Reader's Note: A complete character list (updated as new characters are added) is at the end of every chapter for reference.

Author's Note: Originally I had planned to make one chapter bridging the span of years between the last chapter and when Serenity turns sixteen. Unfortunately, there is just too much story to pack into one chapter, so there will be three. This is the first. I hope to have more for you soon, but as I said on my profile page, I am going to make an attempt to update most, if not all, of my stories before 2021. It isn't a promise because even without friends and family coming to visit for the holidays, I tend to get a bit sucked into a series every year, and a set of movies I adore. LOL, believe it or not, my Christmas movies start with Die Hard one and two on the day after Thanksgiving. I also love the movie the Christmas Shoes, and I tend to reread Little Women (and the books that follow) every December. Do you have any non-traditional holiday events?
Finally, please review and tell me what you think. There is still so much story to unfold!
Sailor Silver Ladybug
Tori

Silver Tears
A Silver Millennium Story
Prequel: Dark Endymion Series

Chapter Six
The Shadow Stirs

***Beryl (Age 14)***

"Are you there?" Beryl called, peering into the darkness.

She had never seen her cellmate, but the woman often talked to her, especially right after she had been beaten. This morning however, no one had come for Beryl. None of her father's men had dragged her back up into the courtyard of the estate. She was alone. Her birthday had passed while she was trapped in the cell, marked only by her father's men throwing buckets of freezing water through the bars at her.

::I'm here child,:: the woman said, her voice faint and sounding raspy from disuse.

Beryl still didn't know much about Metalia. She claimed to be the true Queen of the world and had told Beryl her body was still trapped in a deep and dark prison in the ice-covered lands of the far north. She had no physical form in this place, which was a little frightening, but Beryl felt safer when the voice was present.

"No one has come for me," Beryl said, trying to express her fears. For nearly three weeks she had been trapped in this cell, only taken out in the morning to be beaten by her father's men. "What if they forgot about me?" she asked.

::I will not let that happen, child,:: Metalia promised. ::One way or another you will escape your current prison. I will help you.::

"How,?" Beryl asked, shivering at a sudden breeze.

::Yours is not the only mind I can reach,:: Metalia explained. ::Only those who are most broken can hear my voice, for I am their true leader. But I will lead you out of this darkness and into the light.::

Beryl felt comforted. She wasn't entirely certain she believed Metalia, but the words gave her hope.

::Your isolation will not last much longer child,:: Metalia continued. ::Soon you will be released from this place. You will endure something terrible, but after that I believe I can get you to the palace.::

"I don't understand," Beryl admitted. "What terrible thing? Why can't you get me out now?"

::Patience child. And silence. Someone comes. When you wish to speak to me, do so in your mind. I will hear you. Simply call my name in your head and I will be there.::

::Metalia?:: Beryl thought.

::I hear you child.::

Beryl sighed with relief. Whatever terrible thing she had to endure, she would call for Metalia and listen to her when it was over. Metalia would help her. Metalia seemed to care for her when no one else did.

::Someone comes child. Make yourself as meek and small as possible.::

The warning had hardly finished when Beryl heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs. She had felt the rush of air, but hadn't realized what it meant. Someone had entered the dungeons. She heard the sound of boots on the stone floor and then there was silence.

"Beryl?" the voice was Agate's. What was he doing in the prison? Did it mean he was against her now too? "Beryl, I've brought you something," he whispered.

Beryl peeked over the edge of her knees, which she had drawn in front of her face at Metalia's warning. "Agate? What are you doing? You will get in trouble if you are caught."

"No one is coming. Father," he sneered the name, "says that you are to be left alone for three days. Only if you survive will you be allowed out."

Beryl shook her head. "I couldn't survive three days," she said. "What will I do for food and water?"

"That is why I have come," Agate responded. "I knew you would need something. It isn't much, but it will help. If I can manage to sneak down here again I will bring more, but father's men have been watching me."

Beryl managed to crawl to the door of her cell. Her hands and knees, already scraped raw from her weeks inside, seeped blood onto the stone floors. Agate knelt down on the other side of the bars. Beryl could hardly see him, though he was mere inches away.

"I wish I could take you away from this place," Agate whispered, handing her a leather pouch. Inside she found two water skins, completely full, and what felt like an old loaf of bread and a block of cheese with what felt like very little mold.

"I know you do," Beryl said softly. Agate wasn't so bad. Not like her sisters. He missed his own mother and wanted to go home, but he never took it out on Beryl and even seemed to care about her. "Three days?" she asked, gulping. Three days without another person was an eternity.

"Three days," Agate said, sounding like he was on the verge of tears. "We can run away if you want," he added. "I couldn't find the keys, but there must be some other way out of that cell."

