everyone here in D.C. I think some of the students here will be going. In fact, I think Molly's going to be there as well."
Serena turned her head to Molly, who was seated quietly at her desk and was still staring out into space, "Is that true, Molly? Are you really going to the ball?"
A moment passed before Molly in her small voice again, "Yes. The First Lady came to our store one time and bought some of our jewelry. In appreciation, we've been invited."
"That's awesome, Molly!" Serena screeched, "I wish I could go with you!"
"I'll tell about it on Monday," Molly promised, before going silent again.
Melvin leaned over and whispered to Serena, "What's wrong with Molly?"
"I don't know," she whispered back.
She knew she was lying, but the last thing she wanted was to get Melvin involved. Melvin always had a secret admiration for Molly and he'd be willing to do anything just to see her smile. This was something she had to deal with alone, even if...
Serena's breath suddenly caught. Could she risk doing that? Would Luna understand if she did take that risk? As Miss Harrison came in to take role, she prayed she wouldn't have to find out.
The day took a turn for the strange when Serena received two different notices. First came Raye's text telling her and Amy that their training session would be canceled for today for reasons she didn't know. A short time later she received a message from the school office saying that she was to return home immediately after school.
Serena worried that she was in trouble because of her performance in school, but on assuming that her parents didn't want her wondering around the city with the major event going on, she returned home without complaint. That was where a surprise waited for her.
"I'm home!" she announced when she walked in.
"Ah, there you are Serena," said Keith as he walked in the hall.
Serena stopped and stared; her father was dressed in a tuxedo, minus the jacket, and was in the process of combing his hair.
"Hey, dad," she returned, "What are you dressed up for? Are you and Mom going out for dinner tonight?"
"Nope," Keith grinned, "It's actually for the President's ball tonight."
"What?!" Serena gaped, "You're going to the ball?!"
Keith's grinned widened, "The First Lady and I happen to know each other, going all the way back to... I think it was fifth or sixth grade, can't remember exactly when, but we actually dated at one point during High School. Anyway, she thought it would be nice to see one of her old friend again so she's invited me. In fact, she insisted I bring everyone else along too."
"You mean..." Serena didn't trust herself to speak.
"Yup," Keith nodded, "we're all going, including you and Sammy, since Laura and the Smiths will also be there."
Serena felt the world spinning around here. She couldn't believe it! She was actually going to the ball!
"But..." Why was she protesting! "I don't think I have a dress that's appropriate for a ball like that! I don't even know how to waltz!"
"Don't worry," Isabelle came into view, her hair in the process of being made up, "Your dad and I will teach you before we leave."
"But..."
"What's wrong?" Keith saw the confusion in his daughter's eyes, "Don't you want to go?"
"No, I do! I really do want to go!" Serena said quickly, "But I thought since I haven't been doing well in school lately, I didn't think you would allow me to go to something like this."
Keith laughed, "Understandable, and normally I wouldn't. But you have been making an effort so far and it wouldn't be fair if I made stay home on a night as special as this."
"Plus you've been taking care of Luna as we've asked after you brought her home," added Isabelle, "So this is our sign of our appreciation. And besides," Isabelle grinned and glanced at her husband, "If your father didn't love you as much as any father should, he wouldn't have gone out of his way to get you this."
Serena gasped and dropped her school case. From behind Keith's shoulders, Isabelle pulled out the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was a sleeveless, floor-length, one-shoulder white dress with with gold decorations at the waist and at the strap that were shaped like a knots tied together. The design of the dress had a Greek influenced to it and it was clear that Keith was being conservative on how he presenting his daughter to the public, but there no denying the elegance of that dress. Serena couldn't even begin to imagine what she would look like in it.
"Dad..." she said weakly, fighting back tears of joy, "Did you really get that... just for me?"
"I most certainly did, Serena," Keith smiled fondly.
Serena stood there for minute, then stepped forward and reached out with trembling fingers. She touched the soft chiffon texture of the dress, feeling its softness and making certain it was real and that she wasn't imagining things. Then she flung herself at her dad, hugging him tightly and kissing him on the cheek.
