The Perpetual Lurker
angelamarie@neo.tamu.edu
Author's Note: This is the second 'arc' in my series about the Silver Millenium. If you haven't yet, I would suggest reading "Beginnings" first.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all related products belong to Naoko Takeuchi and the various other companies holding rights. Notice how I don't appear on the list? That's only because I don't have enough money to buy it yet...... This story is mine, so please ask me before you distribute it anywhere else.
Dark Side of the Moon (Chapter 1)
"WHEEEE!" Her Royal Highness, Princess Serenity, squealed as she slid down the banister of the grand curving steps leading to the ballroom. She flew off the end, landing in an undignified heap on the floor at her nursemaid's feet.
Ana shook her head in mock dismay as she picked the tiny girl up. "Serenity, what in the world are you doing? You don't want to mess your pretty dress, do you? Sometimes I just don't know what to do with you…."
Serenity giggled and squirmed as Ana tickled her ribs. "But- but- but-" she gasped for breath through her laughing. "But I wanted to see the presents!"
"Oh-ho! You thought you'd just come down here and sneak a look, before your party?"
The small princess nodded unrepentantly, an innocent look on her face. "Well, I can look at the wrapping, can't I?"
Ana laughed out loud, then set Serenity down and gave her a light tap on the behind. "You just get yourself back upstairs, young lady, and go put your party dress on. I'll come up to fix your hair in a few moments. No more sneaking looks!"
"Oh, all right." Princess Serenity dashed back up the stairs to her room.
Queen Serenity came up behind Ana slowly. "Is that how you deal with Serenity's acting up? A reprimand and a tickle?"
Ana turned to see her queen. "I can't be too strict with her, Your Majesty. She never misbehaves on purpose; it's just her nature to be excited and inquisitive."
"I know," Queen Serenity said. "She charms her way into and out of trouble - but if she keeps getting away with things like this, she'll grow up to be too irresponsible for the duties of ruling a kingdom."
"Begging your majesty's pardon," Ana said, "But the Princess is a sweet child with a good heart, and she'll do the right thing when the time comes. She's only six years old; can't you allow her time to be a child?"
The queen sighed softly. "Time to be a child. How can I deny my daughter the chance every other child has, to laugh and play and not worry? But how can I deny my people a strong, responsible ruler for the future?"
"Sere has the kind, loving heart she'll need to be a wise ruler," Ana said stubbornly. "The rest will come through time, and through training… Let her enjoy this part of her life!"
"I know you're right," Queen Serenity said, finally smiling. "It's just - I've been having this vague feeling of something wrong, here in our solar system. I can't tell what. It might be years before whatever it is shows itself, but I feel that Serenity must be ready to face it."
"I see," Ana said, but got no further before she was interrupted by a herd of little girls, all running into the decorated ballroom.
"I see cake!" the Princess Minako yelled.
Ana immediately dove for the table where the treats were sitting, throwing herself as a barrier between eight sweet-toothed girls and a pile of goodies. "Oh no you don't!" She told them strictly. "Not until the party."
"Aw, come on, Ana!" Makoto wheedled.
"No! Now go and get ready for the party. Play clothes are not suitable attire."
Most of the girls left slowly. Haruka stayed behind for a moment. "I'm not wearing a dress!" she said. "Dresses are for sissies."
"I'm not a sissy!" Michiru said indignantly from the bottom of the stairs where she was waiting.
"Oh. Well, that's okay," Haruka amended. "But I'm still not wearing one!"
"That's all right," Ana said while hiding a smile. "I put a nice blouse and pants outfit on your bed earlier for you."
"All right," Haruka nodded. "I can wear that, I guess." She and Michiru ran together up the stairs to their rooms.
* * * * *
"Ami? Ami!" Sere ran through the door to her friend's room. "Are you in here?"
"I'm over here," a voice came. Sere turned to see Ami at her desk, busily typing on her small computer.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Just working on some research," the Mercury princess said. "What's up?"
"Oh, I was trying to get my hair clips in, and I can't do it myself."
"Where's Ana?"
"She's trying to convince Setsuna there's no cockroaches in her room."
"Oh." Ami nodded in understanding as she took the clips from Sere's hand and began fixing them in her hair. "What do you think you're going to get for your birthday?"
"Maybe something really nice!" Sere said. "Maybe a bunny rabbit?"
"Maybe," Ami said. She adjusted the clips one last time. "There, I'm done."
Sere bounced happily out the door. "Thanks!"
