Title: Crescent Mirror
Author: aaeris17
Rating: PG13 (?)
Author?s Notes: 
	Alright, here it is folks!! Finally, the story is going to 
start moving!  I wish I could thank everyone personally for emailing 
me and encouraging me to keep righting?unfortunately I cannot.  My 
gratitude to all of you and please, please, do not stop reading and 
reviewing!! Enjoy!!




		*********************Chapter 8********************
			************	          ************

	I took one look at my reflection and shook my head, ?No,? 
	?Stop, Sere!! You?re going to muse it!? Mina clamped her hands 
on my head, pressing my ears into my side and held me still.
	I frowned at her in the mirror.  She had taken my waist length 
blonde hair and butchered it, in my words.
	?Lita, doesn?t Sere look pretty?? Mina gushed and winked at 
Rei.  Rei hid a smile from me.
	?Hey, what do you know? She is a girl!? Lita teased.  She 
picked up one long braid and pretended to gasp, ?Ami!! Quickly, what 
are these fascinating objects attached to what is apparently sere?s 
hair??
	Ami stifled a giggle and followed Lita?s seriousness, ?It 
would appear to be silken pink ribbon, Lita,?
	I scowled at them, ?I sat still for two hours to end up 
looking like a horse??? I moaned and fingered the tiny braids all 
over my forehead and held back by a mini crystal jewel headband.  
Tiny flowing satin ribbons were attached to the half braids and 
created a flowing effect on my already long hair.
	?Sere, you do not resemble a horse,? Ami put her hands on my 
shoulders and smiled at me in the mirror.
	?Her nose is not quite long enough,? Rei quipped and scooted 
to avoid my clawing hands.
	?You did a wonderful job, Mina,? Luna piped in.  Mina beamed 
and gave me a playful shove as to say at least someone appreciated 
her work.
	I frowned harder but played thoughtfully with my hair; I 
suppose it was not that terrible.
	?If I may interrupt girls,? Luna playfully let that phrase 
hang in the air, ?But I believe there are some very eager parents 
waiting for you four,? 
	Squeals filled the air as Mina, Lita, and even Ami abandoned 
all activities to rush out of my door.  Luna flattened herself 
against my wall to avoid being trampled.  Only Rei remained behind 
my chair, absently playing with my hair.
	Luna gently came over, ?Thy father is here tonight, my lady 
Rei,?
	Rei turned cold violet eyes to Luna, ?Tell him he can see his 
daughter, the Princess, at her will,? she whispered.
	Luna?s voice became gentler, ?Your late mother?s father has 
accompanied him as well.  Her highness believes his presence could 
become very useful for you girls here at the castle as opposed to 
doing nothing in his kingdom,?
	Rei?s eyes instantly brightened at the thought of her beloved 
grandfather, ?Grandpa is here??
	Luna nodded, ?Waiting to see you, and only you,? Luna cupped 
Rei?s chin in her right hand.
	Rei gave Luna a huge kiss on the cheek before dashing out the 
door.  Suddenly she peeped her head back in, ?Good luck with your 
escort, Sere!? She grinned wickedly, ?I do hope you enjoy yourself 
with Endy by your side!? I could hear their giggles as they 
descended the steps like a herd of horses.
	?LUNA!? I whined and flounced away from the mirror.
	?And what is the matter with you, Ms. High Horse?? Luna 
snickered at her own joke.  
	?I don?t wanna go to some boring ball?especially with Endy and 
the knights! They will just make me look like a fool in front of 
everyone,? I pouted and threw myself onto the divan near the Sun 
window doors.
	?You don?t want to muse your gown, ?Luna ignored my 
protestations, ?I?m sure that Endy knows better than you to behave 
properly.  After all, he does have a good three years,?
	?I know he?s older, and wiser, and smarter, Luna,? I mocked.  
How did HE end up the perfect child?  Oh, how I wished to heartily 
sock that smile off his face.
	?Tis not my point child; I am merely saying that tonight is 
far too important to everyone for him to go and cause the usual 
ruckus,? Luna pulled my reluctant arms and carefully patted out any 
wrinkles that may have been creased into the gown, ?Besides Sere, he 
and his new friend will need at least a week before any hijinks can 
truly begin,? She winked.
	I gaped at this woman; what was she implying by the wink, 
?Luna you cannot be suggesting that,?
	?You girls strike first? But of course, what would this castle 
be without the pranks you and Endy play on each other?  The addition 
of four more lively lads can only add to the laughter,?
