Drops of Starlight

Chapter 40: Calamity

💫 Drops of Starlight 💫
By Strawberry Moon Rose
🍓🌙🌹

Every time I describe Kinmoku, I do it a little differently. I was doing some research and learned Princess Kakyuu's headdress resembles a fengguan, also known as a "phoenix crown", and her upturned shoes are similar to those from the Qin dynasty. I read there is some implication that Kinmoku has taken inspiration from Eastern culture, so I decided to run with that. The name of Kakyuu's father, King "Guihua" is Chinese for "sweet osmanthus" (her mother's name in Japanese, Queen "Keika" has the same meaning.)

Also, that drawing I mentioned a while ago is up! It took twenty-something hours, making it one of the longest drawings I've done. So if you look up any of my art for this story, it should be this one. Posted on on 10/12/2021 in the usual places:
Instagram - taylorlynn.art
Tumblr - taylorlynn-art

It relates to a few chapters, but especially the next two. 👀

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Chapter 40: Calamity
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The night the generals invaded the Tankei palace was etched into their memories like a raging tempest, stormy and unforgettable.

Tucked in the distant corner of the galaxy, the planet Kinmoku stood under siege by a malevolent, faceless force known as Calamity. It wasn't the first disruption of peace and unfortunately wouldn't be the last.

The day started as any other - the Sailor Starlights ventured beyond the kingdom to the forsaken outlands for training. The barren, uncultivable terrain provided a perfect arena to learn how to control their new sailor guardian powers. Here, they needn't worry about their attacks destroying vegetation or harming civilians.

Kakyuu's father, King Guihua, was typically in charge of leading their sessions, and he did not tolerate slack. He loved his daughter fiercely and the Starlights understood there was no room for error when it came to their mission: protecting Kakyuu at all costs.

With the enemy's attacks inching closer to the royal palace, Guihua entrusted Kakyuu to oversee the day's training while he attended to other affairs on the grounds.

Their Princess, her guardian form of Sailor Kakyuu, went much easier on them. Fighter, Healer, and Maker ran half as many laps and dodged a fraction as many attacks. They took an early lunch, collapsing under the oppressive sun and scorching heat to quench their thirst and refuel.

"Is something wrong, Princess?" Sailor Star Fighter asked, settling next to the scarlet-haired warrior.

Kakyuu's ruby lips pursed. "I have a feeling, is all. My father was behaving oddly this morning. My mother remains tight-lipped, but I believe this battle with Calamity will soon draw to a close."

"Do you think Sailor Keika will let you fight alongside her team?"

"Yes, I do. I may lack the experience of Krypton, Xenon, Argon, and Neon, but I know my own strength. I am ready."

Fighter raked her gloved fingers through the rusty sand as she spoke. "I wish I could fight alongside you..."

Kakyuu met Fighter's eyes with a smile, oblivious to how the simple motion flustered her lead guardian. At sixteen, Kakyuu remained unaware of her beauty. With her fiery hair, proportioned curves, and encompassing grace, she was a woman. At least in comparison to the Starlights, summoned to the palace and awakened as sailor guardians just half a year ago, at the green age of twelve.

"Just two and a half more years," Kakyuu told Fighter. "Then all three of you will be full-fledged sailor guardians. We will stand together and fight. Any threat won't stand a chance between me and my mother's teams."