Feral Legacy
By Sphinx
Author note: Standard Disclaimer: I do not, have not, nor will I ever, own Sailor Moon; you may thank Naoko Takeuchi as the real owner; her characters are just being borrowed to relive a classic fairy tale under fair use specifications. Ideas, incidents, and characters, concepts and locations in respect to anything resembling persons alive or dead and their lives are entirely coincidental.
Pairing: Usagi/ Mamoru
Summary: Usagi is a young maiden forced in exile from her home, Mamoru is a king forced into a curse, his people fearful of his legacy. Their path crosses when Usagi seeks sanctuary, what will happen when their paths cross and the maiden is confronts the beast. U/M. Alternate reality
Chapter 1
The Maiden's Plight
The sun was beginning to set, the brilliant shades of orange, red, and violet giving a picturesque image that anyone else would stop and admire, or at least a certain blond would have been transfixed by if she had not been spending that moment pacing back and forth across a marble floor, deep in thought.
This longhaired maiden was not even paying attention to her boyish reflection as she passed the mirror over and over. The image revealing a person with an exceedingly long platinum ponytail sporting a black tunic and dark britches with matching knee high tall boots, who was looking for comfort and versatility for a journey, she did not wish to partake.
Her silvery blue gaze was against the dark floor staring at the intricate stone as she approached, oblivious to the walls of books and paintings of her family dressed in their finest that framed the once warm welcoming room that had been her father's office.
Across from her a young strawberry blond boy was frantically trying to carefully place their father's documents and seals into a pouch that he would protect. His back to her as he shuffled through everything on the beautifully carved red oak desk in the room's center. "Done." The boy declared triumphantly. "Usagi, did Motoki pack your stuff on the horse already?"
Brushed from her thoughts the blond stopped pacing and turned to face her brother. "Yes." She replied, her gaze traveling to the window. " The villagers estimate that he will be here by Midnight to take control of the lands." She walked over to help the boy strap the bag to his shoulder and under his cloak.
"Can you tell me again why we have to leave?"
"Shingo…" Usagi's voice was drained of all but sadness. "You know that dad did not want me in the hands of the High lord that was known for killing all his women, especially if they were found with child."
"Yes…but."
"Yet that greedy High lord has found loopholes claiming to the Queen that you and your brother were traitors. His ultimatum is, me or the lands."
"But"
"Shingo, if he captures me he will rape and kill me, and he will still steal the land and kill both you and Motoki." The blond wrapped a reassuring arm around her younger brother. "It is either this or lose everything."
The younger strawberry blond boy gave a resigned sigh, as he nodded, still not happy about the choice his elder siblings had made.
A knock on the door broke the deep concentration that laced their minds. The siblings looked up as the old heavy oak door opened a crack. "Lady Usagi, Lord Shingo, your brother wishes you to hurry he has your horse packed and ready by the entrance.
Usagi took the cue to grab her brother's arm and lead him from the room. Her mind desperately trying to block her thoughts of missing the place she had called her home.
Across the Lawn, staring sadly at the setting sun, a young man with dirty blond hair was double-checking the straps that held the packsaddle in place on his own silvery blue roan stallion. Satisfied that nothing would come loose he carefully held the bridle waiting for his brother and sister to appear. His thoughts were not on his own safety but for that of the platinum blond woman upstairs, events of the last several hours replaying in his mind.
****Flashback****
The last villager had left the large oak office with their requests granted to the best of the trios' ability. Motoki heaved a sigh of relief as he was still adjusting to taking over his late father's responsibilities. High Lord Kenji de Luna had been well appreciated throughout the kingdom but had fallen victim to a hunting accident when out with the other High Lords for the Queen Nephelenia.
At his right a beautiful platinum blond was thumbing through the written work for the day making sure nothing was left out. "He would be proud Motoki."
The elder boy nodded, words could not express his thoughts as he scanned the shelves and décor that littered the meeting chamber.
A knock on the door broke through everyone's thoughts.
"You may enter" The blond beside him said with a smile.
An older servant approached from the halls. "Master Motoki, a messenger with word from the Queen has arrived and has urgent word."
"Thank you Miss Haruna, send them in." Motoki was curious as to why the Queen would need to reach them since the paperwork involving their father was already taken care of by her personally.
The servant nodded than disappeared back into the hall. The next moment a tall man with a short red hair approached from the door. "Forgive me madam, the Queen sends word, this document explains it all." The red haired messenger said stepping forward to set the missive upon the large red oak desk in the center of the room.
"Thank you, messenger." Lady Usagi sighed, watching as the messenger began backing out of the room. "Rest assured you can tell Her Grace, that whatever this is about, we will follow through immediately." She said excusing the messenger to leave the room,
"What can Nephelenia want of us now?" Motoki sighed picking up the missive and stripping off the Queen's seal. He began to skim the note but stopped his breath caught in his throat. "Impossible…" He managed to say as the missive fell back onto the desk.
"What is it Motoki? Usagi picked it up and glanced at it a sound of shock escaping her lips as she saw what startled her brother. She than began to read it trying to determine if what was there was what she was reading,
High Lords and Lady de Luna:
Investigation of your family by High Lord Demando Darkmoon, has revealed speculation that your family is involved in conspiracy against my crown.
Now as we know I do not believe this however as he is my Head Army General, I am obligated to take his advice into consideration.
Now he has asked a favor that if fulfilled will clear your Family name of tarnish.
The favor is thus:
Lady Usagi, your presence is requested in my court where you will become the next maid to be escorted and courted by High Lord Demando. During this time, your lands will, in probation be in command by High Lord Demando. Failure to do this will result in the jailing of your brothers and land confiscation. I trust you will heed this warning. I require you to be in my presence at Court at precisely Dusk. Failure to do so, High Lord Demando will arrive at Midnight to bring you in.
If you wish to clear your family name, I look forward to hearing your view of this tonight.
Yours respectfully,
Her Royal Majesty Queen Nephelenia Shadowmoon
As she finished the reading her hands began to shake. " I should have known I was the next target…"
"We are innocent, what ever is going on."
"I know that, but you have seen how that damn man has begun taking over the kingdom himself by harming the woman of the various territories. " She was still shaking. "He could do nothing until papa was out of the picture."
Motoki turned to his little sister, wrapping his arms protectively around her. "And now he as chosen to force us into the game…" He glanced out the window seeing it was still just early afternoon. "We have time, do you remember the legends of the mountain kingdom?"
The platinum blond nodded. "I know they do not get involved and most women do not last."
" …But you need to promise me that you will. Go to King Mamoru for an Exile's Sanctuary."
Usagi looked up at her brother, confusion and shock written on her face.
"Usagi, I will not allow us to fall prey to his plans," the Strawberry blond continued. "Let us get Shingo, we shall pack and leave at dusk."
"So be it."
****End flashback****
To be continued.
AN: This is my first fic that has not been lost to a crashed computer. So far we have Usagi and family and a little to their dilemma. Next up we will have the beast's side of the story. Tell me what you think. I would like to know everyone's thoughts to determine if I should continue posting it here. Thank you for taking the time to read my work.