Hey ya'll! I know, it has been a while, hasn't it? But, believe it or not,
this chapters even longer than the last (ohh! Yeah Frola, we're making
progress, aren't we? Yes we are, you good little hair ball.ah.oops, sorry!)
Umm, hmm, sad news, there's only one more chapter left and (maybe) and
epilogue. Yeah, yeah, cry me a river. well, tally ho! On with the chapter!
I hope you all enjoy (
Disclaimer: Aww man, again?? I DON'T (with a capital "no sue") own sailor moon. I do, however, own this story. If you want to take it because your big-ass corporation can only relieve itself through the demolishment of our right, as humans, to freedom of speech and expressionism (as long as it brings no harm to others, yadda yadda) then by all means, take it and enjoy your life as you burn in ignorance. I don't own Savage Garden either.although; my sis has a copy of their old c.d.
The moonlight, shines down interstellar beams And the groove tonight, is something more than you've ever seen Stars and planners taking shape A stolen kiss has come to late Carry on, keep romancing. Carry on, carry on dancing in the moonlight You're never safe until you see the dawn And the clock strikes past midnight, the hope is gone To move under the moonlight Move, closer, passion, stronger There's a magic only two can tell, in the dark night Ultra violet is a wicked spell Moving on, moving on all night
Usagi massaged her temples. The ground felt soft beneath her, cool as well. She gingerly opened an eye, and gasped.
Mamoru felt as if he were seeing things for the first time. His world was unnaturally clear, his mind, seemingly un-bogged. He breathed with a clarity he never knew existed.
All around him couples danced, waltzing to a peaceful tune. At the far end of the room, he could make out musicians sitting stoically, their spidery fingers plucking odd instruments.
The people looked all of noble blood; good posture, refined movement and exquisite clothing. Clothing made of silks, and velvets, sprinkled with tiny, glimmering diamonds. The style of dress should have struck him as odd, but for some unknown reason, he accepted it as the way it should be. It wasn't only the environment that caused flickers of recognition, but the smells.
Richly baked goods, odd curried flavors and silvery wafts found their way inside his mind. He'd been here before, many times. Where here was, however, he could not be certain. Reaching up with a gloved hand, he adjusted his mask (it was, after all, a masquerade ball- it was not only the costumes of others which led him to this conclusion, but the murmurs of his mind) and disappeared into the shadows.
The blades of grass tickled her lightly as she pushed herself up. She noticed it took little strength. Feeling oddly unhinged, she leaned in closer to that sight which had caught her gaze.
Magnificent; not even this noun came near to describing the beauty before her; a long, still pool of water stretch from where she stood, the sparkling marble disappearing under its depths. On either side, high, golden towers shed a soft light that, in turn, seemed to reflect of the ground. What lined the horizon defied all her sense of geography.
A palace, Arabian in design, rose from the ground. The large middle dome was painted a deep sapphire. Was it not for its silvery lining it would vanish into the star filled sky. Speaking of which.
Usagi lifted her head. No moon. Her thought echoed through her mind. How could that be? The night was clear, clearer than she'd ever remembered it. Except, of course, in .My dream?
Slowly, her vision slipped down, and revealed a pearly gown billowing about her legs. The empire waist was held by an elegant ribbon, which crisscrossed behind into a floating train.
Her fingers stretched up to her head, and found her hair in their usual style, with some exceptions. Material was intricately woven into her wavy curls, and as she traced down to her forehead, a delicate tiara drew a line between her hair and brow line. Her forelock lay bare, though she gasped again as a warm, crescent shape shone beneath her curious fingers.
This should have frightened her; this whole place should have sent weary signals to her brain. She was no longer in her house, nor, it seemed, earth. Neither was Mamoru by her side. Somehow, she knew this was right.all was as it should be because finally, she was home.
It's not only a dream, her mind cried triumphantly. With a final gaze to the glowing earth, she set off in a flowing trot towards the palace.
"You have taken much time." The tone held some semblance to that of a female, though one couldn't be sure. In any case, the words held much annoyance.
"Time is nothing. I have her. I own her." He clutched his fist in emphasis.
"What makes you think you will succeed where all others have failed?" Skepticism. A devilish sneer tears at the shadowed man.
"Haven't you heard? Blood is thicker than water."
