Guests: Thank you so much for your reviews and sorry for the suffering!
Been a bit busy with work but trying my best to update as fast as I can! Trust that it's not too late since the last chapter was posted less than a week ago!
Neptune stood in stunned silence after hearing Queen Serenity's plan. She wouldn't presume this was what the Queen had in mind.
The Queen turned around slowly to the startled Princess.
"Neptune, what do you say if I implement this plan?" She asked relaxingly, as if she were merely looking for a casual opinion.
Uranus and Pluto? Neptune thought. Right, the two princesses had fought together a few times. But replacing her with Pluto was way more than a simple change of plan and direction. It wasn't just an indication that she and Uranus did not make good partners, it would also be a statement that she was the one who was unable to collaborate with another senshi or form a partnership.
The aqua-haired princess knew that she was in no position to negotiate with the Queen, and she probably didn't have much leverage over her decision at this point. The silver-haired queen gazed at the young princess, expecting Neptune to be honest and heartfelt with her answer.
The aqua-haired girl took a deep breath and began.
"Your Majesty, it sounds like you have lost your faith in me as a sailor senshi; it seems like you think that I had no intention in forming any partnership with Uranus."
Queen Serenity's bright silver eyes were still on the princess but she did not respond.
Neptune reassessed her stance and continued, "I know that I am in no place to ask you to reconsider that decision, but I am very grateful for the opportunity that you have given me. As much as it might be hard to believe given what you have already seen and heard, I do care very much about my partnership with Uranus. I…"
Neptune paused as her response made the Queen's gaze softened. It seemed as if she was being reassessed instead.
"Carry on," Queen Serenity allowed.
"I know that I am far from perfect, and I struggled with this feeling a lot," Neptune continued. "In the past year, I was angry, at no one but myself. Each time I reflected on that battle, I realized how much more I need to ameliorate myself in order to become a better senshi, for the Kingdom, for my planet, and for my partner. As much as I wanted to prove that I am a capable senshi and a worthy partner to Uranus should that opportunity arises again, but..." she suddenly paused.
"But?"
"But," The aqua-haired princess paused again. She lowered her lashes with a sad smile. "I must realize that you have every reason not to wait until I am ready. I would be happy for Uranus to partner with the right senshi instead. I-I just have to accept that perception is reality and I need to respect that-"
"No, that's not true," the silver-haired queen assured. The tone of her voice was almost sympathetic.
"No?" Neptune slowly raised her lashes again and looked at the Queen innocently.
Queen Serenity paused. She turned around and looked out of the window again.
Neptune waited quietly for some guidance from the Queen for her statement.
After a while, the elegant queen turned around with her eyebrows raised.
"Neptune!" She said with a raised voice and gave the princess a penetrating stare.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Neptune responded in a soothing voice, lowering her head slightly in order to show her respect.
"Obviously your training has prepared you well, or I should say much better than what I had expected," the Queen returned to a calmer tone but she said it in a way that was neither complimentary nor sarcastic. At this point the aqua-haired princess started questioning whether her words had gone too far.
"What else can I say? You have led me to say no my own plan already," Queen Serenity said. Finally a rather warm smile appeared on her face, and she continued, "You used your words tactfully and made me either disagree with 'my perceptions of you' as you suggested, or invalidate the claim that 'perception is reality' if those perceptions were true at all."
The aqua-haired princess smiled humbly.
"Princess Neptune, you are quite a shrewd negotiator, aren't you?" Queen Serenity huffed slightly and shook her head.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty," Neptune answered gratefully. "I knew you were testing me since you could have made that decision without asking for my opinion, but I can assure you that my answer was sincere and I appreciate you giving me a chance to voice that."
"You have impressed me again. I have no doubt in your abilities and still believe that you and Uranus will make great partners," the Queen said. "I trust you to make your own judgment in deciding when it's the best time to meet with Uranus again."
Neptune was delighted. She bowed gracefully, "Your Majesty, it's such an honor to have your blessing and trust again."
