Sailor Sirius: Her Story Begins. By Sharon Williams Prologue: Part One ********************************************************************** Silver Millennium Sirius System, Orion Constellation, Planet Sirius-Endoria, Southern Betelgeuse Continent, Nova Castle. Combat Training Hall: Yusef, personal sensei and trainer, watched as Princess Tonicia KnightStar did the somersaults and back flips that he had so painstakingly taught her over the months. Her small dark body was as lithe as a cat as she ended with a double back flip twist and landed on her feet, perfectly, in front of him. Yusef's dark brown eyes shone with pride as she finished. "That was very well done, princess, but you still need to concentrate more, and focus on your center of gravity." he said. Tonicia blew out an exhausted breath. *Oh, great,* she thought. *I bet this means I have to do this all over again.* But instead she replied, "Thanks. Well, I guess I have been a little off lately. I'll try harder." Yusef saw the expression on her face, and knew what she was thinking. "Princess, I know that this has been a hard few months of training for you, but you must understand that this is your duty, and very important for you to take seriously." "I know, I know." Tonicia sighed. "I just wish I had a little time for myself to relax." She took the small white towel Yusef handed her, and wiped the sweat off her dark face. From since the Princess could remember, all her time was spent doing what was "excpected" of her, to do what was her duty. Tonicia wished with all her heart that somehow, she could be allowed to just be a normal girl, with normal dreams and hopes. But deep in her heart, she knew that it somehow wasn't to be in her destiny. She sighed softly again. Yusef nodded understandingly. "Why don't you take a little break, then we'll begin on kicks and hand-to-hand confrontation," he said as he helped her into her robe to cover her white leotard. "And don't worry, you're doing fine. I know you are going to make this system's finest protector." "Thank you, Yusef," Tonicia smiled. "That means alot to me." The older sensei smiled, kissed her on her forehead near the insignia of the star, and left her to her thoughts. She could remember not too long ago when she was allowed to simply play in the gardens at times, playing catch with the other children. But that time was over. Now, it was only training and classes that filled her time, time she wanted to spend with her friends and loved ones. Tonicia smirked slightly. She often heard the young servant girls and daughters of Lords and Nobles wishing they were princess, and how she was so lucky. If they only knew how hard it was, then they wouldn't think it was so "lucky". After sitting for a few moments on the red wooden benches, she heard a familiar voice comment, "Now isn't that a sight, a beautiful young girl, sitting all by herself!" "Father!!" Tonicia exclaimed, and ran over to give him a huge hug. "I'm so glad that you came! Please, tell me how mother is doing." Her heart began to beat hard against her chest upon waiting to hear the news about her dear mother, the one woman who made her feel so loved and protected. Sadness suddenly clouded King Marcopius KnightStar's eyes as he looked down at his daughter. Indeed, it was a grat tragedy that struck their family, and the King knew that he and his wife would never overcome this. It was heart-breaking for the King to see his wife is so much pain, only to know it was for naught. But he knew he had to be strong, strong for his lovely wife, and their remaining child. "Come, let us go outside to the Forget-Me-Nots Royal Garden, and then we can talk." Taking his daughter's hand, King Marcopius and Tonicia walked out of the gym into the bright brisk day. Outside, it was midmorning, and the planet's double suns, Sirius and its companion star, pelted the garden with red golden rays through a cloudless violet sky. Princess Tonicia smiled as she watched the children of lords and ladies race after each other on the red grass, laughing loudly and enjoying themselves. "Your mother is recovering as well as could be expected," King Marcopius began, stroking his salt and pepper beard with worry, "But losing the baby has taken its toll on her emotionally. I just wish there was something I could have done," he said sadly. Tears he tried to hide from his daughter misted in his eyes, tears at the thought of a life gone so soon. "Oh, Father, you did all you could do," Tonica replied, putting an arm around his shoulder as they sat down in one of the garden chairs. Her mind recalled the sad time three days ago. Queen Felicity KnightStar had gone into labor prematurely, and even with the help of the Mercury Healers of the Moon Kingdom's Healing Ward, and High Priestess Arsolia of Mars, all efforts to save the child was in vain. The baby did not survive the night. "I know, Little Star, " the King said, gently patting her cheek. "And I also know that right now, I have you and your mother. That alone gives me comfort." Then he remembered something. "Oh, before I forget-- I received a message for you today. It