I don't think there really is a need for another author's note, since I'm posting up the first few chapters again as normal with only slight modifications, but I guess it is habit.

Hopefully I'll get into a better habit and post more regularly. Just so you know guys, I have 25,000 words already written for this story, I thought it would be best to write it so that I don't decide to change things that happened in earlier chapters and have to repost again. Anyway I'm hoping that with me adding on the 25,000 I have written I WILL post regularly and not have to worry about running out of ideas.

Thanks a bunch people! :D

Chapter Two: Escape to Earth

By Fedski

As the tall white double doors began to open, Serenity took what she thought of as her last breath of freedom. As her name and title was called by the announcer she felt every eye in the room turn to her. Never did she feel so alone. Walking down the long flight of stairs she saw many people turn to one another and comment. She could hardly stand it; it was obvious what they were talking about. Her self-consciousness overwhelmed her and she quickened her pace. Trying to avoid any eye contact she looked straight ahead into the cerulean eyes of her mother seated on the throne.

"Announcing the arrival of her highness, heiress to the Moon Kingdom, Duchess of Imperia, Countess of the Silver Forests, Princess Serenity." Every eye turned to face the majestic beauty who now stood at the carved white doors. This ball was held in her honour, everyone knew that this ball was one which signified the soon to be coming out of the Moon Princess the following year. Queen Serenity stiffened as she saw her young daughter enter the room. Her fresh, happy face was plastered up into that of seriousness and duty. It pained her to see her once bubbly and bright daughter trapped in the solemn state she was in. As she thought these unhappy reflections, Serenity's eyes met her own. An unsaid message went between them.

"I'll make you proud mother. You'll see. I'm doing my best."

"I know you are my sweetheart, but I wish you didn't have to."

As if feeling her pain, her advisors gathered around her shielding her daughter from her view.

"Good luck my Serenity." She thought as the last of her advisors blocked out the stunning blonde. Serenity was truly on her own now.

The ball carried on and Serenity grew tired. She remembered her mother's words to her earlier.

"Serenity dear, just remember you can still have fun tonight."

She had sighed inwardly as her mother spoke, she knew already she could not enjoy this night anymore. She turned to look at the occupants of her circular table. The eight gorgeous females still sat there with her; none had left the table to dance although each had had numerous offers to do so, none of them wanted to leave her during this painful time. To people who didn't know her, the Princess looked graceful and resigned, just how a princess ought to act. But the eight young ladies knew better. They were her most trusted companions each sworn to protect her till death. They had been trained since their earliest days to fight on behalf of their princess. And yet, not only did they protect her from harm; they had become her friends, mentors and advisors. Each of these beautiful, tough, intelligent girls was also a princess. Each one devoted by their parents since birth to protect the daughter of the Moon Queen who had brought peace across the universe and created the era of harmony known as the Silver Millennium.

Serenity looked around her table and smiled at the sight of them. Each of her friends had developed the uncanny ability to look occupied with something else while keeping a close eye on her all the while. At times she had resented their constant vigilance, feeling like they were spies sent by her mother to befriend her. At those times she felt like she was truly alone, her mother realizing she needed more friends than bodyguards had told them to just let nature take its course and within days, each of the girls realized that although their mission was to protect her, they had come to respect and cherish her as a friend. With this new look on their relationship; guarding Serenity almost became a second life. The strong bonds which formed between them became unbreakable; they knew that if it came to it they would die for her even if it wasn't their duty.

"What's the matter kitten? You seem tired." Haruka asked softly, snapping Serenity back into reality, she looked across the table where the Senshi of the Wind sat.

"Yeah you've been awfully quiet for a while are you ok?" joined in Makoto.

"Yes, I am fine, thank you." Serenity replied. She really hoped they didn't pursue this conversation topic, she couldn't tell them how she felt right now, it was a mystery to her. The girls seemed to realize this and changed the topic.

"So Serenity, you haven't told us much about your early present..." hinted Ami with a big smile.

