The second day after her arrival at the Shiroi Castle, as Mikomi was strolling through their courtyard, a frantic servant rushed across the stone pathway towards her, sliding to a halt.
"Mistress Mikomi," she panted, "There is someone here from the palace to see you. What shall I do with her?"
"Kashoku," she whispered to the air, her eyes widening.
"Pardon miss?" the maid asked.
"Oh nothing," she said, regaining her composure, "Show her to the west lounge, I will be there in a moment."
"Yes miss," the small woman nodded, and scrambled back towards the arched doorways.
Mikomi took a deep breath. She knew why the visitor was here, but how would she answer. Three days had not given any light to what she should do. "I will just see when the time comes to decide." She drifted over to the fountain basin and ran her pale fingers through the water, gazing at her own distorted reflection in the splashing water. She looked alright, although she should look better for such an audience. "No time," she murmured and turned from the pool, heading inside. The long walk to the lounge gave her time to think, but not enough to feel ready for the meeting.
When she entered the spacious room, her visitor immediately put down her teacup and rose respectfully, a friendly smile on her face.
Mikomi halted abruptly when she saw her visitor, unable to contain her shock. It was the girl from court that had made her feel so uneasy. Even now the look in the girl's eyes made her itch to run away. "Lady Moegi no Kashoku?" she asked, stammering, standing rooted to where she stood.
The black-haired girl laughed, "No, that's my friend. I am Kuroi no Kumori, one of Astra's soldiers," she corrected, "I was sent here to talk to you about joining us."
"Yes," Mikomi nodded stiffly, "My apologies Kumori-san. My mother wrote to me about your coming visit, but she said Lady Kashoku was coming."
"Hence the confusion," Kumori nodded and returned to her seat. So the lady of Shiroi has already tried to sway her daughter from us. I'm sure that was what the letter was about. "Why don't you sit down? It will be a lot more comfortable for us both."
Swallowing her nervousness, Mikomi advanced and took a chair more than an arm's length from Kumori.
Kumori smiled broadly. She's just as lovely as she was that night. Behave Kumori! Remember! "So Kashoku and Tsute suggest that I visit you and present to you our proposition," she began professionally, "As you know, our lady Queen Astra seeks to gather all of the soldiers of the sun. We believe that you are the most likely candidate to be Sailor White Sun."
"Me?" Mikomi asked, "Why?"
"One, you are the daughter of the Shiroi High Family, and two, we just get this feeling that you are the one. We cannot know for sure until we perform a computer scan on you and you attempt a henshin."
"Henshin?" the white girl asked, confused.
"When you are a soldier, you can transform magically into a Sailor Senshi," Kumori explained.
"I don't understand," Mikomi commented, cocking her head.
Kumori sighed, "Here, I'll show you." From a pocket in her dress, she produced a black heart-shaped brooch decorated with a gold star. Holding up, she called, "Black Sun Color Power, Makeup!" She floated, a flurry of black light encircling her as she performed some odd dance. Moments later, she stood before Mikomi in a odd outfit consisting of a very short black skirt, tall black boots, a white bodice, two large black bows, gloves, and a black sailor collar. What caught Mikomi's eyes, though, was the golden tiara set with an onyx stone.
"That's so…" she started.
"Unconventional, yet practical for our duty," Kumori answered.
"Great," Mikomi finished in awe, "What else can you do?"
"I can use magical attacks too, but I won't do that here. I don't want to hurt you," she explained, the last statement almost tenderly.
Mikomi forgot her awe for a moment as a shiver ran down her spine.
Seeing the look on Mikomi's face, Kumori coughed lightly and her sailor fuku faded back into her normal wear. She sat down and began more seriously, "So, will you come back to the palace for us to test you?"
"I, uh," Mikomi stammered.
"I didn't mean to force a decision on you!" Kumori stammered quickly and apologetically.
"It's okay," Mikomi protested, "I just don't know yet. But I guess I'll go. By the time we get there, I will hopefully have an answer for you. Either way, Mama wants me back in her care again."
To keep you from us… "I will call a carriage then," Kumori nodded and stood. "When will you be ready to depart?"
"Today?" Mikomi stammered, then added, "Give me two hours. Feel free to amuse yourself around the palace until then."
"Oh, I can handle that," Kumori said and laughed. "I will meet you out front in two hours time."
Sooner than she knew, Mikomi found herself in a luxurious carriage with the dark soldier.
"So, Mikomi, everywhere I looked in
your palace I saw a portrait of another icy-haired member of the
Shiroi family," Kumori started casually,
"Is everyone in your
family like that?"
