Embracing Destiny
Disclaimer: Nope, so don't own them :P. If I did, I'd be rich, silly! Or at least richer than I am now.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter One: Friendships and Meetings
Rated: PG13
The bright sunlight drifted through an open window and into a large sleeping chamber where a beautiful young woman slept in a large, four-poster bed that appeared to envelop her. The sunlight flowed around the woman in a halo, its brilliance awakening her.
She stirred slightly and opened her deep sea-blue eyes slowly. Focusing those eyes on the world through that window, her mind gradually became alert. A breeze streamed into her room, sending the white satin curtains fluttering. It carried with it the sweet aroma of a lunar morning. A brief scent of moon lilies and lilacs, imported from the blue planet so near her own. Never having been there, the lilacs brought her a quiet joy. Its scent was heavenly and foreign. The light purple blossoms that clumped together had looked foreign to her young eyes when she had first seen them. Those blossoms were never alone. They were the flower. Each tiny blossom contributed to the whole and was beautiful. Unlike her, who was a solitary blossom lost in the breeze. Ever since the day she had first seen them, lilacs had blossomed in her private garden. As a hope that maybe she'd be a part of something as beautiful too. Their scent reminded her of that hope.
Sighing softly, she turned her eyes to the door to her bathing room. Slowly pulling herself into full awareness, she sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Putting a hand through her hair, she realized she had never taken her hair down last night, and it'd be a mess to brush out now.
Sighing again, this time in disgust, she made her way to the bath. Slowly opening the door, she stepped into the room. Turning on the faucet, she let the hot bath water fill the large circular marble tub. She supposed that she could have had an attendant do it, but it was well known that the Princess didn't like to have many attendants. Especially in her chambers. She preferred to do most of her bathing and dressing by herself.
Turning away, she took her hair out of the 'odangos' and let it fall to the floor. Grabbing her silver brush, she made quick work of the tangles.
She looked at herself in the large mirror as she set down the brush. Her long silver hair covered her like a cloak. That same hair used to be blonde. But around the same time that she had shaped up from the air-headed princess to a more mature one, it had started to change. Now, at 21 it was completely silver. Like her mother's.
There was no known reason why the Moon Kingdom rulers' hair changed so early. Many speculated that it was because of the awesome power the Serenity line possessed. Others said it was because of the power of the Silver Imperial Crystal that each Queen had come to inherit. The true cause didn't matter to her. Her hair was silver, and she didn't care why. Sometimes, she hated her hair for the very fact it was so different and alien. She didn't realize it made her look otherworldly, not alien.
Looking herself over in the mirror, wearing only her white bra and panties, she supposed she could be thought of as pretty. 'I'm not hideous, anyway. Why am I so alone then? Do I not have a love somewhere? Will I always be alone?' Closing her blue orbs on that thought, she pushed back the despair. She mustn't give into it now. 'I have to welcome the Outers and receive my transformation today. As well as attend my mother's birthday celebration.'
Turning towards the filling bath, she stripped to her skin and sank into the blissful water. Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander as she cleansed herself.
She snapped her eyes open at the sound of a soft knock at her chamber doors. Grimacing in annoyance, she stepped out of her tub and donned the thick pale blue robe beside the door. She walked into her rooms, and she quickly pulled her hair into a loose knot to keep it from trailing on the floor.
Sighing in irritation, she briefly wondered why it was traditional for the lunar royalty women to keep it so long. Steadying herself, she turned towards her large double doors.
"Come in!" she called out softly but loudly enough to be heard outside the doors. The door opened soundlessly and in stepped a young girl. Her medium length red hair was pulled into a loose braid that reached her shoulder blades, which perfectly matched the long green dress she wore.
Bowing, the young girl, who looked to be about sixteen years old, looked up at Serenity shyly. Obviously a newer attendant, she was a bit in awe of her. Smiling reassuringly at the young girl, Serenity nodded to her.
"I-I-I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness," the young girl said with a slight tremor.
"That's all right. Don't be nervous. What is your name?"
"M-my name?" the young girl asked anxiously, quickly brushing her red hair away from her slender face. "Naru, my name is Naru, Your Highness."
"Well, Naru, tell me why you have come."
"One of the Sailor Senshi came. Sailor Venus, I think. She told me to tell you that the Outers will be arriving within the hour and your mother wishes you in the Teleportation Room as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Naru. Will you please tell Sailor Venus that I will be there shortly?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Bowing, Naru made her way out.