Ami turned back to her computer and her research. She was practicing her programming skills by writing a basic program to locate and identify energy fluxes around the solar system. She typed in a few more lines of code, then hit the compile button.
The program ran through its testing processes, then took a moment before displaying a map of the solar system. Gathered around each of the planets were pale glows in various colors, reflecting the magical energy of that planet. Ami smiled at her success and hit a few keys, causing the map to rotate. With a little more practice, she could refine her program and make the display even more detailed.
A strange appearance caught her eye. As she rotated the view, she could see a white glow around the moon - and as the display continued moving, the other side of the moon came into view.
It was pitch black.
* * * * *
Sere came back down the stairs, holding Ana's hand, and immediately went to her mother. She curtsied regally. "Look at my dress!"
"You look beautiful," Queen Serenity exclaimed. She knelt down by her daughter. "Now Serenity, we're having some very important guests today, so I need you to promise you'll be on your best behavior. All right?"
"Okay," Sere agreed. "Who is it?"
"The King and Queen of Earth, and the Prince and his four guardians."
"Ew, boys? S'long as I don't have to talk to them…."
"Sere…." The queen gave the little girl a warning look. "This is a big event. Earth hasn't had anything to do with the Silver Millenium until now, and we're hoping to make a treaty with them. The boys won't be so bad. You can be polite to them, can't you?"
"I guess so," Sere said a little grumpily. "But they have to be nice too!" She followed her mother to the end of the receiving line.
Each arriving dignitary exclaimed how cute the young princess was, and how grown-up she acted to be having her sixth birthday that day. Sere bore up graciously under the cheek pinching from distant nobility, and sighed with relief when the guests had all passed by. Then the Prince of Earth and his guardians arrived.
Queen Serenity greeted the adults warmly. "Dagan, Rose, how are you?"
Queen Rose gracefully took Serenity's hand. "It's good to see you again, Serenity. It's been too long, don't you think?"
"Yes. I'm so glad you could come!" The Queen turned to King Dagan. "It's good to see you too…."
The King of Earth bent over the offered hand. "A pleasure to be here," he said gruffly, then straightened and stood there uncomfortably.
While the adults straightened themselves out, the children were having their own face-off. Prince Endymion carefully introduced his four companions. "Princess Serenity, may I present Lord Zoicite, Lord Jadeite, Lord Kunzite, and Lord Nephrite."
"Pleased to meet you," Sere said in return. "May I present Princess Rei of Mars, Princess Makoto of Jupiter, Princess Ami of Mercury, and Princess Minako of Venus." As the prince bowed, she began giggling.
He straightened. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, you just look so serious!!!" Sere exclaimed. At his dumbfounded look, she burst out laughing again.
He was about to retort when a squeal from Rei interrupted them. Endy and Sere both looked to see the Mars Princess grab frantically at her hair and throw something at Jadeite.
She was about to stomp away when Ami seized her arm and whispered something to her. Rei calmed down and remained in her place, but still cast furious looks at Jadeite.
"What was that all about?" Sere wondered aloud.
Endy shrugged, but at the same moment Jadeite came over to him with a very self-satisfied look on his face. "Ha! Got her."
"What?"
Jadeite opened his fist to reveal a large black spider on its back, wiggling all its legs in the air. Sere shrieked and jumped backwards, while Endy gave Jadeite a dirty look.
"Why'd you bring that? You knew there was going to be girls here…. They'll just get you in trouble." He glanced at the frightened girl who was now trying to hide behind him, away from the icky creature. "Don't worry," he told her. "It's plastic. It's just got a power crystal to make it move."
With that reassurance, Sere stood on her toes to look around Endy's shoulder. She shuddered. "Looks real to me…."
* * * * *
"Your son looks so grown-up, Rose!" Queen Serenity exclaimed. "How old is he?"
"He turned eight a few months ago. That's when we decided he needed some other children to be around. Kunzite, Nephrite, Zoicite, and Jadeite were selected from noble families."
"Yes, that's part of the reason we had the princesses come to the palace. They also need training in their powers as planetary senshi."
"Yes?" Rose was more interested now. "I've been wondering about that. We thought at first that Endymion might have similar powers, but perhaps it only comes to girls. The four boys were chosen for their potential as magic users, as well as their friendship with Endymion; I wanted him to have some protection, but the boys' skills don't seem to equal the power of having an entire planet's magic potential at one's disposal. I've been thinking about trying to have another child, a girl, but Dagan and I can't agree."
