I don't own Sailor Moon.
A 13-year old Ami was talking to Minako when Queen Serenity rose. Everyone became silent as the Queen welcomed them.
"Welcome to my palace." She went around, greeting everyone.
"Queen Meridian, King Meionite & Princess Ami of Mercury." All three bowed & Ami said. "Thank you for inviting us, Your Highness."
Queen Serenity smiled. "Thank you for accepting, Miss Ami."
Ami smiled & watched as she went off to the Mars family. Looking up, Ami whispered to her mother. "Why are we here again?"
"Shush, Ami. Don't be rude." her mother scolded the girl.
Ami withheld a groan. "Fine." she whispered back.
As soon as Queen Serenity finished, she stood in front, smiling. "Well, as you all know, Princess Makoto of Jupiter has turned 13, which means all five girls are of age."
The adults nodded as the girls exchanged confused looks.
Princess Serenity stood up. "Um, mother? Age of what?"
The others nodded as the Queen laughed, with all the other adults.
Ami didn't like being laughed at, but didn't say anything. She waited until the laughter died down & the Queen went on.
"Age to begin training as senshi."
The girls gasped, but were quiet as the Queen explained. "Each senshi will be given a planetary henshin wand, which only allows each senshi to use the amount of power needed for the most basic attack. As the senshi become stronger, the wand will change to accommodate the increase in the power the senshi may draw from her planet."
She turned & motioned for a servant to bring her a pillow with 4 wands on it. "The presentation of powers begins now. Mercury, please step forward."
After looking up at her parents, Ami stepped forward. Princes Serenity took a blue wand & walked in front of the Queen. "Princess Ami of Mercury, I present you with the wand of Mercury. Call 'Mercury Power Make-up', & use this power wisely.
Nodding, Ami took it & stepped in front of her parents. Lifting the wand above her, she called, "Mercury Power Make-up!" A baby blue light surrounded the young girl as she grasped the wand. Waving it around her body, a blue ribbon of light encircled her, changing her into Sailor Mercury. She finished with the baby blue glow of the Mercury sign behind her.
They all clapped as Ami looked at her outfit. "This is way cool…" she murmured, causing everyone to laugh.
Stepping back, Ami stared into space as her friends received their wands as well. When it was finished, the Queen smiled. "You are all now senshi."
The girls clapped with the adults, but Ami felt tired. Her mother noticed because she said, "Serenity, I believe the girls are exhausted."
The Queen nodded, looking around at all the newly transformed senshi looking tired. "Of course. You are all dismissed to go rest for awhile, but be sure to be at the ballroom in two hours. You will be announced by family & the senshi will be presented to the people."
The royal families of the Solar System filed out of the throne room to go to their own quarters.
Queen Meridian noticed her daughter yawn. "Sweetie, go get some rest. You will need it for the ball tonight."
Ami smiled at her mother. "Thank you mother, father." She bowed as she walked into her room.
Closing her eyes, she fell asleep instantly, de-transforming as she slept.
An hour later, Ami was woken up by a young servant girl. Rubbing her eyes, Ami looked questioning at the girl, who bowed.
"Your Highness, it was requested you get ready for the ball."
Ami nodded. "Thank you." She stood up & stretched as she dismissed the girl.
Instantly, a woman & a man came in. "Your Highness." They bowed. "We are here to get you ready."
Ami nodded & sat down without a word. Half an hour later, she had her hair done & her makeup. All that was left was her dress.
As the 2 people left, Ami decided she would take a walk. "It won't take me half an hour to get a dress on."
She walked out of her room & began to explore the castle. She walked into the 'senshi chamber.' Looking around, she smiled. It was similar to a clubhouse, furnished with a bookshelf, a table, a couch, a sofa, even beanbag chairs and an entertainment system. The leftmost room at the very end is the Senshi conference room, where important matters the senshi don't wish anyone to know about are held.
She grabbed a book & sat down on the couch. She became so adsorbed in it that she didn't notice the time.
