Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all related characters belong to those who created them. Which, miracles of wonder, is NOT me.

Chapter 2 - Preparing

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Zoisite was in his room, looking at the pale Moon. It had always attracted him, so full of craters, but yet so incredibly beautiful. He was immersed in his thoughts, the world around him forgotten and blurred...

"You really think Zoisite will go for that?"

His grunt at being bothered never made it out. His name had been spoken. He needed to hear.

"Of course he will. He is a man after all. He won't be able to deny the delicious company of that beautiful duchess of Venus"

{So, Jadeite. Picking up my ball partner?}.

A smirk graced his lips. He listened carefully. This was not eavesdropping... after all, *he* was the main topic of the conversation...

"Look, Neph, Dana is the best in her field. If she fails, that means our pal is either a monk or gay"

"I know, I know. But Jed, don't you think he will be angry with us?"

"Neph, if Zoisite can think properly after Dana is finished with him, I promise not to mess with him again."

Then, the conversation drifted to other topics, that didn't concern the orange haired General. Giving them some privacy, he stood back. It wasn't smart talking about your plans, and how to ensnare your victim, right in the room below said victim's room... especially if said victim had such a good hearing.

He sat in the bed, pondering his situation.

Oh, alright.

Planning his revenge.

{I could just skip the party, but that will be suspicious}.

{I could pretend I'm sick, but then Endymion will send me a healer, and I don't want to think what he will do to me if he knows I was faking an illness}.

Various plans ran through his mind, none of them satisfying his needs. Then, suddenly, it came.

{That's it}.

{I promised to *go* to the party, but who said anything about being there? I will arrive for the beginning, then leave, and stroll through the Gardens of the Moon till it's time to go home, then I will appear again. It's perfect}

He dozed to sleep, with a devilish smile in his lips, as he pictured Jadeite and Nephrite's attempts to deal with an enraged Dana of Venus...

--------------------

The Palace in the Moon was starting to awaken, preparing itself for the party that would be held that night. Silent servants walked from one side to the other, putting some flowers in here, a couple of lights in there, until everything seemed perfect.

In Lady Mercury's room, Mako-chan was snoring a little, still really tired from the events of the night before. She was immediately awake though, when a small sigh from the bed next to hers floated over the room.

She propped herself up on her elbow, and watched as Mercury slowly stretched.

"Ami, you awake?"

Her young friend stirred and covered her forehead with her hand.

"Yeah. Well, sort of."

Jupiter grinned, and replied: "Well, Miss-I-am-fully-awake-but-don't-want-to-get- off-bed, can I check at my room and gather some clean clothes?"

Lady Mercury grinned a little, and giggled.

"Sure."

Jupiter got off the bed, her hair falling in a chestnut coloured cascade down her shoulders.

"You sure you'll be OK?"

"I will, as soon as someone brings me a good breakfast and a big yummy glass of orange juice"

Jupiter was surprised at this sudden change of mood. She kept her questions to herself, though. Ami liked to be the interrogator, not the interrogated. She would tell her, when she was ready. It would do no good to press her any further.

"I'll arrange your breakfast, then, Ami."

Ami just smiled, and stretched again, yawning deeply.

"I'm feeling really good today," she muttered to no one in particular.

Jupiter just smiled back, and with a wave, teleported to her room. No point in giving the guards a heart-attack at seeing a half naked Princess running around.

Just as the green glow closed on itself, the smile in Mercury's face slid away, replaced with a frown. She knew she had fooled Jupiter, but it had being a lot harder than she had thought. Her face hurt because of the forced smile, and her heart throbbed with mixed emotions.

She was completely sure that Ren wouldn't come back during daylight, being too easy to notice. But, what would she do when sundown came?

Then she remembered.

The Queen was holding a party tonight. All the royal families of the inner and outer planets were invited, and of course, Ren. She couldn't miss the party, for any excuse would instantly throw everyone in palace over her, asking her why. And she didn't know if she could handle another interrogation like last night.

{It was really hard lying to them}.

She cursed to herself, and decided to stay as close as she could to her friends at the ball.

{Ren will surely try again. I hope that this will dishearten him. However, I'm sure he knows he will have a chance tonight, at the party. But I can't stay here either. I would be a perfect target, all alone}.

She felt as if a heavy load was partially removed from her shoulders, and had decided to get off bed, when there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, your Majesty, Kyla. I'm bringing you your breakfast."

"Come on in."

Her day as the Princess of Mercury had only began....

