"Princess, the transport is here." I heard the guard at the door
say and then back out again. I sat at my desk writing letters to
the nobles on Tennousei. I needed their support in the war that
was soon to arise.
The armies from the southernmost moon, Titania, are
rebelling. The Imperial Queen Serenity is trying to create a
Utopia. That Utopia doesn't involve Ancient Uranian culture as
practiced by these people. It wants to dissolve their beliefs,
force Lunar culture on them, force Lunar religion on them, force
these people to give up their independence. They have declared
war; war against the Celestial Empire, Tennousei was the closest
target.
I signed another letter, then went to greet General
Infrit, the highest ranked general on Tennousei.
I inclined my head to the general as I arrived at the
gate where he was unpacking his luggage.
"Princess." He bowed to me. " The queen has signed the
declaration of war, she has ordered the Uranian army to attack
at your command." I closed my eyes and nodded then thanked the
general.
Does the queen not realize what we're up against; doesn't
she know our culture? How can she tell me to create a civil war?
I said a silent prayer for all those that would die in this quest
for Utopia. I turned around " General!" He looked up at me,
"Start recruiting." He bowed and I left.
Later that night I fell into a fitful sleep, my dreams
were of battles, battles I've fought, battles I've heard of,
battles that would soon arise. I woke hours before breakfast, I
felt helpless, I was crown princess, but I couldn't really do
anything. In the event of war my brothers and sisters had power,
not me, I was the youngest. I had to do something to help, to at
least feel useful. I got out of my bed, changing from my
nightgown to what I refer to as my 'peasant' clothes. On a scroll
I quickly wrote a letter, rolling it up and sealing it with the
royal seal. I slipped it into an old bag, I then picked up the
dagger by my bedside, and in one clean swipe I cut my long hair
and tied it with a black ribbon.
I sent small bursts of wind and magic though the room,
and ran out the open balcony door leaving behind an overturned
room, and a long lock of blonde hair tied in a silken ribbon upon
my pillow. This was the mark of the Uranian bandits; I had
perfectly staged my kidnapping. I was soon out of the castle by
secret passages and was running toward the capital city, Eris.
I ran quickly though the city, I needed to get out of it,
soon a search party would come looking for me, and I couldn't
risk being found. I saw an unattended carriage and climbed into
the back, hoping it would take me out of the city, I looked at
the drivers from behind, then quickly jumped out, they were
palace guards and would surely recognize me, even with my
haircut. I pulled the hood of my cloak over my head and hid in
some nearby bushes.
I had been wandering around looking for a horse I could
take when I came across a stable. I slid into the room silently
then threw a stone near the opposite door. The stable boy took
he bait, and went towards the door, sword in hand. I quickly
jumped onto a nearby horse and made it run. I heard the stable
boy cursing and running after me. I steered the horse west,
towards the farming village of Estion where a military post was
being set up.
The silver moon, Oberon, had risen by the time I arrived, I could
feel it's heat through my heavy cloak, along with the tingle of
magic it produced. I was at the closest point to Oberon. On
Uranus we need magic to survive. Naturally the planet is ice
cold, and we get very little light from the sun. Now Queen
Serenity wanted to take that magic away, forcing us to move from
our home to a planet closer to the sun, a planet with 'lunar
magic.' I scowled, the Lunars were so much like the Terrans, they
have to control everything.
I saw the village up ahead and the makeshift
barracks the army had set up. This would be the training ground
for new recruits due to the vast areas of plains to camp on and
the mountains and cliffs on either side suitable for endurance
training. I stared wide eyed at the sea of tents set up, I only
gave the order to recruit yesterday, the paperwork would have
been done, but the military caravan's should have only been
arriving and starting to set up. The soldiers coming in the
mid-afternoon, someone was going against my orders.
I entered the training camp, there were many
young men standing in a line in front of me, none older than
twenty-five. I sat up straighter on the horse, trying to 'fit
in.' I knew that I didn't look like royalty anymore, my hair
was matted by the wind, I had streaks of dirt on my face, I
wore though breeches and a loose woven shirt with a long black
cloak.
My disguise was perfect, with my short hair and male
peasant clothing, no one would find out who I really was, my
story was that I was a blacksmith's son, they'd believe it,
especially with the royal decree to fight which the crown
princess herself had signed. Everything was working out
perfectly.
I jumped off my horse with the scroll in my hand and
waited in the lineup.
" Name." A burly man in a soldier's uniform barked at me.
" Tenou Haruka." I spoke quietly, my voice low. I handed
him the scroll.
" You're not on my list!" He glared at me.
" Early this morning I received this from a soldier, he
told me to go here immediately." He inspected the scroll and let
me through after examining the royal signature and muttering
something about 'those damn scribes.'
" Line UP!" I heard someone yell I presumed it was the captain.
I stood rigidly beside the other 'soldiers.' As he
walked by the men fell clumsily to their knees in a pitiful bow.
I averted my eyes and nodded my head to the captain, I could feel
his glare at my 'insolence' and I dropped to one knee bowing. I
had never bowed before especially not to some low rank captain,
satisfied he continued on his way. When he finished his 'tour'
he started to speak.
" Recruits, we are here to complete a mission, you are
the latest addition to the powerful Uranian armada. The army to
protect the Queen Serenity and the Crown Princess. I will train
you to fight in the upcoming days against the traitors on
Titania. Once the Titanians are gone nothing will stop us from
unity with the Moon Kingdom. We will train you hard, and I will
make men out of you." A cheer went up from the group; I felt
like snorting but managed to refrain.
