In the remaining days of the twentieth century a great evil attacked the Earth. To combat this evil Sailor Moon and the Sailor Senshi revealed themselves to the entire world. But this battle had its consequences and the Earth became covered in a blanket of ice and snow. One thousand years later Sailor Moon awakens the world through the power of her Silver Crystal. A great city of crystal had arisen in Tokyo during the darkness. The world now looked to this city and its rulers Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymoin to protect the world. The time is twenty-three years after wakening and a new group of Sailor Senshi is about to emerge.
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Sailor Moon: Senshi in Training
Part One: In the Beginning
********
Serenity sat in the parlor with her hands on her large belly. The baby inside had finally finished a rough kicking session. It was apparent this child wanted out now. As she sat in the large chair by the window a tiny head covered in pink pigtails popped into the doorway. A smile came upon her face when she saw who it was. The tiny child walked up to her and gave Serenity a puppy eyed look of approval. Serenity took the tiny hands of the child and placed them upon her belly allowing the little princess to feel the sibling inside move and kick.
"Feel that little one. That's your baby brother or sister moving around." Serenity explained.
"Baby when you gonna come out and play?" the princess said to the belly.
"Soon my Small Lady soon this baby will come out." Serenity told her.
********
One month after the kicking session Serenity was once again in the delivery room preparing to give birth. Outside in the waiting room Serenity's council and best friends were waiting for the baby to be born. In the arms of the women gathered were eight sleeping three-year-olds. Two nine-year-old girls sat on the floor and played with a deck of cards. The men sat and talked business politics and sports. At the moment they were discussing sumo wrestling. After an hour of waiting a doctor with dark blue hair emerged from the delivery room pulled off her mask and smiled.
"Well Dr. Urwa how's the Queen doing?" one of the men asked her.
"The Queen is doing just fine Dr. Urwa. And I am happy to report that it's a boy." The female Urwa announced.
"Ami, when can we see them?" one of the women asked her.
"As soon as one of the pediatricians looks him over and we move them to the family suite you can go and visit them. I'll let you know the moment we move them." Ami told her friends.
Ami then looked down at the little girl sleeping in the arms of a younger dark haired woman who was four months into her own pregnancy and smiled. The small child with the same hair as her mother looked peaceful and calm and Ami didn't dare wake up the little girl. Instead she knelt down in front of her and gently kissed her on the cheek.
"How's she been doing Hotaru?" Ami asked her friend.
"She's been a joy to watch Ami. She hasn't been any trouble at all." Hotaru replied.
"How about you how are you doing?" Ami wanted to know.
"Me, I'm doing alright. I'm just thankful I not as pregnant as the Queen was in this heat." She told Ami in a tone that rang of thank the heavens.
"Hey you try being six and seven months pregnant during the heat of July and August and see how you like it." One blonde in the group commented.
"Don't remind me Mina. That was the most uncomfortable time of my life." The oldest in the group replied to her younger friend.
"It was a blessing in disguise that you went through it six years before me. All that advice you gave me sure helped out when I was pregnant with Kari." Mina said.
"At least you didn't have to bundle a tiny newborn child into a snow suit every time you wanted to go somewhere." The other blonde began, "Try having a baby during the sub zero weather of January while your Lamaze coach is as big as blimp herself. Thank the heavens for Setsuna."
Setsuna, who was holding the tiny Moon Princess, smiled at the kind words her friend had given her. In all the years she had known the headstrong Senshi the decision to become pregnant took her by surprise. She always knew Haruka and Michiru would become parents she just figured Michiru would be the one to have the baby. Haruka becoming pregnant was something she had not predicted which was quite unusual for the guardian of time.
The men in the room rolled their eyes when the women began giving Hotaru advice on getting through her pregnancy. Ami smiled and walked over to the love of her life, Greg, who was sitting between Chad and Hotaru's husband Illya and gave him a gentle kiss. She then went back to her duties as royal doctor and walked over to the nurse's station.
While typing a few notes into the hospital file on the latest birth in Crystal Tokyo one of the nurses came over to update Ami on the mother and son.
"Dr. Urwa the head pediatrician Dr. Mizuno has finished examining the Chiba boy." She said.
"So my mother's on duty tonight Yuka." Ami replied not expecting an answer.
"Yes and she wants to see you in the delivery room." Yuka told Ami.
"Is anything wrong?" Ami asked a bit concerned.
"No nothing's wrong. She just wants to see you." Yuka explained.
********
Inside the delivery room the King and Queen beamed over the birth of their newborn son. Ami's mother had finished examining the baby and gave him back to Serenity. To her, the King and Queen were merely Darien and Serena Chiba her daughter's closest friends and the godparents of her grandchild. Dr. Mizuno never saw them as royalty only as a young couple who were now the parents of two beautiful children. She saw past the titles and only saw the person within.
The door to the delivery room at New Tokyo General opened and revealed the younger member of the Mizuno family. Ami was dictating some last minute notes into the recorder on her palm top.
"Time of birth 12:35 am giving the baby boy the exact same birth date as his father August 3. Much in the same way his mother and his sister share June 30." Ami said before closing her PDA.
"It's your birthday Darien? Well, your wife has given you quite the present a new life to care for. I hope your day is truly a pleasant one." Dr. Mizuno commented.
"Thank you Dr. Mizuno I couldn't imagine a better gift than my new son." Endymoin replied.
"You wanted to see me mother?" Ami asked.
"Yes I was hoping we could talk while we get mother and child to better surroundings." Dr. Mizuno replied to her.
"About what?" Ami wanted to know.
"Whatever you want to talk about. It's been a while since we last had one of our little chats. We've both been so busy lately." Her mother said.
"Greg and Jenna are in the waiting room." Ami told her mother as she began transferring Serenity to the family suite.
"I'll have to stop and say hello to them."
"Greg should be happy to see you but when I saw them last Jenna was sound asleep."
"Hey Ames who else is out there?" Serenity asked her best friend.
"Well besides my family the Kumadas, the Mornes, the Pietres, the Meious, the Ten'ohs, and the Kaious. Basically the entire council and their families and Rini." Ami told Serenity.
"What about my parents or my brother have they come yet?" Serenity wanted to know.
"No not yet but I'll have Rei or Mina give them a call." Ami answered.
********
Ten minutes after Serenity and her baby were settled into the family suite of New Tokyo General the first of her visitors popped their heads through the door. Lita, her husband Jean Paul their eldest child Chloe and their little one Nicole were the first to enter the room. Lita had met Jean Paul while in Paris France working as a chef. Jean Paul's first wife had died a few months after giving birth to his daughter Chloe leaving him to raise the child on his own. Lita had brought the joy and love back into Jean Paul's life and two years after Chloe's birth Lita and Jean Paul were in a serious relationship. By the time Chloe was three they were officially a family and Lita adopted Chloe. When Serenity gave birth to the crown princess three years later Lita showed up with quite the surprise a family and one on the way.
"Oh he's so tiny." Lita commented.
"What's his name?" Chloe asked with a slight French accent.
"May I present to you Prince Endymoin Ian Darien Tsukino Chiba. But you can just call him Ian." Serenity told her visitors.
"Gee Serena can't you just give your children shorter names." Lita said with a chuckle.
"I happen to think it is a dignified name me amore." Jean Paul added.
The tiny bundle that was in Lita's arms chose that moment to wake up and add her own two cents to the conversation.
"Look at the baby mommy! Happy birthday little baby." Nicole said.
Everyone in the room laughed when they heard this.
********
Three years had come and gone since the birth of the prince. The Earth had survived the attack by the Black Moon Family and their associate the Wiseman. The nightmares Rini had as a result of her brief time as Black Lady had ended and Serenity mad certain they would never return by using the crystal to eliminate those memories. All Rini remembered was that she used one of Pluto's time keys to go back to the past to search for the one that could use the crystal to save her mother. And in the end she found out that she had the crystal with her all the time. Now that unpleasant experience was behind them and the royal family could concentrate on the upcoming events.
