*Disclaimer: Sailormoon was created by Naoko Takeuchi and is property of
Kodansha, TOEI Animation, Mixxine, and DIC Productions.
Take All Chapter 1
The silver cat leaped gracefully through the foliage, her exceptional agility allowing her to move quickly with sure footing. The carpet of the forest was dappled in sunlight streaming through the canopy overhead and the abundant wildlife in the forest created a multitude of sounds, every movement caught by her sensitive ears. She landed on the thick branches of an ancient tree, finally stopping to catch her breath, inhaling deeply. The air was so crisp and clean, a smell only the pure wilderness could produce. Her senses instantly picked up another form coming towards her.
Another cat leapt up besides her, eyes slanted in a glare. He growled softly and nudged her neck. Still, the silver cat did not move, only stared back at him, head cocked to one side. The white cat finally plopped down on all fours and rested his head on his paws. In the blink of an eye, the silver cat had shifted into human form.
"Aw, c'mon Kunzite. Just because I decided to take a break doesn't mean we have to stop the race. Look, I'm ready to take you on now!" she said with enthusiasm. She shook her head as he too, shifted back into human guise.
"Serena, you take a rather extended breather and claim that we're still racing? Dear, one does not sit back and enjoy the scenery in the middle of a race," drawled Kunzite. His eyes examined her ankle-length silver tresses that were mostly bound up in two buns on her head. White robes were wrapped around her petite figure and her face held a mischievous smile. His features softened as he observed his best friend who was more like a little sister to him. They had been together since they were children, leaning on each other for strength and support.
"No matter Kunzite, we can always race another day. We have all the time in the world to do so," Serena stated matter-of-factly. She adjusted her clothing and sat down next Kunzite. She rested her head on his shoulder but could feel that he had become tense. Serena reached out to clasp his hand.
"Kunzite, what troubles you? Did I say something I should not have said?" Serena inquired. Kunzite tightened his grip on her hand and turned his head slightly in her direction.
"Serena, we may live long lives, but it is time that is against us. As we speak, the Morseth hunt our kind and kill them. We may not live to see the next day, dear sister, don't you understand that?"
"No, Kunzite. You're wrong. We, too, hunt the Morseth. The blame does not lie solely with them. Neither side is right in this because hatred does not justify the death we have inflicted on each other," Serena said with conviction. She climbed to her feet as she spoke those words, her anger not allowing her to sit still and complacent. Serena's soft blue eyes gazed at her surroundings, surroundings that were teeming with the innocence of life. Her thoughts wandered over the workings of her people, their history and their accursed war with the Morseth.
The Shivas have existed on S'ten-Ni since the birth of Time. Even during the time shape-shifters were prevalent, the Shivas had only been one of a handful that were considered to be powerful and intimidating. The Shivas were blessed with feline abilities, allowing for exceptional agility, flexibility, quick reflexes, and superiority in stealth. Their feline forms resembled a panther, only slightly larger, coats snow-white and sleek. They preferred the cooler climates; therefore, making their homes in the deep forests surrounding the foot of the mountains. At any time, two elders are present to govern the Klan and see that disputes are settled and compromises made. They also ensure that the traditions and laws of their people be followed by each and every person. Since the beginning, the Shivas have only longed for peace, sealing themselves off from the rest of the world, choosing solitude instead. But their peace was interrupted by the emergence of the Morseth. The Morseth were also very powerful in their own right, humans having been blessed with canine abilities. In their canine form, they resembled overgrown wolves, coats black in color. The Morseth had abnormal strength, speed, endurance, and were very aggressive. No one knew what had sparked the feud, only that it stemmed from the Morseth, for they had committed a crime so vile; the Shivas had abandoned their quest for peace and instead, pursued a path of war. On the other hand, the Morseth claimed that it was actually the Shivas who had initiated the crimes, unforgivable in their eyes. Yet, not one knew the specifics of the crimes either side had supposedly committed. And this is exactly what troubled Serena. She truly could not help it, but she did not share the feelings of her kin. Peace is what we both should strive for, not bloodshed.
