The lark in the clear sky
"Luna!" Usagi cried a second before being smacked by the wave and sent, flailing and choking, against the stone wall of the gates. It took only a few precious moments for the tide to return and leave the four bodies it hit heaving in air as they fought for their lives. Like ragged dolls, Usagi, Minako, Luna and Artemis washed up on the grass as the water rocked them against the harmless pebbles on the shore.
The boat, despite it's tremendous impact, was upright long enough for it to be identified before it tilted fell over onto the water, it's burning mast extinguishing itself with an excess of smoke around it. After that, there was no movement left from the little boat wavering against the water peacefully. Various soldiers jumped from the ships, which had landed gently behind Rei's pitiful vessel, and were swimming carelessly towards the broken down boat they guarded. As they approached their princess's crash sight they completely ignored the Moon's archers, jumping out from the towers and wall of the palace, screaming at them to back up while they pointed their arrows at them. Several white and silver armored soldiers ran out through the gates and held long spears threateningly at the Martian guards who still fought against the force of the water to make it to their princess.
The royal legion, much more servile and loyal to the Moon, sent a dozen soldiers out from their hiding spots in the courtyard and across the gates to protect the Moon Princess. They reached the young girl who was wheezing and coughing as Luna held her and patted her roughly on the back; the two laid terrified against the wall they hit trying to regain composure. Next to them were Minako and Artemis also heaving and panting; the man, on all fours, held a piece of cloth torn from his shirt against the young girl's head which was bleeding profusely. The royal guards created a phalanx around the Moon and Venusian princesses as they waited for the archers to attack from above them.
"Stop! Don't fire! Those are Martian ships!" Luna demanded to the soldiers above her pointing their arrows at the red armored men who were closer to the shore and presenting their katanas aggressively. She allowed one of the royal guards to take Usagi and heave her into his arms as was done with Minako as well.
"They have landed with no authorization! We have orders to fire if they are a threat! Take the Princess inside madam and leave us be!" one archer demanded from one of the towers as he adjusted his weapon when the Martian legion had reached the shore where the small boat had already washed up. The white and silver men with spears began to shout and menace the soldiers coming out of the water. Bodies from the boat began to float freely in the sea as the red armored men caught them and tried to reach the shore without being attacked.
"Luna! Help me! I want to stay! Mina-chan? Where are you?" Usagi cried as she fought to free herself from the soldier holding her and taking her away to the gates. She fidgeted so much that she didn't even notice her blonde friend was also trying to break free from her captor right beside her.
"Usagi-chan! I'm right here! What's going on?" Minako hollered trying to reach out to her friend; the wound to her head caused by the her crash against the walls of the palace made her dizzy and a little confused as she tried eagerly to make sense of what was happening.
Artemis, still shaken and frightened, placed his hand on his princess's shoulder as he walked in step with the soldier carrying her "Please Mina-chan, you're hurt and we need to return to the Palace. Calm down and I promise this will all be explained" he said gently but most of all tiredly as they walked steadily back into the safeness of the inner courtyard.
"Luna! Luna! What's happening?" Usagi continued to demand as she too was taken against her will to the courtyard and quickly back into the safety of the palace.
Luna, still at earshot, heard her princesses cries "I'll be with you shortly Usagi-chan! Go inside! Be safe!" she hollered back before returning to the soldiers who were now at the brink of beginning a small battle. She was fast to move in between them and try to calm them down. More worried for the Martians which she did not know, she examined them carefully making their way and quickly noticed a body being carried out from the sea; the amount of soldiers surrounding the unmoving person made her realize how critical it was to keep the armed men from fighting.
000
When, noticing an imminent battle between Mars and the Moon, Ami was in a crazed state as she ran out of her room and into the corridor where various guards were jogging stupidly across. She noticed they didn't do anything except reach the end and return with their ridiculous jolt. Though, in the present situation she wasn't so skeptical that what they were doing was helpful. Seeing that the men did not pay her attention, she decided to jolt along the corridor and into the great hall where surely she would meet her fellow princesses, which after hearing their exaggerated cries down at the gates she knew were alright, she might meet the Martian person who had arrived so dramatically and so fully escorted. Ami, like most Mercurians but smarter, was greatly educated and knew perfectly well that the symbol on the masts of the ships belonged to the kingdom of Mars.
