The Tale Of The Knight And The Princess (Sailormoon)

The Tale Of The Knight And The Princess (Sailormoon)

~~The Tale Of The Knight And The Princess~~

On the occasion of the 50th year of the Silver Millennium, Queen Selenity called together all of the Senshi who protect her realm. She specially requested the presence of the Outer guardians, who rarely approached the court, and who the Inner guardians had never had the chance to meet. On the first day of the celebrations, the Senshi of Time, Sailor Pluto, and the Senshi of Death and Rebirth, Sailor Saturn, presented themselves. The Senshi of Wind, Sailor Uranus, sent her regrets at being unable to attend the festivities, instead sending one of her Knights; however, there was no one from the planet Neptune.

"Has there been any word from Neptune, and her protector?" Queen Selenity asked, distressed over the absence of two of the four guardians.

"None that I have heard, my Queen," Sailor Pluto responded, bowing to the Queen.

Queen Selenity was disturbed by this, but ordered that the festivities be continued. She bade the Knight from Uranus welcome, and encouraged him to become acquainted with the other knights.

A magnificent ball was to be held that night; many nobles from around the solar system had gathered for the celebration. All the ladies were enthralled by the handsome Knight of Uranus. The only women who did not swarm the Knight, begging dances of him, were the Sailor Senshi themselves. The Sailor Senshi were irritated with Sailor Uranus for not coming herself, and instead sending a lackey to a celebration that was of great importance to all the people of the Solar System.

"Sailor Uranus must be awfully proud to decide not to attend," Sailor Jupiter muttered, glaring at the young Knight and his bevy of women.

"It does seem that way. . ." Sailor Mercury said, her blue eyes sweeping the crowded ballroom.

"It is actually not Uranus that concerns me, but Neptune," Sailor Venus said grimly. As their leader, the other Senshi attended to her words closely. "Sailor Pluto, you are closest to the planet Neptune – have you indeed heard no word from its Princess?"

Sailor Pluto shook her head slowly, her eyes dark. "I have heard naught but faint rumors, I’m afraid," the Guardian of Time said softly.

"Rumors? Of what sort?" Sailor Mars asked, curious.

"Of unrest that faces the planet, and difficulties that the young Princess has faced," Sailor Pluto said, then shrugged. "More than that, I do not know."

"Perhaps we should investigate?" Sailor Mars asked, looking to Sailor Venus for guidance.

Sailor Venus shook her head, her eyes sliding to the enormous crystal staircase. "Later, we will most certainly look into what has befallen the Princess of Neptune. For now, however, we have our own duties to attend to."

At that moment, the crowd grew hushed. The Knight of Uranus looked up in surprise, not expecting the sudden silence. At the top of the staircase a slender figure had appeared.

Clothed in a gown of shimmering white graced with moonstones and pearls, the beautiful heir to the Moon Kingdom paused for a moment at the top of the stairs. Silver trumpets rang out, and a herald triumphantly proclaimed, "Princess Serenity, daughter of Queen Selenity."

At this announcement, everyone in the court bowed or curtsied to the beautiful Princess of the Moon. Princess Serenity made her way down the curving staircase, immediately to be swarmed by admirers.

The Knight of Uranus managed to work his way through the crowd, and present himself to Princess Serenity first. He dropped to one knee before the beautiful princess. "Princess Serenity, would you honor this poor Knight from Uranus with the first dance?" The Knight extended his hand in askance.

With a delicate laugh, Princess Serenity accepted his hand, and allowed him to sweep her out onto the dance floor. They swung about gracefully, the envy of most present.

Halfway through the dance, the ornate double doors to the ballroom swung open with enough force to cause them to bang against the back wall. A young girl stumbled into the hall, the crowd parting for her. Her dress was ragged and dirty, and fear was on her face.

"Queen Selenity! Sanctuary, I beg of you!" the girl cried. Queen Selenity quickly rose from her seat on her throne, and gestured to the guards stationed along the edges. They ran out of the room, to guard the entryway. Immediately, the Sailor Senshi present surrounded the girl, bringing her to the Queen. Again, the hall grew deathly silent as everyone pressed in to hear what the girl had to say.

"What is your name, child, and your origin? And who pursues you even into my palace?" Selenity asked gently. The girl drew in a sobbing breath.

"I am but a servant to the Princess of Neptune. I am being pursued by those who hold her captive," the girl gasped out.

