Lady of the Silver Moon Part II
Silver Millennium
Moon Kingdom
Sailor Mau stepped from the crystal ring, its pulsing circumference phasing in and out of alternate realms, the adapted time key around her neck flashing with bright orange light.
“My friend,” Setsuna greeted Sailor Mau, “Thank the Kamis you’re here!”
Pluto hugged the other woman who smiled as she used her disguise magic to assume the form of her friend. “Am I convincing enough, Setsuna?” she giggled, and began to purr.
“By the Lords and Ladies of Chronos, you look and sound just like me. And thank you for coming at such short notice.”
“I have news, not good, but not entirely bad either… Serenity of the Dark has taken little Reika. Though it looks bad, she at least survived the dark queen’s attempt to kill her I am happy to say. Our little princess’s magical scepter has encased her within a protective cocoon and an old friend is trying to track her down,” she said, her expression unreadable as she pressed on, “The new enemy, Metallia, is unaware of the paradox between our respective worlds?”
“Yes, and we need to keep it that way.”
“Agreed,” Mau, replied.
“Her activities are localized to the surface of Terra and her protégé, Queen Beryl, who by the way I suspect is a new embodiment of the spirit of Ravensong,” Setsuna said, assuming her Senshi form.
“Correct, and Metallia is Chaos’s sister. She is a formidable force,” Mau added.
“I can imagine the mess we’d have to deal with if Dark Serenity and Metallia ever joined forces, both universes and the fabric of the Crystal Nexus itself would be severely compromised,” Setsuna said, looking back at the carbon copy of herself, “I am ready to go.”
“Safe journey, my old friend and remember, it is important you and the Terran Queen meet as soon as possible and that you bring her up to date with events here. I will deal with Endy next. We can bide our time, but trouble is afoot in our universe if Dark Serenity destroys Elysian. But her obsession with Reika has bought us some time, but not much. Fortunately, it is relatively in tact – for now. We must act and soon,” a look of sadness overtook Pluto’s expression at the thought of Endymion and Mau squeezed her hand. “You sure about all this? I could go in your stead. I know this grieves you as you’ve spoken of your feelings for Endymion, if you would rather-“
“No, Lady Moon Cat, it’s all right, I can handle this. I must, for all our sakes. I am a Senshi and Guardian of Time first before I am a woman. Trust me. I will be fine,” she took a deep breath and continued, “The temporal surges from the alternate realm and time moves much faster in your world. It is possible to move seamlessly back and forth with the modified time key,” Setsuna said as she turned to go, holding the glowing orange key up and the crystal portal flashed to life once again.
“I think talking about it to the queen may help you, my friend, please give it some thought. Travel safe, and may the Kamis protect you!”
Pluto stopped on the threshold and turned to face Mau, “Oh, and thank you for understanding, I will consider taking your advice,” and then she was gone.
Mau strode towards the crystal gateway, slipped another key into the secret panel on the crystal console, and set it for the 21st century, locking in Pluto’s Affinity signature and resetting it. “The dial is set, and the bigger picture with The Celestial Senshi, Zero and his allies waits for the future to play out, it is done!”
The crystal aperture flared to life again and a tall purple robed figure emerged. “Queen Mau, all set?” Janus said, bowing to the Mauan monarch.
“Yes Lord Janus, events are about to play out as they are meant to and good luck with Persephone, she is a good Senshi,” Mau said as he accepted the second modified time key from her slender hand and he bowed, then smiled, and stepped through.
Palace Garden Silver Millennium
Without warning, Endymion felt faint and slowed his pace. Mars offered him a quizzical look, her hand automatically grabbing his forearm to steady the Terran prince. He looked as if that at any moment he’d topple over and fall.
“Highness? Endy? You all right there?” she said, a hint of alarm in her voice as his pale complexion began to regain a little color.
“Sorry Lady Mars, I don’t know what is wrong with me. I felt really giddy for a moment there.”
