Disclaimer: As always Sailor Moon and its affiliates do not belong to me. I claim the plot and those characters and concepts which I have created myself.
Thank you to all of you reviewers and readers out there! Thank you oh so much, you make my writing all the more worthwhile.
Chapter 12: The Traitor
"Ready."
The five straight lines of senshi raised their bows, pointing straight ahead.
"Aim."
At the command the females raised their bows into their air, pulling the string back to have their wrists just brushing their cheeks.
"Fire!"
All females released the arrows into the clear blue sky, the arrows lost in amidst the sunlight.
"That seems rather pointless," Venus murmured.
The group had found the ladies dressed in silver right where Topaz had said they would be: at the forefront of the Palace Fields where beyond them lay a vast expanse of blue that glittered sapphire beneath the pleasant morning light.
"It is all about training, Venus," another voice responded.
Venus blushed as Celestin appeared alongside the group dressed entirely in black leather. From her black boots to her leather dress that fitted her tightly, the layer of armour she wore over the top detracted from the scandalously short outfit that barely covered anything.
"Good morning all, I hope you slept well," she spoke as the group watched her move forward.
"Alright ladies, recall the arrows. We will begin at once with target practice," she announced as the females in silver all nodded, each raising a slender arm into the sky as if reaching to grasp that ray of sunlight that was just out of reach.
The group watched silently with blank expressions as from the sunlight came a swarm of silver arrows, each one finding an open palm to fly in to.
"Those arrows … how did they manage to return?" Mars questioned as Celestin smiled slowly.
"They are enchanted arrows, but they are not yet activated. In battle, however, when these arrows are in force, once fired they will not stop until they find a heart in which to land," she explained.
Usagi's eyes widened as she looked to the arrows that the females in front of them were holding.
"Don't worry, like I said they are not yet functioning in the manner that they have been designed to. These weapons are only for practice. I will not use them in battle. They are much too dangerous," Celestin soothed as she glanced at the group.
"Anywho what brings you all out here on this crisp morning?"
Serenity moved forward, casting a sidelong glance at Star-Fighter who nodded once at her.
"We would like to know where we would be able to assist you. We have great expertise amongst us …"
Celestin let out a low chuckle as she turned to face them completely.
"I am absolutely delighted to hear that you would like to assist us. I would have presented the idea earlier but I did not want to sound as though I wanted you to assist me because you had to…"
"We would be willing to help anywhere our services are needed, afterall the threat is not restricted to your kingdom alone. It is universal," Star-Fighter added.
Celestin smiled widely, her eyes shining as she lowered them.
"Your words mean a lot to me. It warms me to know that even in times of strife we are able to work together," Celestin murmured as she raised her face into the sunlight.
Usagi nodded.
"As senshi we are bound by duty to our kingdom and galaxy, and more importantly we are bound to one another, as sisters," she added, the group nodding along with the young princess.
"How can we help?" Star-Healer asked as Celestin returned her gaze to them once more.
"My five armies would greatly appreciate your assistance. First Lady Emerald, otherwise known as Sailor Emerald is in charge of the Emerald Elite. These ladies specialize in hand-to-hand combat. These females have the least weapons of all armies, resorting to powerful physical attacks. Some of you could offer your help there," Celestin began as Jupiter smiled, Pluto nodding at her side.
"Second Lady Sapphire heads the Sapphire Elite. They take charge of the army's main artillery. They create the larger weapons and machinery which they themselves use. One of you could assist them," Celestin added as Venus glanced at Serenity with Star-Healer looking to her own leader
"The Ruby Elite, headed by Third Lady Ruby are specialists in all things fire. Fire is our greatest asset and if used properly can be a great assistance to us," Celestin continued as she looked specifically to Mars who nodded.
"Fourth Lady Topaz and her Topaz Elite are the most intellectually involved of us all, for they are the ones who create our tactics, both offensively and defensively. I know for a fact that there are those of you who will be a great help to them," Celestin spoke as she glanced at both Mercury and Star-Maker.
"And finally there are the Celestial Elite. These ladies are the most elusive of all my warriors. They are swift, graceful and deadly. They are experts in all hand-held weaponry and have a degree of power slightly higher than any of the other Elitist armies. I have no doubt at all that your Highness, Princess Usagi, Sailor Star-Fighter and Prince Shigeru will be of great assi-"
"With all due respect your Highness, I would much prefer to offer my hand to the Topaz Elite. I am more intellectually based than physically, if you know what I mean," Shigeru interrupted, Celestin smiling in response.
"Fair enough young Prince, your wish is granted. Are there any questions at all?" Celestin asked as the group all looked at one another before all returning to look to Celestin.
