UPDATED 2018
UPDATED 2016 -
Title: The Conquest
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: R for later chapters that is if we think we should...
Disclaimer: I own nothing Sailor Moon except this story, Fergal and the original concept of most all scenes.
Authors Note:
Before you is twenty-eight pages of glorious plot. It may seem dull but all of it plays a great part in the development of the story not to mention in later chapters. Enjoy the brief ironic moments I have instituted as well as the clear character descriptions.. Not as detailed as I would like but geez... we don't want this to be 300 pages long now do we? We do have a life after all. (It actually does end up being over 350 pages... hindsight.)
Special thanks to Sara darling for editing and being forced to read the new chapter before anyone else... I know she was tortured by it ;)
Another add on: Duucan is supposed to be spelled that way too... and if you run across another odd word that isn't in existence... it's made up and you can determine from the sentence what it is. It's a Terrian or Lunarian word. Also...
Here are the Senshi's Princess name. I'm almost positive I never used the word Lita since I hate it so much so here are their names: Rei - Reilie (Rei-LEE) Ami - Amille (A-MillE) Mina - Minet Lita - Litelle (LI - TELL)
Well that's all I've got. Enjoy the chapter!
And I've changed Endymion's name because I really don't want people correcting me about it anymore and even my editor had a problem with it! Sigh... oh well. Enjoy!
With a push of her shoulder the pearl door slid open to sunlight wafting through tall windows. Her ankle shoes clicked softly on the marble as she carried in a large white box towards the room's occupant.
"Your new festival costume from the Sun," Mercury's voice dragged Serenity from her book and blue eyes blinked glancing up at the aquatic warrior. A smile twisted onto Serenity's lips and she pushed herself to her feet.
"Really?" She inquired half-curiously and half out of expectation. Mercury nodded and dropped the long box on the sofa across from her Princess. On impact it made a clang and both women's eyes glanced at each other. Serenity's lips pressed together as her eyebrows rose in wonder. Why would a dress make a noise that sounded like metal crashing against metal?
"I knew it was heavier then a dress should be," Mercury observed thoughtfully as she gently unwrapped the white box. Serenity soon joined her as they pulled back white tissue to stare at the gold and leather concoction. "Oh," Mercury's voice turned humorous as Serenity gently reached in and picked up a piece of the garment. "I must stay and watch you try on this," she mused, laughter tracing in her voice and Serenity's face twisted into slight apprehension and dread.
Char was one of the best designers on the Sun. His unique futuristic point of view had captured many ladies at court and many during perennial celebrations wore his outrageous gowns or outfits. A gasp left perfect lips as she felt her ribcage be tightened forcefully. A perfect eyebrow rose curiously towards her Princess' changing area. The door creaked open and the Mistress of Mercury glanced once at the visitor and then trained her eyes back upon the changing screen. Heavier clicks were heard as Serenity felt another presence wash over her.
"Hello Jupiter," she hissed out and cast a glance behind her to the servant who was fastening the metal skirt around her slender hips. She gulped and put a hand to her stomach and instead of a soft fabric she felt a cold metal. Jupiter raised an eyebrow and smiled as her frame fell into velvet chair. "What may I do for you?" Serenity almost grunted out and she let out a deep breath.
"You sound out of breath my Princess," Jupiter said glancing at the changing screen, worry somewhat crossing her features and Serenity placed a hand against the wall to steady herself as the servant finished it's torturous dressing of the garment.
"Yes, I seem to be having a hard time catching it," she mumbled and Mercury closed her book and both women focused on the changing screen. "I do not think so," they heard a soft voice say and in a matter of seconds they saw the servant walk away, a small gold headpiece held upon her hands and Jupiter looked curiously at Mercury. Serenity sucked in a deep breath and stepped from behind the screen. Jupiter's eyes twinkled in amusement as a smile curved on her lips.
"Delicious," she smirked and Serenity let out a soft breath, her hand resting on her metal plated stomach. The outfit was made of metal and had leather straps and gold-plated metal pieces that made up the skirt that traveled down to the end of her thighs. Two plain gold bracelets with soft engravings around the edges enveloped her pale wrists as a choker held tightly to her delicate neck.
"It looks like a suit of armor," Mercury commented and Serenity nodded, silver silk strands flowing down her back and a deep contrast to the shimmering gold she wore.
"I've seen you in better," Jupiter commented lazily and Serenity let out a breath and placed a perfectly manicured hand on her hip as her guards studied her. This was without a doubt the most unusual outfit the Sun had put her in. Their festivals were notorious and beautiful all at the same time yet their largest to celebrate their daughter of peace, namely her, was the most elaborate of them all. She would wear what they would send her for it would be a great honor to the artist. They would hold contests as to who would be able to have their concoction adorn the beautiful Princess, their savior. She pressed her lips together and wanted to grunt. Some winner this was.
"Nice legs," a new voice said into the room and Serenity's blue eyes glanced down at the pale legs that rested under her. "So, toned for a lady who wears ankle length dresses," the voice continued as a smirk came to her glittering lips. Serenity cast a playful glare at her cousin as she walked to stand behind her two companions. Mercury glanced at Venus with a smile and then at Serenity. She looked ravishing. She feared that if a male servant were to walk in he would collapse from the simple sight of her.
"Perhaps I am not always so proper a lady. I fear the short skirts are capitalized in your department so I thus refrain," Serenity mused, her lungs finally adapting to the small confinement she found herself in.
"And so thin. I never would have guessed that small," Jupiter observed noticing her Princess' discomfort in her torso and chest area and Serenity gulped slightly.
"Yes, I would have never as well," she admitted and moved to sit down but
realized it would prove more difficult then she was willing to do. Another figure glided into the room and deep blue eyes turned onto their student.
"I see the new gown from the Sun has arrived," she said dryly and Serenity let out a breath and smiled amused. Gently she stepped from behind the couch and Lunar's steps slowed to a halt as her eyes took in the bare legs of her Princess and the gold ankle shoes. "Ah," Lunar mumbled and glanced away. She heard the tapping of Serenity's nails on her outfit and she tried not to smirk. "Perhaps I shall contact them," she added and Serenity shook her head.
"The festival is for only a day. Mother will hopefully not see it and all will be well and I will keep my sweethearts of the Sun content in that I love everything they do," she let out a breath and suddenly a loud noise reverberated through the room. Three figures stiffened and quickly made their way towards the door. The deep sound echoed once more like that of a giant horn, it's deep long dragged out note filling the void with an ominous feeling.
"Hurry Princess," Mercury said and Serenity nodded as a maid rushed to her attempting to undo the buckles and ties of the outfit.
"Go ahead without me. I shall be there shortly," Serenity called and the three glanced at her and then quickly left the room. Serenity felt a gulp die down her throat and Lunar approached her as they tried to get the outfit off.
"What was that?" Serenity asked, her voice wavering and Lunar let out a breath annoyed at the contraption that held her Princess.
"An outside Warrior. We must get you to the Arena," she said with a sigh and deep blue eyes met and Serenity shook her head as a small smile curled on her lips.
A dome. A white marble dome that had been built and blessed by the goddess of Selene as holy ground that could never be penetrated by mortal weapons. It was a meeting place for peace that was surrounded by eight columns holding up the dome and then ten individual pedestals anchored in a circle around the great marble floor. A dome structure had been erected above it. It's translucent ceiling mirrored images of the planets, those who had come into an alliance with the Moon. Two thrones sat regally side by side at the far rear of the arena that replaced the once large black marble rectangular table. Softly she slipped into her chair as her fingers curled around the tanned skin of her husband's. They waited.
She could feel the power coming. Unlike any she had ever felt before. With a
glance to her husband she knew he had felt it too. She was a powerful being. A figure appeared at Fergal's right and his red eyes turned to glance briefly at his advisor. Artemis had been a man of many roles and Fergal had found his war tactics helpful and his personality amusing. He had trained his niece as well as his daughter in ways his wife would not approve of in the least… The horn blew once more and the two straightened, their eyes looking towards the entrance.
