Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. I have created my own characters and they may show up at any time in any of my stories. Those characters and the changes to plot are my own. I will not receive monetary compensation from this work.

Acknowledgements: Anonymous request by a reader. You know who you are… and I just have to say again, thank you for all the times you've messaged or reviewed. You are absolutely wonderful. I also have to thank my awesome friend and beta Astraearose-silvermoon for helping me when I get writers block, working with me to create names, write poems, and to talk things through when I get a bit in my head during the writing process.

Author's Notes: I have to explain this in advance… I try to take the names from the Silver Millennium straight from the manga. That, to me, makes it as pure as possible, however not many of the names are given, so I have added them. I will admit, I have a different version of the Silver Millennium in my mind, so please, bear with me. There is a lot that has never been viewed, and a lot that will be changed because of the effect on the timelines. I have about twenty versions of the Silver Millennium in my head, just like I do with the normal series, so I may write another version later. Who knows?

Reader's Note: A character list with names that may be changed or unknown characters will be at the bottom of this prologue and every chapter as more characters are added so you can check it out any time!

Additional Note: For the purposes of this story - The Moon Queen is called High Queen because she has charge of the Solar System. The Princess Heir to the Moon Kingdom is also called High Princess. The Earth King is called High King because he has charge over all the earth. The Prince Heir of Earth is also called High Prince. In this story, addresses to royalty are: Queen/King, Majesty or Royal Majesty; Prince/Princess, Highness or Royal Highness; Anyone who is not Queen/King Prince/Princess would be called my Lord, or my Lady.

Updated Author's Notes (1/13/20): There are several corrections to spelling and grammar in this chapter, several additional portions or corrections to scenes. TWO NEW SCENES AT THE END!

Silver Tears
A Silver Millennium Story
Prequel: Dark Endymion Series

Prologue
The Oracle Speaks

***Queen Serenity***

Queen Serenity's heart hammered wildly with happiness as she and her husband, King Pontus stepped onto the dais to welcome the newest Royal. She saw many in the crowd she recognized, even through the slight sheen of happy tears in her eyes. Her Senshi, many of whom were pregnant or holding infants of their own, all nodded and smiled in understanding. Their own babies had been, or would soon be, presented to the courts as the priestess of Elysion told all assembled a unique attribute about the princess and of their acceptance by the crystal their mothers carried.

All had girls. It was expected of course. The Senshi and the Queen of the Moon always had girls first, except in very rare cases when a Crystal adapted things to suit it's needs. That was so rare it was almost unheard of, but her great-grandmother had borne a boy first because the Keeper of Chronicles had been killed battling Metalia's forces in the Second War. Now, in the peace after the Third War, the kingdoms rejoiced and flourished.

As she waited for the Crier to speak, Queen Serenity looked at her husband for a long moment, happy to share their first child with their friends and loved ones. This was one of the happiest days of her life, and the giddy joy of it threatened to overwhelm her with tears. He smiled back at her, his eyes shimmering in the lights, and she knew that once they were alone they would have a much smaller celebration.

After what seemed a thousand years, the Crier called out, "Queen Serenity the Eighth presents Princess Serenity."

She turned, smiling, to greet everyone, and opened her mouth to speak.

The sonorous voice of the Oracle startled everyone in the throne room. It had been years since the young man had spoken, and to hear him now, just as the infant Princess Serenity was introduced to the court, was shocking. The Queen turned suddenly, her daughter clasped in her arms, to stare at the one who spoke. It felt as though he pronounced their doom. Every word seemed to strike at her heart and she looked down at her baby, tears springing to her eyes as she listened.

"Son of Earth, Daughter of Moon
Soul-Bonded fight the War.
Gold and Silver Crystals join
To bring peace once more.

Eight and Six must join
To battle at their sides.
Come they not, life fails,
United hope resides.

Son of Moon and Son of Star
Join with Rebirth and Time.
Keep not these daughter's locked
Else death's call will chime.

