Hi there guys! This is my new story. I hope to maybe finish my other stories soon but at the moment I have forgotten where I was heading with them so for now I will write this one.
For those of you who have read my other stories I'm sorry I haven't updated them in a long time. I moved out of home only to find that I wasn't able to get the internet at the house I was living in and so didn't write anything on my stories.
So I hope you guys like my new story. Please review and let me know what you think!
DISCLAIMER; I don't own sailor moon……
A light in darkness
By Chrissy
Prologue
In ancient times, when the world was all but new, there were several gifted people who could predict future events long before they were destined to occur. Some foretold dark days for the human race, where wars would divide the world. Some were of hope, when a day would come of peace and unity.
And some were of evil. Although the evil of these prophecies was not bound for earth until millennia after they had been predicted.
There exist four kingdoms. North, South, East and West. For many years the four kingdoms lived in harmony, mostly keeping to themselves. But soon jealousy would rage between sides. Travelers who wished to live outside of these kingdoms would visit each and everyone. Soon they had become a traveling entertainment group. They visited each kingdom and noted that each one was completely different from another.
They believed though all were beautiful, the North kingdom was the best of all. Not just because of the shear beauty but for the people that they had met. The East kingdom also grabbed there attention but could not compete with the north. They believed that over the years they had begun traveling that the South and West kingdoms had become cold and unfeeling towards the outsiders. They were harsh rulers and many of the people that they had met in the town were too afraid to even acknowledge them anymore. When news had traveled around that the South and West kingdoms were not favoured by many, they had started a war with the other two kingdoms.
Queen Serenity had become a young Queen when she had married King Tranquility. Luckily for the two, their betrothal had been a great match as they had fallen deep in love with one another. They ruled the North kingdom and were responsible for the friendly environment that was outside their castle walls. The towns' people adored their young lieges. Her husband had been a firm leader with a soft heart. He was also a kind lover and husband. She had bore him to beautiful baby girls who he adored more than anything else, apart from his wife. The eldest was Rayena, who as a baby everyone knew was her fathers' girl. The youngest, Serena, was a replica of her mother. He had always held a soft spot for her because of that reason but Rayena would always be his favourite girl. She had the same flare and passion as her father and the two formed a great bond. Serena had always clung to her mother and so the two were never short of attention.
The East kingdom was ruled by King Endymon and Queen Terra. The pair were also deeply in love with one another. To outsiders the king would appear to be cold and uncaring. But he was instead more of a quiet man. He was a man of actions not words. Some believed that the actual workings of the kingdom were done by the Queen. It was said that she had a strong strategical mind, and the king looked after the military side of things. Whatever they did it worked for them. Much to the kings delight they had had two healthy sons. Endymon or Darien for short was the eldest. He was like his father. Quiet, stoic and noble. Jadeite was the youngest and a joker. He was always laughing or making some sort of noise. He greatly entertained his family, and seemed to be the only one that could make his brother smile.
But the happy families were soon torn a part.
For the jealousy of the South and West kingdoms lead to war. Being the leaders of their kingdoms they rose to the challenge, but unfortunately for the peaceful kingdoms, their heroic Kings were slain in battle. The joint efforts of there loyal armies resulted in the downfall of the South and West kingdoms. But with heavy hearts the two kingdoms mourned their losses.
Soon after the death of her husband, Queen Serenity had stumbled upon one of those fabled prophecies. It told of the dark child born by a mother of light, who in a time of great anger would unleash a rage upon her home, friends and loved ones. The only way to calm this rage was held in the heart of the light child. If the two ever were to separate then heaven help those in rages way.
The Queen felt in her heart that it was speaking of her own child, Rayena. But as it also spoke of the child of light she believed that it was Serena, and so had not again paid attention to the prophecy. Her two girls grew into beautiful young women. Their father would be very proud.
Chapter 1- How it all begins
A gentle wind swept lightly through the beautiful garden. Queen serenity watched from her balcony as her youngest daughter tended the garden she loved so much. She smiled as she thought about the beginning of Serena's garden. As the palace folk called it.
It hadn't been long after her husband, King Tranquility had died, and Serena had sat out in the empty space that used to occupy the area beforehand. She would lie on the grass and stare at the sky for hours at a time. No one seemed to be able to figure out why. But one day when they had woken in the morning, they had found her digging up the area and planting neat rows of flowers. They all stared at her in astonishment. She was only at the time, 8 years old. At first they believed that she was just planting them hap-hazardly, but once she had finished they resembled a puzzle.
