Disclaimer: I do not own any Sailor Moon characters

Prologue

It was a late October night in the kingdom. The moon was covered by a blanket of fog that kept low to ground. Everything had a light mist on it and was wet to the touch. The people of the land knew this was a sign from the gods that the seasons were changing from autumn to winter. Animals were kept inside the barn, children were bundled up in thicker wools, and transportation was extremely limited.

The queen of this realm was always restless when the seasons morphed from one to another. She tossed and turned in bed beside her ogre of husband who was busy snoring away into the night. She grunted and flopped onto her back, staring up at their canopy bed. It was unusual that she be awake for more than two hours after getting into bed. Her agitated demeanor was more than just a change in the temperature … she could feel it. She sat up in bed, her brow furrowed and her silver hair mussed. She looked over at her king whose obnoxious noises had suddenly stopped. His eyes were open and his lips were pursed shut. The two of them exchanged glances and then shot out of bed immediately. They ran out of their quarters, down a long, seemingly endless hallway, and finally stopped at a set of double doors where two guards were sleeping. They awoke all too late though; the king and queen pushed through the entrance hastily. In the center of the room was a white and gold painted crib. The balcony doors had been broken into, the curtains were billowing in the cold wind, and the moon was now peaking out past the clouds, shining a spotlight on the empty baby bed. The queen screamed in horror whilst the king roared at his guards and generals to go looking for their princess.

"Find my baby girl!" he cried out through his thick graying beard. "I want Serenity back immediately!"

The two thieves who had stolen the young, crying babe were galloping on black horses through the next few kingdoms. The beasts they were riding were doing their best to not slip on the slightly soggy roads, but it was difficult. Around a sharp turn one of the large mammals suddenly stumbled over onto its side and the bundled up child skidded across a grassy patch of lawn outside an old shack. A candle was lit inside the shanty, scaring off the robbers. They had planned to give the child to their lord and master, King Cepheus. He wanted the child because she had been prophesized by a fortune teller that she would be his demise. But now, the thieves saw that it was too risky. It wasn't worth the sack of gold they were promised. They did their best, caked in mud and all, to scurry away from the small farmland and back to their homes.

Meanwhile, the elderly farm couple opened up their door to find the crying child practically at their feet. They took a few steps outside to pick her up and looked around the area for any sign of the deserting parents, but none could be found. The plump woman knelt down onto her knees and prayed to the gods, "Thank you for gracing us with this young female child. She is a beauty that will surely bless the family."

They already had a son, but having one of each was always a benefit to families at this time; a son to carry on the name and a daughter to carry on the blood lineage. After having their son, the couple had birthed one miscarriage after another. They finally stopped trying to conceive when they were told by a local midwife that if the mother went on like this, she would surely die.

That night they took care of their new child and showed her off to their son who was not but ten years of age. He was fascinated by her tiny hands, her large blue eyes, and the little blonde curl that was popping up in the air. She immediately made him smile which was rare for his angst-riddled personality.

"We'll call you … Serena," he decided for the rest of them.

"That's a beautiful name Sebastian," his mother beamed. "Serena …"

Fifteen years later…

The kingdom that had lost their princess had practically disintegrated. The queen died from grief. The king had died from a broken heart. Their people couldn't believe that their rulers had all but disappeared within the time span of a few years. However, as quickly as they had been blown away into the wind, a set of new commanders were planted. King Cepheus from the nearby Golden Kingdom decided to take control over the land. Roads were finally being reconstructed, issues were being listened to, and order was being restored after the Depression Era.

The elderly couple with the farm and two children was commission by the royal family to be their official chefs after they had spent a day at the market. The family was known for their pastries and savory, exotic dishes at the grand bazaar. There was usually a long line for their great food, but when there was an announcement that the king and queen were arriving, the place was deserted. The queen tried their revered peach cobbler whilst the king wanted a stab at their herb crusted steak. They were each pleased by the exploding flavors and immediately asked them if they would like to work at the castle. They were shocked, but pleased and said that they could only take up the offer if their son and daughter could come along with them. The king and queen delightfully agreed.

Upon arrival at the castle, they were greeted by the head butler who promptly showed them to their living quarters. It was connected to the kitchen so that at a moment's notice they could arise and bake, cook, or boil whatever the royal family so chose to have on their plates. They had easy access to the royal farmland of course and whenever they needed an extra hand, all they needed to do was ask. The staff was more than happy to help out anyone so long as they returned the favor. It was a very welcoming world.

That is until the king caught sight of Serena.

