AN: THANK YOU!!!!! Wow. I did not expect that much. I had actually removed this fic due to lack of reviews and then I decided to re-upload it. And it turns out that it was a good thing! Thank you to all those that reviewed and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Who needs dwarfs…

The beautiful princess hair fell in a curtain behind her as she rode swiftly down the main road trying to get as far away from the palace of oppression as she could. She continued the high-speed gallop and only after she was convinced that she was a safe ( and far!) distance away from the castle did she stop to dismount. Climbing down off the horse she decided to see exactly what the idiotic prince had packed for his gallant rescue of her. Looking inside she noticed the extra clothes ( silk, only the best of course ), food and an extremely large amount of money. Along with a very large dagger that would definitely come in handy in the future. Taking a mental survey of all the items she analyzed her options and heaved a sigh.

She really didn't want to do this but it looked like the only option that would throw off any investigations into her 'disappearance'.

Leading the steed off the main road and deep into the forest, ducking and weaving her way through the many branches and leaves in the path. She let the horse lead as she was completely captivated by the beauty of the land. She had never seen anything this stunning, especially in the palace. Everything and everyone in the palace were always so artificial and materialistic. They only cared for themselves and how they could achieve more power. Snapping out of her musings as her horse stopped in a little clearing. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she searched the area for any sign of a peeping tom or potential threat.

She put her plan into action.

Undressing quickly she rid herself of her royal gown and grabbed the first thing in the bag, putting it on without looking at it , before taking the dagger out of the saddle bag. The metal blade glinted in the light of the dying sun. The ivory stallion grew unease at the sight of the dagger and began neighing in protest. She laid a calming hand on the horse's snout and turned her back to it with the dress in her hands, as to not frighten the creature any more with the object's presence .

Slashing at the delicate material with ease, she winced at every cut thread, and soon the once glamorous gown was a ball of barely recognizable fabric. She silently mourned the lost of what was one of her favorite outfits. 'Oh well', she thought depressed, 'Sacrifices must be made!'

Sighting some red berries a slight distance away she walked towards the bush and plucked about fifteen berries from it. Smashing the berries up she smeared the juices on the former dress; she placed it in all the areas she had slashed at. Heading back to the main road, using the unused berries as markers , she dropped the 'dress' in the dirt for good measure and mounted the horse riding deeper into the woods than before.

After getting on the horse she finally realized what she had so hurriedly garbed. She was now wearing a pair of breeches and an oversized shirt; the shirt itself was practically hanging off her petite form . She reached once again into the bag and rummaged inside for something she knew would come in handy. Pulling out a hooded cape she hurriedly donned it. She vaguely wondered if anyone had seen her and then realized that it didn't really matter anyway. It was obvious she was in an isolated area and if someone saw her then she would take care of it; physically. One of the things she did have to worry about was her hair. In all the land she had been known for her hair, so she needed a hairstyle that was original, symbolized her freedom and was something a princess would never be seen in. Her mind wandered while her hands went to work. A few minutes later her hands were tired and her hair had settled into two buns.

Facing her head to the sky she could feel the warm rays of the sun shining down on her and she reveled in the feeling. 'This is absolutely exquisite!' she thought thrilled with the thought to finally being on her own and having complete control over her life. She dreamily dwelled on the idea of what she would do with her life now. After all if her plan worked than everyone would think that she had been slayed and nobody would even bother looking for her. It was crude and slightly cruel but it was entirely necessary. It was her life and she would lead it the way she wanted to. The horse's stride never faltered and she was allowed to drift in her own thoughts. It wasn't as if her parents were horrible it was that they were …dull. And terribly old-fashioned. They thought that it was just a woman's job to get married and bear an heir, that was it. She just didn't see things the way her parents and the snobs of the court did. With them it was all about, the right clothes and the right image and the way she should project herself as a princess. She just wasn't interested in that life.

She was once again brought out of her thoughts by the neighing of her steed. The horse reared and she held tight onto the reins to stay on . Once she had gotten the horse under control she glanced over the horse's head to see what had alarmed the creature so. She stared in shock at the scene in front of her.

Laying on a slap of glass surrounded by a bunch of men, 7 very short; almost dwarflike and one tall and obviously princely, judging by his looks, was a very pretty woman of about her age that had skin as white as snow and hair the color of ebony, cut to her shoulders. The golden haired princess couldn't help but wonder if she'd look better with a longer hairstyle. The prince's head began it's descend she knew instantly what his intentions were. She rolled her eyes at that thought. Were all the princes in the world always trying to grope some poor defenseless girl, riding closer to the scene she spoke calmly and clearly.

