Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Shitennou ❯ The Beginning ( Chapter 9 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

AN: I'm actually taking the time to go into the slow descent into the Dark Kingdom for the Shitennou. I feel it's important to know how and why it happened. I'm not glossing over anything. What would cause them to leave and turn on the women they love? Why does this happen on their wedding day? What does this mean for the future?

I do not own the characters or stories of Naoko Takeuchi. They are hers. I'm just borrowing them for a story.

Chapter 9: The Beginning

“Don't stray
Don't ever go away
I should be much to smart for this
You know it gets the better
Of me sometimes
When you and I collide
I fall into an ocean of you.”

- Bic Runga, Sway

The Queen had called a meeting with her daughter and the Inner Senshi. She looked far better than the day before. She looked at each of the young women in front of her. They were dressed officially in their fuku's. If they only knew… During Selenity's time encased in crystal, she had glimpsed images of what was to come. The images were not happy ones. However, something deep within her knew that she could only be an observer in the upcoming events. My moon is waning but hopefully, the future is not always set in stone… Still, she would do her best to see that these girls were protected.

“First of all, let me say congratulations to you all on your engagements. Each of the Terran Generals is an upstanding young man perfectly matched for the titles you hold. It warms my heart to see that your hearts have chosen not only men that you love, but also men that can help you protect Serenity and help lead your home planets, when the time comes. As we plan for the upcoming nuptials, please remain on guard. Whatever it was that I fought is not entirely gone. I want a detail assigned to Serenity at all times…” Selenity arose from the table and went to retrieve something from behind her throne. There was a glimmer and a swirl of energy. Selenity held a large sword in her left hand, “Venus, this belongs to you. It is the sword of the Moon and can only be wielded by myself, my daughter, or the leader of the Inner Senshi. Use it well.”

Mina could only nod her response to Queen Selenity as she accepted the sword. Although made of stone, Venus wielded it easily, as if it was born to be in her hand. The sword was a thing of wonder. Venus tied a quick knot into her love chain that hung around her waist and slid the sword into a place at her side. The girls all stared at its glowing surface. “I have some things to attend to, please go with my blessing,” said the Queen, dismissing the group from her throne room. Make the most out of your days, her heart cried out to them.

The girls walked slowly down the hall. It was Serenity herself that broke the silence, “Engaged!!! When did this happen?” The senshi had been trying hard all day to hold in their stories and all began talking at once. Before long, Serenity had decided that it would be best to have a large ceremony including all of the couples, “It seems only right, to have my best friends at my side on the most important day of my life.”

It couldn't be true, Beryl thought as she watched Serenity and her fellow Princesses giggle as they passed by her. This wasn't happening. The slim redhead had fallen instantly in love with Prince Endymion the first time she had seen him. Now there was nothing she could do. Damn the Princess… Upon thinking these words, she sensed a cold presence close by.

Do you want Prince Endymion all to yourself? A voice teased her mind. Images began to flood in…there she was with the Prince. How perfect and happy they seemed together.

Yes…

Darkness swallowed Beryl's mind.

Two weeks later, on the eve of the nuptials, the Shitennou had gathered in the billiards room. Prince Endymion was dining with Serenity, his parents and Queen Selenity, finalizing state issues between the two kingdoms. He had given them all a much-needed night off. So much had happened in such a short time. The men hadn't been altogether since their last time in this room, the morning after Endymion's engagement to Serenity. Each had been training the Lunarians by day and spending time with his fiancé at night. They had taken rotating guard duty watching over the Prince, as had the senshi to watch over their Princess. With all the preparations, this shared time was a special event. Nephrite had coaxed Mako to create a “man's feast” for their last meal as single men. Kunzite had used his influence to transport to Earth for some finely aged scotch. Jadeite took the lead, and began pouring a glass for each of the men.

“I never saw it happening like this…” said Jadeite.

“What exactly did you have in mind, us spending our later days all alone, with only each other's company?” asked Nephrite.

