"Speak and they shall come," mutters Rei, a scowl firmly in place as she squints through one of the balcony windows into the main palace ballroom.
"When I mentioned meeting everyone on our own terms this was not what I had in mind," Aequus says with a wry twist of her lips. She brushes a lock of aqua colored hair out of her eyes. She sighs. "It seems that all of the Sol' Royalty is here this eve."
Aetas stands stiffly to the side, her green hair coiled in a beautiful braid that falls over one shoulder as she huddles next to the palace wall in the shadows. Rei glances at her with worry.
"'Tas, you're looking pale," Rei murmurs. "I know several of us were not looking forward to this, but you look ready to faint."
Aetas gives her a wobbly smile. "As I have said, I have not seen my parents for over half my life… And here they are… with a horde of siblings that I did not even know existed."
The Pluto Royals have converged in an area fairly close to the Moon Queen, all of their visages stoic and aloof. The only ones not tainted with the frigid look are the youngest three children darting about as their three older siblings attempt to keep them corralled.
"Does this mean you will soon need to look through the Gates?" asks Aequus, laying a gentle hand on the Time Senshi's arm.
Aetas gives a pained smile. "I suppose it does. It is rare they come to such gatherings, always alert as the first scouts to the Sol' System's defense. I suspect they have only arrived to give word that it is indeed time for me to take the traditional place of my ancestors."
Ventus snorts. "Then they will be sorely disappointed when after the viewing you have rejoined us here."
Aetas blinks several times. "But-"
"But nothing," interrupts Rei, straightening into a more regal stance. "We are strongest together. There is no need to keep you trapped at the Gate's base. I have no doubt that Prudentia can find a means in which to have an alarm alert you if you need to return to them for emergencies." Rei shakes her head. "There is no good reason to seal you away in such solitude. We already know enough of what is to come that anything you view will only complicate things. You aren't allowed to reveal too much, so it is pointless to waste your time pouring over information you can't do anything with."
"Think of it," says Hotaru. "The physical representation of the Gates is on a metaphysical plane; it cannot be reached by any manmade fashion. It requires a magical link, and if someone does perchance wander to its presence, you have access to it where-ever you are. There is no reason to keep you on Pluto as a pre-emptive warning for trouble either, because the planets have plenty of people who can do that without our assistance. There is no cause to bind any of us to our planets unless we choose to go there for a patrol or a visit. With our powers, if Pluto sends word, we can easily teleport there before the trouble can even land on Pluto's surface. Keeping us bound separately will only hurt our cause."
Amora steps forward and wraps an arm around the green haired woman's waist. ""Tas, the Sol System has been surviving for several generations without Senshi just fine. They already have alarms and alerts in place to thwart incoming threats that have been working just fine this whole time. We may certainly lend more assistance with incoming threats, but there is no need for us to take over extra duties that already have people in place. It's a waste of resources and a waste of our talents. If they wish to argue this, I'm well prepared to put them in their place." The blond gives the taller woman a wink.
Aetas chuckles weakly. "Why is it you are all so prepared to destroy the traditions of the Senshi so swiftly and thoroughly?"
"Because we are better," Rei says fiercely, startling several of her fellow Senshi. "We are not errand boys, or silly scouts, we are warriors beyond compare, expected to do the impossible and confront the worst in existence because we were blessed by our planets to protect them and all those whom dwell on them." Rei locks eyes with Aetas. "We are royalty, connected with our planets even more closely than those before us, and possibly those after us. Our futures are infinitely threaded with challenges and tasks that no one else can even fathom… And we will face such things time after time, and we will conquer them." Her eyes stray to Serenity, and she gently cups the blond's cheek in her hand. "Because we can do no less," she finishes with a whisper.
"Because we cherish too much," adds Hotaru, daring to reach out and take Prudentia's hand in her own before reaching out to Aequus.
"Because we are the only ones with the power to do so," closes Aequus as she entwines her fingers with Hotaru's and turns gentle eyes on Ventus as the blond places a hand on her shoulder and Elysia's.
"And now we have to face a room full of people who would tell us otherwise," remarks Pru dryly, a faint blush on her cheeks as she deftly tries to avoid looking at Hotaru.
