Prologue
Anger. Anger was the only emotion visible on her lavender eyes as she looked upon the uninvited guest making her way over to the throne. Fear was sprouting as well, but at this moment, at this time, she needed to be strong. She needed to control the anger that was quickly driving her to cast immediate judgment. Fear cast aside, the Queen could only hope that whatever situation unfolded this evening she would make the correct decision.
As the witch made her way, a silence fell among the crowds gathered at this sacred event. The joyous presentation of the newest member of the royal family. Only moments before the air had been filled with joyous music coming from the grand orchestra and the sound of ecstatic children, lining up in haste to meet the new royal. Well wishes from the Royals of the nine planets, had been given to the tiny princess with genuine hope. For this delicate child, this princess of the Moon Kingdom, held all their fates in her hand. The medium which afforded them peace, the Silver Crystal, could only be wielded by those of this precious bloodline, thus all the planets gathered to celebrate the continuance of their peaceful reigns. For the Moon Kingdom had managed to unite all the planets in an order known as the Silver Alliance, this alliance had allowed peace to reign for a millennium, causing people to dub the era as the Silver Millennium. In accordance with the Silver Alliance, each planet was to assign their firstborn princess as the Lunar princess's guard. Such was the purpose of this day, to introduce the royal princesses their new liege, and pledge themselves to her service. That was the scene that greeted the uninvited guest when she had magically appeared in the middle of the ballroom, amongst gasps and screams.
As she slowly made her way over to the queen and child, it seemed the crowds parted for her, as if an unknown force was pushing them away. Looking at the queen, she slowly gave a curtsy and raised her head with a sinister smirk on her face. Her black cold eyes could not hide her intentions, and it was only a few seconds before she voiced them. "I see I was not worthy to be invited to my nieces presentation. Everyone here has already bestowed gifts to the child, I don't see why I shouldn't as well. To my lovely niece, who, may I say looks nothing like her father, I bestow a curse, just as I was not allowed to rule my kingdom, neither shall you! You will die before you sit on your mothers thrown!" An audible gasp was heard from the crowds, just as the queen lifted her scepter, and pointed it at the evil woman.
"Nehelenia, you go too far! For months our forces have searched for you, stomping out the last of your insurrections. Here now, I shall give you the judgment that you have earned! For the crime of inciting rebellion in the alliance, attempting to overthrow the kingdom of Luna, and murdering both my husband and his brother, your own husband! I exile you to a prison of your own design. You who so love the darkness, now, you shall reside in it forever!" With that, a blinding light filled the great ballroom of the lunar palace, its strength amplified by the crystal columns that held up the massive domed ceiling. Once the light faded away, only a faint rise of smoke remained, but the crackle that had escaped the witches throat seconds before the blast hit her, remained, as a reminder that her words where not to be taken lightly. Incredulous eyes stared in shock at the queen. Had she not just stated that she would be exiled? Had she actually decided to kill the witch instead? As the royal families stood in awe, the queen announced: "Nehelenia has not been killed. Her body has been sent to a different dimension, she will not return, not in this lifetime, you have my word!" The crowds consented with said judgement with a firm shake of their heads. "You shall speak of the events of this evening to no one! This matter is to stay within the royal families. Our subjects must not have reason to lose hope in our peace. We do not want to cause an uproar among the people. Remember, they where just words and words they will stay! The party is dismissed, thank you all for attending, I will send out further instructions on how to proceed in the course of this week."
The crowds appeared relaxed, but tension was still thick in the air. The event now over, the queen gathered her most precious daughter and murmured "No harm shall come to you, my darling daughter. You shall live and you shall inherit this throne. The Silver Alliance will not fall. Your father did not give his life in vain!" Motioning her attendants to follow, the queen stepped of the dais and made for the large white oak doors that lead to the great hall. Before she could reach them an old friend, the king of Earth, discreetly approached the queen. Once her attention was gathered, the perturbed king stated his worry.
