A/N: This chapter, ended up being about 2.75 times the length of a normal chapter for me, but I didn't want to break it up as most of it is one long scene. Part of it is inspired by a tumblr prompt, but I can't even find it anymore. So, uh, thanks for the idea tumblr. A huge thanks to The Rising Phoenix who keeps up with my crazy shenanigans, and live reads for me when she has time. And ALSO Huge Thanks to FloraOne who put up with my grammar and helped fine tune this chapter! She put in a ton of work. I got to wrap some interesting ideas into this chapter, and I really want to know what you think. Please review.
"Sailor Moon, Duck!"
Sailor Moon had spent enough time fighting to know if any of her Senshi yelled that command, that she better instantaneously follow it, no questions asked. So, without hesitancy or grace she hit the unforgiving ground, white gloves gripping dirt and blades of grass as a flash of light wizzed so close above her, before crashing into something loudly not that she could see what it was. She could see the building debri fly overhead, but her eyes were focused on the looming behemoth of a fox-like monster.
The skin of all the monsters they'd seen recently had been the same, the black tar like substance covering a solid form, overly large sized, sharp angry gnashing teeth. Its tail was more like a wide mace, spiked, angry, and far to agile. It was shooting projectiles like a possessed porcupine. Didn't help that it breathed energy blasts as well. She pushed herself back to her feet, glancing around to see the position of the senshi.
All 9 of them looked exhausted, they'd been at this for at least an hour, white leotards covered in dirt, and dust, some marked with globs of that sticky tar liquid that stuck to everything it touched. Sailor Moon looked at Jupiter, who was the closest to her, and could see the rapid rise and fall of her chest as she tried to catch her breath from her last dodge, green eyes focused intently on the tail of the monster as it wound up for its next attack. Somewhere along the lines her hair tumbled out of her ponytail, Sailor Moon pretty sure she hadn't seen that before, brown hair floating around her in her electric magical aura, as she called "Sparkling Wide Pressure" to the sky.
Lightning descended on the fox at a rapid pace, to dissipate with a growl and a charge at Jupiter who jumped out of the way, landing next to Sailor Mars, Senshi of Fire.
"Ugh! We need a change of plan!" Jupiter called out to everyone.
"Still scanning for weaknesses!" Mercury updated while the three outer senshi did a combined attack throwing their strongest attacks, golden, aqua and garnet energies swirling around each other as one powerful force, while Sailor Saturn corralled the monster with her purple Silence Wall. The attacks slammed into the monster, who did stumble backwards before launching numerous tail spikes at the four of them. They jumped away.
Sailor Mars had an odd look in her dark eyes, staring at the monster with a sort of intense focus like when she mediated searching for visions in the spiritual realm. "Let me Try something!" She yelled as she held her hand up to the sky, and called upon an Ofuda, her first attack, and threw it at the monster.
It retreated backwards with a high pitched injured whine, the most injured it had sounded this entire battle. Usagi wanted to cheer, because this was the most progress of the night. It didn't charge Sailor Mars, or aim more spikes. Usagi didn't take time to ponder this development, seizing the moment to focus her power and push the energy of the moon crystal towards it with a frightening pace, but the monster dodged.
Serenity's anxiety was amplified by the miss using her strongest attack, the drain of pushing the attack weighing on her body. Usagi knew she could do it again, the drain really not anywhere near her reserves, but Serenity didn't know her body or her strength and doubted it. This is where their dominate characteristics were flipped, Usagi assured, collected, prepared, and Serenity doubtful, anxious, cautious.
Sailor Mars used four Ofudas to create a box, the monster not willing to pass the paper talismans, shifting between each of them and then bouncing back.
Sailor Moon called upon the crystal again, raising her red rod to the sky and aiming it at the monster. Bright, hot light flashed, and the monster disappeared into dust. Sailor Moon stared at the space where the monster had been, hands on knees to catch her breath.
It was Sailor Uranus who walked up to the little Ofudas on the ground, one right next to her navy blue ankle boot, giving it a perplexed look. "So, the question is, why did that work?"
For now, no one had an answer.
Serenity sat on Usagi's bed, legs hanging over the edge, hair down falling around her like some tethered waterfall. She knew she should pull it back, or tomorrow morning Usagi was going to have to spend extra time untangling it, but she couldn't bring up the motivation to care. It technically wasn't even her problem.
She was staring at the candy pink brooch she held carefully in cupped was open, and the shimmering crystal sat snugly inside. It hummed in her palms like an electrical current, softly reminding her off its power, warm and soothing to the touch although her thoughts about it were nothing but.
"Usagi?" Luna asked from beside her, headbutting her thigh, before crawling into her lap.
Serenity shook her head. "Serenity." She quietly corrected while checking the bracelet, it was silver side up.
"Princess…" Luna began.
"Luna, don't." Her voice was soft, almost detached; void of the anger from previous days.
"I know we haven't gotten along, Serenity. But your mother appointed me to… "
"Please, don't tell me what she did or didn't do when you don't even remember."
