Seven Years Later
Amongst all the festivals and events that took place throughout the Galaxy, the Celestial Gala was the most famous. When the Planets of the centred around the Sun of its most powerful and populated Solar System aligned in a perfect line, the magical energies that were present on the Planet aligned also, creating not only a beautiful display of lights throughout the System but also created the magical energy to make the flora of the System to grow to extraordinary sizes, farm produce increasing fourfold. Why this was so was largely a mystery, taken up by scientists and Mages throughout the Galaxy to answer this puzzle and basically get a grant for research that involved very little work aside from a note to the universities stating 'Results unclear, need more money'.
For those who weren't freeloading academics however, the Celestial Gala was a time for feasting, fun and celebrations with the Moon Kingdom being the centre of this, its role as the Quadrant's greatest power making it the location for the meeting of every sovereign power in the Galaxy. Once every two hundred years the Celestial Gala took place and had become a tradition in the seven hundred years since the first contact between Planets had taken place between the Moon Kingdom and Earth in an exchange that lived on through history.
"That's one small step for a man. One giant…"
"Oi! Get off my bloody lawn!"
Despite a minor diplomatic spat and needing to cover the costs of a broken fence, the age of Galactic expansion and exploration had begun. The magic of the Moon Kingdom, previously obscuring it to all outside eyes now found new life in blending with technology from Earth as it spread across both the Solar System and other Worlds joined the growing Alliance. Not the fastest of processes, it took over a century before the nations of Earth alone were able to work anything resembling a workable agreement to explore the Galaxy. It took a further century and the War with the Freezing Empire before old conflicts could be put to rest and the Council of Nations was installed to make Earth one voice in the Galaxy.
Over time both Earth and the Moon Kingdom had grown throughout the Galaxy to meet with the various powers, from the divided Northern Quadrant to the Western Quadrant dominated by the Freezing Empire. Even to the empty Eastern Quadrant and the threatening Southern Quadrant, the influence had expanded with the Alliance intact, only ten years of hostility, brought about by the machinations of the Dark Kingdom. In the seven years since Queen Beryl and her forces had been struck down however, the Alliance had been repaired and stronger than ever. A fact which was to be solidified at the Celestial Gala as not only would every Head of State from the Quadrants be invited to the Gala but it would also be the first time that a representative from the Saiyan Empire would attend, Prince Vegeta, a fact that didn't do much to heighten eagerness for the event.
Despite that minor detail however, the Gala was to be attended by every power there was, including none other than Jurai, the greatest Ally the Moon Kingdom had in the Northern Quadrant. The Planet itself was to be represented by Princess Sasami, along with an unexpected guest…
"Just how have you managed to avoid security all this time anyway?" Sasami asked as she poured some tea into two small cups. They were in her personal quarters, taking a few moments on the HMS Ryo-Okhi to relax as the journey to the Moon Kingdom went on at a pace. The two were sat on a small table near the reinforced glass that looked over to the Stars, enjoying the view and the conversation.
In an answer to the question, Washu smirked as she picked up her cup and sipped at the contents "Oh please Sasami, the security on this ship is atrocious. All I had to do was slip on a maid's outfit and they let me on easy enough."
"Oh, you tricked them into thinking you were a servant?" Sasami asked innocently.
There was an awkward pause for a moment before Washu managed to say "Yes… Let's go with that." She slurped at her tea before hastily changing the subject "So what're you going to do at this shin-dig? Try and bury the hatchet with Princess Serena?"
Placing down her cup onto the table, Sasami gave a sigh at the question "I… I'll have to. There's no point in trying to… do what I did anymore. I'll speak to her although I have no idea what'll happen."
The pause which followed made Washu think about Sasami's fate. The suit she had built for the Princess had been left behind in her secret rooms on Jurai, Sasami not wanting to be reminded of the hated thing even if she was holding onto it for the direst circumstances. Washu oddly cared for Sasami in a way she hadn't for anyone else. Sasami was the sister she never had and for five years, the bond between them being particularly strong. Giving the Princess a smile, Washu said "Hey, don't worry about it. You two will smooth this thing out and if not, I can always strike her down with great vengeance."
