Merry Christmas/Yule/Hanukkahs/Any other really epic winter holiday!
I'm back with a brand new chapter for all of you to read over the holidays as a small gift to all those readers out there! Thank you again for all your support and paitents with this work and yours truly.
I couldn't have made it with out you!
Don't forget to rate and comment. :)
Now grab a cup of warm cocoa, and snuggle into your favorite blanket and read on!
Legal stuff and other notes: Sailor Moon is not owned by me in anyway. It's Naoko Takeuchi's master creation. This is just for fun :)
Prologue:
The fragile scent of roses permeated the air around the young man as the heat of whispered prayers surrounded him. A circle of White luminescent candles burned softly, creating a gentle barrier between himself and the hooded priests and priestesses that encircled him. Sweat trickled down the young mans cheeks from scalp to brow as the ancient chants flowed through him. The familiar warmth of the power of the holy land of Elysion gathered steadily within his core until it too over flowed and engulfed him in it's strong golden power. Here all was beautiful,powerful, safe. Elysion, home to the Holy Golden Kingdom of Earth, where only the worthy could enter - A place that like no other in the universe,for it was literally the heart of a whole planet. A place within. A living Sanctuary where life ruled all. For centuries this place had with stood on slaughts by mortal enemies and darkness. Never falling,never failing the people of Earth that depended on the purity of this holy place in order to live, and thrive.
It was a Sacred duty for the Priests and Priestesses of Elysion to guard that purity from all evil and darkness that tried to destroy this place, for if it were ever corrupted, the Golden Kingdom would be no more, and the people of Earth would not survive the unspoken horrors that would surly befall them.
This ultimate burden did not phase the young High Priest now, as he chanted over and over again, letting the power of the heart of the planet burn through him like holy flames, pure, and bright. The power that coursed through him made his heart feel lighter than air itself and without darkness,doubt, or fear. As the power came to it's zenith, the priest gathered it within himself, preparing to share in this holy communion of Earth with his fellow priests and priestesses...
But then, a dark shard of pain twisted within him, into his heart.
The young man gasped, a sharp sound between paralyzed gapping lips.
The pain, the pain...so cold it burned. Deeper the shard burrowed itself, the feeling of shredded flesh on jagged thorns became an overwhelming thing that left no room for any other thought, feeling. Only agony.
The shard was digging ever deeper into the man's soul,pushing against his own, trying to force itself outward and towards the others that now surrounded him who were trying desperately and without success to free him from his attacker.
"N-no get away!" the young man tried to say, but his jaw was clamped shut by the cold pain. The man pushed away the priests with wild arms. He couldn't let them get near him. Not like this or else the darkness would spread...
But the pain was too much and he did not know how much longer he could hang on..anything to stop the twisting cold pain that seemed to sear him as it froze him. He longed to release it, just a little, anything to ease the pain...
"Just let go.." A voice somewhere said seductively.
The man gritted his teeth then,holding onto the shard with a desperate tight grip. His arms hugged his sides.
And then...
"N-NO!"
A shadow of dark, and threatening shards broke and melted simultaneously like pieces of a melting,breaking mirror from the High Priest, before he fell, half unconscious on the crystal floor.
The young man could hear the quick frantic steps of his fellow priests and priestesses who rushed to his aid, and as he slipped away into the unconscious void, he saw before his eyes, a vision:
that of a girl, and the shadow that followed her.
CHAPTER IV
The sun shone brightly above their heads as the the Senshi and Advisors and the Royal house of the Moon took their first steps on Earth, overwhelmed by the lush green that seemed to surround them like a sphere of green,blue sky, and growth everywhere. Even the snow capped mountains that judded out like gleaming shark teeth out on the eastern horizon seemed to have vegetation in the form of thick forest of pine growing wildly at its base.
Awaiting them were five men, all dressed in ornate dress tunics and baring each a sheathed sword peace-tied at their sides. In the center of this group was a medium sized young man, who wore a somber and imposing tunic of black leather, and gold stitching with the Royal houses rose seal etched delicately into the chest and set with a gold inlay in each petal.
"Must be our welcoming committee," Mercury whispered to Mars as they walked towards the group.
