Chapter 16 the beginin half of the celebration.
The celebration began the next day.
The Sailor Scouts and Ronin warriors were unsure just how huge the event would be. They had been told repeatedly that it would be the biggest gathering of Senshi and Ronins ever, and the celebration would be beyond imagination. When the ships arrived early in the morning, the scouts learned just how much beyond it would go. For hours as the red sun climbed higher in the sky, the hundreds of titanic starships floated overhead. They were starships from all over Senshi and Ronin-protected space, which was well over half the Galaxy. Hundreds of ships from countless quadrants and systems, carrying mind boggling numbers of Sailor Scouts and Ronin Warriors , all to celebrate their heritage. ...
I was mesmerized by the diversity of the craft and the Senshi and Ronins who emerged from the ships as they docked at the floating shipyard. She almost didn't hear the knocking at her door.
Opening the door, she saw Sailor Halo standing in the doorway. "Jenny!" she said, excitedly. "I can hardly believe it! Have you been watching all the ships?!"
"Yes!" I squealed. "It's unbelievable!"
"The others are all gathered in the lounge," Halo said. "They're all really excited! Come join us! Venom told us something will happen soon!" ... The walls shook with the engine noise, giving the illusion that the building was trembling in excitement. The scouts felt similarly excited. Sailor Strata and Sailor illusion and Sailor Wildfire were still looking out the window. Sailor Corruption Sailor Torrent, and Sailor Saturn were having a serious discussion with Sailor Pluto. I couldn't hear what the subject was. Sailor Halo and her boyfriend sage joined the rest of the group in the circle of chairs.
I was feeling slightly forgotten, and she went to join Sailor Halo, but I was pulled roughly aside by someone's hand. I squeaked in surprise, but saw it was only Sailor Strata she was leaning against the wall, and her eyes were fixed hard on Sailor Venom.
"She's making her move, Jenny," Sailor strata hissed. There was something in the way she was staring that made me unwilling to argue.
"Her move?" I asked. ..."If you remember what we talked about last night, she's got Sailor Torrent and Corruption agreeing with her. This place is making her really nervous and trapped. I've got the feeling she's going to react."
"Amy," I cautioned. "I've been thinking. Maybe you're reading too much into the past. I mean... she can't be so very untrusting. This is Sailor Venom. She won't do anything rash. You're overreacting."
Amy's eyes burned. "I'm not overreacting. I'm no psychic, but I know when someone is feeling vulnerable. Sailor Venom is feeling VERY vulnerable just now. We should keep an eye on her during the ceremonies. One false step and we could all be in trouble."
"How come Sailor illusion hasn't said anything?" I protested. "illusion IS psychic, and she hasn't picked up anything."
"illusion isn't focusing just now, and for good reason," "This whole world is a distraction to all of us. It's up to you and I to do this, Jenny. Be strong!" ... I turned and looked around the room in the corner I found my boyfriend Anubis I got up and walked over to him and he held me close I then noticed that Rowen had just joined Amy at the window I then realized that most of the ronins and sailor scouts were together in groups of boy girl. Even Amara and Michelle who were talking with trista and Sekhmet had Cale and Cye standing next to them. "I don't know, Sailor venom," Sailor Torrent and Cye were clearly reluctant. "They have treated us with nothing but decency and kindness since we've been here, with few exceptions. I don't see where you're ideas are coming from."
"Listen to me," Venom replied. "I know this place and its history better than anyone. Our welcome will wear thin soon. When that happens I need you two to do exactly as I say. Only we can protect the others when the other Senshi and Ronins turn against us."
Sailor Corruption and Cale said nothing. they studied Venom's face, noticed the same cool rationality that was always present there. "Maybe you're being too nervous, Venom," They both said doubtfully, "but Cye and Sailor torrent and Cale and I will stand by just in case. We won't let anything bad happen to our friends." ...
"I don't think anything bad WILL happen," Sailor torrent looked even more doubtful as she studied Sailor Venom. "On the other hand, Venom hasn't been wrong before. If you say there's a danger, however small, then We will be prepared for it. But We won't do anything until I see for myself what's wrong."
"Thank you." Venom nodded. "I wouldn't expect you to react otherwise." ...
Eventually, as the sun was reaching its apex in the sky and began to descend toward afternoon, the ships tapered off. The rest of the activity quickly picked up. The sky was filled with flying Senshi. As the scouts watched, enraptured, from their lounge room, the Senshi created a spectacle.
First, about fifteen Senshi flew upward and traced energy trails in the blue sky in fifteen different colors. They drew an intricate design that seemed oddly three dimensional and complex. None of them had any idea what it represented, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
No sooner did the first group finish, but another group picked up next to the design and traced their own in fifteen new colors. It went on like that for a while, until what looked like a three dimensional message was etched across the sky in more different colors than the scouts ever imagined existed. Amy hazarded a guess that it was the three dimensional representations of their home world symbols. Like a parade of nations at the Olympics on Earth. ... The fireworks went off next. They launched from the tops of the buildings and exploded in sparkling wonder. They exploded in the midst of the message, and played light tricks on the building sides. More Senshi flew around and threw little pieces of solid energy about. The energy took the form of bubbles and they exploded into dancing lights that wove their way in and out of the skyscrapers with a life of their own.
For most of the afternoon, it went on like this. As the sun was going down below the horizon, a floating platform appeared. The princess of Alpha Senshi stood upon it, with Galaxia, the Starlights, and some of the council members: Sailor Rainbow Prism, Sailor Singularity, and Sailor Alpha Senshi. The three councilors flew up and created a triangular design with their energies and framed it around the platform. The mirrors atop the buildings caught light from the other side of the planet and reflected it around in a gigantic design. It too framed the platform, and eventually spotlighted directly onto it.
There was a collective roar from all the Senshi as they cheered and gathered around the princess. A reverential cry went up from the Senshi: "Kakyuu... Kakyuu... Kakyuu!!" ...
Sailor Rainbow Prism broke off from the honor guard and dove toward the building with the Sailor Scouts inside. She flew right up to the window.
"C'MON YOU GUYS!!" she bubbled. "YOU AREN'T GOING TO SPEND THE NEXT FEW DAYS COOPED UP IN THERE, ARE YOU?!!"
Feeling slightly sheepish, the scouts looked at one another and flew out the windows. They rushed up to blend into the crowd. They went virtually unnoticed as the Senshi simply accepted their presence in the ceremony. Their rapt attention was on the princess and her platform.
"Yalla... Cirga... Alpha Senshi!" she motioned toward the lights in the air. "Hella... Sirjaha... Mahayashis... Bishojou Senshi... Sailor WildFire and Sailor Cruelty!"
The spotlight immediately sought out Sailor Wildfire and me we were very shocked . we found thousands upon millions of eyes on her, and we gulped in nervousness.