" You will take a tent, set it up and be back here in a
half an hour. Go." He dismissed us and I went to get a tent. I
picked up the 'tent', which was actually a tarp and a couple
sticks, can't be too difficult to set up, I was wrong.
Forty minutes later I was still trying to balance the
tarp on the two twigs, the captain walked by.
"What are you doing?" He asked circling my small
clearing.
" I have never put up a tent... sir." I almost choked on
the word, I don't know how everyone always bows to me... it's
so... degrading. He didn't seem impressed.
" Where are you from recruit." He almost spat at me, I
felt liking wiping that smirk off his face, I didn't even flinch,
you can't scare me.
" Near the village of Shoat to the east, my father was a
blacksmith." He chuckled, then walked away. I stared at the heap
of lumber and cloth, what have I gotten myself into.
" Princess Miranda." I heard a familiar voice, I
stiffened, " It's only me!" I recognized my 'sprite." She landed
on my shoulder; she looked like a little faery. I looked at the
miniature version of myself; her hair was now too cut short.
She wore my senshi uniform and she guided me through the art of
setting up a tent. When I was finished I went to line up with the
other recruits luckily I wasn't last.
When everyone was assembled he told us to march; we
clumsily obeyed. I noticed that most of the tents were pretty sad
to look at. When we were right before my tent he stopped for
everyone to catch up and smirked at me muttering something about
'best for last.' He turned the corner and his face started to go
red from anger at my perfect tent.
He walked behind me, his sword drawn.
" So, you're some sort of wise guy aren't ya." He pressed
the butt of his sword into my back. I slowly reached for the
agger I always kept hidden. " Defend yourself, Blacksmith." I
whirled around dagger in hand and directed his sword away from
me. I then backed into my 'campsite' and unsheathed the sword
attached to my horse. I quickly unarmed him and with a twist of
my foot he was on the ground staring at the tip of my sword
centimeters from his face. I sheathed my sword the went back in
line. I knew I shouldn't have shown off, but he's provoked me. He
got up and brushed himself off glaring at me.
" We'll start by running 5K around the raining grounds,
then we'll do some archery and sword tech. I anyone
steps out of line he'll have to answer to me." The rest of the
men seemed bored.
The remainder of the day passed quickly and I was soon
alone in my tent tending to my blisters. This was a bad idea. My
Uranus Sprite popped out from my cloak.
" What an invigorating day." I glared at her. I felt
dirty. I Hate feeling dirty.
" Why don't you go take a bath princess?"
" What a way to keep a disguise, walk naked into a pool
with plenty of men." The sprite shrugged.
" Blacksmith!" I rolled my eyes as the 'captain' called
me. " Get out here NOW!" I slid out of my warm little hole,
eyebrow twitching.
" You annoying little boy, embarrassing me like that
today you need to be taught respect."
I mumbled 'Yes sir." not in the mood to do anything and followed
him, I was definitely not happy with this.
We soon arrived at the training facility.
" 50 Push-ups now!" He poked at me with his sword; I
dropped to the ground praying to any god that this idiot would
leave me alone soon.
" He didn't, I then had to run the obstacle course a few
times and climb a pole. That's where I was now. He had gone to
sleep calling an aid to watch me, he said that if I didn't climb
the pole and stand up there until morning I would be dismissed to
go home.
I was balancing on one foot, changing feet every once in
a while, I was dead tired, but it was a moment of clarity. I
closed my eyes feeling my element, knowing this was where I was
meant to be, knowing that it would be ok, knowing what I was
fighting for. I watched as the sun started to rise I wasn't
worried about anything, then in a moment of complete peace a
loud gong sounded waking all the soldiers up and I almost fell
off my pole.
The captain came out of his tent smirking. He looked
surprised to see me standing calmly on one foot on the tall pole.
" Blacksmith." He called up to me. I rolled my eyes and
changed feet.
" My name is Haruka!"
" I thought you'd learnt your lesson, but now, Haruka,
you'll stay up there until after breakfast." He smirked. I
shrugged; I could stay up here a hell of a lot longer than he
thought. I'm a sailor senshi I can go without food, water, or
sleep for a very large amount of time. My tiredness disappearing
once I centered my self on my task, of course he didn't know
that.
I'm definitely happy up here, with the wind whispering
in my ear. The time passed quickly, before I knew it the captain
had returned and was at the bottom of my pole calling me down.
I stayed a few minutes, kissing the wind good bye and I
made my way down, now my muscles burned a bit, but I was fine, I
felt at peace, something I hadn't felt since my coronation, maybe
longer.
It was almost half a lunar year ago, on he twenty-seventh
day of the first lunar month that I received the crown, that was
also the day I swore to protect the Queen Serenity. She now may
see my actions as treason, not staying at the crown, but I am
protecting her, I need information, she doesn't know the Titanians
power, I have a vague knowledge she won't defeat them.
The day I received the crown from my mother changed my
destiny forever. At the age of sixteen I had a planet to take care
of and I care more about my home and my people than anything else.
At sixteen I had to deal with the imperial vision of Uranians.
They think we are savages, because our army is strong they think
we are remorseless, that we have no emotion. I stepped down on the
ground, but the captain doesn't know who I really am, and he would
never know the power I hold, hopefully.
When I came down he sent me off to clean the hot sulfur
springs; I bowed then went off, these hot springs were warmed by
nearby volcanoes. No mere mortal could bathe directly in the
springs, the temperature changed constantly and you could be dead
before you got out form the bitter cold or from the intense heat.