" Do you like my garden mummy?" she had asked, her face looking at her mother excitedly.
" Yes dear it looks very beautiful," the Queen had replied. Serena smiled.
" I'm glad you like it mummy. Daddy told me to plant them for you. He said that all these flowers were the ones he had given you as presents," she had said looking back towards the small plants. Serenity looked at her shocked.
" What? How did daddy tell you that?" she whispered as she knelt before the young child. Serena looked at her mother, and began trembling.
" He visited me when I was lying on the grass one day. He told me that no one else would be able to see him. But he said he loved me and Raye with all his heart but he wanted me to do him a favour. He wanted to leave this garden for you so you would always remember him," Serena had said as tears rolled down her cheeks. Tears welled in her own eyes as she hugged her daughter.
" Thank you Serena, I will cherish the garden always."
And so Serena had been the only one to tend to the garden as she didn't want anyone to touch the garden that her father had wanted.
There were many types of flowers in the maze, as it had grown to be. There were roses of nearly every colour. Tranquility had always given serenity roses for anniversary's or birthdays. At first it had been small but then Serena had decided to add a section on for her sister and her friends. So then there were also Raye's favourite flowers, red gerberas. Then she had planted some for her young friends and guards. For Mina there were orange tiger-lilies. For Lita green ivy and for Ami blue irises. Among them she had planted white carnations, the petals outlined in a soft pink just to break up the clumps of colour. When the travelers visited their kingdom they brought with them some flowers that they didn't have and so she had planted them as well.
After some of the towns folk had heard about Serena's garden, a townsman had built a statue-fountain of the late King. It was of the king kneeling over and holding an urn. He was tipping it as though he were pouring life. The townsfolk had presented it to the Queen and they had happily watched as the palace guards and some towns' man placed it at the centre of the small garden. Once it was in place, it then looked as though the urn the king was tipping was pouring love into the garden. They had also placed a plaque on it telling of the kings' courageous efforts in the war that had ultimately killed him. But the Queen had asked them kindly if they could maybe do a new one, and adding in the King from the East who had also died aiding her husband. They had agreed and a new plaque was made.
After watching them place the statue, Serena had run to the man and hugged him for building such a beautiful thing. The townspeople were surprised by her actions, but all felt the joy she had as she stood and stared at the fountain. Raye had walked over and took Serena's hand and lead her back to their mother. She had turned and glared at the man, but he only smiled back, which she slightly returned.
And so Serena spent most of her time wandering around the maze, and sitting on the bench they had placed near the fountain. She would study there or even just read books.
Today though, sadly as it was, is the anniversary of the King's death. And every year as she did before, Serena picked some flowers from the garden and placed them on his grave. She watched as Raye joined her younger
sister in the garden and picked some flowers of her own. Raye had grown up so much like her father. At that thought Serenity's smile faded. It had been eight long years since she had lost her husband and soul mate. Although now she felt like she was finally moving on. Her daughters were almost out of their teens although Serena wasn't quite sixteen yet. She felt that Tranquility would be as proud of his daughters as she herself was.
She now had to turn her attention to finding a husband for Raye. The young beauty was nearing her eighteenth birthday. She laughed to herself as she thought about how Raye would handle this.
" Quite rebelliously," she whispered to herself.
She made her way down to the garden to join her daughters beside their fathers' grave. As the girls watched her coming towards them, they smiled.
" Here mother, I picked these for you. Roses, so that you may be able to give back something of which he had given you," Serena said softly handing her the bunch of roses, one of every colour. She took them from her smiling.
" Thank you Serena." The three stood there as they looked at his grave, each smiling as they thought of the happy memories that they had of the extraordinary man. Serena placed her flowers on the grave.
" May these flowers bring you joy and happiness. They are tended to with the love that I have for you and my family. For the life that you were able to give me. May you always rest in peace," she whispered softly as she kneeled in front of the grave, kissing her fingers and touching the inscription of the grave face. She stood up and moved behind her mother and sister.
Raye stepped forward and knelt before the grave, placing the flowers beside Serena's.
