Chapter Eight
Tough Love at the Hands of Princess Pluto
Princess Pluto came to a halt abruptly - her fathomlessly deep eyes gazed at the figure she had spotted a short way off.
The tall and dark haired Plutonian and guardian of time had come to the Moon looking forward to visiting her niece Charon. She had arrived an hour ago and had chosen to take the long scenic route to the Palace of Queen Serenity. Pluto could have simply teleported near the Palace but being the guardian of the gates of time she so rarely got a chance like this to see the world and as she pressed onward to the Palace she cast her eyes which seemed to contain a wisdom older than time itself around to marvel at the endlessly stretching plains of the moon.
It was as she gazed directly ahead again that Pluto noticed the person on the path ahead of her getting closer and closer to her. This person was shrouded in a dark cloak with a hood that was pulled up over its face hiding it from the world around.
As it trod steadily forward Pluto noticed that its steps were graceful and that it stood tall and straight. Something about the figure caught Pluto's interest enough to make her stop and watch until it reached her.
"Wait there!" Pluto said holding out her hand palm outward for the figure to stop. "I wish to speak with you."
The person in the hood and cloak came to a halt about a yard away from the Plutonian and stood there motionlessly waiting to see what would happen. Pluto instantly noticed the wary and cautious stance of the figure as it stood and looked her up and down. Also below the rim of the hood she saw that the lips were those of a young girl.
"Who are you and what are you doing out here all alone?" Pluto asked as the hooded girl remained silent.
There was a silence during which the girl in the hood did not make a move.
"Well?" Pluto insisted. "Speak!"
The girl finally responded and her voice was proud and yet strangely defiant as she spoke. "I'm just going for a little hike."
Something in the way she said it told Pluto that it was a lie - looking closer at the girls face she noticed the dark scowl on her lips. Whoever she was this girl had not wanted to be seen by anyone on the way to wherever it was she was going.
Pluto's curiosity was aroused. Who in the world was this? She was determined to find out who she was and why she was here...
"I don't believe you." Pluto declared as she looked closer at the girls face trying to peer beneath her hood. "Why did you lie to me?"
The only reply she received was the deepening of the girls scowl as she took a step back. "Leave me alone." snapped the girl in the hood and cloak.
With that she tried to continue on her way but the Plutonian princess was not yet done with her. The girl came to a halt as Pluto held out her arm barring her way onward.
"That is not an answer. Stay where you are." she sternly told the girl . "Let me see your face."
The girl hesitated parting her lips slightly as she thought about her next words. "I...don't want to show it to you." she said slowly as she carefully picked her way through each word.
Pluto's eyes were stern as she had gazed at the girl who she had stopped on the path. "You will show me your face." she told her firmly.
"Oh yeah?" the girl snapped gritting her teeth. "Bet your life?" She tried to duck beneath Pluto's arm but the Plutonian seized her by the shoulder and brought her back.
Pluto fixed the girl with a penetrating stare which held her fast as she held her shoulder in a strong grip. "That does not satisfy me." she said sternly.
"Let me go whoever you are!" the girl snapped.
"I am Princess Pluto." Pluto delayed her voice crisp and clear and with grave nobility that could not have been denied by anybody.
In her hand she felt the girls shoulder stiffen. The girl had caught her breath as she had recognised the name of this woman whose dark green hair had looked so familiar to her. Charon had spoken of her often with great fondness and also respect in her voice.
This was Princess Pluto the guardian of the gates of time and Princess Charon's aunt...
Pluto watched as the scowl on the lips of the girl she had stopped in her tracks relaxed although it did not disappear completely. Judging that now was probably the best time to try again she spoke once more.
"Now let me see your face." she said in a much gentler voice than she had previously spoken in. "Please." she added more asking her to do it than telling her to.
Without another word the girl reached up and taking the edges of the hood in her fingers she drew it back over her forehead and up over her head to hang down her back...
Pluto felt herself give a slight gasp of wonder as she gazed at the girls face as it was revealed to her at last - the face of the girl was flawlessly beautiful but it was anything but gentle. There was a strange fierceness about it that reminded Pluto of a wild animal that would rather be dead than caged. A river of dark purple tresses cascaded down to her waist now that it was liberated from the confines of the hood and it seemed to shimmer slightly. But the girls eyes made Pluto catch her breath and widen her eyes marvelling.
The darkest brown and smouldering as if they contained deep fire that never stopped burning and never died out. Her eyes seemed like two pieces of perfectly cut and polished garnet to Pluto.
The expression on the girls face was sullen but also she noticed strangely forlorn as if she had suffered a deep loss or misfortune...
"Is there something on my face?" the girl asked coyly.
Pluto relaxed her brow and spoke far more pleasantly and friendlier than she had previously. "I believe that I already know your name. You are Princess Universe are you not?"
Universe looked taken aback at being recognized by a complete stranger. "You must have some memory to be able to recall the face of somebody who you've never met before." she flung back.
"I have heard a lot about you from those who have met you. But none of it is offensive so do not worry." Pluto said, then she remembered that she and Universe were quite a long way from the Palace and she furrowed her brow as she thought about this. "But why are you so far away from the Palace, Universe?" the Plutonian wondered giving the purple-haired girl a questioning look. "Why are you all the way out here?"
Universe searched frantically for a convincing lie but beneath Pluto's dark eyes which seemed to be able to see right into her thoughts she simply came to pieces. "Oh! Erm..." she stammered as a small distressed flush crept into her face. "I was just..."
Silently she wished that she had not let herself get delayed but she had not been able to resist the urge to stop and spend several minutes taking one long final look at the palace where she had been happy for a time despite many troubles. Because she had given into temptation Pluto had stopped her in her tracks...
"Come along now my princess!" Pluto said, her normally stern and severe voice unusually kind as she perceived that Universe was down on her luck. "Tell me it all. Perhaps I may be able to help."
All Universe wanted to do was leave the Moon Kingdom far behind her but there was something about Pluto's voice that made her do everything the older and taller princess said.
"I've left." she said flatly and abruptly.
"You have left the Palace?" Pluto said raising an eyebrow. "But why?"
Universe took a deep breath. "I'm leaving the Moon Kingdom. For good."
Pluto could not hide her surprise at this announcement. She had guessed that Universe had not been at her best but she had not expected this.
"Well there you have it Pluto." Universe continued eventually after Pluto made no reply. "Happy? I've told you what I'm doing. Can I go now?"
Without waiting for Pluto to answer her Universe turned and tried to walk past the tall Plutonian and go on her way. However Pluto was not yet done with Universe by far and she stepped quickly to one side and Universe had to stop as she stood right in her way.
Pluto's face was severe as she regarded the girl before her and Universe's eyes glittered irritably as she stared back at her in frustration. "What do you think you're doing?" she snapped. "Let me past!"
Pluto did not move as she gazed at Universe with stern eyes. "Stay where you are." Pluto told her firmly as she stood blocking her path. "I am not done with you yet Universe."
"Oh yes you are!" Universe spat and tried to get past Pluto again.
Again she was stopped in her tracks as Pluto put out a hand to stop her - Universe breathed deeply as she stood stock still on the path. She could feel the anger brewing up in her stomach.
Pluto's face was firm and unyielding as she stood preventing Universe from going any further. "I shall decide when this is over Universe." she said crisply and precisely as she gazed sternly at her quarry. "You shall not take another step further until I say that you may. Now explain to me what it was you meant when you told me that you desire to leave the Moon Kingdom."
"I didn't say that I wanted to! I said that I'm gonna!" Universe snapped as she stepped back from Pluto's hand.
"We shall see." Pluto replied calmly. "And now explain to me why it is you want to leave so badly."
"I don't have to answer to you!" Universe finally exploded furiously. "I don't care who you are! Now get out of my way Pluto!"
"No." Pluto responded grimly. "You shall do exactly as I tell you and then I will judge what shall happen next. Now tell me what has upset you like this."
"Forget it! I'm not telling you anything!" Universe snarled and made a dart forward.
Pluto moved very quickly indeed and with lightning swift movement she seized hold of Universe by her wrists. Universe gave a cry of anger hit Pluto on the chest with both fists. However before she could do it again the Guardian of Time swung the stubborn princess around and held her away from her at arms length so that she could not reach her with her fist.