"No? Well I trust most of you should know where you can help the most. They are easy enough to find … I must say … thank you …" Celestin whispered as her eyes softened.
Serenity smiled as she curtseyed.
"It is our honour, cousin," she responded as Celestin laughed softly.
"Cousin," she responded as she curtseyed.
::X:X::
She lay unmoving in her bed, her back to the wall as her arm fell loosely down the side of her bed, her numb fingers brushing the blue marble.
Her room was dark, the sunlight sealed behind the thick curtains that refused to succumb to the sun.
Kaede you must make a decision for yourself. You cannot just lay here all day, hoping that you had known better, or had not known anything at all. Something needs to be done and you know it. You have the power of an Ancient … you cannot fail it now!
She closed her brown eyes slowly as she rolled onto her back.
"I must know for sure … I simply must find out," she whispered as her eyes flew open.
Sitting up quickly she sat silently as she drew her knees to her chest; her arms embracing her legs; her glorious blonde hair falling across her bare shoulders.
I must act now if I am to act at all.
Resting her cheek on her knees she closed her eyes once more, releasing a slow sigh.
"Easier said than done," she mumbled.
::X:X::
"Alright, your turn."
The female nodded once as she stepped forward from the line, moving to stand some hundred meters from the target that stood but a few meters from the lake edge.
"Five shots," Usagi called as she obeyed silently, lifting the bow, closing one eye as she aimed.
Her slender fingers pulled the string back effortlessly as she released the five arrows swiftly and precisely.
Usagi nodded approvingly as she watched the arrows land their mark at the centre of the target.
"Very good…"
"Princess, if I could ask for your assistance?"
Usagi turned slowly to meet Celestin who appeared at her side.
Usagi nodded at the shooter who bowed once to her, leading the small group Usagi had been charged with away.
"How can I help your highness?" she requested simply as Celestin shifted her golden eyes to the lake that lay before the pair.
"I trust you are familiar with the Palace, no?" Celestin asked, her eyes remaining on the crystal lake.
Usagi nodded, her face expressionless.
"Then perhaps you could go and check up on Kaede? I have not seen or heard of her for the past 2 days, and because she has her own servants, my own servants are not sure of her whereabouts. I am almost sure she is here but I would like for you to go and check … would you mind?"
Usagi nodded without hesitation as she herself reflected on the past few days without seeing the girl.
The last she had seen her, in fact, was when Mei had been taken by her father and since then she had not been seen at all.
"I will go and see how she is, your highness," Usagi curtseyed as she departed quickly.
Celestin watched her go with a content smile.
The future of the galaxy is definitely in good hands.
::X:X::
Usagi moved along the hallway swiftly, her footsteps the only sound made as she turned the uncertain corners, the warmth of the sunlight her only comfort and guide.
"The sun rises in the west … it is mid-afternoon and therefore the sun should be leaning toward the east …"
Her eyes glanced sideways to the sun that came directly in directly on 45 degree angle.
"It is good to know that I am in the right place," Usagi murmured as she turned the corner, only to walk into something that sent her sprawling backwards onto her backside.
"Oh do forgive me Usagi!"
Usagi frowned slightly as she took the offered hand, holding her head as she dusted her dress.
"Are you alright?"
Usagi nodded duly as she looked to the speaker who watched her closely with warm blue eyes.
"Kakuei? What are you doing?" Usagi questioned as Kakuei released a heavy sigh.
"I have been in my room all morning actually with my senshi. I left to some and see where I could offer my assistance," he responded as Usagi smiled thinly.
"Well at least you are well. I was on the Palace Fields training with the Celestial Army … in fact Queen Celestin asked me to do her a favour and check on Kaede … no one seems to have heard from her for a few days now …"
Kakuei nodded solemnly as he looked out to the palace gardens that lay beyond Usagi, his face pensive as he returned his gaze back to meet Usagi's ruby eyes.
"I saw her this morning actually, she did not like she was in good shape. Perhaps it is a good idea to check on her," he responded as Usagi nodded.
"Let us go to her room immediately," Usagi concluded as Kakuei made way for her to lead.
"Straight ahead, the next right and the first room to the left," Kakuei pointed, Usagi following religiously as she turned right, pausing instinctively before the first door to the left.
Raising a hand Usagi rapped three times on the door.
Both she and Kakuei looked at one another, finally resorting to leaning an ear onto the door.
"She should be in there … I only saw her a few hours ago," Kakuei reflected as Usagi nodded slightly.
"Maybe she is asleep?" Usagi offered as Kakuei's brow furrowed.
"No she looked clearly frustrated this morning … let's try her door," Kakuei offered as his hand reached for the door.
