Moment 8: A Clear Knight "Claribel, time to get up," Kerwin called as he shakes me around the middle. I open one eye. It's 6 am. "Papa, you just interrupted a beautiful dream of earlier times," I grumbled. "Oh?" Kerwin asked me. "I dreamt that you were massaging me and playing with me as a baby, Papa," I went on as I turn over and sit up in the bed. "It was just me and you. You were holding me in your arms pressing me against your body, tickling my feet, rubbing my legs. I was happy and I felt protected and loved and I could sense that you were much happier then than you are now." Kerwin raises an eyebrow. "I miss those times, Papa," I continue as I toss off the covers and sit next to Kerwin, "so what do you say? One more time for old times' sake? Please?" I crawl into Kerwin's lap so that I'm facing Kerwin and kiss him. "Claribel, stop it!!" Kerwin shouted as he shoves me on the floor. "You hate me, don't you?" I whispered, trying hard not to cry. "No, that's not it, Claribel," Kerwin said as he helps me up, hugs me, bends to my eye level, and clips his sunglasses to his shirt. "I know you want to feel loved and protected like you did as a baby, but you're not a baby anymore. I miss those times as well and would love to go back to being a young first-time father playing with and massaging his infant daughter, but I can't. Please believe me, Claribel; I want you to feel safe and loved and, most of all, be happy, but if you don't have some shred of happiness here," Kerwin touches my heart, "then all the massaging in the world won't help you. And that goes for anything else that took place between you and me or you and your mother when you were a baby." I look down at the floor. "Claribel? Did you understand what I said?" I flop across my bed on my stomach and pull up my shirt, exposing my unclad bottom. "Papa, please stroke my bottom," I requested of Kerwin. "I want to be happy again." "Claribel, what you're asking of me is wrong," Kerwin told me. "I don't feel comfortable stroking your bottom and I won't do it. I'm not going to go to jail for molesting my own child." "But, Papa . . .," I sobbed before Kerwin cuts me off. "Claribel, it has become apparent that I will not gain anything by continuing to try reasoning with you," Kerwin interrupted. "You are also without the proper underclothing on and there will be a consequence for that. I will be downstairs eating breakfast and I will also expect you to be in the appropriate underclothing when you come down to join your mother and me in 10 minutes." Kerwin then walks toward the door, goes through, and sticks his head out. "Ten minutes, Claribel. Not nine minutes, not eleven minutes; TEN minutes." Kerwin then leaves. I take off my shirt and look into the mirror. I'm skinny but muscular. I spend some time admiring myself in the mirror before selecting a set of green panties and a green camisole. I then put on a red tank top and a blue denim jumper and head downstairs. "Welcome, Claribel, so glad you decided to join us," Sharon greeted me as I arrive in the kitchen. "Sit on my lap, please." Vowing silently to call Child Protective Services immediately afterwards, I do as Sharon asks. I could feel Sharon's right hand grope around between my legs and under my bottom and Sharon's left hand reaching up my shirt. I glower at this invasive treatment. "You passed." "Come on; eat up," Kerwin encouraged as he presents me with my breakfast. "Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion will have our hides if we're late." At 9 am, Serenity and Endymion lead Hermione, Cara, Ariadne, Clotilda, Cleopatra, Cecelia, Irvette, me, and our parents into the Royal Palace throne room in a mighty procession. Following are the boys that we were ordered to fight and their parents. After that is a whole bunch of photographers and news people. Serenity then directs the photographers and the news people to stand to the left of the thrones. Endymion then stands up. "Welcome, my young warriors," Endymion began, looking directly at us. Cecelia and I understand immediately that Endymion is talking to us and Hermione, Cara, Ariadne, Clotilda, Cleopatra, and Irvette. "I am proud to tell you that you all did very well in my mini- tournament. I see that Sailors Jupiter and Uranus have trained you well." "Hey, no sweat," Cecelia replied confidently. "Speak for yourself, Cecelia," Irvette grumbled. "Yeah, Cecelia, we sure kicked butt in there," Hermione agreed. "My, what colorful language, Hermione," Endymion remarked, "but please remember that this is a formal ceremony. Proper honor and dignity will be observed at all times. Cecelia, Irma . . ." Irvette glowers at Endymion calling her 'Irma'. Not a good idea, Endymion; Irvette may not have the enthusiasm about fighting that Hermione and Cecelia have, but her silence leaves little to predict when she may decide enough's enough. I should know; I've seen Quasar Sailor Neptune at the worst of her tantrums during training. Endymion then sits down and Serenity stands up. She then makes a motion and a four- foot staff with a crescent moon a foot in diameter on one end appears in her hands. "Yes, you eight have done very well for yourselves," Serenity agreed as she stands her staff vertically on its reverse end. "I have every confidence that Reenie will have her hands full with you. But that is much later. You eight stand before me now to be knighted with my Lunar Quasar Staff." Serenity then holds up her staff. She then sets it down and a small gem appears in her outstretched left hand. "I trust that your mothers have told you of this," Serenity says as she indicates the gem floating above her hand. "The Imperium Silver Crystal!" Cara belted out before anybody else could. The other girls and I exchange glances. Perhaps Cara is not as naļ¶„ as we originally thought. "Uh . . yes, Cara; this is the Imperium Silver Crystal," Serenity continued. "You girls need to brush up on your knowledge of the Silver Millennium. All of you should know what this gem is." Ouch; that hurt. "Sailor Scouts, you have not been doing your job. I'll expect better from now on." In a motion similar to a tennis serve, Serenity tosses her Silver Crystal in the air and swipes at it with the business end of the Lunar Quasar Staff. When Serenity stands the Lunar Quasar Staff vertically again, the Silver Crystal is floating in the center of the crescent. We all applaud Serenity's feat. "Thank you very much, but we must proceed. Before I knight you girls, I must know what is in your hearts." Serenity then points her Quasar Staff at me before laying it across her lap and sitting