**Disclaimer:: I do not own Sailor Moon nor accept any prophit from this piece. All rights go to the rightful owner, Naoko Takeuchi.**
One : Priest
Angelic; it was the only word that came to mind as he watched her. The days she came to the crystal sanctuary to pray, he could always feel his spirits lift. The princess was a being of pure and untainted ethereal beauty. Her long pale pink hair flowed gently down her pale skin to the marble below; her tiny petite frame almost glowing as she devoted herself completely to her prayers. She was the picture of an angel, her grace and warmth inherited from her Mother, and her kindness from her Father; Neo Princess Lady Serenity, heir to throne of Crystal Tokyo. Helios watched her, listening to the sweet prayers she offered up. Her mere presence made the whole sanctuary warm and calm. When she came, any worries or woes were forgotten. Many, who had witnessed this sight, expressed that leaving afterwards left them with a renewed sense of hope and wonder.
Today however, the atmosphere seemed a little different. Helios noted the tone of sadness in her voice, and the longing in her devotions. He watched as tears graced her pale pink cheeks; as she poured her heart out in front of the crystal alter. Was the princess sad? He wanted to go to her, to comfort her. He longed to look into her dark pink eyes once more. It had been years since he had spoken with her; his sweet maiden. In the past when he had first met her, she had come to him in a vision is light. It was the first time he had witnessed such beauty and purity. Despite this, that time had been one of confusion as well, since he had no idea his vision had been from her future self. Due to this, he had unknowingly mistaken the Princess with her mother in the past. It wasn't until much later that the truth was revealed to him and the sailor Senshi. His maiden at the time, was just a child, traveling across time to the past to train with her mother's past self, Sailor Moon. Trying to wrap his thoughts around it all still made his head hurt. The past, present, and future were always uncertain and confusing. Through everything though, he had found himself falling for her. Helios found the small girl endearing, charming, and sweet. When the battle with Nehellenia had finally come to an end, he knew how he truly felt about her. There was no uncertainty in his heart, no doubt whatsoever; he loved her. It had been hard on them both when he had to return to Elysion after their battle. He wanted to stay with her, but he was charged with the protection of Elysion, and his duties came first; they both knew this. Leaving had been the hardest thing to do, knowing he would not see her again for a thousand years into the future. But they had promised to find one another in the future someday; and to share in their great adventures of their time spent apart.
It had been a long and painful wait, but he had been patient. Hearing the news of the Queen's pregnancy, then the news of the celebrated birth, her first Birthday Ball, Fifth and so on… He waited. He would admit it had saddened him when she hadn't come to see him after all her training in the past had ended. It had been then he had dicovered that the Princess would be starting the next part of her training; learning to be a popper future Queen under her mother. It would be a long five lonely years, but still he waited for her. Helios knew her training with the Queen took precedence over what he wanted; this was how it needed to be. For Princess Serenity to be all her people needed her to be, she didn't need any distractions. And yet, when her training ended two years ago, she not once tried to come see him. Although she was over 900 years old, at the rate she had been growing since her awakening, techniqually she now inhabited the body of 18 year old woman. There had been many chances to see her, to speak to her, touch her… After the King and Queen brought back the Kingdom of Elysion from deep within the Earth, they instantly joined it to the New Silver Millennium. Due to this, Helios now lived peacefully in the crystal palace with his Maenads, free to wander the surface above. He was the high priest of the Crystal Sanctuary and Earth, and high council to King Endymion and Neo Queen Serenity; a true honor. He thought it would allow him to interact with the Princess, but he had been wrong. The prayers of the King, Queen and Princess were always done in reverence and were not to be disturbed unless they called for assistance; a tradition of those descended from the moon. What made it worse was that she knew of his presence there, but it didn't seem to change anything.