Mamoru shook his head politely for what must have been the hundredth refusal this evening. The lady before him pouted seductively and sighed. Turning her back, she flipped her long red mane flauntingly and strutted slowly back into the crowd.
He sighed impatiently, waiting for someone. Usagi.yes, but no; in his mind he knew this all must be some sort of delusion, perhaps caused by the earlier stressors of the day. He's read many medical accounts of this occurring in the sanest of people. That's not right, no, it can't be.
He knew this was real. It had to be real. This sense of calm, the ecstatic freedom-there was simply no other explanation.he hoped.
The crowd suddenly hushed, and the lights dimmed. He noticed the musicians lowered their volume as well. Following the gazes of those surrounding him, he saw why.
"The Queen." he whispered.
A large, sweeping stairway extended meters away, and heavy glass doors eased open, revealing the Royal. She descended slowly, each step definitive. Her knowledge seemed to glow about her, along with her beauty.
The people needed no cue; they simply parted as she strode confidently to the raised platform. She sat in her throne, refusing any assistance. She said nothing, as slowly the quiet chatter disintegrated into nothingness. She smiled, appreciatively.
"Welcome," her voice was a force field, barely there, yet immensely powerful at the same time. Another stray thought tugged at his mind however his thoughts were so boggled and tangled that he simply ignored it, joining the crowd as they waited apprehensively for Her next words.
Usagi panted heavily as she slowed. Before her stood a marble archway, wide ballroom doors awaiting her at their extremity. How she knew it was her who was expected was another unknown fact. However it was her senses she was following, not her mind; this had suited her so far and would continue to do so.
Quickly checking her reflection on the glowing stones, she stepped into the welcoming light..
And all became silent.
Hundreds, no, thousands of faces gasped as she entered their sight. Immediately, she began to shrink away from their intense glares. Suddenly, though, a hand stretched out. A white hand, no, gloved hand; attached to a noble, though oddly sewn, suit. Her eyes met with the gentleman and again, she gasped. Those eyes.her mind screamed.
Below her, Mamoru tensed. He saw who it was he had been waiting for; his Princess. When she had passed below the massive doors, he'd felt his breath swept away at her sight.ethereal beauty, glimmering innocence and.something more.
Power. It was the same power he'd heard in the Queen's voice only, more complete. He felt connected to her somehow and could feel her sudden discomfort. There is something you should remember Prince!! Cried his mind. To his dismay, he found nothing, not even the slightest recollection; and so his attention returned once more to the stairway.
"This way, Princess." Usagi took the hand wearily. The man stood now fully erect as, slowly, he led her down the winding stairs and to the center where a woman awaited her. A Queen. A mother.
The woman gave a slight wave of her wrist, and the crowd returned to their festivities.
"Serenity, darling. Your late." There was a deeper point to that sentence than what she was saying. Not knowing how to react, however, Usagi nodded mutely. "Well, aren't you going to give me the pleasure of your company? It seems we never have the chance to speak these days." She climbed the steps to the alter and sat beside the regal figure. The Queen watched her movement, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.
Laying her hands in her lap, she peeked nervous looks to her side. "Alright, child. What is it you've done this time?" Usagi snapped to attention.
"What? I haven't done a thing your Majesty, erm, I mean." she stuttered nervously. Selenity reached across and gently grasped her hand.
"Whatever happened to the word 'mother'?" Usagi stared, agape. The Queen nodded, thoughtfully. "I suppose you're too mature to call me that any longer. After all, this is your 16th year we celebrate. You're no longer a child," she cast a deep look into her eyes. "You're almost fully grown."
Feeling her eyes sting with emotion, Selenity blinked, deliberately. Usagi sat stoic, strange recollections of moments like these flowing to her. "Be careful, my little bunny, promise me this." She leaned forward, no longer feeling dazed.
"Mother?" she whispered. Selenity grinned sadly.
"Never forget who you are. Serenity, the fourth crowned princess of the moon, vessel of power, holder of your own crystal and above all this," she felt the soft brush of lips against her forehead, and a comforting warmth surged through her. "My daughter."
Mamoru felt himself caught in the wave of people once more as the Princess took her place by the Queen. After what seemed like hours, he heard the shrill clink of crystal as once more, the setting became one of silence.
