Chapter Eighteen

The Whisper of Foreboding

The fateful day came some two months after Universe's arrival in the Moon Kingdom.

The biggest turning point in her new life began while Universe was sitting on the highest branch of Estrella's tree gazing out over the Palace walls at the vast horizon of the Moon which spanned out all around her even further than her eyes could see. While Universe was overawed by the sheer scale of it all Mercury arrived in the garden and walking up to the trunk of the tree she called up to the purple-haired girl.

Wondering what it was about Universe clambered from the branch and slid down the trunk to join her Mercurian friend on the ground. "Queen Serenity wishes for all of us to gather before her in the Throne Room as soon as possible" Mercury explained as Universe looked questioningly at her.

Universe raised an eyebrow in response. "Abrupt." she stated simply. "Any idea why?"

"I am sorry but I am afraid that I really do not know." Mercury replied honestly. "The Moon Princess was very vague when she passed the message on to me."

Universe frowned as a thought that had been recurring to her for quite some time since she had come to the Moon Kingdom started to nag her again, not irritatingly but vaguely. "You know I've often wondered why she's just called the Moon Princess. Doesn't she have a name like everyone else?" she muttered quietly more to herself than the blue-haired Princess.

"Excuse me?" Mercury asked politely since she had not caught this.

"Errrm...nothing!"

"Anyway I believe that her majesty did not tell her the reason for her summons because she wants to explain it to us when we are all together." Mercury remarked.

"That's probably it." Universe agreed and then she linked her arm with Mercury's. "C'mon then let's go."

~*~*~

Meanwhile on Earth…

"So Jadeite, why weren't you back until well after midnight THIS time?" Nephrite demanded, his booming voice reverberating as he raised the half-empty tankard to his mouth.

The four Generals of the Imperial Army of Earth were standing in the courtyard of their liege's fortress, all at ease as they enjoyed life which – for themselves at any rate – was good at present. They were each tall and well-muscled, handsome examples of man, the heroes of the soldiers they commanded as well as being the most popular topic of discussion on the parlours of nobles who had daughters.

"Yeah, spill!" Kunzite agreed as he leaned forward from the tree that he'd been resting against – reaching up with his powerful hand he plucked down an apple, keeping his eyes on the fair-haired General as he bit into the fruit, welcoming the sweet taste in the heat of that especially hot day.

"You know where I was…the Parrot-in-a-Cage." Jadeite answered – he was standing with his foot perched on the stump of a tree that had been felled and chopped up the week before in order to add to the collection of huts occupied by the servants who only entered the fortress during the day.

"Ohhh, RIGHT." Nephrite said brightly as he lowered the tankard again, so focused on the subject of his comrade-in-arms' nocturnal activities that for the moment he forgot even ale. "Hey – weren't you at that Inn LAST night?"

"AND the night before THAT?" added Zoisite with an impish grin as he raised the tip of his finger to his chin as if he was trying to figure out the answer to some riddle.

"Come to think of it…" put in Kunzite as Jadeite continued to gaze out of the gateway that separated the fortress from the city. "…haven't you been going there late at night ever since last week?"

"So I like the comforts of an average-quality Inn – what is this, a witch-hunt?" Jadeite snapped – he tilted his chin and as if on cue the sun set his hair blazing with a golden sheen, giving the aura of nobility. "I mean, yeah so I'm one of the Elite Imperial Warriors but that doesn't mean that I'm too high and mighty to return to my roots…now DOES it?"

"So tell us – what rating would you give HER?" Nephrite grinned as he tossed his tankard, without spilling so much as a drop, to Jadeite who caught it with just as much dexterity – when the fair-haired General didn't reply the other three burst into bawdy laughter. "Oh come ON man, we all know that you've been going to see that dumb blonde who works there. I mean I followed you there last night and SAW you slipping upstairs with her dangling from your arm!"

Jadeite remained calm and collected as the others laughed at his antics on the second floor of the Parrot-in-a-Cage Inn and then once they'd started to die down just a little he said, "So you SAW me – big deal. And just what, pray-tell, makes you assume that she'd DUMB?"

"Well – she IS going out with YOU Jadeite." Nephrite suggested, his laughter not even stopping as he was nailed in the face by the tankard he'd just passed to Jadeite a moment ago.

As his fellow Generals roared with laughter Jadeite's face maintained its expression of utter maturity and dignity – everything that wasn't reflected from within his soul as he became the source of his comrades' merriment. "Hey…" he suddenly exclaimed as his sharp eyes caught sight of the figure that had just appeared in the gateway. "…you guys, remember that Lunarian ship that touched down a few hours ago?"

"Ye-es?" Nephrite prompted as he rubbed the side of his head.

"Well here comes someone who can explain what THAT'S all about." Jadeite concluded, taking his foot from the tree-stump and standing at his full height as a short man walked into clear view – it wasn't often that people from the Moon visited this planet during the days of Emperor Mu's rule.

Xizor was staggering, his arms slumping in front of him as he finally stopped for a rest – he'd just stumbled up the thirty steps that led up to the courtyard of the Imperial Fortress after having had a rather difficult time of making his way to the bottom. The Lunarians who had come with him had remained onboard the ship, muttering something about needing to keep the engines running, and merely wished him well as he'd set off alone into the labyrinth of the practically identical streets of the Imperial City – the people who had watched him disembark from the ship had all hurried away, their heads bowed whenever he'd tried to speak to any of them whether to wish them a pleasant day or to ask for directions to their Emperor's home.

Perhaps the people of Earth were easily overawed by the technological superiority of the ship from the Moon, so advanced and intricate compared to the space-travel crafts that they themselves had managed to create…or perhaps it was HIMSELF that they feared, a person from the Kingdom of the Moon which was mythical to their civilization.

The ambassador took a breather as he mopped his forehead with the back of his hand – he had a job to perform here, however nervous that BEING on this planet made him feel – to gain an audience with Emperor Mu. The sooner he got on with it the sooner he would be able to go home.

But my word it is SO hot…

"Well, well, well!" roared Nephrite as he walked up to the stout man and studied him critically. "Look what we have HERE – a little man from the Moon! Acheton'll be thrilled to hear about this! He's STILL trying to prove that there's life on other planets!"

Xizor looked up nervously as the four tall and burly men gathered around him in a circle, grinning. "Oh, h-hello." He stammered. "I was just wondering whether you might render me your assis…"

"Hey DARIEN!" Kunzite glanced over his shoulder and cupped his hand to his mouth as he called. "We've finally found someone shorter than YOU – come and rejoice!"

"Bite me." Sighed a voice as the four Generals once again bellowed with mirth – however it sounded as though its owner was grinning.

As he stepped into view from the huge doorway that led into the Fortress Prince Darien looked at Xizor in fascination – he walked up to the Lunarian, coming to a stop at a respectful distance. "I am Darien, Prince of the Earth and younger brother to the Emperor." He introduced himself politely. "Greetings to you visitor from our noble neighbouring Kingdom."

