Aurora Eos Rose
auroraeosrose@heavensdawn.org
http://heavensdawn.org 
PG- <> indicates thought
A.S. = After Sealing

AN: I promise the groups are actually gonna meet starting next chapter.  I'm sorry the action
is taking so long to get started.  I ended up doing the groups in reverse order to keep this 
story going chronologically

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                     Chapter 4 – The Last of the Avatars

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                             *1018 A.S.  The Sun Kingdom*

        Aura pulled on her dress one last time.  She scowled over at Alex, who was dressed 
in a uniform.  <She's got the same body as me, why does she get to wear guy's clothes. >  
Aura sat quietly on her new throne beside her father.  Merri and Alex were dancing, and 
Sophie was getting punch for Nora.  Aura looked at her father again.  He had a haunted 
look in his eyes, as though today were something he didn't look forward to.  Aura turned 
her attention back to the ball.  Merri and Alex seemed to have disappeared, and Sophie 
was leading Nora out the door.  Aura grinned at the little girl's protests.  <Must be a lot 
for her.  Placed into a dead family and given the ancient title of Princess, and she's only 
eleven years old. >  Aura wiggled again, earning her a sharp glance from her father.  
<They must design ball gowns with torture in mind. >  Aura sat still again and tried to act 
like a Princess.

        Alex held Merri close, enjoying the feel of her warm body.  The two looked at the 
stars.  "Look, Alex, a shooting star."  Alex closed her eyes and wished.  A loud caw 
interrupted the quiet moment.  Alex turned with a grin.

        "Fama!  Where have you been?"  The bird nodded its head once.  "Please come with 
me, there's something that needs to be done tonight."  Alex shot a worried glance at 
Merri.  Merri laid a soothing hand on Alex's shoulder.

        "I'm sure it'll be all right.  Come on."  The two took off at a run behind the bird.

        Aura twirled around the dance floor with her father, the only dancing partner she'd 
been allowed to have all night.  She giggled loudly, the spinning making her very dizzy.  
King Adnan stopped suddenly.  Aura noticed that Calliope was hovering just behind her 
father.  <Why does Nora have her phoenix loose? >  Adnan turned to Aura with a grim 
face.  "Please follow him."  Aura nodded and turned to follow the silvery bird.

        Proserpine intercepted Sophie and Nora in the hallways.  "Please follow me."  
Sophie looked at the bird but did as she was told.  The bird led them out into the garden.  
Alex, Merri, and Aura were waiting, along with the other guardians.  Sophie glanced at 
the tall priest standing in the clearing and it became clear.

        The priest arranged the girls in a circle and handed each a piece of crystal.  Sophie 
closed her eyes tightly.  The crystal exploded and Sophie stood, her clothes changed and 
her brown eyes glowing with a red light.  Nora closed her eyes tightly, and soon she was 
engulfed in purple.  Merri and Alex followed suit.  The four were dressed in short skirts, 
capes, and light armor.  Aura looked at the four closely.  Their eyes were still closed.  
Aura looked at the dull pink crystal in her hands.  She closed her eyes tightly and felt 
warmth rush through her body.  Memories, fuzzy and half finished, floated through her 
mind.  Then she started to cry.

        Aura opened her eyes and found herself being held by a worried Alex.  "Are you all 
right?"  Aura nodded.  She noticed she was now clothed like the others.

        "What happened to us?"  The priest smiled.

