Once again a reminder. This fic is not about Usagi as Sailor Moon Serenity but it's about her Grandmother, Great Aunts and cousins. The Usagi in this fic is her Grandmother although Saturn and Pluto are the originals.
Sakura Scented Gardens
Io.
One of the largest Moons in the Solar System. It's largely believed that Io has no night sky, the vastness of the Planet it orbs covers the entire sky making in a dusty orange colour with scatters of reds and yellows. There is of course a certain inkyness at the rims of the horizon but for most part they just see the massive planet of Jupiter - the Largest in the Solar System.
"Princess Jupiter-chan, your mother wishes to see you," Said Panye, a man at arms in the Gardens of Io. He watched as the young Princess paid no attention but instead continued to chase a massive pink butterfly that had landed on her nose.
He sighed and inhaled the overwhelming scents of the huge gardens. If Io was reknown for anything then it was it's Gardens. Huge acres of land were home to a variety of plant life but they all shadowed in comparison to the Royal Gardens. Miles of Roses of all colours, Blossom tree's that did not die and sunflowers that swayed in the breeze. The gardens hummed with life as bee's buzzed and many wings flapped.
In the midst of the gardens were plants towered over her, you could always find Princess Jupiter..or rather you could always loose Princess Jupiter among the towering rose vines.
The young Princess was hardly ten years old but she was quite independant and rebellious. If you wanted her to do something she would either point blank ignore you or wander off. Sometimes it frustrated Payne to no end and why in the name of Hera-sama had they made her dress in flower colours? Did the royal waiting lady actually want her young Princess to go missing? If so she had better run...Hera was not the right person to make angry despite her fragile appearence...and especially not after...
"Princess Jupiter did you not hear me?" Called Payne as the red haired Princess continued her plight.
Finally she stopped and looked over at her guard with lime green eyes widened in curiosity like he was another bumble bee. She plodded over and gazed at him as though he was a new variety of Roses. Finally she giggled and ran off towards the end of the Gardens were gates to the Royal Palace were.
Payne sighed again watching her run.
I think I'll retire when she hits teenager hood.
Queen Hera hugged her younger sister feeling the warmth radiate off her. Her heart sighed with content as they seperated and smiled at each other.
"Aphrodite-chan, you are full of surprises as usual," She giggled as her younger sister grinned shaking her mane of brilliant yellow hair that fell to the floor. Her gown was white and it glowed like her skin. Her perfect round blue eyes were full of laughter and the guards of the Io Palace were staring at her with a dreamy glased look.
"You underestimate me Hera-chan! I decided a holiday was in order...and Venus-chan felt the same didn't you?" Cooed the Queen of Love to her young daughter who nodded in agreement with the same wide eyed innocence of her mother.
Hera smiled fondly at her niece who looked every bit the minature of her mother. Perhaps Aphrodite intended it this way...the Queen of Magellan was always known for her spirit and especially her emotional tendances. It was a wonder that Princess Venus wasnt showered with flowers everday...indeed the young girl was probably the most spoilt in the Universe.
Surprisingly not conceited though...
"So," Continued the fun-loving Queen," We decided to take a tour, we've been to Mariner, Phobos and now we're here!"
Hera shook her head.
One day her impulses are going to cause my head to explode...
"Where is Jupiter-chan?" Ventured Aphrodite gazing around the room like she expected her niece to welcome her despite their lack of warning. Venus stared in polite curiosity, it seemed that she was used to not getting a word in edge ways.
The huge throne room of the Io Castle was ablaze with colours. Vivid green walls with hundreds of gems and painting. A soft pink floor and three bright golden thrones. Plants wormed their way around the pillars and coiled up the walls making the room look like someone had shoved a garden inside it. Aphrodite bent down and sniffed a nearby pink rose before lifting her head and staring at Hera.
"I sent a guard for her, she should be here soon," Said Hera crossing her fingers behind her back before setting her green eyes into a serious expression gazing sternly at Aphrodite who prompty gazed back as her eyes changed from blue to gold. She straighted up and spoke to Venus in a voice of authority.
"Venus-chan. Go find Jupiter-itoko...your Aunt and I have some things to speak over," Said Aphrodite. Venus nodded and trotted off with her yellow hair streaming out behind her. It wasn't until she was out of site that Hera sighed wearily and sagged into her throne rubbing her temples with her forefingers.