"Oh well met, well met!" Xizor stammered as he bowed as low as he was currently able what with the four men standing around him. "I am the PERSONAL ambassador of the Queen of the Moon Kingdom…"

Darien's blue eyes widened in awe. "You KNOW Queen Serenity, eternally beautiful ruler of the Moon?" he exclaimed.

"Eh?" Xizor found himself smiling pleasantly, slightly flustered by the eagerness in Darien's face. "Oh certainly! Greetings your Highness – I have come to bring word to Emperor Mu, a personal message from the Queen herself."

Darien's eyes widened further and he nodded with a grin of almost boyish eagerness. "Of course! Come and see him at once ambassador!" he turned away with sweep of his cloak to lead the way to the Throne-Room.

Jadeite, Nephrite, Kunzite and Zoisite watched as the Prince and the Ambassador disappeared into the fortress. "Darien…his head's in the clouds." Jadeite sighed, shaking his head sadly. "Poor kid – he still believes all of the bed-time stories his mother told him…"

"So does SHE know any that WE haven't heard yet Jadeite?" snickered Kunzite – a moment later he was doubled over and clutching at his stomach as he struggled for his second wind.

"That'll teach YOU a lesson about maturity." Snapped Jadeite as he turned away and folded his arms smirking. "Dog-breath." He added.

~*~*~

~*~*~

Darien was wary as he showed the visitor into the Throne-Room – he hoped that this interview would go well, hoped with all of the raw optimism of one who is still young but he just couldn't have much faith because of who the visitor was here to see.

The Emperor of Earth – his brother who, not to put too fine a point on it, had his own unique way with visitors whoever and from wherever they might be.

As he entered the Throne-Room Xizor looked around in fascination – everything was SO different from the Royal Palace of the Moon Kingdom. It seemed to his pondering mind that the Lunarians concentrated on instilling beauty and elegance into their creations whereas the Earthling seemed to glorify in the sheer size and scale of their civilization. The ambassador supposed that it was all about power and a desire to prove superiority – he thought that the difference between their two civilizations said a lot about why relations between them had been very strained indeed throughout history.

And since the current ruler had ascended to the throne they seemed to have dried up altogether – until now.

As Darien and Xizor passed through the door a great shape stirred and then rose ominously from the floor – a brutish dog, chained to a thick wooden post by a spiked leather collar, growled unpleasantly at the Lunarian who backed away hastily.

Xizor gave a nervous laugh. "Oh! Ha, ha…he's n-nice isn't he?" he stammered and whistled at the guard-dog who just snarled more ferociously and strained at the chain.

Meanwhile Darien stood before the Imperial Throne where sat the man who the ambassador from the Moon Kingdom had come to see – Emperor Mu.

"Brother, we have a visitor." Darien announced.

"Is it the new…"

"N-no!" stammered Darien, his face going a touch red as he interrupted just in time to keep the visitor from being struck by the knowledge of just how unorthodox his brother's tastes and activities were. "It's the Lunarian ambassador."

Mu raised his eyebrows smoothly. "Well…let's have a look at him then." He said softly.

Xizor hurried past the snarling dog as Darien gestured for him to approach – he bowed as he stood before the Emperor, trembling in the presence of the ruler so maligned by his own people that he was known by many as THE tyrant of Earth. "G-greetings Emperor Mu." He said, desperately trying to keep his voice from quivering beneath the weight of the stare that was directed upon him from up high. "I come in peace from the Kingdom of the Moon with a message of you from the lips of the Queen herself."

Mu's eyes glinted – now that certainly was interesting but before getting down to business he wanted to have some SPORT with this bumbling fool.

Just as Darien had feared…

As Mu stared down at him in silence Xizor shuffled nervously – and then in a cold voice the Emperor spoke, "I don't like your hat."

Xizor blinked in surprise. "Er…Emperor?"

"Your hat…" Mu repeated. "…I don't particularly like it."

Darien covered his eyes with his hand and shook his head.

Wanting to keep the Emperor in a good mood Xizor whipped off his hat and hastily stuffed it into his pocket.

Still Mu stared at him in disfavour. "Nor…" he went on with a cruel smile touching his face. "…do I care for that coat."

Xizor hesitated – then he shook off his coat and bundled it beneath his arm.

"Or those TROUSERS." Mu was grinning as he thoroughly enjoyed himself.

Darien moaned softly as Xizor went to yet another length to maintain his brother's good humour – his hope of making a good impression on the people of the Moon had just gone out of the window.

It wasn't alone. "Now throw them out of the window." Mu ordered with a callous grin.

Xizor was burning with discomfort – after hesitating for the fraction of a second he turned and flung his hat, coat and trousers out of an open window.

ANYTHING for his Queen…

Mu howled with laughter. "It must be your Birthday…" he gasped, clutching the arms of his throne for support. "…because you're wearing your BIRTHDAY-SUIT!"

Sweating profusely Xizor realised that it didn't take much to keep Emperor Mu entertained – just the humiliation of others.

"Well come on then – you can't expect to stand around HERE naked all day you know." Grinned the Emperor as he leaned forward, an expectant expression on his face. "Let's hear your message!"

From far below was heard the voice of Zoisite, "Why take a look at what I've just found! Somebody REALLY has to have a word with Acheton about his attempts at conjuring…"

"Are YOU going to do it?"

"Nope."

~*~*~

The Moon Kingdom…

A short while later Queen Serenity gazed around at the Princess of Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Charon and her own daughter as they all stood before her in an orderly and well-mannered line.

The Queen of the Moon was seated with dignity on her throne although she was at the same time quite comfortable as she looked at the gathering before her. Serenity had already noted that Universe and Mercury were not yet present and she was reluctant to begin without them there to hear the important news she had to tell them all.

Then there were footsteps just outside the doorway followed by the arrival of Mercury and Universe themselves. "Now for the dramatic moment of fate." Universe muttered as she and Mercury joined the other Princesses standing respectfully before the queen.

Queen Serenity smiled in amusement as she rose to her feet and stood before them all ready to speak now that everybody was here. "Thank you all very much for sparing some of your time for me." she said with a welcoming smile. "Now you are all obviously wondering about why I have asked you to come here so I shall tell you straight away. I feel that I ought to warn all of you that we will be receiving a guest this evening."

The Princesses noticed immediately that she had said 'warn' rather than inform. Universe and Charon felt their curiosity being aroused by her choice of words and wondered who was coming to visit tonight...

"Who will be visiting us mother?" the Moon Princess asked voicing their question.

Serenity was silent as she thought about the best way she could reply to her daughter's question. As the tension and suspense mounted up she looked into each of their eyes in turn and then she finally answered and when she spoke her voice was low and careful. "Emperor Mu."

The Moon Princess's eyes widened as did Mercury's as they realised what Serenity had told them. Venus gave a gasp of shock and Jupiter stared blankly at the Queen of the Moon. Universe was surprised that Queen Serenity would be willing to have someone like that in her kingdom but she did not let it show as she simply gazed at the Queen of the Moon waiting for her to explain.