"Thank you so much!" she cried, "For getting me this and letting me come to the ball!"
"You very welcome, my dear," Keith hugged her back, "Why don't you go upstairs and get ready? The sooner your finished the more time we'll have to practice how to dance before we leave."
"Here," Isabelle handed her the dress, "Go on up and take a quick shower to freshen up before you try it on. I'll be up there shortly to help. Be careful with it now. The dress is expensive after all."
"Yes, Mom!" holding her new dress tightly in arms, Serena sprinted upstairs.
Luna was lying quietly on the bed when Serena burst into the room, immediately rushing to the mirror and holding the dress against her front to see how it looked.
"Apparently you're very excited," she stated.
"How could I not be?! I'm actually going to the ball! And not just any ball, but the President's Ball!" Serena whirled around before she laid the dress on the bed and spread out to look at it, "I can't believe Dad actually bought this for me. Isn't it beautiful?"
"It certainly is," Luna agreed, smiling, "I'm sure you will be a vision in it."
"I can't wait to try it on," Serena began changed out of her school uniform and took out her bath robe from her closet, "I'll be right back."
She took what she felt was the quickest shower in her life. After she finished drying her hair, she slipped on her bathrobe and sprinted back to her room.
"You're mother left the slippers right right over there," Luna gestured to the pair of white low heels with gold knots tied placed inside a box resting next to the doorway.
"Oh, thank you," Serena placed the box on her bed before she continued changing. When she finally slipped the dress on, zipped it up, and placed her feet inside the slippers, she stood before the mirror again, "How do I look?"
"Beautiful," said Luna, "Just like the princess you are."
Serena took it as a compliment and twirled around a few times, never noticing how Luna had flinched when she'd said those words. When Serena faced her, she was shocked to see that there were tears forming in the cat's eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?" she sat down in front of Luna and scratched her ear.
"Forgive me," Luna blinked back her tears, "It's just that you remind me so much of the last princess of Lunaria, Princess Serenity, and how excited she was when we were celebrating the thousandth year of the Silver Millennium, just hours before the Great Tragedy happened."
"Oh, I see," Serena understood, "but hey, cheer up, will you? I don't want to go to the ball without me having to worry about you."
Luna chuckled and sniffed, "You're right. I'll stop thinking about that now. This is your special night. I shouldn't ruin it for you."
"Serena?" came Isabelle's voice as she knocked on her door.
"Come on in, Mom," Serena winked at Luna as Isabelle walked in.
"You dropped your school case" Isabelle placed the case on the floor before she stopped and stared at Serena as her daughter stood, "Goodness! Where did this angel come from? And what have you done to my daughter?"
"Mom!" Serena laughed at her.
Chuckling, Isabelle placed a makeup box, a jewelry box, and some perfumes on Serena's desk, "I'm happy to see that the dress fits you perfectly, and you look lovely in it. No doubt you catch every young man's eye tonight."
"Thank you," Serena smiled, wondering if one of those young men... she inwardly shook her head. She seriously needed to stop thinking about Darien.
"Sit down here," Isabelle padded the chair, "so I can put on your make up. Then we can figure out what kind of jewelry and perfume you should wear. I think earrings should do just fine. A necklace may be a bit too much and out of place."
Isabelle opened up her makeup box first and spent the next few minutes touching up Serena's cheeks.
"I'll finally be able to see you and Dad dance," Serena said excitedly, "You used tell me how he used swept you of your feet when you were dating."
Isabelle chuckled and took out a tube of pale pink lipstick, "It has been a while since we last dance. I'm looking forward to having a waltz with him."
"Speaking of which," Serena sighed, "I'm really nervous about doing the waltz."
"Don't worry about it," Isabelle smiled, "Just stay calm, look your partner in the eye, and most importantly of all, aside from the steps, smile."
"But what if my partner is a horrible dancer?" asked Serena.
"Then you do your best to avoid his feet," answered Isabelle, "But as I said, don't worry about too much. There we go."
Finished, she closed the makeup box and reached for the one containing her jewelry.
