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Chapter One
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The ground around them was dry and plain. For some odd reason, the Earthian troops were moving out as if to say, they give up? The commander of this troop glared while looking at the men leaving. The afternoon sun was warm, a little too warm. Injured men took back to their posts as if good as new.
"Commander, what are we going to do? No word has came from any other troop and it looks like they're all leaving? Does it mean that we've won this war?" asked the man standing in an army green uniform. The woman gazing didn't look at him. Her emerald eyes still peered at the leaving troops before her.
"Tell the men we're moving out, private."
"But Commander----" She turned to him, letting her brown bangs move with her as she glared. She started walking away while looking at her men. Her eyes gazed upon each one of them until she was at the center of their camp.
"Men," she paused while watching all heads turn from her loud and powerful voice. "Get all your gear packed. We're moving out!" She watched as they all listened to her commanders, quickly starting to pack everything they owned while suiting up. She moved to her tent and quickly started packing the rest of her gear. Once finished, she loaded it into the area where everyone else set theirs. She mounted the dark brown stallion and rode over to the second in commander.
"Yes, Commander?" he asked bowing. She scowled and snorted.
"Contact the head of my army on Jupiter. Inform them of our position and tell them we'll be moving north after the troops. Ask them if any new have been reached on our positions. I'll be heading to the Earthian palace to speak with the Queen. I feel that something is going on and I aim to find out."
"But Commander, you could be killed. You know your mother would kill us if anything ever happened to you!" She nodded while casting her eyes over the camp of green tents going down, bearing the symbol of Jupiter. The men worked hard at leaving on her deadline.
"I'm well aware of it. What I am doing is for Jupiter along with the Moon Kingdom. If I die, I die with honor and pride. Do not inform the High Commander of my position if possible. Only if asked." Before he could say another word, she was off, letting the sound of hooves soothe her strong, wild spirit as she rode. She moved past the Earthian troops, receiving looks, along with whistles from the men. She moved up to the front, spotting the man in charge of this army. His long white hair moving in the faint breeze while atop his white horse. She pulled her horse up next to him and moved at his pace.
"What brings a woman to the front of my army?" he questioned in a deep voice, letting his silvery eyes look at her for a moment. She looked at his apparel. His grey uniform with white trim around it and a cape covering his shoulders, passing down his back. She rose a single, slender brown eye brow.
"I would like you to inform your Kingdom that the Princess of Jupiter will be arriving within the hour." He let out a smirk and snorted.
"What would make you think I would inform my Kingdom of a false tale from the Commander of our opponate?" She smirked herself.
"The statement isn't false. I hate to arrive unexpected." He stopped his horse, making his whole army stop.
"You want me to believe that you're the Princess of Jupiter?" Both of them seemed to turn at the sounds of loud hooves hitting the ground. They moved around the ready army to fire. The leader jumped off the horse before it was completely stopped and tripped. He moved up to his feet and quickly bowed.
"A thousand apologies your majesty but, I received urgent news from Queen Serenity herself." She dismounted her horse, letting her black tie-up boots touch first.
"How important is this news?" He handed her the letter, sealed with the Moon Kingdom's sign. She opened it while reading aloud.
"Dear Princes....blah, blah, blah......invited to a ball in honor of Prince Endyiom and his court.......blah, blah, blah.......a week from this date? Send news to my mother that it will take at least a week for me and my troops to reach the Moon Kingdom. Have her send all the things I need to for the time I will be staying and make sure that my room is prepared the way I want it. Tell her that I don't want any dressed except for one and one only. Have my troops move toward the boarding docks right now and I will catch up with you tomorrow morning." He bowed and quickly scaled on his horse.
"I will report the news your majesty!" With that, he rode off quickly with the others behind him. She mounted and looked at the dumdfolded men around her.
"Have that message sent out to your Kingdom, as soon as possible." He watched her quickly ride off and motioned for someone to send the message.
~*~*~*~*~
The chatter of young women seemed to louden with the giggles. Four women sat around a table, doing different things. Tea was set on the wooden table, while the smell of wild flowers moved around them.
"I believe that Princess Makoto will not make it in time for the ball. She is too much into the battle going on with Earth," said a woman with long blonde hair, letting her playful blue eyes look around at the others, making contact. She straightened her soft yellow gown and continued cross stitching the blue of the lake. There was a smile coming from the woman sitting diagonal from her. The purple eyes moved over to her.
