VOICES OF DREAMS
What if the general never became evil? What if the silver millennium ended differently? What if they were reincarnated with the rest? What if Luna never made a mistake with creating Sailor Moon? What if they remembered nearly everything except for who were the loves of the senshi?
This is my version of the start, characters, backgrounds and events will be a bit different and will focus mainly on the generals and the senshi, and their love for each other. Read, enjoy, and review.
Please note that I have never watched Sailor Moon. It's just that I've been inspired by fan fictions, so any input or criticism is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
PROLOGUE: DREAMS, SAY GOODBYE TO CHILDHOOD
Light blue eyes painfully opened, squinting against the bright glare of the sun. It was tired yet it drank in greedily the sight of the endless blue sea and the crashing waves, tipped with foam. A smile flittered across the woman's pain-filled visage as the scene surrounded her, her ears perking at the sound of the waves and the clear cry of the gulls as the salty tang invaded her nostrils. But her smile immediately faded as a whimper of pain escaped her lips.
"How long has it been?" she whispered to herself, her voice sounding odd with disuse while she craned her neck upward seeing only the bright streams of light, "four, maybe five hours."
Her vision cleared as she focused on her wrists, lashed and bound tightly to a rope that kept her hanging. Rivulets of dried blood decorated her arms coupled with opened wounds and dirty torn white gloves. She sighed and bowed her head, wanting to shut those images away. But it was for naught as she found herself staring at her mud and blood splattered form, cropped with slashes, scrapes and bruises. Blood flowed from a vicious gnash at her thigh, bright red as it streamed to the saltwater that swirled around mid-calf. She felt the sting of the water, the ache of her shoulders, and the warm blood flowed away from her body, leaving her numb and cold against the now-seemingly icy water.
She found it ironic that she was left to die by the sea of her homeworld that so beguiled her. She couldn't help but smile once again, now her lips cracking and bleeding but she didn't care any longer. Her eyes closed as she gave way to exhaustion and to sleep, dreaming.
She dreamed of silver eyes and silver hair. A man who towered over her, and whose arms held her protectively with a hint of possessiveness. Her eyes were huge as she realized the waltz had led them to the gardens, all alone with her pressed near him. She tried to ease the distance between them and squash the sudden tingling in her veins.
"Thank you for your company," she said, surprised on how breathless she sounded.
She felt like a fool when she heard her voice, as a faint flush covered her cheeks. Much to her surprise, he simply smiled at her indulgently, before his hand rose to caress her slightly blushing cheek.
"General," she spoke in astonishment, the blush quickly disappearing when a feeling of foreboding hummed in her veins.
"Forgive me," he murmured as he suddenly stepped away from her, yet still held her hand, "I'm not usually so forward," he explained, his eyes solemn, "But I would like to ask for your consent."
"What consent?" she asked, her voice soft as she stared at him in a multitude of emotions, all shuttered.
"Your consent that I may court you, Princess," he answered, causing her eyes to widen immensely. A part of her knew this was coming yet she was hoping against hope that this would not happen. She couldn't help but notice his gentle eyes reflecting her, this blond haired girl-woman who looked so lost. She was confused, unsure of what to say as she was swept by the tides of emotions that she could not even name. It left her cold yet warm, regretful, breathless and oh so lost as she closed her eyes.
She felt the dream fade as the cold cruel reality began to assail her. She couldn't open her eyes, but she knew she was surrounded by water, the tide having risen to cover her. She couldn't breathe nor move, too weak to do anything except accept the inevitable.
'I'm sorry everyone,' she thought, 'I wasn't strong enough.'
She wasn't sure, but she knew her tears seeped away from her closed lids, mingling with the waters that gave birth to her. At the back of her mind and soul, she felt the world wail at her loss and cry out in pain as it was ripped asunder. Her heart cried out in grief for the world, the people, and the man she loved for one last time before darkness overtook her.
******
Darkness. Light blue eyes snapped open, belonging to a young 7 year old girl with golden hair. She was very young, yet her eyes spoke otherwise, filled with tears that whispered of aged otherworldly wisdom. Her hand rose to touch her tear streaked cheeks, her eyes blank against the dark ceiling.
"Why am I crying?" she whispered dazedly to herself, "I was just a dream, wasn't it?" she said in an effort to convince herself. But it was to no avail as she remembered the woman in her dream, beautiful and golden haired who seemed to tell her they were one and the same. She couldn't believe it, she knew she couldn't be that beautiful or that strong, not right now.
