The characters in this story do not belong to me. They belong to DIC and
the creator of Sailor Moon. Except for Pluto Knight, he belongs to Lord
Talon who has generously
given me his permission to use him. Thanks to Lord Talon and Lady
Jupiter for all help and support. Now on to the story.......
Part 2
As Anna and her charges arrive at the next experience in Setsuna's
life, Anna notices that Setsuna is a little pale.
"Are you alright, my friend?" Anna asked concernedly.
"Yes, Anna. I'm fine." Setsuna replied.
Carlyle was worried also. He thought to himself <Man! I have *never*
seen Setsuna this pale before! I hope she's okay. I'll ask her>
"Setsuna, Are you okay?" Carlyle asked worriedly. Setsuna looked at
him. She could see the worry and the caring in his eyes. She thought to
herself <Could what I'm seeing in his eyes be true? He's being so nice
to me right now, and he *IS* kind of cute. I guess that I'll
give him a chance. He has been nice to me as Kevin, and he's fun to be
with. He's also the first guy I've met who does have time travel
abilities, and might possibly understand the loneliness I feel at
the Gate. Perhaps...> She let that thought trail off, and smiled.
"Thank you for your concern, Carlyle, but, I am fine. How are you
holding up? " She asked.
"Well, outside of finding out most of what I thought was my past
wasn't true, and I spent most of my time during childhood watching
*you* getting mistreated by Renea and Rialla. Add on to that, I am not
certain what of my past is true and made up, I'm doing just fine!"
He looked at her, and immediately regretted his words. "Sorry, Setsuna.
Didn't mean to dump on you. I'm o.k. Really, I'm fine...beloved"
Carlyle said quickly. He wanted to get the endearment out before
Setsuna caught it. He succeeded. Then Setsuna looked into his blue
eyes and smiled at him for the very first time. Carlyle was so stunned
that it took him a minute to understand that Anna was saying something
to the two of them.
"Now children, we are here. This experience will be just as sad as
the other one was. Are you ready to see this experience?" Anna asked
them.
"Yes we are." They said together.
Setsuna could see Charon Castle in front of her once more. By this
time, Setsuna had stopped mentioning her visions to anyone but Anna.
She also saw Carlyle or rather his younger self as he was practicing
his sword skills in the courtyard of the castle. Soon, Carlyle and Anna
joined her to watch the events unfold.
As Carlyle was practicing, he heard a terrible commotion, with a
lot of shouting and carrying on. He looked up to see what it was, and
spied the three Royal women of Pluto. The Queen Mother Renea, The elder
Princess Rialla, and trailing behind, with her eyes to the ground, the
youngest Princess: Setsuna. He smiled to himself when he looked at
her. <She is getting to be quite a beauty. She would be a real
heartbreaker when she grew up.> He thought. He looked again at the
approaching Royalty. Although Rialla was the *FLOWER* of the court, she
was too much like a flower, too fragile and surreal to suit him. Someone
with more exotic looks like Setsuna suited him much better. He looked
up again. This time eyeing the approaching Royalty with humor. "Ah, I
wonder what has got the collective Royalty upset. Too bad I missed
whatever it was. (Looks at them getting closer) Guess I'll find out
soon." he said, and grinned again. Quickly he ceased his routine,
spun around and bowed before the three approaching women.
"Good Afternoon, Queen Renea, Princess Rialla, Princess Setsuna.
What brings you out here today?" he asked.
Queen Renea gave Carlyle her most imperious stare before demanding.
"Squire Carlyle, Is this rumor true?"
"What rumor might that be?" he asked calmly.
"You will address me as Your Queen." She said Imperiously.
"Did I not just do so, Queen Renea?" Carlyle asked.
"NO, YOU DID NOT! YOU, Oh never mind!" She threw up her hands in
frustration. If she didn't know better, she could *SWEAR* that he did
this *just* to annoy her.
Carlyle just shrugged. "As you say, Queen Renea."
Renea glared at him again, before continuing. "The rumor that I
am referring to is the rumor that when you are done with Knight
training, You will be SETSUNA'S protector, not Rialla's." She
stated.
His face took on a surprised look. "Is that what has
dragged Your Majesties' from court? Yes, Queen Renea, It is true. Since
you and Princess Rialla are off visiting other kingdoms, this leaves a
huge gap in security for Princess Setsuna. Since she *IS* A royal
princess of Pluto, she will need a KNIGHT to protect her and I was given
the job." he said calmly.
"But why not be *my* knight?" Complained Rialla.
Carlyle looked at her as if she were speaking nonsense. *YOU* will
be ruling Pluto, yes?" he asked.
"Yes!" shouted both Rialla and Renea.
"Well, you will have the whole palace guard to protect you,
Princess Rialla. You do not *need* me. Setsuna *WILL* need
protection when she leaves the castle. Therefore I was given the job.
Will that be all, Queen Renea?" Carlyle asked.
The Queen looked at him with narrowed eyes, "Who gave you this
job?" She asked dangerously.
"The King and the Academy Council. In fact, they insisted that I
take this job. Will that be all Your Majesties?" He asked again.
Inwardly he was laughing at being able to cause some frustration for the
two most selfish and frustrating people on Pluto.
"Go! We will discuss this later" The queen commanded. He bowed
again and walked away, still laughing to himself.
"Girls, entertain yourselves. I'm going to have a talk with your
father." So saying, the queen left the courtyard.
