Authors' Notes This story is part of a multi-author series that will go from before the Moon Kingdom to way after Crystal Tokyo. We've tried to make it so that you don't need to know the background plot, but still keep it true to it. With luck, you should see the other "Circles of Time" stories out soon. Home page at: http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/9897/ct.htm There is a hentai side-story to this by Sailor Mac. It's called "Circles of Time: One One Night" and is in the "Adult Millenium" section. 18 and over only please. Sailor Moon: Circles of Time "The Journey" by Artemis&Luna "Sailor Moon" was created by Naoko Takeuchi and brought to North America by DiC and Mixx Publications. This story, while incorporating elements of motion pictures and magazines held under copyright by others, is copyright 1998 by Artemis&Luna. What a journey it has been And the end is not in sight But the stars are out tonight And they're bound to guide my way When they're shining on my life I can see a better day I won't let the darkness in What a journey it has been. Forward, always forward Onward, always up Catching every drop of hope In my empty cup. (Taken from the song "The Journey". Written by Julie Gold and sung by Lea Salonga) Within the heart of the Palace was located the private quarters of monarch of the Moon Kingdom, Queen Serenity. The rooms radiated off a large central room and were decorated in soft colors that added to rather then detracted from the white marble. At this late hour, a magical table illuminated a human woman and a cat seated on a large couch. "And she said, 'Sir, your tail is in my drink,'" the cat said. "What did you say?" Serenity asked. "I told her that I was just stirring it for her." "So that's why she made that face! I didn't think the food was that bad..." "No, I was just doing my officially unofficial duty of mood lightener. I hate to say it, but those parties can be deathly dull at times." "How true... Many a night, I wish that I had stayed here and read a book." "In my case, gorged on catnip," Zeus said smiling. "Zeus," Serenity said as she stroked his soft fur. "You don't need to continue your 'jester act' with me. I know you and I know that you never touch catnip." "True. But it's a better story that I'm high on the nip then what I actually do on my time off. Namely, do paperwork." "Quite right. Much of the time, these endless parties and balls bore me to tears. Always the same..." Both human and cat gave a deep sigh at the same time. "What do you attribute our mutual lack of fulfillment too?" Serenity asked. "Lack of a significant other?" he mused. "I mean Luna and the other kits are fine, but..." "But that person to wake up with in the morning is missing." "Exactly. While there are been others, none of them have replaced Diana" "Zeus, you may not realize it but I envy you. You at least found someone. That's more then I have in 500 years..." "No one?" "Well... There was a boy who you could call my first love, but it didn't work out." For a while, the two of them sat in the greenish Earthlight. Both lost in memories of long ago. "Can I ask you a question Serenity?" Zeus asked. "Just to change the subject to something more pleasant." "Of course Zeus," she replied. "I've heard a story that you wore something like the Senshi uniform at one time. Is that true?" "I thought everybody had forgotten about that!" Serenity said laughing. "Yes, I did. It was a long time ago...Before I became Queen. Sometimes I miss those days.... They weren't 'fun' of course, but they were exciting!" "I bet you looked stunning," Zeus said with a mischievous grin. "Would you like to see? It's been awhile but I think I still have that outfit." "Sure!" Serenity stood up from the couch and reached behind her back with a hand. "Got it!" Serenity said, holding up a brooch. "MOON PRISIM POWER!" As an amazed Zeus watched, the broach emitted ribbons of light and energy that transformed the Moon Queen into the Senshi of the Moon, Sailor Moon. "Incredible...." Zeus breathed as he stared. "I take it that you like by the way you're staring," Serenity giggled. "Sorry..." he said grinning. "I've always wondered why the Senshi uniforms were designed like that." "Sadly Zeus," Serenity said with a smile. "That's something that must remain a secret." "You don't why either, right?" "I'm Queen Serenity! I know everything!" Zeus just looked at her with a smug expression on his feline face. "You're right," Serenity finally admitted. "I don't know. Although sometimes I think it was somebody's idea of a joke. For example, in terms of protection, the skirt does not do much to protect the legs." "You do gain speed and maneuverability and that can cancel out what you loose in overall protection." "Next you'll be saying that it can cut down on 'wind resistance', right?" "That was going to be my next argument..." Zeus and Serenity both broke down laughing. "It's been so long since I've worn this," Serenity said after she had calmed down. "The last time must have been when I became 'Queen Serenity'." "How long ago was that?" Zeus asked. "Five hundred years?" "Nearly that I should think." "Well you don't look your age." "Thank you," she said with a smile. "You're welcome." Serenity's gaze drifted to the