"Well, I believe that our dear friend Makoto is lucky to be in that war! My mother is too strict to not let me lead our troops to battle. She was afraid that I would get hurt! I cannot believe my own mother would not even trust me in battle! If I took the form of my senshi then I could have fried them and it would be over!" She moved her long black hair out of her way.
"Come on Rei. Do you actually think any of our mothers would have the right of mind to let the heirs to their throne out in a bloody battle? You could not forget it and it would haunt us for the rest of our lives!" She straightened her red dress and rolled her eyes.
"Come on Minako! With us out there at all the training segments and wars, our armies would be better! Have you seen Jupiter's army ever since Makoto went out to help them? They fight better and do harder at everything they do! Hardly any of her men get hurt during battles any more! I think we should do that to help out our troops!"
"Well, if you think about you two. They are really trying harder to make sure that Makoto does not get hurt during the battle. They know they have to give her the best help and protection they could offer. If not, Queen Maria would throw a fit if her daughter was killed. You know that she would go down there herself and kill all the men. I would protect the Princes as well if I was any of those men. A painful death not what I had in mind for the end of my days." Her blue eyes looked up from her book while her fingers touched her matching blue hair.
"Ami, that is not at all true," complained Rei. Minako pegged her with a ball of thread.
"You know Ami is always right about things like that. What do you think Serenity?" They all looked up at their golden haired princess that seemed to be looking down at her fingers. She was fiddling with her white gown and then let her crystal blue gems look up at them.
"Makoto has to arrive here on time. The war is already over and all of the troops are being sent back home. The reason why Prince Endyiom and his court is coming to the ball is because Earth is our alley now. We do not have to fight anymore but, the problem is with Makoto. You know how much she likes to fight unless she is told not to. She has the wildest spirit we have ever seen in any warrior and she belongs in the battles. That is why her mother let her go. It gave all of her men confidence to know that she was going to support them all the way. Let us leave this subject and talk of something better." They smiled at her.
"So, do you know if Endyiom or anyone of his court is cute?" asked Minako with a hopeful smile. Ami let out a small sign.
"Is that all you think about Minako?"
"Well, I am the Goddess of Love so I need to find my love you know!"
"Well, if there is any cute guys, I get the first pick," smirked Rei. Minako growled and narrowed her eyes.
"No you do not! I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"No you do not Minako! I called it first and you know it! So there is no point of arguing about it!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!" They both crossed their arms over their chests and turned away from each other. There was a light tap on the window. They all looked up to see it was Artimus. He joined them outside with a sly smile.
"What are you girls up to?" he asked.
"Well, we were talking about Makoto, and then Rei and I got into a fight over Endyiom and his court to get the first choice over the cute one," grinned Minako. He let out a sigh.
"Dinner is ready and Luna wants you to help her pick out some colors for the ball along with some decorations." Serenity smiled.
"We would love to help. You know that is what we are best for!" They all moved from their seats and started in for the planning room. Rei looked at Artimus and walked with him.
"Do you think you could give me any information you receive about Makoto to me personally? I want to make sure she is doing alright." He smiled.
"I will do my best Princess." She caught up with the rest of the girls and continued in on their conversation. Artimus walked over toward the main control room and looked at a guard.
"Is there any news about the Princess Makoto?" he asked.
"She is heading toward the Earthian Palace for some reason alone while her troops start for the docking port. They should be there by morning and arrive here on the deadline. It seems that Queen Maria will be sending the Princess' things so, prepare for the worse." He nodded and walked away.
~*~*~*~*~*~
She must have been riding for at least an two hours until she arrived at the Earthian palace. She looked up at the guards whom seemed to smirk and almost grin.
"What do you want woman?"
"I am here to speak with the Queen." They just seemed to laugh.
"Who are you?"
"I had the Commander of an army send in a message that the Princess of Jupiter would be arriving." They looked serious and looked back down.
"What does that have to do with you?"
"I am the Princess you dimwits!" They could see her temper starting to rise as dark storm clouds started coming quickly.
"Remove your clothes so we can make sure you are not armed. We will see if you are really the Princess later." Her eyes narrowed as she started glowing a bright green. They watched as her fist clutched tightly on the sharpest part on her reins, causing blood to start moving out of her palm.
"Open the Gates!" She heard them yell. Slowly, she started calming down. The green disappeared from around her along with the dark clouds. She lead her horse in and dismounted. They took the horse and lead her over the cobble stones toward the large marble palace. The entrance was beautifully decorated with plants, white statues, and a water fountain. She entered and was lead by some other guards for a moment until one took a look at her hand and spoke.