The door creaked open as his hand touched the handle, the light behind them shining into the room.
A heavy scent of rose floated from the room, the scent that always crowned Kaede and had become her trademark there at the palace.
"Kaede?" Usagi called as she took a small step into the dark room, rubbing her arms as she stood with Kakuei at her side.
"Kaede?" Usagi called more forcefully as she took one more step further.
"Kaede is not here Usagi," Kakuei spoke as he stood in the doorway, watching her with dark eyes.
"It's scary in here …" Usagi murmured as Kakuei lowered his eyes.
"Usagi, I am sorry. I only hope that you will understand why I have done this," he spoke as Usagi's eyes widened.
"Kakuei … Kaku … what are you doing?" Usagi demanded as she ran to Kakuei who slammed the door in her face.
"KAKUEI! KAKUEI!" Usagi screamed as she hammered on the door.
The shadows tingled on her skin, the darkness stifling her protests as she continued to bang on the door relentlessly.
I thought you were my friend …
::X:X::
"Good work Kakuei … good work," Sealight purred as she watched him through her crystal ball.
"Sealight you witch! How dare you twist Kakuei and manipulate him like you have!" Kaede snapped as she hung at Hikaru's side, her chains rattling as she shook with fury.
"It was his choice all along," Sealight laughed as she glared at Kaede who fought against the chains.
"You are stuck there love. Do not try to make things harder than they have to be," Sealight warned as Kaede spat at her.
Sealight laughed.
"Silly girl," she smiled as she pointed a blue-black nail at her, sending a blast that rippled through the air, sending Kaede flying into the wall, her back cracking against the black marble, her wrists clicking as she hung once more. Her chains now lay silent.
Sealight smiled as she looked to her wall, the empty set of chains alongside Kaede glowing.
"Now I have three pets … what fun!" Sealight cackled as Usagi materialized alongside the unconscious Kaede, her own eyes closed.
"My plan is working perfectly! Nothing can stop me now … nothing."
::X:X::
A/N: firstly I must apologize for the late updates! I've been busy at work (good ol' Maccas :) so I haven't been able to work on the story. Finally I can bring Mei's sidestory to an end with this last part!
Thanks again for the reviews! Please do so again and I will meet up with you all next time!
Lady Sapphira.
::X:X::
A Mission for Moonlight: Part V
Her skin was cool, her long hair lifting in the light breeze as her green eyes opened slowly.
Where am I now?
Holding her head Mei straightened as she stood carefully, her black locks falling across her face as she swept both sides behind her ears.
Voices filled her ears and scents filled her nostrils, all foreign and very distinct in comparison to all her other adventures and visitations.
Large brick houses with thatch roofs lined the single street and moving her eyes onto the glowing ember that marked the horizon, Mei still could not understand why it was that people were stirring at this time of day.
Animals roamed the street freely as a sharp cry sounded in the air, Mei jumping as she located the sound to be coming from a bird-like animal that stood proudly on a nearby roof.
Remember, your duty!
Nodding once to herself Mei lifted her arms into the air, her eyes closing slowly as she brought both arms slowly back down to summon her power.
"Celestial Star Power Activate!"
A small point of light formed between the palms of her hands, growing slowly as the same point of light rose to land on her forehead. Touching her crown the light burst into billions of ribbons that embraced Mei, transforming her into Sailor Celeste.
Celeste pointed into the air as she drew a star with a single silver fingernail.
"Sunlight, Starlight, Firelight, Sealight … reveal yourself in your true light … MOONLIGHT!" she commanded as the four points glowed.
The fifth point began to glow, Celeste's eyes widening as she realized the gravity of what the light meant.
"She … she is really here!" Celeste grinned as the star began to spin, the fifth point acting as a compass.
The fifth point stopped suddenly as it pointed forward, toward the large monuments and buildings that lay beyond the small village she stood in.
"I will go wherever it wills me to go," Celeste decided as she floated forward, following the path the light shone.
::X:X::
She sat alone, lifting her eyes up to the full moon that was still imminent, even in the coming day.
The girl with the promise has come, just as Moonlight had said so long ago.
She smiled slowly at the thought.
If she can get to me then she must be the one, a little test would not hurt.
::X:X::
By the time the star had faded completely, Sailor Celeste had found herself standing before a large temple.
Standing at the foot of the steps, Celeste raised her eyes to the blazing saffron and mauve sky.
Eos had already passed, announcing the arrival of Apollo's Chariot.
Celeste began her ascent, her footsteps like a metronome as she moved stiffly.
Who is she? Why would she hold the power of Moonlight?
Arriving at the top of the temple Celeste looked forward, noting the vast and unguarded entrance to the temple.
