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EDGE OF DREAMS~BOOK I: Voiceless Song
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dim light unveils the dreary past,
History faded, forgotten through parched lips,
Onto the dark marble stone it is cast,
In an unknown language, unspeakable as time slips…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Edge of Dreams:
Chapter 1: Requiem
by: mizu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*flashback*
In a poor area of the town, laid a small
child, no more than eight. Her lithe form was
curled up in a fetal position on the cold stone
floors. Water from an overhanging gutter dripped
down mercilessly, falling in great fat raindrops
upon her dark head, dribbling down her innocent,
youthful face and down the small of her body. It
finally ended it's journey at the shallow puddle
that she sat beside.
She shifted, head bent down as if in shame.
She was reluctant to look up, reluctant to face the
horrors of the world about her. Her long dark hair
extended down to her back, tangled and unkempt. It
was matted against her cream white skin. She
donned a rough canvas tunic, much too big for a
child of her size. Her thin, sickly little arms
thrust out of the large holes, dirty with years of
accumulated filth. The tunic hung about her as if
she had suddenly shrank. Although, that wasn't the
case. This haggard child was a child in poverty,
the most pitiful rank in society that anyone could
imagine. On this cold and bleak world, no one
cared for children. Their loss was due to their
own folly, and those unfortunate children knew it.
"Eva?" A small voice called. Alert and
aware of all her surroundings, the child looked up.
Her eyes unveiled a pair of dark violet depths,
hardened by the torturous events in the meager
eight years of her life. They revealed nothing but
the bleakness and fears in the world. Something
that had caused her to mature rapidly, without
question.
"Eva? Are you Eva?" The voice came again.
Before her were two robed pupils, their faces
peaking slightly out of their thick cowls.
Although their presence was looming, the child was
not intimidated or ruffled in the least.
"What is it to you?" She spat out, voice far
too bitter for her to muster for others at her age.
"Ah, you are Eva, aren't you?" The voice
grew louder. Slowly, the thick woolen material
between the two figures parted and a cinnamon-eyed
cat wandered in. It was well groomed dark-furred
cat. An overpowering spicy scent came to her nose.
Must be one of *those* cats, the child
thought, thinking of the time that she had
overheard the conversations in the nearby tavern.
The drunkards were busy gossiping at that time.
However, between the loud jeering and tankards
clashing, she could make out their speech rather
clearly. They seemed to be talking about some
species of feline that could speak that were
recruited by the royal family in the Lunarian
kingdom. She supposed that is cinnamon-eyed cat
was one of their species.
"Eva," the cat spoke, in it's own catlike
manner. "You match the description. It is you,"
confirmed the cat in a chiming voice. The cat
moved forward, paws padding lightly on the wet
ground. It stepped into whatever murky light that
filtered through into the alley way.
Eva, the child, gasped. Upon the forehead of
the feline was a golden crescent moon. It gleamed
in the meager light, almost as if representing a
sort of warmth that Eva had forgotten about as a
young child. Almost like a maternal warmth,
interlaced with hope and honor. She searched her
memory for the proper word to describe it.
She had been in an orphanage before. Before
the caretaker passed away and left her on the
streets, she was properly taught how to read. She
excelled in her studies, more so than the other
children who preferred to play or steal rather than
work. She had a wide range of vocabulary, since
her instant maturity demanded that she did so.
Then the word came to her, one that she
hardly used or heard.
"Serenity," she spoke softly, traces of anger
diminishing from her voice for just that one
moment. She stared into the cat's reddish eyes.
She bowed her head. Suddenly, a flash of
light and searing heat engulfed her.
Moments later, she was back in her corner,
sitting in rags. She raised her head ever so
slightly, with an occupied look on her face.
On her forehead, a sigil flickered
vibrantly. It was the glowing, the red sigil of
the next Senshi of Mars.
***
"My queen," the feline bowed gracefully,
bracing itself with a pink-padded paw. The cat was
a downy white color and bore a pair of magnificent
ocean blue eyes.
"Yes Artemis?" The tall woman answered.
They were in her white-washed dressing room.
"We've found two more of the Senshi," the
male cat announced, watching as servants scurried
around, cleaning the chamber.
"Wonderful Artemis!" She lifted her hand to
receive ties from a nearby servant. Skillfully,
out of routine, she fixed up her silver tresses in
two odangos, in the traditional royal fashion. She
glanced into the mirror to check for loose strands
before turning to her cat advisor. She bore the
same resemblance that every Queen Serenity did
before her. "Which ones?" She asked, running to
the overgrown desk by the bay windows for a quill.
"The Senshi of Mercury and the Senshi of
Venus successors," Artemis said proudly. It had
taken him months of traveling just to locate two
girls at the tender age of eight.
"Mercury and Venus," Serenity muttered, as
she pulled out her quill and began to mentally
check off her Senshi search checklist. "So, we
have our leader now. Commander Venus. Very well
done, Artemis," the queen complimented with an
approving tone in her voice. Artemis couldn't do
anything but to smile a cat-like smile.
"What are their names?" The queen looked at
her advisor questioningly.
"The Senshi Mercury's given name is
Constance. Her family is pretty well off. Her
father owns a shop on the coast of the Mercurian
seas."
"Was it a nice place there, Artemis?" The
queen asked amused.
"Well, lot's of fish there…lot's of
glittering, fresh fish," Artemis answered coyly,
the feline smile on his furry face growing wider
dreamily. The queen couldn't help but laugh.
"And the Senshi Venus?" The queen placed on
two modest-looking earrings on.
"Venus was found on a farm, not far from the
town of Acropolis. She is a bright one. A very
sunny attitude. She resides in a small cozy
cottage with a sizable peach orchard in the back."
"Peach orchard?"
"Yes, your majesty. You remember how famous
Venusian peaches are."
"Yes, we've only engaged in planetary trade
with them for the last ten years or so. Venusian
peach pie was always one of my favorite dishes."
The queen paused. "What of the others?" She
inquired, gazing at Artemis regally.
"I received a message from Luna that she
found the new Senshi of Mars."
"Really?" The queen arched a perfectly
curved eyebrow. "Where?"
"In of the outer territories of the Mars.
The Phoboes system, I believe."
"The Phoboes system? That's not ranked as
one of the most hospitable places in the world.
She was all right, I gather?" The queen hoped,
concern etching onto her fine, porcelain face.
"In fact, Luna reported that she found the
poor dear in a deserted alley, in one of the
rougher parts of the galaxy. The poor child was
soaked to the bone."
"No parents?"
Artemis shook his head. "Luna didn't find
any. She seemed alone."
"The poor dear!" The queen gasped, running
back to her overgrown desk. "Arrange for her to
come here immediately!" She found some parchment
and quickly scribbled orders. Reviewing the fine
silver script once more, she folded it twice,
sealing it with silver wax, ribbon and stamp. She
handed it to one of the footmen that had initially
accompanied Artemis to her chambers.
"Give it to the guards on the dock ports.
They'll arrange for a quick flight to the Phoboes
system and make sure that the poor girl is properly
cared for and brought her immediately. I don't
want her to travel with Luna to the other planets
to find the Senshi Jupiter. There's no use for her
to take upon a weary trip like that." She pursed
her lips determined and regal.
"You wish is my command," Artemis mocked
friendly, bowing deeply for extra measure.
The queen smiled goodheartedly. Artemis was
one of her dearest friends as well as her advisor.
He could be a little excessive sometimes. However,
she knew that he could always make her smile.
"Join Luna in the search if need be," the
queen suggested. Artemis sincerely nodded once and
left out the doorway, his two footmen trailing
behind him in their thick, woolen cloaks.
***
"Excuse me, ma'am?" Luna ran about, trying
to catch the attention of the store clerk. The
woman stared at Luna as she pounced on the counter
silently.
"Yes, how can I help you?" The woman was in
her mid-fifties, gray streaking her once reddish
hair. She placed on her spectacles to get a better
look. "Oh, what a pretty cat," she commented with
a slight, lilting accent.
"Thank you," Luna answered, blushing
slightly. The woman gaped at her. After a few,
long moments, she regained her wits and smiled a
little nervously.
"Yer' one of those talking cats, right? The
ones in the Lunar kingdoms?" She asked cautiously.
She gazed at Luna, squinting.
"Yes, I am," Luna answered straightforwardly.
"Weel, what brings you here?"
Luna hesitated to clear her throat. Perhaps
the tuna lunch wasn't *that* fresh. "Well, I was
wondering if you've ever encountered a girl with
brown hair, green eyes? She should be about eight
years old now," Luna said, pulling out a general
description of her.
"Hmm…I'm not sure…but now that you mention
it, I think there's a girl matchin' yer'
description. Her name be Ceres'. A lively lass
she is…always fightin', that lil' sprite." The
woman seemed to trail off into her own little
world. "She lives by the river, close to town."
"Really? Are you sure she's the person that
fits the description?"
"Hmm…I think so…"
Luna nodded apprehending.
"You know what?"
"Hm?"
The woman leaned forward to the cat as if
passing on a secret to Luna.
"There's a story behind that lass," the woman
whispered loudly into Luna's ear. "It was rumored
that when she was born, it was the dead of winter.
Her' mother was given' birth to her and all…"
Luna nodded briefly, muttering another mmm-
hmm.
"The land was barren and all. But when the
first cries of the lil' infant sounded in the small
ol' house, it was said that these beautiful vines
grew. They gathered by the windows, climbed up the
stone walls, ran across the ceilings and floor. It
was like they were meetin' her. And when the
infant smiled for the first time, the vines came
into full bloom! This fragrant scent spread all
over the house and all!" The woman smiled
appraisingly.
Luna smiled, finally receiving the
confirmation that she had needed. Soon, the store
bell rang and the creaking door swung open.
"That must be the lil' Ceres now." The woman
clutched her folded hands to her chest.
A little girl of eight walked in, a worn,
woven basket slung over one shoulder. She looked
like a tomboy and her brunette curls were tangled
about her mischievous little face. She tried to
make herself presentable to the woman by
straightening her already crumpled skirt. Seeing
that it was impossible, she shrugged and carried on
into the store.
"Ceres," Luna called gently. Immediately,
the girl turned to the cat questioningly.
"Yes?" She asked in a slightly quizzical
voice. An expression of inquiry spread upon her
face.
"Nice to meet you, Senshi of Jupiter," Luna
greeted cordially. The newest Senshi gaped at
Luna, many questions forming in her mind.
***
Four grim-faced children stood obediently in
a row, their hands folded in front of them to
prevent them from getting any mischievous ideas.
In front of them paced a tall woman, her long
silver hair was tied up in the oddest fashion.
Behind her were two cats, one white and one dark,
which the four girls recognized to be Luna and
Artemis, as mentioned beforehand. To them, they
were their discoverers or in some cases, even
heroes. Although, none of them viewed the
situation that way.
"Welcome to the moon kingdom," The tall woman
greeted, a broad smile appearing on her face. Her
eyes were alight with a sort of everlasting cheer
and she seemed to radiate with a certain peace.
Ceres stepped forward, being the impetuous
one. She bobbed once in curtsey, her combed brown
curls following her with a bounce. The two cat
advisors had already informed them that they'd meet
the queen today.
"Yes dear?" The queen asked kindly. Senshi
successors at this age always looked so kawaii!
