Luna sat before the darkened screen of the communications terminal listening to what Central Control had to tell her. The rep from Central that she dealt with had some new information to pass on to her and it was quite important she receive that information as soon as possible. This latest information would change the course of the mission the Senshi had.

"It is time the Senshi begin the search for the great treasure of the Moon Kingdom the Silver Imperium Crystal. We need the power of that crystal to be able to defeat the Dark Kingdom. Find the crystal and not only will our kingdom be restored but also Sailor Moon will finally be able to use the great power her father and her ancestors have used." The rep told Luna.

Luna took in the information the rep had told her. If the crystal could help restore the Moon Kingdom then it just might be able to bring back the moon itself. And from what Usagi had told her and Ami the moon was the key to changing the Saiyans into the giant monkey creatures known as the Oozaru. But there were more important things on Luna's mind at the moment.

"What about more Senshi? We could really use all the help we can get." Luna inquired.

"The next Senshi won't found for some time but when she does you will have another strong ally on your side." The rep began, "Like Mercury this Senshi will challenge the others but she will do it physically. And like Sailor Moon she was born with the love of a good battle."

"She sounds like an interesting individual." Luna remarked.

"Yes she is so keep a watch out for her." The rep replied.

********

The rumors had spread far and wide about the great treasure of the Dia Kingdom. Even in the Dark Kingdom people were talking about the treasure of Dia with great interest. The diamond the ruling family of the country possessed rivaled that of the Star of India in England and now it was coming to Tokyo. The Prime Minister had a huge charity ball planned for the unveiling of the treasure and Princess Dia heir to the Dia fortune would be on hand to do the unveiling.

Once again the minions of the Dark Kingdom had gathered in the throne room of their leader Queen Beryl. Like the other members of the Dark Kingdom Beryl believed that the diamond owned by the ruling family of Dia just might be the Silver Imperium Crystal. As the minions waited for their queen's commands Nephlite and Zoicite appeared before the throne.

"Ah Nephlite, Zoicite so good of you to finally decided to join us." Beryl said smugly.

The two generals gave their queen a slight bow before descending onto one knee.

"You wished to see us my queen." Nephlite inquired.

"Yes. I have received word that a stone of immense size and worth is to be shown in Tokyo at a large reception. This stone just might be the Silver Imperium Crystal we have been looking for. I want you, Nephlite, to go to the reception and get me that stone." Beryl told the generals.

Zoicite was stunned to learn it would be Nephlite and not him who would be the one to go to the reception to look for the crystal. It was always understood that Zoicite was the one who would lead the search for the Silver Imperium Crystal and to find out that Nephlite would be getting the first crack at finding it made Zoicite very angry.

"But I thought I was the one charged with finding the Silver Imperium Crystal." The effeminate general protested to his queen.

Beryl let the general have his little rant and rave session before addressing him.

"Don't worry Zoicite you will get your chance at finding the Silver Imperium Crystal. When Nephlite's time comes to an end you will be the next to continue our great mission." Beryl told him.

Upon hearing the words of his queen a small smile came across the face of the effeminate general. And as he reached up with a gloved hand to brush away a loose strand of the long dark blonde wavy hair that framed his face Zoicite began to formulate a way to bring about Nephlite's demise.

Nephlite exited the throne room via the ever present and convenient portal to the human world. And as he left the Dark Kingdom to return to his mansion in Tokyo a figure emerged from the shadows and placed a strong hand upon Zoicite's shoulder. With his long white hair and ice blue eyes the last of the Dark Kingdom generals Malachite spoke to his best friend and life partner.

"Nephlite won't have long to live Zoicite. We'll make certain of that." Malachite said.

********

Guardians of the Earth
Episode Eight: The Bell of the Ball

********

Usagi walked into her homeroom happy as a lark. Earlier that morning she had just beaten Ranma in a sparring match while trying to give him his first lesson in the world of Ki. Ranma had done okay but Usagi knew he would be hurting for quite a long time. Usagi wasn't about to let Ranma in on a little secret known as sensu beans yet. Allowing the pigtailed martial artist to know about them just wouldn't be fair to his training. Usagi felt he wouldn't learn anything if he were able to heal himself with the healing properties of the sensu bean.

As Usagi put her bag by her desk she could hear Naru talking with Momoko, Hikari, and Umino. They were discussing the latest talk outside the walls of Juban Prep and at the moment Naru didn't sound as thrilled as her friends and Umino were.

"Wow I can't believe you get to go to the big reception tonight." Momoko said to Naru.

"I'm only going because my mother was given two tickets and didn't have anyone else to take with her. She got the tickets only because she's in the jewelry business." Naru explained.

"But still it is going to be the event of the season. Everyone who is anyone will be there." Hikari said with a dreamy look in her eyes.

Curious to know what they were talking about Usagi did the one thing she knew she would come to regret later on in life and went to Umino for information.

