At four-thirty sharp, the doorbell to Lita's flat went off. Amy went to answer it, and seconds later Serena's chatter filled the rooms. By four-forty, everyone had arrived. Lita left the kitchen, adding a large chocolate cake to a table all ready laden with sandwiches, cookies, and brownies.

   A girl of about eight with pink hair and wide bright red eyes bounced in. She looked exactly like Serena, from the buns and pigtails hairstyle to the shape of her face.

   "Hey Lita!" she cried, running to hug the teenager.

   "Hi, Rini."

   Behind the little girl, the head of a black cat floated like an obedient balloon. Rini called it Luna P, and the cat did look like Serena's Luna, right down to the upturned crescent moon on its forehead. Mina and Amy started talking softly with Lita, bringing some final things from the kitchen. Raye came in with Serena, both eyeing the food Lita had prepared.

   "Everyone help yourselves," Lita called, watching as Serena began chewing on a brownie and sandwich simultaneously. Before long, all six girls were eating and talking calmly. Luna had come with Serena and Artemis with Mina; the two cats were sharing a sandwich.

  They spread out into the large living room, sitting on the evergreen couches or the light brown carpet. Before anyone knew it, the time had slipped to six that night, and the rainy sun had set.

   Suddenly, an orb of solid white appeared in the middle of the girls. Always ready for action, Lita shoved the others back, taking a point-blanc position. The sphere cleared so that the six could see inside, and Lita dropped her battle stances. A man of twenty-five with silver-blonde hair and vibrant purple eyes appeared, dressed in a suit of pale white gold with a silver shirt. He carried a scepter the same height as himself, one made of sparkling silver and encrusted with jewels. A large upturned crescent moon rested at the top of the staff.

  "Hello, Princesses. I am Crisies, Lord of the Moon. I am here to ask your help. Please, I must ask you to hear me out." He swallowed, hearing only silence and gripping his staff tightly before continuing. "As you know, long ago, the entire Universe was at peace. All nine planets were living happily in what was known as the Silver Millennium. There were the nine Princesses: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto. These nine were part of Princess Serena of the Moon's court. You," he motioned to Serena, "were engaged to a young prince from Earth: Prince Darien. His court contained nine young warriors from Earth; they were dedicated to their elements. They were the Princes of Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Light, Wood, Time, Darkness, and Metal.

   "Around this time, Queen Beryl and the Negaverse attacked. Everyone died in the battle protecting the Moon Kingdom, as you know. But before her death was final, Queen Serenity dissolved the seven Shadow Warriors into seven Rainbow Crystals and sent them to Earth. She also gathered Princess Serena, Prince Darien, and their courts, sending them into future lives on Earth as well.

  "I am Queen Serenity's brother, and I have been a Guardian of the Moon ever since I was revived by the Imperium Silver Moon Crystal, eons ago. My sister Tranquility has also served our sister. But we cannot do this forever. We are not going to be able to hold out much longer, and Death is drawing near.

   "The reason that I am here is because an evil is coming to Earth that we cannot stop. It is going to kill every living being here, and no one is powerful enough to stop it. However, on the Moon Kingdom, the Princesses had vowed to protect the Universe, planets, and elements. You swore that you would guard the Universe; please do not shy away from these words.

  "The upcoming battle will be one that is harder than you have ever had to fight. It will be enough to destroy the Sailor Scouts, as well as the Earth. I will serve as a guardian to you, but I am unable to fight and can only talk and guide.

   "If you choose not to accept your roles in the upcoming war, however, I will understand." Crisies stopped, looking at all of them in turn. "Even with your acceptance, you may be powerless to stop the evil. Do you accept?"

  The girls were stunned. Serena awoke first, blinking her deep blue eyes several times.

   "Crisies...I remember you."

   "Princess." He bowed to her, smiling. "And Princesses. Luna, Artemis. How wonderful to see you all again."

   "I'm in," Lita said, sticking a fist into the circle. Raye and Mina stuck theirs into the pile, then Rini and Amy. Lastly was Serena, and Lita sealed the stack with her right hand on top.

   "For the Moon Kingdom," Serena voiced, looking at the faces around her. Crisies sighed slightly, smiling.

   "May Serenity look down on us, and offer us luck. Take care, Princesses, Luna, Artemis; I shall visit soon. And thank you." He disappeared in a flash of silver light.