Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ The Order of Planets ❯ When the Moon is gone... ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

This is about my character, Sailor Clios. I always like to put together a basic logic to my stories and this story is proof of that. There really is no planet called Clios but this might make you believe there could have been (if I did it right). Anyway this story explains a lot of things away. Why there is a Sailor Clios, and the story of the Sailor Gem. I've rewritten my Sailor Clios story(Seeds of Darkness) and chapters have been edited. Hence the reason for the repost. Anyway, enjoy ;o)


Disclaimer: Lets see, I do not own Sailor Moon. But this brief history and Clios is mine.

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"Clios blazing inferno!"

The Youma cried out as it began to break apart and disintegrate into nothing. Pheobe looked at the white wand in her hand and ran her fingers upon the rainbow gem set on top, reflecting the black space she stood in. All the planets were there before her as they passed swiftly in their orbit. Mercury came first, Then came Venus, and Earth. The Moon passed right by her. It kept going slower and slower as Mars came before her, then Jupiter. She kept watching. Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and then Pluto. Charon circling around it. Slowly her eyes began to fall upon the last planet, which failed to pass by like the others had done. It slowed to a stop. Her planet, Clios. Then, if the rest hadn't been strange enough, she began to circle around it. There was no light; the magenta clouds emitted a glow that brightened the bluish surface of the planet. As she looked upon her home she began to get a strange feeling, the clouds began to dissipate and reform, creating the image of a celestial being with silver odongos. It

was the lady Selenity who smiled upon her, goddess of the moon. Her planet, herself, and everything else vanished.

Pheobe Mahou awoke in her bed, finding herself once again alone in her room. Everything was as it was and sleepily she pushed her tight shoulder length purple curls out of her face. What was that dream?

For the past month she had been having similar dreams. All about her planet, which vanished in and out and there was always the queen who was a regular visitor in her subconscious.

Pheobe sighed and splashed the water on her face. She had to find out about this; why was she having these dreams? She needed information from the one person who could truly help her.

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Pheobe was never a regular visitor at the Tenou house. Although they never feuded, she just never had a reason to visit. So it was understandable why she felt a little nervous about being there, but she was on a mission and slowly she took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Pheobe waited patiently for what seemed like hours until the face of a tall woman with green hair and garnet eyes appeared before her, she nodded in recognition. "Good morning Pheobe. Is there something wrong?"

Pheobe shook her head. No, nothing was wrong, nothing except these dreams. "No Setsuna."

"Oh."

"I...just need to talk to you, about something."

She nodded. Good, that meant she was going to listen. "What do you know about my planet?"

"Pardon?"

"Setsuna I want to know about Clios."

Setsuna looked at Pheobe, pausing for a minute before nodding. "Would you come in for tea?"

Pheobe nodded and Setsuna smiled, letting her in. "What did you want to know?"

"Tell me everything."

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It was the dawn of a new age, the nine planets existed in harmony and the system of planets were finally settling into peace. The woman you saw was not Selenity. I believe the silver goddess you described in your dream was Phebe.

*My Name*

In a way, yes. Phebe was the ruler of the moon before Selenity rose to claim the throne. Of course every era is not without it's problems. At this time there were, on the planets, two species of humans at the time. The more dominant humans called Lunarians, and a thought to be lesser species known as Astrals.

*But what does this have to do with me?*

Everything. The Lunarians were, in a word, the backbone of society. They ruled the high positions, well respected and made up the majority of human population. Unfortunately this left the Astrals at a disadvantage and were often thought to be lesser beings. What could these people possibly offer that the Lunarians could not already give? These people were the unfortunate rejects of society.

*Were they?*

I didn't think so. What the Astrals lacked in diplomatic ability they excelled at in the arts. In a time where individuality was frowned upon the Astrals had no choice but to embrace it. Their powers grew with their abilities and it was said they could call down the stars themselves to their aid.

These growing new abilities came to frighten the Lunarians, and they began to grow fearful of the new power the Astrals had acquired.

*What happened?*

Nothing yet. If you merely allow something to live often it will exist peacefully and will be content in its world. But the seeds of discontent had already begun to grow and many began to see steps to power upon the backs of the Astrals.