"Yes," Mikomi responded proudly, "We are the only High Family in the Golden Millennium to remain a pure and straight line from the time our prefecture was founded long ago. Children carrying on where their parents left off."
"You are an only child correct?" Kumori asked, when her companion nodded, she continued, "That would put a lot of pressure on you, wouldn't it?"
Mikomi sighed, "Yes, Mother reminds me always that I must choose my husband wisely, or rather she will chose it wisely. We cannot taint the family line with those that are not fair of hair and skin."
"Pardon me for saying so, but that is sick," Kumori gaped, "You're purebred like horses!"
"Don't say that!" Mikomi exclaimed, "My family is a proud family and we value our tradition! I don't care what you think about that, so keep your moth shut." Fire danced in her blue eyes.
Kumori flinched. Am I pursuing a lost cause? "But what if you were not to have children? What if they were not pure and pale like you and your mother?" she asked.
"To have imperfect children in the line is alright, it is wrong to blame a child, but not to have children at all," she paused, "Mother would never forgive me. It would be my fault that I broke the chain of perfection."
"Perfection," Kumori mused quietly.
"Pardon?" Mikomi asked.
"Perfection," Kumori explained, "That is the word for it. You are a fine example of perfection in every way: temperament, pride, beauty."
"I, um," Mikomi stuttered and blushed, trying to hide her reddening face behind her hands. She is at it again, and I cannot go anywhere!
"No really Mikomi," Kumori said more seriously, "You are quite beautiful. Everyone at court knows that. I have heard groups of boys talking about you for a long time. You and your mother are the icy beauties at court. It is your perfect lineage that makes you so perfectly beautiful. You know it's true."
"I—" Mikomi started, then trailed off, blushing harder in the silence.
Kumori stared out the window of the carriage feeling hopeless. Thoughts bombarded her mind. What have you gotten yourself into Kumori-chan? You really are in love with this girl from Shiroi. But if you were to attract her, she her mother would disown her. But she is so perfect! I have never seen such a lovely girl. I can only hope she will join us. Then maybe I have a chance. But she could react to me the same Tsute did. But Tsute has nothing on Mikomi! If it was not for the guilt I feel for meddling with the Shiroi lineage. Am I ever glad I was not caught up in that sort of politics with my family…
The following day, Mikomi turned the tables on Kumori. "Kumori," she started once she was awake enough to converse, "You never told me about your family. You know plenty about mine. I have seen only your father Lord Kuroi no Ryo at court."
Kumori laughed, "He is not my father, only my leader. Unlike you, I am not part of a High Family, only an upper middle family in the Kuroi prefecture. My name is Myuo Kumori, but when I came into the queen's service, she insisted that I call myself by the prefecture that I represented and drew power from. Now I am called Kuroi no Kumori. Lord Ryo does not mind."
"But aren't you masquerading as his daughter?" Mikomi asked.
"Not at all," Kumori answered. "He has neither daughters nor nieces. I am of no relation to him that I know. He and I have talked some and he is proud to have one of the first three senshi representing him."
"I suppose," Mikomi trailed off, "But what do you do at court so often any way?"
"We help Queen Astra and King Helios by knowing the politics of the sun and conversing with the high nobles," she explained, "Our presence also makes the royal family look more powerful. We also escort them on ceremonial processions, in our sailor fuku, so that we might protect them."
"You do not seem that useful really," Mikomi commented.
"We are—" Kumori started but Mikomi interjected:
"Back to your family. What is it like?"
"There's my father, who is a gate guardian, and my mother takes care of the children," Kumori explained, "I am the middle child of five. The oldest is my sister Remi and then there's my older brother Aoji. Younger than me, there is Takeji and Kokuun, my younger brothers. Those two are still in Mama's care, but the rest are out on their own."
"Are all lower families like that?" Mikomi asked innocently.
"Lower? Like what?" Kumori asked indignantly.
"I mean, non-High Families," Mikomi corrected quickly. "Do all children go off on their own, or do they stay with their parents and follow in their footsteps."
"Mikomi dear, you have been sheltered," Kumori sighed, "Yes. Almost every child leaves their parents to forge a way for themselves. Parents cannot support their children forever." We are worlds apart…
"I suppose I am," Mikomi giggled, "So I ask you to educate me."
"On what?" Kumori asked.
"Whatever you think I need to know."
On the third day they finally entered the capital city, but their journey was far from over. The increasingly congested narrow streets made for very slow travel.
"Mikomi-chan?" Kumori asked, concerned, "What's the matter? You seem really quiet."