Universe panted with rage as Pluto held both of her wrists together tightly. "Let me go!" she howled furiously as she tugged and pulled away from the taller princess in vain. "Let go or I'll...I'll..."
Words failed her.
Pluto looked at her calmly and collectedly as she held her wrists in her unbreakable grip. "Now you have no choice but to listen to me." she told Universe gravely. "I am very sorry that it has to be this way Universe. Very sorry indeed. However you gave me no other option."
"You've no right to keep me here!" Universe yelled furiously as she used every spark of angry energy in her body to try to break Pluto's grip – to no avail.
Pluto merely stood perfectly still as she remained completely balanced as if she were not holding onto a ferociously struggling girl. "You are wrong Universe – my right in this matter goes beyond dispute." She said, her voice placid and calm and she looked deep into her prisoner's eyes and recognized the spark there. "You are a Princess of the Outer Galaxy and so in the absence of your Guardian Serenity you fall under the authority of either the Queen of the Outer Galaxy or in HER absence…mine."
Universe opened her mouth and then just stared at her captor – an angry retort trembled at the edge of her tongue but what she had just been told had struck a chord in her. "You…know who I am?" she asked hesitantly.
Universe had never known anybody who'd had any knowledge of the short part of her life before being a Star raider – nobody who'd known who she really was and where she'd come from. Nobody who'd ever shared their knowledge with her anyway…
Pluto gave her a look and then nodded her head. "Yes – you are an extremely selfish and foolish young woman who is throwing away her chance in life because she has lost her temper." She said grimly and then added, "Only I am not going to let her do so."
Universe flinched caught off-guard and then narrowed her eyes – the remark had struck home but she wouldn't show it. "What do you think you know about me PLUTONIAN?" she sneered provokingly.
Pluto frowned – in actual fact she had been puzzling about this girl whose very existence had been a bewildering mystery to her ever since she had first learnt about Queen Serenity bringing her to the Moon Kingdom. In actuality she hadn't the faintest idea where Universe had come from or what she was the Princess OF but she didn't have to tell her that.
"Well I've certainly heard several rumours about you Universe." Pluto bantered mildly. "One of the most popular theories seems to be that Serenity raised you in secret as a favour to a dead friend."
Universe managed to smile in spite of her anger at the situation. "I think that some people have me mistaken for someone else." She said wryly. "What's your opinion Pluto?"
"Actually I don't believe it for a moment Universe – it seems impossible to me that Serenity could ever have raised such a young hellion as you." Pluto replied bluntly.
Universe smirked – she could understand that. "Whatever."
Universe remained silent for a while - she was too angry to reply but her eyes burned with defiance as she stared into Pluto's fathomless eyes which she noticed were the same colour as her own. She was determined not to give in. She was ready to resist Pluto if it was the last thing she did.
Pluto could almost read the girls thoughts as she studied with fiery eyes and stony face - she had to admire Universe's spirit and bravery. "Why have you left the palace Universe?" Pluto asked simply.
Universe decided that she may as well explain herself - after all she wasn't going anywhere. "I don't want to live here anymore." she said in short and bitter words.
"But why?" Pluto asked.
"I don't belong. Don't fit in." Universe said quietly. "Satisfied?"
Pluto's eyes softened a little. "Universe that's not true!" she exclaimed.
"How would you know?" Universe retorted bitterly.
For the next few minutes Pluto could not think of a reply to this. Then she spoke once more and her voice was quiet and steady. "I'm sure that there are people here who feel that you are important to them." she said kindly. "You mustn't run away from your problems Universe. You have to face them head on. It is just the way life is."
Universe flinched guiltily as she thought about Mercury. She tried to hide this but Pluto had already noted her reaction to her words. "Will you come back with me if I release your hands?" Pluto asked plainly.
Universe shook her head firmly.
Pluto gave her a long look and then she gave a sigh of resignation. "Well you are going back to the palace if I have to pick you up and drag you back." she said in a suddenly harsh voice. "You may come of your own free will or you can come unwillingly. The choice is your own but either way I am determined to take you back with me." she gazed deeply into Universe's defiant eyes with a look of iron in her own. "Choose swiftly." she concluded grimly.
"I won't go back Pluto." Universe said in a very quiet voice. "You won't make me."
Pluto frowned at her captive in annoyance. "Oh stop being so difficult!" she exclaimed. "You are the most stubborn girl who I have ever met!"
"Yeah, yeah…don't the gates of time need a new coat of paint or something?" Universe asked rolling her eyes sarcastically.
An enlightened smile spread across Pluto's face as she suddenly had a flash of inspiration. Now she knew how she could convince Universe to return to the palace with her without having to drag her back and humiliate her which she very much wanted to avoid doing.
"I'll tell you what Universe." Pluto began mildly. "Why don't you and I resolve this matter with a brief fight?"
Universe stared blankly at the Plutonian. "What do you have in mind?"
"You and I will fight for five minutes without using our powers. Whichever of us is in the best condition after the five minutes have elapsed will be the victor." Pluto paused for a few minutes as she gave Universe time to consider this proposal. "If I am that one then you must come back to the palace with me..."
"But?" Universe prompted her sharply.
"...but if you are that one then you may do whatever you want. Well then?"
Universe didn't even think it over. "Let's do it." she said shortly.
Pluto nodded as she let go of Universe's wrists. "Then it shall be so!" she declared as Universe took a step back to keep the taller princess in full view. "We shall begin now."
There was a secret smile of triumph on her lips as her hand strayed to her staff. This had gone just as she had planned...
An instant later the Plutonian held her formidable staff of metal in her hands in an attacking stance and in another second Universe had grabbed hold of a tree branch and broken it free.
Universe held the branch like a quarterstaff as she faced Pluto. "C'mon! I'll fight you to the death!" she cried.
Pluto could not help but laugh. "Yeah right." she replied imitating Universe's manner of speech as the fight began.
They both went at each other with their staffs and grappled as they locked weapons. Totally confident that she would win Universe attempted to kick Pluto's feet from beneath her but Pluto beat her to it and as she avoided the younger girl's leg she used her other foot to hook her opponents leg from beneath her.
As Universe stumbled Pluto broke her own staff free and whirled it around before she struck Universe a sharp blow on the arm. Pluto did not want to hurt Universe but she knew that the stubborn princess could take it.
"Not so good Universe!" Pluto remarked cheerfully. "You'll have to do much better than that if you want to earn the right to choose for yourself!"
"You surprised me that's all." Universe replied sullenly.
Pluto raised her eyebrow inquisitively. "Oh?" she asked mildly.
Without so much as a hint of warning the Plutonian whirled her staff around her head in a full circle and dealt Universe another sharp blow this time on her other arm.
"I'm not surprising you now!" Pluto told Universe with a smile as the purple-haired girl gasped out of sheer shock.
Universe snarled and went for Pluto's chest but the Plutonian blocked her blow.
Three minutes had now passed...
Universe wrenched her staff free and aimed a blow at Pluto's chest that was so ferocious that Pluto had no time to knock it aside. Pluto grunted as she once more admired Universe's indomitable spirit.
What a pity that it wouldn't be a lot of help to her. Strong as Universe was Pluto had had 30000 years more training than the purple haired girl had and she knew for certain that Universe did not stand a chance against her.
With that thought Pluto smiled grimly as and struck Universe's staff with a mighty blow that broke it in two. As Universe gave a dismayed blink the Guardian of Time raised her staff in one hand to signal the end of the fight.
Universe's eyes narrowed and she lunged at Pluto...a moment later she lay back against a tree clutching her aching head in stunned shock.
Pluto smiled triumphantly as she put her staff away. "That was five minutes Universe." she said calmly. "I am the winner of our contest. Now honour our agreement!"
The stunned princess could not believe what had happened, for the first time in her life she had been defeated and she felt utterly devastated by the experience.
Universe knew that Pluto was right and that she had to go back now but she felt no happier about it. "But...I can't!" she spluttered.
"You can." Pluto stated calmly. "And will." her tone became gentler as Universe bowed her head in misery and defeat. "Universe I know that you are upset right now and that has made you rush into the decision to leave. But you will thank me for this one day. When you have had time to clear your head you will later be glad that you stayed."
Universe heaved a great sigh as a little of her misery departed. "I don't have much choice do I?" she said eventually.
Princess Pluto laughed as she offered Universe her hand. "Not really Princess Universe!" she agreed.