Serenity cast a look at the King of Earth, who was stiffly ignoring the conversation. "It's a big decision," she said diplomatically.
Rose nodded. "I'd love to hear more about training techniques. There might be some information we could use."
"Of course. It will have to wait until after the dinner, though. There's a lot of information, but most of it's in the library. In fact, you might want to get Ami to show you - she loves the books."
Serenity glanced over to where the small princesses were standing. Minako was talking eagerly to Kunzite, while the young boy glanced uncomfortably around. Zoicite and Ami were talking quietly with each other, while there appeared to be some tension between the silent Rei and Jadeite. And Nephrite and Makoto seemed about to start an arm wrestling match, right next to the crystal sculptures….
"Ana, would you please…." Serenity motioned toward the group of children. The nursemaid immediately saw what was going on. "Of course, Your Majesty." Ana hurried to prevent a catastrophe, while the Queen turned back to her guests.
King Dagan was speaking quickly, in a low voice, to Queen Rose, but broke off when he noticed Serenity's attention had returned. "If you will excuse me," he said curtly. "I must go and speak with Ambassador Gerten." He left a little too quickly for politeness.
Rose immediately underwent a change in manner. "Serenity! I am so sorry for my husband's behavior. I don't know what's come over him lately. He was fine until the council voted for us to establish relations with the Silver Millenium. I didn't think he had anything against the Moon Kingdom, but now he's being so difficult…." The Queen of Earth sighed.
"It's quite alright," Serenity reassured her long-time friend. "I understand. You will be staying for a while, won't you? We have a lot to catch up on."
* * * * *
During the banquet, Sere and the other children had a table all to themselves. They all enjoyed getting away from the protocol they had been drilled in, and made the most of their time. There were a few mishaps, such as when Makoto and Haruka got into a shoving match, and then Rei tried to push Sere's face into her soup. Zoicite and Nephrite joined in with a handful of peas each, ready to throw them at any likely target. This could have erupted into a full-scale food war, if Hotaru hadn't noticed Ana's approach and quietly warned everyone. The other children managed to calm their friends down before Ana noticed what was going on, and they resumed their eating and chatting.
Ana came over to the table. "We're almost ready for you to open your presents, Sere," she said softly. "But you haven't finished eating yet?"
Serenity fidgeted a little in her seat. "Oh, well," she said. "I don't like the carrots! Please, do I have to eat them?"
Ana made a show of considering carefully. "Let me see. What's today?"
"It's my birthday!!" Sere giggled.
"Oh, my, your birthday?" Ana said. "Well, I don't see how we can make a birthday girl eat carrots if she doesn't like them. Just this once, okay?"
"Okay!" Sere agreed happily.
Suddenly, the party was interrupted by the sound of an explosion. All the lights went out, leaving a figure silhouetted in the doorway to the ballroom by a soft green light.
As the figure walked into the room, it was revealed to be a woman with long, wavy black hair done up in two odangos on each side. She wore an elegant gown and had a strange decoration on her forehead. Her triple crescent earrings shook gently as she walked to the center of the ballroom, looking about at all the partygoers. She shook her head in mock dismay.
"Oh, dear. It seems I'm late for the party. It's understandable, as my invitation never arrived… It must have been lost along the way, I suppose. Well, never mind that. I'm here!"
The Moon Queen rose to her feet. The look on her face was as fierce as anyone had seen the gentle ruler display. "Nehelenia. You are not welcome here."
"What? You mean you didn't invite me, your only sister, to my niece's birthday party? And six is such an important age, too! How could I miss it?" Nehelenia smiled beautifully and waved to the children's table, where Princess Serenity was staring at her.
"You are not my sister! That was a cruel rumor put about to discredit my father. He loved my mother and would never have hurt her!" Queen Serenity said angrily.
The guests stared at their queen's outburst. They had all heard the same rumors, of course, but had never heard them acknowledged so openly before. This was getting interesting.
"Of course I'm your sister, dear Serenity. The hair, the eyes, the temperament… we're so exactly like each other, isn't it obvious?" Nehelenia sneered. "Why not stop this foolishness and realize that our two kingdoms should be united? We could rule the moon together and restore the family…. I know family is important to you, Serenity. How can you tolerate a rift between you and your family?"
"We are not family! That's enough, Nehelenia. I would welcome you if you were goodhearted and truthful, but all you care for are lies and power. I want you to leave!"
