Luna drummed her fingers against the pale flesh of her arm, it had been seventeen years since she last saw her husband. It was probably the only time she questioned if her insistence that they serve Queen Serenity the way they did was worth it, though seventeen years was hardly an extensive time period for people as long lived as they were. Everything that had made it worth it to her was slouching against the wall, fidgeting her fingers nervously, planets away and lost in her own head. She stood beside three other girls with perfect posture, the very image of Princesses and Soldiers, all well mannered aside from short whispers they exchanged in excitement. She exhaled deeply, soft blue eyes falling back to the smallest of the girls who had always given Luna the most trouble.
"Stand up Serenity, it's' a big day." Luna sighed, scolding the young Princess as she walked toward her to try and smooth the silvery blonde strands of her pigtails that flowed freely from two buns on her head in perfect replication of her Mother. She pulled the girl, who began to pout adorably, up by the arms to straighten her posture and with urgent hands tried to tame some of the wrinkles from the skirts of her white gown from her careless and rather clumsy movements. Serenity was an unstoppable ball of energy most days, unkempt normally because she wore white typically and couldn't keep a gown clean for more than five minutes. Serenity's eyes were almost glowing with excitement and Luna tried in vain to get her to stand still like the other girls and show some grace for the arrival of Artemis and the long awaited Sailor Venus.
The three girls in question stood side by side in similar yet different colored uniforms according to the planets they hailed from. The only misstep noticed by Luna was how Mars shifted her violet eyes to the excited Princess and frowned. Of course it was Serenity to make the unladylike face back at her over some spat they had that morning and the Soldier of War had enough sense to simply turn her head away stubbornly, not about to bring on Luna's wrath. Normally Luna knew this would have turned into an all out verbal war that resulted in Serenity's cries that the other girls would tame while she dealt with Mars in hopes of not being set on fire.
"Do you think she'll like me?" Serenity had asked this about a hundred times that morning already. The other girls groaned earning an exasperated sigh from Luna. The girls were all more like sisters, growing up together forming bonds that Venus was left out of. She was to be set apart since she had to act as their leader, and she was only born three years prior when these girls were born one by one and raised in close proximity over the years. The Queen had used the Silver Crystal to initiate her own pregnancy, having the smallest slice cut from the crystal itself to absorb into her body to create the tiny Princess in her womb. She often thought the way the Goddess insisted on a normal pregnancy with Serenity spoke volumes of the bond they had. Luna remembered watching the young Princesses while Queen Serenity held luncheons and meetings with other Queens about her great plans for the Silver Millennium. Earth was always a sore subject but Luna wasn't as involved as she would have liked to be because she often had diapers to change or someone's spit up to tend to. Her smile warmed at the thought because Artemis would be home soon and she had been excited to begin a family of her own.
Princess Serenity was the closest thing she had to a daughter and absently her hand gently ran through one of her pigtails, watching as the young girl's big blue eyes turned happier with the smallest hint of affection. The Silver Crystal's power depended on the heart of its wielder and Luna wondered knowing the girl's pure heart how much more powerful she would become in comparison to her Mother. The thought was both terrifying and saddening knowing the awful and beautiful burden she'd take on. She recognized her over excitement as nerves and in moments like this between the two, she could almost see the Silver Crystal reflected in her eyes.
"I don't think there is a soul alive that couldn't love you Serenity." Luna finally replied, placing her hands on the Princess's cheeks affectionately and giving a maternal smile. The girl's thin arms threw themselves around her waist in a familiar hug and the Mauan woman couldn't help but giggle with her. Luna was often a strict mentor and tutor, but soft and gentle when the occasion called for it. She found herself often curt with her young Princess because she needed the discipline, so she took each moment like this she could to reflect how much she truly loved the girl.
Attentions shifted with the soft click of the front door opening letting the soft filtered light from outside penetrate the blue reflected light of the glass dome above them casting silver across the marbled floor. Luna was ashamed when it wasn't her loving husband she noticed first, but the sunlit girl at his side. She blinked a few times, certain it wasn't possible that she was born a mere three years ago because she stood to Artemis' shoulder and her appearance seemed to defy the very atmosphere she occupied. Her hair was radiant sunlight that she hadn't seen since her days on Mau, eyes a crystal blue like the seas of Earth and shifted gold in some lights like the power of the chain around her waist.
For a moment she thought she was looking at Serenity's sister, their features just similar enough to be alarming. While Serenity was all innocence and purity, this girl being a matured Venusian held fuller curves already toned by intensive training and the very nature of her own people. Her eyes were hard and there was a sharpness in her that stunned despite the very soft appearance of her full lips and perfect skin. Luna became aware rather suddenly that she was staring, and her eyes met the very amused expression on her beautiful husband's face as though he understood her rapture with the girl at his side.
