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Silver Alliance	By : lynnwood84 Category: Sailor Moon > General Views: 8546 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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:: Chapter Two ::

The Council

~~*~~

�� This
is ridiculous!�

�They�re
far too presumptuous if they think we would even consider such a course
of action!�

�More
like completely insane!�

After
several more outbursts such as these, Queen Serenity finally got to her feet
and called for order, her voice sharp and commanding. The large round table
before her�filled with the royalty of the solar system�immediately hushed. The
Queen of Lunara let her piercing gaze slowly swing around the Silver Alliance,
her expression firm.

Queen
Psyche sat immediately to Serenity�s right. The incredibly beautiful blonde
Venusian was dressed in flowing, diaphanous peach-colored robes that left her
arms bare, save for the delicate gold jewelry that encased them. Her head and
neck decorated with the same, she cut quite an exotically attractive figure,
and it was boasted that you would be hard pressed to find a more physically
pleasing woman in the whole of the solar system. The Venusian Queen had never
taken a husband, though she had had many consorts throughout her life, one of
which had given her the woman�s equally attractive daughter, Mina. Deep golden eyes
met Serenity�s steely gray for a brief moment. The Lunaran Queen well knew that
the flighty stigma that frequently stained her people in no way reflected on
their crafty, often subtly cunning Matriarch.

Next
to Psyche was King Romulus and his lady wife, Queen Delphi of the desert
Kingdom of Mars. The sable-haired man sat tall and proudly in black and white
desert garb ornamented in red and gold. The Queen sat at his side draped from
head to toe in scarlet silk�proclaiming her Seer status�her face half-enshrouded
by gauzy material of the same color and several thin golden chains draped
around her brow with disks hanging from them. The only thing visible were her
violet eyes, which returned Serenity�s gaze with worry in their depths. Delphi
was gifted with the ability of foresight, as was her daughter Raye. They had
both seen the shadows of the future and warned that evil would befall them now
like a disease without swift action to prevent it.

King
Hector of Mercury sat next to them, absently adjusting the spectacles on his
thin nose and gazing at Serenity expectantly. Hector looked more of an engineer
than a King, complete with the oil smudge on the tip of his nose, the stained
coveralls that he wore and the workman�s goggles still slung absently around
his neck and apparently forgotten. His pale blonde hair was streaked in silver,
but there was nothing dulled in the sharpness of his ice-blue eyes. Hector�s
wife, Queen Ismene, had been dead for many years. She had died in rearing their
only daughter, Ami, and he had never taken another.

King
Theseus of Jupiter was next, the tall and brawny man dwarfing all others at the
table. His trappings were that of leather armor and any ornamentation was
sparse, only his long flowing tail of light brown hair and fierce black eyes.
The great giant crossed his arms now, expression brooding. It was said that one
of the few things that could ever force the foreboding man to soften his
expression was his tempestuous daughter, Lita.

The
next figure seated at the table forced Serenity�s hard expression to gentle
with sympathy. A tiny girl, no older than fourteen, sat quietly in one of the
two seats provided for the planet of Saturn. She was dressed in an ornate
violet silk robe that seemed far too austere for one so young, with a high neck
tooled in silver and several clasps of the same down the front of it. Soft
black hair fell on either side of her pale face, her head currently bowed now
and somewhat hiding her two amethyst eyes as well as the intricate silver
circlet around her brow. Little Hotaru, now the Queen and sole ruler of her
Kingdom, who had seen the death of her parents as well as her two older
brothers this past year along with over half of her people. Serenity�s heart
went out to her. Thus far the child had shown amazing poise and discipline, yet
the fact remained that she was still barely fourteen, now forced to shoulder
the responsibility of an entire planet on her own.

Next
to Hotaru sat King Oceanus and Queen Amphitrite of the aquatic Kingdom of
Neptune. Both were draped in intricate silk and leather trappings, which would
have been considered immodest to most. For their home, however, the less weight
to drag them down in the water, the better. They made up for the lack of cloth
with metal, pearl and coral jewelry and other adornments. The King had a head
of dark sapphire hair and equally unfathomable blue eyes, while his wife
sported brilliant aqua green tresses and blue eyes of her own. Their daughter
Michelle and their son Triton both took after their mother in looks.

