To everyone's thankfulness and, let's be honest, surprise the way back to Ilum was uneventful and two days later and a last goodbye message over the radio or rather radio and Vilip Taskforce Sol was on it's way back to Earth.
SunTzu, having just landed AICA in the hangar again, as the four capital ships jumped into hyperspace minutes after the Dream of Yuuzhan'tar did so as well, turned over AICA to the ground crew and petted her frame to say goodbye for today.
He walked back to the location where he and the Senshi had their quarters and took a green tea at the small lounge.
Soon Rei arrived from the bridge and joined him.
"Thank the Gods." She sighed relieved. "I'm glad we didn't had to fight our path through fanatic Bothans crazed for Yuuzhan Vong blood."
"Yeah. Thank God just my blood got spilled."
Rei put her hand on his bearded face.
"Awww Baby, I'm sorry you got beaten up. But at least you weren't hurt seriously, and hey we got to meet our extragalactical equivalents. And let's not forget to there's a big party waiting for you at home."
Rei meant the ceremony that had been plotted for SunTzu's promotion to Captain and, even more important, the founding of an order of Royal Knights for the Kingdom. And SunTzu was the first to be accepted into it.
The First Knight of the Royal Kingdom of Crystal Tokyo.
SunTzu liked the sound of that.
Two and a half days later they were back in Crystal Tokyo and while still on the way SunTzu got the order to seek out Luna as soon as he would be back on earth.
Apparently she wanted to file him in on the process of the ceremony.
As soon as he had landed AICA in her hangar he was in her office.
"Ah SunTzu, nice that you could make it so fast. I heard the mission went quiet for once." The black haired woman greeted him, sitting at her desktop and being busy with the preparations for tomorrow evening.
"Hello Luna. Thank god, yes. Anyways, I heard you wanted to brief me on the ceremony?"
Luna motioned for SunTzu to sit down and he did so.
"I wanted too, yes. First of all, please don't be intimidated by the amount of medial coverage and guests that will appear tomorrow. Now that we have a decent amount of founding for the Taskforce we need Personnel so we're starting a PR Campaign for the Kingdom. This also means that you and others, Senshi included will be featured more for PR purposes. A campaign to boost recruit numbers is also initiated in the Galactic Alliance as well. I know it might not be for everybody but if you could do your part so that more people join the Armed Forces, we would be grateful."
SunTzu thought about it for a moment. He never saw himself as that role model. Of course he tried to give a good example for Hotaru but that was it.
"I'll do my best."
Although I don't have any idea how…
"Thanks a lot SunTzu. As little reward I made sure, that your Commanding Officer doesn't mind that you appear with a beard tomorrow." She winked playfully at him. "I was talking with the girls last time and we decided you do look better with it. Oh, and wear that Starfighter Corps Uniform of yours. It will make for some good advertisement as well. All medals and ribbons, goes without saying of course."
Half an hour later he left Luna's office and head for Rei's office. She was busy doing the after mission paperwork for her department, when he arrived and was sitting at her desk.
"Sorry TopGun, but I'll probably be busy with this for a while. Tell you what tho, Grandpa is up north in a village famous for it's Onsen for some days, I'll come over to your place later. Maybe we can order a pizza and have some Netflix and Chill."
"Sounds dope. I'll be waiting for you then."
"I'll try to be done here as soon as I can."
She grabbed the color of his flight suit and pulled him down, where she gave him a kiss.
"See you later, my First Knight of the Kingdom."
SunTzu smiled after she said that and left the room.
Rei was still looking up when he already had left.
She do had to admit she was more than proud of him.
The next day Rei left early for the Shrine.
SunTzu told her he would pick her up in time and for her to be ready.
She smiled and kissed him, he already was nervous she noticed.
Rei told him, how many people and who was coming, and apart from office-bearers and dignitaries from all over the world, there would also be a delegation from the Galactic Alliance as well as almost all of their friends.
Apart from that Makoto, Haruka as well as the other pilots did let him know that he had buy drinks for them later on.
Knowing that he also had to thank the ground crew he actually took a car from a car sharing and went to a liquor store.
Arriving at the hangars he loaded out beer by cases and gave the crew around Karlena a pleasant surprise.
"Believe me boy, we will make sure that AICA will sparkle till afternoon." Karlena said as some of her guys carried the beverages over to their quarters and the rest began to service and clean SunTzu's Starfighter.
He said his goodbyes and went over to the ground dweller's barracks.
Makoto was already waiting for him.
"You're almost late fly boy. This means we'll take a nice little run to the gym as warmup."
They had arranged hitting up the gym together and SunTzu and SunTzu already could see that she would flay him.
One and a half hours later he was at breakfast with Makoto when Ami showed up.
"Good Morning guys, good that I find you here."
"Good Morning Ami."
"Morning Ami."
"Makoto-Chan, Is Kenji coming tonight?"
"At least that was the plan. But you know how he is."
"Same with Ryu. But when I tell him Kenji is definitely coming I can pressure him a bit." Ami smiled satisfied.
"SunTzu, I'll need you in my office after this. But first, let's have breakfast."
So, after breakfast, SunTzu and Ami went to her office.
"You probably already know that lots of important people will be eying us tonight, so please behave tonight. At least don't steal yourself away again to kill criminals."
"Hey, that wasn't my fault. And yes Ami, I will behave. As long as getting trashed when the ceremony is over is acceptable."
"Of course. I was so free, to hack a few bank accounts from questionable sources to sponsor the ceremony tonight."
"That's… actually very nice of you. Thank you Ami."
"Everything for a good friend. I'm happy for you, you more than deserve the promotion. And I also can't find of a better person to become a knight of the Kingdom."
"Thank you Ami. And now stop, I'm not used to the fact that a Senshi is actually praising me."
They both laughed.
SunTzu had a cigarette at his usual spot when Minako appeared. It seemed she was on her way to the Crystal Tower.
"Well, if that isn't the man of the hour. How are you?"
"Morning Mina. I'm nervous I guess, but don't tell anyone since they keep telling me how big and important everything is tonight and I can't fuck this up."
She sat down next to him.
"Oh c'mon, I'm more than sure that you will do just fine. You should just enjoy it, most of it is for you, you know."
"I know, but there will be so much press and media coverage and stuff and I just wanna get my promotion and my knighting before I'm going to have a good time with my girlfriend and friends."
"I'm absolutely sure you will. And for the medial coverage? Just try to be yourself and be the good guy you are."
