Chapter 15: Reunion of Hearts
It was a dimension-less realm in which she found herself floating in. Ivory white space as far as her eyes could see as she propelled herself forward. With her hands out in front of her in a swimming fashion, she was taken aback that her skin was translucent, camouflaged by her current surroundings. Looking down at her body, she merely saw herself adorned in a thin satin
material, pale yellow - a colour that jotted her memory of the one that she left behind: Legolas.
The Elven Prince had hair of soft golden, a shade lighter than that of her own. In solitude, she had braided the hair down one side of his head while he whispered tales of Mirkwood Forest. Mostly, he spoke in the Common Tongue but she insisted that he spoke in Elvish. The language was beautiful as that of its people, mysterious, legendary pathos which reminded her of the language of Lunarian. It was an ancient speech passed down from generations of royals, from the queen to the princess, spoken only at the most solemn of occasions. She recalled the last was at her coronation as the Princess of the White Moon. As a child, her mother will tell her stories in Lunarian.
She sighed as she recalled the most trivial of memories. Perhaps, she had really died. It was a farewell to the world and her countless incarnations. Her sacrifice had been necessary and she would not hesitate to repeat such an act. Her purpose was to search for a place where she truly belong and she realized that liked those of her friends, she was vital for the survival of love and peace, the guardians of the universe in any passage of time.
--oo--
They knew that from the moment she gazed into their eyes, she was going to exchange her life for that of Legolas. It was an offer with no real victory for she had just wiped an entire army sent by the Dark Lord with a stroke of her wand. Her magic could perhaps rival that Sauron, even Gandalf would attune to that notion. Yet, it was inevitable that the maiden shall have her way. It was a loss that would tremble the basis of their hearts for she held a love so strong for a world that held no real hope to begin with.
As the light subsided, the maiden collapsed backwards, caught by Aragorn who was driven by warrior's instincts and a display of his own love with Lady Arwen. The Evenstar of her people had sacrificed a life of immortality for love. He cradled the lifeless body that of the Moon Princess, so light in his arms, yet so strong in her demeanor. Starring at her tranquil feature, none should have guessed that she had annihilated more powerful enemies. Aragorn looked from the girl in his arms and to Elf lying before him. The only indication of his previous ordeal was the blood stained tunic.
Aragorn let out a sigh as he turned to reveal the delicate object to the others. No words were needed, not even the most mournful of songs from an Elf could decipher their emotions at that moment. "We had no other purpose here, rather we should make for Isengard. We shall have to move Legolas and Lady Serenity with us."
They did not question how the task should be undertaken but it was accomplished by Gandalf with his own magic. They was a grave ride with the Company of Aragorn, Gimli and Gandalf and their precious burden leading the procession. Theoden and his men followed a few paces behind. Though the hearts of the Men were renewed, but the loss of others weighed heavily on
their hearts. It was ironic for the loss of men to save others who would live to fight in other wars. A vicious curse rooted in the lust of power.
--oo--
She never pictured dying for she had simply accepted that fate would meddled in the timeline and she would be reborn with a new identity in a different dimension after she 'died'. Somehow instead of feeling content, there was a bittersweet aftertaste for she sensed that she had been cheated out of a life of normalcy. The closest thing to it in Middle Earth had been her love
with Legolas.
"Oh Serena, it has been too long."
Shock out of her reverie, she turned to the direction of the voice, one that she yearned many nights to hear. There in front of her in the full of glory of Venus was her friend, Mina. The two girls rushed forward and met in a heartfelt embrace. "Oh Mina, I can't believe you are really here! I missed all of you so much and think of all you always."
"I know Serena, but we are always in your heart, guiding you with our strength. I see that you yourself found happiness. True love in a different dimension with one of the most beautiful of all creations ..."
Serena could not help but blush but she did not argue for on the matters of love, the Guardian of a love herself knows best. "Yes, Legolas and I ... "
"No need for denial or explanations after all I hold the power of love in my hand, not only that the blush on your cheeks is a sure indication."
This was what she missed the most, the conversation with one of her closest friends. "Mina, where are the others? Are they here as well?"
At that moment, Mina grew more serious. "I am sorry, Serena but I'm the only person who came. The others feel that I will be the best choice to come and see you. They all wanted to come but technically speaking you are not really dead yet."
"But my starseed ..."