Now times of peace are not usually as peaceful as they may seem. In an era where such peace is maintained many strive to take advantage of the serenity. Such a man existed named Count Vladimer of Earth.

Vladimer saw an advantage in the Astral, his way to power. For in his mind he had created a plan to unleash a civil war and usurp the throne of Phebe.

Your story begins three years afterwards; Vladimer had already begun to acquire a following when a young Astral was born on the moon. A child prodigy, she had mastered several of the arts that were the pride of her people and possessed an outstanding empathic ability. Her name was Clio, and it is here our story begins.

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Clio smiled, twisting her violet braids as her eyes devoured the words in her book. Smiling once more she slammed her book shut and slid it beneath her pillow.

"Clio?"

Clio turned around and smiled at her sister Calliope. "Yes?"

Calliope sighed, finding a chair and sitting beside her sister. "I know you were reading another book Clio."

"Sister?"

"I know you better than that. You were reading and stopped as soon as you sensed me coming." She reached under the pillow and pulled out said book. "You stuffed it under your pillow. Really, don't you have a better hiding space?"

Clio smiled sheepishly. "I couldn't get the wall space open in time."

Calliope sighed sadly at her sister. "Clio you really need to start packing. It's not safe, not with the threat of war."

"The moon is safe, Queen Phebe would never see her people harmed."

"The Queen may not have much of a say if war is brought here."

Clio folded her arms. "Urania doesn't have to run."

Calliope frowned. "Urania hides her heritage well enough. No one suspects she is an Astral."

Clio nodded slowly, her eyes drifted toward the window as she looked out at the earth. At 15 years she was the youngest of her eight sisters. No, Thalia was the youngest at 12. But Clios herself came in a close second to age. "Where will we go, if we have to leave?"

"There's a place on Pluto. Mom will take us there if it gets bad. Right now I wouldn't worry about it, war won't come to the moon."

Clio smiled nodding. In return Calliope smiled, standing to return to her duties.

Immediately Clio opened up her wall. She had found the small open space when she was ten, the perfect hiding place large enough to fit two small children, or at the very least a library of knowledge. A treasury of books lay in her special wall space, books forbidden to Astrals. Outlawed by a handful of nobles who decided it would be safer if the lesser beings were not able to learn. Quietly she picked up her bag and selected 3 of her favorite books, concealing the true contents
of her luggage with a layer of clothing on top.

Grinning she ran out her room, bag slung over her shoulder as she slipped out the door.

During this time Count Vladimer was in conference. Although this was not the usual visitor he expected, his new guest had put forward an appealing proposal.

"You're kidding. What did you say your name was?"

The dark robed figure grinned. "Nemesis my Lord."

"I'm not a Lord yet, be careful what you say."

"If you do what I say, you shall be a king."

Vladimer smiled, leaning over on his desk. "And what do you plan, Nemesis?"

"You are aware of the Queen's Gem?"

Vladimer nodded. "The Empyrium Crystal. Said to hold great power, as well as that of the Sailor Senshi."

Nemesis nodded. "I want it."

Vladimer nearly coughed. "You must be joking. You know how heavily guarded that Crystal is? Not even a mouse can get through its protection."

"I will provide you with the means."



*Wait. I thought the Sailor Gem contained the Senshi powers.*

*It wasn't always that way. The Empyrium crystal was once much more then it is today.*

*Then what about the Sailor Gem?*

*I'll get to that part.*



Clio slowed down when she reached the roads near the Moon Palace. Stopping for a moment she looked in amazement at the magnificent building.

"Hello."

Clio jumped, turning around to a girl with long silver pigtails hanging from two odongos on her head. The girl was her height and probably a little older, her shimmering blue dress clear proof she was a noble.

"I'm sorry My Lady, I wasn't loitering...I was just..."

"Amazed by the palace?" The girl replied.

Clio nodded. "Yes my lady."

The girl smiled. "You don't have to address me so formally."

Clio nodded, slowly gaining more confidence to this young woman. "My name is Clio."

"Your face."

All her acquired confidence nearly shattered. "What about it?"

