Title
Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver
Millennium Adventure
By Lady Moon Goddess
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon… how sad. Naoko
Takeuchi… I love you.
A/N: This is my first SM fic, so please have mercy on me. I
was listening to a song and all of a sudden the idea for this story popped into
my mind. The weird thing is, is the song had nothing to do with the
premise…weird. Anyway, I do hope you like my work.
Summary: The Silver Millennium; the most glorious era. Queen
Selene announces the birth of her new daughter. Soon after, a war between the moon
and an unknown planet occurs. Because of the war, Selene discusses a peace
treaty with Earth. Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion are to be wed when
Serenity comes of age. The treaty holds strong, but what happens between the
betrothed couple? Will the wedding take place, or will their extra-curricular
activities ruin everything?
~*~
Chapter One: The Beginning of It
All
She placed the wet cloth over her
forehead. She waited for the doctor’s instructions and looked over at her
assistant and close friend. The woman gave her Queen a soft smile then took her
hand. She whispered words of comfort and happiness. Selene nodded and felt the
urge to push. She raised her head and paused for the doctor’s approval. She
squeezed Luna’s small hand and leaned forward to exert more force. The doctor
motioned for the nurses to light more candles and bring him a towel.
Luna’s eyes lit up as she watched
the baby’s head emerge after leaving her mother’s womb. Selene clutched her silver
sheets and inclined her head and directed her eyes towards her knees. The
baby’s arms waved about as it waited for its legs to feel the sensation of air
against its newly exposed skin for the first time. Tears escaped Luna’s blue
eyes; she gave the queen a gentle hug, telling her that it was almost over. Selene
gave one last push and collapsed onto her feather-filled pillows.
Nurses rushed to the queen’s
bedside and checked her pulse. Luna heard a collective sigh when the nurses detected
her fast paced pulse.
Luna left her side and approached the
doctor. “The child is perfect. Nothing out of the ordinary and Queen Selene
will be back on her feet as soon as tomorrow.”
He handed the baby wrapped in a
soft pink blanket to Luna and signaled to his assistants to prepare to leave
the queen’s bedchamber. Luna nodded and smiled down at the sleeping newborn.
“I’m sure King Sirius would like to see his daughter.” Luna smiled and headed towards
the luminous white doors with their beautifully engraved angelic motifs.
There he sat, hands restlessly
clasped – knees shaking. She walked towards him and gently placed a hand on his
shoulder. His head shot up and his body jumped in surprise. It was then King Sirius’s
eyes noticed the little bundle cradled within his friend’s arms. He slowly rose
from his chair and tenderly slid his hands beneath his infant daughter. The
baby’s eyes opened and gazed upon the new face looking down upon her. Sirius
held out a finger and she quickly grasped the large digit in her tiny hand. He
smiled and looked up at Luna, who was shedding a silent tear in that
sentimental moment. She bowed low and left the new father with his baby girl.
~*~
She sat on her dark throne,
watching every moment, her hand gliding over the smooth surface of her crystal
ball and the image disappeared. She closed her eyes and pictured her moment of triumph
over the Moon Kingdom.
She smiled, but her fantasy was interrupted by the arrival of her general.
“My Queen, Selen—” He said while in
a deep bow.
“Jadeite… do you think I don’t
already know?” Her eyelids fluttered open and she stared at him with piercing
eyes.
He bowed even lower than before and
backed away in fear and awe. “I’m sorry, my Queen,” he replied, and a blue aura
enveloped him and soon he was gone.
Queen Beryl stood and summoned
Kunzite, her most senior and powerful general. He emerged from his white shield
and approached Queen Beryl and fell upon one knee, placing a small kiss upon the
back of her hand. “Kunzite,” she said in that silken tone he had come to know
and respect. Looking up into her deadly red eyes he lowered his eyes, waiting
for her orders, “As the leader of my guardians, it falls to you to keep an eye
on the new princess.” Kunzite nodded his understanding, stood up and bowed. He
turned on his heel, and was about to disappear, but was interrupted by Beryl’s
voice behind him. “Oh and Kunzite,” He faced the queen and gazed at her face
framed by her sumptuous flowing hair. “The war is upon us.” She turned her head
and gave an evil smirk. With that said his white force field surrounded him and
drew him into the dark abyss.