        "Welcome Aurora, you are an avatar.  These are your servants and friends, Saturn, 
Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune.  I am the priest Hyperion.  Tomorrow you shall begin your 
training."  Aura looked at the man like he'd lost his mind, and then collapsed into a deep 
sleep.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

                             *1020 A.S.  The Moon Kingdom*

        The white marble halls of the moon palace reflected the bright sunshine streaming in 
the windows.  A voice echoed down the corridor.  "Sera?"  <Where in the world is that 
girl? >  A young woman ran down the marble hallway.  Her black hair flew out like a 
behind her like a satin veil, violet highlights shining in the sun.  The only piece of jewelry 
she wore was a ruby in the center of her forehead held in place by a golden chain 
encircling her head.  <When I get my hands on that girl I'm going to strangle her. >  The 
girl was dressed in a cherry red dress of chiffon and silk.  It rippled behind her like the 
flames in a fire.  "Sera, get into the fitting room right now!"  The girl continued down the 
hall, yelling for her tardy friend.  Her violet eyes flashed with anger.  "Serena Ferelith, if 
you don't come out right now mother won't let you go to the ball!"  The girl stopped for 
a moment, and leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.  <Great, if Mina could see me 
now she'd have me running laps for a month. >

        Serena sat under a tree by the wall of the palace, in the main gardens.  She was 
reading a romance novel that Mina had managed to sneak in the day before.  She heard a 
voice echoing from the window above her.  "Rae?"

        Rae heard the very faint reply.  "Serena!  Where in the world are you?"  Rae started 
running towards the voice.

        Serena stood up quickly, tucking the book in the waistband of her white dress.  <Rae 
sounds really mad.  She's probably going to kill me.  I wonder what I forgot this time? >  
She vaulted over the windowsill into the hallway, and promptly stumbled to her knees.  
<I'm glad Mina didn't see that.  I'm sick of vaulting practice. >

        A figure came into Rae's view, racing from the other end of the hall.  Her silver, 
blonde hair was parted down the center, each side forming a bun and a long pigtail.  Rae 
sighed in relief.  <It's about time.  I thought I'd never find that dumpling head. >

        "Where have you been?  The fittings started an hour ago!  Luna is going to have 
your hide."  Sera blushed red.  <Oh, no.  The fittings were today?  Why can't I keep 
anything in this head of mine! >  "I'm sorry. I'm sorry.  I completely forgot about the 
fittings today!"  Serena tripped, landing at Rae's feet in a puddle of white silk and hair.  < 
And why can't I ever stay on my feet? >  Serena blinked back tears and sniffled.

        Rae sighed loudly.  <She's ever the graceful princess.  I cannot believe that she can 
beat me in sword practice. >  Rae reached down and pulled Sera to her feet.

        "The others are covering for you right now, and Eros is livid.  Mina sort of locked 
him in the linen closet so he wouldn't tell on you.  You are very lucky that I found you 
first, young lady.  Luna's probably going to scalp you" Rae helped Serena brush the dust 
off her dress.  <Why in the world does mom put her in white all the time?  It shows every 
scrape Sera gets into. >

        Serena let out a loud breath.  <Luna really is going to kill me.  I promised not to be 
late for anything else this week so she wouldn't tell mom about my bad grades in history.  
Or the pillow fight we had yesterday.  Or the new dress I tore climbing trees.  Or the 
dozen crepes I stole from the kitchen.  I'm dead meat. >  "No lectures, please.  Let's just 
get going."  <Before I can't go to my own coming of age ball. >  Serena took off back 
toward the central palace, a tired Rae lagging behind.  

        Lita twirled in the mirror, the green satin brocade swirling around her body.  "It's 
going to be great.  I can't wait to attend all the court functions and stuff.  I can't believe 
we're finally getting our own court costumes!"  <I can't believe mom made us wait until 
we turned sixteen to go to court functions. >  Ame looked up from the ottoman where she 
was sitting.  "Court can be horribly dull.  The only thing I'm looking forward to is 
finding out the secret Psyche keeps hinting about."  She looked over at the blue-white 
snake sunning itself in the corner of the room.  <Lazy thing.  Why are our protectors 
being so secretive about this court induction?  I know Luna and Eros are up to something.  
I don't know why Lita's so excited over some new dresses and the chance to sit through 
boring introductions. >  Ame looked down at her book.  Lita walked over beside Ame, 
peeping over her shoulder.  