She lost all control really because of course Serenity was the first to fly forward in a clumsy display of white skirts to catch Artemis in a warm hug though it was her first time meeting him in person, before the girl called Venus fell prey to her unrelenting admirations. She shook her head slowly, the smile creeping across her face as the Mauan guardian threw formalities out the window and rushed into her husbands waiting arms with a force that almost knocked him down in a flurry of her yellow dress and dark hair. She buried her face into the white fabric of his usual uniform, inhaling the scent of him she'd longed for for too many years. Artemis was all foolish grins and happiness when she peered up at him in order for more proper introductions.
"Venus, I would like for you to meet your Princess, Princess Serenity." He gestured to the girl already wrapped around her arm staring up in admiration. "This is my wife Luna, Adviser to the Queen." He smiled again, squeezing Luna around the waist and turning to kiss the crescent moon on her forehead, the two Guardians growing lost in each other while Serenity was left to torment the poor Venusian.
Venus was feeling overwhelmed. Her heart thrummed wildly in her throat when she stared wide eyed at the girl with the wide silvery blue eyes and paler blonde hair that could have been her relative. The girl was beautiful, and infectious and Venus had to fight back an intimidating notion that she would fail. There was such faith, and complete acceptance in this girl's eyes that made fear of all she was supposed to be to her so heavy suddenly. She swallowed hard, realizing she forgot her place already, and quickly took the girl's hand, beginning to drop to one knee. I cannot fail her...
"It's my pleasure to be in your cou-" Serenity yanked her arm with an unassuming strength to pull her back to her feet with a bell-like giggle that emanated warmth and eased some of the tension in her chest. The Princess was hugging her tight and Venus shifted her eyes to the two Guardians taking a moment to stare back at them without much amusement. She wanted to shrug but Serenity's arms were restricting so she could only give them a look that suggested she had tried to be proper.
"Please don't be so formal with me Venus, you are my family now and I suspect we'll be fast friends." Serenity laughed at the tension on her brow and gave her a kiss on the jewel of her circlet before the admiration took over her wide blue eyes again. Venus just smiled, feeling more at east because she'd been so scared that the rest of her life would be all formalities and manners. Yet this girl was a silver ball of pure energy and she felt excitement and nervous that Serenity was now her responsibility. 'Now I know how Artie feels...' she thought suddenly. I will NOT fail her.
"I absolutely think we will Princess, I am so glad you'd rather be more like friends..." Serenity giggled and leaned forward with that glint in her eye Venus knew she'd probably see all too often.
"I'm glad you aren't some stick in the mud from Mars." They shared a laugh, both shifting their guilty stares over at the two Guardians who glared at the two blonde girls, seemingly exhausted already.
Venus became aware of the rest of the room suddenly, shifting her guilty blue eyes to the atmosphere behind the Princess who still held both of her hands. How elegant and like Venus the Moon palace was save for the lack of bright colors and flora, it was replaced by marble statues and pillars, silver veining in the marble that sparkled in the dimly lit lights of the windows. There was a faint sweet smell that mingled with a soothing musk and the overall atmosphere was calming and intensely elegant. Rainbows were cast across the floor from crystals adorning chandeliers and candlesticks, mingling with the purple, blue, and some pink flowers elegantly arranged from what she could see of the immediate hallway. She noted three girls of similar age standing together with tensed lips that spoke of need to speak to each other, and also of the very tall woman behind them.
She knew this must be the Queen because her hairstyle was a perfect replication of the young Princess that seemed to straighten her posture and demeanor in the presence of her mother. Her hair was a pale silver shade, her tall form sheathed in a white satin gown that fit her curves perfectly and flared at her knees to the floor. What Venus recognized was the liquid silver hue of her eyes like two polished coins beneath her thick black lashes and when she stepped forward at the Princess' slow approach she floated and she knew immediately why Serenity was the royal namesake of this kingdom.
Queen and Princess whispered briefly and the taller woman brandished a crystal bladed sword seemingly from the thin air around her and placed it with purpose in the younger girl's hands. Comically, Princess Serenity's posture improved to perfection as she walked with care not to trip over her long flowing dress. She stopped just in front of her, struggling with a serene and regal expression that seemed to mimic the Queen she placed the Holy Blade into Venus's gloved hands.
"On behalf of the Silver Millennium, the Court of the Moon Kingdom. I, Princess Serenity, bestow this gift, this holy blade into your hand as a symbol of your pledge to protect and fight with love and justice for this great age of peace." Serenity smiled, seemingly very pleased with herself and she leaned forward just slightly to whisper. "And I hope you never have to use it!" She'd done so well, and now Luna was glaring at her. Venus stifled her laugh lest she suffer the same wrath from Artemis and she took the gorgeous sword into her hands.
