Princess Based on the storyline of Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon, the book "Little Sister" by Mara Dalkey, and some ideas from me, Andromida. Each of the aforementioned books, stories, etc. are property of their respective author's artists, publishers, blah-blah-THEY AREN'T MINE !!! Email me ! sailor_andromida@yahoo.com or AOL screename-Meriellen5 Part One: Little Princess of Earth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My name is Usagi Serenity. I am the princess of the Moon Kingdom, and the little cousin of Princess Minako of Venus. Endymion, who is reading over my shoulder as I write, says I am much more, and that what I write is unworthy. But in these writings, I write how I see myself. And you, esteemed reader, may make your own judgements, and perhaps you will understand, and maybe Endymion will too. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "How firm the stones feel beneath my slippered feet until the earthquake..." My story begins when I was sixteen years of age, and my mother, Queen Serenity was ruling the Silver Alliance of Planets for the ninteenth year in her reign. As a princess, I had much on my mind, but the last was marriage. That one year, the Great Spirits predicted a rather eventful year for us. They were truthful in this prediction, and the year unfolded rather quickly. That year, my father was called for duty in the High Council, which meant he would finally have his say in the Silver Alliance. Typically, the Alliance is ruled by Queens, as it always has been before, many generations before my or my mother's birth. However, my Father, unlike many of the other Kings, lived throughout many wars and battles, and reigned as king. It was awkward, to say the least, because no King had ever been present in the Silver Alliance. After much prodding on my mother's part, she convinced the High council of the Alliance to let her husband and my father, have a say in the ruling of the Council. That was in the First Month. In the Second Month, the scripts my mother had taken such care to write and preserve, on the heritage of the Alliance and the Silver Moon Kingdom, were completed. The entire Silver Alliance courts complimented her on her work, and it rivaled the best scribes on Mars. And because of my father's position in the court, it was said that my older sisters, Yoake and Yugure, would have a high position in the court. It was silly talk, of course, because Princesses always rule in the Alliance... although this generation was strange, as it had always been said that the Queen would only give birth to one heir, not four, including my small brother. And in the Third Month, my cousin Minako met the man she was to marry. It was spring, just as the first blossoms appeared on the trees in the Lunar Gardens. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You see, my cousin Minako, Princess of Venus, was considered the Goddess of our solar system, for she was a beauty. I had to admit I admired her, and was even envious of her at times... let me explain why. Minako had hair spun of gold, shining etherally in a shade so pure blonde, that it almost rivaled my tresses of sun-spun hair. She had eyes of the day sky on Mercury, a pale blue sparkling with light. Her features are of the flawless marble, in a pale cream hue, and her abilities... she can play words like music and her talents with fashion and dress are superb in this sector. Because of all this, she is sought after very much, by princes, nobles and kings alike. It is said that whomever she marries, it will be a match set in Heaven, and the alliance between whoever she chooses will be great. It makes no sense though, as the only planet already NOT in the Alliance is Earth... On many an evening, I would sit with her on the balcony, gazing at Earth, the only planet significantly visible from this Moon. Minako often taught me some scripting, the art of poetry and such. She was the Princess Matchmaker, and was known for her matchmaking abilities and skills with poetry and sonnets and such. I was more than glad that she took time out of her schedule to spend time with me, her younger cousin. On one night, I asked her what she took the greatest happiness or pride in. She responded without even looking at me, and from the side, in her eyes, I saw... THAT look. She told me that she took the greatest pride in seeing others happy, and that was why she loved matchmaking. It wasn't just something she did in her free time, because many made *appointments* with her to help them find their true love. It was also something she was good at, because hardly any couple-none so far-she matched, ever broke up, or didn't get married. She loved seeing others happy... but what about herself ? To this, Minako kept silent. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There. It all happened at the Mercury Aqua Banquet on the Festival of Suiesei. Our family as invited, as usual, for I was a close friend of Princess Ami of Mercury. In addition, heads of the Alliance are always invited to festivals and such, even not prestigious ones. Now, my sisters and I were more than excited, as was Minako, who didn't seem to show it too much. We danced around in our new gowns and kimonos made specially for Banquets, and out newest ones for special events. Mama asked if we wanted to display our dolls this year, but Yoake, Yugure and I just laughed, replying that we were much to old for dolls, and that we would climb the peaks and touch the clouds of Heaven. Mother, as usual, replied in riddles, and answered with, "Be careful my no-longer-children, for dragons live on the heights and the rains of Heaven may very well wash you away." We laughed, of course. The Banquet was very exciting, for something planned for and by Mercurians. Hate to say it, but Ami and her family are not really exciting people. They are really into studies, research and such. But this... this was fun ! There were special platforms, almost like stages, set up for the Ladies and Princesses of the court. It was all in the blue Ice Flower garden, a beautiful whitish-blue flower native only to Mercury. The platforms were surrounded by blue silk curtains, on which designs of water were embroidered. The insignia of Mercury and small figures of dragons and snakes, the water creatures, were skillfully hidden in the designs. All the Alliance court ladies artfully displayed their sleeves from behind the curtains, to show off their skillful taste. I had never in my life seen more beautiful gowns and kimonos, deliacte displays of food and beverage, or such well-kept manners. Even for a high princess such as myself, I felt like the odd one in the group, a toad amongst cranes. However, I was happy. I began to notice the activities that were taking place, one of which was the ladies floating a poem on a wooden boat and floating it downstream. I watched as it sailed beyond view, and then again, as the boat returned, with a message for its sender. Love poems ! I wondered if this had been Minako's idea... I recieved one, myself, but as I thought myself too young for marriage and not as foolish to think of love, which could very well RUIN one's life, to the following poem I responded. "Is this a doll come to life ? Such perfection cannot truly be real or is it but a dream ?" It wasn't very good, but I had to respond, and I did with this: "Too old for dolls, too young for the serpent stream I sit and admire- but dare not let my sleeves get wet ! You'd best continue dreaming." It was much too long and clumsy, but please ! I am raised not to write love poems to heart sick admirers, but deal with diplomatic envoys from beyond this sector. I am raised to rule... not to love, marry and raise a family of my own, like the other princesses. However, my admirer liked it, and responded yet again. "The Pine Tree beside the serpent stream will dream, drew drenched, until another Spring." And with this poem there was a black feather, although I could not imagine why. Neither Yoake nor Yugure would show me their poems, or their replies. I took this as a sign that both poems and responses were stupid... Of course, Minako recieved the most poems and sonnets. She was so overwhelmed that she asked each one of the other ladies and princesses of the Alliance court to respond to one of her many poems. One such poem was this: "Ah ! A new cherry blossom arrives to grace our tree ! Though she blooms late among so many, still is her beauty treasured, for it prolongs our Spring." Minako was overwehlemed, but delighted with how many poems she recieved. She was very kind about the other princess's replies, and she thought Ami's was one of the best. "Take care, lest the the welcoming wind blows too much dust upon our new blossom She might fall from the tree !" I supposed, after reading this reply, that Ami was referring to how Venus had been added to the Alliance only a few months previous. Thusly, she had never attended this Banquet before. In addition, it seemed that she had great skill in writing these poems, a fact which Minako and I teased her about endlessly. Minako gave me one of her poems, and told me to reply. At this, I was surprised. She knew I wasn't much of a poet... "You are so good with words, and you always make everyone feel happy. Why don't you reply to this one for me, okay Itoko-chan ?" I only nodded. Minako giggled lightly when she saw me blush and hide my face behind my sleeves. She soon walked off, and allowed me to take a poem of my choosing. The one I selected was folded into the shape of a Ice blossom, and so I carefully unfolded it. It read, "The whispering leaves bring the fragrance of a new flower. Though I have caught but little of her scent, like the mountain wisteria, it fills my heart with longing." It was so nicely written ! I felt ashamed to respond. Minako would be better at this; they were *her* poems. Even Ami would write a better response to this than I could ! I thought, perhaps, that by replying, and writing something foolish, I may very well be writing to the Prince of some distant planet ! But then, a Prince would have to be a better poet, even if this WAS nicely written... "This small spring puddle holds but a reflection of the new flower yet sees her basking in the warm mountain wind." I thought it was okay, and sent it floating down the stream. It was supposed to be harmless enough... but I was wrong. Some minutes later, the Court Ladies and I heard laughter and quotes from the replies we had sent to their sonnets of love. As soon as I had heard mine read, I blushed deep red and hid my face with my silken silver sleeves. Before long, I received a reply. "O fortunate puddle ! Would I could hold the flower's image as close as you do Pray reflect my warmth to her that she may turn in my direction." It was nice, but was soon followed by rude, impertinent ones, in which the poet wished to cool his wandering feet in the puddle's mud. I wished to go hide under a rock, but Minako and the other princesses laughed kindly, remarking that the men had