"Those are the Shitennou, Heavenly Kings of the Four Realms and loyal Generals to the Holy Kingdom of Earth, and the Prince-King. He is the one in the center," Luna whispered behind them.
"I wonder if they are here as kings or as soldiers though," Mars asked. Her gaze settling on the five men before them,noting their side arms with calm paranoia.
"More than likely both. The Shitennou are sworn each generation to protect and serve their king, the kingdom, and to Elysion and her people beyond all else. Their allegiance goes back centuries and they, like us are sworn to up hold that allegiance at all cost," Luna said gravely.
"Honorable allies...or formidable foe. Either way, I look forward to meeting them," Venus said. Her voice sharp even at a whisper, her eyes firmly on the five men before her.
Princes Serenity however was lost in thought, the voices of her friends and gaurdians quickly fading away as she quickly became distracted by her first glimpse of the Prince-King himself, an image unlike any she had had for the infamous Ruler of Earth with in all her many day dreams and fantasies.
The very fact that he was standing just foot steps away from her, here, now, and so unlike what she expected, only made him more fascinating to her. Her heart was skipping whole beats at this point, as she tried desperately to keep calm and not make a fool of herself or her kingdom in front of such an important ally and ruler. But all she could do was keep silent and try, very very hard to remember to breath. A feat that was harder said than done.
"So these are the Sailor Senshi we've been hearing about? They are quite beautiful," The young man said as his gaze lingered on the petite Senshi on the right of the group. Her blue cropped hair blowing in the breeze as she brushed her bangs away with a gloved finger. Flashing stunning blue eyes.
"but I bet you I could take at least one of them down easily enough," Said the young man, his green eyes moving along and scanning each of the Senshi like a kitten with a new toy.
"Arrogance doesn't suit you Zoisite, and rudeness even less. Do not insult the Sailor Senshi. Not only are they better warriors than you, but they are your equals in rank as well," Kunzite stated at his apprentice, his voice cold and lacking the usual warmth for his student.
"Why are you being so mean to me Kunzite? I was just joking around," The young man whined, as a bit of copper gold hair whisped across his feline features.
"Because I did not train you to be an uncoothed ass. I trained you to fulfill your ancestral destiny as General as well as one of the Shitennou. Now act like it," the older man said. His gaze not on his apprentice but onward to the Senshi and the Queen. Specifically on the Inner Senshi's leader. Gauging her movements as she walked comfortably with grace and an inner strength that was both attractive, and yet alarming in it's implications in real combat.
"Oh, but I dunno if you can take out the ass out of Zoisite. It's his natural state after all. Haha!" Said Nephrite a man a bit taller than Zoisite but shorter than his white haired friend. His long dark wavy auburn hair framed his sharp angled cheek bones, and strong jawline. His well shaped arm draped over the young Shitennou.-to-be's shoulder.
"I am not an ass," Zoisite said. Crossing his arms across his chest.
"Only sometimes. But I think Zoisite does have one thing right," Said a voice next to the three men as they turned to see a short stature d young man with short blond hair and a face that was too sweet and young looking for a ruler of anything, take a step forward into the warm breeze of morning, hand shading his eyes to get a better look at their visitors.
"These Senshi really are quite beautiful indeed."
"Your Majesties, truly it is an honor. Welcome to Elysion,the Golden Kingdom, and to my home," Endymion said as he took a curt bow to Queen Serenity and her people.
"The honor, your Grace, is all ours I assure you. To set foot on such holy ground is indeed an honor of a lifetime," Queen Serenity bowed.
"May I introduce to you the Shitennou. Rulers of the Four Realms, and Protectors of my Kingdom. Kunzite, Nephrite, Jadeite, and Zoisite, respectively."
Each in turned bowed, right hand on chest as they did so.
It is an honor to finally having the chance to meet with you in person," Kunzite said.
"Thank you Lord Kunzite. It is a greater honor, to meet you face to face. Last time I was here on Earth, it was your father whom I spoke to face to face...He was a great man, and ruler in his time. I am glad to see you following him in his footsteps."
Kunzite bowed his head at that. His lips curled tight in a pursed lipped grin.
"Ah, I see Advisors Luna and Artemis are with you as well. It is a pleasure seeing you two again," Jadeite said. His face beaming with genuine mirth to the two diplomats.
