It's amazing what can be done in only a few days when you have so many sailor senshi and willing citizens to help out. Again, I was bedridden during the time. My body had been thoroughly drained by the fight, and I was thankful that my bed was as big and comfortable as it was. I slept the most that I ever had that I could remember. Diana let me know of the updates on reconstructions and party preparations. With everything happening, I was surprised that they all wanted to still throw the party. I was excited to hear that the Outer senshi were going to stay for the celebration. Diana also let me know that Helios had returned to Elysion on important business, which made my heart sink. As soon as I find him again, he's gone, I thought after hearing the news. But that is his duty. I can't expect anything more from him.

Finally, the day had come. My friends piled into my room, feverishly talking about how great the ballroom looked and how beautiful my mother was in the new gown she wore for the occasion. I started to feel nervous as they helped get me ready. I slipped into a brand new gown that was a light shade of pink, with small roses around the waistline. Clear high heels were tied onto my feet by PallaPalla as JunJun and VesVes brushed out my hair and placed a small boquet of roses behind my ear. CereCere was beaming while helping me with makeup. They all looked so beautiful in their respective gowns. For the first time since I heard about the party, regardless of Helios not being there, I was getting excited. A soft at my door interrupted the chaos and I saw my mother standing there with a bright smile.

"Mind if I come in, ChibiUsa?" She asked daintily. I noticed one of her hands was behind her back. Her gown was an elegant yellow dress with ribbons flowing down the sides. It was low cut in the front, and she had on a ruby red necklace with a heart-shaped pendant in the middle.

"Of course, Mom." I said and CereCere grumbled at my movement. "Sorry!"

"I wanted to give you your present early," my mother said as she came over to my side. Her hand appeared from behind her back and I saw a small package. It was dark blue with a silver ribbon tied at the top. The bow was lopsided a little, so I knew she tied it herself. "Go ahead, open it."

I took the small present into my hands and tore open the wrapping. A black box was revealed underneath, and it snapped as I opened it. Inside sat a silver chain, with various charms along the links. In the very center was a pink crescent moon. Beside it were other little charms, including a small red rose, a silhouette of a grey cat, a blue bubble, a green leaf, an orange microphone, a red raven, a purple key, a yellow steering wheel, a teal music note, and a light purple hat. I teared up. My parents and all the inner and outer senshi provided charms for this wonderful bracelet.

"Mom, it's so beautiful!" I gasped as I put it around my wrist. It jingled like little bells, making me smile.

"I knew you would like it." She replied and hugged me gently. "You should hurry up. Everyone is waiting!" She excused herself and returned downstairs. My friends continued to ramble on about their gifts to me and about other topics as I finished getting ready. I took once last glance in my mirror before leaving the room, and was taken aback by the sight in the reflection. The woman in the mirror looked so grown up, elegant, and strong. Was that really me? I tapped the glass with a finger and smiled.

"Come on! Everyone's waiting, Princess!" I heard JunJun exclaimed from the stairwell. With a deep breath, I strolled down the hall and descended the stairs. Beautiful piano music played as my feet slowly touched each step. I saw my mother and father holding hands at the base of the stairs, and all the senshi were in their princess gowns behind them. Beside them were Luna, Artemis, and Diana in their human forms. The other guests were all gasping and sighing in awe, making it difficult for me to keep my composure. My hand grabbed onto the railing, for I feared I may trip from nervousness. When I met with my parents, each hugged me tightly and wished me a happy birthday.

I greeted everyone politely, casually asking them how they were since I was in bed. Everybody looked beautiful and charming. I gained many compliments about my appearance and how grateful they were that I saved them from Chaos. It was oddly flattering to receive them. It just made everything more real to me in my head. The attention was overwhelming, so I was relieved when Mom announced that it was time to dance.

While everyone was distracted, I got the chance to admire the decorations. The girls weren't kidding when they mentioned how elaborate and gorgeous they were! Silver streamers and ribbons hung from the tall ceiling of the ballroom, with silver and pink balloons floating underneath. There was a beautiful arch of pink and red roses at the entrance for the gardens, and the tables surrounding the dance floor were coated with sheer tablecloth and rose petals. The pillars had pink ribbon rolled around them, reminding me of candy canes. I walked over to the flower arch and leaded against a pillar, watching all the happy people dance with one another. My mother and father looked like professionals as they glided around the floor. It made m think of them as they were in their past lives. I heard stories of how they would dance together like this and amaze the onlookers. They experienced so much together, yet their love was stronger than ever. Would I ever have that myself? My fingers fidgeted at my waist as I sighed in thought.