"Are you alright Hera-chan"? Asked Aphrodite kneeling at the base of the throne. Hera nodded...no she was not alright. A cloud of anger flodded through her. In the last year she must have heard that saying a million times; "Are you alright Queen? Are you feeling in good health your majesty?"
None of it helped...none of it would bring him back. Hera had shredded all of her tears long ago but now all she could do was remain strong...but on some days...on some days she wished she didn't have to...being strong was difficult...and sometimes it proved too difficult.
Perian...why...why...
A painful lump rose in her throat. Her eyes felt watery but she slightly fumed at herself and swallowed the lump. Aphrodite reached out to carass her sisters hand as her pale gold eyes filled with grief.
"How is Athena?" Asked Hera quietly thinking of her other sisters similar trial. Her blood boiled silently...how dare they! Her husband, her brother-in law. How many more? And why couldn't she have stopped them?!
Her fists clenched.
They all call me Queen...the all hail me as a Goddess...and a once amazing senshi. What am I now? Not a senshi...just doomed to watch others fight...just doomed to watch my love die...
"Athena...is as good as could be expected. Mercury-chan is keeping her busy...I think it's best that way...she's visiting Amphirite...I think the holiday would do her well," Said Aphrodite sincerely.
"And Apollo? Any word on him?" Asked Hera thinking of her other brother-in-law.
Aphrodite shook her head sadly.
"None...Selenity is trying to be strong...but her heart is breaking. The twins keep asking were their Father is...especially Serenity-Amaterasu and Selenity doesn't know what to say," Said Aphrodite sorrowfully.
"How long...how...how...long must this continue? What about Demios...I don't recall her forseeing any of this!" Spat Hera bitterly refering to their pyschic sister. How come Demios had see it? And what of Chronos? Or Charon...or Amphirite...none of them!
A clap of thunder echoed outside causing Aphrodite to clench her sisters hand to calm her rage.
"They...they...there was nothing they could do. Chronos is bound by his own rules...and...they couldn't see...it's not their fault..." Said Aphrodite.
Rules...because of Chronos's rules...my husband is dead...my nieces have no father...he could have warned us!
"Are you going to visit Pandora-chan?" Asked Hera in a small quivering voice. Tears leaked from her eyes as thought of her youngest sister...Hera supposed she didn't know the meaning of pain and grief...not compared to Pandora...
She was so happy...
Tears dripped down Aphrodites own face. For a moment her youth was forgotten and her real age showed...she looked old...and she looked hurt...
"I-I didn't know if I should...I mean...would she think I was rubbing it in If I took Venus?" Quivered Aphrodite.
Hera shook her head.
"The alternative is her thinking we're shunning her..."
"Oh Hera...what have we done?" Sobbed Aphrodite hysterically as the tears flodded down her face. Hera's own tears dripped but jaw clamped in fierce determination as she hugged her little sister.
"We had no choice...if...if...we hadn't...think of the risks..."
"Could you do that to Jupiter?" Asked Aphrodite in a hollow whisper.
Hera paused...her heart ached. Her daughter...her beautiful...amazing...daughter. Her light...the only remains of Perian.
"No...I don't suppose I could..." Said Hera quietly as the scent of rain echoed throughout the grand room.
Amaterasu stared mild interest at her older cousin.
She hated being thought of as inferior or immature. Being treated like a child was something she whole-heartedly resented. She wasn't a child...she was a Princess. She was a future Queen. Princesses didn't have the time to be childish.
Although she was quickly learning that this Temple had that influence on her. She felt like she was in a graveyard. It was ominously forbidding and dare she admit frightening. The way the flames would suddenly flare. The way the shadows crept in the dark corners and the way the walls reminded her of blood...and yet somehow her cousin seemed to embody all of these things. The way her violet eyes would crackle in time to the flames. The way her hair was like a blood tainted shadow.
She is...like Pluto-sama...in a way...
They passed the minutes silently. Walking up stair cases and down corridors. It was an awkward silence craving to be broken but Amaterasu could think of no words to say. Usagi cleared her throat a few times but then promptly blushed. The tension in the air was rising and Amaterasu could bear it no longer.