Serena's thoughts circled back on how she felt about the war. 'What do we gain from such senseless violence. I do not believe in this cause. There has to be some way to bring our people together. True, I've yet to encounter a Morseth, but even if I do, I will not harm that person, even if it means my own life. Someone must put an end to this.'
Kunzite had risen long ago, leaning back against the tree, watching Serena. 'She's so pure of heart. How can I make her see that it will only be her downfall? What should happen if she were to ever come face to face with a Morseth?' Kunzite shook his head and tapped Serena on the shoulder, effectively catching her attention.
"Nightfall is upon us, we must get back to our village. Come, Serena," Kunzite called over his shoulder as he changed back and jumped to the ground.
Serena abandoned her thoughts and followed Kunzite home.
"Where have you two been? Do you not remember that today is a very important day?" questioned a woman with dark wavy hair. A frown graced her features as she glared at the two.
"Lunaaaa." Serena said with a pout.
"Don't Luna me, Serenity! Young lady, I expected you two hours ago and instead you were flitting about in the woods again," Luna said severely.
Serena flinched at the use of her full name. But she turned her eyes towards Kunzite who crouched next to her, amusement keeping him from saying anything. They watched as Artemis, a regal man with long white hair gently touched Luna's arm.
"Luna, sweet, being harsh with them doesn't help matters, because I very much doubt they feel bad about their actions," Artemis turned towards them, a sardonic grin on his face.
"Artemis, must you always let them get away with everything?" Luna asked, shooting daggers at her mate.
Artemis raised his hands in front of him, trying to calm her, as Luna moved even closer to him.
Serena and Kunzite chuckled at the antics of their Klan's beloved elders. Luna and Artemis were life-long mates and had looked over their Klan for well over three centuries now. Though Luna may scold and chastise the younger Shivas, she did so out of love. Artemis usually took the opposite stance and encouraged their behavior.
Luna heaved a sigh. "All right, fine. Now that Artemis has once again excused your behavior and diverted my anger, you two are free to go. However, I expect to see you first thing in the morning Serena. Since, you were not here for the preparation of the ceremony, we will need to prepare you as early as possible."
"Yes, Luna. I'll be here at the sun's rise," Serena said happily. She bounded away, Kunzite trailing after her.
Artemis wrapped his arms around Luna and brushed his lips across her head.
"Artemis, she is like our daughter. We promised Serenity that we would protect her from all harm. I fear the day a Morseth will find her." Luna whispered.
Artemis tightened his hold on his mate, melding their bodies together. "She will be fine, my love. The gods favor her and would never let harm befall her."
"If the gods favor her, then why is Serenity dead, Artemis? Why is her mother not here with us now? She gave her life out of love for our people. She died bravely; why didn't the gods notice that? Instead, they took her away from her daughter. Serenity was the epitome of goodness and even that did not save her. Serena has all the qualities her mother possessed and all of her beliefs. She also inherited her mother's gift, but it was that gift that killed her mother, and in the end, it may take Serena's life too. I know I worry too much Artemis; unfortunately, I have every reason too."
A silence settled over the two, for even Artemis could not refute what his mate said. And deep in his heart, even he feared for the future of the silver child.
"Wow, I thought for sure she was going to claw our eyes out," Serena giggled. She had her hands linked behind her head as she continued down the path to her home.
Kunzite merely smiled as he walked besides her.
"You do know, that tomorrow is a very special day? Right, Serena?" he asked.
