Ok decided not to make you all wait. Here you go.
"Luna, Artemis do you mind watching Shippo?" Serenity asked tucking Shippo into bed. They had just finished the decorating of the tree they had picked up today. Unfortunately it had just been the two of them since Sesshomaru got caught up in a meeting and had to cancel on her.
"No we don't Serenity, why whats up?" the white feline said from the door.
"I need to visit Trista, I am hoping she has a gown for me to wear at the Ball tomorrow." She shrugged her coat on before reaching for her boots.
"Are you sure attending that is a good idea? After all we still haven't figured out why the demons are hunting you not to mention the youma demon that Shippo was," Luna voiced her concern.
Serenity thought for a moment about what Luna had said. They were still no farther trying to figure out what had possessed Shippo, they had run some test all came back negative.
"Well if I attend maybe I could figure out something, you know possibly over hear something."
"Hmmmm," the cat thought. "I don't like you placing yourself in danger, you are the Moon Princess and the future queen. You shouldn't place yourself in these kinds of danger."
"Luna things have changed, I may still be the princess but I am a warrior too. Protecting the planet is my priority." Serenity stood up and grabbed her purse.
"We know and you have turned into a fine warrior but remember who you are for most and your mother would be proud I know we are." Luna jumped up onto Serenity's shoulder and nuzzled her face.
"Thanks Luna." Her staff appeared in her hands, she spun it once creating a tear in time and space. "Don't wait up I will be back as soon as possible."
She didn't wait for the felines to say anything before stepping into the portal and appearing in the back of Trista's shop.
She stood there watching the green haired woman putting away fabric and humming to herself. After about five minutes Trista finally spotted Serenity out of the corner of her eye, jumping she dropped the fabric that she was carring. "I hate it when you do that."
Serenity burst out in giggles doubling over she clutched her sides. "Now you know how we all felt when you used to do that."
"Well it's funny when I do it." Trista finish putting the fabric away before pulling the Moon Sovereign into her arms for a tight hug. "So why are you here, is everything alright back home?"
Serenity launched into the rundown about what was going on leaving out both Luna's concerns and the demon youma attack. "So yeah I need a gown for tomorrow something that will wow Sesshomaru."
Trista leaned back against the door her finger to lips in deep thought. "You really like this demon, huh." Serenity nodded hoping Trista could help her. "Then I have just the gown."
Trista grabbed her hand and lead her out into her work place where a dress made of white and silver hung on a dress form. "This was for another client but I think it would suit you more."
The gown was grecian mermaid style with caped sleeves, silver beads and threads decorated the gown giving it a regal look. A small train of silver material flowed from back.
"Are you sure if you made it for someone else I don't want you to upset this person." Serenity watch Trista take the gown off the dress form before handing it to her.
"Don't worry I have something else for her. Now go try it on." She waved to a dressing room and the younger woman hurried to it.
The dress was to loose and way to long for Serenity but it went prefect with her features. She stepped out holding the dress up until Trista came over with some huge clamps to hold the dress to her.
"It's perfect, it will need a few alterations the girl who this was made for is a lot taller and bigger chested." Trista started pinning the dress where it would need to be altered.
"Thanks a lot Trista," Serenity said rolling her eyes.
Trista giggled at her sovereign's jester. "So I will fix it and deliver it tomorrow. Then I can meet little Shippo."
"Sure thing Trista thanks a lot, your the best."
Trista and Serenity went to a small café for a cup of coffee and some dessert before Serenity made a portal to go back to Japan. She didn't go right to the penthouse instead she appeared on top of her buliding where she transformed and went patrolling.
It had been quiet the last few days and she started to wonder if something could be up. Sticking mostly to the shadows it wasn't until she came to the park, almost where the battle with the Youma possessed Shippo took placed, when she encountered trouble.
Two younger shadow demons, a male and female, stepped from the shadow of a nearby tree, both pulled out swords and smiled. "Our master has placed a huge bounty on your head," the male spoke.
Cosmos raised a silver eyebrow. "Is that so and who exactly is your master?" She clutched her staff with both hands, these demons appeared younger then the ones she had faced before.
"That I am afraid we can't tell you," the female spoke flipping her black and green hair over one shoulder. "But he said to tell you that you will be meeting him soon."
Both had circled one ending up on each side of her where they rushed her. Serenity waited until the last minute before using her wings and shooting to the air, this caused the two demons to collide with each other knocking themselves out.
Serenity shook her head and quickly left through a portal figuring that them bumbling thier mission was more then enough of a punishment. She materialized on the top of her building she let her transformation go and walked down the steps wondering who this person that was after her be.
The lights from the Christmas tree was the only ones that was on it casted its glow on the presents underneath it. She hoped everything that she ordered for Shippo he would like.
"So how was Trista?" Luna yawned from where she was sleeping on top of the kitty tower the Serenity had bought them.
"Good she is stopping by tomorrow with my gown." She told her about what the two demons had said to her. "I think it is more imperative that I go to this ball now."
