He stood in the back of the shop, idly flipping through a thick book as he casually observed the hustle of mid-morning shoppers running their errands. A nearby woman wrestled with a young boy enraptured by a candy display. He chuckled quietly at her obvious annoyance and distress as he closed the book with a snap and returned it to its place on the shelf.

Leaving the shop, he entered the clothing store next door. A wicked smile grew on his face as he saw two young women excitedly gushing over a dress. He began casually sifting through the nearest rack as he observed them.

"Can I help you?" a bright voice asked behind him. Turning slowly, he raised an eyebrow at the cheerful store clerk. "These shirts are just in and very popular this season!"

"Thank you," he responded, his voice scratchy from disuse. The clerk smiled nervously and nodded, moving on to the two women. He continued to sift through other racks, keeping a surreptitious eye on the women. They finally left, carrying several bags apiece.

"This will do," he whispered, leaving moments later. He waited at a cross walk down the block, several others joining him as they waited for the light to change. He smiled at a small child next to him. As the light changed and the crowd moved forward, he snapped his fingers.

Down the street, opposite from where he now walked, the explosion was magnificent.


"There, that's the last of it," Lena muttered, snapping close her last suitcase. She surveyed her living room with hands on her hips. Since her classes ended the other day she had been packing her apartment nonstop. Although she had done it countless times in the past, it was always hard to see a place she called home packed up. Shelves that had once been lined with books now sat empty. The dozens of odds and ends she had collected during her travels had been gently wrapped and put into boxes, taped up and ready to ship. Even Elliott's many toys that had been scattered throughout the different rooms had been put away, much to her cat's displeasure.

"Well, Elliott," she said, reaching to scratch behind her ears."I think we're ready."

She glanced at her watch. Her flight left in three hours. With a sigh, she walked across the hall, raising a nervous fist to knock on Hale's door.

"Hey," Hale said, grinning when he opened the door. He still wore his scrub pants, but had a t-shirt on instead of the matching top. "What's up?"

"I wanted to tell you that I'm leaving. I have to go back to Japan. There are some things I have to do there and it's been great-" Hale placed a finger on her lips, cutting off her rushed explanation.

"Slow it down," he said, staring down at her with a small smile. She breathed deeply before continuing.

"I'm going back to Japan. I have some... family things to deal with," she said, biting her bottom lip. "That's why my cousin came the other week."

Hale nodded slowly. "When do you leave?"

"In about three hours. I'm getting ready to head to the airport."

His mouth twisted up and he glanced at his watch. "I'll drive you."

"Oh, no; you don't have to do that. I was going to call a cab. Really, it's no problem," Lena rambled as Hale ignored her, grabbing his keys and locking the door behind him.

"Come on, Lena," he said, shooting her a wide smile as he crossed the hall to her apartment. "You once accused me of being gallant. Let me live up to that."

He opened the front door, cursing quietly as he took in the room. Lena's luggage was stacked in the center; he counted at least four large suitcases, a smaller one, and three carry-on size cases. Lena raised onto her tiptoes behind him, peering over his shoulder.

"Still want to be gallant?"


Hours later the Neptune Court plane touched down in Crystal Tokyo and Lena and Elliott were in a car heading to her family's country home, Nerissa Manor. It had been years since she had been there, making excuses for not coming to visit - classes, exams, unable to get a flight - but the reality was she had been scared. Scared of being drawn into court, forced to take on responsibilities she had no interest in.

So much for that plan, she thought wryly. Elliott hopped into her lap, nuzzling her. Lena gently scratched her head, leaning against the window as the vivid colors of Crystal Tokyo transitioned into the deeper shades of the countryside.

The car turned onto a long drive and Nerissa Manor came into view. From the car it looked like a long white box, lined with windows, but Lena knew as they got closer she would be able to make out the masterpiece her home really was. Large white columns stood on either side of the elaborately carved front door, holding up a balcony overlooking the estate's gardens. The patina tiled roof made the painted white outer walls look even brighter. Deep brown shutters lined with strips of gold were hung on every window; the second story had matching doors leading out onto iron balconies.

Lena sighed and stepped out of the car when it stopped in front of the house, Elliott tucked safely in her arms. Thanking the driver for getting her bags, she pushed open the front door. Assuming her mother was, as usual, tucked away in her study, she decided to go see her first.

