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The Last Sacrifice: The End of the Silver Millennium
A Sailor Moon fanfic by kazeko
Note on Planet Names: Ten’ousei=Uranus; Kaiousei=Neptune; Meiousei=Pluto; Dosei=Saturn; Kasei=Mars; Suisei=Mercury; Mokusei=Jupiter; Kinsei=Venus
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Part 1: Princess on the Lamb
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Chapter 1: Motherless Queen
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Her mother had died birthing her. It was a strange thing, among the citizens of the Kingdoms of the Silver Millennium for a woman to die for her child. But the Queen of Uranus died of blood loss in her castle on the planet’s moon Miranda, leaving her tiny daughter in the hands of her husband, the king.
The little girl, the only heir to the Ten’ou line, was given the name Haruka and left mostly in the care of nursemaids and castle servants. The king kept his wife’s sword and henshin stick in a closed room in the topmost towers of the castle and let his daughter live her life as she would. Lacking a female role model who did not bow to her, Haruka began to emulate her father, keeping her blonde hair cut short, wearing princely suits rather than princess dresses, and learning to sword-fight. She became a master of the blade before she was as tall as the swords she wielded and yearned for more, for a challenge.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The King of Uranus looked up as a tall, green-hared woman entered his private study, a tall staff topped by a garnet stone in one hand, a piece of paper in the other. “Ten’ou Koshu.”
“Meiou Setsuna,” the king returned, bowing his head. “To what do I owe the honor? A visit from the Queen of Pluto is no light matter.”
“No, Koshu-kun, it is not. We have been friends since I introduced you to Kazeko so many years ago, and I came for a number of reasons.”
Koshu gestured toward an empty seat in his study and called for a servant to bring tea. “I am ready to listen, my friend.”
“Koshu-kun, your daughter is yours to raise as you wish, but the other queens and I are worried about her. She is the Princess of Uranus but she has never even seen the Space Sword. Her destiny is as Sailor Uranus, Protector of the Silver Millennium, as you well know.”
“I can’t control her, Setsuna-san. She is a spirit into and of herself and rarely obeys.”
“She adores you, but you never pay her any attention.”
“She reminds me of Kazeko, Setsuna-san. I can’t look at her and not think of my late wife.”
“Do you blame her?”
“What?” Koshu looked up at the lonely Queen of Pluto and the Guardian of the Gate of Time, green eyes wide. “How could you even suggest such a thing?”
“If the shoe fits, my friend . . . I know Haruka has thought it. She knows that her mother is dead because she is alive and she wants to make it up to you. If you don’t train her, she might not be ready when it is her turn to defend out kingdom and she’ll die. Do you want that? Kazeko’s only child and your only heir?”
“No, of course not. I do love her, I just can’t show it the way some fathers do. I’ll try, Setsuna-san, if you think I should. I don’t know what good it will do, but I will try. Why else did you come?”
Setsuna, dressed in her Sailor fuku, handed Koshu the letter. “The Queen has given birth.”
Koshu, shocked, opened the letter, reading the neat, compressed, powerful writing, recognizing the strong hand of the King of the Moon. “We are invited to a party in her favor? All eight royal families?”
“Yes. Queen Saturn was there for the birth and has already paid her respects; the others have accepted and will bring their daughters and the heirs to their Sailor Senshi legacies.”
Koshu caught the hint. “Haruka and I will be there, dressed for the occasion. She will carry her mother’s henshin stick as a symbol of power and lineage.”
“Good.” As Setsuna stood to leave, she placed a hand on her friend’s arm. “You are not the only one to lose the one you love. There is no King of the
“Thank you, Setsuna-san.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 2: Little Serenity
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Haruka twirled awkwardly, her nose crinkled in disgust. “Do I have to wear this? I like my suits much better.”
“You’re a princess, Haruka, and should dress the part. That means an actual dress.”
Haruka huffed and dropped onto her bed. “Why do I have to go, anyway? She’s the princess of the Moon and I won’t ever have anything to do with her.”
“Sure you will. We of the Outer Kingdoms must protect the
“You mean a Sailor Senshi? I’m one of them?”
“Yes, just like your mother. I’ll show you her sword and henshin stick in a moment. One day you’ll wield them, and you need to be familiar with your power.”
Haruka smiled, forgetting the hated dress in her excitement as she followed her father into the tallest tower of their castle. He opened the only door in the topmost level and stepped inside. Haruka gasped at the treasures hidden inside, but her gaze was drawn to the powerful sword basking in the light from the single tiny window in the room. Beside it, on a shallow shelf on the side of the pedestal, sat a blue and yellow henshin stick, and Haruka knew that it was hers. She reached out her hand, and the stick flew over to her, a part of her from the moment she was born and her mother relinquished her claim.