Huge pillars rose from the ground, holding the large structure up as Celeste dared to enter where fire burned within the temple, unsure of who the temple paid homage to.
As she went to step into the temple, four cloaked figures appeared before her, their weaponry drawn against her.
"How dare you enter the Temple of the Moon Goddess Selene! You will leave, or you will die," one spoke as the light of day fell across her tanned features.
"Please! I mean no harm!" Celeste pleaded as she took one more step toward them.
"If you mean no harm then you will leave!" another spoke as Celeste stopped.
"Who are you?" Celeste spoke as the four lowered their hoods.
"I am Sailor Summer," the blonde announced as she revealed herself, her long blonde hair hovering around her blue eyes.
"I am Sailor Autumn," the brown-haired female spoke as brown leaves spiraled around her, her maroon coloured eyes glaring.
"I am Sailor Winter," another added, her light blue curls falling across her white face, her smoky coloured eyes cold.
"And I am Sailor Spring," the last announced, her green hair blowing in the sudden breeze as flower petals danced around her.
"As the Priestesses of the Moon Goddess we serve her with our life, and in the name of Selene, you will be punished!" the quartet concluded as they all assumed fighting stances.
Celeste drew in a deep breath as she herself prepared herself for battle.
I will fight until I find the bearer of the power of Moonlight. Until then, I cannot rest…
"If you will not move for me, then I am afraid I will have to make you move," Celeste concluded as the four all turned their gazes to Celeste.
"You alone cannot fight the power of the moon, just as the ocean cannot resist its tidal pull," Summer warned.
"Prepare to die," Winter hissed as she closed her eyes, her light blue curls clouding her eyes as a strong gust of wind began to spiral around her.
Celeste stumbled backwards, her legs laced with goosebumps as if preparing for the impending blast.
"Glacial Tornado!" she cried as her eye flew open, glowing completely white as her hurricane moved forward, spiraling toward Celeste.
"Celestial Summoning!" Celeste cried as she threw her arms before her, where inches from her fingertips a small light began to form.
"Heed my call, Ursa Major! From your deep slumber, arise!" Celeste commanded as the small light at the end of her fingers split into several smaller lights. The same lights arranged themselves into the Ursa Major constellation before her, the lights linking to make a solid form that began to glow.
A giant shadow burst forth from the light, materializing into a giant bear that thrashed wildly, clambering toward the tornado attack that was sent at Celeste.
"Your bear cannot stop all of us … Rose Petal Dawn!" Spring announced as with a flourish of her arms a sweet aroma filled the air, hovering around the bear whose actions became disjointed.
I cannot lose … I simply cannot lose!
Celeste's eyes became heavy as she began to sway, her mind succumbing to the darkness.
NO!
There was defiance in her cry as she forced her eyes open, her great bear exploding into dust as Celeste regained her focus.
"Not today," she smiled as she raised her arms into the air.
"Moon Song!" Celeste cried as her eyes began to glow once more, her head moving upwards as a great melody erupted from her lips.
The tune forced the opposing priestesses to slam their hands over their ears, their eyes squinted shut as they attempted to evade the tune in any way they could.
"You have called," a melodic voice responded as Celeste's song lulled itself into silence.
"Goddess!" Summer gasped as the four all fell to their knees at the appearance of a young female bathed in light.
Celeste lowered her eyes as she bowed slowly.
"I apologize, Goddess, but I was led to believe that I would find the bearer of Moonli-"
"And you have found her. When I was born the Ancient Moonlight gifted me with her power with the promise that one day I would have to use it to assist the future. And today is that day," she spoke, her blue eyes warm.
Celeete's eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed the Goddess looked exactly like Neo-Queen Serenity, with her long silver locks held in a similar fashion to her friend's mother.
Before Celeste could respond yet another bright light appeared before them as a tall slender figure emerged.
"I am glad I have found you. Moonlight sent me to find you to bring you back to your world," the male spoke as Celeste's brow furrowed.
"Goddess … you must come with us, for I am afraid that there is no other way," Celeste began as she bit her lip, glancing at the strange male before her.
He bowed once.
Celeste smiled as she realized it to be Helios, her distant relative.
"That is fine, I know that I have been waiting for you," Selene responded as Celeste curtseyed.
"It is good to see you cousin, I am glad that Moonlight has sent you," Celeste smiled as she Helios' offered hand.
Selene followed her closely, pausing to turn back to her four guardians who simply stood, staring at them all.
"My Priestesses you have served me well. Watch the temple while I am gone. I will notbe long," she spoke as the four behind her nodded, bowing as they watched their Goddess enter the light.
Celeste, in the meanwhile, closed her eyes briefly.
I only hope I am not too late.
::X:X::