******************************************************* NOTE: This story is a prequel to my first fanfic, ?A Soul Reclaimed?. While it is not necessary for you to read it before reading this one, I would recommend reading it at some point, for some of the references to this story. ******************************************************* Before the great period of peace know as the Silver Millennium began, before the great civilizations of the Inner Planets were formed, Earth lay in a dark age. Kingdoms warred over petty disagreements while their people suffered from disease and starvation. Artistic, scientific, and rational thought were all but forgotten. No one knew where she came from, how she had obtained such a powerful army. Stories spread like wildfire throughout the lands. Her name was Octavia. She commanded an invincible army of demonic youma. She wielded black magic and was aided by the most powerful of demons. Her goal was to conquer all of the known lands. She was sixteen, and quite beautiful. The nobles and kings laughed when they heard the tales of the would-be conqueror. They sipped wine from crystal goblets and made crude remarks of how they would demonstrate their ideas of conquest if they ever met her. Their laughter stopped when their armies were demolished and they themselves slaughtered. Within three years, Octavia had conquered the seven main kingdoms of Earth, and the dozens of smaller ones. She proclaimed herself Empress of Earth, her demonic armies quelling any arguments against her title before the even truly began. Years passed, and soon the people forgot there was a time when they had even lived without her rule. Certainly, the previous rulers had not been much worse then her. They never thought to question the number of people who seemed to die of mysterious wasting illnesses during the years, or the young people who were sent to serve in the Empress? army, even though there was no one left on Earth for the army to fight, and Octavia?s army seemed primarily composed of youma. Earth remained entrenched in Octavia?s shadow for a quarter of a century. With each passing year, her grasp of the planet grew stronger. After all, who was there to stop her? ******************************************************* **Priestess Of Light** By Brickgirl Brickgirl@hotmail.com Rated: PG Disclaimer: All these characters but a few belong to me. **Part 1: Birth of Fire** ******************************************************* The throne room was tastefully decorated in green and black. Elegant pillars of cut stone stretched to a vast ceiling, through which a star sprinkled sky could be seen. ?The situation has grown worse, Queen Proserpine,? said the white-haired woman who stood before the throne. Her voice was soft, gentle, but carried an underlying hint of power. ?The events of the Inner Planets are not my concern.? ?So you say. But you know that that will not always be so.? The woman on the throne sighed. She brushed back a few dark strands that escaped the intricate plaits that held the delicate golden crown on her head. ?Yes, of course I know. I know that better then you. But for now, I have a duty to my people.? ?The Senshi will be awakened.? The Queen nodded. ?Do as you must, Andora. Search them out, train them, lead them blindly into battle. But do not expect me to help you.? Andora?s voice was calm, her words much less so. ?It is you who do not see. You are blind by your own choice. Have you forgotten your duties to this system in your eagerness to have a kingdom to serve.? Queen Proserpine leaned back against her throne, closing her eyes. Unreadable emotions danced across her features. For a moment, she looked quite old, weary, like one who had seen too much, lost too much. ?I have done my part,? she said finally. Andora?s features softened. ?Yes, you have done more then most,? she agreed. The dark-haired woman lowered her head. ?Please leave.? Andora nodded. A portal shimmered into existence beside her, but she hesitated in stepping through. ?I only hope you do not come to regret your decision,? she murmured, almost imperceptibly. Then she was gone. __________ The fading afternoon sun painted the trees a burnished gold. The man leading a tired gray packhorse paused for a moment the effect of the dying light. He was dressed in the well-worn leather of a traveling knight, a sword strapped comfortably to his side. His hair was graying, his face lined from many years of hard living, but one look in his eyes revealed that he was not someone to toy with. At a seemingly random point on the dirt road, the knight turned and led the horse into the woods. He wove between the trees in a clearly practiced manner. Only the most observant would have realized that he was following a carefully hidden path deep into the woods. About two miles into the woods, he began to feel a tingling in the back of his mind, as though he were being followed. A glance behind him revealed there was no one there. He frowned, thinking. If there was any chance