Elora Danan This is part two of Moon Kingdom Born. I don?t have any clue how long this is going to be, but I imagine the whole story will be quite long. I suggest reading part one and then trying this because it picks up where I left off. Disclaimers and notes at the end. The Lunar Kingdom History, as taken from standard Lunari text circa: 1115 S. The times were dark in the beginning. With the downfall of Lord Negan many have been displaced or lost, including his family who desires revenge? Moon Kingdom Born: Lunar Eclipse Kaima had thought she just closed her eyes for a moment, to escape the sun?s glare. When she opened them the sun was high in the sky, a breeze rustling the leaves on the tree outside the open window. Sitting up, she discovered she had been covered with a light blanket and left to sleep in someone?s room. She slid from the sleeping pallet and stood slowly, trusting her fate to wobbly knees. Turning, she discovered a bowl of water and a rag had been left for her to use, along with a note in Heila?s unmistakable handwriting. "Me Ladi, phlease join us in thee center halll at youre leasure." Smiling, she washed herself as best she could, and stepped bravely into the corridor beyond. The halls were lined with stout men, who bowed deeply as she approached. Blushing, she moved past rapidly, and entered the hall to face an assemblage of men and women who also bowed deeply at her entrance. Blushing yet again, she bowed her head and hesitantly entered the room. Heila beckoned to her, and she slid between people to join her. "Heila, what goes on?" "The Kingdom shall choose another to lead it." A young Lord dressed in the formal wear of the court stepped up to take the floor. Clearing his throat, he gripped the edges of the podium and spoke; "My fellow Lords. Whilst you have been debating amongst yourselves which of you is fit to lead, I have been considering another matter entirely. I believe that we should expect many more attacks of this nature, and I believe we should protect ourselves. Lord Fettledorn, who was killed in the attack, showed a wondrous ability to lead, and he had every faith in his daughter. I believe we should consider uniting under Lady Kaima?s name." Voices raised in protest and agreement, and Kaima felt faint. Ruling? In my father?s stead? At Heila?s pinch she returned to herself, and took a deep breath. All eyes were upon her, and she slowly stepped forward. Once she reached the podium, she squared herself up to her fullest height, and looked on them proudly. The young Lord smiled awkwardly at her. "Lady Kaima, on behalf of the Consolidated Kingdoms, I ask you to be our Queen. Do you accept?" "Yes. I accept." Heila watched with tears in her eyes as Kaima accepted the mantle of leadership, and turned to speak bravely to the people of the court. "I will strive to serve you as did my father. We will be safe from these? Negans. My first duty as Queen is to appoint Lord Jason my advisor in matters of state." "My first advice, your Majesty, is to suggest we adjourn for the day. Many of us are still nursing injuries, I know I am." A few laughed at that, and Kaima smiled at him, grateful for the out. She slid regally from the podium and watched as the court stood and applauded. Jason at her side, she was guided into a back room off the main audience chamber. "Your Majesty?" he hesitated at the look of exhaustion that crossed her face. "I only wanted to tell you that I will help you through these next few weeks." "Thank you Jason, your friendship means much to me. Tell me, is this place secure? I do not feel comfortable in the remnants of a place that once fell to the enemy." "I believe so. I wouldn?t stay here otherwise, and after the battle yesterday, I don?t believe they have much left. Do you intend to appoint other advisors, or am I to be the only one?" "Yes, I?ll review people this afternoon." "Very well, Your Majesty, I will leave you to rest, you look weary from the day?s events." He bowed and left. Kaima sighed and slowly turned toward the room where she had stayed the night. Heila was there again, she offered her mistress a hug, and helped her sit on the bed. "Do you hunger, my..Your Majesty?" "Heila, you are my friend in an otherwise friendless world. Please don?t become formal." "Very well, my Lady." "Heila!" "Kaima. Isn?t Sir Jason handsome?" "Heila! I never knew you felt that way." "But of course. I am a woman, after all." Yes, I suppose he is handsome." Her voice held a trace of regret. "Kaima, did you love Sir Dralflen?" "Yes, I did. And I know he loved me too." She barely managed to stifle a yawn. "Rest, I?ll return in a while with dinner." She rose, and pulled the shades down over the window. Kaima settled into the bed, and pulled the blankets up and around her. Heila slid out and closed the thatch door behind. There were two armed guards on either side. "Lady Heila." "Good afternoon." "Would you like company, my Lady?" the young officer asked, bowing politely. Heila smiled all the way to market. The days that came soon after passed quickly. A cabinet of twelve men and women were chosen, and they began to debate in earnest over key issues. There had always