"No," Beryl said, gripping his hand through the bars. "I will do what father has asked." She wouldn't let him suffer for her. "Hurry and get to a place where you can be seen. Do not let them grow suspicious."

"I'll come and see you tonight," he promised. Then his hand slipped from hers and he was gone.

::Metalia?:: Beryl called mentally.

::I never left you child. That one will be our ally,:: she continued. ::He is nearly broken.::

"What do you mean?" Beryl asked.

::He will be caught trying to sneak down to see you tonight. He will be beaten. He will need me too.::

Beryl shivered. Metalia almost sounded happy that an innocent boy, who was only trying to help his sister, would be beaten. And then it hit her. Metalia was just as much a prisoner as she. And had spent hundreds of years alone. Any voice would be a celebration after so long in silence.

::We will help you, when we are free,:: Beryl promised.

***Princess Serenity (Age 14)***

"She must be married to someone soon," Barnabas, the newest, and the youngest, advisor to the queen muttered, looking mournfully at Serenity. "You've seen what happened before. Now that others out there have become aware of…" his voice trailed off. "Now that people have learned about the plan Makel and his father nearly succeeded in executing, others will make similar attempts."

"Nonsense!" Dimande said, pacing back and forth in front of Serenity protectively. "She is fourteen years old. Women cannot marry before they reach the age of sixteen except in the most dire of circumstances."

"This is a dire circumstance," Barnabas argued. "What if someone simply kidnaps her and does exactly what that monster was planning? What will you say if she is murdered?"

Serenity tried hard not to show just how upset she was. Barnabas had a point, one that had been raised dozens of times by others. What would prevent someone from simply taking her and forcing her to bear a child?

"I'm telling you it is not possible," Dimande said, looking more angry than she had seen him in a very long time. "The prophecy says…"

He was cut off by Barnabas, who strode forward and raised his arms angrily. "The prophecy only says that she will be Bonded. Not that she can escape someone attacking her first!"

Dimande's voice was much softer when he spoke again, and he reached out and laid a hand on the older man's shoulder. Barnabas was new to their solar system, having lost most of his people to someone who claimed she was protecting them by turning their guardians into monsters and killing the innocent people on a whim. But his story was much more painful than that.

Serenity had learned of it not long before. Barnabas, one of the last remaining protectors of his own galaxy, had a sister. A sister who had been taken over a month before, though no one knew by whom. Only a spot of blood had been left on the floor of her bed chamber. Her favorite dress had been missing, but no other clothing or jewelry had been taken.

"We will find her," Dimande said softly. "I am sure Veronica is well." He turned back to look at Serenity. "In the meantime, remember, all four Inner Senshi have rooms connected to hers now."

"It isn't enough," Barnabas muttered. "We thought Ronnie was safe. How were we to know there was such evil in this galaxy?"

"I'm sorry Barnabas," Serenity said, speaking for the first time. "I don't know Veronica well, but I like her. I'm sure you will find her."

"Oh, I will," Barnabas said. "Or I will die trying."

"I might have someone who can help," Dimande said, lowering his voice still further. "But it cannot be known that he has left the Dark of the Moon, else his grandmother will hunt us all down and eat us for breakfast."

Serenity knew her cousin was joking, or mostly, but the thought of the terrifying older woman was enough to make her shiver. "Are you really going to call Rubeus?" she asked.

"I am," Dimande said, smiling now. "He will find her."

"What are you talking about?" Barnabas asked. "Who is Rubeus? Why is he in the Dark of the Moon? How can he help me? And what does any of that have to do with getting the Princess safely married before someone else can attack her?"

***Dimande (Age 18)***

"Mother," Dimande spoke softly, kneeling to show his mother the proper respect.

As the holder of the Dark of the Moon Crystal, Queen Lumire had been chosen to be the highest judge in the solar system. Her Crystal had early led her into a life of study. Many of the great masters of the sciences, the philosophers, and magicians of the solar system, as well as those learned in the history and laws of their people had come to teach his mother what she would need to know at a very early age.

"My son," Lumire stood and moved to lift him to his feet. "I've missed you. Your brother tells me there is an adventure afoot." She grinned at him.

Most people would not believe the highest judge in the solar system would love mischief, but Queen Serenity's younger sister had often pulled pranks on anyone why made her feel sad. She protected her sister jealously in their youth, and rumor had it, Pontus had asked Lumiere's permission to marry her sister even before going to the former King and Queen.

"We do have a rather important task," Dimande corrected. "And to do that, we will need the help of Rubeus."

"Rubeus?" Lumire gasped, staring at him with widened eyes. Even she couldn't entirely escape the wicked tongue of the boy's grandmother, who happened to be her mother-in-law. "Why? How can he help?"