Mars was quiet as she thought about Emperor Mu and shuddered but beside her Charon gazed at all of them in surprise for she was the only one who had never heard the name before. "Who is Emperor Mu?" she asked warily. "Although I have to say that it seems that I might not want to know the answer to that one?"

Serenity gazed at the Charonian hesitantly for she was unsure of how to go about describing that terrible Emperor. However she did not need to as it turned out. "He's the Emperor of the planet Earth." it was Universe who answered Charon's question and the green-haired Princess looked at her. "He rules from a continent that's on an island and he's pretty mean with it."

"What do you mean?" Charon was still bewildered.

"Don't you know anything? He's a tyrant." Universe snapped impatiently. "Rules his world with a reign of oppression and the air of his island is filled with the bewailing of his cruelty and tyranny."

Mercury raised her eyebrows in surprise at Universe's almost poetic description of Emperor Mu.

Estrella nodded her head in agreement with the feelings of the others. "Emp' ror Moo sucks!" she said sagely.

Queen Serenity gave an almost convulsive start and looked down at her in shock. "Estrella...wherever did you learn a word like that?" she exclaimed.

"I think I can guess how the matter stands your Majesty." Luna said coldly as she looked at Universe who tried to look inconspicuously innocent.

Universe gave her a deeply unpleasant look - she still hadn't forgotten how Luna had called her a thief and the fact that the cat had never apologised to her about it didn't make her feel any goodwill towards her. "Well he DOES suck." she snapped rebelliously as she saw Serenity's look of reproval. "I don't see what's so wrong about calling a jerkweed a jerkweed."

"Please," Luna said frostily. "Don't swear in front of Estrella!"

"Jerkweed isn't a swear word you sad..." Universe began with a sneer.

"Ahem." Serenity coughed significantly obliterating the exchange between the cat and the Princess as she decided merely to admonish Universe in private later.

"Well I've never seen him before but I bet he's as sucky as they say he is." Universe muttered. "I bet that tonight's gonna be the worst. I bet..."

"Don't keep saying 'I bet' Universe." Serenity told her mildly.

"Sorry..."

Everyone turned to look to Queen Serenity for an explanation to why she was allowing this terrible man anywhere near her kingdom.

Serenity sighed inwardly for she had known instinctively how they would all feel about this. "I know." she said regretfully as they all perceived the resignation in her eyes. "Please believe that I do not like it anymore than you girls do."

"But why mother?" her daughter asked simply. "Why must we have somebody so terrible here?"

Once again there was a hesitant expression on Queen Serenity's face as she considered her reply carefully, she did not want to worry any of them but...breathing a sigh of regret as she decided that it was better that they were all aware of what might just happen in the near future she answered her daughter's question. "Well my dear as you know we have recently been experiencing an inexplicable hostility from the Dark Kingdom."

An involuntary shudder went through the gathered girls as they heard the name of that dreadful realm. Serenity continued her explanation. "I do not see any reason for the Queen of the Dark Kingdom's irrational behaviour towards us since as far as I can tell we have never given her any cause for offence but I must warn you all that if the situation gets any worse then the outcome may very well lead to..." she left her sentence trailing for she knew that they all understood her meaning already.

"War?" Mercury murmured in surprise.

Serenity gave her a rueful look and nodded her head sadly. "I am afraid so Mercury. I am sorry but that is a very distinct possibility and so we may be in need of powerful allies in the future. And that is why it is of the greatest importance that we are on good terms with Mu."

Charon felt indignant enough to speak up. "But what about my mother and father?" she exclaimed causing them all to look at her, all surprised by her outburst. "Surely they are willing to help you?"

Serenity directed her gaze at the daughter of her dearest friend and shook her head. "I have not asked them Charon." she replied quietly. "Your parents have enough difficulties following the aftermath of the war between Pluto and Palazea without me adding to their troubles." she sighed again and spoke to all of them regretfully. "I promise all of you that it will only be for one night and that the only thing that I need for you to do is to be polite to Emperor Mu. I know that it will be hard but..."

"No way!" Universe exclaimed causing everyone to look at her. "I'm not gonna suck up to an arrogant tin god! Not gonna happen!!"

"YEAH!" Jupiter exclaimed angrily - and then as the others stared at her in astonishment having just heard her AGREE WITH UNIVERSE the realisation of what she had just done slapped her in the face and going red she muttered, "Shut Universe you sourpuss, the Queen knows better than you do about the affairs of her own Kingdom."

It wasn't something that she would normally have said to anybody but it was the best cover that she was able to come up with at such short notice.

"Universe, I am not asking you to do that." Serenity began patiently. "All that I ask is for you to show a little tolerance when you meet him."

Universe scowled profusely. "That's all well and good but why should we have to be polite and say stuff that we don't mean? That sucks!"

Serenity winced inwardly but she did not let it show. It seemed that they had not quite yet managed to iron out absolutely everything that was rough in the brown-eyed Princess's mannerisms and she had a deep and resigned feeling that they never could... A tiny smile crept onto the queen's lips as a thought came to her. "More so then letting him see that he annoys you?" she replied very mildly.

Universe blinked, she hadn't expected that. Venus giggled at Universe's stunned expression and even Mercury had to try and suppress a smile.

Satisfied that she had won over or at least pacified Universe, Queen Serenity smiled secretly and addressed the Princesses one last time. "Well then - I've told you about the arrangement for tonight. This evening we shall meet and greet Emperor Mu in the ballroom. Thank you all for your time and now you may all go back to what you were doing before I called you. Now I have some business to attend to - I shall see you all again tonight."

The hoarse sound of barely suppressed cough surprised everybody and they all looked towards its source - Charon slowly removed her hand from her mouth as she blushed at having drawn attention to herself like this. "That sounded unpleasant…are you coming down with anything Charon?" Serenity asked worriedly.

Charon forced herself to smile - even though her throat itched, warning her of another forthcoming cough. "No of course not - I feel perfectly well." She replied cheerfully as she fought to ward it off.

Serenity gazed at the green-haired girl for a moment or so with a thoughtful look on her face but then decided that it wasn't worth pressing. "Well - you know yourself well enough to be sure." She smiled eventually.

With that she dismissed the Princesses who all went their separate ways. Some of them left the room on their own although Charon left in the company of Venus and Mars.

Alone again Universe contemplated what they had all just discussed. She felt confused as she thought about the way Queen Serenity had silenced her objections. What...happened just now? she thought feeling just a little disorientated as she thought about it.

But also there was something in her mind which was making her feel pensive for some reason. Universe shook her head but she just could not shake away the strange feeling of foreboding that she could feel hanging over her.

What's wrong? Universe sighed and tried to clear her mind of this strange sense of impending doom that she had suddenly begun to feel.

But somehow she could not quite manage to silence the warning voice that kept whispering to her at the back of her mind...

Shaking her head as she caught sight of a familiar person up ahead, Universe smiled. "Hey there Kat!"