wide windows that framed the blue-green sphere of Earth. Her mind filled with memories of long past events and people. "What do you know of how the Moon Kingdom was founded?" Serenity asked. "The histories seem rather vague on the subject I'm afraid," Zeus replied. "I tend to believe..." "That I suddenly appeared out of nowhere, created the Moon Kingdom, and everyone lived happily ever after?" "Well... yes." "I wish it had been that simple!" Serenity said, shaking her head sadly. It wasn't called it the 'Messiah Wars' for nothing." "Did it have something to do with Sailor Saturn?" "What do you know about that?" Serenity said sharply. "Just whispers of a legend I came across in some old books," Zeus said quickly. "I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn." "No apologies are necessary Zeus," Serenity said quietly. "While I miss the excitement, some of the things I did... Almost did... I don't miss. They are best left in legends and dreams." "I understand that completely Serenity. I won't ask anything more." "Can I ask you something?" "Sure." "How do you feel about me? I mean not just as your 'Queen' but personally." "Why are you asking this Serenity?" "Truth be told, I don't know," she said quietly. "I guess that I wonder sometimes if people could see me as anything but a 'Queen'. Its silly I know..." Zeus rubbed his whiskers on her arm before resting his head there. "It's not silly Serenity," he said. "I find you very attractive. Not just in a physical sense either. You're smart, have a sense of humor, caring... If we were of the same species, who knows?" "Thank you Zeus," Serenity said as she leaned down to kiss him on his head. As she was doing so, he tilted his head up so that her lips met his. They each pulled their head away after several seconds and looked at each other with a stunned expression on their faces. "Sorry..." they both mumbled as they blushed a deep red. "That was an accident, right?" Serenity asked after regaining some composure. "Of course!" Zeus replied quickly. "I would never be that forward with you!" "That's quite all right. It would be more interesting that being treated so 'properly' all the time." "Well...I could give you a 'proper' kiss but sadly, I'm not equipped for it." "I wish you could too," Serenity giggled. As is in response to their wishes, the Silver Crystal appeared and hung in the air between them. "What's going on?" Zeus asked. "I don't know," Serenity said, surprised. "I didn't call for it." Tendrils of energy reached out from the Crystal and surrounded Zeus, lifting him into the air. Serenity gasped as she saw his body start to glow and then begin elongate. She shielded her eyes when the light became too bright for her to look at. When she dared to open them again, Zeus was gone. Instead of the cat that she had known for so long, a human man stood in his place. "What happened?" the man said slowly. Serenity just shook her head in an attempt to clear it. Had she been mistaken or had she heard Zeus's voice come from his lips. She looked at his blue eyes, at his smooth chest, at his firm stomach, at his... Her eyes widen in shock as she realized that he was totally naked. She gave a small shriek and covered her eyes with her hands. At about the same moment, Zeus realized his state of undress. He remembered that humans usually have a strange shyness about nudity. Those thoughts and the sound of Serenity's shriek made him look for some sort of covering. He grabbed a black and white throw rug that was lying on a coach and held it in front of himself. "You can look now," Zeus said. Serenity peeked between her fingers and saw that he at least semi-clothed. "Wha...what happened?" Serenity asked. "That's what I want to know," he replied. "It must have been the Silver Crystal! It somehow transformed you into a human. I can't understand why though." "I think I know! Remember how we both 'wished' that I could give you a proper kiss?" "That doesn't explain why the Crystal did it on its own." "Maybe it didn't... Maybe in the back of your mind, you wanted it and it fulfilled your wish." "Perhaps..." Serenity replied. She knew Zeus was right in that she wanted the transformation to take place. She also knew another part of her mind, a part that had been dormant for a long time, was making pleasurable growls. "Down girl..." she thought to herself. "So," Zeus said. "Do I get to kiss my Queen?" He had meant it as a joke but was shocked when Serenity leaned over and kissed Zeus lightly on the lips. He was shocked for a second, but then kissed back. She had planned on a quick kiss but couldn't help herself when she continued it. When they finally broke apart, they gasped for air. "That was some kiss!" Zeus said. "Thank you," Serenity said, blushing. "Although..." "Although what?" "I said that I wanted to kiss you, not the other way around." Zeus leaned forward and kissed Serenity again on the lips. She responded by wrapping her arms around his strong back and pulling herself to him. His tongue gently pushed past her lips to explore her mouth while she tentatively explored his. When their lips broke apart again, Serenity leaned into his strong, warm body. Zeus let go of the rub, which fell to the floor in a puddle, and wrapped his arms around her. "You're