Title: Somewhere in Time
By: QueenBeryl
-insert standard disclaimer-
Yes, I realize the title is from a movie, but oh well, right? I hope you enjoy the story.
@---^---
Chapter 1: A Silver Rose Blossoms
Serenity gazed blankly into the mirror, not actually seeing herself. She gently touched the mirror and
let her hand slowly slide down the reflecting glass. Just then her bedroom door creacked open. Serenity's eyes
adjusted and she smiled as a young girl, her exact image, came in, grinning. "Hello, Serenity. My, how you've
grown within the past few days." She turned around and knelt on the soft carpeted floor. Princess Serenity
came running and leaped into her arms. The Queen softly stroked the young Princess' head, smoothing her
hand over the short blonde locks that were done up in the traditional double bun-ponytail style of the royals
of the Moon Kingdom.
Serenity looked up at her mother and smiled. "Mommy," her sapphire eyes twinkled, "when are we
going to visit Earth again?" She played with her mother's earring and grinned.
"Earth," Queen Serenity thought, "soon, Serenity, my precious daughter. Soon we will go to Earth."
She smiled and kissed her daughter. She stood up and watched the miniature version of herself run off to
play with her court. Queen Serenity sighed and turned back to the mirror. "Earth," she muttered to herself.
A darkened figure appeared in the mirror. It stood the same height as Queen Serenity, only with a dress with
more layers, shrouded in blackness. The figure's hair was down, except for two double bun-ponytails which,
with the rest of her black hair, flowed freely on the ground behind the mirror. Serenity then turned away from
the mirror, knowing full well who it was. Suddenly words spoken often enough entered her mind. 'Keep your
friends close, but you enemies closer.' Serenity turned back to the mirror and discovered the dark woman
gone. 'Perhaps I should watch my back,' Serenity thought. She shook her head, her purple double
bun-ponytails swished around her. She walked out of her room towards the courtyard, her violetblue eyes
ever watchful. An eerie feeling seemed to surround her, hindering her from being completely free. She sat on
a stone bench and watched her young daughter and her court, the Four Guardian Goddesses, Venus, Jupiter,
Mars, and Mercury.
Princess Serenity seemed to grow so quickly, although Queen Serenity knew she would. From the
time Serenity was a baby, she grew fast, finally catching up with her young court. Already the young Serenity
was twelve years old. Her hair was longer now, and no longer golden. The hair was becoming a beautiful silver
color. Queen Serenity sat in the throne room, head propped up with her hand, eyes closed.
"My Lady," a royal guard knocked at the door, "the Queen of Earth is here."
Queen Serenity straightened up. "Lead her in."
The Queen of Earth, Gaea, glided in, her golden knee-length hair flowing behind her. "Serenity, I fear
for their lives." She started the moment the door was closed. Queen Serenity arose to greet her guest.
"I know, Gaea. They are so young, and the evil will not be banished for long." Serenity looked sorrowful,
fearing the worst. She smiled weakly, and she and Gaea walked to the window to watch Princess Serenity and her
court play. Gaea smiled and turned to Serenity.
"What are we supposed to do? With Poseidon away at war, the Earth Kingdom is at its weakest point. If
anything should happen...." Gaea faltered, clenching her hands into fists at her side.
Serenity put a hand on Gaea's shoulder. "My friend, you husband will be alright; as will your kingdom.
I have gone so long without... well, nevermind. It won't happen to you."
Gaea looked up to Serenity. She threw her arms around the Moon Queen. "Oh, Serenity..."
Serenity's husband, Ophichius, had died one week after Princess Serenity was born. He was a healer,
and had healed Queen Serenity, who was weak from delivery. He used the last of his strength to make sure that
his wife and newborn child were kept safe. He died from exhaustion. Queen Serenity, cursed herself for being
so physically weak, and blamed herself for her husbands early death. Princess Serenity never really seemed to
notice that everyone else she knew had mothers _and_ fathers. The Queen was glad for that.
Serenity smiled and pulled away from the hug. "Everything will be alright. Especially with our children
growing up so strong." Gaea nodded in reply.
"Serenity!" Princess Mercury called, "it's time for your lessons! You can't hide forever, you know!"
