LEGEND OF THE AKITSUBATA & THE OBERISKU NO SHOUJO

By Loki 

3/09/2004 

(ac re-working of the original narrative-Akitsubata & the Crystal Flower)

Welcome to the amazing world of the Oberisku no Shoujo! Her secrets will reveal themselves over the course of 

the coming chapters. 

 

Long ago, an ancient

A beautiful Senshi-Goddess Queen led people to our region of space in search of a new home, her name was Sule 

and she had established the joint celestial dominion where she ruled upon the Earth whilst her sister Freya

reigned on the planet Orpheus . The ancient Celts worshiped her as a Sun Goddess,as some strands of our lost 

heritage survived and made their way into folklore. the star we now refer to presently as the sun was once 

known as Sule, named after its beautiful founder ... so when the lost Earth princess reveals herself as the 

Oberisku no Shoujo, everything changes and a new legacy is born.

I hope you'll find this grand epic exciting and entertaining.

In this edition I have merged the first four chapters as book I  with two chapters. The first chapter of book II 

onwards will feature Phantoma & Dr. Zero as integral to the central plot.

My special thanks go to Dejana, my BETA reader *huggles*: Joris Van Dingenen, for helping me with Japanese names. 

ck out her 'Sailor Moon Crystal Nexus' on

BOOK I CRYSTAL TABLEAU 

~*~

DISCLAIMER 

I do not own Sailor Moon, nor do I own Phantoma: as the original Sailor Moon characters & plots are the property of Naoko Takeuchi & all involved in the Sailor Moon experience. The same is true in respect to Phantoma & I am simply borrowing them. However, I have created my own plots and characters. These belong to Loki. Magenta Dawn Publications(c) 2004 

 

~*~

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART i 

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART II

BOOK II CELESTIAL CONFLAGRATION

GATES OF THE GALAXY

I AM SAILOR EPSILON 

ENDYMION'S POWER 

CELESTIAL PANTHERS AND THE PRINCESS AKI JOIN FORCES 

BOOK III ARC OF THE CRYSTAL GIRL 

MAU REVOLUTION - GENJI & THE MOON CAT RESISTANCE 

JANUS & THE TEMPORAL HELIX - LOVE OVER DARKNESS 

CONFLAGRATION - THE NIGHT THEY CAME 

AN UNEXPECTED ALLY - RETURN OF JADEITE

BOOK IV AKITSUBATA UNFOLDS  

SATURN & THE STAR RAVEN 

MOON GHOSTS AND THE JADE TRIDENT 

LOKI & THE ASGARDIA - ARAKNITOPA DEFEAT

STAR MAVERICK 

BOOK V AFFINITY WEFT 

RETURN TO MYOLA CITY 

DEMETER'S DREAM - THE NEW PRINCESS OF EARTH 

CORONATION-LOVE REIGNS SUPREME 

EPILOGUE 

~*~ 

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART I 

I wait in shadow as I wander through the void

I live amongst the shadows and cast my light 

By the wings of a golden bat I secure the dawn 

My journey is long as I perform my duty 

I emerge from my long sleep free of my torpor  

I observe, wait and carefully consider my next move 

I am Phantoma the warrior of justice who is guardian of the innocent and star lance of affinity moon the 

galactic sovereign  

I stand before the gates of time to fight by your sides oh mighty Senshi

 

Long before the Silver Millennium two beautiful worlds within our solar system were engaged in an intimate dance. The Earth and its sister world, Orpheus intersected one another's paths once each year as they circled around our sun, known back then as Sule. These spectacular spheres seemed to almost kiss

one another as they passed each other by. Orpheus, with its multi-coloured rings of lucidity, and its sister 

Earth, with its amazing blue countenance shining like a pearl across the void, was an awesome sight. Anyone

fortunate enough to behold these resplendent disks would be seduced by this pair of stellar

lovers flirting amongst the stars.

 

Many spacecraft moved back and forth between these luminous worlds. Thousands made the voyage from the various

kingdoms within the solar system, coming from as far away as Pluto to participate in system wide celebrations. 

The five impressive moons, set against banded shades of purple, pink, red and lavender clouds resembled jewels 

set across the vast circumference of Orpheus. This was the spectacular view one would encounter whilst looking 

through the panoramic view ports aboard a typical tourist-class space bus. Its sister world, the Earth, 

presented an equally impressive view.

The periodical alignment of these planets was considered a major cultural event celebrating love and romance. 

It was especially so for the young, as many couples celebrated it as a fertility rite, and especially auspicious,

as children born or conceived at this time were deemed sacred.

At this time Luna, a disk of silver destined to leave its orbit and become home to the house of Serenity 

twenty five thousand years in the future, was part of Orpheus's cluster of five beautiful moons. This year,

everything would be irrevocably altered.

In Orpheus's equatorial capital, Odina, celebrations were in full swing. The night possessed a special 

significance for the young princess Florianna. She was engaged to prince Aries of Mars, who was to join her 

on the balcony at midnight. She stepped out into the warm night air, taking in the sights and sounds of the 

celebrations in the city cradled within the valley below.

Florianna was nineteen years old and all of five feet five inches tall. Her petite hourglass figure was draped 

in luxuriant white silk robes. The silk floated above a pair of beautifully crafted crystal sandals, their 

sapphire-studded ankle straps throwing off brilliant blue prisms of light with each step she took. 

Florianna's oval face possessed a luminous glow. Her flawless alabaster skin accentuated her delicate features 

to perfection. Her abundance of wavy red hair cascaded over her shoulders, then flowed down her back and over 

her breasts to her waist. Florianna's stunning green eyes were like those of a cat, sparkling like jewels 

penetrating deep into the darkness.

 

Florianna took a long, deep breath as she looked into the night sky, which was festooned with fabulous fireworks

displays. She swept back the hair from her eyes, threw on a cloak and sighed contentedly.

 
In the next moment, she was brought back from her thoughts by a violent quake. Florianna was no stranger to 

earthquakes and thought it would pass quickly,but she soon realised it was far more significant and destructive 

than any she would ever know. Florianna knew this was no natural occurrence, but was still

terrified as a cold sensation swept through her entire body.

 
Suddenly, screams broke out everywhere. The skies filled with a mysterious web of darkness. The warm breezes 

flew into a rage, and the beautiful shimmering Earth swam in and out of phase, horribly distorted by atmospheric

turbulence. Her last thoughts before she lost consciousness concerned her fiancé.

 
The prince, with his young sister Rhiannon, ran up the long winding flights of steps leading to Florianna's 

bedchamber. He noticed her prostrate body sprawled upon the ground, checked her pulse, and carefully carried 

her inside to place her upon the luxuriant bed. Rhiannon was eight years old, and her long blonde hair shone

in the eerie light as she handed a wet towel to her older brother. The crescent moon symbol upon Florianna's 

brow began to glow, and they knew she would be okay...but what of their world?

 

It had begun. The two worlds were thrust toward one another, almost colliding. The entire planetary system was 

thrown into chaos as the sequence of destruction unfolded. Orpheus had been flung free of its orbit. The 

confusion descending upon Earth and Orpheus was unprecedented. In the days and weeks that followed, reports 

began to come in from planetary Senshi stations on Mars, Venus and Mercury. Security satellite networks were 

abuzz with a tapestry of frightening data streams spreading the news system wide, and subsequent intelligence 

revealed the identities of those responsible for the cataclysm.

 

It was the Araknitopa Alliance that was behind this disaster of apocalyptic proportions. The diabolical 

collective wished to break up the celestial Senshi by cutting off its central capital. When the tempest had 

subsided and time moved forward, their dark curse began to spread insidiously throughout the entire Sulean 

star system. This dark curse slowly encroached upon all the kingdoms in the solar system, isolating the 

planetary dominions from the galaxy.

After the fall of Queen Serenity, the results of the isolation of the planetary kingdoms from one another would 

be clear, and the Araknitopa's plans for dominance amongst the stars complete. Orpheus spent thousands of years 

aloft as a rogue planet, eventually finding a new home around a yellow star much like its former home. 

Orpheusean scientists created an atmospheric shield to prevent its atmosphere from being drawn into the vacuum 

of space.

Ruled by the house of Freya, one of nine royal houses located on Orpheus itself and its beautiful moons, 

Orpheus enjoyed a wonderful period of prosperity. However, the ninth house, Luna, had strayed into Earth's orbit,

thereby establishing the foundation stone upon which the House of Serenity would grow.

 

The Silver Millennium began to blossom. Its capital, Serenity City, was truly beautiful. So, too, were the other

magnificent Moon cities, with their crystal structures and enclosed causeways forming a lattice of glittering 

jewels when viewed from space. The Moon Kingdom's capital was vast and breathtaking.

 

Princess Serenity's mother soon found herself fighting many battles as she led the armies of the Moon Kingdom. 

Her Senshi, who courageously took on all comers, had defeated the forces of darkness many times. This continued 

until the arrival of Queen Beryl and her generals, who had been taken from Endymion by her dark power. When 

Beryl launched her deadly assault, the battle was soon lost. Queen Serenity sacrificed her life by using the 

Silver Crystal to send her court to the future, while everybody else took their chances in battle or assisted 

the evacuation effort.

Ages later Queen Freya, Orpheus's much-loved ruler, would learn of the awakening of the Akitsubata crystal 

array containing the lost Oberisku no Shoujo. This would prompt her to send her daughter, the princess Magenta

Dawn, to seek their lost sister world and join Sailor Moon and the Sulean Senshi on an exciting quest to break

the curse of the Araknitopa and punish them for their crimes. The guardian of time, Sailor Pluto, had 

unwittingly reconnected the broken links between our solar system and our distant cousins of Orpheus, and this

had set the stage for what was to come.

 
***

 
The hustle and bustle of Hong Kong on an unusually hot spring day seemed to melt the beautiful young scientist, 

who stretched her long, shapely legs as she lay back in the soft black leather chair of her computer 

workstation. She stretched like a cat with eyes closed as tension left her body. She let out a long sigh, then 

sat upright.

 

Smiling to herself, the scientist reached for a fresh cup of percolated coffee. She had almost completed her 

experiment, having spent hours working on the possibility of using zero-point energy pulses to open view ports 

into the deeper recesses of the Milky Way galaxy. Hotaru Tomoe had followed her father's example by choosing a

career in science, specialising in post-quantum physics at Tokyo University. Hotaru had completed her PHD in 

Astrophysics at the prestigious Hong Kong Science Academy. This was significant, as this institution was well 

known and respected globally.

 

Her father, Dr. Souichi Tomoe, supported her both financially and emotionally. Both father and daughter shared a

mutual love and admiration for one another.

Hotaru's father had won a Nobel Prize in 2000 for finding the sub-atomic relationships in genetics. He would 

soon have another reason to be proud of his brilliant daughter, as she was to be nominated for this year's

Nobel prize in the field of frontier science. Using her research, Souichi was close to finding the universal

codex of all organic function that lay at the heart of life's most awesome and challenging mysteries. He hoped 

his research would lead to cures for deadly conditions such as cancer and HIV, as well as other 'Hot Viruses,' 

as they were known in the field.

This was Hotaru's day, and now all her efforts were about to bear fruit. Hotaru had worked tirelessly over the 

last year to crack the great mystery underpinning the fabric of space, time, and whatever else awaited beyond. 

Hotaru wanted to dance amongst the stars; she longed to travel to magnificent worlds she could only visit in 

dreams. This was her secret wish, and she wanted it with a fierce intensity. Today her wish would begin to

manifest. Ever since she was a child, she had had vague memories ("were they dreams?" she asked herself),

feeling the sensation of being all-powerful and beautiful. She believed she commanded great power and 

responsibility, and felt an affinity with the planet Saturn.

 

Sighing, she thought, *Those were only fleeting fantasies, weren't they?* No matter; the dreams were enough to 

inspire her quest for the stars.

 

Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Hotaru smiled, recognising familiar 

footsteps approaching her workstation. Brushing a loose strand of hair out of her eyes, she turned toward her 

father as he kissed her cheek and sat next to her. Then, as if on cue, the twin pulsars came into view. Hotaru 

smiled with satisfaction as the image solidified on the screen.

 

To her surprise, she noticed an anomalous crystalline structure orbiting a small Earth-sized world. This awesome

sight almost eclipsed the stunning moons encircling the colourful sphere as it revolved around the system's 

yellow star. The golden star belonged to a trinary stellar cluster. Hotaru named it 'The Amaterasu Disk,' after

the Japanese sun goddess. She named the planet 'Orpheus.' She did not even have to think about the name; it 

slipped into her mind as if it had already named itself. She mused over what kind of people might live upon 

this strange and beautiful world, with its rich tones of red,indigo and pink. Its four majestic moons were

equally impressive.

 

She plotted its distance from her own solar system, gathering the data on a memory pod computer. This PC was the

new Microsoft Nexus, reputedly the most advanced and the smallest AI desktop computer ever constructed. Hotaru 

sighed as her father whistled. "Sweet Pea, you have it. It's remarkable! You've found the first life-sustaining 

world outside our solar system, and that crystalline craft is the icing on the cake!"

 

They studied the specs closely as they began to flash across the screen. The schematics were configured and fed

into a 3D simulator, and a holographic representation of the new life-bearing world as it revolved around its 

star appeared in the centre of the lab. These images hovered a metre off the floor, and Hotaru felt something

wonderful begin to overwhelm her as they watched the mysterious crystal object spinning about the beautiful

planet. Hotaru hit the intercom,asking Tokako to contact the Hong Kong Daily Chronicle. She then turned to her 

father, and like a child she jumped up and down and flung her arms about his neck, and squealing with excitement.

"Daddy, what an awesome discovery this is!"

 

"Honey, you're going to set the world ablaze. You've made it. I am so proud, and I love you very much," he 

replied smiling.

 

A tear nudged itself free from Hotaru's violet eyes and trickled in a line down her cheek. Her father caught it 

upon the tip of his finger, and touched it to his lips.

 

"Hey Sweet Pea, lets do lunch." She nodded, they finished their work, locked down the lab, and headed for the 

lift.

 
^^^

I stood above the city and could not see the familiar landscape I had known so well. I had transformed into 

Sailor Moon. The first thing I noticed was the spectacular view below; it really spun me out. I turned to my 

left and right, and wondered how I had ended up on top of this majorly scary mountain peak.

I had no supplies, and none of my friends were there to help me. I was alone.

 

It was then that I noticed a swirling haze before me, expanding with every passing moment. Suddenly, I blinked

and my eyes took on the shape of saucers.

I was dumbstruck, observing my ghostly reflection hovering in this majorly weird mist. Suddenly, the freaky

mist vanished and a warp or something replaced it. Before I could blink a second time, a cream-coloured, 

longhaired cat leapt from the portal and sat in front of me, washing itself. I shook my head.

*What a cute fuzz ball, on top of a freezing mountaintop, of all places!*

Then I spoke aloud. "Hey, that's majorly weird!"

The strange moon cat regarded me, and finally spoke. "You are Neo Queen Serenity." The pretty golden eyes 

flashed. His voice shook me momentarily and I forgot where I was.

 
"Yeah," I replied, observing the familiar crescent moon flashing upon his forehead. He nodded.

 

"Usagi - can I address you that way?" he asked, in a humorous manner.

 

"Of course; are you by any chance familiar with two other moon cats named Artemis and Luna?"

 

He paused before answering, and I giggled as this stunning cat sneezed when a few snowflakes perched themselves 

precariously upon the bridge of his nose.

 

"What is it you find so amusing, Miss Moon? Now, where was I? Oh! Yeah! Yes, I know them! They are family, but

they lost touch with the Mau collective a long time ago." I shivered, and urged him to continue.

 

"We are scattered throughout the galaxy, its a long and interesting story."

 


I shuddered, both from the cold and the vision that began to blur as the cat's words faded and I awoke with my 

bedroom window wide open. I started as Luna gasped.

 

"Loki, you say you're from Mau!" Luna exclaimed. "I remember now...yes, and there are others!"

 

The cream-coloured cat was sitting on the windowsill, looking regal and smug. Luna's eyes blazed with curiosity 

as she listened to the new moon cat.

 

"I'm guilty as charged," Loki replied. "I have a message for you all... By the way, Usagi, you have awesome

dreams!"

I sat bolt upright, and smiled in astonishment. Not only did he freak me out by showing up in my dreams, but he

was real, and not just a moon dream.

 

"I am going to be working with you guys for a while. I have been sent by Sailor Pluto, or Setsuna, as she is

 better known by her friends on Earth." Luna jumped onto the window ledge, purring as Loki continued. "I believe

 you and the Earth Senshi know her well."

 

Suddenly, a flash of lemon light preceded Pluto's arrival. She stood before us holding her time staff. By her 

side sat another moon cat, who winked at Loki as she introduced herself. "I am Morgana, attendant to Queen

Freya of Orpheus. I will answer all questions in time. For now, we have plenty of other news to share with 

you." Morgana began to softly purr as Pluto continued.

"Loki, you are more mischievous than I. I must apologise, Usagi, for our intrusion into your beauty 

sleep...that goes for you too, Luna." Setsuna laughed as Luna meowed in a bemused fashion.

 

"Well, I must say, Loki, you have outdone Artemis' 'central control' stunt, and I'm sure you two have a lot in 

common," Luna said, laughing. Pluto and the new moon cats sat upon my bed, and we talked for a while before 

organising the foldout sofa for Setsuna. She detransformed, borrowed one of my nighties and slept on the sofa 

with Loki curled up against her stomach.

 

The next day Setsuna rose early and took the first shower. She opened her satchel and put on a short green dress,

lemon stockings, and tan leather sandals. After my own shower I put on a pink skirt and a white top and chose a 

matching pink vest. Setsuna led the way downstairs, with her pack over one shoulder.

Mom was surprised and happy to see her. She prepared an extra place at the table. Mom ignored Loki and Morgana 

as they shared a large can of tuna and saucer of fresh cream.

 

"Setsuna, its been a long time since you've visited us. I am so glad to see you again. What are you doing these 

days?" Mom asked whilst serving breakfast, which consisted of cereal, fresh strawberries on a platter with 

yoghurt, a stack of buttered toast and orange juice.
 

Setsuna smiled as she replied. "I'm enrolling at the university with Usagi and the others, and I'm really looking

forward to it."

 

"Good for you! I hope you all enjoy campus life, as it is a special time in your lives. I remember my days, 

studying, dating, and... Ah, memories!"

 

We laughed, and after finishing breakfast we said our goodbyes. Dad gulped down a cup of coffee while munching 

upon a fruit muffin. Like a showman he struggled with his suit jacket, simultaneously eating and drinking 

whilst getting into his car. He saluted us with a half-eaten muffin in hand and delivered a gargled

"Have a good day, girls." We laughed and waved. Then off we went.

I had contacted the others on my communicator, and we met around the bus stop. As Setsuna and I moved quickly 

along the sidewalk, my beloved Mamoru caught up with me and took my hand. We stopped for a moment while the cats,

including the new arrivals, joined us. Mamoru greeted Setsuna enthusiastically, just as surprised to have her 

with us again as we had been. He kissed my forehead and playfully tugged my meatball plaits. We had soon reached

the bus stop, where the others were waiting. Mamoru turned to face me and kissed my open lips as I was halfway 

through saying something. I soon forgot what it was, grinning after that majorly dreamy kiss. I blushed a 

little; the other girls were giggling at us. He tenderly lifted my chin and looked deep into my eyes.

 

"I love you so much, Meatball Head." We smiled at one another while Rei groaned in her customary fashion. Then 

we slipped our arms about one another and jumped on the waiting bus. I had not called Mamoru yesterday, as he

had worked a late shift and needed his sleep. We took our seats quickly and kissed once more. Mamoru slipped his

strong arm around my waist, and I placed my head on his shoulder. I felt so safe and secure, and yes, very much

loved.

 

It was orientation day, and formalities gave way to a long and languid sun-splashed afternoon. We all agreed to

meet later in Setsuna's room. Mamoru and I decided to set off early, taking a long stroll through the

resplendent campus gardens with their array of aromatic flowering plants. It seemed this botanical

display was arranged especially for the two of us. I turned and slid my arms about Mamoru's neck and he lifted 

me off my feet, as he always did. I giggled as he once again kissed me in that awesome dreamy way of his.

 


Fortunately, the girls and I all had rooms on the same floor. Setsuna and Loki were set up well; the decor in 

the room was so cool, and I wondered how she managed to get a room painted in the lemon-green colours she loved.

After juicing a heap of fresh fruit, we sat on cushions and beanbags scattered around the exotic room, admiring

 the work she had done with it in such a short time.

I made a funny face at Rei to get a rise out of her. I loved her teasing. There was a time when I had hated it,

but now it was as natural as having breakfast! We were all so happy to have Setsuna back with us again, so we 

all praised her decorating skills and chatted amongst ourselves for a time. Setsuna lifted the Garnet Orb,

grinning, as this tool was mostly responsible for the rapid apartment makeover. It was good to see Setsuna so 

happy and light-hearted. She was usually so 'seriousso!' We knew something had changed in her, and we all 

speculated later about what might have brought about the remarkable transformation.

Minako had come closest (and she would!). She believed Setsuna looked as if she were in love.

 


"No way!" I exclaimed at the time, but I would have to admit, much later, that she had been on the ball about 

this. After all, she was the Senshi of Venus and mistress of the power of love! We would eventually find out

 the hot buzz, but for the moment it was keeping us guessing. My attention returned to Setsuna's

clever use of the Orb as interior decorator.