Without hesitation or fear, the blue haired girl launched herself into a daring run towards the grand stairs. She could already begin to hear the nagging cries of her two friends coming down from the long hall leading from the entrance of the palace. Her excitement and nervousness was destroyed when a punishing grip she knew too well stopped her instantly in her tracks. Sure of who it belonged to she slowly turned and confronted her angered mother who had halted her before she could reach the first step down.
"Where are you going? I told you to stay in your room" Saeko said coldly as, with her hand tightly clawing into Ami's shoulder, she redirected her daughter back and towards her room.
Angered and desperate, the blue haired girl twisted away from the Queen "Why can't I go see what's happening? I know those are Martian ships that arrived and I want to see for myself if another princess has arrived" she said bravely before bowing her head immediately in shame.
"Do you think I'm being stubborn and ill minded? You keep to your room and to yourself as long as we're here! This is for your safety and life you stupid child! Stay in here!" the Queen of Mercury demanded as she opened the door to her daughter's room and chucked her inside. Landing safely on her palms, Ami lifted herself up as tears of anger swelled up in her eyes. Outside she could hear Serenity's harsh voice tell her mother someone, a female, had arrived and was terribly hurt. The news was followed by the echoing footsteps of both queens running along the corridor and down to the great hall. Humiliated, again, Ami ran to the balcony to see what was going on outside.
Thankfully ,with the time that had passed, the Martians and Moon soldiers were working together to take the bodies floating in the water out into the shore where there were various people waiting to take them inside, including a hungry looking Maiestas. The Mercurian princess noticed a particular body, armored but too small to be a man, being taken into the courtyard surrounded by practically all of the red armored soldiers who had arrived. Other people, coming out of the ships, were dressed strangely in cloaks and long pointed hats; they held their hands together and shook as they followed the caravan of people going into the Palace. Ami had heard of these mystics and spiritualists but found it fascinating to seem them for the first time. Her curiosity and revolving state of mind were interrupted by familiar voices bellowing childishly outside of her room.
"I'm fine! Please let me be! It doesn't even hurt!" Minako complained bitterly as her voice traveled along the corridor. Usagi's yelps could also be identified but what she said was hard to understand.
"Go to your room! You have to be taken care of! Maiestas will be with you shortly! Go!" Saeko voice was heard which made Ami's heart tighten with anger. The two young girl's shouts quickly grew further away as the Mercurians heart stomped faster and faster from a sudden anxiousness. Her fear and embarrassment doubled as her mother, grunting and shaking, entered the room abruptly.
"You stay in here! Do and see as you please but do not leave this room until I come for you!" the angered Queen demanded making threatening moves towards her daughter. The woman left quickly before the princess could agree or disagree to her demands.
Ami, almost feeling nauseous from the excitement and frustration, ran back out into the balcony. Down at the shore and along the gates were several Martian soldiers trying to unload boxes from the large ships they had arrived in. The white and silver armored men were not allowing them to pass the gates which was causing a commotion and frightening argument as the tired and angered red armored men began to threaten with their weapons. The courtyard was almost empty except for a few men from the royal legion scampering around in between the bushes and fountains.
A frightening flapping of wings colliding next to her made Ami jump and gasp. Two crows, very large and mad looking, perched themselves next to her on the balcony. She hesitated but it felt absurd to be scared of them, instead, she eyed them carefully as they did the same to her. The two birds squawked to each other as if they were talking all the while staring at the confused girl. With two loud cries and dramatic flapping the crows flew off down into the courtyard where they landed on a large tree and surveyed the area around them. Satisfied and proud with her knowledge, Ami deducted that the two birds belonged to the Martians and were merely inspecting the place for protection. Returning to her amazement and curiosity, Ami stood silently in search for any movement or sound. The loud noises coming from the corridor had not ceased even though she was outside and hypnotized by the arguing of the soldiers down at the gates. The heat was unbearable; she quickly ran to her washbasin and threw the water in her face which was warm and fuming. Outside she could hear many people running and yelling as various doors were being slammed shut.
A familiar rushing of feet and angered breathing made Ami hastily sit on her bed and look as innocently as possible. Sure enough, her mother burst in looking horrible; around her neck was a long sheet which dangled loosely to her feet. The white linen was drenched in blood as well as a cloth the woman held trying to clean her hands with it. Saeko, sweating and repulsed, noticed her daughter's shocked face which she tried to ignore.
"Mother? Are you alright?" was the only thing the blue haired girl was capable of saying between stutters.
"Come with me. There is something you need to do" the Queen said bitterly as she ushered her confused daughter outside. The two women, very awkward and self aware, walked silently along the corridor. Filled with curiosity Ami was exploding to ask what was going on but decided it was best to wait.