"Captive!" Queen Selenity looked aghast. The girl nodded, swallowing.

"The Princess sent me herself, to beg you to send someone to champion her cause," the girl said. Queen Selenity nodded, her eyes dark with anger.

"I shall certainly do just that," Queen Selenity said. But before she could order one of her Senshi to the task, the Knight of Uranus pushed his way forward, going to one knee before Queen Selenity.

"Queen Selenity, I request a boon of you!" he said. Queen Selenity started at the young noble.

"A boon?" she asked.

"Let me take on this quest, to rescue the Princess of Neptune," he said.

Queen Selenity gave him a thoughtful look, then nodded. "Very well. The quest is yours."

"My queen, I must protest!" Sailor Venus cried, stepping forward. "The Princess of Neptune is one of our fellow Senshi – surely the duty falls to one of us to rescue her! A no-name Knight from Uranus would be unable to take on the task."

"What is your name, Sir Knight?" Queen Selenity asked. The Knight flushed slightly.

"I am called Oberon," he said. Queen Selenity looked thoughtfully at Sir Oberon for a moment, then at each of her Senshi.

"Very well. Sir Oberon of Uranus, you shall undertake the quest to rescue the Princess of Neptune. However, you shall not do it alone. Sailor Venus, as the leader of the Sailor Senshi, you shall accompany Sir Oberon on his journey. You are to extend Sailor Neptune greetings from my court. Sailor Mars, since your spiritual abilities are influenced by Neptune, you shall also make the journey, to ensure the stability of the planet and its people."

Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars bowed; an order from their Queen was never to be disobeyed. Sir Oberon rose and bowed again. "I thank you, my Queen, for granting my boon," he said.

Soon afterward, the three departed from the Moon. Before they left, Princess Serenity gave Sir Oberon a moonstone crescent moon pendant. "Both as a charm for your safety and success on this mission, and as a token to show the Princess of Neptune that you are from our court," the beautiful princess had said. Sir Oberon had slipped the pendant around his neck, kissing the hand of Princess Serenity.

The trip to Neptune was uneventful, and the party made good time. When the arrived on Neptune, they first set about acquiring mounts. When Sailor Venus was insistent upon being in charge of the party, Sir Oberon grew resentful.

"Sailor Venus, the quest is mine, not yours. You are merely here to give the Princess of Neptune your greeting from the court of Queen Selenity," Sir Oberon said, his voice angry.

Sailor Venus turned to Sir Oberon angrily, setting her hand on the hilt of her sword. "I am the commander of all the Sailor Senshi. That includes your cowardly, arrogant Sailor Uranus, whom you answer to. That puts me in charge of you."

Sir Oberon snarled, drawing his sword with a flourish. The crystal blade caught the light of the starts, glowing faintly. "You insult me; unsay those false words about Sailor Uranus," he growled.

"I shall not – Sailor Uranus has refused to present herself before the court of Queen Selenity, despite the Queen’s order, making her arrogant. She has also been absent from most of the gatherings that the Outer Senshi have held to discuss how to better protect the Solar System, making her a coward. Instead of going herself anywhere, she always sends one of her Knights instead," Sailor Venus said.

"I challenge you, then, on your words!" Sir Oberon said angrily. Sailor Venus drew her sword, touching the golden blade to Sir Oberon’s crystal one.

"Then I accept your challenge," Sailor Venus said. With that, the two attacked.

Sir Oberon quickly beat Sailor Venus’s sword away, and managed to cut a long line along her arm. Sailor Venus spun, and scored along Sir Oberon’s armor. They quickly settled into a deadly fight, each causing scratches and small cuts to the other.

Around this time, Sailor Mars returned from her survey of the local town. She had also acquired horses for the three of them. When she saw what had transpired between Sir Oberon and Sailor Venus, she ran forward, dropping the reigns of the horses.

"Fire. . . SOUL!" she shouted, sending a blast of flame between the two opponents. They both fell back, staring at the Senshi of Fire in amazement.

Sailor Mars retrieved the horses, and stalked forward angrily. "Sir Oberon, that is the power of a Sailor Senshi. That is why we are considered the primary protectors of Queen Selenity, Princess Serenity, and the Silver Millennium. While Queen Selenity gave you this quest, our power does exceed your own. Put up your sword."

Reluctantly, Sir Oberon sheathed his sword, glaring at Sailor Venus. "She insulted Sailor Uranus – as her Knight, I should defend her honor."