"Mother?" she called softly, rapping on the partially opened door. Her mother, seated at her desk, spun around quickly at the sound. She looks… tired, Lena thought. Although her hair had been turning grey for decades, Lena swore there were even more streaks of grey through her mother's deep green tresses.

"Lena!" Aneko exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her daughter. "I was wondering when you'd be here!"

"Didn't you get my messages?" Lena asked, pulling back. Her mother cocked a quizzical eyebrow. "Any of my messages?"

"Oh dear, that doesn't matter, I'm just glad you're home!" She put an arm around Lena and guided her to the sofa. "Now, I'm just going to cut right to the chase, if that's okay."

"Okay…" Lena said slowly.

"I put up quite an argument with Michiru about you becoming princess," Aneko started, patting her daughter's hand. "I tried to convince her to change her mind, that you were unfit - don't argue with me, I did this for your benefit - but nothing I said would change her mind. You know that girl is stubborn when she puts her mind to something."

"I'm not sure where this is going, Mother," Lena said.

"Lena," her mother said, placing her hands on Lena's cheeks. "I have wondered since you were a tiny girl if this day would come and I have always thought that if it did, you would be magnificent." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on Lena's forehead. When Lena looked up, she could see tears glistening in her mother's eyes.

"Thank you, Mom," Lena said, feeling her throat catch. The feeling went away when her mother scowled at her.

"Mom? A princess should not address her parents so informally. Don't tell me you've forgotten all your lessons while you were off gallivanting," Aneko scolded.

"Studying, Mother. Not gallivanting," Lena said exasperatedly. Aneko waved a hand dismissively.

"Either way. Now, go find your father and tell him hello. I'm sure he's out tinkering in that shop of his."


"Why- won't- you-" Lena heard her father angrily grunting. "Work?"

"Dad?" she called, cautiously peering into her father's workshop behind the house. He spun around, his dark scowl instantly fading when he saw her. Lena smiled at her father's disheveled look, his greying brown hair sticking in all directions and clothes covered with splotches of what looked like grease.

"Sweetheart, you're finally home!" he exclaimed, opening his arms to hug her, immediately reconsidering when he glanced at his clothes. "It's so wonderful to see you!"

"You too, Dad," Lena said. She leaned up on her toes and placed a small kiss on his cheek.

"I assume you've seen your mother?"

Lena nodded. "Seen her, been lectured by her; it's like I never left."

Her father laughed as he rummaged through a cabinet drawer, pulling out a rag and wiping his hands on it.

"Well, you know your mother," he chuckled.

"I imagine it will only get worse when I take the crown."

A dark look crossed her father's face. "About that, Lena," he said, tossing the rag aside. "We supported Michiru in this decision, but I am not happy about it. It was never my desire for you to be a part of the court and its politics. I know you were born into our court and cannot escape that, but I was determined to prevent you from having to be involved in it. I know this is a lot to ask of you, and I hope you know your mother and I will be with you every step of the way. We will still remain the court advisors if you wish us to."

"Dad, I-" Lena started, interrupted by a knock on the workshop door.

"Excuse me, sir," a steward said, peering into the shop. "My lady, there is a comms call from the queen. I have set it up for you in your chambers."

Lena hurried through the halls to her chamber, opening the door to her small office. Sitting at the desk, she pushed a button and a large screen in front of her lit up, revealing an up-close shot of Neo Queen Serenity's face. Lena jerked back, startled by the queen's enlarged head.

"Usako," a man whispered in the background. "Sit back. It's on."

"Oh!" the queen gasped, leaping backwards. Her face was tinged pink as she gave an awkward laugh. "Sorry about that! I set this up myself! Hello, Lady Lena!"

"Hello, your majesty. Thank you for your call," Lena said, remembering her mother's advice on how to speak to royalty. "I'm honored that you would take the time."

The queen waved a hand, giving her a wide smile. "Think nothing of it! And please, this is a very informal call. I just wanted to say hello and tell you how happy I am that you will be our new Princess Neptune." The queen paused, gazing thoughtfully as she tapped her finger to her chin. "Although I am sad that Michiru has decided to abdicate. I always thought she was the ideal princess, so beautiful and cool and gentle and -" There was another hissed "Usako!" from off screen.

"Sorry! I wandered a bit," the queen laughed. "I'm sad that she's stepping down, but I'm also happy that she chose to follow her heart. Where would any of us be today if we hadn't done the same?"

Lena paused, her smile wavering. For years she thought she had been following her heart, but now that she was home again, she wondered just where it had taken her. The queen seemed to notice Lena's change.

