Seeking You

Chapter 1

A wise woman once told me that there are many paths for one to travel on a river, but one will always find themselves going in one of two directions, up or down. She asked me which direction I would choose. To go back from where I came from, or to go forward into the new world. Being young and oblivious to the world around me, I told her I would go forward and face anything life would throw at me. She gave me that old lady smile of "knowing." Maybe she had chosen the same answer as I when she didn't have laugh lines around her eyes and smile. Now, being in her shoes, I will tell you what she did not have the nerve to tell me.

You will have many choices in your youthful life. Simple questions like, will you wake up early today, or sleep in to the chirping birds out the window? There will also be difficult answers you must choose. Today will you give up your whole existence for another in a blink of an eye? In this world, the human domain has become tangled and knotted. So many holes, and not enough pieces to fill them. Within these holes evil has grown in the shadows, and who will save us from this destruction? Who will step up to such a responsibility, and take upon their shoulders the Universe?

Through my travels, I have discovered that there is a handful of those who are willing. However, only a few of those in my hand have the power to save us. They wield a source seen to all, but not truly known by all. This potential energy has shown through out history to start wars, and win wars. It can make a country prosper to the heavens, and it can make it suffer to the depths of hell. One can use it to break families apart, but also contains the same ability to glue one together. It can push a person so far as to give up one's will, and to sacrifice one's life. This immeasurable power goes by the universal name of Love.

I have sought out two beings who must question their own ability to love, as well as ask upon one another to accept a fate – their path down river. In the end I believe they will be victorious, although it has yet to be revealed what their life force and love will do for the future and life balance of the Galaxy.

- Anonymous

Princess Serenity knelt down and smelled a nearby red rose with the morning dew still clinging onto the pedals. She had been waiting for more than an hour for her sailor soldiers to join her in the Moon Palace Gardens, but remembering that patience was a sign of a good leader she wasn't going to complain. On the more positive side, the weather was warm, and there was a slight breeze from the west. Wispy white cotton clouds filled the sky, and the surrounding greenery helped her mind stay at bay from the growing anxiety at the bottom of her chest. Serenity continued walking down the stone path towards the old green house that had been remodeled into a parlor. Entering the glass dome, the rich amber air touched her skin and adorned it with its scent of vanilla and a mix of lily. While situating herself on a seat pad in front of a mosaic table, Rei and Makoto walked in discussing the new fighting tactics the new recruits would be learning. Seconds later Mina strutted in holding the latest fashion magazine pointing out models to a flustered Ami. It had become old news that Ami was never wearing stylish clothing to court, and Mina was always trying to drag her to the mall every few weeks.

Finally, everyone was seated and tea was served. Private conversations ceased. The relaxed and calm expression on Princess Serenity's face faded, and was replaced with the seriousness of the information she was told earlier that morning.

"The first thing on today's agenda is going to be quite a surprise to everyone. The day we have been dreading has finally come. The Queen, my mother, has finally announced the day for the 'visit'."

Shock, surprise, and confusion spread across the young girls' faces. Tea cups stood frozen in mid-air.

"No.. not yet! It can't be, you have just come of age only a week ago!" exclaimed Mina popping off of her cushion. Regaining balance she asked, "What did you say? I can't believe the council is actually going through with it! The paparazzi is going to have a field day!"

"I felt like I knew pebbles were falling from the sky, and then it turned out to be a boulder smashing me into the ground. I was expecting her to ask about the upcoming banquets, or how my studies have been coming along," replied the Princess. Taking a deep breath, and slowly exhaling she continued. No use acting like a crazed teen, it was time for her to grow up.

"It makes sense though. Now that I have had time to reason with my sanity. The rumors we have been hearing that terms with the Earth Kingdom have been shaky are quite closer to the truth then we had imagined. Our people's support for the alliance have been dwindling, and in the next years to come trade and commerce might deplete completely. This would be detrimental to all the systems in this Galaxy, and so the Queen and the council have decided to push the date forward, and to have me meet him."

"How soon are they planning to move it? I mean, how can they expect you to marry the Prince of the Earth Kingdom if you don't even know him?" asked Rei. "You haven't even seen a picture of the royal highness! I can just picture it now how the court will be buzzing with this news. Sending off the only daughter of the King to a foreign land just a few weeks after her 18th birthday. It is absolutely absurd."