King Cepheus recognized her bone structure, her blue eyes, and her slender body belonging to that of the long forgotten Queen Serenity. The prophecy flashed before his eyes every time he walked past her; it was terrifying. It was then that he secretly ordered all of the previous historic relics, including paintings, sculptures, and literature, be destroyed and that any documentation of the prophecy be obliterated. The queen had no idea what the reason was for this sudden change in heart, for the king would not answer. Instead he fell more into himself, becoming darker and darker. His disposition had gotten so horrible that he almost couldn't rule properly. The queen suggested that their one and only son, Endymion, should rule over the kingdom. Cepheus had her detained for treason and against the wishes of parliament, many religious rulers, and - most of all - his son. The king cut the queen's head off. He would not be defied.

This change in events is where we begin our story…

Endymion had deserted his beloved countryside to go in search of solutions to his crazed father. The castle in which he was residing was the old beach palace that his father had completely forgotten about. He worked there for years trying to build strength and find a solution to the problem that he deemed his kingdom. The one person who had been helping him throughout this whole process was his closest assistant and friend, Zoisite. He was the only one who understood him. Endymion was overly thankful for his help as he tried to rack up a list of who would be available to assist him in his endeavors. If he was going to be rallying against his father, then he would need all the help he could get from the surrounding countries. He sat in his den, waiting for his servants to finish packing up his things. The prince studied the list of people he needed to visit in order to try to get them on his side. It consisted of seers to royals to military men and women.

"Who is this?" he asked as Zoisite strolled into the room and sat down across from him.

The blonde man squinted a bit as he tried to get a better view of the name. He leaned back in his chair and answered, "That's the high priestess Rei from the north and her partner Jadeite. They are on our first stop. They live in that temple that's up in the mountains."

"What's her last name?"

"Hino."

"I recognize it … but I don't know from what," Endymion murmured.

"You probably have read her book on royal spirituality," Zoisite replied.

"Yeah … maybe."

A servant came into the room and interrupted their conversation with the announcement that his caravan was ready to embark on their journey. The prince nodded and he and Zoisite quickly traveled out of the castle and into the carriage. The ride was long and arduous. At the bottom of the hill, Endymion had to leave his large group of people and bid them off to the old castle. He told them he would arrive there within an month's time after he had received answers from all of the people he was searching for. Zoisite was sent with the rest of the group so that everything would be in order upon the prince's arrival.

He climbed the tall, rocky mountain, getting to the top of it in about half a day's time. Endymion was careful when approaching the entrance of the temple that was in the side of the stone hill. He tried to be as respectful to the spiritual realm as possible. A bald monk in muted yellow robes walked toward him and bowed. The man placed a blessing over the prince by praying to the gods and goddesses for protection and love. Endymion then had to wait for Lady Rei and Lord Jadeite to arrive. He was led by the monk to wait for the priests in a room with large golden sculptures of deities decorated in jewels and metallic paint. There was a long row of fire places flickering across the whole wall, lighting up the room in an orange glow. He knelt down in front of one of the sculptures and asked for the gods to watch over him as he continued on in his challenge to bring down his father's reign. In the middle of mumbling his prayer, the priests appeared, both in simple robes of raw silk and adorned with the blessed jewels that the sculpted gods had. Rei was a beautiful woman with gorgeous long black hair that shimmered in the candle light. Her violet eyes felt like they were piercing through Endymion's soul and directly to his heart. Her partner Jadeite on the other hand was keeping his eyes closed and his hands clasped silently; he was scanning Endymion's energy. The prince had heard of this practice and hoped that he would pass whatever this test was.

"Well?" Rei said, turning to Jadeite.

"He's genuine," he nodded.

"I heard all about your campaign to gain back the peace we once had," Rei said to Endymion.

"And…?" he pressed. "Will I have the support of your spiritual guidance and leadership?"

"Yes," she responded reluctantly, "on one condition."

"What is it?"

"Hand over the prophecy," she commanded.

Endymion smirked at the demand, "I'm afraid you will have to wait and see it when you arrive at the castle."

She sighed and crossed her arms. She was too irritated to say anything without blowing up so Jadeite stepped in.

"We will join you, much to Rei's displeasure," he said. "I trust you and I trust your cause."

"I want to see the prophecy Jadeite!" she snapped, stomping her foot in the process like a bratty child.

"Calm yourself," he soothed. "You know just as well as I do that this is the right path to take. We have consulted with all of the gods, goddesses, tribal leaders, spirit wards, and our top monks. Why are you still resisting?"

"I want information up front. His father is ruthless; I just wish to see what the prophecy says about him," she argued as she gestured with a head nod toward Endymion.