Serenity couldn't help it, she giggled and crept up behind Mercury and tackled her.
"SERENITY! This is no time for games. I understand you want to play, but work comes first! Now, sit.
Come on, please."
"Fine, fine, Merc." Princess Serenity sat down and quickly worked on some left-over work from yesterday
before beginning today's lessons.
After an hour of studies there was a knock at the door. Princess Jupiter poked her head in and grinned.
"My turn. Come on, Sere, physical training now!"
Serenity couldn't decide whether to stay or go. She hated the physical training more than the mental.
Alas, she had no choice when Jupiter waltzed in and pulled the almost silver-haired princess away from the
books.
"I can't wait until my hair finally changes completely. I can't stand having two different colors."
Serenity complained, slipping into sweats.
"Well, it will be completely silver by the time you're thirteen, you know that, Sere. It's only a month
away, too. The big one three!" Jupiter laughed as they walked to the training area of the Moon Castle.
"I don't see why you don't want to go, Endymion. She's your friend!" Gaea sat down, flustered.
"I'm seventeen, Mother. I really don't see the point of visiting a Moon Child."
"You're right. You _should_ be looking for a bride!" Gaea narrowed her eyes at her son.
Endymion sighed and sat down, throwing off his cape. "I don't care about marriage right now, Mother.
I really don't. And I refuse to marry that Princess What's-her-face from the Orion Galaxy."
"Princess Amelia, and why not?"
"She's a bore. She doesn't want to do anything exciting. She just sits there and... sits there." Endymion
complained, standing up again.
"Well, either you marry by next month or you're going to Serenity's birth celebration, is that
understood? No excuses, either. I command you, as Queen of the Earth." Gaea smiled, knowing she had her son
right where she wanted him.
Endymion opened his mouth in protest, but nothing came out but a mouse-like squeak. He cleared his throat.
"You cannot do that to me, Mother. It isn't fair!"
"Well, _son_, life is never fair." She rose and left the room, inwardly smiling.
"'I command you as Queen of the Earth.'" Endymion mocked. "There is no escaping that one. Fine. Just...
fine. I'll go. I'll make this wonderous appearance. I'll give the Princess of the Moon her gift, smile, be
gracious and leave." Endymion laughed, it was all too easy.
Fireworks rang through the night. The entire moon was in celebration for the birth of their beloved
Moon Princess. Kings and Queens from all over the Universe had showed up, and joined in the celebration that
would last for two days. Everyone was excited, that was, everyone except for the Moon Princess.
Princess Serenity sat down on her bed, half dressed, and sighed. Princess Venus flew in, without
knocking.
"Serenity! Why are you only... where are the rest of your clothes? Aren't you going to go to your
own party?" Venus asked, looking for Serenity's slippers and tights.
"I don't want to go. I don't feel happy and cheerful. I just want to stay here, alone."
"Now, now, we'll have none of that, Serenity. You look absolutely magnificent, and _everyone_ is here
to see you."
"They're just here for a good time."
"Stop that. Now, if I tell Mars what you're saying, you know she'll chew you out."
"Is that a threat?"
"Take it as you like it, but if worse comes to worse, I'll go straight to Mars and Jupiter. I might
even go to your mother herself."
"You're so mean, Venus! You're fired!" Princess Serenity threw her pillow at her, hitting her right
in the face. Venus looked startled and threw it back, laughing.
"Ah, if only you _could_ fire me, eh? I-oof!" Venus toppled over, a pillow on top of her. "Okay, that's
it, Serenity. You asked for it!" Venus lept onto Serenity and started tickling her without mercy.
"Ha-okay, I... give... up! I'll... go! I'll go!" Serenity laughed, gasping for air.
"Fine, hurry and get dressed, or I'll come at you again!" Venus smiled and fixed her own dress.
Serenity quickly finished and was escorted down the corridor to the top of the stairs that lead to the
ballroom where everyone was dancing, laughing, and having a wonderful time. Serenity still felt a bit down,
but demeanor improved since before. She was asked to dance by several handsome young men from other kingdoms,
and her sadness was soon forgotten.