--------------------

Zoisite yawned, and rubbed his eyes, while hearing the birds singing. Looking through the window of his room, he saw that it was a sunny day, and that a sky as blue as he had never seen it graced his eyes. He stood up from bed, and walked to the window. His room was in the third floor of the palace, and gave him a wide view of the palace gardens, the training ground (just below his window) and beyond.

As he scratched his head, and rubbed sleep off his eyes, the sound of fighting picked his interest, and looking at the battle field, saw that Endymion and Jadeite were sparring.

{Funny}.

{Who could say this man that now fights like he was born with a sword in his hand, just a year ago knew as much of self-defence as this chair?}.

He saw Endymion point his sword towards Jed's chest, the General barely avoiding the hit. But, this motion left his side unprotected, and their prince, taking the opportunity, turned his hand around, and pricked the blond in the ribs. Grinning, he gloated.

"Touched, Jed. I see you've been slacking the last couple of weeks."

Jadeite smiled.

"Weeelll, it depends on how you put it. You could say that I have being doing nothing, and was wasting my time, but *I* would say that I was doing an intensive mental training, that required no physical effort."

Prince Endymion laughed.

"I would rather say that you're so bored, you just sit and stare at the maids.

Know what, I know what your problem is"

Jadeite looked at him.

"That I'm such a wonderful warrior that my skills overcome the rest of the earth's population, so that's why I get bored, and you are giving me a higher rank?"

Zoisite wasn't surprised by this demonstration of egocentrism, because Jadeite's *huge* ego was well known to him. Endymion had to suppress the urge to laugh, and answered, in the most serious tone he could manage to speak in.

"No. I was just going to say that you need to settle down... you know, stop running from commitment and all..."

Jadeite's eyes popped open, as the observation sank in, and looked at his prince with a big question mark written all over his face.

Endymion just grinned.

"Well, with you getting too *old* to spar with me an all, you could just settle down and have a family"

Zoisite gasped.

All the Earth court *knew* that Jadeite's biggest pride was his age. He was the younger of the generals, edging his twenties, and always was calling the other ones 'old rugs', 'ancient bones' or anything like that. And everyone also *knew* that the best way to piss him off was messing with his age. A white aura appeared around Jadeite's body, and his eyes flickered with anger, as he slowly raised a clenched fist, and moved towards Endymion.

{Oops}, thought the Prince.

{I think I went too far this time}.

He raised his hands in front of him, and tried to calm his friend.

"Come on, Jed, you know it was just a joke."

But the general didn't seem to hear him. He was muttering under his breath.

"How dare you, little...baby, junior, kid, spore...call *me* old?"

The Prince shrugged, and seen that his friend was about to explode, dashed away to security. However, Jadeite followed him, yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Get back here Endymion, I'm not done with you!"

Zoisite sighed, and wondered to himself.

{When are those two going to get serious? They act like kids all the time}.

He walked back inside again, got dressed and left the room, to wander around the palace.

He was in the main hall, when suddenly a black tornado spun him around, and when he recovered, saw Endymion, hiding behind his back.

"Zoi, you are strong and brave, right? Hide me, please"

Seconds later, a furious Jadeite stormed into the room, eyes white with anger, his teeth clenched in fury.

Zoisite heard him mutter more to himself than to anyone else.

"Where is he? I'm going to kill that little brat."

Only then he saw his orange-haired friend, and looking behind him, saw a pair of blue eyes and a mop of black hair.

"So there you are, junior. This time I'm gonna get you."

He moved towards the two friends, while Endymion tried to disappear behind Zoisite. Zoi moved one hand to his friend's shoulder and stopped him from going any further.

"Come on Jed. You know Endymion was just trying to... uhm...test you"

The blond just stared at him blankly.

"Zoi, move out of the way or I'll have to hurt you too."

Looking at Endymion, who was nearing a breakdown, Zoisite insisted.

"He was trying to be funny. Besides, I need to talk you about the party. I need some advice on what to wear and that stuff."

Almost immediately, the white aura surrounding the General disappeared. Fashion consultant was his second name. Not that he would tell anyone, thank you very much.

"OK. Let's go"

Endymion sighed in relief.

"I'll deal with *you* later."

Endymion gulped.

Zoisite put one hand over Jadeite's shoulder, and slowly but firmly, shoved him to the next room. Looking back at his prince, Zoisite mouthed:

'You owe me one'

The prince of Earth sighed again, and washed away the sweat in his forehead.