"That may well be," Sailor Mars said. She then turned to Sailor Venus. "We are working together, Sailor Venus. Though it may irritated you, Queen Selenity did grant this quest to Sir Oberon. We should weigh his concerns as heavily as our own."

Sailor Venus sighed, then smiled at Sailor Mars. "I suppose I am just worried about the protection of the Outer Solar System," she said. She sheathed her sword, then turned to Sir Oberon. "A truce, then, until this quest is complete."

Sir Oberon clasped Sailor Venus’ hand, nodding gravely. "A truce."

Sailor Mars sighed, then handed the reigns off to the others. "Triton Castle is in this direction," Sailor Mars said, pointing. Sailor Venus and Sir Oberon nodded, and they set off at a gallop.

Night fell before they reached the residence of the royal family of Neptune. Reluctantly, they made camp, planning to set out early the next morning. Around midmorning the next day they arrived at a small village.

"How far is it to Triton Castle?" Sir Oberon called out to a man leading a horse. The man glowered up at the party.

"Gentlefolk like yourselves should not head there. It is said that nothing but unrest happens inside those walls," the man said.

"Still, our path leads us there," Sir Oberon said. The man shrugged.

"It’s your decision. It’s no more than an hour’s ride away; but prepare yourself."

With that the party headed out, Sailor Venus leaving the man with a couple of coins for his help. In an hour, they arrived at the formidable castle of the royal family of Neptune.

"Leave this to us," Sailor Venus said, urging her mount forward. "Sailor Venus demands entry to this castle, in the name of Queen Selenity!"

Slowly, the gate creaked open, and the three entered. They were met by glares and curious looks. Sailor Mars glanced about quickly, then leaned over to talk to her companions privately.

"There is no overt evil here; but there is unrest. Watch what you say," she cautioned.

Grooms came and took their mounts, then the three were ushered into the banquet hall. The King of Neptune sat on his throne, hearing the petitions of the people of Neptune, while his Queen sat by him. The hall grew silent as the three visitors made their way forward.

"Please, state your name and your business here," the King said, clearly curious about the visitors.

Sailor Venus bowed gracefully, Sailor Mars and Sir Oberon following her. "Your majesty, I am Sailor Venus, and this is Sailor Mars and Sir Oberon of Uranus. We come with greetings from the court of Queen Selenity."

"Then you are welcome here," the King of Neptune said. He gestured for his seneschal to step forward. "Take them to guest quarters suitable for their ranks," he ordered. "You are welcome to join us for a ball tonight."

With that, they found themselves ushered into spacious rooms, and told that the noon meal would be brought to them soon. They were left then, the door closed deliberately on them.

"Sailor Mars?" Sailor Venus asked, pacing the richly appointed room. Sailor Mars shook her head.

"I cannot tell what exactly is going on here," she said. "Everyone seems to be keeping secrets."

Sir Oberon paced over to the door, then glanced over his shoulder. "I’m going to see if I can locate the Princess of Neptune," he said.

"You can’t go alone," Sailor Venus said.

"Sailor Venus, with all respect, you and Sailor Mars are entirely too conspicuous of figures to wander around unnoticed," Sir Oberon said. With that, he vanished through the door.

It took Sir Oberon little time to locate the royal wing of the palace, and even less time to determine which room was the Princess’. The door to her room was bolted shut from the outside, with a strange metal that glowed faintly. Sir Oberon slid the bolt back, and cautiously entered the room.

"I do not wish to eat," said a soft voice as he entered the room. Sir Oberon stepped around the door, into full view of the occupant of the room. A beautiful lady sat on a chair near a large window, a violin resting on the table before her. Long locks of curling teal hair flowed down her back, and she was dressed in clothing befitting a Princess. "Oh! You are not my maid," the Princess said, standing. "Who are you? I must warn you, I am not defenseless."

Sir Oberon bowed, immediately enthralled by the beauty of the woman he faced. "I am Sir Oberon of Uranus, your Highness. I was sent by Queen Selenity to rescue you from your captivity and bring you to her court."

"So my girl did get through. Is she well?" the Princess of Neptune asked. Sir Oberon nodded.

"Indeed; she is under the full protection of Queen Selenity," Sir Oberon said. He was impressed by the Princess’ concern for a servant – but, then again, this was also the Senshi of the Oceans, Sailor Neptune. "If you will come with me, Princess, I will take you to Queen Selenity."