Queen Serenity watched her daughter happily. 'I'm so glad she's happy.' She thought.
"Excuse me, Queen Serenity, may I have this dance?" A deep voice whispered in Serenity's ear. She turned
and smiled at the handsome king.
"Why, Eros, I'd be glad to." Queen Serenity took the outstretched hand and began to dance with the King
of Venus. Princess Serenity spotted her mother and smiled, glad to see she was enjoying herself. The Princess
couldn't help it, she had a kind heart and thought of everyone's well-being.
As the song ended the announcement was made for the Birth Celebration Toast. Everyone seated themselves
at several long tables and awaited the speech that was to be given by Queen Serenity.
Queen Serenity stood and held her glass in her hand. She smiled as she looked over to her daughter at the
head of the table next to her. "Serenity. My little girl." She started. Her eyes looked over the crowd awaiting
her words. She fingered the glass in her hand, and bowed her head. "Today you are no longer a child, but a young
woman. Today you are thriteen years old..." Serenity looked up, her eyes moist, "and all grown up. Soon, a
young man will want you for his wife, and you two will be happy. As you go on and rule the Moon Kingdom, along
side your future husband, never forget the lessons that you learned here. Don't forget this beautiful time,
when you are free do to as you please, never worrying about the troubles of a kingdom. I pray that you will
look back on these times, the 'good old days,' and remember them fondly. Never give up hope, Serenity. Hope,
if you let it, will always be there." Queen Serenity looked into her daughter's eyes, and as she said her next
words, she prayed her daughter knew what she meant. "Remember that Hope is a thing with Wings." She raised her
glass, as did everyone else there, and they all drank to the toast.
Queen Serenity sat down, almost shaking. She felt overcome by something, but she wasn't sure what. After
the dinner she excused herself to her room. She sat down on a large overstuffed chair. She put a trembling hand
to her face and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt as if she wasn't alone. She looked up and discovered the
mirror right before her eyes. She didn't see her own refelction, however; she saw the same woman as before, the
one nine years ago. She stared at the smiling woman. Serenity forced herself to look away. "Neherenia." She
muttered distatefully.
"It seems as though I am never invited for any of the important celebrations, Serenity. Or any for that
matter. Why is that?" The mirror-woman asked, touching the glass with a long pale finger.
"I told you before: if you bring evil, I cannot allow you to come. If you bring peace, then all is well."
"Hmm," Queen Neherenia contemplated, "indeed."
"Princess, may I have this dance?" A deep voice asked Princess Serenity. Serenity turned and accepted the
hand, noting that he looked quite familiar. Serenity couldn't place him, but recognized the black shiny hair and
deep, ocean blue eyes.
"From the look on your face, you do not recognize me." The voice interrupted her thoughts.
"No, I'm afraid I don't." Serenity blushed and smiled.
The young man laughed. "It's been a long time since our last meeting, I'm afraid. I'd say about four years,
as a matter of fact." He seemed amused that he knew perfectly well who she was, but Serenity had no idea who this
handsome person might be.
"Are you being coy on purpose or do you honestly refuse to tell me your name?" Serenity inquired, smiling
at her dance partner.
"Yes and no." He grinned, now openly enjoying this. "I am being coy, and I don't 'honestly refuse' to tell
you my name."
"Well then, tell me." Serenity demanded just as the song ended.
"No. I am enjoying this far too much."
Serenity huffed and pulled him out onto the balcony adjacent to the ballroom. "Four years, huh? How old were
you then, pray tell?"
"I was your age today."
'So, that makes him seventeen now, ugh! That still doesn't help.' "Are you from this galaxy?"
"Yes."
"How close is your planet to the Moon?"
"Very."
"Are you from Mars?"
"No."
"Mercury?"
"You're getting colder, Princess."
"Earth?"
He smiled and nodded.
"Well, the only ones I know from Earth are the King, Queen, and..." Serenity's eyes widened. "You can't be...
Endymion?"
Endymion bowed and kissed Serenity's hand. "I am the very same."
Serenity gasped and wrapped Endymion in a hug. "You tease! You're so mean to me! How are you? Why have you
waited so long to visit me?"