"You all must stay calm, for my sake. You can all stay rest assured, the council doesn't plan to jump ahead to a wedding. They are trying to be somewhat fair, if we could call it that. I'm sure the Prince isn't happy with the situation either. We've all heard the rumors about his non-traditional opinions on the subject of love. He will not accept this marriage easily. Anyway, the matter is out of our jurisdiction. The date has been set to depart in two days for the Earth Kingdom." The Princess crossed her legs, and moved her cold tea cup to the right. This was a common habit that the Princess was done discussing the topic at hand.

The council was a ruthless bunch of old royals. They grew up privileged, and thought they knew best for the Kingdom, and for the royal family. As much as Serenity wanted to have nothing to do with them, at least she could use their appeal to the public to her advantage for more time.

Ami meekly raised her teacup to her lips. She couldn't hold back her pertinent information any longer.

"My lady, I have something to confess. I actually knew all about today; even before you did. I had glimpsed at correspondence notes while I was making my usual rounds through the network, and caught a glimpse of the dispute. As you know, I like to keep myself busy, and I've been working on a plan. Unfortunately, I have been interrupted by Mina trying to dress me like the next Moon Doll, but I think it will be quite useful." Ami gave a side-ward demeaning glare in Mina's direction.

"It isn't my fault that I'm just trying to help you stay attractive for the bachelors at the social events we must attend. You are always too busy with your nose stuck in a book or on the web," Mina retorted.

"I'm not outright blaming you, I am actually about to thank you since you are the one who gave me the ingenious idea." Everyone started leaning towards the edge of their seat. How could anybody come up with a way to get out of the mess of an arranged marriage? Nobody had escape, no matter how hard they tried.

"Go on Ami, I am listening" Princess Serenity said with a raised eyebrow.

"Out of all the sailor soldiers, who do you think resembles you the most physically?" Ami waited a few moments for all the soldiers to ponder her question. "As I calculate, you all chose Mina. She isn't identical, but she could pass off as you. Especially if the Prince has only seen pictures of you, if he has seen anything at all."

"What are you trying to suggest?"

"What I am trying to say, your highness, is that you should switch places with Mina for the trip to the Earth Kingdom. This way you can see how the Prince acts, because he won't be treating you as the Princess, but Mina as one."

Princess Serenity's famous moon hair buns moved left to right with her head as she contemplated this idea. Would it work? This Prince could be stuck up and a complete chauvinist. That is what she always read about men in the Earth books, and watched in Earth dramas. They had no respect for women. It seemed that the women were always vying for the man's respect and opinion. This idea could work, and this would at least let her look around the Earth Palace as well as the city itself without all the attention of the royal court.

"It seems that Ami has given me the exact solution to our dilemma! I know I didn't give a lot of my time to thinking about this, but I don't have anytime to spend. We will start preparing Ami's plan immediately. There is a lot to do in the next two days if we are to be prepared for this 'boy' and his guardians."

A smile spread across Serenity's face. This trip wasn't going to be as bad she originally thought, it could actually be quite entertaining.

The guardians to the Prince of Earth had gathered in the royal library. They met there every morning at 9 am sharp to discuss the day's events as well as any gossip the Prince would be curious about. Zoisite was at the piano trying to finish his latest composition; Jadeite was inspecting and polishing his sword; Nephrite was sitting in his usual chair by the window staring at the passing clouds; and Kunzite was studying war tactics from a book he randomly picked from the shelves. All this was happening while the Prince was still in his bed lying on top of his covers with his eyes completely closed.

Sweat coated Endymion's whole body, and his head was filled with the hangover caused by last night's excursions. He barely remembered how he was able to make the journey back to his bed. Flashes of green velvet hallways, and his door were all that he could remember. Rolling over to look at the clock, the numbers resembled something way past the time he should have awoken. His guardians would be upset, but this was not unusual, they would just have to cope. They were his after all.

Groaning he turned to the other side of the bed. He sat up, and started looking around the room trying to focus his eyes. Rubbing them, he was able to get rid of the dryness and swollen feeling from his face. The room slowly became recognizable. Sort of. Everything was a mess! What had he been doing last night? Pants on the floor, and boxers on the doorknob. Oh-no, something happened last night that shouldn't have, he thought as he sat in his bed, tangled in his sheets. He couldn't even conjure a complete image of last night – and that wasn't good. A knock, which sounded like a sledgehammer hitting concrete, came from the door.

"Sir, it is time to get up. Your guardians are waiting in the library for you."

