A Prelude in the Past
Before the various planets' kingdoms became unified in the era called the Silver Millennium, there was once a small kingdom within the Earth kingdom that flourished in the area called Kingdom of Shangri-La. It was a vibrant valley that was in eternal spring with types of vegetation growing in harmony with the people who dwelt there. The royal family was special as they had long ago made a bargain with the sole original owner of the valley, the legendary Phoenix who in return for allowing the kingdom to flourish in harmony reserved the right to imbue one of the royal blood with all that it was. Generations went by till during a solar eclipse, the Phoenix called upon his favor as the only child of the king was born. A princess who was named after the creature had on the center of her forehead a single golden flame birthmark that marked her as unique.
However during the month long joyous celebrations of the heir's birth, an ancient evil attacked in the hopes of destroying the one power strong enough to remove its existence from the universe while the power was still too young to fight back. The queen gave her only child to a knight who rode with the infant princess, swearing an oath to raise her as both a princess and a warrior. Only once did the knight stop at the entrance to the valley to look back at the destruction of a kingdom. While Shangri-La was reduce to nothing more than a fanciful legend, the knight rode towards the Earth Kingdom with his princess sleeping in his arms unaware of what her future and destiny were to be…
18 years later….
"Crown Prince Endymion is looking for his brother, Prince Jiro and you're telling me that you have no clue where your charge vanished to, Phoenix," Jadeite snapped to a young man with red and gold hair that reminded him at times of being a living flame. Soft gold eyes looked at Jadeite as the young man; Phoenix was really a woman with a secret. Shrugging, she said, "Tis not my fault that my charge didn't show for his sword lesson this morning and I have been searching for him since. Maybe if you and the other three Shitennou would stop trying to make out with Princesses Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter, then you would not be harassing me so much." Her voice held slight annoyance and she turned to walk away. Wearing the royal blue tunic and silver pants with a silver cape, her hair was kept in a ponytail, she had found an annoyance that the ladies of the court were trying to flirt with her. The sword strapped to her side was known to be deadly in her hands as she has bested every challenger at tournaments including Endymion but to Jiro, she would lose.
As she walked away, Phoenix could hear Jadeite swearing that made her chuckle as she went inside the palace. Making her way to the library, she avoided looking at any in the hallways. Many of the servants gossip that Phoenix was cold and heartless which she didn't care. Her adoptive father before he passed away had made sure that she knew the truth of her birth and even now that knowledge was giving her a headache. Rubbing her temples, she felt someone bump into her and out of reaction she snapped, "Watch were you are going, clumsy fool." Looking at the person, she saw the blue eyes of Princess Serenity and groaned softly. "Forgive me princess but do try to be a little careful next time." "Only if you forgive me General Phoenix and I hope that you will be at the prince's ball. I think some of my ladies wish a dance with you," Princess Serenity said as if it was a fact. Another groan as she just walked away from the girl.
Ever since Crown prince Endymion had started dating Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, everybody had the crazy idea that it was wrong to be alone. Stepping into the library, she looked around quietly before heading over to a huge armchair. "Your highness, your brother is looking for you and personal recommendation from me is that you attend to him before I have to fight his guardians. As much I enjoy that, today of all days it would just put me in a foul mood," she said lightly. Sitting in the chair was a young man with a lightly tanned complexion, silver hair that was kept in a ponytail and warm amber gold eyes that seem to touch a person's soul. "What does Endymion want now" he groaned as he closed his book and stood up, holding the book out to Phoenix, "And why do you look like you are ready to kill everything in sight?" "Jiro, ever since your brother has started to date the Moon Princess, the ladies of the court have not given me a moment's peace." "Maybe if they knew what I knew," he teased. Panic raced through her as she looked at him asking with a dry mouth, "What do you know, my prince?" "I know that you will be my date and I expect you to wear a dress, take great care to look like a woman. That will allow us to enjoy an evening without the attempts of the ladies trying to corner us for dances. Don't worry I will send you a dress," Jiro said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Nodding she went to follow Jiro as he left the library.