"This is not my decision and you know I would have preferred to stay on Mercury. But, as guests and educated people we must abide by the rules of a foreign house. Queen Serenity insists you learn what I can teach you."
"I don't understand"
"A long time ago, I was much older than you, my mother taught me to be a healer and as you know as well I am an exceptional one. The Queen of the Moon insists I teach you the same. I don't agree with her but she truly wishes it. But remember, you are here to learn, not to meddle. She is your patient and not your friend, do you agree?" Saeko said annoyed as they arrived to one of the rooms along the corridor.
The excess of noise coming from inside made Ami very nervous but she nodded as her mother, hesitating and furious, opened the door to reveal something very new and frightening to her.
Being in her parents room was always a treat as the brunette sat patiently in a chair perched in the corner. The King and Queen of Jupiter had always kept their chambers very private and exclusive since the young girl knew them. They had many villas on the planet but this one was the one she cherished the most. It was very large and adequate for training and military equipment. The imperial chamber was the largest room in the place; despite the enormous court and even bigger stables, the sleeping courters for the King and Queen had always been a spectacle on the planet. Her own room, relatively small compared to other rooms, was next to her parents no matter in which villa they stayed. But the Jovian Princess was always happier in this one because she could always hear when her father and mother left to ride or train and she could almost always follow along with them. And, in very special occasions, she would be invited to the long balcony to watch her soldiers fight out in the court. The battles never led to death but the bloodshed and proud combat was always very entertaining; various times the brunette would ask her father to allow her into the fighting but he never did. Though excited to be in the room, Makoto felt nervous to see her strong father pacing desperately in front of the four poster bed while her mother sat at the other side, clearly wanting to kill him, squirming in her seat. She loved the older woman but she also scared her deeply. It took a terrible twenty minutes for anything to happen.
With a slam and jolt, the door to the royal room was opened and followed by a heaving and dirtied soldier running inside. The poor man, his green armor burnt and filled with dark blood stains, lowered his spear and with difficulty took off his bent helmet. He saluted and looked nervously across the room.
"What? What is it!" the Jovian King demanded urgently. His own uniform was spotless and cladded with leather; only this fabric and the royal seal made his armor different from the man shaking in front of him.
The soldier, agitated and pale, stepped forward and gave his King a long scroll. The reigning man, stealing glances at his wife, finished reading the message anxiously. He looked petrified as his eyes left the paper and pierced at his soldier's lame face. With a sudden and aggressive move he threw the scroll to the ground.
The soldier saluted again "Your replay, Majesty?" he said mechanically, holding his helmet unsteadily against his thigh.
The Jovian King, looking at his disapproving wife's stare, grew crazed in anger. His eyes roamed quickly through the room before noticing his wine filled goblet next to him. Carefully and taking in the situation, he grabbed the container and threw it fiercely at the soldier who barely moved away. The wine and silver object dented the wall, spraying the purple liquid all over the furniture. "Get out! Get out" he cried giving the soldier a wave who saluted again and was quick to leave.
"What? What now?" the Jovian Queen said pessimistically from her chair where she arranged her shifting armor. Much like her husbands, she wore a royal uniform but with certain areas fitted to her body. She unconsciously caressed her sword before taking a sip from her wine filled goblet.
The King made a fist unnoticed by his wife but caught by his daughter "Martian soldiers have arrived to the northern countryside. They've raped and destroyed most of the villages... They are acting like animals, much like the Mercurians" he said frustrated and turning to his wife.
Convinced and accepting of what was going to happen the Queen nodded knowingly "Take four legions from the west and send them to the north" she suggested almost casually.
Her husband, in dignified and insulted, turned to her menacingly "Have you been deaf, woman? The Venusian army has already taken out that half of a legion you intend to send. They are still fighting! What can I do?" he screamed looking at the woman accusingly.
"What about the legions stationed in the hills to the east? Most of the Mercurians have fled into the caves. There are at least fifty thousand men you could send towards the north" the Queen suggested calmly ignoring the man's worries and taking another sip of her wine, this time more worriedly though she tried to hide it.
"Do you not understand? The legion sent to the east is not capable of defeating the Martian army! They are moving quickly towards the city! We are slowly being cornered!