"Umino do you have any idea as to what they're talking about?" Usagi asked the school gossip.

Umino got a look in his eyes, or rather a glint on his thick glasses, that told people he was about drone on and on about the latest gossip or his latest insect find. Usagi knew she was in for a long one.

"Well it seems the princess and soul heir to the vast fortune of a small diamond producing country called Dia is going to be in town this week." Umino began, "Dia is famous for its larger pure white diamonds and the great treasure of Dia which is said to rival that of the Star of India a very large diamond owned by the Queen of England. The reason the princess is going to be in town is because she's on a ten country tour with the treasure of Dia. And tonight the Prime Minister himself is hosting a big charity ball where the princess will unveil the treasure of Dia. You need tickets to get into the event and they cost at least eighty thousand yen a piece. Naru's mom was lucky enough to be one of the six lucky jewelers in Tokyo given free tickets to the event. This will be the first time anyone has ever appraised the treasure of Dia and Osaka-sama gets to be one of the lucky few to do it. It's a real honor."

Usagi took in all the information Umino was giving her and when he stopped to catch his breath she decided to cut in and end his long drawn out explanation.

"Sounds real interesting Umino." Usagi said before addressing Naru, "How come you sound like you don't want to go?"

"Because it's just going to be a bunch of stuffy old rich people. There won't be anyone I know there. I don't mind doing the charity event thing but this one is strictly for people who are even richer than my mother's family. We're considered somewhere near the low end of the totem pole in the upper class society in Tokyo." Naru explained.

Usagi could sympathize with Naru. She knew what it was like to not have as much as other people. Bulma's family was considered to be one of the richest families in all of Japan and her family just barely made it to the top of the upper middle class. Right now all the money the Son family had went to Usagi and Gohan's education funds. They needed every yen they could spare so the Son twins could receive a good high school education. And if that meant the Son children did without some of the things other children like Trunks had then they were willing to make that sacrifice.

"I know what you mean. The money's been kind of tight lately because my dad hasn't been in a tournament since before Gohan and I were born. The last tournament took place ten years ago but papa was kind of busy with other things. So every yen we have goes to running the house and giving my brothers and me a good education." Usagi said.

Over in her little corner of the classroom, right next Usagi's desk, Ami had heard the conversation Usagi was having with Naru and the others. Ami began to wonder if the princess of the Dia kingdom and its great treasure could somehow be connected to the princess they were searching for. She made a mental note to discuss it with Usagi and Luna the next chance she could get. And just as she filed that reminder away in her steel-trap photographic memory the bell rang signaling the start of class and Haruna-sensei walked into the classroom.

"Please take your seats everyone." Haruna-sensei began, "After I take role I will be handing back the algebra quiz you took yesterday. And I must say a number of you have improved since last time. There are some concepts we need review and we will be going over them after you have received your tests back. I want to make certain you understand what we're learning."

With that said Haruna-sensei began taking role call and got class started for the day.

********

Lunch came none too soon for Son Usagi and she was currently being lead over to an out of the way Japanese maple tree by Ami who had said they needed to discuss a few things. A quick glance at the tree and Usagi saw the familiar black shape of her other roommate and guardian Luna. It was obvious to the female Saiyan that Luna was going to want to be a part of whatever discussion Ami had in mind. Usagi knew from the tone of voice her friend and fellow Senshi had used that this little lunchtime discussion was going to be all business and not the idle chitchat Naru and the others usually engaged in.

"So Ami what did you need to see my about?" Usagi asked her before digging into her lunch.

"Well I heard you talking to Naru and the others and I began to wonder if the princess they mentioned and that diamond of hers are connected to the princess we're looking for in some way." Ami said before taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Oh is that all. What makes you say that?" Usagi wondered.

"Because that diamond of hers just might be the great treasure of the Moon Kingdom Luna told us about during our little sleepover with Rei." Ami replied.

It was at that point Usagi felt something climb onto her head and make its way down to her lap in order to grab a small morsel of the lunch Usagi was eating.

"I was wondering when you would show up Luna." Usagi said to the black feline.

"Ami does have a point Usagi. That princess just might be the princess we have been looking for. And if she's the moon princess then the diamond she has with her might even be the Silver Imperium Crystal. Central believes once we find the Silver Imperium Crystal we will not only find the moon princess but also our kingdom will be restored. And that's only the half of it. We need the power of that crystal to be able to defeat the Dark Kingdom. And Central believes that crystal will allow Usagi to be able to use a great power her father and her ancestors have been able harness." Luna told them.

Usagi thought about what Luna had told her and wondered just what Central had meant by their remark about a great power her father and her ancestors had been able to harness. Just what was this power and what did it have to do with the princess and her crystal? And if the power were connected to the moon did finding the crystal mean the return of the Oozaru? That was one power she could do without. But what if it allowed Usagi to finally reach the legendary status of the Super Saiyan? Then she would have to find that crystal no matter what the cost might be.