The room on occasion held a long rectangular table, the floor elevated by steps all the way around. The Kings and Queen of the Alliance met there. Now all that was there was perfect white marble waiting to be trod upon.
Two white uniforms appeared coming up the steps and the Queen watched as two of her personal guards escorted a figure cloaked in gold. Slowly Fergal stood and helped his wife to her feet, their hands clasped as they spied the woman that approached. Her eyes lifted to reveal a shimmering gold, a smile on her light lips. She was not dressed like the Senshi she herself had watched grow up. Her outfit was more traditional, an old style she had only seen once when she was a child when her kingdom had been attacked. They had come to their aid… Warriors unlike any she had ever seen and they had saved their planet. A gold pleated skirt hugged her firm thighs as gold ankle shoes adorned her quick feet. It was the white and gold top that hugged to her chest that differed from the solid white that her daughter's Senshi wore. Her daughter. She glanced at the left entrance and wondered why her daughter had not made an appearance. She felt her Senshi waiting in the wings. She could not feel her daughter's presence. Her attention turned back to the warrior that approached a gold cape covered her shoulders. The two guards stopped and stood on the side of her yet her form advanced forward.
"King Fergal and Queen Selenity," she said with a bow as she dropped to a knee before them. Her manners were impeccable. "I am Sailor Galaxy and have been sent from the Grand Council to meet your daughter," she said and Fergal's eyebrow rose slightly. The Senshi were a tradition his wife was laced with though not himself. The woman before him was a stranger and a grand council of Senshi registered on his brain as nothing he had heard of before. His wife had hinted once that there were more Senshi in the galaxy and he was beginning to think there were millions more. He glanced at Artemis who held his gaze and knew they were thinking the same thing. If there were millions of these female warriors around the world why was she coming to meet one who wasn't? His daughter? His wife broke his contemplations.
"You are extremely powerful," Selenity replied as she stepped down two steps from her throne to study the woman further. She stood, long hair cascading in beautiful waves down her back. It was shimmering gold at the top and then turned to a bright red flowing to her feet.
"The most powerful Senshi in the galaxy my Queen and the current High Senshi," she whispered, an arm bent over her chest in respect as she once again bowed.
"Why do you seek an audience with our daughter?" Fergal asked curiously, his strong voice commanding attention. Selenity's blue eyes lowered as her husband's words registered over her.
"With great respect your majesty, your wife contains in her possession perhaps the most powerful crystal in existence. It had been created thousands of years ago as a shining beacon and been blessed to remain here on this remote planet. She herself could be considered the most powerful creature in the galaxy if she wished it," her eyes lowered again in deep respect and Fergal's red eyes darkened as he stared his wife. Selenity let her back straighten a bit as she observed the girl before her with indifference, willing away the emotions she had just stirred within her. She was never one to say aloud what she had been given, it was a burden. A great responsibility to harness such power and she had hidden the fact for many years because her power falling into the wrong hands would mean disaster for the entire galaxy. "Your daughter has sent that power to its peak. We felt her when she was born," she whispered letting the words sink in. Her power had crossed galaxies… Selenity felt a bit of fear well in the pit of her stomach. If she had been so widely felt why was there no one coming after her and no one wishing to capture her or kill her? A hand involuntarily went to her stomach as uneasiness jumped within her. She had watched her precious daughter with hope that she would not possess the burden she now did but it was becoming clear with each passing day that even without the crystal… Her hand traveled to around her throat where a small amulet laid. It warmed when it touched the skin of her hand. Her daughter possessed its power in her veins. She did not even need to use the crystal to use its unique abilities. "The Council believes she may grow into the one of the most powerful Senshi in existence. The universe had stopped at her birth," Sailor Galaxy said softly and Selenity felt a cold pang go through her heart. Fergal stepped forward, his eyebrows knit in agitation at the things he had just now discovered. He stepped near his wife and she gulped feeling his strong presence almost assault her own without him even needing to touch her. He listened intently, his instincts wanting to rip the Senshi apart that proclaimed such things about his daughter. She was powerful but he did not want her saving the galaxies. His selfishness would never allow any harm to come to her and if all of the things his wife had kept from him that Sailor Galaxy had said were true… Serenity would be in danger for the rest of her life if she were discovered. Sailor Galaxy continued. "Ever since then I have been on my way to see her for myself, if she does wield such power she may play a bigger role then any of us ever imagined," her voice was soft and full of power. White gloves covered pale arms and Fergal stepped forward, his wife still a step ahead of them as they took in the girl's appearance.
"Serenity is eighteen years old approaching her nineteenth birthday Sailor Galaxy and she is not a Senshi. She is a chosen diplomat by profession, a child of peace with the ultimate goal of it. She has never entered nor will enter a battle or battle field," Fergal explained gently and a delicate gold eyebrow rose as suddenly wisps of wind filled the arena. Selenity glanced at her husband and her eyes betrayed what she had kept from him. He wouldn't glance at her, his stone face staring at the Senshi who had brought to his attention that his daughter would be more then she seemed and that his beloved wife had kept things from him for over twenty-two years. Suddenly one by one the pedestals began to fill with women of different sizes and color, each proclaiming elegance and power with their stance. Different colored ribbons flowed from the back of their thigh length skirts as white gloves in differing sizes covered their fingers and arms, colored strips at the ends. Masks rested in differing colors and designs upon their eyes as power emitted from their beings, they were soldiers of honor and valor. "These are the Senshi of our galaxy. The most powerful creatures in our quadrant who are the sole protectors of my daughter and these kingdoms," he explained motioning to the figures who dropped to a knee before them. Sailor Galaxy glanced at the eight figures and her eyes stopped on a flickering image in the rear.
"That is Sailor Pluto. She is the Time Gate Guardian for this realm. She appears through hologram for her duty is to heavy to be left unmanned," Selenity explained and gold eyes took in the eight perfect frames of the women and one small child who held a large staff in her fingertips.
"I am greatly honored to meet all of you," she mumbled and Venus bowed before her.
"On behalf of our Senshi we welcome you and are honored by your presence," she said dutifully and Sailor Galaxy nodded gently and slowly turned her attention back to the Queen and King of the Moon. The King was a man not part of their tradition or heritage, he was the only one in the room who glowed of a different power and whose knowledge most likely did not know the burden the women in the room carried. They were eternal soldiers. Warriors blessed with gifts that surpassed all comprehensible thought and rationality. They were guardians, protectors and saviors whose duty was to forever fight the battle of peace. His rooted past in prejudice could perhaps never understand that, even if he was becoming more like the Queen in her search for peace, he would never know the burdens placed upon their shoulder and the burden now placed upon his daughter. Their attention was drawn to the steps as they heard soft rustling of metal. A figure stepped into the arena and Selenity's eyes widened as her mouth emitted a shocked gasp. The thought of her one secret from her husband now revealed left her mind as she saw the image before her. Anger rushed through her at the outrage of it and she could only think of one person who was at fault for it. It glittered with his people's handiwork.
"Fergal!" She hissed quietly and red eyes stared with wonder at the creature that approached. Silver hair cascaded from two round buns at the top of her head as a gold metallic suit of armor clung to her perfect lithe frame. Her legs were exposed and his heart froze immediately. He glanced up to the pedestal that held his niece and the resemblance in uniform was unmistakable. He clenched one of his fists as his eyebrows knit in worry and anger. Lunar trailed behind her elegantly as the figure advanced forward with confidence.
"I have no words," Fergal whispered completely shocked at the outfit his daughter was adorned in. She was draped in gold metal and leather as well as gold ankle shoes. Fergal felt his wife's hand grasp his arm but he could only stare at the spectacle before him. He glanced at her guardian. Quietly and quickly she moved away from the scene to vanish near Artemis' side.