"Yeah that's right! You haven't told us anything about it!" said Minako rushing into the conversation. Grateful that her friends provided her with an escape she told them all about her birthday present she received earlier this week.

"He's a lovely steed, strong and steady. He's pure white with a silver mane; I named him Tama because he sparkles like a jewel." Sighing each of the younger girls stared dreamily into space wishing they could own such a horse.

"Have you ridden him yet?" Inquired Rei curiously.

Serenity nodded to her vehemently. "Yes, he's magnificent, I feel like I'm flying on the wind!" she said remembering her first ride with him.

"Is he fast?" asked Haruka bluntly. To her, speed was everything.

"Yes Haruka you'd love him, he's as fast as the wind!" Serenity confirmed turning to face her good friend's eyes.

Glad to see their princess once again happy for the while the girls smiled at each other across the table. They each knew in their hearts she was going to need them soon.

Queen Serenity inconspicuously studied her daughter. She was glad that her friends were able to cheer her up. She watched them from a distance and smiled when she saw her daughter laugh for the first time this evening. Turning her attention back to the conversation she was having with the Duke of Orion she hoped that Serenity would find happiness in life.

Prince Diamond released a nervous sigh and leaned against the majestic marble doors. He was finally going to formally meet the young Moon princess. For a year now he had been waiting –hoping- to receive an invitation for this ball, and finally that waiting had paid off. Smiling he remembered the day he received his invite. His brother and sometimes steward, Sapphire, had come to his bedroom early in the morning and had pulled open the curtains allowing buckets of sunshine into the room. He proceeded to cheerily greet the prince a good morning…

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"Good morning your highness! Lovely day, too lovely to spend it in bed, especially when one has so much to do today!"

"Shut up Sapphire!" He drawled sleepily. "If you know what's good for you, you'll turn around and leave right now!"

"Ahh but sire, you have so many wonderful things to do today! Tournaments, ceremonies, business deals!" Diamond had sat up and stared at his brother in disgust ready to blast his head off. He knew that Sapphire loved to call him 'majesty' and 'sire' to annoy him, the man was full of insufferable mischief. He couldn't believe that he was actually friends with this man at times. Then he noticed the smile playing on Sapphire's mouth and he stopped. His mind still fuddled with sleep he paused a moment, trying to understand the reason for that smile.

Sapphire was looking at him observing as the emotions marched across his face he smiled with satisfaction. It wasn't everyday someone had something to hold over the young prince and his majesty's face was priceless when there was.

Clearing his thoughts Diamond finally spoke. "What is going on Sapphire?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary your highness, you know, just business as usual and we have to get you ready."

"Sapphire stop playing with me, cut the highness crap and tell me! I know bloody well you wouldn't wake me up at this ungodly hour for just no reason, so tell me now." He had said the last line snarling at the man before him. Sapphire couldn't suppress the smile that appeared on his face. Diamond gave him a glare which Sapphire believed, was meant to kill.

"Tell me damn it!" he yelled.

"Your highness, you must calm down." Sapphire said slyly.

"Would you just tell me what's going on? I'll have you executed if you don't!" Sapphire assumed a hurt expression.

"Is that the thanks I get for coming up here early just to tell you a small little piece of information which may very well make your whole day, or even year?" Diamond had groaned to cover his curiosity; it didn't work, Sapphire saw exactly how much Diamond wanted to hear this news now and decided he could get a few more minutes of fun. "Well if you feel like that then I think I shall leave now." He turned and started walking out of the room.

"SAPPH-IRE!" Diamond had called in a whining tone. Sapphire had turned, look of sheer innocence plastered on his face.

"Yes Diamond?" He replied sweetly. Diamond's face crumpled, he knew that Sapphire wanted him to beg for the news.

"Will you please tell me what was so important?" he said, teeth grating.

"Oh, your majesty will find it trivial I am sure." He replied turning once again.

"Sapphire!" he had bellowed.