"Luna if the Moon Kingdom is restored will that mean the moon will return to the night sky?" Usagi asked her feline guardian.

"Yes. In order for the Moon Kingdom to return to its full glory it must rise from the ashes of the moon. Restore the kingdom and you restore the moon." Luna explained.

Usagi hung her head and began picking at her lunch, which for a Saiyan was a bad sign.

"There are going to be a few people who won't be happy when the moon returns." Usagi remarked cryptically in a low monotone voice.

Luna tried to figure out what Usagi had meant by her remark but decided to leave it for another day. There were more important things to discuss like trying to examine the diamond the princess from Dia had with her to see if it was the Silver Imperium Crystal.

"What exactly will happen when the Moon Kingdom is restored is another debate and discussion all together right now we have to figure out how we're going to examine that stone." Luna said.

"We could go to the big charity ball being held tonight." Usagi suggested brightening up a bit.

"But Usagi you forget that the ball is accessible by special tickets and we don't have the money to purchase any tickets to get in." Ami reminded her friend and roommate.

Usagi stuck her tongue out in concentration and thought for a moment of a way that they could get close to the action. Then after a brief moment she snapped her fingers together remembering the disguise pen she had and the few times she used it. Usagi knew exactly how she was going to get into the ball that night but she wasn't going to tell the others.

"I think I have a way. Maybe we could wait outside the place where the ball is being held and try and scan the princess as she goes by. That is if we're lucky enough to see her." Usagi said.

Luna gave Usagi's plan some thought for a moment.

"That does sound like a good plan. I'll have to let Rei know what we've discussed though. She shouldn't be kept out of this." Luna replied.

"That sounds fair." Ami said, "I have a review session at my juku after school. Maybe I can go over to Rei's when it's over and change into something there and meet you outside the Grand Hall around seven. And if we don't see anything then maybe we can all go out for dinner."

"I like that idea." Usagi replied at the thought of getting more food.

With that the bell rang signaling the end of lunch. Usagi and Ami gathered their things and went to return their trays before heading back to class. Luna on the other hand headed off in the direction of Hikawa Shrine where she would wait for Rei to come home from school.

********

Rei walked home after school up the steps of the temple to the sight of the ravens chasing after a familiar black feline. One look at the cat and Rei knew it was Luna. The shrine's ravens were going to be in big trouble for their misbehavior. Rei knew she had to stop them before they hurt Luna any more than the few scratches she now had.

"Phoebes Demos stop it you two she's a friend!" Rei yelled at the pair of large black ravens.

The ravens heard the words of their mistress who had raised them from tiny orphaned hatchlings and returned to their usual place in the large prayer tree in the shrine yard. Luna after seeing that the ravens had finally left her alone turned to face Rei who immediately scooped the feline into her arms and carried her off to her bedroom to take care of her minor injuries.

"Well Luna you're lucky nothing serious happened to you." Rei said as she dabbed some cool antiseptic cream on the feline's scratches.

"I don't see what I could have done to anger them like that. All I wanted to do was catch a quick catnap away from your grandfather and his broom." Luna explained.

Rei didn't even wait for Luna to finish her tale. She knew where the story was headed. The ravens were very possessive of their favorite branch on the prayer tree and if anything tried to set foot on it they would chase them off of the shrine property.

"Let me guess you climbed onto one of the branches of the prayer tree and the ravens went nuts and began attacking you." Rei said.

Luna shamefully nodded the affirmative and waited for what Rei had to say next.

"Do you remember the exact branch you were on when they attacked?" Rei asked her.

Once again Luna nodded the affirmative and waited for Rei's response.

"Good then I would advise you not to go onto that branch the next time you climb up into the prayer tree. The ravens can be quite protective of their favorite branch." Rei said as she finished with the last of the antiseptic cream, "There all finished. Now what did you need to see me about?"

"I have some new information concerning the search for our princess and the Silver Imperium Crystal." Luna told the miko in training.

Luna then spent the next ten minutes recounting what she had discussed with Usagi and Ami earlier that afternoon leaving out the part about the return of the moon somehow reawakening a power connected to Usagi's Saiyan heritage. It wasn't like Luna to hide anything from her charges but she didn't want to have Rei worry about some large white monkey roaming around Tokyo. Luna recalled the day she learned about the Saiyans' ability to transform into their powerful and deadly Oozaru form one Senshi worried sick that her friend might destroy half of the city was more than enough.

"Well that doesn't leave me much time to get my afternoon chores done and get ready for tonight. That is if grandpa will let me go." Rei said as she put on her red hakama and white top.

"Ami said she'll be by here after her juku let out so the two of you could go over to the hall together and meet Usagi outside. Maybe she can help you out with some of your tasks." Luna replied.

"Sounds like a good idea. And an even better one would be for you to take your catnap on the porch instead of the prayer tree." Rei remarked as she headed outside to begin her chores.

