AN: sorry i have not updated in some time. life gets pretty busy. i'll try to be better! enjoy!

disclaimer: I do not own sailor moon, or any of the characters. they belong to Naoko Takeuchi

Chapter 4

~3 weeks latter ~

It was mid-afternoon, as Rayleen lay in the grass in front of her home. The sun burned high in the sky, while clouds cast their shadows below. The trees swayed and the leaves danced in the cool breeze, while the birds sang their happy melody. If asked, anyone would tell you that this day, was a wonderful, beautiful day. Not a care in the world could be found. But Rayleen knew better. There was something about this day, to be sure. Something was coming. She could feel it as did her mother.

"Change is in the wind…"she had told her. "…Rayleen, I want you to stay by the house. No wondering off. Understood?"

Her mother's words echoed in her mind, as she watched her hang the laundry. With a sigh, Rayleen rolled onto her back and closed her eyes, letting the sun beat down on her face.

Rayleen's mother watched her, with a sympathetic smile. She looked so at peace…and yet, so terribly bored at the same time. She had to laugh. Just then, something flew across the sky. And with a gentle crow, two large ravens came swooping down. Within seconds, Rayleen was on her feet. She hastily strode over to great the large birds as they came and landed on a nearby tree. As she approached, they seemed to lower their heads, as if bowing to her. She then reached out, and ran her fingers across their smooth black feathers. Her mother watched in wonder as the girl stroked the birds. Her curiosity arose when the girl leaned in and whispered to the birds. The birds then in return, would crow back in response.

"You understand them?" her mother asked surprised.

"Of course I can" was her simple answer, All the while, never taking her eyes off the birds.

"And what are they saying?"

The girl's brow pulled together as her eyes narrowed, listening intensely.

"They say…their here to warn us…"

"Warn us?"

"Yes…they say… something is coming…someone is coming…the darkness follows?" she looked to her mother. She was frozen where she stood. Her face shocked and worried, just staring at her. Her mouth slightly opened and closed, Words escaping her. She was caught off guard when she felt it. An ever- so- slight shift in the atmosphere. It hit her like a shock wave. This slight change was no mere decrease in tempter . An over cast had suddenly rolled in unexpectedly, casting a cold dark shadow as an eerie silence fell upon the forest. It was in the wind that brought a sense of fear to her. The wind had changed its course drastically, bringing with it, a curious sound from off in the distance. Rayleen strained her ears to make out the sound. It sounded like footsteps. Someone was indeed coming. And they were approaching fast.
Her mother started. She ran and scooped Rayleen up into her arms, as she headed in the opposite direction. They didn't get far before her mother dropped to the ground in some nearby bushes. She pulled Rayleen close and placed a hand over her mouth, silencing the girl. They watched as suddenly, figures started to appear across the way. It appeared to be a small army of men. Some dressed in a uniform Rayleen had never seen before, while the others looked to be mere town folk. Some carried swords or bows and arrows, and others did not. They snuck around quietly, scanning the forest, and Rayleen was certain that they were the ones they sought after. But why?

"Search the cottage, and the grounds. Their around here… somewhere."
They watched as the house was ransacked, then when the close was clear, Rayleen felt her mother pull her away. They were on their feet, hunched over, running. Her mother kept hold of Rayleen's hand. Silently leading her deeper into the forest. When they were a few yards away from the intruders, her mother stopped and pulled Rayleen around to face her. She kneeled down and looked her straight in the eyes

"Rayleen, listen to me" she whispered "I want you to run as fast as you can. Understand? Run and hid. Do not stop for anything or anyone. You stay hidden till I come for you. You go to no one. You hear me? You stay hidden"

Not knowing what to say, Rayleen nodded. Her mother then wrapped her in her arms

"Go my darling. And don't look back. Go…go!" she then turned her around and gave her a light push

"Look! There! Someone is over there!"

Rayleen heard the voices call out from behind her. Fighting the urge to turn back and make sure her mother was safe; she pushed her legs to go faster. Her heart thudded in her chest. Thoughts raced through her mind, as she kept running. She didn't slow till there was nothing to be heard. All was quiet when she stopped. She heaved in and out as she looked around, taking in her surroundings. It was then that she heard it. A slight cry on the wind…
"Rayleen…"
she turned, looking for the voice. She was a bit startled to find herself on the bank of a small river. Her river. She had not returned to this place since that day. It felt so long ago, that she had sat here listening to the flow of the river. But just as that memory returned, so did the strong dark feeling, she had been captivated by. She couldn't quite make out what it was, but there was something about this place…
she began to turn her back on the river, when suddenly she heard something that made her stop completely…

"Come to me…" the voice echoed out.