~*~
Selene smiled down at her precious
treasure. She listened to the baby’s mobile; taking out the locket she had specially made for her Serenity and
opened the star. She listened to its familiar tune and started to hum along.
Little Serenity began to stir and Selene slipped the locket around her child’s
neck after picking her up.
Luna walked into the room and
noticed Selene standing there with her daughter cradled in her arms. She
quickly went into a bow. Selene stood there looking at her friend, surprised at
the formal gesture. She moved to Luna’s side and placed her free hand
underneath Luna’s chin and smiled down at her friend and advisor. “Luna, why act
as if I were only your Queen and not your friend?”
“Well, some of the palace workers
have brought to my attention the fact they believe I lack the respect you are
due and criticize me for treating you only as a friend.”
Selene motioned for Luna to follow as
they continued discussing the issue at hand. Selene gave a quiet sigh and
looked down at Serenity before speaking, “Luna, I have known you all my life.
We were playmates before my mother was crowned Queen. We have maintained a
special bond all these years and since we are so close, I would rather have you
see me as your friend, not simply your Queen.” She smiled and Luna hugged her
gently.
~*~
It had been eight months since the
child of the moon was born. The kingdom knew of her birth, but the public
waited patiently for the formal announcement, which would take place this very day.
A rather large crowd gathered
around the Moon Palace
awaiting the king and queen to bring out their child. It was early morning and
the courtyard was almost entirely full of people. The cruel sun beat down on
the loyal citizens and Luna watched the growing crowds from the comfort of her
quarters. She rested, supported by her gold beaded, purple pillows. She brushed
aside her wavy bangs and tucked them behind her pierced ears –her crescent
earrings beside her on the bedside table.
Her head turned quickly towards the
door at the sound of approaching footsteps. She waited for a knock, but whoever
it was clutched the doorknob and entered. She gave a sparkling smile, sat up
and moved off the bed and walked towards her guest. He wrapped his arms around
her small waist while she gently settled her head upon his strong chest. Luna
fiddled with the tresses of his snow-white hair and gazed up into his green
eyes. Artemis softly placed his hand on the small of her back.
He reluctantly stepped back a few
paces, but grasped her hands in his and slowly swayed side to side – looking
her over and liked what he saw. “I missed you, Luna.”
She gave him another of her perfect smiles, and once again they
fell into another embrace. She nodded and placed her forehead against his chest.
After a moment or two, she stood back.
“Does Queen Venn really need you?” She looked
up into his eyes, hoping he would give her the answer she wanted to hear.
Artemis brought his lips down upon her delicate ones and the couple shared a
moment of passion with his love washing over her.
“Luna… Venus has only recently
ended a war with Uranus. Queen Venn asked Selene personally for some extra
help. She offered me and I can’t do a thing about it.” They wrapped their arms
around each other once more, wanting to savor every moment they had alone together.
“I’m just glad Queen Venn came to welcome Serenity.”
Luna closed her eyes and escaped
into her own thoughts; thoughts of a world where only she and Artemis were
together…forever. She was quickly interrupted by Artemis pulling away and gliding
into a bow. She looked towards the door and blushed. “I’m sorry, my queen, I
lost track of time,” she said by way of explanation and offered a quick bow
before taking hold of Artemis’s hand, “We will go get Serenity.” They each
bowed one last time and headed for the princess’s bedroom.
~*~
Queen Beryl tilted her head to the
side then straightened. She gazed at her crystal ball, thinking up a clever
plan to somehow ruin the welcoming of baby Serenity into the kingdom. She
called for Kunzite and Zoicite and they immediately appeared before her. She rose
and stepped down the short flight of steps leading to the floor from her throne
and approached the two waiting generals. “Zoicite, you have failed me in the
past,” she chided. Zoicite dared not look her in the eye, and lowered his gaze,
“I asked Kunzite to train you and he tells me you are ready.”
This time he met her eyes and gave
answer, reassuring Beryl she wasn’t making a mistake, but Kunzite stepped in. “My
queen, what do you have in mind for us?” He didn’t like being in Queen Beryl’s
presence for too long, because her temper could fire up at any moment and he
didn’t want to be on the receiving end.
