Once Upon a Blue Moon

Chapter 6– Discovered


Serenity filled her lungs with the exquisite fresh air and exhaled loudly with a sigh. She could not image how she could be any happier. She looked to her right and smiled.

From where she lay on his chest, Serenity had a perfect view of the peaceful look on Endymion's face. With his head resting on his right arm, his left was playing softly with her hair. She wondered what he was thinking about behind his closed eyes. The princess smiled and turned her attention back to the blue sky. Her fingers brushed against the soft fabric of the blanket beneath them.

It was amazing how quickly time had passed. Serenity thought back to the day she had first seen Endymion, only a few months ago. So much had happened in that time. She and Endymion had sought each other out whenever they had the opportunity, each somehow sensing when the other was looking for them and meeting secretly in Endymion's gardens. Though these visits were not frequent and were often brief, any time they spent together with one another was blissful and they always made sure to make the most of it, learning whatever they could about one another.

Serenity closed her eyes, trying to remember some of the things that Endymion had told her. She knew how much he loved being outside, and how he cared deeply for the Earth. Roses were his favourite flower, and he was always drawn to the red ones more than others. He had no siblings, but was close to his four Shitennou, much like she was close to her Sailor Senshi. But though they spoke about many things, they never revealed to one another their real identities. Neither knew the other was royalty.

Endymion's hand gently brushed against Serenity's cheek before returning to her hair. As always, sparks ignited where their flesh met. Serenity knew she would never tire of that feeling. She let out another sigh.

"What are you thinking?" Endymion asked softly.

"Just how happy I am," Serenity answered.

Endymion let this hand slip from Serenity's hair down to her side. He gently picked up her hand, bringing it to his lips. "I make you happy?" He kissed her hand gently.

"Very much so." She looked over to his handsome face. "Do I make you happy?"

"More than anything," Endymion answered, staring in to her eyes.

Serenity smiled. She gently got up from Endymion's chest, resting her weight on her elbow, and leaned down to kiss the Earthling. Endymion sat up, taking Serenity in his arms, and deepened the kiss. He gave her hand a small squeeze as they broke apart.

"Do you have to go?" Endymion asked.

Serenity nodded sadly. "They'll be wondering where I am soon."

"I wish you didn't have to," Endymion said softly. He kissed Serenity's forehead, right where her crescent moon marking sat.

"I'll come back soon," Serenity promised.

Endymion helped her to her feet. "Until then, I shall look up at the Moon every night and think of you."

"And I you, when I gaze at the Earth."

Endymion tucked a stray blonde hair behind Serenity's ear. "Can I ask you something? When you look down from the Moon, how does this planet look?"

Serenity clasped her hands together and gazed up at Endymion excitedly. "It looks just like a blue crystal."

Endymion couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. He tilted her head up and placed another soft kiss on her lips, before taking her in his arms.

"Come back to me soon."

Serenity nodded, relaxing in his arms. She always felt so warm and safe when he held her like this. Whenever she was with him, she felt stronger than she had ever before, and everything seemed so much clearer to her. She wished she didn't have to leave.

Something caught her eye. She looked off in to the distance. "Endymion, what are those dark clouds?"

Endymion followed her gaze. "I'm not sure. The weather is probably turning. It's nothing to worry about." But even as he said the words, an uneasy chill ran down his spine. He tried to ignore it.

Reluctantly, they let each other go, and Endymion could only watch as Serenity was engulfed by a beautiful white light and disappeared before his eyes. She could transport herself a lot quicker now, and from many different locations. Endymion was proud of her strength. He picked up the red blanket from the ground, shaking off the leaves that tried to cling on, and made his way back to the palace.

He reached his mother's garden first, and made his daily visit to her. He made sure to hide the blanket in the bushes before leaving. He entered the palace and made his way to his study. There were still a few things he needed to complete before making his way to the evening's dinner.

Kunzite was already waiting for him when he arrived. Endymion was immediately concerned when he saw the look on his face.

"What's happened?" Endymion asked.

"I am not entirely sure, your highness," Kunzite answered. He closed the door behind the prince, making sure no one could over hear them. "It's Beryl."

Endymion leaned against the wall. "Has it gotten worse?"

For the last few weeks, there was more talk on the wind concerning Beryl. She had now gained a mass amount of followers. Whilst it had only begun with peasants and farmers, there were now reports of Lords and dignitaries leaving their lands to follow Beryl, taking their men and families with them. Endymion had tried to locate where they had gone, but to no avail.

Kunzite nodded reluctantly. "Jadeite has now been missing for more than a week and Nephrite for a few days."

"Zoisite did not find anything on his patrol?"

"Nothing at all." Kunzite clenched his fist behind his back. "And when he returned, he started acting strangely." He hit the door in frustration.

