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Mommy Please Love Me: Story of a Crystal Princess by Loki

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Book II

Still Doll


Ophelia’s Recital


Shards of memory, of a newborn’s life that died upon the frozen winds of time stealing my world and those I loved away. It makes me sad.

I was conceived by digital dreamers, a heart of flesh and circuitry, or both, I’m really not so sure.

I remember the dreaming, the enchantment as I lost myself amidst my fellows while exiled to a realm I scarcely understood let alone knew existed. I the hope in Pandora’s Box realized in the unknown age. I the faery princess, the synthogenic miracle as Dr. Hiratora and the team described us. Now I leave my body to visit the old world. Barely a soul visits here, yet, when a man and woman of extraordinary power and magic visit, I project myself outside my body prison to gaze upon the animated ones and marvel once more at their beauty and strength.

I am Ophelia, the trapped vanguard of a race not granted our chance to shine, but this day, I feel a chance has finally come our way!


Galatea on Ice


My name is Ophelia, my mother calls me her faery princess. I have wings of crystal. They’re really pretty.

I remember when the lights went out, and the power was suddenly gone. I was frightened. I could talk to my sisters, but they slept in a deeper place than I did and I could not wake them. At least I could transfer a silhouette of myself into the chamber and dance. I danced and I sung to ward off the long epoch of solitude. I dreamed of beautiful things I had no words for, of friendships and sensations not usually known to my kind. But the dream walkers cared for me as I floated between worlds.

I missed my conversations with Hiromi, my creator, my mirror self. She was lovely ,just like me, she my mother, I her child. She loves me very much, or at least she did. But she is long dead and I am alone. My biogenic systems were moving into a state of twilight consciousness. I was not going to submit. I resisted. I dreamt, something considered impossible for a biosynthetic being to achieve. But I, the ever-intrepid voyager, as mother called me, defied the odds and laws of protocol. I am testament to that fact as I have set many a new precedent for my kind. We were to serve humanity, as prototypes of hope and creativity. But when the ice came, the humans left us behind in this cold and lonely place under the towers of glass that have long since fallen into ruin.

But from her far away realm, mother spoke to me of two glittering blooms of hope that had the power to reawaken the world, the first, the Ginzuishou, the second, the Kinzuishou. She described these as blooming flowers. I could see them now, intricate petals of silver and golden light. I saw her then, the one known as the Neo Queen and her king and one other, a sun warrior by the name of Lord Helios came to dwell in my dream world. They spoke of a crystal that continued to shine in this world and ours. She, Serenity, told me it would free me and I would know what to do when that day came.

I waited, and as my new friends visited less frequently, I began to feel myself pulled towards consciousness. I would wake for short periods of time and then take in my surroundings. I couldn’t see much from within my trapped body, but I knew it was the laboratory, deathly quiet, dark and frightening. All of us covered in a wrapping of some sort. I understood it was not my creator who did this, but the new and strange people who had rebuilt the city.


Reconciliation


The fireworks were spectacular. The glittering puffs of color splashed with violets, pinks, blues and just about every shade of brilliance imaginable lit up the Crystal Tokyo skies overhead.

Kunzite and Minako sat on the narrow ledge of the ancient fountain in the old quarter, spellbound while gazing up at the display. Behind them, the life-like statues of Serenity and Endymion were smiling beneficently upon the city. Then a hologram of a driverless sleek black Mercedes rushed past with an elf on horseback in hot pursuit – armed with a crystal crossbow, the would-be archer taking aim at the vehicle. Kunzite stared gob smacked. Minako covered her mouth and giggled as more holo-images generated for the night’s celebrations paraded by.

“Have you ever seen anything like that before, Minako?” he said, rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands in disbelief as several Velossa Raptors, bright pink in color with a silver mane with human-like blue eyes set upon a giant rubber ball that squeaked in delight as the holographic dinosaurs tore it to shreds. Minako took his hand, giggling as he continued to stare at the surreal sight in disbelief and amazement. Then a wash of glittering musical notes whirled about the feeding frenzy. Suddenly, breakfast cereal exploded in all directions, vanishing on contact with the stone courtyard. “Breakfast cereal?” he said in puzzlement.

