d.  Apparently
she has a HUGE headache.  On her forehead is a large crescent moon.

"Oh Luna!  Stop complaining and help me.  My dress is caught."

"You know I can't do that with my paw."

"Well, hurry up and change then!"

"Ooohhh!"  A blaze of yellow and black surround the feline.  In an
instant, a beautiful girl of about 20 or 21 years old stands in her
place.  She wears a long yellow and black dress with spaghetti straps,
and a long pendant of insignia hangs from her neck.  Her long, wavy,
bluish-black hair flows from four balls on the top of her head.
"Fine...There!" Luna, who is already angry that she had to take her human
form in an 'unauthorized place,' accidentally makes the hole bigger.
Now, a huge tear extends from the back of Selena's ankles to her knees.
'Oops!' She thinks.  "Oh dear. Your dress has a huge hole in it.  Your
mother is not going to be pleased."

Selenity bites her lip, praying that Luna won't scold her AGAIN.  "Not if
she doesn't know.  Maybe she won't see it."  Too late…

"Not see it!  Selena, If you were standing 50 leagues away, you would
still be able to see it!

"It is not my fault that that I keep tripping!  Earth's gravity is just
so heavy."

"That just proves that you do not belong here.  I hope this hair-brained
scheme of yours proves fatal.  It will save the Queen the trouble of
having me skinned alive and made into kitty chow.  I can just see it
now!"  Luna places her hand on her head, where a giant sweat drop has
formed.

She smirks and says, "That's why you're not going to say anything."

Luna walks over and points her finger at Selena.  "This time I won't.
But Selena, we can't come here anymore.  It's extremely dangerous!"  Luna
sighs deeply.  "I really wish that you would just forget about it."

Her eyes grow wide and she grabs Luna's hands, begging her to reconsider.
 "No Luna!  Please?!  You can't take away my freedom...not yet.  I have
so little time left before I'm doomed to sitting through seemingly
endless sessions of court and diplomatic affairs.  Please Luna?!  I'm not
ready.  This is the only place where I can just be a normal girl...at
least for a little while."

"No one is ever ready.  I know this is difficult for you, but you must be
practical.  You are not a normal girl.  And you're also getting older.
It's time for you to start taking your duties more seriously.  Your
mother loves you, and she worries.  If someone recognized you, do you
realize what could happen?!"

"But Luna, no one will ever know...not if you don't say anything!
Please?!  Don't do this to me.  I'm begging you!"

"Princess, perhaps you don't realize what we've done.  These laws have
been in place since before I came to The Moon Kingdom.  Ever since a
little while before you were born, no one has dared set foot on Earth in
fear of having to face the consequences.  I'm sorry.  But I cannot return
here, nor will I allow you to do so.   Please try to understand.  I'm
doing this for you."

***********************

A young man sits in front of a huge pile of worn, dust-covered books.
His ebony bangs gently fall into midnight, blue eyes.  In reflex, he
brushes them away.  Many of the books look ancient and have pages torn
from them.  The marvelous scrollwork indicates that they were
hand-written.  He calls to a much older man with long white hair that
falls to his shoulders.  He strides over.  Hard-set gray eyes and a
square jaw give him a look of experience and seriousness.  "Kunzite, look
at this!  The maps, the books, they all show the same thing.  The legends
are true."

He looks at the book.  It tells of a vast kingdom enclosed in a dome on
the moon.  A picture of a silver palace is in the corner.  "My prince,
This is ridiculous!   I can't believe we're even having this
conversation!  A civilization on the moon?!  Next you're gonna tell me
that horses fly!"

############  (Flashback)

'Kunzite, you're thirteen now.  You're practically grown.  As the oldest
of Endymion's guardians, I want to ask something of you.'