~*~*~
"Universe! You're back!" Queen Serenity exclaimed as she caught sight of the two who were just walking through the archway and into the courtyard where she had been anxiously waiting since receiving Princess Pluto's message that she had found Universe on her way to the Palace and would bring her back with her when she arrived.
Universe lagged a short way behind Pluto as she walked reluctantly and there was a very nervous look on her face as she arrived with the Plutonian.
Serenity regarded the girl keenly as the two of them walked across the courtyard towards her. Universe seemed to be quite well but she did not appear to be delighted to be back all the same. Pluto had needed to spend a lot of time in bringing Universe back to the Palace for while they had been walking back Universe had stopped on several occasions, too anxious and worried to continue and on each time this had happened Pluto had stopped and convinced her to start walking again.
It had taken a long while but now Universe was back where she belonged.
"I am so relieved to see you back!" Serenity said as she hurried up and met them halfway across the courtyard. "Thank you for bringing her home Pluto. I am in your debt." she said in gratitude as she turned to face the Guardian of Time.
Pluto acknowledged the Queen of the Moon's thanks with a nod of her dark-haired head. "There is really no need at all for you to thank me your majesty. I simply did what I thought was right. As I mentioned in my message I have come to see Princess Charon. Is she close?"
Serenity nodded. "Of course. She is with Venus and Mars just a little way away from here. Why not go and see her right away?"
"I shall. Thank you your majesty." with that Pluto glanced at Universe one last time and bade her goodbye with a quick smile before setting off to visit Charon.
Now that she was alone with Universe Serenity turned and looked at the brown eyed girl who avoided meeting her eyes. "You had me very worried indeed!" she scolded her gently. "What in the world made you run off by yourself like that?"
Universe's face was embarrassed as she fixed her gaze on the ground uncomfortably. "Sorry." she muttered red to the tips of her ears as she stared at the ground. "I'm really really sorry!"
"I know that you are. But tell me, why did you leave us?" Serenity insisted. "Were you upset by something which somebody did or said?"
Universe ventured to raise her eyes a little to look at Serenity's face and the lack of anger or annoyance in the queen's eyes both encouraged and surprised her - She could not understand it at all. "Not really." she replied untruthfully though she didn't know why she bothered since she already knew that Serenity would know that it was not true.
"You and I both know that you aren't telling me the truth." Serenity rebuked her gently. "Universe why don't you simply tell me what is troubling you?"
Universe found herself at a complete loss for what to say to this. "I'm...I'm sorry." she stammered.
"Whatever for Universe?"
Universe was taken aback by the queens casual response to her apology. "Well...for making you worry? For causing you trouble?" she floundered.
Serenity considered this for a moment and then she gave a slight and dismissive shrug of her shoulders. "All of us behave foolishly at times when there are things on our minds. This is simply one of those times for you." she replied lightly. "Do not let it worry you. All that matters is that you came back."
Universe did not know what to say to this. "Yes ma'am." she muttered a little sheepishly.
Serenity laughed pleasantly at the stubborn and red faced girl standing in front of her with a meek submissiveness in her face that was simply out of place there.
Universe blinked, she did not understand it but she had a feeling that it was alright.
"Oh Universe...what am I going to do with you?" Serenity eventually asked with a fond smile.
"Dunno." Universe muttered. "What would you like to do with me?"
"I would like to speak with the real you." Serenity replied honestly. "The you who listens to her feelings instead of trying to hide them. But I can see that you are not ready for that yet Universe so don't worry. I won't try to force you. We have all the time in the world."
Universe scowled. She couldn't decide which she hated more…not being misunderstood or talking with someone who understood her perfectly before she'd had a chance to sulk about not being understood. Then Serenity did a thing that surprised Universe, shocked her to her core. The queen reached out towards the side of Universe's face with her hand and stroked her purple hair, tucking the violet strands behind her ear.
Universe was shocked by this, and even more so when she realised that she was not resisting Serenity's affectionate gesture. No-one had ever touched her like this before in her life and it felt too bizarre for words...
After a moment Serenity took her hand away again. "Take all the time you need Universe." she told the shocked girl. "But try not to leave it for too long."
Universe felt baffled by what had just happened and breathless - Her mind had gone completely blank as Serenity had touched her so gently and she could not immediately reply. "Can I go now?" she managed eventually.
"You may." then a serious look appeared on Serenity's face as she looked at Universe. "However first I want you to promise me something. I want you to promise me that you will not go off again without a word. I worry about you Universe."
"I can take care of myself Queen Serenity."
"That wasn't what I meant. There are other dangers in the world. So will you promise me?"
Universe gave in and promised that she would never do it again. Queen Serenity decided that it was probably best that she leave Universe now and with a beam of satisfaction she took her leave of the princess.
Alone again Universe stared after the Queen of the Moon wondering what all of it meant. Without realising at first that she was doing it she slowly touched the side of her face with her hand where Serenity had put her hand a few minutes ago. Universe's eyes were confused as she tried and failed to understand what had just happened.
Universe was not alone for long as she realised when she heard the faint treading of light footsteps behind her and turned around…
Mercury's eyes were troubled and sorrowful as she walked slowly through the archway that led into the courtyard. The blue-haired princess had been very quiet and sombre over the rest of the day after Universe had left the palace in a rage because she had been feeling awful about what had happened. Even though she knew that none of what had happened had been her fault Mercury felt guilty about the way she had not chided Venus when she had been making those thoughtless remarks about Universe's manners – but when she remembered how she hadn't stood up for Universe when Jupiter had been nasty to the purple-haired girl she felt much, much worse.
Whatever had been her fault Mercury doubted that she would ever see Universe again after the way things had gone – in fact the purple-haired girl had been so furious when she'd turned away and stalked out that Mercury couldn't imagine her coming back because she wanted to…
So she was understandably surprised when she looked up from her feet and saw the figure with her purple hair reaching down to her waist standing with her back faced to her as she walked into the courtyard. "Universe…" Mercury gasped, her voice a shocked gasp at first – then she realised that her eyes weren't playing tricks on her and she exclaimed at the top of her voice "Universe…you have come back!"
There was a pause and then Universe who had instinctively turned away blushing furiously the instant that she'd seen Mercury slowly turned back around to gaze at the blue-haired girl. With a sheepish expression on her face she faced Mercury almost shyly as she wondered what her friend must think of her after the way she had walked out of the palace…and she even wondered unhappily if she was still her friend at all.
"Universe…you've come back!" Mercury repeated so surprised that she couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Looks that way huh?" Universe responded quietly with a tiny embarrassed smile.
For half a moment Mercury just stood there as her blue eyes grew round as she gazed at Universe and then the relief that had been building up inside her came gushing out to the surface. "Oh Universe I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed as she hurried up to the taller girl, her eyes shining happily.
Universe felt astounded as she stared at her – she'd been so worried about what Mercury would say to her when she saw her again that she hadn't even been able to look at her a few seconds ago and now she was almost knocked over by the blue-haired girls reaction to seeing her again. "You're sorry…why?" she exclaimed as she looked at the smaller girl in disbelief. "I'm the one who yelled at everyone and walked out like a jerk!"
"But you had good reason Universe." Mercury said and then as an anxious look crossed her face mingling happiness with worry she walked even closer to the other girl and said in a voice that was quieter than before, "Universe I'm so sorry about what happened. I'm sorry that I didn't say anything…your feelings were hurt weren't they?"
Universe gave her a surprised look and then suddenly she grinned and shook her head with a laugh. "Forget about it." She dismissed Mercury's apology like it was nothing but it had really touched her – nobody had ever apologised to her before in her life and like the way Queen Serenity had touched her a few minutes ago it felt too bizarre for words. "Jupiter's right ya know Mercury…I'm actually a total bitch who doesn't deserve to have friends. I'm okay with it though…I'm not like you Mercury. I don't need to have people around me but it's just that hearing it from someone else makes me mad."
Mercury stared at Universe in silence and she felt so moved by the sad acceptance that she'd heard in her voice when she'd made that admission that she didn't even realise that she had sworn. "No…that isn't true Universe." She said in a very clear and sincere voice. "I am your friend because I like you not because I feel sorry for you. Universe…you say that you don't need friends but you are happy to be with me now…I can see it in your eyes."