"I'm young," she murmured to herself as her eyes began to close, "I have still so much to learn."
But before she passed into sleep, the door opened, sending light streaming through the room. She rose from her bed squinting at the bright light.
"Get up," she heard a woman's voice commanded. She made no motion of protest, knowing it was her mother. She calmly obeyed as she slipped into a pair of slippers and into her robe. She followed her mother outside the room, noting the clock that read 2 AM and the windows that showed nothing but night and stars. She wasn't bothered by it, nor was she bothered when they entered the room where a huge harp dominated the center. She said nothing, knowing very well what was wanted of her. She proceeded to sit in front of the instrument and began to play.
A sad tune flowed through the air as her mother sat to watch and listen to her play. Minutes passed when the music suddenly stopped and she gave a small gasp of pain coupled by a slap, her head whipped sideways.
"You aren't concentrating!" her mother spoke angrily, towering over her, "Again," she commanded as she turned to sit down.
She said nothing while her cheek burned with the slap. Her hands once again caressed the strings and music flowed out as sad as ever, while her mind spoke unknowingly, 'Memories. It was my memories. I have to be strong.'
******
A young girl about 7 years old sobbed heavily in the arms of an old man who was rocking her comfortingly. But the girl was oblivious to it all, simply lost in her pain as she cried her heart out. She was lost in an awful scene that played in her mind over and over again. She clearly remembered begging her father not to leave her, not to hit her. She did everything, begged, pleaded, and promised but he did not listen. He hit her, dragged her all the way to the temple, and left her there sobbing without a backward glance.
"There now," the old man murmured as he rocked her, his hands soothingly running his hands over her head again and again.
"Grandpa," she spoke in a choked voice, "doesn't daddy love me?"
The old man's eyes filled with tears as he hugged the sobbing girl tighter and said, "Don't worry Rei, I'm here for you."
"Promise?" she asked, her voice breaking as she buried herself deeper in his comforting embrace.
"Promise," he spoke tenderly, "Now go to sleep."
She nodded, her face still buried in his robes as her sobs slowly quieted down and she fell into an exhausted slumber, dreaming.
She dreamed of barren red sand and rock, stretching for endless miles and miles. It was a blisteringly hot day as the sun glared down upon her. She was so tired, the heat had long zapped her of whatever strength she had left as she laid bleeding, chained on the rest dust of Mars. Not even a whimper of pain escaped from her lips or a twitch of her fingers, for she had nothing more left except to face the inevitable.
She found it ironic that she was left to die in the heat of her homeworld, the heat that she welcomed and gave her strength. She began feeling lightheaded, knowing she was about lost, her body losing the precious liquid that sent blood flowing through her veins. Her eyes slid to a close, forgetting everything, the burning heat, the heavy chains, the painful wounds, and the metallic smell of blood. All she could see was blond hair and blue eyes that looked at her with love. A man who crushed her to her body, tipping her chin up as he kissed her senseless. She remembered how he told him that she loved her, yet she would not believe him until he held her and would not let her go.
"Let me go!" she cried out angrily, her violet eyes flashing.
He did not listen to her, his arm simply tightening around her waist while the other tipped her chin up. Violet eyes met blue, and her eyes widened when she saw the purpose and sincerity behind his blue orbs. She felt her voice struck at her throat as he bent his head, their lips nearly touching.
"I told you," he spoke softly, his breath brushing her lips, "I love you," before he took her lips with a kiss. Her eyes widened with shock before it closed with a sigh, she at last giving in to the inevitable.
"Enya," she heard someone call her, slowly breaking her away from the memories, "Enya!" the voice spoke once again, this time with a sense of fear and grief.
Her eyes opened ever so slowly and she found herself in a man's arms, the chains broken, and staring at a pair of beautiful blue eyes.
"Ja. . ." she began, but he stopped her by placing a finger at her lips.
"Don't talk," he murmured softly as he ran his hands gently at her face, "You're weak."
She mustered her strength to give a reassuring smile when her eyes closed tightly at the excruciating pain she felt at her soul. She vaguely remembered him clutching her tight as he used his body to protect her from a wave of explosive heat. It rolled around them, licking them both, but she was beyond it. All that she could see was her world dying with a mass of explosion, people crying out in fear as air was stripped from the atmosphere, killing everyone. She felt tears seep out from her lids, flowing out into the heated air as her soul and heart ached. Ached for her princess, her friends, her people, and the man she loved who were all to die because she was not strong enough.