"If you say so."
"I do, and don't forget I'm the Idol and pop star here." The blonde smiled, friendly not in any way arrogant.
"Try to make a big entrance and attract some attention. I'll be there earlier and warm up the media a bit, but when you come I want to see some page one material. You're coming with Rei right?"
"Yeah, I'll pick her up before."
"Very good. I want to see you two shipped all over the Internet, the gossip shows, and down to one of the first three pages of Yomiuri Shimbun."
SunTzu turned his head towards her, of course he liked the occasional grand entrance from time to time and he enjoyed the one time that he and Minako got some attention from the press when they showed up in AICA at the palace but this sounded kind of hard and enduring.
The blonde looked at him as well and they're gazes met.
"I know this sounds kinda hard and maybe even forced but Rei and you are a beautiful couple. I'm sure this will be self-propelling."
"I hope so. I don't think I'm any good at this."
"Oh, you are. You proofed with me and the Queen already. And we're not Rei. Not to fanboy you two too much but you're chemistry is awesome. I'm her ex so I'm allowed to say this. You do know that right, that we dated for a short time."
"She said something yes, but I never asked about it much. I'm glad you still get along so well tho."
"Yeah, in retrospect I guess it was a phase. We both didn't want to be alone and she just had broken up with her boyfriend back then. We had some cool time but If I look at it now, it wouldn't have worked out with how things went. Rei needs her independence and someone that understand and accept that, not to mention that she's a career woman and often gone. I need my significant other around as much as possible, I can be clingy you know, even though I'm busy as well. And now think about, a galactic diplomat and an idol. With these schedules we probably wouldn't see each other for months. But for you it's easier and you're used to it from the beginning."
"Yeah, I guess. And having one of the fastest ships in the galaxy helps a lot with it too." The two friends laughed.
"We also came to the point, that we both need each other, but as friends, there was something missing lovewise. But when I, and if anyone has any knowledge about love than it's me as you know, look at you two, it's different. This passion, I know Rei often treats you a bit bad but deep down she loves you with a fire burning hot as the sun. She's just bad at expressing feelings sometimes."
"Yeah, there definitely is a part Tsundere in our Moeru Shōjo." Both laughed again. "Thanks for helping us back to get together Minako."
"Of course, that's what the goddess of love is therefore. And now I gotta go and help Luna plan for tonight. I'll see you later. And I heard drinks were on you, Captain." She winked at him with a playful smile.
"I hope you had a week to recover from last time." He winked as well and pulled out his cigarettes again. There was time for a second smoke before he should seek out his protégé.
He went over to the Fly Center and to it's backside, where the simulators where.
Hotaru just finished a lesson in one of the Z-95 Simulators.
"Hey SunTzu, you just missed how I won against a Coral Skipper with a Headhunter."
"Really? Congratulations then, that's quite the unfair fight."
"Thank you." The dark haired girl said. "What brings you here, shouldn't you, like get ready or something for your big evening?"
SunTzu ruffled his own hair.
"Yeah I guess so. But i wanted to check up on you first. If you need anything or so. Soon you'll leave for Coruscant and your exams."
"That's very kind of you. But I'm good. I'm ready for my exams."
"Okay then. Lemme know if you need anything though. I guess I'll leave for my beauty program then." SunTzu said and turned around, walking away slowly.
"Hey SunTzu. Thank you for always taking care of me. I'm looking forward to tonight."
The soon-to-be Captain turned around again and smiled abashed.
"Sure thing Kiddo. With pleasure."
Both smiled at each other.
SunTzu was on the way to the car he rented when Ami called him up.
"Hi SunTzu, still at the base?"
"Hey Ami. Yeah, but I'm leaving now. Gotta get groomed for tonight."
"About tonight, I don't know if she already told you but Ada is on her way. With Leon and Master Cilghal as well. And the Senator of Chandrila as official representative of the Galactic Alliance."
"Full house, huh? Well, I guess I should feel honored."
"Indeed you should. So, again, please behave."
"I will. Don't worry, it's not that Ada and Leon aren't our friends. And the Senator of Chandrila is cool, Rei told me. Don't worry so much my blue haired genius."
Ami sighed.
"I just want this to work out as it should and make some favorable advertisement for us and the GA."
"Don't worry Ami, it will. I even got a coaching how to deal with the media from our favorite pop idol. Relax a bit, I'm trying to take it easy was well. You'll see, everything will be alright."
"I really hope so." A short pause followed. "Okay, I'll trust you."
"Thank you. And now I'll get going. See you later Ami."
SunTzu went to a high class barber and enjoyed the whole program before he went home again.
Just having arrived, he got a message from Ada, stating when they would arrive at earth and yes, they all were coming just for his ceremony.
He thought what to answer for a moment before he took the car keys again and headed out.
A sleek elegant looking space yacht, an official ship of the Galactic Alliance, fell out of Hyperspace near the moon. A black A-Wing with dark grey stripes was already waiting for it near the moon.
"Whaddya know, the man himself. Greetings SunTzu."
"What's up Ada? You guys had a pleasant trip? I'm happy you guys are joining us tonight."
"Of course, our little fosterling is becoming a man now. Can't miss out on that one. By the way, there's someone else coming, they should arrive any minute as well." Ada told to SunTzu.
Not a minute later twelve XJ-Wings fell out of Hyperspace.
"Master Durron, is that you?"
"SunTzu! Look alive Dozen, the man of the hour himself is our welcoming party."
"I didn't expect you and the dozen to show up, what a pleasant surprise."
"Well, I didn't want Master Cilghal get all the praise for your force training alone." The Jedi Master and former fallen Jedi said.
"Master Durron, Master Cilghal let's you know, that she heard that." Ada chimed in and the Jedi Master laughed for a moment.
"Good, so I don't have to tell her later. Anyway SunTzu, if you had the decency to lead us on to your home then?"
"Affirmative, all ships follow my lead."
"Dozen, you heard the man, honorable formation around that A-Wing.
Lead by SunTzu in AICA, the XJ-Wings formed around SunTzu with the yacht close behind the formation, and the fourteen starships took course to earth, hanging quietly in space, showing her green and brown continents in her blue oceans.
Rei and the two Koronians were cleaning the shrine's plaza. They would close for today, since Rei's Grandfather was on vacation and everybody else would be at the palace tonight.
She heard something in the warm September afternoon sky and looked up.
