INTRO:
Hello every one, and greetings to the second installment of Millennium! It's been a rough few weeks as I've been having personal family crisis, comp issues and trial after trial of minor set backs to get this second installment done, but here it is! Thank you for all the patience while waiting for this installment!
~K-chan
A small dedication: I would like to dedicate this chapter to everyone who's been cheering me on, giving me support, and just giving me a chance to do what I love. And of course, I dedicate this to all the Moonies. That means you! Thanks for being such awesome people!
DISCLAIMERS AND LEGALEES!
I am not the creator of Sailor Moon, or owner of Sailor Moon. That distinction goes to the awesome Naoko Takeuchi. That being said, this is simply for fun and fun only. Enjoy!
CHAPTER II
"Earth..."
"It can't be..."
"But, how?"
All in attendance in the royal Offices of Queen Serenity stood in utter shock at Sailor Plutos accusations,or rather implication of a threat so close to their own borders. The shock left a heavy stillness in the room palpable and charged with the silent electric hum of unspoken betrayal.
"I have seen its path within time..This threat could well destroy the entire kingdom. and galaxy, but I must remind you all, Time is like water, It is ever changing. This threat could well pass without casualties...or it can change course, and come from else where. I do not know," Sailor Pluto said, her words heavy with their weight of omens and warnings.
"And you cannot change this course Sailor Pluto?" Venus asked as she stepped forward towards the dark Senshi.
Pluto's lips turned upward in a sad grin filled with secrets at her peer who stood wanting of an answer that she could not give. "You know I cannot Venus,it is forbidden to change the course of time even for me. All I can do is be the messenger of Time and possible events..The rest is sadly, up to others to change destiny..."
Venus wasn't satisfied with the answer Pluto could tell, as the blond Senshi stood there with blue eyes boring into her, the gears turning in her head, calculating whether there were any other options to quickly avoid this possible disaster.
Venus was known for being incredibly stubborn when it came to matters of Senshi business. A trait that was both admirable for a leader, as well as aggravating for those underneath her..or above. But Pluto was satisfied to see the young Senshi think better than to force her way onto the matter.
Venus nodded gravely to her peer's answer.
"So all we can do then is be vigilant and keep our guard up for any sign of threat,or aggression against our Kingdom then? This is not going to make our job any easier...Being outflanked by unknown forces..." Jupiter said frankly.
" We could summon the Barrier again over the Kingdom till the threat passes..." Mercury suggested.
Luna shook her head, her dark locks lightly rustled in the motion before saying,
"I don't think that would do well. If we did so, then it would undermine the Queens diplomatic missions to foster good will to the other kingdoms and make us look weak in the process."
Queen Serenity stood commanding at her Senshi, and Advisors then. The waning sunlight lighting her
silvery hair on orange fire as her presence took up the whole room as she said,
"For now, let us keep our guard up, but not rigid. There isn't much we can do, and I know that that fact weighs heavy on all of you, as it does for us all. But we can do what we can.
Sailor Galaxia will continue her investigation of the Galaxy Cauldron, while the Outer Senshi do another sweep around the Outer rim again, giving me reports directly, daily if possible. Artemis, Luna, I would like you to reinforce the palace guard,bolster our domestic defense, and as for the Inner Senshi, You are coming with me and my daughter to our diplomatic mission to Earth.
Regardless, of this threat, we can't let that stop us in forging and maintaining peace."
"Yes your Majesty."
"The diplomatic mission to Earth on our mutual borders will be in three days time. I expect all of you to be ready by then. And remember, to keep these new threats to yourselves.
You are dismissed."
The large white oak doors opened to a hallway filled with evening air, and gentle light of stars and the warm glow of torches freshly lit. On any other night, the serene atmosphere would have been a blessing after along days training and briefings. But the cool beauty of night brought little comfort to the Senshi as they walked silently out into the court yard.
Still, even with all that weighted their hearts, the Inner Senshi found a small silver lining in all this: They had the chance to indulge in the rare luxury of being with their Founder, which they took advantage of as soon as they were out in the Gardens and away from public view by what can only be described as affectionate assault apon their Funder.
It was an improvement Galaxia noted, from her last visit. At least this time they had waited to bombard her out of the solemnity of the royal offices and grand halls this time...
Galaxia's laughter echoed out into the night breaking the spell of sadness that had fallen on all of them in a sea of warm embraces and high fevered conversations.