"We need to take you to the medical facility to---"
"I am going to see the Queen." They stopped and stood in front of her.
"We can't let you go see the Queen until after you are taken care of." She tried to push past them.
"Let me by! I am here for one thing, and one thing only. To see the Queen. No one or nothing will stand in my way to get that one thing finished with. Until I am finished, then I will take care of any problems I have on my own or at least until I am back with my troops." They stood in place.
"We have to make sure you are well enough to see the Queen. We don't know if you are going to kill her or not!"
"Damn you! Get the hell out of my way!" Without any thought to it, she started fighting then, until she was grabbed from behind. She quickly got herself out of that as more men started coming toward her. She heard a voice ring out.
"General! Come quick! We need your help!" So still continued to try to get past them but, wasn't succeeding except to take out their men. She could feel herself getting tired, too tired.
Damn it! I knew that I should have listened to my mother when she said to get sleep every night of the battle. But no. I had to stay up all hours, even days without sleep just to make sure my men were alright and that no one was going to try and sneak attack us. Why did I have to stay up all night and all today?
Her thoughts were broke by hitting the floor. Her chest rose and fell quickly while she gazed up at the man atop of her. His eyes seemed to look confused for a moment while looking down at he with his blue eyes. He looked up at her pinned hands and let out a sigh, relaxing his muscles.
"Let us help you," he said in a deep voice, making a shiver go down her spine. She narrowed her eyes.
"Are all of you so damn stupid? I don't need any help! All I need to do is see the Queen, ask her a few simple questions, and then leave!" She flipped him over and let her hand press up against his throat.
"Who are you?" he asked. He watched her close her eyes for a moment.
"How many times do I have to tell everyone? I am the Princess of Jupiter! Well, it's not like anyone will believe me any how since they think, oh well, a woman dressed in men's clothing is just a prank to get into the castle and kill the Queen! I have been in this battle since day one! All I want to do is figure out what the hell is going on! I was in a heated battled with this white haired Commander of your army and then the next day they're moving out. Then I find out that Endyiom and his court is going to the Moon Kingdom and I have to be there within a week for the damn ball. Oh good lord." He looked at her bloody hand touch her face while she released his throat and slumped down, looking at her hand with tired eyes.
"Princess, please let me help you." She looked up at him with tired eyes that seemed confused and softened.
"I don't need any help. It's just a scratch. Well, a scratch to make my men worry or declare war once more." She stood up and leaned against the all for a moment while her other hand came to her head, getting the blood on it.
"You're bleeding, and you've been over deprived of sleep. Just let me help you." She motioned for him to leave her, while closing her eyes for a moment, only to start sliding down the wall.
"All I need to do is see the Queen and then I will go back to my men. I have to stay awake." He picked her up and started walking in another direction.
She is a strong woman. Too bad she wasn't in our armies. It would have made Earth much more powerful to have a stubborn woman as a General. Oh well. Right now I have to get her medical attention, cleaned up, and have her leave with us to the Moon Kingdom tonight. I know that the Queen wouldn't mind. But, I should tell her so she knows to inform her troops about what happened.
He laid her on the table and looked at the doctor in front of him.
"Make sure you get her cleaned up with the best treatment." They nodded as he walked away. The black marble floor was the only thing to greet him as he walked in silence. Along him was a black wall with gold trim, bearing beautiful pictures giving it a welcoming touch. White statues of angels and Princess' stood out on the sides. He stopped in front of the large black and gold doors where an announcer stood. He wore a black uniform with gold trim around it. He opened the doors and walked in.
"May I announce, the arrival of General Nephlite." He walked in, letting his eyes set upon the Queen on the throne next to the King. Dark brown eyes cast upon the General as he stood there and bowed.
"Speak," came the usual voice of the King. His dark brown hair didn't move while his face held no emotion.
"Your majesty, I bring you news that the young Princess of Jupiter has arrived to our palace." The King narrowed his eyes.
"What news do you bring of her? How did she get here without an invitation?"
"Henry!" He glared at his wife, causing her to silence.
"Your majesty, she was the Commanding officer of the Jovian army whom were battling against General Kunzite. She is a wild and powerful young woman and I warn you to hold your tongue when you speak with her." King Henry narrowed his eyes until they were slits.
"Where is they young woman?"
"Your majesty, right now she's in the medical facility from over exhaustion along with a wound on her hand."