"Ok fine." Sapphire said as he returned to the bed side. "A very important letter has arrived for you."

"THAT'S IT?!" Diamond bellowed again. "You woke me up because of a stupid lousy letter? How is THAT going to make my day!? Brother, you are DE-"

"I'm not finished yet." interrupted Sapphire, sulkily crossing his arms over his chest and pouting. Diamond waited exasperatedly and nodded for him to continue. Sapphire started again.

"It's a very important letter from the Moon Kingdom." Diamond eyes had shot up; all thoughts of sleep were left behind now. Sapphire noted the reaction and continued with a congratulatory smile on his face. "It seems that her royal majesty would like to invite you to a ball in honour of Princess Serenity's birthday."

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Diamond had been overcome with joy. He had finally received his chance to meet with the Moon Princess; finally he would be able to be near the beautiful blonde who up until this point had only accompanied him in his dreams.

Ever since he first laid eyes on her he had felt a power come over him. It made him weak at the knees, his vision obscured so he could only see her, his ears only tuned in to her sweet melodic laugh. Over the past year he had been sent on numerous assignments to the Moon Kingdom. After the first few times he had learnt to control that dizzying feeling he had when she was near. He was able to look as if paying attention in meetings when he was really staring at her through his eyelashes. He had learnt how to act normal even when she was in the room. His only regret had been that he had never really met her. Oh sure, he knew who she was, but he was pretty sure she had no idea who he was.

He had frowned at that thought. Here he was, pining over a beautiful young maiden who didn't even acknowledge his existence. It just wasn't right; he already knew he needed her, all he thought about was her lovely slim figure, her long tresses of golden hair, her angelic face. His dreams were filled with fantasies of the blonde beauty and himself riding off into the sunset. Sighing he realised how utterly unfair the situation was, to her, it was like he didn't exist.

At that point Diamond had made up his mind. He would do everything in his power to woo the gorgeous woman of his dreams; he would do all he could to get her attention and earn her respect, care and especially love.

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Bang. Bang. Bang. The chamberlain's staff knocked against the marble floor of the ballroom.

"Announcing the arrival of his magnificence, heir of the Second Moon, Duke of Taurus, Champion of the Silver Stella, Prince Diamond."

Every eye in the room turned to the prince as he descended down the long flight of stairs in a majestic manner. Serenity held her breath as she realized that this was the man she had overheard in numerous conversations. So this was the infamous Prince Diamond, the first of many suitors who would come for her hand. Fear gripped her heart and she longed to tear her eyes away from the being who was to somehow have an impact on her future. And yet, she couldn't help but stare at the young man who walked so gracefully down the stairway. His silvery white hair hung delicately over his face; he kept his head up and walked with confidence which only helped to emphasis his height. To be sure, he was a very handsome man.

She quickly turned away, her former joy vanishing, replaced by intense curiosity. She once again stole a look at the members of her table, she could tell by the looks on their faces they knew who he was and were worried for her once again. Forcing a smile she didn't feel she sighed and gave a small accepting nod before resuming eating. She didn't dare look up from her plate, she knew they'd all read her face like a map.

Her friends glanced at one another, each one wondering the same question. What was Serenity really feeling?

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Diamond stood up straight, and raised his head; sharply he knocked twice on the pale door before him. The doors started to open slowly; he straightened himself even further and started to walk down the long flight of stairs. Vaguely he heard his name and title being announced. He held his head high, ignoring all the sighs the ladies of the courts let out. Slowly -so as not to grab attention- his eyes scanned the room in search of the stunning blonde who had caught his heart so easily, without even knowing it.

He reached the bottom of the staircase where thankfully the action had started up again. He noticed many young men giving him glares that would melt ice and flashed a smile of victory in their direction. As he entered the floor he saw a flash of colours to his left, turning he saw three young maidens walking his way. Sighing he turned abruptly away from them and made for the nearest exit, he hated it when women gathered around him. He was a confident man, if he wished to court a lady he would ask her. He wasn't shy and didn't stutter out his questions, so he found it quite annoying when women hung around him like flies hoping that he -the handsome bachelor- would ask them for a dance.