 

"I thought it was too good to be the true Setsuna's work!" I said. We were laughing still as I spoke.

 

"Well, a little Senshi magic at short notice is acceptable here, don't you think?" she replied. We all continued

to laugh as she passed around a plate of munchies, of which I took my usual fistful. For this I got a frown 

from Rei, who had trouble keeping a straight face after I blew her a long raspberry.

 

The decor was truly remarkable, with indoor plants, cool posters featuring popular bands and cool new age

paintings. These all contributed to the amazing atmosphere. While we drank our juice, Setsuna hit a key on her 

laptop. Instantly, the most incredible sight appeared on the screen. It was a Sailor Senshi, but nobody we'd 

ever met. She possessed an abundance of blonde hair swimming about her hips, and wore a short bubblegum-pink 

dress with a gold sash about her waist. I loved the gorgeous quartz crystal high-heeled sandals on her feet. 

In her hands, a glowing crystal wand shone with a soft light.

 

"She is Princess Magenta-Dawn, the princess of Orpheus. It's a world light-years from Earth, and is where

 Morgana and Loki come from." Setsuna had certainly surprised us all.

 

Makoto coughed. "What, huh? I mean, who? And where?" Setsuna raised her bronzed hands to quiet us, and we 

listened to her story.

 

"I must tell you, this woman is a Senshi from outside our solar system. She is the princess of Orpheus and 

connected to the celestial Senshi, the defenders of our Milky Way galaxy." This was so amazing that we sat like

statues as she went on. "You have proven yourselves worthy, and more than able to join the

greater battle now being fought throughout the stars."

Rei nodded, then spoke. "I saw her image appear within the flame of prophecy a month back! I thought it was

Usagi at first... So, she is a Senshi princess! Looks like you're not the only monarch among the stars,

Serenity!" I growled, sparring playfully with Rei as always. Setsuna raised her hands for silence

and the hint of a smile left her face, changing the mood back to its serious tone.

 

"There is so much to tell, and you need to know it all! So, brace yourselves, as it's pretty intense!"

 

Ami crossed her long legs and sipped the orange juice thoughtfully. "Are we talking about a war, Setsuna? I get

the feeling that we have only cut our teeth on the enemies we've encountered so far!"

Setsuna nodded, then my darling Mamoru spoke. "So, I guess we are going to learn more about Magenta-Dawn? 

I get the feeling that she is already on Earth." Setsuna smiled knowingly, then extended her hand. In her palm

lay a most beautiful crystal flower. It was fashioned from lignite, and its deep obsidian depths sparkled with

an unearthly light. It was so pretty, and yet majorly weird. Suddenly, the stone resonated with a melodic female

voice.

 
"Hi, guys, I am Magenta Dawn. I will be with you within the hour! You've seen my Senshi form. I will explain 

everything when I arrive at the arcade. I will look like a university student. I am looking forward to meeting 

you all, so stay cool until then." Magenta Dawn's voice was liquid silk, strange and yet compelling. She sounded

like a moon princess, all right, and yet she was obviously different from anyone we had ever encountered. I sat 

still, and for a minute or two nobody spoke. We sat there stunned and awestruck until Minako began to stroke 

Artemis and shake her head.

"Wow, I have the feeling that life is about to become a lot more interesting." She smiled at Artemis and Loki.

 
"You don't know the half of it," Loki said as his golden eyes lit up.

 
I thought about the stars, and imagined looking down from space at our blue pearl, and the magnificent moon that 

I loved so well. I felt a new sense of adventure fill my heart as Mamoru gently squeezed my hand.

 
~*~

 
We begin this chapter in geo-synchronous orbit above Tokyo, just after the defeat of Mistress Nine, a new and 

unpredictable enemy has ambitious plans to redeem the former Sovereign of Silence, transform her into a hybrid,

and cease Pluto's time wand, using it to seek revenge against a common enemy also threatening the Senshi & the 

entire galaxy. He alters the past & re-directs the future with interesting consequences ... so enjoy & please 

vote & review!

*winks*

Loki 

*^*^*

 Chapter 2

PLUTO IN LOVE

 
*Four years prior to Sailor Moon and the Senshi's meeting with Magenta Dawn.*

 
********

 
Whilst Sailor Moon and the Senshi were battling Dr. Tomoe and his daimons, General Janus watched the events 

unfold from his orbital platform in geo-synchronous orbit above the Earth over Tokyo. He was surprised and 

delighted when Saturn destroyed Pharaoh 90. General Janus drew Mistress Nine's 'Affinity Essence' through a 

luminous portal, his magnificent crystal sceptre pulsating with violet light.

 

He hated the alliance with every fibre of his existence, and finally his plans were coming to fruition. *I do 

not need you, Pharaoh 90, for you are a plaything of the Araknitopa alliance. You would deny me the opportunity

to take my place as ruler of this galaxy, and this I cannot allow!* His interest peaked, and a new idea formed

in his mind whilst Sailor Moon rescued Saturn and returned her to infancy.
 

"No, Sailor Moon! ... I'm afraid your efforts will appear futile, and little Hotaru and dear daddy are going 

for a temporal stroll!" so saying, he had isolated baby Hotaru and her father whom had instantly vanished. 

Janus had altered events in such a way as to take baby Hotaru and her father and send them both eighteen years

into the past. Janus waved the sceptre and a golden light issued from the portal, illuminating its crystal tip.

He crossed the chamber quickly and stood before a fragile feminine figure, whom appeared to be sleeping 

peacefully. Janus directed the sceptre to release its power, and a magnificent mother-of-pearl energy enveloped

the beautiful body of the sleeping girl. She wore a short black shift, and her abundance of thick raven black 

hair poured over her breasts and spilled over the edge of the white enamel table upon which she lay. Janus 

quickly punched a series of keys on a console, reciting a series of incantations. Then a brilliant burst of 

light containing Mistress Nine's 'Affinity Essence' was released into the prostrate girl. It was his intention 

to transform the power of the deadly sovereign, turning it to his advantage. The girl was central to this

purpose. 

Janus raised the sceptre, directing its violet light towards the double-arched portal, striking the swirling 

aperture before him. In an instant he had completed his rearrangement of the past, with surgical precision. 

Janus set the temporal coordinates just after Sailor Moon's showdown with Neptune and Uranus. The Moon Princess

and her Senshi would be living a reconstituted past, with the result of Mistress 9 being saved nanoseconds before she would have been dusted.

 

Mistress Nine's essence had been infused into the body of his lost beloved, Amidarainia. She was gone; only her 

memories and persona remained. Janus had loved her since childhood, and since the day she left her body he had 

never been the same. This had occurred five years ago during an assault on his home world, which was located in

the Rubicon Star Delta, approximately one hundred and eleven light years from Earth. His hatred of the 

Araknitopa Alliance, singularly kindled by this tragic loss, made him more of a threat to their plans for

domination of the Milky Way than the Celestial Senshi - as Janus himself was once the Celestial Senshi's most 

powerful warrior mage. He had sworn to avenge her death.

 

Suddenly, he clenched his fists tightly as familiar feelings of anger and grief raged within his darkened heart.

The people of his world had been ill equipped to resist the awesome power of darkness that almost destroyed 

their once-thriving civilisation, and were now a conquered people. Janus shivered, and a tear fell upon the

soft cheek of his beloved's face. He kissed her gently, then returned to the task of completing the merging. 

Janus could not hold back the images flooding into his mind of the day he visited the celestial temple where 

his beloved lay in stasis. Despite all his skill as a warrior mage, there was nothing he could do for her. The 

high priestess of Chronos, and the other temple priestesses he had grown up with, spent many moon cycles trying 

all the magic they knew and still could not revive her. 

He was inconsolable. Polliatia, Amidarainia's sister, had held the sobbing young man in her arms and gently

rocked him, explaining that her sister would be moving into a new blossoming and life would be hers afresh. She 

slept in his guest room, looking after him for the eight days of grieving. Although the ceremony of 'Season's

Mist' was beautiful, he could not sacrifice her body to the flames of Odina, and kept her in a crystal crypt 

while he searched for a way to somehow bring her back.

Janus was extremely bitter, feeling that she had abandoned him. It was because he felt this way that he turned 

against the Celestial Senshi. He unfairly blamed them for her death, and although intellectually he understood 

her loss was beyond their control, he felt he had to lay the blame on somebody and they were as good as any he 

could think of. He became a mercenary, leaving Chronos through the temporal gate and paying for his passage on 

a star freighter commanded by his loyal sisters, Janilia and Korila. The girls were highly skilled young 

Senshi, and were keen to hit the Araknitopa back. They did regret leaving their home world to live on Myolia, 

an ancient world far enough outside the war zone for them to be together as a family for at least a short time.

Their parents had been killed, along with many of their friends and neighbours in their home city of Madoria, 

where they had once all been happy and secure...but that had all changed. Janus shook away the tears and fixed

his attention on the task at hand.

 

Janus and his sisters had recruited a task force to isolate and capture an Araknitopa orbital attack platform. 

He had managed to convince the occupants to join the winning side quite easily. Those of low rank had been 

treated badly by their overseers in the Alliance, and those of high rank saw an opportunity to gain prestige 

under a powerful warrior mage who was well-respected and feared by the central ruling council of the Araknitopa 

Alliance, 'The Orb of Yaksharia.' So, after the crew had surrendered, the 2,000 strong compliment of Shadow 

Warriors, technicians and other personnel had aligned themselves with Janus, supporting his cause.

 

Janus knew Mistress Nine would never replace his beloved, but the former sovereign possessed an inexplicable 

allure and magnetism that had captured his wounded heart. His obsession consumed him completely, leading to

this bold attempt to bring back something of the happiness he knew with Amidarainia. He also realised that at

the same time, he would have a powerful and beautiful queen to rule by his side. 

Suddenly, a translucent amethyst cocoon encased Amidarainia. This beautiful crystal shell remained for eight 

hours, then it spontaneously shattered. The woman's rich green eyes flickered open, looking left and right, 

taking in her unfamiliar surroundings. In an instant, she remembered the last moments of her former life. 

She sat bolt upright, gripping the sides of the table until her knuckles turned white. She was amazed at the 

thousands of colourful fragrant blooms set about the massive chamber, leaving her awestruck by their fragrant

beauty.

 

"What is the meaning of this, and who are you?" she asked, seeing Janus. She tried to use her long hair as a 

weapon, and soon realized it could no longer serve this purpose. "What have you done to me?"

 
Janus regarded her thoughtfully, then spoke.

 
"My name is Janus; I am the true lord of time, and rightful keeper of the sceptre of Chronos." He began to laugh.

The wide-eyed girl swung her bare legs off the table, and she jumped to her feet. The cold stone sent shivers 

through her bare feet, quickly ascending her legs and freezing her entire body so she stood trembling before him.

For the first time in her existence she felt vulnerable, and was not accustomed to this. She felt fear and

confusion give way to anger, and she rose to her full height to confront the arrogant and - she thought, 

despite herself, extremely handsome - stranger before her.

"Did you help the Senshi destroy my master? Or...is it that you have your own reasons for this and private

agenda?"

 

The tall, good-looking man did not reply right away. He quietly observed her, as if she were a precious

artefact of some sort. Mistress Nine smiled, and a curious sense of freedom she had not expected began to 

overwhelm her.

 

"Do not think I am not aware of your sense of liberation," he finally said. "I could have let you dissolve into

nothingness and take your chances again as a child of Sule...but then, you would not discover the glorious

power and appeal of what I have to offer."

 
Mistress Nine's expression was one of alarm and confusion, as she did not understand Janus's motives nor his 

metaphysical jargon.

Suddenly, he transformed into a pulsating purple blob, surrounded by a violet light. Then like lightning, the

blob slid onto the floor, then quickly over her feet, sliding up her long shapely bare legs. In seconds it 

slipped under her silk shift. She screamed with terror, feeling a powerful and exhilarating surge move inside 

and over her entire body. She basked in this experience in spite of herself, realising that she wanted this to

go on forever. Janus then withdrew and immediately reassumed his true form. Standing there with her eyes as 

wide as saucers, she stared at him in disbelief and began sobbing like a child. The frightened and vulnerable 

girl knew with absolute certainty her powers were gone. She was reduced to a defenceless young woman, not 

understanding

any of this, and chose silence, not knowing what else to do or say to this powerful being who held her destiny 

in his hands.

 

"Behold! You now possess a beautiful physical form...thanks to my beloved Amidarainia."

She once more felt unfamiliar emotions overwhelm her, as an innocent girl's eyes looked back at her from the

flawless crystal mirror's surface. She knew the mirror didn't lie. *It is true,* she thought, *I am flesh and

blood and it belongs to me!* This was a new beginning; she felt both elated and scared at the same time. The

strong persona of Amydarainia melted into her being and she welcomed it, as it felt so right. It occurred to

her that she was warming to this man and couldn't explain it. She loved the way he moved and the way his

beautiful long violet cloak whirled about his tall body. She admired his short indigo hair and handsome

features set off by brilliant violet-blue eyes. She loved the way he constantly brushed aside the long fringe 

that refused to stay out of those deep and intense eyes and his magnificent physique made her give away a smile.

She then noticed his strong hands and the beautiful violet stones set into a crescent moon on the ring upon his 

left hand. Finally, his rich baritone voice sent shivers of pleasure throughout her entire body every time he 

spoke. She was not used to this, and as he moved her heart skipped a beat. She looked at him with radiant green

eyes, experiencing the first tides of unfamiliar memory and emotion washing over her. Then tears of frustration 

began to spill profusely down her cheeks.

 

Janus again threw her off guard, stepping forward and gathering her in his strong embrace. He easily lifted her 

off the floor, and her delicate bare feet left the cold stone whilst he kissed her passionately. She did not 

struggle, nor object, when Janus gently untied her silk shift and slipped one large hand inside. Her jaw dropped

and she stared into his eyes, searching for reassurance as he gently caressed her warm breast. He kissed her

hair, lips, and

delicate throat, and this sent unaccustomed tremors of excitement throughout her body. She should have been 

enraged, but she wasn't, no, not at all. The tumultuous feelings were a new and wondrous experience for her and

she realised she wanted more.

 
"Ah... That's so nice." Janus allowed her to soak up the warmth and pleasure of the intimate encounter, and

smiled as the tears freed themselves, as they betrayed the inner feelings rising from inside this once deadly 

and wrathful being.

Janus thought carefully, as his heart was fast overtaking his head. Then he poured her a goblet of wine. Taking

her hand, he led her to a comfortable sofa. After she had emptied the contents of the goblet, he hit a series 

of keys on a console and a schematic appeared on the crystal screen. 

"I wish to explain the business side of our relationship, and I think you will find it to your liking." He 

decided to discuss the next phase of his plan, gradually introducing the subject whilst both savoured the 

aromatic heady taste of the rich red wine grown by his father on his home world. "I have a task for you. 

There is a young princess with power so great she can barely contain it."

He paused for effect, and then went on. "I need you to guide her development, and assist her to realize her

awesome potential, as this child shall become great."

 
She momentarily shook off her emotional torpor, paying more attention to his words.

 
"You could say this is right up your alley! Like a night cat, I want you to rear a moon kitten for me." Seeing 

she was interested, Janus then began to explain. "You see, this child is the daughter of Prince Diamond, former

ruler of the Dark Moon, Nemesis. The mother is Sailor Moon." Now, he explained how he had learned of this. 

"The midwife present during the transfer of the unborn child of the Moon Princess to her surrogate mother Zowie

sought passage aboard my sister's star freighter. She had little money, was wanted for falsifying birth records,

had few friends off Nemesis and trusted very few people. We offered her a new identity, material resources and

a safe world for herself and her own children. In return, she informed us that the transfer of the child

to its surrogate was achieved through magical craft, and explained in detail the circumstances surrounding the 

Moon Princess's pregnancy." 

She looked at Janus with both disbelief and fascination upon her lovely face. "So, there is a new and powerful 

moon child, and you want me to bring her into our plans?"

Janus liked her use of 'our plans.' "You've got it! Sailor Moon was seduced by the prince whilst in a trance 

state, and it was Wiseman whom cast a spell over Diamond, forcing him to confuse and deflower the princess. 

The illusions convinced Moon he was Prince Endymion making love to her, repeatedly, until she became pregnant

whilst imprisoned within a temporal bubble." She now wore a look of shock. Janus continued his narrative.

"What's fascinating about the Moon's Princess's experience is the way the Silver Crystal healed her body,

removing all traces of her pregnancy and the birth of her child!" He loved telling her the news, as it was so 

like his conversations with Amidarainia. "Where was I? Oh yes, the girl-child Miranda was born

and secretly spirited away."

 

Her curiosity had peaked. "Moon has no idea?"

 

Janus smiled." No way! When Tuxedo Kamen rescued Sailor Moon, Diamond's guard was down. It was because of 

Wiseman's spell, and his feelings for Moon, that Diamond was so easily destroyed, along with most of the Dark

Moon Family."

The fires of ambition burned brightly in Janus's eyes, and Mistress Nine felt his enthusiasm sending shivers of 

pleasure through her.

"It was too late for him, but not for the child. Diamond's benefactors were determined Wiseman would not keep

the baby girl. Now Miranda is approaching her sixteenth year, sent to a world called Orpheus by Sailor Pluto

secretly, as she had full knowledge of these circumstances...and this is how the lady of Pluto and I are 

connected." She urged him on, unconsciously using a gesture Janus remembered so well as one of Amidarainia's 

most endearing. He reached out and stroked her hair as he spoke. 

"Enough of business! You are truly enchanting and lovely. This is a new beginning for both of us, and you need 

a new name. I shall give you my beloved's, which is Amidarainia."

She smiled, reaching out and touching his hand and nodding her acquiescence. She felt the new persona blending

with the embers of her previous existence, and felt comfortable with the new name that somehow brought her 

closer to the man whom, unbeknownst to her, she was falling in love with. She brushed her hands through her hair,

sipped the wine and asked: "How did she die?"

 

Janus sighed, squeezing her hand then replied. 

"Her parents were terminated by the Araknitopa Alliance's attack on our home world. These beings are more 

powerful than your dearly departed, Pharaoh 90, who neglected to tell you that he was part of this alliance. 

Your combined strength was still only a very small part of their strength." This surprised her and she eagerly 

waved him on.

 

"Pharaoh 90 was a mindless stellar parasite. Perhaps he would have eventually destroyed you, too, in time." At 

these words, she knew her existence as 'Mistress Nine' was finally over. She was Amidarainia now, and felt a

surge of love like a fountain of liquid fire warm her once-frozen heart. She stopped for a moment and gazed

into Janus's violet-blue eyes.

 

"I am she, am I not?" she asked.

"Essentially, but you are like a twin, with a unique fiery quality combined with her latent personality." He 

tried to explain the complexities of 'Affinity Consciousness.' "You see, Amidarainia's essence is now part of

the 'Affinity Weft'." She could not understand what this was, but intuitively it sounded like the loom and harp

of all existence and so much more. He paused, allowing his words to be absorbed by his new love...then quickly 

changed the subject.

"My plans are set. You will battle with Princess Pluto! After she is defeated, I want her time wand."

 
Amidarainia put her head upon his shoulder, feeling a little tired. "I have no powers, I cannot fight her like 

this!" Janus put his arms around her, lifted her face to his, and kissed her gently upon the red petals of her 

sweet lips. 

"My darling Amidarainia, you already have the power of a Senshi, and I will train you to use it with a little

help from my sisters. Have no fear, it will be easily accomplished." Janus opened his hands and placed an 

incredibly stunning choker with a violet stone around her throat. Then he gave her an orb, which she held in 

her delicate hands. Janus took her in his arms once more and she didn't resist, now hungry for these new 

emotions, allowing herself to melt into his embrace as they kissed passionately. He picked up her feather-light

 body in one quick movement, then carried her to his bedchamber.

 

Hours later, she sat up and leaned over the sleeping form of the man she now loved, kissing him. His eyes

flickered open as he drew her to him, and once more they made love.

 

Later, they emerged from the crystal bath and shared a light meal. She stepped naked before the crystal mirror,

then dressed slowly, liking the feel of her new clothes and smiling with satisfaction. The image that looked

back at her would take a little getting used to, as for the first time in her existence she realised that she 

was actually happy.

*Very chic,* Janus thought to himself as he gazed upon her gorgeous body.

 
She shook her abundance of long black hair that fell to her slim waist, and pirouetted. She then faced him, 

smiling.

"You like?" he smiled, standing with arms folded whilst admiring her sexy countenance.

 

"You bet I do, my love!" The fire of love made her dizzy. Their intimacy had brought them closer and they knew 

they were in love. *Not only do I look and feel good, but I now have a life complete with impressions and 

memories and love... I never knew, and to think I was prepared to go without it forever as the Sovereign of 

Silence!*

 

She was caught up in the collage of images and sensations that flooded her mind, as faces and places took her 

breath away. "I remember growing up in a beautiful

city, it's so awesome!"

 

*She even speaks like her, yet I love her for who she is and who she has become!* Janus mused to himself. "I 

want you to make ready for our visitor, my love, Princess Pluto will soon be with us, and we cannot afford to

allow her to interfere with our objectives." He swept her up in his arms once more, and they kissed before he 

left for his craft, promising to return soon.

