Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. Miyako, Cleo, Lia, Harper, and Owen, as well as a few others, are only figments that have escaped from my imagination.
Chapter Four: New Powers
Friday had come again. Waving off her friends, Miyako headed for a secluded section of Rosefeld Park. Thankfully, there hadn't been any sign of Koan since that day. Possibly because they'd managed to keep Takara, Rini, and Aki calm. But somewhere out there, Koan was most likely planning her next move.
Thanks to all of the trips to the Garden to create the henshin roses, Miyako had only to finger the key in her pocket and she was at the base of the tower. She could still even find the bush that they'd taken the roses from.
But, despite all the visits, not a one of them had dared brave the tower. Andrew had come the closest, taking the time to walk up and lay his hand upon the door, but he'd never opened it. Today, Miyako would be the first. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door at the base. A faint stream of fading sunlight came down the staircase and through the open door, the sole sources of light. Reaching into her other pocket, she pulled out a small flashlight, relieved when it worked.
Shining the beam around, she located the door to Cleo's room, to Isolde's, to Molly's, and to Melvin's. The symbols carved into the doors hadn't changed, and the bouquets of flowers still hung from the knobs, magically preserved. But the henshin pendants, or in Melvin's case sunglasses, no longer hung there. Not like they had in her dreams.
Slowly, she climbed to the next floor. Like below, flowers hung from door handles. Well, actually, Unazuki's door, now Lizzie's door, held a bundle of oak leaves, and fourth door, which led to a common room, was empty, but everything else looked the same. Until she glanced at Andrew's door. Motoki had only the infinity symbol, but now a lightning bolt wove its way through the sideways figure eight.
Her hands shook as she made her way to the third floor. One door led to a guest room, never used during the days Tranquility had reigned. Like the common room, its handle was bare. But the other door, that led to her own personal suite of rooms.
She had to remind herself to breathe as she approached the door. Roses draped themselves over the handle, just as they always had, the same deep midnight purple she'd always loved. But the door was locked. Surely it would open to her, wouldn't it? After trying the handle a couple more times, she smacked herself on the forehead. She pushed aside the roses, revealing a small carved image of the seal of Terra. She traced the symbol with the index finger of her right hand, and the door unlocked. As it did, however, the seal faded away to reveal a keyhole, one she was sure would perfectly match her key to the Garden. With the door now unlocked, she pushed it open.
For all that no one had set foot in the room for thousands of years, there was a surprising lack of cobwebs and dust. No faded fabrics, no signs of decay or animal habitation. That surprised her more than the still fresh flora hanging on the doors.
The main sitting room was open and airy, just as her mother's parlor had been, in Elysian. She knew the door on her left opened into a narrow hallway, with a door a few feet down, on the right, connecting to her bathroom. Just beyond that was a small dressing room, which also connected the bathroom to the bedroom at the end of the short hall.
The door to her right led to a mirror image of her suite, the guest room.
Her suite was decorated in what had always been her favorite color, purple. There were gauzy lavender curtains framing her open window in the sitting room. And, in front of the window, the most comfortable violet chaise. She'd often watched the rising of the moon from that very spot.
A fire flickered in the small, white fireplace, crackling cheerfully as it heated a pot of water. A silver tea service waited on a squat, round wooden table, surrounded by cushy amethyst poufs. It almost seemed as if someone had been expecting her. But who was there, still living in the tower?
The answer to that question padded into the room from the narrow hallway. A large silver wolf regarded Miyako with an amused expression.
"You forgot about me, didn't you?" The wolf's voice was as light and twinkling as a crystal bell. "I can't say I'm surprised. Considering how long it took before we even met, Princess Tranquility."
Miyako dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around the wolf and burying her face in the soft fur. "Rosebud!"
Rosebud nuzzled Miyako for several minutes, as the girl's tears soaked her coat.
"I have missed you, too, Princess." The wolf said at last. "I felt you ender the tower, so I put the kettle on. So, why don't we have a nice cup of tea?"
"What about Phantasm?"
Rosebud laughed. "Oh, he'll be along shortly. He always is."
"So, what happened to you, after that day?" Miyako poured the boiled water into the silver teapot, the strainer already filled with her favorite tea blend, a black tea mixed with rose petals.
