Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. However, I do own all the new
characters featured in this story. See my other fics for more about them,
or contact me at: lady_polaris@hotmail.com Also, you can contact the
following for information: Cosmic Angel, aka Miss L.Lane, Miss H.Perrin
(who at this moment in time, has not signed up to ff.net) or Miss V.Lane
(who has changed her ff.net pen name to Ice Sprite.)
The Truth of the Past.
Queen Serenity stood up, and raised her fluted glass to the assembled guests.
"My dear friends and associates, and of course, my esteemed guests, may I have the pleasure to welcome you all officially to the Moon Kingdom. I hope that your stay here will bring you many happy memories, and times that will be cherished forever."
She raised her glass, as did the crowd. Smiling, she continued.
"Without further ado, eat, drink and dance to your hearts content."
The crowd applauded, and maids and chefs brought in dishes from each of the nine planets, and a dish from all twelve kingdoms was present. There were many exotic dishes, and there were many not so exotic, that merely reminded the guests of home.
Princess Mina's eyes lit up as soon as she saw the food. Princess Lita began talking about how talented the chefs must be if they managed to replicate the beauty of each dish perfectly.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
After they had eaten, Prince Endymion asked Princess Serenity to dance. She blushed, but accepted his outstretched hand.
The orchestra began to play a slow, romantic song. There were raised eyebrows amongst the guests when Princess Amara took to the floor with Princess Michelle. The pair ignored the staring eyes and looked blissfully happy.
Then the four generals from Earth who were stationed at the Moon Kingdom- Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Malachite entered the ballroom.
Jadeite walked towards the Princess of Mars and asked her to dance.
"You want to dance with me?" she asked him.
"If I wanted to dance with any of the others I think I would have asked them by now, my dear Princess," he replied coolly, laughter in his eyes.
Smiling, Raye grabbed his arm and pulled him to the dance floor.
Then Princess Lita stood up, and walked towards Nephrite. "Are you going to ask me to dance or not?" she said, grinning broadly.
"Well, I can't refuse an order from a Princess now, can I?" he replied, and arm in arm they took their place on the dance floor.
Malachite asked Princess Mina to dance, and she accepted gleefully, beaming from ear to ear.
Finally, Zoisite found the courage to ask Princess Amy to dance. The Princess turned bright red, and stammered out a 'yes'.
On the High table, only Princess Trista, Princess Hotaru, Princess Galaxia, Cosmos, Infernia and the two twins were left. Queen Serenity was talking to Luna and Artemis in the corner of the Hall.
"Queen Serenity really has set out to impress hasn't she?" said Cosmos.
"If that's what she set out to do, then it's worked," said Infernia, awe struck at the splendour of her surroundings.
"Impress?" said Polaris coldly. "I have seen more impressive things in my life than a mere little ball," she added haughtily.
Her sister sighed softly. "But you have to give the Queen some credit for what she's done, sister," she said.
"She has been good to us all, Polaris, after all, she did not have to help our kingdoms, but yet, she did," said Galaxia.
Cosmos, seeing how Infernia was building herself up into a rage, changed the subject of the conversation quickly.
"Princess Trista, I hear that you are charged with protecting the Gates of Time," she said.
"Indeed I am," Trista answered.
"Don't you find it lonely?" asked Cosmos.
"Sometimes, but then again, I have my friends, and they won't desert me when I need them," she said, a far away look in her garnet eyes.
"Can you see the future?" asked Skye, her eyes brimming with curiosity.
"I know what the future holds, yes. Nevertheless, things happen every day that can change its course. My duty is to make sure no one interferes with it to gain profit from it."
"But what if something terrible happens to your friends?" asked Galaxia. "Wouldn't you try to help them?"
"As harsh as I may sound, no. I would not, and by my duty, I cannot. It is against everything I and my family stand for," replied the Princess, gazing at her listeners with pride.
A man walked over to the table. Galaxia recognized him as the man who had passed Princess Raye and herself in the corridor before the Ball began.
"Sovereign Polaris, may I please have this dance?" he asked.
Polaris looked up at the man in silence. After a moment, she nodded, and got up. Skye looked after the couple in horror.
"What is it?" asked Princess Hotaru.
"We, we're not meant to- But Mother said that she would find someone acceptable for us!" said Skye.
"You aren't allowed to dance with anyone?" asked Infernia.
"You mean, you aren't allowed to fall in love," said Galaxia sadly.
"That's it!" said Skye.
"But that is awful," said Cosmos. "You can't choose who you fall in love with, and I'm sure your mother can't either," she added.
"Perhaps our parents would do well to listen to you," said Galaxia. "My mother arranged a betrothal for me before she died, and now that she is gone, how can I not honour her final wish?" she said.
