Chapter 7: Tests Begin

(In the tests their names will change depending on which persona is being tested. Each test is testing a different quality of that person. )

Ishtar stared out over the newly formed Crystal Tokyo, as amazing as it was something just didn't seem right. Feeling like trying to clear her mind Ishtar began walking about the palace ending in the gardens, which matched the beauty of the Moon Kingdoms gardens. As she admired the enchanting floral arrangements Ishtar heard something... no someone talking. Curious she followed the voices around the garden and determined that it was a patrol of guards talking more interesting than that was that they were talking about Serenity...

"The Queen is a babe."

"Yeah, but with the King around there is no chance for anyone else to get near her in that way."

"So, what if I could arrange for the King to have an unexpected trip abroad that he wouldn't come back for a while?"

"That would be great! But how?"

It was then that Ishtar stumbled and fell out of her hiding spot. The first guards reflexes caught her with a questioning look he asked,"Cousin, I..."

"Cousin? How could any relation to the Moon or Venisian Kingdom Royals even consider what I have heard from your lips?" With that Ishtar stormed off. She couldn't believe someone related to her could be so twisted and she didn't even get his name. Hearing the guards coming she slid down a slightly hidden path and listened.

"You really did it now, Rider."

"I know that, Triton. But you know as well as I that we aren't the only ones to consider something like this."

"I know. But to get busted by the Queen's cousin..."

Ishtar crept silently down the path only to find Serenity and Endymion in a quiet and romantic moment. Looking up at the soft sound of foot steps Endymion and Serenity smiled; however the smiles faded when they saw something was amiss. "Ishtar, cousin what troubles you?"

"Sweet Serenity," Ishtar said trying to stall enough to find out what this test was testing.How to I answer her? If this is a test of truth, but it could be a test of loyalties as well considering he is my cousin...'

"Ishtar, you are family if something is concerning you then we would like to help." Endymion told her.

"Alright, I over heard one of the Venisian guards talking about arranging you to be gone for several months in an attempt to get Serenity. However, being that he is from my Kingdom I will deal with it accordingly. I know that if need be I can count on you but please allow me this," Ishtar waited for them to decide what to do. She watched them have a silent conversation and then both nodded.

Mina found herself back in the cave with cupid.

Meanwhile at the temple just after Mina disappeared in a flash, Rei stood and addressed the remaining senshi, "I am going to meditate. I'll be back in a while." The group nodded and Rei headed towards the temple.

Rei found her way to the fire room and began meditating, as her thoughts began to clear and the fire calmed her.

"Well, Princess Harmonia, it has been a while," a masculine voice came to her.

Rei opened her eyes and found herself in the void between life and death before a tall dark man. "Who are you? and where am I?"

"I am Aries, God of the Fire and War. As for where are you...you are in my office of sorts. I am your guardian in the tests."

"But Mina is doing her test; so how have I started my test?"

"Harmonia, when loyalties are tested and then failed, lies are created to keep the balance. It is possible for multiple tests to be run at the same time if the chosen are loyal and true. The test is in five parts, two as senshi and individual and one as Harmonia. After each part you will be returned to me to choose the next test."

"I choose the order of the tests?"

"Yes, it is free will. Where will you choose to start?" Aries questioned.