Through the hallways, they walked as by custom with Jiro ahead of Phoenix who kept glancing around. They passed a few court ladies who whispered about them and Jiro teased, "Seems your bangs are what lends to you being sexy to the ladies." She blushed as her bangs concealed the golden flame birthmark on her forehead. "If you say so your highness" Phoenix said quietly. Soon they arrived in the audience hall where Endymion and Serenity were sitting close together, only to look up at them upon their arrival. "Brother, I was hoping you could find the time to attend the ball tonight. I have a few ladies of the moon court that you could be escort for," Endymion said as he watched his brother. Phoenix looked around as she moved to a window to look out at the garden below where she saw the Shitennou walking in the royal gardens with their respective princesses made a sharp pang of pain run through her heart. "Endymion, I already have a lady that I am bringing to the ball and don't need you to play match maker for me. I have time before I take the throne so I will enjoy what I like," Jiro answered. "Who is the lady?" His brother's question stunned him as he didn't know the answer to that question. Of course he hadn't thought of a name yet so he answered mysteriously, "You'll have to find out with the rest at the ball. Now if you lovebirds don't mind, I have to practice my swordsmanship with Phoenix."
Jiro bowed his head and went to life as Phoenix looked away from the happy scene below to follow him silently when she heard, "General Phoenix, stay a moment." Endymion's voice held the authority of a command which made her sigh softly a bit. Watching her prince left, she turned to look at Endymion and found both he and his princess staring at her quietly. "Do you know who this lady is" he asked her as she remained silent. "No I do not know Prince Endymion" was her reply. "You shadow my brother and you don't know. I find that hard to believe. Maybe some guard duty will help to refresh your memory. This woman should be of noble birth and good to my brother." Phoenix remained silent then said quietly, "Your brother is not a child, your highness and I shadow your brother when he is not on palace grounds. Outside of that, I do not know what activities he carries on with on palace grounds." Endymion laughed, "Very well, I excuse you this time but once we see this mysterious woman, you will have to follow her." She bowed her head and left, going to her own room.
Inside the room was waiting a beautiful green gown with small red rosebuds on the bodice with a gold thread vine. Picking the dress up she went to the mirror and looked at her reflection as she held the dress up. Tonight, she would be herself and turned from the mirror to put the dress in her closet. Inside the closet, in a beautifully carved box, rested the jewels of her kingdom along with a tiara that was made of blood rubies set in a silver frame. Running a hand over the box, she sighed softly then closed the closet. "So is the rarest flower that Prince Jiro has going to reveal itself tonight," asked a voice from the doorway of her room. Turning she looked at Kunzite and laughed, "Me a flower, you speak as if I am a woman and not a man." A white gloved hand brushed some imaginary dust off his white cape as Kunzite looked at her with soft blue eyes. "Maybe I was speaking about you or this mysterious woman. Prince Endymion has us on the lookout for her when she arrives. I take it that you are going to not attend and stay hidden away." "Yes, I will not have the ladies trying to force me into a dance with them." Kunzite stepped into the room and walked up to her then shook his head. "Just remember your promise to your prince." With that said he turned and left as she went to sit down at the desk as she pulled out her sketch book from her secret drawer and opened it to add more to her sketch of Jiro.
A few hours later, Phoenix was in the dress with light makeup on and her family's jewels about her neck, on her ears and around her wrist. With shaking hands, she placed the tiara on her hair that was up in an elegant bun with her bangs swept back to show off the gold flame birthmark on the center of her forehead. Looking at her reflection she blushed then went to leave her room. Once in the hallway she could hear the sounds of laughter, music and other sounds from the ballroom. Walking, she took deep breaths to keep herself calm as she was nervous. After what seemed hours, she arrived to the open doors where the local guard stood a little more at attention. Walking into the doorway, the majordomo approached her and cleared his throat. Looking at him Phoenix said softly, "The Princess of Shangri-la." The eyes of the majordomo widen as he motioned for silence and suddenly Phoenix felt all eyes settle on her as she heard the majordomo in a clear crisp loud voice announce, "The Princess of Shangri-la."
Going forward, Phoenix became aware of the silence as she started to go down the stairs where she paused midway when she saw Prince Jiro. He stood there at the bottom of the stairs watching her as he held an amethyst purple rose for her as he wore his uniform in his house colors. A blush crept on her cheeks as she resumed going down the stairs. Glancing around, she felt nervous as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Thank you for coming your highness. This is for you" Jiro said as he bowed and held out the rose. Taking it from him she smiled "Thank you for inviting me and for the lovely gift." Reaching up she tucked it into her hair as Jiro reached out to take her hand. Still blushing, Phoenix walked with him onto the dance floor and would start to dance with him. Soon Endymion and Serenity joined them as they were both staring at her intently as they danced. Looking at Jiro, he saw the fear in the soft gold eyes and whispered, "You look lovely, Phoenix but don't worry, I will not expose my general for what she really is." Relief flooded her as she smiled and whispered, "Thank you my prince but the others will not be so gracious."