The Dead Moon Queen glared at her brighter counterpart. "I will never leave, Serenity. The light needs the darkness; don't you know that by now? We form an eternal pair, you and I. Why not accept facts?" She stepped closer to the table where the children sat. "Besides, I can't leave just yet, until I greet the birthday girl."
The tiny girl shrank back from her claimed aunt's approach, as the four inner princesses gathered around to protect her. Minako glared at Nehelenia.
"You stop right there!" she said. "Don't come any closer."
"But I want to give my precious little niece her birthday present!" Nehelenia reached out a hand toward Princess Serenity. Makoto and Rei immediately stepped to block her. "No you don't!" Rei cried.
Endymion watched in fascination. Who was this woman, and what did she want with his new friend? He had a feeling it couldn't be good. Without realizing it, he jumped to his feet and joined the girls in defense of Sere. "Go away and leave her alone," he said. "I won't let you hurt her!"
Queen Serenity stepped in once again. "I would suggest that you leave, Nehelenia. You and your lies are not wanted here. Go back to your mirrors and stories if that is how you choose to live, but leave us alone."
"Such harsh words, Serenity! Fine, I'm going." The Dead Moon Queen turned and walked to the door. She spun back to face them and flung a hand toward the small Princess.
"But first my gift! The Princess will die before she reaches the throne of the Silver Millenium. The kingdom will cease to exist. Happy birthday, young Serenity!"
As Queen Serenity took a step toward the center of the ballroom, Nehelenia vanished in a flash of pale green light. The only sound among the entire assemblage was the frightened sobbing of a tiny princess.
* * * * * *
Endymion stared at the crying girl. She must be terrified, he thought. Before he could reconsider, he went to her and gave her a quick hug. "It's okay," he said. "She's gone."
Sere sniffed, relaxing a bit. "She scared me," the blond girl told him. "I don't wanna die!"
"You won't," Endy said emphatically. "I'll protect you!" The young prince suddenly found himself squashed by all the princesses, who were apparently satisfied that Nehelenia was gone and had come to comfort Serenity in typical girl fashion. He ducked out of the crowd under Setsuna's arm and considered himself well off. He turned around, only to find hinself facing his father.
"We'll talk about this later," Dagan said sternly. "Go sit down."
At that moment, Queen Serenity tapped on the table to get the attention of the eagerly mumbling guests. "Excuse me, please," she said in her soft voice. "I think it would be best to postpone further events until this evening. There are servants waiting to show each of you to your rooms, or to the gardens if you prefer."
As each guest got up and headed away from the tables, Queen Rose approached Serenity. The moon queen saw her friend coming and went to her.
"Rose! I'm so sorry this happened on your first visit here. Your Endymion is very brave, however; I'd like to thank him for defending Sere."
"It's all right," Rose reassured Serenity. "I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I was hoping to find this Ami you mentioned and see if she could show me around the library, if it wouldn't be an inconvenience."
"Of course." Serenity raised her voice a bit, to be heard across the dining hall. "Ami, would you come here, please?"
The blue-haired princess detached herself from the gaggle of girls still surrounding Sere and immediately aproached the two queens, dropping a graceful curtsey as she did so. "Your Majesties," she said.
"Rose, this is Ami, Princess of Mercury and guardian to my daughter. Ami, this is Queen Rose of Earth. I told her that you could help her find some information in the library."
"Certainly!" Rose watched the young girl's face light at the thought of more time she could spend with her books. "Your Majesty, the library is this way, if you would come with me?"
Deep in the caverns of the earth, a shadowy figure sat hunched on a rock throne. This was Metallia, once the powerful guardian spirit of Earth. She had been sitting there for years, daydreaming about the time before the rest of the planets had been colonized, when she had incredible power from all the people and other living creatures that roamed the surface. Soon, however, the other planets all had their own peoples and kingdoms. They'd even united together into one - the Silver Millenium, Metallia thought she remembered. She'd moved then, exerting enough influence to keep her realm out of the alliance. No point in adding to Selene's power, she'd reasoned to herself at the time. Control over the moon and the other planets should be plenty for the stuck-up moon spirit.
