Moon Chapter 9 - Heirs -
- Suisei, Caloris Basin Caverns -
Four years have passed since Pallas left Marina Castle. As King Nabu had told Zeus and Thanatos, he convinced Pallas to report constantly, to ensure her safety. She had established at the Investigation Center outside the Caloris Basin Caverns, where several scientists performed studies on the rich minerals found at the caverns. She had chosen the back room as her quarters for convenience, as it was the only other room that had its own entrance.
Light crossed through the window, illuminating the sleeping Pallas face. She stirred in her bed, and slowly opened one eye. Sitting she glanced outside.
- "So... light has returned..." - She said to herself. Today was the first day of the twenty nine days of light. - "The snow should start melting soon..."
Taking a towel, Pallas stepped outside, and opening her arms welcomed the chilling air. Barefooted she crossed the snow covered land without flinching. Although she was only wearing her baby blue pajama top and shorts, she entered the caverns. Walking through several pass ways, and crossing through several caverns she arrived at her destiny, a small indoors lake.
Undressing herself, Pallas left her pajama and underwear over a towel at a nearby rock. With her left foot she tested the temperature of the water.
- "Chilly... as I like it" - The girl grinned.
Without even flinching once, Pallas entered the lake and submerged. Underwater she swan for several minutes, before finally emerging to replenish her lungs with fresh air. Water dripped from her shoulder length blue hair.
The youngest of the Senshi had taken a liking to this activity. On her first week at the caverns she had found it, while exploring the depths of the place. She had asked the scientists, at the refugee, to lend her several lamps, to install near the lake. She also subtlety warned them to not get near the lake, specially if she was there, unless they wanted to have a painless and frozen death.
Not wanting to train where the scientists did their investigations, nor near the lake, which became her personal relaxation site, she asked King Nabu for a whole supply of blue-flame lamps, to mark the sites where she had been exploring and training.
Untangling her hair, Pallas stepped out of the lake, and walked towards a clear frozen wall. The ice in this wall was so clean, that it reflected as it was a mirror. Sitting in front of it, she began brushing her hair. When she was done with her hair, she dried her body and dressed in her pajama once more.
This had become a routine for the Asteroid Princess. She liked to swim here at least once every two days. Her body relaxed while in the freezing waters. The very first night she had entered the lake she had caught a heavy cold, and she acquired a very bad fever. Several scientists, instructed by Nabu and Koori, had taken care of the girl and informed the Suisei Royals of the events. They had been surprised when Queen Koori, herself, came and scolded Pallas as if she was her own daughter.
-- FLASHBACK --
- "What were you thinking? Entering that lake just like that? You could have died!" - Queen Koori yelled. She had tears in her eyes.
- "Sorry to worry your majesty..." - Pallas said, whose lips had turned blue from cold.
- "Why would you do such a thing Paru?" - The Queen asked.
Pallas did not speak for a pair of minutes. Koori's gaze was over her. A pair of scientists, who had been taking care of the girl before the Queen arrived, watched her as well, awaiting for an answer.
- "Training." - The blue-haired girl finally said.
- "What?" - Koori was wide-eyed. - "You went as far as submerging in freezing waters to... train?"
Pallas, with some effort, sat in the bed. She nearly fell, but was caught by Shiva, the only other female in the refugee.
- "Thanks Shiva. Yes your majesty. I entered the lake to test myself. My element is ice after all." - The girl said.
- "But it could have killed you!" - Koori argued back.
- "But it did not." - Pallas smiled. - "And sorry if it goes against your wishes but..."
- "You will continue entering the lake..." - Koori complemented. Pallas nodded her head. - "Seems I will not be able to stop you... but please... if you get sick please do not try entering the lake until you are healed..."
- "Yes. And do not worry. I really do not plan getting sick often... my head hurts like hell..."
-- END OF FLASHBACK --
After that first failure, Pallas continued training her resistance constantly. She tried entering the lake every time she felt ready after her training, which had consisted of enhancing her attack power, speed and abilities, but she kept getting a high fever afterwards.
Shiva, and the other scientists, were amazed at the girls persistence. They knew about her battles, and about her abilities, but surely they never truly expected someone to survive temperatures so low. The lake water was so cold it could kill instantly. But the girl only got colds and fever. After two years of failed attempts, she entered the refugee grinning madly.
-- FLASHBACK --
- "I did it!" - Pallas yelled, earning the attention of Shiva and other two scientists.
- "You did what Princess?" - One of the scientists, Yuki, asked. The male scientists had taken to call Pallas by her title, while only Shiva called her by her name.
- "I entered the lake for over ten minutes and I feel great!" - Pallas grin grew wider.
- "What? But I thought you were entering until the day after tomorrow" - Shiva inquired.
- "Yes... but I felt ready today after training." - Pallas blushed.
- "Then let us check your condition your majesty." - The other male scientist, Zero, said. The trio stood up from their chairs, and taking their instruments did a check up on the girl. It had become a routine for the three of them.
- "Please do." - Pallas answered. She trusted these three completely. Koori, herself, asked those three to assist her. Pallas was grateful Shiva was among them. Several times she had to take general check ups, which involved her undressing. She blushed furiously at the thought of Yuki or Zero conducting such check ups.
- "You sure you are okay? Your face if flushed." - Shiva teased, no doubt knowing why Pallas was blushing.
- "Ack... I... I am okay..." - The blue-haired girl adverted her gaze.
- "Well I will be damn... she is in perfect state. Her temperature is normal and there is no sign of sickness." - Zero said.
- "Seems your body has finally adapted to such low temperatures your majesty." - Yuki said.
- "And from the exposure to heat, during the hottest days of the light days, we can say your body is not affected from such heavy change of temperature" - Shiva added.
Pallas grin only grew wider.
-- END OF FLASHBACK --
After those events, Pallas had started to take more time at the lake, and even started developing a liking for swimming. She even trained her reflexes and powers underwater several times.
- "Good morning" - Pallas stated, while entering the kitchen of the refugee, where Shiva, Zero, Yuki and other scientists were having breakfast.
- "Morning Princess." - Even after four years, the only one that still called her by her name was Shiva.
- "You know? Even after four years, watching you in those light clothes wandering outside makes me chilly." - Zero stated, making Pallas grin.
- "Hey, who is the babe?" - A voice was heard. Everyone froze in their places, and glanced towards the new recruit, a nineteen year old prodigy. Surely he should know who was she? Did he not?
- "Uh oh..." - Zero said quietly. He glanced towards Pallas and saw her grinning broadly.
Pallas walked towards the young man, in a way that would make men gulp. The boy's eyes never left her, otherwise she would have noticed the nervous or amused glances the others were giving him.
- "Well... you are a face I had not seen before... my name is Paru... and who might you be? - Pallas said in a seductive voice.
- "I am Drake, Princess." - The young man said, clearly believing it was just a nickname. - "I am the new apprentice, but soon will be the best here."
- "Hmmm... are you know?" - The girl said, while approaching the boy.
- "Yeah. Hey, what do you say? Want to go out and have some fun later?" - The recruit said confidently.