That would be his butler. Endymion got out of bed and started collecting items from around the room. Endymion quickly showered and dressed himself in his least formal attire, sweat pants and a worn t-shirt. Checking himself once over in the mirror he saw his usual reflection stare back at him. He still had the same broad shoulders, dark raven hair, and gray blue eyes. He considered himself in shape, but never wore the clothes to show it. Working out was the only thing he could do to keep his mind off his mother who passed away five years ago. Endymion returned to his room to try once again to remember anything at all, but nothing came to mind. He was too late to piece any of it out, and the whole situation was put on the back-burner for later. Maybe he could check his pockets for some evidence. Making his way out of the room, he headed down the palace halls toward the library.

"Looks like the Prince decided to grace us with his presence" announced Nephrite still gazing out the window. The piano playing stopped, book and sword set down.

"Good morning!" Endymion flashed his 'I know I did something bad' smile. "We have a lot to do today I'm guessing?" turning in Jadeite's direction. He was in charge of the day's schedule.

"Actually, we do. Have you heard the news yet? Looking at you, I'm assuming you haven't."

Scrunching his brows together Endymion replied, "If I had known such news, I would have brought it up. Why? What could have happened over one night?"

"You will have to put your other 'interests' on hold I'm afraid. The Moon Kingdom Princess is arriving tomorrow along with her four Sailor Soldiers. Your arranged marriage has been pushed forward by the King as of last night" Jadeite glanced at his notes; not wanting to make eye contact with the Prince.

Trying to zone out his enormous headache, and stay calm, the Prince took a seat in the leather chair closest to him. "Hmm... well it was bound to happen. I guess we could just call her 'fresh meat', but we all know what is happening this weekend, and I can't have that interrupted. So we will have to go with plan B, like we usually do when officials visit and I must be away.

"Prince! This is your future wife we are talking about, not just some ambassador from a visiting planet. You need to take this seriously" exclaimed Kunzite.

"I am taking everything seriously. Do you think a spoiled Princess is going to take priority over the project I've been working on since I was granted power from my father?" Raising an eyebrow, he stood back up and grabbed a snow globe of earth sitting on a nearby desk, a common habit of the Prince when he was in deep thought. The soldiers were silent. "Kunzite, you will take my place while the Princess and her companions are here. We will give them a tour, we will feed them, we will treat them like royalty, but that is all. Do you understand?"

The guardian nodded back, and slowly everyone returned to their activities. The Prince set down the snow globe, and sat back in his seat. Everyone knew the Prince had a hangover, and it was no use arguing with him until that evening.

However, that evening the Prince was nowhere to be found and the palace was too busy getting ready for the new arrivals to spare time to talk about such things.

Mina came out of the closet clothed in the royal dress that she would wear as the Princess. Serenity turned her finger in the air motioning for Mina to turn around for her. Mina's backside was not as toned as Serenity's and her shoulders were broader, but none-the less it would have to do. Mina was sent back into the closet, and Serenity turned towards her mom's messenger who had just walked into the room.

"What can I do for you?" questioned the Princess.

"The Queen is asking for your presence in her quarters as soon as you have the free time."

"Is that all?"

"Yes Princess." The man bowed and left the room.

What else did her mother have to add to the crazy day of events? Princess Serenity left a note for Mina on the table, and headed towards her mother's quarters.

"Serenity! I didn't expect you to come so quickly." The Queen rose to give her daughter a warm embrace. "I've heard that you've been busy trying on clothes, and making it look like we are going to war. Are you planning on giving away some of your garments?" the queen asked taking a seat and sipping a glass of water.

Those nosy servants. They must have been eaves dropping for her mom, and it seems they had been reporting on her. Serenity would keep her cards concealed until her mother forced her hand.

"You could say we are preparing for war, but we are just... trying to figure out what we should wear to the Earth Kingdom. I want to look my best for that stuck up Prince and all." It wouldn't hurt to throw some sarcasm in there, it's not like her mom thought she was ready for marriage anyways.

"You've always had a bite of whit on the end of your tongue. I simply don't see what the problem is with your generation these days. All the people your age think that true love will conquer all, and that you will eventually meet your soul mate. You must learn Serenity! That is not how the world works. I'm going to have to send the guards to clear out all those crazed fortune tellers and psychics if they are ruining our youth."

"Mother, I've heard you say that a thousand times" taking a seat next to the Queen. The Queen picked up an album, and opened it. This album was very familiar to Serenity. It was filled of pictures from her childhood. Her mother knew how to push her buttons.