"The announcement, shall it still be made? Our negotiations and planning have not been for naught! Serenity, now is the time to formally bring earth into your alliance! You have been kind to give the earth your protection and we have greatly enjoyed the benefits of your alliance, but I would like to be able to make my people privy to your world. For too long our people have been kept in the dark about the other planets, and the Silver Alliance. I know that the decision to keep the people in the dark was made for the protection of human kind, as they would find your long life spans unnatural, but we too have our own power source, our golden crystal, surely with time, we too can expand our peoples' lifespan to that of your own. You have guarded and watched over our planet for so long, please let us join your alliance as equals that we may protect not only our earth, but our solar system. Where we not invited here for this announcement? Earth needs it, as do you!"
The sincerity and devastation in his voice pulled at the queens' heart, but she did not have an answer that would satisfy the desperate king. "I'm sorry Titus, but I can't pull through with our arrangement. My daughter's life has just been threatened, the safety of my heir, is of utmost importance. Our peace can only be upheld if my bloodline continues on. The crystal has already bonded with her as the next carrier, she must live, she must fulfill her duty, for your sake and ours!"
Titus could only appeal to her once more "Serenity, as a father, I understand the importance of keeping ones child from harm, but I'm sure we can work around this predicament! Her words are empty threats! You have already cast judgment! Surely our plans need not change!"
With a face full of regret the queen spoke the words that the earth king feared "Titus, the betrothal is off. My priorities have changed. What my daughter needs is protection at this time, it was presumptuous of me to attempt an engagement for her. I must focus my attention on her safety. But do not fret, I will not abandon earth, I have always favored it, as it has always been under our protection. Earth will formally enter the alliance, just not at this time." The king could only muster a small nod and made to turn, when the queen spoke once more. "Give Gaia my regrets, I do so adore Endymion, he is a lovely child, but all hope is not lost. If I can manage to set things right in the future, things may be favorable once more...but I do not expect to hold you to that Titus".
With that said, the queen exited the ballroom. As soon as the massive oak doors closed with a boom, the sound of hurried footsteps and swishing silk was heard. After the great hall was cleared and the south wing entered, Serenity, high queen of the Silver Alliance spoke: "Get me my council, Artemis, and, if she accedes, Pluto. Decisions must be made, time is of the essence! Go Luna! We must meet tonight!" With a determined look she simply nodded and made towards one of the three mentioned.
Luna had recently started her post as the queens head assistant, and as her ancestors, who also served in the position, took matters of any sorts seriously, especially after what had occurred at the presentation. Yet, her seriousness made up for a fault she could not rid herself of... clumsiness. Try as she may, every now and then that slight fault would rear its way out of her polished etiquette. Her meticulously studied "elegance", would fail and out would come the young insecure girl she hid within. For in her 20 years, she had made it a goal to hide that side away, that she may only show her suitable side, as the queens head assistant. That she may make her people proud. For few where chosen to serve in her capacity, and out of a sea of hopefuls, she was deemed best. She would make it her life's goal to make sure of it. Such where her thoughts as she walked down that intricate path that lead to the forbidden part of the castle. Clutching the queens seal, Luna sure hoped the time warrior would be kinder than the last time she approached the time door. She had barely opened it when an attempt to decapitate her was made. Luna had barely moved in time to avoid the deadly collision with her garnet rod. That was the last time Luna ever opened that door without holding out the Queens seal first to show the guardian her "pass" per say. She shivered as the memory replayed in her mind, and absentmindedly touched her neck. "What a deadly woman, no wonder she does not have friends" Luna heard herself mutter as she approached the door. To her surprise the door flung open on its own, sending her tumbling back and landing in a mess of her own skirts. After standing up to dust herself off and arrange her long black hair, taking care that her double buns on each side of her head weren't out of place, she looked up to see that there, waiting for her, was the warrior of time herself.