********

Chiba Mamoru sat in the small booth at the Crown Fruit Parlor reading the newspaper. The news of the arrival of the princess of the kingdom of Dia had made the front page and Mamoru read the story with great interest. Ever since he had learned that he was the tuxedo-wearing alley of the Sailor Senshi Tuxedo Mask Mamoru wanted to find out everything he could about his past and who he really was. The dreams he had been having lately seemed to point towards the mysterious crystal his dream princess wanted him to find. To him finding the crystal and the princess was the key to everything and Mamoru was going to find the crystal no mater what it took.

As Mamoru continued to read the newspaper he thought of a way to get into the charity ball that night to see if the princess and her precious gemstone were his dream princess and the crystal she wanted him to find for her. Mamoru knew he wouldn't need a tuxedo for the ball that night. He had one on hand whenever he needed it. Ever since learning he was Tuxedo Mask Mamoru learned he could transform into the guise of the dapper defender with the simple flick of a perfect long stemmed rose. And in this guise Mamoru would be able to find his way into the ball without any problems.

"Tonight I begin the first step towards finding the answers to all the questions in my life." Mamoru said to himself quietly as he turned the page of the newspaper.

As Mamoru continued to read the paper he silently thanked the Kami in the high heavens he had the night off of work. It seemed all the big wigs of the major businesses in Tokyo were going to the ball and there wouldn't be much work getting done that night. Luckily for Mamoru his supervisor would be one of the individuals going to the ball. He was given a set of tickets from company higher ups and would be taking his wife out to charity event. And since he would not be a work that evening he had told Mamoru to take the night off and get some well-deserved rest. Mamoru was going to use this opportunity to his advantage and go to the ball himself.

"Another soda Mamoru-san?" the young feminine voice asked him.

Mamoru looked up to see the smiling face of Motoki's younger sister Unazuki waiting for the affirmative so she could refill his glass with his usual black cherry soda. After a minute of waiting Mamoru gave her the answer she was looking for.

"Yes please Unazuki I'd like that." Mamoru replied.

The younger high school aged girl smiled and picked up Mamoru's glass before heading off to the soda counter to refill the glass with Mamoru's usual flavor. As she headed back to the counter Unazuki's red ponytail bounced slightly from the within the yellow ribbon that held it up. There were times when Mamoru considered Unazuki to be like a younger sister to him and he could get just as proud as Motoki would whenever she did well in life.

A few minutes later Unazuki returned to the table and gave Mamoru a fresh glass of black cherry soda placing it upon the table. Looking over at her brother's close friend Unazuki noticed the paper.
"Reading up on the big charity ball Mamoru-san?" Unazuki asked him.

"Yeah it seems that's the big story of the day here in Tokyo." Mamoru replied.

"Well some friends and I were thinking about going down to the hall after my shift ended to do some serious people watching. It seems everyone will be there." Unazuki said casually.

"That's what it seems like." Mamoru commented.

From off near the soda counter a voice called out to Unazuki.

"Unazuki you have customers at table six." The older male voice said.

"Be right there dad." Unazuki replied, "Well duty calls."

With that Unazuki went back to waiting tables and Mamoru went back to thinking about his princess and her mysterious crystal.

********

Naru sat before her vanity in her blue satin robe trying to think of a good reason why she should be going to the ball tonight. At the moment Naru was none to thrilled about going. There weren't going to be very many people her age at the ball and most everyone else there would be her mother's age or older. The evening would most likely be filled with political talk and people trying to make political contacts something Naru wasn't looking forward to.

"I wish I didn't have to go." Naru said glumly as she put her hair up in its usual bow.

Naru then took off her robe and put on her simple pink and white sheath that reached to her knees and slipped into a pair of simple pink heels. As she buttoned the single button on the top of the dress Naru began to think about Sanjouin Masato and hoped he would be at the ball. If he were there then at least she would have someone to talk with. A slight blush came across her cheeks as she thought about the handsome millionaire playboy. Naru had it bad.

"I hope Sanjouin-san shows up tonight. Who knows we just night even kiss each other." Naru said dreamily to no one in particular.

As Naru giggled at the thought of kissing the young millionaire a knock came at the door. Naru went to open it and saw her mother standing on the other side in a simple navy blue sheath that reached to the floor. Her hair was up in a simple twist and she wore a small pearl necklace around her neck.

"Naru you look absolutely wonderful." Mrs. Osaka said, "I know you're not too thrilled about going tonight but I promise you once you get there you'll have a wonderful time."

"I hope so mom." Naru replied.

"Shall we get going then?" her mother offered.

With that the Osaka women headed off the party of the year.

********

Rei and Ami were able to finish the afternoon chores at the shrine with plenty of time to spare. Ami had run back to her room before heading off to her juku and grabbed a small bag and her favorite little blue dress. Now the two friends were preparing themselves for a night of people watching outside the Great Hall. Hopefully they would be able to get a glimpse of the princess and Ami would be able to get a quick scan of her and her stone for Luna.