	?On whose account, ?I muttered as Luna did a final check of me 
in my pale pink gown.  Short cap sleeves, perfect for summer, a high 
empire waist with pale pink rubies trimming the neckline and forming 
the high waist.  The gown then split to show an under gown of the 
palest ivory.  The pale pink overcoat was heavily embroidered with 
gold thread depicting many fleur de lises and roses joined in 
harmony.  And finally, the bottom six inches of the flounce on both 
the over and under gown was an interwoven pattern of gold thread and 
miniature crystal flowers, the name of I do not know.
	?Beautiful,? Mama commented, ?My lovely Little Lady,? Mama was 
a picture.  No fewer than a thousand words could express the beauty 
my Mama is.  Wearing her traditional royal gown, she glowed in the 
lilac strapless dress.  Her gown was covered in precious diamonds 
and crystals that were woven into designs by silver thread.  Pale 
pink and white pearls created ropes starting at her waist and 
looping downward.  Her arms were similarly adorned with smaller 
ropes and diamonds accented the hanging loops.  
	?Sere?  Sere?? Luna pinched my arm, ?Are thee daydreaming 
already??
	I shook my head, ?No, not at all!? I smiled.
	?Well, come, our kingdom awaits, ?Mama sweetly teased and let 
one slender arm point out of my room, and out of safety. 
	I swallowed a gulp, ?Lead the way, ladies,?
	

			*			*			*

	?You can join your friends, Sere.  Your father and I shall see 
you in the hall after we have all been announced,? Mama gave me a 
quick hug, ?No fears darling, promise me?? She cupped my face in her 
hands and kissed my forehead, where hopefully my birthmark, and 
birthright, the crescent moon, would soon appear.  She pushed back 
my bangs and smiled before leaving me.
	I smiled as I surveyed the mess in front of me.  Already the 
girls were huddled in to one side, laughing and talking all at once 
about their mini reunion with their parents.  Endy was standing to 
another side with Kunzite, Nephrite, Zoiscite, and Jadeite around 
him.  All were impressive in various shades of the four kingdoms 
they represented.  The boys complimented the girl?s colors very 
nicely.  Endy, however, being of my kingdom, wore a deep maroon and 
ivory outfit.  The tunic was ivory and his overcoat a deep velvety 
maroon.  His pantaloons were of a darker ivory and he wore knee high 
brown leather boots.  His first outfit that announced his entrance 
into knighthood?he no longer wore the outfit made for a young boy, 
but for a knight in training.  
	He must have noticed my staring for he turned and his eyebrows 
shot high, ?Do my eyes deceive me or is that our Princess?? He 
called.   The boys turned and laughed along.
	?Why, yes, tis our Princess,? Lita ran rushing to my aid and 
mocked a curtsy, ?I say, Rei, should not our knights in training be 
bowing to this fair lady,?
	Jadeite took her bait and fell to one knee, ?Oh ladies, we 
could only hang our heads here, for we cannot look upon these 
angelic faces,?
	Rei looked as if she couldn?t decide whether to kick him while 
he was down or blush.
	Mina marched directly up to Kunzite who began to look visibly 
shaken.  ?Master Kunzite, I have held a place for thee on my dance 
card.  Do not let me down,? She teased and just as quickly walked 
away.
	Ami stifled a giggle at this display.  Endy frowned slightly 
at the rebuff he had gotten.  Yet, before anyone could make any 
other scenes, Artemis came marching thru the Ball Foyer.
	?Places!! Come children, the page will begin with the high 
nobility and then quickly move to you.  Pair off as Luna told you!? 
He called and pulled our arms together as he walked by, ?Behave,? he 
whispered as he joined me and Endy together.  I stared ahead at 
Mina?s blond head.
	?I wasn?t trying to be mean, Sere,? Endy whispered as the Page 
loudly read off names of people I barely knew.
	I scowled, ?You know I do not being paraded about like a 
doll!? I took a careful step forward as the line to the door became 
shorter and shorter. I tripped slightly, and Endy?s arm pulled me 
up, ?See?? I can barely walk in this ridiculous thing,? I whispered 
seething.
	?You?re just not used to it;? Endy whispered back, ?Perhaps 
your little tiara has oft your balance a bit,? 
	I glared at him only to see the corners of his mouth turn ever 
so slightly.  ?What makes you so?so??? I bit my lip in frustration.