been certain elements of the old Government Kaima had desired to change, and now seemed a good time. Within hours, they began to work together remarkably well, and accomplished most matters within hours of the arranged time. They became the Queen?s council, and it was they who would execute the first stage of Kaima?s true agenda. She still didn?t feel comfortable in the old castle, and while a few showed an interest in rebuilding it, more desired a New Castle, made in a new design. Plans were drawn and rapidly put into action for a move to the coast of the Sea of Serenity in the northern latitudes, where the new government seat would reside. A small village erupted around the edges of the mountains, a place for the Queen and her advisors to stay in until the Palace was completed. Jason himself had drawn up the plans for it. Kaima had also announced that she desired to take on another name; Serenity. It was more fitting, she said, that she take the name of the Sea that would sustain them. It was completed in barely under a year, which was miraculous considering the size of it. The walls were carved of Lunari marble, overlooking the Sea with its many orchards and gardens, each filled with reflection pools and statues to honor the fallen heroes of long ago. Queen Serenity spent a few hours each day in the garden where her father and Sir Dralflen were entombed. She recalled the voices? that had spoken to her when she was in the void, and ordered a full physical for herself. Her pregnancy had been genuine; her weight increased daily for nearly four months. The physicians were stupefied by the entire affair. Her body showed no signs of normal pregnancy, she suffered no morning sickness, no swelling of the feet, and no back pain. The physicians expected nothing out of the ordinary, except that even after nine months she did not give birth. Instead, she carried for another six months after that. They had found nothing physically wrong with her. After an exhausting seventeen hours labor, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom she named Serah. She had been born of the Silver Crystal?s overwhelming desire to create the Crown, and her father?s love for her mother. She, too, like her mother had light pink hair, though hers was also blended with very fine silver, and bright green eyes. Her laughter echoed through the once empty halls of the Sea Palace, and brightened the atmosphere each day. Two Years later The clouds that rolled in off the ocean looked ominous at best. Serenity sat quietly on the balcony overlooking the gardens beneath, listening to the far off thunder heralding the approach of rain. The Kingdom seemed to be running itself quite well without too much assistance from her, and there had been no sign of The Negans since their last battle. What was she destined for? Mentally reaching out, she could feel the crystal?s weight in her mind, and on impulse brought the tiny gem out for inspection. It shimmered in the cool air, and caught the tiny flashes of lightning in the distance. The sky flashed again, and Serenity reluctantly rose and walked back inside, closing the glass doors firmly behind her. At the approach of footsteps she threw herself back on the bed and buried her face in the pillows. A very childish thing to do, but then, she felt like a child again. Reduced to being a figurehead for a cause that was becoming more unclear with each passing day. Heila approached the bedside uneasily. Kaima had shown no sign of waking yet, and usually, she was awake long before now. "Kaima?" she slowly sat up, brushing her long pink hair back away from her face. "What?" "I wondered if you were asleep. Do you feel ill?" "No, I just felt like thinking for a time. Is something wrong?" she could feel her hopes rising at the prospect. "No, I came to see if you wanted the morning meal." "Oh, yes, I shall dress and join you." Heila offered a shy smile and quietly left the room, giving her time to collect herself as well. Opening her clenched hand she found the crystal still clasped within, and whispered; "Be gone." It vanished. Staring in astonishment, she began to panic when she realized if she called it to her in the first place, she could summon it back. Schooling her thoughts, she reached for it again and it appeared, glowing with its power in the palm of her hand. "Kaima? Do you need help?" "No, just looking at my jewelry. I?ll be down in a minute." The crystal vanished with the now silent command, and she began to dress. The silk rustled as she pulled the dress on, and buttoned the back. The silver material shimmered in the firelight, and she did a quick pirouette to watch it dance. Sighing, she picked up the tiny tiara encrusted with diamonds and amethysts and set it on her head, tilted just over the crescent moon, pinning it in place. She paused for a moment and assumed her regal poise, then opened the door and went out to greet the day. She had been seated at court for nearly two hours. There had been no new issues to address, and she was desperately trying to keep the bored expression off her face. Finally, she stood and to the shock of her cabinet, walked out of the reception chamber. "Your