Sailor Jupiter
There were two tribes on Jupiter: Amazons and men. Most of the time the Amazons and the men were at war but there were certain times when the Amazons would raid the men's village. If an Amazon bore a son, she would give him to the father to rear with his tribe. If she bore a daughter she would be raised as an Amazon. It was rare but sometimes an Amazon would leave her tribe to spend the rest of her days with a single man.
Tenaka stood on the hill watching the two clans below clash in battle. One side stood the men who were only good for creating more warriors. On the other side stood her sisters, the Amazons and although these women were not her biological sisters, they were the only family she knew. Tenaka smiled widely as the wind whipped around her blowing her curly brown hair tipped pink around her face. She tucked the green braid behind her ear and grabbed her green lighting shaped tipped spear given to her by the Goddess Jupita. Mounting her pale green stead, which almost appeared white, the queen of these warrior women rode into battle. As she neared the battle, Tenaka remembered how she had come into possession of the Lighting Spear and the strange outfit that came with it.
Whoever held the Lighting Spear was the leader of Tenaka's clan. That is the way it has always been and the way it will always be. The Lighting Spear carved from the toughest tree on Jupiter and decorated by carving and paint to depict a detailed lighting shower along the entire length of the shaft. The head of the spear made from the stone, broken by the Lighting Goddess Jupita.
The former queen of her clan was killed in battle and even though she was not Tenaka's real mother. Queen Yuuka had raised Tenaka as her own. If Tenaka could not prove herself to her sisters and most importantly the Goddess Jupita then another shall lead her clan.
The test sounded simple, but only in theory. The chosen had to go on a journey to the temple of the Goddess Jupita and along the way, her sisters must test her. The selected she had to retrieve the eight-pointed crystal of Jupiter buried deep in the cave behind the temple. Once the crystal had been removed from the cave, the cave would began to rumble and the one selected for leadership of the clan had to make it out alive and back to the clan. The Lighting Goddess Jupita would then appear to the chosen one and the clan. She would bestow her blessing on the new queen; take back the crystal to hide it for the next and then award the queen the Lighting Spear.
Tenaka had mourned her adopted mother's passing. It was time for her to claim the power she would need to lead her people.
"Good luck child," one of the older women of the clan told her as she rode to the head of the village.
"Thank you," Tenaka replied with a nod.
"Be strong as the trees and quick as lighting," everyone in the village said in unison as Tenaka rode toward her destiny.
Tenaka rode for two days toward the temple Jupita. Along the way, some of her sisters had tested her and now Tenaka neared the temple and knew she had one more test by one of her sisters before she could enter the cave.
Hana stepped from behind a rock her silver hair blowing in the wind. "Hello Tenaka," the elder woman said.
"How will you test me?" asked Tenaka.
"I will test your mind," replied Hana.
"You are a teacher to most of us," Tenaka replied.
"My test is a simple riddle," Hana told the young girl before her. "What walks on four legs in the morning, two in mid day and three legs in the evenings?"
"There is no anime or creature that looses legs and then gains a leg during the course of a day," Tenaka thought. As she thought Tenaka noticed Hana leaning on her cane, "Woman," she smiled.
"Correct child," Hana replied. She held up her hand for Tenaka to stop. "That could have just been a lucky guess. What is your reason behind your answer?"
"When we are young," Tenaka began, "which could be considered the morning of our live we crawl on all fours. Then as we get older or in the noon of our lives we walk on two legs, and finally when we are nearing the evening of our lives we need a came to help up walk."
"Very good child," Hana moved aside. "You may pass. Be strong as the trees and quick as the lighting."
"Thank you," Tenaka bowed leaving her stead by the entrance and proceeded in.
As the old woman watched, Tenaka enter the cave she smiled. "This could be the one," she thought as she began to glow changing form an old woman in a cloak to a young woman with brown curly hair wearing a strange uniform with a green collar, white fabric covering her torso, white gloves, a green skirt and green ankle boots. There was also a pink bow adoring her hest and one on the back of her skirt along with a green choker with a silver symbol of Jupiter around her neck and a silver tiara on her brow.
"Wait," Tenaka thought turning around but did not see the old woman behind her at the entrance. "When I left Hana was still in the village. There is no way she could have beat me here."
Tenaka walked along the path in the temple to the deepest most chambers. One the walls she saw pictures of a great battle with a woman in a strange cloth holding the Lighting Spear. It looked as if Jupita was fighting spirits before striking nothing and the next scene showed a small orb formed which seem to grow larger as the spirits were absorbed into it.
"The creation story," Tenaka said aloud tracing the Lighting Spear with her finger. "I wonder what the next trial will be."
Tenaka continued to admire the carvings on the walls as she walked toward the most sacred chamber within the temple. She came upon a door with a craving of the symbol of Jupiter. "How do I open the door? There is no lock," she thought as she reached out to trace the symbol. As she traced the symbol, Tenaka would later swear she saw the craving on the door glow green.
