OK, few things I’d like to add to this chapter! 1) From this chapter on, all thoughts
will be put in ** instead of the * I’ve been putting them in. This is only because
they’re easier to read and spot, so you misunderstand what is being said, and
what the person happens to be thinking! 2) After the next chapter, I will start in
with the outer senshi, which, in case you hadn’t figured out, will be a totally
different story, because, at this particular party, the inners never meet up with the
outers, with exception of Setsuna and Serena, but that is too brief to mention! So,
after Venus is through, be prepared for a totally different story line, possibly for
each character, since I’m not sure I want them to interact with each other quite
this early in the story! You’ll just have to wait and see! Hope you enjoy it! Bai-Bai!
Michelle Merriman.
- Time Honored -
Epilogue Four - Jupiter
“Lita, let’s go! We’re already late!” I heard being belted at the bottom of the
jade steps. I could hear the impatient sound of my mother, and her forest green
pumps, being stabbed into the hard marble that lined the estate. I thrust my hips
out as I placed my hands on my hips. I stopped and allowed myself time to wretch
the pebble out of the heel of my shoe that had so stubbornly stayed put in my
satin shoes. I put it back on, then bowed exaggeratedly at my mother. She
smirked, seeing my obviously display of sarcasm, then stepped into the
transportation chamber, with me in close pursuit.
No sooner had we entered the booth, then we were among the many
milling people on the stately Moon Palace compound. I admired the way it was
decorated, the many trees covered in garish lights, along with a few paper
lanterns, casting a luminous glow along the half a mile long walkway, which we
were required to walk, in order to enter the Palace. I noticed a familiar blonde
head, surrounded by a group of laughing boys. **Think I’ll leave Mina alone. Not
sure she’d like it if I interrupted her!** . Not too long after that though, I saw the
bobbing of a head covered in silky black hair. Before I could call her name, her
mother whisked her off in the other direction. We walked in silence as we
approached the looming golden double doors, that had been opened, and now
held a lackey at each one, assuming the roles of the missing hostesses as they
prepared for the party. I bid my mother farewell, and went in search for my
friends.
I gazed on the site ahead of me. I saw a handful of people mingling along
the plush grass on the outskirts of the Palace, standing underneath an illuminated
chandelier, held only by two thin wires attached to the base. I gazed for a
moment, imagining what it must be like to be an adult. Not anything like a teen, I
imagined. Especially a Princess. I had no choice in my life, from the clothes I
wore, to the boys I dated. I had known since the day it happened, that I was
betrothed to Saturn prince, but had always hated the idea. I kept my opinions
quiet however. My mother, being one of the more major queens of the Silver
Millennium, was hell-bent on the traditions, no matter how long they had been
around! Maybe one of the real reasons I never countered it, was because I didn’t
have anything to complain _about_ . I had never dated. Never fallen in love. I
Never met anyone besides the stuck-up Princes that were invited to the parties I
went to. I sighed. Ever since my father died, things hadn’t been the same. I don’t
know why I expected them to be. Like the death of my flesh and blood would just
role off me. The one good thing that came of it was that me and my mother had
grown closer during that time. We came together in our time of need. I groaned at
my own sentimentality. God, I sounded like a sappy greeting card. Too much
time with Ami.
I noticed a table with an elaborate food display laid out on top of the silk
table cloth. **Oh! Food!** I thought happily. **Never even realized how hungry I
was!** I worked my way towards the thirty foot table, and grabbed a plate. I
heaped it with some of the more exotic foods that my mind recognized. I chuckled
as I thought about the chef from Earth my mother had hired, who had insisted
that we try the strange items he seemed to know best. I remember the look on my
mothers face when he had brought out the slimy...thing garnished with parsley
and basil. I actually liked it, but I will never forget the shade of green her face
changed when she put in her mouth! I then reverted back to the present, after
remembering Serena saying her fiancee was from Earth. **That must explain the
familiar food.** I thought, just before my mind jumped into panic mode. **Serena!
Ami! Raye! Mina! I completely forgot about them!** I smacked my forehead and
threw the plate, literally, onto the table, and grasped at my dress to keep from
tripping over it, and ran. **Don’t wanna get mistaken for Serena by being so
obviously clumsy!** I said, laughing, despite the situation I was in.
I made to the enormous glass back doors to the Palace, and bolted inside.
I walked quickly now, unable to run now that people were packed around me, and
was swiftly intercepted by a smaller, blue haired girl.
“Ami!” I greeted, grinning down at her. She glanced up, squinting from the
light of the chandelier. Realizing it was me, she smiled kindly.
“Hello Lita.” She said brightly, obviously as entranced by the scene as I
was. “How long have you been here?’
“Only about thirty minutes.” I said, glancing at the clock on the vaulted wall.
“Have you seen Serena?” I asked excitedly, suddenly remembering the reason
for this gathering.
“No, sorry.” She answered.
“Rats. I want to see this “Mystery Man” she has.” I said disappointed. Ami
nodded in agreement, just as excited as I was about the prospect.
