Author Notes: Before we push on I just have to thank one of my friends for letting me use her poem in the last chapter. I can write I guess but when it comes to poetry so thanks again Jess! 'Fraid I can't take credit for the song that Mars sings either – I 'borrowed' it from the Sailor Moon Crystal Scout guide-book. It's about Prince Darien and the Moon Princess but I thought that it'd be really appropriate for Mars so…
Chapter Thirteen
The Strength of Friendship
As she stepped across the Ball Room floor Mars's face was perfectly cool, calm, collected and composed.
The Martian princess was so level-headed that one would have imagined that she and Serenity were the only two people in the room when in fact every single one of the guests were staring at her. Indifferent and uninvolved with them Mars curtsied for Queen Serenity. "I would like to sing an old folk song from my planet for your benefit your Majesty." The raven-haired Princess declared in a steady voice, not being one for saying more than was necessary. "A classic song for the lovers present tonight."
Just as she had done so often since the first time she had met Mars, Queen Serenity marvelled at her stern uprightness – but even though she had been to Mars many times and knew all of its native songs she was looking forward already to the prospect of hearing the dark-haired princess sing.
"Then I would be happy for you to do so." She replied gravely though the twinkle never left her eyes.
With a nod Mars completed the formalities she had learnt off-heart when she had been young and began to sing with perfect calm as if the many other people in the room weren't hanging on her every single word and action. Deepening her voice a touch so that it became incredibly dusky she began to sing the words as she gracefully turned so that her voice would be heard by the entire room.
"Two of us in the dream
Surrounded by the Stars
We weren't shy
When we were friends
But there was a moment
When I thought you were the only one
I am beautiful only for you
Love has the power to change
I close my eyes and hold myself
How can I share with you the beating of my heart?
On the way home
I wave my hand cheerfully
Because I didn't want to say goodbye
I show you my smile
Two of us in the dream
I am close to you
And deliver my love to you
I believe something nice will happen tomorrow
Love has the power to change
I close my eyes and hold myself
How can I share with you the beating of my heart?
Queen Serenity's smile was delighted as she softly hummed along with the melody of the song in such perfect time with Mars's voice that nobody even realised that she was doing so. Serenity had heard this song being performed during her very first visit to Mars to see the Princess when she had been very young but she had never heard it sung like this before.
"I see that you are well immersed in the passion of your culture Mars." She commented with a wry smile. "Your people could not possibly wish for a more dutiful Princess."
And though her face remained perfectly regal and dignified Mars smiled as she basked in the praise of the court – and of the Queen.
~*~*~
"That was splendid!" Charon breathed in delight as she watched Mars going over to join Mercury and the Moon Princess on the other side of the ball room. "Didn't you think so Universe?"
Universe nodded but her face was sombre – she'd enjoyed the song but now she felt sure that her own could not measure up to it. Her own song didn't even have any words…
"Well then...now it's MY turn!" Venus' eyes were shining as she quivered with excitement. "It's my turn at last! I can't believe that it's finally my turn! Wish me luck everybody!"
"Do well." Jupiter told her.
"Good luck Venus! I just know that you'll be perfect out there!" Charon beamed.
"Aww thank you Charon!" Venus smiled happily at her Charonian friend.
"You are most welcome Venus! Oh and Venus?"
"Yes?"
"It's your turn now...remember?" Charon reminded her gently.
Venus' eyes widened in shock and she gasped in panic. "Ah! Ah! Ah!" she gasped and spun on her heel and raced out of the door leaving Charon and Jupiter to struggle to keep Universe in the room...
~*~*~
Serenity's face was adorned with a smile of pleasure as Venus eagerly hurried up and curtsied before her so quickly that she barely saw her do it.
Venus was blushing and grinning excitedly as she spoke. "O Majesty I wish to tell you the tale of the Outer Moon Princess." She announced extravagantly with a radiant smile on her face. "If it pleases you then I shall begin."
"You may proceed Princess." Serenity assented as she wondered just how many heads the blonde Princess would turn when she was a little older.
Venus positively swelled up as she became the absolute centre of attention. As the blonde-haired Princess began to tell her story a hush descended over the courtiers for not everybody present that night had yet heard the legend that had been based on the green-haired Princess who had come to live in the Moon Kingdom during Pluto's war with Palazea.
"This tale begins on a day that brought great joy but also sorrow to the King and Queen of Charon, the moon of Pluto…the Sixteenth Birthday of their only son Prince Char. For it was this day that their son became a man and no longer needed their guidance in order to live his life. Their dearest wish was that they might have at least one more child to care for just as they had their son but sadly Chara believed that she would now never have the chance to bear another child. But destiny chose to grant the Queen her fondest desire – a few days after Char came of age Queen Chara was shopping in the local market place disguised as a normal woman so that she would be able to truly be one of her people if only for a short while. It happened when she unexpectedly turned and bumped into a little girl who seemed barely five years old. Immediately the girl looked at Chara's belly and before the Queen had even had a chance to say anything she reached out and placed her gently hand on it.
"Your Majesty are you happy now that you are with child?" she said in a sweet voice.