Queen Serenity nodded approvingly, "Very well, Neptune. Now if you excuse me, I've got to meet with my counselor in the drawing room. You're welcome to stay here if you like, or join Venus at Celeste Garden."
Celeste Garden, Moon Castle
Neptune entered the royal garden to look for Venus. While searching for her friend, she relaxingly looked around and enjoyed the calm and peaceful scene of the garden. The garden was filled with colorful flowers and the scent of floral smelled warm and earthy. The aqua-haired princess took a deep breath to capture the unique scent that she could only find from the capital of the Kingdom.
Suddenly, she picked up a scent that was foreign but intriguing. It smelled different than anything she could see from her surroundings. She looked but nothing seemed unusual to her. She continued to browse around to see if Venus was nearby.
She passed by an area where topiaries were seen and stopped to take a closer look at them. She was always interested in artsy crafts. There were some that resembled long ears, four legs, fluffy bodies with a tail that looked like a ball. Neptune supposed that those are imaginary creatures that Princess Serenity loved.
As she was appreciating the creative designs, she picked up the same scent again. She quickly transformed and summoned her mirror to look for signs of enemies, but it did not show her anything unusual. It was quite odd that the scent would linger for so long. She felt uncomfortable feeling like someone was following her but she couldn't see that person.
As she tried to ignore it again, she heard some quiet, subtle footsteps approaching.
Neptune briskly turned around with her hand raised. She was prepared to hurl her Deep Submerge attack if it turned out to be an enemy. When she saw that it wasn't a youma or some monster, she finally lowered her hand.
The other person seemed startled seeing what Neptune was trying to do. Yet there was a smile on his face.
"Princess Neptune."
"Pardon me. I don't recognize you. Have we met before?" Neptune asked.
"I believe so," the other person answered with a sincere smile.
Neptune looked more carefully. He was a good-looking young man. He was wearing an outfit that denoted his royal status, but she couldn't recall having met someone like that before.
"I am sorry, I don't remember," she answered and pondered for a moment. He was tall, and had dark purplish black hair and deep purple eyes. Based on what Venus described, he seemed to have similar features as Princess Serenity's friend, Prince Endymion. It would make sense for him to be at the Moon Palace, correct? But could Venus had the color wrong and said blue instead of purple? Wait, that wouldn't explain it since she hadn't met Prince Endymion before.
The young man smiled.
"There's no need to apologize. I supposed you wouldn't remember since we met when we were much younger. I'm Prince Daphnis of Saturn, the older brother of Princess Saturn."
Neptune's memory finally served her right. Yes she met Prince Daphnis years ago, probably when she was around six years old when Queen and King of Neptune took her to Saturn for a visit. She had a short stay there and during that time she met and hung out with Prince Daphnis. He was two years older than her. They both took deep interest in music – the young Neptune was already fluent in violin and was beginning to learn the harp, and he played the flute brilliantly.
"It's nice to see you again Prince Daphnis," Neptune smiled. "Now I remember, you still have those noiseless footsteps."
Prince Daphnis laughed, "Your memory is not that bad if you can still remember that."
The two caught up with things that happened on their own planets during the years they didn't seen each other.
"So are you here visiting?" Neptune asked.
"Sort of," Prince Daphnis replied. "I am also delivering invitations for my little sister's birthday. She will turn twelve in a few months." .
"Congratulations! She was just a baby when I last saw her," Neptune said. "I bet I won't recognize her now."
"And you were only six when I last saw you, but I do recognize your distinct aqua hair," he chuckled. "I will need to deliver an invitation to your planet anyway, so seeing you here will probably save me a trip."
"Definitely," the aqua-haired princess replied quickly, "I'll be there."
"That'd be great! Actually, I also have a favor to ask if you don't mind."
"I'd be happy to help if I could."
"May I have the honor to ask you to play the harp at the reception? I have quite a few flute and harp pieces but I'm having a hard time finding a harpist. Then I came across a reliable source who told me that you're the best in the Solar System so I figured I'd ask you instead."
Neptune smiled, "I'd be glad to play at the reception. But I must ask, who's this reliable source?"