"Go ahead, you two. It's alright," Rainbow Prism encouraged. We were eased a little by the smiling Senshi, and we made our way out into the open. She ventured out slowly, and the princess, as if sensing our uncertainty, motioned for us to approach.
we flew upward and alighted on the platform. Sailor Rainbow Prism and the other councilors landed nearby. The princess put her hands on my shoulders and kissed both of her cheeks she then did the same to amber. She turned us to look out at the crowd and showed us to the rest of the Senshi. The spotlight made us want to close our eyes against the glare, but we kept them open, determined to make a good impression. ... The silence was shattered by a new roar of respect and devotion. The warm feelings surged and washed over us like an ocean of love. At that moment, we ceased being outsiders, and for the first time, felt she was a part of something much larger than anything she'd ever been a part of before.
When the noise died down, Sailor Rainbow Prism leaned in and translated for her. "The princess just introduced you to the family, so to speak," Prism said. "Her message was: 'welcome to beautiful Alpha Senshi! Now meet our newest daughters, the pretty soldiers Sailor Wildfire and Sailor Cruelty!'"
"Daughters?" I inquired.
"It is a title of devotion given by the princess to only the most honored guests at the celebration. In the unlikely event anyone makes trouble with you or your friends, she will have to answer to Princess Kakyuu directly, and therefore to Galaxia to face punishment." Rainbow leaned away and smiled again. ...
We were elated. So much so that the opening ceremonies seemed to fly by her like a breeze. There were more words of welcome from the princess, followed by a fireworks display that lasted for hours, and then a huge party down in the park. Lights like the ones ignited from the energy bubbles were draped over the tree leaves. There was food and drink to be had, and amber and I gladly dug into the delights. The other Sailor Scouts happily participated too. Sailor Halo danced with a few other unknown Senshi from an unknown realm Sage made friends with Ronins he never knew existed. Sailor Strata and illusion met a set of twins named Sailor Emerald Star and Sailor Ruby Star and chatted with them. Rowen met a Ronin called Steve of happiness and the talked for awhile . Sailor torrent and Cye decided to dance together. Sailor Hardrock and Kento talked with Sailor Rainbow Prism, and seemed taken in completely by all the beautiful strangers. Rainbow introduced them to other Senshi who were friends with her... Sailor Strata and Rowen was soon challenged to a friendly game that was very much like chess. She learned the ropes swiftly and even surprised many by winning in only the second game. She soon drew a crowd of admirers as she beat Senshi after Senshi in the game.
Sailor venom and Sekhmet kept up a polite front, but did not kibitz as openly as the others. they simply maintained a watchful eye on her friends. they drank from a sweet potion from the selection of Senshi and Ronin brews and scanned the crowd that stretched on for miles and beyond. Despite their fears, they couldn't help thinking that the people of Alpha Senshi really DID know how to throw a party. ...
The party broke up at an indeterminate hour of the evening. The scouts were wondering what was going on, when they were told by Rainbow that the celebration was over for the rest of the night. The actual celebration would begin tomorrow at the crack of dawn, so she encouraged them to go home and get some sleep.
Inside the floating hotel, the Sailor Scouts and Ronin warriors gathered and talked excitedly to one another. There was going to be little sleep tonight. Tomorrow held so very many possibilities! ...
"Contests?" Sailor Corruption asked the next morning.
Sailor Rainbow Prism, who had become a familiar face around the team, nodded in her usual childish enthusiasm. "Yup! Contests of strength, of speed, of intelligence, anything you can imagine, and even a few you can't! They're a natural part of any event in Senshi and Ronin life. Contests not only help us sharpen our abilities, but they keep us on our toes and battle ready, even in peacetime. This celebration is the perfect place to stage a few mock battles and such! Every year, we decide who is the best among us in terms of each ability!"
Sailor Corruption became thoughtful. "Contests..." she murmured. "Is anyone allowed to participate?"
"Of course!" Rainbow smiled. "Do you want to enter?" ...
Sailor Venom shook her head ever so slightly, but Corruption ignored her. What could possibly go wrong, anyway? "You said contests of speed. Do you mean in running, or in riding, or in flight?"
"If you like, I could get your name entered in all three!" Rainbow seemed very pleased that she already had a would-be volunteer. "The Senshi here are very curious to see all of you in action. There's probably a skill contest for each of you... Even you, Sailor Venom."
Venom smiled. "No thank you, Prism. I'll pass." Her voice was sweet; almost too sweet. It was no secret just what she thought of their informal guide.
Prism's smile flickered for a second, then beamed brightly again. "Okay, then," she replied. She turned to the rest of the group. So... Any other volunteers?" ... Sailor Venus raised her hand politely. "Is it safe?"
"Of course it's safe!" Rainbow Prism seemed taken aback. "No dies or gets severely hurt, if that's what you mean. They're simple contests!"
"we've already entered in the intelligence contests," Sailor Strata and Rowen exclaimed . "Someone told us about it last night at the park, and we couldn't resist.
Sailor illusion whispered to Sailor Hardrock: "they won't admit it, but they are confident they can beat anyone they play. If I had money on me, I'd put it on Amy and Rowen." ...
"You see? There's something for everyone!" Rainbow Prism got more excited. "There's music competitions for Sailor Torrent. There are fashion contests for Sailor Hardrock. There are Psychic skills events for Sailor illusion. There's even an arena for free-for-all fighting competitions if you just want to let off some pent up energy or frustration. The prizes are fantastic, and even if you don't win, you get respect for participation from everyone around you."
"I suppose our team needs some respect on this world," Sailor Venom agreed, though there was an odd inflection in her voice. She stared intently at Rainbow Prism. "After all, we might want to send a message to those who think of us as less than worthy allies."
"No, no! You've got it all wrong!" Rainbow protested, her face displaying shock. "There's none of that here!" ...
"Why don't you ask Sailor Nebula just what she thinks of us?" Sailor Venom shot back. Her voice was still calm, but it had cooled several HUNDRED degrees. "Then tell me there's none of that here."
Rainbow Prism looked around the room as if for an escape. "Sailor Venom, please, there's no reason to be so suspicious. Sailor Nebula is distrustful of ALL outsiders! Don't take her behavior as a sample of what everyone here feels. That's prejudice!"
"Don't speak to me of prejudice, Sailor Rainbow Prism," Sailor Venom replied. "I experienced that first hand."
Sailor Torrent began to look alarmed as the argument heated up. The rest of the Sailor Scouts became uncomfortable for being in the middle of this. I only caught a dark look from Amy, and nodded. Whatever doubts she had before, they were slowly draining away. I tensed Myself for impending trouble. ...Sailor Rainbow Prism decided to drop the cornered animal routine, and her facade melted away entirely. Suddenly, Prism was no longer a childish girl, she too took on a hard look. It was at that moment when just about everyone in the room figured out that the whole thing so far had been an act.