A man took the podium; the same man, he noted, who had escorted Serenity down the staircase. He felt a familiar swell of distaste within him as the man began to speak:
"Ladies and gentlemen, please forgive me. I could not pass this chance of praise to the Heiress of the Goddess who brought peace and prosperity to my Country. As Ambassador of the Dark Moon, I feel it is not only my duty, but also my right to express this through a short speech.
Before Our Queen, there was a tyrant, under the name of Nehelenia. Unable to dominate her sister's peaceful planet, she retreated to its depths, where lived my people. Years went by and I, among many others, could do nothing as all that we loved was ground to nothingness." The crowd hung sympathetically onto this last note, save Mamoru. Only he noticed the bitterness in the man's voice.
"But, as all in the known universe are aware, Queen Selenity will not stand for a leader's abuse of their power. Through great sacrifice, she destroyed the dark ruler, and liberated us all.
' To Queen Selenity, on this, her Centennial!
' To Princess Serenity as she passes now into adulthood!
' To peace and liberation for all!"
The crowd released their cheers in a roaring chorus. Again, Mamoru held back, waiting anxiously for the man to be seated, but no! Wait! What is this? The man raised his hand in silence. The people complied. Turning to face the Royals, he bowed.
"With permission, your majesty, I, Ambassador Danomian of the dark moon colony, ask for the Princess' first dance." The Queen nodded.
"It is not my choice to make."
Usagi surveyed the audience. Suddenly, she wished for Mamoru's presence. The first dance was an important step into maturity, (at least, that's what she supposed it symbolized) and she could see herself taking those steps with no one but him.
The Queen turned to face her questioningly. Usagi smiled assuring, preparing her answer when a flash of black caught her eye.
He was tall, and of a familiar build. His suit seemed to be made of a different material, lighter and darker, than those the others wore.
Carefully stepping down from her throne, she walked to the center, eyes never leaving his.
The Ambassador studied this shift and smirked. Bowing quickly, he backed into the sea of people, becoming nothing more than a spot on the ocean.
Mamoru edged forward, slowly, conscious of the gazes he was receiving. When finally he met her in the center, he dropped to his knees, head bowed as he'd seen the others approaching Royals do. Lifting her hand, he imprinted his lips gently onto her palm. Then, he stood.
They stared at each other intently; both finally recognizing one another and feeling the pieces of their life (or was it lives?) fall together.
Unsure when, or how, but uncaring all together, the couple began to dance as the music played.
The sea around them dried away, allowing them more room to move. They could do nothing but stare at the couple and smile. Never before had they been witness to so much love, so much caring.
There was one face, however, who remained unsmiling. One face who cast a dark shadow about him. Noticing a sudden shift in the air, The Queen stiffened, her swan neck swimming above the many heads.
No one else seemed to have noticed this negativity, and her daughter seemed completely enamoured with the mysterious intruder. She would have to speak with her about this man sometime this night- there, again!
She no longer hid her uneasiness. Casting quick glances to her soldiers, she directed her gaze to the edge of the room, where no light seemed to fall.Then, suddenly, she felt it. A sharp pain that ripped through her body, resonating painfully inside her skull.
The couple ceased movement, the man stepping protectively before his angel. The people looked worried and simply stood, unsure what to do. The Queen accepted no help as she pushed herself up;
"You," she hissed. "Leave, now, or prepare for your death." The walls seemed to cackle evilly as slowly, a figure emerged.
"My Queen," he bowed then suddenly, without any warning, drew a blazing sword and sliced around him; the nobles hadn't even the chance of screaming before they fell in two.
Stillness met her again and Usagi clutched her head.
"Not again," she whispered. "Please, not again." Withdrawing from shadow, the figure cackled again. Selenity growled.
"Danomian, how dare you- traitor!" He said nothing. Minutes passed, the Queen refused to move, nor attack on offence. Finally, he spoke.
"Now, my Queen," acrimony drowned his words. Usagi trembled in recognition. "It is time for you to feel the humility of defeat; of watching all you live for writhe and die." He grinned, sourly and demonically, the skin seemed to morph into different faces.a general with straight, white hair, a woman with burning emerald eyes, a witch with flowing turquoise locks.a man Usagi used to consider family.
"D-dieu nous sauvee!"
