Episode 8: My Heart Will Go On *** Everyone watched in stunned silence as Usagi and Sunny were enveloped in the Ginzuishou's light. A flower signet began to glow on Sunny's forehead, just as Usagi's crescent moon began to glow. Tristan leaped to his feet, and before anyone could stop him, grabbed Sunny's shoulders. But the light just enveloped him too. Merlyn sat quietly, but a beam shot out, touching her and growing brighter, and leaving the Senshi shielding their eyes. *** I walked up the white palace steps again, counting. "One hundred." I sighed. Nothing better to do. I turned to see Mother, or rather Queen Tranquillity, come up the steps after me. "Thalassa-Moon, what are you doing?" she questioned. Gold pigtails flowed elegantly behind her, the moonflower signet showing clearly on a forehead not covered by bangs. Mother was so lovely. "Counting steps. I'm incredibly bored, Mother." She smiled wryly. "I'm sure I could find you something to do, daughter." She chuckled slightly. I stopped, grimacing at what I'd just said. "Baka," I muttered. Mother smiled again. "There is something to do, sunshine. We are going to the Moon tonight." I brightened immediately. "We are? To see Aunt Serenity, and Sere-chan?" "Somewhat," Mother answered. "There is a ball tonight, and we've been invited ?in state.' It's diplomatic." "Oh," I answered. I hated diplomatic missions, not enough time to spend with my cousin, Sere. Well, actually Serenity, but I'd called her Sere-chan since we were little. And she called me Thala-chan. "Are the rest of the Satellite Kingdoms going to be there?" "Yes, and the other princesses will be there as well. It's a gathering of the entire Silver Millennium." I was about to speak again when my father, King Thalassac, walked up. Tall, with aqua hair and eyes, he matched Mother's loveliness with his own handsome looks. The flower signet on his forehead stood out as well, the same one I had. "Father," I said, curtsying. He smiled. "Daughter, this is quite a formal occasion, I would see you properly prepared." I started, anxious. He smiled. "Go on, get ready." I smiled, walking up to my father and kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Daddy." Then I raced off to my room. I'd just finished packing when Princess Luna Alyse came in. A dear friend, and a protector, Sailor Stardance, from Titania, a satellite of Uranus. "Ready, Thalassa?" "I am, very!" I smiled. "Especially since I know Oceanus-Moon is going to be there!" I giggled, a slight blush coming to my cheeks. "It just wouldn't be a ball without him!" "Better be careful this time, Princess!" Luna Alyse grinned. "Don't want to have something embarrassing like last time happen." I blushed more. "Luna Alyse! Stop that, we weren't doing anything!" Luna Alyse just smiled more and chuckled. "That's not what Princess Serenity said..." "Oh, how would she know? She was fawning over Prince Endymion the whole time!" "But-" We looked at each other, then burst into ridiculous laughter. Suddenly I sobered. "Poor Sere-chan. She loves him so much, and with the Dark Kingdom on Earth..." I trailed off sadly. "I don't know what I'd do if I were her." "Me either." I sighed. "Well, let's cheer up. We have to be there for her." Luna Alyse nodded, grinning. "No problem. Something to preoccupy her with. You always manage to pull that off, Thalassa-Moon!" She laughed and ducked out of the room as I threw a pillow at her. *** Queen Tranquillity stood quietly with the Hanazuishou in her hands. Her eyes were worried, as was her heart. "Sister, must you really request this? Why?" Tranquillity questioned the shimmering image across the room. "Because of the danger. The Seer of Mars has told me that a great battle will take place soon, within the next few days even. That's why the council is being called. You know I mean to prepare for a war." Queen Serenity answered, her image dimming slightly as she sighed. "I know what the power can do, and I fear it. But we, as the daughters of the Moon, must wield it." "You do remember that the only true Moon Crystal is the Ginzuishou," Tranquillity offered. "No, sister. The Hanazuishou is the Crystal of the Satellite Kingdoms. It was their power, combined; Thalassa, Titania, Amalthia, Calypso, and Triton. You brought them together. The Hanazuishou is its own power, and it belongs to you. But should evil threaten the Moon Kingdom, you know it threatens all of the Silver Millennium's planets." Tranquillity sighed. "So be it, Serenity, but I pray we have no need to use them." *** We gathered in the teleportation chamber of the Flora Palace; Mother, Father, my Senshi, and me. Their parents were all leaving from their respective planets, but the Senshi were to be with me. My protectors, but also my friends. I was a Senshi too, but I was Serenity's protector, and only called in times of great need. Thankfully, I'd never been called. I had training like the rest of them, but in secret. Being the Flower Princess was my first duty. I didn't mind. I loved my home planet of Thalassa. Mother told me of the story of how she'd gotten there, and joined the satellites of our solar system. She'd been born a Moon Princess, Queen Serenity's sister. But then she'd met my father, then