"Hail the Princess of the Moon," a strong voice suddenly yelled and all of the Senshi beat their breast with their arm in allegiance. Gold eyes watched curiously as a figure stepped in front of her and then stopped. The woman exhaled and smiled, her blue eyes glittering and Galaxy felt a strange emotion come over her. She had never been so affected by someone's presence and she knew then her trip had not been wasted.
"Welcome to the Moon. I am Serenity, daughter of King Fergal of the Sun and Queen Selenity of the Moon," she said with a soft bow and Sailor Galaxy returned the bow.
"I am Sailor Galaxy from the High Senshi Council across the Neba. I am here to honor you Princess," she whispered her head gently bowed and a small smile of appreciation played upon the Princess' perfect face. The fact that her parents stood rigid before her was lost upon her and also the tension that passed from her father to her mother. Her pale fingers were wrapped around his arm but for the first time in his existence in knowing her he did not reach to comfort her. He could only stare at his daughter and he felt pain well within him. He knew what was ahead of her but this was not it. He heard his wife whisper his name pleadingly in his ear but he shook his head not wanting to acknowledge her with words. He felt betrayed. She knew that his daughter would be destined for this. That one day she would have to fight along side her Senshi and not just command them from afar that she would be in the midst of battle risking her life for the people she served. As a soldier he could not be prouder. As a father he feared he couldn't bear the thought of losing her, of seeing her enter a realm he had once had to embrace and wished to never have for his own child. "Your power has been felt across the galaxies and I've come to extend a hand of friendship and allegiance. All Senshi are bond together by law and code and we embrace you and your Senshi," she whispered and fell to a knee before the gold clad Princess. Serenity smiled lovingly and gently took the Senshi's hand in her own. Sailor Galaxy stood and Selenity watched as the two women greeted in a manner common of soldiers. Galaxy smiled as her hand clasped around Serenity's forearm, the Princess doing the same as they exchanged the greeting. Perhaps her father was wrong about her… he could not stop what was meant to be for some people.
"My warriors are indeed deserving. I cannot be more flattered by your presence," she breathed out and Sailor Galaxy smiled at her.
"I am just a Senshi, nothing more," she whispered with a bowed head and a smirk fell to Serenity's lips. "Are you not also one?" She asked raising an eyebrow in wonder. Even she felt the power radiating from the girl's hands as they held to one another's. She smiled. She could be the prophesied one that is to come but that was thousands of years from now.
"Not in this life," she replied quietly and Sailor Galaxy felt her smile broaden on her lips. Serenity smiled and Selenity glanced at her husband who watched the scene with fascination, a mixture of emotions passing through him.
"I have brought you a gift and will give it to you when I leave. I think I just had to meet you to know if you were real," she whispered and Serenity smiled and let out a soft laugh.
"I'm sure we will meet again Sailor Galaxy. It is not everyday you meet the most powerful Senshi in the Universe," Serenity smiled and Sailor Galaxy grinned, her gold eyes penetrating the deep blue of the Princess'.
"I do not know, I feel like I just have. You must know the importance you play in the galaxy," Sailor Galaxy whispered and gently pulled her hands from the soft pale digits of the woman before her. Serenity looked thoughtful for a moment and smiled with a soft nod.
"I would not call me important. I am a tool to be used, a servant to those who are in need. I imagine you are here to tell me that I am of great importance to the future," she whispered and ears strained to hear their conversation throughout the arena.
"You can read my thoughts so clearly your highness. The future is tumultuous, churning and uncertain. Darkness is spreading throughout the universe," she whispered and the two warriors silently walked towards the center of the arena with eyes trained on them. "I fear even my power may not be able to contain it," she whispered quietly, her eyes glued to the floor as the deep burden fell once more into her eyes. The thought of those dying or being injured weighed heavily upon her shoulder. "The caldron churns evermore. We must embrace what we were born for," she whispered and Sailor Galaxy cast her a playful glance and Serenity let out a soft breath, a look of guilt crossing her features. "Perhaps it is not your time to embrace what we have all done. Your heritage is set in stone as well as the responsibilities of two worlds that need your diplomacy," she said glancing at the two tall figures that stood behind her. Serenity cast a loving glance that way and then turned to the golden eyes once more.
"I am who you say yet so much more that is yet to be portrayed. One day we shall fight together in the battle you have proposed where the fates hang in the balance and I know in that day our destiny will be fulfilled," Serenity whispered and Galaxy nodded deeply knowing that Serenity did possess the burden her mother carried as well as the Senshi around them. "One way or another my life will be devoted to peace and protection. I cannot hide who I am," Serenity smiled.
"One day we shall fight side by side and I will be honored in those moments. I expect great things from you Serenity, do not let me down," she said and Serenity nodded with a soft bow.
"I am not in the line of work to do so," she replied and Galaxy bowed deeply to her and took a step back. She bowed deeply once more to the King and Queen and then pivoted on her heel and bowed to the eight who had been gathered. They returned the show of respect. Galaxy stood up once more and Serenity stood at her side. Slowly they walked out of the arena and down the marble white steps.
"Forgive my appearance. I fear I am trapped in this concoction at the moment as it was a gift from the Sun, my father's Kingdom," Serenity explained gently and she heard soft ripples of laughter come from the woman at her side. Gold eyes once again met blue and Serenity felt a large smile come to her lips.
"I like it," Sailor Galaxy said with a slight smirk as she took in the Princess' appearance once more. "I like it very much," she grinned and then turned her head pointing to the stars. She held out her arm to them and Serenity glanced towards her fingertips. "Glance to the stars my precious new friend. Wait a few moments and then see our gift of offering, our gift of friendship as well as the hope we now have in you," Galaxy whispered and then she leaned forward and gently kissed Serenity's pale cheek. Serenity smiled, her arms gently pulling the Senshi into her embrace.
Ten pairs of eyes watched this exchange from the top of the Arena steps. They watched them bid their farewells and then in a few floating golden bubbles the Senshi had vanished from their presence. Her aurora fleeted as her power left a stinging mark on all of them as it drew away. Her presence had felt so heavy, so saturated with a burden and with the great power she was bestowed with. Slowly Serenity made her way up the steps.
"Do you like it Mother?" Serenity's soft voice questioned as she attempted to move. Selenity pressed her lips together and chose not to respond. That was answer enough to the thought of her daughter's new suit of armor.
"Look! A comet!" A soft voice called as a slender gloved digit pointed into the sky. Serenity turned and her eyes lit up as a smile fell to her features. It streaked across the sky with beauty and glory and Serenity felt warmth bubble within her. Venus smiled and put a hand on her cousin's shoulder. She sighed.
"Thank you for coming so quickly," the Queen said gently and the Senshi bowed before their leader with affection. She felt pain deep inside of her heart and her blue eyes lifted to meet blue. It was all that was needed to convey the truth of what had happened before she had entered. A frown fell to her daughter's face as sadness was conveyed in her eyes. Betrayal. Agony ripped at her features as she took a step back from the powerful man that stood near her, the fear of his disapproval playing upon her features with great forbearance. Gently she excused herself and Serenity looked away sadly. Her mothers' battles were not her own no matter how much she wished they could be.
"Full of surprises aren't you daughter?" His strong voice filled her ears and she stepped closer to him. He pulled her into his arms and held her, his lips kissing her head and she felt the fear wash over him. "Your mother and you shall be the end of me," he whispered brokenly in her ear and she looked up at him with a soft frown, her own sadness in her eyes.
"Forgive us," she whispered and he gulped down the pain that had welled in his throat. His eyes stared deeply into her own, almost searing her to her soul and he gently put a hand on her cheek.
"I cannot fight who you are. I have never been prouder as a father at this moment Serenity, nor prouder as a husband for though my pride would want nothing more then to keep you both locked away in safety I must admit even your power surpasses my own. I could not change all of your traditions and looking back I would never take this burden from either of you though I wish I could. It makes you who you are and who you are is who I love. Both of you," he whispered and Serenity pressed her forehead to her father's and sucked in a deep breath. He held her and let his emotions wash over her and then he pulled away abruptly. Serenity gulped and watched him vanish from the arena.