Of course Chara was so surprised that the little girl knew who she was that she did not realise just what she had said to her until she was out of sight but even after she had returned to the palace the Queen could not quite forget about the little girl and what she had said. Time went by and then one day to the joy and incredulity of herself and her husband the King, Chara discovered she was indeed pregnant – just as the strange sweet-voiced girl had said the Queen now carried a new child sleeping beneath her heart. Now while she was happy Chara was also curious about the mysterious girl who had known that she would soon bear another child and requested that she be found and brought to the palace so that the Queen might ask her name. Her personal guards searched for her but to no avail so next Chara had her advisors try to find the girl she had described – however their search proved to be no more fruitful. Then one evening when Queen Chara had begun to give up all hope of finding her the little girl came to her. Chara had been sleeping in her bed, dreaming about her new child when a gentle breeze awoke her which was very strange since she knew that she had closed her window before going to sleep. Slowly and thoughtfully the Queen sat up and there at the bottom of the bed stood the girl who had foretold her happiness and also given her much mystery. As the girl smiled the Queen took her image in and could not help but think that the child looked quite similar to how she herself had looked when she had been a girl – the same hair as alike to the heart of a dark emerald but her eyes were of the palest blue.
"Please tell me – who are you?" the Queen murmured and the little girl gave a ringing laugh.
"I am your daughter from the future." She told her. "The child you now carry will one day grow to be me. I must leave you now but remember what you have felt over the last week and never forget that everybody must live for somebody else to teach them everything that life taught them. A person to whom they can teach love."
Chara wanted to ask how she could be here but another breeze interrupted her – when the drapes were still once more the little girl was gone and she did not see her again for a very long time. Months flew by and just as she had been promised the Queen finally gave birth to a lovely baby girl. The King and Queen's daughter was named Princess Charon and every day she filled them with great pride and joy. As time grew she was cared for by her parents and protected by her brother and by her eighth Birthday she had grown into the exact image of the beautiful girl who had appeared to Chara all those years ago to give her new hope when her heart had been sad. Soft skin, hair the same length and colour as her mother's and eyes so pale that they shone like ice. She was warm-hearted friendly and loved animals and flowers.
Princess Charon was loved by her mother, her father and her elder brother and all the people of the Outer Moon. And this everybody is the tale of the precious Outer Moon Princess who name means the same as hope and new life and here is an end for it." Venus finally stopped talking and waited to see what everybody thought of her story – she had added her own touches to her telling of the legend especially for this night and her heart pounded as she waited to find out whether or not it had been well received…
Then she heard the faint far-off sound of one person clapping – she later found out that this was Universe – and soon everybody was applauding her tale.
As Venus breathed a deep sigh of relief and grinned, blushing with sheer pleasure Queen Serenity smiled at her. "I enjoyed hearing your voice so impassioned Venus." She told the blonde Princess seriously. "Very well done."
Venus swelled with pride and curtsied quickly again. "Thank you Queen Serenity!!" she exclaimed. "Thank you! Can I go now? I have to go and find out whether Charon liked it!"
Serenity grinned as she noticed that in her excitement Venus had dropped her regal speech. "Of course Venus." She gave the blonde-haired Princess permission, thinking all the while about just how far this girl would go in court in a few years time.
~*~*~
"HERE I AM AGAIN!!!" Venus screamed ecstatically as she charged back into the room in a breathless state as she laughed in delight. "How did I do everyone?! How did I do?!"
"You were fantastic Venus!" Charon gushed. "You did so well out there!"
"Way to go!" Jupiter enthused.
"Universe don't you have anything to say to Venus?" Charon exclaimed as she tried to look at Universe's face.
However Universe seemed to have become suddenly quite empty and she avoided meeting Charon's gaze.
"Yes...!" Venus sighed dreamily as she smiled in contentment. "Oh I can't wait until next time! And it's still a whole year away!"
Oh, Jesus... Universe thought haggardly.
"Okay me next!" Jupiter said. "Hey Venus hold onto this!" she added nodding at Universe's arm which she was holding.
"Sure!" Venus nodded as she wrapped her arms tightly around Universe's so that Jupiter could let go at last. "Say don't wriggle so much Universe! I can hardly keep hold of you!"
"Oh Jupiter could you do one thing for me when you're done?" Charon asked as Jupiter was leaving the room.
"What is it?"
"Tell Mercury to come in here."
A short while later…
Jupiter concluded her ice-skating performance with a pirouette that only just fell short from matching Charon's grace and bowed with a flourish.
As the court applauded the brown-haired Princess's performance Queen Serenity smiled, impressed by Jupiter's display of physical prowess. Walking away from the balcony that had been prepared especially so that the entire court would be able to watch Jupiter's ice-skating display Serenity met the tallest of the Princesses as she sauntered back with her skates slung over her shoulder.
"How'd I do?" Jupiter inquired.
"You were incredible Jupiter!" Mercury complimented enthusiastically.
Queen Serenity patted Jupiter's shoulder. "Well done." She said warmly knowing that the brown-haired girl would be embarrassed if she said too much.
Jupiter smiled feeling pleased by her approval and then remembered her promise and went over to Mercury.
"Say Mercury, Charon asked me to give you a message from her."