" I hope I have made you proud father, for I wish someday to be able to live life with the same contentment and happiness that you had. I promise that I will look after mother and Serena. I take it to be my duty to be the one they look to in times of need. I love you," Raye whispered as she bowed her head. She stood up and turned to her family and smiled before walking over to Serena and wrapping her arm around the girls' slender shoulders. Serenity turned to face her girls and smiled slightly.
" Could you please give me some privacy." The two looked at each other and smiled.
" Sure," they said together, as they hugged there mother and walked back towards the palace.
Serenity knelt before the grave, placing the flowers with the other two bunches.
" Where do I start Tranquility? I miss you now as much as I missed you then. It doesn't seem to get any easier. The girls have grown up so beautifully I'm sure you'd be proud. Raye is so much like you. Everytime I look at her I can see you smiling back at me. Serena is becoming my twin I think," she said as she laughed a little.
" She is growing up to be very beautiful. But I think the time has come for me to face the fact that my girls are almost women, well Raye is. Its time she started looking for a husband. I don't know whether I should maybe betroth her. She doesn't seem to care that she is at the age I was when I married you. And knowing Raye if I left it to her I'd be long gone before she'd marry. I just don't know what to do with her," she sighed, as she traced her fingers over the inscription.
" I wish you were here to help me, Raye always listened to you. But then I don't think I would have much luck with Serena either. She is just like I was at her age. She would never want to marry unless she loved that man in question. I hope you are at peace dear husband, watching over us and guarding us from harm. I hope you know that I will always love you," she whispered as she stood up and looked towards the garden smiling. She looked at the grave and blew a kiss before turning and walking back towards the palace.
Mina, Ami and Lita had watched from a far as the three visited the grave.
" Hey do you reckon its time we should show them the room? I mean after all it is finished," Lita asked, looking at her friends.
" I suppose now is a better time than any. Maybe it will cheer them up a bit," Ami replied smiling.
When they saw the girls walking back towards the castle they hurriedly caught up to them.
" Princess's'," Mina said bowing. Raye turned and grabbed Mina by the ear.
" How many times do I have to tell you not to call us by that," she scolded her friend before letting her go and looking at the two other girls with her.
" Ami and Lita, what brings you out here on this fine day?" she asked smiling at them.
" We came to see if you two wanted some company," Ami replied smiling, all the while mina moaning in the background.
" That would be lovely," Serena said softly as she joined the group.
" Great! So what did you guys wanna do for the rest of the day?" Lita asked excitedly.
" Well I haven't really thought much about it," Serena said as she looked back towards the grave.
" Oh ok, well I'm sure there is something we can do," Lita replied happily as she grabbed Serena by the hand and began dragging her towards the palace.
" Hey! Lita! Don't drag her like that! If you don't let go of her right now I'm going to deck you!" Raye yelled after the pairs retreating backs. Lita turned back and stuck her tongue out before turning and continuing on her way. Ami and mina had to stifle their laughter as they watched Raye storm of after them before hurriedly trying to catch her as well.
" Lita where are we going?" Serena asked as she desperately tried to keep up with her friend with out tripping over in the process.
" It's a surprise, so you'll have to wait and see."
" Well could we maybe slow it down a bit then please?" Serena begged her friend. Lita looked at her surprised.
" Sorry Serena," she apologized sheepishly. Serena just smiled as she tried catching her breath. They had long entered the palace and were nearing the girls' bedrooms. Lita stopped abruptly, forcing Serena to run into her.
" Here we are, just gotta wait for the girls to get here ok."
" ugh sure," Serena said looking at her friend strangely. They had stopped outside the guards' quarters. They were the only area of the palace that Raye and Serena weren't allowed to enter. As mina and Ami and Lita were there guards they had to have a special area for training purposes and meetings with the rest of the palace security. Namely though it was just Luna and Artermis, the Queen's personal advisors that they saw in there.
" Lita why here? We aren't allowed in there," Serena had questioned. Lita just smiled.
The rest of the girls finally caught up with them. Mina and Ami trying to calm Raye down. Lita took a step back as she saw the look on her face.
" Ok Raye I wasn't going to hurt her just cool it."
" Don't you tell me to cool it missy."
" Raye calm down its not like she was kidnapping me, I'm quite alright," Serena said calmly as she stood between her sister and her friend. Raye looked at her and sighed.
" I know sorry Lita," she apologized. The tall girl smiled.
" Don't sweat it." Raye finally took notice of where they were.
