Guardians: Silver Millennium

by Celeste Carter

Chapter One: Pluto

Millions of miles away, on a world completely different than that of the Earth's Moon, another moon floated in it's orbit around a world much smaller than Earth. The smallest of the planet colonies, Pluto was a dim, dark world that was kept alive by the magic of the nine mages. For nearly three centuries now the high mages had been casting their magic on the nine planetary colonies so that humans could inhabit them. The powerful magics were what made the air of this tiny planet breathable. It made it's landscape fresh and green, made the flowers bloom, and made the distant sun shine brightly for this farthest planet. It made the weather patterns in the atmosphere predictable, and it thawed the icy shell that once covered the world and it's moon, Charon.

On this far-away world that, thousands of years later, would become known as the home of the God of the Underworld, there now lived hundreds of thousands of people. The Kingdom of Pluto was prosperous for it's small size, and the people were loyal to their King and Queen. King Zinon was a strong military leader, and was the best strategist in the colonies. Together with Queen Lexia, they had three children: two sons named Oz, 22, Cian, 8, and a daughter named Setsuna, 18.

At eighteen years-old, Setsuna was all that her lord-father could have asked for in a daughter. From birth, she had been raised as a lady. She was taught formal eloquence at the finest boarding schools. She had studied at the finest universities on Mercury and at home on Pluto. She had grown into a stunning young woman, with all the charm, elegance, and beauty her birthright bestowed.

While she was such a lady, she was also quite a siren. Her dark emerald locks and bold crimson eyes were the envy of every woman in the Kingdom, and the target of every suitor in the colonies. Young men from every Royal Line had attempted to court her, but to no avail. Setsuna was intelligent and witty. She liked to see men squirm as they tried to match up to her boldness. Many of her suitors found her brightness ill-mannered. Others thought it cheeky and disdainful. She had already turned away twenty suitors in only a year. Her lord-father had nearly gone mad about the matter. Setsuna was first in line to his throne, and with Pluto being the smallest and least powerful of the planet Kingdoms, he needed to prove to the other high Kings that his line was secure. His younger son Cian was already betrothed to Princess Aiko from Mercury, making the pressure to marry off his daughter that much stronger.

At this particular moment of interest, Setsuna was headed down the hallways of the Charon Castle, the home of the Prime-Minister of Pluto, who was also the King of Charon. During the Fire Season, Setsuna and her family visited their Moon often, attending the many parties and festivals of the season. Tonight was yet another court function, and her attendance was mandatory. Just what I need. Another night of dancing with scores of brainless twits who want to marry me for my money and my looks. Sometimes I wish I could have been born an ugly peasant. She paused for a moment in front of a full length mirror hanging on the black marble wall. She peered scrutinizingly at her reflection, making sure her dress was fitting, the mass of jade hair was smooth and shining, and the scarlet eyes were bright and alert. No such luck, I suppose. She sighed, then continued down the hallway until she reached the grand staircase that led down into the palace proper from the residents' chambers.

As she descended the stairs, she was met by her father, who took her hand and kissed it lovingly. He smiled excitedly at his daughter, who gave him a puzzled, yet pleased expression in return.

"You seem to be in extremely high spirits father. Do you care to enlighten me as to why?"

King Zinon laughed merrily as he shook his head. "Why, dearest one. Does a man need a reason to be happy?" He placed an arm around his daughter as they strode into the vestibule outside the ballroom.

Setsuna smirked, "No. But I know you Papa, and I know that look you get when you are up to something. Mischievous fellow!"

The King squeezed his daughter tight in a bear hug. He then placed his hands on top of her shoulders. "I'm just happy to see that my daughter has grown up to be such a beautiful young woman. But..." he started.

Setsuna rolled her eyes. "I know, Papa. I know you want me to get married..."

"At least engaged my dear! You don't need to rush into anything."

Setsuna sighed, giving her father a sad smile. "I will Papa. Someday soon, I promise."

The King smiled. He gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Over a thousand brightly dressed courtiers were present that night. They were dancing a variation of the Spinning Waltz, a dance that originated at the Mars royal court. Couples were twirling about at a tremendous speed, and dizzy ladies were constantly stepping out leaving their partners searching for someone new to spin about with.