She felt arms wrap around her and then pull her back to look across the streaking comet in the sky. Her parents had their own battles to overcome. A sadness over took her wishing that she could one day have them as well yet she knew her parents would take this obstacle in stride and never let it deter their love for one another. For the briefest moment she wished she had that. It left quickly at Mercury's voice.
"It is her gift," Mercury smiled as the comet continued to streak across the black background. "Rare and memorizing. It shall throw Astronomer's off greatly," she smirked slightly and Venus grinned at the aquatic warrior and she then felt her cousin's head lean against her own as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"It's beautiful," Mars whispered and Jupiter grinned her eyes never leaving the golden tailed wonder.
"Is it difficult to breath?" A voice suddenly blurted out and Serenity felt her hand rush to her stomach and she groaned. She glanced at the small child and nodded miserably.
"Terribly," she grumbled and Saturn let out a soft giggle.
"I think it's enticing," a voice hissed into her ear and Serenity felt the hairs on the back of her neck move. She let out a breath as a smirk played on her lips.
"You think everything I wear is enticing, especially at the prospect of me not wearing it," Serenity hissed. Her frame turned to face the blonde Senshi and then look past her to the hologram floating a foot away. Serenity bowed deeply to her and the Senshi bowed back, her long green hair flowing to her thighs as love and devotion shone in her eyes.
"It always does me well to see you Princess," her soft angelic voice whispered and Serenity smiled lovingly at the picture.
"As it does me dear friend. I promise to visit soon," she whispered and blew a kiss to the Senshi. Her figure flickered and vanished leaving the eight alone.
"How are we going to get you out of that?" Venus' voice cut the silence and Serenity let out a deep breath as she heard breathy laughter at her side. She did not even need to look at Uranus to know what she was thinking. She smirked.
"I can think of something," Mars smirked and Serenity pressed her lips together. This suit would cause her more grief then she needed.
His form launched forward their swords clanking together with force. He spun and lifted his arm preparing for another strike when his sword suddenly interacted with dirt. His blue eyes widened as he stared at the ground, his opponent having vanished from the spar. With a growl he lifted his eyes to see his partner's back as his head glanced up towards the sky.
"A comet," the voice said and blue eyes narrowed as he stood lifting his sword form the indent it had made on impact with the earth.
"Is it so important that you would leave our spar?" His voice hissed as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, his blonde hair a wild jungle from the excursion.
"It is beautiful, yet I fear not all will see it in such a way," a new voice said and blue eyes turned to encounter chocolate ones as a tall form approached. He bowed his head to his leader as he stood behind the man that had spoken. Their forms were draped in a light gray with different colored embroidery that had matched the color of their eyes. A white cloak adorned the two warriors' shoulders and Jedeite sucked in a deep breath, the adrenaline from his spar still running through his veins. Silver eyes met his own and they turned once again to the blonde before them. Wavy strands of blonde hair were held messily back in a ponytail that traveled like roots down his back in different directions. Both he and Jedeite had discarded their jackets to only be clothed in gray pants and plain white shirts. Dirt was smudged across them from the exercise.
"It is an anomaly, not astronomical in any shape of rational thought or comprehension. It brings forbearance for this kingdom," Zoicite's words filled the air only to be another confirmation of what Nephrite had no sooner admitted minutes before. The four stood silently in the clearing. It had been built for them by their master in the forests of Falgrin behind the palace as a gift for their training. It was tucked in secrecy protected by their magic as a place of haven for them where they could train undisturbed. Only the five of them could enter into its grove for no other possessed the magic to reach through its barriers. To the common mortal it did not exist.
Silver eyes watched the comet streak across the sky. Tension was building behind them from the palace and he felt it shake in his bones. He glanced at his warriors and they looked at him expectantly.
"Let us return to the Palace. I fear we will shortly be needed," he commanded and they all nodded and quickly moved to depart.
Her room was dark. Cold rushed over her features but she refused to cover her bare shoulders. She deserved to feel the cold wash over her. It was for his safety. Out of their love that she had kept it from him. Out of his love for his daughter. Her rational way of explaining it failed in comforting her. Silently she stood staring at the portrait on the wall. It was her daughter from her sixteenth birthday. She glanced at the door and her heart fell a little lower. It had been a few hours since they had met the famed Senshi. Her eyes turned to the ground and her long pale digits clasped around her biceps in an attempt to anchor herself. It was the numbing pain that bothered her most and the fear that he would not return to their room. She had lied to him and lied to him the entire time she had known him. She had made their daughter lie to him and hide the truth about who she and her daughter were from the only man who had consumed her completely. He had not consumed that. He had not consumed their burden. She felt tears well in her eyes. Now he would.
The door to their private bedchambers opened. The massive room was elaborate with a Venetian bed surrounded by white silk, a gift from her sister that was made to emulate the beauty and sophistication from of the Moon. The door closed and she felt his presence fill the air and her bright blue eyes fell down wards to the floor. His footsteps were across the room and silence was the only thing they shared between them.
His red eyes were dull and felt lifeless. His wife, his beloved had kept something from him for over twenty-two years. The entire length of their marriage. He put a hand to his forehead and massaged the tender flesh around his eyes. It was not so much her betrayal that hurt him but the situation she had put him in.
"Why could you not tell me?" His ragged voice drifted to her ears and her
regal form let out a soft breath, her face lifeless.
"I feared your reaction. That you would not marry me or would not allow Serenity to be born," she whispered quietly and he gently glanced at his outfit. It was silver with gold embroidery around the edges. It was the Moon's. "I fear I cannot bear you thinking ill of me," her soft vulnerable voice broke his stare and his red eyes glanced her way with sadness. Her head lowered and her long neck was exposed. He had delighted in so many hours of caressing that tender flesh. It was taking all the strength she possessed to not fall apart in a pile of sobs and her chest took the brunt of it. Her breathing was difficult but she would not allow him to be hurt by her tears, she would not allow her tears to be used against him. She had to face the crimes she had committed against him, whatever punishment he chose to give. He was her King, her husband and the only one who owned her. She bit her lower lip and sucked in a deep breath. Anger flashed through him as he stared at the portrait that his wife stood before.
"She is my daughter Selenity. I had the right to know!" His voice rose and
she felt a shudder violently pass through her system. "I had a right to know the danger my two most precious," his voice faltered and he was across the room in a matter of seconds. His hands gripped around her shoulders and he buried his face in her hair taking a deep breath of her. She gasped and he ran his nose along the back of her neck, his hot breath there making her feel weak. "You have lied to me," he said brokenly and a tear slipped down her cheek. She felt her heart was about to burst. "I would have never let you have her if I would have known," he hissed as a tear trickled down his face and a sob escaped her lips and her head fell. "You used me," he whispered and her eyes closed painfully, her mouth opened wanting to scream that she would never do such a thing… never to her love. His fingers fell from her arms and she felt loss wash over her. Her sobs flowed freely then. She spun, her silver hair falling around her face as a look of torture crossed her perfect features. He took a few steps away from her.
"Fergal… please… you have to understand," she tried sucking in a deep breath. She rushed to him and wrapped her fingers around his shirt. "Please you have to know how much I love you."
"I could never doubt it," he whispered, his red eyes bearing into her own and she felt her breath hitch. They held such pain, such sadness… He gently pried her fingers from his shirt and stepped away. She watched him frozen in her position. She felt as if he had ripped her heart out and denied her to ever revel in its warmth once more. "Why Selenity?" The two words filled the silence and she felt as if a cold knife had stabbed into her chest. She would rather brave a thousand battles then his disappointment…
"I was never supposed to fall in love," she whispered, her lips trembling as she stared at his back. "I was supposed to fulfill my duty and protect the galaxy. I was created to bring order and to unite the galaxy under one banner and rule it letting the worlds we live in heal themselves," she whispered and his red eyes fell to the floor. He saw his fingers in the corner of his eye and his left hand twitched. A platinum band rested on his third finger marking his covenant to her. "I never wanted to fall in love. I knew my job and swore I would do it and only that," she cried her voice raising and Fergal's head turned to his wife as horror spread across his face. Anger welled within him and for the first time in his life he yelled at her.
