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Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium Adventure by Moon_Goddess

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Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium
By Lady Moon Goddess

Disclaimer: Naoko Takeuchi is the owner. Thank the Lord for her creation of these characters.

A/N: Well, it took some time to finish chapter three so this one probably took longer. Loki is my wonderful editor and he does a marvelous job. Thank you, Loki-sama. So, this story is no where near finished, just so you know. I am very proud of this story so I hope each chapter is enjoyable and I hope you continue reading.

The kids have grown up a little. So, since I think the chart was a success I’ll add it again and change the ages so you’ll know what’s going on.

Age Name Sibling Age
Fourteen Mercury Hermes Fifteen
Sixteen Venus Eris Thirteen
Thirteen Mars Kasei Sixteen
Seventeen Endymion Tierra Fourteen
Twelve Serenity No siblings
Fourteen Jupiter Thor Sixteen
Thirteen Saturn Rhea Fifteen
Fifteen Uranus No siblings
Fourteen Neptune Kaiousei Fourteen
Fifteen Pluto Dorian Seventeen

~*~

Chapter Four: The Treaty


Queen Selenity sat at the end of the long crystal table, tapping her polished nails upon its polished surface. She looked down both sides of the table, taking in the sight of all her childhood friends. She smiled to herself before turning her thoughts to their current dilemma. Discussion around the table revolved mostly around small talk, and chose that moment. She rose, straightening her skirts.

Placing her hands upon her small waist, she cleared her throat and the idle chatter stopped abruptly, everyone’s attention upon Selenity.

“I have asked you all here today for an important reason,” she explained, brushing away the white bangs from her eyes as she smiled at Luna standing casually against the wall smiling at her. Selenity returned a hint of a smile before continuing her speech, “It was only weeks ago when Queen Beryl and her army attacked, and to this very day, my kingdom continues to recuperate. Physical structures are easy enough to rebuild, but repairing the damage inflicted on our people by Beryl and her forces will take more time.”

“My lady, I must apologize on behalf of myself and my Shitennou and my Senshi. I only wish our warriors could have reached the moon sooner,” King Plutus apologized, shuffling where he stood, looking down at his queen who squeezed her husband’s hand sympathetically.

“My lord, I thank you for your apology, but nobody could have foreseen how quickly Beryl’s armies had moved upon us. I was fortunate to have successfully used the Ginzuishou to win the day, but I thank you for your ongoing support. I must remind you all that our children are still very young, but they are continuing to develop their powers. My daughter for example, has shown signs of sensing danger on two very important occasions that we know of, and she has told me of how Kasei and Mars have been increasing their powers.” She looked over at King Ares and Queen Casandra, both smiling. “I want my kingdom to have a secure future. I want to close a treaty with another planet. I know that Queen Beryl will stop at nothing to claim my kingdom, so I want protection in return for my daughter’s hand in marriage.”

The council of the galaxy stirred, gasping and whispering amongst themselves as the Moon Queen waited for the ripples of her statement to settle as those around the table looked at one another, puzzled at the notion of Selenity betrothing Serenity when so young.

“Like you said earlier, majesty, our children are quite young. Is it wise to arrange their marriage when such a union shall only bear fruit years from now after their coming of age — Selenity is the youngest, so that means a much longer duration for your daughter,” Queen Amphitrite said. She watched as others nodded their agreement and looked to Selenity for her response.

“Whilst they’re growing to maturity, they will have every opportunity to fall in love,” Queen Venn offered the gathering, the first of the planetary monarchs to agree with Selenity—taking her husband’s hand.

Bowing her head, a curtain of shimmering silver catching the light of the candles around the chamber, she began again, “I didn’t have the pleasure of falling in love before marriage. Fortunately, Sirius was a considerate man and waited for love to blossom between us before we consummated our marriage,” she took a moment to reflect then changed the subject to matters of state concerning her treaty proposal. “I have it written out and already signed, therefore, if the Silver Alliance signatories are willing to ratify the document and agree it shall be here waiting for you. That is all.”

She pushed in her chair and gracefully walked out the door with Luna in tow.