Rayleen slowly turned around. That voice… she recognized it. She knew it only too well. But could it be…?

"Rayleen…come to me…"

Her eyes tightened as she scrutinized the small cavern across the river. Was that where it was coming from? How had she never noticed it before?

"Rayleen, I'm here…come to me…"

Something within her was trying to warn her, Screaming at her to run in the opposite direction. But she found herself walking toward the river. Like this pull of gravity she could not resist. How could she? For the voice who called to her, was that of her mothers.

"Rayleen…"

Her heart gave. "Mother…?"

"Rayleen, please…come to me…"

A jolt ran through her, as she stepped in the cold running river. Her mind was in a swirl of mist. There seemed to be a dark veil over her eyes as she walked. Something within her was fighting against the darkness that clouded her thoughts. But it was no use. What little resistance within her was no match against this invisible pull that had her bound.
Before long she stood before the opening of the cavern. She stared deep into the darkness.

"Come to me…"

Her heart raced as she began to take a step inside. The dark feeling within her grew with each step. She walked deeper into the darkness, following the voice. As she neared what seemed to be the center of the cavern, she noticed a slight flicker of light in the distance. She squinted to see what it was. It was hauntingly beautiful, she thought. What could make such a dark mysterious glow? She was mesmerized by it.

"Yes… come to me. Let me feed from your light…"

Suddenly Rayleen stopped in her tracks, confused. Gone was the sweet melody of her mother's voice. Replaced by the one she feared and who haunted her dreams.

"Who are you?" she asked, taking a step back

Suddenly a dark shadow appeared before her. Rayleen gasped when a face materialized within the shadow. It was the same face that had appeared to her in the fire that night.

"Your mine!" the demon spat.

Rayleen screamed in terror as the darkness engulfed her. She crossed her arms in front of herself causing a shield as she tried to push the away the darkness. Just then, she sensed a form of energy grow from within herself. She concentrated, hoping to bring that power forth to help shield her. She felt it as the energy was released and shot through her body. The darkness around her started to disperse as a glow emanated from her. She tried pushing the light out further from her body, but then suddenly it started to fade.
An evil laugh erupted "yes! Feed me your power!"

Rayleen tried to keep the light at bay, but could feel herself growing weaker. The darkness once again eloped her. She could feel it over powering her. It was strangling her. She couldn't breathe. She was drowning…
she could hear the demons maniacal laughter as she felt herself slowly fading away. Suddenly, a bright light broke through the darkness. Rayleen coughed as air filled her lungs. She opened her eyes and squinted through the light to her mother standing before her. She had her back turned to her, as she stood planted facing the demon shadow. Her arms were outstretched with palms forward. A shimmering light emanated from her hands. The demon screamed as the shock from the light hit it. But then suddenly, the darkness began to grow once more. Rayleen watched as her mother's face turned into a grimace. With every attack she would cast, the demon would only absorb it, and grow more powerful…
Rayleen screamed as she watched an attack her mother had cast, was rebounded by the demon. The attack then sailed back, hitting her mother, causing her to collapse.

"Mother!" Rayleen screamed and lurched forward.

"No Rayleen!" she heard someone call out, just as a pair of arms snatched her up.
Right then, a beam of light soared past, hitting the demon. The demon shrieked in pain. Rayleen looked in wonder as a woman dressed in a white gowned, stepped in front of her. Rayleen recognized her from the other night when she had eaves dropped on her mother's mid-night visitor. The same beautiful, long platinum blond stood before her, just the same as the night. She stood before the demon, a crescent moon wand in her outstretched hands.

"Luna, get her out of here!" she cried over her shoulder

"But your majesty…!" came the soft spoken words of her captor

"Go now!"