	Endy looked down at me, at near thirteen he was already 
beginning to become taller, ?Age before beauty,? he quipped in Rei 
like fashion.  
	Further irritated, I picked up my left foot and jammed the low 
heel into the side of Endy?s boot.
	Immediately, Endy yelped and struggled to stay balanced, 
muttering to himself his complete and utter disregard for the 
feminine species.  I glowed at my success.
	?Daughter of the Lord Chancellor and the lovely Aphrodite, 
Princess Mina of the Venusian Kingdom, escorted by his young master, 
Page Kunzite,? the Page drooled on.  Out of the corner of my eye, I 
saw blonde hair flicked back as Mina entered the double glass doors 
that opened to the first staircase landing of the Grand Ballroom.  
	?Breathe, Sere, its nothing more than a simple walk; simpler 
for those of us who haven?t had our foot crushed,? Endy added 
underneath his breath.  I gulped and tightened my hold on Endy?s 
right elbow.
	?Announcing Her Royal Highness, Heir to the Kingdom of Luster, 
daughter of the great King Apollo and the powerful Queen Selenity, 
the child whose birthday we celebrate today, Princess Serenity,? the 
Page announced with a touch of pride.  Immediately I was on a 
balcony overlooking hundreds of people who all cheered to hear my 
name.  A blush covered my face as Endy?s arm forced me to curtsy as 
he bowed.  
	?Escorted by the son of our favorite knight, Sir Lawrence, and 
son of the late, gentle, Lady Gaia, Knight in Training, Page 
Endymion,?
	A few girls cheered a little louder than the normal cheer.  A 
blush crept over Endy?s face as he let go of my arm, bowed to me, 
and joined his fellow knights on the right stairwell leading down to 
the ball.  I returned his bow with a slightly fumbled curtsy due to 
the silly heavy brocaded flounce.  Turning, I saw Lita giving me 
tiny thumbs up and relief filled me.  The worst was over, for now.
	I heard another wave of applause as Sir Lawrence, escorting 
Luna, descended the stairs.  Before I could begin a whisper to Mina, 
a great trumpeting fanfare began.  Once more the enormous crystal 
ballroom doors opened to reveal my mother and father in full Luster 
regalia.  My mother carried her Crescent Moon Scepter and my father 
carried his Staff of State.  With the medals, and the jewels, and 
the crowns, I could not recognize these two people as the same mama 
and papa who had tickled me in bed this morning.  
	?Their Royal Highnesses, King Apollo and Queen Selenity!!? The 
Page called triumphantly allowing his long scroll to roll together 
as he joined in the cheer that followed my parents? names.  As they 
swept down my side of the staircase, Papa winked and Mama made a 
silly face.  I smiled and lead my friends? into a deep curtsy.  The 
boys on the right staircase and the entire hall followed suite.  In 
a grand silence, my parents crossed the enormous length of the 
ballroom to take their seats as King and Queen at the enormous state 
table where the other dignitaries of the kingdoms awaited them.  No 
sooner then they started greeting their old friends did Artemis 
signal the orchestra to begin.
	Immediately, couples formed lines on the dance floor.  I 
suddenly felt lost in the crush of finery.  Rei and her Grandfather 
were amongst the first couples that began the dance.  Grandpa always 
made us laugh?his short stature always made him one of the kids 
instead of one of the adults.  As he twirled, palm to palm with Rei, 
her face lit up with a joy we rarely saw.
	A tap on the shoulder distracted me from Rei.  I turned to see 
Jadeite?s dirty blonde head bowed low to the floor.  I stepped back 
cautiously?afraid that he was about to be sick.
	?My fair lady, wilst thou do me the honor of the first dance?? 
Jadeite gushed with his teasing smile.
	I raised my eyebrows at him and cocked my head, ?I do believe, 
Sir Page, that I might enrage another dear friend by accepting your 
suite,?
	Jadeite threw back his head and laughed, ?My dear Princess, 
you have this honor only due to the loss of another fair, er, raven 
haired maiden,? Jadeite gestured to Rei and her grandfather.  Rei 
caught the gesticulation and managed to stick her tongue out at 
Jadeite before her grandfather happily nodded at one of his favorite 
children.
	I laughed?what beauty was I compared to the other girls?  Ami 
and Zoiscite sat quietly at a corner table, playing a quiet game of 
chess with Ami?s traveling kit.  Nephrite was already enjoying 
Lita?s cookies.  Mina was actively dancing already with a young page 
I did not recognize.  My smile faded as I saw Endy surrounded by a 
gaggle of giggling girls.  
