Title: The Swan Princess
Summery: Serenity is the princess from the moon, and Endymion is the prince from Earth. The kings and queens of each kingdom desperately want the two children to marry when they grow up, so every summer Serenity is sent down to Earth to spend quality time with Endymion. They hate each other at first. But when Serenity finally grows up, Endymion sees her in a different light. Endymion's jealous, power-hungry brother, Alex, turns to the dark arts in hope that he can make Serenity become his wife so he can be king, by putting her under a spell. It's up to Endymion to find her and save her from her enchantment.
Characters:
The Moon Kingdom and Court-
King Leodegrance- King of the Moon Kingdom, born of the royal family of the Sun
Queen Serenity- Queen of the Moon Kingdom, born of the royal family of the Moon
Princess Serenity- also known as Serena to close friends, daughter of the King and Queen of the Moon Kingdom and future ruler and holder of the Imperium Silver Crystal
Princess Mina- Serenity's cousin from the planet Venus (one year older than Serenity)
Princess Amy- Serenity's friend and princess of Mercury (one year older than Serenity)
Princess Lita- Serenity's friend and princess of Jupiter (one year older than Serenity)
Princess Raye- Serenity's friend and princess of Mars and Prince Endymion's cousin (one year older than Serenity)
Earth Kingdom and Court-
King Gereint- King of Earth and High King of all the other provinces and smaller kingdoms, born from the royal family of Mars
Queen Arianna- Queen of Earth and High Queen of the other provinces and smaller kingdoms, born from the royal family of Earth
Prince Endymion- also known as Darien to close friends, son of the High King and Queen of Earth, first in line for the throne Prince Alexander- also known as Alex to close friends, son of the High King and Queen of Earth, second in line for the throne
Princess Marietta- also known as Marie to a very exclusive branch of nobles, daughter of the High King and Queen of Earth, third in line for the throne
Malachite- head of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Zoycite- part of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Nephlite- part of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Jedite- part of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Disclaimer: I own neither Sailor Moon nor The Swan Princess.
Chapter 3: The Crystal Swan
~~~~~***~~~~~
1 year later
~~~~~***~~~~~
Moon Kingdom
"Catch me if you can!" Serena yelled and jumped onto the banister along a stairway. She laughed and slid down the rail, her long blonde hair flying behind her.
"Serena!" Raye shouted and hopped on after her. Lita hopped on next, laughing as well. Amy unsurely touched the top of the banister and gently sat down. She looked over to Mina.
"Are you sure this is safe?" She asked. Mina stared at her and slowly crept up to her. She placed both her hands on Amy's shoulders and stared into Amy's blue eyes.
"Yep," Mina nodded her head and with a big shove, pushed Amy after Lita. Amy screamed and then began to like the new thrill. Mina hopped on next and flew after everyone.
"Oof," Serena grunted as she landed on her face at the end of the banister. She turned to get up and run on when Raye appeared out of nowhere and fell off the banister right on top of her. "Raye!"
"I'm sorry! That was just so exciting!" Raye laughed. But before Raye could move Lita fell on top of them, then Amy and finally Mina. Everyone was smiling and giggling on top of each other.
"Um, guys, can you get off of me?" Serena gasped from underneath all the girls. "I sorta can't breath."
The girls got off Serena and helped her up. Serena brushed off her plain blue dress. Amy was wearing green, Lita was wearing dark purple, Raye was wearing pink and Mina was wearing orange.
"That was so fun!" Lita yelled. "Let's do it again!"
"Yeah!" Amy cried. "Only this time, no pushing."
"Amy, if I hadn't pushed you, we would be up there until the next full moon!" Mina laughed. Amy blushed. Serena grinned mischievously.
"I have a better idea!" Serena yelled. All the girls looked up to Serena. She slowly sidled up to Raye. Raye regarded her warily. All of a sudden Serena tagged Raye on the shoulder. "Tag! You're it!"