A thought suddenly struck Serenity. "Naru? When you have done that, would you return to help me with my hair? It's getting too long for me to do myself anymore."
"Of course!" Naru exclaimed happily, rushing out of the room, forgetting protocol in her excitement. Smiling at the energetic girl, Serenity returned to her chambers and donned a white gown, another traditional dress only slightly different then the one she wore last night. This one had a long bow at the base of her spine.
Sitting down on a small stool at her vanity, she grabbed her comb and proceeded to put her silvery hair in some kind of order while she waited for Naru to return. Smiling at the thought of the young girl she had just met, whose innocence made Serenity's heart sing. That someone could be so happy at a chance to do her hair surprised Serenity a little. And made her grin that she could please someone with such a small act.
Hearing a soft knock, Serenity turned towards it.
"Come on in, Naru." Opening the door, Naru entered shyly. Smiling at Serenity, she slowly made her way towards the seated princess. "Ah, good. Now, you know how my hair is normally fixed, correct?"
Nodding tentatively, she watched Serenity brush out her hair. "Yes, Your Highness. I was taught how to do that hairstyle when I was assigned to be your attendant." Blushing, Naru looked down, remembering her many breaches in protocol.
"Naru? No need to be shy. I don't care about protocol or the breach in it. I'm just a person, and the formality is weary. Now, if you'd be so kind as to put up my hair? I need to greet the Outers soon."
Taking the brush from Serenity, Naru moved behind the princess. Tentatively, she took a hold of her silvery tresses. At the feel of Serenity's soft silky hair, Naru made a small surprised sound.
"Yes?" Serenity asked, smiling.
"It's so soft!" Naru exclaimed, then blushed and added a quick 'Your Highness.'
"It's fine, Naru." Nodding, Naru's training took over and in no time had Serenity's hair up in its usual style.
Looking herself over in the body length mirror, Serenity smiled her approval. "Thank you, Naru. It looks perfect. Now, I must go." Serenity quickly got up and slipped on her delicate slippers. She glanced at Naru. "Do you have any other duties today?" Serenity asked the nervous girl.
"No, Your Highness," Naru said softly.
"Would you like to do me a favor?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
"Thank you. Could you go into Haven for me? I need a few packages picked up from a few places. I didn't have the normal attendants do this because a few of those packages are presents for my mother's birthday. Sailor Jupiter was the one who went to order what I wanted. Now with none of the Senshi currently able to retrieve them, I wish you to go. I'll write down which stores I need you to go and their locations. Will you go?" Serenity asked.
"Yes, of course." Naru said excitedly. She was thrilled at being given such an important task. Then a thought occurred to her. "Princess Serenity? May I ask you something?"
"Of course, Naru."
"If it is so important, why could you not have gone?"
"Because, it tends to be a big deal if royalty go out into town and it becomes public knowledge what I do or buy there. Plus, I would have to have bodyguards and attendants come with me."
"You are like a prisoner. A prisoner of your station," Naru said quietly. Surprised at the acuteness of this young girl, Serenity nearly gaped. Only years of discipline kept her from this very act. That such a young girl who barely knew her could have so much insight into what Serenity herself was feeling.
"You are very astute, Naru. In some ways, I guess I am a prisoner. I feel like one most of the time. But I enjoy knowing that I can help people. Being Princess, I can help my people. That is what makes it worth it."
"I don't think I would want to be a princess then. I would be too lonely. I used to want to be."
Smiling at the young girl before her, Serenity remembered wanting to be anything but a princess. Too much responsibility and pain. She would have rather been a servant then a princess. She still would but she had learned to accept what she was.
"Thank you for doing this errand," Serenity said, moving towards her desk. Grabbing a pen and a slip of paper, the princess quickly jotted down the information Naru would need. Folding it, she went to her small table and grabbed the silk coin purse that lay there. She then turned to Naru, and gave it to her along with the folded piece of paper.
"Now, when you return, put the packages in the closet there. I do not know when I'll return to get ready for my mother's birthday celebration, so after you are done you may take the rest of the day off," she said with a smile.
Young Naru quickly bowed and exited the room excitedly. Serenity smiled wistfully after the young girl before making her way to the Teleportation Room.
~~~
Endymion sighed ruefully. 'Damn it all to hell.' He just wanted a simple ride on the outskirts of Terra. He would have hated the large capital of Earth if he didn't call it home. Now, instead of out riding one of his prized stallions with his guardians and friends, he was stuck in his mother's bedroom, hearing less than pleasant news.
"Endymion, son, I know you were looking forward to some time outside of the palace, but something has come up," his mother began, her soft voice reaching his ears from her vantage point by the window. She didn't even look at him.
"Mother, what is it?" Endymion asked in defeat. He knew his duty came before pleasure. He accepted it. He did have honor after all.
"You're to go to Mercury, son."
"What?!" To say that the crown prince of Earth was surprised would have been a grave understatement.
"I'm sorry, my darling little boy," Endymion rolled his eyes. Sometimes his mother was a big pain in the ass. After all, he was 25, not a 'little boy' any longer. "You and your four guardians shall travel to Mercury in your father's place." She then looked at him, tears clouding her cobalt eyes. "Endymion, your father is very ill. He cannot make his usual trip to Mercury this year. However, we need to renew our trading agreements with the Mercurians. Their vast technology is essential. You have been trained in negotiation. You will do fine, my son."
"Is father going to get better any time soon?" Endymion asked nervously. He did not want to continue in his father's place indefinitely. Not yet, at any rate.
"I don't know, Endymion. I don't know..." she said sadly, before turning back to the window. "The aloof Lunar Kingdom has finally decided to be more active in the mundane affairs of the Planets. Princess Serenity's first job as Ambassador to the Planets will begin on Mercury. The annual Mercurian Council begins in two days, son. She will be there. I hear she is quite beautiful-"
"Mother, stop. She's a princess. She's probably scatterbrained too. Besides, she is the heir to the Lunar Kingdom, not to mention heir to the Solar System. I will have enough problems ruling Earth when the time comes. I don't want the entire Solar System to deal with, too." Endymion ran his large hands through his slightly mussed black hair in a vain attempt to dispel his unease. He hated any subject that related to women lately, let alone princesses.
"Son, I am aware of that. I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted you to know about her presence there. I want you to keep an eye on her. She's supposed to be very special, the mystics say. I just want to know your impressions of her."
"Fine, Mother. I leave tomorrow?"
"Yes, my son."
~~~
"Princess Serenity," the golden Senshi whispered as she bowed low with respect. Her shortly cropped blond hair gave her a boyish look, her deep blue eyes held a tenderness for the Princess she was called on to protect.
"Sailor Uranus," Serenity said with a smile. She was truly glad to see the older Senshi. She was the only one of the Senshi that threw protocol out the window when they were alone. That gave the Senshi of the Sky a special place in her heart. Serenity turned her gaze to the lovely aquamarine haired Senshi standing to Uranus' right. She bowed low to the Princess with a grace Serenity envied.
"Princess," the woman said with a small smile.
"Sailor Neptune," Serenity said, bowing her head in respect. Looking to the young girl next to Neptune, Serenity nearly gasped in shock. 'She is so young. The Senshi of Silence.' She bowed her head to the younger Senshi, who blushed slightly. Her purplish black hair fell passed her chin, her violet eyes held a deep understanding that Serenity immediately felt uncomfortable with.
"Princess," the younger Senshi said as she bowed low.
"Sailor Saturn," she breathed. Turning to the back of the line of Outers, her gaze fell upon the most mysterious of all Senshi. Also the oldest, although she looked no older than the other Outers, her gaze held wisdom of the ages.
"My Princess," the tall Senshi said, her soft voice filled with such respect, the other occupants of the room breathed in sharply in surprise.
"Sailor Pluto," Serenity breathed out in awe. And a little bit surprised that this mysterious and all-knowing Senshi of Time would reward her with such respect. Quickly, training took over and she schooled her features before addressing the newly arrived Senshi.
"Welcome to Haven, capital of the Lunar Kingdom and the Silver Millennium," her sweet voice said clearly and formally.
"Thank you, Your Highness," the Outers replied simultaneously. Uranus then smiled impishly before rising to her feet and crossing her arms over her chest, looking down on the shorter girl.
"Well, Princess, looks like you are stuck with us for a while, hm?"
Serenity giggled slightly before a grin appeared on her beautiful face, her blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "Well, I suppose so, Uranus, I suppose so. Whatever will I do with so many protectors?"
"Well, Princess," Neptune began with a small smile. "Maybe we should have a party? It is after all the Queen's Birthday. There is always a ball celebrating the birthday of the ruling Queen. And one this important shouldn't be missed."
The Princess sighed at the reminder. "Yeah, Mother turns 400 today, it is to be a grand event."
"Well, then why don't we all go dress our best for our last night home? Since you are to take on your duties tomorrow," Neptune said with a concerned look at the Princess.
"Highness?" a voice interrupted. Looking down, Serenity saw Luna, her newly appointed advisor.
"Yes, Luna?"
"Her Majesty, the Queen, would like you to accompany me to her rooms, Princess. She would like a private conversation with you before you get ready for the ball tonight."
"I understand," she said with a sigh. Turning towards the Senshi, she bowed her head politely. "If you will excuse me, I must see to my mother."
"Of course, Princess," Pluto said with a smile. "We'll see you tonight at the ball."
Serenity smiled at the Mistress of Time, before turning to leave the Teleportation Room, Luna walking at her side. "Luna?"
"Yes, Princess?" Luna looked up at her charge fondly.
"Do you know what Mother wishes to see me about?"
"No, Princess."
Serenity sighed ruefully as she made her way to the Queen's chambers. She didn't understand what her mother wanted to see her now for. She deduced it must be important as her mother rarely called her to her rooms. The only other times had been when someone dear had passed on. Like her father. Serenity's steps faltered at the thought. She had been just a little girl, only four years old, yet she remembered it like it was yesterday. How her mother's face had been streaked with tears. Her voice had shaken as she told her daughter that her father was dead.
"Princess?" Luna's voice drifted up into Serenity's awareness slowly.
"Yes, Luna?"
"We're here, Highness," the lunar feline said in concern.
"So we are, Luna," she replied dazed. She slowly reached up and knocked on the large door.
The door opened to reveal Sailor Venus, who smiled tentatively at her charge. "Hello, Princess," the Senshi said warmly before opening the door allowing her to enter her mother's rooms. Looking around the room, Serenity's gaze immediately light upon her mother who sat in the large billowy chair that sat by the large windows at the north end of the room. Sailor Venus silently left mother and daughter alone.
Serenity made her way to her mother, before inclining her head respectfully. "Mother, you wished to see me?"
"Yes, my daughter," the Queen said sadly to her only child, her precious child. "I must give you this, Serenity." The Queen held out a small compact that had a simple golden crescent moon on the pink compact.
Serenity took the compact and looked at her mother, confused. "What is this?"
"This, dear, is your transformation tool. This will allow you to change into the Sailor Senshi of the Moon. Inside this small compact lies the most powerful object in the Solar System, our family heirloom, the Silver Imperial Crystal. I give it to you now. Only those of the lunar royal blood may use the Crystal. As my daughter, you have the power. However, remember to never use it unless it is of dire importance, Serenity. The use of the Crystal will kill you in most cases."
The Queen paused and looked up at her intent daughter, a tear finding its way down her cheek. "My beautiful daughter, how I wished that you would never have been given the Crystal. Its power is beyond imagination. However, Pluto 'suggested' I give it to you now. Something dark is stirring in the Universe and I fear that you are somehow the only one who will be able to save us." Queen Serenity reached up a graceful hand to her daughter's cheek and caressed it lightly.
"My beloved daughter, you must become Sailor Moon. You must become a warrior. How I grieve to know I must doom my only daughter to this life. My heart is torn between the Queen and the Mother within me. I know that Pluto is right, but I want to protect my little girl from all the pain life has to offer. I love you so much, Serenity and it tears my soul allowing you to become a warrior. Yet, I must. Never in my life have I hated my position as I have this day."
She paused once more to look at her daughter. "To transform, say Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" she ordered.
Serenity looked at her compact with a mixture of fear and anticipation. She held it up in her right hand and yelled, "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"
Suddenly a flash of light enveloped her slim form as her dress disappeared and ribbons of color danced around her and clothed her, transforming into a Senshi fuku like the others wore, only slightly different. Her outfit had a blue skirt and bow, yet her compact fit snugly on the front of the bow. Her ears were decorated with crescent moons, her forehead covered with a tiara. Knee high boots appeared as did white gloves that reached passed her elbows. When the light cleared, Queen Serenity gasped as she saw her daughter dressed in the traditional outfit of the Sailor Senshi. Even in that form, there could be no mistaking her aura. It was indeed her daughter.
She couldn't seem to banish the fear that she had given her only daughter a death sentence.
~~~
AN: Wow, I realized when I was editing this that the original Chapter One was 18 DANG PAGES LONG! With over 10,000 words! I was INSANE to write all that in one chapter! ^_^; I'm breaking it down now.
Thanks to sqeekers!
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Nope, so don't own them :P. If I did, I'd be rich, silly! Or at least richer than I am now.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter One: Friendships and Meetings
Rated: PG13
The bright sunlight drifted through an open window and into a large sleeping chamber where a beautiful young woman slept in a large, four-poster bed that appeared to envelop her. The sunlight flowed around the woman in a halo, its brilliance awakening her.
She stirred slightly and opened her deep sea-blue eyes slowly. Focusing those eyes on the world through that window, her mind gradually became alert. A breeze streamed into her room, sending the white satin curtains fluttering. It carried with it the sweet aroma of a lunar morning. A brief scent of moon lilies and lilacs, imported from the blue planet so near her own. Never having been there, the lilacs brought her a quiet joy. Its scent was heavenly and foreign. The light purple blossoms that clumped together had looked foreign to her young eyes when she had first seen them. Those blossoms were never alone. They were the flower. Each tiny blossom contributed to the whole and was beautiful. Unlike her, who was a solitary blossom lost in the breeze. Ever since the day she had first seen them, lilacs had blossomed in her private garden. As a hope that maybe she'd be a part of something as beautiful too. Their scent reminded her of that hope.
Sighing softly, she turned her eyes to the door to her bathing room. Slowly pulling herself into full awareness, she sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Putting a hand through her hair, she realized she had never taken her hair down last night, and it'd be a mess to brush out now.
Sighing again, this time in disgust, she made her way to the bath. Slowly opening the door, she stepped into the room. Turning on the faucet, she let the hot bath water fill the large circular marble tub. She supposed that she could have had an attendant do it, but it was well known that the Princess didn't like to have many attendants. Especially in her chambers. She preferred to do most of her bathing and dressing by herself.
Turning away, she took her hair out of the 'odangos' and let it fall to the floor. Grabbing her silver brush, she made quick work of the tangles.
She looked at herself in the large mirror as she set down the brush. Her long silver hair covered her like a cloak. That same hair used to be blonde. But around the same time that she had shaped up from the air-headed princess to a more mature one, it had started to change. Now, at 21 it was completely silver. Like her mother's.
There was no known reason why the Moon Kingdom rulers' hair changed so early. Many speculated that it was because of the awesome power the Serenity line possessed. Others said it was because of the power of the Silver Imperial Crystal that each Queen had come to inherit. The true cause didn't matter to her. Her hair was silver, and she didn't care why. Sometimes, she hated her hair for the very fact it was so different and alien. She didn't realize it made her look otherworldly, not alien.
Looking herself over in the mirror, wearing only her white bra and panties, she supposed she could be thought of as pretty. 'I'm not hideous, anyway. Why am I so alone then? Do I not have a love somewhere? Will I always be alone?' Closing her blue orbs on that thought, she pushed back the despair. She mustn't give into it now. 'I have to welcome the Outers and receive my transformation today. As well as attend my mother's birthday celebration.'
Turning towards the filling bath, she stripped to her skin and sank into the blissful water. Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander as she cleansed herself.
She snapped her eyes open at the sound of a soft knock at her chamber doors. Grimacing in annoyance, she stepped out of her tub and donned the thick pale blue robe beside the door. She walked into her rooms, and she quickly pulled her hair into a loose knot to keep it from trailing on the floor.
Sighing in irritation, she briefly wondered why it was traditional for the lunar royalty women to keep it so long. Steadying herself, she turned towards her large double doors.
"Come in!" she called out softly but loudly enough to be heard outside the doors. The door opened soundlessly and in stepped a young girl. Her medium length red hair was pulled into a loose braid that reached her shoulder blades, which perfectly matched the long green dress she wore.
Bowing, the young girl, who looked to be about sixteen years old, looked up at Serenity shyly. Obviously a newer attendant, she was a bit in awe of her. Smiling reassuringly at the young girl, Serenity nodded to her.
"I-I-I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness," the young girl said with a slight tremor.
"That's all right. Don't be nervous. What is your name?"
"M-my name?" the young girl asked anxiously, quickly brushing her red hair away from her slender face. "Naru, my name is Naru, Your Highness."
"Well, Naru, tell me why you have come."
"One of the Sailor Senshi came. Sailor Venus, I think. She told me to tell you that the Outers will be arriving within the hour and your mother wishes you in the Teleportation Room as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Naru. Will you please tell Sailor Venus that I will be there shortly?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Bowing, Naru made her way out.
A thought suddenly struck Serenity. "Naru? When you have done that, would you return to help me with my hair? It's getting too long for me to do myself anymore."
"Of course!" Naru exclaimed happily, rushing out of the room, forgetting protocol in her excitement. Smiling at the energetic girl, Serenity returned to her chambers and donned a white gown, another traditional dress only slightly different then the one she wore last night. This one had a long bow at the base of her spine.
Sitting down on a small stool at her vanity, she grabbed her comb and proceeded to put her silvery hair in some kind of order while she waited for Naru to return. Smiling at the thought of the young girl she had just met, whose innocence made Serenity's heart sing. That someone could be so happy at a chance to do her hair surprised Serenity a little. And made her grin that she could please someone with such a small act.
Hearing a soft knock, Serenity turned towards it.
"Come on in, Naru." Opening the door, Naru entered shyly. Smiling at Serenity, she slowly made her way towards the seated princess. "Ah, good. Now, you know how my hair is normally fixed, correct?"
Nodding tentatively, she watched Serenity brush out her hair. "Yes, Your Highness. I was taught how to do that hairstyle when I was assigned to be your attendant." Blushing, Naru looked down, remembering her many breaches in protocol.
"Naru? No need to be shy. I don't care about protocol or the breach in it. I'm just a person, and the formality is weary. Now, if you'd be so kind as to put up my hair? I need to greet the Outers soon."
Taking the brush from Serenity, Naru moved behind the princess. Tentatively, she took a hold of her silvery tresses. At the feel of Serenity's soft silky hair, Naru made a small surprised sound.
"Yes?" Serenity asked, smiling.
"It's so soft!" Naru exclaimed, then blushed and added a quick 'Your Highness.'
"It's fine, Naru." Nodding, Naru's training took over and in no time had Serenity's hair up in its usual style.
Looking herself over in the body length mirror, Serenity smiled her approval. "Thank you, Naru. It looks perfect. Now, I must go." Serenity quickly got up and slipped on her delicate slippers. She glanced at Naru. "Do you have any other duties today?" Serenity asked the nervous girl.
"No, Your Highness," Naru said softly.
"Would you like to do me a favor?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
"Thank you. Could you go into Haven for me? I need a few packages picked up from a few places. I didn't have the normal attendants do this because a few of those packages are presents for my mother's birthday. Sailor Jupiter was the one who went to order what I wanted. Now with none of the Senshi currently able to retrieve them, I wish you to go. I'll write down which stores I need you to go and their locations. Will you go?" Serenity asked.
"Yes, of course." Naru said excitedly. She was thrilled at being given such an important task. Then a thought occurred to her. "Princess Serenity? May I ask you something?"
"Of course, Naru."
"If it is so important, why could you not have gone?"
"Because, it tends to be a big deal if royalty go out into town and it becomes public knowledge what I do or buy there. Plus, I would have to have bodyguards and attendants come with me."
"You are like a prisoner. A prisoner of your station," Naru said quietly. Surprised at the acuteness of this young girl, Serenity nearly gaped. Only years of discipline kept her from this very act. That such a young girl who barely knew her could have so much insight into what Serenity herself was feeling.
"You are very astute, Naru. In some ways, I guess I am a prisoner. I feel like one most of the time. But I enjoy knowing that I can help people. Being Princess, I can help my people. That is what makes it worth it."
"I don't think I would want to be a princess then. I would be too lonely. I used to want to be."
Smiling at the young girl before her, Serenity remembered wanting to be anything but a princess. Too much responsibility and pain. She would have rather been a servant then a princess. She still would but she had learned to accept what she was.
"Thank you for doing this errand," Serenity said, moving towards her desk. Grabbing a pen and a slip of paper, the princess quickly jotted down the information Naru would need. Folding it, she went to her small table and grabbed the silk coin purse that lay there. She then turned to Naru, and gave it to her along with the folded piece of paper.
"Now, when you return, put the packages in the closet there. I do not know when I'll return to get ready for my mother's birthday celebration, so after you are done you may take the rest of the day off," she said with a smile.
Young Naru quickly bowed and exited the room excitedly. Serenity smiled wistfully after the young girl before making her way to the Teleportation Room.
~~~
Endymion sighed ruefully. 'Damn it all to hell.' He just wanted a simple ride on the outskirts of Terra. He would have hated the large capital of Earth if he didn't call it home. Now, instead of out riding one of his prized stallions with his guardians and friends, he was stuck in his mother's bedroom, hearing less than pleasant news.
"Endymion, son, I know you were looking forward to some time outside of the palace, but something has come up," his mother began, her soft voice reaching his ears from her vantage point by the window. She didn't even look at him.
"Mother, what is it?" Endymion asked in defeat. He knew his duty came before pleasure. He accepted it. He did have honor after all.
"You're to go to Mercury, son."
"What?!" To say that the crown prince of Earth was surprised would have been a grave understatement.
"I'm sorry, my darling little boy," Endymion rolled his eyes. Sometimes his mother was a big pain in the ass. After all, he was 25, not a 'little boy' any longer. "You and your four guardians shall travel to Mercury in your father's place." She then looked at him, tears clouding her cobalt eyes. "Endymion, your father is very ill. He cannot make his usual trip to Mercury this year. However, we need to renew our trading agreements with the Mercurians. Their vast technology is essential. You have been trained in negotiation. You will do fine, my son."
"Is father going to get better any time soon?" Endymion asked nervously. He did not want to continue in his father's place indefinitely. Not yet, at any rate.
"I don't know, Endymion. I don't know..." she said sadly, before turning back to the window. "The aloof Lunar Kingdom has finally decided to be more active in the mundane affairs of the Planets. Princess Serenity's first job as Ambassador to the Planets will begin on Mercury. The annual Mercurian Council begins in two days, son. She will be there. I hear she is quite beautiful-"
"Mother, stop. She's a princess. She's probably scatterbrained too. Besides, she is the heir to the Lunar Kingdom, not to mention heir to the Solar System. I will have enough problems ruling Earth when the time comes. I don't want the entire Solar System to deal with, too." Endymion ran his large hands through his slightly mussed black hair in a vain attempt to dispel his unease. He hated any subject that related to women lately, let alone princesses.
"Son, I am aware of that. I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted you to know about her presence there. I want you to keep an eye on her. She's supposed to be very special, the mystics say. I just want to know your impressions of her."
"Fine, Mother. I leave tomorrow?"
"Yes, my son."
~~~
"Princess Serenity," the golden Senshi whispered as she bowed low with respect. Her shortly cropped blond hair gave her a boyish look, her deep blue eyes held a tenderness for the Princess she was called on to protect.
"Sailor Uranus," Serenity said with a smile. She was truly glad to see the older Senshi. She was the only one of the Senshi that threw protocol out the window when they were alone. That gave the Senshi of the Sky a special place in her heart. Serenity turned her gaze to the lovely aquamarine haired Senshi standing to Uranus' right. She bowed low to the Princess with a grace Serenity envied.
"Princess," the woman said with a small smile.
"Sailor Neptune," Serenity said, bowing her head in respect. Looking to the young girl next to Neptune, Serenity nearly gasped in shock. 'She is so young. The Senshi of Silence.' She bowed her head to the younger Senshi, who blushed slightly. Her purplish black hair fell passed her chin, her violet eyes held a deep understanding that Serenity immediately felt uncomfortable with.
"Princess," the younger Senshi said as she bowed low.
"Sailor Saturn," she breathed. Turning to the back of the line of Outers, her gaze fell upon the most mysterious of all Senshi. Also the oldest, although she looked no older than the other Outers, her gaze held wisdom of the ages.
"My Princess," the tall Senshi said, her soft voice filled with such respect, the other occupants of the room breathed in sharply in surprise.
"Sailor Pluto," Serenity breathed out in awe. And a little bit surprised that this mysterious and all-knowing Senshi of Time would reward her with such respect. Quickly, training took over and she schooled her features before addressing the newly arrived Senshi.
"Welcome to Haven, capital of the Lunar Kingdom and the Silver Millennium," her sweet voice said clearly and formally.
"Thank you, Your Highness," the Outers replied simultaneously. Uranus then smiled impishly before rising to her feet and crossing her arms over her chest, looking down on the shorter girl.
"Well, Princess, looks like you are stuck with us for a while, hm?"
Serenity giggled slightly before a grin appeared on her beautiful face, her blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "Well, I suppose so, Uranus, I suppose so. Whatever will I do with so many protectors?"
"Well, Princess," Neptune began with a small smile. "Maybe we should have a party? It is after all the Queen's Birthday. There is always a ball celebrating the birthday of the ruling Queen. And one this important shouldn't be missed."
The Princess sighed at the reminder. "Yeah, Mother turns 400 today, it is to be a grand event."
