Last Prologue for the Inner scouts! Hope you enjoyed the first four! After 
this one, each prologue will be noticeably different from the first five, and 
from each other, because, as of this point, the Scouts do not have any 
relations with each other, which of course, will change as we get into the 
regular chapters. Hope you enjoy this one! E-mail me if you want! 
sailoreuropa@geocities.com


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				    Time Honored
			       Prologue Four ~ Venus





	“Can I get you some punch?”
	“Maybe a plate of food?”
	“Are you cold? Want my jacket?”
	“Of course! Punch would be lovely, but I’m not that hungry. Thanks 
for asking though!” I giggled. How could anyone not like being the center 
of attention? I thrive in the spotlight, this is where I am at my best, and I 
never want to forget it! I watched the first boy’s face light up as I told him 
what flavor I preferred, and then he trotted off, the empty space he left  
quickly filled back up by the other eager guys that had made a tight circle 
around me. I flipped my hair back, making sure they got a look at my slim 
figure, which my long blonde tresses covered up. I looked up and smiled at 
the many faces that glowed down at me. I giggled for effect and smiled 
right at a particularly handsome face, and enjoyed the shy reaction he 
gave, by blushing and looking down. *Another admirer.* I thought 
confidently. 
	“Here Mina, strawberry melon, just like you asked.” I heard to my 
left as a glass was thrust in front of me. I smiled my most charming smile, 
and delicately took the cup. I lifted it to my lips and drank the tiniest sip, 
enjoying the dedicated looks I was getting from this action. I had to pat 
myself on the back for the ways I happened to influence the opposite sex. 
I’ll admit, I’m not very smart, that was Ami’s department. And I’m not too 
athletic, with the exception of the martial arts that was required of the 
sailor scouts, but next to Lita, she would win every time! My specialty was 
my charm. And I’m not just being conceited! I knew it, because it runs in 
my blood. I was pretty, petite and as feminine as can be! And for some 
reason, playing the naive little school girl, seems to have the most unusual 
effect on guys! Now, don’t get me wrong, I am in no way naive or little, but 
I do have _playing_ that girl, down to a science. I can bat my lashes, drop 
my hanky, and play dumb like a pro, and consequently have captured 
many young male hearts during this process. I smiled gazing at the 
handsome guys that surrounded me, *Lord knows how this has helped me, 
too!* I giggled out loud and watched the faces just light up at the sound of 
my voice. 
	“So, Mina, decided who you are planning on marrying?” A shy voice 
asked from the back of the group. Now, to any other young girl, this would 
be a silly question. However, I was aloud to wed whomever I wanted, and 
my parents where urging me to pick soon, so they would have time to plan 
the wedding. I giggled shyly then looked down, silently working out a plan 
in my head. One to keep them on the edge of their seats. *Gotta leave 
them wanting more!* I thought.
	“Well, I’ve narrowed it down to two or three.” I answered slowly. All 
the male bodies leaned in closer as they waited for the rest of my answer. 
*Now...* I glanced up quickly at the large clock on the outside wall of the 
Moon Palace, and gasped. “Look at the time!” I burst out. “I have to go 
meet Serena and the others! Please excuse me.” I said, jumping up and 
walking through the crowd of boys. They all gazed after me, surprised 
looks on their faces. “I hope to see you all soon!” I said sweetly, blowing a 
delicate kiss to them. I watched their faces light up, and I waved good-bye. 
	“Worked like a charm.” I said as I walked away from the others. I 
strode confidently towards the large double doors that led to the entryway 
of the extravagant Moon Palace, where my best friend Serena lived. I 
joined the crowds of people as they entered through the doors, now held 
open by two servants, and I was led into the “royalty” line, where I would 
greet the Princess and Queen. I scanned the throngs of people, keeping a 
watchful eye out for someone I knew. It was not long until I saw the two 
familiar meatballs perched on top of a blonde head.
	“SERENA!” I belted, immediately grabbing my dress and bolting 
towards her. She turned towards me, and smiled when she spotted me.
	“Aren’t you excited? You’re going to meet your future husband!” I 
screeched, more excited for her, than she was.
	“I guess.” She answered, her eyes bored. I gaped at her response. I 
felt like it was me that was meeting him! What is _wrong_ with her? I 
opened my mouth to question her motives when I saw a white fur ball 
stride past me, giving me the evil eye.
	“I better go. I’ll talk to you when you’re done here!” I said over my 
shoulder as I bolted after the white cat. “Artemis! What was that for? I 
wanted to talk to her!” I asked, extremely irritated. *Why do I have to have 
a guardian? And a male one at that! It could at least be human if it has to 
be a guy!* I put my hands and my hips and stared down at the cat. He just 
glared me down.