right Zeus..." she whispered. "I did want this..." "As did I Serenity..." Zeus whispered back. Zeus's hands stroked her back downward until they reach the edge of her skirt. With the tiniest bit of shaking, they reach under the short skirt to cup her firm buttocks. Serenity pressed herself to him in response to his touch. "Zeus," she whispered. "Will you make love to me?" "Are you sure?" he asked. "Maybe we're rushing into it a little quickly..." Serenity silenced him by placing a slim finger on his lips. "I want this, but only if you do. Perhaps we'll regret this tomorrow... I hope not, but that's in the future. This is now. I wish to be not a Queen but just a woman in your arms for this night." "Someone once told me that people who are alone tend to eventually find each other. Perhaps we'll regret our night together in the morning... I don't think so though..." "So you will?" He answered her by smiling and picking her up in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again as he carried her into the bedroom. * * * * Sailor Pluto, Setsuna to a very few, walked through the deserted halls of the Royal Palace of the Moon. It was still early and she saw relatively few people up yet. Mostly just members of the Royal Guard on patrol and servants cleaning up from last night's party. Which she hadn't attended, of course. On most of her infrequent visits to the Palace, Queen Serenity had tried to involve her in more of the 'Court Life'. She explained to Setsuna that as the Princess of Pluto, it was her 'duty' to be involved. Of course, Serenity wouldn't command her to attend. She knew Setsuna was not very comfortable around masses of people. Setsuna knew that Serenity was just trying to help her in her own gentle way. Setsuna's brow furled as she wondered why she was here now? She had been meditating at her Castle when she felt a disturbance centering on the Palace. As she passed a small room that overlooked the gardens, she caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of her eye. She saw that it was a cat who was sitting on a bench next to the windows. "Hello Zeus," she said to the Mausian cat that was the Royal advisor. "Oh hello Senshi Pluto," Zeus said quietly. "Is there something wrong?" Pluto asked, sitting down on the bench with Zeus. "There are many things, but perhaps the worse was that I spent the night with her Majesty." "Is that all? I've heard that a cat is good company to sleep with. Something about them using their whiskers to wake a person up in the morning." "Pluto, Queen Serenity and I made love," Zeus said with redden cheeks. Setsuna's mouth dropped slightly in shock. She tried to grasp the concept of Zeus, the cat, having sex with Serenity, the human. "Excuse me?" Setsuna said. "The Silver Crystal turned me into a human for the night," Zeus said when he realized what she was thinking. "Oh... That's good since I couldn't quite grasp the other idea..." "I can't believe that I let myself do it... Maybe it was because that she reminds me so much of Diana..." "Zeus, did she want to do it?" "Yes she did. She actually asked me instead of the other way around." "In your heart, do you really regret it?" "No I don't. She filled a space that empty for much too long." "There you have it. You two make quite the couple," Pluto said with a smile. "I don't think so," he replied. "I'm leaving. Now." "Why?!" "Pluto, I have we Mauians call 'The Wasting Disease'. We don't know what causes it but do know that if you have it, you die, Fairly quickly too. It's not contagious so you don't have to worry about that." "But you look..." "Healthy? Appearances can be deceiving." Zeus raised a paw up and Pluto could see a tremor in it. "Tremors are one of the few outward symptoms," he explained. "I've been taking a herbal mixture that masks it." "Zeus, I'm sure the Queen could heal you. Why don't you allow her to try? She'll be devastated if you leave her." "I can't allow her to do that Pluto. You know that when she uses the Crystal for such things that it takes a lot out of her." Pluto nodded. "I think she's pregnant Pluto," Zeus said in a near whisper. "How do you know?" she said, surprised. Zeus tapped his nose with a paw. "Sense of smell Pluto. I didn't realize it or perhaps didn't want to realize it until this morning. So chances are that I'm right. If she healed me, it would probably kill the child. I won't let her do that." "I understand Zeus... Believe me, I do. She is pregnant, I'm certain of that." "How?" "I felt a disturbance of energy centered on the Palace. That's why I came. I wanted to find out what had caused it. Now I realize what it was." "The moment she conceived." "Exactly. "I best be off," Zeus said with a sigh. "Before she wakes and wonders where I've gone." "Where will you go?" "Earth. I've only seen it from here and I'm curious. Maybe I can make a few legends about a 'talking cat'." "If anyone could, it would be you." "I want you to do two things for me Pluto." "If I can." "First: Take care of Serenity. She will need all the friends she can after this." "You know I will Zeus. She's probably the only person that I can give the title of 'friend' too." "Thank you. Would you also give her this?" Zeus held up a small, folded piece of paper. "Of course I will. And the second?" "An answer to a question: the Moon Kingdom will vanish, right? I found a scrap of paper from Merlin that tells about your visit to him. 