UPDATE (7.21.2016): This fic is in the process of being resurrected. There will be minor changes here and there as I try to conform this fic to my current writing style (honestly, this means breaking up several paragraphs) and my new vision for the story. Chapter 4 will be deleted and replaced once I have finished revising these chapters, and a less hammy title will be assigned (lmao). This may end up taking a while, but please bear with me. Any changes to the storyline will be summarized in the new Chapter 4. Thank you~

It had been planned a grand affair, and presently that goal was being met. The great hall glowed with candlelight and filled with the indistinguishable chatter of interested and inquiring minds. A single red carpet split the crowd in half, fitted twixt entrance and throne, and a lone white-haired figure strode up to meet the man and woman on the other end. All could see how proud were the royal couple, easily sharing their love for the young princess settled between them. Already half a year old, the Princess was destined to assume control of the Moon and Earth Kingdoms, and the people expected great things from the child of Endymion and Serenity.

Monarchs from all countries of the world had gathered around the central stage, having already blessed the infant with gifts aplenty, and now watched as the youth walked over with gentle eyes. The sleeping princess, however, did not stir when he leaned over to watch her, nor did she hear his soft promise to stand beside and protect her always. He stepped away once his words had faded, but ignorant the infant remained of her prince's departure.

Neo-Queen Serenity, her silver gown sparkling in the light, stood to address her well-received audience and close the ceremony, but was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Her attention turned and, being the generous host she was, the hurried trio were greeted with a smile. "You're late, Saturn."

The only man of them, his hair a natural white and his blue eyes outlined by a pair of thin frames, knelt as soon as he reached the centre of the room "I apologize deeply for arriving with so much time behind us. We encountered a problem with our carriage during the latter half of our journey, and were unable to continue until late into the day. We intend no disrespect to the young princess."

"I understand, you should not be held responsible for mechanical complications. I am delighted enough that you were able to attend."

The King of Saturn smiled in relief and glanced behind him, the sight of his queen and their young child there to behold. Hesitant and wandering eyes betrayed his wife's recent graduation from youth, and her long ebony tresses flowed down shoulders draped in violet. The same shade of hair found itself mirrored, though halted early, in the little girl at her hand. Only two years old, the Princess' curious eyes were not held against her, and her cheerful mood seemed much more than that of the mature audience. Not nearly as formal as her father, the girl smiled widely when her eyes found the cradle; curiosity commanded her leave her mother's side and bounce toward it.

"Hotaru!"

It was natural that the guards lining the walls would react to such a suspicious action and for this, Serenity forgave them. She motioned for them to remain where they stood, then turned to the young child diligently admiring the gem of her marriage. Her lips creased to approve. "Hello, Hotaru-chan. How are you today?"

As she was peeking over the side of the cradle, Hotaru took the time to step back and curtsy. "Good day, your Majesties. I'm doing very good today, thank you very much." She broke from the position with a grin and returned those bright amethysts to the tiny figure below. She giggled when the baby stirred just the slightest and was completely unaware that her mother and father had come up behind her.

"Hotaru-chan," came Keiko's voice. "Would you like to give the young Princess her present?"

"Yes!" Hotaru pawed her dress for a while before coming up with a small transparent cube. The function of the cube became obvious when a multi-pointed crystal came into sight. It shone like a star and the points, which protruded into every direction, effectively reinforced this resemblance by aiding in the refraction of light.

Saturn's King moved forward and his spoken tone hinted at alarm. "Hotaru-chan, are you sure this is the present? After all..."

"Papa, it's my most favourite thing. It makes sense to give this very important person, my very important item." Hotaru's beaming smile was obviously an indication as to how rational the reasoning seemed to her. "I'm sure that if the Princess understands that, there'll be nothing to worry about. Right?" The last word she directed to the heir of two kingdoms and, with her mind already set, she moved to place her gift among the others crowded on a nearby table.

Quickly Hotaru returned to the Princess' side, choosing to continue taking in the child's soft pink curls and pale skin. "She's so tiny..." she whispered, voice full of awe. "So cute too. What's her name?"

"Princess Tsukino Usagi Small Lady Serenity."

"Princess Tsukino Usagi... Usagi..." Saturn's heir trailed off when the title proved too long and marked this with a sheepish laugh. "It's nice to meet you, Usagi―no, chibi. Chibi... Chibiusa!" The little girl giggled in delight at her creativity and beamed. "It's nice to meet you, Chibiusa-chan."

A sliver of red peeked out from underneath hooded weariness.

"My name's Tomoe Hotaru. I hope we can become friends."


Ad Ultimum
Chapter IV

Written: October 05, 2008 – December 01, 2008 (?)
Half-Posted:
June 10, 2010.
Posted-Posted:
? 2015 ?