“Well, for starters, I thought Endymion would have some sort of arranged marriage to some old maid with a huge dowry on Earth, not a beautiful Princess of the Moon,” Jadeite said continuing, “Furthermore, I really could never picture any of us actually getting tied down. Kunzite didn't like anyone, let alone a woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and Zoisite was so shy, I never thought he'd have the courage to even ask out a woman, let alone marry one…I was obviously born to flirt. Nephy, you were the only one who I thought would have a chance.”

“Thanks a lot, Jade,” said Kunzite straightening his uniform.

The Generals all shared a laugh. They had seen some difficult times together on Earth. These beautiful weeks were a precious gem that each would hold onto and remember when times got tough. In that moment of laughter, a presence entered the room. Even though it was bright outside, the room suddenly seemed darker and chillier. Now…the entity knew this was the only time they would all be alone…when their energy was most susceptible. Kunzite went on guard, seconds too late. The Generals all went into a trance. The entity had them under its spell.

“Yes…you will listen to me now.” Pictures began to flash through the mind of the shitennou. Images of Endymion fallen and bleeding, horrific scenes of their senshi, the Moon Kingdom and Earth in total chaos. In short, everything they had worked for was going to be just a very distant memory. “This is what is going to happen if you don't submit to me. Your Prince, fallen and dead, your beautiful senshi tortured and raped before being killed slowly. Both kingdoms in flames and ruin. It's your choice Shitennou. Give me your energy, your minds, or see this future become reality!!!” The men, even in their trance, reached out to draw strength from each other. The wrestled to get control of their minds back. Yet, the answer had already been given from deep in their subconscious. Yes…the Shitennou were men of honor and would give their lives for those they loved, even if it meant their own deaths. The Darkness grinned, it was merely a matter of time, until their minds, their souls would belong to the Dark Kingdom! See your new Queen!” A red haired woman in a flowing purple dressed grinned evilly at them.

The image faded. Beryl… The room retuned back to the normal temperature and light. The men shook their heads.

“What were we talking about?” asked Zoisicte.

Kunzite shivered. There was something tugging at the edge of his memory. What had really just happened? There was something cold in the back of his mind that he had never felt before.

The day of the wedding dawned glorious. A light breeze blew over the satellite. Serenity had decided the Coronation Hall as the perfect place for the big wedding. Pink and white roses lined the walls. Light streamed in from open windows in the Hall. Everything was in place. Dignitaries from the entire Universe had come, including the outer Senshi, who arrived early that morning. The Inners had hugged their fellow senshi tight -- it was a great reunion. In fact, it was none other than Setsuna who would perform the ceremony. The mysterious keeper of Time had insisted on the honor, as she also knew the unique martial customs of each planet. The majority of the nuptials would be similar, but each girl had something to make her part of the ceremony unique to her planet and customs. From Neptune, Michiru had brought her violin to serenade the group with her beautiful, enchanting music.

It was also a rare moment for everyone to be dressed in the same color. Each of the Princesses had chosen a gown based on her style and looked radiant. Venus and Rei were resplendent in strapless gowns. Mina's was delicate and full of lace with a long train. Rei had opted for simple satin, with no accoutrements. Ami had sleeves and the entire dress was covered in delicate beading. Mako stood tall above them all in a simple empire waisted dress with two small spaghetti straps. Serenity, in respect for Endymion's armor, had worn her Princess dress, and was the most beautiful of them all. Her love for Endymion, her people, and her friends positively glowed out of her.

Michiru began to play softly and the girls each slowly took their turn down the aisle. As Rei walked slowly, she glanced shyly up at Jadeite. Wait…is there a shadow behind him?! Rei blinked her eyes and the black smudge she had seen was gone. Rei shivered, then shook her head. This was her wedding day! She was imagining things. She smiled again, glad for this day and glad to share it with her best friends. The Shitennou and their Prince were dressed in full military uniform. Kunzite and Endymion's capes flapped in the breeze as Setsuna began the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved…”

The time came for each Princess to have her special part of the ceremony. Jupiter had chosen to go first. She looked beautiful and had, instead of her tiara, a crown of delicate pink roses on her head. Nephrite took her hand. Setsuna held a small vine up and as she wound it around Jupiter and Nephrite's clasped hands she said, “Let this small part of the earth tie you together for eternity.”

