Lady of the Silver Moon
I hear her lament in the notes of the sacred Conch she holds in her luminous hands.
Oh! Calypso, why have you given yourself to the breaking crests?
The wind whispers her name, a ghost of a time long since passed; I scarcely recognize the tune, and I had cast a different shadow then, the shadow I tore from my being. I had shed my second skin to meet the dawn.
Death follows the shining one, not to weep, but to sit by her feet and be cleansed by her chant. I yield to my fear; I meet you in the eyes of the child. I sing to the newborn, through new eyes. I no longer cast a shadow, now I weave them.
Sorrow passes; the procession leaves me a stranger in its wake. I am refreshed. I am alive under your enchanted moon.
Serenity Moon: Lunarian Archives Age of Silver and Gold, (Alternate Universe)
Dedicated to Lady Moon Cat and Mindy *hearts*
Celestial Glaive
Terra
Much she had seen that bloody day. Serenity was stunned by the gravity of battle: the innocent and brave warrior and enemy all subject to the indiscriminate rage of war. Youma foot soldiers leveling much of the fair city of glittering towers and monuments, magnificent buildings aflame, people screaming, seeking out loved ones to lie huddled together in those last precious moments before death claimed them, others preferring to stand and fight against an implacable and merciless enemy that knew not conscience or decency in battle.
Some of Atlantari’s citizenry managed to escape with their friends and families. Many would return to fight again. But others would stay well away from the front line to protect what little they had left after so much suffering and death.
(Would they survive? Serenity did not know. She could feel the air being sucked from her lungs even with an ethereal body. The fire of magical attacks was pulling the moisture from the air around her as the conflict raged on endlessly. She tried to call out, but her words remained frozen upon her lips.
Persephone rushed to comfort Gaea, who held a dead Senshi in her arms, the girl only fifteen years of age. Gaea was crying as she said her final goodbyes to the dying Senshi, Rosalie.
Pluto stood in the courtyard, in her fuku and royal cloak. She held her garnet staff aloft, as its pulses of brilliance summoned the Kinzuishou and it soon appeared before her, both talismans throwing off a combination of magenta and golden light.
Serenity could feel the violent ripples of force rising from the ground as it shook beneath her. She was floating over the sandstone terraces of the city library, seeing only pain, death and ruin all about her.
Then a blaze of silvery-gold fell from the skies above in a rain of shimmering power and beauty as crystal warships pounded enemy positions around the vast population center. She heard them before she actually saw them, marching Shitennou unlike anything she’d ever seen before. Ranks upon ranks of silvery-gold crystal armored warriors she found a slightly frightening and fantastic sight. But these fighters, much taller than the Shitennou she was familiar with were heavily armed and their faces hidden behind impressive crystal headgear. Each held a golden crystal spear and wore glowing metallic gloves, these shooting bursts of tiny crystal arrows at the oncoming youma who were falling like stone slabs as they retreated, some of these stampeding and crushing one another as they fled in sheer panic.
The Lords of the Scimitar, thousands of them, moved en masse. These mighty fighting men were relentless, hunting down stragglers, thrusting their glittering lances into the hearts of the fallen.
She shivered at the sounds of their victory cries and the lightning speed at which these elite forces moved. She found it all so incredible. She had heard the ancient legends concerning these Shitennou in her own universe, but few lived that could recall the last time these special forces defended the Terran planet. Considered heroes of folklore, there were stories told a-plenty over firelight to entertain the weary soldier or traveler. But these were real, not fables. They were amazing to watch. Efficient killing machines: graceful, stealthy, their attack patterns carefully choreographed, as they made light work of the enemy with deadly precision. The streets of the capital now bathed in the blood of youma and shadow warriors.
Eastern Continent
The conditions were extreme. Hot winds drove the fires from the edge of the forest caused by the battle, the calamity in evidence as vampire youma and other predacious opportunists deserted their posts to feed on the hapless inhabitants of this portion of the terrain, much to the chagrin of their overlords.
