The next few months were wonderful but too short for me. Nova, Serena, and I became the best of friends and we spent every second that we could in each other's company. Serena is my ray of light on a cloudy day cutting through the rough days and bringing peace to me when the days are overcast when Nova had official business that took him away from our side. She cheered me up all the time when he was away but it wasn't the same as having him by my side or better, with me in his arms. We exchanged secrets like sisters and she comforted me in those times when Nova was gone by entertaining me. I grew to love her like a sister and she returned that love in full. We laughed, played, and roamed the halls of the palace and when the weather allowed, in the gardens that surrounded the royal suites. Serena kept me sane those long days because I never knew that I could miss someone as much as I miss Nova but my greatest joy was when he came back to me. He always greeted me with a low bow in public and took my hand in his as we walked to the private suites. When we were away from public view, he would take me in his arms and press his lips to mine. I enjoy our reunions the best but down deep in my heart, I wish that they would never occur; I want to be by my love's side forever.

I guess I was whining one day about Nova being away for some business that Serenity asked him to attend to in her place, when Serena reminded me that I could send my thoughts to Nova. I didn't think much of her words because I always knew my thoughts were of him, every moment of the day. When I was alone in my room and preparing for bed though I knew that sleep would be hours away as I dream of Nova and I suddenly thought, Nova, I miss you so much. I must not have been ready because I jumped off the bed when Nova answered my forlorn missive, Love, is everything alright? You sound strange.

I awoke early at the first light of the sun over the horizon and spent most of the morning finding what to wear when I met Nova. Serena kept saying that I was making too much of a fuss over choosing the perfect outfit. Mina, Nova would love you even if you weren't wearing anything85 I started to blush when I thought about what she said. She must have noticed the redness appear on my cheeks because she quickly cleared her throat and said, Let me finish, not wearing anything special. I didn't mean anything at all. Serena started to giggle at what she said and suddenly I broke down into laughter and collapsed on the bed.

Suddenly, I heard a voice that I knew as well as my own, I'm gone for two weeks and everything falls apart. I turned my head and looked at the door and there was Nova, my Nova, just standing and leaning against the doorframe in a dusty uniform. I sprang from the bed and ran to him. I didn't care if he was covered with all the dust on the moon as I threw myself in his arms. He mustn't been prepared for my assault because we found ourselves on the floor with a cloud of dust settling down on us. I didn't mind the dust especially since I was cleaning it from his face with my kisses. Serena coughed for a couple of seconds and cleared her throat in a manner that she saw that something was out of place and it took me a minute to realized the position that I found myself in the doorway. My chest was pressing against Nova's and my legs straddled him at the hips. I realized, having talked to my mother and Serena that this position was somewhat sexual in nature but I didn't care what they would think of our position. I stuck my tongue out at Serena but slowly began to stand up and I extended my hands to Nova to help him to his feet. When he was standing before me, Nova gently took me into his arms, leaned me to my right, and kissed me deeply and long. He did start to move his hands down my back and I grabbed both of them before they traveled too far. Serena was in the room and some special embraces were reserved for when we were alone.

Nova broke the kiss but my lips stayed pouted waiting for another, Well, did you miss me or is this the standard greeting that I should expect in the future? I looked at his smiling face and saw those gleaming eyes. I buried my head into his chest and laughed while I held him close. Serena came to us and she embraced the both of us. The three of us stood there transfixed to that location for ten minutes just hugging each other. Nova gave me a quick kiss and turned to Serena, I have a gift for the two of you. I have been thinking about the time that the two of you spend trying on dresses and I had to do something if not for you then for my well-being. Nova reached into his pocket and pulled out two pen-like devices glistening with jewels and enamel. Serena's pen was gold and pearls with a pink body and mine was orange with blue gemstones. I turned the pen over and stared at its beauty. These are transformation pens embedded with the power of physical creation of items of a non-living nature 96 you can't create something that is alive. All you have to do is say and think what you want to look like and the pen will transform you into that image making all the necessary clothing and accessories.

Serena shook her pen for a second, thrust it into the air and shouted, Moon Transform me into Mina. A shimmering glow like a rainbow enveloped Serena and when it faded I saw that Serena was dressed like me even down to my hairstyle and jewelry but it still was Serena. Nova looked at her, No, it won't change you into that person, it will only alter your appearance. You can't create or change into a person. You will only look like the person.

