Feel free to e-mail me your constructive criticism and praise. I appreciate your suggestions on how to better my writing.
This story is a revised version of "Princess Serenity's Revenge" and will hopefully be much better. This is a fan fiction about Serenity/Usagi and Endymion/Mamoru.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is copyright (c) 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation. English Language Adaptation copyright (c) 1995 DiC Entertainment.
The Beginning of Forever: Chapter 4
Charlyne
charlyne_o@hotmail.com
Chapter Rating: PG
Serenity cracked open one bright blue eye and groaned. The sunlight streaming through her window pierced through her skull like shards of glass. She closed her eye once more.
When Serenity shifted her weight to find a more comfortable position, both eyes shot open and the young princess bolted out of bed. Her bare feet slapped against the cold marble floor as she ran across the room. The door to the washroom slammed against the wall so forcefully that it bounced and shuddered. The sound of gagging echoed through the room.
A moment later, Serenity stumbled from the washroom and collapsed onto her bed, face down. The word "terrible" could not adequately describe the way she felt. She was sure she must have contracted some fatal disease. Her stomach was protesting any type of movement, her breasts were sore, and she had to use the washroom every hour. Every morning for the past month she had been ill, then by midday it had miraculously disappeared.
Groaning, Serenity forced herself out of bed and stumbled over to her armoire. The doors swung open silently and the princess eyed the assortment of dresses and formal gowns therein. A sleeveless dress made of light, airy material and decorated with soft pink flowers caught her eye and she slipped off her silky nightgown. The material of the dress caressed her small figure, outlining her youthful curves.
A soft fall breeze teased the loose tendrils of Serenity's hair and the bright sunlight made her silver hair sparkle like diamonds. The young princess's face was pale, more so than usual, and seemed to have a greenish tint to it.
Taking a seat at her vanity, Serenity brushed out her hair. The rhythmic stroking of the comb through her long locks soothed her. She found her hairpins tucked into a small porcelain box and laid them out on her vanity counter. Dividing her hair down the center, Serenity wrapped one of the halves around her hand and pulled it into one of her trademark buns, leaving the excess to flow down her back in a ribbon of silver. She repeated the ritual with the other side.
With her traditional hairstyle completed, Serenity stood and smoothed her hands down the skirt of her dress. She tucked her feet into a pair of slippers and glanced around her room, making sure everything was as it should be. Nodding to herself, she walked from her chamber and down the corridor.
The squat heels of Serenity's silk slippers tapped against the marble floors and her skirt made a soft swish-swish sound as she walked. Her years of training to become Queen helped her to hide how ill she was feeling, letting her smile when she really wanted to grimace. She walked with a quick, confident stride; shoulders back, head held high.
Serenity stopped outside the dining room and pinched her cheeks for color, then took a deep breath. She plastered a bright smile on her face and stepped into the room. A long wooden table carved with smooth, flowing lines and exquisite details dominated the room. It had been made specifically for the royal family of Moon Kingdom.
The idle chatter ceased as the princess entered and six pairs of eyes stared at her. Serenity's smile faltered.
"What?" she asked, blinking.
The Queen, elder Serenity, smiled softly at her daughter. The two women held a remarkable resemblance and could be thought to be twins if not for the visible age difference. Everything from the color of their hair and eyes to their facial features and bone structure was a close match. The Queen was a beautiful woman, regal and graceful, loved and revered by the people she ruled.
Before the princess took her seat, she greeted her mother and father, giving each a kiss on the cheek. She still held a part of herself back from them; she had yet to forgive them. They had, after all, forbidden her from seeing her love and had betrothed her to a prince from another Star System. Why they felt the need to send her so far away was a mystery to her. Any attempt to gain an answer, however, was met with the famous parental saying "It's for your own good."
Sitting, Serenity turned to the girl next to her. Princess Mina of Venus was perhaps Serenity's closest friend, although she was good friends with all of her personal guards. Mina and herself were close in appearance, though the senshi of Venus was a bit taller and had blond hair instead of Serenity's distinct silver.
Mina offered her friend a dazzling smile and spoke quietly about the newest edition to the palace guards. As always, the princess of love and beauty was busy trying to capture as many hearts as she could. At least, Serenity reasoned, Mina had paused in her matchmaking schemes. The Moon Princess cast a sympathetic glance toward the other girls. Each one put up with the meddling would-be cupid because she was a dear friend and comrade, but when Mina got that certain look in her eye, none were brave enough to stick around to find out who the hapless victim would be.
