Legends of the Past
As it turned out, Serena didn't have to look for her mother; her mother and the Moon Warriors came looking for her. The princesses had transformed in a closed off part of the palace. Not wanting a repeated scene of panic similar to the one at the last gala, they agreed to transform where no one could witness them.
"What happened, Serena?" Queen Serenity demanded, her brows furrowing in worry as her gaze glanced over her daughter's flushed face. Serena looked unusually beautiful, but flustered. Her cheeks are flushed a high, becoming pink hue, her eyes bright and flashing, her lips swollen red, and her hair was coming out of her braids! Inspecting her daughter more closely, Queen Serenity also noted that Serena seemed slightly out of breath. Also, a steady, heightened aura of energy was emitting from her.
When Queen Serenity felt the mind bonding between her daughter and the Earthling, her heart had jumped in awe and fear. Awe that what the Legends foretold were finally coming true. Legends, even Queen Serenity did not want to believe in. The Legends were even older than herself. The Silver Millennium did not exist on such a vast scale at the time the Legends were created and the Moon Kingdom simply consisted of the planet Moon with only a few hundred inhabitants.
Grandfather King Platinum of the planet Pluto, who was the oldest inhabitant of the Silver Millennium and Guardian to the Time Gate, had passed on the Legends to all the rulers of the surrounding planets. These Legends foretold of a powerful prince and princess who would bind as Soul Mates. They would become mates for life, combining their awesome powers and begin the reign of the Titanium Millennium. This would take place as the greatest ruling the entire Galaxy would ever witness. Yet, on the dark side, in order for the Titanium Millennium to become a reality, the Silver Millennium and the Moon Kingdom would be destroyed.
Queen Serenity had known for centuries that this would eventually come to pass, but she had no idea that it would begin so soon. Her heart already dreaded the dark times that would come, especially for her daughter. She had no idea who this man would be, as King Platinum either could not or would not reveal many details. Only that their union would bare the heights and depths of passion, desire, and love in the old and new worlds they would reign. She decided to trust this man to teach her daughter the ways of the world, for she had no choice in the matter. She had wondered what planet he would come from, but now the answer was crystal clear.
Earth.
She should have known. Earth was a culture different from all the other planets, unique in its technology and skeptical, even hostile, toward magic. The people were a society that believed only in the logical and mechanical powers of technology. Even so, Earth was still centuries behind the rest of the planets in its technological achievements. They scoffed at the powers of magic used to sustain the other planets and would never have believed that one of the most powerful beings—besides her daughter and herself—resided on Earth.
Their very own prince. Queen Serenity had laughed quietly when she had felt the energy surge, remnants of planet Earth's essence identifying itself to her and who had elicited the power. And of course, her daughter's own infant power paralleling with the prince's.
Serena grumbled under her breath to her mother's question. "Really, mother, I am quite fine as you can see," she answered sullenly, immediately feeling guilty at the way her mother's brow seem to crease in worry again. She knew her mother had felt the energy surge and knew she had to tell her mother what had happened. As if she doesn't know, she thought angrily! Her mother seemed to know everything. She probably knew when that disgusting man had been born!
"No, I didn't, Serena!" Queen Serenity laughed suddenly, startling her daughter as she read her mind. It was an ability they both shared, but didn't use often. They preferred not to invade each other's privacy, especially in such an intimate way.
The Moon Warriors were perplexed as they stood before mother and daughter, patiently awaiting orders.
"Oh, mother, can it really be?" Serena moaned, frustrated. Her mother's expression confirmed the worst.
"Can what really be?" Warrior Mars asked, her hands on her hips, confused as the rest of the warriors.
"Yeah, we felt this huge surge of power," Warrior Jupiter stated, looking back and forth between mother and daughter. They seemed to know what was going on and the source of the unknown power behind the energy surge.
"The Legends are fulfilling themselves, ladies," Queen Serenity stated quietly, letting the news sink in. Blank stares greeted her answer.
Exasperated, "That-that Earth Prince and I are destined together!" Serena spat out rather vehemently. Noticing her mother's quizzical gaze at her outburst, she elaborated, "I-I met him by accident, and we exchanged words." When her mother's brows came up in disbelief, she burst out, "Well, he dragged me into his room and kissed me!"
