The Crystal Winter

Author: Adins

Rated: PG13

Chapter 1

The balding, slightly overweight diplomat adjusted his thin glasses and regarded the dossier in front of him. The photograph showed the subject in question was enrobed in a dark brown cloak, its face completely shrouded by a deep hood. This enigmatic figure stood, apparently in conversation, with Diamond, the pretentious label of the monarch of the eastern-European religious "Lua Petra" principality. Patrick Ward inwardly sighed. These prints proved his theories correct.

"They call him the Wiseman," came a stern female voice from east edge of the table, "The Petrans view him as a prophet, a savior to some."

The man at her side added, "These intelligence reports confirm this Wiseman's involvement in the attacks on the European Union." He motioned to a three-dimensional, holographic projection at the center of the circular table showing a televised speech by Diamond and the Wiseman.

The entire room noticeably shifted anxiously. Serenity brushed a strand of her flowing silver locks out of her eyes and regarded Endymion, her husband. His normally warm, compassionate countenance was now a stone sculpture of cold factuality. His boyish grin replaced with blank, parsed lips showing only political indifference. Serenity sighed; she hated the façade they had to wear at these summits.

"The situation in Venice is growing more dire by the day," said a young female diplomat with a strong Italian accent, "We've evacuated many from the city but our security forces are stretched thin."

Her companion, an older graying gentleman added, "There is talk of an attack on Rome itself."

"Yes, we are aware of the tragedies in your home country ambassadors," Serenity explained, "And it pains me greatly that we can lend you no further support. Our own forces are spread too wide attempting to contain the situation before it explodes to a global crisis."

"We ask only sanctuary for the hundreds of thousands displaced by these terrorist attacks," the female ambassador pleaded, "Reopen the borders, our people must feel safe again, they have suffered far too long!"

"I understand ambassador and I am deeply sorry we can't offer you more aid" Serenity replied, emphasizing her position on the subject, "However, Crystal Tokyo cannot support so many within its borders."

The Italian diplomat shrank in her chair, a comforting arm from her older companion doing little to ease her disappointment. Serenity's face fell, her heart pouring out to the ambassador and all the citizens she represented, suffering at the hands of a religious fanatic and his shadowy partner.

"Negotiations have failed then, I take it?" asked a figure directly across from Serenity. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table as he ran a hand through his white, well-groomed mane. Serenity noted the slight British accent.

"Unfortunately Ambassador Townsend," Serenity confirmed, "When our envoy arrived they found little to negotiate with."

Serenity glanced to her right at the woman sitting near. She wore a formal suit emblazoned with the crest of the Crystal Alliance on the breast pocket. Standing, she removed her glasses and set them on the table, running a few fingers through the displaced strands of her distinct blue hair.

"The Petran governing body has been dissolved," she explained, speaking in an eloquent and perfectly articulate manner, "Prince Diamond has usurped all but total power and would not so much as permit us an audience."

"Thank you, Lady Mizuno," Endymion said as the woman bowed and reclaimed her seat, "The Petrans have adopted a new isolationist policy. Ambassador Ward, I understand the American embassy in Petra Interior was recently expelled as well."

Patrick stood up, adjusting his tie and clearing his throat nervously, "Um, yes well, my ... lord," the title just didn't seem to fit coming from his mouth, "The embassy was recalled sir, not expelled."

"Recalled?" asked Townsend incredulously.

"The United States has removed all diplomatic and military presence from Petra Interior," Ward continued, struggling not to make eye contact with any of the other diplomats at the table.

"America has been the Petran's closest ally for the last thirty years," Serenity exclaimed, "I'm shocked to learn that your congress would choose to withdraw their support at such a crucial time in the lives of the principality's citizens!"

The secretary of state cleared his throat again, "It wasn't an act of congress, milady, but a presidential mandate. Emergency executive powers."

The other diplomats audibly groaned and Serenity herself grimaced

"That reprehensible amendment has all but rendered your Constitution a museum piece," Commented the French ambassador, garnering a glare of warning from Endymion.

Ward sighed, agreeing internally but not allowing it to manifest, "President Davis believes it is in the nation's best interest to remain neutral in this matter," he began his speech, "The United States is still very much in a national withdrawal. Even a decade after Chicago the effects can be felt so near as if it happened yesterday ..."

The room fell silent. Every man and woman in the chamber knew of the Chicago Incident all to well. The shockwave of that terrible day reached into every civilized sector of the planet; never before had the nations of the Earth been so united since the formation of the Crystal Alliance. Now the United States stood stagnant, unable to prosper, unable to collapse, barely able to sustain.

"But," Ambassador Ward continued, inflecting as cheerfully as possible, "The President believes that we are on the verge of a resurgence of American patriotism. He believes that our nation's rebirth is swift approaching and further, he believes that we must focus all our resources internally to help rebuild our society and thus necessitates our neutrality in this matter."

Serenity could not help herself, "President Davis believes himself democratic when in fact he is a dictator."