With a confident and inspiring voice Makoto suddenly stood from her chair "We could send the eastern legions forward while the southern legions reach the Martians! By the time they reach the city we'll have unnoticed phalanx's rearing at them. A small cavalry could attack them from the side to let the southern legions reach them with much time to spare!" she cried excitedly and anxious for her parents to notice her.
The comment went ignored as the King continued to nervously pace from one side of the bed to the other. Too unsure and frustrated to decide he looked over at the far end of the corner next to the door where it was dark and neglected by the light of the torches. From the black, a confident and outstanding soldier came out into the light of the flames. Like any other soldier he wore the same outfit except for a small royal badge on his chest; he stood tall and brave as the royal family ached for his advice.
"No matter what we do..." - he quickly looked over at Makoto - the Dark Kingdom's army will reach the palace. I would advice the King and Queen to lead the royal legion and cavalry head first towards the enemy army at the north. This is our strongest asset and we've reached a point where this is our only choice" the man said firmly before taking a step back into the dark.
The King, who always appreciated his soldier's opinion, hesitated "Galego, I understand what you are saying but using the royal legion is much to dangerous! I don't think we've reached that point to use the legion or for the Queen and I to lead the cavalry! You've gone insane! he said trying to chuckle at the idea but instead ended up stuttering.
The soldier, Galego, took a long sigh before stepping back into the light "Several of our men have seen terran soldiers hidden in the legions of Mercury, Venus and Mars. They have been our greatest enemy against the other planets, they must be there! There is no other explanation for our sudden defeat!" he said a little too dramatically.
The Jovian King, frightened and doubtful, noticed the stares of his wife ad daughter "That can't be true. There can't be any terran soldiers here, not yet! The Earth has not been invaded and they are still fighting! If we haven't fallen then the earth hasn't either! We can't fall into these confusing traps!" he cried urging for the two women in the room to applaud him. They didn't.
"Please your Majesty, listen. We have terran armor from several of them who died in the east and west. The dark shadow surrounding our planet is just as present on Earth. Metalia will take over Jupiter before invading the Moon Kingdom. All we can do is fight and hope they get other help we could not give" Galego said sternly as he stared directly into his master's eyes.
"Could we not wait and see if the outer planets help us? Uranus?" the Queen suddenly piped in.
Her husband, slightly happy to wrong her, shook his head "The outer planets have agreed and are denying help to any inner planet. They've turned their backs on us" he said lost in thought.
"We are not an inner planet! They know perfectly well!"
The King, raising his hands sarcastically, laughed "We are! You and the girl" - he slightly pointed towards Makoto who jolted by her presence being noticed - "You, as well as her, are linked and obligated as guardians to the Moon Princess! As such, we are an inner planet! They are not going to help us!" he aggressed to the entire room, realizing they were ruined by the two women.
No one dared to say anything after that. Once, a long time ago, Jupiter had tried to make allies with Uranus but it had always turned sour. The large and similar outer planet had always rejected them because of the magical pact they had with a princess they did not recognize. The King, very insecure and of no special royal background, reminded his wife of this everyday. She had always fought this attack saying her power was much greater than his and that not once, had they visited the Moon Kingdom. These thoughts flowing through the two monarchs were broken when a thunderbolt hit the court just outside of the room.
"It's beginning...please...what shall we do?" Galego said as he stole glances outside and noticed a storm coming.
"What do you think? Go! Go and alarm the royal legion and cavalry! My wife and I..." - the King looked kindly at his wife - "will lead the cavalry and legion to the north. You are coming with us, as expected" he said grinning sadly at his soldier. Galego, flattered by the remark, saluted and quickly left to alert the troops.
"You know we will not not win. It's a death sentence" the Queen said as she got up and finished her drink. Next to her was her helmet which she grabbed and looked at in thought. Her husband, grabbing his own helmet, walked to her and took her hand.
"I know, I'm sorry. But...as you know, I'd rather die than surrender. At least we'll be together...and brave as Jovians should be." the King whispered in his wife's ear before giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. They both began to touch each other's faces warmly before they stopped and noticed their daughter staring at them.
"What about the girl?" - the Queen asked, taking her strong hands off of her husbands armored chest, looking at Makoto sadly - "she can't come with us, she'd died a terrible death. Well?" she asked as though her daughter was not even there.
The King, ignoring the presence of the brunette, kissed the Queen's neck "She will be taken care of, I've sent her to Ceres. When we die, and we will, soldiers will take her to a royal ship and to Ceres where she'll live as a maiden. Don't worry about Mako-chan, she'll be fine" he said gently noticing his wife's moist eyes and shaking sniffs.