"I cannot leave this room," the Princess said sadly, her blue eyes filling with tears. "I had hoped that Queen Selenity would send one of her Senshi; I fear that my door is enchanted so that a fearsome monster will appear if I try to leave."

"But you are a Senshi yourself; surely you could defeat the monster," Sir Oberon said. The Princess of Neptune shook her head.

"I wish I could. . . However, my parents do not feel that becoming a warrior, charged with protecting the Outer Solar System, is a proper profession for a Princess," she explained. "They took my Mirror and my henshin pen, so I am unable to transform into Sailor Neptune."

"That’s horrible!" Sir Oberon exclaimed. "If you wish to protect the Solar System, you should be able to. No one should force you to not be a Sailor Senshi."

"I know that," the Princess said with a sad smile. "However, my parents do not agree. And, though they are subjects to Queen Selenity, I am a subject to them."

"But Sailor Senshi answer directly to Queen Selenity, and no one else," Sir Oberon said.

"Yes, but I have never been allowed to transform into Sailor Neptune; therefore, I am not a Sailor Senshi yet," the Princess of Neptune said bitterly.

A faint commotion could be heard from further down the hall, through the open door, and the Princess of Neptune took a few quick steps toward Sir Oberon.

"Hurry, good knight, you must leave. If they find you in here, you will be in grave danger," the Princess of Neptune said. "I thank you for your kind words and encouragement, but you must leave now."

Sir Oberon nodded, then quickly knelt at the Princess’ feet. "My lady, I promise I will do everything in my power to free you from this prison, and restore to you your full position," he said. He took her delicate hand, and kissed it tenderly, for he was already in love with the Princess. "I swear on my honor that I shall return to you."

"I pray for your safety, Sir Oberon," the Princess of Neptune said. With that, Sir Oberon quickly retreated from her room, leaving as it was.

Sir Oberon returned to Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars, and told them quickly what had transpired. He left out his budding emotion for the Princess of Neptune, but told them the rest of the conversation. They were also incensed by the imprisonment of the Senshi of Neptune by her own family, but agreed to be courteous to them for the time being.

That night they were summoned to the ball at the appropriate time, with no one seeming any the wiser to the fact that Sir Oberon had visited their captive Princess. They were given places of honor at the same table as the King and Queen of Neptune, along with several of their kin.

"So, Sailor Venus, will you tell me of Queen Selenity’s court?" asked the King of Neptune. Sailor Venus sipped of her wine, then smiled at the King.

"Well, Queen Selenity is currently celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the Silver Millennium," Sailor Venus said. "She’s invited nobles from all across the Solar System."

"Yes, we did receive an invitation," the Queen of Neptune said. "Unfortunately, we are unable to get away from the current matters of state."

They dined quietly for some time, then the dancing started. Sir Oberon glanced around, then asked the King and Queen, "I was under the impression that your majesties had a daughter."

Both looked troubled at his words. "I am afraid that we are currently having trouble with our daughter," the King said.

Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars and Sir Oberon exchanged looks. "What type of trouble, your majesty?" Sailor Mars asked. The king looked troubled.

"It is a private matter between our family. I will speak no more on the subject," the King said with a sense of finality. "We will deal with this in due time."

Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars, out of politeness’ sake, danced with several of the men of the court, while Sir Oberon danced with the women. After several dances, Sir Oberon pleaded thirst, and returned to his seat.

"Does your daughter have a paramour?" he asked the King, sipping his wine. The King looked startled, and shook his head.

"No, despite my wishes. She seems not to be interested in men; though I have sorely wished to wed her to a worthy lord," the King said. Sir Oberon smiled, shrugging.

"Sometimes ladies are stubborn when it comes to choosing a protector," he said.

"A protector?" the King questioned.

"Well, surely that is the duty of a husband – to protect his wife, and her virtue. She needs someone strong and powerful to come to her defense."

"Ah, indeed, it is such a man that I wish her to wed," the King said, relief in his eyes. "I fear for her safety; she is delicate, and would not hold up to battle well. She needs a noble knight to protect her – perhaps one such as yourself, Sir Oberon."

"You flatter me, my lord," Sir Oberon said, bowing in his seat. "You have not seen my prowess in battle, even, yet are giving me compliments."