Well, that is, almost all of them did. She eyed
the girl in the red velvet dress critically. She
had bathed and her long dark hair was combed neatly
to cascade down her back. Occasionally, she would
fidget now and then, as if the new, alien clothes
that she wore were confining. She had this
perpetual gloom about her.
We're going to have to fix that, the queen
thought momentarily. She was going to test if that
perpetual gloom was permanent and take measures to
erase it.
"Umm…" stammered Ceres, realizing that she
was in the presence of high royalty. "What are we
here for?"
The queen laughed musically, putting a
slender hand on the girl's head. "My little
sprites, you are here for training."
"Training?" They all said in unison,
everyone save Eva.
"Yes. You see, every generation in the
Serenity line has a group of protectors called the
sailor Senshi."
"Senshi? Oh I've heard of them before!
They're those beautiful women who fight for
justice?" Chirped in a cheerful blond, Vestia,
future Senshi of Venus.
The queen stared for a moment, then laughed
again nevertheless. "Yes, Vestia, that's the
idea."
Vestia smiled in achievement, her hands
gripping onto her orange skirt. These children
were a joy!
"So…are we here to protect you, your
majesty?" Ceres asked, rolling the word "majesty"
in her mouth, as if already getting used to the
idea. The queen gave them another luminous smile.
"No, no, dear. I already have Senshi."
Ceres frowned. "Then what are we here for?"
"You are here to protect someone else," the
queen replied, pointing to each and every one of
them. She turned to a nearby servant. "Tell her
to bring her in please," the queen ordered quietly.
The four girls stood there, baffled.
Moments later, another tall woman with
cerulean-colored hair walked in. She wore a long
ceremonial cloak of velvet. In some angles, there
seemed to be aqua streaks in her hair. In one
hand, she held a small mirror by it's handle. She
looked like she was young, however, her aquamarine
eyes seemed to hold so much knowledge and wisdom
that only came with age.
The servants paused in what they were doing
and nodded briefly to the woman who strode in
purposefully into the chambers.
"Lady Neptune," they all muttered softly
before returning to their duties.
"Thank you Corin," Serenity replied. Corin
nodded.
"And are these the successors mentioned in
Pluto's prophecy?" She replied, staring at each of
them. Serenity nodded.
"This is the Senshi of Neptune," introduced
Serenity, putting a fond hand on her friend's arm.
"How's is he?" Serenity turned to Neptune, the
elder, a hint of mischief in her chiming voice.
"Him? Oh, he's fine." A slight blush
appeared on Neptune's ivory cheeks. "We're trying
to build a little house off the coast since I can
finally retire." She grinned with almost a
childish look about her face.
Ceres and Vestia looked at the two adults
blankly, as if they had forgotten that they were
there.
"Your majesty?" Constance, who seemed to be
the quiet, book type spoke aloud, trying to get the
attention of the two adults. She brushed a
stubborn stray lock of blue hair behind her ear.
"Yes?" The queen answered, returning her
attention to the girls.
"Are we supposed to protect her?" Vestia
asked cautiously, turning her head to Lady Neptune.
The two adults burst out laughing merrily and
Vestia stepped back, abashed.
"Dear child, no. The one you're going to
protect is this little one here." Serenity
motioned at her side. Neptune's long velvet cloak
began to rustle slightly.
"Come along dear, it's all right," the queen
coaxed at a hidden figure.
"Don't worry, they won't hurt you." Neptune
looked downwards at her cloak and motioned behind
her.
Slowly and very hesitantly, a little creature
popped out behind the long robes. Her small hands
clutched at the velvety cloaks shyly. Her hair was
tied up much like the queen's, however, they were
much shorter and tended to bounce around whenever
she moved. The little stray hairs curled up into
tiny ringlets about her small, round face. Two
sapphire eyes peered at the other girls curiously.
"Come out, little princess," Neptune coaxed,
taking her hand and leading her out in front of
her. Meekly, the little blond girl stepped out.
"Hello," she said, giving them a nervous
little smile.
"This is Princess Serenity, my daughter," the
queen introduced.
Each one of the girls bobbed and curtseyed in turn.
"Vestia," the Venus successor curtseyed,
introducing herself.
"Ceres."
"Constance."
Finally, very hesitantly, the very serious,
black-colored hair girl curtseyed wobbly.
"Eva."
Following what etiquette had dictated to her
since she was born,
the little Princess curtseyed in turn.
"Serenity."
The girls started to crowd about the
princess, all save Eva.
"Are you really a princess?" Vestia asked
cheerfully.
"Can I be your friend?" Ceres asked.
Constance simply smiled brightly at the little
princess.
The princess stood there, nodding and shaking
her head as she was bombarded with many questions.
Finally, she smiled. "You can all be my
friends," she said with a tone of finality. She
turned to Eva, who was still fidgeting in her
clothes. Taking a few steps toward her, she
outstretched her arms to her. Eva paused and
looked up at her with blank eyes.
"Will you be my soldier?"
Eva stared at her.
"Will you protect me?"
Silence.
"Will you be my friend?" The princess asked
softly.
Eva hesitated for a moment. Then gave the
little blond with the odangos in her hair a single,
curt nod. With that, she fell into group hug,
surrounded by the rest of the girls and the
princess.
"Friends forever and ever," the princess
murmured, hugging her newfound friends.
***
(ten years later…)
"Fire Soul!" Mar cried. A long stream of
red flames burst from her gloved fingertips as she
concentrated on keeping the fire at a constant,
intense temperature. The fire crashed into the dry
wood and grass, immediately lighting them on fire.
Beads of sweat began to roll down her face as she
tried to concentrate on the temperature level of
the well-controlled fire. It was a form of
meditation to promote discipline.
"That's it Eva, you're doing just fine,"
muttered Ceres.
"How long am I supposed to be at this?" Eva
cried beginning to tire. Using the fire soul
attack was one thing, controlling it to keep it at
a constant temperature was another. Something that
only an experienced Senshi of Mars could do in
their golden ages. However, since they were all
retired or passed on, that left her the sole Senshi
of Mars in the Lunar kingdoms.
Vestia walked by, in her usual afternoon
stroll. Just as she was about to pass by her two
fellow Senshi, she paused to see if they would need
any help. She crept by closer to see what kind of
attacks they were working on.
She paused and gaped blankly at the scene
before her.
Ceres was stirring a large metal pot over a
bonfire. The flames were controlled, courtesy of
Eva. Vestia sweatdropped.
"Of all the uses for your powers! Cooking!"
Vestia sighed, resigned.
"This is our dinner, mind you," Ceres
retorted, returning to her stirring.
"Dinner?" Vestia asked incredulously.
Gaping at the bubbling contents in the pot. She
had to admit, it did smell appetizing.
"Well, if you don't approve of Eva using her
powers for cooking—"
"No, it's not that," interrupted their
commander mildly.
"Maybe electrocuted chicken next week…"
Vestia cringed slightly. "I like my meat
white, not dark. You can munch on the crisp burned
parts."
"Oh come now, Vestia, it's exploring the
different applications we can use our powers for."
Ceres smiled impishly, fully alert of how her stew
was faring. She picked up some spices and threw
them into the steaming pot.
"Creativity becomes you," Vestia said dryly.
She sniffed briefly, a fragrant aroma coming out of
the pot. "Is that vegetable stew?" She asked
cautiously.
Ceres nodded. "I added some extra spices
into it! I'm hoping that it'll strengthen the
flavor."
Vestia grinned broadly. "Can I try some?"
"Why?" Ceres asked. Her eyes flattened as
if she had suddenly became protective over her
creation. "You'll get some for dinner."
Vestia slumped, dragging her feet away toward
the direction of the orchard groves.
"Fine, see if I ever let you try *my*
cooking," she muttered.
"But you can't even cook!" Protested Ceres,
hearing her comment.
Vestia glared at her menacingly. "That's
besides the point!"
Ceres couldn't help but laugh. However, the
straining Senshi of Mars snapped her out of her
humor.
"Can I stop yet?" She asked, showing signs
of fatigue. Ceres checked her stew, then turned to
Eva and nodded. Eva parted her fingers,
extinguishing the flame. She took the kerchief
that Ceres handed to her and began to wipe the
moisture that had gathered upon her brow.
"I'm off to change," she announced, still in
Senshi mode. She strode off toward the living
quarters.
"Now can I try?" Vestia asked with a bright
smile. Ceres looked at her flatly again.
"Oh, all right," she replied with a tone of
resignation. "But just a little!" She plunged the
wooden spoon into the pot and retrieved a spoonful
of stew. Vestia squealed in delight, grabbing the
spoon with a quick "thank you". She had a liking
for Ceres' quality cooking.
"Vestia?"
"Yeah?" Vestia devoured all the contents on
the spoon, savoring the spicy taste.
"Do you know where Serenity is?" Ceres
questioned, concerned. Her duty was to protect her
princess and since she made that promise when she
was just a child, she was not intent on breaking
that promise. Sure, the duty is remove her from
her parents, but they were proud of her for being
chosen and wished the best for her.
"Umm…I think she's with the Lunarian
delegation to earth. She's supposed to be back
later this afternoon. I wouldn't worry. I think
the queen is with her too," replied Vestia, content
with the small, tasty morsel of food that Ceres
gave her. She couldn't wait until dinner.
"Is she? Oh…" Ceres responded thoughtfully.
"Well, you remember the whole situation on
earth?"
Ceres shook her head. Vestia sighed.
"Well, I see *someone* hasn't been listening
to the politics tutor…" Vestia reprimanded
mockingly. "Don't worry. Personally, I think he's
an old bore."
Both of them fell into heaps of joyful
laughter. However, Ceres' commander began to take
on a more serious tone.
"All the planets and their territories in
this system are bound to an ancient alliance made
by Serenity the I. This whole thing brought in the
silver millennium—which is basically still going."
Ceres nodded, comprehending the situation.
She absentmindedly placed a cover on the pot which
hung above a few glowing cinders.
"Earth was one of the reluctant ones. They
didn't like outside intervention very much but they
accepted it, nevertheless. Very adaptable, those
people are," murmured Vestia. She continued on
with her history lecture.
"The thing is, a few years ago, the king and
queen died mysteriously on a trip was it? or was
it something else?" Vestia paused to regain her
memory. "Ah, I remember. Well, they found little
evidence and that evidence pointed to outside
intervention. The Terrans were a little edgy about
this and offended, to say the least. They're nice
people, it's just that they don't trust people
outside the Terran boundaries like they used to.
They're pretty self-sufficient. They are a
productive race…"
"Oh…I see," Ceres conceded, deep in thought.
She rose her head in question. "Then who has the
throne now?"
"Even though king and queen died, they did
leave an heir. Prince Endymion, I believe.
However, he was only at the tender age of ten when
this whole controversy occurred. So his next
immediate family took him in and became the ruling
regents until he came of age to take the throne. I
think it was his mother's sister and her husband?"
Vestia wondered aloud, unsure of herself.
"The poor boy…" Ceres remarked
sympathetically.
"From what I've heard, he's not your typical
little boy," Vestia commented.
"What do you mean?"
"Well first of all, the crown prince older
than us. He's approaching the age when he's going
to be crowned king. Secondly, he's always so
distant. Unkind even—according to the court ladies
that have gone there. Then again, those ladies
have nothing but fluff in their brains, hungry for
every handsome man that walks past them. But it's
understandable if he's a little harsh, considering
his situation and all."
"You're right. Frankly, he sounds rather
courageous to take on responsibility like this.