******
"I'm sorry Makoto," the woman murmured tearfully as she hugged the stunned child, "Your mommy and daddy won't be coming home anymore."
"They're dead you mean," the child whispered softly in a hollowed voice, showing hidden strength and understanding, when tears began to fall.
The woman did not answer as her tears fell as well, both woman and child hugging each other like it was their last lifeline. Minutes passed and their tears stopped when Makoto looked at her companion's tear clouded eyes and spoke softly, "Auntie, can you stay with me tonight."
"Of course," her aunt replied with a sad smile, "Let's go to bed."
She nodded as she numbly followed her aunt, everything seemingly like a daze. The next thing she knew, darkness surrounded her and she was lying at the bed with her aunt who had fallen asleep. But she couldn't sleep, her mind replaying the events before her parents left. She was in tears, desperately clutching her mother's skirt. She didn't want them to leave, a sixth sense telling her that it was a mistake. But it was to no avail as her father gently assured her, his voice still ringing in her mind.
'Don't worry,' her father's voice echoed in her mind, gentle and kind, 'Mommy and daddy will only be gone for a few days. I'll promise will bring you a present, so don't cry. Be strong for us.'
She remembered nodding, wanting to be strong in front of her parents. She watched as they boarded the plane with smiles and waves, the plane that would carry them to death.
The scene played over and over her head, like a sick recording, never giving her respite. At last when dawn was about to break, she gave in it exhausted slumber and into dreams.
She dreamed of blood and death, and a man with brown hair and a pair of chocolate brown eyes that stared at her with worry and love. She knew she was dying, blood gushing out from a vicious slash in her stomach as she laid in the muddy leaf littered ground of the forests of her world.
"Neph. . ." she spoke, but was stopped when a finger rested on her lips.
"Shh," the man spoke, his eyes loving yet sad for her, "Save your strength."
"No," she spoke as she lovingly took his hand, "I know I'm dying. Leave me. Please save my people. Please stop. . ."
"I can't leave you!" he spoke, his eyes flashing desperately.
"I'm beyond hope," she spoke, tears filling her eyes as she locked into his sorrow filled ones, "Please."
"But. . ."
"Please, for me," she said pleadingly, interrupting him.
Seconds passed, but it seemed an eternity for them when at last he sighed and nodded. She smiled, tears running down her cheeks when he bent down and kissed her with all the love he felt. She kissed him back, his taste mingling with her tears. They parted, he smiling down at her as he murmured, "I love you, Leda."
"I know," she whispered back, "I love you too."
He kissed her again for one last time, before he was gone, running to fulfill his promise. She watched as he disappeared, leaving her alone, alone except for the whisper of the tears. She heard their sorrowful dirge, singing their last good-byes to her as her. She smiled with gratitude while she shivered with cold, the blood slowly leaving her body. Her vision dimmed and her eyes slowly drifted to a close. Memories assailed her of their times together, his arm around her waist as they gazed at the stars. She remembered him whisper to her their secrets while he whisper his love as well. She remember laughing with him, a warm tingling feeling around her when she was with him. Faster and faster, the memories whirled by her and at last, she breathed her last.
******
It was morning when she opened her eyes, the sun shinning cheerfully as it peeped through the curtains. She felt a lump rise up her throat when she remembered yesterday's shocking news. Tears filled her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
'I won't cry,' she thought determinedly, 'I promised daddy I won't cry. I have to be strong. . .just like her,' she vowed as she remembered her father and mother's smiling visage and oddly, the woman in her dreams. The strong woman who seemed to reach out to her as if they were one, and who waited bravely for the inevitable.
******
Sapphire blue eyes opened painfully, squinting against the harshly blowing winds and snow, obscuring everything. She was so cold, her body numb and frozen that she could not even feel the heavy chains that tied her to the post, nor feel the wounds that cropped along her body. She had long given up counting the time or struggling, the cold leaving her mind and body dull and sluggish. In a way, she was simply waiting for the inevitable, eventhough her heart and soul cried out against it.
She found it ironic that she, the one who wielded ice as a weapon was left to die of cold. It was because of a sick joke that here she was tied and left to die in her world whose surface burned with the heat of the sun. She was left at the center of a magical blizzard which slowly buried her under a ton of snow.