"You're right we need to find out who wants you and put a stop to it," Artemis said joining the conversation.
"Are you sure that's wise, why can't we call back the Senshi or at least Mina? She can use the luna pen and pose as you like she did for the Death Busters."
The memory of Sailor Venus dressed as Sailor Moon with her hair in incredibly short pigtails flashed in Serenity's head. Oh, It had been a good plan and distraction on Luna's part but it was a memory she liked to keep buried. "Not sure if Sesshomaru would fall for it after all he is part dog demon and would know her sent was off. And also I have changed a lot in appearance." Serenity pointed to her silver hair.
Luna sighed knowing the Moon Sovereign was right. "You're right but I just don't like seeing you place your self in danger."
"I know you worry about me Luna but remember I am a warrior not the helpless princess that I once was. I am the most powerful Senshi to ever be born." She gave Luna a loving pat. "Alright I am going to bed night you two." And with that the future queen headed for her room.
Across the apartment building a figure in the shadows stood watching Serenity through her opened curtains. A small smile spread acros his lips. "Soon Serenity soon."
Serenity sat on the white couch, dressed in a long pink silk nightgown and matching robe. She was sipping a cup of hot chocolate and watching Shippo and Artemis as they put together Shippo's train set. Next to that was a pile of toys and wrapping paper, her livingroom was trashed from opening presents but the Moon Sovereign could not have been happier. Luna was in the kitchen humming a Christmas tune as she made Shippo somethimg to eat.
Serenity wasn't hungry, which was surprising, with each passing moment her heart seemed to pound faster with every thought about the night to come. Her heart sped up faster when her bell rang indicating that Trista had arrived.
When the door to her penthouse opened, Serenity bolted off the couch to hug the two people that was with Trista. "Amara! Michelle! What are you doing here?" She gave Luna a suspicious glance.
"Well, I been asked to preform tonight at the Demon Christmas ball," Michelle said with a giggle. "And we figured you might need some protection. Both the ocean and the winds has been stirring up lately."
"Also we wanted to meet the new little demon prince of the moon," Amara said looking at where Shippo was playing. "Along with this demon who has won your heart."
Serenity introduced Shippo to the three Senshi before Michelle pulled her back to her room and sitting her down at her vanity. Michelle took down her buns and her long silver hair pooled on the floor. "Hmmmm your hair is much to long to do into a updo." Michelle dug into a drawer at her left and pulled out some hair sheers. "Do you mind if I shorten it some?"
Serenity nodded knowing as soon as she transformed that her hair would be the same length as it was now and she would have to cut it again. "I trust you Michelle."
"Alright then." Michelle nodded to Trista and both sat about helping their Sovereign get ready. After about what seemed like hours she finally stepped from her room.
Serenity's hair was cut to mid thigh and curled the sides was pulled back and clasped with tiny silver moon clips. A matching moon pendent rested between her breasts. Trista had retrieved them from the Moon Palace before coming over, saying they had once belonged to Selenity.
Shippo was dressed in a little tuxedo and looked absolutely adorable in it.
Michelle had left them after she had done Serenity's hair and make up to get herself ready. She was now dressed in a aqua blue dress with her pulled up in a elegant bun, while Amara was dressed in a dark blue suit.
"You look beautiful kitten," Amara said as they stepped into the elevator.
Outside two limousines waited one for her and Shippo and one for Michelle and Amara.
The Shitennou was waiting by the limos, and Serenity raised a silver brow when she saw them. "Trista asked us to watch over you tonight," Kunzite said as he helped Serenity into the car, before joining Zoisite in front.
The limos pulled up and there was camera flashes as Michelle and Amara excited thier limo. Both waved and signed a few autographs before greating the Demons on the council.
"Thank you for your invitation I hope you won't be disappointed," Michelle giving them a slight bow before Amara escorted her in.
Serenity's limo pulled up to the red carpet next, her heart beaten faster and she could hear the people outside asking who could this possibly be. Kunzite opened the door for her and took her hand helping her from the car. Flashes went off and whispers about how beautiful she was followed. But was quickly quieted when Sesshomaru walked down and took her arm. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with his hair pulled back at the nap of his next.
"You look beautiful tonight," he whispered as they walked in.
"So do you." Serenity turned a bright red as she realized what she said. "I mean handsom."
Sesshomaru chuckled at her correction.
Serenity looked behind her to see if Shippo was following and he was closely followed by the Shitennou.
Sesshomaru's breath had caught when he saw his mate step from the limo. She was truly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He introduced her to the other memebers of the Demon Council before escorting her inside.
They were stopped by several more demons all wanting to know who was the beautiful woman who was on Sesshomaru's arm. They finally made it to where his father and stepmother stood. "Serenity may introduce my father Inu no Taisho and his wife my stepmother Izayoi."
"It's nice to meet you both." She held out her hand but Inu and Izayoi both embraced which stunned her.
"It's very nice to finally meet the girl who has put the smile back on my son's face," Inu said stepping back. He slapped Sesshomaru on the back, "She is a rare jewel indeed."