Meanwhile, the battle raged on. Towering dinosaurian creatures stomped through the ancient forest, one wrapping its huge claws around the base of an acacia tree. With all its strength, it ripped it clean out of the ground, the dark soil pouring from its roots. The youma giantess bellowed as she stripped the trunk of its branches, tossing these to its raptor-like brood who ate happily at her feet.
The leviathan then moved towards the Shitennou lines and swung the massive tree like a club. The crude weapon immediately vaporized in a blaze of magical fire by the Shitennou.
The sparkling weapons, crystal smashing against crystal, the cries and screams of battle, the beautiful, but deadly stinger of a crystal crossbow’s arrow honing in on its target -- whap! She heard the impact, the cracking of bone and tearing of sinew, witnessed the blood and the desperate pleas for a loved one to escort the dying to the lap of the Kamis. The winged lady, her smooth sensual limbs, the glory of her expansive wings, her womanly curves bedecked by golden odangos beguiling the soldiers of both sides, some in awe, others lust; all recognizing this Lunarian monarch as a formidable warrior before all other considerations.
She swung her blade without fear or favor, for to fail to do so would mean her own death. As powerful as she was, she was no fool. She parried, swooped and slashed, heads and limbs flying, the youma snapping like rapacious dragons: growling, hissing and slithering. She darted back and forth, fell to her knees, mud and blood upon her silken thighs, hands slippery with the sacrificial ablutions of death. Serenity Moon lunged at the massive beast, some ten feet high, its ogre-like countenance, fiery eyes and its foul breath proving no deterrent as she thrust her lance of gleaming crystal into the roof of its mouth.
Then a series of crystal lances shot into the youma from all directions and it reared back on its hind legs, its tail knocking some foot soldiers flying as it fought to gain purchase on the gentle rocky slope, its reptilian clawed feet splayed to maintain balance.
It pulled at one of the embedded crystal spears lodged deep inside its mouth but to no avail. The spear exploded and the skull of the monster split apart and it fell with a loud thud to the moisten earth of the forest floor, crushing to death and injuring others of its kind. The plaintiff shrieks, and groans, the sickly slime oozing from the creature’s wounds, purple blood hissing on contact with the air was a most horrific sight. As it died, the young youma were crying for their mother, not understanding the reason they couldn’t rouse her from her dormant state. Then the vampire youma swarmed all over the dead and dying.
“Jizela! I shall save you! Moon Crisis Moon Arrow!”
The weapon found its mark and the Senshi gave Serenity Moon the thumbs up and winked, and sank her sword into the belly of another winged beast, it roared with pain and the vampire youma flew in and fought over the prize. The creature, still screaming as it was lifted off the battlefield and torn to shreds by the airborne youma, their reddish leathery wings sending out an eerie death knell, like a swarm of giant wasps as the grotesque feasting continued. The horror of it was the shower of death that fell upon the muddy earth below like a rain of blood. It was terrible.
The youma general called a fresh attack. Lolisha instantly appeared behind him, tapping him on the shoulder, “Hello, handsome, looking for a sensual distraction?” she giggled, hooking one bare and pretty leg around the muscular leg of the stunned warlord, overpowered by her long, raven-black apple blossom scented hair, her audacity and the irresistible aphrodisiac perfume she wore to fatal effect, a most devastating combination.
“Sweet is the enemy this day. But you seek carnal pleasure from an enemy leader such as me? Girl, you Senshi are indeed deliciously perverse and sexy, I might add,” he said, gripping her petal soft thigh without a second thought, massaging it vigorously, drooling at the thought of sexual intercourse, his breaths coming in hot spasms as he fought to control himself and not take her right there on the battlefield. Hot sex and blood was appealing.
(She is so tasty. But what am I thinking?)
