Title: Crescent Mirror Author: *aaeris17* Rating: PG13 Disclaimers: Zilch, zero, nada--> This means that I own nothing that belongs to Sailor Moon. Everything else is MINE!! Bwahahahahaha! Author?s Notes: I am SO sorry for everyone at FF.net and MM.org who have been waiting two weeks for this chapter!! I just moved back to school and it?s been an enormous pain setting up my room and starting classes!! I think I might have to start updating every two weeks just so the chapter can be proofread in time. Thanks: Gz Dzo, Eternity Moon, Little Dragon 5, Solaris 3, roxy, brunnettemoment25, crystal jade2: thank you all for your wonderful reviews and taking the time to review again!! Now I know I have fans and I hope this chapter will not disappoint! Amethyst Rose: hehe, thank you! I am so happy that you love Diamond and the story! I have done my best to include as many Sailor Moon characters as humanely possible in this story?so far so good! I hope you get time to read more of the story!! Roseangel637: Wow, exhilarating?that?s high praise! I hope you enjoy this chapter!! ******Chapter 4***************** ***************** Luster Kingdom Royal Bedroom Sunlight filtered in through the pale silk morning curtains. Selenity sighed as she sought to hide her face from the morning sun. God bless her faithful maids who were polite enough to lift the heavy drapes of night and allow Selenity to awaken to the welcoming rays of sun. She snuggled in closer for warmth from her Sun and found him to be missing. Moaning, Selenity opened one pale eyelid and saw her radiant husband already at the breakfast table set up on the balcony. *Why does morning have to come so EARLY?* Selenity whined toherself as she stretched her weary limbs. The ball had carried late into the night. Sere and the gang had long fallen asleep on the hammock outside before Luna noticed they were missing. Blessed children, it pleased her to see Sere making friends with the heiresses of the neighboring kingdoms. The child and Endy have been alone for far too long, she mused as she adorned her light morning robe to hide her slim figure. She caught her appearance in the standing oval mirror, she giggled as she saw her floor length lavender hair horribly mused and tangled. A few swift moves converted the tangled mess into a stylish bun that appeared at the nape of her white neck. Absently, she washed quickly to join Apollo for breakfast?alone. Times like these had been few with the tensions lately and Selenity feared would only grow fewer. She caught herself about to sigh again and mentally shook her head at herself. Was she to grow old already? Yet, the mirror did not lie, she had already seen much in her short life. Selenity stifled a snort, short? One can hardly call a lifespan of 1000 years short! She had only seen her first 40?yes it would be forty soon. She looked no more than the beautiful maiden of 20 that had ascended the throne of Tranquility. Ah, but tis not my hand that is sought for favor, she thought. Married with a child of six, a princess no less, proposals would start coming soon. She remembered the first mention of marriage by her Mother; she must have been young lass of ten when proposals started arriving daily. Selenity smiled at the recollection of her mother and of course, her dear father. She could not fully blame her father for the mistakes of lust and enchantment. Nehelenia had been a most unwanted sister, but purely on Nehelenia?s side alone. Selenity had tried to often to extend the gracious hand only to be burnt. Now, so many years later, she was faced with doing the same thing. *Please Goddess, let our dinner go well* With that final thought, Selenity left her quarters and smilingly greeted her husband good morning. The Library?. ?There is absolutely NO reason for me to be here,? I muttered as Luna tied my hair back. I didn?t even complain as she carefully combed through the tangled hay that was my hair. ?Come now doll, all your friends are here. Behave you,? she sweetly reminded. I scowled through my longish bangs at Lita who was smiling happily. Mina appeared to be asleep on the table, her hair spilling all over her books. Mina was used to schooling, Uncle being the Lord Chancellor, had started a reluctant Mina early. Her trips here usually meant a vacation?apparently no longer. I need not state that Ami was painfully bright and cheerful. Endy looked oddly at peace as he continued to read his history book. Artemis stood tall at his podium, arranging notes for today?s lessons. ?Class will come to order,? Artemis rapped the wooden podium. Immediately, Mina?s blonde head popped up and her trademark red bow flounced in the abrupt movement. Her face