Title: The Trainer (Previously called the Last Warrior)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon

Authors Notes: Hi everyone! Those who've been following me for years know I started this story once before, but never posted more than a chapter or two. The reason for that is I couldn't figure out the ending. I shouldn't have started posting it until I finished, but I was excited. Now I'm happy to say I've finished the story, and it's in editing.

Please comment and let me know what you think. It's been a while since I was here, but I'm hoping the community is still as awesome as it's always been.

During the time of the Golden King, a great famine swept across all seven kingdoms. Thousands of people lost their lives. Men, women and children starved to death, pitiful and afraid. No matter what they did, the crops would not grow, the water dried up, and the animals withered and died.

When there was nothing but grief left in the land, the Golden King went to his knees and prayed to the Gods, begging for salvation. Only one god answered his prayers.

Despite his best intentions, this god did not have the power to heal all seven kingdoms. So instead, he put a blessing upon the lands of the Golden King, demanding in return that once they had rebuilt, the Golden King would help the other kingdoms in need.

The Golden King saw his lands restored, his people live, and the despair of death lifted from their lives.

The other six kingdoms came to him for help, hearing of the gods good deed, eager to share in the prosperity. But the Golden King saw the starving foreigners and became terrified of his own people losing what they had gained. He put his army on the borders and refused to help the neighbouring kingdoms.

In their desperation, the other six kingdoms attacked.

The great wars started, and for seven years, there was nothing but bloodshed.

The god was devastated at the destruction his blessing had caused. For seven years, he hoped for peace. But the hatred grew, and as the hatred grew, the land was stained with blood, until too many people had lost their lives.

He came down once more, intending to take back his blessing and kill the Golden King for dishonouring him. But as he stood in the fields of war, all he felt was their pain. Instead of causing more death, he brought all seven kings together. He gave them one last chance.

Every seven years the blessing would vanish. The seven kings would get together and decide who would have it for the next seven years. This decision could not be made through war. If it did, the land would die, and the blessing would never return.

At first, the kings argued for days, weeks, trying to decide who deserved it next. After years of war, they could not come to a peaceful resolution.

Until the Golden King made a threat.

"I will wager that my best fighter could defeat your best fighter."

Before the day was out, seven fighters from seven kingdoms stood in the muddy fields. The strongest men any of them could find. They fought to the death. It was a bloody, gruesome fight. But when the last fighter stood, covered in mud and blood, crying out in victory, the kings agreed he'd won the right for the blessing.

That is how the games of seven began.

The great wars had been so long ago that the actual telling of the stories had changed from kingdom to kingdom. But the traditions still stood. Every seven years, all seven kingdoms came together for the games where the seven greatest fighters in all the land would compete for the blessing.

Choosing a fighter was serious business. The kingdoms would tests the loyalty of their fighters for days, just to find them eligible. If they were eligible, they would have to fight through tests and tournaments to prove they were the best. Children started training as soon as they could walk, throwing their lives into becoming the next champion.

Once a fighter had been chosen, they were brought to the palace to live, eat and train. Their entire lives were about winning.

There was only one person in each kingdom more important than the chosen fighter. The person responsible for making sure the fighter was at the very peak of their abilities, so they could go into the games with the best chance of winning. This person was the trainer.

Serenity's mother, the Queen of Luna, had chosen her fighter five years ago. He was sleek and fast, and since he'd begun training for the games, he'd become a clear champion.

Serenity stood with her mother now, watching him train. It was a beautiful sunny day. But the warmth of the air only served as a reminder that they were getting closer to this year's games.

"Do you think he stands a chance?" Asked the man who stood to their side, one of her mother's advisors.

The Queen smiled. "He is fast and strong. He's been well trained."

Serenity let her gaze drift away from the fighter to look at the trainer. She smiled, watching as Endymion moved. He was a tall man and had a confidence about him that they'd never seen before. This was his first time training a fighter, and they could all feel the excitement of it. No one had ever seen a trainer like Endymion.