Her words were met with silence.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
"Tell me," whispered Polaris to the man she was dancing with. "Who are you?"
"My name is Dia- I mean Demando," he said.
"You know not your own name, yet you know mine?" she asked, laughing a little.
"My Earth name is different to the one given to me by Serenity," he said.
"Earth name? You aren't a member of the Earth Kingdom, are you?" she asked, tensing.
"No, I do not belong to a kingdom," he answered, and they continued to dance.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Princess Serenity smiled as she danced with Prince Endymion.
"Princess Serenity, will you marry me?" he whispered softly into her ear.
She looked at him, smiled, and then pulled him into a deep kiss.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Serenity was listening intently to the news being given to her by Luna and Artemis.
"My Queen there has been an attack, at Charon Castle, on Pluto. It's been completely destroyed. And there are reports from Triton Castle on Neptune. They're under siege," she said.
"Should we tell the members of the Pluto and Neptune Kingdoms?" asked Artemis.
"No, there is no need for them to go back and waste their lives. Tell the Princesses, and make sure Princess Trista goes back to the Gate of Time. It is important that nothing gets through now," ordered Serenity.
"What about here? Should we ready our army?" asked Artemis.
"Yes, but do not make it a public fact. We can do without any hysteria. It has begun finally, the main invasion of the Negaverse," said the Queen grimly.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Luna gathered Princess Trista, Princess Michelle, Princess Amara and Princess Hotaru in the Queen's throne room.
"Princess Michelle, Trista, I am sorry to tell you this but, your homes are gone. Charon didn't stand a chance, and Triton is under siege. There is nothing we can do," said Luna, tears in her eyes.
Tears began falling from Michelle's eyes. Amara put her arm around the smaller princess comfortingly. Trista stood there, her face emotionless.
"Trista, Queen Serenity wants you to leave immediately for the Time Gate, please," said Luna.
Trista nodded, and walked out of the throne room, head bent low.
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Hotaru.
"I doubt it. It would be best for you if you remained here, where you will still be safe for the time being," said Luna.
"I'm leaving," said Michelle. "The Moon Kingdom won't be safe for long, unless someone stops the Negaverse, and I would rather death than a life without my family," she said, her head held high, but still with tears falling from her eyes.
"I too, will leave. The castle of Urania is my home, and I will defend it to the end when the Negaverse reaches Uranus," said Amara proudly.
"Please reconsider," said a voice from the shadows.
Queen Serenity stepped forward.
"You cannot make us stay your majesty," said Amara.
"I know I cannot," said Serenity, almost harshly. "But I must try. Without you, there can be no end to the war against the Negaverse now, it will rise again to strike at you. But if you stay, there is hope, at least," she said, her voice becoming gentler, back to the Queen they knew.
"I am sorry, but I must go," said Amara.
"So must I," said Michelle, drawing herself up to her full height.
"By your leave, majesty, I too wish to return to Titan Castle. Perhaps the combined strength of the Outer Planets can slow the Negaverse," said Hotaru, bowing low.
Luna looked at her Queen and saw that tears were falling from her sapphire eyes.
"It is with a heavy heart that I let you go, on the condition that your people remain here, with me, under my protection," she said.
"Very well," said Amara.
"As you wish," said Michelle.
Holding hands the two Princesses turned and left.
"Queen Serenity, I have the utmost faith that you will protect the Saturnians who are on the Moon. I would trust no other, save perhaps your daughter, with their safety. I know I will die, and I hope that you can save my people from the fate that will be mine," said Hotaru, who kissed the Queen's hand, and then she left.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
"Where have the Princesses of the Outer Planets gone?" Galaxia asked Cosmos.
"Luna summoned them," said Infernia. "What for I know not," she added.
"I know not, and neither do I care right now," said Skye. Her three companions looked at her in disbelief.
"I do not mean to be spiteful, but if something had happened to them, we would have been told, am I not right?" she said.
"I guess you are right, perhaps they were tired," said Cosmos.
"Perhaps," echoed Galaxia.
"You sense something?" asked Infernia.
"I am unsure. It could just be nothing, I should ignore it," answered the Elf Princess.
"If that is what you think," said Infernia.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
"Queen Serenity, Neptune has fallen, and now Uranus is under attack," said Artemis.
"Find the Generals from the Earth. Send them to Jupiter to set up a defence. Find Princess Lita and Princess Raye, and tell them. Make sure my daughter and our other guests know nothing," said Serenity.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Princess Serenity looked around the Hall and saw that several of the Planetary Princesses were missing.
Only Princess Mina and Princess Mercury remained, apart from the royalty from Earth.
"Endymion, where are Raye and Lita?" she asked.
"I do not know Serenity. With your mother perhaps?" he answered.
"We must find them," she said, worry creeping into her voice.
