The Mountain
In the dead of night the four young Sailor Soldiers, slipped through the
Moon palace. Taking care not to get caught, Rei extinguished the fires
and torches as the neared them and relit them when they were gone. From
outside in the Rose Garden, Endymion watched as the palace systematically
went dark in places only to brighten again minutes later. Watching carefully,
he decided it was the work of the Fire Guardian, and he suspected that
Metal, Water, and Electricity were with her. 'What could they possibly
be doing so late, and why the need for secrecy?' He decided that this
needed further investigation.
He followed them through the castle to a large pink and white door. The
girls looked around, and each whispered to the door. As they did, their
planetary symbols glowed upon their heads, and met with the ancient silver
cravings on the door. When all had been connected, the door eased open
and they hurried inside. Endymion concluded the door was to Princess
Serenity's room. He had seen her earlier on a balcony outside. Believing
that was the best place to listen undetected he climb up to it. He strained
to listen to the hushed voices through the curtains.
"Why are they really here?" A fiery voice demanded to know.
"I think it is because of some mountain on Earth, but I can't be sure, not
much is written about it." A quiet voice answered.
"Hmm... Freyja will not tell be anything. She is being very evasive. Usually
she can't keep a secret."
At this laughter rang out through the room, but in the laughter one could
hear. "You two cousins really are almost twins!" The cousin gave an
indignant huff." I will have you know I can keep a secret. I am not near
as bad as Serenity" And once again laughter filled the room. Endymion
rolled his eyes. 'Girls!' Finally the room came to order again.
"Well, whatever is going on, we need to find out."
Endymion decided to now was the time to make his presence known. "I
believe I can help you with that." He said was he stepped out from
behind the curtain. No sooner had he finished his sentence than he had
five sets of eyes glaring at him. Minako stood up and ready herself to
chain him to the wall. Serenity realizing what she was about to do stopped
her. She walked over to him, giving him the once over. "What do you know?"
"I know that the Mountain has no name, so it will be harder to find." He
said turning to Ami. "That is probably why there is not much written on it.
I, also, know there is going to be a meeting tomorrow on it in the Tranquility
Conference Room."
"I suppose," Makoto said standing up, "That we should listen in on it."
Minako nodded in agreement, and turned to Endymion. "Since you are so good
at eavesdropping, perhaps you could join us."
-----------------------------------
The Tranquility Conference Room had a large window that looked out upon the
Mare Serenitas. The room itself was painted in Sea Foam Green and had a
large crystal chandelier. In the center was a wood table made of the best
oak from Jupiter. It was a beautiful room, but rarely did it live up to
its name. Tranquility was not usually discussed in the room. It was for
wars crisis between kingdoms that ruled this room, and this morning was no
different. Around the table gathered ten people, Selene's four Guardians,
Midas' Generals, and Selene and Midas.
Midas broke the uneasy silence first. "General Hau, what is the status on
the Mountain?"
The ebony haired man replied. "No changes, the seal is still in place."
Selene gave a slight nod of approval and relief. Maia, being Mercurian,
wanted more insight on it. "What has caused the evil within to suddenly
stir?"
"I feel a dark spirit has taken root, thus awakening the beast from its
slumber." The amber haired general answered her.
"What makes you so sure, General Ruach?" question Freyja as she winked at
him. The general, taken aback by her actions and beauty, did not respond
to her question causing Freyja gaze to become more intense upon him.
The crimson haired general answered for Ruach. "We have all felt it, and we
must find a way to strengthen the seal."
"Like General Cumaxti, I too, have felt the darkness grow. The evil feeds
upon the darkness in peoples hearts." Pele said as her hazel eyes
darkened with worry.
"From what I have studied, the seal can only be broken from the outside."
The sage haired general noted.
"If what General Bel says is correct, then maybe we can find a way to strengthen
the seal, thus making it almost impossible to break." Callisto responded.
Selene was deep in thought, taking in what everyone has said. Finally she spoke
up. "I want Pele, Maia, Freyja, and Callisto to accompany the generals back to
Earth. I think we need to find a better way to seal it, and if necessary I
will come myself."
Pele spoke up. "I think that our combined power should work, so there is no
need to place you in danger Selene."
