"Citizens of the Silver Millennium, I welcome you to the Solarium Munera!" Queen Serenity spoke to the crowds that had gathered in the stands.
The Citadel of Jupiter was full of those from all over the galaxy. All the royal families and prestiged members of Serenity's alliance were in attendance as well as each planet's Solar Guardian.
Gathered on the Planet Jupiter, the court of the Silver Millennium celebrated one of its most important holidays. The Solarium Munera, or the Fallen of the Sun.
Sailor Jupiter rose and took control of the crowd.
She was dressed formally with ceremonial armor befitting a warrior goddess.
Her stunning emerald green gown was fitted with a boned corset and full, gathered skirt that fell in soft folds to the floor. The luxurious fabric flowed with the wild winds of the land. Delicate, filigree-style shoulder guards curved gracefully over the shoulders, while a bronze breastplate with an ornate gemstone-encrusted centerpiece twinkled under light.
Lita's homeworld was a beautiful display of rawness and power. The air was warm and electric with static. Lightning storms raged as strong gales of wind tore across the landscape. Billowing cloudscapes of creamy white, soft pink and indigo stretched across the horizon as lightning flashes danced in the clouds. One landscape seemed to melt into the next, as icy mountains gave way to arid desert land.
The stadium was enclosed in a shielded sphere. A technological benefit Lunarians offered to the galaxy.
Lita spoke entrancing the people around her as Jupiter was known for its ability to conquer and stand steadfast.
"Today we celebrate the sacrifice of our fallen! Brave warriors who have paid the ultimate price for our safety! The Citadel has produced the finest warriors in our Kingdom. At the Ludus, our halls are filled with the bold and brave." She reveled in the attention and let her passion and appreciation for the warrior's spirit take over her. "Young men and women who have pledged their lives and loyalty to our Princess and this Galaxy. Today we showcase our strength, assuring those that came before us that their sacrifices were not in vain- that we have grown thanks to the strength of their shoulders and the sweat of their brow."
The crowd roared with approval and chants of 'We are grateful! We shall make use of your sacrifice.'
The Royal Party along with the other Senshi looked on from their positions as the official party of the celebration.
Serena, with her Senshi nearby, sat with her fiance patiently answering his questions about the customs he would one day be a part of as her husband.
The two made quite a sight.
The Moon Princess was dressed in a delicate, cream-colored gown that exuded a sense of ethereal minimalism. Floor length and flowing, the dress was sleek with a high neckline bodice with subtle metallic accents.
Endymion complimented his bride to be in a tailored, dark coat with a fitted silhouette, adorned with intricate, gold embroidery. Dark fitted matching trousers were secured by a wide burnished gold ornate belt. The people marveled at such an ethereal looking couple.
"And this isn't a competition?" Endymion was asking as he leaned over to speak into her ear.
Serena gave him a wry smile as explained again all he would see today. "It is an exhibition. Each ally will send a representative for their planet and they will have an exhibition match against another ally."
"And the matches are randomized." He remembered her saying.
She nodded approvingly. "Yes. My mother draws the matches from a box if you will, one name at a time."
"Seems a bit archaic for a galactic empire," he joked. She pretended to be offended by such a comparison.
"A good idea is a good idea," she smiled.
"And this helps to assure the people that you are able to protect them- as a whole and as individual conglomerates as well." He summarized.
"You're getting it!" She teased.
He snorted good naturedly and poked her affectionately in the side.
"It allows all to be somewhat transparent about their capabilities while also discouraging any hostilities monarchs may have against each other."
Endymion was clearly impressed as he took in the lavishly dressed people, the dynamic landscape and the kind soul beside him. It made his heart swell as he realized how privileged he'd be to be a part of her world.
"Earth struggles with interplanetary fighting," He confessed sadly, "and here you are with literal planets managing to put aside their differences and truly come together on a galactic scale."
"We started with much smaller games once upon a time. Events where we shared in the spirit of competition and performance and bonded as people." She cupped his face with her hand and offered a sympathetic smile. "Once we are married, your people will know the same peace as mine."
Touched by the gesture, he closed his hand over hers holding it in place. "I know I said that you did not have to love me once we marry, but I'd like for you to try."
Serena's thoughts stuttered.
She wanted to respond but something else caught her eye and silenced her other senses.
Dressed in a suit of white leather armor, Serena saw the Dark Moon Prince watching her interaction with hawk-like eyes.
She'd never seen him dressed for battle and the sight commanded her attention. She could barely breathe as her eyes greedily took in his form. The dreamy white armor was comprised of a fitted cuirass, vambraces, and greaves. Adorned with intricate, tone-on-tone embroidery, the design was streamlined with articulated joints to ensure maximum mobility.
Everything about the look was deceptively calm and polished, but she'd seen the animal he was once when threatened and shivered. A royal purple cape billowed in the wind secured against his shoulders by pauldrons edged with a delicate, beveled trim- the sight made her ache.
She immediately snatched her hand away from her fiance. "I need to use the restroom," she stuttered out brokenly before rushing away to regain her composure.
"Serena!" Endymion stood and moved to chase after her, but was halted by Minako.
"She's fine," Mina assured, "I will see to Her Highness, please sit."
The Earth Prince wanted to protest but Queen Serenity approached, and took his arm. "Come, the exhibition will begin!" She grinned up at him, and led him to her box so that he might draw the first match.