Endymion's chin dropped, his mouth hanging agape. The rest of the room similarly wore stunned expressions. Serenity's face was burning in anger and embarrassment for what she let slip. She could not believe those words just left her mouth.

"And you believe you are not?" asked another voice, the accent difficult to place.

Ami Mizuno scolded, "That was far out of line, General."

"Yes," Serenity agreed and then sighed heavily, "As was what I said," she turned to Patrick Ward, "Forgive me, ambassador, I know your President is acting only out of what he perceives to be in America's best interest."

The balding ambassador smiled, "There is nothing to forgive, milady. I believe this crisis is similarly wearing on all of us present."

The crowd voiced their agreement as Serenity continued, "There are many nations, cultures, and peoples represented here and though we may not always see eye-to-eye we must remember that the reason this alliance even exists is to better ensure a safe, healthy future for all mankind."

Endymion continued his wife's thought, "The men, women, and children under the thrall of Diamond and Lua Petra are the priority of this summit. We must not allow ancient grudges and personal disputes to stand in the way of this people's freedom."

"I agree," said Townsend, garnering nods of approval from most everyone at the table, "Our own politics have no place at this table. Leave all of your problems at the door, as they say. Let us work as one for the good of all."

"Perhaps we should all adjourn for the remainder of the day," suggested Ami Mizuno, "We can return tomorrow with clarity and continue our discussions."

"Agreed," said Endymion, rising from his chair. He extended his hand and Serenity lightly accepted, standing next to him, "Ambassadors, until tomorrow. Please accept our hospitality, the palace is yours."

The diplomats all voiced their thanks and collected their belongings, shuffling out of the meeting hall to leave only Serenity, Endymion, and Ami behind. When the doors finally closed behind the exiting ambassadors the three present collapsed back into their chairs and sighed. Endymion unbuttoned his jacket and took a long drink of a colorless liquid. Ami replaced her glasses and regarded Serenity who had buried her face in her hands.

"I can't believe I said that," Serenity moaned, almost in tears.

"If I may be so bold, neither can I," concurred Ami, sipping a cup of tea, "I thought we were going to have to call in the Guard to subdue everyone."

"This is why I hate politics," she said, standing from her chair and pacing around the room, "Klutzy old Usagi rears her ugly head, it's just like high school."

"That's a good analogy, actually," Ami commented, "Comparing politics to high school. Tensions tend to run very high in both settings."

"Thanks for the SAT prep, Ames," Serenity said with a dismissive glance. She looked down at her husband and slapped him lightly on the shoulder, "You're awfully quiet about this."

He grunted softly and replied, "That's because I'm asleep."

Leaning far in over the table Serenity saw that his eyes were indeed closed and she started to laugh fiendishly. Ami also giggled slightly, if for no other reason than the infectiousness of her queen's voice.

"Sleeping on the job Endy darling!" she shouted in hysterics, "Oh if only I had a camera to capture this spectacular piece of blackmail!"

Endymion roused himself and smiled at his wife, "Nobody said this was easy on me, darling."

"We really need to get out more," Serenity stated, finally starting to subdue her laughter. She sat back down next to Endymion, "Never thought I'd miss the old days."

"What do you mean, my queen?" Ami asked.

Serenity balled up a piece of paper and tossed it at her intelligent friend who caught it after it bounced off her forehead, "For the love of god Ami, don't call me that! At least not when it's just us!"

Ami nodded, knowing full well she would never do as asked while Serenity continued her speech, "Everything was so simple back then: bad guys come in, senshi go beat ‘em up, everyone lives happily ever after," she made a series of wild gesticulations to punctuate herself before growing somber again, "None of this political nonsense with border disputes and treaties and economic depressions."

"Some things the sailor senshi just can't fix," Ami said.

Serenity jumped up, leaning on the table to be close to both Ami and Endymion, "Don't you guys miss it? Don't you miss the good old days?"

"What? Do you not enjoy the life you have?" Endymion asked incredulously, "Is ruling at my side such a burden for you, my love?"

"No, of course I love my life, Endy that's now what I meant!" She shot him a nervous glare, "I wouldn't give this up for anything, not when I have the power to make so many people happy, but, well ..."

"The senshi have played their part, my queen," Ami explained in her own inimitable way, "We all must now take up our new roles in life and proceed as best we can."

"You are such a killjoy, Ami," Serenity said pouting, "I'm just not cut out for all this political stuff."

She felt Endymion's comforting embrace around her shoulders and was immediately soothed, although not cured of her mild depression. Ami offered a slight smile as well before looking out through the cathedral windows of the palace. Turning back, her face bright she gave her parting remarks.

"There are times I miss being a champion of love and justice," Ami stated, preparing to leave the room, "But supernatural threats can pale in comparison to a plague or an oil crisis. The power we have now to change the lives of everyone on Earth for the better is far greater than any we could wield as senshi, and I wouldn't trade that for anything."

"Not even that cute little blue fuku again?" Serenity asked, pulling off her best puppy dog eyes to punctuate her question.

Ami returned her attempt with a delicate shake of her head, "Nope, not even for that," Serenity stuck her tongue out as the blue haired woman left the room with a curtsey, "Good day my queen, my lord."

