━━ [ ARC ONE ]
Selene grew up as a ward of the state before she was placed within the witness protection program, informed that she was the sole survivor of a targeted assassination that claimed the lives of her family; instantly she believed, not knowing any better. She lived her life behind white walls and highly monitored interactions, frequently relocated for her 'safety'. Unbeknownst to her, her father was labeled Shadow King for his many connections with people in the position of power, and was the reason why she was carefully guarded. However, Selene's peaceful life of solitude was disrupted by the appearance of a talking feline house cat from the future.
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𝒐. | INTERLUDE
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❝Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.❞
― Desmond Tutu
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Listless fingers absentmindedly ran along the rounded flesh of her belly, leaving behind a trail of faint vibrations that both soothed and drained her. Even now as she was submerged in the bioluminescent water meant to rejuvenate and refresh her - Celestia still felt the lethargic pull of exhaustion seep deep into her weary bones. She was fighting a losing battle, held together by sheer will power and her days spent immersed within her pool of liquid energy. No matter how many warnings or pleas she beseeched to her husband about her wavering health, he would reply with an apathetic: "Only a little while longer, my love."
Celestia believed him every time, too. Foolish, now that she could reflect upon it with a clear mind. As of late, Celestia had a lot of time to think for herself without the influence of her King whispering into her ear, and it was completely obvious that she was being played like a common chess piece, yet she chose to ignore it. Sadly, her condition drastically worsened when she became pregnant with her second child. The little half-breed within her sucked every ounce of excess energy her body could spare, which wasn't much to begin with. The decline in Celestia's health resulted in isolation, close in proximity to her rejuvination pool, and an absentee husband. Not even the threat of possibly losing his unborn child lessened her husband's overabundant use of her soul crystal, a conductor to her power.
Tears welled within Celestia's eyes as the bioluminescent water slowly dwindled into a clear lightless pool of common liquid. With a heavy heart she released a shuddering breath, feeling a series of restless movements come from her belly as soon as the light faded. Her daughter, though unborn, had sensed the loss of energy. "I'm sorry, my Starshine, there is no more. He took it all," she apologized weakly, a tremble in her voice. "I tried… I… I…"
No. She couldn't lie, not to her child, an untainted soul.
Celestia had no more power left to give. Whatever remained was what was held within the human host she possessed long ago, and she could feel her daughter greedily latch on to that energy to drain. It was only a matter of time before Celestia took her last breath.
Sickly limbs struggled to maintain balance, the cool water from Celestia's pool loudly sloshed in retaliation against her shaky movement. Her long, bony fingers cupped the bottom of her protruding belly, cradling what little weight she could carry from her child. With labored grunts she clambered out of the water, the chilled air of the palace wracking violent shivers against her clammy skin.
He always did like it cold, came her bitter thought.
A puddle began to form around Celestia's trembling frame. She was too tired to find the strength to stand. Exhausted both mentally and physically, she weakly caught sight of her distorted reflection in the water below: dark stringy hair, shallow skin, sunken cheekbones and large discolored circles beneath the fatigued gaze of her host; a kind-hearted woman once so full of life, hopes and dreams, only to have her mind wiped and body stolen for the sake of facing a strong foreign presence threatening harm to Celestia's sanctuary.
The downfall of Celestia's life and that of her planet's was her own doing. She had meant to defeat the evil and then release the woman, to go back into a peaceful slumber within her creation. Instead, she had listened to the intruder speak. His silken words coaxed her to believe that his intentions for her planet were what was best to bring back peace and prosperity to her slowly decaying resting place ― a reset, of sorts. Convinced that his objective was noble and true, Celestia aided him in his efforts to overtake the living beings of her planet.
Nearly 500 years later, and her home was worse than ever before. Ruined by a common Trickster God and her lonesome heart.
Did Celestia's death mark the end of her beloved planet? A haven she had painstakingly crafted eons ago for a love she had long ago lost... a love she had replaced with a cheap imitation. The thought of giving up, of giving in to her exhaustion almost freed Celestia's mind of stress and worry, but the burden of her duty to her people made her hesitate. Billions would parish, and Celestia was sure her husband and son would evacuate without giving their subjects any warning.
What was to stop her husband from simply finding another planet to overthrow after her's fell to crumbles? To seduce another lonely soul into believing his lies? The cycle would continue, only now he had their son to use at his disposal, a powerful being of half God and half Celestial.
Oh Ragnar, her beautiful boy. Celestia had failed him, left him to the manipulations of his father while she laid in isolation from sickness brought upon by her own foolish actions. She should have been strong enough to protect him, should have been wise enough to see past his father's lies and trickery. Now, much like herself, he was but a pawn in his father's selfish plight for rule and title.