"Mom, many things have changed since your time. People are living longer, and the young adults are expected to deal with the reality of the world earlier. You always say, 'We are just human, but we will always have free will.' Just last week at a college you spoke of 'all are equal.' How can you expect me to fall in love with a man I don't even know? I mean, we will be running two of the most powerful governments in the Galaxy. Don't you think we should at least have some sort of affection for each other before we marry?"

"Serenity, nothing has changed. I had an arranged marriage with your father." She ran her finger over the King's face as if she could actually reach out and caress his cheek with her own hand. "I loved your father very much. Of course this didn't come until later, but he was a caring man. He was fair, level-headed, his ideals just, and most of all he gave me you. Don't you see; I am only trying to look out for you? Serenity, we are royal. We are not the people. We are treated with riches and respect, but in return we must serve the people. This marriage is for the good of the people." She looked deep into Serenity's blue sky eyes. The eyes Serenity received from her father.

"You say father was a good ruler, but what if this Prince of Earth isn't? You haven't even met him yet. He could become a tyrant! Can't I have some say if I want no part in this marriage?"

"I have met this boy. We were introduced a few years before you were born. Endymion was a gentle boy, and he knew how to treat his superiors even though he was only four-years old. I have no qualms about his soul, and his intentions. Although, I will admit, a lot can change in 19 years. I know you will already try to use that in your argument. So I will make a deal with you my daughter. If you find this Prince unworthy of ruling a Kingdom, then you must present proof, and I will reconsider this marriage."

"Mother, I don't think I have ever loved you more!" Serenity jumped up and hugged her mother. Her gesture was sent back with only a smile, and a pat on the back. The Queen could never deal with her daughter being upset.

"There must be proof though. No proof, no cancellation of this wedding."

"Of course mother" Serenity left the room to spread the word to her soldiers. It wouldn't be that hard to find evidence of a bad ruler. Especially if she wasn't even going as herself.

Mina's hair was being pulled this way and that. It felt like there wouldn't be a hair left on her head after this hair-do. How does the Princess do this every day? She thought. Make-up had been applied an hour earlier, and she still had to put on the royal dress laid out on the bed. Serenity's side of the plan wasn't half as hard as hers. All she had to do was put her hair up in a high ponytail, and dress herself in Mina's sailor soldier uniform.

Endymion straightened his silver jacket. Who had come up with this ridiculous plan to dress up as a guardian? Oh-ya, his. How could he have been so dumb, this would never work. Kunzite had long, almost white hair, and he had to be a few inches taller. The whole staff had been told about the change happening over the next few days, but how were they going to be able to trick the Princess? If she didn't notice, then she truly had to be dumb, or she never read up on her history of the Earth Kingdom. Which would mean she was ignorant, or she was just plain lazy. How pitiful. At least he wouldn't have to deal with her. That was Kunzite's job from here on out. Why should he doubt himself? Everything was going to work out just fine.

There was no time for anxious pacing when the Princess and her soldiers arrived. The Earth palace had just finished the final preparations for their arrival while Endymion was walking down the staircase toward the welcoming area at the door with his guardians. Kunzite was still trying to straighten his tie, and the tie was being most stubborn indeed.

"Stop fusing with the bloody thing, nobody will notice! Unless you keep fiddling with it," ordered Jadeite.

"I know, I know!" Kunzite put his hands by his side, and tried his best to replace his stressed face with a calm gentleman's look. He was still worried that he wouldn't make it through the next three days courting the Princess. He was trained to protect the Prince, not woo a lady. Why couldn't one of the other guardians have taken the Prince's place, they all new he had no luck with the ladies.

The bell announcing the guests' arrival rang, and the main hall went silent. The void was quickly filled with anxiety and stress. The five ladies strode in through the large wide doors. Princess Serenity, Mina, led her soldiers into the open area with grace and prestige. She examined the guardians and Prince from head to toe. The Prince was broad shouldered, and he looked wary but bold in his suit. His hair was so long that it passed his shoulder and was as white as snow. Hello handsome! But she had to keep herself from making her immediate attraction to the man so apparent. The lie would be uncovered if she slipped up too easily.

Kunzite looked straight into the Princess's eyes. He always believed that eyes revealed what made up the soul. From what he could tell the Princess's eyes were kind, but something in them made him concerned. Something was not right. Maybe she felt out of place? She was visiting a new planet after all. Plus, she was still young. Young... and gorgeous. Her body type was just how he imagined it would be. She was built strong like a warrior, yet she was delicate like a dancer. She was wearing a white gown that was tight in the upper torso and waist, but then flowed around her legs. Her hair was down in loose blonde curls, and her crescent moon shined from the light streaming in from the windows. The Prince made a deep bow and welcomed the girls to the Earth Kingdom. The guardians followed with their own bows and greetings, and the Princess and her soldiers responded with curtsies and gratitude.

