The Galaxy Cauldron is proud to announce its fifth writing contest. The theme for this writing contest is "A Change of Season." The writers interpreted the theme as they liked.

The entries from the Fifth Writing Contest are posted below in random order. Do not announce anyone's identities or guess at them in this thread. The writers of the entries may still vote in the poll. I trust you all to vote for what you honestly believe is the best entry, regardless of who wrote it.

Note: Voting will be opened until 10 August 2012. All questions may be directed to Sailor Venus.

Entry #1
Crystal Twinkle Bell
Word Count: 893





Snow fell softly outside her window and the candle that rested on it’s sill had almost burned out as a young maiden stared longingly at the small bell displayed on her desk. It had been years since she had last seen him. He had promised her that they would one day meet again and share their secret dreams together, hence they never got to upon his sudden parting. She knew that it was apart of his duty though as protector of the golden crystal and people's dreams but it still didn't chase away the loneliness and heartache she had felt from his long absence.


She knew her mother and father meant well when they began setting her up with various suitors. She tried to sound interested in their attempt at conversation and fancy gifts but those things were trifling compared to just getting a glimpse of the Elysion priest her heart truly longed for.


Chibiusa dusted the intricate bell with her finger and closed her eyes as she began to imagine his perfect face engrafted within her subconscious and that's when she felt the familiar warm hand resting upon hers. She slowly opened her eyes wondering if it truly could be as those same alluring eyes with all their warm feelings met her own.


" I told you I wouldn't break my promise." he spoke with a voice that sounded like tinkling bells and then there was an immense embrace of a reunion that was long overdue.


“It’s been ten years…” she whispered softly as tears escaped her ruby eyes baptizing his cloak.


He ran his fingers softly through her cottony pink hair soothingly as her sobs caused his body to tremor from their ferocity.


“My little one how I’ve missed you ever since the day I left you! There hasn’t been a moment escape me that I’ve not thought of you my maiden.” he whispered softly now with his hands placed on her shoulders as he stared longingly into her melancholy gaze.


She blinked back more tears that threatened to assault her once more, “Do you realize that I’ve waited all this time for you and haven’t once agreed upon a marriage proposal yet? There are many suitors that want to marry me, but I wouldn’t have a single one of them because I’ve been waiting this whole time on you Helios!”


He stood there unmoving with that same mysterious look in his eyes that she was so drawn to. She wanted to yell at him and tell him all the pain and confusion he had caused her, but she couldn’t say a word as his gaze stole her away.


She felt him begin to pull her in closer as those same familiar lips were now on hers again after so many years of changing seasons. She felt like that same little girl he had rescued all those years ago, yet she began to feel something else begin to rise up on the inside her as the kiss melted all the negative feelings she was harboring against him melted away.


She pulled away and looked into his eyes once more, and she noticed something that hadn’t been there before--love. He took her hands in his own and looked at her lovingly.


“My dear maiden I’ve watched the things grow and die in Elysion for many years now, and I’ve been waiting all these years to tell you that the only dream I ever had back then that mattered more to me than guarding the dreams of the people of this world was being with you. There have been so many seasons in my life come and go and times I wished to escape and come and take you away with me, but I knew it wouldn’t be right. I have longed to be by your side for so long my dear maiden, but my duty has always prevented me. I knew that even if I did want to be by your side that I had to wait until you had grown up and now that you have I still can’t seem to steal you away with me. I came back to see you one last time and tell you my dream. I made that promise to you and had to keep it and now I’m saying farewell because being tied to someone like me wouldn’t be fair to you.” he retorted turning away from her unable to gaze into her sorrowful eyes any longer about to pull away from her one last time, but she clung to him desperately refusing to let him leave.


“You can’t leave me again like this and besides you haven’t got to hear my dream yet.” she reminded him causing him to turn around and face her once more.


“The only dream I care about anymore is being with you Helios! Isn’t there some way I could come away to Elysion with you?” she inquired desperately searching his eyes.


“You have to give away all your secret dreams and turn away from this world.” he said darkly sending shivers up her spine.


“I’ll do it.” she said in return as she faced him and closed her eyes. An innocent child’s laughter could be heard as the flame burned out in declaration of the passing of a life and the beginning of a new one.