'Anything my Queen,'

'I cannot tell you exactly what has happened, for I am not sure of it
myself.  There is a great danger approaching Earth.  I must go.  It must
be stopped.  If I cannot do it alone, I will seek the help of someone
more powerful than I.
                To this you must swear.  Keep the young prince safe.  If
anything happens to him, we are all lost!  The four of you were called to
perform a sacred duty.  As Middle Eastern Commander you shall be known.
You are the leader of those who guard.  I put my full trust in you.  Can
you face the task at hand?  A great weight rests on your shoulders.  All
of yours.  Great powers you shall yield.  When called upon they will
protect you and add to the power of the prince.  I give you this.'  She
holds out a glowing stone.  'This is your link to my son and to each
other.  Guard it as you guard your life.  To you the realm of power
belongs to maintain order.'
 She holds out three other iridescent stones to Jadeite, Nephrite, and
Zoisite.  Zoisite, European Commander, to you the intelligent realm of
justice to ensure the rights of all; Jadeite, Far Eastern Commander, to
the realm of strength to protect the innocent; Nephrite, North American
Commander, the realm of speed and agility like the motion of the very
stars themselves.  These represent the powers of the four corners of
Earth.   They comprise a part of Endymion's power.  Guard him well.'
The Queen pulls the hooded portion of the black cloak to hide her face.
In a flash of a soft blue haze, she disappears. "Farewell.  May the Gods
protect us."

############# (End of flashback)

Sigh.  "But I feel that I am right in this."  Endymion turns to a man
looking out the window.   "Nephrite, what do you think?"

A tall man white broad shoulders and long, wavy brown hair looks up at
the sky.   Like his three brothers, he wears a cream colored uniform with
a red cape and gold decorations of rank.  Only the green symbols in an
ancient script distinguish his form the others.  Four gold stars decorate
his collar.  The starry night reflects in his deep, green eyes.  "I think
it's a big possibility.  There are countless regions of stars.  It is
pure arrogance to think that Earth is the only planet with life.  I'm
just beginning to map the lower region of the moon.  Perhaps I will find
something soon."

"With the type of power this kingdom is said to have I doubt we'll find
anything soon.  They wouldn't make their presence so obvious." Endymion
turns toward a man with short, blond hair that is standing before a fire.
  "What is it Jadeite?"

"What do you mean 'obvious'?

"I don't know ...I just think...

################ (Beginning of memory)

'Endy come on.  It is time for you to go to sleep.'

'Tell me about the moon, please mom.  You said you would when I was big.
I've grown a whole 10 centimeters.  See?!'

Eyes shining, a beautiful woman with black hair and blue eyes smiles
kindly at her son.  'All right my "wise and mature" son.  The Moon is an
extremely majestic place.  There is a beautiful palace there.  An in it
lives a beautiful Queen.'

'Really!?'

'Yes.  She is also very wise and very powerful.'

'Can we go there?'

'I'm afraid not.'

'Why?'

'Ah, you're favorite question.  Well, it was decided long ago that those
of Earth would not live with or talk to those on the moon.  The moon
belongs to a kingdom called The Silver Millenium just as we are members
of The Golden Kingdom.  However, many planets make up that kingdom, and
not just one.'

'Who decided that we would not see each other, mother?'

'The Gods.'

'Did you and father decide that with them?'

'Yes.  Even though the Queen and I had been very good friends, there was
nothing that could be done.  The Gods had spoken.'

'I think it's a silly thing to do!'

'Silly or not you must always obey the laws of the Gods.'

'Why?'

A bit frustrated, she sighs.  'Those that disobey will pay for what
they've done.  But you need not worry about that.  Just always remember
to listen, and nothing bad will happen.'

################# (End of Memory)

Zoisite, a young man with shoulder length, blond hair and green eyes
walks in carrying various types of machinery.  "Perhaps once the main
computer is back on line I'll be able to do a surface check."

Kunzite rolls his eyes.  "I think you're all crazy."

"Why are you so dead set against this?  This was all found in your castle
after all."

############### (Flashback)

Kunzite, about a year after the queen's disappearance, stands before the
god of the sun.  'Kunzite, it is best that he forgets about the moon.
Help him forget.  It simply does not exist.  It will mean the difference
between life and death.  Do you understand?'