"Do you remember Barnabas and his sister? We met them when their people asked for Sanctuary."

"I do. He is a very wise young man, even for one so young."

Dimande frowned. His mother spoke highly of him, and yet Dimande had dismissed his words earlier. What if he were right and Serenity ought to be married early for the sake of her safety? He shook his head. He would think on it later. He realized his mother had continued talking.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" he asked.

Lumire only smiled and patted his cheek affectionately. "Your mind wanders already?" she asked playfully. Then she went on. "I was saying it was horrible to hear about his sister."

"She's Rubeus' soulmate," Dimande explained.

Lumire gasped. "How did you discover this?" Then she shook her own head in frustration. "Esmeraude saw them together?"

"She did. She says they are soulmates, once bonded already. And she said something about Rubeus hearing her plea. I don't know what it means."

"Her lineage speaks truly," Lumire murmured. "The child will probably go to Venus for training."

"I know," Dimande said sadly. "For two years." He would miss her greatly, but it was what she needed to do, so he would wait. Two years seemed an eternity though.

"How can we get Rubeus out without discovery?" she asked. "And can he read the Bond yet?"

"I doubt it, but I know how. I've learned much since going to the Light of the Moon. Aunt Serenity has taught me to sense when she is feeling sad or lonely so that I can brighten her mood."

"That was kind of her. Personally I think we should find our soulmates in childhood so that we have time to form that bond. I am glad Esmeraude and her family came to us so soon." She shook her head again. "I am very distracted today. Your father is on the hunt for a fugitive and I worry."

"He is the best, other than you mother," Dimande reminded her.

"I've thought of a plan," Lumire said. "I will send my mother-in-law in my place to the meeting on Uranus. She has been itching to get her hands on young Haruka. Something about her inheritance. I still have no idea what she intends to give the girl, but it sounded important. That will give us three days. Can you do it by then?"

"We can at least find her in that time. If we have to rescue her without Rubeus we can just take her brother to keep her calm." Dimande felt hopeful that they could get her out quickly. If they needed more help, he would call for back-up.

"Ask for help now," his mother said, as though reading his mind. "Call for Young Endymion and his companions. The time is soon coming that they will need the experience."

"Have you dreamed mother?"

"No. The Oracle has spoken again." Lumire sat heavily on the settee, her black dress draping open to reveal the white inner layers, sparkling silver in the light. It was her trademark look. The shadow could cover the light, but never destroy it, or so she said. It was meant to be a reminder, but for whom, Dimande did not know. "She said 'the catalyst has come.' Then she died."

Dimande fell to his knees in front of his mother. This was not good news. "The catalyst?"

"Whatever it was that starts the coming war, it has happened. There is no stopping it now." She sighed and reached to pat Dimande's cheek. "Your father and I have chosen to move into the next realm at our deaths."

"But why?" Dimande stared at his mother in horror. If his parents passed into the next realm, their spirits would never be reborn in this one. No one knew what came next. None had ever returned if they did not go to the cauldron. What would become of them?

"Do not fear Dimande," Lumire said. "The next carrier of my Crystal is one whose spirit must be born, but has failed once and will fail again. Her star-seed is frail and needs the help of Crystal. I will give her mine and she will bear you in the next life. Your journey, your destiny, will be put on hold for a very long time. Then you will meet Serenity in a new world. One day you will save her life."

Dimande couldn't speak for a long moment. His heart ached at the thought of the solar system without his mother, with her sparkling laugh, her love of her family, and her swift hand of justice that was the protection of all. She was both light and dark, ancient and young, sweet and bitter. "I will miss you mother," he choked out at last.

"I will always be with you, my son," Lumire said.

He leaned into his mother and she rested her cheek on his head, holding him close. It already felt as though part of her was gone. He could hardly bear the thought, but he would cling to her while she existed, and be grateful she had been his mother.

Soon, he and Saphir would gather Rubeus, the Prince and his men, and a few other warriors, and they would go after Veronica. They were the next defenders of the Solar System. He didn't have the time to wallow in self-pity. He would do his duty.

***High Prince Endymion (Age 17)***

Endymion sat idly on the large chair in the library, a book open in his lap, but unread. He knew what it said. Knew the consequences of failure. Still, he sat there, in the cooler air, and thought about the steps that must come next if they were to fulfill the prophecy and he was to find his Serenity in another life. Much of it had already been arranged, by Queen Serenity. Even Lugh finally had a set of parents for his rebirth according to Endymion's father.

He sighed. That was another problem. Each day he watched his father grow a little further away. It was as though his spirit was so longing for the next world that he could no longer remain in this. With only a vague understanding of their bond, Endymion could only watch in sadness and fear as his once hale and hearty father grew weaker by the day. Sometimes, when Endymion looked at him, he could see nothing more than a ghost, still haunting the palace, but ready to move on.