Queen Beryl turned her back and returned
to her crystal ball then spoke, “We need to act quickly,” she stated in a
commanding tone as she sat down upon her throne, crossing her legs, her purple
dress sliding to one side, exposing her thigh, “My war is expected, but not
this soon, because Serenity is still so young. I want plans for war to be placed
on hold.”
The generals listened carefully,
but didn’t know where this was going. Uncrossing her legs and re-crossing them,
switching position, Beryl continued, “Why I called you here today was not to
begin hostilities, only warn dear Selene that I am coming with a great force.”
Kunzite and Zoicite inclined their heads and bowed, turned on their heels --
flower buds surrounded Zoicite while a shield of white enveloped Kunzite. But
before they vanished, Beryl added her last instructions “Make sure the Moon
Kingdom is left in a state of
panic.” With that said, the generals disappeared.
~*~
Selene stood behind Sirius, her
arms wrapped about her husband as she placed her head against his shoulder.
Sirius turned within the orbit of her embrace to face her, placing his chin
upon her head. He then cupped her face in his massive hands and brought his
sweet lips to hers and kissed her tenderly. They both turned together when they
noticed Luna and Artemis enter the room.
Luna carried Serenity over to
Selene. She lifted her child from Luna’s arms and moved towards the balcony
door. “Sirius, are you ready?” He immediately joined her and offered his
beloved wife a sweet smile.
The white marble clock tower
sounded from the center of the kingdom. It chimed nine times, and on the tenth,
Selene and Sirius strolled onto the balcony, overlooking the empire. The crowd
roared at the sight of their king and queen, accompanied by their baby daughter.
Selene handed Serenity to Sirius and raised her moon pendant, suspended on a
chain that hovered above her naval. She held it aloft at eye level. Soon, the
crystal ascended from its cradle within the locket. A magnificent white light stretched
out over the crowds below – then vanished as quickly as it came.
Selene began her address, her voice
resounding over the multitude, making it easy for her people to hear what she
was saying, “My fellow children of the moon… my husband and I are here to
formally announce my daughter’s induction into the royal house of the Moon
Kingdom.” The public responded with
loud cheering and applauding.
Serenity started crying. Sirius
looked up and asked for Selenity’s assistance. She smiled, her arms outstretched
towards Serenity. “The sound of the crowds must be bothering her,” she told him
in a quiet tone. She turned to Luna, motioning her to hold Serenity.
Selenity faced the crowd once again,
placing her hands upon the railing. “Sorry for that interruption. Little
Serenity isn’t use to large crowds quite yet I’m afraid,” she said with a smile
as her eyes swept over the cheering crowds. She turned to her husband as the
public chuckled in response.
Luna placed her hand upon
Selenity’s shoulder and guided her back into the throne room. Sirius noticed
his wife’s absence and took control of the situation.
Luna then spoke candidly, “I’m
sorry, Selenity, but baby Serenity isn’t behaving normally,” Luna told her as
gently as she could.
Selenity looked into Luna’s eyes
before giving her reply; the obvious worry filling her fathomless blue orbs. “Yes,
this isn’t her usual cry and her crescent has been flashing sporadically ever since
you handed her to me.” Selenity sat upon her crystal throne, an elbow resting upon
its upholstered armrest -- her fist tucked under her jaw.
Artemis approached the worried
queen, and squatted beside her. “My Queen, do you know what all this could
mean?”
Selenity lifted her head and looked
into his caring, green eyes. She smiled softly and folded her hands in her lap,
unconsciously wrinkling her white satin gown.
She sighed quietly and stood up,
Artemis also rising. “I really have no idea what is wrong,” she told him,
concern etched in her usually tranquil expression. Almost immediately, Serenity’s
cries grew louder and near ear shattering. Silent tears formed in Selenity’s
eyes and she quickly wiped them away before they fell upon the apple-like
contours of her flushed cheeks. She took her crying daughter from Luna and
rocked her side to side. She crooned to her daughter, making soothing sounds,
but the baby’s cries only rose in volume.
Serenity was at a complete loss as
to what to do to pacify her child. She paced back and forth and caught the secret
glances from Serenity’s concerned father as he chanced a glance over his
shoulder looking at his wife and child through the open doors looking into the
throne room as he continued to address the citizens in the courtyard below.
