Disclaimer: I do not, in any manner whatsoever, lay claim to any of the characters etc. of Sailor Moon. I own only the characters that are my own and the plot.
A general thank you to all reviewers and readers for your continual support- you know who you are.
Chapter 9: In the presence of Moonlight
"Your room is very decorative," Usagi commented as Shigeru reddened, opening the door wide.
The curtains were pulled open, the soft sunlight shining onto the blue marble floor that gleamed meticulously. The walls of his combat room were a cream colour where, on the feature wall to their left hung a large portrait of the Starlights together with Shigeru and another female who she guessed to be his mother.
Directly before them, however, lay a long wooden table covered with a black tablecloth, the places already set for four people.
"Do come in, there is plenty of room for everyone at the table. Surely Lady Chiako will not mind setting a few more places and bringing us lunch here," Shigeru announced as he stepped into the combat room, everyone following in behind.
"You still practice?" Serenity asked Star-Fighter as they moved into the room, noting the guitars and piano in the far corner of the room.
Star-Fighter shrugged slightly as she smiled softly.
"Every now and then. Shigeru wants to learn how to play the instruments so when we can we teach him, he is quite talented," she responded as they seated themselves.
Serenity nodded as she glanced at Shigeru who sat opposite them alongside Usagi.
"He looks quite talented indeed … is he …"
Star-Healer nodded as her eyes remained on the Prince.
"Yes, he is Kakyuu's son," she responded as she glanced at Serenity.
"And the girl, she is your daughter?" she asked as Serenity met her eyes with a wide smile.
"She is indeed," Serenity spoke as Star-Fighter nodded.
"She has your good looks. When Shigeru had told us about his friends he had mentioned a female by the name of Usagi … you could have imagined our surprise …" Star-Fighter said as she looked past Usagi to Star-Maker and Star-Fighter.
Both were deep in conversation with all the Inners and laughing amongst themselves as they waited for food.
"I hope Mei is alright," Usagi murmured as she fiddled her fingers.
Shigeru touched her hand as he attempted to smile.
"I am sure she will be fine, after all her father and aunt will be looking after her right now," he comforted as he turned to his side.
Both Kaede and Kakuei seemed to be talking heatedly beneath their breath, something Shigeru could not quite make out.
"We're not safe here Kaede!"
"I know that Kakuei I never said we were! All I am saying is that we cannot leave the Palace, not now!"
"Oh so now you decide to be noble, I thought you had packed your things a week ago, Princess!"
"Watch your mouth loverboy!"
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"Don't be bitter because little Usagi doesn't like you! You can do much bett-"
"For your information I do not like Usagi in that manner, or are you just being bitter because Shigeru doesn't like you? Not taking the rejection well are we?"
"Oh you would know all about rejection now wouldn't you?"
Shigeru shrugged as he turned back to Usagi, slightly content that perhaps he was lucky to not have heard any of what they had been debating.
Usagi's stomach grumbled at the same time as his.
Glancing at one another they each reddened, both holding their stomachs.
Serenity smiled along with Star-Fighter.
It always felt good being in the company of friends.
::X:X::
Hikaru closed the door on his daughter's room, moving only once the click sounded.
He strode along the corridor swiftly, his mind deeply preoccupied.
He ignored the beautiful scenery that lay at his side, taking no notice of the afternoon sunlight caressing the tamed landscape that unfolded below him. The flowers that stretched out to him lay untouched by his eyes, their scent not at all registering in his mind.
The silence here is so eerie, so empty. The Celestial Kingdom has been reduced to a shell. The civilians are at least in a safe place and the Eternal Palace is but a lonely tomb. All that is left is the senshi, Celestin, my daughter and I, as well those who have been gifted with the Ancients' powers. If this is Sealight's work then what does she want from us? The Kingdom? What does she want?
Hikaru turned one last corner, knowing that at the end of this very corridor he would come to his sister's chambers once more.
"Good afternoon Lord Hikaru!"
