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"Go you should. Discover who you are, you will," the wise little gnome had said. She smiled warmly in remembrance. Master Yoda had turned out to be quite a welcome source of support and guidance to the transplanted Sailors. The Jedi Council knew of the Sailor Jedi, of course, and had even given the senshi an unused complex of rooms in a lower level of the Temple, with an entrance hidden behind a waterfall, for their headquarters. But few others knew of their existance. Chuckling, she remembered her friends' response to her desire to visit Hoth.
"Hoth!?? You want us to come with you to that freezing ball of ice?!" said
Zyta with dismay. Her idea of fun involved fast moving motorcycles and sand,
not ice and snow.
"But it's not that bad at this point in time!" Yuki replied. "During the Republic, Hoth is actually a popular Vail-style resort for those who like snow sports. They even have lessons on flying a smaller non-military version of snowspeeders."
"Flying?" Kumo-chan's ears perked up. "That could be fun!"
"Yuki, that's where Luke almost lost his life in Empire Strikes Back!" Hisui shuddered in remembrance.
"Please?" Yuki looked pleadingly at her best friends. "I really feel I need to do this. And..." her eyes dropped as she said quietly, "I don't want to go alone."
"If Yuki feels that she needs to go, I think we should support her." Kyoko smiled reassuringly at Yuki. "I know that I felt something very special when I first set foot on Naboo." Her tone changed to one of warm reminiscence. "It felt like coming home."
Seeing that her friends were almost convinced, Yuki decided to play her final card. "It just so happens that they are having a huge festival with races and snow sport competitions, kinda like our Winter Olympics. The games will bring in the top snowsport athletes from across the galaxy. Here's holos of the top five human snowboarding entrants." She flashed their holos in front of her friends. Two were women. But the men... Her friends' jaws dropped. The top three male contestants were three of the hunkiest guys they had seen outside of the Jedi Temple.
"Okay, Yuki," said Kumo-chan with a laugh. "You win."
Turning away from the edge of the balcony, Yuki chuckled again at the
memories. The trip to Hoth had been rather uneventful, despite the crowd of
people also heading for the Hoth Snow Sport Festival. Yoda had provided them
with enough credits that they were able to travel comfortably and had even
managed to get them great tickets to several of the events. He certainly had
connections, Yuki thought with a grin.
Leaning back against a pillar, she again turned her attention to watching the hustle and bustle of beings intent on having fun, despite the late hour. How could the place seem so strange and yet...familiar? And who'd have guessed that cold, frozen Hoth had once been a popular playground for those beings that enjoyed winter sports? Its population, primarily wealthy visitors and those who ran the resorts, lived in fantastic crystal castles under three huge climate-controlled domes. It was a place of light, happiness and holiday fun. Seeing the multitude of beings enjoying themselves, Yuki had felt almost unbearably sad, knowing that the future Empire would eventually turn Hoth into a deserted wasteland of snow and ice, suitable only for foolhardy miners or desperate rebels.
Yuki thought of how much her hometown had been like Hoth during the winter. Obihiro, the town in northern Japan where she grew up, was normally a quiet rather rural place. But the coming of the long winter months turned it into one of Japan's most popular winter resort spots. The Ice Festival alone brought in people from all over.
She smiled wistfully at her childhood memories of sledding, snowboarding, ice-skating and just plain goofing around with friends. Though she had gone to live with her aunt and young cousin in San Francisco when she was just ten, she could clearly remember the lights, the laughter and the endless fun during the winter school break. She hadn't always been so quiet and reserved. If only her family hadn't traveled to Kobe that last weekend...
She had been laughing, joking with her parents, who were teasing her about her
desire to pick up just one more Star Wars toy in the huge new shopping area
in Kobe. Then the tremors began. The store they were in began to shake, the
walls shifting, boxes falling off shelves. People began screaming in terror
as the quake intensified. A shelf fell onto her father, pinning his legs.
Her mother tried frantically to free her beloved as the earth continued to
heave. Turning to her stunned daughter she cried, "Run, Yuki! Head for the
doorway!"
"No! I won't...I can't!" Yuki sobbed, trying to help free her father.
"You must go, my darling girl," her father said with a sad smile, reaching up with his one free hand to touch her tear-streaked face as the world continued to fall about them. "Quickly..."
Her mother, tears falling unnoticed, whispered, "Remember that we love you!" then gestured with one elegant hand towards her shocked daughter. A strong surge of strange energy pushed the sobbing girl to the doorway and safety. Just as she fell over the threshold of the shop, the building gave way with a horrible groan and crash! Flying debris pummeled her body, but that pain was nothing compared to the tearing anguish in her heart. The quake slowly subsided, an eerie calm falling, broken only by the cries of the wounded and the quiet weeping of a suddenly orphaned ten-year old girl.
Yuki quickly blinked back the tears those sad memories had brought. Here it
was six years later and a galaxy away and she still missed her parents
terribly. So many had lost their lives in the horrible earthquake that had
taken them from her. She had ended up being sent to live with her only near
relatives, an aunt and cousin in San Francisco. Yuki had felt so out of
place there at first. Sure, Japanese kids loved American culture, but
admiring it from afar and living in the middle of it were two very different
things. The first few years were very rough. Fortunately her aunt was a
warm and kind person who understood how difficult the change was and gave her
room and time to adapt. She had been going to a private school for a while,
but, decided, with her aunt's blessing, to transfer to a public high school.
There she met Zyta, Kumo-chan, and Kyoko. They had quickly become close
friends, joined by a mutual love of Star Wars and Sailor Moon. Then came the
shock of finding out that she, her cousin, and her friends were Sailor Jedi,
the discovery of another Earth born Sailor Jedi, Hisui, followed quickly by
travel to the Star Wars galaxy and their first battle with the Sailor Sith!