“Hey, it’s all right, maybe all the stress about losing Kunzite and the others is finally catching up with you. After all, you’ve suffered both the loss of your friends and key military tacticians. I’d call that a reason to go a little into shock,” she said, offering a sympathetic smile. The red clad Senshi immediately hooking her arm through his and helping him as he staggered towards a marble bench. The smell of freshly cut Lunarian grass and roses, heady and sweet on the warm breeze filling her nostrils.
He could scarcely stand, let alone walk. But allowed the raven-haired Senshi to help him. He didn’t mind that much, for she was easy on the eye and he realized, physically strong despite her slim build and height. He then thought of Serenity and this gave him comfort.
Beautiful women loved him, and he knew this one, with the haunting eyes, shimmering black locks and lovely body was drawn to him. Sere’s guardians were not immune to his charms. But his love, his only love, was more alluring and enchanting than them all.
He sank onto the seat exhausted. She sat beside him, a look of concern on her sweet face. Endymion heaved a mighty sigh and gulped in the late afternoon air in large draughts. He didn’t want to burden her with the visions that accompanied these dizzy spells that were growing all the more intense and frequent with each passing moment.
The last few days had been a mad blur. He found it odd that Serenity’s hair was racing across the temple floor, growing at a phenomenal rate. The last time he checked, her hair was winding itself around her meditating companion, Sailor Saturn, they’d been in a trance state now for days.
He was experiencing strange premonitions. Wiping his brow with the cuff of his jacket, he ran his hand through his hair and sighed. Try as he might, the strange visions would not leave him.
Elysian, the realm of dreams and the Mauan child, a girl standing against a creature of nightmare in her pink and white fuku, with white boots and wide frightened cherry-red eyes and coppery-blond hair, cerise staff that became a protective shell to save her from whatever that thing attacking her was. He shuddered at the uncanny resemblance the melanic winged woman bore to Serenity, his betrothed.
He was reluctantly reminded of the legend of the Dark monarch Setsuna had spoken of at their last meeting. Endymion wondered how he kept it all together, considering his parents were murdered, Serenity’s grandmother Selene recently dying in her sleep and his Shitennou deserting him, now this new complication.
The colors once again ambushed him, washing over his vision as the Elysian temple and its surrounds came into view. He could see the she-creature facing the brave and frightened Mauan child.
His vision cleared and he caught the sad expression and the brimming tears of the soldier of fire beside him and relaxed as the headache that always accompanied these episodes ebbed away. He looked at her again.
(Seemed she too is troubled. Perhaps we could help each other. She’s holding something back. I feel better talking to her about this now. If I can hold a secret for her, she will hold her silence on my problems. I trust her, but I need a little more bargaining power, just in case)
He felt his world spinning again, the bright silvery flash. Endymion saw the rearing dark creature exploding, the fragments of the landscape, scenes showing the temple priestesses going about their daily tasks and the dreamers coming and going and then the terrible storms all moving in slow motion. Then the pink casket containing the sleeping princess being taken through the Elysian portal, the last of these striking images burning itself into his brain.
(But where was Lord Helios? How is this possible, is this a vision of things to come? It makes no sense. What does this mean? I have to talk to Mars and find out if Elysian is all right)
“Mars?” he ventured, knowing he’d startled her from her thoughts as she jumped.
“Sorry Endy, I was puzzling out something. You know, we women like to mull over our thoughts,” she said, a weak smile dancing upon her rosy lips.
“Try me, a third perspective might help,” he offered, and noticed her smile and almost imperceptible shrug.
“All right, but please, don’t tell anyone, Sere especially,” she said, tightening her grip on his arm. “I’m in love with one of your Shitennou!”
He wasn’t surprised, and thought he knew who it was. Jadeite had constantly spoken of her and he was beaming all the time. She had played hard to get and with Jadeite, you just didn’t do that. He was smitten and soon he pursued her with even more vigor than before. She relented of course. Endymion blushed as the memory of his retelling of how he’d seduced her in the stables came to mind. She fought him, token resistance, really. She had him pinned in seconds. She kissed him and proceeded to wrestle him until he was atop her and Mars wrapped her powerful legs around his waist and they made love. He delighted in the fact they were copulating while she was in her fuku, making their encounter all the more exciting for having sex while on duty.