He laughed. "I had the affairs of Earth to deal with, you wouldn't really understand."
"Just because I don't rule the Moon on my own doesn't mean I wouldn't understand, Endymion." Serenity
narrowed her eyes at him.
"Sure. And why do I always have to be the one to visit you on the Moon? Why can't you see me on Earth?"
Serenity averted her gaze to the rose garden below. She clutched the railing with both hands, her back now
to him. "Mother forbids me to go to Earth. She always has. I've longed to go so many times, but... I just can't."
Endymion looked at her small figure. He smiled inwardly. "Well, you won't be missed now that the toast is
over, and I promise to have you back before midnight...."
Serenity quickly turned to him. "Y-you mean it?" She suddenly brightened.
"Sure. Think of it as a birthday present."
"You mean you didn't get me one?"
Endymion laughed. "Letting you explore earth is a big gift, don't you think?"
Serenity laughed and nodded. "Let's go then!"
The two escaped unnoticed and walked quickly to the portal that would take them to Earth. The moment they
arrived, Serenity could have sworn she had died and gone to Heaven. Everything was so beautiful. It looked a lot
like the Moon, but with one major difference. There was wind. Serenity's hair fluttered in the slight cool breeze,
sending a chill through her whole body. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep, taking in the smell and the magic
around her. Endymion looked at her, amazed that someone could be so happy, just feeling the air.
Serenity twirled around, letting the wind touch every part of her. Her dress billowed around her ankles
and she felt as if everything would be alright. Endymion smiled and walked on towards his castle which was a short
distance off. Serenity followed, stooping to pick flowers every now and then.
"Endymion," Serenity stopped in a rose garden in the courtyard, "this is the best birthday present I have
ever received. Thank you so much." She hugged him, wrapping her pale arms around his tan neck.
Endymion held her body close to him and smiled. 'This feels so right.' He thought to himself. 'As if...
it was always meant to be.' Serenity pulled away slightly and looked up at Endymion, surprised to see him starring
at her as if she was the only thing that existed. He leaned down to her, tightening his grip around her waist.
She closed her eyes and their lips met. A tingling sensation flew through both their bodies, and Serenity smiled.
The kiss would have lasted longer if Venus hadn't appeared and stamped her foot. The two broke apart suddenly,
leaving Endymion grinning and Serenity blushing.
"I heard you, Endymion, you said you'd have her back before midnight. And you said nothing about kissing.
It is now 12:56 and here you are making out. Queen Serenity is wondering what happened to her little girl!" Princess
Venus scolded, grabbing on to Serenity's wrist.
"Does my mother know I'm here?" Serenity gasped.
"Not yet. We're gonna have to run if we're going to make it." Venus pulled Serenity toward the forrest
where the Moon Portal lay hidden.
"G-goodbye, Endymion." Serenity blushed. Endymion smiled and waved as they disappeared through the trees.
"Well, Endy, what are you going to do now?" A voice sounded from behind him. Endymion turned to see one
of his Guardian Generals, Nephrite, standing there, smirking.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, everywhere you go, you capture the heart of a princess. And now you've captured the Moon Princess's
heart." Nephrite crossed his arms in front of him. "Do you really like her? Or is she another... fling?"
Endymion started walking towards the palace. "Why aren't you at the party?"
"Don't change the subject. You've kissed many women in your life, Endy. Most in the past few months. You're
almost eighteen, and you need to settle down..."
"You sound like my mother."
"She's right. She's worried about you, Endy; we all are. Do you like Princess Serenity?"
Endymion stared at Nephrite for a moment, contemplating the question at hand. Did he, in fact, love Serenity?
The silver-haired, blue-eyed angel he had just been with? She was so young, barely thirteen. She was, by far, his
youngest... fling yet. But was she just a fling? Or was she something... more?
"Well, Endymion? Answer me! Do you like Serenity, Princess of the Moon Kingdom?" Nephrite demanded, bringing
Endymion back from his thoughts.
"No."
To be Continued...
Hmm... _INTERESTING_, no? Perhaps in the next part there is a surprise twist... You'll never know... lol. Um, yeah,
if you have any comments, feel free to leave them! ^.^
started: September 22, 2002
By: QueenBeryl
-insert standard disclaimer-
Yes, I realize the title is from a movie, but oh well, right? I hope you enjoy the story.