His inhibition and vision faded as he turned, seeing nothing more than large pools of sapphire before he was completely consumed by shadows.
::X:X::
Mei's eyes opened slightly as she sat up, her bare arms laced with goose bumps as she hugged herself.
Her long black hair fell across her shoulders, her large emerald eyes shifting to the sky outside.
The once blue sky was ablaze with orange, scarlet and pink hues, where far off in the distance a darker blue seemed to be tugging at the warm colours, reminding them of the fast coming evening. Beyond her floating curtains she noted the three moons of their Kingdom.
The sight made her smile.
I am still home …
Mei closed her eyes briefly as she took in a deep breath, throwing her covers off as she slipped out of bed. Upon making contact with the cool floor she released a sigh as she stood, her limbs still throbbing from battle earlier that day.
I'm glad both Kaede and Usagi came to my aid … if it hadn't been for them …
"You probably would have died."
Mei stiffened as she slowly raised her eyes to the open doors before her.
On her balcony, against the light of the drowsy sun, stood a tall, slender figure, her long hair blowing around her like a dress.
Mei straightened as she brought her arms across her frail figure.
"Calm down my daughter, it is only I."
Her head turned, her large silver eyes boring deep into her soul as she welcomed herself into the room.
"I am Sailor Moonlight and it is about time that I revealed myself, no?" she mused as she moved closer to her, Mei matching each of her advances with a stumble backwards until she finally hit her bed, falling to land in a seated position.
Her hair fell in glossy black curls that reached her breasts. Her forehead was marked with the image of a full moon, with one crescent silver and the other black. She did not wear a senshi costume like her counterparts but instead wore a long light blue dress that trailed along the ground.
"Well, Mei, I have heard everything about you! You are the future of this Kingdom, the heir to the throne and you are directly descended from my dear friend Sunlight … it seems destiny has seen it fit to bestow upon you yet another honour!" Moonlight spoke as Mei stared.
"What do you mean bestow upon me another honour?" Mei asked as she straightened her posture, remembering the words of her aunt.
"My dear even if you are at the brink of death, you must never forget your manners and duty as a lady and a princess."
Moonlight nodded at her sudden change in attitude.
"You are perfectly correct, do not forget your posture and your composure," she added as she began to pace the room.
"You see Mei I have appeared to tell you that you have been wrongly misled not only you but your father, your aunt … everyone!"
Mei's eyes widened as she glanced at the Ancient, the very image of night.
"How do you mean? How can we have been misled?"
Moonlight paused, turning gracefully to her, her eyes moving to the sky outside that was now dark, the sun already deep in its slumber.
"There is no such thing as "the Prophecy", we did not write such a thing, neither of us four that was left behind did. Mei you must understand the complexities that come with attempting to write a prophecy … a prophecy for goodness sake! If we were to write a prophecy we would have bound the entire kingdom and universe to one future, to the future we chose…"
Mei shook her head as her green eyes softened.
"The document in the library-"
"That document in the library was written by Sunlight's daughter. She thought she envisioned a future with a battle in it. She thought it was important and mentioned us in it. You see Mei, prophecies and prophesying are gifts for those who have been gifted to see into the future."
"But I thought you could see into the future … your powers …"
Mei's words deserted her as her disbelief overwhelmed her.
All these years, all this time, the millennia passed … we have been believing in nothing? All our worrying, stress … for nothing?
"Yes, we were able to see into the future, not into great detail but we could see the future. You see before the Celestial Kingdom was founded, as you know, we were charged with the duty of teaching and gifting our skills and power around the Milky Way. We all did so, or at least four of us did. When we re-gathered we found that one of us had become corrupt with thoughts of superiority. We stripped her of her weapons, sealed her away and sent her to the nether-ends of the Galaxy with the hope of never having to see her again…"
Mei massaged her temples as her brow furrowed.