"Why so glum, my Lady? Shouldn't you be enjoying your party?" A voice asked form behind me. I turned and saw Helios standing before me with his gentle smile. His outfit was similar to what he always wore, but shinier. A long silver cloak flowed at his back in the breeze. He held a bouquet of pink and red roses in his hand. My heart jumped into my throat.

"Helios!" I exclaimed, running into his arms. "You made it!" I felt him sigh as my head leaned onto his shoulder. His arms closed around me.

"Of course I did, Maiden. I wouldn't miss this for anything." I felt the tears forming in my eyes and I sniffled, trying to keep them from flowing. CereCere would kill me for ruining her makeup job. I pulled away from him reluctantly and he handed me the flowers.

"They're so beautiful, Helios, thank you." I took in the sweet smell of the roses.

"They fail in comparison to you, Princess." Helios bowed, making me blush furiously. "You truly look radiant this evening."

"Oh, Helios…" I was at a loss of words. The song changed behind us and he held out his hand.

"Would you do me the honor of joining me in this dance?" He asked, his golden eyes seemingly mesmerized. I subtly nodded and took his hand, and he led me into the ballroom. One of the servants took my flowers to put them in a vase as Helios and I began to dance. His arm wrapped around my waist as his other held mine in the air at our side. It had been so long since I danced with a partner, I was nervous of being clumsy. Helios must've seen the fear on my face. "Are you alright?" he asked, worried. I shook my head.

"I'm scared of making you fall. I haven't danced in forever…" I trailed off in embarrassment. He chuckled at me. I felt his tug me around as we circled around a couple gracefully.

"You seem to be doing fine to me," he said with his charming smile. The closeness between us was making my heart pound. I was beginning to lose myself in this wonderful moment. This was what I dreamed all along: to be able to be this close with Helios, free of the worries and pain of being an inexperienced child. "You're quite graceful, as always." His words were like electricity as they made my body spasm.

"Helios…I…" I felt an incredible urge to tell him how I felt. Somehow, a fear erupted in my mind that if I didn't do it now, I wouldn't get another chance any time soon. And I didn't want to risk forgetting everything again. "I need to tell you something…" I gazed into his eyes as they shrank with concern.

"What is it?" He asked. I opened my mouth to say the three most important words I would ever say, when my mother's loud voice blared through the room, stopping me dead in my tracks.

"I wanted to thank everyone for coming here today to celebrate this momentous occasion," she said as she stood in front of the band, holding a microphone in her small hand. My father stood behind her, beaming with pride. "As you all know, Princess Lady Serenity did us all an amazing favor of saving this planet from the greatest enemy ever faced in this universe." A loud sea of cheers and clapping filled the room. Helios joined in, and I sighed in defeat. "She's become a strong warrior and powerful leader, so I am proud to say happy birthday to my beautiful daughter. Come up here please, ChibiUsa!" My mother called out to me. Everyone's eyes fell on me and I forced myself to smile.

"Go on…" Helios whispered, giving me a little push forward. I made me way up to the small stage and joined my parents. I saw Diana prance up the stairs at the side, holding a pillow with a silver crown sitting on it. Beautiful pink and red crystals were etched into the crown, sparkling under the lights in the room.

"We are proud to present you with this crown, knowing that this kingdom will safe in your hands," my father said into the microphone as my mother took the crown off the pillow and pat Diana on her head with a smile. She grinning and rejoined her parents on the dance floor. My mother walked behind me and held up the crow above my head. "We coronate you with this crown, and from this day forward, you will be known as Queen Lady Serenity." My father proudly stated as my mother laid the crown on top of my head. It was heavy, but not as bad as I imagined. I strangely felt empowered. My father kissed me on my cheek and gave me the microphone as everyone cheered for a speech. I coughed nervously as I fumbled to think of words to say.

"I don't really have a speech prepared…" I started, darting across my audience. "I just wanted to say what's in my heart. Words cannot describe the pride I feel from having the honor of being your new ruler. I have seen this kingdom take shape and evolve into the magnificence it is today. My mother and father did an amazing job in protecting and caring for everyone, and I used to be terrified of how I could possibly measure up to their standards," I glanced over at my parents; their smiling faces making me feel more at ease as I spoke.