@---^---
Chapter 1: A Silver Rose Blossoms
Serenity gazed blankly into the mirror, not actually seeing herself. She gently touched the mirror and
let her hand slowly slide down the reflecting glass. Just then her bedroom door creacked open. Serenity's eyes
adjusted and she smiled as a young girl, her exact image, came in, grinning. "Hello, Serenity. My, how you've
grown within the past few days." She turned around and knelt on the soft carpeted floor. Princess Serenity
came running and leaped into her arms. The Queen softly stroked the young Princess' head, smoothing her
hand over the short blonde locks that were done up in the traditional double bun-ponytail style of the royals
of the Moon Kingdom.
Serenity looked up at her mother and smiled. "Mommy," her sapphire eyes twinkled, "when are we
going to visit Earth again?" She played with her mother's earring and grinned.
"Earth," Queen Serenity thought, "soon, Serenity, my precious daughter. Soon we will go to Earth."
She smiled and kissed her daughter. She stood up and watched the miniature version of herself run off to
play with her court. Queen Serenity sighed and turned back to the mirror. "Earth," she muttered to herself.
A darkened figure appeared in the mirror. It stood the same height as Queen Serenity, only with a dress with
more layers, shrouded in blackness. The figure's hair was down, except for two double bun-ponytails which,
with the rest of her black hair, flowed freely on the ground behind the mirror. Serenity then turned away from
the mirror, knowing full well who it was. Suddenly words spoken often enough entered her mind. 'Keep your
friends close, but you enemies closer.' Serenity turned back to the mirror and discovered the dark woman
gone. 'Perhaps I should watch my back,' Serenity thought. She shook her head, her purple double
bun-ponytails swished around her. She walked out of her room towards the courtyard, her violetblue eyes
ever watchful. An eerie feeling seemed to surround her, hindering her from being completely free. She sat on
a stone bench and watched her young daughter and her court, the Four Guardian Goddesses, Venus, Jupiter,
Mars, and Mercury.
Princess Serenity seemed to grow so quickly, although Queen Serenity knew she would. From the
time Serenity was a baby, she grew fast, finally catching up with her young court. Already the young Serenity
was twelve years old. Her hair was longer now, and no longer golden. The hair was becoming a beautiful silver
color. Queen Serenity sat in the throne room, head propped up with her hand, eyes closed.
"My Lady," a royal guard knocked at the door, "the Queen of Earth is here."
Queen Serenity straightened up. "Lead her in."
The Queen of Earth, Gaea, glided in, her golden knee-length hair flowing behind her. "Serenity, I fear
for their lives." She started the moment the door was closed. Queen Serenity arose to greet her guest.
"I know, Gaea. They are so young, and the evil will not be banished for long." Serenity looked sorrowful,
fearing the worst. She smiled weakly, and she and Gaea walked to the window to watch Princess Serenity and her
court play. Gaea smiled and turned to Serenity.
"What are we supposed to do? With Poseidon away at war, the Earth Kingdom is at its weakest point. If
anything should happen...." Gaea faltered, clenching her hands into fists at her side.
Serenity put a hand on Gaea's shoulder. "My friend, you husband will be alright; as will your kingdom.
I have gone so long without... well, nevermind. It won't happen to you."
Gaea looked up to Serenity. She threw her arms around the Moon Queen. "Oh, Serenity..."
Serenity's husband, Ophichius, had died one week after Princess Serenity was born. He was a healer,
and had healed Queen Serenity, who was weak from delivery. He used the last of his strength to make sure that
his wife and newborn child were kept safe. He died from exhaustion. Queen Serenity, cursed herself for being
so physically weak, and blamed herself for her husbands early death. Princess Serenity never really seemed to
notice that everyone else she knew had mothers _and_ fathers. The Queen was glad for that.
Serenity smiled and pulled away from the hug. "Everything will be alright. Especially with our children
growing up so strong." Gaea nodded in reply.
"Serenity!" Princess Mercury called, "it's time for your lessons! You can't hide forever, you know!"