Rei stepped out from behind her changing screen in her favorite red dress. The sleeves fell an inch below her shoulders and were scalloped, as was the dropped waist skirt that came short of her knees. Ami took a look at her friend and smiled. She thought Rei looked rather nice in her dress. Rei also had a smile on her face when she saw Ami dressed in her light blue sundress with matching slipper styled shoes and ribbon chocker. Both girls thought the other looked beautiful.

"Wow Ami you look real nice." Rei commented.

"Thank you. You look nice too Rei." Ami replied with a polite smile.

Rei slipped on a pair of red heels before grabbing a simple red bangle bracelet and matching earrings. It wasn't much but it added something to the outfit.

"We'd better get going before we're late." Ami said as she grabbed a little white cardigan that went with the dress.

"If we don't find the princess tonight I am most definitely going to find a guy. And I wouldn't be surprised if some guy finds you attractive as well Ami." Rei remarked.

Ami blushed a bit. It wasn't often someone outside her own family called her attractive.

"Rei I have a fiancé even if it isn't by choice." Ami reminded the miko with a slightly deeper blush upon her cheeks.

The two friends then stepped out of the house to head off to the Grand Hall. But before they left Rei's grandfather gave them his opinion of their dresses.

"My, my, my you two young ladies certainly look stunning tonight. I hope you girls have fun evening and stay out of trouble." Grandpa Hino told them.

"Don't worry grandpa we will. We'll probably just end up at the fruit parlor before heading home." Rei reassured him.

With that the girls were on their way to the hall.

********

Luna was out doing whatever Luna did at night. That was all that Usagi needed to know. Using her incredible speed Usagi made her way to a secluded place near the Great Hall. Still in her favorite non training outfit of a simple long sleeved white t-shirt and a pair of loose tan pants Usagi looked around one last time to make certain she was by herself. When she was absolutely certain no one could see her Usagi pulled out her disguise pen and activated its power.

"Disguise Power turn me into a sophisticated looking princess." Usagi called out.

With the usual flash of light Usagi now stood in an elegant ball gown.

Usagi looked over the ball gown the pen had given her. The gown was sleeveless and white with a low back that began just below the bust line. In the front the gown showed off Usagi's ample cleavage and dipped between her breasts. The skirt was full and flared out from the waist to fall elegantly on the ground. The dress had golden accents around her waist and at the bottom of her breasts. On her arms Usagi had on a pair of white gloves that were the same length as the gloves on her Senshi uniform and on the top of them were golden accents as well. Accenting the gold and every other part of the dress were tiny pink pearls that were around her waist, breasts, gloves, wrist, and back of the dress. There were even five sets of pearls that went from the bust of the dress around her arms. The same pink pearls accented her buns and were wrapped around her twin ponytails with three more strands of pearls that went to a small tiara with a pink star on the top. Around her neck was a gold chain with a gold star with two gold stands hanging off of it each with two of their own pink pearls on them. Usagi looked amazing.

Taking a moment to straighten out her skirt before heading off to the ball across the street. Walking with a regal air Usagi went passed the limousines and the crowd walking right up to the guards at the large doors to the Grand Hall. Looking at the guards Usagi said the first thing that came to her mind.

"I am Crowned Princess Usagi heir to the throne of the royal house of Vegeta." Usagi said using one of Vegeta's lines as she walked into the hall.

The guards just looked at Usagi not believing what they saw and heard.

"Vegeta never heard of the place." The first guard said.

"Well I hadn't heard of Dia until this week." The second guard commented.

With that the guards shrugged it off and let Usagi go.

********

Rei and Ami could not believe what they had just seen. Their friend who was supposed to be with them walked into the Great Hall wearing a dress that would make anyone jealous and what's more she looked absolutely breath taking in it. The girls couldn't figure out how Usagi was able to pull it off.

"Was that Usagi who just went by?" Rei asked Ami.

"I believe it was. And you know what she actually looked like a princess there." Ami replied.

Both Ami and Rei hopped Usagi would at least get in some Senshi business while inside.

********

Naru had a huge smile on her face. She had been at the ball for less than a half hour and she spotted the person she hoped who would be there. Sanjouin Masato had seen Naru checking him out and came over to talk to her. Now they were off in a secluded balcony off of the hall and Naru thought she knew what was going to happen next. She prepared for what would be her first real kiss.

Nephlite looked at the lovesick high school girl leaning in to be kissed but instead of kissing her he placed his hand upon her forehead. A dark glow leapt from Nephlite's body and found its way into Naru's body taking control of the young girl's mind and body. Now under his control Naru was Nephlite's newest loyal slave ready to do his bidding.

"Go into the princess's room and get me that stone." Nephlite commanded her.

"Yes master." Naru replied in a slightly different sounding voice.