Elysia chuckles faintly as she steps forward in her rich deep green gown, brunette hair braided and coiled on top her head elegantly. "Well, I for one, am excited to tell them differently." She takes a deep breath before smiling brilliantly. "I think we've allowed them to tell us what to do long enough, yes? Let us show them, now, that we are grown and have truly won our titles."
"Tired of being a wallflower?" teases Rei, nudging the other girl with her elbow.
Elysia blushes and scratches her cheek nervously. "It seems silly to hide anymore, now that I have so much to protect." She gives Rei a watery smile. "Tempest would want me to show them that I can truly do more than simply cook." She looks at each of the Senshi and then up into the night sky. "And this… is definitely worth becoming more."
Rei hears a nearly inaudible sigh of awe and turns to find Amora gaping at Elysia with wonder. The raven haired girl can't help the wicked grin that crosses her face as she slyly reaches over and pinches the blond in the side.
Amora squeals, leaping into the air and colliding awkwardly with the brunette. Amora shoots Rei a black look over her shoulder as Rei gives her a cheeky grin.
"Are you alright?" questions Elysia, having caught the blond easily.
The blond freezes before her eyes turn upward to find a startling pair of green eyes looking down at her worriedly. Amora's cheeks turn a wonderful rosy shade as she attempts to find words. "I-I w-well I uh-um y-yes! There-there was a-a bug! Or something…" She nearly leaps right back out of the brunette's arms in her haste to create some breathing room. "Sorry!"
"Senshi!" calls a voice. "The Queen says it is time."
"We'll be right there, Artemis," responds Aequus, sending a smile to their more lenient trainer.
The man gives them a quick dip of his head before spinning on his heel to re-enter the ballroom.
Pru raises an eyebrow at Rei while the others are distracted.
Rei smirks and leans close and whispers just loud enough for Amora and blunette to hear. "How interesting… It seems if you are not the one to initiate something intimate you become quite… flustered."
Amora's whole face flushes before she huffs loudly and stomps her way over to Elysia and links arms with the startled brunette. "Let us go in first, yes?"
Pru rolls her eyes. "As if that proves anything," she remarks softly to Rei as they both giggle at the blond's behavior.
"May I?" interrupts a voice.
Pru looks up to find Hotaru smiling serenely at her while offering her hand. The blunette's ears turn pink as she bashfully accepts the waiting hand and links arms with the Senshi of Silence. Hotaru nods at Rei before leading Pru towards the doors Amora and Elysia are waiting by.
A quick patter of footsteps has them all turning on guard towards the garden.
Endymion comes jogging out of the shadows, a casual grin on his lips as he waves a greeting at them. They all relax and return the wave with smiles. "Ah, I made it just in time! I was worried you'd all enter without me." He jogs right over to Aetas and holds out his arm. "Will you accompany me?"
"Eddy!" Rei chuckles. "You completely snuck away before they could drag you in, didn't you?"
He chuckles. "Guilty as charged. Going in alone is no fun." He gestures broadly at the Senshi. "This is a far more grand entrance! Besides, you will help keep the vultures away." He winks at Aetas.
The green haired woman scoffs, but there's a small smile at the corner of her lips. "Must you always behave so childishly?"
He gasps in mock agony. "My dear! You wound me! Would you rather I be as stuffy as my council?"
"No!" blurt all of the Senshi at once.
They all blink at each other in silence a moment before they all laugh.
"Well, there, you see?" Endymion sticks his tongue out at Aetas before grinning widely.
"I dare say, if those are my options, things are going poorly indeed," Aetas responds dryly. "Come along then." She pulls gently on his arm. "Let us join the line for gawkers."
He chuckles and follows.
A heavy sigh fills the air and draws Rei's attention.
"I was just getting used to wearing trousers too," remarks Ventus, fingering the elegant pale rose colored dress with a small frown. Her pale blond hair drapes beautifully down her back in soft waves as she folds her arms encased in long gloves. "They are rather comfortable."
Aequus smiles sweetly as she sidles up to the blond and looks her up and down. "Though I can't say the trousers don't suite you, you still look lovely this evening." She gently uncrosses the blond's arms and takes hold of the taller girl's hands. Somehow, the aqua haired woman and Pru had been obstinate enough in wearing their choice of clothing for the evening that they, and Rei, were the only ones not wearing dresses.