"I appreciate it," The tall young man responded. "I just saw Princess Venus moments ago - I'm sure your best friend has a pretty good gauge of your talent and I trust her words."
The eyes of the aqua-haired princess widened.
"I bet you two ladies will have a lot to catch up on so I'll let you go. I have more invitations to deliver too. Thanks again for your help – looking forward to seeing you at the party!"
"Bye Prince Daphnis!"
Neptune continued to walk further into the garden to look for Venus. As she was deciding how to hold her friend accountable for making such outrageously bold claim, she heard sounds of frolicking nearby. Neptune knew that the long blonde haired princess was within steps away from her.
She found her friend cheerfully swinging back and forth on one of the two flower swings hanging from a tall tree.
"Venus!" Neptune yelled over.
"Hey Neptune you're back? Come join me!" The long haired princess waved to her friend.
The wavy-haired princess sat on the other swing but swung slowly instead.
"Neptune! You're no fun!" Venus complained.
"I'm perfectly fine not swinging like a young child like you," Neptune teased.
"Thanks for the compliment Neptune, that means I'm still young at heart!" Venus rebutted.
"How was your meeting with Queen Serenity?"
"It was fine."
"Come on, you know I want more details than this. Was she upset at you for not meeting Uranus?"
"It is understandable that Her Majesty was concerned about the partnership, but I think the conversation turned out okay," said Neptune, tying to keep the details of the conversation discreet.
"Just 'okay'? Oh my, I wish I were there so I could help you with my sweet words," Venus said sympathetically. She sighed and shook her head.
Neptune chuckled and joked, "Of course, I wished you were there as well."
The two princess friends continued to enjoy the swing and chat with each other.
"Did you see Prince Daphnis on your way here?" Venus asked, "He was extending invitations for Princess Saturn's birthday celebration."
"I did see him," Neptune replied.
"Are you going?"
"Of course, and I'll play the harp at the reception too, since a reliable source told him that I'm the best harpist in the entire Solar System."
Venus started giggling like a young child.
"Venus, how is that funny?" Neptune said with a puzzled look on her face. "That's such a presumptuous claim!"
"But I do think you are the best harpist," Venus explained innocently, she then giggled again. "Plus, did you know that Prince Daphnis hasn't entered into a courtship with anyone yet?"
"So what?"
Venus's eyes widened.
"Did you lose count of your years Neptune? You're sixteen already! It's about time that you start meeting, you know, someone during Balls and parties."
"Is that why you wanted me to play my instrument with him at the reception then?" Neptune asked incredulously. "Thanks a bunch for that. Actually, didn't I tell you that we met when we were little? We are nothing more than friends."
"Oh that's right! I remember now!" Neptune's response seemed to give Venus some ideas. "That's even better! You two started off as childhood sweethearts, you play the violin and the harp and he plays the flute, you two were separated for years, then eventually meet again at the right time and enter into a courtship-" The blonde princess started her musing.
"Stop Venus!" Neptune protested, "I'm not interested in him."
"Why not?" Venus inquired, "don't you think Prince Daphnis is quite handsome? He is talented and kind as well. I wonder why he hasn't found someone yet."
"Why don't you pursue him then?"
"Because I have found someone I like already."
"You did?" Neptune was surprised. "Was it the same green-eyed prince you told me about?"
"Actually no, but he has silver hair too!"
"I'd love to hear about how he won you over," Neptune said.
Venus told Neptune about Kunzite, a general to Prince Endymion, about how they met, their interactions, and how they fell in love with each other. Venus described everything in great details, from the length of his silver hair to what color and food he liked.
Neptune smiled as she listened to the younger princess describing the supposedly dreamy and handsome and kindhearted general. When Venus mentioned that she fell in love with Kunzite after he helped her with a minor injury and then held her hand, the aqua haired princess suddenly found herself thinking about a similar occasion she had with the Oberon guard on the Uranian planet, and a rosy blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Neptune?"
Neptune quickly snapped out of her recollection.