"It is always a pleasure to see you two Luna, Artemis. Perhaps later we can all relax after these talks," Endymion said as he smiled for the first time all day. He generally liked the two very much and found them so far to be the most reasonable of all the diplomats of the many planets adhering to the Silver Millennium.
"Well, since you already know My advisors Luna and Artemis, may I introduce to you then, the Sailor Senshi of the Inner Realms, and Princesses of the four Inner Royal Houses, Minako Sailor Venus, Rei Sailor Mars, Makoto Sailor Jupiter, and Ami Sailor Mercury."
"Miladies, it is a honor to have you here with us," Endymion said as he curtly bowed to the Senshi. His General-Kings slightly bowing their heads in acknowledgement.
"And this, M'lord, is my daughter Princess Serenity. She will be joining us this morning. This will be her first diplomatic mission."
All eyes suddenly descended on to the two heirs as Princess Serenity took a few steps forward towards the Prince-King.
Someone behind her whispered "Breathe Serenity,just remeber to breath" But who she did not know. It wasn't loud enough for anyone else to hear or decern from whom it came from,But as she took her last step forward the small whisper became a small mantra within her as she stood,looking into those deep dark blue eyes for the first time...
"Y-your majesty," Princess Serenity bowed to Endymion. Her silver white hair shimmering brilliantly in the morning sunlight, as her heart seemed to try to leap out of her chest and onto the green grass that was before her.
Breathe Serenity just breathe...
"Your highness."
The two stood for a few heart beats then, in a building awkward silence as Princess Serenity just stood there trying desperately to find something appropriate or stunning to say to impress. But all she could think of nothing and blurted out her first thought, as a warm sensation built within her chest.
"I-If I may say so your majesty, your home world is possibly the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It's even better than I ever imagined it back home... and I do that a lot."
Endymion was taken a back by such forwardness, rather endearing to him, and found her nervousness even charming and refreshingly...human.
"Thank you...that is truly an honor to hear you praise my home so much. If you'd like, I could take you to the rose gardens sometime after these talks. Ah, with your permission of course your Majesty."
a splash of blush streaked the young Pricness's cheeks at the Prince-Kings compliment and offer, making her face feel hot and her chest a mixture of warmth and near pain from the speed of her heart beats.
"Oh, but of course Your Grace..."
The General-Kings and Senshi however were sharing very similar expressions of mild amusement.
The young looking Jadeite coughed loudly within the silence hiding a growing smile on his lips before Nephrite's elbow jabbed rather painfully into his side.
The Senshi weren't much better keeping it together as the sound of stifled giggles rippled outward from them.
"Well, then, Ahem! Shall we go inside and begin these talks?"
The talks started out well enough. Simple dry and factual talks of proper procedures of border defense and possible improvements in weaker parts of the defense plan. But as the talks wore on,and some more serious matters were beginning to be addressed, things began to get rather heated.
"well, What if the Outter Ssenshi cannot hold off an outside threat? Then what? Can't you at least loan us the Inner Senshi to aid us if worse comes to worse?"
Queen Serenity, who had been "discussing" for hours now on a possible alternative plan to bolster their planetary defense while also keeping Earth defense able was wearing thin on patience. The Prince-King believed that the Moon kingdom could lend senshi to their aid whenever they felt threatened but the Queen did not like this idea in the least. Mainly because it would put her own kingdom in a weaker position...as well as her daughters. Let alone the political upheaval with the other inner realmed planets if the Moon Kingdom started to do so without at least a curtiousy request to do such with their plaentary heirs. But most importantly Without the inner Senshi there to protect her daughter, Princess Serenity's life could well be in danger..and theirs.
But the Queen could not tell the Prince this last bit for security reasons. A fact that was making these talks very, very difficult to control let alone conclude on a mutual agreement.
"The fact of the matter is Lord Zoisite, that I cannot just loan the Senshi whenever it suits another. They are here for the whole universe,but they are also Pricnesses in their own right and as is common knowledge, do protect The Princess of the Moon Kingdom-My daughter," Serenity sighed. Her hands clasped before her on the hard wooden table before she continued. The weight of the heat of their annoyance and frustrations swelled as her own pressed harshly on her.