"Sir Oberon, you have given me an idea," the King of Neptune said. He rose, and rapped his goblet against the table. A hush fell over the gathered nobles, and the King of Neptune cleared his throat. "Noble lords and ladies, tomorrow there will be a tournament held in the field. The ladies will be the judges, while the men compete against each other for the grand prize – the hand of my daughter, the Princess of Neptune, in marriage. If the winner is already married, they will be granted a portion of my wealth."

Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars stared up at Sir Oberon, horror in their expressions.

The next day, Sir Oberon armed himself and prepared for the tournament to be held that day. The night before he had argued with Sailor Venus about what he was trying to do, and eventually won Sailor Mars to his side. They were sitting in the spectators stands.

The tournaments raged all day. Sir Oberon quickly proved himself to be the best Knight at the tournament, defeating all of his opponents. The King of Neptune seemed very pleased by this development, and richly rewarded Sir Oberon every time he won a new victory.

In the last battle, Sir Oberon was placed against the Captain of the Guard of Neptune. The Captain was especially fierce in his fighting; he and Sir Oberon clashed swords repeatedly, neither striking a blow.

"Sir Oberon, you will not win past me," the Captain called when he and Sir Oberon were both catching their breath. Sir Oberon lifted his head, shaking his sandy gold hair out of his eyes.

"We shall see about that – I will fight you will my full determination," Sir Oberon said. The Captain glared at him.

"And I shall fight you with mine," he said. Again they charged at each other; this time they fought without pause. The battle extended into an hour, then bordered on two. The two men fought each other, cutting across any flesh not protected by heavy armor. Blood poured from their wounds, making the dirt of the tournament field slick.

Then the Captain charged at Sir Oberon, swinging at him with an overhanded stroke. Sir Oberon caught the Captain’s blade with his own crystal sword, and a resounding crack shattered the rapt silence of the crowd.

The Captain’s sword had broken at the hilt, leaving the Captain now defenseless. Sir Oberon stepped back quickly. "Yield, so I do not have to harm you," Sir Oberon said.

Reluctantly, the Captain knelt at Sir Oberon’s feet. "I yield to you," he said. "I swear my life to protect yours."

Sir Oberon wiped his blade off on the grass, then saluted the King of Neptune with it. The King of Neptune applauded, then rose.

"Sir Oberon, I pronounce you the victor of this battle. You have not only won this tournament, but you have won my daughter’s hand in marriage. I give you, as a symbol of my promise, these tokens," the King said.

Sir Oberon walked across the field to collect the tokens the King was giving him. One was a fine mirror of gold, engraved with a beautiful design. The other was a curious pen, engraved with the symbol of Neptune.

Sir Oberon bowed gracefully to the King. "I accept these tokens, your majesty, with much thanks," he said, tucking them into his tunic. "I have a request to make of you. May I change, then go see the Princess I am now engaged to?"

The King agreed to Sir Oberon’s request, and he retired to the suite, Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars accompanying him. Sir Oberon quickly changed and asked the Sailor Senshi to help him bind his wounds.

"If you would stay close, while I visit the Princess," Sir Oberon instructed quietly, aware that there could be spies. "I will ask that we be married at Queen Selenity’s court, under full view of all the nobility. That way, we have reason to take the Princess of Neptune to the moon."

Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars agreed, and they all prepared to leave. A while later the King of Neptune and his Queen arrived, to take Sir Oberon to the Princess’ chambers.

The bolt had been removed by the time they got there, and the King of Neptune threw the door back. "My daughter, come present yourself to the man that will be your husband!" the King called out.

Angrily, the Princess of Neptune stalked toward the door. "I will not marry whoever you bring for me!" she said. She stopped suddenly when she saw Sir Oberon, confusion on her face. "My lord father, what is this?"

"This is Sir Oberon. He has defeated every Knight of Neptune, and therefore has won your hand in marriage. You will subject yourself to him as you subject yourself to me," the King of Neptune ordered.

Anger flashed in the Princess of Neptune’s eyes, and she started to speak when she caught a wink from Sir Oberon. She stopped suddenly, then bit her lip. "Very well, my lord," she said softly.

"Your beauty is beyond compare, Princess," Sir Oberon said, bowing gracefully. "Even Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom pales beside you."

Sir Oberon straightened then, giving the King a thoughtful look. "Your majesty, since I am from Uranus, and not Neptune, would it not be appropriate for the Princess and I to be married in the Moon Kingdom, by Queen Selenity? As it is during a festival, currently, that would bring great luck to the marriage," Sir Oberon said.