The palace was all abuzz in preparation for the last day of the month. It was a day when much celebrating would take place in the palace. It was a day when the Queen and the Princess would both become another year older. On this day Rini would turn six and Serena would be thirty-five. No one commented on the oddity of the queen and the princess sharing the same birthday for all of the council and their first-born children shared the same birthday. Even the king and the prince shared a birthday. The only one who did not share a birthday with someone was Lita's adopted daughter Chloe.
As the day of the celebration drew near Endymoin was busily making certain that both parties went off without a hitch. For Rini's party all the children of the council and the palace workers would be invited to attend. Then latter on in the day a grand ball was planned for Neo-Queen Serenity's birthday celebration. The entire day would be one enormous party. This was something the city looked forward to all year. It was considered to be one of the three most important dates in the city's history. The day the queen was born, the day the king was born, and the day the city was officially established were important days for Crystal Tokyo. On the day of inception everyone in the city had the day off. It was like a second Christmas for everyone with parades and parties.
********
"Jean Paul we need to talk." Lita said.
Lita had returned to the three-bedroom flat after getting the day's mail. Sitting next to her husband Jean Paul Lita had a look of concern on her face. In her hand she held three separate pieces of mail from the Crystal Palace in Crystal Tokyo. One was a large elegant envelope engraved in gold foil, the next was a smaller plain white envelope with the writing of a child on it, and the last looked like it came from Serenity's private stationary. Upon opening the first one Lita saw it was an invitation to Serenity's birthday ball. The second envelope she would give to Chloe and Nicole to open since it had their names upon it. But it was the third one that had Lita concerned for when she opened the letter addressed to her alone she saw that her lifelong friend Serena and not Queen Serenity was asking her to return to Tokyo. The attack from the Black Moon had her fearing for the lives of her children. She wanted her council closer to the palace, which meant moving the family from France to Japan.
"Lita is something wrong?" Jean Paul asked noting the look of concern on her face.
"Serena wants me to move back to Tokyo." Lita told him.
"Any particular reason?"
"She wants her council closer to the palace. That last attack on the royal family has her a bit scared. She's afraid something might happen to one of her children again."
"That is a valid reason after all you are one of her protectors are you not."
"Yes but it means moving the girls to Tokyo and giving up the restaurant."
"Don't worry about the restaurant my brother Pierre can run it. He a whiz on the business side of things you know. He'll just have to find someone else to run the kitchen. Maybe Francios can take over the kitchen he is quite the chef. This way Morne's can stay in the family."
"But it's always been my dream to own my own restaurant."
"We can still do that. We'll just have to start from scratch like my father did. We can bring a bit of France to Tokyo just like you brought a bit of Tokyo to France."
Jean Paul's last comment brought a smile to Lita's face and made her feel better about everything.
"Now what are we going to do about the girls?" Lita wondered.
"We find them a good school and they should begin to develop friends on their own. Besides doesn't one of your friends have a daughter Chloe's age? I'm sure that if they meet again they will become fast friends. So do not worry my beautiful rose."
"Thanks you've just made my decision a bit easier to make."
Ten minutes after Lita and Jean Paul had finished their conversation the Morne family gathered for a family meeting. Chloe and Nicole could tell that the subject of this meeting was a serious one and it would affect the family for years to come. Lita cleared her throat and began the meeting.
"Your father and I called this meeting because we have a serious matter to discuss with you." Lita began, "Today I received a letter from Queen Serenity asking that I move back to Tokyo. She has declared that her council be near the palace. What happened the last time I went to Tokyo for a council meeting has the queen scared. This would mean moving the entire family."
"But what will happen to the restaurant?" Chloe wanted to know.
"I'll talk to your uncle about taking it over and when we get to Tokyo we can start a new one." Jean Paul told his daughters.
"I won't have any friends when we get there." Nicole said.
"There will be eight kids your age you'll be able to meet when we get to Tokyo and one Chloe's age. Besides I'm certain you and Chloe will have no trouble at all making friends once you start school." Lita explained to the young Princess of Jupiter.
"My pen pal lives in Tokyo maybe I can meet her again. I met her once when I was nine when we visited the queen after she had Ian. She was in the hospital waiting area with her mother who was watching her friend's oldest child while she had another baby. We exchanged addresses and have been writing ever since." Chloe said with some excitement.
********
Lita was not the only one to receive a letter asking that she return to Tokyo. Hotaru had gotten her own handwritten letter on the private stationary of Serena Tsukino Chiba delivered to her as well. She had also received two birthday invitations as well one for her and Illya and one for Annya. Leaving the small village the family called home for the past year would be hard for them to do but they knew it was for the best. Illya had spent the last year taking photographs of the wildlife that inhabited the largest game preserve in all of Africa. Hotaru hooked up with a group of doctors who brought medical care to places that didn't have a hospital and helped establish a clinic. It was satisfying work for the both of them and they loved every minute of it.
Hotaru had only one issue with returning to Tokyo. She didn't know what she would do for a living once she returned. Hotaru knew full well that she couldn't be a doctor in the palace because Ami was the royal doctor. The youngest member of Serenity's council wasn't looking forward to going home. And as the pair packed their things for the long trip to Tokyo Hotaru made her feelings known.
"Illya do you remember how we met?" Hotaru asked him.
"Of course I do. It was back when you were in your third year of medical school. I was in Tokyo taking pictures of baseball, sumo wrestling, and the Nikkei. Being the wonderful nutty kind of guy that I am I busted my ankle when I fell off my bike. Requiring medical attention I was taken to the ER at New Tokyo General. You never performed any procedures on me but you did observe a lot. And when the doctor left to check on another patient you stayed with me. We talked for some time and I asked you out then and there. By the time you finished medical school we were married and had a child on the way. Why do you ask?" Illya replied.
"Sometimes I need to be reminded why I do certain things. And right now I need to be reminded why I agreed to go back to Tokyo. There's nothing there for me except bad memories of my father's accident and a past I'd rather forget then relive."
"You have your friends back there and your foster family. They are what is important along with your promise to the king and queen."
"But where will I work? I can't work in the palace like Ami and Greg. She's the royal doctor and he's the head engineer. They don't need me there."
"Maybe you could get a position at New Tokyo General. They could use you there."
"I hadn't thought about the hospital. Maybe my returning to Tokyo won't be so bad after all. But what are you going to do for living there?"
"Me I'll see if I can secure a position at the newspaper. I certainly have an impressive portfolio."
********
"I won't do it and you can't make me!" the little pink haired girl said as she ran down the hallway of the palace.
Fortunately for her pursuer she was wearing her tights and a white slip. The twelve-year-old girl with dark green hair ran after the little princess with the dress that she was to wear in her hands. The moment she tried to get the princess to wear it the little rabbit haired girl took off and the chase was on.
"Mom we've got a major problem here. The rabbit won't put her dress on." The older girl said into a wrist communicator with the sign of Pluto on it.
"The best way to get her to get dressed is not to force her to do it. Make her think you don't believe she can do something and she'll do it of her own free will. I know exactly what you're going through Kerri. I had to do the same for the queen's mother when I was your age." Her mother explained.
"Thanks mom." Kerri replied.
Forcing her target into a dead end hallway Kerri gained the upper hand and turned the situation around to her advantage.
"Hey Rini someone told me you can dress yourself now but I said you still need your nanny to dress you. I still don't believe what they said was true you can't dress yourself." Kerri challenged her.
Rini walked up to the younger Pluto and snatched the dress from her hands.
"Oh yeah I'll show you." Rini shot back before putting on the pink and white dress.
Kerri helped Rini finish getting dressed by buttoning her dress and tying her bow. The pair then went to see the queen and head off to the first party.
********
Time marches on and once again the entire city was preparing for another birthday bash. The queen was turning forty-four but didn't look a day over twenty. The crystal saw to that. The princess was turning sixteen and this year the main focus of the evening ball would be on her. This was also the night the princess' court would be announced to the world.
