The Fall of the Silver Alliance Chapter 4: The Fall of Venus, a sailor moon fanfic

BEATING HEARTS

The Fall of Venus

Princess Minako was relaxing in gardens of the royal palace. Her little nieces were playing a game of hide and seek. The Princess of Venus sighed. She would miss her nieces when she moved to the Moon to protect her cousin, the High Princess. Minako loved her cousin but wished to remain with her family. She dreamed of having a family of her own. That dream would never be fulfilled though. She was to be the leader of the Sailor Senshi, Guardians of the Lunarian Princess Serenity. She touched the silver charm that hung around her neck, a gift from her cousin for her sixteenth birthday. It was a silver heart with an orange crystal set inside. The crystal was called the love crystal, quite fitting since the girl who wore it was the Senshi of Love. It was what her kingdom stood for.

Minako had two older brothers, Eros and Anteros. Eros had sandy blonde hair and gray-blue eyes. He was married to an Earthling named Psyche. He was visiting Earth secretly when they met. She was walking along a beach and he stole her away to his kingdom. Her family believed her to be dead. She gave birth to two little girls named Lilliana and Angelica. Two years after Angelica was born they decided to visit Psyche's family and let them know she was all right. Her family could not believe she married a prince and demanded proof. Psyche left and returned a month later with the royal scepter of Venus. Her family was speechless and embraced her return and wealth. Queen Aphrodite was furious that her daughter-in-law removed the scepter from her kingdom and banished her to a remote place on Earth. Upon hearing this Eros took off to find her leaving his two children behind. That was four years ago. Lilliana was now eight and her sister Angelica was six. Lilliana only vaguely remembered her parents and Angelica only knew them from pictures. Lilliana had her mother's light brown hair and matching eyes. Angelica looked more Venusian with her blonde hair and blue eyes.

Minako's other brother, Anteros, married Aurora, a noble woman from Jupiter. She was on a diplomatic mission when she stole the heart of the bright eyed prince. Aurora died giving birth to their twin daughters, Kalina and Selina. Both twins had dark blonde hair. Kalina however had hazel eyes and Selina had deep green eyes. With Anteros learning how to govern a kingdom in case his brother never returned, Minako was left to watch the seven year old twins.

"Auntie! Auntie! Come play with us!" a little girl yelled.

"I'm coming, Kali," Minako stood up and tied her waist long blonde hair back with a red bow. She wore a pale yellow spaghetti strapped dress that had a red ribbon that wrapped around the empire waist and tied into a bow in the back.

"Auntie Mina, where are Lily and Angel?" Selina asked.

"We're right here, Seli," Lily replied stepping out from behind a tree with her sister.

"Let's play a new game," Kali suggested.

"What game should we play?" Minako asked.

"Auntie Mina can you show us magic?" Angel asked.

"I don't know . . ." Minako started.

"Oh come on, please," Seli and Kali pleaded.

"You could show us some of your Senshi powers," Lily added.

"You know very well that I'm not allowed to use my powers unless I have to defend myself or those I watch over."

"Please," her nieces looked at her with pleading eyes.

"You're no fun anymore," Angel said as she ran out into the middle of the garden.

Kali and Angel followed their cousin. Lily sighed and she too followed her sister.

"She's right you know," a masculine voice stated.

"What do you mean Anteros?"

"Ever since you turned eighteen, you've been moody. What's bothering you?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Well try me."

"I don't want to leave the family too. Father disappeared. Eros left. Psyche was banished. Aurora died. I can't leave as well."

"You are leaving to fulfill a destiny that is noble and brave. Eros left to find his love who was banished because of her family's doubt and jealousy. Aurora had no control over leaving us and father, well, you don't remember father as I did."

"What do you mean? Father was a gentle caring man who ruled with a guiding hand. He loved us dearly."

"He did love us, but he found someone else he loved more. I don't remember her name."

"You're lying. He would never betray our mother."

"I didn't think so either, but this woman came here on business and left with father. All I remember is that she had red hair."

"Anteros what is the point of reliving these memories? Father left ten years ago, Eros and Psyche four, and Aurora seven. Am I to follow their same path and abandon the family?"

"I just told you, you are NOT abandoning us. This is a blessing. Cousin Serenity is sweeter than anyone I've ever met. She will let you return to visit us. We are not that far apart."

"I hope so."

"Cheer up sister dear. Enjoy the time you have left here."

