Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ When Destiny Changed ❯ A Time Forgotten ( Chapter 12 )

Oji-sama: Prince

Yosh: Great or yeah: exclamation of joy.

Arigato gozaimasu: Thank you very much.

Kakkoii: Hurry up.

Shimatta: Some kind of curse, like damn or something.

Oi: Yeah, yes.

Onegai: Please?

Koneko-chan: Haruka's nickname for Usagi.

-sama: Formal or for royalty.

Sugoi: Super or cool.

Sayonara: Oh, come on people, you should know this one. Well? Sigh means good bye, formal.

Ogenki desuka: How are you?

Lie: No

Daijobu: I'm fine.

Anata: You? Like asking someone how they are after just being asked.

Ginzuishou: For those who are not well known with SM, this is the Silver Imperium Crystal.

Kaasan: Mother

Tousan: Father

Kami-sama: Kinda like calling someone crazy or a jerk or something.

Ja ne: Bye, informal.

All these translations I had help with from a fellow writer. Please, if they sound wrong or ARE wrong, let me know. This is my best understanding of Japanese. Please, don't shoot me. ^^; Arigato gozaimasu! Ja ne!

Chapter Twelve

Focus.

Concentrate on your target.

Then you will achieve your goal.

Her arms were steady, her face set and calm. Her stance was perfected to a tee. She was ready.

With the morning light filtering through the oriental panel glass wall, she seemed to shimmer in the light, as if her own glow came alive about her. He grinned. This would be good.

With the softest of sounds, she suddenly made the first move. She ran swiftly, her arm shooting out as he dodged to the left. Her eyes following his motion, her knee suddenly shot out, making contact before he could jump. Grunting slightly at the pain in his gut, her gave a grin and flipped back, his feet aiming for her head, taking her by surprise as she spun slightly, then caught her balance. Her eyes still determined, ignoring the obvious reddening of the hit, she practically danced on her feet as she spun with attack after attack, each of which he dodged. Then at the last minute as she spun, her fist came forward and caught him in the jaw, sending to the floor. Lying there, he rubbed his chin as she stood over him, grinning.

With a sly grin, he remarked, "It would seem you think you won."

She gave a confused look, but it was too late. His feet had swung around and took her square behind the knees. She fell and soon was staring at the ceiling as well, pure bafflement as well as embarrassment on her face as he laughed. With a sigh and a look of defeat, she sat up, glancing over to him, her voice soft.

"But how?"

He walked over and carefully offered a hand, which in turn she grabbed, as he helped her up.

"You let your self get over confidant. Never underestimate your opponent. That can often lead to huge mistake. Had it been serious, you may be hurt or worse."

"Oh," she replied in her quiet voice. She still didn't speak often but when she did, her voice never rose much.

He gave her a reassuring smile and a squeeze on her shoulder, "Don't worry. You did well. You surprised me quite often. You almost turn it into a beautiful dance, one I'm not familiar with. Just remember to keep you attention focused and nothing will stop you."

"Now," he said, taking in a deep breath as they walked through a doorway in the glass panel, walking out on a wood deck, "I think that's enough practice for one day. Why not change out of your gy (AN: Suppose to be what you would call a marshal art uniform. Just don't know if that's how it's spelt.) and I'll see if brunch is ready, `kay?"

With a slight nod, she turned, picked up her towel and headed back inside, her ankle length braid swinging behind her. He gave a smile, feeling happy just to see her doing better. At least this kept her mind focused. A small frown tickled his mouth even as he walked inside again.

Having changed, he made his way through the house and soon exited onto patio, this one shaded and a round table not far spread with a small luncheon. The view was wonderful here. From the patio he could see the ocean crashing against the red stone cliffs not far off, the sound soothing even its thunder. The sky was a light with the noonday sun and small clouds skittered about, as did a few birds. It was peaceful here.

He drew in a breath, leaning against the railing and smiled.

"One could drown in this melody."

"Or just drown if they take a wrong step." Came a laughing voice. Turning he grinned at the titan hared woman standing behind him, adorned in a lovely blue dress, her color of choice, reaching her knees, yet still appearing as one at an office. Yet her green eye still twinkled with mirth.

"Terra-san, you really need take more poetry in your surroundings."

She grinned, walking toward the table, "I thought I was," she said mysteriously, even as he just blinked. Following her, he leaned against another railing as she poured herself a cup of a steaming liquid, adding some sugar as she stirred, then glanced back at him.

"You are right on one thing, Teno-san. This place is peaceful. It feels as if it has never known pain nor fear. I believe I chose well." She sipped her tea even as she chuckled inwardly at Teno.

"Bragging, are we?" he arched an eyebrow. " My, I'd never thought to see you do that." He glanced at the scenery again, "It must be this Island. Demo you're right, Terra-san. This was a good choice. It has helped Etain recover well."

She set her sup down, "How was practice? Is she doing better?"