"My daughter, I know of your desire for normalcy ..."
Queen Serenity emerged beside Mina. Tears welled up at the corners of the Princess' eyes as she gazed upon her mother. Mother and daughter embraced and Mina took the opportunity to disappear and leave the royals to their reunion. Queen Serenity peered into the cerulean eyes of her daughter. She could not be more proud of the Moon Princess for she had grown in both wisdom and beauty with the price of losing of her naivety of the hardships of the world. Still as the carrier of the Imperium Silver Crystal, the loss will secure the peace of the world at least for a time. Now, Middle Earth was that world. Princess Serenity looked to her mother for an explanation to Mina's previous declaration.
Queen Serenity let out an exhausted sigh before telling the tale, "As Lady Galadriel had told you, the Imperium Silver Crystal is also known as the Last Crown of the Stars noted in the long forgotten legends of Middle Earth. The Imperium Silver Crystal though flourish on the Moon, it is still not at its fullest potential. Its origins is Middle Earth and when you made your wish for a place of belonging, the crystal naturally picked this place. Over time as you journeyed in the Fellowship, the crystal's magic is heightened. Now the question of your starseed, it is the key to your survival during the Silver Millennium as well as your time in the 21st century which is the
future of the Silver Millennium. However, you are the Crystal's carrier in the world of its natural source of magic and power, your survival depended on the Crystal and not your starseed. The Crystal has its own will and it protected you when your starseed was sacrificed."
"How did you know of my encounter with Lady of the Golden Woods?"
"I am with you always even in spirit. The Elven Queen of Lorien has great many powers and she too holds a power almost if not equal in strength to that of the Imperium Silver Crystal. She is powerful and wise even among her people."
Queen Serenity stopped for a brief moment as she saw that her daughter was absorbing the information before continuing once more.
"The Imperium Silver Crystal essentially have a mind of its own and as its guardian, you will uncover many hidden secrets within this treasure. Certainly, you have been told the legend of Isildur and of the Dark Lord's first attempted rise to power. During those dark times in Middle Earth, Sauron under the influence of the One Ring had cast a legion of Elves out of Middle Earth who had been captured, tortured and left defenseless under the evil bounds. They were powerless to return to Middle Earth and so they resided elsewhere in a desolate place where they could flourish as they once did. The single power source came from one star that seemed to follow them which they bestowed the name of Imperium Silver Crystal for its lustrous silver colour. That particular star was found on the day when the first child was born among them. Those Elves under the Crystal's power but without the magic of Middle Earth evolve - so we say, to our Kingdom on the Moon."
"So we were once Elves ..."
"Yes, so we displayed some of their qualities: the admiration to beauty, purity and peace, even Lunarian is a deprivation of Elvish. The similarities in hair colour and the dominant blue eyes is a clear indication of the ancestry between Elves and Lunarians. Yet, Lunarians are a separate race from the Elves. Their Elven immortality is only laid upon the holder of Imperium Silver Crystal as the first child born of the new race will become the first queen of the Silver Millennium. Many Elven abilities such as their powers of healing, song, swiftness in their walk had been lost over the years without the powers of Middle Earth and as Lunarian, we too had developed in our unique masteries."
"Then what is the purpose of me being here?"
"The release of your starseed was not in vain for you have the fullest access to the powers of Cosmos, not simply the planetary attacks as you used before but also the powers of the Sun, and magic from different dimensions mainly those of Elves. It will become a great resort to you."
She had not realized that she had subconsciously wielded her Cosmetic transformation. Queen Serenity starred at awe at Sailor Cosmos in her full attire but the moment of departure drew near. She must leave her daughter once more hopefully to conquer Middle Earth's greatest fear. She planted a kiss upon the Princess' head and in Lunarian, she said, "In your darkest hour, your heart's desire shall be granted."
Somehow those words sounded familiar but more importantly for it to be spoken in the sacred language of the Moon is even more significant. In the place where Queen Serenity once stood, the Princess of Venus reappeared. "I am here to say my farewells, Serena. Always remember that we are always in your heart and be happy for everything will work out when you realize where you truly belong."
With that, Mina flashed the customary Sailor V peace sign and that was the last image that Serena saw as she found herself fading completely from the ivory white space until ...