He chuckled and turned to see her mortified expression. “Sorry Mars, he said, by way of apology, “Perhaps memories are too dangerous a thing at times like this. But yes, he had spoken of you with fondness, no, with gusto, and he adored you… I am sorry for you all. Venus and Kunzite fought, almost killing each other. He too had given an ultimatum for her to join the Dark Kingdom, Mercury and Jupiter too had similar confrontations. I was glad you all got out of there in one piece.”
She smiled sheepishly, “He told you of the incident in the stables, right,” this more a statement than a question.
“Aar, he sure did,” he shook his head, “Now I’ve lost a friend and you a lover.”
She nodded, not looking at him and a tear trickled down her cheek. “Endy, I’m still seeing him, Serenity doesn’t know and she’d kill me if he doesn’t first. He wants me to come to Terra and join Beryl. But I told him I couldn’t. I hurt him I think. He attacked me and I fought back. Oh, Endy… it w-was awful!” She broke down and cried in his arms.
He offered words of comfort as he stroked her hair. He wanted to help her and knew what would surely be in store for him when his dear Serenity was claimed by Ravensong’s curse. The dark entity might be dead, but her curse still threatened them all.
“We should check up on Sere,” he said, his throat dry, and she nodded and they rose together and strolled towards the Moon Temple. “I must ask you,” he ventured.
“Yes, Highness, go right ahead,” she said, her eyes soulful as she gazed up at him.
“Can you sit before the Celestial Fire and see if you can check up on Elysian, I am worried about Helios and his people.”
“Sure, we can do that after we check on Sere and Saturn.”
She dropped his hand as they stood on the threshold watching Saturn and Princess Serenity seated upon Tatami mats in deep meditation, a silvery-pink light enveloping them.
“Beryl is getting bolder and the news is not good. I need to know if Sere is all right and if we can stop this curse of Ravensong.”
“They have come out of it for brief periods, but have slumped over and curled up and slept and look at Sere’s hair, its getting out of hand. I’m going to have to open up the back of the chamber to put it all there,” Mars joked, offering him a wry smile.
They grabbed a couple of spare Tatami mats, sat beside the two women, closed their eyes, and immediately fell into a deep trance state.
Terra (alternate universe)
The Northern Lands of Atlantari
She sighed and visited the armory.
“Tis’ a good morning Lady Persephone, and you’re leaving us?” Tyler inquired, he was a good friend of Setsuna, and he had told her many things about her father, and of the Dark Queen before she was… dark. “But before you lovely young ladies leave for Atlantari City I have news you might find interesting. I knew you were seeking some answers as to how to reach Endymion of the alternate universe.”
“Tyler, how did you-“
“I had been paid a visit after you left our home last night, arena opened the door to a tall stranger calling himself, Lord Janus. He is some sort of Temporal Mage, a Time Lord. Ah, yes! That is the exact wording. I sat with him in my study and he told me of a realm and of a future where he governs the corridors of time and his coming here was to do with you!”
“Why didn’t you come get me, I wouldn’t have minded. He has gone, hasn’t he,” she sat on a stack of straw and sighed.
“Easy girl, I think he wants it this way. You are, according to Lord Janus, destined to meet and I know you’ll wish to leave without delay.”
“You know me all too well, my friend. I must-needs-go. Mother and father need all the help they can get and the enemy is defeated here so we can ride without worrying about a youma battalion intercepting us.”
He nodded, turned and waited as the shimmering sapphire sword cooled in the magical vat. He withdrew the stunning object from the enchanted solution and plucked a hair from his beard to test its sharpness. With a laugh of triumphant satisfaction, he handed the beautiful weapon to Persephone.
”Happy birthday, young mistress," he declared, studying her face, delighting in her reaction. What, didn’t you think I’d remember? Shame on you ; I nursed you many a time when your mother was off with your dear father, and Agni is also going to miss you.” Agni was their sixteen-year-old daughter, a musician and singer well known in the hinterland and the capital for her lovely voice and skill with the harp.