{I almost had it this time}.

"Prince Endymion"

He almost literally jumped out of his skin, but, before he could make a fool out of himself, he recognised the voice.

"Kunz, how many times do I have to tell you, do *not* scare me like that"

The white haired general just shrugged, and replied:

"With this time, about three hundred eighty seven times, your Highness"

The boy turned around, and said: "*Endymion*, Kunzite. It's Endymion"

Kunzite bowed.

"As you whish ... Prince Endymion"

The young black haired boy sighed in desperation.

"You are impossible. What is it that you wanted to tell me?"

"You need to practice your fighting skills, so we are now going to the battle ground, and we will stay there until you can kick my ass."

"You sound just like my mom. 'Endymion, darling, go to your room and study until you know all the rules of the Terran Book of Law'"

Kunzite's eyes sparkled.

"What is the punishment for disobeying a superior officer?"

The prince looked at him blankly, his mouth slightly open.

"Hmm...uhmm, I think it's... a spanking?"

Kunzite just grinned.

"You obviously need more studying. You should hang out more with Zoi. If you fight well enough today, I may not tell the Queen about this ... ahem ... mistake. Now, come on, 'spanky'�

Then, they headed towards the gardens, preparing themselves to the fight to come...

--------------------

In the Moon, it was late afternoon now, and the fear was easy to notice in Lady Mercury's eyes. She didn't want the night to come, for it would imply a never ending escape.

However, as her friends commented on how nervous they were about the party, she managed to smile openly. She heard them make bets on who would dance with more guys, and listened with pain in her heart as Jupiter said that she would surely make a boyfriend tonight, echoed by Venus.

Ever so slowly, she saw the sun setting, leaving the moon in almost total darkness. The lights were turned on, and the palace shone as if it was the sun itself. Her heart was beating quickly, and a shiver ran through her spine. Just as the sun disappeared in the horizon, the party started.

Being the Princesses of the Inner planets, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Serenity and Mars went to the main hall to receive the Princesses of the Outer planets. An announcer made his way to the front of the crowd, and started speaking, as the door of the spaceship opened:

"The Princess of Uranus, Senshi of the wind and earth, Lady Uranus."

Haruka leaped (literally) off the ship, and walked gracefully towards Serenity and the others. She was wearing a white, almost brownish dress, with no sleeves. It was so shocking, that everyone was left without a word. Lady Uranus was well known for being a dress-hater. She always wore trousers, and in parties, tuxedos. Many women had mistaken her for a man, but she seemed to like it.

The speaker was one of the first to regain composure, and continued:

"The princess of Neptune, Senshi of the deep waters, Lady Neptune."

A green haired beauty appeared in the door's frame, and walked slowly towards the Inner Princesses. She was wearing a dress very similar to Uranus', except hers was light green. Haruka, seeing the amazed looks she was receiving from the Moon court, turned around to talk to her companion, and pouted.

"See Neptune. I told you I looked ugly in this frilly thing. I've still got time to go back and change into a tuxedo."

She only made it so far.

Michiru's gentle hand was like water to her fire.

"Uranus, I don't think they are gaping because you are looking ugly. I think it's because they had never seen you in a dress."

Haruka looked at them again, and saw not displeasure, but surprise.

"Hey, girls, mind closing your mouths? I think that hurts"

The Inner Princesses seemed to awaken from a dream, and apologized for their reaction. They welcomed Uranus and Neptune with hugs, kisses and screams of joy. Then, the first two princesses moved to the side, and waited for the rest to arrive.

"The Princess of Pluto, Senshi of time, Lady Pluto."

Everything seemed to calm down as a beautiful figure appeared on the platform. As always, she was surrounded by an atmosphere of mystery, and everyone quieted as she approached. She walked slowly, and bowed as she reached Princess Serenity.

"Always a pleasure to see you, Princess."

The blonde nodded, and welcomed her with a warm smile. Then Setsuna bowed to the rest of the princesses, moved to Neptune's side, and waited for the last princess to arrive.

"The princess of Saturn, Senshi of destruction, Lady Saturn."

Unnoticed to the rest of the princesses, Mercury stirred a bit as she heard Hotaru's home planet's name.

Then, a girl of about 13 years old left the ship, and walked towards them. The princesses welcomed her with happiness, for it was not common for Hotaru to appear in public ceremonies. But, a few weeks ago, the Queen had decided that isolation was not the best way of dealing with her, and authorized her arrival.

