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Misaki-chan: Hey there! Thanks for the support … yeah well we'll see what ChibiUsa gets up to while she's there lol! Thank you for your review and I hope to see you review again!

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akasailorsea: Hello! Firstly thanks for the review! Secondly ChibiUsa is not exactly my favourite character either but I think she is better suited here for my story methinks lol! Thanks again!

callisito: Hello, well here is the next chapter, thanks for your kindness … I only hope you like this chapter … :)

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Thanks again to all you guys! I won't detract from the chapter any longer … I hope you like it …

Chapter 2: Friends

Breathe, Usagi, breathe!

Her thoughts were as muddled as her emotions, her stomach turning as she stood behind the large ornate doors that would eventually lead her down to the waiting Queen Celestin.

Usagi took the time to notice the carvings on the doors which seemed to be crescent moons intertwined with stars and other celestial patterns she couldn't quite make out.

"Small Lady you will do fine," Pluto comforted, as if reading the younger girl's mind.

Usagi took in a breath which remained unreleased as she heard her name announced.

Her heart, too, stopped as the doors before her opened without a sound.

The great silence that greeted her swallowed her whole as she stepped forward onto the scarlet platform.

::X:X::

Princess Kaede sat quietly, her amethyst eyes cool and unreadable.

Two long tables lay before her, one to the left with the other to the right, all of which seated esteemed senshi and senshi-in-training from across the galaxy.

From the head table where she sat all eyes were focussed on the grand staircase from which the newcomer would be welcomed officially to the Palace.

To be quite frank she couldn't have cared less.

Kaede was an attractive female, her hair long and blonde pinned back in tight curls, her dress a creamy peach colour, flowing from her shoulders down to brush the floor when she stood.

Brow furrowed and jaw set she turned her eyes to the staircase, sneering at the sight of the so-called Princess Usagi of the fabled Crystal Tokyo.

I thought she was supposed to be pretty!

She smiled contentedly as Queen Celestin moved forward to greet the girl, touching her cheek to Usagi's.

"Welcome to the Celestial Kingdom cousin, I am very honoured to have you here with us, my only hope is that you will enjoy your tuition and stay here with us," Queen Celestin announced.

Queen Celestin was very regal, her hair a fiery red, her eyes a brilliant golden colour.

Dressed in a white floor length gown, her divinity was obvious with each step she took.

Kaede took the time to note the female that followed the Princess down the staircase.

"Who is she?" she muttered, raising a brow.

"She is a senshi, Sailor Pluto if I am correct," a smooth voice replied from her side.

Kaede rolled her eyes as she sniffed at her neighbour the handsome Prince Shigeru.

With black hair and stunning silver-coloured eyes there was no reasoning behind why it was he was sought after by many of the princesses and senshi that studied at the palace, even Kaede.

"Well stalker-boy who told you that?" she demanded.

"She is the Gatekeeper of Time for their Kingdom, Princess Kaede," he responded simply as his attention remained on Queen Celestin.

"Well, Sailor Pluto! You may not know me but we certainly know about you. You and I are alike. We are Gatekeepers of Time in our respective Kingdoms. Not many people know that of me but I control not only the Celestial Realm but time itself here," Celestin spoke as she smiled at the senshi.

"Well welcome to you both, please, the both of you take a seat at the head table with us," Celestin offered as Usagi moved past her to the table, biting her lip as she glanced at Pluto who simply nodded.

Insecure, how delightful!

Kaede could not help but grin as she stared at her menacingly, with eyes of ice.

"Princess I simply urge you to be cordial to the girl, she looks frightened," Shigeru informed as they all watched her take a seat.

"Oh but I am nice Shigeru, I am ever so pleasant," she drawled.

"I am serious," he responded simply as the Queen summoned the food.

"So am I," Kaede smirked.

::X:X::

Usagi tried her utmost to avoid the heavy gazes of the majority of those seated at the tables before her yet despite her efforts her blazing cheeks betrayed her true feelings.

"Are you not hungry? I am simply famished!" a voice implored at her side.

Slowly Usagi turned to her companion, noting the simple looking male with brown hair and soulful eyes of azure.