"Mars-sama...um...why are you in a Priestess Dress?"
Usagi's voice broke the silence and Amaterasu smiled gratefully at her little sister before her eyes flickered towards Mars waiting for the reply. Mars smiled slowly but when she turned to answer Usagi she was frowning...Amaterasu instantly clenched her fist.
"I am a Princess of two Moons so I honour both traditions. Here on Demios I am not thought of as a Princess by the Priestesses or Priests. I am simply a student...rank is forgotten," Said Mars as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Amaterasu couldn't help but feel an ounce of respect...or even admiration. She unclenched her fist and lowered her eyes to the floor as though giving Mars a sign of recognition.
No rank...she must be very humble..although it's silly...if your a Princess whats the point in hiding it?
She could feel her twin staring at her. Amaterasu reached out a hand to reassure Usagi before she finally spoke.
"You wear a crown though," Said Amaterasu pointing at the delicate crown on Mars's forehead.
"Hai, It's a reminder of my heritage," Said Mars proudly.
Amaterasu silently puzzled this over in her head.
Wait...I thought she said she had no rank here? So why does she wear a crown as a sign of rank?
Once again it was Usagi who broke the silence.
"So...you wear a crown to show that you are not ranked?" Suggested the young Princess innocently. A small sweat bead appeared on Amaterasu's forehead as she clamped a hand over her twins mouth as the torch brackets flared up wildly and Mars glared at the Moon Princess.
"What would you know baka-Odango brain?" Snapped the Fiery Princess.
Amaterasu growled.
You did not just call us that!
Princess Venus was well and truly lost.
The plant life that bubbled beyond the walls of Io Castle was a jungle. Trees of all kind grew next to each other towering over the Princesses head. Plants sprung from the ground and curled and twisted themselves around each other like interlocking chains. Multi-coloured flowers bloomed with life and beauty and the sun burned down on her back. There was no path or trail...it was just there...beautiful but chaotic.
The Guard said Princess Jupiter would be here...
Venus swallowed nervously as she climbed over a large vine. Already her pale yellow dress was ripped in several places. It didn't matter...her Mother would have another one conjured up in a second - she always did.
Eventually the jungle of confustion gave way to clear fields of flowers. Venus gasped...flowers as far as the eyes could see. In every colour and bloom. Petunias, Lilys, Blossoms, Roses and Marigolds all swaying gently in the breeze. The smell of their perfume was overpowering and caused Venus to sneeze.
It's amazing...
Out of all of her cousins she was probably closest to Jupiter. She saw Jupiter the most...when she heard of her Uncles death she cried but she wasn't alowed to the funeral. Her mother said such occasions should not be witnessed by a child so young and free. Then again that was her Mother all over...she tried to sheild Venus from the sharp edges of the world by creating a fun loving paradise for her daughter to grow up in...yet beyond their doorstep there was an evil. It licked the fortress of love every so often. Venus knew...she'd hear a maids whisper...or see a servant dabbing their eyes.
Some things can't be shielded...
A small feeling of sorrow crept through Venuses heart and a soft tear leaked down her cheek. The emotion was clearly saddness...but no hers. Somebody elses...Venus was more empathic than most.
Jupiter...
The Princess ran lightly like a gazelle or a lamb through the fields of flowers. The feeling of sorrow heightened and she followed her instincts. The breeze caused her hair to flow freely in the breeze and although sweat was dripping down her face she was smiling as the Sun warmed her skin.
Smash!
Venus stopped dead in her tracks and her heart lurched fearfully as beads of rain dripped from the dusty sky. For a moment she thought she'd heard something...
Boom!
Her heart raced against her chest as she gazed skyward. A thin trail of lightening speed through the sky. Venus stood rooted in terror for a few moments torn between the desire to run back to safety and the desire to find her cousin.
"Jupiter-chan!" She yelled out to the flat plains.
There came no answer...but she was close...Venus could feel her presence.
Boom!
A heavy smash of thunder caused the young Princess to yelp. She had even subconsiously started to run in the opposite direction before she forefully ran the other way. The rain was flooding down from the heavens making the yellow dress plaster to her skin. Venus ran swiftly until she heard a small voice.
"Venus-chan? Is that you?"
Princess Mars gazed at the twins.
