Prince Endymion moved through the forest silently. It had been a year since he had last been on Earth, and he knew it would be wise to stay cautious.

There had been a war in the Negaverse started by a group of rebel youma. They had finally gotten sick of Queen Beryl's unreasonable and unrelenting orders, and had taken a stand. Beryl could have wiped them out on her own if she had wanted, but instead she had gotten all of her still loyal followers to do it for her. It was more entertaining for her that way. Having her strongest remaining general and Endymion on her side, she had had a great advantage against the rebels. They had been completely wiped out, but not before taking a big chunk out of their opposition. It had taken a while to re-build the dark forces in the Negaverse, but they were finally back to their former glory. Now, Queen Beryl was ready to show the world's inhabitants that they belonged to her. She had sent Endymion to Earth to find a suitable place to cross her army over to invade.

After training with the last general and fighting in the war against the rebels, Endymion had changed. He was stronger then before, and looked it although he still had a lean figure. His black hair was long enough that it slightly hung into his eyes, but he neither cared nor noticed. By just glancing into his dark blue eyes you could see the cunning and knowledge he now had. He moved silently and with greater agility then you would expect from a man his size.

As Endymion moved through the trees and approached a clearing, he suddenly heard some kind of music coming from ahead of him. Odd. That tune sounds familiar. Walking out into the open, he came upon a girl standing with her back to him at the edge of a lake. Curious as to what she was doing there, he silently walked around her and stopped barely a foot in front of her.

Her head was down and the rising moon shone in her hair, making it seem like silver flowing with gold. He gave her figure a cursory glance, noticing that her kimono did little to hide that she had an attractive body. Serena lifted her face towards the moonlight and sighed, but her eyes remained closed. She lifted one hand to her cheek and wiped away a solitary tear. Prince Endymion stared, absolutely floored. Could it really be… Shocked, he peered at her intently. "Sailor Moon," he murmured.

Serena's eyes flew open in surprise. "D…Darien?" she choked out. Fresh tears filled her eyes as recognition, hope and painful reality came crashing down around her.

"My name is Prince Endymion, and you will address me as such," he stated flatly. "It's been a while, Sailor Moon."

"Darien, you still don't…" Serena broke off, and after a moment she began to sob brokenly. Her locket fell from nerveless fingers as she covered her face with her hands.

Endymion looked at her, confused by her outburst. After a few seconds confusion faded and was replaced by disgust. "What kind of warrior cries? I thought you were supposed to be the 'champion' of justice?" He shook his head. "You've always been weak Sailor Moon. Queen Beryl will be pleased once I get rid of you." Drawing his sword, Endymion took a step back.

Serena's hands dropped and she looked at Endymion helplessly. He wore elegant armor and a long cape. She vaguely remembered the outfit from the Silver Millennium. He had become more muscular and held his sword with experience. His black hair looked silky and his blue eyes stared ruthlessly into hers. Serena logically recognized that he had changed, but couldn't help remembering him the same way a few years ago.

"Darien." She trembled. "It's me, Serena. Please…you have to remember me!"

"Enough games Sailor Moon." Endymion lifted his sword, ready to strike her. "Goodbye."

"No!" she screamed. Her hand lunged out and fastened on his wrist. Tears started to flow down her cheeks freely. "You don't mean that!" Her fingers were cold and Endymion was surprised by her strength. "Please," she whispered. "Remember me. I love you Darien, please remember."

"Like I said before, my name is Endymion. As for love…it doesn't exist. Only a weak warrior like you would disillusion themselves into believing in such utter nonsense." He paused, his eyes locked on hers and a sneer distorting his mouth. "Even if love was real, I would never have anything but contempt for you."

Serena drew her hand from his wrist as if she had been burned. She shook her head slowly as a small sob escaped her lips. Without warning, she turned and ran into the forest.

Prince Endymion stood, staring after her in surprise. The tune from the locket snapped him out of is thoughts and he slowly put his sword away. He picked it up and watched the crescent moon as his fingers brushed against the swirling piece of gold. His vision blurred, and suddenly he was looking at something else entirely.

"You must leave Endy. It's too dangerous here. Everyone from earth is considered an enemy. Even you." The small girl in his arms bravely forced back the tears, hugging him tighter. "Please…I couldn't bare it if you-" She was cut off as he lifted her chin and leaned down, gently kissing her lips.

"Shh," he whispered. "It's alright Serenity. Don't worry about me." He pulled her closer in his arms. "I'll never leave you. I love you."

His vision faded and the first scene was replaced by a second.

He laughed at the sight the young girl made. She was sprawled on the sidewalk rubbing her head and groaning in pain.

"Haven't you learned to walk yet, Meatball Head?" he chuckled.

Serena glared at him and slowly got to her feet. "My name is Serena. And don't you have anyone else to annoy?" Her face was red as she glared up at him.

"Come on Meatball Head, you know you're my favorite victim," he teased. If she had been paying closer attention, she would've caught the affection evident in his voice and the love in his eyes.

The second scene faded and a third began to form.

"Watch out!" Sailor Moon screamed. "No!" She rushed to the fallen man and pulled him into her lap. "Tuxedo Mask!" Tears fell from her panicked eyes.

"It's up to you now to get the crystals," he said, his voice filled with pain. Sailor Moon nodded. Raising a hand as if to touch her, he stopped and his eyes saddened. "And…I want you to know that I've always been on your side and always will be." His hand dropped back to his side and he began to lose consciousness.

Sailor Moon clutched him tighter to her. "Tuxedo Mask no, please don't go," she whispered. He wanted to stay conscious, to tell her he loved her, but as the darkness crept in, he knew it couldn't be.

Endymion shook his head, trying to clear away the visions. Where did that come from? He looked at the locket. It was…something from my past. She was in all three memories. He looked into the woods. I have to find her. I have to know what's going on. Without fully understanding why, he started after the girl.

TO BE CONTINUED