"Well Princess Serena Lady Serenity Usagi Tsukino Chiba you've come a long way since you first went back in time." Rini said to her reflection as she messed around with her hair before putting it back into its trademark rabbit ears.
Rini sat at the white antique vanity painted with pink roses and sighed. She wasn't looking forward to another afternoon kiddie party with goofy hats and favor bags. As she sat there sulking a knock at the door brought her attention back to the topic of the day.
"The door's open." She called out.
The door opened to reveal Serenity and Endymoin. In Serenity's arms was a large white box with a big pink ribbon around it. The sight of the box sparked Rini's curiosity.
"Serena your father and I wanted to give you our present before the others arrive." Serenity said.
Rini beamed with joy when she heard she was getting a present early. Upon opening the box Rini began to cry. Inside the box was a beautiful pink strapless gown. Rini ran behind the Chinese screen in her room and threw the gown on. Much to the delight of her mother and father Rini looked exquisite. Serenity then gave her daughter the biggest surprise of the morning.
"I want you to wear that to your ball tonight." Serenity said with a smile.
"My ball mother? But what about your own party?" Rini asked a bit confused.
"Your father and I have an informal luncheon planned with our friends. Tonight is all about you. It isn't everyday your daughter turns sixteen. Besides once you reach my age you don't really like to make a big deal out of every birthday." Serenity explained.
********
The royal family stood in the reception room dressed in their finest as they greeted their guests. Serenity was wearing her trademark white gown, Endymoin had on the white version of his famous tuxedo he always wore, Rini had on the gown she had received earlier in the day, and Ian wore a scaled down version of the original Tuxedo Mask tuxedo. The young prince struggled to keep from tugging at his collar. One by one the guests were introduced to the royal family.
"The Lady Mercury Dr. Ami Urwa, her husband Dr. Gregory Urwa, and their daughter Princess Jenna Urwa of Mercury." The Valet announced.
"Ami it's good to see you outside of the infirmary." Serenity said.
"It's good to see you too. Happy birthday Serena and to you too Rini." Ami replied.
"Jenna has certainly become quite the young lady. She reminds me of her mother at that age." Serenity commented to Greg and Ami.
After Ami and Greg exchanged hugs and handshakes with the royal family it was Jenna's turn to meet the royal family.
"It is a pleasure to see you once again Queen Serenity King Endymoin Prince Ian." She began, "Princess Serena I look forward to this evening's festivities and wish you and your mother the best of birthdays and many more."
"Thank you Jenna but you know you can call me Rini if you wish." Rini replied.
The girls exchanged pleasant hugs and commented on their dresses before the Urwa's left and the next set of guests were announced by the Valet.
"The Lady Mars Rei Kumada, her husband Chad Kumada, and their children Princess Danielle Kumada and Prince Eric Kumada of Mars."
"Rei Chad it's so good to see you again. How are things at the temple?" Serenity said as she gave them both a hug.
"They're going very well. I've been teaching Danni and Eric fire reading techniques and they learn quite fast." Rei told the queen.
"Princess Serena I'd like to wish you and your mother the most happiest of birthdays." Danni said.
"May your day be a good one and we look forward to the party this evening." Eric added.
"Thanks but you don't have to be so formal with me. Rini will do just fine." Rini told them.
The Chibas and the Kumadas exchanged pleasantries before allowing the next group of visitors a chance to see the royal family.
"The Lady Jupiter Lita Morne, her husband Jean Paul Morne, and their daughters Lady Chloe Morne and Princess Nicole Morne of Jupiter." The Valet announced.
Everyone knew Chloe's title was honorary but they treated her with the same respect and dignity her sister Nicole received.
"Lita Jean Paul it's good to see you and the girls again. How are things at the Rose Café?" Serenity said to her friends.
"Things couldn't be better. Chloe is working as a garcon after classes and on the weekend and Nicole is helping out on the weekends as well." Lita replied.
********
The Great Hall in the palace was packed with dignitaries, family, and friends. People from all corners of the globe were in attendance for the princess's birthday ball. The queen's council and their families stood near the front of the room waiting for the ball to officially begin. Among them were Luna, Artimes, and their daughter Diana all in human form. Luna did not look too happy at the moment and kept looking back and forth between the main entrance of the hall and Artimes.
The king emerged from the doorway that led to the grand staircase of the hall and the crowd became silent. Endymoin was dressed in his white tuxedo and tails with cape. The king had forgone wearing his mask opting to allow the guests assembled to see his face. Upon reaching the massive landing Endymoin stopped and addressed the crowd.
"I'd like to thank all of you for coming to this year's birthday ball. This year the focus of the ball will be on the younger generation. This is the princess's first birthday ball and it commemorates her sixteenth birthday. And now ladies and gentleman I give you Queen Serenity and her escort Prince Ian." Endymoin said with a smile on his face.
Serenity was dressed in her traditional white gown with a large white gauze bow in the back that looked like a pair of butterfly wings. Ian was wearing a smaller version of the traditional Tuxedo Mask outfit without the mask. Ian tried hard not to tug on the collar or fidget while his parents went through their usual formalities. Once mother and son reached the king it was Serenity's turn to speak.
"Thank you for helping to make another birthday a wonderful one. As you now know this year's birthday ball commemorates the princess's sixteenth birthday. So without further ado I would like to introduce to you Princess Serenity Lady Serena Tsukino Chiba."
Rini made her way to the landing and took her place by her parents and her brother. Once again Serenity resumed her presentation.
"For her birthday I would like to present to the princess her court." Serenity began.
The members of Serenity's council knew this day would come. The girls wouldn't be receiving their henshin rods on this night but it would be made official. Serenity even had something planned for Rei's son Eric and Lita's adopted daughter Chloe.
"Princess Serena may I present to you Princess Jenna Urwa of Mercury." Serenity continued.
Jenna, who was wearing a blue dress much like the one her mother used to wear, stepped forward.
"Representing the house of Mars Princess Danielle and Prince Eric Kumada."
Eric, who was wearing a black tux with a red vest, took Danni by the arm and led her to the bottom of the stairs. Danni was wearing a long straight red sleeveless gown.
"From the house of Jupiter the Princess Nicole Morne."
Nicole with her green eyes, chestnut hair, and long green gown made her way to the princess.
"Representing the house of Venus Princess Kari Togashi."
Kari who had on the latest style gown made in orange joined the other members of the court.
"From Pluto Princess Kerri Meiou."
Like her mother Kerri wore a black gown and had her hair in a bun made her way to the stairs.
"Representing the house of Uranus Princess Alexandra Ten'oh."
Alex who was in a simple yellow dress towered above the other members of the court.
"From the house of Neptune Princess Michelle Kaiou."
Michelle with her matching sea green eyes and hair and deep aqua gown walked to the others.
"From Saturn Princess Annya Pietre."
The smallest member of the court had on a simple midnight blue dress and stood in front.
"These are the members of Serena's court. Now I would like to introduce to you Princess Serena's advisor and guardian Diana. And I would also like to introduce you to the Earth ambassador to the princess's court Chloe Morne."
Diana and Chloe headed towards the court. Diana had long hair like her mother which sported two heart shaped buns at the top. Her hair eyes and gown were silvery gray in color and a tail could be seen on the back of the dress. Chloe with her brown eyes and light brown hair had on a violet colored gown with pink roses at the bottom. Once the pair reached the others it was now Rini's turn to speak.
"First of all I'd like to thank my family for making all this possible. I'd like to thank all of you for coming to my birthday ball. I hope you all have the best evening possible. And now let the festivities begin." Rini said to the guests gathered in the hall.
********
The party was going smoothly, Eric and the girls were standing near the grand staircase conversing about this and that getting to know each other better. People were milling about laughing and talking to each other having a wonderful time. The cocktail hour was almost up and soon the real festivities would begin. As the new group of friends continued their conversation Diana took a quick glance towards the main entrance of the hall and saw a late arrival to the party.