	“You know very well that Serena can not be bothered while she is 
greeting the guests! That’s very rude! Especially at a party like this, where 
there are a lot of high society figures!” He answered painfully. I sighed, 
bored with the speech, after hearing the same thing about a million times 
before. I mouthed along with each word, careful to turn away so he 
wouldn’t catch me. I turned around to face him again, a sweet smile on my 
face. 
	“All right, I’m sorry.” I said, folding my arms. “Just don’t tell my 
mother. She’d have my head on a plate.” I said, looking to the left. My 
mother held her mannerisms (and mine for that matter....) very high, and 
being known for her balls and parties, she had to keep them impeccable. 
And so did I.
	“I won’t.” He answered, trotting off, to find Luna no doubt. I smirked 
after him and stuck my tongue out. *The little booger. Wish he would just 
tell her how he feels.* I thought. I was the only one who knew this, and had 
given him advice with her several times. But he just needed to get up 
enough courage. *He will.* I thought, confident it would happen in time. 
*Now, on to more important things....* I said, standing on my toes, hoping 
to get a better view of the crowd. I spotted a tall brunette, and a silky black 
head stand above the rest, and headed towards that direction. I kept my 
eye on Lita, in order not to lose her, and completely missed the shorter 
blue haired friend that stood in my path. 
	“Hi!” I said to a surprised Ami. “Seen Serena yet?” I asked. 
	“Nope, sorry Mina.” She replied sadly. I shook my head, cursing 
Artemis for dragging me off before I had a chance to get any of the juicy 
details. 
	“Everyone! There she is!” Ami yelled, smiling ecstatically. She 
pointed to a couple dancing towards the center of the floor. Raye gasped 
in shock and Lita giggled.
	“I was right! She’s already in love, I can tell!” Lita said, laughing at 
the blissful look on Serena’s face. We watched as an older version of 
Serena’s partner tapped him on the shoulder. He said something in his 
ear, then he turned to Serena and kissed her cheek. *All right Serena!* I 
cheered silently. Serena stood, motionless on the floor, perplexed by what 
just happened. She snapped out of it suddenly, and headed towards the 
entrance. I fell into command.
	“Follow her!” I ordered, pushing the other three girls in the direction 
that she had gone. We lost site of her, and Lita immediately turned the 
corner, into a small sitting room off the entryway. She ripped the curtain 
away from the entrance and we all gazed at a shocked Moon Princess. 
She snapped out of it, realizing it was only us, and smiled warmly. 
	“Serena! Is that him?” Lita asked first.
	“Yes...” She answered.
	“Oh, you lucky girl you! He is so gorgeous! Wow, you get all the 
good ones!” I screeched, to excited to stand. I sat down as close as I could 
to her, and stared at her, waiting for her reply. I stared, vacantly excited, 
barely noticing how calm she was....
	“How old is he? Is he nice? Does he have a brother?” I exploded, 
unable to contain any longer. My eyes wide, I leaned in closer. 
	“He’s 20, I think, yes he is, and I don’t know. Maybe.” Was her 
reply. I wrinkled my forehead, puzzled by her somewhat “unexcited” 
reaction. Maybe love has a calming effect on people.....
	“I’M IN LOVE!” 
	Maybe not....
	“He is sooo handsome...” She sighed happily as we all giggled. She 
leaned back in the bench, thinking about her newest joy. And promptly fell 
right onto the tile floor. We all laughed even harder, as an embarrassed 
Princess climbed back up onto the wire bench. She flushed slightly, then 
smiled. 
	“I can’t wait until the wedding.” She sighed, once again going back 
into her dream world. 
	“You just met him, don’t you think that’s a little premature?” Raye 
asked, scoffing at our friends’ optimism. Serena glared silently for a while, 
then decided to answer. 
	“No, we’re arranged. Whether he likes it or not, we’re getting 
married. “ She said. The others started laughing, but I wasn’t exactly sure 
why. Not wanting to look like a fool, I joined in. 
	“Of course, he does like it. I can tell.” A light went off in my mind, 
and I started to giggle inwardly. 
	“I hope my husbands as wonderful as yours Serena.” Ami said.
	“Who are you betrothed to, Ami?” Lita asked.
	“The eldest son from Pluto.” She answered. I swooned immediately.
	“Oooh, my mother said they have handsome kids.” I said, smiling. 
Lucky girl.
	“You would know something like that.” Raye laughed. 
	“My mother was good friends with their father!” I answered, a tad 
defensive. Like I’m that much of an airhead....
	“Who’s your fiancee, Raye?” Lita started again. 
	“My mother originally arranged me to someone from Neptune, but 
she told me I don’t have to.” She answered. I rolled my eyes. I may not be 
as smart as Ami, but there was one thing I knew, and that was romance. 