Entry #2

A Change in Season

Her booted feet clicked down the sidewalk one step at a time; she loved boots, and with the slight chill in the air the season for them had come at last. She received a few looks, a few smiles and winks as she passed, from the bolder sex for a change, and smiled at the reaction to her short, swishing skirt and tight-fitting vest over the white-button up. She wore glasses to ward off the light of the setting sun, protection against the ‘gentlemen’ who wished for her attention as much as for the UV rays. The cool evening breeze rushed through the trees beside her, freeing leaves from branches and putting a smile on her face.

Autumn.

It had been a hard fight, hard won, but it was time to put those fights behind her, to embrace the peace they had rightfully achieved and move on with their lives. Until such a time that she was needed to protect her Princess or Prince, she was simply Haruka Tenoh, and nothing more. Well… maybe a little something more. As she walked her phone rang a special tune, a tune reserved for only one person. She flipped it open and put it to her ear smoothly, “Ne?” she asked simply, her voice lighter than usual but just as natural for her. “Michiru,” she replied with a sly smile, “How’s it going? … What, again?! …” she listened, then laughed, “No, it’s okay! I was passing there on the way, anyway; I’ll just pop in and grab some. Is there anything else? … Okay, then, I’ll see you later.” She hung up with a smile, popping her tiny cell phone back into her small black purse, still striding down the serene street.

The meeting had gone well with her sponsors; she had the funds in place to move wherever she cared to under the stipulation that she showed up for various events throughout the year and went on a worldwide tour at some point in the near future. It was an easy promise to make; by then, things should be sorted out well enough that she could leave without any prior engagements to hold her back. Good thing, too; the place they had in mind would require quite the funding to live in comfortably and if she had to back out she didn’t know how they would make rent. Eyeing the signs in front of her, she stepped into a store and purchased a few items, primarily diapers and a cute racing-flag pacifier, then came straight back out and kept on walking.

By the time the public garage was in sight, she was ready for it. She exchanged her helmet for her parcels, stuffing the latter beneath the seat before hopping on her motorcycle and revving the engine. Tearing out into the street with the quick maneuvers only her time on the track could afford her, Haruka’s bike sung through the streets, weaving in and out of traffic effortlessly as she laughed, enjoying the tug of the wind on her clothes and skin. While she avoided most lights deftly, it was inevitable that she would hit one. She slowed, came to a stop, and used her booted leg as a kickstand while she waited out the red, her fingers holding the clutch softly, ready to go at any minute; but then something caught her eye, something that gave her pause, made her lean back in her seat and stare.

Across the street, walking happily arm-in-arm with a tall young man, was her Princess, blonde, odangoed, wearing her Juban Middle School uniform and strolling in another direction. Haruka smiled, noticing that the Princess walked elegantly at that moment, as beautiful as any lady; she wondered if the unusual grace was due to a lack of attention, or if it had something to do with being on the Prince’s arm. Either way, she seemed lighter now, as though she walked without a care in the world; so different from only weeks before when the weight of the planet was on her shoulders. As she watched, an energetic pink-haired girl appeared out of a shop and rushed towards the duo, breaking between them eagerly. Haruka chuckled, watching as Usagi turned on the small girl with frustration, but quieted and cheered when she was presented with something – a small stuffed animal? – Mamoru looked amused, Chibi-Usa, proud, turning to shake her finger at her future-mother and receiving a noogie as a reward.

She heard the click of the light turning and bent back down over her bike, waiting for the person ahead of her to move, but glanced over one more time to see the three of them walking off together, holding hands contentedly.

A new season had begun.

Entry #3
Soft grey clouds hung low in the air as a crisp chill bit at the waning winter world. Though this was no weather a princess should be in for an extended period of time, Lady Serenity sat quietly on a swing in a park, ankles crossed, deep in thought.

It was clear Lady was no longer a young child; her soft, bubble gum pink hair was growing out similarly to that of her mother's hair. Her figure was perfect; long slender legs, soft round breasts, a lean stomach; she was blossoming into a stunning young woman, taking right after the queen. The Lady's dream was slowly coming true. This caused the young princess to wonder if that was why he hadn't come back for her as he had promised, all those years ago. She had been certain he was her prince.