"Very well. But we should tell the others that we are going to look for them first," he said.
Walking over to the High table, where Amy and Mina now sat, she told them who she was looking for.
"Perhaps you can find Malachite for me then, and Zoisite for Amy. Artemis called them away suddenly, and I believe he called for Jadeite, Nephrite, Raye and Lita," said Mina.
"Perhaps you should not look for them. Something may have happened on Jupiter or Mars that requires their attention," said Amy.
"Perhaps," said Serenity.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Demando and Polaris were walking in the gardens of the Moon. They had left the ball long ago.
"Do you think that the Negaverse will reach Earth?" asked Polaris.
"I think it will, but I also think that Earth is strong enough to overcome it," answered Demando. "What do you think?" he asked.
"I fear that, although Earth may survive, the Myst Realm may not. We will be weakened after a war, and I believe that the Earth Kingdom will attack us, and destroy us," she said.
"You fear for your kingdom? What of your family?"
"I fear for Skye, my twin, and no other," she said in a strained voice.
"What of your parents?"
"Mother has forbidden me to speak to my Father. I have not spoken to him in many years. And my Mother, she can look after herself. She is powerful, you know," said Polaris.
"So are you," he said.
"My power is small compared to hers," said Polaris.
"Youth is on your side. You will become more powerful than she is," said Demando.
"You speak as though you have seen the future, Demando," she said. "But that is impossible; you would have had to pass by Trista unnoticed."
"Indeed, it is impossible," smiled Demando.
"Tell me of yourself," asked Polaris.
"There is not much to tell. The blood of the Moon is within me, and my parents have left this world. I am here upon the Moon with my brother and our cousin, Emerald, and that really is all that there is to it," he said.
"Or perhaps there is more that you feel I would not understand," said Polaris.
"Perhaps there is but time will reveal everything, and then all will be made clear," he answered.
"The night grows colder, we should return," said Polaris, turning to leave.
"Wait," said Demando, grabbing her arm.
"What is it?" demanded Polaris.
"I do not know how long I will be on the Moon for," he said. There was a moments' silence.
"If you leave, send word to me, please. I would rather my heart know where you are, than for you to disappear," she said.
"As you wish," he said, kissing her hand. He turned to leave, but away from the Palace and the Hall.
"Where are you going now?" she asked.
"I must find my brother. He wished to meet me here. Please, go on without me," said Demando.
Polaris sighed, then left for the Palace, not looking behind her once.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
The next day, the remaining royals awoke early.
Queen Serenity summoned them to her Throne room.
"Are you sure that they are ready for this, your majesty?" Luna asked.
"They have to be, for all our sakes," was the Queens reply.
"Mother, what has happened? Why have you summoned us here?" asked Princess Serenity, worry in her eyes.
"You may have noticed that last night, the Princesses of the Outer Planets left early, as did Princess Lita and Princess Raye. The reason for their leaving was a very grave matter," said the Queen. She looked at Luna, waiting for her to carry on the tale.
"This morning, we have received word that the Kingdoms on the Planets Pluto, Neptune, Uranus and Saturn have been destroyed by the Negaverse," she said.
The Prince and the Princesses who remained gasped.
"What of their rulers?" asked Endymion.
"The only people from those planets who still live are on the Moon," said Artemis sadly.
"What about Michelle, Amara, Hotaru and Trista?" asked Serenity.
"My dear, I'm afraid that only Trista is still alive, and that is only because she was sent to the Gate of Time," said the Queen.
Serenity and Princess Mina broke down in tears. Princess Amy drew her arms around herself tightly, blinking back tears. The Sovereigns, and Infernia, Cosmos and Princess Galaxia remained silent.
"What about Raye and Lita?" asked Princess Amy, eventually.
"For the time being, they are fine. We have sent the army of the Moon to help create a strong defence on Jupiter, and Raye is over seeing the evacuation of Mars. Members of the remaining kingdoms have gone to Jupiter to help them," said the Queen.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
{10 years later}
Queen Serenity stood in the ruins of the Moon Kingdom. Tears stung her eyes.
Her daughter was dead, having suffered the same fate as the other Planetary Princesses. The only Kingdoms that remained were upon the Earth- the Earth Kingdom, the Jade Kingdom and the Myst Realm.
Luna and Artemis ran up to their Queen.
"Your Majesty, we must leave now, before Beryl leads the Negaforce here!" said Artemis.
"No," was the Queen's reply.
"Your Majesty?" said both Artemis and Luna.
"I said no, I will not leave."
"If you stay here, you will surely die!"
"The Negaverse must be stopped. If I cannot do it, then my daughter will," said the Queen.
"Your Highness, Princess Serenity is dead! So are the others-Prince Endymion, Princess Amy, Princess Raye- they are all dead!" screamed Luna
"This cannot be their end," said the Queen, and her voice was choked with tears.