had too much sake and were only good for foolishness now. "Do not take it to heart." Princess Rei told me kindly. I smiled. Soon, it grew darker and cooler, and the entire court rushed inside to an inner pavilion, very close to the palace, and we began the banquet. Mother had always told me it was improper for a woman to eat a lot in public, but I must confess, there were so many exotic and new dishes, I ate a great deal. "The puddle fills rapidly !" Rei remarked wryly. I glared at Rei, who, as the Princess and Royal Priestess of Mars, had a firey and short temper. Minako jabbed her in the side. "Perhaps she prefers not to dry up !" I heard another lady remark. Minako jabbed her too. To both of them, Minako remarked gently, out of her minute- before character, "She is grateful for receiving the gift of the clouds, and wishes not to seem rude by spurning it." The two stood stunned, and nodded wordlessly. I loved having her for a cousin ! We were all invited to stay the night, and I stayed with my sisters, while Minako stayed in a room beside us. The other princesses and court ladies had rooms surrounding. Thusly, it was very easy to hear the young man outside her roomspeak softly to Minako so late at night. We were only awake because so much excitement had occurred in the day, and although we were very tired, it was impossible not to whisper about the events of the day. Yoake and Yugure started eavesdropping, giggling all the while. I shushed them, a frown plastering my face. "Oh stop it ! Isn't it natural that she should receive attention if she wants ?" I hissed to them. "Ah, but will she be an usagi or a kani ?" Yoake giggled, making use of the pun on my name. An Usagi is a rabbit, and I was named such because I was so small when I was born. A Kani is a crab, one of those Terran creatures with six legs and a hard shell on its back. "Let us hope she is like the usagi, and will quickly give in, rather than be like the hard-shelled kani, and keep us awake all night." Yugure noted. "No, no ! If she is a rabbit she will keep us awake even longer !" Yoake giggled. "Stop it !" I hissed again. "Oh, shush, Mizutamariko ! Perhaps your wandering poet will come to drown himself in you !" Yugure giggled. I frowned, at Yugure's use of my nickname. Little Puddle. Thanks to those arrogant and drunken court men, I now had a nickname. Usagi was bad enough. For sure, I would be teased all the time, and called the 'Wet Rabbit' or something of that nature. Yugure was never teased about *her* name. No, being named after the end of the day was fine for her. She recieved letters about how her golden hair, a much dirtier color than mine, I always thought, compared to the light of the sun. Yeah, right. Or Yoake ! Her name meant dawn ! Why me... I had to be named for a rabbit... The twosome continued to eavesdrop and listen throughout the night, while I climbed back into bed and ignored them as best I could. I hoped Minako didn't hear us. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following morning, I awoke just as dawn approached. Untrue to her name, Yoake was sleeping deeply and soundly away. Same with Yugure. I did hear, however, a slight noise from the balcony. I crept to the door of my own balcony and watched silently. I saw Minako, kneeling at the edge of her balcony, her golden hair lighting up the gray morning like a ray of sunlight, and her oyster-colored robe looking as if it were the moning itself, and she, a spirit partially departed from it. A young man stood beneath the balcony, just under her, in the Gardens. He was just tall enough to hold her hand. He was rather handsome, and I studied his features carefully. His bright green-and-yellow jacket stood out in the mists of morning, and his hair was a tousled white,matching the morning itself. The jacket seemed to defy the shrouds, blocking off its attempts to mute and absorb him. I could tell, from his ice blue eyes, that he was in love with her. He murmured some parting words to her, and her looks at him made me want to listen... but I did not. I simply watched. Even now, if I had the chance to look, or listen. I would still look. The moment was too blissful and perfect, however sad and solemn for the couple, to ruin with my eavesdropping. Minako watched sadly as he climbed into a waiting carriage and was escorted away. She then hid her face with her sleeves, walked silently back to room, and closed the sliding balcony doors. My heart was filled all the day with the beauty of what I had seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The memory is stronger now that I look back and remember their fates. But that is not the point. I mus return to my story. My family soon learned this young man's name: Korime no Kunzite. It was a nice name, and it suited his appearance. His eyes *did* look like ice, but melted whenever he saw Minako. One would think they resembled the kunzite he was named for... a beautiful pink-brown stone. The next morning, a poem arrived for Minako. It was so soon, and yet, I figured Kunzite must have written it in the carriage. In fact, my mother, who was taking care of Minako for a spell because her parents were on some envoy to Neptune, already had plum wine and silk robes to give to the servant who had brought the poem. She must have known... I never would have pictured my mother as the matchmaking type. I asked Minako is I could read the poem or her reply, but all she did was smile and shake her head. The next night, I had to keep Yoake and Yugure from spying on