Disclaimer: Naoko Takeuchi owns Sailor Moon. When references are made to other fictional series or material, said material belongs to its respective owners.

Chance of a Millennium
By Tannim Murphy & Enigmatic Magus

Prologue: Queenie's Pity Party

Above the moon, the earth hung silent against a backdrop of stars. The barest hint of darkness on the edge of the world signified daylight as it slowly made its constant march across the planet below. Its green, brown and blue surface marred only by cloud formations high in the atmosphere, creating an overall tableau of peace and serenity.

"Serenity." The woman spoke with a hint of reproach in her voice. She stood tall in the highest tower of the Moon Palace, looking up towards the sky. "That's a hopeful name for a queen."

"Did you say something, your majesty?"

The woman bowed her head and silver hair cascaded down what was unarguably an unblemished, perfect face. Queen Serenity stayed silent a few seconds more, prompting worry from her escort.

Finally she spoke. "It's nothing, Luna. Just thinking aloud is all." Serenity turned to face her small companions, two Moon Cats named Artemis and Luna, who were sitting astride the balcony. "Do you know what serenity means, little ones?"

Artemis nodded. "It means peace, doesn't it?"

"Almost," Serenity replied. "It's true meaning is peace in the face of adversity."

She wouldn't admit it publicly, but the latest troubles her kingdom were suffering had taken a toll on her. It was all she could do to hold herself together and not break down and cry in front of her closest companions. A queen had to remain strong at all times, in the public eye or not. If the people got wind of her real state of mind, it would cause catastrophe on a system-wide scale. Faith in their queen had been what kept everyone optimistic all these years. If she were to falter....

Her hand strayed to the Silver Crystal, kept hidden on her person at all times. It was a great source of her power, a boon to her people, a granter of wishes, and yet... yet, even so, she was uncertain that even its mighty power would be enough for the days that lay ahead. She extracted the crystal from its resting place to hold it cupped lightly in her hands. A thumb rubbed it idly as she contemplated the future.

It was a future so bleak, she had ordered the construction of a great magical device that would be able to peer through time just to catch a glimpse of what was really going on. The signs of the day were pointing towards chaos, breakdown, and ruin; Serenity shuddered to imagine what would become of her beautiful kingdom if her concentration lapsed for but an instant in the face of all the adversity headed her way. It was a lonely position, made even lonelier by the fact that, while she had excellent advisers, she did not have anyone she could truly, freely confide her deepest thoughts to. The terrible, dark worries of her soul weighed heavily on her without any sort of release.

Unbidden, a single tear escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek. It hit the Silver Crystal squarely, causing it to resonate and shine with sudden power.

'All I want are some real, true friends. Is that too much to ask?'