"How about a compromise? You come back with me to the castle and I'll show you the prophecy first thing? That way you can decide if you wish to stay or leave."

"That sounds like a good idea," Jadeite replied.

The two men stared at Rei, waiting for a reaction or response. She simply rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in the air before turning around and storming out the room.

"Is she always this stubborn?" Endymion asked Jadeite.

"She's just thinking too far ahead into the future," he sighed. "The prophecy is supposed to answer all of our questions, respond to all of our prayers. She's anxious. Her visions haven't been fully formed yet. She keeps receiving partial premonitions and it's terrifying her as well as myself."

"What do you both do? What are your powers exactly?" he inquired.

"I see through people. I can know their true intentions and tell if they're lying. I can see their past and what it has done to create the human being before me.

"Rei on the other hand sees forward. She can see the future and distance. If she cares about a person deeply and they separate themselves from her, she can feel them. Right now in fact if I were to cry or get angry she would have that emotion trying to push into her like an unwanted virus," he explained. "It's difficult … especially if something happens in the middle of the night or in the middle of a premonition."

"Sounds awful."

Jadeite shrugged, "She's getting better. We do exercises to combat the strong emotions that overpower her."

"Well, in any case, I would love for you both to come along, I could use people like you …"

"I suspect you were wanting fortune tellers … not mystic seers."

"I read her book; I knew what I was getting."

"Good," Jadeite smiled. He started to walk away as he said, "We'll be ready to leave within an hour. Rei is most likely consulting with Kronkite, the man who will ultimately reside over this temple during our absence. She leaves no stone unturned."

"You two will travel to the castle by yourselves I'm afraid. I have a meeting with General Kunzite. I can lead you down to the bottom of the mountain where a good portion of my camp is still waiting. My assistant Zoisite can take you back with the rest of our caravan," he announced. "Can you possibly spare a horse?"

Jadeite grinned at him, "I'll get you the best one we can offer."

"Thank you."

The prince left the temple immediately and blasted across the valley on a rather large black beast. He made it to the coast within three hours in the dead of night. He tied up the horse on the dock and quickly ran up to the large naval ship where Kunzite was waiting for him at the helm. His silver hair wasn't hard to miss in the sea of darkness. Endymion kept his body rigid and his posture straight.

"I was told by a watchman up above that you were approaching from miles away," Kunzite said to him.

"I'm not surprised. You're on look out at all times," Endymion stated. "I would greatly appreciate you on this team I'm creating. I could use a fellow who knows how to create plans, map out things—"

"Etcetera, etcetera," he interrupted. "I know. I've read your letter five times. It never once told me who else was joining this little team of yours…"

"If you're inquiring about Princess Mina—"

"Endymion!"

"I'll have you know that we're not engaged anymore. It could never work," he continued. "And yes, she will be in this group of people. I need all of the higher ups that I can get my hands on. Most of the older kings and queens find this a childish act. If I get the youth behind me, we can do this. We can break free from this wretched life."

"Break free? You speak as though we've been jailed by your father when really we've all just been living in the same old hell as usual. What makes you believe that your vision of the future is any better?"

"Because I have the prophecy," he declared. "The one that was torn to bits and taken to the far reaches of this continent."

"How did you—"

"What do you think I've been doing these last few years? Searching for those pieces," he replied. "I'm having two highly regarded priests from the north read over it and decipher it for me. If they believe that this can work, then they will stand with me."

"So this is more of a proposition than a full-blown plan of action?" Kunzite asked as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

"That's where you come in," he smiled. "If I can get you and the others to understand the weight that this prophecy has, then I'm almost certain we can find our way back to that peaceful time that's only told in fairytales."

Kunzite took a moment to ponder this proposition, blowing smoke out into the cold, salty wind. There was only one easy answer to this proposal; yes. He wanted nothing more but to say yes. After all, he only had to go back to the castle with Endymion and find out what the damn thing said. If there wasn't anything that grabbed his attention enough for him to stay, he would simply leave to go back to his post. If it did end up keeping him there longer … in the company of Princess Mina … well he'd cross that bridge when he got there.

"Fine. I'll do it. On one condition," he stated as he stabbed out his rolled cigarette.

"What's that?"

"I want to be as far away from Mina as humanly possible."

"Done."

With the female temptation out of the way, Kunzite was certain he'd be able to get more things accomplished.

"Now I have a favor to ask of you," Endymion requested. "Do you know how I can get into contact with Nephrite?"

Kunzite furrowed his brow, "You want to get into contact with that lunatic?"