Rialla then turned to Setsuna. She stopped for a moment to wonder
to herself <Who is he supposed to protect if it isn't me? He is so
handsome. I *Will* win him for my own. > She then focused her attention
on her favorite pastime: Lecturing Setsuna. "Now Setsuna. You know that
Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom is to visit. Keep those stupid
visions to yourself. The Princess won't want to hear your nonsense. In
fact, keep your distance from her altogether. Don't show your face
unless you have to. I must talk to mother about arranging a dinner tray
for you during her visit so you won't embarrass us during dinner. I
want you to promise that you will stay away from the princess. I do not
want her to see you at all, you will just humiliate Mother and I. Now
promise!" She demanded
"I promise." Setsuna said wearily. Rialla nodded and continued
"Also, There is a ball coming up. You do not have to show your
face at this function either. Mother and I expect you to remain in your
room for the evening. Why you aren't like me is a mystery. She
continued, You will not get any food until the ball is over, because
Cook will be too busy to bother with you. Go to your room and stay
there. I will talk to Mother about the arrangements." Rialla stated in
an imperious tone, similar to their mother.
"Yes Rialla." Setsuna said, and off she went dragging her steps.
Elsewhere an argument could be heard taking place between the King
and Queen. King Timelon and Queen Renea were arguing about the issue of
Carlyle being Setsuna's Knight. It was apparent that Renea wasn't too
happy about the arrangement
"Why have you chosen Carlyle to be SETSUNA'S Knight? She's a
freak. She doesn't deserve a Knight. She never goes anywhere. She
never *will* go anywhere. So why does she need a Knight at all?" The
Queen demanded furiously.
"Our daughter is *not* a freak. She is also a Princess, and as
such needs a protector. Carlyle is the only person besides cook who
hasn't belittled or teased or hurt her in any way. She needs a friend.
That is why I've chosen Carlyle. He shall remain her Knight Protector.
You will not change my mind and you will cease calling our daughter a
freak and a humiliation. Do I make my self *CLEAR*?" the King shouted.
Renea opened her mouth to say something more, but Timelon silenced
her with a look that said "End of Discussion".
There was only one thing for the Queen to say: "Yes, your Majesty."
She bowed, and went off thinking to herself< This is not over, yet. > She
promised herself. She has a certain status to uphold as the queen of
Pluto and she refused to let this slight to her daughter's honor go. As
she made her way through the halls, she heard Rialla calling out to her.
<Now to see what Rialla wants. > She thought annoyingly. Rialla caught up to
her, and told her what she had told Setsuna would happen. The Queen
approved the arrangements for Setsuna's confinement during Princess
Serenity's stay.
After seeing these events, Carlyle asked, "Is that all they do
around here, belittling and scolding Setsuna" He shook his head in
disbelief as to the rotten treatment she received.
"Yes it is. I spent most of my days either being scolded by my
mother or sister on how to be a princess and not to have visions. Anna
clucked her tongue sympathetically at her friend. She then said," Are
you ready to move on and see more of this experience my children?"
"Yes." they said as one, and off they went to the dining room to see
what happened there. They had guessed that Setsuna would be crying in
her room. They were right. They thought they'd be able to understand
more of what had happened.
That night at dinner, Princess Serenity said curiously, "Don't you
have two daughters? Where is...Setsuna? That is her name, correct? "
"Yes," the King asked, "Where is Setsuna tonight? I thought that
she'd be joining us for dinner?"
The Queen replied, "Setsuna has already eaten. I never
know how she'll react, so, I have forbidden her to associate with polite
company. Besides she is being punished for not being a proper
Princess."
Rialla then said to the Princess, "Setsuna isn't much to look at
and she has no charm or grace like you have." She said in her most
flattering voice.
"I see." The princess commented dryly, and, nothing more was said.
The conversation moved away from Setsuna to other topics through dinner.
Soon the princes excused herself to go to bed. The king decided that he
and the Queen would have this out on the morrow. And off to bed they
all went. On they way to her bedchamber, Princess Serenity heard crying
coming from one of the bedrooms.
The Princess stopped walking. She heard a strident voice coming
from that same room. The voice whispered loudly, "Be quiet Setsuna! Do
you want the princess to hear you? Now shut up, you stupid girl. What
are you crying for anyway?" The voice demanded Setsuna stopped crying
and answered, "I never received my dinner tray." She lamented.
"Well its too late now." the voice continued. The group watched as
they saw Rialla come out of Setsuna's room and go to her
own. Someone else saw her too, Princess Serenity.
The next morning, Setsuna crept quietly out of bed, dressed and
went down to the kitchen. Cook, who liked Setsuna, realized what had
happened as soon as she heard Setsuna's stomach growl.
"Now child, you just sit down and Cook will fix you some nice hot
breakfast." she said lovingly. Cook just shook her head in frustration.
She could not understand why the Queen mother and Elder princess were so
cruel to her. As Setsuna sat down, Serenity walked in the kitchen.
The Princess said. "Good Morning. I smelled something good and came
down to investigate."
"Good Morning, Your Highness." Setsuna said as she curtsied. She sat
down again and resumed eating as fast as possible so that she could get
away from the princess before her mother and sister came down for
Breakfast. She succeeded, and she ran away from the table and outside as
fast as she could.
The Princess, who had never seen anyone do that before and was a
little hurt asked the Cook, "Was it me she wanted to get away from?"
The Cook replied," No child. It wasn't you, really. It was
her mother and sister she wanted to get away from. She was forbidden
all contact with you by her mother and sister. If she had gotten caught
it would have meant no food the rest of the day." Cook just shook
her head again.
"Oh dear. I want to make friends with her." The princess said.
"Then, you'll have to make sure that her mother and sister aren't
around when you try to do so." Cook told her and resumed her work.
At this point, Younger Carlyle accidentally overheard the conversation
between the Cook and Princess Serenity. Upon learning that Setsuna had
had no food at all the night before, he became incensed. The Queen had
lied. He ran off to tell the King who would be absolutely furious at
the news. He was forced to wait until later, because he was in
audience. Unnoticed by everyone, Carlyle's eyes began to change to a
light shade of violet, from their normal crystal blue.
Meanwhile, The Queen and Princess Rialla had a feeling that
Princess Serenity would try to see Setsuna so they just pretended
to go on a visit and instead hid in the rose bushes to watch what would
take place. "Setsuna *MUST* not be allowed contact with the Moon
Princess. Her weird visions will *RUIN* any chance of an alliance
between our houses!" Queen Renea hissed. Rialla only nodded in
agreement, and they continued to watch.
