Tabula Rasa is a Latin phrase that translates to "Blank Slate" It is a philosophical theory that I felt fit well for this piece, which is inspired by the FanFiction piece "Sunder" by Des_Darling. Please Note: I do not own Sailor Moon.
The petite woman whispered the mantra that had been echoed to her repeatedly the last six weeks, "My name is Serenity. I am a daughter of the Black Moon Clan. Nemesis is my home."
The words sounded foreign on her lips; wrong. Serenity looked in the mirror searching for some form of recognition. She stared at her azure eyes and frowned. How could she remember nothing? How could she wake one day with no memory of her life? Who was she?
She shook off the feeling of unsureness and focused on the task at hand. Serenity had finally been cleared by the healers to resume normal activities. Apart from her lack of memory and the occasional headache she had survived the virus unscathed. She was lucky, or so she was told, as no others from her House survived. Serenity tried to feel sad but it was hard when she didn't know who or what she should be mourning. She was a blank slate with no past.
The first few days after Serenity regained consciousness were overwhelming. There were harsh lights, endless medical examinations, and questions that she had no answers to. In the end seizures brought on by the high fever of the virus were diagnosed as the reason for her memory loss.
"My name is Serenity. I am a daughter of Nemesis..." she looked over herself inspecting the strapless ballgown she wore. It was Midnight blue with handcrafted silver and pearl beadwork throughout the bodice, cascading to the skirt that dusted the floor. Serenity looked as if she had draped herself in the Milky Way Galaxy.
"What's this hairstyle called again?" She asked the nearest maid as she studied the twin buns on each side of her head that fell in gentle waves past her waist.
"I believe it's called 'odango', my lady. You were found with your hair like this," answered the maid as she pinned the last pearl into Serenity's locks.
Serenity studied her golden hair and smiled, "I like it; it's unusual but it feels like me," she paused staring at her image once again. A laugh bubbled out of her, "Whatever 'me' is, I guess!" Serenity twirled in her gown, marveling the handiwork of the seamstresses.
As the sun set and evening took hold, an invisible frost filled the air. The Room, like much of the palace was chilly, almost uncomfortably so. However, when she inquired of others, she learned that she was the only one who felt this inconspicuous chill. *How strange*, she thought.
The handmaids were finishing their preparations when a distinct rap was heard at the door to the suite. A maid rushed over and curtsied deeply to the guest as she hastily opened the door. Serenity averted her gaze and stared at the floor with her back to the door. She wasn't anticipating any visitors and the thought of another guest she didn't remember made her ill. It had been awkward enough visiting with her "friend" Emerald earlier in the day, whom she could not recall nor understand how they could possibly be companions; Serenity instantly found the woman to be brash, loud, and arrogant.
"My lady, may I present his serene highness, the Duke of Hematite, Sapphire," announced the maid.
Serenity turned and met the gaze of the blue prince. He looked at her pensively, studying her, before extending his hand. Taking his queue, Serenity bobbed her head lightly and reached out her hand in greeting.
"It's a pleasure to see you, my lady, I trust that you find your accommodations suitable," he inquired.
"Oh, yes they're lovely," Serenity gushed with a broad smile, "I don't really understand why everyone's putting up such a fuss over me. I'm really no one special."
"On the contrary, you're quite special. The healers feel that you may be the key to immunity against the great plague that has devastated the Serpentine outpost. We're grateful for your recovery and wish you to stay in the Capital as a guest of the royal household." He paused somewhat awkwardly. "I'm afraid there isn't much for you to go home to."
"I'm truly grateful," she said in earnest. "Is it time to go to the celebration? I'm afraid I've lost track of time."
The blue prince looked at his watch and affirmed her comment with a quick nod. "Yes, and speaking of which we really must be going if we don't want to be late." Sapphire held out his right arm out to Serenity. Gratefully she took hold as they exited the suite and made their way toward the Grand Hall.
Walking the corridor, Serenity marveled at the architecture. Roman columns lined the hall. Statues and busts of past rulers and great generals decorated the alcoves following the pair as they made their way toward the evening's festivities. One in particular caught Serenity's eye: the man wore a mask of indifference but she could see the intensity that blazed in his stone eyes.