"Is that why Serenity is so!" He yelled and Selenity's eyes widened and her breathing ceased. "Our daughter… like me?" He breathed, tears slowly trickling down his tanned face. "No, she is like you. How long has she known Selenity!" He yelled and his hands grasped around his wife's arms and she felt her legs fail. She looked away and tears ran down her pale cheeks. "When did you tell her!" He yelled and he felt his hands shake her form. He moved and deposited her on a small couch that rested at the end of their bed. He dropped to a knee before her and his red eyes captured her shimmering blue.
"When she was ten," she whispered, her voice shattered as her whole body shook. She wanted to throw herself in his arms and cry, to beg for his forgiveness, beg for him to hold her forever. She would renounce it all. She felt a cold chill enter her heart and she shook her head. She couldn't do that… not even for him though she desperately would if she had the chance. Fergal's gaze left her own and he looked down for a moment. Selenity gasped and her hands grabbed onto his shoulders. "She did not want to lie to you… Darling… she cried for days… she loves you so much," she cried and Fergal felt as if the legs had been cut from under him.
"You made our daughter lie to me?" He whispered and he leaned back and sat upon the cold marble floor. That is how his world felt. Cold. Cold like this planet. "All I ever wanted was a child… she was my redemption… my very existence," he whispered glancing up at her and Selenity nodded. "Is this why you could only have one?" He asked raising an eyebrow and more tears filled Selenity's eyes.
"Our bodies," she began and shook her head. She stood and let out a scream, her form turning away from his. He looked up at her and agony slapped across him. His wife was in agony. He watched her grab her head and cry, her frame turned away from him and he stood and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"Shh my love, it is all right," he whispered into her ear and she shook her head as sobs racked through her delicate form.
"I was bred for peace yet my daughter was to be the peacemaker. I loved you so much," she wept and he felt her frame buckle. She lowered and he supported her in his arms. He pressed his cheek against the side of her head as she cried.
"That is why you did not want children," He whispered as a tear trickled down his face. "Do you love me so much that you would defy your purpose?" He whispered, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Her breath was ragged as she felt her insides rub raw from the sobs that had so violently attacked her.
"A thousand times yes," she breathed and her head fell back against his. He pressed his cheek to hers and his arms held tightly to her.
"My love," he cried and she gripped onto his arms. "Forgive me," he whispered and she shook her head. He turned her slowly and she fell into his arms, clutching with the remaining strength she possessed.
"Forgive us… You were never meant to be in this," she whispered and he held her tightly against him, their eyes staring into one another's.
"But I am. I am a part of this and would never have wished for destiny to have dealt me something different. The honor of your love and the blessings of our daughter, I would bear your burden happily if only you will let me carry it along side you," he whispered rubbing his cheek against her own.
"I shall forever be yours," she whispered and he kissed her cheek, his nostrils deeply inhaling her scent, never wanting to let her escape.
"Tell me, what is to become of her," he whispered and Serenity closed her eyes painfully and her lips trembled near her lover's ear.
"She shall save the universe," she whispered and he let out a deep breath, his eyes closing. "Her destiny is stronger then any other,"
"May she be like you my darling," he said and pulled her back, their eyes meeting. "May she be exactly like you that she be consumed by a fire she could never quench," he said his eyes set and she locked her eyes on his.
"Darling," she whispered her eyes searching his for meaning to his brief lapse of madness. He pulled her into his arms and she clung to him.
"May she be like us," he whispered and Serenity's eyes closed as she buried her face in her husband's jacket. That would be a prayer she would utter for the rest of her days.
Black boots hit the marble below him with every determined step. Annoyance set through his features as he tightened the belt around his slim waist. It held his sword there. His grandfather's sword. His mother had given it to him on his sixteenth birthday and every time he ventured into his father's presence he would tighten his grip upon it. The doors to the elaborate throne room opened before him and he strolled confidently in. Blue eyes surveyed the scene and he stopped ten feet away from the pacing form. People stood silently around the room watching one lone figure traipse back and forth in anxiousness. Red fur fell from his shoulders in an elaborate cape of self-indulgence. Endymion wanted to openly sneer at the thing every time he saw it upon his father's shoulders.
"You summoned?" His voice was deep and laced with annoyance. He had long since stopped hiding his loathe for his father.
"Endymion we are on the brink of war!" The outburst was unexpected and Endymion's eyebrows rose in surprise as his father turned to him. King Duucan was a man that stood toe to toe with Endymion. His back had arched slightly over the years and his full head of hair that had once mimicked Endymion's glorious black was now laced to a dark silver. His father's brown eyes were wild as emotions over took him.
"War father?" Endymion repeated, shock spreading through his system. Involuntarily he gripped the hilt of his sword, the word eliciting memories of the war his father had sent him through not but eighteen months before. He watched his father stalk to a servant and ripped a brown leather book from his hands. Endy's eyes were diverted form the scene momentarily as he watched four figures enter. They quietly made their way to stand near the thrones almost twenty feet away from their master. They stood in perfect order, not a hair out of place in all their shining glory, their uniforms of allegiance shining. Silver eyes met blue and Endymion turned a tolerating expression back to his father. Duucan had stomped back towards his only child and shook the book violently at him. Endymion wanted to smirk. Everything in that book regarding his father was deserved upon the hideous man's form. "You fear that book now father?" He asked and he saw a brief flicker of anger in his father's eyes.
"You fool," Duucan hissed and flipped the pages open. "In here it is prophesied that gold would streak across the sky," he hissed and Jedeite rose an eyebrow at the spectacle. The King looked frenzied. He had never seen the man in such a state before. He stood silent next to his companions, all of them observing the same irrational behavior.
"The comet," a man stuttered at Endymion's side and Endymion snatched the book out of his father's hand after watching him fumble with it uselessly.
"So," the word was spat slowly as his eyes bore into the man before him. Duucan's eyes narrowed and he pointed at the book his son now held to his side. Kunzite advanced to stand five feet away from the prince and the King. In a swift movement Endymion had tossed him the book, his eyes never leaving his fathers. They heard pages ruffle and Duucan growled.
"It foretells of a great take over. That it would pronounce our doom from the Moon," he hissed and a black eyebrow rose at that statement as he took in his father's words.
"The moon?" Endymion repeated, a word he had not spoken since he was in school having to know all of the worlds around him. He had heard of it. It was the most powerful kingdom in this galaxy whether his father admitted it or not. They were peace lovers and nothing more so to call them conquerors? He wanted to laugh. He would have progressed in his thoughts if Kunzite had not pulled him from them. The powerful god's voice filled the room as he read the ancient dialect out loud.
"And so, shall be in the days of Lahaire. Gold shall streak across the sky beginning the turn of motions for the Earth's dominance. A red string will extend from the Rabbit to wrap around the Earth," Kunzite finished and his silver eyes glanced at the two men who stood before him. They were in many way mirror images of each other. Endymion's face had been softened by the loving touch of his mother while the hard interior of Duucan's life showed plainly on the exterior.
"Our books have never been wrong my lords, it is evident that we should prepare ourselves for an attack from the Moon," a man's voice suddenly stated and Endymion's eyebrows furrowed. The idea sounded ridiculous. He turned to the man draped in a deep blue. He was Osric… his father's advisor. The first he would get rid of once his father was out of power.
"It said of no such thing! It talked about our dominance," Endymion stated and Kunzite gently closed the book. The remaining generals slowly came forward to stand behind their leader and master.