"Monster!" Cries echoing these thoughts flew from the remaining bourgeoisies, (who had, of course, chosen to stay silent until this moment)
Mamoru narrowed his eyes in trepidation. "What the hell are you?" His grin grew, peeling over his entire body until nothing but dark remained.
"God."
Disclaimer: Aww man, again?? I DON'T (with a capital "no sue") own sailor moon. I do, however, own this story. If you want to take it because your big-ass corporation can only relieve itself through the demolishment of our right, as humans, to freedom of speech and expressionism (as long as it brings no harm to others, yadda yadda) then by all means, take it and enjoy your life as you burn in ignorance. I don't own Savage Garden either.although; my sis has a copy of their old c.d.
The moonlight, shines down interstellar beams And the groove tonight, is something more than you've ever seen Stars and planners taking shape A stolen kiss has come to late Carry on, keep romancing. Carry on, carry on dancing in the moonlight You're never safe until you see the dawn And the clock strikes past midnight, the hope is gone To move under the moonlight Move, closer, passion, stronger There's a magic only two can tell, in the dark night Ultra violet is a wicked spell Moving on, moving on all night
Usagi massaged her temples. The ground felt soft beneath her, cool as well. She gingerly opened an eye, and gasped.
Mamoru felt as if he were seeing things for the first time. His world was unnaturally clear, his mind, seemingly un-bogged. He breathed with a clarity he never knew existed.
All around him couples danced, waltzing to a peaceful tune. At the far end of the room, he could make out musicians sitting stoically, their spidery fingers plucking odd instruments.
The people looked all of noble blood; good posture, refined movement and exquisite clothing. Clothing made of silks, and velvets, sprinkled with tiny, glimmering diamonds. The style of dress should have struck him as odd, but for some unknown reason, he accepted it as the way it should be. It wasn't only the environment that caused flickers of recognition, but the smells.
Richly baked goods, odd curried flavors and silvery wafts found their way inside his mind. He'd been here before, many times. Where here was, however, he could not be certain. Reaching up with a gloved hand, he adjusted his mask (it was, after all, a masquerade ball- it was not only the costumes of others which led him to this conclusion, but the murmurs of his mind) and disappeared into the shadows.
The blades of grass tickled her lightly as she pushed herself up. She noticed it took little strength. Feeling oddly unhinged, she leaned in closer to that sight which had caught her gaze.
Magnificent; not even this noun came near to describing the beauty before her; a long, still pool of water stretch from where she stood, the sparkling marble disappearing under its depths. On either side, high, golden towers shed a soft light that, in turn, seemed to reflect of the ground. What lined the horizon defied all her sense of geography.
A palace, Arabian in design, rose from the ground. The large middle dome was painted a deep sapphire. Was it not for its silvery lining it would vanish into the star filled sky. Speaking of which.
Usagi lifted her head. No moon. Her thought echoed through her mind. How could that be? The night was clear, clearer than she'd ever remembered it. Except, of course, in .My dream?
Slowly, her vision slipped down, and revealed a pearly gown billowing about her legs. The empire waist was held by an elegant ribbon, which crisscrossed behind into a floating train.
Her fingers stretched up to her head, and found her hair in their usual style, with some exceptions. Material was intricately woven into her wavy curls, and as she traced down to her forehead, a delicate tiara drew a line between her hair and brow line. Her forelock lay bare, though she gasped again as a warm, crescent shape shone beneath her curious fingers.
This should have frightened her; this whole place should have sent weary signals to her brain. She was no longer in her house, nor, it seemed, earth. Neither was Mamoru by her side. Somehow, she knew this was right.all was as it should be because finally, she was home.
It's not only a dream, her mind cried triumphantly. With a final gaze to the glowing earth, she set off in a flowing trot towards the palace.
"You have taken much time." The tone held some semblance to that of a female, though one couldn't be sure. In any case, the words held much annoyance.
"Time is nothing. I have her. I own her." He clutched his fist in emphasis.
"What makes you think you will succeed where all others have failed?" Skepticism. A devilish sneer tears at the shadowed man.
"Haven't you heard? Blood is thicker than water."
Mamoru shook his head politely for what must have been the hundredth refusal this evening. The lady before him pouted seductively and sighed. Turning her back, she flipped her long red mane flauntingly and strutted slowly back into the crowd.