-----------------------------------
Outside of the Tranquility room, six children strained to listen in on
the meeting. They were determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious
appearance of the former guardians and the Earth Generals. They even heard
rumors that the elusive outer Sailor Soldiers had been to the Moon recently.
If you were to come upon them at this moment, they were quite a site to see.
Makoto and Endymion were standing as tall as they could with Ami and Serenity
setting underneath them in very unlady-like positions. Minako and Rei were
on the outsides with one ear pressed to the door and their eyes on lookout
for Luna, Artemis, or Allegra. All of who would abruptly end this listening
party.
"Did you hear that?" Ami whispered. "Something evil is sealed away in that
mountain."
"But what? And why have we never heard of it?" Minako demanded even
though she knew no one there had the answer.
"At least that thing can't break the seal." Serenity chirped.
"Sere, you moron, weren't you listening? Darkness grows in the hearts of
people, and they can break the seal." Rei hissed at her.
Endymion was growing frustrated with their chatter. "If you girls don't
hush, someone is going to catch us." To this he got the death glare from
all five girls.
Makoto ears pricked when she heard movement within the room. "I think
they're done, so we better get going."
The six eavesdroppers took off down the hall to avoid capture. Serenity,
true to form, only made it a few steps before tripping over her dress
and falling flat on her face.
-----------------------------------
When the meeting adjourned, Pele went to stand by the window and watch
the sea. As she was lost in thought, a pair of strong arms encircled her
waist. "What could have my love's thoughts so far away?" The smooth
voice asked.
She smiled and sank back further into the embrace. He was her soul mate he
completed her. "You mainly occupy my thoughts. Being in this room, thinking
about how we met."
"Ah, one of my favorite memories." The man pulled her closer.
Ten years ago on Earth there was a rebellion against Midas' rule. The rebels
laid siege to Valor Palace, and the king and queen fled to the moon with
the king's generals. Selene with her Sailor Soldiers met with Midas and
his Generals in the Tranquility room to discuss the situation. It was the
first meeting of the Sailor Soldiers and Generals.
The first thing Hau noticed about Sailor Mars was her brilliant red hair.
When the light hit her hair, it looked like rubies shining in the sun. He
was captivated, and was completely lost his heart when her gaze met his. Her
hazel eyes danced with the fire she controlled and the knowledge she could
see.
Pele was not the most trusting of people from Earth, for she could see the
darkness that was within their hearts. She was apprehensive about having the
Earth royalty and generals on the Moon. She worried for her Queen's safety,
but Selene assured her that it would be fine. She was watching the sea when the
Earth Generals entered the room. She turned to greet them, and she found a pair
of chocolate brown eyes staring at her. As she looked deep into his soul, she
did not find the darkness that she dreaded, instead she found loyalty and a
caring heart. She smiled as she took him in even more. His ebony hair was pulled
back into a loose ponytail, his body was in top physical form, and when he smiled
at her, she saw hope for the future in it.
The meeting got under way, but Hau could not seem to concentrate for the fire
goddess had captivated him. She was a cunning leader, so he could tell from her
speech, and the way she observed everyone was amazing. The General, too,
distracted Pele. His poises and military knowledge was second to none. As the
meeting progressed, it was decided that Hau and Pele would work together to
devise a way to defeat the rebels.
Over the next few weeks Hau and Pele were constantly together. It began purely
as work, but as the attraction grew, they spent more and more time together socially.
Each learning as much as they could about the other, each falling in love, they
understood each other, and they found a light in their love.
The time for the battle for the Earth Kingdom had come. Pele prepared her team,
and General Hau his. As they ready to leave for Earth, Hau grabbed Pele by the
waist pulling her close, and passionately pressed his lips to hers. A fire, she
could not control, burned in her heart as she sank deeper into the kiss. When they
parted, she touched her lips with her fingers and prayed they would both make it
through the battle, because one kiss was not enough.
The battle was long and worrisome for General Hau and Sailor Mars, for neither knew
how the other was fairing. Much was lost in the battle, but the final victory was
theirs. The rebels were squashed, but the leader was never found. The captured ones
spoke of Zipacana, who wanted to plunge the world into darkness. Dismaying to the
Generals and Sailor Soldiers, they could never find if Zipanca was a real leader or
a ghost of people's own darkness.