Prince Thalassac, when he'd come to ask help from the Moon Kingdom. They'd fallen in love, and Mother gave up the throne of the Moon Kingdom to her younger sister to go with my father. Once here, she joined the other satellite planets, creating a new kingdom. When that happened, the Hanazuishou was formed. No one was quite sure how that happened, but it was known that the Hanazuishou held great power. I think it was from my parents' love. The Satellite Kingdom became part of the Silver Millennium, which was presided over by the Moon Kingdom. All the kingdoms of the Silver Millennium; our Satellite Kingdom, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. I always wondered how such a tiny planet, not even a planet really, could hold so much power. But I know; it's how Queen Serenity rules, with love and justice. Sere-chan and I were very good friends, as well as being cousins. Her father, King Lunarius, died when we were children. So she came over often, and her uncle, my father, became a father figure to her. Now, almost of age, we were both busy with becoming the ?ideal princess.' But we'd always remained good friends. We had our protectors, our Sailor Senshi. Hers were from the inner planets; Mercury, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter. Mine were the princesses of the other Satellites; Titania, Amalthia, and Calypso. In the round crystal room we stood, Mother, Father, and me in the center, my Senshi surrounding us, hands joined. Mother and Father looked up, as did I. Each of us raising a hand, we chanted the words to take us to the Moon. "Royal Teleport!" And we were gone. *** "Be quiet, or we're never gonna pull this off!" the female voice hissed. The black haired man immediately quieted, looking sheepish. "Good," she whispered. "Just keep down and keep quiet." In her red and violet fuku, the girl peered around the corner, then pulled the black haired man out into the open, racing for another door. Once there, they stopped to catch their breath. "Ok, you're on your own now. Just keep a low profile," she paused, "and change your clothes for heaven's sake! Find something you won't be recognized in." "Alright, but I've got to see Serenity first." He bowed low. "Thank you, Mars. You've done me, and Serenity, a great deed. We'll never forget it." "No thanks are needed, Endymion. Serenity's and your friendship are enough. Good luck." She pushed him a little. "Go see your Princess." He smiled once, and then was gone. "Be careful, Earth Prince," Sailor Mars whispered. *** Princess Serenity, with Princesses Mercury and Venus, ran over immediately when we arrived, my Senshi parting for her. We embraced for a moment, then she hugged my mother and father. "Welcome, Thala-chan! I missed you all so much!" She bubbled, with her usual enthusiasm. She turned and hugged each one of my Senshi in turn as well. "I'm so glad you're all here." We moved from the teleportation platform, just as another group was coming in. It would be Prince Oceanus-Moon and his parents, the King and Queen of Triton, following us. Triton was another satellite of Neptune, and the first to join the Satellite Kingdom. There was no Senshi from Triton, but Prince Oceanus-Moon had promised to protect me. Serenity put a hand on my shoulder, smiling. She knew Oceanus-Moon and I loved each other. She and I both had our princes, and that gave us lots to talk about. I watched the light shimmer away, and my prince appeared. His eyes focused first on me, and he smiled. I beamed back at him, waiting. Serenity approached, welcoming them. She turned to Oceanus-Moon. "I think your princess is waiting." He just smiled knowingly. I walked up a little, and he took my hands, kissing the backs gently, and making me blush. "What a lovely sight to greet me as I arrive, Princess. There could be none better." "Oceanus, it's wonderful to be able to greet you," I answered, smiling gently. "There could be none better, dearest." All the Senshi, Inner, Outer and Satellite, were gathered in the ball room. Most of the princesses had the name of their planet; it was a new fashion in names that had come in just after I was born. Mother had tried it with me, but added "moon" to my name. Princess Neptune was there, and I talked with her politely. She had a way of always making me feel like a child around her, even though she was only about two years older than my fifteen years. I didn't like that a bit. She herself was content to stay around Princess Uranus. Princess Saturn -was- just a child, about ten. But she was a powerful Senshi, possibly the most powerful. Her powers were not to be unleashed, they were that strong. Sailor Pluto was nowhere to be seen, but she would be here, somewhere, watching. The Inner Senshi princesses and my Senshi stayed together. We were all about the same age, and we just all seemed to get along. Princess Mercury and Luna Alyse talked quietly about concepts, but Luna Alyse managed to get her to accept a dance proposal or two. The others danced and laughed, having a lot of fun. Sere-chan and I headed up to her room for a bit, after Serenity had been whispering with Princess Mars. Once there she grabbed my hands, spinning me around. "Oh, Thala-chan!" She smiled