The Moon Warriors gasped out in amazement. Serena taken unawares, they thought with disbelief. This was unheard of. He must be some prince! And how romantic, they thought among themselves. To be dragged into your destined arms and kissed as if he could not be without your lips. It was an amazing story, the warriors thought dreamily.
Warrior Jupiter sighed dreamily, followed by another equally dreamy sigh from Warrior Venus.
"Well, that it explains everything," Warrior Mars snickered. Warrior Venus giggled and Moon grinned, joining the teasing foray.
Serena glared at her friends. "Really," she replied, sarcastically. "It's not funny. I can't stand the man," she added with more fervor than was needed.
While her mother hid a smile behind her hand, the other parents of the princesses were showing up, concerned. Queen Serenity noticed the Earth guards were also arriving with King Damian and Queen Augusta, their faces lined with worry.
Behind the King and Queen, a tall, young man strode in, his presence notable above the rest. His strides were sure and powerful. He must be the young man in question, Prince Darien, Queen Serenity thought to herself.
Serena was unaware that her eyes instantly sought out the prince's, but her court noticed where her gaze tended to stray. Emotional turmoil ran throughout her body as she continued to gaze at her destined. He stood there insolently, staring boldly back at her, uncaring of their audience.
"Oh my!" Warrior Mars remarked, fanning herself with her hand, "No wonder you're so flustered, Serena. He's totally hot!"
"You got that right, Mars," Warrior Venus joined in, fanning herself too.
"Mmm! Baby!" Jupiter hummed under her breath.
Serena glared back at her friends. ***
"My goodness, Darien, she's absolutely breathtaking," Queen Augusta whispered under her breath to her son. "No wonder she's the galaxy's most guarded prize," she added, noting how the princess's gaze seemed to be locked onto her son's face.
Queen Augusta knew that the Supreme Princess would be attending the banquet, but it had not been a requirement for Earth's court to meet every member of the Moon court. The kingdoms had come to a mutual agreement that everyone would formally meet at a later date. It never crossed Queen Augusta's mind to even think about meeting the famous Moon Princess.
"That she is, my dear," King Damian agreed, frowning. He also noted the sparks flying between his son and the Moon Princess. A steady, silver energy seemed to be illuminating the couple, casting a silver glow over everyone in the corridor.
"Where is that light coming from?" Queen Augusta asked curiously. She gazed around the corridor, a frown marring her features as well.
"Yes, where is it coming from?" her husband echoed her, equally confused by the light. The Moon court seemed to be completely oblivious to the presence of the glowing aura. Even his son didn't seem concerned as he continued to hold the Moon Princess's heated gaze.
"Perhaps, we should continue this conversation in the Ambassador Conference rooms?" Queen Serenity suggested above the confusion as everyone started nervously speaking at once.
"Yes, I do believe that is a good suggestion, Queen Serenity," King Damian replied. Queen Serenity nodded toward her court and Serena, who continued to send heated sparks at the prince. ***
When they had settled comfortably around the large conference table, Queen Serenity decided to take control of the situation. Earth knew of the Legends, but to them, they were considered to be nothing more than a myth. Knowing how Earth scoffed at such things as magic, Queen Serena tried to think of a way that she could explain the concept, and the joining of Soul Mates. Although, Earth begrudgingly bowed down to Queen Serenity, noting that she was indeed, a very powerful woman in the wonders of magic.
The Earth court had been left stunned during negotiations with Queen Serenity's court concerning Prince Darien's delegating duties. Queen Serena and her entire court had teleported out the their first meeting, disappearing in a brief flash before the shocked faces of the Earth Ambassadors. King Damian and Queen Augusta's were also at the same meeting, their faces mirroring those of the ambassadors—blank shock.
An emergency call had been telepathically relayed to the Moon court at the time of the meeting. That meeting had been the Earth court's first encounter witnessing the power of the Moon Kingdom and it definitely had nothing to do with technology.
Even now, Queen Serenity could remember the confusion the Earthlings had displayed as the Moon court began to sound the telepathic alarm. Of course, they could not hear what was being said, but the alarmed faces of the Moon court was more than enough to convince the Earth court that something was happening beyond their knowledge or experience. Then, before their astonished eyes, they witnessed the abrupt departure of the Moon court.
Now, Queen Serenity thought, I have to explain THIS to them.
Serena heard her mother's thoughts and almost smiled as she caught her mother's eye.