~*~

Another week passed and the council had reconvened once again. Queen Selenity sat in her usual chair with her legs crossed, waiting for Artemis to come in with the treaty documents. After his arrival, Selenity restated what the treaty consisted of and sat demurely and blinked as she looked from man to woman and meeting all their eyes expectantly, not saying a word, her magnetic presence calling upon all their hearts. “So, who would like to sign this treaty?” Only a few moments passed before Queen Gaea and King Aarde stood up and moved to where the documents waited as Artemis witnessed the signing.

“We feel our son would make a wonderful king for the Silver Alliance. We are willing to build our armies specifically for your protection; ready to strike when needed,” the queen said, as she and her husband, the king held hands.

Selenity was a little taken aback when they stepped up first. She was expecting King Ares and Queen Kasandra to offer their protection first. “The distance between us will be a great benefit. Please, sign.” The two royals soon stood with quill in hand and each signed. Later, the council applauded as the signing concluded and soon left for their planets in the portrait room.

~*~

Iridescent colors of bright blues, purples, and reds shot into the air and exploded, floating all the way to the moon’s surface. Serenity and her friends sat on her balcony, watching the vibrant fireworks paint the night sky. Everyone sat silently, staring at the beautiful mosaic of color.

It wasn’t long before Luna and Artemis stepped onto the balcony and called them into the party. They all followed and walked down the white marble grand staircase. The royal parents watched as their children entered the ballroom. Each smiling with pride as they moved onto the dance floor.

Every planetary child was accompanied by a sibling -- if they had one -- Mercury linked arms with Hermes, each wearing blue. Mercury’s dress flowed like a curtain of water and her earrings and matching necklace were cast in the likeness of icicles. Hermes wore a black dress uniform with a deep-blue cape.

Mars and Kasei followed the children of water. Mars’s fiery-red dress with its shimmering orange hem and mauve ribbons upon its bodice, truly enchanting. She smiled at her brother in his black dress uniform, and impressive silk red cape.

Then Princess Serenity descended the stairs, pausing to look at the hundreds of people below, their eyes turned towards their princess. They all bowed, or curtsied and she smiled to herself, drawing pleasure from so simple a gesture. She was dressed in her classically designed white dress, its bodice adorned with tiny gold circles. Once at the foot of the marble steps, she curtsied and joined her mother.

Endymion and Tierra walked down the stairs next. Endymion had to take his time, moving extra slow so Tierra wouldn’t trip on her extremely long forest-green gown. Her brunette curls were pulled back into a bun, a few curls escaping that gave her a beautiful countenance. Endymion wore a black dress uniform also, with a pendant around his neck, given him by his father.

Venus paced herself down the stairs while Eris was practically skipping the whole way. They each wore a yellow dress; only Venus’s dress possessed thin shoulder straps while Eris’s bore soft golden short sleeves. Venus’s long golden hair flowed to her lower back, a red bow forming a long plait. Eris’s ebony locks were pulled back in a ponytail and as she moved, it swayed side-to-side with every step.

Jupiter and Thor, arms linked, followed behind the two children of love and beauty. Jupiter holding her emerald skirts up with a delicate hand as she descended, the movement accenting the pink ruffles of its hem. Thor’s green cape looked great against the black uniform he wore.

Neptune and Kaiousei followed next, Neptune flickered her tumble of hair behind her shoulder then took hold of her sea-green dress. Kaiousei’s hair also pulled back in a ponytail, his cape was of a teal hue, and this looked great with his black dress uniform and joined their parents.

Uranus hastily glided towards the base of the stairs in a tight-fitting deep-blue dress – her arms swinging wildly -- the Lunarian breeze catching her short blond hair.

Saturn and Rhea followed close behind on her heels. Their purple dresses almost identical, but Saturn’s was far shorter while Rhea’s descended almost to the floor. Each dress adorned with hundreds of tiny crystals embedded into the fabric, only the crystals on Saturn’s spiraled about the hem while Rhea’s were placed sporadically upon the bodice and skirts of the gown. Their raven-black hair styled differently: Saturn’s straight shoulder-length hair floated about her sweet face as she moved while Rhea’s sumptuous cascade, its tips falling in a natural wave, fell to her waist.