Next
to the Neptunians sat Queen Rhea of the windy Kingdom of Uranus. She was
another that had never married, though for her female-dominated society that
was not uncommon. The tall, well-built and attractive woman�with ink-black and
dark blue eyes�had had many consorts in her life as well. Though unlike
Psyche�who had allowed herself only one child�Rhea had borne several offspring.
Only one of them was female, however, and would therefore succeed her to the
throne�her eldest child, Amara.

The
chairs of Pluto sat empty. The few Plutonians who had had time to flee before
their planet was nearly destroyed and occupied by the forces of the Negaverse
were all staying here on Lunara for the time being. Their prized princess,
Trista, still sat alone with the Time Gate�unable and unwilling to leave her
sworn duty.

Queen
Serenity sighed after she�d stared at each in turn, then shook her head slowly.

�I
realize that this goes against every moral edict and sacred law that we and our
ancestors have held dear for hundreds of centuries. However, much as it pains
me to have to say it . . . at this point, I really do not see any other choice
that we have left.�

�But
our daughters, Serenity?� Amphitrite murmured sadly.

�Surely
there must be another solution,� Hector insisted, absently adjusting the thin-frame
spectacles on his nose.

�And
not only that,� Theseus growled soon after. �Give them Princess Serenity and
four of our daughters and the bastards will hold majority over the entire
Silver Alliance!�

�I
say we wait them out, call their bluff,� Romulus demanded.

�They
surely cannot think that we would ever actually agree to such nonsense,�
Oceanus seconded.

�We
don�t have that kind of time,� Psyche argued dryly. �One more month unaided and
Saturn will be completely lost to the beasts, and then it will only be a matter
of time before they shift their attentions to the rest of us.�

�So
why not trade your only child to the Earthlings like a common whore,� Rhea
sneered bitterly, winning a dark scowl from the Venusian Queen. �It�s only her
dignity and her virtue at stake. But then, what is that to a Venusian,
really? They�d spread their legs for a dog on a whim.�

�At
least we don�t pretend to be something we�re not,� Psyche shot back venomously.
Rhea half rose from the table, hand reaching for the sword on her hip.

�Just
what is that supposed to mean?� Serenity finally intervened.

�Enough,
the both of you!� she snapped, and the other two Matriarchs grudgingly backed
down, though not without dirty looks in the others� direction.

�Psyche
is right,� Delphi murmured softly, then. �I have seen it. Without help, the
Alliance will surely fall.�

�Is
any price so high, to save a life?�

Everyone
else in the room suddenly turned to the young Hotaru, who had remained silent
up until now. Her head was raised at last, and her soulful violet eyes gazed at
each in turn, anguish etched into every square inch of them. Few could muster
the courage to hold that gaze for long, shamed. �Is any price so unreasonable,�
she continued, voice soft and warbling, �if it meant keeping the ones you love
safe and free from harm?�

�The
child is right,� Serenity affirmed after a moment of uncomfortable quiet. �Too
long have we clung to this self-righteous pride and arrogance. Coeus tried to
warn us before, and we would not see it then. Look at where that superiority
has led us; two kingdoms destroyed, a third fast on its way and our only hope
for survival resting in the hands of those who are the least inclined to give
it.� Serenity sat heavily in her chair, head shaking with resignation, her eyes
drifting up to the ceiling with defeat. �The boy said it best. This is the
price we have wrought for our actions past,� she murmured, tone tired. Then her
eyes came back to rest on the assembled and her expression was firm and in
command once more. �I now put it to a vote. All those in favor of granting
Earth admittance into the Alliance�and betrothal to our daughters�say yea.
Those not in favor say nay.�

Serenity
turned to Psyche first. �What say you, Kingdom of Venus?�

�Yea,�
she murmured after a slight moment of deliberation. Serenity nodded.