that he was being followed, he could not continue towards home. He stood silently, stretching his senses. Invisible birds sang to each other. Small animals scampered through the trees. The horse wickered softly, swishing his tail. If there was anyone out their, their stealth skills were too good for him to detect. This far into the woods, that would mean an assassin. Against his will, he continued towards the cottage. He may be leading the enemy straight to their goal, but better that he be there to protect Taika then to go off and leave her alone if they already knew her location. ?Excuse me?? The knight swore and whirled around, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword. Behind him stood a tall, willowy woman, dressed in the white robes of a priestess, trimmed in a pale, shimmery blue. The hood of the robe was up, hiding most of her face. He could see a few locks of light-colored hair. She carried a tall, wooden staff, topped by what appeared to be a chunk of blue crystal. She didn?t appear to be threatening, but the knight wasn?t convinced. ?Can I help you?? he growled, his voice coming out harsher then he meant it to. Ever so slowly, he eased his sword out of its sheath. ?I was hoping that you would be kind enough to provide me with shelter tonight,? answered the priestess, if that?s what she really was. ?I?m sorry, but I myself am looking for a place to spend the night.? The woman laughed gently. ?I don?t think you will find very many inns out here.? Her voice grew more serious. ?Actually, there is more then that. I am looking for a girl named Taika. Do you happen to know where I can find her?? All the fears and anxieties of the two decades came back to him in an instant. He drew his sword and pointed it at the woman. ?I don?t know who you are or what you want, but I suggest you turn around and go back the way you came.? His eyes narrowed. ?Now.? ?I?m afraid I can?t do that,? she replied softly, nonplused by his threatening manner. ?I came for Taika, and I am not leaving without her.? ?I?m sorry to disappoint you,? the knight snarled. The woman took a step towards him, and the knight lunged forward. Although not a true master swordsman, he had undergone the typical arms training of any knight, and had spent most of his life fighting. He was practiced enough to be able to defeat most he met in combat. He had no intention of killing this strange woman, just to disarm her, learn her intentions, and send her on her way. Unless, of course, she had been sent by Octavia. So it was much to his surprised that as he moved into attack position, a sudden blur struck his arm, knocking the sword from his grasp. Something else hit his leg, and he suddenly found himself lying on the forest floor. He looked up, expecting to find some sort of weapon pointed at him, but instead found only a slender white hand, offering to help him up. His pride damaged badly enough, he scowled and stood on his own, retrieving his sword and slamming it back in it?s sheath. ?I assure you, I mean the Lady no harm. I only need to speak with her. Are you hurt at all?? The knight continued to scowl. He did not take well to being disarmed so easily by a woman, and a priestess at that. ?I?m fine.? He grabbed the horse?s reins and gave them a tug. ?This way, miss.? ?Call me Andora.? The knight turned back towards the priestess. ?What did you need to speak with Taika about?? Andora?s face was still hidden in the shadow of her hood. The knight couldn?t read her expression. ?Her destiny,? she finally replied. __________ The reached the cottage just as the last rays of the sun were disappearing. It was a humble affair, small and somewhat unsteady looking. It stood in-between a particularly dense grouping of trees, rendering it nearly invisible to any casual passerby. The knight led the horse into the tiny stable attached to the cottage. He heaved the bulging saddlebags over his shoulder. ?I?m afraid that there?s not much we can offer you in terms of comfort,? he said to Andora, ?but I did just pick up some supplies, so there will be plenty to eat.? The priestess nodded, and followed him towards the door. As his hand touched the latch, he felt that horrible pang of fear he always felt returning to the cottage. That while he was away, Octavia?s minions had found the Princess. That this would be the time he returned to find that his charge was . . . He pushed the thoughts away and opened the door. ?Sir Kierke, your back!? came the glad cry from near the fire. A second later, he was nearly bowled over by the girl who had become as close to him as any daughter. Taika stepped back, her violet eyes shining with joy. She had long black hair that lay in a heavy braid down her back. She wore a simple blue dress, well made but worn. The plain garment did nothing to hide the regal aura about her, her perfect posture, the strong lines in her features. She appeared to be about 17. She suddenly noticed the knight was not alone. Her entire demeanor changed, her back grew stiffer, her face