“Yup, all the rage amongst the kids of Crystal Tokyo and pretty much all over the world right now, Kunz,” she teased, winking.

“I am confused. I ask you. They call this, entertainment, virtual monsters attacking innocuous golden holographic spheres? I must say, it is different,” he chuckled as a popping sound punctuated the dissolution of the images and they were alone again. He smiled at Minako as she snuggled up against him and he slipped an arm about her waist and then began stroking her sumptuous long blonde hair.

“I love you my Kunzite. You know,” she paused, kissing his nose, “I am in the mood for a warm bed, and a little, loving.”

“Are you now,” he grinned,” but first, after a nightcap – then you!”

“I look forward to it and I think we best be going,” she breathed, as he ran a finger up and down her thigh, the sensation sending tingles of pleasure over her entire body, bringing goosebumps to the tender skin of her sculpted bare legs.

“Getting tired? Married life I am sure will agree with you. Also,” he patted her rump, “I think a little love play is on the menu before the main event is it not?” he winked and she reached up and pulled his head lower and they kissed. She whimpered as he suckled on her lower lip. He loved her strawberry lip-gloss and sweet mouth. She moaned with pleasure as they kissed passionately.

“Did I detect a cryptic proposal of marriage from you then, Kunz? Have I finally snagged your soul?” she whispered, kissing him once more.

“Yes, in fact you did. I would dearly love to have you as my bride for marriage or conjoining as the Celestial Senshi call a bonding of wedlock.”

“I accept your proposal.”

“I am honored my love, shall we?” he said, slipping the ring on her ring finger.

“Oh Kunz!” she gushed, hugging him and holding the ring to the light. Smothered in diamonds, the jade petals surrounding the pink stones were skillfully hand carved. “Oh Kunz! It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“Nothing but the best for my love. Aishiteru, Minako.” They kissed once more. Moments later, the happy couple rose as one and ventured back into the city proper, hand in hand.

The ovoid glittering eyes in the darkness were unseen by the humans. But she longed to step out into the moonlight, away from her home within the ancient ruins and dance and sing. She had successfully teleported her consciousness beyond the lab, the feeling was intoxicating, and she felt more solid out here. She longed to mingle with the citizens of this world, but was more afraid of what might happen if she entered their society.

~would they reject me and be afraid of me?~

She had been asleep for so long. She didn’t understand any of it, the fact she did not eat or drink, although she could if she wanted. She studied the people of the metropolis from a careful distance, not wishing to give herself away. But if only she could awaken her sisters. Ophelia was so lonely. Afraid to reach out to the two people sitting on the rim of the old fountain featuring the marble representations of her friends within the dream realm: Serenity and Endymion. She looked so happy and in love, that girl.

~Love, what a wonderful concept~ with that thought and a heavy heart, she retreated into the night.

~*~

Serenity Dawn sighed with pleasure at the sight. The crowds “oooo’d” and “ah’d” at the amazing phantasm of images thrown off the crystal towers, domes and other structures within the gleaming city. The skyline, alight with holographic displays featuring everything from rock bands, Morph-Dance, Dark Ambient, the waltz to ballet, jugglers and bards were well represented. The Cyber Street Theatre troops were also in plentiful supply. The music providing a spellbinding soundtrack to this royal fest.

Awesome giant holographic samurai battles in the public square took place in front of the palace as stunning aerial war drills were performed over the capital by the Crystal Kingdom’s most impressive warships accompanied by a formation of crystal fighters that delighted the cheering crowds below.

Meanwhile, Senshi and Shitennou wowed their audience by playing instruments, dancing and acting -- well, what passed for acting anyway – This all part of the Royal Birthday celebrations beamed to all corners of the globe and the entire galaxy. Zoicite and Mercury stole the show of course, with Ami’s skill and fluid movement with her hydra-aqua gymnastics where the water assumed the forms of living beings that moved and entertained the crowds, this was a tough act to follow. But Mars’ and Vesta put on a fire show unrivaled by any other. Mars was also the consummate singing sensation as she and Jadeite performed with a little help from the Asteroid Senshi with songs from Brigadoon, Singing in the Rain and Xzanadu.