With a barely noticeable smirk, pluto coolly stated: " Contrary to your belief, I do have friends, they just aren't allowed to visit". Luna could only look at the floor in embarrassment, but after a couple of seconds remembered her urgent request. As she was about to inform Pluto of the Queens matter, Pluto knowingly answered: "I know why you are here, but I must regret to inform you that my presence at tonight 's meeting is unnecessary, and may cause a rift in time. The Queen must make this decision on her own. If need be, I will direct the Queen if we steer off the path. Just tell her this. Do not let fear cloud your judgments, light will always shine over darkness, have faith in that". With that, the doors closed with finality and Luna was left to deliver the news. With a deflated sigh she turned and whispered to herself, "well, that just leaves the council members, and Artemis". Luna then switched paths to the Military Generals office.
Almost to her destination she started to feel that familiar feeling of butterflies in her stomach. She greatly admired the Military General, for he too was of the planet Mau, and had shown that their people where an important asset to the Silver Alliance. She only wished to do a great job as he, serving in the royal household, but for all the admiration she held, she also held annoyance. For somehow, he always managed to come across her less presentable side, and constantly found himself a spectator in her less than pristine moments. Stopping by a mirror in the hallway she decided to check her appearance. "Artemis loves teasing me about anything and everything. I won't give him the chance to do so. I must waste no time with these games. He will listen to my message and take me seriously!" After the pep talk was given, Luna made her way around the corner to the corridor that led to his office with a determined stride when again she found herself in a mess of skirts. Just as she was about to let her fury fly at the unfortunate soul that had brought her to the floor, for the second time within the hour, her voice fled as she looked upon the dark green eyes and silver hair, of a very amused and smirking Military General. Without a thought to her current situation, and with as much articulation as possible Luna managed to tell the military general that his Queen "needed him immediately!" Artemis acknowledged her statement with a nod and gave her his hand to gently help her up. Quickly, she dusted herself off, arranging her skirts and hair. Artemis stood by quietly and silently viewed her with a happy glint in his eye. When the lady, was apparently presentable again, he made a bow to go. Just as soon as she thought she was out of the woods, Artemis turned his head and with an amused voice stated "would the lady like ,for me to call a maid to assist you? It must be quite difficult to move around exposing yourself as you are now. It seems you have torn a great slit along the back of your dress. My dear, I can see that there is an urgency to the message, but to arrive at my door in such a state of undress!" with that he made his way to the South wing, where the queen's conference room was. Luna could only stand in place in shock, and could not help the exasperated sigh that left her mouth or the tears that threatened to spill. She turned around and gaped at the tear in her dress. Artemis had been very kind to call it a slit instead of what it was, a large gaping hole! Checking for any passerby's Luna decided best to head for her room to change before exposing herself anymore. Turning toward the west wing, where her room lay, Luna started her slow guarded walk.
Upon arriving to her room, a note hung from her door stating: "Do not worry, I have taken it upon myself to call on the counsel as well -Artemis." Luna thanked her stars as she quickly changed into another dress. She was going to have to learn to handle stressful situations a whole lot better, especially since she had been assigned to oversee the princess when her schooling began. "I promise to Selene, this is the last of my mistakes, I will get myself under control!" with that Luna walked as quickly as she could to the conference room.
After quietly entering the room, and taking her seat by the queen, Luna was relieved to see that not everyone was assembled quite yet. Slowly whispering to the queen Pluto's message, The queen gave a quick nod, and "thank you" to her assistant. With that the queen gazed at the table that was now mostly filled with all the members of her inner council, the reigning monarchs of the four inner planets, with the exception of earth. The thought passed thru the queens mind with sadness. Had that wretched being not disturbed their gathering, the planets would be celebrating the addition of the final planet to their alliance, and not just that, but the union of the earth and moon. Finally the earth would have gained the knowledge that the universe knew. They would know of the celestial beings that lived on other planets, that they where not alone in the universe. That they where being protected from outside sources, so that their precious planet could focus on advancing and eventually join the others. But such thoughts where at a standstill now. The Terran monarchy would remain bound to secrecy about the matters of the universe. The queen had to keep the alliance strong, come what may. With that thought, the queen noticed that all eyes where on her, as everyone had now arrived.