Led by a black Starfighter well known to her a dozen more snubs and a larger starship close behind rushed over Tokyo, before the ships ascended, accelerated and took course to Crystal Tokyo.
Rei shook her head with a smile.
Of course you don't get it taken away from you to be the first to greet your guests, TopGun.
The Starfighters rushed low over the bay of Tokyo, underflying bridges, while the yacht followed above.
SunTzu led them over to an extra round around the Tokyo Tower, with SunTzu and Kyp Durron flying under the platform and then climbing high and above it before they veered off again and headed for the air base after the show they gave for the people of Tokyo.
They landed at the Crystal Tokyo Airbase and SunTzu welcomed all of them in person again before shuttles brought them to the quarters assigned to them at the Palace.
The palace was a busy place already, the last preparations were in full swing and servants were rushing all over the place.
The first press people had also arrived and were settting up their cameras and electronics.
Quite a few inhabitants from Crystal Tokyo as well as Old Tokyo also found their way to the parts of the Royal Gardens that were open to public to follow the spectacle from there.
After he excused himself and personally went to the palace Kitchen to say his thanks for their hard work, SunTzu went for a cigarette to his usual place in the courtyard.
"Would the Deja-Vu get even bigger if I'd tell you that smoking is unhealthy?" A voice came in from behind.
"Usually you beat me up before you berate me, so just partly. Hello Setsuna."
"Hello SunTzu. Nervous?"
"Like Hell. But I'm also happy. I mean it's crazy how much work is involved in all of this and how many people are here. And all for me, at least basically."
She sat down next to him on the bench.
"And you earned it."
"Since it's coming from you, I'm taking this compliment. Thank you."
"Just being honest. But that doesn't mean, that I don't want to beat you up more. For your sake as Warrior of course."
"Of course. Everything for the sake of becoming a better warrior." The two shared a smile.
"Well then, I'm going to get ready now. I heard there's a knighting ceremony tonight and as high ranking member of this court I should look the part." They shared another smile and she went off to the Crystal Tower.
SunTzu looked at his chrono, he should get going as well.
Traffic into the city was easy, traffic to Crystal Tokyo wouldn't be. The bridges were full as more and more people, fans of the Kingdom and their magically Royal Couple, streamed towards the palace.
SunTzu arrived home way faster than he thought and began to get ready.
He was done soon after, his black Starfighter Corps Uniform with the gold decorations, all his ribbons and medals on.
He checked himself in the mirror on last time and got stuck at his rank insignia, this would be the last time he'd put it on as Lieutenant.
Captain in six months… And what a wild ride this last half year had been.
He closed his eyes for a second and smiled benignly, it was about him tonight but he wouldn't be here without his friends.
Thank you Marvin. Thank you Senshi. Thank you Ada. And thank you all my other friends. I'll do my best to be worth it.
He lifted his wrist with his chronometer up.
"AICA, my dark Fresian beauty, are you ready?"
A moment later the Artificial Intelligence of his modified A-Wing Starfighter answered.
"Darling, are you done ready for your big night?"
"Guess so. How about a little trip to kill the remaining time. Say hello to a few friends."
"Sounds great. I'll be there in a few minutes. You can wait outside.
As soon as he was sitting in AICA he took control of the Starfighter, ascending and then accelerating.
It was at dusk and there was a beautiful sunset over Tokyo when AICA landed in the middle of the Plaza of the Hikawa Shrine.
Rei, still in her Miko-dress, was waiting in the door to the living quarters.
SunTzu opened the canopy and stood up in the cockpit.
"Rei? We have to go, why are you not ready yet?"
The Priestess smiled and began to walk up to him.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm done." She told with a smug grin as she slowly walked up to AICA.
She held up her hand and transformed into Princess Mars.
SunTzu began to smile as well as Rei was done and was wearing her beautiful red and pink dress again.
"Ready to take your Princess out, my Knight?"
He grabbed her hand and without any effort pulled her up to him and into his arms.
They kissed for a moment.
"You look so damn good." They both said at the same time and a chuckle from both followed.
SunTzu could smell she was wearing the perfume he bought her for her birthday, he loved this floral smell on her.
"I have a proposal." Rei said as her hand petted his face gently.
"Since grandpa is not here, so I was thinking why don't you sleep here at the shrine tonight."
"I see my promotion as already paying off."
Rei smiled again and laid her head on her boyfriend's chest and SunTzu continued.
"Thank you for the Invitation Rei. I'd love too. And now let's make some headlines."
The two well groomed lovers both seated down and SunTzu activated the repulsors.
Quietly they were rising up into the falling darkness.
Around fifty meters over the shrine he stopped the ship for a moment.
The pilot turned around to the Princess.
"Showtime." He told with a smug grin, before he accelerated AICA and rocketed forwards, creating a wide smile on his. girlfriend's face on the backseat.
"How about some music AICA?"
"Your wish is my command, Princess." AICA replied to Rei's question and began to play music.
"How about a little fun before we land? Just to let Tokyo know, we're here?" SunTzu asked as he steered towards the Tokyo Skytree.
"I saw you already had some fun over Tokyo today but I don't say no." Rei smiled from the backseat. "Just don't ruin my hair." She joked from the back.
SunTzu let AICA circle around the Skytree and then descended again.
The pilot blasted the Starfighter closely over the rooftops of the taller buildings in the city as he headed back to the south of the city and made a circle around the already lighted up Tokyo Tower before he crossed over to the bay and raced just a few meters over the sea towards Crystal Tokyo.
A kilometer before the island he ascended next to one of the main bridges and greeted the cars on the bridge with a waving of AICA's wing before he blasted away again.
"Boy you got my heartbeat runnin' away…" Both Rei and AICA were singing along when they approached the palace.
He gave the onlookers at the gardens a low and fast Passover before he accelerated to supersonic speed and shot over the Palace.
Heads were turning and the cameras, that had just finishing taking pictures of a posing Princess Venus aka Minako Aino in her stunning yellow dress, which gave a shoutout to all her fans, tried to catch the black arrowhead on the sky. Just before that the press had tried to take snaps of Princess Serenity III. that appeared on the balcony of the main front building along with a unknown young man in uniform, the two of them trying to catch a glimpse of what was going on outside.
SunTzu gently flew a loop and took out velocity.
"Ready for our big entrance?"He asked and looked into his rear view, looking at a beaming Rei's face.
Rei checked herself in the rear view again.
"You may land, Sir SunTzu."