Universe was silent for a moment as she thought about that and Mercury walked even closer to her as she felt surer than before that she was right about this. "Universe – you just want friends." She said softly as she smiled at the purple-haired girl in a way that made her feel all funny inside. "Am I right?"
As she thought about it Universe lowered her eyes – at first she'd been inclined to believe that everything that Mercury had just said was complete crap but now as she opened her mouth to voice this opinion she found that the words just wouldn't come when they were bidden. Could it be that the blue-haired girl was right and she was wrong after all?
Just the thought made her reel. "Wow…" she muttered as she thought about it.
How could other people know her better than she'd always thought that she knew herself? As she tried to figure it out she realised just how tired she was after all that had happened today.
"Give me a cuddle Mercury." Universe said cheerfully with an exaggerated yawn.
Mercury blinked as she felt completely surprised by the others girls reply to her question that had come from her heart. "Are you feeling cold?" she asked unable to think of anything else.
"No I just want you to spoil me for a while." smiling she meekly added, "Please?"
Mercury gave in since she couldn't possible resist her friend's lovely eyes and reaching out towards the purple-haired girl she put her arms around her. Universe was smiling as he slid her arms around the smaller girls waist and gently eased her close to herself – as she ran her hand gently up Mercury's back she noticed that the blue-haired girl was standing on her toes so that there faces were level.
As she good-naturedly lowered her head to rest on Mercury's soft shoulder Universe noticed appreciatively how warm the blue-haired princess's skin was…
It was just as Universe closed her eyes and smiled happily that Charon walked eagerly into the garden having heard from her aunt that Universe was back. The green-haired princess had been thrilled to see Pluto but she had come to see Universe as quickly as possible because all day she had wanted to tell her what she now knew she should have said the last time she had seen her. That she liked her for who she was and that she was her friend no matter how she behaved or talked – all that mattered was that she was a wonderful girl and most importantly of all her friend.
But when she saw Universe's contented face she realised that there really wasn't any need for her to tell her any of this just yet – what she had to say could wait. But this opportunity couldn't…
With a charming smile on her face and the very essence of mischief itself sparkling in her eyes Charon walked over to where the two friends stood. "Oooh…that looks lovely Mercury!" she cooed. "Can I have a cuddle too?"
Mercury and Universe's eyes snapped open and looked at the Charonian in shock as they realised for the first time that they were not alone. Universe glowered at the dark-haired princess with a "Hands off! She's all mine!" look on her face.
Charon couldn't help it, at the sight of the protective expression on Universe's face she burst into a peal of laughter. As Charon chuckled merrily Universe flinched in surprise, she hadn't expected the other girl to react to her glare like this.
As Mercury blushed andthe taller girl clutched her possessively Estrella came running into the garden in a breathless state of excitement for she too had heard from Pluto that Universe was back and had run all the way here to see her. "Universe back!" she squealed as she caught sight of the purple-haired princess and ran over to her side where she began to jump up and down to be in her arms. "You back!"
Universe blinked down at the ginger kitten and she was instantly taken by storm by the gladness in Estrella's eyes – then with a frown crinkling her face she looked over at Charon who had stopped laughing by now and now simply settled for a merry smile as she looked at her.
At first Charon's laughter had made her feel angry all over again but now that she'd been distracted she realised that Charon hadn't been laughing at her in scorn at all – she was happy because she was glad to see her.
Before Universe had time to think about this Venus flitted into the garden and her blue eyes lightened in relief as she saw Universe. Universe watched as the blonde princess made for her immediately and came to a stop in front of her,
As Venus gazed anxiously at her Universe could just tell that she had something on her mind that she was almost desperate to tell her. "Say it." Universe sighed.
Venus gave Charon a slightly scared look but the smile of encouragement that she received in return gave her courage to speak her mind. "Universe I'm sorry that I said those things about you." She said nervously as she clasped her hands behind her back and turned to face the purple-haired girl shyly. "I know that I shouldn't have and I'm sorry…can you forgive me?"
Universe raised her eyebrow as she stood with Mercury still held in her arms – she could feel the blue-haired girls heart beating as Venus looked at her anxiously, just waiting for her answer. This was just so strange…all her life nobody had cared about what she'd felt and now here she was among people who liked her despite her bad temper and the rest of her shortcomings.
The one whose presence comforted her more than she could say liked her unconditionally, another liked her enough to laugh off her flaws whenever they surfaced, a third was so happy to see her that she couldn't think about anything else and the last wanted things to be well between them more than anything in the world.
With a shock she realised that these people were her…friends. Friends…how shocking that felt.
Shrugging she replied in a casual voice. "Of course Venus – I know that you weren't thinking when you said all that stuff Venus. Nothing holdin' you up but the stays in your bodice…I don't hold any of it against you."
Mercury and Charon widened their eyes at this remark but Venus was so relieved by Universe's acceptance of her apology that she didn't stop to think about what she had just said. "Oh I'm so glad!" she cried warmly as she walked straight up to Universe and without warning took the other girls hand into her own and whisked her away from Mercury. "Thank you for understanding Universe! We're very glad to have you here you know!"
Universe gasped as the garden spun around her as Venus swung her around like a dance partner. Realising what was happening she struggled and shoved the blonde princess away from her.
Venus staggered backward and almost fell over but stopped as she flopped back against a tree trunk. There was a dazed look on her face at first and then she grinned and looked up at Universe. "You're so funny!" she laughed as she picked herself up.
Universe started at her in disbelief and opened her mouth to say something harsh…but instead she sighed in resignation.
"Where are Mars and Jupiter?" Mercury asked as she walked over to where Charon stood.
Charon hesitated before replying which was unusual for her. "Mars was too uncomfortable to come after what happened…as for Jupiter well she just stormed off when she heard that Universe had come back." She said quietly hoping that Universe would not hear.
But many years of her young life spent listening for sounds in the night had sharpened all of Universe's sensed so though she had heard what Charon had said the purple-haired girl pretended that she had not caught her low whisper.
"And where is the Moon Princess?" Mercury added.
"Here." The familiar calm and gentle voice said as the Princess of the Moon Kingdom walked into the courtyard.
As soon as she saw Universe she walked right up to her without delay and apologised for what had driven her away from the palace that day. "I am deeply sorry Universe – I want you to know that none of us think any of the things that you said we do. I assure you that we all see you just as wonderfully as the rest of us however you are." Knowing that this alone was not enough to make Universe feel better she continued gently. "I understand why you were so angry with me Universe – you have not had a very nice time settling in with us and I was too nervous to help you before. But I promise you now that that will change as of now. I give you my word as Princess of the Moon Kingdom that you won't feel lonely anymore…I won't allow it."
As Universe stood breath-taken and thinking that this girl was definitely her mothers daughter an excited Estrella jumped up and landed in her now free arms. "We take care of you Universe!" she beamed.
Universe blushed to the tips of her ears but deep down she had to admit that she actually found this experience…nice. Here she was with five true friends and now there were only two more people she still felt uncomfortable around.
Mars…and Jupiter.
"You guys…" she muttered as she tried to sound embarrassed by this whole thing.
"Don't say a word." Charon hushed her smiling. "just be happy with what you have Universe…you can worry about all of the loose ends later."
Universe had to admit that this made a hell of a lot of sense.
~*~*~
"Well…that's a relief!" Queen Serenity murmured to Pluto as the two of them watched these proceedings from a balcony that overlooked the courtyard.
As she smiled Serenity felt herself swelling with pride for her daughter who had just extended her hand in friendship to Universe – how strange it was to think that such a good thing had come out of the terrible misunderstanding that had happened today. But now Serenity felt much happier knowing that the barrier between Universe and most of the others was now gone and at last they would be able to get to know and truly understand each other.
"I agree your majesty." Pluto put in as she recalled her tussle with Universe on the roadway.
Detecting Pluto's thoughtful tone Serenity turned her head sideways to look at her. "Hmm? What is your opinion of her Pluto?" the Queen asked interestedly.
Pluto reflected for a moment and then replied sincerely. "I believe your majesty that the girl has potential…in fact I would do so far as to say that she has incredible potential."
"But?" the Queen prompted her as she fell silent for a moment.
The guardian of time turned to gaze at Serenity though her sombre eyes. "But whether she puts it to good or bad use is yet to be seen." she concluded.
Queen Serenity nodded as she accepted this keen analysis but her eyes were gentle and a pleasant smile adorned her face as she watched Universe with her fellow princesses.
