In the Reborn Kingdom, Chapter 55, A New Princess
The day began as normal for Setsuna and her husband, however he was off again heading to the transit hall for a jump to the moon, then off to Earth for work and continuing negotiations between Japan, China, the slowly reunifying Korea, the US, and less rabid members of the UN. So for now she was reviewing the status of several rebuilding projects that were underway and her step-daughter was there helping her out wherever and whenever possible. Karin had grown quite a bit during the past six years, and to be honest Setsuna enjoyed the young woman's company.
Karin herself was floundering a few years ago to be honest. Cancer claimed her mother and for three years she was essentially on her own. Her father's responsibilities kept him away from home or coming home very late and leaving early. Then there was the attack and the aftermath, and Karin was at a loss for words. Her home was in a base but it was close enough to Tokyo that it was evacuated before the nuke was dropped. She was in a daze for a good part of the initial aftermath but became panicked when she couldn't locate her father. Thankfully after identifying herself she was led to the palace where she was given a room and where her father was able to contact her and then meet with her. She sobbed in her father's arms during the reunion and that is when she actually was able to meet Setsuna in her Sailor Pluto guise.
It was in the days following that she had been able to meet the other scouts and she even shared a dinner with her father and the others as things settled down. She wasn't too sure when her father and Setsuna started to date, but it became apparent when her father sat her down and told her that he had started to date again, and that he was dating Setsuna of all people.
Karin was a bit shocked at first to be honest, but she was happy for her father, even if she was a bit unsure of what was going on at the time. So since she was still living in the palace in the modest quarters that were for their use as a family she actually decided to seek Setsuna out. Thankfully Setsuna had been meeting with Nodoka and Ikuko at the Tsukino apartment in the palace, and thankfully the two mothers there were able to help.
Since that meeting, now six years past, the two had bonded and Setsuna found herself in the position of being a stepmother, mentor, sounding board, shoulder to cry on, and occasional disciplinarian as needed. So Setsuna just smiled softly as Karin took a seat nearby and picked up a cup of tea and began to quietly sip. Setsuna was focused on the reports she was reading, but not so lost in focus that she didn't hear the chuckle, snigger really, that escaped the young woman's lips. "Okay out with it!" stated Setsuna.
Karin raised a delicate eyebrow and responded, "And what makes you think I'm keeping something in?"
Setsuna fixed an even gaze on the younger woman and replied, "Because I know you well enough. That and you have some of the juiciest palace gossip when you are on planet."
Karin laughed, "True," she agreed. "However I was just thinking about last night and little Rei-chan and Princess Michiru. I can't believe that Rei was able to convince her to do that duet, and that Rei was able to perform it so well. Plus I thought Michiru preferred classical music!"
Setsuna chuckled a bit. "I know what you are saying," she agreed, "However Rei can be persistent when she wants too, and she has the makings of a prodigy. That and she has no problem with raiding Paul's DVD collection. That and Shinji's interest in Irish music and some Irish instruments helped to influence Rei's choice in music."
"I agree with that. Listening to Shinji on his cello and watching him try his hand at his mother's cello is nice, but who the hell bought him a starter set of uilleann pipes?"
Setsuna laughed at that, "Actually you can blame Yui for that one. The Celtic festival they attended had quite a few instruments and one of the artists is also an instructor who is also a local music teacher as well. The gentleman actually started giving Shinji some informal lessons and things spiraled from there." Setsuna grimaced a bit when she felt some pains in her back and stomach region.
Karin could actually understand that reasoning however another question came to mind, "Okay that I can appreciate and understand, but how the hell did Paul know how to play the diatonic accordion?"
Setsuna knew the answer to that one no problem, "Actually that one is really simple. Paul's parents were both trained musicians. His mother was a concert grand pianist while his father specialized in guitars. He still plays the guitar and the piano when he is at home and he is very good at it too. So for him to pick up the diatonic accordion wasn't that hard of a stretch for him." Setsuna made a small face as the pains hit her again.
