by Sailor Lily
posted November 2000
in the books; these were fresh and could be touched. She could not keep her mind from wanting to touch at least one flower. The huge golden doors closed behind them and they where led by a knight down some corridors
to a large light green room. This room had been set up specially for Setsuna’s family to refresh themselves from the trip before the celebration.
Setsuna was absolutely perplexed. This palace was amazing! The palace itself was big enough to house all of the people from Pluto. Besides, it was such a bright and beautiful place so unlike her planet. Her young mind could hardly keep still the urge to explore all the new things in this bright place so much closer to the sun that her home planet.
"I guess I under estimated the climate change from Pluto to the moon. I think I will change to something more breathable or else I will fry in this gown." -said Liba while fanning herself. "Mother, may I change too, I would like to go explore the outside of the palace before the ceremony."
"Yes, you may. Come, I’ll help you."
After some time of looking for an appropriate dress for this never experienced climate, she was ready to head out of the large light green room. Her mother urged her to stay in the garden, that way it would be easier to send Briga to bring her in for the ceremony.
With that settled, Setsuna left the peaceful room and went down the corridors that they had taken on their way in. She walked down all those numerous huge corridors, until she finally made it to the towering entrance to the palace. A knight opened the doors for her and she walked absent-mindedly out of the palace, immediately setting her sites on the most extraordinary gardens she had ever seen. She took in a deep breath with admiration for such astonishing work of art. This was the first garden she had seen in her whole life, and it dazzled before her eyes. With the shock of such beauty, she
began walking down the steps and into this pleasant dream.
Setsuna kept her eyes on all the different, colorful and wonderful smelling flowers. She was blind to everything else, except to the flowers that flooded her view. She was so occupied with this new experience, that she did not realized that someone had been watching her very closely all that time. She made her way to a large square with beautiful, and wonderful smelling flowers. The strange thing was that it was the same type of flower, but a mix of two colors throughout that square; white and red. Setsuna was absolutely fascinated with these particular flowers. Setsuna approached the flowers to inspect them more closely, and she was able to notice that the scent that tickled her nose was soft, and pleasant. She positioned her hands delicately around the top of the silky flower, and set her nose directly on
it to capture the scent better.
"That's my favorite kind of flower," -commented a young voice behind her that made her hair stand on end. "do you like it?"
Setsuna had been so startled by the voice that came from behind, that she forgot she was not facing the stranger, but rather kept staring wide-eyed at the flower. She turned nervously to face the voice that had talked to her, and looked steadily into the midnight-blue eyes of a boy. She finally answered to his question. "Yes, I really like these flowers, I have never smelled or seen anything like it in my whole life. What are they called?"
"They're called roses."-said the boy while giving her a look that was serious, kind and mischievous all at the same time. Setsuna turned her eyes away and looked at the flowers while saying the name over and over again. She then turned again to the boy who stood there watching there the whole time, and said "I think the name is unusual, but very pretty."
"I think so too, they are quite wonderful. Besides, the smell is something else, isn't it?"
"Yes, the smell is amazing."
"Would you like to come and sit with me on this bench? We will be able to continue enjoying the view of this beautiful garden together."
Setsuna felt drawn to sit next to this boy, and it was as if there was an invisible force pulling them together. Even though this was the first time she had ever seen him, she felt comfortable and safe by just sitting next to him. As for the boy, he could not help to look in her direction. All he wanted was to look at her, absorb all her beauty; she was amazing. Setsuna ventured to look at the boy next to her, and caught him staring at her. They caught each other's eyes and giggled nervously at being so obvious.
Steps were heard and two children, probably around their age, were headed in their direction. From far away Setsuna was able to distinguish some things about them; one was a girl with light aqua-blue hair that went down
her back, and the other was a boy with short blonde hair. The two children saw them sitting there, and stopped to talked to them.
"Hello,"- said the girl with a beautiful smile to Setsuna. "my name is Michiru...from Neptune. Are you here for the ceremony?"
"Yes, are you two also here for the ceremony?"- asked the boy next to Setsuna.
"Yes," answered the boy with the blonde hair. "I'm Haruka from Uranus."