"I will send them to the future, stripped of their memories. If the Negaverse returns, you two must find them and give them back their memories to defeat them finally. Look after them all for me Luna, Artemis," said the Queen.
"Serenity!" shrieked a horrible voice. "I have taken them all from you, and you are the only one left. Scream for me, one last time," said Queen Beryl, the ruler of the Negaverse.
Serenity ignored her, and she raised the Silver Crystal above her head, and drew upon its power.
A silvery-white light illuminated the sky as bright as the sun.
"Beryl, you took everything from me, but now I will repay it in full. Because I am merciful, I will let you live. Yes, you and the generals you corrupted and mind wiped. Should you try again to destroy the Earth, the Senshi will rise up and stop you and your kind!"
And with that, a beam of light sped towards Beryl and her minions. They screamed, then were gone.
Serenity collapsed, and Artemis and Luna ran to their fallen Queen.
"Your Majesty," said Luna, crying.
The Queen raised the crystal for the last time, and another flash of light shone, sending the Princesses, the Prince, Luna, Artemis and the members of the various courts into the future, with no memory of their former lives.
The Queen sighed, then died with a smile upon her face, safe in the knowledge that her daughter would live again.
Trista appeared, in the guise of Sailor Pluto. She alone had survived the attack of the Negaverse, save for the population of the Earth.
"Long may you rest in Peace, Queen Serenity," she said.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
{5 years later}
The Seven Justices, the overlords of the Universe, stood in the barren wasteland that the Jade Kingdom had become since it had been overrun by the forces of Estron, the Chaos Bringer.
"We need them," said the Justice of Death, who appeared as a beautiful woman shrouded in black.
"Will they accept?" said the Justice of Life, again a woman of beauty, but clothed in white robes.
"The five draw near," said the Justice of Time, a man clothed in grey robes.
The Justice of Chance, a man dressed in orange pointed to a spot of green in the dark land. "They are within our sight," he said.
Five female shapes- an Angel, an Elf, a Fire Elemental and two Sprites walked towards the spot where the Justices stood.
After an hour, they reached their destination, and bowed to the Justices
"You have considered our offer?" said the male Justice, clothed in blue robes. He was the Justice of Pain, and had a solemn voice.
"We have, yes," answered the Angel.
"What is your answer, Cosmos? And your fellows, Infernia, Galaxia, Polaris and Skye?" asked the female Justice of Love, clothed in flowing red robes.
"We all accept," said Cosmos.
The final Justice spoke.
"You understand that you will become mortal humans? You accept this, and you also accept the powers that we will give you?" she asked. She was the Justice of Fate, and was clothed in flowing purple robes.
"We understand," said Galaxia, bowing her head.
"Then so be it," said the Justice of Death.
"Step forward, Cosmos," ordered the Justice of Life.
Cosmos stood forward, and knelt before the Justices.
They whispered something in a language that was forgotten by all, save the gods. A wind rose around Cosmos, and suddenly, a flash of light appeared around her.
"Let the mortal Cosmos rise. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Cosmic Power' and your wings will reappear," said the Justice of Life.
"Step forward, Infernia," commanded the Justice of Time.
Infernia stood forward, and again the Justices chanted, and there was another flash of light.
"Rise the mortal Infernia. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Blaze Inferno Power'," said the Justice of Time.
"Step forward, Galaxia," said the Justice of Love.
Galaxia stood forward, and there was more chanting and another flash.
"Let the mortal Galaxia rise. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Spirit Power'," the Justice of Love told Galaxia.
"Skye, step forward," said the Justice of Chance.
They chanted and there was yet another flash of light.
"The mortal Skye, you may now rise. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Ice Spray Power', and your wings will also reappear," the Justice of Chance told her.
"Polaris, step forward," said the Justice of Fate.
"I have a request to make," she said.
"Speak it then child," said the Justice of Fate.
"I do not wish to have my wings any longer," she said.
"Very well then," said Fate.
They chanted and a final flash of light was seen.
"Rise, the mortal Polaris," said Fate. "To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Sea Spray Power'," she told Polaris.
"From this day forward, you five shall be known as Obsidian, collectively. Cosmos, the Angel of Time. Infernia, the Fire Maiden. Galaxia, the Spirit Princess. Skye, the Mistress of the Day. And Polaris, the Mistress of the Night," said Life.
"When you fall, we will give your souls and powers to new hosts, to continue your war against evil," said Death.
"Until there is no more evil in the universe, we will carry on moving your souls," said Fate.
"Go now, and fulfil that which you have promised us," said Love.
Bowing low, Obsidian turned and left.
"They will triumph?" asked Chance.