“Mother was Sailor Uranus.”
“Yes, she was. No touching the sword, daughter. It’ll be yours soon enough. Your mother was the daughter of Uranus, princess of Ten’ousei and it was her destiny to fight for our kingdom.”
“I’m the Princess of Ten’ousei now; is it my destiny to fight?”
“Yes, one day. But not now. You’ll carry your henshin stick to the princess’s party, but the sword is too big for you now. Now, finish getting dressed so you can meet the princesses of the other planets.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haruka followed her father into the palace, proud of the henshin stick her mother had used, uncomfortable in the huge group of royals and their subjects in the Moon castle. She knew that she was one of them, but she felt so different. She took her place in the throne room as everyone waited for the queen to emerge. Haruka looked around, easily able to recognize the royals of the other kingdoms, and none of their princesses were as old as her. One of them, a slender little girl with soft aqua hair and strong sapphire blue eyes, caught Haruka’s attention, and she touched her father’s arm.
“Who is that girl?”
“Oh, that’s Kaiou Michiru, Kaiousei’s princess, future Sailor Neptune, only daughter of Kaiou Shousha.”
“She’s cute. Where’s her father?”
“He died. You will meet her and the other girls later, after Queen Serenity arrives.”
“Tell me who the other ones are, Father.”
“The tall girl there with brown hair is Princess of Mokusei, future Sailor Jupiter, Kino Makoto. Her parents there are King Meisha and Queen Meika. Beside Jupiter’s Royal Family is the family of their closest ally Kingdom, Suisei’s, led by King Mizuno Kashin and Queen Amami. Kashin-kun’s father died in the same battle that took the previous Neptunian King, Saturn’s previous king and queen, and Queen Pluto’s two brothers and mother, making her the queen, though she had been Sailor Pluto and the Guardian of the Gate of Time for a while by then. That was the last great battle against Queen Metallia’s forces, completing the seal started generations ago. The queen of Pluto has already paid her respects, so she’s not here today. She’s the one that introduced me to your mother. She has no family left. Those girls will be Sailor Senshi even as you are Sailor Uranus, and one day you two will fight together to defend the Silver Millennium.”
“I think I’ve met the little girl with yellow hair. Isn’t she Kino Minako, the Princess of Kinsei?”
“Yes, Haruka-chan. Her mother, Queen Aino Asakaze, is Sailor Venus, and beside her is King Shinrai, a close friend of the Ten’ou Family. Kinsei’s partner is Kasei, and the tall woman with red-black hair is Queen Hino Rikuriko, the current Sailor Mars. Her husband is King Akaneiro and their daughter is little Rei. Like the Royals of the Kaiou Line, Royals of the Hino Line can often see or sense some of the future, though not as strongly or with as much accuracy. Here comes Queen Serenity.”
With little more warning than that, the tall, smiling, silver-haired queen entered the throne room, her long hair floating behind her. She carried her newborn daughter in her arms, her tall, dark-haired husband following in her wake, his garnet eyes glancing at all of the lesser royals. The kings and queens of the other planets, their young daughters quick to copy their actions, bowed.
“Thank you all for coming,” Queen Serenity whispered, her voice easily audible to the gathered royals. She placed her tiny heir in the crib beside the thrones and gestured for the royal families to take a look. Haruka followed Koshu, eyes wide at the tiny girl.
“She’s going to be my queen?”
“One day, my child. She’s your princess now, and you must always protect her, no matter what and regardless of the sacrifice.”
Haruka touched baby Serenity’s white cheek, one golden curl brushing her finger, and she smiled. “I will. But how will I recognize her in the future?”
Queen Serenity gasped, sensing that Ten’ousei’s princess was not speaking about her future but her next life. “She’ll save the world as Sailor Moon without losing any friends, she’ll love everyone without prejudice, she’ll save your life even if you try to kill her, and she will reveal her true power if you confront her. When you feel the need to bow to her, you’ll know that she’s your princess,” Haruka’s father answered, sure of his response. “I learned that from your mother; she tested Queen Serenity that way once. When the time comes, you’ll know.”
Haruka looked at the henshin stick in her hands, running her finger over the round blue representation of her planet, touching the yellow star on top, and she curled her thin fingers around the stick itself. “I’ll protect her, Father. I’ll protect your daughter, Your Majesty; I promise.”