"What the hell do you think you are doing!?!" maybe not so calmly…

The prince's head jerked up in surprise and he was greeted to the sight a stunning figure on an ivory steed silhouetted by the sunlight, immediately thinking it was another prince he decided to hurry if he wanted to wake the ebony haired, ruby lipped princess up and carry her away to his palace, before this other guy did, where they would live happily ever after…

Off in his delusional world of ever afters, he never saw the foot that connected with his stomach but he did feel it. The pain was instant and he crumbled to the ground in a heap, the dwarfs surrounded him defensively and he watched as the figure descended off the horse and walked towards 'his' fair maiden. Looking at the figure more closely he hadn't noticed the slight but curvaceous body beneath the cape , and glimpsed a view of the glorious golden mass that was her hair. He took all this in while she walked slowly over to the dormant princess. Bending down she placed her hand on the wrist and felt for a pulse. The prince stayed on the ground where he had landed, curious as to what this woman would do. Finding a pulse, she decided that if the woman laying resting was anything like her she'd appreciate what she had saved her from.

She sent a silent apology to the sleeping girl for what she was about to do. Growing impatient the prince finally spoke his first words to this almost wordless stranger.

" What do you think you can do ,woman?" he spoke in a condescending tone and called her 'woman' as if it was an insult.

It was obvious that all the Prince Charmings were breed for arrogance.

She ignored his snide tone and smug smile and bent her head down closer to the woman and lightly slapped her.

"OW!" Or not. The ebony haired woman shrieked at the sudden pain and shot up from her makeshift bed. She tenderly rubbed her ill-treated cheek while shooting the woman standing over her a glare promising pain. The golden haired princess merely smiled in amusement and watched as the once resting woman swung her legs around to stand on the ground and nearly fell. Using her quick reflexes she caught her and helped her right herself up before watching as the damsel in distress scrutinized her. The ebony haired princess' eyes trailed over her features slowly and she vaguely wondered what she thought of her. 'Let's see…' she thought lazily ' fine facial features, long golden hair, big blue eyes. She looks nice and is that guy leering at me…' she contemplated as her vision shifted to the prince as his gaze switched between herself and the golden haired beauty.

Indignation immediately filled her as she remembered that girl, no matter how nice or pretty, had slapped her! The golden haired princess was shocked to be greeted to a pair of very fiery looking amethyst colored eyes. Surprised by not only the color but the intensity of the eyes she didn't really hear what the woman begin her rant and only dimly heard the end

"…AND NEVER BEEN TREATED IN SUCH A MANNER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!" she gently rubbed her ears and wondered if this was how her 'savior' had felt.

'Oh great Now I'm starting to feel bad!' That was all she needed, and it was all this woman's fault. The woman waited in expectation for her reply to her comments. 'Well…' she thought with an evil grin on her face, ' I've never been one to disappoint.'

" Are you married?" the ebony haired one was surprised by the question and hesitant to answer but realizing it would be rude not to she did. "No."

The golden one smiled and made another inquiry. " Do you enjoy being kissed by strangers?" she again retained her calm, patient smile. Getting confused but nonetheless intrigued by the questioning she answered again in a proud tone befitting a princess. " Of course, I do not! It is improper and not at all ladylike." She had to physically control herself from rolling her eyes at that last comment. Biting her lip to prevent from saying any thing offensive, she asked her last question.

" Would you marry any prince of the street?" again the ebony haired one huffed indignantly and looked about to reply but she didn't get the chance because she was interrupted The golden one took her reaction as a no and said in a satisfied tone. "Than you should be thanking me!" 'Honestly! People today!'

She continued, " If it wasn't for me you probably would've been awoken a bit more 'physically', if you know what I mean?" Her amethyst eyes widened in realization as her eyes settled on 'her' prince charming. Struggling to regain some semblance of dignity she did the first thing that came to mind and blew a raspberry at her. Amused by the action the golden haired one laughed and watched as the ebony haired one's face reddened in embarrassment. ' I can't believe I did that', she thought completely mortified by her actions, 'I can not believe I did something so childish, so juvenile, so…fun!' And soon enough she joined in the golden one's laughter and her amethyst eyes widened and she stared in wonder at the woman in front of her. All of her life she had been taught to be polite and sweet…it was getting on her nerves. This person, this woman allowed her to express herself in away that wasn't the way a princess was supposed to act. Being around her made her feel…free. Looking at the prince whom was gazing at her in a way she'd rather not comprehend, she observed the woman as she walked back to her horse and ascended. Her stride had been one of royalty, so she vaguely wondered if she was a princess like herself and if so why was alone and riding a horse astride like a man.