The blue-haired girl looked curiously at her as she wondered what it could be. "Oh? And what is it?" she inquired.
"She wants you to go and talk to Universe – she's still being a little un-cooperative." Jupiter replied with a grunt.
Mercury's face clouded with concern. "I see…" she murmured as she thought about her friend. "Thank you Jupiter…I will go at once."
Serenity who had overheard the exchange went over to Jupiter as the blue-haired Princess walked away. "Is there anything the matter?" she asked, a look of concern on her face.
Jupiter jumped. "Oh erm…I don't think so your Majesty!" she gulped.
The Queen looked keenly at her and then decided to let the matter drop.
~*~*~
"I suppose that I should be going out there now." Charon's voice was slightly nervous. "I do hope that Queen Serenity will enjoy my dancing..."
"Of course she will! I've seen you Charon!" Venus exclaimed. "You're the best dancer in the galaxy remember?"
Charon and Venus were now sitting on a comfortable couch. They still had their arms wrapped tightly around Universe's but the purple haired princess had tired herself out by now and simply sat between them miserably looking at the floor. Estrella was sitting in her lap and the kitten was looking up at her weary expression as she wondered what could possibly be wrong with Universe.
"So I guess that this is nearly it!" Venus remarked after a while. "After you Charon, it will be time for Universe to take her turn. It's almost time for her mystery performance at last."
"Oh yes. You'll enjoy this Venus believe me." Charon smiled. "Won't she Estrella?"
"Pretty song!" Estrella laughed.
Venus looked at Universe in surprise. "Song? You sings?" she exclaimed and then as Universe remained silent she looked back at Charon again. "Really?"
"Oh Estrella you spoiled the surprise!" Charon tutted as she gently scolded the kitten. "That's right Venus. She can sing a song that is so beautiful that it makes you want to cry with happiness. Believe me you'll love it."
Venus gazed curiously at Universe who stared fixedly at the floor. "Well I'd never have believed it!" she laughed merrily. "I'm looking forward to hearing it already..."
"I'm not doing it." Universe's voice was thick and nearly a silent whisper.
Her eyes were bleak and sombre as she gazed at the floor. Something strange about the way she had spoken caught at Charon and Venus' hearts and they both looked at her in surprise. They suddenly noticed how forlorn Universe's face was as she stared steadily ahead avoiding their eyes. Universe suddenly seemed to be so vulnerable...
"Hey!" Charon said in concern as she turned to sit facing Universe. "What's wrong?"
At first Universe did not respond but after a while she spoke again. "I'm not doing it." she whispered in a delicate and trembly voice. "I won't do it."
"But why?" Venus cooed as she gazed compassionately at her. "Why not sing if you're so good at it?"
Universe simply closed her eyes and hung her head. As she sat in a miserable silence Charon and Venus both unwrapped their arms from around Universe's without saying anything - they knew that she would not try to run away.
"Oh Universe I'm sorry!" Charon exclaimed as she looked anxiously at the silent girl. "You don't have to do this if you really don't want to. I should not have tried to force you and I am sorry. But listen. You love to sing and you sing so beautifully so you should do so not only for Queen Serenity but also for yourself."
Universe did not reply. In fact she was quieter than she had been before Charon had spoken.
Estrella piped up on Universe's lap. "Universe...song pretty! Universe sing!"
Venus knew without needing to think about it that it was up to her to say something to help as well.
"That's right Universe!" she agreed and nodded her blonde head in agreement with these sentiments. "I'm sure that your song is lovely and I'd really love to hear it. You should do it!"
Universe had listened to all of them but she just did not know what to do...
"What's happening?"
Mercury now stood in the doorway gazing at Universe anxiously. Her eyes were deeply concerned as she looked upon her friend who seemed to be so unhappy and lost. "What's wrong with her?" she exclaimed as she went over to Universe at once.
"We do not know." Charon replied in complete honesty as she and Venus both rose to their feet to leave them both alone together. "Talk to her Mercury. I just know that she will open up to you!"
Mercury nodded without once taking her eyes from Universe. "Very well. It is your turn now Charon." she told the Charonian.
"Thank you. I shall go at once." Charon's enthusiasm revived on the spot although some of her anxiety did as well.
With that she walked out of the room with Venus flanking her. The Charonian left Estrella on Universe's lap thinking that perhaps the kitten may be able to help.
When they were alone Mercury sat next to Universe on the couch and looked at her face. "Universe please tell me what is wrong." she said tenderly. "Please?"
Universe finally opened her eyes unable to resist the voice of Mercury and she turned to gaze tearfully at her. Mercury gazed at her and for some reason the sight of Universe in tears did not shock her as much as it really should have done.
"Let me help you Universe." Mercury whispered as she took her hands into her own and looked into her eyes. "Don't hide your feelings from me."
Universe sighed. "I can't do it Mercury." she whispered. "Please...don't make me!"
Mercury's face was surprised. "Universe you don't have to do anything you don't want to! But what can't you do?"
"Sing." Universe explained simply. "They'd have thought I was a pussy!"
For a moment the Mercurian looked confused. "A puss..." she repeated blankly and then she understood what her friend really meant - the pain and fear told her the meaning of the word even though she didn't understand it. "You mean...but who would have thought that? You are the bravest person I know!"