Setsuna was taken completely of guard, <The blonde boy is not a boy, its a girl!>
"Hi, its great meeting you. I'm Endymion from Earth."
The three of them then looked to Setsuna who had not said anything since Haruka and Michiru approached. Setsuna was still in shock but managed to say, "Oh, my name is Setsuna...from Pluto."
Michiru advanced towards her, extending her hand as a sign of friendship. Setsuna took Michiru’s hand. They shook hands saying at the same time, "Pleasure to meet you." Haruka and Endymion followed their example and did the same. It was with this simple action that they showed friendship, a friendship that would bind them together, even in the future. But as we know, friendship can turn into a deeper feeling, and so much more.
They all played around the gardens; hiding behind large pillars and running around the square patches of flowers. When they were finally too tired to run, they simply sat together to smell the flowers.
"These flowers that are right here next to us, are called lilies. These behind us are roses. They're my favorites because they are very pretty. How come all of you know so little about flowers?"-said Endymion appalled. "Don't
they have flowers in your planets?"
"No."- answered all three girls while wondering why in fact, there where no flowers in their planets.
"I have seen flowers,"-commented Michiru with a pondering look. "but only in books. I know the names of some of them, but I had never touched or smelled any."
They continued to sit there for a few more minutes contemplating the beauty around them. Just then, a sweet feminine voice said, "There you are Michiru. I have been looking around every where. Your mother has sent me to take you inside."
"Must she go now?"- asked Haruka with a frown that made her seem older than her years.
"Yes, she must," -answered the woman quickly after glancing in the direction of the window where Michiru’s family was staying. "Her mother is awaiting for her already."
They where all very sad to hear that she had to leave so soon. Setsuna said to Michiru while taking her hand, "I’m very glad you spent some time with us. I wish you didn’t have to go, but it was great meeting you." Michiru had her sweetest smile on, and held on to Setsuna’s hand as if she was a sister she was reluctant to let go. Michiru’s maid said impatiently, "Come, we must leave now."
Haruka then stood up and informed everyone that she would go in with Michiru and her maid. Endymion stood in front of Haruka and they shook hands. To Setsuna they looked as if they were close friends parting ways, and Endymion said, "I hope we meet again in the future, friend."
Michiru removed a hairpin from her hair that had blue jewels on. She then extended her hand and gave it to Setsuna, who was shocked at such a kind gesture from a girl she had only known a little while. Setsuna then took off her favorite pair of green earrings, and gave them to Michiru as token of their friendship that would continue to grow. Michiru hugged Setsuna for a few minutes. She then released the girl from the embrace and left with her maid. Endymion stood there looking thoughtfully in the direction the small party had taken. Setsuna looked at the hairpin and placed it delicately on her hair.
With the realization that they were alone, they looked at each other with the uneasy sensation of not knowing what to say. Endymion simply continued looking at her. Setsuna removed her eyes from Endymion, and looked at the gorgeous white rose that was brushing her right cheek. Since she was so inexperienced at handling flowers, she put her hand tightly around the stem of the rose.
"No, Setsuna!"- he exclaimed when he saw what she had done, but it was too late. Setsuna let out a cry of pain and released the flower. Endymion hurried to her and took her hand to see the damage inflicted to her precious skin. All she was able to see through her blurred vision was that her hand was bleeding. Endymion was able to see the blood where the rose tore the skin, and inflicted the wounds. He wasn’t sure what to do, except to hold the injured hand between his. A clear drop feel from some place above, and into the blood on the hand. It was at that moment that he dared to look up at her face, to realize that tears were rolling down her cheeks and landing on her bleeding palm.
"Setsuna, please don't cry."-he pleaded with all of his heart. "It will be okay, I promise it will get better."
"I didn't mean to hurt the rose. Why did it do that?"
"No, it wasn’t anything you did,"- he replied quickly, tying to reassure her. "You see, roses have thorns that are sharp, and that is why you must be careful where you place your hands."
"I guess I should be more careful with things I have never handled before."- she said with a faint smile on her face wet with tears. Endymion couldn’t help smiling at her. He took out a white handkerchief from his side pocket, and wiped the blood from her hand.