"He's won every battle known to mankind."

"True. Well … I guess the only way you can do that is by going to his station in the south east on your way to retrieve the princess," he shrugged.

"Ugh …"

The thought of riding alone with no back up to seek help from Nephrite was unbearable to Endymion. The man was known to be a bit off kilter when it came to entering battles and wars, but he always got the job done … some how. The prince never understood how this was accomplished, but he guessed now would be the best time to figure it out. Before leaving Kunzite's ship, he gave him the coordinates of where his castle resided and then sprinted off into the night on his borrowed horse for another long journey.

"Sir, there is a lone man that has come into our vision," a soldier stated.

Nephrite was standing along the western side of the of the tall, stone wall boarder that was surrounding their fortress. He and his men were examining the new armor that had been created for them. He took hold of the telescope his soldier had in hand and gazed through it. A grin curved his lips when he locked eyes with Endymion. The two of them had gone way back … back to the days of their teenage years. They used to be such arch rivals, bent on one upping the other. Times changed them though and they had gotten more mature. Now they had friendly banter here and there. Their busy lives and schedules separated the two of them and now it was as if they were complete strangers. The commander was intrigued; what brought Endymion here?

"Send for my wife," Nephrite ordered as he walked to the closest set of stairs.

He ambled down the stone steps, passing by flaming light that guided his way. He walked down a long corridor and entered a room where his wife was already waiting. Lita turned around as she pulled her chestnut brown hair up into her signature ponytail style and then she cupped Nephrite's face as he approached her. The couple was so extremely affectionate it was hard to believe that these were the same two who had led an army of 1,000 men against 20,000 and won. They were brutal, vicious and violent on the battlefield, but genuine and sweet behind closed doors.

"Ahem."

The two lovebirds turned to find Endymion walking in with his hands behind his back. They all bowed to one another in order to show respect and then sat down at a pair of couches.

"There's no need for you to explain yourself," Lita announced, cutting off the prince before he could even open his mouth all the way. "We've read your note and we received something from Kunzite."

"What? Already?"

"He sent out a hawk," Nephrite smirked. "He's a sly one."

"That he is," Endymion smiled. "So I'm guessing he told you about the prophecy?"

"Yes," the man with long, curly brown locks nodded. "What is this prophecy?"

"It's supposed to explain the road to salvation, to a peaceful way of living," he explained. "I don't know all of the details, but I searched most of the last few years for this thing. I've finally retrieved it and I'm going to have some people decipher it. I would like for as many military men, women, royals, and high priests and priestesses as possible. I wish for you two to be on this team."

The couple both had the same expression on their face; confusion. Lita blinked a few times and then shook her head as she said, "You found the prophecy? The prophecy? The one that all of our elders have been searching for?"

"Yes."

"How did you—"

"How many years did it—"

But Endymion cut them both off with a flick of his hand in the air, "Once you see it, none of these questions will matter. I guarantee it."

Lita eyed him for a moment before asking, "Why do you want us?"

"The world will dispel into chaos," he explained, "so I need the best of the best. I've seen you fight. I've seen you win. I am not a man who loses and neither are you two."

Nephrite glanced at Lita who merely laced her fingers through his to show her support. He nodded and then looked back at Endymion. The prince was already up on his feet, heading for the door. He glanced over his shoulder with a broad smile on his face, "Head to the main castle. I'll be waiting."

Once he shut the door, Lita looked over at her husband, "He's a cocky son of a bitch, isn't he?"

After an arduous journey back to his main castle, he was greeted by a servant who informed him that Princess Mina of the south was waiting for him in the parlor. He couldn't hold back his laughter; he knew she would be there. Endymion removed his cape and handed it off to the maid, instructing her to run a warm bath while he went to go and tend to the stubborn woman. He breezed into the room where she was residing. The sunlight filtered in through the thick clouds and bounced off of her golden hair as she stood by the tall windows with her arms over her chest.

"Pleasure to see you here," he smiled.

"I don't even receive a cordial visit like the rest of the snakes you went and saw?" she snapped.

"I'm sorry, I was expecting to see the polite, demure Princess Mina. Who are you?" he replied snidely as he poured himself a glass of wine.

"Endymion, I'm serious! Why am I the last to be approached about this?" she asked.

"Because I knew that after visiting Kunzite, you would come running," he answered.

"Bullshit!"

"But you did…" a light voice said.

Endymion turned around to find the princess's assistant, Lady Ami, sitting across the room. The woman had a way of hiding, that's for sure. He gestured for her to join them. She hesitated at first, but then got up off the couch she was sitting on to stand next to Princess Mina. She ran a hand through her short blue hair and watched as the two battled it out.

