Triton Castle - or rather, the replica Michiru had built years ago - sat near the sea, it's turquoise blue waters glistening as far as the eye could see. While the real Triton Castle existed near Neptune, Michiru had built this one as a refuge from the city, a place to recharge near the ocean. It had been years since Lena had last visited. She'd forgotten just how serene it was.

Lena sat in the window seat of her suite and leaned her head against the edge of the window. She had opened the pane to let the cool sea breeze in. When she had arrived that morning, Michiru had all but shoved her into setting up the party, going nonstop for hours. She'd finally been able to sneak off to hide in her room until it was time for the party.

A ping on her phone caught her attention. She picked it up and saw a message from Hale flash across the screen.

Where the heck is this place? I've been driving for hours!

She smiled as she typed. It's just on the edge of the world. If you drive into the water you've gone too far.

Why couldn't your cousin have been sensible and built her house closer to the city like everyone else?!

Lena leaned her head back and smiled. To call Triton Castle a "house" was a gross understatement. The tiled courtyard shimmered like the inside of an abalone shell. Multiple spiral staircases led to the tower-like castle. At the very top was the ballroom, with its circular balcony overlooking the ocean. The inside was tasteful, soft neutrals and pastels decorating the walls and furniture. It looked nothing like the inside of the magnificent and extravagant original Triton Castle, but these days Michiru was nothing like she was originally.

Lena glanced at the time and sighed. Guests would start arriving in just over an hour and she hadn't even showered. Grudgingly, she dragged herself from the window seat to get dressed. When she had showered and wrapped her robe around her, she sat at the vanity. Her head felt like it was spinning. It had been weeks since she had felt this way, the burning pain suddenly returning.

She swiped on the last bit of her makeup and stood. A wave of nausea came over her, causing her to teeter on her feet. She grabbed the back of her chair, steadying herself. When the nausea and dizziness had subsided, she laid on the bed.

"I still have a bit before the party," she said softly, checking the bedside clock. "A small nap won't hurt."

The sound of pounding on her door woke her up with a start. "Lena!" Michiru's voice yelled from outside her room. "You had better be ready!"

Glancing at the clock, Lena let out a small cry as she scurried from the bed, ignoring the bit of dizziness she felt, and scrambled into her closet, pulling her dress on just as Michiru swung open the door. Lena hopped out, struggling to get her shoe on. She stopped at Michiru's dark scowl.

"People are starting to arrive! They're asking where you are!" Michiru said angrily. She grabbed Lena's shoulders and pushed her down onto the vanity chair. Grasping a brush, she pulled it roughly through Lena's hair, ignoring Lena's barely hidden grimaces. "I ask you to be there early so I'm not playing hostess alone and you can't even do that! I don't know why I ever thought you could be there for me when I needed you!"

When Lena's hair was twisted into a simple chignon, she turned quickly and grabbed Michiru's hands. "I'm sorry, Michy. I wasn't feeling well so I laid down. I lost track of time." She paused, choosing her next words carefully. "You seem more upset than the situation warrants though. Tell me what's going on."

Michiru sighed, her anger quickly fading. "I'm nervous about the party. What if it doesn't go well? What if Haruka doesn't like it?"

"Is that all?" Lena held her hands up in surrender as Michiru's face reddened angrily. "I don't mean anything by that," she added quickly. "It's just that you and Haruka have been together forever. You've both held parties for each other that are still talked about. If there's one thing the two of you do well, it's throw each other parties. And are you really concerned that Haruka won't like it? You could give her a paper clip and a half eaten piece of cake and she would say it was the best gift ever."

Michiru laughed softly. "I know you're right. I just… tonight is special. I want it to be perfect."

"It will be," Lena said. She stood and inspected her hair, frowning at the matronly style even her mother wouldn't wear. "I suppose I deserve this."


As Lena followed Michiru up the stairs to the ballroom she could hear music gently wafting through the open doors. The gold and ivory room was filled with people, laughing and talking and eating. She could see the Guardians spread throughout the room, mingling in various groups.

"I'll be right back," Michiru said, leaving Lena standing alone. She felt a hand clamp on her shoulder and spun to see Haruka standing behind her.

"Where's she going?" Haruka asked, her eyes following Michiru. Lena slowly grinned.

"You know better to ask questions on your birthday."