Universe lowered her eyes and did not reply as the tears trickled down her face.
Mercury blinked at her as she read something in Universe's eyes that the purple haired girl did not want her to see. "Do you mean them? The Star Raiders?"
Universe closed her eyes and started to cry silently.
Mercury stared at the weeping girl and then a look of rage appeared on her face. "Oh how DARE they" she suddenly exclaimed and her voice was choked as she was caught between anger and sympathy.
Universe looked up surprised by the blue-haired princess's angry voice.
Mercury's lip was trembling as she fought to keep herself from crying. "Mercury?" Universe whispered in a subdued voice as she forgot her own turmoil.
"How could they?" Mercury demanded as her tears ran down her cheeks as she cried for her friend. "How could they put so much pressure on you like that? They would not let you be yourself! How horrible! How could they do that to you?"
Universe gasped in the face of this outburst of both fury and compassion. "Mercury..." she whispered putting her hand to the blue haired princess's cheek and stroking it gently as she could not think of a thing to say.
What Mercury had just said to her had had a deep effect on her. The Star Raiders had never allowed her to be herself? She nearly laughed silently at this fancy but before she could she stopped. Was Mercury right? Was that really how it had been? Were her tough and fierce image and speech the way she really was? Were they the real her at all?
Universe began to think deeply about all of this. So had she EVER really been the real her during her early life with the Star Raiders? Were all of these strange and unfamiliar and sometimes frightening feelings that she had begun to feel recently all parts of the person she really was finally coming through now that she had time to think and the chance to be herself?
Just thinking about it made her eyes widen. How extraordinary...
For all those years she had never once been herself...none of her 'real' attitudes which she'd been trying to keep intact during her stay here had been real at all.
Mercury's eyes hardened. "Sing Universe!" she suddenly ordered in a hard voice. "Sing! You deserve to be allowed to! Forget about them and do it for they are no longer a part of your life and you never have to worry about what they would think!"
The Mercurian's eyes were brilliant and determined and to Universe she was the most beautiful person in the world in that moment.
The look in Mercury's eyes took her breath away. "Okay." she finally gave in - for real this time. "I will. But only if you come with me. I can do anything if you're with me, if you're by my side."
Mercury wiped away her tears as she nodded at once. "Of course I will." she promised. "Dry your eyes Universe. You do not want Queen Serenity to see that you have been crying now do you?"
"Nah." Universe dried her eyes and rose to her feet. "Let go then. Charon's probably finished by now. C'mon Estie."
Estrella nodded sombrely.
"I have." Universe and Mercury looked up to see Charon standing in the doorway as they rose to their feet, Universe with Estrella cradled in her arms.
Charon had danced before Queen Serenity with elegance and the grace she had attained from the years of dedicated but moreover loving practice and she had done so projecting much joy into her role. But as she had moved lightly and pirouetted she had never once ceased to think of Universe's anguish. But now she could see that her faith in Mercury's ability to touch Universe's heart had not been in vain.
"Have you made your decision?" Charon asked simply as she gazed at Universe.
The question was pointless - she could see in Universe's eyes that Mercury had already moved her to action.
Universe took one long deep breath and then released it in a deep and shaky breath. "Yeah." she nodded and bit her lip. "I'll do it."
Charon gave her a glad smile and nodded encouragingly. "Finally." was all she said but she breathed it contentedly.
Universe gave a sigh of resignation. "Okay...let's do it." she said with a look of determination that suddenly appeared in her eyes.
It was strange but she had fought unimaginably terrifying monsters throughout the universe and this whole thing had proved to be so much more difficult for her to do. It was so strange how life worked and she would never understand it...
"That's right Universe." Mercury whispered wrapping both of her arms around on of Universe's. "Don't worry about a thing. I shall be right there with you."
Universe smiled gratefully. "Thanks." she whispered as she switched Estrella so that she was holding the kitten under one arm so that she could stroke the blue rose behind Mercury's ear which the blue haired princess had never taken off. "What great mates I've got."
She wasn't joking.
"Universe...I asked Katarina to sort a few things out for you especially for this night." Charon said as she went right up to her.
Universe gave the Charonian princess a surprised blink as she noticed for the first time that she was holding something that was folded up over her arms and covered from sight by a large sheet.
"What?" Universe wondered.
Charon smiled and looked suddenly excited as she uncovered whatever it was she was carrying.
As the sheet fell to the floor Mercury and Universe stared in absolute surprise at what Charon had folded over her arms. A pure white opera gown made from beautiful silk and lace, a pair of silken white shoulder length gloves. A pair of white sandals with ties that looked long enough to tie up above Universe's ankles in a cross pattern. An ebony hair-band and a hairbrush sat on the top of the dress.
Universe was speechless as she gazed at them - after a few seconds of perfect and utter silence she raised her eyes to gaze questioningly at Charon.
Charon's eyes sparkled warmly as she smiled at her. "You may as well change into them since I went to the trouble of getting them." she remarked.
Universe seemed to have lost her voice as she stared at Charon as though she had been struck by lightning. Mercury squeezed Universe's arm and Universe looked at her friend who gave her a sweet smile and nodded her head in encouragement.