"Sailor Venom, I will ask you one last time, and I beg you to take it," Rainbow Prism's voice remained girlish, but that just made her true self seem that much more chilling. "Don't dredge up old memories. We have accepted our mistakes of the past, and are willing to put all this behind you. Your very presence on Alpha Senshi indicates our intentions are noble."
"Noble?" Sailor Venom looked skeptical. "Prove your vaunted nobility. I'll be watching you, Sailor Rainbow Prism. If your people so much as sneeze wrong, I'll be there to defend my teammates." ..."There will be nothing to defend, Sailor Venom," Prism said with some finality. "You want to chew on old soup, and regurgitate it into your twisted philosophy, fine. But don't you DARE turn those thoughts into action. I speak for the princess when I say that you are here as a token of gratitude. But gratitude, in your case Sailor Venom, is limited."
"I won't pretend to know what the Hell this is all about," Sailor Corruption rose to her feet to face Rainbow Prism. "But if that is a threat..."
"Please, Sailor Corruption, there will be no more trouble on our parts. I will forget this whole episode the moment I leave this room, as should you." Sailor Rainbow Prism turned to exit. When she turned to say goodbye, her seriousness had vanished under that remarkable layer of hyper happiness. "Enjoy the rest of the ceremonies, Sailor Scouts of Earth! You don't want to miss it for anything!" And with that anticlimactic exit, she was out the door. ...Sailor Torrent was on her feet also. "Sailor Venom, just what in the stars is going on here?! What was that whole thing about?!"
"Never mind, Sailor Torrent," Sailor Venom's voice clearly indicated she wasn't going to talk about it. "It is in the past. Let me worry about matters of time."
"Damn it, Venom!" Sailor Corruption protested. "We're a little confused here? Is that the trouble you told us to watch out for?
Amber, Amy and I and many of the Ronin and sailor scouts(excluding amara and Michelle) rose to our feet and looked at trista" What trouble is that?" we asked." The only trouble I saw in here was coming straight from her." we pointed accusing fingers at Sailor Venom.
Torrent and Corruption were dumbstruck. "What do you mean, you guys" Torrent replied
"Why did you do that, Sailor Venom?" we ignored the other two. "Why did you go out of your way to needle her like that? She was just being polite."
Sailor Venom folded her hands. "You wouldn't understand. There are levels of the past you could never comprehend." ... most of us backed down after that but Amy and Rowen did not." Oh, I have a pretty good idea!" Amy pressed onward. " Rowen and I read all about it in the archives of the Alpha Senshi Library. Is that the worthless piece of past you don't want to tell us about? Do you not want to say anything because you know as well as I that it would destroy the credibility you've built up around yourself?"
"Sailor Strata.. Sailor venom!" Sailor Halo was gripping her head in confusion. "What in tarnation is going on here?! What happened in the past?!" The rest of the team looked frightened.
"Don't tell me you bought that crap that the Alpha Senshi computers fed you," Sailor Venom remained icy calm, but her red eyes were showing some strain. They were treading in dangerous waters. Her cheek began to twitch. Amy knew it was nervousness that was lurking beneath the outer shell. "History is written by those who have committed the crimes. I am the only reliable source of History, because I have lived through most of it." ..."Oh, I forgot," Amy's voice became nastily sarcastic. "The word of Sailor venom is unquestionable. She's so very obviously above the petty prejudices and hatreds that us puny mortals experience."
"Amy, that's not what she-" Sailor Corruption stepped in.
"Shut up, Corruption !"
Sailor Corruption stumbled backward. In all the years she knew Amy she had never taken such a stance against any of them. Was it possible she was right? Was Sailor Venom really in the wrong in this case?
"In this case, Amy, you are wrong, "Venom denied. "As guardian of time, I am above petty alterations of history. True history cannot be hidden. I have seen the truth behind everything in time." ..."But in the end it all comes down to you telling us second hand, and that is where it all breaks down." Amy crossed her arms and scowled. "You may know the truth, but knowing and telling are two completely different things. The truth is you have every reason to cover up what truly happened. Tell me I'm wrong, Venom!"
"You seek to attack my credibility?" Sailor Venom retorted. "How dare you?!" ...
Amy was advancing slowly on Sailor Venom. "Let me tell you a little something about credibility, Venom," she continued her verbal assault with renewed vigor. "No one has it. Credibility is a notion that anyone could be telling the truth. The pure, entire, and unvarnished, truth. But no one ever knows the truth about anything. Perception alters it to the specifications of that person. Honesty is real, but credibility is an impossible dream. The truth always gets altered, or rubbed out, or fixed, or whatever. I know full well that the data in that library is fixed to Alpha Senshi's perceptions, but in the same token, I know that your version of the story is fixed as well. The question comes down to who exactly is most honest." ... To say a cloud was hanging over the team as they dispersed for the celebration would have been an understatement. Not even the brilliant spectacle of Alpha Senshi was enough to completely tear their minds away from the disturbing events of that morning.
Amber and I were still brooding over that incident herself when Sailor Starmaker approached her near the arena.
"Thinking about joining the Sailor Games, you two?" she asked
"Huh?" we hadn't heard her coming up behind her. "Oh, hi there. No, I was just looking at it. It's pretty large. How many seats does it hold?" ... "Full capacity is just over 500,000," Starmaker replied proudly. "The arena floor itself is almost two miles long and a mile wide.
"Wow," we said, without much real enthusiasm.
Starmaker, for the first time, noticed our gloominess. "What's the matter, princesses?"
"It's just something that happened this morning," we shook our heads. "Sailor venom was acting very strange. Tell me, what do you know about her history with this place?" Starmaker looked around as if for prying ears, then moved in closer to amber and me "I'm not really supposed to talk about it, but you're a friend, so I'll take that risk. You're referring to the Alpha Senshi rebellion of 500,000 years ago. That's back when sailor venom was sailor Pluto and when we first met her.
"She came to our world from the future, or so she said. She was there on a foray from the timestream, studying history for knowledge. You see, at the time she had only just been appointed guardian of the timestream in the future, and she wanted to know as much about history as possible to be more effective. She did not realize she stumbled upon a turning point in Alpha Senshi history. ..."At that time, a radical Senshi named Sailor Serenity, who by the way is your great great great great great great great great great great great great grandmother, rose in the ranks of the Alpha Senshi government, until she occupied the position of power that Galaxia has now, second only to the Princess Kakyuu. But Serenity coveted more and more power. She developed a notion that was totally incomprehensible for Senshi or Ronins. She thought of other beings in the galaxy as lesser than Senshi and Ronins. She looked upon the various races as children, almost like Galaxia does, only she went a step further than Galaxia would ever dare go. She went so far as proposing that the Senshi and Ronins should conquer the stars, fighting evil en-masse. They could occupy every system if they had to and force their protection and goodness on the various populations of those systems." ... "we can see why that didn't go over well," amber and I said. "Forceful protection is another term for 'Big Brother'."