"We knew that she would return one day but we did not have the heart to kill her. In our minds we still believed that she would turn around and see the light again … but we moved on and did not hear anything from her until now. She is after her revenge Mei. She wants to destroy the Celestial Kingdom and all those who she believes turned against her, namely us. However in order to do so she needs to reclaim her enchanted weapons, the Daggers of Poseidon. Until she has done that she can never claim her full power and her dreams of ruling the Galaxy are but dreams."
Mei shook her head as she lifted her eyes to meet Moonlight's waiting gaze.
"Well what does that have to do with me?" she asked simply, watching Moonlight's lips curl upwards in a secretive smile.
"You see, my young Mei, in order for her to claim her weapons, all of her sisters must have claimed theirs first. They must all be present also when her daggers are returned to her, it is our protocol. It is also the reason why we still wander the Galaxy. Until Sealight returns to the light again, we can never rest and neither can she. We were summoned together and we are to move on together, it is the only way to stop her completely," Moonlight concluded as she nodded at Mei.
"I have come to reveal to you my power," she spoke as Mei went to stand.
"I cannot harbour your power … I have been deemed responsible for Starlight's gi-"
Moonlight held her hand up as she shook her head, her glossy locks bouncing as she did so.
"No Mei, there is no need for anyone to possess the key to my power for it already lies dormant in someone. I gifted my power a long time ago and she still holds it. What I need for you to do is to find her and bring her here. But in order for you to do so you will have to do some traveling," she responded.
Mei's eyes widened as Moonlight bowed.
"Traveling?"
Before Mei could say anything more Moonlight had already faded into the evening, taking her unsuspecting self with her.
::X:X::
The light of the three moons slid through the curtains, sweeping an eerie gaze over the dark bedchamber. Through the curtains Usagi noted the brilliant blue-black sky, where small twinkling lights lay scattered in their masses.
"The galaxy is beautiful isn't it?" Serenity breathed at her side.
Usagi smiled as she nodded.
"Rei do you think you can move over? I'm almost falling of the bed!" Mina shouted from Usagi's other side.
"Shh! Mako is asleep!" Ami hissed at Serenity's side.
From her rocking chair Setsuna shook her head as a small smile played on her lips.
"Sestuna are you sure you do not want to join us on the bed? There is plenty of room," Usagi offered as Setsuna met her eyes.
"I am fine ChibiUsa," she assured, her eyes dancing as she watched the five heads all lay back down again.
"We should do this more often," Mina murmured as they all looked up to the white ceiling.
Usagi nodded.
"It feels like a slumber party," Ami spoke as she pulled the sheets up even further.
"Rei this is the last time I'm going to tell you! Will you move over?" Mina growled as the four heads between them saw a pillow soar past them.
"Oh no you just didn't!" Rei simmered as the same pillow flew back.
"Oh yes I just did!" Mina shouted, hurling the pillow back with more force as Serenity, Usagi and Ami all sweatdropped.
"Mina I am n-"
As Rei threw the pillow back a hand shot up, grabbing the pillow and pulling it down.
"Rei move over!" Mako snapped as she rolled onto her side, her back to Mina who was pulling faces at the bickering Rei.
"And Mina, stop pulling faces! Both of you settle down, I'm trying to sleep!" Mako commanded as a silence fell over the room.
"That's better," Mako murmured as her eyes closed slowly, her breathing slowing down once more.
"I think we should all sleep now," Setsuna suggested as the Inners nodded in agreement.
"Alright, well, goodnight then," Usagi murmured as she stretched.
"Yes, goodnight everyone," Serenity responded as she closed her eyes.
"Night!" Ami, Rei and Mina responded, all three releasing simultaneous yawns, tugging at the blankets.
Usagi smiled as her own eyes closed slowly.
Tomorrow would be another day.
::X:X::
"I am sure the maid will give us our own rooms if we so desire," Taiki spoke as she glanced wearily at the king-sized bed.
"You three are the ones who want to be near me, are you not? Besides, all three of you can fit in that bed!" Shigeru responded as he pulled his plush seat to the side of the bed, bringing the footrest along with it.