�What
say you, Kingdom of Mars?�

�Nay,�
Romulus spouted immediately. His wife quickly jabbed him in the ribs, and after
a fierce glare and a few words of their silent mind-speech, the flushing man
quickly changed his vote to a grudging, �yea.� Serenity nodded again, a slight
twitch to her lips that might have been a smile. Then she turned to Theseus.

�What
say you, Kingdom of Jupiter?�

�Nay,�
the large man rumbled, expression dark. �There has to be another way than
this.� Serenity sighed, but acknowledged his vote.

�What
say you, Kingdom of Mercury?�

�Nay,�
Hector murmured softly, not meeting her gaze. �I could never do that to my
Ami.�

�What
say you, Kingdom of Neptune?� Amphitrite and Oceanus conferred softly for a
moment, then the King straightened with a sour look.

�Nay.
I cannot condone this.� Serenity nodded again, then turned to a scowling Rhea.

�What
say you, Kingdom of Uranus?�

�Nay,�
she snapped, �as if you really had to ask.� Serenity gave her a reproachful
look in return, but then turned to Hotaru.

�What
say you, Kingdom of Saturn,� she questioned gently.

�Yea,�
she answered readily, though whisper soft. �If it means saving anyone else the
hell I have endured, no price is too steep.�

Serenity
sat back then and released yet another bone weary sigh. Yet again, it would
come down to her to decide.

�I,
on behalf of Lunara and that of the Silver Alliance vote . . . yea.� Rhea made
a noise of disgust, sitting back in her chair heavily. Oceanus only sighed
disapprovingly, with Amphitrite shaking her head, eyes tearing with sorrow. The
others kept to themselves as Serenity calmly continued. �Four votes against,
five votes in favor. Thus it has been decided. We will adjourn for now and
convene again in three days time. You will each bring with you your eldest
daughter to be chosen by the Earth Generals, their hands in marriage in
exchange for Earth�s support in the war against the Negaverse.� Rhea continued
to bluster and Serenity pinned her to the seat with a scathing look. �Failure
to comply with the ruling of this council will forfeit all claims to it�s
protection,� she reminded them all sternly.

At
that the meeting was closed. Everyone but Serenity and Hotaru immediately got
to their feet and slowly filed out of the huge chamber, to the transporter
where they would be sent back to their own homeworlds. Hotaru, who had been
staying on Lunara ever since her parents� deaths, got to her feet more slowly
and hesitated for a moment, then slowly exited as well.

Serenity
was left alone in the vast chamber then, the silence like a tangent think upon
her narrow shoulders, weighing her down. Guilt burned heavily in her gut. She
knew naught of this boy-king, Endymion. Only that he was a capable enough
leader, firm but fair, and an exceptional warrior. Still, it was not nearly
enough to allay her fears and doubts concerning what she had just decided. In
exchange for the safety of all, she had just traded away her only daughter�s
freedom. The Queen released a shaky sigh, leaning over and placing her face in
her hands, only now that she was alone allowing her hard mask to fall away. Her
two ponytails slipped around her, the silvery strands cascading down like a
cloak.

Princess
Serenity, her daughter, was all that the Queen had left of her beloved husband Phoebus.
She doted heavily upon the golden-haired child as a result, loved her more than
anything else in this universe . . . and yet her duty to the Alliance still
came first. She had just proven that irrevocably. Serenity now wondered
sorrowfully how she was ever going to live with that choice.

�My
Lady?� Serenity straightened and turned at the sound of someone�s voice, then
relaxed again upon seeing Luna standing there beside her. The Mauian changeling
had been her companion for nearly all her life. More than her subject, Luna had
become Serenity�s closest friend and confidant, the two even marrying on the
same day; Serenity to a Venusian prince named Phoebus and Luna to another
Mauian, Artemis. They had nearly given birth on the same day as well; Serenity
with her daughter of the same name, and then three days later Luna went into
labor and gave life to a little girl of her own, Diana. It wasn�t a hard
decision at all for the Queen to name Luna�s daughter as Princess Serenity�s
companion, and much like their mothers, the two had been inseparable ever
since.