"Or in this case: 'Big Sister'." Starmaker agreed. "Yes. The princess at the time was Kakyuu's great great great great great great great great great great great great grandmother, and she was a staunch anti-interventionist. She took the opposite extreme view. That Senshi should isolate themselves from the Galaxy and concentrate on turning their world into a fortress against evil. At the time she had the majority of the council feeling that way as well.
"Sailor Serenity was not going to let the council decide, however. She used her governmental position to order an occupation of the Wrath System; a system that is only a few lightyears from here. The princess and her council were not pleased, especially when it was learned that a few of the natives were killed when they resisted. The deaths were most likely accidental. Even Serenity didn't kill unless there was no other option. But her move got her thrown out of government and banished from Alpha Senshi. ... "During this quiet period, Serenity met Sailor Pluto. Pluto was still young at this point, and since she was aware that this woman was an ancestor of Queen Serenity, under whom she served, she thought it an honor to meet her. It is easy to see how she could have been swayed by Sailor Serenity." "So what happened after that?" we were totally taken in by this story.
"Sailor Pluto vowed to help Sailor Serenity take back Alpha Senshi. They raised an army of Senshi and Ronins who were not from our world. They were called Doma Shin Senshi and Ronins: Sailor Scouts and Ronins warriors from the Outer Realms. They were wild Senshi and Ronins who refused to be tamed under civilization. They thought they could make a bigger difference in the Universe by themselves. Unfortunately, over the centuries, they became mercenaries instead of soldiers. Sailor Serenity and Sailor Pluto promised them much wealth if they helped her take back the planet. The Doma Shin flocked from far and wide with that promise. There were even a few Senshi from our world who joined her rebellion. ... "Sailor Pluto directly led Serenity's forces into battle. They invaded Alpha Senshi and made for the palace to hold the princess hostage. What Serenity or Pluto did not consider was that they were already second-guessed. Sailor Galaxia was a fairly young soldier whose powers had made her a Sailor of note to her peers. No one realized yet she was a Prime Senshi, but she had already made a name for herself in the military. Now, just as she was entering politics, the rebellion fell into her lap. Galaxia was intelligent and adept at political intrigue. She alone, was aware that Serenity would try such a bold move as invading the palace and holding the princess hostage. So she diverted half the army in around the throne room to protect her."
our hearts pounded. "There was a fight?" ...
"The battle on the perimeter served as only a diversion, and so there were few casualties there. What makes this episode regrettable is what happened once Sailor Serenity realized she'd been outsmarted. A vicious fight broke out between the palace guards and Serenity's attack force. There was much damage to surrounding buildings as they fought in among the city itself. Some brave Sailors died that day.
"Sailor Pluto managed to get into the palace and into the throne room. She was ambushed and taken prisoner by the palace guards, but they underestimated her strength. Sailor Pluto broke free and killed her captors."
"Killed?! No!" we gasped in disbelief. ...Starmaker only nodded. "She killed them in anger. So devoted was she to Sailor Serenity's cause at this point that she felt any extreme was necessary. Like I said before, she was young, and didn't know that she was having an extreme impact on history. She was having such a strong impact, in fact, that her own mother, Queen Helen, and a detachment of Sailor Soldiers from Queen Serenity's Moon Kingdom came through time to the past to stop her.
"It was their intervention which helped put an end to the rebellion. Sailor Pluto was wreaking havoc inside, but was met by Galaxia. She was nearly killed in that confrontation. Only a last moment plea from her mother prevented the inevitable. Sailor Pluto tried to explain her reasons for doing this, but her mother was angered and betrayed. She was disgusted that her own daughter would use her powers to take lives instead of save them. When she told her daughter of what she'd wrought, Pluto finally came to her senses and was filled with remorse. ..."Iniquity apologized to the princess and the Alpha Senshi government. Sailor Serenity was captured soon afterward, and the Doma Shin broke off and fled. Helen could not persuade her daughter she was in the wrong. Sailor Pluto believed that she'd been doing the right thing. She regretted having to kill, but she didn't regret her role in the incident. Her mother had no choice. She had to stand by and watch as Sailor Pluto and Serenity were punished.
"Serenity was given the ultimate humiliation. She was banished to the farthest corner of the galaxy. To a backwater system with no name. Sailor Pluto was seen as a traitor. She had been welcomed to this time period as a guest, and she repaid them by openly defying and killing Alpha Senshians. For her crimes she was given forty lashings with a solar whip. Queen Helen did not intercede because she had no power, and also because she felt that her daughter at least partially needed a tough lesson. ...
"Sailor venom carries those scars to this day. She was beaten nearly to death's door while her mother stood by and watched. It was a humiliation of gigantic proportion, and she has never yet forgiven our people for that punishment. Sailor Galaxia was there as her executor of punishment, so as long as she lives, it may be impossible for Sailor venom to forgive us. But her hatred is also a cover for her guilt. Indeed those whose blood she spilled weigh very heavily on her conscience, but she copes with it by blaming those deaths on us as well. It is a vicious cycle."
we were silent for several minutes. Off in the distance, the sounds of celebration echoed among the tall copper buildings of the city. Below, the arena began to fill up for the first of many contests that were the main attraction of this whole party.
"This unnamed system," she said finally. "I suppose you're going to tell us it was the Solar System." ...
"Yes," Starmaker replied. "Sailor Serenity found a system full of nine worlds she could rule. Some of the Doma Shin had been quite impressed by Serenity and followed her to the system. They helped her establish a kingdom on the primary moon of the planet Earth. She signed an alliance with the ruler of Earth, the ancestor to Tuxedo Mask, and her Doma Shin followers became rulers of the nine planets. Their numbers spread over the centuries. Sailor Serenity became simply Queen Serenity. She named her first daughter Serenity as well, but her Senshi name was Sailor Moon. When your grandmother took over after the 11 Serenities died, she decided to make it a tradition for the name Sailor Moon to be handed down. Eventually it got to you. You know most of the rest of the story after that."
we wiped tears from our eyes. "we have always wondered how the Moon Kingdom began," we said. "It's awful that such extremes had to be taken for that to occur." .."Please don't tell anyone I told you this," Starmaker pleaded. "If word gets back to Galaxia, I'll be punished. Galaxia wanted to make this experience for you to be unforgettable, and to learn of the past might hamper that. Galaxia truly does like you, , and she doesn't want you to feel any less about her."
"Thank you, Taiki," we said. "And don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. I just need some time to think about it all."
"I hope you enjoy yourself here. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk before you leave." Sailor Starmaker took off. "I have to get back to the princess now." amber and I watched her fly away, then turned away.
Sailor Venom. Why didn't you tell us? we thought. If you didn't want to come, you could have only said so. we didn't mean to drag you here and cause you such pain.
