A sea of faces stares up at them with jaw dropping shock. Rei has to withhold a smirk as Serenity easily sweeps into the room with an air of calm dignity. If not for the fact the others were right behind them with equally glowing foreheads, Rei is certain not an eye would tarry from the blond Moon Child.

An audible gasp filters through the crowd when Endymion enters with Aetas. The entire room begins to buzz with hushed whispers and small exclamations.

The Moon Queen is waiting for them by the dais on the far side of the expansive ball room. She gives no hint of apology for the fact she has to knowingly put them on display for the visiting royalty. Rei knows that isn't really the case, but the Queen has such a good poker face it is easy to wonder.

Serenity leads their odd procession all the way without a flicker of doubt or hesitation. The crowd parts before them with ease, and Rei allows her eyes to dart around to assess the room for any danger. As they step onto the raised steps, Selenity greets them by reaching forward to just brush her fingers across her daughter's hand.

There is a man standing behind the Queen that Rei has never seen before. He is scowling fiercely, hovering intimately close to the Queen's shoulder. Rei notices the blond at her side stiffen slightly when he locks eyes with her.

The silver haired Queen calmly waits until each of the Senshi are sprawled out in equal spacing for easy viewing on the dais. Endymion doesn't leave Aetas' side, and Rei flicks her eyes at the two of them in a veiled show of amusement. Endymion's eyelid dips slightly in a feigned wink. Rei smothers a laugh.

"Honored guests," begins the Queen, drawing every eye in the room not completely locked onto the Senshi. "Welcome to this celebration to honor my daughter and her chosen protectors, the Senshi." The Queen pauses to allow everyone's eye to drift across the group again before continuing. "They have been training intensely since arriving here, and it brings me joy that their training is so fruitful." She ignores the grinding of teeth from the man at her shoulder. "I know, for many, this transition in known traditions is startling. We have never before had Senshi of royal blood; it has greatly changed the standard approach and our perceptions. Many have voiced their concern of their preparedness as well as the loss of a possible heir that they represent. It is my intent to ease these concerns."

She swivels her head slowly, gaze drawing in the faces staring up at her. "Firstly, it is well known that Senshi are not know to refuse their title. It is a proud title, one steeped with a powerful history. It is not well known that Senshi cannot ignore their calling. If a chosen Senshi tries, the magic that created them pushes for them to respond to threats to the Planet and her people. There are records of the Chosen attempting to ignore the call and being driven mad, diving head first into battle without heed or concern for their well-being. Their deaths are violent and agonizing. When this occurs, the Planet generally takes several generations before it chooses a new host. Losing a Senshi like this is damaging to the Planet, weakening it and leaving a hole in her defenses where the Senshi was supposed to fill in." She gives a few faces lingering looks.

"I bring this up because there is no way to sway what Fate has decreed by naming these young ladies the new generation of Senshi. I have no power to withhold or revoke them from their Destiny, and if anyone attempts to, it will weaken the Planets and cause a great danger to our continued peaceful existence." She draws a long quiet breath, eyes fierce. "We are facing very dangerous times in the near future. I have no doubt it will test us all, pushing many of us to our limits… and past them." Her eyes dart to the Senshi. "They," she gestures mildly with a hand, "will bear the greatest of this burden. It will be with their determination and perseverance that we shall flourish, even through these hard times to come. Provoking them, doubting them… it will do more to destroy us then it will to solve any personal issues that have arisen due to their calling."

A grim smile passes across the Queen's visage. "They are no longer just daughters, sisters… They are now warriors for the Sol' System. They can no longer be confined to one single Planet and her concerns. They fight for us all equally. Because of this, I have given them sanctuary here to grow and train so that they can face the dangers to come without hesitation. Forgive me if this has caused you distress. With what is approaching, I could do no less. Time could not be wasted."

The Queen locks eyes with Rei. "Those with the gift of Sight have foreseen what we shall soon face." She turns back towards the crowd. "If we turn a blind eye, if we linger with indecision, we shall fall."

She watches several people scowl and others looking on the verge of protest.

"Do not doubt the knowledge I have gained," she asserts, eyes lashing across the crowd with reproach. "If we dabble in arrogance, every single Planet will be wiped clean, our great cities nothing but dust and ash on the wind!" Her lips thin as she meets every defiant gaze until each of them turn away. "Do you wish to be nothing but ghosts?" she demands. "Do you want nothing of our homes to exist but in lost legends that no one believes in?" Her eyes flash. "I do not wish to be erased from existence because I was unwilling to step past tradition, past judgment!"

She takes a moment to let the silence linger, gathering herself and projecting serene dignity. "It is with this warning of the dangers to come that I announce to you, as a whole, the Senshi of the Sol' System." The Queen turns to them proudly. "Daughter, will you do the honors?"