Katarina's eyes widened in pleasure as she heard the familiar friendly cry couple together with the affectionate nickname she had gotten so used to ever since the day that a certain Princess had come to live in the Moon Kingdom. "Your Highness!" she exclaimed half-rising from where she knelt cleaning the marble floor at the bottom of the grand stairway.

Universe grinned as she hopped over the step that separated them and went over to the handmaiden. "Heeey there girl!" she exclaimed as she leant beside Katarina. "Great to see ya! Hey you look done in…let me do the rest of that while you take a load off!"

Katarina gave a startled blink. "Princess…you must not!" she exclaimed. "This is my work, you cannot get your clothes dirty on my account…"

Universe laughed - if only the servant-girl knew! "Kat this is the command of a Princess!" she proclaimed snatching the scrubbing brush away from Katarina and dropping to her knees. "I'll finish up here and then we can talk for a while."

Katarina watched scandalised yet feeling honoured at the same time as Universe began to scrub away at the dusty floor - the servant-girl widened her eyes in astonishment as she saw how quickly the dust vanished as the Princess rubbed the pad backwards and forwards, stopping only to plop it in and out of the water-bucket.

To Universe this wasn't so different as cleaning the lowering-ramp of the ship of the Star Raiders and after a couple of minutes she had finished cleaning the area surrounding the bottom of the stairs. "There ya go!" she grinned as she turned towards the bucket, carefully aimed the pad at it and easily made the shot. "All done!"

Katarina looked closely at her face. "Oh my goodness…your face is smudged your Highness!" she exclaimed and pulled out her handkerchief. "Here - let me!"

Universe laughed and obediently stood still as the handmaiden wiped away the tiny fleck of dust that she'd gotten on her face just now. "There!" beamed Katarina as she stood back. "You look good as…"

"Ahem." Interrupted a deliberate and distinct cough that managed to sound snide.

The Princess and the servant both turned around to see Duchess Ashral standing in a doorway looking at the two of them.

The smirk on the noblewoman's face told them that she had been watching them for a couple of minutes and that she had seen the entire thing. "Good morning your Highness." Ashral crooned to Universe. "Girl." She dismissively acknowledged Katarina as she gave the handmaiden a half-glance and then turned back to Universe and said in that infuriatingly friendly way of hers, "It has been a long while since we last spoke has it not your Highness?"

Not long enough… thought Universe grimly as she narrowed her eyes as the Duchess who she still hadn't forgiven for getting her into so much trouble with Serenity. "Mmm." She muttered.

"Well…I see that you have found certain ways to entertain yourself." Ashral remarked with a smile that bordered on being mocking. "I do so hope that you are in a nice temper today."

Universe remained grimly silent. After what had happened the last time Queen Serenity had told her that she should say nothing at all if she could not think of anything polite to say…and since she was talking to the Duchess she kept her mouth shut and her teeth clenched.

"WELL…" Ashral smarmed as she saw the suppressed anger in Universe's eyes and felt quite pleased by the knowledge that she was free to be as despicable as she liked and that Universe could say nothing in returning without landing herself in trouble again. "It has been most charming but I really must be on my way to keep an appointment with her Majesty. Perhaps I will see you again at the event tonight? Oh and I will certainly tell my Queen about how polite and charming you were to me Universe…TODAY. Good day ladies."

Universe quivered as the Duchess walked up the stairs, giving her one last supercilious smile and passed right by Katarina as if she were a hat-stand. "SHE…IS…A…BITCH!" snarled the purple-haired girl once Ashral was safely out of hearing distance.

"Princess - you must not say such things!" Katarina exclaimed earnestly as she moved to Universe's side, knowing that she was greatly upset by having to stand the Duchess' nastiness. "Here…you have forgotten to dress your hair this morning. Allow me!"

Universe calmed down slightly as she allowed herself to be led to the foot of the stairs and sat down by the handmaiden who sitting behind her began to brush and tidy her mane of hair. "Sorry." She muttered sullenly though she had no idea why.

"Your Highness it isn't my place to judge you." Katarina returned primly. "But you really must be more careful of what you say around the Duchess…if not out of politeness then for your own good. After all there are people whom I serve with a smile even though they are rather less than polite to me…"

Universe turned her head slightly to stare at the handmaiden. "Well you shouldn't put up with it!" she exclaimed. "You…" she faltered and then sighed.

"Princess Universe…" Katarina said quietly with a smile. "I have a very good place to live in return for my services - ignoring bad manners is a small price to pay for that."

"You still shouldn't put up with it." Universe repeated stubbornly as she refused to look at the handmaiden.

"Honestly my Princess it's all right." Katarina insisted. "Indeed truthfully…I do not think very much of one or two of the nobles who I must often attend."

Universe was silent for a moment and then… "Kat…you'd make a WAY better Princess than me." She said wistfully as she looked at the girl who did her duty even though she did not always like it - a far cry from herself.

Katarina was so astonished that she actually stopped tidying the Princesses' hair for a moment. "If you will forgive me for this your Highness, I said it when you first came…you really do say rather strange things!" she exclaimed before going on with her duty to the purple-haired girl.

That evening…

Later that evening about twenty minutes before Emperor Mu was due to arrive Universe and Mercury stood in front of the pair of tall double-doors that led into the ball-room which was where the visit was to take place.

The two Princesses had met up as they had walked through the courtyard to get to the ball-room and without a word they had both slowed down until they had been walking side by side - by now their friendship was so close that such things came naturally to them without any need for words. As Universe had slid her arm around the Mercurian's waist they had filled the almost anxious silence by talking about light-hearted things and Mercury had laughed at the brown-eyed Princess's jokes. But both of them had known that they were trying their hardest to think about anything other than their unpleasant duty that night.

"Well…this is it." Universe said simply as she and Mercury both stood gazing at the doors, reluctant to go through to join the festivities that neither of them had the least desire to attend.

"They will be waiting for us Universe." Mercury remarked as she sensed her friend's unwillingness to spend the night pretending to enjoy herself and then force herself to be painfully courteous when the time came for her to meet the infamous Emperor. "Shall we go in?"

Universe's eyes stealthily flicked from side to side - her mind worked faster than a serpent gliding through the darkness of the night. "Why bother?" she remarked slowly and thoughtfully as her hand came to rest gently on Mercury's shoulder.

Mercury looked up and she couldn't hide the surprise she felt as she saw the scheming expression on her friend's now foxy face. "Whatever do you mean?" she asked.

Universe's eyes gleamed as she shifted them again and smirked. "This…let's not go!" she explained craftily. "We'll stay out of there until Mu leaves and then go in after he's gone! We'll spend the night together…"

"Universe!" Mercury was totally shocked as she realised what her friend was suggesting they do. "We can't! Queen Serenity asked us to come and the others will all be there as well waiting for us…we HAVE to be there!"

"Oh come on Mercury!" Universe snapped impatiently. "I know you don't wanna meet that creep anymore than I do! Come on…we'll have a great time by ourselves…"

But Mercury's strong sense of the responsibilities of her position was unassailable and folding her arms she shook her head firmly. "No Universe." She interrupted sternly. "We can't let the others down. I promised the Queen that I would attend tonight and I intend to keep my word."