She shook her head ruefully. So much had changed in such short a time, it was no wonder she was having trouble relaxing. Perhaps some physical activity would help calm her enough so that she could sleep. She'd have to be quiet so as to not wake her friends, resting in the bedrooms off the central living area of their suite. They had had a very full day. Kumo-chan, Yuki and Kyoko had signed up for some snowspeeder lessons, while Zyta and Hisui had tried their hand at riding Taun-tauns. Everyone had enjoyed exploring the huge shopping district located under one of the three domes and watching the preliminary competitions.
Sighing, Yuki went back inside. She tossed her cloak on the couch, then pushed aside some of the furniture to make room to move. Humph. Yoda had provided enough credits to get the senshi a very nice big suite. Slowly she stretched, trying to ease the tensions of the last few days. Her sensei back in San Francisco wouldn't believe how she'd used all those years of training to battle Sailor Sith with her friends. Now she understood why her parents had encouraged her love of martial arts and snow sports -- all along they had been preparing her for her true destiny. Her sword training should allow her to pick up the lightsaber pretty quickly, she mused. Funny to think that she started studying martial arts at a very young age, even younger than the actor who played Darth Maul had. It helped to have a mother who owned a martial arts studio! Unfortunately, here the Sith were real, not simply products of Lucas' over-active imagination. She sighed regretfully as she prepared to start the first weaponless kata. Clearing her mind, moving with grace and speed, she released her regrets over her past to the Force and relaxed in the pure joy of the ancient forms whose motion was almost a dance.
Gracefully ending the highest-level form she knew, she sat for a moment in meditation as her mother had taught her. Only now her mediations were filled with new sensations as her latent Force-sensitivity was allowed to flourish at last. Though the Sailor Jedi had gifts that were rather different than normal Jedi, some of them did share some of the same Force talents of empathy, telekinesis and physical agility. Luckily Master Yoda had briefed the Earth-born Sailors on what to expect as their Force sensitivities blossomed, giving them each guidance and support. She stretched out with her feelings, past the resort domes, deep into the planet itself. She could feel the powerful storm-filled energy of her guardian Hoth welcoming her, filling her with peace and comfort. For the first time since her parents died, she finally felt like she was home. She could almost sense them in the Force, a quiet whisper of love and approval. "There is no death...only the Force."
She smiled sadly. Now she recognized the push of Force energy from her mother that had saved her life so many years ago. Her smile turned wry. Concentrating, she used a small tendril of the Force to pick up the cup of hot cocoa she'd made earlier. Darn, that was a handy little trick! She chuckled to herself as she sipped the fragrant drink. Thank the Force that there was chocolate in the Star Wars universe! Despite the hot drink, Yuki shivered a bit. Who would have thought that she, quiet, reserved Yuki was really the reincarnation of Sailor Hoth? And that the Star Wars world that she and her best friends had spent so much time obsessing over wasn't just a set of cool movies! Her only regret at leaving Earth was in not knowing how the Jedi Apprentice series of books was going to turn out. She supposed that she could just ask Obi-Wan, but that would raise a few too many questions.
She smiled dreamily as she slowly made her way to the refresher for a quick shower before bed. The Jedi Temple was even more breathtaking than she had imagined. The Temple was also positively filled with hunky young Padawans who were between missions with their Masters! And the real Obi-Wan was even better looking in person than on the movie screen. She blushed as she realized that he probably wouldn't be very amused at the little "Obi-Wan" shrine she'd made in her room back on Earth. Finishing her bedtime preparations, she settled in her bed and drifted off into pleasant dreams of a certain blue-green eyed Jedi Knight.
The next morning, the girls headed out to watch the finals of the
snowboarding competition. They had seats in the big grandstand near the
finish. Kyoko rented a small viewscreen to help them get an even better view
of the challenging course. Kumo-chan giggled, "I feel like I'm at the
podrace in the Phantom Menace." Laughing, the girls settled in, grabbing
snacks from the passing vendors. As the three finalists came out onto the
track, Yuki felt a strange sensation of wrongness, just as the announcer
began introducing the three finalists. The top ranked snowboarder was Jenan
Starchaser, the youngest of the hunky human males the girls had drooled over
earlier. The second one was from Malastare. The last finalist was a human
female dressed all in red and black, with her brown hair tied back. Hisui
gasped in recognition. "Look, it's Sith Ayameru!!"
"No way!" "It can't be!" "What's she doing here?" the girls exclaimed.
"It can't be anything good," said Kyoko.
"I've got a bad feeling about this!" Yuki shuddered. "Can you feel the Dark Energy rising?"
Each of the girls could now feel a surge of Darkness as the crowd began to grow restless, then saw fights begin to break out. "Look! At the top of the hill! The Sailor Sith are corrupting the crowd's energy!" cried Hisui, pointing to where three familiar figures drew energy from the people.
Kyoko stood up. "We must stop them before people get hurt!"
"Down this way!" Zyta pointed out a nearby access tunnel heading under the stands.
The senshi quickly followed her down and out the back of the stands. Since everyone's attention was on the fights spreading through the stands, it wasn't hard to find a quiet spot to transform.
"Naboo Force Power..."
"Vjun Force Power..."
"Bespin Force Power..."
"Hoth Force Power..."
"Tatooine Force Power..."
"MAKE UP!"
The senshi quickly took the lifts up to the top of the hill, surrounded the Sith and struck their poses.
"I will bring pride and dignity back to those you have corrupted! I am Sailor Vjun!"
"Your disruption of the happiness of these people will end now! I am Sailor Bespin!"