All shall fall and fade
And dark will wait again,
Until they are reborn
Within the world of men.

Dreamers meet in mist
Until mem'ry unlocks all
The secrets of forgotten past.
Dark queen then will fall."

When the voice ended no one spoke a word. All waited, with bated breath, for the reaction of the King and Queen. No one knew what to expect, though it was obvious, to most at least, that something momentous had just happened. Queen Serenity thought perhaps none of them knew just how momentous. The Oracle had just said her daughter would be Soul-Bonded to the High Prince of Earth. More, he had just spoken of their deaths. Everyone's deaths.

::Please say something,:: she pleaded with her husband. ::I cannot.::

::I see you understood then,:: King Pontus said, his voice trying to offer her comfort. He rested a hand on the small of her back as they turned to Anou, the current priestess of Elysion. He nodded his head slightly to her and said in a calm voice, "please continue."

Anou took Princess Serenity carefully, holding her close over the bulge of her own unborn son, and smiled as the baby stared up at her. She turned to the assembled court. "People of the Moon Kingdom and of the Silver Millennium, I ask you to greet High Princess Serenity the Ninth. She has been accepted by the Silver Crystal and carries the Pink Moon Crystal until such a time as it joins with the Silver Moon Crystal. Princess Serenity will be a Dreamer, and one day, far in the future, she will be the instument that ends a great war." She lifted Serenity up slightly, and the princess giggled.

At just under three months old the princess was already precious to many in the room. They nodded and smiled in spite of the chill that had settled after the Oracle's words. But the moment the ceremony was done, voices began to spring out as people questioned the Oracle's words.

"Did he mean she's going to marry the Earth Prince?" The king of Saturn asked, looking worriedly at his wife, who was the youngest of the Senshi.

"Is there to be a union of Gold and Silver? We all know if they join they are far too powerful. They could knock the sun out of place!" A young courtier said, her eyes wide with fear.

"How has this happened?" Another young man asked. He turned and glared at the Oracle, as though he had any say in what was spoken.

"We must calm the people," Pontus said, then he stepped forward and called out, "Silence!"

Serenity stepped forward to stand beside him, now holding her daughter again. "Please, be calm. I promise you we will discover everything we can about this and work to solve any problems that arise. I beg of you all to have patience."

Anou stepped forward then, and Serenity gaped at her as she lifted her hand, holding up the Talisman of the Dreamer. "No one will speak of this without permission of the Queen and the King," she said firmly. The Talisman in her hand glowed bright silver and she seemed to grow in size for just a moment, before she faded and shrunk back. She turned to Serenity. "This must not become common knowledge," she said. "The Prince and Princess must love one another truly or no Bond can form." She let out a soft sigh. "I must rest," she whispered, then with a flash she was gone, back to Elysion, to her husband and children.

Silence reigned in the throne room for several minutes. Then little Serenity began to cry and she and her husband moved instinctively toward their private chambers, hoping the future wasn't as bleak as it seemed. The crowd of Lords and Ladies, Kings and Queens, and Princes and Princess began to drift away towards the doors as they left. Most were silent but for an occasional sob.

***Queen Serenity***

"Ohhh," Lugh said, looking over the side of the little white moon cradle. He had been in the Throne room, but hadn't understood what was happening, and because of that, was still as cheerful as ever. "She is so tiny." He bounced several times, trying to get a better look. Serenity was glad he had followed them, instead of going with his parents. His bright and happy personality was just what she needed at the moment.

"She is a baby Lugh," Queen Serenity said, laughing lightly. "Soon she will grow up and get bigger and stronger just like you."

"And she'll play with me, and be my friend?" Lugh asked, his tone hopeful. It was unfortunate that he was the oldest of the royal children, and at three, had been mostly alone for several years.

Queen Serenity knelt in front of him. "I know it is lonely Lugh, but soon you'll have more friends and playmates than you can shake a stick at."