I took my pen and said, Venus Transform into the image in my mind. I couldn't see because of the light but soon I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed that I was wearing the light blue dress that I had imaged and had my hair at the perfect length for the dress. Serena saw my transformation and used the pen to change her clothing to a lovely pink dress. We turned to Nova and as one; we hugged Nova as thanks for his present. He was right, we did dress quicker and since Nova was an impatient person, he seemed pleased but we still managed to buy a great deal of new clothing. It's nice to have the pen but a girl like to shop every now and then. I think that Nova is still confused over that important point.

Serena had an appearance to make with the Queen and my parents and left us in about an hour. Her departure allowed Nova and I to be alone for the afternoon. I hadn't seen him for twelve days so a little time by ourselves is greatly appreciated. Nova took my hand and we went to the couch in the common room, no use presenting a situation by going to one of our bedrooms but I still could sit on his lap and rest my head against his neck until the staff showed up with our food. We ate lunch at the dining room table but we took off our shoes and played footsies as we ate even when the servants were there besides us.

After the meal, I resumed my normal position and I spent most of the afternoon in Nova's lap having him tell me of the last weeks that he was away from me. I hate it when he was gone but I did know that he would have taken me if he could. Serenity had sent him to the Earth to reside over some business that the Grand Duke must observe. It had fallen to his father before he was born but since his birth, a Grand Duke was available so he had to preside over the taking of the oath of fealty from all the nobility of that world that shone in the sky above us. Last year was the first year of his majority and he took all the pomp and circumstances of his title to heart. He stayed on Earth until all the nobility was presented to him and pledged his support of them and they pledged their loyalty to him as their liege lord. I could tell that he was tired but he gave me his utmost attention to my questions about that blue world. I wonder if Father would visit there before we leave for Venus. It's strange, I don't think of Venus as home anymore. Nova was my life and his home was here so the moon is now the place that I must declare as mine.

I always felt safe when I was with Nova especially when we were alone. I was secure in his embrace while he kissed my neck every few minutes but he always remained a gentleman even when he returned those kisses. He always made sure that he didn't kiss me too hard where it would leave a mark; sometimes I would like him to kiss me on the neck harder but I knew what my parents would say about a mark on my neck so it's better this way.

He was always attentive to me, always having time to help me learn new languages and some other arcane knowledge that he seemed to have an acute understanding or experience. I learned many things but languages seemed to be my favorite subject unless you count the game period that we had every day. I am good when it comes to physical games, maybe as good or better than Nova in some especially the ones that requires the hitting of a ball. Nova says that I have great hand and eye coordination but sometimes, I just want to beat him in something so I tend to practice those games with Serena when he is not by my side.

Father expressed his worry to our little family. He was worried that I was developing too fast so he had my acquired knowledge and mental skills tested. The results staggered him; I tested at the age of a fourteen year old, double my true age in all the subject areas. The doctors that performed the tests found no mental problems or aberrations but they wanted Nova to stop the mental acceleration due to my young age. Nova reluctantly agreed to slow down the training but he refused to stop. I thought Nova and Father would come to blows but Mother reminded Father that the Kanly contract allowed Nova the right to set my education and training in the manner that he saw fit. The discussion of my education was over but I did try to limit my discussions of the varied subjects while I was with my father. My mother came up with the idea and it seemed to placate him but I did slip every now and then.

It would soon be my seventh birthday and I knew that my family would leave soon for Venus after that day. We have been planning to leave after my birthday but I wish that I could stay but my parents still ruled my life and I would always follow their rules. I would miss being around Nova and Serena but I had Nova's sworn promise that Serena and he would spend their birthday with me on Venus.

As my birthday approached, Nova spent more time in his room. All he told me was that he was working on my birthday present but I wanted him to be near me. Nova did pay attention to me during this period and I must say that I was getting use to him and his caresses but I wanted them all the time since I would be almost eight months without his arms being around me. I wanted to cry but I knew that I didn't want him to be unhappy so I held my tears from his sight.

The day finally came and today is my seventh birthday, the age where my childhood officially ends. Under the ancient laws of Kanly, I could own property in my own name and do with it as I please. Nova had given me one of his estates as part of his pledge to our marriage contract and it fell to my wishes on this day. This estate gave me a small but regular monthly income that I could use to support myself if something happened to Nova. I realized that Nova was looking out for me; I later found out that he set up similar holdings for the rest of the sailors. Nova was determined to look after us no matter the time or distance. This trait may be Nova's most wonderful item in his being. I read his will, the one that was in effect on my seventh birthday and realized that he left his entire fortune to me. Even then, he wanted to make sure that I was taken care of in the event of any misfortune. Well, let's get back to what happened on my birthday.