She ran her hand over his groin and pressed home her advantage, giggling playfully in his ear, “I have a problem, I am a flower, looking for a honeyeater, are you interested?”
He stood stock still, salivating at the thought of having his way with the deadly assassin. She was fast. She was bold, some of her peers thought her mad. But she was the best. Lolisha was a most daring and brilliant special ops Senshi. She slipped the fire dagger up under the base of his skull and into his brain with a movement so quick, the youma warlord hadn’t felt a thing.
The blade dipped in a powerful neural toxin to expedite matters. He collapsed and she smiled her secret smile. She leapt upon the back of another. With lightning fast precision, she dispatched her next target by pressing her blade home, the youma general falling at her feet. She nodded in satisfaction; the Dark Kingdom now two leaders short as she wiped the blood off her blade on the short hem of her fuku.
Serenity Moon flew to her aid as Lolisha gave her signal and brandished an agate sword and fought her way back to the front ranks and into the open space between the combatants, careful to avoid the cluster of vampire youma still feeding nearby.
Serenity Moon grabbed her friend by the hands, hauled her out of danger, and set her down beside her comrades in arms. Then the winged warrior queen called to the Ginzuishou, and it was there floating before her, Serenity Moon’s wings moving in a graceful fashion as she soared high above the throng.
“Crystal Spear Attack!”
By nightfall, the enemy was defeated. Tired and hungry, Serenity Moon and her unit set up camp. Using her communicator, she contacted Lord Luteolous on the moon to let him know she was all right and then talked to Persephone on Terra.
Atlantari City
Helios stormed into the palace war room accompanied by several powerful Solar Shitennou; all heads turning to look upon the new arrivals. He was angry, bitter and cold. The Solar warrior flanked by his most reliable Shitennou advisors stood before the duel thrones of Endymion and Setsuna as the monarchs and their noble warriors performed the Shitennou/Senshi salute.
“Majesties… this is an outrage! She has poisoned our world with those youma monstrosities, giants that are capable of unspeakable horrors!” he turned, slamming his glittering gold glove down on the table and then spun around to face the blind king and his beautiful queen. “We are at a disadvantage on several fronts. I cannot be everywhere and the Dark Queen is pushing back our forces on several fronts.”
“No my lord, she is actually cutting through them as if butter and cheese. I have seen the devastation and the dark magic they use. Don’t even get me started on that,” Venus amended, heaving a sigh as she plopped herself down on the armrest of Setsuna’s throne.
Immediately, the Queen took her friend’s hand and patted it sympathetically. “We know Venus. But not all is lost. We have brave Shitennou and Senshi like you to support the fight and we are winning quite a few of these battles. Try to look at it as a minor setback. I know it’s bad where these youma have appeared, but we're spreading ourselves much too thin, even with our wonderful Lords of the Scimitar. We will need help and I am working on that front as well. Trust me.” She said, tossing another completed petition into the basket at her feet destined for the eastern provinces command center.
Venus sighed again, gulped down a draft of wine, coughing slightly, having swallowed a little too quickly. She excused herself as she belched and offered a giggling Setsuna a weak smile. “Sorry,” she blushed.
“Oh I miss our girlhood, that took me back so far I-“
The sound of footfalls interrupted the lighter moment, “My Lords and Ladies! Serenity Moon is here to speak with you,” Zephyr, a Shitennou from Elysian announced with a bow.
“Your highnesses, I have news from the moon,” she said, breathlessly, her wings catching the light cast by the candles within the chamber.
“Speak, dear lady,” Endymion urged, leaning forward.
“The Shitennou are home and are riding at speed. They shall be here by nightfall, Endymion -- and they send advanced greetings to you both, and the princess Persephone.”
“This is good news indeed, my husband,” Setsuna smiled, kissing his hand and pressing it to her cheek.
“I am so glad they are home and without incident I trust,” he added, chuckling, knowing their drinking and wenching prowess at Terran taverns and smiled.