And those ladies can't talk about anything other
than their dreaded fashion silks and taffetas and
satins. That and their heavy baubles!" Ceres
announced, determination growing in her voice.
"Although, from what I've heard, he is a
family type of sort. He already lost the most
important members of his family and highly values
whoever is still left."
"A tragic tale indeed…" Mused Ceres.
They both remained in silence for a moment,
as if paying tribute to the unacquainted prince.
Ending the moments of silence, a sly smile made
it's way to Vestia's soft features. She crept
closer to Ceres as she was dousing the remains of
the glowing coals with white sand.
The fine grain Lunarian sand extinguished
what was left of the fire that Mars had created.
Only a few strands of pungent smoke trailed up in
between the crevices that the sand fell the coals.
"We're going to have to pick her up later,"
Vestia commented, walking with Ceres.
Ceres nodded, the pot squeaking slightly. It
swayed back and forth on the thin wire which it
hung from. Together, they walked toward the
kitchen under the early afternoon sun.
***
Evening had descended upon the glorious moon
kingdoms. The stars twinkled above as if in
greeting of the early evening, as the night birds
native to the Lunarian culture began to sing their
melancholic, eerie tunes. The moon itself seemed
to give off this strange, ancient luminescence that
lighted the entire palace with a familiar,
comforting glow. It seemed as if the entire city,
alight in the darkness seemed to be caused by a
magical phenomenon.
One person sat on a stone bench in a balcony,
overlooking the silver gardens. Her face was
radiant in the natural night light. Her hair fell
cascaded down her lithe figure in twin streams,
resembling two twin waterfalls of golden silk.
They pooled on either side beneath her, next to the
bench.
She stared wistfully at the planet before
her, tracing out the white cotton clouds
surrounding the planet. With unblinking eyes, she
began to trace out constellations that Constance
taught her. Eventually, she returned her dreamy
gaze back to the blue globe that hung in the sky.
She had just recently arrived from a trip from
there. Everything there seemed so bright. It did
lack the luminescence and the natural silvery
landscapes that the moon had, however, they
compensated for that. Everything there was just so
vibrant, so *green*. The planet was full of life,
from the productive citizens that inhabited there
to the simple flora and fauna that thrived there.
"Quiet night, isn't it?" A voice said,
disrupting Princess Serenity's tranquil thoughts.
Eva came from behind and seated herself beside the
princess.
Serenity only nodded wistfully, eyes
remaining on the blue globe in the sky.
"I take it that your trip to earth was
enjoyable, my liege?" Eva asked cordially, turning
to the dreaming blond heir to the Lunarian throne.
Serenity turned, a playful smile on her face.
"You can drop the formality, Eva. You know
the Senshi don't have to address me by royalty when
others aren't around," Serenity mentioned. She
tilted her head sideways, staring at one of her
best friends. "What do you see when you look out
there at that globe hanging up there?" She asked,
just for the sake of satisfying her curiosity.
"Well, I know Vestia would say that it looked
like a large gem in the sky. Ceres would probably
say it'd look like some kind of fruit—"
Serenity giggled. "That's Ceres for you.
Always some sort of food. Well, either that or
something heavily romanticized. Like the color of
a man she dated previously or something of the
sort."
Eva grimaced slightly. "I know that
Constance would say that it was a planet, one
teeming with life." She frowned, thinking. "Then
she'd probably give us all these scientific facts
and spurt out information like an encyclopedia…"
Eva paused. "But she could get poetic about it if
she wanted to though."
The princess nodded in agreement. She turned
to Eva again. "But you haven't told me what that
planet is to *you*." She was getting more
inquisitive by the moment. Eva felt that she
couldn't escape the question and that her only
escape was to answer it. She inhaled deeply and
stared at the globe for a goodly amount of time.
Finally, without leaving her eyes off the planet in
the sky, she spoke.
"I see a planet. A planet filled with
despair, sadness and war," Eva observed, in an icy
voice. Serenity frowned. However, she was hushed
when Eva continued on with her examination.
"However, I also see more than that." Eva's
violet depths softened a little, lowering the heavy
defenses. "I also see a prosperous planet. One
filled with hope, happiness and love." She
scratched her head. "I guess it is possible for
people to see the good in others."
"Including you," Serenity remarked friendly.
"You remember when you first came?" Eva nodded.
"You were the most difficult person to work with.
You were such a cynic!" Eva could feel her face go
red.
"Ah, but that was because I didn't meet you!"
She answered, laughing. She stopped and took on a
more serious tone. "But, really, Serenity. Thank
you."
Serenity paused and bounced back, baffled.
"Why?" She managed to squeak out. "I did
nothing."
"But you did," Eva countered.
"What did I do?"
"You did the most important thing to me that
would change me for the rest of my life." Eva
smiled at Serenity. Serenity could only stare at
her in bewilderment.
"You were there when I needed people most.
You and the rest of the Senshi. You put a purpose
in my life, to protect your well being. But most
importantly, you became my friend."
***
Constance sat in the queen's room, installing
new programming into the main system's computer.
She had to admit, this was one of her hobbies,
other than reading and chess. When needed, she
could be a great military general.
Turning her blue head, she reached over to
the other console where decanter of water and a
glass stood. Well, she knew that she shouldn't of
placed it there, however, the systems room was low
on space. She wasn't careless enough as to spill
the contents.
As she was pouring the liquid into the
crystal glass, a blinking light caught her cerulean
blue eyes. She paused in her task, placing down
the glass and decanter on the console carefully.
She abruptly went over to the other console.
Perhaps there was a malfunction, she thought.
These random incidents would happen now and then.
She began typing out access codes until
finally, a list of statistics appeared before her
on the screen. Her eyes widened and the glasses
that she wore slipped off her nose. Quickly
punching in a few commands, she managed to get a
hard copy of the statistics and left for the throne
room, where the queen entertaining some guests.
Knocking impatiently on the closed doors, a
servant finally granted her access in after a few,
abrupt words. She strode in purposefully,
apologizing to the queen for the informalities.
The queen caught the idea that the situation was
important and dismissed her guests until a later
time.
"Constance? What's wrong?" She asked,
concern filling her normally cheerful voice.
"My queen, my apologies, but, this just
appeared on the sensors." Constance pointed to the
list in front of her. "These readings can't be
correct. If they are what I think they are…" Her
voice trailed off, leaving the rest to the queen's
imagination.
"It's a reading of dark energy. Primitive
albeit, but it had that distinct signature. It's
very weak. Only a small strand…"
"Perhaps it could be mixed interference from
the passing comet?" Constance suggested
optimistically. True, the chances of it being a
negative energy strand were slim, however, they
wanted to take the proper precautions.
The queen thought for a moment, her smooth
brow furrowed. "Take this to the analytic research
department. They'll take this information apart
and scan the sector a few times as well, just to
make sure."
Constance nodded, heading straight for the
Lunarian science departments on the other side of
the capital city, leaving the queen deep in
thought. If needed, she would begin to dispatch
messengers to neighboring planets. However, she
hoped that she wouldn't have to.
***
On the blue, life-filled planet of earth, a
dark-haired crown prince strode down the long
corridors of his palace.
"Of all the places for a conversation, it
*has* to be on the other side of the estate…" He
muttered under his breath. He had been riding this
morning, attempting to tame an unruly horse. The
horse was named "Stormlight", however, it's name
came to be a giant understatement to it's temper.
Prince Endymion was still trying to nurse fresh
bruises from the morning's session with the foul
tempered horse. He was determined to tame the
horse. It was something to do other than to attend
diplomatic meetings from other planets. Those
delegates were old bores that droned continuously
on and on. At the least, making him fall asleep.
He finally reached the carved mahogany doors
where the footman announced him in.
"Good afternoon," he greeted, a little less
than cheerful. The footman closed the door behind
him quietly.
"Endy, dear! You don't have to be *that*
formal," a dark-haired woman reprimanded lightly in
a cheerful tone. She sat in one of the plush
cherry velvet seats. "What's the matter dear? You
look a little ruffled today."
Endymion shook his head, clearing his senses.
"You didn't…" The man in the identical
velvet seat next to the woman said. He rubbed his
hand over his short beard.
Endymion didn't answer.
"You did, didn't you?" Accused the man,
pointing a callused finger at the crown prince.
Still no answer, except for a pained groan.
"You tried to mount that crazy horse again!"
He sighed in resignation. "How many bruises do you
need to get before you learn?"
"Endymion, dear," the woman said, voice
lowering. "You can't spend your time performing
dangerous feats. You still have a coronation to go
through next year on your twenty-third birthday."
The prince scrubbed his face with his hands
wearily. Finding a another comfortable, velvet
padded seat, he fell down in a heap.
"It gives me something to do. I can't listen
to those old bores. I need a hobby," he answered,
attempting to negotiate with his aunt and uncle.
"Oh, I get it," his uncle said sarcastically.
"Attempting to tame a horse with a bad temper and
bloodshot eyes that always wants to rip you to
pieces is a *perfect* hobby." He paused
momentarily. "That is, if you want a hobby that'll
get yourself killed before your twenty-third
birthday." He sighed theatrically, putting his
hand to his forehead as if pretending to get a
migraine. "What are we going to do with you?"
"You know, your parents would've wanted you
to be crowned king," his aunt commented. She
sought for her husband's hand. Finding it, she
clutched it affectionately. "So would we."
That pretty much cut off all the possible
negotiating tactics. He could never say no to the
people who raised him since that fateful day when
his parents left him. The people who took their
place and took him in as their own son.
"All right," Endymion agreed reluctantly. He
gave his surrogate parents an impish smile. His
aunt reached forward to touch his cheek in maternal
affection.
"I knew you'd agree with us…" She said
softly.
"Well, I owe you," Endymion commented, dark,
indigo eyes alight. A number of emotions could be
spotted in those depths, the most prominent being
gratitude.
His aunt and uncle were the only people who
could actually get through his tough exterior.
When he was a child, their lent their should for
him to cry on. They wiped away the tears on his
salt streaked cheeks and they hugged him when he
missed his parents. These people were his saviors—
the people he cared for most. In his mind, they
were the only people who were worthy of being
called his mother and father, other than the real
couple.
Ever since the incident, Endymion held his
family closer to him, valuing everyone related to
him. His family and friends had suddenly become
precious to him.
"Silly boy," his uncle said gruffly. "You
owe us nothing. Actually, you were the one who
brought your aunt and I so much joy."
"You two are the closest people in my life
next to my real father and mother. And for that, I
will be forever grateful." Endymion turned to his
uncle without removing his hand from his aunt's
tender grasp.
"Oh, Endy, dear," his aunt interjected,
interrupting the quiet, family moment. "Get ready
for the reunion tonight. You're going to meet all
those other distant cousins as well."
"A family reunion?" Endymion asked, face
quizzical. "I should get cleaned up, shouldn't I?"
She looked down at his own garments, covered in
dirt and dust. His aunt raised a lacy handkerchief
to his face and wiped off a streak of dirt that had
dried on his face. They nodded as he rose to leave
for his own quarters.
***
The Terran courtroom was bustling and people,
all part of Endymion's family tree. From every
extended branch, every single person attended,
well, except for the crown prince himself. He, as
usual, was late again. He didn't loathe family
reunions. In fact, he found them rather likable.