Turning back to look into the room he sighed, he still hadn't seen his angel. Perhaps she hadn't come down yet, or maybe she was feeling ill and had already retired for the evening. Numerous possibilities entered his head as he searched for his dream girl. Then he saw at one corner, an extravagant table, eight young ladies each dressed in a separate colour sat each with a reserved and reverent look upon their faces. He was just about to turn his head away when a stream of gold caught his eye. Inconspicuously he shifted his gaze back at the group of women, and studied them.

The expression he had first thought as reverence was actually quite wrong, truly these ladies were skilled at hiding their feelings, he was sure that they were quite upset. Eyes scanning each woman individually he realised that they were indeed. Suddenly he wondered why he had decided to study these women; they obviously were not what he was looking for. Annoyed at himself he was about to turn away once more when the aqua and orange clad ladies parted and revealed a ninth lady who was seated opposite them.

He froze. His eyes not wanting to let this moment pass, took in every inch of her beauty. Her long golden locks were cascading neatly by her sides; her slim, creamy shoulders were pushed back supporting her slender neck. His eyes rose to see her sweet delicate face, full, pink lips slightly parted; soft, rosy cheeks and captivating cerulean eyes.

He was staring at a goddess.

Serenity forced a smile as she danced with the hundredth man that evening. She had noted earlier on that there were quite a few more men at this ball than there normally would be, each one young strong and handsome; she knew what her friend Minako was thinking about.

Although her friends had stayed with her while she sat, she knew that they would all rather be doing something else. So, asking Michiru to play a song, she had gotten off her seat and made herself available to dance with. Following her example her friends also stood and each in turn had received a partner to dance with. The music started and she had been nearly trampled by the amount of men rushing to her side. Graciously she accepted every invitation to dance, and had regretted it almost every time.

Her first dance was with a handsome young blonde man, he had conversed with her pleasantly and she actually felt better about her current situation, until he bluntly asked her to marry him. She now remembered the awkwardness of the whole situation with increasing guilt. She had left him on the floor only to be dragged back on by a self-obsessed, narcissus who had talked about nothing but himself.

The other hundred or so dances were just as horrible. The guys were either too obsessed with themselves, power, and or money or the worst, her beauty, to have any decent discussion. Guy after guy she endured countless praises of her beauty and grace, her self esteem kept dropping every time. Was there no man out there who would love her for just being Serenity? Once she was married would she always have to carry around this perfect princess act? As the night progressed she suddenly realised the full impact of this law in her life. No longer was it just about being married or betrothed, she now realised the most stressful part would be to find a partner who was her match before the appointed time. One night of this and she already was despairing, she knew that the young men invited were chosen by the court and each would have fulfilled all the requirements needed to be accepted by the court and the law. Her greatest fear now was that she would have to marry one of these men. Not one of them had impressed her in the slightest.

Her musing was interrupted by a deep, smooth voice. She quickly brought herself back into consciousness, and realised that the dance had finished. She quickly glanced up at the young gentleman and tried to place a name. He was tall and handsome and as far as she remembered he hadn't pestered her with praises of beauty or mindless drivel, no he had let her keep her thoughts to herself and had danced wonderfully. She forced another smile and raised her eyebrows in question to the young man with whom she had just waltzed. He looked down at her with an amused smile on his face and repeated.

"I said would you like to get out of here for a minute and get some air?" She nodded slightly, blushing at his apparently amused face. She wondered how many times he had asked her that question. As they walked towards the nearest exit she glanced at his profile. With the amount of men she had danced with she had forgotten his name. Courteously, at the beginning of every new dance, she had made small talk, asking them their name and asking them to call her Serenity. She hated being put on a pedestal and the term 'princess' only served that purpose. Furiously she tried to produce a name for his face, she couldn't believe it, he didn't look like many of the other men that had asked her to dance. He had short, flaming red hair, and his body was toned and muscular. His eyes were a chestnut brown and he had a slight dusting of freckles on his face which only made him look that much cheekier.