dazzlingly, her eyes filled with stars. "What, what?" I tried to still my ecstatic cousin, to no avail. "What's going on?" She stopped, rising to her toes, as if she would fly. I was worried she would try it, as she swept out to the balcony, folding her hands and closing her eyes. "He's here! Endymion's here! Princess Mars snuck him in, Moon bless her!" I beamed, thrilled for the girl. "Wonderful! Where is he?" I questioned. Sere was about to answer when another voice answered for me. "Serenity!" came the clearly male voice from below the balcony. Serenity looked down. "Endymion!" she cried, peering over the balcony. I had the decency to step back and remain hidden. "Serenity, I'm afraid I have some bad news," he called up to her. The girl's face fell. "You can't come to the ball? Mars said you were..." Endymion looked up, smiling. "I certainly am, dearest. But I wish it were only that." He got very serious. "There is a strong force of Metallia's coming, very dangerous. I'm here to help." Endymion half smiled. "Your mother knows I'm not with the Dark Kingdom. She's asked me to help protect the Moon." He started to speak again, but a group of patrolling palace guards saw him and started a chase. "I'll meet you in the ballroom!" He finished hastily, slipping from the guards as quickly as he could. Serenity looked after him, sighing sadly. "They must suspect everyone from Earth..." She turned back to me, nodding positively. "He'll head to the ballroom. Oceanus-Moon will be there too, won't he?" she said. "He's probably looking for you right now." I blushed slightly. "Yes." I smiled and took her hand, pulling her to the door. "Let's go meet them!" It was only a few moments later that I shadowed Serenity as she floated down the stairs. I paused a few feet away as Serenity stopped at the bottom of the stairs, a man in a tuxedo and mask taking her hand. I could tell, from the look on her face and the man's gentle touch, that it was Prince Endymion, disguised. I smiled as the destined couple moved gracefully to dancing, and they seemed to forget everyone else in the room. "They look so happy, don't they?" a soft voice whispered into my ear. I turned to face my own dear love, Prince Oceanus-Moon, who took me in his arms and kissed me sweetly. "Let's join them," I whispered as the kiss ended. He nodded and escorted me down the stairs, sweeping us onto the ballroom floor and everything else was forgotten. The dancing was still in full swing. The Senshi were all occupied within. Oceanus-Moon and I had retreated to the gardens of the Moon, and Serenity and Endymion had disappeared as well. Oceanus and I sat together outside, watching the stars. The Earth was in full view. I sighed sadly. "Poor Sere-chan and Prince Endymion. With the Dark Kingdom on Earth, they never get to see each other. I can't believe they'd forbid -him- from the Moon." I turned to face Oceanus-Moon. "I don't know how they stand it. I couldn't live without you." He pulled me into a close embrace. "But we don't have to, beloved. I hope we never do. Things with Earth and the Moon will work out, and Serenity and Endymion will be as happy as we are." He kissed my forehead. "Would you like to know a secret, my princess?" I smiled. "Yes, of course." "I overheard our parents talking about a betrothal. For us." He smiled, awaiting my reaction. I gasped, smiling, and tears started in my eyes. "You're sure?" I whispered, taking his face in my hands. "Yes, Thalassa." He smiled, standing and pulling me to my feet. "But I'm getting to it first." He took my hands. "Marry me, Thala?" I could feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. "Yes, yes!" I cried, falling into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me tightly, and I wished he'd never let go. He put a hand under my chin, tilting my face to his. "I love you," he whispered, and kissed me. Just then, we heard a crash from the other side of the palace. We looked at each other worriedly for an instant, then rushed inside. Luna and Artemis were running through the ballroom, screaming. "There's an attack! The Dark Kingdom is attacking!" "Sere-chan, Endymion!" I cried urgently. "The Senshi!" "Come on," Oceanus said, pulling on my arm. "We'll find them!" We ran through the palace to the other side, the front. It was terrible, the Earth and Moon warriors fighting for all they could. The Earth warriors were impossibly strong, as if possessed, and taking down the Moon fighters like nothing. Then I spotted the Inner Senshi, in full Sailor fuku and standing to the attack. Before them stood a terrible sight. A possessed-looking woman, Beryl, and behind her the essence of Metallia. Each of the Senshi attempted an attack, and failed. Oceanus-Moon and I watched in pure horror as Metallia focused a large amount of energy and blasted it at the helpless Senshi. They screamed in unison, and then they were dead. I couldn't even hear my own scream. I watched as Metallia's gaze shifted to the balcony above us. Following her line of vision, I saw my parents, with Oceanus-Moon's family. Mother was speaking to me, but I couldn't make out any of the words. She held out a hand, and something glittering rainbows dropped from it. I caught it. "Go," I heard her