Hotaru was loved among her fellow Princesses... but that didn't help the way commoners felt about her. A Senshi with the power to destroy *everything* they held dear (that being ... well ... *everything*) terrified them, and many wished she didn't even exist... Queen Serenity believed the first step to extinguish that irrational fear, was have them meet her, hence her presence at the ball.

Pluto's reason was very much the same.

Anyway, the reception was over.

At least, for the planetary princesses. Next, came the people of Earth. As the announcer began the proper presentation, Ami couldn't help but let her eyes wander through the crowd.

Big mistake.

There.

He was there.

It was then that the ceremony became a blur. She was no longer hearing anything. All she could do was stare at the shadowed figure, standing slightly apart from the rest... right on the edge of the crowd.

Ren.

Smiling at her.

Gloating in her fear.

*Knowing* she was terrified.

And enjoying every minute of it.

It wasn't long before a pat in the shoulder woke her from the haze of terror which she had dived into. Haruka's voice was strange, worried.

"Are you OK, Mercury?"

Though they there standing next to each other, she hadn't realised she had grabbed a fistful of Haruk's dress, and was squeezing it for dear life. A thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead, as she forced herself to release it.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired."

The tomboyish girl wasn't fooled, but said nothing.

"If you say so. Come on, the party is about to start."

Ami hesitated a second, as her eyes scanned the crowd once more.

He wasn't there.

She didn't know whether to be relieved, or freaked.

Where *was* he?

Haruka's insistent call for her to hurry stopped her from searching any further. She had no choice but to go, almost by routine following the steps that would lead her to the ball room.

As she approached, a hand was softly placed upon her shoulder.

She bit her lips to avoid screaming.

"Mercury, I need to talk to you."

She released her breath, slowly.

It wasn't *his* voice.

It was someone friendly.

Strange, yes.

Rarely seen, yes.

But friendly nonetheless.

Sestsuna.

"You scared me."

She didn't expect an answer.

She didn't need one either.

"Follow me. We need to talk."

As they began walking away together, she sent one last glance to the hallway, where Haruka stood, her arms folded, her face serious.

Ami smiled at her warmly, letting her know she was OK. Haruka smirked back, though there was something in her eyes she didn't want to know about.

She looked back forward, to Setsuna's long mane of black hair. So black, under this lights it seemed almost green... well, so did her own hair. Its bluish tones were completely natural, as much as Makoto insisted otherwise.

"I know what happened yesterday, Mercury."

That was more than enough to call fear back into her heart. She knew? And if she did, who else? Before she could speak, though, Setsuna's raised hand stopped her.

"I'm not the Senshi of time for nothing. Listen to me, Ami of Mercury, for this may change your destiny."

Gods, she didn't want to listen. She just wanted to run away, and hide under the covers of her warm bed. For a long, long time. Maybe a millennia or two.

But she couldn't.

So, she listened.

"Ren will try again tonight. You must avoid him at all costs. If he gets you, the future of the Silver Millennium will be endangered. Do you understand me?"

Gulping, Ami nodded. Geez, talk about cryptic.

It was then that reality slapped her. Hard. For a heart-stopping moment, she knew she wouldn't be able to stop him. He would have his way with her, it didn't matter what she did.

She could run, but she could not hide.

Maybe she would just let him... save herself the effort. What need was there in resisting, when she already knew the outcome?

Before she knew it, Setsuna was right in front of her. Her hands gripping her arms tightly, almost to the point of pain.

She squeaked in surprise.

"You must *not* surrender. It is more important than you think. If you get caught, it won't only destroy the Moon Kingdom, but the future as well."

Just one look into her eyes, made Ami wish she hadn't. Inside her magenta orbs, time *flowed*. And she gasped, as she saw the future.

For a splitting second, she could *see*.

Wars.

Famine.

Pain.

Disease.

All because she had given up hope.

All because of her.

And she knew that was a responsibility she wasn't ready to have.

She would *not* be the cause of the fall of everything she knew.

She would *not*. Ren be damned.

She would fight. She would fight back, with everything she had. If she won, or if she lost, wasn't up to her anymore. But she was certain she would not go down without a fight. And she was as sure as hell, she would not let him take her alive.

As they stared at each other, in silence, something passed between them.

Understanding.

Setsuna retreated, her face calmer.

"Thank you, Ami."

As she left, leaving the whimpering princess changed into a determined woman, she did not fail to hear the silent whisper.

"No, Setsuna. Thank *you*."