Authors Note: Remember the character from chapter 3? She'll be the POV for this chapter. Please, keep that in mind. Don't own sailor Moon. Please, read and review.

Chapter 6

They say that this kingdom is a place where dreams come true. I guess what they say is true for the common folk around here. For the Sailor Senshi, it's actually quite a bit different. Setsuna says that's because balance must be restored, and for that to happen, unfortunate things must also happen. Hotaru tells me that it's because living a longer life, means you must also experience a great deal more than others who die young. She says that if you live longer, you'll see more, and learn to understand it. Sad things are apart of that. The Senshi, who fought so long and hard, they'd built misconceptions about life in in a future they could not see. According to Ami, it's something very scientific. And if you ask Rei, she'll say something about divine retribution and taking a path riddled with falsehoods.

I believe everything they've all said. I think all of it is true. The world here, its nice, but I often wonder if it's really any different than the old world. I don't know. I asked Setsuna, but she simply smiled, running her fingers through my hair. "In time, you will understand your place within this universe." That's what she told me. All of the Senshi share a tragic story, I know that now. Some have placed it in the past, where it belongs. Others carry it as a metal of honor. There are two Senshi who chant their misfortune like a mantra. Whatever the case may be, I've become to learn that my place, well it may actually not be here.

I don't know how I can describe it, and there isn't really any way I possibly could. Still in my hand, I've got a book, one that's giving me knowledge about the gifts I hold deep within me. It's called Planet Power. Everyone holds it within their soul, few however, can learn to harness it. Within that few, are the most skilled, and powerful people. These people are chosen by their innate gifts, bloodline, and over all synergy towards their respective planets. everyone has powers, but without the planetary stone, these powers are weak, and have little purpose at best. The people who are most fitting of their planet, become a Sailor Senshi.

Back in the old world, there were only the select few. The future Queens of each planet. They fought to protect earth, and build the new world. I've heard many bad people tried stopping them. Because of this, they took their roles early in life. Regardless, anyone from any planet can become a Sailor Senshi, however, just like the royalty we serve, we must fight for love and justice, bringing peace for all who seek out a safe and happy world. It's our creed, and part of our kingdoms pledge. There is a key difference between planetary garbs that our royalty wear, and the warriors they command.

The powers they wield.

Only Rei can sling fire at will, only Makoto can pull the power of thunder and lightning forth. It's their gift of the planet, and we who serve them, could never have access to such power. All of the queens share this similarity. It's what makes them powerful, and we, those of the common folk, Senshi or not, follow them without question. their words are effective law.

We underlings have rings. We wear them on out fingers. It gives us limited access into the planet. With the powers of regeneration, we are far more powerful than that of a person without such a gift. It also powers our weaponry. This is why planetary synergy is so important. Without becoming one with the planet, we could never pull forth elemental weapons. Without weapons, we have no strength, and we would fall as an army. Very few can wear a ring, it's a very careful process. I've found out now, that is why I'm here. If I accept a planetary stone, I could become a Senshi, just like Rei and the others. There is but one catch in all of this, one that makes me fearful of the outcome. In order to become a Senshi, one must also accept the gift of longevity. I must also bind myself to protect and serve the royalty of my planet. Once they die, I too, shall pass away.

Very few have accepted such a task, however, it is because of this task that our world thrives.

"You seem lost in thought, Fusayo." It's Setsuna again, my tutor for the day. She is a woman who often keeps herself hidden within a shadowy place, filled with answers for life, and it's many questions. "I do hope you're becoming stronger." Sometimes though, she comes to the palace, teaching students like me the powers within our bodies.

"I'm doing my best. In all honesty, this book confuses me." I tell her. It's not that difficult, but it still makes me wonder. Ever since I began my lessons, I've come to understand a few things. Topics of interest for Senshi training could be considered very expansive. No two Senshi are trained the same way. Within that diversity armies of great strength, and even greater loyalties are built from the ashes. "I feel as there is so much I've got to learn, and not enough time in which to do it."

"As I assume would be common." Setsuna laughs quietly. She hardly wears that cloak, the one that keeps her eyes out of sight. "Shall we begin today's lesson?" It makes her mysterious, and I hear this is how she travels, when she does not wish people to see her face.

"Yeah, I'm ready." Really, I'm not, but I'd rather not get a lecture.

"Your assignment will be reading the next eight chapters in your history book." Setsuna says, handing me a very thick tome. Her books are not only the largest, they're also more complicated than Ami's. "They're fairly short, and detail several events before the Kingdom was built. Please, make sure you take note of those crystal points, it's important for your geography exam Ami will give you." I nod, at least Setsuna likes giving out hints. That's one thing that's really cool about her. She helps the students a lot that way. "That however, is not what we shall speak on today. Rather, it's about the moon stone."

She pulled out a small case rapped in white velvet. Inside, was a clear crystal ring. The band white gold. This was the stone of the moon. A rare stone, and one few people had. "This stone is your next lesson. It's the stone the army of the moon holds. The capabilities this ring has are almost endless. For your training today, you shall don this ring. Place it on your ring finger, as if you were to be married." I followed her instructions, it fit like a glove, and the small glow was warm, comforting even.