And it didn’t take me long to figure out Raye’s game. She may put up a 
harsh front, but I knew she wanted to fall in love, just as much as I did. 
She needed it. It must be hard to go through life without ever showing how 
much love you hold.
	“It’s not like I’ve met him or anything, so maybe I will end up 
marrying him.” Bingo.
	“Who’s that with your man, Serena?” Raye pointed out, obviously 
trying to get the spotlight off herself. Serena immediately looked up, 
glancing to where she was pointing. I did the same, noticing a beautiful tall 
woman, talking quietly to Serena’s fiancee. At seeing this, Serena 
exploded. 
	“Who does that hussy think she is?” She yelled, putting her hands 
on her hips. You could almost see the steam...
	“I don’t know, but she seems to have Dariens complete attention.” 
Lita smirked. 
	“She can’t have him! He’s mine!” She wailed, her anger quickly 
turning to sadness. She sat down on the floor, and let out an ear-piercing 
wail. A Serena signature wail. She sobbed unknown phrases until Lita 
covered her mouth with her hand.
	“SSH! People are starting to look over here!” She growled. Shutting 
up immediately, Serena pushed at the tears with her palm, and picked 
herself up off the floor. She headed out of the room without another word. 
Right towards the two. 
	“That’s it girl. Go claim your territory.” I whispered, too low for 
anyone to hear. I watched my best friend almost stomp over to them, a 
smile plastered on her face. As she approached, I saw Dariens face light 
up as soon as he saw her. I sighed, happy that she had finally found love. 
Wish I could say the same for me....
	“Can you make out what he’s saying?” I asked, turning my thoughts 
back to the two, in time to notice the two were speaking to each other. 
With _out_ the presence of the other woman. Lita shook her head. 
	“We need to get closer!” Raye groaned, frustrated.
	“Gee, you’d almost think you cared about her, Raye.” Lita said, 
calling her on her weakness. This shut Raye up rather quickly.
	“Some thing about the time, I think.” I said, noticing Serena’s face 
fall as Darien pointed to the clock. He whispered something to her, making 
Serena blush.
	“OH! What are they saying!” I burst out, hardly able to take it 
anymore. Serena said something back to him, and he put his hand under 
her chin. I gasped.
	“HE’S GONNA KISS HER!” Lita screeched excitedly. I watched, 
excitedly as their lips were brought together, and they stood silent for a 
long while. Meanwhile, I kept track of how long they staid like that. 
	“One, two, three, four....” I counted off silently. A clock struck 
twelve, and the young lovers were startled apart. 
	“Wow! Two and a half minutes!” I exclaimed, extremely proud of my 
friend. Darien left, trailing after her father, leaving a perplexed Serena to 
wander off to bed. Lita and myself both leapt up, jumping at the chance to 
interrogate our friend, but only to be quickly intercepted by Ami grabbing 
our dresses. 
	“No you don’t. Let her be alone right now. She doesn’t need us 
making fun of her right now.” She said. I sighed, watching her disappear 
above the stairs. I glared at Ami. Spoilsport. 
	‘I better go, my mother is probably ready to go.”  Raye said. She 
left, with Lita right behind her. Me and Ami walked together, talking about 
the night.
	“I’m very happy for Serena. I know how nervous she was about 
tonight.” Ami said to me. 
	“Yeah, well, she got a good deal out of this arrangement thing. 
Darien seems just about perfect.” I replied. I added a sigh at the end, 
although I’m not really sure why. Well, that’s not true. I knew why. For a 
second, and only a second, I felt the tiniest twinge of jealousy for Serena. 
She barely had to breathe and the perfect man falls in her lap! My mother 
hated arrangements, and strode as far away from them as possible. So, I 
was left to weed through the possible future husbands. Alone. By myself. 
While Serena had her mother to help her with her life! She did her hair, 
helped her pick out her clothes, gave her advice on her love life. My 
mother was constantly coordinating a party, or supervising the 
arrangements for a festival. I hardly saw her! Or anyone else in my family 
for that matter! 	
	My brother, the war hero, was always off to other kingdoms, 
drudging up allies, trading weapons for more high tech ones, ect.... And 
my father! Try finding him when he’s not knocked up on Vodka! And when 
you do, try to get a word in! He was usually like my mother. Always 
worrying about the party the following weekend, or the ball at the 
neighboring planet. So, hell yes I was jealous! Of everything Serena ever 
had! And she did nothing for these precious little presents she got 
everyday! She takes them for granted, complaining everyday about her 
over protective mother! Please! At least she has a mother! I have two 
maids, a cook, and at one time, I had nanny. Other than that, I was alone. 
And I was more lonely in this fleeting second, this minuscule moment of 
jealousy, than any one person in the entire galaxy has ever been in there 
entire life. And I would never wish this feeling on my worst enemy. 


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