say in my head. "Go with Oceanus and be safe. You must survive!" "Mother!" I screamed. She was crying, and waved Oceanus-Moon and me away. Oceanus snatched me up around the waist, dragging me inside the palace. I heard the cries of our parents as Metallia smashed the balcony to pieces, killing them. I fell to my knees once inside, crying vehemently. "Mother! Father!" I choked, noticing a small black cat running toward me. Luna. "Thalassa-Moon, you must do something! All the Senshi are dead!" Luna was crying as well. "You must protect Princess Serenity!" I blinked, my tears stopped. Tears were not enough now. My friends were all dead, my parents were gone, the Moon Kingdom was in pieces. There was nothing left to do but save my Princess. I opened my hand, and saw the glittering object Mother had dropped to me. The Hanazuishou. "Let's go, Luna." I nodded. "We've got to save Sere." We ran through the corridors of the palace, ending up outside and finding Serenity and Endymion. They were on a balcony above us, and Beryl was facing them. I couldn't let them die like my parents! "Beryl!" I screamed. "Leave the Moon Kingdom! Or, in the name of Thalassa, the Moon, and all of the Silver Millennium, I will punish you!" Beryl looked over at me, amused. "Oh, Princess?" I made a decision. Holding the Hanazuishou high, I did the last thing I could. "Flower Crystal Power, Make Up!" I became the secret protector, the Senshi of Thalassa. My dress was gone, I was now in a rainbow colored Sailor fuku. Sere was looking down at me incredulously, as were Oceanus and Endymion. Oceanus ran to my side. "You won't do this alone, beloved." He took my hand. Beryl laughed. "You think you can stop me, Princess-become-Senshi? Your satellites never had any power. You will be destroyed just like the others," she hissed. I said nothing in return. I only stepped forward, the Hanazuishou floating a few inches above my outstretched hand. Oceanus stayed by my side, never faltering. Serenity and Endymion watched from above. -My friends...- Beryl frowned, eyeing me, and said something to Metallia. I stopped, Oceanus putting an arm around my waist and a hand under mine. -My family...- Metallia readied an attack. Serenity was screaming at me. -Sere, Endymion... Oceanus...- Metallia sent a crackling beam of evil energy at us. Oceanus was whispering in my ear. -Please...- Rainbow colored light shot from the Crystal, heading straight for Beryl and Metallia. But it didn't make it. The black beam from Metallia hit Oceanus and me first, flinging us helplessly back against the palace wall and shattering the rainbow beam. We slumped down the wall, hitting the ground softly. I was surprised we weren't dead; the Hanazuishou's power must have protected us a little. Oceanus forced himself into a sitting position, cradling me. The Crystal's blast had taken my strength; I couldn't move. My Sailor fuku had vanished, putting me back in my dress. I could hear Serenity screaming at us, though I couldn't make out the words. Oceanus was holding me, pushing my hair back from my face. I coughed a little. "It hurts." "Hush, it's all right," Oceanus said, rocking me gently in his arms. "I'm here, all will be well." I smiled weakly. "That's right. You're here. There's nothing I fear now." I closed my eyes. I was so tired. I could hear Serenity and Endymion. They sounded so far away. The Moon Kingdom was crashing down around us. There was nothing to be done. "Thala..." Oceanus murmured urgently. I felt his teardrops on my face, mingling with my own. I opened my eyes again, seeing only his sweet, worried face. "Never fear, beloved," I whispered. "We will stay together forever. You're safe, we're both safe, here." I put my hand to my heart. He took my hand in his. "Yes," he whispered, pulling me close. "Always. Our hearts will go on." He leaned down and kissed me tenderly. I felt a light surround us, calm and silver. At the same time, the Hanazuishou clasped in my hand flared with rainbow iridescence, joining the silver light. "Forever." Every night in my dreams I see you, I feel you, That is how I know you go on Far across the distance And spaces between us You have come to show you go on Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on Once more you open the door And you're here in my heart And my heart will go on and on Love can touch us one time And last for a lifetime And never let go till we're one Love was when I loved you One true time I hold to In my life we'll always go on Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on (Why does the heart go on?) Once more you open the door And you're here in my heart And my heart will go on and on *Key Change, dramatic* You're here, there's nothing I fear, And I know that my heart will go on We'll stay forever this way You are safe in my heart And my heart will go on and on To be continued... Inspired by "My Heart Will Go On" (Love Theme from the movie "Titanic") Property of James Horner, Will Jennings; Sung by Celine Dion Ep. 8 - http://eternal.dreamhost.com/fanfics/ss8.txt Beverly "Usagi" Alliss - beverly@magicalgirls.net Merlyn "Ami" Baker - yumesan@yahoo.com First Written, 1998. Recent Editing, May 2000. Tsuki no Yume http://eternal.dreamhost.com/fanfics/