It had claimed many lives, but I knew I was safe. I had protection
as senshi, as avatar for the gods. Life could be sweet. Looking
around to make sure no one was around I slipped in the water,
feeling it cleanse me, the spring I was at could only be accessed
during daylight, I'd come here on royal visits to the cities and
towns.
This is the one thing I missed most from the palace, the
warm water constantly made available through magic. I smiled
slipping underwater, soon I got out scared of being caught, and I
then left back to the campground after cleaning the area around
the Hot Springs. I had already missed lunch and was starving
longing for dinner. I spent the remainder of the day doing stupid
chores I had never done in my life for the captain. Imagine the
crown princess... sweeping.
I lay awake that night, huddled under the thin blanket
they provided. I groaned, I don't think I've ever eaten that much
in my life, especially not peasant food. All I had was bowl after
bowl of rice. I was tired, I was still to full to sleep and my
stomach was digesting very loudly. I lay thinking about my
'family.' I was the youngest of seventeen children, when I was
born my eldest sister Rhea was soon to be coronated but the
prophets named me as the future queen and sailor senshi. She was
absolutely furious with me, she'd been taught all her life to boss
everyone around. In a twist of fate my family had two senshi,
myself and my twin sister, Phoebe. She was senshi to a different
system a system Uranus had a long-standing alliance with the Star
Systems of Kinmokusei. She was Sailor Star Freedom of the sailor
starlights.
Even though we are twins we aren't very close, I care
about her more than any other person in my family. We used to play
together when we were very small, but my mother didn't want us to
get close, she wouldn't let us. She said Phoebe was a bad
influence on me and I was a bad influence on her. The rest of my
childhood I remember watching her play with the other palace
children, with the other princes and princesses, but never with
me. Even now when we are longer we don't talk to each other. While
she was in power my mother told us that we weren't allowed to
talk, to get to know each other, Phoebe was to know I would
someday be her ruler not her friend and I was supposed to learn
that in life family was nothing more than politics nothing more
than diplomatic relations between each other. Mother felt that the
reason Rhea wasn't proclaimed queen was because she had too many
associated she had to please, and that she would put them and
their money in front of what the people actually needed.
It wasn't that my mother ignored Phoebe though, it was the
opposite in fact she let her be a free spirit, make her mistakes,
she let her play and have fun, I was the one ignored. I was always
being taught how to act, how to be a member of Serenity's court. I
was the first of the Uranian Royalty to be accepted into that
court, into the Imperial court.
If ever I made a mistake I was punished. If ever I wanted
to play and not study I was scolded. I was always envious of my
free sister.
The remainder of my family treated me indifferently, they
knew I had power but teased me and were spiteful of it. They knew
that together all of them together could overrule me in many
situations, Phoebe wouldn't let them though, she never agreed and
the decision had to me unanimous in most cases.
I was taught to fight by palace guards, as was needed to protect
the Queen, but whenever I sparred with anyone in training the
opponent backed down, not wanting to hurt me, What I learned of
actual combat was training with General Infrit and sneaking out of
the castle late at night and returning early in the morning.
" Princess, get some sleep." I heard my sprite say from
her spot on my pillow. I sighed, then rolled over and soon fell
asleep.
For the next two months I trained hard and I knew it paid
off. For the first time in my life I felt strong, powerful. I had
some hard senshi training previously but it was only learning my
attack, it was nothing compared to this.
The training was almost over and I knew I had to employ
the rest of my plan. I sat in my tent and lighting a candle I
pulled an inkwell and a quill from my bag.
I wrote a letter addressed to the captain, it said to
attack from the west, something those at Parliament wouldn't
approve of. It had to be done though we needed to know the power
of the mages and Elven forces.
I snuffed out the candle and I snuck out of my tent. I
stealthily made my way to the captain's tent. He was still awake
and had a visitor. I froze, I recognized the visitor's voice, it
was General Infrit. Shit, what am I supposed to do now. He
probably already had sensed me.
I ran quickly back to my tent, I dropped the letter
somewhere on the way. I went back to my tent trying to keep my
aura to a minimum.
The next thing I knew the morning gong sounded to wake
everyone. I cursed myself, I was usually up before it and dressed
by this point so the other soldiers weren't wandering around while
I did. Just as I pulled my shirt on someone came barging into my
tent.
" Hurry up, there is a guest this morning to our
regiment." He Then ran calling to the other tents.
I soon as I reached the mess hall I heard the captain
scream for all of us to line up. My height put me in the first
row, I cursed under my breath.
General Infrit came out of the tent and the captain walked
behind him. The General walked observing us, as he passed them the
recruits bowed and he asked a few some questions. As he stepped in
front of me I bowed.
" Stand up, what's your name recruit."
" Ten'ou Haruka Sir." I looked him straight in the eye, he
knew who I was I hoped that I could trust him with it.
He raised his eyebrow, smirked, then moved on. My family
name couldn't have been more obvious to the General. I mentally
slapped myself. No wonder he found me. Tenou is what the planet is
named after, it's the name of my ancestors, my real name, I didn't
think he's notice it was a popular name on this planet. I also had
gone by my real name though, my private name. It had always been
associated with the castle Miranda, he knew that, could I have
been more obvious?
The General came back to face us, he touched his forehead
as he went and looked straight at me. Great, my forehead was
glowing. I looked at the ground and I took a deep breath, I felt
it subside into my skin, I really needed to start covering it up,
it would be a dead giveaway. Usually my sprite, Miranda, would
tell me when it appeared but she had popped off somewhere, saying
she was mad at the General and didn't want to see him.