Serenity approached Setsuna slowly and carefully. "Your mother
and sister are gone for a visit, surely we can walk a bit." She
suggested. Setsuna reluctantly followed, and they went on a walk.
Suddenly, and without warning Serenity jumped on Setsuna and tickled
her. Setsuna laughed and began to respond in kind.
Unbeknownst to the laughing girls, Rialla and Queen Renea were
watching this scene with growing anger. However, King Timelon and Carlyle
were also watching. The King was happy to see his daughter laughing and
smiling. Carlyle was simply entranced. Wanting to leave them to their
fun they quietly crept away.
On the other side of the garden, Rialla and her mother were not so
happy to see this. They decided to destroy Setsuna's fun. So they
proceeded to walk back in the castle like they had just come back from
their trip, and caught Setsuna disobeying.
The Queen yelled, " Setsuna, You have disobeyed me. Go to your
room. You are forbidden *ANY* contact with Anyone again. You will not
receive food for the rest of the day. In a little while I will come up
there to lock you in."
She then turned to her other daughter and said "Rialla, make
certain she gets there."
"Yes, mother." Rialla replied, and she marched Setsuna off to her
room. Renea then turned to Princess Serenity "Now, Princess." Renea
continued in a calmer tone. "Are you sure that you want to associate
with my freak of a daughter? I did warn you about her. Because you
encouraged her to this foolishness, I'm afraid I have to switch your
room to the other wing. I must ask that for the rest of your stay that
you have absolutely no contact with her at all. She is not a good
person for someone of your grace and beauty to be around." She said in
her sweetest smile. Serenity looked at it, and felt she might be sick!
The queen then left the garden and went up to lock Setsuna in. After
she had left, Princess Serenity went in search of the King. The King
was in the throne room hearing audience. Serenity respectfully waited
for her turn. Since she was the last person, the King took her to his
office.
"Now child, What is the matter? Last time I looked I saw you and
Setsuna were having a good time in the garden. So, tell me what
happened child?" Serenity told the King everything that had happened.
When she finished the King was furious. The King called Carlyle in and
told him what had taken place.
"Your Majesty," Carlyle said, "I have a hunch, that this is mild in
comparison to what has happened to your youngest daughter thus far!"
"Exactly what do you mean by that, Young squire?" The king
asked. Carlyle then told the king everything that he had overheard that
morning. The king then became even more furious. He'd have them locked
in their own rooms, and see how they would like it. Younger Carlyle,
with a supreme effort managed to calm the king down, as he needed him to
be rational for what he *knew* could possibly send the king over the
edge. He then suggested that they talk to cook, to see what plans had
been made about the ball. The king agreed, and they went in search of
Cook. The Cook told them what Setsuna had told her about the
Ball. How she wasn't supposed to be there at all, that she wasn't
supposed to have any food until the ball is over and that the Queen had
locked Setsuna in her room for the night and the duration of Princess
Serenity's stay. After hearing this, the king was stunned. He had had
no idea that Renea and Rialla had taken it to this level.
The group followed Setsuna upstairs and watched as she got locked
into her room. As she was locked in, Setsuna was treated to another
scolding from her mother. "You selfish girl. This wouldn't have
happened if you'd kept your distance. You've forced us to take these
measures." The Queen said furiously. "Now you will never see
Daylight or food again. You have brought this on yourself. Come Rialla.
Let us leave. We have a ball to prepare for and Carlyle to snag before
the night is over." Queen Renea said cheerfully. The two went out the
door and locked Setsuna in.
Setsuna threw herself onto her bed and cried for a bit. She then
got a determined look in her eyes. Aloud, she shouted, "This is the
last straw. I can't take any more pain. There is only one option left
to me and I must take it to ease the pain." Setsuna then climbed out
the window and ran for the cliffs as fast as she could.
As the group was watching this, Carlyle commented to Setsuna, "So
this is this was the first time you met Serenity, right?"
"Yes." Setsuna replied sadly. As Setsuna turned away to keep her
eye on her younger self, Anna sadly told Carlyle, " It's such a shame.
Those ten minutes were the only happy moment she had here as a
child."
"Are you serious? This can't be the only one?" Carlyle
asked in disbelief.
"Yes child, I'm sure." Anna said sadly.
Setsuna turned back to Anna and Carlyle and asked, "Shouldn't we
follow my younger self to the cliffs?" Carlyle asked himself< What did
Setsuna mean by ending all the pain? She couldn't have meant Suicide,
Could she? > Anna responded to his thoughts again.
"Yes Young One she could and she did. We better get over to the
cliffs to see what happens." So they ran and caught up with Setsuna
before she got to the cliffs. As they were running they saw two others
join the chase. Princess Serenity and Younger Carlyle had noticed
Setsuna headed for the cliffs with a determined look on her face. Both
were wondering what she was doing. They soon got their wish. They
gasped in horror as they saw her prepare to throw herself over the edge
of the cliffs.
"SETSUNA! NO! DON'T!" Serenity shouted.
"SETSUNA! STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE!" Carlyle shouted. He quickly
turned to Serenity and said "Your Highness, Run for the castle! Get the
King at once! Hurry!"
Serenity ran for the castle as fast as she could, thankful that
Rialla and the Queen were busy elsewhere and couldn't make things worse.
As soon as she reached the throne room, the guards saw her and opened
the throne room doors for her. As soon as the king saw her, he cleared
the throne room so that she could tell her news in private. "What is it
child?" the king asked soothingly. "Take a couple of deep breaths so
you can speak." the king said.
By this time, Serenity had calmed down enough to speak. "Your
Majesty, Setsuna's trying kill herself at the cliffs. We need you!
Hurry!" The king called for a couple of guards and the four of them ran
for the cliffs as fast as possible.