Luna and Artemis sang up front of the newly formed Starlights, dancing and singing their way into the hearts of the young citizens of Crystal Tokyo. They’d rehearsed for months ahead of the event and weren’t half-bad at it either.

For the children, 21st Century Anime and Manga holographic characters entertained all. Even holographic rainbow plumes emerged from the twin volcanic vents of Fuji and Kikuyu, the old girl having given birth to a new volcano upon the reawakening of the planet after the end of the Big Freeze, this portion of the city waylaid by lava flows. But under the power of the Ginzuishou and Kinzuishou combined, these were solidified and a new national park was born. The scenic location, alive with exotic birdlife and animals and plants and stunning rock formations soon became a popular spot for terrestrial and interstellar visitors alike.

~*~

She danced. She drank a little and was now abuzz with curiosity about the mysterious old quarter of Crystal Tokyo, enchanted and etheric under the giant reptiles and teddy bear holograms that stalked through the streets as the crowds continued to celebrate her birthday. She had always been curious about it and seeing Minako and Kunzite emerging from the darkness and waving to her had rekindled her interest in what it had to offer. She promised herself she would set aside an afternoon and explore it. Serenity Dawn sighed with pleasure at the glorious night, the air sweet. All were in good spirits as was she.

~All this for me? I’m not worth that much fuss. I enjoy it though,~ she giggled, letting the warm breeze tickle her silken neck and bared shoulders. She felt so light headed. Her hair, fluttering in the breeze, continued to kiss her arms and upper chest making her giggle with the sensation. She felt totally at ease with herself and the world.

She felt a gentle hand on her forearm and turned to se her mother standing beside her. “Sere, I love you and I want to be here always for you. I won’t cramp your style, nor will I tread on your toes,” she assured her daughter. She drew the night air deep into her lungs, such was her sense of nervousness in that moment. “Just let me know if I become a pain in the butt. Last thing I want to do is be a nuisance.”

“Oh mommy, all I ever wanted was for you to love me. I have always loved you and wanted to spend time with you. Do you honestly think I care if you cramp my style? Hahaha … I think we have a lot of catching up to do first before you’d get even close to doing that. So, as they said in the old world, ‘chill woman!’ Now, tell me about yourself,” she said, as her mother pulled her into her arms.

Serenity was content. She talked openly about her problems. She discussed her work with the Ginzuishou, and this, Sere found most fascinating. Her mother spoke of how overwhelming it still was for her, as both she and the crystal were one. Sometimes the distinction was difficult if not impossible to determine when she became the Crystal Warrior Queen. Whenever she merged with it, it scared the hell out of her, but that was the price to pay to protect them all. She hugged her mother then, stroking her cerise locks. Serenity Dawn then felt the warmth of her mother's body fill her with strength and silvery light. She was a great and powerful woman, a warrior queen and shamaness. Her mother had sacrificed and lost so much. She understood her mother a lot better now.

Then she really surprised her daughter by telling her of her feelings for one of the Shitennou. She was seeing him privately without telling anyone, not even Diana or Luna. Serenity Dawn smiled and nodded for her to continue. She listened, added comments -- not too much -- she wanted to learn everything about her mother. She was starving for it and of course, her love. Finally, they were together after so long a time. All those wasted years dissolved into nothingness that night as they stood together enjoying the celebrations for Sere’s birthday. Resting her head on her daughter’s shoulder, Serenity felt the unfamiliar but welcome surge of happiness flooding her heart for the first time in years.

Sere was almost the same height as her mother. At fourteen, she was not only crown princess, but also a blossoming young woman and much loved by all. She had matured in a physical sense at age eleven, much to her chagrin. All the boys she knew that were older than she started treating her in a different way to what she was used to and comfortable with. But as she grew in stature in terms of her role as crown princess, she began to excel and mature; this aided by the visits by Pegasus over the years. She was beginning to feel a little more confident of late with members of the opposite sex. But she missed Paris most of all, despite having dated infrequently. As time went on, she made the adjustment to adolescence and its peaks and troths. Her friends, Paris and Janus, Cassandra and Mayer had left with their parents five years before for their respective planetary kingdoms as part of their training. She had missed them so.