Michiru walked onto the stage where the band played, motioning to them to stop. As the music died, she took a microphone from the man at the piano.

"I want to welcome everyone to Triton Castle," she said, smiling wide. "It means so much to Haruka and me that you've come to celebrate her birthday with us. Normally this would be the time I would reveal her gift, but unfortunately we're both a little broke after buying some new jewelry."

Michiru held up her left hand, revealing the large diamond ring. The guests in the room gasped and cheered.

"What the hell?" Lena cried, spinning to face Haruka. She grabbed the tall woman's hand and gaped at the yellow diamond that sat on her left ring finger. "You little sneaks!" Lena threw her arms around Haruka, squeezing her tightly.

"Thanks, little dove," Haruka said when Lena stepped back. She winked at her and moved to join Michiru on the stage, hugging her tightly.

"However," Michiru continued when they pulled away. "Birthdays aren't birthdays without a present, so I'd like to share mine with you."

She handed the microphone back to the pianist and moved behind the band's setup. When she came back she had her violin in hand. Lifting her bow, she gave Haruka a soft smile. "This one is for you, my love."


Lena took the glass of champagne Makoto handed her, glancing around the room. "Where are the king and queen?"

The four Guardians exchanged glances with each other before bursting into laughter. Lena stared at them confused.

"They're... sick," Ami said, the corners of her mouth fighting a smile.

"Weren't they sick at…" Lena trailed off as their faces turned smug.

"Yup," Minako said, nodding vehemently.

"They're sick for most functions," Rei said, rolling her eyes. "I think they assume we don't notice that they only fall ill when there are big functions."

Lena joined in their laughter, turning slightly as she sipped her champagne. Across the room she spotted Hale talking to an older woman. He glanced up and caught her stare, giving her a smile and a small wave. The four Guardians leaned closer to her, following her gaze.

"See anyone you like?" Minako said, poking Lena gently. She felt her cheeks flush.

"Go over there!" Makoto said. She gently pushed Lena forward. "Us Kinos are really good catches!"

"Ugh," Minako said, wrinkling her nose. "That's kind of conceited."

"Says the girl who used to constantly introduced herself as the "beautiful Sailor Venus," Makoto retorted.

"Well that's what I am!"

"You'd better go before this gets bad," Ami whispered loudly to Lena, grinning. With a final glance at the squabbling women, Lena walked towards Hale.

"Good evening, Princess." A figure stepped in front of Lena. She stopped abruptly and glanced up, gasping. It was the handsome man from the library who had made her nervous. "This is a beautiful party. Your cousin has certainly outdone herself."

"Thank you," Lena said, taking a step back. The man grinned and held out his hand.

"Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

Lena shifted her eyes to where Hale stood. He narrowed his eyebrows in worry at her. With a small hesitant smile Lena placed her hand in the man's and allowed him to lead her onto the floor. His hands felt cold through her dress as they began to dance.

"I've heard nothing but good things about you, princess," the man said, glancing down at her. Lena smiled nervously.

"Thank you. I'm afraid I don't know your name…" Lena trailed off as the man's grin grew predatory.

"It's Coran." She felt his hand tighten around her. Her stomach clenched in nervousness and she tried to pull away; he only held her tighter. "You have been a welcome change to Crystal Tokyo. I have enjoyed seeing all you have done so far."

"I don't believe I've-" Lena stopped as Coran's smile widened wickedly. She blinked several times, clearing her throat. "Thank you for your compliments," she started, inwardly cringing at the wobble in her voice. "I'm afraid I must be-"

She was cut off again as his fingers dug painfully into her side. She bit back a cry of alarm. The sound of someone clearing their throat came from beside them.

"May I cut in?" Hale stood next to them. Although he was smiling the look in his eyes as he stared at Coran was frightening. Lena glanced up to see him scowl at Hale. With a reluctant nod she felt his arm release her. Her heart was pounding as Hale placed a hand just at the small of her back.

"Princess," Coran said, bowing to her. She nodded and allowed Hale to lead her away. She glanced over her shoulder at the man, her eyes widening as she caught his dark stare.

"You do realize you don't have to dance with everyone," Hale muttered as they began to dance.

"Huh?"

"Who was that?" Hale asked. Lena's shoulders rose slightly.

"His name was Coran. I've seen him once before, but don't actually know who he is. He gave me the creeps."