Universe stared at her friend with eyes filled with dismay but the look on Mercury's face was unrelenting. Then her eyes hardened. "Well…if you aren't coming with me then fine!" she snapped harshly as she turned away to stride off in a huff. "Just don't expect me to do the same that's all Mercury! There's no way I'm going with you…"

Mercury's expression wavered as Universe turned to walk away but then her own eyes became as hard as marble. "Oh yes you are!" she said in a voice that startled the purple-haired girl for it was quiet yet full of iron. "You're not going to run away from this Universe!"

Universe stopped dead in her tracks, shocked to the core by the grim quality of the blue-haired Princess's voice. "You what?" she snapped - hardly able to believe that her friend was speaking to her like this.

Mercury stepped up behind her and took her upper-arm in her hand which now seemed to be quite strong and turned her around to face her. "You heard me Universe." She said grimly as her friend stood transfixed by the seriousness in her eyes. "It is your duty to come with the rest of us and meet Emperor Mu. Whether or not you like him has nothing to do with it…you are a Princess Universe and with that comes a lot of responsibilities. So are you going to come and face up to those duties or not?"

Universe gaped as she stared helplessly at her best friend whose face was sterner than she had ever seen it before. To her own amazement and total disbelief Universe felt her fierce determination not to be forced to meet somebody she didn't want to even look at melt away beneath the force that Mercury's eyes directed at her.

The purple-haired Princess gave a moan and smiling Mercury linked her arm with Universe's and - pausing briefly to adjust the ribbon in her friend's hair - towed her towards the doors that led into the Ballroom…

What...just happened here? Universe wondered feeling bewilderment for the second time that day as she was led into the place she had vowed not to set foot in that night.

~*~*~

A smile of relief leapt to Queen Serenity's face as she looked towards the tall, beautifully carved double-doors as they slowly swung open. As Mercury was revealed standing elegantly in the doorway alongside an extremely rebellious and unwilling looking Universe the Queen of the Moon glided across the dance floor towards the newly arrived Princesses.

Coming to stand by the Princesses the Queen cleared her throat significantly and almost immediately the revelries and dancing that had been well underway came to a stop as all eyes were turned towards Serenity. Now that she had the attention of all in attendance Queen Serenity made a sweeping gesture with her arm towards Mercury and Universe as they stepped into the ball-room. "Princess Mercury and Princess Universe!" she declared loudly and smiled thankfully as Mercury noticed the black scowl on Universe's face and planted a discreet but firm dig in her the ribs with her elbow.

As the applause that predictably followed the announcement of their arrival reigned Universe flinched almost convulsively and spun around to glare ferociously at the girl who had practically dragged her here against her will...ready to go straight for her throat. The look of anger melted away from her face as she saw the sweet smile that Mercury had prepared for her. As her anger was deprived of its source it slowly ebbed away as Universe stared blankly at the blue-haired girl whose smile became warmer.

It was then that Universe realised the true nature of her friendship with Mercury. Like everybody else she had always considered herself to be the dominant one of the friendship but it was with a flash of inspiration that she realised that it was actually the other way around. Now she knew that Mercury was far stronger than she could ever be in many ways more than one…she remembered how she had obeyed straight away when Mercury had asked her to tell her everything after Luna had called her a thief two months ago. How easily Mercury had gotten her to talk to her…

And a moment ago she had been absolutely determined not to come here tonight and within seconds Mercury had been able to lead her into the ball-room she had been determined to avoid for the evening by the arm without any struggling. Mercury hadn't needed to use force because all she needed to do was look at Universe the way she did and the older girl would do anything she wanted. The lovely, soothing smile that Mercury had given her had quashed the anger she'd felt at her rebuking nudge just as the blue-haired Princess had known it would.

Universe's eyes were full of astonishment as she stared at Mercury finally understanding. Mercury had power over her…a power that was greater than any she had ever imagined.

The power of love.

Universe knew what this meant - that she would do absolutely anything for Mercury if the Princess asked her to do it even if it were to walk through fire. Universe's face was thoughtful as she realised just how much control over her, Mercury's friendship gave the blue-haired girl. But she was shocked to realise just how little she cared about that…normally she would have been furious at the mere thought of anybody having any kind of power over her but as she knew that such power rested in Mercury's gentle hands she felt only calm.

Universe realised she felt this way because she trusted Mercury and knew that she was too gentle to ever use their bond of love and friendship to make her do anything she didn't want and so she smiled at her friend and linked arms with her again.

Mercury's eyes sparkled as the purple-haired girl slid her arm into her own and remained silent.

"Thank you both for coming." Queen Serenity said to them gratefully and look at her Universe realised that the revelries were once more underway. "I thought that the two of you were going to be late. But I knew that I could depend on you both to arrive on time. Thank you again for coming like you promised!" Serenity went on warmly as they both turned to face her.

Universe blushed furiously as she remembered how she had planned to avoid coming here tonight. Queen Serenity's gratitude for her made her feel extremely uncomfortable because she knew that she didn't really deserve it at all…

"Well now…now that everybody is here all we need to do for the time being is wait for the Emperor's arrival." Serenity concluded with a smile. "Until then find the others and feel free to enjoy yourselves…if you can that is. I know that this is difficult for all of you but it needs to be done. Well then - I shall see you later this evening."

With her last barbed remark the Queen turned to make her way across the floor. As she went Universe opened her mouth but for a fleeting moment she hesitated, torn between letting the matter drop at that and doing what she knew was right.

It would be so easy to let Queen Serenity walk away none the wiser…on the other hand Universe was sure that if she told her the truth then she'd be angry with her. But if she just remained quiet then Serenity need never known that she had intended to defy her by not coming to the dance…Universe knew what Mercury was thinking as gazed quietly her without saying anything. The Mercurian wouldn't say anything to the Queen but Universe knew what she thought she ought to do.

Spurred into action by the reproachful look on her friends face Universe suddenly spoke up. "Queen Serenity…wait!" she exclaimed taking a step forward.

Queen Serenity came to a stop a short way off and turned back to face the purple-haired Princess again as she heard her calling after her. "Yes Universe?" she prompted a little surprised as she saw the way the girl was biting her lip.

Amazed by what she was doing Universe took a deep breath and with an inward moan she took the plunge. "I…that is I mean…" she stammered and needed to take another long deep breath and then just came out with it in a rush of words. "Queen Serenity I was planning not to come here tonight!"

Queen Serenity blinked in surprise and gazed at Universe for further explanation as the girl stammered onward. "I - I was going to stay out of the way all night until everything was all over." Universe stammered her face reddening with shame. "I'm sorry…"

Queen Serenity didn't say anything for a moment as she stood looking thoughtfully at Universe, whose face burned redder and redder as she stood under her gaze wondering what the Lunarian must be thinking of her. Then the Queen eventually spoke and there was a tiny hint of amusement in her voice as she looked at the shame-faced girl with a twinkle in her eye. "Why did you change your mind?" she asked as a smile slowly began to form at the very corners of her lips.