lost all signs of sleepiness as a quill sat ready in her hand. Lita followed Mina?s example and pulled out a deep green quill that reminded me of a peacock?s feather. Genius Ami sat already taking notes from a textbook around Endy?s levels or above. ?I bid welcome to our visiting daughters from our neighboring kingdoms?Princess Ami, always a pleasure to see you; Princess Lita, we welcome you heartily to our little school; Princess Mina,? Artemis?s eyes twinkled. He was Mina?s godfather and always favored her?very unlike Artemis, ?Mischievous Mina, and it seems we are missing one more,? Artemis scanned the table. Quietly, as silent as a butterfly, the door to the Library opened and revealed the highly mysterious Princess of Mars. My eyes popped open as I took in the beautiful girl who seemed years beyond her age. Her violet eyes coolly took in the atmosphere and she seated herself apart from all of us. Endy caught my eye and raised an eyebrow. Mina looked slightly rebuffed as the girl had clearly spurned the seat next to her in favor for the seat closer to Endy?s end of the table. Artemis cleared his throat, ?Princess Rei, allow me to welcome you to our school,? ?I am here only by my mother?s late will. She wished for me to grow and learn with the Princess Serenity,? Rei proudly, yet quietly answered. Her words were directed towards Artemis, yet her eyes settled stiffly on me. I flinched under her gaze. Ami looked up from her notes and studied the Princess Rei with a scrutiny I recognized. Lita had daggers in her eyes and Mina looked decidedly against the addition of the Mars Princess to the group. ?Yes, I remember the Countess fondly, my dear,? Artemis nodded at her, ?The Mars daughter brings up the reason you are all here today. Twas decided long ago that in order to ensure peace and stability throughout the kingdoms, the heirs of each kingdom shall gather together from an early age, and learn together. The heirs will grow together, be educated together, play together, and create equality amongst all of them,? Artemis informed. My ears perked at the sudden realization that Mina, Ami, and Lita would know spend more time here then at home! I would have all my favorite friends around me all the time!! My eyes fairly sparkled as I shared smiles with the girls and Endy. Endy hid a smile as he rolled his eyes?undoubtedly thinking that being around four girls all the time will grow old far too quickly. Artemis was still talking, the subjects we would cover, what the expectations of each kingdom were, who would be responsible for what. I tuned out and started, rather stupidly, at Rei. I wanted to talk to her?I wanted to be her friend?I wanted to know why her mom wanted us to be friends. ?And complete attentiveness is quite important, Serenity, to achieve greatness?? Artemis paused as I blushed. Endy stuck his tongue out behind Artemis?s back. I made a face as Artemis turned his back towards me. So the hours passed on, as the youngest of the set, I seemed the most behind. I was not bothered much by this fact for the ever patient Ami was forever offering her tutorage. Even Ami had high praise to give as I quickly caught on to my readings and writings. Artemis had high hopes to start tutoring us all in Latin, Greek, and Philosophy. Only Ami seemed excited about the classical training? even Endy had to make a face at the sheer amount of Latin and Greek Artemis had in mind for him. As we adjourned for the day, I stretched my body out?the day was still young and I had not moved all day. I think the only reason we were let out was because all of us had become too fidgety?except for Princess Rei of course. She managed to sit perfectly silent and still all day. Her eyes were narrowed and unfriendly. Mina and Lita were quite against her. Ami had little time for our arguments and Endy seemed as fascinated by her as I was. I followed Mina and Lita out into the courtyard where they immediately started an intense game of Tag. Ami curled up with a new book provided by Luna under a shady tree. Endy and I sat on the cool marble steps. The Princess Rei stood still in the glass doorway that arched onto the courtyard. I turned to see the wind play with her hair as it had done the first time I saw her. Her eyes shifted from the shouts of Mina and Lita to Endy and I. ?Daughter of Selenity, I greet you,? she coolly called from the doorway falling into a deep curtsy. ?Daughter of Mars, I welcome you,? I responded and clumsily curtsied. I felt incredibly ungraceful compared to her. Beauty and grace flowed from her. Endy made a causal bow of his head, dark hair hiding inquisitive eyes. Rei looked slightly bemused at my attempt to be a true