Keep Her Safe
LadyPrin
(Author's Note: I spell checked it. Hope I got them all!)
Disclaimer applies.
Ikoku Tuskino, Queen of England walked slowly down the concrete pathway leading through her garden to her gazebo which was shrouded in the middle of the garden.
As she walked, head bowed, she breathed in the smell of the lily's, and and other flowers that lined the pathway. As she passed the babysbreath flowers, she had to fight hard to not start crying.
She entered the gazebo and sat down on the bench to the right of the doorway.
The slight breeze that flew through the garden made the rose bush just outside the wall bend in through the window of the gazebo. Like it knew she was in pain, and wanted to comfort her.
She had just learned that she couldn't have children. That her body would not allow her to carry her own child. There was always adoption, but it just wouldn't be the same. Her husband Kenji and her and always wanted a child of their own. But now that will never happen.
She sniffed gently, as a single tear fell down her cheek.
A gloved white hand caught it in midair halfway between her chin and her lap where her hands lay folded.
She watched as the gloved hand receded.
She looked up to find a women standing in the middle of the gazebo. She had black hair falling to her knees, that looked green in the sunlight that filtered through the lattice roof. She wore a black mini-skirt, with a white short sleeved shirt connected to it. In the middle of her chest was a dark red bow. And she wore long green boots. In her hand she held a long staff, that looked like an upside down key, with a red orb sitting on the top of it, circled by a heart shaped metal, with another little heart on top of it.
She bowed her head in a sign of respect to Ikoku.
"Who are you?" Ikoku asked in a little more than a whisper.
"My name is Sailor Pluto." The women said.
Sailor Pluto. Queen of the planet Pluto, and one of the Protectors of Queen Serenity of the Moon.
"I come on behalf of my Lady."
Which could only mean Queen Serenity.
"My Lady requests an audience with your Majesty."
When the Queen of the Moon requested an audience with someone of Earth, no one refused.
"Of course." Ikoku replied.
She rose regally from her seat, and Pluto took her right hand.
In a flash of white light, they had left the comfort of the garden and were now in the throne room of the Silver Palace of the Moon.
Sitting in the throne was Queen Serenity.
She had long lavender colored hair, put up in buns on the the sides of her head. The streamers behind them flowed over the arms of her chair to fall into little pools on the floor. She wore a white sleeveless gown that clung gently to her curves in a slim dress. There was a big white bow on her chest, and she had silvery wings on her back. Upon closer look, Ikoku saw that they were for show, not use.
Ikoku took a quick glance around and saw Kenji a few feet away.
"Kenji!" She called to him.
Kenji saw her and made his way across the deserted floor to her side.
Together they looked around.
They saw the other Sailors of the Universe standing in a wide circle around them.
They looked back at Queen Serenity. Waiting for her to speak first.
"I have asked you here, for a very important reason." She started. "I know you want a child, but can't have one of your own. I can't give you one of your flesh and blood, but I can give you a child to call yours."
She nodded to one of the Sailors.
Sailor Uranus, Queen of the planet Uranus, came forth, and presented Ikoku with a baby girl, wrapped in a blue blanket.
Ikoku took her gently into her arms. Staring at her in shock.
"I give you my daughter, Princess Serenity." The Queen said.
"Why?" Kenji asked.
"There are those who would have her dead." The Queen replied. "Should I hide her on one of the other planets, the enemy would surely find her. I can't keep her here. Earth is the only safe place for her."
"But why not give her to the King and Queen of the planet Earth? Not to one of the governing royals. Surely they could keep her safe better?" Ikoku asked.
"No. Should the enemy realize she is not on one of the other planets, the King and Queen of the planet Earth would be the logical choice for them to look first. I've done my homework and you and your husband are the most inconspicuous governing royals on the Earth. If you consent to it, my daughter will stay with you. Hear me clearly, you do not have to take her."
Ikoku and Kenji looked at each other for a long minute.
"Take her, we will." Ikoku said.
Everybody in the room let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you very much." The Queen said. "You will not be alone in protecting her. For now, Queen Uranus and Queen Neptune will go with you. They will be maids that will help with the child. When the Princess turns three, she will have new Protectors, of her own age. That way, they will be able to get to know her, and thus protect her better. Their mothers, the Queen's of Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will take monthly reports from them. When the Princess turns fourteen, I will come to her and tell her everything. She will be able then to protect herself somewhat. I wish for you to name her Serena."
Queen Serenity rose from her throne and walked down the steps to stand in front of Ikoku.
"One last thing." She whispered.
On the sleeping baby's forehead was a crescent moon laying on its side. Glowing gold slightly.
Queen Serenity leaned forward and kissed the baby lightly on the forehead. The crescent moon disappeared.
The other Queens called Serenity's name in protest, but she silenced them with a raised hand.
Then she spoke these words.
"I take thy birthright from thee, Princess Serenity. 'Till I see safe to give it back." She said for all to hear.
Everyone was in shock.
Queen Serenity stepped back and nodded at Pluto.
Pluto used her staff and Ikoku and Kenji, along with their new child, disappeared.
When they had gone, Queen Uranus stepped forward.
"Why did you take her birthright from her? That was not necessary!" She cried.
"If she had kept her birthright, she would've been connected to the Impearium Silver Crystal. Thus eventually she would've used it's magic. Whether knowingly or not. Then all our efforts would've been futile. It was necessary." Queen Serenity said, not looking at Uranus.
Everyone became silent. They knew Queen Serenity spoke the truth.
Queen Serenity walked toward the door.
She stopped and leaned against the door frame. She was aware that all eyes were on her. But she didn't care.
She started to cry as she whispered three words.
"Forgive me, Serena."
Back in the gazebo in the garden, Ikoku stared at Kenji who stared right back.
Then they sighed in acceptance.
They looked down at their new baby girl, Serena, and they smiled in contentment.
We see baby Serena's sleeping face, and we hear Queen Serenity's voice.
"Forgive me."