Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or any of its characters; that belongs to Naoko Takeuchi and Toei animation. I do, however, own my versions of the Zodiac Senshi, as well as Ophiucus and Bellona.

First Legend – Aries

The cheerful drone of muttered prayers echoed off the shimmering walls of the temple, alight with the rainbow sparkles filtering through stained glass windows. Thousands of people filled the various pews, heads bowed in reverence. Many, both old and young, were smiling with contentment as the priests and priestesses began to softly recite benedictions over the people.

From the darkest corner of the church, a lone figure in deepest red was concealed behind a marble pillar, watching the congregation with a small smile.

"I thought I'd find you here again, Aries," a soft voice whispered. The red-haired Sailor Senshi reluctantly turned her diamond grey eyes towards the one who had spoken. An aqua-clad Senshi, bicolored eyes filled with gentle amusement, was standing beside her, waiting. This youthful Sailor Soldier smiled gently, her deep brown hair, streaked with aqua and amethyst, swirled gently in a small breeze. The diamond eyes widened, as Aries's head began to bend in acknowledgement, but the other Senshi raised a hand. "You can skip the formalities, Aries, I just came to find you," she chuckled quietly, lest the hushed mass overheard them. The ruby-haired woman smiled, grateful for the company as she turned back, intent on witnessing the joyful sermon.

On this day, a special festival honoring soldiers returning from war was being celebrated within the congregation; bravery was especially honored on this world, so far from Sagittarius Zero Star. Sailor Aries attended the ceremony with great gladness, at a time that her duties allowed for it, as she felt a deep respect for those young men and women who had battled to protect their minute city from invasion. Happily, a peace had been reached between the warring nations before there had been any fatalities at all, making the celebration all the more joyous.

"Aries…you haven't taken your eyes off of that priestess. Is something wrong?"

Startled, the crimson haired Sailor Soldier pivoted to look at her unexpected companion. Aquarius remained gazing with her bichromatic eyes at her fellow, mild curiosity evident on the youthful Senshi's face. Aries quickly glanced back to discern what Aquarius had been speaking of.

Leading the congregation in their chorus of lovely hymns was a young, teenaged girl, clad in simple cinnabar robes, her ivory features graceful, yet intense. Her cobalt eyes, in contrast to the happy songs, were darkly clouded.

The crimson Senshi, inexplicably, felt a wave of disquiet wash over her. The smoky diamond gaze shifted determinedly, trying to catch the gazes of the other worshippers. In spite of the overall celebratory faces, there was the rare sight of similarly troubled looks, darkened visages, and shimmering glances.

The shimmering temple no longer held an ethereal happiness; above the congregation, until then unseen, hung a miasma of fear and worry.

I don't like the look of this…the thought instantly materialized, solid and hot as flames, within Sailor Aries's mind. Something is very wrong here…I need to get to the bottom of this!

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Sorry the chapter was kind of short...I've now learned it's not easy to type and whisk eggs at the same time…*helping make a birthday cake* Stay tuned!