Luna looked up at her charge noticing Serenity's slumped shoulders and gaze not exactly focused. She paused to respond carefully. "I remember some things more than others, and her last instructions were very clear. So stop pushing people who care away and talk to me! You and Usagi have barely said anything to me as of late. I worry."
Serenity closed her eyes. "You always had a much deeper relationship with her than me, I just wish you remembered."
"I remember her love for you." Luna looked up from her position in Usagi's lap, trying to make eye contact with Serenity. Serenity moved her head away.
"That doesn't seem to help. I just have so many questions I wish I could ask her right now."
"What would you ask her?" Luna prompted.
"About the silver crystal, mostly. I wish I knew more about her relationship with it, how she used it, what it felt like to her."
"Didn't you two talk about it?"
"The responsibility of the Moon Kingdom is inherently different than the Crystal itself. She, aside from the obvious about keeping it safe, and that it was really powerful, never talked about what it was like to use it. It...is such a distinctive feeling. I…"
"What does it feel like to you? Usagi's never talked about it either."
Serenity shifted the brooch from hand to hand, staring at the iridescent light bouncing off of its facets. "I never thought I'd be...so dependent on something. My existence is forever tied… it is like when I breathe, it breathes. When Usagi asks to use its powers, it pulls at us ruthlessly. It's not painful, but it is disturbing in a way...like I'm a tool for it, instead of it being a tool for me. I'm certain its use is how we will die- that it will just take until we are nothing."
"I do remember something your mother told me once, and I think it will help you now. She said, that the point of being Queen was to serve until there was nothing left to give, and each moment of peace outweighed any personal consequence."
Serenity nodded sighing. "It's not that I don't believe that, because I absolutely do, Luna. But…"
"But what?"
"I don't feel like I have choice."
"What do you mean?"
"Luna, it's… complicated? What I was told about this crystal and its powers and my purpose… This, this was not it. And now, in a body not my own… with Usagi's mind, her reasons and perspectives… all I really want is to go back, to save them somehow. I feel entirely disconnected from this place. "
"This place can become your home, too."
"I don't want it to be! I have a home! It's my fault..." Serenity's voice broke as tears started to fall again.
"Setsuna said there was absolutely nothing you could have done… "
"Setsuna would lie for my benefit if she saw fit. I knew the prophecies. I didn't care and billions of people died so I could love? How could I be so selfish?"
"You didn't know. You couldn't have known."
"I think I'm just going to try and sleep." Her voice was quiet , and Luna got the implication she was just done arguing . Luna curled up on her feet to try and provide comfort as she fell asleep.
Soon, Serenity and Usagi fell into dreams.
Serenity's dress shoes slipped on the marble floors as she rounded a corner, sliding slightly before taking off again, a voice yelling behind her "Princess!" sounding rather exasperated. She ignored the voice, before turning the golden handles to a dark wooden door which she opened and shut rather loudly. Leaning against the door, she took deep, rapid breaths, her dress a little to tight in the corset for sprinting. She checked for a lock (even though she knew there wasn't one), cursed aloud, and surveyed the room.
The Room had 9 pillar like door frames filled with light- portals. Each a portal to a different world, all 9 planets represented in order from the sun, tinged in color of the representative of its planet. In front of them was a mat with a drawing of the planet, and various little details, like a flag representing the important things regarding it. Serenity debated if she sprinted if she could get through a portal before the person following her entered the room. Each was the same, aside from the third one to the right, Earth, that had a thin gold chain across it with a sign that said "Do not Enter."
Soon there was rapid knock at the door, followed by "Princess, please?"
Sie sighed. "Venus, I'm not even going to try and court any of those men! I'm not interested and my mother never married, so why do you even push?. And, Give me TIME! I'm 14!" She leaned her blonde head back against the door, putting all of her weight to keep Venus from getting in. They pushed back and forth for a few minutes, neither gaining ground.
"But…" Venus stated, but Serenity wasn't really listening. She knew the reasons. She'd been sat down and told them by countless individuals, all trying to convince her to play along with meeting the Princes of the Solar system, that it was good for diplomacy even if she didn't like their insufferable personalities. As Venus continued to talk through the door, the moment she felt her stop trying to push through, Serenity bolted forward, and leapt over the gold chain, tumbling through the blue portal because it was the one they would search last. She just needed a break.
The Forbidden Planet.
Since the Moon Kingdom didn't have a alliance with this kingdom, the portal was situated in an inconspicuous spot, in the middle of a dense forest, a little bit from a trail. If she remembered correctly, it lead into the capital if she followed it long enough. Serenity had seen it before, and had been told about it, but never on her own, and only for educational purposes. She called upon the disguise pen, holding it up into the air. "Make me into a normal human!" she called out.
Pink warm light enveloped her, from the top of the pink jewel on the pen, and suddenly the white dress with the gold lace disappeared, to an outfit suited for a female archeress, bow and all. The crescent on her forehead vanished.