'The Dark Lady who called herself the Senshi of Pluto has shown me great and terrifying things. My fears have been tempered by the vision of the Crystal city ruled by the golden tressed Serenity. Senshi Pluto has told me that this is what we must strive for. The tasks that I must do will be difficult and heart rending but I will do them. I put these words down so those future scholars will know what we did and why.' That doesn't sound like the Moon Kingdom at all." "I should have know he would do that..." Pluto said, sighing. "I wouldn't have shown him that except he needed to see the goal. Otherwise, I don't think he would've done the things that needed to be done..." Pluto's voice trailed off as she suddenly realized something. "What is it Pluto?" Zeus asked, concerned. "Is there something wrong?" "I have to save you Zeus." "What? Why?" "Someone who I trust completely once told me that I had to 'Save the Seeds of the people who are near the core of the Dream'." "Seeds?" "They're called 'StarSeeds'. No one is exactly sure of what they are but they might be a physical embodiment of the soul." "And this 'Dream'?" The vision of what Merlin saw. Your daughter is the core of the Dream as she is the one person who can bring it about." "You have to save Serenity as well, don't you?" "Yes," Pluto said, nodding. "Until this moment, I never knew who her father was. I don't know why this must be done, only that it must." "Then lets do it." "Zeus, are you sure?" "So much has happened so quickly that my mind is spinning. One thing is clear however, anything that relates to my children, unborn or otherwise, will make me go through the flames of Hades to help them." Pluto's Time Key appeared at her side. The Garnet Orb at the tip, glowing. "I'm not precisely sure what will happen Zeus. My Onee-San only told me what I should do. Not the how or why. If there is any pain, I apologize." "That's all right Pluto, I understand. You still didn't answer my question however." "Yes Zeus," Pluto said. "The Moon Kingdom will disappear but it will give birth to something even greater. Queen Serenity's dreams will come to pass." "And the other Serenity is my daughter, right?" "Yes. She combines the best of her parents in one person." "Thank you for telling me." "It's the least I can do." "Farewell Pluto... Take care of Serenity for me." "Farewell Zeus... You know I will." Zeus closed his eyes as a Pluto touched the Garnet Orb to him. When she did so, the room was filled with a golden light... * * * * When Serenity awoke the next morning, she felt more rested, more relaxed, and more contented then she had been in a very long time. She had a contented smile on her lips as the events of the previous night flashed though her mind. She reached over to touch the Zeus's body but only felt the silk of the bed sheets. Her eyes flew open and saw that she was alone in the bed. She quickly threw back the covers and got out of bed. Eyeing the broach that lay discarded on the floor among the pieces of her fuku. She picked it up and concentrated for a second. The fuku pieces suddenly vanished and Serenity was wearing the gown she had on the night before. "Setsuna?!" Serenity exclaimed as she walked out of the bedroom and saw the senshi of Pluto. "What are you doing here? Where's Zeus?!" "He's gone Your Majesty," Setsuna said quietly. "What!? He can't be!" "He asked me to tell you why he had to go. I guess he couldn't tell you to your face." "What couldn't he tell me?" "He's dying Serenity," Setsuna said quietly. "What!?" "He has just a few weeks more he told me. Some sort of disease." "Why didn't he tell me? I could have healed him with the Crystal!" "Serenity," Setsuna said quietly, "If you were to use the Crystal, it could harm your unborn child." "My WHAT!?" Serenity exclaimed. "Zeus said that his sense of smell told him that you were...Well... Your fertile time. Zeus realized that there was a distinct chance that you could conceive a child. If you used the Crystal, it could endanger him or her. He couldn't let you do that." "You didn't have a hand in this," Serenity said, her eyes narrowing. "Did you? I never ask you but I know you are 'weaving' time. Causing events to happen. I can feel it." Setsuna took Serenity's hand in hers. "My friend," she said. "I swear that I did not have anything to do with what happened with you or Zeus. Nor with what will happen as a result of it. This is something that was always meant to happen regardless of my presence." A nod was all the reply Serenity gave. "Zeus did leave you something," Setsuna said, handing Serenity a folded piece of paper. Serenity carefully unfolded and hesitated a second before looking down. "Dearest Serenity," she read. "By now Setsuna has told you why I left and my reasons. I know you and I know you would have been willing to sacrifice your unborn child for me. Well...I'm not willing to let you do that. Call it loyalty to my Queen... Call it love for a woman named Serenity... Call it whatever you like! I care for you too much to do that to you! When I saw you sleeping before I left, I was so tempted to stay with you for my remaining