"Oh, I just…" she trailed off, not raising her eyes.
"You just?" Kumori persisted.
"I just worry about Mother's view on all of this," she answered reluctantly, "And— and I'm nervous about meeting the other guardians and the royal family."
Kumori found herself unable to suppress a small laugh, "I'm sorry. It's just that Tsute and Kashoku are the kindest of people. You should not be worried about them at all. The royal family is a bit formal, but if it's any comfort, you will not be meeting them for a while. At least I don't think."
Mikomi sighed, blushing at the laughter, "I really am not one for court though."
"Don't start with this now!" Kumori protested, "How can that be true? From the way I hear gossip about you, you must be there all the time."
"Gossip?" Mikomi looked up at Kumori finally, blushing harder, "Like what?"
Kumori laughed again, "Only that every young and unmatched boy thinks that you or gorgeous and is in love with you. And every one of their mothers wants to marry their son to you."
"Oh dear," Mikomi gasped, "I did not know it was quite that bad."
With another chuckle, "I wouldn't call that a problem really. I can see where they're coming from."
"But I'm not interested," she protested, "All of them are so dull."
"What does your mother have to say about marrying you off so soon?" Kumori asked.
"She has not told me anything, but from the looks of it," Mikomi explained, "I think she has found a suitable match of the correct class and lineage. She is just negotiating at the moment."
"How do you know this if you were not told?" Kumori asked.
"Servants," Mikomi answered.
"Oh," Kumori said dully, "I see."
Just then, a driver called from out front of the carriage, "Almost there ladies!"
"Thank you sir!" Kumori returned.
Mikomi sighed and gazed at the floor.
"Not this again," Kumori groaned, "I can show you to your guest rooms via a back way so you will not encounter the crowds."
"I'd like that," Mikomi nodded.
"At your wish, lovely Mikomi," Kumori answered, smiling broadly.
Mikomi blushed hard and looked at the floor, "Thank you."
Just as Mikomi was getting herself settled in a spacious bedroom, far from the chatter of court and the prying eyes of her mother, a pink-haired girl stuck her head in the room.
"Did Kumori-chan behave herself?" she asked, smiling.
"I, well… yes— who?" Mikomi stammered.
"Ah yes," the girl laughed, "I am Pinku no Tsute, Sailor Pink Sun."
"Oh, I did not recognize—" Mikomi hurried to stand respectfully.
"Don't worry about it Mikomi-chan," Tsute said, "If all goes well, you'll be equal with us in no time." Walking over to Mikomi and sitting on the edge of her bed, she continued, "Now tell me: did Kumori really behave herself as promised?"
"Behave?"
"Ah, well, let's just say Kumori followed me around like a love-sick puppy when she first met me," Tsute explained tactfully, "I think she wants to do the same to you."
Mikomi blushed, "I did notice something of the sort, but it was not too bad."
"I can make her stop if you want," Tsute offered.
"It's alright for now," Mikomi protested, "It does not bother me."
Tsute nodded reluctantly, then suddenly rose from the bed and hurried over to the door. She called into the hallway, "Hey Kashoku! Do you have it?"
"Yea!" an older voice yelled back.
"Come here then!" Tsute ordered.
Tsute returned into the room and moments later, a taller figure followed.
"Kashoku, this is Shiroi no Mikomi," Tsute introduced her, "And Mikomi, this is Moegi no Kashoku, Sailor Teal Sun."
Mikomi stood again, "Pleased to meet you Lady Kashoku."
Kashoku laughed, "Please, no formalities. Maybe we can get you to break out of your shell?"
Tsute laughed.
Mikomi looked confused.
"Well anyway," Kashoku resumed, "This is for you Mikomi." She handed her a small white box.
"See what you can do with it," Tsute instructed.
They heard footsteps in the hallway.
"Ah, we had best be going," Tsute said quickly.
"See you in a while Mikomi," Kashoku said as the two departed.
"But when will I be having the computer scan?" Mikomi asked.
"We already did," Tsute replied with a smile holding up a small pen-like object before disappearing out the door.
"Huh…" Mikomi said aloud as she looked more closely at the box. Lifting its small golden latch, she found a white heart-shaped crystal with a golden star on its surface lying in the soft white lining. "This is—?"
Tsute and Kashoku stopped Kumori in the corridor and ushered her back into her own room, just two doors down.
The pink-haired girl studied the results on the small electronic device, "Mikomi definitely has the potential. Her starseed is pure."
"The question is, then: is it the sailor crystal? And does she have a strong heart to henshin?" Kashoku added.