- "Hmmm... let me consider your offer." - Lifting his chin with her left hand, Pallas approached her face towards the boy's. He grinned, thinking he had charmed her so well, that he was going to receive a kiss.
Only a few centimeters away from his face, Pallas whispered darkly. - "Never... call me... babe."- And with such words, Pallas sent a freezing ray, from her right hand, towards the boy's private parts. His scream was so pitched, that it seemed a girl was screaming. He fell to floor in pain, while the room roared in laughter.
Snickering, Pallas walked away. - "PALLAS ICE ASTEROID POWER, MAKE UP" - I will be outside doing my morning exercises. See you all later everyone." - She turned around and addressed the boy. - "Never try to make a move on me again boy. I hate men who think with their privates. Oh and do not worry, you would not lose it, but I advise not drinking to much water... it could get... painful." - Her statement caused more fits of laughter from the present, while the boy seemed to have been scared for life.
Pallas, now in her Senshi suit, stopped at the entrance, and turning around she addressed the room. - "Oh yeah... there is something I wanted to tell you all."
- "What is it Pallas?" - Shiva asked.
- "In a week's time... I shall be returning to the Silver Palace." - She smiled.
The following day Pallas started to pack her things. She wanted to visit Marina Castle, for a few days, before taking the Gate towards the White Moon. Walking to her room, she stopped at its door. She glanced around the place that had been her home for the past four years.
At the right corner, from her position, stood her bed. A twin size bed with blue sheets. Over her pillow stood a teddy bear, a gift from Selenity. At the side of the bed stood a black desk, which had a computer over it. This machine had been created by the combined effort of Nabu and Thanatos. Both Royals had installed greater and more complicate versions of the apparatus at every Palace across the system. Pallas had received a small simplified version courtesy of Nabu. Over the computer stood several shelves, with books, files with her investigations, and several photographs.
Walking towards the desk, Pallas smiled at the photographs. The first to the left was of her sisters and herself. The second picture showed Selene, Ren, Selenity and Nephrenia. Several tears formed in her eyes at that picture. So much had changed. Even after four years, her heart ached at the loss of the previous Supreme Rulers, and for Nephrenia's escapade. Taking both photographs with great care, Pallas packed them in a box labeled as fragile.
- "Ready?" - A voice asked. Pallas turned around and saw Shiva.
- "Yeah…" - Pallas said lightly.
- "We will miss you." - Shiva said.
- "I will too. But it is time for me to return." - Pallas took a black hooded cloak and put it on. Taking a back pack, with her clothes, she walked towards her private entrance.
- "You sure you do not want me to accompany you to the city?" - Shiva asked.
- "Yeah. I do not want to interrupt your work. Thanks for helping me all this time Shiva. I really owe you a lot." - Pallas said.
- "Nonsense. It was a pleasure. You are a great girl. You were like a little sister to me." - Shiva said, making Pallas laugh.
- "Little sister huh…? Except I am older than you…" - Pallas grinned.
- "Maybe so. But since you look like a sixteen year old girl, your real age is pure details." - Shiva grinned as well.
- "Is that so?" - Said the blue-haired girl raising an eyebrow.
Stepping outside, Pallas found the rest of the scientists, except for Drake who seemed to run every time he spotted the Senshi. Saying her goodbyes, Pallas walked towards a carriage. Glancing for the last time, towards the refugee, she waved goodbye.
The carriage, in which Pallas was, stopped at the entrance of the city. The door opened, and Pallas stepped down. Her boots stepped over the melting snow. She glanced around and smiled. The city was as lively as she remembered. Kids playing in the streets, women chatting, men working around. Families, friends, acquaintances. She had missed it all. It has been two years since she last came to town, the day Hermes had been crowned King.
Nabu and Koori had decided to retire from the crown the day Hermes married. The Prince had wed Lady Aoi, a dark-blue haired girl, daughter of one of the few Lords in Suisei. Thus, Nabu decided to center his time in his investigations and inventions, with the help of his wife.
- "Your majesty, are you sure you do not want me to take you to the Castle?" - The chauffer asked.
- "Yes. It has been long since I was here, so I want to walk around town first. I will be going to the Palace later. Please take my things there." - Pallas asked, receiving a nod from the chauffer. Covering her head with the hood, she entered town.
Walking through the familiar streets, Pallas spotted the place she was looking for. A small, and respectable, pub, the Dragonhead. She had discovered it one night before Hermes coronation. Seeing the place made her smile, remembering she had visited it alongside the current King. It had been Hermes last escapade as Prince, and Pallas had tagged along. No one found out their identities, as they were wearing hooded cloaks, just like the one Pallas was wearing today.
Entering the pub she looked for an empty table and found one at the center. Cleaning snow remnants from her boots, she walked towards the table and sat. A waiter approached her, and without showing her face she ordered some food. Starting her food, she smiled in contempt. It is not that the scientists at the refugee did not know to cook, but she truly missed eating other kinds of food. The scientists were not dedicated chefs after all.
Halfway her food Pallas stopped, her eyes widened. A presence. An evil presence. A Youmas presence. Dropping a few coins she ran to the entrance, at the precise moment screams of terror started.
Pallas could not go outside, as a man blocked her way. - "You can not go outside miss, it is dangerous. One of those youmas is outside!"
- "The Guards have arrived!" - A man shouted before Pallas could retaliate the words of the man blocking her path.
Glancing through the windows she saw the soldiers firing their ice lasers towards the creature. The Youma in question was alone, yet he did not seem a pushover. Its skin was black, and green veins pulsated through its chest, arms and legs. Two dark blood horns protruded from its back, and two more from its head. It had a massive jaw, with black fangs, covered in its saliva, which was pouring from its mouth. Its claws were green and pointy. It also had a tail, which resembled a lizards. Curiously, the creature had a white stone in its chest, tied with chains through its body. At the center of the white stone was a symbol, but due to the creature's movement Pallas could not identify it.
The Youma roared at the offending soldiers, which could not attack freely, seeing as civilians were still running away, or entering nearby buildings.
- "I… smell… fresh… blood!" - The creature roared, freezing the hearts of many. How was it possible? The Youma had spoken. And it was lusting for blood. Ignoring the icy blasts he saw its prey. A small five year old boy, who had been trampled by the escaping mob, was crying at the floor, while blood poured out from his knee. A ten year old girl was trying to calm him, but stopped in fear noticing the Youma that ran towards them.
- (Oh damn! They can not attack the Youma freely! They may hit the kids!) - Easily pushing the man, blocking the entrance, to the side, Pallas stepped outside.
- "What the heck? How did she?" - The man asked himself. A woman, probably the owner of the pub, scolded the man for allowing the girl to go outside.
A woman's frightened scream filled everybody's ears. Without doubt she was the mother of the targeted kids. Time seemed to go in slow motion. The creature approached the unprotected children. The soldiers tried to stop it, but their beams were missing or having almost null effect.
- "BLOOD!" - The creature roared while lifting its pawn, ready to deliver the fatal blow. A blow that never was thrown. - "GAH!" - The creature spat in pain.