Gritting her teeth, Celestia tried to banish her somber thoughts. "Please forgive me, my Starshine," she whispered, tenderly cradling her stomach with shaky palms. Ignoring the haziness of her mind, Celestia blocked her daughter's energy source and channeled it to her own limbs, staggering to her feet. Her daughter showed her displeasure by restlessly squirming within her belly, causing major discomfort. "I'm sorry, my Starshine, I'm sorry," Celestia murmured her apologies over and over, guilt weighing heavy in her chest for denying her baby the nurturance she needed.
How was Celestia to fix her mistakes? Surely her husband would subdue her if she attempted to send out word about the planet's impending doom; an easy feat considering her rapidly depleting condition. If he didn't do it, the fearsome titan who started the 'cleanse' would most likely overcome her without effort.
One of Celestia's favorite pastimes came to mind, but her energy was limited and she didn't know who she could trust to not betray her to the King. Ragnar, while she loved him dearly, idolized his father too much to even consider the thought of doing anything without his consent. There was no one else for Celestia to consider: servants, knights, nobles — all gave thanks to their King for their protection and prosperity while under his rule.
Celestia's mind wandered to the sole prisoner her husband kept chained deep in the underbelly of their palace, but he too had been severely weakened as time progressed; last she saw him, he was in no better condition than she was. Perhaps the rebellion? No, they were swiftly dwindling in numbers thanks to her husband's constant use of her crystal, and he had proudly boasted that what remained of them had retreated into hiding: "Like the sniveling cowards they are." Regardless, Celestia had no time to locate one of their bases and request their help (if they would even allow her to speak her peace).
Her spark of hope all but vanished.
Since her pregnancy the only company Celestia had were healers and the occasional presence of her son to check in on her well-being. Her husband 'feared' an attack on his bedridden Queen and his unborn child that he had cut off nearly all visitation rights to the palace - except for his own personal meetings. Celestia was supposed to remain in her rejuvination pool for another hour before a healer would have come to assist her with drying off and dressing.
A pair of extravagant golden doors parted open on when Celestia wobbled near them, sensing her movement. Modesty was thrown out the window as she remained unclothed.
She needed a plan and fast.
Water dripped and fell in rivulets down Celestia's trembling frame, doing little to calm the rising gooseflesh from her uncovered skin. She was sure a trail of liquid was left in her wake, and the growing puddle at her feet did not help to keep her steady.
Celestia cried out, startled as a searing pain erupted in her midsection. She grasped at her stomach, staggering uncontrollably. Sweet heavens, it burned! Her feet couldn't find stability against the slippery marble and she succumbed to gravitational pull. She was swift enough to extend her hands out before her, but the shock of the unexpected fall sent a jolt of agony through her entire body, leaving her a throbbing aching mess. Tears welled beneath Celestia's lids and she released another tormented sob as a second sharp stab struck within her belly.
Her daughter was not pleased with her selfish actions.
"Please… I'm sorry, I can't…" Celestia gasped, bowing with her head between her knees. "...I have to…there has to be..."
Heavy purring captured Celestia's attention, followed by a gentle but cold touch of a wet dot repeatedly poking at her skin. Weakly lifting her head, Celestia met the wide amber gaze of a sleek black domestic house cat. Binx, the only connection she had to her human host and, frankly, the only companion she has had since her forced isolation. After Celestia had taken over the girl's body she did not have the nerve to leave the defenseless animal to fend for himself and decided to keep him. She quickly grew fond of his soft furry little body and unwavering companionship that she kept adding to his lifespan so that he could remain at her side.
"Binx," Celestia murmured out her companion's name. "Binx…" she repeated when an odd idea crossed her mind. "Binx!" Not only was Binx her only companion but he was her confidant as well. Celestia often found herself venting her frustrations and occasional thoughts to the domestic animal whenever the urge struck her. He knew everything needed to help her!
Binx sat on his hind legs, his head tilted as he continued to gaze up at Celestia inquisitively. Probably wondering why she kept calling his name.
Why hadn't this idea crossed Celestia's mind sooner? It would have been a lot easier if she had a confident who spoke back. Plan in mind, Celestia gathered her strength and channeled her energy to the pads of her fingers. A humming warmth thrummed beneath her skin, and she reached out to run her hand through the soft fur on Binx's head, gently rubbing in soothing circles. There was a subtle shift within the cat's eyes, a flash of light before they returned to their normal shade of amber.