Tough Love at the Hands of Princess Pluto
Princess Pluto came to a halt abruptly - her fathomlessly deep eyes gazed at the figure she had spotted a short way off.
The tall and dark haired Plutonian and guardian of time had come to the Moon looking forward to visiting her niece Charon. She had arrived an hour ago and had chosen to take the long scenic route to the Palace of Queen Serenity. Pluto could have simply teleported near the Palace but being the guardian of the gates of time she so rarely got a chance like this to see the world and as she pressed onward to the Palace she cast her eyes which seemed to contain a wisdom older than time itself around to marvel at the endlessly stretching plains of the moon.
It was as she gazed directly ahead again that Pluto noticed the person on the path ahead of her getting closer and closer to her. This person was shrouded in a dark cloak with a hood that was pulled up over its face hiding it from the world around.
As it trod steadily forward Pluto noticed that its steps were graceful and that it stood tall and straight. Something about the figure caught Pluto's interest enough to make her stop and watch until it reached her.
"Wait there!" Pluto said holding out her hand palm outward for the figure to stop. "I wish to speak with you."
The person in the hood and cloak came to a halt about a yard away from the Plutonian and stood there motionlessly waiting to see what would happen. Pluto instantly noticed the wary and cautious stance of the figure as it stood and looked her up and down. Also below the rim of the hood she saw that the lips were those of a young girl.
"Who are you and what are you doing out here all alone?" Pluto asked as the hooded girl remained silent.
There was a silence during which the girl in the hood did not make a move.
"Well?" Pluto insisted. "Speak!"
The girl finally responded and her voice was proud and yet strangely defiant as she spoke. "I'm just going for a little hike."
Something in the way she said it told Pluto that it was a lie - looking closer at the girls face she noticed the dark scowl on her lips. Whoever she was this girl had not wanted to be seen by anyone on the way to wherever it was she was going.
Pluto's curiosity was aroused. Who in the world was this? She was determined to find out who she was and why she was here...
"I don't believe you." Pluto declared as she looked closer at the girls face trying to peer beneath her hood. "Why did you lie to me?"
The only reply she received was the deepening of the girls scowl as she took a step back. "Leave me alone." snapped the girl in the hood and cloak.
With that she tried to continue on her way but the Plutonian princess was not yet done with her. The girl came to a halt as Pluto held out her arm barring her way onward.
"That is not an answer. Stay where you are." she sternly told the girl . "Let me see your face."
The girl hesitated parting her lips slightly as she thought about her next words. "I...don't want to show it to you." she said slowly as she carefully picked her way through each word.
Pluto's eyes were stern as she had gazed at the girl who she had stopped on the path. "You will show me your face." she told her firmly.
"Oh yeah?" the girl snapped gritting her teeth. "Bet your life?" She tried to duck beneath Pluto's arm but the Plutonian seized her by the shoulder and brought her back.
Pluto fixed the girl with a penetrating stare which held her fast as she held her shoulder in a strong grip. "That does not satisfy me." she said sternly.
"Let me go whoever you are!" the girl snapped.
"I am Princess Pluto." Pluto delayed her voice crisp and clear and with grave nobility that could not have been denied by anybody.
In her hand she felt the girls shoulder stiffen. The girl had caught her breath as she had recognised the name of this woman whose dark green hair had looked so familiar to her. Charon had spoken of her often with great fondness and also respect in her voice.
This was Princess Pluto the guardian of the gates of time and Princess Charon's aunt...
Pluto watched as the scowl on the lips of the girl she had stopped in her tracks relaxed although it did not disappear completely. Judging that now was probably the best time to try again she spoke once more.
"Now let me see your face." she said in a much gentler voice than she had previously spoken in. "Please." she added more asking her to do it than telling her to.
Without another word the girl reached up and taking the edges of the hood in her fingers she drew it back over her forehead and up over her head to hang down her back...
Pluto felt herself give a slight gasp of wonder as she gazed at the girls face as it was revealed to her at last - the face of the girl was flawlessly beautiful but it was anything but gentle. There was a strange fierceness about it that reminded Pluto of a wild animal that would rather be dead than caged. A river of dark purple tresses cascaded down to her waist now that it was liberated from the confines of the hood and it seemed to shimmer slightly. But the girls eyes made Pluto catch her breath and widen her eyes marvelling.
The darkest brown and smouldering as if they contained deep fire that never stopped burning and never died out. Her eyes seemed like two pieces of perfectly cut and polished garnet to Pluto.
The expression on the girls face was sullen but also she noticed strangely forlorn as if she had suffered a deep loss or misfortune...
"Is there something on my face?" the girl asked coyly.
Pluto relaxed her brow and spoke far more pleasantly and friendlier than she had previously. "I believe that I already know your name. You are Princess Universe are you not?"
Universe looked taken aback at being recognized by a complete stranger. "You must have some memory to be able to recall the face of somebody who you've never met before." she flung back.
"I have heard a lot about you from those who have met you. But none of it is offensive so do not worry." Pluto said, then she remembered that she and Universe were quite a long way from the Palace and she furrowed her brow as she thought about this. "But why are you so far away from the Palace, Universe?" the Plutonian wondered giving the purple-haired girl a questioning look. "Why are you all the way out here?"
Universe searched frantically for a convincing lie but beneath Pluto's dark eyes which seemed to be able to see right into her thoughts she simply came to pieces. "Oh! Erm..." she stammered as a small distressed flush crept into her face. "I was just..."
Silently she wished that she had not let herself get delayed but she had not been able to resist the urge to stop and spend several minutes taking one long final look at the palace where she had been happy for a time despite many troubles. Because she had given into temptation Pluto had stopped her in her tracks...
"Come along now my princess!" Pluto said, her normally stern and severe voice unusually kind as she perceived that Universe was down on her luck. "Tell me it all. Perhaps I may be able to help."
All Universe wanted to do was leave the Moon Kingdom far behind her but there was something about Pluto's voice that made her do everything the older and taller princess said.
"I've left." she said flatly and abruptly.
"You have left the Palace?" Pluto said raising an eyebrow. "But why?"
Universe took a deep breath. "I'm leaving the Moon Kingdom. For good."
Pluto could not hide her surprise at this announcement. She had guessed that Universe had not been at her best but she had not expected this.
"Well there you have it Pluto." Universe continued eventually after Pluto made no reply. "Happy? I've told you what I'm doing. Can I go now?"
Without waiting for Pluto to answer her Universe turned and tried to walk past the tall Plutonian and go on her way. However Pluto was not yet done with Universe by far and she stepped quickly to one side and Universe had to stop as she stood right in her way.
Pluto's face was severe as she regarded the girl before her and Universe's eyes glittered irritably as she stared back at her in frustration. "What do you think you're doing?" she snapped. "Let me past!"
Pluto did not move as she gazed at Universe with stern eyes. "Stay where you are." Pluto told her firmly as she stood blocking her path. "I am not done with you yet Universe."
"Oh yes you are!" Universe spat and tried to get past Pluto again.
Again she was stopped in her tracks as Pluto put out a hand to stop her - Universe breathed deeply as she stood stock still on the path. She could feel the anger brewing up in her stomach.
Pluto's face was firm and unyielding as she stood preventing Universe from going any further. "I shall decide when this is over Universe." she said crisply and precisely as she gazed sternly at her quarry. "You shall not take another step further until I say that you may. Now explain to me what it was you meant when you told me that you desire to leave the Moon Kingdom."
"I didn't say that I wanted to! I said that I'm gonna!" Universe snapped as she stepped back from Pluto's hand.
"We shall see." Pluto replied calmly. "And now explain to me why it is you want to leave so badly."
"I don't have to answer to you!" Universe finally exploded furiously. "I don't care who you are! Now get out of my way Pluto!"
"No." Pluto responded grimly. "You shall do exactly as I tell you and then I will judge what shall happen next. Now tell me what has upset you like this."
"Forget it! I'm not telling you anything!" Universe snarled and made a dart forward.
Pluto moved very quickly indeed and with lightning swift movement she seized hold of Universe by her wrists. Universe gave a cry of anger hit Pluto on the chest with both fists. However before she could do it again the Guardian of Time swung the stubborn princess around and held her away from her at arms length so that she could not reach her with her fist.