The ball would find Phoenix dancing with Endymion's generals who never guessed who she was and the final dance came. Endymion left Serenity's side and approached Phoenix. "May I have this dance" he asked as she looked at him then at Jiro who nodded. "You may" she said softly as she would go to dance with him. During a turn, Endymion whispered, "Whoever you are, do not hurt my brother." She was stunned as it was clear that he didn't know who she was. After they had finished dancing, Jiro was quick to claim her and they left the ballroom, going out into the garden. Walking, Phoenix leaned against him lightly. "My prince, I am not pretending to be the princess of Shangri-La" she whispered to him. Jiro smiled as he put an arm around her waist, whispering, "So I have a beautiful princess who has been my guardian angel all this time. How lucky can I be?" She blushed and as they strolled Phoenix told him everything. Jiro listened quietly and patiently to the story then turned to look at her. "Don't worry, I won't betray your secret to any of them. Let them see you as the general while I have my princess. Just be careful, my brother might find a way to get you to reveal yourself," he said softly as they sat down on a bench. Looking up at the night sky, she kept her head on his shoulder and without speaking a word, they had fallen at first glance for each, not knowing that Endymion with his generals along with Serenity and her court were watching unsure of what was happening.
A few days after the ball, Phoenix was walking with her hands behind her back. Since the ball it was hard to stand by Jiro's side without wanting to reach to hold his hand. But they were watched closely by those around them. Soon the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into a month. All that time Phoenix's love for her prince deepen till one night Jiro had taken her to the sea. During the times they would go out on a date, Phoenix would wear a dress and be herself. This night was no exception as they walked on the beach with the moonlight illuminating everything around them. Finally Jiro turned and looked at her as he touched her cheek lightly as he said, "My love, I want to end this farce and let them see that I enjoy you as my general and my princess. You have shared everything that is you with me and though you have no one whose permission I need to seek, I will just ask for your permission to make you my bride?" Phoenix was surprised and blushed deeply as she lowered her gaze. Her heart was racing and the whole earth felt like it was spinning but remaining still at the same time. Lifting her gaze she looked at him and smiled. "I have nothing to offer in the ways of a kingdom but I offer you the rarest gift of all – my heart. A noble prince of the Earth kingdom should have more than a simple heart but if you will take this precious gift then I will give my permission to be your bride" her voice was soft and for the space of a few minutes, there was just the sound of the ocean lapping gently against the shore as the two leaned in to share a kiss.
A sound of swords being drawn stopped them before they could share their kiss and Phoenix felt Jiro slide something onto her finger as he whispered, "That is my royal signet ring, it marks you as mine until the day you give it back to me. Till then you are my princess and I will defend you to the death." Torches were lit and both were surprise to see Endymion standing there with a look on his face of anger. "Brother move away from her. She is not who she says she is. The true princess of Shangri-La has come to court this evening and says that your general is not only a liar but a murderer" the accusation rang clear in his voice as Phoenix felt the world drop away. Jiro drew his sword and stood before her snapping, "This is the true princess who kept herself hidden from those that pursue her. The woman that made false claim against her is the murderer and if any of you dare to take the woman I love, the woman who stood by my side away from me, I will kill you all!" Slowly the guards along with Zoisite, Jadeite, Kunzite, and Nephrite were approaching them and before she could stop him, Jiro lunged at them. He fought them in a skirmish but in the end, he was overpowered and made to watch as Endymion walked towards Phoenix who stood there.
"You are hereby under arrest for treason to the throne, for the deaths of an entire kingdom and for ensnaring a prince who was to be your next target," Endymion stated with authority. Phoenix's gold eyes shimmered with pain and tears as he looked at her then heard her say, "I am no traitor to any throne, I do not have the blood of my people and my family on my hands but carry the burden of pain for their loss and I would never harm the man I love deeply." As she spoken the gold flame on her forehead started to glow with power as she continued, "The woman who spoke lies to you is the true culprit and I, Phoenix, daughter of King Nicholas and Queen Alexandria will never accept such lies" The power shimmered around her as her dress changed to a regal dress with a sword belted around her waist and a crown made of beautiful gold orange feathers that were alive with fire sat atop her head. "Prince Endymion, I had sanctuary within the walls of your kingdom. I was free to be simply General Phoenix, friend and loyal protector of Prince Jiro but then something happened within me. I fell in love with the prince and once I shared the truth of who I was, he simply treated me the same. But now to be falsely accused, I can no longer enjoy the peace I had here. My heart will always belong to my prince Jiro but the next time you see me, the great kingdoms of our solar system will fall."