Universe glanced quickly at her friend and Mercury smiled at her encouragingly. With a sigh Universe turned her eyes back towards the Queen and gave her an honest reply. "Mercury told me that it was the right thing to do…" she replied now having no trouble at all meeting the Queen's gaze as she spoke. "…so I did it."

Serenity's face was aglow with pride and she suddenly laughed in genuine amusement at the look on Universe's face. "Oh Universe…it's alright!" she chuckled and made a dismissive gesture with her hand. "Really it is! I understand how you feel…but thank you for telling me the truth." She paused and smiled warmly as she looked intently at Universe's face as she stopped laughing. "That means so much to me." She said fondly. "Now go and enjoy yourself with the others."

Universe gaped at her - her cheeks still faintly red - she hadn't expected the Queen to let the matter drop so easily. Mercury whose arm was still entwined with her own steered her away and led her into the throng of the dance-hall.

As she watched them go Queen Serenity chuckled softly and thought happily that Mercury was a very good influence on Universe. Universe's anxiousness to tell her the truth had touched her and for the first time that night the Queen had found a pleasant moment in what she was certain was going to be an utterly awful evening.

"Over here you two!" a bright and chirpy voice hailed the two as they walked aimlessly across the floor. "Look this way!"

Following the cheerful voice Mercury and Universe turned to make their way over to the spot where Venus waved her hand as she stood with Mars, Venus, Jupiter and the two Moon Princesses who were all standing in a group at one end of the ball-room.

"What's the matter Universe?" Venus piped up as her keen eyes detected the remaining hint of redness in Universe's cheeks. "Why are you blushing? Hmm? Hmmmmmm, Universe?"

Universe spluttered but found that no words would come anywhere near her tongue.

"It's nothing Venus." Mercury told the blonde Princess firmly as she tucked her arm more firmly around Universe's. "It's nothing important at all."

"But…" Venus persisted unable to let the matter drop now that her curiosity had been aroused.

A partially stifled cough interrupted the Venusian's insistent voice and turned the attention of the group away from Universe who was deeply grateful. Charon felt quite embarrassed as she covered her mouth - but it was too late for the others now gazed at her with surprise. "Pardon me." She murmured taking her hand from her face and sniffing delicately.

"That sounded pretty bad…are you okay?" Universe remarked feeling concerned as she remembered how Charon had tried to hide her cough earlier that day.

"Oh I'm fine really." Charon smiled weakly as she secretly warded off another bout of spluttering. "I'm simply feeling the very beginnings of the flu."

Mars was watching her intently and she realised as she looked closely at her friends face that her eyes shone even paler than usual and were ringed by grey circles - up to now she hadn't noticed either of these differences in Charon's face because of the way the merry light of the ball-room played with the shadows. "Are you sure that you feel fine?" she pressed leaning forward in concern to inspect her friends face more closely.

Charon blinked as she felt a little apprehensive under the raven-haired Princess's scrutiny of her. "Of course." She replied primly.

"But your eyes look so tired." Mars insisted and the look on her face showed her worry. "And you have bags under them…Charon did you get enough sleep last night?"

"How long have you been coughing?" Mercury put in. "That's usually the sign of a cold…"

"Everyone I feel perfectly fine!" Charon suddenly exclaimed loudly and gave an exaggerated groan. "You all worry far too much!"

With a sigh Mercury let the matter drop but she still felt very strongly that Charon should not be exerting herself by being here tonight...

Trying to escape the still watchful eyes of her friends Charon glanced around carelessly and as they fell upon somebody a short way away from her, her eyes widened in surprise. The figure who acknowledged her stare and reacted by walking towards her was somebody she hadn't expected to see here tonight. "Char!" she exclaimed with a startled gasp.

For some reason the sound of his name made Universe's heart jump straight into her throat and her eyes reacted to it by leaping in the direction in which the green-haired Princess was staring. Sure enough her gaze met with that of Prince Char who now stood before them with an easy grin on his face - his eyes flicked from face to face giving each of the girls a smile and finished with Universe's clear eyes.

As his eyes settled on her face which was now oddly expressionless as she gazed at him he stopped for a minute - her face seemed to shine at him like a vision of loveliness. Something beautiful out of the dreams he had once dreamt before the incidents of the war that had shattered his innocence forever.

Universe's eyes seemed like a dark area in the heart of this bright hall and whispered to him of many mysterious and wonderful secrets...Char found her beautiful and enigmatic and he wanted to know everything about her. "Good evening." he broke the ponderous silence with a shy grin as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Heeeey what're YOU doing here you weirdo?" Universe demanded but she was grinning back at him warmly.

Jupiter was smiling as she looked at Charon's brother. "Hi." She purred softly but her attempt to get his attention was foiled.

"Yes Char." Charon put in as she walked forward to stand beside Universe and gaze inquisitively at her older brother. "Why have you come here tonight of all nights?"

Char's face deepened in colour as their eyes gazed expectantly at him - Universe's in particular - but the smile on his face didn't waver for a minute. "Well I had some spare time on my hands and someone told me that something was happening tonight so I thought I'd take the chance to visit everyone." He explained and once more he glanced at each of them in turn - his gaze ending with Universe whose face his gaze remained on as he went on speaking. "I…well that is I didn't have much else to take care of so I thought I'd come by to see you all."

"You said that already." Venus helpfully pointed out. "Really?" the Charonian glanced at the blonde Princess and laughed quietly. "Heh…that's right. I did, didn't I?"

"Well that was nice of you!" Charon exclaimed her eyes shining as she walked up to her brother and threw her arms tightly around him - however as her chin rested on his sturdy shoulder there was a secret smile on her face, she knew that Char had another reason for coming and she thought that she knew what it was. "I am so happy to see you again so soon Char! How are mother and father?"

Char laughed and he and his sister talked for a while about what both of them had been doing since he had stayed in the Moon Kingdom with their parents for a week. Char told her all about the things that their parents had been doing since then and all about the current affairs of the Lyanore.

As Charon and her brother discussed the Lyanore Universe silently listened to everything that they said - each and every word she heard about Vaura's people hurt her deeply but she stood it because she wanted to be sure that the daughter of her old friend was happy and well. Ever since she'd left Charon - fleeing from the memories that remained on the outer moon like restless ghosts - Universe had found herself thinking about Charrenity from time to time. On those occasions the guilt and pain that always wracked her soul were at their bitterest but she hadn't tried to take her mind off it…how had Charrenity coped with the death of her mother?

The thought that Vaura's daughter might have been crippled with grief because she had gone to the plains of Ayadi a year ago had haunted Universe for a long time but now she felt a little happier. The knowledge that Charrenity had come to terms with what had happened to her mother and was now living happily filled Universe with relief although the guilt still remained like a stain on her soul. But the purple-haired Princess had coped with her harsh and unforgiving burden for so long now - she was sure that she'd somehow cope with it for the rest of her life.