Her small white dress shoes were replaced with hearty leather sandals, the dress with dark pants and a loose fitting green top, leather made quiver on her back. Her hair transformed from its traditional style into a tight french braid running down her back. She looked at her clothes with a wide grin, and looked around the world.
Serenity was stunned by the colors. The Moon Kingdom was covered in pale pastels, soft lights. Blues, purples, pinks, soft and beautiful. However, Earth was full of towering trees, in browns and greens with reds and yellows. Bold colors, flowers bright against the lush ground, trees tall, covering the sun in the sky. The air was cool with a slight breeze, creating a rustling in the foliage above. She listened, not a sound of a single voice.
Perfection. Serenity laughed aloud, twirling in the shade, enjoying her break as she moved away from the portal so if someone peaked through, they wouldn't notice her immediately. She wondered how long she could get away for.
She picked a direction, marveling in the satisfaction of leaves crunching under her sandals, weaving between trees. Quickly she came to an embankment, with not too far of a drop, but enough of one to make her pause. She looked around, and there wasn't really a good way to get down other than carefully descending down the side. She knew that if she walked another few minutes, she'd reach the path, and could head to the city. She briefly wondered if the disguise pen had left her currency, but decided to check later.
She put her body lower to the ground, catching her feet on jutting roots and smaller plants, carefully taking hesitant side steps to get down. She thought she had secure footing, trying to shift her weight down, when the root broke and she tumbled downward towards the bottom. Somewhere, her foot turned with a horrifying snap, and she took a sharp breath, cursing as she came to a stop at the bottom, covered in loose leaves and soft moist dirt.
She sat up, brushing off what she could, looking at her left foot. She squinted her eyes, trying to wiggle her toes, which stubbornly refused to move, looking up the embankment which looked way taller from the bottom. The pain was surprising. After a few breaths to catch her bearings, she listened to check if anyone was around. After no discernable voices, she figured she was going to have to get out of this one on her own.
For the first time in a long while, she wished she'd actually had an escort.
She pushed herself up, and gingerly tried to put weight on the foot, which shot pain up her leg, and she grimaced aloud, looking up at the sky, where the moon shown so very, very far away. So impossibly tiny in the big blue sunny earth sky.
"What am I going to do now?"
No one answered, of course. She hobbled forward, slowly making her way to the path. Hopefully she'd find some hapless human to drag her up the embankment, and then she could go home, and have someone heal her leg.
The trip to the trail was slow going. She found a walking stick to take some of the weight off her leg, which helped, but not enough. She made it to the trail, which looked actually well traveled, dirt packed down, lack of plant life on it. She sighed, sitting down to take a break. She had no food or water. This was looking like a more stupid, impulsive plan by the second.
She took shaky breaths, at least if she didn't move the pain subsided some in her ankle. She looked around, wondering if she should stay still to not get too far away from the portal, or if she should continue walking. She then could hear distinct rustling in the trees, and she squinted her eyes to see a four legged animal headed towards her.
"Hello?" she whispered at it.
It had a small black nose, and big oblong ears on spindly legs. She thought she had been told these animals were called deer, but she wasn't sure. She also couldn't remember what they ate, but it didn't seem to be paying her much attention as it wandered towards her slowly. Its brown wide eyes looked at her, stared at her, and it gave a small bow, if that was possible, before walking up to her. She gingerly touched its head, and it push against her hand.
"I'm sorry, I don't have anything to eat, "she told it. It nudged at her hurt leg with a soft touch of its hoof as if it could sense her pain. She was less than eye-level with the deer, as she was sitting down. A Majestic, beautiful, powerful creature.
She inhaled in amazement. Earth was a beautiful place, pain almost forgotten.
"Will you keep me company until help arrives?"
It didn't answer, but circled around her protectively.
Occasionally it would stop to nibble on some leaves, and she watched it. After a while, she heard men's voices in the distance. The deer oriented to the noise for a moment, looked back at her,and then scampered away quickly. She tried to stand, which shot pain through her leg, so she waited for the men to get closer.
There was a carriage pulled by two large horses that made the visiting deer look puny by comparison. Two men riding, talking to each other bostiously, laughing and arguing though she couldn't quite understand what they were saying.
One of the men paused, tall and dark haired, looking at her with piercing blue eyes that made her want to blush. He stared for a moment too long, before turning towards his companion. The other,with long, white locks,looked at him curiously as if to say something. The dark haired man raised his hand, before the other could speak, clearly they had known each other for a long time.
She looked up at them, still alone on the side of the road, probably looking ridiculous with her walking stick and covered in dirt. He hopped off of his horse in this swift graceful movement that could have only come from far too much practice, and headed straight for her.
She'd never actually talked to a human before. Any human. And suddenly she started to panic, as she remembered the stories about human men being lawless and dangerous, how they could be lewd and were impulsive. She pushed down her panic and put on a smile, with a nervous laugh.