Meanwhile, at the cliffside, The younger Carlyle was trying to talk
Setsuna away from the cliffs. "Princess, Can you tell me what has
happened to make you do this?" he crooned gently. "No one is mad at you.
No one will hurt you I promise. We'll just talk okay."
"Yes." Setsuna replied. The younger Carlyle thought to himself<Good!
I've got her talking, but I hope that I can keep it up until the King
gets here. > "When you're ready Princess, I am here to listen."
She tells all about what's gone on with her and why she wasn't at
dinner last night. She talked about the fact that her last meal was that
morning. That her mother and Rialla punish her by depriving her of
food. How they broke up the only happy moment she'd ever had and sent
her only friend away. "I just can't take their nagging and lecturing
anymore. Do you know what I mean?" She asked tearfully.
"Yes Princess I do." he said soothingly.
Meanwhile, Serenity, The King, and the group had come up behind
her. The King, having heard everything was absolutely livid with anger.
He knew he had to calm down or he'd scare his own daughter.
"Sweetie, its Daddy. I know everything. We can fix this together
okay? Please, come away from the edge. Give Daddy and Carlyle your
hands, and we'll pull you back. I'm not mad at you sweetie. I love
you! Please come back from the edge, okay? " Reluctantly, Setsuna gave
Carlyle and her father her hands and they pulled her away from the edge
and into a hug. Though no one could see it, Carlyle's eyes briefly
flashed from crystal blue, to a fiery maroon, as he contemplated what he
thought of the Queen and her precious *flower*!
"Sweetie, Why didn't you come to me with your problems?" Setsuna's
father questioned gently. He couldn't believe that things were so bad
for his youngest daughter.
"Because I didn't know that I could." She replied hesitantly.
"Who implied that you couldn't?"
"Mother and Rialla." she replied. "I didn't even know that you
loved me." Setsuna said tearfully.
The King was shocked. He could not believe that things had been
this bad for her. "Who or what implied or told you that I didn't?" He
asked.
She replied, hesitantly " I never thought you did, because you
didn't stop the nagging, and the hurt. I needed you to hold me and tell
me I was special and I wasn't a freak or a disappointment to you, and
you weren't there." With that, she collapsed in young Carlyle's arms,
sobbing uncontrollably. His face was a mix of disbelief and fear, but,
he held the crying princess, murmuring words of comfort to the girl.
After hearing Setsuna's answers to his gentle questions, Setsuna's
father was an absolute ball of sheer rage on the inside. Outside
however, he remained calm and gentle as he reassured his daughter of his
love for her. "Next time, Come to me if you have a problem. Okay
sweetheart?" He asked, and she nodded, with tears still streaming down
her face. The king collected his thoughts for a moment, and then asked
"Is there anyone that you've confided in about this?"
"Yes Daddy. Anna the Time Guardian," she said. "Anna's my friend.
She doesn't think that my visions are nonsense. She says that I get them
because I'm supposed to be the new Time Guardian." Setsuna smiled at
her father, and at Carlyle, happy in the knowledge that she was not
unloved.
"Now Setsuna, Are you sure that's what she said." he asked.
"Yes Daddy, I'm sure." Setsuna confirmed.
The king was silent at this response. Anna, was supposed to be the
guiding force behind many successful kings on many planets, but, her
existence had never been proven.
Suddenly, a column of silver light appeared in front of the small
group. When the light subsided, a woman stepped forth. She was garbed in
A similar fashion to the priestesses of ancient Pluto. There could only
be one woman who matched her appearance.
Anna, the guardian of time.
"Hello everyone, Your Majesty." She curtsied to King Timelon.
The king asked "Begging your pardon, Guardian, but, I need to know
something. Is what my daughter telling me true?"
"Yes your Majesty it is. It was I, who suggested Carlyle to
be Setsuna's Knight. Because of all the pain she's been through, I
wanted her to have someone of her very own, who cares for her. I have
succeeded, but I warn you both that it will be a long road that will
take centuries before the two of you will be together. Do you accept
this role?" Anna asked Carlyle.
Carlyle answered without a moment's hesitation. "Yes I do." he
said firmly. "That is, assuming the princess *wants* me as her knight
Protector!" He added. Her answer was a small blush that rose to her
cheeks, as she nodded in affirmation.
The king smiled at this scene. His youngest daughter would be
safe. He suddenly remembered *why* his youngest was out here.
"If you will all excuse me. I'm going to have this out with Renea.
I've heard enough and it is high time that things changed around here."
So saying, the king started to leave but before he left he asked his
daughter one more question.
"My dear one, Did your mother and sister say where they
were headed?"
"Yes father, they said they had to prepare for the ball tonight
and to also snag Carlyle for Rialla" Setsuna said.
"Thank you my dear. Oh, Do you have a dress for the ball tonight?"
"No Father, I don't." Setsuna answered. He then turned to Princess
Serenity who was watching this scene with great interest, unsure of what
she should do to help. "Remedy that at once. Princess, You and Serenity
choose a gown for this evening. My daughter's first ball gown must be
special." The king commanded. He then turned to the young man, who
*still* had his arms around the youngest princess. He chuckled quietly
to himself, as he saw the *she* wasn't letting go, either. <Poor boy.
He's already lost the war, and he didn't even see the first shot! >
"Carlyle, You will provide escort." The King ordered.
"Yes Your Majesty," They all said. Then, the King departed. The
others went off to search for a ball gown for Setsuna. All but Anna.
She went to prepare the memory-erasing spell that would be needed later
this night.
******
Anna looked at the two before her. Setsuna's eyes were moist at
this scene, while Carlyle's eyes had a haunted look to them. She then
asked, "Should we follow Setsuna or the King?" Setsuna and Carlyle
decided to follow the King. "I want to see this." Setsuna said.
"I too would like to see this." Carlyle said.
*****
Rialla and her mother were in Rialla's room finishing up
preparations for the ball. " That dress looks beautiful on you.