Anxiously she realised they were almost outside, in three more steps she would have to remember his name or avoid it all together. Then before she knew it they were outside, the sound from the room left behind them. The cool night air brushed delicately against their skin and the smell of the rose garden below drifted upwards as they made their way across the balcony. They took a few more steps in silence and then reached the balcony edge. Serenity smiled gratefully and turned around to face over the edge and look at the Earth. Usually, Serenity would have used an opportunity like this to wonder about the small blue and green planet before them, but tonight, she was trying to buy herself sometime before the young man realised she had no idea who he was. She was so enwrapped in her thoughts she was startled to hear him speak once again.

"Beautiful night isn't it?"

"Yes it is" she replied glad that she was able to tell the truth, and liking the direction of the conversation. There was a few more seconds of silence before he spoke again.

"It's Jasper." She stopped stunned. "My name is Jasper." He continued. Immediately she was filled with an overwhelming amount of guilt, he had known this whole time that she hadn't the slightest clue who he was. She turned to him quickly desperate to apologize.

"Jasper, I'm sorry..." she began before he interrupted her.

"Hey look, it's ok."

"No there really isn't any excuse..."

"Look, I'm sure if I had to dance with more than a hundred girls I'd forget their names too." He replied giving a reassuring smile. She couldn't help the smile that escaped her as she mentally thanked his kindness. She shyly looked up at him and saw his face beaming at her pleasure. Embarrassed at his obvious like for her she lowered her head, then turned to look at the Earth once again. Still facing the Earth she decided she ought to thank him for his understanding.

"Well thank you. It hasn't been easy." She admitted.

"No problems." He replied moving up beside her.

"So where are you from?"

"Planet Uranus."

"Oh then you would know my friend Haruka!" She exclaimed turning to face him. He also turned to look at her.

"Oh well, I wouldn't say I know her," he turned back to face the Earth. "But I know of her and she's charming, but not as lovely as you." Serenity froze again, on the inside her heart was pounding, she kept wishing for a decent conversation where her personality, beauty and responsibility could not be the topic of interest. She told herself to relax a little, it was only a small compliment based on a meeting of five minutes, she was only overacting because she had endured a whole night of it. She made herself promise not to take it out on this guy, who was probably just being nice. She decided the best course of action was to change the subject of interest from herself to another.

"Haruka is a very lovely person, she is skilled and talented and it the best at any type of racing."

"But I'm sure if you wished to you could beat her in whatever you chose. You too are skilled and talented."

Serenity once again had a pause, this time the flattery was obvious, she couldn't just brush that aside as congenial chat. She decided that if she maybe changed topic again he would get the message.

"Michiru is a skilled musician, isn't she? She's the best player I've ever heard." Jasper took a moment to hear the sweet melody of Michiru's violin.

"I'm sure you too could play so beautifully, I've heard you are rather good at the piano." Determinedly Serenity kept her face staring at the Earth, she didn't want him to see her face; she was desperately holding back tears. She felt his gaze upon her and coughed up a response.

"No, not so good at the piano, all thumbs, and no grace. But my friend Rei is rather talented in that area, she can play the most beautiful of concertos, sing them too."

"Your voice is sweet, whatever melody, I know that you would sound better."

She could take no more, turning around she headed back for the party trying to escape the endless torrent of praise and proof-less flattery. Suddenly she was yanked back, her wrist painfully jarred by the motion, she smothered a cry of surprise and pain. She was looking into Jasper's eyes; the light chestnut colour had been replaced, by deep black pools. His happy jovial mask slipped, revealing the deadly, sinister emotions he truly felt. She shrank back from him, her mind screaming at her to call for help, but her voice was lost in the moment; she couldn't bring herself to even produce a whimper. He sneered at her fear and tightened his grip.