"No! That's not fair! I can fight! I want to fight with you!" Makoto suddenly protested as she ran to her parents but kept arms distance from them. She looked up, the two adults extremely tall, and tugged at her father's clothes.
"I'm sorry young girl but you must go to your room right now. As you've heard you will be taken to Ceres to survive as long as you can the Jovian race. Leave us" the Queen said seriously but shaking from her pain. She looked down at her angered daughter and nodded her head coldly.
Makoto, hurt and humiliated, ignored her mother's subtle plea for forgiveness and left towards the door to the adjoining room. As she passed, she gave her much stronger and taller father an elbow to the ribs. The man, trying to control his grin and laughter, grabbed his daughter by the arm and pulled her back and close to him. The princess, very angry and insulted, tried to pull away and give her father a punch in the face. The man was quick to retaliate and grab her other arm as he chuckled.
With a smile on his face he lessened his grip on his daughter "One day you would have made a great warrior but this is not it. Remember, we survive from strength but also from love. Goodbye little girl" he said giving Makoto a swift kiss on the cheek before roughly throwing her towards the adjoining door. She looked back, with fire in her eyes, as her mother looked back sadly before turning away to attend to her sword.
Makoto, sad and insecure, ran into her room where she began to play around with her own sword. She looked at her plants and sowing with was cherished but quickly decided that was not proper of a warrior. She grabbed one of her dearest flowers, a rose tinted a little with purple, and crushed it in frustration. She immediately regretted when her heart felt hard and pained. She let go of the dead plant sadly before turning to a scarf she had been making. The brunette, grabbing her well made and treasured item, look out into the court of the villa to see a parade of soldiers marching out, from across they could see her as well though the window but they kept their stature firm about to leave to fight. The sound of the horses in the stable made it known that the King and Queen were leaving with the cavalry. Makoto, outraged of being left behind, stood up and looked at herself in the long mirror which decorated her small yet elegant room. She looked out, seeing women a little older than herself, in the royal legion and decided she was tall enough to pass as one of them. With a devilish grin and cracking of knuckles, Makoto ran to her closet and took out a royal armor. Quickly and constantly looking out into the court she began scraping the royal crests off of the uniform with her sword; the metal against metal was an intense work as she tried to hurry up while the soldiers outside were waiting to be called.
With small steps but following her furious and overconfident mother, Ami entered the room with a slight fear. Her eyes met first with Serenity's who was standing neutrally in the far corner of the room. The kind woman gave the blue haired girl a smile before returning to the commotion at the other side. As Ami turned and followed her mother's footsteps she realized that surrounding the patient's bed were many servants, priests and table-clothed healers who were staring at her mother and herself expectantly. She could only make clear the sounds of a moaning and pain filled person in the bed surrounded by not only people but red armor clumsily sprawled all around the room; puddles and drips of blood ran along to the bed. To her discomfort and anger, Maiestas was close to the sickened person.
"Come on, follow me" Saeko said importantly as she led her daughter towards the bed where the people surrounding it quickly dispersed. Reaching it and allowed to see clearly, Ami gasped as she reached the bed to find a girl, her same age and with black long hair, wailing in pain as a dark and deep gash on her arm wouldn't stop from bleeding. The girl, very beautiful but agonizing, was clearly a mystic as several amulets bounced off of her heaving chest; especially a wooden carved arrow which seemed to have been burnt recently.
"Here you are, Lady" Maiestas said as he suddenly made his way in between the Princess and Queen and presented a shining vial as if a magical crystal were in it. He eyed it carefully, as though it was his own, before handing it over to Saeko. Taken by a true healer, the vial was examined before the Mercurian Queen gave her daughter a knowing stare.
"Please, be quick" Serenity said from her corner in a desperate tone.
Saeko took the small bottle and opened it. A brilliant light came out and eclipsed the entire room. Carefully and steadily the Queen dropped a single drop of the incredible liquid onto Rei's wound. The miko, still struggling against the pain and sweaty, relaxed and almost fell into a dazed filled sleep as she stopped her groans and twitching pains. The gash quickly began to close as Maiestas was bandaging it diligently. Once the disgusting man was done properly bandaging the wound and assuring the priestess would be alright, Serenity ordered everyone out of the room except for Saeko and Ami. The many people inside took awhile to leave before the three woman were left alone. Giving an approving nod, the blonde princess gave the sign for Saeko to speak freely but honestly.