"But," Serenity sighed "perhaps we can at least loan a few of the Senshi when times are dire. But we must first speak with their perspective Kingdoms first on this...request."
"This is ridiculous," Nephrite said. "What you say M'lady is out right ridiculous!" the young man stood up,leaning across the large wooden table with one hand,leaning in to get good and close to her Majesty as he could.
"Nephrite! Stand down!" Endymion said,as he stood with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Nephrite, who was seething with anger stood for a moment eying the silver-white haired witch with a look of sheer defiance.
Queen Serenity stood her ground,holding her anger in check with the practice of ages as she stared right back into the mans fiery blue eyes with her own ice cold blue.
"Nephrite...," Endymion warned.
The young man,his jaw clenched tightly shut, stood upright again and looked his king in the eye as he said,"Endymion-M'lord, I meant no offense. I am sorry for losing my temper. It is unfitting of me. I apologize, I only meant to show my...disagreement on this idea that the Senshi are for the protection of all, yet it is clear that they follow only one ruler in the universe, and that is the Moon Kingdoms Queen" Nephrite said as he forced the dark pit of anger down deep within him. The act made him shiver a little with effort.
"Well, although I find your arguments against the Queens answer of action understandable, You should not be apologizing to me, but to her Majesty." Said the Prince-King.
Nephrite straightened his shoulders with a deep inhalation of effort. "Your Majesty, I apologize for my harsh words.."
"Lord Nephrite, apology accepted for the harsh words...honest as they maybe to those present, I just cannot do what you ask of me or the Senshi without endangering my own Kingdom."
"You're daughter you mean," Jadeite said from the far end of the table. Arms crossed his chest as he leaned heavily on the back of the large high back chair obviously bored with these talks.
"Both M'lord. In many respects." Venus cut in.
"Both?" Jadeite asked,a blond eyebrow cocked.
"An heir is in many respects, the heart of any kingdom. Without an heir, there can be no hope for a kingdom,and with no hope of progress in a kingdom, well, there is no kingdom at all..."
"Well Said Venus," Luna said.
Endymion's hand clenched reflexively.
"Perhaps we should have an intermission? Let everyone rest, and eat if hungry. It has been a rather long..ah,discussion..." Artemis suggested.
"Yes, I agree with Advisor Artemis. Let's take a break and then come back to the talks..."
Venus said. As She began to stand up.
"Yes..yes, let us all come back here in a n hours time." Endymion said. His voice tired and a little strained. These talks weren't going nearly as well as he had hoped. Looking across the table Princess Serenity sat, elegantly still, as she looked back at him with her blue eyes right on him.
It gave the Prince King a small shiver down his spine and a sensation he had never felt before...
Princess Serenity was glad of the break. The tension In the room was so thick it felt like swimming against a rushing current. She had no idea of the perils nor the emotional drain such talks would really bring with them. Tension was one thing,but this...well, it had disarmed her completely and made her feel a twinge of self doubt...
How could she do this? How did Endymion do this, her mother?
Suddenly Endymion got up and was beginning to make his way to the princess, but before he could reach her,Kunzite stepped beside him,matching the Prince Kings own quick pace.
"What is it Kunzite," Endymion said.
"Endy..what are you doing?" Kunzite whispered "Surely you're not going to make this diplomatic talk into some lovers game now...She's the Moon Kingdoms heir. Heir to the kingdom that tried to take your parents rule..."
Endymion spun in front of the tall imposing General, his black cape dramatically swinging around him.
"Yes, she is that..but she is also one of our guests and I intend to leave a good impression of our gracious kingdom.."
"For the kingdom or for yourself?"
"And you are one to talk you Grace. You've been eying Sailor Venus ever since she landed here!"
"Excuse me!" Kunzite bellowed,Sailor Venus turning around to look at the two men,eying them intently.
"We'll discuss it later..now if you would excuse me, I have a promise to keep.."
Endy said,patting his speechless friend on the shoulder as a sign of forgiveness before walking away.
"Princess, I was hoping I could possibly take you to the Rose gardens as promised? That is, if you would allow me the honor to..." Prince Endymion smiled.
"Oh, yes that would be wonderful." Serenity said beaming.