Her crimson eyes found their way to the grey marshmallow wisps above her as tears began to well in her eyes, completely uninvited. It had donned on Lady that yet another winter was beginning to pass and he still hadn't returned for her. The seasons were stacking on top of one another, eventually becoming years. It was that fact that brought tears to her eyes. He wasn't returning for her after all. It wasn't looking like he was her prince.

"Chibiusa-chan?"

The Lady collected herself at once. Very few people called her 'Chibiusa-chan' these days, and she knew right away that who called out to her was her best friend, Hotaru. Though they are best friends, the Lady wasn't one who liked to show this side of herself to anyone, even to Hotaru.

Hotaru wandered over to the pink haired maiden and took a seat on the swing beside her. She twisted her arms around the chains that held up the swing and pressed her face against one, eyeing Chibiusa with concern.

"H-hello, Hotaru-chan," The Lady tried to keep her voice even.

"What's the matter? Everyone has been looking for you. Ceres-chan is worried sick and frantic; she doesn't want the king and queen to know that you've escaped her sight," Hotaru gently explained.

Chibiusa shook her head. "I just needed some time alone, is all. Princesses are people too."

Hotaru's eyes wandered in thought. When they hit the clouds overhead, it donned on her as to what was on her best friend's mind.

"You're thinking about Helios-san again aren't you?" Hotaru asked softly.

A cherry colored blush began to creep over the Lady's face and ears, which was answer enough for the dark haired girl. The Lady bit her lip and averted her eyes from making any contact with her best friend.

"I'm sorry, Chibiusa-chan. I know how much he meant to you. I know you were certain he was the one. Your prince," Hotaru began. She spoke slowly, as if choosing her words carefully. "I'm sure you feel betrayed and lied to since he hasn't appeared to whisk you away as his princess."

Tears bit at the princess's eyes again as she listened to Hotaru peg everything she was feeling.

"I'm probably just not good enough for him anymore. I'm sixteen now and achieving my dream of becoming a lady. The dream was what drew him in and now that it's becoming a reality..." The Lady let out as the tears began to trace down her cheeks.

"Don't say that, Chibiusa-chan! That's not it at all! If anyone is good enough for him or anyone else for that matter, it's you," Hotaru said fiercely.

Surprised by her tone change, the Lady cancelled out her plan of not meeting Hotaru's eyes. Now it was Hotaru's turn to have a cherry colored blush dust over her cheeks and ears. She quickly turned away from the Lady.

"Hotaru-chan..." she breathed.

"I-it's true," Hotaru said, still avoiding her best friend's eyes. "You're good enough for anyone. More than good enough. I can't help but wonder if anyone is good enough for you. You're so kind, funny, gentle, caring...your heart is as big as the Crystal Palace, if not bigger. You're so warm to be around, you can change anyone's negative mood to a positive one as soon as they're near you. And so much more."

The Lady began to blush again along with Hotaru, who was also still blushing as she spoke these words. What was Hotaru trying to say?

"Hotaru-chan..." was all the Lady managed to get out.

Hotaru, gathering all her courage, slowly took the Lady's hand and attempted to gracefully lace their fingers together. Instead, it turned into a shaky, clumsy maneuver which caused the Lady to smile shyly and giggle. Hotaru, who's entire face was now completely red, finished the maneuver with a swift, but sweet, kiss on the top of her best friend's hand.

The Lady got the message now. A sweet warmth flowed throughout her body, melting away the icy negativity that shrouded her heart and mind. Perhaps "The One" for the princess wasn't who she thought it was after all. Though she hadn't had this situation with Hotaru cross her mind before, she was definitely open to the idea and seeing where it could lead.

The Lady looked up toward the sky and smiled. The wisps of grey were drifting off, leaving blue skies and the sun to bathe the earth with warmth. Any old snow that was left began to feel the effects of the warm sun immediately.

The Lady then directed her smile at her best friend and gave her hand a squeeze, letting her know that she was open to the possibilities; she was open to this change of season this time.

Entry #4

An unusual feeling grew deep in Ami’s stomach. It had been growing for several days. Each day it felt heavier and heavier. Soon, that feeling would burst or disappear. There was another option, which Ami feared. The feeling might just continuing growing until she could not carry the burden of its weight anymore. Tomorrow, she would know for sure. Tomorrow, her life as a normal woman would end and all her dreams along with it. Tomorrow, Usagi and Mamoru would ascend the throne and change the world as Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion. Life would never be the same.