Metallia never forgot that it was her people, her planet that had originally populated the others. All the power should have been hers! Now, though, all the other planetary guardians had faded away, and Selene hadn't been seen for a century. This was her chance to regain her power and take control of the rest of the solar system, to make things the way they should be. Although the prince of the earth hadn't shown the potential she'd hoped for, there were others… yes, others who would do just as well.
angelamarie@neo.tamu.edu
Author's Note: This is the second 'arc' in my series about the Silver Millenium. If you haven't yet, I would suggest reading "Beginnings" first.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all related products belong to Naoko Takeuchi and the various other companies holding rights. Notice how I don't appear on the list? That's only because I don't have enough money to buy it yet...... This story is mine, so please ask me before you distribute it anywhere else.
Dark Side of the Moon (Chapter 1)
"WHEEEE!" Her Royal Highness, Princess Serenity, squealed as she slid down the banister of the grand curving steps leading to the ballroom. She flew off the end, landing in an undignified heap on the floor at her nursemaid's feet.
Ana shook her head in mock dismay as she picked the tiny girl up. "Serenity, what in the world are you doing? You don't want to mess your pretty dress, do you? Sometimes I just don't know what to do with you…."
Serenity giggled and squirmed as Ana tickled her ribs. "But- but- but-" she gasped for breath through her laughing. "But I wanted to see the presents!"
"Oh-ho! You thought you'd just come down here and sneak a look, before your party?"
The small princess nodded unrepentantly, an innocent look on her face. "Well, I can look at the wrapping, can't I?"
Ana laughed out loud, then set Serenity down and gave her a light tap on the behind. "You just get yourself back upstairs, young lady, and go put your party dress on. I'll come up to fix your hair in a few moments. No more sneaking looks!"
"Oh, all right." Princess Serenity dashed back up the stairs to her room.
Queen Serenity came up behind Ana slowly. "Is that how you deal with Serenity's acting up? A reprimand and a tickle?"
Ana turned to see her queen. "I can't be too strict with her, Your Majesty. She never misbehaves on purpose; it's just her nature to be excited and inquisitive."
"I know," Queen Serenity said. "She charms her way into and out of trouble - but if she keeps getting away with things like this, she'll grow up to be too irresponsible for the duties of ruling a kingdom."
"Begging your majesty's pardon," Ana said, "But the Princess is a sweet child with a good heart, and she'll do the right thing when the time comes. She's only six years old; can't you allow her time to be a child?"
The queen sighed softly. "Time to be a child. How can I deny my daughter the chance every other child has, to laugh and play and not worry? But how can I deny my people a strong, responsible ruler for the future?"
"Sere has the kind, loving heart she'll need to be a wise ruler," Ana said stubbornly. "The rest will come through time, and through training… Let her enjoy this part of her life!"
"I know you're right," Queen Serenity said, finally smiling. "It's just - I've been having this vague feeling of something wrong, here in our solar system. I can't tell what. It might be years before whatever it is shows itself, but I feel that Serenity must be ready to face it."
"I see," Ana said, but got no further before she was interrupted by a herd of little girls, all running into the decorated ballroom.
"I see cake!" the Princess Minako yelled.
Ana immediately dove for the table where the treats were sitting, throwing herself as a barrier between eight sweet-toothed girls and a pile of goodies. "Oh no you don't!" She told them strictly. "Not until the party."
"Aw, come on, Ana!" Makoto wheedled.
"No! Now go and get ready for the party. Play clothes are not suitable attire."
Most of the girls left slowly. Haruka stayed behind for a moment. "I'm not wearing a dress!" she said. "Dresses are for sissies."
"I'm not a sissy!" Michiru said indignantly from the bottom of the stairs where she was waiting.
"Oh. Well, that's okay," Haruka amended. "But I'm still not wearing one!"
"That's all right," Ana said while hiding a smile. "I put a nice blouse and pants outfit on your bed earlier for you."
"All right," Haruka nodded. "I can wear that, I guess." She and Michiru ran together up the stairs to their rooms.
* * * * *
"Ami? Ami!" Sere ran through the door to her friend's room. "Are you in here?"
"I'm over here," a voice came. Sere turned to see Ami at her desk, busily typing on her small computer.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Just working on some research," the Mercury princess said. "What's up?"
"Oh, I was trying to get my hair clips in, and I can't do it myself."
"Where's Ana?"
"She's trying to convince Setsuna there's no cockroaches in her room."
"Oh." Ami nodded in understanding as she took the clips from Sere's hand and began fixing them in her hair. "What do you think you're going to get for your birthday?"
"Maybe something really nice!" Sere said. "Maybe a bunny rabbit?"
"Maybe," Ami said. She adjusted the clips one last time. "There, I'm done."
Sere bounced happily out the door. "Thanks!"