"Well then…that's everything that's happened at home since I saw you last sister." Char concluded as he ran his hand affectionately through Charon's hair. "Let's hope that by the next time I see you I won't have so much to tell you."

"Let's." Charon smiled as she reached up and touched his fingers lightly. "I hope that very much brother."

As he peered above his sister's head Char's eyes met with Universe's as she gazed at him and his breath deepened.

As she found herself in the centre of his attention Universe blinked…then not knowing what else to do smiled nervously back at him. "Hey there." She remarked huskily all the time wondering why he was looking at her like that.

Her smile took Char's breath away and hardly realising what he was doing he eased himself away from his sister, taking her arm from around his waist. "Universe." He greeted her as he edged forward until he stood looking at her in fascination. The Prince couldn't stop himself - he had to look at the Princess and take in the beautiful picture of her, take in every little aspect of her perfect face.

Universe's eyes were as bright as amber fire as they reflected the warm light of the chandeliers that hung above and a radiant glow surrounded her head in a violet aura as the same light shone along her shimmering hair.

Her beauty overcame him and Char was unprepared to speak to her…so he was shocked when he realised that the voice he suddenly heard talking to her was his own, "If you don't have any plans Universe…" Char found that his lips had become dry and broke off in the middle of his sentence to wet them with his tongue.

"Uh-huh?" Universe prompted wondering what had caused his sudden bout of nervousness.

"What I mean is - would you give me the honour of lending me your hand on the dance floor?" Char finished looking intently at her - his eyes casual but hopeful as he waited for her response.

Universe gave him an odd look…and then she smiled. "Sure thing." She grinned.

Char could not hide his astonishment as he saw the expectant shine in her eyes - he'd hardly dared to think that such a lovely girl would ever want to dance with him. As if to make sure that it was really happening he reached out and offered Universe his hand. After a brief pause she accepted the proffered hand and found herself being led across the dance floor. The Princesses watched in surprise - Char's request had been unexpected enough but since they had all expected Universe to refuse it all of them were almost floored by her acceptance.

"Oh my goodness…" the Moon Princess murmured summing up how they all felt as they watched Char as he began to lead Universe in a formal dance he'd learnt during his younger years.

"I didn't expect THAT to happen!" Venus exclaimed her eyes growing rounder as she watched the dancers.

Jupiter didn't say anything but though her face was expressionless the truth was that the green-eyed Princess felt the bitter pang of jealousy as she watched Char dancing with Universe. Jupiter had immediately felt attracted to Char when she had first set eyes on him and during the time she had spent with him while he'd been visiting the Moon Kingdom her heart had skipped many a beat. But when he had asked somebody else to dance with him - UNIVERSE of all people! - Jupiter had felt a stab.

But she couldn't think of a thing to say so she remained silent as she watched Char dancing with her rival…

Universe was keeping up with her dance partner as best she could which unfortunately wasn't very well since this was the first time she had ever agreed to such a dance - but though her pace and moves were clumsy she smiled because she was having fun.

Mercury was shocked by her own feelings as she watched. The blue-haired Princess realised that she felt left out and even a little envious - but not of Universe. Mercury realised that she was feeling jealous of Char as she watched him dance with her friend! Mercury was glad to see Universe having such a good time but she couldn't help but feel that the Prince had snatched her best friend away from her.

"Good evening your highnesses." A smooth and familiar voice interrupted her thoughts as it owner greeted them pleasantly.

Mercury's eyes had already widened in recognition and surprise as she and the other Princesses turned to look at the man who had greeted them - a knowing smile lit up her sombre face as she saw him. "Lord Jujuka." She returned the greeting as she smiled sweetly. "It is lovely to see you again."

The merchant lord from Reimo winked at her as the Princesses all gazed at him in wonder - before then none of them had ever seen anyone from the Lensei system much less from the imperial planet Reimo and so they were all breath-taken by their first look at somebody from that part of the universe.

In the warm glow of the chandeliers Jujuka's shadowed face seemed even more enigmatic than Mercury had found it the last time she had seen him at the Queenship celebrations and the others already thought so. "Who are you?" Jupiter blurted suddenly and the Moon Princess gasped a little at her rudeness.

Jujuka didn't seem to mind however as he simply laughed and introduced himself to Jupiter and the others who were already interested to know who he was. "So you've already met Mercury and Universe before?" Venus pressed after they had talked for a little while and Mercury had described the time she and Universe had spoken to him.

"Oh yes. I had that pleasure during the celebrations of the anniversary of your Queen's coronation."

Jujuka smiled as the eager and energetic blonde Princess - very taken by her shining blue eyes. "And now I meet you…Princess Venus."

Knowing that she would not mind he courteously cupped the Venusian's gentle hand in his and tenderly kissed it. Venus grinned and her face reddened as her heart began to pound. When he politely returned her hand she gently stroked it the area he had touched his lips to with her light fingers. Even Jupiter didn't mind as he took her hand in turn and greeted her in the same customary manner - the was just something about the dusky man from Reimo that made even the gruff Princess feel comfortable around him.

"You really shouldn't you know." Charon objected when her turn came. "I fear that I have a cold and I would not like to pass it on to you."

Jujuka paused just before touching his lips to the smooth skin of the psychic Princess's hand and looked up at her. "Then I shall risk it your highness." He said simply in a firm voice before Charon could protest he had modestly kissed her hand and returned it to her side.

Charon was smiling for she was quite taken by the strange chivalrous newcomer and found that she wanted to know more about him. "And what has brought thou hither tonight my lord?" she asked and smiled and shrugged helplessly as the others looked at her taken-aback by her formal speech.

This didn't go unnoticed by the merchant who grinned at Charon's effort. "Well I heard that one Emperor Mu would be in attendance tonight so I decided to pay a visit myself." He explained.

"But why would you want to meet him?" Mars exclaimed. "Haven't you heard about him?"

"Oh indeed." Jujuka's brow furrowed as he recalled some of the stories he had heard about Mu but not desiring to sour his mood he hurried on heartily. "But that is precisely why I am here your highness. I like to meet people and feel quite interested to find out for myself just how accurate the descriptions of our friend Emperor Mu are. Tonight we shall all discover whether he deserves his reputation or not."

"Well Universe sure thinks he does." Venus put in. "And she does know quite a lot about the galaxies my lord."

"Indeed - Universe struck me as very knowledgeable when we spoke." Jujuka agreed and his expression changed to one of strange curiosity at the mention of the brown-eyed Princess's name. "I see that she is not among your company right now?"

"She's got more important things to take care of than talking right now." Jupiter retorted the resentment she felt clear in her voice.

"Oh really?" Jujuka inquired mildly noticing the bitterness in her voice but tactfully deciding not to remark on it. "And what is she doing?"

"Why not see for yourself?" Mars suggested as she waved her hand in the direction of the dance-floor.