"So do I Princess...so do I." She whispered in response, her eyes shifting in time to see the slight shift of Artemis' ears and the tension that overtook his brow. She examined the blade briefly as it gained heat beneath her gloves. The blade threw rainbows across the floor as it picked up the light like a prism. The hilt was gold, embossed with jewels that seemed to match the skirts of the girls she had yet to meet and centered with the crest of the Moon Kingdom. The weapon itself was surprisingly light for its size and hummed with pure power that was different from the chain. It was Lunar power and it calmed and intimidated her with its warmth that became almost burning in intensity. Venus closed her eyes, she could hear a faint gasp from Serenity in front of her as she reached out with her own power until the blade accepted her, embracing her with a serene feeling and returned to cool crystal. The sword unsummoned as Artemis taught her, it would come naturally because Holy weapons spoke without words to their masters.
Venus straightened her back, eyes snapping open with her usual determination and she lifted her chin with a well controlled breath. Princess Serenity stepped to the side, following closely when she sauntered toward the Queen in a gait that suggested regality and seduction as was in her nature. She dropped slowly to one knee in a graceful act, her gold hair falling in curtains around her when she bowed to her new Queen who didn't stop her as her daughter had from the formality.
"I am Sailor Venus, Princess of Venus and daughter of Aphrodite, sovereign of Love. I am born to your service as key protector to the Silver Millennium and guardian to the Princess Serenity. As Soldier of Love my oath is to protect and lead the Silver Alliance into an age of peace and raise the Sailor Soldiers to smite any force that threatens it." Venus stood slowly, her gold countenance nearly defying the silver of the Queen in front of her and yet her silver eyes held warmth somehow and she smiled sweetly.
"It is my honor that you join my court Venus. My cousin, your Mother is very proud." She reached with a long arm to run a hand through her hair in a maternal gesture that sent warmth through her body. Queen Serenity lowered her face toward her ear as though she could sense the way Venus longed to return home to her own Mother. "I know of what you sacrifice, don't ever believe that you are not loved, and we are not grateful." She whispered against her golden hair and kissed the top of her head lovingly. Venus peered up at her with a nod, her practiced stoicism falling away for a moment in understanding that this was now her home. "Let's introduce you to your soldiers."
Venus nodded, walking with the Queen the few short steps toward the girls who seemed brimming with anticipation. She felt nervous herself but more excited as she followed the short steps with the Queen's reassuring hand resting at her back.
"This is Sailor Mars, Rei is her given name though like you these girls were to forsake those names. She is daughter to Ares and Athena, fierce and wise as she is beautiful. She is a fire bender, uses the element in tandem with her psychic abilities. Her intuition has gone unmatched for her age and she is one of the fiercest fighters we've witnessed yet." Venus eyed the yin to her yang, knowing that love and war were often related from her studies and was curious of how they would get along. She felt held captive by the intensity of her unwavering stare and wondered how such beauty wasn't divinely crafted as she and Serenity had been. Her skin was pale and perfect, hair black as a raven's wing with an ink like quality that cast a violet sheen that matched her eyes. She seemed to stare back at Venus with appraisal and though her expression was hard to read, she could see stubbornness in the fire lit behind those dark violet eyes. Unlike many she had met, the Martian had no trouble looking at her or holding her gaze where others shrunk or shied away from her. There was a mystery about Mars that intrigued and Venus supposed she'd have all the time in the world to unravel her.
"Next is Sailor Mercury, or Ami. Princess of Mercury and daughter of Hermes and Maia. She's the wisest scholar of our Galaxy, absolutely brilliant and very talented. You two will partner well together I think but her intelligence surpasses the ancients of her planet. She will be quick to teach and guide you in any way she can but we keep her busy in her library with special projects. Mercury is a water bender, she is quite cunning with it in battle but mostly she excels tactically." This girl would not look her in the eye. Her cheeks were flushed appealingly against the blue hue of her cropped hair in a style purely Mercurian. She was lithe and nymph-like and otherworldly in appearance though Venus realized a very unique sort of beauty no less potent than Mars. Her eyes were large and water like, round like Serenity's and almost owl-like with the knowledge crammed behind them. She held an allure all her own though she was quiet and clearly shy the way she flushed even more furiously when her gaze shifted at her then to the floor when she offered a shallow bow. Mercury was known for their innovation, their technological advances and scholars that nearly wrote every history book or piece of literature she'd ever read. Venus wasn't sure how she managed to flush more when she placed a gloved hand on the girls shoulder and smiled reassuringly, but decided right away that it was absolutely adorable.