"Psst Rini look towards the main doorway. Diana whispered getting her best friend's attention.
"Gee he sure is late. Your mom's not going to be too happy about this." Rini whispered back.
The rest of the group looked in the direction Rini and Diana were looking and noticed an individual heading in their general direction. The white retro styled tuxedo with its short jacket banded collar and no tie greatly contrasted his shoulder length black hair and dark eyes. Tied around his waist was what appeared to be a fuzzy black belt, which in reality was really a cat's tail. The moment he reached the group the young man began pouring on the fake playboy attitude.
"Well, well, well and what do we have here? A group of beautiful ladies." He said.
"You can cut the Mr. Romance act now." Diana said a bit annoyed, "Mother is looking for you and she is none too pleased. I would strongly suggest that you go and see her right now. And when you do that thing had better be unwrapped from around your waist and between your legs." She said pointing to the back tail that was now hanging freely.
As the young feline walked away from the group Diana rolled her eyes and then looked at her friends apologetically.
"I'm sorry for the outburst there." She apologized.
"That's alright Diana. There's no need to apologize. You did what needed to be done," said Rini who fully understood the situation.
"Who was that guy?" Alex asked Diana and Rini.
"That was Diana's younger brother Apollo. Right now things are a bit tense between him and their parents. He's having some problems and Luna isn't too happy with him." Rini explained.
"I'm sorry to hear about that." Jenna said sympathetically.
"It's alright, I know mother's mad at him because she loves him and she'd rather see him do better things with his life. I worry that one of these days the group of friends he hangs out with are going to get him in a lot of trouble and not just with mother." Diana replied.
The girls watched Apollo walk up to Luna and Artimes. When he reached them the sour faced Luna engaged him with out making a scene. Diana knew right away what was going on because the sorrow her brother was showing had turned from forced to genuine. His tail had gone limp and his head hung low showing that he was in trouble big time. A few minutes later a very long faced Apollo headed back towards his sister and her friends.
********
Luna stood there feeling drained. She had just spent a solid five minutes giving her only son what for. She had good reason to do so too. Luna feared for the life of her son. Ever since Diana went back to train with Rini in the past Apollo had been acting out. In the past year the youngest member of the feline family began spending his time with a group of alley cats that were very questionable. It wasn't just rummaging for scraps in garbage cans and begging for food at restaurants these cats stole meat, fish, and poultry from the open-air markets. They were also seen messing around with female house cats performing the feline version of gang rape. Animal control had orders from the mayor to capture the cats and have them destroyed but they had yet to catch a single one of them.
Artimes had his arms around Luna's waist and held her close to him. The slightly older male loved Luna with all his heart and this situation with their son had him worried about her.
"You did the right thing you know." He told her reassuringly.
"Did I? Is all this yelling going to solve things?" she asked him.
"I don't know if it will solve things but he did need to hear what you had to say." Artimes replied.
The conversation the two felines were having was interrupted when Serenity came over to lend her support to Luna.
"Luna Artimes is everything alright?" she wanted to know.
"It's the boy again." Artimes said hoping the queen would know what he meant.
"Having problems again is he? I think I know how you can help him." Serenity replied.
"How Serena? How are we going to help him stay away from those awful, awful strays?" Luna wanted to know.
"You need to spend some time with him. Take an interest in some of the things he likes. Show him you care instead of yelling at him. Darien and I try and spend some time each and every day with both of our children. We never favor one over the other. You have to let him know that he still holds a place in your heart. He may think its odd but hug him at least once a day and keep reminding him you love him. Darien may not hug Ian like he used to but he finds other ways to let his son know how much he cares about him and you should too." Serenity told them.
"If you say so because right now we're willing to give anything a try at this point." Artimes added.
It was at that point that the music began playing signaling the end of the cocktail hour and the beginning of the dancing. The first song was a slow one to get things started. The conversation between the three close friends was quickly forgotten when Endymoin came over and grabbed Serenity by the hand to whisk her onto the dance floor. Artimes saw what had happened and decided to do the same.
"Care to dance my love?" Artimes inquired.
"I'd love to." Luna answered before being led onto the dance floor.
********
Rini and her friends watched as their parents, the other adults, and some of the younger couples began dancing. Rini got a smile on her face when she saw Luna and Artimes out on the dance floor. She could tell they were trying to have a good time. Diana's face loosened as well when she caught a glimpse of her parents having a good time. It was at that moment Ian decided to ask Annya to dance with him.
"Hey Annya you uh wanna dance?" he asked nervously.
"Sure why not." The youngest senshi answered with a smile.
Ian and Annya made their way to the dance floor and joined the others. Eric and Apollo decided they weren't going to let the young prince have all the fun.
"Hey Kari my dance card is wide open and I was wondering if you'd like to trip the light fantastic with me?" Eric asked his new friend.
"I'm game if you are." She said pulling him onto the dance floor.
"Uh hi, I'm Apollo, Diana's brother, and I'd be more than happy to dance with you if you want to." Apollo said nervously to Jenna. It was hard for him to use words instead of body language.
"Nice to meet you Apollo. And yes I'll dance with you." Jenna replied flashing the patented Mizuno family smile she and her mother had.
Diana smiled as Jenna and Apollo joined the others on the dance floor. It was good to see her brother interacting with decent individuals for a change and Jenna was as decent as they come. Diana knew they would never be involved romantically but she hoped Jenna's friendship would be good for her brother.
"Don't worry Diana things will get better between your parents and Apollo." Rini said to her.
"I sure hope so Rini I sure hope so." Diana replied.
********
The dancing continued for a while with the girls dancing with each of the boys and their fathers at least once. The band played all kinds of music ranging from big band and swing to 80's pop and the latest techno dance. The band decided to play one last song before taking a break. Serenity had requested a Beatles song that was quite appropriate for the day. When the song was over the lights went low and a large cake covered with pink roses and sixteen pink candles was wheeled into the ballroom. Rini smiled closed her eyes and made her wish before blowing out the candles. When the lights were turned back on Rini got the surprise of a lifetime. Standing on the other side of the cake was Helios.
"Wow, birthday wishes do come true." Rini commented with a smile.
"Happy birthday my Maiden. May all your dreams and wishes come true." Helios said as he gently took Rini's hand and kissed it.
From the time they had first met Helios knew there was something special about Rini. It was the reason why he had given her his Crystal Carillon to watch over and use whenever she or any of the Sailor Senshi needed his assistance. Helios always held a special place in his heart for the young woman he called Maiden. And over the years as he watched over her from the Elysian Fields his feelings for her turned to ones of love. He only wished she felt the same way.
Rini's new friends came over to meet the mysterious man who displayed tender and loving affections towards their princess. They were curious about this newcomer and wanted to know more about him. Kari who was every bit like her mother spoke up first.
"Okay spill it Rini and spear nothing. Who is this handsome looking individual here?" she asked.
"Guys this is Helios someone who's near and dear to my heart." Rini began, "Helios these are my friends Jenna, Danni, her brother Eric, Nicole, her sister Chloe, Kari, Kerri, Alex, Michelle, and Annya. And of course you remember Diana. Over there is her brother Apollo and next to him is my younger brother Ian."
"It's an honor to meet the children of the Sailor Senshi and their guardians. And Diana it's very good to see you again." He said to the group.
"Yes it's good to see you too." Diana replied.
Once the cake was cut and placed on the buffet table the music began once again. Helios took Rini by the hand and led her to the dance floor. Everyone watched as the young couple moved gracefully across the floor. Serenity and Endymoin smiled as they watched their daughter and the guardian of Elysian share a tender moment. They knew the young pair cared deeply for each other.
The dancing and frivolity continued on throughout the night. Some would say the princess's first birthday ball was one of the best they had been to. The younger generation would say it was bout time they were able to participate in a ball all their own. All in all Serenity and Endymoin would say it was the best birthday they had ever spent together.