The crying boy stopped its wailing. His sister's eyes widened. The soldiers watched marveled. The people's jaws, at the pub, dropped. With just one punch, the unknown girl had stopped the creature in its tracks. The creatures eyes glared at the offending human, and tried to retaliate with its claws, but its jaw found the painful sensation of a knee under it. The Youma fell behind a few meters.
- "Are you okay?" - Pallas asked the children, and received a nod.
- "Oh thank you!" - The mother of the children cried, while hugging her offspring's.
- "Who… are… you?" - The creature spat, while blood dripped from its jaw.
- "I am your worst nightmare, creature of hell." - Said Pallas, lowering her hood.
- "It is Princess Pallas!" - A man shouted, recognizing her. People loudly cheered.
- (Damn it! Will they never learn? They should run, not cheer! Damn civilians) - Pallas screamed in her mind.
The creature's angry roars filled the streets once more. It started gathering a black sphere on its mouth, yet again he was unable to defend from what came next. A hand had forcefully closed it mouth. The creature saw in fear a smirking Pallas.
- "You are slow… ICE COFFIN!" - Pallas shouted, and just a few seconds later, the creature had been covered in a frozen coffin. Throwing a kick, Pallas broke it, and the Youma was no more.
People cheered loudly once more, getting on Pallas nerves, and thus she snapped. - "SHUT UP!" - Her shout effectively silenced everybody.
- "Do you even know what you were doing? Have you forgotten the directions stated by the Royals whenever a Youma appears? You must escape! You must get away! And most importantly you must HELP those injured! I can not believe you trampled a little boy and left him behind! And what happened when the soldiers appeared? You stopped and watched them as if they were doing a damn rehearsal! And again you left the children in the middle of the battlefield. You people dare say that the soldiers never do their work? You obstructed their work! They could not attack freely with people around!"
Ignoring the people, Pallas walked towards the soldiers and exclaimed. - "Good work soldiers. Your fast actions saved many lives"
- "No. Thank you for your assistance Princess!" - The commander saluted.
- "My… my… do we have a temper or what?" - A voice resonated through the streets.
- "Who are you?" - Pallas shouted, getting on guard. A terrifying presence manifested. But she could not locate its source.
- "Lets just say I am a puppeteer." - The male voice shouted back.
- "ICE ARROW!" - Pallas shouted. Her attack went towards the bell tower, from where a silhouette jumped away.
- "I congratulate you for finding me Princess. And I must say, you impressed me. Using your powers without even morphing into your Senshi form. It seems your training paid off. You literally obliterated that Droid." - The voice said.
- "Droid?" - Pallas questioned.
- "That is something you do not need to know… hahahah" - The voice mocked, and then its presence vanished.
Pallas heard the commander shouting to its men. - "Search for whoever was speaking! NOW!"
- "It is of no use commander. He is gone." - Pallas said.
- "But Princess!" - The commander said.
- "Trust me. He is gone." - Glancing towards the icy remnants of the Youma, Pallas noticed a chain. Kneeling in front of it, she noticed the white stone had survived her attacks. At the epicenter of the stone, stood the symbol she was unable to identify before.
- (What does this mean? An inverted black crescent moon?) - Thought Pallas, while the stone turned into dust.
- Kasei, Olympus Volcano Crater -
Vesta was sitting over a single rock at the hellish molten lava. If she had been a normal person, her exposed legs would have been badly burnt just from the contact with the overheated rock. And burned she had been before.
In her first year of training, Vesta had go get accustomed to the heavy atmosphere created by the extreme heat. And apart of the extreme temperatures, another thing she had to get accustomed had been the atmosphere changes the higher she climbed. It was those days she discovered she could create a shield around herself, to be able to breathe, and thus travel through space.
- "Maybe its an innate ability of a Senshi." - Had been her thoughts. - "That day I just knew what to do"
When she finally arrived at the crater, the excited scientists, at the refugee, had asked her help to install monitoring devices on key places. Vesta had complied, to thank them their help during the last year.
After completing her task, Vesta had resumed her training. Descending to the depths, she had the painful experience of burning herself badly. Even with the extra protection generated by her Senshi suit, her skin suffered the consequences of the exposure to extreme temperatures.
Against her own will, Vesta decided to descend little by little through the crater. She would not descend to a new area until her body got accustomed to the current temperature.
- "If I get burned, how can I call myself a Fire Senshi?" - Had been the words Vesta gave to the healer at the refugee.
- (How much time has it been since I began this training?) - Vesta thought during her meditation - (It will be four years already… I wonder how my sisters are fairing? Have they finished their training? The date we set to return approaches… Is Selenity okay? And Ares… I hope he got over me already…)
- FLASHBACK, THREE YEARS AGO -
Vesta was descending from the crater. The head scientist saw her approaching. He saw her limping, therefore he called for the healer. The other scientists on the team glanced towards her, and then continued their investigation on their computers. They were analyzing internal data of the volcano thanks to the young princess.
- "Princess! Why are you limping?" - The healer, named Rea, asked.
- "Believe it or not… I got burned" - Vesta grimaced.
- "What? But I thought you…" - Rea was astounded.
- "I know… I know… pathetic… a warrior of fire burned…" - Vesta declared.
- "I do not think you are pathetic." - A voice was heard. Vesta's eyes widened at the voice, and turning around she saw the one that had spoken. The young Prince of Kasei, Ares, accompanied by his parents.
- "Your majesties…" - Vesta said.
- "Are you okay Ves?" - Queen Athena asked. She received a nod as an answer.
- "Sorry to interrupt your majesties, but I need to check Vesta's legs. Please take off your boots your highness" - Rea said.
After Rea's words, Hades and Athena left them. The Kasei rulers headed towards the head of the team, to check on the gathered data. Vesta grimaced while trying to take off her boot. Slapping herself, she remember she only had to deactivate her Senshi form.
Ares watched as Rea attended Vesta, who now was wearing a long red toga dress. The exuberant hairstyle she had, as a Senshi, was replaced by a simple and long ponytail. He saw Rea applying an ointment at Vesta's bare feet and legs.
- "There… that should do it… I suggest you go and rest at your room for now. The ointment will need a few minutes to start working, and you need to rest at least a full night, for it to heal you." - Rea said. When Vesta started to move, she stopped her. - "No, that will not do. You should not move either. Wait a moment, I will ask one of the guys to carry you to your room." -
But before Vesta could protest, Ares spoke. - "I will take her".
The declaration made Rea's eyes widen, and Vesta's mouth to hang open.
- "Now wait just a second! Why would… hey!" - Vesta had no time to argue, as Ares had already lifted her bridal style, making the red haired girl blush.
Ares, without showing it, was impressed of how light the girl was. He calculated her weight should not be over the fifty kilograms, but there was no way in hell he would ask her that.
Enjoying the feeling of the girl in his arms, Ares took her through the rooms of the refugee, until he found the door labeled with her name. Asking her for permission to enter, he received a half nod, as he could not see her face clearly. If he had seen her face, Ares would have seen her blushing furiously. Lowering her in her bed, Ares released her.
