Racing Against Time: Save the King and Queen!

[Crystal_Sailor_Jupiter]

*Edited*

Queen SL Serenity blushed a bit at the use of her childhood name, but was too overcome with joy and anxiety to pay much attention to it. “I’m so glad your pregnancy is doing well. Please, allow me to get us some refreshments for us. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Helios is upstairs waiting for Rina and Ayami to finish getting ready. They should be down any moment. I’ll be right back with some water.”

As Queen SL Serenity busied herself with getting refreshments, Neo Queen Serenity smiled from the use of her civilian name a moment ago. She knelt in front of Setsuna to whisper so she couldn’t be overheard by her daughter. “I’m sorry if I was rude to you earlier, Setsuna-San. I’m rather worried about this party, to be honest. I’ve had this awful feeling all day that something will happen to Rina. Or maybe it’s not her that is in danger…..” Neo-Queen Serenity sighed and pulled back a little to look at Setsuna, worry evident in her normally cheerful face. “Setsuna-San, please promise me that if something does happen, you and Tigers-Eye will leave immediately to prevent any harm to your family. I will be doing the same for mine or at the very least my daughter and her family…I just don't want to see you get hurt.....Pluto!” Neo-Queen Serenity’s voice broke off as she enveloped Setsuna in a strong, but tender hug. ***



King Endymion, who had been silently watching the group in the doorway, smiled at his daughter’s concern for Setsuna’s health. He bowed in greeting towards Setsuna and Tiger’s Eye, and though he knew he had to remain in place to be ready to greet the rest of the guests, he really wanted to be over with the group and also giving a warm, welcoming hug to the former senshi of time. He made a mental note to make sure to spend a little time with the couple during the ball. A reminiscing expression crossed his face as he briefly remembered his time as the mysterious Tuxedo Mask with all the original senshi.

His mind then wandered off to the immediate event in progress. While he was excited as anybody for his granddaughter’s birthday, he knew this day could also turn into a disaster; if his wife’s premonition was right. His eyes connected with Neo-Queen Serenity’s as he heard two sets of footsteps behind him. He turned as two more people entered the doorway. His smile widened as Queen Makoto and Miaka approached.

“Welcome, Queen Makoto, Princess Miaka.” He bowed in respect towards Miaka and gently took Makoto’s hand and kissed it lightly. “My wife and daughter have been anxiously waiting for your arrival. Setsuna-San and Tiger’s Eye have already arrived.”

Queen Makoto smiled and gestured for Miaka to return his greeting.
“Thank you for inviting us to Princess Rina’s birthday ball, Your Majesty.” Miaka responded as she curtsied to King Endymion. “We are honored to be here.”
King Endymion chuckled before he called over to the rest of the group as the two newcomers walked over to the others. “Everyone, we have a couple new arrivals among us.”

Miaka quickly stepped forward and curtsied in respect. “Hello, everyone. I am Princess Miaka Kino, of the Celestial Kingdom on Planet Jupiter. I’m pleased to make your acquaintances.” She looked over to Setsuna and Tigers-Eye. “My grandmother told me a lot about you, Mrs. Meioh. I’m honored to meet the first Sailor Pluto who fought alongside the first Sailor Moon, and your husband. Please treat me well.” She held out a hand for Setsuna and Tiger’s Eye to shake.

Queen Makoto rested a welcoming hand on Setsuna’s shoulder, her eyes bright with happiness at their reunion and a big smile on her face. “It has been too long, Setsuna-San, Tigers-Eye. I’ve missed you both so much. I hope we can take a few minutes to catch up during the ball.” She looked up to smile gently at Tiger's-Eye. "You are as handsome as ever, Tiger's-Eye. I'm glad to see you again." She hoped that the compliment wouldn't be misinterpreted as flirting, as she would never intentionally flirt with a married man. Especially one who was married to one of her closest friends in the world.

She turned her attention to Neo-Queen Serenity, their eyes meeting and sharing a quick message of understanding before glancing over at Miaka, who was currently helping Queen SL Serenity with the refreshments.***  

[GS Tiger Eye]

"Hey ev'rybody." He grinned at all the familiar faces but he stood next to Setsunas chair and kept a hand on her shoulder at all times. He shook Miakas hand when she introduced herself. "Were at your service young lady." He grinned. "Kids these days. Sprouting up like weeds." He joked and snickered about all the kids and grandkids runnin around. "All you guys are makin me feel old and its not being very neighborly." he joked. "Im just lucky my cubs are too busy to make me a grandpa yet." he let out a hearty laugh.