princess. She pulled herself straight and carefully crossed the distance between us in slow, fluid steps. ?Endymion, Son of Gaia, spouse to Lawrence, I greet thee as well,? Rei returned Endy?s nod as the words slipped sweetly out of her mouth. She was indeed a perfect Princess; a perfect Princess of Princesses. Her dress put my breeches to shame and her manners even made Mina look like the child she truly was. The shouts of laughter had gotten quieter in the past few moments. The Princess Rei seemed more of a cloud that dimmed our day rather than the sun I saw her presence as. I felt their eyes poke into my back as they carefully quieted themselves to hear every word of our conversation. ?I am happy that you have joined us, Princess Rei,? I found my manners and motioned for her to sit down with us. ?Happiness is not the reason I have come, Princess,? Rei carefully rested herself on the marble step. ?Sere, all my friends call me Sere,? I corrected smiling at her. Rei returned the smile, but it did not reach her eyes. ?Princess,? Rei nodded her head, ignoring my comment, ?Your life here is happy; I am pleased to see that,? I shared a puzzled look with Endy, ?Yes, Princess Rei, it is quite happy,? Rei?s violet eyes became cloudy and she stared straight ahead, ?The happiness will not last forever,? she began in a calmer, colder, deeper voice than her age should have allowed, ?An invitation has been sent, the gesture is from the hand of evil?the King and Queen must not accept the hand of evil into our kingdom. If the hand of evil touches the hand of good, our kingdom will fall into a darker time than the one that has just past. Do not be fooled by blood?do not allow the thickness of blood to blind the purity of water,? Rei?s head suddenly drooped, her husky voice continued, ?Do not be fooled,? My eyes grew wide open. I felt the cruel shivers of her words though I did not understand what Rei spoke of. Her speech was prophetic, but I did not know what to do with this knowledge. Endy came to his senses first. He put a hand on Rei?s shoulder, ?How can we help you?? ?Warn the Queen?repeat my words!? She cried with head turning desperately to Endy, eyes wild, ?Tell her!!? Rei cried, ?Now!!?Endy needed no more words to stand and run for Luna, or our mothers?I knew not. Rei?s cries brought the rest of the girls running to us. I tried to put my arm around Rei, she flinched at my touch. I quickly withdrew my arm and knew not how to comfort this girl?a motherless child. She began to cry, as quietly as if she were sleeping with tears leaking out of the corners of her almond shaped eyes. ?Its okay, Rei,? Mina soothingly sat down on the left side of Rei and put her arm around her shoulders, ?We?re here for you,? she whispered into the raven tresses. Rei visibly relaxed at her words. ?Even though you don?t know me?? She sniffed quietly, thoroughly ashamed of her tears. Lita shared Mina?s jubilant smile, ?That?s what friends do,? ?So, you guys are my friends?? Rei dropped all sense of grace and propriety. ?I told you that already, Princess Rei,? I grinned and hugged Rei. As I pulled back, Rei looked a little taken back. ?Thank you, Sere,? she deliberately paused before saying my name, ?Please, call me Rei,? her violet eyes sparkled with tears. ?Nice to meet you, Rei, welcome to our group,? Ami held out her hand. Rei allowed a real smile to cross across her face as she heartily shook Ami?s hand. ?Group?real friends,? Rei whispered as she took in all four of us, ?Yes, friends,? ?Always,? Mina chimed in. ?Together,? Lita and Ami sung. ?Forever,? I finished, ?C?mon, while Endy gets Mama, let?s play!? I pulled her hand and she stumbled slightly as if unfamiliar with the paces of running. A gleam of triumph crossed her face as she darted off after Mina and Lita. Ami laughed as she was forced to throw down her book and join the girls in a circle of singing. Together the four ran to me and enveloped me in a gaggle of arms and bodies?everyone laughing too hard to notice that was mixed up with whom. Rei threw her head back and laughed a beautiful peal of bells that matched her exotic beauty. ?Mother was right; I would find my place here,? she commented as she soothed her hair and shared a true smile with all of us. Verandah overlooking the Labyrinth Endy came running full charge through the doors and stood out of breath before Gaia and Selenity. Gaia immediately gasped and lunged forward to bring him into her arms. Selenity felt a cold fear grip her heart?oh Goddess, has something happened to Sere? She struggled to find her wits as Endy wheezed out a tale that involved the Princess of Mars and something she had said. Fear passing, another terror