 

^^^

Not long after rescuing Haruka and Michiru from death on Earth, Setsuna, as Sailor Pluto, had visited Chibi-Usa 

to say farewell. She then summoned her star craft, using the orb's power, and made ready to return home to the

planet Pluto after an absence of well over a thousand Pluto years. As a direct result of altering the timeline 

to save her friends, she had to relinquish her role as guardian of time. Though this saddened her, she felt 

glad to be returning after aeons away. Although she would still possess the ability to move through time, she 

knew it would be limited by the temple of Chronos. What the future held she did not know for certain, but she 

was ready for whatever it brought forth.

 

She thought about her days as a child on Pluto, and smiled as the image of a black marble palace within a domed 

city appeared in her mind's eye in all its splendour. She was the princess of Pluto, much sought-after by many 

suitors from all over the solar system. Her father knew she was not interested in any of those guys, as she had 

told her parents that a star warrior would become her beloved. She had felt his essence in a dream, and she 

would wait. After speaking to her mother, Queen Persephone, they had both agreed to allow Pluto to approach 

Daphne, the high priestess, to be initiated into the temple of Chronos. She was granted entry soon after, 

whilst the price she paid for this escape from her determined pursuers was that she could not return home until

she had completed her duties as guardian of time.

 

Her age was indeterminate, for most people were not familiar with the power and ways of a temporal priestess.

As such, Pluto's affinity essence, as Daphne explained it, was like a strand on a boundless tapestry. The 

difference that marked those who served as priests and priestesses, Senshi, or members of the ruling classes, 

was their ability to activate their affinity crystal seeds, which were aligned with streams of life force 

cascading through every fibre of existence. This did not mean this power was exclusively the province of the 

powerful, but something each entity had to evolve to over many existences spanning time and space and the 

unknown realms beyond this universe. In this sense, death could not extinguish such individuals, as their 

affinity seed essences are perpetually carried from one life to the next...each one usually different from the 

last, but not always.

 

When Pluto was a little girl, she had loved the amazing legends told by storytellers featuring powerful beings 

that fought for love, justice and harmony amongst the stars. The priestess Daphne described it as a living 

celestial kaleidoscope encompassing all realms, and Pluto had been fascinated by this awesome cosmic mystery.

 

She was brought back to the present by flashing warning indicators. She activated the viewscreen and observed 

the fast-approaching crafts now approaching her tiny ship. She was being pursued, and she could not break free 

of the evil armada closing in on her. Though she destroyed several of these batlike fighter craft, there were 

too many to fight off, so she allowed them to escort her. 

After docking at their destination, she entered the orbital platform's airlock. She scanned for energy 

signatures, couldn't get any clear readings, and decided to enter cautiously. Nothing could have prepared her 

for the size and sheer power of this place, it was truly incredible. She lifted her head and stared, the 

metallic white enamel-like walls must have been at least one hundred metres high and the massive dome encasing 

the central chamber was many more across. There were no people about, only computer workstations and glowing 

obsidian crystal points protruding from the white flagstone floor. She observed the many tunnels leading into 

darkness, like spokes on a massive wheel, as she stood in the centre of the vast circular chamber and waited.

 

"Welcome to my parlour, Princess Pluto, such a quaint human cliché but most appropriate I think!"

The voice echoed in all directions. Pluto spun about to see where it was coming from, and stopped as Amidarainia

appeared opposite her across the chamber.

 

"I am Sailor Pluto, and I will defend the people of the Earth and all who call upon me for help. Prepare to face

your punishment!" Sailor Pluto held the Garnet Orb in her hands. It began to glow and a brilliant lemon-green 

light projected a quanta arc pulse towards Amidarainia. "Quanta-Arc Pulse!" she screamed as they faced off from 

opposite ends of the concourse under the atmospheric dome shield.

 
Amidarainia stood facing Pluto, a look of defiance on her face as she folded her arms across her chest. Suddenly,

her hands began to glow a bright coppery red and she directed streams of force, blocking Pluto's attack. "I will

not let a reckless Sailor fool who abandons the laws of Chronos stand up to me unchallenged."

*Now how did she know that!* Pluto sensed there was something strangely familiar about the woman facing her. Her

adversary was undoubtedly a Senshi. She wore a short-sleeved top and short skirt cast in midnight blue with gold

stars, a silver crescent tiara upon her brow, and a choker with a beautiful violet stone cut in the shape of a 

star. Her legs were long and she wore matching boots and held a translucent deep blue crystal wand in her

delicate hands.

There was something else, though, something she could not quite figure out, and it bugged Pluto big time as she

braced herself to meet the full force of her opponent. Pluto felt terror grip her as she regarded the vision of 

darkness standing before her, clad in midnight blue with waist-length raven black hair swirling about her rounded

hips. Upon closer examination, it wasn't her features, dress, or her voice that was familiar: it was the way she

spoke.

 
"You're only a girl...and why do you seem so familiar to me?" Pluto whispered, as they stared at one another, 

waiting to see who would make the next move. Then it dawned on her: she recognised Mistress Nine's essence within

this adolescent girl. She stood defiantly with her hands on her hips, tossing her abundance of shimmering black 

hair over her shoulders as she laughed. The girl possessed a dark energy and yet she also had a spark of goodness that was

clearly present.

 

Suddenly, shadow warriors surrounded Pluto, but she launched a Mega-Shriek, instantly disintegrating the hideous

assembly. 

"There is nothing you can do to stop us, Pluto, you're smart, so stand with me and rule the universe with Janus

and you will be queen of your own dominion amongst the stars!"

 

Pluto shook her head and glared at her adversary. "Your words have no power over me, your dominion of darkness 

and destruction will fade under the light of the Silver Crystal's power of light and justice, and I will be here

still when Sailor Moon defeats you!" Pluto could feel the stresses upon the fabric of existence stretching 

almost to breaking point, as fiery eyes glowed with a fierce intensity.

 

"Fool, you will not stop me, you or your other Senshi companions. I will destroy them and I will take pleasure 

especially in your demise!"

Pluto then launched her Dead Scream attack and in retaliation, Amidarainia launched a Spider Warp at Pluto.

 

She had to act fast. Using the wand of time that would be eventually returned to the temple on Pluto she 

transported herself instantly to her crystal glider and fled. As Pluto manoeuvred past Janus's forces, an 

uneasy feeling overtook her as she sensed a presence within the craft. Then suddenly her orb resonated with a 

melodic voice, whilst still resting in its crystal cradle on the console.

 

"Princess Pluto, I am a friend; you need only know me as 'Morgana.' You need to destroy their attack platform. 

Position your craft at these coordinates, take the orb in your hands and say, 'I call upon the power of the 

Brisinganin'." The female voice was sweet and cultured, but Pluto could now see its source. She was surprised 

by the mysterious black moon cat who was returning her gaze with fiery eyes of emerald green. "Pluto, it is 

important that you listen carefully and place your full trust in me."

Pluto did as she was instructed. Suddenly, the vast platform exploded into a burst of brilliant light, but this 

was not the end of this powerful vessel, as Janus altered the space-time fabric to make good his escape. With 

their base gone, the remaining fighters re-grouped after being thrown clear of the temporal shock wave and began

their relentless pursuit of Pluto's tiny craft. The dark shadowy force seemed to consume the tiny star craft as 

Pluto sped towards the moon.

 

After entering orbit, she realised with a shock that the craft's landing systems weren't functioning. She 

thought quickly, using the orb to safely land.

"This is ironic; I am seeking refuge amongst the ruins of the Moon City, and I must now seek out the crystal 

Star Arch!" 

The moon cat appeared before her, a black cat like Luna, but with a silver crescent upon her brow and five tiny 

stars about it. "Princess Pluto, let us go quickly."
 

Morgana ran ahead, and her jewelled collar threw an energy shield around them both as they entered the ruined 

city that was once the pride of Queen Serenity's realm. She knew she only had one shot at escaping Amidarainia's 

forces: by activating the portal she suspected lay within the cavern where the mysterious crystal fragment she 

had discovered months before lay. Morgana's eyes glowed brilliantly as they made their way through the 

labyrinthine passages that ran deep beneath the once glorious city.

"Well Morgana, we've no other choice!"

 

When Pluto first scanned the crystal fragment, unwittingly re-activating it after more than twenty thousand 

years, the readings indicated it was a key to an ancient interstellar gateway. This mysterious portal had not 

been used since well before the Silver Millennium, and now it was their only hope of escape.

She moved towards it, surrounded by a luminous lemon green wave of energy provided as both atmospheric and 

defensive cover by the Orb. The surrounding rock had crystallised due to the release of the crystal's powerful 

force as it struck the surface within these subterranean caverns aeons ago.

Suddenly, Pluto felt sharp stabs of pain hit her right shoulder, and she fell to the ground. Morgana lifted a 

paw and sent a beam of pink light towards the shadow warriors following behind. "You're weak from the blast; do 

not fear, as I have placed a barrier between us and our pursuers. They will be dusted by the portal once they 

break through!"
 

Morgana nudged Pluto's face, and this encouraged her to sit up and she stroked Morgana's silken fur. She slowly 

stood up, after brushing the sand off her bruised knees. She became aware of another presence inside the cave, 

and Morgana reassured her it was a friend. 

Pluto felt the orb begin to vibrate, as it pulsated in sync with the light thrown by the crystal arch. Feeling 

exhausted, she noticed with distress a warm wet sensation moving slowly down her spine.

 
"Mau Healing Activation!"

Pluto's eyes opened rapidly as Morgana's silver crescent markings threw a healing light around her. The bleeding

stopped, and she could move her shoulder again.

 
"Thank you so much, Morgana, I have some questions to ask once we're out of here." Pluto gasped as she caught 

her breath.
 

"There is time enough for that, come on, the portal is active!"

 
Pluto turned suddenly, feeling a strange sensation envelop her as the portal opened within the crystal arch, 

and a swirl of beautiful prismatic colour lit the interior of the cave.
 

"Oh, Neo-Queen Serenity, help us now, please!" Morgana cried as Pluto fell into the arms of a tall stranger and 

all three crossed the threshold. Behind them, a fourth figure of light creamy ginger had opened his eyes. A 

brilliant purple light issued forth and destroyed the shadow warriors that were attempting to enter the cavern, 

and this mysterious moon cat also jumped through the portal before it closed and the cavern collapsed.

Pluto felt the liquid effulgence carrying her weightless body through the swirling gateway as Loki, Morgana, and

Enki, the tall figure who held Pluto in his arms were carried to safety. Pluto allowed the sensation of floating

to relax and calm her, then lost consciousness. The last thing she remembered before waking was the soothing 

voice of the mysterious guy who had, with Morgana and Loki, rescued her from certain death.

 

Pluto later learned he was a warrior mage. He was unlike anyone she had ever met and somehow she knew their 

lives were destined to be forever linked. It was quite a shock when Pluto realised where she was; she had 

travelled hundreds of light years beyond the solar system. In all her travels, she had never ventured beyond the

Ortt cloud that ringed the solar system. The only places she visited were inter-dimensional realms located in 

the same space, different realities that lay parallel to the Moon and Earth kingdoms.

 

Orpheus's history and the subsequent links with the Earth and Moon kingdoms took a long time to digest. She also

realised the reasons for the crystal arch's non-discovery, as the Araknitopa Alliance, a far more deadly 

adversary than any of the enemies thus far encountered by Sailor Moon and her fellow Senshi.

The Araknitopa Alliance were waging galactic war against the Celestial Senshi. This both freaked her out and 

fascinated her. The Araknitopa closed off not only the galactic Senshi from the solar system, but also the 

planets within from one another. Usagi and the others had never wondered about the other kingdoms, and now she 

knew why. It had not occurred to them, as their memories and curiosity had been cursed by the web of darkness 

shrouding each crystal arch throughout the solar system.

 

"The people of Mars, Jupiter, Mercury and so on are also oblivious to the existence of each other, believing 

their sister worlds were destroyed by Queen Beryl!" Loki explained. 

Pluto considered this. "I never lost the knowledge of my world. Why?"

 

Morgana lifted her head. "You see, Pluto, as the guardian of time, you were not likely to return to your kingdom,

as was required under the agreement each temporal priestess accepts upon initiation as mistress of time. So only

you remember, and what they did not expect was your loss of the responsibility and return home."

 

Pluto began to think about this, and the more Loki and Morgana explained it, the more it made sense. "So because

I would not return for perhaps thousands of years, the Araknitopa alliance could dull my people's memories 

without worrying about me, as I would not be going home for an indefinite period."

Loki and Morgana nodded and spoke together. "Precisely!" Pluto then de-transformed, assuming her casual identity.

There were distant footsteps. 

"Enki!" Setsuna called out. He was several hundred metres away, moving slowly towards them. Whilst out of 

earshot, she commented to Loki and Morgana. "He is so dreamy... Oh no, I'm sounding like Usagi. That's not too 

bad, as she is the future Queen and has good taste."

 

They all laughed, as both Loki and Morgana had observed the antics and heroics of the Moon Kingdom's Senshi and 

their reluctant budding queen, Usagi, through their recon-crystal satellite array.
 

"We're honoured to be in such company, as I am looking forward to meeting Usagi and the girls." Loki hopped up 

on his hind legs, placing his front paws upon Setsuna's knees, and leapt onto her lap.

"Loki, you old softy, you're just like that fur-lined hunkmeister, Artemis, he is really cool!" Morgana teased. 

Loki shook his head and raised his paws to the sky, and mewed. "Morgana, you've got me there!"

They all laughed and waited for Enki to reach them. Setsuna sighed with pleasure, as the warm fragrant scent of

spring flowers filled her senses. "Hmmm!"

 

She stood on a vast sandstone plateau looking into mauve skies, wondering how far Orpheus was from Earth. 

Setsuna was surprised to learn the portal had moved her four years into the future. The strong tall figure in a 

long deep blue velvet cloak, with its pointed hood covering most of his face, approached her and smiled. He 

intrigued her, and stirred something inside that felt so warm, and she loved his strength and calm demeanour.

Setsuna remembered the explanation of how he and the cats found her. They had picked up powerful energy 

signatures, and others not so negative, and these were what prompted their entering the portal to investigate. 

The star crystal was part of an ancient array known as 'The Oberisku no Shoujo's Crystal Rosetta.' 

Enki explained that not a lot was known about this mighty obelisk since the recent awakening of its vast crystal

lattice. Morgana and Loki told the story of a legend concerning a crystal girl who was the queen of all Senshi,

and she was linked to the old order that once ruled Earth and Orpheus long before the separation. Apparently, 

there was a great deal of secrecy regarding these portals lest the Araknitopa Alliance got word of it and tried

to steal them.

So Orpheusean scientists, along with Queen Freya and those linked to the Celestial Senshi and the temples of 

the stars, including Enki, actively investigated this profound discovery. Setsuna learned the portal had 

activated, as it had throughout the galaxy, the moment she had first encountered it, setting it off 

unintentionally.

 
When Enki entered the chamber where she had been protected by Morgana and Loki, he knew something important had 

happened, this was why he left her with Loki and Morgana until he had reported to Celestial Senshi headquarters.

He told her all about his beautiful planet, Orpheus. She remembered flying in his star glider with the cats and

seeing the stunning planet and the four moons for the first time, marvelling at their beauty. She was blown away 

by the fact that Earth and Orpheus shared a common heritage. Setsuna remembered gripping his arm as they entered

orbit around Orpheus. It took her breath away, set against a shimmering backdrop of stars and golden nebulae. 

The moons were like multicoloured jewels, and the artistry of the majestic Orpheus with its purples, pinks and 

red rings of cloud was stunning.

 

Enki gently sat her upon a stone seat carved from a burnt orange stone, one of several arranged in a circle 

surrounding a magnificent white marble octagonal altar. They were in the centre of the celestial temple dedicated

to the goddess Isisiata, which lay open to the sky. He approached the altar, placing a beautiful translucent 

crystal raven at its centre along with other talismans.

Raising his hands, he began his incantations as Setsuna wrapped the velvet cloak tightly around her shivering 

body. Instantaneously, five luminous orange tubes of energy manifested themselves in front of her. Loki and 

Morgana urged her not to be alarmed, as these were magical beacons to evoke protective shielding before 

teleporting to the capital. She nodded and rested her palms gently on each cat's shoulder, and they waited.

These gelatinous cylindrical forms made up the powerful circuit encompassing the temple perimeter, and it stood 

three metres in height. The tubes vibrated in sympathy with Enki's incantations, creating a lattice of colourful

lightning as a beautiful city appeared before them. Enki took her hand, leading her and the cats through the 

portal.

 

They all stood in a glorious court of flagstone, amidst tall buildings fashioned from marble, granite and 

crystal. Setsuna took in the vast public square, noticing with surprise how deserted it was, and then observed 

the spectacular colourful zodiac motif at their feet. The symbols were totally unknown to her, and after laying 

the palm of her left hand upon a crystal plaque she noticed gentle sensations pulsing through her hands. 

Instantly she possessed a full working knowledge of the Horoscope based upon the stellar position and other 

factors connected with Orpheusean culture and magic. She marvelled at how easy it was to accumulate knowledge 

via this technology. She thought it truly amazing, and she loved it all.

 

"Where are all the people?"

It was then Enki pulled back his hood, and his handsome roman features were now complemented by their 

surroundings. She admired his smile and his blue eyes with their amused expression as he took her hand, and this

made her pulse race. She blushed, looking away for a second, then back into his eyes, and he smiled. This was a 

face Setsuna would come to know and love so well. She returned his smile and they walked for a time in silence 

with the cats leading the way.

 
With tall solid build, violet-blue eyes and short hair of gold, she thought he looked resplendent in his black 

uniform with its silver trim.

 
"This is my home, Pheona City, the city of artisanship."
 

"You're an artist?" Setsuna asked as she lifted her swanlike neck, gazing upon megalithic structures and lavish 

botanical gardens interspersed between the majestic monuments and buildings. She was totally awestruck.

 

"Yes, of a sort, but I am also a warrior mage," Enki answered. "This is the civilian capital, and the Royal city

is seven hundred kilometres away to the West," he said, lifting a silver orb that began its rhythmic pulsations 

as a shimmering blinding light encircled them all. After the brilliance subsided, Setsuna beheld a city that 

was filled with thousands of people going about their business.

 

"What just happened there?" Setsuna asked, both fascinated and curious.

 
"You were scanned, to make sure no evil viruses were implanted."

 
Setsuna's eyes doubled in size as she faced him. "Don't tell me, you had to be sure I was not a plant by the 

Araknitopa Alliance." She thought this made sense, even though for some unknown reason this offended her as she 

felt she had won his trust.

 
"Of course I trusted you, Setsuna," he said smiling.

 

She laughed. "I should have realised you can read my thoughts. I guess I will have to be careful what I think 

about." She smiled mischievously as she looked

him up and down, still smiling as his face reddened a little.

 

"Touché, you've got me there," he replied, raising his hands in a gesture of placation. "Let's go, I want to 

get you to a clinic and get some good food into you. You might not wish to chance our food rations... They're 

okay, but not the kind of cuisine a lovely lady such as yourself deserves after all you've been through."

 

People Enki knew greeted him, and two of these accompanied them on their way.

^^^

Over the weeks and months that followed, Enki visited me and we would often go out exploring the city outskirts.

One morning I woke to find Loki staring at his reflection in the mirror. I was curious as to what had brought 

him here so early, as dawn was about to break.

 

"Hi, Setsuna," he said, jumping onto the floor and rubbing against my bare legs and feet. His fur was so soft 

and warm that it made me giggle as it tickled my skin. "We are going to be working with you, Pluto. There are 

some important things you need to know, and Enki has full confidence in you."

He lifted his head and sat up, watching me intensely. "I have to tell you. It's not going to be easy, but Enki 

really likes...whoops!" He crouched and sat like a moneybox waiting for me to place a coin in his back where 

the slot would be, and began washing himself. "Sorry, I think I let...myself out of the bag!"

 

I laughed, and ruffled his soft ears. "It will be yours and my secret, Loki, and I must admit, he is as Usagi 

would say, dreamy and a totally cool guy!"

 

I stood and looked at my reflection. My long emerald hair fell in a single wave over my left breast and down to

my waist. The necklace of jade, with a small quartz raven nestled between my breasts, caught the light of the 

awakening sun and set off a kaleidoscope of colour over my dress. The lemon-green fabric of the short skirt 

complimented the strapless emerald bodice embroidered with shining star sapphires. I pirouetted slowly. Loki 

whistled his approval and I blushed, smiling at this cheeky Moon cat. Loki was such a cute fluff ball, nodding 

his approval. I reached for my rod and threw my emerald cloak about my shoulders.

 

Now I noticed the sleek and familiar form of Morgana opposite Loki. They were winking at one another as Loki 

approached and rubbed noses with his purring companion. This seemed to be their customary affectionate greeting.

They trotted side by side, and followed me out of the living precinct into the central causeway. Then, I moved 

quickly across the vast atrium with Loki and Morgana in tow.

^^^ 

Aki stood upon the threshold of the Celestial palace, staring into the beautiful gardens illuminated by the 

light of four majestic moons. Aki was a beautiful girl growing up on Orpheus, a strong-minded and 

independent-thinking individual who was known and loved by all her people. Several months had passed since

Pluto had arrived on Orpheus, and in this time she had endeared herself to not only the people of Orpheus,

but Prince Enki as well.

 
Setsuna sighed and laughed. "You have to understand, Aki, that Earth's cultural differences are valid even though

they were isolated from the galaxy community for so long."

Aki giggled. "How dumb, to use an Earth term."

 

Setsuna shook her head, still laughing. "Sule was so much more interesting than that boring designation the 

Earth people gave it, as Sule was the name of a heroic Affinity Mage."