Catching her eye he smiled, catching her off guard.

"I am Prince Kakuei of Centauri, a few hundred light years away from your Crystal Tokyo," he introduced a smile so engaging Usagi could not help but smile herself.

"I am, uh, Princess Us-"

"Usagi, so I have heard," he responded as he reached for one of the platters before Usagi.

"Well, Princess, why did your parents send you here?" he asked as he began to eat daintily with his knife and fork, cutting at the vegetables in such a neat manner Usagi was embarrassed to eat before him.

"To be educated," came her response as she watched him eat interestedly.

He ate neater than her father!

Kakuei grinned as he dabbed at his lips with a napkin.

"My mother sent me here to find a bride, see those two sitting over there?" he pointed, gesturing toward two females seated on the table to their right. Both were dressed in black kimonos with green under robes and sashes.

"Those two are my mother's closest advisors and friends and are both senshi. They're here to find me the ideal bride!" he scoffed as he leant back in his chair.

Usagi's eyes widened as she continued to study the pleasant male.

"You're here to find a bride?"

He nodded as he straightened, staring openly at her face, so much so that Usagi had to look away.

"Tell me Usagi are you promised to anyone?" he asked with such warmth Usagi turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Kakuei stop harassing her," a voice sighed from his other side.

Kakuei turned, revealing the female that sat at his other side.

"Your Highness! Your countenance constantly astounds me, for when I behold such beauty my mind is rendered useless, my mouth unable to summon words that could compare such be-"

"Shut it before I bat you," she said flatly as she offered Usagi a lopsided smile.

Her eyes were the brightest of emeralds, her long, glorious locks jet black, pulled back in a delicate bun.

"Welcome to the Celestial Kingdom Princess Usagi. I am Mei," she introduced as she held out a hand across Kakuei.

Usagi smiled as she clasped the offered hand.

"Thank you," she said simply as their hands parted.

"It is my pleasure. Ignore Kakuei, he harasses all us girls, trying to make us marry him," she warned as Kakuei shook his head.

"Well if that isn't a lie!" he cried as he winked at Usagi who laughed.

"That's more like it Usagi, you should smile more often, if it is possible it makes you look even more beautiful," he complemented.

"If you speak to her any more of that utter nonsense I will have to zap you," Mei muttered.

Usagi grinned as she released a sigh she hadn't known she'd been holding.

If only she'd known her smile wouldn't last the evening.

::X:X::

By the time Usagi and Pluto both left dinner it was close to midnight.

The halls they walked were open, the light of the three moons of the planet cool on their warm flesh.

"Good evening Princess," an icy voice addressed.

Usagi stopped suddenly, her innocent eyes lifting to connect with a pair of amethyst coloured ones.

The female opposite her was bold and stunning in the moonlight, almost dangerous.

"Good evening. Who are you, may I ask?"

The girl smirked, her attractive face contorting into an expression of hatred, something Usagi could not understand.

"I am her Highness Princess Kaede of the Scarlet Lights, Usagi. Our kingdom is situated on the outskirts of the Milky Way. All of the princesses and princes here come from formidable, ancient families that have dominated the universe. That is reason enough to expel you right now," she announced bluntly.

Pluto moved forward, the grip on her rod tightening.

"Pluto stop. Princess Kaede you have no right to tell me where I do and do not belong. For your information my family has ruled peacefully in our Solar System for countless centuries, thank you very much!" Usagi responded coldly, her fist clenching.

"Funny thing, I don't think I remember ever hearing of your Crystal Tyko …"

"It's Crystal Tokyo and don't worry, I've never heard of the Saffron Lights either!" she snapped as she took a fistful of skirts and began to move forward to pass her.

Kaede barred her, her eyes narrowing.

"Yes well by the time you're done here you will know who I am and where I'm from. Watch it Princess, I have my eye on you," she spat as she pushed past Usagi, her face twisted in a sneer.

Usagi's fists hardened.

"Small Lady do not worry yourself with her kind. Come, let us rest," Pluto comforted as she gently nudged Usagi forward.

I haven't stayed here one night and already I want to go home.