days. I decided that it would be wrong to. I wish you to remember me as I am now, not as I will become later. Just as I wish to remember you as I last saw you. A beautiful woman who has the expression of joy, not one of sorrow. Please forgive me. Zeus" Serenity sat down on a couch and put her face in her hands. Setsuna sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders. "I do forgive you..." she whispered. * * * * Nine months later... Queen Serenity was lying in her large bed with the covers up to her chest. Seated on a stool nearby was a young black cat. The most unusual thing about the cat was the golden crescent moon on its forehead. "And I swear my loyalty to you and the Moon Kingdom," finished the cat who was speaking in a whisper. "Thank you Luna," Serenity whispered back. "I know you will do your best. That's all any of us can do. There is one more thing I would like you to do though." "What your Majesty?" Serenity carefully pulled the covers down to reveal a sleeping infant cradled in an arm. "You swore your loyalty to me," she whispered. "Do the same for my daughter." "Of course!" Luna whispered back. "I swore my undying loyalty to you and your daughter, the Princess Serenity, the Royal Heir." "Thank you Luna." Suddenly, the infant Princess awoke and began to cry. "Oh dear!" Luna exclaimed. "Is there something wrong? Should I get the doctor?" "Don't worry Luna," Serenity said with a smile. "She's just hungry." Serenity loosened a tie on her nightgown and exposed a breast. She then held the infant to it and she immediately began to suckle from her mother. All the time, Luna stood wide-eyed. "Ah...I..." Luna, stuttered, backing towards the door that was slightly adjar. "Guess you would...ah...like to be alone." "That's all right Luna. You may stay." "No... You would rather be alone." With that, Luna backed out of the through the door. As the door closed behind Luna, Setsuna stepped from the shadows of the corner where she had been standing. "How do you think she will do?" Serenity asked in hushed voice. "If she does half the job her father did," Setsuna replied equally hushed. "She'll do well." "You're right," Serenity said with a slight smile. "So could be less of a prude though..." Setsuna said with a smile. "A woman nursing an infant is nothing to be embarrassed about." "Very true..." Serenity said quietly. "She's nothing like her father in that way. Zeus could and would talk about anything. I liked him for that quality." "You miss him, don't you?" "Yes," she said in a whisper. "He was a good and dear friend. Perhaps... Perhaps we could have had something more." Setsuna sat on the edge of the bed and gently hugged her friend. "You know that people are curious as to who the Princess's father is," Setsuna said after a time. "Let them be curious!" Serenity said. "If they knew, they would treat her as a freak! It's bad enough that she'll be given the 'Royal' respect instead of being treated as normal." "I agree Serenity," Setsuna said, nodding. "But if I may be so bold..." "You usually are," Serenity interrupted, smiling. "What are you going to tell her about her father? Eventually, she will ask." "I'll simply tell her that he was a kind, honorable man that I cared for very much. Since it's the truth, I won't have a problem saying it." "You're right... He was all that and more." The two sat quietly for a time as the Princess nursed. "Setsuna," Serenity asked quietly. "Can you tell me anything about her future?" Setsuna was about to tell her, like she had told others, about not being tell people about events that would occur in the future. About how such knowledge could interfere with things yet to happen. This time, she saw the pleading look in her friend's eyes and her heart melted. "You'll be proud of her Serenity," Setsuna said. "You'll be so very proud...." "I would be proud of her in any event Setsuna," Serenity replied. "Although I wonder..." "You wonder what?" "I wonder since her father changed from a cat into a human..." "Could she change from a human into a cat?" "Exactly." Setsuna remembered when that had happened and the events following it. Serenity watched as Setsuna struggled to keep a straight face. Finally, she lost it and laughed. Belying her reputation for being totally serious all the time. 'There's a story behind that laugh,' Serenity thought to herself. 'She won't tell me what it is, but it must be a dandy one.' As Serenity imagined her daughter as a golden haired cat, with the royal odangos of course, she started to giggle as well. Princess Serenity looked up at the two big creatures that had interrupted the business at hand. She didn't understand the noise they were making and didn't really care. She quickly turned her attention back to more important matters. Namely, eating or rather nursing. FINIS We want to thank all the other memebers of the "Circle of Time" project team: Allen Gainsford, Annie, Dr. Allosaurs, Greenbeans, Karama, Laurel Anne, Fiona Lim, Richard Lawson, Jon Carp, and Sailor Mac for allowing themselves to be drafted into working on this series. :) We also really want to thank Tim Nolan, Jackie Chiang, Pandora Waldron, Chris Parson, Nirafu, and Dark Day For Anime for all their help and suggestions. Thanks y'all! <---hick accent alert!