Most of his relatives were rather witty and good
conversationalists. In fact, he grew quite fond of
their presence. For some reason, reunions reminded
him that since he had lost some people in his life,
there were many more who still cared for him.
"Where is that boy?" Endymion's aunt
flustered, slightly agitated. She turned her
husband for an answer, an answer he did not
possess.
He simply shrugged and turned to the other
relatives, wineglass in his hand.
Finally, from behind the heavy sapphire
curtains of the main hall, Endymion appeared. He
looked about the large room. In every corner, he
could spot a relative, all chattering gaily. The
room was so full of life!
Endymion plunged into the crowd, finding a
group of his first cousins. Immediately upon
seeing him, they began to meld him into their busy
conversation.
"Endy!" Multiple voices cried. Suddenly,
four young children slammed into his legs and
hugged him tightly. Regaining his balance quickly,
Endymion couldn't help but to laugh happily. His
little cousins had come to visit as well. This was
a rare gathering indeed.
"Endy?" A little girl in a velvet green
dress pulled on his shirt with a small hand. He
turned to her expectantly.
"Yes, Marielle?" The girl started twirling
one brown ringlet with her small finger, smiling
impishly.
"Are we having chocolate cake for dessert?"
She asked, abashed at the question.
"Well," Endymion answered in mock
uncertainty, looking upwards as if in thought.
"*Please*?" She interjected, giving him her
best puppy-eyed look. Endymion bent down to face
her.
"It's in the kitchen," he smiled. He had
remembered about his little cousin's favorite food.
"After dinner, okay?"
"'kay!" she agreed, giving him a broad,
sweet, innocent smile. She skipped off back to her
parents and the cheek-pinching grandparents.
Anther tug at his leg. Endymion turned to
see a boy, not older than six, stare up at him
expectantly.
"Hm?" Endymion answered, looking down at the
boy with golden tresses.
"Endy? Can I play with your sword?" He
asked, voice slurred in the childlike accent. His
bright sapphire eyes looked questioningly at
Endymion's.
"Well, when you're older," Endymion answered
in finality.
"But that's what you said last time!" He
said accusingly, a determined pair of blue eyes
meeting his.
"The last time I saw you was last month
though," Endymion reasoned with his six-year-old
cousin. Negotiating skills really do help in these
cases, he noticed. One could get a lot of practice
like this for the future.
"I grew!" The little boy said frustratingly.
"I grew this much!" He lifted his small hands and
measured out an unbelievably large proportion.
All the other relatives nearby laughed out
aloud.
Not long after, the supper bell rang, it's
chiming tone resounding through the hall.
Everyone, children and elderly alike, made their
way toward the grand dining room.
"It's nice of you and your uncle and aunt to
hold something like this here. I'm proud of you
Endymion," his great aunt Gwenyth commented,
straining upwards to pat his cheek lightly. She
gave him a kindly wrinkled smile.
"Aunt Gwen, it's my pleasure," he said
grandly, escorting her into the dining room.
Suddenly, a servant tapped at Endymion's
shoulder unexpectedly.
"What is it?" He hissed, leaving his
grandaunt to another relative of his to escort her
in. "I'm just a little busy at the moment."
"Your highness," the servant began, clutching
his hat in his folded hands. "I'm sorry to
interrupt your reunion, but Stormlight, the horse,
is going frantic. The stable master said that even
though the horse is crazy, you'd be the only person
to calm him down."
"Me? The horse hates me!" Endymion put in.
"Yes your highness, but it hates the everyone
else even *more*! Please, it should only take a
moment. It's going to break down the stable doors!
People have already been injured trying to tend to
the frantic thing. It's trying to destroy
everything in sight! It's rabid I say!"
Endymion nodded. He left a quick word with
his aunt and uncle before he left.
"All right." Endymion turned to the stable
boy. "Lead the way."
Endymion reached the main stables. Even from
afar, he could hear loud crashing sounds and the
whinnies of a frantic horse trying. Quickly, he
entered into the stables just to see Stormlight paw
at the air. It had broken out of his stall and was
trying to break down the main stable door.
Miraculously, the hinges held.
Approaching the horse slowly, he said
soothing words to the horse. However, he wasn't
sure if it was for the benefit of the horse or him.
He never saw Stormlight this wild in his life.
It's eyes were widened with fear. It abandoned the
stable door and began to paw at the empty air
again.
"Calm down, Stormlight…Calm down…" A servant
handed him a few cubes of sugar and immediately
shrank away, afraid of the horse.
Endymion made a grab for the reins, however,
Stormlight reared with a loud whinny. Endymion
rolled away just in time as the hooves came
crashing down onto the grassy turf.
He brushed off the dust on his shirt.
Waiting for a proper moment, he made another grab
for the reins, this time, more gently.
Amazingly, the horse did not move. It
resisted and fidgeted back and forth a few times,
but Endymion managed to keep the beast under
control. He fed the horse the cubes of sugar he
received earlier and stroked the frightened beast's
neck thoughtfully.
"I guess the sugar was the key." Endymion
shrugged, watching the horse take the sugar eagerly
as if it was a frisky colt. The sugar seemed to be
calming it's nerves, although, it still shifted
around nervously.
Suddenly, in the distance, a loud, deafening
crash echoed into the still night. Followed by a
loud rumble. The horse began to buck and rear
nervously again, as if returning back into it's
frantic state it was before, prior to the sugar.
Endymion turned immediately and froze.
Fear crept into his widened eyes. More fear
than he had ever experienced in his life. In his
deep, stormy depths, orange-yellow light danced
dangerously in it's reflection.
The entire east wing was on fire! He dropped
the frenzied Stormlight's reins and ran toward the
burning flames. A few of the burly stable servants
managed to shake themselves out of shock and ran
behind Endymion toward the burning palace.
"Your highness!" A burly stable man cried.
"You can't go in there!" He shouted, staggering to
reach the prince.
"NOOO!!!!!" The crown prince cried insanely,
running swiftly toward the burning east wing.
Two of the large stable men caught up with
him and caught him by the arm, attempting to drag
him away from the catastrophe.
"You're going to kill yourself! Stop!"
However, Endymion still plowed on mercilessly.
It finally took two men to jump upon him to
render him immobile. However, he still tried to
make his way toward his burning family, tears
stinging his sensitive eyes.
"I'VE GOT TO SAVE THEM!" He said, his
behavior just as frantic and frenzied as Stormlight
was, and even more so. Tears fell down his eyes
freely now. However, the fire still danced
prominently in his blurred vision.
"Your highness! Get a hold of yourself!"
One of the stable men shook him vigorously,
attempting to knock him back into his senses. "No
one could survive a blast like that!" He gripped
the prince's shoulders with such force and bent
down to yell into his tender ears.
Endymion stared into the flames, sobbing like
a child. The faces of his great aunt Gwen,
Marielle and the little boy of six, his aunt and
uncle whom he loved so dearly. The people that
meant the most to him in his life. The people that
drew him from the depths of despair and turned
whatever meager happiness he had left and
cultivated it. The people who had loved him and
cherished him as their own son—were dead.
"NOOOOO!!!!!!!" He gave one last desperate
struggle to get free, clawing at the grassy turf in
despair.
***
"Your highness?" One of his lords knocked
lightly on the door. After five minutes of no
answering, he simply entered in the door.
Endymion raised his head slightly, bloodshot
eyes hidden behind the dark tresses that fell in
front of his face. He hadn't slept in days.
He vaguely remembered what had happened and
furiously appointing one of his nobles to
investigate the incident, however, he couldn't
remember which, nor did he really care.
"Your highness, I have found some evidence
that contributed to this injustice!" The lord said
triumphantly, one hand around a box, the other,
clenched around in a fist.
Endymion didn't answer. A crystal cup and an
empty decanter sat on the small table beside him on
the polished wooden surface.
"I found some fragments," the noble continued
nevertheless. He knew that the prince could hear
him.
"The material is native to one place—"
He gasped as the prince raised his head
wearily. He gazed at the noble squarely, awaiting
him to continue his sentence. His eyes were a
sullen stormy blue and dark circles had appeared
underneath his eyes.
"It is only found in the Lunarian kingdoms.
Namely the moon."
Endymion's first look was a look of shock,
then a look of pure anger.
"Are you sure?" He rasped, glaring at the
noble. The heavy smell of alcohol drifting from
his breath.
"Yes, my lord. There's no other theory. The
material confirms it. They are guilty of killing
your family and probably your parents as well," the
noble said matter-of-factly, handing the material
for Endymion to inspect.
The first question that popped into
Endymion's mind was "why"? However, he dismissed
the thought. He no longer cared. The moon was
responsible for the extermination of the entire
royal family line. They were to blame, he thought
harshly. He narrowed his eyes, handing back the
material to the noble silently.
"Your highness, we must have the coronation
earlier." The noble suggested, attempting to turn
to other topics that were deemed more important in
his mind.
Endymion didn't move.
"Leave," he dismissed the noble quietly,
voice dripping with undiminished fury.
"But, your highness, we must speak about the
coronation!" The noble informed him more urgently.
"Leave!" Endymion shouted regally, fury and
irritability building up in his eyes as he glared
at the noble.
Bowing, the noble left, intimidated by
Endymion's commanding tone. He closed the door
quietly before leaving.
For days, Endymion recounted back the
memories of his family. From the little boy who
wanted to play with his sword to great aunt Gwen
patting his cheek. He could still remember his
uncle looking at him incredulously about Stormlight
and his aunt wiping his cheek with her soft, lacy
handkerchief fondly.
He stared out the window, spotting the
glowing object in the sky that he loathed most.
His eyes stared menacingly at the moon for a goodly
amount of time before he spat out, "You will pay
dearly for this. You and your beloved
civilization!"
***
mizu: Okay, I know, I know, the changed names are
just a little confusing… okay, just to clarify
some things, here's a mini character chart:
Past Name - Future Name
Princess Serenity - Tsukino Usagi
Constance - Mizuno Ami
Eva - Hino Rei
Ceres - Kino Makoto
Vestia - Aino Minako
Prince Endymion - Chiba Mamoru
Make a little more sense to you? If not you can
always send us an e-mail:
==========================
For general questions, comments
for BOTH authors:
e-mail: mizuno_kagami@yahoo.com
For my co-author, namida:
e-mail: senshi_pluto@crystal-tokyo.com
For mizu:
e-mail: tokiya_ensui@yahoo.com
URL: www.geocities.com/mizuno_kagami
===========================
namida: how could you do that?!
mizu: do what? *looks at namida blankly*
namida: make Endymion go crazy like that! It
wasn't in the original script!
mizu: *blinks* yes it was…
namida: since when did you start following the
official script?
mizu: erm…It's not something I'm proud of… but,
well, I figured that it might be crucial in this
case…
namida: -_-* oh, readers! This fanfic
is going to be separated into four books. The
first one—
mizu: *points to the computer screen proudly*
namida: -_-* hm…where was I? Oh, the first one
is called "Voiceless Song" The other names…well,
we haven't figured out their names yet. It was
enough trouble talking to *mizu* about the title.
*sigh* all that trouble!
mizu: *pops up from piles of papers, filled with
lists of possible titles* so, people already took
most of them…*shrugs*
namida: *sighs, resigned* what *am* I going to do
with you?
mizu: give me chapter 2!
namida: why do I even bother with you? -_-*
Arigato, minna-san! Ja!
