Hey, everyone. The second chapter finally of Harmonious Star. Don't forget to read Once Our Future, Now Our Present Part A. Please read and review both.
Chapter 2: The Beginning
Usagi screamed as she looked at the paper in front of her, the paper that held her latest test grade. She had decided to wait until she was home before she dared to peak at her grade.
"A B+! I got a B+!" Usagi screamed and danced for joy. She had really studied for this test. Once she had reached tenth grade she had vowed that she would try harder to do well. But, when Sailor Galaxia showed up, that vow was discarded, as she had other matters consuming her attention. Now she was enemy free, and she had studied and received her second B in a row.
"Usagi, what's wrong!?" Ikuko ran panting into her daughter's room. Usagi ran up and hugged her Earth mother.
"I actually got a B+ Mom! Last time I got a B, and this time a B+!"
"Oh, Usagi, I'm so proud of you! I can hardly believe it."
"I can hardly believe it myself, Mom. You know what? I think that next time I'm going to try for an A."
Ikuko stared at the miracle in front of her in shock. This cannot be happening. My daughter is not standing in front of me actually aspiring to get an A on a test, and really meanng it. Ikuko left the room, shaking her head. They say miracles do happen, but until now, she had never truly believed it.
Usagi danced around the room. "Oh, this is so great! I have to tell Luna, and the girls, and Mamo-" She stopped, as sadness filled her joyous heart. Mamoru was back in America, studying at Harvard. Even though she knew he was safe, having an excellent time in a foreign country, and enjoying a once in a life time experience, she still grieved for his lost presence in her life.
Stop, you're being selfish, she lectured herself. You can tell him when he calls. Usagi sighed. The age difference had made their relationship difficult enough, but his being away at college brought it to a whole new level. Communication was tedious and complicated between them. There was never enough time to say anything truly meaningful. The time difference was one factor, and then classes and homework were two more. It was almost impossible for Usagi to reach him, as their two schedules never seemed to coincide.
Usagi was startled from her dismal reverie as Luna burst through the window, into her room. "Senshi meeting, at once!" she announced as an excuse to her rude entrance.
Usagi looked at her feline guardian. "What's so important? Is there a new enemy?" Worry filled her eyes.
"No-o, well, at least we do not think so yet. If you would please hurry, things can be explained to everyone," Luna replied with a twinge of annoyance.
Usagi regarded Luna thoughtfully. Something must be truly wrong. Luna's even testier than usual. She quickly picked up her bag that she used as a purse, and ran from her room, out of her house.
Michiko's Home
Michiko tread slowly down the stairs, allowing her hands to glide down the banister. She appeared absent of thought, but in fact her mind was in turmoil. Her new feline acquaintance Vesta had challenged everything in Michiko's life that she had considered constant. In fact, she challenged almost every truth Michiko had ever accepted about her life, and the way the world around her operated. Magic, time traveling, nations on the moon and stars? None of that had existed before this bearer of disorder had arrived to throw her life into a tumult.
Not yet, thought Michiko. If my mother denies it, then it's all false. I won't believe anything until she tells me. With that decided she strode into the kitchen, attempting to appear casual. Her pretense was betrayed by the stiffness with which she sat down and the fingering of the ring she always wore on her left hand. Her mother, Hoshi Mine (last name, first name), obligingly ignored this.
Mine was a tall but graceful woman. She had brilliant green eyes, that always seemed to hint at inner intelligence and mystery that most do not possess. Her hair was dark brown, with waves that cascaded past her shoulders. Her mouth always held a playful tilt to them. To others it appeared she possessed an exquisite joy, yet at the same time a hidden pain. It was agreed upon by most that she did not look like an author of children's fantasys.
At the present moment, Mine was preparing a sumptuous dessert for a friend's daughter's birthday. She enjoyed humming as she baked, but today, with her daughter obviously distressed, she remained quiet, waiting for her to speak.
Michiko shifted in her seat. She wished her mother would speak to break her self inflicted tension, but that was not her mother's way. Mine would wait until she spoke, in return answering back.
Michiko finally broke the silence. "Mom...do you know anyone named Vesta?"
Mine considered the question before giving her daughter an honest answer. "No, though that is a name I've used for a character before."
Michiko took a deep breath before plunging in, praying her mother would not think she is crazy. "Mom, someone gave me this ridiculous idea that I'm a princess named Harmony, I've got a twin brother, and I'm really from this place called Aernia.
Mine looked upon her daughter solemnly. "If you're looking for me to deny these accusations, I cannot. You know I try never to lie, and I do not intend to begin straying from this course now. If you were hoping that I would not give life to these claims, then I'm afraid I must disappoint, for they are all true. They, and much more that you do not yet know but will begin to find out. For you see, now is the beginning of a journey, a long road you are fated to travel. Never again will you live in such ignorance as has been imposed on you since the beginning of your life. From now on, you face responsibilities you could never have dreamed of before. I'm afraid that you must begin to grow up and mature quite a bit earlier than you may have expected. I am so sorry that so much has been kept from you, and I'll try my best to make up for it by aiding you in your journey and imparting as much wisdom as I possibly can into you." And with that, she bowed to her sovereign.
Rei's Temple
The Senshi of the Inner and Outer Planets were all gathered in a small room in Rei's temple. It was their traditional meeting place, and even though they had grown in number they still clung to old habits.
With a clearing of his throat, Luna's feline companion, Artemis, called the meeting to order. He glanced at his fellow feline, a signal that she could speak first.
"You all are probably wondering why this meeting has been called."
Duh, thought Usagi impatiantly.
"Well, last week we detected a strange energy being admitted from the star Aernia. Why is this important? Because in the days of the Silver Millenium, residing on Aernia were the leaders of the Star Kingdom."