"Now, let's see," opening it, she surmised her options, "Maybe these gold ones to go along with the gold decorations," she held them up to Serena's earlobes, "No, it contrasts too much," she placed the box on the bed and shifted through it, "Hmm, how these sapphire ones to bring out your eyes? No," she said a moment later, "Still not quite right. How about..."
Isabelle stopped when when she turned back to where her jewelry box was. When she sat there silently, Serena followed her gaze and found Luna sitting beside the box looking closely at it.
"How about you, Luna?" asked Isabelle, grinning, "Can you figure out what kind of earrings would suit Serena?"
What are you doing? Serena mouthed at Luna, but the cat only ignored her, seemed to smile at Isabelle, and began sniffing through the collection of jewels.
A moment later she clamped her teeth around one lifted her head until her garnet eyes locked with Isabelle's. Frowning, Serena's mother held out her hand and Luna placed it on her palm.
"The diamond pearls?" Isabelle seemed surprised, then shrugged and took out the matching earring. She placed at Serena's earlobes and held them there longer than she had with the other pairs, "Hmm, these actually suit you perfectly. They're my best pair and my most cherished, but I'm willing to let you borrow them on the condition you take good care of them."
"Of course I will," Serena promised quickly.
"Alright," Isabelle placed them on Serena's ears, "Yes, those definitely suit you. Thank you, Luna," she scratched the cat's cheek, who returned the compliment with a purr. Isabelle took out one of her perfumes and dabbed some at Serena's throat before she collected both her boxes and stood, "I better get ready now. Go on downstairs so your dad can teach you how to waltz."
"Yes, Mom," once Isabelle left, Serena turned her gaze to Luna, lifting an eyebrow in asking the obvious question.
"I wasn't just a nursemaid to your predecessors," Luna answered with smile.
"So I see," Serena stood, "I better get going, but thanks for your help."
"Anytime. And Serena?"
Serena stopped and turned, "Yes?"
"Have a good time," Luna smiled warmly.
Serena returned the smile, "I will."
After Serena closed the door, Luna listened to her footsteps descent the stairs before she felt the tears come again.
This time she let them fall free.
A hour later they were on they way to the White House in the family SUV. In the time leading up till now, Keith had taught Serena how to waltz and she was now recounting the steps and the remembering the right movements and timing.
Keith been teaching Sammy, already dressed in his own tuxedo, the same thing, in case he danced with Laura. When Serena had come down the stairs he'd looked up and froze, as though he had never seen anything so beautiful in his life. Even Sammy seemed to have his breath taken away.
An half an hour later Isabelle came down, dressed in a stunning silver evening gown with the skirt decorated with lace. Her golden hair was partially piled up with the rest flowing down her back like a waterfall. Serena had never seen her mother look so beautiful before.
Now there were stuck in traffic, but were steadily making progress. Serena could barely keep her excitement under control. As they went further and further into The Mall, she became more eager and more nervous. She wanted to enjoy every moment of this special evening. She wanted this to be the night she found her true love and perhaps share her first kiss.
If only Amy and Raye could see her now! She wondered if their parents had been invited to and that they would be there, yet she doubted it since she couldn't find anything that would make them significant enough unless the President and the First Lady happened to know them both.
"Look!" Sammy suddenly pointed, "There's the White House!"
Serena looked out the window and saw the famous white building glowing like a beacon behind its iron fence. She had only seen it a handful of times in her young life and the rest on TV, yet she never seen it up close like this. As the security guarded verified their invitation, she found herself holding her breath. When they passed through the iron gates, she concentrated on breathing.
She was actually going to be inside the White House! She felt so much like Cinderella with the White House serving as the king's palace. They pulled to a stop in front of the entrance and two footman opened both the front and rear passenger doors.
Serena saw Isabelle accept then hand the footman at her door offered her before she saw that the other footman doing the same at her own door. Returning the smile he was giving, she placed her fingers in his hand and let him guide her out of the vehicle. Thanking him, she smoothed her skirt and forced her legs to stand up correctly as Sammy came down beside her. Keith handed the keys to another footman and joined his family while their vehicle was taken to the parking zone.
Isabelle noticed Serena's nervousness and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't be afraid, you'll do just fine."
"This night is for you, Serena," Keith smiled and held out his arm.
