Disclaimer: I only own the Mini Scouts, the princesses and bad guys.

Chapter 8- The Ball and Great Prophecy

The Ball:

Ana:

The world dissolved into a swirl of colored skirts and music. I emerged from the sea of mirth gasping for breath.

"Ana? Or should I say Princess Mercury?"

Leda's smart comment intruded on my thoughts, "As you Princess Jupiter."

Leda laughed and extended a hand in a sophisticated way, "May I have this dance?"

Joy exploded through me, "But of course, for no one else would I go back in there."

Like magic or coordination, a slow dance began playing. I noticed that we weren't the only female/female couple dancing. Two women, one with short chin length blonde hair and one also with blonde hair but longer. The blonde with longer hair, who seemed to be leading, noticed me and gave me the thumbs up sign.

"Leda! Look." I pointed at the couple, she chuckled and we swept out onto the floor, silently I thanked every god anywhere that I had let Maria teach me to dance. Suddenly a drunken sot of a young man stumbled up to us and tried to sweep Leda off into a dance, she tried to resist but drink lent to his strength.

"Excuse me sir. I think she has no wish to dance with some drunken sot!" the drunk released Leda, "When wwwwwhy didn't ya say so?" he stumbled off into the crowd, Leda breathed a little sigh of relief and we both turned to thank here rescuer.

The blonde with long hair who was dancing with the woman with the short chin length blonde hair, "You two OK?"

Leda linked her arm into mine, "Thank you, um what's your name?" the long haired blonde winked, "I'm Natalie Peck, the woman I was dancing with is Julia."

Leda and I bobbed a curtsy, though mine more resembled a bow.

"I just hate seeing a happy couple broken up like that. Though you should learn to stand up for your selves."

I shrugged, "I probably would have ended up hitting him."

Leda nodded, "Yep she would and I was about to."

Natalie laughed and shrugged, Julia glided up to us, "Trouble?"

She had a melodious voice, like small ringing bells. "Only another drunk, poor Serenity is going to have conniptions when she finds out."

I did a double take, "You know the Neo Queen Serenity?" Natalie and Julia chuckled, "Yep, You see Julia here is the Lady of Venus and Queen of Libra and I am the Lady of Venus too and Queen of Taurus."

I remembered my own aunts, Lady Maria and Elizabeth. "Wow there must be princesses and ladies for each planet."

Natalie nodded, "Yes, except for earth, That's King Endymion and Serenity is the,"

"Queen of the moon and once Eternal Sailor Moon, yes we know and her twin sister, Lady Adele, Queen of Cancer and Lady Callisto." I said.

Natalie and Julia both turned blue across their noses, "Why so surprised, you did know that the inner Planetary Princesses had Daughters didn't you? Leda is Princess Jupiter and I am Princess Mercury."

Natalie began to laugh, "Then you must know Maria and Elizabeth and Rachel. And our niece too, Minnie."

I nodded, "Maria and Elizabeth are my aunts. And Minnie is Sailor Venus."

Natalie and Julia seemed to be shock for a moment.

Leda spoke up, "Why shouldn't we know about the daughter being scouts? That hereditary too, Sailor Scouts I mean." she tapped her brooch and pointed to mine. Julia and Natalie paled and whispered several names; Natalie made hurried apologies and dashed off, Julia was close one her heels.

"Wonder what that was all about? Want to get a drink and then dance some more." I said watching the two disappear into the crowd.

Leda nodded, "Only if it's a slow dance, my feet are killing me."

"Aye to that!" we both headed for the drink stand and two chairs sitting side by side.

Princess Irene and her friend, Princess Aura watched the two girls, " What about them?"

Irene waved at the two girls, Aura frowned, "No, did you see their faces while they were dancing? They've got some thing going there, I wouldn't want to mess that up. They do make a cute couple for females, you do have to admit."

Irene shrugged, "Yeah, your right, what about the Blonde and the Black hair?"

"I think there still free," said Aura slowly, "But I still think this is weird watching them. I mean, I know we're suppose to keep an eye on them, but we shouldn't break in on their dancing."

Irene rolled her eyes, "You are such a weirdo. You hate breaking up happy couples, don't you?"

"And you do?" replied her friend.

Irene smiled as she fingered her butterfly necklace; "I like to think of it as an hobby."

Aura rolled her eyes. Sometimes Irene could be so weird. Aura glanced at her friend. She was wearing a rainbow colored dress that brought out the blue in her eyes; her red hair was in a loose ponytail. She wore her butterfly on a star pendent, a gift from her mother.

Aura's long blondish white hair was loose and flowing over her shoulders. She wore a light colored gown that matched the colors of dawn. On her neck she wore a yellow star pendent. Her pendent was too, a gift from her mother. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Well, I'm bored," stated Irene standing up, "I going to wander around."

With that she left to wander around the ballroom and probably flirt with any cute guys she saw.

Aura stood up and noticed that the pretty blonde was now by herself. She walked over.

"Hello," said Aura introducing herself to the blonde, "I'm Aura."

The blonde smiled and shook hands, "My name is Minnie."