"After your deal with Queen Selenity, you mean? We've slept. For us, thousands of years passed as a single night. We awoke to you and your warriors messing around with some kind of magic, near the rosebushes, but you didn't hear us call. Well, Motoki might have, but he seemed almost to dismiss it." The wolf gave what could only be called a shrug. "So, we waited."
The sitting room door creaked open, and a wolf, black as Miyako's hair, sauntered in, still yawning.
"Phantasm!" Miyako hurried over and hugged him as well.
"Good day, Princess. It is day, isn't it?"
Miyako laughed. "Only just. The sun is setting and the moon is rising. After all, outside the Garden, it is winter."
"Never cared much for winter," snorted Phantasm. "Oh, look! Tea!"
Rosebud and Phantasm were the only two wolves Miyako had ever heard of who drank tea. They also refused to eat meat. Instead, like all the other inhabitants of the Garden, they were herbivores.
She hadn't actually met Rosebud and Phantasm until after she'd returned to the Garden with Motoki. It was the wolves who'd trained the Elemental Warriors, who'd taught Miyako, or rather Tranquility, to become Sailor Element, even though she hadn't had the power of the Void. Alone, out of everyone in the Garden, they had known about Tranquility and Motoki. To the Princess of the Garden, Rosebud was both bodyguard and handmaiden, thanks to her telekinetic abilities. And Phantasm had been attached to Motoki, as advisor and confidant to the leader of the Elemental Warriors. Though he hadn't appreciated it, he'd played messenger a time or two, or possibly twenty.
In many ways, the two wolves had been for her what Luna and Artemis had been for Queen Selenity and later Sailor Moon.
"I wish you'd awakened earlier," stated Miyako, pouring a bowl of tea for each of the wolves, as well as a cup for herself. "We could have used your help."
"Perhaps," agreed Rosebud. "But, would you have believed us? Besides, you're the one who put us to sleep, your highness, so only you could wake us up."
"Please, don't call me that. I go by Miyako now."
"Miyako?" Phantasm grinned. "And Motoki?"
"Andrew. His name is Andrew now."
"I'd ask you to tell us all about the others," continued the black wolf, "but I have a feeling there's something on your mind, something, perhaps, that we can answer for you."
Slowly, Miyako explained the events of the past several months, from her awakening as Sailor Element, to the new enemy they were facing. A few times, she'd paused to answer questions from Phantasm, or to take a sip of tea in order to keep her voice. Rosebud listened patiently, as she always did. Despite the lack of interruptions, she knew the wolf was paying careful attention to every detail.
"I don't like the sound of these new enemies," mused Rosebud, when she'd finished. "Not one bit."
Phantasm shook his head. "Nor do I. However, we can answer one problem for you. The matter of your powers. The brooch you've been using was altered when the Void was taken from Rhiannon. We told you that when you first became Sailor Element. So, your description was, in a way, very appropriate. You were trying to force too much energy through a brooch not designed for it. As for why id hadn't happened sooner, no doubt the Void was recovering from Ichirou's grasp, as well as all those centuries with Kyran Dubhan."
Miyako nodded. "That makes sense. So, how do we fix it?"
"Follow us," stated Rosebud.
The black and silver wolves led Miyako out of the tower, into the now star-lit night. From the door, they led the way down a path that resembled a huge hedge maze, the walls towering far over her head.
"I don't remember this being here before," commented the girl. "Where does it lead?"
"To the true center of the Garden," explained Rosebud.
"But I was under the impression that the tower was the center of the Garden."
The black wolf shook his head. "Only we are allowed to reveal the path, and only under certain circumstances. Only a fully realized Garden Queen can freely travel the Hedge Paths."
"A fully realized Garden Queen?"
"Yes, but there hasn't been one of those since the last Kobayashi Queen," explained Phantasm. "And that's why."
He motioned to the clearing ahead of them. In the very center stood a pedestal of silver, alabaster and birch. An empty pedestal.
"This is the home of all the Elemental powers, and the Heart of the Garden. But the Heart vanished with the end of the Kobayashi reign. Melody, successor to Rosalinda, tried, when she was selected, to locate it, but it was never found," explained Rosebud. "The Garden goes on without it, but its full potential is lost. Just as Sailor Element continued to exist, even without the power of the Void."