"You're an Astral aren't you?"

Clio scowled, becoming suddenly defensive. "So? There's nothing wrong with being an Astral."

The girl frowned. "I wasn't trying to insult you. I was just making an observation."

"Make it somewhere else. I'm not standing around so you can stare at me for your own amusement!" She scowled angrily, breaking into a run, increasing her distance from the rude Lunarian who had insulted her. She stopped, sighing. Well, she hadn't really insulted her had she?

All the girl had done was make an observation, and she had gotten defensive about it. Clio turned looking back to see if the girl still remained. It was too late to apologize; she quickly noted that as she saw her walking towards the palace with an aid. There was no chance to go to her, it was unheard of for an Astral to set foot on palace grounds except when in servitude.

Clio sighed. Just her luck, maybe if she saw her again then she could apologize. Suddenly remembering what she had gone to do she smiled, glancing at her bag and running off.



The girl Clio had met was no mere noble. She was at the palace for a reason: she lived there. Phebe was a young Queen, her age just 2 years above Clio she had ascended to the throne after her mother's death 4 years ago, and ruled the Moon Kingdom with benevolence. But when you're living in luxury sometimes you forget to look down. Queen Phebe was hardly aware of the severe segregation the Astrals were accustomed to and if she had been aware of the current events to move against these people some of the following events that were about to occur would never have happened.

Phebe smiled sitting down elegantly in her throne. "Good evening Count Vladimer, what may I do for you?"

Vladimer smiled, rising from his bow. "Your Majesty, it is a great honor to be in your presence. May I introduce The High Priest Nierobe? He has traveled far to gaze upon the sight of our lovely Queen."

Phebe smiled, bowing her head to the robed figure. "Your presence is appreciated High Priest, if you might be so kind to honor us with your appearance at the Rose Ball tonight it would give me joy."

The figure bowed and proceeded to speak quietly to the Count. In reaction Vladimer smiled. "My Queen, The High Priest would be honored to attend. But I am afraid he has a separate agenda."

"What's that Count Vladimer?"

"My lady, The High Priest would be able to return to his clan with pride if he were allowed the opportunity to look upon the sacred Empyrium Crystal only once."

Phebe smiled. "Of course, The High Priest Nierobe will have such an opportunity at tonight's ball, The Empyrium Crystal is always revealed to the public on such occasions."

"You are most kind my queen."



Count Vladimer grinned as he lifted the curtains and glanced down upon the courtyard. "I can't believe it worked."

"The Queen is naive, it should be easy to retrieve the Crystal from her."

*Wait, how did Clio know how to read?*

*How?*

*You said Astrals weren't allowed forbidden books.*

*Well how did people first learn literature?*

*...They taught themselves?*

*Is it so hard to believe Clio could do the same?*

*Alright, so what happened at the Ball, did they get the Crystal?*

*I haven't reached that part yet.*

*Please Setsuna?*

*All right.*



Clio enjoyed many blissful hours hidden in a hollow stump, reading her books while Queen Phebe made last minute preparations for the Rose Ball. Nobles from all the planets arrived for the event, all were eager to see their young queen and praise her for another year of peace. The planetary Senshi had arrived and were greeting their lady as well.



*Were you there?*

*I was obligated to guard the Time Gate*



No one was aware of the few Lunarians who had seeped into the ballroom as nobles, holding invitations provided by the count himself. No one was aware of the coming danger planned.

The Herald bowed to the people as his stood proudly upon the stage, ready to introduce his Queen.

"Your Majesty the Queen Phebe presents the Legendary Empyrium Crystal."

Phebe smiled, dressed elegantly in her silvery white gown as she made her way upon the stage. "I am honored all of you have chosen to make it to the Moon and bid you stay longer. Those with a long journey home shall be treated to the guest bedrooms where they may rest before their return. My mother Gaea entrusted me with this crystal of out protection. I show it to you now as proof of our survival and our continued prosperity. I present to you, The Empyrium Crystal."

On queue the Queen raised her right hand and revealed the prized treasure for all to see. It glistened with magnificence as it shone above the crowd and a cheer rose up for joy that they would always be safe and protected.