        'Yes, my King.'

'The Queen is dead.  I must go.  If I can stop this monstrosity, I will.
Keep him safe, and remember what I have spoken this day.'


############### (End of Flashback)

"Because it is all sheer nonsense and a waste of time, but if you want to
act like fools and look for something nonexistent, go ahead."

Nephrite smiles.  "You know Kunzite.  If you can't see it or feel it,
it's not there."

A bit exasperated, Kunzite says, "That's really funny.  There's enough to
worry about with out concocting stuff to keep us busy.  I'm telling you
we're wasting our time on nothing.  All we have are a few fairy tales,
most of which are in these books and others told to you by your mother.
Next, we have talk of power that could destroy planets and give you a
thousand years of life. Thirdly, there is supposedly a civilization on
the moon that renders itself invisible, for we have yet to see it.  I
think that about covers it.  Anyone else care to contribute?"  After no
response, he continues,  "My Lord, you should be worrying about real
tangible things that concern you and your kingdom, not on legends that
couldn't possibly exist."

With a wry expression the prince asks, "And just what did you have in
mind?"

Kunzite gives him the 'lecture look.'

"Oh No!  You're not putting me through that again!   I'm seventeen!  I
don't even want to hear it.  Those old crones in court have told me a
thousand times already, and I don't need you to ram it down my throat as
well."

"Too bad.  Someone needs to get it through you thick skull."

"I'm not going to sit here waiting for them to make my decisions for me.
I know more about Earth than 50 of them put together.  And I'm tired of
listening to their foul ideas of what 'diplomacy' is all about.  All they
do is push me on their insipid daughters with brains the size of a pea."

"Do you think that I don't know that?  You only have a year left.  It's
not an eternity.  You're running off every other second doesn't help
either."

Ignoring Kunzite's last words, he changes the subject.  "Now, what were
you saying about a thick head?  Endymion asks with a smile as he removes
a golden sword from its sheath.

"Tisk, Tisk, little boy.  Come for another beating from the master?"
Kunzite drawls.

Zoisite smiles and shakes his head.  Jadeite and Nephrite lean against
the wall to watch their young prince practice his fighting skills, and
cheer for the two opponents.

*****************************

In the great throne room of The Silver Palace, Lord Artemis stands before
Queen Selenity.  He is dressed in white, formal attire.  His long,
silvery hair flows beyond his knees.  A long cape falls from his
shoulders.  The Queen sits, shocked by the new she has just received.
One of her long pony tails falls elegantly across her shoulder.  As
always she wears a white gown.  This one has accents of silver moon
lilies.

With wide eyes, she leans forward on her throne.  "Oh gods!  Artemis, is
it true?!!"

"Yes my queen.  She's been destroyed!"

For a moment the Queen remains speechless.  "How…how is this possible?!
The goddess of death destroyed?!!!  And Saturn?  Is she..."

"She is alright."

A wave of relief rushes over her.  "Thank the gods!"  All of the sudden
it hits her.  "But...she's too young to...Artemis, contact Poseidon and
Aeolus immediately.  Tell them that I must speak with them."  Queen
Selenity rises and quickly starts to exit the room.  She stops abruptly
and turns.

"My queen?"

"Tell them that I request the presence of Neptune and Uranus as well.
That is all.  I must have a word with Pluto."  Hastily, she almost runs
from the throne room.

***************************

Queen Selenity walks quickly up a tall winding staircase.  Her shoes
sound hard taps as she walks up the crystal structure wound around a tall
crystalline pillar.  At the top, she enters an ornate room.  There on the
far side of the wall is a huge, ominous door.  Scroll work and carvings
in the language of time cover it.  She takes a deep breath and with a
wave of her hand, the door opens.  As it does, a thick mist creeps across
the floor.

A tall, lone figure walks out of the shadows.  She has the black hair of
Hades and the deep, all seeing, magenta eyes of Cronos. She holds a long
staff, resembling an elongated key.  "Queen Selenity!!"