I awoke to a light tapping on my bedroom door. I barely awoke when Serena was the first one bursting through the door, holding it wide open for Nova who was carrying a large tray laden with food. Nova set down the tray on my night table and finished preparing my breakfast by adding the cream to my strawberries. I love strawberries but since they don't grow well on Venus, I never truly discovered the joy of fresh strawberries until I spent the past months on the moon. Nova is the best cook in our small family unit and I enjoyed his breakfasts most of all the meals especially since he personally pick the berries and I could tell by just looking at them that they were at their peal of ripeness. Serena kissed me on the cheek and began to arrange the pillows behind me. Nova reached across my body to move some stray hairs from my face and on an impulse, I leaned over, tilted my head and kissed him on the lips. I could tell that he sampled the berries before he put them in the bowl because I tasted the sweet juice that still hung on his lips.

If Nova's kiss had been my only present that day, I would be satisfied and fulfilled but they had more in store for me. Nova returned my kiss and gently wrapped an arm around me to support him from falling in my lap. Nova released me and pulled a blue and gold necklace from the inside pocket of his robe. It sparkled in the room's light, shining with the light of the sun. Nova placed the necklace over my neck and held the other necklace, the one I continued to wear from Nova since the first day I was on the moon when I attended his birthday party, and closed his hand over both. The room filled with a soft white light and when Nova pulled his hand from me, the two necklaces had merged into one.

I looked into the blue gemstone and saw three symbols, the house sign of Venus, a crescent moon, and a starburst behind both of the other signs. As I looked at the necklace, Nova motioned to Serena who pulled a similar necklace from her blouse. The gemstone in Serena's necklace bore the symbols of the crescent moon and the starburst. I looked at Nova and reached inside his shirt. I felt a larger stone on his necklace and drew it from against his chest. Nova's stone was twice the size of mine or Serena's and I noticed it bore the symbols as mine but also what appeared to be spaces for six additional symbols surrounding the central starburst. Nova looked down at me, Mina, you are a part of us but I will also have others in my life that will be represented by a sign on this stone but you will be the first and foremost in my heart. Saying that, Nova kissed my forehead and then my waiting lips.

These gems link us together in our common cause. You are part of my family and Serena will be a sister to you like she has been to me. We are bonded together for all time and we should never take off the necklaces as long as we live. They are our bond and our pledge to protect each other. In the future, we will be joined by others that will wear the same stones and devoted themselves to our cause but until then; it's only the three of us. Nova picked up a strawberry from my tray, kissed it, while taking off most of the cream, and brought it to my mouth. I opened my mouth and Nova moved the berry halfway between my teeth. I bit down carefully avoiding Nova's fingers. Strawberries have always been my favorite especially when they have the taste of Nova's lips upon them and that's the way I like to have them. I enjoyed the rest of the breakfast while the three of us talked about their journey to Venus for their birthday. I put aside all thoughts and just enjoyed my family being near me on this special day.

The day finally came that I dreaded the most. Now was the last day of our visit. We needed to get home so my father could conduct the business he had on my home planet and we had been away for an extended time. I was sad that we were leaving but Nova had demonstrated the unique property of the gemstones. Nova and I could talk to each, no matter the distance because the stones held our hearts and love together. I could speak with Serena but even at a close distance, it wasn't the same as with Nova. His voice was crystal clear in my mind and I knew in my heart that it would be the same even over the millions of miles that would separate us.

Nova would not let me cry when we started to board his yacht for the voyage to Venus. He dried my tears and kissed my eyelids. Don't cry, my princess, as long as you are wearing my gem, we will be together. I hugged Serena, Serenity, and the palace staff that I have come to know but I refuse to let go of Nova's hand when we had to leave. My mind knew that I had to leave but my heart wanted to stay. Nova took off his jacket and placed it on my shoulders. Commander Mina, High Guardians have to accept all that happens to them and travel wherever they must go 85 so don't cry, my love, we will see each other in eight months. I dried my tears and placed my arms in the jacket's sleeves and saluted Nova. He returned the salute and then threw his arms around me, kissed me and said, Mina, I love you with all my heart, if you need me I'll move the heavens and the moon to be at your side.

Nova escorted me on board and strapped me into a seat. He kissed me and started to leave when I grabbed his hand and crushed it to my chest. Nova leaned over and I whispered to him, Nova, my husband, I don't care what others say but when you signed that paper, you became my husband forever. I don't say this enough but I love you with all my heart, now and forever. I kissed him and he slowly left the yacht. It was like leaving home that day because my place was with Nova, forever. I saw his eyes when he turned to look at me one last time. The tears that he held back for me were streaming down his face. I gave him a small smile and blew him a kiss as the door slowly closed.