I listened to the General's speech, he was going to train
us for the day, I knew he was going to be picking on me. At least
he hadn't revealed who I really was.
We started with a run and then Sword Tech. He said he'd
have exercises of increasing difficulty and pulled people out of
the front row to demonstrate. On the last one he came to me.
I did the technique easily and with the skill little of these men
possessed. For the rest of the day I was the one he called on to
demonstrate. After dinner, when the silver moon set he was calling
recruits to his tent to talk to them. I was the last he sent for.
I entered the tent, he was the only occupant, no one was aiding
him, there wasn't even a guard at the door. As soon as I had
closed the door he bowed to me.
" Princess, I am glad to know that you are safe. I
inclined my head and he stood up.
" Please, sit."
" Why are you here General." I asked him getting straight
to the point
" I thought you may take matters into your own hands
milady.. officially I am here because the captain is of high birth
and his troops deserve my assistance. but as I saw your name on
the recruit list and needed to come find you. I will not tell
anyone about this meeting, the palace policy is that you have
taken ill and are conducting your matters in private, most don't
know that you're gone, we don't want a panic. I have decided to
train this Armada, I am your protector after all princess, but I
cannot give you special treatment princess." I nodded
" I understand, and general call me Haruka." He smiled.
" I also found your letter this morning, I will train you for an
extra week and then I'll follow through with your plans."
" Thank You." I nodded my head and left.
For the next week all I felt is pain. The General really
knows how to train! I lay on my bedroll willing the pain to go
away or even subside a little. I couldn't go to my secluded hot
springs, the pool the men went to was on the way to the hot spring
and I would be found out since many wandered the area before
'lights out'
" Haruka, the General wishes to see you." A scrawny guy,
the local messenger told me. I got up wincing and made my way to
his tent. I walked in noticing that we were alone again.
He looked at me then chuckled I raised my eyebrow,
" Princess, at least clean yourself up a bit." He pointed
over to the basin of water and a mirror, I cringed at my
reflection, I needed a bath, and a proper haircut. I washed my
face and hands and shook some of the dirt out of my hair.
" Why don't you use the hot springs princess, they're safe
for you."
" The pool these boys chose as their bathhouse overlooks all the
Hot Springs I can get to at night." I sat down." Is there
something you want."
" We're moving out tomorrow, get some rest, you'll be
hurting a lot more then, trust me." I nodded. He followed me out
then sent his messenger to tell the boys to go and get some rest,
tomorrow we'd be moving out and he needed then awake and alert.
" Haruka go take a quick bath." He whispered to me as I
walked away, I did as I was told. I sat in a dark corner of the
spring staring up at the many moons. I quickly located Titania.
" I'll protect you Titania, it won't seem like it but I
will, I promise."
The General was right, today I did hurt, I ached. Since
dawn I had been riding the horse I had previously stolen. It liked
me well enough but it was a bumpy ride. I gazed at the country
side, soon we would reach a military transport post, from where
we'd take a ship to Titania's surface. We would be the first troop
sent.
When the ship landed I was the last off with my horse. The
air smelt different, it tingled with magic. I was well aware of
it. I could taste the enchantments in the air. I could feel
everything the wind the ground the creatures the plants,
everything. The General walked back to the ship and tapped his
forehead as he passed me and handed me a bandana. I tied it around
my head. I felt woozy, suddenly cut off. I reached out to Castle
Miranda to center myself, my senses were going crazy here. Finding
my floating castle I felt better and pulling the horse behind me I
followed the troops where we walked for several hours.
Finally when the artificial night fell on this moon we
prepared camp. I wished dearly for my sprite to coach me though
this, but I knew I was on my own. We would be detected instantly
if she were here.
We set our small tents side by and I was stuck in the
middle, probably the General's idea. Out of the corner of my eye I
saw him setting up his humble tent and I copied.
Soon I was laying in my tent inside a sleeping bag and
listening to the other men talk and complain about the dried food.
A fire would have given us away so we ate cold dried food. I
quickly fell asleep letting my aching body rest. Before the
magical daylight could come we had cleaned our campsite and were
once again marching.
After Several hours I heard one of the men cry out and
another scream to look up to the mountain. Hidden behind thick
foliage Elven archers shot at us, I ran for a place to hide, we
were in a dry valley at the foot of a mountain with many small
caves and large rocks to hide behind.
I ran for cover behind a large rock pulling with me as
many people as I could. I pushed someone down as a finely crafted
arrow pierced though the sky at us. I pressed myself against the
rocks in the cavern.
I saw the General darting though the valley pushing soldiers into
hiding places. He pushed a soldier in my direction not seeing the
arrow coming straight for him. I ran and pushed him to the ground
I felt a dull pain in my head and everything went black.
I was disoriented when I awoke, I didn't know where I was. I tried
to sit up, but was struck with a heavy wave of nausea, so I lay
back down.
" You're awake?" I hear General Infrit's voice; I hadn't
even noticed him.
" What happened, where am I?" I asked slowly rolling
over.
" We were rescued by a band of Elven mages, they say that
they support us. and believe we can convince the queen to let them
practice their magic. we are very fortunate, currently we are in a
Dwarven Stronghold. Many on Titania don't believe in the war, we
do have some allies here. Are you alright princess? You hit your
head pretty hard."
I told him I would be fine, he said that no one, not even
the mages knew who I was, I could continue with my facade if I
wanted to. I nodded, then soon fell asleep again.