serious. ?Kierke, who is this woman?? Kierke nodded to the woman. ?This is Andora. I met her in the woods. She needs shelter for the knight.? Taika looked unconvinced. ?It?s all right, we can trust her. She?s only staying for a bit, and we have plenty of food now.? He decided not to mention the priestess? odd words about speaking with Taika. ?Besides, we can always use an extra hand around in case anything happens. She?s a good aim with that staff there.? He paused. ?She even managed to disarm me.? Taika?s lip twitched. She studied Andora for a moment, then nodded her assent. ?All right, she can stay.? ?Thank you,? Andora replied graciously. She lowered her hood, finally revealing her features. Her hair was a pale silvery blond, tumbling past her shoulders in soft waves. Her features were delicate, making her look almost like a finely carved marble statue. Her skin was unlined, but something about her face carried the wisdom that only great age can bring. But it were her eyes that stood out the most. They were completely white, with a silver sheen, like two great pearls. Odd-looking as they were, they should have destroyed her beauty, but somehow they didn?t. She was quite obviously blind. Kierke gaped at the priestess in shock. Taika bit her lip, trying to maintain her previous royal dignity. She failed, quite spectacularly. She burst into laughter. ?You were disarmed by a BLIND WOMAN?!!!? she choked out to her knight-protector. Tears ran down her face. She shook uncontrollably. ?And a PRIESTESS at that?!? The knight, who had finally managed to close his mouth, grew red and turned away. He spat on the dirt floor. ?I?m hungry,? he growled, not meeting Taika?s eyes. ?Let?s eat.? The girl nodded, still attempting to quiet the waves of laughter. Andora smiled quite innocently and nodded as well. __________ ?I?m sorry if her Majesty is a bit cold towards you,? Kierke said softly to Andora later that evening. The hearty meal had been finished a while before, and Taika sat near the fire working on some embroidery. The other two sat at the opposite end of the room. ?She has always disliked strangers.? ?I take no offense,? Andora murmured. Kierke had to strain to hear her. ?How did you two come to end up here in the middle of nowhere?? Kierke sighed, brushed back his hair with his hand. ?You already seem to know who she is,? he answered. ?Her mother and father were King and Queen of Sartaine, the last of the Seven Kingdoms conquered by Octavia. They went into hiding for years, one of the only royal families the Empress failed to eradicate.? Andora nodded, and he pressed on. ?I was one of the few guards King Ronian took with him. We spent years on the run, moving from place to place. Always trying to keep one step ahead of Octavia?s demons.? He nodded towards Taika. ?It was during those years that Taika was born.? He grew silent, staring at the ceiling, lost in memories. King Ronian had not just been his liege, the two had been friends since they were boys . . . ?Go on,? Andora quietly urged. Kierke drew in a ragged breath. ?After twelve years, Octavia finally found us. Her youma . . . decimated them.? He shuddered at the memory of the monsters ripping through the people in their small band as if they were paper. ?Only I and Princess Taika escaped. She was such a tiny thing, so helpless. I couldn?t let those demons touch her.? He shrugged helplessly. ?Even since then, I?ve raised her like she was my own. We found this place about four years ago. I don?t know if Octavia even knows she exists, but I don?t want to take the chance. That madwoman has already killed anyone who could possibly stand to inherit a throne. If she ever found Taika . . .? He let the thought dangle. Andora?s voice was as calm as ever. ?You certainly done a good job of raising her. I?m sure her parents would be proud.? ?Oh, well . . .? The knight turned away, embarrassed. ?What exactly did you wish to speak to her about,? he asked gruffly, eager to change the subject. Andora paused. ?It can wait until morning,? she replied distantly. ?Fine by me.? Kierke yawned. ?I myself am heading off to sleep. We have an extra pallet in that corner you can use. It isn?t much, but it?s softer then the floor.? He ambled off towards his small room. Andora stayed in her seat, her blind eyes focused on the girl by the fire. __________ Octavia jerked awake at the familiar voice that whispered in her mind. She was seated on her massive golden throne in one of her many castles that dotted the lands. ?Is there anything I can help you with, my Empress?? Octavia looked down to see her favorite handmaiden, Eris, kneeling before her. Actually, Eris was the only handmaiden that she hadn?t had tortured or killed in the past six years. The girl gazed at her with the proper mix of awe and fear, and just enough strength to place her between annoyingly subservient and suspiciously independent. ?No, I?m fine. I must have just dozed off.? She casually waved the handmaiden away. ?Wait. On second thought, fetch Losna