Serenity steps forward coolly. She dips her head ever so slightly to the Queen. "With pleasure, Mother." Serenity greets the crowd with a small smile, her hand still tucked securely within Rei's elbow. "Welcome," she begins soft but clear. "Many of you have heard whispers of which child, which heir, has been called for this daunting and proud duty. Some of you readily recognize them on sight. To clear any confusion, starting with the planet that is our first defense against incoming threats, we have Senshi Aetas of Pluto. She has known for quite some time what her duty was to be, and she has been steadfast in preparing for it. Her dedication and perseverance are to be emulated."

Aetas dips her head. By the small shimmer in her eye, Rei figures Aetas is touched by Serenity's words.

Serenity turns to Aequus. "Proceeding to the next Senshi, we have Aequus of Neptune. She has a well-rounded base of talents that she continues to expand. Her calm and focus, even during times of unrest, is a great asset."

Aequus dips her head as well, her patented serene smile present.

Serenity's smile becomes somewhat warmer as Ventus takes a prepared step forward. "Next to last of our Outer planets, we have Ventus of Uranus. She has blooming talents and is studiously working at perfecting them. Her fierce drive to improve keeps all of us on our toes."

Hotaru steps forward as Ventus steps back.

"The inner most of the Outers…" There's a twinkle in the blond's eye as she looks at Hotaru. The raven haired girl allows her eyelids to faintly droop, a clear warning not to include Serenity's typical 'she's scary' line. Serenity's lips twitch as she turns back to the crowd. "This is Silencia of Saturn. Her soft spoken way often hides her hidden zeal. She carries overburdened tasks without complaint and has unfathomable amounts of compassion."

Elysia firms her stance as Serenity's gaze slides to her.

"We now linger on the outer edge of the Inner planets. Elysia of Jupiter does us proud with her unfailing courage and quiet strength. She is just as quick to help an ally in need as she is to leap into battle to protect."

Elysia gives the Moon Child a fond smile before stepping back into line.

Amethyst eyes meet with sapphire. Serenity's smile blossoms fully, lighting up her face beautifully. "The red planet stands next with Exura of Mars, a True heir as the rest." She ignores the murmur in the crowd that follows. "She has already seen a great deal of battle, bringing us wisdom of a life full of challenge. Her insight, as well as her Sight, have given us a great advantage over our coming foes."

Rei gently squeezes the blond's hand. Serenity brushes her thumb along Rei's bicep as her head swivels to look at Endymion.

"I am pleased to introduce Prince Endymion of Earth. Even if he is not Senshi, he has been granted a boon that will help us greatly in the battle to come. His calming presence and formidable skill have been a blessing during these times of training."

Endymion bows at the waist, showing great respect for including him so generously in the introduction. It causes another great smattering of noise through the room. Rei can't wait to see what footage Pru's contraption has caught.

Amora steps forward sharply, all traces of usual humor gone from her visage. Her blue eyes snap across the crowd with cold calculation. If Amora had not been letting such a persona slip into place during more intense training runs, Rei would be disturbed by the sultry blond's change in attitude.

"Amora of Venus," Serenity introduces smoothly. "She has been designated the leader and has taken great strides to living up to expectation. She knows the true value of balance and has been an unfaltering presence to constantly press for the best in us."

Amora gives a crisp nod before allowing Pru to step forward.

"Last, but not least, Prudentia of Mercury. She has already proven her knack with technology. Her inventive and creative mind allows us to look at things from differing perspectives. It also gives us a distinct edge so we have reliable support should we need something that the Crystal and Senshi powers cannot accomplish."

The Queen's smile is warm as she gazes at them. She graces her daughter with a nearly imperceptible nod. "To wrap up the introductions, I give you Princess Serenity of the Moon. She has moved beyond the task that was presented to her, stepping out from behind the shadow of her Senshi to stand as one with them. She has made great personal leaps in knowledge she had no experience with and has excelled exceptionally."

A faint dusting of red spreads across the Moon Princess's cheeks at the praise, hidden as she dips her head to her mother in quiet thanks.

The Queen steps back to the forefront, regal poise recapturing the room's attention from lingering on the Senshi. "This night is young. There is danger on the horizon, and a moment of quiet like this may be hard to come by in the very near future. Let us appreciate this evening of gayety and leave our woes at the door. Enjoy."

Like a spell, the room seems to let out a collective breath before a buzz of conversation fills the silence following Selenity's dismissal. The Queen calmly turns and gestures at the Senshi lingering on the dais to mingle as they will, she herself already being led away into a huddle of councilors, nobility, and royals.

"And so the wolves descend," remarks Pru dryly as the Senshi start shuffling off the dais as far away from the growing mass of VIPs shooting them furtive glances.

Amora hums thoughtfully. When the others turn to look at her, the blond's smile is predatory. "Indeed." She whips a cocky grin at her comrades. "Ready to hunt?"

Ventus looks downright feral, eyes trailing towards her scowling family. "Lets."

A/N: I did it! For all of you loyal followers, I worked my lil behind off to get a 2nd chapter out for you! Now, with the lack of sleep and focus, I'm going to go pass out. _

Good Tidings!

-Salute!-