"You are still a fool even at two and twenty Endymion," His father's voice hissed as the tall frame turned away from him. Anger burned through Endymion's skin and he moved forward but a hand touched his arm. His teeth ground together as he observed the cocky form of his father.
"We should attack first and catch them off guard. They would never suspect we had prior knowledge to their advances," Osric suddenly said and Kunzite's eyes widened. Jedeite moved to say something yet planted his lips firmly.
"We have no proof!" Endymion yelled and then yanked the book from Kunzite's hands. He stalked forward and stood a foot away from his father. "You cannot wage a war on a vague prophecy. The Moon is the most powerful kingdom in this quadrant, their magic could crush us in seconds," he hissed and Duucan's eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of his son.
"You dare underestimate your own world?" He spat and the book flew to the floor and long digits curled around the elaborate jacket his father wore. He yanked the form forward, their eyes level to level as they stared both with equal amounts of hatred.
"I live in reality. You dare attack a planet that is protected by the other nine floating in this galaxy and you will have killed us all. I will not let you murder our people," he hissed and Duucan stared at his son. He saw red flash through the once stormy blue eyes of Endymion. Blue eyes that his wife once possessed. Power had emitted through Endymion's words and Duucan's back straightened. His nose turned up and glared evilly at the son who had turned upon him. "You will do nothing! If the Moon attacks we can deal with them! Do not jump to conclusions from faulty sources... you will destroy your kingdom," Endymion hissed and his fingers unwrapped from the fabric that encased his father. He spun and stormed from the throne room.
Duucan's brown eyes watched as the four gods followed after the young prince. He sucked in a deep breath. Attacking the Moon would be foolish. He wondered why he had let the mongrel of a son live. After his mother's death he had become insufferable… he growled remembering why. The four gods that followed him. They were loyal only to the Prince and Duucan would have murdered them if he had known how. He growled and turned back to the ten who had been gathered. They were astronomers and advisors as well as soldiers.
"Sire," Osric's voice filled his ears and Duucan let his eyes focus on the black marble before him that lie under his feet. He was formulating his plan… he would be damned if he let his kingdom fall into the hands of the Moon. He would rather see it burn then let them possess it. He must act quickly… His mind began turning and after a few moments only one situation truly seemed plausible.
Blue eyes silently took in her surroundings. Her finger gently ran across the cool marble. She had run here when her mother had told her… She felt a frown consume her as her body rocked back and forth gently. It was the first order in her entire life she had never wanted to obey but had. Soft clicks were heard as someone approached. Serenity felt numb as pain shot through her emotions. She glanced up in the general direction of the figure.
"Do you think I hurt him?" She whispered and the shoes walked closer. "I had never chosen this… if I could I would be his little girl forever," she whispered, tears welling in the bottoms of her eyes. A figure sighed softly as she bent down before her Princess as she sat on the cold pavement near the gardens she and her mother had planted. Gently her exposed hand pushed a strand of silver away from her cousin's face.
"And I would marry and have five children," she whispered, a smile coming to her face. Tearful blue eyes met her cousins and a weak smile formed on her lips.
"But then where would the adventure be?" Serenity asked a small bit of playfulness coming into her eyes.
"Ah but that would depend upon who I married," Minet smirked, a twinkle in her eye. She sighed and fell into a sitting position near her cousin. Serenity let out a soft laugh as her cousin fell against her and she wrapped an arm around her. Minet sighed and let her little cousin hide her head in her shoulder. They had shared many moments like this.
"We were born for greatness," a voice said walking up to them and Serenity felt comfort wash over her as two more approached. "A destiny not even the cleverest of women could escape," her voice was filled with amusement as she bent before her princess. Her red eyes softened as she tilted her head to the side, showing her devotion and love for the girl who lay before them. A figure stooped beside her and Serenity glanced over her shoulder to see chocolate curls.
"Not that we would want to, then we couldn't have our adventures," she smirked and Serenity felt laughter bubble within her. The four women moved closer to her and she sighed and grasped onto Reilie and Litelle pulling them closer into her embrace. Amille shook her head softly and leaned upon her Princess's back as the others laid quietly next to her.
"We've never hated our lives," Minet said, her eyes glancing into the cold space that floated above them, the stars twinkling.
"We have embraced our destiny with open arms. It is because of you that the task before us was made easy. You were worth any sacrifice," Amille's soft voice whispered into Serenity's hair and Serenity let out a deep breath.
"I wonder if any of us truly know how important we shall be in the future."
"Doubtful. If we did we would not strive for greater. It is the thrill of not knowing, the doubt of what is to come that makes us work harder," Litelle grinned and Serenity smirked.
"Indeed. I can only imagine what will come next," she whispered and green eyes glanced up into blue playfully.
"What about that conquest of yours you spoke of?" Litelle asked, a delicate chocolate eyebrow rising to corner her Princess. Serenity smirked, her fingers running through the Mistress of Mars long black silk locks.
"Ah yes… Somehow slipped my mind," she mused and Minet grinned as a soft sigh escaped her lips.
"Perhaps you need a push in the right direction," she mused and Serenity looked coyly at all of them. She was never one to expose her plans… especially those, which were never fully developed. She hoped to enlist in them a trait she wished them to always possess… curiosity. She also hoped they would use the tool themselves one day for the ability to draw curiosity is one of the most powerful tools to man.
"Perhaps," the single word left her perfect red lips and the women laughed, their forms enjoying each other's company as they had done for the last ten years… they were sisters. Warriors. Those who shared the burden of the same destiny… and loved every moment of it.
Anger. He felt consumed by it. His form brooded in the high back chair, his deep blue eyes darkening as his eyes set at nothing in particular.
"If I weren't a good prince I would consider murder," his voice hissed out into the large oaken room.
"I wouldn't mind playing evil god for a while," a voice mumbled from the corner and Endymion let a breath escape his lips. Jedeite. He was faithful and the only one among them whose flaw was his temper. For gods they came highly defective, he mused with a groan and he saw a silver eyebrow rise towards him. He glanced into the silver eyes and knew his friend well enough that picking on them in his mind wasn't really doing so by himself. They were all in his mind. He shook his head and looked away.
"Remain calm my Prince. The King has had his low moments but even he would not dare attack the Moon," a re-assuring voice said from a chair to his left. Blue eyes glanced at the slender blonde, his green eyes offering a twinkle of hope.
"Perhaps we should study our enemy," Kunzite's voice snapped Endymion from his silent contemplations. He turned in time to see Kunzite type upon a wooden panel. This was one of their many private rooms. His mother had indulged him yet was all for his own benefit to observe his kingdom. A panel of books slid to the side to reveal a flickering view screen. He sighed and cast his eyes lazily towards it. He wished not to look at more schematics of war. He wanted to save his people… "The Moon," Kunzite said and Endymion's eyes rose to stare at the now filled view screen. A gray object filled the view and slowly it began to circle it as data began to scroll across the screen giving layouts, longitudes and overall volume of the planet.
"Terribly small. Perhaps the saying is true that size does not matter," an amused voice said from above his chair and Endymion watched as the planet slowly revolved, more data flowing across the screen.
"Well then that would be good news for you wouldn't it Nephrite," Jedeite smirked, his blue eyes dancing as he walked closer to the side of the room. It was Endymion's private study. His grandfather had once worked and lived in this room building his kingdom and it had been the first room the Prince had found solace in.
"It is the smallest planet in the galaxy quadrant yet it packs the largest punch," Kunzite mumbled pressing his lips together as his fingers hit a few more select keys. The Moon shrunk and was deposited at the bottom of the screen as pictures shot forward, portraits or action shots.
"Their warriors?" Endymion asked motioning with his head to the serious faces that filled the screens. His frame leaned forward and Kunzite's silver eyes glanced at his Prince, a small smile coming to his lips as he nodded.
"They are daughters of gods. Planetary guardians. There are millions around the universe," he said gently pushing himself to his feet. He walked towards the view screen. A pen was held delicately in his hand and he pointed at certain parts. Slowly the pictures separated until they made four columns of two. "These are the eight that protect this quadrant and are famed to be some of the most powerful."