A wall of fire sprang up and engulfed her but vanish. Phoenix was no longer standing before Endymion. She had vanished and in the shock, the Shitennou holding Jiro loosen their grip. He broke free and charged Endymion who turned in time to see his brother land face first in the sand. Looking down at him sadly, he said simply, "One day you'll forgive me Jiro but it was the best thing to do for all of us." Getting up Jiro glared at Endymion as his anger could be felt as he spat, "I will never forgive you, Endymion. Phoenix was going to be my wife and you ruined it. For that I will make sure that you suffer for it. Consider me your worst enemy for this life and the next. The best thing was to let me be happy! Instead you turn against me. Do not come near me ever again!" He turned his back to his brother and heard them leave but Kunzite remained. Walking forward, he picked up something from the sand and held it out to him whispering, "Forgive me your highness but she left this behind. Not all were taken by the accuser and I argued for both your sakes. I hope you two find happiness despite those that wish to keep you apart." Jiro looked at his hand to see a necklace that held a locket when opened played what would be called the Phoenix song. He looked at Kunzite as he took it and put it on. "You I can forgive as you were the one to tell me the truth and gave her the confidence to be herself with me. But you have to serve my brother and keep him safe for me. I can no longer dwell in the same place where he is. I'm going to find her" he said with determination. Kunzite watched him go and whispered, "Best of luck to you." Then he went back to the palace where things were starting to show that the end of the era known as the Silver Millennium was approaching the moment of its decline.
Three years pass….
At last Princess Serenity was having her first formal ball to celebrate her coming of age for the throne and was crowned that morning as the crown princess for the Moon Kingdom. Lately her mother's bodyguard seemed to be ever present despite the fact that the person who was female wore a hooded cloak and mask to conceal their identity as well as gloves on the hands to conceal any glimpse of identity. Three years ago, the person just showed up and her mother without questioning the appearance made the person her bodyguard. There was something odd about the person and yet familiar. However those thoughts were quickly abandoned as she was dressed and heading downstairs to the ball where her friends and court were dancing along with the man she loved.
Once downstairs and in the ballroom she saw Endymion talking to her mother and after saying hello to her mother, they went out onto the balcony to have some time to themselves before having to be around the others. However the exchange was cut short as screams came from the ballroom. Rushing inside, both Serenity and Endymion were shock to see his loyal Shitennou fighting with the women they love who in her warriors. Before they recovered, an army poured in to slaughter the remaining quests along with the royals. At the head of the army was Prince Jiro dressed in black and looking like he was taking delight in the killing. Serenity saw her mother's bodyguard fighting until Jiro confronted the masked stranger. Their fight was brief as Jiro gravely wounded the person then her mother. A scream came from her mouth which made the bodyguard take the queen's wrist and pull her to safety. Coming to them, the person motioned for them to follow.
Running through the hallways, the sound of slaughter and fighting filled the air. A couple of times they heard a name mentioned that added to the mystery. Once inside a room, the bodyguard blocked it then turned to look at them quietly before going to her mother Queen Selenity and trying to heal the wound. "Who are you that you risk yourself for us" Serenity asked. "Someone who should have foreseen this and prevented it but destiny will have its way," the voice said. Both Endymion and Serenity looked at each other as the voice though muffled was familiar. "Who are you" Endymion asked as his former generals walked into the room. Without answering Selenity's bodyguard rushed the four generals and was in heated combat with them. Endymion joined in and in the midst of the fighting had accidental given the bodyguard another wound. Jiro who had entered had seen this and smirked as it meant that one more obstacle was gone. Endymion was gravely injured and fell back to where Serenity held onto him. Jiro and the four generals started to move forward when the bodyguard got in the way.
"You are dying and can no longer protect your queen and princess. Just die" Jiro said cruelly. Removing the hooded cloak, long gold red hair was reveal as a gloved hand removed the mask to reveal that it was Phoenix. "I may die but the evil that wishes to destroy this kingdom I will face till the last breath," she stated as Jiro stood there in shock. Endymion and Serenity were shocked as well. Then Jiro remembered that Endymion had wounded her as he shouted, "Kill them all but her, don't harm. Queen Beryl will be pleased to have that princess with us." Phoenix's eyes filled with sadness as she moved to stop each one of the generals. When the last Shitennou fell, Phoenix felt her strength leave as she collapsed. Laying there, she felt coldness closing in as Jiro went to her. Holding her in his arms, he whispered, "Stay with me." She started to cry as she saw the locket and whispered, "This is not the end but the beginning." Closing her eyes she grew limp in his arms as Jiro screamed in anger and pain. During this time Selenity used the Silver Imperial Crystal to end the invasion, to end the Silver Millennium and to send all to the future to be reborn. Where the past stops, the future begins.