As he watched her pray, he felt his chest tighten, as her prayers became more urgent. Was there something weighing heavily on her heart? He watched for what seemed like hours as her prayers echoed through the sanctuary; Prayer after heart felt prayer echoing softly through the air. He wanted to go to her. Even if it was to assist her only once, he wanted to comfort her. Kneeling where he stood he closed his eyes and offered her the only thing he could, a silent prayer. "Please call for me Princess; let me pray with you. Whatever is on your heart, let me take your burden and bare it. Let her know I am here, that I am her willing and obedient servant. Give her the courage and the strength she needs to overcome whatever is pressing on her heart. I lift my prayers up to you; and offer up my assistance. Please Maiden… Please call for me…" At his last thoughts, he felt the sanctuary go quite, but still he prayed on. It wasn't until he heard a thud did his attention shift. Eyes opening he caught sight of her petite figure laying on the ground, still and quiet. He was instantly on his feet, rushing to her, the clicking of his shoes echoing off the walls, loud and madly.
"Serenity!" He called, falling to his knees beside her still form. Taking one hand in his, he used the other to slip around her back and lift her from the cold marble floor. "Serenity..?" She didn't answer her eyes closed, her cheeks bright red; tear stained from her prayers. And then he saw it, her chest rising softly, sending a wave of relief through his entire being. She had merely exhausted herself today. It wasn't uncommon for the Queen to do so, as her prayers lasted hours. It wasn't uncommon for the Matriarch of the family to spend the whole day in the sanctuary praying for the well-being of the earth, moon, and humans and creatures alike. Her prayers were the strongest of both the King and Princess put together. But this was the first time he had ever witnessed it from the Princess herself. Moving his hand from hers, he shifted it to underneath her legs and effortlessly lifted her off the ground. He would take her to her parents, where they could care for her. Turning on his heels, her head fell gently against his chest, nestling into him perfectly. He felt his face warm, but he said nothing, nor did he glance down her way. Yes, he yearned to caress her lovely face, but he would not. He wouldn't touch her unless she had consented.
Moving from the sanctuary, he moved gracefully down the halls, passing curious eyes and hidden smiles. Perhaps he should have called her guard to deliver her to her parent's, but he didn't want to leave her side, at least not yet. Passing the sparkling courtyards, he made his way over to the King and Queen's wing. He had been to this area of the palace many times, but only upon the Royal's request. This time, he felt a little out of place as he continued down to the King's Study without an invitation. He knew the King and Queen always retreated to his private study around mid-noon for tea, and to take some time to themselves before their afternoon duties and meeting. As he neared the large carved doors of the study, he was stopped by two guards standing watch.
"Halt; State your name and business," the one said moving before Helios. He was heavily armored in white and silver, a large cape flowing from his shoulders. His blue eyes searching Helios' golden ones before down to the woman in his arms.
"I am Helios, High Priest and Council to their Majesties," He said calmly, his tone suddenly taking on a tone of importance and integrity. "I am delivering the Princess safely to her Parents after she collapsed in Morning Prayer. Please stand down." He knew the guards meant well. They wouldn't be doing their job unless they questioned everyone that came down this way. He was thankful there were people like this that would eagerly lay down their lives for the Royal family.
"Pardon me Lord Helios, please pass," the guard replied instantly straightening up. Moving off to the side he bowed lowly, as the second of the guards opened the door to the King's study. "Please go about your business".
Nodding, Helios moved through the door, and made his way into the study. He waited for the door behind him to click before letting his presence be known. The King and Queen sat in two large chairs facing an overly large blazing fireplace. The King sat; legs crossed a book in his hand, as the Queen sat quietly with her cup of tea. That hadn't even noticed his presence until he approached and spoke up. "Majesties, my deepest apologies for disturbing your afternoon reverence," he started as he approached, "I would bow, but I require your assistance."
Turning their heads they were instantly on their feet as their caught sight of their daughter, in the Priests arms. "Small Lady!" Queen Serenity exclaimed rushing to the Priests side. She raised a hand gently to her daughter's face, pushing back her bangs, and then down to cup her cheek tenderly. "She doesn't feel warm, thank goodness …"
The King shuffled past his Queen to stand before the Priest. "Has Small Lady been unwell recently that you know of?" Raising his arms to the Priest, Helios gently placed the Princess in her Father's arms, instantly missing the warmth of her small frame.
Shaking her head the queen sighed softly. "I saw her this morning at breakfast, but she didn't say anything to me about not feeling well. Helios, please tell us what happened? Is she okay?"