Majesty! Are you ill?" Jason had followed her out. "No, I just need some time to myself. Jason, please." She held up a hand to forestall his argument. "There is nothing to discuss at the moment, no pressing emergency. If you need me, I shall be with my daughter." And with that, she walked away, leaving him to stare after her in amazement. Serah?s nursery was decorated in nearly the same style as her own chambers. The baby had rapidly outgrown her crib in the last year, and it had been replaced with a daybed of a similar style. Serah was spread out on a blanket; a pile of blocks surrounded her. She gleefully stacked them together and knocked them over again, while her nanny checked every now and then to see that she was all right. At her entrance, Serah squealed happily, and Dera stood up, curtseying. "Your Majesty." "Good Morning, Dera. I wish to spend time with my daughter." "Of course, my Queen. If you need anything, let me know." She left after blowing a kiss to Serah. Serenity picked her little girl up and they headed for the bookshelves to find a story. She mused over several titles until finding the White Bear in the Woods. "and so, they lived happily ever after in the forest, and all the animals were free. The End." Serah was snuggled against her, sound asleep. Kaima smiled and shifted, rising and laying Serah down in her bed. She longed to be a child again, to lose the material concerns that plagued her through her every waking hour. She put the book away, and quietly left, headed for the garden. It had been neglected for several days, as she had been occupied with other matters. She cleared the vase of its wilted roses and replaced them, humming quietly to herself. Treliak, a small farming community in the Southern Provinces of Gret The day had dawned bright and clear, promising fair weather to the farming community beneath it. Ileira stretched and sat up slowly, pushing away the blankets. Her sister woke slowly, murmuring something about a local boy taking her to the village feast that evening. Ileira stood, and walked out to the outhouse beyond the kitchen. Their crops had come in quite well so far, though they had yet to harvest the hay. Mama said that they should hold off as long as possible so it could dry naturally. They had not always been farmers, in fact, they had once lived in a fishing community, and her Papa had been a fisherman. But then, Mama said something happened to him, and he began to change. He had always been a powerful man, though no one had been afraid of him. He started to dress in all black robes, and make up spells. In desperation, Mama had asked him to stop; he was frightening the children. He had laughed and told them to leave, that it was no concern of hers what he did at all. Ileira could not remember any of that, though her sister could, she had been almost eight then, and Ileira had been but a baby. So they had come here, and taken up farming. Ileira shook her head, and let the brown tresses fall forward and she gathered them together and put them into a ponytail. Mama was yelling at her. "Ileira, is your sister up yet?" "Yes Mama, she was when I came out." "Well, get yourself something to eat, and git? goin?. You?re late for your chores." "Yes Mama." She grabbed a few pieces of fruit, stuffing in the apron of her dress for later, and skipped out the back door to the sod barn below the hill. Sea Palace Serenity was in the garden for a long while before returning inside. It had finally begun to rain, and she felt in need of a cup of tea. Setting the kettle firmly over the fire shelf, she situated herself in the plush chair next to it. She had checked in on Serah, who was still sleeping. Her nannies reported she slept more than any other baby they knew of, and they had been concerned until her physicians pointed out that Serah had been formed of the strange power her mother possessed, and they should expect such differences. Leaning back against the chair, she stared at the flickering flames until they lulled her to sleep. Treliak Ileira was in the barn, she?d grabbed a fork and gone to clean the stalls out, since the cattle were out enjoying their last days before slaughter. She knew her sister had been refusing to get up of late, and Mama probably had had to drag her out of bed and get her outside. Occasionally stopping to eat her fruit, she was startled when her sister came stomping into the barn, seething about her mistreatment. "How dare she throw me out like that?" "Do you want some of my fruit?" "Ileira, there are things more important than food. I was having a good dream about Ulik and Mama woke me up and threw me out!" "Maybe if you didn?t stay out so late, you wouldn?t need to sleep past sunrise." "How dare you!" her hand flew to Ileira?s cheek, and made a cracking noise as it connected. "Oh Ileira, I?m sorry! I didn?t mean to hit you!" Ileira raised a hand to her cheek, tears coming to her eyes. "I didn?t want to hit you, but you made me!" Ileira dropped the fork and ran, leaving her sister to stare after her in confusion. Things had become so hard lately, the prices of their crops had dropped, and then she and Ileira had to stop going to school