Excited cries and laughter rang through the hall as the girls ran around. Servants and other people stopped to watch the girls play. Their laughter brought sunshine and happiness to each room they went in. Serena ran after the other girls after being tagged by Mina. They reached the royal gardens where Queen Serenity was sitting on a stone bench beside some colorful tulips. She smiled as Serena, Amy, Raye, Lita and Mina made their way over to her.
"All right, I give up!" Serena panted as she ran in front of her mother. The girls stopped and greeted the queen.
"Why are you not in lessons like you should be?" Queen Serenity asked. "Your tutor doesn't like it if you don't show up."
"He gave us a free day, Mother!" Serena said excitedly. "And then tomorrow, we are going on a picnic and see wildlife by the river!"
"That's wonderful, dear," Queen Serenity smoothed Serena's hair from its disarray. Serena giggled and tagged Amy. "Hah! You're it!"
Serena took off running. Lita scampered behind a tree and Mina and Raye fled over to the water fountain. Amy laughed and ran after Mina and Raye. Queen Serenity watched them playing.
Suddenly she felt odd. She felt faint and close to unconsciousness. Something clouded her mind and made her feel dizzy. She tried to get up when a roaring sounded through her ears and everything turned black.
Serena saw her mother faint and screamed. Amy ran over to Queen Serenity and cradled her head. Lita and Raye took off running and yelling for help. Serena ran to her mother and grabbed her hand.
"Mother! Mother! Wake up!" Serena cried wiggling her mother's arm. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Mina hugged Serena. "Mother!"
~~~~~***~~~~~
Serena sat on cushioned chaise in the sitting room in Queen Serenity's chambers. She stared at her hands as she folded and unfolded them impatiently. Mina sat beside her. Mina placed her hand over Serena's to try and calm her. Serena looked up tearfully.
"It's going to be all right," Mina whispered and hugged Serena. Raye and Lita sat on some throw pillows by the marble fireplace. A clear table was on a green rug in the center of the room. Another couch, where Amy sat, was on the opposite side of the table. A mirror and desk and paintings were along the walls around the room. A door that led to the hall was to the right of the fireplace and another door that led to Queen Serenity's room was across from it. Raye and Lita looked sympathetically towards Serena. Everyone was crying.
After Queen Serenity had fainted, Lita and Mina had run screaming for help into the courtyard. Guards rushed in and followed the girls back to the garden. Luna grabbed Serena and the girls while the guards picked up Queen Serenity and rushed her into the palace. She had been put in her room. Doctors and servants and other people had poured into her bed chamber. Since Serena and the girls were so young, they were not allowed into the chamber. They sat outside in the sitting room waiting for any news of Queen Serenity.
"Yeah," Amy agreed and went to sit by Serena, putting an arm around her shoulder. Serena sniffled. "It was probably just too much sun."
"Really?" Serena asked. She blinked her eyes of tears. "Then, I won't worry as much." She managed a weak smile. "It's not as if she is going to die from this."
All the girls were silent. They didn't know what to think. They wanted to support Serena, but the dark foreboding feeling just wasn't going away in their minds.
The door to Queen Serenity's bed chamber opened and out walked the doctor. Serena jumped to her feet and ran over to him.
"Well?" Serena asked tugging at his robes. The graying doctor closed his brown eyes. He knelt down to Serena's height. Amy, Raye, Mina and Lita came up behind Serena.
"Princess, your mother, the queen, is very sick," the doctor replied and held Serena's hand. Serena shook her head.
"She is going to be ok, right?" Serena stammered and bit her lip. The doctor sighed. "Right?"
"I, I am not sure," the doctor answered and stood up and turned towards the other door to leave. "Something is keeping her from getting better. I have to go notify the king of this now. He is on Mars at a conference."
"No!" Serena cried and tore away from her friends. She ran into her mother's bed chamber. "Mama!"
"Serena!" Lita called after Serena. They waited back on the chaise, giving Serena time to see her mother.