"Thank you, Auntie," Lugh said, grinning. He gave her a hug. "Can I go to the garden now?"

"Of course Lugh. Nurse will take you." Serenity nodded to Ikuko, who took Lugh by the hand and led him away, singing him a song as she went.

The little Princess in her cradle slept soundly as Queen Serenity turned to her husband, who had stayed still and quiet while their nephew was in the room. His silent strength was her comfort and she moved closer, welcoming his loving embrace.

"What shall we do?" she asked.

King Pontus was a quiet man most of the time; even tempered, though mercurial, and kind. His temper was slow to burn. Now however, he looked ready to throw things and scream his rage to the stars. She felt the same. Their child was healthy, but with what they had just learned, Serenity had to wonder if that would continue.

"I do no know that anything can be done my love. The Oracle has spoken," he said finally, and scratched at his beard ponderously.

"Then we must call to the King and Queen of Earth. Surely they will listen."

Pontus grimaced. "There has long been strife between our two peoples. Never, since the First Serenity, has a Daughter of the Moon been welcomed by their kind. They will not want this."

Serenity felt a bubble of panic rise up within her chest. "I do not want this either. I do not trust them. Their ancestors tried to slaughter us all," she exclaimed. "Their fear is a dangerous thing. Now however, we must work with them. If the Oracle can be believed Metalia will be woken and the young ones must meet and fall in love or all will fail."

Pontus leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Serenity's brow. "We will do this thing," he said finally. "We will reach out and ask for their assistance. If they will not help, then there may be other steps that can be taken."

"Other steps? Surely you do not intend to kidnap the prince!" She stared at him in horror, but Pontus said nothing. Serenity sighed. "Let me at least speak to them before you do something rash that will start a war."

Pontus was of the sea, and because of that he was changing like the tides, unforgiving, and untamable. His waters ran deep, and often no one realized the hidden well of temper that he kept under control. He could be kind one moment or a harbinger of destruction the next. As much as she loved and admired her Soul-Bonded, she worried that he would cause strife, which could destroy everything they had built. His normal patience seemed to have deserted him in the wake of the Oracle's words.

"Wife," Pontus said, "the priestess of Elysion was quite clear. Our daughter, and the son that will follow her, are necessary in the battle that will save this solar system. They must survive."

"My Queen!" came a panting voice as a young woman ran into the room. "My Queen, King Endymion has called us through the mirror. He claims an Oracle of Earth has spoken and begs you to meet with him."

"Invite him and Demeter both," Serenity said, slipping her hand into her husband's. "Tell them we too have heard an Oracle, and are concerned."

***Queen Serenity***

"I don't like this Majesty," came the voice of Athena, the Senshi and Queen of Mercury. "This meeting should not be so informal."

Serenity snorted. "Athena please," she whispered. "Right now we are not meeting as Kings and Queens, but as concerned parents who want nothing but the best for their children. Besides, you heard what Anou said."

Athena shook her head again, turning away. "I hope when my little Ami protects Serenity, the Princess will listen to her counsel," she said.

With a soft sigh, she stood and hugged her friend and guardian. "I do not mean to upset you," she explained. "They too have been visited by an Oracle. This means they know the cost of failure."

"And so you will arrange a marriage like our barbaric forefathers, sight unseen?" Athena asked, anger filtering into her words and tone. "Please, please consider what this will do to the children."

Serenity gasped. "I would never have an arranged marriage for my daughter! A Bond would not work that way!" she snapped. "You should know me better than that. No, instead we will work out a plan that will get both children interested in the other and see what happens."

"I've heard the people of Earth still have arranged marriages," Juno said from across the room. She was the Senshi of Jupiter, and had an incredible temper. "Do not let them talk you into forcing the children. Aphrodite says it will not work. The Oracle of Venus has spoken."

"Ladies, please. I would never force my daughter. The Oracle made it plain. The children must be Bonded if they are to use the Crystals together. An arranged marriage cannot contain a Bond. There must be true love for the children to pass the Venusian Trials."