"Ladies, gentlemen. Our meeting tonight is one of the few that brings sad news to our happy kingdom. Decisions of a difficult nature must be made and put into place. After some thought, I have decided that, with your consent of course, the princess must be protected to the best of our ability's. This includes sacrifice on our behalf's, but with everyone's cooperation it can be achieved." The council members nodded in agreement. "It is my belief that we must cut off access to the moon and secure ourselves from outside threats. We will still keep in contact thru our communication centers, but I believe if we diminish the opportunity for outsiders to get in, our princess will remain safe."
Nods of agreement where given as well, but this time a question was posed by the king of mercury, "what sacrifices are to be expected?"
With that the Queen sighed and answered "I expect each of your daughters to prove true their allegiance. They are to remain on the moon and guard and serve my daughter."
Gasps could be heard from the councilmembers, all parents in their own right. "That is a cruel thing my queen! They are still children, allow us to send them at least when they are fully grown!", stated the queen of Venus.
"That's if they live to reach that age! Do you not see that though Nehelenia is gone, she still has followers? That they may try to make her words true? If that is the case, there may not be a future for them to grow into!" Silence met the queens statement. "I know it sounds harsh, but believe me when I say I think of everyone. Besides, this will only be until the princess reaches her sixteenth birthday, by then, she will be able to use the crystal to defend herself. Then your daughters may return home! I am not a heartless person, communication with them will still be granted, and depending on our advancement of snuffing out the remains of Nehelenias small rebel forces, we may even return them to you sooner. Artemis, I leave that task in your hand. You are to continue intercepting the rebels. We have managed to avoid all out war, and will continue to do so. Have you anything to say on this matter?"
With a strong yet calm voice, Artemis quickly replied "only that, my Intel tells me that we are close. She possessed but one small weak army, without her now, I doubt it will stand. The hardest part is infiltrating the random meetings some of her followers put together. If we can stop them from meeting and spreading false rumors, then my queen, I believe we will finally be rid of her influence."
"Thank you Artemis, we continue to appreciate your efforts at keeping these disturbances from escalating to any thing greater. Now of course our plan will need to get started immediately, but before we do I would also like to have the consent of our small group of warriors." With that, the queen stood and made her way over to the side of the room where the four small princesses stood flanking the bassinet that held their liege. Getting down to eye level the queen tenderly looked each girl in the eye. "Darlings, I will need you to be in agreement with this decision, I do not want you to hold resentment towards me or my daughter. Do you agree with what has been said?"
With bright blue eyes the leader of the brave group of four stated "My queen, that is what we have been born to do, I for my part will hold no resentment. It is an honor to care for your daughter, I know I will make not only my parents but my kingdom proud to carry out such an honor." A chorus of "me too" was heard from the other three mini warriors.
With a smile on her face the queen turned to the other monarchs and stated "It is done then! In one months time the moon will close its transport chambers and modes of entry. Each planet will focus on keeping the peace on their own land, I will rule from here and watch over you from my command room. Should the need arise, I will visit your planets from time to time. We will cross each obstacle as it comes. Our priority will be protecting our princess!" With that said a chorus of applause was heard. The next few years would prove to be difficult.
AUTHORS NOTE:
Standard disclaimer, I do not own these glorious characters, that honor belongs to a Naoko Takeuchi. I am just a mere slave to her work.
Otherwise, this is my first fan fiction. I hope to take you all on an entertaining journey(hopefully not the opposite). Any constructive criticism is appreciated. Thanks for reading! Will hopefully see you next week!