"Hey dont you worry." He frowned seriously to the senior moon queen and tightened his hand on Setsuna's shoulder gently. "i wont let anything happen to her."

"Well well. About time someone noticed." He grinned and put his hand to his chin. "Yeah. I know." he grinned at Queen makoto and liked the attention of people noticing he was handsome. "You know how much aging sucks. Maybe your compliment will help stall my impending midlife crisis." He laughed. "Any day now I expect to wake up and wanna spend a load on something I'll get sick of after a day or 2." He laughed and crossed his arms and nodded his head. "Maybe since Im having a new cub that might be keeping me from falling off the deep end." He laughed.  

[Crystal Sailor Pluto]

Setsuna kept her hands folded, resting them in front of her belly as she sat, keeping her posture straight. She smiled warmly at Queen SL Serenity after she departed for refreshments, greeting her mother once again with the same warmth. "You were not rude to me, Usagi. I understand your concerns. Believe me." She reassured her old friend, returning the gentle hug that Neo Queen Serenity was giving her. She overheard her husband's reply to Neo Queen Serenity, and while she was comfortable that Tiger could indeed protect her, there was still so much that they did not understand about Princess Miaka's condition.

Setsuna had also noticed Endymion in the doorway, and would greet him properly when she got the chance. She kept her attention there during Endymion's announcement, being inconspicuous as she analyzed the aura of the approaching Princess Miaka, whose crystal was still undoubtedly still
tainted by dark energy.

Setsuna's expression allowed no indication of this though, as her visage remained calm and welcoming as she firmly shook hands with the princess, and with her old friend, Queen Makoto. "You've grown up so much since I last saw you, Miaka. You've become such a beautiful young lady." She looked in between them politely. "Please, pardon me for not standing to greet you formally, it would seem that my child would not like to cooperate with me today." She added with a lighthearted chuckle, covering her mouth politely as she did so.

"I too look forward to catching up." Setsuna nodded in agreement towards Makoto. "It is a shame that our home planets have to be so very far apart. I consider all of you as my own family."

* *

 

[Crystal_Sailor_Jupiter]

Queen SL Serenity and Miaka returned with the refreshments for the entire group, both making sure not to drop any of the glasses. As Miaka took the tray from Queen SL Serenity and handed them over to a server, she suddenly felt a quick, sharp pain in her chest where her crystal resided. It took every ounce of her will not to gasp out loud in case her grandmother was to hear it, or anyone else for that matter. After a minute, once she was sure the pain had subsided, she returned to the group with a fixed smiled on her face, hoping that no-one would notice. She vaguely remembered her grandmother telling her that Setsuna-San and her husband were very perceptive, and made more of an effort to act as if nothing was wrong. Queen Makoto glanced over as Miaka approached, and recognizing the fake smile, quickly pulled Queen SL Serenity away for a small, private chat.

“Your Majesty, I don’t know if your mother has mentioned anything, but…”

“Yes, I am aware of the current situation, Makoto-San. I am aware of the risks that are at stake with this party for my daughter.” Queen SL Serenity glanced over at Miaka, who was making small talk with Neo-Queen Serenity. “I too wondered if bringing Miaka here is a mistake. Maybe she isn’t ready to meet her sister yet, especially when we have no idea what that crystal will do to her should something go wrong.”

“Then, you also noticed the dark aura surrounding her?” Queen Makoto asked.

Queen SL Serenity nodded. “I think it would be best to have a quick chat with Setsuna-San. If I can sense that girl’s aura, then I can guarantee she noticed it the second Miaka entered the room.”

“Are you sure? She hasn’t said anything to us.”

“Makoto-San, have you forgotten that Setsuna-San was once the sailor senshi of time? She has the ability to predict whether something bad will happen or not. She is the best person to get advice from at this point. Who knows, maybe even Tiger’s-Eye could make his opinion known on the matter.”

“Yes, you’re right, Your Majesty.” Queen Makoto looked over to Setsuna and Tiger’s-Eye. “I just need to find a distraction to lure Miaka away for a few minutes so I can talk to them.”

“Leave that to me.” Queen SL Serenity walked over to Miaka. “Miaka, I was wondering if you’d like to see the flower gardens. They are quite lovely this time of the year.”

Miaka smiled. “Yes, I’d love to see them, Your Majesty! Thank you very much!”
Queen SL Serenity sent a quick look over to Setsuna and Tigers-Eye as she led Miaka away. Queen Makoto approached Setsuna and Tiger’s-Eye, pulling up a chair so she could talk with Setsuna at eye-level.