"When this woman awakes, have her brought to the throne room. I would like to speak with her."
"Yes, your maj---"
"My lady, you cannot enter until you have been announced!"
"Get out of my way you fool!" She pushed the man out of her way with as much force as she could muster and stopped beside the General. They watched as she just stood there, not evening giving a bow. King Henry growled.
"Will not you bow before the King and Queen of Earth?" She placed her unharmed hand on her hip and kept her head high.
"I bow before no one. Not even Queen Serenity herself will receive a bow." He smiled and sat straight.
"My temper will rise and you will fear my wrath!" She motioned her hand for him to silence himself.
"Queen Ebony, may I speak to you in private?" she asked. Her voice had changed to her normal, usual, respectful tone. Queen Ebony smiled at the child and moved from her throne. Her husband grabbed her wrist and pulled her back in her throne while raising his hand to her.
"You will not speak with that child until she has bowed before us. If you dare to, I will strike you!" Nephlite watched from the corner of his eye as the woman beside him clutched both hands in a tight fist.
"If you are to strike anyone, strike me. I will not stand here and watch you hit your Queen." He released his wife and moved down the throne. He smiled as he walked toward the woman a little bit below his height. He rose his hand to strike her but held it for a moment.
"Your majesty, if you strike this woman now, I have no doubt that she will strike you back. If Princess Serenity founds out about this matter, she will inform Queen Serenity of her actions. For, this woman before you is part of Princess Serenity's Royal Court."
"Damn you woman! Genera! Take her to the guest room and have her stay here as comfortable as possible. Have a bath drawn along with a dress pulled out. She will be staying here for the night."
"After she is cleaned, have her brought to my chambers at once," said Queen Ebony. Nephlite bowed and walked out with her following.
"I leave after my matter with the Queen. No longer."
"I will do as my King as ordered me." She looked at him as if he was crazy.
"How can you serve that beast that dares to strike his wife along without showing any respects to others? One of these days he will get what is coming to him from someone he should not have messed with."
"I will stand beside him and lead our armies like I did toward the Venusian troops."
"How are the Venusian troops these days? Still trying to make peace and have fun drinking?" she asked with a smile of amusement.
"Actually, when they heard how well the Jovian troops were doing against General Kunzite, they started to fight against us instead of drinking." She grinned as they walked.
"Venusian troops has always wanted to have fun. If Jupiter and Venus troops where to wage against each other, it wouldn't work. We're too close for that bond to be broken." He opened the black door for her and followed in. The curtains were opened as he motioned for a maid to get the water ready.
"You know a lot about troops. How did that come?"
"High Commander Prenston Price was my father's closest friend. I always remember having the eye for war and her introduced it to me. Ever since the death of my father on the battle against your Earthian troops nine years ago, I have always wanted to lead my armies to victory. Mostly for revenge. Prenston seems like another father to me since he was always there to bring me to the battles and train me himself. Over these six years, and training as a senshi, things seem to become easy and often too easy. I already know the way General Kunzite, as you call him, attacks against opposing armies. His tactics are weak along with your front line. They can't stand their ground." He nodded. The maid brought in a long deep blue dress and laid it out on the bed along with undergarments and shoes. She let out a long sigh and looked at it for a moment.
"You don't like dresses, Princess?"
"Just call me Makoto. No. I hate them. But, if I must, I must." She sat down and started taking off her boots, untying it slowly. The maid waited in patiently.
"What would you like for me to do with your clothes, your highness?" she asked with a bow.
"Please, do not bow before me. I need them cleaned as soon as possible. Have then laid out on my bed by the time I am finished speaking with Queen Ebony." She nodded and waited.
"I will leave you, Pri—Makoto."
"Please have my horse well taken care of. I don't want anything to happen to her." He nodded.
"I will tend to her personally." She watched him walk out of the room and close the door behind him.
~*~*~*~*~
"Any news?" asked Rei, looking at Artimus whom held a grim look.
"She has left her troops, alone, to go to the Earthian palace. We do not know what she is doing there but, we hope for the best right now. Also, her mother will be packing her thing so, prepare yourself for the worse. You know how much she hates dresses after she started wearing men's clothing." She nodded.
"Thank-you Artimus. I will inform the others of her actions." He watched her walk away and disappear through a door. She entered into the large ball room that was already half way finished. The beautiful colors of reds, blues, yellows, and greens, made it feel at home. She looked at the other Princess' having fun making small flowers. She walked over and received a smile.