AICA sat down right in the middle of the rondel that was at the steps to the main front building of the palace.
Guards in full ceremonial dress, standing at guard with halberds were stationed at the stairwells.
In front of the rondel, facing towards the palace, we're press photographers, cameramen and even vans of TV Stations.
The white palace was illuminated with lights and the moon was hanging over it.
Big viewers showing the ceremony had been set up for the audience in front of the palace and the gardens.
For a moment nothing moved before AICA slowly opened her canopy and SunTzu stood up, putting his officers head on.
He had on a wry grin when he extended his hand to Rei on the backseat. She looked up and took his hand and he gently pulled her up to him, into his arms.
Still grinning he suddenly slung his arm under her legs and lifted her up completely, her arms around his neck. Both locked their gazes, their eyes full with love for each other.
The crowd was already cheering, when the elegant dressed, Medal hung pilot lifted the stunning black haired beauty up into his arms.
And the crowd completely lost it, when they shared a tender kiss.
Cameras clicked, people applauded and a happy Princess Venus started to beam as she followed her friends arrival from a screen inside the Palace.
After the kiss the couple locked eyes for another moment before SunTzu jumped out of the cockpit, Rei still in his arms. Backed by the force he gently landed standing and let Rei down to her feet.
Next to each other and holding hands the couple began to wave at the cameras and onlookers.
"TopGun, you really gave these media creeps something now." Princess Mars hushed into his ear waving on.
"The whole galaxy can know how much I love you." SunTzu replied, still waving as well.
She held in for a second, before she embraced him and let her head rest on his shoulder, making for another few good snapshots.
"I love you." She hushed into his ear and his smile became even wider.
After a few moments they walked up to the stairs, while AICA shot back in the sky and walked them up to the entrance of the palace, where they stopped again and waved at the people cheering towards them still.
"Bollocks, you guys sure made for one bloody hell of an entrance."
"If that isn't the other pilot." Rei said with played annoyance.
"Princess Mars, you look stunning as always."
"And the same goes for your companion. Hello SunTzu."
"Hello Michiru."
The teal haired greeted SunTzu with a kiss on the cheek. She and Haruka were both in their Princess outfit as well, Michiru's teal as her hair and white and Haruka's navy and light blue.
"You guys excuse me a minute, I want to greet the Senator of Chandrila. And apply some lipstick." She said the last sentence with a wink towards SunTzu.
"Come here girls, I'll want to take a picture." SunTzu said and pulled out his phone.
"Just because I'm wearing a dress." Haruka stated dry.
"Haruka!" Michiru scolded her girlfriend immediately.
They got together and made a selfie from , the flight of stairs, the media's cameras in the background.
People were cheering again and after their selfie the trio turned around and waved at the people.
SunTzu linked in with both girls and even Haruka didn't seem to mind.
After a few dozen clicks of the cameras they walked back towards the building.
"About time that you get promoted as well. You sure did your part for this." Michiru told as they walked towards the door. "And there is also none better as first knight of the Kingdom, so many times you saved one of the Senshi already."
"Thank you Michiru but I wouldn't be here without you guys as well."
"Michiru, would you leave me and SunTzu alone for a second?"
Haruka, walking right next to SunTzu said.
"Uhm… sure." Princess Neptune said surprised and entered the building alone, a guard opening the door for her.
The two pilots stopped and faced each other.
"What's the matter Haruka?" SunTzu asked, thinking about what possibly could be wrong.
To his surprise the short haired blonde began to fix his medals and smooth out his uniform jacket while she began to talk, somehow avoiding his gaze.
"I… I just wanted to let you know, that we're really proud of you. And glad to have you around. So, thanks Bruv."
"I… I… I don't know what to say. Thanks Haruka. I wasn't expecting a praise from you."
"Well, don't get used to it, Mate." She finished her inspection of him.
"Yup, now you're the second best looking pilot here. Come on, let's toast to us."
He was still standing there, dumbfounded, that Haruka actually praised him in a regularly, non sarcastic way.
Just when she petted his shoulder slightly he focused again and the two of them went into the building as well.
As soon as they were inside the two pilots saw, that Princess Saturn, dressed in her purple and pink dress, was waiting for them next to Princess Neptune.
"Okay, I take that back, third best looking Pilot." Haruka said with a smile.
"Not yet! She's still not officially one." SunTzu replied with a big smile. "Although she will be soon. And she definitely looks better than me." As reply Haruka nodded happily, she was really proud of Hotaru.
"Good evening Recruit. You're looking gorgeous. Therefore you're ordered to not talk to any boys tonight."
The black haired teenager's jaw dropped down.
"SunTzu!" Michiru replied outraged.
"No, he has a point, I second that." Princess Uranus chimed in.
Michiru shook her head in disbelief before she linked in with the younger Senshi.
"Don't listen to these two Saturn. C'mon, let's see if there's any good looking guys or girls around tonight." With a severe look she looked back at the two pilots and lead a still dumbfounded Hotaru into the big ballroom where people where the guests were gathering before the ceremony, which would be held at the throne room.
"I guess we have to work on our Dad skills." Haruka said and glanced over to SunTzu as both watched the two girls leave.
"Yeah." SunTzu said as scraggy reply.
The soon-to-be-knight and the Ruler of Uranus entered the ball room as well and were greeted by Princess Venus in her best temper.
She greeted her two friends with kisses on the cheeks.
"Holy Shit SunTzu, you really took my words to heart, didn't you? I'm sure I'll have to buy a whole bunch of newspapers and gossip rags full of you and Princess Mars kissing in front of the camera. And for the pics of myself as well."
"Everybody wanted the grand entrance so I gave them the grand entrance." SunTzu said with shrug and a big smile.
"You owe me a dance later for this, Sir Poster Boy." Venus said with a wink.
"Promise, my dance teacher will get one. If you would excuse me a second." SunTzu said to both princesses which both nodded and then began to chat in such a strong British accent that he wouldn't have understood anything anyways.
He walked a through the room and met Master Cilghal, Ada and Leon, Ada's boyfriend.
Ada, dressed in a red dress, gave him a kiss on the cheek and Leon shook his hand as greeting, while Master Cilghal and he just bowed to each other.
"Captain and Knight at the same time. You're making quite the career here SunTzu. Not that you haven't earned it."
"Yes, SunTzu. I speak for the both of us when I'm we're quite proud of you." The Mon Calamari Jedi Master Cilghal, dressed in a Jedi Robe, continued.