Universe looked back at Charon. "How were you going to get me into them before all of this happened?" she asked not really caring since she knew that it didn't matter.
Chapter Thirteen
The Strength of Friendship
As she stepped across the Ball Room floor Mars's face was perfectly cool, calm, collected and composed.
The Martian princess was so level-headed that one would have imagined that she and Serenity were the only two people in the room when in fact every single one of the guests were staring at her. Indifferent and uninvolved with them Mars curtsied for Queen Serenity. "I would like to sing an old folk song from my planet for your benefit your Majesty." The raven-haired Princess declared in a steady voice, not being one for saying more than was necessary. "A classic song for the lovers present tonight."
Just as she had done so often since the first time she had met Mars, Queen Serenity marvelled at her stern uprightness – but even though she had been to Mars many times and knew all of its native songs she was looking forward already to the prospect of hearing the dark-haired princess sing.
"Then I would be happy for you to do so." She replied gravely though the twinkle never left her eyes.
With a nod Mars completed the formalities she had learnt off-heart when she had been young and began to sing with perfect calm as if the many other people in the room weren't hanging on her every single word and action. Deepening her voice a touch so that it became incredibly dusky she began to sing the words as she gracefully turned so that her voice would be heard by the entire room.
"Two of us in the dream
Surrounded by the Stars
We weren't shy
When we were friends
But there was a moment
When I thought you were the only one
I am beautiful only for you
Love has the power to change
I close my eyes and hold myself
How can I share with you the beating of my heart?
On the way home
I wave my hand cheerfully
Because I didn't want to say goodbye
I show you my smile
Two of us in the dream
I am close to you
And deliver my love to you
I believe something nice will happen tomorrow
Love has the power to change
I close my eyes and hold myself
How can I share with you the beating of my heart?
Queen Serenity's smile was delighted as she softly hummed along with the melody of the song in such perfect time with Mars's voice that nobody even realised that she was doing so. Serenity had heard this song being performed during her very first visit to Mars to see the Princess when she had been very young but she had never heard it sung like this before.
"I see that you are well immersed in the passion of your culture Mars." She commented with a wry smile. "Your people could not possibly wish for a more dutiful Princess."
And though her face remained perfectly regal and dignified Mars smiled as she basked in the praise of the court – and of the Queen.
~*~*~
"That was splendid!" Charon breathed in delight as she watched Mars going over to join Mercury and the Moon Princess on the other side of the ball room. "Didn't you think so Universe?"
Universe nodded but her face was sombre – she'd enjoyed the song but now she felt sure that her own could not measure up to it. Her own song didn't even have any words…
"Well then...now it's MY turn!" Venus' eyes were shining as she quivered with excitement. "It's my turn at last! I can't believe that it's finally my turn! Wish me luck everybody!"
"Do well." Jupiter told her.
"Good luck Venus! I just know that you'll be perfect out there!" Charon beamed.
"Aww thank you Charon!" Venus smiled happily at her Charonian friend.
"You are most welcome Venus! Oh and Venus?"
"Yes?"
"It's your turn now...remember?" Charon reminded her gently.
Venus' eyes widened in shock and she gasped in panic. "Ah! Ah! Ah!" she gasped and spun on her heel and raced out of the door leaving Charon and Jupiter to struggle to keep Universe in the room...
~*~*~
Serenity's face was adorned with a smile of pleasure as Venus eagerly hurried up and curtsied before her so quickly that she barely saw her do it.
Venus was blushing and grinning excitedly as she spoke. "O Majesty I wish to tell you the tale of the Outer Moon Princess." She announced extravagantly with a radiant smile on her face. "If it pleases you then I shall begin."
"You may proceed Princess." Serenity assented as she wondered just how many heads the blonde Princess would turn when she was a little older.
Venus positively swelled up as she became the absolute centre of attention. As the blonde-haired Princess began to tell her story a hush descended over the courtiers for not everybody present that night had yet heard the legend that had been based on the green-haired Princess who had come to live in the Moon Kingdom during Pluto's war with Palazea.
"This tale begins on a day that brought great joy but also sorrow to the King and Queen of Charon, the moon of Pluto…the Sixteenth Birthday of their only son Prince Char. For it was this day that their son became a man and no longer needed their guidance in order to live his life. Their dearest wish was that they might have at least one more child to care for just as they had their son but sadly Chara believed that she would now never have the chance to bear another child. But destiny chose to grant the Queen her fondest desire – a few days after Char came of age Queen Chara was shopping in the local market place disguised as a normal woman so that she would be able to truly be one of her people if only for a short while. It happened when she unexpectedly turned and bumped into a little girl who seemed barely five years old. Immediately the girl looked at Chara's belly and before the Queen had even had a chance to say anything she reached out and placed her gently hand on it.
"Your Majesty are you happy now that you are with child?" she said in a sweet voice.
