Post by senshifullmoon on Jul 14, 2009 7:46:32 GMT -5
Eclipsed hour
Based upon the Sailor Moon universe, set in the past as a alternative universe to the anime and manga.
Sailor Moon characters copyright of Naoko Takeuchi
All other characters copyright of their respective owner’s and used with their permission.
Long ago in the past, a story took place that defined the very reason we still exist, a story of struggle, hope and destiny...
Prelude
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In a place of existence few knew of, in a white marble chamber where there was seated a assembly of people, these were the council of a ancient race - the Celestrials. Long ago this group of beings had transcended from what we know as existence and were for all extents separate from this life, but this day there was murmurings among the assembled members.
Emiral the leader of the Celestrials spoke "Assembled assembly, as you know - our seers have foreseen the light of the white moon being extinguished and with it the destruction of all life in the lower planes. The question I must pose is this, what is to be done about this?”. Oreiga the chronicler of Celestrial history and law spoke up in response to this “It is not our concern, our laws specifically forbid invention in the affairs of those in the lower planes no matter what the cause is!”. Emiral shook her head slightly and addressing him replied in turn “Most esteemed Oreiga, we are not disputing the law, but you know what it is that threatens life there…can we turn our head blindly, knowing that? Did we ourselves not come from the lowers planes originally; are we so above them that a law is absolute - regardless of the circumstances?”.
There was further murmurings among the assembly and finally a wizened old man called Torlen spoke out “It is true we came from there… we should help, but it is forbidden by more than our laws, it is the very fabric of existence that prevents the higher and lower planes from interacting with one another. As you should know, we ascended to this plane… though it is possible to return, you will be as they are”. There was more deliberation over this from those assembled, for in this aspect they all agreed that none of them were willing to do such a thing. Emiral held up her hands trying to signal for silence when a single clear voice rang out from the doorway that lead into the chamber “I’ll go!” All heads turned to see who the speaker was and Emiral gasped turning around “Petreni! The council is out of bounds to you, you should be with the other children!”. Petreni looked rebelliously at her mother said “Mother, I’m 140 cycles old, I’m old enough to accept responsibility! I want to help – I understand what it means, please let me go!”
Emiral was torn between not losing her daughter and knowing that she was right… perhaps it was just that she just had a hard time not seeing Petreni as her little baby any more, plus how could she expect someone else to go if she was not willing for her own family to volunteer. In that moment she felt frustration, helplessness, love and pride for her daughter, she wanted to hug her and she wanted to shout at her and tell her to go to her room. She closed her eyes and took in several deep breaths before opening them and saying “OK Petreni, you may go!”. The council looked on watching while this took place, Emiral held out her arms for Petreni to come to her before embracing her, tears in her eyes and whispered “I love you, and I am so proud of the person you have become!”. Tears also in her eyes, Petreni gripped her mother tightly and whispered back “I love you too mum… I hope I can make you proud…” Emiral gripped her daughter tighter, her eyes closed and her heart aching, she said “I have never, not been proud of you my dear daughter; you have always been my highest achievement in this life”.
With that she stepped back, afraid that she might try to stop her going and took a moment to compose herself before gesturing for Petreni to take centre floor, waiting till she was there before speaking. “Petreni Alogeshi, you will be sent to the planet known as Earth where you will act secretly to prevent the event that has been foreseen” with this she held out her arms. The others members of the assembly did so too and they began chanting in unison. A glowing sphere materialized - surrounding Petreni and emitting a faint humming of power as electrical like energy twisted and encircled the sphere. It rose up until it was above the head of Emiral before it shimmered and then vanished - sent to Earth. With this done, the assembly members relaxed their arms but Emiral remained a moment fixed in place, a look of pain on her face and tears flowed down her cheeks. Emiral finally moved again and convened the meeting before she left, the knowledge that she may never see her daughter again weighing heavily upon her heart.