"I...uh, seem to have gotten myself in a predicament," she admitted, looking at him. He was tall, wearing silver armor, armed with a sword at his side. His hands were relaxed, he didn't seem afraid of her at least. He looked at her for a moment, as if he expected her to do something. She wasn't sure what that would be, so she just smiled more.
"You are hurt."
She nodded. "I broke my ankle...hunting...and I need help getting up the embankment to get back to where I need to go. Can you assist?"
The man with the white hair and green eyes had also gotten off the horse, standing back a little ways, watching the scene unfold. He didn't look nearly as relaxed, scanning the trees. He wore a clean, crisp uniform of grey, with green accents. He reminded Serenity of her guard, especially the way his eyes scanned for danger. She wondered who he was, and wondered if there was actual danger.
"Sir," he called out. "This could be a trap."
The blue eyed leader waved his hand dismissively, as if he had heard this caution a thousand times before, and bent down to eye level with her. "Can I see your ankle?"
Serenity shrugged. It wasn't like she had much of a choice. "I really just need to get up an embankment, I don't need your help otherwise."
"Nonsense," he stated, touching her ankle gently,a warm golden glow flowing out from his hands.
She thought in a panic,'Since when do Earthlings know magic!?' But she could feel her ankle healing, so she didn't protest too much. He looked at her when he touched her with a stare that felt like it went through her. He whispered,"You...you aren't human."
She scrambled backwards, the golden light disappearing although her ankle wasn't exactly fully healed. "What? Are you crazy?"she called in a bluff, standing up. It made her realize just how tall he was compared to her. Not that it mattered. "Leave me be, you've helped enough."
He grabbed her wrist before she could turn away. "Do you know who I even am?"
"No, and why should I?" She looked him directly in the eyes, strong stance, in control.
"You aren't going anywhere until you answer our questions," the White haired man stated. He made a motion with his head towards his guard, and three more appeared from the carriage. She was clearly outnumbered now.
She swallowed.
"Please, I mean you no harm,I just tripped earlier today."
"I'm connected to this planet, and you are the first person I ever run across who has not been from it."
She realized, could she have been so unlucky, that the only human family (the royal family) on this entire planet who even knew about the Moon Kingdom had found her?
"I don't believe you," she stated, blue eyes locking with his. They widened in surprise at her statement.
The white haired man had made it to her side. "You do not question the Prince of Earth. He has gone out of his way to help you, you should be thankful for his service."
She cursed mentally. She was going to be in so much trouble if she got home.
"Let me go, I order you!" she commanded, looking at the five men.
The group laughed. Endymion continued. "You have to be from another planet to even try that. Who are you?" the dark haired man commanded, his power clear from his voice.
Serenity was stunned, partially by being talked back to by strangers, but more so because she wasn't quite sure how her day had deteriorated into an interplanetary incident.
Out of desperation of not knowing what to do, she let her disguise drop, standing there in the middle of the fall forest in a sleeveless long dress, tiny demur shoes, golden crescent. She stood as tall as she could (even though all of these men were at least a head taller than her). "I'm the princess of the Moon, and I'm telling you I don't care who you are. You will let me go on my way and you will never speak of this incident. Are we clear?"
The dark haired man was stunned. It was clear across his face, and he had taken a step back at the shimmering light. She noticed that the four men had put their hands on the hilts of their swords and had taken to standing around him. They were expressionless, eyes narrowed. She was a target.
"Do...do you have any idea how dangerous this forest is?! I cannot let a young princess, no matter where she may claim to be from, out on her own. You already broke your ankle, and you are lucky that's the only thing that has happened to you! You will come back to the palace with us, we are contacting your kingdom, and you will go home by escort, if what you say is true!"
"Sir you believe her? The legends? They are true?"
That was the blond guard, with long curly hair and grey-blue eyes who asked. Endymion nodded. "It is not public information you understand, but yes, They are true. And I can feel it, like I feel the earth. You are going to have to trust me, and someone is going to have to notify the King. Immediately. We have a guest. Young, and naive, it seems, but an important guest."
"I can hear you, Prince…"
"Endymion," he stated, holding out his hand.
She paused, looking at it before reaching out with her own. His grip was firm but gentle, warm and soft. She was surprised that she didn't quite want to let go as she pulled her hand away. After a moment of silence in her thoughts, she refocused, standing straight. "My name is Serenity, and let me assure you I can take care of myself. "
"From the events of today thus far, it would increase the tensions of our Kingdoms for me to let you wander on your own. You understand?"
She closed her eyes. She had the distinct feeling that she was a small woman part of their
decision. But she also knew he was right. Once Queen Serenity heard of this, their treatment would be a consideration, as contact hadn't been made in at least a decade.
"Very well. If you must, lead the way."
"Will you allow me to heal your ankle all the way? I can tell it still hurts," he stated gently.
"What are you, an empath?"
"Yes."
She sighed. Her diplomacy skills were severely lacking, and this may be the most important thing she'd ever done in some ways. "Please forgive my attitude. I wasn't meaning to intrude, nor even make contact here. I was just..."