"They have come," Hestia said, peeking into the room. "Aphrodite is escorting them." Hestia was the Senshi of Mars, and one of her best friends, though they were vastly different. She hurried into the room and stood next to the door, eyes scanning their surroundings.

Slipping her hand into Pontus', Serenity took in a deep breath and tried to settle her nerves. This was the most important meeting that had ever been attended. Not only did the fate of two children rest upon the outcome, so too, did the fate of nine planets, the sun, and fourteen inhabited moons.

The doors opened slowly and the Crier spoke in a loud voice. "High King Endymion of Earth. High Queen Demeter of Earth. High Prince Endymion of Earth. King Hermes of Earth, Protector of the North."

"They brought the prince?" Athena gasped. "Isn't that dangerous? What if their people discover it?"

King Endymion must have heard. "Since the Oracle spoke, Demeter has been unwilling to be parted with our son."

Serenity looked at the little prince, held tightly in his mother's arms. He had hair black as night and vivid blue eyes. A little wooden practice sword rested in a scabbard at his side. He was a smiling and happy child.

She turned to the cradle and picked up her daughter. Little Serenity had silver hair and cerulean eyes, her skin pale, like all those who lived on the moon. She blinked up and a tiny smile formed on her face. Moving without speaking, she and Demeter both walked into the center of the room. Neither said a word as little Endymion reached down his hand and gently touched the silver hair on baby Serenity's head. He traced her cheek and then grabbed the little fist that waved in the air. There was a spark of blue light when their hands met.

The little prince stared. "Pwetty," he said. "Vewy, vewy pwetty." He looked up at his mother. "Pwincess?" he asked.

"Yes Endy. This is High Princess Serenity. You two must become good friends," she said softly. A tear traced down her cheek. Without thought Serenity reached out and embraced her, unable to keep her own tears in check.

"They'll survive," she promised. "We will find a way."

***Queen Serenity***

"What did the Oracle of Earth say?" Pontus asked, looking at Endymion.

The High King of Earth shook his head. "It was rather confusing, and some made little sense to us. My wife had the scribes create a copy for you. What did the Moon Oracle say?"

Serenity handed him the sheet her own scribes had just finished preparing. "I think it's rather clear, but many would not understand. Far too many have never known of the Wars," she frowned. "They do not know what the creature Metalia is capable of. She turned our people and yours against one another."

"I know," Endymion said, and shook his head. He turned and stared at his son, who was sitting on the floor with the little princess in his arms, softly singing and Earth lullaby. "But we cannot falter now. Not with our children and every life in the Solar System on the line."

"Here," Demeter said, passing a thin sheet of parchment to Serenity. "This is what she said, but we've yet to understand all of it."

She glanced down at the pale yellow square and began to read the words aloud so Pontus could hear. She worked through them slowly, pausing at each point, but eventually she got through every sentence. It was not spoken in verse, but in halting phrases that might confuse the courts of Earth, but not so one who knew the ways of the Moon.

Ever twined is the fate of the son of the earth and the daughter of the moon.
Love must grow for the Bond to form and hope to spring.
Gold and Silver mate to bring forth salvation.
They will live and die and live again before the end shall come.
The princes of earth shall make their match in the heavens.
Four women of single purpose shall be their equals.
Six and Eight shall prepare for trial with the pair.
With their Bonds comes the only hope.
Weep not, for even in death, life begins anew.
When the Wish is spoken the glaive falls down.
Unless they meet and love once more, all die.
The enemy will rise again and be met with hearts unfailing.

"Do you understand this?" Demeter asked, looking worried.

"Much of it, and when you combine it with what we have learned from our own Oracle, it makes more sense than ever. Metalia is going to break free somehow. Endymion and Serenity must fall in love on their own. It cannot be forced or the Soul-Bond will not form. The princes of earth... could that be the sons of the Shitennou?"