He sighed impatiently, waiting for someone. Usagi.yes, but no; in his mind he knew this all must be some sort of delusion, perhaps caused by the earlier stressors of the day. He's read many medical accounts of this occurring in the sanest of people. That's not right, no, it can't be.
He knew this was real. It had to be real. This sense of calm, the ecstatic freedom-there was simply no other explanation.he hoped.
The crowd suddenly hushed, and the lights dimmed. He noticed the musicians lowered their volume as well. Following the gazes of those surrounding him, he saw why.
"The Queen." he whispered.
A large, sweeping stairway extended meters away, and heavy glass doors eased open, revealing the Royal. She descended slowly, each step definitive. Her knowledge seemed to glow about her, along with her beauty.
The people needed no cue; they simply parted as she strode confidently to the raised platform. She sat in her throne, refusing any assistance. She said nothing, as slowly the quiet chatter disintegrated into nothingness. She smiled, appreciatively.
"Welcome," her voice was a force field, barely there, yet immensely powerful at the same time. Another stray thought tugged at his mind however his thoughts were so boggled and tangled that he simply ignored it, joining the crowd as they waited apprehensively for Her next words.
Usagi panted heavily as she slowed. Before her stood a marble archway, wide ballroom doors awaiting her at their extremity. How she knew it was her who was expected was another unknown fact. However it was her senses she was following, not her mind; this had suited her so far and would continue to do so.
Quickly checking her reflection on the glowing stones, she stepped into the welcoming light..
And all became silent.
Hundreds, no, thousands of faces gasped as she entered their sight. Immediately, she began to shrink away from their intense glares. Suddenly, though, a hand stretched out. A white hand, no, gloved hand; attached to a noble, though oddly sewn, suit. Her eyes met with the gentleman and again, she gasped. Those eyes.her mind screamed.
Below her, Mamoru tensed. He saw who it was he had been waiting for; his Princess. When she had passed below the massive doors, he'd felt his breath swept away at her sight.ethereal beauty, glimmering innocence and.something more.
Power. It was the same power he'd heard in the Queen's voice only, more complete. He felt connected to her somehow and could feel her sudden discomfort. There is something you should remember Prince!! Cried his mind. To his dismay, he found nothing, not even the slightest recollection; and so his attention returned once more to the stairway.
"This way, Princess." Usagi took the hand wearily. The man stood now fully erect as, slowly, he led her down the winding stairs and to the center where a woman awaited her. A Queen. A mother.
The woman gave a slight wave of her wrist, and the crowd returned to their festivities.
"Serenity, darling. Your late." There was a deeper point to that sentence than what she was saying. Not knowing how to react, however, Usagi nodded mutely. "Well, aren't you going to give me the pleasure of your company? It seems we never have the chance to speak these days." She climbed the steps to the alter and sat beside the regal figure. The Queen watched her movement, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.
Laying her hands in her lap, she peeked nervous looks to her side. "Alright, child. What is it you've done this time?" Usagi snapped to attention.
"What? I haven't done a thing your Majesty, erm, I mean." she stuttered nervously. Selenity reached across and gently grasped her hand.
"Whatever happened to the word 'mother'?" Usagi stared, agape. The Queen nodded, thoughtfully. "I suppose you're too mature to call me that any longer. After all, this is your 16th year we celebrate. You're no longer a child," she cast a deep look into her eyes. "You're almost fully grown."
Feeling her eyes sting with emotion, Selenity blinked, deliberately. Usagi sat stoic, strange recollections of moments like these flowing to her. "Be careful, my little bunny, promise me this." She leaned forward, no longer feeling dazed.
"Mother?" she whispered. Selenity grinned sadly.
"Never forget who you are. Serenity, the fourth crowned princess of the moon, vessel of power, holder of your own crystal and above all this," she felt the soft brush of lips against her forehead, and a comforting warmth surged through her. "My daughter."
Mamoru felt himself caught in the wave of people once more as the Princess took her place by the Queen. After what seemed like hours, he heard the shrill clink of crystal as once more, the setting became one of silence.
A man took the podium; the same man, he noted, who had escorted Serenity down the staircase. He felt a familiar swell of distaste within him as the man began to speak:
"Ladies and gentlemen, please forgive me. I could not pass this chance of praise to the Heiress of the Goddess who brought peace and prosperity to my Country. As Ambassador of the Dark Moon, I feel it is not only my duty, but also my right to express this through a short speech.