The King looked surprised, but gave his assent. Sir Oberon smiled, then bowed to the Princess of Neptune. "Then, my lady, if you would come with me. . ." He extended his hand across the doorway to her.

The Princess of Neptune hesitated for only a moment before taking the hand of the Knight. Sir Oberon pulled her across the doorway, before the King of Neptune had a chance to say a warning.

Immediately, there was a rumbling sound from deep in the ground. The walls of the Palace seemed to shudder, then fade away. The King of Neptune, the Queen, Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars, Sir Oberon and the Princess of Neptune found themselves on a rocky precipice overlooking a frothing ocean.

"Alas, you have activated the spell that has kept our daughter prisoner!" the Queen mourned. "A foul Sorcerer placed this spell upon her, to keep her from ever finding love."

"‘Tis not what happened at all!" the Princess of Neptune retorted angrily. She turned to Sir Oberon, her blue eyes worried. "It is as I told you – the monster will now come to protect me, and kill anyone who is not of the blood of Neptune. I could defeat it if only I had my power as the Senshi of Neptune. . ."

"We will defeat the monster," said Sailor Venus, stepping forward, Sailor Mars a moment behind her.

Sir Oberon stepped toward the precipice, where lightning was flashing. "I shall also fight to defeat the monster," he said grimly.

The monster appeared then – a huge sea serpent with teeth like daggers and claws like swords. It slithered onto land, baring its front claws to attack the two Sailor Senshi and the Knight of Uranus. It dove quickly, and the Knight of Uranus drew his shining crystal sword.

"Careful; it will attack through magic as well!" Sailor Mars warned, even as Sailor Venus drew her own sword.

Sailor Venus and Sir Oberon parried the monsters claws, while Sailor Mars attacked it with fire. One of the Senshi of Fire’s well placed attacks put out the monster’s eye; it screamed in pain and reared up.

"Foul beast!" Sir Oberon cried, leaping up onto a coil of the creature’s body, plunging his crystal sword into it’s back. The monster reared back, knocking Sir Oberon to the ground. The crystal sword remained firm in the creature’s spine. Sir Oberon fell close to the Princess of Neptune, who started toward him.

"This is no battle for you!" the Princess of Neptune cried. "This can only be fought by Sailor Senshi – not Knights!"

"Then you should become a Sailor Senshi," Sir Oberon said, with a smile. He reached into his armor, and drew out the pen he had been given as a reward for winning the tournament. He threw it to the Princess of Neptune at the same moment that the monster grabbed him in it’s immense jaws. With a toss of it’s head, the monster tossed Sir Oberon off the side of the cliff.

"Sir Oberon!" the Princess of Neptune cried, the pen falling by her feet. Sailor Venus glared at the monster, anger on her face.

"I might not have liked him, but he was trying to do his best to help a Sailor Senshi," she said. "Crescent BEAM!"

The beam of gold light hit the monster, driving it back for a moment. The monster shook its head, confused by the sudden attacks.

"Princess of Neptune, you must transform into Sailor Neptune!" Sailor Venus instructed. "We need your help to defeat this creature!"

"No!" cried the King of Neptune. "You cannot fight – you are not fit for it! You will be killed, and leave Neptune without a ruler!"

The Princess of Neptune knelt, picking up the pen in her hands. "Sir Oberon died because he wanted me to have this," she said softly. "No one should die for me; no innocent should die for a Sailor Senshi. We are here to protect people like that – to protect the Solar System, and Queen Selenity."

She looked up at Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars, who were struggling against the monster. "I do not know if I can become a Senshi, knowing that I have the blood of Sir Oberon on my hands. How can I ever make up for the gift of Sir Oberon’s life?"

Sudden gold light filled the precipice, and the monster reeled back as a blaze of gold light struck it in the chest. With a crash, the monster fell backwards, shaking the ground. Everyone turned in the direction of the gold light.

A figure stood on the brink of the cliff. The figure was tall and had blond hair, and wore a dark blue Sailor fuku. Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars stared in amazement, for neither of them recognized the new Sailor Senshi.

"You must fight," said the new Sailor Senshi, walking across the rocky ground. Her boots clicked on the rocks. She stopped before the Princess of Neptune, kneeling in front of her. "It is your duty as a Sailor Senshi; to protect those around you. You must protect your parents, for I fear that monster will not stop just because they have the right blood."