Tearing her eyes away, she tried to make conversation. "I'm truly grateful that you're my companion for the evening, your highness," she said tearing her eyes away the stone man. "The last few weeks have been difficult and the thought of navigating this evening solo was overwhelming," she confided. "I'm terribly afraid of embarrassing myself."
"Your recovery is truly remarkable. We have much to celebrate tonight," he remarked matter of factly. "And don't worry yourself. Normally one of our many dignitaries gets inebriated and makes a scene. I'm confident you'll do just fine," he divulged.
Serenity smiled at Sapphire. Tonight, was the first time she'd seen him without his lab coat or a worn book under his arm. He had been a familiar fixture during her recovery; checking in on her daily and making sure she was comfortable. Sapphire was the quiet type; Serenity enjoyed the puzzle of decoding him. His little ticks and the simple things that brought him joy had become apparent during her convalescence. The duo walked in comfortable silence for the rest of the way, their heals rhythmically clicking on the crystal floors.
The pair discreetly entered the Grand Hall, through a side entrance. "I'm not one for theatrics," Sapphire disclosed. "I hope you don't mind." Serenity nodded in agreement and the pair quickly blended into the crowd of lavishly dressed nobles and dignitaries alike. She observed the congregation and quickly made mental notes of the variety of costume worn. It was just as Sapphire had predicted; much of the ruling class had turned out to celebrate.
Thousands of candles hung suspended in midair drawing the eye upward toward the soaring ceiling. The tappers twinkled like the night sky dancing across the rafters. It was truly a stunning scene.
What are we celebrating tonight?" She whispered tearing her eyes away from the view. "I'm afraid I don't recall."
"The annexation of Earth under of the rule of Nemesis," he gently reminded.
"That's fantastic! Congratulations to you and his majesty." Serenity bit her lip searching for the right words. "Prince Demande is... Your brother?"
Sapphire began to nod but before he could fully answer, was interrupted.
"Serenity, darling is that you?" A high-pitched voice rang out. Serenity suppressed the urge to cringe as she slowly turned around and found Emerald making her way through the crowd toward the pair waving a gaudy red fan. She was dressed provocatively in an off the shoulder olive green gown which featured a high slit that left little to the imagination.
Emerald's perfume clouded the air and began to choke Serenity as she kissed her on the cheek in greeting. "You look so sweet and innocent, dear." She noted, taking in Serenity's gown.
"And you look so... so sultry". Serenity struggled desperately to find a compliment. Up close the dress was even more teasing with its corseted bust and low sweetheart neckline.
"Oh, thank you Serenity, you're too kind, that's exactly what I was going for." She laughed as she fluttered her fan. "How do you find the palace?"
"It's so grand and — "
"Good evening," a voice bellowed to the crowd.
Serenity turned her attention along with the congregation to the source of the sound.
"My brother," Sapphire gestured, pride shining in his eyes.
The man was tall with almost chilling features; pale skin that looked like it had never seen the sun, intense violet eyes, and blunt bangs that mostly hid the dark inverted crescent that graced his forehead. Black earrings containing shards of the malefic black crystal hung from each ear. Forever winter, Prince Demande was devastatingly handsome.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like to take a moment to welcome you to this evening's festivities." Prince Demande paused, clearly savoring the moment. "After generations of planning, Earth is finally under the rule of Nemesis!" Thunderous applause greeted his proclamation.
"I would be remiss, if I didn't take the time to publicly acknowledge one of my commanders. Crimson Rubeus, please step forward."
A fiery redhead approached the prince's side. He was far more casually dressed then most at the event but it seemed to suit his relaxed persona. Could this really be the war hardened general that Serenity heard whispers about amongst the maids?
"This victory over our ancient foes could not have been completed without you. You may not be my blood but you will forever my brother in arms." The men turned to a display that was wheeled out.
"In honor of your courage, you will forever be enshrined in the Hall of Victors." He removed the canvas coverture which revealed a marble bust of the general. Applause followed as the men embraced in a brief hug. They turned back to the audience, each with a flute of champagne in hand.
"A toast to Nemesis" Demande raised his glass. "Long may she reign."
"To Nemesis" echoed the crowd. Serenity raised her glass in admiration.