"Wonderful! Lovely! Fabulous!" Kumori exploded happily, the white rose on her dresser catching her eye. She smiled broadly.
"Calm yourself," Kashoku said firmly, then laughed.
"So what did she say Tsute?" Kumori asked curiously.
"She says she's fine with your antics. They don't bother her for now," Tsute answered seriously.
"So maybe there is hope for you Kumori," Kashoku said with a smile, "But, if I were you, I wouldn't go meddling with the Shiroi High family. You don't know her mother."
Kumori nodded, "I'll watch my step."
"We gave her the brooch," Tsute added, "If she can henshin, she's in."
"If she does, when is the introduction?" Kumori asked.
Kashoku answered flatly, "This evening."
"This is almost like what Kumori used to… to henshin," she pondered. "I wonder if I can do the same thing she did. What did she say? 'Black Sun Color Power, Makeup'?"
She put down the box and held up the brooch, "Black Sun Color Power, Makeup!" Nothing happened. That can't be right…
You can do it Mikomi, a voice spoke in her head suddenly. She wasn't sure if it was her own.
She felt a wave of confidence come over her. "I can do this," she said out loud. Mikomi closed her eyes and held the crystal heart above her head again. The words flowed from her mouth, "White Sun Color Power, Makeup!"
The pale girl found herself bathed in white light, performing some strange magical dance as she floated in the air, her senshi fuku appearing. At last, she stood on the ground in a battle-ready pose. "Kakkoii," she whispered in awe as she examined her outfit. Hurrying over to the mirror, she performed a quick twirl, watching her pleated skirt float around her.
She giggled, "Mother would not approve of anything like this. But, now I'm stuck. She will not like this at all…" Suddenly, an idea struck her, "I have to tell Kumori!" She hurried out the door and scurried down the hall, calling, "Kumori? Where are you?"
She did not get far when the smaller girl poked her head out of her own bedroom door. Instantly, a broad grin spread across her face, "I knew you could do it!"
Mikomi just smiled shyly.
"Wait a minute," Kumori said slowly, shaking her head, "That won't do at all."
"What won't?" Mikomi asked.
Not answering, Kumori ordered, "Come in here."
Mikomi followed obediently into the other girl's bedroom.
Kumori pointed to the low chair in front of her vanity where a large mirror sat, "Sit."
Again, Mikomi obeyed.
"You look to childish with that hair style," Kumori observed, "To be one of our lady Astra's guardians, we must appear impressive and regal. Though I have an idea to fix this…"
"I guess I will just have to trust you now?" Mikomi said, helpless to stop Kumori's work where she sat.
"Yup," Kumori answered through a moth full of hairpins. Removing them for a moment, she asked, "What did you think of Tsute and Kashoku? Were they as bad as you thought they'd be?"
"Oh no," Mikomi responded, "They were quite friendly, but they still did make me feel a bit nervous." While she spoke, she saw a single white rose in a crystal vase sitting in the reflection of the mirror. Is that—?
"Do I make you feel nervous?" Kumori asked as she ran her hands through Mikomi's pure white hair, pulling it up. A shiver ran up Mikomi's spine.
"Well," she stammered quietly, "yes." After a pause she explained quickly, "But in a different way than those two."
"I could act more normally, more like them, if you'd like," Kumori suggested, putting several pins into Mikomi's hair.
"No, it's okay," Mikomi attempted to shake her head but Kumori placed a firm yet tender hand on one cheek, preventing her from doing son. She continued shakily, "It's really okay."
"Don't move your head," Kumori scolded.
"Sorry," Mikomi apologized softly.
"You mean you really don't mind?" Kumori asked, returning to the previous subject.
Catching herself just before she attempted to shake hear head again, she answered, "I don't know yet."
Kumori sighed, hoping Mikomi didn't notice. Of course she isn't as eager to jump into this as you! Give her time! In the mean time… behave.
After a brief and awkward silence, Kumori finally proclaimed, "There. It's done. Do you like it?"
Mikomi examined her hair in the mirror, raising a gloved hand to run her fingers over it. Instead of her normal shoulder-length hairstyle, all of it was tucked up into a tight bun on top of her head. "I think—" she answered slowly, "I think it suits me."
"Wonderful! I think you look lovely," Kumori responded with a warm smile that sent a shiver down Mikomi's spine. "Now we have to show you to Tsute and Kashoku, and then to the queen!"
"The queen!" Mikomi said, horrified, "But you said—"
"You'll be fine," Kumori reassured her, taking Mikomi's hand and pulling her from the seat and across the room, "Let's get going."