Rayleen struggled against the arms that held her. "No! Mother!" she cried out as she was picked up and hauled off

"Please let me go!" Rayleen squirmed. Once outside of the cavern, Rayleen was put down then spun around to face her captor. A beautiful woman with long wavy black hair kneeled before her. She looked to be like any other maiden, still young in her mid-years, with fair skin and golden eyes. But there was something about her. Perhaps it was the curious crescent moon symbol she bore on her forehead. Rayleen had only witnessed one other marking such as this before, when she had first met the goddess in white. As mysterious as this was, it was her eyes that Rayleen marveled at. Her eyes were dark and beautiful, but rather much like a cat…
she looked at Rayleen and calmly explained "My name is Luna. I am Queen Selene's royal advisor. And I am here to protect you. I need you to be brave for me. Can you do that?"
Rayleen slowly nodded her head in agreement. The woman smiled sweetly

"Good. Now, hold tight to me"

Rayleen did as she was told, and wrapped her arms tightly around her neck. She closed her eyes, in anticipation. Before she knew it, they were caught in a whirl wind. She squeezed tighter, for fear she would be blown away. Then almost instantly, the wind stopped.

"We're here now." She said, as she released Rayleen and stood up.
Rayleen opened her eyes to see that they were no longer in the forest, but on a gravel path. Without a word, she looked up at the woman, to see her smiling down at her.

"Come with me" she said and offered her, her hand.

Rayleen was quickly led off. What she then saw before her astonished her. A gigantic castle loomed before her. Made from what looked like a rare white brick. The castle stood tall and proud. Solders marched proudly around the grounds and stood guard on the balconies. The grounds were strewn with trees and flowers as far as she could see. She was speechless as they walked up the steps. They stopped short when they were greeted by a tall man, who seemed to be in charge. As they walked up, he bowed to them.

"I must speak to King Garren. Immediately. It is of great importance" she spoke firmly.

The guard stood, there contemplating the request.

"…follow me" he said and turned on his heel. "I shall warn you, the King is in troubled spirits. He may not take too kindly to your intrusion" he said as they walked

"Never the less, I must speak with him"

They were led up many flights of stairs and down countless hallways. More guards were stationed along the hallways and throughout the castle. As they passed, each one would bow to them then returns to their still pose, without a word. If anyone or anything should happen to breach these walls, they were sure to not get far, Rayleen thought.
Before long, they finally stopped at a large double door. The guard reached for the door handle. Pausing, he turned to face them.

"Before we go in, I must ask you, what is it that must inquire of the King?"

"Tharen… she's come back. The dark queen. And I fear that we may be on the brink of a disaster beyond our imagining" she said calmly

He stared at her in shock "but…that's not possible… how..?"

"She found a way" Luna gently placed a hand on Rayleen's shoulder.

The guard looked at Luna, then down at Rayleen with unbelieving eyes, and then suddenly snapped to attention, as a woman came to stand before them.

"Your excellence" he said bowing deeply

"Your majesty…" Luna said a shocked curios look appearing on her face

Rayleen looked to see the long silver haired woman. She look tired and concerned as she held up her hand to greet them.

"Luna" she greeted

"We were just on our way to speak with the King" Luna said. "What has happened?"

The woman did not reply, but looked down at Rayleen with sorrowful eyes. She reached down and gently cupped Rayleen's face in her hand, then walked into the room without a word.

Luna kneeled down to face Rayleen

"Wait here" she said then disappeared behind the door

Rayleen stared at the closed door for a long moment, till she backed up against a wall, and slowly slid down and sat on the floor, stunned. Putting her face in her hands, she began to sob. Her mind was in a whirl, full of unanswered questions. The past events began to replay in her mind. She saw herself walking toward the cavern. Saw the faint glow in the distance. Felt the darkness surround her, closing in around her. The scream of her mother…

"Are you alright?"

Rayleen felt someone gently place their hand on her shoulder. Her head snapped up in alarm, and found herself face to face with a young boy

"…huh…?" she blinked taken aback by his sudden appearance.

"I said are you alright?" he asked, with concern, a slight smile forming. He was young. A bit older than she, she noted. With blond tussled hair, and the most amazingly striking blue green eyes. Rayleen opened her mouth, but words escaped her.

"Uh…hello?" the boy raised in eye brow, as he looked side to side at her.

"Wonderful. Now look. You see? You frightened the poor girl speechless"
another young boy rounded the corner. His face in a book. He looked to be the same age as the other. With short black hair and dark sapphire eyes, framed by black oval glasses.