Queen Serenity bowed her head and clasped Haruka’s hand briefly. “You have your mother’s fire, young Sailor Uranus. I trust you.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 3: Making Use of Free Time
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Haruka carefully cut the last crystal, placing it on her creation. She touched each key, and a pure, beautiful note filled the air, magically contained on the tiny airless moon of Uranus. She had created her own sanctuary moons away from her father’s palace where she could create the perfect musical instrument to mimic the cries of the wind. She had finally perfected it, and she ran her fingers across the keys experimentally, thinking, composing.
Ten’ou Haruka sighed at the beautiful sounds, wishing that she had someone with whom to share her love of music. She thought about that beautiful young princess from
“By Uranus, I’m not a child anymore! I should be able to dress as I like and go where I want to. I’m old enough to rule if he would just let me! I’m easily his superior with the sword and unarmed combat, and I’m ready to be Sailor Uranus if he would only let me hold that sword or transform! He doesn’t have to be so protective!” Haruka slammed her fist against the stone wall, eyes closed to keep from tearing up.
“You don’t have to stay.”
Haruka turned around at the voice, shocked to find herself facing Sailor Pluto. The Queen of Meiousei rarely went anywhere in normal clothes; most often she was dressed in the dark uniform of her position. “What? How did you find me?”
“You’re asking the Guardian of Time and Space how she found one Princess of the Silver Millennium? Really, Haruka-san; you’re smarter than that.”
Haruka stood up, surprised to find that she was easily as tall as the green-haired lady. “What do you mean?”
“Do what you’ve always wanted to do; visit the other kingdoms. Disguise yourself as some Duke’s son, if you wish, and visit the other princesses. They have changed a lot since you last saw them. Minako and Rei are best of friends, currently together on one of Kasei’s moon’s resorts. Makoto and Ami are touring Mokusei’s moons, building a close friendship that will endure into their next lives, I’d guess. They have all received their henshin sticks and mastered their powers, in case the Silver Millennium is attacked. The princess of Dosei, of course, hopefully will never have need to become Sailor Saturn, for that will mean the greatest enemy, but Michiru will receive her henshin stick on her next birthday, which is quickly approaching. You might want to attend the party, regardless of your father’s wishes.”
“I can’t do that! What would my father think?!”
“He’d see that you’re growing up and that you’re no longer a little girl to be protected. You should take your henshin stick and go see what this Solar System has to offer.”
Haruka slowly smiled, a small, tight smile of calculation and amusement as the last of her doubts were washed away. “I might at that. What about Princess Serenity?”
“Ah, that one. She is much like you, in that she does not wish to obey her mother. The Queen wants Serenity to marry some Duke of the moon, but the Princess has her eyes set on a young Earth Prince.”
“Really? I think perhaps it is time for me to travel, Queen Setsuna.”
“Just Setsuna, Haruka-san. We are equals.”
“Setsuna-san, should I take the Space Sword?”
“Do you feel drawn to it?”
Haruka nodded, no longer needing an answer from the queen. “Don’t tell my father.”
“I wouldn’t. Good luck, Haruka-san, and I hope you find what you are looking for.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“What?! The Space Sword has been stolen?! But no one can get into that room but me! Who let this happen?”
Setsuna glared at the king, glancing significantly at the bruises and cuts on the three guards. “Let? No one let this happen; these three were unconscious at the time.”
“Do you remember anything?”
“No, Ten’ou-sama. We didn’t even see him.”
“Initiate a search and summon my daughter.”
“That’s the other thing, Majesty. Haruka-sama has also disappeared.”
“What?! My daughter, kidnapped? I will not allow this! Initiate the search; we will find them both.”
“Perhaps you should have let her Transform into Sailor Uranus so she could defend herself,” Setsuna commented, steel lacing her voice. “After all, I did warn you many long years ago that Haruka would not be ready.”
“There’s no time for regrets now. For now, we just need to find my daughter.”
Setsuna neglected to mention that the henshin stick was also “missing”.
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Chapter 4: Mars and Venus
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“A Duke’s son? What Duke?”
“He claims that he’s from Ten’ousei, Highness, though he did not name his father.”
Minako exchanged a glance with her best friend Rei, and the taller princess shrugged. “He did travel all the way to this resort looking for us. There’s no harm in letting him in. Please, permit him to approach.”
The servant nodded and opened the door, and a tall young man with blonde hair and a richly embroidered suit entered, boots echoing on the floor, a sword by his side. He wore a tight, amused smile on his lips, but his bow befit his rank, and the princesses of Kasei and Kinsei inclined their heads. “Your name, young sir?”
“Boku no namae wa Urakaze Haruka desu. Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”
“Pleased to meet you, Haruka-kun. Atashi wa Kino Rei de, Atashi no tomodachi wa Aino Minako to iimasu. Dozo yoroshiku. Why have you come?”