“Yes, and they’re bringing the Lady Gaea and that lad, Iolite with them.”
Setsuna smiled. She had always wanted to meet Endymion’s other children and knew that Persephone longed to meet her sisters also, though the younger remained on the moon in a deep sleep. But she was more than happy to have Gaea gracing their abode and spending time at the homestead away from the besieged city. Persephone corresponded with Gaea and Iolite regularly after communications between the Moon Kingdom and Terra were reestablished after the Lunarian Uprising.
Elysian
The day for Princess Reika seemed to last forever in this enchanted place. She found it impossible to tell whether it be high zenith, sunset or dawn, but didn’t care. She was more than satisfied to wander through a magical world without concerning herself needlessly with the concept of time. But what she looked forward to most was riding upon the back of a beautiful winged Pegasus. There was one Pegasus in particular, she enjoyed exploring the realm of dream with, Lord Helios.
He would often stay close to her as she explored the many scenic locations Elysian offered, or leave her to explore on foot, watching over her at a discreet distance. Oft times, she would find herself alone but never had she felt afraid. He was never too far away. Reika could always sense his presence.
She was delighted to find a duplicate of the Moon Palace free of the darkness where visiting dreamers dwelt.
(Oh, it is so pretty here, and it is fun to play with everyone and spend time with Pegasus)
She purred contentedly, surveying the coconut-ice like décor of her bedchamber. With a sudden surge of inspiration, she jumped onto the bed and bounced up and down, giggling at her reflection as she watched her dancing odangos swirling about her petite frame until she burst into a fit of uncontrollable hick-ups.
She adored the pink and white drapes that caressed the polished pink marble floor, the matching rugs, and her soft luxuriant bed. Everything coordinated but for the ceiling of midnight blue with sapphires for stars, diamonds for galaxies and other precious and semi-precious gemstones making up the magical creatures and wonderful people, the lovely priestesses, village girls, the tall friendly priests and soldiers. The children she loved most of all. Butterflies glittered and the birds in the faithfully reproduced crystalline trees, motifs of all sorts, truly a remarkable sight. Whenever she felt the need to rest, she would, from wherever in Elysian she might be, Reika would instantly find herself transported here on a whim.
She had been exhausted this day, especially after her exertions on the bed, though sleep in Elysian was different to sleep in the waking world. She began to give herself to the lure of the bed and her dreams that were deeper and more restful like bathing in a pool of living music and images as if held against a mother’s breast. She didn’t know how to explain it, but it was the most wonderful feeling in the world and she never grew tired of it in the slightest.
In fact, as she floated on the edge of the Elysian counterpoint to terrestrial sleeping, she welcomed the embrace of repose that wrapped itself around her as a smile graced her lips.
The day had been a long one, warm and pleasant. As she lay there, she longed to play in the gardens of the palace once again with Shingo, a boy she befriended in Elysian. But alas, his parents took him to Myola and its Artisan capital within the waking world that she never visited anymore. He was sad to leave her, but vowed to return, and eventually he would.
Reika would be there, picking flowers, sniffing them and stroking the translucent wings of an Elysian bee, something she couldn’t do on the moon or Terra. The princess would giggle as the glowing insect pirouetted and danced on her outstretched palm.
Then in an instant, Shingo would be there with her, holding out his larger hand as several glittering bees landed upon his fingertips and put on an impromptu show for the boy Reika loved dearly. He was like a big brother to her. They would go on long walks. He would take her hand and lead her through the kaleidoscopic terrain. They would talk for hours. He would describe life in Myola, careful to avoid the subject of the war, and tell her news of his family. He would then talk about the boundless wonders of Myola City: its art, history and way of life and its people.
She longed to visit one day. She sighed, “I love hearing about Myola, Shingo-chan. Promise me you’ll show it to me one day?” she had smiled up at him.
“For you, Lady Reika, I would do anything!” he laughed, picking her up and spinning her around as they hovered above the ground, Reika squealing with delight.