for me. I need to discuss a matter with her.? Eris bowed again and rushed quickly to find Octavia?s advisor. The empress leaned back leaned to think. Though past forty, she was still as striking as she had been when she was younger, if not more so. Her long black hair cascaded to the small of her back, not a single gray strand to be found. Her skin was as smooth as the day she was born. Cold, pale blue eyes gazed expressionlessly at the ceiling. What had the Voice meant by this? She was quite familiar with the Voice. It was the one who had brought her power, granting her an invincible army, whispering battle strategies, teaching her to use the dark magic at her disposal, giving her other instructions over the years. This however, felt like a warning. Closing her eyes, Octavia could sense a distant power, full of pure, light energy, the type that she thought she had managed to wipe out. She frowned. It felt familiar, somehow. She strained to touch it, pinpoint it . . . And her mind exploded with pain, shattering her thoughts. Octavia slumped in her seat, dazed. Her head throbbed powerfully, a dull ringing sounded in her ears. Whoever or whatever she sensed was powerful enough to repel her magical probe, without even apparently noticing her. Very powerful, indeed. And that made them dangerous. ?You called, my Empress?? Losna, the Imperial Advisor, strode into the room. Having an advisor was really unnecessary for Octavia, since the Voice gave her all the instructions she ever needed, but it served for appearances. Losna actually had given some fruitful suggestions at some point, though she mostly served to carry out Octavia?s orders. She was about ten years younger then Octavia, very pale with dark blue eyes and long, pale blond hair. She was a striking beauty, but the hard set of her eyes gave her a cruel appearance. Octavia nodded to the woman. ?I have detected a powerful presence, about two hundred miles east of here, in the lowlands. I want a few youma sent to find them. They should have no trouble locating their energy signature.? ?Yes, my Empress.? Losna turned to leave, then paused. ?Do you want them brought back alive?? Octavia smiled mercilessly. ?It?s not necessary.? __________ It was only a few hours before dawn when a soft cry woke Andora. Instantly alert, she sat up silently, stretching out her senses. Though Andora was blind, she was able to sense the energy patterns around her. She found the three youma right away. Two stood over the slumped form of Kierke. The sharp tang of blood permeated the air. The third held the struggling princess in its grasp. Andora reached for her staff, murmuring an incantation. Light exploded from the crystal on top, blinding everyone in the room. ?I suggest that you let her go and leave this house, youma.? Andora?s voice was soft, but edged with steel. Taika?s eyes widened at the sight of the priestess. She struggled in the creature?s grasp, but it merely tightened its claws around the girl?s throat, choking her. ?We have no quarrel with you, white-hair,? the youma hissed. ?Stay out of our way, before we grow curious at what your insides taste like.? Andora took a step forward, the light from her staff growing brighter. ?I?m afraid I cannot do that. These two are under my protection.? It was at that moment that Taika saw Kierke. Her mouth hung open in shock. The gruff yet kind knight who had raised her, protected her almost as long as she could remember, lay still on the floor in a puddle of blood. Cruel scratches criss-crossed his back. His sword lay beside him, covered with black blood from the two youma that stood triumphantly over him. He did not seem to be breathing. Tears formed in her eyes. She trembled with sorrow and rage. No, he couldn?t be dead . . . ?KIERKE!!!? The scream tore from her throat. She felt heat gather in her head, and suddenly, a red light burst from nowhere, flooding the room. Like a proud beacon, the symbol of Mars shone forth from Taika?s forehead. ******************************************************* ******************************************************* And so ends the first part of ?Priestess Of Light?, my second fanfic and prequel to the critically acclaimed (or at least very well received) ?A Soul Reclaimed? I have absolutely no idea who long this story will be, but I would guess ten parts MINIMUM, and much likely longer. Probably longer then ASR, as there is more to tell in this story. I?m warning everyone now that there will be very few familiar SM characters in this story. In fact, at this point, there are only two planned (hint: they were both in ASR) I hope that everyone will keep reading in spite of this fact. There will still be Senshi, and battles, and if I can fit it in, even some romance (yay romance!) Anyway, e-mail me and let me know what you think of my new story. If you are too lazy to scroll to the top, my e-mail is Brickgirl@hotmail.com Part Two should be out in a week or two. Until then! :-) _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com