Chapter 1
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It was midday on the planet eclipse and a teen was laid on her back under the shade of a tree escaping the otherwise hot sun burning down. The princess of her planet, a sailor senshi - Fay was bored to simply put it; there just wasn’t much to do. It wasn’t that she craved adventure but a little something, anything... rather than just nothing, there were times she wished for a more exciting life. Suddenly there was beeping and her wrist communicator started flashing before a voice cut through the previous silence "Your highness, her majesty wishes to talk to you, could you come to the council chambers straight away!" Fay sighed, she supposed there was some 'interesting' civic duty thing she had to attend or something, really being a princess was no fun at all. Sitting up and looking across from her self, she could see her friends Sarah - princess of the planet whims and Jade, princess of the once Venusian moon - Love, which now existed in the eclipsian realms. Sarah and Jade both sat down under another tree a little way off from her, she could see that their communicators were also flashing - obviously they were being requested too, this picked up her curiosity slightly though she didn’t think too much on it. Fay wondered if Lilly and Ariana were also being summoned - though she could quite imagine Lilly being less than pleased at having her training interrupted. Fay shook her head and stood up and walked over to Sarah and Jade before all 3 of them walked towards the palace at a leisurely pace.
On the planet Illusia, deep within a temple of the planet's finest ancient warrior - Ja'sol, the princess of the planet was training hard. Inside a holographic projection of a jungle - Lilly was running fast, while jumping when necessary avoiding the many traps set out in it. This was what Lilly liked, something challenging, exhilarating and all together dangerous, it was something that made her feel alive. Suddenly a fy'rylee beast jumped out of the side bushes at her, knocking her down, Lilly fell sideways but managed to turn so that she landed on her back. Moments later the semi-tiger like creature was on top off her and she briefly had time to grab at its throat quickly to stop its jaws snapping at her. But it tore at her front instead with one of its paws and she cried out in pain as blood leaked across her garb from the torn marks in it, with bleeding flesh showing beneath. Hologram or not, it had the capacity to harm a person if the safety protocols were disengaged and Lilly refused to train with safety enabled - one of the defects in her personality amongst others.
Suddenly her communicator started flashing and a voice came through asking her to go to the palace immediately and through gritted teeth she muttered "Anyone would think I was vacationing..." annoyed at the interruption. Just as she was about to counter the Fy'rylee attack when everything froze and faded away leaving Lilly on her back, on the floor of the holo-room. A door slid open and in came a old man followed by a girl, the old man said "Lilly, I suspected you would probably ignore that message that I know you just got then, so I suspended your training for today". Lilly looked offended at this "Master! That is unfair... I was just going to complete my training first! Then I would of gone...”. The old man who was called Daima shook his head "Lilly despite what you may wish, you are a princess, it is your duty to go for even the mightiness tree must bend before the wind or topple like a stone... But I would suggest that the tree go and get her self to the healing pool first for a few minutes so that she isn’t bleeding all over... I'd prefer not to get a lecture from you mother!”.
Lilly grinned "Why master... anyone would think you fear my mother!" Daima looked her squarely in the eyes "Anyone would think you'd like to train with safety protocols engaged from now on..." a hint of amusement in his eyes. Lilly sighed and turned to leave the room and called behind her "That program better start from where I left it... or I'll be grumpy..." and she left, a smirk on her face, Daima was almost like family to her. The girl who was Ariana, the princess of Mezu followed behind Lilly and said to her "Sheesh Lilly...I thought I was going to have to go and get that beast off you for a moment, I appreciate a good fight too but you seem to enjoy bleeding to much..." Lilly grinned at her friend simply replying "Well you could always try a none safe holo-fight some time... you might even enjoy it" and she gave a little laugh as she entered the room with the healing pool in it, Ariana just shook her head and sighed, as she waited for her friend to recover. It was a half hour later that she finally arrived at the planet eclipse in the palace with Ariana and making their apologies they took a seat at the table, their friends were already eating. Fay's mother, Queen Talia looked across the table at the girls and smiled "OK now we're all assembled I'll say why you were all assembled here... I want you all to go to the Moon Kingdom!" Fay looked up at this "But mother - why us?" Talia smiled at her daughters words "It not a state visit dear, Queen Serenity just expressed a wish to see you all - plus none of you have been over there in many years... it must getting on to 7...". The girls looked at each other in surprise; this wasn’t what any of them had been expecting and Sarah said "So it’s just a social visit?” Talia nodded to her in reply. This wasn’t so bad after all, each of the girls had gotten on quite well with the solar system princesses and at that time none of them had been senshi, so this be interesting now that they were all senshi... well except Princess Serenity, who as the princess of the white moon would not be involved in any fighting if it occurred.