"Wow, you seemed really carried away with my story," Venus joked.
"I was indeed," Neptune teased.
Umbriel Laboratory, Uranus
Everyone except for one in the Solar System had confirmed their attendance for Princess Saturn's birthday party.
The only one who the Saturnian royal family was still waiting to hear from was Princess Uranus. The blonde princess wanted to celebrate Saturn's birthday, but she was inclined to send her regrets to Titan Castle instead.
"You have no excuse not to attend – even I have confirmed my attendance already," Pluto said. The phthalo-green haired princess. She took a trip to the Uranian planet to collect some samples for her new research project.
"I know that. But since that attack, I'm always wary of leaving my castle," Uranus explained.
"Uranus, it's going to be fine," Pluto assured. "Since then our castles have been re-fortified and our systems are much better sensing incoming enemies and sending communications to us. Plus, didn't you leave for a while to assist planet Kinmoku at Queen Serenity's request and everything was still fine here when you returned?"
"But still-" Uranus was hesitant.
Pluto had already known that Neptune would be there. She thought that this would be a great chance for Uranus to reconnect and possibly meet face to face with Neptune. But the phthalo green-haired princess stayed quiet instead – she did not plan on using this fact to convince Uranus to go, as she believed that ultimately it was up to Uranus to make that decision.
"Well, it is up to you then. If you decided to go, don't forget to bring Princess Saturn a gift," Pluto said as she continued to collect samples. "I heard that she likes anything purple, and likes to collecting lamps."
"Those are really unique preferences," Uranus said, raising an eyebrow.
Titan Castle
The Saturnian planet hosted the birthday party for Princess Saturn. Royal and noble families from the solar system came to witness and celebrate the twelfth birthday of the lovely young princess.
The celebration commenced in the afternoon, in a picnic theme party that took place by the creek in the forest-like Rhea Garden. There were Saturnian delicacies and beverages served and the birthday cake was in dark purple hue. Princess Saturn, the youngest princess in the Solar System, was excited to meet and see other princesses and princes, and curiously asked about everything on their planets and enjoyed learning various things from them.
Later in the evening, the party moved indoor to the ballroom.
The ballroom at Saturn was quite a scene, it was a very large space that appeared to be inviting, yet at the same time its design made it appear a bit mysterious. In the room, the walls and marble columns were set in purple tone, and there were lamp-like chandeliers hanging all over the ballroom. The stage was situated at the mezzanine level, giving musicians privacy and eliminating distractions from the audience.
Music began to play from the mezzanine. There were sounds of harp but the type of music was certainly not meant for the occasion – it was not festive or lively for birthday celebration, and it was hardly traditional ballroom music. The melody was beautiful and reminiscent though, and it was the type that aimed to modulate mood and provoke thoughts. The mood of the music would have been a bit melancholic if it were played on a cello or a violin, but arranging and playing it on the harp was an interesting idea since it sounded joyful and relaxing instead. There were also a few pieces played by flute and harp duet. Attendees were impressed by the angelic sound produced from the mezzanine. Everyone tried to look up but couldn't see anything except the marble railings and balusters.
Some princesses and princes and their companions were seen dancing slowly in the ballroom to the soothing and healing music, while others were standing by the sides of the room, appreciating the dance and enjoying some chatter.
During the middle of the reception, the grand door in the ballroom opened and admitted a tall and handsome individual in short blonde hair and mesmerizing blue eyes. The attractive young person was wearing a marine blue prince suit with gold embellishments, and decorated with an extravagant jabot below the neckline.
The attractive appearance of this young person immediately caught the eyes of many from the ballroom.
Uranus looked around briefly and slowly made her way into the grand room to meet Pluto.
"Sorry I'm late," Uranus said.
"Uranus, I'm glad that you finally decided to come," Pluto commented.
"Thanks Pluto, I'm glad to see you here," Uranus said politely.
"Well, maybe you should save that line for all the admiring eyes that you are going to have to respond to," Pluto made a rare tease.