"Is everything okay?" she asked. Lena forced a smile and nodded.

"Just a bit of jet lag," she said. "I agree with you, your majesty. I am happy for my cousin. She deserves to follow her heart."

The queen smiled warmly. "As do we all, Lady Lena." Her eyes drifted towards something behind the camera. "As do we all."


Michiru joined them for dinner that evening, explaining that Haruka had some business to attend to in the city. "She's petitioning the queen to allow her to take her car out of its garage," she explained with a wink.

"I hear that the coronation will be just before the new year," she added, raising an eyebrow at Lena.

"Oh, don't remind me!" Aneko wailed. "That's only three weeks away. It's just simply not enough time to prepare Lena!"

"Mother," Lena said flatly. "I've had a millennium to prepare. I think I'll be okay."

Her father guffawed, covering it with a cough. "Now, Lena," he said, grinning. "Let your mother have this little panic. She always loves a good panic." The table erupted into laughter at Aneko's growl of annoyance.

"I know you will be able to pull off the ceremony and I have no doubt you'll be fine at the ball. But there's just so much we need to do before it all begins! We'll need to find you a residence within the city - you simply cannot stay out here in the country - and there's new clothes to buy, you'll have fittings for your coronation dress..." Aneko jumped up from the table and began rummaging through a cabinet. "I also need to find the address of that stylist. He does wonders! Absolute wonders!"

"A stylist, Mother? Really?" Lena groaned. Aneko turned sharply towards her, her lips tightly drawn.

"We cannot have you attending your first public event as Princess Neptune with your hair looking like that," she snapped, waving her finger at Lena's green ombre hair.

Lena sat tall in her chair, putting on her haughtiest face. "I am of the House of Neptune. I will define what beauty is."

Her parents stared at her in stunned silence. Michiru nearly fell out of her seat from laughing.


Lena stood outside an unfamiliar building, her neck nearly getting a crick from leaning back to look at it.

"Hey, little dove," Haruka called. Lena turned to see her and a shorter woman with long blonde hair approaching. "You made it."

"This is what you've found?" Lena asked, incredulously. Haruka turned to the building, a confused look on her face.

"Don't like it? I wasn't sure if the building would be nice enough, but the apartment is incredible and has a fantastic view of the city," Haruka explained.

"I, um," Lena stuttered. "It's not that I don't like it, it's just, well, it's pretty extravagant."

Haruka stared at her, dumbstruck, before bursting into laughter. "Lena, you do realize you're about to become Princess Neptune, right? You can't live in a little run down place like your last apartment."

"Hey, that apartment was nice!" Lena argued. The sound of someone clearing their throat stopped whatever retort Haruka was about to say.

"Hi, I'm here too," the blonde woman said cheerfully, giving a quick wave.

"Sorry about that," Haruka said, grimacing. "Lena, this is Minako Aino, Sailor Venus, leader of the Guardian Soldiers."

Lena shook Minako's offered hand. "It's nice to meet you," she said with a smile.

"Likewise," Minako agreed. "When Haruka said she was meeting you here to look at an apartment, I asked if I could come along."

"Insisted is more like it," Haruka muttered. Minako shot her a quick scowl before resuming her bright smile.

"Asked, insisted; is there really a difference?" she asked brightly. "We're all very anxious to meet you, Lena. I decided I would skip waiting for the formal introductions and do a little reconnaissance on you to report back to the other Guardians."

"Um," Lena started, shooting a worried glance at Haruka, who shrugged and rolled her eyes. "I hope you have a good… um… report to take back to the other Guardians?"

"There's the spirit!" Minako laughed. "Now, let's go look at an apartment!"

The apartment took up the entire top floor of the building. It had not only a private swimming pool and elevator, but a terrace that went practically around the entire building, giving Lena a view of every part of the city. It was tastefully decorated in neutral taupes and greys with plush, comfortable looking furniture throughout the apartment.

"What do you think?" Haruka asked once they had toured the apartment. She leaned against the railing of the terrace that overlooked the ocean.

~ Silver Millennium ~

Gentle waves lapped over Lena's legs as she leaned back against the cool sand on the shore. The smell of the salty ocean calmed her as she inhaled deeply. A larger wave splashed over her, soaking her to the core. Her dress clung to her like a second skin, her hair hung like strands of seaweed; she giggled, knowing the fit her mother would have if she saw her.