"Good day, Ami," said Endymion properly, waving as she left.

Serenity shouted after her, "Yeah bye, bookworm! And stop calling me that!"

Endymion shook his head and laughed, cradling his beautiful wife closer, "You have not changed at all, Usako."

The queen of the Earth smiled broadly hearing her husband call her by that name. They rarely referred to each other by their given birth names anymore unless they were sharing a particularly intimate moment. They, the senshi, and the citizens of the planet knew them as Endymion and Serenity, the King and Queen of the Crystal Alliance. The stuffy titles and state affairs were commonplace for Endymion but to Serenity they were stifling, lifeless voids that she couldn't get herself away from quick enough.

"I just don't know if I'm cut out for this," she confessed into his embrace, "You make it seem so easy, I don't know how you can deal with all these pompous old men day in and day out with their high ideals and constitutional, bureaucratic bullshit."

She slapped a hand to her mouth, wondering where that outburst had come from. Endymion was startled but caressed her hair all the same, sighing softly.

"This really has you worked up, doesn't it?" he asked gently.

Serenity sniffed back tears and confessed, "Sailor Moon just had to point her wand at the bad guys and they disappeared. I can't point a wand at some religious zealot and tell his people to follow me."

"We'll get through this, Sere." Endymion reassured her, tilting her chin up to gaze into her endless blue eyes, "Like Ami said, some things not even Sailor Moon can fix."

"Yeah, I know," she sighed and then immediately reverted to her cheerful self, pulling away from Endymion and striking her traditional senshi poses, "Still though, you can't tell me you don't miss the danger and the drama, not to mention the romance!"

Endymion slapped a hand to his forehead and sighed, "I don't know what I'm going to do with you."

"Come on!" she cajoled him, tugging on his cape which trailed behind his luxurious chair, "Just this once let's get back to our roots. I know you're dying to see if you still fit in that old tux of yours."

Endymion whirled around, "You really have gone crazy, Sere. What would you even do if you could become Sailor Moon again?"

"Who cares!" she shouted in glee, "I just want to feel it again, Endy. I want to be who I used to be, I want to be the hero again!"

Endymion stood up and embraced her in a passionate kiss. When it ended he looked into her eyes and said from his heart, "You'll always be my hero, Usako."

"Oh Endy," she sighed, seemingly melting in his arms before surprising him with a graceful, not to mention powerful back flip which landed her in the center of the hall's conference table, "That's all the more reason to recapture that old spark."

She reached down to the brooch on her flowing white gown and held it aloft, "Prism Power!" she shouted and smirked at Endymion who had crossed his arms and was shaking his head dismissively, "MAKE UP!"

Instantly she was bathed in white hot light and the ceremonial gown was replaced by the familiar blue and white sailor fuku, tied with the same red bows and accentuated by the same golden jewelry as it had been in the past. Striking her final dramatic pose at last Serenity grinned overjoyed and applauded herself.

"Still fits like a glove!" she exclaimed and leapt off the table.

"So now what, Ms. Defender of the Universe?" asked Endymion playfully, "Last I heard Lua Petra doesn't send youma to do their terrorist work."

She stuck her head up, acting snobby for him, "You just wait until this pretty soldier gets in trouble, mister. Then you'll wish you'd have come with me!"

He grumbled as she started to walk to the door, "Where are you going?"

"Down to the ballroom of course, where else?" she asked.

"Are you insane?" Endymion shouted, rising from his chair, "You can't go down there dressed like that! People will recognize you, it'll be a nightmare trying to cover this up!"

"Oh cool down, Endy," she said brushing him off, "My own mother can't recognize me when I'm Sailor Moon, a bunch of stuffy suits aren't going to know who I am. Catch ya later!"

The monarch of the Earth closed the door with a smirk and left Endymion leaning on the table in confusion. He smiled, appreciating his wife's youthfulness and how she could still take so much pleasure in simplicity after all these years. Noticing one of the many rose-filled vases in the hall Endymion began feeling nostalgic himself.

NOTES:

EDIT: 3/14/06 - Cleaned up one or two little errors and changed Serenity's transformation phrase to "Prism Power" since she doesn't actively use the Silver Crystal in the future. Forgot about that.

-- Fame and fortune gets to you after a while, I should know. (Yeah, right ...) Anyway, I always wanted to do a post-anime story about what happens in Crystal Tokyo. This is a time when Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask are distant memories. The other four senshi are sometimes seen but the two principal characters have taken a diplomatic and political role in the world. I always wanted to see what would happen if they had to go back to their old ways after so long a time.

-- Lua Petra is, I think, Portugese for "black moon" I ran the words "black moon" through a translator to try and find a cool name in another language and that was the best one I got. There's no significance to it being Portugese it was just the coolest sounding name I could find.

-- For anyone interested the Patrick Ward character is based on a politician in my own town. Ambassador Townsend, the british guy, is a homage to Pete Townshend, the Rock genius best known from The Who, my favorite band and musical mentor.