Of course Chara was so surprised that the little girl knew who she was that she did not realise just what she had said to her until she was out of sight but even after she had returned to the palace the Queen could not quite forget about the little girl and what she had said. Time went by and then one day to the joy and incredulity of herself and her husband the King, Chara discovered she was indeed pregnant – just as the strange sweet-voiced girl had said the Queen now carried a new child sleeping beneath her heart. Now while she was happy Chara was also curious about the mysterious girl who had known that she would soon bear another child and requested that she be found and brought to the palace so that the Queen might ask her name. Her personal guards searched for her but to no avail so next Chara had her advisors try to find the girl she had described – however their search proved to be no more fruitful. Then one evening when Queen Chara had begun to give up all hope of finding her the little girl came to her. Chara had been sleeping in her bed, dreaming about her new child when a gentle breeze awoke her which was very strange since she knew that she had closed her window before going to sleep. Slowly and thoughtfully the Queen sat up and there at the bottom of the bed stood the girl who had foretold her happiness and also given her much mystery. As the girl smiled the Queen took her image in and could not help but think that the child looked quite similar to how she herself had looked when she had been a girl – the same hair as alike to the heart of a dark emerald but her eyes were of the palest blue.
"Please tell me – who are you?" the Queen murmured and the little girl gave a ringing laugh.
"I am your daughter from the future." She told her. "The child you now carry will one day grow to be me. I must leave you now but remember what you have felt over the last week and never forget that everybody must live for somebody else to teach them everything that life taught them. A person to whom they can teach love."
Chara wanted to ask how she could be here but another breeze interrupted her – when the drapes were still once more the little girl was gone and she did not see her again for a very long time. Months flew by and just as she had been promised the Queen finally gave birth to a lovely baby girl. The King and Queen's daughter was named Princess Charon and every day she filled them with great pride and joy. As time grew she was cared for by her parents and protected by her brother and by her eighth Birthday she had grown into the exact image of the beautiful girl who had appeared to Chara all those years ago to give her new hope when her heart had been sad. Soft skin, hair the same length and colour as her mother's and eyes so pale that they shone like ice. She was warm-hearted friendly and loved animals and flowers.
Princess Charon was loved by her mother, her father and her elder brother and all the people of the Outer Moon. And this everybody is the tale of the precious Outer Moon Princess who name means the same as hope and new life and here is an end for it." Venus finally stopped talking and waited to see what everybody thought of her story – she had added her own touches to her telling of the legend especially for this night and her heart pounded as she waited to find out whether or not it had been well received…
Then she heard the faint far-off sound of one person clapping – she later found out that this was Universe – and soon everybody was applauding her tale.
As Venus breathed a deep sigh of relief and grinned, blushing with sheer pleasure Queen Serenity smiled at her. "I enjoyed hearing your voice so impassioned Venus." She told the blonde Princess seriously. "Very well done."
Venus swelled with pride and curtsied quickly again. "Thank you Queen Serenity!!" she exclaimed. "Thank you! Can I go now? I have to go and find out whether Charon liked it!"
Serenity grinned as she noticed that in her excitement Venus had dropped her regal speech. "Of course Venus." She gave the blonde-haired Princess permission, thinking all the while about just how far this girl would go in court in a few years time.
~*~*~
"HERE I AM AGAIN!!!" Venus screamed ecstatically as she charged back into the room in a breathless state as she laughed in delight. "How did I do everyone?! How did I do?!"
"You were fantastic Venus!" Charon gushed. "You did so well out there!"
"Way to go!" Jupiter enthused.
"Universe don't you have anything to say to Venus?" Charon exclaimed as she tried to look at Universe's face.
However Universe seemed to have become suddenly quite empty and she avoided meeting Charon's gaze.
"Yes...!" Venus sighed dreamily as she smiled in contentment. "Oh I can't wait until next time! And it's still a whole year away!"
Oh, Jesus... Universe thought haggardly.
"Okay me next!" Jupiter said. "Hey Venus hold onto this!" she added nodding at Universe's arm which she was holding.
"Sure!" Venus nodded as she wrapped her arms tightly around Universe's so that Jupiter could let go at last. "Say don't wriggle so much Universe! I can hardly keep hold of you!"
"Oh Jupiter could you do one thing for me when you're done?" Charon asked as Jupiter was leaving the room.
"What is it?"
"Tell Mercury to come in here."
A short while later…
Jupiter concluded her ice-skating performance with a pirouette that only just fell short from matching Charon's grace and bowed with a flourish.
As the court applauded the brown-haired Princess's performance Queen Serenity smiled, impressed by Jupiter's display of physical prowess. Walking away from the balcony that had been prepared especially so that the entire court would be able to watch Jupiter's ice-skating display Serenity met the tallest of the Princesses as she sauntered back with her skates slung over her shoulder.
"How'd I do?" Jupiter inquired.
"You were incredible Jupiter!" Mercury complimented enthusiastically.
Queen Serenity patted Jupiter's shoulder. "Well done." She said warmly knowing that the brown-haired girl would be embarrassed if she said too much.
Jupiter smiled feeling pleased by her approval and then remembered her promise and went over to Mercury.
"Say Mercury, Charon asked me to give you a message from her."
The blue-haired girl looked curiously at her as she wondered what it could be. "Oh? And what is it?" she inquired.
"She wants you to go and talk to Universe – she's still being a little un-cooperative." Jupiter replied with a grunt.