"But over the last few days, I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. I know a lot of devastation was caused all over the planet from Chaos. I know many lives were lost. And I am sorry that I could not save them. But no one's lives will ever be in vein. In their memory, I promise to all of you that I will work my hardest to make this planet as wonderful as my parents have in the past. I love this world and will do anything to protect its beauty and life. Thank you all for believing in me, because that's what gives me my strength." Everyone cheered again and I handed off the microphone to my mother.

"Let's get back to the party!" My mother yelped into the microphone. The band started back up as I walked down to the floor. The Inner and Outer senshi welcomed me with congratulations. My friends all cheered in unison, making me laugh. My father patted me on the shoulder from behind and I turned to look at him.

"What is it, Dad?" I asked. He smiled at me.

"Time for my birthday gift to you," he said, holding his hand out at my side. I followed where his finger pointed and saw Helios standing in the middle of the dance floor, waiting for me.

"What…? I…I don't understand," I said. Mom slid her arm around my father's wait and leaned against him. My father smiled at me mischievously.

"Ask Helios about it. He'll explain." He said and hugged me. "I'm so proud of you." His whisper trailed along with me as I walked over to Helios.

"What's going on, Helios?" I asked. He took my hand.

"Come with me," he said in his soothing voice, taking my hand and leading me out into the gardens. The moonlight made all the flowers shimmer around us as we walked along the cobblestone and crystal path. We walked in silence. My nerves felt like they were going to explode under my skin. He only looked as though he was lost in thought. We stopped by the water fountain in the center of the gardens, and he pulled me in front fo him, staring into my eyes with his.

"I don't get what's happening. What did my father mean?" I stammered. Helios's boyish face whitened, becoming pale. "Are you alright?" I asked.

"Ye…yes. I'm fine." His voice shook. "I wanted to do this more formally, but, I just couldn't wait…" he mumbled as his hand went into one of his pockets. I was completely bewildered. I had never seen Helios so nervous before. What was going on? My eyes followed his hand as it came out of the pocket with a small, red velvet box. "Lady Serenity…Maiden…ChibiUsa-chan…" He whispered as he held up the box, opening it. My mouth fell open as my eyes gazed into the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was golden, with a heart-shaped pink diamond in the center.

"I've waited for a long time, to admit to you my feelings. I watched you grow up into such a beautiful, wonderful woman. You're everything I've always desired. Will…will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" His voice echoed in my head as I stared blankly at the ring in front of me, speechless.

I had to be dreaming! There was no way Helios was standing before me, proposing to me! My eyes lifted to his, and I saw the gold of his eyes sparkle. My cheeks had to be beet red. My lips felt dry as I tried to talk. If this was a dream, I never wanted to wake up.

"Helios…I…yes!" I gasped, grabbing onto him. I felt him shudder in surprise as I held onto him tightly. "Yes, yes, yes!" I repeated over and over, crying into his cloak. He pulled himself away from me and gently took my hand, sliding the beautiful ring onto my finger. I watched it sparkle on my hand before looking back at Helios. "I wanted to confess for so long…" I whispered. He smiled at me, placing his hands at my cheeks. They felt so warm. "Even after forgetting, something deep inside me told me to keep training and become a real lady…I did that all for you…" Helios rubbed his fingers against my shivering flesh.

"I know you did. I've always loved you, my maiden. Ever since we met so long ago. It's never gone away, only gotten stronger." My fingers twirled the tassels at his chest as I listened. "And now, we can finally be together."

"What about Elysion? Your duty there? You can't leave…" I frowned instantly. His fingers grazed along my dry lips.

"It's alright. The golden crystal is safe. Your father spoke to the Maenads, and they agreed to become the new priestesses of the shrine. I am free to do what I wish now."

That was his gift to me…I realized.

"Oh, Helios! I love you!" I blurted out, leaning my face in and kissing him passionately. I took him off guard with my force, and he moved back a little as we kissed, but returned the kiss with as much force as me. Thousands of years of longing were finally released between us.

I promise to make everyone's dreams come true, I thought as we embraced each other. I'm going to make a bright and wonderful future with everyone I love.

~FIN~