Once the meal was dealt with Talia stood up, she was like Fay in her looks but her hair was a sandy brown, tall and slim, she was very much the appearance of a fairy tale queen. "Ok everyone, let’s go" and she waited until the girls were ready before leading them off to the portal room, waving a hand over a wall globe scanner, the door next to it slid open. Leading them inside the room, Talia walked to the console and place a hand on the console scanner causing it to light up as it recognised her - instructions flashed across the screen and suddenly the portal archway became filled with shimmering energy. Smiling she beckoned the girls to follow her through the portal - transported across dimensions to arrive at the other side in the moon kingdom.
In the portal room of the Moon Kingdom’s palace, Queen Serenity stood, stately and serenely awaiting the arrival of her guests. The shimmering portal suddenly gave way to figures passing from it – materializing from no where, Queen Talia and the princesses had arrived, Queen Serenity stepped forwarded and hugged Queen Talia and she was returned the hug. Then stepping back from each other Talia indicated each of the girls to her saying who they were and Serenity hugged each of the girls before saying how pleased she was to see them again and how much they’d all grown. Just at that moment Princess Serenity then came in to the room saying “Mother about the…” her voice trailed off and she looked blankly at the guests who were standing there. Queen Serenity smiled at her daughter “Dear have you forgotten I told you that our friends from the Eclipsian realm were arriving today…” and then indicated each in turn and said their names. I don’t suppose you remember dear, it has been about 7 years since they were last here” Queen Serenity asked her daughter to which Princess Serenity immediately shook her head, Queen Serenity sighed slightly, she wished her daughter was more level headed and studious like Ami was instead of having her head in the clouds, but regardless she loved her a great deal. Queen Serenity turned to the other girls and asked if they remembered Princess Serenity, to which they politely smiled and nodded. Lilly though, internally flinched at the memory of a cutesy dressed in pink, blond haired girl who seemed overly carefree, air headed and way too perky to her liking. For Lilly who’d been trained for most of her life as a warrior, she had found Princess Serenity who was the complete opposite, hard to relate too. For the other girls it hadn’t been as difficult, though they had had training, it wasn’t as much and they enjoyed just being general girls and princesses, at least in general they didn’t mind the princess part.
Satisfied with things Queen Serenity looked at her old friend saying "Well thank you Talia, I hope its not long seeing you again - the girls I'm sure will be fine". Talia nodded and replied "I'm sure too, if they don't behave I'll send the baby photo's over to quieten them down..." and she laughed slightly at the sudden look of horror on Sarah's and Fay's faces. "OK I'll leave them to you Serenity, I'll see you next time" Queen Talia said before she stepped back through the portal and transported back to her own planet leaving the girls standing there nervously. Queen Serenity smiled at the girls and told them to follow her and she'd get them settled in before she put a arm around her daughters shoulders saying "We'll talk in a moment dear once the girls are settled in". Leading the way she lead everyone to their rooms so they could get settled in before she went off to discuss her daughters concerns.