The trip to Venus was uneventful. Nova was right; I talked to him and Serena every day, no matter how far I was from them. I found that Nova had packed some books for me to study. He put a note in the box that stated, Not only do I want a beautiful wife but I want a brilliant one. I laughed to myself, Nova thought I was beautiful but I think educated may be more of an expectation that he should hope to achieve. I must have sent my thoughts to Nova because he corrected my assumptions of my perception of my beauty, Mina, there exists no creature in this entire universe that compares to you. You were the gem of my eyes from the first time that I saw you. I knew when I heard his statement that he was talking straight from his heart. I love him so much that I thought my heart would break if I couldn't contact him every day.

The welcome on Venus was what I expected or at least what Nova and I had discussed. Our engagement had been announced and the rumbling against my father had ceased almost immediately, drying up in the winds of the planet. All the members of my father's court sent their best and I believe most sincere regards to me on my engagement and even my cousin, Prince Vena who provided the most resistance to my father's rule, came to congratulate me in person. Vena and my father had a long family disagreement that went back to my great grandfather's decision that my father would rule Venus. Vena had gained control of the Eastern Provinces from my grandfather but I always thought he wanted the throne for himself.

One day I was feeling lonely because both Nova and Serena had things to do so they couldn't talk to me. I was sitting by myself in the private gardens when Vena came and sat down beside me. Little one, well, it may not be correct for me to say but you are growing up each time I see you. He paused and held his hand to me. I placed my hand in his large hand accepting his gesture of peace and he continued, I need to tell you something that you must believe with all your heart. Your father and I were the best of friends when we were growing up but we have never seen eye to eye on many matters involving the ruling of this planet but we are still family. I would protect him with my life as I would protect you. He brought my hand up to his chest, I was always worried that Venus would fall to your rule in the course of time and I am ashamed to say but I must speak the truth. I know many of the people would not accept your command and would rebel against you. All those problems have disappeared with your engagement to Duke Nova. No one in their right mind would stand against him and his High Guard. Don't think poorly of my fights with your father, I was only doing what I thought best for Venus. He started to rise but I refused to let him. Cousin, I know your heart was in the right place. I do understand your words to me. Nova changes everyone that touches home. I hope that the people will know his spirit and strength as I do now. You will always be welcome at my table. With those words, I kissed him on the cheeks and skipped into the palace.

Father began to catch up with the ruling of the planet and many decisions must be made. Ruling a planet is not the easiest task in the kingdom but it's never a dull moment with the petty aspirations of one group against another. I always like to attend the court whenever I could and just watch the maneuverings of one factor or another. Mother took to the social scene as soon as we landed but soon there were requests for my appearance at some social events. It seemed that my engagement made everyone and organization interested in this little princess. Nova and Serena talked to me every night, and sent pictures and presents on a weekly basis, just keeping in touch with what was going on in our lives. I missed them both but I miss Nova with a pain that drives joy from my heart. I talk to him for hours just going over every single thing that happened in our life. I wanted to know every moment that he was away from me. It seemed an overwhelming desire for me to in touch with him. Maybe I believe that if I didn't keep in touch with him, I would wake up and find this a wonderful dream. I ended every one of our conversations with the same simple statement of fact in four words, Nova, I love you. Those simple words gain more meaning each time I said them to him. Sometimes I think that love is more of a disease than a state of being. The longer I was away from my love, the worst I felt. It was a pain that grounded away at my heart.

The greatest gift that Nova gave me was to honor my request that he move up the scheduled visit to April instead of June. He actually gave in to what Serena called my whining, they were only pleas to him but if a whine had helped, I wouldn't be above it. Not only would I see him sooner but also he was going to spend seven months with me instead of five that was originally planned. I know that it may sound vain but just knowing that I could change the mind of the most powerful noble in the Silver Kingdom when a couple well placed sighs gave me a sense of confidence. The official reason for the royal family's visit was to celebrate my father's rise to the throne of Venus and the marriage of my parents. Nova was bringing a cohort of High Guards to train with the palace guards so some of his time will be away from me but I can't fault him from maintaining his position of power because that position helped my father's rule of the planet. Official reasons aside, I was to be with Nova again and that is all that I wanted to have as a present.