Before she could stop herself she asked the golden one where she was going. She watched as consideration flashed across her features and a beautiful smile settled on her face. That smile made her feel warm and happy inside, something she hadn't felt for a while.

" I really don't know but…" she smiled even wider at the ebony one "…your welcome to come along. Unless of course you'd rather stay with him!" she jerked her finger in the direction of the prince. She took one glance at him and made a rather quick decision. She grabbed the outstretched hand and swung herself on the horse behind the woman.

"Oh, by the way, I just realized I don't know your name. I'm Sleeping Beauty but call me Sere" the golden one reached behind her to shake hands with her new companion. Confused but grabbing her hand to be polite she said " I'm most commonly known as Snow White, but I've always hated that name it's so…" she tried to find the right word for it but out Sere's outburst solved that problem.

"Silly!" she looked up surprised at the word but finding it…right. "Yeah. It just sounds so silly and I think I need a new name to go with my new life! "she exclaimed. Sere nodded thoughtfully and consider the situation.

"Raye!" the name was completely out of the blue and the ebony one looked at her confused.

"What?" she questioned.

"I think your new name should be Raye." Sere spoke slowly as if speaking to a child. She ignored Sere's patronizing tone and asked. "Why?"

"I don't know . It just came to me and for some reason and when I look at you I see a Raye!" she explained kind of bewildered herself at her justification.

" Sounds good to me!" Raye had never felt so emancipated and impulsive, it was a good feeling.

" Hey!" the prince protested loudly " What about me?! I'm the prince I should be riding off into the sunset with her!" Both girls were getting the distinct impression that he was going to stomping his feet soon. The golden haired one winked at him while the ebony haired one sent an apologetic smile in his direction.

"I'm sorry…" she trailed " but I'm just not ready for that type of relationship!" she finished in a yell as Sere had already started the horse in a trot and was building to a gallop. Raye watched horrified as the cloud of dust engulfed the angered prince.

Turning forward in the shared saddle she addressed the driver with a reprimanding tone.

" That was very rude of you!"

Tossing her head back Sere replied in a nonchalant voice," Ask me if I care?" Raye gasped shocked at her companion's lack of concern or manners. Hearing the gasp, Sere unconsciously rolled her eyes and halted the horse. Turning around in the saddle and she spoke softly, hoping to make Raye understand her perspective.

"Listen. I ran away from home to escape a future with a guy just like him." She tried to pick her words very carefully before she spoke. " I have never been like most girls. I never wanted to find my prince charming and get married so… when I saw the opportunity to take my life in my hands, I did. When I saw you lying there, in the same situation that I was in. I thought I could help her because maybe she's like me and wants to escape too." She stopped for a moment so that Raye could take in fully what she just said before continuing. " Hey", she started," If you want me to take you back to your prince I will. But just remember whatever you do it's your choice." She waited for Raye's reply.

Raye sat in the saddle staring at any random spot and contemplating what to do. She had been practically dead on the slap of stone and now she had her entire life to live, another chance to live, did she really want to waste it away in another palace. For once Raye didn't think with her head, she thought with her heart and the message was very clear.

" So…where ever we're going we better get there before sundown. We still have to build a fire and set up a camp." Surprised at that response, Sere smiled happily.

"You sure, you don't want to stay with Prince Charming and the dwarfs?" she asked mockingly. Raye looked at her and saw the teasing light in her new found friends face.

"Who needs dwarfs?" she said in her own bantering way. Sere could already tell that this was definitely gonna work out. She told Raye to hold on while she urged the horse into gallop and raced down through the forest as quickly as she could but this time with company.



AN: This is the second installment of HEAR and I hope you enjoyed it. If you can't tell who's who in this chapter, you are not a true Sailor Moon fan!!! Now I want all you beautiful people to click on the nice little box in the corner and tell me what you think of my lame fic!

Don't worry it won't hurt………………………..too much!!!!!

~_^