She was stiff and barely breathing, her body giving out. She cursed herself for her weakness, for being unable to make a difference. She failed. Failed her people, her friends, her princess, and most of all the man she loved.
Her eyes slid to a close, as memories began to assail her. Memories of a man with coppery blond hair and mint green eyes. She remembered his lazy stance and his roguish grin as he held her close, causing a blush to rise within her cheeks. She remembered the chess games and of course, the ball. She remembered how close he held her, how she felt so protected and loved as he whirled her away from the dancing couples and into the balcony. She blushed when she realized they were all alone and he was bending down towards her, their noses touching.
"Maia," he spoke, his eyes solemn reflecting this blue haired woman aglow with happiness and contentment, "Will you marry me?"
Her eyes widened in surprise and happiness, her voice choked at her throat. She loved him yet she never thought about it, nor demanded it of him. She could only smile and nod as tears of happiness filled her eyes. A huge grin erupted on his face, before he crushed his lips to hers. They stood there locked in that kiss and embrace when she felt him slip a ring into her finger.
Memories continue to assail her as she felt herself slowly lose consciousness, a smile in her features as darkness overtook her. But before she could slip into death, her soul cried out as she felt her world scream in pain and death. Her heart wept, when her body could no longer.
******
Dawn was breaking, when sapphire blue eyes opened. It belonged to a young blue haired child of 7, whose eyes showed intelligence and pain beyond that of an ordinary man. She was silent and unmoving, curled into a ball. Her eyes were distant as she remembered the dream and the woman. The woman who seemed like her, who suffered and cursed her weakness, yet to her seemed so strong. She cringed at the pain and grief she saw and felt, and wondered how the woman could stand it, how she could stand it.
She wanted to be strong, remembering the woman's pain and her pain. She hugged herself tighter, her thoughts going back to last night's incident. She couldn't stand it, her parents screaming at each other, hurling accusations. She had never felt so helpless, so insignificant as she watched them through tear filled eyes. She remembered how it ended, her father walking away, vowing that he would take her away from her mother, while her mother vowing as well that he would not. Afterwards, everything was a blur. She only remembering her mother's heartbroken sobs and her father's retreating footsteps.
'I have to be strong,' she thought, her mother's sobs echoing at her mind, 'I can't be a burden to mommy or to daddy any longer.'
What if the general never became evil? What if the silver millennium ended differently? What if they were reincarnated with the rest? What if Luna never made a mistake with creating Sailor Moon? What if they remembered nearly everything except for who were the loves of the senshi?
This is my version of the start, characters, backgrounds and events will be a bit different and will focus mainly on the generals and the senshi, and their love for each other. Read, enjoy, and review.
Please note that I have never watched Sailor Moon. It's just that I've been inspired by fan fictions, so any input or criticism is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
PROLOGUE: DREAMS, SAY GOODBYE TO CHILDHOOD
Light blue eyes painfully opened, squinting against the bright glare of the sun. It was tired yet it drank in greedily the sight of the endless blue sea and the crashing waves, tipped with foam. A smile flittered across the woman's pain-filled visage as the scene surrounded her, her ears perking at the sound of the waves and the clear cry of the gulls as the salty tang invaded her nostrils. But her smile immediately faded as a whimper of pain escaped her lips.
"How long has it been?" she whispered to herself, her voice sounding odd with disuse while she craned her neck upward seeing only the bright streams of light, "four, maybe five hours."
Her vision cleared as she focused on her wrists, lashed and bound tightly to a rope that kept her hanging. Rivulets of dried blood decorated her arms coupled with opened wounds and dirty torn white gloves. She sighed and bowed her head, wanting to shut those images away. But it was for naught as she found herself staring at her mud and blood splattered form, cropped with slashes, scrapes and bruises. Blood flowed from a vicious gnash at her thigh, bright red as it streamed to the saltwater that swirled around mid-calf. She felt the sting of the water, the ache of her shoulders, and the warm blood flowed away from her body, leaving her numb and cold against the now-seemingly icy water.
She found it ironic that she was left to die by the sea of her homeworld that so beguiled her. She couldn't help but smile once again, now her lips cracking and bleeding but she didn't care any longer. Her eyes closed as she gave way to exhaustion and to sleep, dreaming.
She dreamed of silver eyes and silver hair. A man who towered over her, and whose arms held her protectively with a hint of possessiveness. Her eyes were huge as she realized the waltz had led them to the gardens, all alone with her pressed near him. She tried to ease the distance between them and squash the sudden tingling in her veins.