"Last but certainly not least, this is Sailor Jupiter or Makoto- Daughter of Zeus and Hera. Not of divine birth but certainly divine blood. She is our fiercest and strongest warrior, an expert in both hand to hand combat as well as weaponry. Like Zeus himself she commands lightning and thunder, weaponizes her ability to summon storms and bend them to her will. She can certainly best any Martian warrior." At this Venus could see the sneer on Mar's face from the corner of her eye but became too taken with the tall girl in front of her. She was taller than all of them, very toned and like herself showing full signs of womanhood though Jupiter was younger than herself. Venus was surprised to notice the girl's beauty first because the longer she looked up at her the more beautiful the girl became. Her hair was pulled up high on her head in a ponytail that cascaded natural auburn curls down her back and framed insanely green eyes. She was soft, and her smile friendly and welcoming as the bear hug that took Venus's breath away while Serenity rambled on about her baking and cooking skills in ways that made her anxious to sample them. Venus hadn't realized how hungry she was.
"It's so nice to finally meet you Venus! I baked way too much so I hope you're hungry!" Makoto smiled at her again and Venus felt at ease, offering her own warm smile and she nodded an affirmative that she was in fact, starving. Princess Serenity joined their hug, her small form butting in between their arms and whispered between the two of them with a dead serious expression.
"You baked enough cookies for me, right?" Venus burst into laughter with Jupiter, noting the confused look between Mars and Mercury who just nodded and folded her hands in front of her. She felt content in the moment to claim this pale land as her home, attentions turning to the guard that began to enter the palace, lugging her belongings to her quarters through the main halls. She noticed the girls trying to glimpse her dresses, or stare at the vibrancy of some of the fabrics that stood out perhaps too much against the white and silver marble.
The Queen took the opportunity to take her leave of them. She had matters to tend to and issued a short order to Luna and Artemis to get the girls settled in the gardens for lunch and some time to get to know each other. Venus had a mind to frown that the Guardians who still clung to each other and stole loving glances were put immediately back to work. Artemis obliged though, lacing his fingers with Luna and gesturing for the girls to follow him.
"You're really beautiful." Serenity said bluntly while they followed the Mauan's down the halls. Venus peered over at her, dragging her eyes to the Princess from their wandering gaze around her at the vast palace. Their arms were linked and Serenity practically dragged Venus along with promise of baked goods.
"So are you silly." Venus smiled and laughed just slightly, turning the Princess's cheeks an adorable pink shade.
"No...I'm small. Mars says I'm still just a child, though she's the same age as me." She whispered, the two blondes peeking behind them to see Mars glaring in their direction with her arms crossed while Makoto attempted to talk to her about something. Venus gave the Martian soldier a wink, making her cheeks flare red and her violet stare turn soft and drift to the floor at her side. She almost laughed when Mercury turned a vibrant red also and Venus hadn't even really looked at her.
"Trust me Serenity, you're beautiful." She looked back at her Princess and gave her arm a light squeeze. The stars in Serenity's eyes made her smile broader. The girl was indeed smaller, the shortest of them all in fact but her skin was smooth and unflawed, her huge cobalt blue eyes laced with silvered innocence that looked like the stars in the night sky, round where hers were more almond shaped. Her lips were pouty and full, a soft rose shade that complimented her pale complexion and almost silver blonde hair. Her body was softer, untoned by the worries of training but curved and proportionate in comparison to her own deep hourglass curves so finely cut by harsh battle training. She was purity incarnate and soft all around but shapely all the same. She was innocence to the sensuality that Venus wore like a badge.
Jupiter took a few long strides to walk on the other side of her, her emerald eyes appraising her for a moment before regarding some of the Lunar guard they walked by.
"Do all men look at you with such want?" She whispered. The girls all seemed to be rather blunt and fascinated by her. Venus tried to not be flattered but she hadn't even noticed the attention she raised as they walked by.
"Jupiter hush!" Serenity scolded unable to hide her own fascination and amusement. Venus shifted her gaze to one of the guards and he turned bright red and shifted beneath her stare. Jupiter whistled softly and looked back down at her new leader.
"I guess that answers my question." She muttered earning a scoff from Mars behind them.
"I could do worse." Venus smirked and she could almost hear Mars rolling her eyes already the way she shifted the saunter of her hips more when she walked, pleased with the flip of her orange skirt. Serenity giggled and Jupiter stared down at her with raised brows at the deviance behind her gold laced eyes. Mercury was trying to hide behind the blackened curtain of the Martian's hair. All that stopped her was the paternal look that Artemis turned to give her and she smiled back defiantly but no further action was taken though it was said that the guard were more heavily distracted the rest of the day than normal.
They were lead out onto a large veranda. All white stone and raised from the vast and strange pale gardens that stretched seemingly forever. There was a ridiculous amount of food and baked goods stretched along a table that would fit them comfortably. Venus couldn't help but notice how right it all felt. She was an outsider but she was accepted, or maybe it was just the lovely Princess who was getting a quick talking to from Luna and pouting.