With that the youma inside Naru went off to find Princess Dia.

********

Tuxedo Mask had yet to find Princess Dia or see her stone. And as the dapper defender made his way through the hall trying not to be caught by the guards around the hall he caught sight of a young woman in the most beautiful white gown he had ever seen. Watching the young woman standing off by herself Tuxedo Mask got a flash of a memory from deep within his mind. Tuxedo Mask was certain he had seen the lithe frame of the young beauty somewhere before he just couldn't remember where. Looking at her he was reminded of his dream princess. Tuxedo Mask had to meet her.

Usagi was bored out of her mind and began to think that maybe sneaking into the ball wasn't such a good idea. And just as she was about to head outside to join her friends a strong confidant hand found its way to her shoulder. Turning around Usagi found herself looking into the perfect masked azure orbs of none other than Tuxedo Mask. Taking in a deep breath Usagi got a very strong feeling of déjà vu.

"Might I have this dance with such a lovely lady." Tuxedo Mask inquired.

"It would be a pleasure and an honor to dance with a dashing gentleman." Usagi replied taking a hold of Tuxedo Mask's hand.

Tuxedo Mask led Usagi out to the dance floor and the couple began dancing to the music being played by the orchestra. This feels so familiar, Usagi thought as she buried her head in Tuxedo Mask's shoulders. Usagi didn't regret coming now.

********

The youma using Naru's body had found the princess's chambers. The guards standing outside her door had noticed the young woman heading their way and moved into action.

"Stop right there young lady." The first guard said.

"Who are you and what business do you have with the princess?" the second guard inquired.

Naru looked at the guards and the youma used a mind control power to make them believe whatever she told them.

"I'm Naru and I was sent to assist the princess." The youma said.

"Yes go right on in. Must have slipped my mind." the first guard replied.

With that the youma went into the princess's chamber.

Dia was not a happy camper. And as she stared into the mirror in her dressing chamber she let out a big sigh. If only she didn't have to wear those incredibly thick glasses. The princess thought they made her look homely. I only wish I didn't half to do this tour all people want to see is the treasure, Dia thought.

As she continued to look into the mirror Dia noticed Naru standing behind her near the door. Turning around she addressed Naru.

"May I help you?" Dia asked Naru.

"You can help me princess dear." The youma said as she walked over to the princess.

Naru got within a foot of the princess and the youma immediately left her body and went into the body of the princess. With the youma out of her Naru fainted and fell to the ground in sheer exhaustion. The newly possessed princess grabbed the box containing the treasure of Dia and ran out of the dressing chambers like there was no tomorrow.

The guards saw the princess running out of her chambers with a demonic expression on her face yelling at the top of her lungs.

"It's mine! It's finally mine! The master will be pleased with me." The youma yelled with a demonic laugh.

"Stop her the princess has gone mad!" the first guard yelled out.

The princess headed in the direction of the balcony and her waiting master below.

********

Usagi who was still dancing with Tuxedo Mask heard the cries of the guards. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the princess running towards the balcony with a crazed look in her eyes. Saiyan instincts kicked in and Usagi knew she had to get to the princess before she did something crazy like jump off the balcony to the ground below.

"I'm sorry but I must cut our dance short my fine gentleman. It appears as though the princess has gone mad and I must help stop her before she hurts herself." Usagi said politely.

Tuxedo Mask looked over to where the princess was running off to and understood what had to be done. Turning his attention back to Usagi he gave her his reply.

"I understand fully my fair lady. Do what you must but please be careful." He told her.

"My people are born warriors good sir. I shall return in one piece." Usagi replied as she ran towards the princess.

Tuxedo Mask decided to follow Usagi just to be on the safe side.

********

Outside the hall Luna was watching the festivities from a nearby bush. And as she watched the couples as they came out onto the balcony she noticed the Dark Kingdom general Nephlite standing below the balcony as though he were waiting for someone or something. With the Dark Kingdom at the ball it was high time the Senshi made an appearance.

Running out of the bushes Luna headed towards the crowd of people gathered outside the hall. She saw Ami and Rei but had yet to catch a glimpse of Usagi. Wherever the female Saiyan was Luna hoped she would be able to get to the hall in time. Leaping up onto Ami's shoulder Luna whispered into the ear of the Senshi of Wisdom.

"Ami, Rei there's trouble at the hall. I just saw General Nephlite standing below the main balcony and I could hear screaming from inside the hall." Luna told the Senshi.

"It's a good thing Usagi snuck in." Ami replied.

"She what?" Luna almost screamed.

"Now's not the time Luna." Rei told the feline.

"You're right. Hurry up and transform before something terrible happens." Luna instructed them, "I just hope Usagi doesn't let her animal instincts run away with her."

With that the remaining Senshi headed off with Luna to help stop the Dark Kingdom general.