"Thank you Master, thank you Ada."
"This goes for me as well SunTzu." The voice of Jedi Master Kyp Durron came in from behind and as they all turned around he came walking up to them, Ami besides him.
"Master Durron, thank you as well."
"You earned that. You came quite the long way from back when I teached you on Kamino. Major Urawa told me some stories. Some of them are pretty outlandish."
"Don't worry, he got me to take care of this suicidal side of him." Rei's voice came in now and she walked up to the small group with the female Senator of Chandrila, a woman of color, behind her, both were having a glass of champagne in hand.
SunTzu bowed down before the Senator and greeted her, he knew her from a delegation that once visited Crystal Tokyo.
Rei kissed SunTzu on the cheek and stood next to him.
"I think we didn't have met yet Mylady. Kyp Durron." The male Jedi Master introduced himself to Rei. "Senator Hod." He greeted the Chandrilan Senator.
"Master Durron, it's a honor to finally meet you. SunTzu told me a lot about you."
"I hope only good stuff. But I can see how lucky of a man he is, to have such a beautiful and aspiring girlfriend. I assume I can call you Senator too, soon."
"We'll see about that but I do hope so."
A servant entered the room.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could make your way over to the Crystal Tower, the ceremony will commence soon!" The man in festive clothing announced.
"Guess it's time."
The group began to move out of the room and soon Makoto, Ryu and Kenji joined them.
As they left the room Rei noticed that her boyfriend was really getting nervous.
She took his hand stopped walking.
"Would you excuse me and SunTzu for a second? I guess I need a cigarette before." She told the small group that had also been joined by Minako at the door.
She squeezed his hands and they went up to the balcony of the second floor.
Staying near the entrance to not get spotted by the cameras they lighted their cigarettes.
SunTzu didn't say a word the whole cigarette long.
The two lovers we're staying a bit longer and looked at the nightly skyline of Tokyo.
"You don't have to be nervous." Rei stood in front of SunTzu and he had a hand around her, while she now gently stroked his beard with one hand.
"I don't know, it's quite the tumult here for me. And what if I don't live up to the expectations."
Rei turned around and looked into her boyfriend's eyes.
"There's not a single person that deserve this promotion and this accolade more than you. How many times did you save me? How you fought on Glee Anselm and Bestine and other places. And not to forget how you were willing to give your life for me on Phu. I'm so unbelievably proud of you."
She cupped his face in her hands and pulled him down, her lips locking on his.
They shared a long, passionate kiss.
"I love you so much." She kissed him again.
"I love you Rei." He replied after the kiss.
"Ahem. You guys ready for the ceremony? It's pretty hard to start without that German Maniac."
They turned around the Princesses of Uranus, Saturn and Neptune were standing at the door.
Rei looked up to SunTzu again, squeezing his hand again.
"You're ready now?"
"Yes Ma'am."
The five friends walked up to the Crystal Tower and entered, everybody else was already inside.
Haruka motioned to the guards to wait another moment until they'd open the door.
Haruka and Michiru stepped in front of him.
Hotaru gave him a hug from the side before she joined them, getting in front and making the Silence Glaive appear in her hand.
Before the guard opened the door Rei pinched him in his butt and he jolted and blushed a bit. With a smile both looked at each other as the door opened.
They both faced forward again, SunTzu took a deep breather and Rei squeezed his hand gently again.
A fanfare sounded off and the group entered the throne room.
Even in here there were photographers and cameras, they were to the left, while most of the guests and officers of the Taskforce were to the right.
The remaining Senshi were behind the three thrones, as the rest of the inner Court was at the foot of the throne. He saw Karlena in a corner, dressed in her dress uniform and both winked at each other.
SunTzu stopped a few meters in front of the throne as the three Senshi in front of him walked over to and behind the thrones too.
Before Rei could take a step as well he brought her hand, he as still holding up to his mouth and kissed it.
Awwws sounded off and the couple earned some enchanted looks, especially from Minako, Luna and Chibiusa.
SunTzu waited till all the Senshi had taken their place behind the thrones, we're a smug looking King Endymion and his smiling wife and daughter were waiting.
"SunTzu, come forth and kneel before the throne." Neo Queen Serenity told the Guardian of Guardians.
SunTzu stepped up and kneeled down in front of them, a small pillow had been placed there and he kneeled down with both knees.
"Neo Queen Serenity, II., Ruler of the Crystal Kingdom and Crystal Kingdom, King Endymion, Supreme Commander of this blessed Kingdom's forces, I, SunTzu, your humble servant and guard, kneel before you your Majesties."
Admiral Artemis stepped up, a proud smile on his face. They might had her differences in the beginning but SunTzu always had looked out for Artemis's girls.
"At first the promotion. First Lieutenant SunTzu, Galactic Alliance Starfighter Corps, current deployment as Pilot at Taskforce Sol, Royal Kingdom of Crystal Tokyo, due to repeated and continuing valor in combat and exceeding in given tasks in various missions it is my honor as your Commanding Officer to promote you to the Rank of Captain in the Galactic Alliance's Starfighter Corps."
The Admiral opened his palm, he kept close before and the two epaulettes and the chest rank insignia in gold were visible.
With sharp movements he walked up to SunTzu, retrieved the old Insignias and attached the new ones.
"Captain SunTzu, rise." Artemis ordered and SunTzu rose up.
Both officers saluted at each other, and every Soldier and Officer in the room, including the Senshi that were part of the Military or the Intelligence Service joined in.
SunTzu had to swallow hard, as he quickly looked up and saw Rei, visibly proud looking at him, her eyes gleaming.
He shot her a quick smile before the salute was ended.
Artemis and him shook hands and Artemis leaned quickly in.
"Thank you SunTzu for helping me take care of these girls. Marvin would be proud of you."
SunTzu had to swallow hard again and both officers eyes locked for a moment.
"Thank you Sir."
Artemis nodded and stepped back again.
The Royal Couple and Princess Serenity, III., all dressed in their best white outfits, stood up and walked in front of SunTzu who was kneeling down again.
King Endymion raise to speak.
"Captain SunTzu, faithful Officer of the Crown of the Crystal Kingdom, do you hereby swear by your virtue of honor, loyalty, valor, skill at arms and sense of rightfulness to further defend the crown, city and state of Crystal Tokyo, it's guardians, fellow warriors and inhabitants as well as every rightful citizen of this Planet Earth and the Galaxy?"
"I do swear."