Then it was Pluto and Dorian who followed in their wake. Pluto’s dark-green, almost black gown hugged her body and ignited her physique and at only fifteen, she had the curves of a woman – a small plait fell over the tumble of ebony and looked stunning. Dorian stood a good few inches over his sister -- his messy black locks longer than his male counterparts, but didn’t come anywhere near his shoulders.

Queen Selenity opened her locket, her voice amplified by the Ginzuishou, her voice reverberating off the walls of the chamber. “My dear guests, enjoy the festivities and feel free to do as you please!, that is, within reason, of course,” she smiled, closing the locket and curtsied, then joined the party herself.

The young royals stood in a group clustered around a table, anxious for the music to begin. The girls complimented each other on their unique handcrafted gowns while the guys talked amongst themselves about how they dreaded dressing up.

The orchestra began to play soft melodies as an assortment of well-dressed men escorted their equally eye-catching partners onto the dance floor. Venus was the first of the planetary princesses to be asked by a resident of the moon for a dance. The girls smiled at her while the guy’s snuck glances at their friends, attempting unsuccessfully to conceal their laughter and whistled, for the boy dancing with Venus wasn’t all that handsome. After the music had ended, Thor tapped the young man’s shoulder and cut in. Venus’s face immediately lit up, and they danced for quite a few hours.

Everyone danced with those of their home worlds, the Lunarians and their friends. Mars, preoccupied having spent most of the night with Dorian while Selenity glided across the dance floor with Kasei. A look of displeasure came over Kasei’s face on every occasion somebody asked Serenity for a dance.

It was not long before the girls once more gathered around the punch bowl -- repeatedly filling their glasses.

“Anyone want to join me in the gardens? It is too hot in here for me,” Neptune commented, fanning herself and stared at the patio doors that looked so inviting. Her friends nodded, and leisurely made their way out onto the terrace. Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn stood by the railing and gazed at the millions of stars above. Serenity had taken up a position close to the doorway, observing the party. She sipped her punch and leaned against the window frame. Mars soon joined her also curious to observe what the young princess found so intriguing.

“Serene, what are you looking at?” she questioned, and once more studied the elegant dancers, spirited party-goers and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. “Are you looking for someone?” Mars raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest.

Serenity’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, but this Mars hadn’t noticed, due to the fact the lighting was so dim. Refusing to drop the subject, she continued to press the matter of who it was the princess liked. Serenity only shook her head and dared not speak. She finished her punch and joined Mercury and Rhea in their circle. Mars sighed and stole a peek at Dorian then joined her friends.

Hours passed as if minutes, and it was growing late. Venus had fallen asleep on Thor’s shoulder, and for his part, he had almost fallen asleep himself. Queen Selenity summoned everyone’s attention, and the ballroom fell silent. She used the Ginzuishou once again and her voice carried over the throng.

“My friends, I have a very important announcement to make. Unbeknownst to our galaxy’s children, there has been an arrangement made.” Pluto shook Venus awake and her head jerked up from Thor’s shoulder as she slowly rubbed her eyes, “My friends and family, to be more specific, I declare to you this night news of a marital arrangement of great importance.” Uranus’s eyes widened at the mention of ‘marriage’ while Endymion almost spat out his punch. “My daughter’s hand in marriage has been given to Endymion. When my daughter becomes of age, they are to be wed!”

A smile beamed across the queen’s face while Serenity’s jaw almost fell to the floor in astonishment. Endymion dropped his punch glass, wide-eyed and visibly stunned, while the remaining punch splattered on his boots. The betrothed couple stared at each other, and Serenity ran out of the ballroom moments later. A wave of whispers pulsed through the room covered by the roar of applause, and then Selenity dismissed her guests.

~*~

Selenity sat on her bed, hugging her pillow close and staring at her comforter. She hadn’t blinked for over a minute and her eyes fogged over with brimming tears. She blinked once more and her eyes began to sting. She let go of her pillow and sighed. Tears began slowly trickling down her porcelain cheeks. Her mother knocked and walked in, seeing her daughter wipe away her tears.

“Oh darling, I didn’t mean for you to get upset.” She sat beside her daughter on the bed and placed a hand on her back.

“No, Mother, I had something in my eye,” she said, quickly dabbing her eyes with the hem of her dress and reclaimed her pillow.

“It’s all right; you don’t have to make excuses,” she soothed, rubbing Serenity’s back and hugged her. “I guess I should have told you before I announced it.”