	?Yes, you grudgingly may have this dance, ?I contended, 
?though I warn you that I am no fair dancer,?
	Jadeite grinned as he took my hand and led me to the end of 
the line of dancers, ?Milady, you are Princess, and the Luster 
Princess at that.  Grace is in your very blood,? He bowed low again.  
I curtsied and held my right hand out to meet his right hand.  
Jadeite expertly twirled me in and out again.  Another bow and we 
sidestepped each other to switch spots.  Further down the line I 
caught a wink from Mina and a look of disgust from Rei.  Jadeite saw 
Rei?s face and made a similarly unhappy one back at her.  I giggled 
as I stepped in close to meet Jadeite palm to palm.  This part of 
the dance always gave me trouble.  I concentrated to keep my right 
arm at the 90 degree angle so my palm gracefully met Jadeite?s palm.  
My left arm held my skirt out to prevent me from tripping over it.  
We took a turn and then switched arms.  Two steps back and we bowed 
again.  I felt a hand on my shoulder.
	?I believe that the first dance of the Luster Princess is 
always with the Luster Head Knight,? Endy?s voice whispered in my 
ear. I smiled haughtily at him.
	?Please bring thy father, Endy,? I replied much to Jadeite?s 
humor.  He joined me in the laugh as he began to twirl me again.
	Endy?s eyes turned a little cold before he brightened again, 
?My good friend, I do believe I have a favor to ask,? he turned his 
attentions to Jadeite.
	?Good job, chap.  A gentleman must always ask the lady?s 
partner to cut in and then ask the lady?s pardon,? Jadeite chirped.  
I could not stop smiling at Jadeite?s sense of humor.  Endy laughed 
and as Jadeite two stepped and took my spot, Endy took Jadeite?s 
hand, shook it hard, and twirled him away from the dance floor.
	?Beg thy pardon, Princess, may I have this dance?? Endy bowed 
gracefully.
I smiled and curtsied.
	?Maybe,? I answered and met him palm to palm.  My skill of 
dancing was better than I thought, and easily impressed Endy.  I 
could sense he wanted to make a klutz comment, ?You can say it?
you?re impressed,?
	Endy smiled, ?Looks like you may be a girl after all,? he 
whispered in a low voice.  Unknowingly, a blush crept onto my 
cheeks. 
	?And you are still a boy,? I answered coolly and hid a small 
smile.  Endy raised his eyebrows and did not reply.
	In an unusual silence, he twirled me out and in again.  As I 
was pulled in, I looked up at the eyes of my best friend.  Dark 
cobalt eyes warmed me.  I felt a smile creep over my face.  If all 
boys were like Endy and his friends, then maybe, maybe, I could see 
what Mina has been crazy about all these years.

	Selenity felt a tug at her heart as she saw Endy twirl Sere 
around, over and over.  Those two could not be more perfect for each 
other; she thought wistfully and fingered the key in her girdle.  
The moon would rise shortly, she must have Luna and Artemis gather 
the children.  Artemis could take the boys while she and Luna would 
lead the girls.

	?You look flushed,? Ami noted as I sat down with her and Lita.  
I nodded and fanned my face with my hand.
	?Almost as flushed as after a fencing match,? Lita added 
handing me a glass of liquid.  I could only assume it was some form 
of sparkling juice.  I thanked her and quickly drank it.  Through 
the bottom of the glass I saw an equally flushed Luna approaching us 
with Mina and Rei in tow.
	I put down my glass, ?Why Luna, you too have worked up a flush 
from dancing!? I teased.
	Luna looked down at me, rather seriously.  I swallowed and 
looked at Ami and Lita for help.  
	?Your mother has requested that you girls be brought to be 
her,? Luna informed and motioned for us to stand up.  I looked 
around and could not see Mama anywhere, ?She awaits you at the 
Mirror,? Luna added noting my search for her.
	I nodded and followed Luna out onto the balcony, past the 
peering eyes and wooing couples, past the large grounds and into the 
shrubbery that was the Labyrinth.  Even in the pale night, I could 
find my way to the gleaming center, the Crescent Mirror. 
	The night air was cool and full of blossoming scents.  The 
June rose was full in bloom and the Jasmine opened to welcome the 
moon.  The sounds of the dance faded into the night as we walked 
deeper into the Labyrinth.  Soon only the quiet breathing of the 
girls and the sweeping sound of skirts was heard on the flat ground.  