" Uhh what are we doing here?" The three girls looked at her smiled.
" We have a surprise for you. Queen Serenity said that seeing as we hardly ever use this area due to the fact that we don't really guard against attacks seeing as there are none, that we could use this space for anything that we deemed fit. We asked if you two would be able to use this space as well and she agreed. So, we decided to redecorate and make it into a sort of common room. A place where we could all hang out," Mina explained excitedly.
Lita covered Raye's eyes and Ami did the same to Serena. Mina opened the door and the girls lead the princesses in to the room. When Ami and Lita removed their hands the girls looked around in amazement.
They had never seen inside the area before and were quite surprised at the amount of space there was. The room was in the shape of a pentagon, and the girls had decorated each wall in their favourite colours. They were mesmerized by the different colours of the room. Just looking around it they could feel that the room was one of happy times to come. The door that opened into the room entered at a point.
Directly across from the door was Serena's wall. It was decorated in a light pink. There were two dark pink bean bags situated around a small white coffee table sitting in front of them with a picture of all the girls in a silver frame. The only window in the room was on that wall and the girls had made it a window seat. They knew that the princess liked to look out over the palace grounds as it always calmed her, although she was relatively calm all the time. On the window sill were several vases of the carnations from her garden. They were her favourite. There was also a frame with a picture of the King sitting beside the flowers. Pulled to the side and tied up with silver bows were metallic pink curtains with a silver moon pattern on them.
To the right was Raye's wall. It was down in a dark red. Her wall had a fire grate. Since she was a child Raye had loved being near fire, so the girls had down the fire grate as her wall. On top of the fire place was her father's sword. It was sheathed in a red case that had a pattern of fire running over it. The hilt had been encrusted with ruby and diamonds. On each end of the sword sat two vases with red gerberas. Around the fire place were two red bean bags.
Mina's wall was a light orange. Against the wall was a large mirror and small dressing table framed in varnished wood. Sitting in the centre was another vase of roses, this time holding orange tiger lilies. The wood had heart patterns running around it and on the corners were four large amber gem stones shaped as hearts. She also had two bean bags that were orange.
In between mina's wall and Lita's wall was the door. Lita's wall was a dark forest green. The girls had wanted to put in a kitchen but as the room wasn't THAT big they couldn't. So instead she had just opted to put in a small bench against the wall with a little bar fridge underneath so that she was able to keep small snacks and drinks in the room. It also had fiver green bar stools under the bench and two dark green bean bags sitting in front. On the bench sat another vase with green ivy and a small photo of the girls when they were first together.
Ami's wall was to the left of Serena's. It was a sky blue in colour. Against the wall was a large unit shelf. In the middle it held a medium sized fish tank with tropical fish. Around the fish tank she had blue irises. The unit had towers on each side and both were completely full of books. The wood of the unit was varnished and matched with the mirror on mina's wall. The pattern of the wood though looked like icicles. In front of the unit were two light blue bean bags.
The carpet in the room was all five colours. It came to a point at the very centre of the room.
" Wow! You guys did all this?" Raye asked looking at her friends. They nodded their heads.
" It's just somewhere we can all hang out with out being in each others rooms," Mina replied as she walked over and sat on an orange bean bag. Each of the girls went and sat in the area. Each found that their bean bags were quite comfy.
" We were going to put a sofa in but then decided not to because it cuts of the areas to each other. So we opted for bean bags. Do you two like it?" Lita asked as she looked at the princesses. They both smiled.
" I love it Lita. You guys did a really good job," Serena replied as she looked around at her friends. A knock at the door interrupted the girls as they looked to see who it was.
Luna entered the room followed by Artermis. They looked around the room shocked at the colour before recovering their duties.
" Princess Rayena and princess Serena, your mother has requested your presence in the throne room please," Luna announced as she looked at the two in question. They looked at each other and stood up.
" May I ask what for?" Raye piped up as she walked towards her mothers advisors. Artermis shook his head.
" We are not privy to that information your highness." Raye looked ready to throttle him as he addressed her title.
The girls walked out of the room followed by the two advisors. It was common knowledge around the palace that the two princesses hated been addressed so formally, especially when it was by people they had known their whole lives. But most of them did it just for fun. Just to see the reaction they could get, especially form Raye. Serena on the other hand always let it slip, she didn't like it much either but she knew it was always just in fun. As they neared the throne room Serena began to get anxious. It didn't go unnoticed by Raye.