It was days later that Artemis was rushing about like there was an immanent disaster about to happen, in preparation for the up coming ball. It was unusual for the Earth to host a ball and invite non-earthlings, perhaps things were finally progressing on Earth as for a long time now, things had not been on good standing Earth, and many were envious of the long life that was afforded to the rest of the solar system. This longevity it was known was due to the Moon kingdom – whose own people lived more than ten times the length of time as those on Earth. Whatever had caused the shift in Earth’s standing, and for them to take the initiative to bridge the gap between them and the rest of the solar system, everyone was keen that this should work out. But things were not running as smoothly for Artemis as he would have liked, preparing everyone for the ball was a never ending headache – especially the princesses who were quite excited over the prospect. Though Luna was helping, especially with Princess Serenity, she was as much of a handful as his own specific charge – Princess Minako, both of which Artemis was quite sure were more trouble than the rest combined. Still in a way that was possibly why he and Luna had been assigned to the two girls since birth, to look after and guide them specifically. Ami was quiet and studious, Rei was fierce and outspoken and Makoto was strong beyond the normal yet as gentle as she was strong, all three displayed far greater independence – an irony of fate perhaps. Yet Artemis would of preferred Minako to of been born Serious and less flaky, her training had often been difficult, with boys and parties being always on her mind she was very much the Venusian icon, but leader of the solar senshi was perhaps a mistake… still this had been decided long ago and it wasn’t his place to disagree.
But finally things were ready to go, it had been hectic but now all that was left of the preparations was to get the Queen and the princesses ready as he ran towards relaxation chamber. Entering he could see the ten girls chattering away to each other excitedly and Queen Serenity just sat there relaxing, watching them casually, for a moment and just a moment he thought he saw a look of concern upon the Queen’s face. Running up to the Queen and bowing his head he said "Your majesty, the preparations are all complete and the shuttle to earth is awaiting your arrival" Queen Serenity smiled at him and said "OK Artemis, we'll leave now" and standing up she said "OK girls, its time to go" and leading the way she lead them all with Artemis walking by her side to the shuttle bay to board for Earth. Having arrived there, they boarded the shuttle, on board was half a dozen other dignitaries and the compulsory guard for the queen made up of the three captains of the palace guard. These were Captain Deinos, Captain Remus and Captain Telemicus, even though they were at peace with the Earth they had insisted they travel with the queen for her safety and Queen Serenity had relented just for peace and quiet. The journey took a very short time, space flight at that time being quite advanced, it took no more than ten minutes to leave the Moon and land on Earth, so that there was still a sense of excitement from the girls when the shuttle landed. Being guests, there was of course the Earth ambassador awaiting them as they landed and the shuttle doors opened. Queen Serenity descended from the shuttle flanked by her captains who looked wearily around, the ambassador smile and bowed welcoming her and the others to Earth. As the others proceeded to disembark too, the ambassador requested that they follow him to their rooms so that they may freshen up before the ball started officially.
Chapter 2
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Having done this, and quite what Queen Serenity had expected, being it was etiquette to do so, Serenity now sat down waiting, she and her daughter would arrive after the others had though it was actually three quarters of a hour later that the ball started and people started to enter the ball room. First up the dignitaries from the moon and earth filed in and then one by one, each of the princesses - Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako, Fay, Sarah, Jade, Ariana and Lilly were introduced fully by title and their planet. The girls wore dresses made of a special material that was woven with magical properties, a symbol of royalty as only those of high noble birth could wear them. Ami wore a beautifully aqua colour dress which though modest suited her down to the ground, with what seemed like there was a swirling motion of water happening on it. Rei wore a rather more daring dress with matching heeled shoes, coloured in a passionate red that seemed to flicker like flames. Makoto's dress truly brought out her femininity with its breezy grass like effect, flowers on her shoulder straps and a single pale pink carnation sitting in her hair. Minako's dress was a flurry of pulsating orange and yellows, she wore a pink rose head fastened to the top of her dress and her long blond hair flowed smoothly down her back. For the Eclipsian senshi, this was all new, they'd never been to one at the Moon kingdom and there were no such events in the Eclipsian realms, but the tailors of the moon had worked hard to fit the girls in such a short time. Fay wore a white dress with a rather stunning half sun half moon with a darken cats eye effect where they met, emboldened onto it which looked much like they were the real things. Sarah's dress was actually the shortest of all the girls, being just above the knee but it was very flowing and light with enlarged trailing sleeves, while its pattern was shimmering in waves. Jade wore quite an elegant dress that trailed all the way down to the ground, faintly lilac and small hearts slowly turning and moving around with seemingly no purposeful direction. Ariana's dress was a long dress with a slit up one leg and and flowing long sleeves with the effect of dark blue mist swirling around on it, giving the wearer the effect almost like her body wasn't really there. Of the nine girls only one refused to wear a dress that had some sort of symbolic nature to it, indeed it had been a battle to get her to even wear a dress, Lilly would rather of worn her normal clothing. Instead with reluctance, she wore a pale green dress, that had off the shoulder straps that were flowery... this in itself had been an difficult compromise for her,she just wasn't into girlie cloths.