When a servant announced breakfast was ready to be served, King Chander led the household in a ritual prayer to the Goddess, thanking her for all they had been given and had yet to receive.
After the short blessing, trays were carried out. Usually, Serenity broke her fast with the same enthusiasm she showed at every meal. But today her favorite foods smelled unappetizing and her least favorites smelled even worse. A wave of nausea washed over her and she hurriedly excused herself before rushing off to the washroom.
Serenity returned a few minutes later and met the worried gazes of her friends and family. She had hoped to avoid getting them involved, but by the looks they were giving her, she was sure they would not accept any excuses.
"Perhaps the physician should examine you, daughter," Queen Serenity said softly. It had been spoken as a suggestion, but the princess was sure it would become a command if she refused.
"May I have Amy examine me first?" she asked. The young Princess of Mercury was a certified genius and it was well known that her passion was to become a doctor. Also, Serenity knew that Amy's loyalty was to her alone and so she could not divulge information to anyone, even the Queen, without Serenity's permission.
The Queen looked at Amy for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, but if she finds nothing or is not sure, I would like the physician to recheck you."
Serenity nodded her consent and then retook her seat. Breakfast was eaten in silence, each person lost in his and her own thoughts. The Princess picked at her food, mostly moving it from one side of the plate to the other. Although the nausea had dissipated her appetite had not returned.
When the Queen stood, it signaled that the meal was finished. Servants entered the room to remove the dishes. Princess Serenity followed her parents from the room and the princesses from the other planets followed her. Serenity and Amy split from the rest of the group and headed toward Amy's chamber.
"Thank you, Amy, for seeing to this." A wry smile curled Serenity's lips. "Mother and father are quite over protective."
The shy Mercurian smiled softly and shook her head. "It's no trouble, Serena. We all worry about you. None of us like to see you ill."
Serenity sighed and continued to walk beside her friend. The Moon Palace was a huge place. Four floors high and filled with long corridors, it was easy to become lost in. The chambers of the Princess's personal guard were located on the second floor, as was the Princess's bedchamber. This was so that the guards could protect her more easily.
The door to Amy's room was the same as all the others along the hall. However, the symbol of Mercury was painted in blue near the top. Two doors across the hall and one next to Amy's were likewise painted with the symbol of the guardian's planet and in the color of the royal family.
Entering the room, Serenity took a seat near a window that looked out over the palace lawn. Visiting dignitaries walked along the stone pathways, some out for a leisurely stroll and others striding purposefully toward their destination. Gardeners worked swiftly and efficiently, keeping the manicured lawn in pristine condition.
Serenity could hear Amy shuffling around the room, then heard the quiet beep as the hand-held computer was turned on. Amy turned to her friend, glasses perched on her nose.
"Please lie down, Serena," Amy said, gesturing to her bed. "It should only take a few moments to scan you."
Sighing, Serenity stood and walked over to the bed. She lay down on the soft blue comforter and closed her eyes. Although she had been scanned before by the royal physician, it had always been in his office and she had had to lay on a large table.
Amy tapped on the keys of her computer, then attached the scanner to it. The scanner resembled a small rod and was made of shiny silver material. Holding the rod, Amy slowly moved it over the front of the princess's body, though not touching her. The computer made a soft chiming sound as it analyzed her status and printed a detailed report on the screen.
Looking down at the screen, Amy squinted at the tiny letters. Then, shaking her head, she typed quickly at her keyboard. She muttered incoherently to herself as she typed.
"What is it, Amy?" Serenity questioned, turning onto her side and resting her cheek against her palm.
"It says...er... that you're..."
Serenity blinked at her friend. Amy was clearly flustered, she continued to stutter and she blushed a deep pink. What had gotten into her? Amy was usually the epitome of calmness.
"Yes? It says..."
"That you're...well, you're...No! This can't be possible!" Amy began typing furiously at her keyboard, her face a mask of concentration.
Serenity sighed. "If the computer says so, it must be possible. Now tell me what it is."
The Princess of Mercury's aqua eyes raised and met Serenity's. "Princess, you're pregnant."
Serenity promptly fainted.