" What's wrong Serena?"
" What is it do you think she wants to see us about? She never summons us to the throne room if it weren't important," Serena stated as she looked back towards the advisors. They were deep in conversation and didn't notice the girls in front.
" I don't know Serena, we'll just have to wait and find out."
The queen sat in the communication room in front of a large screen. She was taking to queen of the East kingdom.
" I believe this is a good match Serenity, they are the closest in age and I think your daughter maybe able to provoke him to come out of his shell. Ever since his father died, he just cut himself off from everyone," a soft voice spoke.
" Yes I believe you are correct Terra this will be a perfect match. So the sooner we have everything arranged the better. Our kingdoms will finally be united," serenity spoke smiling.
" How would you like to finalize the details?" Terra asked.
" Well at the end of this month is Serena's 16th birthday. I was planning a party for the girls as they never really get to experience formal functions. You are quite welcome to join us. After which we can discuss the betrothal," Serenity explained.
" That would be lovely. Then it is settled we will be leaving for you palace in mere weeks."
" It would be lovely to see you again," Queen serenity said smiling.
The two said their good byes and the queen left for the throne room.
Queen serenity sat in the throne room as she waited for her daughters to enter. She was staring at a photo of the two in question, when they were young, cute and so cheerful. They had both grown up to be so beautiful. Yet they were nothing a like. They contrasted like the day and night.
The eldest, Rayena, had jet-black hair, so black it gave off a violet hue. Her beauty personified exotic. And she definitely got it from her fathers' side. She was a charming girl, friendly honest and happy. But she also had the worst temperament. She was also very protective of her younger sister, Serena.
Serena was almost an exact replica of herself, only Serena's hair had lightened to a silver- blonde, as she got older. Where Rayena's beauty was dark and exotic, Serena was light and pure. She was shy, very quiet, and kept mostly to herself. Which is why Rayena had become protective. She feared that someone would break Serena's charm if ever she were violated.
As they entered the room their mother stood from her seat and began walking towards them. The two advisors bowed and left the three alone.
" What is it you wanted to see us about mother?" Raye asked as she watched the slender woman approach. The Queen smiled.
" Come sit down with me, we have much to discuss," the Queen said turning and heading for the study at the side of the room. The girls followed and sat on a chair across from their mother. The Queen sighed a little and then looked at her daughters.
" Raye I'm sure you are aware that you are nearing your eighteenth birthday."
The raven haired beauty nodded her head. The queen continued.
" I know you haven't thought much about your duty in recent times, in fact ever I think. But I really need to stress to you that you start doing so. You are at that age where I married your father and not long after became Queen to this kingdom. Should I, heaven forbid, die or even just step down, I need to know that you are going to be there to take up my position," the queen informed her eldest daughter.
" Yes I realize this mother, and I'm sorry if it seems like I am not paying attention to my role. I understand where you are coming from but there are some things I wish to think over."
" Ok Raye just as long as you don't take forever then I guess I can live with that," the Queen said smiling. She then looked over at Serena.
" Now for your birthday, what are we going to do?" Serena looked at her surprised.
" Well I actually hadn't thought about it," she said blushing. Raye and serenity laughed.
" Well I think I will go and plan something," the queen said as she stood up. She began walking away when she heard Serena's voice behind her.
" I don't want to do anything." But the queen just smiled and kept walking. Serena sighed. The two girls stood from their chairs and began walking back to the room with the girls.
" Actually Serena I think I'm going to go for a walk. I need to think about some things ok," she said as she looked at her sister and smiled. Serena nodded her head and smiled back as she watched her sister walk away in the opposite direction.
Serena reached the room and heard the girls laughing. She smiled as she thought about how they come to be such great friends. She walked in to the room and the girls turned to look at her.
" So what happened?" an over excited Mina asked as she rushed over to her friend and dragged her to a seat.
" Nothing really, mother just wanted to see Raye about some things. She said she was also going to plan something for my birthday," Serena replied as she took a drink Lita had offered her.
" Oh yeah I can't wait. Its party time!" mina said punching her fists in the air. The girls all laughed.
" I really don't want her to plan anything," Serena tried to explain but Mina was so happy at the prospect of doing something that she didn't listen to a word that Serena said.