“To learn, Highness, and to meet you at last. I imagine there is much you could teach a lowly Duke’s son.”
Rei smiled, her fighter’s sense catching the challenge. “I’m certain. You’re welcome in my castle for as long as you can stand it.”
Haruka bowed his head mockingly, his eyes dancing at the challenge. “We shall see who gives first.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Oh my . . . Minako, he is quite a fighter.”
Minako smiled as she helped Rei sit down on her bed. “You were great, but he was better. I think he was trained by King Koshu, as good as he is. Are you okay?” Minako began to massage Rei’s knotted shoulders, and the taller senshi began to relax.
“Thank you, Mina. That feels wonderful.” She reached up and covered Mina’s hand with hers, but Mina pulled away.
“Rei-chan, we can’t. My father called today, again, and he found me a new suitor. He wants me married as soon as possible.”
Rei took Mina’s hand and placed it against her cheek, pouting. “I never get to have any fun.” Minako raised an eyebrow, and Rei sighed. “I know. But you don’t have to leave just yet. You can extend your visit a little bit.”
“I really can’t, Rei. He’s already suspicious and Mother is sick with worry. It’s not proper for the two of us to be so close. We’re supposed to be friends and partners but not anything more. We can’t break our family lines for the sake of our relationship.”
“I love you, Minako. Isn’t that enough?”
“No, Rei, but I wish it was. It’s the Curse of the Sailor Senshi to love and lose. I’ll marry some Duke but I’ll always think of you.” Mina let Rei draw her into her arms, and she closed her eyes as her tears began to flow. “Always.”
Haruka watched the pair from the partially opened door, and she sighed. No matter where in the Silver Millennium she went, she found parents who would not leave their daughters alone. Poor Rei and Minako. Haruka clenched her fist, barely refraining from slamming her hand into the wall. Maybe they really didn’t love each other forever and with their whole heart, but even just a little love like theirs should be respected. Minako and Rei would both marry men one day and rule their respective kingdoms well, but they deserved to keep caring about each other. Silently, Haruka retired to the room she had been given, ready to relax her aching muscles and desperate to keep her identity a secret. Kasei’s
The image of little Princess Kaiou Michiru snapped into Haruka’s mind, and she just smiled. That girl, wavy aqua hair barely restrained, pale blue dress accenting the sapphire blue in her eyes, had been beautiful that day, and Haruka suddenly wished that she had kept in touch with the Neptunian Princess, or spoken to her at least once. She would rectify that mistake on Michiru’s upcoming birthday, and she would become the senshi’s partner as the Soldiers of Kaiousei and Ten’ousei should be. Then she would have the power to be the Queen of Uranus as she deserved to be, as she was born to be.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Leaving? Why, Haruka-kun? Are you afraid of being beaten?”
“By you, Rei-san? No, I do not believe so. You have improved in unarmed combat and learned the particulars of sword-fighting that only come from knowledge and practice, so my damage here is done.” Haruka bowed, his hand on the hilt of his jewel-encrusted sword sheath. He had not used that sword for practice, and Rei supposed that it was some beautiful, expensive heirloom. “By the way, Rei-san, Minako-san; all love is a fragile flower that must be nurtured, even if it must be hidden. Do not let others destroy your flower before it has a chance to blossom and grow. I wish you luck as princesses, senshi, and queens.” Haruka once again bowed. In his mind, as he left, he could hear the one song he had composed on his new instrument, and he smiled to himself. That was his song.
Rei laid her hand on Mina’s and smiled. “I think he knows, Mina.”
“He does. We’ll think about it.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 5: Mercury and Jupiter
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“Who?”
“Urakaze Haruka, Highness. Princess Rei sent a message earlier mentioning him; he is a great swordsman and a peerless unarmed fighter. She suggests that the two of you might benefit from his skills.”
Mizuno Ami stood up and walked to the door, opening it to look at the tall man who waited there. “Urakaze Haruka?”
“I am. Are you Princess Mizuno Ami of Suisei?”
“Yes. Rei-chan tells us that you can train us.”
“I can. And I can also provide advice on life.”
Ami smiled at his words, entranced and curious. The blue-haired woman let the visitor in, and her taller, protective brown-haired fighter friend joined her. Makoto didn’t trust strangers and she didn’t want Ami to get hurt. “Fighter, huh? Let me see how good you are, Urakaze-san.”
Haruka handed the sword on his hip to Ami, asking her to take care of the heirloom. Haruka followed Makoto into the center of the room, and the princess transformed into Sailor Jupiter. Haruka nodded, and the fight began.