********
The children of the Senshi begin their training together as a team. Meanwhile, Luna takes it upon herself to find out why Apollo is friends with the strays. While intelligence reports flow into the palace indicating the presence of a new enemy. Next on Sailor Moon: Senshi in Training Part Two Training Ground.
********
Sailor Moon: Senshi in Training
Part One: In the Beginning
********
Serenity sat in the parlor with her hands on her large belly. The baby inside had finally finished a rough kicking session. It was apparent this child wanted out now. As she sat in the large chair by the window a tiny head covered in pink pigtails popped into the doorway. A smile came upon her face when she saw who it was. The tiny child walked up to her and gave Serenity a puppy eyed look of approval. Serenity took the tiny hands of the child and placed them upon her belly allowing the little princess to feel the sibling inside move and kick.
"Feel that little one. That's your baby brother or sister moving around." Serenity explained.
"Baby when you gonna come out and play?" the princess said to the belly.
"Soon my Small Lady soon this baby will come out." Serenity told her.
********
One month after the kicking session Serenity was once again in the delivery room preparing to give birth. Outside in the waiting room Serenity's council and best friends were waiting for the baby to be born. In the arms of the women gathered were eight sleeping three-year-olds. Two nine-year-old girls sat on the floor and played with a deck of cards. The men sat and talked business politics and sports. At the moment they were discussing sumo wrestling. After an hour of waiting a doctor with dark blue hair emerged from the delivery room pulled off her mask and smiled.
"Well Dr. Urwa how's the Queen doing?" one of the men asked her.
"The Queen is doing just fine Dr. Urwa. And I am happy to report that it's a boy." The female Urwa announced.
"Ami, when can we see them?" one of the women asked her.
"As soon as one of the pediatricians looks him over and we move them to the family suite you can go and visit them. I'll let you know the moment we move them." Ami told her friends.
Ami then looked down at the little girl sleeping in the arms of a younger dark haired woman who was four months into her own pregnancy and smiled. The small child with the same hair as her mother looked peaceful and calm and Ami didn't dare wake up the little girl. Instead she knelt down in front of her and gently kissed her on the cheek.
"How's she been doing Hotaru?" Ami asked her friend.
"She's been a joy to watch Ami. She hasn't been any trouble at all." Hotaru replied.
"How about you how are you doing?" Ami wanted to know.
"Me, I'm doing alright. I'm just thankful I not as pregnant as the Queen was in this heat." She told Ami in a tone that rang of thank the heavens.
"Hey you try being six and seven months pregnant during the heat of July and August and see how you like it." One blonde in the group commented.
"Don't remind me Mina. That was the most uncomfortable time of my life." The oldest in the group replied to her younger friend.
"It was a blessing in disguise that you went through it six years before me. All that advice you gave me sure helped out when I was pregnant with Kari." Mina said.
"At least you didn't have to bundle a tiny newborn child into a snow suit every time you wanted to go somewhere." The other blonde began, "Try having a baby during the sub zero weather of January while your Lamaze coach is as big as blimp herself. Thank the heavens for Setsuna."
Setsuna, who was holding the tiny Moon Princess, smiled at the kind words her friend had given her. In all the years she had known the headstrong Senshi the decision to become pregnant took her by surprise. She always knew Haruka and Michiru would become parents she just figured Michiru would be the one to have the baby. Haruka becoming pregnant was something she had not predicted which was quite unusual for the guardian of time.
The men in the room rolled their eyes when the women began giving Hotaru advice on getting through her pregnancy. Ami smiled and walked over to the love of her life, Greg, who was sitting between Chad and Hotaru's husband Illya and gave him a gentle kiss. She then went back to her duties as royal doctor and walked over to the nurse's station.
While typing a few notes into the hospital file on the latest birth in Crystal Tokyo one of the nurses came over to update Ami on the mother and son.
"Dr. Urwa the head pediatrician Dr. Mizuno has finished examining the Chiba boy." She said.
"So my mother's on duty tonight Yuka." Ami replied not expecting an answer.
"Yes and she wants to see you in the delivery room." Yuka told Ami.
"Is anything wrong?" Ami asked a bit concerned.
"No nothing's wrong. She just wants to see you." Yuka explained.
********
Inside the delivery room the King and Queen beamed over the birth of their newborn son. Ami's mother had finished examining the baby and gave him back to Serenity. To her, the King and Queen were merely Darien and Serena Chiba her daughter's closest friends and the godparents of her grandchild. Dr. Mizuno never saw them as royalty only as a young couple who were now the parents of two beautiful children. She saw past the titles and only saw the person within.
The door to the delivery room at New Tokyo General opened and revealed the younger member of the Mizuno family. Ami was dictating some last minute notes into the recorder on her palm top.
"Time of birth 12:35 am giving the baby boy the exact same birth date as his father August 3. Much in the same way his mother and his sister share June 30." Ami said before closing her PDA.
"It's your birthday Darien? Well, your wife has given you quite the present a new life to care for. I hope your day is truly a pleasant one." Dr. Mizuno commented.
"Thank you Dr. Mizuno I couldn't imagine a better gift than my new son." Endymoin replied.
"You wanted to see me mother?" Ami asked.
"Yes I was hoping we could talk while we get mother and child to better surroundings." Dr. Mizuno replied to her.
"About what?" Ami wanted to know.
"Whatever you want to talk about. It's been a while since we last had one of our little chats. We've both been so busy lately." Her mother said.
"Greg and Jenna are in the waiting room." Ami told her mother as she began transferring Serenity to the family suite.
"I'll have to stop and say hello to them."
"Greg should be happy to see you but when I saw them last Jenna was sound asleep."
"Hey Ames who else is out there?" Serenity asked her best friend.
"Well besides my family the Kumadas, the Mornes, the Pietres, the Meious, the Ten'ohs, and the Kaious. Basically the entire council and their families and Rini." Ami told Serenity.
"What about my parents or my brother have they come yet?" Serenity wanted to know.
"No not yet but I'll have Rei or Mina give them a call." Ami answered.
********
Ten minutes after Serenity and her baby were settled into the family suite of New Tokyo General the first of her visitors popped their heads through the door. Lita, her husband Jean Paul their eldest child Chloe and their little one Nicole were the first to enter the room. Lita had met Jean Paul while in Paris France working as a chef. Jean Paul's first wife had died a few months after giving birth to his daughter Chloe leaving him to raise the child on his own. Lita had brought the joy and love back into Jean Paul's life and two years after Chloe's birth Lita and Jean Paul were in a serious relationship. By the time Chloe was three they were officially a family and Lita adopted Chloe. When Serenity gave birth to the crown princess three years later Lita showed up with quite the surprise a family and one on the way.
"Oh he's so tiny." Lita commented.
"What's his name?" Chloe asked with a slight French accent.
"May I present to you Prince Endymoin Ian Darien Tsukino Chiba. But you can just call him Ian." Serenity told her visitors.
"Gee Serena can't you just give your children shorter names." Lita said with a chuckle.
"I happen to think it is a dignified name me amore." Jean Paul added.
The tiny bundle that was in Lita's arms chose that moment to wake up and add her own two cents to the conversation.
"Look at the baby mommy! Happy birthday little baby." Nicole said.
Everyone in the room laughed when they heard this.
********
Three years had come and gone since the birth of the prince. The Earth had survived the attack by the Black Moon Family and their associate the Wiseman. The nightmares Rini had as a result of her brief time as Black Lady had ended and Serenity mad certain they would never return by using the crystal to eliminate those memories. All Rini remembered was that she used one of Pluto's time keys to go back to the past to search for the one that could use the crystal to save her mother. And in the end she found out that she had the crystal with her all the time. Now that unpleasant experience was behind them and the royal family could concentrate on the upcoming events.