- "Are you comfortable? Should I get you something?" - Ares asked.
- "No… nothing…" - Vesta said, still with her head lowered, without meeting his sight.
- "Very well… then maybe I should go…" - He was interrupted.
- "Why did you bring me like that? You are the Prince of Kasei… you should not threat me like that…" - Vesta said.
- "You are a Princess, remember?" - Ares said.
- "Only by title… I am a warrior…" - Vesta said - "So… why?"
- "Because… you are special… to me…" - The red haired boy exclaimed quietly.
- "What?" - Vesta finally raised her sight - "What do you mean by that?"
Sitting beside the girl, Ares lifted his right hand, and caressed her cheek, making Vesta's eyes widen a bit. - "Because I love you…" - Ares exclaimed, making the Fire Senshi's eyes widen to her maximum.
- "Why…?" - She asked, while she left her skin growing hot. He still was caressing her cheek, and she felt as if her complete body was blushing.
- "And why not?" - Ares smirked.
He stood by her side, glancing to her eyes. Her fiery red eyes, which usually reflected courage, currently were reflecting confusion. Vesta looked vulnerable.
She was staring at his eyes. His deep black eyes showed determination, admiration and… love? Yes, it was love. She had seen that expression before on her sisters, on Selenity and on the late Supreme Rulers. And that love was directed at her.
Slowly, both Prince and Senshi, closed the space between them. Their lips met, and their eyes closed. Vesta did not know how much time she spent like that, she just stood there, enjoying the kiss. He was kissing her with a passion that could only mean he had yearned for this moment for a long time. Suddenly, she pushed him away.
- "No… I… I can not…" - Vesta said, turning around and showing her back to him.
- "Why not? I told you… I love you…" - Ares started.
- "Stop!... I… just can not…" - Vesta said, while her eyes misted.
- "Is it because I am younger? I do not care about that…" - The Prince firmly stated. - "If it is because I am the Prince of this planet, then I will renounce to the throne!"
- "No!" - She exclaimed, still not looking at him. - "It is because of me… I… I am a Senshi…"
- "No one said a Senshi is not free to love…" - Ares said.
- "Yes… that is correct…" - The Senshi stated. Ares eyes lighted with hope, but soon that hope was crushed. - "But this is my decision… I have decided to dedicate my life to my duty… so… please forgive me… do not ask me to give you what I can not…"
With his heart broken, Ares left the girl that had chosen her duty over him. She did not turned around, and did not saw him leave. After a few minutes, she broke down, and her tears poured.
- "Damn it Ares… why did you have to bring this confusion to my heart…" - She cried.
That had been the last time Vesta had seen Ares. Over the years he received several visits from Queen Athena or King Hades, but they never gave her news about him. She was grateful for the understanding of the Kasei Royals.
Passed several months, her heart recovered, and her resolve was renewed. She did not take long to heal, probably cause she had not seen Ares like a lover, until the day of his declaration. Still, she hoped the young Prince had moved on, as she still wanted his friendship.
- END OF FLASHBACK -
Breaking her meditation, Vesta stood up. Stretching her arms, she relaxed. Meditating at this place had had two purposes for the Senshi. The first one to acquire patience, which she had lacked before. Secondly was to rise her resistance. Vesta's risen resistance had allowed her the ability of using even more lethal attacks.
Cleaning herself, from the dust, Vesta glanced upwards. Jumping towards the wall she started an almost vertical race. In a few minutes she had already reached halfway towards the exit. The crater descended about fifteen kilometers, before the lava filled it. Jumping from one side to the other, Vesta finally reached the top. Sitting at the edge of the crater, she glanced towards the descending sun. Phobos was currently hiding half of the sun, creating a semi eclipse.
- (Hmmm… it has gotten late. Better return to the refugee. I will be returning tomorrow to Phobos-Deimos Castle, so I need to gather my things). - With those thoughts in mind, Vesta jumped towards the land.
- Phobos-Deimos Palace -
Vesta, wearing her red Princess Dress, entered the Great Hall of the Palace. Soldiers opened a path for her to walk, as the hall was filled with noble families from the planet and both satellites.
The young nobleman glanced at her with wide eyes. The young ladies pouted at the reaction of the young nobleman. Their parents watched her appreciatively, and nodded at her when she glanced towards them. Few stared at her with jealously. When she finally reached the throne, she bowed.
- "King Hades, Queen Athena, I have returned." - Vesta said.
- "Please raise your sight, Star Princess. I have told you before, you do not have to bow to me." - Hades surprised many when he bowed to the young Senshi.
- "Likewise My Lord." - Vesta smiled. She soon was enveloped in a hug, from Queen Athena.
- "You have not changed. Not even a little." - She said, while checking her face.
- "Well… this is my curse." - Vesta smiled, yet her words made many gasp.
- "What do you mean?" - Athena inquired. - "Why is it a curse?"
- "I believe many would like to have eternal youth. But what happens when you have it, yet those that surround you keep aging? That is why I say it is a curse." - Vesta explained.
- "But…" - Athena started.
- "Do not worry My Lady. Even though I call it a curse, I shall never run from my duty. I am a Chosen Senshi, and as such, I shall always fight to protect those I love." - Vesta grinned, calming Athena.
- "How was your training?" - Hades asked, trying to trigger a change of subject.
- "Excellent. Here, let me show you" - Snapping her fingers, Vesta summoned a small flame at the tip of her fingers.
- "Amazing! You can summon your powers even outside your Senshi form!" - Hades exclaimed.
- "Correct. I am satisfied with the results of my training. And I am also pleased to have been able to help the scientists at Olympus." - She said.
- "So you are going back to the White Moon?" - He asked.
- "Yes… I wish to see my sisters again. And I promised Selenity I would come back." - The fire Senshi said.
- "Dear. It is time for the announcement" - Athena said, glancing towards the door behind the throne.
- "You are right. If you would excuse me Princess. I have a task to accomplish." - Hades said. He bowed, and before he could turn around, saw Vesta bowing as well. This action caused him to smile.
Stepping before the throne, Hades spoke to the present. - "My people. I have summoned thee today, for I have an announcement to rely to you. Today Athena and I resign from the throne of Kasei!" - Murmurs began to arise.
- "Resign? But who will govern now? The Prince is missing!" - A noblewoman shouted.
- (Missing? What?) - Vesta's eyes widened.
- "The Prince is not missing." - Athena stated. - "He just stopped showing in public. The reason? You shall find later. Ares, my son, will you please step inside?"
From a heavy guarded door, Ares emerged. Vesta sighed in relief upon seeing him. In the last three years he had grown a lot. The nineteen year old was no longer a teenager, but a man. He had grown several centimeters over the years, and now wielded his red hair in a long ponytail. He was wearing a dark red armor, and a black cape.
He stopped, and lifting his hand, he offered it. A delicate hand took his, and from the door emerged a beautiful young girl. She had long dark hair, that reached to her waist, with several dark purple lights. Her eyes had a clear amethyst shade. She was wearing a dark red long dress.