Minako and her new companion, who now frequented us where ever we were. I suspected that once we returned to the moon, he would find a way there as well... I wondered if all the hair pulling and tussling we had done last night in order to spy or not to spy had disturbed Minako in the slightest: but it didn't seem as if it had. She was perfectly content and showed no signs of anger. It ran in the family, I supposed. No one in my Mother's side of the family, including Minako, could stay angry for very long. Our lives revolved around creating and preserving other perople's happiness. Soon after, it was clear that Minako and Kunzite were more than companions, and he wanted more than 'moonlit liasons' as we sisters had termed them that first night on Mercury. But now, we were ON the moon, so... we just kept the term. Kunzite actually wanted to marry Minako ! It was stunning, to say the least. But don't get me wrong, it's not like Minako is unsuitable. She is very beautiful and capable of being a wife, a mother and a princess. All at once. But usually, suitors for the Princesses of the Silver Alliance aren't *this* serious, for they know that one day, their wives will be Queen, and THEY will rule all, rather than the male, the king... Yet again I fought with Yugure and Yoake to be the one to tell her of Father and Mother's acceptance, for them being her caretaker, they made the final decision. If my own mother, ruler of the Alliance, blessed it, then surely Venus' mother wouldn't complain...in the end, Mother selected my twin brother, Tranquility, to send it. I was so distraught however, I had cried myself to sleep that night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following week, we had a big feast, much larger than normal. I supposed it was because my mother had a strong attachment to her own twin brother's daughter, and of course, she knew of the sisterly realtionship that Minako and I had. She just didn't get along as well with Yoake and Yugure. Well, it didn't matter, for everyone was there. Mama, Papa, Minako and Kunzite of course, and Minako's family. Ami, Rei, and our friends Princess Makoto and Princess Barako. Tranqility and I were bored at first, but the rest of the company loved to grill Minako on her new husband. I liked my new cousin, and Minako's sister, Ainoko, seemed to like him a lot too. "How handsome he is..." Yugure mumbled from across the table. "She's so lucky..." Yoake mumured from mext to her. Tranquility and I exchanged glances. They ALWAYS did this whenever our family was invited to a wedding feast. ALWAYS. I think Tranquility undertood my glance which meant 'If these two ever get married and have families, the moon will have turned on its axis and start spitting out pickles !' He stifled a laugh, as did I, and we both got severe glances from Father... "Is she is main wife, or does he have one already ?" Yugure impertinently asked Mother. Mother looked at her sharply, looked at the couple, sitting off in their own world and replied quietly. "As I understand it, he had a wife who died while having a baby." "So Minako will be his main wife, if not his first." Yoake said pointedly. "Well, that's better, isn't it ? A first wife gets a child for a husband." It made no sense after I said it, so I don't know why in my head, it seemed so appropriate for the moment. Perhaps that was why I got the 'She's possessed' looks from everyone. Well, it happened that Kunzite was on the Royal Guard for some Kingdom whose name had slipped my attention. He was the First Guard to the Prince himself. It was almost enough to be called a Royal...but not quite. But still, because of this, our entire family agreed to the match immediately. Minako's mother was delighted, for she sensed a strong bond between the two, greater than any she had felt before. She was tained more so than Minako, in the arts of love and matchmaking. So whatever she sensed was true to the core. It couldn't have been truer if the gods themselves had said it. Everyone liked Kunzite anyways, because he was generous and kind, and made us all laugh. But because he was a Royal Guard, he hadn't a manor or palace of his own. So Minako stayed with us on the moon, or at her home on Venus. And Kunzite visited whenever he could. "Be careful ! Now that I have seen your beauty, I will tell my brothers and the Prince about you, and they will all be clamoring for your attention." Kunzite told my sisters and I. He was especially nice to me, because he was told I was the High Princess... the destined one, blah-bliddy-blah. He brought gowns, kimonos and Terran gifts whenever he visited, things like fans and perfumes that we couldn't get on the moon. It wasn't just for his generousity, but we all saw why Minako loved him. Many a night, I watched the twosome as they sat on the balcony, or on a veranda at one palace. Now that he was my own cousin, I had every reason to visit Minako and him, wherever they were together... I watched them play the koto and the flute together, in perfect harmony. Even I could sense it, and I had no direct connection to the sympaths, or links, of love. Their love, their soulbond...was very strong. But when Kunzite wasn't with Minako, he spent time with us younger cousins, and even talked politics with Father. He made a wonderful addition to the family. Whenever the other princesses were around, Kunzite told them of his companions, and how they would love to meet the other girls. It seemed as though Minako and Kunzite had been co-conspiring to play Matchmakers for the entire Silver Alliance. Anyways, Kunzite was so lively... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was the Seventh Month when I awoke to a damp heat and the smell of smoke. Ashes, it seemed. Perhaps there was a funeral nearby ? But being able to smell it from the palace ? Father and Kunzite hurried throughout the halls with grim faces, and Mother never emerged from her room. I asked to see her, but the servants only answered me in riddles, saying that "There are some things a lady must not hear." I was very curious as to what it meant... and I ended up listening at the only doorway not blocked by servants. "Curiousity killed the cat." I heard someone remark. No one was there, so I instinctively looked to the floor, where I saw my advisor and counselor, Luna. She was a black cat, able to talk because, in this land and time of enchantment, such things are possible. That and she wasn't from Earth... "You're the cat." I said flippantly. Luna looked taken aback, but gave me the evil eye until I hissed, exasperated, that "Answers brought it back." Luna left wordlessly, but still, I could hear nothing. I ended up back in my chambers, doing absolutely nothing. The Seventh Month is also the Poetry-writing month, but because of the heat, the gloomy smells and the mysteries everyone seemed to be hiding from me, all my verses were short and depressing. Minako was wrong. I am NOT good with words... I was so hot, even underneath my lightest gown. I sulked all day, too hot to move and too bored to do anything about it. Sometime after I didn't recall, I heard a familiar whistle echo the halls outside my room. Naru-chan ! It was the young servant girl who worked in the kitchens, a friend of the cook and a daughter of a village woman some miles from the Palace. Her whistle was happy, depsite the heat and mystery shrouding everyone and everything. As curious as I was to find out why she was in such a genial disposition, I more just wanted someone to talk to, servant or not. Besides, rank doesn't REALLY matter anyways. This may seem strange, but I was envious of her. After all, she got to wander the palace, into chambers and rooms, without a care other than to serve her mistress and master. Me, the Lady, had to be confined to her room... I would talk to her now and then, about anything and everything. I could confide in her like a friend, as I could with any of the other princesses. But Naru-chan was different. In any case, if I was ever caught talking to her by one of the higher servants, she would be punished. If Mother caught me talking to her, both of us would be punished, because she always had to remind me on how a lady must act and behave...and speaking to servants wasn't one of the ways. But neither of us ever were caught. So on that hot morning, just as Naru's whistle came past my chamber doors, which, although they were of heavy woods and metals, was slightly ajar, I called out. "What is that bird who sings so loudly in the halls ?" I could almost picture Naru smiling, and she replied, "What is the breeze that comes down the mountain ?" "It is a summer wind, brought low by the heavy air." "It is a simple bird who flies everywhere." Naru replied. "Ah, simple bird, pause awhile and tell me what you have seen." Naru ventured towards the door, where I stood, just close enough not to be seen, but to speak and be heard. "What can I have seen that a mountain cannot ? Do clouds obsure your vision ?" I believe Naru was referring to my title, how, as Princess, I should know anything and everything going on in the palace. "I think it is smoke, for I smell ashes on the wind." I responded, opening the door more. "Ah. But what does a mountain care what happens at its feet ?" "Stop that." I responded firmly. The heat was getting to me. Even in my lightest dress, I felt like a steaming rice cake. I was also impatient, wanting for someone, ANYONE, to give me answers. "You know you can see things that I cannot. Everyone around here is acting strangely, and I want to know what is going on." I told Naru, dragging her into my room. I shut the door quietly, making sure no one saw either of us. Naru was silent. "A bird cannot live on wind alone. I have work to do." Naru turned to the door, but I blocked it effectively. I glanced towards my closet and told her, smiling, "If you tell me, I will give you my third-best gown and second best fan." Naru smiled at me, eyes sparkling. She bounded over and jumped on my bed, expectantly waiting for me to sit on it. "In that case--" "My, you are a bold bird." I remarked, sitting beside her. "The bird that comes to her mistress' hand can expect more reward. Give me my gift and I will sing for you." I made a small noise of displeasure and walked over to my wardrobe. I pulled out a very nice, yet very ugly on me gown. It was a coppery color, with tints of red, perfect for Naru, should she ever need it. A lovely kimono robe but still...I paid no attention to the fan I grabbed. For all I knew, it could have been my first best fan and second best gown, however repulsively colored on me, but I paid no heed. I shoved them at her, rolling them in a neat ball. "Sing !" I commanded. "Ah, most gladly, Mizutamariko." Naru responded, using the hated nickname. "Do not call me that." I hissed. "A thousand apologies, my Lady, Well, the short of it is..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Preview. @-}-}-- A rose, for you kind readers. Thank you. Please email me with your thoughts, sailor_andromida@yahoo.com. Many thanks.