Serena stared at him, then glanced at Isabelle, "Aren't you supposed to escort mom?"
"Not this time," Isabelle beamed, "I'll be escorting Sammy while your father will be escorting you. Go on, we'll be right behind."
Serena stared at him, then back at Keith, who still held out his arm. Nervously she her hand through it. Keith patted it reassuringly and together the Thompsons entered the Entrance Hall of the White House.
"Look," Keith gestured ahead, "There's the President and the First Lady."
Serena looked up and saw the leader of the United States and his wife greeting their guests and her breath caught. She was about to meet the President and the First Lady in person! She fought to keep her composure as they came up next in line.
The President was in his early fifties, his pale golden hair having faded to white. His face had lost some of its hardness over the years, but yet he still appeared handsome as ever, his clean shaven features having come from his mother who was said to have been the most beautiful woman in America at the time. He stood tall and erect in his tuxedo as his brown gaze sweep his next guest.
The First Lady was also a lovely creature. Her shocking shade of copper red hair had faded a little, but it still held the elegance it presented. Her sweet pale face contained a dimple chin, but that only made her even lovelier, her pale blue dress even adding more to the effect.
"Keith!" the First Lady's emerald eyes beamed and hugged him, "I'm so glad to see you again!"
"I'm surprised you recognize me after all this time," Keith hugged her back, "It's good see you again too, Charlotte."
"Howard," the First Lady introduced to her husband, "This is Keith Thompson, a good friend of mine back in grade school."
President Howard Russel held out his hand, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Thompson."
Keith shook his hand, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. President," he turned to his family, "This is my wife, Isabelle, and my son and daughter, Sammy and Serena."
Serena curtsied while Sammy bowed. How strange, she never curtsied in her life yet it felt as though she had known how to do it all along.
"I thought Keith had been exaggerating when I heard he had married what he said was an angel," the First Lady looked at Isabelle, "But know I see he was telling the truth. I'm very pleased to finally meet you, Isabelle. If I may call you that?"
"Not at all," Isabelle smiled, "If I may call you Charlotte in return?"
"I would very much appreciate it," the First Lady turned her gaze to Serena, who blushed nervously, "So this is Serena. You're the very image of her mother, and you name fits you perfectly. I really like your hair. I never seen a girl who wore her hair like that or grow as long as you do."
"Thank you, Mrs. President," Serena smiled, hoping her voice wasn't trembling.
The First Lady turned to Sammy, "And here's the little hero, Sammy, who came to the rescue of Laura Smith the dollmaker."
Sammy blushed, "Thank you, Mrs. President, but it actually Sailor Moon who saved us both."
"Ah, yes," said the President, "Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts. Everyone seems to be talking about them lately."
Something in the President's eyes caught Serena's attention, but for some reason it didn't alarm her. It felt more like hope, which surprised her. Did the President of the United States actually understand what the Sailor Scouts were and why they weren't a danger to the public?
"Yes, well," the First Lady went on, "Laura and her family are already here. I'm sure she'll be delighted to see you, Sammy."
"She is?" Sammy looked hopeful.
"That's pretty much the only reason he's here," Serena joked, "He does have a big crush on Laura after all."
"Hey!" Sammy glared at her, faced red.
Everyone laughed before they exchanged farewells and continued inside. Serena's excitement returned; she was now inside the White House. The footmen guided them through the Cross Hall until they arrived in the East Room, which substituted as the ballroom, and Serena gasped at the sight before her.
The room was filled with people dressed in tuxedos and dresses of all colors, ranging from children to adults. A small orchestra was playing in one corner of the room while at the other side was a table stacked with presents, gifts to the President's daughter. A cotillion was playing and she saw dancers, both child and adult, performing the dance made for it. She had read about balls like this in fairy tales and only seen real ones on television. Now she was in actual ball at the White House, wearing a beautiful dress and feeling every bit like a princess.
"What a crush," she heard Isabelle state.
"It certainly is," Keith agreed, releasing Serena's arm.
Serena couldn't say anything, she was too busy staring at the wonder before her. It wasn't the masquerade ball as Melvin had predicted, but she was far from disappointed. This was every girl's dream come true!