down. Sheesh!!! There has to be a reason why I'm picked to go first besides the fact that I'm the oldest. I walk forward and curtsy before Serenity and Endymion who return my respect. I can't freeze up out here; Ariadne, Clotilda, and Irvette have their eyes on me to set a good example. How did that speech go? Oh, yes; I remember now. "I, Claribel Mei'ou, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," I began, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the temporal powers of Sailor Pluto and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life. However, despite any complaints I may make about feeling roped into being a Sailor Scout at times, I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." I then kneel before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells me to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "Claribel is very sincere, Endymion," Sailor Neptune said. "Sailor Mercury?" Endymion asked. "Claribel is very earnest, but I question whether or not she has the emotional maturity at this point to hold these vows for the rest of her life," Sailor Mercury told Endymion. Sailor Mars slaps Sailor Mercury upside the head. "Does it look like your opinion about Claribel's emotional maturity is relevant here, Mercury?!?" Sailor Mars demanded. "I think that it is, Mars," Serenity interjected, "which is why I wish for the girls to reaffirm their oaths at a later date when I'm sure they'll understand what they are getting into. You still have not given your opinion, Sailor Mars." "I agree with Sailor Neptune," Sailor Mars said quickly. Serenity nods and rises from her throne bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. I shudder slightly. Ever since Sharon beat me black and blue with her Time Staff for failing a history test, I get very nervous whenever someone comes toward me with a large, long object. "Come here, Claribel," Serenity said gently, seeing my nervousness. I hesitate at first but then walk toward Serenity and kneel down looking at the floor. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Claribel is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Claribel. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on my left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off my left shoulder and resting it gently on my right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on my head and galvanizing me with a massive discharge of energy. As the energy rushes through my body, I find myself wavering on whether to hate the pain it's causing me or love the pleasure it affords me. The closest comparison I can make is being wiped during my first diaper change as a baby. I could feel the memories of the negative reinforcement that was inflicted on me during training or related to the training vanish from my mind and my training rise in prominence to natural instinct. Alas, Serenity lifts her Quasar Staff from my head, bringing this feeling to a close. "Rise, Claribel," Serenity requests of me. "Because of the big sister role for which you have demonstrated so much ability and the great deal you have learned so quickly, I anoint you team leader. You'll be outranked only by the Sailor Scouts, my daughter Princess Reenie, and of course, King Endymion and myself. Lead well, Claribel." "Neo-Queen Serenity, I . . . I don't know what to say," I said. "I'm not sure I'm the right person to lead. I mean I have flaws like not being good in history and . . ." Serenity holds up her hand for silence. "If you were perfect, Claribel, you would not have been selected as team leader," Endymion said. "Have faith; you'll do fine. Serenity, who's next on the agenda?" I curtsy at Serenity and Endymion and walk to my parents on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Cecelia before laying it across her lap and sitting down. Cecelia walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Cecelia Ten'oh, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," Cecelia began, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the aerial powers of Sailor Uranus and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life. I can sincerely say that I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. Although I may seem arrogant and wrapped up in myself at times, I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Cecelia then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells Cecelia to rise. "Well, Cecelia, at least you're honest," Endymion said. "Sailor Neptune, report." "From past experience, I know that Cecelia is somewhat arrogant," Sailor Neptune reported, "and although Cecelia has stopped being a bully at school and treats my daughter well at home, I find the sincerity of Cecelia's speech questionable. I feel that Cecelia is just giving us what we want to hear instead of speaking from her heart." "Fugenjiko (Actions speak louder than words), Sailor Neptune," Sailor Mars objected. "I've seen Cecelia during training. She is a very talented fighter. Most of Claribel's skill is because of Cecelia." "It doesn't look like Cecelia is going to get knighted," Sailor Pluto sighed. "Mama, Cecelia just has to be knighted," I pleaded. "She just has to." "Things will work out in the end, Claribel," Kerwin said. "Sailor Mercury, what do you say of this?" Endymion asked. "As for Sailor Neptune's remark that Cecelia is merely telling us what we want to hear," Sailor Mercury began as she retires her computer and cancels her visor, "my reply is this: I was monitoring Cecelia the whole time she was giving her speech and I have detected no unusual cardiopulmonary activity. This leads me to conclude that chances are good that Cecelia was being sincere." "Oh, give me a break, Mercury!!!" Sailor Neptune snapped, her hands on her hips. "What would you know about judging human character!?!? You've been nothing but a stinking bookworm all your life!!! I knew calculus when your Earth mother was still changing your diapers!!! I've been out and about, Mercury. And where have you been? What have you been doing between the end of your legal childhood and right now!?!? Huh!??!!? I'll tell you: not a blooming thing!!!! And another thing . . . " "Neptune, chill!!!" Sailor Mars shouted as she interposes herself between Sailors Mercury and Neptune. "I suggest that we let Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion decide since we can't agree." "What do you think, Serenity?" Endymion asked as he sits down. "I believe that Cecelia should be knighted, Serenity said gently, rising from her throne bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. "Come here, Cecelia." Cecelia hesitates at first, not knowing what Serenity has in mind. She then walks toward Serenity and kneels down looking at the floor. Endymion stands up and stands beside Serenity. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Cecelia is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Cecelia. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Cecelia's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Cecelia's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Cecelia's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. I look away from the light. "Rise, Cecelia," Serenity requests. "Because of the passionate example you set while training for this moment, I will reward you with a leadership role. While Claribel is responsible for the team as a whole, your job will be to lead the daughters of the Outer Scouts in their task of protecting and mentoring my daughter Reenie. I feel that you and Claribel can teach her a lot as I do that your friends Irma and Cleopatra can." "Gee, Neo-Queen Serenity; all my life, I've been told how much of a no-good little hoodlum I am," Cecelia sighed, her eyes turning a very pale yellow. "I've tried to show how I've changed for the better, but no one will give me a chance." "Somehow, I find that hard to believe," Serenity disagreed with Cecelia. "I can read your heart like a book, Cecelia. What's written there is a person who has a lot of positive things to offer the world. Whatever mistakes you have made in the past are unimportant as long as you have learned something from them and revised your behavior accordingly. I have carried this philosophy all my life and it has served me well thus far. But don't take my word for it. The Inner Scouts have several stories that tell how I have used my unconditional love to conquer my enemies." Serenity pauses. "Uhh, Endymion, do you know of any other word that I can use to get my point across? 'Conquer' sounds so brutal." "Yeah, but I think you got your general point across, Serenity," Endymion replied. "The only mistakes Neo-Queen Serenity and I will hold against you are those you refuse to correct, Cecelia. And don't forget to pray for forgiveness. God and His son Jesus and their Holy Spirit are there to guide, protect, and forgive you for as long as you want them to. The one mistake you should never make is to deny this divine guidance, protection, and forgiveness." Cecelia curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect and walks to her parents on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Irvette before laying it across her lap and sitting down.. She then joins me on the right side of the room. Irvette reluctantly walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Irma Kai'oh, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," Irvette began, "I will serve and . . . aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in . . . whatever you may ask of me." A pause and a deep breath later, Irvette continues, "I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the marine powers of Sailor Neptune and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life." Irvette pauses and looks at the floor, probably to gather her thoughts on what to say next. "However," Irvette states as she steals a glance at Endymion and Serenity, "despite any complaints I may make about feeling roped into fighting as a Sailor Scout at times, I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal." Another pause. "I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Irvette then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells Irvette to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "The child and I are family, so I will return no comment," Sailor Neptune replied. "Sailor Mercury?" Endymion asked. "I have detected a very strong spike in cardiopulmonary activity from this child as she gave her speech, Endymion," Sailor Mercury reported as she cancels her visor and types a few things on her computer before putting it away. "This suggests one of two things: one, she may either be lying to us or just telling us what she thinks we want her to say, or two, it's simple stage fright." "I feel sorry for your sister, Cecelia," I said. "Poor Irvette has to just stand there and get picked apart by the adults without saying anything." "Yeah, just who does Sailor Mercury think she is, picking on someone that's younger and less confident than she is????" Cecelia snarled, doubling up a fist. "They ought to be glad Irvette had the guts to go out there and give that speech!!!" "So, Sailor Mercury, which do you think that it is?" Endymion asked. "I don't have sufficient data to return an answer one way or the other," Sailor Mercury replied. "You have insufficient data about a lot of things, Mercury," Sailor Mars snapped impatiently. "Endymion, I believe that Irma has a lot of courage to come out here and give the speech she did. It's not easy to place yourself at the feet of someone a lot more powerful than yourself and basically sell yourself to them. Irma may have reservations about fighting . . ." Sailor Mars pauses and takes a deep breath before proceeding, "Err, no, Irma flat out hates fighting, but all during training, she has been the first to arrive at my temple and has been the last to leave. I had to join the training as one of the instructors to put the fear of God in Irma to even defend herself. Under my close supervision, however, Irma has improved her skills to near automation. She is now a very close match to her sister Cecelia and is a match for Cleopatra. Irma has transformed from expressing her hatred for fighting by doing nothing to fighting like a hungry cougar to end the fight quickly. If that's not someone to be knighted, I am unsure what is." "I agree with you, Mars," Serenity replied as she rises from her throne bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. "That dramatic transformation you spoke of is something that takes a lot of discipline to pull off. It wasn't easy to get Young Neptune to fight, but once that was done, she really cleaned house. And coming out here to give that speech . . .," Serenity pauses to wipe off her sweaty palms, "while a relatively simple action, it is a Herculean task for Irma as is putting up with someone calling you a name you do not like to be called. I think that for once, I'll stop pushing my luck with this child." Grasping the Lunar Quasar Staff, Serenity beckons, "Come here, Irvette." Irvette hesitates at first but then walks toward Serenity and kneels down looking at the floor. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed while standing over Irvette, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Irvette is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Irvette. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Irvette's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Irvette's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Irvette's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. Irvette curtsies at Serenity and Endymion and walks to her dad on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Cleopatra before laying it across her lap and sitting down. Cleopatra walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Cleopatra Tomoe, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," Cleopatra began, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the obliterative powers of Sailor Saturn and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life. However, despite any complaints I may make about preferring death to being a Sailor Scout at times, I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Cleopatra then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells Cleopatra to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "I have my concerns about Cleopatra," Sailor Neptune told Endymion. "Cleopatra is right on the edge and a gentle nudge could be enough to send her off the deep end." "I agree," Sailor Mercury added. "I have several sources that indicate Cleopatra may not be able to handle being a Sailor Scout in addition to school and other activities. Cleopatra has tried to kill herself once. Fortunately, the doctors were able to stop the bleeding before too much blood was lost." "I can't believe we're arguing over a little technicality like this!!!" Sailor Mars blurted out. "Won't the knighting process take care of all that? I sense that Claribel, Cecelia, and Irvette are much calmer than they were before being knighted. I say that Cleopatra should be knighted." "Serenity, don't be foolish," Endymion admonished. "If Cleopatra sees no value for her life in her mind, what's to stop her from destroying Crystal Tokyo or, worse, the Earth?" "Dispatches of a Dying Generation by Nathan McCall, 1991," Serenity said. "You forget, my dear Endymion, that once I knight the Sailor Scouts' daughters, I can use the Lunar Quasar Staff to either strengthen or weaken their powers anytime I wish." "Serenity, you're not going to knight Cleopatra over our objections, are you?" Endymion asked. Serenity nods and rises from her throne bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. "Come here, Cleopatra," Serenity said gently, seeing her nervousness. Cleopatra hesitates at first but then walks toward Serenity and kneels down looking at the floor. "Uh, Endymion, aren't you supposed to do something as well?" Endymion groans at having been unsuccessful in getting Serenity to see that she may be making a mistake. Until now, I never had a real chance to see how much of a child at heart Neo-Queen Serenity is. Seeing that there's no stopping Serenity once she makes up her mind about something, Endymion sighs and goes to stand beside his wife. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Cleopatra is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Cleopatra. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Cleopatra's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Cleopatra's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Cleopatra's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. Cleopatra curtsies at Serenity and Endymion and walk to my parents on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Clotilda before laying it across her lap and sitting down. Clotilda walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Clotilda Kino, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," Clotilda began as she blushes trying not to laugh, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the electrical powers of Sailor Jupiter and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life." Clotilda then pauses and giggles nervously. I really wish that Clotilda wouldn't do that, but I understand that it's Clotilda's nervousness that's making her act like that. "However, despite any mood swings I may undergo at times, I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Clotilda then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells her to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "I detect a lot of conviction in Clotilda but also a lot of foot dragging," Sailor Neptune told Endymion. "I think that conviction would best show itself if Clotilda were allowed to give her vows with just her parents and you and Serenity present." "Yes, Clotilda is very nervous," Sailor Mercury agreed with Sailor Neptune as she analyzes the data from her VR visor on her computer. "Her cardiopulmonary activity is above normal levels. I agree with Sailor Neptune that Clotilda's vows would sound more genuine if they were given in the absence of these news people and everybody else except for the King and Queen and Clotilda's parents." "Observations noted," Endymion replied. "However, since this ceremony is of great significance to Crystal Tokyo and the Earth, I cannot execute your recommendations. Sailor Mars, your evaluation." "Clotilda has a dangerous praying mantis aura," Sailor Mars told Endymion. "During training, I have seen Clotilda and Cecelia vie with each other trying to outdo the other in kata and kumite. This relationship of competition has enhanced their skills to extraordinary levels; however, it is this same relationship of competition that can prove detrimental on the battlefield where cooperation, not competition, is needed. I sense that Clotilda and Cecelia's conflicting personalities will be a source of contention that can pose a threat to the unity and overall cohesiveness of the Sailor Scout team. Cecelia fights because she enjoys it and loves to make the first blow whereas Clotilda will fight only if provoked and after considering the situation very carefully and will often fight to scare her opponent into giving up and discontinuing the fight. Moreover, when my daughter Ariadne entered the class . . ., well, let's just say that Clotilda and Cecelia didn't take it too well. Ariadne got caught up in this arms race between Clotilda and Cecelia and sad to say, the skills Ariadne gained cost me the happy-go-lucky toddler I loved to play with and read stories to and spend time with. As a Sailor Scout, I'm pleased with the fact that Ariadne has learned so much so quickly; as a mother, I believe that the price paid to get that skill was much too high. Clotilda