"I think it likely," King Endymion said, nodding to the king of the north, who had come with him. "Hermes seems to agree."

"The four women of single purpose must be the princess' Senshi." Aphrodite said, with a sad sigh.

"Who are the Six and Eight?" Demeter asked.

Serenity closed her eyes. "There are eight Senshi," she said. "I think they must be part of it. Then the four Shitennou. The son of the moon would be the next Keeper of Chronicles, and the son of star would be Lugh, who is the prince of our sun. That makes six males and eight females."

"Both speak of death and rebirth," Pontus said, "which means it may not be as we expect. I don't know if the glaive will fall or not, but if it does, all will end."

"Yours says not to lock the one who controls rebirth or the one who controls time," Demeter said. "Are they locked up?"

"No," Queen Serenity reassured her. "But it has been suggested several times, by several different people. People fear their power. It shouldn't be so. The glaive only falls if the need is too dire to continue. Say if everyone was dead or dying already. People forget that her glaive isn't only a symbol of death, but of rebirth. And as for controlling time, there is no such power. Yes, Sailor Pluto and all the ones before and after her have an understanding of time and access to it, but there must be great need before she would step in. For instance, the morning the nurse in your palace was ill and the prince nearly drowned."

"So it was one of yours who saved him," King Endymion said. "I thought so. Our Shitennou can teleport, but very few others can, and the nurse did not recognize the woman."

"His death would have unraveled time itself, as would Serenity's," Pontus said. "We've asked Nona, and her very young daughter Setsuna, to focus on those two, but now that we know more is at stake, all must be protected."

Hermes coughed. "My son, Kunzite. He would marry one of the princess' guardians?" he asked.

It was Aphrodite who answered. "Yes, I believe that is what it says. It would be one of the Inner Senshi, from Venus, Mars, Mercury, or Jupiter. Always has it been our job to protect the wielder of the Silver Crystal, to defend her with the last breath of our body."

"So it is for the Shitennou," Hermes replied. "My son will be their leader, as I am the leader of the King's guard."

"The same is true for my newborn daughter."

"The question is, how do we protect the children, and encourage their love, while not forcing them together?" Endymion said, looking again at his son who was kissing the princess on her forehead.

"Let them play together as children," Demeter said. "Then let time and nature take it's course. It would not be good for their connections to become common knowledge. If Metalia is to be woken again, word would reach her. She could kill any one of them and destroy everything in the System."

"The Earth would like to formally join the Silver Millennium," King Endymion said, "but it must also remain a secret."

"I agree," Serenity said, feeling she had misjudged the rulers of Earth for a long time.

"Might I suggest something?" Aphrodite asked.

"Of course," Serenity looked to one of her best friends in the world and saw a gleam of mirth in her bright blue eyes. She was well named after the Greek goddess of love.

"When dealing with children, I've learned that the easiest way to entice them with something is to tell them they cannot have it. If they fail to show interest in one another by the time they turn sixteen and nineteen, then we must tell them they cannot be together."

Serenity laughed, looking over the young Prince who was still staring wide-eyed at the tiny Princess in his arms. She did not think it would be necessary. Not now that they had met.

***Queen Serenity***

"Nurse?" Queen Serenity called, looking down at the infant in her arms.

Ikuko came hurrying into the room. She was a tall woman, with long, lavender-blue hair and sad blue eyes. She had lost a child shortly before the Princess was born, and the grief had nearly killed her. Thankfully she had become happier after being asked if she wanted to care for the royal children, but Serenity knew her husband Kenji still worried over her constantly.

"Yes my Queen?" Ikuko said, bowing in respect.

Serenity stood and put the princess into her arms. "I have need of you. A very special request."

"Anything Majesty," Ikuko breathed. "This little one heals my heart, and you have been so very kind."