"Perhaps. But there is much that has not yet passed. They must withstand the tests set before them, then we can see if they shall triumph," said Fate.
The Justices waited for a moment or two, then they simply disappeared into thin air.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
The Truth of the Past.
Queen Serenity stood up, and raised her fluted glass to the assembled guests.
"My dear friends and associates, and of course, my esteemed guests, may I have the pleasure to welcome you all officially to the Moon Kingdom. I hope that your stay here will bring you many happy memories, and times that will be cherished forever."
She raised her glass, as did the crowd. Smiling, she continued.
"Without further ado, eat, drink and dance to your hearts content."
The crowd applauded, and maids and chefs brought in dishes from each of the nine planets, and a dish from all twelve kingdoms was present. There were many exotic dishes, and there were many not so exotic, that merely reminded the guests of home.
Princess Mina's eyes lit up as soon as she saw the food. Princess Lita began talking about how talented the chefs must be if they managed to replicate the beauty of each dish perfectly.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
After they had eaten, Prince Endymion asked Princess Serenity to dance. She blushed, but accepted his outstretched hand.
The orchestra began to play a slow, romantic song. There were raised eyebrows amongst the guests when Princess Amara took to the floor with Princess Michelle. The pair ignored the staring eyes and looked blissfully happy.
Then the four generals from Earth who were stationed at the Moon Kingdom- Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Malachite entered the ballroom.
Jadeite walked towards the Princess of Mars and asked her to dance.
"You want to dance with me?" she asked him.
"If I wanted to dance with any of the others I think I would have asked them by now, my dear Princess," he replied coolly, laughter in his eyes.
Smiling, Raye grabbed his arm and pulled him to the dance floor.
Then Princess Lita stood up, and walked towards Nephrite. "Are you going to ask me to dance or not?" she said, grinning broadly.
"Well, I can't refuse an order from a Princess now, can I?" he replied, and arm in arm they took their place on the dance floor.
Malachite asked Princess Mina to dance, and she accepted gleefully, beaming from ear to ear.
Finally, Zoisite found the courage to ask Princess Amy to dance. The Princess turned bright red, and stammered out a 'yes'.
On the High table, only Princess Trista, Princess Hotaru, Princess Galaxia, Cosmos, Infernia and the two twins were left. Queen Serenity was talking to Luna and Artemis in the corner of the Hall.
"Queen Serenity really has set out to impress hasn't she?" said Cosmos.
"If that's what she set out to do, then it's worked," said Infernia, awe struck at the splendour of her surroundings.
"Impress?" said Polaris coldly. "I have seen more impressive things in my life than a mere little ball," she added haughtily.
Her sister sighed softly. "But you have to give the Queen some credit for what she's done, sister," she said.
"She has been good to us all, Polaris, after all, she did not have to help our kingdoms, but yet, she did," said Galaxia.
Cosmos, seeing how Infernia was building herself up into a rage, changed the subject of the conversation quickly.
"Princess Trista, I hear that you are charged with protecting the Gates of Time," she said.
"Indeed I am," Trista answered.
"Don't you find it lonely?" asked Cosmos.
"Sometimes, but then again, I have my friends, and they won't desert me when I need them," she said, a far away look in her garnet eyes.
"Can you see the future?" asked Skye, her eyes brimming with curiosity.
"I know what the future holds, yes. Nevertheless, things happen every day that can change its course. My duty is to make sure no one interferes with it to gain profit from it."
"But what if something terrible happens to your friends?" asked Galaxia. "Wouldn't you try to help them?"
"As harsh as I may sound, no. I would not, and by my duty, I cannot. It is against everything I and my family stand for," replied the Princess, gazing at her listeners with pride.
A man walked over to the table. Galaxia recognized him as the man who had passed Princess Raye and herself in the corridor before the Ball began.
"Sovereign Polaris, may I please have this dance?" he asked.
Polaris looked up at the man in silence. After a moment, she nodded, and got up. Skye looked after the couple in horror.
"What is it?" asked Princess Hotaru.
"We, we're not meant to- But Mother said that she would find someone acceptable for us!" said Skye.
"You aren't allowed to dance with anyone?" asked Infernia.
"You mean, you aren't allowed to fall in love," said Galaxia sadly.
"That's it!" said Skye.
"But that is awful," said Cosmos. "You can't choose who you fall in love with, and I'm sure your mother can't either," she added.
"Perhaps our parents would do well to listen to you," said Galaxia. "My mother arranged a betrothal for me before she died, and now that she is gone, how can I not honour her final wish?" she said.
Her words were met with silence.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
"Tell me," whispered Polaris to the man she was dancing with. "Who are you?"
"My name is Dia- I mean Demando," he said.
"You know not your own name, yet you know mine?" she asked, laughing a little.