Endymion stood up straight. "Like the others?" Kunzite didn't answer. He could only nod. Endymion let out a frustrated noise. "Does my father know?"

"He still has not returned from his own expedition to locate Beryl."

This was not the news that Endymion had wanted to hear. For the past few weeks, he had tried to see his father and speak to him numerous times, but to no avail. Due to his absence, Prince Endymion had taken on more of the Kingdom's responsibilities, and had seen for himself just how much the Kingdom was beginning to fall apart. Everything was slipping through his fingers, and he couldn't do anything to stop it.

"Prince Endymion," Kunzite said. "Zoisite is planning to conduct another search at dawn. Please, allow me to accompany him."

"I can't allow that," Endymion said, shaking his head. "I can't let my only remaining general leave the palace. I need you here to help me."

Kunzite placed a reassuring hand on the prince's shoulder. "Your highness, you know I have to leave. We need to stop this before it gets any worse. I will return in the evening with whatever news I can find."

Endymion knew he was right. But that didn't make this any easier. He nodded his head in agreement. Kunzite thanked the prince, before excusing himself to prepare for the morning's ride. Endymion was left alone in his study. The sun was just about to set, casting a burning orange glow where its light touched. Endymion did not move, and watched the shadows lengthen as he became lost in his thoughts. Had he done the right thing? He wished Serenity was here so he could hold her in his arms again. She always knew what to say.


Serenity woke up with a scream. Images from the nightmare still flashed through her mind as she came to her senses: a dark cloud, people screaming, Endymion calling her name. It had been so real, so vivid. She crawled out from her warm sheets, shivering as her feet touched the cold floor. She walked over to her window, sitting on the reading bench, and looked up at the Earth. It had only been three days since she had last been, but it felt like an eternity. She couldn't be sure, but the Earth looked a little dimmer than it usually did. She remembered the dark clouds she had seen in her dream and hoped Endymion was alright.

She looked around her room and noticed that Luna wasn't with her. Strange. It was too early for breakfast. Serenity had the sudden urge to see her feline friend, especially after her nightmare. She dressed quickly, making herself presentable, and exited her room. She walked around the halls, wondering where Luna could have gone. Maybe she was with Artemis? Venus would know. Serenity decided to find her first.

As she made her way to where her Senshi resided, not too far from her own chambers, Serenity heard voices coming from down the corridor. Her curiosity got the better of her and she quietly walked towards the source of the noise. It was coming from her mother's chambers. The door had been left slightly ajar, whether on purpose or by accident, Serenity didn't know. She stopped outside the room and looked through the gap.

She could see her four guardians standing proudly in their uniforms, with Luna and Artemis standing to attention at their feet. They were all standing in front of her mother. The Queen looked anxious, an emotion Serenity rarely saw with her mother. She watched as she fingered the Silver Crystal nervously.

"I am not sure what it is," the Queen said. "But I have my suspicions."

Mercury gave a small bow before speaking to the Queen. "Does it have anything to do with the Sun's activities?"

Queen Serenity smiled. "I am always impressed with your perception and intelligence, Mercury. Yes, I believe the sun spots that we monitored last year have something to do with this."

Serenity tried to lean in closer. She did not know what they were talking about, but the apprehension she now felt in her heart could not be ignored.

"What does this mean?" Luna asked.

Queen Serenity let out a tired sigh. "The dark clouds are getting closer. For now, we must keep an eye on the situation. If we need to intervene, then we will do so."

"Should we try to make contact with the people of Earth?" Sailor Mars asked.

Serenity felt her heart jolt. Earth? Something was wrong with Earth? But that meant Endymion was in danger too.

The Queen shook her head. "Sadly, we cannot. Whatever this dark cloud is that is approaching them, they must deal with it on their own."

Princess Serenity let out an involuntary gasp, but then quickly covered her mouth. She moved away from the door and ran down the corridor before anyone would notice her. She hoped no one had heard her.

But someone had.

Sailor Venus looked up at the slightly open door. She walked over and opened it, looking up and down the corridor. She couldn't see anyone, but thought she heard something down the corridor…

Princess Serenity was not aware that she had been heard, and continued to make her way through the palace. She soon made it outside in to the gardens. The morning light shone beautifully on the soft petals as she ran past them. Though she knew she did not need to necessarily be in her garden to transport herself to Earth, she needed somewhere that was safe and away from prying eyes. Her garden was perfect.

She arrived in no time at all and stood by the pond. She looked up at the Earth and thought of Endymion, as she had so many times before. She needed to see him.

But just as she felt her body begin to glow, something grabbed her wrist. She looked up in surprise to see Sailor Venus holding on to her wrist. She heard her friend call her name, but it was too late. She couldn't stop the process. They were both engulfed by the light, and disappeared from the garden.