"Pluto, you know of..."

Pluto looks down, her eyes filled with tears.  "Yes."

"I'm so sorry."  She gulps down the lump in her throat.  "Has she yet
awakened."

"Not yet, but soon..."

"She is too young, Pluto.  Saturn is not ready for such a burden.  It
could be extremely dangerous, and there is no time for her to learn.  I
have called a council meeting of the outer planets.  Since your
father...well ...now that includes you.  I wish you to come."

Pluto nods and bows low.  "I will be there shortly, your majesty....

*************************
Aeolus and Poisedon sit in two of the thrones in the great Hall of
Planets.  The once glorious structure has begun to decay.  The once
spectacular rooms and statues are all but corroded away.  Now that most
of the gods are gone, the old order is slowly disappearing.    Queen
Selenity stands in the center of the circle.  In front of her stand the
four outer soldiers of the solar system.  Uranus is a tall woman with
short blond hair. Her long, revealing, navy dress and tough stance give
her an almost arrogant sense of power.  Neptune, the daughter of,
Poisedon, is all that is elegant and graceful.  She has long, wavy,
aquamarine hair.  Everything about her oozes of femininity.  Pluto and
Saturn stand apart from the other two.  Pluto holds her sister's fragile
hand.  Though their faces look much alike, Saturn has shoulder length
black hair and Hades' purple eyes.  Saturn bears the burden of death even
though she has not fully realized her true power.

".........Uranus, soldier of the sky, the space sword."  The sword is
long and elegant.  The navy symbol of the power of the wind marks the
hilt. It glows brightly when placed in her hands.  Neptune, soldier of
the deep waters, the aqua mirror.  As she peers into its depth, the
reflection of the sea appears.  Pluto, soldier of the underworld and
guardian of time, the garnet orb.  A glowing red ball encircled by a
heart attaches itself to her garnet rod.  These three weapons are the
most powerful items in the solar system.  They will protect you and serve
you always.........Saturn, your mother's silence glaive."

Saturn's eyes grow wide.  She looks down and thinks for a moment, her
silent eyes clouded with confusion.  Slowly, she raises her head to face
the queen.  Selenity's eyes hold unshed tears as she looks at the girl.
"I understand.  You do what you must.  Do not feel sorrow.  You are doing
the right thing."

Striving in vain to hold back her tears the queen continues, "Saturn will
be placed into eternal slumber.  The soldier of silence shall only wake
when summoned by the three talismans.  Neptune and Uranus are to remain
upon their planets and guard The Silver Millenium from invaders.  Pluto
is to return to the time gate.  To prevent all possible destructive
incidents, you are not under any circumstances to meet unless called
upon.  Do you accept your mission?"

"We accept and swear to devote our lives to the safety and protection of
The Silver Millenium."

*****************************

Kunzite and Endymion stand in a large field.  A wild herd of horses roams
the vast, grassy plain.  A pure white horse catches Endy's eye.

"What about that one?"

Kunzite raises an eyebrow.  "Ha!  Forget it.  His father was the wildest
one to roam the surface.  You'll get nothing but a few broken ribs."

"We'll see...."

The next thing seen is Endymion flying through the air.  He takes a VERY
hard fall.

************************

Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoisite stand around Endymion's bed.  He
lies amidst tons of pillows propping him up.  His chest is covered with
bandages.

".......What did I tell you?  You never listen to a word I say.  If
you're that determined to get on a wild horse, at least let some one
break him in first."

"That's never happened before!  How was I supposed to know?  Besides, I
can do it myself."

"Sure, you proved that just fine."

Endymion's eyes turned a deeper shade of blue and flashed in anger.
"Look!  This'll heal.  It will be gone by tomorrow anyway.  I'm not made
of glass, nor am I a silk purse that needs tender care!  I don't need
someone else to do what I am perfectly capable of doing myself."

Nephrite steps in.  "I know you're tired of hearing this, but you've got
to stop taking so many unnecessary risks."

