AN: I am so terrible I know. I promised revised chapters at the beginning of the month and I haven't delivered. Totally my bad. Aphid is still working on the revisions, my grammar is pretty bad so it's gonna take him awhile and he's been having some troubles at work lately. My excuse? Don't really have one actually except for I haven't been inspired as of late and I have been having problems with my wisdom teeth. Kinda hard to concentrate when it feels like my jaw has been punched. Also I just wanted to let you know that I only write when I am at work because I can't concentrate when my hunny is around so that's why there are delays. Anyways, I decided to post this chapter as a two parter so I can get something out for you to read. This has not been revised so warn you there will be mistakes. I will ask Aphid to get going on the revisions so I can post them as soon as possible.
Whispers of the Past
Chapter 4: The Court/ The Betrayal (Part 1)
Written By: DarkImperialPrincess (Marie L.)
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It was, if completely ironic, as if Chaos was breaking loose. Walls trembled, windows tumbled from their frames with a crash and the cries of those still left echoed in the halls. The small satellite that had circled the mother Nova for centuries was finally feeling its final days. The Nova was tired, soon she would expand and then implode on herself and it would be over. Walls tumbled to the ground as the Luna shook with a sudden ferocity. It was as if the Luna was being torn apart and for all intensive purposes, it was.
Surprisingly the only room that had not been affected yet by the quakes was the front room. The room with the lovely stain glass window portraying the glorious Senshi who had defeated Chaos the first time. Astonishingly the window had not been affected by the shudder of the temple. It was in this location where the Priestess Selene's personal advisor found her sitting on one of the cushioned chaise longues.
"My Lady, we must leave! The temple will fall at any minute and we will be crushed, "the lady exclaimed, wringing her hands as plaster and dust came tumbling down from the domed ceiling. Selene looked up from her apparent trance and looked around as if for the first time.
"Yes, you are right. Our Mother Nova has declared her wish for death and we must not tarry her journey, "she murmured as she finally stood. She went to one of the windows that had been knocked away by the trembling. "Go in peace my old friend and may you find happiness in the afterlife. May you be reborn again."
With that she strode from the front room, avoiding the piles of debris and stopped by the entrance to the alter room. Selene paused for what seemed like an eternity, wanting to savor the last sight of her beloved room. Her advisor practically danced on her toes from agitation, wishing to be gone from this place.
"Please, My Lady, we must leave now!"
"Have all the other Ladies departed for the Moon?"
"Yes, we are the only two left."
"Good, then let us leave, "Selene said. With one final look to her former home, Selene took the hand of her advisor and they proceeded to allow their auras shine through the destruction. Both were far too trained to allow the chaos around them to break their concentration and soon they had teleported away in a brief flash of light.
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Silently she slipped her eyes open and wonderingly looked around at the landscape. Selene could see nothing but soft green grass and trees until the horizon hit and she was confronted with the Chikyuu. A lovely lake gleamed off to one side and some sort of wild animal galloped in a large field off to the side of the lake.
"Kirei, "she murmured, watching the majestic creature canter wildly into the wind. She suddenly heard a shout and the animal whipped its head around. The obvious owner of such a beautiful animal came skipping out and placing a hand on the snout. Selene was entranced for a few moments before the sound of a door brought her back to reality.
"Lovely isn't he, "asked a voice, interrupting her reverie. She let her peripheral vision wander and a slight smile tugged at her lips.
"Indeed he is, "she responded. "What is he called?"
"The humans of the Chikyuu call this specific specie Horse, quite common amongst the brutes. I have chosen to call this particular horse Akeno."
"Bright Shining Field? Very appropriate, Selenity, "she said, finally turning her head to look at the beautiful slender woman. "Or should I say Queen Selenity?"
"Never would I expect such honorifics from someone such as you, "Selenity said, curtsying slightly. She motioned for the figure behind her to step forward. "May I present Lady Discordia Ignacia of Kasei, governor of the 4th planet from the Sol."