Sesshomaru was relieved that Inu had approved of Serenity now he just needed to introduce her to his mother. He looked around Inukimi but did not see her. "Has mom showed up yet?"
"I haven't seen her yet, son," Inu said. "Don't be surprised if she doesn't show, you know how she is with things like this." Inu turned from them to talk to another demon.
"Serenity! Shippo!" Ren yelled and came running almost running into a waiter and sending flutes of champagne falling from the tray.
"Ren this isn't a place to run why don't you take Shippo out to the gardens with the other children to play."
Ren gave Serenity a brief hug before pulling him out a door that was on the other side. "Are you sure it's safe?"
"Of course there are guards out there to watch them." Sesshomaru's reassurance settled her worry some but she nodded at Kunzite who then sent out Nephrite to watch over him.
Sesshomaru was about to leave when a gasp went through the crowd and everyone turned to see who walked in. Serenity turned to see a beautiful Demoness walking down the stair case, at the bottom the crowd parted until the silver haired Demoness stood before them.
"Serenity may introduce the Lady Mother Inukimi," Sesshomaru said.
Serenity gasped before bowing. This beautiful woman who held more grace then Serenity ever saw was Sesshomaru's mother. She looked to be no older then she but then again after a Demon reached twenty two years they stopped aging.
"So this is the woman who has captured my son's heart," Inukimi's voice was soft but held a warning as did her eyes. "Remember one thing little human brake my son's heart and I will brake you." And with that she slid by them to converse with a group of demons.
Serenity wasn't sure what to say about her meeting with Inukimi do she turned to Sesshomaru. "Don't worry she is always like that, she just needs to get to know you better."
Serenity nodded and took Sesshomaru's hand to introduce her to more demons. She was quite surprised when he introduced her to Inuyasha's girlfriend who turned out to be Kagome. The girls acted like old friends giving each other hugs before launching in complementing each other over their dresses and hair. Sesshomaru shot a look at Inuyasha who in turn shrugged.
After introducing her to yet more demons along with some humans, most of them politicians, dinner was announced. Sesshomaru led her to a long table where he held out her chair for her. Thankfully she had been a princess in her former life and her manners came back so not to embarrass herself.
"So Sesshomaru has told us you are a student, Serenity?" Inu asked. He was quite taken aback by this young woman and wanted to get to know her better.
"Yes I am mostly studing politics and foreign languages, this is my last year." Serenity answered. She really liked Inu while Inukimi seemed cold he was warm and had a very fatherly aura around him.
He asked her several more questions including about what her parents did. Tears swam in her eyes but before they can spill she cleared her eyes. "My father was a reporter and my mother was a homemaker."
"Was?" Inu asked not sure if he wanted the answer since her voice clearly swam with grief.
"My parents along with my brother died five years ago in the freak storm that distroyed some of the city."
"Oh you poor dear," Izayoi said her heart going out to the young woman.
"Will you excuse me," Serenity said getting up before her tears spilled. She walked as quickly as she could outside to a balcony that hung over the garden area.
"I am sorry I didn't get a chance to tell him." Sesshomaru walked up behind her and embraced her from behind.
"It's alright." She looked up at the moon and felt its warm embrace at times like these she imagined that it was Selenity's way of comforting her.
They stood there for awhile watching the stars and moon, both enjoying each others comfort.
"Come the music is starting and I am sure you would like to enjoy your friend's performance." Sesshomaru tucked her small hand into his arm and led her into the ballroom.
Serenity gave him a side ways glance. "How did you know they were my friends?"
Sesshomaru glanced away shyly and for a moment Serenity was sure the normally cool and collective Demon lord was embarrassed. "I looked you up," he said clearing his throat
She arched a silver brow before giggling.
"Come as tradition the head of the Demon clans start the first dance." He led her to the dance floor and again Serenity was grateful for having been a princess in a former life. She was sure normal girls her age, inless they grew up in the upper class, did not know many of the formal dances she was sure she would dance tonight.
They whirled around the dance floor in grace and fluidity, the whole time Serenity kept her gaze locked on Sesshomaru's. It wasn't until the music stop that they realized that the other couples who started out with them had stopped and had given them the entire dance floor.
Serenity's cheeks pinked at being the center of attention. Sesshomaru with his normal cold exterior in place lead her off the floor as a applause started.
"Wow Serenity you were beautiful!" Kagome said. "Can you teach me to dance like that?"
"You dance like that you would be lucky if you don't end up braking something," Inuyasha grumbled. He really didn't like events like this since he felt like the center of many conversations.
Kagome turned a glare to Inuyasha and said in two syllables, "Sit. Boy." This sent Inuyasha slamming into the floo face first.
Sesshomaru was already leading her away from the fight that would no doubt start. "What was that?"
"Don't ask," was Sesshomaru's answer.
They came to stand by his father who asked Serenity for the next dance. She agreed and Sesshomaru took Izayoi's hand and led her out. When Sesshomaru was out of ear shot Inu's gaze became serious. "You are not safe here, princess."