The music began and some of the people there started dancing, though the princesses mostly stood around together, having no dates. At least the solar princesses officially had no dates though technically they did for each of them was hoping to see a specific person, for each of them was in love with one of the four generals that guarded the Earth prince. Minako was feeling slightly miffed that 'her' general wasn't there, she had been waiting for over half a year to see him again, yet she did not seem to stir the same feelings in him, or at least that was how it looked. Minako could be rather full on at times with her concepts of love and what she expected, and right now Kunzite was failing in her eyes.
Above the ballroom, Queen Serenity was observing things from her room balcony, of the rooms allocated to the girls when they arrived, only this one overlooked the ballroom. Although she could see everything that was happening, her mind was not really there on the moment, rather she was thinking of events before the Eclipsian senshi had arrived at the moon. She had had a secret meeting with Sailor Pluto - Princess Setsuna who had secretly come to the moon a week previously voicing concerns over the Earth. Princess Pluto had felt that there was something amiss but could not say what - something or someone was blocking the advanced monitoring equipment that was deployed on Pluto to detect enemies in or out of the Solar system. Yet there was something she felt that had avoided detection - something now on Earth... and that could only be bad for them all. Queen Serenity had given permission for Setsuna to go to Earth under cover yet all transmissions from her had ceased the day after the Eclipsians had arrived and this greatly concerned Serenity and she feared for Setsuna's safety. Suddenly a voice behind her spoke "Your majesty, Princess Serenity is ready!" which disturbed the queen from her thoughts and she looked round to see the young hand maiden assigned to her on the few occasions when she had come to Earth.
The girl called Penny had been helping her daughter get ready as apparently she had decided she needed to 'freshen up' before going in to the ball and had been enjoying a bubble bath but Queen Serenity wasn't stupid, she knew full well this was because she was hoping to dance with the Earth Prince. Queen Serenity smiled saying "Thank you Penny" before calling out "Come on dear or we'll never arrive there before it finishes!". There was a squeal and Princess Serenity hurried out of the adjoining room looking alarmed, Queen Serenity smiled at her and put a arm around her shoulder and they both left for the ball room.
As Queen Serenity and her daughter entered the ballroom, the trumpets sounded representing the arrival of the Moon's Queen and every one made a way for her to walk to the thrones at the other end of the room. The Queen & Princess took a seat, the Princess glanced around hoping to see the Earth Prince - Endynimon, but to no luck... however she soon spotted her friends and goofily waved to them in a un-lady like manner with a big grin on face.
Luna who had approached silently jumped onto the Princesses lap and hissed at her "Princess! You are not at the Moon Palace now, try to conduct yourself in a dignified manner befitting your position!" before she looked across to the Queen "I'm sorry your majesty, I try to teach her to behave more like a princess but she just doesn't pay attention!"