Uranus didn't need Pluto to remind her that she had attracted a lot of attention in the ballroom. She smiled as she sensed that a few were making their ways towards her.
"Well, I was going to enjoy this thought provoking harp music by myself, but it looks like I have to satisfy a few ladies on the dance floor instead." The blonde haired princess jokingly predicted.
"Go ahead," Pluto said smiling.
Uranus smiled at the ladies coming her way and greeted them. She then courteously asked each of them to dance with her. She walked her partner to the dance floor and led the dance. She also made some small chats and complimented her partner as their bodies move along together to the soothing music.
After several pieces were played, the handsome blonde princess still had a queue of admiring women hoping to dance with her. And it wasn't until the music paused before Uranus found herself alone again.
Just then, a young lady walked up to Uranus. The blonde princess offered her a warm smile. The young lady looked at her, and her eyes lit up.
"Hi, beautiful lady," Uranus said in a light tone. "What a shame. I would love to dance with you, but unfortunately the music had stopped."
The lady shook her head instead.
Mezzanine level - Grand Ballroom
The music program took a short break.
"Princess Neptune," Prince Daphnis said, "this is all for the harp pieces. Thank you so much for your generous help today. You played brilliantly. I'd be glad to return the favor if you need me."
"You're welcome," Neptune said with a smile. "I'm glad to help."
"Thanks again, please enjoy yourself for the rest of the party."
Neptune nodded and walked towards the staircase that led to the grand ballroom.
Ground level - Grand Ballroom
Music resumed again in the ballroom. There were no more sound of harps, replacing that was cheerful flute music.
"Now that music has resumed, would you like to dance with me?" Uranus offered, extending her hand towards the young lady.
"No," she answered.
"No?" Uranus was surprised. Every lady who approached her this evening had been wanting to dance with her, except for this one. "Then what would you like to do?"
"Come with me."
Before Uranus's question was answered, the young lady abruptly took the short haired princess's hand and dragged her to follow her.
"Excuse me, young lady. May I ask where are we going?" Uranus was confused by her action.
"You will know." The young lady said and led the way. As they slipped through the crowd and searched around the ballroom, she looked back at Uranus briefly, "I'm taking you to meet my friend, and I want you to dance with her."
"Who's your friend?"
"Hold on, I'm looking for her."
After some searches on the dance floor and around the corners, the young lady still couldn't find her friend.
"Bear with me, she has to be here by now."
Uranus pulled her to a stop instead.
"Pardon me. Let's stop browsing around aimlessly," Uranus suggested, gently freeing her own hand from the grasp.
"But..."
"I can assure you that I would appreciate meeting your friend and even dancing with her, but you seem to have trouble locating her. Now if you excuse me, I see a friend whom I'd like to catch up with. If you end up finding your friend, then I'd love to meet her." The blonde princess said politely and started walking away.
Just then, Neptune had made her way down the staircase from the mezzanine.
"There she is!" Venus exclaimed. She quickly ran up to Uranus again, clutching onto her arm and turning her around.
"Neptune! Neptune! Look who I found for you!" Venus excitedly said as she took Uranus with her and ran towards the aqua-haired princess.
As Neptune turned her attention towards her friend and the person she dragged along with, she couldn't believe what she saw.
Uranus was shocked too, realizing that the young lady's friend was actually Neptune.
Venus guided Uranus to stand facing Neptune.
Neptune and Uranus were both speechless from the shock while Venus smiled proudly.
"Neptune, remember what you said at Magellan?" Venus whispered, but her volume was audible enough for anyone standing within steps away. "I found the prince of your dreams! Doesn't he have beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes?"
To be continued. Reviews are greatly appreciated!
Note1: So Uranus and Neptune finally met each other (officially)! Did you expect it to happen like this?
Note2: I updated the cover image again. This was the drawing I mentioned in A/N that gave me ideas for this story.
Note3: The harp music described at the reception was inspired by Schubert's Schwanengesang (Swan Song), D. 957: No. 4 Ständchen (Serenade) and Schumann's Kinderszenen (Scenes from childhood), Op. 15