"Do not fear, she is but sleeping," Helios replied, bowing lowly in respect. "She collapsed during her morning prayers today, and I wanted to make sure she was delivered to you safely. She has merely exhausted herself. All she requires is some rest."
"Morning prayers..?" The Queen looked surprised. "Small Lady does not have prayers today. Why would she be down in the sanctuary?"
"Lady Serenity has been coming to pray every day for the past two years," Helios said, his tone quiet. "I was unaware she had set days in the crystal sanctuary." He didn't want his voice to betray the fact he was truly baffled by this. Why would she come down every day if she didn't have to?
"Small Lady must have something on her mind," The King finally spoke up. He had laid the Princess on a plush cushioned bench next to his chair, and was retrieving the book that had fallen from his hands earlier. Standing he placed the book on a side table and turned to face the two before him. "Small Lady does not do anything without a purpose behind it; we have learned this from her previous actions." He turned his head to glance at the sleeping girl before him, and smiled. "Perhaps there is more to this than the Princess is letting on. For now though…" He turned back to the Queen and Helios, "Perhaps it would be best if Small Lady limits her visits to the Sanctuary until then. The Queen does not even venture down to the sanctuary that often."
"I agree," Queen Serenity sighed. She was now sitting by her daughter, running her hand through the tendrils of pink hair spilling off the bench. "Just for now."
Helios felt a sting of pain, as he realized his Maiden would not be coming to visit as often, but he knew everything the King and Queen did; they did for the good of others. "I will make the arrangements then," He said bowing lowly. "I leave her in your care."
"Thank you for taking care of her Helios," King Endymion smiled, holding out his hand to his friend and advisor. "I shall see you this evening at court."
Straightening, Helios took the kings hand shaking it firmly. "Of course your majesty. I look forward to it. I will take my leave until then." Turning he faced the Queen and bowed slightly "My Queen..."
She gave a sweet smile and nodded. "Thank you Helios for looking out for our Small Lady. We can always depend on you."
With that, he turned around and walked away from the little family, and out the door, questions pouring into his head. Nodding to the Guards, he continued down the hallway back in the direction of the sanctuary. The biggest question bearing down on his heart; why had she been coming every day? If she didn't have to, why was she going out of her way for two years to come to the crystal sanctuary? What had bothered her to this extent she was coming so often? He wished she would come and confide in him. Perhaps he could be of some aid to her then. Even if she did not see him as she used to, he could still be of some use to her. "Serenity…" He sighed, stopping himself. "Please call for me…" All these years, he waited for her to ring the small bell he had given her to summon him. In the past, she used the bell to call him for help. Each time the bell rang, his heart leapt with joy, for it signified she still needed him. Did she still even have it? Letting out a steady breath he made a detour down a different stone path and into the sparkling courtyard. Truth be told, it was more like a giant flower garden then a courtyard. However, the King liked to work on the gardens himself. It cleared his head and gave him some time away from all the royal duties to let him be himself. The King was an avid Gardner and enjoyed being outside as much as possible. However at this moment he needed the solitude to think. Passing the many rose bushes and willow trees, he found himself at a secluded, shady grassy area, surrounded by large Lilac bushes. A tall cherry blossom rich and full shaded the area, filling the air with sweet aroma.