Murmurs began once more. They knew the girl. Vesta heard a man saying she was Eris, one of the Royal Ladies from Deimos. Others murmured she was part of a fire-reading clan. Turning her attention towards the pair, Vesta smiled. Ares had finally found the one destined for him.
A coronation ceremony began, and Hades handed down his crown towards his son, while Athena handed hers to Eris. Both bowed to work hard, towards the protection and prosperity of Kasei and its satellites.
Finished the ceremony, Vesta approached the new King and Queen, and bowing she exclaimed. - "Congratulations your majesties. I wish prosperity for your reign!" -
- "Thank you Princess Vesta. Ares has told me many things about you. I hope we can count on you, towards the prosperity of, not only this planet, but all the system" - Eris exclaimed.
- "You can count on me, Queen Eris" - Vesta exclaimed.
- "Eris is fine." - She smiled at her. Vesta smiled back, seeing a well chosen Queen in her personality.
- "It has been long, has it not, Ves?" - Ares stated.
- "Yes… it has…" Vesta answered.
- "Do you mind if I give you a friendly hug?" - Ares asked.
Receiving a nod from Eris, Vesta hugged the new King.
- "I have missed you Ves…" - He whispered.
- "I have missed you as well my friend… we are still friends… right?" - She asked.
- "But of course! We will always be friends. I do owe you my life, remember?" - He grinned.
- "Heh… same old Ares… I am happy for both of you" - She said.
- "Hey… I want to present you someone else." - Ares said. He called a maid, who approached Eris. Vesta watched curiously as a small bundle was handed to Eris.
- "Ves… I want you to meet my daughter… Mars" - Ares smiled, proudly.
Vesta's eyes widened. In Eris arms was a small sleeping dark haired girl. Asking permission, she took her in her arms, and was lost in thought glancing at her.
- "She is beautiful…" - Ves exclaimed. The baby opened her eyes, and momentarily staring at them, Vesta felt a familiar presence. - (What… what is this feeling?)
She did not have time to ponder on this feeling, as an evil aura filled the hall. Eyes wide, she handed back Mars to her mother. Those with enhanced senses felt the sudden change on the hall, and stood on guard.
- "King Ares, take your wife and daughter away. Now!" - Vesta ordered. Eris ran towards the throne, were guards were already protecting Hades and Athena.
Materializing out of the shadows, five small Youmas appeared and roared. The soldiers immediately charged at them, while Vesta destroyed one that had leaped towards the Royals. No longer than five minutes, and the creatures had been destroyed already.
- (What is going on? Those creatures did not possess the presence I felt a few minutes ago… and why send so weak Youmas here?) - Vesta thought.
- "BLACK RAY" - A voice shouted. Vesta turned towards the source of the voice, and saw an approaching blast of dark energy. Not wasting any time, she re-created the shield she had learnt to use outside the atmosphere.
Being in her Princess form, the shield was not able to stop the blast, which broke through, and pierced her left shoulder. Grimacing in pain, Vesta raised her hand.
- "VESTA FIRE ASTEROID POWER, MAKE UP!" -
The Fiery Senshi was back, and she was mad. Gathering power, she unleashed a fire arrow towards the source of the blast. A man, whose face was hidden with a black mask, jumped. He was wearing a navy blue jacket, and white leather pants. He had short dark blue hair. And the part that unnerved Vesta lied in his forehead. A black inverted crescent moon.
- "My word… you could have burnt me girl" - The man mocked. Several soldiers charged at him, but where thrown away as a dark shield surrounded him.
Wasting no time, Vesta charged at the man, and breaking his shield, was about to strike him in the stomach, when he parried her punch. Searching for an opening, Vesta did a low swipe kick, intending to throw the man to the floor. He jumped, evading her kick, but was surprised to see her smirking. Using her momentum, Vesta kicked upwards, supporting herself with her hands. Her kick barely scratched the man's face, but was enough to rip his mask.
Vesta's eyes widened in recognition. For a second, she had been able to see the man's face, before he had covered it with his hand. Before she could do anything more, the man summoned a bigger and stronger Youma.
- "GO, destroy her and everybody else, Droid of mine!" - The man ordered, and then disappeared through a shadow.
The creature roared. It had a canine complexion, and dark skin. Its blood read eyes reflected bloodlust. It had white fangs and claws, and a massive white horn protruding from its head. At the middle of the horn stood a blue gem, with an inverted dark crescent moon.
Literally growling in annoyance, Vesta ran towards the creature. It tried to bit her immediately, but the Senshi captured its jaws before it could do anything.
- "FLAME ERUPTION!" - Summoning her powers, Vesta destroyed the creature easily.
- "Weakling…" - Vesta whispered. Ignoring the soldiers, which ran outside, searching for the intruder, she kneeled in front of the dust left by the Youma. She took the gem in her hands, and watched as it broke, and disintegrated into dust.
- (What does this mean… Sapphire…) -
- Mokusei, Io Castle -
Princess Hera was brushing Princess Juno's long green hair. She hummed a tune, while cleansing the Senshi's hair. Juno had just arrived a few hours prior. In the four years of her training, she never returned once to the Palace. It was well understood, as the Eternal Storm traveled at an amazing speed. Even if she visited a town, when the Storm approached one, the teams and her could not stop for longer than an hour, which was used to refill rations.
- "Your hair has grown a lot Jun." - Hera said.
- "Yeah… I know…" - The green haired girl answered.
- "It is a miracle it did not get ruined in that storm." - Hera continued brushing.
- "Well… maybe it is the fact I never entered the Storm without being in my Senshi form. And you know that morphing automatically sets my hair in that long upwards ponytail" - Juno stated.
- "Yeah. Your eccentric hairstyle" - Hera laughed.
- "Hey! I happen to like my hairstyle, mind you!" - Jun pouted.
- "Sorry, sorry." - Hera laughed. - "Now tell me, how was your training?"
- FLASHBACK -
The scientist's vehicle approached the Storm at their maximum speed. Normally they would measure the Storm at a safe distance, but today they had to get as near as possible. King Zeus had asked them to take the Thunder Senshi as near as possible.
Halting their movement, the team glanced at the approaching Storm. At the speed it was moving, it would pass near them in about ten minutes. Sailor Juno stepped out of the vehicle, and glanced towards it.
- "You ready?" - A man asked.
- "Yes. How much time do I have before the Storm reaches the next checkpoint?" - Juno asked.
- "About twenty hours. Gamma team will be expecting your arrival then." - The man answered. - "You will not be able to stay with them more than six hours. Are you sure you need to do this?"
- "Six hours is fine. Even if the Storm moves away, I can reach it flying at top speed." - She answered.
- END OF FLASHBACK -
- "Jun, are you telling me you spent the last four years running behind the Storm?" - Hera questioned.
- "Kind off. After several months my speed and agility had increased dramatically. Chasing after the Storm does miracles" - She grinned.
- "What?" - Hera stopped brushing.
- "Hey! Do not stop" - The Senshi complained.