“Setsuna-San, I need to ask you if you’ve noticed anything unusual about my granddaughter. More specifically in the last couple of minutes." She looked up at Tigers-Eye. “I know this isn’t exactly the conversation to be having at a party, but it is crucial that this is discussed. I apologize in advance if it inconveniences you both in any way.”

Queen Makoto paused before speaking again. “Recently I have noticed that Miaka is acting rather unusually in the past couple months. Her mood changes without any warning, and whenever she is nervous, or becomes angry, a dark aura emits from her chest where her crystal is. There have been a couple of times when her eyes change to this dark red, almost demonic color. I’m very worried that the tainted crystal is beginning to change Miaka into…..well….a youma…” Queen Makoto’s voice trailed off as she looked from Setsuna to Tiger’s-Eye, hoping one or both of them would ease her fears.  

[Crystal Sailor Pluto]

Setsuna could read the aura's of beings almost without effort at this point, simply because she'd had plenty of practice after living a long time. While she was aware that her husband was indeed blessed with natural animal instincts because of his true nature, she doubted that he could detect the same energies in the same way that she could.

She looked up at him, beckoning him to lean close to her that she may keep her voice down. "Tiger...do you feel anything when you look at Princess Miaka?" She inquired, wondering if there was anything that he could feel, or perhaps, even smell. He did, after all have a terrific sense of smell, and certain energies are so powerful that they can effect more than one of the natural 5 senses. Perhaps even all. "If you notice anything, tell me."

Setsuna couldn't help but notice Miaka's aura change when refreshments were being served. She helped herself to a glass of water, taking delicate sips of it as she concentrated. She returned her attention to Makoto, however, when she sat down with her to ask about Miaka.

"I know you have responsibilities, Makoto, but I urge you to relax." Setsuna insisted, giving her a reassuring smile. "This is supposed to be a happy day, and the more stress that exists within the room, I fear that perhaps the more the dark energy can feed off of it." She glanced towards Miaka again. "A youma, hm? ...I see." She sighed as she looked into her glass.

"I do not mean to scare you, but I will tell you what I felt. There seemed to be a spike in the negative energy contained within her aura. If I had to consider percentages, I'd say that it went from 5% to 30% in a split second. This tells me that the energy is more unstable than we may think." Setsuna sat her glass down, refocusing her eyes on Makoto. "From what I have seen, in cases of energy abnormalties, puberty seems to activate that which has seemingly remained dormant. Whether this is the case for Miaka, I am unaware, as I have not lived with her during her entire life."

Setsuna carefully reminded herself to keep her tone of voice down as she spoke to Makoto. "As I said before, there is always a possibility that this type of negative energy can feed off of stress, anger, and fear. Have you ever been angry around Miaka? And if so, did you notice a difference in her behavior?" She questioned carefully, moving to take a sip of water as she did so.

* *

 

[Crystal_Sailor_Jupiter]

Queen Makoto thought carefully about the past couple months before responding, noticing that Neo-Queen Serenity was listening intently to their conversation.

"I must admit, there have been a few times where I've had to be tough on her." Queen Makoto began. But I swear I've never screamed at her, or even yelled. I've always used a strict tone if there was a need to reprimand her in any way. And I try my best not to let her see me when I'm frustrated, or upset. But sometimes she will suddenly appear when I'm in one of those moods, and I know she sees it. There also have been times where she puts on a facade as if everything is fine, but I can tell when she's in pain, like just a moment ago."

There was slight pause before Queen Makoto spoke again. "Recently I've noticed that Miaka has been spending a great deal of time by herself. Sometimes I will go to check on her, and I hear her talking to someone, but there is never a response, nor is anybody there."

"Are you sure there wasn't anybody there, Mako-Chan?" Neo-Queen Serenity asked. "Maybe whoever she was speaking to was hiding as not to be seen by you."

"I thought that at first too." Queen Makoto replied. "But after a while I realized that she was talking to herself. It's almost as if there is another being inside Miaka, and it can communicate with her. Of course, I'm merely making assumptions at this point." She looked at the others. "The only way we could know for sure is to ask Miaka herself. But I have no idea on how to go about that, and I doubt she would even open up to us if we did."

"Open up about what, Grandmother?" a slightly angry voice asked.

Queen Makoto and Neo-Queen Serenity quickly looked behind them to see Miaka standing a short distance away, and it was obvious that she had been listening. Queen Makoto stood up and made to approach Miaka, but Miaka distanced herself more.

"Miaka my dear, We were only trying to..."