He thought about getting up. He could play a prank on the cook, or ask one of the masters to teach him. He had no energy. Filled with anxiety, the young prince felt helpless. It was not a good feeling and he wanted to be rid of it. Still, at least his hiding place kept him from the worst of the summer heat.

"Endymion, there you are," Zoicite said softly, taking the chair across from the idle prince. "Word has come from Dimande of the Dark of the Moon. He asks us to join him in a quest that has been authorized by his mother."

"A hunt?" Endymion asked, curious in spite of himself.

"A rescue operation," Zoicite corrected, his eyes lighting with excitement.

Endymion sat up and stared at his friend and companion. "Truly?" he asked. "Whom are we to rescue?"

"The sister of the young new advisor to Queen Serenity. Her name is Veronica, and apparently she has been missing near a month. Dimande also says he would like to speak to you on another matter that he feels is important."

"What is it?" Endymion asked, standing and grabbing his sword belt from the table next to him. He was supposed to wear it at all times, according to Master Crios, but it was uncomfortable to sit with a sword digging into his side.

"He only said he had been thinking about a way to protect Serenity," Zoicite admitted. "I'm uncertain what he means as the young Senshi are quite fond of her and are already very skilled." That was high praise from Zoicite.

Endymion nodded. "Let us go. Where are we to meet?"

"Moon Palace," Zoicite said, also standing. "The others will be waiting at the teleportation room."

"Good," Endymion said. He tugged at his sword belt, adjusting it so that it sat low enough to reach the blade should he need it. He caught a disapproving glance from Zoicite, but pretended not to see. He wanted to look well put-together, but his most important task would always be to protect the life and the heart of a kind, selfless, wonderful young girl who had stolen his heart without trying.

Silver Tears Character Guide

Lunarian Royal Family:
Queen Serenity
King Pontus (Deceased)
Princess Serenity - Usagi
Prince Tsukiyomi - Shingo

Earth Royal Family:
King Endymion
Queen Demeter (Deceased)
Prince Endymion - Mamoru

Solaran Royal Family:
King Solaris
Queen Hemera
Prince Lugh - Haruki

Dark of the Moon
Queen Lumire - Queen Serenity's younger sister
Prince Dimande
Prince Saphir

Other Royalty - Lower Kingdoms/Younger Siblings
Esmeraude - Princess of Triton
Rubeus - Prince of Triton
Koan - Rei's little sister
Berthier - Ami's little sister
Calaveras - Minako's little sister
Petz - Makoto's little sister

The Oracle:
Earth Oracle
Moon Oracle/Dark Moon Oracle
Sun Oracle
Venusian Oracle

Elysion
Anou - Priestess of the Moon people
Miroc - Priest of the Earth people
(All Senshi and Shitennou names remain the same when they are reborn!)

Senshi:
Sailor Mercury - Ami, daughter of Athena
Sailor Venus - Minako, daughter of Aphrodite
Sailor Mars - Rei, daughter of Hestia
Sailor Jupiter - Makoto, daughter of Juno
Sailor Saturn - Hotaru-daughter of Persephone
Sailor Neptune - Michiru- daughter of Amphitrite
Sailor Uranus - Haruka- daughter of Ninlil
Sailor Pluto - Setsuna, daughter of Nona

Shitennou:
Prince of the North - Kunzite, son of Hermes
Prince of the South - Zoisite
Prince of the East - Nephrite, son of Crios
Prince of the West - Jadeite

Metalia's forces:

Beryl - from Earth - kingdom of the west - daughter of a diplomat, designs on Endymion that are encouraged violently by her father, who wants her to marry him so he can be assassinated and he can gain the power.

Agate - from Earth - kingdom of the south - Beryl's half brother, son of a diplomat, friends with Tsukiyomi; Kidnapped by his sister after the creature is awoken.

Makel - from Oberon (A moon of Jupiter) - Son of a diplomat, and a bit of a bully, thinks he will marry Serenity

Additional Enemies:

Nehelinia - Queen of the Dark Moon, the center of the moon, or New Moon. Casts a curse that the Moon kingdom would fall and Princess Serenity would never inherit the throne. Locked away by Queen Serenity.

Other Characters:

Nurse - Ikuko - from the Moon - A caregiver for the prince and princess of the moon and any other young children. Highly trusted and incredibly well trained to protect her charges.

Bodyguard/Defense Teacher - Kenji

Mímir - from Mercury - A Teacher, Ami's uncle

Brictie - Serenity's new First Maid.

Kuro Botan - Beryl's Father
Kuro Morgan - Beryl's Mother

Hera - Jealous sister of Ninlil