Hale frowned down at her. "Honestly, Lena. You don't have to dance with someone just because you're asked," he said.

Lena rolled her eyes. "Thank you for pointing out the obvious to me."

"I just meant…"

"I know what you meant," Lena interrupted. "Thank you for cutting in; I'd much rather dance with you than him. But I am capable of handling a simple creepy dance partner. Besides," she paused, pointing to the left of the room. "I have six Guardians who wouldn't hesitate to take out someone who got a bit too handsy."

"Seven," Hale motioning forward with his head. She turned her head and saw Hotaru crossing the room towards Michiru and Haruka. "So you'd rather dance with me, huh?"

"Instead of the creepiest man in the room?" she asked teasingly.

"Naturally."


The party was still going strong into the late hours of the night, growing wilder as the time passed. Lena danced until she was breathless. When Hale suggested they take a break, she nearly kissed him. He went to find them drinks as she wandered into the gardens of Triton Castle.

The gardens were not nearly as magnificent as they had been in Silver Millennium, but they were close. Lena crossed the cobblestone walk to where a large fountain sat. Although it was late, the water still flowed from the urn a nymph statue held. She wrapped her arms around her waist, clasping her elbows, and closed her eyes. The fountain bubbled softly, breaking the silent night. The sound of water was soothing. Lena inhaled, remembering how calming water had always been.

The sound of footsteps clicking on the stones caught Lena's attention. "It took you long enough," she joked, glancing over her shoulder, expecting Hale. Her eyes narrowed as the man from earlier, Coran, was walking towards her. "Coran, was it?" she asked, turning towards the man.

"How kind of you to remember my name, princess," he said, sneering at her. Lena took an instinctive step back as he approached her. A cold chill ran over her body. "The way you let that man cut in on our dance I would have assumed you paid no heed to my name."

Lena felt herself get angry and tightened her lips, holding back the retort that was eager to be said. "I have been watching you for some time now," Coran continued. He stepped around Lena, arms behind his back, as he admired the fountain. "I was quite pleased when your cousin announced she was stepping down. Power should not be held by those such as her."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lena asked angrily, unable to hold back any further. Coran spun on her, eyes flashing. Lena fought the urge to flee.

"Power is not meant to be held forever. The Sailor Soldiers seem to ignore this fact," he said, taking a step towards her. Lena felt her forehead begin to heat, a sharp ache following it. She held her ground, even as her heart began to race. "The former Princess Neptune did the right thing stepping down and letting another hold power. Unfortunately, that's not nearly enough."

His hand shot out, grabbing Lena's arm tightly. She cried out in surprise as he jerked her towards him. The spot on her forehead felt on fire as he leaned close to her ear. "So lovely," he murmured, his grip loosening as he ran his hand up her arm to her collarbone. Lena cried out as the pain on her forehead exploded. She grabbed her head, collapsing to her knees. Coran chuckled as he stepped around her. "The queen will fall, and with it all of you."

Lena could feel tears building behind her eyes as she bent forward, her forehead nearly touching her knees. A wave of nausea overtook her, knocking her to her side. She said a quick prayer, pleading for the pain to end, for at the very least to pass out.

Quick footsteps sounded on the cobblestone. "Lena!" she heard Hale call. She felt him kneel next to her and place a hand on her back. His touch, usually comforting, felt like a blow, pain radiating from where he touched her. She cried out, grabbing her head tighter.

"Lena!" she heard Michiru cry, her voice sounding far away. "Hale, what's happening?"

Beneath their feet the ground began to tremble. "An earthquake?" Haruka asked. Lena's heart raced faster as the ground shook before a sudden burst of heat erupted on her forehead, causing her to scream.

"What the hell?" Haruka exclaimed, grabbing Michiru as she surged forwards towards Lena. A green symbol appeared on Lena's forehead, the symbol of Neptune. Michiru struggled and pushed out from Haruka's hold, just as a burst of energy shot out from Lena, knocking her, Haruka and Hale to the ground.


Cries of alarm filled the ballroom. Chandeliers rattled overhead. The sound of glass shattering overtook the waltz that was being played. Amidst the panic ensued room, Hotaru stopped. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. A small frown appeared on otherwise serene face.

"Hotaru?" Setsuna asked, placing her hand on the younger girl's shoulder. Hotaru's purple eyes opened, shimmering under the light.

"They're awakening," she whispered.