She could see already that Serenity was indeed going to be a handful. When she turned to join the girls who were already grouped together leaving Venus seemingly forgotten, the Princess tripped on the hem of her dress, falling hard to the white marble tile and fell to dramatic tears. Venus felt almost shocked when Mars simply rubbed her temple and walked away toward the table while Jupiter and Mercury helped the girl to her feet and were currently assessing the damage. It was natural to her when she stepped in front of the teary eyed Princess and brushed her tears away with the glove of her hand, pausing the other girl's movement and they seemed frozen to watch her. Serenity's cries died down as well, blinking her crystalline eyes a few times at the warmth in Venus's smile, she threw her arms around her neck and Venus fell madly in love.
It was a far stretch of the love she dreamt of, the daydreams she lost herself in sometimes of some gorgeous foreign man dripping with passion of course. Happily ever after wasn't in the cards for her, she knew this, and while she longed for her Prince she'd be happy to settle for the Princess. Venus had often wondered if she would love Serenity because it was written in her own destiny that she would or if she truly would love this girl. She was elated to find that she couldn't help herself from adoring her. The love she already felt for Serenity was more than she ever hoped for.
She learned quickly by Serenity's eating habits how she had so much energy. She ate them all under the table. Mars wrinkled her nose and gave a half disgusted face while the rest of them talked and laughed and Venus could easily see the complicated way Mars showed love judging by her reactions to her Princess. She could feel the love between them though, heartwarming and complicated as she was told love would be. She also learned that Serenity's attention span was impressive, halving her very one short one as a testament to the traits of the Lunar people. They were similar to Venusians without such open airways to love and the more amorous tendencies that other cultures deemed scandalous.
They held stricter and often more polished formalities their people were peaceful, playful and slow to mature, seemingly fueled by sugar and innocence. This of course was directly clashing to the maturity and intuition of the Martian people which made sense why they didn't always get along. Serenity was a young beauty, wild, and carefree it seemed though somewhere along the way she became intensely sweet, kind, exceedingly considerate- except when it came to food- but if someone seemed sad or distant, Serenity was the first person to let them know how much they were loved.
Falling in line with these girls was rather easy for Venus. She found that Mercury was mortified by almost everything while they sat there and she described her home, and her life so far. Venus thought the poor Mercurian would begin sweating blood when she talked about the playful soldier who would steal kisses from her during training and how nice it was. Serenity blushed at the notion that Venus had already kissed men, Jupiter was enamored, and Mars was far less amused throwing her two cents in that boys didn't matter, and they never would. The rest of the morning was spent lazing on that veranda, Venus answering what questions she could from Mercury about the Castle Magellan's physics since it basically doubled as her planet, and though Mars joined in somewhere along the line, Jupiter and Serenity were more interested in the beauty of her people, the fashion, and of course more about kissing boys.
The afternoon grew late, and the castle staff began to clear the banquette the girls ate through and continued to snack on throughout the morning. Venus watched with interest of her own the beautiful silver haired women with their wide blue, violet, or grey eyes that were draped in thicker satin robes of white and silver as they came to clear plates. She thought they were beautiful with their pale skin and graceful movements thinking how even the house staff seemed to embody the namesake of their Queen. The girls gathered her, eager to give her a tour of the castle and escape the prying ears of adults. Venus found herself more studying the guard or servants they passed but paid closer attention to Serenity while they walked as to not be rude.
The palace was breathtaking, and again quite similar to Venus but instead of vibrant golds, oranges, and reds that accented and overwhelmed her own planet, there was more silver, blue, and small accents of purples and greens. There wasn't much color in the palace and perhaps that was what made it so breathtaking. There were small hints of gold around as well, seemingly lost beneath the silver but she'd learned in her lessons that the Silver Kingdom of the Moon was supposed to be a dual powerhouse with the Golden Kingdom of Earth, a partnership that had never come to be- and never would.
The lights were dimming when Serenity lead them up some stairs into what was the Sailor's Wing like the rest of the palace was all white polished stone and large ornate pillars. One side was open to the outdoors by a vast wide balcony that Venus noticed had a breathtaking view of the palace grounds and the giant marbled planet above them. There was one door that was attached to this balcony and Serenity said that it would be Venus's chamber because it had a perfect view of her own balcony for security reasons. The other side of the hall held the three doors of the other girls, and in the center was a side entrance to the Inner Sanctum where the royal's slept and the Silver Crystal was kept under Queen Serenity's care.
She was tired, her blue eyes weary from the emotionally intensive day. The other girls spoke casually now, but Venus noticed Serenity leaning against the balcony, her wide silvery eyes lifted toward the planet above them that held so much beauty and mystery and was ever so forbidden. There was a strange cast to the girl's face and Venus stepped cautiously beside her.
"It's really beautiful, don't you think?" Serenity sighed, a dream like smile spread across her lips and she melted against the railing.