Queen Serenity simply smiled back and reply "It is ok Luna, I know my daughter will be herself, I'm sure in time she will become a proper lady and take her place eventually as Queen" Of this Luna did not feel quite as sure, there were times that she wondered if the princess was really going to ever mature but her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Artemis.
Artemis nodded his head towards the orchestra and the music started up, most of the guests started dancing while a few earthen guards were stationed around the room at different points. Artemis bowed his head to Queen Serenity saying "Your majesty, princess..." then he looked towards Luna, their eyes met for a moment and then they both diverted their eyes and he felt his cheeks go warm - while he simply said "Luna..." Luna too replied with a simple "Artemis..." though not looking towards his eyes by straight ahead and there was a moments awkwardness. This moment didn't last for it was broken by the princess who was remarkably sharp concerning some things. A look of glee shot across her face and she said happily "Ooh... Luna and Artemis..." but didn't finished that sentence. Luna cut her off like a flash, rather sharply "Princess! Artemis and I are nothing more than co-advisers to your mother!" This came out more sharply then Luna had meant it to and her heart dropped at the crest fallen look on Artemis's face, it felt like her heart was breaking in two but she wasn't ready to admit her feelings, she had no other choice... and things were said now.
Luna couldn't look at Artemis, she regretted her words, her stomach twisted at her feelings and instead she looked at Princess Serenity in such a way as to suggest she scratch her face if she'd dare say another word on the subject. Princess Serenity had not for one moment believed in the explanation Luna had given but she did pick up on the look given to her. Shifting slightly uncomfortably in her chair, she no longer felt like saying anything else and kept unusually quiet, she wanted to look good for the prince. Queen Serenity just smiled at the going ons with her daughter and Luna, she had long known Luna cared a lot for both her daughter and Artemis even if Luna wasn't ready to admit things to herself yet.
Things started to settle down in the ballroom now that all guests were there, Princess Serenity still around hoping to catch sight of the prince but was looking disappointed that he still had not shown up. One of the prince's generals had shown up, Kuncite - though this was pretty strange, usually the general's travelled together with the earth prince to protect him much like the inner planet senshi did for the princess. It was stranger still that the prince was late for a ball he had arranged, yet it didn't overly seem to concern any of the guests.
The four inner senshi of the solar system were 'mingling' with the other guests; As their duty as princesses they performed flawlessly, a example of princess behaviour even if the Moon Princess's wasn't. In a similar fashion most of the Eclipsian princesses were performing with elegance to the standard to be expected, the odd one out was Lilly, though not because she was being like Princess Serenity. Lilly was rather not mingling period, she stood apart and next to a table with drinks on it, her whole body was tense and she felt out of place, if she could choose - this would of been one of the last places she'd visit. Fighting, training or similar.. then fine but to be pretty girl at a party, no - it was just far from her thing. For Fay, Sarah, Ariana and Jade a ballroom dance like this was a novel experience, ball dances were rare in the Eclipsian realms but they were nothing like this and if there was one part of this trip they would take back if given the option, it would be this experience. In fact Fay decided there and then that things would change once she got the power to do so... in the mean time she could work on her mother to do it.
As Lilly stood next to the table, she failed to notice there was one there who was captivated by her. Captain Deinos was the youngest of the three captains that were here escorting the Queen for safety. At 17 he was not that far from her age and though not of royal blood or even noble, he had rapidly gone up the ranks. An exemptary service record and battle record had earn him his rank, yet he knew Lilly was on a different level to him. Fearsome battle prowness, a senshi warrior and a high born princess of the Eclipsian realms, he knew he had no right. Yet he could't help it, she fasinated him, beautiful, yet obviously detested anything that made her look feminine. The only princess who was wearing a almost ordinary ball dress, finally he decided he would go over to her. Giving a bow to her he addressed her "Princess, nice ball eh?". Lilly considered her response a moment before replying "Yeah, sure..." and took a sip from the drink she picked up. Deinos considered her seemingly lack of interest and decided to change subject to a completely different subject. "So... what do you think of the Rychuolian defense strategy?" he asked thinking it be more her thing. In this thinking he was correct, Lilly immediately showed more interest. "Flawed and weak, they would have you sit surrounded by enemies, waiting for them to breach your defenses. You should take the battle to your enemy, force them into submission first!" She grinned at this, battle was her life and was quite happy to let it be known. Deinos nodded in acknowledgement to this "You may be right, Princess - but what about those you are defending, you leave them vunerable". Lilly looked at him for a moment, thoughtfully before replying cheerfully "Then you make sure you win!".