"Ikuko," Serenity pulled her into a hug. She knew the other woman loved the princess as much as she, and doted on her. "Come and sit with me." She led her over to the bench seat looking out into the garden that would be her daughter's. "You were in the Throne room when the Oracle gave the prophecy," she started, meeting the other woman's eyes. "You know of what I speak."

"Yes Majesty. I understood. Almost all of it," she added, looking worriedly at the Princess.

"What many do not know is that a Wish on the Silver Crystal takes of the life force of the Bearer. It's guardian. Me. A Wish that is powerful enough to do what is spoken of in the prophecy," she shook her head. "There is a chance I may not survive it. And even if I could, the others who bear the Crystals are too much strain."

"I do not know much of the Crystals," Ikuko admitted.

"But you do know much of love, and of caring for children." She saw the flare of sadness and wished she could bring Ikuko's daughter back to her, but it was not possible. Had she known the woman then, she might have saved the child, but it had been months after that when Kenji had brought her to the Palace. "You were made for it," she continued, swallowing hard to bury a sob of her own. "It is your purpose."

"Yes my Queen," Ikuko said. "It is all I have ever wanted from the time I was a child. Love and marriage and a house filled with the laughter of children."

That had been exactly what Serenity wanted to hear. "Then I will make a request, and I ask you to consider it. I ask you to take on a responsibility that I would not trust to any other."

"I would do anything for you," Ikuko said, and the truth of her words shone in her eyes. "Your gift gave me hope," she said, looking down at the princess. Serenity smiled, knowing what she meant. Raising the royal children was a task not entrusted to just anyone.

"If the worst should happen I ask you to be their mother. The prophecy spoke of rebirth," Serenity reminded her. "They would be born again. I, and their father, would not. I am asking if you would do this thing for me. If you would be willing to be their mother. Bring them into the world if they must be reborn."

"My Queen, you know I can no longer bear children," Ikuko said sadly.

"Not if you have been reborn too. I've spoken to Solaris and Endymion both. They will help me assure this."

"You would trust me with this?" Ikuko asked.

"Yes Ikuko. You and Kenji both. Pontus and I spoke at great length. He trusts and respects Kenji, as I trust and respect you. If I must send the children forward in time, none of us can go with them. There would be too much strain on the Crystal. I could burn out the sun Ikuko." The other woman gasped, but Serenity pressed on. "Ikuko I ask you to make a Bond with me, to agree to take on my children as your own and to love and raise them with Kenji. It would mean he would have to form a Bond with Pontus as well. This is not a decision that can be made lightly."

"I would have to speak to him," Ikuko said softly. Then she stared straight into Serenity's eyes. "But I would do this," she added. "I would take them for you if the worst comes to pass. I would love them as my own. I won't fail you, or them." She looked down at the sleeping princess and a single tear fell.

Serenity pulled the other woman into a hug, whispering words of thanks. They sat in silence then, both gazing down at the infant between them. A Bond between them would make it certain that Ikuko would have the children should the need arise, but Serenity knew Ikuko already loved Serenity as much as she did. A tear of her own fell onto Ikuko's hand, which was resting on the Princess' belly. It glowed brightly for a moment and sank into her skin.

***Queen Serenity***

Serenity tossed and turned on the bed, pain wracking her body as she labored to bring forth new life. Her heart beat fast and her entire being ached. Something felt wrong. Her daughter had come with ease, and was already crying in the arms of the nurse that had been chosen to care for the royal children, but the son was a struggle. She didn't understand. Panic and fear welled up inside her, and Serenity screamed as a great pain washed through her body.

"Help him!" It was all she could think of, all she could focus on. She lifted her head to look at Pontus, who lay behind her on the bed, holding her upper body as she struggled. He was feeding her energy through the Crystal, but it wasn't enough. If something didn't happen soon, the baby would die, and very likely Serenity with him.

"I'm going to try something," Athena said, looking into her eyes. "Hold very still." Serenity did as she said and remained as still as possible while Athena reached inside her and also pressed on her belly. "He's breech," she said softly. "Someone send for Polaris."