The palace was all abuzz in preparation for the last day of the month. It was a day when much celebrating would take place in the palace. It was a day when the Queen and the Princess would both become another year older. On this day Rini would turn six and Serena would be thirty-five. No one commented on the oddity of the queen and the princess sharing the same birthday for all of the council and their first-born children shared the same birthday. Even the king and the prince shared a birthday. The only one who did not share a birthday with someone was Lita's adopted daughter Chloe.
As the day of the celebration drew near Endymoin was busily making certain that both parties went off without a hitch. For Rini's party all the children of the council and the palace workers would be invited to attend. Then latter on in the day a grand ball was planned for Neo-Queen Serenity's birthday celebration. The entire day would be one enormous party. This was something the city looked forward to all year. It was considered to be one of the three most important dates in the city's history. The day the queen was born, the day the king was born, and the day the city was officially established were important days for Crystal Tokyo. On the day of inception everyone in the city had the day off. It was like a second Christmas for everyone with parades and parties.
********
"Jean Paul we need to talk." Lita said.
Lita had returned to the three-bedroom flat after getting the day's mail. Sitting next to her husband Jean Paul Lita had a look of concern on her face. In her hand she held three separate pieces of mail from the Crystal Palace in Crystal Tokyo. One was a large elegant envelope engraved in gold foil, the next was a smaller plain white envelope with the writing of a child on it, and the last looked like it came from Serenity's private stationary. Upon opening the first one Lita saw it was an invitation to Serenity's birthday ball. The second envelope she would give to Chloe and Nicole to open since it had their names upon it. But it was the third one that had Lita concerned for when she opened the letter addressed to her alone she saw that her lifelong friend Serena and not Queen Serenity was asking her to return to Tokyo. The attack from the Black Moon had her fearing for the lives of her children. She wanted her council closer to the palace, which meant moving the family from France to Japan.
"Lita is something wrong?" Jean Paul asked noting the look of concern on her face.
"Serena wants me to move back to Tokyo." Lita told him.
"Any particular reason?"
"She wants her council closer to the palace. That last attack on the royal family has her a bit scared. She's afraid something might happen to one of her children again."
"That is a valid reason after all you are one of her protectors are you not."
"Yes but it means moving the girls to Tokyo and giving up the restaurant."
"Don't worry about the restaurant my brother Pierre can run it. He a whiz on the business side of things you know. He'll just have to find someone else to run the kitchen. Maybe Francios can take over the kitchen he is quite the chef. This way Morne's can stay in the family."
"But it's always been my dream to own my own restaurant."
"We can still do that. We'll just have to start from scratch like my father did. We can bring a bit of France to Tokyo just like you brought a bit of Tokyo to France."
Jean Paul's last comment brought a smile to Lita's face and made her feel better about everything.
"Now what are we going to do about the girls?" Lita wondered.
"We find them a good school and they should begin to develop friends on their own. Besides doesn't one of your friends have a daughter Chloe's age? I'm sure that if they meet again they will become fast friends. So do not worry my beautiful rose."
"Thanks you've just made my decision a bit easier to make."
Ten minutes after Lita and Jean Paul had finished their conversation the Morne family gathered for a family meeting. Chloe and Nicole could tell that the subject of this meeting was a serious one and it would affect the family for years to come. Lita cleared her throat and began the meeting.
"Your father and I called this meeting because we have a serious matter to discuss with you." Lita began, "Today I received a letter from Queen Serenity asking that I move back to Tokyo. She has declared that her council be near the palace. What happened the last time I went to Tokyo for a council meeting has the queen scared. This would mean moving the entire family."
"But what will happen to the restaurant?" Chloe wanted to know.
"I'll talk to your uncle about taking it over and when we get to Tokyo we can start a new one." Jean Paul told his daughters.
"I won't have any friends when we get there." Nicole said.
"There will be eight kids your age you'll be able to meet when we get to Tokyo and one Chloe's age. Besides I'm certain you and Chloe will have no trouble at all making friends once you start school." Lita explained to the young Princess of Jupiter.
"My pen pal lives in Tokyo maybe I can meet her again. I met her once when I was nine when we visited the queen after she had Ian. She was in the hospital waiting area with her mother who was watching her friend's oldest child while she had another baby. We exchanged addresses and have been writing ever since." Chloe said with some excitement.
********
Lita was not the only one to receive a letter asking that she return to Tokyo. Hotaru had gotten her own handwritten letter on the private stationary of Serena Tsukino Chiba delivered to her as well. She had also received two birthday invitations as well one for her and Illya and one for Annya. Leaving the small village the family called home for the past year would be hard for them to do but they knew it was for the best. Illya had spent the last year taking photographs of the wildlife that inhabited the largest game preserve in all of Africa. Hotaru hooked up with a group of doctors who brought medical care to places that didn't have a hospital and helped establish a clinic. It was satisfying work for the both of them and they loved every minute of it.
Hotaru had only one issue with returning to Tokyo. She didn't know what she would do for a living once she returned. Hotaru knew full well that she couldn't be a doctor in the palace because Ami was the royal doctor. The youngest member of Serenity's council wasn't looking forward to going home. And as the pair packed their things for the long trip to Tokyo Hotaru made her feelings known.
"Illya do you remember how we met?" Hotaru asked him.
"Of course I do. It was back when you were in your third year of medical school. I was in Tokyo taking pictures of baseball, sumo wrestling, and the Nikkei. Being the wonderful nutty kind of guy that I am I busted my ankle when I fell off my bike. Requiring medical attention I was taken to the ER at New Tokyo General. You never performed any procedures on me but you did observe a lot. And when the doctor left to check on another patient you stayed with me. We talked for some time and I asked you out then and there. By the time you finished medical school we were married and had a child on the way. Why do you ask?" Illya replied.
"Sometimes I need to be reminded why I do certain things. And right now I need to be reminded why I agreed to go back to Tokyo. There's nothing there for me except bad memories of my father's accident and a past I'd rather forget then relive."
"You have your friends back there and your foster family. They are what is important along with your promise to the king and queen."
"But where will I work? I can't work in the palace like Ami and Greg. She's the royal doctor and he's the head engineer. They don't need me there."
"Maybe you could get a position at New Tokyo General. They could use you there."
"I hadn't thought about the hospital. Maybe my returning to Tokyo won't be so bad after all. But what are you going to do for living there?"
"Me I'll see if I can secure a position at the newspaper. I certainly have an impressive portfolio."
********
"I won't do it and you can't make me!" the little pink haired girl said as she ran down the hallway of the palace.
Fortunately for her pursuer she was wearing her tights and a white slip. The twelve-year-old girl with dark green hair ran after the little princess with the dress that she was to wear in her hands. The moment she tried to get the princess to wear it the little rabbit haired girl took off and the chase was on.
"Mom we've got a major problem here. The rabbit won't put her dress on." The older girl said into a wrist communicator with the sign of Pluto on it.
"The best way to get her to get dressed is not to force her to do it. Make her think you don't believe she can do something and she'll do it of her own free will. I know exactly what you're going through Kerri. I had to do the same for the queen's mother when I was your age." Her mother explained.
"Thanks mom." Kerri replied.
Forcing her target into a dead end hallway Kerri gained the upper hand and turned the situation around to her advantage.
"Hey Rini someone told me you can dress yourself now but I said you still need your nanny to dress you. I still don't believe what they said was true you can't dress yourself." Kerri challenged her.
Rini walked up to the younger Pluto and snatched the dress from her hands.
"Oh yeah I'll show you." Rini shot back before putting on the pink and white dress.
Kerri helped Rini finish getting dressed by buttoning her dress and tying her bow. The pair then went to see the queen and head off to the first party.
********
Time marches on and once again the entire city was preparing for another birthday bash. The queen was turning forty-four but didn't look a day over twenty. The crystal saw to that. The princess was turning sixteen and this year the main focus of the evening ball would be on her. This was also the night the princess' court would be announced to the world.
"Well Princess Serena Lady Serenity Usagi Tsukino Chiba you've come a long way since you first went back in time." Rini said to her reflection as she messed around with her hair before putting it back into its trademark rabbit ears.