gripped Selenity. The Countess Ares had been a close friend till her death soon after Sere?s birth. After the death of the Countess, the Count Ares had sent poor Rei off to live with her maternal grandfather. He only brought Rei away from there when Royal decorum demanded he bring his daughter and heiress. Selenity had never been found of Ares and often wondered how young Rei was doing. As Endy finished his story, Selenity understood one thing: Rei had inherited the psychic power of her mother?s line. Ares would not be happy that his only daughter was a fortune teller. Selenity suspected Rei?s grandfather had trained the young girl. She mentally made a note to ensure that Rei never live with her father again. Ares was a loyal man, but no father figure. Gaia handed Endy some iced tea and turned eyes fearfully to Selenity, ?Have you heard these words?? She whispered. Selenity nodded quietly and wrung her slim hands together. She had always relied on the warnings of Setsuna and Medea*, the late Countess Ares. Now, Medea?s daughter was warning her, a true warning. But, she was already touching the hand of evil. What could she do now? Her troops were not ready for open warfare?best to go with the plans. Surely Setsuna would have said something?right? Selenity?s mind swarm as Gaia dismissed Endy to Luna. Oh, what was she to do?? Dinner was in a matter of mere hours. After all the arguments and fights, she could not back off her disciplines now. No, she would not make herself into a fool over Rei?s words. Prophet or no prophet, Rei was still a young child who knew not how to control her powers. Surely Rei was just reminding Selenity the horrible danger the alliance stood in? She must be! ?Gaia?? Selenity reached weakly for Gaia?s hand. Gaia grasped Selenity firmly and assisted her into a delicate wire frame chair. Selenity gratefully accepted the water that Gaia held out. ?Sele,? Gaia whispered and stroked Selenity?s hand, ?No worries, remember?? Selenity managed a feeble smile, ?Yes,? and couldn?t help the tears that began to well up, ?Oh Gaia!!! I am so lost?everything is so lost,? she softly sobbed. ?Shhhh, tis alright Sele, it will be alright,? Gaia comforted. ?How?? Selenity stared straight into Gaia?s solid eyes? fearful, yet strong. ?We shall see this dinner through, darling,? Was Gaia?s only reply, ?A handkerchief soaked in rose water for the Queen please,? she ordered. Selenity accepted the scented cloth and wiped her eyes, inhaling the soothing aroma. ?Please tell my maids I am to be dressed for dinner with my half sister this evening,? Selenity sweetly informed the maid who had handed her the silk handkerchief. With a little curtsy and a nod, the maid scurried off to inform the Queen?s Royal Handmaidens, ?Come Gaia, we have much work to do before we depart tonight,? Inside the Palace, eavesdropping?. Endy gulped and ran back to Sere and their friends. He couldn?t believe that his mother and Queen Sele had not believed him. Staff members knowingly avoided the turbulent boy, almost used to his zigzags in and out of the corridor. Elderly maids smiled lovingly at the boy who was the apple of the castle?s eye?well one of the twin apples. The elderly maid shook her head and the boy was long gone from her old sight. *Goddess bless our children, may they live long and happily together* Endy slowed down as he approached the courtyard and heard five distinct peals of laughter. He stopped completely in his tracks as he noticed that Sere was laughing with the Princess Rei. Her face did a complete turn about from the sullen, sour looks from earlier. Endy felt a smile on his face at the Martian Princess?s laughter. The girls were happily lying down in the warm grass, not a single care in the world. Perhaps, just maybe, his news could wait till later. After all, Rei was still young; maybe Mum and Queen Sele were right. He walked out?if Mum and Queen Sele were not worried, neither should he. Endy walked out, the sun shone behind his back. From the looks of his face, the talk must have gone well. I smiled back at him; at least Rei would not be worried anymore. Rei waved at him and for the briefest of moments I saw his eyes glaze over. The sun stopped me from looking further at his face as he proceeded to pick up Ami?s neglected book and read it. I ignored him?but warned the other girls to watch out for his sneaky tricks. The afternoon proceeded into evening with series of silly tricks and games. *************************************** Selenity smoothed a nonexistent wayward strand of hair down. Apollo caught her long-lashed eye and mentally sent the message to relax. Gaia, already dressed, was busy going over some paperwork from