Out of some of Earth's darkest days, Hau and Pele found light in each other. They
continued to see each other for years. When Princess Serenity was born and new
Guardians chosen, they became engaged. After Rei came to the Moon Palace, Hau and
Pele had their wedding in the Tranquility Room, the spot of their first meeting.
Not very long after that, they welcomed Phobos and Deimos. They were a perfect fit
for each other.
-----------------------------------
Selene exited of the conference to find Serenity upon the floor crying. She
went to her, and picked her up to dry her tears. "Bunny, why are you crying?"
"I tripped over my dress and fell." Serenity sniffed through her tears.
Selene raised her eyebrow. "Tripped over your dress? Why were you running?"
Serenity looked thoughtful. She did not want to tell her mother about eavesdropping
with everyone, but she was having trouble coming up with a good excuse. Finally
she spoke. "I was trying to keep up with everyone in a race."
"Serenity!" Selene's stern voice made the young princess cringe, for she
knew she had been caught. "I know you and the others were listening."
"I am sorry, Mama." Serenity cried. "We just wanted to know what was going on."
Selene hugged her daughter to let her know all was forgiven. She knew she
would have to speak to the young Sailor Soldiers, but she had hoped not to bring
them into things, yet.
-----------------------------------
Selene invited all the young Sailor Soldiers to dine with her and Serenity
in her private dining room. The girls were curious about the reason for the
previous Sailor Soldiers return and the Earth King and Generals visit. She was
afraid this curiosity would get them into trouble. The purpose of the lunch
was to explain the seriousness of the situation to the young soldiers. She
did not want them to take the situation lightly and to keep them focused
on their training.
True to character, Ami arrived early to the lunch. She was reading her latest
book. Her short blue hair was kept out of her eyes by a yellow ribbon that
matched her simple yellow dress. Next, Rei and Makoto causally strolled into
the room. They were talking animatedly about Phobos and Deimos and the
chaos they caused in Makoto's kitchen. Rei wore a violet dress to match
her eyes, and Makoto was in a pink and white dress. Five minutes after the
lunch was suppose to start; Serenity and Minako came siding in out of
breath from laughter and running. Minako's blue dress swirled about her
as she ran to her seat. Serenity's midnight blue dress seemed to be
having trouble keeping up with its mistress.
Just as Serenity and Minako were seated, there came a loud clatter at
the door. Outside someone yelled. "Minako! Take these chains off me
right now."
Selene looked reproachfully at Minako, and rose to go open the door.
On the other side, she found Endymion with his hands chained
together. She ushered him into the room, and motioned to Minako
to come over. "Minako, I am disappointed in you. You are suppose
to set an example. Now, take these chains off the Prince."
Minako came over and called the chains to come to her. They came
off Endymion's wrist and floated between her hands. Her hands began to
work around the chains, forming them into something new. When she was
finished, there was a tiny, perfectly formed globe of the Earth. She then
handed to him as a peace offering. Selene smiled at the young Metal Guardian
because she could see that she would one day be a great woman. Selene
turned to the Prince. "Endymion, since you are here, how would you like
to join us for lunch?"
Endymion looked up from the globe, he was still marveling at, and nodded.
Lunch turned out to be a pleasant affair, despite its rocky start. There
was much discussion on books, training, and the latest palace news. Everyone
seemed to be smiling and having a good time, but if one looked closer, they
could see not all was at it appeared. Selene had concern in her eyes, and
Ami kept watching and waiting for the true meaning of lunch. Makoto
continually cracked her knuckles out of nervous habit, and Rei's temper
at times seemed particularly on edge. Even Minako and Serenity were not
their usual carefree selves.
After the meal was finished, everyone looked expectantly as Selene. She
took a deep breath, knowing it was now or never. "Girls, Endymion, I know
you were listening in on the meeting, yesterday." The guardians and prince
all shot Serenity a look because they knew she had given away their secret.