She suddenly remembered that Molly was supposed to be here and looked around, but could not see her friend anywhere. Perhaps Molly hadn't been feeling well and decided to stay home for tonight? Serena hoped that was true before she wondered if Nephrite was here, under the disguise of Mason Sandrson. Yet she could see no sign of him either.
She let out a sigh of relief; perhaps for once things would go undisturbed tonight and as planned. She wanted this night to be special and not have to worry about anything else. Then she heard someone call out her name and she looked up.
"Amy! Raye!" her jaw dropped as her two dearest friends came over to her, looking equally as surprised as she was, "Your two were invited too?"
"Yes!" Amy was overjoyed, "Apparently the First Lady was once a patient of my mother."
"And the First Family has occasionally come to our Cathedral on Sundays," added Raye, beaming, "But none of us ever expected to see each other here. Especially you."
"My dad happens to know the First Lady," Serena explained, gesturing to Keith.
As the girls exchanged greetings, Serena spotted Sammy, having already found Laura who looked very pretty in her violet dress, before she saw Peggy and Dave coming toward them. Peggy was dressed in black evening gown, possibly acknowledging the fact she was still a widow, with her dark brown hair a glossy sheen. Dave seemed to have exchange his reverend clothes for a tuxedo with blood red sash at his waist, striking a dashing figure despite his age.
"Hi," Serena greeted in astonishment, "I didn't expect to see any of you here."
"Neither did we," Peggy smiled, "But I'm glad to see you came, for you absolutely beautiful tonight."
"Indeed," Dave agreed, "You look just like a princess straight from a very tale."
Serena blushed and said thank you for what seemed to be the hundredth time tonight before she felt Amy and Raye's hands close around her arms on either side.
"Mind if we steal Serena for a while?" Raye asked Keith, "We have some girl's talk to catch up on."
"Go ahead," Keith waved, laughing, "It's her night after all."
Serena gave no protest and allowed her friends to lead her to a table containing sweets, chips, and various fruit punches.
"Thanks," she said in relief, "It's starting to become embarrassing."
"You're welcome," Raye looked, "But first things first. Where did you get that dress?"
"Yes, where?" Amy piped in, "because you do look stunning in it."
"Everyone's been giving compliments this evening," Serena sighed, "But to answer your question, my Dad got it for me. And yes, it did cost a fortune."
"You're very lucky," said Raye.
"Yes," Amy agreed, "Just look at our gowns."
Serena took note of Amy's sapphire gown and Raye's scarlet one, "You don't look bad at all in your own gowns."
"Yes," Amy nodded, "but we both pale in comparison to you."
"In fact you seemed to have caught every guys' attention in the room," Raye stated, "If you don't believe me, look around you."
Startled, Serena turned and looked around her. Sure enough, every boy her age and older and was staring at them, her specifically. There were even some she recognized from her school. She started to wonder if...
"Serena?"
She jerked away from her thoughts and met Raye's gaze, who was giving her that all too knowing look.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, "my mind must have been wondering."
"Anywhere in particular?" Raye suddenly grinned.
Serena didn't have have guess who Raye was suggesting.
"No, I'm not thinking about him at the moment," she said firmly.
"There's the first waltz starting," Amy announced, the sounds of the musicians testing their instruments reaching their ears.
"Besides," Serena went on, "I highly doubt he'd be interested in something like this."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Raye grinned, glancing over Serena's shoulder.
The sudden stir in the air behind her gave her fair warning before she heard his mesmerizing voice.
"Beautiful Princess."
She felt her body freeze and felt her heart stutter. She didn't want to turn around but she knew she would have to eventually. Hauling in a breath she turned, her usual scolding resting on her tongue. It immediately fled when she saw Darien standing before her with his usual charming smile.
For a moment, she thought she was looking at Tuxedo Mask. The tuxedo Darien wore resembled him so much, but without the cape, the mask, the top hat, and the sword and belt at his side. And when Darien bowed elegantly before her, it felt so familiar to her, yet she couldn't understand why. Then Darien held out his white gloved hand.
"May I have this dance?"