the Senate Council. Lawrence was helping Artemis into his manservant uniform. Artemis looked particularly upset at the removal of his Royal Guard uniform. Luna had carefully taken down her Royal Buns and pulled her noted hair into a long braid and much concentration had hid her crescent birth mark as well. Selenity?s own birthmark dazzled anyone who stared at it. The full moon had taken its effect. Selenity could feel the power coursing in her veins and prayed to the Goddess for inner peace. Apollo?s hand gently caressed Selenity?s bare shoulder. She had opted for her second best Royal Gown. A strapless lilac number that flattered her bosom, thin waist, and strong hips and flowed into a bowl around her legs, she resembled a flower. Apollo worried that the slim fit of the gown would allow Sele little movement in case of danger. Selenity had reassured him she would be fine. ?We best be leaving, sweetheart,? Apollo whispered. She nodded to his reflection in her mirror. Artemis patted her shoulder as he followed Apollo out. Lawrence left with a simple nod, leaving only Gaia and Luna in the room. Selenity felt the eyes in her back as she concentrated on her reflection. Turning, the horrible feeling did not leave, Selenity knew that this dinner would be historical. In her very blood, she could sense the power and desire of her horrid sister. *Half* She corrected herself. ?Shall we ladies?? Selenity faked a smile. Gaia stood strongly, and nodded. Selenity noted her unusually strong physical appearance. *Tonight seems so final?why can?t I shake the feeling that this happy world is over?* Luna curtsied deeply and opened the door, ?Please, miladies,? she smirked and winked at Selenity. Selenity felt the hints of a smile and touched Luna?s hand on the doorknob. A silent thank you paused between the cousins. Luna never acted as if she were in line for the crown. She had dotingly been Selenity?s lady-in-waiting since she was a young teen and promptly fallen in love with the handsome guard of Apollo?s troops. Yet Artemis, the clueless young man, never cared to notice Luna?s attentions. This leads the couple to their present situation, mutual love and fear to express it. Selenity felt a sigh escape. Gaia glanced sharply, a look that made Selenity feel foolish for worrying about trivial matters. Silently, the trio of women left the bedroom and descended the curved staircase into the Front Hall. Assembled were almost two dozen men and women of the Royal Guard dressed in the finery of the Royal Hand Servants. The ?servants? nodded formally to the Queen and her two Advisors. Apollo came forward and offered his arm to escort Selenity to the awaiting carriage, Lawrence and Artemis followed suit. Selenity settled the butterflies in her stomach as she stepped into the cool air of the early summer night. The peeping moon radiated warmly onto Selenity and she felt the whisper of the Goddess as the wind blew her carefully placed hairs. ******************************************************* I sat still in bed. Luna had already initiated our tuck-in ritual but, I was not feeling tired. For some silly reason, Rei?s words lingered with me. I stared out at the moon. Mama said we were descendants of the Goddess Selene. She said that if I was ever scared or in trouble, pray to the Goddess and she would show me the way. I got up and sat on the window seat, placing my elbows on the window sill. ?Goddess Selene, please help me understand what Rei said,? I prayed, placing my palms together, ?Phlease tell me what to do,? I lisped slightly. The moonlight began to increase around me and I felt warmth that reminded me of Mama. *Daughter Serenity, tis time to begin awakening to thy power, little one. The Silver Imperium Crystal follows the heart of she who would become Queen?* A heavenly voice sung. I gasped and wildly stared around. Who had said that? What does that mean? A wild feeling stirred inside me, and fear gripped me like no other. ?MAMA!!! PAPA!!!? I screamed and ran out of my room, ?STOP MAMA, STOP!!! PAPA, DON?T GO!!? I cried as my feet took my down the hall, down the stairs and into the family front hall. ******************************************** A cold fear gripped Selenity?s heart. *Something has gone wrong*. The jostle of the carriage brought her heart back into its spot. She turned around and stared at the empty doors that were closing her out of her home. She felt this wild desire to run inside the castle. ?MAMA!!? She heard a faint scream. *SERENITY!