- "Sorry. But please, continue your story." - Hera said.
- "Yeah, well like I said. After a few months I was able to take longer rests, thanks to my increased speed. And my agility was raised, as I not only needed to sustain the force of the wind, but I also needed to get out of the way of incoming boulders."
- FLASHBACK -
Juno had been training at the storm for several months now. After a few painful experiences, with approaching rocks, she began focusing in evading them.
- "Ack!" - Juno cried, as a rock was able to scratch her. She barely escaped the boulder. - "Damn it! That one was worse than the one that crashed unto town last time"
Glancing around, she blanched seeing several massive boulders flying her way.
- "Oh hell…" - She understood she would not be capable of evading them all, so she gathered power in her hands, and unleashed several arrows, destroying the boulders.
- "Next time I shall not use my powers… but seriously… that was overkill…"
- END OF FLASHBACK -
- "That is basically it. I spent these past years just like that. I was able to meet a lot of people though. After all, I did stay with at least forty different teams throughout the planet. Heck, I am sure I traveled around the planet at least five times" - She said.
- "Five times? Wow… I knew the Storm moved at an amazing speed… but this? Mokusei is the largest planet in the system!" - Hera stated.
- "Yeah I know. But enough of me. What have I missed all this years? I think I heard something about a Lord Atlas" - Juno's words caused Hera to blush, thus she grinned.
- "Well… he asked my hand in marriage" - Hera blushed even more.
- "Really? Congratulations! When will the weeding take place?" - Juno inquired.
- "In a few months actually. Father wants to resign to the crown that very same day…" - Hera said quietly.
- "So you will be Queen… congratulations!" - Juno hugged the girl.
- "Thanks Jun." - She smiled. - "Anything else you want to know?" -
- "How is everybody else?" - Juno asked.
- "Well, starting with those that interest you the most…" - Hera mocked, and Juno pouted - "Well… Ves and Paru went to Caloris Basin and the Olympus Volcano. I heard Ceru stayed at the Star Palace for a time, then returned to the White Moon, but I never learnt of her training. Selenity is still single, and has become a great ruler, just like her mother."
- "And… Nephrenia? Any word from her?" - Juno asked.
- "None…" - Hera said.
- "Oh… wait… why did you mention Selenity is still single?" - Juno inquired.
- "Well… she has been Supreme Queen for over four years, yet there is no King. It is not unheard of a Queen without King, but…" - Hera stopped.
- "But?" - Juno asked.
- "She has declined over a hundred proposals already… she will not answer why" - The Mokusei Princess said.
- "I will have to ask her about that… and the others? How is everybody else?"
Hera grinned and answered. - "Well, Hermes became King of Suisei two years ago. He married a beautiful girl named Aoi. And it seems they are expecting a child already"
- "Really? That is great news!" - Juno smiled.
- "And wait until I tell you the rest. Ares also married. He married a noble girl named Eris. He told he was to be crowned King this very same week, even though he has not shown in public this last year. Oh and… what I am going to tell you is not public info, but he shared with us, the old gang" - The brown-haired girl said.
- "What is it?" - Juno was interested.
- "He became a father last month! The girl is beautiful I tell you! She had dark hair and amazing amethyst eyes, like her mother's. Oh, the baby's name is Mars by the way." - Hera said.
- "Really! Ares is a father already?" - Juno exclaimed.
- "Think that is a surprise?" - Hera grinned - "Then you will be more surprised when I tell you that Aphrodite became a mother two years ago."
- "What? Two years ago? But… that would mean she became a mother at sixteen!" - Juno's eyes widened.
- "Correct. Her parents were not very pleased with that. But they soon forgot about it seeing the love in her daughter's eyes. She married a man named Adonis. He came from one of the few noble families of Kinsei. They are just waiting for him to turn eighteen, in a few months, to crown them" - Her explained.
- "She is older than him?" - Juno asked.
- "Only for two months, so I do not think it is much. And before you ask, yes they were young parents. But they totally serious about what they did. When their baby girl was born, they seemed to mature dramatically. The baby has golden hair, like her mother, and blue eyes like her father. She was named Venus."
- "Wow… and what about Demando and Sapphire?" - Juno asked, and Hera's look darkened. - "Something wrong?"
- "After Pearl was murdered that day… I have not seen them once. Seems Crystal took them away. The man was broken, and he decided to leave." - Hera explained.
- "At least they are with their father… I hope I will see them again someday. And the rest of the planets?"
- "That is something we can leave for later Jun. It is getting late. Dinner will be served soon, and you wanted to take a bath." - Hera said.
- "Right! The pleasure of a normal bath!" - Jun laughed.
- White Moon, Silver Palace -
Princess Ceres was traveling in one of the Royal carriages. Her destiny was the Gate Central, and she was excited. In less than an hour she will be finally reunited with her sisters. After four years of not seeing them, the prospect of being reunited filled her heart with warmth.
- "I wonder how strong they have gotten…"
- FLASHBACK -
- "So you are going back to the Silver Palace Princess?" - Theos asked Ceres.
- "Yes. I have taken care of my business here." - Ceres said, remembering those long hours she spent talking with the graves of her biological parents. - "And I trust you to continue managing this kingdom correctly"
- "Thanks for the vote of confidence your majesty. I shall not disappoint you." - The Asteroidean said.
- "You have not, not even once." - The pink-haired smiled."
After passing through the gate, Phoebe welcomed her back. After hugging the girl she had not seen in over six months, the Noblewoman leaded her back to the Palace. When Ceres arrived she helped Selenity in several affairs, but soon the new Supreme Queen asked to be left alone, as she needed to experience her work alone. She also stated that she did not want to interfere in Ceres training, making the Senshi proud.
Having heard about the dangerous spots her sisters had chosen, as training grounds, Ceres investigated what place of the White Moon could serve her purposes. Talking with several scholars, she found out about an old legend.
The legend stated that somewhere, on the dark side of the White Moon, a Pyramid existed. Such place, even if it existed, was only special for having being built in a place that only got sunlight once every few years.
Ceres thought that searching for that place would be her perfect training. Her element was light, and entering pitch-blackness would strengthen her, in order to survive.
Alone, the Senshi began her search. She rented a home at the borderline of the dark side. It was a small town, with only a few hundred habitants, which was situated by the side of several small mountains, that ironically served as a borderline.
Her training had consisted on manifesting her power on her own body, making her glow in the darkness. A darkness that was not like a normal night, but true pitch blackness. Maintaining such self-glow required a lot of concentration and power. Through the months, Ceres was able to explore a lot of the dark side, but never found such Pyramid.
- (It must have been only a legend after all… nevertheless, this trip was not a waste. My light control has grown considerably. I better return now. Staying here would be pointless now.) - The girl thought.
Returning to her rented home, Ceres stopped in her tracks. Light was starting to appear in the horizon, indicating something she had not expected to happen during her training. An event, that Terrans called Eclipse, and one the White Lunarians called Dark Dawn. Glancing around, she noticed the barren dead lands being illuminated.