“Oh, Tyler, I don’t know what to say,” the blushing Senshi princess breathed, smiling as she felt the ornate hilt in the palm of her hand, testing its weight. “Hmmm, nice!” She struck a battle pose.
“You could start by thanking me,” he winked.
“Hahaha! Of course I thank you, you’re a darling and so too your lovely wife!”
“Ah, a weapon befitting such a one as you, my child. Yes, and a most deadly butterfly and a beautiful one too I might add. Now see for yourself. Whisper to it. Call to its power!”
“Jewel of light. Sword of fire. Come to me and serve me well! I call upon the Kamis to bless this blade and place my trust in Orion’s power!” She danced about the dusty floor, crouching and leaping, her emerald locks swirling about rounded hips and her grunts and fast moving footsteps were graceful, athletic. She spun around like a dancer, the blade glittering, catching the light of Tyler’s forge. She was laughing as she pirouetted and twirled the sword almost as if it were a baton. The weapon felt so light in her hands, her almost imperceptible movements, so fast, he scarcely caught them.
He was a man of keen eye, and had to be in his chosen profession. She resembled a spinning top of reflective lightning of an aquamarine hue as she moved. As she lowered the blade, it hummed her name and she gasped. “Oh, Tyler you didn’t!”
“I did!”
“But how did you manage it, this is an enchanted weapon!”
“I made it, with a little help from Orion himself. He owes me for services rendered. Let’s just say, he’s returning a few favors on his account from the past. And besides, I couldn’t think of a better custodian for this dazzling blade.”
“Oh Tyler, you spoil me too much. But as Senshi of Earth and Fertility, this is perfect for me as it shall be the tuning fork for my latent powers. I am truly grateful, my dear friend!”
“Well, let me hand you Janus’s directions: his tavern where he shall be this time at a day and night’s ride. I feel a little weary of him, but as you say, you have a need of a powerful sorcerer, and Janus more than qualifies from all accounts and his abilities to protect people from the youma with his high magic have my approval. He’s got to be on our side. I trust him. But, be careful, my child. That is the other reason I’ve given you this sword now. I had planned to give this to you on your twentieth year as is custom. But you need it now!”
She hugged him and as they continued to chat, his wife entered the workroom and provided food and drinks and showed Venus, Mars and herself to their sleeping quarters.
~*~
The next morning, before the small party ventured into the Marico Desert bound for the Ikshibou forest on rout to Eluvia, Persephone and her small party had the wind at their backs, as they rode at speed across the lush countryside.
Earlier that morning, Tyler had made sure the village saddle girls prepared their mounts in time for them to leave at daybreak. They had a week’s supplies in the saddlebags.
She knew this was dangerous, but what else could she do. If she were to restore her father’s power and sight to enable him to defeat the Dark Queen, she had to risk it, and risk it she would. So, with the information she needed, she set off with her friends for the village to meet with the mysterious emissary of the Temple of Chronos, the Guardian of Time; Lord Janus.
They camped on a riverbank overnight after the first day’s riding. Soon, by mid morning the following day they’d reached their destination.
Eluvia Tavern on the outskirts of Siva Mountain
The three Senshi dismounted and led their horses: a beautiful black mare with gold mane for Persephone, a black stallion with silver mane for Mars and a white filly for Venus with a lavender mane to the tavern stables. Then all three sank into a hot scented tub and after a long ride this was a welcome luxury all three girls enjoyed as they sat, their knees drawn up after washing their bodies and hair. Contented, they just sat their talking and relaxing. Then they had their evening meals.
She knew where and when he would be staying at the tavern thanks to Tyler. Apparently, Janus had been seen working powerful magic to protect the population from youma attacks in return for being left alone to conduct his business in the township unhindered.
~*~
The girls sat at a small table watching the patrons coming and going. The smell of Eluvian Ail on the air, intoxicating. The chatter of patrons, women giggling and the cheers of young men out back gambling met their ears. But what was especially inviting was the warmth of a blazing fire in the huge fireplace where the wife of the tavern manager was baking fresh bread and scones for the taking. She asked a modest price, only a quartz disk apiece, a real bargain given the size and quality of the tasty treats. The food smelt delicious and the girls ate heartily while sipping their moon liqueur.