Jadeite decides to put in his two cents.  "Damn it!  We know you're
capable of taking care of yourself MOST OF THE TIME.  And we know that
any injury you would have gotten would have far from killed you, but no
one else does, do they?  If you weren't who you are, I could care less if
you wanted to break your but over a horse."  He smiles.  "Then again, I
might just do it myself, and spare the poor animal."

"Well, I think Endy has finally found his match.  A horse that presents a
challenge, even if he is the mighty prince.  Maybe it's a good thing he's
so much trouble.  Otherwise, what else would we do for fun?"  All four
guards start to laugh as Zoisite finished speaking.

Kunzite is the first to break the laughter.  "Alright.  Alright.  I think
we've given him enough.  Let the prince get some rest.  He'll need it.
Training is at five, my lord."

Jadeite bats his lashes, and says in a high-strung, feminine voice, "Need
me to fluff your pillow, my lord?"

Endymion makes a move to attack him, but sharp pain stops him short.
"Just wait Jadeite.  I won't be like this for long."

He arches his eyebrow and drawls, "Think you'll be ready?"  Just before
he leaves the room, he says in his high strung voice, "Sweet dreams."

******************************

Just before dawn, Endymion suddenly awakens from a tumultuous sleep.
Gasping for breath, he bolts into a sitting position.  He runs from the
palace and into the forest.  Between the limbs and branches there is a
flash of gold.  When Endymion opens his eyes, he beholds the waves of the
ocean.  They are reflected back in his deep blue eyes as he stares into
the fathomless sea.  The cool morning breeze is welcome to his sweat
soaked skin.  "The same dream again!  Damn it!  What does this mean?"
Sigh.  "Is it the future that I've seen?"  he queries.  "If not mine,
then whose is it?"  He looks up at the stars.  "Mother, Father, tell me
what to do."  A white rose forms in his hand.  "Please, let me prevent
whatever darkness I have foreseen."  The light of the silvery moon casts
an iridescent glow on the gently flowing curves of the sea.  Endymion
looks up at the moon.  "I leave my fate in your hands."  He closes his
eyes.  The rose disappears with a faint glow.

**************************

        Princess Selenity kneels in front of a large window overlooking
the palace gardens.  She stares up at the Earth.  Her room is all white
with a dash of silver here and there.  Only the yellow, blue, red, and
green symbols of Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter above her doorway
offer any hint of color.   A cold breeze sends a sudden shiver down her
spine.
She feels that someone is watching her.  So she turns around, startled by
the presence of…

"Mother!?  What are you doing here?"

"Yes, it is I.  Who else were you expecting?"

She smiles.  "No one.  It is just that you have not come in my room in a
long time.  I suppose I started so because you entered so quietly."

The Queen walks over and envelops her in a hug.  "It is freezing in this
room.  Why, in the name of the Moon, are you standing in front of an open
window, and at this hour?!"  She closes the window.  "Come here and sit
close to the fire."  The queen picks up a brush and begins to run it
through her daughter's hair.

"You have not brushed my hair in a long time."

"Selena...I know I have not spent as much time with you as I should have
done.  And lately you seem so withdrawn.  The girls and I are worried.
Has something happened?  You know that you can always tell me anything.
Did I do something to..."

"Oh no.  No.  I am sorry.  There is nothing wrong.  I did not mean to
keep to myself so much.  I think that I have been a little down lately.
>From now on, I will try not to do so any longer."

"Are you sure everything is all right?"

She nods.  "Yes, quite sure."

The queen lifts her chin to look into her eyes.  'Such hope, such
longing,' she thinks.  'Be careful what you wish for, my dear.'  "Alright
then."  She kisses her forehead.  "I want to give you something."  The
queen holds out a gold locket.  A crescent moon with beams of light
shooting out from its center is engraved in the surface.

"What is it?  It is so beautiful.  She opens the locket.  Inside, all the
gears are stopped.  "Why does it not play?  Perhaps it is broken."