        "What're you reading now?  'Court Etiquette and Protocol', don't you ever read 
something more interesting?"  Lita looked down at her best friend.  <Doesn't she EVER 
read normal books? >  Ame glanced at Lita's face.

        "I suppose you mean something like those novels Mina keeps buying in town?  
Romance rots your brain."

        "Maybe, but it sure is fun to read.  Come on, Ame.  Getting new clothes is supposed 
to be fun."  Ame put down her book with a sigh.  <I'll have to read it later tonight, I 
guess. >  "I do enjoy getting new clothes and finally getting to sit in on council meetings, 
but all the parties can just…" A whirlwind of golden satin streaked into the room.  

        "Look at this dress, it's fantastic.  Can you believe it!  We finally get ball gowns and 
court costumes and jewels!"  Mina took a deep breath and danced around the room, the 
golden gown she was wearing setting off her lemon blonde hair and sky blue eyes.  <She 
looks like an angel in that dress, > Ame thought.  

        "And since we get to go to balls we'll get to meet boys."  Mina sat down on the 
couch across from Ame.  "I really want a boyfriend."  Lita started to giggle.  Ame just 
rolled her eyes.  <Boys, that's all these two ever think about. >  Lita flopped onto the 
floor, her new dress billowing like a sail before settling around her.

        "Well, if we weren't practically locked in this section of the palace for the last ten 
years."

        A black lioness padded silently into the room.  A soft voice rumbled from the 
animal's chest.  "Mina and Lita, please take those dresses back to the seamstresses.  
There are still some adjustments to make.  Ame, it's your turn to be fitted."  Ame stood 
up.  

        "I'm ready, Luna."

        "Where are Rae and Serena?"

        The three girls glanced at each other.  <I really wish Serena would remember things 
once in a while. >  "I have no idea, Luna.  Rae was just here a moment ago.  Maybe she 
forgot something."

        "You don't lie very well, Ame."  The animal sighed loudly, the sound between a 
purr and a growl.  "Those two better be back by the time you're done with your fitting.  
We still have to visit the jewelers before dinner."  Luna walked out of the room, Ame 
trailing meekly behind.  "And you had better not have locked Eros in the closet again."

        "I'm very sorry Diana.  Mina thought it would be better if mom wasn't involved in 
another Serena escapade."

        Mina yelled out the door  "Don't let her push you around, Ame."  She turned to Lita, 
who took Ame's spot on the ottoman.  "Do you think she forgot again?"  Lita groaned, 

        "Probably."  

        "Do you think she'd die if she had to remember to breathe?"  

        "Definitely."  The two girls burst into laughter.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

        <I hate formal dinners.  I never get enough to eat because I have to eat so slowly! >  
Serena glanced at Mina, who sat directly across from her.  The two girls looked into each 
other's eyes, then Mina pointed toward the end of the table.  <Mom looks really mad, 
Eros too.  I hope they don't blame that on me.  It's not my fault that Mina locked him in 
the closet again! >  Serena glanced down at her empty plate, wishing she could just wish 
more food into existence.  

        Serena looked at the other end of the table.  Queen Cynthia sat regally, flanked by 
members of her court.  She ate gracefully and silently.  <I'll never be able to be like that. 
>  Serena dropped her gaze to her lap, wringing the napkin on her lap viciously.  A kick 
from under the table caught her attention.  Serena looked up with tear filled eyes.  'It's 
alright,' Mina mouthed, 'you'll do just fine.'  Serena closed her eyes tightly.  <I hope so.  
I just know I'm going to screw up tonight. >

        Serena sat at the vanity in her bedroom, running a silver brush through her hair.  
"Sera, what are you going to do with all that."  Mina sat on the bed behind Serena, 
wearing a gold robe.  "I suppose I'll wear it the way I always do."  <There isn't a whole 
lot I can do with it because it's so long. >  "I don't suppose you have any ideas?"  <I 
hope so.  I'm a little too attached to cut the stuff.  But I really don't want to look like a 
dumpling head for my own coronation. >

        Mina stared at the ankle length tresses.  Then she looked at the diamond jewelry 
lying on the table beside Serena.  <I wonder.  I bet there's something we can do with it. >  
"Just a minute, I'll get everyone else."  Mina bounced off the bed and ran through the 
door.  