"The Earth's Celtic peoples worshiped her as a goddess," Aki explained, "because she had visited their world to 

help fight the Dark Kingdom."

Aki had studied Earth culture at school. Her 'Imparter,' Axia, praised her efforts, describing Aki as her best

student. Aki was fifteen years old, a moon away from her sixteenth birthday. Setsuna had learned that Aki was 

heir to Tsurania, the kingdom of the fourth moon. Aki hoped one day to visit the Earth, and then travel to 

other worlds now freed from the dark web of the Araknitopa Alliance.

The Alliance had long isolated Orpheus and its celestial allies from the Sulean star system. History spoke of 

these dark times; originally three Celestial Senshi had set one of nine crystal-star gateways upon the planet 

Mercury deep beneath the 'Wisdom City.' Unfortunately, these powerful stone talismans, along with their crystal 

companions that made up the many petals of the legendary 'Oberisku no Shoujo's Crystal Rosetta,' were long ago 

lost. 

The Wisdom City's massive crystal dome, impervious to the sun's intense rays, housed millions of Mercury's 

citizens. Deep beneath the surface, a network of subterranean cities connected Wisdom City to the dark side of 

this mysterious world, where planetary defence and deep space transport stations were located. The City 

represented a vital jump-off point for interstellar trade and other activities.

 

The Orpheuseans and the Mercureans, like all the other Sulean worlds, called the sun Sule, whereas the people 

of the Earth called it simply 'The Sun.' When the 'Oberisku no Shoujo' was destroyed, Orpheus was pushed out of

its orbit and sheered its sister planet, Earth. The devastation caused by this cataclysm destroyed over ninety 

percent of the Earth's surface, taking with it the Celestial Senshi capital, Atlantari. The survivors retreated 

to Orpheus in whatever craft they could find, and the Affinity Weft Guardian headquarters was quickly 

re-established on Orpheus.

 

Unfortunately, the damage to Orpheus's crust was also significant. Although the damage was isolated to the 

Northern portion of the eighth continent, it took centuries to rebuild all the lost cities. Aki explained how 

Orpheus had dislodged one of its moons, which eventually became the Moon Kingdom of the Earth. The new era that 

followed led to the emergence of the Silver Millennium, of which Setsuna knew much. Eventually, Aki completed 

the story of Orpheus's arrival in the tri-star system that allowed its civilisations to recover and thrive. 

The time had now arrived to punish the Araknitopa for their actions.

 

"I hope you've enjoyed the history lessons as much as I, Setsuna."

 
Setsuna nodded. "I have learned so much from you, Aki. I think you will be a valuable addition to the celestial 

Senshi."

 

Enki called out his greeting and quickened his step. He first picked up his youngest sister and lifted her off 

her feet, spinning her around, hugging her. He gently placed her feet upon the ground, turned to Setsuna, and 

did the same. Setsuna laughed with joy as he kissed her quickly upon the lips. They stood there staring deeply 

into one another's eyes. Aki smiled, whilst shaking her head, and made her excuses to leave, allowing them some 

privacy.

 

Setsuna studied his features, noticing the lustre of the star gems indicating his rank as he caught their 

reflection in her deep green eyes. Enki softly kissed the flawless tanned skin of her beautiful neck, and their 

lips met, opening to a long sweet kiss.

 

When he first laid eyes upon her, he had told Aki he had finally found his star princess. Aki thought this so 

romantic and took an instant liking to the bronzed princess of the Sulean planet called Pluto. So, when they 

were joined, Aki was a moonflower attendant at the ceremony. It was so beautiful, as too her new sister by 

marriage. Unfortunately, they would have to leave Orpheus to face the dark forces of the Araknitopa alliance 

and meet new allies whom would assist them in their quest.
 

Finally, before leaving they discussed the mission with Enki's other sister Princess Magenta Dawn, who would 

join them on Earth after they had reconnected with the Sulean Senshi. The party of Moon Cats stood around the 

beautiful star crystal portal, now active after twenty thousand years. Loki trotted by Setsuna's shapely long 

golden legs, his fluffy tail tickling her skin. She squatted and stroked his fur, he looked up, and in a cat's 

way, smiled.

 
"We will have much to do, Princess Setsuna of Pluto, so we will need extra help. I have asked Morgana to come 

along. Robbie will join us later; he will monitor events from London's new Central Control after meeting up 

with Suzanne Cherry Blossom formerly Sailor Cerciana in Tokyo ... Luna and Artemis we do remember meeting in 

an earlier embodiment and look forward to meeting them once again!"

 

Enki slipped his arm around Setsuna's slender waist and they laughed as Aki pulled Loki's tail, and he let out 

a cute squeak of protest. After last-moment goodbyes, Queen Freya kissed her son and newly acquired daughter, 

and Aki presented them both with a tiny crystal raven - the ancient talisman symbolic of Senshi magic upon their

world.

 
"Take care. Both of you, take care, and please keep in touch whilst on Earth. You're facing a dark journey ahead,

so enjoy your fruitful time as newly joined as much as you can, as I fear you'll have so little chance to enjoy 

yourselves for a long time after!" She looked both sad and happy as she pronounced her farewell incantations 

and the small party stepped through the portal.

 
^^^

 
LEGEND OF THE AKITSUBATA & THE OBERISKU NO SHOUJO

 
By Loki

 (a reworking of the original narrative-Akitsubata & the Crystal Flower)

 

Welcome to the amazing world of the Oberisku no Shoujo! Her secrets will reveal 

themselves over the course of the coming chapters. 

Long ago, a beautiful Senshi-Goddess-Queen led her people to the Terran region of space in 

search of a new home. Queen Sule established the joint Celestial Kingdom. She ruled upon 

the Earth, whilst her sister Freya ruled the resplendent Orpheus . 

The ancient Celts worshiped her as a Sun Goddess as  some strands of our lost heritage 

survived and found their way into folklore. the sun was once known as Sule, this golden 

sphere of fire named after its beautiful discoverer... the lost Earth princess shall reveal herself 

as the Oberisku no Shoujo, and then everything changes and a new legacy is born.

I hope you'll find this grand epic exciting and entertaining.

 

In this edition I have merged the first four chapters under book I  with two chapters. The first 

chapter of book II onwards will feature Phantoma & Dr. Zero as integral to the central plot.

 

My special thanks go to Dejana, my BETA reader *huggles*: Joris Van Dingenen, for 

helping me with Japanese names. ck out her 'Sailor Moon Crystal Nexus' on

BOOK I CRYSTAL TABLEAU

~*~

 
DISCLAIMER

I do not own Sailor Moon, nor do I own Phantoma: as the original Sailor Moon characters & 

plots are the property of Naoko Takeuchi & all involved in the Sailor Moon experience. The 

same is true in respect to Phantoma & I am simply borrowing them. However, I have created 

my own plots and characters. These belong to Loki. Magenta Dawn Publications(c) 2004 

 

~*~ 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART i

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART II

BOOK II CELESTIAL CONFLAGRATION

GATES OF THE GALAXY

I AM SAILOR EPSILON

ENDYMION'S POWER

CELESTIAL PANTHERS AND THE PRINCESS AKI JOIN FORCES

BOOK III ARC OF THE CRYSTAL GIRL

MAU REVOLUTION - GENJI & THE MOON CAT RESISTANCE

JANUS & THE TEMPORAL HELIX - LOVE OVER DARKNESS

CONFLAGRATION - THE NIGHT THEY CAME

AN UNEXPECTED ALLY - RETURN OF JADEITE

BOOK IV AKITSUBATA UNFOLDS 

SATURN & THE STAR RAVEN

MOON GHOSTS AND THE JADE TRIDENT

LOKI & THE ASGARDIA - ARAKNITOPA DEFEAT

STAR MAVERICK

BOOK V AFFINITY WEFT

RETURN TO MYOLA CITY

DEMETER'S DREAM - THE NEW PRINCESS OF EARTH

CORONATION-LOVE REIGNS SUPREME

EPILOGUE

~*~ 

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART i 

I wait in shadow as I wander through the void

I live amongst the shadows and cast my light

By the wings of a golden bat I secure the dawn

My journey is long as I perform my duty

I emerge from my long sleep free of my torpor

I observe, wait and carefully consider my next move

I am Phantoma the warrior of justice who is guardian of the innocent and star lance of affinity 

moon the galactic sovereign  

 

I stand before the gates of time to fight by your sides oh mighty Senshi

Long before the Silver Millennium two beautiful worlds within our solar system were engaged 

in an intimate dance. The Earth and its sister world, Orpheus intersected one another's paths 

once each year as they circled around our sun, known back then as Sule. These spectacular 

spheres seemed to almost kiss one another as they passed each other by. Orpheus, with its multi-coloured 

rings of lucidity, and its sister Earth, with its amazing blue countenance shining like a pearl across the void, was an awesome sight. Anyone fortunate enough to behold these 

resplendent disks would be seduced by this pair of stellar lovers flirting amongst the stars.

Many spacecraft moved back and forth between these luminous worlds. Thousands made the 

voyage from the various kingdoms within the solar system, coming

from as far away as Pluto to participate in system wide celebrations. The five impressive 

moons, set against banded shades of purple, pink, red and lavender

clouds resembled jewels set across the vast circumference of Orpheus. This was the 

spectacular view one would encounter whilst looking through the panoramic

view ports aboard a typical tourist-class space bus. Its sister world, the Earth, presented an 

equally impressive view.

The periodical alignment of these planets was considered a major cultural event celebrating 

love and romance. It was especially so for the young, as many

couples celebrated it as a fertility rite, and especially auspicious, as children born or 

conceived at this time were deemed sacred. 

At this time Luna, a disk of silver destined to leave its orbit and become home to the house of 

Serenity twenty five thousand years in the future, was part

of Orpheus's cluster of five beautiful moons. This year, everything would be irrevocably 

altered.

 

In Orpheus's equatorial capital, Odina, celebrations were in full swing. The night possessed a 

special significance for the young princess Florianna. She

was engaged to prince Aries of Mars, who was to join her on the balcony at midnight. She 

stepped out into the warm night air, taking

in the sights and sounds of the celebrations in the city cradled within the valley below.

Florianna was nineteen years old and all of five feet five inches tall. Her petite hourglass figure 

was draped in luxuriant white silk robes. The silk floated

above a pair of beautifully crafted crystal sandals, their sapphire-studded ankle straps 

throwing off brilliant blue prisms of light with each step she

took. Florianna's oval face possessed a luminous glow. Her flawless alabaster skin 

accentuated her delicate features to perfection. Her abundance of wavy

red hair cascaded over her shoulders, then flowed down her back and over her breasts to her 

waist. Florianna's stunning green eyes were like those of a

cat, sparkling like jewels penetrating deep into the darkness.

 

Florianna took a long, deep breath as she looked into the night sky, which was festooned 

with fabulous fireworks displays. She swept back the hair from

her eyes, threw on a cloak and sighed contentedly.

 

In the next moment, she was brought back from her thoughts by a violent quake. Florianna 

was no stranger to earthquakes and thought it would pass quickly,

but she soon realised it was far more significant and destructive than any she would ever 

know. Florianna knew this was no natural occurrence, but was still

terrified as a cold sensation swept through her entire body.

Suddenly, screams broke out everywhere. The skies filled with a mysterious web of 

darkness. The warm breezes flew into a rage, and the beautiful shimmering

Earth swam in and out of phase, horribly distorted by atmospheric turbulence. Her last 

thoughts before she lost consciousness concerned her fiancé.

 

The prince, with his young sister Rhiannon, ran up the long winding flights of steps leading to 

Florianna's bedchamber. He noticed her prostrate body sprawled

upon the ground, checked her pulse, and carefully carried her inside to place her upon the 

luxuriant bed. Rhiannon was eight years old, and her long blonde

hair shone in the eerie light as she handed a wet towel to her older brother. The crescent 

moon symbol upon Florianna's brow began to glow, and they knew

she would be okay...but what of their world?

 

It had begun. The two worlds were thrust toward one another, almost colliding. The entire 

planetary system was thrown into chaos as the sequence of destruction

unfolded. Orpheus had been flung free of its orbit. The confusion descending upon Earth and 

Orpheus was unprecedented. In the days and weeks that followed,

reports began to come in from planetary Senshi stations on Mars, Venus and Mercury. 

Security satellite networks were abuzz with a tapestry of frightening

data streams spreading the news system wide, and subsequent intelligence revealed the 

identities of those responsible for the cataclysm.

 

It was the Araknitopa Alliance that was behind this disaster of apocalyptic proportions. The 

diabolical collective wished to break up the celestial Senshi

by cutting off its central capital. When the tempest had subsided and time moved forward, 

their dark curse began to spread insidiously throughout the entire

Sulean star system. This dark curse slowly encroached upon all the kingdoms in the solar 

system, isolating the planetary dominions from the galaxy.

 

After the fall of Queen Serenity, the results of the isolation of the planetary kingdoms from 

one another would be clear, and the Araknitopa's plans for

dominance amongst the stars complete. Orpheus spent thousands of years aloft as a rogue 

planet, eventually finding a new home around a yellow star much

like its former home. Orpheusean scientists created an atmospheric shield to prevent its 

atmosphere from being drawn into the vacuum of space.

 

Ruled by the house of Freya, one of nine royal houses located on Orpheus itself and its 

beautiful moons, Orpheus enjoyed a wonderful period of prosperity.

However, the ninth house, Luna, had strayed into Earth's orbit, thereby establishing the 

foundation stone upon which the House of Serenity would grow. 

The Silver Millennium began to blossom. Its capital, Serenity City, was truly beautiful. So, 

too, were the other magnificent Moon cities, with their crystal

structures and enclosed causeways forming a lattice of glittering jewels when viewed from 

space. The Moon Kingdom's capital was vast and breathtaking.

Princess Serenity's mother soon found herself fighting many battles as she led the armies of 

the Moon Kingdom. Her Senshi, who courageously took on all

comers, had defeated the forces of darkness many times. This continued until the arrival of 

Queen Beryl and her generals, who had been taken from Endymion

by her dark power. When Beryl launched her deadly assault, the battle was soon lost. Queen 

Serenity sacrificed her life by using the Silver Crystal to

send her court to the future, while everybody else took their chances in battle or assisted the 

evacuation effort.

 

Ages later Queen Freya, Orpheus's much-loved ruler, would learn of the awakening of the 

Akitsubata crystal array containing the lost Oberisku no Shoujo.

This would prompt her to send her daughter, the princess Magenta Dawn, to seek their lost 

sister world and join Sailor Moon and the Sulean Senshi on an

exciting quest to break the curse of the Araknitopa and punish them for their crimes. The 

guardian of time, Sailor Pluto, had unwittingly reconnected the

broken links between our solar system and our distant cousins of Orpheus, and this had set 

the stage for what was to come.

***

The hustle and bustle of Hong Kong on an unusually hot spring day seemed to melt the 

beautiful young scientist, who stretched her long, shapely legs as

she lay back in the soft black leather chair of her computer workstation. She stretched like a 

cat with eyes closed as tension left her body. She let out

a long sigh, then sat upright. 

Smiling to herself, the scientist reached for a fresh cup of percolated coffee. She had almost 

completed her experiment, having spent hours working on the

possibility of using zero-point energy pulses to open view ports into the deeper recesses of 

the Milky Way galaxy. Hotaru Tomoe had followed her father's

example by choosing a career in science, specialising in post-quantum physics at Tokyo 

University. Hotaru had completed her PHD in Astrophysics at the

prestigious Hong Kong Science Academy. This was significant, as this institution was well 

known and respected globally.

Her father, Dr. Souichi Tomoe, supported her both financially and emotionally. Both father 

and daughter shared a mutual love and admiration for one another.

Hotaru's father had won a Nobel Prize in 2000 for finding the sub-atomic relationships in 

genetics. He would soon have another reason to be proud of his

brilliant daughter, as she was to be nominated for this year's Nobel prize in the field of frontier 

science. Using her research, Souichi was close to

finding the universal codex of all organic function that lay at the heart of life's most awesome 

and challenging mysteries. He hoped his research would

lead to cures for deadly conditions such as cancer and HIV, as well as other 'Hot Viruses,' as 

they were known in the field.

 

This was Hotaru's day, and now all her efforts were about to bear fruit. Hotaru had worked 

tirelessly over the last year to crack the great mystery underpinning

the fabric of space, time, and whatever else awaited beyond. Hotaru wanted to dance 

amongst the stars; she longed to travel to magnificent worlds she could

only visit in dreams. This was her secret wish, and she wanted it with a fierce intensity. Today 

her wish would begin to manifest. Ever since she was a

child, she had had vague memories ("were they dreams?" she asked herself), feeling the 

sensation of being all-powerful and beautiful. She believed she

commanded great power and responsibility, and felt an affinity with the planet Saturn.

 

Sighing, she thought, *Those were only fleeting fantasies, weren't they?* No matter; the 

dreams were enough to inspire her quest for the stars.

 

Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Hotaru smiled, 

recognising familiar footsteps approaching her workstation. Brushing

a loose strand of hair out of her eyes, she turned toward her father as he kissed her cheek 

and sat next to her. Then, as if on cue, the twin pulsars came

into view. Hotaru smiled with satisfaction as the image solidified on the screen.

 

To her surprise, she noticed an anomalous crystalline structure orbiting a small Earth-sized 

world. This awesome sight almost eclipsed the stunning moons

encircling the colourful sphere as it revolved around the system's yellow star. The golden star 

belonged to a trinary stellar cluster. Hotaru named it

'The Amaterasu Disk,' after the Japanese sun goddess. She named the planet 'Orpheus.' She 

did not even have to think about the name; it slipped into her

mind as if it had already named itself. She mused over what kind of people might live upon 

this strange and beautiful world, with its rich tones of red,

indigo and pink. Its four majestic moons were equally impressive.

She plotted its distance from her own solar system, gathering the data on a memory pod 

computer. This PC was the new Microsoft Nexus, reputedly the most

advanced and the smallest AI desktop computer ever constructed. Hotaru sighed as her 

father whistled. "Sweet Pea, you have it. It's remarkable! You've

found the first life-sustaining world outside our solar system, and that crystalline craft is the 

icing on the cake!"

They studied the specs closely as they began to flash across the screen. The schematics were 

configured and fed into a 3D simulator, and a holographic representation

of the new life-bearing world as it revolved around its star appeared in the centre of the lab. 

These images hovered a metre off the floor, and Hotaru

felt something wonderful begin to overwhelm her as they watched the mysterious crystal 

object spinning about the beautiful planet. Hotaru hit the intercom,

asking Tokako to contact the Hong Kong Daily Chronicle. She then turned to her father, and 

like a child she jumped up and down and flung her arms about

his neck, and squealing with excitement. "Daddy, what an awesome discovery this is!"

 

"Honey, you're going to set the world ablaze. You've made it. I am so proud, and I love you 

very much," he replied smiling.

A tear nudged itself free from Hotaru's violet eyes and trickled in a line down her cheek. Her 

father caught it upon the tip of his finger, and touched

it to his lips.

"Hey Sweet Pea, lets do lunch." She nodded, they finished their work, locked down the lab, 

and headed for the lift.

^^^

I stood above the city and could not see the familiar landscape I had known so well. I had 

transformed into Sailor Moon. The first thing I noticed was the

spectacular view below; it really spun me out. I turned to my left and right, and wondered 

how I had ended up on top of this majorly scary mountain peak.

I had no supplies, and none of my friends were there to help me. I was alone.

It was then that I noticed a swirling haze before me, expanding with every passing moment. 

Suddenly, I blinked and my eyes took on the shape of saucers.

I was dumbstruck, observing my ghostly reflection hovering in this majorly weird mist. 

Suddenly, the freaky mist vanished and a warp or something replaced

it. Before I could blink a second time, a cream-coloured, longhaired cat leapt from the portal 

and sat in front of me, washing itself. I shook my head.

*What a cute fuzz ball, on top of a freezing mountaintop, of all places!*

Then I spoke aloud. "Hey, that's majorly weird!"

The strange moon cat regarded me, and finally spoke. "You are Neo Queen Serenity." The 

pretty golden eyes flashed. His voice shook me momentarily and I

forgot where I was.

"Yeah," I replied, observing the familiar crescent moon flashing upon his forehead. He 

nodded.

"Usagi - can I address you that way?" he asked, in a humorous manner.

"Of course; are you by any chance familiar with two other moon cats named Artemis and 

Luna?"

He paused before answering, and I giggled as this stunning cat sneezed when a few 

snowflakes perched themselves precariously upon the bridge of his nose.

"What is it you find so amusing, Miss Moon? Now, where was I? Oh! Yeah! Yes, I know 

them! They are family, but they lost touch with the Mau collective a

long time ago." I shivered, and urged him to continue.

 

"We are scattered throughout the galaxy, its a long and interesting story."

I shuddered, both from the cold and the vision that began to blur as the cat's words faded 

and I awoke with my bedroom window wide open. I started as Luna

gasped.

"Loki, you say you're from Mau!" Luna exclaimed. "I remember now...yes, and there are 

others!"

The cream-coloured cat was sitting on the windowsill, looking regal and smug. Luna's eyes 

blazed with curiosity as she listened to the new moon cat.

 

"I'm guilty as charged," Loki replied. "I have a message for you all... By the way, Usagi, you 

have awesome dreams!"

 
I sat bolt upright, and smiled in astonishment. Not only did he freak me out by showing up in 

my dreams, but he was real, and not just a moon dream.