"I know what you were doing, Grandmother!" Miaka suddenly burst out. "I'm not an idiot. Why do you always thing something is wrong with me? Why can't you just leave me alone?!" Her skin began to pale, her eyes began to change color, and a darkness began to emit from Miaka's chest where her crystal resided.

Queen Makoto backed up a couple paces, and she looked over to Setsuna and Tiger's-Eye before trying to speak to Miaka again.

"Miaka? Please calm down, sweetheart. We are just concerned about you. We just want you to tell us if you think anything is wrong. We are here to help you." Neo-Queen Serenity spoke softly.

"You can't help." Miaka's voice changed to a frighteningly evil tone, her pupils began to glow red and her smile was pure malice. "This girl's loneliness and suffering is exactly what I need to be reborn. She is the perfect host for my new body! I just need to push her emotions a little more. One I finally take over this senshi's body, I will be brought back to life! You will never see your precious Miaka again!"

Neo-Queen Serenity, who had been protecting Setsuna, stepped forward and raised her staff which held the original Silver Millennium Crystal. The crystal emitted a bright light, and Miaka suddenly grasped her chest and knelt to the ground, bowing her head as the crystal's light subsided. When she looked up, Miaka was back to normal.

"Miaka?" Queen Makoto knelt down in front of her. "Are you alright?"

Miaka looked up at her grandmother, then over to the others. "Grandmother? What happened? Why are all of you looking at me like that? Did i do something wrong?"  

[GS Tiger Eye]

He nodded to Setsu. "Yeah babe. Somethin about her smells kinda off." He watched in awe when the girls eyes turned red and she didnt sound normal. "Woah...holy....." He stood in front of Setsuna and unsheathed his claws on instinct but whatever happened to the Miaka girl didnt last long. "...wow. Weird." He still had his claws popping out of his fingers but didnt notice they were still sticking out.  

[Crystal Sailor Pluto]

Setsuna had been afraid of this, for Miaka's had seemed unusually unstable before this little incident. She pulled at the fabric of Tiger's white tuxedo, using her other hand to brace against the table for leverage, slowly pulling herself into a standing position. She felt a painful twinge in her back, but she did not let it phase her as she calmly folded her hands together above her belly as she approached Miaka.

"It's nothing, young lady." She stated, forcing herself to be calm so that Miaka's condition wouldn't suffer through another spike, at least for the time being. "You became pale there for a moment and we were concerned that you might faint." Setsuna used the fact that Miaka had actually turned pale to their advantage, that way she may diffuse the situation, at least until they had a better plan. "Is it about time that you had something to eat?" She gave the young lady a reassuring smile, remaining calm as she looked upon her.

She hoped that her friends would catch on to what she was trying to do, and help her distract Miaka. "It's about time I ate a little something myself." She turned to look at Makoto. "As long as it is alright with our hostess if we have some pre-party snacks."

* *

 

[Crystal_Sailor_Jupiter]

Queen Makoto glanced wonderingly at Setsuna at first before cluing in on what she was trying to do.

"Yes, I think that would be great." She looked over to Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion, who'd rushed over ready to protect his wife if things had become worse. "Would you both mind if we could have a quick bite to eat?"

King Endymion nodded, his eyes still trained discreetly on Miaka for fear of another outburst. "Why don't we bring a couple of trays over for our guests, my dear?" He glanced at the door as the rest of the guests began to enter the ballroom, unaware of the events that had just transpired. "The party should begin momentarily once Helios and the girls arrive downstairs. We'll be right back."

As King Endymion steered his wife away, Queen SL Serenity gently helped Miaka up off the floor and into the nearest chair. Queen Makoto sat in front of her as Miaka looked around, still dazed.

"Miaka, are you alright? Do you need me to get you anything?" Queen Makoto asked.

Miaka shook her head. "No I'm fine, Grandmother. Thank you." She glanced over at Setsuna and Tigers-Eye. "Would you mind if I spoke to both of you alone?" She looked over to Queen Makoto and Queen SL Serenity.  

[Crystal Sailor Pluto]

Setsuna noticed the new guests arriving, and it relieved her to think that they had potentially avoided a dangerous incident, at least for the moment. It would not do to risk the safety of their friends and family.

She watched the scene carefully, keeping a watchful eye over Miaka as she was assisted into a chair close by. Setsuna would have done so if not in her present condition, but of course, she had to be careful. She knew that Tiger was nearby, and she would want him by her side the whole time.

She noticed that Miaka wanted to speak with her, and with that she approached her, not quite taking a seat yet. It was improper for her to take a seat that was not offered to her, so she simply stood a few feet in front of Miaka as she addressed her.