Originally he'd been hired to train the royal guards of the palace. After only a few months, the Queen had asked him to train her generals and top soldiers. Within a few years, their armies were stronger than any other kingdom. Young soldiers dedicated just as much time training for him, as fighters did training for the games.

After they'd lost the last games, the Queen had asked Endymion to train their next fighter.

Serenity smiled when Endymion easily dodged, moving his tall form sideways. She was certain a move like that would have made most men topple over, but he was sure-footed as always.

"I hope our fighter doesn't go up against anyone too tall," Serenity said. "Look at poor Endymion towering over him."

Her mother smiled. "You don't have to be as tall as Endymion to be strong, Serenity."

"I know, he just doesn't look all the powerful next to him, that's all."

"Well, it's hard to look powerful next to Endymion," her mother teased.

Serenity glared at her mother. "Would you stop?"

Her mother laughed. "Why should I? Is it not my right as a mother to tease my daughter about her crush."

"I have no 'crush' on Endymion, mother. He's my friend, that is all."

"He is a very handsome friend."

Serenity sighed dramatically. "Endymion!" She called loudly, stopping their practice. When he looked over she waved her hand for him to come toward her and her mother.

"You're impossible," her mother breathed in amusement.

Endymion jogged up to them, looking like he hadn't just spent hours training. He had a way of moving that was graceful and controlled. Wherever he'd come from, it was clear he'd been born to fight.

"Your majesty," he said, bowing his head to the queen respectfully.

"Endymion," the queen said in response, amusement in her voice as she nodded her head to acknowledge his respect.

"My mother thinks that I'm standing here ogling you," Serenity said bluntly.

Endymion leaned against the fence with a cocky smile. "Don't you usually?"

"I said you were taller than her fighter."

"That sounds like ogling to me," he said, grinning at the queen, who laughed and raised an eyebrow at her daughter.

Serenity glared at him. "I called you over here to defend me, not side with her."

"Oh, my apologies," he said in a mock tone. "Admiring my height certainly is not the same as ogling."

Serenity crossed her arms and glared at him. "Admiring?"

"Well you said I couldn't agree you were 'ogling'"

She threw up her hands in defeat. "Fine, he's dreamy, mother. Are you happy? Sign the marriage documents, I'll walk down the aisle tomorrow. And you!" She said, pointing at Endymion. "You're going to regret this. Now get back to work!"

Still smiling, he bowed to the queen again, who smiled back at him a little indulgently, and he ran back to his work.

"I thought that went well," the queen smiled.

"No one understands me," Serenity sighed dramatically, making her mother laugh as they turned back towards the palace.

"I know dear, how awful."

"You really shouldn't tease him, I think he's in love with me."

"Naturally," her mother said.

Serenity's lifted her chin in defiance.

But the queen just shook her head, smiling into the sunshine.

The next moment Serenity felt her mood shift into happiness again, and she beamed at her mother happily. "Do you have time today?"

"For you, I always have time."

"Maybe we can convince Endymion to let us ride his new horses."

"If he thinks them unsafe..."

Serenity rolled her eyes. "Don't you think it strange that he dictates so much around here? You are the queen, after all. If we want to ride the new horses, we are allowed."

"I trust him," she said softly to her daughter. "Of all the people in our kingdom, Endymion has my full and complete faith. As I know he does for you. Every action he takes is to protect this kingdom, so if he allows you to ride a horse that throws you to the ground and ruins your beautiful face, I can only assume it's best for the kingdom."

Serenity giggled. "He would totally do that."

"No, he certainly wouldn't," she said. "We'll take Lady and Silver if you want to go riding. They are beautiful horses."

"Are you sure you have time?"

"My darling, one day you will have children, and you will watch them grow so fast it will make you understand how precious every moment is. Spending time with them is not a chore, and the kingdom will always wait."

The kingdom of Luna was beautiful in a way other kingdoms lacked. Right between the dry and wetlands, they were nestled perfectly between the ocean and the mountains, creating a landscape lush and beautiful while warm and sunny. The flowers were out now, plump and colourful all along the countryside. Birds danced in the air. The sweet smell of summer was all around them, and the world took on a serene laziness that made everyone smile.