"Alright! Alright! Enough girls one at a time please." Said Galaxia, who was quite overwhelmed by the sudden explosion of affection.
Her Senshi obeyed her, as she held them at arms length, and saw each of their shinning beautiful faces, Galaxia couldn't hold back the shimmering of tears and longing in them. "It's been too long. Too long indeed Come here," she said with arms stretched wide embracing them tightly with all her might as if they'd disappear if she did not.
"Galaxia-we've missed you so much," Mercury said. Her voice a bit of a murmur within the tight embrace.
"And I you-all of you-I just wish we could have seen each other again under better circumstances-"
"Us too Galaxia," Mars answered as she buried her cheek closer to her surrogate mothers shoulder.
Galaxia wiped a tear from her cheeks as she gently pushed the Senshi away for some much needed air, clearing her throat as she did so.
"Will you have a chance to stay this time for a few days while you prepair for your investigation?"
Jupiter asked hopefully as she brushed aside a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.
All of the Senshi looked on her with hope in their eyes. the scene made galaxia's throat tighten a little.
Finally, Galaxia spoke her voice heavy, "No I think not, I'll be leaving most likely by tomorrow morning to start my investigation..." She said. Her voice trailing off into a pitiable silence.
Venus let go of a sigh before painting on a knowing sad smile on her lips.
"It's okay. We understand. Senshi business," Mars said. The rest nodded their agreement.
"I know you do. I am sorry..."
"What time do you leave tomorrow Galaxia? We could at least see you off. Maybe even have breakfast together?" Venus asked.
Galaxia felt the familiar distress of conflicting desires being tugged back and forth in her chest. She so wanted to spend time with her Senshi..not as warriors in training, but as the daughters they were to her. Catch up on their lives, and feel apart of it again, rather than as just a visitor of them.
But if she didn't leave by morning she wouldn't make it to th e Galaxy Cauldron till nightfall the next day and she was sure Queen Serenity wouldn't be pleased on waiting so long on a report so important...But maybe she could post pone her leave by only a few hours with permission...
But before she could answer or make her decision, the decision was made for her, as Galaxia was called apon by the guard.
"Sailor Senshi Galaxia,you are wanted by her Majesty."
Galaxia's shoulders tensed under her golden armor, it's weight heavy and unpleasant on them.
"Tell her Majesty that I am on my way," she said with practiced even tone.
Galaxia turned around to the Senshi,"Girls I am so sorry but I must go-"
"We know. We understand... Senshi Duty first, then family..." Mars said. Her violent eyes dark under the starlit sky. They knew that this would be the only time they got to have with their Founder for the remainder of her trip.
"We will catch up soon alright? I promise you. Go do your patrols I'll see you all later." Galaxia promised, a painful tight smile set on her lips as she watched them leave one by one.
And as she turned to head towards the Queens chambers, the taste of something burnt and bitter filled her, before disappearing again...
Queen Serenity's personal chambers glowed with the soft and intimate warmth of candles as busy hands undressed her silently from her daily wear into evening cloths, as she stood uncharacteristically sever, her shoulders tense and ridged with hidden exhaustion, and stress that was unimaginable. She longed for a few hours where she could put aside peace and prosperity for the galaxy and all it pertained, and have some peace of her own for a while...
But there was still so much she had to do-needed to do. So many,many things... Treaties to uphold, Security checks, and patrol reports, damage control, one diplomatic mission after the other...the list went on, and on, like a never ending sea of obligations,duties, and burden. But it was the price a ruler paid, and one Queen Serenity knew all to well-perhaps, she thought bitterly, too well.
"Soon"- Serenity prayed, "Soon the work load will lessen then peace. By the gods let there be peace..."
But deep down she knew it to be a little lie. The kind one tells oneself to sustain themselves in the harsher days and cold,loveless nights. It may never be quite and peaceful ever again regardless of the Silver Millennium...
Queen Serenity suppressed a sigh, her ice blue eyes off in the distance, wondering if she'd ever have time again where she could spend time with her daughter without it being rushed or interrupted. Serenity noted with irritable frustration that it had already been two weeks since she last had dinner with her daughter, but that tonight, come high or hell water, she promised herself,she was going to keep her promise to her little girl, and have dinner with her, treaties and shadowy threats be damned...
"Sailor Senshi Galaxia is here Your Majesty," said the servant.
Serenity, suddenly shaken back into the present, nodded, then ordered her maid servants to leave as Galaxia entered the room.