Endymion's eyes quickly drifted from the Princess to the soldiers, and then to the tile work on the floor. The counting of tiles had started. 1... 2... 3... He just wanted the next few days to run by. The Princess looked 'plain' and he could tell she was trying to impress the Prince because her mother had ordered her to. All this to make an alliance 'yadda yadda yadda' ..4 ..5 ..6.

Serenity glanced around the great hall with speculation and wonder. Greek pillars lined the hall. They looked like it kept the ceiling from falling in on them, but they were so tall she wondered how the staff cleaned cobwebs all the way up there. Her eyes then shifted to the large windows. They reached just as high as the pillars, and they were so clear she almost had thought there was nothing there. The architecture interested her. She hadn't read anything that suggested that Earth had acquired any magical abilities yet, so how did they build such a palace? Much less keep it clean and stable. Her eyes finally looked towards the bowing Prince. Mmm... he could fulfill the "Whole Package" look, but she was already more fascinated with the building instead of the people in it. That had to be a sign. Looking to the real Venus she noticed her gaze. She knew that look all too well. Venus had already set her eyes on the Prince and was probably undressing him by now.

"Ladies! We have planned a tour of the Palace grounds, but I am sure you are all tired from the trip here. So instead we will show you to your rooms to unpack and rest. Following will be a short tour of the grounds, and then dinner" announced Nephrite.

Kunzite took a step towards the Princess. Why was his heart beating so fast? Odd, he wasn't expecting his body to act this way towards her! She wasn't even his! Breathe Kunzite! He took another step, and his body was back to 100% functionality. He offered her his arm, she of course accepted, and they walked towards their rooms with guardians and soldiers following close behind.

All the halls were as tall as the entrance was, but narrower. Pieces of art lined the hallways, and through every window was the perfect scene of the gardens surrounding the palace. Serenity and her guardians were escorted to two large doors made out of what looked like jade. The doors were pushed open, and they were welcomed with a gigantic room in the shape of a octagon. There was wood flooring with silk oriental rugs. Vintage chairs, bookcases, and anything else you could think of to keep a girl satisfied were situated around the large space. Roses were in all the vases around the room, and a wall sized mirror rested against one side of the octagon room. There was also another unique thing about this room, as the Prince explained to the ladies while pointing up. Following his finger you could see the ceiling was made completely out of glass. You could see the clouds during the day, and the stars and moon at night. From the lounging room there were five doors connected to individual rooms. Inside of these, were Queen sized beds, a huge walk-in closet.. not that the girls brought enough clothes to actually fill them.. and another door that lead to the bathrooms. Once again, roses filled all these rooms. Serenity was curious to know if the Prince knew if these were her favorite flowers. Was he trying to win her over already? Roses would not attract a Princess's heart so easily!

The Prince and his guardians finally left the Princess and her soldiers to themselves. Serenity quickly slipped out of Venus's uniform. Her guardians were all unpacking or trying to take a nap.

"Where do you think you're going?" Rei questioned Serenity.

"You can't expect me to stay here the rest of the day? The 'Princess's soldier' has got to scout out the grounds as well as the city!" Serenity replied opening the jade door. "And... while I"m gone, will you please tell Mina not to act so nice towards the Prince. I don't want him thinking he's winning the battle or anything." She closed the door behind her, and tried to remember how to exit from the labyrinth of halls. She made sure to cover her crescent moon, and to wear casual commoner clothing, which included a hooded cape as her disguise.

Endymion had one leg swinging over the railing of the patio outside his bedroom. His hand grasped for the large willow tree branch readying his body for the transfer of weight. After crawling a ways down, and jumping onto the neatly mowed grass he headed for the gates. Just like Serenity, he too was disguised in case he bumped into any unwanted onlookers. He already had wasted enough time in the Palace over the past few days. It was time to run a few errands and to get his mind cleared of the marriage that would probably trap and eventually smother the remainder of his life.

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of Seeking Love. I have actually been working on this fanfic since 2000. I keep revising and revising. Any reviews (positive or negative) are always helpful. This chapter was setting up the outline for the story, and you can expect much more to come in the following chapters.

Thank you for reading :D