Perfect. Setsuna thought. She looked through the throng of people on the dance floor, trying to spot someone she believed would be worthy enough to dance with her. Spotting a raven-haired young man looking about the same as she, she knew she had found her chance. She approached him, smiling gently as she tapped his shoulder.

He spun around to face her. He had dark brown eyes, and a golden tan complexion. He was tall, even taller than she was, which was about 5'9". He had strong, square shoulders, and a well-chiseled face. His brown eyes grew wide with astonishment when he recognized who she was.

"My Imperial Princess..." he began, bowing on one knee.

Setsuna laughed in amusement. "It never ceases to amuse me when people do that." Then seriously, "Please stand up. I cannot dance with you if you're sitting in the floor like a stooge." The young man looked up at the smiling Princess, who was reaching down with a slender arm to help him up. He gratefully accepted the outstretched arm, and stood to gaze into the eyes of his Princess. They stood there for a moment, not speaking, not moving. Setsuna realized she had not been breathing, and gasped for air.

Finally, the young man spoke. "M..my name is Bellamy, son of Bennett from the House of Vulcan." He looked down at Setsuna, who was still smiling gently.

"And my name, dear sir, is Setsuna Mandze Ursina the First of the House of Pluto, First in line to the Pluto Royal Throne. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord." She giggled softly. "But you may call me Setsuna. Please. My middle names are atrocious!" The two young people laughed together.

"And you may call me Bell. It's what I go by. I'm only called Bellamy when I get into trouble." he said. He took her hand and placed his other hand at her waist.

"And how often might that be?" She picked her skirts up with her free hand.

"More than you may care to know of, Your Highness."

"Setsuna. Call me Setsuna. I know it's against protocol, but if it is just you and I, then there is no protocol, is there?"

He stared at her, surprised. "Yes. You are right.... Setsuna." The two looked at each other for a moment, then laughing, jumped into the dance and commenced to twirling.

Hours later, when she and Bellamy had danced countless waltzes and gavottes, minuets and sarabandes, he reluctantly told her that he had to leave. She did not argue, nor did she try to convince him to stay. But she did make him promise to visit her soon, after the Fire Season was over and she had returned home to Pluto.

As he walked through the doors of the Ballroom, he turned and waved to Setsuna, who was still standing, watching him from the same spot in which they had said goodbye. She slowly lifted an arm, waved a small farewell, then pressed her hand against her heart, which was pounding uncomfortably. Bellamy turned and continued down the hallway. When she could see him no longer, she sighed wistfully.

Has it finally happened? Is there some small chance that I have finally fallen in love? I've met someone who is too good to be true...perhaps this is all a dream. At least father will be happy to hear this news. She smiled. Yes, her father would be thrilled. Maybe now she could have some peace.

Feeling the toll of the night's ceaseless activities wash over her, she was now ready to retire. She started to make her way to the door, when she noticed a person standing by it. Long white hair, glistening blue eyes, and a small crescent moon insignia on his forehead....

No! I cannot deal with him right now. Good heavens, can he not take 'no' for an answer? She did an about face, heading towards the back of the room. Perchance he did not notice me. She prayed silently. Her feet carried her as fast as she could go without causing suspicion.

"Setsuna-hime!"

Oh no! Walk...faster, faster, faster! Her feet pressed on a little faster. Her eyes searched for an escape....there! Behind the thrones, the servant's corridor. She made a break for the door, opened it, and quickly shut it behind her.

"Wait! Setsuna-hi-"

She quickly ran down the hall, turning down as many passageways as she could. Once she felt she had ran far enough, she stopped to catch her breath. She was panting heavily, her chest rising up and down in quick heaves. Exhausted, she knelt down in the floor and breathed a sigh of relief.

Thrice-damned suitors! I'd banish them all if I had the chance. Aggravating, selfish, witless boors! A picture of her adversary floated in her mind. Especially him. What a bother! The young man was Venusian, and served the Pluto Royal Family. Therfore, he thought that he should have the Princess' hand in marriage, no problem. I have a problem with it! Setsuna thought madly, trying to keep her temper under control.