"Unsure…I think something might be wrong with her"

The dark haired boy snapped his book shut and rolled his eyes. He knelt beside his friend and removed his glasses, looking at Rayleen.

"ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" he said in a loud tone, emphasizing each word

The blond hung his head, than looked back at his friend.

"Okay. Whoa! What are you doing? She's not def"

"Well, I was only trying to help"

"Help? By screaming at her?"

"Okay…I was not 'screaming' at her-"

"And you say I scare her"

"Who are you? "She said, interrupting their corral

They stopped and turned to look at her

"Well now…" the blond said surprised

"Huh…she speaks" said the dark haired boy starring at her

"Where am I?" Rayleen asked. Urgent for answers

It was the blond who spoke first

"My name is Jedite. This is my friend Thomas. You're in Elysion" he said slowly, letting it sink in

"Elysion…?" she asked confused

"Elysion is the name of the Earth Kingdom" Thomas stated

"And…are you two the princes of Elysion?" she asked.

They both laughed at the assumption

"No. we are not princes. We live within the castle as squires. But soon, I shall be a warrior" the blond smiled with triumph

"A warrior?"

"Yup. Someday. I want to be a part of the king's royal army. To march into battle and whiled a sword, while fighting for what I stand for… it's always been my dream. Thomas on the other hand, wants to be a part of the technician group. Being able to boss people around while playing on some device is his forte"

Thomas glared at him, and then turned to Rayleen "where is your home? Your parents?" he asked

Rayleen lowered her gaze to the floor "I don't think I have a home any more…" she said as she hugged her knees to her chest

"What happened?" Jedite asked as he came to sit next to her

"It was attacked by a group of men" she said somberly

"And… your mother?" Jedite asked quietly

"I don't know…we were separated…a dark evil came and she tried to protect me. Then I was brought here…" tears started to well up, and she hid her face in her arms

Jedite gently placed an arm over her shoulders to comfort her.

"Don't worry. I'm sure everything will be alright… hey, you never told us your name"

"Rayleen" she answered

"Well Rayleen, how old are you?" he asked trying to change the subject

"I'm 6" she smiled "how old are you?"

"I'm 9. And Thomas here, is 8"

"I'm 8 and a half!" Thomas objected

Before long, Jedite and Thomas had Rayleen laughing. All her fears and worries seemed to vanish in their presents… until they heard the door beside them swing open. Rayleen's laughter slowly trailed off, her smile fading, as a mass of people flooded out of the room. Rayleen had a sudden heart sinking feeling as Luna came to kneel before her. She smiled sweetly, but it was her eyes that gave her away. With a somber expression and sorrow filled eyes, she opened her mouth and gently sighed…

It was the news no one wished to be the barer of. And that no one, especially one so young, ever wanted to hear…

The wind wiped through her, as she stood there motionless before her mother's monument. It had been a day since she was brought here. A day since she lost her. Her best friend. Her mother. And it only took a day to make it feel like an eternity had passed.

"Inara was loving, kind, caring, compassionate, and loyal. She was strong, driven, confidant, talented, selfless, and who was loved by all. It is a great tragedy to have her striped from us. A great loss we must ender. She will be greatly missed…may her spirit be at peace…"
as the speaker concluded his obituary, several people approached and placed flowers on the stone monument, saying their last goodbyes. As they passed, they would gently lay a hand on Rayleen's shoulder, offering their condolences.
Rayleen tried desperately to hold back tears, as she slowly walked up to the monument. With tears finally streaming down, she lay a white lily down amongst the other flowers. Her mother's emblem, an 8 point star, was engraved in the stone. And as she placed the flower down, her hand lingered over the symbol, as she delicately traced it with her fingers. Not wanting to let go. She closed her eyes and bit her lip, as she stifled a sob and walked back to where she stood. She felt a warm hand close around hers, and she opened her eyes to meet Jedite's sorrow filled gaze. She turned her gaze away from his.

"…she's gone… I've never felt so alone…" she whispered

"You are not alone. Nor shall you ever be." He said, entwining their fingers

Rayleen looked up at him with a weak smile. "You'll leave too..."

Jedite gently shook his head "never… I'll never leave you. We'll always be together. I promise you…"

End of chapter 4