Persephone knew he would stand out and he did. As soon as the lavender-haired man wearing an indigo cloak passed through the tavern doors, his knee-high boots announcing his arrival, all eyes turned towards him. Persephone and her company -- along with every female in the establishment -- took in his powerful build and good looks. The tall imposing young man ignoring the admiring and curious gazes of the clientele and headed straight for the bar without batting an eyelash. Persephone noticed the unusual violet pendant around his neck as the man sat upon a stool at the bar and waved over the bartender to place his order.
She nudged Venus in the ribcage, “That’s him! Go!” Mars was smiling and no doubt drooling. Persephone sighed and nudged the Senshi of love and silver once again, a little harder this time, “Venus, now… do your thing!” she said in a whisper as Mars rolled her eyes.
The sultry young woman slid off her chair like cherry liqueur and sauntered up to the tall and forbidding stranger. “Hello, I am Venus, what is a young and good-looking man such as yourself doing without the company of a lovely lady?” she batted her eyelashes coquettishly.
“Hmmm, seems I am no longer devoid of attractive company,” he smiled, looking her up and down, nodding approvingly, taking in her over-all loveliness and paying particular attention to her cleavage.
“Thank you, and you are?” she leaned closer, aware she had caught his interest. But she also knew he was on to her.
He smiled, his eyes of a deep violet like the wand he now held in his hands, twinkling in the light of the lanterns fastened to the wooden beams of the ceiling. “Bring Persephone and Princess Mars to my rooms. If you would like your information, you do not need to spend the night with me, either of you. But…,” he winked, “If you really can’t resist me, then I welcome a little local hospitality. So, in five minutes after I finish my customary ales -- deal?”
“Deal, my good sir,” she said, blushing as he patted her knee and squeezed it and she was immediately drawn to him. Blushing, she could only smile and nodded as she slipped off the stool, returning to the table to rejoin Persephone and Mars.
~*~
Janus had known the Dark Queen would use the old castle, for it was in the mirror of time he had seen it and because of its affinity with the House of Chronos on Modena, he had no trouble tracing the Mauan princess.
“Princesses Venus, Persephone, and the lovely Venus, we meet again! Please sit and refresh yourselves.”
“Thank you, Lord Janus,” Persephone responded, filling a goblet for herself and her companions who looked at her curiously and shrugged as she winked and handed them their drinks. “To finding Reika!”
They all responded in unison as Janus warmed to the young female warriors and told them what they had desperately wanted to know. When he had finished, he gave them a map.
“Ladies, I give you fair warning. Please take caution when venturing the mountain. I say this because the mountain was once a temple dedicated to Lord Chronos and it is unconsecrated,” he paused and went on, “Dark powers may lurk therein. Oh, and one final piece of advice, you need to send the keeper of the Ginzuishou, Queen Serenity Moon, the winged warrior as she is the only one capable of getting past the spells and dark magic.
“Thank you, sir, we would love to… stay, but we best be going home.”
He chuckled,” I was only joking about seducing all three, I am no fool, you’d all ware me out and my wife, Amydarainia would kill me, not to mention my children.” He laughed and handed them the scroll and crystal talisman. “Good luck!”
“You are most kind, dear sir,” she winked at him and he laughed, and they all did and knew they had made a valuable new friend and ally. “Lord Janus, we must take our leave of you, it’s been… most informative and we’ve enjoyed your company!” Persephone said, warming to the stranger.
“My pleasure noble Senshi Princesses!”
Atlantari City
The Terran Palace
“The abandoned castle atop the western face of the peak is extremely difficult to reach, at least, impossible for any human to traverse, alas, even for the most gifted Shitennou or Senshi. But my Lady Serenity Moon, you can do it, with your wings and the power of the Ginzuishou restored by your alternate daughter. I feel her power around you. Only you can do this!” Mars said, after emerging from her meditations.
“We shall go on the morrow. We need to organize supplies and assist you as much as we can. Then the rest, dear lady, is up to you,” Lord Kunzite added and all filed out of the Fire Sanctuary in silence.