Soon, the crystal insect sitting upon one of her odangos was joined by others forming a ring of kaleidoscopic color. As the memories continued to warm her heart, a sense of sumptuous tranquility swept over her.
As she slipped into restfulness, she whispered a prayer to the Goddess, a celestial petition seeking answers to her many questions of life. For a young girl of nine solar years approaching her tenth, these seemed insurmountable for one so young.
She continued to dream her deeper dream, the carpet of stars outside her balcony watching over her as she slept.
~*~
The awestruck princess stood upon the hillside smiling at the Pegasus in the valley below. She then sat cross-legged on the soft grass and watched with delight and a sense of awe as they came and went from the temple of the Sun, some engaging in animated conversations much too complex for a child such as herself. But when they laughed, it made her smile and melt with the love she felt for these winged creatures and this enchanted realm. Others were milling about, the mares and fillies, rubbing noses by the lake and exploring the forest together, the females resting their heads upon the necks of their mates. She felt safe here and loved.
She saw Helios in his Pegasus form. He made for a welcome sight, especially for those nocturnal sojourners visiting Elysian through their beautiful dreams.
The warrior priest was a mage and master of the solar powers and his wife, Lorelei was the prettiest lady she’d ever seen, her clothes shone like the sun. Her hair golden and flecked with fiery-red highlights accentuated by her firestone tiara making her so pretty in the little girl’s eyes. The lady was truly enchanting and Reika loved her heaps.
She always looked forward to coming here . For while at the Solar Temple and its botanical courtyard, she could ride the Elysian skies while upon uncle Helios’s back and stroke his soft white wings whilst enjoying the breathtaking landscape far below.
~*~
Reika knelt to pluck an Elysian rose, bringing the sweet scented bloom to her nostrils, and inhaled its heady fragrance. “Pegasus, this place, it’s so beautiful. Why can’t my home be like this?” she asked the beautiful winged horse.
“He lowered his head slightly, as if pondering a response. ”It is very… complicated, little one, but at least you can come here whenever you want and be happy,” he assured her in that smooth deep tone like the sweetest honey to her ears. Then he looked up suddenly, a look of distress on his face, his golden eyes brimming with unshed tears as he whispered, “Oh I am so sorry… I cannot prevent this, my little princess, the powers are much too great. Have courage. I will send help as soon as I am able, be careful and seek shelter!”
Whinnying, he backtracked, the sounds of his hooves clicking in retreat, making her scared. She didn’t understand.
(What did he mean?)
She looked at the flower in her hand, as it wilted and died. “Flower, what is the matter,” she cried, stroking its dried petals.
Then a voice came forth from within her mind, (I cannot stay. She is coming. Run, kitten, run while you can!)
“But where is she? Who is she? Who would hurt you, pretty rose?” she didn’t know what to do, so she crouched low to the ground and set the dying flower with its fellows, also wilting now. She jumped to her feet and turned away. Frightened and shaking as the skies began to fill with black clouds, these flecked with purple light.
Reika could feel the moisture and air pressure building, this the precursor to an impending storm. She shuddered and hugged herself, the frightened girl was completely unprepared. She only wore a short cotton shift and sandals. She had neither cloak nor hood to protect her from the harsh winds and the icy rain she knew would inevitably come.
But as the anvils of cloud built up into angry sky lords, she felt the goosebumps spreading over her arms and legs. She began to cry as she ran towards the Solar Temple.
The other Pegasus took flight, their broad wings enveloped in halos of golden light as they followed Helios through the portal to safety. But as the ground shook beneath her feet, she reached for the security of a stone pillar. But the statue set atop its truncated platform toppled and fell with a resounding crash. The frightened princess jumped back and screamed in fright. Sadly, it was a statuette of a pretty winged girl with silver headband and a beautiful crystal bow that lay shattered at her feet -- the sweet face coming to life, a pair of luminous golden eyes looking up at her.