"It is beautiful." Venus heard herself responding, nearly hypnotized by the swirl of the white clouds the shielded the lands from view. She'd taken her fair share of Terran studies, mostly she thought they only served to scare them. She wasn't afraid of powerless beings who were born to die in such short intervals. Venus thought she pitied them more than anything because they never lived long enough to advance or evolve into their potentials. Her lips turned to a slight frown, shifting her gaze away from the planet above to the dream-struck Princess at her side. "You seem very enamored with the planet Princess."
"Probably all those silly stories she reads that she's not supposed to." Mars stepped forward, her arms crossed defiantly, as they always seemed to be, and she nudged Serenity with an elbow making the Princess turn to scowl at her briefly. "They have legends too you know, big strong royalty that may or may not have magic, said to be of the Heavens themselves and just as beautiful." Serenity pinched Mars's arm now, nudging her away with an adorable pout. Mars only muttered something about a royal brat and that she was tired and going to bed. Venus observed of course, they spoke as though she didn't know the legends of the Elysian lands of heroes and heavenly royalty that did in fact exist because she'd already met their King and Queen and they were lovely.
"She likes to read them when we're supposed to be studying. Jupiter isn't much better." Mercury mentioned as she stepped beside Venus with a briefly annoyed expression. She sighed and offered a small smile because her interest was piqued of course and Mercury raised a brow when Venus turned to her suddenly.
"Is there reading I could do on this? I have been told of the legends but they do keep them vague, and as a leader I should be well informed even on stories if I'm to properly protect the Kingdom. Stories come from somewhere right?" Mercury looked hesitant but at least Venus was honest about her interests. At the blue haired guardian's nod she smiled, turning her attentions back to Serenity who was whispering excitedly with Jupiter. "Serenity, thank you for today. I think we should all rest up and meet tomorrow morning for training and you, for your lessons." Her smiled was beaming and the Princess could only deadpan along with Jupiter at her side.
"You just got here Venus! We can take another day to get to know each other right?!" Venus smirked, shifting to kiss the Princess' forehead and shook her head slowly.
"Get to bed. Both of you." Her smile was warm when she spoke and Serenity and Jupiter gave simultaneous pouted nods and defeated expressions. The Jovian lead their Princess away with a hand on her back toward her rooms, and tired as she was, Venus felt anxious. "Now. Could I see this book? I know a bit about Earthen rule but I'd like to start with these forbidden stories if I may." Venus grinned wolfishly at Mercury who rolled her eyes but smiled directly after. She hooked her arm with the other girl and followed her to the library carefully nestled off the balcony down the hall opposite their rooms.
Mercury was almost thankful to hand over the worn volume, knowing it would prevent the other girls from getting distracted from their studies though only time would tell how trustworthy the book would be in the hands of their new leader.
No one was around to usher Venus to her rooms. Mercury lingered in the library over hours lost on a project she'd been working on. Apparently a Mercurian trait was not needing much sleep which she brushed off when she walked back down the hall, pausing once more to glance up at the forbidden planet. Be it weariness or nerves, Venus could feel a draw to the planet or even a draw to revisit the King and Queen who embraced her so warmly that it stole any fears from her of their people. Or perhaps that was her growing power that would be so lethal to one of them should she need to use it. She never thought she would.
Her rooms were dimly lit by colored lanterns when she stepped in, a familiar scent lingering on the air and Venus was touched by the way the Lunars tried so hard to keep her rooms as close in design to Magellan as possible. She set her book on the nightstand, her things from home already put away and neat though she had a mind to laugh at the high necked cotton nightgown that had been left out for her. Venus de transformed and pulled her favorite robe out of her wardrobe, something someone tried to make harder to find. She had to remind herself that the people from here on out would be much more modest than herself who at sixteen closed the bodice on the flowing robe of red satin that scarcely hid anything of her body and shoved the cotton nightmare in a drawer.
She stopped to examine herself in the mirror of her vanity, deciding that the soldier had been right about the red ribbon. It suited her, reminded her of home, and was a nice touch to honor her people. Venus smiled and pulled the thing from her hair, placing it neatly on the wood surface before she turned and flopped on her bed in a tanglement of red satin and gold hair. The book was old, worn from use and read often judging by the sticky spots on the cover no doubt from her very own Serenity's sugar heavy diet.
The beginning chapters were all common knowledge. Earth consisted of one primary Kingdom- Elysium- who ruled the four Kingdoms beneath it to the North, South, East, and West. These lands were said to be ruled by "divine" Kings born of Heavenly descent. She scoffed to herself since she truly had been born divine by a Goddess, and no such beings touched the Terran planet so this seemed to be where part of the legend lie. These Four Kings come together in servitude beneath the Elysian Ruler to guard the King's heir in case he should be the one worthy of the Golden Crystal that would unite the Terran world to the Moon Kingdom and join the ranks of the Silver Millennium. There were details she skimmed over of course because she was tired. Venus figured the Four Heavenly Kings and this Prince were what had Serenity and Jupiter so excited. They were said to be divine, more beautiful and powerful than any mortal men. They were to be the first of God-like beings on Earth and Venus wasn't sold. Perhaps it was a Venusian-like vanity she prided herself on avoiding, but being a divine born being herself she felt like the book gave them more credit than they deserved. She didn't feel particularly special herself but knew she held great power, Earthen people didn't stand a chance beneath Mars's harsh glare let alone one of her crescent beams.