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Raye walked around the maze in a some what hap hazard manner. She knew her mother was anxious for her to take her role seriously but the more she thought about how she would run the kingdom, the more she believed that she would not be up for the job. As much as she would love to follow in her father's foot steps, there was an unmistakable pressure to run the kingdom the way that her parents have done so. And she just couldn't see her self doing it. She knew that her temper could often get the better of her, and running a kingdom like that was not how she wanted it. In her heart she knew that the only thing she could to was to let Serena surpass her as the heir to the throne. Serena had the same calmness that their mother had and she knew Serena knows the castle workings inside and out. She would have no problem leading the kingdom, maybe even more successful then her parents.
As she mindlessly walked the garden she found her self standing in front of her father's fountain. She sat on the edge and let her feet dangle in the water. She looked up at the statue and frowned.
" Am I making the right decision father? I don't want to put Serena under pressure but I just don't think I could make it work like she could," Raye questioned.
" I know that she has the same ability to hold the people's attention like mother can. I know that she can also be a fair ruler like you were," she reasoned to herself. She dipped her hand in the water and played with it for a while. She looked back up at the statue and smiled, she knew what she was to do.
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Serenity was sitting in the communication room when Raye came to talk to her.
" Mother I wish to hold a meeting. I have some things I need to discuss with everyone," Raye informed her. Serenity looked confused.
" What's on your mind?"
" I'd rather explain to everyone at the one time. So if you could call a meeting sometime today or even tomorrow then I will let you know," Raye
said as she began walking out of the room.
Her mother watched her as she was leaving the room, wondering what on earth was so important that she wanted to address the whole of the palace members. She summoned Luna into the room.
" You wished to speak to me?" Luna said as she entered. The queen turned and smiled.
" yes Luna, it seems Raye has something she wishes to share with the members of the palace so I want you to organize a meeting for when ever it is possible please," she asked her advisors.
" And who am I to summon for this meeting?"
" Well I don't know who she had in mind, so I guess Serena, their guards, your self and Artermis, myself of course, and the military officials," serenity replied somewhat out of character, as she tried to think of who Raye could want to speak with. Luna nodded and headed for the door.
" Oh and Luna make sure everyone who attends knows that this is a formal meeting and we are to be addressed as our titles demand," serenity reminded her.
" Of course," Luna said as she turned and left the room. The queen turned back to the screen and completed what she was doing before getting up and heading for the adjoining balcony.
After Luna had run around and informed all the required people to the meeting, everyone had gathered in the conference room. All were seated at a round table with the Queen and the two princesses seated on one side and the advisors and guards at another.
" I would presume that you are all wondering why we are holding this meeting," the Queen started, as she watched everyone nod their heads and she continued.
" Well I too am wondering. My daughter, Princess Raye has requested this meeting to be held so I will pass the meeting over to her," the queen finished as she motioned for Raye to stand as she seated herself.
" As most of you are aware I am nearing my eighteenth birthday. This after noon my mother, sister and I had a discussion regarding my role in this kingdom. After quite some thought on this matter I have made a decision that will affect everyone at this table. As you all know I am heir to the throne, and should anything happen to our Queen I am to take over. But, I feel that it is in the kingdoms best interests that I relinquish the throne to Serena," Raye informed the stunned table. Murmurs and 'what' could be heard coming from everyone before Raye once again took control and shushed the table.
" Like I said I have given this some serious thought. We all know that I have quite a temper some times and I don't wish to run this kingdom with my temper ruling my head. I know Serena is more than capable of running this kingdom much the same as the queen and king have. She knows more about the workings than I do, she is level headed and always calm," Raye explained as everyone let her words sink in.
" Are you quite sure, Raye?" the queen asked. Raye looked at her and smiled.
" Never been more sure in my life. Lets face it and be honest, you all think that Serena would be more suited to being a queen than I am. I only have this kingdoms best interest at heart and Serena is the kingdoms best interest."
" Serena, how do you feel about this?" the queen asked. Serena looked at her dazed.
" If that's what you want," she said softly looking at Raye. The raven haired beauty smiled. The queen stood up.
" All those in favour of Serena becoming heir to the throne over Raye, raise your right hand." Everyone at the table raised their hand.
" Then it is agreed the heir to the throne of the north kingdom is Princess Serena," queen serenity informed the table as she looked at her youngest daughter and smiled.
The meeting was ended and while most were still surprised at Raye's actions all believed that she was right. Mina was the first to speak to Raye after the meeting.