Selene continued. "The Mountain on Earth contains an ancient evil and it
has stirred. The former guardians with the generals' help are going tomorrow
to the Mountain to strengthen the seal. When they return, Pele is going
to stay here and assist Artemis with Sailor Soldier training. I need you
girls to stay focused on your training because it is important for you
to be prepared in case the worst should happen."
When Selene finished, the guardians all looked at her with determination.
They were ready to meet her expectations and to exceed them.
-----------------------------------
The next morning, Selene woke up early after a fitful night of sleep. She
was worried for her friends, and the dangers the Mountain would present
to them. She knew they were no longer Sailor Soldiers, and therefore not
as powerful was they use to be. Her heart ached for their safety. She knew
she could stop all of this if she used the Ginzuishou, but her friends would
never allow that as long as they could fight. Maia, Freyja, Pele, and Callisto
knew it was Selene that had to carry on. Their duty was to protect her, even
if they were no long Sailor Soldiers.
Selene dressed in a navy dress, for today was not a day for her usual
light colored dresses. As she sat at her vanity her eyes filled with tears.
There was a deep sense of foreboding that she just could not shake. When
she finished her hair, she went to wake Serenity and face the day.
-----------------------------------
Everyone gathered in the transport room to see off Selene's guardians
and the generals. Pele and Hau were holding Phobos and Deimos and talking
with Rei. Both looked as if they never wanted to let go their children.
Maia and Ami were discussing their latest reads with passion. Freyja and
Minako were laughing about their latest pranks, while Ruach listen to
their antics with amusement. Callisto and Makoto made plans for Makoto
to teach her aunt how to cook upon her return, and spoke of Callisto
and Kale's plans to start a family. Cumaxti and Bel stood with Midas
talking about the training of Endymion's guardians. Endymion and
Serenity stood next to each other, watching everyone, neither spoke.
Selene dabbed the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. "I
believe the transport is ready." She spoke barely above a whisper,
but it seemed like a shout.
Pele hugged the twins one last time, and sat them down next to Rei.
"Now, Phobos, Deimos, I want to listen to Rei, ok?" Pele smiled through
her tears. The twins looked like they were trying to be brave for their
mother, and nodded in unison. When she finished, she stepped into the
transporter and the teams left.
-----------------------------------
On Earth the Mountain raged against the coming of the guardians and
generals. The evil within despised all they stood for, and roared in
anger. When the group stood at the base, they shivered as they felt
the evil radiating out.
The Generals took up four points around the Mountain. They connected their
minds to crate a barrier. Maia, Freyja, Pele, and Callisto gathered together
to mediate and channel their powers. As their power grew, their planetary
symbol burned brighter upon their brows. When their power peaked, they
entered the Generals barrier and made their way to the seal. The woman
had an ethereal glow now that their planets power coursed through them.
The woman stopped in front of the seal and extended their arms out
with palms toward the seal. "Alright ladies," Pele began, "It is time
for us to do our job."
"Mercury Power!"
"Venus Power!"
"Mars Power!"
"Jupiter Power!"
Blue, Orange, Red, and Green light shot from their hands at the seal. The
seal glowed a bright white as their powers strengthened it. When the
guardians returned to the base of the Mountain, the generals released
the barrier.
The Mountain felt the barrier go, and wanted one last chance to strike
at the protectors. The beast gathered the energy it could and lashed
out at its oppressors. A loud crack was heard from the Mountain. The
guardians turned to see what the noise was and watched in horror, as the
mount seems to be throwing itself at the generals. They took off running
to the generals.
Callisto, having the longest legs, was the first to reach the generals.
She threw Hau away from the Mountain, and began to hurl lightening at the
falling boulders. Freyja, upon seeing a large rock speeding for Ruach,
conjured a chain and looped it around him pulling him to safety.
Maia and Pele reached the other side of the Mountain, where Cumaxti and
Bel were stationed. When they arrived, the generals were no were to
be seen. They began calling for them, praying that they had escaped in
time. In their search, they found a large mound of boulders, and their
faces contorted in fear of what lied beneath the rocks. Maia began to
use water to move away the debris, as Pele fended off the mount with
her fire. Their fears were confirmed, when they found the broken bodies
of Cumaxti and Bel at the bottom. Pele and Maia both shed silent tears
for the friends they had lost.