"Thank you brother," Minako hugged her brother and ran off to find her nieces. They were trying to catch a butterfly in the rose garden.

OoO

Queen Aphrodite was sitting in her throne room looking at an old family photo. They looked so happy. Her golden blonde hair fell in soft curls around her face a delicate crown of gold graced her head. Her hazel eyes portrayed the sadness her heart felt. Her husband Carlo ran away from his kingdom with another woman leaving her to run things. Since the royal bloodline ran with her husband, as soon as Anteros was ready he would assume the crown. Her family was broken. One son was off chasing a daughter-in-law that betrayed her trust, the other daughter-in-law was dead, her husband was gone, and her daughter was leaving soon as well. Her four granddaughters were her light during this time. They could always make her smile.

"Grandma! Look what we brought you," Angel yelled as four little princesses ran into the throne room followed by a very disheveled princess.

"Oh my!" the queen replied.

Seli handed her grandma a bouquet of flowers. They resembled miniature hearts. They appeared to shimmer like gold and gave off a pleasant smell.

"Where did you get those?" the queen asked.

"We found them in the corner of the garden. The place was surrounded by a hedge and the entrance was difficult to find," Kali replied.

"I told them not to go in Mother. I told them not to pick the flowers," Minako added.

"What's the harm in picking a few flowers? We wanted to give you something special," Lily spoke up.

"My darlings that garden where you found them is a sacred place. It was a gift from Queen Serenity's mother when she married your Uncle Solati. Everything in there is magical."

"What does that mean?" Kalina and Selina asked at the same time.

Aphrodite smiled at the twins, "It is just that we respect that garden. It is supposed to help you find true love."

"Huh?" Angel asked.

"If you meet with your love in that garden and the flowers glow golden then that is your soul mate. It is a custom that the royal families meet their betrothed in that garden before they are married. Only they know the reaction that occurs and they tell no one," Minako explained.

"Did they glow for you grandma?" Lily asked.

"I can't tell you girls that. It is a secret between your grandfather and me. I appreciate your gesture. Why don't you girls go get cleaned up for dinner. Minako, please sit down I need to discuss something with you."

"What is it mother?" Minako asked after her nieces left.

"Tomorrow night is your last night here. I have made arrangements with your aunt. A Royal Transport will pick you up to keep you safe. I have some things I wish you to have," the queen pulled out a small chest and opened it. "This was given to me by your father when we first met."

The queen handed her only daughter a golden locket with a heart-shaped wreath of roses surrounding the symbol of Venus. Minako opened the locket and inside it had two pictures inside, one of her mother and one of her father.

"It's beautiful," Minako replied. "Thank you!"

"This," her mother said while pulling out a solid gold rose, "has been in my family for over a hundred years. Keep it close to your heart and I'll always be with you."

"Thank you mother," tears were filling her eyes. "This means so much. These are your greatest treasures."

"No, you and your brothers and my granddaughters are my greatest treasures."

"Oh mother, I don't want to leave. I want to stay here, and have a family. I don't want to fight."

"It's all right my child. I know this is a lot of responsibility, but the High Queen and Princess are peaceful rulers. Your job is mainly to be a friend to your cousin and I'm sure she'll allow you to have a life outside of you duties."

"I know, but I can't help but think that our peace will soon be over," Minako left the throne room with her treasures and went to her room.

"I don't know what to do," she spoke to her walls. "I have to make a decision between my duty and my heart. The others never had any doubts about what they had to do. How can I lead them and advise the Princess if my heart is here with my family?"

OoO

"Your highness is that you?" a guard asked an elderly man.

"Yes, I have returned."

"What happened to you? You aged so much."

His once golden hair had lost its sheen and was now a dull straw yellow color. His blue eyes were now dull and lifeless.

"I just want to rest."

"Come with me, Sire."

The guard led his king to the dining room where the Royal Family was eating, "Pardon the interruption, but I believe this is important."

The guard stepped aside to reveal the tired king, "Daddy!"

Mina ran to hug her father, but stopped when she was two feet away from him, "What happened to you?"

"It is a long story."

"Grandma, who is that?" Lily asked.

"Annette, will you kindly take the girls to their quarters to finish their meal?"

"Yes, ma'am. Come on you four," the servant led the children out a side door.

"What are you doing here?" Aphrodite demanded.