Finally finishing, Ami looked at the clock. Gasping, she dropped the book. It was time for the ball & she wasn't ready!
Sprinting out of the room, she dodged people coming in for the ball as she ran back to her room.
Shutting the door behind her, she groaned when she saw most of her makeup was sweated off & her hair was a little messy.
"Oh well, maybe they won't notice." She grabbed her dress & changed. Putting on her shoes, she walked as fast as she could while looking graceful. Stopping just behind the door, she transformed & walked in, just as the Queen was finishing her welcome speech.
"Without further ado, I wish to present the queens and kings of the Silver Alliance!"
Trumpets sounded and everyone's attention turned from Queen Serenity to the other end of the room, where a grand staircase led to great double doors that were just being opened. An announcer stood off to the side, and as he began talking, every person in the ballroom, aside from the Moon family, knelt to show deference to the incoming royalty.
"Presenting Queen Meridian and King Meionite of Mercury, accompanied by Sailor Mercury!" the announcer cried out in the ballroom. The queen and king stepped into the ballroom, followed by a ruffled looking Sailor Mercury, walking as gracefully as a princess ought. The trio almost floated down the stairs and up the silver carpet to the row of thrones. After bowing/curtseying to Moon Queen and Princess, they turned left and sat in the thrones on the farthest left, Sailor Mercury taking her place behind and to the left of the throne of Princess Serenity.
Sailor Mercury ignored the look her parents were giving her. 'Wait, why did I even have dress up if I'm just appearing as Sailor Mercury?' she thought, but said nothing as her friends were announced.
As soon as Sailor Jupiter & her family was announced, the Queen stood up. ""Ladies and Gentlemen, these Sailor Senshi will be staying at the Moon Palace from now on. If you see one of them around the Palace, do not be afraid of them, but do not get in their way. For the rest of the night, please, enjoy yourselves!"
Queen Serenity finished the introductions as the orchestra started playing music louder again, but still soft enough that conversations could be carried on comfortably.
Sailor Mercury looked at her mother, who nodded. Letting out a huge sigh, she turned & followed her friends out the door.
As soon as the door closed, they began to talk.
"Ami, why were you late?" Rei teased.
"Shut up, Rei. It wasn't my fault."
"Sure it wasn't." Makoto taunted her.
Ami stuck out her tongue & turned on her heel. Gracefully, she huffed off.
As soon as she reached her room, she sat down. "I know I'm supposed to be at the ball, but I really don't want to."
She laid down. "I'll just take a little nap…" She closed her eyes & dreamt about her planet & how she wouldn't be able to go back home for a while.
Knocking on her door shocked the princess, who immediately jumped up. "Who is it?" she called out, cursing her voice for cracking.
"Ami, dear?" her mother's voice came through the door.
"Yes, mother." Ami called out, trying to smooth her dress out & fix her hair.
"Can I come in?"
Satisfied with her appearance, Ami called out. "Yes."
She watched as her mother came in. "Dear, why aren't you at the ball?" She sat down on the bed.
"I kind of don't want to go mother." Ami admitted.
"I see…" Queen Meridian nodded. "Well, Ami dear." She grabbed her daughter's hand. "I know you don't want to, but there are many eligible bachelors waiting for you to dance with them."
Ami couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Mother, trying to marry me off already?" she joked.
"It's never too soon." Meridian joked back.
They both laughed until Meridian stood up. "Ready?"
Taking one last longing look at the bed, Ami stood up. "Ready."
The two of them made their way to the ballroom. Inside, Meridian kissed Ami on the cheek & walked over to King Meionite.
Watching her go, Ami turned to see 5 boys line up in front of her. Withholding her groan, she curtsied. "Thank you for coming."
The first boy with brown hair & brown eyes, bows & kisses her gloved hand. "You look beautiful tonight, Your Highness."
Ami rolled her eyes. "Thank you, sir."
He held out his hand & Ami took it. Leading her out on the dance floor, they began to dance.
This ritual continued for 10 or 15 dances. Ami finally excused herself & could hardly stop herself from running.