A small smile appeared on her face but she concealed it. The furiosity of their gaze was enough to cut through steel. In particular that of Serenity-Amaterasu...it didn't matter though. If the foolish proud little princess wanted to attack her then let her try.
She'll learn what a Martian Warrior Princess can do...
She then reprimmed herself. They were after all guests...it would be shameful to her Aunt and it would disgrace her Mother. No...she would not rise to the childish bait. Instead Mars smiled and completely ignored Amaterasu's look of hatred and instead walked further up the corridor.
"If you want to see your rooms I suggest you follow Amaterasu-chan," Said Mars in a sugar coated voice. She could feel the orange aura of the girl burn as she unwillingly followed Mars forward through the dark corridors in silence. The anger burning off Amaterasu and Usagi was incredible.
They take offence too easily...
Finally Mars stopped outside a magnificent golden door encrusted with rubies. She watched with some satisfaction as her cousins gasped in awe. Mars bowed politely before speaking.
"This is the guest room. Inside you shall find clean clothes and everything you require. If you need any assitance do not hesistate to ask a guard but do so with due respect. Dinner shall be served in an hour and a half. Do no be late."
With that Princess Mars walked off fading into the shadows leaving Amaterasu and Usagi staring at her with a mixture of respect and dislike. In the shadows Mars smiled.
This...could be fun...
"The sweet Sakura blossoms in Spring..."
Soft gentle pink petals touched her face as she inhaled their sweet scent. Tranquilty reins as she watched the blossoms danced and swirl in the light breeze from her position on bed of petals. The first gentle drops of rain carasess her skin with their icy touch but she doesn't flinch. Rain is good...it makes the plants grow...and hides her tears...
Princess Jupiter of Io lay on her back in the midst of a field of Sakura blossoms. She feels hidden here. Away from the prying view of guards and away from the Palace. This is were she's safe...with her flowers...with her nature. Gently her thumb touches the petals of a red rose.
"The sweet Sakura blossoms in Spring," Mumbled the sad Princess as the tears stream down her face. A thunder clap rolls in the distance but this doesnt bother her. Thunder and Lightening...deadly beautiful. Amazing...a definte show of Natures Power...but it now seems so hollow.
"Papa..." Jupiter murmured.
"The last Rose to blossom shall be the beautifullest Jupiter-chan."
Nature is beautiful, powerful and amazing.
Nature is cruel.
Her heart thumps madly as the words of memory choke through her mind. She wants to run...run so far away that none of it would be real. Her father was not dead...not him...not three months dead...
"King Persian, our honoured ruler for eternity. You safely guarded us through the War of Ra and the battle of Dawn. Wife of our beloved ruler Queen Hera Goddess of Nature and Father of our Princess Jupiter."
The words still chill her heart. The funeral...all of Io. All of the Universe in black. It wasn't meant to happen. Kings and Husbands of the Godessess do not die. He did...and a month ago so did her Uncle.
I wonder if Mercury is alright?
The last time she'd laid eyes on her cousin she had been in no state to talk.
why...
That single question. Why? It wasn't right...it was like an incomplete jig-saw puzzle. Why did her Father have to die? It didn't make sense...why?
Distantly she watched as a fork of lightening flashed across the sky. It mirrored itself in her green eyes and the sound echoed in her ears. To her lightening was amazing...it could turn sand into glass...it was so pretty the way it flashed into dramatic shapes. She could lay in the rain and watch it for an eternity.
"Jupiter-chan!"
Jupiter perked her head up recognising the voice. It wasn't one of her guards...or any attendant. It was soft...and gentle...like Sakura Blossoms. But it wasn't possible...Venus-chan couldn't be here...she was on Venus...wasn't she?
"Venus-chan?" Said Jupiter softly as the tears rolled down her face. Suddenly she felt a warm hand grab her own and the vision of lightening was blinded by soft sunflower coloured hair and concerned pale blue eyes. Venus was soaken to the skin but she smiled and lay next to her cousin and bent her knees so they fitted into shape.
"Jupiter-chan..." Said Venus softly allowing her fingers to fiddle with her cousins long red hair. Over their heads the lightening crashed and the rain continued to fall but for the moment Jupiter allowed herself to relax and become one with the Nature. The smell of the rain mingled with the Sakura blossoms and the Princess sighed.