Rei had managed to dally enough that she'd exited her rooms wearing a deep red sleeveless tunic intricately embroidered in gold that just brushed the tops of her knees over a white puffy sleeved undershirt. A dark red sash was wrapped around her waist holding an ornate looking dagger. Her hair had been braided in two small braids at her temples before being drawn back with the rest of her hair into a loose tail. Her tall black boots reach her knees and hold a single golden buckle for decoration.
Aequus and Pru had escaped Luna's threats by entreating that it was tradition. Aequus wears something quite similar to what she'd worn the first time Rei met her. The tight dark aqua colored vest sits over a ruffled white undershirt with a deep v neckline. Her leggings are once again a sturdy material dyed a soft blue green color that shimmers like silk, and a tall pair of boots the color of her vest finishes the outfit. She also has a small dagger belted loosely to her waist. Her hair is braided loosely down her back, allowing a few curls here and there to escape and frame her face.
Pru is wearing a more elaborate suit, one that really reminds Rei of Earth style old British Navy uniforms. It is navy blue with braided gold aiguillettes looped around her left shoulder and several gold accents horizontal lay around the buttons and vertically down the ends of coat. The coat ends just at Pru's knees, and a white vest with more gold embellishment sits underneath. Her dark trousers are tucked into her tall black boots, and the golden embroidered cuffs of her undershirt fold over the cuffs of her coat. It looks quite striking next to Hotaru's layered pale violet dress.
Rei finds herself watching the others with a quiet smile, a happy warmth suffusing her as they all interact with small murmurs as they arrange themselves by the door.
A gentle tug on her arm draws her amethyst eyes away from the other Senshi to the Moon Princess huddled close to her side in a beautiful gossamer gown that dances with minute sparkles. Her hair has once again pulled into the traditional buns on top her head, leaving twin streamers trailing delicately down her back. The moon child smiles sweetly at her, a gloved hand gently brushing across the raven haired girl's cheek.
"This is the first time I've seen you smile at them without a tinge of sadness in your gaze," remarks the blond softly.
"We have come far," murmurs Rei. She pulls the blond's fingers up to brush her lips across them in a chaste kiss. "It fills me with joy to see them interact so familiarly." She shakes her head slightly. "I am even happier that the Earth Prince does not feel the need to be excluded from our group. He fits in seamlessly, like he was supposed to be here all along."
Serenity chuckles, rubbing her cheek along Rei's hand. "I had been unsure of him at first. The Earth council has caused us great grief in the past. It was hard to see past their shadow to find the charming Prince they attempted to hide. It makes me wonder what his family is like, as they have never visited since my birth."
"I think we were all unsure of each other at first. It has taken us time to find understanding and kinship." Rei kisses Serenity's temple. "It is amazing to realize how different our histories are, but simply impressive we've all moved past that to work together."
Serenity giggles, snuggling close to the Martian. "Our differences make us special, silly. It is why we fit together so well. I cannot imagine more perfect people for the roles that need to be filled."
"I suppose that is true." Rei closes her eyes, allowing Serenity's warmth to comfort her. She is even more comforted by the words.
The Senshi have not been tested in battle yet, that is a given. However, even without that trail yet overcome, they have found a unity that is already oozing confidence and strength. They are already stepping forward for each other, pushing aside nay-sayers and ignoring the cries of outrage. They've already faced the Queen's council's displeasure on multiple counts, and they had not let it sway them. Every time someone dares question them, they all come together stronger, their will more resolute. None of them will stand for a belittling remark to their sisters in arms, and each day they struggle against the council's wish for submission, the more close knit family they become.
It makes Earth Priestess think they may become more powerful than they had ever been in the future, upgrades in power or not. There is no distance between the inner and outer planets as in the future, something that had always chafed Rei. The Inners had seen battle longer, but the Outers had come in with an aloof air that made it seem as if they had suffered battels before the Inner Senshi were awoken. It was odd, in that future, to feel that distinct distance, as if the Outers always had secrets they would keep unless it was forced into the open. They did not talk to the Inner Senshi as equals, most times; it was as if they were indulging children. There was always the gap in decisions too, as proven when Usagi had refused to allow Haruka and Michiru to let poor Hotaru remain dead, to refuse the girl life because of potential danger.