Shaking her head, but still smiling, Sasami chastised her friend "Oh don't say that Washu. If I'm not going to do it, why'd you think I'd let you do it?"
Snorting with laughter, Washu proceeded to drain the last of her tea before rising up "Well since it'll only be a few hours before we get there, don't you think we should get prepared to look our best? I think a little time getting you looking your best for the boys will help."
A faint blush started to cross Sasami's cheeks as she realised what Washu was getting at although she was loathe to admit she knew "Washu, we won't be there for a eight hours yet, we can wait until we're closer before getting me into ceremonial robes."
"Oh don't play coy." Washu jibed as she walked round Sasami to place her hands on her shoulders "We're going to fix you up good for all the handsome Princes that'll be there. By the time this Gala is done, they'll be falling over each other in order to just speak with you."
Giving a sigh of submission, Sasami started to stand up "Alright, you go on ahead, I'll follow you in a minute." Washu nodded and departed without another word, looking forward to the dress up that was to follow. Sasami watched her head to the changing room before finally standing up straight and looking out the reinforced glass which made for a window out onto the Universe. Soon they would reach the Moon Kingdom and Sasami would confront Princess Serena.
In the seven years since Gohan had died, Sasami had planned revenge on the person who had been responsible for his death. Ever since she and Washu had knocked some sense into her, she had wondered about what to do. Talk to her? Confront her? Get into a fight? Sasami honestly couldn't say what her actions would be but knew now that revenge was not going to be part of her plans. Gohan's memory deserved better than that she had realised. Sasami looked out to the Stars, wondering just what this Gala would mean for her…
"Hey! Sammy! You coming or what?" Shouted Washu from the changing room an assortment of garments in her hands as she glowered at the Princess.
Pulling herself away from the view, Sasami turned towards her friend and started to head towards her "On my way Washu." She said quietly, hoping for some minor distraction to take her mind off meeting Serena.
XxX
The transportation spell devised by Babidi for the attack on the Moon Kingdom was ingenious. In the seven years since the victory by the Moon Kingdom over their foes, the few fragments that survived of the Sorcerer's research had been tremendous boon to all those who studied Magic, the idea of crossing entire Quadrants of Space meaning that exploration and transportation opened up like never before. It had taken six years in order to finally bring together Babidi's notes before the spell could be recreated without great risk.
The spell itself was deemed classified at first, only the Moon Kingdom and the Saiyan Empire had access to it. But as the realisation of trade and other possibilities opened up, so did the secrets of the spell, with large with Mage after Mage aching to learn it for their own reasons. Soon, other nations began to learn what they could of the spell and it was slowly beginning to be used. Although some were suspicious of it and stuck to Ships, those that took to the spell found it most profitable and much more convenient for use than the traditional methods.
Looking out over the gardens where a section had been cleared to give proper room for the spell to work, Princess Serena was looking forward to seeing her mother again. The work on Khitomer had been completed just the day before with a Treaty being signed outlining all influence in the Southern Quadrant by the victorious powers The Moon Kingdom was to get the lion's share due to its own part in the War while the Saiyan Empire and Namek gained their own spheres of influence due to their Alliance and own part in the final Battle of the Moon.
Serena's heart lifted as a figure stepped out from the portal with a regal dress and look. Although followed by others, Serena only looked with a smile upon her mother, pleased to see her once more. Looking tired, Queen Serenity's eyes lit up at seeing her daughter and she quickly walked over, several months of hard negotiation having made her more home sick than she'd thought.
As the Ministers who'd followed her were taken into conversation by those Ministers who'd accompanied Serena to discuss the Treaty of Khitomer and its clause, Queen Serenity and Princess Serena left to talk as mother and daughter. Kami, standing with the Ministers, watched as they walked off, pleased that Serenity was once more back with her daughter. He turned away and started discussing the Treaty while the two walked off to a secluded part of the garden for some privacy, Queen Serenity asking "And how has little Rini been without her grandmother?"