“I know. I’ve never seen him before. My mother says he’s quite attractive.”
Ami stated. I laughed.
“If he is, she’ll have no trouble warming up to this marriage thing!” I
giggled.
“Where are the others?” Ami asked, glancing around the large room, filling
up quickly with people.
“I saw Raye earlier, but her mother whisked her off before we had a
chance to talk. Mina was talking with a group of boys last time I saw her.” I
smiled. Knowing Mina, we’d have to get a crow bar to pry her away from them!
“Oh! There’s Raye!” I exploded, spotting my black headed friend walking
aimlessly around the perimeter of the room. “RAYE!” I screamed, throwing my
hands in the air and waving them to get her attention. Her eyes shot daggers at
me as she hurried over to us, hushing me as she approached.
“Gee, Lita, could you be a little more loud?” She asked, raising an eyebrow
at me. I just smirked, and shrugged.
“How did you expect me to get your attention? Smoke signals?” I said
sarcastically. She just smiled in reply.
“You seen Serena?” She asked, turning to me. I shook my head and
turned to Ami and gave her a knowing smile.
“Probably off meeting her Prince Charming.” I snickered and Ami laughed
along with me and Raye. I turned to Raye, just two seconds before I heard a high
pitched squeal ring.
“Hi!” I whirled around to see Mina standing right next to Ami. I smiled, still a
little deaf from her shrill yell puncturing my ear drum. **Hope she takes up
smoking.** I thought, smiling to myself, **otherwise, I don’t think her voice is ever
gonna mature.** “Seen Serena yet?” She asked. **Don’t these people have
anything better to think about?**
“Nope, sorry Mina.” Ami answered, obviously a little more calm about it
than me. I almost commented on it, when another shriek cut the air. **I think we
need to cut their vocal chords!** I thought irritably. I turned to see Ami pointing to
a couple dancing gracefully on the now full dance floor.
“Everyone! There she is!” She screeched, throwing her hands in their
direction. I watched our friend carefully and started to giggle.
“I was right!” I said joyously. “She’s in love, I can tell!” I covered my
laughter with my hand, careful to hold my chuckles in. I watched as her partner
was led away by an older man, leaving a dazed and confused Serena on the
floor. Of course, I would be too, if a totally handsome man had just kissed my
cheek too! She suddenly snapped her head up, then headed towards the
entryway. We all watched as she disappeared behind a wall.
“Follow her!” Mina barked, pointing towards the destination where Serena
had just walked to herself. We walked blindly beyond the wall, then saw a small
sitting room, with the curtain pulled taught over the entry. I walked ahead of the
others and yanked the cloth away from the door, exposing a surprised Moon
Princess to the harsh light that the curtain had cut.
“Serena! Is that him?” I asked, as soon as I saw the relieved look on her
face when she saw us.
“Yes.” She drawled, dragging her voice out.
“Oh, you lucky girl you! He is so gorgeous! Wow, you get all the good
ones!” Mina yelped, sitting down beside her. We all waited as Mina nearly
exploded, her head leaning in towards Serena’s as she anxiously awaited the
details. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore.
“How old is he? Is he nice? Does he have a brother?” Mina just burst out,
causing me to smirk. **Right on time.**
“He’s 20 I believe, yes he is, and I don’t know. Maybe.” She shrugged,
uncaring. I blinked, unable to believe this act she was putting on. **This can
_not_ be Serena.** I thought.
“I’M IN LOVE!” She yelled, her face completely lighting up. She pulled her
hand to her chest, then leaned backwards, falling completely to the ground. She
hurled herself over the bench again, her hair all disheveled from the tumble.
**Vintage Serena.** I thought fondly. I couldn’t even count how many times she’s
done that in the past week alone! I sometimes wonder how someone so clutzy
can be Princess.
“I can’t wait till the wedding.” She said, sighing contentedly. Raye just
snorted.
“You just met him, don’t you think that’s a bit premature?” She asked
doubtfully.
“No, we’re arranged. Whether he likes or not, we’re getting married.” She
said. I burst out laughing. “Of course, he does like it. I can tell.” She said quickly,
covering her mistake.
“I hope my husbands as wonderful as yours Serena.” Ami said, changing
the subject.
“Who are you betrothed to, Ami?” I asked.
“The eldest son from Pluto.” She answered, her cheeks flushing a pale
shade of pink.
“Oooh, my mother said they have handsome kids.” Mina swooned.
“You would know something like that, Mina.” Raye said, rolling her eyes.
“My mother was good friends with their father!” She countered defensively.
**Chalk one up for the Mars Princess....** I thought, though I was eager to steer
the conversation away from that of an argument.
“Who’s your fiancee Raye?” I asked.
“My mother had originally arranged me to someone from Neptune, but she
told me I didn’t have to.” She answered, shrugging. I rolled my eyes in disbelief.