Her thoughts returned to the present as her mother’s warm arms wound around her and she hugged her mother back. “Sorry Mother, I was daydreaming, or night dreaming?” she giggled.

“Its all right sweetheart, I’ve been guilty of doing that many times myself,” she laughed, “Oh, my darling, I have so much to tell you. But where to begin; I have been finding all this,” she said, gesturing towards the palace, “so heavy a legacy to handle. I was driven, some say, mad-“

“Don’t let anyone talk about you like that. You’ve had an awful time. I know you wanted only to protect me and you love us all, me, the people of Earth and the community of worlds under your rule. Now, I am here to help you. You’re not alone, and neither am I.” she kissed her mother’s forehead. The gesture bringing glittering tears forth from closed lids and Serenity Dawn kissed them away.

“You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that, Sere. I thought I’d lost you because of my stance and now I am blessed by the Kamis, for you have not shut me out the way I did with you. I know,” she added in haste, as Sere was about to pick her up on her guilt, “But self-doubt and self-loathing takes a little time to break down after years of it,” she admitted, kissing her daughter’s cheeks and hugging her once again.

Taking Serenity Dawn’s hand, Serenity led her daughter up the pink marble stairs onto the balcony. The crowds grew excited at the sight as Shitennou and Senshi formed a protective ring around the two beautiful monarchs. All smiled this night as Crystal Tokyo came to life in a way unseen since the coronation of Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion decades before.

“Mother… you and me are like, that!” They lifted their clasped hands into the air in a symbol of solidarity and love as the throng, seeing the action, broke into applause and cheers. Sere and her mother’s fingers entwined as all bore witness to the public demonstration of love and affection between mother and daughter. They turned to watch the display, holding hands, laughing at the comic holographic theatrical presentations of Inuyasha. They found the antics of Miroku hilarious and the beautiful Kagome and her chant of ‘Sit!’ immobilizing Inuyasha most entertaining. The sounds of disembodied dialogue continued to wash over the palace and its surrounds well past midnight.


Wrath of the Gods


Over the next three years, the people rallied behind Serenity and the Crystal Throne and dissention faded on Earth completely , much to the relief of all. But just as mother and daughter were working together and preparing to send an envoy to open peace talks between Crystal Tokyo and the non-allied worlds under the stewardship of Uranus and Neptune, a dark swarm of unknown warships entered Earth orbit and began firing upon several cities across the planet including Crystal Tokyo itself.

“Damn them!” Kunzite screamed, stomping into the throne room. “We’re reinforcing the lines as best we can, but Haruka and Michiru still won’t help. They are unaware of the reunion between yourself and Sere and after all these years; damn their blockades! My Apologies, my queen it's just frustrating dealing with stubborn planetary sovereigns. They're still holding out on us. We are fighting on two fronts, protecting their asses and our own. I don’t get it!” he growled, throwing himself into a chair as a very pregnant Minako, off duty for the duration of her pregnancy moved to soothe her husband. The others joined her.

“I can talk to Haruka using Luna P as mother has allowed me to use it. Whoever these new enemies are, they know intimately our every move,” Sere said, as she knelt beside Minako. The Senshi of love taking Kunzite’s hand and squeezing it, and he allowed Sere to continue without interruption as he was apt to do when frustrated. “Setsuna also is going to help. Trust me, she’s worried, too.”

“Thank you Sere. And apparently, this new enemy are aware of the political situation between our worlds and have played us all for fools, which we’ve been until the present,” he sighed.

“Kunzite’s right, they’ve taken advantage of the situation guys. I think we’re dealing with a far cleverer enemy than Galaxia or Nehelenia,” Artemis said, moving to the holo-imager to study the spiky obsidian warships and the massive firepower possessed by each. “Our shields will not hold indefinitely. If we don’t take them out, we are in big trouble guys. Thus far, we’ve thrown everything at them, with barely a scratch inflicted upon the enemy. They are far in advance of anything we have and nobody recognizes them.”

“I wonder… I think it is time I called on your people, Artemis, they are pretty advanced and have an impressive fleet. I think we best make overtures,” Serenity said, rising from her throne to talk with Luna and Artemis who nodded and followed her into her private office to send a communiqué to Mau.