Serenity couldn't help it, she giggled and crept up behind Mercury and tackled her.
"SERENITY! This is no time for games. I understand you want to play, but work comes first! Now, sit.
Come on, please."
"Fine, fine, Merc." Princess Serenity sat down and quickly worked on some left-over work from yesterday
before beginning today's lessons.
After an hour of studies there was a knock at the door. Princess Jupiter poked her head in and grinned.
"My turn. Come on, Sere, physical training now!"
Serenity couldn't decide whether to stay or go. She hated the physical training more than the mental.
Alas, she had no choice when Jupiter waltzed in and pulled the almost silver-haired princess away from the
books.
"I can't wait until my hair finally changes completely. I can't stand having two different colors."
Serenity complained, slipping into sweats.
"Well, it will be completely silver by the time you're thirteen, you know that, Sere. It's only a month
away, too. The big one three!" Jupiter laughed as they walked to the training area of the Moon Castle.
"I don't see why you don't want to go, Endymion. She's your friend!" Gaea sat down, flustered.
"I'm seventeen, Mother. I really don't see the point of visiting a Moon Child."
"You're right. You _should_ be looking for a bride!" Gaea narrowed her eyes at her son.
Endymion sighed and sat down, throwing off his cape. "I don't care about marriage right now, Mother.
I really don't. And I refuse to marry that Princess What's-her-face from the Orion Galaxy."
"Princess Amelia, and why not?"
"She's a bore. She doesn't want to do anything exciting. She just sits there and... sits there." Endymion
complained, standing up again.
"Well, either you marry by next month or you're going to Serenity's birth celebration, is that
understood? No excuses, either. I command you, as Queen of the Earth." Gaea smiled, knowing she had her son
right where she wanted him.
Endymion opened his mouth in protest, but nothing came out but a mouse-like squeak. He cleared his throat.
"You cannot do that to me, Mother. It isn't fair!"
"Well, _son_, life is never fair." She rose and left the room, inwardly smiling.
"'I command you as Queen of the Earth.'" Endymion mocked. "There is no escaping that one. Fine. Just...
fine. I'll go. I'll make this wonderous appearance. I'll give the Princess of the Moon her gift, smile, be
gracious and leave." Endymion laughed, it was all too easy.
Fireworks rang through the night. The entire moon was in celebration for the birth of their beloved
Moon Princess. Kings and Queens from all over the Universe had showed up, and joined in the celebration that
would last for two days. Everyone was excited, that was, everyone except for the Moon Princess.
Princess Serenity sat down on her bed, half dressed, and sighed. Princess Venus flew in, without
knocking.
"Serenity! Why are you only... where are the rest of your clothes? Aren't you going to go to your
own party?" Venus asked, looking for Serenity's slippers and tights.
"I don't want to go. I don't feel happy and cheerful. I just want to stay here, alone."
"Now, now, we'll have none of that, Serenity. You look absolutely magnificent, and _everyone_ is here
to see you."
"They're just here for a good time."
"Stop that. Now, if I tell Mars what you're saying, you know she'll chew you out."
"Is that a threat?"
"Take it as you like it, but if worse comes to worse, I'll go straight to Mars and Jupiter. I might
even go to your mother herself."
"You're so mean, Venus! You're fired!" Princess Serenity threw her pillow at her, hitting her right
in the face. Venus looked startled and threw it back, laughing.
"Ah, if only you _could_ fire me, eh? I-oof!" Venus toppled over, a pillow on top of her. "Okay, that's
it, Serenity. You asked for it!" Venus lept onto Serenity and started tickling her without mercy.
"Ha-okay, I... give... up! I'll... go! I'll go!" Serenity laughed, gasping for air.
"Fine, hurry and get dressed, or I'll come at you again!" Venus smiled and fixed her own dress.
Serenity quickly finished and was escorted down the corridor to the top of the stairs that lead to the
ballroom where everyone was dancing, laughing, and having a wonderful time. Serenity still felt a bit down,
but demeanor improved since before. She was asked to dance by several handsome young men from other kingdoms,
and her sadness was soon forgotten.