*****************************************************************
Beta Version, may be spelling mistakes etc. I'm on the way to
writing the next section :D Tell me what ya think..
casperthefriendlyghost22@hotmail.com
say and then back out again. I sat at my desk writing letters to
the nobles on Tennousei. I needed their support in the war that
was soon to arise.
The armies from the southernmost moon, Titania, are
rebelling. The Imperial Queen Serenity is trying to create a
Utopia. That Utopia doesn't involve Ancient Uranian culture as
practiced by these people. It wants to dissolve their beliefs,
force Lunar culture on them, force Lunar religion on them, force
these people to give up their independence. They have declared
war; war against the Celestial Empire, Tennousei was the closest
target.
I signed another letter, then went to greet General
Infrit, the highest ranked general on Tennousei.
I inclined my head to the general as I arrived at the
gate where he was unpacking his luggage.
"Princess." He bowed to me. " The queen has signed the
declaration of war, she has ordered the Uranian army to attack
at your command." I closed my eyes and nodded then thanked the
general.
Does the queen not realize what we're up against; doesn't
she know our culture? How can she tell me to create a civil war?
I said a silent prayer for all those that would die in this quest
for Utopia. I turned around " General!" He looked up at me,
"Start recruiting." He bowed and I left.
Later that night I fell into a fitful sleep, my dreams
were of battles, battles I've fought, battles I've heard of,
battles that would soon arise. I woke hours before breakfast, I
felt helpless, I was crown princess, but I couldn't really do
anything. In the event of war my brothers and sisters had power,
not me, I was the youngest. I had to do something to help, to at
least feel useful. I got out of my bed, changing from my
nightgown to what I refer to as my 'peasant' clothes. On a scroll
I quickly wrote a letter, rolling it up and sealing it with the
royal seal. I slipped it into an old bag, I then picked up the
dagger by my bedside, and in one clean swipe I cut my long hair
and tied it with a black ribbon.
I sent small bursts of wind and magic though the room,
and ran out the open balcony door leaving behind an overturned
room, and a long lock of blonde hair tied in a silken ribbon upon
my pillow. This was the mark of the Uranian bandits; I had
perfectly staged my kidnapping. I was soon out of the castle by
secret passages and was running toward the capital city, Eris.
I ran quickly though the city, I needed to get out of it,
soon a search party would come looking for me, and I couldn't
risk being found. I saw an unattended carriage and climbed into
the back, hoping it would take me out of the city, I looked at
the drivers from behind, then quickly jumped out, they were
palace guards and would surely recognize me, even with my
haircut. I pulled the hood of my cloak over my head and hid in
some nearby bushes.
I had been wandering around looking for a horse I could
take when I came across a stable. I slid into the room silently
then threw a stone near the opposite door. The stable boy took
he bait, and went towards the door, sword in hand. I quickly
jumped onto a nearby horse and made it run. I heard the stable
boy cursing and running after me. I steered the horse west,
towards the farming village of Estion where a military post was
being set up.
The silver moon, Oberon, had risen by the time I arrived, I could
feel it's heat through my heavy cloak, along with the tingle of
magic it produced. I was at the closest point to Oberon. On
Uranus we need magic to survive. Naturally the planet is ice
cold, and we get very little light from the sun. Now Queen
Serenity wanted to take that magic away, forcing us to move from
our home to a planet closer to the sun, a planet with 'lunar
magic.' I scowled, the Lunars were so much like the Terrans, they
have to control everything.
I saw the village up ahead and the makeshift
barracks the army had set up. This would be the training ground
for new recruits due to the vast areas of plains to camp on and
the mountains and cliffs on either side suitable for endurance
training. I stared wide eyed at the sea of tents set up, I only
gave the order to recruit yesterday, the paperwork would have
been done, but the military caravan's should have only been
arriving and starting to set up. The soldiers coming in the
mid-afternoon, someone was going against my orders.
I entered the training camp, there were many
young men standing in a line in front of me, none older than
twenty-five. I sat up straighter on the horse, trying to 'fit
in.' I knew that I didn't look like royalty anymore, my hair
was matted by the wind, I had streaks of dirt on my face, I
wore though breeches and a loose woven shirt with a long black
cloak.
My disguise was perfect, with my short hair and male
peasant clothing, no one would find out who I really was, my
story was that I was a blacksmith's son, they'd believe it,
especially with the royal decree to fight which the crown
princess herself had signed. Everything was working out
perfectly.
I jumped off my horse with the scroll in my hand and
waited in the lineup.
" Name." A burly man in a soldier's uniform barked at me.
" Tenou Haruka." I spoke quietly, my voice low. I handed
him the scroll.
" You're not on my list!" He glared at me.
" Early this morning I received this from a soldier, he
told me to go here immediately." He inspected the scroll and let
me through after examining the royal signature and muttering
something about 'those damn scribes.'
" Line UP!" I heard someone yell I presumed it was the captain.
I stood rigidly beside the other 'soldiers.' As he
walked by the men fell clumsily to their knees in a pitiful bow.
I averted my eyes and nodded my head to the captain, I could feel
his glare at my 'insolence' and I dropped to one knee bowing. I
had never bowed before especially not to some low rank captain,
satisfied he continued on his way. When he finished his 'tour'
he started to speak.
" Recruits, we are here to complete a mission, you are
the latest addition to the powerful Uranian armada. The army to
protect the Queen Serenity and the Crown Princess. I will train
you to fight in the upcoming days against the traitors on
Titania. Once the Titanians are gone nothing will stop us from
unity with the Moon Kingdom. We will train you hard, and I will
make men out of you." A cheer went up from the group; I felt
like snorting but managed to refrain.