A smile crossed Serena's face at the thought of her daughter and how she had missed 'Nana Rini'. Looking over her mother, Serena noticed a few extra lines around the eyes and mouth, she still looked youthful for her years but there were signs that the years of ruling the Moon Kingdom had left its mark on her. Wondering if such marks would show on her when she ruled, Serena replied "She's missed you a lot, she's napping right now but she's been so excited to know you're coming back. And with the Gala coming up in a few days, she's practically bouncing all over the place."
Laughing slightly, Queen Serenity looked to her daughter, pausing in her walking as she said "I've also been hearing a few things about you, the Kingdom's been in good hands since I've been away. You've done good Serena."
Blushing at the compliments, Serena looked down in slight embarrassment at the ground "Well.... You've taught me well mother. I only ever followed your example." She shifted her gaze upwards to look Serenity in her eyes "I only want to do well for the Moon Kingdom and make you proud."
Serenity placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, giving her some reassurance while speaking "You have done well Serena and you've made me proud. Over the last few years you've worked so hard and accomplished much. You're everything I could have ever asked for in a daughter and a successor."
Her face flushing, Serena tried to deflect the conversation away from the compliments, unable to really deal with them when the knowledge of what had forced her into such maturity was there at the back of her mind constantly. Serena clumsily tried to talk about something else "Preparations about for the Gala are going well. It's going to be a really enjoyable evening. All the invitations have been accepted and room set aside for them. Darien and I can be the official hosts if you want to relax after the last few days."
Waving her hand as she dismissed the notion, Queen Serenity shook her head "It's my duty to be there as host Serena. I'm Queen so it's only expected. Besides, I'll have help at least; I managed to get Kami to volunteer with hosting."
Unable to stop herself, Serena gave a giggle at the thought, she knew Kami hated formal meetings but couldn't say no to her mother. Still, at least Serena could now spend the entire Gala with her husband and daughter, something she looked forward to immensely "So that's why he's hiding away with the Ministers, got all grumpy at having to spend the evening with you."
Rolling her eyes at the teasing, Serenity playfully admonished her daughter "Are you saying that he won't enjoy the pleasure of my company? Serena you wound me!"
Both laughed at this, enjoying this quiet moment together, just having light hearted fun away from their duties. It was a fleeting moment however as Kami waved over to the daughter and mother, gaining their attention to bring them over to the Ministers. Sighing in unison, both realised that duty called once more and started to walk towards the group "It never ends does it?" Serena asked out loud.
"No it doesn't." Serenity answered, smiling sadly at her daughter "Just remember to make time for your loved ones."
"I will mother." Serena answered thinking about her daughter. Nothing would become between them, that she was certain of.
XxX
In order to touch down on the Moon Kingdom, the Puar needed to find a secluded spot, use its signal jam to avoid detection by the radars of the Military and finally touch down without being spotted. All three measures had been met by touching down in a small canyon, far away from most major towns and roads. It was here that the crew and their passengers were too meet with a contact that was to lead both Gero and Ephraim to Lunos. Surprisingly, the contact had been there on time, although he wasn't quite as cheerful as was hoped.
The contact was a fairly handsome man with flowing brunette hair down to his shoulders. His face was marred by a long jagged scar that went across his cheek to underneath his ear. He spoke harshly, looking strangely uncomfortable in his surroundings as if they held something over him "... guide you to a hotel in Lunos; you'll be staying there until the time comes for the boy to fulfil his mission." He stopped in his instructions to give Ephraim the first proper look since he had exited the Ship several minutes ago, giving him an odd look that went over the young man's head.
"So we're to be left in the lion's den." Gero sneered after the contact had finished his words "What're we supposed to do in the remaining days? Hope not to be caught by the Moon Kingdom?"
A snarl crossed the man's face at Gero's words, not liking his tone in the slightest "You'll do what you're told old man. I've little patience for anyone who questions Galaxia's orders. You and your..." Once again, the man stopped as he faced Ephraim, the look on his face contorting into confusion as something at the back of his mind leapt up and down to try and get his attention.
Not noticing this, Ephraim chirped in with a helpful "I'm his grandson." He then looked down at the envelope the contact had given Gero earlier, money and the address to their hotel contained within "Is there enough for the others?" He asked suddenly, motioning towards the crew of the Puar.