Queen Serenity watched her daughter happily. 'I'm so glad she's happy.' She thought.
"Excuse me, Queen Serenity, may I have this dance?" A deep voice whispered in Serenity's ear. She turned
and smiled at the handsome king.
"Why, Eros, I'd be glad to." Queen Serenity took the outstretched hand and began to dance with the King
of Venus. Princess Serenity spotted her mother and smiled, glad to see she was enjoying herself. The Princess
couldn't help it, she had a kind heart and thought of everyone's well-being.
As the song ended the announcement was made for the Birth Celebration Toast. Everyone seated themselves
at several long tables and awaited the speech that was to be given by Queen Serenity.
Queen Serenity stood and held her glass in her hand. She smiled as she looked over to her daughter at the
head of the table next to her. "Serenity. My little girl." She started. Her eyes looked over the crowd awaiting
her words. She fingered the glass in her hand, and bowed her head. "Today you are no longer a child, but a young
woman. Today you are thriteen years old..." Serenity looked up, her eyes moist, "and all grown up. Soon, a
young man will want you for his wife, and you two will be happy. As you go on and rule the Moon Kingdom, along
side your future husband, never forget the lessons that you learned here. Don't forget this beautiful time,
when you are free do to as you please, never worrying about the troubles of a kingdom. I pray that you will
look back on these times, the 'good old days,' and remember them fondly. Never give up hope, Serenity. Hope,
if you let it, will always be there." Queen Serenity looked into her daughter's eyes, and as she said her next
words, she prayed her daughter knew what she meant. "Remember that Hope is a thing with Wings." She raised her
glass, as did everyone else there, and they all drank to the toast.
Queen Serenity sat down, almost shaking. She felt overcome by something, but she wasn't sure what. After
the dinner she excused herself to her room. She sat down on a large overstuffed chair. She put a trembling hand
to her face and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt as if she wasn't alone. She looked up and discovered the
mirror right before her eyes. She didn't see her own refelction, however; she saw the same woman as before, the
one nine years ago. She stared at the smiling woman. Serenity forced herself to look away. "Neherenia." She
muttered distatefully.
"It seems as though I am never invited for any of the important celebrations, Serenity. Or any for that
matter. Why is that?" The mirror-woman asked, touching the glass with a long pale finger.
"I told you before: if you bring evil, I cannot allow you to come. If you bring peace, then all is well."
"Hmm," Queen Neherenia contemplated, "indeed."
"Princess, may I have this dance?" A deep voice asked Princess Serenity. Serenity turned and accepted the
hand, noting that he looked quite familiar. Serenity couldn't place him, but recognized the black shiny hair and
deep, ocean blue eyes.
"From the look on your face, you do not recognize me." The voice interrupted her thoughts.
"No, I'm afraid I don't." Serenity blushed and smiled.
The young man laughed. "It's been a long time since our last meeting, I'm afraid. I'd say about four years,
as a matter of fact." He seemed amused that he knew perfectly well who she was, but Serenity had no idea who this
handsome person might be.
"Are you being coy on purpose or do you honestly refuse to tell me your name?" Serenity inquired, smiling
at her dance partner.
"Yes and no." He grinned, now openly enjoying this. "I am being coy, and I don't 'honestly refuse' to tell
you my name."
"Well then, tell me." Serenity demanded just as the song ended.
"No. I am enjoying this far too much."
Serenity huffed and pulled him out onto the balcony adjacent to the ballroom. "Four years, huh? How old were
you then, pray tell?"
"I was your age today."
'So, that makes him seventeen now, ugh! That still doesn't help.' "Are you from this galaxy?"
"Yes."
"How close is your planet to the Moon?"
"Very."
"Are you from Mars?"
"No."
"Mercury?"
"You're getting colder, Princess."
"Earth?"
He smiled and nodded.
"Well, the only ones I know from Earth are the King, Queen, and..." Serenity's eyes widened. "You can't be...
Endymion?"
Endymion bowed and kissed Serenity's hand. "I am the very same."
Serenity gasped and wrapped Endymion in a hug. "You tease! You're so mean to me! How are you? Why have you
waited so long to visit me?"