"Do you swear loyalty to your Queen, your king and the princesses of the Solar System?"
"I swear." SunTzu gave a small glance to Rei, she smiled at him, moved, her fist clenched over her chest.
"I so swear. Forever." The forever wasn't part of the official script but it showed SunTzu's determination.
Mamoru nodded slowly before his gaze switched over to Usagi. The blonde haired regent nodded in response.
"Bring up your hands Captain."
SunTzu held up his open palms and the Queen laid her palms onto them.
"Repeat after me. I, SunTzu, do swear and pledge my powers to the Royal Family and the Sailor Senshi of the Crystal Kingdom and the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. To defend this galaxy and what is good, to cast a shining light onto the dark and to combat evil until death should take me, as I am the a knight, the First Knight of the Order of the Moon."
"And I for my part will swear to always defend and honor SunTzu as befits a true knight of the Order of the Moon." The Queen said and she and SunTzu shared a short but meaningful glance.
The Queen then looked up at her husband again and nodded.
With a move of his thumb Mamoru slightly moved up the sword on the sheath at his hip.
He pulled the sword out and took the blade in both hand.
Bowing down he presented his sword to his Queen and wife.
With a bow Neo Queen Serenity took the sword and held it up with two hands in front of her.
Gently she brought the blade, turned sideways now, down onto SunTzu's right shoulder and carefully hitted his right shoulder with it before she moved it over to the left one to strike him there too.
The Queen handed the blade back to the king who slowly and carefully sheathed it again.
"I dub thee Sir SunTzu, First of my Knights, the Guardian of Guardians. The moonlight is a messenger of love." Usagi quickly glanced at Rei and smiled.
SunTzu glanced over as well and saw that Minako had to hold Rei's hand as she was so moved.
"May it shine down on forever."
A wide smile appeared on her face before she faced SunTzu again.
"Arise, Sir SunTzu."
Resounding applause began to sound off, the two Jedi Masters and the four Jedi part that were part of Kyp's dozen lighted their light sabers up and held the blades up high.
Rei, and Haruka as well, had to wipe a tear of proudness away and Hotaru and Michiru grasped their hands together and beamed at each other, while Makoto and Ami silently and without looking at each other high-fived.
While SunTzu stood there both Usagi and Mamoru put a hand on his shoulder and leaned in.
"We thank you for everything you did for us, the Senshi and the Kingdom."
Usagi briefly put her forehead on SunTzu's.
"My first knight. Continue to do so well."
Then they stepped a step back and Usagi motioned for SunTzu to turn around.
The cheering got louder again and even more pics were taken.
There he stood, Captain SunTzu, First Knight of the Order of the Moon.
He bowed down like a actor after a play, thanking the audience.
Somebody tapped his shoulder and as he turned around Princess Mars was standing in front of him.
Teary eyed she stroked his face again before they both leaned in for a long, enamored kiss. The crowd and especially the Senshi were going crazy and Mamoru took Usagi's hand and squeezed it as both looked at each other, moved by the scene.
After a tight embrace Rei stepped aside and SunTzu's two Senshi wingmen both stormed up and embraced him at the same time. Their hands clinged together they exchanged how proud they were of each other.
The next felicitators were the Meious and Hotaru basically jumped onto SunTzu and hugged him.
"Kiddo. Hey, don't make your old ass instructor embarassed."
They both closed their eyes for a moment in their tight embrace.
When SunTzu opened his eyes again he noticed a content smiling Princess Pluto smiling down on him and Hotaru. He hadn't noticed her much before as she was keeping herself in the background but she looked beautiful In her black and white dress with the gold ornaments.
Suddenly she joined in into the hug and although surprised SunTzu pulled both closer.
"Thank you for taking care of my Hotaru." Setsuna whispered into SunTzu's ear, barely visible and the new appointed knight could have sworn she pressed her body extra tightly at him when she said that and when he glanced in her ruby eyes he could have sworn there was this longing again.
Stop it… it's probably just the endorphins right now…
Setsuna's grasp around him somehow went lighter and she ended the embrace, her smile looking forced. She closed her eyes shortly and then looked SunTzu in the eyes.
"Just because you're a knight now, doesn't mean your freed from training. Or that i won't nag you with your help."
SunTzu formed a half grin.
"Yes Ma'am."
For the fracture of a second his and Setsuna's eyes locked before she looked down and her eyes shot over to Hotaru.
"We have to let the other's congratulate too Hotaru."
Mina kissed his cheeks three times, Makoto hugged him so hard that she almost broke some bones in him and with Ami he just shared a quiet hug. It just had been six months but these six months had been crazy enough for both to work without words.
Finally SunTzu said something in their embrace.
"Ami, you were the first one to welcome me. I'd go to hell and back with you."
"I'll never forget Glee Anselm and what you did for me. Ani." Ami said, a single tear forming in her eye.
The two Koronians Deimos and Phobos were behind Ami, dressed in the colors of each one's eyes.
Both bowed down deep in front of SunTzu.
"Congratulations Sir SunTzu."
"Girls, please. There's no reason to bow down before me. We're friends, aren't we."
The two females looked at each and straightened up again, smiling.
The next one to congratulate was Ada, along with Leon, and the two Jedi Masters followed. Kyp's Dozen and Terra Squadron just decided to share a bond of friendship. The copious amount of alcohol served before the Ceremony might could have helped this development.
Master Durron and SunTzu shook hands.
"Congratulations Sir SunTzu. Me and the squad would like to see you for a toast later. That is if Master Cilghal doesn't have a problem with either one of us drinking."
The Jedi Healer glanced at the force-sensitive and her fellow Jedi Master for a moment before she sighed.
"You owe me one for this Kyp."
The attendants slowly made their way over to the ball rooms in the front building again, as dinner was about to be served.
The two Jedi Master, Princesses Pluto, Saturn and Venus as well as Ada, Leon and the Chandrilan Senator were walking along the Royal Family.
Rei was waiting for SunTzu as almost everybody came over to congratulate him.
They just had left the room as last persons and had stepped out of the door when they walked into Uranus and Neptune.
Haruka looked around if no one was looking and then bear hugged her friend while their two girlfriends stand next to them smiling emotional.
"Haruka, leave some for me as well." Michiru finally stepped in.
Princess Uranus stopped the hug and Michiru embraced her good friend.
"Je suis fier de toi, mon petite boche."
She said as they embraced.
"Good, enough attention and being friendly with the Jerry. Let's get some food."