"Women," Jedeite hissed and walked around his Prince's chair. Endymion sucked in a deep breath and leaned forward. His elbows rested on his knees as his chin fell into his palm. Images and information were processing through his brain. Any one of these women could take out thousands on his planet with just a flick of their wrist yet they wouldn't. It wasn't their destiny. He let out a breath and glanced at Kunzite to continue.
"These four are of no consequence to us unless we truly upset them," his deep voice said as he pointed to four small photographs. "This is Pluto, the Senshi of Time," he said pointing to an image of a tanned woman; long flowing green locks as she gripped a staff to her.
"If we ever see her we might as well kiss our ass goodbye," Jedeite mused and Zoicite let out a deep breath examining the remaining photos.
"She is forever positioned on Chronos. These three… Uranus, Neptune and Saturn have exceptional power yet are restricted to the outer rim. It is the Inner Circle that will be the first to retaliate against an attack," Kunzite mumbled as he pointed to the Outer Circle's photos. They vanished as the remaining four enlarged filling the screen.
"If Earth attacks the Moon full on I doubt they could survive the impact," Zoicite mumbled, his deep blue eyes in thought as his jaw tightened.
"Who is there leader?" Endymion asked with a soft sigh. He felt a headache coming. They were peace lovers… his head hung slightly as his general continued.
"Venus. She is the niece of Queen Selenity and has been trained under Mau tutelage almost her whole life which has made her serious and most likely one of the best Senshi in this quadrant," Kunzite informed, his hands clasping behind his back as he studied his Prince. "Next would be Mars," Kunzite began and Endymion glanced up a look of incredulous coming over his face.
"The daughter of Ares?" He hissed an eyebrow raising and Kunzite smirked slightly averting his gaze from the weary look his Prince was displaying.
"She is the Senshi of War. A goddess like them all in their own right except she can anticipate her enemies moves. She is deeply spiritual and is the most skilled fighter amongst them yet not the strongest," Kunzite said and Zoicite relaxed more into his chair.
"To know their planet is to know them and their weaknesses. Senshi are guardians. Chosen warriors with the blessings of their planets upon them. Much like you inherit your powers from the earth below you they embody their planets," he explained casually and Kunzite clicked up the next picture.
"This is the Mistress of Mercury. She is the Senshi of Knowledge. Her mind is quicker then her sword and her intuition is rarely wrong. While she may not be as skilled her mind compensates by making her able to analyze her opponent and discover their weakness. Gentle mostly," Kunzite mumbled thoughtfully and Zoicite shrugged and glanced towards his Prince who was observing it all with silence. It had been years since they had talked about the legendary warriors. Time was growing short and he sucked in a deep breath. His father was a fool yet his foolishness may be the thing to set certain aspects in motion that had been left waiting… his own destiny among them. And his destiny would hurtle forward greatly if the Moon were attacked or threatened. The question was if he truly ready for it?
"Jupiter is left. She is the Senshi of Protection and her strength outmatches all of them. Impulsive as much as Mars she has her weaknesses and are easy to play upon. Her loyalty to her Princess will drive her to extreme lengths. One can only imagine how far you would go if you knew the person you served was in danger," Kunzite mumbled and Endymion pushed himself slowly to his feet. He stretched, his black tunic adjusting across his chiseled features.
"It isn't so hard, just imagine how far you would go," Endymion mumbled and Nephrite placed a small glass of Ambl in his hand. He glanced at the amber liquid and swirled it around the crystal. He took a sip of it and sighed as it burned its way down his throat.
"Then there is Serenity," Kunzite announced and the four photos of the Senshi vanished to be replaced with scrolling data and one picture. Endymion's blue eyes turned slowly towards the view screen, the drink held in his fingertips as Jedeite stood near his side. Before them was long silky silver hair. It cascaded to the floor from two wrapped buns on the top of her head. It was a photo of her back, her face looking slightly over her shoulder giving a shadowed image that could half way be made out. A white gown glued to her lithe perfect form. Two small silver pieces were attached to the back of her gown near her shoulder blades that trailed a silk cape behind her. She looked like the goddess Aphrodite. Her face was contemplative, with colorless eyes shrouded by darkness glancing down. It was her long neck that was the most intriguing feature. She was elegance in pure form from her slender waist to her muscled arms. Deep round eyes with a pert little mouth. Her beauty had not been overrated but praise about it could not do her justice in the least.
Endymion glanced away from the picture and finished off the rest of the contents in his glass.
"She is a seductress," Zoicite suddenly announced. Endymion felt the burning intensify as the liquid traveled down. "She charms men into treaties. A peace – keeper to the core like her Mother. She is even rumored to be more powerful."
"That is no rumor. Upon Serenity's shoulders rests great power that when she was born the heavens shook."
"And all the worlds aligned," Endymion finished with a soft shake of his head, his eyes examining nothing in particular as they glanced towards the hardwood floor. Red oak. Very rare in this part of the world. His grandfather's favorite. "She is a vixen and nothing more and a true embodiment of her sex. She would be great amusement," he mumbled and his blue eyes glanced towards the white-haired god.
"They all are," Nephrite responded with a slight breath.
"Pray we never have to face their wrath gentlemen. There is nothing worse then a woman scorned and I'm quite certain that attacking their planet will upset them," Endymion mumbled and glanced once more to the view screen. He had heard many stories of the Princess of the Moon. A small smirk curled on one corner of his lips. She was a player for the conquest, her goal peace but her joy the chase.
A hurried knock came upon the Study doors. Nephrite quietly made his way towards it and opened the heavy door with ease. His chocolate eyes inspected the scrawny messenger who stood their, fear painted across his features.
"What is it?" Endymion ground out and the messenger visibly trembled. Panic was coming through the room as the boy's emotions slapped into them.
"Your father is declaring war," he stuttered out and Kunzite's silver eyes widened. Endymion felt as if he had swallowed his tongue. His boots carried him in three strides across the room and then he pushed his way past the messenger. Zoicite jumped to his feet as the others quickly rushed out as well to catch the last glimpse of their sprinting Prince down the hallway as they raced after them.
Her footsteps brought her quickly down the hallways. She knew these hallways well. She approached her destination and both hands grasped onto the handles of the doors. With a shove she pushed the double doors open to the Queen's Private chamber.
"My Queen," Lunar bowed deeply before the two as they sat. Fergal cradled his wife lovingly in his arms and Lunar's deep blue eyes stared at the floor as she bowed her head. "My King, we are receiving an emergency transmission from Earth. They are declaring a tentative war upon us," she whispered her blue eyes rising as her frame stood straight before them. Fergal's eyes darkened and he stood bringing his wife easily up with him.
"Seems time waits for no man. Get my daughter," Fergal commanded and then he wrapped an arm around Selenity's slender waist. Lunar nodded with a soft bow. She pivoted on her heel and walked towards the Princess' chambers. The two rulers walked out of the room with purpose and power in their step as they walked almost as one. Selenity's fingers intertwined with her husband and his step overtook hers slightly and she followed behind him. She glanced lovingly up at his set face as determination spread across his features.
"I love you," she breathed out and Fergal let out a breath as they rounded a corner quickly. He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them lovingly.
"I would never doubt it," he whispered and glanced at her, his red eyes twinkling and she nodded and they continued towards the Communications Hall.
Selenity settled into her chair and watched her husband do the same beside her. She glanced over her shoulder to see her daughter being escorted in by Venus and Jupiter. A figure slipped contently into the main control seat and began punching buttons. Selenity watched the blue haired genius work and suddenly a large screen flickered to life before them.
Serenity took her seat along the wall, Jupiter and Venus flanking both sides of her. She glanced at her parents as curiosity drove into her like a hammer. Her blue eyes glanced downward and she blinked seeing something across her cousin's leg. Gently she reached for it and yanked. Venus let out a slight squeak and then her eyes narrowed as she stared at her Princess. Serenity held the offensive orange string between her fingers and Venus let out a breath and turned her attention back to her Queen and King.