Usagi released a heavy sigh, her footsteps slow and heavy.

::X:X::

Her eyes were wide open as she lay in the warmth and comfort of the bed, her mind reeling from the events of that evening.

I want to go home.

Her eyes prickled as she turned on her side to face the trio of moons that shone, illuminating her long pink locks and pale face.

How beautiful.

As she closed her eyes she thought of many things. Her parents, the Senshi, Pluto (who had been taken by Seiko to the Senshi quarters of the Palace despite her attempts at trying to keep her friend with her), they all came and went.

The surroundings were unfamiliar but she knew if she wanted to make her parents proud she would have to come through no matter who or what came in her way.

She frowned as she remembered the confrontation with the other princess.

No doubt she would be seeing her the following day at the meals and in class.

She lay once more on her back as her frown slowly became a wistful smile.

Do not worry Kaede, I will not forget your name.

::X:X::

Closing the door to Usagi's room, Pluto followed the quaint lady silently where the sound of their footsteps were all that was shared between them.

"I must apologize for the walk Sailor Pluto but we do not allow senshi to stay with the nobles. Also your arrival was unprecedented leaving us with little time to find you a proper room …"

Pluto grimaced.

"I am sure that what you have for me will be fine," Pluto answered simply, noting with amazement the wonderful scenery that they walked alongside, for the halls were open and with the moons' strong illumination the entire citadel beyond the palace walls was drenched with silver light. The effect was enchanting.

"Good evening Lady Seiko, what brings you here around these parts?"

The deep voice caught Pluto's attention as the pair came to a halt.

"My Lord, I am showing Princess Usagi's companion to her room."

Although Pluto's eyes were averted she could sense the power of the man that stood before them.

"Princess Usagi? Then I take it that you must be Sailor Pluto."

When the voice called upon her Pluto bit her lip, her eyes rising slowly to meet the steady brown gaze that held her face.

"Sailor Pluto," he spoke as he bowed.

Pluto straightened as she saluted, the only response that came into her quickly deteriorating mind.

She turned red as a deep laugh sounded.

"Is that how the Senshi from Crystal Tokyo greet their nobles? How amusing," the man smiled.

His face was illuminated, his features handsome in the light, his dark blue-black hair glittering as he bowed once more.

Seiko glanced at Pluto with a small smile before returning her eyes to the male.

"Do forgive me Sailor Pluto for my rudeness, I am Hikaru," he introduced with a smile that seemed to make Pluto turn an even deeper shade of red.

"I am honoured," she murmured as she bowed.

Seiko's eyes lowered.

"Well I best be on my way to my own chambers. I do hope you enjoy your stay here Sailor Pluto. Perhaps we will see more of each other in the future then," he spoke as he bowed once more before moving past them.

"Let us continue," Seiko murmured as she began on her way once more.

Pluto followed dutifully, her mind intrigued by the encounter.

"He is Queen Celestin's older brother, Lord Hikaru," Seiko spoke, as if reading the senshi's mind.

Pluto looked up, her eyes widening.

"He is the eldest of the two but this Kingdom was always destined to be in the hands of his younger sister. The eldest female in the royal family here is the one who attains the throne, not a male. It has been custom for over thousands of years," Seiko continued as the pair turned one last corner before coming to a halt once more.

Pluto's eyes moved along the wide hallway with its marble floor and walls that were closed in. The hall was illuminated by torches that lined the walls, the light flickering, casting shadows that danced along the floor.

"This is the Senshi Headquarters. The elite Senshi stay here, your room is at the far end Sailor Pluto," Seiko spoke as they both moved forward.

When they arrived at her door Pluto could not help but stroke the enchanting wooden door that glittered in the torchlight.

"Wood bound by stardust," Seiko murmured as she bowed deeply.

"Do not worry you are permitted to visit Princess Usagi when you want however you are not to spend the night anywhere in the eastern wing, senshi sleep here, in the west wing of the palace. Your maid will be with you in the morning. Until breakfast," she spoke as she departed slowly.

Pluto turned as she went to open the door.

I suppose it could be worse.

With a sigh she entered.

::X:X::

"Morning Princess! Enjoy your first night? No doubt you probably cried yourself to sleep."