�Oh
Luna,� Serenity murmured mournful now, �what in stars� name have I done?�

The
violet-haired Mauian sighed and sat beside her Queen, her deep yellow and soft
lavender robes swirling around her bare ankles and feet. She lifted a hand and
covered Serenity�s own. �That which had to be done,� Luna assured
firmly.

�But
Serenity�s freedom?� the Queen demanded, lifting her tired eyes to her
companion. �My daughter�s happiness? To trade her away to a complete stranger,
against her will no less . . . .�

�The
Princess will understand, in time, that sacrifices must sometimes be made for
the greater good,� Luna admonished gently, �just as you have proven here
today.� The Queen sighed at that and nodded, though her expression looked no
less haunted.

�I
pray that with time she might find it in her heart to forgive me for what I am
about to make her do because, stars know, she will not understand.�

�I
think the Princess understands far more than most give her credit for,� Luna
insisted cagily. �Give her a chance, Serenity. I think your daughter just might
surprise you.�

The
Queen paused for a moment more, then suddenly gained her feet. �Have the
preparations made, Luna,� she announced, her voice strong once more, her
expression again somber and devoid of emotion. The grieving mother had been set
aside and the Praetorian Queen was once again in command. She led the way out
of the council chamber, head held proudly and gait swift, full of purpose.
�Double the guard, spare all that you can from the front lines for the
Earthlings� arrival. I want no chances taken. There are bound to be fights
breaking out, and the fewer that come to bloodshed the better. Have a ball
arranged, to commemorate the occasion. Spare no expense.�

Serenity
continued to rattle off a list of things that needed to be done until the two
women came to the corridor that would lead to her daughter�s room. Luna took
the hint and bowed before turning around and going back the way she�d come, to
begin on her listed duties. The Queen hesitated a moment longer, building her
resolve, then finally swept down the corridor and then gently opened the single
door.

Laughter
met her ears, the sheer exuberance of it melting away a fraction of her tension
and causing the Queen to smile. Her child had that effect on many, it was said.

Princess
Serenity sat in the center of her huge four-poster bed, her golden hair
spilling loose about her slender frame, as it was currently being brushed out
by Diana. Her winter-blue eyes twinkled with mirth as she called something
playful to her companion before making a swipe at the frowning changeling with
a pillow.

Diana
tumbled right off the bed as a result, letting out a painful squawk. This sent
the Princess into hysterics, rolling around on the bed and holding her belly,
gasping for breath afterward. Indignant, the silver-haired Mauian shot to her
feet and gave her Princess a glare, her red eyes flashing. Her long gray,
cat-like tail twitched behind her with agitation.

�Ha,
ha,� she droned flatly. �Very funny, Serena. Se if I ever do you any
more favors.� She tossed the brush she�d been holding onto the dresser. �You
can very well brush your own rat�s nest from now on.�

�Rat�s
nest?!� the Princess squeaked inelegantly. �I�ll have you know that this,� she
grabbed a handful of the gold stuff for emphasis, �is the finest hair in the
solar system.�

�Finest
horse hair maybe,� Diana muttered, then barked with laughter and nimbly
sidestepped the pillow that a vengeful Serenity threw. The Queen gently cleared
her throat then, bringing both girls up short. Diana blanched and quickly bowed
her head, folding her hands in front of herself respectfully, while the
Princess beamed.

�Mother!�
she cried, bounding off the bed and hurrying toward her. �Is the council
finished already?� The Queen smiled.

�Yes,
Serena.� She paused for an uncomfortable moment, then lifted her gaze to the Mauian.
�Diana, would you please excuse us. I would like to speak with my daughter
alone for a moment.�

Confusion
and curiosity came upon both of them at that, but Diana obediently bowed again
and then quickly left the chamber, closing the door behind her.

