As a thunderstorm rages above Crystal Tokyo a VERY senior citizen of the city ponders the unexpected course of his retirement years. Manga canon. Written for Grandpa's 30th Anniversary.

Rated: K - Words: 707 - Chibiusa T./Rini/Sailor Chibi (Mini) Moon, Rei H./Raye/Sailor Mars, Rei's Grandfather, Neo-Queen Serenity

Lightning clashed. Thunder clapped.

The old man had lost count of the number of storms he'd witnessed in his life. All he knew was that it was far more than he had ever expected to witness.

And yet, the beauty of the 'dance' in the sky never failed to captivate him. Indeed, rather miraculously, he had found that life was far more full of surprise than he'd thought it would be when he first became a senior citizen. Back then, he'd believed he'd seen all life had to offer.

How wrong he was.

He felt almost embarrassed to have not foreseen the unexpected turns life would lead him. How the Earth would stand upon the brink of ruin from monsters beyond the stars. How beautiful sailor suited soldiers would appear to vanquish them. How one of them would transform the world into a glittering utopia, practically Heaven on Earth. How that would extend everyone's lives far beyond their eighties.

It had been a wonder to live in such times, even if remaining a senior for over 900 years wasn't as ideal as it might have been. But any minor complaints he might have had were swiftly squashed when they had come. Those vile death worshipping monsters known as the Black Moon Clan. He'd lost friends during their first campaign of terror. He himself had been lost when they had tried again and very nearly succeeded in eradicating the world. He had truly believed it was the end that day. But life kept proving to him how miraculous it could be.

He had been saved. They had all been saved. And on that day, it had not been thanks to the queen alone, but also the princess, who's own powers had at last awakened. And with her awakening, though none of them knew it then, came a change for Crystal Tokyo.

The Queen's power ensured that they all stopped ageing once they hit maturity, living to be approximately a millennia old. None had yet died of old age when the Black Moon Clan struck again. And, as it turned out, whether through the power of the princess, the queen, or something else entirely, none would die for a good deal longer.

Before, it had been presumed that an adult resident of Crystal Tokyo would cease ageing until their one thousandth year, or thereabouts. Now, it seemed that they would indeed age, but at a proverbial snail's pace.

Whilst this meant the old man was stuck being a senior citizen forever, he didn't mind much. He was content to live his life amidst the beauty of Crystal Tokyo, the tranquillity of the second Silver Millennium and the love of-

"Grandpa!" The old man averted his gaze from the window and stared at the door to his room. "What're you doing with the door open, you'll catch your death of cold."

The old man chuckled. "Not likely. Not with you as my granddaughter."

With that, he threw a wink at Rei, and gazed back up at the sky, spotting a glimmer of sunlight peeking out from behind one of the clouds.

A/N: This fic was another early attempt at a Grandpa anniversary story. I wanted to do a little world building for my vision of Crystal Tokyo and figured as the oldest human character he was ideally suited. But in writing it I realised it was more of an 'explanation' fic than something that truly celebrated his specific character so I did something else. Still, I couldn't just throw this fic out now could I ;)

Also, just to let you know I am involved in a discord called 'Moonlight Legends' which is dedicated to sharing all sorts of Sailor Moon fanworks, including other fanfics. If you would like to join so you can share your own work, get help with your current projects or just connect to other fan creators shoot me a PM and I'll send you an invite. All are welcome!