Universe panted with rage as Pluto held both of her wrists together tightly. "Let me go!" she howled furiously as she tugged and pulled away from the taller princess in vain. "Let go or I'll...I'll..."
Words failed her.
Pluto looked at her calmly and collectedly as she held her wrists in her unbreakable grip. "Now you have no choice but to listen to me." she told Universe gravely. "I am very sorry that it has to be this way Universe. Very sorry indeed. However you gave me no other option."
"You've no right to keep me here!" Universe yelled furiously as she used every spark of angry energy in her body to try to break Pluto's grip – to no avail.
Pluto merely stood perfectly still as she remained completely balanced as if she were not holding onto a ferociously struggling girl. "You are wrong Universe – my right in this matter goes beyond dispute." She said, her voice placid and calm and she looked deep into her prisoner's eyes and recognized the spark there. "You are a Princess of the Outer Galaxy and so in the absence of your Guardian Serenity you fall under the authority of either the Queen of the Outer Galaxy or in HER absence…mine."
Universe opened her mouth and then just stared at her captor – an angry retort trembled at the edge of her tongue but what she had just been told had struck a chord in her. "You…know who I am?" she asked hesitantly.
Universe had never known anybody who'd had any knowledge of the short part of her life before being a Star raider – nobody who'd known who she really was and where she'd come from. Nobody who'd ever shared their knowledge with her anyway…
Pluto gave her a look and then nodded her head. "Yes – you are an extremely selfish and foolish young woman who is throwing away her chance in life because she has lost her temper." She said grimly and then added, "Only I am not going to let her do so."
Universe flinched caught off-guard and then narrowed her eyes – the remark had struck home but she wouldn't show it. "What do you think you know about me PLUTONIAN?" she sneered provokingly.
Pluto frowned – in actual fact she had been puzzling about this girl whose very existence had been a bewildering mystery to her ever since she had first learnt about Queen Serenity bringing her to the Moon Kingdom. In actuality she hadn't the faintest idea where Universe had come from or what she was the Princess OF but she didn't have to tell her that.
"Well I've certainly heard several rumours about you Universe." Pluto bantered mildly. "One of the most popular theories seems to be that Serenity raised you in secret as a favour to a dead friend."
Universe managed to smile in spite of her anger at the situation. "I think that some people have me mistaken for someone else." She said wryly. "What's your opinion Pluto?"
"Actually I don't believe it for a moment Universe – it seems impossible to me that Serenity could ever have raised such a young hellion as you." Pluto replied bluntly.
Universe smirked – she could understand that. "Whatever."
Universe remained silent for a while - she was too angry to reply but her eyes burned with defiance as she stared into Pluto's fathomless eyes which she noticed were the same colour as her own. She was determined not to give in. She was ready to resist Pluto if it was the last thing she did.
Pluto could almost read the girls thoughts as she studied with fiery eyes and stony face - she had to admire Universe's spirit and bravery. "Why have you left the palace Universe?" Pluto asked simply.
Universe decided that she may as well explain herself - after all she wasn't going anywhere. "I don't want to live here anymore." she said in short and bitter words.
"But why?" Pluto asked.
"I don't belong. Don't fit in." Universe said quietly. "Satisfied?"
Pluto's eyes softened a little. "Universe that's not true!" she exclaimed.
"How would you know?" Universe retorted bitterly.
For the next few minutes Pluto could not think of a reply to this. Then she spoke once more and her voice was quiet and steady. "I'm sure that there are people here who feel that you are important to them." she said kindly. "You mustn't run away from your problems Universe. You have to face them head on. It is just the way life is."
Universe flinched guiltily as she thought about Mercury. She tried to hide this but Pluto had already noted her reaction to her words. "Will you come back with me if I release your hands?" Pluto asked plainly.
Universe shook her head firmly.
Pluto gave her a long look and then she gave a sigh of resignation. "Well you are going back to the palace if I have to pick you up and drag you back." she said in a suddenly harsh voice. "You may come of your own free will or you can come unwillingly. The choice is your own but either way I am determined to take you back with me." she gazed deeply into Universe's defiant eyes with a look of iron in her own. "Choose swiftly." she concluded grimly.
"I won't go back Pluto." Universe said in a very quiet voice. "You won't make me."
Pluto frowned at her captive in annoyance. "Oh stop being so difficult!" she exclaimed. "You are the most stubborn girl who I have ever met!"
"Yeah, yeah…don't the gates of time need a new coat of paint or something?" Universe asked rolling her eyes sarcastically.
An enlightened smile spread across Pluto's face as she suddenly had a flash of inspiration. Now she knew how she could convince Universe to return to the palace with her without having to drag her back and humiliate her which she very much wanted to avoid doing.
"I'll tell you what Universe." Pluto began mildly. "Why don't you and I resolve this matter with a brief fight?"
Universe stared blankly at the Plutonian. "What do you have in mind?"
"You and I will fight for five minutes without using our powers. Whichever of us is in the best condition after the five minutes have elapsed will be the victor." Pluto paused for a few minutes as she gave Universe time to consider this proposal. "If I am that one then you must come back to the palace with me..."
"But?" Universe prompted her sharply.
"...but if you are that one then you may do whatever you want. Well then?"
Universe didn't even think it over. "Let's do it." she said shortly.
Pluto nodded as she let go of Universe's wrists. "Then it shall be so!" she declared as Universe took a step back to keep the taller princess in full view. "We shall begin now."
There was a secret smile of triumph on her lips as her hand strayed to her staff. This had gone just as she had planned...
An instant later the Plutonian held her formidable staff of metal in her hands in an attacking stance and in another second Universe had grabbed hold of a tree branch and broken it free.
Universe held the branch like a quarterstaff as she faced Pluto. "C'mon! I'll fight you to the death!" she cried.
Pluto could not help but laugh. "Yeah right." she replied imitating Universe's manner of speech as the fight began.
They both went at each other with their staffs and grappled as they locked weapons. Totally confident that she would win Universe attempted to kick Pluto's feet from beneath her but Pluto beat her to it and as she avoided the younger girl's leg she used her other foot to hook her opponents leg from beneath her.
As Universe stumbled Pluto broke her own staff free and whirled it around before she struck Universe a sharp blow on the arm. Pluto did not want to hurt Universe but she knew that the stubborn princess could take it.
"Not so good Universe!" Pluto remarked cheerfully. "You'll have to do much better than that if you want to earn the right to choose for yourself!"
"You surprised me that's all." Universe replied sullenly.
Pluto raised her eyebrow inquisitively. "Oh?" she asked mildly.
Without so much as a hint of warning the Plutonian whirled her staff around her head in a full circle and dealt Universe another sharp blow this time on her other arm.
"I'm not surprising you now!" Pluto told Universe with a smile as the purple-haired girl gasped out of sheer shock.
Universe snarled and went for Pluto's chest but the Plutonian blocked her blow.
Three minutes had now passed...
Universe wrenched her staff free and aimed a blow at Pluto's chest that was so ferocious that Pluto had no time to knock it aside. Pluto grunted as she once more admired Universe's indomitable spirit.
What a pity that it wouldn't be a lot of help to her. Strong as Universe was Pluto had had 30000 years more training than the purple haired girl had and she knew for certain that Universe did not stand a chance against her.
With that thought Pluto smiled grimly as and struck Universe's staff with a mighty blow that broke it in two. As Universe gave a dismayed blink the Guardian of Time raised her staff in one hand to signal the end of the fight.
Universe's eyes narrowed and she lunged at Pluto...a moment later she lay back against a tree clutching her aching head in stunned shock.
Pluto smiled triumphantly as she put her staff away. "That was five minutes Universe." she said calmly. "I am the winner of our contest. Now honour our agreement!"
The stunned princess could not believe what had happened, for the first time in her life she had been defeated and she felt utterly devastated by the experience.
Universe knew that Pluto was right and that she had to go back now but she felt no happier about it. "But...I can't!" she spluttered.
"You can." Pluto stated calmly. "And will." her tone became gentler as Universe bowed her head in misery and defeat. "Universe I know that you are upset right now and that has made you rush into the decision to leave. But you will thank me for this one day. When you have had time to clear your head you will later be glad that you stayed."
Universe heaved a great sigh as a little of her misery departed. "I don't have much choice do I?" she said eventually.
Princess Pluto laughed as she offered Universe her hand. "Not really Princess Universe!" she agreed.