"Its beautiful." I say in awe. It honestly is. I have not seen something so wonderful in all of my life. "But, why am I able to get a reaction out of it?"

"The stone of the moon is unlike any other. With it, you can attune with any Senshi, and thus harness their planet for yourself."

"I don't believe I understand." I sigh, looking at this powerful item. It seems so familiar, and yet, so mysterious.

"Pull forth the power inside." She tells me.

I clench my hand, balling it into a fist. Trying to manifest energy, finding myself unable. Stones do not require an incantation, but they do require their host to be transformed and combat ready. That is to say, that unless the queen of the planet has already tapped into their planet, the ring will not work. "I can't pull forth energy, Her Majesty is not transformed."

"I do believe you are correct." Setsuna seemed calmly amused with my statements. "You are from Jupiter, and thus, without her, you are unable to draw power. That is normal protocol, so if you had been wearing a green ring, with your planetary symbol, you would have been correct." She then removed her cloak she often wore, revealing that she was transformed. She had been so this entire time. "However, as I told you, with that particular ring, you are able to draw power from any of us. I would like you to try again, however, instead of envisioning Makoto, please, use me and my power as your guide."

I closed my eyes and once again, clenched my fists. Anything that isn't lightning is unknown for me. I've only just begun learning about how to harness powers. Using another planet should be near impossible. Still, I feel a small orb form. Within that orb, I can pull forth my weapon. I open my eyes, however, I find myself at a loss. "A staff? In the shape of a key?" I could feel my eyebrow twitching. "I normally use a lance, not a staff." I have no idea what to do with this thing...

"You've tapped into my energy, and as such, this is your gift." Setsuna didn't seem at all surprised at my clear distress, and I honestly wished she did. "Fusayo, different planets use different weapons. We all fight our own special way. This is why the ring you currently wear is a ring only given to those who are well versed in both combat and diplomacy. It is not an easy choice to bear this ring, and only those who have served under their planet power, and have been recommended by their ruler my wear one. The journey is long, grueling for even the best warriors. The title and fame of earning such a gift is coveted. Many will spend all of their lives in pursuit, and never see the day they wield their very own."

"Then, why am I wearing it now?" I wondered that the most.

"All who undergo training have contact with every single ring, this one is no different."

"Setsuna..." She knows I will ask her a question, I can see it in her eyes.

"Yes?" And yet, she plays along. I wonder if she knows what it is? Perhaps she doesn't.

"My mother..." I don't really know how best to word this, but I feel like I need to know. "My mother and I hail from Jupiter. That's our home planet. But, Rei told me the other day, my descendant from long ago was a very close friend of theirs, who was she, if I may ask?"

It was then Setsuna grew quiet for a moment, it was as if I struck a small cord with her. "I don't know much about the woman, however, I can tell you her name. It was Naru. She and Usagi went to school together. The girl had the gift intuition. She knew things without being told and even figured out Usagi's identity very easily. That is all I recall offhand, and I feel as if scanning back through the gates would cause a great unrest within you." The memory of the woman was far away, Setsuna's serene gaze told me so. "You should not worry about the past. Focus more upon the future."

"The past consumes all of you." I would like to see it for myself. I want to meet this woman, and see this past that destroyed so much. "Everyone is hurt by it, and everyone remembers it fondly. I feel like I should be consumed by it." I could feel my ring power down, Setsuna removing her transformation, and thus removing my power. The staff disappeared into nothingness, and she gazed at me. Deeply searching my eyes.

"Many Senshi, and those of apprentices have traveled back through time." Setsuna wasn't often so forthright about information, especially not something as clear cut as the gates. She had laws she had to follow, and ranted about them constantly. She was a strict teacher when talking about time travel. "It is not uncommon, however, missions are dangerous. The time line is a very precious thing, and without strict reasoning, you could indeed destroy the very thing we've built. Those that go, have direct reasons, orders, and prophesies that must be carried out to the letter. Sending such a novice, well that is something that could very well cause a catastrophe."

"What if I feel like I already have?" Rei often confuses me, and I can't help but wonder why. "What if why Rei is so upset is because of something I've done, or perhaps my bloodline?"

"Even if you did, there is little that can be done." She removed the ring from my finger, placing it back in the box. "Only those who hold a ring may go out on missions. Even then, it requires approval from your planetary ruler among two others, three votes in total. Usagi could grant you a stone now, without completing training, but even so, that only occurred once, and only because the situation was dire."

"Who received it?" Pressing for information was becoming daunting, Setsuna speaking in terms more vague as my questions went on.

"Many received them, actually." She smiled again, treating me as a child. "You shouldn't be so hasty. If you complete training, you may choose for yourself the path you shall take, but for now I would worry very little about such matters." I followed her for a bit, asking more questions, but she didn't tell me anything else. More questions than answers, and I'm stuck here pondering them. Tomorrow, I'll be seeing Rei, as she tells me more of what went on. I can only hope she has answers for some of my questions...

More chapters later...