Endymion awoke with a start. The pounding on his door continued. He looked outside his window. It was barely passed dawn. Something must be wrong.

"Prince Endymion?" a voice called through the door.

It took Endymion a moment in his sleep deprived state to work out it was Kunzite calling him. He was unsure if he was happy or annoyed at the disturbance. The general had returned from his expedition with Zoisite as promised, but had kept himself locked up in his room since then. This was the first time Endymion had heard from him. "Kunzite?" He called back. He jumped out of bed and began to dress. "What is it?"

"Something has appeared," Kunzite said through the door. "In the palace grounds."

Endymion started attaching some of his armour to his chest and arms. The hairs on the back on his neck stood on end as another uneasy chill went down his spine. "What has appeared?" He grabbed his cape and threw it on, securing it to his armour.

There was a pause before Kunzite answered. "I'm not sure. All I saw was a white light."

Endymion froze. A white light? But, it couldn't be. He grabbed his sword and opened the door to the waiting Kunzite. "Show me."

Kunzite nodded and led the way. They quickly made it outside and headed in to the gardens. Not a soul could be seen.

"Where is everyone?" Endymion asked.

"Most are still asleep," Kunzite answered. "The few that are awake are in the palace. No one else has seen the light."

Endymion nodded. At this early hour, it was rare for anyone to be awake. If Kunzite hadn't had seen it…He stopped. "How did you see it?"

Kunzite stopped, not expecting the question. He didn't know how to answer. He turned to face the Prince slowly. "I was about to leave on another mission to find Beryl, when I saw the light from my window."

"Beryl?" Endymion asked. "You are not due to leave for that until tomorrow."

"I thought I would pull forward the mission."

Endymion eyed his general. "Whose permission did you seek?"

"The King's," Kunzite replied nonchalantly.

"My father? Why didn't you come to me?" Kunzite didn't answer. "Kunzite, ever since you returned from your first mission to find Beryl, you've been acting strangely, just like the others did before. What happened to you?"

But Kunzite didn't have a chance to answer. A female voice pierced the early morning air.

"Where have you brought us, Serenity?"

It took everything Endymion had not to call out her name. Serenity…she was back? Without another word, he ran over to where he had heard the voice. He just about heard Kunzite following him, but was too concerned about Serenity. If she was back, who was with her?

He ran and ran, leaving the open garden next to the palace terraces and making his way to the more dense and hidden parts of the grounds. Not far away from where his mother's garden was he saw a flash of blonde hair through the trees. He rushed forward.

"Serenity!" He exclaimed. But it wasn't Serenity that stood before him.

The blonde young woman in front of him had hair a similar length and colour to Serenity, but hers hung loose down her back, with only a red bow tied at the top. She was dressed in a strange outfit, made up of a white bodice with what Endymion could only describe as a small orange cape over the shoulders, and a short orange skirt. A blue bow was secured on the chest with an orange broach, and a light orange bow could be seen at the bottom of her back. She wore white gloves with orange fabric by her elbows, and orange shoes and choker. Her tiara glittered in the sunlight.

The unusually dressed woman in front of him shifted back slightly upon his arrival and allowed him to see who was standing behind her.

"Serenity!" He cried again, seeing the woman of his dreams.

"Endymion!" Serenity called back. She tried to go to him, but Venus held her back. "Venus, let me go!"

"No, Princess!" said Venus.

"Princess?" Endymion repeated the word. Serenity was a princess? He looked at Serenity for an answer. "Serenity-"

"Prince Endymion!" he heard Kunzite call.

"Prince?" Serenity said with a gasp. She looked up at Endymion. "You're a prince?"

Endymion reluctantly nodded. So they had both kept secrets from one another? He didn't blame her. He just wanted to explain his reasoning. "Serenity, please-"

"Why didn't you tell me?" But Serenity already knew the answer. After all, she had done the exact same thing. But that didn't make this whole predicament any easier. Again, she tried to go to him.

"Stand back!" A voice growled. Kunzite appeared by Endymion's side. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword. "I will not allow any harm to come to the Crowned Prince of Earth!"

The look that passed over Serenity's face broke Endymion's heart. He tried to go to her, to comfort her, but Kunzite placed his arm in front of him, and refused to let him pass.

"The Crowned Prince of Earth?" the woman named Venus said. "We're on Earth?" She turned around to face Serenity. "This is where you've been disappearing to all this time? You've been coming to Earth?"

"Venus, please," Serenity begged.

"How could you?" Venus asked. Her voice broke on the last word.

"I'm sorry." Serenity felt the tears prickle her eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone. It just happened. I tried to stop, but I couldn't stay away." Her eyes drifted up to meet Endymion's.

Venus followed her gaze to look at the prince. The realisation hit her hard, knocking the wind from her. "No…" She turned around to face her princess. "You can't be…"

"Who are you?" Kunzite called. He only pulled his sword out a fraction, but the threat was clear. "How did you get here?"