"My Earth name is different to the one given to me by Serenity," he said.
"Earth name? You aren't a member of the Earth Kingdom, are you?" she asked, tensing.
"No, I do not belong to a kingdom," he answered, and they continued to dance.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Princess Serenity smiled as she danced with Prince Endymion.
"Princess Serenity, will you marry me?" he whispered softly into her ear.
She looked at him, smiled, and then pulled him into a deep kiss.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Serenity was listening intently to the news being given to her by Luna and Artemis.
"My Queen there has been an attack, at Charon Castle, on Pluto. It's been completely destroyed. And there are reports from Triton Castle on Neptune. They're under siege," she said.
"Should we tell the members of the Pluto and Neptune Kingdoms?" asked Artemis.
"No, there is no need for them to go back and waste their lives. Tell the Princesses, and make sure Princess Trista goes back to the Gate of Time. It is important that nothing gets through now," ordered Serenity.
"What about here? Should we ready our army?" asked Artemis.
"Yes, but do not make it a public fact. We can do without any hysteria. It has begun finally, the main invasion of the Negaverse," said the Queen grimly.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Luna gathered Princess Trista, Princess Michelle, Princess Amara and Princess Hotaru in the Queen's throne room.
"Princess Michelle, Trista, I am sorry to tell you this but, your homes are gone. Charon didn't stand a chance, and Triton is under siege. There is nothing we can do," said Luna, tears in her eyes.
Tears began falling from Michelle's eyes. Amara put her arm around the smaller princess comfortingly. Trista stood there, her face emotionless.
"Trista, Queen Serenity wants you to leave immediately for the Time Gate, please," said Luna.
Trista nodded, and walked out of the throne room, head bent low.
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Hotaru.
"I doubt it. It would be best for you if you remained here, where you will still be safe for the time being," said Luna.
"I'm leaving," said Michelle. "The Moon Kingdom won't be safe for long, unless someone stops the Negaverse, and I would rather death than a life without my family," she said, her head held high, but still with tears falling from her eyes.
"I too, will leave. The castle of Urania is my home, and I will defend it to the end when the Negaverse reaches Uranus," said Amara proudly.
"Please reconsider," said a voice from the shadows.
Queen Serenity stepped forward.
"You cannot make us stay your majesty," said Amara.
"I know I cannot," said Serenity, almost harshly. "But I must try. Without you, there can be no end to the war against the Negaverse now, it will rise again to strike at you. But if you stay, there is hope, at least," she said, her voice becoming gentler, back to the Queen they knew.
"I am sorry, but I must go," said Amara.
"So must I," said Michelle, drawing herself up to her full height.
"By your leave, majesty, I too wish to return to Titan Castle. Perhaps the combined strength of the Outer Planets can slow the Negaverse," said Hotaru, bowing low.
Luna looked at her Queen and saw that tears were falling from her sapphire eyes.
"It is with a heavy heart that I let you go, on the condition that your people remain here, with me, under my protection," she said.
"Very well," said Amara.
"As you wish," said Michelle.
Holding hands the two Princesses turned and left.
"Queen Serenity, I have the utmost faith that you will protect the Saturnians who are on the Moon. I would trust no other, save perhaps your daughter, with their safety. I know I will die, and I hope that you can save my people from the fate that will be mine," said Hotaru, who kissed the Queen's hand, and then she left.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
"Where have the Princesses of the Outer Planets gone?" Galaxia asked Cosmos.
"Luna summoned them," said Infernia. "What for I know not," she added.
"I know not, and neither do I care right now," said Skye. Her three companions looked at her in disbelief.
"I do not mean to be spiteful, but if something had happened to them, we would have been told, am I not right?" she said.
"I guess you are right, perhaps they were tired," said Cosmos.
"Perhaps," echoed Galaxia.
"You sense something?" asked Infernia.
"I am unsure. It could just be nothing, I should ignore it," answered the Elf Princess.
"If that is what you think," said Infernia.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
"Queen Serenity, Neptune has fallen, and now Uranus is under attack," said Artemis.
"Find the Generals from the Earth. Send them to Jupiter to set up a defence. Find Princess Lita and Princess Raye, and tell them. Make sure my daughter and our other guests know nothing," said Serenity.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Princess Serenity looked around the Hall and saw that several of the Planetary Princesses were missing.
Only Princess Mina and Princess Mercury remained, apart from the royalty from Earth.
"Endymion, where are Raye and Lita?" she asked.
"I do not know Serenity. With your mother perhaps?" he answered.
"We must find them," she said, worry creeping into her voice.
"Very well. But we should tell the others that we are going to look for them first," he said.
Walking over to the High table, where Amy and Mina now sat, she told them who she was looking for.