The young prince bent down, touching her ankle gently. She trailed off as she felt the golden light, so warm, his dark hair so beautiful on the top of his head. She wanted to reach out and touch him, her heart racing with the soft touch of his hand. The pain quickly disappeared.
He looked at his Generals. "The Princess and I will take the carriage, please turn us around and back to the palace. Our Journey will be delayed."
Once in the carriage, they were sitting close to each other, knees almost touching. She smiled at him though she rubbed her bare arms together. It was cool here, tiny little goose bumps quickly spread across her arms. He looked at her for a moment, before wordlessly handing her his dark outer Jacket. She pulled it haphazardly over her shoulders, it hanging loose and obviously too big. There was an awkward moment as she pulled her long pigtails from between her back and the jacket. He had this look she couldn't decipher. But the jacket was warm, and smelled...floral. Enticing actually. She shook her head at the thought.
"So, if I may ask, what were you doing in that forest?" Endymion started.
"I...honestly I was just trying to get away, and I seem to have caused more work for myself."
"And for us, it seems."
She bit her lip, looking down. "I'm not supposed to be here. Or even meet you."
"I am aware. The contact agreement between our kingdoms is very clear. And you have broken them."
She nodded. "But…"
"I can tell you are young. How old are you anyway?"
"I'm not young. I'm 14,in earth years. How old are you?"
"17. The rulers of our kingdom will be displeased. We don't want your interference."
"I just wanted to get away. We don't interfere in your politics, we haven't in a very long time."
"Your presence puts that into doubt."
"I...I understand that."
He shook his head. "I don't think you do."
They fell into silence as the wooden wheels of the carriage carried them forward. The chattering of his guard, and the soft sounds of the horses kept them company. She tried not to look at him, but he was so close. His broad chest, slightly messy hair that fell into his eyes just a smidge. How he leaned back in his seat, ever so subtle frowning, as he thought. She was sure she looked ridiculous, especially to him, in a thin dress in this weather, covered in his much to big Jacket, eyes wide and startled by unfamiliar sounds. Shoes dusty from the outside.
"What's… What is Earth like?" She broke the silence.
"What do you even mean?"
"I know very little about your culture, traditions, values… Even still, everything. Like is it always this cool out? Does the moon look so small in the sky?"
He laughed, it was warm and relaxed. "You know, I could ask you the same."
Her eyes darted away as she could feel her cheeks get hot, wondering what exactly made him laugh. She hoped he didn't notice, trying to come up with something to say. "The Earth… It looks so much bigger in the sky than the moon. It's blue and green, we can see the land and water. We also see your clouds and sometimes even weather. The moon looks so drab in comparison, honestly." He nodded for her to continue.
She crossed her arms, jacket slipping off her shoulder. "I shared a fact, so it is now your turn."
"I don't know…"
"Start with your kingdom then. What is the queen like?" She adjusted the jacket, watching him watch her.
"There is no Queen, she died when I was born. My father never remarried," he stated.
She looked at him, his relaxed posture unchanged, facial expression betraying nothing. She wasn't sure what to do. "I'm sorry to hear that. The King then? Your father?"
He shook his head. "Your turn."
"The Moon only has a Queen. Queen Serenity is… An intense, thoughtful woman. She advocates for what's best for the kingdom, and staunchly pacifistic. " She pointed at him indicating it was his turn again.
"King Aithlios is a bit of a recluse, stern and guarded. He wants this kingdom to grow and prosper. But politics is more convoluted than that."
Serenity nodded. "It always is. I'm currently sitting on trade agreements and prioritized routes which is the most boring topic. But Kingdoms rise and fall by their resources. So, there I am."
"We have few women who can fulfill those roles. Your education sounds like your kingdom expects you to rule it."
Serenity laughed. "Of course my Kingdom expects me to rule. Men and women are given the same opportunities. But women, they hold the blessings of the planets… and that's highly valued."
He raised an eyebrow and began to speak, but was interrupted by a man with wavy brown hair who opened the carriage door.
"Master, we have arrived." He bowed opening the door wide, and they both exited.
The sun was setting, and the wind was starting to blow a bit harder, and Serenity gripped Endymions jacket close to try and keep warm. The castle was large, made of greystone, warm light glowing from the windows. There were people about, and each stopped to stare at her, as she looked around. She hadn't even noticed they had made it into the city. She swallowed, feeling out of place.
"Kunzite has gone ahead to notify King Aithlios of the purpose of our return," the man named Nephite supplied.
"He will know how to contact my Kingdom?" She looked at the dark haired prince. "Yes, and then we will wait for your escort's arrival, I presume. Come inside, you've already attracted far too much attention." He turned to Nephrite. "Will you find the princess something more suitable to wear?"