April finally came after dragging on in March for the longest time and I celebrated in my own way. I had started to grow and fill out a bit, losing my baby fat just days after I returned from the moon. I had started filling out dresses in a way that I hoped Nova would appreciate when he arrives. Nova surprised me one night as I describing my new body to him leaving out most of the intimate measurement that modesty prohibited me from mentioning even though Mother said was starting to get impressive. Nova listened to me for a while and then he asked me to stand in front of a mirror and I felt a stronger contact with him that I have felt before, almost like he was here in the same room as me. I realized that he was in my mind and looking through my eyes to the image reflected in the mirror. I suddenly started to blush when I realized I was standing in my nightgown. All he said was, Mina, you are so beautiful when you blush but you have changed a bit since I last saw you. My heart didn't know what to do; did he like my new looks? Of course, I love your new looks, I would say that we will make the cutest couple on Venus. All of a sudden, I saw Nova and realized that he was looking at a mirror to show me his image. Nova was more handsome, he had grown to almost five and a half feet tall and filled out in muscle in a most unusual fashion for a seven year old boy. Nova, you have changed for the better since I saw you last. Can you answer something for me? It seems that are bodies are aging at a faster rate than they should at our current age, Mother said I reminded her of a thirteen years old with the mind of an adult and not a girl that's about to turn eight in a few months.

Nova sighed and I could feel the pain in his mind, It's all my fault, my love. All three of us are maturing faster than we should because of the exposure to the power of the crystals we wear around our necks. The crystals are intelligent in their own way and they are trying to develop our bodies and minds to accomplish their desires and needs in a swifter fashion than natural aging would allow. They realize that we will be instrumental in the upcoming war and want to prepare us, to the best of their ability, for the fight.

I thought what Nova had just said and I wasn't scared about the battle and the monsters that we would face in the future. I would give my life for Nova and I would do anything in the upcoming war. We talked for another hour before we both grew sleepy and broke contact with each other. I asked Nova to look at me again in the mirror. I wanted to have that close contact with him before I drifted to sleep, warmed by the thoughts that Nova was on his way to my waiting arms.

The next day, they were arriving after just a couple of hours of flight. Nova told me that his new ships are much faster than anything that the Kingdom had ever seen and that he was glad because it cut the time needed before I was in his arms. I found the most wonderful dress to wear to meet my love; it's a blue dress with orange bows and, of course, I will wear my High Guard jacket to honor my commander and leader. I was a little embarrassed when Mother pointed out in front of Father that I should wear some stronger undergarments, especially on the top, because I was developing rapidly in that area along with other areas. Wearing a bra felt strange, especially since I was only seven, but Mother was right I did need a little help. I hoped Nova would feel that my development was continuing as it should, well continue according to my crystal's wishes. It's strange, I never thought about boys before Nova and now, I don't think of any except him. I wonder if it's that I love him so much or that destiny put us together and nothing will come between us. Either way, I'm glad that he would be with me soon.

My mother insisted that we remain at the palace entrance away from the eyes of the public while Father greeted the royal family. I started to argue with her but realized that she was right and that Queen Serenity was the person that should be welcomed in public and I'm afraid that my display of emotion, along with the hugging and kissing, with Nova would embarrass our family in the eyes of the people especially when I would run to Nova regardless of what or who would be in the way and jump into his arms and kissed him on the landing field.

Suddenly, a dark shadow fell on the palace as Nova's warship silently moved overhead and settled down on the landing field in front of the palace. The ship was immense taking up almost all the space reserved for crafts and it bristled with gun ports that were closed for the meeting. As it settled on the ground, I noticed its name emblazoned with large letters along its side, Princess Mina. This vessel was my ship, the one that Nova was building when I was on the Moon, and told me that he was naming after me.

A great ceremony was taking place as my father greeted the royal family. No Grand Duke had visited House Venus for over a thousand years and the Queen's visit was the first royal family visit in thirty years when the Queen's father visited with his teenaged daughter. I was looking for Nova but my eyes fell on Serena. She had developed in the same way that I had and she looked every inch a royal princess and heir of the Silver kingdom. I looked past her and her mother and my eyes saw the person that they looked for in the gathering crowd. Nova's transformation was incredible in the short months that we were apart. He was dressed in his High Guard uniform and as he watched his troops past in review, I saw the muscles that he had acquired in a short time rippling under his jacket. He looked so much stronger, both physically and mentally, and I couldn't wait until his arms embrace me in that new acquired strength.