Haruka finally said and the group left.
At the door Princess Mercury and Princess Jupiter and their husbands were waiting for them.
After a few minutes the good-humored group arrived at the palace's front.
Chanting from outside was calling for the Royals, the Senshi and SunTzu.
The first to react was the ever happily smiling Princess Venus.
And when SunTzu saw her from inside he looked at Rei and she nodded.
The couple walked outside, holding hands and SunTzu linked in with a surprised Minako, who was posing for the cameras.
Immediately the yellow dressed blonde began to smile and the three friends posed together for the camera, ending with a playfully smiling Minako holding up her hand to cover a kissing SunTzu's and Rei's face.
The trio bowed down like actors after a play and left for the inside again.
An amused Minako, linked in with SunTzu, just like Rei, was laughing.
"I think your boyfriend has way too much fun in front of cameras. So much for being nervous SunTzu."
"A good soldier follows orders." He replied with a smile.
They entered the ballroom that had been arranged for the dinner.
A large festive table had been prepared in the middle of the room, where the Royals, Senshi, the three Mau and two Koronians as well as the two Jedi Master and Ada and Leon and last but not least SunTzu would sit.
SunTzu would sit to the right of the Neo Queen.
Dinner, as always, was excellent again, the kitchen staff served a menu inspired with German cuisine fusioned with some Japanese ingredients.
Sitting so next to her SunTzu noticed that the Queen sure wasn't a picky eater, especially with desserts.
"My god Usagi, are you having a second dessert?"
"Leave me be Rei. I'm hungry and I need energy. You don't have any idea how exhausting this formal ceremonies are for me."
After the dinner there was the dance and SunTzu and Rei were standing on the edge of the dancefloor and were expecting the Queen and King to have the first dance.
Neo-Queen Serenity, standing next to SunTzu, suddenly held her hand in front of SunTzu.
Surprised he looked over to her.
"What's the matter Captain? Don't you think a knight doesn't own it's first dance to his Queen?"
Rei's eyebrow went up in annoyance as SunTzu gently took the Queen's hand and after an apologizing smile to an obvious angered Rei, lead Usagi to the middle of the floor.
The orchestra began to play a Walz as opening song and Queen and Knight began to glide over the dance floor.
"How does It feel to be the first knight of a Kingdom."
"Pretty surreal I guess. Half a year ago I was swimming in a pool of Bacta. And now I'm dancing with a Queen. While my magical girlfriend probably will kill me afterwards."
"Oh don't worry, she'll calm down. The Head Diplomat knows about Protocol."
"Did she tell you the story about the Moonlight Knight? The idea behind the order?"
"I heard some stories, something about the King not being able to protect you so he created an Alter Ego."
"Put short, yes. The idea was to have a order of knights that leads the idea on and guards us Senshi. And you're it's First Knight. Like Lancelot was for Queen Arthur."
SunTzu smiled impish and looked down for a second.
"You do know about Lancelot and Arthur's wife Guinevere?"
"Of course." Usagi smiled a similar impish smile at him. "Ami might had went crazy trying to teach me math and Kana but I'm really well-read when I comes to fables about knights, including Arthur. After all you're talking with someone that found the Holy Grail once."
SunTzu smiled and they danced on a few moments before SunTzu broke the silence, he had a request and this seemed like a moment to bring it in.
"Queen, I have a request I need you to ask."
"Is that so? What can I do for you?"
"I want to own my Starfighter. I'm saving up for it right now."
"SunTzu, you do know that this ship, his technology highly classified, is property of the Galactic Alliance's Military."
"I do know, but I want her to never be taken away from me. Not that she probably wouldn't take another Pilot than me or Hotaru."
The Queen thought about it for a moment.
"The Kingdom owes you something." A short pause followed again. "Tell you what, I'll see what we can do."
"Thank you so much Usagi. I promise that it won't cost the Kingdom a single credit. I'm even willing to pay more than her worth."
"You're really serious about that."
"I am. I want AICA to never be apart from me."
"Okay, promise I do what I can. Don't get your hopes up too much tho."
The song ended and the other couples and after applause from the attendees and now from the Queen and her Knight, the other couples that wanted to dance entered the dancefloor.
Rei pulled an sheepish looking King Endymion on the dance floor as Usagi and SunTzu continued their dancing, talking a while longer with each other.
Moving closer and closer Rei and Mamoru soon whirled next to Usagi and SunTzu.
"Mind if I dance with my wife now?" Mamoru, still looking kinda queasy, asked.
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind if you take your king and give me back my knight your Royal Highness."
"Fine. See you later then, Lancelot."
"My Queen, it's been my pleasure."
Still holding her hand up as he bowed down as his formal thank you for the two dances before Mamoru took her over with a nod from SunTzu.
SunTzu grabbed Rei's hand and the couple began to dance.
"Hi."
"Hello Rei."
"Glad that you decided to finally dance with your girlfriend."
"C'mon Rei. You know that I was just following protocol."
"Protocol or not. I do hope you know who is your Princess my newly appointed knight." She grinned at him with a challenging smile.
"Of course I do. We all know who the hottest in Kingdom is. And how lucky that guy dates her is." He answered with a smug grin, making Rei bite her lip and looking up to his eyes.
"Yeah. And you better not forget."
The couple grinned at each other.
After two more songs the couple left the dance floor and got something to drink.
After a stop at the bar they found Minako in a corner, she seemed very angry and upset. She pouted as she downed a glass of champagne, her arms crossed
"Mina-Chan, what's wrong?" Rei asked her, worrying with her.
"Remember Tsutomu Asai?"
Rei thought for a moment.
"Yeah. That Volleyball player you had a crush on once."
"Yeah. Apparently he's part of our award winning Volleyball team now and since they won the world championship lately they were invited tonight."
Volleyball was, whatever reason, one of the national sports of Crystal Tokyo. And the official teams were top notch.
"Yeah, but what's the problem? You gave up on him when we were fighting Kaorinite still."
"Yeah, I did. But can you imagine, Mr. World Champion just got divorced and now thinks he has a chance with me. This asshole just asked me if I ever had sex with a world champion and where we want to do it, like it's totally normal after a decade."
"Fuck him. You deserve better."
"You know that's the actual problem. I might actually be willing to fuck him."
Rei facepalmed and sighed.
"Oh God. Why are you such a lost cause Mina?"
"What do you mean?"
Rei tried to say something but she couldn't think of something not sounding too harsh.