" Wow Raye! You really shocked us all there! But I guess you gave this a lot of thought."
" I know I shocked myself at first but like I said, I'm 100 sure I made the right decision," Raye replied sighing in relief. She looked over at her sister who hadn't moved from her seat.
" I just hope I haven't put to much pressure on Serena, I probably should have spoken to her first."
Mina looked between her two friends. She noted the worried look on both their faces. One was worried about the impact on the others life and the other was worried about handling the new role.
" Raye if its any consolation I think you made the right decision. Serena just didn't expect it that's all. Once she lets the news sink in then I think she'll realize it to ok. But if you want my advice, you need to stop babying her Raye. If she is to run this kingdom one day, then you are going to have to let her get close to people. She needs to experience certain situations so that she can learn from them," mina explained as she moved closer to her friend. Raye smiled.
" I know that, its just hard to let go because she is my baby sister and I promised dad that I would look after her. I still need to protect her in someway." At that comment mina got an idea. She excused herself and went in search of the queen.
" Queen Serenity, sorry to interrupt you but I was wondering if I may have a word?" mina asked as she neared the queen. The woman smiled.
" What was it you wished to see me about?"
" I was just talking to Raye. I'm sure you are aware at how Raye is overprotective of Serena. Seeing as now she does not have a particular role in the kingdom, how would you feel if she became part of our guards? That way she is still able to protect Serena and also have a role in the kingdom," mina explained to the queen. The older woman pondered the guards' words and smiled.
" Well you have some truth there, if Raye agrees then I don't have a problem with that. Just as long as she knows that you will still be in charge," the queen replied smiling.
" Thank you. I shall go inform her and we can start on her training right away," mina curtsied and walked towards Lita and Ami. She told them of her news and they all smiled in excitement. They made their way towards Raye and Serena, as Raye had gone to check if her sister was ok.
" Excuse us guys but we have something we wish to share with you. I spoke to your mother after we had our chat before Raye, and I told her of how you said you wished that there was some way in which you could still protect Serena. I put forward that because you have stepped down from being the future queen that you had no particular role in the kingdom. I suggested that you become part of the guards, like Lita Ami and myself. This way you are still able to protect Serena and you have a role within the kingdom," Mina excitedly explained to her friend. The princesses looked at them stunned.
" And she agreed to it?" Raye asked. The group nodded their heads.
" We believe that you will love this new role, you have a flare for battle just like your father did. And we know that you want to be useful," Ami stated. Raye smiled.
" I would love nothing more then to join you."
The group continued to talk until Serena excused herself and left the room. She needed to be by herself for awhile, and she was becoming vastly tired, she explained. Not long after everyone else left the room, murmuring to each other about the afternoon's stunning events.
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Serena's birthday was getting closer and the girls had decided to give something special for her presents. They organized a gift that was from all of them and then each girl was giving her something personal from themselves. Raye didn't know about the gift they were all giving her, as they planned to give a similar gift to Raye.
" So how are we going to give her the present without Raye being near her?" Ami asked the girls as they sat on the end of her bed. They thought it safer to be in one of their rooms instead of the main room so as the princesses wouldn't hear them.
" Well I guess we are going to have to distract Raye long enough so that one of us can give her the present without Raye seeing it," mina murmured as she played with a tassel on the end of Ami's pillow.
" Well I'll give it to Serena that way I can give her my present at the same time," Lita piped up. The girls smiled.
" Ok well you go find Serena and we'll go and hang out with Raye," mina said as she jumped up from the bed excitedly, throwing the pillow in the air. The girls laughed before they to jumped up and out there plan into action.
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" Oh come on Serena! You'll love it I promise," Lita begged her friend and charge.
" Ok. Just for you Lita but don't tell anyone I did this, they may have a heart attack," the young princess said smiling at her friend and guard.
" Yes! Don't worry about Raye. I sent mina and Ami to keep her occupied. Ok, well I have even picked a horse for you Serena, he's a real beauty. His name is Guardian, and he's just perfect for you. He's the whitest horse I have ever seen and he's a stallion." At that last remark Serena's face grew a little pale.
" Oh don't worry he is the gentlest horse. I wouldn't have picked him if he was rough," Lita hurriedly tried to reassure her princess. Serena smiled at her and began walking towards her cupboard.