Jupiter rushed Haruka, and he stepped to one side at the last second, grabbing her arm and twisting it behind her back, holding Jupiter still. Makoto growled and detransformed, returning to Ami’s side. “How did you do that? I was Sailor Jupiter and you’re just the son of a Duke.”
“I practiced with King Ten’ou Koshu. I also learned sword fighting from the king. I can teach you, if you’d like.”
Makoto inclined her head, accepting the challenge.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haruka removed his thin practice sword from the princess’s throat again and bowed. “Again, your highness?”
“No, not again, Haruka-kun.” Over the past few days, they had become close friends, and Makoto smiled when she growled at the young duke. “I think I’ll go lie down for a while; Ami-chan might want some help.”
“I’ll rest, then. You’ve improved, Makoto-san.”
“Thanks.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ami slipped into the darkened room, her blue eyes adjusting to the semi-darkness. Her best friend, the woman she would easily give her life for, lay on the bed, exhausted, wearing little more than her undergarments. Ami smiled tolerantly as she pulled the dark green blanket over Makoto’s chilled body, and the princess’s eyes opened. “Ami-chan?”
“Go to sleep, Mako-chan,” Ami whispered lovingly. “I just came in here to see how much you hurt today. I haven’t come to see you in a long time.”
“I’m cold,” Makoto whispered suggestively, but the blue-haired girl pulled back. Her hair wasn’t much longer than Haruka’s but the cut was far more feminine. “Just tonight, Ami-chan, please? You haven’t in a while. I love it when you stay to keep me warm.”
“You need to get some sleep, love.”
“Sleep? What’s that?” Makoto pouted, and Ami felt her heart flutter. Those emerald eyes could always sway her.
But she wouldn’t give in without some sort of token resistance. “We promised that we’d stop. Father’s found me a suitor and everything and I have to respect his wishes.”
“You don’t, Ami-chan, you don’t. Please, just once more. Haruka’s visit is a special occasion, and you said you’d grace my bed on a special occasion.”
Ami tried to resist, but her heart was on Makoto’s side. “Okay, but just because you fought with Haruka today and you’re sore and cold.” Ami slipped under the covers next to Makoto and let the tall, brown-haired fighter wrap her arms around her. “I think you are the warm one, Mako-chan.”
“Perhaps. Good night, Ami-chan. Aishiteru.”
“Aishiteru, atashi no megami.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haruka laughed inside her head, careful to keep even the smile off her face. She was finally beginning to figure out why the Sailor Senshi were such a wonderful team—they were all desperately in love with each other. They would all eventually marry men, Ami had told Makoto as much, and all of them would be happy. But would they ever really love their husbands? Could they ever love their husbands as much as they loved their partners? Was that why
Did that mean that she would dream about other soldiers when lying beside her king in the future? Wasn’t there one sailor senshi that didn’t like to sleep with her partners? Maybe Queen Pluto, but none of the others. Oh, maybe the Princess of Dosei because everyone was afraid each princess might become Sailor Saturn, but that was all. Haruka suddenly thought about her mother for the first time in years, and she wondered who had come to visit Kazeko during her last moments. Was it her father Koshu, or was he too busy with “affairs of state”? Did one of the Senshi visit Kazeko as Haruka was being born?
Haruka slipped away from Makoto’s room and found the control and communications room for the grand Io Castle, waiting for the servants to slip away for a late-night snack before entering herself and sitting down at a shadowed alcove. No one should notice her. Deft fingers flying over the controls, Haruka quickly accessed the main computer bank and information retrieval archive on the Moon, heart of the Silver Millennium, searching. She knew most of the access codes and could break into those areas that denied her entry, and she found what she was looking for. On the day she was born, her father was called away to the moon for a conference with the King of the Moon and the other Lesser Kings, while all of the queens save the oldest, Setsuna—who was probably busy at the Time Gate—gathered to support Kazeko. During the long labor, only two of the queens had sent messages back to the Moon.
Queen Serenity’s terse account read, “She has been in labor too long; there is a great deal of blood and I fear she may not survive the night. Oh, my love, I know that I mustn’t do anything to alter the choices of destiny—your vigil has taught me that—but I wish there was something one of us could do.” The letter was addressed to her husband, indicating that Koshu should not know his wife’s dire situation. Haruka wondered about some of the wording in the second sentence, but she brushed her worries away. The King of the Moon must have had some power of his own, wherever he came from, though she wondered about ‘vigil’. The second note was from Queen Kaiou Shousha to her younger sister on Kaiousei, and it was filled with emotion.
“Imouto-chan, Kazeko is in trouble. We know that the child is her daughter, her heir, but labor should not take so long. She’s in such pain, sis, and I wish there was something I could do. Serenity fears that Kazeko will die, and I could not stand that. I already lost Mom and Dad and my stillborn son; I can’t lose everyone I love so close together! If Kazeko dies, I promise you that I will never speak to her daughter, to the child that takes her life. Pray tonight; pray for my Kazeko. Shousha-yori.”