The cold remark was ignored as Usagi sat still, the five seats between her and Kaede unfortunately remaining unoccupied.

Kaede laughed aloud, almost tipping the jug of milk before her as her hand flew up to cover her mouth.

Eyes wide she reached for the jug, her laugh ceased.

"Careful Kaede, your milk is about to spill," a new voice noted.

"Good morning beautiful Usagi! How marvellous you look this morning!" the same voice added.

Usagi smiled despite herself.

"Forgotten my name already? Do not worry, I forgive you. I am Ka-"

"Kakuei- you are Kakuei. I do not forget the name of a friend," Usagi murmured.

Kakuei grinned widely.

"How kind of you your Highness! I am humbl-"

"Now you've done it, his head is going to expand, look it's almost as big as our moon Gladiola!" another spoke, coming to Usagi's other side.

The female smiled at her, her green eyes warm.

"Good morning Mei," Usagi greeted with a smile.

Mei nodded pleasantly.

"I am very impressed Usagi. It took Kakuei over there a good week to realize that my name was not actually Lei but Mei," she murmured as Kakuei blushed.

Usagi giggled as she reached for the yoghurt.

"The Palace here is very beautiful and very spacious," she complemented.

Kakuei nodded as he opted for the muesli.

"Yes it is isn't it? You will get used to it Usa," he murmured.

Mei nodded.

"Are you looking forward to etiquette class this morning?"

Usagi choked as Kakuei slapped her back.

"Kakuei!" Mei snapped as she punched his arm.

Usagi coughed as she smiled.

"No he was only trying to help … what do you mean we have etiquette class this morning? Are you serious?"

Mei nodded soberly as she sipped her orange juice.

"Indeed, you best be prepa-"

A short, sharp bell sounded in the hall.

"Class time!" Kakuei cried as he stood, holding his hand out to Usagi who took it with a blank face.

"Don't worry, it is not thatbad Usa, you will be fine," Mei added as she joined them.

"Come, you don't want to be late for your first class now do you?"

::X:X::

Pluto's eyes followed Usagi out of the dining hall, noting the chiming bell.

She stood alone behind the blue and silver drapes that decorated the hall, smiling slightly as the small lady disappeared entirely from view.

"You eat breakfast at the table Pluto not hiding here by the drapes," a familiar voice murmured.

Pluto's eyes widened as she moved the drapes to see a familiar looking male hidden completely from view of those eating.

"My Lord," she stammered as she bowed, knowing better than to salute him again.

"She told you? Forget the title my dear Pluto, Hikaru will do just fine," he responded offhandedly as Pluto's eyes lowered.

"Why are you not eating breakfast? Does the food not meet your standard?" he mused as Pluto turned scarlet.

"I am not hungry," she murmured as she turned away from him.

"Am I that detestable to be around?" he asked softly as Pluto paused, her green locks falling across her face to shield her blazing cheeks.

"You belong out there, I belong here, in the shadows. I am not accustomed to being around so many people … I am used to being alone for that is what is required of me as the Gatekeeper of Time. If not for the Small Lady I would have never been allowed to leave my post," she explained as she turned back to him with a shy smile.

"No one deserves to be alone," Hikaru murmured.

Pluto turned away indefinitely this time.

"It is not a question of whether I deserve to be alone or not, in fact it is not a question at all. It is my destiny and I am happy to accept and fulfil it," she spoke.

"You should not underestimate yourself. Any man would be willing to spend an eternity guarding the Gate of Time if it meant an eternity with a charming senshi as yourself," Hikaru spoke as he bowed.

"Well I will not keep you, good day my lady," he said as he straightened, leaving in the direction he had appeared in, still hidden from view of those eating.

Shaking her head as if shaking some sort of spell Pluto departed also, her mind reeling.

Their stay would be interesting indeed.

::X:X::

A/N: okay, I have to admit, crap ending to a not so good chapter, I'm just trying to introduce the important characters and it's harder than what I expected …

Oh well, thanks again reviewers and PLEASE review again … any ideas throw them in and I'll see what I can do!!
Much love,

Sapphira