Rini sat at the white antique vanity painted with pink roses and sighed. She wasn't looking forward to another afternoon kiddie party with goofy hats and favor bags. As she sat there sulking a knock at the door brought her attention back to the topic of the day.
"The door's open." She called out.
The door opened to reveal Serenity and Endymoin. In Serenity's arms was a large white box with a big pink ribbon around it. The sight of the box sparked Rini's curiosity.
"Serena your father and I wanted to give you our present before the others arrive." Serenity said.
Rini beamed with joy when she heard she was getting a present early. Upon opening the box Rini began to cry. Inside the box was a beautiful pink strapless gown. Rini ran behind the Chinese screen in her room and threw the gown on. Much to the delight of her mother and father Rini looked exquisite. Serenity then gave her daughter the biggest surprise of the morning.
"I want you to wear that to your ball tonight." Serenity said with a smile.
"My ball mother? But what about your own party?" Rini asked a bit confused.
"Your father and I have an informal luncheon planned with our friends. Tonight is all about you. It isn't everyday your daughter turns sixteen. Besides once you reach my age you don't really like to make a big deal out of every birthday." Serenity explained.
********
The royal family stood in the reception room dressed in their finest as they greeted their guests. Serenity was wearing her trademark white gown, Endymoin had on the white version of his famous tuxedo he always wore, Rini had on the gown she had received earlier in the day, and Ian wore a scaled down version of the original Tuxedo Mask tuxedo. The young prince struggled to keep from tugging at his collar. One by one the guests were introduced to the royal family.
"The Lady Mercury Dr. Ami Urwa, her husband Dr. Gregory Urwa, and their daughter Princess Jenna Urwa of Mercury." The Valet announced.
"Ami it's good to see you outside of the infirmary." Serenity said.
"It's good to see you too. Happy birthday Serena and to you too Rini." Ami replied.
"Jenna has certainly become quite the young lady. She reminds me of her mother at that age." Serenity commented to Greg and Ami.
After Ami and Greg exchanged hugs and handshakes with the royal family it was Jenna's turn to meet the royal family.
"It is a pleasure to see you once again Queen Serenity King Endymoin Prince Ian." She began, "Princess Serena I look forward to this evening's festivities and wish you and your mother the best of birthdays and many more."
"Thank you Jenna but you know you can call me Rini if you wish." Rini replied.
The girls exchanged pleasant hugs and commented on their dresses before the Urwa's left and the next set of guests were announced by the Valet.
"The Lady Mars Rei Kumada, her husband Chad Kumada, and their children Princess Danielle Kumada and Prince Eric Kumada of Mars."
"Rei Chad it's so good to see you again. How are things at the temple?" Serenity said as she gave them both a hug.
"They're going very well. I've been teaching Danni and Eric fire reading techniques and they learn quite fast." Rei told the queen.
"Princess Serena I'd like to wish you and your mother the most happiest of birthdays." Danni said.
"May your day be a good one and we look forward to the party this evening." Eric added.
"Thanks but you don't have to be so formal with me. Rini will do just fine." Rini told them.
The Chibas and the Kumadas exchanged pleasantries before allowing the next group of visitors a chance to see the royal family.
"The Lady Jupiter Lita Morne, her husband Jean Paul Morne, and their daughters Lady Chloe Morne and Princess Nicole Morne of Jupiter." The Valet announced.
Everyone knew Chloe's title was honorary but they treated her with the same respect and dignity her sister Nicole received.
"Lita Jean Paul it's good to see you and the girls again. How are things at the Rose Café?" Serenity said to her friends.
"Things couldn't be better. Chloe is working as a garcon after classes and on the weekend and Nicole is helping out on the weekends as well." Lita replied.
********
The Great Hall in the palace was packed with dignitaries, family, and friends. People from all corners of the globe were in attendance for the princess's birthday ball. The queen's council and their families stood near the front of the room waiting for the ball to officially begin. Among them were Luna, Artimes, and their daughter Diana all in human form. Luna did not look too happy at the moment and kept looking back and forth between the main entrance of the hall and Artimes.
The king emerged from the doorway that led to the grand staircase of the hall and the crowd became silent. Endymoin was dressed in his white tuxedo and tails with cape. The king had forgone wearing his mask opting to allow the guests assembled to see his face. Upon reaching the massive landing Endymoin stopped and addressed the crowd.
"I'd like to thank all of you for coming to this year's birthday ball. This year the focus of the ball will be on the younger generation. This is the princess's first birthday ball and it commemorates her sixteenth birthday. And now ladies and gentleman I give you Queen Serenity and her escort Prince Ian." Endymoin said with a smile on his face.
Serenity was dressed in her traditional white gown with a large white gauze bow in the back that looked like a pair of butterfly wings. Ian was wearing a smaller version of the traditional Tuxedo Mask outfit without the mask. Ian tried hard not to tug on the collar or fidget while his parents went through their usual formalities. Once mother and son reached the king it was Serenity's turn to speak.
"Thank you for helping to make another birthday a wonderful one. As you now know this year's birthday ball commemorates the princess's sixteenth birthday. So without further ado I would like to introduce to you Princess Serenity Lady Serena Tsukino Chiba."
Rini made her way to the landing and took her place by her parents and her brother. Once again Serenity resumed her presentation.
"For her birthday I would like to present to the princess her court." Serenity began.
The members of Serenity's council knew this day would come. The girls wouldn't be receiving their henshin rods on this night but it would be made official. Serenity even had something planned for Rei's son Eric and Lita's adopted daughter Chloe.
"Princess Serena may I present to you Princess Jenna Urwa of Mercury." Serenity continued.
Jenna, who was wearing a blue dress much like the one her mother used to wear, stepped forward.
"Representing the house of Mars Princess Danielle and Prince Eric Kumada."
Eric, who was wearing a black tux with a red vest, took Danni by the arm and led her to the bottom of the stairs. Danni was wearing a long straight red sleeveless gown.
"From the house of Jupiter the Princess Nicole Morne."
Nicole with her green eyes, chestnut hair, and long green gown made her way to the princess.
"Representing the house of Venus Princess Kari Togashi."
Kari who had on the latest style gown made in orange joined the other members of the court.
"From Pluto Princess Kerri Meiou."
Like her mother Kerri wore a black gown and had her hair in a bun made her way to the stairs.
"Representing the house of Uranus Princess Alexandra Ten'oh."
Alex who was in a simple yellow dress towered above the other members of the court.
"From the house of Neptune Princess Michelle Kaiou."
Michelle with her matching sea green eyes and hair and deep aqua gown walked to the others.
"From Saturn Princess Annya Pietre."
The smallest member of the court had on a simple midnight blue dress and stood in front.
"These are the members of Serena's court. Now I would like to introduce to you Princess Serena's advisor and guardian Diana. And I would also like to introduce you to the Earth ambassador to the princess's court Chloe Morne."
Diana and Chloe headed towards the court. Diana had long hair like her mother which sported two heart shaped buns at the top. Her hair eyes and gown were silvery gray in color and a tail could be seen on the back of the dress. Chloe with her brown eyes and light brown hair had on a violet colored gown with pink roses at the bottom. Once the pair reached the others it was now Rini's turn to speak.
"First of all I'd like to thank my family for making all this possible. I'd like to thank all of you for coming to my birthday ball. I hope you all have the best evening possible. And now let the festivities begin." Rini said to the guests gathered in the hall.
********
The party was going smoothly, Eric and the girls were standing near the grand staircase conversing about this and that getting to know each other better. People were milling about laughing and talking to each other having a wonderful time. The cocktail hour was almost up and soon the real festivities would begin. As the new group of friends continued their conversation Diana took a quick glance towards the main entrance of the hall and saw a late arrival to the party.
"Psst Rini look towards the main doorway. Diana whispered getting her best friend's attention.
"Gee he sure is late. Your mom's not going to be too happy about this." Rini whispered back.