"I bring the fire of the twin suns to destroy your evil! I am Sailor Tatooine!"
"I oppose all who would turn good people like these to the Darkness! I am Sailor Naboo!"
"The presence of your evil pollutes my soverign planet! In the name of Hoth and all our planets..."
"WE WILL PUNISH YOU!!"
It's those damn Sailor brats again!" growled Sith Emin. "Well, you won't win this time! Even if you stop us, Ayameru will kill off the snowboarders!"
"Hoth, go after Ayameru, we'll take care of these Sith!" cried Sailor Naboo.
Hoth nodded, then jumped off the grandstand. She grabbed a snowboard from one of the astonished competitors at the top of the hill and headed down. As she disappeared in a swoosh of snow, the other Sith prepared to attack the rest of the Sailors.
"Dark Force Lightning!" shouted Sith Emin as black lightning shot out of her fingertips.
"You call that lightning?" scoffed Sailor Vjun, raising an elegant eyebrow in distain. "Let me show you how it's done! Vjun Lightning Power!" Crackling blue lightning shot out, overpowering the black and knocking Sith Emin on her butt.
"Star Killer Fireball!" screamed Sith Hidama, forming a huge black fireball and aiming it at the Sailors.
"Bespin Carbonite Freeze!" countered the quick-thinking Sailor Bespin, halting the fireball in its path.
"I'll send you all to oblivion!" yelled Sailor Iyagaru, preparing to call forth her Black Hole, but Sailor Tatooine was too fast for her.
"Tatooine Twin Suns Blind!" Iyagaru cried out, covering her eyes and dropping her attack.
"It's your turn, Sailor Naboo! Send these idiots back to Queen Kendra!"
"Jewel of Zenda BLAST!" The power from the jewel blasted the Sith off the top of the hill. As they sailed downwards, a red aura encircled them and the Sith disappeared once more.
The crowd began to cheer while media creatures shot holopic after pic of the legendary Sailor Jedi.
Smiling while waving regally to the crowds, Naboo muttered, "Let's go. We'd better see how Hoth did with Sith Ayameru." With one last wave to the now adoring populace, the Sailors headed down the hill after their friend.
Meanwhile Hoth was using all her old skills to catch up to Ayameru. It had been a while since she'd been snowboarding, but it felt so natural to be gliding smoothly down the hills of Hoth. Never had she felt so much at peace with her surroundings despite the threat of the Sith. Jumping gracefully over moguls, rocks and fallen trees, she slowly gained on the leaders. Finally pulling even with Sith Ayameru, she shouted, "Hoth Blizzard Blast!" The attack knocked Ayameru off her snowboard, but also caused Yuki to lose control of her own board. The Sith fell into a large snowdrift while Yuki landed nearby, banging her head slightly on a tree. A blast of black fire melted the drift, freeing a furious Sith Ayameru.
"You little Sailor brat!! You've cost me the competition!! I'll kill you!!" she snarled while preparing to attack with her Black Fire again.
Yuki, dazed from hitting the tree, watched groggily in surprise as a snowsuited form hit the Sith right in the stomach. It was Jenan! Ayameru was knocked back, but quickly recovered and lifted the brave snowboarder into the air with one hand. "I'll deal with this slime first, then I'll get you, Sailor brat!"
"Nooooo!" cried Hoth in despair. She couldn't let this happen! Reaching deep within herself, then down into the depths of her guardian planet, Hoth drew forth power she didn't know she possesed. She spun gracefully then stretch out her hands towards the Sith. "Hoth Ice Reflection Surround!" An icy blast swept around Sith Ayameru, freezing her in an unbreakable barrier of ice, causing her to drop her captive. Jenan hit the ground with a loud thump, crying out as his leg hit a large rock. Hoth ran to his side. "I'm so sorry! I should have gotten to you sooner!" she apologized. She couldn't help but notice how blue his eyes were.
"Aww, it's nothing," Jenan said with a wince. He looked up at her and smiled shyly, "Thanks for saving me. I'd heard of the Sailor Jedi, but I didn't realize they were so cute!"
At that moment, the other Sailors appeared, surprised to see the frozen Sith and a blushing Hoth with an armful of cute snowboarder.
"Jewel of Zenda Blast!" Naboo sent the Sith into deep space while the others just smirked at the look on Hoth's face.
She just sighed, knowing that she would get a lot of teasing about this. "Help me get Jenan to the clinic, I think his leg is broken."
The girls carried Jenan to the clinic at the bottom of the hill, gathering quite a crowd of cheering fans as they went. Bespin sighed. "Great, now everyone is going to know we're here!"
Entering the small clinic, Hoth gently set Jenan down while Vjun found a doctor.
"Hey, I found a back way out," said Tatooine eagerly. "We can avoid the crowd and slip away!"
"Great idea! Let's go!" ordered Sailor Naboo.
"Thanks again, Sailor Hoth," whispered Jenan as he gently kissed her hand that he'd been holding.
"Umm, my pleasure..." stammered Hoth as she blushed a bright red and raced after her laughing friends.
The girls quickly snuck out the back where they found a deserted hallway to tranform. "I think we're safe now!" said Kyoko with relief.
"Let's head back to the hotel, change and then get some food. Fighting Sith always makes me hungry," smiled Zyta.
"Sounds good, Zyta," agreed Kumo-chan who then turned innocently towards Yuki. "I'm sure Jenan would LOVE to see you later, Yuki-chan!" she teased. Laughing, the girls headed back to their hotel. They were suprised to find a old man dressed in the uniform of the Planetary Governor's office waiting for them outside their room.
"Miss Kirin?" the old man asked politely, looking directly at Yuki, who answered uncertainly.