The Lady put a delicate step forward and curtsied low to the ground. The Priestess returned the gesture with a slight bow of her own as she let her gaze wonder over the almost prostrated form. She was a rather small with beautiful raven hair and deep wine colored eyes. Her dress was that of a deep blood red but the most curious of all was the slight etching of Kasei on her forehead. It glowed with an uncanny light. She sensed great power within this frail looking woman but there was a spark. Selene knew that crossing this woman would be a grave mistake.
"It is an honor to meet you, Miko, "Selene said regally, watching as the woman's eyes draw open in surprise and she smiled with a slight shiver. Yes, there was great power yet much humility. Selenity turned to the tanned woman with a gesture and dismissed her. Lady Discordia bowed reverently to each woman and spun on her heal, walking straight and proud down to the wonderfully decorated terrace. Selenity turned to her with a smile.
"Shall we take a walk, Priestess?" Selenity turned opposite of the direction the Lady of Kasei disappeared and took long strides. Selene had to hurry to catch up. The grounds were an absolute wonder and Selene had a hard time taking it all in. Close by stood a massive garden with such a variety of plants and flowers that Selene had never seen. At the far end stood a gigantic oak tree, taller than the crystal spires of the castle that lay behind her. The height of the tree was not what impressed the Priestess the most though, it was the winding staircase and at the top, a wonderfully carved home that looked as if it born from the tree itself. Selene stopped and a small sigh escaped her lips as she looked up at the wondrous tree.
"Yes, fascinating culture the Mokusei has. They live in towering trees that have homes that seem as though was grown from within the trees and the vegetation is extraordinary, "Selenity explained, her eyes lighting up with pleasure. "Of course, game is in abundance as well and Lady Sylanna is a mean huntress. She presented with a dozen pelts from an animal they call an elk."
"Your enthusiasm surprises me, Selenity. Already you have become enamored with the people of the Shining Sol System, "the Priestess remarked. Selenity blushed slightly as she brushed of the comment.
"The people of this system are kind hearted with so many different cultures, "Selenity explained, waiving a hand to an expansive villa down the stone-paved road. "That is the extensive Bath House built by the Kinsei's. The architecture is simply divine with deep pools and a wonderful sauna. There's even cold and hot running water."
This went on for quite some time as Selenity gave the Priestess a grand tour of the huge estate. She pointed out spherical library of the Suiseis, complete with a tall pillar in the center of the room that held thousands upon thousands of tomes. Selene was then brought to the fiery temple of the Luna that was built by the Kaseis. One of the final stops was the great coliseum of the Tenouseians. The Priestess marveled at the sheer size of the great stoned monument and expresses her wonder.
"Yes, it is magnificent, "Selenity agreed. "These people have taken a bit of each of their cultures and built it into one great palisade. That is why I have called my palace Tsuki no Yumi, Luna of Dreams."
"Well chosen, majesty, "Selene responded. They walked to the farthest parts of the palace grounds and she was astounded at the great monumental mausoleum carved with woeful women with large breasts and voluptuous figures. "What type of gift is this?"
"That is from the Doseis, the Governors of the 6th planet from the Sol, "Selenity said, with a slight distaste. "They said that a great Queen as I should have a wondrous resting place to assure my place in the afterlife. I could not decline for fear of insult but I did deem it important to be as far from the palace as possible."
The two women strolled leisurely back towards the grand palace, discussing matters of little importance. Selene was surprised at the opulence of the grounds yet with a glance at Selenity chose not to say anything. The castle itself was another grand affair, built from the power of the Ginzuishou itself. The walls were a crystalline white with many paintings and tapestries from the Kaiousians. Great windows allowed for a gentle breeze to flow through the white satin curtains and lend an airy gust through the long hallways.
"And what of the Meouseis, "Selene asked, returning to the previous conversations. "What gift have they brought you?" Selenity looked slightly pensive for a moment.
"They brought nothing but prophecies and even that is not something I can scorn, "she replied. "The people of this system are wonderful and soon they will be reunited under my banner. Tonight I am hosting a grand ball; a ball where I will announce my court and I will bestow upon them the title of princesses."