could be from the Moon Kingdom," said King Marcopius, handing his daughter the letter sealed in a golden envelope. Memories of Queen Serenity and her husband, his good friend King Anderal, floated in his mind. Her family too was also marked by tragedy. King Anderal of planet Solar, and his son, Prince Andrew, heir to the Kingship of Planet Solar, were killed instantly when their ship "Solar Flare", exploded on their way to the search for a new senshi. Queen Serenity was nine months pregnant at the time, and nearly lost the Princess Serenity. "You go on and read it, and then tell me what's it about later. I have to meet Ambassador Utari of Uranus from the Solar System," the king said as he got up. "It seems as though the three year war between the Moon Kingdom and this new threat has taken a sudden turn for the worst." "All right, Father. I will see you later." said Tonicia, watching her father as he headed towards the Meeting Hall. She quickly opened the envelope, and read: "To Princess Tonicia KnightStar, Heir to the Throne of Planet Sirius-Endoria of the Allied Systems: You are cordially invited to attend the engagement ball of Princess Serenity Crest Moon, Daughter of Queen Serenity and King Anderal. It would be a great honor for you to attend. Thank You." Tonicia smiled, and folded the letter back up carefully. "Oh Sere, it's been so long!" she whispered softly to herself. "It'll be so good to finally see you again!" Then, giving a yell of joy and triumph, the young princess jumped up and quickly ran back toward the Training Hall to tell her cousin. Capella Prime Space Station, Sirius-Endoria Orbit: Six months later: "Goodbye, my daughter. I hope that you will have a wonderful time, and come home safely," said King Marcopius, kissing his daughter a few more times on the cheek. "Father! Stop it, you're embarrassing me!" laughed Tonicia, playfully pushing him away. "What, a sixteen year-old is suddenly too old to get kisses good-bye from her father?" he said, feigning heartbreak. "I'll never be the same again! But anyway, I have a surprise for you." The king turned his headto the right. "You can come out now!" Two figures then calmy walked into the waiting room of the Space Station, their eyes bright and faces smiling. The man, obviously of High Noble rank, bowed, and fixed the Princess with twinkling eyes, "Let's just hope she isn't TOO embarrassed to receive a few more kisses," said a tall, handsome dark duke, who was accompanied by the Queen. "Uncle Honorius, Mother!!" shouted Tonicia as she ran to them. She hugged and kissed her mother's dark brown face, and stroked the star insignia on her forehead. The Queen did the same, smiling gently, and Tonica then turned to the man at her her mother's side. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in a conference at Northern Altair Continent!" she said excitedly. "What, and miss my darling niece attend one of the most important social functions of her life? No way!" said Grand Duke Honorius, chuckling happily. He looked at the Queen. "Besides, I wanted to be here when your mother gives you her gift." Queen Felicity delicately removed her necklace she held for her daugher for safe keeping, and placed it gently in her daughter's hands. The chain was necklace part was imbedded with tiny little diamonds, and the jewel that hung from it was a beautiful green color that dazzled Tonicia's eyes. A black letter "S" decorated the inside. "Don't forget your present, my Little One. This necklace carries the Sirius Emerald Star Stone. Just as the Planet Stones help protect the Sol System, we also have a source of power to help keep our system safe. Take this power with you, my dear, and use it wisely, for this great force which is threatening lives over there, is certain to try to overcome you. I love you, my Little Star," said the Queen, and gave her daughter a hug and kiss. "Thank you, Mother. I will use this wisely and make you proud of me. I love you so much!" said Tonicia with tears in her eyes, and placed the diamond necklace with the emerald jewel around her neck. "Your Majesty, the "Star Screamer" is in readiness. We merely await your word," said an aide, bowing. "Thank you. You'd better get going, Little Star." said the king, hugging his daughter again. As Tonicia ended the long hug, she suddenly got a strange feeling, like somehow, she might not see her family again. A feeling of dread flowed through her, and somehow, a feeling as though the life she loved was going to end. *Oh please, not that feeling again!* Tonicia thought to herself. Suddenly, her eyes narrowed, "I feel a new change in the wind." she whispered to herself. Tonicia's eyes widened in suprise, not knowing why she said those words. It was like, she was in a trance. She sighed and shook her head to get rid of that disturbing though. Quickly, she turned to her family and smiled bravely, then whisked away and boarded her ship. "See you around, Sport!" waved her Uncle Honorius, his eyes shining proudly as he watch the hatch close behind the Princess Tonicia. **********************************************************************