"I'm Kirin Yukiko, what do you want?"
"The Planetary Governor requests Sailor Hoth's immediate presence in her office."
"What?!!"
The old man repeated his message. "The Planetary Governor requests Sailor Hoth's immediate presence in her office."
At their shocked looks, he was quick to reassure them. "Don't worry," he said with a smile, "I'm the Governor's personal aide, and only she and I know who you are. If you would come with me, the Governor is waiting."
"We're coming as well!" said Kyoko imperiously.
The old man just smiled and bowed. "As you wish. This way."
The little group were led through winding halls to two huge doors flanked by sharp-eyed guards. At a nod from the old man, the guards bowed slightly to the girls and opened the massive doors.
The Planetary Governor, a no-nonsense woman with steel gray hair and piercing violet eyes, came from around a huge dark desk, bowing deeply in greeting. "I'm so glad to see you safe and sound, Princess!" she exclaimed with a wide smile that softened her weary face.
"P-p-princess?" squeaked Yukiko. "M-m-eee?!"
"You have your mother's face, and your father's ice blue hair," she chuckled. "I'm Planetary Governor Zarda."
"You...you...knew my parents?"
"Of course!" Governor Zarda smiled. "But come, it's a long story and you and your friends must be tired." Her eyes twinkled. "You've had a busy day." She turned to her aide. "Cialt, please have the servants bring our guests some hot tea and sweetcakes." Motioning the girls to the comfy couch and chairs set to one side of the huge room, she waited until everyone had settled themselves before continuing.
"But I don't understand how you found out that I am Sailor Hoth!"
The Governor smiled. "I had a bit of help." Walking over to her desk, Zarda opened the lid of a finely carved chest. A shimmering glow was revealed to be a large spherical crystal, glowing with a bright light. As she brought it closer to Yuki it glowed brighter.
"This is the Ice Star Crystal. For generations it has glowed in the presence of members of the royal family. When our Prince and Princess disappeared to protect their unborn child, it ceased glowing."
"Let me guess, it started glowing a few weeks ago?" asked Kyoko. The Governor nodded.
Yuki gasped. "That's when we first arrived in this galaxy."
Zarda continued. "When the Sailor Jedi appeared and defeated the Dark ones, it glowed even brighter than before. Considering Master Yoda's vision, I knew that Sailor Hoth must be our lost Princess. My faithful aide began checking all guests of the appropriate ages and narrowed it down to you five." The Governor shrugged. "After seeing Miss Yukiko in the chocolate shop downstairs, I realized that she looked quite a bit like her mother and father."
"Master Yoda's vision? Governor Zarda, exactly who were my parents?" asked a confused Yukiko.
The Governor smiled, "It's a long story, Princess. Your father, Prince Ryun, was the last Prince of Hoth. Your mother, Kyri-lyn, was a young Jedi Knight who had been sent to Hoth to arbitrate a miners' dispute." The Governor leaned back in her chair a faraway look in her eyes.
"Wow, Yuki-chan! Your mom was a Jedi!!" exclaimed Kumo-chan.
Yuki just looked stunned. "After learning I was Sailor Hoth, I had guessed that Mom might have been a Jedi from the Force push she used to save me from the earthquake, but I never dreamed my Dad was a Prince! He was a professor of political science at Obihiro University!"
Governor Zarda just chuckled as she handed around the fragrant cups of hot tea her faithful aide had brought. "As I said, Jedi Kyri-lyn was sent here to arbitrate a dispute. She had only recently passed her trials but did a wonderful job at helping the miners and the Prince's government arrive at a fair settlement. During the course of the negotiations, Kyri-lyn and the Prince fell in love." Governor Zarda smiled sadly. "Unfortunately, they had important duties which neither could abandon. Hoth was a representative monarchy with much of the policy-making done by the elected High Council, but the Prince held the final vote and was head of the military. Since Kyri-lyn couldn't give up her duties as Jedi either, the two didn't have much time together." She snorted. "Oh, they probably ran up the highest holo bills Hoth had ever seen, but aside from that or the occasional exchange of datachips, they seldom saw each other." Smiling fondly in remembrance, she winked at Yuki. "The distance didn't seem to affect the growth of their love!"
The girls chuckled at the expression on Yuki's face. She always knew her parents were very much in love, even after many years of marriage, but it was weird to hear about them dating!!
"After about a year of this, Kyri-lyn was back at the Jedi Temple, between missions, thinking about selecting her first Padawan, yet wishing she could somehow be with her beloved, when Master Yoda came to tell Kyri-lyn of a vision he'd received. He had foreseen that she was destined to become the mother of the reincarnated soul of a Sailor Jedi and be with the Prince of Hoth. So she was sent back to Hoth as the permanent Jedi representative for this region of space. She married her prince, and they lived very happily for a while." She tossed a small cube at Yuki. "Here are some pictures of them, including some of their wedding."
With slightly shaking hands, Yuki caught the holocube and activated it. The other girls crowded around, curious as to what they would see. Yuki-chan hadn't talked about her parents very much, except that they had died in an earthquake and her friends had respected her privacy.
The first picture was of a very handsome man in a military-looking uniform, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of a dress sword. He had the same ice blue hair and eyes as Yuki, and a warm smile.
"Wow, Yuki-chan!! He was a hunk!!" Kumo-chan gasped in surprise.
Yuki shrugged, smiling sadly. "I always thought he was pretty wonderful, but he was just my dad."
Next was a picture of a beautiful woman, an older version of Yuki except for her golden brown hair and eyes. She was dressed in Jedi robes with lightsaber blazing. The picture captured her in mid-leap, gracefully flowing through a classic form.