"Uplink," Mercury whispered tapping a headset over her ear. She looked at the King and an image flickered onto the screen before them.
"King Duucan," Fergal's smooth deep voice filled the room and Serenity watched from the sidelines. It was rules of order to only have reigning monarchy in such talks. Children were always usually to the side if even then. Fergal on the other hand demanded that his daughter see everything that occurred in their kingdom. She was to rule it all soon enough as it was. She felt a shiver run down her spine at that thought.
A figure stepped into the room and slowly took her place at Venus's side. She whispered something into Venus's ear and the Venetian blonde turned to Serenity.
"It seems Earth's weapons have been trained on us," she informed. Her frame moved to rise but Serenity put a hand on her cousin's legs and pushed her back into her seat. Blue eyes glued to the massive screen as it began to speak.
"King Fergal, I have uncovered your plans of attack and have now been forced to take action," he hissed and Serenity raised an eyebrow slightly. What was he talking about?
"I can assure you your highness that we have no intention of attacking your planet nor has there ever been one in existence," her mother's voice said sincerely through the air and Serenity glanced back at the screen.
"You may be a people of tradition but we are one of superstition," he began
and Mercury raised her head and glanced at her companions. They shared an incredulous look. People of superstition? More like people of the damned. "The Fates have laid it clearly before us," he began and Serenity seeped back into her chair. Slowly her finger began to wind the orange thread around her index finger. "It has been foretold that you wish to take over our planet and I cannot allow it. I am thus declaring a tentative declaration of war. If you so as much breathe in the wrong direction we shall fire on your villages and palace," he said and Serenity gasped and moved to stand but a hand clamped down on her pulling her back into her seat.
"What right have you to accuse our people of such a foolish thing?" Fergal hissed narrowing his eyes and Duucan shook his head.
"I am not fooled by your tricks Fergal. I can see it in your eyes the taste of blood, your conquering days will come back to you and this will not be your starting place," he hissed and Fergal felt his fingers curl into a fist.
"Surely we can work something out," Selenity's calm voice filled the air when suddenly yelling was heard from the other side of the conversation.
He pushed open the doors; horror had spread through his system. As he raced down the halls he felt as if his life had flashed before his eyes and faces filled his view. Faces of villagers, farmers, people under his father's rule. He could feel his generals on his heel and they were gaining speed. He pushed upon oaken doors into the Main Communications room. There his father sat before a large view screen. Endymion felt all the air leave his lungs as he stared at the two perfect forms that stared shocked at his father. Anger rushed through his veins and he charged forward.
"Father!" He screamed and Duucan's calm brown eyes turned to his son. "Stop this imprudence!" His voice ground out as his form attempted to stay out of shot of the view screen's scanner.
"Enough Endymion," Duucan snapped and the King's heartless eyes turned once again upon King Fergal and Queen Selenity. "Know full well I have no problem executing any of you or your supposed warriors. Earth shall never be conquered, especially by the likes of the Moon," Duucan hissed and Endymion stared horrified. Fury raged through him. What a fool his father was! Duucan stood and the transmission was cut off, ending the conversation. In that moment all coherent thought had flown out of the window as all rational thought had been dismissed long before his father even dared step into this room.
His six-foot frame shot forward and in a matter of moments a loud thud echoed across the marble as a heavy body was planted against it.
"You do not deserve your crown!" Endymion yelled as his hands wrapped tightly around his father's pale neck. Duucan's brown eyes flashed and Endymion was thrown from above him as power emitted from Duucan's palm. Endy slid across the floor and sat up his eyes narrowing at the evil man before him.
"And I shall never pass it to you," Duucan snapped and Kunzite stepped forward.
"On the contrary, you shall your highness," he informed, his face as cold as ice and Endymion felt his body shake with venom.
"You have damned us all! And set a chain in motion that will result in your death Father, I guarantee it," he yelled and Duucan dismissed him. He was still such a child, he knew nothing about war.
"Scroll!" King Duucan yelled and a herald rushed forward with parchment in his fingers. "All Aliens are hence forth to be deported and no one is to enter into our realm from another planet. Interaction with aliens is here by stricken forbidden and punishable by death," Duucan hissed as he slowly rose to his feet. His brown eyes glared down at his only son and Endymion's jaw tightened.
"You shall still die Father and I shall be there to take your crown and be the leader you never could be," Endymion hissed and stood. Regally he exited, his form filled with loathing and contempt for the monarchy of his world. Kunzite slowly turned and followed the remaining generals out. So now it begins… The Prophecy was now set in motion and nothing could stop it.
Silence. Eyes bore into the flickering screen and finally a figure jumped to her feet. She rushed to the controls and grasped a small stick. She pushed a button and rewound the footage they had just scene.
"I'm not sure if I should be angry or laugh at the ignorance of it all," Fergal hissed, his eyes still glued to the screen as it slowly rewound the video that had put the Moon in a war without their permission. A figure walked to Selenity's side and whispered into her ear.
"I would laugh if I did not have weapons aimed upon my people," her voice hissed as she stood. Fergal stood as well and his red eyes fell upon his daughter as she pushed a button and the footage began to play again.
"Aunt," Venus said suddenly and Selenity's soft eyes turned upon her sister's only child. Venus walked forward and took her Aunt's hands in her own. She had never called her such in public but it was only suitable for the situation. "We shall contact our planets and set up a meeting. You shall not go through this war alone my Empress," she whispered and kissed her Aunt's hands lovingly. Venus stood and Selenity nodded to her. She had always seen Minet as a child very close to her heart, a sister for her precious Serenity. The girl stood tall and then stalked from the room, Jupiter and Mars following after her.
"There," Serenity's voice hissed and she took a step back. She had maneuvered the camera shot to pick up one figure. "Looks like not every Terran shares Duucan's paranoia," she mumbled her fingers unconsciously wrapping a thread around them as Mercury widened the shot to include four more stone figures whose expressions shined with the same rage as their Prince wore. Serenity let out a breath, her mind churning. Fergal glanced at her as Selenity silently observed her daughter's movements. "Seems I will have to move forward with my once forgotten plans," she whispered, anger as well as determination rushing through her veins.
"A challenge my darling and nothing more. Duucan knows we can crush him," Fergal mumbled and Serenity's eyes narrowed as she took in the blurry figure of the Prince of Earth as he had interrupted his father.
"Yes, we shall, yet not with weapons," she whispered thoughtfully and Selenity picked up the hem of her skirt and let out a soft breath. Fergal glanced at his wife and she caught the flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Looks like you are saved from pushing darling," he breathed quietly and Selenity let out a soft breath and turned to encounter ice blue eyes staring into her own.
"I will always stand at her side your highness, no matter what her new conquest brings," she whispered and Selenity smiled slightly at the Mistress of Mercury. She always did know what was going on, sometimes she was the only one. Fergal gently put his hands upon his daughter's shoulders and she glanced over her shoulder at him.
"I love you," he whispered and joy spread across her features. "Make me proud my darling."
"It is my only desire Papa," she replied and he kissed her forehead lovingly. Her moon glowed under his touch and she let out a soft sigh. The King exited along with the Queen and Mercury smiled at her, a delicate eyebrow raised.
"Your orders Majesty?" She asked softly, her hands clasped behind her back. Serenity let out a deep breath and walked towards the doors.
"Get me Lunar. We have things to do," she called and Mercury nodded and both women exited, the screen frozen on the image of the young Prince of Earth: Serenity's new Conquest.
I wanted this chapter to go so much further but I had no idea I had written so much in this time section... The next chapter shall be glorious and much awaited for it shall contain the seduction we have all been waiting eagerly do I hear the crowd in an uproar of applause? Contentment on their features? Review and let me know what you think!
Good Night and God Bless!
Marronett