Carlyle's sure to notice you. He really doesn't have a choice with
Setsuna out of the way, not that she was ever really in the way to begin
with." The queen laughed.
Rialla joined in the laughter they shared. "That stupid girl!
Thinking she'd ever have a chance at such a handsome man as Carlyle.
She's a freak. She's nothing and I intend to make him see that
Tonight. It should be relatively easy..." Her voice suddenly trailed off, as
something caught her eye.
"What is it dear?" The queen asked. She turned to look. There, in
the doorway stood the King. But, it was a King that neither had ever
seen before. His face was a study in pure rage. It was so terrifying
that both women cowered before him. And when he spoke, it seemed the
entire room shook.
The King asked furiously, "If what were relatively easy? I expect an
answer RIALLA! NOW! IF WHAT WERE RELATIVELY EASY?"
He roared at the two of them.
Hesitantly, Rialla replied, "Stealing Carlyle away from that freak
Setsuna."
"YOUR SISTER IS NOT A FREAK! " the King roared.
The Queen protested weakly, "But she is of no use to us at all. She
is nothing like Rialla and is a terrible princess. She cannot converse
with polite company, mix socially. She knows nothing about clothes or
parties or entertaining. All she does is mope around the castle,
embarassing the family. She really shouldn't go, as she just does not
fit in!" The queen insisted.
"AND WHO'S FAULT IS THAT?" The King boomed. In a quieter tone, He
ordered Renea "Tell me, whose fault is it that she knows nothing of
these trivialities? Or do you even know? Do you even understand or are
You under some misguided notion that you are helping to ensure the
survival of the Royal family by trying to force Carlyle to be Rialla's
Knight or is it even about that? You want him to marry her, don't you?
Do you even *KNOW* him?" He demanded.
The queen looked shocked "Of course I do. He is among the top 5%
of the class for this year. He has most of the proper court manners, and he is
from a very *noble* family. What more is there to know?" She commented,
disbelief evident in her eyes.
"WELL I WON'T STAND FOR IT!" Timelon roared again. I"...
"Excuse me, Your Majesty, but Carlyle awaits you outside." A page
interrupted.
"Thank you. You may go now." Timelon commanded. The page bowed his
head, and left the room. The king then turned back around to his wife
and irksome daughter, and favored them with a dark look "Wait here! Don't
move!" the King ordered. He then went outside where the young Carlyle
was standing.
"Yes Carlyle, what news do you bring me?" Timelon asked. Carlyle
replied, " We found Setsuna a ball gown."
"How does she look in it?"
"I don't know. Serenity wouldn't let me see her in it." Carlyle
replied. "Personally, I think it will be a lovely gown, but, one is the
same as another to me." He shrugged before continuing "It's probably
better that I don't, as I'm sure Princess Serenity wants Setsuna to
look her best, and, Setsuna deserves all the happiness she can get,
after dealing with the Queen and her elder sister" Carlyle indicated the
couple just inside the room.
"Have you heard what's been going on here?" Timelon queried.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I've heard everything." Carlyle said.
"Majesty, I have an idea. Let's expose them at the ball. Remember Anna
said that Setsuna's powers as Sailor Pluto should surface sometime
tonight. She also said that my battle mage powers should emerge as
well. It will be interesting to see how those two take the fact that
Rialla will not be Sailor Pluto or the Time Guardian. Also, I think a
little embarrassment and humiliation should be good for them. What do
you think?" Carlyle asked.
Timelon laughed, as he pictured the faces of his prideful Queen and
Princess. "I think it's a marvelous idea. Let's do it!" Timelon agreed
enthusiastically. "It just might serve as a humbling experience for
those two" He finished as a broad smile remained on his face. The
Younger Carlyle looked at the king and then asked, "May I have
permission to tell Rialla off right now? Imagine me wanting anything to
do with someone so selfish." Carlyle requested, and the king nodded his
permission. Carlyle then went into the room, and at the sight of
Rialla, he became quite angry.
"How dare you call *my* Setsuna a freak. You are the one I want
nothing to do with. I could never marry someone as selfish and
Self-centered as you." Carlyle thundered.
Rialla started "But, Carlyle!" she protested lamely
"I said NEVER. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd better go and change
into my tux." He said calmly.
"Now, As for you two. I'm putting a guard on this door. You will
remain here until it's time for the ball. Is that clear?" the King
asked.
"Yes Your Majesty. It is!" They said together.
The King placed the Guard and left the chamber. As the group was
watching this, Carlyle had noticed the opulence of Rialla's room
compared to the smallness and plainness of Setsuna's. He was going to
comment but decided not to when he saw Setsuna's dismissive glance at
the room. He thought to himself <Not only do they scold her, but they
treat her like a servant. I think I finally understand her trouble with
Love. She was never given any and so now she doesn't know how to give
Love. > Once more Anna responded to his thoughts saying "Yes Young One,
I think that you have got it. We must finish this now for Setsuna's
sake. She needs to understand herself and she has not yet. Also there
are more things she must know and understand. Our journey isn't over
yet. Now we must go to the ballroom where this experience will climax."
Anna stated, and with a flash they were gone.
The ballroom was beautiful. It was made of white marble inlaid
with green jadeite. Large table were set up with food and there was an
orchestra playing in the corner of the room. The Queen and Rialla were
introduced first. Then the King and Carlyle appeared. Princess
Serenity was next. Everyone thought that was all of the introductions
for the evening. Boy, were they ever wrong.
Suddenly there was a burst of fanfare, and Setsuna was announced. Her
mother's and sister's face held classic shock, and then envy. Setsuna's
dress was strapless, showing off her lovely shoulders. The bodice was
low cut to show her cleavage. It had a long black skirt, with a green
sash at the waist. She had green ivy in her hair and green on her high
heels. She looked stunning. Carlyle was absolutely speechless. His
jaw dropped, his palms were sweaty, and he couldn't catch his breath.