-mizu
We don't own it.
e-mail: tokiya_ensui@yahoo.com
URL: www.geocities.com/mizuno_kagami
EDGE OF DREAMS~BOOK I: Voiceless Song
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dim light unveils the dreary past,
History faded, forgotten through parched lips,
Onto the dark marble stone it is cast,
In an unknown language, unspeakable as time slips…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Edge of Dreams:
Chapter 1: Requiem
by: mizu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*flashback*
In a poor area of the town, laid a small
child, no more than eight. Her lithe form was
curled up in a fetal position on the cold stone
floors. Water from an overhanging gutter dripped
down mercilessly, falling in great fat raindrops
upon her dark head, dribbling down her innocent,
youthful face and down the small of her body. It
finally ended it's journey at the shallow puddle
that she sat beside.
She shifted, head bent down as if in shame.
She was reluctant to look up, reluctant to face the
horrors of the world about her. Her long dark hair
extended down to her back, tangled and unkempt. It
was matted against her cream white skin. She
donned a rough canvas tunic, much too big for a
child of her size. Her thin, sickly little arms
thrust out of the large holes, dirty with years of
accumulated filth. The tunic hung about her as if
she had suddenly shrank. Although, that wasn't the
case. This haggard child was a child in poverty,
the most pitiful rank in society that anyone could
imagine. On this cold and bleak world, no one
cared for children. Their loss was due to their
own folly, and those unfortunate children knew it.
"Eva?" A small voice called. Alert and
aware of all her surroundings, the child looked up.
Her eyes unveiled a pair of dark violet depths,
hardened by the torturous events in the meager
eight years of her life. They revealed nothing but
the bleakness and fears in the world. Something
that had caused her to mature rapidly, without
question.
"Eva? Are you Eva?" The voice came again.
Before her were two robed pupils, their faces
peaking slightly out of their thick cowls.
Although their presence was looming, the child was
not intimidated or ruffled in the least.
"What is it to you?" She spat out, voice far
too bitter for her to muster for others at her age.
"Ah, you are Eva, aren't you?" The voice
grew louder. Slowly, the thick woolen material
between the two figures parted and a cinnamon-eyed
cat wandered in. It was well groomed dark-furred
cat. An overpowering spicy scent came to her nose.
Must be one of *those* cats, the child
thought, thinking of the time that she had
overheard the conversations in the nearby tavern.
The drunkards were busy gossiping at that time.
However, between the loud jeering and tankards
clashing, she could make out their speech rather
clearly. They seemed to be talking about some
species of feline that could speak that were
recruited by the royal family in the Lunarian
kingdom. She supposed that is cinnamon-eyed cat
was one of their species.
"Eva," the cat spoke, in it's own catlike
manner. "You match the description. It is you,"
confirmed the cat in a chiming voice. The cat
moved forward, paws padding lightly on the wet
ground. It stepped into whatever murky light that
filtered through into the alley way.
Eva, the child, gasped. Upon the forehead of
the feline was a golden crescent moon. It gleamed
in the meager light, almost as if representing a
sort of warmth that Eva had forgotten about as a
young child. Almost like a maternal warmth,
interlaced with hope and honor. She searched her
memory for the proper word to describe it.
She had been in an orphanage before. Before
the caretaker passed away and left her on the
streets, she was properly taught how to read. She
excelled in her studies, more so than the other
children who preferred to play or steal rather than
work. She had a wide range of vocabulary, since
her instant maturity demanded that she did so.
Then the word came to her, one that she
hardly used or heard.
"Serenity," she spoke softly, traces of anger
diminishing from her voice for just that one
moment. She stared into the cat's reddish eyes.
She bowed her head. Suddenly, a flash of
light and searing heat engulfed her.
Moments later, she was back in her corner,
sitting in rags. She raised her head ever so
slightly, with an occupied look on her face.
On her forehead, a sigil flickered
vibrantly. It was the glowing, the red sigil of
the next Senshi of Mars.
***
"My queen," the feline bowed gracefully,
bracing itself with a pink-padded paw. The cat was
a downy white color and bore a pair of magnificent
ocean blue eyes.
"Yes Artemis?" The tall woman answered.
They were in her white-washed dressing room.
"We've found two more of the Senshi," the
male cat announced, watching as servants scurried
around, cleaning the chamber.
"Wonderful Artemis!" She lifted her hand to
receive ties from a nearby servant. Skillfully,
out of routine, she fixed up her silver tresses in
two odangos, in the traditional royal fashion. She
glanced into the mirror to check for loose strands
before turning to her cat advisor. She bore the
same resemblance that every Queen Serenity did
before her. "Which ones?" She asked, running to
the overgrown desk by the bay windows for a quill.
"The Senshi of Mercury and the Senshi of
Venus successors," Artemis said proudly. It had
taken him months of traveling just to locate two
girls at the tender age of eight.
"Mercury and Venus," Serenity muttered, as
she pulled out her quill and began to mentally
check off her Senshi search checklist. "So, we
have our leader now. Commander Venus. Very well
done, Artemis," the queen complimented with an
approving tone in her voice. Artemis couldn't do
anything but to smile a cat-like smile.
"What are their names?" The queen looked at
her advisor questioningly.
"The Senshi Mercury's given name is
Constance. Her family is pretty well off. Her
father owns a shop on the coast of the Mercurian
seas."
"Was it a nice place there, Artemis?" The
queen asked amused.
"Well, lot's of fish there…lot's of
glittering, fresh fish," Artemis answered coyly,
the feline smile on his furry face growing wider
dreamily. The queen couldn't help but laugh.
"And the Senshi Venus?" The queen placed on
two modest-looking earrings on.
"Venus was found on a farm, not far from the
town of Acropolis. She is a bright one. A very
sunny attitude. She resides in a small cozy
cottage with a sizable peach orchard in the back."
"Peach orchard?"
"Yes, your majesty. You remember how famous
Venusian peaches are."
"Yes, we've only engaged in planetary trade
with them for the last ten years or so. Venusian
peach pie was always one of my favorite dishes."
The queen paused. "What of the others?" She
inquired, gazing at Artemis regally.
"I received a message from Luna that she
found the new Senshi of Mars."
"Really?" The queen arched a perfectly
curved eyebrow. "Where?"
"In of the outer territories of the Mars.
The Phoboes system, I believe."
"The Phoboes system? That's not ranked as
one of the most hospitable places in the world.
She was all right, I gather?" The queen hoped,
concern etching onto her fine, porcelain face.
"In fact, Luna reported that she found the
poor dear in a deserted alley, in one of the
rougher parts of the galaxy. The poor child was
soaked to the bone."
"No parents?"
Artemis shook his head. "Luna didn't find
any. She seemed alone."
"The poor dear!" The queen gasped, running
back to her overgrown desk. "Arrange for her to
come here immediately!" She found some parchment
and quickly scribbled orders. Reviewing the fine
silver script once more, she folded it twice,
sealing it with silver wax, ribbon and stamp. She
handed it to one of the footmen that had initially
accompanied Artemis to her chambers.
"Give it to the guards on the dock ports.
They'll arrange for a quick flight to the Phoboes
system and make sure that the poor girl is properly
cared for and brought her immediately. I don't
want her to travel with Luna to the other planets
to find the Senshi Jupiter. There's no use for her
to take upon a weary trip like that." She pursed
her lips determined and regal.
"You wish is my command," Artemis mocked
friendly, bowing deeply for extra measure.
The queen smiled goodheartedly. Artemis was
one of her dearest friends as well as her advisor.
He could be a little excessive sometimes. However,
she knew that he could always make her smile.
"Join Luna in the search if need be," the
queen suggested. Artemis sincerely nodded once and
left out the doorway, his two footmen trailing
behind him in their thick, woolen cloaks.
***
"Excuse me, ma'am?" Luna ran about, trying
to catch the attention of the store clerk. The
woman stared at Luna as she pounced on the counter
silently.
"Yes, how can I help you?" The woman was in
her mid-fifties, gray streaking her once reddish
hair. She placed on her spectacles to get a better
look. "Oh, what a pretty cat," she commented with
a slight, lilting accent.
"Thank you," Luna answered, blushing
slightly. The woman gaped at her. After a few,
long moments, she regained her wits and smiled a
little nervously.
"Yer' one of those talking cats, right? The
ones in the Lunar kingdoms?" She asked cautiously.
She gazed at Luna, squinting.
"Yes, I am," Luna answered straightforwardly.
"Weel, what brings you here?"
Luna hesitated to clear her throat. Perhaps
the tuna lunch wasn't *that* fresh. "Well, I was
wondering if you've ever encountered a girl with
brown hair, green eyes? She should be about eight
years old now," Luna said, pulling out a general
description of her.
"Hmm…I'm not sure…but now that you mention
it, I think there's a girl matchin' yer'
description. Her name be Ceres'. A lively lass
she is…always fightin', that lil' sprite." The
woman seemed to trail off into her own little
world. "She lives by the river, close to town."
"Really? Are you sure she's the person that
fits the description?"
"Hmm…I think so…"
Luna nodded apprehending.
"You know what?"
"Hm?"
The woman leaned forward to the cat as if
passing on a secret to Luna.
"There's a story behind that lass," the woman
whispered loudly into Luna's ear. "It was rumored
that when she was born, it was the dead of winter.
Her' mother was given' birth to her and all…"
Luna nodded briefly, muttering another mmm-
hmm.
"The land was barren and all. But when the
first cries of the lil' infant sounded in the small
ol' house, it was said that these beautiful vines
grew. They gathered by the windows, climbed up the
stone walls, ran across the ceilings and floor. It
was like they were meetin' her. And when the
infant smiled for the first time, the vines came
into full bloom! This fragrant scent spread all
over the house and all!" The woman smiled
appraisingly.
Luna smiled, finally receiving the
confirmation that she had needed. Soon, the store
bell rang and the creaking door swung open.
"That must be the lil' Ceres now." The woman
clutched her folded hands to her chest.
A little girl of eight walked in, a worn,
woven basket slung over one shoulder. She looked
like a tomboy and her brunette curls were tangled
about her mischievous little face. She tried to
make herself presentable to the woman by
straightening her already crumpled skirt. Seeing
that it was impossible, she shrugged and carried on
into the store.
"Ceres," Luna called gently. Immediately,
the girl turned to the cat questioningly.
"Yes?" She asked in a slightly quizzical
voice. An expression of inquiry spread upon her
face.
"Nice to meet you, Senshi of Jupiter," Luna
greeted cordially. The newest Senshi gaped at
Luna, many questions forming in her mind.
***
Four grim-faced children stood obediently in
a row, their hands folded in front of them to
prevent them from getting any mischievous ideas.
In front of them paced a tall woman, her long
silver hair was tied up in the oddest fashion.
Behind her were two cats, one white and one dark,
which the four girls recognized to be Luna and
Artemis, as mentioned beforehand. To them, they
were their discoverers or in some cases, even
heroes. Although, none of them viewed the
situation that way.
"Welcome to the moon kingdom," The tall woman
greeted, a broad smile appearing on her face. Her
eyes were alight with a sort of everlasting cheer
and she seemed to radiate with a certain peace.
Ceres stepped forward, being the impetuous
one. She bobbed once in curtsey, her combed brown
curls following her with a bounce. The two cat
advisors had already informed them that they'd meet
the queen today.
"Yes dear?" The queen asked kindly. Senshi
successors at this age always looked so kawaii!