"So that's where you get your martial arts ability from!" Zyta chuckled. "No fair! You were taught by a Jedi!"
Yuki just stared at the picture in wonder. "My mom had been a martial arts instructor as long as I could remember. That's why I began studying at a very young age. But to see her in Jedi robes..."
"Come on, let's see the rest of the pictures!" encouraged Kyoko.
The last holopics were of the happy couple on what must have been their wedding day. There was one of them posing with the rest of the wedding party including a beaming Master Yoda, who must have officiated; what looked like a formal portrait of the two of them inside a crystal hall, both touching a shining sphere of sparkling crystal; and a wonderful one of the two of them dancing as if they were the only two people in the galaxy. Yuki's sight blurred as she saw the joy and love on her parent's faces on their most special day.
"They look so happy!" sighed Kumo-chan enviously.
Hisui thought wistfully of her own beloved blue-eyed Jedi Master. Someday they would be the ones celebrating their wedding.
"You can keep that, of course," Governor Zarda said to Yuki compassionately, handing around some tissues.
"Thank you." Yuki wiped her eyes. Looking down at the memories in her hand she smiled through her tears. "This means so much to me. After learning who I was, I hoped that somehow they were my real parents and not just guardians." She chuckled. "Now I know why my mother told me that their wedding pictures got destroyed in a fire."
"So that glowing thingie they are holding in that one picture is the Ice Star Crystal?" asked a curious Zyta.
Kyoko added, "It almost looks like the Naboo Peace Globe."
The Governor smiled. "That's it. It's a larger version of the common snow crystals we mine here on Hoth, except that it is somewhat Force-sensitive. Somewhere in the dim past it was tuned to the royal family of Hoth in whose presence it glows. Anytime someone marries into the family, the Crystal has to be attuned to them." She chuckled, "Of course, with your mother being a Jedi, it glowed brighter than anyone had ever seen before. It had always glowed, of course, but during their brief reign together, the Ice Star Crystal glowed brighter than a hundred glowrods from its pillar in the throne room."
Sighing sadly, she continued her story. "Unfortunately, shortly after the Princess became pregnant with you, Dark forces threatened our planet. Somehow they knew that Kyri-lyn's unborn child would be a threat to them. When an assassination attempt was made on the royal family, your parents decided to pretend that it was successful. As there were no direct heirs, your father had already set up an emergency transfer of power to the High Council and put the military under the leadership of the Planetary Governor." She raised a wry eyebrow as the girls listened intently. "That same evening, in the now-deserted throne room, a strange lady, dressed in an outfit like the one the Sailor Jedi wear appeared out of nowhere, surrounding them with a bright light." At that the girls stirred and exchanged puzzled looks. Could she have been another Sailor Jedi? Zarda continued, "When the light faded, they were gone. I never saw them again. The Ice Star Crystal's glow faded away, convincing the Dark ones that the royal family was indeed dead. Hoth was then left in peace."
Yuki just shook her head. "Until the Ice Star Crystal began glowing again."
"That is correct," admitted the Governor. "I had hoped that you and your parents had returned." She paused, then asked gently, "How did they become one with the Force?"
Yuki bit her lip as she braced herself to tell the sad tale. She described the earthquake, her father's entrapment, and her mother's last minute rescue of her daughter. She decided not to tell her new friend about Chibi Hoth, especially as Yuki still wasn't sure of her real relationship to Aisu. Whether Chibi Hoth was Sailor Hoth's future self, future daughter or simply a cousin, she was safe and sound back in Yuki's home galaxy.
A respectful silence fell as Yuki ended her story, looking down at the holocube in her hands. This was the first time she'd shared the full story with her friends.
"So what happens now?" Kyoko frowned thoughtfully as she took in the implications of the Governor's story. "Can Yuki-chan be the Princess of Hoth and a Sailor Jedi?"
"Wouldn't the people be happy to see the sudden reappearance of a member of the royal family?" added Zyta as she finished a sweetcake and reached for the last one.
"But the people have gone sixteen years without a royal in charge," objected Hisui. She turned to the Governor. "Certainly the High Council would be a bit reluctant to give over any of their power to a sixteen year old, royal or not!"
"Not to mention the fact that I know nothing about being a Princess!" sighed Yuki.
"There's another problem," Governor Zarda said grimly. "The Dark ones tried to get rid of your parents once. If you reappear as Princess of Hoth, they will probably return to try get rid of you again."
"But isn't that glowing Ice Star Crystal in the throne room a bit of a giveaway that a royal has reappeared?" replied Kumo-chan dryly, grabbing the last sweetcake from a protesting Zyta.
Yuki stood and headed to the large windows of the Governor's office as her friends continued to discussed the matter. She looked out over Hoth's frozen hills, brushed with the red and orange of the setting sun. Sighing, she stretched her Force-awareness down deep into her sovereign planet, searching for answers. Once again she was surrounded by the storm-filled strength of Hoth, and she realized what she needed to do. Turning back to her friends she asked, "How soon could you get the High Council together?"
The Governor frowned thoughtfully. "It should only take a couple of hours since they are here for the Festival. Why...?"
"Tell them that you need to meet them in the throne room as soon as possible. I know what I have to do now." Hearing the determination in her Princess' voice, the Governor simply nodded.
Yuki smiled at her friends, then asked the Governor, "Is there a place where my friends could observe unseen? I don't want to compromise their identities."
"Certainly. There are some security niches at strategic points around the throne room where they could watch. Let me arrange things." The Governor walked over to her desk comm and began issuing orders.
"Yuki-chan, what are you doing?" asked a worried Kyoko, exchanging concerned looks with the others.
Yuki just smiled wryly, "Actually, I think I'm following the Will of the Force."