The celebration began the next day.
The Sailor Scouts and Ronin warriors were unsure just how huge the event would be. They had been told repeatedly that it would be the biggest gathering of Senshi and Ronins ever, and the celebration would be beyond imagination. When the ships arrived early in the morning, the scouts learned just how much beyond it would go. For hours as the red sun climbed higher in the sky, the hundreds of titanic starships floated overhead. They were starships from all over Senshi and Ronin-protected space, which was well over half the Galaxy. Hundreds of ships from countless quadrants and systems, carrying mind boggling numbers of Sailor Scouts and Ronin Warriors , all to celebrate their heritage. ...
I was mesmerized by the diversity of the craft and the Senshi and Ronins who emerged from the ships as they docked at the floating shipyard. She almost didn't hear the knocking at her door.
Opening the door, she saw Sailor Halo standing in the doorway. "Jenny!" she said, excitedly. "I can hardly believe it! Have you been watching all the ships?!"
"Yes!" I squealed. "It's unbelievable!"
"The others are all gathered in the lounge," Halo said. "They're all really excited! Come join us! Venom told us something will happen soon!" ... The walls shook with the engine noise, giving the illusion that the building was trembling in excitement. The scouts felt similarly excited. Sailor Strata and Sailor illusion and Sailor Wildfire were still looking out the window. Sailor Corruption Sailor Torrent, and Sailor Saturn were having a serious discussion with Sailor Pluto. I couldn't hear what the subject was. Sailor Halo and her boyfriend sage joined the rest of the group in the circle of chairs.
I was feeling slightly forgotten, and she went to join Sailor Halo, but I was pulled roughly aside by someone's hand. I squeaked in surprise, but saw it was only Sailor Strata she was leaning against the wall, and her eyes were fixed hard on Sailor Venom.
"She's making her move, Jenny," Sailor strata hissed. There was something in the way she was staring that made me unwilling to argue.
"Her move?" I asked. ..."If you remember what we talked about last night, she's got Sailor Torrent and Corruption agreeing with her. This place is making her really nervous and trapped. I've got the feeling she's going to react."
"Amy," I cautioned. "I've been thinking. Maybe you're reading too much into the past. I mean... she can't be so very untrusting. This is Sailor Venom. She won't do anything rash. You're overreacting."
Amy's eyes burned. "I'm not overreacting. I'm no psychic, but I know when someone is feeling vulnerable. Sailor Venom is feeling VERY vulnerable just now. We should keep an eye on her during the ceremonies. One false step and we could all be in trouble."
"How come Sailor illusion hasn't said anything?" I protested. "illusion IS psychic, and she hasn't picked up anything."
"illusion isn't focusing just now, and for good reason," "This whole world is a distraction to all of us. It's up to you and I to do this, Jenny. Be strong!" ... I turned and looked around the room in the corner I found my boyfriend Anubis I got up and walked over to him and he held me close I then noticed that Rowen had just joined Amy at the window I then realized that most of the ronins and sailor scouts were together in groups of boy girl. Even Amara and Michelle who were talking with trista and Sekhmet had Cale and Cye standing next to them. "I don't know, Sailor venom," Sailor Torrent and Cye were clearly reluctant. "They have treated us with nothing but decency and kindness since we've been here, with few exceptions. I don't see where you're ideas are coming from."
"Listen to me," Venom replied. "I know this place and its history better than anyone. Our welcome will wear thin soon. When that happens I need you two to do exactly as I say. Only we can protect the others when the other Senshi and Ronins turn against us."
Sailor Corruption and Cale said nothing. they studied Venom's face, noticed the same cool rationality that was always present there. "Maybe you're being too nervous, Venom," They both said doubtfully, "but Cye and Sailor torrent and Cale and I will stand by just in case. We won't let anything bad happen to our friends." ...
"I don't think anything bad WILL happen," Sailor torrent looked even more doubtful as she studied Sailor Venom. "On the other hand, Venom hasn't been wrong before. If you say there's a danger, however small, then We will be prepared for it. But We won't do anything until I see for myself what's wrong."
"Thank you." Venom nodded. "I wouldn't expect you to react otherwise." ...
Eventually, as the sun was reaching its apex in the sky and began to descend toward afternoon, the ships tapered off. The rest of the activity quickly picked up. The sky was filled with flying Senshi. As the scouts watched, enraptured, from their lounge room, the Senshi created a spectacle.
First, about fifteen Senshi flew upward and traced energy trails in the blue sky in fifteen different colors. They drew an intricate design that seemed oddly three dimensional and complex. None of them had any idea what it represented, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
No sooner did the first group finish, but another group picked up next to the design and traced their own in fifteen new colors. It went on like that for a while, until what looked like a three dimensional message was etched across the sky in more different colors than the scouts ever imagined existed. Amy hazarded a guess that it was the three dimensional representations of their home world symbols. Like a parade of nations at the Olympics on Earth. ... The fireworks went off next. They launched from the tops of the buildings and exploded in sparkling wonder. They exploded in the midst of the message, and played light tricks on the building sides. More Senshi flew around and threw little pieces of solid energy about. The energy took the form of bubbles and they exploded into dancing lights that wove their way in and out of the skyscrapers with a life of their own.
For most of the afternoon, it went on like this. As the sun was going down below the horizon, a floating platform appeared. The princess of Alpha Senshi stood upon it, with Galaxia, the Starlights, and some of the council members: Sailor Rainbow Prism, Sailor Singularity, and Sailor Alpha Senshi. The three councilors flew up and created a triangular design with their energies and framed it around the platform. The mirrors atop the buildings caught light from the other side of the planet and reflected it around in a gigantic design. It too framed the platform, and eventually spotlighted directly onto it.
There was a collective roar from all the Senshi as they cheered and gathered around the princess. A reverential cry went up from the Senshi: "Kakyuu... Kakyuu... Kakyuu!!" ...
Sailor Rainbow Prism broke off from the honor guard and dove toward the building with the Sailor Scouts inside. She flew right up to the window.
"C'MON YOU GUYS!!" she bubbled. "YOU AREN'T GOING TO SPEND THE NEXT FEW DAYS COOPED UP IN THERE, ARE YOU?!!"
Feeling slightly sheepish, the scouts looked at one another and flew out the windows. They rushed up to blend into the crowd. They went virtually unnoticed as the Senshi simply accepted their presence in the ceremony. Their rapt attention was on the princess and her platform.
"Yalla... Cirga... Alpha Senshi!" she motioned toward the lights in the air. "Hella... Sirjaha... Mahayashis... Bishojou Senshi... Sailor WildFire and Sailor Cruelty!"
The spotlight immediately sought out Sailor Wildfire and me we were very shocked . we found thousands upon millions of eyes on her, and we gulped in nervousness.