Venus shivered, forbidding herself from even entertaining the idea that Terrans could wield the magic they held. They were born of the Gods, mortal but granted near eternal lives by grace of the Silver Crystal and their immortal blood. They would stop aging at twenty five years and while they were still mortal, their powers alone made them near impossible to touch. Venus tried to tell herself it wasn't her vanity, but the supposed rash and unstable behavior of Terrans that made the idea of them wielding such magics terrifying. As she read this book late into the night, the more she told herself she was being cruel. The more she remembered the glittering eyes of the Elysian Queen who was so warm and beautiful, the more she felt the pull toward the planet to see for herself. She tried to remember as her eyes drifted closed- had she felt power in them? Magics left untapped? As Venus drifted off to sleep- she was certain she had.
She claimed dominance over Mars in training that morning. The raven haired girl was stronger than Venus anticipated and yet she was able to topple her in order to gain her respect as leader. She felt bad making an example of the girl but as Venusian and Martians went the only way to gain respect of the other was for one of them to prove dominant. It was partially why Aries, her father was a constant presence in her own mother's bed. A tense fact Venus was rather adamant about keeping out of her relationship with her soldier. Venus was vaguely aware that the Moon Goddess kept a watchful eye on her. She didn't care as she fell into her routines with ease, her training much harder than the other girls were exposed to previously because if they were going to be the front line to the darkness they all knew lingered out there in the blackness between the stars, they were going to be ready.
The legends she continued to read about in private were intriguing to her, and yet Venus sought to learn all she could about their governments, politics, and customs. Their history and laws. Mercury was glad to see her determination, even if it was she who would have to reign in her new leader when she got distracted- which was often. Venus found herself entranced by the Lunar guard much to Artemis's dismay. They were all beautiful to her with their long silvery hair, pale skin and eyes and features soft and almost feminine like fantasy elves written in love stories she loved so much.
Venus came to life over the next months of growing comfortable with the people and the routines though Artemis tried to keep her free spirit reeled in some days when she became restless or impatient that something wasn't going as quickly as she wanted it to. She often tried to take matters into her own hands, or stayed rather vocal until results were produced. She also grew a bit more amorous, more daring with those beautiful Lunar Guard she admired so much were easy to distract and when she was free from night watch she would find a willing partner to kiss. Venus had her limits, mostly safeguards against the possibility she might fall in love. It was her fear as much as it was her Guardian's. The Holy Chain around her waist preventing anyone from testing those limits really since her skill had become somewhat perfected with it. It was mostly the younger Lunar Guards who were willing participants in her late night antics anyway. After all she was a woman on Venus, but still regarded quite young on most other planets.
Queen Serenity sat gracefully across the table from Luna, Artemis stood off to the side watching as Venus gracefully swept Princess Serenity around the dance floor. Laughter of both girls filled the room when Serenity stumbled or tripped over her own foot or the hem of her gown. Artemis felt light watching it, he was so proud of his Venus how these past months she'd stepped in and created schedules and performed her duties without ...too many hitches. Well almost.
"She managed to capture that rebellion leader from Ganymede this morning." Luna said with a tension on her lips. Queen Serenity stared a moment before sighing and rubbing her temple with clenched eyes.
"Without proper backup and orders to do so. Again." She groaned. Venus had become a handful for the Queen and while she was grateful, the girl's errands were often dangerous and she somehow felt the need to work alone. "I'll have to connect with the Jovian council and ask what action we should take with him. I'm sure they will be grateful but he is still part of the Jovian system."
Artemis frowned, lifting his gaze to the beaming girls still dancing. Venus was giving Serenity pointers and it was hard for him to see it then. She was harder than he anticipated her being, the Morning Star that crept out in the early hours like a silent comet to take care of her dangerous errands before shining bright enough to let everyone know that the peace hadn't been broken. Venus had done this five times in the past months- identified and stopped a threat before it had a chance to cause anyone harm. There was teamwork of course, Mercury was always happy to point out threats she saw looming from all the technology in her Library, it was the execution of the plans to deal with said threat that became an issue.
"She is quite remarkable." Luna commented, looking over at the Queen over her cup of tea. "The both are, but Venus I mean." The orange clad soldier was certainly one of the most loved and vibrant aspects of their household, a bright spot amongst the stark whites and silvers of their land, and yet her actions were earning her a well respected and even feared reputation.