He nodded, following them through the large wooden doors inside, before leaving them. Serenity's first surprise was that the castle was lit entirely by firelight, the sun setting supplying little light through the windows this time of evening. The people were dressed primarily practically wearing boots, loose clothes for working, simple colors. From seeing more people it should have been clear to Serenity he was a Prince, litteral shining armor, the four companions dressed so elegantly compared to the other people here. But comparatively to her kingdom, everyone seemed underdressed for the Royal Palace of Earth. But, she didn't say anything, choosing to follow down the pathway as the Prince led her through the castle without a word. Serenity tried to remember the twists and turns of the hall, in case she needed to run for it. They came to an ornate set of carved doors, which Serenity assumed led to the throne room. Two silent men stood before them staring at her intently. She shifted uncomfortably, looking at Endymion briefly for a moment. "Is there anything I should know before we go inside?"
"Be polite, don't say to much."
She was about to ask what that meant, when the doors began to open. She quickly handed back his coat to Endymion (though, she immediately regretted it due to the cold) and followed a few steps behind him.
King Aithlios was standing, though she wouldn't have known if it was unusual. A tall, lanky man with gray hair and a thin face. Who, unlike his son, didn't wear armor, but a suit with a thick cape to keep warm. Kunzite stood beside him, holding what Serenity recognized as a communication crystal, the only other piece of magic she had seen. She followed Endymion's movements and bowed on one knee, looking down. When he stood, she stood again. She didn't speak. The King stared at her for a moment, stepping down the few steps from the dias. He reached up and touched the crescent of her forehead, rubbing it with his thumb.
"You are a daughter of Artemis," he stated quietly, almost in wonderment. "I trust my son has treated you well?"
She nodded, not really understanding the reference. "He has been most kind. I must apologize for my intrusion."
"Nonsense," he stated. "I have not heard from your kingdom in so long, I wondered if your people even still existed. I have already spoken to Queen Serenity, who stated she would be coming personally to retrieve you."
The Princess nodded, though if Queen Serenity was coming herself, she knew she was in quite the amount of trouble.
"We will revisit the terms of our contact agreement when she arrives. For now, Endymion, please make sure she is comfortable."
"Your highness," Serenity addressed, "I must confess I do not understand why our Kingdoms do not engage in a relationship. There could be much...benefit."
He looked at her, shaking his head. "If I speak freely, will it offend?"
"No."
"Our mutual history- Your ancestors, trapezed around this world masquerading as gods. It is not to our benefit to be controlled by outside forces who do not have our interests at heart. I will not leave us vulnerable to that sort of influence, though we do have a matter to discuss."
Serenity opened her mouth to respond, and then shut it. She hadn't been expecting that response. Endymion looked between his guards, his father's behavior and the princess.
"I wish you no harm," she finally said, bowing her head. She took a step back from him, feeling he was too close.
"That is the thing, young Serenity. I'm not sure your ancestors did either. But your presumptions...they remove our rights. We will revisit this conversation when the proper authority arrives. I do not wish to discuss our history further with a child. Endymion, make sure she is comfortable. I expect that the Queen will arrive within the hour." He looked at the three guards. "Until then, she is to be protected like my son. No harm can come to her while she is here. Am I clear?"
Each of the guards nodded.
Nephrite entered being followed by a young woman with a folded garment. She nodded her head. "This cape should keep you warm during your stay."
Serenity took the gray-silver garment, wrapping it around her shoulders and fastening the metal clasp. It came to mid knee, and didn't exactly match her dress, but was soft and thick. She smiled at the woman with a nod. "Thank you." It had a hood, but she didn't pull it up. She then followed Endymion out of the room, who lead her to a warm study with thick padded chairs and a roaring fire. The guards followed. He gestured for her to sit.
Serenity looked at him, the firelight giving him a soft, warm glow as he sat in the chair across from her. Endymion's expressions were subtle and calm. She couldn't quite read what he was thinking, and it fascinated her. He caught her staring, locking his eyes with hers for a moment of silence too long to ignore. She felt her cheeks become warm again, and not from the fireplace. She looked away, pushing a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. She saw him just watching her and waiting for her to talk. She cleared her throat to give her another second to find something to say.
"He called me a daughter of Artemis. Was does that even mean?"
Endymion shook his head. "You...you don't know?"
"I wouldn't ask if I did."
"A long time ago, a woman came to Earth...she was rumored to be a goddess, protector of women. She...had plans for our world. They didn't work. Due to the crescent, like yours, she was rumored to be the goddess of the moon."
"How long ago?" Serenity wasn't sure if humans were aware quite how long lifespans of lunar royals could be. He could literally be talking about her mother.
"I don't know. Maybe 700, 800 years. It's been quite a long time." No wonder Queen Serenity didn't want her to come here.
"Has the no contact agreement really gone on for that long?"
He nodded. "Though, your queen does check in with us, about once every ten years. And, we can contact her if there is a dire need, I guess. We never have."
"My Kingdom is very different than this place. Maybe, one day you should come see it."
He looked at her with curious eyes. "I'm…" he trailed off as he heard Kunzite speaking outside.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I'm have orders not to let anyone see the Princess except her guard when they arrive."
"I am part of her guard. Let me see Serenity now!"
"I don't believe it, you are a small woman! Who would choose..." he started, the low voice sounding quite patronizing.