"I am sure that other arrangements can be made for us to be …"
"Yaten the servants are all in their rooms now, especially with the current situation I will most certainly not call them from their rooms just to find you some. Now stop arguing and get settled into bed already, I am tired!" Shigeru responded firmly.
Seiya released a sigh as she sat on the bed.
"Come along now you two, it could be worse," she soothed as she glanced down at the bed.
"I am not sharing a bed with you t-"
Yaten paused as the three of them watched Shigeru head for the door.
"Shige, where are you going?" Seiya asked softly as her eyes softened.
"I am going to check up on a friend …" he responded as he left the room, the three hearing the door to his combat room close beyond.
"He should not be walking out there by himself Seiya and even you know it," Taiki spoke as she and Yaten looked at one another before looking to Seiya who stood with her back to them.
"I know that Taiki but I have a feeling that he does not want us to go with him. We must at least try and honour his wishes," she responded as she turned back to them with a small smile.
"If he does not return with an hour we will go and find him," she added as both Yaten and Taiki nodded their heads.
"What a surprise it was to see Neo-Queen Serenity and the Inner Senshi today," Taiki mentioned as Yaten smirked.
"No doubt you were pleasantly surprised," Yaten spoke as Seiya reddened.
"That part of Seiya went when I left earth with our Queen. I am simply glad that we have had a chance to meet up with our friends again," she responded as Taiki chuckled.
"Whatever you say Seiya," she shrugged as Yaten released a heavy sigh.
"What is it Yaten?" Seiya asked as she turned to her companion who stood in a manner that exuded displeasure.
"I simply can't believe he expects us to share the bed! The room is bad enough, but this!?"
Seiya rolled her eyes as Taiki smiled a painful smile.
"It's good to see that some things still haven't changed," Taiki muttered.
::X:X::
Shigeru turned several corners, his brow knitted in thought.
What is true love? Having your thoughts preoccupied by one person? Where, no matter what time of day, she is always in your mind? But what if she doesn't feel the same?
Shigeru paused outside the dimly lit door.
Torches lined the entire hallway, casting disjointed shadows that flickered over the smooth marble of the walls.
Raising his hand he made contact with the door three times, the marble cool under his pale knuckles.
"Mei? Mei it is I, Prince Shigeru," he spoke, kicking himself mentally for the choice of words.
Good one Shige, Mei it is I, Prince Shigeru … who says that?
Cursing under his breath he straightened himself, knocking on her door once more.
"Mei … Mei are you asleep?"
Strike 2 Shige, if she is asleep OF COURSE she won't answer you!
Shigeru's shoulders sagged as he bowed his head.
She need her rest, afterall she was the most damaged in the battle today. I can pay her a visit her tomorrow.
With that thought in mind Shigeru left her door tentatively, his steps slow and silent as he made his way back to his own room.
Sweet dreams, Mei.
::X:X::
Usagi's eyes opened slowly to the warmth of the light that overcame her.
Her ruby eyes beheld that white scenery, everything was white, so white in fact, she could not differentiate between the material and the light.
"It has been a long time, ChibiUsa."
The voice made her smile as she registered the sweet tone.
"Helios?" she whispered as she turned, her eyes locking with a familiar brown pair.
"HELIOS!" she cried as she ran forward, falling into his waiting arms, burying her face in his shirt as she did so.
'ChibiUsa your dreams are troubled, why is that?" he questioned as she pulled away from him.
"Helios I am worried about my friends and about this kingdom. I am worried about the Universe and the Galaxy … I am wor-"
He touched his finger to her lips, smiling softly.
"Do not worry yourself so much. In the end you will overcome. Remember, no darkness is without light," he whispered as he stroked her cheek.
"Helios … Helios please do not leave!" she pined as her hand began to phase through his shirt.
"I never left ChibiUsa," he responded as his phantom lips touched hers.