~*~*~
"Universe! You're back!" Queen Serenity exclaimed as she caught sight of the two who were just walking through the archway and into the courtyard where she had been anxiously waiting since receiving Princess Pluto's message that she had found Universe on her way to the Palace and would bring her back with her when she arrived.
Universe lagged a short way behind Pluto as she walked reluctantly and there was a very nervous look on her face as she arrived with the Plutonian.
Serenity regarded the girl keenly as the two of them walked across the courtyard towards her. Universe seemed to be quite well but she did not appear to be delighted to be back all the same. Pluto had needed to spend a lot of time in bringing Universe back to the Palace for while they had been walking back Universe had stopped on several occasions, too anxious and worried to continue and on each time this had happened Pluto had stopped and convinced her to start walking again.
It had taken a long while but now Universe was back where she belonged.
"I am so relieved to see you back!" Serenity said as she hurried up and met them halfway across the courtyard. "Thank you for bringing her home Pluto. I am in your debt." she said in gratitude as she turned to face the Guardian of Time.
Pluto acknowledged the Queen of the Moon's thanks with a nod of her dark-haired head. "There is really no need at all for you to thank me your majesty. I simply did what I thought was right. As I mentioned in my message I have come to see Princess Charon. Is she close?"
Serenity nodded. "Of course. She is with Venus and Mars just a little way away from here. Why not go and see her right away?"
"I shall. Thank you your majesty." with that Pluto glanced at Universe one last time and bade her goodbye with a quick smile before setting off to visit Charon.
Now that she was alone with Universe Serenity turned and looked at the brown eyed girl who avoided meeting her eyes. "You had me very worried indeed!" she scolded her gently. "What in the world made you run off by yourself like that?"
Universe's face was embarrassed as she fixed her gaze on the ground uncomfortably. "Sorry." she muttered red to the tips of her ears as she stared at the ground. "I'm really really sorry!"
"I know that you are. But tell me, why did you leave us?" Serenity insisted. "Were you upset by something which somebody did or said?"
Universe ventured to raise her eyes a little to look at Serenity's face and the lack of anger or annoyance in the queen's eyes both encouraged and surprised her - She could not understand it at all. "Not really." she replied untruthfully though she didn't know why she bothered since she already knew that Serenity would know that it was not true.
"You and I both know that you aren't telling me the truth." Serenity rebuked her gently. "Universe why don't you simply tell me what is troubling you?"
Universe found herself at a complete loss for what to say to this. "I'm...I'm sorry." she stammered.
"Whatever for Universe?"
Universe was taken aback by the queens casual response to her apology. "Well...for making you worry? For causing you trouble?" she floundered.
Serenity considered this for a moment and then she gave a slight and dismissive shrug of her shoulders. "All of us behave foolishly at times when there are things on our minds. This is simply one of those times for you." she replied lightly. "Do not let it worry you. All that matters is that you came back."
Universe did not know what to say to this. "Yes ma'am." she muttered a little sheepishly.
Serenity laughed pleasantly at the stubborn and red faced girl standing in front of her with a meek submissiveness in her face that was simply out of place there.
Universe blinked, she did not understand it but she had a feeling that it was alright.
"Oh Universe...what am I going to do with you?" Serenity eventually asked with a fond smile.
"Dunno." Universe muttered. "What would you like to do with me?"
"I would like to speak with the real you." Serenity replied honestly. "The you who listens to her feelings instead of trying to hide them. But I can see that you are not ready for that yet Universe so don't worry. I won't try to force you. We have all the time in the world."
Universe scowled. She couldn't decide which she hated more…not being misunderstood or talking with someone who understood her perfectly before she'd had a chance to sulk about not being understood. Then Serenity did a thing that surprised Universe, shocked her to her core. The queen reached out towards the side of Universe's face with her hand and stroked her purple hair, tucking the violet strands behind her ear.
Universe was shocked by this, and even more so when she realised that she was not resisting Serenity's affectionate gesture. No-one had ever touched her like this before in her life and it felt too bizarre for words...
After a moment Serenity took her hand away again. "Take all the time you need Universe." she told the shocked girl. "But try not to leave it for too long."
Universe felt baffled by what had just happened and breathless - Her mind had gone completely blank as Serenity had touched her so gently and she could not immediately reply. "Can I go now?" she managed eventually.
"You may." then a serious look appeared on Serenity's face as she looked at Universe. "However first I want you to promise me something. I want you to promise me that you will not go off again without a word. I worry about you Universe."
"I can take care of myself Queen Serenity."
"That wasn't what I meant. There are other dangers in the world. So will you promise me?"
Universe gave in and promised that she would never do it again. Queen Serenity decided that it was probably best that she leave Universe now and with a beam of satisfaction she took her leave of the princess.
Alone again Universe stared after the Queen of the Moon wondering what all of it meant. Without realising at first that she was doing it she slowly touched the side of her face with her hand where Serenity had put her hand a few minutes ago. Universe's eyes were confused as she tried and failed to understand what had just happened.
Universe was not alone for long as she realised when she heard the faint treading of light footsteps behind her and turned around…
Mercury's eyes were troubled and sorrowful as she walked slowly through the archway that led into the courtyard. The blue-haired princess had been very quiet and sombre over the rest of the day after Universe had left the palace in a rage because she had been feeling awful about what had happened. Even though she knew that none of what had happened had been her fault Mercury felt guilty about the way she had not chided Venus when she had been making those thoughtless remarks about Universe's manners – but when she remembered how she hadn't stood up for Universe when Jupiter had been nasty to the purple-haired girl she felt much, much worse.
Whatever had been her fault Mercury doubted that she would ever see Universe again after the way things had gone – in fact the purple-haired girl had been so furious when she'd turned away and stalked out that Mercury couldn't imagine her coming back because she wanted to…
So she was understandably surprised when she looked up from her feet and saw the figure with her purple hair reaching down to her waist standing with her back faced to her as she walked into the courtyard. "Universe…" Mercury gasped, her voice a shocked gasp at first – then she realised that her eyes weren't playing tricks on her and she exclaimed at the top of her voice "Universe…you have come back!"
There was a pause and then Universe who had instinctively turned away blushing furiously the instant that she'd seen Mercury slowly turned back around to gaze at the blue-haired girl. With a sheepish expression on her face she faced Mercury almost shyly as she wondered what her friend must think of her after the way she had walked out of the palace…and she even wondered unhappily if she was still her friend at all.
"Universe…you've come back!" Mercury repeated so surprised that she couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Looks that way huh?" Universe responded quietly with a tiny embarrassed smile.
For half a moment Mercury just stood there as her blue eyes grew round as she gazed at Universe and then the relief that had been building up inside her came gushing out to the surface. "Oh Universe I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed as she hurried up to the taller girl, her eyes shining happily.
Universe felt astounded as she stared at her – she'd been so worried about what Mercury would say to her when she saw her again that she hadn't even been able to look at her a few seconds ago and now she was almost knocked over by the blue-haired girls reaction to seeing her again. "You're sorry…why?" she exclaimed as she looked at the smaller girl in disbelief. "I'm the one who yelled at everyone and walked out like a jerk!"
"But you had good reason Universe." Mercury said and then as an anxious look crossed her face mingling happiness with worry she walked even closer to the other girl and said in a voice that was quieter than before, "Universe I'm so sorry about what happened. I'm sorry that I didn't say anything…your feelings were hurt weren't they?"
Universe gave her a surprised look and then suddenly she grinned and shook her head with a laugh. "Forget about it." She dismissed Mercury's apology like it was nothing but it had really touched her – nobody had ever apologised to her before in her life and like the way Queen Serenity had touched her a few minutes ago it felt too bizarre for words. "Jupiter's right ya know Mercury…I'm actually a total bitch who doesn't deserve to have friends. I'm okay with it though…I'm not like you Mercury. I don't need to have people around me but it's just that hearing it from someone else makes me mad."
Mercury stared at Universe in silence and she felt so moved by the sad acceptance that she'd heard in her voice when she'd made that admission that she didn't even realise that she had sworn. "No…that isn't true Universe." She said in a very clear and sincere voice. "I am your friend because I like you not because I feel sorry for you. Universe…you say that you don't need friends but you are happy to be with me now…I can see it in your eyes."