Though she did not show it, Setsuna felt uneasy about having her child so close to the threat, but of course, she could not let Miaka know. "Very well. You may have a word with me." She said to Miaka gently, effortlessly retaining her composure as she awaited the offer of a new seat.

* *

 

[GS Tiger Eye]

He noticed when his claws were still sticking out and he put his hands behind his back and sheathed them back in his fingers. "Yeah so..snacks." He looked around for the food and hoped they had plenty of snacks with meat in them for him to munch on. He forgot when he last ate.

"Why dont you sit down, babe?" He noticed his wife was still standing and he pulled out a chair for her. "Dont want you ta strain your back." He wanted to protect her and their cub and stayed close by just in case something happened. He stayed standing. "So kid. You wanna talk to both of us? Are you sure?" Mostly nobody really asked him for advice, but usually asked his wife since she was the wise one. "You sure you want me here too?"  

[Crystal_Sailor_Jupiter]

Miaka nodded to Tigers-Eye and waited until everyone else had left before pulling a chair opposite of Setsuna and sitting down.

"I need you to be honest with me." She began, carefully observing for any reactions. "Did Mila attack anybody just now? Mila is my other self, you see," Miaka spoke quickly, already anticipating the questions beforehand. "She has a big temper, and sometimes I feel like she is trying to take complete control of me. Up until now I have been able to keep her at bay, but ever since I began using my powers and my crystal, she has become more aggressive and assertive."

She paused, struggling to keep her composure. "I'm able to have conversations with her, in my mind, and sometimes I see her reflection instead of mine in my mirror when we're talking. Does....does that make me bipolar? Or am I just crazy? I don't know anymore."

She paused again, glanced over at Queen Makoto before addressing Tigers-Eye. "The reason I asked you to stay is not because I need advice. I have a request for you. If.....if Mila somehow does succeed in taking over my body, and she tries to......"

Tears welled up in Miaka's pleading eyes. "You look like the kind of person who acts before thinking, no offense. So please....if she tries to hurt my grandmother, or anyone I know and care about....please kill me!"


Just in that moment, the trumpets blared, all the guests turned toward the doors as Princess Rina and Ayami walked in with King Helios just behind them. Miaka looked over as all the guests applauded. She turned back to Setsuna and Tigers-Eye. "I need to get some air. Please excuse me." She got up and headed for the doors leading to the terrace.  

[GS Tiger Eye]

He didnt know it but he let his claws slip out again during the conversation with miaka. "But I...Hey!" He saw her walk off after asking so much from him but he stayed next to his wife. "Setsu...what the hell just happened?"  

[Crystal Sailor Pluto]

"Tiger. Your claws." She carefully took his hand. She looked at the tips of his fingers as she pondered deeply, lost in thought.

Miaka's request kept ringing in Setsuna's ears. Her husband was indeed the type of person who would react without thinking, but such thoughts did not bode well with her, for there was once a time that Setsuna once nearly had to end the life of one of her own. Such memories still haunted her.

"It is disturbing." She spoke finally, keeping her voice down as she looked up at Tiger. The fact that Miaka is aware of the darkness that lives inside of her is something that we should have anticipated." She squeezed his hand tighter as she continued. "However, it does serve as a way for Miaka to know what Mila may be thinking. That could potentially be used to our advantage..."

Setsuna trailed off as she resumed her deep thought. She was not one who would use the easy way out, but if she could end something without bloodshed, she would at least try to find a more intellectual approach. There was nothing more she would be able to do as far as combat was concerned, for she was unable to do any fighting.

Setsuna had wanted more than anything to reassure Miaka that she was not crazy, but the girl had departed before she could give her any sort of answer. "Tiger..." She spoke to him again, her voice remaining low. "...I must find another way to save her...but if I can't find a way in time..." She stared into his eyes, her expression grave, almost to the point of tears. "...you may have to end her."

Setsuna hated herself for placing such a heavy burden upon the one she loved most. This made a tear leak from her eye, and she closed her hands over her face as she sat there. She was not one to cry, but the combination of pregnancy hormones and the situation at hand had done its toll on her. The thought of burdening the man she loved, and the thought of killing one of the children of her dearest friends. She had no words for this kind of pain as she fought against her sorrow silently.

 

[GS Tiger Eye]

"Setsuna...." He got on one knee and leaned in close to her. He couldnt stand to see her like this but it wasnt her fault. He made sure his claws were pulled in when he touched her leg and leaned in and nuzzled her cheek. "are you sure you want me to?" He didnt know what else to say.