Haruka found that her hands had closed into fists as she read the letter. It wasn’t her fault! Kazeko, though a rebel and a little of the tomboy her daughter had become, had nevertheless always been delicate and was never expected to survive to see her heir transform into Sailor Uranus. Haruka reached into her pocket and pulled out her henshin stick, staring at the blue planet and yellow star on top. “I’m sorry, Mother,” she whispered, finding tears on her cheeks unexpectedly. She never cried!
‘I forgive you . . .’
The feeling surrounded her, comforting the young Senshi, and Haruka knew without a doubt that some part of her mother’s essence remained to comfort her. “She loved you. Did you love her? Did you love her more than my father?”
‘The love Senshi share is different, more eternal, and follows through our lives. I did and I always will. You’ll understand.’
“Do we have Soulmates, then?”
‘You can answer that for yourself. Good luck on your journey, and follow your heart. I wish I had.’
Haruka nodded, glancing up at a sound behind her. Quickly, she shut the computer console down and slipped into the shadows, her stick still in her hand. As she disappeared into the castle, she wondered if that servant had seen her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“It was the most miraculous thing, your highness! I saw Queen Ten’ou Kazeko’s ghost in the control room, complete with Space Sword and henshin stick!”
Makoto smiled tolerantly at the excited servant. Looking up as Haruka entered the throne room, Makoto gestured for her friend to join the princesses on the dais. “He tells us that he saw the ghost of Ten’ou Kazeko in the control room last night.”
Haruka’s heart flipped, but he kept his half-smile in place. “Really? How interesting. Was she Sailor Uranus or the queen?”
“Neither,” the servant answered. “She was just a fleeting shadow, but I know it was her because I saw the sword.”
Haruka smiled tolerantly at the servant. “Perhaps she did visit you last night, and you were lucky enough to glimpse her. If she did, then I leave Io Castle in good hands.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Unfortunately, Ami-san, I have business on the Moon and cannot tarry here any more. I have greatly enjoyed my visit and you have been most hospitable.”
Ami took Haruka’s hand in a friendly gesture as she prepared to bid the Duke’s son a kind farewell. “Haruka-kun, you have been a fine teacher in the art of combat, but I lost my mother when I was small and have already learned enough of that in my training to become Sailor Mercury. You told us when you arrived that you had advice on life. I hope that you were not exaggerating.”
Haruka, in a gesture he was not accustomed to using, took Ami’s hand in his and bent down to her eye level. “There is not enough time in one short life to live as you would wish and as your father would wish. Embrace the truth you know in your heart and take hold of those you love for they will not always be around. Kazeko was very much in love with one of her equals, but they gave up their feelings for duty and their planets. She died young, never knowing her child or realizing her full dream. Do not let that happen to you, Mizuno Ami, Friend of Water. You will regret the moments if you do not experience all life has to offer. That is my advice to you and Kino Makoto. Good luck and do not forget.” Haruka took Ami’s chin in his hand and brushed her lips with his. He felt the slightest spark of family, belonging, and he smiled as he slipped out the door. In his mind, music, beautiful, sweet, and true, danced with the wind.
Makoto caught Ami as she swayed, staring curiously after the young duke. “He knows, Mako-chan. Oh how he knows. He is so very lonely and in so much pain, yet he travels to our castles and tells us how to be happy. I feel so sorry for him, Mako-chan.”
“I know, Ami-chan. I know.” Makoto pulled Ami into her arms and held the smaller princess, contemplating Haruka’s words. Who was that duke, anyway? She grinned as she nuzzled the shorter princess’s neck. “Ne, Ami? How did it feel to kiss a guy?”
“Makoto! I don’t kiss and tell!” Ami grinned as she turned around in her lover’s arms, feeling unusually affectionate. “I will tell you that he’s not nearly as good as you.”
Makoto answered the only way she could.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 6: Earth and Moon
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“It’s not safe, Endymion! My laws and yours both forbid it.”
“Serenity, I don’t care. I’ll be with you until I die.”
“It’ll be far too soon,” Serenity cried, tears soaking the prince’s cape. He held her, not caring about the future, as a gentle breeze skirted the flowers all around them.
“It’ll be much sooner if your mother catches you.”
The lovers turned at the sound, Endymion pushing Serenity behind him and drawing his sword in one swift motion. His opponent also stood with sword drawn. “Only a warning, Prince of Earth. I thought it would be best if I came to fetch the princess myself before her mother discovers her hiding-place.”