"Perhaps you can find Malachite for me then, and Zoisite for Amy. Artemis called them away suddenly, and I believe he called for Jadeite, Nephrite, Raye and Lita," said Mina.
"Perhaps you should not look for them. Something may have happened on Jupiter or Mars that requires their attention," said Amy.
"Perhaps," said Serenity.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
Demando and Polaris were walking in the gardens of the Moon. They had left the ball long ago.
"Do you think that the Negaverse will reach Earth?" asked Polaris.
"I think it will, but I also think that Earth is strong enough to overcome it," answered Demando. "What do you think?" he asked.
"I fear that, although Earth may survive, the Myst Realm may not. We will be weakened after a war, and I believe that the Earth Kingdom will attack us, and destroy us," she said.
"You fear for your kingdom? What of your family?"
"I fear for Skye, my twin, and no other," she said in a strained voice.
"What of your parents?"
"Mother has forbidden me to speak to my Father. I have not spoken to him in many years. And my Mother, she can look after herself. She is powerful, you know," said Polaris.
"So are you," he said.
"My power is small compared to hers," said Polaris.
"Youth is on your side. You will become more powerful than she is," said Demando.
"You speak as though you have seen the future, Demando," she said. "But that is impossible; you would have had to pass by Trista unnoticed."
"Indeed, it is impossible," smiled Demando.
"Tell me of yourself," asked Polaris.
"There is not much to tell. The blood of the Moon is within me, and my parents have left this world. I am here upon the Moon with my brother and our cousin, Emerald, and that really is all that there is to it," he said.
"Or perhaps there is more that you feel I would not understand," said Polaris.
"Perhaps there is but time will reveal everything, and then all will be made clear," he answered.
"The night grows colder, we should return," said Polaris, turning to leave.
"Wait," said Demando, grabbing her arm.
"What is it?" demanded Polaris.
"I do not know how long I will be on the Moon for," he said. There was a moments' silence.
"If you leave, send word to me, please. I would rather my heart know where you are, than for you to disappear," she said.
"As you wish," he said, kissing her hand. He turned to leave, but away from the Palace and the Hall.
"Where are you going now?" she asked.
"I must find my brother. He wished to meet me here. Please, go on without me," said Demando.
Polaris sighed, then left for the Palace, not looking behind her once.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
The next day, the remaining royals awoke early.
Queen Serenity summoned them to her Throne room.
"Are you sure that they are ready for this, your majesty?" Luna asked.
"They have to be, for all our sakes," was the Queens reply.
"Mother, what has happened? Why have you summoned us here?" asked Princess Serenity, worry in her eyes.
"You may have noticed that last night, the Princesses of the Outer Planets left early, as did Princess Lita and Princess Raye. The reason for their leaving was a very grave matter," said the Queen. She looked at Luna, waiting for her to carry on the tale.
"This morning, we have received word that the Kingdoms on the Planets Pluto, Neptune, Uranus and Saturn have been destroyed by the Negaverse," she said.
The Prince and the Princesses who remained gasped.
"What of their rulers?" asked Endymion.
"The only people from those planets who still live are on the Moon," said Artemis sadly.
"What about Michelle, Amara, Hotaru and Trista?" asked Serenity.
"My dear, I'm afraid that only Trista is still alive, and that is only because she was sent to the Gate of Time," said the Queen.
Serenity and Princess Mina broke down in tears. Princess Amy drew her arms around herself tightly, blinking back tears. The Sovereigns, and Infernia, Cosmos and Princess Galaxia remained silent.
"What about Raye and Lita?" asked Princess Amy, eventually.
"For the time being, they are fine. We have sent the army of the Moon to help create a strong defence on Jupiter, and Raye is over seeing the evacuation of Mars. Members of the remaining kingdoms have gone to Jupiter to help them," said the Queen.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
{10 years later}
Queen Serenity stood in the ruins of the Moon Kingdom. Tears stung her eyes.
Her daughter was dead, having suffered the same fate as the other Planetary Princesses. The only Kingdoms that remained were upon the Earth- the Earth Kingdom, the Jade Kingdom and the Myst Realm.
Luna and Artemis ran up to their Queen.
"Your Majesty, we must leave now, before Beryl leads the Negaforce here!" said Artemis.
"No," was the Queen's reply.
"Your Majesty?" said both Artemis and Luna.
"I said no, I will not leave."
"If you stay here, you will surely die!"
"The Negaverse must be stopped. If I cannot do it, then my daughter will," said the Queen.
"Your Highness, Princess Serenity is dead! So are the others-Prince Endymion, Princess Amy, Princess Raye- they are all dead!" screamed Luna
"This cannot be their end," said the Queen, and her voice was choked with tears.
"I will send them to the future, stripped of their memories. If the Negaverse returns, you two must find them and give them back their memories to defeat them finally. Look after them all for me Luna, Artemis," said the Queen.