"Venus-chan...what are you doing here?" She asked curiously. Her cousin smiled...Jupiter couldn't see her smiling but she could tell.
"My mother wanted to travel..." Said Venus idly.
"Your mothers always travelling," Said Jupiter.
A silence passed as the thunder and lightening crashed. Jupiter could feel Venus flinch at every noise but it didn't matter. Why could her cousin not accept the beauty too?
Papa did...
More tears leaked down her cheeks and her body began to shake. Her throat burned with the effort as she sobbed loudly. Venus tightened her hug around her cousin allowing the weeping Princess to bury her head in her arms. Venuses own pearly tears rolled down her cheeks and mingled with Jupiters.
"It's not fair..." Sobbed Jupiter quietly.
A roll of thunder caused the earth to shake but Jupiter took no notice. The emotions within her came to a peak and she felt she could bear it no more...she wanted to run...
"It's not fair!" She screamed.
The lightening swooped down from the sky in a veritcal sweep and smashed right into the interlocking Princesses. Screams echoed through the grounds and a bright white light engulfed everything.
The guest rooms of the Temple of Reverence were humble.
The Priestesses and Priests believed that material worth was an illusion. Privately it was thought by many to be a hypocrictal hypothesis. If the material was not important than why was the temple teaming with jewels and paintings?
It was true that the Priestesses and Priests lived in humble quaters and their guest rooms were also very simple. A few portraits adorned the walls for decoration and the walls were painted orange. A double bed stood in the centre of the room with a small bookcase beside it and a dresser. A door led into a small yet gleaming marble bathroom but still like the rest of the Temple little details meant everything...and right now Amaterasu was staring at a portrait on the wall opposite their bed.
The portrait was of a tall woman with long bright hair. Amaterasu thought of her cousins hair to be the colour of dark blood but this womans was bright white with two streaks of bright blood red hair. Her skin was flawless and her face was all together to perfect to be a normal Immortals...it had the same perfectness of their Mothers. And the eyes burned deep gold colour and in her hand was a bow and arrow and she appeared to be standing in the middle of a battle field of some sort surrounded by fire...a fire which was eerily burning in her eyes. Her clothes were what stood out though...a white armoured fuku with blood red taintings and a long red skirt. Wings of blood spread out brushing the edge of the portrait and below was a small inscription.
"Sailor Demios, Senshi of the fourth Moon - the Moon of Blood and Spirit..."
Amaterasu could not help but stare in awe at the powerful warrior. Something in her heart stirred and she couldn't help but feel a great longing. A sailor Senshi...she couldn't wait until she transformed...
"Sailor Demios...isn't that Aunt Demios-sama?" Shouted Amaterasu to her twin who was taking a bath.
"Hai...I think so," Replied Usagi from the other end of the room.
Amaterasu reverted her eyes back to the portrait and stared at the feautures of the Warrior.
So this is Mars-itoko's mother...
Amaterasu had seen portraits of all the senshi before...but she'd never seen a close up of her Aunt Demios. Indeed her own memories of her Aunt were few...but she was sure her Aunt had bright blood like hair...not white...
She looks like Mars...slightly...although I bet she's not so ill mannered!
Amaterasu growled as she turned her eyes away from the picture to put on her blue gown which was proving a trial. At home she had Mei-kun to help her dress...but here...well...she certainly wasn't going to ask for help! She'd figure it out herself...
"Usa-chan. I think I may need your help!" Shouted Amaterasu. She didn't mind asking Usa for help...but Usa was different. Her twin would never judge her...and her twin was probably the only one she trusted apart from her parents.
Usagi emmerged from the bathroom soaken wet...and out of the corner of her eye Amaterasu spotted bath water leaking under the door.
"Baka Usa-chan! You've flooded the place!" Berrated Amaterasu as her twin began to fiddle with her dress. After not much success Amaterasu scowled. Honestly why was putting on a dress so hard?
"I can't seem to do it...it won't tie," Complained Usagi as she once again tried to tie her twins sash with little success. Amaterasu rolled her eyes and felt behind her back for the knot...after a few minutes of struggling she stood in a pale blue gown smirking in triumph.