"Go ahead, you two. It's alright," Rainbow Prism encouraged. We were eased a little by the smiling Senshi, and we made our way out into the open. She ventured out slowly, and the princess, as if sensing our uncertainty, motioned for us to approach.
we flew upward and alighted on the platform. Sailor Rainbow Prism and the other councilors landed nearby. The princess put her hands on my shoulders and kissed both of her cheeks she then did the same to amber. She turned us to look out at the crowd and showed us to the rest of the Senshi. The spotlight made us want to close our eyes against the glare, but we kept them open, determined to make a good impression. ... The silence was shattered by a new roar of respect and devotion. The warm feelings surged and washed over us like an ocean of love. At that moment, we ceased being outsiders, and for the first time, felt she was a part of something much larger than anything she'd ever been a part of before.
When the noise died down, Sailor Rainbow Prism leaned in and translated for her. "The princess just introduced you to the family, so to speak," Prism said. "Her message was: 'welcome to beautiful Alpha Senshi! Now meet our newest daughters, the pretty soldiers Sailor Wildfire and Sailor Cruelty!'"
"Daughters?" I inquired.
"It is a title of devotion given by the princess to only the most honored guests at the celebration. In the unlikely event anyone makes trouble with you or your friends, she will have to answer to Princess Kakyuu directly, and therefore to Galaxia to face punishment." Rainbow leaned away and smiled again. ...
We were elated. So much so that the opening ceremonies seemed to fly by her like a breeze. There were more words of welcome from the princess, followed by a fireworks display that lasted for hours, and then a huge party down in the park. Lights like the ones ignited from the energy bubbles were draped over the tree leaves. There was food and drink to be had, and amber and I gladly dug into the delights. The other Sailor Scouts happily participated too. Sailor Halo danced with a few other unknown Senshi from an unknown realm Sage made friends with Ronins he never knew existed. Sailor Strata and illusion met a set of twins named Sailor Emerald Star and Sailor Ruby Star and chatted with them. Rowen met a Ronin called Steve of happiness and the talked for awhile . Sailor torrent and Cye decided to dance together. Sailor Hardrock and Kento talked with Sailor Rainbow Prism, and seemed taken in completely by all the beautiful strangers. Rainbow introduced them to other Senshi who were friends with her... Sailor Strata and Rowen was soon challenged to a friendly game that was very much like chess. She learned the ropes swiftly and even surprised many by winning in only the second game. She soon drew a crowd of admirers as she beat Senshi after Senshi in the game.
Sailor venom and Sekhmet kept up a polite front, but did not kibitz as openly as the others. they simply maintained a watchful eye on her friends. they drank from a sweet potion from the selection of Senshi and Ronin brews and scanned the crowd that stretched on for miles and beyond. Despite their fears, they couldn't help thinking that the people of Alpha Senshi really DID know how to throw a party. ...
The party broke up at an indeterminate hour of the evening. The scouts were wondering what was going on, when they were told by Rainbow that the celebration was over for the rest of the night. The actual celebration would begin tomorrow at the crack of dawn, so she encouraged them to go home and get some sleep.
Inside the floating hotel, the Sailor Scouts and Ronin warriors gathered and talked excitedly to one another. There was going to be little sleep tonight. Tomorrow held so very many possibilities! ...
"Contests?" Sailor Corruption asked the next morning.
Sailor Rainbow Prism, who had become a familiar face around the team, nodded in her usual childish enthusiasm. "Yup! Contests of strength, of speed, of intelligence, anything you can imagine, and even a few you can't! They're a natural part of any event in Senshi and Ronin life. Contests not only help us sharpen our abilities, but they keep us on our toes and battle ready, even in peacetime. This celebration is the perfect place to stage a few mock battles and such! Every year, we decide who is the best among us in terms of each ability!"
Sailor Corruption became thoughtful. "Contests..." she murmured. "Is anyone allowed to participate?"
"Of course!" Rainbow smiled. "Do you want to enter?" ...
Sailor Venom shook her head ever so slightly, but Corruption ignored her. What could possibly go wrong, anyway? "You said contests of speed. Do you mean in running, or in riding, or in flight?"
"If you like, I could get your name entered in all three!" Rainbow seemed very pleased that she already had a would-be volunteer. "The Senshi here are very curious to see all of you in action. There's probably a skill contest for each of you... Even you, Sailor Venom."
Venom smiled. "No thank you, Prism. I'll pass." Her voice was sweet; almost too sweet. It was no secret just what she thought of their informal guide.
Prism's smile flickered for a second, then beamed brightly again. "Okay, then," she replied. She turned to the rest of the group. So... Any other volunteers?" ... Sailor Venus raised her hand politely. "Is it safe?"
"Of course it's safe!" Rainbow Prism seemed taken aback. "No dies or gets severely hurt, if that's what you mean. They're simple contests!"
"we've already entered in the intelligence contests," Sailor Strata and Rowen exclaimed . "Someone told us about it last night at the park, and we couldn't resist.
Sailor illusion whispered to Sailor Hardrock: "they won't admit it, but they are confident they can beat anyone they play. If I had money on me, I'd put it on Amy and Rowen." ...
"You see? There's something for everyone!" Rainbow Prism got more excited. "There's music competitions for Sailor Torrent. There are fashion contests for Sailor Hardrock. There are Psychic skills events for Sailor illusion. There's even an arena for free-for-all fighting competitions if you just want to let off some pent up energy or frustration. The prizes are fantastic, and even if you don't win, you get respect for participation from everyone around you."
"I suppose our team needs some respect on this world," Sailor Venom agreed, though there was an odd inflection in her voice. She stared intently at Rainbow Prism. "After all, we might want to send a message to those who think of us as less than worthy allies."
"No, no! You've got it all wrong!" Rainbow protested, her face displaying shock. "There's none of that here!" ...
"Why don't you ask Sailor Nebula just what she thinks of us?" Sailor Venom shot back. Her voice was still calm, but it had cooled several HUNDRED degrees. "Then tell me there's none of that here."
Rainbow Prism looked around the room as if for an escape. "Sailor Venom, please, there's no reason to be so suspicious. Sailor Nebula is distrustful of ALL outsiders! Don't take her behavior as a sample of what everyone here feels. That's prejudice!"
"Don't speak to me of prejudice, Sailor Rainbow Prism," Sailor Venom replied. "I experienced that first hand."
Sailor Torrent began to look alarmed as the argument heated up. The rest of the Sailor Scouts became uncomfortable for being in the middle of this. I only caught a dark look from Amy, and nodded. Whatever doubts she had before, they were slowly draining away. I tensed Myself for impending trouble. ...Sailor Rainbow Prism decided to drop the cornered animal routine, and her facade melted away entirely. Suddenly, Prism was no longer a childish girl, she too took on a hard look. It was at that moment when just about everyone in the room figured out that the whole thing so far had been an act.