Karin of course took note of Setsuna's expression. "Are you okay?"
A puzzled expression came over Setsuna's face. "I think so," she replied in an uncertain voice. The pains hit again and she quickly amended her statement, "Or maybe not."
Karin of course had been waiting patiently these many months, and now it looks like her new sibling was on the way. She set her cup on a nearby table and quickly rose and placed an expected call to the medical facilities within the palace on Pluto.
While this was going on Setsuna was attempting to stand and a contraction hit and she ended up back in her chair. Without ceremony the door opened and Yuhii flowed into the room with a hoverchair for her very pregnant Queen. "Here we go your Royal Roundness. Your chariot awaits."
Setsuna shot Yuhii a wry look and a small smile followed by another grimace. "Oh be quiet and help me out Yuhii," complained Setsuna in a teasing tone. Yuhii just smiled as she was joined by Karin and the two young ladies helped Setsuna into the hoverchair. Once Setsuna was settled Karin took the lead while Yuhii pushed the hoverchair out of the apartment that was set aside for Setsuna and her family. Standing outside the door was a pair of guards, one Amazon and one Musk, and both were in their armor that was designed for their duties as guards. The female Musk knew precisely what was up, and her helmet armor folded away revealing her face. Her Amazon companion also retracted his helmet and the two guards shared a look.
"I've got point?" asked the Musk girl.
Her companion regarded her for a moment and with a shrug he replied, "I'm fine with that." So with the ease born of months of training they slid into their positions and the group made their way down the hall, with Karin and the Amazon in the lead.
Their gait was full of purpose and everyone that they came across parted allowing them rapid transit through the area. The medical wing was located nearly ideally, however it was a level up from where they were. They entered the Great Hall of Charon Castle and its grand sweeping stair cases. The apartments that Setsuna and her small family occupied were on the first and second floors, and the entrance to her apartment was also on the first floor. So to get to the medical wing meant traversing into the Great Hall and having to go up a level via the stair case. Thankfully the gossip chain in the castle was in full swing and the path to medical cleared with plenty of onlookers bowing and smiling to their Queen as she passed. A wan smile graced her lips and she endured the trip.
Arriving at the medical wing found the staff waiting for her arrival, along with Rin Xie and Rin Sie. The Amazon Elders came via transport pad a week ago and had designated themselves as the mid-wives for Setsuna. "Well my dear, it looks like someone is eager to join us in the world," stated Rin Xie in a humorous tone.
"You have no idea," replied Setsuna. Another contraction hit and Setsuna felt it for sure. "Oh shit!"
The Amazon Elders shared a look and Rin Sie stated in a no-nonsense tone "Come now, into the maternity ward with you. We may not have much time left!"
It was nearly dinner time and the twins were busy with their bottles, with Nabiki feeding David and Paul had Kimiko. Chi was helping as she could and spent time making faces at her younger siblings. The babies were more and more responsive to their environment, and they were recognizing faces with little problem. Small smiles appeared on little faces with no problem as they took in the surroundings. A call came in and Paul rose quickly to find out what was going on. He recognized the identification that was displayed and he looked to Chi. "Well let's pick up Chi." Chi answered with a press of her small finger on the proper spot, and on the other end was the familiar face of Karin Meioh with a smile on her face. "Well hello Karin!" greeted Paul, "Let me guess, she had her baby."
Karin smiled at Paul and winked at Chi through the view. "She had her baby. My sister Hayame was born thirty minutes ago at 7 pounds 1 ounce. She has a small tuft of green hair and is probably sleeping at the moment."
Nabiki had risen from her seat and smiled as she fed her son, "Well congratulations Karin. Looks like you have a baby sister."
Karin smiled and replied, "Thanks Nabiki! I can say this much she is the blood heir. I've seen the sigil of her station on her forehead at least twice so far. So it looks like Mom and I will have our hands full."