Venus saw the sword in Kunzite's hand. She stood firmly in front of Serenity. "My name is Sailor Venus, protector of Princess Serenity, the future Queen of the Moon Kingdom. We did not mean to intrude-"

"The Moon?" Kunzite interrupted. He fully unsheathed his sword. "I will not allow you vile creatures to take over our planet!" Kunzite gave an all mighty yell, and started to charge.

Venus prepared herself for the attack. She felt her power flow through her veins, gaining strength. She would not allow any harm to come to her princess. "Venus-"

"STOP!" Serenity and Endymion cried at once. Serenity pulled Venus back to stop her attack. Endymion jumped in front of Kunzite, drawing his sword and blocking his strike. Kunzite stumbled back from the blow, but quickly regained his footing.

"Endymion, what are you doing?" The general sneered.

Endymion held his position, his sword ready to defend the women behind him. "I will not allow any harm to come to Serenity, or Sailor Venus."

"Have you lost your mind? Why are you protecting them?"

"Because I love her!" Endymion cried.

Serenity felt her grasp on Venus's arm loosen, and she let go. She stood in shock, Endymion's words ringing in her ears. He loved her. Endymion loved her. Her heart was racing in her chest. "Endymion…"

Endymion slowly stood up straight, still facing his general. "I love Princess Serenity, and I will protect her with my life. Please, Kunzite put away your sword and let me explain."

Kunzite did not move. He had heard his prince's words, but he could not comprehend them. How could a prince of Earth fall in love with a princess from the Moon? It was impossible.

Endymion slowly lowered his sword and extended a hand to his friend. "Please?"

The confliction emotions fought inside Kunzite. But seeing the look on Endymion's face, he knew he could not hurt his friend. Kunzite reluctantly dropped his sword and quickly sheathed it away before he could change his mind. As a sign of respect, he placed his right hand over his chest, letting his hand rest on top of his heart, and bowed to the prince. "Forgive me."

Endymion, too, sheathed his sword and approached his friend. "Please, stand. You were only doing what you thought was right." The prince turned to the two Lunarian women and bowed to them. "Please forgive us both, Princess, and her guardian, Sailor Venus."

"Yes," Serenity said. She wanted him to hold her, to whisper comforting words to her. She took a step forward, but again, Venus blocked her path. "Venus?"

"I'm sorry, princess." Venus could not look her in the eye. She could see how much the prince and princess cared for one another, but she must follow the law. She couldn't bear to see the pain she was about to inflict on Serenity. "But we must return to the Moon, immediately."

She knew her guardian was right. Her secret had been discovered. She must return home to face the consequences. But the thought of possibly never seeing Endymion again…"Can I at least say goodbye?"

Venus looked up at her friend. She saw how much the separation from the Earth prince tortured her, and yet she could see her strong determination sparkle in her eye. She was trying her best to be strong, for both her and the prince. Reluctantly, Venus let the princess pass. Serenity ran forward, crashing in to Endymion's arms. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Neither of them felt safer anywhere else than they did in each others arms.

"I'm sorry," Serenity said softly. She felt a tear escape and roll down her cheek.

"You have nothing to apologise for," Endymion said. He tilted the princess's head up gently. Cupping her cheek, he brushed away her tear with his thumb. "I should apologise to you. I should have told you I was the prince."

Serenity nodded. "And I should have told you who I really was." She brought her hand up and squeezed Endymion's. "This is such a mess."

"But we'll get through it," Endymion reassured. He tilted his head down and placed his lips softly on Serenity's, giving her a long, loving kiss. He felt another tear roll down her cheek and land on his hand. He pulled back and looked deep in to her eyes. "I love you."

Serenity smiled; a truly beautiful smile that made Endymion's heart burst. "I love you too, Endymion."

He pulled her in close again, burying his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder. "Come back to me soon," he whispered earnestly.

Serenity gave a small nod, all too aware of the small audience they had. "I promise."

They broke apart, and kissed once more, before Serenity let him go and walked back over to her guardian. Venus took the princess's hand, and closed her eyes. Before Endymion could stop them, they were engulfed in the white light that had become all too familiar to the prince, and then were gone.


Serenity and Venus arrived back in Serenity's garden. Venus was relieved to find that not much time had past. She let go of Serenity's hand, and turned to face the princess.

"Ready?"

Serenity did not look at the guardian. Her blue eyes, so full of sadness, looked at the ground. She gave a small nod, before following Venus back to the palace, back to her mother. It was time to face the consequences.


A/N: Thank you to everyone for reading and reviewing this story. It really does make a difference knowing that there are people enjoying my writing. Special thanks to natashasurgirl for all the wonderful advice!