"How sad." Miyako trailed her fingertips across the top of the pedestal.
"However, that is not why we are her," Phantasm reminded them.
He trotted over towards the far side of the clearing, while Miyako looked around. A pond of water was surrounded by violets, while a fire burned in a ring of tulips. Hawthorne surrounded a pile of various metals. She could recognize gold, copper, silver, bronze and iron, but she'd need Melvin to identify them all. A whirlwind was trapped by a circle of lotus blossoms. And there was a mighty oak tree, towering next to a rock pile covered in holly. Black lightning danced between blossoms of gladiolus.
But Phantasm had stopped by a wall of violet roses, framing an expanse of black nothingness.
"The Void," murmured Miyako, stepping towards it.
"The Elemental Shrines reflect the current Elemental Warriors," explained Rosebud. "The day you claimed the power from Rhiannon, the flowers here changed from lilacs to your roses. Put your brooch into the Void."
Carefully, the ebon-haired girl removed the silver item from her pocket and slid it into the black expanse, where it vanished from sight. The wolves both let out a howl.
After several moments, something flew out of the Void. The brooch was now more of a silver disc, though the rose was still in the middle. But, around the grooved circle, there were now eight stones. The others had slid to make room for a round drop of amethyst at the very top, between the black and red gems.
Already, Miyako could tell this brooch had more power. She would have to get to the training barn soon, so she could start getting used to it.
"Thank you, both of you."
"It is our pleasure, Miyako." Phantasm grinned.
Rosebud nodded. "I wish we could join you in the world outside the Garden."
"Wolves aren't common pets." Miyako replied. "Besides, I need someone to keep an eye on the Garden."
"Still, if you should need us, all you have to do is call. You, and you alone, can summon us, Princess of the Garden."
She nodded. "I'll visit soon. I promise. And I'll bring Andrew with me!"
Black braid flying, she ran back to the tower and the gate back home.
A week later, the other Elemental Warriors had occasionally fought off Koan, but there hadn't been a chance for Miyako to try out her new powers in battle. She was either nowhere near the fight or she was the one having to calm down Takara or Rini. Aki never really seemed to get upset. It was more like she was bottling everything up inside. Miyako and Usagi were just waiting for the tiny girl to explode.
But that didn't mean Miyako hadn't practiced. She'd had to go alone to the training barn, with everyone's schedule being a little crazy at the moment, but she'd enjoyed the solitude. Besides, it meant a surprise for the enemy, next time she was able to face them.
Though, she had to admit, she liked the new outfit a whole lot more than her old one. The skirt was now dark green and pleated, more-so than the yellow one had been. Her sailor collar was now dark amethyst, and her body suit now had a mock-turtleneck. Her sleeves had become more armor-like, a single bronze cap edged in yellow. And a wide blue belt wrapped around the waist of her skirt. But, what she loved most were the two most dramatic changes. Her boots, once up to her knees, were now only ankle high and brown, with red straps wrapped around them, fastened with silver buckles on the sides of her shoes. And her gloves! Gone were the full opera-length white ones with their brown accents. Now they were black and short, as if she'd dipped her hands into black paint or latex and let it dry on her hands, barely covering much of the back of her hands. But, boy, were they far more comfortable than the old ones. The tiara was gone too, though she had to admit, she wouldn't miss that. And so was the bow in the front of her chest. Instead, the new brooch rested at the ends of the collar, as if holding them together.
And the power! It was exhilarating and almost overwhelming. She couldn't quite wrap her mind around the sheer amount of power she now held. The Rainbow Rose Sword practically vibrated in her hands, the first time she drew it.
But, tonight she wouldn't be practicing. Tonight the full moon was rising. She was still the only one who knew Usagi was having trouble with her powers, since Usagi stuck close to the three girls and protected them by getting them away from any battle. Miyako still wasn't happy Usagi hadn't told Darien. A few times, she'd been on the verge of saying something, herself, but she realized there probably wasn't much her brother could do. And it would only cause him to worry. No doubt the reasons Usagi used to justify not telling him, herself. But, after tonight, it wouldn't matter.