A part of Rei could not argue the Outers and their black and white approach to good and bad. It was a more classic approach to war, where each decision had to be made swiftly and without regret, as hesitating could have dire consequences. Such choices in war never ended well for both sides; one side always bore the worst of things. She could understand Haruka's and Michiru's flat out refusal to allow anything to be the worse side of such things, their absolute commitment to the Princess and the determination to bear the guilt of those decisions without an ounce of hesitation was both terrifying and humbling. If there were any two true soldiers, it was those two.
However, Rei is infinitely glad that Usagi had always been strong enough that such limited choices need not be made, even if it had made Rei growl with frustration at times. To see Serenity beginning to grow, to truly begin revealing all the things that made Usagi so precious… there are moments Rei can hardly keep from weeping due to the sheer weight of her emotions. Serenity definitely has a different bit of spunk in comparison to Usagi, but Rei figures she probably has a different bit of fire in her than she did in that dead future as well. Where Usagi often resorted to tears if things did not go her way, Serenity's temper flairs into a regal mask of indifferent hostility. That isn't to say Usagi did not have a temper as well, it was simply expressed differently. Usagi was simply always expressive. Serenity is forced to choose when it is safe to express herself.
The difference in that is startling, but makes perfect sense. Raised as royalty changes ones perspective. Usagi had the freedom to express her emotions freely. For Serenity, it is not safe to do so. As a Princess, her reactions and emotions can be vital in both a good and bad way. Allowing emotions to be easily visible at all times gives others the chance to abuse them, to twist them into a weapon. Serenity has to be on guard to ensure her own reactions don't harm her kingdom through other parties that are not always outright enemies.
Usagi had often had her feelings used against her, especially by the enemies they fought. But it was always Usagi's strength of heart that had overcome such petty deceit and gave them victory. But it wasn't something she had to face every day from dawn 'til dusk. Usagi's emotions weren't constantly challenged by anybody and everybody around her. To the outside world, Usagi was just another ordinary teenager.
Serenity has never been an ordinary teenager. Depending how things played out, she never would be either. Though her emotional fortitude is beginning to show promise, it is something that will always be criticized.
Rei can't help but brush her fingers across Serenity's brow, amethyst eyes looking deeply into the blue ones before her. The raven haired girl knows she can never be more grateful that the Senshi are becoming so intertwined. It means that Serenity does not have to make such harsh decisions alone, that there is always another voice to change the tide. Serenity had already been forced to grow up in a way that Usagi never had, something Usagi had fought tooth and nail to prevent. It is soothing to see the same stubborn streak to remain free glittering in the eyes staring back at her.
"No matter the form, nor the time," murmurs Rei, "You shall always be my Princess."
It feels like a vow, an unbreakable promise. It's the first time everything seems to truly click into place, and Rei finally realizes that Serenity and Usagi bear the same soul, the same spirit. Though they had been brought up differently, Usagi's spirit is just as potent and unfailing as it was in the past.
The Moon child blinks, brow wrinkling ever so slightly in her confusion. "Exura?"
Rei pulls her close, inhaling the scent of the shampoo from Serenity's silken hair. "I'm proud of you."
Unseen, the Moon Princess's eyes tear up. She snuggles closer to the raven haired woman, clinging to the taller girl in a way she'd been unable to do since she was a child. "We haven't even accomplished anything yet," murmurs Serenity.
A small chuckle escapes Rei's lips. "You jest… We have already accomplished more than I could have hoped."
Serenity pulls away just enough to look up at the amethyst eyes hovering above her. "But there has yet to be a battle to summon us-"
"Which makes no difference in the fact we've already improved our chances leaps and bounds with our dedication," challenges Rei softly. "We are changing Fate," whispers the raven haired girl, lips brushing Serenity's forehead just above her tiara. "The magic's of the past have already been altered. We have thrust open a new door with which to enter. This includes even you, dear one."
Serenity's blue orbs stare deep, darting between Rei's eyes with an intensity Rei had not been exposed to for a while now. "What was of the future we're changing?" the blond finally asks, a small glimpse of disquiet in her eyes.