*Wish she would just let loose. Who does she think she’s fooling?*
“It’s not like I’ve met him or anything, so maybe I will end up marrying him.”
She added. *Riiiight.....*
“Who’s that with your man, Serena?” Raye asked, taking the heat off her
for a minute. I glanced out the door, to see a pretty woman standing next to
Serena’s fiancee.
“Who does that hussy think she is?” Serena bellowed, her hands on her
hips.
“I don’t know, but she seems to have Dariens complete attention.” Raye
added, smirking devilishly. I noticed the tears in Serena’s eyes, and I moved
closer to her, knowing her next move.
“She can’t have him! He’s mine!” She wailed, tears springing from her
eyes like water fountains. I cupped my hand over her mouth, cutting her off, mid-
screech.
“SSH! People are starting to look over here!” I whispered. Serena sniffed,
then pulled herself off the ground and started out towards the dance floor again.
She approached the two with a determined look on her face. Her unfriendly gaze
set on the woman even made me shudder. **She’s really serious about this
guy!** I thought, bewildered. She approached the two, and after a minute, the
other woman left, and Darien greeted her warmly. I giggled and tried to make out
the words.
“Can you make out what they’re saying?” Mina said, squinting. I just shook
my head.
“We need to get closer!” Raye said, frustrated.
“Gee, you’d almost think you cared about her Raye.” I asked sarcastically,
only to get a silent reply from her.
“Something about the time, I think.” Mina said, and I noticed Serena’s face
fall. I saw her gaze go downward, and then he said something, causing her
cheeks to flush.
“OH! What are they saying!” Mina squealed. Serena answered back, and
then Darien delicately place his hand under her chin. I opened my eyes wide.
“HE’S GONNA KISS HER!” I yelled, smiling. Silently, we watched as the
two stood there for what seemed like forever, locked in a passionate embrace. I
could hear the soft sounds of Mina quietly counting how long the kiss lasted.
Finally, the clock struck 12, starling the couple, and they broke apart.
Rather unwillingly I might add.
“Wow! Two and a half minutes!” Mina said, after the silence ended. I
watched Serena stand there, her mind obviously not with her body, and laughed. I
jumped up as soon as I saw Serena’s out of body experience end. Mina had done
the same, however we were both intercepted by a hand grasping at the back of
our dresses.
“No you don’t. Let her be alone right now. She doesn’t need us making fun
of her right now.” I shot Ami icy glares as I watched Serena disappear around the
corner of the stairs she had just climbed. I sighed as I glanced at the clock on the
wall.
“I better go, my mother is probably ready to go.” Raye said, as if reading
my mind. I bid my friends good bye, and left closely behind Raye. I smiled as I
saw my mother talking with all the other royalty.
“Did you enjoy it?” She asked as soon I was within earshot.
“Yep! Serena sure is lucky. Dariens pretty cute!” I laughed. She chuckled.
“And if I know Serena, that makes all the difference.” She said, well
accustomed to my friends flighty behavior. I laughed in agreement.
“I hope you’re as happy with your new husband as well.” She said in a very
mothering tone. I knew what was coming.
“I talked to Queen Shi tonight, and we have agreed on the 24th of this
month.” My mother announced. I grimaced at the thought. **I don’t even know this
guy. But in twelve days the whole galaxy is going to know I’m engaged to him!** I
decided to play dumb with her.
“For what?” I asked, my face the picture of innocence. She just glanced
down at me absently.
“Your arrangement to Prince Cartri!” She said. I sighed. **I really have
nothing to complain about.** I reasoned with myself. *You might like him. Maybe
he’s cute.** I coaxed. **Or maybe he’s a complete jerk....** I said, ending the fight
that went on with myself. I finally decided to give it a rest. I was never going to
find a way out of this, and I knew. The worst part was, I had no reason to find a
way out of this! **I don’t have a boyfriend, nor do I have time for one.** I sighed
again. **And after this announcement, I’m gonna have even less time.** I
groaned. I guess the thing that scared me the most, is that I am never going to
experience _real_ love. My wedding will be big and extravagent, with flowers and
a 9 tiered cake. I sighed again. **The only thing missing from it will be my heart.**
. I had always dreamed of falling head over heels in love with the man of my
dreams. He would be handsome and sweet and love me with all his heart and
soul. **And I just don’t see how that is going to work into this “arrangement”
thing.** I wanted to cry. I thought of Serena, and her new found love, and just
knew they would be happy together, forever. They had the kind of love that stays
with you, even when your not together. **How can I miss out on that? I want
passion, romance. I want _love_ . ** I glanced at my mother as we arrived at our
own palace, and saw her care free expression as she trotted off to bed and I
couldn’t stop the tears from coming to my eyes. She loved my father, I knew. But
there had always been something missing. **How can she fix it so that I miss the
same thing? How will live with this? How can I marry a man I don’t love?** I asked
myself. And as I watched my mother disappear behind the wall at the top of the
stairs, one solitary tear fell down my cheek. **But how can I betray my own
mother?**
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