"I am tired and I've come home to be with my family. Where's Eros? And were those my grandchildren?"

"Father, Eros is searching for his wife on Earth. She was banished four years ago for stealing the scepter."

"Minako, be quiet."

"Anteros, take your sister and leave us to talk in private please."

"But Mother . . ."

"Minako please. Just go."

Minako stormed out followed by her brother.

"The nerve he has to return now."

"Anteros, I wish I could have stayed and heard his explanations."

"No you don't. It would have been better if he never returned."

"Don't say that. He is our father."

Minako ran off to her rooms and collapsed in her bed. That night she cried herself to sleep that night.

OoO

"Why are you back?"

"I've made a mistake. I realized it. I've spent the last ten years in a voluntary exile. I've made amends. I wanted to come home and see my family in my last days."

"What?"

"I know I'm dying I can feel it."

"I can't forgive you for leaving just like that. I loved you. We may not have been soul mates, but I loved you with all of my heart. Did you take that other woman to the Garden? Did the flowers glow for you two? If they did I understand, even though I can't forgive you. We made a decision that day to marry in spite of the flowers not glowing because I was pregnant. Do you regret that decision as well?"

"I do not regret my life before leaving. You were the only one I ever went to the Garden with. I loved you. I still do and always have. My mind was in a fog all those years ago. When it lifted I realized my mistake."

"Why did it take you so long to return?"

"I didn't know if you would accept me back."

"You hurt me and your family. You missed the weddings of your sons and the births of your granddaughters. You missed your daughter being chosen to guard the High Princess. You missed watching your children grow. I can't forget those things."

"I'm sorry."

"And just so you know, I never stopped loving you and would have accepted you back."

The queen left her husband to think about what she said. A lot of tears were shed that night.

OoO

Minako finished her packing. She would be leaving later that night. She wanted to stay more than ever now. Her father had returned. She wanted to get to know him. Anteros was angry he returned. She had not seen her brother all morning. He locked himself in his quarters and refused to even see his children.

"Auntie Mina, can we help with anything?" Lily asked.

"Sure, why don't you help me pack my jewelry."

The four girls walked over to their aunt's jewelry box. It was made of oak and had gold engravings.

"What do these symbols mean?" Selina asked.

Mina walked over, "Well you'll recognize this as the symbol of Venus." Minako pointed to a large heart over a cross. "The flowers are the same flowers that you picked earlier. The chain of hearts that wrap around the box represent the power of Venus."

"I don't understand," Angel asked.

"Venus rules the heart. All Venusians are gifted in deciphering the true feelings of the heart. We can sense love between two people. It is especially strong in women of the royal line. I am doubly gifted though since I was chosen to represent our kingdom among the High Princess's Royal Guards."

"How come we've never met our cousin?" Kalina asked.

"Princess Serenity rarely leaves her home. She is so well guarded; it is nearly impossible to get near her."

"Why?" Lily asked.

"She is the only heir to the Alliance. People have already threatened her life. It has become unsafe for her to leave her home unprotected."

"Why doesn't she ask for protection then?" Kalina asked.

"She does not want to be a burden to others. Now let's finish packing. It's almost lunchtime and I'm hungry."

OoO

Lunchtime was uneventful. No one talked about her father coming home. No one discussed her leaving that night. Minako was beginning to feel neglected by her family. She felt as if they did not care if she left. She moped around her room the rest of the afternoon. It was dinnertime by the time she finally left her room. Her transport would pick her up in half an hour. She would have one last meal with her family before leaving.

Minako walked into the dining room and stopped in shock. The entire room was decorated in her favorite color, orange. Red hearts and roses filled the room. There was even a sign saying 'We'll miss you!' in bright red letters. Tears filled Minako's eyes.

"Auntie Mina, are you surprised?" Kalina asked.

"Of course she is," Selina replied.

"Can we give it to her now?" Angel asked.

"I guess," Lily took a package from behind her back and presented it to her aunt.

Minako opened in up, "It's beautiful. Thank you."

"It reminded us of you," Kalina replied.

"Go put it on!" Angel ordered.

Minako went to her rooms and changed into the dress her nieces bought her. The vibrant orange ball gown skirt brushed the floor. The white body suit top hugged her feminine figure. A yellow bow on her back reached the floor. Another navy bow over her chest held an orange cape that had two white lines around the edge. In the middle of the bow was an orange crystal. To complete the outfit Minako pulled on white gloves that reached her elbow. The gloves were held in place by orange bands of fabric. It reminded Minako of her Senshi uniform.