Serenity continued crying, despite the fact her mother was baffled
at her distress and couldn’t think of a reason for her child to be this upset. A
few tears escaped from beneath her eyelids and trickled down her angelic face.
Selenity once more entrusted baby Serenity to Luna’s care and sat back down on
her throne. She strived to contain her sadness, but was unsuccessful, unable to
hold it together. She slid from her seat and sat upon the cold marble platform.
Artemis rushed to her side and sat next to her, trying to comfort her as best
he could by holding her in a close embrace. She sobbed against his chest and
couldn’t take her baby’s crying for much longer.
Luna, who had joined the queen on
the steps in front of the throne, swayed from side to side and patted
Serenity’s back to comfort her friend, and leaned forward to kiss Serenity’s
crescent moon symbol upon her brow. After her lips withdrew, the crescent shone
with a pulsing brilliance that flooded the chamber in shimmering light.
Selenity shielded her eyes from its brilliance by pressing her face against Artemis’s
chest while Luna and Artemis used their hands to shield their eyes. The room
was filled with an intense yellow light for a few moments before fading away.
At that very instant, Serenity’s cries ceased.
Selenity rose with Artemis’s help
and walked over to a startled Luna. She scooped baby Serenity into her arms and
kissed her gently on her slightly bald head.
The door to the throne room was suddenly
flung open and a panting guard rushed into the chamber. He took in a series of short
gasps and forced out his message, “Two generals sent from a Queen Beryl have
entered the premises. They have already killed four guards. I was fortunate
enough to be in a position to overhear them discussing their plans to -- visit
-- the Moon Palace,
my queen.”
Selenity’s eyes widened in shock, and
she then looked down at the tiny face of Serenity. “She knew,” she whispered.
Luna and Artemis stared at Selenity then at each other. The queen then looked
up and smiled, “Serenity knew they were coming.”
“You mean all that crying and light
issuing from your crescent moon symbol was a sign, a warning?” Artemis asked in
wonder.
Selenity nodded and walked out onto
the balcony, accompanying Sirius once more. She whispered in his ear, informing
him of the dark tidings brought to her attention by the palace guard. She also explained
the meaning of Serenity’s strange behavior and how her crescent moon symbol illuminated
the chamber. He gaped at his wife and daughter in awe and surprise before
turning back to the crowd to make an announcement, “My dear friends, I am sorry
to be the bearer of ill tidings, but I must, two enemy generals have entered
the kingdom,” he knew his words had changed the mood of the crowds as panic
swept over them like a wave as a gasp echoed throughout the crowded court and promenade
-- screams could be heard in the distance, “Please do not panic. It is likely
they wish to speak with us about their grievances. Just go home and stay there
until you hear the Tranquility Bell ring twice.” Sirius raised his hands to
calm the crowds and the people dispersed their murmuring indicative of their
disquiet as they returned to their homes. Sirius rushed into the throne room
and commanded Artemis to assemble the palace soldiers.
Luna approached Selenity, requesting
she take baby Serenity to her bedchamber and watch over her there. Selenity
agreed and joined Sirius and stood at his side. “Honey, you know the
Tranquility Bell is only used at time of the outbreak of war, or cessation of
hostilities.” She crossed her arms, searching for an answer.
“Yes, I’m afraid we’ll be hearing
the bell sound once, not twice.” Selenity’s jaw dropped and she covered her
mouth with her hands. Sirius slipped his arms about Selenity’s slim waist and
held her close. Her head leaning upon his powerfully built chest as his hand cradled
the back of her head and she escaped into his arms as he went on, “Two generals
can’t start a war...” She looked up at him to see he was deep in thought. She
once more snuggled against his chest, his heartbeat calling her to him as she
tightened her grip on her husband and felt comforted and loved. He then added, “…unless
they have reinforcements waiting someplace hidden.”
Selenity’s grip on Sirius tightened
considerably as the thought raced through her mind. “You don’t think…” she
couldn’t bear to finish her statement.
Then Sirius sighed, “I don’t
know…they might.”
Selenity fingered her moon pendant
and stepped back. “Why? Serenity would be of no use to them!” She stormed to
her throne and sat down folding her arms over her chest and crossing her legs.