"Great!" grumbled Kumo-chan. "Now she thinks she's Qui-Gon!"
"Well, I hope you don't meet up with the same end as him!" growled Zyta.
"Don't remind me," Yuki shuddered, then reached out and hugged her friends, surprising them as she was usually rather reserved. "Don't worry, my friends! Things will work out all right. You'll see."
A couple of hours after meeting with the Governor, Kumo, Zyta, Kyoko and
Hisui were safely hidden in one of the security niches to the side of the
throne room. The room was a soaring vaulted space with full-length crystal
windows looking out past the dome to the frozen plains of Hoth, sparkling now
in the bright light of its moons. The space between the windows was covered
with magnificent tapestries that depicted various scenes of Hoth's history,
from First Settlement, to the earliest establishment of the crystal mines to
the building of the first resort dome. A raised dais at one end held two
simple thrones of fine wood. The Ice Star Crystal had been returned to its
pillar between the thrones where it glowed softly.
"I don't see Yuki anywhere!" complained Zyta, pushing Kumo's elbow out of her stomach. The niche was small, and the girls were rather crowded.
"Hush, they'll hear us!" hissed Kyoko in warning.
"Here they come!" whispered Hisui.
The girls fell silent as they watched the 11 other members of Hoth's High Council join the Planetary Governor around the vacant thrones.
"What's the meaning of all this, Zarda?" blustered one of the more pompous Councilors. "Why have you dragged us all away from the Festival celebrations to meet in this dusty old place?" Some of the other Councilors murmured in agreement, angry at missing the lavish parties that were an integral part of the final days of the Festival.
"Oh be quiet, Hodal!" sighed an older Councilor, exchanging exasperated glances with the Governor. "I'm sure that she has an excellent reason."
"Well, let's get on with it. Haven't got all night!" Hodal grumbled.
"Actually, Councilors, it was I who asked the Governor to call this meeting," came a quiet voice from the shadows behind the vacant thrones.
Trying to peer into the shadows, the Councilors gasped as a young lady appeared on the dais above them, dressed in a light blue Sailor suit, her matching light blue hair held back with snow crystals.
"I am Sailor Hoth, defender of the innocent, warrior against the evil forces that threaten all that is good! In the name of my guardian, Hoth, I will protect my planet!"
"Sailor Hoth!" "Here?" "How?" the gathered Councilors gasped in shock.
"We've heard of you Sailor Jedi do-gooders. Just who are you, young lady, that you dare claim the name of Hoth for your own," demanded an outraged Councilor Hodal.
The pretty soldier in a sailor suit just smiled innocently down at the indignant man. "I think you knew my father and mother," she answered sweetly. "Prince Ryun and Princess Kyri-lyn. I am the true born Princess of Hoth."
"What!" "The lost Princess?!" "It's not possible!"
"Oh, it's possible, all right," said Governor Zenda wryly. "Look at the Ice Star Crystal."
To the astonishment of the Councilors, the Ice Star Crystal's glow had increased dramatically, casting a bright silver white light on Sailor Hoth. As she turned towards it, the Crystal broke free of the throne and floated to a spot between her hands. A shimmering glow enveloped Sailor Hoth's body, changing her. She floated freely as her clothes morphed into a flowing pale blue dress and an exquisite and delicate tiara of silver and sparkling crystals appeared on her head.
"Princess!" "It is you!" "How...?" Slowly the awestruck Councilors dropped to one knee in respect to their Princess. The hidden senshi gasped in amazement. Yuki had transformed into a Princess just like Serena did in Sailor Moon!
"Rise my faithful Councilors," the Princess said with a wry smile. "Though I am happy to reclaim my birthright, I have little practice at being a Princess." She closed her eyes and concentrated, changing back into Sailor Hoth. The Crystal returned to its resting place in her father's throne.
"What happens now, my Princess?" asked a rather embarrassed Hodal.
"Don't worry that I plan on taking on any political power, Councilor," she replied with a sigh. "I am only sixteen and not trained in the duties of a ruling Princess. I also have to consider my special destiny as Sailor Hoth. That is after all why my parents had to leave Hoth to protect me."
"What happened to them?" asked the old Councilor softly.
The Princess' eyes grew sad. "My beloved parents died a quake when I was just ten years old." Silence fell as the Councilors sadly remembered their beloved Prince and Princess.
Sighing, Sailor Hoth continued. "Here's what I propose. The High Council, led by the Governor has done an excellent job of running Hoth in my parents' absence so I do not feel that I am called to political power here. My calling as a Sailor Jedi leads me in another direction and I need the freedom that anonymity gives me. So, let it be known that the Princess of Hoth has returned and is Sailor Hoth, the defender of the innocent, warrior against the Darkness. That way my people will know why I must travel across the galaxy fighting evil, though I will try to visit Hoth as much as possible. But, only the Planetary Governor will know my true civilian identity." She smiled at the mixed expressions of relief and growing respect on her Councilors' faces. "I'm used to being a rather normal teenager, not a royal heir. The challenge of my Sailor Jedi calling is quite enough."
"You have your parents' wisdom, my Princess," said the Governor with a warm smile. "Though your true name must be secret, the people will want to call you something more than simply the Princess of Hoth."
The Princess smiled sadly, "Then I shall be Princess Kyri in honor of my mother, Jedi Knight Kyri-lyn." She blinked rapidly then recovered her poise. "Now, how do we break the news to the people?"
"How about Sailor Hoth taking part in the Closing Ceremony of the Festival tomorrow? Governor Zarda could bring the Ice Star Crystal so Sailor Hoth could transform into the Princess just as she did for us. That would be dramatic enough to convince even the most skeptical as well as making the final ceremony even more special," suggested Kytal, the oldest Councilor.