- (Like I expected… no vegetation… just a barren and dead land… huh?) - Ceres was surprised to see a flickering in the atmosphere. Jumping into the air, she flew at top speed towards the source of the flicker. - (Well… what do you know? The legend is true after all…)
In front of Ceres stood a majestic gray pyramid structure. She found the sight breathtaking. Structures like this one were rare across the full system. She idly wondered if it was built by an old civilization before theirs.
- (I want to explore this place… but I really need to return now. My sisters should be arriving in just a few days. The Pyramid was just an excuse I used to train here. Now that I found it, I can come back and check it some other time) - With one last glance, the Senshi speeded away, without noticing a pair of golden eyes staring at her at the distance. A golden and silvery flick of light emanated above the golden eyes, just before the light disappeared ending the Dark Dawn.
- END OF FLASHBACK -
- "Ceres!" - The Light Senshi was brought back to reality by a shout. She turned around and saw a running Pallas.
- "Paru!" - Ceres shouted as well, and ran towards her. The two sisters met halfway. Laughing, and shedding tears of joy, the two embraced. Those around them sported happy smiles, knowing the Quadruplets had been separated for a long time.
- "It is good to see you little one! You have not changed a bit since I last saw you" - Ceres said, pinching her cheek.
- "Hey! Stop that!" - Both laughed - "And you know me, always beautiful" - They laughed again. - "You have not changed either… seems our little curse is still in effect."
- "Yeah…" - Ceres whispered. They did not have time to brood, since two other familiar auras manifested. Turning towards the Kasei and Mokusei Gates, they saw Vesta and Juno, both with wide grins. Once more, Ceres and Pallas ran, and met their siblings with a strong embrace.
After the Quadruplets had calmed down, from the excitement of being reunited, Ceres took her sisters towards the carriage. Several soldiers took care of their things. Afraid of ruining the happy moment, Ceres spoke in a serious voice.
- "I believe we all need to talk about the current situations… I believe you have heard of the recent Youma that have being appearing through the system?" - Ceres asked. The first to reply was Juno.
- "I heard. Hera told me about them. It seems this kind of Youma is weak, but persistent. The Soldiers have been able to stop them most of the time, without using their artifacts." - Juno said.
- "I fought one" - Vesta and Pallas said at the same time.
- "You first" - Vesta told Pallas, who nodded, and retold her fight at Suisei.
- "If the civilians had not been meddling around, the Soldiers would have been able to exterminate it easily. I even did not need to morph. What bothers me if the man that appeared afterwards… I believe he could have been an Youma-infused human... just like the Rogue Cadets" - After several years of not being able to determine what happened to those Cadets, it was decided to label them as Youma-infused beings.
- "Did you see his forehead?" - Vesta asked out of nowhere, earning the attention of the rest.
- "No… why?" - Pallas asked.
- "I was wondering if you saw a black inverted crescent moon…" - The red haired said.
- "No… but I have seen that symbol… if was embodied in the gem the Youma left behind, before it turned into dust as well. Have you seen it as well?" - Pallas asked.
- "Yes… but I saw it the forehead of a man…" - Vesta retold her battle, during Ares coronation.
- "Were you able to identify him when you hit his face?" - Juno asked.
- "That is what worries me…" - Vesta lowered her sight.
- "Who was him?" - Ceres asked, afraid of learning something bad.
- "It was Sapphire…" - Her words silenced her sisters.
- Unknown Facility, Dactyl, Ida Asteroidal Satellite -
Demando was entering a hall. He seemed in a hurry while he was walking. His hair had grown over the years, and now reached just above his shoulders. He was wearing a white buttoned suit and white pants. He had a pair of earrings, with long dark jewels hanging. The most significant difference in him was the black inverted crescent moon that appeared in his forehead.
Four years prior, after his mother's death, Demando had fallen into a semi coma. The healers had stated that he, and his younger brother Sapphire, had entered comatose state after over exhausting their energies. He could not recall anything after Pearl had been murdered.
He woke up to find his father, Crystal, with a hardened face. Crystal had blamed the deceased Queen of Pearl's murder. Demando wanted to object, but his heart told him otherwise. He felt anger just hearing the Queen's name. He felt his anger rising towards those of the White Moon.
After Sapphire awoken, the trio left without telling anyone their destination. The brothers were surprised to find their father had access to a secret facility on this barren asteroidal satellite. Demando found strange that a secret gate was used to access it, but decided to not ask.
During the last years he trained himself. He wanted power. He wanted someone to blame. He wanted revenge. His heart told him he needed revenge. He needed to avenge his mother.
One time, several months after the tragedy, Sapphire told him their father was acting strange. He had an absent look, and had changed drastically. Demando told him he believed it was because of what had happened. Demando suggested their father was suffering from not having been able to be with their mother all those months. Sapphire accepted, and dedicated himself to train.
About a year after they left, Crystal showed them a special fluid. He told them it was the secret behind a Senshi. Demando was shocked, while Sapphire was speechless. Crystal told them that with it they could obtain powers like a Sailor Senshi, and obtain their vengeance.
Demando accepted using the fluid immediately, while his brother looked doubtful. The fluid acted as a catalyst, and Demando's power grew. A dark inverted crescent moon appeared in his forehead afterwards. Crystal showed Sapphire he possessed one as well, and finally convinced him.
Unknown to the brothers, their father no longer existed. What they saw was only a puppet controlled by the demon that called itself Death Phantom, or Wiseman. The remnant had continued his experiments, and finally came with a modified formula that awakened the innate abilities of the one that drank it. The creature was excited, because even if it had power over lesser youmas, its power had not been that great. And the potential this three Red Lunarians showed was exceptional. Knight Senshi's after all.
Just a few months prior to the current time, Wiseman had finally taken over Crystal's body, after preparing it all those years. He decided to prepare the offspring of his host as well, as they showed great potential, if not as future hosts, as war tools. Their power was his, and only his. He wanted them near, to use as bait as well, while it devised a way to finally obtain the Silver Crystal.
- "Father, I have come back" - Demando told Crystal, who was sitting on a red couch.
- "How was Suisei?" - Crystal said. Demando noted the coldness in his voice, but decided to not ask about it.
- "The Senshi of Ice, Pallas, has finished her training. I sent one of the less powerful Droids to test her, one of the failed ones." - Demando explained. He never questioned the control over Droids he had obtained from his father. He saw the creatures as tools for his vengeance. Proof of how much he had fallen in darkness.
- "And what did she do? I assume she destroyed the droid just like that" - The man said.
- "Without morphing" - Demando stated.
- "Is that so? If she can control her powers outside her Senshi form it could be troublesome…" - Crystal said.
The doors opened and both men turned around to stare at an agitated Sapphire. He walked hastily towards them, while breathing hard. Demando noticed a faint bloodied scratch on his cheek.
- "What do you have to report Sapphire?" - Crystal asked.
- "Father… I… I am sorry… Sailor Vesta found me…" - Sapphire grimaced at what he knew would come.
- "You fool! Your mission was only of reconnaissance! Now we will need to speed up the plan!" - Crystal roared.