" You will take a tent, set it up and be back here in a
half an hour. Go." He dismissed us and I went to get a tent. I
picked up the 'tent', which was actually a tarp and a couple
sticks, can't be too difficult to set up, I was wrong.
Forty minutes later I was still trying to balance the
tarp on the two twigs, the captain walked by.
"What are you doing?" He asked circling my small
clearing.
" I have never put up a tent... sir." I almost choked on
the word, I don't know how everyone always bows to me... it's
so... degrading. He didn't seem impressed.
" Where are you from recruit." He almost spat at me, I
felt liking wiping that smirk off his face, I didn't even flinch,
you can't scare me.
" Near the village of Shoat to the east, my father was a
blacksmith." He chuckled, then walked away. I stared at the heap
of lumber and cloth, what have I gotten myself into.
" Princess Miranda." I heard a familiar voice, I
stiffened, " It's only me!" I recognized my 'sprite." She landed
on my shoulder; she looked like a little faery. I looked at the
miniature version of myself; her hair was now too cut short.
She wore my senshi uniform and she guided me through the art of
setting up a tent. When I was finished I went to line up with the
other recruits luckily I wasn't last.
When everyone was assembled he told us to march; we
clumsily obeyed. I noticed that most of the tents were pretty sad
to look at. When we were right before my tent he stopped for
everyone to catch up and smirked at me muttering something about
'best for last.' He turned the corner and his face started to go
red from anger at my perfect tent.
He walked behind me, his sword drawn.
" So, you're some sort of wise guy aren't ya." He pressed
the butt of his sword into my back. I slowly reached for the
agger I always kept hidden. " Defend yourself, Blacksmith." I
whirled around dagger in hand and directed his sword away from
me. I then backed into my 'campsite' and unsheathed the sword
attached to my horse. I quickly unarmed him and with a twist of
my foot he was on the ground staring at the tip of my sword
centimeters from his face. I sheathed my sword the went back in
line. I knew I shouldn't have shown off, but he's provoked me. He
got up and brushed himself off glaring at me.
" We'll start by running 5K around the raining grounds,
then we'll do some archery and sword tech. I anyone
steps out of line he'll have to answer to me." The rest of the
men seemed bored.
The remainder of the day passed quickly and I was soon
alone in my tent tending to my blisters. This was a bad idea. My
Uranus Sprite popped out from my cloak.
" What an invigorating day." I glared at her. I felt
dirty. I Hate feeling dirty.
" Why don't you go take a bath princess?"
" What a way to keep a disguise, walk naked into a pool
with plenty of men." The sprite shrugged.
" Blacksmith!" I rolled my eyes as the 'captain' called
me. " Get out here NOW!" I slid out of my warm little hole,
eyebrow twitching.
" You annoying little boy, embarrassing me like that
today you need to be taught respect."
I mumbled 'Yes sir." not in the mood to do anything and followed
him, I was definitely not happy with this.
We soon arrived at the training facility.
" 50 Push-ups now!" He poked at me with his sword; I
dropped to the ground praying to any god that this idiot would
leave me alone soon.
" He didn't, I then had to run the obstacle course a few
times and climb a pole. That's where I was now. He had gone to
sleep calling an aid to watch me, he said that if I didn't climb
the pole and stand up there until morning I would be dismissed to
go home.
I was balancing on one foot, changing feet every once in
a while, I was dead tired, but it was a moment of clarity. I
closed my eyes feeling my element, knowing this was where I was
meant to be, knowing that it would be ok, knowing what I was
fighting for. I watched as the sun started to rise I wasn't
worried about anything, then in a moment of complete peace a
loud gong sounded waking all the soldiers up and I almost fell
off my pole.
The captain came out of his tent smirking. He looked
surprised to see me standing calmly on one foot on the tall pole.
" Blacksmith." He called up to me. I rolled my eyes and
changed feet.
" My name is Haruka!"
" I thought you'd learnt your lesson, but now, Haruka,
you'll stay up there until after breakfast." He smirked. I
shrugged; I could stay up here a hell of a lot longer than he
thought. I'm a sailor senshi I can go without food, water, or
sleep for a very large amount of time. My tiredness disappearing
once I centered my self on my task, of course he didn't know
that.
I'm definitely happy up here, with the wind whispering
in my ear. The time passed quickly, before I knew it the captain
had returned and was at the bottom of my pole calling me down.
I stayed a few minutes, kissing the wind good bye and I
made my way down, now my muscles burned a bit, but I was fine, I
felt at peace, something I hadn't felt since my coronation, maybe
longer.
It was almost half a lunar year ago, on he twenty-seventh
day of the first lunar month that I received the crown, that was
also the day I swore to protect the Queen Serenity. She now may
see my actions as treason, not staying at the crown, but I am
protecting her, I need information, she doesn't know the Titanians
power, I have a vague knowledge she won't defeat them.
The day I received the crown from my mother changed my
destiny forever. At the age of sixteen I had a planet to take care
of and I care more about my home and my people than anything else.
At sixteen I had to deal with the imperial vision of Uranians.
They think we are savages, because our army is strong they think
we are remorseless, that we have no emotion. I stepped down on the
ground, but the captain doesn't know who I really am, and he would
never know the power I hold, hopefully.
When I came down he sent me off to clean the hot sulfur
springs; I bowed then went off, these hot springs were warmed by
nearby volcanoes. No mere mortal could bathe directly in the
springs, the temperature changed constantly and you could be dead
before you got out form the bitter cold or from the intense heat.