Ami turned back to her computer and her research. She was practicing her programming skills by writing a basic program to locate and identify energy fluxes around the solar system. She typed in a few more lines of code, then hit the compile button.
The program ran through its testing processes, then took a moment before displaying a map of the solar system. Gathered around each of the planets were pale glows in various colors, reflecting the magical energy of that planet. Ami smiled at her success and hit a few keys, causing the map to rotate. With a little more practice, she could refine her program and make the display even more detailed.
A strange appearance caught her eye. As she rotated the view, she could see a white glow around the moon - and as the display continued moving, the other side of the moon came into view.
It was pitch black.
* * * * *
Sere came back down the stairs, holding Ana's hand, and immediately went to her mother. She curtsied regally. "Look at my dress!"
"You look beautiful," Queen Serenity exclaimed. She knelt down by her daughter. "Now Serenity, we're having some very important guests today, so I need you to promise you'll be on your best behavior. All right?"
"Okay," Sere agreed. "Who is it?"
"The King and Queen of Earth, and the Prince and his four guardians."
"Ew, boys? S'long as I don't have to talk to them…."
"Sere…." The queen gave the little girl a warning look. "This is a big event. Earth hasn't had anything to do with the Silver Millenium until now, and we're hoping to make a treaty with them. The boys won't be so bad. You can be polite to them, can't you?"
"I guess so," Sere said a little grumpily. "But they have to be nice too!" She followed her mother to the end of the receiving line.
Each arriving dignitary exclaimed how cute the young princess was, and how grown-up she acted to be having her sixth birthday that day. Sere bore up graciously under the cheek pinching from distant nobility, and sighed with relief when the guests had all passed by. Then the Prince of Earth and his guardians arrived.
Queen Serenity greeted the adults warmly. "Dagan, Rose, how are you?"
Queen Rose gracefully took Serenity's hand. "It's good to see you again, Serenity. It's been too long, don't you think?"
"Yes. I'm so glad you could come!" The Queen turned to King Dagan. "It's good to see you too…."
The King of Earth bent over the offered hand. "A pleasure to be here," he said gruffly, then straightened and stood there uncomfortably.
While the adults straightened themselves out, the children were having their own face-off. Prince Endymion carefully introduced his four companions. "Princess Serenity, may I present Lord Zoicite, Lord Jadeite, Lord Kunzite, and Lord Nephrite."
"Pleased to meet you," Sere said in return. "May I present Princess Rei of Mars, Princess Makoto of Jupiter, Princess Ami of Mercury, and Princess Minako of Venus." As the prince bowed, she began giggling.
He straightened. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, you just look so serious!!!" Sere exclaimed. At his dumbfounded look, she burst out laughing again.
He was about to retort when a squeal from Rei interrupted them. Endy and Sere both looked to see the Mars Princess grab frantically at her hair and throw something at Jadeite.
She was about to stomp away when Ami seized her arm and whispered something to her. Rei calmed down and remained in her place, but still cast furious looks at Jadeite.
"What was that all about?" Sere wondered aloud.
Endy shrugged, but at the same moment Jadeite came over to him with a very self-satisfied look on his face. "Ha! Got her."
"What?"
Jadeite opened his fist to reveal a large black spider on its back, wiggling all its legs in the air. Sere shrieked and jumped backwards, while Endy gave Jadeite a dirty look.
"Why'd you bring that? You knew there was going to be girls here…. They'll just get you in trouble." He glanced at the frightened girl who was now trying to hide behind him, away from the icky creature. "Don't worry," he told her. "It's plastic. It's just got a power crystal to make it move."
With that reassurance, Sere stood on her toes to look around Endy's shoulder. She shuddered. "Looks real to me…."
* * * * *
"Your son looks so grown-up, Rose!" Queen Serenity exclaimed. "How old is he?"
"He turned eight a few months ago. That's when we decided he needed some other children to be around. Kunzite, Nephrite, Zoicite, and Jadeite were selected from noble families."
"Yes, that's part of the reason we had the princesses come to the palace. They also need training in their powers as planetary senshi."
"Yes?" Rose was more interested now. "I've been wondering about that. We thought at first that Endymion might have similar powers, but perhaps it only comes to girls. The four boys were chosen for their potential as magic users, as well as their friendship with Endymion; I wanted him to have some protection, but the boys' skills don't seem to equal the power of having an entire planet's magic potential at one's disposal. I've been thinking about trying to have another child, a girl, but Dagan and I can't agree."