	?Welcome my children,? Mama?s voice rang out across the water.  
She stood, like an angel, on the large stone that made the Mirror a 
crescent moon, ?I have asked Luna to tear you away from your 
celebration for a very important reason,? Mama?s voice became 
lighter and seemed further away, ?Thousands of years ago, at the 
birth of the Luster Kingdom, there existed a team of ferocious 
warriors, the Legendary Sailor Senshi.  Each Senshi was Guardian of 
a certain planet; in essence, each Senshi was the daughter of the 
planet itself.  These Guardians existed to guard a sacred treasure, 
the legendary Quisez.  The Quisez was the most powerful stone the 
universe had ever seen.  Far superior to even the Silver Imperium 
Crystal that currently protects the Luster kingdoms and planet 
Earth.  Sadly, the Quisez was too powerful to be controlled and too 
tempting to evil.  The Sailor Senshi decided to break the stone into 
two pieces and bestow a half of each stone to the leaders of the two 
greatest stars, the Moon and the Earth,? Mama paused to let us all 
absorb the information, partly new and partly old from history 
books, ?With the Quisez no longer in existence and Evil once again 
suppressed, the Senshi disbanded themselves and retired into peace 
and legend.  Yet, Evil does resurface and many years tried again 
during the Shadow Wars.  The need for a greater power of good was 
clear; something must be done to stop the Shadow that is now 
darkening our lands and planets,?
	I heard a small gasp from Rei as she realized her premonitions 
of evil were true.  My heart beat a little faster as I struggled to 
come to terms with Mama was trying to say.
	?Without giving away too much, I ask Serenity to step 
forward,? Mama beckoned me.  I gulped and slowly walked from the 
ground across the rock to Mama.  She opened her right palm and her 
Moon Scepter suddenly appeared and in her palm she held an ancient 
key, ?Take this key, daughter, and unlock your destiny.  Be released 
from the bindings of your childhood and embrace the prophecy 
bestowed upon you and your guardians,?
	I chokingly took the heavy key and looked around.  What was I 
to open?  I glanced to the Mirror and saw the moonlight began to 
spread across the rock in her rise across the sky.  The moonlight 
touched Mama, and me.  I felt a warm spread throughout my entire 
body and surge through my veins.  I blinked and suddenly the key was 
gone and I held a small broach.  The pink enamel was breath-taking 
and the gems glittered in the moonlight.  I gingerly touched it and 
a sudden burst of light blinded me.  I fell to the smooth, cool 
surface of the great rock.  As I fell, a voice whispered three 
words, *Moon Prism Power*
	?Moon?.Prism?.Power?? I whispered weakly and grasped the 
broach tightly as another surge of power overcame me.  I felt like I 
was torn between time and space.  I was in a dimension that did not 
exist in the planar world.  My heavy gown fell away and I became 
enveloped with brilliant red ribbons that melted as they wrapped 
themselves tighter and tighter around my body.  I couldn?t open my 
eyes to watch what was going on.  The air became cooler as I was 
whirled around by an unseen force.  My hair began swirling and 
suddenly felt heavier on my head.  As I began to awake to 
consciousness, a cool metal band encircled my forehead.  I opened my 
eyes and stared at my now white gloved hands.  My shock only 
increased as I stared down the length of my body.  Knee length red 
boots with a crescent moon at the top, a tiny, non-existent blue 
skirt with a skin tight white top.  I gently touched the large red 
bow in the middle of my chest and followed the bow to the sailor 
blue collar that topped the white puffed sleeved shirt.  Not 
noticing the exclaims of everyone, I peered into the Crescent 
Mirror.  I saw my hair up in the Royal Luster style with two rubies 
holding the hair in the buns.  A gold tiara rested on my forehead 
with another tiny red gem and the whole outfit was completed by 
crescent moon earrings.  I turned around and met the gaze of my 
mother.  She looked terrified and pleased all at the same time.
	?Welcome, Sailor Moon,? Mama whispered and handed me her 
Crescent Moon Scepter, ?Tis time for another daughter of Selene to 
protect the world once again,?  
	I took the long pink handle into my palm.  The gold crescent 
moon winked at me.  The weight of the scepter hit me?Sailor Moon??  
How can I be Sailor Moon?  How can I be a Senshi?? I?m only TEN!!!!