Then she felt it again, that presence. Darien's aura was surrounding her essence. He was within her, touching her where she didn't want to be touched. Somehow, he managed to slip past the barriers in her mind. Suddenly, she felt it again, that surging anger rising within her, bringing a red flush to her cheeks. How dare he! She pushed at his presence within her, but he retaliated by wrapping the coils of his powers insolently around her body. Negligently, he caressed her warm skin, here and there, eliciting an anguished moan that she managed to subdue only by clasping both hands over her mouth. She glared at him, her eyes wide with anger and astonishment. Meanwhile, he merely smiled indolently back at her.
'Not here and not now, young man! You will have plenty of time to get to know her and I won't stand in your way. Since you're determined to have her it seems,' Queen Serenity telepathed loudly to Prince Darien.
He nearly jumped out of his chair as she caught him in his seduction of her daughter, his hard gaze narrowing on Serena's mother.
After all, Queen Serenity thought, she could not let him seduce her daughter in front of the entire congregation. She was a mother first and foremost. Although, she suspected that he was merely preparing Serena to accept the fact that they would become Soul Mates.
Darien bowed his head respectfully to Serena's mother. He had been dimly aware of another powerful presence besides himself and Serena. He hadn't been certain that it was Queen Serenity, but he suspected it was she. Apparently, mother and daughter were far better at communicating telepathically than he was. Then again, he never had anyone to practice with.
"That light . . ." Queen Augusta stated again with concern, ". . . it's still here and we're out of the corridor." The court of Earth murmured their agreement as they and everyone else glanced around the room. Serena's face flushed with heat as she continued to glare at the prince. His luminous, blue eyes gleamed wickedly in the silver glow. A slow sardonic grin began to take shape on his lips.
"That glow belongs to Serena and me, mother," Darien drawled before Queen Serenity could answer. "Actually, it's the combining of Serena's powers and mine," he began. "Our energy auras are fusing together. It's really a very pleasant experience," he finished. Of course, they didn't know that it was a result of their surging power of desire that Serena and he were experiencing, spiraling with their powers as well. 'They don't need to know that,' he said inside of her mind, pinning Serena with his hard gaze.
Serena could feel his coils of energy still spiraling around her body. Touching her leg, caressing her bare arm, lightly lifting her silver hair away from her neck to slightly graze the sensitive hollow where her neck and collarbone met. She in return, could do almost nothing. The desire to push his energy back was almost as overwhelming as it was to freely enjoy the new sensations that were careening wildly within her.
And the cad, Serena thought, he knows exactly what he is doing. She was resenting the fact that she was inexperienced and could not execute a retaliation for invading where he had not been invited. She even understood that he effectively made sure that this time, her mother was not privy to what was going on.
He slanted her another one of those grins that she was beginning to hate, enjoying her aroused discomfort.
"What are you talking about, Darien?" His father asked harshly, still confused. He knew his son was not letting on to the undercurrents between the Moon Princess and his son.
"The Legends of the Titanium Millennium are unfolding before our very own eyes," Queen Serenity answered, which only helped in confusing everyone in the room even more. "My daughter and your son," Queen Serenity nodded toward the couple, empathizing her point, "are fulfilling the Legends by becoming Soul Mates."
"I still don't get it, Queen Serenity," Queen Augusta said with a frown. "The Legends are nothing but a myth, aren't they?" she appealed to the Moon court.
"No, they are not, mother. Serena and I are destined to be together," Darien disagreed.
"And who says?" Serena exclaimed, jumping up from her quiet sitting position, stunning everyone, but of course, not him! "The Legends? Our ancestors, they are all gone—dead and buried—Moon dust, if you please!" she burst out, angry at the unfair hand fate had dealt out to her.
"Serena!" exclaimed Queen Serenity, surprised anger lining her features.
"I won't be coupled with him, mother!" she continued as if she hadn't heard her mother's earlier statement of anger. "I don't like him."
Serena's face grew crimson at the sound of prince chuckling under his breath. "My sentiments exactly, princess," he drawled and then continued. "I, on the other hand, take the Legends seriously. And I 'know' that you do too," he added for her benefit. Serena's mouth tightened at the comment.
Turning back to Queen Serenity, Darien said, "I take it that this means the forces of Sapphire are moving quickly toward Earth?" At her nod of agreement, he continued, "Well, it seems that we have much to do. We've all been appraised of the forces of Sapphire closing in their ranks and gathering their armies together to begin their attacks."