 

"I am going to be working with you guys for a while. I have been sent by Sailor Pluto, or 

Setsuna, as she is better known by her friends on Earth." Luna

jumped onto the window ledge, purring as Loki continued. "I believe you and the Earth 

Senshi know her well."

 

Suddenly, a flash of lemon light preceded Pluto's arrival. She stood before us holding her time 

staff. By her side sat another moon cat, who winked at Loki

as she introduced herself. "I am Morgana, attendant to Queen Freya of Orpheus. I will 

answer all questions in time. For now, we have plenty of other news

to share with you." Morgana began to softly purr as Pluto continued.

"Loki, you are more mischievous than I. I must apologise, Usagi, for our intrusion into your 

beauty sleep...that goes for you too, Luna." Setsuna laughed

as Luna meowed in a bemused fashion.

"Well, I must say, Loki, you have outdone Artemis' 'central control' stunt, and I'm sure you 

two have a lot in common," Luna said, laughing. Pluto and the

new moon cats sat upon my bed, and we talked for a while before organising the foldout sofa 

for Setsuna. She detransformed, borrowed one of my nighties

and slept on the sofa with Loki curled up against her stomach.

The next day Setsuna rose early and took the first shower. She opened her satchel and put 

on a short green dress, lemon stockings, and tan leather sandals.

After my own shower I put on a pink skirt and a white top and chose a matching pink vest. 

Setsuna led the way downstairs, with her pack over one shoulder.

Mom was surprised and happy to see her. She prepared an extra place at the table. Mom 

ignored Loki and Morgana as they shared a large can of tuna and saucer

of fresh cream.

 
"Setsuna, its been a long time since you've visited us. I am so glad to see you again. What are 

you doing these days?" Mom asked whilst serving breakfast,

which consisted of cereal, fresh strawberries on a platter with yoghurt, a stack of buttered 

toast and orange juice.

Setsuna smiled as she replied. "I'm enrolling at the university with Usagi and the others, and 

I'm really looking forward to it."

 

"Good for you! I hope you all enjoy campus life, as it is a special time in your lives. I 

remember my days, studying, dating, and... Ah, memories!"

We laughed, and after finishing breakfast we said our goodbyes. Dad gulped down a cup of 

coffee while munching upon a fruit muffin. Like a showman he struggled

with his suit jacket, simultaneously eating and drinking whilst getting into his car. He saluted us 

with a half-eaten muffin in hand and delivered a gargled

"Have a good day, girls." We laughed and waved. Then off we went. 

I had contacted the others on my communicator, and we met around the bus stop. As 

Setsuna and I moved quickly along the sidewalk, my beloved Mamoru caught

up with me and took my hand. We stopped for a moment while the cats, including the new 

arrivals, joined us. Mamoru greeted Setsuna enthusiastically, just

as surprised to have her with us again as we had been. He kissed my forehead and playfully 

tugged my meatball plaits. We had soon reached the bus stop,

where the others were waiting. Mamoru turned to face me and kissed my open lips as I was 

halfway through saying something. I soon forgot what it was, grinning

after that majorly dreamy kiss. I blushed a little; the other girls were giggling at us. He tenderly 

lifted my chin and looked deep into my eyes.

 

"I love you so much, Meatball Head." We smiled at one another while Rei groaned in her 

customary fashion. Then we slipped our arms about one another and

jumped on the waiting bus. I had not called Mamoru yesterday, as he had worked a late shift 

and needed his sleep. We took our seats quickly and kissed

once more. Mamoru slipped his strong arm around my waist, and I placed my head on his 

shoulder. I felt so safe and secure, and yes, very much loved.

It was orientation day, and formalities gave way to a long and languid sun-splashed afternoon. 

We all agreed to meet later in Setsuna's room. Mamoru and

I decided to set off early, taking a long stroll through the resplendent campus gardens with 

their array of aromatic flowering plants. It seemed this botanical

display was arranged especially for the two of us. I turned and slid my arms about Mamoru's 

neck and he lifted me off my feet, as he always did. I giggled

as he once again kissed me in that awesome dreamy way of his.

Fortunately, the girls and I all had rooms on the same floor. Setsuna and Loki were set up 

well; the decor in the room was so cool, and I wondered how she

managed to get a room painted in the lemon-green colours she loved. After juicing a heap of 

fresh fruit, we sat on cushions and beanbags scattered around

the exotic room, admiring the work she had done with it in such a short time.

I made a funny face at Rei to get a rise out of her. I loved her teasing. There was a time when 

I had hated it, but now it was as natural as having breakfast!

We were all so happy to have Setsuna back with us again, so we all praised her decorating 

skills and chatted amongst ourselves for a time. Setsuna lifted

the Garnet Orb, grinning, as this tool was mostly responsible for the rapid apartment 

makeover. It was good to see Setsuna so happy and light-hearted. She

was usually so 'seriousso!' We knew something had changed in her, and we all speculated 

later about what might have brought about the remarkable transformation.

Minako had come closest (and she would!). She believed Setsuna looked as if she were in 

love.

 

"No way!" I exclaimed at the time, but I would have to admit, much later, that she had been 

on the ball about this. After all, she was the Senshi of Venus

and mistress of the power of love! We would eventually find out the hot buzz, but for the 

moment it was keeping us guessing. My attention returned to Setsuna's

clever use of the Orb as interior decorator.

 
"I thought it was too good to be the true Setsuna's work!" I said. We were laughing still as I 

spoke. 

"Well, a little Senshi magic at short notice is acceptable here, don't you think?" she replied. 

We all continued to laugh as she passed around a plate of

munchies, of which I took my usual fistful. For this I got a frown from Rei, who had trouble 

keeping a straight face after I blew her a long raspberry.

 

The decor was truly remarkable, with indoor plants, cool posters featuring popular bands and 

cool new age paintings. These all contributed to the amazing

atmosphere. While we drank our juice, Setsuna hit a key on her laptop. Instantly, the most 

incredible sight appeared on the screen. It was a Sailor Senshi,

but nobody we'd ever met. She possessed an abundance of blonde hair swimming about her 

hips, and wore a short bubblegum-pink dress with a gold sash about

her waist. I loved the gorgeous quartz crystal high-heeled sandals on her feet. In her hands, a 

glowing crystal wand shone with a soft light.

"She is Princess Magenta-Dawn, the princess of Orpheus. It's a world light-years from Earth, 

and is where Morgana and Loki come from." Setsuna had certainly

surprised us all.

Makoto coughed. "What, huh? I mean, who? And where?" Setsuna raised her bronzed hands 

to quiet us, and we listened to her story.

 

"I must tell you, this woman is a Senshi from outside our solar system. She is the princess of 

Orpheus and connected to the celestial Senshi, the defenders

of our Milky Way galaxy." This was so amazing that we sat like statues as she went on. "You 

have proven yourselves worthy, and more than able to join the

greater battle now being fought throughout the stars."

Rei nodded, then spoke. "I saw her image appear within the flame of prophecy a month 

back! I thought it was Usagi at first... So, she is a Senshi princess!

Looks like you're not the only monarch among the stars, Serenity!" I growled, sparring 

playfully with Rei as always. Setsuna raised her hands for silence

and the hint of a smile left her face, changing the mood back to its serious tone.

"There is so much to tell, and you need to know it all! So, brace yourselves, as it's pretty 

intense!" 

Ami crossed her long legs and sipped the orange juice thoughtfully. "Are we talking about a 

war, Setsuna? I get the feeling that we have only cut our teeth

on the enemies we've encountered so far!"

 

Setsuna nodded, then my darling Mamoru spoke. "So, I guess we are going to learn more 

about Magenta-Dawn? I get the feeling that she is already on Earth."

Setsuna smiled knowingly, then extended her hand. In her palm lay a most beautiful crystal 

flower. It was fashioned from lignite, and its deep obsidian

depths sparkled with an unearthly light. It was so pretty, and yet majorly weird. Suddenly, the 

stone resonated with a melodic female voice.

 

"Hi, guys, I am Magenta Dawn. I will be with you within the hour! You've seen my Senshi 

form. I will explain everything when I arrive at the arcade. I will

look like a university student. I am looking forward to meeting you all, so stay cool until then." 

Magenta Dawn's voice was liquid silk, strange and yet

compelling. She sounded like a moon princess, all right, and yet she was obviously different 

from anyone we had ever encountered. I sat still, and for

a minute or two nobody spoke. We sat there stunned and awestruck until Minako began to 

stroke Artemis and shake her head.

"Wow, I have the feeling that life is about to become a lot more interesting." She smiled at 

Artemis and Loki.

"You don't know the half of it," Loki said as his golden eyes lit up. 

I thought about the stars, and imagined looking down from space at our blue pearl, and the 

magnificent moon that I loved so well. I felt a new sense of

adventure fill my heart as Mamoru gently squeezed my hand.

~*~

We begin this chapter in geo-synchronous orbit above Tokyo, just after the defeat of 

Mistress Nine, a new and unpredictable enemy has ambitious plans to

redeem the former Sovereign of Silence, transform her into a hybrid, and cease Pluto's time 

wand, using it to seek revenge against a common enemy also

threatening the Senshi & the entire galaxy. He alters the past & re-directs the future with 

interesting consequences ... so enjoy & please vote & review!

*winks*

 Loki

*^*^*

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

PLUTO IN LOVE

*Four years prior to Sailor Moon and the Senshi's meeting with Magenta Dawn.*

********

Whilst Sailor Moon and the Senshi were battling Dr. Tomoe and his daimons, General Janus 

watched the events unfold from his orbital platform in geo-synchronous

orbit above the Earth over Tokyo. He was surprised and delighted when Saturn destroyed 

Pharaoh 90. General Janus drew Mistress Nine's 'Affinity Essence'

through a luminous portal, his magnificent crystal sceptre pulsating with violet light.

He hated the alliance with every fibre of his existence, and finally his plans were coming to 

fruition. *I do not need you, Pharaoh 90, for you are a plaything

of the Araknitopa alliance. You would deny me the opportunity to take my place as ruler of 

this galaxy, and this I cannot allow!* His interest peaked,

and a new idea formed in his mind whilst Sailor Moon rescued Saturn and returned her to 

infancy.

"No, Sailor Moon! ... I'm afraid your efforts will appear futile, and little Hotaru and dear 

daddy are going for a temporal stroll!" so saying, he had isolated

baby Hotaru and her father whom had instantly vanished. Janus had altered events in such a 

way as to take baby Hotaru and her father and send them both

eighteen years into the past. Janus waved the sceptre and a golden light issued from the 

portal, illuminating its crystal tip. He crossed the chamber quickly

and stood before a fragile feminine figure, whom appeared to be sleeping peacefully. Janus 

directed the sceptre to release its power, and a magnificent

mother-of-pearl energy enveloped the beautiful body of the sleeping girl. She wore a short 

black shift, and her abundance of thick raven black hair poured

over her breasts and spilled over the edge of the white enamel table upon which she lay. 

Janus quickly punched a series of keys on a console, reciting

a series of incantations. Then a brilliant burst of light containing Mistress Nine's 'Affinity 

Essence' was released into the prostrate girl. It was his

intention to transform the power of the deadly sovereign, turning it to his advantage. The girl 

was central to this purpose.

Janus raised the sceptre, directing its violet light towards the double-arched portal, striking 

the swirling aperture before him. In an instant he had completed

his rearrangement of the past, with surgical precision. Janus set the temporal coordinates just 

after Sailor Moon's showdown with Neptune and Uranus. The

Moon Princess and her Senshi would be living a reconstituted past, with the result of Mistress 

9 being saved nanoseconds before she would have been dusted.

Mistress Nine's essence had been infused into the body of his lost beloved, Amidarainia. She 

was gone; only her memories and persona remained. Janus had

loved her since childhood, and since the day she left her body he had never been the same. 

This had occurred five years ago during an assault on his home world,

which was located in the Rubicon Star Delta, approximately one hundred and eleven light 

years from Earth. His hatred of the Araknitopa Alliance, singularly

kindled by this tragic loss, made him more of a threat to their plans for domination of the 

Milky Way than the Celestial Senshi - as Janus himself was

once the Celestial Senshi's most powerful warrior mage. He had sworn to avenge her death.

Suddenly, he clenched his fists tightly as familiar feelings of anger and grief raged within his 

darkened heart. The people of his world had been ill equipped

to resist the awesome power of darkness that almost destroyed their once-thriving civilisation, 

and were now a conquered people. Janus shivered, and a

tear fell upon the soft cheek of his beloved's face. He kissed her gently, then returned to the 

task of completing the merging.

Janus could not hold back the images flooding into his mind of the day he visited the celestial 

temple where his beloved lay in stasis. Despite all his

skill as a warrior mage, there was nothing he could do for her. The high priestess of Chronos, 

and the other temple priestesses he had grown up with, spent

many moon cycles trying all the magic they knew and still could not revive her.

He was inconsolable. Polliatia, Amidarainia's sister, had held the sobbing young man in her 

arms and gently rocked him, explaining that her sister would

be moving into a new blossoming and life would be hers afresh. She slept in his guest room, 

looking after him for the eight days of grieving. Although

the ceremony of 'Season's Mist' was beautiful, he could not sacrifice her body to the flames 

of Odina, and kept her in a crystal crypt while he searched

for a way to somehow bring her back.

 

Janus was extremely bitter, feeling that she had abandoned him. It was because he felt this 

way that he turned against the Celestial Senshi. He unfairly

blamed them for her death, and although intellectually he understood her loss was beyond 

their control, he felt he had to lay the blame on somebody and

they were as good as any he could think of. He became a mercenary, leaving Chronos 

through the temporal gate and paying for his passage on a star freighter

commanded by his loyal sisters, Janilia and Korila. The girls were highly skilled young Senshi, 

and were keen to hit the Araknitopa back. They did regret

leaving their home world to live on Myolia, an ancient world far enough outside the war zone 

for them to be together as a family for at least a short time.

Their parents had been killed, along with many of their friends and neighbours in their home 

city of Madoria, where they had once all been happy and secure...but

that had all changed. Janus shook away the tears and fixed his attention on the task at hand.

 

Janus and his sisters had recruited a task force to isolate and capture an Araknitopa orbital 

attack platform. He had managed to convince the occupants

to join the winning side quite easily. Those of low rank had been treated badly by their 

overseers in the Alliance, and those of high rank saw an opportunity

to gain prestige under a powerful warrior mage who was well-respected and feared by the 

central ruling council of the Araknitopa Alliance, 'The Orb of

Yaksharia.' So, after the crew had surrendered, the 2,000 strong compliment of Shadow 

Warriors, technicians and other personnel had aligned themselves

with Janus, supporting his cause.

 

Janus knew Mistress Nine would never replace his beloved, but the former sovereign 

possessed an inexplicable allure and magnetism that had captured his

wounded heart. His obsession consumed him completely, leading to this bold attempt to bring 

back something of the happiness he knew with Amidarainia. He

also realised that at the same time, he would have a powerful and beautiful queen to rule by 

his side.

 

Suddenly, a translucent amethyst cocoon encased Amidarainia. This beautiful crystal shell 

remained for eight hours, then it spontaneously shattered. The

woman's rich green eyes flickered open, looking left and right, taking in her unfamiliar 

surroundings. In an instant, she remembered the last moments of

her former life. She sat bolt upright, gripping the sides of the table until her knuckles turned 

white. She was amazed at the thousands of colourful fragrant

blooms set about the massive chamber, leaving her awestruck by their fragrant beauty.

"What is the meaning of this, and who are you?" she asked, seeing Janus. She tried to use her 

long hair as a weapon, and soon realized it could no longer

serve this purpose. "What have you done to me?"

Janus regarded her thoughtfully, then spoke.

"My name is Janus; I am the true lord of time, and rightful keeper of the sceptre of Chronos." 

He began to laugh. The wide-eyed girl swung her bare legs

off the table, and she jumped to her feet. The cold stone sent shivers through her bare feet, 

quickly ascending her legs and freezing her entire body so

she stood trembling before him. For the first time in her existence she felt vulnerable, and was 

not accustomed to this. She felt fear and confusion give

way to anger, and she rose to her full height to confront the arrogant and - she thought, 

despite herself, extremely handsome - stranger before her.

"Did you help the Senshi destroy my master? Or...is it that you have your own reasons for 

this and private agenda?"

 

The tall, good-looking man did not reply right away. He quietly observed her, as if she were a 

precious artefact of some sort. Mistress Nine smiled, and

a curious sense of freedom she had not expected began to overwhelm her.

"Do not think I am not aware of your sense of liberation," he finally said. "I could have let you 

dissolve into nothingness and take your chances again

as a child of Sule...but then, you would not discover the glorious power and appeal of what I 

have to offer."

Mistress Nine's expression was one of alarm and confusion, as she did not understand 

Janus's motives nor his metaphysical jargon.

Suddenly, he transformed into a pulsating purple blob, surrounded by a violet light. Then like 

lightning, the blob slid onto the floor, then quickly over

her feet, sliding up her long shapely bare legs. In seconds it slipped under her silk shift. She 

screamed with terror, feeling a powerful and exhilarating

surge move inside and over her entire body. She basked in this experience in spite of herself, 

realising that she wanted this to go on forever. Janus then

withdrew and immediately reassumed his true form. Standing there with her eyes as wide as 

saucers, she stared at him in disbelief and began sobbing like

a child. The frightened and vulnerable girl knew with absolute certainty her powers were 

gone. She was reduced to a defenceless young woman, not understanding

any of this, and chose silence, not knowing what else to do or say to this powerful being who 

held her destiny in his hands.

"Behold! You now possess a beautiful physical form...thanks to my beloved Amidarainia."

She once more felt unfamiliar emotions overwhelm her, as an innocent girl's eyes looked back 

at her from the flawless crystal mirror's surface. She knew

the mirror didn't lie. *It is true,* she thought, *I am flesh and blood and it belongs to me!* 

This was a new beginning; she felt both elated and scared

at the same time. The strong persona of Amydarainia melted into her being and she 

welcomed it, as it felt so right. It occurred to her that she was warming

to this man and couldn't explain it. She loved the way he moved and the way his beautiful long 

violet cloak whirled about his tall body. She admired his

short indigo hair and handsome features set off by brilliant violet-blue eyes. She loved the 

way he constantly brushed aside the long fringe that refused

to stay out of those deep and intense eyes and his magnificent physique made her give away a 

smile. She then noticed his strong hands and the beautiful

violet stones set into a crescent moon on the ring upon his left hand. Finally, his rich baritone 

voice sent shivers of pleasure throughout her entire

body every time he spoke. She was not used to this, and as he moved her heart skipped a 

beat. She looked at him with radiant green eyes, experiencing the

first tides of unfamiliar memory and emotion washing over her. Then tears of frustration began 

to spill profusely down her cheeks.

Janus again threw her off guard, stepping forward and gathering her in his strong embrace. He 

easily lifted her off the floor, and her delicate bare feet

left the cold stone whilst he kissed her passionately. She did not struggle, nor object, when 

Janus gently untied her silk shift and slipped one large

hand inside. Her jaw dropped and she stared into his eyes, searching for reassurance as he 

gently caressed her warm breast. He kissed her hair, lips, and

delicate throat, and this sent unaccustomed tremors of excitement throughout her body. She 

should have been enraged, but she wasn't, no, not at all. The

tumultuous feelings were a new and wondrous experience for her and she realised she wanted 

more.

"Ah... That's so nice." Janus allowed her to soak up the warmth and pleasure of the intimate 

encounter, and smiled as the tears freed themselves, as they

betrayed the inner feelings rising from inside this once deadly and wrathful being.

Janus thought carefully, as his heart was fast overtaking his head. Then he poured her a goblet 

of wine. Taking her hand, he led her to a comfortable sofa.

After she had emptied the contents of the goblet, he hit a series of keys on a console and a 

schematic appeared on the crystal screen.

 

"I wish to explain the business side of our relationship, and I think you will find it to your 

liking." He decided to discuss the next phase of his plan,

gradually introducing the subject whilst both savoured the aromatic heady taste of the rich red 

wine grown by his father on his home world. "I have a task

for you. There is a young princess with power so great she can barely contain it."

 

He paused for effect, and then went on. "I need you to guide her development, and assist her 

to realize her awesome potential, as this child shall become

great."

She momentarily shook off her emotional torpor, paying more attention to his words.

"You could say this is right up your alley! Like a night cat, I want you to rear a moon kitten 

for me." Seeing she was interested, Janus then began to explain.

"You see, this child is the daughter of Prince Diamond, former ruler of the Dark Moon, 

Nemesis. The mother is Sailor Moon." Now, he explained how he had

learned of this. "The midwife present during the transfer of the unborn child of the Moon 

Princess to her surrogate mother Zowie sought passage aboard

my sister's star freighter. She had little money, was wanted for falsifying birth records, had 

few friends off Nemesis and trusted very few people. We

offered her a new identity, material resources and a safe world for herself and her own 

children. In return, she informed us that the transfer of the child

to its surrogate was achieved through magical craft, and explained in detail the circumstances 

surrounding the Moon Princess's pregnancy."

She looked at Janus with both disbelief and fascination upon her lovely face. "So, there is a 

new and powerful moon child, and you want me to bring her

into our plans?"

Janus liked her use of 'our plans.' "You've got it! Sailor Moon was seduced by the prince 

whilst in a trance state, and it was Wiseman whom cast a spell

over Diamond, forcing him to confuse and deflower the princess. The illusions convinced 

Moon he was Prince Endymion making love to her, repeatedly, until

she became pregnant whilst imprisoned within a temporal bubble." She now wore a look of 

shock. Janus continued his narrative.