Usagi blinked once, suddenly alone in the light if not for the rose petals that began to rain upon her.
She smiled sadly as she lifted her face to the fragrant shower.
"Come back soon!"
::X:X::
She gasped once, clutching her chest.
Her curtains were thrown wide, the light of the three moons disappearing behind a cloud, her room cast into darkness momentarily as she sat up in bed.
Her nails dug into her chest, her breathing ragged as she searched for her crystal beneath her nightgown.
Nudging the white crystal with her fingernails, she extended her fingers to grasp it. The crystal was the shape of one half of a star and pulling it off her neck she opened her palm slowly.
The crystal was beginning to turn silver.
"No ..."
The crystal changed colour only when either the crystal itself or its other half was removed from its rightful bearer.
Her brother held the other half to the Divine Star.
Her brother would never carelessly leave his half anywhere. If anything it was always her, Celestin, who he would scold for being careless with her half.
Celestin's eyes widened as they began to water.
There was only one solution.
She has him … Sealight has my brother!
::X:X::
A/N: first off, this chapter is a bit long, I know, sorry! Secondly, thanks again for the reviews and thanks for reading too … I really appreciate your feed back and all! I'm not going to personally respond to your review on the page anymore (seeing as it just takes up room) so I've reverted to replying to them via email and stuff … so thanks to you all anyways!
Well, to avoid a huge paragraph following the story is going to be a little sidestory based on Mei as she searches for the one who bears Moonlight's power … this reading is ENTIRELY OPTIONAL and you can stop reading now if you'd like! But for those who can, browse over her adventure …. No doubt she'll be in some pretty weird situations! Wow, okay, longest A/N in the world for me, a massive feat!
Okay-doke, better leave you folk then!
Always,
Lady Sapphira
p.s: Mei's journey is not the focus of this story, like I said above it is just a story on the side that I am writing for fun … and again IT'S OPTIONAL!!
Also (last note, promise!) her adventure will be told at the end of the next few chapters for however long her adventure/mission lasts …. Cheers!
::X:X::
A Mission for Moonlight: Part I
"Where are we?" Mei whispered as she followed Moonlight's trailing dress along the red velvet floor.
They were in a long corridor that stretched on endlessly. The walls were a pale yellow with silver doors that aligned themselves along the hall evenly while above there was no ceiling, only a brilliant night sky that resembled their part of the universe.
"Do not worry about where we are now, concern yourself with your destination," Moonlight responded as she stopped at one door.
Mei's eyes shifted from her chosen door to all the neighbouring doors, attempting to spot any detail that differentiated it from the other doors.
"They are all the same in appearance, but their destinations are entirely different, now come," Moonlight murmured as she opened the door.
"Another corridor?" Mei spoke as they both entered an identical hallway.
"We are here," Moonlight announced as she turned back to Mei who simply blinked.
"But we're not anywhere," she muttered as Moonlight's eyes narrowed.
"I can see that Mei. Now look you must find her in time to save your Kingdom. Without her you nor Sealight can do nothing. Mind you we want her because she will help you when the time comes," Moonlight explained as she bowed.
"Hold on … what am I supposed to do?" Mei called as she advanced on Moonlight who was already beginning to appear transparent.
"Through one of these doors she waits … only I can't quite remember what door leads to the world she resides in …"
"WHAT!?"
Moonlight smiled as she raised her eyes to the universe that opened itself above her.
"Each door leads to a different world, you just need to find the right one, but don't worry just do the Ancients' Chant to find her. If she doesn't respond at all then you are in the wrong world … keep trying until you find her! But remember, your time is limited!"
Mei's wide emerald eyes watched the Ancient disappear into the universe, her spirit scattering itself amongst the many stars.
Mei frowned as she returned her gaze to the long corridor with countless doors.
If I do not find her soon enough I will return and it will be too late …
Straightening Mei strode towards the first door to her right, taking in a deep breath as she reached for the door handle.
She opened it quickly, seeing nothing but a bright light.