so they could help work. Mama had been so quiet recently, and she knew that her mother had to be thinking about what would have happened if they stayed with Papa. She could remember clearly when they had separated?. Papa had been gone for days on the seas, catching fish in his great net, and Mama had been waiting patiently for his return. The baby was in her bassinette, and she watched her like Mama said to, because the baby wasn?t old enough to watch herself. Papa had come in, and he had been angry about not catching as many fish as they needed to sell. He had yelled and she stayed by the baby, holding her close while they fought. Papa had hit Mama and gone out the door, slamming it behind. She had found Mama slumped against the wall crying, and she had cuddled close before rising to go after him. He had gone into the mountains above the village to spend some time alone. Metallia had found him as he headed up the pass, and he asked her not to say anything to Mama about where he was going. So she waited patiently for his return. When he came back, he was carrying a long black stick. When she asked why he had it he said; "I carry it to guide me on my path." She had been told to stay far away from Papa, but she was intrigued by what he was doing. He would light fires and chant, dancing around them and murmuring spells as he did so. She had been allowed to help light the fires and learn spells with him, and it had been like old times for a while. Then Mama had found out what they were doing, and ordered her to stay away from Papa. She said he was evil, and that he was corrupting her. But he was her Papa, how could he? Mama had packed up all their things one night, and while Papa was away at his fire she hitched the horse to the cart, and put Ileira and her in it, and they had left him, never to return. She never saw her Papa again. She felt the tears rise in her eyes at the unexpected memory, and blinked them away. It was Mama?s fault. If she had been a better wife, Papa wouldn?t have gotten angry, and they would still be a family. Sea Palace Serenity awoke to the sound of loud wailing in the rooms beyond. Curious, she rose and went to see what was wrong. Dera was holding a screaming Serah tightly, and the girl was protesting for all she was worth. She set her down, and the noise increased as she settled on the floor and threw a full temper tantrum. Serah kicked and screamed, banged her fists on the floor and kicked at anyone in range. In desperation, Serenity briefly concentrated on a small space that sound could not penetrate, and enclosed her daughter in it. Dera looked shocked. "Your Majesty, I didn?t know you could do that!" "I didn?t either. Does she do this often?" "Not really, only every once and again." "Why don?t you punish her?" "I didn?t think it proper. She is your daughter." "A fine mother I would be if I let her get away with this. Dera, you must punish her, she doesn?t understand that this is wrong." Serenity turned and left, leaving Dera to stare after her in astonishment. Slowly, she reached in and picked Serah up, holding her as they went to the rocking chair near the fire. She sat and placed Serah face down on her lap, and held tightly. She spanked her three times; hearing Serah?s wails rise with each one. When she finished, she set out a chair and put her in it, telling her to stay there and think about it and she would come back and talk to her. Serah cried for another fifteen minutes before running out of tears, and Dera returned with a rag to wipe her nose with. "Serah, I don?t want to see you throwing your toys like that ever again. You know that it?s not right. And if you do, I will spank you again, and again, until you remember. If you?re good, I won?t have to spank you, understand?" Serah nodded reluctantly, and she climbed up in her lap for a hug, which Dera gratefully supplied. Serenity took a deep breath and was heading back to her own chambers to drink her tea when Jason approached at a run. "Your Majesty! I have just received word of very important visitors, from another world!" "Another world? How? Are they from the Blue Planet?" "No, but they have asked to speak with you in private." "Of course. Tell them I shall meet them in the library as soon as possible." "The library?" "Of course, Jason. We must show them we are learned, mustn?t we?" she walked rapidly in the direction of her chambers to change before greeting their guests. The Ambassador stood quietly, he hadn?t really seen the need for a mission to the Moon of the Blue Planet, but the King had deemed it important. The Moon could, though primitive, be quite a base for operations further out into the solar system. He had at last report heard of a Consolidated Realm, though nothing of this Queen had been mentioned. He had been shown nothing but respect and pleasantries since his arrival, and he was rather impressed with the culture this "primitive" world displayed. The double doors opened and a beautiful woman stepped in. Judging by the deep bows made by the guards as she walked past, this was the Queen?Serenity, wasn?t it? He rose, bowing politely. "I am honored to meet you, your Majesty. I am Lord Aramk, of