"Let's take a walk." She cowered further back. His voice was as sweet as it was before, no malice or hatred was there, like that on his face. He sounded almost kind and considerate. Desperately she tried to shake herself from his grasp but he held her with an iron grip. "Come, my dear princess," he said pulling her close to his body, his strong arms clasped her in, forcing her to breathe in the heavy scent of his cologne. His right hand lowered itself to rest on her waist. "Let us take a nice little stroll in the garden, and get to know one another and some friends of mine." He said leading her to the flight of stairs that led to the garden below.

Finding her voice she demanded, "Where are you taking me?" He didn't stop walking and his grip on her never loosened.

"To meet some friends." He answered shortly. Gasping she realised he was going to take her away. She started struggling against him, but it was in vain, he felt this and only tightened his grip on her. She let out a small squeal, and was silenced instantly as a gloved hand clasped itself over her mouth. She had to think of a plan and fast, she thought to herself. They were almost at the stairs now, a vague plan formulated in her mind. Stubbornly she tried to plant her feet in the ground refusing to move. Annoyed he turned to her, thinking to pick her up. That was his mistake. For as he turned around he failed to see the flying object headed towards him, he grunted with its sudden impact to his head and fell to the ground unconscious.

Serenity quickly took a few steps away from the inanimate figure sprawled out on the floor; already some blood was trickling slowly to the ground and gathering in a small pool. Serenity gasped as she saw the damage she had done. Her only thought to make him let go of her, she had summoned her inner power and channeled it into moving the hard marble knob at the end of the banister, but she never expected it to move with such force as to knock the man unconscious. Ashamed of what she had done she fled down the steps and into her place of refuge. Running past the many rows of bushes and trees she breathed hard and fast, thinking about the horrible events which occurred that evening.

Coming upon her favourite bench she knelt on the ground and rested her head on it. The grass was cool beneath her, the smell of roses filled the air, yet still she sat there, tears flowing down her beautiful alabaster face. She cried for a long while and once her tears finally stopped she lifted her head to take in the comforting view of the planet Earth. Eyes fixed on the small bluish green planet she thought of all the wrongs in her life and slowly her sadness turned into anger.

Why did she have to go through this endless pain? Life was so good only a few hours ago, but with the announcement of a future marriage everything had changed. Her life had been turned upside down. Searing pain ripped through her heart. She was trapped. Trapped between loyalty, responsibility and love. Her loyalty to her family and friends prevented her from blaming them, her responsibility for her people and kingdom was what was pushing her into this marriage business and her love for both these things were what completely and utterly fused her to her current situation. How could she betray them? They were all she knew all she had ever cared for...

And why? She thought, suddenly furious again. Why had they been all she knew?

She knew there was much more out there in the universe, why hadn't she been shown anything other than the Moon? She hadn't even seen her friend's home planets; she had been told that it wasn't necessary. It had always been a case of 'when you're ready', but when would that ever be? Suddenly she was outraged. The reason they were all she ever knew was because that was all they ever showed her! They've been keeping her here 'for her own safety' when in reality it was so she couldn't become loyal to anything else! The logic fit so perfectly, she couldn't believe how they had used her so...Her advisors...Her friends...Her mother.

In that moment she was blind with pain, feeling utterly betrayed she cried out her heart and soul. When the tears once again stopped flowing she raised her head determinedly. Above in the sky, was the small blue planet she had come to love gazing at every day and night. It gave her peace, it gave her strength, it gave her hope. Closing her eyes she paused a moment and basked in the glow of the blue orb. Feeling its warmth and life she had the sudden urge to go there, once...just once. She felt the gentle pull of the planet and allowed herself to be pulled into its presence. It overwhelmed her, never had she felt so much love and affection headed her way, her heart began yearning to stay in the loving feeling, something was pulling her there, something unknown. She trusted it in an instant and was immediately enclosed in the planets pull.