Mercury's face clouded with concern. "I see…" she murmured as she thought about her friend. "Thank you Jupiter…I will go at once."
Serenity who had overheard the exchange went over to Jupiter as the blue-haired Princess walked away. "Is there anything the matter?" she asked, a look of concern on her face.
Jupiter jumped. "Oh erm…I don't think so your Majesty!" she gulped.
The Queen looked keenly at her and then decided to let the matter drop.
~*~*~
"I suppose that I should be going out there now." Charon's voice was slightly nervous. "I do hope that Queen Serenity will enjoy my dancing..."
"Of course she will! I've seen you Charon!" Venus exclaimed. "You're the best dancer in the galaxy remember?"
Charon and Venus were now sitting on a comfortable couch. They still had their arms wrapped tightly around Universe's but the purple haired princess had tired herself out by now and simply sat between them miserably looking at the floor. Estrella was sitting in her lap and the kitten was looking up at her weary expression as she wondered what could possibly be wrong with Universe.
"So I guess that this is nearly it!" Venus remarked after a while. "After you Charon, it will be time for Universe to take her turn. It's almost time for her mystery performance at last."
"Oh yes. You'll enjoy this Venus believe me." Charon smiled. "Won't she Estrella?"
"Pretty song!" Estrella laughed.
Venus looked at Universe in surprise. "Song? You sings?" she exclaimed and then as Universe remained silent she looked back at Charon again. "Really?"
"Oh Estrella you spoiled the surprise!" Charon tutted as she gently scolded the kitten. "That's right Venus. She can sing a song that is so beautiful that it makes you want to cry with happiness. Believe me you'll love it."
Venus gazed curiously at Universe who stared fixedly at the floor. "Well I'd never have believed it!" she laughed merrily. "I'm looking forward to hearing it already..."
"I'm not doing it." Universe's voice was thick and nearly a silent whisper.
Her eyes were bleak and sombre as she gazed at the floor. Something strange about the way she had spoken caught at Charon and Venus' hearts and they both looked at her in surprise. They suddenly noticed how forlorn Universe's face was as she stared steadily ahead avoiding their eyes. Universe suddenly seemed to be so vulnerable...
"Hey!" Charon said in concern as she turned to sit facing Universe. "What's wrong?"
At first Universe did not respond but after a while she spoke again. "I'm not doing it." she whispered in a delicate and trembly voice. "I won't do it."
"But why?" Venus cooed as she gazed compassionately at her. "Why not sing if you're so good at it?"
Universe simply closed her eyes and hung her head. As she sat in a miserable silence Charon and Venus both unwrapped their arms from around Universe's without saying anything - they knew that she would not try to run away.
"Oh Universe I'm sorry!" Charon exclaimed as she looked anxiously at the silent girl. "You don't have to do this if you really don't want to. I should not have tried to force you and I am sorry. But listen. You love to sing and you sing so beautifully so you should do so not only for Queen Serenity but also for yourself."
Universe did not reply. In fact she was quieter than she had been before Charon had spoken.
Estrella piped up on Universe's lap. "Universe...song pretty! Universe sing!"
Venus knew without needing to think about it that it was up to her to say something to help as well.
"That's right Universe!" she agreed and nodded her blonde head in agreement with these sentiments. "I'm sure that your song is lovely and I'd really love to hear it. You should do it!"
Universe had listened to all of them but she just did not know what to do...
"What's happening?"
Mercury now stood in the doorway gazing at Universe anxiously. Her eyes were deeply concerned as she looked upon her friend who seemed to be so unhappy and lost. "What's wrong with her?" she exclaimed as she went over to Universe at once.
"We do not know." Charon replied in complete honesty as she and Venus both rose to their feet to leave them both alone together. "Talk to her Mercury. I just know that she will open up to you!"
Mercury nodded without once taking her eyes from Universe. "Very well. It is your turn now Charon." she told the Charonian.
"Thank you. I shall go at once." Charon's enthusiasm revived on the spot although some of her anxiety did as well.
With that she walked out of the room with Venus flanking her. The Charonian left Estrella on Universe's lap thinking that perhaps the kitten may be able to help.
When they were alone Mercury sat next to Universe on the couch and looked at her face. "Universe please tell me what is wrong." she said tenderly. "Please?"
Universe finally opened her eyes unable to resist the voice of Mercury and she turned to gaze tearfully at her. Mercury gazed at her and for some reason the sight of Universe in tears did not shock her as much as it really should have done.
"Let me help you Universe." Mercury whispered as she took her hands into her own and looked into her eyes. "Don't hide your feelings from me."
Universe sighed. "I can't do it Mercury." she whispered. "Please...don't make me!"
Mercury's face was surprised. "Universe you don't have to do anything you don't want to! But what can't you do?"
"Sing." Universe explained simply. "They'd have thought I was a pussy!"
For a moment the Mercurian looked confused. "A puss..." she repeated blankly and then she understood what her friend really meant - the pain and fear told her the meaning of the word even though she didn't understand it. "You mean...but who would have thought that? You are the bravest person I know!"
Universe lowered her eyes and did not reply as the tears trickled down her face.