Endymion opened the door, to stare at a tall blonde with loose hair tied back with a red bow in an orange dress. She looked at Kunzite with fierce eyes, her hands in fists. She looked ready to punch him.
"What seems to be the problem here?" Endymion asked.
She looked at him, Seeing Serenity standing behind him looking at her with a smirk. Instead of answering him directly, she pushed past him to look eye to eye with her charge. "Princess, don't you ever do something so stupid ever again!"
"I'm fine." She waved her off. "I'm assuming my mother is here as well?"
"Yes, and Jupiter." He voice dropped to a whisper, "Tell these men that I could break them in two."
Serenity shook her head. "Venus, now is not the time." She looked at the man with the white hair. " She is a part of my guard, I apologize we do things differently than in your Kingdom."
He looked at them, lips thin. "I don't think you know what a guard is supposed to do. I will remain with you as ordered by King Aithlios until your departure."
Venus turned to look at him, face clearly looking insulted. Serenity placed a hand on her shoulder. Suddenly, her face changed as she looked between Serenity and Endymion, back and forth as if she was seeing something no one else could see.
"Venus, what are you doing? Please this is not the time to be...rude?"
She shook her head. "Can...can I speak to you alone for a moment?"
She looked at Endymion who nodded, directing Kunzite to the door. Venus grabbed her hand, pulling them into the corner with a low voice.
"That's the Prince of Earth, right?"
Serenity nodded.
"Do...do you like him?"
"What?! I told you I'm not interested in dating...AND he's expressly forbidden. What did you see?"
Venus shook her head. "I don't know...but you two...are connected. Be careful."
Serenity looked at Venus, who stared at the door with an peculiar expression.
"Venus, can we get through this meeting and get home before you start this insanity?"
She gave a short laugh. "Yes, let's get you home."
Venus and Serenity left the room. "Please direct us to where we are to meet the King."
Back through the hallways, Princess Serenity and Venus were brought to a conference room where the King and Queen Serenity were already talking.
"Come sit, Serenity," her mother commanded, and she complied. Venus stood at the door next to Kunzite, looking at him as he rolled his eyes at her. She couldn't believe it, shooting him a silent glare. He just shifted, cape pulling back to showing her the hilt of his sword as a direct power play.
The Royal family of Earth and the family of the Moon Kingdom sat face to face. "My daughter does not wish to intrude...she has been expressly taught that this is not a planet we are to visit."
"But maybe, this visit comes at a good time," King Aithlios stated. "I...we have a problem, and I think you may be able to help."
Queen Serenity tilted her head to the side. "What is the matter?"
"We...our women. They are dying young and without children. We do not know why they are cursed. Your ancestors, they...were able to help us once. Maybe they can again."
Queen Serenity paused before replying. The Princess could tell this was an unexpected development. "I will have a scientist come to examine someone who you suspect is afflicted. I'm not sure if there is much we can do. But I do hope that...maybe we will be able to open communications if it goes well."
He nodded. "Your assistance is a test. We...may need your help, but we do not want your guidance. Do you understand?"
"Your Kingdom is your own," the Queen stated, standing. "Come Serenity, we must get you home."
A bright light appeared in the room, and the Queen, Princess and Jupiter and Venus disappeared into thin air, leaving stunned silence by the men.
As they were back on in their own palace, Princess Serenity turned to her mother and started to talk freely "Mother, I…"
Queen Serenity shook her head. "I spent many young years on that planet, that I cannot regret, even if the men there cannot and do not understand. But, they are asking for our help, and our help they will receive. They may not be a part of this kingdom, but in a way, they have always been my people, and I will not forget that."
Serenity and Usagi awoke with a start.
Her mother's words ringing around in her head. They have always been my people. Serenity sighed, staring at the white ceiling. Usagi started asking questions about the dream, what she had seen, and Serenity shook her head as if Usagi would be able to see the motion.
Her mother would want her to help these people if she could… but how...how could she feel connected? She got up and sighed, looking for something to wear.
'What are you doing?' Usagi asked.
'We are going to visit Setsuna.'
A little later, Serenity stared at the coastal beach house in front of her, sitting high off a cliff and huge, especially for Tokyo standards. From what Usagi had said, the Outer Senshi had been well off in this time, and no kidding. It was the nicest residential dwelling she'd seen since she'd gotten to modern day Tokyo, this coastal, multiple story home with the glass windows overlooking the sea. The trip had taken slightly longer than expected, as Haruka and Michiru weren't concerned about public transit access, but Usagi and Serenity didn't mind.
Serenity walked up to the door, and before she could raise her hand to knock, Setsuna answered the door.
Aside from the week prior when Serenity had been too distracted by her own anger to actually notice Setsuna, she believed this was the only other time she'd even seen the mysterious woman in civilian clothes.
Her clothes were business casual, a black top with maroon suit jacket and pencil skirt, and put together as if she had all the time in the world to plan, dark green hair pulled back from her face carefully accentuating those dark eyes and skin. She warmly smiled, with a brief glance at their bracelet.