He thought to himself< Oh Man! Wow! I was so right; she's beautiful,
And she's all mine. > Carlyle went to meet Setsuna at the bottom of the
staircase. He turned to the King who nodded with a smile. Carlyle
then led Setsuna out for the first dance of the evening. He also made
sure that she'd be able to dance with him all night by throwing away her
dance card. He smiled as he thought again< Now, I've taken care of all
the other men here tonight. Now she truly is mine. No one else will be
dancing with her tonight but me! > They continued moving through the
dance. "You know, you dance very well for someone that never learned
how." Carlyle commented casually. "Thanks." Setsuna replied shyly.
They danced every dance and even had supper together.
Midway through the ball, the King called everyone to a halt to make an
announcement. Speculation was rife as to what the announcement was.
All stared in disbelief as His Majesty announced his planned divorce
from Queen Renea and his removal of his oldest daughter as the heir of
the throne. He then installed Setsuna as the new heir. The looks on
Queen Renea and Rialla's faces were priceless. Their mouths were
agape and they couldn't speak a word. Their confusion and disbelief
rose even more when Anna appeared and commanded Setsuna to Henshin yo!
Setsuna did so shouting 'Pluto Planet Power" In a flash, Setsuna was
gone and A new Sailor Pluto had taken her place. At almost the same
time, Carlyle's tux began to change into the uniform he wore as Pluto
Knight. Both of them were quite shocked and upset at these changes.
They griped a bit, but what could they do?
As Setsuna and Carlyle turned from the throne and powered down,
Soon-to-be former Queen Renea and the now former heir Rialla tried to
get a quick word in private with Setsuna, but the King saw this and
interrupted forcefully.
"You will behave for the rest of this evening, Or the punishment
could be worse. Do you *BOTH* understand?" He asked, with the hint of
danger, present in his voice.
"Yes Your Majesty" they said and curtsied. As they moved off,
Renea muttered under her breath" This is *NOT* over. I'll get the wand
from that no-good freak and give it to it's rightful owner." She and
Rialla took their places on the dais for they knew they'd get rid of
Setsuna and sit there again or so they thought. They had no idea that
It'd be the last time they sat there. *EVER! *
Meanwhile, Carlyle and Setsuna had stopped dancing and walked
outside to look at the stars. "They're beautiful. Look you can see the
constellations from here. Aren't they amazing and lovely?" Setsuna
exclaimed with a smile on her lovely face. Looking at her, Carlyle was
again struck by her beauty, and not just the beauty of her face and
form, but the beauty of her soul.
As he looked into her lovely violet eyes, he whispered," No,
You're beautiful, my sweet Princess."
"Call me Setsuna" She said almost inaudibly as she looked into his
clear violet-blue eyes. Carlyle nervously asked "Will you swear an
Oath with me, my Setsuna?"
"Yes, Carlyle. I will. Why don't you go first?" she replied.
Carlyle started the oath with the words," Even though we're just
starting out. I know that this is meant to be. We'll be together for all
eternity. So swear I"
Setsuna took over with" I know this to be true. I can always
count on you. So swear I."
Together they finished the oath " This we swear by all that we hold
Holy. So swear we both."
They heard some strains of music coming from the ballroom.
Carlyle asked" My Princess, Shall we go inside?"
Setsuna replied "Yes, my gentle Knight. Let's" They moved back
inside the ballroom to the sweet strains of a song. As they entered
they ballroom, they began an intricate dance. The words of the ballad,
like a vow between two lost loves, touched both of their hearts, as they
sang to one another:
Well here we are again.
I guess it must be fate
We've tried it on our own
But deep inside we've known
We'd be back to set things straight
I still remember when
your kiss was so brand new
Every memory repeats
Every step I take retreats
Every journey always brings me back to you
After all the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
And after all that we've been through it all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be Forever you and me After all
They exchanged a brief smile with each other and continued:
When love is truly right
(This time, it's truly right)
It lives from year to year
It changes as it goes
And on the way it grows
But it never disappears
(Chorus)
After all the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
And after all that we've been through it all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be Forever you and me After all
(Bridge)
Always just beyond my touch
Though I needed you so much
After all, what else is living for?
As they sang the chorus, a final time, the crowd erupted with a loud cheer.
Meanwhile, on the dais, The King was watching his youngest daughter
with pride and satisfaction, thinking to himself<That poor lad, He's in
over his head.> He thought with small amount of satisfaction, and gave a
soft chuckle at the expression on the boy's face. Next to the King, the
Soon-to-be former queen and Rialla weren't as happy. They looked at the
happy couple with bitterness and anger. The King saw the look and
smiled. Setsuna and Carlyle kept dancing and enjoying themselves until it
was time for supper. Carlyle and Setsuna ate supper together and danced
every dance until the ball was over. Carlyle kissed her hand, and then
left to see the King and to get some air before bed. They parted with
Carlyle going to see the King and Setsuna going to her room. As they
parted, Rialla and Renea gave each other a look, and quickly departed
after the young couple.
***
Later, after the ball was over, the observing Trio
watched a very happy Setsuna walk to her room, for once, happily.
As Setsuna walked into her room, she felt that she could literally
float on air. First, her mother and sister had been denounced in front
of the whole court. Then, Father had made *her* the heir! Finally,
Carlyle had been made her protector officially! *Her* Knight of Pluto.
She smiled and a small blush rose to her cheeks. Sometimes, when her
mother had locked her into her room, she would just look out the window
to lose herself in the clouds, and then, her gaze would fall to the
courtyard where HE was practicing. She still did not understand the
feeling he evoked in her, but, she welcomed them nonetheless!
As she began to get ready for bed, her bedroom door was flung
open, and in strode a VERY ANGRY soon to be former Queen of Pluto.
"WHAT did you think you were doing, Setsuna? You stole your
sister's birthright AND her throne! How could you?" she demanded
At first, when the queen strode in, Setsuna became panicked, as
old feelings rushed to the surface. But, in mid rant, the Queen's words
began to stir a long dormant fire within the second princess of Pluto.
