The tea was served in the rose garden of the house. Setsuna sat with grace and in the most elegant motion poured the tea in what seemed like very a expensive porcelain set. Usagi watched her move in awe and the tall women seemed to realize because she met her eyes with a deep look.
Was it her imagination or Setsuna was sizing her up? She couldn't hold her gaze, with a deep blush she averted her eyes and started to fumble with her pink chipped nails.
"So Usagi-san". Setsuna started, positioning a cup of tea and a slice of strawberry cake in front of her. "They told me you're a manga artist".
The blond already taking a bite cheerfully hummed. "Uh-huh, well actually I'm not a manga artist yet, I'm just an assistant".
"Oh, and what does an assistant do?"
"Well you know, I do the coloring, I put the last details in the drawings, things like that". Usagi said shrugging and taking another bite.
"And do you like it?"
Usagi doubted for a second pressing the fork between her lips. "I mean... the pay is not very good like, at all. I struggle to pay rent every month, but I really love manga and the mangaka I work for? Nakamura-sensei is so talented, and I'm really learning a lot from her, so yeah I think is worth it".
"I see..." Answered Setsuna deep in thought. "Usagi-san, I'm sorry if this sounds intrusive, please don't take this as a slight, but I think you have the potential to be so much more than an assistant. I think you have the power to make an incredible impact in this world".
Those words were said with such honesty and conviction that Usagi couldn't help the blushing in her cheeks. "Awwwww, thank you Setsuna-san you're very sweet. I mean, I don't plan to be an assistant for the rest of my life. I hope to publish my own work someday and hey! You need to start somewhere".
"No, I think you misunderstand me. How do I put this... Have you ever thought about changing your career?"
"Ummmmmm I don't know. I guess if everything fails I can always try to be a food critic". She replied joking.
"I was thinking politics".
Now that made Usagi let out a snort and a deep laugh. "Setsuna-san you're very funny. Don't you have to go to college for that?". She said good-humoredly grabbing another bite of the desert.
"Not in this case. I will cut to the chase. Usagi-san, what I'm about to tell you is a very serious matter. You see, a long time ago there was a civilization called the Silver Millennium. For many generations it was ruled by a single royal family, the only people born with the ability to contain the power of a celestial force called the Silver Crystal".
Usagi looked at her mildly confused. "Ohhhhhhhhh, I don't remember learning something like that in school but maybe it's because I was always sleeping in history class". Scrunching her nose she paused trying to remember if a 'Silver Millennium' ringed a sound. Roman empire, the greeks, the chinese, Mesopotamia… Nope, nothing.
"Silver Millennium, hummmmmm was that in Europe?".
"No, it was on the moon". Replied Setsuna with a perfect poker face.
Usagi waited for any smirk or indication of a joke but the woman held her serious façade. "Oh! Is this like a conspiracy thing?"
Setsuna sighed sounding a little defeated. "No, I'm afraid not. Before its downfall, the last ruler of the Silver Millennium was Queen Serenity. She had only one daughter, the crown princess, heiress to the throne and to the powers of the legendary Silver Crystal. And Queen Serenity... was your mother".
For a moment Usagi didn't know how to react, she tried to laugh, but it came out much more nervous than genuine. There was something profound and deep in Setsuna's eyes that unnerved her, she was not joking.
"Hummmm, well I don't think that's possible I have my mama and papa and, and, and how many time ago this... Silver Empire existed?"
"Silver Millennium" She corrected her.
"Right, Silver Millennium. And that crystal thingy? How?... I don't… WHAT?!"
Setsuna watched her ramble calmly. "I know is confusing. Usagi-san I hoped... well we hoped that this would never happened, that you could keep living a happy and ordinary life without the worries of enemies and battles and a crown upon your shoulders but you have to believe me, in a few months there is going to be a global catastrophe, humanity, no, this world will be in great danger and you are the only person powerful enough to save us all. And when that happens it will be the time to claim your birthright and finally inherit your mother's crown. Usagi-san in a little time you will become the Queen of this world, you will rule".
That was the moment that Usagi understood: This woman is crazy. She gave a suspicious look to the cake she was just eating and slowly pushed the plate away from her.
"Right…"
Setsuna seemed to confuse her answer with acceptance because she did not stop. "Oh don't worry, we will give you books, you will study languages, history, art, laws, political science. You will learn to walk, sit, talk, stand, eat and dress like a Princess". For the first time the imposing woman lost her seriousness and started to look at her with dreamy eyes. "Oh, my Princess, you have no idea how much time we've been waiting for you. And given time I think you will find palace life very pleasant. I think we…"
"OH MY GOD IT'S MY FRIEND NATSU!" Usagi suddenly screamed standing up from her place.
Surprised Setsuna watched over her shoulder expecting to see an intruder in the grounds. "Where?"
"Uhmmmm… On my phone!" Remembering that she didn't have her phone in sight, she took her purse and started to look for it.
"Here! See? She's calling" Usagi put her phone on her ear and started to slowly back away. "Natsu! Hi! What?! Your DOG DIED?! I'm so sorry. I'll be there in a minute, yeah yeah yeah don't worry".
With a big fake smile Usagi turned to Setsuna. "Setsuna-san! I'm so sorry! something just came up. That was a great story, the kingdom, and the Queen and the... crystal thingy. I'd looooooooove to hear more but I really have to go and... well yeah, bye!"
The blond girl turned around and started to run like her life depended on it, leaving the Senshi of time alone, realizing that she didn't even had the chance to say goodbye to her princess.
"That went well"
A smooth female voice uttered at level ground. With agile steps a black cat with a moon on her forehead jumped to the table and watched the Senshi intently, languidly wagging her tail.
"Luna you have to go with her, she needs protection".
The black cat scoffed, a little bit offended "You don't even have to ask me that".
And with another jump she quickly disappeared over one of the property's fences.
At the other extreme of the house Usagi yanked the front door, and in the hurry to get out of there she didn't even realize that another person was trying to get inside. They clashed with force. The girl closed her eyes and waited to feel the hardness of the floor but two steady hands held her firmly preventing the fall.
"Watch out" The stranger told her.
She met his gaze, and found the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen in her life.
"Are you alright?" The man asked with concern.
If Usagi had been less scared maybe she would have noticed the exceptionally handsome features of the man, his proud stand or the blackness of his hair, but she didn't and with a quick half hearted apology she run away.