Taking Ami aggressively by the arm and pulling her close to the wrapped but blooded gash, the Mercurian Queen took the shining vial and placed it near her daughters face "This...this is a very special poison" - she looked bitterly towards Serenity who continued nodding - "we used this on the Martian Princess because it will not harm her. She, Rei-chan, has awoken her powers as a guardian to Usagi-chan" she said between pierced lips and directing herself to the miko who was calm but still stirring.
"That red light you saw earlier was the symbol of Mars shining from Rei-chan's head. We still don't know why it appeared but that doesn't matter. In these times, you'll see it and use it too. Unless...you already have?" the blonde Queen asked suspiciously but kindly.
Ami touched her head unconsciously before pulling down and grabbing her bandaged hand swiftly. She shook her head and looked up at the Moon Queen with shame but the kind woman returned the gesture with a soft smile.
Saeko, satisfied with her daughter's lie, looked up and continued her explanation "This is why the Moon Kingdom is so important. On this planet, where we stand, holds the Silver Crystal. It sustains all life on this planet as well as energy, much like the crystal we had on Mercury" -she said sounding alive and interested but still with a stern face - "...but the Silver Crystal is much more powerful. It can and will cure and even avoid death if it is necessary, it has amazing power which could probably defeat the dark energy invading the inner planets..." she said sadly.
"You've spoken to me of such a Crystal, much more powerful than ours. Is it like the vial you have used to cure? Ami asked excitedly.
"It's like that Ami-chan but more powerful. Only a few of us are privileged to use it without dying. Like your mother said, it's actually a poison only certain people are immune to. If it hadn't been for Rei-chan's sudden becoming she would have died with or without the poison" Serenity explained as she approached and looked sadly down at the black haired girl moaning in the bed.
"Would she have? It's a bad wound but it wouldn't kill her, right?" Ami asked as she bent over Rei and studied her slowly healing injury.
"Very well deducted Ami-chan. No, such a wound in the right hands like what we have here on the Moon would not kill her. Except, the blade used to cause this was poisoned by a dark energy you know well of. The only way, which is terribly painful and dangerous, to combat such a wound is to use the Silver Crystal. In this vial is a liquid form of the Crystal used in situations such as this." Serenity explained.
"What does the symbol mean" - the blue haired girl touched her forehead - "the one you spoke of?"
"It means that you, as well as Rei-chan and Minako-chan, are guardians to the Moon Princess. You'll live to serve and protect Usagi-chan once you've seen the symbol. In gratitude, not only will you be able to use the Crystal but you will also acquire special powers for your mission" the Queen continued to inform.
"Special powers?"
"Alright, that's enough! I agreed to have this talk with her as long as I had a say. This is sufficient for now. She has not seen the symbol therefore she does not need to learn anymore. Ami-chan will answer to me and herself, she serves no one" Saeko said angrily as she grabbed her daughter and pulled her away from the bed and towards the door.
"For now. Remember old friend, even in a time of peace you were appointed as my guardian and you were a very good one at that. As we have seen during the last couple of days, war is imminent and Ami-chan must be ready to fulfill her duties. You know better than anyone that the most violent element in war is ignorance" Serenity whispered as she gave the Mercurian Queen a knowing look.
"Don't patronize me, I've taught Ami-chan everything she needs. Her life on Mercury would have been fruitful and filled with excellence. She was meant to be a great healer and sage not a dense warrior fighting for the life of a Princess who has done nothing for her. Besides, not even the inner leader has shown the symbol, who says she is no longer tied to such an old pact. Where was the Moon Kingdom when Venus and Mercury were being invaded? Why should we defend you when you haven't done the same for us?" Saeko challenged as she unconsciously tried to push Ami further towards the door.
"We tried to help you! The King denied our services! You know this! The rulers of Venus were also quick to turn their backs and seek out the help of the outer planets!" Serenity quickly returned the attack.
"You knew what was happening and you did not even give us a warning until it was too late! You've always had the terrible habit of waiting to see what happens, you've never been wary of anything!"
As the two women began to bicker like old friends who had a falling out a long time ago, Ami swiftly detached herself from her mother. She looked over at Rei, moaning and twisting, and decided to inspect her further. Her heart sank as she approached the bed and watched the miko fight the pain. The suffering girl was drenched in sweat as she repeatedly clenched her fingers deep into the sheets under her. The blue haired girl carefully checked on her mother, who was thankfully still arguing, and filled with a sudden excitement took a cloth from the table next to the bed. She soaked the fabric in a washbasin also on the table; with care, Ami dabbed the cool and moist cloth against Rei's clenched forehead. Much to her surprise and delight, her patient relaxed notably. Too amazed with her work, Ami ignored the sudden silence in the room. She also failed to notice her mother stalking angrily towards her.