the Sun Kingdom." "I am pleased to meet you as well, Lord Aramk. Tell me, what brings you to our Kingdom?" "I have long expressed an interest in the development of your world, however, certain political elements kept me from exploring it. Now, we seek to ascertain an understanding with your people, and live together in this vast universe as friends." He was definitely a verbal sparring partner, someone she had looked forward to meeting for a long time. She leaned forward, and smiled patiently at him, letting him know instantly that she had not fallen for this particular ploy. "Lord Aramk, I may be new to this role, but I assure you I am quite capable of understanding the truth. You did not come here to speak of becoming friends. You are obviously an advanced race, and that speaks well of you should we wish to trade, but tell me, am I correct in assuming we have something you want?" He swallowed nervously, and slowly raised his eyes to look squarely into hers. They were a deep shade of blue, sapphires that flashed in the eerie light of the room. He felt a shiver creep over him, and hesitated before slowly replying. "You..are correct. We did want something." "Why did you choose us, instead of the Blue Planet? They have far more resources than we do." "They are exceedingly primitive, you, however, are slightly more advanced, and easier to deal with. I wish to know, may we continue this discussion as friends, or are we to be enemies?" "I wish for us to be friends, if you desire the same." "Then it is settled. I hope you take no offense to our way of approaching you. I had to know how primitive you truly were." "None taken. Would you care for tea?" she rose, and he followed suit as she took a tea set and poured two cups for them, and held one out, which he took. When they were seated again, he began telling her of the Sun Kingdom, and she listened intently. When the story was done, she said; "You still have not explained why you chose us to research." "Your Majesty, a few years ago, we noticed strange energy readings from here. We have come out of curiosity more than anything else. Also, it would serve as a starting point for our long journeys beyond the next planet past the Blue. I am curious to know, how long have you known it was possible for space flight?" "We have known for generations now, your coming was no shock to us. But we lack the materials with which to craft ships capable for life in space." "This place is a wonder." "Yes, it is." She smiled. "But Lunari marble does not withstand the cold of space, it shatters easily. Come, you must be tired from your long journey, let me find you chambers and we will talk later." She motioned for the doors to be opened, and several servants came in. "Find Lord Aramk suitable chambers for his visit, and bring him whatever he desires. My Lord, I trust you will be comfortable among us?" "I shall, good afternoon, Your Majesty." He walked out easily, and Serenity heaved a sigh of relief. After several days had passed, during which Lord Aramk was shown around the city, they finally began their private conferences, and she began to pry him with questions about their Kingdom. "Your Majesty never ceases in her questions. We, like you, live in a monarchy; we are ruled by King Solis, who is a kind, gentle man. He is the fifth son of his line to ascend the throne, and his son, Yilm will follow him. Our Empire consists of the three planets that orbit closest to the sun. We know, so far, of nine planets in the solar system, once past our realms, there is Mercury, a strange world of people who have built their cities under water. Then, the Blue planet, which as far as we can tell is a simple world not even to the Age of Reason yet, and of course you. We know nothing of the other worlds, we have yet to go there. And for that, we require your assistance." "Our assistance?" "You are strategically located in space, you would be a good point to launch the expedition from." "I see. And what do we gain from this venture?" "Our friendship and eternal thanks." "That is well and good, but we shall require something more tangible." Aramk shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position. "And what would you like, your Majesty?" "I would suggest we receive a fair amount of technology in trade." "That goes against our principles." "Then, I suggest you find another planet to launch from." "Tell me, what would you do with this technology?" "Build ships, increase trade, learn about the Universe same as you." "We don?t believe in giving technology to developing races." "Then I assume you don?t believe in contacting races who have not achieved the same speed as the stars?" Aramk was uncertain as to where she was going with that one. "Ordinarily, we would not have contacted you, but we are restless. We seek knowledge, and our planetary probes had indicated an advanced species with limited means." Serenity paused briefly at his statement, letting her eyes wander over the Ambassador, who squirmed under the scrutiny. *"Are we merely an advanced species, a stop on your ultimate journey?" "No. At first?" the Ambassador rose and began to pace; "At first, we thought we would come