Endymion glared at the shorter man, pulling his sword back. “You are?”
“Urakaze Haruka of Uranus, Prince Endymion,” the blonde introduced himself. “I went to the
Haruka sheathed his gleaming sword, and Serenity couldn’t help but notice the bright and beautiful stones adorning the case. She didn’t know the man, but he seemed decent and he honestly seemed to want her to be with Endymion. Besides, he was willing to hide her secret from her mother. “Haruka-kun, is my mother really looking for me?”
“Yes, Highness, and I fear that it is my fault. If I had not come, intent on meeting you, she perhaps would not have noticed your absence for quite some time.”
“It’s alright. Endymion, it’s time for me to go. I will see you again.” Serenity kissed her boyfriend one last time before joining Haruka. The duke’s son bowed his head to the tall, black-haired, blue-eyed prince, a little surprised when Endymion bowed back. Haruka placed his hand on Serenity’s shoulder and used the crystal in his other hand to return to the Moon.
The servant in the transportation room looked the other way, supportive of his princess no matter what she did. Haruka led the princess to the throne room, where a very grateful silver-haired queen embraced her only child and heir. “I found her, Majesty,” Haruka began, head bowed in respect. “She wandered into the city and I found her in the market, sampling some of that delicious candy from my home.”
Queen Serenity placed her hands on her hips and glared at her daughter. “You’re not supposed to go into the city unescorted,” she scolded. “What if you had gotten hurt?”
“I’m sorry,” young Serenity whispered. “I’ll take an escort from now on.”
“Take Urakaze-san here; he seems to be responsible and I know from the princesses of Kinsei, Kasei, Mokusei, and Suisei that he is a fine fighter.”
“Yes, mother.”
“Good. Haruka-kun, I’m busy right now, but Serenity will show you around the palace and the grounds. She’ll also find you a room. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”
“A guest of the Moon Queen and Princess? There is no greater honor, Majesty.”
Serenity bowed slightly and left, remarking to her daughter on the way that Haruka would make a fine husband for a young princess. Serenity ignored her mother’s words.
Haruka followed Serenity into the gardens, wondering at the sadness in the princess’s blue eyes. “What’s wrong, Koneko-chan? Why are you sad?”
Serenity smiled at the nickname, more amused because her advisor was a cat. “You know as well as I do, Haruka-kun, that any and all contact between the citizens of the Moon and Earth is strictly forbidden, yet we have monitors to watch their civilizations grow and develop. If we have monitors that show me the wonderful planet and the wonderful men on the planet, why am I not allowed to speak to them? I love him so very much, and he is the man I would choose to be my king, but he was born down there and I was born up here.”
“I remember,” Haruka whispered, the image of that tiny gold-haired infant entering her mind.
“What?”
“Nothing. Princess, the Curse of the Senshi is to lose what you love, and it always has been. We—you—are not meant to be happy; it is the cross we bear for the sake of our kingdoms and subjects.”
“I’ll never be a Senshi, Haruka-kun; not if my mother has anything to say about it. She will never let me be Sailor Moon and I don’t think I want to be. If I was just a commoner, a peasant I could go to Earth and be with Endymion forever.”
“You’ll be a Senshi when your mother dies; many of the other princesses have taken up their henshin sticks and their mothers still live.”
“I do not want that life. I didn’t ask to be princess, but the crown fits so I have to wear it!” She composed herself, silencing her rude outburst. “I don’t want to be queen unless I can have Endymion.”
“We all have our sacrifices to make,” Haruka whispered, understanding some of the girl’s words and sensing in the back of her heart that her mother knew exactly how the Moon Princess felt. “It’s getting late, princess; I’m sure your mother will be looking for you at the table.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haruka nodded at the servant standing beside Princess Serenity’s door before entering. The white-gowned young woman was sitting on her bed, hands folded sedately in her lap. Haruka sat in a nearby chair and waited.
“We received a message today from Ten’ousei saying that the princess and her Space Sword have gone missing,” Serenity began, not even needing to look up at her guest. “If you’re going to disguise yourself as a man, I suggest you pick a new name.”
“How did you know?”
“Dukes’ sons do not go down to Earth to find one stray princess, nor would Setsuna-san bother to speak to them about anything not concerning the area they specifically ruled. You also said that you remembered my birth, and only royals were invited to attend. The general public of the Moon didn’t see me for a month, and the gentry of the other planets had to wait until my first birthday. Besides, I saw the sword you used, and I watched the glow change with your words and not the sun. Only the Space Sword is so attuned to her wielders. Besides, you referred to the Curse of the Senshi as only a victim would. Why are you here, Haruka-san?”