"She is." The Queen's eyes opened, watching as Venus helped Serenity off the floor nearly in tears with laughter when their feet got tangled and Serenity fell into a pile of white skirts.
"You don't seem so convinced." Luna gave another polite smile, watching Artemis shift his gaze at her tensely from his spot a few feet from their tea. It was sometimes hard to gauge the stalwart Queen's reactions as one of the older Goddesses she was often almost emotionless in appearance. "She is very much like your daughter."
"She has an edge to her. Sharp. She is nothing like Serenity." Luna blinked, meeting Artemis's eyes and she set her cup down slowly, peering back at the Queen to urge her to continue. "My daughter will be placed with a great burden to take up the Crystal and continue my legacy. But Venus will be placed with the burden of the fight. Of keeping those at bay who would try and ruin what we've built, and when I am gone, there will be many."
"It appears she is already quite efficient at it." Artemis added. The Queen didn't look at him, simply sipped her tea and looked back out at the girls who did look similar, but were so very different.
"She is very much her own, she has a rebellious side. It's as though sometimes she defies my very wishes. Like this morning, she should have brought Jupiter and Mars with her at least, and notified me of her actions before she took them. She cannot be the Holy Protector of the Silver Millennium if she gets herself killed."
"You think Serenity does not have a rebellious side?" Luna quirked her brow and Artemis stifled his laughter behind them. Spending as much time with the Princess as she had, she knew better. Serenity was as wild and free as she was sweet. And the girl was very, very sweet. Artemis frowned directly after, watching the girl he'd come to love so very much and hating the way the Queen talked about her. Like she was some martyr.
"I think that Serenity is more curious than rebellious." Artemis rolled his eyes behind the Queen and Luna shot him a hard look. "I think that Aphrodite has done a splendid job with Mina." The two Mauan Guardian's blinked, staring at her for her casual use of the girl's name they were no longer to use. "She is strong for certain, powerful, kind, and quite grown up for her age... but I feel that she is too free of spirit."
"You're afraid she will stray? She has barely left Serenity's side, you can feel the love radiate from her from here. I don't think you will have a problem." Luna reassured with a gentle smile.
"It's not her love for Serenity that I question. It is what she will do as she grows older, gets restless beneath the weight of her responsibilities. When she must share Serenity with her future husband and their children." The Queen looked behind her at Artemis who stared back nervously. "When she falls in love herself." Queen Serenity turned back around, allowing Artemis to exhale the breath he held while she took a sip of her tea. "I have seen the dreamy looks in her eyes, and I know Venusian nature. She cannot fall in love. For a Venusian it would be absolute... it would distract her."
"I have taught her utmost restraint My Queen. She is understanding of where her duties lie." Artemis assured, but questioned himself in the moment. Luna was gracious enough to reach across the table and offer the Queen's hand a squeeze.
"She can handle it." Luna spoke softly, barely above the fits of giggles from the dancing girls who were now twirling gracefully. "I do see how the Lunar guard looks at her though."
"Everyone looks at her Luna." The Queen herself chuckled lightly. "She is more radiant than her mother I can hardly blame them. I suppose that is why I fear she will fall prey to her nature... who could tell her no?"
The three of them watched, proud that Serenity had seemingly gotten the dance down properly though still a little clumsy. Her teacher, radiant gold hair that floated and mingled with Serenity's paler blonde was graceful, and confident.
"Sometimes I feel as though she puts on an act. One that even I cannot see through." The two Mauan's looked at the Queen again as she spoke so softly. There wasn't a doubt their Queen loved each of the sailor clad girls as her own daughters, and feared failing them as much as they feared failing their Queen.
"I second that notion." Artemis admitted with a sigh, stepping forward until he stood beside Queen Serenity's chair. "I can't truly believe that she would ever pose a threat. She is steadfast in her duties My Queen, obsessive even." The Queen nodded slowly because there was no denying it. Since her arrival the girls were on a strict training schedule complete with alternating guard duties and night shifts. Lessons that she herself loathed were mandatory and otherwise she barely left Princess Serenity's side. Along with her own rather dangerous errands she began to act as the Princess's body double since they looked so similar, and would accompany the Queen to some of the more diplomatic endeavors. The Queen was taken by her eagerness and participation in these events because on at least one occasion she could think of, the Venusian girl had spoken up and saved a tense argument from falling out of their favor. It was a quickness with which the girl made a name for herself as the legendary soldier she was meant to be.
"We'll see if she can stay strong enough if the day she falls in love comes. She's Venusian Artemis, it's bound to happen eventually." The Queen sighed again and Luna was frowning to herself.
"Serenity would be there to help her through it." Luna remarked, nibbling on a cookie thoughtfully. The trio fell into silence, smiling while Venus whipped Serenity around the dance floor in a cloud of white chiffon and laughter.