The door slid open to reveal a room full of fire and upon looking closer into the flames she was it was her village. "Trial by fire," she heard a voice in her mind.
"If I fail my village will be destroyed," Tenaka whispered.
"No," the voice replied. "Your village is already destroyed. If you fail then you will not gain the power to avenge them."
Tenaka fell to her knees as she watched fire consume Hana's house and heard the elder woman's screams. "Why is this happening," Tenaka yelled into the flames and the images surrounding her.
There was no response except heat from the flames which seem to mock her. With tears, streaming down her face Tenaka punched the temple floor until her knuckles bled. Noticing a glint out of the corner of her eye Tenaka's head jerked upward.
"The crystal," Tenaka whispered as she looked at the eight-pointed crystal floating above the flames and the image of her destroyed village. "I can hear the crystal sing," Tenaka thought as she heard a soft twinkling son playing her head. "I know my village is gone but with Jupita's blessing I can protect anyone who is left of my clan."
The crystal was gloating in the center of the room above the images of her burning village and appeared almost to be touching the ceiling. Tenaka gather all her strength and leapt for the eight-pointed crystal which she could hear calling to her. She felt a warm glow surround he rand when she landed Tenaka was not holding an eight-pointed crystal but a green laurel wreath.
As the temple rumbled around her Jupita appeared before her, "You passed," she told Tenaka. "You are the one," she smiled and kissed Tenaka's forehead. Where her lips had touched Tenaka's skin it began to burn and upon her brow appeared the symbol of Jupiter. "Go to your people," was the last thing Jupita said before lighting bolts danced around Tenaka.
When Tenaka open her eyes, she was standing nude in the middle of the devastated village as the symbol of Jupiter blazed on her brow with a crown of leaves in her hair.
"Jupita," cried one of her sisters and fell to her knees.
"Shalako," Tenaka said, "It is me," but the others began gathering around.
Before Tenaka could speak, Jupita appear before her again. "Blessed Goddess," someone cried.
"I cannot choose myself. Tenaka is I as I am Tenaka. We are now one here and forever," the Goddess' voice was gentle and commanding at the same time. Jupita turned from the women to face Tenaka, "But you must accept me and everything I offer."
"Unconditionally," replied Tenaka.
"You must join the others on Earth's Moon," Jupita said before turning into a shimmering green light that surrounded Tenaka.
As the lighting touch her Tenaka's cloth's were replaced with the cloth that she has seen the woman wearing when she entered the cave. The sigil of Jupiter, which burned on her brow turned into a silver tiara with a green gem in the center. White fabric covered her torso with a green collar then white elbow length gloves topped with three green bands appeared on her arms. Around her neck was a green choker with a silver symbol of Jupiter. Next, the lighting gathered around her waist forming a green skirt. Two bolt of lightning hit her simultaneously; one in the chest leaving pink bow with a green brooch in the center and a pink bow on the back of her skirt. Finally, the lighting hit her feet leaving green ankle boots with silver laces.
As Tenaka rode towards the battle with her spear held high, she heard the voice of Jupita within her. "This is not your destiny. You should not be fighting but trying to bring the planet's clans together."
"Men with woman," Tenaka scoffed
"There are others like you on Earth's Moon," Jupita told her. "You must join them."
"Like me?" she asked.
"They wear the same clothes as you," Jupita responded. Tenaka looked at her attire confused. "Not these clothes. The other one made of white, green and pink."
"How do I unite two people who have been warring since creation?" Tenaka asked Jupita.
"The men worship me too. The two clans were not always at war. There was a time when men and women worshiped me together and lived in peace with one another," she replied.
"Can that happen again?" Tenaka asked. "How can men be civilized?"
"You have a lot to learn too," the voice echoed in her head. "Show them my power and remember from this day forward my power is your power."
Tenaka stopped her stead, closed her eyes and raised her hand toward the sky. She used all her strength to pull the lighting from the sky and gathered it in her hand. She threw her hand toward the battling clans and the lighting struck between the clans but hurt no one on either side. Before Tenaka lost consciousness, she saw both clans stare at her and began to move toward her as she fell off her stead.
"That was Jupita's power," yelled one of the men.
When Tenaka regained consciousness, she was surrounded by the women of her clan, along with the men from across the river. "Where am I?" Tenaka asked still somewhat dazed.
"You are in our humble village great Goddess," a man with brown hair and goatee said.
"I am just a normal girl," Tenaka insisted trying to sit up.
"You are our queen," Shalako said. "Also you are a Goddess. Once again you wear her warrior cloths and they did not disappear even though you have been unconsciousness for three cycles of the sun."