* Selenity?s mind screamed and she briefly saw Sere?s little body running towards the closing doors, hand reaching out. ?STOP!! Stop this carriage!? Selenity called. The bewildered coachmen pulled the unicorns to a stop and Selenity ignored the footmen who were trying to help her off the carriage, ?Guards!! The doors!!? She cried as they immediately flung open to reveal a crying Serenity. ?Mama!! You can?t go!!? Sere sobbed wildly. Selenity fell to her knees and embraced the crying girl in her nightgown. ?Hush little one, hush,? Selenity comforted, ignoring the wrinkles coming to her perfect dress. ?Mama, hic, you can?t go to dinner, hic, it?s going to be bad,? Sere cried. Selenity pulled the child away from her, ?What makes you say that, darling?? Selenity tried to smile to please the girl when her smile froze half way up. Her eyes were glued to Sere?s forehead where a brilliant crescent moon shone brightly. ?She said so, Mama! She said that I would know what to do and I hafta stop you!? Sere clung to Selenity. ?Twas just a dream, sweetheart, just a dream,? the words left Selenity?s mouth before she could think. The Goddess had spoken to her daughter! ?She said, hic, she said that some crystal follows the heart of she who, hic will be a queen!? Selenity?s heart froze and her mind traveled back to Sere?s birth. The crystal, the Quisez, what of Setsuna?s binding spell? Her chest began to heave and she felt as ill as when Endy had informed her of Rei?s prophecy. Can anything good come of tonight?? She worried frantically. An arm engulfed both her and Sere, ?It was only a dream, sweetheart,? Apollo?s warm voice soothed. Sere?s lips trembled as she turned to her father, ?Weally Papa?? She whimpered. ?Of,? Apollo went to kiss her forehead and gasped, ?course darling, of course,? He managed to stutter out. He wiped her wet cheeks with his handkerchief and soothed her hair, ?See that she goes to bed tonight, send her to the Lord Chancellor?s until we return,? he informed Artemis?s first in command, Sir Arthur. Sir Arthur nodded and placed a hand on Sere?s shoulder. Sere laced her right arm thru his and her left held onto Selenity. Half-heartedly, Selenity unwound Sere?s hand and kissed her daughter. ?We must leave now, Sere, are you sure you will be alright?? Selenity questioned; almost hoping that she could avoid a dinner. Sere nodded, swallowing one last cry. Her crescent moon had faded but showed no signs of leaving. Selenity?s heart fluttered at her daughter?s acceptance by the Goddess. *Go in peace, my dear daughter* Apollo placed a hand on Selenity?s shoulder; she stood and slowly walked out of the castle again. Goddess, help us tonight! Too many events had come into play, Medea?s daughter?s prophecy, the joining of the five daughters, and now Serenity had begun to awaken to the power of the moon? ?Yah!? The coachmen started the unicorns again. Selenity felt numb, even the full moon could not ease her discomfort. The Wraith Kingdom? ?Places, places!? Nehelenia greedily clapped her hands. Everything had to be perfect?perfect scene for her greatest plan ever, the usurpation of the Luster throne. Selenity was playing directly into her hands. No one would stop her. Not even the Goddess Selene, shining angrily upon her tonight. Nehelenia threw her head back and laughed, cackling like the witch she was at the moon above her. Diamond paused before entering the room. He heard his stepmother laughing, and he smirked to himself. The woman was as crazy as Wiseman said she was. Yet, everyone was a pawn, just like chess. Full of the Wiseman?s teachings, Diamond brushed imaginary dust off his white tunic and entered the Front Hall. Beryl paused in a looking glass before the Front Hall. Nearby, she heard Nehelenia laughing at something. She shuddered and smoothed her fiery hair. If there was one thing that scared her father, it was the shocking resemblance between Metallia and Beryl. All the color had gone into Beryl, nothing into Diamond. *And with the color came all Mother?s powers, have no fear, Mother dearest, I shall be the greatest* She smiled at a portrait of her late mother and entered the Front Hall. Pharaoh paused to survey his happy family. As Nehelenia often said, especially late at night when she thought no one could hear her mutterings, things were going quite well. Perhaps the second time around was better?. The scene was set. The players stood waiting. Everything had come down to this little dinner. How horribly everyone underestimated the significance of the whole night. ******************************************************************** ******** Okay, okay!! I know I SAID that I would have the infamous dinner out in this chapter, but school and work and crap just didn?t let me get to it!! Relax; it?s in the works, SERIOUSLY. Just two little weeks?.please??? REVIEW AND EMAIL!!! Aaeris17@yahoo.com