"Thank you for your company," she said, surprised on how breathless she sounded.
She felt like a fool when she heard her voice, as a faint flush covered her cheeks. Much to her surprise, he simply smiled at her indulgently, before his hand rose to caress her slightly blushing cheek.
"General," she spoke in astonishment, the blush quickly disappearing when a feeling of foreboding hummed in her veins.
"Forgive me," he murmured as he suddenly stepped away from her, yet still held her hand, "I'm not usually so forward," he explained, his eyes solemn, "But I would like to ask for your consent."
"What consent?" she asked, her voice soft as she stared at him in a multitude of emotions, all shuttered.
"Your consent that I may court you, Princess," he answered, causing her eyes to widen immensely. A part of her knew this was coming yet she was hoping against hope that this would not happen. She couldn't help but notice his gentle eyes reflecting her, this blond haired girl-woman who looked so lost. She was confused, unsure of what to say as she was swept by the tides of emotions that she could not even name. It left her cold yet warm, regretful, breathless and oh so lost as she closed her eyes.
She felt the dream fade as the cold cruel reality began to assail her. She couldn't open her eyes, but she knew she was surrounded by water, the tide having risen to cover her. She couldn't breathe nor move, too weak to do anything except accept the inevitable.
'I'm sorry everyone,' she thought, 'I wasn't strong enough.'
She wasn't sure, but she knew her tears seeped away from her closed lids, mingling with the waters that gave birth to her. At the back of her mind and soul, she felt the world wail at her loss and cry out in pain as it was ripped asunder. Her heart cried out in grief for the world, the people, and the man she loved for one last time before darkness overtook her.
******
Darkness. Light blue eyes snapped open, belonging to a young 7 year old girl with golden hair. She was very young, yet her eyes spoke otherwise, filled with tears that whispered of aged otherworldly wisdom. Her hand rose to touch her tear streaked cheeks, her eyes blank against the dark ceiling.
"Why am I crying?" she whispered dazedly to herself, "I was just a dream, wasn't it?" she said in an effort to convince herself. But it was to no avail as she remembered the woman in her dream, beautiful and golden haired who seemed to tell her they were one and the same. She couldn't believe it, she knew she couldn't be that beautiful or that strong, not right now.
"I'm young," she murmured to herself as her eyes began to close, "I have still so much to learn."
But before she passed into sleep, the door opened, sending light streaming through the room. She rose from her bed squinting at the bright light.
"Get up," she heard a woman's voice commanded. She made no motion of protest, knowing it was her mother. She calmly obeyed as she slipped into a pair of slippers and into her robe. She followed her mother outside the room, noting the clock that read 2 AM and the windows that showed nothing but night and stars. She wasn't bothered by it, nor was she bothered when they entered the room where a huge harp dominated the center. She said nothing, knowing very well what was wanted of her. She proceeded to sit in front of the instrument and began to play.
A sad tune flowed through the air as her mother sat to watch and listen to her play. Minutes passed when the music suddenly stopped and she gave a small gasp of pain coupled by a slap, her head whipped sideways.
"You aren't concentrating!" her mother spoke angrily, towering over her, "Again," she commanded as she turned to sit down.
She said nothing while her cheek burned with the slap. Her hands once again caressed the strings and music flowed out as sad as ever, while her mind spoke unknowingly, 'Memories. It was my memories. I have to be strong.'
******
A young girl about 7 years old sobbed heavily in the arms of an old man who was rocking her comfortingly. But the girl was oblivious to it all, simply lost in her pain as she cried her heart out. She was lost in an awful scene that played in her mind over and over again. She clearly remembered begging her father not to leave her, not to hit her. She did everything, begged, pleaded, and promised but he did not listen. He hit her, dragged her all the way to the temple, and left her there sobbing without a backward glance.
"There now," the old man murmured as he rocked her, his hands soothingly running his hands over her head again and again.
"Grandpa," she spoke in a choked voice, "doesn't daddy love me?"
The old man's eyes filled with tears as he hugged the sobbing girl tighter and said, "Don't worry Rei, I'm here for you."
"Promise?" she asked, her voice breaking as she buried herself deeper in his comforting embrace.
"Promise," he spoke tenderly, "Now go to sleep."
She nodded, her face still buried in his robes as her sobs slowly quieted down and she fell into an exhausted slumber, dreaming.