Queen Serenity and Serena slowly broke away from the greeting party and came straight to the entrance where Mother and I were standing. I hugged Serena when she came into the palace, Serena, Nova was right when he said you changed. You are so pretty. Serena spun around twice showing off her new body and motioned for me to spin for her. Mina, I couldn't believe the painting that Nova did of you last night. He said that you had grown up and more beautiful than ever. Now, I believe him. I greeted Serenity with a hug and looked out to see the two most important men in my life standing on the reviewing stand. My father stood by Nova's side, how handsome they look in the brilliant light of the noon sun and how much they look alike in the manner they held themselves apart from the crowd that gathered before them. They are both proud and strong men, one was thirty-three and the other; seven, but I could see that they were poured from the same mold; to be a leader of men.

My favorite men left the viewing stand and walked slowly to the palace as they wave to the gathering. Oh, I wish they would hurry up because it had been six months since I held Nova and felt those arms around me and his lips on mine. As soon as the door closed behind them and we were away from public view, I ran to Nova and leaped in his arms. He spun me around as he embraced me, our lips met and I felt whole again. I hooked my left leg around his right to help balance us but this action also brought us closer with my body pressing against his. I could feel his beating heart through the layers of clothing that separated our bodies. After the kiss, I rested my head on his shoulder and we embraced like we would never part again.

Nova broke the silence, Mina, I'm glad that we came earlier because I've found the next sailor warrior here on Venus and I've got to train her to make sure that she is ready. My heart sank in my chest as joy fled my body but I knew that Nova had to prepare for the upcoming war and I had dedicated myself to help him anyway I could and if that is having him train the new sailor warrior then that is my duty.

Nova and Serena began to laugh and exchanged a wink between themselves, Mina, you are so brave to give up your time, Nova kissed me, but you don't understand. Sailor Venus, the sailor of love, will have to spend every available moment with me. I sniffed and brushed the tears that flowed from my eyes and looked at Nova and with what I hope was pride in my voice softly spoke, I understand, it's okay.

Mina, please don't cry. Let me explain. Nova brushed the tears from my cheeks and held me closer. I don't pick the sailor warriors. The spirits inside the crystals choose them. I have no say in the person that they pick. Nova reached to my neck and slipped his hand under my necklace and brought my crystal up and placed it upon my breasts. The crystal had already chosen Sailor Venus, all that was needed was her to develop a bit before she could be trained. I looked down at Nova's hand as it pressed against the front of my gown. His hand felt so good on my clothed breasts that I almost didn't understand what he had said. Sailor Venus was chosen but needed to develop, I had begun to develop after I received Nova's present, the crystal gem with the starburst, the crescent moon, and the symbol of Venus. I looked at him with my puzzled and teary eyes.

Yes, Mina, you are Sailor Venus. My mind began to wheel, I would not have to stand behind Nova, and I would fight at his side. Suddenly, my mother and father were hugging us. My little girl is Sailor Venus, said my father, I'm so proud. Ameri, Serenity, how can we celebrate the news; the people must know so they can rejoice with us. Soon, Serenity and Serena joined us in a group hug. My mind was racing, I knew I wanted to be with Nova but I was a princess of House Venus. Could I leave my family and stay with Nova, forever?

The decision was taken out of my hands when my father announced to the planet that I was engaged to Nova and we would rule Venus side by side. Almost all of the houses of Venus took the news with great excitement since it placed Venus in the same level of House Moon. My father had gone far beyond the original contract by making Nova my equal in the ruling of Venus. Venus would become a Grand Duchy of the Kingdom, a royal house and not a noble house, on the day of my wedding.

A great ball was held in our honor and to greet the Queen on her visit to our planet. The real reason for the ball was unknown to most that were invited. My father wanted to celebrate my ascension to Sailor Venus; a fact that was known only to a handful of people. Nova had already begun to make plans for me as his future bride. Using his powers of fief creation, he created a barony out of two of his estates and made me the baroness in charge of the fiefdom thereby giving noble standing in the Silver Kingdom. I added a new title to my name, officially, I am Mina hi Nuelin, Royal Princess, Princess of House Venus, and Baroness of Castle Magellan, Commander of the Third Mobile Brigade, and the most important of all, Kanly consort to the Grand Duke. Even though the wedding hadn't taken place, under Kanly law, I was the only official suitor to the Grand Duke's hand. You would have imagined it differently with Nova being male but he was the catch and I had him on my line with the hook firmly set in his mouth. I wasn't about to let him go. I felt proud when I was introduced to the gathering and walked holding Nova's arm. I was dressed as a royal princess in a blue and white gown trimmed with gold and orange bows. My hair was held back by a red bow denoting my engagement and non-availability according to the Kanly Laws and customs. Nova's name was written across the ribbon and in a break with tradition; I wrote it as many times as it would fit on both side of the ribbon. I wanted everyone to know that he was mine and I was his only love.