" Well what sorts of clothes are good for riding?" she asked softly as she opened the doors and sifted through her clothes. Lita smiled as she got off the bed and walked towards her friend.
" Don't worry about that. I have a surprise or you." She quickly ran to her room down the hall before appearing again holding a large box. Serena looked at her puzzled. Lita just smiled as she laid it on her bed.
" Go ahead open it."
Serena walked towards her bed and gently unwrapped the ribbon from the box, pulling the lid aside as she did so. She moved the paper inside to find a pink leather jacket neatly folded. She picked it up and held it in front of her. It was a fitted jacket in pale pink, with her kingdoms traditional symbol, a red rose and gold rose crossing each other over a half moon, embroided on one side. On the other side it had a star, each point a different colour. This symbolized the friendship between the princess and their loyal guards and best friends. The first point was white, for Serena, second was red for Raye, third was orange for mina, fourth was green for Lita and last was blue for Ami.
Serena tried the jacket on and it fit her perfectly.
" Lita it's beautiful. Thank you so much," Serena whispered as she gave her friend a huge hug.
" It's an early birthday present for you from all of us. We each have one and the girls are giving Raye hers later. Now keep going there's more." Under the jacket was a pair of white riding pants, and boots.
" A complete outfit for you. So hurry up and get dressed. Those girls won't be able to hold Raye for long," Lita said as she turned and made her way out of Serena's room closing the door behind her. Serena hurriedly got dressed, smiling as she did so. As she was finishing she tied her silver blonde locks into a loose ponytail, and made her way to Lita's room.
The tall girl lead Serena out towards the stables all the while the pair talking excitedly about what they thought the Queen had in store for Serena's birthday.
" I hope its nothing to big, I don't really want to make a fuss," Serena said quietly as they neared the stables.
" You have to Serena, it's your sixteenth birthday. It's special. Besides we all know that Mina will try and find some chap to steal your first kiss," Lita joked and she laughed at Serena' shocked expression.
" Surely she wouldn't want to embarrass me that much?"
" Well in all seriousness Serena, you are at that age where your mother will be looking for a suitor for you," Lita said as she stopped and looked at her friend.
" But Raye isn't even looking yet. I don't want to get married before her. You know what she's like, she'll probably threaten any guy that looks at me," Serena sighed exasperated.
" You must know that seeing as Raye has relinquished the throne to you, that you will be looking for a suitor sooner then you had hoped. And besides if Raye did do that at least you know that when you do get married she will like your husband. It's her way of saying that she only wants the best for you. She doesn't want you to be hurt."
" I know that Lita, but sometimes it just gets too much. It's like she trys to make all the mistakes so that she can find out what it feels like so that I won't have to go through it. I just wish sometimes I could experience things for myself."
Lita could only smile knowingly at her friend. Sometimes Rayes behaviour could become stifling. But Raye had always had Serena's best interests at heart. Although she could see it from Serena's point of view, it she didn't experience things for herself, how was she going to be able to run a kingdom?
" Lets not worry about that now. I want to show you the horse," Lita said changing the subject. She lead Serena to the furtherest stable. It incased the most beautiful horse that Serena had ever seen.
It was a silver white from head to hoof, with his mane and tail the whitest any form of hair could be. It also had silver streaks through it, reminding Serena of her own hair, although it hadn't lightened to that colour yet.
" Wow! Lita he is absolutely beautiful! Where did you find him?" Serena gushed excitedly as she unlatched the door and walked into the stable. Lita smiled.
" So you like him then?"
" Like him? Lita I love him!"
" Good. Because he is now your horse." Serena turned around stunned.
" What?"
" Happy birthday Serena. This is my personal present to you." Serena just stared at her.
" You are giving me this horse? But I thought he was yours?" Lita laughed.
" Don't be daft Serena. I already have a perfectly good horse. When we girls are always riding we really wished that you would join us. But you always said that you didn't have a horse, and you didn't want to ride a horse that didn't belong to you. So here you are. He's yours to keep." Serena smiled.
" I can't believe you. Thank you so much." Serena smiled as she wiped a tear from her eye.
" Now let's get out there and do some riding, what do you say?" Lita asked as she fetched her own horse from his stable and mounted. Serena laughed.
" I say lets get going!" as she mounted her own.
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So what did you guys think? Please review and let me know… I welcome some helpful criticisms… until next chapter
Cheers angel