Outside, Ami let out a huge sigh. "Thank God." she murmured, staring at the Earth. "I wonder how Zoisite is doing…" she murmured, tears clouding her eyes.
Wiping them away, she walked down the stairs & sat down in the Royal rose garden. Picking a rose, she let out a curse as she pricked herself.
"One should be careful of how you pick a rose." a masculine voice called out.
Jumping up, Ami looked around, scared. "Who are you? Where are you?"
A deep chuckling split the silence. "Jumpy much, Ami?"
Ami turned to see a figure emerged. Looking around scared, she grabbed a rake & held it in front of her. "Stay where you are! I'll hurt you!"
But it was all talk. She was scared crapless & wanted to cry, but she wasn't going to let this person know.
"Whoa, Ami. Calm down." The voice became concerned.
"Who are you & why should I calm down?"
"Cuz I'm not here to hurt you." The figure emerged completely & Ami dropped her rake.
"Zoisite…" she murmured, staring at her long-lost friend. His hair had grown longer, but it looked sexy on him. He wore the uniform of Earth, but what she noticed most was his grin.
It held so much mystery, but at the same time familiarity. Ami couldn't help herself but run into his arms, tears running down her face.
Zoisite wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. "Shh, Ami, it'll be fine. I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch."
Ami separated from him & wiped her tears. "Sorry for that." She blushed, but grabbed his hand. "Come on, tell me about what's been going on with you."
Zoisite laughed, but let himself be led. Sitting down on a bench, Ami looked at him expectedly.
"Well, Earth is still beautiful…" He stared into her eyes. "But not as beautiful as you."
Ami blushed & looked downward. "Don't say that…" she began to circle the bench with her finger.
Zoisite grabbed her chin & brought it up so her eyes meet his. "I mean it." He said, staring into her eyes.
Staring into Zoisite's eyes, Ami noticed something she hadn't before. A type of gleam. And before she knew it, she felt Zoisite's lips on hers.
Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around him & kissed back with all her might. She felt his arms encircle her as she leaned into him so much that Zoisite fell off the bench, taking Ami with him!
After recovering, Ami blushed. "I am so sorry." she apologized.
She heard laughter & looked up to see Zoisite laughing. She felt foolish. 'He probably thinks I'm so stupid.' She felt tears appear.
A tear hit Zoisite on his chest & he realized his love was crying. "No, Ami. Don't cry." He wiped her tears away.
Ami couldn't stop, though. She sobbed into his chest, not even sure why she was crying. Zoisite just held her, rocking back & forth, talking softly to her.
After 10 minutes, Ami stopped & wiped her tears. "Sorry." she murmured, but Zoisite shook his head. "Don't be. It's good to cry."
Ami nodded & Zoisite stood up, helping her up.
"Um, so what does this mean?" Ami asked, a little shy after sharing their first kiss.
"Well, first of all, I need to say I love you & hope you love me."
Ami nodded, hugging him. "I do love you."
"Good. Now I'm going to ask you something."
Ami gasped. "Wait, I can't get…"
Zoisite shushed her. "No, I'm not proposing." He laughed. "I'm going to give you this & ask you to be my girlfriend."
Ami looked at the ring he had produced. It was pretty simple, but Ami thought it was beautiful. Tearing up again, she accepted. "Of course I'll be your girlfriend."
Zoisite smiled a loving smile. "Good." He put the ring on & brought her into another kiss. But before it could get too intimate, Zoisite broke off.
Kissing the top of her head, Zoisite murmured. "I have to go. Earth still isn't allowed here."
Ami nodded & hugged him, kissing him on the cheek. "Visit me soon."
"I promise. And this time I mean it." He kissed her one last time, then walked off, leaving a flustered Ami.
"Ami? Where are you?" she heard Minako's voice call out.
"Coming!" Ami called back, staring at Zoisite's retreating back. She fiddled with the ring, smiling, then turned to go back to the party.
Awww, so much sweetness! Next chapter will be on relationship, then I'll get to the sad part. Please RR