The feline blinked curiously up at Celestia. "What are you...?" He gasped, his eyes widening comically. He jumped back in alarm, away from Celestia's touch. "Holy cow, is that my voice? Am I speaking? Hey… I sound pretty darn good."
Celestia smiled down at her companion, affection soothing her frayed nerves. Binx's exuberance was a refreshing change to her otherwise bleak days.
"Hello, Binx," she said.
"Haha! Hello, Master!" he greeted with a laugh and an excited bounce on his paws. "Now that I can speak, I've been meaning to tell you: I don't really like fish."
Celestia was taken aback by Binx's candid remark. A cat who didn't like fish? Trust Binx to always cheer up her mood. Celestia's snort of laughter morphed into a muffled groan when her daughter delivered another unsatisfied strike within her belly, demanding her attention and reminding Celestia of the dire situation. Cradling her stomach, Celestia applied pressure in hopes to soothe some of her discomfort. "B...Be...Binx," she struggled to call through clenched teeth.
The sleek black feline frantically paced around her. "What's the matter, Master? Do you need help? Should I go get someone?"
Celestia shook her head, grimacing. "You are the help, Binx."
"Me?" he exclaimed, shocked. "What can I do? I'm just a common palace cat!"
"Midga...Earth—" Celestia venomously corrected with a shake of her head (she refused to call her planet the name her husband had rebranded it) "—is doomed to fall. Loki overused my soul crystal, there is nothing left to give."
"It's ALL gone?!" Binx cried out in disbelief. "But that's impossible! I thought you created the planet to regenerate itself?"
"He's using too much, I can't keep up," Celestia uttered in dismay, curling her fingers inwards toward her palms to form a clenched fist. "The crystal held all of my reserves from my slumber, but it's completely depleted now... I can feel it calling for me." The dull tugging sensation constantly at the forefront of her mind grew harder and harder to ignore as the days passed, and now with the inevitable end in the horizon it was just screeching at her to prevent their downfall.
"Why don't you just get the crystal back?" Binx wondered benignly.
Celestia chuckled, dismissively shaking of her head. "If only it were that easy. Loki keeps the crystal on his person at all times, and in my current condition I can't do much of anything. What little energy I have left needs to be used wisely." She heavily exhaled, her somber mood returning. "Binx, there isn't much time."
The feline sat on his hind legs. "Uh oh. I don't think I like the sound of this. What do you need me to do?"
With fiercely determined eyes, Celestia proclaimed: "Selene is my highest conductor, my power was always within her. Prepare her, guide her so that my interference would not be needed. Do not let her fall for Loki's lies and trickery, and especially prepare her for Thanos' inevitable intrusion. I fear that making an enemy of Loki will cause much trouble with the titan."
Binx gapped, his amber eyes wide with shock. "You're sending me back?"
"You are the only chance Earth has at survival. I trust no one else," Celestia was saddened to admit, her thoughts straying to her son. "Loki has too much influence over the people closest to me."
"But what about you, Master?" Binx asked, concerned. "What will happen to you if I change the past?"
Celestia's attempt at a comforting smile wavered. "If all goes well, I would remain dormant unless I am truly needed."
Binx seemed to nod in reluctance. "Doesn't sound like I have much of a choice," he muttered under his breath. "Ah, hell, alright I'll do it."
Celestia had the urge to laugh out in relief. Everything would be okay! She knew deep in her heart that Binx would not fail her. He was her truest and only friend. Leaning forward, Celestia placed her forehead on top of her companion's soft cranium, wanting to feel his warmth one last time.
Binx loudly purred at the contact.
"Thank you, Binx," she murmured lovingly.
A bright flash of white seeped through Celestia's closed eyelids. Even though the idea was her own, she felt a sinking sensation within her chest at the thought of never seeing Binx again. He was the single constant in her life that didn't have selfish intentions (other than the want of food and the occasional pet). Opening her eyes she saw that the feline was gone, but the phantom impression of his warm furry little head pressed against her forehead was still fresh in her mind. Good luck, Binx. You are our only hope.
"Mother...?"
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Reviews, comments, and criticism are always welcomed; flames—tolerated.
.disclaimer. I do not, nor shall I ever, own Marvel or the elements of Sailor Moon used to create this story. This is a work of fanfiction, created by an overimagnative admirer seeking to escape her otherwise dull reality. A rewrite of an extremely old story I wrote after watching Robert rock it as Tony in theaters way back in 2008; let's not do the math and pretend that wasn't, like, forevers ago.
Third times the charm, or so they say. This time I have a different approach when reposting this story, though... *shrugs* fuck it.