"Imagine yourself in your normal cloths," Tenaka heard in her mind. Tenaka closed her eyes and felt the warrior cloths fade, replaced by her normal ones.
"The men have prepared nourishment for you," Shalako informed Tenaka as she nodded to a boy by the door that nodded in return and left.
"This is a step," Tenaka thought. "Maybe it is possible for us to live in peace although I am a little wary."
"What do we do my Queen," Shalako asked as the boy came back with food.
"I must go to the Moon that orbits around Earth," Tenaka replied.
"Why?" Shalako asked shocked.
"There are others like me," Tenaka told her friend.
"Who will rule us?" Shalako questioned.
"You will rule our people in my place until I return," Tenaka informed her. "When I return I will be fit to rule as your Queen and I will unite all of Jupiter."
"Is that possible?"
"I believe so," smiled Tenaka. "This young boy is your son right?" Shalako stared wide eyed at her Queen who was only a few rotations younger than she was. "Was that man his father?" Shalako silently nodded. "See I knew I was leaving the right woman in charge."
"I can see why Queen Yuko took you as her own. I always said you were wise beyond your years." Shalako hugged her friend. "When will you leave?"
"I think the sooner the better," replied Tenaka.
"You must rest first," the brown haired man said entering the room again.
"How will you get there?" Shalako inquired.
"I am not sure," Tenaka said.
"You want to go to Earth's Moon?" the man asked. "My name is Cortias and there is an old village that is from the time of creation. It is rumored that men and women live there together and they have wonders long lost to both our people."
"Can you take me there?" Tenaka asked.
"I will not let you go alone even if it with Cortias," Shalako said.
"Noted but you are not going," Tenaka told her firmly.
"I will not let you alone with a man," Shalako stood firm.
"He is not going either," Tenaka looked at Cortias, "Can you draw me a map?"
"I only have knowledge from the legends," he told her.
"Then that will have to do," Tenaka closed her eyes.
"Rest and we can speak tomorrow," Shalako suggested.
Tenaka stared long at the sight before her. The people and structures looked normal to her but she felt out of place. She watched men and women walking together or passing one another with none of the animosity that was between her clan and the men across the river. At the far end of the village, Tenaka could see a glimmer of the Sun's rays reflecting on something she assumed was metal.
As she began to walk through the village men and women, a like began to notice her and dropped to their knees. Some cried out, others spoke in a hushed whispered while others yet only stared at her. One thing was clear these people whom she did not know where all calling her the same name: Jupita.
A man and woman walked up to her. "Jupita," they both said and bowed.
"All the people of this village have been waiting your return," the woman said holding a pink stoned belt with a large orb attached to it.
"My name is not Jupita. I am called Tenaka," the brown-haired woman replied.
"In that form you are Jupita," the man spoke.
"This form," Tenaka looked down at her hands to notice she wore white gloves and she was in the strange outfit again. "Why have I transformed?" she wondered a loud.
"This is your village," the women spoke.
"You have always appeared to us in this form Goddess," the man beside her added.
"I am Itsuki," the woman told Tenaka, "and we have been safely guarding these until your return." stepped forward and place the belt around her waist to Tenaka's surprise did not seem to weigh as much as it appeared.
"I am Haruo," the man approached her.
"You came to us seeking away to the others like yourself."
"I am a mortal like yourself," Tenaka assured him.
"In this form you maybe but your spirit is that of the great goddess of Jupiter," Haruo insisted.
"Jupita told me there were others like me on Earth's Moon but I do not know how I would get there," Tenaka informed them.
"We were visited by a woman her calls herself Selene, Queen of the Moon Kingdom," Itsuki spoke. "She was the one who first made us aware that the time for Jupita to take mortal form was not close but here."
"This village and these people are the only thing left of the last civilization form days long forgotten on Jupiter," Haruo said. "This ship," he stepped aside so Tenaka could see what had been reflecting the sun earlier, "will take you to Earth's Moon."
"Mortals were not made to fly to the realm of the gods," Tenaka insisted.
"That is how things are now but once was not so," Itsuki assured her.
Looking at the strange craft Tenaka felt drawn to it as if it were familiar to her; as she walked towards the metal object in front of her she was vaguely aware that the white and green outfit had faded and she was now back in her normal clothes. "I must leave now," she said with urgency in her voice.
"As you wish," Haruo bowed. "Heki," the man called and a teenage boy came from the crowd. "The day has come. Are you ready to take our Goddess made flesh to her journey's next step before she comes back to rule as our queen?"
"Yes Master Haruo," replied Heki, "This way my queen," he gestured toward the metal craft, which was now open and waiting for them to enter.
"I will return," Tenaka, told the man and woman beside her along with everyone in the village. "You will no longer be hidden from the rest of the people of Jupiter and the two clans will unite as one."
"Be safe my queen," Tenaka heard the people shout as she boarded the craft.