"You will," agreed Nabiki. "The midnight feedings will keep you on your toes, so don't be afraid to ask for help."
"I know," she replied in an honest tone. "I have a couple of more calls to make to let the others know." She paused for a moment. "Are you guys coming for the ceremony?"
Nabiki and Paul shared a smile, "Of course," they replied in unison.
She was just over a week old now, and generally Hayame was a good baby. Oh the more than occasional night feeding and the diapers of course, but the little princess was a part of the life in the palace, and today, though she didn't know it, she was to be the center of attention.
Mother and stepdaughter were dressed in very similar and simple gowns. The small dress that Hayame was in was nearly an iridescent white, but with the sigil of House of Pluto on the front. She was napping in her bassinet after a feeding and diaper change, and she barely fussed when Setsuna gathered the girl into her arms.
"Ready?" asked Karin.
Setsuna replied with a warm smile, "I'm ready." Together the pair proceeded with their small bundle and left the apartment. The Musk and Amazon escort was waiting for their arrival. Their armor gleamed bright in the light of the castle as they fell into position escorting the trio to the throne room.
Familiar faces lined their route, and most were a part of the original group that had located to Pluto when they had begun restoring the biospheres, and all were decked out in their finest wear for the occasion. As Setsuna passed with her small bundle bows were evident and warm smiles were worn by all.
The procession entered the Great Hall, and the path that lead to the throne room of the castle was clear for them to pass. They flowed up the stairs and entered through the richly detailed door into the hall that led to the throne room itself. There was a decent crowd waiting for them, Ranma and Usagi flanked the throne, with a comfortable chair behind Usagi. It was clear to Setsuna as they approached that Usagi was in her Serenity mode, and a warm and happy smile graced the young woman's face. The guards dissolved to the sides and Setsuna and Karin saw familiar faces in the crowd. Of course the other Senshi were in attendance, and some hands were on midsections as they observed the proceedings.
Paul and Nabiki were there with their children, as were Soun, Yui, plus the trio of Asuka, Shinji, and Rei. Kyoko Soryu was there as well along with Ritsuko Akagi and Misato Katsuragi. Genma, Nodoka, and Ranko were standing with Paul and Nabiki and Genma had two little girls in his arms, and he was quite content.
Setsuna and Karin seemed to glide to the steps that led to the throne, and they appeared to float up the stairs. Karin paused before the royal couple and curtsied deeply to the pair, and they smiled for the young woman and watched her as she glided to the side allowing Setsuna to approach the pair.
"Your Majesties," she began, "I present my daughter Hayame, heir to the throne of Pluto and Guardian of the Gates of Time." The sigils on both Setsuna and Hayame glowed brightly, and the sigils of the other Senshi also glowed as well. Unsurprisingly the sigils on Ranma's and Usagi's foreheads glowed as brightly as the ones on the mother and daughter before them. Gently Setsuna handed her daughter to Usagi and the Queen chose to sit down while holding the new bundle.
Once she was seated the Time Key appeared in Setsuna's hand, and the Guardian of Time waited. Usagi looked at the small form in her arms, and watched with a warm smile as Hayame opened her eyes and regarded the form in front of her. She gave a small yawn and remained awake for the moment. "I greet you Hayame, Princess and Heir to the throne of Pluto, keeper of the time gates and defender of the realm. I welcome you into the world Princess Hayame. When the time is right you will take up your mother's mantle with honor." Setsuna brought the Time Key forward and it began to glow with a soft pink light.
No one could be sure if it was instinct or some other reaction that caused Hayame's little hand to reach out and touch the Time Key, but when it did a glow encompassed mother, daughter, king, queen, and surprisingly Karin as well.
"Hail Princess Hayame," stated Ranma in a warm tone.
"Hail Princess Hayame," replied the assembled group, but they kept it toned down so as not to cause distress to the baby.