"What's fascinating about the Moon's Princess's experience is the way the Silver Crystal 

healed her body, removing all traces of her pregnancy and the birth

of her child!" He loved telling her the news, as it was so like his conversations with 

Amidarainia. "Where was I? Oh yes, the girl-child Miranda was born

and secretly spirited away."

Her curiosity had peaked. "Moon has no idea?"

Janus smiled." No way! When Tuxedo Kamen rescued Sailor Moon, Diamond's guard was 

down. It was because of Wiseman's spell, and his feelings for Moon, that

Diamond was so easily destroyed, along with most of the Dark Moon Family."

The fires of ambition burned brightly in Janus's eyes, and Mistress Nine felt his enthusiasm 

sending shivers of pleasure through her.

"It was too late for him, but not for the child. Diamond's benefactors were determined 

Wiseman would not keep the baby girl. Now Miranda is approaching

her sixteenth year, sent to a world called Orpheus by Sailor Pluto secretly, as she had full 

knowledge of these circumstances...and this is how the lady

of Pluto and I are connected." She urged him on, unconsciously using a gesture Janus 

remembered so well as one of Amidarainia's most endearing. He reached

out and stroked her hair as he spoke.

"Enough of business! You are truly enchanting and lovely. This is a new beginning for both of 

us, and you need a new name. I shall give you my beloved's,

which is Amidarainia."

She smiled, reaching out and touching his hand and nodding her acquiescence. She felt the 

new persona blending with the embers of her previous existence,

and felt comfortable with the new name that somehow brought her closer to the man whom, 

unbeknownst to her, she was falling in love with. She brushed her

hands through her hair, sipped the wine and asked: "How did she die?"

Janus sighed, squeezing her hand then replied.

"Her parents were terminated by the Araknitopa Alliance's attack on our home world. These 

beings are more powerful than your dearly departed, Pharaoh 90,

who neglected to tell you that he was part of this alliance. Your combined strength was still 

only a very small part of their strength." This surprised

her and she eagerly waved him on.

"Pharaoh 90 was a mindless stellar parasite. Perhaps he would have eventually destroyed 

you, too, in time." At these words, she knew her existence as 'Mistress

Nine' was finally over. She was Amidarainia now, and felt a surge of love like a fountain of 

liquid fire warm her once-frozen heart. She stopped for a

moment and gazed into Janus's violet-blue eyes.

"I am she, am I not?" she asked.

"Essentially, but you are like a twin, with a unique fiery quality combined with her latent 

personality." He tried to explain the complexities of 'Affinity

Consciousness.' "You see, Amidarainia's essence is now part of the 'Affinity Weft'." She 

could not understand what this was, but intuitively it sounded

like the loom and harp of all existence and so much more. He paused, allowing his words to 

be absorbed by his new love...then quickly changed the subject.

"My plans are set. You will battle with Princess Pluto! After she is defeated, I want her time 

wand."

 

Amidarainia put her head upon his shoulder, feeling a little tired. "I have no powers, I cannot 

fight her like this!" Janus put his arms around her, lifted

her face to his, and kissed her gently upon the red petals of her sweet lips.

"My darling Amidarainia, you already have the power of a Senshi, and I will train you to use it 

with a little help from my sisters. Have no fear, it will

be easily accomplished." Janus opened his hands and placed an incredibly stunning choker 

with a violet stone around her throat. Then he gave her an orb,

which she held in her delicate hands. Janus took her in his arms once more and she didn't 

resist, now hungry for these new emotions, allowing herself to

melt into his embrace as they kissed passionately. He picked up her feather-light body in one 

quick movement, then carried her to his bedchamber.

 

Hours later, she sat up and leaned over the sleeping form of the man she now loved, kissing 

him. His eyes flickered open as he drew her to him, and once

more they made love.

Later, they emerged from the crystal bath and shared a light meal. She stepped naked before 

the crystal mirror, then dressed slowly, liking the feel of

her new clothes and smiling with satisfaction. The image that looked back at her would take a 

little getting used to, as for the first time in her existence

she realised that she was actually happy.

*Very chic,* Janus thought to himself as he gazed upon her gorgeous body.

She shook her abundance of long black hair that fell to her slim waist, and pirouetted. She 

then faced him, smiling.

 

"You like?" he smiled, standing with arms folded whilst admiring her sexy countenance.

"You bet I do, my love!" The fire of love made her dizzy. Their intimacy had brought them 

closer and they knew they were in love. *Not only do I look and

feel good, but I now have a life complete with impressions and memories and love... I never 

knew, and to think I was prepared to go without it forever

as the Sovereign of Silence!*

She was caught up in the collage of images and sensations that flooded her mind, as faces and 

places took her breath away. "I remember growing up in a beautiful

city, it's so awesome!"

*She even speaks like her, yet I love her for who she is and who she has become!* Janus 

mused to himself. "I want you to make ready for our visitor, my

love, Princess Pluto will soon be with us, and we cannot afford to allow her to interfere with 

our objectives." He swept her up in his arms once more,

and they kissed before he left for his craft, promising to return soon.

^^^

 
Not long after rescuing Haruka and Michiru from death on Earth, Setsuna, as Sailor Pluto, 

had visited Chibi-Usa to say farewell. She then summoned her star

craft, using the orb's power, and made ready to return home to the planet Pluto after an 

absence of well over a thousand Pluto years. As a direct result

of altering the timeline to save her friends, she had to relinquish her role as guardian of time. 

Though this saddened her, she felt glad to be returning

after aeons away. Although she would still possess the ability to move through time, she knew 

it would be limited by the temple of Chronos. What the future

held she did not know for certain, but she was ready for whatever it brought forth.

She thought about her days as a child on Pluto, and smiled as the image of a black marble 

palace within a domed city appeared in her mind's eye in all its

splendour. She was the princess of Pluto, much sought-after by many suitors from all over the 

solar system. Her father knew she was not interested in any

of those guys, as she had told her parents that a star warrior would become her beloved. She 

had felt his essence in a dream, and she would wait. After

speaking to her mother, Queen Persephone, they had both agreed to allow Pluto to approach 

Daphne, the high priestess, to be initiated into the temple of

Chronos. She was granted entry soon after, whilst the price she paid for this escape from her 

determined pursuers was that she could not return home until

she had completed her duties as guardian of time.

Her age was indeterminate, for most people were not familiar with the power and ways of a 

temporal priestess. As such, Pluto's affinity essence, as Daphne

explained it, was like a strand on a boundless tapestry. The difference that marked those who 

served as priests and priestesses, Senshi, or members of

the ruling classes, was their ability to activate their affinity crystal seeds, which were aligned 

with streams of life force cascading through every fibre

of existence. This did not mean this power was exclusively the province of the powerful, but 

something each entity had to evolve to over many existences

spanning time and space and the unknown realms beyond this universe. In this sense, death 

could not extinguish such individuals, as their affinity seed

essences are perpetually carried from one life to the next...each one usually different from the 

last, but not always.

 

When Pluto was a little girl, she had loved the amazing legends told by storytellers featuring 

powerful beings that fought for love, justice and harmony

amongst the stars. The priestess Daphne described it as a living celestial kaleidoscope 

encompassing all realms, and Pluto had been fascinated by this

awesome cosmic mystery.

She was brought back to the present by flashing warning indicators. She activated the 

viewscreen and observed the fast-approaching crafts now approaching

her tiny ship. She was being pursued, and she could not break free of the evil armada closing 

in on her. Though she destroyed several of these batlike

fighter craft, there were too many to fight off, so she allowed them to escort her.

After docking at their destination, she entered the orbital platform's airlock. She scanned for 

energy signatures, couldn't get any clear readings, and

decided to enter cautiously. Nothing could have prepared her for the size and sheer power of 

this place, it was truly incredible. She lifted her head and

stared, the metallic white enamel-like walls must have been at least one hundred metres high 

and the massive dome encasing the central chamber was many

more across. There were no people about, only computer workstations and glowing obsidian 

crystal points protruding from the white flagstone floor. She

observed the many tunnels leading into darkness, like spokes on a massive wheel, as she 

stood in the centre of the vast circular chamber and waited.

"Welcome to my parlour, Princess Pluto, such a quaint human cliché but most appropriate I 

think!"

 

The voice echoed in all directions. Pluto spun about to see where it was coming from, and 

stopped as Amidarainia appeared opposite her across the chamber.

"I am Sailor Pluto, and I will defend the people of the Earth and all who call upon me for 

help. Prepare to face your punishment!" Sailor Pluto held the

Garnet Orb in her hands. It began to glow and a brilliant lemon-green light projected a quanta 

arc pulse towards Amidarainia. "Quanta-Arc Pulse!" she screamed

as they faced off from opposite ends of the concourse under the atmospheric dome shield.

Amidarainia stood facing Pluto, a look of defiance on her face as she folded her arms across 

her chest. Suddenly, her hands began to glow a bright coppery

red and she directed streams of force, blocking Pluto's attack. "I will not let a reckless Sailor 

fool who abandons the laws of Chronos stand up to me

unchallenged."

*Now how did she know that!* Pluto sensed there was something strangely familiar about 

the woman facing her. Her adversary was undoubtedly a Senshi. She

wore a short-sleeved top and short skirt cast in midnight blue with gold stars, a silver crescent 

tiara upon her brow, and a choker with a beautiful violet

stone cut in the shape of a star. Her legs were long and she wore matching boots and held a 

translucent deep blue crystal wand in her delicate hands.

 

There was something else, though, something she could not quite figure out, and it bugged 

Pluto big time as she braced herself to meet the full force of

her opponent. Pluto felt terror grip her as she regarded the vision of darkness standing before 

her, clad in midnight blue with waist-length raven black

hair swirling about her rounded hips. Upon closer examination, it wasn't her features, dress, 

or her voice that was familiar: it was the way she spoke.

"You're only a girl...and why do you seem so familiar to me?" Pluto whispered, as they stared 

at one another, waiting to see who would make the next move.

Then it dawned on her: she recognised Mistress Nine's essence within this adolescent girl. 

She stood defiantly with her hands on her hips, tossing her

abundance of shimmering black hair over her shoulders as she laughed. The girl possessed a 

dark energy and yet she also had a spark of goodness that was

clearly present.

Suddenly, shadow warriors surrounded Pluto, but she launched a Mega-Shriek, instantly 

disintegrating the hideous assembly.

"There is nothing you can do to stop us, Pluto, you're smart, so stand with me and rule the 

universe with Janus and you will be queen of your own dominion

amongst the stars!"

Pluto shook her head and glared at her adversary. "Your words have no power over me, 

your dominion of darkness and destruction will fade under the light

of the Silver Crystal's power of light and justice, and I will be here still when Sailor Moon 

defeats you!" Pluto could feel the stresses upon the fabric

of existence stretching almost to breaking point, as fiery eyes glowed with a fierce intensity.

 

"Fool, you will not stop me, you or your other Senshi companions. I will destroy them and I 

will take pleasure especially in your demise!"

Pluto then launched her Dead Scream attack and in retaliation, Amidarainia launched a 

Spider Warp at Pluto.

She had to act fast. Using the wand of time that would be eventually returned to the temple 

on Pluto she transported herself instantly to her crystal glider

and fled. As Pluto manoeuvred past Janus's forces, an uneasy feeling overtook her as she 

sensed a presence within the craft. Then suddenly her orb resonated

with a melodic voice, whilst still resting in its crystal cradle on the console.

"Princess Pluto, I am a friend; you need only know me as 'Morgana.' You need to destroy 

their attack platform. Position your craft at these coordinates,

take the orb in your hands and say, 'I call upon the power of the Brisinganin'." The female 

voice was sweet and cultured, but Pluto could now see its source.

She was surprised by the mysterious black moon cat who was returning her gaze with fiery 

eyes of emerald green. "Pluto, it is important that you listen

carefully and place your full trust in me."

Pluto did as she was instructed. Suddenly, the vast platform exploded into a burst of brilliant 

light, but this was not the end of this powerful vessel,

as Janus altered the space-time fabric to make good his escape. With their base gone, the 

remaining fighters re-grouped after being thrown clear of the

temporal shock wave and began their relentless pursuit of Pluto's tiny craft. The dark 

shadowy force seemed to consume the tiny star craft as Pluto sped

towards the moon.

After entering orbit, she realised with a shock that the craft's landing systems weren't 

functioning. She thought quickly, using the orb to safely land.

"This is ironic; I am seeking refuge amongst the ruins of the Moon City, and I must now seek 

out the crystal Star Arch!"

The moon cat appeared before her, a black cat like Luna, but with a silver crescent upon her 

brow and five tiny stars about it. "Princess Pluto, let us

go quickly."

Morgana ran ahead, and her jewelled collar threw an energy shield around them both as they 

entered the ruined city that was once the pride of Queen Serenity's

realm. She knew she only had one shot at escaping Amidarainia's forces: by activating the 

portal she suspected lay within the cavern where the mysterious

crystal fragment she had discovered months before lay. Morgana's eyes glowed brilliantly as 

they made their way through the labyrinthine passages that

ran deep beneath the once glorious city.

"Well Morgana, we've no other choice!"

When Pluto first scanned the crystal fragment, unwittingly re-activating it after more than 

twenty thousand years, the readings indicated it was a key to

an ancient interstellar gateway. This mysterious portal had not been used since well before the 

Silver Millennium, and now it was their only hope of escape.

She moved towards it, surrounded by a luminous lemon green wave of energy provided as 

both atmospheric and defensive cover by the Orb. The surrounding

rock had crystallised due to the release of the crystal's powerful force as it struck the surface 

within these subterranean caverns aeons ago.

 

Suddenly, Pluto felt sharp stabs of pain hit her right shoulder, and she fell to the ground. 

Morgana lifted a paw and sent a beam of pink light towards

the shadow warriors following behind. "You're weak from the blast; do not fear, as I have 

placed a barrier between us and our pursuers. They will be dusted

by the portal once they break through!"

Morgana nudged Pluto's face, and this encouraged her to sit up and she stroked Morgana's 

silken fur. She slowly stood up, after brushing the sand off her

bruised knees. She became aware of another presence inside the cave, and Morgana 

reassured her it was a friend.

Pluto felt the orb begin to vibrate, as it pulsated in sync with the light thrown by the crystal 

arch. Feeling exhausted, she noticed with distress a warm

wet sensation moving slowly down her spine.

"Mau Healing Activation!"

Pluto's eyes opened rapidly as Morgana's silver crescent markings threw a healing light 

around her. The bleeding stopped, and she could move her shoulder

again.

"Thank you so much, Morgana, I have some questions to ask once we're out of here." Pluto 

gasped as she caught her breath.

 

"There is time enough for that, come on, the portal is active!"

Pluto turned suddenly, feeling a strange sensation envelop her as the portal opened within the 

crystal arch, and a swirl of beautiful prismatic colour lit

the interior of the cave.

"Oh, Neo-Queen Serenity, help us now, please!" Morgana cried as Pluto fell into the arms of 

a tall stranger and all three crossed the threshold. Behind

them, a fourth figure of light creamy ginger had opened his eyes. A brilliant purple light issued 

forth and destroyed the shadow warriors that were attempting

to enter the cavern, and this mysterious moon cat also jumped through the portal before it 

closed and the cavern collapsed.

Pluto felt the liquid effulgence carrying her weightless body through the swirling gateway as 

Loki, Morgana, and Enki, the tall figure who held Pluto in

his arms were carried to safety. Pluto allowed the sensation of floating to relax and calm her, 

then lost consciousness. The last thing she remembered

before waking was the soothing voice of the mysterious guy who had, with Morgana and 

Loki, rescued her from certain death.

Pluto later learned he was a warrior mage. He was unlike anyone she had ever met and 

somehow she knew their lives were destined to be forever linked. It

was quite a shock when Pluto realised where she was; she had travelled hundreds of light 

years beyond the solar system. In all her travels, she had never

ventured beyond the Ortt cloud that ringed the solar system. The only places she visited were 

inter-dimensional realms located in the same space, different

realities that lay parallel to the Moon and Earth kingdoms.

Orpheus's history and the subsequent links with the Earth and Moon kingdoms took a long 

time to digest. She also realised the reasons for the crystal arch's

non-discovery, as the Araknitopa Alliance, a far more deadly adversary than any of the 

enemies thus far encountered by Sailor Moon and her fellow Senshi.

The Araknitopa Alliance were waging galactic war against the Celestial Senshi. This both 

freaked her out and fascinated her. The Araknitopa closed off

not only the galactic Senshi from the solar system, but also the planets within from one 

another. Usagi and the others had never wondered about the other

kingdoms, and now she knew why. It had not occurred to them, as their memories and 

curiosity had been cursed by the web of darkness shrouding each crystal

arch throughout the solar system.

"The people of Mars, Jupiter, Mercury and so on are also oblivious to the existence of each 

other, believing their sister worlds were destroyed by Queen

Beryl!" Loki explained.

Pluto considered this. "I never lost the knowledge of my world. Why?"

Morgana lifted her head. "You see, Pluto, as the guardian of time, you were not likely to 

return to your kingdom, as was required under the agreement each

temporal priestess accepts upon initiation as mistress of time. So only you remember, and 

what they did not expect was your loss of the responsibility

and return home."

Pluto began to think about this, and the more Loki and Morgana explained it, the more it 

made sense. "So because I would not return for perhaps thousands

of years, the Araknitopa alliance could dull my people's memories without worrying about 

me, as I would not be going home for an indefinite period."

Loki and Morgana nodded and spoke together. "Precisely!" Pluto then de-transformed, 

assuming her casual identity. There were distant footsteps.

"Enki!" Setsuna called out. He was several hundred metres away, moving slowly towards 

them. Whilst out of earshot, she commented to Loki and Morgana. "He

is so dreamy... Oh no, I'm sounding like Usagi. That's not too bad, as she is the future Queen 

and has good taste."

 

They all laughed, as both Loki and Morgana had observed the antics and heroics of the 

Moon Kingdom's Senshi and their reluctant budding queen, Usagi, through

their recon-crystal satellite array.

"We're honoured to be in such company, as I am looking forward to meeting Usagi and the 

girls." Loki hopped up on his hind legs, placing his front paws

upon Setsuna's knees, and leapt onto her lap.

"Loki, you old softy, you're just like that fur-lined hunkmeister, Artemis, he is really cool!" 

Morgana teased.

Loki shook his head and raised his paws to the sky, and mewed. "Morgana, you've got me 

there!"

They all laughed and waited for Enki to reach them. Setsuna sighed with pleasure, as the 

warm fragrant scent of spring flowers filled her senses. "Hmmm!"

She stood on a vast sandstone plateau looking into mauve skies, wondering how far Orpheus 

was from Earth. Setsuna was surprised to learn the portal had

moved her four years into the future. The strong tall figure in a long deep blue velvet cloak, 

with its pointed hood covering most of his face, approached

her and smiled. He intrigued her, and stirred something inside that felt so warm, and she loved 

his strength and calm demeanour.

 

Setsuna remembered the explanation of how he and the cats found her. They had picked up 

powerful energy signatures, and others not so negative, and these

were what prompted their entering the portal to investigate. The star crystal was part of an 

ancient array known as 'The Oberisku no Shoujo's Crystal Rosetta.'

Enki explained that not a lot was known about this mighty obelisk since the recent awakening 

of its vast crystal lattice. Morgana and Loki told the story

of a legend concerning a crystal girl who was the queen of all Senshi, and she was linked to 

the old order that once ruled Earth and Orpheus long before

the separation. Apparently, there was a great deal of secrecy regarding these portals lest the 

Araknitopa Alliance got word of it and tried to steal them.

So Orpheusean scientists, along with Queen Freya and those linked to the Celestial Senshi 

and the temples of the stars, including Enki, actively investigated

this profound discovery. Setsuna learned the portal had activated, as it had throughout the 

galaxy, the moment she had first encountered it, setting it

off unintentionally.

 

When Enki entered the chamber where she had been protected by Morgana and Loki, he 

knew something important had happened, this was why he left her with

Loki and Morgana until he had reported to Celestial Senshi headquarters.

He told her all about his beautiful planet, Orpheus. She remembered flying in his star glider 

with the cats and seeing the stunning planet and the four

moons for the first time, marvelling at their beauty. She was blown away by the fact that Earth 

and Orpheus shared a common heritage. Setsuna remembered

gripping his arm as they entered orbit around Orpheus. It took her breath away, set against a 

shimmering backdrop of stars and golden nebulae. The moons

were like multicoloured jewels, and the artistry of the majestic Orpheus with its purples, pinks 

and red rings of cloud was stunning.

 

Enki gently sat her upon a stone seat carved from a burnt orange stone, one of several 

arranged in a circle surrounding a magnificent white marble octagonal

altar. They were in the centre of the celestial temple dedicated to the goddess Isisiata, which 

lay open to the sky. He approached the altar, placing a

beautiful translucent crystal raven at its centre along with other talismans.

Raising his hands, he began his incantations as Setsuna wrapped the velvet cloak tightly 

around her shivering body. Instantaneously, five luminous orange

tubes of energy manifested themselves in front of her. Loki and Morgana urged her not to be 

alarmed, as these were magical beacons to evoke protective

shielding before teleporting to the capital. She nodded and rested her palms gently on each 

cat's shoulder, and they waited.

These gelatinous cylindrical forms made up the powerful circuit encompassing the temple 

perimeter, and it stood three metres in height. The tubes vibrated

in sympathy with Enki's incantations, creating a lattice of colourful lightning as a beautiful city 

appeared before them. Enki took her hand, leading her

and the cats through the portal.