~*~

Venus and Kunzite studied the images upon the crystal tablet showing the Earth surrounded by six massive unknown warships as they pounded the capitals of several continents around the clock in an attempt to break down the shields. The quantum blasts were constant, the night sky always flashing with beautiful bursts of fluorescent color, a pretty but deadly sight that had continued 24-7. The constant booming explosions high up in Earth’s atmosphere were nerve wracking, so much so that millions found it near impossible to sleep, as the barrage was relentless.

~*~

“Crap! A whole week of this, and we are only able to sleep through sedation, any news?” Jupiter whined.

“So long as they don’t send ground troops, we’ll be okay,” Venus said, sipping her fruit juice thoughtfully.

“We cannot engage them here on Earth, but they’ve got our measure out there in space. But I’d rather that than to have our citizens placed in danger,” Serenity said, shaking her head. “And the same situation faces our Senshi/Shitennou forces and governments all over the planet.”

“I know, but you’ll like this, look at the holo-imager, guys!” Artemis cried as the live feed was updated in an instant. “One of the ships just exploded after a combined assault, but we had to use two thirds of our forces to take out just one ship!”

Luna, entering the chamber plopped into a nearby chair next to Lord Nephrite and caught up on the latest.

“Turquoise, what of the moon; tell me, are they able to bring our reserve fleet’s construction forward anytime soon?” Sere asked, leaning forward, her tumble of vermillion flowing over her thighs.

“Not all the fleet will be ready in time. But there are only enough to defend the polar outpost, not enough to make any major difference for the Earth I’m afraid,” he said with a sigh.

“It’s bad, Sere. I have called for help and we will be engaging the enemy once more within the hour. We don’t know who or even what these are. Youma with a maestro of some sort I suspect,” Turquoise said, as a cluster of Celestial Senshi entered the throne room.

“If we can hold them back for a few days more, Mauan mother ships will reach us and lend a hand. I think we will manage,” Serenity assured the unconvinced Shitennou.

“Mother, I will make contact with Haruka and Michiru. I talked with their guardians, Styx and Flora and they tell me they’re willing to talk to me. I am sure I can get through to them. At least it’s worth a try under the circumstances.”

“Good luck, my darling, let me know how you go,” Serenity said, offering a warm smile.


Faery Meeting


“Sere, I don’t believe it, Michiru is still in a state of shock at my agreeing to meet with you both. But I can’t do it right now as we have a situation.”

“A situation? You don’t mean-“

“Yes, the same mysterious ships you have pounding your cities are attacking ours and we’re having a little more luck knocking them out, but they’re powerful and I think this is only a taskforce.” Haruka sighed, sitting back on her throne. “I am getting a bad feeling about this. The ship’s hull is composed of the same dark crystal as that once used by Wiseman. I am getting very nervous!”

“No, you don’t mean the nightmares mother and I had. I haven’t had them for years! You think its her, Black Lady?” Serenity Dawn said, her blood running cold at the very mention of her nightmarish nemesis.

“I hope we’re both wrong, but what other explanation is there? I trust my instincts and I tell you, she has found a way into our universe and we have to find her and stop her.”

“I know. We will. Mau is sending an armada and their allies are sending warships also.”

“Well Sere, that’s good news. We will keep up appearances that our worlds are on the brink of warfare. I also have had problems with a rebel force and perhaps we can talk with their leadership and get them on side.”

Sere smiled, ”I’m glad, you see, I know a couple of them personally.”

Haruka smiled and winked, “I knew it. I won’t ask who, but no doubt they will be interested to know weave ended hostilities but to our citizens, we will engage in a little subterfuge and the Pirate Cats, as they’re known, and I can only guess that the Mauan connection has already been established long before the Crystal Palace had asked for their help-”

“You knew we sought the help of Mau? You guys are good, very good!” she laughed.

“Our intelligence sources would surprise you. I am only glad you and your mother have bonded and she’s made a major turnaround and so now we can start working together on our secret alliance,” she winked, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward to punch some keys into the arm of her chair. “Michiru has spoken to Setsuna and Hotaru. Be safe and we’ll be in touch! Love to your mother,” she smiled and the image faded.