Where am I? She looked about at the doors in the small passage. She walked to the one closest to her. No signs or plaques. Curses. I was hoping- Her thoughts were cut off at the sound of laughing from the other side of the door.

Quickly she stepped over to the door. She knelt down and pressed an ear against the door. She could hear two men, both laughing at some inside joke. At the sound of the laughing, she quickly recognized the voice.

"...will finally establish Pluto as a powerful, important Kingdom...."

Father! She pulled her ear away from the door, wiping away some of the slimy mildew with her hand. She made a disgusted face. She quickly pulled out a handkerchief from her purse and wiped her hands clean before setting her ear back on the door. "...don't you agree LeRoi?" Zinon said, in a jovial voice.

"This is too incredible to pass up. Of course I agree. You may count on my full financial support. I am at your disposal my King," LeRoi, her father's chief advisor and ruler of Pluto's moon, said earnestly, with more than a hint of excitement in his voice. Then he added in a more solemn tone," But how shall we talk Her Royal Highness into this?"

Setsuna smirked at the mention of her mother. So her father was plotting something. Again. Lady Lexia, Queen of Pluto, was a very powerful woman to be the monarch of such a small Kingdom. And as far as her father was concerned, she was the most powerful woman in the universe. Their relationship was extremely love-hate.

Yes, he hates her, she loves him. Setsuna sighed. My parents never do anything but try to stab each other in the back. And I'm us- She broke off her train of thought as realization hit her full force.

And I'm usually in the middle of it! She know pressed her ear directly against the door, ignoring the slimy mildew. She listened with great intent, her pulse starting to raise slightly.

"Lexia is not to know of these events," her father's voice replied from the other side of the wall.

"Will not... know? B.. but, how else can we... ? Who will-"

"Setsuna will." Zinon stated calmly.

"Yes... Setsuna will..." LeRoi sounded surprised, then aptly relieved.

"Now, let us get back to the celebration my good man!" her father exclaimed and headed back into the ballroom. "My wife will suspect...." his voice trailed off as the two men exited the room.

Setsuna felt a chill shoot up her spine as LeRoi let the door fall shut with a thud behind him.

Setsuna will what father? ... Setsuna will what? she whispered inwardly. She couldn't place it, but suddenly she felt as if her world had gone terribly horribly wrong.

"Setsuna-chan!" a small voice cried, "have you seen the commotion at the temple?" Cian exclaimed excitedly, tugging on his elder sister's skirt. She had returned home to the Onyx Palace on Pluto two weeks ago, and had been awaiting a visit from Bellamy ever since. She had done nothing but wander about aimlessly, ignoring duties and protocol left and right. There were various rumors circulating, but none of them were anything that would amount to trouble for her. She made it a point not to worry with rumors.

This morning, she had found her way to the gardens surrounding the palace. As usual, it was a sun-shining day, and the air was sweet with the blooming roses. She was now sitting on a pillar, looking down at her younger sibling with a cheerful smile.

"Commotion?" Setsuna asked, crouching down to the eight year-old's level.

"Oh yes, it's been going on all week! There's men with carts filled with some odd stone slabs that are heading up there all the time. They won't let anyone in anymore," Cian explained.

"Did they say why?" Setsuna asked, interested.

"They said it's for repairs, but Essien, one of the serving boys, told my maid, Leda, that they're building something huge in the middle of that temple. He knows, he lives down the hill from the temple, you see."

"You can't take to heart everything the servants say, Cian-chan," Setsuna replied.

"Oh, not always, but we must wonder mustn't we? It's not every day that these things happen," Cian replied with the certainty that all small children possess.

"Yes, it is odd. Don't worry yourself overmuch dear-heart," Setsuna smiled reassuringly.

"Ah, no. I'm sure it's just repairs. Perhaps there'll be a rededication festival!" Cian's face lit up at the thought. Then, hearing his nurse calling, he turned and ran back down the garden path.

Something strange is going on. Something bad is going to happen. I know it, I can feel it in my blood.... Father- Her mind flashed back to that night nearly a month ago, to the mysterious conversation she heard... Papa, why won't you tell me what's going on?