Well, that is, almost all of them did. She eyed
the girl in the red velvet dress critically. She
had bathed and her long dark hair was combed neatly
to cascade down her back. Occasionally, she would
fidget now and then, as if the new, alien clothes
that she wore were confining. She had this
perpetual gloom about her.
We're going to have to fix that, the queen
thought momentarily. She was going to test if that
perpetual gloom was permanent and take measures to
erase it.
"Umm…" stammered Ceres, realizing that she
was in the presence of high royalty. "What are we
here for?"
The queen laughed musically, putting a
slender hand on the girl's head. "My little
sprites, you are here for training."
"Training?" They all said in unison,
everyone save Eva.
"Yes. You see, every generation in the
Serenity line has a group of protectors called the
sailor Senshi."
"Senshi? Oh I've heard of them before!
They're those beautiful women who fight for
justice?" Chirped in a cheerful blond, Vestia,
future Senshi of Venus.
The queen stared for a moment, then laughed
again nevertheless. "Yes, Vestia, that's the
idea."
Vestia smiled in achievement, her hands
gripping onto her orange skirt. These children
were a joy!
"So…are we here to protect you, your
majesty?" Ceres asked, rolling the word "majesty"
in her mouth, as if already getting used to the
idea. The queen gave them another luminous smile.
"No, no, dear. I already have Senshi."
Ceres frowned. "Then what are we here for?"
"You are here to protect someone else," the
queen replied, pointing to each and every one of
them. She turned to a nearby servant. "Tell her
to bring her in please," the queen ordered quietly.
The four girls stood there, baffled.
Moments later, another tall woman with
cerulean-colored hair walked in. She wore a long
ceremonial cloak of velvet. In some angles, there
seemed to be aqua streaks in her hair. In one
hand, she held a small mirror by it's handle. She
looked like she was young, however, her aquamarine
eyes seemed to hold so much knowledge and wisdom
that only came with age.
The servants paused in what they were doing
and nodded briefly to the woman who strode in
purposefully into the chambers.
"Lady Neptune," they all muttered softly
before returning to their duties.
"Thank you Corin," Serenity replied. Corin
nodded.
"And are these the successors mentioned in
Pluto's prophecy?" She replied, staring at each of
them. Serenity nodded.
"This is the Senshi of Neptune," introduced
Serenity, putting a fond hand on her friend's arm.
"How's is he?" Serenity turned to Neptune, the
elder, a hint of mischief in her chiming voice.
"Him? Oh, he's fine." A slight blush
appeared on Neptune's ivory cheeks. "We're trying
to build a little house off the coast since I can
finally retire." She grinned with almost a
childish look about her face.
Ceres and Vestia looked at the two adults
blankly, as if they had forgotten that they were
there.
"Your majesty?" Constance, who seemed to be
the quiet, book type spoke aloud, trying to get the
attention of the two adults. She brushed a
stubborn stray lock of blue hair behind her ear.
"Yes?" The queen answered, returning her
attention to the girls.
"Are we supposed to protect her?" Vestia
asked cautiously, turning her head to Lady Neptune.
The two adults burst out laughing merrily and
Vestia stepped back, abashed.
"Dear child, no. The one you're going to
protect is this little one here." Serenity
motioned at her side. Neptune's long velvet cloak
began to rustle slightly.
"Come along dear, it's all right," the queen
coaxed at a hidden figure.
"Don't worry, they won't hurt you." Neptune
looked downwards at her cloak and motioned behind
her.
Slowly and very hesitantly, a little creature
popped out behind the long robes. Her small hands
clutched at the velvety cloaks shyly. Her hair was
tied up much like the queen's, however, they were
much shorter and tended to bounce around whenever
she moved. The little stray hairs curled up into
tiny ringlets about her small, round face. Two
sapphire eyes peered at the other girls curiously.
"Come out, little princess," Neptune coaxed,
taking her hand and leading her out in front of
her. Meekly, the little blond girl stepped out.
"Hello," she said, giving them a nervous
little smile.
"This is Princess Serenity, my daughter," the
queen introduced.
Each one of the girls bobbed and curtseyed in turn.
"Vestia," the Venus successor curtseyed,
introducing herself.
"Ceres."
"Constance."
Finally, very hesitantly, the very serious,
black-colored hair girl curtseyed wobbly.
"Eva."
Following what etiquette had dictated to her
since she was born,
the little Princess curtseyed in turn.
"Serenity."
The girls started to crowd about the
princess, all save Eva.
"Are you really a princess?" Vestia asked
cheerfully.
"Can I be your friend?" Ceres asked.
Constance simply smiled brightly at the little
princess.
The princess stood there, nodding and shaking
her head as she was bombarded with many questions.
Finally, she smiled. "You can all be my
friends," she said with a tone of finality. She
turned to Eva, who was still fidgeting in her
clothes. Taking a few steps toward her, she
outstretched her arms to her. Eva paused and
looked up at her with blank eyes.
"Will you be my soldier?"
Eva stared at her.
"Will you protect me?"
Silence.
"Will you be my friend?" The princess asked
softly.
Eva hesitated for a moment. Then gave the
little blond with the odangos in her hair a single,
curt nod. With that, she fell into group hug,
surrounded by the rest of the girls and the
princess.
"Friends forever and ever," the princess
murmured, hugging her newfound friends.
***
(ten years later…)
"Fire Soul!" Mar cried. A long stream of
red flames burst from her gloved fingertips as she
concentrated on keeping the fire at a constant,
intense temperature. The fire crashed into the dry
wood and grass, immediately lighting them on fire.
Beads of sweat began to roll down her face as she
tried to concentrate on the temperature level of
the well-controlled fire. It was a form of
meditation to promote discipline.
"That's it Eva, you're doing just fine,"
muttered Ceres.
"How long am I supposed to be at this?" Eva
cried beginning to tire. Using the fire soul
attack was one thing, controlling it to keep it at
a constant temperature was another. Something that
only an experienced Senshi of Mars could do in
their golden ages. However, since they were all
retired or passed on, that left her the sole Senshi
of Mars in the Lunar kingdoms.
Vestia walked by, in her usual afternoon
stroll. Just as she was about to pass by her two
fellow Senshi, she paused to see if they would need
any help. She crept by closer to see what kind of
attacks they were working on.
She paused and gaped blankly at the scene
before her.
Ceres was stirring a large metal pot over a
bonfire. The flames were controlled, courtesy of
Eva. Vestia sweatdropped.
"Of all the uses for your powers! Cooking!"
Vestia sighed, resigned.
"This is our dinner, mind you," Ceres
retorted, returning to her stirring.
"Dinner?" Vestia asked incredulously.
Gaping at the bubbling contents in the pot. She
had to admit, it did smell appetizing.
"Well, if you don't approve of Eva using her
powers for cooking—"
"No, it's not that," interrupted their
commander mildly.
"Maybe electrocuted chicken next week…"
Vestia cringed slightly. "I like my meat
white, not dark. You can munch on the crisp burned
parts."
"Oh come now, Vestia, it's exploring the
different applications we can use our powers for."
Ceres smiled impishly, fully alert of how her stew
was faring. She picked up some spices and threw
them into the steaming pot.
"Creativity becomes you," Vestia said dryly.
She sniffed briefly, a fragrant aroma coming out of
the pot. "Is that vegetable stew?" She asked
cautiously.
Ceres nodded. "I added some extra spices
into it! I'm hoping that it'll strengthen the
flavor."
Vestia grinned broadly. "Can I try some?"
"Why?" Ceres asked. Her eyes flattened as
if she had suddenly became protective over her
creation. "You'll get some for dinner."
Vestia slumped, dragging her feet away toward
the direction of the orchard groves.
"Fine, see if I ever let you try *my*
cooking," she muttered.
"But you can't even cook!" Protested Ceres,
hearing her comment.
Vestia glared at her menacingly. "That's
besides the point!"
Ceres couldn't help but laugh. However, the
straining Senshi of Mars snapped her out of her
humor.
"Can I stop yet?" She asked, showing signs
of fatigue. Ceres checked her stew, then turned to
Eva and nodded. Eva parted her fingers,
extinguishing the flame. She took the kerchief
that Ceres handed to her and began to wipe the
moisture that had gathered upon her brow.
"I'm off to change," she announced, still in
Senshi mode. She strode off toward the living
quarters.
"Now can I try?" Vestia asked with a bright
smile. Ceres looked at her flatly again.
"Oh, all right," she replied with a tone of
resignation. "But just a little!" She plunged the
wooden spoon into the pot and retrieved a spoonful
of stew. Vestia squealed in delight, grabbing the
spoon with a quick "thank you". She had a liking
for Ceres' quality cooking.
"Vestia?"
"Yeah?" Vestia devoured all the contents on
the spoon, savoring the spicy taste.
"Do you know where Serenity is?" Ceres
questioned, concerned. Her duty was to protect her
princess and since she made that promise when she
was just a child, she was not intent on breaking
that promise. Sure, the duty is remove her from
her parents, but they were proud of her for being
chosen and wished the best for her.
"Umm…I think she's with the Lunarian
delegation to earth. She's supposed to be back
later this afternoon. I wouldn't worry. I think
the queen is with her too," replied Vestia, content
with the small, tasty morsel of food that Ceres
gave her. She couldn't wait until dinner.
"Is she? Oh…" Ceres responded thoughtfully.
"Well, you remember the whole situation on
earth?"
Ceres shook her head. Vestia sighed.
"Well, I see *someone* hasn't been listening
to the politics tutor…" Vestia reprimanded
mockingly. "Don't worry. Personally, I think he's
an old bore."
Both of them fell into heaps of joyful
laughter. However, Ceres' commander began to take
on a more serious tone.
"All the planets and their territories in
this system are bound to an ancient alliance made
by Serenity the I. This whole thing brought in the
silver millennium—which is basically still going."
Ceres nodded, comprehending the situation.
She absentmindedly placed a cover on the pot which
hung above a few glowing cinders.
"Earth was one of the reluctant ones. They
didn't like outside intervention very much but they
accepted it, nevertheless. Very adaptable, those
people are," murmured Vestia. She continued on
with her history lecture.
"The thing is, a few years ago, the king and
queen died mysteriously on a trip was it? or was
it something else?" Vestia paused to regain her
memory. "Ah, I remember. Well, they found little
evidence and that evidence pointed to outside
intervention. The Terrans were a little edgy about
this and offended, to say the least. They're nice
people, it's just that they don't trust people
outside the Terran boundaries like they used to.
They're pretty self-sufficient. They are a
productive race…"
"Oh…I see," Ceres conceded, deep in thought.
She rose her head in question. "Then who has the
throne now?"
"Even though king and queen died, they did
leave an heir. Prince Endymion, I believe.
However, he was only at the tender age of ten when
this whole controversy occurred. So his next
immediate family took him in and became the ruling
regents until he came of age to take the throne. I
think it was his mother's sister and her husband?"
Vestia wondered aloud, unsure of herself.
"The poor boy…" Ceres remarked
sympathetically.
"From what I've heard, he's not your typical
little boy," Vestia commented.
"What do you mean?"
"Well first of all, the crown prince older
than us. He's approaching the age when he's going
to be crowned king. Secondly, he's always so
distant. Unkind even—according to the court ladies
that have gone there. Then again, those ladies
have nothing but fluff in their brains, hungry for
every handsome man that walks past them. But it's
understandable if he's a little harsh, considering
his situation and all."