Haruka leaned back and pulled her sword into her hands. “I’m old enough to be the Queen of Ten’ousei, but Father has never trained me to rule or even bothered with suitors like all of the other kings are doing. I’ve never transformed into Sailor Uranus and this trip is the first time I’ve actually held the Space Sword, rightly mine by birth. I can’t stay in the palace my father lives in if he’s never going to let me go out on my own. I wanted to meet my partners and learn why the Senshi are such a strong, unified force, and I’ve found more than I wished.”
“You’ve been to
“I had not planned on visiting Dosei, but Kaiousei is my next stop. I remember seeing Michiru once, on the day after your birthday, and I wanted to see who she’s become.”
“I wish you luck. I’m going down to Earth tomorrow, if you’d like to accompany me.”
Haruka stood and bowed, assuming her masculine role once more. “Urakaze Haruka is your personal guard and escort, princess. I will be there.”
“By the way, where did you learn to fight as you do?”
“My father never has time for me. I learned everything I could about fighting because I needed something to do and I guess I was drawn to it. It will help me if I ever transform into Sailor Uranus.”
Serenity stretched out on her bed, pulling the blanket up to her waist. Haruka smiled at the younger girl and felt a sudden protective urge. “Do you want me to sing you to sleep, Koneko-chan?”
“That would be nice.”
In her mind, Haruka heard the music she had composed so many planets, princesses, and lessons ago, and for the first time she put words to the music. Smiling, she sang to the princess she had promised to protect so long ago, letting her heart speak through her music.
“Utsukushii,” Serenity sighed as she fell asleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Yes, Haruka-kun?”
“Majesty, I’m wondering why Serenity has never transformed into Sailor Moon or seen the Mystical Silver Crystal.”
Serenity nodded for the fighter to take a seat. “The last battle with Queen Metallia’s slaves should keep our galaxy safe for a long time; I anticipate nothing but peace in our future.”
“Majesty, as much as I want to believe you, I must be skeptical. What of Shousha-sama and her Aqua Mirror? Have you asked Hino Akaneiro and Rikuriko about their recent dreams? Has Meiou Setsuna come for a visit?”
Haruka knew that the answers to all of her questions would be negative. “No, Haruka-kun. Shousha-san tells me that the mirror no longer responds to her, which is why she will give her henshin stick to her daughter soon. Akane-kun and Rikuriko-san can see nothing in the future, and I haven’t spoken to Setsu-chan in a long time.” A look of pain and longing crossed the queen’s features, and Haruka’s mind flew back to the letter she read on Mokusei. Perhaps the words had been directed not at her king, whom she had only briefly mourned, but her oldest senshi. Most of the oldest gentry affirmed that Serenity and Setsuna had been inseparable as princesses, lovers maybe, but the instant Serenity’s mother died, Pluto vanished from the Moon forever—even from the Silver Millennium for a year or so. Perhaps she was mourning the loss of her love? The brief strain of thought took only a moment to spin to their conclusion, and Haruka stored them away for future considerations, not missing a beat in their conversation.
“The Guardian of Time and Space does not disappear without reason, and ‘nothing’ to the rulers of Kasei means literally nothingness. Majesty, your daughter is not ready for what is coming. You must let me train her.”
Serenity stood up, fear in her eyes. She opened her right hand, and the Mystical Silver Crystal appeared. “It’s not easy being Sailor Moon, or the Princess of the Moon for that matter. If there is no war now, there is no reason for her to know how to fight.”
Haruka, incensed at the queen’s words, shot to her feet. “Are you mad? Do you want your only daughter to die? Serenity will not survive the coming battle if you do nothing!”
“Who are you to tell me how to raise my child?”
“The one who knows with whom Serenity’s falling in love and can feel tragedy in the winds! She will die; we all will die if you do nothing! By Uranus and all of her attendant moons, you are so stubborn! I can’t stay here and watch you let your daughter perish for your own stupid stubborn pride! Tell her that I’ve left.” Haruka, no longer caring if the queen knew her identity, jerked out her henshin stick and clenched her fist around its base, accessing its power to teleport far away—she didn’t care where. Serenity would die and her mother would do nothing!
Serenity stared at the spot Haruka had so recently occupied. “What was that?”
“Mother?” Young Serenity entered the room, eyes searching. “Where’s Haruka-san?”
“He left.”
“You chased her away? Mother, she’s one of us; she’s a Senshi!”
“She? Ten’ou Haruka? The Missing Ten’ousei Princess? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“She wanted to keep it secret. Mother, she’s only trying to help.”
Serenity turned away from her mother, but the taller woman touched her arm. “Who have you been going to see?”
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