********
Usagi not used to wearing the long gown tripped on the skirt and fumbled into the princess who used the enhanced strength of the youma to knock Usagi over the side of the balcony. But before she could fall to the ground or even use her Ki Usagi felt a strong hand grab her wrist. Looking up Usagi saw Tuxedo Mask trying to keep her from falling to the ground.

As the dapper defender held on to Usagi's wrist for dear life the possessed princess saw an opportunity to take out the ally of the Senshi. Rushing the tuxedo-clad warrior like a linebacker Princess Dia knocked him over the edge of the balcony as well.

"Have a nice fall cape boy! Too bad about your pretty date!" the youma yelled at them.

As the pair fell Nephlite took the opportunity to fire a blast at Tuxedo Mask.

"It's time for you to die with your pretty princess Tuxedo Mask!" Nephlite yelled, "Star Shower!"

The blast of dark energy came flying towards Tuxedo Mask and Usagi. Using her Saiyan instincts and strength Usagi grabbed onto Tuxedo Mask and took the brunt of the blast in the back before igniting her Ki. Surprised by what he was seeing Tuxedo Mask knew that this princess was no ordinary individual.

"How in the world..." he said in amazement.

"I told you good sir my people are warriors." Usagi replied, "Besides you saved me now it is my turn to save you."

Usagi brought the pair down to the ground and let Tuxedo Mask go. Knowing full well she couldn't transform in front of him she let the ally of the Senshi have his chance at the Dark Kingdom general hoping the others would arrive in time.

As Tuxedo Mask prepared to take on Nephlite by pulling out a white tipped black cane a loud screeching hiss could be heard coming from the balcony. Usagi knew that Luna had somehow managed her way in so she could help subdue the psychotic princess.

Up on the balcony Luna had managed to knock down Princess Dia who was temporarily down for the count. The youma realizing the body she was in was no longer useful left Dia's body. The youma was exactly what she was inside Nephlite a dark phantasm with no real shape. Taking advantage of the situation the youma went to assist her master in his fight leaving a concerned Luna with the princess.

"Don't worry princess your Senshi will take care of everything." Luna said to the fallen girl.

Back on the ground Tuxedo Mask and Nephlite began sizing each other up dancing around in circles like a pair of boxers in the ring. But before either one could make their move the youma appeared between them ready to make her attack on Tuxedo Mask. It was then a voice cried out in the night air.

"Mercury Bubbles Blast!" a familiar voice called out.

The entire courtyard below the balcony became covered in a thick blanket of fog making it hard for almost everyone to see. Usagi, the one who released the fog and her companion were the only ones who could see through the fog. And taking advantage of the situation Usagi quickly transformed.

"Moon Prism Power!" Usagi called out.

While Usagi transformed yet again another voice cried out in the fog.

"Mars Fire Ignite!" the voice yelled.

The youma was now hit by a blast of pure flames weakening her even more. And by this time the fog had dissipated leaving Sailor Moon standing where the beautiful young woman once was.

"An agent of love and justice I am Sailor Moon. And in the name of the moon I shall punish you." Sailor Moon said using a slightly altered speech without the gestures.

With the formalities out of the way Sailor Moon began charging up her tiara for her lesser attack so she wouldn't hurt the Senshi or Tuxedo Mask.

"Moon Tiara Magic!" Sailor Moon called out.

The Ki charged tiara did its job and sliced through the youma turning it into a pile of dust.

Seeing his youma destroyed Nephlite decided the better thing would to make a hasty retreat so that he could come back to fight another day.

"You may have won this round but I will win the war!" Nephlite said to the Senshi and their ally.

With that Nephlite exited via his personal dark gateway.

Seeing Tuxedo Mask standing near them Mercury took the opportunity to ask him a few questions that were plaguing her thoughts.

"Tuxedo Mask can you tell me who you really are?" she asked him.

"I am someone who is searching for the key to his past." He replied cryptically.

"What are you looking for?" Mercury wanted to know.

"Something called the Silver Imperium Crystal." Tuxedo Mask said.

"We're looking for that two." Mars told him.

"Tuxedo Mask are you our ally or our enemy?" Mercury desperately needed to know.

Tuxedo Mask took a brief moment to think of his answer to Mercury's question.

"We are searching for the same thing so we just might very well be enemies." He said.

With that Tuxedo Mask began to head toward the hall.

"Thank you for your help noble Senshi but I have a lovely lady to find." He called over his shoulder to the Senshi.

As Tuxedo Mask left for the hall Sailor Moon knew she had to get back inside. She also knew they had to check on Luna and Princess Dia. Turning to Mars and Mercury Sailor Moon motioned for her to come over to her.

"Grab on Mars while I hold onto Mercury." Sailor Moon instructed.

Mars grabbed a hold of Sailor Moon's shoulders while the female Saiyan put her arms around Mercury's waist. Then with a blast of Ki Sailor Moon floated the trio up to the balcony. Letting go of Mercury Sailor Moon saw her go over to the fallen princess and begin checking her over with her computer and visor. While feeling the princess's pulse Mercury reported her findings.