"How could I? Mother, you and Rialla have been shaming and
punishing me for things that are part of my destiny! The question is:
How could YOU? Those visions were all part of being the Sailor Scout of
Pluto! It was *MY* birthright to inherit this title. As for the crown,
*I* don't want it! However, since father has given it to me, I can
hardly resist!" She said with a smile. She was clearly enjoying herself.
"NEVER! Rialla was the firstborn. She should receive the power
of the throne AND the protector. Rialla should be the one to lead Pluto
into the next mansion of glory. My daughter and Pluto *DERSREVE* the
best!" Reena declared hotly.
"What of me, mother? AM I not deserving of any of this?" Setsuna
asked quietly.
"Certainly not! *YOU* are nothing but a contemptible misfit, who
I had the misfortune of bearing! Now, hand over the wand, so that it's
*TRUE* wielder can receive it's power!" Reena demanded, and extended her
hand.
"No." Setsuna said quietly.
"I SAID, HAND IT OVER! NOW!" Reena yelled, and she backhanded
Setsuna.
AS Setsuna was sent sprawling, the last bond of empathy she had
for her mother snapped! Reena was no longer her mother, or, even the
Queen of the planet she was sworn to protect. She was an *ENEMY*, and
there was only one way of dealing with an enemy. Setsuna reached into
subspace, and bid her mother a final, quiet farewell, as she removed the
wand.
"Good. Now, give me the wand, so that Rialla will receive it's
power. Do it quickly and I might let you have dinner tonight." she
ordered.
Setsuna rose to her feet, and extended the wand in her mother's
direction, only to use it, as the queen reached for the wand.
"PLUTO PLANET POWER!"
As the forces coalesced around Setsuna, the energy pinned the
startled queen against the wall. As the transformation finished, an
object appeared in Setsuna's hand. It was as tall as her, and shaped
like a giant key.
The Time Staff.
Setsuna glanced at it for a moment, and then pointed it directly
at the queen.
"Dead Scream" she whispered softly, and the blast shot out of
the staff, as she made the attack. Fortunately, for the queen, she leapt
out of the way, before the attack destroyed most of the wall where she
had been standing. Setsuna pointed the staff at the now cowering queen
on the floor
"You have always made fun of my predictions. You called me a
freak and a disappointment. You did things to punish me that I did not
deserve. I should just *KILL* you for all the misery you have put me
through, but, I see that you are too important to the weave to eliminate
at this time. IF I decided to in the near future, I could eliminate you
OR Rialla, and *no one" would ever know. However, for this day, that is
*NOT* your fate. Instead, like Rialla, you shall be driven from Pluto,
never to see home again. You will *never* again wear the finery of
nobles, and each planet you visit will shun you, until you end up on a
Backwater planet, that is too far away to have any impact on what we
will do here. You will serve as a nursemaid to Rialla's whining brats,
and you will die on that world, just as Rialla does, wearing servant's
rags"
With that last statement, Reena picks herself up, and bolts
through the door, her face a mask of terror.
Setsuna nodded to herself. *One problem down, several more to
go! * She thought. Her eyes suddenly went wide, as she felt a burst of
power.
"Carlyle" She whispered fearfully, and rushed from the room.
Meanwhile, Carlyle was very pleased with himself. Not only had he helped
his king change princess Setsuna's life for the better, the king had
declared in front of witnesses, that HE would become her Knight. He
wasn't sure at what point the princess had captured his heart, and he
really didn't care. She was a little young, but there would be time for
all things. He would finish training, and become a *True* knight, and
perhaps... he shook his head, and let hat thought trail off as he
reminded himself that to attempt to rise above yourself, only caused you
to be light-headed, and rash. That never accomplished anything!
Suddenly, he a noise to his side. He looked around, and found
his feet had led him to the royal gardens. The noise became more clear,
as he focused in on it! What he saw, shocked him beyond belief.
Leaning against a tree was Rialla, Setsuna's sister.
She was calling to him. Carlyle shook his head and walked over.
"What do you want, Rialla? You have already lost your claim on
the throne? What possible reason do you have for talking to me?" he
demanded.
"Come now," She purred "Surely you can understand this?" she
posed suggestively.
"Don't bother. The only thing *you* could get from me, outside
of Nausea, is a good laugh!" he snorted.
Her eyes went flint hard at that. "How *DARE* you speak to me
in that fashion! I may not be the heir, as is my right, but, I am
*STILL* a princess of the Royal house of Pluto. You will give me the
respect my position is due!" She demanded.
"HA! The only thing you *DESERVE* is a long vacation on a barren
moon, trying to hunt for your food. A serving woman deserves more
respect than you." He said.
Her hand lashed out and slapped him across the face at that
remark.
"You DARE insult Royalty? I shall have your head for this." She
screeched.
He looked at her, and began to laugh "What will you take my head
with? A nail file? Perhaps, a hairbrush? No, wait. I know! You'll take
it with your eyebrow pencil" He laughed again.
Again, her hand lashed out, but this time, Carlyle caught it. He
looked at her, his blue eyes cold. "Have a care, Rialla. Know that I do
not respond, only because you are my future Queen's sister and it would
cause her great displeasure were I to do anything to you!" He warned
her.
Then her eyes took on a crafty look, as she smiled at Carlyle.
"It is you who should have a care, Carlyle. Do you think that simply
because I no longer have a right to the throne, that I will not have an
influence in the court? I will be my sister's Royal Advisor. I will
advise sister to many misfortunes. I also have many supporters among the
Nobles. When the time is right, I shall resume my rightful place, and
lead Pluto on to greater glories. My first act will be to strip Setsuna
of her title, and then, in front of the populace, I shall have her
beheaded!" She said with a smirk.
Carlyle gasped at that statement "You can't be serious!" He
asked her, incredulously.
"I am *deadly* serious, and you will join her on the headsman's
block, *IF* you do not agree to come with me." She stated.
"But, she's your sister!" He said.
