AN: I didn't think I'd write anymore, but I was bored today so… Here is chapter two. It's short again, but I thought it was best to leave the chapter off at this point… Enjoy.

Selene's Promise

Chapter Two: Dark Secrets

"He's dead," Sailor Mercury stated, after having checked the man's pulse. She turned him over onto his back and continued to inspect him. "Burned alive, it seems. No doubt at the hands of the evil Queen."

Serenity stood frozen to her spot, her hand still pressing her nose closed to avoid the smell that filled the room. Sailor Jupiter and Mars positioned at her side, prepared for any more surprises.

Sailor Venus stepped closer to the dead body and gave it a strange look. She turned to Mars, "What planet is he from? He doesn't look Lunarian."

Mars looked at her captain startled, "Ah, of course. Give me a minute." Closing her eyes, she focused on looking into the dead man's memories. The harder she tried to look into them, the more tired she became, and she sensed a presence pushing her out of his mind.

"It seems the enemy has placed a block on his mind, I cannot find out anything," as she explained she closed her eyes again, sensing if any other presence was in the room. Sensing nothing she turned to look at her fellow senshi. "We are safe for now; the enemy hasn't infiltrated the palace. Let's move the body."

"No," was the simple order Queen Serenity gave. Her guard stared at her in shock.

"But your Highness…" Sailor Venus began, but Serenity silenced her with her hand.

"He is not dead," she whispered, finally removing her hand from her nose. "I shall look after him, you are excused." The senshi looked ready to refuse, but Serenity gave them a hard stare that told them not to question her.

"We shall be just beyond the door should you need us," Mars said with a bow, and the senshi reluctantly left the room.

Serenity turned back to the man on her floor and sighed. She walked slowly over to him and sat down. Placing a hand on his forehead, she released a small amount of energy and the man's eyes gradually opened. A golden glow immediately surrounded his body, and Serenity looked on knowingly.

"So she has already spread to the Earth as well," it was a statement more than a question, but the man replied with a nod anyways. She hesitated, but then continued, "Endymion… I'm sorry."

Even with the added power of Serenity, Endymion was still weak, his power focused on healing his wounds. He opened his mouth, but was unable to speak. Serenity was patient, still releasing an even amount of energy to help him heal.

Endymion's mouth opened and closed a few more times and then, "It's not your fault. Neither of us could have expected this, could have imagined…" His voice faded, and his breathing became ragged. Serenity began to smooth his hair and lowered her face to his. He could see tears in her eyes, and he wished he had the strength to wipe them away for her.

"I will continue to live and fight this evil, so long as you stay by my side," she whispered before planting a small kiss on his eyelids. In his mind, he promised her to do the same.

Countless planets had fallen under the strength of her army. Countless civilians, soldiers, royalty, and yet Queen Beryl was not satisfied. She had conquered everything except for the Moon. She took pride in the fact that even that victory was close. Surprisingly, it was Queen Serenity herself who allowed that victory to be so close.

She was foolish, foolish enough to sacrifice herself to place a barrier around the Moon. Millions of Queen Beryl's youma had been destroyed in the creation of the barrier, and the few that survived waited patiently behind the Moon's barrier for instructions. However, a million more youma waited to join the fight and Queen Serenity had underestimated Beryl's power. To her, the barrier was a false sense of security for the Moon. She was certain that with the added power of Metallia she could break through its defenses with ease.

Yet her goal was more than just to overtake the entire solar system. Her real incentive to start this war was to kill the Moon Princess. For only the death of her creator could bring peace to her chaotic soul.

Beryl smiled sadistically as she stared into her crystal orb. "I guess I should thank her for the gift, don't you think Kunzite?" A man in a white cape bowed before her then vanished.

"Let it begin."

Venus fidgeted while waiting for some kind of explanation from her Queen. It had been two days since the strange man had appeared in the Queen's chamber, but she had yet to tell her guard exactly who he was. Today was the first time he accompanied her to dinner, and he looked as though he had never been injured, not to mention close to death. The senshi knew the Queen must have healed him, but wondered what significance this man held that she would use her own powers to do so. Surely the healers would have sufficed…

Noticing the increased agitation of her guard, Serenity finally obliged to their unasked question. "Forgive me for the late introduction. Our guest is none other than Endymion, Prince of Earth. Please make him feel welcome," her soft voice echoed in the large room.

"More accurately King of Earth," Endymion quietly added. Serenity caught his stare from the corner of her eye and gave a sad smile.

"Of course, my apologies," she nodded and then looked to her captain for a response. Sailor Venus looked appalled.

Mars was the first to speak, "Certainly this is a joke your Highness. It is well known that Queen Beryl came from the Earth, and that her allies are there." She gave Endymion a nasty glare before turning her attention back to Serenity.

"Though it is true the Queen came from Earth, she is not the Queen of Earth, nor is she recognized by the Earth's royalty. Also, it has been confirmed that she has brainwashed those who aid her," came Serenity's patient voice, but her face showed that she was disappointed with Mars' words.

"How can you be sure that this Earthling isn't feeding you lies?" Jupiter spat, also turning to glare at Endymion.

"That's enough!" Venus yelled, slamming her fist on the table. "We should listen to Serenity's reasoning before saying anything that we may regret," she sent a pleading look to Serenity. "Please tell us why you have accepted him into the palace."

Serenity hesitated before answering, "The Ginzuishou has recognized him as being an ally and I believe he can be of service during this war." The senshi automatically accepted her answer, and quickly apologized to Endymion. She felt guilty as they each bowed down, knowing that she couldn't tell them the whole truth. Not yet.

The next chapter should have more about Beryl and the other planets. It will give some insight on what started the war and exactly what has happened during it. Hmm… and Serenity and Endymion seem to know each other? Haha, I seem to have changed the direction I was going with this story (before they weren't going to know each other… would have made the story way different). Though now I seem to have a clearer view of what will happen. Hopefully you liked this chapter and will review (I need an incentive to keep writing cause I'm lazy).

Thanks to my reviewers!

Sparkling Moon Phoenix

TropicalRemix: It was obvious, wasn't it? Haha.