"Right...your turn Usa," Said Amaterasu as she ordered her twin to turn as she dressed her in an identical blue gown. Finally they stood ready and after a few moments the door swung open to reveal Mei-kun who was dressed in a pale orange garment of her own.
"Princess Ama. Princess Usa...dinner is served," She called as the twins followed her obediantly retracing their footsteps to the great dining hall.
In the midd of the Hall was a massive oak table. Many Priests and Priestesses were sitting along each side all of senior rank. Among them was Marses own master Gei. At the head of the table was Mars changed from her priestess robes into a scarlett dress. At the other end of the table was Queen Selenity who smiled at the arrival of her daughters.
"Ama, Bunny, sit here," Said the Queen Selenity gesturing to the two empty seats on either side of her. The two twins nodded and sat at either side. The dinner served consisted of hot spicy foods and various vegetable dishes since many of the Priestesses and so on were vegetarians.
"It is an honour to have you in our temple," Said Sister Tera the senior sister of the Priestesses. An old woman with bright red eyes and long dark hair.
"It is an honour to be in your temple Tera-san," Said Queen Selenity inclining her head before speaking again.
"Mars-chan. How is your mother Demios? I haven't seen her lately...I'm thinking of going there after a week would that be conveniant for her?" Asked Selenity in a concerned voice. Mars nodded before speaking.
"Hai, Aunt Selenity-sama. She's well. I was wondering since your going may I come too?" Asked the young Princess blushing slightly. Selenity giggled and nodded.
"Please Mars-chan don't use sama. We are family...just call me Aunt Selenity instead. Of course you may come with us...you are most welcome too!"
Amaterasu gulped and exchanged a significant look with her twin who looked at their mother like she'd announced that the Black Celestrial Fire Dragon was coming with them on a picnic.
In the name of Moon..why? No...
"How are your studies Mars-chan? If you like you may come with us to the Moon if it is alright with your tutors. We don't have your company much and I think you'd be good for my daughters...right Ama-chan? Bunny-chan?" Said Selenity in a sweet voice looking brightly at her twin daughters completely unaware of their mournful expressions. Amaterasu's face looked like someone had announced that the world was ending.
NO! I am not sharing a palace with her!
"Hai, Mother," Said Bunny in a weak voice as a drip of perspiration slipped down her forehead.
"Good then it's settled. Our young Priestess shall leave with you Queen Selenity," Said Sister Tera with a bright smile.
"Good now tell me Master Gei how is-"
Queen Selenity was cut off suddenly as a guard in Moon armour ran through the doors of the banquet hall. Amaterasu immediantly sensed something was wrong...the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and the guard handed a golden letter to Queen Selenity and one to Mars.
"Queen...Princess...Queen Hera...Queen Aphrodiate...require...your...urgent...assitance," Panted the guard.
The Queen quickly scanned the letter and stood up causing everyone at the table to stare at the panicked expression on the Moon Queens face. Mars's face immediantly went to one of fear and her hands began to shake.
"Bunny, Ama we have no time to pack. Mars-chan you shall come with us now. Yori summon some guard to come with us and prepare our vessel for launch!" Ordered Queen Selenity in a stern voice of command.
"Your Majesty...what is wrong?" Asked Sister Terra in a concerned voice.
A silky pearl like tear slid down the Queens face as she sank down into her chair.
"Venus-chan and Jupiter-chan...are...are...in a very bad way."
Cliff hanger...well people don't just get struck by lightening without any damage. Anyway in the next chapter someone mysterious comes and heals Venus-chan and there is a minor tiff between sisters as the Moon Queens are reunited again. Also the twins learn a little more about their cousin Jupiter and Mars finds a friend in Venus.
By the way the age order among Queen goes as such.
Charon, Mirander, Athena, Hera, Amphirite, Demios, Aphrodite, Selenity and Pandora
Among the Princesses it is;
Pluto aged 14 at present time or at least physically
Uranus aged 12
Mercury aged 11
Neptune aged 11
Jupiter aged 10
Venus aged 10
Mars aged 9 or at least physically
Amaterasu aged 8
Usagi aged 8
Saturn aged 6
Also I have 148 hits! But where are the Reviews? Not meaning to pester but if you want me to update review cause I'm not budging until I have 8 of them! I'm serious!