"She is not ready to fight!" cried the King of Neptune. "You cannot tell her to fight!"

"The choice is yours, Princess of Neptune," the new Sailor Senshi said quietly. "You can always chose whether or not to be a Sailor Senshi. But if you wish to live now, and protect those who cannot always protect themselves, you must fight."

The Princess of Neptune nodded, clutching the henshin pen in her hands. "Right."

The new Sailor Senshi rose, then ran over to the monster. Her movements were faster than the wind. She freed Sir Oberon’s crystal bladed sword from the back of the monster, then smiled at the Princess of Neptune.

The Princess raised one delicate hand into the air and shouted, "Neptune Planet Power, Make UP!"

Aqua light surrounded the Princess, and when it cleared, Sailor Neptune was standing there. The other Sailor Senshi leapt off the back of the monster, walking over to Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars.

"Who are you?" Sailor Venus demanded. "You can’t just take Sir Oberon’s sword, even if he is dead."

"I am Sailor Uranus, the Senshi of Wind," she said. Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars stared at her.

"Where have you been. . . ?" Sailor Venus started, then shook her head. "Never mind – let’s defeat the monster."

"Just a moment," Sailor Uranus said. She walked over toward Sailor Neptune, handing the new Sailor Senshi a gold mirror. "I believe this is yours, Sailor Neptune. I return it to you, with apologies."

"Thank you. . ." Sailor Neptune said, accepting the Mirror. She turned to the monster then, her eyes dark with anger.

"Deep SUBMERGE!" she cried. The other three senshi joined in battle, and, under their tremendous onslaught, the monster fell to the ground. As the monster died, the ground wavered, then returned to the castle hall that had started the battle.

"Where is Sir Oberon?" asked Sailor Mars, concern. "Even if the fall killed him, we should provide his body with an honorable burial."

"Since he was betrothed to my daughter, Neptune will take care of the burial," said the King of Neptune, humbly.

"That won’t be necessary," Sailor Uranus said. "Sir Oberon was merely a disguise of mine."

"Surely not! Why would a Sailor Senshi disguise themselves as a Knight?" Sailor Venus asked, shocked.

"I find that it’s more comfortable to be a normal person most of the time," Sailor Uranus said. She turned to Sailor Neptune, then went on one knee. "My lady, please forgive me for my deception of you. I did not mean to cause you any distress while trying to restore to you your proper place."

"I thank you, Sailor Uranus. I will not forget this," Sailor Neptune looked at Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars then. "I should like to present myself to Queen Selenity, and take my proper place as one of the Guardians of the Outer Solar System."

With that, the four Sailor Senshi returned to the Moon Kingdom, triumphant in their quest. Queen Selenity ordered that they attend her as soon as possible, and, within the hour, the four Sailor Senshi were in the presence of the Queen of the Moon. Princess Serenity was also in attendance, her blue eyes concerned.

Sailor Venus related the entire story, including the revelation that Sir Oberon was actually Sailor Uranus. Sailor Venus then related how Sailor Neptune had been kept from transforming, and how she eventually did transform.

By the end of it, Queen Selenity smiled, and bade them all rise. "A fantastic adventure, worthy of songs. I am proud that all four of you are my defenders." She looked specifically at Sailor Uranus then. "Senshi of Wind, I welcome you to my court, fully and formally. I am amused at how you have managed to make Sailor Neptune your betrothed."

Sailor Uranus blushed, and bowed toward Sailor Neptune. "I would never hold Sailor Neptune to promises her parents made for her. Sailor Neptune is her own person, she is free to chose who to associate with on her own."

Sailor Neptune smiled at Sailor Uranus. "You returned my Mirror to me, and my henshin pen. I am eternally grateful to you. I certainly have no objection to continued contact with you; indeed, I look forward to it."

"I hope for greater friendships between all of my Senshi," Queen Selenity said. "Sailor Venus, have you resolved your dispute with Sailor Uranus?"

"I do indeed take back the harsh words I spoke. Sailor Uranus is a warrior without peer, and a clever tactician. I look forward to working with her, as the Leader of the Outer Senshi," Sailor Venus said. Queen Selenity smiled.

"Very well, then. We shall have a feast in your honor tonight; please prepare for a formal retelling of your adventures to my court," She rose gracefully, turning to Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune again. "Please realize, I do not discourage romance between my Senshi." With that, the Queen left them.

Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars bowed to Princess Serenity, then took their leave as well. Sailor Neptune smiled at Sailor Uranus, causing the Senshi of Wind to blush, then murmured her apologies to the beautiful young Princess of the Moon, pleading that she had to prepare herself for the ball that night.

Sailor Uranus watched the beautiful Senshi of the Oceans leave, then turned to Princess Serenity. She bowed to the young Princess, and drew the moonstone pendant out from around her neck.

"Your highness, your pendent has brought me good luck and good fortunes. I thank you for it’s use, and return it to you now," Sailor Uranus extended the pendant out.

Princess Serenity stepped forward a few steps, then set her hands over Sailor Uranus’ extended on. "Return it to me at another point, Sailor Uranus," she said with a smile. "I hope that it brings you more fortune and luck – especially in the paths of romance."

Sailor Uranus bowed, returning the pendant to her neck. "Very well, Princess Serenity. I swear I will return this to you someday, and tell you of my fortunes."

~~ Epilogue ~~

Tenoh Haruka lifted the heavy box, setting it on the attic floor with a sigh. A cloud of dust rose from the floor, causing her to sneeze. She rubbed her nose on the sleeve of her old shirt, blinking through the gloom. NHow could this much dust collect in such a short period of time? We haven’t lived in this house for more than two years. . . she thought. Below her, she heard the strains of faint music, and smiled.

Michiru had invited Minako and Usagi over to watch the musical Camelot. Haruka was really not that interested in the musical, especially since it was in English, so instead volunteered to organized the attic. She was now beginning to regret not wanting to watch the movie.

Haruka sighed, and brushed the dust off the old chest that had been under the cardboard box. ‘Tenoh Haruka’ was printed on the dark leather of the chest. Haruka frowned, unfamiliar with the chest.

"Hmm, wonder where this is from. . ." Haruka said softly, unlatching the lid, and lifting it free. Papers and books rested inside; they appeared to be from her childhood. Haruka frowned, lifting some of the papers free.

Another cloud of dust flew up, and Haruka coughed, her eyes streaming. She rubbed her eyes, setting the papers on the floor. Blue velvet covered the bottom of the chest. In the center of the velvet rested a tiny carved box. Curious, Haruka lifted it.

A chill went down her back as she realized that the pattern in the center of the lid formed the symbol of Uranus. Haruka drew in a quick breath, then opened the lid of the box.

Through the dusty light, Haruka stared at the beautiful pendant resting on the dark velvet of the box. Made of shimmering moonstone, the crescent moon was finely crafted of old silver. Haruka lifted the moonstone pendant, and gasped at the pendant below. An aquamarine had lain under the moonstone, carved with the symbol of Uranus on one side, the symbol of Neptune on the other.

"Impossible. . ." the racer breathed. She put the aquamarine back in the box, tucking it into her pocket. The moonstone pendant she held in her hand. A strange feeling filled her, and she studied the crescent moon. It seemed so familiar, like something she knew of from long ago. . .

"Haruka?" Michiru called up the stairs. Haruka jumped, startled out of her revery.

"Ye. . ." Haruka stopped, her throat too dry to talk from the thick dust. She swallowed, clearing her throat. "Yes?" she called.

"We’re going to get something to eat – would you like to come?"

"Just a moment," Haruka said. The floor creaked as she stood, and Haruka brushed off her slacks. She closed the old chest, then replaced the cardboard box. She wrapped the chain of the necklace around her wrist, then checked the box in her pocket.

Haruka took the stairs down from the attic at a rush, then down to the living room area. Usagi, Minako and Michiru stood there, Michiru holding her purse.

"Haruka!" Michiru chided gently. Haruka gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, then turned to Usagi.

"I found something up in the attic that I think you might like," Haruka said to Usagi. She opened her hand, showing Usagi the pendant she held. Usagi gasped, and Haruka handed the pendant to the younger girl.

"Haruka-san, this is beautiful. . ." she said, quickly hooking the chain behind her neck.

"And so I return it to you, my Princess. . ." Haruka murmured softly, not knowing quite why she said the words even as she spoke them. Something seemed to click, and she closed her eyes.

"Haruka?" Michiru asked softly, her voice concerned. "Are you coming?"

Haruka looked up, blinking. She smiled at Michiru, slipping an arm around the smaller woman’s shoulders. "Let’s go with our Princess, Michiru," she said quietly.

~~ The End ~~