The two soon became in deep conversation.

Minnie looked at the large water clock occupying the west wall. "Yipes! I'll be late, I'm sorry Aura, I've to go but I'll be back."

Aura smiled and nodded, "I'll see you later, Minnie."

Quickly she dashed off to the raised platform where the Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion would sit when they arrived.

Aura noticed with some confusion that there were eight new seats there, each one bearing the symbol of one of the planets. Mercury was a light blue, Venus a Yellowish orange, Jupiter was a deep green, Saturn was a deep purple, Mars red, Uranus dark blue, Neptune marine blue and Pluto was deep garnet. Aura frowned anxiously, it was very rare that all of the Planetary rulers would gather in one place, in fact he couldn't think of one time except for when the Crystal Palace was completed and when Princess Serena or Rini, the Small Lady, had returned from her ordeal in the past. During both instances no one had ever seen them.

Trumpets sounded throughout the ballroom. Queen Serenity and King Endymion entered the ballroom and took their places on the thrones. Queen Serenity stood, "My people! Our Princesses have finally returned to the Palace, now greet the Planetary Rulers!"

She paused and allowed time for applause, and then she resumed speaking, " The King and Queen of Mercury! And their daughter! Plus Lady Gemini and Virgo!" Five figures entered and sat at their appropriate seats, the King stood behind the Queens seat along with the Princess and Ladies. All of them were masked except for the Queen; The King wore a simple blue half Mask like King Endymion. The Ladies wore one identical to it, the princess, being heir to the throne of Mercury wore a dazzling sequined affair.

As the Planetary rulers filed in and took their places, Aura noticed that Minnie had not yet returned, "I can't believe she's missing this!"

Aura's attention was drawn to the Princess of Venus. She wore her hair in a simple ponytail and her mask was bright orange-red that was totally contrasting with her dress of yellow-orange. It resembled the mask of her aunts except it had a distinct relation to the mask of the masked vigilante Sailor V, who disappeared long before Aura had been born.

Queen Serenity spoke a bit more and then the Princesses left the Platform and dispersed throughout the ballroom.

"Hey, Aura! Did you see that? I wonder why they were all masked?" Irene had snuck up behind Aura.

"Irene, you would be a marvelous thief."

Irene batted her eyes, wide and innocent at Aura. Minnie and Phoebe glided up to them, "Hello, Aura this is Phoebe. Who is your friend?"

Phoebe intervened, "This is Irene, Irene, Minnie."

Minnie nodded her head at Irene. Irene smiled. She moved her head close to Aura's and whispered, "She looks exactly like what you mom described her mother to be. And same with Phoebe."

Aura chuckled, "I wonder where Princess Rini is?"

Minnie shrugged, "She's off on a training mission."

Aura raised an eyebrow, "Training mission?"

Minnie blushed, "Sorry, I meant trading mission. I have trouble with words."

Stupid Mini! You almost gave away the entire thing!

Minnie glanced at the sand clock on the east wall, Minnie shivered, "Oh no!" Minnie quickly grabbed Phoebe's arm. Together the girls dashed off into the garden. Aura and Irene watched their new friends rush off.

Mini stopped as soon as they were safely beyond sight of the party, "Minnie? What's wrong? I-Ohhhhh!"

Phoebe shivered as the scent and tingling that heralded Negaverse activity in the area washed over her. "Ugh! I'm getting that weird feeling again."

Minnie nodded. Phoebe pulled a wrapped up package from her skirts,

Minnie blinked, "How did you do that?"

Phoebe shrugged, "Hidden pocket, Mom gave it to me this morning and said that I should only open it if I come in contact with a monster.

Phoebe pulled the wrapping from the slim package, "What the?" In Phoebe's hand was a small computer, it was like a laptop. It was red with the sign of Mars on it. Phoebe flipped up the top; "Hey this is a mini computer! I thought there was only one of these things! I can scan the entire galaxy with this baby!"

Minnie laughed weakly, "I'd settle for the Moon Gardens right now. Scan away!"

Phoebe rapidly skirted her fingers over the keys, rapidly punching them. The computer screen bleeped and blinked, "Got it, uh oh! What ever it is has a high energy reading and what's worse is that it's coming this way!"

Minnie nodded, "Transform!"

Minnie grasped her brooch and yelled, "Venus Prism Power!" there was a yellow flash of light and in Minnie's place stood Sailor Mini Venus, and Phoebe grabbed her pendant and shouted, "Mars Prism Power!"

Fire appeared around her and quickly disappeared, now Sailor Mini Mars stood proudly in Phoebe's place. "Let's go!"

Aura and Irene stood in the Moon Gardens. "I'm getting a really bad feeling! We've got to find Minnie and Phoebe or they might get hurt!"

Aura nodded as an ear mike appeared on her, "Eos Star Power!" Aura was surrounded by dawn and shooting stars that melted her clothes away and transformed her gown into a black bikini top, with multi colored skirt. The center of the top had a gold star in it and she still wore her star choker. Black thigh length boots appeared. Her hair was suddenly in a ponytail and long black gloves had appeared and a headband with a multi colored star had appeared too. Sailor Star Eos had taken Aura's place.