A hand to his head, he chuckled, "Better then she knows. Even if I won, she still knows how to inflict a good shot. My jaw aches like crazy and I think I may have a bruised rib."

"Baby," Terra chuckled, "At least she seems better. I wonder though, was it wise to have her taught in marshal arts? What purpose would it serve her?"

"Beside bruising my ego?" He chuckled but then sobered, his face growing serious.

"A security, if needed. You never know." He glanced at her knowingly as she nodded, taking out a laptop from a briefcase beside the table. Opening it and tapping away for a while, she glanced up.

"Our report has been that the attackers never returned. They have lost trace after they hit the mansion. I don't believe they'll be coming here."

"Still," he looked out to the ocean, "We have to be careful. They might eventually track us here. I don't want Etain unprepared if… if we're unable to protect her."

"Protect me from what?"

The soft voice could carry so well, even over the distant waves. They turned seeing her approach, her silver hair wound about her head in braids, leaving a free tail of it to curl at her waist. She wore a dark blue sweater and slit skirt, making her pale skin seem almost white, and her silver hair even whiter. Her pale eyes looked on with curiosity as looked at them.

"The tourist's, my lady," Teno grinned, "they always want to see this manor and the grounds. We are known to have the best view." His eyes darted slightly to Terra who closed her laptop with a faint click, setting it away.

"I hear from Dr. Yahmado that you had quite the match today. Quite the fancy foot work."

Teno flinch at the formality and its intentions, and gave a small retort, "Perhaps you'd like a match, Terra-san? I'm sure Etain-chan is quite able to take you on."

Terra gave a small quirk of her eyebrow, ignoring him as Etain sat down.

"I feel it would not be fair to Terra-san for me to compete in such a match." She said ever so quietly, "She has not yet had the chance to attempt the basics of our training."

At this Teno laughed, receiving a glare from Terra who folded her arms in retort. Etain blinked in confusion, "Forgive me, have I said something wrong?"

"No," laughed Teno, wiping a tear of mirth away, "It was just a hard truth pill for Terra-san to swallowed."

"So, Etain-san," Terra interrupted, "What are your plans for today?"

"I hadn't much thought of it." She replied quietly.

"Why don't we go to the beach?" suggested Teno, "I've heard there is café not far from one, as well as some nice places to visit. Or we can just swim there, have a picnic or something. What do you say?"

"A picnic?" Etain asking, looking perplexed.

"A small lunch of sorts," Terra explained, "Most often on a blanket with a basket at a beach, a park, the woods, practically anywhere. Demo I fear I could not come. Too many duties to attend to."

"Ah, but I insist," Teno grinned, much to Terra's discomfort. "It'll give you a chance to let your hair down. Literally."

Terra instinctively her hair, tied up in a bun, a look of embarrassment and uneasiness crossing her face.

"It does sound nice," Etain answered in her quiet voice, "Won't you come Terra-san? You and the Doctor have been good companions to me these past months. It wouldn't seem right without you."

Terra's face softened and she looked thoughtful, "I suppose. You will need a responsible one to be present." She eyed Teno's reaction.

"And seeing as winter will soon be here, seeing the beach before the snow flies will be nice. Demo, Teno-san. Swimming may not be wise. The ocean will at least be below freezing at this time. Wouldn't want to catch a cold, would you?"

Feeling rather out smarter, Teno only put a hand behind his head, a sweat drop present as he chuckled, along with Terra. Etain gave a small smile but soon, her eyes wandered to the ocean. It always seemed to call to her, as though if she listened hard it would tell her a precious secret.

Her eyes seem to glaze over as the sounds of the waves and the others laughter slowly melted away. She was somewhere else. And it was very quiet.

Deathly silent.

~*~*~*~*~

A time forgotten…

A girl, perhaps a teenager, floated in space, a protective bubble about her. Her arms wrapped about her legs and she appeared to asleep, though tears were present on her face. Her hair furled about the foot of her soft gown, a soft sparkle to the stars encircling. Yet the sparkle about the bubble shown with more strength then any star. It seemed to hold this girl to it, cherish her, protect her, even love her.

Silently the bubble moved through the dead space, the light flickering with passing stars and with more serious reasons.

It was dying. Soon the girl and her bubble would lose its loving glow. The shine knew this, mourned over its loss, and yet hurried in its quest. It would not give in until its charge was safe. For she was greatly loved.

Flickering with weariness, it almost seemed to blink, winking in and out, its strength nearly gone. Try as it might, safety seemed no where in sight. Sadness surrounded the girl as hope began to ebb away.

A light. Brighter then the other stars. Could this be? Might this be what it sought. The light grew brighter, winking at them in colors like no other. A twinge of happiness emanated even as the glow was fading. Then, with sudden fierceness, the glow flared up brightly, becoming its own star, a nova, the girl nearly hidden in the sheer brightness. Then, like a flower closing, it fell within itself, the tinniest of lights and even in the depths of the unforgiving space, a sound could be heard.

Fading away for the last time, it sighed, and vanished.