has made it very clear that she disapproves of Cecelia's belligerence, Ariadne's psychic powers, and Hermione's ruthless enjoyment of fighting. Although Clotilda has been a crucial motivational element in Hermione, Cara, and Ariadne's training, I believe that Clotilda has much to learn about respect and teamwork and until she learns it, I am firmly against her being knighted." "I hope you're not going to knight Clotilda over our objections like you did with Cleopatra, Serenity," Endymion told Serenity, saying it more like an order than a statement. Serenity remains silent and seated. "They just have to knight Clotilda," Cecelia whispered to me. "She worked hard for this moment." "Yes, but Sailor Mars made such a strong case against her, Cecelia," Cleopatra replied. "I'd gladly give up my knighthood if it meant that Clotilda would be knighted," Irvette said. "We have to break this deadlock somehow," I mused. "It seems that Sailor Mars has a rather strong case against you, Clotilda," Serenity said. "I know, your majesty," Clotilda sighed sadly. "But I'm very skilled. I can be a valuable asset to the Sailor Scouts." "I have looked into your heart and your intolerance for your fellow teammates makes for an ugly sight," Serenity scolded Clotilda. "I am thinking about following Sailor Mars's recommendation that you not be knighted unless you experience something short of a miracle in the next few seconds." "Please, Neo-Queen Serenity, I just have to be knighted!!!" Clotilda sobbed, dropping to her knees. "I'll do anything!!! I can change real quick. Honest!!!" "Save the drama for your mama, Clotilda," Serenity scoffed. "It's by a slow process you got to be the way you are and it is by a slow process that you will get to the way I want you to be." "Neo-Queen Serenity, my mommy said that she'll be very disappointed in me if I don't get knighted," Clotilda sobbed. "Yeah, so?" Serenity told Clotilda. "That's your problem, not mine." Clotilda begins to protest but Serenity cuts her off, "Uranus, have you finished transcribing all this?" "Yes, I have, Serenity," Sailor Uranus replied as she removes the paper from her machine. "Right here." "Hold up a blank sheet of paper," Serenity told Sailor Uranus. Sailor Uranus, though clueless as to what Serenity is going to do, does as told. Serenity raises her Quasar Staff, aims carefully, and discharges a beam of energy at the paper. "Enclose that letter with the transcription of this event and deliver it to Clotilda's parents. I'm sorry, Clotilda. I just don't believe that you're ready to be knighted right now." "My mommy will be so angry at me, Neo-Queen Serenity," Clotilda sobbed. "She'll spank me." "A draconian reaction, but your mother does have a right to react however she wishes to this news," Endymion sighed. Now we HAVE to act. "Neo-Queen Serenity, wait a minute," Cleopatra objected as she walks and stands beside Clotilda. "Come on, Clotilda; get up off the floor. I've talked it over with my comrades and we would like to take Clotilda under our wing and teach her the cooperative skills she lacks." Cecelia, Irvette, and I come out of the woodwork to support Cleopatra. "Since I am responsible for the girls as a whole, I propose, if it pleases Your Majesty, that we, the daughters of the Outer Scouts, take Clotilda under our wing and try to temper her to your specifications on the provision that she be knighted," I said. "Why would you four want to risk the disgrace of being stripped of your knighthoods for someone as intolerant as Clotilda?" Endymion asked. "Intolerance is not something that simply goes away with a snap of the fingers." "I know, King Endymion," I said, "but Sailor Mars failed to address what stopped the arms race." Endymion raises an eyebrow. "Oh, Claribel?" Endymion asked, eyeing me dubiously. "So tell me; what did stop the arms race, pray tell?" "Cara helped us all realize that the training we're undergoing is for our benefit and that the only ones we have to impress are ourselves," I told Endymion. "We all have a common cause: to give your daughter Reenie a good fight when we take our turns against her a year from now. I have the pleasure to report that Clotilda was the first to realize that." "Uh huh," Serenity replied. "Sailor Uranus, hold it. Clotilda, which of the Sailor Scouts' daughters do you care for?" "Well, I care for Cara if she were my little sister," Clotilda replied. "Although I believe that fighting should not be the first response to a tense situation, I respect Cecelia because she is such a natural athlete. And . . . that's it." "I see," Serenity said. "Cecelia, please stand beside Clotilda." Cecelia does as she is told. "Mercury, run a scan of their powers." Sailor Mercury calls on her VR visor and begins the scan. After a few minutes, Serenity asks, "Well, what did you find, Mercury?" "Now that Cecelia is knighted, her Sailor Scout attacks can assume any number of aerial and astral disciplines," Sailor Mercury began. "Speak English!!!!" Sailor Uranus yelled at Sailor Mercury. "All I'm saying is that Cecelia has the potential to attack her enemies using wind, thunder and lightning," Sailor Mercury explained. "She also can use comets, the stars, and even the force of gravity to fight her enemies. Of course, that's the short list. I wouldn't put altering the movement of the planets past Cecelia, either. Clotilda has great proficiency with the aerial elements of thunder and lightning. Both girls have the ability to turn themselves into electricity and electrocute their enemies by running through their bodies in this form. Cecelia has the ability to 'steal' Clotilda's lightning-based powers and use them as if they were her very own. This leads me to conclude that Clotilda and Cecelia's aerial powers are more related than we originally thought. I also would not be surprised if a similar relationship existed between Hermione and Irvette." "Hear that, Clotilda?" Cecelia asked. "We're allies whether you like it or not." "I can sense that Clotilda is an integral part of other relationships as well," Sailor Mars predicted. "There's also another relationship as well," Sailor Mercury reported, typing away on her computer. "Clotilda and Cecelia each possess half of the physical powers of the Sailor Scouts' daughters. This means that the super strength, speed, and agility that they will enjoy as Sailor Scouts is locked up in these girls. If Clotilda doesn't work with Cecelia, these physical powers will remain inactive and eventually dwindle to nothing." "Come here, Clotilda," Serenity said gently, rising from her throne and bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. Clotilda hesitates at first but then walks toward Serenity and kneels down looking at the floor. Endymion stands up and walks over to Clotilda. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Clotilda is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Clotilda. Amen." Cleopatra, Cecelia, Irvette, and I draw back at this point. "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Clotilda's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Clotilda's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Clotilda's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. Clotilda curtsies at Serenity and Endymion and joins us on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Hermione before laying it across her lap and sitting down. "You owe us, Clotilda Kino," I said. "You almost didn't get knighted." "I know, Claribel," Clotilda said. "I'll try not to give you a hard time." Hermione walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Hermione Mizuno, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," I began, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the aquatic powers of Sailor Mercury and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life. I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Hermione then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells Hermione to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "I think that Hermione will make a fine warrior," Sailor Neptune told Endymion, "but I have concerns regarding the limited amount of training that she has received." "Sailor Mercury?" Endymion asked. "The child and I are family, so I will return no comment," Sailor Mercury replied. "Sailor Mars?" Endymion asked. "Hermione is very skilled; however, I'm detecting a creepy aura from her," Sailor Mars reported. "It's not evil, but I sense that it's as if Hermione is afraid of us and waiting for us to make a mistake." "Who do you think this is directed against?" Serenity asked Sailor Mars. "The adults," Sailor Mars told Serenity. "I have no idea why." "Do you think that this will impact Hermione's performance in combat in some way?" Endymion asked Sailor Mars. "I'm more concerned about Hermione's day-to-day dealings with adults than I am about her performance in combat, Endymion," Sailor Mars returned. "And the answer is yes, but I think that Hermione will grow out of this." Serenity rises from her throne bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. "Come here, Hermione," Serenity said gently, seeing her nervousness. Hermione hesitates at first but then slowly walks toward Serenity as if she were a condemned criminal about to be executed. "Kneel before me." Hermione reluctantly does as she is told. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Hermione is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Hermione. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Hermione's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Hermione's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Hermione's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. Hermione curtsies at Serenity and Endymion and joins us on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Ariadne before laying it across her lap and sitting down. Ariadne walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Ariadne Hino, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," Ariadne began, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the fiery powers of Sailor Mars and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life. However, despite any complaints I may make about feeling that life as a Sailor Scout is too hard at times, I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Ariadne then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells Ariadne to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "Ariadne is very earnest and brave to come out here and give that speech considering that she's only four," Sailor Neptune remarked. "I detected no signs of any duress." "Sailor Mercury?" Endymion asked. "I agree with Sailor Neptune, Endymion," Sailor Mercury replied, "however, Ariadne has not had as much training as the Outers' daughters have had and I'm concerned that may have disastrous consequences." "The child and I are family, so I will return no comment," Sailor Mars said. "Come here, Ariadne," Serenity said gently, rising from her throne and bringing the Lunar Quasar Staff with her. Ariadne hesitates at first but then walks toward Serenity and kneels down looking at the floor. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Ariadne is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Ariadne. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Ariadne's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Ariadne's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Ariadne's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. Ariadne curtsies at Serenity and Endymion and joins us on the right side of the room and Serenity points her Quasar Staff at Cara before laying it across her lap and sitting down. Cara walks forward and curtsies to Serenity and Endymion who return the respect. "I, Cara Aino, do solemnly swear that if I am knighted," Cara began, "I will serve and aid you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and you, King Endymion, in whatever you may ask of me. I understand that it is pure privilege that I am endowed with the metallic powers of Sailor Venus and that I must demonstrate my worthiness for them every time I am commanded to do so and in my daily life. However, despite the fact that I began my training very recently and thus feel that I have been raped of my childhood, I have undergone no bribing, coercion, or foul play of any kind. I am willing to place my needs and wants below that of the Royal Family, the Sailor Scouts, my teammates, and my family. I offer myself to you; I am at your disposal. I am thoroughly trained in my life mission of encouraging love, inspiring hope, expressing faith, demonstrating fortitude, embracing modesty, urging temperance, and enforcing justice." Cara then kneels before Serenity and Endymion. Endymion stands up and tells Cara to rise. "Sailor Neptune, report," Endymion said. "Cara has outlined my principal objection," Sailor Neptune said. "Cara is what . . . three years old?" Cara nods. "Because Cara has not had time to undergo the extensive training that the Outers' daughters have had and her present age, I recommend that she not be knighted." "I agree with Sailor Neptune," Sailor Mercury added. "I doubt that Cara was speaking that speech