here and simply take what we wanted from you. But now that I have met you, I found myself reluctant to use you in that way. Very well. I will speak to my King and find out if he wishes to negotiate." He bowed politely and left the room. In the village of Treliak? Metallia stared at the fork Ileira had left behind in her haste. She slowly picked it up and eyed it carefully. Mama. Mama had caused them pain. She had often wondered how her Papa had felt when he found out they were gone, when she was gone. Ulik would have liked Papa?? Evil. Was Papa evil? Papa. The lost little girl inside wailed in rebellion against her mother?s actions? They should have stayed. Papa loved them. He loved her. Papa, I?m sorry. If I had been better I would have stayed with you?.. Mama. Ileira. Names whirled through her mind as her thoughts raced. Papa was all alone. Perhaps it wasn?t too late, she could go back, and it would be like it was again?.. Mama. Ileira. They would pay. Sea Palace, Sea City.. Kaima anxiously paced her chambers, waiting for word from Aramk. They had to agree, they had to. They were against the wall, both sides. The Moon desperately needed technology, the water was bad; crops were growing fewer and fewer?.. They needed help to survive. Jason interrupted her thoughts; "Your Majesty? Lord Aramk to see you." Aramk entered quietly, a small smile on his face. "Your Majesty, I bring you great news. King Solis has agreed to provide you with the specifications for several kinds of technology, however, only the ones we will you use in building the ship and base. The rest you must figure out on your own." "Agreed, Lord Aramk." "If you will sign here?." He held up an old style pen, and she signed her name with a flourish. "This is the start of a beautiful friendship, your Majesty." Her only response was a smile. The Village of Treliak? Metallia raced up the hill to the house at a run, her anger all consuming. She could barely see through the red haze in her eyes. Mama. Ileira. They must pay! She quietly rested the fork against the wall, and opened the door. "Metallia, how could you hit your sister?" Ileira?s eyes were red from crying, and Metallia felt a brief moment of regret before it washed away in the raging sea of anger. "She was being annoying, like always." "You know we must work together, it is the only way that we are going to survive. Ever since your father ..changed, we have had to fend for ourselves." "You?re wrong." Metallia?s voice stung. "I beg your pardon, young lady?" "Papa never changed, you were just angry because he discovered something wonderful, and you were to stupid to understand!" "Metallia! How dare you! You hold your tongue!" Ileira seemed to see the murderous rage in Metallia?s eyes; she started to back away from the door. Metallia saw her reaction and brought the fork in, thrusting it forward into her belly. Mama screamed and Ileira sank to the floor. As Mama approached to help her, Metallia rammed the fork tines into her as well, again and again, laughing happily as her blood fell to the dirt floor, lost forever in the impurities of the earth beneath. She dropped the fork and holding her head she bolted from the hut. Heading Home. Sea Palace? Kaima quickly discovered that technology was promptly forthcoming. They had managed to clean up the water supply in a few months, and crops had begun to flourish. Electricity was introduced, and a network of holocameras which allowed pictures and other things be shown in numerous places at once were installed. The Sun Kingdom had advised them on everything, however, they warned that any further developmentswould have to be discovered on their own. Light fixtures had been installed in the Palace, and she enjoyed them very much. They had also begun work on the base that would house the ship until completion and launch. Serah had just celebrated her third birthday, complete with party. Perhaps later she would be able to lie down and rest?. Treliak? Metallia raced along, her long legs striking the ground quickly. If she ran just a little faster, she could be home soon and be with Papa again. Slowing as she approached the mountains where she had grown up, she wound down the familiar trail and skipped up the steps to the hardwood door. "Papa, it?s me, Metallia. I?ve come back. Please Papa, don?t be angry with me, It was Mama?s fault. But she paid the price; I made sure of that. Papa?" Racing down the steps she headed for the village below. Have you seen my Papa? Do you know where he is?" They stared at her with vague, angry expressions until finally, an old woman asked, "Who is your Papa?" "His name was Negan." "You are the daughter of Lord Negan?" "My father was no Lord, he was a fisherman, long ago." "Perhaps once, child, he was a fisherman, then he became our Lord. And you are heir to his legacy?" The old woman held a staff before her, the ball on top strobed with an eerie purple light that bathed her. She could see Papa standing before her, and she ran toward him for a hug. "My daughter. I have been trapped here in this lonely place for so long. Now you must finish the work I began. The power of the strobe will help you as you? We were always