"You're right. Frankly, he sounds rather
courageous to take on responsibility like this.
And those ladies can't talk about anything other
than their dreaded fashion silks and taffetas and
satins. That and their heavy baubles!" Ceres
announced, determination growing in her voice.
"Although, from what I've heard, he is a
family type of sort. He already lost the most
important members of his family and highly values
whoever is still left."
"A tragic tale indeed…" Mused Ceres.
They both remained in silence for a moment,
as if paying tribute to the unacquainted prince.
Ending the moments of silence, a sly smile made
it's way to Vestia's soft features. She crept
closer to Ceres as she was dousing the remains of
the glowing coals with white sand.
The fine grain Lunarian sand extinguished
what was left of the fire that Mars had created.
Only a few strands of pungent smoke trailed up in
between the crevices that the sand fell the coals.
"We're going to have to pick her up later,"
Vestia commented, walking with Ceres.
Ceres nodded, the pot squeaking slightly. It
swayed back and forth on the thin wire which it
hung from. Together, they walked toward the
kitchen under the early afternoon sun.
***
Evening had descended upon the glorious moon
kingdoms. The stars twinkled above as if in
greeting of the early evening, as the night birds
native to the Lunarian culture began to sing their
melancholic, eerie tunes. The moon itself seemed
to give off this strange, ancient luminescence that
lighted the entire palace with a familiar,
comforting glow. It seemed as if the entire city,
alight in the darkness seemed to be caused by a
magical phenomenon.
One person sat on a stone bench in a balcony,
overlooking the silver gardens. Her face was
radiant in the natural night light. Her hair fell
cascaded down her lithe figure in twin streams,
resembling two twin waterfalls of golden silk.
They pooled on either side beneath her, next to the
bench.
She stared wistfully at the planet before
her, tracing out the white cotton clouds
surrounding the planet. With unblinking eyes, she
began to trace out constellations that Constance
taught her. Eventually, she returned her dreamy
gaze back to the blue globe that hung in the sky.
She had just recently arrived from a trip from
there. Everything there seemed so bright. It did
lack the luminescence and the natural silvery
landscapes that the moon had, however, they
compensated for that. Everything there was just so
vibrant, so *green*. The planet was full of life,
from the productive citizens that inhabited there
to the simple flora and fauna that thrived there.
"Quiet night, isn't it?" A voice said,
disrupting Princess Serenity's tranquil thoughts.
Eva came from behind and seated herself beside the
princess.
Serenity only nodded wistfully, eyes
remaining on the blue globe in the sky.
"I take it that your trip to earth was
enjoyable, my liege?" Eva asked cordially, turning
to the dreaming blond heir to the Lunarian throne.
Serenity turned, a playful smile on her face.
"You can drop the formality, Eva. You know
the Senshi don't have to address me by royalty when
others aren't around," Serenity mentioned. She
tilted her head sideways, staring at one of her
best friends. "What do you see when you look out
there at that globe hanging up there?" She asked,
just for the sake of satisfying her curiosity.
"Well, I know Vestia would say that it looked
like a large gem in the sky. Ceres would probably
say it'd look like some kind of fruit—"
Serenity giggled. "That's Ceres for you.
Always some sort of food. Well, either that or
something heavily romanticized. Like the color of
a man she dated previously or something of the
sort."
Eva grimaced slightly. "I know that
Constance would say that it was a planet, one
teeming with life." She frowned, thinking. "Then
she'd probably give us all these scientific facts
and spurt out information like an encyclopedia…"
Eva paused. "But she could get poetic about it if
she wanted to though."
The princess nodded in agreement. She turned
to Eva again. "But you haven't told me what that
planet is to *you*." She was getting more
inquisitive by the moment. Eva felt that she
couldn't escape the question and that her only
escape was to answer it. She inhaled deeply and
stared at the globe for a goodly amount of time.
Finally, without leaving her eyes off the planet in
the sky, she spoke.
"I see a planet. A planet filled with
despair, sadness and war," Eva observed, in an icy
voice. Serenity frowned. However, she was hushed
when Eva continued on with her examination.
"However, I also see more than that." Eva's
violet depths softened a little, lowering the heavy
defenses. "I also see a prosperous planet. One
filled with hope, happiness and love." She
scratched her head. "I guess it is possible for
people to see the good in others."
"Including you," Serenity remarked friendly.
"You remember when you first came?" Eva nodded.
"You were the most difficult person to work with.
You were such a cynic!" Eva could feel her face go
red.
"Ah, but that was because I didn't meet you!"
She answered, laughing. She stopped and took on a
more serious tone. "But, really, Serenity. Thank
you."
Serenity paused and bounced back, baffled.
"Why?" She managed to squeak out. "I did
nothing."
"But you did," Eva countered.
"What did I do?"
"You did the most important thing to me that
would change me for the rest of my life." Eva
smiled at Serenity. Serenity could only stare at
her in bewilderment.
"You were there when I needed people most.
You and the rest of the Senshi. You put a purpose
in my life, to protect your well being. But most
importantly, you became my friend."
***
Constance sat in the queen's room, installing
new programming into the main system's computer.
She had to admit, this was one of her hobbies,
other than reading and chess. When needed, she
could be a great military general.
Turning her blue head, she reached over to
the other console where decanter of water and a
glass stood. Well, she knew that she shouldn't of
placed it there, however, the systems room was low
on space. She wasn't careless enough as to spill
the contents.
As she was pouring the liquid into the
crystal glass, a blinking light caught her cerulean
blue eyes. She paused in her task, placing down
the glass and decanter on the console carefully.
She abruptly went over to the other console.
Perhaps there was a malfunction, she thought.
These random incidents would happen now and then.
She began typing out access codes until
finally, a list of statistics appeared before her
on the screen. Her eyes widened and the glasses
that she wore slipped off her nose. Quickly
punching in a few commands, she managed to get a
hard copy of the statistics and left for the throne
room, where the queen entertaining some guests.
Knocking impatiently on the closed doors, a
servant finally granted her access in after a few,
abrupt words. She strode in purposefully,
apologizing to the queen for the informalities.
The queen caught the idea that the situation was
important and dismissed her guests until a later
time.
"Constance? What's wrong?" She asked,
concern filling her normally cheerful voice.
"My queen, my apologies, but, this just
appeared on the sensors." Constance pointed to the
list in front of her. "These readings can't be
correct. If they are what I think they are…" Her
voice trailed off, leaving the rest to the queen's
imagination.
"It's a reading of dark energy. Primitive
albeit, but it had that distinct signature. It's
very weak. Only a small strand…"
"Perhaps it could be mixed interference from
the passing comet?" Constance suggested
optimistically. True, the chances of it being a
negative energy strand were slim, however, they
wanted to take the proper precautions.
The queen thought for a moment, her smooth
brow furrowed. "Take this to the analytic research
department. They'll take this information apart
and scan the sector a few times as well, just to
make sure."
Constance nodded, heading straight for the
Lunarian science departments on the other side of
the capital city, leaving the queen deep in
thought. If needed, she would begin to dispatch
messengers to neighboring planets. However, she
hoped that she wouldn't have to.
***
On the blue, life-filled planet of earth, a
dark-haired crown prince strode down the long
corridors of his palace.
"Of all the places for a conversation, it
*has* to be on the other side of the estate…" He
muttered under his breath. He had been riding this
morning, attempting to tame an unruly horse. The
horse was named "Stormlight", however, it's name
came to be a giant understatement to it's temper.
Prince Endymion was still trying to nurse fresh
bruises from the morning's session with the foul
tempered horse. He was determined to tame the
horse. It was something to do other than to attend
diplomatic meetings from other planets. Those
delegates were old bores that droned continuously
on and on. At the least, making him fall asleep.
He finally reached the carved mahogany doors
where the footman announced him in.
"Good afternoon," he greeted, a little less
than cheerful. The footman closed the door behind
him quietly.
"Endy, dear! You don't have to be *that*
formal," a dark-haired woman reprimanded lightly in
a cheerful tone. She sat in one of the plush
cherry velvet seats. "What's the matter dear? You
look a little ruffled today."
Endymion shook his head, clearing his senses.
"You didn't…" The man in the identical
velvet seat next to the woman said. He rubbed his
hand over his short beard.
Endymion didn't answer.
"You did, didn't you?" Accused the man,
pointing a callused finger at the crown prince.
Still no answer, except for a pained groan.
"You tried to mount that crazy horse again!"
He sighed in resignation. "How many bruises do you
need to get before you learn?"
"Endymion, dear," the woman said, voice
lowering. "You can't spend your time performing
dangerous feats. You still have a coronation to go
through next year on your twenty-third birthday."
The prince scrubbed his face with his hands
wearily. Finding a another comfortable, velvet
padded seat, he fell down in a heap.
"It gives me something to do. I can't listen
to those old bores. I need a hobby," he answered,
attempting to negotiate with his aunt and uncle.
"Oh, I get it," his uncle said sarcastically.
"Attempting to tame a horse with a bad temper and
bloodshot eyes that always wants to rip you to
pieces is a *perfect* hobby." He paused
momentarily. "That is, if you want a hobby that'll
get yourself killed before your twenty-third
birthday." He sighed theatrically, putting his
hand to his forehead as if pretending to get a
migraine. "What are we going to do with you?"
"You know, your parents would've wanted you
to be crowned king," his aunt commented. She
sought for her husband's hand. Finding it, she
clutched it affectionately. "So would we."
That pretty much cut off all the possible
negotiating tactics. He could never say no to the
people who raised him since that fateful day when
his parents left him. The people who took their
place and took him in as their own son.
"All right," Endymion agreed reluctantly. He
gave his surrogate parents an impish smile. His
aunt reached forward to touch his cheek in maternal
affection.
"I knew you'd agree with us…" She said
softly.
"Well, I owe you," Endymion commented, dark,
indigo eyes alight. A number of emotions could be
spotted in those depths, the most prominent being
gratitude.
His aunt and uncle were the only people who
could actually get through his tough exterior.
When he was a child, their lent their should for
him to cry on. They wiped away the tears on his
salt streaked cheeks and they hugged him when he
missed his parents. These people were his saviors—
the people he cared for most. In his mind, they
were the only people who were worthy of being
called his mother and father, other than the real
couple.
Ever since the incident, Endymion held his
family closer to him, valuing everyone related to
him. His family and friends had suddenly become
precious to him.
"Silly boy," his uncle said gruffly. "You
owe us nothing. Actually, you were the one who
brought your aunt and I so much joy."
"You two are the closest people in my life
next to my real father and mother. And for that, I
will be forever grateful." Endymion turned to his
uncle without removing his hand from his aunt's
tender grasp.
"Oh, Endy, dear," his aunt interjected,
interrupting the quiet, family moment. "Get ready
for the reunion tonight. You're going to meet all
those other distant cousins as well."
"A family reunion?" Endymion asked, face
quizzical. "I should get cleaned up, shouldn't I?"
She looked down at his own garments, covered in
dirt and dust. His aunt raised a lacy handkerchief
to his face and wiped off a streak of dirt that had
dried on his face. They nodded as he rose to leave
for his own quarters.
***
The Terran courtroom was bustling and people,
all part of Endymion's family tree. From every
extended branch, every single person attended,
well, except for the crown prince himself. He, as
usual, was late again. He didn't loathe family
reunions. In fact, he found them rather likable.