"I wanted to be consulted. Why do you just assume that I'll come running?" Mina asked.

"Because you do!" he shouted. "You know this is a good cause!"

"No. I don't," she argued.

"Neither do I," Ami chimed in. "You haven't presented any evidence that this is something our kingdom should stand by."

"See? She knows exactly what I'm talking about!"

"You will understand tomorrow," he reassured them. He paused for a moment to down his wine and then he asked, "Did you two bring your luggage?"

"No…" Mina blushed.

"Yes we did," Ami answered, rolling her eyes. "We've claimed a room down the hallway. We didn't think you'd mind."

"Of course not, Ami," he smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go take a much needed bath. I haven't washed myself in days."

"Is that what that smell is?" Mina asked.

The two royals beamed at one another, knowing that they were on the same page. Endymion walked out of the room and down the long hallway to his quarters. The maid that had tended to him bowed and handed him a fresh towel, some soap, and a sponge. He thanked her and then proceeded to the washroom where he quickly got undressed. He slipped into the white porcelain tub and sighed out loud.

After about five minutes of complete silence in the extremely steamy room, the door opened.

"Sebastian! Don't tell me you're in here again!" a voice whined, piercing through the thick air.

"No, he's not," Endymion replied as he stood up, wrapped a towel around himself and turned to where the voice had come from. A blushing blonde girl tried to back away from him, but he stopped her, "Hold your place!"

The servant collapsed down to the ground in fear, keeping her head down. He stepped out of the tub and bid for her stand back up to her feet. She did as she was asked and he studied her silently.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Serena, your majesty. I work in the kitchens," she whispered.

He pursed his lips and nodded. He could detect a hint of fear, but not as much as he would from other maids or servants, "Are you … are you from around here?"

"Born and raised, sir," she nodded, keeping her gaze down to the ground.

"Who's Sebastian?" he asked quietly.

"My brother … sir," she answered. "Before your arrival, he was known to sneak in here and take bathes. I always told him not to but … he never listens to me."

"Why won't you look at me?" Endymion asked, stepping toward her.

She took a stride backwards and gasped, "Because I was taught that staring at royals is bad sir."

"Bad?"

She nodded.

"Look at me," he ordered firmly.

Serena lifted her head and stared right into his eyes. He was caught off guard by her beauty. It shone through even the thickest of steam and hardened of dirt that was caked on her face. He did his best to keep his ground and footing while clutching very tightly onto his towel that was wrapped around his lower half. No wonder she was told to never look into a royal's eyes; she completely floored him. He could gaze into her deep blue pools forever if asked to. When she cleared her throat, he realized that he had been staring at her with his mouth hung agape. He shut his trap and shook his head.

"I apologize," Endymion murmured, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. "You may leave. Now."

She curtseyed to him and scurried out of the suffocating room. Endymion waited until she had left his room completely before shouting for Zoisite, Mina and Ami. He strolled into his closet quickly and got dressed as fast as his slippery limbs would allow him to.

"Mina, Ami, I want to know everything about this girl, Serena," he requested, sticking his head out of the closet for a moment. "I want to know her history, her present, what she intends to do with her future; I want t know everything. Leave no stone unturned."

"May I ask why?" Mina replied.

"No. You may not," he snapped as he finished tying up his pants.

Once they left with their orders, he asked for Zoisite's help to remove the stress that had subsequently built up on his shoulders upon arriving in this castle. It brought back memories of a past that he didn't want to recall.

"How can I help you, your majesty?" he asked, bowing to him.

"I'm upset."

"About what?"

"I have an uncomfortably strong connection to a woman and wish for it to go away," he answered as he sat down in a chair, shirtless and barefoot. "I cannot have this cloud my thoughts."

Zoisite placed his hands around Endymion's head, keeping a distance of a couple centimeters. He closed his eyes and tried to take away the stresses of his lord and master, but he soon stopped and popped open his light blue eyes.

"Sire … there's something you're not telling me. You're blocking a part of your mind," he announced. "Unless you inform me of what is giving you anxiety, then I cannot help you."

He sighed out loud and then wafted his friend away, "I'll explain this to you later. It will all be told in the debriefing tomorrow at our council meeting. You are dismissed."

Zoisite bowed to Endymion and walked out of the room, leaving the prince in a state of displeasure. His mind was reeling with thoughts of Serena … who was she? Where did she come from? Had she always been around? Why did he feel such an attraction to her?

Please let me know what you think! Please review! ^_^