"No, don’t clean it with your handkerchief!"-she replied while trying to stop him from cleaning the blood from her hand. "It will be stained with blood."
"Don’t worry about that now, I’ll make it better."- he answered while wiping the blood from her hand until there was nothing visible, but the incisions the thorns had made. Just then, a woman with a kind face, and gorgeous black eyes was walking in their direction. Setsuna looked up as she heard the approaching steps, and recognized the woman as her nurse, Briga.
As Briga came closer to the young pair, she was able to see that the handkerchief the boy was holding was red and he was holding it on Setsuna’s hand.
"Oh, Setsuna," -replied Briga hurrying towards her very worried. "are you okay? What happened?"
"I’m fine Briga,"-answered Setsuna trying to calm the dear woman. "I simply handled a flower the wrong way and it cut me. I’m fine now, don’t worry."
"Are you sure? Let me see your hand."
Setsuna removed her hand slowly away from Endymion’s hands, and held it up for Briga to see. "You see, it’s al right now, Endymion took care of it."
"Yes my lady, you’re right. He took really good care of it."-declared Briga smiling down at him. "I thank you very much, young sir."
Endymion blushed embarrass. Briga turned to Setsuna and said, "My lady, it’s time to go inside, the ceremony will start soon." Setsuna stood up, and Endymion said, "I will go in with you since my parents will probably be sending for me soon."
He stood up and walked in silence with Setsuna and Briga. Upon entering the palace, there where two halls that went to opposite sides of the palace. It was upon reaching this place that Endymion reached for Setsuna’s hand. That gesture stuck her as weird, she stopped walking and turned to face him. Briga continued ahead without noticing her companions had stopped.
"What is it?"- asked Setsuna concerned.
"I must leave you now. I’m staying at the opposite side of the palace from where you’re staying."
"Oh, I see."
He smiled. She smiled back at him, but turned her face to look at the floor, since she was blushing intensely. His right hand went to her chin, and turned her face so he could see her in the eyes. After looking intensely for
what to say he finally said, “I wish I didn’t have to leave you, but you must promise to always remember me.”
“I will always remember you, I promise.” -she answered shyly with a smile.
“I will never forget you either, and you know why?”- he asked with a mischievous grin. “Because I love you, and I want to marry you in the future. I know I will find you again, I can feel it.”
“I hope so. But for now I must go, and we must wait for the future.”- said Setsuna while reaching her right hand to him. She kissed him on the cheek, and walked away leaving him absolutely enchanted and love stuck.
*************************************************************************************
“Welcome everyone.”- declared a cheerful woman to the microphone. Immediately everyone in the crowded ballroom stopped what they had been doing. All of their eyes shifted to the stairs at the head of the room from where the voice came. “I would like to present to you our leader, Queen Serenity.”
Out of the double crystal doors at the top of the stairs came a beautiful woman with long white hair and a gorgeous white gown. <That must be the Queen!> thought Setsuna with growing excitement.
The Queen began to descend the large red stairs and behind her followed a well-dressed men that had an aura of importance about his kind face. <He must be of high-esteem to the Queen since he follows her, and even offers his hand to help her to the stage.> -thought Setsuna watching them closely. The woman with the cheerful voice bowed to the Queen and surrendered the microphone to her.
“Welcome to all once again.”-began the Queen with all solemnity and kindness. “I know that all of you must be impatient to know the cause for this celebration.”
Low murmurs were heard around the room. The Queen continued, “As all of you know, I have a daughter. I was advised by my trusted council to have a celebration to present the future Queen.”
More murmurs and whispers went around, as many wondered if that was the only motivation behind this ceremony. <The princess must be as beautiful as her mother.> -thought Setsuna awaiting the arrival of this great princess.
The Queen turned to look at the top of the stairs and announced, “I present to you my daughter, your future Queen; Princess Serenity.”
A solemn little girl dressed in white and gold appeared at the top of the great red stairs. Three fine dressed women walked next to her all the way down. <That little girl is the daughter of the Queen? Our princess?> wondered Setsuna
not sure of what to think, for this princess was far younger than herself. A sudden surge of pity overcame her for the small child, who was obviously scared at so many pairs of eyes looking at her.