"What did I tell you? Keep to yourself!" Saeko demanded as she gripped her daughter's arm and pulled her away from the bed. She dragged the young girl until they were moments away from leaving.
"What do you mean keep to herself? Have you gone mad! She needs to befriend her fellow guardians! How else will they fight successfully? The law has no force in times like these!" Serenity protested daring to grab the other queen's arm.
Saeko, red with rage, quickly opened the door and threw her daughter out before slamming it closed. The two women's screams could be heard despite the thick wall separating them. Scared but utterly excited Ami tried to make out what was being said but it was impossible to decipher. A hand on her shoulder made her jump and turn quickly to find Usagi and Minako standing behind with friendly smiles.
"Hello. What's happening in there?" the pig tailed blonde asked as she pressed her ear against the strong door.
"Are you alright?" Ami ignored the question and directed herself towards Minako who had a bandage wrapped around her forehead.
"Oh! This? Yes I'm fine, it's just a cut. You know, after the wave knocked us down" - the blonde blushed as she unconsciously touched the weave on her head - "Don't worry about it. Who's in there? Is it true a new princess has arrived?" she asked avoiding further interest from the Mercurian.
"Shhh! I'm trying to listen!" Usagi interfered as she pushed her head harder against the heavy wood.
Minako pulled Ami away to the other side of the corridor where they stood under a lit sconce. "Well? Who's in there?" the blonde asked impatiently.
The blue haired girl jittered at the closeness of the princess "I...I...yes. There is another princess inside. Her name is Rei-chan, she's..."
"From Mars, right?" Minako suddenly interrupted.
"Yes. Um...she has long black hair and pale skin...but that could have been because she's injured..."
"Really? How? From the crash?"
"No, I don't think so. She has a long gash on her arm caused by a blade but that's all I know. She also has spiritual men protecting her..."
"Hurry up! What else?" the blonde urged as she nervously looked down the corridor where two cats were running pressingly towards them.
"Um...I...she's a warrior I think. I think I saw her being taken away from the boat in armor but I'm not sure it was her" Ami said anxiously and unaware of the guardians approaching them.
A rumbling of thunder suddenly made Usagi jump and cower over to her friends. The three princesses looked up confused as the roars of lightning grew louder and louder. The white and black cats reached them, also frightened by the change in climate.
"Luna! Why is there a thunderstorm? It's winter!" Usagi complained holding onto her blonde friend.
"What? You have thunder on the Moon? And snow? And heat waves? That's not possible!" Ami announced.
"Of coarse we do! But not all at once! It depends on the season. Don't you on Mercury?" the pig tailed blonde asked in awe.
"On Venus we only have spring" Minako piped in.
"On Mercury it's always winter"
"Enough! You can discuss this in your room. Come on!" Artemis said urgently trying to make his small presence seen from the floor. With no help, he decided to claw Minako's leg.
"Hey! What's your problem! We're going!" the blonde protested as she swung the cat off of her.
"No! I want to know what's happening!" Usagi cried running back to her spot next to the door. Another drum of thunder made her jump back in time before her mother and Saeko came out looking both very anxious. The three princesses stepped back as the two towering women ignored them and ran off down the corridor towards the great hall.
"Where are they going?" Ami asked as she looked down at the black cat and felt very silly.
Minako, discreetly ignoring the guardians protests and demands, made her way carefully towards the room where the door had been left slightly ajar. Very quietly she looked through the small opening where she was facing directly towards an agitated Rei in her bed. The blonde smiled curiously as she watched the suffering girl try to twist against whatever she was fighting inside. Pieces of a red armor discarded across the room made her heart jump with excitement. The blood stained gauze covering the miko's arm made Minako's body tingle. In all her life she had never met such an exciting person. With small steps, still listening to the quarrel beside her, she slowly pushed the door further open. Before she could take a step inside, the door was slammed in her face.
"You are not allowed in there. You should be in your room as instructed by the queen" Maiestas's lame form confronted the Venusian princess. He pushed his body at Minako making her step back until only his body was covering the door.
"I will go where I please" the blonde retaliated importantly.
"He's right, you should be in your room. Let's go" Artemis said giving the hideous man a questionable look.