Nemesis nodded to Count Vladimer. "The time is now."

Nodding Vladimer placed two fingers between his lips and whistled.

People turned their heads to the noise as a group of the so-called nobles drew their swords. Raising his hand Nemesis released a black lightning bolt through his fingertips and directed at Phebe. People screamed and the Crystal flew into the air.

Clio looked up, the sky was growing dark, black clouds formed over the palace and a feeling of dread came over her. Something was terribly wrong. Dropping her books she leapt out of the stump and began to run for home. She ran faster, hoping to reach her sister Calliope, but no matter how fast she ran, she couldn't escape the overwhelming sense of dread she felt emanating from the palace.

Phebe screamed as the familiar black skirt and green bow fell before her; the crystal flew from her hands in shock as she ran to catch her friend. "Charon!"

Charon looked up at her Queen and smiled. "You're alright Phebe."

Slowly the teardrops rolled down her cheeks. "That attack was meant for me Charon!"

"Phebe, protect the crystal."

Her glove brushed against Phebe's cheek before Sailor Charon disappeared from sight. "Charon!"

Slowly Phebe looked up, her eyes finding the crystal just as it fell into the waiting hands of Count Vladimer.

"Vladimer! Throw me the crystal!"

Vladimer grinned at Phebe. "I think not my Queen. Without this you are powerless, and I am in control."

"Calliope!" Her eyes gazed upon her sister as she ran to the house, but it wasn't Calliope. "Melpomene! Where's Calliope?"

"It's alright Clio, She's gone to get Thalia."

Clio looked up into her sister's eyes and slowly she began to shake. "What's wrong? What happened?!"

"Clio...the eliminators attacked while Mom was on Venus..."



*The Eliminators?*

*A group of extremists. They systematically massacred hundreds of Astrals during the era.*



Pain of betrayal ran rampant through Phebe's eyes as she realized what had happened. "Vladimer..."

"King Vladimer." He grinned, raising the Crystal above his head. "Crystal! Destroy the Queen!"



"...Where's Mother? What happened to Mother?!"

Melpomene shook her head. "Mother and...Euterpe."

"No!" Clio fell into her sister's arms.

"I'm sorry Clio."

Above the palace the dark storm displayed her rage.



Orange and yellow flashed before Phebe as the destructive beam of light was blocked by the sword of Venus. "Venus!"

Venus glanced back at her Queen. "Get out of here Phebe! Run!"

"No! I can't leave without the crystal!"

Vladimer laughed. "You'll never leave here alive! The Moon goddess will die today!" He raised the crystal higher, black armored creatures rose from the floorboards and charged into the fray, ready to hack the distraught Queen into pieces.

"Flame Sniper!"

Venus smiled briefly and nodded to Mars. "Jupiter! Get the Queen out of here!

Phebe screamed as Jupiter lifted her over her shoulder and began to run. "No! I won't leave!"

"I'm sorry my Queen."

"I have to protect the crystal! My DUTY!!!."



Calliope paused only briefly at the sight of her sobbing sister before glancing fretfully at the black storm above the palace. "Melpomene, we have to get out of here!"

Melpomene nodded while Thalia looked at her sister questioningly. "What's wrong? Why is Clio so sad?"

Clio sobbed, planting herself to the ground. "Mommy! I won't leave until I see Mom!."

Melpomene looked at her younger sister sadly and lifted her in her arms. Calliope nodded, lifting Thalia into hers as they began to run for escape.

As they ran Clio's screams of pain still echoed through the night. "Mother!!"

=======================End of Part 1======================

"Why did you stop Setsuna?"

Setsuna set down her tea, looking at her young friend. "It's late, and it's a long story."

"But what happened to Phebe? And Clio? Vladimer couldn't have won."

Setsuna nodded, standing. "I'll tell you the rest tomorrow."

Pheobe shook her head. "I'm not going to leave until I hear the end of the story."

Setsuna smiled. "All right, Guest room is down the hall. Sweet dreams."

Pheobe sighed as she stood up, following Setsuna to the rooms. She had to admit, she had grown a little tired.