She dreamed of barren red sand and rock, stretching for endless miles and miles. It was a blisteringly hot day as the sun glared down upon her. She was so tired, the heat had long zapped her of whatever strength she had left as she laid bleeding, chained on the rest dust of Mars. Not even a whimper of pain escaped from her lips or a twitch of her fingers, for she had nothing more left except to face the inevitable.
She found it ironic that she was left to die in the heat of her homeworld, the heat that she welcomed and gave her strength. She began feeling lightheaded, knowing she was about lost, her body losing the precious liquid that sent blood flowing through her veins. Her eyes slid to a close, forgetting everything, the burning heat, the heavy chains, the painful wounds, and the metallic smell of blood. All she could see was blond hair and blue eyes that looked at her with love. A man who crushed her to her body, tipping her chin up as he kissed her senseless. She remembered how he told him that she loved her, yet she would not believe him until he held her and would not let her go.
"Let me go!" she cried out angrily, her violet eyes flashing.
He did not listen to her, his arm simply tightening around her waist while the other tipped her chin up. Violet eyes met blue, and her eyes widened when she saw the purpose and sincerity behind his blue orbs. She felt her voice struck at her throat as he bent his head, their lips nearly touching.
"I told you," he spoke softly, his breath brushing her lips, "I love you," before he took her lips with a kiss. Her eyes widened with shock before it closed with a sigh, she at last giving in to the inevitable.
"Enya," she heard someone call her, slowly breaking her away from the memories, "Enya!" the voice spoke once again, this time with a sense of fear and grief.
Her eyes opened ever so slowly and she found herself in a man's arms, the chains broken, and staring at a pair of beautiful blue eyes.
"Ja. . ." she began, but he stopped her by placing a finger at her lips.
"Don't talk," he murmured softly as he ran his hands gently at her face, "You're weak."
She mustered her strength to give a reassuring smile when her eyes closed tightly at the excruciating pain she felt at her soul. She vaguely remembered him clutching her tight as he used his body to protect her from a wave of explosive heat. It rolled around them, licking them both, but she was beyond it. All that she could see was her world dying with a mass of explosion, people crying out in fear as air was stripped from the atmosphere, killing everyone. She felt tears seep out from her lids, flowing out into the heated air as her soul and heart ached. Ached for her princess, her friends, her people, and the man she loved who were all to die because she was not strong enough.
******
"I'm sorry Makoto," the woman murmured tearfully as she hugged the stunned child, "Your mommy and daddy won't be coming home anymore."
"They're dead you mean," the child whispered softly in a hollowed voice, showing hidden strength and understanding, when tears began to fall.
The woman did not answer as her tears fell as well, both woman and child hugging each other like it was their last lifeline. Minutes passed and their tears stopped when Makoto looked at her companion's tear clouded eyes and spoke softly, "Auntie, can you stay with me tonight."
"Of course," her aunt replied with a sad smile, "Let's go to bed."
She nodded as she numbly followed her aunt, everything seemingly like a daze. The next thing she knew, darkness surrounded her and she was lying at the bed with her aunt who had fallen asleep. But she couldn't sleep, her mind replaying the events before her parents left. She was in tears, desperately clutching her mother's skirt. She didn't want them to leave, a sixth sense telling her that it was a mistake. But it was to no avail as her father gently assured her, his voice still ringing in her mind.
'Don't worry,' her father's voice echoed in her mind, gentle and kind, 'Mommy and daddy will only be gone for a few days. I'll promise will bring you a present, so don't cry. Be strong for us.'
She remembered nodding, wanting to be strong in front of her parents. She watched as they boarded the plane with smiles and waves, the plane that would carry them to death.
The scene played over and over her head, like a sick recording, never giving her respite. At last when dawn was about to break, she gave in it exhausted slumber and into dreams.
She dreamed of blood and death, and a man with brown hair and a pair of chocolate brown eyes that stared at her with worry and love. She knew she was dying, blood gushing out from a vicious slash in her stomach as she laid in the muddy leaf littered ground of the forests of her world.
"Neph. . ." she spoke, but was stopped when a finger rested on her lips.
"Shh," the man spoke, his eyes loving yet sad for her, "Save your strength."
"No," she spoke as she lovingly took his hand, "I know I'm dying. Leave me. Please save my people. Please stop. . ."
"I can't leave you!" he spoke, his eyes flashing desperately.
"I'm beyond hope," she spoke, tears filling her eyes as she locked into his sorrow filled ones, "Please."