Nova was dressed in blue and gold and wore an orange ascot in honor of Venus. Nova walked with pride as he escorted me down to the dais where my parents, Serenity, and Serena were seated. I have realized my destiny in life as I touched Nova's arm. I was to be Nova's wife, the mother of his children, and not a follower but a confidant and equal in the upcoming war and in all matters of his life. I was happy and I believe that everyone who saw me knew that I was happy. Most of the night, I danced with Nova with my head against his chest. Father danced with me near the end of the ball, as did Vena who spoke words of encouragement on my engagement. Mother, Serenity, and Serena had to dance with Nova as seemed proper even though his eyes tended to travel towards me regardless of his dancing partner. Truthfully, we practiced dancing for the entire afternoon in my room until we seemed that we had danced together forever. People complimented us as being a perfect couple and I took in every one to heart.

My parents and the Queen ascended the main dais at the end of the ball. My father raised his hand to ask for quiet from the assembly, My people, today is an important day in our history. The Moon Kingdom is at war with the Negaverse. Not many beyond the inner circle of the Queen's council knows about the problem but it is coming to us even on this planet so we need to start preparing for the battles. We do have great champions in this war, champions that will lead us to victory over any forces that our enemy can muster and I have the extreme pleasure to introduce to three warriors that will take our forces into battle and return victorious. Father motioned to us to come to him. I introduce them with pride, especially since one of them is my daughter. I give you, the Sailor Warriors.

The three of us raised our hands, in unison just like Nova showed instructed us this afternoon in a small training session, and as decided by Nova we shouted out transformation phrases in the order that he wanted us to transform. Moon Crystal Power, Makeup, shouted Serena and in the small princess' place was the champion of love and justice, Sailor Moon. The crystals changed our powers from when Serena shouted her 91Moon Prism Power, Makeup' phrase months ago. We are stronger now and our powers are derived from the crystals that we wear next to our skin.

Serena and I moved to Nova and stood at his side before the assembly that was utterly dumbfounded by the transformations. Nova reached for our hands and raises them to the sky. Suddenly, a burst of pure white light went forth from our hands shattering the roof above us into fine dust. The dust hung in the air until it solidified into a golden dome. We stood still for a couple of seconds until a great cheer rose from the gathering. The Sailor Warriors had made their appearance and the universe would never again be the same.

We transformed into our normal bodies but I realized that we would never be the same again. Gone were those days when I just wanted to imagine myself part of the royal family, I'm part of a great group now and I know my life has changed but I don't know if it was for the better. The Sailor Warriors had been born and shown to the universe, our bond will keep us together throughout all eternity. The three of us were a closer family than one bonded by blood; we were bound by the power of the crystals.

The next few days were pure joy for me. I was a Sailor Warrior, my best friend and the man I loved both were with me in that small group. I'm not saying that these days were easy. No, Nova pushed all of us to our limits so we would be ready. Even though out bodies had aged to around thirteen, we were still years away from our full power. Nova explained the aging process was necessary because our bodies needed certain powers immediately but we shouldn't age again until our actually age caught up with our physical age or at least that was his theory.

Father realized the importance of the Sailor Warriors training together and agreed that when Nova returned to the Moon, I would go with him. A better piece of news was given to us at the end of May. Father and Serenity had agreed that since I was going to live in close proximity with Nova, we should be married to protect my honor with respect to what others may say to us living together. A new Kanly contract was drawn and signed and this time, I signed the contract. It was agreed that Nova and I were to be wed on his birthday, just a month away but it seemed to me a long time. I was so happy; all my dreams were coming true. Nova would soon be my husband and I would be the best wife he could ever want, if I could overcome my cooking problem. Serena said that I couldn't boil water without destroying three pots, a skillet and starting a fire in the kitchen. She was stretching the truth but she wasn't stretching it too far from the truth. Nova was very patient with me during this time spending hours with me and soon I was able to cook fairly well, if you scrape off the burnt parts. The only pleasure that I could take in my cooking was that Serena was worst than me.