They all stood in a glorious court of flagstone, amidst tall buildings fashioned from marble, 

granite and crystal. Setsuna took in the vast public square,

noticing with surprise how deserted it was, and then observed the spectacular colourful 

zodiac motif at their feet. The symbols were totally unknown to

her, and after laying the palm of her left hand upon a crystal plaque she noticed gentle 

sensations pulsing through her hands. Instantly she possessed

a full working knowledge of the Horoscope based upon the stellar position and other factors 

connected with Orpheusean culture and magic. She marvelled

at how easy it was to accumulate knowledge via this technology. She thought it truly amazing, 

and she loved it all.

"Where are all the people?"

 

It was then Enki pulled back his hood, and his handsome roman features were now 

complemented by their surroundings. She admired his smile and his blue eyes

with their amused expression as he took her hand, and this made her pulse race. She blushed, 

looking away for a second, then back into his eyes, and he

smiled. This was a face Setsuna would come to know and love so well. She returned his 

smile and they walked for a time in silence with the cats leading

the way.

With tall solid build, violet-blue eyes and short hair of gold, she thought he looked 

resplendent in his black uniform with its silver trim.

"This is my home, Pheona City, the city of artisanship."

"You're an artist?" Setsuna asked as she lifted her swanlike neck, gazing upon megalithic 

structures and lavish botanical gardens interspersed between the

majestic monuments and buildings. She was totally awestruck.

 

"Yes, of a sort, but I am also a warrior mage," Enki answered. "This is the civilian capital, and 

the Royal city is seven hundred kilometres away to the

West," he said, lifting a silver orb that began its rhythmic pulsations as a shimmering blinding 

light encircled them all. After the brilliance subsided,

Setsuna beheld a city that was filled with thousands of people going about their business.

"What just happened there?" Setsuna asked, both fascinated and curious.

"You were scanned, to make sure no evil viruses were implanted."

Setsuna's eyes doubled in size as she faced him. "Don't tell me, you had to be sure I was not 

a plant by the Araknitopa Alliance." She thought this made

sense, even though for some unknown reason this offended her as she felt she had won his 

trust.

"Of course I trusted you, Setsuna," he said smiling.

She laughed. "I should have realised you can read my thoughts. I guess I will have to be 

careful what I think about." She smiled mischievously as she looked

him up and down, still smiling as his face reddened a little.

 

"Touché, you've got me there," he replied, raising his hands in a gesture of placation. "Let's 

go, I want to get you to a clinic and get some good food

into you. You might not wish to chance our food rations... They're okay, but not the kind of 

cuisine a lovely lady such as yourself deserves after all

you've been through."

People Enki knew greeted him, and two of these accompanied them on their way.

 

^^^

Over the weeks and months that followed, Enki visited me and we would often go out 

exploring the city outskirts. One morning I woke to find Loki staring

at his reflection in the mirror. I was curious as to what had brought him here so early, as dawn 

was about to break.

 

"Hi, Setsuna," he said, jumping onto the floor and rubbing against my bare legs and feet. His 

fur was so soft and warm that it made me giggle as it tickled

my skin. "We are going to be working with you, Pluto. There are some important things you 

need to know, and Enki has full confidence in you."

He lifted his head and sat up, watching me intensely. "I have to tell you. It's not going to be 

easy, but Enki really likes...whoops!" He crouched and sat

like a moneybox waiting for me to place a coin in his back where the slot would be, and 

began washing himself. "Sorry, I think I let...myself out of the

bag!"

I laughed, and ruffled his soft ears. "It will be yours and my secret, Loki, and I must admit, he 

is as Usagi would say, dreamy and a totally cool guy!"

I stood and looked at my reflection. My long emerald hair fell in a single wave over my left 

breast and down to my waist. The necklace of jade, with a small

quartz raven nestled between my breasts, caught the light of the awakening sun and set off a 

kaleidoscope of colour over my dress. The lemon-green fabric

of the short skirt complimented the strapless emerald bodice embroidered with shining star 

sapphires. I pirouetted slowly. Loki whistled his approval and

I blushed, smiling at this cheeky Moon cat. Loki was such a cute fluff ball, nodding his 

approval. I reached for my rod and threw my emerald cloak about

my shoulders.

Now I noticed the sleek and familiar form of Morgana opposite Loki. They were winking at 

one another as Loki approached and rubbed noses with his purring

companion. This seemed to be their customary affectionate greeting. They trotted side by 

side, and followed me out of the living precinct into the central

causeway. Then, I moved quickly across the vast atrium with Loki and Morgana in tow.

^^^

 
Aki stood upon the threshold of the Celestial palace, staring into the beautiful gardens 

illuminated by the light of four majestic moons. Aki was a beautiful

girl growing up on Orpheus, a strong-minded and independent-thinking individual who was 

known and loved by all her people. Several months had passed since

Pluto had arrived on Orpheus, and in this time she had endeared herself to not only the 

people of Orpheus, but Prince Enki as well.

Setsuna sighed and laughed. "You have to understand, Aki, that Earth's cultural differences 

are valid even though they were isolated from the galaxy community

for so long."

Aki giggled. "How dumb, to use an Earth term."

Setsuna shook her head, still laughing. "Sule was so much more interesting than that boring 

designation the Earth people gave it, as Sule was the name of

a heroic Affinity Mage."

"The Earth's Celtic peoples worshiped her as a goddess," Aki explained, "because she had 

visited their world to help fight the Dark Kingdom."

Aki had studied Earth culture at school. Her 'Imparter,' Axia, praised her efforts, describing 

Aki as her best student. Aki was fifteen years old, a moon

away from her sixteenth birthday. Setsuna had learned that Aki was heir to Tsurania, the 

kingdom of the fourth moon. Aki hoped one day to visit the Earth,

and then travel to other worlds now freed from the dark web of the Araknitopa Alliance.

The Alliance had long isolated Orpheus and its celestial allies from the Sulean star system. 

History spoke of these dark times; originally three Celestial

Senshi had set one of nine crystal-star gateways upon the planet Mercury deep beneath the 

'Wisdom City.' Unfortunately, these powerful stone talismans,

along with their crystal companions that made up the many petals of the legendary 'Oberisku 

no Shoujo's Crystal Rosetta,' were long ago lost.

The Wisdom City's massive crystal dome, impervious to the sun's intense rays, housed 

millions of Mercury's citizens. Deep beneath the surface, a network

of subterranean cities connected Wisdom City to the dark side of this mysterious world, 

where planetary defence and deep space transport stations were

located. The City represented a vital jump-off point for interstellar trade and other activities.

The Orpheuseans and the Mercureans, like all the other Sulean worlds, called the sun Sule, 

whereas the people of the Earth called it simply 'The Sun.' When

the 'Oberisku no Shoujo' was destroyed, Orpheus was pushed out of its orbit and sheered its 

sister planet, Earth. The devastation caused by this cataclysm

destroyed over ninety percent of the Earth's surface, taking with it the Celestial Senshi capital, 

Atlantari. The survivors retreated to Orpheus in whatever

craft they could find, and the Affinity Weft Guardian headquarters was quickly re-established 

on Orpheus.

Unfortunately, the damage to Orpheus's crust was also significant. Although the damage was 

isolated to the Northern portion of the eighth continent, it

took centuries to rebuild all the lost cities. Aki explained how Orpheus had dislodged one of 

its moons, which eventually became the Moon Kingdom of the

Earth. The new era that followed led to the emergence of the Silver Millennium, of which 

Setsuna knew much. Eventually, Aki completed the story of Orpheus's

arrival in the tri-star system that allowed its civilisations to recover and thrive. The time had 

now arrived to punish the Araknitopa for their actions.

 

"I hope you've enjoyed the history lessons as much as I, Setsuna."

Setsuna nodded. "I have learned so much from you, Aki. I think you will be a valuable 

addition to the celestial Senshi."

Enki called out his greeting and quickened his step. He first picked up his youngest sister and 

lifted her off her feet, spinning her around, hugging her.

He gently placed her feet upon the ground, turned to Setsuna, and did the same. Setsuna 

laughed with joy as he kissed her quickly upon the lips. They stood

there staring deeply into one another's eyes. Aki smiled, whilst shaking her head, and made 

her excuses to leave, allowing them some privacy.

Setsuna studied his features, noticing the lustre of the star gems indicating his rank as he 

caught their reflection in her deep green eyes. Enki softly

kissed the flawless tanned skin of her beautiful neck, and their lips met, opening to a long 

sweet kiss.

When he first laid eyes upon her, he had told Aki he had finally found his star princess. Aki 

thought this so romantic and took an instant liking to the

bronzed princess of the Sulean planet called Pluto. So, when they were joined, Aki was a 

moonflower attendant at the ceremony. It was so beautiful, as

too her new sister by marriage. Unfortunately, they would have to leave Orpheus to face the 

dark forces of the Araknitopa alliance and meet new allies

whom would assist them in their quest.

 

Finally, before leaving they discussed the mission with Enki's other sister Princess Magenta 

Dawn, who would join them on Earth after they had reconnected

with the Sulean Senshi. The party of Moon Cats stood around the beautiful star crystal portal, 

now active after twenty thousand years. Loki trotted by

Setsuna's shapely long golden legs, his fluffy tail tickling her skin. She squatted and stroked 

his fur, he looked up, and in a cat's way, smiled.

"We will have much to do, Princess Setsuna of Pluto, so we will need extra help. I have 

asked Morgana to come along. Robbie will join us later; he will

monitor events from London's new Central Control after meeting up with Suzanne Cherry 

Blossom formerly Sailor Cerciana in Tokyo ... Luna and Artemis we

do remember meeting in an earlier embodiment and look forward to meeting them once 

again!"

Enki slipped his arm around Setsuna's slender waist and they laughed as Aki pulled Loki's 

tail, and he let out a cute squeak of protest. After last-moment

goodbyes, Queen Freya kissed her son and newly acquired daughter, and Aki presented 

them both with a tiny crystal raven - the ancient talisman symbolic

of Senshi magic upon their world.

"Take care. Both of you, take care, and please keep in touch whilst on Earth. You're facing a 

dark journey ahead, so enjoy your fruitful time as newly joined

as much as you can, as I fear you'll have so little chance to enjoy yourselves for a long time 

after!" She looked both sad and happy as she pronounced

her farewell incantations and the small party stepped through the portal.

^^^

A CRYSTAL CURSE PART II

It was a beautiful spring day in Tokyo. Naru gave Umino a lingering smile as their hands 

interlocked across their table, amidst a setting illumined by sprigs

of sunlight. A warm breeze enfolded them as if a maternal goddess were protecting them. 

Naru and Umino lost themselves in a timeless moment. They loved

this little botanical café, a romantic retreat aptly named The Cherry Blossom Café. This open 

establishment, nestled within a circle of beautiful flowering

cherry blossom trees, created the perfect romantic setting for lovers to spend some quality 

time together.

 
The delicate flowers were in full bloom. They delighted in the beauty of the tree 

overshadowing their table. It was truly breathtaking. The way the tree

branches bowed in the warm breeze took them back to days of old where honour and 

romance were paramount, reminding Umino of a beautiful Japanese flower

maiden draped in pink silk with fragrant flowers woven through the elegant fabric. The lovely 

tree bowing before them with its profusion of striking colour

suffused into the botanical expanse, creating a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere.

Suddenly, four very fast cats sped past their table.

"Wasn't that Luna and Artemis, Umino?" Naru's eyes shot back to her lover's face as they 

both rose to see where the cats were heading.

"Yeah! Those other cats...?" He stood there trying to figure out who the other cats were. It 

had been a year since he and Naru were brought into the circle

of Usagi's secret world and discovered their friends were Senshi. The greatest surprise was 

learning Usagi was to become Neo-Queen Serenity, and Mamoru

the King.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Usagi, Makoto, Rei, Ami, and Minako rushed towards the 

arcade.

"What's the hurry? They didn't even stop long enough to say hi!" Umino mused as he pulled 

out Naru's chair. She got to her feet quickly, adjusted her skirt

and shoulder bag and looked in the direction of their retreating friends. Naru was a tall slim 

redhead; her bright attentive green eyes were penetrating

and shone with an intelligent playful gleam. They never missed much. Umino found it nearly 

impossible not to lose himself within those magical emerald

eyes. Umino wore a soft white wool pullover, black jeans, and since getting contact lenses 

looked taller and more attractive. Naru had to watch out for

other women who also thought these things true of her man. Almost as if he could read her 

thoughts, he smiled at her lovingly and squeezed her slim and

soft hand. Umino shrugged as he thought about where the girls were going. They were 

moving away rapidly with cats in tow as they continued on their way

towards the arcade.

 

Umino's eyes swept approvingly over the slim figure of his girl, and he was very pleased with 

what he saw. Naru wore an elegantly cut suit consisting of

a sky blue pleated knee-length skirt and a matching jacket that beautifully contoured her 

figure. Her high-heeled sandals added extra height, complementing

her overall appearance. Umino loved the way she would throw back her tumble of vermilion 

and laugh at something he or one of the others had said. She knew

Umino had proved a worthy partner in all things, especially as a lover in matters sexual and 

especially in those matters of the heart. She grinned to herself,

remembering their first night of tender lovemaking. Those precious images flashed across her 

mind's eye. She remembered also, with a grin, how shy they

were that magic night. It was so fantastic, every touch and kiss. She had thought anything like 

that was not possible, even whilst lying naked cradled

and contented in Umino's arms. Naru was brought back to the present, blinking, as she 

focused on the familiar figure approaching their table.

 

"Come on, guys, there's somebody you might like to meet." Mamoru gave his invitation and 

they followed him to the arcade.

The flashing lights, fascinating sounds and familiar atmosphere were a welcome comfort for 

Umino as he entered the arcade's interior. The arcade had always

reminded him of freshly percolated coffee. He'd been coming here for years, and now it again 

began to fill his senses with sights, sounds and aromas.

All the girls were sitting around a large table. Luna, Artemis, and the two mysterious new 

fur-lined arrivals sat in anticipation of how the day's events

would pan out. Naru stroked the new cats; Loki and Morgana, whom, like Luna, purred and 

mewed contentedly. At that moment, Mamoru and Usagi joined the

assembly.

"Hi guys!" Usagi greeted her two friends, and asked them to take a seat. Andrew 

approached the table and introduced the tall - and, Umino thought, beautiful girl standing 

beside him, smiling shyly.

"Usagi, this is Magenta Dawn, and she's staying at our place as she is enrolling as a student at 

the university. I described you guys to her and well...

I will let you do the rest, Magenta!" Andrew's eyes could scarcely move away from that 

gorgeous face which, he thought to himself, must have launched a

thousand ships. *No, ten thousand ships! Whoops, I shouldn't think this way, I love 

Reika...but this girl is so stunning!* he thought as he bowed and returned

to his work.

"Hi! I am happy to meet you all," she said as her eyes danced with a vivacious shine. The 

graceful blonde stood almost as tall as Mamoru, and he too was

impressed by her beauty and presence.

*She's so like Usagi...taller, and pretty. She could almost be Usagi's older sister...perhaps 

she is! Or a cousin, or something!*

Usagi stood, extending her hand, and Magenta Dawn took it. Her handshake was firm and 

confident. "I am Usagi! Here are my friends... Makoto, Minako, Rei,

Ami, Umino and Naru ...and of course, my guy, Mamoru!" Usagi's face lit up as she 

mentioned Mamoru's name.

Magenta Dawn shook hands with everybody warmly, and they all noticed the curious pulse 

of gentle force shooting into their bodies as she touched them. It

left everyone awestruck. She looked resplendent in her bubblegum pink skirt, with its broad 

hem floating midway down her amber thighs. Magenta's eyes shone

like sapphires. Minako commented on the delicate tea rose pinned to her white t-shirt. Her 

hair fell loosely over her shoulders and back, swirled around

shapely breasts and fell in a cascade over her rounded hips in a sumptuous soft gloss. 

Magenta Dawn's long tanned legs looked as if they had been poured

into hot pink sandals in an Olympian goldsmith's workshop. The delicate ankle straps of her 

finely crafted sandals were studded with gold stars. In her

hair, a gold rose hairclip and hot pink headband gave her a sweet, innocent countenance. 

Usagi exclaimed with appreciation at the sparkling emerald raven

pinned to the hair band. The lovely piece exuded an otherworldly glow.

After introductions were completed she sat, and then everyone ordered. The conversation 

flowed easily as each learned a little about the other. The arcade

was quiet, and so in relaxed casual banter they became better acquainted.

"I love your world, its sooooo cool!" Magenta pronounced as she licked her strawberry 

cheesecake ice-cream cone. "We have just over one and a half billion

people living on Orpheus and its moons. Earth has certainly come a long way since the 

cataclysm." She looked puzzled as nobody seemed to understand what

exactly she was getting at.

"I'm sorry, Magenta Dawn, but our tiny little blue pearl has had many such global 

upheavals...of which are you referring?"

Magenta Dawn looked at each attentive face and cleared her throat, then began to recount 

the lost history of both their worlds in a brief, but complete

manner. When she had finished, all eyes were open wide with fascination and curiosity.

"So, our connection to Orpheus is one of family, in a sense? Mamoru asked, leaning forward 

and holding the lignite crystal flower in his hand as it caught

the many colourful lights within the arcade.

Makoto added, "I can understand now why we've never been contacted by our respective 

planetary kingdoms. That's scary and way weird!"

Magenta nodded and checked her watch quickly, then looked into each expectant face. 

"Meao-Setsuna will soon arrive with somebody else you will meet. I won't

burst her bubble, let me just say that it's another surprise and we'll be celebrating tonight at 

Andrew's place." She smiled conspiratorially at Loki who

smiled his cat smile and nuzzled Magenta's hand.

"I love surprises!" Usagi exclaimed, as her meatball plaits danced with excitement. She took 

Magenta Dawn's hands and squeezed them, smiling.

Setsuna entered the arcade ten minutes later, and she was in the company of a tall and 

strongly built guy in his early twenties. He was a little shorter

than Mamoru, but the difference was negligible. He nodded in Magenta Dawn's direction 

and, after introductions, Setsuna and Enki stood at the head of the

table and asked for silence. They had their audience's attention; she told them an important 

announcement was to be made. Andrew was also curious and stepped

out from behind the counter. He found a seat near Mamoru and crossed his arms, leaning 

back in anticipation.

"I have a wonderful piece of news for you all; I only regret I could not have sent for you 

earlier due to circumstances outside my control. Enki and I met

four years ago on Orpheus, and we became friends...and eventually fell in love ... we kind 

of...got married!"

The silence was complete. Not a sound stirred for what seemed an eternity as seconds 

passed by. Then Usagi jumped to her feet and threw her arms around

Setsuna's neck, hugging her fiercely. "Wow! Eeeee! Why didn't you say so earlier? That's 

fantastic news Setsuna, nice one guys!" Soon everyone added there

congratulations to Enki and Setsuna, and then laughter filled the arcade. Most of the patrons 

either smiled their acknowledgements from their machines,

or clapped uproariously from their tables, wishing the newlyweds all the best for the future.

"I know it's a lot to take in, guys, but there is so much you need to know about why we are 

here. I will explain about that later. I have a memory pod of

our wedding for all of you tonight, but in the meantime, let's enjoy ourselves."

At seven o'clock they had begun to arrive at Andrew's place. He was due to return at ten to 

join the party, so they spent the first hour listening to Enki

and Setsuna's story and instructions in detail.

"You all need to return to Orpheus with us, as we are in the midst of a struggle with the 

Araknitopa Alliance, a deadly new enemy who basically puts the

Dark Moon Family and others out of contention for the most deadly adversary you'll 

probably ever encounter." Setsuna waved her time wand, and the attack

platform could be seen in orbit about the planet Pluto. Janus' war platform hung in 

geo-synchronous orbit above the vast domed city of Thearidea, the capitol.

"We're also up against a man with great power called Janus. He is not fighting with the 

Araknitopa Alliance, but has his own agenda and is working with

an old enemy - well, sort of." Setsuna cleared her throat and continued, "Remember Mistress 

Nine?"

Usagi shuddered as images of the moments leading to her destruction and that of Pharaoh 90 

came to mind. "I almost lost Chibi-Usa to those monsters. So

why is Mistress Nine important here?"

Setsuna put a hand upon Usagi's shoulder and spoke softly. "I know that was a difficult time 

for you. You had come into your own and had helped Saturn destroy

the Sovereign of Silence. You had to deal with the loss of Hotaru and her father and then had 

to face a test of your power and right to the throne by Haruka

and Michiru. Through it all you came through, but you need to understand that it's important 

to listen carefully now." Usagi took Setsuna's hand and squeezed

it. She turned to Mamoru, who opened his arms to receive her embrace as she rested her 

head against his chest.

"Well, I had left the Earth aboard my Crystal Glider for home at long last. I had looked 

forward so much to going home after hundreds of centuries away.

I was daydreaming about my life as a child and emerging woman before my training, and 

when the alert indicator went off I found myself surrounded by strange

dark fighter craft." Setsuna took a sip of mineral water, then continued. "I could not fight my 

way out, and I had no choice other than to be led to Janus's

attack platform in orbit around the Earth. Eventually, I faced off against a young girl around 

seventeen years old. She might have been older; it was difficult

to gage as we were fighting one another and I barely escaped." She paused and then went 

on.