Before Our Queen, there was a tyrant, under the name of Nehelenia. Unable to dominate her sister's peaceful planet, she retreated to its depths, where lived my people. Years went by and I, among many others, could do nothing as all that we loved was ground to nothingness." The crowd hung sympathetically onto this last note, save Mamoru. Only he noticed the bitterness in the man's voice.
"But, as all in the known universe are aware, Queen Selenity will not stand for a leader's abuse of their power. Through great sacrifice, she destroyed the dark ruler, and liberated us all.
' To Queen Selenity, on this, her Centennial!
' To Princess Serenity as she passes now into adulthood!
' To peace and liberation for all!"
The crowd released their cheers in a roaring chorus. Again, Mamoru held back, waiting anxiously for the man to be seated, but no! Wait! What is this? The man raised his hand in silence. The people complied. Turning to face the Royals, he bowed.
"With permission, your majesty, I, Ambassador Danomian of the dark moon colony, ask for the Princess' first dance." The Queen nodded.
"It is not my choice to make."
Usagi surveyed the audience. Suddenly, she wished for Mamoru's presence. The first dance was an important step into maturity, (at least, that's what she supposed it symbolized) and she could see herself taking those steps with no one but him.
The Queen turned to face her questioningly. Usagi smiled assuring, preparing her answer when a flash of black caught her eye.
He was tall, and of a familiar build. His suit seemed to be made of a different material, lighter and darker, than those the others wore.
Carefully stepping down from her throne, she walked to the center, eyes never leaving his.
The Ambassador studied this shift and smirked. Bowing quickly, he backed into the sea of people, becoming nothing more than a spot on the ocean.
Mamoru edged forward, slowly, conscious of the gazes he was receiving. When finally he met her in the center, he dropped to his knees, head bowed as he'd seen the others approaching Royals do. Lifting her hand, he imprinted his lips gently onto her palm. Then, he stood.
They stared at each other intently; both finally recognizing one another and feeling the pieces of their life (or was it lives?) fall together.
Unsure when, or how, but uncaring all together, the couple began to dance as the music played.
The sea around them dried away, allowing them more room to move. They could do nothing but stare at the couple and smile. Never before had they been witness to so much love, so much caring.
There was one face, however, who remained unsmiling. One face who cast a dark shadow about him. Noticing a sudden shift in the air, The Queen stiffened, her swan neck swimming above the many heads.
No one else seemed to have noticed this negativity, and her daughter seemed completely enamoured with the mysterious intruder. She would have to speak with her about this man sometime this night- there, again!
She no longer hid her uneasiness. Casting quick glances to her soldiers, she directed her gaze to the edge of the room, where no light seemed to fall.Then, suddenly, she felt it. A sharp pain that ripped through her body, resonating painfully inside her skull.
The couple ceased movement, the man stepping protectively before his angel. The people looked worried and simply stood, unsure what to do. The Queen accepted no help as she pushed herself up;
"You," she hissed. "Leave, now, or prepare for your death." The walls seemed to cackle evilly as slowly, a figure emerged.
"My Queen," he bowed then suddenly, without any warning, drew a blazing sword and sliced around him; the nobles hadn't even the chance of screaming before they fell in two.
Stillness met her again and Usagi clutched her head.
"Not again," she whispered. "Please, not again." Withdrawing from shadow, the figure cackled again. Selenity growled.
"Danomian, how dare you- traitor!" He said nothing. Minutes passed, the Queen refused to move, nor attack on offence. Finally, he spoke.
"Now, my Queen," acrimony drowned his words. Usagi trembled in recognition. "It is time for you to feel the humility of defeat; of watching all you live for writhe and die." He grinned, sourly and demonically, the skin seemed to morph into different faces.a general with straight, white hair, a woman with burning emerald eyes, a witch with flowing turquoise locks.a man Usagi used to consider family.
"D-dieu nous sauvee!"
"Monster!" Cries echoing these thoughts flew from the remaining bourgeoisies, (who had, of course, chosen to stay silent until this moment)
Mamoru narrowed his eyes in trepidation. "What the hell are you?" His grin grew, peeling over his entire body until nothing but dark remained.
"God."