Chapter 5: The Uninvited Guest

Inside the Palace Ball Room hung golden decorations, the diamond chandelier glowing with a radiant light, and guests were being served by waiters carrying trays of goodies. Koaru rushed up to his room, and changed into his 'appropriate' clothes, a black tuxedo with a bowtie. He looked around and, seeing no one, threw the bowtie out the window and left for the feast.

Serena, having changed into a different dress, was now staring around the Ball Room, excited as a bee in a flower. She ran around till Luna caught her and led her over to her mother, who was seated at a large table at one end of the room. Also seated there was Raye, Lita, Amy, Mina and the two boys she had seen outside with their father, who was talking to her mother. Her friends were also sitting with their parents, and, as she approached the table, Koaru came sliding into the room and took a seat at the far end of the table beside Artemis. Serena took her place beside her mother, who finished her conversation with the man, smiled at her, then stood, causing the room to grow silent.

Queen Serenity took a deep breathe, then, in a loud and clear voice, greeted the guests. "To all who have come to honor the 12th birthday of my daughter, I say to you, welcome, and thank-you. I would like you all to be the first to know of a delightful arrangement that has just been made." she said, now trying to keep her voice even through her excitement. "My daughter, Princess Serenity, is bethroned to Prince Nicholas of Earth." The entire room erupted in applause, and Serena leaned over to Luna and asked, "What is 'bethroned'?" Luna smiled, and explained.

Outside of the Palace, a storm was brewing. Two soldiers stopped their patrol to

watch the swirling black clouds. "You here anything about a storm today?" the one asked. The other shook his head, "Naw, I din' hear a thang." The first soldier erupted into laughter hearing the others accent. "Hey, 'at's not noice. I can' help the way that I talk."

"Now that we have finished a delectable feast," Queen Serenity said as the last plate was removed from the room, "I would like to ask Prince Nicholas and my daughter to open the ball with a dance." Serena looked around, trying to see this 'Nicholas', and jumped slightly when the older of the two boys whom she had seen outside stood and walked over to her. If Serena had to guess, this boy was older then Koaru by a good 3 years at least. He offered her his hand, which she accepted, and together they walked onto the dance floor. The orchestra started to play, and they began to dance. Soon everyone in the room was dancing except for Koaru, Luna, Princess Amy, Artemis, and the other boy who had been with Nicholas. It was them who first noticed the storm.

Thunder was heard throughout the room, causing many of the dancers to pause slightly, then the doors burst open, and in the doorway stood a man, hidden by shadow. King Jupiter stepped forward, and, though an incantation, caused the storm to vanish. The man, however, remained. He walked into the room and the guests closest to him back away. Koaru jumped to his feet and ran out onto the dance floor, staring the man down. "Who are you?" he asked, danger etched in his voice as the man continued to draw closer. The man looked up, and they saw his features. He had grey hair, dark green eyes, and hard face, and wore a greenish armor. If Koaru had to guess, he would place him between the age of 35 and 45. At the man's side was a huge sword with a red hilt. He looked at Koaru, then, smiling, responded. "I am in a hurry, so step aside boy." Koaru stood his ground. "I would like some more information." he said, starting to form a battle plan in his mind.

Queen Serenity was growing nervous, knowing that she had seen this man long ago. She could tell by the dark energy that was rising off of him that had incredibly strong powers, and that made her worry even more.

The man was six feet away when Koaru made his move. He rushed forward, bent low, then aimed a kick straight up at the man's jaw. Just as the kick was about to connect, the man stepped back, grabbed Koaru's foot, and, with what seemed like no effort, threw him across the room.