"I detected something familiar about her, but I could not put my finger on it at first; it wasn't 

anything in her appearance, but the inflections and tone

of voice. She was not throwing off dark vibes, she was a combination of darkness and light... 

I then recognized her. It was Mistress Nine standing before

me in another body, possessing something of its former occupant." Shock fell upon each face 

in the room. Usagi gasped, clinging tightly to Mamoru. Minako

shook her head, whilst stroking Artemis for comfort.

"I thought I was done for. I teleported to my crystal glider and headed for the moon, with 

shadow warriors like I'd never seen chasing after me." Setsuna

took a long drink from her mineral water after refilling it from the crystal carafe, and pressed 

on. "I escaped with the help of Morgana, who is also,

as you know, from Orpheus. I had, months before, picked up strange signals from my time 

wand that reacted strangely when I found a crystal arch embedded

beneath the capital city of Queen Serenity. It gave off unusual temporal and spatial signatures 

and I discovered I had uncovered some sort of gateway.

I always intended to investigate it, and from what I learned it pre-dated the Silver Millennium 

by tens of thousands of years."

Mamoru interrupted her. "Why didn't Queen Serenity ever mention it?"

"I don't know for sure, but she might have not understood its purpose and sealed it off before 

the caves were cut off after the war. Queen Serenity may

have been unaware of it at all... I just do not know, Mamoru." Mamoru's eyes blinked as the 

mystery of the gateway deepened.

"So you escaped through the gate after activating it?" Ami asked.

"Yes, and thanks to Morgana and Loki I was found by Enki and brought through the portal, 

as he had been on patrol and picked up a temporal pulse. He found

a disused portal on a nearby world long since abandoned and he stepped through it...and the 

rest you know."

Usagi then fixed her gaze on Setsuna. "So, all this took place four years ago?"

"Yes, that's about right," Setsuna replied. "Janus has only reappeared in our time after 

Morgana's use of a power object called the Brisinganin, it's a

necklace once worn by Queen Freya when she fought as a Celestial Senshi before becoming 

queen."

^^^

On Janus' attack platform, Amidarainia slept soundly after the excitement of the previous 

day's life-changing events. She felt as if she had lived millennia

over the last twenty-four hours. She lay naked, wrapped in a sheet, dreaming of her new 

love. She was also exhausted after the lovemaking, and the emotional

tumult and temporal shift that saved the platform from an unknown power unleashed by Pluto. 

She knew Janus had done something to protect them; Janus hoped

to claim Pluto's time wand as his own. Amidarainia was truly grateful to still be alive.

Later, she stepped from the shower and dried herself off, then dressed quickly in a cream silk 

wrap that gave her the countenance of an ancient Greek goddess.

She wore her hair in a high coronet to amplify the stunning effect. After adding perfumed oils 

to her soft skin, she was content. Rhada assisted her with

her makeup, holding the mirror at various angles. Amidarainia nodded her approval. She rose 

to her feet and crossed the floor in response to the COM link.

Suddenly, a dark emissary appeared before her on the crystal screen. She could not help 

jumping back a little in fright at the hideous visage before her

on the view screen. She silently chided herself for her display of weakness. The shadow 

general asked her to join him in the main dome.

When she arrived, her eyes were automatically drawn to the magnificent image beyond the 

dome's massive girth. Amidarainia beheld the impressive sphere and

gasped as the general informed her it was the planet Pluto. Its icy symmetry stood out like a 

bright snowball hurled by a giant into the void of space,

and its surface reminded Amidarainia of a smoky quartz crystal sphere.

"Janus wanted you to see this, Lady." The general's reptilian hand moved across one of the 

softly glowing crystal outcrops of obsidian protruding from the

stone floor.

Suddenly, the image of a pretty girl clad in a short, misty black dress appeared before her, 

kneeling upon a large circular bed draped in a purple ruffled

quilt of exquisite quality. Miranda's gossamer shift had been fashioned from misty black lace 

imported from Ishalia, a world in the Orion belt orbiting

a yellow star almost as young as the Amaterasu Disk. The cut of her pretty shift accentuated 

her physical beauty to perfection. The low-cut bodice was

studded with row upon row of tiny diamonds. This gave the girl a sensual and regal bearing. 

The choker bore the familiar moon crescent cast in pure obsidian,

with a sapphire teardrop set at its centre. Miranda had just turned sixteen. Suddenly, she felt 

a little uneasy, for reasons she could not say. Turning

her head of long sumptuous raven-black hair, with eyes wide and now alert, she surveyed her 

surroundings.

"What am I looking for?" She spoke aloud whilst quietly closing the ancient text she had been 

studying for a week now as part of her exams. She unfolded

her long graceful legs and jumped to her feet. She was careful to place the magical text back 

upon the crystal lectern. She reached for her soft midnight

blue cloak, then wrapped herself within its warmth, rushing quietly from her room. It felt so 

strange, as if she were being watched. *That's ridiculous,

isn't it?* Miranda thought to herself.

She brushed her hands over her shift, removing any creases, and stepped into her sandals that 

sparkled with tiny amethysts. Miranda stepped into the lavish

temple garden and made her way along pink granite columns etched with ancient symbols 

reputed to be forty seven thousand years old. Those mighty columns,

like an honour guard, climbed the terraces as if marching along the causeway towards the 

mythical fountain with its beautifully carved stories set in pink

granite. She walked towards a familiar shady tree where she loved to sit and daydream.

She spent an hour just sitting under its secure branches, with her amber legs crossed, elbows 

resting upon her knees. After stretching, she decided to once

more walk around the grounds and take in the aromatic scent of this magnificent garden. 

Miranda loved its monuments and beautiful sandstone outbuildings.

After a while, she returned to her room. An old thought instantly entered her mind, and she 

soon found herself wondering what her mother looked like. She

always thought about her when she was alone or afraid, as she was at this moment.

*What was she like?* Miranda mused, catching her reflection in the crystal window as she 

crossed the veranda once more. Unknown to her, she stood a few

inches taller than her mother, at five feet seven inches. She had gained the extra height from 

her father.

A knock at the door brought Miranda back to herself. She threw a smile of welcome 

towards her friend and personal attendant, Celera, as she hugged her briefly

and sat beside her. Celera was her best friend, not just an attendant. Both Miranda and 

Celera had known each other for four years and had studied under

the same imparters at school for half that time. Celera used to look after Miranda up until 

eighteen months ago, when Miranda reached the equivalent of

ten years of age. She had spent the first four years of her life on Orpheus. Miranda like many 

Senshi children; in their first four to five years of life

they experienced phenomenal physical growth that slowed at puberty. Miranda had now 

reached this point, and her biological clock had adjusted itself to

the natural human growth cycle. Celera and Miranda had been friends since the first time 

Queen Freya placed baby Miranda in her arms four Earth years ago.

When Miranda took her first steps, spoke her first words at three weeks, Celera was there to 

guide and protect her charge until she was old enough to look

after herself. Miranda and Celera had over time become more like sisters than simply friends. 

Miranda spoke to the queen to get Celera her position as

her personal assistant.

Miranda had only just noticed the look of excitement upon Celera's face, and she had to ask 

what her news was. The two girls were both stumbling over their

words; what Celera had to say would change Miranda's life forever.

"Chibi-Usa! They call her "Small Lady!"

Then a young grey moon cat ran into the room mewing, and leapt onto the veranda seat, 

looking Miranda up and down. The cat's jewelled collar pulsed with

a lavender glow. "Hi, my name is Diana! I am Chibi-Usa's guardian and friend."

Miranda knelt upon the floor, extending her right hand. Diana sniffed it, considering her for a 

moment. Then she rubbed herself against the hand and announced,

"Wow, you're Chibi-Usa's younger sister! Pluto and Enki contacted Neo-Queen Serenity 

and explained your history!"

At first, her heart sank, thinking Neo-Queen Serenity would want nothing to do with a 

bastard child. Seeing the sadness sweep over the young girl's face,

Diana interrupted these thoughts and reassured her immediately.

"No, Miranda, she loves you very much and wants so much to meet you."

Miranda's heart leapt. "Mother! I have never known her, yet, I feel her love and protection 

all about me...especially at night when the moons have reached

their fullness!" Miranda picked up the tiny furball and gently rubbed her tear-splashed cheek 

against the soft fur. "Where is Chibi-Usa now?"

Diana sat upright and answered enthusiastically. "She is on Earth, in Crystal Tokyo. She's in 

Earth's future!" she added.

"When can I go to her, and how?"

Loki then appeared. He briefly rubbed noses with Diana, then faced Miranda and answered 

her as best he could. Neo-Queen Serenity wanted to prepare her younger

self to meet you so try not to worry too much as she will be just as anxious as you are about 

your reunion.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Amidarainia felt strong and loving hands resting softly upon her slender shoulders.

"She is a pretty child, isn't she, my love? She has a powerful aura...a power I recognize; she 

is her mother's daughter for sure, and much more!" Janus

said softly over her shoulder as he kissed her neck, sending tingling sensations of desire 

throughout her body that set her passion ablaze. She turned

in his arms and thrust her body against his, and they kissed, and for a while forgot about 

everything. Then they slowly and reluctantly drew apart and

returned to present matters.

"I have a crystal memory pod for you to see, my love. It possesses a short history of the 

Dark Moon Family and explains the schism that emerged between

the house of Queen Serenity and the house of the disenchanted!"

With this, she kissed him once again. They stayed like that for what seemed to Amidarainia a 

wonderful eternity. He looked down at her, cradling her face

in his hands, smiling at her. Tears brimmed in both of their eyes. She treasured these moments 

like this, as it was when she loved him the most...not as

the heir apparent to the throne of Chronos, but the strong and gentle lover and protector she 

loved so well.

Janus knew it would be difficult to capture the new moon princess, but if he played his cards 

right, he would have his revenge upon another Araknitopa general.

At the same time, he would possess the powerful young Senshi. With her as their ward, they 

would rule the galaxy.

^^^

Ami brushed her hair and cradled two large medical textbooks as Setsuna stood waiting, with 

an unreadable expression upon her face. Standing behind Setsuna,

with strong and gentle hands upon her shoulders, was a tall and very attractive guy motioning 

them to enter the room. They obeyed in single file. Enki

stepped forward and introduced himself as Setsuna's husband, or as in Orpheusean culture, 

her conjoiner.

Enki proclaimed, "My Setsuna is now a member of the Orphean Royal House and that of 

Pluto and the Moon Kingdom. This has not occurred for over twenty thousand

years!"

Mamoru's expression was one of surprise and joy for his friend as he unconsciously stroked 

Usagi's face. After everyone had arrived, including Umino and

Naru, they sat down to a banquet of wonderful food prepared by Makoto and Magenta 

Dawn earlier that day. Magenta Dawn had left an urgent message with Enki

and Setsuna, but this would come later, after they had a chance to enjoy themselves. It was 

ten o'clock when Enki and Setsuna rose and announced the crystal

pod was ready for viewing, and they sat and waited for the holographic presentation of the 

lavish wedding ceremony to begin.

Suddenly, the beautiful world came into view. As if aboard a spacecraft the focus panned 

across Orpheus' impressive girth and its four amazing moons. Rei

gasped when she beheld the incredible crystal disk orbiting the mysterious planet and its 

fantastic size. It was almost as vast as Tokyo itself.

"Wow! This is so beautiful!" she whispered, hardly able to control her excitement. They all 

felt this way as the images of individual moons and their most

impressive features gave way to Orpheus itself. The reddish-orange sandstone outcrops 

jutted kilometres into the lavender-gold skies. There were strange

and beautiful forests, and jungles, not to mention the capital Asgardia and Enki's home, Fiona 

City. Then the members of the Royal House introduced themselves,

each giving an account of their lives and their most interesting insights into the highlights of 

Enki's life and their feelings for Setsuna. Their interests

and occupations in their society were fascinating, and they topped it all off with a tribute 

wishing them well in their conjoining, with family and friends

all reciting an incantation for long life and many offspring. Then the ritual itself.

Setsuna looked glorious; they both did, with Enki in his sapphire blue dress uniform with 

silver trim accentuating his regal bearing. Enki wore a solid

gold medallion, its ornate five-pointed star surrounded by a spiral of precious stones cut into 

star shapes. His thick black cloak added a sense of authority

to his already impressive countenance.

Young temple priestesses had especially handcrafted Setsuna's misty pale green dress. The 

process had taken three weeks to complete. Its luxuriant dimensions

were cut from the finest fabric and its bodice was adorned with thousands of tiny star 

sapphires. This set off her sumptuous golden skin, acquired on Orpheus

under its gentle sunlight. The stunning halter neck design poured over her well-proportioned 

figure, with the calf-length gossamer gown glittering like

a jewelled nebula whenever she moved under sun or moonlight. The matching sandals also 

threw off bursts of colour with every step, completing the final

touch to her loveliness. The women envied her beauty. The men delighted in her beauty and 

stunning profile, especially the sensational long slit descending

from one curvaceous hip, revealing an elegantly sculptured leg.

Setsuna waved to the crowds, which were bedazzled by the bride's awesome countenance. 

Setsuna wore a stunning necklace of beautifully cut emeralds resembling

leaves, with a large three-inch silver disk resting against her cleavage. Set into the disk's 

mother-of-pearl surface were a cluster of pink opals, and

these were truly amazing. The thin soft green fabric highlighted the generous curve of her 

breasts, and the two-tone colour changed from the stunning emerald

green to a startling teal that flowed over rounded hips like a waterfall, descending to a few 

inches above her sculptured ankles. She wore a girdle of

gold with a series of jade disks cascading from her right hip along the exposed leg when she 

walked. The girdle's tassels brushed against her bronze thigh.

Her luxuriant emerald locks tumbled just above her knees.

"Wow! Setsuna...that outfit is amazing!" Rei gasped in envy of the stunningly sexy wedding 

gown.

In Setsuna's hair were woven strings of gorgeous pearls and a solid gold tiara with an emerald 

and Axiala stone, much like a deep blue diamond, symbolising

the union of their planetary Royal Houses. When one gazed upon Setsuna and Enki, you 

could see the love for one another in their eyes. They each wore a

gold ring, Setsuna's studded with diamonds and Enki's with onyx.

Enki placed a medallion similar to his own around Setsuna's neck after their joining to seal 

their vows. This was a delicate version that he had had made

especially for the occasion. It was fashioned from electrum, prided as sacred on Orpheus as 

it was in ancient Earth's long history. The newlyweds finally

embraced, much to the delight of the crowds and their hoots and cheers of joy. The people 

partied all that night, and so too Setsuna and Enki. Everyone

in the apartment joined in the revelry as champagne and other beverages began to pour.

The couple had arrived at Queen Freya's crystal palace, where the reception was to be held. 

The striking couple ascended the long red granite terraces leading

to the palace entrance, which were flanked by thousands of Orpheusean well-wishers, trying 

to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they ascended the

final granite steps. They soon disappeared into the palace they walked along the impressive 

causeway, stopping occasionally to admire the many magnificent

murals, statuary and other treasures accompanying them on their way to the Queen's 

chamber.

Then Queen Freya, with Magenta Dawn and a younger princess named Princess Aki, placed 

garlands of Orpheusean flowers around the happy couple's necks. The

young princess took both their hands in hers and formed a circle, including Magenta Dawn 

and others in celebration.

Usagi took a long look at one of the young girls and stared at her for a long time. Usagi could 

not get over the feeling that she knew this girl and couldn't

understand why. Usagi decided to keep her own council for the time being, but it continued 

to play upon her mind.

Then the queen recited a beautiful incantation, and the multitudes fell silent as they listened to 

her lyric voice that created a sense of awe in Usagi.

The queen then sang an ancient Asgardian folk song. This was the precursor to a 

pyrotechnics display that sent a vast kaleidoscope of colour against the

velvet darkness. The fullness of two of the Orpheusean moons was instantly transformed as a 

plethora of fireworks and laser light displays bedazzled them

all with their breathtaking beauty.

"Wow! It's so beautiful, Mamoru!" Usagi spun around and threw a cute smile in her beloved's 

direction; her meatball plaits danced with excitement as she

whispered in his ear. "I want a wedding like that!" She giggled as sounds of surprise and awe 

filled the room with conversation.

Enki and Setsuna were congratulated as the festivities continued until midnight. Everyone 

helped clean up; the Umino and Naru said their goodbyes, wished

them luck on their mission, and left happy and contented.

Mamoru and Usagi turned to one another and smiled. Then, hanging up the tea towel, 

Mamoru took Usagi in his arms and kissed her passionately until her high

heels left the floor. She allowed herself to melt into his embrace, felt his arousal, and 

whispered to him breathlessly.

"Keep that up, muffin, and I'll have a lot of trouble sleeping...err, that is, if I go home too 

soon." She giggled and began to tickle him once their dreamy

kiss had concluded.

"Well, meatball head, if you change your mind, you're always welcome to stay at my place 

tonight!" His eyes danced with that mischievous glint she knew

so well as she seriously considered his invitation. However, she felt it was far too soon for 

them to become lovers until her engagement was announced,

which would be on her nineteenth birthday. This was not a moral choice, but one in sync with 

the temporal and astrological conjunctions given her by Setsuna

the night she appeared in her bedroom with Loki and Morgana. Setsuna insisted she consider 

her advice carefully if she wanted Chibi-Usa's birth to take

place as planned. She agreed, hard as it was to resist Mamoru's obvious charms, fabulous 

body, and beautiful heart.

"Huh? What was that you said, muffin? Err, I'd love to, but it's not time yet!" She managed 

these words in her husky and deliciously sexy voice. Mamoru

smiled and nodded, kissing her on the forehead. Then he gently pulled her soft meatball plaits 

and hugged her before they returned to the lounge to hear

what Setsuna and Enki had to say to them all.

*^*

Chapter Four

JOURNEY TO CRYSTAL TOKYO-ENCOUNTER WITH THE OBERISKU NO 

SHOUJO

********

Magenta Dawn returned to Orpheus to organize an evacuation of Geb Prime, a peaceful 

post-industrial world a little ahead of Earth. This planet was ruled

by the empress Laksmilara, who was beautiful and wise. The Empress bore the titles 

"Songstress" and "Celestial Bard," and she had been initiated as a high

priestess much loved by her people. Their star system consisted to four habitable worlds, and 

three others that were only useful as outposts, requiring

dome cities to support large scientific or resort populations. The settled worlds - Kito, 

Blatona and the Vikonean home world - joined Geb Prime in a cooperative

planetary government system under the leadership of Empress Laksmilara.

Magenta Dawn and her Senshi allies, numbering twenty-five in total, were sent by Queen 

Freya to aid the Empress in response to a distress call. Laksmilara

and Magenta Dawn had been friends most of their lives. They had played together as four 

year olds, and subsequently grew closer during childhood and adolescence.

They were inseparable, acting much like sisters. They studied together at the Druidic 

Academy over a fun-filled eight-year period after completing their primary life skills training.

Laksmilara was a tall, elegant redhead, her hair the colour of exquisite rubies. She was petite 

and possessed a pretty, pixie like smile, and her sense of

humour and skill at playing the Moon Dawn Harp was second to none. Freya and Laksmilara 

would write and perform elaborate musical scores, Laksmilara playing

her jewelled harp and Freya her crystal flute. They toured the stars with their classmates, 

participating in a series of concerts, visiting countless worlds

and cities.

They had been there for one another when hearts were broken, or to share the joy of first 

love, and would often sit and talk about sex, boys, and their

favourite songs or practice reciting poetry or stories. When Laksmilara became pregnant by 

her boyfriend, it was Magenta Dawn who spoke to her mother Adari

and introduced the couple as promised for conjoining. This saved Laksmilara from a painful 

separation, as only a high-born Senshi like Magenta Dawn could

sponsor another and end the controversy rapidly spreading across the celestial media net. 

When news of their imminent union was announced, this quieted

the critics and pleased both Laksmilara and her conjoiner, Prince Doyan, as well as their 

relieved parents. The scandal died a quick death, and their joining

was a festive and joyous occasion.

Magenta remembered another notable moment in their shared past, the most significant event 

of her life to date. It was the day she and Laksmilara became

lost in the Calpaxo dragon caves. These dangerous and much-feared caves were named for 

their volcanic instability and deadly inhabitants. The nine-year-olds

wandered off during an excursion with their imparters, who became frantic upon discovering 

they were missing.

Magenta Dawn remembered only too well the repercussions of their little adventure. She had 

to use her Senshi power, and at the time she wasn't sure if it

would work. She also encouraged her friend to follow suit, so they could defend themselves 

from the creatures about to attack. Although their powers were

untested, and usually inactive until puberty, a Senshi child at this important point in their young 

lives was to be inducted into the temple of the goddess

Ceriddwen. They were besieged by Metomons, small batlike creatures who could assume 

any form they desired and would attempt to drain the energy from their

hapless victims, potentially fatal enemies if help wasn't quick in coming.

"Magenta Princess Magic!"

She remembered her first use of her untried powers clearly. She transformed into her Mini 

Dawn form. She wore a hot pink skirt and a matching top with tiny

silver crescents sewn onto the ruffled short sleeves and hem of her skirt. In her hair was a hot 

pink bow, and a tiny emerald raven was fixed to a gold

choker around her swanlike throat. She stood five feet tall, gaining an extra two inches 

complements of her quartz crystal sandals. She was holding a purple

sceptre. She held it above her head and launched her attack. Her battle cry echoed 

throughout the vast caverns, drowning out the screeching creatures that

scattered in the burst of light and the powerful shockwaves unleashed by her attack.