        Serena sat staring at her reflection.  <You can do this.  It's just a ball with a 
ceremony at the end.  You will not fall, or gobble down food, or say something stupid.  
You will be calm and graceful and…>  

        "I'm back."  Mina ran into the room with a handful of white silk hair ribbons.  
Behind her, Rae was holding a silver comb.  Lita crashed into Rae, but managed to keep a 
hold on the diamond tipped hairpins in her hands.  They both went down in a flurry of 
silk robes and long legs.  "I'm going to kill you, Lita.  Your not any better than dumpling 
head!"  Ame sighed and untangled the two girls.  

        "Keep your temper."  The girls formed a circle around Sera, Ame reached in her 
pocket while Lita grinned.  <What are they going to do to me? >  Serena screeched as 
Ame came at her with the scissors.

        An hour later, the five sat on Serena's bed in their robes, admiring their work.  On 
the floor in front of the bed was a pile of hair, some blonde, silver, black, and auburn.  
Ame's hair had been shortened, curled and had sapphire hairpins holding the curls in 
place.  She was wearing her sapphire chain circlet.  Lita had the top of her hair in a bun; 
the rest fell in soft curls.  Her emerald circlet was wrapped around the bun.  Rae's hair 
was swept into an elegant French twist with her ruby circlet and hair combs.   Mina's was 
in a loose French braid with curls escaping.  Her topaz circlet was woven into the braid; 
the girls looked at Serena and sighed.  Serena's hair was their masterpiece.  The girls had 
shortened her hair a bit, so it hung to Sera's backside instead of her ankles.  The sides 
were braided and drawn to the back, then curled and pinned at the crown of her head, 
creating a waterfall of curls.  Her diamond circlet rested exactly in the center, framed by 
her curled bangs.

        "You look great, Serena."  Mina sighed.  <I wish I looked half as nice.  She looks 
like a goddess with all those diamonds sparkling and that silvery hair. >  

        "I'm glad we left it really long."  Ame glanced at the pile of hair on the floor.  
"I didn't realize we cut off so much of everyone's hair.  I hope mom doesn't get mad!"  
<They'd better not blame this on me.  But it does look really good.  Sometimes I wish I 
were a blonde. >

        "You look really great, Sera."  <What an improvement over those meatballs on her 
head.  You should be nicer Rae.  Ah, now I'm talking to myself. >

        "You look like the goddess of the moon.  All the guys are going to be fighting for a 
dance."  Lita looked down at her long legs.  <They'll probably run from me.  I'm just too 
damn tall. >  Luna stole into the room.  She sat for a minute, looking at the rainbow of 
robes and jewels.  <A beautiful scene.  I can't believe how fast they've grown up. >  A 
golden lion bounded into the room, mane flying out behind him.

        "What are you girls doing?  You have to be in the ballroom in fifteen minutes.  And 
none of you are dressed.  And what did you do to your hair!"  He caught the tie of Mina's 
golden robe and began pulling her towards the door.  A voice drifted from the hall "Ten 
minutes, girls.  And quit laughing at your protectors."

        "Mom!"  The girls rolled of the bed, each racing for her bedroom.  

        "We're going to be late."  Mina squealed.

        "Mom is going to kill us."  Ame lamented as she raced for the door.

        "I'll never get dressed in time."  Mari moaned.

        "Where are my slippers?"  Rae was the last to leave.

        "Why do we have to wear all this jewelry, I'm a walking goldsmith."  Sera mumbled 
as she dug through her new jewelry cask.  Luna shook her head at the chaos.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

        The five girls stood at the top of the stairs, holding each other's hands.  "We can do 
this, guys.  It's just a walk down the stairs.  Then we sit by mom and hope someone asks 
us to dance."  Serena took a deep breath.  <Am I convincing them or myself?  It's 
probably a little bit of both. >  Ame's face was white.  