The Death Phantom did not count with this. It had been overconfident with the boy, or they had underestimated the Senshi's growth. After all, Demando had reported Pallas using her powers without morphing. Standing up, the creature, that had taken over Crystal, decided it was time to awaken all those Droid Gems it had been preparing for years. That, and to visit certain jealous princess.
- White Moon, Silver Palace -
The Quadruplets descended from their carriage. After Vesta had revealed the identity of her attacker, silence had fallen. Each of them wondered what it could mean. Incidentally they knew Sapphire, alongside his brother and father, had disappeared not long after Pearl's death.
- "We need to report this to Selenity…" - Juno stated.
- "Yes. We should, but I believe Selenity would like to speak with you three beforehand" - Ceres grinned at them.
- "Is there something you are not telling us, Ceru?" - Pallas asked.
- "Cause it is written all over your face" - Vesta's left eyebrow rose.
- "You shall see. But let me warn you. You shall be surprised" - Ceres said. - "I certainly was"
This statement made the three girls curious. Forgetting, for a little while only, since it was a serious matter, the girls speeded up their pace. They were excited to see Selenity once more after all this years.
Entering the Throne Room they saw three persons. The first one that captured their attention was none other than their beloved Selenity. She had blossomed into a beautiful woman. When the Queen noticed them, she stood up, and Vesta noticed she had grown. The twenty year old Queen was easily taller than any of them already. She was wearing a Silver Royal long dress, which sported a silvery crescent moon in her chest area. Her hair was now braided in two buns, which fell into long ponytails, that reached all the way to the floor.
The trio ran towards the Supreme Queen. They suddenly stopped, a meter away from her, and bowed. A few seconds later they jumped towards the Queen's expecting arms. While this took place, Ceres approached the other two persons.
- "It has been several months, King Thanatos" - Ceres bowed.
- "Please Ceres, do not make me repeat myself. Do not bow to me" - Thanatos said. The Dosei King was wearing his usual dark armor.
- "Well… I like to tease your majesty" - Ceres grinned and Thanatos laughed.
Turning her attention to the third person, who a small girl, Ceres kneeled. - "How are you little Saturn?" -
- "… Fine" - The four year old girl put a finger in her mouth. She had raven hair, with several natural purple lights. Her eyes had an amazing purple shade. She was wearing a long dark purple dress, which almost reached the floor and barely allowed her little feet to be seen. Saturn approached Ceres, and hugged her.
Taking the small girl in her arms, Ceres stood up, and approached her sisters which already had broken their hug with Selenity. The trio, finally noticing Thanatos, blushed at their rudeness and bowed, making the man laugh.
Noticing the small girl, the trio of girls fussed over her. The girl got shy, and hid her face on Ceres hair. Ceres told her to not be afraid, and that they were her sisters. A few minutes later the girl was in Juno's arms, laughing.
- "Ves, Paru, Jun." - Selenity, who had sat back at the throne, called the girls. Ceres stood by her side.
- "What is it your highness" - The trio asked, believing it was time to get serious. Juno even returned little Saturn to her father's arms.
- "There is something I need to tell you" - Selenity said.
- "I must leave then." - Thanatos said, and was about to leave.
- "No Thanatos. Please stay. I prefer if you learn this already. I am going to inform the rest of the system soon anyway." - Selenity said, thus Thanatos stayed.
- "What is it?" - Pallas asked, noticing Ceres grin, she questioned her sister. - "Is this about what you did not tell us, Ceru?"
- "Indeed. Just listen to Selenity" - Ceres said. The trio focused their attention back to Selenity.
Taking a deep breath, Selenity announced. - "I am pregnant"
Her words ringed in their ears for a moment. They were stunned. Thanatos jaw was wide open. And before he could ask anything, the three girls jumped excited. They hugged their Queen, congratulating her. Ceres was grinning, but not for long, as she knew an uncomfortable question was about to be asked.
- "Who is the father?" - Vesta blurted out before Pallas, Juno or Thanatos were able to ask.
- "There is no father" - Selenity said, stunning the girls and Thanatos.
- "What? He… died?" - Pallas asked.
- "No… there is no he in fact." - The Queen said.
- "What does that mean?" - Juno was confused.
- "It means I have never been with a man. I am a virgin." -
- Meiousei, Chrono's lab -
For the past four years Chrono had continued his studies on the gates. The Queen had forbade him from testing with the Time Gate, but he was permitted to continue searching for other populated planets.
In four years he had found many planets, but none had life. Barren lands where life had not risen, or whose life had come to an end. He did not knew which one, but definitely preferred to think life had not arrived. A fallen society painfully reminded him of Youmas.
- "Is the new destination ready?" - Chrono asked.
- "Affirmative your majesty" - A scholar said.
- "Good. Activate the Gate in five minutes" - Chrono ordered, and the team prepared.
- "Be careful honey. It could be dangerous" - Marie said.
- "Do not worry. I have a good hunch for this coordinates"
The Gate activated and the team, leaded by Chrono stepped inside. They passed the space-time continuum disturbance and arrived at its breach.
- "This is it people. Let us hope we find something this time."
The group passed the breach and were temporarily blinded by the light. When they opened their eyes they were marveled at what they saw. They had finally found a populated land after many years!
The inhabitants of the planet watched them with fearful eyes and started to run. Chrono tried to tell them they came in peace, but they would not listen. Before they could move, a blast of energy, at their feet, stopped them.
- "DO NOT MOVE INVADERS!" - A voice shouted.
- "Please! We come in peace!" - Chrono said.
- "Why would I believe you? You are armed" - The voice questioned.
- "We are not hostile. These weapons are to defend ourselves in case we ended in a world full of Youmas!" - Chrono answered back.
- "Youmas? Those despicable and stupid creatures?" - The voice inquired and Chrono nodded. - "Drop your weapons then."
- "Do as she says" - Chrono said, and his team threw them at the floor. - "My name is Chrono. King Chrono of the Royal Kingdom of Meiousei."
- "How did you arrive here, King Chrono?" - The voice, which lost part of its hostility when the weapons were dropped, asked.
- "We use a Gate System. We were conducting several experiments, to find populated lands as yours. Please, if its not a problem, can I see who I am speaking too?" - The King asked.
- "Very well. Please forgive my rudeness. I would like to know about your Gates" - The girl said and appeared in front of the group.
A young girl, about eighteen years old, appeared in front of the group. She had yellow eyes, with slits as pupils. Chrono's eyes widened noticing the girl had long feline ears and tail. She was wearing a white fuku with a red front ribbon. Several bells adorned her suit below the ribbon. A bigger bell rested in her neck. She had long white gloves, that reached over her elbows, and long white high-heeled boots, which reached over her knees. A white hat rested in her head, covering her ears, from where two small, yet long ponytails fell. Her white tail moved from one side to another.
- "I am Sailor Mau" -
Glossary:
- Black Ray – As it names implies, a dark laser is shot from the caster's hand. To perform such tecnique, its user gathers dark energy at his or her palm.
Disclaimer:
Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi.