Embracing Destiny
Disclaimer: Too tired to think of anything creative. *grumble* I don't own it. So there.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter Three: First Glance
Rating: PG13
Serenity sped through the gardens at an incredible rate in her frail shoes. 'Just wonderful. I'm late!' If she hadn't been caught up in that whiny nobleman's presence, she wouldn't have had to make a mad dash towards the meeting place with the Senshi. She stopped just outside of Selene's Grove, catching her breath. Collecting herself, she gracefully walked out of the surrounding foliage and into the Grove. She immediately spotted all the Senshi, in their fukus, patiently waiting for her. They rose as one when they spotted her.
"I apologize for being late, Senshi. I was *really* detained by an *extremely* trivial matter. Some petty nobleman who had drunken too much wine."
"It is fine, Princess," Venus said as she stepped forward, a quick glance back at the other Senshi. "I know you may be wondering what is going on, correct?" At her nod, Venus continued. "You are now a Senshi, like us. Not just our friend and Princess. You are no longer apart from us. Transform, please," Venus ordered.
Serenity was shocked, but complied. "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" The flare of lights lasted an instant and in the regal Princess' place stood Sailor Moon.
Mercury stepped forward. "You have always known me as Mercury. I am called Ami, heir to Mercury and daughter of Maia, Queen of Mercury. My father is Hermes, the King of Mercury. I have one older brother, Pan."
Mars then looked at the Princess with a smile as she also stepped forward. "You have only known me as Mars, but I do have another name. I am Rei, heir to Mars and daughter of Bellona, Queen of Mars. My father is Ares, the King of Mars. I have two brothers, Deimos and Phobos."
Jupiter grinned wolfishly and stepped toward her Princess. "You know me as Jupiter. My name is Makoto, heir to Jupiter and daughter of Juno, Queen of Jupiter. My father is Jove, King of Jupiter. I have one sister, Mireva. I also have a half-brother, Endymion, Prince of Earth, son of my father, even if he is unaware."
Venus looked a little apprehensive, but spoke. "You have always known me as Venus. However, I do have another name. My name is Minako. I am the heir to the Venus throne and daughter of Aphrodite, Queen of Venus. My father is Adonis. I have one older brother, Eros."
Uranus stepped forward and winked at Serenity. "You know me as Uranus. My name is Haruka, heir to Uranus and daughter of Ouranos, King of Uranus, and lone ruler. My mother is said to be named Gaia, Queen of the Earth. I have one younger sister, Lyssa."
Neptune gracefully took a few steps in Serenity's direction before speaking. "You know me as Neptune. My name is Michiru, heir to Neptune and daughter of Amphitrite, Queen of Neptune. My father is Poseidon, King of Neptune. I have two older brothers, Triton and Arion."
Saturn stepped calmly toward the Moon Princess before nodding her head in respect. "You know me only as Saturn, the Senshi of Silence. I am Hotaru, heir to Saturn and daughter of Rhea, Queen of Saturn. My father is Cronus, King of Saturn. I am an only child."
Pluto then bowed deeply to her Princess before also stepping forward. "I am known as Pluto. My name is Setsuna, heir to Pluto and daughter of Persephone, Queen of Pluto. My father is Hades, King of Pluto. I have no siblings."
Feeling the urge to do as they did, as a sort of ritual. "I am now called Sailor Moon. I am named Serenity, heir to the Moon, the Silver Millennium, and Selene. I am daughter to Serenity, Queen of the Moon. My father was Sol, King of the lost Sun Kingdom. I have no siblings."
"Welcome, Serenity, to the Sailor Senshi," they said to her. Somehow, the agony in her soul diminished with those words. Not gone, but eased somewhat. They had finally called her by name. No longer were they Princess and her Guards. They were comrades and true friends. Serenity smiled her first real smile in years.
~~~
Running a hand through his tangled black hair, Endymion sighed. 'This is boring.' He just arrived on the beautiful water planet of Mercury and here he was, bored. Bored because all of the Mercurian ladies were more interested in intellectual conversation than flirtatious glances. He respected females and their minds more so than most men, yet, all he wanted right now was a tryst. A simple little roll in the hay to calm his anxieties. Yet, nothing appeared that appealed to him. He didn't want to bed an intellectual lady; those caused problems.
He sighed again, ruefully. 'Poor pitiful Prince.' Now he was whining that he couldn't find a lustful maiden to 'woo' instead of concentrating on the Council tomorrow. Or worrying about his father. He grimaced to himself as he continued on to his private rooms. He really should be worrying more about his father, he decided. Or thinking about the Mercurian Council or something important. Not worrying about his lack of bedmates.
"Highness!"
Turning to look back where he came, Endymion noticed on of his guardians running down the long hallway, clearly excited. Endymion smiled. Same old Jadeite. "Jadeite," Endymion addressed his friend warmly as he reached him, his breath ragged.
"Highness, the Lunar group has arrived," he told his prince after catching his breathe. "All of your guardians were there when they arrived, as you should have been, Highness," he told his Prince with a chiding look.
"Knock off the 'Highness' crap, Jade. And I forgot about their arrival."
"Figures," Jadeite said with a snort.
"Jadeite," Endymion warned.
"Sorry, Endymion, but you are so forgetful sometimes. We aren't your nursemaids; we are your guards. We shouldn't have to remind you every time you need to be somewhere."
"I know. I just had some things on my mind." Endymion sighed and looked over at his friend slyly. "So, did you meet the Senshi of legend?"
To Endymion's surprise, Jadeite blushed. "Yes and you wouldn't believe it. We met the Senshi first and each of them seem to belong in paradise. They were angels. The most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Yet, you could feel their power. I would *not* want to mess with their charge if it meant facing them. They are everything rumors said about them and more."
"So, why were you blushing?" Endymion glanced at his friend as he made to continue his way down the hallway. Jadeite paused then rushed to walk beside his Prince.
"Well, it's Sailor Mars," Jadeite said softly.
"Sailor Mars? The fiery priestess of the Sailor Senshi... Hmm, I hear she's beautiful yet very fierce."
"She has the most beautiful long black hair and her violet eyes are just gorgeous, Endymion. She looks perfect. Absolutely perfect. I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She glanced at me once. Only once. It drove me mad, Endymion. I wanted to approach her, talk to her, anything. But what does one say to the legendary Sailor Senshi?"
"How about 'Hello, my name is Jadeite'?" Endymion teased.
"Oh, yeah, and sound like a blubbering idiot. No thank you, Endymion."
"Ah, well, your loss, Jade. So, what is the Princess like?"
"Wow. That is pretty much it, Endymion. Just wow. If the Senshi are angels, then Princess Serenity must be a goddess. She's all golden and silver beauty. Graceful, extremely petite, gorgeous. So fragile looking, too. Very soft spoken. A world of mysteries lay within that one, Endymion. She is nothing like any other princess. That I can promise you."
"Hmmm, too bad I missed it. I would like to have seen your Sailor Mars and this tiny Princess."
"Well, apparently the Senshi and their Princess went immediately to their rooms. They probably won't be seen until tonight. All of the visiting royals are to dine with the Mercurian royalty. You'll get your chance then."
~~~
Serenity gazed in awe at the incredible watery world of Mercury as she was lead on a tour of the capital city of Mariner. Everything was the color of water. Aquas, blues, greens, all the colors associated with water were displayed abundantly. She wondered if Ami thought that the Moon was awe-inspiring the first time she came with all the whites, silvers, and golds. The city of Mariner was a technology haven. Everything was extremely advanced, even by Lunar standards. However, Lunar people mixed magick with technology, while the Mercurians tended to avoid that. She saw the Great Library of Mercury, its thousands of shelves of books. She had openly gaped at that sight. How Ami must love it on her home planet. She was shown the beautiful ships of Mercury, the size of which she's never seen. The Moon only had fishing boats at most. She was in awe over the vast seas that lay beyond Mariner, which lay upon the largest island of Mercury. Finally, the guide led them to Mariner Castle and she gazed at the tapestries lining the aqua walls as their guide led them to their rooms. With just enough time to change and get ready for dinner with the Mercurian Rulers.