The rest of the group looked in the direction Rini and Diana were looking and noticed an individual heading in their general direction. The white retro styled tuxedo with its short jacket banded collar and no tie greatly contrasted his shoulder length black hair and dark eyes. Tied around his waist was what appeared to be a fuzzy black belt, which in reality was really a cat's tail. The moment he reached the group the young man began pouring on the fake playboy attitude.
"Well, well, well and what do we have here? A group of beautiful ladies." He said.
"You can cut the Mr. Romance act now." Diana said a bit annoyed, "Mother is looking for you and she is none too pleased. I would strongly suggest that you go and see her right now. And when you do that thing had better be unwrapped from around your waist and between your legs." She said pointing to the back tail that was now hanging freely.
As the young feline walked away from the group Diana rolled her eyes and then looked at her friends apologetically.
"I'm sorry for the outburst there." She apologized.
"That's alright Diana. There's no need to apologize. You did what needed to be done," said Rini who fully understood the situation.
"Who was that guy?" Alex asked Diana and Rini.
"That was Diana's younger brother Apollo. Right now things are a bit tense between him and their parents. He's having some problems and Luna isn't too happy with him." Rini explained.
"I'm sorry to hear about that." Jenna said sympathetically.
"It's alright, I know mother's mad at him because she loves him and she'd rather see him do better things with his life. I worry that one of these days the group of friends he hangs out with are going to get him in a lot of trouble and not just with mother." Diana replied.
The girls watched Apollo walk up to Luna and Artimes. When he reached them the sour faced Luna engaged him with out making a scene. Diana knew right away what was going on because the sorrow her brother was showing had turned from forced to genuine. His tail had gone limp and his head hung low showing that he was in trouble big time. A few minutes later a very long faced Apollo headed back towards his sister and her friends.
********
Luna stood there feeling drained. She had just spent a solid five minutes giving her only son what for. She had good reason to do so too. Luna feared for the life of her son. Ever since Diana went back to train with Rini in the past Apollo had been acting out. In the past year the youngest member of the feline family began spending his time with a group of alley cats that were very questionable. It wasn't just rummaging for scraps in garbage cans and begging for food at restaurants these cats stole meat, fish, and poultry from the open-air markets. They were also seen messing around with female house cats performing the feline version of gang rape. Animal control had orders from the mayor to capture the cats and have them destroyed but they had yet to catch a single one of them.
Artimes had his arms around Luna's waist and held her close to him. The slightly older male loved Luna with all his heart and this situation with their son had him worried about her.
"You did the right thing you know." He told her reassuringly.
"Did I? Is all this yelling going to solve things?" she asked him.
"I don't know if it will solve things but he did need to hear what you had to say." Artimes replied.
The conversation the two felines were having was interrupted when Serenity came over to lend her support to Luna.
"Luna Artimes is everything alright?" she wanted to know.
"It's the boy again." Artimes said hoping the queen would know what he meant.
"Having problems again is he? I think I know how you can help him." Serenity replied.
"How Serena? How are we going to help him stay away from those awful, awful strays?" Luna wanted to know.
"You need to spend some time with him. Take an interest in some of the things he likes. Show him you care instead of yelling at him. Darien and I try and spend some time each and every day with both of our children. We never favor one over the other. You have to let him know that he still holds a place in your heart. He may think its odd but hug him at least once a day and keep reminding him you love him. Darien may not hug Ian like he used to but he finds other ways to let his son know how much he cares about him and you should too." Serenity told them.
"If you say so because right now we're willing to give anything a try at this point." Artimes added.
It was at that point that the music began playing signaling the end of the cocktail hour and the beginning of the dancing. The first song was a slow one to get things started. The conversation between the three close friends was quickly forgotten when Endymoin came over and grabbed Serenity by the hand to whisk her onto the dance floor. Artimes saw what had happened and decided to do the same.
"Care to dance my love?" Artimes inquired.
"I'd love to." Luna answered before being led onto the dance floor.
********
Rini and her friends watched as their parents, the other adults, and some of the younger couples began dancing. Rini got a smile on her face when she saw Luna and Artimes out on the dance floor. She could tell they were trying to have a good time. Diana's face loosened as well when she caught a glimpse of her parents having a good time. It was at that moment Ian decided to ask Annya to dance with him.
"Hey Annya you uh wanna dance?" he asked nervously.
"Sure why not." The youngest senshi answered with a smile.
Ian and Annya made their way to the dance floor and joined the others. Eric and Apollo decided they weren't going to let the young prince have all the fun.
"Hey Kari my dance card is wide open and I was wondering if you'd like to trip the light fantastic with me?" Eric asked his new friend.
"I'm game if you are." She said pulling him onto the dance floor.
"Uh hi, I'm Apollo, Diana's brother, and I'd be more than happy to dance with you if you want to." Apollo said nervously to Jenna. It was hard for him to use words instead of body language.
"Nice to meet you Apollo. And yes I'll dance with you." Jenna replied flashing the patented Mizuno family smile she and her mother had.
Diana smiled as Jenna and Apollo joined the others on the dance floor. It was good to see her brother interacting with decent individuals for a change and Jenna was as decent as they come. Diana knew they would never be involved romantically but she hoped Jenna's friendship would be good for her brother.
"Don't worry Diana things will get better between your parents and Apollo." Rini said to her.
"I sure hope so Rini I sure hope so." Diana replied.
********
The dancing continued for a while with the girls dancing with each of the boys and their fathers at least once. The band played all kinds of music ranging from big band and swing to 80's pop and the latest techno dance. The band decided to play one last song before taking a break. Serenity had requested a Beatles song that was quite appropriate for the day. When the song was over the lights went low and a large cake covered with pink roses and sixteen pink candles was wheeled into the ballroom. Rini smiled closed her eyes and made her wish before blowing out the candles. When the lights were turned back on Rini got the surprise of a lifetime. Standing on the other side of the cake was Helios.
"Wow, birthday wishes do come true." Rini commented with a smile.
"Happy birthday my Maiden. May all your dreams and wishes come true." Helios said as he gently took Rini's hand and kissed it.
From the time they had first met Helios knew there was something special about Rini. It was the reason why he had given her his Crystal Carillon to watch over and use whenever she or any of the Sailor Senshi needed his assistance. Helios always held a special place in his heart for the young woman he called Maiden. And over the years as he watched over her from the Elysian Fields his feelings for her turned to ones of love. He only wished she felt the same way.
Rini's new friends came over to meet the mysterious man who displayed tender and loving affections towards their princess. They were curious about this newcomer and wanted to know more about him. Kari who was every bit like her mother spoke up first.
"Okay spill it Rini and spear nothing. Who is this handsome looking individual here?" she asked.
"Guys this is Helios someone who's near and dear to my heart." Rini began, "Helios these are my friends Jenna, Danni, her brother Eric, Nicole, her sister Chloe, Kari, Kerri, Alex, Michelle, and Annya. And of course you remember Diana. Over there is her brother Apollo and next to him is my younger brother Ian."
"It's an honor to meet the children of the Sailor Senshi and their guardians. And Diana it's very good to see you again." He said to the group.
"Yes it's good to see you too." Diana replied.
Once the cake was cut and placed on the buffet table the music began once again. Helios took Rini by the hand and led her to the dance floor. Everyone watched as the young couple moved gracefully across the floor. Serenity and Endymoin smiled as they watched their daughter and the guardian of Elysian share a tender moment. They knew the young pair cared deeply for each other.
The dancing and frivolity continued on throughout the night. Some would say the princess's first birthday ball was one of the best they had been to. The younger generation would say it was bout time they were able to participate in a ball all their own. All in all Serenity and Endymoin would say it was the best birthday they had ever spent together.
********
The children of the Senshi begin their training together as a team. Meanwhile, Luna takes it upon herself to find out why Apollo is friends with the strays. While intelligence reports flow into the palace indicating the presence of a new enemy. Next on Sailor Moon: Senshi in Training Part Two Training Ground.