The door closed with an audible click behind Galaxia who stood, waiting.
The room was pregnant with the tension of silence in the air, only the sound of small flames licking the air could be heard for a heart beat as the two stood,Serenity with her back turned from the Senshi, the other facing her Queen.
Serenity bowed her head a little, and released a sigh. It held all her exhaustion within it, dry, and harsh, and uncomfortably human sounding.
Finally, as if she was bracing for a blow, Serenity gathered her courage and asked, "What is your report with the other matter Galaxia." The order was said almost like a whisper from Serenity's lips, so soft and quiet Galaxia had to lean in to hear it.
Galaxia straighted her shoulders." Your sis-" Galaxia stopped herself started again chidding herself inside. "Nehellenia and her Court seem to be about the same. Nothing extraordinary, no new plots against you or the Kingdom...," Galaxia paused suddenly as Serenity turned around, her blue gown swiveling dramatically about her Majesty's feet as she stared into Galaxia's eyes with a fever and heat that was alarming.
"Oh, but she is plotting Galaxia. Count on it. I know her, I know some where always she is plotting. But I will not let her destroy my kingdom...or my daughter, with her or through her. Sister or no."
"Y-yes, Your Majesty," was all Galaxia could say to the Queens words.
Queen Serenity's shoulders fell ever so slightly then, as if the weight she carried finally held a physical shape to it and it rode always on those shoulders. For a moment, she did not look like a Queen of a kingdom, or the most powerful ruler within her galaxy,but as a single woman, a single mother, strong, but frail and mortal, and small. Galaxia pushed down the anxiety at seeing her Queen in such a state, planting her feet more firmly into the floor, as if willing herself back into the room to witness And
as she stood there looking at her Queen, Galaxia felt pity for her and sympathized greatly with the burdens she had to bare in order to keep peace within the galaxy. It was a burden she and the other Senshi also bared, sacrifice that was rarely acknowledged or spoken of but was always present, like the spirit of ancestors or ones demons. It existed and permeated everything and yet...they all lived as if it did not exist...wished it did not exist.
"Serenity..." Galaxia said stepping forward a little, her hand unconsciously beginning to reach out to her.
"I just want my daughter to be safe. Safe and happy and at peace...It's what all mothers want for their children isn't? To be with them, watch them grow up into strong and wonderful daughters, and sons?"
Serenity's gaze fell on her own reflection off of the bedroom window, as she spoke, her eyes darkend by the nights darkness heavy, sad, and mysterious. Her eyes looked black as that night, "there is always danger to that wish. All parents know it. The Universe can be a cruel place to live...But especially when your children are born to rule..enemies surround them and always will...It is the way
of things." Serenity said.
"But Princess Serenity isn't just any Royal..," Galaxia said gently.
Serenity, who had walked to the bedroom window, her back turned again to the Senshi turned her head violently to the side towards Galaxia hissing at her, "I know that! Don't you think I know that! This is why I must protect her. Why you must protect her, and the other Senshi as well.It is why you are here!"
The Queens words burned Galaxia like the licking tongues of burning, blazing, flames.
Yes, its the only reason why we exist of course, for her. Always for her how can I ever forget!
she could feel something close to that of molten rock burn bright and hateful somewhere in her stomach,burning what little pity she had had just a moment ago for this woman. How it would be glorious to just tell her just what she felt, thought! But all Galaxia did as she stood there Through clenched teeth say, "Yes, My Queen."
A clock nearby struck seven times.
Serenity was suddenly herself again,regale,stunning, well composed and calm..It was as if she transformed right in front of Galaxia's eyes.
"It is getting late and I promised Serenity I would have dinner with her tonight no matter what. I intend to keep that promise. I've had to cancel straight through two weeks, She deserves some time with her mother, thank you for your report. I would like another one in two weeks time, a joint one with you and Advisors Luna and Artemis- is that understood?"
"As you wish your Majesty I am here to serve you." Galaxia said,bowing deeply, then leaving the bedroom out into the court yard again to cut through to her own quarters. Her clenched fists slightly glowing with a golden hot light in her palms before extinguishing them, her hands slightly steaming with it.
She looked up into that night sky, her heart, and, head filled with burning bitterness, Wishing to see the beauty within the night but could only see the cold malice of the dying stars...
(A/N So please rate and comment, I know it may seem as if it's alittle too focused on Galaxia right now, and talking in genereal rather than action, but I assure you it's just set up...the board is nearly set, but will our heroes survive?)