alone, but now we are together again." Metallia took his hand and together they walked away into the purple mists?. As Papa faded from sight, Metallia could feel the power of the strobe reaching into her, the villagers raised their hands in salute as her name echoed through the deserted streets; "Metallia! Metallia!" Three years later? Melancholy. It was the only word to describe how she felt. For the last few hours she had sat here, thinking in the now rare quiet moments of the day. The thin spires of the construction scaffolding stood out against the blue sky in the distance. Kaima stared blankly at the shadows it created, while sipping a cup of tea. The King of the Solar Kingdom was due to arrive tonight. He had announced he would attend the opening ceremony for the Solar/Lunari launching of the interplanetary ship, Expectancy. They had received quite a bit of technological information. Several ideas had been put to work in the Palace itself. Lights illuminated the hallways and electricity powered the control panels installed to assist in all types of work. Sighing, she sank down in one of the padded chairs on the balcony. A forgotten document pad lay on the patio table before her. There was a faint swishing sound created by Serah as she walked in, clutching a teddy bear. Serah giggled at the sight of her mother and skipped faster, running in for a hug. "Hello, my darling. Is this your bear?" "Yes. My bear." "Well, what a pretty bear. What?s his name?" "Well, it?s Stephan." "Oh, okay then." She settled Serah in her lap, and smiled easily. They sat there for some time, Serah wasn?t moving. It was as though she sensed her mother?s wishes and remained quiet, allowing her to think. Heila entered her chambers quietly. As much as she disliked disturbing the Queen?s solitude, she did need to get Serah to bed and her Majesty dressed. Lately, Kaima had seemed to withdraw from everyone around her. It was as though the girl that had been Kaima was fading in place of Serenity. She seemed much calmer, more in control, and Heila felt frightened by it. "Your Majesty?" both Serah and Sere..Kaima glanced up. "Yes, Heila?" "King Solis had arrived, and is waiting for you in the Reception Chamber, attended by Lord Aramk." Serenity handed Serah to Heila, kissed her forehead and shooed them from the room. "I will dress and be right down." Heila shifted Serah so she hung onto her neck and walked down the hall to her chambers. Kaima sighed and slowly closed the glass doors. A cool breeze had come up and ruffled the curtains. She opened the closet to reveal a shimmering white silk dress, made especially for the occasion. After pulling it on she turned to check her hair and straighten the tiara. She was as ready as she was going to be. King Solis was a sturdy, brawny man who wore his crown easily. Dark green eyes were framed by light blond hair, and illuminated his face. He smiled easily as Queen Serenity entered the chamber. She was a beauty, delicate as a porcelain doll, as Aramk had said. The nobles of both courts bowed politely, and she assumed her position before the marble throne. "I greet you, King Solis, in the name of the Moon." "And I greet you, Queen Serenity, in the name of Sol. We owe you many thanks for allowing us to work on your world. Without your aid we would be as lost in the stars as ever." He bowed slightly, and stood quietly, waiting for her response. "It is we who owe you a debt. Without you we would be the primitive race we were, not knowing the joys of working with other people from other worlds and the priveleges of technology. It was an agreeable trade." Both settled into their places as the meals were brought ?round. All in all, it was a grand evening. Both monarchs even shared a dance before calling it a night. She had checked on Serah before returning to her own chambers for the night. Peeling off her dress she slipped into something far more comfortable and climbed beneath the sheets. The blue light shone in from the windows, and bathed her in it. The future looked bright, and she soon slept. At the Expectancy Launch Tower.. Recently installed holocameras caught the ship; Expectancy, on film and relayed it around the planet and to Sol as well. The King was standing on his side of the podium, waiting patiently for the launch to get underway. Queen Serenity was running a bit late, as Princess Serah seemed to be ill, but she would be there long before the launch began. In the last ten minutes he had managed to see many of the Lunarians as they gawked at him, he had waved at a few, but there was something that made him instinctively uneasy about a certain girl he kept seeing. She looked to be nearly fifteen or sixteen, with brown hair and eyes, wearing homespun clothing. She was watching him intently, had been since he arrived. In a flash of silver, he could see Serenity had arrived. Applause rose out of the crowd as she approached, carrying young Serah in her arms. "My apologizes, your Majesty." "None needed. I have been a father twice over, and I know of the peculiar ailments children suffer. Shall we launch?" "Yes, by all means!" she handed Serah to a nurse and stood at his side. Both pressed