She was unsure of how much time had passed since they began the journey towards Earth's Moon. Heki had not spoken one word to her. "Are you afraid of me?" Tenaka asked.
"In awe," he whispered.
"There is no need to be," she replied.
"You are my queen," Heki spoke, "Goddess made flesh."
"Flesh yes," Tenaka agreed and came from the back to the cabin to sit beside him. "Mortal, just like you." She held her hand to him. "You can touch me. I am solid."
"I should not," Heki replied.
Tenaka sighed hoping most of the people of Jupiter would not be like this but knew she was probably wrong.
Tenaka had no idea what to expect when she landed on the Moon but looking out the window she was surprised how nothing resembled Jupiter. There was vegetation but nothing compared with her home world. She was not scared but cautious of her new surroundings. Everything was so strange to her. "Surely these people do not live close to the land like we do," Tenaka thought. As the craft landed on she saw three women standing together and one was motioning in her direction.
Tenaka stepped from the craft as the three women approached her. The woman in the middle wore a silver colored dress and her hair was blonde with streaks of pink and blue. "Welcome to the Moon," she smiled. "I am Selene Queen of the Moon Kingdom."
Tenaka who was a queen herself bowed to Selene. "Thank you for having me. My name is Tenaka Queen of the Shako tribe of Jupiter."
"This is," Selene motioned to her right to a blue haired girl in a blue dress, "Kaori of Mercury." The two girls griped forearms in a warrior shake. "This is Hinoko of Mars," Selene introduced a girl with shoulder length black hair and red streaks. Tenaka gripped Hinoko's forearm as she had Kaori's before. "Let us show you to your room." Selene looked around and seemed confused. "Where are your bags?"
"I have none," Tenaka replied.
"Warrior people," Hinoko said more to herself than actually to anyone.
As Tenaka followed the three women, she found herself in awe of the white structure before her, as she had never seen such a large stone structure other the mountains on Jupiter. "This must be a temple to a great goddess," Tenaka stated as they walked.
Selene shook her head and gave a small laugh. "This is my home and is now your home for as long as you are here."
Tenaka continued to be amazed with the Moon Palace as they walked through it toward her quarters. "There are so many rooms."
"I probably have never been in half of the rooms," Selene told Tenaka.
"Are our outfits all the same?" Tenaka asked.
"From the few I have seen I would say yes," Kaori replied, "although there are color variations."
Selene took them down more winding hallways before stopping at a white door with the symbol of Jupiter on it. "This will be your room," Selene informed her. "You may decorate it anyway you see fit. If you need anything just ask anyone of the guards Selene opened the door to show a room done over in shades of green and brown fabrics while the walls were painted to look like the plains of Jupiter where she had grown up."
"It is beautiful Selene," Tenaka gasped. "How did you..." she trailed off.
"I have been to your planet for a short visit," Selene smiled. "I wish we had your luscious vegetation here on the Moon. Your world is so beautiful. We will leave you and let you settle in." She turned to Kaori and Hinoko and then back to Tenaka. "I am so glad you are here and hope you will join us for dinner. Luna will come get you when it is time."
Tenaka missed Jupiter and her clan but Selene's warmth and kindness were infectious. In addition, she felt a pull and kinship with the Moon Queen that felt deeper than her bond with her sisters. Now she stood in a room with Selene, Kaori and Hinoko along with Luna and Artemis.
"Tenaka," Artemis began, "You came from a long line of warrior people so I know you are adept in basic hand to hand." Tenaka nodded. "What we will focus on are the new powers you have been given. Please transform."
Tenaka raised her hand above her head, "Jupiter Lighting Power!" After the lightning faded in place of Tenaka now stood Sailor Jupiter.
"Close your eyes and listen to the voice in your mind," Selene suggested.
Jupiter closed her eyes as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. Opening her eyes and throwing her hands forward she yelled, "Lighting Spark!" White green lighting danced from her fingertips scorching the wall in front of her.
"Wow," Selene replied.
"We need the painters," Artemis said.
Why do you continue to train inside?" Luna whispered to him.
"It will be fine," the white haired man assured her. "They are young and newly into their powers. A few scratches and burns on the wall of one room will be easy to fix."
"I hope you are correct dear," Luna sighed.
Suddenly Artemis screamed clutching his head falling to the floor. When he opened his eyes, he stared at Selene and her warriors before looking at his life mate. "I must leave for Venus immediately to find her."
****Starting writing Aug 8, 2009 and finished Jul 2010
****Yuuka means gentle flower
****Tenaka means lighting
****Itsuki means tree
****Haruo means spring man
****Idea somewhat taken from Hercules and Xena
****I had the shuttles in mind from Star Trek TNG.
The First Senshi by DavisJes
The First Senshi (c) DavisJes 2008 - July 2010
Sailor Moon (c) Naoko Takeuchi