It had claimed many lives, but I knew I was safe. I had protection
as senshi, as avatar for the gods. Life could be sweet. Looking
around to make sure no one was around I slipped in the water,
feeling it cleanse me, the spring I was at could only be accessed
during daylight, I'd come here on royal visits to the cities and
towns.
This is the one thing I missed most from the palace, the
warm water constantly made available through magic. I smiled
slipping underwater, soon I got out scared of being caught, and I
then left back to the campground after cleaning the area around
the Hot Springs. I had already missed lunch and was starving
longing for dinner. I spent the remainder of the day doing stupid
chores I had never done in my life for the captain. Imagine the
crown princess... sweeping.
I lay awake that night, huddled under the thin blanket
they provided. I groaned, I don't think I've ever eaten that much
in my life, especially not peasant food. All I had was bowl after
bowl of rice. I was tired, I was still to full to sleep and my
stomach was digesting very loudly. I lay thinking about my
'family.' I was the youngest of seventeen children, when I was
born my eldest sister Rhea was soon to be coronated but the
prophets named me as the future queen and sailor senshi. She was
absolutely furious with me, she'd been taught all her life to boss
everyone around. In a twist of fate my family had two senshi,
myself and my twin sister, Phoebe. She was senshi to a different
system a system Uranus had a long-standing alliance with the Star
Systems of Kinmokusei. She was Sailor Star Freedom of the sailor
starlights.
Even though we are twins we aren't very close, I care
about her more than any other person in my family. We used to play
together when we were very small, but my mother didn't want us to
get close, she wouldn't let us. She said Phoebe was a bad
influence on me and I was a bad influence on her. The rest of my
childhood I remember watching her play with the other palace
children, with the other princes and princesses, but never with
me. Even now when we are longer we don't talk to each other. While
she was in power my mother told us that we weren't allowed to
talk, to get to know each other, Phoebe was to know I would
someday be her ruler not her friend and I was supposed to learn
that in life family was nothing more than politics nothing more
than diplomatic relations between each other. Mother felt that the
reason Rhea wasn't proclaimed queen was because she had too many
associated she had to please, and that she would put them and
their money in front of what the people actually needed.
It wasn't that my mother ignored Phoebe though, it was the
opposite in fact she let her be a free spirit, make her mistakes,
she let her play and have fun, I was the one ignored. I was always
being taught how to act, how to be a member of Serenity's court. I
was the first of the Uranian Royalty to be accepted into that
court, into the Imperial court.
If ever I made a mistake I was punished. If ever I wanted
to play and not study I was scolded. I was always envious of my
free sister.
The remainder of my family treated me indifferently, they
knew I had power but teased me and were spiteful of it. They knew
that together all of them together could overrule me in many
situations, Phoebe wouldn't let them though, she never agreed and
the decision had to me unanimous in most cases.
I was taught to fight by palace guards, as was needed to protect
the Queen, but whenever I sparred with anyone in training the
opponent backed down, not wanting to hurt me, What I learned of
actual combat was training with General Infrit and sneaking out of
the castle late at night and returning early in the morning.
" Princess, get some sleep." I heard my sprite say from
her spot on my pillow. I sighed, then rolled over and soon fell
asleep.
For the next two months I trained hard and I knew it paid
off. For the first time in my life I felt strong, powerful. I had
some hard senshi training previously but it was only learning my
attack, it was nothing compared to this.
The training was almost over and I knew I had to employ
the rest of my plan. I sat in my tent and lighting a candle I
pulled an inkwell and a quill from my bag.
I wrote a letter addressed to the captain, it said to
attack from the west, something those at Parliament wouldn't
approve of. It had to be done though we needed to know the power
of the mages and Elven forces.
I snuffed out the candle and I snuck out of my tent. I
stealthily made my way to the captain's tent. He was still awake
and had a visitor. I froze, I recognized the visitor's voice, it
was General Infrit. Shit, what am I supposed to do now. He
probably already had sensed me.
I ran quickly back to my tent, I dropped the letter
somewhere on the way. I went back to my tent trying to keep my
aura to a minimum.
The next thing I knew the morning gong sounded to wake
everyone. I cursed myself, I was usually up before it and dressed
by this point so the other soldiers weren't wandering around while
I did. Just as I pulled my shirt on someone came barging into my
tent.
" Hurry up, there is a guest this morning to our
regiment." He Then ran calling to the other tents.
I soon as I reached the mess hall I heard the captain
scream for all of us to line up. My height put me in the first
row, I cursed under my breath.
General Infrit came out of the tent and the captain walked
behind him. The General walked observing us, as he passed them the
recruits bowed and he asked a few some questions. As he stepped in
front of me I bowed.
" Stand up, what's your name recruit."
" Ten'ou Haruka Sir." I looked him straight in the eye, he
knew who I was I hoped that I could trust him with it.
He raised his eyebrow, smirked, then moved on. My family
name couldn't have been more obvious to the General. I mentally
slapped myself. No wonder he found me. Tenou is what the planet is
named after, it's the name of my ancestors, my real name, I didn't
think he's notice it was a popular name on this planet. I also had
gone by my real name though, my private name. It had always been
associated with the castle Miranda, he knew that, could I have
been more obvious?
The General came back to face us, he touched his forehead
as he went and looked straight at me. Great, my forehead was
glowing. I looked at the ground and I took a deep breath, I felt
it subside into my skin, I really needed to start covering it up,
it would be a dead giveaway. Usually my sprite, Miranda, would
tell me when it appeared but she had popped off somewhere, saying
she was mad at the General and didn't want to see him.
