People, people, people-what part of confusing don't you understand? I'm sorry if I sound mean, but I have told you this. Remember on the prologue when I said & quote "This is strictly for people who have read The New Breeds. It is really up to you, but there is some stuff in here that you won't understand unless you've read The New Breeds." & quote. I know, I don't use the word confusing, but it's implied. I don't care if even after reading TNB that you still have the same feelings, I just want you to freaking understand the story line here.
Thanks for the reviews everybody. I especially love the hate review. Stuff like that is what inspires me to write. So you will know, yes the person in the story has the same name as me. It's the first name that came into my head when I was thinking up characters a year ago. Where you come from, India might not be a common name, but here where I live it is. My best friend's name is India, and I know a lot of other Indias. People not hearing the name often is another reason I picked the name, too. Personally, I love the name and think it rules. As I have said so many times before to people, it's just a story so get over it. Don't get mad at other peoples creativeness. I take that back, get mad all you want because their is one thing I like more than good reviews, and that's bad ones.
CM, whoever you are, this chapter is so dedicated to you for your outstanding post. You can ask me friend, Philly, I absolutely love your review. Thanks for everything.
Chapter 2
"Please, Madame, follow me," the servant said walking down the hall quickly.
"Excuse me, but there is no rush, could you please slow down?" India asked as she tried to keep up in her long dress without falling over.
"Sorry, but the Queen specifically asked for you to be brought to her as quickly as possible when you arrived," he explained only slowing a bit.
"What is so important that I must rush so? I am only here to help plan for the ball."
"I was not informed of that. All I have been told was to get you to her as quickly as possible. Once more, I am sorry for the rush."
"It is fine," India said giving up her argument.
They continued along down the long corridors of the castle. They passed by many rooms that were beautifully decorated. On the walls, were pictures of beautiful landscapes, and self portraits of the royal family. From the ceiling, chandeliers with dozens of light bulbs that shone clear, golden light were hung running every few feet throughout the house. Cherry wood furniture with upholstered white satin fabric that had woven red roses and soft cushions was placed here and now with matching tables. India's place of residence was about the same, but not with as much extravagance and smaller. It still gave off the feeling and demeanor of royalty, though, but it felt a lot more homey to her.
Finally, they came to a door that was slightly open. You could hear voices coming out of the room. The servant peeked in and opened the door for India to enter.
"Miss," the servant said stopping India before she entered, "welcome back."
India smiled and replied, "Thank you." She entered the room.
Inside, Serenity sat at a round, marble table with magazines spread on it. Along with her, all the Scouts were at the table. While Serenity looked a little annoyed, the others had happy looks on their faces. They each got up to greet and hug her.
Rei was the first one to hug her. "Hello, India. How have you been? I am expecting to be just as good friends as we used to be."
"I'm fine, Rei," India answered. "I hope you have been well all this time."
"We have missed you so all these years," Ami said.
"I have missed you all, too."
"How is your love life going?" Mina blurted out.
Lita pinched Mina on her arm, while India blushed from embarrassment. "Try and avoid conflict, Mina," Lita whispered. "Do not stick your foot in your mouth so early." Lita turned her attention to India. "We are glad you are back. Now we can pay you back for how you helped us all those years ago."
"Do not even think about it," India said smiling. "You all helped me greatly, too. If it was not for you I would have not been able to do it."
"We really did not do much," Mina said. "You are the one who really saved the day."
Serenity walked up to India hugging her slightly as if she were afraid of catching something. "Thank you for coming," she thanked. "We all have plenty of time to catch up. Right now we have to plan the ball." Serenity directed herself towards India rather cuttingly. "We have made a few plans while we were waiting for you. I am truly sorry for the rush I put you in, but there is much to be done in the next few days. Endymion will be taking care of the business, while we are planning the ball."
"Rei and Lita are going to get most of the decorations, the traditional red and green," Ami started to explain, laying out the plan. "Lita is also helping me with the menu and refreshments. Mina is going to look for extra help for the cleaning, serving food, and valet. Serenity is setting up the table arrangements and invitations. We can have you pick out the china and centerpieces for the tables. Everyone is helping each other pick out their dresses. We are also trying to pick out the chairs."
"There are a lot of things to do," India said amazed. "It seems you probably did not need me really. You have just about gotten everything planned out."
"Nonsense," Rei said, "everyone pulls their own weight. It just depends on what ball it is who has to pull more than others."
"You got off easy this time," Mina said. "We have been planning this ball for a while before you returned, but next time be ready."
"You are not going to have time to rest, either," Lita told her. "The New Year's Ball is coming up right after this one."