"Yes, yes, I know. The Dance of the Wild is tomorrow, a tradition that has been in our generations since the first of our people arrived. Tomorrow will be my first time to dance, since I just turned 18," Serena stated in a bored tone. Quite frankly, she was not looking forward to the whole ordeal, yes ordeal, for it certainly wasn't a picnic. Picnic? Picnic meant food and she had not eaten all day, but she turned back to the issue at hand. The Dance of the Wild was a dance for virgins who've become of age. It truly was a festive day, for the entire village attended the dance. The girls danced in hope that the gods would bless them and aid them in the journey to find their mates quickly. Serena was not looking forward to it because she had no interest in acquiring a mate, hence, why she went racing in the woods instead.
Kunzite knew that they should not have skipped out on preparations, but he did not believe that anyone was good enough for his best friend. He understood that he was being overly protective of her, but he did not want her to suffer anymore than she had already suffered. Which was why he went along with her scheme earlier in the day.
They finally came upon Kunzite's home and stopped.
"Look, Serena, don't forget to go to the Ankhn in the morning," Kunzite reminded her.
"Yes, my liege. Your word is law," Serena saluted.
Whack!
"Owww! Get back here, you villain!" Serena shouted. But Kunzite had already disappeared into his house. Her cheeks puffed out and she stamped her foot in annoyance.
"Fine! I'll get you next time!" Serena yelled behind her shoulder as continued on home.
"Finally, I'm home."
Serena was thankful for the solitude her home provided, as it was located far from the main village. It was a large and cozy hut.
She made her way upstairs and entered her stargazing room. A roof was absent in this room and large pillows were strewn about the floor. She discarded her clothing and stepped into a white robe, knotting it loosely around her waist. Settling in among the pillows with a sigh, she turned her attention to the stars. She gazed at them, lost among the countless points of light that soon blurred into one as sleep claimed her.
She slept soundly, even though her dreams were disturbed by the shadow of a man. A man she could barely make out, save for his dark blue eyes.
AN: Whew! I need a frappucino. Yummy, Mocha Coconut, sounds heavenly right now. This chapter came out much sooner than expected. YAY! *Throws confetti around the room* I hope everyone liked it, stay tuned for chapter 2 my friends! A certain.delicious male will be making his appearance soon. You know of whom I speak! ^_^
Take All Chapter 1
The silver cat leaped gracefully through the foliage, her exceptional agility allowing her to move quickly with sure footing. The carpet of the forest was dappled in sunlight streaming through the canopy overhead and the abundant wildlife in the forest created a multitude of sounds, every movement caught by her sensitive ears. She landed on the thick branches of an ancient tree, finally stopping to catch her breath, inhaling deeply. The air was so crisp and clean, a smell only the pure wilderness could produce. Her senses instantly picked up another form coming towards her.
Another cat leapt up besides her, eyes slanted in a glare. He growled softly and nudged her neck. Still, the silver cat did not move, only stared back at him, head cocked to one side. The white cat finally plopped down on all fours and rested his head on his paws. In the blink of an eye, the silver cat had shifted into human form.
"Aw, c'mon Kunzite. Just because I decided to take a break doesn't mean we have to stop the race. Look, I'm ready to take you on now!" she said with enthusiasm. She shook her head as he too, shifted back into human guise.
"Serena, you take a rather extended breather and claim that we're still racing? Dear, one does not sit back and enjoy the scenery in the middle of a race," drawled Kunzite. His eyes examined her ankle-length silver tresses that were mostly bound up in two buns on her head. White robes were wrapped around her petite figure and her face held a mischievous smile. His features softened as he observed his best friend who was more like a little sister to him. They had been together since they were children, leaning on each other for strength and support.
"No matter Kunzite, we can always race another day. We have all the time in the world to do so," Serena stated matter-of-factly. She adjusted her clothing and sat down next Kunzite. She rested her head on his shoulder but could feel that he had become tense. Serena reached out to clasp his hand.
"Kunzite, what troubles you? Did I say something I should not have said?" Serena inquired. Kunzite tightened his grip on her hand and turned his head slightly in her direction.