If truth be told, Lilly was enjoying the interaction and it had not gone by unnoticed. Ariana and Sarah were watching with great interest, this event was even more better than the ball. The princess of battle being chatted to by a guy that did't seem to be afraid of her, this was not to be missed. Sarah nudge Ariana's arm and whispered "Now what's the chances that Lilly's gone 'girlie' on us?". Ariana grinned and giggled replying "I'd say it's about as likely as Jade swearing off guys". "Hey, what was that about me!" a voice behind them protested as Jade came fully up to them. She looked at them questioningly and both Ariana and Sarah burst in giggles and they quickly covered their mouths, trying not too. Calming herself Sarah replied to the question "Its just strange things are a foot here". Making indicative guesture with her eyes in the direction of Lilly she added "Don't you think?". Jade followed the direction of the look and her eyes widened and she looked at them saying "When did that happen?". Looking quite serious, Ariana shook her head saying "I think our Lil is keeping secrets from us". Sarah nodded to with a grin adding "Yes, we're gonna have to have a little chat... and make sure she tells us what's she's been up to... goodness and she protests no interest...". Jade barely managed to stop herself snorting out in a laughed, quickly turning it into a cough "Shsss you two, she'll hear at this rate and break our arms!" Sarah and Ariana calmed down at this, though they were pretty sure Lilly would't do that... she could get quite angry - last it had been like walking on egg shells for a week, they were't eager to repeat that.
On the other side of the ballroom, Minako, Makoto and Fay had gathered round the ministers of culture, heritage and floriculture. They were discussing how the grounds of the palace were finely planned to represent peace while showing the heritage and culture of the Earth in the best possible way. At least Makoto was actively discussing while the other 2 girls listened to what was being said. The Discussion was getting like a polite battle though as the meaning and significance of the flowers used was not entirely agreed upon. Makoto who dispite her strength and tomboyish ways, dearly loved flowers and would not agree on certain flowers having a bad meaning where as the floricuture minister insisted that they did. Fay and Minako had rather unintentionally taken on the role of peace keepers, Minako though was rather wishing for Kuncite to show up and 'rescue' her.
While the ball was under way, Rei and Ami had dissappeared, the minister of science had invited the young Mercurian princess to see one of the projects of the science department. Though clearly eager to see it, she had been rather too shy to say. Rei who had been with her had answered for her seeing Ami's predicament and had proceeded to go with her, so to offer her support. Though truth was, once Ami was being shown the experiement, she forgot all about her shyness and so intently listened to the explaination of it, Rei felt rather at a lost. All the techno speak just went straight over her head, while Ami chatted away like she was a member of the project. The intelligence of Ami was truly amazing to Rei, who was more spiritual than academic and had tried to banish a brewing potion once as a 'evil spirit'. Ami had been good natured about the whole thing, saying it was her fault for not explaining to Rei what was going on, but Rei had felt foolish for years after. And now here she was, standing like a spare skittle, amongst all the advanced technology, she felt quiet out of place but she was satisfied to be here as long as Ami was ok. Though as she watched her, ok would of been a understatement, she had not seen her look so enthusiastic over something in quite a while, the Earth technology was fairly different to the technology employed in the rest of the solar system. Even Rei could see this, as out of her depth as she was, she was impressed - even if she had no idea what the machine was meant to do.