"That *FREAK* is not *MY* sister!" She said with a sniff of
disdain.
"Freak" he said softly. "Freak" he repeated again, the word was
spoken louder. "FREAK" A shout this time. "FREAK!" he yelled. "YOU
CALLED HER A *FREAK*" His voice was contorted with rage.
"Yes, I did, and I..." The words died in her throat. Carlyle's
hair had gone from a rich blonde, to an ashen white, and it was glowing.
His normally clear, blue eyes, had turned into angry violet discs of
energy. They were also glowing. In fact, Carlyle himself was glowing, as
the mystic energy coursed through his body, making him appear twice as
big as he normally was. Random bolts of energy split of from the mass
buildup, striking trees, rocks, and assorted material. Each bolt that
struck something instantly turned the offending item into charred ash.
Rialla had never been more scared in her life.
"You presume too much Rialla!" He said in a hollow voice "You are
assuming that I will let you *LIVE* that long. You have been waving
your presumed power around like your perfumed hair or a fancy gown. I
am now going to *FIX* that problem" He stated and the violet orbs
narrowed.
"DRAIN" He commanded, and her luxurious dark hair quickly lost
all of its luxurious color. The orbs narrowed again.
"CHANGE" He again called out, and her elegant party gown was
turned into a dirty, grime stained, scullery uniform, that was torn in a
myriad of places. The orbs narrowed a third time.
"You called your sister weird for having visions of the future.
She is *NOT* the only one, Rialla. Shall I tell you yours? You and the
sow that spawned you will be driven from here and every other civilized
planet. Hated and shunned, you will marry a drunken fop, who will
squander most of his possessions in tavern after tavern. The three of you
will eventually end up on a backwater mud ball, where survival will be a
daily concern. You will *DIE* in the rags you now wear, only after
giving birth to a monster, who will be as selfish and as despised as you.
You will *NEVER* know happiness again, and if you even
*THINK* of returning here in an attempt to usurp the throne from your
sister *I* will personally take you to the gate of time, and throw you
in, where you will spend an eternity in madness and pain! Now, leave and
never darken this planet with your presence again!" He thundered at her.
At the last pronouncement, she turned and ran screaming into the
night, hoping to avoid the fate he foretold.
As the last vestiges of mystical energy dissipated, Carlyle
slumped to the ground, breathing heavy. For a long time, he did not
move, save only for the rise and fall of his chest. When he finally
regained enough strength, he got up, and walked towards the king's
chamber's, knowing himself, that he had just cost his future queen the
support she would need in the time of crisis.
"Forgive me, Setsuna. I must now atone for my actions!" He
whispered quietly, and walked slowly back to the castle.
Carlyle watched as Rialla faded from sight. He knew that he *HAD* to
tell the King what had happened. So he slowly walked inside the castle
to the throne room where he found Setsuna telling her father all about
the confrontation with her mother and how her powers had surfaced. Upon
hearing this, Carlyle slowly approached the throne. Feeling his presence
Setsuna turned around to see his dejected and sad face.
"Why Carlyle, Whatever is the matter?" the King asked gently.
"Sire. I have done a great wrong. Rialla came to me outside to try and
get me to be *Her* Knight again. She said that she still had enough
influence in the court that she'd one day regain her position and behead
Setsuna. I got angry and my powers surfaced. I told her that she'd never
wear the clothes of Nobles again. I changed her dress into rags and her
hair color from black to white. I'm sorry Your Majesty." Carlyle
lamented. "Oh lad, I really hate having to do this to you both,
and after you've found each other too. However, have hope for
Anna did say that someday you two would be together. Here
is thy punishment Carlyle, Tomorrow, You will go to Hades to study with
Anselm, the old battle mage. He can teach you much that you should
know. " The King ordered. In a kinder tone, the King continued," Now,
You two. You have the rest of the night to spend together with one
Exception. My daughter had still better be untouched come morning."
The King commanded. "Now be off with you now." King Timelon said
gently. They both bowed, and quietly left the throne room, where the king
was still seated <Oh, my daughter. How my heart breaks for you! > He thought
to himself, as a small tear, quietly ran down his cheek.
Carlyle and Setsuna moved into the garden. They stopped, took each
other's hand then continued walking. They walked in the garden
looking at the stars and sharing their love for each other.
***********
Meanwhile, The group watching this, was also extremely moved by it.
For the first time, Carlyle made an attempt to try and close the distance
Between the two of them. Queitly, he slipped his arms around her, and held her.
She tensed briefly, but, relaxed into his embrace, as silent tears ran down
Her face. Anna smiled at this, and she thought to herself< It's about time!
Those two are *finally* starting to click. Isn't it wonderful! >
They all turned back to watch the young lovers spend their last moments
together.
The younger Setsuna and Carlyle had stopped under a tree. They
were kissing for the first time. Toward dawn, the young lovers parted.
"I must pack, my princess." Carlyle quietly stated his heart heavy with
sadness. "I wish that you didn't have to go!" Setsuna lamented.
"Know always that I love you" They said together.
They kissed once more and then parted.
As Carlyle left to pack, Setsuna quietly stared at the garden, her heart
breaking again! Lost as she was in her despair, she did not notice ANNA,
the guardian of time, slipping up behind her. While Setsuna's back was turned,
Anna quietly cast a spell on the young princess, who slumped to the ground.
"Forgive me, my young friend. But, I can not allow you to retain this memory.
You must forget all you ever knew about the young knight. Perhaps, in the future,
You may be re-united. But, for now, you must retain no knowledge of his existence"
She whispered to the unconscious princess. She then picked up the young
Princess, and carried her back to her bedroom.
Carlyle looked at Anna, his blue eyes beginning to shift. "Why did you do that
To her? I *Thought* you were her friend?" He stated She ignored his question
and asked "Are you ready to see the next experience, my children?"
They looked at each other and Carlyle answered for them both" Yes We
are." In a flash of light they were gone.