"You do realize you look ridiculous," she heard her cousin call. Lena twisted her head around to glare at her cousin, who was perched upon a large rock, grinning. She looked like a sea goddess overlooking her ocean kingdom. Lena rolled her eyes at the frivolous thought. Turning her head back, she closed her eyes, allowing the soft hypnotic sounds of the ocean to lull her away.

"It's amazing." Lena breathed in the salty air of the ocean, closing her eyes, realizing just how much she missed being home.

"Great! It's already been bought," Haruka said. She leaned over and mussed Lena's hair.

"What?" Lena screeched, straightening her hair. "Who did that? Why? What if I didn't like it?"

Haruka shrugged. "It could have always been returned."

"It's not a sweater, Haruka," Lena muttered. Minako strolled out onto the terrace, grabbing Lena's hands.

"This place is fabulous!" she gushed. "You have to let me throw you a housewarming party!"

Lena exchanged a hesitant glance with Haruka. "Sure?" she agreed, nervously.

Minako threw her arms around Lena. "Hooray! You're going to fit right in!"


"Do you think she'll like me?" Neo Queen Serenity asked her husband nervously. King Endymion took her hand, placing a small kiss on it.

"You are the queen, Usako. Shouldn't you be more concerned about you liking her?" he asked, grinning at her.

"Why wouldn't I like her?" Serenity leaned her head to one side, giving her husband a confused look.

"Why wouldn't she like you?" Endymion countered.

"True."

With a chuckle, Endymion leaned down, pressing his lips gently against his wife's. What he meant to be a small, reassuring show of affection turned into more as Serenity wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. His hands ran down her spine, pulling her closer against him.

"Ahem," came a voice from the office door. The king and queen sprang apart, moving to opposite sides of the sofa. Serenity felt her cheeks flame; Endymion's weren't much different. "Sorry to interrupt, your majesties," Damon said, grinning. "Lady Lena Colman is here."

"Please show her in," Serenity said, straightening and smoothing out her gown. Endymion and she stood as Lena walked in. She was shorter than Serenity had imagined, but resembled Sailor Neptune right down to the nonchalant expression on her face. While Lena wasn't quite the fairy princess she had always thought Michiru to be, there was no question that she was just as beautiful. Serenity smiled warmly and held her hand out to Lena.

"Welcome, Lena," she said. Lena sank into a deep curtsy before the queen and king. When she stood she saw the queen awkwardly pulling her hand back. An embarrassed look crossed Lena's face. The king rubbed at his mouth, hiding a smile.

"My mother would have my head if she knew I shook the queen's hand the first time I met her," Lena said, smiling widely. Both the queen and king stared at her for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Yes, I can see Aneko exploding," Endymion said with a chuckle.

Serenity motioned to a small loveseat opposite the sofa where she and the king had sat. "Please, sit. Tea should be here soon!"

"You're studying political science I hear," the king stated as he sat.

Lena nodded. "I am, your majesty. All I have left now is my thesis. I hear you studied that as well in school," she said, turning to the queen. Serenity smiled sheepishly.

"I did. I admit I wasn't the best student. Although," she said, pausing in thought. "I guess I didn't have to be since I knew I was going to become Neo Queen Serenity anyway!" She let out a peal of laughter. King Endymion's head fell onto his palm and he shook his head.

Lena laughed, the queen's cheerful nature infectious. Both Michiru and Haruka had told her stories over the years of the queen when they were younger, how she was klutzy and a crybaby. Neo Queen Serenity had always seemed poised and elegant the times Lena had seen her in the past and she'd found their stories hard to believe. But they had also told her of how warm and genuine and kind she was, something Lena had never doubted for a moment.

Seeing her now, so relaxed, makes me feel so comfortable and welcome, Lena thought. Maybe some of my fears of stepping into this role were unfounded.

There was a sharp knock on the office door. "Tea's here!" Serenity exclaimed as Endymion went to open the door. Instead of a tea cart stood Damon, his face marred with worry. Serenity stood abruptly when she saw her assistant's pallored face. "What's happened?"

"There's been another attack, your majesties," Damon said, his voice tight. "The art museum."

"No," Serenity whispered, faltering against her husband. "Mako took Small Lady there today!"


AN: Whew this one was a toughie! I'm really hoping/expecting this to be the last "filler" chapter and that we can finally get into some action and excitement! I outlined the first part of the story the other day and am antsy to get writing future scenes! Thanks so much for reading!