        <I do not want to do this.  I hate crowds.  I hate being the center of attention.  I hate 
strangers.  I can't do this. >  The crowd below clapped loudly as the dancing came to a 
halt.  The guests turned to face the dais where Queen Cynthia sat, flanked by the five 
protectors.  She stood and walked forward.  "It is now time for the presentation and 
coronation of the true rulers of the moon kingdom."

        Serena saw Ame sway slightly.  Sera wrapped her arms around Ame and whispered 
in her ear.  "It's all right, little one.  You can do this.  Just smile and imagine everyone 
with milk mustaches."  Ame took a deep breath.  

        <Serena, you probably will have one by the end of tonight. >  Ame smiled at the 
thought.

        "You can do this Amy, you're the most dependable of all of us.  You know just what 
to do; you've been researching for months.  Now go so I know what I'm supposed to do."  

        Ame sighed, "You didn't read that paper Luna handed out, did you?"  Sera blushed.  

        "I forgot!"

        Ame grinned.  <She always knows just what to say.  Well, here goes everything. >  

        "The Princess Amelia Endora."

        <I really hate my name. >  Ame walked down the stairs slowly, her head held high 
and a fake grin pasted on her face.  Her skin was still pale, but she could hear her sisters 
cheering and whistling from the top of the stairs.  <They can't do anything seriously. >  
Her smile melted to something more real.  She walked to the dais and curtsied gracefully.  
She walked forward and knelt before the queen.  A heavy sapphire crown was placed on 
her head, and a cape thrown over her shoulders.  She rose and faced the crowd.  A cheer 
rose, then she walked to a throne on the far left.  <Oh Gods, please don't let Rae lose her 
temper, or Lita punch some whistling guy.  Don't let Mina giggle, and please don't let 
Serena trip. >

        Rae gritted her teeth.  <I better not get any catcalls, and no one better comment on 
the color of my dress.  Why in the world do I always get put in red?  One comment and 
I'm going to have someone's head. >  Serena looked at Rae's angry features.  "It'll be all 
right Rae.  No one wants to get mom mad.  Just go out there and wow them with that 
smile."  <Sera always knows what I'm thinking.  Here goes. >

        "The Princess Raine Edan."

        Rei walked gracefully down the stairs, her red dress rippling down the white 
staircase.  <I bet I look like walking flames. >  Rae's smile brightened at the hooting 
from Sera and the girls.  She curtsied to the queen and knelt for her own coronation.  
<Lord this crown is heavy, and I'm going to die in this cape. >  Rae stood beside Ame, 
muttering under her breath.  <Please don't lose your cool, Lita.  Don't you dare stare at 
some boy, Mina.  And if Serena says something stupid I'll melt into the floor. >

        Lita glanced down at the crowd.  <I look way too tall.  I'm going to be so out of 
place. >  

        "You look like a queen tonight, Lita.  I wish I were as tall as you.  Then I wouldn't 
have to wear these."  Sera lifted the edge of her dress and pointed out very tall heels.  
"Next to you I look like the court jester."  Lita giggled at the pout on Sera's face.  <There 
you go, putting me in my place.  Times up. >  

        "The Princess Malita Tempest."

        <And Ame thinks her name is bad. >  Lita descended the stairs slowly, careful to 
keep her chin high and face smiling.  She curtsied carefully received her crown, robe and 
stood on the far right.  <Oh, Mina.  Don't be a bubblehead.  And if Sera tears her dress 
I'll die, no, I'll kill her. >

        "Here we go Mina, knock them dead, and no giggling."  Mina kissed Sera on the 
cheek.  