"Serena, we may live long lives, but it is time that is against us. As we speak, the Morseth hunt our kind and kill them. We may not live to see the next day, dear sister, don't you understand that?"
"No, Kunzite. You're wrong. We, too, hunt the Morseth. The blame does not lie solely with them. Neither side is right in this because hatred does not justify the death we have inflicted on each other," Serena said with conviction. She climbed to her feet as she spoke those words, her anger not allowing her to sit still and complacent. Serena's soft blue eyes gazed at her surroundings, surroundings that were teeming with the innocence of life. Her thoughts wandered over the workings of her people, their history and their accursed war with the Morseth.
The Shivas have existed on S'ten-Ni since the birth of Time. Even during the time shape-shifters were prevalent, the Shivas had only been one of a handful that were considered to be powerful and intimidating. The Shivas were blessed with feline abilities, allowing for exceptional agility, flexibility, quick reflexes, and superiority in stealth. Their feline forms resembled a panther, only slightly larger, coats snow-white and sleek. They preferred the cooler climates; therefore, making their homes in the deep forests surrounding the foot of the mountains. At any time, two elders are present to govern the Klan and see that disputes are settled and compromises made. They also ensure that the traditions and laws of their people be followed by each and every person. Since the beginning, the Shivas have only longed for peace, sealing themselves off from the rest of the world, choosing solitude instead. But their peace was interrupted by the emergence of the Morseth. The Morseth were also very powerful in their own right, humans having been blessed with canine abilities. In their canine form, they resembled overgrown wolves, coats black in color. The Morseth had abnormal strength, speed, endurance, and were very aggressive. No one knew what had sparked the feud, only that it stemmed from the Morseth, for they had committed a crime so vile; the Shivas had abandoned their quest for peace and instead, pursued a path of war. On the other hand, the Morseth claimed that it was actually the Shivas who had initiated the crimes, unforgivable in their eyes. Yet, not one knew the specifics of the crimes either side had supposedly committed. And this is exactly what troubled Serena. She truly could not help it, but she did not share the feelings of her kin. Peace is what we both should strive for, not bloodshed.
Serena's thoughts circled back on how she felt about the war. 'What do we gain from such senseless violence. I do not believe in this cause. There has to be some way to bring our people together. True, I've yet to encounter a Morseth, but even if I do, I will not harm that person, even if it means my own life. Someone must put an end to this.'
Kunzite had risen long ago, leaning back against the tree, watching Serena. 'She's so pure of heart. How can I make her see that it will only be her downfall? What should happen if she were to ever come face to face with a Morseth?' Kunzite shook his head and tapped Serena on the shoulder, effectively catching her attention.
"Nightfall is upon us, we must get back to our village. Come, Serena," Kunzite called over his shoulder as he changed back and jumped to the ground.
Serena abandoned her thoughts and followed Kunzite home.
"Where have you two been? Do you not remember that today is a very important day?" questioned a woman with dark wavy hair. A frown graced her features as she glared at the two.
"Lunaaaa." Serena said with a pout.
"Don't Luna me, Serenity! Young lady, I expected you two hours ago and instead you were flitting about in the woods again," Luna said severely.
Serena flinched at the use of her full name. But she turned her eyes towards Kunzite who crouched next to her, amusement keeping him from saying anything. They watched as Artemis, a regal man with long white hair gently touched Luna's arm.
"Luna, sweet, being harsh with them doesn't help matters, because I very much doubt they feel bad about their actions," Artemis turned towards them, a sardonic grin on his face.
"Artemis, must you always let them get away with everything?" Luna asked, shooting daggers at her mate.
Artemis raised his hands in front of him, trying to calm her, as Luna moved even closer to him.
Serena and Kunzite chuckled at the antics of their Klan's beloved elders. Luna and Artemis were life-long mates and had looked over their Klan for well over three centuries now. Though Luna may scold and chastise the younger Shivas, she did so out of love. Artemis usually took the opposite stance and encouraged their behavior.