The bubble shone no more, only the soft twinkle of the girl was seen against the many star's light around her. Her protector gone, she could only hover among the stars, waiting.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The light had seen the flare, like an explosion of light before it died away. It seemed like a cry of distress, as if using all its power before collapsing.

With curiosity and concern, he sped his flight, nearing the flares last position. Reaching it, he saw no star, no debris. Only a bubble, fragile and small. Curious, he approached, his light bright around him as he circled the bubble. He did not often come this far into space. But he felt compelled to do so this time, like something was to happen. Something like this.

His face widened in shock and surprise at what he found in the frosted bubble. A girl in a soft gown and beautiful silver hair curling around her, tears frozen on her face. She was so pale, looking like one who had seen great pain. Yet even as he peered closer, he saw life breathing through her.

His hand reached, brushing the thin surface. Suddenly his surroundings became blinding white. Shielding his eyes, he winced but just as suddenly, the light was gone and to his amazement, he felt a breeze brush his face.

Lowering his arm, he stared in awe at his surroundings. No longer in the depths of space, he stood in an enchanted garden, alight with any flowers, some he had never seen before, and white marble pillars and benches. An elegant fountain was near him, the water trickling over the stone. But this was not what captured his eye completely.

An elegantly dressed woman stood not far from him, silver hair twisted about her head, leaving a trail of the sparkling tresses to rest at her feet. A soft gown accented her perfect figure, a touch of faint blue in its ivory appearance. But nothing was more enchanting then her face.

Her skin was so white yet not so that she appeared ill. Just a soft ivory of pure beauty. Her smile was a sweet rose and her cheeks were brushed with faint pink. But her eyes held the most power.

Silvery blue, sparkling with wisdom and yet, a twinge of sadness and pain. Feeling as if he were in the presence of a great queen, he knelt, his head lowered.

"There is no need for this." Her voice sounded like the music of both wind and birds, gentle in every word, though perhaps pained.

"What you see before you is but an illusion. This garden, its splendor… even I, are no more."

He sucked in his breath, looking up quickly.

"But how…"

"With the last of the strength of myself and my kingdom. Yes, I was once the ruler of this beautiful place, along with my husband. But tragedy took him from me and plagued my kingdom."

Quite suddenly he felt as if he were thrown through a whirlwind of events, emotions hitting him like many needle. Scenes of violence, death, despair, pain, and utter destruction; an enemy like none he's ever seen.

He felt he lived through this event, seen every aspect, felt every sting, known every love. And yet it lasted only a second. He gasped, feeling breathless, seeing the garden and the woman once again. He felt his eyes fill without reason or will. He had seen the great hardship that this woman had suffered, and what she'd sacrificed.

He tried to slow his breath and the pounding of his heart as he gazed at her in a new perspective. She has lost so much; her husband, her kingdom, her entire planet.

Her eyes were closed and then she looked to him sadly.

"This I have shown you so that you may know. Do you understand?"

Swallowing, he nodded, "Yes. Great… affliction." His face seemed to concentrate for a moment, before he paled slightly, looking up at her again.

"I felt a sense of betrayal as well. A horrible betrayal. To you… and someone very consequential to you."

She nodded, "I may never understand why this happened. That darkness spoke of it but I was so distraught, I could make no sense of it. But now you know. I would hope that this evil was destroyed but I know not for certain."

She smiled a little, a look of care present.

"I once entrusted my dearest treasure to someone's care and was failed. But I feel kindness, loyalty and special power emanating from you. I think I have made the correct choice."

He rose, curiosity on his face. Her hands opened before her and soon a soft glow floated within. She seemed to look both lovingly and sadly at this glow, before returning her gaze to him, her face solemn.

"Will you accept this mission?"

His face went from surprise to a sense of honor. He knelt again, his face lowered.

"I will."

"Do you solemnly swear to care for her as you would your own? To watch her and show her kindness and fairness?"

"I do."

Her voice grew very serious, even quiet.

"Do you swear to protect her with your very life?"

He looked into her eyes, a fierce strength and sense of duty shining through.

"I swear it, on my life."

Her face softened as she nodded. Looking at the glow, she held it close as if to say good bye, kissing it gently, tears slipping down her face.

She looked to him and released the glow into his hands. Even as everything grew blinding white again, he could here her voice fading.

"Protect my daughter."

With those last words, he found himself floating in space where he was before, his own light surrounding him…

…and his new charge.

He looked down and saw the girl from the bubble in his arms, her head resting against his chest and her face just as sweet.

He felt a pang in his heart at the woman's words and the remembrance of what he'd seen. He'd never be able to forget.

Smiling softly at her lovely face, he raced from that place like a shooting star, the girl protectively in his arms, heading for home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So yeah, it took a while to finish but no worries (if you even were). I won't be going anywhere after all. Just stuck here. Sigh Anywho, please R&R. Like to know how this story is for you guys. Arigatou!

*>~Faerie Star~<*