After a moment she closed her eyes and motioned SunTzu.
"Babe, please take her dancing, maybe that will clear her head."
SunTzu took Minako's hand and pulled her to the dance floor along him, she was reluctant at first but then stepped up next to him, her hand resting in his palm.
They orchestra played a slow song and they began to dance.
After a few minutes of silent dancing SunTzu broke the silence.
"Big, long lost flame?"
"Before I went to England, yes. Afterwards not so much."
He nodded and they danced on, silently for a few moments again.
"Your dancing got so much better."
"Yeah, Rei insisted to teach me some more. Boyfriend of a high ranking diplomat has to be able to keep up with a variety of dances, yada yada. But thank you."
"Sounds like fun, nonetheless. I wouldn't mind to do that kind of stuff with my boyfriend as well."
She shook her head and sighed.
"Oh good, I sound like a old maid."
"No, you don't. I can totally understand you. I'm sorry if it's sometimes too much for you with me and Rei being all lovebirdey."
"No, please don't think that. I love you as a couple. Don't forget I did my part that you find together. But you know, all of the girls found someone, except Setsuna and she is probably still hanging back on her former, old love. And then there's me, reincarnation of the Goddess of Love, forever alone."
"You know, I think every curse can be broken. You just didn't find the right one yet. Because he will be so effing great of a guy that it was worth the wait. Mark these words."
She smiled a wry smile and shook her head in amusement.
"Okay, First Knight of the Moon Order, if you say so. I'll sent you a telegram if I found him."
"I do ask for it."
The two laughed.
"If they ever clone you, let me know." Princess Venus said and the pilot and her laughed some more.
They danced for a song more, when Haruka, dancing with Michiru, whirled in next to them.
"Oi SunTzu, I see you're all up with the blondes tonight. Don't get your hopes up for a dance with me tho."
Minako and SunTzu left the dancefloor after the song and went back to Rei.
"Better?"
"Better. I shouldn't forget about my own value. A few months ago I broke a prince's heart, I'm way too high class for this guy. And by the way, my red hot princess of Mars, your man doesn't think I'm a lost cause."
The evening went on and people were enjoying themselves.
Around eleven pm SunTzu found Haruka, a glass of scotch, in her hand staring to a certain table.
"What's the matter? Someone flirting with your better half?"
"Worse."
"What? What is it?"
"Shingo is apparently trying to take on Hotaru again."
"What? Where?"
Haruka motioned with her eyes over to the crowd.
Shingo, this time without his girlfriend, was standing next to Hotaru and seemed to be quite talkative.
She seemed to not really listen or to be interested at all.
After a few minutes she grabbed him by his tie and pulled him to her, telling him something.
Haruka's and SunTzu's jaw dropped.
"WHAT are you guys doing there?"
"Ah Michiru, we're keeping an eye on Hotaru. It seems Shingo is trying to get back to her." None of the two pilots turned around to the woman.
"And how exactly is that your business?"
"Someone has to take care of her."
"Haruka is right." SunTzu stated after Haruka said that they were looking out for their fosterling.
"You two will kill me one day." Angrily Michiru grabbed Haruka's hand and pulled her away.
SunTzu turned around smiling, only to look into the face of an angry looking Rei.
"Leave the girl some peace, she'll be heading out for her exams tomorrow as you know."
"I just wanted to…"
"Just leave it. You should take care of some of the guests anyway. We're here because of you anyway."
They walked away for a few steps and she pulled her arms around him.
"I know you just want to protect her but she's almost an adult. She knows Shingo well and after all he's more or less Usagi's little brother. Let her enjoy herself and enjoy yourself as well." Rei explained to him and he nodded, he did understand that. And Rei was right once again. It was his party he should enjoy himself.
Drinks were flowing and People mingled. Leon, part of the Personal Security Detachment of the Imperial Palace and it's high ranking politics and Motoki talked with each other as Reika, his wife, an archeologist, and Ada were talking about the site she were digging up artifacts lately.
Artemis, Ryu, Kenji and Captain Santos were enjoying a drink together, Chibiusa and Helios were dancing tight on the dance floor. Setsuna and Minako were talking with Maria, one of the Nurses on the Far Side and daughter of Captain Santos.
Rei, Cilghal and the Senator of Chandrila were chatting along with Usagi and Mamoru.
The pilots, including the Jedi ones, incited by their squadron leader, commandos and other soldiers were at the bar, taking round after round of shots, beers and drinks. It was late after midnight.
SunTzu was all over the place, trying to have contact with all the guests and get as much time with his friends in as he could.
Soon others joined them and after a round with the Commandos, SunTzu, as well as his beautiful girlfriend accompanying him had to take another round with Kyp's Dozen.
Another round with Artemis and his staff later SunTzu and Rei were pretty tipsy.
The couple headed up to the balcony again, for a cigarette. The last tv station vans were getting packed.
They were facing each other close by, and in his condition SunTzu couldn't do else than just marvel at his wonderful girlfriend.
With a sparkle in her eye Rei looked up to SunTzu and put her index finger on his chest, circling around his chest with it.
"You know TopGun, that apart from getting a first hand experience of sleeping at the Hino Residence I also got another surprise for my knight."
She smiled at him mischievously.
"I found my old school uniform and it still fits. Want to see it."
SunTzu's grin widdened immensely and as answer he brought up his chrono and pushed a button.
"AICA could you please immediately pick us up in front of the Palace?"
Rei laughed, that had worked even better than she hoped for.
As they were finishing their cigarettes Usagi, Minako, Makoto and Ami appeared as well on the balcony.
"Hey guys, we're leaving for tonight. Thanks for the wonderful evening."
SunTzu said as something came whooshing in.
He hugged the four Senshi before he picked up Rei to hold her in his arms and jumped up, backed by the force, until he was standing on the ceiling.
"Goodnight!" He said to the terrified women before he jumped backwards, Rei in his arms.
The Senshi rushed towards the railing but before they could even reach it, AICA ascended up and revealed that SunTzu and Rei had safely landed on the Starfighter and that the Pilot was standing in the cockpit now, still holding Rei in his arms.
She was giggling like crazy and held a peace sign up to her friends, before SunTzu sat down, Rei on his lap and the canopy closed. Within a few seconds AICA shot into the night.
"That was absolutely… awesome!" Makoto yelled out as Ami shook her head in disbelief.
"I hope they really clone him one day." Minako stated enigmatic while Usagi just let out a deep breather.