--oo--
They had reached the ravaged ruins of what once was Isengard. Gandalf gazed upon the fortress and recalled his last encounter with Saruman, now most likely stripped of the powers in the high order of the Istari. The White Rider indicated for Aragorn and Gimli to follow him into the castle as the Men of Rohan set up camp and placed Legolas and Lady Serenity into camps. They took the silent yet dangerous gleam from the Company to heart as they set forth with their preparations.
As the three original companions of the Fellowship trekked within the seemingly isolated tower, they were met with two mysterious figures. One was clearly sleeping for a soft snore could be heard while his friend was nearby as if he was standing guard. At the sound of footsteps along the marble floor, the guard came into attention and snapped into the direction of the intruders. At the sharp movements, the sleeping form had been aroused and was too starring rather strangely at the three.
"Could my eyes deceive me or perhaps I am still dreaming?" cried the figure as he rubbed the sleep from his playful eyes.
The voice was familiar to the ears of the three but they could scarcely believe their own ears. They walked forward without the heightened caution as they did before upon entering.
As the voice declared once more, "Strider! Master Gimli!"
His friend cried out in alarm, "What are you doing with Saruman?"
The three warriors let down their guard completely for they realized that it was their long lost Hobbits, Merry and Pippin. Gandalf noted their mistake and said, "I am not Saruman but rather, a old friend, my dear Halflings. Now, tell me what debacle you two have gotten yourselves into."
As recognition sank in, questions rambled ceaselessly from the two companions and Gandalf simply gave them an abridged version of the tale for he had came for a purpose. At the promise of a telling the full encounter of the two parties, the Hobbits settled down and informed Gandalf of their current disposition.
Together the five friends entered the grand hall of Isengard with Gandalf bellowing in his mighty voice, "Come forth Saruman! Your reign over the Istari is no more. Come forth now so I can show you mercy!"
"Never!" The voice was not that of Saruman but not of another vile creature. It was sent above and echoed throughout the hall and with that an object was hurled in their direction and not even Gandalf was quick enough to attack. As the Company dispersed to avoid contact, a voice was heard, "Silence Wall."
A familiar yet foreign call soon followed, "Apollo Flare Entrap!"
--oo--
She faded into the white space until she materialized in front of a portal similar to the one at the Time Gates. As she reached forward to push back the door, she heard the soft whisperings of her friends wishing her luck and happiness, words of encouragement that she would cherish in her heart. She knew that this world needed her and even more so as she realized the significance of her race. The Lunarians are nonexistence now as they perished under the dark powers of the Negaverse. Now, she as the last surviving members, she returned with the power to save the lineage of people here in Middle Earth.
She emerged from the door and found herself in a grand hall. She recognized that of Gandalf for his white attire but his back was turned, so the Company with him failed to see an object projected towards. She did the only thing she could as she erected a shield to block their attack. To the enemy, she spotted quite easily as the vile creature let out a growl for the ineffective
attack. New powers of Cosmos rushed through her as she called out one of her new attacks empowered by the Sun.
Fiery orange chain cuffed around the creature as it let out yelp of pain. The bounds themselves were intricate with the symbols of sun engraved on the cuffs and solar flares emitted on the metal leaving an imprint on the wrists of the victim. She dragged the creature from the pillar at the top of tower to bottom. All along, Wormtongue - whom she immediately recognized screamed as her Apollo Flare cuffs burned to his skin but she was unreluctant. As she made her descend, she felt all eyes on her in disbelief.
--oo--
As the purple shield dissipated, and the object fell to a thud on the ground the five looked up to see Wormtongue being loitered by the female warrior. She was familiar but they were convinced that she had died in front of their very eyes. To Merry and Pippin, the maiden seemed almost foreign for they were entranced by her magical powers. As she stood before them in all her glory, it was Pippin who had said first, "Lady Serena, is that you?"
Her eyes focussed on the Hobbit and her eyes held confusion and then innocent gaiety. "Yes, little one."
"But, how could this be, I felt your death."
All turned towards the entrance of the hall to find a blood stained Elf with his limp arm clutching across to his shoulder. Legolas' blue silver eyes pierced into the azure ones of the blond Moon Princess, a synchronized thought ran through their minds, "I love you ..."
End of Chapter 15
AN: A couple of things, I know that Mina was OOC. Also, I did make up Serena's powers from the Sun although the concept is not new, her call attacks and any other descriptions and explanations are original. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chap and don't forget to r/r. Until later, peace!