"Welcome, Serenity. I've been expecting you."
"Of course you have," Serenity replied, taking off her shoes and taking in the gorgeous room.
She immediately recognized the large art piece with a golden frame, the greens and blues and gold dusk on Neptune, the soft accents of color influenced by myth and magic. Her breath hitched, had Michiru painted from memory?
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Extraordinary. Where are the outer senshi anyway?"
Setsuna shrugged. "Tea?"
"Yes, please."
Serenity followed Setsuna into the kitchen, where she moved away some bright boxes of tea to the side for a positively ancient tin.
"Do you still drink the same tea?"
"Only the best in time."
Serenity laughed, honestly laughed, as the guardian of time waited for the kettle to boil.
"When is it from anyway?"
"China, early 1800's. It is called Da Hong Pao. It's still made today, but would take the riches of a Kingdom to buy it at the rate I drink it… so, I improvise." She gave Serenity a mischievous smile.
Serenity nodded. "I remember how my mother loves that tea, when she would visit you…" Setsuna gave her a quiet, contemplative look, while Serenity realized her mistake. "I must confess, for me time seems confusing at the moment. I don't quite understand how I came to be here."
Setsuna nodded, carefully pouring their tea, and handing her the cup. "I fear I don't understand myself, except I know you didn't arrive here through the timestream, if that's what you are asking."
They headed back to the living room, where Setsuna gestured for her to sit. Serenity sat on the modern white loveseat. Internally, Usagi watched Setsuna carefully, reflecting on how Setsuna's expressions seemed more open, like when she was talking to Haruka, Michiru or Hotaru. Usagi was certain Setsuna would never address her like this. It was disconcerting, and Usagi could relate to how Serenity had insisted that all of the Senshi were different to her. This side of Setsuna felt different to Usagi.
"It wasn't a question, really. Just for me, it seems so recent," she trailed off for a moment before continuing. "I apologize for my behavior towards you."
"I've had a long time to reflect, Serenity. Time moves more or less linearly for me, after all."
"More or less?"
She spoke deliberately, pausing between words, "Hiccups, occasional adventures, and tea. So, more or less." She took another sip of the tea.
"I hope I'm not being intrusive, but I do have questions."
"If you were being intrusive, I would have just not been here. I'm a hard woman to catch unawares."
"I don't remember you being so...free with your words."
"I haven't been in the presence of royalty who remembers decorum for quite the while, if you forgive my manners."
"You've lost all the rigidness without most of the formality. It is familiar and refreshing to me." Usagi felt surprised at Serenity's words, when she could feel the depths of emotion, the purpose of the visit. Somewhere in there maybe was familiarity, but Usagi certainly didn't feel it.
"But I believe it is you who is here for a reason."
Serenity sighed. "I need to ask you some history, about the Silver Crystal, about...my mother."
"Why?"
"I had a dream. Queen Serenity, she used to visit the Earth, correct? A long time before I was born."
"Yes, she did. She thought that she could help them grow, to connect to the earth and to the magic it had within it." Setsuna shook her head. "It didn't work. They...weren't ready."
"Are they ready now?"
Setsuna looked taken aback. "What your mother did then isn't even something to consider in this time. You must... make sure that the Earth stays protected from outside forces. We cannot afford to lose it as well."
"I...how can I connect to this time?"
"You...Serenity, married the Prince of Earth. Regardless of your feelings, you are connected. You pledged yourself to this planet, as he pledged himself to your kingdom. It is your duty to use the crystal for this planet's prosperity."
"But, I don't understand the silver crystal. How... why did my mother die but Usagi live when using it? They've both...brought people back"
Setsuna looked at Serenity with a soft, gentle smile, "Serenity, may I ask you a question?"
She nodded.
"Are you asking out of a need for knowledge, or asking out of grief?"
Serenity took a slow sip her tea to give herself a second to compose herself. Usagi felt the deep vulnerability that she managed to suppress with such a small movement. 'How did you learn to do that?' But Serenity didn't answer.
Setsuna continued, the princess' reaction answer enough. "I'm not sure if all the knowledge in the world will answer that question. At least, from what I've been told, it has its own sort of consciousness. But regardless, I can safely say nothing you can do will bring her back."
Usagi tried to reach out to Serenity in her crippling sorrow, but really was overwhelmed by it herself. She also felt a connection to the Queen of the Moon. Serenity started to speak, careful pretenses lost as she spoke with urgency "But what if her soul is out there? What if…"
"Princess…" Setsuna interrupted, "I've been alive a very, very long time and there are things that are just matters of the heart, and of faith. How we mourn falls into those two, and the silver crystal might just as well. The latter is for you to decide."
"But I…"
Setsuna stood up, crossing the room and sat on the couch next to Serenity. "She was a wise and lovely woman, of course you miss her, and her guidance."
Setsuna welcomed the smaller women to cry in her arms, bridging the gap of time.
Please Review
