Awakening: Sailor Universe

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Sakura jumped as the crashing from the throne room seemed to double in volume.

"Hurry, Sakura, you must escape." Her mother whispered urgently as she pressed the Universe Crystal into her daughter's palm.

The pale girl nodded "I don't feel right leaving you and papa here by yourselves." She whispered as she gripped the smooth crystal.

"We'll be fine." Her mother insisted, hugging her daughter one last time. "Serenity needs you and the powers of Universe; all we can do is give you a little bit of extra time."

They heard Beryl's men running up the stairs towards the Princess's chamber. Sakura smiled sorrowfully at her mother "I love you mama." She whispered as she raised the crystal above her head, the skirt of her sailor fuku swaying as the power built.

The door of the room burst open as girl and crystal disappeared in a flash of light.

Moon Kingdom: Silver Millennium

Sakura arrived in the middle of the Palace Gardens. Her long, blue-black hair was mussed from the battle back home and she had exhausted her powers when she used the crystal. Her legs were threatening to collapse and her breathing came in short, painful spurts, but she knew the Moon Queen was expecting her and her news however unpleasant it was.

A Palace Guard saw her as she was running towards the double doors leading to the Ballroom where the Moon Princess was now celebrating her twelth birthday, a whole half-year-older than Sakura herself. Sakura avoided the guard's groping hands and forced her way into the ballroom.

A hush immediately descended over the dancers as the bedraggled young woman made her appearance "I need to speak to the Queen." She announced in a shaky voice. Her whole body shook as she fought to keep her feet.

The Guard from the gardens grabbed her from behind, pulling her back by the hair of her head "The only way trespassers get to see the Queen is from behind a set of purty iron bars." He sneered as he began dragging her away.

"Stop!" An authoritive voice called "That is no way to treat a Princess of the Universe!"

The guard let her go as if he had been burned, and she sunk to her knees. Tears threatened her eyes, but she stubbornly held then back.

A large hand came into view. Sakura looked up into sapphire blue eyes "Darien?" she questioned, her amethyst eyes widening.

The young man nodded "You look like you need a hand...cousin."

She shook her head "I'm too weak...the battle...the crystal...I'm so very dizzy." The room seemed to be spinning. She felt her body falling, her eyes closing. The last thing she saw was the worried look on the Queen's face.

Moon Kingdom: Five Years Later

Sakura Amreiana Utolia Azuragi, Princess of Universe, stood in the gardens of the Moon. Her long blue-black hair hung loosely down around her knees. Her amethyst eyes seemed to be looking beyond the stars towards something only she could see. The festivities continued in the ballroom. Serena, Princess of the Moon, had finally come of proper age to become its guardian. The people were rejoicing, only Sakura seemed unaffected by the joyous feeling that radiated throughout the kingdom.

For the young Princess it was a sad day. It marked the anniversary of her parent's deaths, the end of her kingdom, and the beginning of her sorrowful, lonely life.

Anyone who watched her saw that she was unhappy. Sorrow was a tangible thing when near her. So much so that none ventured near her at all, many didn't even glance her way. Unknown to them, their way of dealing with her only made matters worse.

She held the universe crystal tight, it was forever hanging around her neck on a small silver chain. A single tear slipped down her cheek. She brushed it away and turned to rejoin the crowd. Her silver dress caught the wind making it whip about her legs. She took a deep breath and plunged into the crowd.

Serena, Princess of Moon, and Darien, Prince of Earth, stood watching the gardens from the balcony. "She's so sad, Darien." The Princess sighed, watching the other girl enter the Ballroom.

"I know," Darien replied, "It's only going to get worse." He gripped her hand tightly "This is the last night of peace on the Moon. Beryl will attack soon." He shut his eyes and gripped her hand tightly "I can't tell her Serena...I know it would be better for her, but...I want her to have a few moments of happiness before her home is taken from her once again."

Serena leaned her head against his shoulder, "I hope you are doing the right thing, Darien."

"So do I." He sighed

Sakura had no sooner entered the crowd then her hand was grasped, and then kissed by a blond young man "Solan of the Sun." He introduced himself bestowing a glittering smile upon her. "And who might you be?"

Sakura pulled her hand from his much larger one "Ask anyone, they'll tell you all you need to know. She turned to leave, her hair catching the light and reflecting rainbows.

He ran to catch up to her "I didn't mean to offend you." He called, stumbling after her. "I simply wished for a dance." He grasped her hand, and she turned to face him. The Pain he saw reflected in her eyes tore at his heart.

"No one simply wishes to dance with me," She replied coolly, "If anything they avoid me like the plague, now please unhand me!" She jerked her hand free from his and stumbled backwards towards the buffet tables.

He quickly caught her around the waist "I simply wish to dance with you." He said as if she had not tried to end the conversation, "I personally believe you are a beautiful young woman, whom I wouldn't mind knowing the name of."

She turned her head away "Why do you torture me so..." She demanded, pushing him away, "Haven't I suffered enough." The crystal caught the light as her hair swung back. She ran from the Ballroom, her hair flying like a banner behind her.