from her heart. For all we know, Cara could have picked that speech up from Mina while she was reciting it or something. Preschoolers are known for picking up little things adults say and reciting them to get attention." "But Cara picked up the lessons we taught in training so well, Mercury," Sailor Mars objected. "Stop," Serenity told Sailors Mercury and Mars, holding up a hand. "Until I say otherwise, I want silence from everyone except Cara, Endymion, myself, and anyone I address by name." Serenity makes a motion and the Lunar Quasar Staff disappears. "Serenity do magic!!!" Cara giggled as she claps her hands. Serenity rises from her throne and walks toward Cara who slowly stops clapping her hands and looks at the approaching queen with a look of horror on her face. I figure that Cara's parents must do the same thing to let Cara know she has done something that they disapprove of. "Cara mess up?" Cara asks Serenity, truly frightened now. Serenity does not answer. Instead, she stops only inches from Cara, kneels, and grabs Cara's arm. "Cara sorry," Cara tells Serenity fearfully. "No spank me." "Cara, I'm not going to spank you," Serenity explained as she releases Cara's arm when Mina gestures that she is scaring Cara. "I need to ask you a few questions. At class, what do you do?" "Cara watch," Cara replied. "Who do you watch?" Serenity asked Cara. Cara points to me and then to Cecelia. "Who else?" Cara points at Clotilda. "That's it?" Cara nods. "Jupiter?" "Yes, Serenity?" Sailor Jupiter asked. "Cara just told me that she watches Claribel, Cecelia, and Clotilda during training," Serenity told Sailor Jupiter. "Is that true?" "Yes," Sailor Jupiter replied. "Any reason why?" Serenity asked Sailor Jupiter. "I think it's because their advanced fighting skills impressed Cara and inspired her to work hard to achieve a similar level of proficiency," Sailor Jupiter replied. "How well did that work out, Sailor Jupiter?" Endymion asked. "Not very well, I'm afraid," Sailor Jupiter replied sadly. "Poor Cara tried to get her moves exactly like Claribel, Cecelia, and Clotilda but ended up on her face discouraged and frustrated. For example, I remember that Cara was trying to get the backspinning kick down but kept losing her balance. She does have the basic middle punch down as a few strikes and the basic blocks. Sailors Uranus, Mars, and I decided that we should have had two classes: one for the Outers' daughters who have been training longer in which fancy moves like the backspinning kick and the back heel kick would be allowed and one for the Inners' daughters who are just starting their training in which basics are emphasized. Although I think that Cara is trying to run without first learning to walk, I will say that Cara does have a lot of perseverance and self-discipline." "But now back to what's going on here, Sailor Jupiter," Endymion said. "Should Cara be knighted?" "Yes, I think that Cara should be knighted but with the provisions that she continue in her training with the same persistence and determination that she displayed before and place her emphasis on basic karate moves," Sailor Jupiter said. Serenity stands up and makes a motion. The Lunar Quasar Staff appears in her hand. "Come here, Cara," Serenity said gently. Cara walks toward Serenity. "Cara, do you accept or reject the provisions Sailor Jupiter laid out for you?" Endymion also walks over to Serenity. "Cara accept!!! Cara accept!!!" Cara replied, jumping up and down. Then seeing that no one is reacting to her behavior, Cara stops it. "Under the divine government of God, the merciful redemption of Jesus Christ, and the tireless passion of the Holy Spirit," Endymion prayed, "I ask, on behalf of Crystal Tokyo and its ruling family and knights, that this child be guided and protected as she discharges her duties as a knight of Crystal Tokyo. I aver to you three that once Cara is knighted, she will practically be family to us all. Please watch out for her; there is no other like Cara. Amen." "Amen," everybody echoed. "As the Sun shines," Serenity chanted as she gently rests the Lunar Quasar Staff on Cara's left shoulder, "and as the Moon reflects," Serenity is lifting the Quasar Staff off Cara's left shoulder and resting it gently on her right shoulder, "I hereby dub this child a knight of Crystal Tokyo." The Quasar Staff is now resting on Cara's head and galvanizing her with a massive discharge of energy. Serenity then makes her Quasar Staff disappear with a motion and she and Endymion sit down. There is massive applause at the eight of us being knighted. Hand in hand, we all walk to the center of the room to allow the news people to take our pictures. "Like, let's see them transform," Chad suggested. "Good idea, Chad," Endymion agreed. "How about it, girls?" We look around to see the Sailor Scouts canceling their transformations. "Claribel, what do we do?" Clotilda asked. "We've never transformed on our own before." "There's a first time for everything, Clotilda," I replied. "Everybody, get out your transformation rings and put them on." I then get out my transformation ring and put it on my left ring finger. "Okay, we'll do this in increasing distance from the Sun. Hermione, you're first." "Here goes," Hermione said. "Mercury quasar power, blast off!!!" A moment later, Quasar Sailor Mercury is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is a deep blue sapphire and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Mercury's shoulders is navy blue with a dark gray outer edge and a black stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is navy blue like the collar. The gloves are elbow length but have three different color rings at the top, top one navy blue, middle one dark gray, and bottom one black. The skirt is navy blue with a black outer edge and a dark gray stripe and a large black bow in the back. Quasar Sailor Mercury wears on her feet black knee-length top boots with a dark gray tongue decorated with the symbol of Mercury in navy blue. Quasar Sailor Mercury models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "Cara go next," Cara exclaimed. "Venus quasar power, blast off!!!" A moment later, Quasar Sailor Venus is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is a topaz and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Venus's shoulders is orange with a yellow stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is blue and the gloves are elbow length with three orange rings like her mother Sailor Venus. The skirt is orange with a yellow outer edge and a white stripe near the bottom and a large yellow bow on