On their beautiful horses, Serenity and her mother rode past farms and homes, smiling at anyone they passed. Children played in the brooks and streams, chasing frogs and faeries. The workers in the fields stood to wave, and the crops grew tall and full.

"We are blessed this year," her mother said, admiring the land.

Serenity smiled. "I can't imagine how things would be better if we win the games. Is it possible to have more?"

"I'm not sure, my darling."

"What was it like when we last won?"

"I was a little girl," her mother answered. "I remember the celebrations as clearly as if they were yesterday. Beautiful cakes and treats were available for days. I was sick for a week, recovering from all that sugar."

"And was the land prosperous?"

"Indeed it was. Sickness was lessened to almost nonexistence. Our crops were strong, our waters clean, but most importantly our borders were safe."

"Is it mystical?"

"I'm not sure, my dear. But it certainly is something worth fighting for. As a ruler, our job is to protect and provide for our people. Winning the games means our base needs will be taken care of, and instead we can focus on much-needed expansion for the future."

Serenity looked around. They hadn't won the game's in a few cycles, but they never came in last, so they enjoyed their own prosperity. Her mother had made sure they were protected and healthy. There was a reason the people smiled and waved as they passed. Their Queen was well loved.

"I'm nervous this year," Serenity said.

"It is because we stand a real chance of winning. It makes things tense."

"Did you not think we would win last time?"

"I always have hope. But being realistic is a strength. I've looked at the fighters chosen by our neighbours. They are all strong, but most have gone for brute strength. We have speed and intelligence on our side. A smart man can beat a brute every time."

"And we have Endymion."

Her mother smiled teasingly at her daughter. "Yes, we do."

"Don't start," Serenity warned.

Her mother laughed. "We were blessed the day he came to us. Wherever his past took place, it made him special."

"Doesn't it bother you, that we don't know where he's from?"

"Does it bother you?"

Serenity shook her head. "I don't care, but I'm not Queen yet."

"One day Serenity you will rule this kingdom, and you will look at the people around you and realize that those most loyal are the ones who choose to stay, not those forced. Endymion came to us and we gave him a home, and so he chooses his loyalties."

It made sense to her. But somehow she just couldn't imagine leaving the place she'd been born and finding loyalty somewhere else. But then again she was happy, raised surrounded by love. Perhaps if that were different… it made her uneasy, to think of what he might have endured to make a man like him run from his home.

"He's been working hard lately. I've invited him for dinner."

Serenity sighed. "Will you promise not to tease me in front of him?"

"Of course, my darling."

"Don't you think my daughter looks lovely tonight."

Serenity put her cutlery down hard on her plate. "Mother, please!"

Endymion laughed. "She looks perfect, as usual, your majesty," he said, then turned to actually look at her. "Well, maybe she looked prettier yesterday."

Serenity threw her napkin at him. He easily caught it and pretended to use it to take some invisible food off his lips. Then he handed it back to her. She crossed her arms and refused to take it.

"I don't know why you make fun. You're going to make him think he can marry me. He'll be heartbroken," she said.

Endymion sighed. "I think everyone at this table knows it's all in good fun, Serenity."

"It is," the queen said, cutting her food. "We're only preparing you to forcefully refuse to marry who we want, and instead pick the worst prince you can find."

She frowned at her mother's' words and looked away. A prince. She had to marry a prince. Only she'd met every prince in the seven kingdoms, and they were all horrid, spoiled young men who all thought she would marry them without a second thought.

She hated thinking about it. She wasn't old enough to think about it seriously yet, but it was getting closer and closer every day. Her heart fluttered nervously, and suddenly she had no appetite.

Under the table, when her mother turned to speak to someone else, he took her hand.

Serenity felt a heavy weight on her then and held his hand tightly back. They'd talked about it, her future. Endymion was her one true friend in this world. He understood why her future frightened her. It's why he'd always teased her about it, to keep her mind off of her actual choices. At least, that's what she told herself.