�What
is it, mother?� the eighteen year old Serenity questioned, brow puckered.
�What�s wrong?�

�Come
and sit with me, Serena,� the Queen murmured, taking her smaller daughter by
the shoulder and gently urging the girl back to the bed. Serenity did as she was
asked, sitting in the center of the huge canopy bed again, watching her pensive
mother curiously as the older woman recovered the brush and then sat behind
her. The Queen began running the soft bristles through her daughter�s long
blonde tresses, stalling for time as she struggled to find a way to approach
the subject.

�I
have kept much of the horrors of the past two years from your eyes, Serena,�
she began slowly, �and I do think that it was for the best. You were too young
then, to understand. But you are a woman now,� she announced with a smile,
though it faded again as she continued with, �and it is time you know the
truth.�

�I
know that people are dying, mother,� Serenity suddenly whispered, voice soft
and sad. The Queen blinked, surprised, as her daughter continued. �I�ve talked
with Hotaru and some of the soldiers. Horrible things have happened to good
people, haven�t they.�

�Yes.
Yes they have,� the Queen agreed, silently marveling. Perhaps Luna was right.
�But we . . . you have a chance to prevent that same horrific fate from
befalling more good people.�

Serenity
turned to face her mother, blue eyes wide.

�I
do?! How?� The Queen hesitated again, hand tightening around the handle of the
brush. She took a fortifying breath.

�The
planet of Earth has been fighting this evil for much longer than we have, and
they seem to have discovered a way to fight it effectively where we have not. I
have petitioned them for aid, but they will not give it without a price paid.�
The younger Serenity scowled at that.

�Well
that�s kind of petty of them,� she declared angrily, incensed. �Why would they
put a price on saving innocent lives?� The Queen blanched.

�It
is rather complicated, child,� she hedged. �I shall just say that the King of
Earth has his reasons, however poor in timing. He is not completely unjustified
in his demands.� The Princess mulled over that for a moment, then raised her
eyes again and asked the question that Serenity was dreading.

�So
. . . what is this price that they ask? Gold? What does it have to do with me?�
The Queen bit her lip, then,

�In
return for troops and assistance, the King of Earth has demanded that I . . .
that I give him your hand in marriage.� The Princess gasped, eyes rounding with
shock. �As well as marry another planetary princess to each of his Warrior
Kings, there-by giving them the Silver Alliance and a majority of the vote.�

Serenity
could only stare in mute astonishment, overcome. The Queen�s guilt flared again
and she sighed heavily, setting the brush aside.

�I
know how awful this must seem to you, Serena. Believe me, if there were any
other way around this I would have taken it. However I . . . I cannot risk the
death of millions. And Lady Delphi has foreseen it, if we do not let the
Earthlings have their way. All of us are doomed to darkness if we do not concede.�

Serenity�s
blue eyes suddenly became glassy. �So you . . . you agreed to these terms,
then�� she warbled, and the Queen�s expression tightened with pain and with
resolve.

�I
did.�

Her
daughter let out the air she�d been holding inside out in a heavy rush. Then
the girl quickly began hyperventilating, staring around in dazed shock as the
tears that had gathered finally spilled loose down her cheeks. The Queen took
hold of her and held her rigid body close, her eyes squeezing shut against her
own tears.

�Oh
Serena, I am sorry! So sorry. I wish there was another way, but there isn�t! We
must have the aid of the Earthlings or all is lost! I know it is hard,
but sometimes a princess�a Queen�must put aside her personal desires for
the greater good.� Serenity�s breathing had quieted down by now, and the Queen
felt her heave a deep sigh at that. She gave her daughter a comforting squeeze.
�I know you are strong, my angel. Stronger even than I.� The Princess gave a
disbelieving snort to that, to which the Queen chuckled. �You may not see it
yet, but I do. I always have.�

After
another moment the Princess pulled away, wiping at her eyes, trying to hide the
tears that had fallen. She tried desperately�valiantly�to put on a brave face
now and the Queen�s heart squeezed with pain and pride at the sight.

�Well
then,� Serenity suddenly murmured, tone off-hand, �what is his name, this man I
am to marry?� The Queen forced a tight smile, ignoring the hurt in her own
heart.

�They
call him Endymion.�
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Silver Alliance