"It will only play the song of true love.  It belonged to your father and
I."  Her eyes begin to water.  "We created it.  It was a symbol of our
love for each other.  Someday, you will fall in love.  When you do, it
will play a tune once more.  Guard it carefully.  It is very precious,
just like your heart.  Love is the greatest gift you can ever give.
Always remember that."

"Thank you so much."  Selena runs into her mother's arms and envelops her
in a hug.

"You are welcome.  Now, get some sleep.  I love you."

"I love you too, mother."

"Goodnight."  The Queen leaves her room, closing the large door behind
her.

Selena walks back to the window and gently puts her hand on the glass.
She looks up at Earth.  'So bright and beautiful,' she thinks.  She gives
a sigh of longing.  "It's just a dream, isn't it?  To be a normal girl is
like wishing for the Earth itself."  She looks down and closes her eyes
to keep the tears from escaping.

Suddenly, she doesn't feel cold anymore.  In fact, she feels quite warm;
as if someone has just touched her heart.  A faint glow begins to appear
before her.  As it increases in intensity, she puts up her hands to
shield her eyes.  All of a sudden, a burst of scintillating light flashes
but fades just as fast as it came.  Selenity slowly opens her eyes.  What
she sees leaves her in awe.  A magnificent, white flower, spread into
full bloom, stands suspended before her in mid-air.  A subtle golden aura
surrounds its delicate petals.

Transfixed by its beauty, she slowly reaches out her hand.  Ever so
carefully she gently touches the flower.  Once within hand, its light
fades.

"Gods!  What is this?!  It's amazing,"  she breathes as she fingers its
delicate, velvety, white petals.  She accidentally drops it.  It falls on
top of the locket.  A binding light fills the entire room.  The locket
magically opens.  The gears begin to turn.  One note sounds, before it
fades, and the lid closes once more.  The light disappears as sudden as
it had arrived, leaving Selenity staring in shock at the two objects.
The flower is now deep red.

"Selena?"

Startled, she looks up quickly, hiding the flower behind her.  Her four
guardian soldiers stand in the doorway, Venus being in front, with the
others pushing from behind.  They are all dressed in their nightclothes.
"Venus, everyone, what are you doing here?"

"What happened?  Are you alright?"  Venus asks worriedly.  It is amazing
to note how much alike Venus and the Princess look.  She has long blond
hair that stops at her ankles and bright, yellow eyes.  Despite the fact
that Selenity has white hair that extends beyond her feet and deep indigo
eyes, they could pass for twins.

"Of course.  Everything is fine.  What gave you the idea that anything
was wrong?"  she asked innocently.

"Don't tell me you didn't see it?!" Mars remarks sarcastically as she
finally pushes her way through the door.  In the middle of her lecture,
she has forgotten that she stands with huge, UGLY, red rollers in her
hair.  In that respect, she looks utterly ridiculous.   However, her
nightgown is very beautiful.    "Off in another galaxy again, were you?
What a surprise."  She taps her foot.  Mars had a fiery temper to match
her hair.  Bright red eyes and red hair serve as a warning to all.

Jupiter explains worriedly.  She is dressed in a long pale, sea-foam
green, and her hair is set in braids.  "Princess, there was a tremendous
flash of light, and it seemed to be coming from this direction!  We
thought something might have happened to you."  This girl is extremely
tall.  Her green eyes and green hair give her a cool, relaxed look.

"I don't know what you're talking about.  I...I was looking out my window
when...when all of you came in and scared me half to death."

"Oh it figures!"  Mars blurts out.

"Something is wrong," Mercury says confused.  She looks too cute!  A
powder blue nightcap covers her short, blue hair.  "My scanners indicate
that the source of that cosmic array of light did come from this room."
Obviously the brains of the group, Mercury has light blue eyes that
reveal her intelligence to the last drop.

Panicking, Selena starts to get upset.  "I don't know what you mean!
Nothing happened!"

"But..."

"It's alright.  Come on.  It's late.  We'll figure out something
tomorrow."  Jupiter whispers to the others, "She's obviously upset about
something."