"She'll be just fine. She just fainted is all. In fact, she's coming to right now." Mercury said.

Luna began licking the princess's hand and still thinking she was their princess began speaking to her to see how she was feeling.

"Princess are you alright?" Luna wanted to know.

Dia opened her eyes and saw fuzzy blurs. Her glasses had been knocked off her face and were no longer hiding her eyes. In fact, the princess was quite lovely without her glasses.

Seeing that the princess was just fine Sailor Moon went off to transform back into the outfit the disguise pen had given her. She needed to find Tuxedo Mask before the night was over with.

Dia reached for her glasses and put them on. Looking down at Luna she saw the black feline smiling at her with happy eyes.

"You had us worried their princess." Luna said.

It was at that point that Dia princess of the Dia Kingdom screamed and ran back into the hall.

"That cat is possessed. It just talked to me." Dia said as she ran back into the hall.

********

Usagi waited by the dance floor for Tuxedo Mask to return. She didn't care that he could be a possible enemy. All she cared about was that he found her beautiful. And the more she thought about her mystery man in the mask the more she began to realize she had a thing for him. It was more than just a simple crush. Usagi was falling in love.

As she watched the couples on the dance floor a man with brown hair, dark eyes, and glasses came over to Usagi wanting to take her photo. Usagi saw the camera he was carrying and guessed he was some type of professional photographer.

"Excuse me but may take your photo?" he asked her.

"Be my guest." Usagi replied.

"My daughter Akane wanted to come but the magazine only gave me one ticket. My son Shingo isn't into this sort of thing but Akane certainly is." The photographer said as she snapped her picture.

When the photos were finished being taken the man smiled and bowed to Usagi.

"Thank you." He said with a smile.

"It was my pleasure." Usagi replied.

And as Usagi watched the man head off to the area where the unveiling was to take place she felt a strong gloved hand being placed gently on her shoulder.

"Watching the couples dancing?" the familiar voice said.

"And waiting for you." Usagi replied.

Tuxedo Mask placed a strong arm around Usagi's waist and led her onto the dance floor. As the young couple danced to a slow soft number Tuxedo Mask placed a hand under Usagi's chin and gently lifted it up. Usagi closed her eyes and waited for what was to happen next. Leaning foreword slightly Tuxedo Mask gently locked lips with Usagi. After a brief moment the couple deepened the kiss opening their mouths slightly. Their arms found their way around each other's bodies and the couple stayed locked in a passionate kiss for more than two minutes. The kiss ended when the orchestra signaled the arrival of the princess and the start of the unveiling.

Wow I can't believe he kissed me. Me plain old Usagi for the very first time, Usagi thought.

********

"Ladies and gentlemen her majesty Crowned Princess Dia of the royal house of Dia." The valet announced to the gathered crowd.

The princess walked into the hall looking ten times better carrying the case she had in her arms earlier. Stepping onto the small stage Dia stopped and addressed the gathered crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen I give to you the great treasure of Dia." She said.

Pulling the top off of the case Dia revealed a very large fifteen-inch statue made out of a single diamond that resembled none other than the princess herself. Right away both Usagi and Tuxedo Mask knew that diamond wasn't the Silver Imperium Crystal and that Dia wasn't their princess.

********

Another episode finished. Wow that was a long one. But when something inspires you just have to use it. And it is for that reason I want to thank Angel Cat and the great folks at the Crystal Visions image gallery for the wonderful piece of fan art that inspired Usagi's dress. If you want to see the picture that goes with the story hop on over to Crystal Visions and check out the second page of the Usagi section of the Sailor Moon gallery. I'm certain you'll like that picture as much as I do.

Another big thanks goes out to Hitoshi Doi. Once again his encyclopedia of all things Sailor Moon came through for me. It was here that I got the original name for the princess and her country. I was also able to get the Japanese name for Motoki's little sister. So I guess I should thank him in advance too because I'm going to use his site for help with names and other minor details for the rest of the series. Also, thank you to Sassy_V who runs a site called The Love that Never Were. She put my story on her site. Maybe I'll get some art for it too.

Did you notice the little something extra I threw in near the end? The photographer was none other than Kenji Tsukino and fate gave him Akane. I thought the Tsukino family needed to be mentioned at least once in this story. After all Kenji was at the ball in the original. So here he his at it again. Oh and by the by don't worry Ranma fans our favorite pigtailed martial artist will return.

Coming up for our heroes more love and romance and gems being stolen. Can Usagi stop her new friend Naru from doing something foolish? Just why is Nephlite so interested in the jeweler's daughter? And what do Zoicite and Malachite have planned for the dark general? What Mamoru's being told to search for something else now? Find out the answers to these questions and more in episode nine Anything For Love. Keep the reviews rolling.