"But. . ."
"Please, for me," she said pleadingly, interrupting him.
Seconds passed, but it seemed an eternity for them when at last he sighed and nodded. She smiled, tears running down her cheeks when he bent down and kissed her with all the love he felt. She kissed him back, his taste mingling with her tears. They parted, he smiling down at her as he murmured, "I love you, Leda."
"I know," she whispered back, "I love you too."
He kissed her again for one last time, before he was gone, running to fulfill his promise. She watched as he disappeared, leaving her alone, alone except for the whisper of the tears. She heard their sorrowful dirge, singing their last good-byes to her as her. She smiled with gratitude while she shivered with cold, the blood slowly leaving her body. Her vision dimmed and her eyes slowly drifted to a close. Memories assailed her of their times together, his arm around her waist as they gazed at the stars. She remembered him whisper to her their secrets while he whisper his love as well. She remember laughing with him, a warm tingling feeling around her when she was with him. Faster and faster, the memories whirled by her and at last, she breathed her last.
******
It was morning when she opened her eyes, the sun shinning cheerfully as it peeped through the curtains. She felt a lump rise up her throat when she remembered yesterday's shocking news. Tears filled her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
'I won't cry,' she thought determinedly, 'I promised daddy I won't cry. I have to be strong. . .just like her,' she vowed as she remembered her father and mother's smiling visage and oddly, the woman in her dreams. The strong woman who seemed to reach out to her as if they were one, and who waited bravely for the inevitable.
******
Sapphire blue eyes opened painfully, squinting against the harshly blowing winds and snow, obscuring everything. She was so cold, her body numb and frozen that she could not even feel the heavy chains that tied her to the post, nor feel the wounds that cropped along her body. She had long given up counting the time or struggling, the cold leaving her mind and body dull and sluggish. In a way, she was simply waiting for the inevitable, eventhough her heart and soul cried out against it.
She found it ironic that she, the one who wielded ice as a weapon was left to die of cold. It was because of a sick joke that here she was tied and left to die in her world whose surface burned with the heat of the sun. She was left at the center of a magical blizzard which slowly buried her under a ton of snow.
She was stiff and barely breathing, her body giving out. She cursed herself for her weakness, for being unable to make a difference. She failed. Failed her people, her friends, her princess, and most of all the man she loved.
Her eyes slid to a close, as memories began to assail her. Memories of a man with coppery blond hair and mint green eyes. She remembered his lazy stance and his roguish grin as he held her close, causing a blush to rise within her cheeks. She remembered the chess games and of course, the ball. She remembered how close he held her, how she felt so protected and loved as he whirled her away from the dancing couples and into the balcony. She blushed when she realized they were all alone and he was bending down towards her, their noses touching.
"Maia," he spoke, his eyes solemn reflecting this blue haired woman aglow with happiness and contentment, "Will you marry me?"
Her eyes widened in surprise and happiness, her voice choked at her throat. She loved him yet she never thought about it, nor demanded it of him. She could only smile and nod as tears of happiness filled her eyes. A huge grin erupted on his face, before he crushed his lips to hers. They stood there locked in that kiss and embrace when she felt him slip a ring into her finger.
Memories continue to assail her as she felt herself slowly lose consciousness, a smile in her features as darkness overtook her. But before she could slip into death, her soul cried out as she felt her world scream in pain and death. Her heart wept, when her body could no longer.
******
Dawn was breaking, when sapphire blue eyes opened. It belonged to a young blue haired child of 7, whose eyes showed intelligence and pain beyond that of an ordinary man. She was silent and unmoving, curled into a ball. Her eyes were distant as she remembered the dream and the woman. The woman who seemed like her, who suffered and cursed her weakness, yet to her seemed so strong. She cringed at the pain and grief she saw and felt, and wondered how the woman could stand it, how she could stand it.
She wanted to be strong, remembering the woman's pain and her pain. She hugged herself tighter, her thoughts going back to last night's incident. She couldn't stand it, her parents screaming at each other, hurling accusations. She had never felt so helpless, so insignificant as she watched them through tear filled eyes. She remembered how it ended, her father walking away, vowing that he would take her away from her mother, while her mother vowing as well that he would not. Afterwards, everything was a blur. She only remembering her mother's heartbroken sobs and her father's retreating footsteps.
'I have to be strong,' she thought, her mother's sobs echoing at her mind, 'I can't be a burden to mommy or to daddy any longer.'