She'd volunteered to watch the girls so that Usagi could go to her meeting. Or at least, she had until a call came in on her bracelet, followed by the ringing of her new cell phone.
"We've got a real problem," explained Cleo, who'd been out on patrol. "Something's taken over Heaven Emporium Beauty Salon. And there's another over at Seven Dreams Salon. We need Sailor Element out there right away!"
But, she couldn't leave the girls! Pluto was back at the Time Gate, and she couldn't keep Usagi from her meeting. Everyone else would already be on their way to the fights. She was trapped. Wait, there was a possible solution.
"Rosebud! Phantasm!" Miyako called out.
In a flash of purple and black light, both wolves were standing in front of her.
"Follow me," ordered the Elemental Scout.
She led the two wolves down to the basement, where Aki, Takara and Rini were immersed in a video game.
"Girls, I have to go help the others. Rosebud and Phantasm will look after you until I get back. Understood?"
The three girls nodded, Rini and Aki looking a little apprehensive as they stared at the wolves.
"Behave and I'll see you soon."
Miyako flew out the door, heading for the tree line, knowing it would give her the cover she needed to transform.
"Rising Soul of the Void!"
The rainbow of light that surrounded her was more vivid, more vibrant, than it had been before Rosebud and Phantasm had helped upgrade her brooch. But she didn't take the time to dwell on that now. Her friends needed her!
Usagi stepped into the clearing as quickly as she could. The moon would begin rising any moment, even with the sun only just now beginning to set.
"Alright, now what?" She muttered. "You asked me to be here. So what's going on? How are you going to help me?"
The moon cleared the horizon, pale and faint with the bold reds and oranges of the sunset lighting up the other half of the sky. But even that was enough. A shimmering figure materialized before her, dressed in a simple white gown, with a white bow on her chest. A golden crescent moon glistened in the center of the bow, matching the one that graced her forehead. Silvered lavender hair, pulled up into that signature style of the Moon royalty and the pale lavender eyes, familiar lavender eyes, confirmed what Usagi already knew.
"Mother," she breathed.
The Moon Queen gave a gentle smile, reaching out one hand to stroke Usagi's cheek. "My dear, sweet, precious daughter. I hoped I'd get to see you again, though the circumstances are not what I would wish."
"Nor would I," agreed the strange, blonde gentleman, still as ghostly as ever.
"Kayden," scolded the queen.
He smiled. "It's been a long time, Selenity. Far too long."
"Agreed, but we haven't much time. Your friends are in trouble," stated her mother. "We must do what we came here to do. I just wish we had more time."
"One day, we might." Usagi smiled. "One day."
Kayden nodded to Queen Selenity. Both of them placed their hands on Usagi's henshin bracelet. White light poured from her mother, even as Kayden glowed pale blue. The light grew brighter and brighter until Usagi was forced to close her eyes. When she was able to open them, Kayden and her mother were gone.
But she was once again connected to the power within the bracelet. Though the power was now faintly tinged with power from the Moon as well. Looking down, she saw a pair of white wings flaring out on either side of the silver star.
Fisting her hand and placing it over her heart, she let the words come to her, as she had long ago been trained.
"Serene Star Power!"
And cut! That's a wrap on chapter four!
So, our mysterious man now has a name! And what's with the missing Heart of the Garden?
Rosebud and Phantasm have been running around in my head for a while, now. I wanted to bring them in during Elemental Secrets, but that really wasn't going to work, so they get to show up now. Personally, Phantasm's my favorite. Still, let me know what you think!
Sorry it took so much longer than I promised. I'm still not happy with this chapter, and the next one definitely needs work. But, I figure this chapter is as good as it's going to get, for now. Maybe later I'll go back and do some more revision, but I want to finish some more, first. I've also been working on what's going to happen after this arc is done. So, we'll see how those go, eventually.
However, I can bet I'm not the only person eagerly awaiting July 5th! Sailor Moon Crystal! I have to admit, the new look may take a little getting used to, but I'm willing to give it a chance. My only complaint at this time is that I haven't seen any artwork for the new Tuxedo Kamen. Still, he'll be around, eventually.
Until the next chapter, people!