Amused Jujuka turned his eyes in the direction indicated by the Martian - already he was putting two and two together as he took Jupiter's jealousy into account. "Oh how charming!" he exclaimed as he saw Char leading Universe in their dance.

As it happened Jupiter could not have been more wrong because as they danced the Prince of Charon and Princess of the Universe found time to speak. Realising that his dance partner seemed to be having some difficulty in keeping up with him Char had waited until the music had arrived at a slower more relaxed phase - now he slowed down in pace and gently eased Universe closer to himself as they both moved rhythmically in a more relaxed manner.

As they danced slowly Char smiled and gazed at Universe's face appreciating the way her eyes shone like garnets in the lulling light of the hall. Feeling a little nervous because of the way he looked at her so attentively but at the same time comfortable for some reason Universe smiled back at him.

Suddenly he just couldn't leave the thought that had been on his mind since he'd looked at her remain unsaid. "You look so pretty." Char said flatly.

For a moment Universe frowned and he thought that he'd put his royal foot in it but then she wrinkled her nose and smiled at him again and his heart lifted. "You know something?" Universe said with a laugh. "You're just about the only man in the universe who could say that to me and live!"

Char widened his eyes a touch at this remark and then grinned. "Am I? I'll…take that as an honour!"

Universe's face clouded as she recalled her younger days as a Star Raider. "Char…not everyone would agree with you." She murmured quietly as she lowered her eyes and gazed at the floor by their moving feet.

Char stared at her in disbelief - he couldn't believe that there could be a single person alive who would ever dream of doubting Universe's beauty. "It's true!" he exclaimed and the fierceness with which he said it shocked himself. "If there's anyone who's ever said any differently I'll kill him!"

Surprised by the passion in his voice Universe's eyes jumped back to stare at his honest face. The purple-haired Princess found his eyes sincere and though angry full of a rare kind of gentleness she'd never seen in the eyes of a man before in her entire life.

Universe hesitated as a fierce desire seized her soul…she trusted Char completely and in that single passionate moment she wanted to tell him everything about herself. The truth about where she had come from and the life she had lived as a Star Raider. Universe wanted him to know everything about her so that he'd know that she trusted him with her life but even though the words trembled at the edge of her tongue she held back. Universe knew that Queen Serenity had advised her never to reveal the secret of her past to anybody other than the people who already knew for a very good reason. So even though she yearned to share her past with Char, Universe knew that the less people who knew about her former life the better. So instead the Princess of the universe smiled and didn't say a word as she allowed the Prince of Charon to guide her in the dance that she found so bizarre.

Universe smirked - I guess, she mused, the exact opposite of THIS would be…

…Rula stopped packing the tent-stakes back into the bag as Kirin approached her - she looked up at the stocky Raider and scowled.

What was he doing all the way over here while the rest of the group were busy packing up in order to move on?

Meanwhile at the top of the landing-ramp of the great ship stood Steel-Eye, leader of the Star Raiders. Back then he'd been roundabout thirty-nine years old but still hadn't looked it - though a very faint greyness was visible around the very edges of his eyes to any who might have taken that close a look his shoulder-length hair which he wore in an iron circlet was still as black as the night. Meanwhile, though they were beginning to tell the tale of the many years that he had spent on the trail, his hazel eyes were always alive with the fire that had not died - his rat-like beard made his face oddly exotic and he was the one man who had ever struck Rula as being good-looking as she'd grown up though her affection for the man who had given her everything that she possessed in the skills of survival, tracking, hunting, self-healing and combat, had never gone beyond being that.

The sun momentarily reflected on the tarnished metal band that he wore just above his elbow - engraved on its sloping side was the emblem of Mars, signifying that he had fought alongside the people of that planet during a war and earned renown upon the battlefield. Though he wouldn't have needed this award to prove that he had seen many battles in his life - from his side hung a blade that had many notches along the length of its long-wielded blade.

Steel-Eye had long ago named his sword the Sky-Edge in honour of its silence when he wielded it and he had carried it throughout all of his travels and cut the evil from the lives of many oppressed people he had met along his long way.

This man had been beneath the skies, trodden upon the ground and breathed the air of many worlds throughout the universe - he was Steel-Eye and here among men (And one girl of course.) he had trained himself he was as a king.

At the moment however the leader of the Star Raiders was gazing down at the foot of the landing-ramp, his interested intently held by what he was watching…

There was a broad grin on Kirin's face as Rula rose and stood (STILL looking up at him given his tallness.) facing him. "Hey there…" he began and she was amazed at the awkwardness of his voice even though he still swaggered confidently as he spoke to her. "You're doin' a great job there! Hey I see that you've packed those stakes in a different order than they're usually in there Rula! Ha ha…very good! Might get into trouble for it though…you know what the others are like."

Rula stared at him blankly - and then Kirin reached out and put his hand on her shoulder as he stared at her. "The thing is - I've always seen you as one of the boys Rula…"

Kirin never finished that sentence because Rula tucked the bag under her arm and slugged him in the stomach with her free fist.

Grift who had noticed all of this from the top of the ramp chuckled as he turned away. "Time Kirin went to have his eyes tested I reckon…" he muttered to Steel-Eye who laughed quietly in agreement and felt proud of his young protégé…

…ugh! Universe shuddered as she remembered the way that Kirin had looked her up and down as he'd tried to make that pass at her. That was so disgusting that it wasn't even fit to be called the OPPOSITE of this!

As she watched the dancing couple there was an approving smile on Queen Serenity's face. The Lunarian Queen knew that Universe had a good friend in Mercury but she had often thought that she also needed to have more contact with men - men unlike the Star raiders. Also her eyes twinkled as she saw Universe enjoying the dance - it was a wonderful thing to see her charge having fun doing something light-hearted. This thought reminded her of Universe's beautiful singing and she wondered if she would be able to convince the Princess to sing tonight.

This wish was not for Emperor Mu's benefit at all but purely so that she would have the chance to hear Universe's song again. But she decided that it would be better if she didn't ask Universe to do so…Serenity knew how she felt about having to come here and decided that she would hardly be in the right mood to put her heart into the song tonight.

Knowing that the girl she had turned into a Princess was beginning to feel that she belonged here Serenity felt happy as she watched Universe having such a splendid time dancing with Prince Char. However as she gazed at them Queen Serenity's face slowly become pensive and just the faintest hint of worry crept into her eyes.

Something was amiss…all of a sudden she could practically smell something strange hanging in the air. Not a bad odour but something that wasn't right - something that didn't belong here…

For some reason that she couldn't quite put her finger on Serenity felt remarkably uncomfortable all of a sudden. But a faint unpleasant suspicion was beginning to form in her mind as a strangely familiar uneasiness began to seize her…

The feeling was confirmed when she began to sense something approaching her kingdom - and for the most fleeting of moments he eyes filled with deep disgust...a startling emotion that was very rare to her. "He comes…" she murmured softly, her voice rueful as she began to direct her uneasy eyes around the Ballroom.

Where would he appear? She knew that he loved to make a really spectacular appearance…