"Sailor Venom, I will ask you one last time, and I beg you to take it," Rainbow Prism's voice remained girlish, but that just made her true self seem that much more chilling. "Don't dredge up old memories. We have accepted our mistakes of the past, and are willing to put all this behind you. Your very presence on Alpha Senshi indicates our intentions are noble."
"Noble?" Sailor Venom looked skeptical. "Prove your vaunted nobility. I'll be watching you, Sailor Rainbow Prism. If your people so much as sneeze wrong, I'll be there to defend my teammates." ..."There will be nothing to defend, Sailor Venom," Prism said with some finality. "You want to chew on old soup, and regurgitate it into your twisted philosophy, fine. But don't you DARE turn those thoughts into action. I speak for the princess when I say that you are here as a token of gratitude. But gratitude, in your case Sailor Venom, is limited."
"I won't pretend to know what the Hell this is all about," Sailor Corruption rose to her feet to face Rainbow Prism. "But if that is a threat..."
"Please, Sailor Corruption, there will be no more trouble on our parts. I will forget this whole episode the moment I leave this room, as should you." Sailor Rainbow Prism turned to exit. When she turned to say goodbye, her seriousness had vanished under that remarkable layer of hyper happiness. "Enjoy the rest of the ceremonies, Sailor Scouts of Earth! You don't want to miss it for anything!" And with that anticlimactic exit, she was out the door. ...Sailor Torrent was on her feet also. "Sailor Venom, just what in the stars is going on here?! What was that whole thing about?!"
"Never mind, Sailor Torrent," Sailor Venom's voice clearly indicated she wasn't going to talk about it. "It is in the past. Let me worry about matters of time."
"Damn it, Venom!" Sailor Corruption protested. "We're a little confused here? Is that the trouble you told us to watch out for?
Amber, Amy and I and many of the Ronin and sailor scouts(excluding amara and Michelle) rose to our feet and looked at trista" What trouble is that?" we asked." The only trouble I saw in here was coming straight from her." we pointed accusing fingers at Sailor Venom.
Torrent and Corruption were dumbstruck. "What do you mean, you guys" Torrent replied
"Why did you do that, Sailor Venom?" we ignored the other two. "Why did you go out of your way to needle her like that? She was just being polite."
Sailor Venom folded her hands. "You wouldn't understand. There are levels of the past you could never comprehend." ... most of us backed down after that but Amy and Rowen did not." Oh, I have a pretty good idea!" Amy pressed onward. " Rowen and I read all about it in the archives of the Alpha Senshi Library. Is that the worthless piece of past you don't want to tell us about? Do you not want to say anything because you know as well as I that it would destroy the credibility you've built up around yourself?"
"Sailor Strata.. Sailor venom!" Sailor Halo was gripping her head in confusion. "What in tarnation is going on here?! What happened in the past?!" The rest of the team looked frightened.
"Don't tell me you bought that crap that the Alpha Senshi computers fed you," Sailor Venom remained icy calm, but her red eyes were showing some strain. They were treading in dangerous waters. Her cheek began to twitch. Amy knew it was nervousness that was lurking beneath the outer shell. "History is written by those who have committed the crimes. I am the only reliable source of History, because I have lived through most of it." ..."Oh, I forgot," Amy's voice became nastily sarcastic. "The word of Sailor venom is unquestionable. She's so very obviously above the petty prejudices and hatreds that us puny mortals experience."
"Amy, that's not what she-" Sailor Corruption stepped in.
"Shut up, Corruption !"
Sailor Corruption stumbled backward. In all the years she knew Amy she had never taken such a stance against any of them. Was it possible she was right? Was Sailor Venom really in the wrong in this case?
"In this case, Amy, you are wrong, "Venom denied. "As guardian of time, I am above petty alterations of history. True history cannot be hidden. I have seen the truth behind everything in time." ..."But in the end it all comes down to you telling us second hand, and that is where it all breaks down." Amy crossed her arms and scowled. "You may know the truth, but knowing and telling are two completely different things. The truth is you have every reason to cover up what truly happened. Tell me I'm wrong, Venom!"
"You seek to attack my credibility?" Sailor Venom retorted. "How dare you?!" ...
Amy was advancing slowly on Sailor Venom. "Let me tell you a little something about credibility, Venom," she continued her verbal assault with renewed vigor. "No one has it. Credibility is a notion that anyone could be telling the truth. The pure, entire, and unvarnished, truth. But no one ever knows the truth about anything. Perception alters it to the specifications of that person. Honesty is real, but credibility is an impossible dream. The truth always gets altered, or rubbed out, or fixed, or whatever. I know full well that the data in that library is fixed to Alpha Senshi's perceptions, but in the same token, I know that your version of the story is fixed as well. The question comes down to who exactly is most honest." ... To say a cloud was hanging over the team as they dispersed for the celebration would have been an understatement. Not even the brilliant spectacle of Alpha Senshi was enough to completely tear their minds away from the disturbing events of that morning.
Amber and I were still brooding over that incident herself when Sailor Starmaker approached her near the arena.
"Thinking about joining the Sailor Games, you two?" she asked
"Huh?" we hadn't heard her coming up behind her. "Oh, hi there. No, I was just looking at it. It's pretty large. How many seats does it hold?" ... "Full capacity is just over 500,000," Starmaker replied proudly. "The arena floor itself is almost two miles long and a mile wide.
"Wow," we said, without much real enthusiasm.
Starmaker, for the first time, noticed our gloominess. "What's the matter, princesses?"
"It's just something that happened this morning," we shook our heads. "Sailor venom was acting very strange. Tell me, what do you know about her history with this place?" Starmaker looked around as if for prying ears, then moved in closer to amber and me "I'm not really supposed to talk about it, but you're a friend, so I'll take that risk. You're referring to the Alpha Senshi rebellion of 500,000 years ago. That's back when sailor venom was sailor Pluto and when we first met her.
"She came to our world from the future, or so she said. She was there on a foray from the timestream, studying history for knowledge. You see, at the time she had only just been appointed guardian of the timestream in the future, and she wanted to know as much about history as possible to be more effective. She did not realize she stumbled upon a turning point in Alpha Senshi history. ..."At that time, a radical Senshi named Sailor Serenity, who by the way is your great great great great great great great great great great great great grandmother, rose in the ranks of the Alpha Senshi government, until she occupied the position of power that Galaxia has now, second only to the Princess Kakyuu. But Serenity coveted more and more power. She developed a notion that was totally incomprehensible for Senshi or Ronins. She thought of other beings in the galaxy as lesser than Senshi and Ronins. She looked upon the various races as children, almost like Galaxia does, only she went a step further than Galaxia would ever dare go. She went so far as proposing that the Senshi and Ronins should conquer the stars, fighting evil en-masse. They could occupy every system if they had to and force their protection and goodness on the various populations of those systems." ... "we can see why that didn't go over well," amber and I said. "Forceful protection is another term for 'Big Brother'."