Rei cannot withhold the wince that escapes her. She feels the weight of her silence once more, pressing upon her shoulders and making her feel far older than she should. "A future I am both relieved to escape… and will forever miss terribly."
"How much have we changed?" presses Serenity, leaning into Rei for comfort.
"More than I can even begin to fathom," admits Rei, eyes drifting towards Hotaru, who is watching them silently as Pru glances between them in confusion. "And hopefully more than I could have predicted."
"You make me nervous when you speak in riddles," responds Serenity, blue eyes darting down to her fidgeting hands. "You seem as old as my mother when you say such things, and I worry I've already been left behind in some fashion."
Rei grasps her hands tightly, pulling the Moon Princess's gaze up to her own. "There is no one meant for me but you," Rei presses, emotions making her voice thick and her eyes to glimmer with moisture. "My soul… may carry more than it should, but it is yours, forever and always."
"Will my soul carry the weight yours does, when the things you've seen become real?" questions Serenity. There is no fear in her eyes, no hesitation.
Rei's entire body begins to shake as she bites her lip to keep her vehement protests from escaping. She closes her eyes and focuses on breathing, trying desperately to keep her emotions from boiling over. "Would I have the power to make it untrue," she whispers between clenched teeth. "I would spare you all the grief in existence if it meant your soul remained unburdened."
"What do you mean?" asks Serenity, a soft hand drifting across Rei's tear stained cheek.
Her voice cracks, and she feels her lips tremble. "It is… your mother that has made me see, even if I kept you locked within a gilded cage, there is no way I could keep you from what lies ahead." She gives the Moon Princess a watery smile. "When the time comes, we shall all share this burden." A burbling laugh escapes her lips as she cups Serenity's face in her hands. "Though it was my purpose to change that, it is something that not even changing Fate can alter."
A hand touches her shoulder, and Rei's head jerks around to find Hotaru staring at her woefully.
"There will be a time soon that all will be revealed." She gestures at the waiting doors. "For now, we must regale the masses that await us." She smiles softly. "It's time to express our freedom for the last time."
"Express… our freedom," repeats Rei, taking a slow deep breath in and out.
"And let the entire Sol' System hear our battle cry!" finishes Amora, a victorious grin spreading her lips.
Smiles drift through the group, and Rei allows pride and euphoria to fill her, being surrounded so by those closer than any blood could possibly make them.
"Tonight," begins Endymion, "we drink!"
"Tonight, we sing!" cheers Aequus.
"Tonight we dance!" finishes Amora. "And we leave our worries at the door!"
A wordless cheer fills the night air, the group positively glowing as they exchange looks.
"Let's make their heads spin." Ventus smirks before pivoting around to face the doors once more.
A servant is hovering right by the handles, looking nervous and frantic. "Please," he hisses, "They've been waiting!"
"By the gift of Uranus," mutters Ventus. Her forehead flashes, revealing her Senshi symbol in bold glowing light.
Aetas smirks. "A wonderful idea." She closes her eyes. "By the gift of Pluto." Her symbol seeps onto her forehead.
The others follow suit, until even Serenity's forehead is bearing the mark of her home.
"Well, that certainly makes me less noticeable," remarks Endymion, a small grin on his face.
Rei's fingers twitch, a frown marring her face. Her eyes meet Hotaru's again, and the younger girl smiles beatifically.
"It shall be done." Hotaru steps forward, her hand glowing as she places it upon Endymion's forehead. "A brother in arms, for the fight to come. I name you family." A flash of light bursts between them, and Endymion gasps as he feels a wash of raw magic flow through him.
Rei blinks before blindly stepping forward and placing her hand on Hotaru's shoulder. "A brother in arms; I name you family."
One by one, each of the Senshi follow, pulled by an unseen force until they are all connected. A second brilliant flash blinds them as magic swirls through them and focuses on Endymion who groans under the weight of their combined powers.
They all stagger apart seconds later, gasping for air as they each look at the Earth Prince kneeling defensively on the ground.
"Eddy?" calls Rei, eyes darting to Hotaru in confusion and worry. What in the burning pits of Dorn had they done?!
Hotaru gives her a weak smile, waving away her concern. "Let him breathe."
Endymion remains kneeling for several tense minutes, his breathing ragged as the others try to straighten themselves out for the ball.