No time like the present!
With that she entered.
::X:X::
"What's the hold up down there?" the male growled as he pounded on his horn.
Alongside him cars lined, hovering in the air a metre off ground, their drivers, like the man, slowly becoming impatient.
His daughter rolled her eyes as she straightened her red headband, switching the car's in-car television set on.
"Welcome to the midday news! Down town all traffic has come to a a complete halt, our eye in the sky has more from the helicopter, Nigel?"
"Thank you Edward! From our position in the sky it seems that the reason for the heavy traffic jams is a female who has simply appeared in the middle of our main inter-section! She, literally, "came out of the air", according to one witness, thus causing some serious crashes resulting in heavy traffic delays. Back to you in the studio Edwar-"
"Sounds rather dodgy," she commented simply as she cast a sidelong glance in her father's direction.
"Stay here Bra, I will be back," he muttered as he opened the door, soaring into the day.
I will fix the problem.
::X:X::
Mei's stood in the middle of the road, her eyes wide as blaring horns and verbal abuse sounded from all corners.
Just do the Ancients' Chant and get out!!
Nodding to herself Mei began to rise into the air, her eyes closing.
"Celestial Star Power Activate!" she cried she lifted her head into the air, a small star-shaped crystal falling from the heavens to land on her forehead. Upon contact with her crown the crystal exploded into ribbons of light that wrapped themselves around her before releasing her as suddenly as they had claimed her.
"Daughter to the Ancient Guardians of the Universe, I will fight against their name and the name of the Celestial Kingdom. I am Sailor Celeste," she announced as she hovered in the middle of the air.
Her uniform was a strapless silver dress that fitted her tightly. Her dress tied along her back while her arms bore long fingerless arm gloves that were the same white as her simple closed-toe heels.
Celeste raised her arms into the sky as a star shape began to appear beneath her.
It's now or nev-
"Who are you and why are you in the middle of the main intersection?"
Despite herself Celeste's eyes flew open, meeting a deep blue gaze.
"Who are you?" the black-haired male whispered as his eyes remained on the crescent moon on her forehead, noting the star that accompanied it.
"GOTEN!" his lavender-haired companion barked.
Goten reddened as he looked to Trunks.
"Well?" Trunks persisted as she flew back.
"It is obvious that you are not from earth …" Trunks began.
"Hey, you! Remove yourself from the intersection or I will do so physically myself!"
"Dad wait!" Trunks cried as Vegeta hurtled towards them.
Celeste moved sideways as Vegeta passed her to join the other three males.
"Please, if you let me do something quickly, I will go …"
Vegeta's eyes hardened as she lowered her eyes.
"Please," she whispered as all three reddened slightly.
"Go on then, but be quick! You're holding the traffic up!" Vegeta snapped as Celeste nodded.
She moved away from them, pausing in the middle of the intersection once more.
Raising her arms into the air she closed her eyes as a star began to form above her.
"Sunlight, Starlight, Firelight, Sealight … reveal yourself in your true light … MOONLIGHT!" Celeste cried as she looked to the star.
Four of the five points glowed, yet the last point remained darkened still.
She is not here …
Celeste sighed as she began to glow eerily.
"One door down … five million more to go," she whispered as she began to fade.
Looking back down at the three males she smiled as she saluted.
"I'm sorry for the hold up …"
::X:X::
Trunks looked to Goten who shrugged.
"That was weird," Trunks commented as Goten shrugged.
"She was pretty though," he added as the pair floated down to earth.
"About time," Vegeta growled as he flew past the two, returning to the car.
"I didn't even catch her name," Goten sighed as Trunks punched his arm.
"She wouldn't have gone for you anyway!" he laughed.
Goten frowned.
"Oh that's right, and you would have had more chance, right?"
Trunks merely laughed.
::X:X::
Mei sighed as she slammed the door behind her.
I have to keep moving …
With a sigh she headed for the door opposite.
::X:X::