"Only the title of Princess, Majesty, "Selene asked with a slight mockery in her voice. The Queen swung around to look at her and a slight frown wavered on her lips.
"I do not do this for my own selfish gain, Priestess but for the good of entire system, "she reprimanded gently. "Yes, I will give them royalty but my rule can never be questioned and no war shall be fought for my crown. I submit my life for the greater good of the Universe and although I will cleanse them all at the ball tonight with the Ginzuishou, there will still be some who will choose to do Chaos' bidding."
"How can you speak of Chaos after your success in capturing her?"
"It's not just Chaos that turns hearts, Priestess, as you well know. There are some who have embraced her fully and even with my cleansing powers I cannot erase such taint because it was a conscious choice, "Selenity said softly, gazing up at the Chikyuu. "I cannot force anyone to bend to my will but I will assure that only my lineage remains in power. Only my heir can take the throne."
"Then have you decided to marry, My Queen, "asked Selene just as softly, not wishing to insult her dear friend. Selenity stopped her walking and faced her former teacher.
"No. Marriage is not an option for me, it is not in my destiny, "she said with a sad, sad smile. "I have given myself fully to the Olde Gods and this creation." She suddenly perked up with a glowing and radiant smile. "Although I have had many lords and other noblemen, not to mention a few ladies ask for my hand in marriage."
Priestess Selene laughed along with her but was still worried. An heir was the one of the first thoughts that Selenity should have. A nice healthy girl-child. Oh yes, the heir would be feminine for in this creation the Ginzuishou would only respond to a womanly master. She let a frown deepen her face and she stood worriedly for a few moments until Selenity grasped her by the shoulders and smiled gently.
"Have no fear Priestess. Have faith in the Olde Gods and Guizuishou, they will send me a beautiful daughter when the time is right."
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Time had passed slowly for the golden Senshi. Days meant nothing and the hours were filled with pain and anguish. Thankfully, she had spent most of it in blissful darkness that was only punctured by the tremendous heat of the Chikyuu. Sailorgalaxia was still in the sweltering core of the Earth and each moment was agonizing. No one had come to save her and she wept with pity. She was all alone and she was going to die.
You'll never be alone, my child. Whispering voices assaulted from each side. No, regretfully this wasn't a solitary confinement. Lady Chaos had been busy these past few weeks. Talking, coercing and wooing Galaxia to the darker shade of creation but this Senshi was strong willed. The golden Senshi had managed to pull herself up so she was leaning against the cool cauldron and sat gasping for air.
My poor Galaxia, say the word and you can end this suffering. Galaxia threw herself away from the cauldron with a trembling shriek and then with a painful groan. Her legs had swollen with a grotesque blue tinge and she could not bring herself to re-set them.
"Never, "she cried weakly. "I would rather die than join you."
I think that can be arranged, Senshi. Soon your time will end and you will die in this fiery hell. Galaxia moaned with pity for herself and from the pain. Why no had come to save her perplexed the golden Senshi. Had Selenity, her only friend, abandoned her?
Selenity doesn't care about you, whispered Chaos seductively in her ear. There is only you and I… Forever. Galaxia pitched forward with a ravaged cry and finally grasped her left leg. She jerked it mightily back in place and was battered with incredible pain, none that she had ever felt before and with a harsh cry she reached for the other. Sweat poured rivers down the back of her neck as she swung her leg back into place. With a final howl she slipped back into the wonderful darkness and knew no more.
Chaos peeked out from over the rim of the Cauldron. She experimented once again with the power that was holding her and discovered that the powerful magic still wouldn't budge. She sighed with dissatisfaction. Whether she liked it or not, she was trapped and there was nothing she could do. Chaos let her eyes slide down to the prostrated form of Galaxia and smiled to herself. She wove a simple spell that could slip through her magical boundaries and set it upon the golden haired girl. Sleep child, she murmured wickedly. When you awaken, we will have much to discuss.
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So that was the first part of chapter 4. I am going to start the second part sometime today because I have ideas dancing around in my head, wanting to be free. lol. Anyways, thanks for reading!