She reentered the room with tears in her eyes, "Thank you again."

"Auntie Mina you look so beautiful," Lily hugged her aunt.

"My dear Minako, the transport will be here in a few minutes," her mother approached the group of girls. "I love you sweetie. You'll do fine. I'm proud of you."

The mother and daughter hugged as Anteros approached, "Sister, don't worry Serenity will keep you so busy you won't have a chance to miss us."

She hugged her brother and then kissed each of her nieces goodbye.

"I'll miss you all."

"Can I say good bye to my daughter."

"Daddy!" Minako called and ran to her father. "It's unfair that I have to leave when you just only returned."

"Don't worry. We'll all be together soon enough."

"Huh?"

"When Beryl ascends to the throne, we'll finally be together."

"What are you talking about?" Minako pulled away from her father.

His eyes held a strange red tint to them.

"Minako, step away from him," her mother ordered.

"Daddy, what's the matter?" Minako slowly stepped away from her father.

Anteros stepped in front of his daughters and nieces.

"Daddy, what's going on?" Selina asked.

"I'm scared," Kalina added.

"Me too," Angel said.

"Beryl and I shall rule the universe. The others already fell. You cannot withstand her powers."

A dark hole appeared next to King Carlo and out stepped a snake-like woman with flaming red hair.

"You!" Anteros screamed.

Minako stood there with a puzzled look on her face.

"Yes little prince. I have returned to claim what is mine," she snaked an arm around Carlo and with a jerk of her hand sliced his throat. He fell to the ground lifeless. "Who's next?"

Anteros lunged at Beryl and she sent waves of negative energy at him. Anteros hit the ground and rolled. The negative energy veered its path and headed for the four little girls. No one could move fast enough. The girls screamed as the energy hit them full force. Kalina and Selina died holding each other. Lily died trying unsuccessfully to shield Angel. The family was heartbroken. The watched their future die. Anteros filled with rage lunged again at Beryl. She sent more energy at him and this time he did not dodge it.

Aphrodite was holding Minako back. Rage filled their eyes. At that moment the Royal Transport landed. Lunarian soldiers filed out and ushered Minako to safety within. Her mother refused to leave and pulled away from the guards. She mouthed 'I love to' to Minako and faced Beryl.

"You will not succeed in your plans. You will be stopped. If not by me, then by the High Queen."

"What can you do to stop me?" Beryl sneered.

Queen Aphrodite pulled all of her energy to her. She began to glow a soft gold. When the energy reached its peak she sent it flying at Beryl. Beryl easily side stepped the attack. Aphrodite drained of her energy collapsed on the ground.

"Princess, we must get you out of here. You are in too much danger," a guard ushered her away from the window and too a seat.

"I won't go!" Minako tried to fight, but was restrained.

With one last glance out of the window, Minako saw Beryl release a massive amount of energy enveloping her entire kingdom. When the blackness lifted a few minutes later, everything was gone. No wind blew and no animals traveled the land. No people bustled around. Her kingdom was dead. Minako cried silently to herself and drifted to sleep.

OoO

The Princess of Venus awoke in a soft bed surrounded by whiteness.

"It's about time you woke up. You're worse than Serenity," a gentle voice replied.

"Ami?"

"Hey don't forget us!"

"Rei, Makoto? Where am I?"

"Your in the Lunarian Palace," replied a voice that reminded Minako of tinkling bells.

"Your highness," Minako sprang up to bow.

"Now none of that cousin. You know very well that I don't like that kind of formality from my friends," Serenity smiled softly. "I am also deeply sorry. The guards told us what happened. We are doing everything we can to locate Beryl."

"She already destroyed our kingdoms and we haven't heard from the others," Ami replied.

"How long have I've been here?" Minako asked.

"A few days," Makoto answered.

"I can't believe they're all gone," Minako rambled.

The girls just let her talk. It would take time for her to return to normal. They would give her some time before forming a plan to stop Beryl.

"Serenity?"

"Yes, Minako."

"Do you think that we can stop Beryl?"

"I hope so, cousin, I hope so."

OoO

AN: OK Minako's story is finished. I hope it made sense. Next chapter will take place on the Moon and we'll find out about the Outers. Please review and tell me what you think, be honest.

Love ya guys,

KoKo Belle