"Well then, shall we go then? Lets get away from these talks for a bit..."
"M'lord, if it is alright with you, the Senshi would like to keep an eye on the princess and get to know your
Generals a bit better in the process,if you wouldn't mind..." Venus asked.
"Oh, well by all means yes,yes. But of course..." Endymion said obviously distracted.
"Alright! We get to get up close and personal to the ladies!" Jadeite yelped with glee, while Nephrite shook his head in dismay. "Must you be so...transparent?"
Mars rolled her violet eyes for a brief moment mumbling something about men while Mercury blushed and stood not quite knowing what to do.
The General Kings and Senshi followed after their charges slowly behind the two royal heirs as Queen Serenity stood watching them walk off into out into the court yards to the path that lead to the Rose Gardens of Elysion,her chest filled with tightness of a foreboding she did not like...
"Luna,do you think we did the right thing? What of what Pluto mentioned..."
"The Senshi are with her your Majesty. She can't be in any safer hands."
The two walked silently down the sun lit path. Princess Serenity looking with awe at everything as they,and their ever present guardians, walked through the vegetation and trees.
"It's just so beautiful here and full of live it's amazing.."
Endymion smiled. "You mentioned how you..daydream a lot of this place..."
"Oh!..ah...Yes. I do. Well, I've always wanted to come here.. It always seemed from the sky like a beautiful place to live and see..."
"heh, it is.."
Serenity stopped mid step her face beat red. "I am sorry. I must sound like a complete idiot to you. A complete child! Forgive me.."
Endymion's brow furrowed a little at that. "Why should you apologize for enjoying life?"
"eh, well, no, that isn't what I was apologizing for...Its just that... you're a planetary ruler with responsibility of an
entire planents' well being and obligations to billions of people...my prattling must sound naive and silly to you.."
"On the contrary, I find your 'prattling' as you call it rather refreshing and..charming...After all, don't you have your own responsibilities as a future ruler yourself?"Endymion said.
Endymion paused. He did not know why he was speaking to her with such ease,nor why. Why was he so...honest around her, of all people? This was his kingdoms sworn enemy,and uneasy ally..yet here he was trying to make her feel better...more than better.
Small pearls of sweat were forming on his palms as he curled them into fists.
"I envy you."
Serenity was taken aback by this. Her blue eyes startled at such a statement.
"W-what? But why?"
Even before he could stop himself the words formed on his lips.
"You still have family. You can still find such..joy in the galaxy and carry the weight of royal duties as if they were nothing. To know that you are to one day rule is to know no real peace from intrigue and shadowy alliances and broken trust...yet here you are...enjoying the trees and roses with an innocence I wish I still knew..."
"It..is not an easy burden to carry...being royal born...harder still without parents. I can't even imagine how I would do if I were in your position as you say...I am sorry your Majesty.."
"No, I am sorry of even binging it up. How unkingly of me. I must seem like a complete and utter ass.."
"Not at all M;'lord. Knowing your thoughts has..illuminated me on your character..." Serenity said barely above a whisper. Who was this man she spoke to? All her ideas of him and dreams seemed to be melting rapidly to shine thought the reality of who this man really was...a man full of hurt and pain and of pride yet capable of such caring it made her heart almost break...the warmth in her chest grew at just the thought of them talking to each other..even if that conversation lead to perhaps darker paths than intended...
Endymion turned around to face the princess a warmth spreading from his chest outward...
"Illumi-"
Endymion's words were cut short as a dagger of icy pain broke within his chest. So cold it burned and so hot it chilled. His hand flew to his chest as black crystalline spikes broke out from his chest,reaching out menacingly towards the princess like claw like fingers...
"ENDYMION!"
"PRINCESS!"
Senshi and Generals both ran towards the pair, All setting up power attacks and weapons at the ready at the threat.
The claw like black crystals grabbed Serenity's chest that which now glowed a blinding white light...
Mine...
and before both fell into utter darkness, Endymion's vision could only be filled with the vision of Serenity,and the shadow that engulfed her and the sound of screams of help...
So? How was it? Not bad for a one nighter eh? What will happen to our heroes and what the hell is going on? Check out for chapter 5 of Millennium coming soon!