As soon as the little princess was next to her mother, the crowd broke out with applause. The young child was obviously so startled by the immense noise filling the room, that she made a face as if she would cry, but instead partially
hid behind her mother.
Queen Serenity turned to the man who had helped her before and gave him the microphone to hold princess Serenity’s hand. He was of good height, white hair and warm eyes. He cleared his throat and then began, “Thank you. It
is a very important event for all of the kingdoms of our galaxy, and specially of this solar system to know who will come to power in the future. Now I, Artemis, as head advisor ask you to accept princess Serenity as the successor to the
throne.”
Everyone in the room began applauding and cheering louder than before. Setsuna shut her eyes, and covered her ears to the deafening noise her ears were not accustomed to. The applauding died down. She finally dared to open her eyes, and found Endymion's familiar face smiling at her through a sea of people. She put her hands down and returned the friendly smile. Suddenly, her hand was seized and was being pulled in the opposite direction by her mother.
“Come Setsuna, we must go talk to the Queen. She wants to meet you!”-explained Liba while dragging Setsuna behind her.
As they came close to the Queen, she greeted them with a kind smile. “Liba and Ectorious, it’s a pleasure to see you after so many years.” She then took Liba’s hand and turned to look at Setsuna. “You must be so proud of having such a gorgeous child. How old is she?”
“She’s seven years old, your Highness.”- answered Ectorious while looking at Liba.
“How old is princess Serenity, your Highness?”- asked Liba with a smile.
“She’s three years old, and such an active child. She keeps most of the maids occupied.”
“I’m amazed that such a young child can be so active, she looks rather shy.”- commented Ectorious while smiling down at the little princess who was peering up at him from behind her mother.
“My lords of Pluto,” said a woman with very distinctive red hair standing next to the Queen. “Is your child the eldest of all the royal families from this solar system?”
“No, I don’t believe so. It is my understanding that the eldest is the son of the lords from earth.”- answered Ectorious wondering the significance of the question.
“But she is the eldest of all the girls, is she not?” -continued the woman with the interrogatory.
“I know not, madam.”- answered Ectorious coldly.
“She is indeed,”-commented Queen Serenity to the woman, and then turned to Ectorious. “I have made it my business to know.”
“If you don’t mind me asking; why is it so important, your Highness?”- asked Liba afraid to know the answer.
The Queen answered looking kindly at Ectorious and Liba. “I have no right to take a child from her parents. But I will need all of the royal families from this solar system to send me their oldest child to be fostered in my court. There have been some things happening in other galaxies, and you both know why I need them.”
Liba panicked and held on to Setsuna’s hand more tightly. Ectorious turned deadly white and was only able to ask silently, “When will you send for them?'
“Not for another couple of years. I want them to be trained for things that you, Liba are aware of.”
“I vow that Setsuna will come when you send for her.” -said Ectorious with a bow. “But we must leave now since we must make it home soon. Excuse us, your Highness.”
”Very well, you may leave when you like.”- said Queen Serenity with faint smile to Setsuna.
The Plutonian family was all ready to set out home, when one of the women that had been at the presentation stopped Liba.
“Liba, I know it’s hard for you but you have to understand that the Queen wants to ensure a future.”-said the woman addressing Liba kindly.
“Oh, Nebula! You frightened me.” -exclaimed Liba and after a pause said with watery eyes. “I know why the Queen wants all of the children, but Setsuna is my only child. I don’t want to sacrifice her.”
“Oh, Liba, I wish I could do something for you. I don’t know what to advise you, I have no child. I wish I did, but we know what prevented me from having a little one. Tell me, how can I help you?"
Liba smiled between tears, getting an idea and said, “Yes, I know a way you can help me.”
“Name it, and I’ll do it."
“Nebula, you will probably become a guardian. Please, take care of Setsuna for me. She will be a daughter to you. Protect her as I would.”
“I promise you that I will love her and protect her as you would. Furthermore, I will care for her as if she were my own.”
Liba hugged Nebula, the closest friend she ever had. Nebula let herself be embraced by the woman who had saved her life in the past, and now was willing to share her most priceless gift with her. The little girl who would be a daughter to them both, would love them endlessly, and seal their friendship for eternity.