"Well, then why don't we all go dress our best for our last night home? Since you are to take on your duties tomorrow," Neptune said with a concerned look at the Princess.
"Highness?" a voice interrupted. Looking down, Serenity saw Luna, her newly appointed advisor.
"Yes, Luna?"
"Her Majesty, the Queen, would like you to accompany me to her rooms, Princess. She would like a private conversation with you before you get ready for the ball tonight."
"I understand," she said with a sigh. Turning towards the Senshi, she bowed her head politely. "If you will excuse me, I must see to my mother."
"Of course, Princess," Pluto said with a smile. "We'll see you tonight at the ball."
Serenity smiled at the Mistress of Time, before turning to leave the Teleportation Room, Luna walking at her side. "Luna?"
"Yes, Princess?" Luna looked up at her charge fondly.
"Do you know what Mother wishes to see me about?"
"No, Princess."
Serenity sighed ruefully as she made her way to the Queen's chambers. She didn't understand what her mother wanted to see her now for. She deduced it must be important as her mother rarely called her to her rooms. The only other times had been when someone dear had passed on. Like her father. Serenity's steps faltered at the thought. She had been just a little girl, only four years old, yet she remembered it like it was yesterday. How her mother's face had been streaked with tears. Her voice had shaken as she told her daughter that her father was dead.
"Princess?" Luna's voice drifted up into Serenity's awareness slowly.
"Yes, Luna?"
"We're here, Highness," the lunar feline said in concern.
"So we are, Luna," she replied dazed. She slowly reached up and knocked on the large door.
The door opened to reveal Sailor Venus, who smiled tentatively at her charge. "Hello, Princess," the Senshi said warmly before opening the door allowing her to enter her mother's rooms. Looking around the room, Serenity's gaze immediately light upon her mother who sat in the large billowy chair that sat by the large windows at the north end of the room. Sailor Venus silently left mother and daughter alone.
Serenity made her way to her mother, before inclining her head respectfully. "Mother, you wished to see me?"
"Yes, my daughter," the Queen said sadly to her only child, her precious child. "I must give you this, Serenity." The Queen held out a small compact that had a simple golden crescent moon on the pink compact.
Serenity took the compact and looked at her mother, confused. "What is this?"
"This, dear, is your transformation tool. This will allow you to change into the Sailor Senshi of the Moon. Inside this small compact lies the most powerful object in the Solar System, our family heirloom, the Silver Imperial Crystal. I give it to you now. Only those of the lunar royal blood may use the Crystal. As my daughter, you have the power. However, remember to never use it unless it is of dire importance, Serenity. The use of the Crystal will kill you in most cases."
The Queen paused and looked up at her intent daughter, a tear finding its way down her cheek. "My beautiful daughter, how I wished that you would never have been given the Crystal. Its power is beyond imagination. However, Pluto 'suggested' I give it to you now. Something dark is stirring in the Universe and I fear that you are somehow the only one who will be able to save us." Queen Serenity reached up a graceful hand to her daughter's cheek and caressed it lightly.
"My beloved daughter, you must become Sailor Moon. You must become a warrior. How I grieve to know I must doom my only daughter to this life. My heart is torn between the Queen and the Mother within me. I know that Pluto is right, but I want to protect my little girl from all the pain life has to offer. I love you so much, Serenity and it tears my soul allowing you to become a warrior. Yet, I must. Never in my life have I hated my position as I have this day."
She paused once more to look at her daughter. "To transform, say Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" she ordered.
Serenity looked at her compact with a mixture of fear and anticipation. She held it up in her right hand and yelled, "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"
Suddenly a flash of light enveloped her slim form as her dress disappeared and ribbons of color danced around her and clothed her, transforming into a Senshi fuku like the others wore, only slightly different. Her outfit had a blue skirt and bow, yet her compact fit snugly on the front of the bow. Her ears were decorated with crescent moons, her forehead covered with a tiara. Knee high boots appeared as did white gloves that reached passed her elbows. When the light cleared, Queen Serenity gasped as she saw her daughter dressed in the traditional outfit of the Sailor Senshi. Even in that form, there could be no mistaking her aura. It was indeed her daughter.
She couldn't seem to banish the fear that she had given her only daughter a death sentence.
~~~
AN: Wow, I realized when I was editing this that the original Chapter One was 18 DANG PAGES LONG! With over 10,000 words! I was INSANE to write all that in one chapter! ^_^; I'm breaking it down now.
Thanks to sqeekers!
Lovies!