Something happened two weeks before the wedding that changed our lives forever. Father and Mother took a skimmer to visit the Western Provinces on a routine mission at a remote fief. I kissed them goodbye like I have done many times before and didn't realize that I would never see them alive again. Their convoy was attacked on their way home and everyone was killed. The Queen, herself, formed an honor guard to escort their bodies back to the palace. General Jadeite led the High Guard as the Queen's personal bodyguard and after my parents were resting in the family vault; started the hunt for the assassins. I was devastated by the news and cried for many days when I saw their lifeless bodies enter the courtyard. I collapse in the courtyard by my parents and I found myself being picked up and held gently in my love's strong arms. He kissed me on the lips and carried me to my room. Serena pulled down the covers as Nova placed me on the bed and Serena pulled the covers up to my neck and placed her arms around me. I could do nothing but cry and I thought that my tears would never cease. I barely heard Nova when he told me, Mina, don't worry I make sure that they will come to justice. I felt his lips against my forehead and then my lips. I looked at his eyes and even though my eyes were tear-filled, I knew that he was going to find the ones that hurt my parents.

The two most important people in my life were brutally taken from me that day. The only things I could remember in those days was Serena telling me that Nova had gone to hunt down the traitors and would be back soon and the look in his eyes when he left my side. I didn't find out for years that Serenity used my sorrow to stop Nova's bloodbath.

Nova destroyed the assassins so that no two molecules of their being was in the same place, Jadeite told me that he totally destroyed their bodies and scattered the atoms to the ends of the universe. After this act, he took the heads of thirty traitors that supported the assassins and placed them on pikes. Then, Nova turned to destroy the traitors' family to the last member, no matter what age or sex, for the hurt their family member has caused me. Serenity pleaded with Nova to spare the families from the fate that fell their leaders, Sis, they have hurt my love, no one that aided in this killing shall escape my wrath, shouted Nova. Serenity saw the changes in her little brother that day and looked in his eyes with the love of a sister, Nova, allow Jadeite to continue, Mina is asking for you every moment that she is not crying. Go to her, she needs you. Nova could not bear the thought of me suffering alone so immediately left to return to the palace. Serenity stopped the slaughter of the families and would tell Nova when he settled down that he was going too far and allow the families their lives but took all their wealth and banished them to the unknown lands far to the west of any town. Nova spent the next week holding me in my arms and crying with me when the thoughts of my parents burst into my mind. It helped relieve some of my pain but new problems were developing in the realm.

The provinces were in rebellion because of my young age. They would not allow me to accept the throne at the age of seven and they decided to march on the palace to take control of the government before Queen Serenity could react to the situation. Nova was furious that anyone would threaten my rightful place or me and vowed to destroy the planet to protect me. Fortunately, Serenity didn't want to start a clan war between the noble houses of Venus and the Duchy of the Moon and spent many hours in her effort to persuade Nova not to start a fight with the rebels.

Sis, no one is going to harm my Mina while I'm here. She has suffered enough in the past days and I'll protect her with my life, screamed Nova as the Queen was trying to calm him down. Serenity was holding Nova's hands, Nova, Mina will be safe. I'll protect her with the power of the throne, she is my goddaughter and I love her with all my heart. I will never allow anyone to harm her.

Serenity, you don't understand, unless we show the planet the force behind her protection, she'll never be safe. Someone will always try to take what is rightfully hers because we didn't throw our entire effort on her side. I will stand alone against all the nobles if I must but no one will ever threaten my wife. She is my entire world and I 85 would be lost if I lose her. I was listening with Serena. Nova loved me with all his heart and he already thought of me as his wife.

I appeared in the room and swiftly flew to Nova's side and wrapped my arms around him holding him tight to me; Please my love, let's leave here tonight, we can go to the Moon and forget that Venus even exists. I don't need anything from here. I can go right now and never have a second thought about this world if you are by my side. Nova placed his arms around me and crushed me to his chest. I thought at that moment that I was the safest person in the universe.

I didn't fully understand but I knew that he had to have the respect of all the houses in the upcoming war. He would have to ask all the planets to give of their people to defeat the Negaverse and if he is seen as being unable or unwilling to protect me, why should they entrust their children to him. I agreed with him but Serenity wouldn't let him attack the rebels telling him that he had no rights or obligation under Kanly Laws to make the first move or even defend House Venus. House Venus was not one of his vassal houses like House Mercury so he couldn't provide aid in times of distress.

Nova kissed me on the head. I knew by the look on his face that he had thought of a plan. Sis, if all I have to do is establish my right then all we have to do is to marry tomorrow instead of next week. The statement made by Nova, made perfect sense to all gathered in the room. Serenity was my guardian and she could rewrite any contract including the marriage contract. The Queen agreed to change the date and would marry us in the morning.