"You can have my dessert if you want," he whispered to her softly.

She smiled up at him, his stormy blue eyes soft and kind.

"I knew I could convince you to give it to me. You're so easy. A pout, maybe a tear."

"If you cry, I'll give you my dessert for a week."

She grinned. "Softie."

Serenity's father had been a good and wonderful king. When he lay dying, he'd looked at his beautiful wife and known in his heart Luna could have no better ruler. His dying wish was that she should be left to rule instead of the next male in line to the throne. With a shaky hand, he'd signed the royal decree.

When Serenity married, her husband would be king, and she would take a step back. If she never married she would rule alone, but then her royal line would die out without any children. The only choice was to marry a second or third son, one who would not inherit his own throne so she could remain in Luna.

Beside her on the balcony, Endymion bit into an apple.

"You're always eating," she teased him.

"I'm always moving," he said back. "You train all day and see how hungry you are."

Each day he worked with the soldiers and her mother's chosen fighter. She couldn't imagine the physical work he did all day. No wonder Endymion's frame was strong and sturdy, but slim and well-formed. He was much taller than everyone around him. The people of Luna were not traditionally tall. And none of them had his physique.

"Do you think he stands a chance?" She nodded towards the fighter, asking the same question her mother's advisor had asked the day before. Everyone wanted to know.

He nodded. "I do. He's young, but he's fast and strong. If he faces someone larger, he'll know how to use his strengths."

She watched Endymion as he looked up to the stars. The games were a very serious time. To be crowned winner meant prosperity for seven years. Losing was not ideal, but as long as they didn't come in last they would be fine. To come in last gave you the curse of the first selfish king and sent darkness across the kingdom. It was shameful to come in last.

Thankfully, Luna had never come in last. Normally they came in second or third.

"Did you ever think to enter?" She asked.

Endymion shook his head. "Seven years ago I was too young. Now, I know better."

She laughed. "Too young, then too old. But you would do well, I know you would."

He smiled at her. "The games are not just about choosing the right fighter," Endymion said. "The fighter has to choose their ruler."

She frowned. "You wouldn't fight for my mother?"

"I love and respect our queen," he said carefully. "But part of the test is to prove loyalty for your kingdom trumps all others in your life. It may be selfish on my part, but there are things I would give up my kingdom for. I may not pass the test of loyalty, not unless the ruler was…" he looked at her.

She looked away, feeling like he was about to say something he probably shouldn't. Her heart fluttered, and for a moment, the silence hung between them.

"Seven years from now, I'll definitely be too old," he said with a smile.

"I don't know, the fighter from Terra this year is older than Raye's grandfather."

"But he is a man made for war. He has won many battles. He will be a tough opponent for us."

"What if we lose?"

"Then we lose," he said. "As long as we don't come in last, it doesn't matter."

"But last doesn't mean instant danger, does it? All that my mother has built will still be here."

His gaze was always so calm, his answers honest, even when he knew he'd frighten her. "Unfortunately even her hard work would not stand up to the darkness. Last place means that there is no protection around our borders. Our people would be open to attack. Armies would come to loot the cities, our crops would die, or people would starve... a lot of people would die."

She shuddered. "And there is always a loser."

He nodded. "Yes, there always is."

She looked away, back up at the stars. "Mother says all the kingdoms will come together for the games. That means all my suitors will be in one place for me to choose. She's given me a list."

He nodded and looked away as well. "You're still young, you don't have to choose right away."

"But I would be a fool not to start looking. I should choose someone I like. If I wait until I'm older, I will choose based on desperation."

He said nothing to that.

She swallowed, feeling something like disappointment she tried to squash. "You will ride with us to Herion?"

"Of course," he said. "Someone has to keep you out of trouble."

She laughed. "You'll never succeed."

"I know."

Serenity knew he was watching her like he often did. His gaze quiet and calm, looking for something she was afraid he'd find. But he said nothing, and she pretended she didn't notice just like she always did.

End of Chapter One. Stay tuned! Chapter two should be on it's way soon!