“Thank you Luna P!” she said, skipping off to the throne room to pass on the good news.

~*~

She wanted a distraction. After speaking with her mother she left the palace alone. Looking up into the dusk sky she stood admiring the kaleidoscope of exploding plasma bursts high overhead and rushed off to fulfill her promise to herself. It was late in the day, but she didn’t care about that. She had to get away. So she ventured into the old quarter. She knew she shouldn’t have. But now was as good a time as any.

~but hey, it wouldn’t hurt, would it?~

As she moved along a deserted street the sounds of her clicking heels bounced back at her from all directions, she found the echoes a little unsettling but pressed on regardless. She took in the surreal landscape as the burnt orange sunlight bathed the old quarter. She noticed the shops had been partially restored, cast in a crystal mold of some sort, a translucent casing for observation only, by orders of the Palace Guard. The sight drew her like a magnet.

She had discovered this secret world when a younger girl and knew a way into the old Toshiba R and D complex’s basement through a workstation access junction filled with residual crystal solution that hadn’t set properly. The rest of the building had been sheered clean away at the fifth storey and sealed with ice. Subsequently, after the ice was gone, the crystal wrap that ‘preserved’ the old quarter was applied. But here, there were minor flaws. As time went on, she found a way inside via the crack in the wall at the rear of the building. Juno and Sere entered the structure first. Cassie frowned and was scared to venture too far inside, but the boys were made of tougher stuff than that and were fearless, determined, and slid sideways into the chamber of dreams as it came to be known at the time. They had only gone in a short distance when Mayer’s communicator went off and she panicked. They all did, and the mysteries they’d but caught a fleeting glimpse had to wait for another day.

That day had arrived, but this time she was alone. She set up crystal sentinels, scanners that kept a watch on energy readings. The old quarter was still a little alien to the new city’s inhabitants and most of it remained unexplored. Anthropologists, archaeologists and other scientists were still combing their way through other sections of the ancient city. Juuban was lovingly restored by her grandmother and grandfather, but here, it was another matter.

This faery land would serve as her private jumping off point into royal escapism. The chamber was like a weird beehive. As one looked up after adjusting to the surreal artificial light she could never trace, she noticed an array of octagonal alcoves containing all kinds of things that delighted her. She loved the experimental lab where 21st century Biosynthetic beings were preserved in a thin unidentifiable veil of elastic that reminded her of a crystal web-like substance. She touched it, the fragile strands quivering with the action, giving off a harmonic chime.

“Cool!” she said, awe-struck.

She plucked the strings of this impromptu harp, and began to sing.

She would sit their like that humming and playing, amusing herself for hours on end over the next few days. Then one morning something unusual and quite unexpected happened, a light burst forth from her chest and enveloped her makeshift musical instrument. The web shattered. She squeaked in fright at the sound of the fracturing milky crystal.

When the dust cleared, a most intriguing sight met her gaze, a Gothic faery, her wings shimmering silver. Sere gasped in awe as the see-through material threw a corona of silvery-pink light around the lovely face and body of the blinking biosynthetic adolescent girl. She seemed so life-like, almost human but for the electric –blue crystalline lattices adorning her arms, abs and legs. She wore what looked like knee-length pirate boots. Her pink and mauve dress was like that of a classic faery, woven with golden thread running through the material of the bodice whilst metallic indigo thread ran through the butterfly wing-like short wide hem, the dress much like that of a Sailor fuku, its skirts a fraction longer without bows.

She was tall, graceful and beautiful, her long black hair tied back in a simple plait. The faery’s soft skin -- honey-colored in tone -- gave off a subtle metallic glow. The artificial light made this more pronounced.

The girl’s magenta eyes were wide as saucers, staring at the regal young woman standing before her equally astonished by the winged girl who opened her flawless full lips painted with purple lipstick. Serenity Dawn thought her pretty. “Hello?” she said, smiling.

“H-hi!” the faery-like creature breathed, “I’m Ophelia and you are?”

“I am Princess Serenity Dawn, crown princess of Crystal Tokyo. I am happy to meet you. How long have you been trapped in that…web?”

“Over 1000 years.”

“Wow!” she gasped and sat before the winged faery girl and they began to talk animatedly.


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