the over stylized fake buttons to signal launch. Metallia had heard of the contract with the Sol Kingdom, but had waited patiently for the right time to emerge. Her powers had steadily grown, now that she had taken the time to properly learn them. That had been her father?s mistake, he had attacked before he was ready. Her minions waited in the wings. To kill the upstart Queen they would need to get her before she could use that tiny crystal. To stop the launch they would need to destroy the landing pad. Timing was crucial. The tower signaled go, green lights all across the board. The intrepid Interplaneteers were strapped securely into their seats, awaiting the countdown. Serenity smiled at Solis warmly, then gasped as a familiar object caught her eye. The strobe. "Solis! Get down!" The strobe pulsed, dark energy flying right for where Solis had been standing. But it wasn?t Negan manipulating it. A young girl who looked to be in her teens glared at the beings that followed her and snarled; "The ship! Don?t let it launch!" Serenity could Serah crying, the shouts of guards from both Kingdoms as they raced to stop her. There was an explosion near the pad, she could see a girder around the ship rock, then fall as the girl?s minions blasted it. Instinctively she raced after the fleeting form of the girl. Several more blasts and the Interplaneteers could feel the ship begin to quiver, they could hear the sound of alarms and looked at each other in fear. The girl was fast; she?d nearly made it to the ship. Serenity sensed that if she made it the battle was lost. "You!" she called to her, hoping she would listen to reason. She pulled the crystal from its? hiding place and clutched it between her hands. "Don?t make me hurt you!" she called, hoping to draw her out. "Don?t make me laugh. I am ten times as strong as my Father, you?ll never defeat me." "Your father? Who are you?" "I am your executioner." Serenity came face to face with the enraged girl, who stared at her with eyes that mimicked Negan?s. "You killed my father, and for that you will die." Blue met brown and locked in combat. The first of the Interplaneteers tore the straps off himself and bolted for the airlock, the rest followed. It was clear the ship was under attack, and they needed out. The seals were jammed, and while they tugged futilely the minions of the Negan?s Universe cut off the air supply. "I think the trip has been cancelled." Metallia manipulated the strobe easily, whirling the cobalt stick about in her hands. She alone truly knew the capabilities she possessed. She doubted the Queen had ever tested the crystal to see what she could truly do with it. Serenity wrapped her hands around the glowing, pulsing gem. Her only though was of destroying this monster, of ending the conflict once and for all. But the crystal did not have enough to destroy her completely. Focusing on her daughter, on her people, she could hear them as they called out to her. The crystal burned more brightly in the palm of her hands and the sphere expanded. Metallia?s scream radiated within it and dissipated as it passed beyond her dimension, banished to a realm of her own creation. Letting the pink sphere fade, she became aware of the ground rushing up very quickly, then darkness. Solis reached her first, searched for a pulse. Faint, but noticeable. He ordered her moved inside. His guards were handling the crowd, the finding of the dead crew of the Expectancy hadn?t helped matters, nor had the destruction of the tower. Little Serah, still screaming in terror had been taken back to the Palace. Serenity seemed to weigh very little indeed. The crystal that had served as beacon to her body had faded at his approach, and disappeared completely. He placed her on the large bed in her chambers, and watched as her physicians scurried about. He was escorted to a small lounge in an antechamber to hers, and asked to wait. Finally, Sir Jason returned with news. "Her Majesty is quite weary. It seems that the girl was the daughter of Lord Negan, and sought to complete his work. She has been banished to another place within the keeping of her own power, and it is doubtful that she will return soon, if at all." "May I speak with her Majesty?" "Not at present, however, your Majesty, I would suggest you return to chambers and get some rest, you look as though you need it." "Sir Jason, I am going to address the Kingdom in her stead, tell them what has happened. I owe her my life, and no doubt my crown as well. We shall swear our allegiance to you for all time." Jason waited while King Solis spoke. His words were passionate, happy and eloquent as he promised the alliance of their two kingdoms for centuries to come. I don?t own Sailor Moon, but if I did, well?. I?d make a profit! I know that this ending may seem a bit cheesy, and,well, I agree. But I had a little more trouble writing this one than I did the last. I would like to thank everyone who emailed me, I really appreciated it! The next one will pick up where this left off. Come visit my page at: http://www.angelfire.com/de/edvb5/index.html or email me at danan_elora@hotmail.com or the new one at kaima_dralflen@yahoo.com.