Most of his relatives were rather witty and good
conversationalists. In fact, he grew quite fond of
their presence. For some reason, reunions reminded
him that since he had lost some people in his life,
there were many more who still cared for him.
"Where is that boy?" Endymion's aunt
flustered, slightly agitated. She turned her
husband for an answer, an answer he did not
possess.
He simply shrugged and turned to the other
relatives, wineglass in his hand.
Finally, from behind the heavy sapphire
curtains of the main hall, Endymion appeared. He
looked about the large room. In every corner, he
could spot a relative, all chattering gaily. The
room was so full of life!
Endymion plunged into the crowd, finding a
group of his first cousins. Immediately upon
seeing him, they began to meld him into their busy
conversation.
"Endy!" Multiple voices cried. Suddenly,
four young children slammed into his legs and
hugged him tightly. Regaining his balance quickly,
Endymion couldn't help but to laugh happily. His
little cousins had come to visit as well. This was
a rare gathering indeed.
"Endy?" A little girl in a velvet green
dress pulled on his shirt with a small hand. He
turned to her expectantly.
"Yes, Marielle?" The girl started twirling
one brown ringlet with her small finger, smiling
impishly.
"Are we having chocolate cake for dessert?"
She asked, abashed at the question.
"Well," Endymion answered in mock
uncertainty, looking upwards as if in thought.
"*Please*?" She interjected, giving him her
best puppy-eyed look. Endymion bent down to face
her.
"It's in the kitchen," he smiled. He had
remembered about his little cousin's favorite food.
"After dinner, okay?"
"'kay!" she agreed, giving him a broad,
sweet, innocent smile. She skipped off back to her
parents and the cheek-pinching grandparents.
Anther tug at his leg. Endymion turned to
see a boy, not older than six, stare up at him
expectantly.
"Hm?" Endymion answered, looking down at the
boy with golden tresses.
"Endy? Can I play with your sword?" He
asked, voice slurred in the childlike accent. His
bright sapphire eyes looked questioningly at
Endymion's.
"Well, when you're older," Endymion answered
in finality.
"But that's what you said last time!" He
said accusingly, a determined pair of blue eyes
meeting his.
"The last time I saw you was last month
though," Endymion reasoned with his six-year-old
cousin. Negotiating skills really do help in these
cases, he noticed. One could get a lot of practice
like this for the future.
"I grew!" The little boy said frustratingly.
"I grew this much!" He lifted his small hands and
measured out an unbelievably large proportion.
All the other relatives nearby laughed out
aloud.
Not long after, the supper bell rang, it's
chiming tone resounding through the hall.
Everyone, children and elderly alike, made their
way toward the grand dining room.
"It's nice of you and your uncle and aunt to
hold something like this here. I'm proud of you
Endymion," his great aunt Gwenyth commented,
straining upwards to pat his cheek lightly. She
gave him a kindly wrinkled smile.
"Aunt Gwen, it's my pleasure," he said
grandly, escorting her into the dining room.
Suddenly, a servant tapped at Endymion's
shoulder unexpectedly.
"What is it?" He hissed, leaving his
grandaunt to another relative of his to escort her
in. "I'm just a little busy at the moment."
"Your highness," the servant began, clutching
his hat in his folded hands. "I'm sorry to
interrupt your reunion, but Stormlight, the horse,
is going frantic. The stable master said that even
though the horse is crazy, you'd be the only person
to calm him down."
"Me? The horse hates me!" Endymion put in.
"Yes your highness, but it hates the everyone
else even *more*! Please, it should only take a
moment. It's going to break down the stable doors!
People have already been injured trying to tend to
the frantic thing. It's trying to destroy
everything in sight! It's rabid I say!"
Endymion nodded. He left a quick word with
his aunt and uncle before he left.
"All right." Endymion turned to the stable
boy. "Lead the way."
Endymion reached the main stables. Even from
afar, he could hear loud crashing sounds and the
whinnies of a frantic horse trying. Quickly, he
entered into the stables just to see Stormlight paw
at the air. It had broken out of his stall and was
trying to break down the main stable door.
Miraculously, the hinges held.
Approaching the horse slowly, he said
soothing words to the horse. However, he wasn't
sure if it was for the benefit of the horse or him.
He never saw Stormlight this wild in his life.
It's eyes were widened with fear. It abandoned the
stable door and began to paw at the empty air
again.
"Calm down, Stormlight…Calm down…" A servant
handed him a few cubes of sugar and immediately
shrank away, afraid of the horse.
Endymion made a grab for the reins, however,
Stormlight reared with a loud whinny. Endymion
rolled away just in time as the hooves came
crashing down onto the grassy turf.
He brushed off the dust on his shirt.
Waiting for a proper moment, he made another grab
for the reins, this time, more gently.
Amazingly, the horse did not move. It
resisted and fidgeted back and forth a few times,
but Endymion managed to keep the beast under
control. He fed the horse the cubes of sugar he
received earlier and stroked the frightened beast's
neck thoughtfully.
"I guess the sugar was the key." Endymion
shrugged, watching the horse take the sugar eagerly
as if it was a frisky colt. The sugar seemed to be
calming it's nerves, although, it still shifted
around nervously.
Suddenly, in the distance, a loud, deafening
crash echoed into the still night. Followed by a
loud rumble. The horse began to buck and rear
nervously again, as if returning back into it's
frantic state it was before, prior to the sugar.
Endymion turned immediately and froze.
Fear crept into his widened eyes. More fear
than he had ever experienced in his life. In his
deep, stormy depths, orange-yellow light danced
dangerously in it's reflection.
The entire east wing was on fire! He dropped
the frenzied Stormlight's reins and ran toward the
burning flames. A few of the burly stable servants
managed to shake themselves out of shock and ran
behind Endymion toward the burning palace.
"Your highness!" A burly stable man cried.
"You can't go in there!" He shouted, staggering to
reach the prince.
"NOOO!!!!!" The crown prince cried insanely,
running swiftly toward the burning east wing.
Two of the large stable men caught up with
him and caught him by the arm, attempting to drag
him away from the catastrophe.
"You're going to kill yourself! Stop!"
However, Endymion still plowed on mercilessly.
It finally took two men to jump upon him to
render him immobile. However, he still tried to
make his way toward his burning family, tears
stinging his sensitive eyes.
"I'VE GOT TO SAVE THEM!" He said, his
behavior just as frantic and frenzied as Stormlight
was, and even more so. Tears fell down his eyes
freely now. However, the fire still danced
prominently in his blurred vision.
"Your highness! Get a hold of yourself!"
One of the stable men shook him vigorously,
attempting to knock him back into his senses. "No
one could survive a blast like that!" He gripped
the prince's shoulders with such force and bent
down to yell into his tender ears.
Endymion stared into the flames, sobbing like
a child. The faces of his great aunt Gwen,
Marielle and the little boy of six, his aunt and
uncle whom he loved so dearly. The people that
meant the most to him in his life. The people that
drew him from the depths of despair and turned
whatever meager happiness he had left and
cultivated it. The people who had loved him and
cherished him as their own son—were dead.
"NOOOOO!!!!!!!" He gave one last desperate
struggle to get free, clawing at the grassy turf in
despair.
***
"Your highness?" One of his lords knocked
lightly on the door. After five minutes of no
answering, he simply entered in the door.
Endymion raised his head slightly, bloodshot
eyes hidden behind the dark tresses that fell in
front of his face. He hadn't slept in days.
He vaguely remembered what had happened and
furiously appointing one of his nobles to
investigate the incident, however, he couldn't
remember which, nor did he really care.
"Your highness, I have found some evidence
that contributed to this injustice!" The lord said
triumphantly, one hand around a box, the other,
clenched around in a fist.
Endymion didn't answer. A crystal cup and an
empty decanter sat on the small table beside him on
the polished wooden surface.
"I found some fragments," the noble continued
nevertheless. He knew that the prince could hear
him.
"The material is native to one place—"
He gasped as the prince raised his head
wearily. He gazed at the noble squarely, awaiting
him to continue his sentence. His eyes were a
sullen stormy blue and dark circles had appeared
underneath his eyes.
"It is only found in the Lunarian kingdoms.
Namely the moon."
Endymion's first look was a look of shock,
then a look of pure anger.
"Are you sure?" He rasped, glaring at the
noble. The heavy smell of alcohol drifting from
his breath.
"Yes, my lord. There's no other theory. The
material confirms it. They are guilty of killing
your family and probably your parents as well," the
noble said matter-of-factly, handing the material
for Endymion to inspect.
The first question that popped into
Endymion's mind was "why"? However, he dismissed
the thought. He no longer cared. The moon was
responsible for the extermination of the entire
royal family line. They were to blame, he thought
harshly. He narrowed his eyes, handing back the
material to the noble silently.
"Your highness, we must have the coronation
earlier." The noble suggested, attempting to turn
to other topics that were deemed more important in
his mind.
Endymion didn't move.
"Leave," he dismissed the noble quietly,
voice dripping with undiminished fury.
"But, your highness, we must speak about the
coronation!" The noble informed him more urgently.
"Leave!" Endymion shouted regally, fury and
irritability building up in his eyes as he glared
at the noble.
Bowing, the noble left, intimidated by
Endymion's commanding tone. He closed the door
quietly before leaving.
For days, Endymion recounted back the
memories of his family. From the little boy who
wanted to play with his sword to great aunt Gwen
patting his cheek. He could still remember his
uncle looking at him incredulously about Stormlight
and his aunt wiping his cheek with her soft, lacy
handkerchief fondly.
He stared out the window, spotting the
glowing object in the sky that he loathed most.
His eyes stared menacingly at the moon for a goodly
amount of time before he spat out, "You will pay
dearly for this. You and your beloved
civilization!"
***
mizu: Okay, I know, I know, the changed names are
just a little confusing… okay, just to clarify
some things, here's a mini character chart:
Past Name - Future Name
Princess Serenity - Tsukino Usagi
Constance - Mizuno Ami
Eva - Hino Rei
Ceres - Kino Makoto
Vestia - Aino Minako
Prince Endymion - Chiba Mamoru
Make a little more sense to you? If not you can
always send us an e-mail:
==========================
For general questions, comments
for BOTH authors:
e-mail: mizuno_kagami@yahoo.com
For my co-author, namida:
e-mail: senshi_pluto@crystal-tokyo.com
For mizu:
e-mail: tokiya_ensui@yahoo.com
URL: www.geocities.com/mizuno_kagami
===========================
namida: how could you do that?!
mizu: do what? *looks at namida blankly*
namida: make Endymion go crazy like that! It
wasn't in the original script!
mizu: *blinks* yes it was…
namida: since when did you start following the
official script?
mizu: erm…It's not something I'm proud of… but,
well, I figured that it might be crucial in this
case…
namida: -_-* oh, readers! This fanfic
is going to be separated into four books. The
first one—
mizu: *points to the computer screen proudly*
namida: -_-* hm…where was I? Oh, the first one
is called "Voiceless Song" The other names…well,
we haven't figured out their names yet. It was
enough trouble talking to *mizu* about the title.
*sigh* all that trouble!
mizu: *pops up from piles of papers, filled with
lists of possible titles* so, people already took
most of them…*shrugs*
namida: *sighs, resigned* what *am* I going to do
with you?
mizu: give me chapter 2!
namida: why do I even bother with you? -_-*
Arigato, minna-san! Ja!
-mizu