Serenity cast a look at the King of Earth, who was stiffly ignoring the conversation. "It's a big decision," she said diplomatically.
Rose nodded. "I'd love to hear more about training techniques. There might be some information we could use."
"Of course. It will have to wait until after the dinner, though. There's a lot of information, but most of it's in the library. In fact, you might want to get Ami to show you - she loves the books."
Serenity glanced over to where the small princesses were standing. Minako was talking eagerly to Kunzite, while the young boy glanced uncomfortably around. Zoicite and Ami were talking quietly with each other, while there appeared to be some tension between the silent Rei and Jadeite. And Nephrite and Makoto seemed about to start an arm wrestling match, right next to the crystal sculptures….
"Ana, would you please…." Serenity motioned toward the group of children. The nursemaid immediately saw what was going on. "Of course, Your Majesty." Ana hurried to prevent a catastrophe, while the Queen turned back to her guests.
King Dagan was speaking quickly, in a low voice, to Queen Rose, but broke off when he noticed Serenity's attention had returned. "If you will excuse me," he said curtly. "I must go and speak with Ambassador Gerten." He left a little too quickly for politeness.
Rose immediately underwent a change in manner. "Serenity! I am so sorry for my husband's behavior. I don't know what's come over him lately. He was fine until the council voted for us to establish relations with the Silver Millenium. I didn't think he had anything against the Moon Kingdom, but now he's being so difficult…." The Queen of Earth sighed.
"It's quite alright," Serenity reassured her long-time friend. "I understand. You will be staying for a while, won't you? We have a lot to catch up on."
* * * * *
During the banquet, Sere and the other children had a table all to themselves. They all enjoyed getting away from the protocol they had been drilled in, and made the most of their time. There were a few mishaps, such as when Makoto and Haruka got into a shoving match, and then Rei tried to push Sere's face into her soup. Zoicite and Nephrite joined in with a handful of peas each, ready to throw them at any likely target. This could have erupted into a full-scale food war, if Hotaru hadn't noticed Ana's approach and quietly warned everyone. The other children managed to calm their friends down before Ana noticed what was going on, and they resumed their eating and chatting.
Ana came over to the table. "We're almost ready for you to open your presents, Sere," she said softly. "But you haven't finished eating yet?"
Serenity fidgeted a little in her seat. "Oh, well," she said. "I don't like the carrots! Please, do I have to eat them?"
Ana made a show of considering carefully. "Let me see. What's today?"
"It's my birthday!!" Sere giggled.
"Oh, my, your birthday?" Ana said. "Well, I don't see how we can make a birthday girl eat carrots if she doesn't like them. Just this once, okay?"
"Okay!" Sere agreed happily.
Suddenly, the party was interrupted by the sound of an explosion. All the lights went out, leaving a figure silhouetted in the doorway to the ballroom by a soft green light.
As the figure walked into the room, it was revealed to be a woman with long, wavy black hair done up in two odangos on each side. She wore an elegant gown and had a strange decoration on her forehead. Her triple crescent earrings shook gently as she walked to the center of the ballroom, looking about at all the partygoers. She shook her head in mock dismay.
"Oh, dear. It seems I'm late for the party. It's understandable, as my invitation never arrived… It must have been lost along the way, I suppose. Well, never mind that. I'm here!"
The Moon Queen rose to her feet. The look on her face was as fierce as anyone had seen the gentle ruler display. "Nehelenia. You are not welcome here."
"What? You mean you didn't invite me, your only sister, to my niece's birthday party? And six is such an important age, too! How could I miss it?" Nehelenia smiled beautifully and waved to the children's table, where Princess Serenity was staring at her.
"You are not my sister! That was a cruel rumor put about to discredit my father. He loved my mother and would never have hurt her!" Queen Serenity said angrily.
The guests stared at their queen's outburst. They had all heard the same rumors, of course, but had never heard them acknowledged so openly before. This was getting interesting.
"Of course I'm your sister, dear Serenity. The hair, the eyes, the temperament… we're so exactly like each other, isn't it obvious?" Nehelenia sneered. "Why not stop this foolishness and realize that our two kingdoms should be united? We could rule the moon together and restore the family…. I know family is important to you, Serenity. How can you tolerate a rift between you and your family?"
"We are not family! That's enough, Nehelenia. I would welcome you if you were goodhearted and truthful, but all you care for are lies and power. I want you to leave!"