"Due to a few problems, we are still debating on if we should hold it this year," Serenity said. "I am quite sure we will. There would have to be something really horrible to stop that ball. I am quite certain we could easily throw that together in no time. The public demands a huge Christmas ball, especially this year since your return, but others will throw their own New Year's parties."
"It seems I am going to be quite busy the next few weeks," India said. "I guess I should try and get as much rest as I can."
"After a while, you will get used to it," Mina said smiling.
"Let us go and sit down so we can continue planning," Rei said returning to the table.
Everyone walked over to the table and took their seats. Everything imaginable for a party was set out at the table. They had samples of china, pictures of different chair designs, sample menus, and many other things. The decorations that had been picked out so far were beautiful. Mostly everything was done and all they had to do were the finishing touches. It would take a few days to set everything up and they would be here to make sure everything was how it was supposed to be.
After a few hours of party planning, India said good-bye to the others. She was exhausted from all that had happened that day. It was time she went home and went to sleep. She passed by the entrance to the garden. She stopped for a while and remembered what had happened earlier. This was going to be harder than she thought.
* The day had come finally-Christmas. The ballroom was attractively decorated with lovely green and red textures. The lighting was just perfect for a ball, soft and romantic. The small orchestra played lovely music for a very relaxed scene. Everyone was beautifully dressed in tuxedos and gowns; the queen and her court were dressed in colors that represented their planets. People mingled and danced throughout the ballroom enjoying the time they had together. All in all, it was turning out to be a nice environment, with more people arriving every minute to join in.
Still, India couldn't help feeling very scared. Soon all those eyes would be on her as they introduced her to the kingdom. What if she did something wrong? It would put a mark on her for all time. She kept rubbing her hands together from nervousness, and straightening out her dress.
"Are you sure the dress is okay?" India asked Freya, her beloved guardian.
"Yes, there is no wrinkles or anything," Freya replied amused at the way she was acting.
India wore a purple off-the-shoulder gown with a slight V-neck. The top of the gown was fitted, while the bottom fell freely down. It was simple, but it worked for her. "What if something goes wrong?" India asked.
"Nothing will go wrong," Freya assured her. "Trust me."
India paced back and forth in her small quarters where she would stay until they announced her to come in. "What if I just stayed here? Would that be bad or not?"
"It would be bad. This is not just a regular Christmas ball; it is also one to welcome you back to your home. This is where you should be. Those people out there are waiting for you, and they have been for a long time."
"Why must they? I am no one important. I am just one more member of the royal family, nothing very serious."
"Of course, it is serious. You saved those peoples lives out there. If it were not for you they would be being ruled by a harsh, evil queen, but you prevented that. You are not a regular member of royalty, either. You are a part of every single person out there."
"So what if I am some genetic experiment that somehow worked its way into the royal family, nothing much there. I might have saved those people, but I killed a friend in doing so. I do not deserve such praise."
"Stop saying that. You are just nervous. All of that, the feelings of guilt, sadness, everything, is in the past where it should be. You are a heroine, that is what they see when they look at you. You are their friend."
"Not all of them see me that way."
* Neo Queen Serenity stood at the top of the stairs with her court beside her. She signaled to the band to halt in the song they played. "Excuse me," Serenity said into the microphone in her hand. Everyone immediately quieted down and turned to the stairs. "I would like to welcome you all to our Christmas ball. However, this year it is special because of the return of our dear Lost Princess. Without further ado, here she is Princess Neo." Serenity pronounced the word dear as if it were some horrible word, which only seemed like enthusiasm of her feelings to the onlookers.
* I'm on. India thought as she heard the announcement.
India had no time to finish her conversation with Freya. She started to rush to get on cue when she tripped on her dress. She started to fall when she felt someone stable her. They took her hand in theirs. India looked up to see Endymion. She blushed at the thought of what might have happened and the embarrassment of having to be saved before it did.
"Thank you," India said.
"No problem at all," Endymion answered, "always glad to help you out. I told you that there was no reason to be worried. Your friends and I are here to help you. You have a cue to make, right?"
India stared at Endymion amazed. "Yes," she answered when she was out of her daze.
"Well, come on then," Endymion said taking her arm to lead her out.
"Thank you. I feel much better to have you here to support me."
Endymion and India walked out onto the stairs. Serenity was shocked, her eyes ablaze at the fact that they were together. Endymion kissed India on the hand and left her to return to his wife, kissing her on the cheek. India stood at the top of the stairs alone, her ears cracking from the applause. She could feel what little food was in her stomach begging to come up. Thousands of eyes stared right at her as she made her ascent down the staircase. It seemed to take forever to get to the end, but when it was over she felt a little better. She looked up to Endymion who was staring at her lovingly, giving her the strength to go on.