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akasailorsea: thanks for the support friend!! wowzers, I wish I could give you a cookie in real life … look, I owe you a cookie! Thanks a lot!!
Eternal Emi-Chan: Hello! How are ye?? lol anyways YES she still can transform into her normal senshi self and YES she has new attacks, but as the story goes on youll see her power is only temporary… and as for Helios … he can be single if you want him to be … he won't be for a while yet though!! Well thanks for your review, hope to see you again!!
Eternal Cosmic Sailor Saturn: Yeah, she should be Moonlight (technically) but as the story goes on she may just be able to be Moonlight … or even Starlight!! Alright, that's enough!! Thanks for the review, hope you like this chapter!!
Tommy Oliver Brachio Black: Thanks for the support … your story is becoming very interesting … AAML FOR LIFE!! ;) Oh, I hope you like this Chapter by the way!! See you soon!
Bring on number 6!
Chapter 6: A Palace in Turmoil
She shone gloriously. Her uniform was similar to Sunlight's own uniform, with a strapless white top couple with a golden skirt. The top was lined with gold but her chest was without a ribbon. In its place, however, lay a light pink button that sat precisely in between her bosom. On the lower back of her skirt however lay a huge light pink ribbon. Her white boots snaked up her legs to rest just below her knees but her arms were bare of any gloves of any sort.
Usagi felt different as she touched her forehead, making out what felt like a four-pointed sun.
I never thought I'd see the day when I became a senshi of the Sun…
"You do not scare us!" the trio cried as they straightened themselves.
Usagi pointed at them as her eyes narrowed.
The three females laughed as they began to rise in the air.
"We, the Obsidian Soldiers, fight in honour of our Queen and of her cause. You will regret the moment you decided to fight against us."
"Star Sealight Formation!" they proclaimed as they conjured a strong blast of wind that encompassed the trio.
They began a low chant that Usagi could not quite make out as within the tunnel of air the three joined hands.
"Black Sea Thunder!" the female in the middle suddenly cried as she threw her arms before her, pointing towards Usagi.
"Black Sea Lightening!" another responded.
"Black Sea Ice!" the last concluded as the three attacks merged to form one as they headed straight for Usagi.
"Hand of Apollo!" Usagi cried as she opened her hand to summon the same sceptre Sunlight had used when she had seen her.
The sceptre formed in her hand, Usagi's fist tightened around it as she bought it around her in a circular motion, leaving a golden light where the sceptre had travel.
The same golden light materialized, rising above Usagi's head to move before her, acting as a shield.
As her shield appeared in front of her, their attack made contact.
Usagi winced as she fought to hold the sceptre with both hands, the sceptre that held the power of her shield.
They are much stronger than what I thought …
::X:X::
Sealight's bright blue eyes narrowed as she peered into the cauldron filled with sapphire coloured liquid.
Within its depths lay a vision of the battle that was taking place between her Obsidian Army and the girl who had been gifted Sunlight's power.
That silly little strumpet does not even know of the full power she holds! What mediocrity! She is not worthy of that gift! No one is!
Sealight stood silently as she moved past her cauldron, along the glassy floor to the window nearby that viewed the Celestial Kingdom.
Long ago she had been separated from her so-called sisters in the name of sharing their power and knowledge to further protect the galaxy from any evil. In the most basic of terms the idea of it all was 'the more senshi the merrier'.
Sealight scowled as she remembered her own journey, one that took her to the far outskirts of the Milky Way. Those whom she found to apparently gift her power to? They were incompetent of anything. Why did she, Sealight, have to gift her power when she, by far, more competent than all those she came across?
I knew better than to tell my sisters that I refused to give my power away. I am much more than all of them! When I reached those isolated places they worshipped me like a Goddess, something which I rightly believe in myself. My sisters would never understand the power that we all held in the way I did. With this power we could have ruled the universe! But when I did return to them, they banished me. They did not want to know of my wonderful plan-to enslave the incompetent universe and have ourselves as queens!
No, they sealed me away in a comet and banished me to the nether-ends of the galaxy, believing I would not return.
Yet here I am, the last living, breathing Ancient, the only Ancient with intellect.
The only Ancient with the great vision of ruling the entire Galactic Empire!
I am capable of destroying the works of my sisters as I am now, but with their power I will be unstoppable!
Sealight smiled.
Do not fail me now, soldiers!
::X:X::
"I … can't … hold … on!!" Usagi cried as the attack on her strengthened ten-fold.
"Hephaestus' Spear!"
From somewhere behind her Usagi felt a heat being summoned, then hurled into the air, passing over her in the form of a lit spear.
The mysterious attack served to deflect the immense blast, sending it into the air and straight into the ceiling.
"You will be crushed by your own foolishness," the Obsidian Soldiers laughed as a dark light circled them.
Dust began to rain down as thundering noises from above sounded.
"Usagi? You can't possibly be parading as Sunlight!?"
Usagi's brow furrowed as the female who sent the earlier attack appeared at her side, incensed.
Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a bun, her amethyst eyes glassy.
"Forget it, I will deal with this!" she snapped as she marched her red boots forward.
Dressed similarly to Usagi, the newcomer wore a strapless white costume topped in red, coupled with a red skirt. The button on her chest was orange, the same colour as the large bow that sat on her lower back.
"In the name of the Elite Soldiers, I, Sailor Firelight, will punish you!"
Usagi's eyes widened as she stared at the girl.
Not … not Kaede!
A small clump fell and shattered by her boot and tracing its path upwards Usagi saw the collapsing ceiling.
"Forget th-"
"Another Ancient? It must be our lucky day!" the trio laughed as they began to spin in their circle of darkness.
"Twin Fire Furore!" Kaede cried as she threw her arms before her, summoning fire that circled her bare arms before releasing itself into the air, the two strands of fire becoming one as they hurtled straight for the trio.
"You are useless! Because you do not understand the gravity of the power you have, you can never execute it properly!" one of the females laughed as the tunnel of fire stopped short of the trio, vanishing into nothing.
Kaede gaped as she clenched her fists.
"How dare you question my ABILITY!!" Kaede cried as she began to rise into the air.
"Kaede!" Usagi cried as a piece of the ceiling fell for Kaede, who remained unaware.
"Solar Inferno!" Usagi announced as she raised her arms into the air, forming a bright ball of light laced with lightening.
With one hand she bought it to her chest, bringing her free arm to point at the target as she threw the ball with all her might, obliterating the marble into dust.
The sheer force of Usagi's attack triggered the complete collapse of the ceiling.
"Your foolish attack has sealed your fate!" the Obsidian trio chimed as they began to rise into the open air that was promised beyond the falling marble.
They can't get away!
::X:X::
Mei carefully shifted Shigeru's still body, watching his chest rise and fall slowly.
"Even if I cannot transform in the presence of an Ancient, I must do something …!" she muttered as she looked up to the cracking ceiling above them.
They would die if they didn't move…
Looking from Usagi, Kaede and beyond them Kakuei to Shigeru Mei knew better than to try anything silly.
What mattered now was that she got Shigeru somewhere safe.
"Do not fear child, your friends will be fine."
The melodic voice was warm, calling Mei to turn to see who the speaker was.
A beautiful female smiled at her, her eyes calming her.
She shone in a silver glow, dressed in strapless costume that was completely silver, including the skirt. The bow on her chest was white, as was the bow on her lower back. The costume itself was complemented by simple white coloured high heels and white hand gloves.
"Keep my son safe and leave the rest to me," she murmured as she turned in time to witness the entire ceiling fall in on all those who waited, whether expectantly or unexpectantly, below.
All the marble froze in midair, each piece glowing silver, as if charmed under the power of the female Mei did not know.
"You, return to the darkness from which you came. You have no right here!" she cried as she summoned the pieces she had stopped in mid air to the three females in their circle.
"If you think that you ca-"
"QUIET!" the lady cried as the marble collected itself on the trio.
Their darkness laced the marble, searching for somewhere to break through.
"Think again," she laughed as she raised her arms into the air.
"Stardust Spell!" she cried as she sent sparkling dust to the little comet-like shape, the dust binding the marble with a convincing seal.
She smiled as she posed.
"In the name of this Kingdom and of Astraeus, you will be punished!" she announced as she threw her arm forward to point at the ball.
Opening her palm she raised the ball high into the air.
"Sunlight and Firelight, finish it!" she demanded as Usagi and Kaede looked at one another.
"DO IT!" she repeated as the pair nodded.
"Blazing…" Kaede began as she pointed her long spear at the glowing ball that held the enemy.
"…DAWN!" Usagi concluded as she pointed her sceptre in the same direction.
Both sent blazing attacks, Usagi's a golden blast, Kaede's a scarlet fire.
Upon meeting the ball the attacks sent the sealed enemy into the galaxy where, above the palace, the comet-like ball exploded in a bright light.
As the light faded slowly Mei could not help but stare at the awesome power displayed not only by Usagi and Kaede but of the mysterious lady who was already beginning to disappear.
"Who are…"
She smiled as she looked past Mei to Shigeru who still had not stirred.
"Look after my son, for my power is his," she stated simply as she faded into the silver light of the evening.
Mei blinked once or twice, half-expecting her to re-appear.
Mei looked to Kaede and Usagi who were both back to their normal selves.
What just happened?
::X:X::
Usagi released a huge yawn as she stretched, puling open her curtains to allow the warm rays to burn her drowsy eyes.
"My lady your breakfast is waiting for you in your combat room," Seiko announced discreetly as she remained bowed.
"Thank you Seiko, I will be there in a few moments, "she responded as Seiko straightened, exiting her bedchamber.
It had been a week since the attack that stirred the entire palace.
Many of the princes and princesses had left already, their respective parents demanding their return.
Usagi wondered why it was that her own family was yet to contact her, for Pluto had contacted them about the danger present in the Celestial Kingdom.