~~~
Meeting the Royal family of Mercury right before the banquet was an experience to say the least. Because of her rank, Serenity was allowed to meet with the royal family semi-privately, the Senshi in attendance of course. Maia and Hermes, both rose and bowed low to her. Shocked and embarrassed at the sudden show of homage from the ruling family, she almost gasped. She was used to being bowed to but never by other royals. Not that she met any of them before.
Queen Maia, who Ami seemed to have gotten her looks from, addressed Serenity. "High Princess, you are most welcome her at Mariner. I am Maia and this is my husband and co-regent, Hermes. Our son, Pan seems to be missing..."
"No, I'm not," a voice said as a young man entered the chamber. His blue hair and eyes bore striking resemblance to Ami, Serenity noticed. "I was...detained." He bowed low to Serenity. "I am sorry, High Princess, for my tardiness. Forgive me," he asked politely.
"It's quite all right, Highness," Serenity began. "I am often tardy myself."
Pan smiled warmly at her before turning towards his sister. "Sailor Mercury, welcome home," he began before she cut him off.
"Please, brother. When we are alone, I am Ami. Not Sailor Mercury."
"Ami, it is good to see you again," he said before rushing in for a big hug. "I missed you, Ami-chan," he whispered almost inaudibly, yet Serenity heard him. She felt a stab of jealousy. She never had siblings. The only family she had was her mother. For the first time, she wished for an older brother. Serenity quickly gave a silent signal for the rest of the Senshi to leave with her, letting Ami reunite with her family she so obviously missed.
~~~
Entering the dining room after his announcement, Endymion made his way to the Terrian delegates. He found his seat and quickly sat besides his four guardians. Nephrite, with auburn hair flowing down his back, wore the armor of his position and was seated next to Jadeite, also dressed in the armor. Jadeite winked at his Prince before turning back to his conversation with some minor noble. Kunzite, long silver hair hung to his shoulders sat on the other side of Endymion's chair and was in avid conversation with Zoycite, his other guardian, who's long blond hair was pulled into a tight tail. Endymion noticed they seemed to be enjoying themselves and decided to observe the other visiting nobles. His eyes quickly found the delegates for Mars, Venus, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter. Only the Senshi and the delegates from the Lunar Kingdom were missing. Although, the delegates from the Lunar Kingdom was a party of one. High Princess Serenity. He quickly found where she would sit, next to the head of the table with the Mercurian rulers. Nine empty chairs were conspicuous near the front, where the Princess and her Senshi would sit.
A commotion at the doors captured the Prince of Earth's attention as a herald stepped forward and prepared to announce the new arrivals. Endymion's eyes fell upon a goddess and the herald's voice went unheard by the Prince. She was radiant. Silver hair cascaded to the soft blue marble floor. Her white gown glowed in the lighting. Her slender frame was carefully hidden beneath the gown, yet even it did not hide her obvious curves and womanhood. She was a goddess, all right. Having missed the herald's announcement, he surmised this was High Princess Serenity. Her golden crescent moon mark on her forehead gave that away.
Endymion stared openly at her, unknowingly causing his guardians to gape at him. Jadeite hid a grin behind his hand as he watched his liege and friend sit with his mouth hanging open and fairly panting at the beauty that had entered the room. Endymion saw none of this for he had eyes only for the beautiful goddess who had entered. For once, his mind stopped functioning and he drank in the sight of her.
She was gazing around the room gracefully taking in all of the faces. She turned towards the Terrian delegates and her eyes met Endymion's deep blue ones. Endymion breath caught in his throat. Her blue eyes were all that existed to him right then.
Time stopped.
~~~
AN: ^_^; How's that?