Artemis took up the tale. "In the old days, the Star and Moon Kingdoms, or Star Clan and Moon Clan, were friends and allies. But the days leading to the destruction of the Moon Kingdom were filled with bitter relations. In fact, if the Negaverse had never attacked, the two Kingdoms may have gone to war."
"Why?" vocalized Minako.
"Because," Luna announced bitterly, "Star Clan was full of traitors filled with greed. Because the leaders of Star Clan continuously blamed us for their own mistakes. Because the Queen of Star Clan killed Serenity's uncle."
There was a collective gasp, and everyone turned to the horrified Usagi.
"I have an uncle?"
"You had one. Star Clan killed him."
"How?"
Luna shook her head. "Nobody knows."
"Then how do you know Star Clan was responsible for his death?" Ami wanted to know.
"Because the Queen of Star Clan, his wife Hesper, sent him to Earth secretly, where he suffered a 'mysterious' death."
"Why did no one tell me that I had an uncle? I do not think even Serenity knew."
Artemis spoke up. "She didn't. Adelphos, your uncle, was the true heir to the throne, but he married Hesper in a brave attempt to restore peace between the two worlds. When he died--"
"Wait a minute," Ami interrupted. "There was tension before he died?"
"Yes. But when he died, things got worse. Queen Serenity made it so that Princess Serenity, and most people, never found this out, fearing what would happen. But, enough people knew anyway. Her only choice was to cut off relations between the two nations. And Adelphos was never mentioned again."
Luna continued, "And now, earlier today, energy has once again been released from Aernia. We cannot possibly tell why yet, but we want all of you to be on your guard. After the Moon Knigdom's destruction, no one knows what happened to Aernia. This energy may be a sign that the leaders of Star Clan are alive. Or it may be a sign that the rebels from Star Clan have come to Aernia. At this point, we're not even sure which would be worse, as we have no idea of either one's intentions."
Usagi felt a shiver go down her back. Her gaze flickered to the window. It felt like someone was watching her.
Luna, Artemis you fools. Filling their heads with ancient prejudices. Don't you realize that a common enemy approaches, and that we need to fight together. Vesta stared silently through the window, watching the meeting progress. Now that Princess Serenity's head is filled with this nonsense, Harmony's mission is that much harder. As the meeting began to break up, Vesta silently abandoned her post, her strong legs carrying her swiftly back to Michiko's house. Harmony's training must begin immediately.
Michiko's Home
Michiko lay on her bed, the early twilight bathing her body. She had just finished a long conversation with Mine, which had been awkward. Michiko just did not know how to feel anymore. She rolled onto her side, facing away from the window.
Silently Vesta jumped onto Michiko.
"Aiiiiii!" With a shriek, she rolled onto the ground into a jumble of arms, legs, and blankets.
The ever dignified Vesta stood up with a haughty sniff. "You are frightened much too easily. This is not pleasing, at all.
Michiko had her hand over her heart. "Never sneak up on me like that again! You nearly gave me a heart attack."
"In that case, you and I both--"
"Are in trouble, I know," Michiko cut her off.
Ignoring her tone, Vesta continued, "I have changed my mind. It is time you begin your traning now."
"Now, now?"
"Yes, right now! You see, Princess Serenity and her Senshi have realized that something is happening on Aernia. They do not yet realize that the whole of Star Clan has been reawakened, but they do know something is going on. Of course, they think that Star Clan is their enemy, though of course, they are partially right, as there are many Star Clan rebels out there. It is urgent that you begin to learn how to use your powers. So, instead of waiting for tomorrow, we are begining now."
"Are we starting right here?"
"Well, at least to transform. Then, we shall fly off into the night and search for a place to begin your training," Vesta said dramatically.
Michiko stared for a second, then said, "Are you serious? Can I fly?"
"Well, technically you can if you ride on Tadamar, but I'm not so sure you're ready for that. Enough chatter! Michiko, the power to transform into Harmony is in you. Look into your heart, and you will find the words."
Michiko closed her eyes. Harmony, I know you're down there somewhere. Please help me to learn what to say. The star and moon on her charm began to glow. Michiko felt herself being lifted into the air. Words flew unbidden from her mouth.
"Harmonious Star Power!"
Lights flashed, and in seconds, Hoshi Michiko was gone, replaced by Princess Harmony of Star Clan.
Harmony wore a short dress, vaguely resembling a Sailor Senshi uniform. The top was strapless, with a black bow centered on her chest. In the center of the bow was the star and moon charm. The whole dress was white, until the end where black ruffles were revealed under the dress. She wore short black boots, with silver laces and and two short, dangling, silver stars on the backs. Black gloves that only reached the wrists covered her hands. Dangling stars flew from her ears. And around her throat was a black choker, with a silver star. The transformation was utterly complete and stunning.
Vesta stifled a gasp. She looked like the warrior-princess she was supposed to be. "And now, we must find a place for you to practice."
Outside, darkness was closing in on the day. "Perfect," murmured Harmony as she gazed out her window. Night was where she thrived.
"Harmony, you now have strength stronger than an average human. You should be able to keep up with me." And with that, Vesta lept from the window and jumped to the roof.
Harmony was only startled for a second, before a burst of courage and adreneline caused her to leap after Vesta.
It was thrilling, leaping from rooftop to rooftop under the cover of night. Harmony had never felt more alive. They stopped in front of a vacant park.
"Surely we can find a safe place here," Vesta said.
Harmony gave quiet assent.
Unknown Place
"It begins."
Hope everyone enjoyed this. I wanted to explain Michiko's and Mine's names. These are rough translations and not really correct but here goes: Hoshi Mine- a resolute protector star; Hoshi Michiko- child of a righteous star. Also, here's translations of some other names; Hesper- the evening star; Adelphos- brother.