"Serenity!" shrieked a horrible voice. "I have taken them all from you, and you are the only one left. Scream for me, one last time," said Queen Beryl, the ruler of the Negaverse.
Serenity ignored her, and she raised the Silver Crystal above her head, and drew upon its power.
A silvery-white light illuminated the sky as bright as the sun.
"Beryl, you took everything from me, but now I will repay it in full. Because I am merciful, I will let you live. Yes, you and the generals you corrupted and mind wiped. Should you try again to destroy the Earth, the Senshi will rise up and stop you and your kind!"
And with that, a beam of light sped towards Beryl and her minions. They screamed, then were gone.
Serenity collapsed, and Artemis and Luna ran to their fallen Queen.
"Your Majesty," said Luna, crying.
The Queen raised the crystal for the last time, and another flash of light shone, sending the Princesses, the Prince, Luna, Artemis and the members of the various courts into the future, with no memory of their former lives.
The Queen sighed, then died with a smile upon her face, safe in the knowledge that her daughter would live again.
Trista appeared, in the guise of Sailor Pluto. She alone had survived the attack of the Negaverse, save for the population of the Earth.
"Long may you rest in Peace, Queen Serenity," she said.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x
{5 years later}
The Seven Justices, the overlords of the Universe, stood in the barren wasteland that the Jade Kingdom had become since it had been overrun by the forces of Estron, the Chaos Bringer.
"We need them," said the Justice of Death, who appeared as a beautiful woman shrouded in black.
"Will they accept?" said the Justice of Life, again a woman of beauty, but clothed in white robes.
"The five draw near," said the Justice of Time, a man clothed in grey robes.
The Justice of Chance, a man dressed in orange pointed to a spot of green in the dark land. "They are within our sight," he said.
Five female shapes- an Angel, an Elf, a Fire Elemental and two Sprites walked towards the spot where the Justices stood.
After an hour, they reached their destination, and bowed to the Justices
"You have considered our offer?" said the male Justice, clothed in blue robes. He was the Justice of Pain, and had a solemn voice.
"We have, yes," answered the Angel.
"What is your answer, Cosmos? And your fellows, Infernia, Galaxia, Polaris and Skye?" asked the female Justice of Love, clothed in flowing red robes.
"We all accept," said Cosmos.
The final Justice spoke.
"You understand that you will become mortal humans? You accept this, and you also accept the powers that we will give you?" she asked. She was the Justice of Fate, and was clothed in flowing purple robes.
"We understand," said Galaxia, bowing her head.
"Then so be it," said the Justice of Death.
"Step forward, Cosmos," ordered the Justice of Life.
Cosmos stood forward, and knelt before the Justices.
They whispered something in a language that was forgotten by all, save the gods. A wind rose around Cosmos, and suddenly, a flash of light appeared around her.
"Let the mortal Cosmos rise. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Cosmic Power' and your wings will reappear," said the Justice of Life.
"Step forward, Infernia," commanded the Justice of Time.
Infernia stood forward, and again the Justices chanted, and there was another flash of light.
"Rise the mortal Infernia. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Blaze Inferno Power'," said the Justice of Time.
"Step forward, Galaxia," said the Justice of Love.
Galaxia stood forward, and there was more chanting and another flash.
"Let the mortal Galaxia rise. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Spirit Power'," the Justice of Love told Galaxia.
"Skye, step forward," said the Justice of Chance.
They chanted and there was yet another flash of light.
"The mortal Skye, you may now rise. To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Ice Spray Power', and your wings will also reappear," the Justice of Chance told her.
"Polaris, step forward," said the Justice of Fate.
"I have a request to make," she said.
"Speak it then child," said the Justice of Fate.
"I do not wish to have my wings any longer," she said.
"Very well then," said Fate.
They chanted and a final flash of light was seen.
"Rise, the mortal Polaris," said Fate. "To gain access to your powers, say the words, 'Sea Spray Power'," she told Polaris.
"From this day forward, you five shall be known as Obsidian, collectively. Cosmos, the Angel of Time. Infernia, the Fire Maiden. Galaxia, the Spirit Princess. Skye, the Mistress of the Day. And Polaris, the Mistress of the Night," said Life.
"When you fall, we will give your souls and powers to new hosts, to continue your war against evil," said Death.
"Until there is no more evil in the universe, we will carry on moving your souls," said Fate.
"Go now, and fulfil that which you have promised us," said Love.
Bowing low, Obsidian turned and left.
"They will triumph?" asked Chance.
"Perhaps. But there is much that has not yet passed. They must withstand the tests set before them, then we can see if they shall triumph," said Fate.
The Justices waited for a moment or two, then they simply disappeared into thin air.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x