        "Good luck, sister of my heart."  The two blinked back tears.  Mina turned and put 
on a dazzling smile.  <Here comes Mina, strutting on the stage.  Look out world. >

        "The Princess Minette Amara."

        Mina floated down the stairway and curtsied.  She accepted the crown and robe, and 
then took her place at the queen's right.  <Come on, Sera.  You can do it. >

        Serena stood at the top of the stairs.  <You can do this.  You were born for this. >

        "The only child of Queen Serenity and crown princess of the moon Kingdom.  
Princess Serena Ferelith."

        Serena focused on her friends, who were standing on the dais.  Their faces were 
shining with love and pride.  <I can do this. >  She walked down the stairs, and met the 
queen's eyes.  Serena curtsied to the only parent she'd ever known.  

        "Now is your turn to take up the mantle of leadership.  May you rule wisely and 
justly."  Cynthia removed the crown from her head and placed it on Sera's hair.  Then the 
white robe followed.  Sera rose slowly.  Cynthia took the slender white scepter and 
placed it in Serena's hand.  "I could never harness the full power of the moon kingdom, 
but you are born of the true royal blood."  Cynthia knelt before the girl she had raised 
from infancy.  "I renounce the title of queen and assume my true position as grand 
duchess of this kingdom.  I pledge myself to you, Queen Serena."  Serena laid her hand 
on Cynthia's head.  "Thank you for everything," she whispered.  Serena turned to face 
the crowd, the enormity of her new responsibility hitting her in the gut.  "We thank you 
for attending our birthday celebration.  Let the dancing begin."  Sera waved her hand in 
the air and the orchestra started playing.  <I did it! >  Sera sat down in her new throne, 
sighing in relief.  The other girls quickly followed suit.

        Serena felt a brush against her leg.  She looked to see the face of Luna.  "Please 
come with me princess."  <What have I done now?  I thought I was doing really well 
tonight. >  Luna led Serena into the courtyard in the center of the palace gardens.  The 
other princesses were waiting for her, along with Cynthia, their protectors and the five 
high priests of the temple.  Serena walked to the center of the circle of people, her heart 
pounding.  In the center of the garden a circle had been marked with rose petals.  Serena 
held her breath.  <This must be what our protectors have been whispering about. >

        Cynthia stepped forward.  "My daughters.  Today you have reached the age of 
accountability.  Tonight you will learn your destiny."  Cynthia stepped back, letting the 
priests forward.  The men were dressed in hooded robes, in red, gold, white, blue and 
green.  They each took a position around the circle and raised their hands toward the sky, 
chanting.  The cats nudged the girls into the circle, aligning them.  Serena closed her 
eyes.  <I feel as if I'm in a dream.  Something seems to be calling me.  Something I was 
meant to do. >  The others also felt the pull, as if something were calling for them.

        <This must be the fate circle ceremony.  I didn't realize it was still performed.  Why 
would the priests wish to read the fate of five princesses? >  Ame's forehead wrinkled as 
she tried to sort out the difficulties involved.  

        The high priest began to chant in an ancient language.  Then he raised his head, his 
eyes glowing with a golden glow.  He reached into his robe, pulling forth a large silver 
crystal.  The other priests copied his gesture, each pulling forth a colored crystal.  They 
handed the crystals to each of the princess.  

        Four flashes of light erupted, and the four girls stood in very different clothing.  
Very short colored skirts and tops, thigh high boots, and capes.  The girls also had light 
armor on their arms, legs, shoulders and chests.  Serena gasped.  The high priest stepped 
forward and handed the silver crystal to Serena, then stepped from the circle and 
continued chanting.  Serena felt a wave of power wash through her.  It was as if she 
became someone else.  A flash of silver light and Serena was dressed like her friends.  
Sera looked down at her new costume, and the crystal in her hand erupted in a last burst 
of light.  

        Cindy looked at the five avatar forms before her.  "Welcome Moon, Venus, Jupiter, 
Mars and Mercury."  <And now you must train as fast as you can.  You have little time. >