Luna heaved a sigh. "All right, fine. Now that Artemis has once again excused your behavior and diverted my anger, you two are free to go. However, I expect to see you first thing in the morning Serena. Since, you were not here for the preparation of the ceremony, we will need to prepare you as early as possible."
"Yes, Luna. I'll be here at the sun's rise," Serena said happily. She bounded away, Kunzite trailing after her.
Artemis wrapped his arms around Luna and brushed his lips across her head.
"Artemis, she is like our daughter. We promised Serenity that we would protect her from all harm. I fear the day a Morseth will find her." Luna whispered.
Artemis tightened his hold on his mate, melding their bodies together. "She will be fine, my love. The gods favor her and would never let harm befall her."
"If the gods favor her, then why is Serenity dead, Artemis? Why is her mother not here with us now? She gave her life out of love for our people. She died bravely; why didn't the gods notice that? Instead, they took her away from her daughter. Serenity was the epitome of goodness and even that did not save her. Serena has all the qualities her mother possessed and all of her beliefs. She also inherited her mother's gift, but it was that gift that killed her mother, and in the end, it may take Serena's life too. I know I worry too much Artemis; unfortunately, I have every reason too."
A silence settled over the two, for even Artemis could not refute what his mate said. And deep in his heart, even he feared for the future of the silver child.
"Wow, I thought for sure she was going to claw our eyes out," Serena giggled. She had her hands linked behind her head as she continued down the path to her home.
Kunzite merely smiled as he walked besides her.
"You do know, that tomorrow is a very special day? Right, Serena?" he asked.
"Yes, yes, I know. The Dance of the Wild is tomorrow, a tradition that has been in our generations since the first of our people arrived. Tomorrow will be my first time to dance, since I just turned 18," Serena stated in a bored tone. Quite frankly, she was not looking forward to the whole ordeal, yes ordeal, for it certainly wasn't a picnic. Picnic? Picnic meant food and she had not eaten all day, but she turned back to the issue at hand. The Dance of the Wild was a dance for virgins who've become of age. It truly was a festive day, for the entire village attended the dance. The girls danced in hope that the gods would bless them and aid them in the journey to find their mates quickly. Serena was not looking forward to it because she had no interest in acquiring a mate, hence, why she went racing in the woods instead.
Kunzite knew that they should not have skipped out on preparations, but he did not believe that anyone was good enough for his best friend. He understood that he was being overly protective of her, but he did not want her to suffer anymore than she had already suffered. Which was why he went along with her scheme earlier in the day.
They finally came upon Kunzite's home and stopped.
"Look, Serena, don't forget to go to the Ankhn in the morning," Kunzite reminded her.
"Yes, my liege. Your word is law," Serena saluted.
Whack!
"Owww! Get back here, you villain!" Serena shouted. But Kunzite had already disappeared into his house. Her cheeks puffed out and she stamped her foot in annoyance.
"Fine! I'll get you next time!" Serena yelled behind her shoulder as continued on home.
"Finally, I'm home."
Serena was thankful for the solitude her home provided, as it was located far from the main village. It was a large and cozy hut.
She made her way upstairs and entered her stargazing room. A roof was absent in this room and large pillows were strewn about the floor. She discarded her clothing and stepped into a white robe, knotting it loosely around her waist. Settling in among the pillows with a sigh, she turned her attention to the stars. She gazed at them, lost among the countless points of light that soon blurred into one as sleep claimed her.
She slept soundly, even though her dreams were disturbed by the shadow of a man. A man she could barely make out, save for his dark blue eyes.
AN: Whew! I need a frappucino. Yummy, Mocha Coconut, sounds heavenly right now. This chapter came out much sooner than expected. YAY! *Throws confetti around the room* I hope everyone liked it, stay tuned for chapter 2 my friends! A certain.delicious male will be making his appearance soon. You know of whom I speak! ^_^