Serene rocked back and forth, uttering not a word in response and Selenity sighed. She looked at the pictures on Serenity’s dresser, stood up, walked over to the vanity, and examined the pictures more closely. “Do you miss your father?” She picked up a picture of the three of them, and she rubbed her thumb affectionately over Sirius’s face.

Serenity slid off her bed and joined her mother. “Of course I do.” She looked up at her and noticed a solitary tear sliding down her mother’s cheek. “Mother, we all miss him.” Selenity set the picture back down and grabbed Serene’s hand and took her over to the mirror.

“In a few years, you will be ready to marry. Endymion is a fine young man. You two will learn to love one another. Your father and I were also brought together in an arranged marriage, and I will never love another man as much as I did your father. I only want the best for you and our kingdom.” She placed her hands on Serenity’s shoulders and looked into her daughter’s eyes. “You will soon grow accustomed to the idea. I know it is a great shock to you right now, but you will end up thanking me later.” She kissed her daughter leaving the princess to her own thoughts.

~*~

Serenity stood in front of the mirror examining herself. ‘Endymion has never liked me. Why would his parents marry us off to one another?’ Millions of different questions and insistent thoughts ran through her head. Sighing, she dressed for bed, sliding into the soft, warm security of her bedclothes, and it wasn’t long before she was asleep.

~*~

The following morning was filled with nothing but awkwardness. Everyone had spent the night at the palace, which meant Endymion and Serenity would have to see each other. They all gathered on the veranda and ate breakfast. Serenity and Endymion sat at the head of the table and never looked up from their plates once. After everyone had finished, they headed for the gardens and sat around in groups, talking about the excitement of the previous night.

Serenity sat Indian-style, alone under a white rose tree and twirled a flower in her hand. Endymion sat with his companions in silence, totally oblivious to his surroundings, only paying attention to his thoughts. ‘The girl is twelve years old! A five year age difference is too big. I refuse to marry that scrawny little girl.’ he crossed his arms and stared at his young fiancé.

Serenity felt eyes upon her and chanced a glimpse at Endymion who was staring at her. He didn’t look away, his eyes fixed upon her. She turned away immediately and looked at a nearby fountain.

The moon child’s thirteenth birthday was rapidly approaching, and even though she had five years left, she felt as if time were running out. She walked towards the fountain and dipped her hand into the crystal water. Everyone’s attention was focused on the youngest princess. They watched her splash the water about and returned to their conversations about the issue at hand.

“Serenity is almost thirteen. She is growing up quite nicely,” Kaiousei said. “I mean, she’s isn’t ugly, and she will continue to bloom into a beautiful woman.” Endymion punched him in the arm.

“Whose side are you on? She’s thirteen! She will always be a little kid to me, no matter how beautiful she is.” He once more crossed his arms and sat there pouting, even though he was seventeen and almost a full-grown man.

Kasei lay back on the grass and slid his hands beneath his head. He closed his eyes and fell silent, not commenting on the issue. “I think you’ll change your mind when you see her in five years time,” Dorian remarked.

“I hate this!” Endymion pounded the ground with his hands and jumped to his feet before storming off into the palace. Serenity watched him leave and sighed with relief. For some reason, she felt her stomach release a tight knot and her shoulders loosen. She hadn’t breathed the whole time she stood by the fountain, because she knew he was staring at her.

~*~

A week had passed, and Serenity and Endymion avoided each other at all costs. Even though they dared not talk to one another, they stole secret glances. Serenity was always self conscious about her appearance; continuously attempting to look older. Endymion looked her up and down, seeing if there was any point in hoping for Serenity to bloom into a grown woman.

Serenity and Saturn were lying on their stomachs, soaking up the sun. Everyone went to Venus to celebrate Serenity’s birthday. Waterfalls, rivers, and lakes were found all over the planet. The teens decided to split up and go to their favorite spots, one group visiting the Eternal Waterfalls while the second group went to the J’adore River while the remaining of their number headed for Yellow Lake.

Mars and Pluto were standing under the waterfalls, as the water fell hard upon their shoulders. The pressure they found most relaxing. Soon, they tilted their heads back and the water rushed over their heads. Dorian, Kasei and Endymion were splashing water at each other. It wasn’t long before they splattered the cool water on Saturn and Serenity’s warm bodies. They immediately shot up unleashing a high pitched scream and bounded into the water.