She knelt to listen, as the girl’s lips moved to speak, “Be brave, little princess. We are with you!” Reika stroked the face of the statue and the girl’s moisten lips kissed the palm of her hand as she spoke one last time before the soft texture of the figurine’s face returned to its former state, “Trust your Mauan magic. Call upon it, and trust your heritage child. All be well with you!”
Reika sobbed as she struggled to her feet. “Thank you, lady. I will try!”
Without warning, a sandstone pillar not far from where she stood exploded. She jumped back with a squeal, covering her face with her small arms as a cloud of dust and debris showered over her.
She could feel as well as hear the deafening thunderclaps, one after the other. Suddenly, a volley of angry red lightning bolts began pounding the ancient flagstone. She looked up to see two Pegasus struck by lightning before they reached the portal and burst into flame. She screamed so loud the sound reverberated off the temple walls. Then the rains came down hard and icy-cold.
She looked skyward to see a huge bird-like low flying storm cloud sweeping over the landscape, the laughter issuing from the anvil as it raced overhead chilled her to the core.
The trainee priestess rushed to her side, ”Princess!” she cried, her hair wet and clinging to her scalp and the cotton shift she wore. Without hesitation, the raven-haired acolyte bundled her up in her arms and ran barefoot into the temple. “Oh princess, we must get you to safety, a great evil has befallen us here in Elysian!”
“I’m frightened My Lady!” she sobbed into the warm bosom of the trembling adolescent girl.
As Reika’s eyes adjusted, she caught sight of the High Priestess Lavonia. She stood tall and majestic. She was petitioning the Kamis for guidance and help, the younger women’s eyes wide with fear as they whimpered words of comfort to the little princess. She jammed her eyes tight, clung to the young girl’s warm body for security, and cried.
Using their magic, they built a blazing fire and placed her on a soft makeshift cot. The priestesses sat in a circle around Princess Reika and began to chant an incantation to protect the Solar Temple and all who sought shelter therein.
Outside, the storm raged and grew in intensity, the winds whipping around the shrine like hungry serpents. She cowered upon her cot, unable to move.
Screams rang out as a blast of yellowish light flooded the chamber and a distorted shadow fell over her. Dark Serenity's evolution into pure evil was complete; the melanic odangos, the only sign aside from the perfect figure of a woman, left of her former life as the fallen sovereign of the White Moon.
The pretty ladies were all lying on the ground, but there was blood on their necks and shoulders. She hoped they were only sleeping. She knew little of death, but it now stared her in the face.
The candles having lit of their own accord revealed the true horror of the terrifying visage of the creature before her, a woman made of black shining stone with huge translucent wings, black with red veins running through them and more like a bat’s wings than those of a bird.
She didn’t know what to say to this menacing creature who then spoke, “Kitten, is that any way to greet your mother?” she hissed, her red eyes blazing, sharp teeth like those of a hound, wet with something that looked a lot like, blood. Reika scrambled away into a corner. “Child, come now. I won’t harm you.” She moved towards the petrified girl.
Then, Reika heard a voice coming from within her mind, (I am your Mauan sovereign, Queen Mau, but you can call me, Lady Moon Cat. Now, I want you to do exactly as I tell you. Your life depends on it sweetheart, now please say, Mauan Cosmic Power!)
She could barely open her mouth at that point, but managed to speak the words that had saved her life, “Mauan Cosmic Power – transform!” Reika stood facing this hellish visage of her mother. Sailor Hathor, her cerise ears folded back, tail whipping back and forth; her body throwing off bursts of protective energy as she automatically launched an attack, “Mauan Fire Paw Attack!”
Dark Serenity screamed in fear and agony as her hair caught alight as the result of Hathor’s attack. She was a Senshi before her time perhaps, and didn’t care if she ran away from the burning thing bellowing obscenities in the temple and she ran as Dark Serenity’s body continued to burn. She sobbed as she gripped her scepter that felt warm to the touch and continued to put as much distance between her evil mother and herself as was possible. She hated the blood curdling screams of the thing that was her mother ringing out behind her.