He had found this spot by chance one day when he decided he needed a moment away from his priestly duties. Since then, when he needed to think, he would come often to clear his head and meditate. It was quiet and peaceful, but also reminded him of the Forest he spent so many years looking after before Elysion was brought to the surface. Sitting down he relieved himself from his jacket and shoes laying them to the side. Running a hand through his hair, he closed his eyes and let himself fall back onto the cool grass beneath him. His thoughts were a jumbled mess and he felt like he didn't know what was going on anymore. High council to the Royal family, but he couldn't help the one that held his heart. He felt defeated. Perhaps because he was only a priest, was the reason his Maiden had not come to him. Perhaps after all this time, she had decided not to pursue their blossomed relationship any farther. Time could change the heart, but it hadn't changed his. He was every devoted to his Princess, now and forever. He just needed to think… Taking in a deep breath he let his mind wander away, before his mind was spent and he succumbed to sleep. "Serenity…"
Helios awoke suddenly startled and dazed. Rubbing his eyes he gazed up at the cherry tree above him before bringing a hand up to his temple. Letting his fingers lightly trace upon his right temple, he could feel a light warm sensation, as if something had been there moments before. Closing his eyes again he sighed, sitting up slowly, still feeling slightly groggy from his nap. He sat there for a few moments, before willing himself to move again. Turning to left, he grabbed his shoes and quickly laced them up before reaching for his – jacket? Odd… Glancing to his right he realized his jacket was nowhere to be seen. How long had he been out? It couldn't have been long, he was sure. By the way the sun hung in the sky, court was still about an hour away. Standing, he took about his surroundings, still unable to locate his belonging. Finally, he shrugged it off. It wasn't the first article of clothing he had lost, and he was sure it wouldn't be the last. Running a hand along the bark of the cherry tree he thanked the earth for allowing him some peace before heading on his way back down the stone path and towards the direction of his chambers. He needed to prepare before he headed into court. He also needed to inform his Maenads of the new instructions from the King and Queen about Princess Serenity.
Upon reaching his destination, he was greeted by two women clad in long silver dresses, their eyes shining. "Lord Helios," they chimed, bowing lowly. "Welcome back. Have you come to prepare for court this evening?"
"Phaedra, Phoebe," he smiled nodding their way. "I have. I have also come to inform you of a new arrangement from the King and Queen. Perhaps you could take care of it for me while I'm away this evening?"
"Please leave it to us," Phoebe smiled, bowing slightly.
Of course Helios knew he could count on them. He and the Maenads had been together longer than he could remember. They had efficiently helped him guard, protect, and maintain Elysion while they had been hidden deep in the earth. They were some of his best friends, and the most dependable people he had ever met. "The King and Queen would like us to limit the Princess' visits to the Crystal Sanctuary for the time being."
They looked shocked at his request, as they were shrine maidens. "Has something happened?" Phaedra asked looking concerned. "Is the Princess alright?"
"No need to worry, Princess Serenity is in good health," He reassured them. "However she did collapse this morning during her morning prayers. She just over did it today it seems." He noted the relief that flooded their faces as their smiles returned. "This reminds me, I did want to ask you two something that has bothered me since earlier today. Did you know the Princess has been coming to the Sanctuary every day for the last two years?"
"Two years?" Phaedra seemed confused glancing towards Phoebe in surprise.
"Princess Serenity's Prayers are normally held three times a week before noon," Phoebe confirmed. "We were unaware of her extra visits. However, this should not be a problem. There really is no limit to how many times one person can come and go."
"Be that as it may, the extra visits would make one wonder why," Helios sighed, still unable to wrap his head around the idea. He was troubled knowing there was something going on with his Maiden. "The King believes there is a reason, and he and the Queen are not alarmed. The Princess is very wise and perhaps there is something more going on in her heart than we know. Until then however…" His voice trailed off, his eyes lowered to the marble floor below.
"Until then… By order of the King and Queen, we will personally limit the visits of the Princess until farther notice," Phoebe agreed. "Phaedra and I will make the necessary arrangements and the Princess will be notified of this."
"Please entrust this task to us Lord Helios," Phaedra insisted. "It shall be done."
"Thank you, Phoebe, Phaedra," He consented. "I will notify the King and Queen tonight in court, which reminds me – I should probably be leaving here shortly. Please excuse me," Helios bowed excusing himself from the Maenads.
He hated to think he would have to turn away the Princess from the Sanctuary. It was the one thing he looked forward to the most each day. Now, she would be restricted until specified; it made his heart hurt. He hoped though that with extra time away from his domain, she might confide in her parents and whatever was bothering her would be resolved. Even if he didn't like, it, whatever it took, he would do. Gathering his things and grabbing another jacket from his wardrobe he left his thoughts in his chambers as he made his way to court.
Hello to all. I hope you have enjoyed Chapter one of "Silent Prayers". Please let me know what you think, good or bad. I welcome all comments. Thanks for reading! ^.^
Rating: Currently I have the rating pretty low, but this may change depending on how I feel. Hehe.