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Too tired to think of anything creative. *grumble* I don't own it. So there.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter Three: First Glance
Rating: PG13
Serenity sped through the gardens at an incredible rate in her frail shoes. 'Just wonderful. I'm late!' If she hadn't been caught up in that whiny nobleman's presence, she wouldn't have had to make a mad dash towards the meeting place with the Senshi. She stopped just outside of Selene's Grove, catching her breath. Collecting herself, she gracefully walked out of the surrounding foliage and into the Grove. She immediately spotted all the Senshi, in their fukus, patiently waiting for her. They rose as one when they spotted her.
"I apologize for being late, Senshi. I was *really* detained by an *extremely* trivial matter. Some petty nobleman who had drunken too much wine."
"It is fine, Princess," Venus said as she stepped forward, a quick glance back at the other Senshi. "I know you may be wondering what is going on, correct?" At her nod, Venus continued. "You are now a Senshi, like us. Not just our friend and Princess. You are no longer apart from us. Transform, please," Venus ordered.
Serenity was shocked, but complied. "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" The flare of lights lasted an instant and in the regal Princess' place stood Sailor Moon.
Mercury stepped forward. "You have always known me as Mercury. I am called Ami, heir to Mercury and daughter of Maia, Queen of Mercury. My father is Hermes, the King of Mercury. I have one older brother, Pan."
Mars then looked at the Princess with a smile as she also stepped forward. "You have only known me as Mars, but I do have another name. I am Rei, heir to Mars and daughter of Bellona, Queen of Mars. My father is Ares, the King of Mars. I have two brothers, Deimos and Phobos."
Jupiter grinned wolfishly and stepped toward her Princess. "You know me as Jupiter. My name is Makoto, heir to Jupiter and daughter of Juno, Queen of Jupiter. My father is Jove, King of Jupiter. I have one sister, Mireva. I also have a half-brother, Endymion, Prince of Earth, son of my father, even if he is unaware."
Venus looked a little apprehensive, but spoke. "You have always known me as Venus. However, I do have another name. My name is Minako. I am the heir to the Venus throne and daughter of Aphrodite, Queen of Venus. My father is Adonis. I have one older brother, Eros."
Uranus stepped forward and winked at Serenity. "You know me as Uranus. My name is Haruka, heir to Uranus and daughter of Ouranos, King of Uranus, and lone ruler. My mother is said to be named Gaia, Queen of the Earth. I have one younger sister, Lyssa."
Neptune gracefully took a few steps in Serenity's direction before speaking. "You know me as Neptune. My name is Michiru, heir to Neptune and daughter of Amphitrite, Queen of Neptune. My father is Poseidon, King of Neptune. I have two older brothers, Triton and Arion."
Saturn stepped calmly toward the Moon Princess before nodding her head in respect. "You know me only as Saturn, the Senshi of Silence. I am Hotaru, heir to Saturn and daughter of Rhea, Queen of Saturn. My father is Cronus, King of Saturn. I am an only child."
Pluto then bowed deeply to her Princess before also stepping forward. "I am known as Pluto. My name is Setsuna, heir to Pluto and daughter of Persephone, Queen of Pluto. My father is Hades, King of Pluto. I have no siblings."
Feeling the urge to do as they did, as a sort of ritual. "I am now called Sailor Moon. I am named Serenity, heir to the Moon, the Silver Millennium, and Selene. I am daughter to Serenity, Queen of the Moon. My father was Sol, King of the lost Sun Kingdom. I have no siblings."
"Welcome, Serenity, to the Sailor Senshi," they said to her. Somehow, the agony in her soul diminished with those words. Not gone, but eased somewhat. They had finally called her by name. No longer were they Princess and her Guards. They were comrades and true friends. Serenity smiled her first real smile in years.