As Callisto continued to battle the Mountain's assault upon them, she
could feel her energy weakening. She was worried she could not hold out
much longer if the Mountain relentlessly continued to attack. She felt
as searing pain as a piece of the Mountain slammed into her back. She
fell to her knees from the impact, before she could recover more pieces
pounded into her body from many sides. Freyja seeing her friend in
trouble, worked to construct a barrier around her. Hau picked Callisto
up and carried her to the safety of the nearby woods.
Once Hau had retreated with Callisto, the Mountain seemed to have
expended all of its remaining energy. Freyja and Ruach soon joined them
in the woods. Freyja went to Callito's side. Callisto usually flawless
skin was now torn and bleeding from more spots than could be named. Her
brown and pink curls were matted with sweat and blood. Callisto looked
at Freyja and tried to smile to reassure her, but her Jovian strength
failed her.
"Please tell Kale I am sorry, and that I love him more than he will
ever know." She pleaded with the blonde.
Freyja eyes filled with tears. "Don't talk like that."
Callisto seemed to ignore her and continued. "And tell Mako to be
strong." She closed her eyes and breathed out one last time. As
her head fell back, Freyja pulled her close and let the tears fall
free while she rocked the body of her fallen friend.
Pele and Maia arrived as their friend crossed over. Hau looked up
relieved to see his wife, but that was quickly turned to grief when
he realized who was not there. The survivors stood silent in the
mourning for the fallen, each trying to process the day in their
own way. Pele buried her head into Hau's shoulder, and he placed
his chin upon her head. Freyja still clung to Callito's lifeless
body. Ruach holding Freyja shoulders to steady her sobs. Maia
seated with her head on her knees. Finally Hau broke the silence.
"It is time to take the hero's home."
-----------------------------------
Selene sat in her throne room when Luna entered. She could tell by the
look on Luna's face that it was not good news. "Your Majesty, the Mountain
is sealed, but at a cost." Luna said, her voice heavy with sorrow.
"What cost?" Selene inquired.
"Cumaxti, Bel, and Callisto did not make it back alive." Luna could not look
Selene in the eyes because the pain was too much.
The teary-eyed queen rose from her seat and walked slowly out of the room,
as if she was on autopilot. She made her way down the hall, tears staining
her regal face. She stopped at a door that except for the word Argentum
written in shimmering Moon Dust, was very plain. Inside the room was
empty save for a pillar around waist high. On the pillar was a golden pillow,
which sat the most flawless gem in the galaxy, the Ginzuishou.
Selene picked up the jewel and held it close to her face. Her tears falling
onto it only enhanced its beauty. Luna timidly entered the room.
"Queen Selene, what are you doing?"
Selene looked up at her. "I could have prevented this, no one had to
die. If I had just used the crystal, I could have saved Callisto."
"Selene, you know she would not have let you do that as long as she still
had fight in her. Besides using it could have killed you, and then
Serenity would have been all alone."
Selene wiped her tears. "Luna, you are a good friend."
-----------------------------------
The morning of Callisto's funeral was unusually quiet in the palace. There
was no laughter, no children running through the halls, even the animals
seemed to be silent out of respect for the fallen soldier. Selene pulled
out a simple black dress to wear. She styled her hair and reached for her
crown, but decided against it. Today was not a queen, but a friend in
mourning.
Selene walked quietly to the Hero's Gardens where Callisto would be laid
to rest. The Hero's Garden was the final resting place of all Sailor
Soldiers who died in battle. While Callisto was no longer a soldier when
she died, Selene had insisted upon her burial there. In the garden, Selene
went to where Callisto was incased in an opaque green crystal with her
planetary symbol and name engraved upon it.
Not long after Selene's arrival, the others began to filter into the garden.
No smile could be found, and tears threaten to fall from all present eyes.
Last, Kale and Makoto joined the crowd. Kale's forest green eyes were red
and swollen from crying. Makoto doing her best to be strong for her uncle,
but her eyes so easily gave away the pain she felt.
The ceremony was simple, because that was what Callisto would have wanted.
Selene spoke a few words, and asked the Mother Goddess to accept the fallen
Soldiers soul. Pele and Maia used their fire and water to seal the coffin.