A ear mike appeared as Irene shouted "Iris Star Power!" A rainbow filled of stars and colorful butterflies surround her. Her beautiful gown was transformed into a black bikini top, a rainbow colored skirt, black thigh length boots, matching gloves, a butterfly choker, a star head band and her hair had also transformed into a ponytail. Sailor Star Iris had arrived.

The two scouts nodded to each other and went off searching for Minnie and Phoebe.

A powerful bolt of Black Lightning threw Sailor Venus back, "Oof! Mars! Get it with your smoke screen!"

Sailor Mars nodded and smoke surrounded the two scouts and Emerald.

Emerald started laughing, her high-pitched laugh made Mars and Venus cover their ears.

"You two really think you can defeat me, Emerald the most beautiful woman in the universe," bragged Emerald.

"Jupiter Flower Hurricane!"

A hurricane of flowers hit Emerald knocking her back! Sailor Mini Jupiter and Mercury stood together near Emerald.

"Thought you might want a hand Venus, Mars!"

Mars tipped my fingers at her in a mock salute, "Thanks, I'll scan 'im!" Mars whipped out her computer and did a quick body structure scan of Emerald,

While she was doing that Emerald grinned, "I think its time to get rid of some trash!"

"That must be you," replied Mercury, "Cause these trash is going to freeze!"

A piece of parchment appeared in her hand. It lightly glowed blue as she prayed, "I call upon the power of my beloved planet Mercury, Ice Balls Freeze!"

With that she threw the piece of parchment at Emerald. It hit her and froze her in place.

"Let me go!" she shouted angrily trying to move, but the anti-evil sticker kept her in place.

"Ha! I detect a weakness in her forehead."

Mars stowed her computer.

"Venus would you do the honors?" she asked politely.

Venus nodded and pointed at the monster's chest, "Venus! Sandstorm! Abrade!" Emerald tried twisted and protected her forehead from the deadly sand.

"Oh no! My sandstorm didn't work on this bag of Nega trash!" said Venus in horror.

Out of nowhere a voice rang out, "Back off Nega Slime! If you know what's good for you!"? A girl in a sailor suit of pink and red jumped into the fight.

"I am Sailor Mini Moon

The Champion of Youth!

I Defend Love and Justice!

In the name of the Moon

And Crystal Tokyo

I'll punish you!

Get ready you Walking pile of Garbage heap!

You're about to get recycled!" she shouted striking a pose.

The girl had long, pink hair done up in meatballs.

"You all right guys? Sorry I'm late!" she pulled out a kaleidoscope from nowhere,

"Sailor Mini Moon! Aim for her forehead! That's her weak spot!" shouted Sailor Mini Mars.

Sailor Mini Moon aimed her Mini Moon Kaleidoscope at the Emerald, " Say bye, bye, again Emerald! Moon Gorgeous Meditation!"

The deadly multi colored attack crashed into Emerald. Emerald screamed as she faded away in a quickly dispersing cloud of moon dust.

"All right! Welcome to the group Sailor Mini Moon!" The scout converged on Sailor Mini Moon and they all de transformed and headed back into the palace.

Aura stared. "What was that? One minute it's there the next it isn't!"

Irene studied the spot, "The Palace Guards must have gotten it, and they are there for a reason!"

Aura shrugged and headed back to her room.

Rini grinned and summoned a servant to bring hot water and warm towels, "Believe me guys, after all that getting bashed around you're going to want it.

Phoebe grinned, "Minnie's going to want that! She got the worst of it.

Minnie smiled at her friend, "You were great out their Phoebe!"

"I would never have thought to scan it for weaknesses," said Ana adding in.

Leda laughed, "That's because you wouldn't even know how to turn on that mini computer, much less scan a monster for weaknesses."

Ana blew a raspberry at Leda and burst out giggling. Phoebe looked at Mini and said "Maybe you should go into the bath room and check for bruises."

Mini stood, wincing, she made her way into the bathroom, and Rini called out Luna P and used it to create a first aid kit. After a while Mini emerged in her house robe and bandaged here and there.

" What was that woman?" asked Minnie, "You seem to know her Rini."

Rini shivered, "That's Emerald, she was from the Nega Moon. I met her when I was really little. But, she was killed in battle with Sailor Moon. I don't know how she is alive."

Ana's eyes became clouded, Leda noticed and started getting worried.

"Uh, guys," she said making everyone turn.

In a strange and far away voice, Ana started to speak, "Some of the greatest foes known to Crystal Tokyo will arise once again. Bound together by the Great Queen of Darkness, Nyx they will be under her control. But there is a chance for hope. The Planetary Knight must unite, a wing horse must be set free, three warriors of the stars must find their princess, eight generals must join the battle for good and the planets' powers must be reused. Follow this path and the new kingdom will be rebuilt and nine queens will be crowned."

Then Ana fainted as Leda ran over and picked her up. Everyone stared in shock at what Ana had just said.