"Is he alright?" Serenity asked, looking up at her husband as tears filled her eyes.

Pontus reached a hand to her belly and pressed lightly, his power, the ocean, helping him to reach their unborn child. "His heart beats too slow. We must hurry."

Time passed. Serenity couldn't be sure how much, before Solaris was suddenly on the bed, kneeling beside her, hand on her belly. He began to glow, colors of red, orange, yellow, and gold seemed to swirl around him. She felt an easing of the pain and a movement inside her as the baby turned.

"Push now," Solaris ordered.

Serenity bore down, staring into Pontus' eyes for strength and courage, and moments later her son slipped into the world. He didn't cry or scream, merely cooed at the midwife who cleaned out his mouth. Soon he was clean and he and his sister both were laid on her breast. "So beautiful," she whispered, looking at her silver-haired twins. "Serenity," she said, gazing at the princess, who was nuzzling at her breast, searching for her first meal. Of course, her daughter didn't seem to fit the name, but it was the name of all the Moon Queens, and all the firstborn females bore it.

She looked to her other child. He was so peaceful. His eyes were open and he stared into her own, looking so calm and serene that she had to smile. "What do you think?" she asked Pontus.

"He's so calm," he whispered. "Much like me. Too much. He will have a temper," he warned. "But his Crystal..." his voice trailed off as he ran a hand gently over the baby's silver hair. "It resonates with mine. That can't be. Shouldn't he have the Blue Moon Crystal?"

"Not necessarily," Solaris answered for her, adjusting the infant so that he was closer to her nipple. She watched as he opened his mouth and took it in, still staring up at her. "Several times in the past boys or girls have been born between the Princess and the Keeper of Chronicles. There is usually a need. Perhaps it is because your father so recently passed Pontus. Your Crystal needs an heir."

Pontus smiled down at the little one. "He looks so tranquil. But I can already see there will be storms with this one," he added.

Serenity, who was still covered with sweat, blood, and birthing fluid, shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to be up and changed quickly, but Solaris had not yet healed her. Then she remembered. She had yet to pass the placenta. She sighed, frustrated. There were still spasms in her belly, but not as strong, nor nearly as painful.

Pontus decided to distract her. "What name would you give our son?" he asked. She looked up at him, staring into the tranquil eyes that so matched the ones of their new born son, and smiled.

"Tranquility," she announced.

Serenity sat up, panting and crying. "What in the name of Selene was that?" she asked aloud, turning to look at Pontus. She rested a hand over her swollen belly, where their child grew. The dream had been so strange. She remembered Serenity's birth, and there had been no twin. No boy. She would have remembered him. Wouldn't she?

"Are you well?" Pontus asked, sitting up and turning the lamp up so he could see her face.

"I am. I had a very strange dream," she explained. "I dreamed that Serenity had a twin brother. One who bore a Crystal of the Sea, like yours."

Pontus frowned. "But Anou has already said that our little one is the next Keeper. It makes no sense. Besides, I remember Serenity's birth. She screamed so loud I swore she could wake the dead, and you came through beautifully. Come, get some rest." He pulled her into his arms, and cuddled her close.

Serenity snuggled into Pontus, but her mind was still racing. Wouldn't she have remembered a son?

Cast of Characters:

Lunarian Royal Family:
Queen Serenity
King Pontus
Princess Serenity - Usagi
Prince Tsukiyomi - Shingo (not yet born in this chapter)

Earth Royal Family:
King Endymion
Queen Demeter
Prince Endymion - Mamoru

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

The Oracle:
Earth Oracle
Moon Oracle
Sun Oracle

Elysion
Anou - Priestess of the Moon people
Miroc - Priest of the Earth people

Additional Characters:
Nurse - Ikuko
Bodyguard/Defense Teacher - Kenji

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
Sailor Neptune - Michiru
Sailor Uranus - Haruka
Sailor Pluto - Setsuna, daughter of Nona

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