The Dead Moon Queen glared at her brighter counterpart. "I will never leave, Serenity. The light needs the darkness; don't you know that by now? We form an eternal pair, you and I. Why not accept facts?" She stepped closer to the table where the children sat. "Besides, I can't leave just yet, until I greet the birthday girl."
The tiny girl shrank back from her claimed aunt's approach, as the four inner princesses gathered around to protect her. Minako glared at Nehelenia.
"You stop right there!" she said. "Don't come any closer."
"But I want to give my precious little niece her birthday present!" Nehelenia reached out a hand toward Princess Serenity. Makoto and Rei immediately stepped to block her. "No you don't!" Rei cried.
Endymion watched in fascination. Who was this woman, and what did she want with his new friend? He had a feeling it couldn't be good. Without realizing it, he jumped to his feet and joined the girls in defense of Sere. "Go away and leave her alone," he said. "I won't let you hurt her!"
Queen Serenity stepped in once again. "I would suggest that you leave, Nehelenia. You and your lies are not wanted here. Go back to your mirrors and stories if that is how you choose to live, but leave us alone."
"Such harsh words, Serenity! Fine, I'm going." The Dead Moon Queen turned and walked to the door. She spun back to face them and flung a hand toward the small Princess.
"But first my gift! The Princess will die before she reaches the throne of the Silver Millenium. The kingdom will cease to exist. Happy birthday, young Serenity!"
As Queen Serenity took a step toward the center of the ballroom, Nehelenia vanished in a flash of pale green light. The only sound among the entire assemblage was the frightened sobbing of a tiny princess.
* * * * * *
Endymion stared at the crying girl. She must be terrified, he thought. Before he could reconsider, he went to her and gave her a quick hug. "It's okay," he said. "She's gone."
Sere sniffed, relaxing a bit. "She scared me," the blond girl told him. "I don't wanna die!"
"You won't," Endy said emphatically. "I'll protect you!" The young prince suddenly found himself squashed by all the princesses, who were apparently satisfied that Nehelenia was gone and had come to comfort Serenity in typical girl fashion. He ducked out of the crowd under Setsuna's arm and considered himself well off. He turned around, only to find hinself facing his father.
"We'll talk about this later," Dagan said sternly. "Go sit down."
At that moment, Queen Serenity tapped on the table to get the attention of the eagerly mumbling guests. "Excuse me, please," she said in her soft voice. "I think it would be best to postpone further events until this evening. There are servants waiting to show each of you to your rooms, or to the gardens if you prefer."
As each guest got up and headed away from the tables, Queen Rose approached Serenity. The moon queen saw her friend coming and went to her.
"Rose! I'm so sorry this happened on your first visit here. Your Endymion is very brave, however; I'd like to thank him for defending Sere."
"It's all right," Rose reassured Serenity. "I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I was hoping to find this Ami you mentioned and see if she could show me around the library, if it wouldn't be an inconvenience."
"Of course." Serenity raised her voice a bit, to be heard across the dining hall. "Ami, would you come here, please?"
The blue-haired princess detached herself from the gaggle of girls still surrounding Sere and immediately aproached the two queens, dropping a graceful curtsey as she did so. "Your Majesties," she said.
"Rose, this is Ami, Princess of Mercury and guardian to my daughter. Ami, this is Queen Rose of Earth. I told her that you could help her find some information in the library."
"Certainly!" Rose watched the young girl's face light at the thought of more time she could spend with her books. "Your Majesty, the library is this way, if you would come with me?"
Deep in the caverns of the earth, a shadowy figure sat hunched on a rock throne. This was Metallia, once the powerful guardian spirit of Earth. She had been sitting there for years, daydreaming about the time before the rest of the planets had been colonized, when she had incredible power from all the people and other living creatures that roamed the surface. Soon, however, the other planets all had their own peoples and kingdoms. They'd even united together into one - the Silver Millenium, Metallia thought she remembered. She'd moved then, exerting enough influence to keep her realm out of the alliance. No point in adding to Selene's power, she'd reasoned to herself at the time. Control over the moon and the other planets should be plenty for the stuck-up moon spirit.
Metallia never forgot that it was her people, her planet that had originally populated the others. All the power should have been hers! Now, though, all the other planetary guardians had faded away, and Selene hadn't been seen for a century. This was her chance to regain her power and take control of the rest of the solar system, to make things the way they should be. Although the prince of the earth hadn't shown the potential she'd hoped for, there were others… yes, others who would do just as well.