She knew what she needed to do. Sailor Mercury’s life had already been planed. Fate had already cast her dice. For at least a thousand years, Sailor Mercury would serve by her Queen’s and King’s side and continue to lay down her life in order to protect the purity and innocence of the world. This life left little room for personal dreams. Would she ever know the smile on a mother’s face when Dr. Mizuno, the doctor, successfully treated her ailing child? Would she ever know that feeling of self-confidence when she became a world-renowned expert in her medical field? Would she ever know that tender feeling only given to her by the one she truly loved?

Ami clutched herself tightly as she shuddered, holding back tears of regret. No, her duty called her elsewhere. She had known this for years, even since a black cat presented her with a blue henshin pen. Her life had never been the same. Had it change for the better or…

With a disgruntled sigh, she grabbed the keys and rushed out the door. For a moment, she considered not locking the front door. Everything would be different tomorrow, anyway. The front door was locked. Ami did not stop walking until she neared the outer limits of the city. In the dark of night, few cared to bother a woman that knew how to walk within the shadows. She stopped at a lake, bathed by the comforting glow of the moon.

The image was beautiful, but strangely possessed by symbolic irony. The moon and the water, Ami mused. Although she would have never done it on any other night, Ami tossed her clothes to the side and dove into the public lake. The water caressed her skin and provided comfort that she sorely needed. She wasn’t entirely sure how long she swam that night. Nothing else mattered except for the feel of the water and the clearing of her mind. She did not stop until she felt a familiar presence. She opened her eyes and saw a smiling face, tender blue eyes, and the source of her conflicted feelings.

“Ami,” Usagi said softly. Her words told Ami that the soon-to-be queen understood the pain of a conflicted soldier. She understood the fear, the apprehension, and the unfamiliar pain of anger at destiny. The soldier of the moon turned to look away. “I… I won’t force you to go through with this.”

Ami paused for a moment. She bit her lip, sighed, and then rose from the water. If there ever was a time, then this was it. “I know,” she responded, shivering slightly from the cool air.

When Usagi turned back to look at Ami, the blue-haired woman could see the tears in her friend’s eyes. “Please, understand. I never wanted to do this to any of you!” She said, choking a sob. She rose her hands to her mouth, as if to hold back her tears. “You all have such beautiful dreams and I feel as if I am taking them all away.”

She did understand. Of course, Usagi understood. The bond that all of the girls shared was unique and beautiful. It allowed for something deeper to transcend. That feeling in Ami shattered as she hugged the trembling woman.

“I know this is our destiny and for the betterment of the world, but… you all are my closest friends and I never want to hurt you.” Usagi looked up into Ami’s eyes. “I would never force you. You will always have your free will.”

Ami realized that fate had already cast Usagi’s dice, too. Everyone, all of the sailor senshi, would be giving up something dear in order to protect the world. But, they would all be gaining something even stronger, love and friendship that would support them no matter what happened. “I can feel everyone’s pain and conflicted feelings.” Usagi continued. “I just want everyone to be happy.”

Ami touched Usagi’s hand and held it firmly, trying to give her the strength her friend needed. “Usagi, you are our happiness. Your love and caring will mend that pain. That pain would grow stronger without you.” Ami said, taking Usagi’s other hand. “We will face this new world together. Just like always, right?” Usagi smiled and nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.

They would always have each other for love, comfort, and protection. As the winds cooled and the season began to change, five girls would face the challenges ahead together. Although some things would change, others would stay the same.

Entry #5

Usagi Tsukino sighed as she sat at the window glumly, watching the beautiful flakes of white drift down, with piles of it already all around. The trees branches were heavy with white, and everything glistened in the light of the full moon. The beauty was lost on her, as she could only think thoughts as gloomy as the past week had been.

It seemed like it was only a few days ago it was summer, and she was at the beach with her friends in her cute new bathing suit, all pretty and pink and perfect. Splashing in the warm ocean, feeling the sun on her skin and not a cloud in the sky. Enjoying a nice cold ice cream and struggling to eat it all before any dripped on the ground and was wasted. Chibiusa had come to visit, and spent time with them.