~~~
Running a hand through his tangled black hair, Endymion sighed. 'This is boring.' He just arrived on the beautiful water planet of Mercury and here he was, bored. Bored because all of the Mercurian ladies were more interested in intellectual conversation than flirtatious glances. He respected females and their minds more so than most men, yet, all he wanted right now was a tryst. A simple little roll in the hay to calm his anxieties. Yet, nothing appeared that appealed to him. He didn't want to bed an intellectual lady; those caused problems.
He sighed again, ruefully. 'Poor pitiful Prince.' Now he was whining that he couldn't find a lustful maiden to 'woo' instead of concentrating on the Council tomorrow. Or worrying about his father. He grimaced to himself as he continued on to his private rooms. He really should be worrying more about his father, he decided. Or thinking about the Mercurian Council or something important. Not worrying about his lack of bedmates.
"Highness!"
Turning to look back where he came, Endymion noticed on of his guardians running down the long hallway, clearly excited. Endymion smiled. Same old Jadeite. "Jadeite," Endymion addressed his friend warmly as he reached him, his breath ragged.
"Highness, the Lunar group has arrived," he told his prince after catching his breathe. "All of your guardians were there when they arrived, as you should have been, Highness," he told his Prince with a chiding look.
"Knock off the 'Highness' crap, Jade. And I forgot about their arrival."
"Figures," Jadeite said with a snort.
"Jadeite," Endymion warned.
"Sorry, Endymion, but you are so forgetful sometimes. We aren't your nursemaids; we are your guards. We shouldn't have to remind you every time you need to be somewhere."
"I know. I just had some things on my mind." Endymion sighed and looked over at his friend slyly. "So, did you meet the Senshi of legend?"
To Endymion's surprise, Jadeite blushed. "Yes and you wouldn't believe it. We met the Senshi first and each of them seem to belong in paradise. They were angels. The most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Yet, you could feel their power. I would *not* want to mess with their charge if it meant facing them. They are everything rumors said about them and more."
"So, why were you blushing?" Endymion glanced at his friend as he made to continue his way down the hallway. Jadeite paused then rushed to walk beside his Prince.
"Well, it's Sailor Mars," Jadeite said softly.
"Sailor Mars? The fiery priestess of the Sailor Senshi... Hmm, I hear she's beautiful yet very fierce."
"She has the most beautiful long black hair and her violet eyes are just gorgeous, Endymion. She looks perfect. Absolutely perfect. I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She glanced at me once. Only once. It drove me mad, Endymion. I wanted to approach her, talk to her, anything. But what does one say to the legendary Sailor Senshi?"
"How about 'Hello, my name is Jadeite'?" Endymion teased.
"Oh, yeah, and sound like a blubbering idiot. No thank you, Endymion."
"Ah, well, your loss, Jade. So, what is the Princess like?"
"Wow. That is pretty much it, Endymion. Just wow. If the Senshi are angels, then Princess Serenity must be a goddess. She's all golden and silver beauty. Graceful, extremely petite, gorgeous. So fragile looking, too. Very soft spoken. A world of mysteries lay within that one, Endymion. She is nothing like any other princess. That I can promise you."
"Hmmm, too bad I missed it. I would like to have seen your Sailor Mars and this tiny Princess."
"Well, apparently the Senshi and their Princess went immediately to their rooms. They probably won't be seen until tonight. All of the visiting royals are to dine with the Mercurian royalty. You'll get your chance then."
~~~
Serenity gazed in awe at the incredible watery world of Mercury as she was lead on a tour of the capital city of Mariner. Everything was the color of water. Aquas, blues, greens, all the colors associated with water were displayed abundantly. She wondered if Ami thought that the Moon was awe-inspiring the first time she came with all the whites, silvers, and golds. The city of Mariner was a technology haven. Everything was extremely advanced, even by Lunar standards. However, Lunar people mixed magick with technology, while the Mercurians tended to avoid that. She saw the Great Library of Mercury, its thousands of shelves of books. She had openly gaped at that sight. How Ami must love it on her home planet. She was shown the beautiful ships of Mercury, the size of which she's never seen. The Moon only had fishing boats at most. She was in awe over the vast seas that lay beyond Mariner, which lay upon the largest island of Mercury. Finally, the guide led them to Mariner Castle and she gazed at the tapestries lining the aqua walls as their guide led them to their rooms. With just enough time to change and get ready for dinner with the Mercurian Rulers.