the back. Quasar Sailor Venus wears on her feet orange thongs whose upper straps wrap around the lower shin and sport the symbol of Venus in yellow. Quasar Sailor Venus models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "My turn," Ariadne said. "Mars quasar power, blast off!!!" A moment later, Quasar Sailor Mars is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is a deep red ruby and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Mars's shoulders is ruby red with a royal purple stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is ruby red like the collar. The gloves are elbow length but have three different color rings at the top, top one ruby red, middle one royal purple, and bottom one black. The skirt is ruby red with a black outer edge and a royal purple stripe and a large black bow in the back. Quasar Sailor Mars wears on her feet red low-heeled pumps with the symbol for Mars on the toe area in royal purple. Quasar Sailor Mars models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "Jupiter quasar power, blast off!!!" Clotilda cried. A moment later, Quasar Sailor Jupiter is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is an emerald and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Jupiter's shoulders is forest green with a yellow stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is forest green like the collar. The gloves are elbow length and have three forest green rings at the top. The skirt is forest green with a yellow outer edge and a white stripe and a large forest green bow on the back. Quasar Sailor Jupiter wears on her feet forest green high-topped moccasins with the symbol for Jupiter on the toe, heel, and both ankle areas in yellow. Quasar Sailor Jupiter models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "Saturn quasar power, blast off!!!" Cleopatra shouted. A moment later, Quasar Sailor Saturn is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is an amethyst and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Saturn's shoulders is royal purple with a black stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is black and the gloves are elbow length with three royal purple rings at the top. The skirt is royal purple with a black outer edge and a large black bow on the back. Quasar Sailor Saturn wears on her feet black work boots that extend up to the calves and have the symbol of Saturn on the toe, heel, and ankle areas in royal purple. Quasar Sailor Saturn models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "Uranus quasar power, blast off!!!" Cecelia yelled. A moment later, Quasar Sailor Uranus is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is a clear diamond and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Uranus's shoulders is yellow with a forest green stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is yellow like the collar. The gloves are elbow length and have three yellow rings at the top. The skirt is yellow with a forest green outer edge and a white stripe and a large forest green bow on the back. Quasar Sailor Uranus wears on her feet yellow high-topped moccasins with the symbol for Uranus on the toe, heel, and both ankle areas in forest green. Quasar Sailor Uranus models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "Neptune quasar power, blast off!!!" Irvette screamed. A moment later, Quasar Sailor Neptune is standing before us in a new costume. The tiara stone is a jade and the sailor collar that drapes over Quasar Sailor Neptune's shoulders is jade green with a royal blue stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is royal blue. The gloves are elbow length and have three royal blue rings at the top. The skirt is jade green with a white outer edge and a royal blue stripe and a large royal blue bow on the back. Quasar Sailor Neptune wears on her feet jade green sandals with the symbol for Neptune in royal blue on a white tongue. Quasar Sailor Neptune models in her new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "Pluto quasar power, blast off!!!" I screamed. A moment later, I stand before everyone in a new costume. The tiara stone is a onyx and the sailor collar that drapes over my shoulders is black with a red outer edge and a green stripe running over the shoulders. The bow on the chest is black like the collar. The gloves are elbow length but have three different color rings at the top, top one black, middle one green, and bottom one red. The skirt is black with a green outer edge and a red stripe and a large black bow on the back. I look down and find I am wearing on my feet black knee-length top boots with a green tongue decorated all around with the symbol of Pluto in red. I model in my new costume, allowing the news people chance enough to film and snap pictures all they want. "I take it you like your new costumes?" Endymion interrupted us. "I sure like mine!!" I exclaimed. "Cara like hers!!" Quasar Sailor Venus told Endymion. "Mine shifts the attention on me where it rightfully belongs!!!" Quasar Sailor Mars giggled. "I like the royal purple on mine," Quasar Sailor Saturn remarked. "Why are our costumes inverses of each other?" Quasar Sailor Uranus asked, indicating herself and Quasar Sailor Jupiter. "That has been answered already," Serenity told Quasar Sailor Uranus. "Oh yes, that reminds me: Endymion, these girls need new names." "Yeah, we need a word to let them know that they have come a long way and, at the same time, remind them that they have a long way to go," Endymion agreed with Serenity. "How about 'Ensign'?" Zaccheus suggested. Serenity and Endymion look at Zaccheus completely puzzled. "Ensign is the lowest ranked commissioned officer in the U. S. Navy and Coast Guard. I remember how happy I was to make ensign when I was in the Navy." "Hey, Zaccheus, that's not half bad; in fact, it's brilliant!!!" Serenity cried. Endymion stands up and draws his sword. "Girls, please kneel before me in one line going from left to right in decreasing distance from the Sun," Endymion directed. We do as Endymion asks. Endymion then goes to Quasar Sailor Mercury and, while touching her lightly on one shoulder and then the other, says, "As the king of Crystal Tokyo, I hereby dub this knight 'Ensign Mercury'." In a similar fashion, Endymion then proceeds to name Quasar Sailors Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and me Ensigns Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, respectively. We rise and head outside. "I present to Earth the next generation of Sailor Scouts!!!" Serenity proudly announced to the crowd. The crowd bursts into applause.