She kept crying as she ran into the pounding rain. She could see the icy blue mist rising from the stone tiles at her feet as the heels of her seamless white boots struck the courtyard, the puddles splashing her legs as she sought the safety of the forest ahead. Shocked by what she had seen, she could feel her little heart thumping against her ribcage, a slight stitch in her side.
(Sailor warriors aren’t supposed to get stitches and such, are they?)
Hathor knew she wasn’t quite out of danger yet, and when she caught her breath, ran as fast as her legs would carry her deeper into the wood and headed for the small altar where the sandstone sundial waited. She loved that place. Helios said it held a mysterious power. But as she reached it, she felt no comfort, but the rain had stopped.
She spun around, the sounds of hooves bringing a smile to her lips. She thought it was Helios, but the smile rushed from her face as her eyes lit up with pure terror at the hideous sight. Dark Pegasus, their wings composed of dark crystal-- like her mother’s -- black as night. Upon their heads, glittering crests of sharp obsidian spikes made her shudder with fear and trepidation. The deadly creatures were surrounding her.
“Moon Kitty Claw!”
She sent a series of silvery-pink streams of fire at these, destroying most but for the largest amongst their ranks. He, their leader, wore a silver Breastplate and had purple crystal eyes that seemed almost to peer right through her.
He began to laugh, the sound coming from somewhere deep within his chest. As he stepped out of shadow, she could see how big he was, three times bigger than were the others. He was growling and snarling like a Terran bear.
“You injured your mother. Such a wicked child. Do you know what we do to little girls who disrespect their mothers? Oh, and especially one as lovely as our beloved Dark Serenity, little… one?” he spat out the words in disgust, a parody of Helios’s endearment,” You shouldn’t have done that!”
“Keep away from me, I’m warning you!” she stammered, preparing to defend herself once again. She stood there shaking, her legs trembling, her jaw set, staff raised against this youma.
Then, the dark Pegasus stamped its foot, its huge black wings flapping menacingly, snorting, the action shaking the forest floor, making Hathor jump in fright. "Just as I like it, kitty! You'll be a nice treat for me and my herd to feed upon -- good eating and drinking." He licked his lips, placing emphasis on the word ‘drinking’ the snarling beast baring its vampire-like fangs.
As the dark Pegasus reared, preparing to crush her little body under the weight of its powerful hooves, she closed her eyes and began to sing a beautiful sustained note.
When the blow did come, the winged nightmare exploded into flames. Instantly, a cocoon of protective pink crystal resembling a sarcophagus lay upon the ground and she lay in a state of suspension inside the crystal cocoon.
The Dark Pegasus had then brought the casket back to the Solar Temple. Dark Serenity, limping towards the case, smiled a predatory smile, “Now I have you!” she cried with satisfaction and brought her staff down upon the glittering shell, hoping to kill the child inside she’d always hated. But the blow rebounded upon the dark queen and she shrieked in pain as she was hurled into the base of a sandstone pillar supporting a statue of a Solar Prince that fell from its high perch, smashing into large pieces on the flagstone all around her. Picking herself up off the ground, she steadied herself, closed her eyes, summoned the Dark Crystal, and took the time to heal her injuries. She straightened and approached the crystal shell once more, “Seems you are impervious to my attempts to destroy you, child. But I have a better idea. You shall serve as the perfect bate for my mother who would be ruler of my Dark Moon!”
She laughed uncontrollably as the winds conjured up by the tempest overhead lashed the abandoned grounds of the Temple. The crystal casket was soon fastened to the back of another dark Pegasus. The storm intensifying , Dark Serenity raised her scepter, her hair flying out behind her as she took flight upon the chilly winds, led her dark raiders through the portal, and returned to Terra.