They had always been doing things, the three strange family and their friends. Usagi smiled to remember when they had all gone bike riding and hiking in a park together, finding a camp site and grilling food. Mamo-chan had even brought some fishing poles to try catching something in the lake. Chibiusa getting chased by some of the ducks and needing to be rescued by her and Mamo-chan. Usagi chuckled softly at the warm, sunny memories.



Then fall had come and it still wasn't so bad. Fall meant Thanksgiving and tons of food and cute sweaters for the cooler weather. Perfect weather for a date walk through the park with Mamo-chan. Chibiusa sadly had decided it was time to go home, back to the 30th century to spend the holidays with her parents.

Usagi had tearfully given her a little bag full of the different colored leaves to take with her. Her future daughter had been delighted with the gift and thanked Usagi with a hug before she disappeared in a flash of light. And then she and Mamo-chan enjoyed a nice stroll through the mall to avoid the slightly chill winds that had begun to blow and to help cheer the melancholy blonde back up.

Then there were times where she would scoop leaves together in a pile in the park and jump into them. Mamo-chan would sit near by on a bench and watch her fondly, and pick the leaves out of her hair when she was done. Then they would go and get some delicious roasted yams to enjoy, so warm and sweet. She had been able to find anything to do whenever she wanted, but now she couldn't do anything at all. It was winter. How she hated winter.



Usagi leaned a little closer to the window, blowing her warm breath on the glass and watching it fog up as she began to idly doodle on the smooth surface. Here she was, bundled up in a thick sweatshirt and jeans, thick socks under her fuzzy slippers and wrapped up in a blanket. It was warm, but the sight of the snow outside just made her feel chilled and mopey.

She had already done all the silly winter things. Made a snowman, had a snow ball fight, and caught snow flakes on her tongue. She was mentally checking off everything she had done, and now nothing was left. Three more months of winter and gloom and snow, and nothing to do. It would even still be a full month and a half before Christmas, and she would have wonderful new fun things to do.

It had seemed like an opportunity for fun and private couple time when Mamo-chan asked her to spend a few weeks with him in his family's cabin, an inheritance he had kept. She had accepted, as soon as her father had grudgingly given his permission after thousands of promises from both of them to behave and a brief scolding from her mother to her father.



She briefly thought about getting up and making a cup of hot chocolate. The idea almost cheered her, until she thought of how chilly most of the house felt. They had to save money and couldn't keep the house as warm as she would like it. But at least it was better than being outside in the swirling snow.

So she contented herself with turning in her spot, and looking at the fire dancing and crackling cheerfully in the fireplace. Mamo-chan was so sweet, always going out and braving the ice to get firewood so she wouldn't be too cold.

At least the fire had something to do, munching away at wood and turning it into ashes. That would need cleaning eventually. Usagi was so bored, she almost toyed with the idea of cleaning. But her true nature won out and she repelled the idea immediately.

Usagi sighed and thought once more about how much she hated winter. You could only do so much in winter! She turned again and looked outside, squinting as she tried to watch for her boyfriend to come back. Maybe she should make that hot chocolate. Mamo-chan would certainly appreciate it after the cold. She nodded and finally dragged herself up, shivering at the slight chill. She went to the kitchen and began heating up the water while she searched for the instant packages.

She let out a squeak of delight as she found them and came back to the stove. She savored the heat as she poured the hot water into mugs and dumped the powder in. she stirred vigorously as she watched the water turn a delicious brownish color. And it smelled so delicious and sweet. She raised the cup up to take a sip when she felt arms wrap around her from behind.

Usagi blinked then smiled happily, leaning back.”Mmm, Mamo-chan...” she murmured happily, savoring the warmth radiating from him. A wonderful, warm, cuddly teddy bear. She could hear him whisper, “Usako” in her ear before he picked up his mug and gently led her back into the living room, where they sat together in front of the fire, facing the window. They watched the snow fall together as they contently and innocently snuggled and sipped their hot chocolate.

The fire was warm, and adding that to Mamo-chan's heat, it was wonderfully comfortable and sleep inducing. Now the snow looked beautiful and peaceful, drifting outside the window. The moonlight made it glow gently and added to the beauty for Usagi's enjoyment as she listened to the gentle crackling of the flames near by. Usagi let out a little sigh of contentment as she laid her head on Mamo-chan's shoulder. How she loved winter.