Mercury blinked at her as she read something in Universe's eyes that the purple haired girl did not want her to see. "Do you mean them? The Star Raiders?"
Universe closed her eyes and started to cry silently.
Mercury stared at the weeping girl and then a look of rage appeared on her face. "Oh how DARE they" she suddenly exclaimed and her voice was choked as she was caught between anger and sympathy.
Universe looked up surprised by the blue-haired princess's angry voice.
Mercury's lip was trembling as she fought to keep herself from crying. "Mercury?" Universe whispered in a subdued voice as she forgot her own turmoil.
"How could they?" Mercury demanded as her tears ran down her cheeks as she cried for her friend. "How could they put so much pressure on you like that? They would not let you be yourself! How horrible! How could they do that to you?"
Universe gasped in the face of this outburst of both fury and compassion. "Mercury..." she whispered putting her hand to the blue haired princess's cheek and stroking it gently as she could not think of a thing to say.
What Mercury had just said to her had had a deep effect on her. The Star Raiders had never allowed her to be herself? She nearly laughed silently at this fancy but before she could she stopped. Was Mercury right? Was that really how it had been? Were her tough and fierce image and speech the way she really was? Were they the real her at all?
Universe began to think deeply about all of this. So had she EVER really been the real her during her early life with the Star Raiders? Were all of these strange and unfamiliar and sometimes frightening feelings that she had begun to feel recently all parts of the person she really was finally coming through now that she had time to think and the chance to be herself?
Just thinking about it made her eyes widen. How extraordinary...
For all those years she had never once been herself...none of her 'real' attitudes which she'd been trying to keep intact during her stay here had been real at all.
Mercury's eyes hardened. "Sing Universe!" she suddenly ordered in a hard voice. "Sing! You deserve to be allowed to! Forget about them and do it for they are no longer a part of your life and you never have to worry about what they would think!"
The Mercurian's eyes were brilliant and determined and to Universe she was the most beautiful person in the world in that moment.
The look in Mercury's eyes took her breath away. "Okay." she finally gave in - for real this time. "I will. But only if you come with me. I can do anything if you're with me, if you're by my side."
Mercury wiped away her tears as she nodded at once. "Of course I will." she promised. "Dry your eyes Universe. You do not want Queen Serenity to see that you have been crying now do you?"
"Nah." Universe dried her eyes and rose to her feet. "Let go then. Charon's probably finished by now. C'mon Estie."
Estrella nodded sombrely.
"I have." Universe and Mercury looked up to see Charon standing in the doorway as they rose to their feet, Universe with Estrella cradled in her arms.
Charon had danced before Queen Serenity with elegance and the grace she had attained from the years of dedicated but moreover loving practice and she had done so projecting much joy into her role. But as she had moved lightly and pirouetted she had never once ceased to think of Universe's anguish. But now she could see that her faith in Mercury's ability to touch Universe's heart had not been in vain.
"Have you made your decision?" Charon asked simply as she gazed at Universe.
The question was pointless - she could see in Universe's eyes that Mercury had already moved her to action.
Universe took one long deep breath and then released it in a deep and shaky breath. "Yeah." she nodded and bit her lip. "I'll do it."
Charon gave her a glad smile and nodded encouragingly. "Finally." was all she said but she breathed it contentedly.
Universe gave a sigh of resignation. "Okay...let's do it." she said with a look of determination that suddenly appeared in her eyes.
It was strange but she had fought unimaginably terrifying monsters throughout the universe and this whole thing had proved to be so much more difficult for her to do. It was so strange how life worked and she would never understand it...
"That's right Universe." Mercury whispered wrapping both of her arms around on of Universe's. "Don't worry about a thing. I shall be right there with you."
Universe smiled gratefully. "Thanks." she whispered as she switched Estrella so that she was holding the kitten under one arm so that she could stroke the blue rose behind Mercury's ear which the blue haired princess had never taken off. "What great mates I've got."
She wasn't joking.
"Universe...I asked Katarina to sort a few things out for you especially for this night." Charon said as she went right up to her.
Universe gave the Charonian princess a surprised blink as she noticed for the first time that she was holding something that was folded up over her arms and covered from sight by a large sheet.
"What?" Universe wondered.
Charon smiled and looked suddenly excited as she uncovered whatever it was she was carrying.
As the sheet fell to the floor Mercury and Universe stared in absolute surprise at what Charon had folded over her arms. A pure white opera gown made from beautiful silk and lace, a pair of silken white shoulder length gloves. A pair of white sandals with ties that looked long enough to tie up above Universe's ankles in a cross pattern. An ebony hair-band and a hairbrush sat on the top of the dress.
Universe was speechless as she gazed at them - after a few seconds of perfect and utter silence she raised her eyes to gaze questioningly at Charon.
Charon's eyes sparkled warmly as she smiled at her. "You may as well change into them since I went to the trouble of getting them." she remarked.
Universe seemed to have lost her voice as she stared at Charon as though she had been struck by lightning. Mercury squeezed Universe's arm and Universe looked at her friend who gave her a sweet smile and nodded her head in encouragement.
Universe looked back at Charon. "How were you going to get me into them before all of this happened?" she asked not really caring since she knew that it didn't matter.