"Where did you go?" asked Minako. She smiled.
"I was talking to Artimus. I have some news about Makoto." They all seemed to look up at her in awe.
"What did you find out?" asked Ami.
"I hope she is not in any trouble," said Serenity.
"She rode off to the Earthian palace without her troops. I do not know why she left but, I think she might be in trouble. But, we must all wait until she arrives. I think her troops will be doing fine unless she does not show up. From then on, I believe we will have angry men on our hands." Ami nodded.
"Yes. You know that her men will protect her at the cost of their lives. Let none of this news get to Queen Maria or else Makoto will be doomed. You know that she will be punished for running off without a cause or asking her first." Serenity smiled.
"Let us hope she is alright. I do not see why she is going to take a ship when all she has to do is transport here."
"She has to be in senshi mode to do that only Serenity. She cannot let Earth know who she is and that a senshi was going up against them or else they might wage another war upon us," said Rei.
"Queen Ebony will take care of everything. I know she is a kind woman and would not let anything happen to our dearest friend. Ebony has been a great friend with my mother and Queen Maria's. There will be a great understanding," smile Minako.
"I just hope you are right." Everyone looked at Rei.
"Why are you so worried about her. We all know she can take care of herself," said Ami.
"Alright you guys. Lets just get back to decorating to take our minds off of Makoto. We will see her in a five days anyhow." They all nodded at Serenity and continued decorating.
~*~*~*~*~
The maid lead her to the chambers of Queen Ebony. The large door opened to show a well furnished room with lovely pictures, and a comfortable atmosphere. She looked at the Queen stand and smile while offering seat.
"It is nice to see you again, Makoto. Too many years have passed by since that fateful day I would father not say. How are you these days?" She smiled.
"Alright I believe. Just homesick. I have not seen my mother for a couple years since I have been in this battle and training as a senshi. Most of the time, I can be found on the Moon, making sure that everyone is alright." She smiled.
"Why did you leave your troops and come here?"
"I need to ask you. Why are your troops moving out?" She gave a small sigh with a smile.
"We are now a part of the alliance Makoto. This morning I spoke with Queen Serenity."
"At least the war is finally over and I can go home after the arrival of your son and his court." She nodded.
"Give your mother my best regards and I will come to visit soon. Just be careful around my husband. You do not know what he can do while you speak to him as if he was in a lower position then you. Promise me you will stay for this evening and leave with my son in the morning. I do not want you wondering and traveling at night. I can see the sleep in your eyes even though you try to hide it." Makoto took to her feet.
"I am sorry Queen Ebony but, I cannot. I have to return to my troops so they will know everything is alright." She looked at her sadly and picked up her clothes.
"I will not let you leave Makoto."
"I have my ways, your majesty. I will leave in this apparel if I must." With that, she turned and left the room. Aimlessly, she wondered down the halls until she came to the main entrance. She exited and started toward the stables. She stopped when she looked at the General feeding her horse and speaking.
"You should feel lucky to be treated with high respect. You know, I would have never met a beautiful creature such as you. Well trained with the highest standards and yet, wild spirit of your Princess. She is amazing. But, I bet both of you have the strongest pride that I have ever seen in this galaxy." She watched him pet her horse and how her horse liked him. The dark brown stallion looked up from the smell her recognized. His dark brown eyes seemed to smile at her while his black hair moved as he started to walk toward her. She held up a hand and he stopped. Nephlite seemed to be caught on how beautiful she looked in the dark blue dress. It showed her as a lady, rather then the leader of the Jovian troops. She smiled and walked toward them both.
"Thank-you for taking care of Kenneth." The horse gently let his muzzle touch her cheek only to have her pet him.
"Your welcome Princess Makoto." He looked at her grab the thin cotton blanket of green and place it on his back. She lifted the dark brown leather saddle on his back and started tightening it. She felt the strong hands stop her.
"I cannot let you leave." She smiled and continued.
"I cannot stay here. I have duties I must perform and I cannot leave my men."
"I will send our fastest rider to inform them that you are safe. Queen Ebony would never forgive me if I let you leave. You are tired and weak at this point. Your wound needs time to heal." She placed the bridle on Kenneth and fixed his hair.
"I will be safe. I have survived worse wounds then this but, still battled in war. Do not try to stop me Nephlite. I do not want to harm you." He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from her horse.
"I will not let you leave."
An: yes, it is long and i hope you all like it. I will get the next chapter out sooner! Thanks for the reviews!