Entry #6

It was a special tree, it brought sentimental feelings to the surface. It was the tree Usagi sat under after Chibi-usa returned to the future for the first time.

It was a Japanese cherry blossom, with its long branches and light pink leaves. It was a beautiful and innocent tree, just like Chibi-usa, beautiful and innocent.

Usagi walked down to that tree on a day she was free from school. Everyone was busy so, Usagi felt as if she had time for herself.

She was with Chibi-usa all throughout the Fall and Winter. Usagi reached in her pocket and pulled out a tiny heart shaped locket made out of gold. It was Chibi-usa's, A Christmas present from Usagi and Mamoru but, Chibi-usa could not take it to the future with her. Anything brought into the future from the past could harm time and space, even something as simple as a locket. Usagi started to tear up over the precious locket and Chibi-usa. Usagi never knew when she'd see Chibi-usa again so every departure was heart breaking. With the world at peace, Chibi-usa was no longer needed and was pleasantly asked by her mother to return home.

Usagi now overcome with emotion burried her head in her hands. She felt as if she were losing her child forever. Someday she would see Chibi-usa again and would become Neo Queen Serenity, Queen/Mother Extrodinare, but it felt as if Chibi-usa was gone for good. Maybe this was the last time she'd see Chibi-usa, sometimes she could be a bratty little girl but, she was helpful and Usagi enjoyed her company.

Usagi wiped her tears and watched as the wind swept a few blossoms from their branches, they danced in the air before gracefully hitting the water. Usagi came to her feet and walked over to the pond in front of her. She picked up a blossom, a perfect blossom, and played with it's petals for a moment. She smiled and sat it back in the water. She was going to be okay. Chibi-usa may have been gone but, she still had her friends and....

"Mamo-chan." Usagi whispered as she felt a familiar tap on her shoulder.

It was no longer Fall or Winter, Chibi-usa was no longer with them but, there was always a new chapter to be written and a new story to be told with each passing day.

Voted

Awesome, tons to read tonight. I needed something to do on my phone.

Voted

voted

OK, it was a tough decision, but I finally made it!

Wow!!! So many GOOD entries!! o(≧▽≦)o So hard to decide! There was really good descriptive work with this group of entries! One made me smile so wide! Another was sweet and hopeful, another happily contented -- just so good!

Thank you everyone for the fun reads!

... ALSO I LOVED THE DIFFERENT TAKES ON SMALL LADY/HELIOS BWAHAHAHAHA. XD The End.

Voted. It was hard.

I like how half of these stories contain Chibiusa XD

Quote :

I like how half of these stories contain Chibiusa XD

Haha yes! At one point I got a little confused, I thought it was part of the prompt!

Wow, this will apparently be a tough decision for all of us! I'm glad you guys are enjoying the writing contest. We still have about 14 more prompts before we have to come up with a new list, so the writing contest should be around for awhile.

voted.

yay! voted! and i'm so glad i could participate! though entry 1 seemed kinda...gloomy and dark to me. it almost made me think of Helios as a vampire...^^0 and i thought the stories had to be 1000 words?...ah well, venus-sama allowed it in, so who am i to judge?

entry two was so sweet and hopeful and casual! entry 3 was nice, though personally not much of a fan of Hotaru/ Chibiusa....XD entry 4 was also kinda..depressing in a way, much like the 1st one. more positive ending though. entry 5 seems nice and sweet. lots of cute memories. entry 6 was also vaguely depressing...poor usagi missing chibiusaaaa...

.....so yeah, that's my thoughts.....^^0

^^ they don't have to be, they just can not exceed 1000 words. If the story takes less than 1000 to be effective, then there's no need to throw in fluff.

I had a hard time deciding, they were all so good!

Bump!

Kitty booty bump!

voted...

guess I wrote mine a bit too late =(

Bump!

Please help break the tie!

I wonder why this sort of thing isn't very popular...

I don't know if I would consider it 'not popular,' because we got six entries this time. That's the most the writing contest has received since its inception.

I meant in terms of people reading and voting. Being like "oh yay! Sweet stories are up in a contest!" sort of thing XD

and I did write one fic, but I wrote it only yesterday, thus, out of time =/

I did post it on the forum...

Next contest! ^^ no worries. Just gotta keep your eyes peeled for it!