The servant is trembling by the doors, eyes wide as saucers, completely forgetting the fact he's supposed to be ushering the Senshi inside.
Endymion takes one last deep breath before he lifts himself to his feet. His head raises… and everyone gasps.
His forehead is glowing with a four pointed star beneath an eternity symbol. Rei can feel a piece of her magic swirling inside the young man, and knows that each of the others had left him such a gift as well.
He gives them a breathless laugh. "Well, I am yet again proven correct that you ladies have to break every expectation out there!" He gently fingers his forehead. "I would ask… but I feel there's no need." He snaps his fingers and a small ball of flame lights up in his palm. His eyes widen slightly before he gazes at each of them with reverent awe. "This… is a very precious gift." He swallows and bows to them deeply. "I hope I am able to wield it with the same honor and integrity that you do."
Aetas steps forward, a tender smile on her lips. "Be that what we've seen inside, and you shall have no trouble doing so." She looks at the symbol a breath before her smile becomes a little wider. "There are legends of such things in the Archives. When I asked of them as child, I was told they were just myths, impossible feats. It makes me very glad that we were able to give such a gift to you." She glances at Hotaru. "How did you know?"
Hotaru gives her a secret smile.
There's a beat of silence. "You were right Serenity, she is scary."
Hotaru's face scrunches up at Rei's remark.
Rei laughs. "But I guess that makes me all the more happy she's on our side." She gives the other raven haired girl a smile and a wink.
The air is full of laughter when the doors bang open and makes several of them scream.
Luna stalks towards them, practically spitting fire. "What on the Seven Planets-"
Endymion steps forward and bows to her. "Lady Luna! We were just preparing to enter."
The older woman freezes, mouth dropping open in mute shock. A twitching finger lifts and points at the mark still glowing strongly on his forehead.
"Ladies?" enquires Endymion, completely ignoring the flabbergasted Moon Cat. He loops arms with Aetas', earning a faint smile from the tall woman.
Amora cackles as she drags a flustered Elysia towards the doors. "This is going to be priceless!"
"I can't wait to see the Earth Council's faces," remarks Pru, momentarily forgetting her shyness around Hotaru as she stares at Endymion's back.
Aequus giggles. "To be honest, I wish I had a way to record this."
Pru sends her a prideful smirk. "Already taken care of." She flicks a small ball into the air after hitting a small button hidden inside her sleeve cuff. The little ball buzzes before the front half opens and reveals a wide circular lens as it hovers a foot over her head.
A giggle sounds and Rei turns to find Serenity wielding a mischievous grin. "Time to floor the gawkers." She quickly brushes past the others until they are standing at the front of the line. "Endymion, dear, I think you should close the end ranks with Aetas. After all, a ball should begin and end here with the Moon and Earth children." She gives him a playful grin.
A/N: Ok, so... I totally had this written a while ago. I debated about posting it because the Senshi are bordering dangerously on being Mary Sue's in recent chapters, especially without any serious enemies or challenges as of yet. The end with Endymion is a perfect example. I ho-hummed about keeping that part in for this very reason. However, I'm having a very challenging time ALWAYS abusing Mamoru. I usually like to give him the short end of the stick, but I do feel a wee bit bad about it and wanted to give him a fair shake for once. I like how he is developing in a past not entrenched with horrible tragedy from a young age. I like what he's becoming and how he actually fits in with this group, so it was hard for me to leave him behind simply because Earth has not actively spawned a Senshi yet. I also worked hard to push ideas and talents away from seemingly always coming from Rei's all-knowing corner. I liked having the surprise with Hotaru and creating a new angle for the group. I am trying hard to keep this story well rounded, and until the real fighting starts, it's challenging. I hope that this hasn't altered your enjoyment of the story and that in the very near future, real challenges and mistakes will happen and hopefully pull the Senshi back from being "too perfect".
In the end, thank you for your patience. I know it feels a bit like an excuse, but I have a full-time job, a part time job, and am going to college at the same time. My writing has been put more on the back burner at the moment, especially because my art career is being pushed forward as well. Please bear with me, I am trying to update current stories and post new ideas that I've started and just need to edit before posting.
Thank you for reading~
-Salute!-