~~~
Meeting the Royal family of Mercury right before the banquet was an experience to say the least. Because of her rank, Serenity was allowed to meet with the royal family semi-privately, the Senshi in attendance of course. Maia and Hermes, both rose and bowed low to her. Shocked and embarrassed at the sudden show of homage from the ruling family, she almost gasped. She was used to being bowed to but never by other royals. Not that she met any of them before.
Queen Maia, who Ami seemed to have gotten her looks from, addressed Serenity. "High Princess, you are most welcome her at Mariner. I am Maia and this is my husband and co-regent, Hermes. Our son, Pan seems to be missing..."
"No, I'm not," a voice said as a young man entered the chamber. His blue hair and eyes bore striking resemblance to Ami, Serenity noticed. "I was...detained." He bowed low to Serenity. "I am sorry, High Princess, for my tardiness. Forgive me," he asked politely.
"It's quite all right, Highness," Serenity began. "I am often tardy myself."
Pan smiled warmly at her before turning towards his sister. "Sailor Mercury, welcome home," he began before she cut him off.
"Please, brother. When we are alone, I am Ami. Not Sailor Mercury."
"Ami, it is good to see you again," he said before rushing in for a big hug. "I missed you, Ami-chan," he whispered almost inaudibly, yet Serenity heard him. She felt a stab of jealousy. She never had siblings. The only family she had was her mother. For the first time, she wished for an older brother. Serenity quickly gave a silent signal for the rest of the Senshi to leave with her, letting Ami reunite with her family she so obviously missed.
~~~
Entering the dining room after his announcement, Endymion made his way to the Terrian delegates. He found his seat and quickly sat besides his four guardians. Nephrite, with auburn hair flowing down his back, wore the armor of his position and was seated next to Jadeite, also dressed in the armor. Jadeite winked at his Prince before turning back to his conversation with some minor noble. Kunzite, long silver hair hung to his shoulders sat on the other side of Endymion's chair and was in avid conversation with Zoycite, his other guardian, who's long blond hair was pulled into a tight tail. Endymion noticed they seemed to be enjoying themselves and decided to observe the other visiting nobles. His eyes quickly found the delegates for Mars, Venus, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter. Only the Senshi and the delegates from the Lunar Kingdom were missing. Although, the delegates from the Lunar Kingdom was a party of one. High Princess Serenity. He quickly found where she would sit, next to the head of the table with the Mercurian rulers. Nine empty chairs were conspicuous near the front, where the Princess and her Senshi would sit.
A commotion at the doors captured the Prince of Earth's attention as a herald stepped forward and prepared to announce the new arrivals. Endymion's eyes fell upon a goddess and the herald's voice went unheard by the Prince. She was radiant. Silver hair cascaded to the soft blue marble floor. Her white gown glowed in the lighting. Her slender frame was carefully hidden beneath the gown, yet even it did not hide her obvious curves and womanhood. She was a goddess, all right. Having missed the herald's announcement, he surmised this was High Princess Serenity. Her golden crescent moon mark on her forehead gave that away.
Endymion stared openly at her, unknowingly causing his guardians to gape at him. Jadeite hid a grin behind his hand as he watched his liege and friend sit with his mouth hanging open and fairly panting at the beauty that had entered the room. Endymion saw none of this for he had eyes only for the beautiful goddess who had entered. For once, his mind stopped functioning and he drank in the sight of her.
She was gazing around the room gracefully taking in all of the faces. She turned towards the Terrian delegates and her eyes met Endymion's deep blue ones. Endymion breath caught in his throat. Her blue eyes were all that existed to him right then.
Time stopped.
~~~
AN: ^_^; How's that?
Lovies!