Freyja constructed a Great Jupiter Oak to serve as her headstone. When all
was said and done, the procession began to file away until only Kale and
Makoto were left.
"You know, Mako, she loved you so very much. She told me once that she was
so proud you were chosen to replace her." He patted the young guardian on
her head. She looked up at him through her tears.
"I have something for you. The Sailor Jupiter before her gave her these
when she achieved her transformation, and she was planning on giving them to
you when reached that state. Since she won't see it, I want you to have
them now." He produced a small box. When Makoto opened, inside there
was a pair of rose earrings.
"Thank you Uncle Kale." Kale hugged her and left her to her thoughts. She
watched him go, and then turned to the coffin. Wiping her tears, she set
her shoulders in resolve. "I will not let you down Aunt Callisto."
Before Makoto a light flashed so bright, she had to shielded her eyes. When
the light faded, a green rod with a star and planetary symbol floated
before her. She reached for it, and as she grabbed it, she could feel its
power coursing through her. Instinctively, she knew what to do.
"Jupiter Star Power Make-Up!" In a swirl of lightening, she was no longer
just Makoto Princess of Jupiter, but now the full fledge Sailor Jupiter.
AN:
I know it was a really long chapter, but there was a lot to accomplish
with it. The Pele/Hau story may seem random, but I promise it is
important. I have some background I am going to give to on the
Sailor Soldiers and their planets that don't really fit into the
storyline, but is good know, and might explain a few things. I am
just going to go planet by planet, but first what the Generals names
I wanted to represent the Earth elements of earth, wind, fire,
and water.
Hau- Hawaiian for ice, that way his marriage to Pele is a blending
of fire and ice
Ruach- Hebrew for wind/spirit
Cumaxti- Aztec God of fire
Bel- Babylonian God of earth
Mercury
-It is a Patriarchal Monarchy, and Ami's father is King Aquas. She
is currently the heir, because she is an only child, but if there
was a boy to be born to her parents, she would no longer be heir.
-Maia is five years younger than Aquas, and they have another
sister Wynna, who is two years younger than Maia. Maia is a
high ranking official, as the Mericurian keeper of the Knowledge.
Venus
-Venus, like the Moon, is a Matriarchal Monarchy. Freyja
is the crown Princess of Venus. Her mother Amora is the current
queen of Venus.
-Freyja and Ruach have had an on again, off again relationship
for the past 10 years, but it becomes more serious after the
incident at the Mountain.
-Minako is the daughter of Amora's younger brother, Vulcan.
-Minako and Freyja look like they could be sisters. Freyja wears
her blonde hair about shoulder length. They, also, have very
similar personalities.
Mars
-Mars is a Patriarcal Monarchy. Rei's father is King Allumer.
-Rei is the youngest of five. She has two brothers and two
sisters. Her brothers are Ares, the heir, and Onuris. Her sisters
are Kali and Morrigan.
-Pele is the youngest sister of Allumer, their mother Delphi,
is the only woman to ever rule Mars.
-Pele and Hau have been married 4 years, and the Phobos and
Deimos are about 2 and half.
Jupiter
-Makoto is the Grand-daughter of King Raiden of Jupiter.
Her father, Raiju, is heir to the throne.
-Callisto is Raiju older sister.
-Callisto has been married to Kale just over a year
when she dies.
-Everyone from Jupiter has some shade of green eyes.
Moon & Sailor Soldiers
-Selene became Queen at 18, which is tradition on the moon. They
have very long life spans, but the former Queen leaves for the
Galaxy council when the heir becomes of age.
-Selene had only been queen a few months when the rebellion
happened on Earth.
-Sailor Soldiers are not allowed to marry until the next Moon
heir is born and their replacement comes to live on the Moon.
-Once the Sailor Soldier retires, they can no longer transform
into Sailor Soldier form. Since most young ones can't transform
until about 10, there are a few years when there are no fully
developed Soldiers.
-Sailor Soldiers are not called by their sailor name, i.e.
Sailor Jupiter, until they achieve transformation.
-Serenity room has a protect spell, so that if the door is
closed the only people who can get in are the Queen and
the Sailor Soldiers unless she lets them in. Endymion gained
entry because the window on the balcony was
open.