Sirius followed her and took her
hand. “I don’t know, darling. We just need to be careful.” He kissed her smooth
hand and they shared a smile and look of love that went far beyond words could
say passed between them.
Artemis sprinted into the room with
Luna not far behind carrying Serenity. “Your majesties, they’re here.” Artemis
tried to regulate his breathing, but he continued panting.
“I was taking Serenity to her bedchamber
and as I came in range of the entrance I saw all her furniture fly out of the room.
They are searching for her.”
Selenity gasped and ran towards the
door. She shut and locked it.
Immediately, Serenity began to cry. Her crescent moon was pulsing with a
soft pulsing glow, but her cries were heightening. Selenity paced back and
forth, thinking out a plan in her head. Sirius spoke with Artemis instructing him
to bring the soldiers as quickly as possible.
Artemis was about to carry out his
orders and leave the room, but Kunzite forced the door off its hinges, sending
both the door and Artemis flying. Selenity and Luna screamed in shock and
surprise as Selenity scrambled to Luna’s side. Sirius stood between the two
women and the intruders and fingered the jeweled hilt of his sword.
Kunzite stepped into the room,
followed by Zoicite, who unsheathed his laser sword. Zoicite smiled to himself
and cleared his throat.
Sirius made the first move and
charged at Kunzite. Kunzite looked to one side and found Zoicite preparing for
the attack. Sirius was only a few feet away when Zoicite held out his white
gloved hand. Sirius froze to the spot. Selenity began crying, yelling out her pleas
for them to stop. Zoicite raised his hand and Sirius followed. Flowers encircled
Sirius and he could show emotion, but he was unable to move. He tried to turn
his head and look at Selenity, but his neck could barely move. Selenity ran towards
him, but Luna stopped her. “It’s not safe, don’t move.” Selenity sobbed and
wanted to hold him close as they had only moments before.
Kunzite closed the distance between
him and Sirius and he swiped his sword down in a merciless motion along the
length of his body and Sirius cried out in pain. Blood escaped from the wound
and Zoicite sent him hard against the far wall. Selenity watched her husband of
six years fly across the room and strike the wall with a thud as rubble cascaded
down upon him. She choked back her tears and wiped them away.
Kunzite sheathed his sword and took
a few steps closer to a frightened Luna and Selenity, who was inconsolable. “Selenity,
I’m not here to take Serenity away from you,” he smirked and took another step
closer, “Although it would be a good idea,” he added, sending chills down
Selenity’s spine.
Selenity stepped in front of Luna
and her daughter and held up her pendant. “Get out.” The Silver Crystal
ascended into the air. Selenity held the crystal in her slender hands and
started gathering its energy. The room was filled with a turbulent wind. Selenity’s
silver hair flowed behind her. The crystal gave off a blazing light as Kunzite
and Zoicite covered their eyes, “Get out,” Selenity repeated in a powerful voice
that filled the chamber.
Kunzite stood firm and uncovered
his eyes, exposing them to the full brightness of the crystal’s power. “Queen
Beryl would like you to know that war is coming. So, prepare your little
darling, you won’t so easily be able to watch over her during the war,” he
smirked. Selenity had enough. She summoned a sphere of energy and sent it
straight for the dark generals, forcing them back. They lay on their backs upon
the stone floor. Kunzite immediately struggled to his feet and helped Zoicite
up, “Goodbye, Queen Selenity.” He blew her a kiss and disappeared.
Selenity guided the Silver Crystal
back into its holder then ran straight for her wounded husband while Luna
bolted towards Artemis. Selenity gently placed Sirius’s head in her lap and
kissed his forehead. His eyes fluttered open and he tried lifting his upper
body. With Selenity’s help, he sat up, but winced from the pain. Sweat rolled
off his face and the blood kept pouring from his wound. Selenity’s white dress
was now stained with blood. She cried at the sight of her husband in this state
and put her hand to his face. “I love you,” was the only words that escaped his
lips. He gave her his signature smile before falling back into her lap. She
couldn’t catch her breath -- almost sounding as if she were hiccupping. She
leaned over his fallen body and wept -- her chest rising and falling at a
sporadic pace. Her silver hair had fallen into the pools of blood surrounding
her and Sirius -- the chiming of the Tranquility Bell was overwhelmed by the
sound of Selenity’s weeping.