"You mean that she's obviously hiding something,"  Mars whispers back.
"And I'm going to find out what it is."

"Yah, she hasn't even noticed your hair."  Mercury snickers.

"I wouldn't talk if I were you!"  Mars sticks out her tongue.

"That is enough you two!" Venus interjects.  "Let me handle this one.
The rest of you go.  I'll tell you what happens later.  Now, get lost!"

The others nod, and one by one they return to their rooms.

Venus walks over to the bed and sits down next to Selenity.  "Selena,
what happened?"  Upon receiving no response she continues, "Do you think
you can fool me?  I know you better than anyone.  Whatever it is, you can
tell me."

"Venus, I..." sigh.  "I suppose I just feel trapped.  A moment ago, I
made a wish in my heart.  I think that flash of light was an answer to my
prayer."

She is quiet for a moment and then she says, Princess, you are my dearest
friend.  I would do anything to see you happy and safe.  We are very much
alike, perhaps more than you might think.  I know what you feel.  Maybe I
don't feel as restricted as you, but I have my limitations.  All four of
us do.  We were born into these positions, and are bound by the laws that
govern them.  Huh.  Listen to me!  Babbling on about something I'm not
even sure I believe myself.  Artemis must be having a bad influence on
me.  I know one thing though.  If you're thinking what I think you are,
that flash of light was probably more of a warning than a blessing.  You
made a wish on the one thing you're not supposed to have."

Selenity remains quiet and stares at her lap.

"Don't worry, Selena.  We're here for you.  Remember that you're never
alone.  We'll suffer with you.  Besides, we're going to be so busy these
next few days that you're not going to have time to breathe."

Selena snaps up her head.  "Why?  What is going on?"

"Oh Gods!  Curse my loose tongue!  I wasn't supposed to tell!"

Her face lights up.  "Oh Venus!  Please, please tell me!"

"Alright, but you must pretend that you know nothing.  It must be our
secret."

Selena nods her head vigorously.

"There is going to be a celebration for your sixteenth birthday!   It
marks you coming of age!  There will be balls, and parties, and
fireworks!  Think of it!  Tomorrow we're going to select new patterns for
all of our dresses.  Yours are to be the most extravagant of course!
There will be handsome suitors from galaxies away just to meet you!  How
we shall all envy you.  Especially me!  Btu I'm sure Mars will have her
fair share of jealousy as well."

Both girls burst into laughter.  "Thank you, Venus.  You always know how
to make me feel better."

She smiles.  "I know it.  We'd better get some sleep. We're going to have
a long day ahead of us.  Goodnight princess."

Her smiles fade once Venus is gone.  I didn't think it would happen so
soon."  She thinks for a moment.  Selena looks at the flower and stares
into its depths.  "Then I know what I must do."  Sigh.  "I must take this
chance now, for I might never have the opportunity again."

She walks over to her large closet, and begins to finger through her
dresses.  She takes out a plain white dress.  Once dressed, she takes out
a long, white, cape-like cloak, and ties it on her shoulders.  Selenity
then puts her hair up in two balls, a long ponytail flowing from each
one.  She places a thin, silver tiara with a white jewel in its center on
her forehead.

She stands up and looks in the mirror.  "Here goes nothing."  She pulls
the hood over head to conceal her face.  The rose and locket carefully in
hand, the cloaked figure steals through the gardens and terraces.  Slowly
she approaches a colossal structure.  It is The Crystal Tower.   There
before the entrance, a silver plate is embedded.  A crescent moon lies in
the center.  Eight jewels of brilliant color surround the silver moon.
Strange symbols mark the outside edges.  Staring at the words, she
hesitates.  "No!  I will do this!"  She steps in the center.  Speaking in
an ancient chant, she begins to glow.  The crescent moon flashes lightly,
and the princess disappears.

*********************
That's all for now.  Chapter two might be out soon, but then again, it
might not.  I have AP exams coming up, so don't count on it being too
soon!  Questions?  Comments?  Send them to JMcChick@juno.com.

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