"Or in this case: 'Big Sister'." Starmaker agreed. "Yes. The princess at the time was Kakyuu's great great great great great great great great great great great great grandmother, and she was a staunch anti-interventionist. She took the opposite extreme view. That Senshi should isolate themselves from the Galaxy and concentrate on turning their world into a fortress against evil. At the time she had the majority of the council feeling that way as well.
"Sailor Serenity was not going to let the council decide, however. She used her governmental position to order an occupation of the Wrath System; a system that is only a few lightyears from here. The princess and her council were not pleased, especially when it was learned that a few of the natives were killed when they resisted. The deaths were most likely accidental. Even Serenity didn't kill unless there was no other option. But her move got her thrown out of government and banished from Alpha Senshi. ... "During this quiet period, Serenity met Sailor Pluto. Pluto was still young at this point, and since she was aware that this woman was an ancestor of Queen Serenity, under whom she served, she thought it an honor to meet her. It is easy to see how she could have been swayed by Sailor Serenity." "So what happened after that?" we were totally taken in by this story.
"Sailor Pluto vowed to help Sailor Serenity take back Alpha Senshi. They raised an army of Senshi and Ronins who were not from our world. They were called Doma Shin Senshi and Ronins: Sailor Scouts and Ronins warriors from the Outer Realms. They were wild Senshi and Ronins who refused to be tamed under civilization. They thought they could make a bigger difference in the Universe by themselves. Unfortunately, over the centuries, they became mercenaries instead of soldiers. Sailor Serenity and Sailor Pluto promised them much wealth if they helped her take back the planet. The Doma Shin flocked from far and wide with that promise. There were even a few Senshi from our world who joined her rebellion. ... "Sailor Pluto directly led Serenity's forces into battle. They invaded Alpha Senshi and made for the palace to hold the princess hostage. What Serenity or Pluto did not consider was that they were already second-guessed. Sailor Galaxia was a fairly young soldier whose powers had made her a Sailor of note to her peers. No one realized yet she was a Prime Senshi, but she had already made a name for herself in the military. Now, just as she was entering politics, the rebellion fell into her lap. Galaxia was intelligent and adept at political intrigue. She alone, was aware that Serenity would try such a bold move as invading the palace and holding the princess hostage. So she diverted half the army in around the throne room to protect her."
our hearts pounded. "There was a fight?" ...
"The battle on the perimeter served as only a diversion, and so there were few casualties there. What makes this episode regrettable is what happened once Sailor Serenity realized she'd been outsmarted. A vicious fight broke out between the palace guards and Serenity's attack force. There was much damage to surrounding buildings as they fought in among the city itself. Some brave Sailors died that day.
"Sailor Pluto managed to get into the palace and into the throne room. She was ambushed and taken prisoner by the palace guards, but they underestimated her strength. Sailor Pluto broke free and killed her captors."
"Killed?! No!" we gasped in disbelief. ...Starmaker only nodded. "She killed them in anger. So devoted was she to Sailor Serenity's cause at this point that she felt any extreme was necessary. Like I said before, she was young, and didn't know that she was having an extreme impact on history. She was having such a strong impact, in fact, that her own mother, Queen Helen, and a detachment of Sailor Soldiers from Queen Serenity's Moon Kingdom came through time to the past to stop her.
"It was their intervention which helped put an end to the rebellion. Sailor Pluto was wreaking havoc inside, but was met by Galaxia. She was nearly killed in that confrontation. Only a last moment plea from her mother prevented the inevitable. Sailor Pluto tried to explain her reasons for doing this, but her mother was angered and betrayed. She was disgusted that her own daughter would use her powers to take lives instead of save them. When she told her daughter of what she'd wrought, Pluto finally came to her senses and was filled with remorse. ..."Iniquity apologized to the princess and the Alpha Senshi government. Sailor Serenity was captured soon afterward, and the Doma Shin broke off and fled. Helen could not persuade her daughter she was in the wrong. Sailor Pluto believed that she'd been doing the right thing. She regretted having to kill, but she didn't regret her role in the incident. Her mother had no choice. She had to stand by and watch as Sailor Pluto and Serenity were punished.
"Serenity was given the ultimate humiliation. She was banished to the farthest corner of the galaxy. To a backwater system with no name. Sailor Pluto was seen as a traitor. She had been welcomed to this time period as a guest, and she repaid them by openly defying and killing Alpha Senshians. For her crimes she was given forty lashings with a solar whip. Queen Helen did not intercede because she had no power, and also because she felt that her daughter at least partially needed a tough lesson. ...
"Sailor venom carries those scars to this day. She was beaten nearly to death's door while her mother stood by and watched. It was a humiliation of gigantic proportion, and she has never yet forgiven our people for that punishment. Sailor Galaxia was there as her executor of punishment, so as long as she lives, it may be impossible for Sailor venom to forgive us. But her hatred is also a cover for her guilt. Indeed those whose blood she spilled weigh very heavily on her conscience, but she copes with it by blaming those deaths on us as well. It is a vicious cycle."
we were silent for several minutes. Off in the distance, the sounds of celebration echoed among the tall copper buildings of the city. Below, the arena began to fill up for the first of many contests that were the main attraction of this whole party.
"This unnamed system," she said finally. "I suppose you're going to tell us it was the Solar System." ...
"Yes," Starmaker replied. "Sailor Serenity found a system full of nine worlds she could rule. Some of the Doma Shin had been quite impressed by Serenity and followed her to the system. They helped her establish a kingdom on the primary moon of the planet Earth. She signed an alliance with the ruler of Earth, the ancestor to Tuxedo Mask, and her Doma Shin followers became rulers of the nine planets. Their numbers spread over the centuries. Sailor Serenity became simply Queen Serenity. She named her first daughter Serenity as well, but her Senshi name was Sailor Moon. When your grandmother took over after the 11 Serenities died, she decided to make it a tradition for the name Sailor Moon to be handed down. Eventually it got to you. You know most of the rest of the story after that."
we wiped tears from our eyes. "we have always wondered how the Moon Kingdom began," we said. "It's awful that such extremes had to be taken for that to occur." .."Please don't tell anyone I told you this," Starmaker pleaded. "If word gets back to Galaxia, I'll be punished. Galaxia wanted to make this experience for you to be unforgettable, and to learn of the past might hamper that. Galaxia truly does like you, , and she doesn't want you to feel any less about her."
"Thank you, Taiki," we said. "And don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. I just need some time to think about it all."
"I hope you enjoy yourself here. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk before you leave." Sailor Starmaker took off. "I have to get back to the princess now." amber and I watched her fly away, then turned away.
Sailor Venom. Why didn't you tell us? we thought. If you didn't want to come, you could have only said so. we didn't mean to drag you here and cause you such pain.