She found herself gazing at the monarch far too long after he had finished his speech. Demande was so refined and elegant in his crisp white jacket with embroidered blue scrolls and royal purple cape. So handsome. As if he could hear Serenity's thoughts, their eyes connected from across the room. The intensity in his gaze was even stronger in the flesh. Heat flooded her cheeks as she tore her face away.
Serenity made her way to the dessert table and marveled at the delicious treats displayed. Cookies, cakes and a variety of pastries decorated the buffet. Everything smelled divine and she couldn't wait to sample each savory concoction. *If I don't know what I like, then I need to sample everything*, she thought to herself gleefully.
After contemplating, Serenity selected a delectable looking delicacy and popped it in her mouth. "Mm, my Gods what is this?" It was creamy, sweat and utterly delicious.
She blushed, realizing that she hadn't meant to say that out loud. Discreetly, she scanned her surroundings hoping no one had noticed her faux pas. "What a way to start off the evening," she whispered.
An aristocratic gentleman turned to her and chuckled, "I believe it is called a chocolate truffle." Serenity paled; someone had noticed!
Trying to salvage the moment, she smiled broadly. "This is the most delicious food I have ever tasted," She gushed. "Have you tried one?" She held out a truffle that was decorated in delicate gold leaves.
"Not this evening, but hearing you rave about them has made me reconsider," answered the gentleman. "I don't believe we've met," he extended his hand in greeting. "Emir Ogen, Titan of the Tau Seas."
"Lady Serenity," she beamed, taking his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, your Emir."
The music swelled and a melody filled the grand ballroom. Serenity's hips began to sway and her feet tapped to the beat. She listened intently to the song entranced by the rhythm. A smile blossomed on her lips; the music felt familiar and stirred her emotions. She had heard this tune before.
"My Lady, may I have this dance," requested the titan with a flourish of his scaled hand.
Serenity grinned and suppressed the urge to giggle, "Absolutely." She popped one more truffle into her mouth with a grin.
She had been practicing with the handmaids and felt confident that she wouldn't make a complete fool of herself. The pair took off and soon found themselves in a sea of couples dancing graceful waltzes across the Grand Hall. Serenity marveled at the skill of the titan. He was a strong partner and made her feel as if she was gliding across water.
She scanned the ballroom observing other couples dancing. A pang of jealousy hitched in her throat as she watched Emerald and Prince Demande float across the dance floor.
"What was I thinking that practicing some simple court dances would be enough? They look like professionals!" Serenity mumbled to herself as she watched Demande lift Emerald off the marble floor and spin her expertly. She suppressed the envy and attempted to divert her attention elsewhere.
When the series finished, Serenity politely excused herself, grabbing a glass of bubbly and exited the ballroom onto the terrace. She wandered aimlessly looking at the different shrubbery and art observing the entrance to the vast gardens. Torches lit the austere space giving it a warm feel despite the crisp evening.
Off on a lone bench she noticed a man and instantly knew it to be Master Rubeus, the famous war general, who had just been honored. She marched over determined to introduce herself.
"Master Rubeus, it's a pleasure to formally meet you. Congratulations on the statue. You must be so proud."
Rubeus grimaced, which Serenity failed to notice in the dim evening light. He mumbled something inaudible, turned away and went back to the party inside.
"Is it something I said?" Serenity called out. Embarrassed but not broken she turned back to the gardens, determined not to let someone else's foul mood affect her own. Tonight, was the start of the rest of her life. Who was he to ruin her evening? Serenity took off her shoes and placed them on a nearby bench. She began strolling making her way deeper into the garden, enjoying the solitude.
It was a clear evening on Nemesis and she marveled at the stars. Unknown constellations danced above in the night sky. Carefully, she laid down in the grass making sure to protect her gown from damage. She was flushed from dancing and the cool night felt welcome upon her porcelain skin.
"That looks like a bird." She whispered as she pointed at the stars. "And that looks like a belt."
"That's actually part of a larger constellation known as Orion," answered a smooth tenor.
Startled, Serenity sat up and searched for the source of the voice. She soon found her answer. Prince Demande, the evening's host, lazily leaned against a statue several feet from where Serenity lay. Even in the pale nightlight she could tell it was him.