Those gathered, nodded their head solemnly. They were all aware of this evil force gathering in strength and numbers. It was another one of the missing pieces to the puzzle, which were beginning to fall into place when considering the mysterious Legends.
How else would the Silver Millennium come to an end, Queen Serenity thought? She felt her heart lurch painfully at the thought of what would come. Yet, she knew there would be nothing she could do to prevent the events that would soon take place. She looked over at her daughter, thoughtfully acknowledging the grace and beauty that had been bestowed to her at birth. How proud she was of her. Even according to the Legends, she and her prince would be one of the most powerful forces ever known to the galaxy and mankind to defeat the forces of Sapphire. She wondered briefly, what would their ruling be like? Tears began to form in her eyes, but she determinedly blinked them away; she couldn't afford to show weakness now.
When the Legends were created, it was rumored that the people of Sapphire had rebelled. Even after all these centuries, Queen Serenity could not understand why the people of Sapphire resented her reign and that of her forefathers. They did not disbelieve in Moon's magic, but they did not care for the Moon Kingdom to be in the ruling seat either and had coveted the rulings for themselves. Sapphire was a powerful planet, but their philosophy was tainted with evil and had been corrupted with greed. That was why the surrounding planets had disinherited any association with the planet Sapphire, a distant planet beyond Pluto.
"I take it that the Silver Millennium Crystal is embedded within our planet?" Darien remarked to Queen Serenity, startling everyone at the mention of the crystal.
"How did you know that?" Warrior Mars asked, amazed that this Earthling seemed to know so much about the Moon Legends. Yet, they knew so little about him.
"Darien, would you please be so kind as to inform your mother and me as to what is going on?" King Damian demanded, angrily. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of intricacies and he didn't like the feeling; it felt like he was at the bottom of the ocean.
"Yes, it is," Queen Serenity sighed. She didn't like this part at all. "And it's up to you and Serena to retrieve it. No one but the two of you can touch the crystal, and without it, all is lost."
"Well, now I'm beginning to understand the logic of the Legends," Darien replied dryly, looking at his parents at the same time. "The crystal is the sole source of power that binds the planets together. In the wrong hands, it has the capability of destroying galaxies. But, the crystal doesn't just let anyone use it. It picks its own users, but it doesn't distinguish between good and evil. And it doesn't pick more than one or three users in an eon."
"My mother cloaked your planet to protect it from the forces of Sapphire discovering the whereabouts of the crystal. But with the cloak now gone, they will know for certain that it resides here," Serena joined in on the conversation. She gritted her teeth when Darien raised a cocky eyebrow at her.
"But who put the crystal on our planet, and when did that happen?" Queen Augusta asked, still confused. She did not want to believe the events that were unfolding before her.
"My mother did, centuries ago, when I was just a child myself," Queen Serenity stated. "But, I have no idea as to where on your planet it is, nor do any of my powers detect its energy. The crystal cloaks itself from any type of disturbance, but it will reveal itself to your son, my daughter, and any other user it may have picked. We have no idea if there is another one chosen by the crystal. So far, we know the chosen ones of the crystal are my daughter and your son, since they are Soul Mates."
"And what happens to those that try to use the crystal and are not picked by it?" King Damian asked, although he already knew the answer.
"They die, of course," Serena said quietly.
"That they do, and so that means Serena and Darien must retrieve the crystal as soon as possible," Queen Serenity continued, never missing a beat. "Which brings us back to a point I must make before they begin their journey to retrieve the crystal."
Serena felt her heart thud loudly within her chest as a feeling of dread began to fill her.
This was confirmed the moment her mother spoke. "Before my daughter leaves the palace, she must be wed," Queen Serenity declared quietly over her daughter's outraged protest. Pinpointing her daughter with her stare, she stated, "It will be done, Serena, whether you want it or not. It is written in the Legends, so be it." Now redirecting her attention toward Darien, "You know it must be done. She will not be taken unwed, that I proclaim." Serena gaped and spluttered, her face beat red.
The Moon Warriors snickered among themselves. Yet they covertly looked at the prince with longing. King Damian burst out laughing heartily, while Queen Augusta looked outraged.
Those ninnies, Serena thought angrily as she glared at her guardians. Warriors, ha! Still, her lashes lowered to cover her eyes and thoughts, her gaze secretly seeking out the steely planes of the prince's face.
Stay tuned for the next part! Lady M. Harris