Giving a laugh, Yamcha shook his head "Not likely, we'll take our money and go as the deal said."
"The deal's been changed." The contact snapped "You're to remain here on the Moon Kingdom as the method of escape for Gero and his... grandson."
Immediately Yamcha, Krillin, Ryoko and Eighteen shouted out in protest of this, Yamcha's voice being the loudest in demanding "Give us one good reason why we should risk ourselves for..."
"You'll be paid quadruple what you are now." Was the reply, silencing all four protesting voices instantly. Putting his hand into his pocket, the contact pulled out another envelope and gave it to Yamcha "As a token of our good faith, here's a down payment."
Taking the envelope wordlessly, Yamcha opened it slightly and started ruffling through the notes silently, his eyes widening as he realised how much was there. Trying to contain his excitement, Yamcha passed the envelope over to Ryoko before speaking, trying to hold the quiver of greed in his voice "T-That is a very good token. We'll stay here for now." His natural instincts of cynicism and survival cut in however as he added "Provided the Moon Kingdom doesn't find us. Especially now that we've got Cosmos on our tail."
Smirking in a superior manner, the contact replied "We can deal with Cosmos; he is but a man after all."
"As much as a man who gave you that scar?" Gero sneered "From the looks of it, I'm willing to state that it came from a battle, some kind of shrapnel going across your face maybe?"
Glaring at the Doctor, the contact walked right up to his, his finger pointing threateningly at him "You dare speak to a follower of Galaxia in such a manner?!"
Ignoring the finger, Gero knew Ephraim had stood right beside him to respond to the threat and was bolstered by the fact "A stooge of Galaxia is still a stooge. And you were someone else's stooge beforehand weren't you? Was Queen Beryl ever this degrading to you?"
The rage that flashed across the contact's face was confirmation enough about that barb. He stepped forward only to stop at seeing Ephraim stand forward to defend Gero. Glaring impotently at both of them, the contact turned on his heel with an exclamation of annoyance "Just see to it you do your job that you've been brought here to do. If you fail, I'll see to it that you'll pay for the insults today." With that, dark smoke surrounded him and the contact vanished from sight, leaving the group alone.
After a moment's silence, Ephraim looked to Gero "Are we going grandpa? We need to get to the hotel Mr. Nephlite told us about."
A chuckle came from Ryoko's lips at those words "Mr. Nephlite? You were ready to beat him to a pulp just a moment ago."
Looking somewhat sheepish, Ephraim muttered "He was making threats against grandpa. I had to defend him."
"For which I'm grateful." Gero said, less than honestly "But we have to be away. Lunos is some time away and the sooner we're there, the better."
"Aww... I don't suppose Ephraim could stay with us? Just until you need him?" Ryoko said, pouting slightly at the fact he would be leaving before she could have her wicked with him.
"We shall be leaving now." Gero snapped forcefully, his patience long frayed from having been on the Puar "No time to lose, we shall meet you when our mission is completed."
As Gero started walking, Ephraim could only give a quick wave to the others before heading with off, blushing deeply at seeing Ryoko blow him a kiss. Gero didn't even look back towards Ephraim as walked alongside him, focused on just doing the mission and get away, the thought that Galaxia considered him expendable not penetrating his arrogance.
To be continued...
Shiva the Sarcastic – Thanks for the words, it will be a surprise when Sasami realises what's going on but how will she take it? We'll see...
LanceXstorm5 – I need to lay off some of them considering the juggling I'm having to do so far. Hopefully it won't get to confusing or convoluted with my writing.
Lord Edric – That'll be the Son family gene. Can't realise anything without it being spelt out to them. ;)
Egohan – Well fate isn't quite done with Cosmos yet. We'll have to see what happens.
Beauxmortexx – We'll see some progression from Ephraim and how it'll play out now that he's on the Moon Kingdom.
Oy vey... I'm really sorry about this. My muse decided to desert me before I got a virus which left me without writing ability for several weeks. This chapter felt like a real chore at times and I apologise if it reads like one. I'll come back and re-write it at some point to make it better. As ever, constructive criticism is welcomed and please, read and review.