Mercury was next. She trembled a little, but looking into Zosicte's eyes, she was immediately serene and peaceful. As the couple held hands, Setsuna held aloft a beautiful blue crystal vase, “This water comes from the waters of Mercury. As it washes over you, be cleansed and begin your new life together.”

Mars stepped up. Jadeite took a deep breath. His gorgeous fiancé had explained to him what was going to happen, but that didn't make it any easier. As both bride and groom removed their shoes, the aisle was replaced with burning embers. Jaedite took Mars's hand. With her I can do anything… Together they walked calmly over the coals. Setsuna announced, “Their love is pure - no pain has befallen them.”

It was now Venus's turn. The marriage ceremony for Venus was very simple, but very intense. Kunzite turned to Mina. The couple locked eyes. Time seemed to stand still… Kunzite saw their entire relationship flash before him…the first time he had seen her across the dance floor…the first time she transformed…the first time they had made love. Mina returned the loving looks…she saw the same things he did. A glimpse of the future appeared …the loving night they would share tonight…then nothing. Mina blinked. This isn't how it's supposed to be, I'm supposed to see the rest of my life with him, our children, growing old together - what's wrong?! Kunzite looked at her alarmed. Mina shook herself back into his stare. Maybe it's because he's Terran. That has to be it. She smiled at Kunzite. He leaned down and dipped her into a passionate kiss to the cheers of the crowd. “I couldn't wait,” Kunzite whispered to Mina.

Queen Selenity was watching the nuptials from a seat of honor. Something tugged at her conscience when she saw the look on Venus's face. What had Mina seen?

Finally, the main event had arrived. All of the guests stood up and the Moon Wedding March began to play. Like her senshi before her, Serenity made the walk down the aisle alone. This walk symbolized the young woman's choice and her decision alone to go to her beloved. Serenity had witnessed other girls turning at the halfway point, but Serenity walked confidently to her waiting Prince. She took his arm and their part of the ceremony had begun. Looking into Endymion's sapphire eyes, she heard herself say, “I do.”

Setsuna looked to all of the couples. “Gentlemen? Do you have the rings?” They nodded. “Repeat after me, `With this ring I thee wed…'”

Each girl looked as a ring was delicately slid on her finger. For Mercury, a delicate blue topaz shone between two diamond baguettes. For Mars, a large ruby that shone like the Princess who wore it. For Jupiter, an emerald nestled between two pink diamonds. For Venus, a 5 carat canary diamond. However, Serenity's hand seemed engulfed by the extra large diamond she now had on her left ring finger.

“You may now kiss your brides…” After each couple shared their first kiss (with the exception of the over eager Kunzite) the Princesses each took the arm of their new husband and made their way back down the aisle to the applauding of all the guests.

The reception was a party unlike any other the Moon or the Earth had ever seen. As Princess Serenity was a personal favorite among the royalty of the different planets, guests from all over the Universe were in attendance. There was hair color from every shade of the rainbow. Styles in clothing were greatly varied reflecting the immodest Venusian's couture to the practical Terrans garments. Due to the wonderful hospitality of the Moon Kingdom, everyone blended together in harmony. Endymion's parents took everything in stride, asking anyone they met to tell them about the culture and customs of their home planet or moon.

Queen Selenity took a step back from the festivities. She felt an underlying current of energy emanate from the party. For a moment she picked up on a different unknown source of energy that seemed to surround each of the Generals. She blinked her eyes and the moment had passed. The auras of everyone swirled in a silvery pattern. She began to tap at the goblet she held in her hand. The crowd became silent as the Queen made her way to the head table where the happy couples were sitting.

“Welcome guests from here on the Moon and the far reaches of this Universe. I'm so happy for my daughter and the other Princesses. I welcome Prince Endymion and the entire Terran race into the family of the Silver Millennium. May all of your lives be long and your lives together happy. I love you all.”

Everyone clapped and cheered. The couples walked out onto the dance floor for their first dance. The song had been chosen by the Prince and Princess.

“Blue skies
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies
Do I see

Bluebirds
Singing a song
Nothing but bluebirds
All day long

Never saw the sun shining so bright
Never saw things going so right
Noticing the days hurrying by
When you're in love, my how they fly

Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on.”

-- Irving Berlin, Blue Skies