"Excellent idea!" "Wonderful!" Murmurs of approval swept through the rest of the Councilors.
"Very well then." Sailor Hoth smiled wearily, "It's been a long and emotional day, Councilors. I'll leave you to make the appropriate preparations." She bowed gracefully to the gathering, "Until tomorrow." She leapt away, back into the shadows, disappearing from sight.
The Councilors bowed in return then broke into excited chattering, surrounding the Governor and pelting her with questions. The other senshi, still watching patiently from the security alcove were startled by a quiet voice saying, "So, what did you think?"
The girls jumped in startlement. "Sith, Yuki-chan, you almost gave me a heart attack!" Zyta whispered.
"Let's go back to our rooms where we can talk in peace, " suggested Kyoko quietly.
Once back in their suite, the girls gathered in the largest bedroom in their
pajamas and chatted excitedly about the day's revelations. "I think you came
up with a great solution, Yuki-chan," Hisui nodded approvingly. "And the
Councilors all seemed quite supportive, despite that oaf Hodal's original
opposition."
"They didn't have to give up any real power, yet got back their Princess to help keep the people happy. They should be thrilled." shrugged Kyoko.
Yuki frowned slightly as she looked up from her nest of pillows on the floor. "Well, they'd better treat my people well or Princess Kyri will come back and kick their butts!"
"Yes, Princess," teased Kumo, stressing the title as she bounced a bit on the large comfy bed. Tossing a pillow at Yuki she continued, "Just don't let all this royal stuff go to your head!"
Yuki chuckled as she quickly ducked, allowing the pillow to hit Zyta who yelped then tossed it back at Kumo. "Little chance of that! My parents actually ruled as Prince and Princess here on Hoth, yet while on Earth, they never acted like they were anything special." She sighed a bit in remembrance. "With Dad being a University Professor and my Mom owning her own martial arts school, we did have a good bit of money, but my parents always stressed our duty to the community, to always act with honor, and to deal compassionately with those in need."
"That's what true royalty is all about, Yuki-chan," Kyoko said. "Look at Queen Amidala. She was elected Queen, not born to it, yet knew that her duty to her people came first."
"Actually, her whole Padme/Amidala routine is where I got the idea of Princess Kyri and her secret identity as Kirin Yukiko." Yuki admitted.
"Hey, if it works..." Kumo tossed yet another pillow back at Zyta, resulting in a full-scale pillow fight. Even elegant, dignified Hisui couldn't resist the occasional thwap as the pillows began to fly. Laughing the girls finally burned off all their extra energy and settled down.
"Thank you for being here, my friends," came a final quiet whisper out of the dark. "Sweet dreams."
The next day, huge crowds had gathered at the main concert arena, open to the
warm air of the largest of the domed cities. Large projections screens
scattered all over the resorts would carry the Closing Ceremony to those who
could not fit inside the arena. Even the planet Hoth itself seemed in a good
mood, as the winds that usually howled around the outside of the domes were
still, revealing a sparkling expanse of snow gracefully draping the
surrounding hills in robes of purest white.
There were singers, hundred of dancers, special daring acrobatics by the best snowspeeder pilots and special recognition of those who had won events during the Festival. It couldn't help but remind the Earth-born senshi of the Olympics. At last, the final moments of the Festival drew near. An address by the Planetary Governor and turning off the Festival Fountain, a multi-story elaborate fountain that glowed with inner lights and only flowed during the yearly Festival, usually ended the Ceremony.
The crowds hushed as Planetary Governor Zarda stood to speak. "Loyal citizens of Hoth, esteemed guests and courageous athletes...I come before you today to celebrate the skill, enthusiasm and courage of those who have made this Festival the finest celebration of athletic ability in the Republic." Her voice grew solemn. "As you know, our fair Festival was threatened by Dark forces, intent on corrupting our competitions. But we were saved by a small group of powerful fighters for justice, the Sailor Jedi." People enthusiastically applauded the public acknowledgment of their heroines. Pausing for quiet, the Governor continued, "One of those brave fighters is with us today to help us close this Festival!" She turned, leading all eyes to the top of the Festival Fountain. A figure leaped gracefully from the top of the Fountain down beside the Governor, striking a now familiar pose.
"I am Sailor Hoth, protector of the innocent, warrior against the Darkness. In the name of Hoth, I will protect my planet!"
The crowd roared with approval, cheering wildly at the sight of one of their heroines. Hoth gestured for quiet and the people settled down to listen. "Thank you for your warm welcome. I come to celebrate with you not just as Sailor Hoth, but as a loyal daughter returning to her home after a long absence." She turned to the Governor who'd taken a special chest from her loyal aide, opening the lid to reveal a silvery glow. The crowd gasped as the holocameras focused in onto the Ice Star Crystal.
As Sailor Hoth reached in to gently pick up the Crystal, it glowed even brighter. She turned back toward the crowd and cameras, with the Crystal hovering between her outstretched hands and continued, "As you know, the Ice Star Crystal only glows in the presence of the royal family." The people and reporters were frozen with shock as she raised the Ice Star Crystal over her head. Her voice rang out, "Before the Planetary Governor, the High Council, and the loyal people of Hoth, I declare that I am the true born daughter of Prince Ryun and Princess Kyri-lyn. I am Kyri, Princess of Hoth!"
Once again the silvery glow of the Crystal expanded, bathing Sailor Hoth in its light, changing her sailor suit into flowing robes of shimmering light blue, the sparkling tiara appearing once again on her head. People sat stunned at the revelation, then cried out with one voice, "Kyri, Princess of Hoth." The call echoed throughout the domes as the people acknowledged their Princess. Yuki felt the happiness of her people and for a brief moment thought that maybe this was what she was destined for. These people would accept her and love her as a true royal. She could give up being a Sailor senshi and just take care of her people and planet. Then she remembered the look on her mother's face as she used the Force to push her daughter to safety so many years ago, and sighed. Her parents didn't sacrifice their lives so that she could live as a pampered, spoiled Princess. She could never betray their memories by giving up her true destiny.
Once again she raised the Ice Star Crystal high, causing the crowds to fall silent once more. "Hoth Ice Star Crystal Divide!" she cried. The Star Crystal cracked in two, then each piece reformed into a smaller crystal. One returned to the Star Crystal chest, the other hovered directly in front of Yuki. Directing her attention back to her people, the Princess continued, "Because of my destiny as a Sailor Jedi, I cannot rule you as my parents did, though I will visit as often as I can." She frowned at the High Council, "The presence of the Ice Star Crystal in the throne room will remind those in power that I will be watching that they rule with justice and compassion while I am called to fight evil elsewhere in the galaxy. But this piece of the Ice Star Crystal will become a part of me so that my people will always be in my heart."
She closed her eyes in concentration, changing back into Sailor Hoth, the piece of the now softly glowing Ice Star Crystal replacing the heart-shaped brooch that held her bow. "Now, to properly end this Festival..." She turned her attention to the huge Festival Fountain, stretching one hand towards the mighty flow of water. "Hoth Ice Reflection Surround!' The Fountain stopped flowing as the water froze in place. Hoth smiled, blowing a kiss to the crowd. "Hoth Snowflake Kiss!" The frozen water shattered into tiny pieces that flew towards the top of the dome. The pieces shimmered and sparkled, turning into snowflakes that gently floated down. The snowflakes spread throughout the dome, landing gently on the upturned faces of the crowd, kissing them with a light touch of coolness before vanishing.
When the light snowfall cleared, leaving no trace, Sailor Hoth had also vanished. The crowd gasped as the Governor smiled. "This ends our yearly Festival. The Final Day parties may begin!" The crowd cheered again, still in a bit of shock at the events that had taken place, but ready to celebrate.
Hours later, as the last of the parties were winding down, four young women
waited impatiently at the ramp of their transport for their friend. Finally,
a slightly out of breath Yuki appeared, dragging a huge suitcase behind her.
"Heavens, Yuki-chan!" exclaimed Zyta. "Do you think you have enough souvenirs?" The girls ran forward to help as their friend blushed.
"Governor Zarda gave me some stuff that belonged to my parents," she explained breathlessly. Her friends just shook their heads in amusement as they helped her manhandle the suitcase up the ramp where they gladly handed it over to a member of the transport's crew.
They settled into one of the many passenger lounges, eagerly ordering from the extensive dessert menu.
"So, how does it feel to be plain old Yukiko again?" asked Kumo-chan with a sly grin.
"Great!" Yuki said with a happy smile as she reached for one of the delicious looking desserts that now covered their table. "I'm just not that comfortable with all that royal stuff. Though all the bowing and respect was nice, I'll leave that to the Queen Amidala types." She winked at Kyoko, who just chuckled. "Zarda set me up as her ward and even gave me my own secure untracable credit chip account so that I can 'fight Darkness in proper Princess style' as she put it. She even arranged for some holotutoring at the Jedi Temple so I can learn more about the history and politics of Hoth and the surrounding star systems."
"But what did she give you that would take up such a large suitcase?" asked a curious Zyta, slapping Kumo's hand away from her chocolate pastry. "Gold, jewels, the royal safe?"
Yuki blushed. "Most of that is some of my parents' things and some tapestries that Zarda gave me to decorate my room back at the Temple. Evidently my mom was tall like me and so her dresses and robes should fit perfectly. But she gave me something even more precious." Reaching under her cloak, she pulled out a sword in a dark blue scabbard decorated with silver, and a short metal tube.
"Is that what I think it is?" gasped Kyoko reaching out to gently touch the metal tube.
"Yup, that's my mother's lightsaber." Yuki's finger lovingly traced the siver trim on the sword scabbard. "And this is my father's dress sword. They felt it was too dangerous for them to take them to Earth, so Governor Zarda kept them safely hidden away. She felt I should have them."
"If your mother was at all like you, she wouldn't have been able to resist using her lightsaber on some of the jerks on Earth and that would have required lots of explaining!" teased Kumo.
"You're probably right, Kumo-chan," admitted Yuki. "She never could tolerate injustice in any form. But," Yuki smiled wickedly, "wouldn't it have been fun to take a real lightsaber to a sci-fi convention?"
Laughter surrounded the girls as they thought of the resultant chaos. "So, does the Ice Star Crystal do anything besides turn you into Princess Kyri?" Kyoko asked as she picked out another tasty treat.
"The only other strange thing about it is that, aside from the royal family, only the innocent can touch it." Yuki smiled wryly. "I am the senshi of the innocent after all. No other strange powers. And it's only truly powerful on Hoth. I'm glad as I'd never want a crystal as powerful as Princess Serenity's."
Hisui took another sip of her blue drink and mused, "I'm rather curious as to the identity of the Sailor senshi who transported your parents to Earth. This galaxy is a big one with lots of planets, so there could possibly be quite a few Sailor Jedi that we haven't met yet."
"Well, the more the merrier!" smiled Yuki. She lifted her drink in salute. "I propose a toast..." The others raised their own glasses as Yuki continued, "To friends...both present and those we have yet to meet, and to our future. May the Force be with us!"
"May the Force be with us!" her friends echoed smiling. They knew their future was one of constant battle against the rising Darkness, but as long as they were together, the Light would triumph in the end.