Universe was silent for a moment as she thought about that and Mercury walked even closer to her as she felt surer than before that she was right about this. "Universe – you just want friends." She said softly as she smiled at the purple-haired girl in a way that made her feel all funny inside. "Am I right?"
As she thought about it Universe lowered her eyes – at first she'd been inclined to believe that everything that Mercury had just said was complete crap but now as she opened her mouth to voice this opinion she found that the words just wouldn't come when they were bidden. Could it be that the blue-haired girl was right and she was wrong after all?
Just the thought made her reel. "Wow…" she muttered as she thought about it.
How could other people know her better than she'd always thought that she knew herself? As she tried to figure it out she realised just how tired she was after all that had happened today.
"Give me a cuddle Mercury." Universe said cheerfully with an exaggerated yawn.
Mercury blinked as she felt completely surprised by the others girls reply to her question that had come from her heart. "Are you feeling cold?" she asked unable to think of anything else.
"No I just want you to spoil me for a while." smiling she meekly added, "Please?"
Mercury gave in since she couldn't possible resist her friend's lovely eyes and reaching out towards the purple-haired girl she put her arms around her. Universe was smiling as he slid her arms around the smaller girls waist and gently eased her close to herself – as she ran her hand gently up Mercury's back she noticed that the blue-haired girl was standing on her toes so that there faces were level.
As she good-naturedly lowered her head to rest on Mercury's soft shoulder Universe noticed appreciatively how warm the blue-haired princess's skin was…
It was just as Universe closed her eyes and smiled happily that Charon walked eagerly into the garden having heard from her aunt that Universe was back. The green-haired princess had been thrilled to see Pluto but she had come to see Universe as quickly as possible because all day she had wanted to tell her what she now knew she should have said the last time she had seen her. That she liked her for who she was and that she was her friend no matter how she behaved or talked – all that mattered was that she was a wonderful girl and most importantly of all her friend.
But when she saw Universe's contented face she realised that there really wasn't any need for her to tell her any of this just yet – what she had to say could wait. But this opportunity couldn't…
With a charming smile on her face and the very essence of mischief itself sparkling in her eyes Charon walked over to where the two friends stood. "Oooh…that looks lovely Mercury!" she cooed. "Can I have a cuddle too?"
Mercury and Universe's eyes snapped open and looked at the Charonian in shock as they realised for the first time that they were not alone. Universe glowered at the dark-haired princess with a "Hands off! She's all mine!" look on her face.
Charon couldn't help it, at the sight of the protective expression on Universe's face she burst into a peal of laughter. As Charon chuckled merrily Universe flinched in surprise, she hadn't expected the other girl to react to her glare like this.
As Mercury blushed andthe taller girl clutched her possessively Estrella came running into the garden in a breathless state of excitement for she too had heard from Pluto that Universe was back and had run all the way here to see her. "Universe back!" she squealed as she caught sight of the purple-haired princess and ran over to her side where she began to jump up and down to be in her arms. "You back!"
Universe blinked down at the ginger kitten and she was instantly taken by storm by the gladness in Estrella's eyes – then with a frown crinkling her face she looked over at Charon who had stopped laughing by now and now simply settled for a merry smile as she looked at her.
At first Charon's laughter had made her feel angry all over again but now that she'd been distracted she realised that Charon hadn't been laughing at her in scorn at all – she was happy because she was glad to see her.
Before Universe had time to think about this Venus flitted into the garden and her blue eyes lightened in relief as she saw Universe. Universe watched as the blonde princess made for her immediately and came to a stop in front of her,
As Venus gazed anxiously at her Universe could just tell that she had something on her mind that she was almost desperate to tell her. "Say it." Universe sighed.
Venus gave Charon a slightly scared look but the smile of encouragement that she received in return gave her courage to speak her mind. "Universe I'm sorry that I said those things about you." She said nervously as she clasped her hands behind her back and turned to face the purple-haired girl shyly. "I know that I shouldn't have and I'm sorry…can you forgive me?"
Universe raised her eyebrow as she stood with Mercury still held in her arms – she could feel the blue-haired girls heart beating as Venus looked at her anxiously, just waiting for her answer. This was just so strange…all her life nobody had cared about what she'd felt and now here she was among people who liked her despite her bad temper and the rest of her shortcomings.
The one whose presence comforted her more than she could say liked her unconditionally, another liked her enough to laugh off her flaws whenever they surfaced, a third was so happy to see her that she couldn't think about anything else and the last wanted things to be well between them more than anything in the world.
With a shock she realised that these people were her…friends. Friends…how shocking that felt.
Shrugging she replied in a casual voice. "Of course Venus – I know that you weren't thinking when you said all that stuff Venus. Nothing holdin' you up but the stays in your bodice…I don't hold any of it against you."
Mercury and Charon widened their eyes at this remark but Venus was so relieved by Universe's acceptance of her apology that she didn't stop to think about what she had just said. "Oh I'm so glad!" she cried warmly as she walked straight up to Universe and without warning took the other girls hand into her own and whisked her away from Mercury. "Thank you for understanding Universe! We're very glad to have you here you know!"
Universe gasped as the garden spun around her as Venus swung her around like a dance partner. Realising what was happening she struggled and shoved the blonde princess away from her.
Venus staggered backward and almost fell over but stopped as she flopped back against a tree trunk. There was a dazed look on her face at first and then she grinned and looked up at Universe. "You're so funny!" she laughed as she picked herself up.
Universe started at her in disbelief and opened her mouth to say something harsh…but instead she sighed in resignation.
"Where are Mars and Jupiter?" Mercury asked as she walked over to where Charon stood.
Charon hesitated before replying which was unusual for her. "Mars was too uncomfortable to come after what happened…as for Jupiter well she just stormed off when she heard that Universe had come back." She said quietly hoping that Universe would not hear.
But many years of her young life spent listening for sounds in the night had sharpened all of Universe's sensed so though she had heard what Charon had said the purple-haired girl pretended that she had not caught her low whisper.
"And where is the Moon Princess?" Mercury added.
"Here." The familiar calm and gentle voice said as the Princess of the Moon Kingdom walked into the courtyard.
As soon as she saw Universe she walked right up to her without delay and apologised for what had driven her away from the palace that day. "I am deeply sorry Universe – I want you to know that none of us think any of the things that you said we do. I assure you that we all see you just as wonderfully as the rest of us however you are." Knowing that this alone was not enough to make Universe feel better she continued gently. "I understand why you were so angry with me Universe – you have not had a very nice time settling in with us and I was too nervous to help you before. But I promise you now that that will change as of now. I give you my word as Princess of the Moon Kingdom that you won't feel lonely anymore…I won't allow it."
As Universe stood breath-taken and thinking that this girl was definitely her mothers daughter an excited Estrella jumped up and landed in her now free arms. "We take care of you Universe!" she beamed.
Universe blushed to the tips of her ears but deep down she had to admit that she actually found this experience…nice. Here she was with five true friends and now there were only two more people she still felt uncomfortable around.
Mars…and Jupiter.
"You guys…" she muttered as she tried to sound embarrassed by this whole thing.
"Don't say a word." Charon hushed her smiling. "just be happy with what you have Universe…you can worry about all of the loose ends later."
Universe had to admit that this made a hell of a lot of sense.
~*~*~
"Well…that's a relief!" Queen Serenity murmured to Pluto as the two of them watched these proceedings from a balcony that overlooked the courtyard.
As she smiled Serenity felt herself swelling with pride for her daughter who had just extended her hand in friendship to Universe – how strange it was to think that such a good thing had come out of the terrible misunderstanding that had happened today. But now Serenity felt much happier knowing that the barrier between Universe and most of the others was now gone and at last they would be able to get to know and truly understand each other.
"I agree your majesty." Pluto put in as she recalled her tussle with Universe on the roadway.
Detecting Pluto's thoughtful tone Serenity turned her head sideways to look at her. "Hmm? What is your opinion of her Pluto?" the Queen asked interestedly.
Pluto reflected for a moment and then replied sincerely. "I believe your majesty that the girl has potential…in fact I would do so far as to say that she has incredible potential."
"But?" the Queen prompted her as she fell silent for a moment.
The guardian of time turned to gaze at Serenity though her sombre eyes. "But whether she puts it to good or bad use is yet to be seen." she concluded.
Queen Serenity nodded as she accepted this keen analysis but her eyes were gentle and a pleasant smile adorned her face as she watched Universe with her fellow princesses.