Saturn jumped on Kasei’s back and forced him under the water. Laughing resounded off the nearby caves behind the curtains of water of the Eternal falls. Mars and Pluto joined in the fun. Mars attacked Dorian, but he was too quick for her and lifted her high over his head. She screamed frantically before he tossed her into the water. She came up for air, laughing before once more she jumped to her feet and went after him. Serenity watched on the sidelines before Kasei grabbed her hand while trying to escape from Saturn. Pluto splashed water at Endymion who returned the favor.

The water war continued until everyone was tired. They all slowly walked out of the water and plopped down on the rocky bank, breathing hard from their recent exersions. Serenity sat upright next to Kasei who was lying on his stomach breathing deeply in and out. She rang out her hair then braided it as best she could. Pluto grabbed a book she had brought with her and sat reading. Mars talked with Dorian and asked about life on Pluto. Saturn lay on her back next to Serenity and stared up at the flaxen skies. She sighed, “That was fun,” she placed her hands under her head, “don’t you think, Sere?” She turned her head towards the blonde princess, and Serenity smiled at her friend.

“Yes, it was definitely fun,” She fell back onto the soft ground and stared at the clouds overhead assuming all manner of shapes, “I’m really tired, though.” She yawned and stretched out her arms. “I think I might take a nap.” She turned on her side, facing Kasei, who was also gazing into the skies above. He then turned his eyes towards her, staring at her. Water droplets fell from her skin onto the green grass. He pushed a strand of golden hair away from her eyes, and she responded with a small smile. Serenity placed her hands under her cheek and brought her knees up to her chest.

Endymion watched his future wife and Kasei’s actions, and a peculiar feeling coursed through his body, and he took a moment to recover himself. He tried to distract his thoughts, but he kept coming back to thinking about Serenity and Kasei.

~*~

It soon grew dark, and the yellow skies turned black. After they ate dinner, Venus guided her friends to her chambers. She opened the golden doors and revealed her extravagant room. A sweet sensation attacked each person’s senses and threw each of them off balance. Venus chuckled at their reactions and walked onto her balcony.

Serenity was the last one out, and that was the plan. Venusians mixed with crowds of Lunarians in the courtyard waiting for the Moon Princess. The crowd roared for Serenity and it wasn’t long before they found voice and sung to her. A shocked look came across her face. She ran towards Venus and hugged her.

“I can’t believe this!” she pulled back from her friend and smiled.

“Don’t thank me.” Venus turned Serenity towards Kasei. “This was Kasei’s idea.” Venus pushed her towards the boy.

Serenity ran towards him and jumped into his arms. He twirled her around then set her back down. She grinned and placed a small kiss on his cheek. “Thank you so much!” She ran back to the railing and waved at the crowd.

Endymion felt embarrassed. He did not plan anything special for the girl, and she was his fiancé. Dorian walked up to Endymion and nudged him. “Don’t have any plans, right?” Endymion lowered his head and stared at his feet.

“What do you think Queen Selenity is going to say?” Endymion looked at Dorian with a concerned look on his face.

Dorian patted Endymion on the back. “Don’t worry about it.” Endymion sighed. “All I can say is; you better have a good gift.” With that, Dorian walked away.

~*~

Everyone’s parents were waiting in the portrait room. The teens had just woken up. It was early in the morning; the sun had revealed its face. Serenity, wearing her white nightgown beneath her silk robe walked towards her mother who asked her about her birthday. Serenity yawned and nodded in acknowledgment.

Queen Venn stepped up and suggested Serenity talk with Venus. Once it was only the two of them, Queen Venn explained the weekend’s celebrations. “There was a wonderful surprise party for your daughter held here.”

Queen Selenity smiled, “Was it lovely?”

“Oh yes, it was quite lovely, Kasei did a marvelous job planning it all,” Selenity stared at Venn with confusion in her eyes. She stammered, but Venn answered her question. “I know. It was most disappointing.” Selenity looked down at the white tiled floor and searched her mind for a solution to the problems that potentially lay ahead. “He loves her, Selene.”

~*~


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