Even Queen Celestin herself had suggested that the Palace and Kingdom be evacuated, leaving only her senshi and herself.
But I cannot leave … not after transforming into Sunlight … can I?
Usagi sighed as she walked away from the window, headed for the combat room that had now become her permanent dining room, set for two.
The thought made her smile.
At least out of all this mess Pluto had been "assigned" to her to be her protector for whenever she was to leave her rooms.
If her memory served her correct, the southern wing where she had found herself in battle was now completely closed off and made out of bounds.
"Chibi-Usa hurry along now, your breakfast is getting cold," Pluto advised from their table lathered with food.
The sight, surprisingly for both females, failed to stir her.
Usagi sat duly without touching any of the food.
"What is wrong Chibi-Usa?" Pluto asked, her eyes soft.
"I am scared that I will have to go home."
Pluto's eyes widened momentarily before she smiled.
"I knew you would want to stay, I know very well that it is not in your blood to flee from where your help would be needed the most," Pluto mused as she leant forward.
Usagi looked down at her lap, twiddling her fingers.
No one, apart from those who were there, knows that I transformed using the power of an Ancient … what would Pluto say?
Usagi raised her eyes to meet the level gaze of her companion and friend.
"Pluto … after that last attack I don't think I can leave," Usagi said aloud.
Pluto smiled widely once more.
"No, of course not Usa-"
"I don't think you understand Pluto … I can't."
Pluto sat back in silence as Usagi took in a deep breath.
"As you know Mei and Shigeru were attacked in the Southern Wing by the same people that attacked Kaku and I in my room …"
Pluto nodded, unsure of where the conversation was going.
"Yes well Shigeru was hurt trying to protect Mei and they would have gotten her too if it wasn't for Kaku, whom I followed when he passed my room… anywho long story short Kaku granted me permission to use the Key of the Ancient Sailor Sunlight to transform into … well … Sunlight," Usagi blurted, immediately shutting her mouth.
Pluto could only stare openly at the princess, her mind reeling.
Yes, I remember vaguely the story of the origins of us senshi, all senshis have heard the story of the Ancients … but this? Usagi using the power of an Ancient?
Pluto's eyes lowered.
If what she said was true then she couldn't possibly leave, not if was chosen to use the power of the Ancients.
Usagi's eyes remained on Pluto's pensive face, releasing a sigh of relief as Pluto slowly smiled.
"I must say after the initial shock I am not in the least bit surprised Chibi-Usa. I can think of no one more deserving that could carry the power of the Ancients," she said as Usagi grinned.
"Thank you Pluto," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.
Pluto nodded.
But what will your parents think once they know? They already want you to go home as soon as possible but after this new piece of information, I now realize that you cannot leave…
Pluto watched her help herself to every single item on the table, seemingly back to her normal self as she ate.
I will at least let her enjoy this meal before we talk further.
Agreeing with herself Pluto helped herself to a piece of fruit.
::X:X::
She cannot possibly be one of the Ancient Keepers!
Kaede stood before her mirror, her amethyst eyes narrowing at her own reflection as she saw herself phase into the real Firelight that had appeared to her in her room on their very first night at the palace, after her encounter with Usagi.
You are my daughter and my power is yours. But I must warn you, your heart is weak and easy to influence. You must not forget that you carry my power and with it the Ancient Power that founded your Kingdom. If you try to do anything that is out of line with what we, the Elite, stand for, you will perish. You simply must learn to open your heart and work with all those who are chosen by my sisters. You are nothing without each other.
Kaede glared as she punched the mirror, cracks forming around her red fist.
I have to learn how to work with her, but how can I when I HATE her??
::X:X::
Shigeru sat alone in his room holding the silver key to his cheek, feeling the humming warmth of its power.
Sunlight peered past his transparent curtains, warming the cold marble floor with its comforting light.
Shigeru stood from his bed as he slipped the key into his pocket.
If this really is Starlight's gift then I simply cannot leave, no matter what they say.
"That would then, therefore, mean that you would have to tell them," he muttered to himself as he straightened his suit.
Glancing quickly in the mirror his silver coloured eyes were more defined against his somewhat tanned features and coal-black hair.
"Shigeru your breakfast is ready," one of the senshi called.
Without word he turned, passing the brunette female to enter into his combat room where his food waited undoubtedly along with the other two senshi that had only just arrived that day to escort him home.
I have to tell them … I have to! If I don't tell them they will surely take me home, unless I have a valid reason.
Shigeru smiled.
And I do, he reminded himself as he touched the key in his blazer pocket.
"Sit Shige and eat, we have a long journey ahead!" a silver-haired female probed as they nodded at the empty seat.
Nodding he sat, smiling at each on e of the three ladies seated before him.
"I .. I have something to tell you, all three of you," he began as he took in a deep breath.
How will they take it?
::X:X::
A/N: Yay .. end of this chapter!! Thanks for reading friends and review again, I want to know what you think so far …
Tenjewberrymuch!! ;)
Lady Sapphira