I listened to the General's speech, he was going to train
us for the day, I knew he was going to be picking on me. At least
he hadn't revealed who I really was.
We started with a run and then Sword Tech. He said he'd
have exercises of increasing difficulty and pulled people out of
the front row to demonstrate. On the last one he came to me.
I did the technique easily and with the skill little of these men
possessed. For the rest of the day I was the one he called on to
demonstrate. After dinner, when the silver moon set he was calling
recruits to his tent to talk to them. I was the last he sent for.
I entered the tent, he was the only occupant, no one was aiding
him, there wasn't even a guard at the door. As soon as I had
closed the door he bowed to me.
" Princess, I am glad to know that you are safe. I
inclined my head and he stood up.
" Please, sit."
" Why are you here General." I asked him getting straight
to the point
" I thought you may take matters into your own hands
milady.. officially I am here because the captain is of high birth
and his troops deserve my assistance. but as I saw your name on
the recruit list and needed to come find you. I will not tell
anyone about this meeting, the palace policy is that you have
taken ill and are conducting your matters in private, most don't
know that you're gone, we don't want a panic. I have decided to
train this Armada, I am your protector after all princess, but I
cannot give you special treatment princess." I nodded
" I understand, and general call me Haruka." He smiled.
" I also found your letter this morning, I will train you for an
extra week and then I'll follow through with your plans."
" Thank You." I nodded my head and left.
For the next week all I felt is pain. The General really
knows how to train! I lay on my bedroll willing the pain to go
away or even subside a little. I couldn't go to my secluded hot
springs, the pool the men went to was on the way to the hot spring
and I would be found out since many wandered the area before
'lights out'
" Haruka, the General wishes to see you." A scrawny guy,
the local messenger told me. I got up wincing and made my way to
his tent. I walked in noticing that we were alone again.
He looked at me then chuckled I raised my eyebrow,
" Princess, at least clean yourself up a bit." He pointed
over to the basin of water and a mirror, I cringed at my
reflection, I needed a bath, and a proper haircut. I washed my
face and hands and shook some of the dirt out of my hair.
" Why don't you use the hot springs princess, they're safe
for you."
" The pool these boys chose as their bathhouse overlooks all the
Hot Springs I can get to at night." I sat down." Is there
something you want."
" We're moving out tomorrow, get some rest, you'll be
hurting a lot more then, trust me." I nodded. He followed me out
then sent his messenger to tell the boys to go and get some rest,
tomorrow we'd be moving out and he needed then awake and alert.
" Haruka go take a quick bath." He whispered to me as I
walked away, I did as I was told. I sat in a dark corner of the
spring staring up at the many moons. I quickly located Titania.
" I'll protect you Titania, it won't seem like it but I
will, I promise."
The General was right, today I did hurt, I ached. Since
dawn I had been riding the horse I had previously stolen. It liked
me well enough but it was a bumpy ride. I gazed at the country
side, soon we would reach a military transport post, from where
we'd take a ship to Titania's surface. We would be the first troop
sent.
When the ship landed I was the last off with my horse. The
air smelt different, it tingled with magic. I was well aware of
it. I could taste the enchantments in the air. I could feel
everything the wind the ground the creatures the plants,
everything. The General walked back to the ship and tapped his
forehead as he passed me and handed me a bandana. I tied it around
my head. I felt woozy, suddenly cut off. I reached out to Castle
Miranda to center myself, my senses were going crazy here. Finding
my floating castle I felt better and pulling the horse behind me I
followed the troops where we walked for several hours.
Finally when the artificial night fell on this moon we
prepared camp. I wished dearly for my sprite to coach me though
this, but I knew I was on my own. We would be detected instantly
if she were here.
We set our small tents side by and I was stuck in the
middle, probably the General's idea. Out of the corner of my eye I
saw him setting up his humble tent and I copied.
Soon I was laying in my tent inside a sleeping bag and
listening to the other men talk and complain about the dried food.
A fire would have given us away so we ate cold dried food. I
quickly fell asleep letting my aching body rest. Before the
magical daylight could come we had cleaned our campsite and were
once again marching.
After Several hours I heard one of the men cry out and
another scream to look up to the mountain. Hidden behind thick
foliage Elven archers shot at us, I ran for a place to hide, we
were in a dry valley at the foot of a mountain with many small
caves and large rocks to hide behind.
I ran for cover behind a large rock pulling with me as
many people as I could. I pushed someone down as a finely crafted
arrow pierced though the sky at us. I pressed myself against the
rocks in the cavern.
I saw the General darting though the valley pushing soldiers into
hiding places. He pushed a soldier in my direction not seeing the
arrow coming straight for him. I ran and pushed him to the ground
I felt a dull pain in my head and everything went black.
I was disoriented when I awoke, I didn't know where I was. I tried
to sit up, but was struck with a heavy wave of nausea, so I lay
back down.
" You're awake?" I hear General Infrit's voice; I hadn't
even noticed him.
" What happened, where am I?" I asked slowly rolling
over.
" We were rescued by a band of Elven mages, they say that
they support us. and believe we can convince the queen to let them
practice their magic. we are very fortunate, currently we are in a
Dwarven Stronghold. Many on Titania don't believe in the war, we
do have some allies here. Are you alright princess? You hit your
head pretty hard."
I told him I would be fine, he said that no one, not even
the mages knew who I was, I could continue with my facade if I
wanted to. I nodded, then soon fell asleep again.
*****************************************************************
Beta Version, may be spelling mistakes etc. I'm on the way to
writing the next section :D Tell me what ya think..
casperthefriendlyghost22@hotmail.com