He laughed. "I had the affairs of Earth to deal with, you wouldn't really understand."
"Just because I don't rule the Moon on my own doesn't mean I wouldn't understand, Endymion." Serenity
narrowed her eyes at him.
"Sure. And why do I always have to be the one to visit you on the Moon? Why can't you see me on Earth?"
Serenity averted her gaze to the rose garden below. She clutched the railing with both hands, her back now
to him. "Mother forbids me to go to Earth. She always has. I've longed to go so many times, but... I just can't."
Endymion looked at her small figure. He smiled inwardly. "Well, you won't be missed now that the toast is
over, and I promise to have you back before midnight...."
Serenity quickly turned to him. "Y-you mean it?" She suddenly brightened.
"Sure. Think of it as a birthday present."
"You mean you didn't get me one?"
Endymion laughed. "Letting you explore earth is a big gift, don't you think?"
Serenity laughed and nodded. "Let's go then!"
The two escaped unnoticed and walked quickly to the portal that would take them to Earth. The moment they
arrived, Serenity could have sworn she had died and gone to Heaven. Everything was so beautiful. It looked a lot
like the Moon, but with one major difference. There was wind. Serenity's hair fluttered in the slight cool breeze,
sending a chill through her whole body. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep, taking in the smell and the magic
around her. Endymion looked at her, amazed that someone could be so happy, just feeling the air.
Serenity twirled around, letting the wind touch every part of her. Her dress billowed around her ankles
and she felt as if everything would be alright. Endymion smiled and walked on towards his castle which was a short
distance off. Serenity followed, stooping to pick flowers every now and then.
"Endymion," Serenity stopped in a rose garden in the courtyard, "this is the best birthday present I have
ever received. Thank you so much." She hugged him, wrapping her pale arms around his tan neck.
Endymion held her body close to him and smiled. 'This feels so right.' He thought to himself. 'As if...
it was always meant to be.' Serenity pulled away slightly and looked up at Endymion, surprised to see him starring
at her as if she was the only thing that existed. He leaned down to her, tightening his grip around her waist.
She closed her eyes and their lips met. A tingling sensation flew through both their bodies, and Serenity smiled.
The kiss would have lasted longer if Venus hadn't appeared and stamped her foot. The two broke apart suddenly,
leaving Endymion grinning and Serenity blushing.
"I heard you, Endymion, you said you'd have her back before midnight. And you said nothing about kissing.
It is now 12:56 and here you are making out. Queen Serenity is wondering what happened to her little girl!" Princess
Venus scolded, grabbing on to Serenity's wrist.
"Does my mother know I'm here?" Serenity gasped.
"Not yet. We're gonna have to run if we're going to make it." Venus pulled Serenity toward the forrest
where the Moon Portal lay hidden.
"G-goodbye, Endymion." Serenity blushed. Endymion smiled and waved as they disappeared through the trees.
"Well, Endy, what are you going to do now?" A voice sounded from behind him. Endymion turned to see one
of his Guardian Generals, Nephrite, standing there, smirking.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, everywhere you go, you capture the heart of a princess. And now you've captured the Moon Princess's
heart." Nephrite crossed his arms in front of him. "Do you really like her? Or is she another... fling?"
Endymion started walking towards the palace. "Why aren't you at the party?"
"Don't change the subject. You've kissed many women in your life, Endy. Most in the past few months. You're
almost eighteen, and you need to settle down..."
"You sound like my mother."
"She's right. She's worried about you, Endy; we all are. Do you like Princess Serenity?"
Endymion stared at Nephrite for a moment, contemplating the question at hand. Did he, in fact, love Serenity?
The silver-haired, blue-eyed angel he had just been with? She was so young, barely thirteen. She was, by far, his
youngest... fling yet. But was she just a fling? Or was she something... more?
"Well, Endymion? Answer me! Do you like Serenity, Princess of the Moon Kingdom?" Nephrite demanded, bringing
Endymion back from his thoughts.
"No."
To be Continued...
Hmm... _INTERESTING_, no? Perhaps in the next part there is a surprise twist... You'll never know... lol. Um, yeah,
if you have any comments, feel free to leave them! ^.^
started: September 22, 2002