Sighing, Minako followed the two cats and princesses along the corridor towards their rooms. Anguished and disappointed, she looked back towards Maiestas who gave her an evil grin before slithering into Rei's room.
For a long and harsh hour Makoto had managed to go through various items in her room in the attempt to completely scratch out the royal crests from the arms and chest of her armor. With blades, rock and marble already used she was now cutting into the skin of her hand against a piece of thick glass taken from a window she broke out of frustration. Cutting herself for the third time, she decided to check on the soldiers. Much to her dismay the legion of at least half a thousand were beginning to file out of the courtyard. Throwing the armor and glass to the ground the brunette fixed her aching hands on the windowsill as the men and women marched out holding their spears and swords menacingly.
"They're leaving? It can't be!" she cried to herself before rushing out of her room and up to one of the northern towers of the villa. Ignoring the surprised looks of messengers coming down with parchments, she flew up to the top of the tall structure and looked out from the small balcony. Beyond the villa and protecting gates, the royal cavalry was speeding away towards the falling valley and rising mountains of Jupiter. At the head of the military force were the King and Queen, baring the flag of the planet with their symbol, directing their army head first towards the Martians who were undoubtedly only a few hours away. Despite the size of the planet, Makoto could already make out a dark shadow beginning to rise from the tip of the horizon.
"They left me? How could they..." the tall girl cursed as she continued to watch two hundred horses ride further and further away from her. The sudden urge to cry made her angrier as she ran back down and to her room; she completely ignored the clouds grow dark and thunderous which was not uncommon on Jupiter.
Frustrated and hurried, Makoto took a torch from one of the corners of the walls and began to hastily burn the iron of her armor. Perhaps the fire did not completely hide the royal crests but it successfully hid them with a black lining. Too frantic to care or make sure she was concealed, the brunette quickly shoved the uniform on and grabbed her over used sword. Taking a deep breath as a thunderstorm imminently hit and smiling at her courageous appearance in the mirror, she ran out to the deserted courtyard.
Outside, with only a strong wind blowing against the dust and small specks of rain falling, were several maids taking down some sheets and binding the windows strongly with a thick lace. The four or five women giggled as Makoto, suited up and holding her sword fretfully, stood in the middle of the courtyard and looked around for guidance. She noticed the jests on her behalf and immediately stood still and red in the face; hidden of coarse by the heavy helmet on her head. For a moment she was about to scold them for talking to the princess in that way but she quickly remembered that was impossible.
"Hey, girl, the soldiers have already left. Headed for the north, you'd better catch up" one of the servants hollered before breaking into a fit of laughter which was copied by the rest of the maids.
Makoto took a few clumsy steps towards the wooden gates of the villa, searing with anger. A very disrupting thunderbolt crashed near them which alarmed the maids as well as the horses in the stables near them. Smiling at the sign, the brunette ran off towards the whining of the animals. She reached the wooden housing only to find a single man spreading hay across it. He was shocked as the clunking of armor approached him. Makoto ignored the man and quickly grabbed the first horse she saw, mounting it before he could react.
"Hey! Those belong to the royal family! Come back!" the man demanded as the horse and green armored girl flew past him and towards the entrance of the villa.
"Open the gates!" Makoto cried as she crossed the courtyard and branded the royal seal on her sword. Several of the maids hesitated but the girl who had teased her before was quick to heave the wooden doors open and allow her to leave. The princess flew through and crossed the long garden avoiding stone statues and flowing fountains. Large and hard raindrops fell on her as she leaned over to increase her speed. Lightning attacked from all sides as she reached the outer gates where there were thousands of soldiers still marching towards the north.
"Out of the way! Out of the way!" Makoto yelled as she approached the hoards of men and women in uniform. Her cry and the loud pounding of hooves made the soldiers turn and quickly dive out the way. A large gap disrupted the formation as the horse made it's way to the east and out of the marching warriors.
"Come on!" Makoto urged as she rode alongside the blocks of soldiers running towards the north. The dark shadow had now penetrated further and was looming over the mountains where surely the battle was being fought. She could feel her hands begin to tremble and cramp as she held onto the reigns tightly. The fierce rain and wind thrashing against her made the sickening fear in her stomach worse. Too far and proud to stop, Makoto ignored the dizziness as she urged her horse to ride faster into the terrifying cries of battle.
This was meant to be much longer but that would've made it much more tedious and tiring. But I promise the next chapter, which is exciting, will be up shortly. Enjoy and please review.