Serena ran into the chamber. It was dark except for a few candles lit around the room. A window had been covered with a thing veil of cloth turning the room an eerie blue color. Queen Serenity was lying on her bed across from the door. The purple silk sheets reflected the candlelight. Queen Serenity looked pale and weak, breathing shallowly.
Serena covered her mouth with her hand to keep her sobs down. She slowly walked over to the bedside. Queen Serenity fluttered her eyelashes and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled softly to Serena. One tear trailed down Serena's cheek.
"What's wrong, Mother?" Serena asked and took her mother's hand. Queen Serenity placed her other hand on top of Serena's.
"I am not sure what is wrong. But, somehow I knew this was going to happen," Queen Serenity whispered.
"You can't die!" Serena choked out and threw herself into Queen Serenity's arms. Queen Serenity stroked Serena's gold hair. "You can't! I won't let you."
"Serena, dear, it is my time, as it was my Mother's before me," Queen Serenity answered.
"Why?" Serena sobbed. "Why?"
"Something is coming. Evil has been stirred up, my daughter. It will affect your future," Queen Serenity said. She stared out the window at the beautiful sky. "You must be brave and have courage. Your life has only begun."
Queen Serenity's voice began to trail off. The door opened and the doctor returned. Queen Serenity's eyes began to close.
"Mother!" Serena shouted.
"Beware of the tiger," Queen Serenity whispered. Tears coursed down Serena's cheeks. "I will always be with you."
Queen Serenity closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Sobs wracked through Serena. The doctor came over behind Serena and gently pulled her away from the queen.
"No! Stop," Serena cried and pushed the doctor away. The doctor grabbed her arm. A few servants came in with towels, water and oils.
"She can't hear you, Princess." Serena wouldn't listen. "Help," the doctor motioned for the servants. They came over and picked up Serena. She kicked and yelled but the servants carried her to her own bed chamber and placed her on her bed. Mina, Lita, Raye and Amy followed and comforted Serena as she cried and cried on her bed. After the servants left, Serena latched onto Mina and Raye. The girls sat in Serena's bed chamber for hours crying.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Amy watched as the ship carrying the king from Mars docked on the port. Servants, guards and nobles scurried around waiting for the king and news of Queen Serenity's health.
"Your Father is here, Serena," Lita said as she saw the king walk down the plank and onto the deck. He disappeared from view as he walked swiftly into the palace. Serena's head shot up. She picked up the rose she had been toying with and ran over to the window. Mina and Raye joined them.
"Papa?" Serena said and looked for any sign of him outside, but he had already gone into the palace. Wait, she thought. Maybe Father can heal Mother! And then she will live! And we can be happy! Serena smiled.
"Serena?" Raye asked. The girls were worried about Serena's smile. "What is that smile for?"
"Do you want to go see him?" Mina asked.
"Father!" Serena yelled and ran out of the room.
"Serena!" Amy called. "Wait!"
But Serena kept running. She ran through the hallways and corridors. Everything was blurring together. She had to reach her father before it was too late. Serena could hear the girls running after her behind her. She squeezed the rose. A thorn pricked her finger, but Serena didn't feel it. She kept running.
"Father!" she yelled as she slid into Queen Serenity's sitting room. Her father would be here first, before going anywhere else. Servants and other people looked up startled as she entered breathlessly. "Papa!"
She stopped by the window as the door opened. Her father's silhouette framed the doorway. She smiled happily.
"Did you get her better?" Serena asked and hopped up and down. Her smile faded as no answer came back. King Leodegrance stepped into the room. Haggard and pale, he closed his eyes. The girls ran in and skidded to a stop at the sight of the king. "Father?"
"Serena," King Leodegrance faltered. He took a step closer. Serena jumped back shaking her head. He stopped and began again. "Serena, she is gone."
The rose that was tightly clenched in Serena's hand fell to the ground. A red petal fluttered after it. The petal floated to the floor as the last ray of the sun disappeared beneath the horizon.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Earth Kingdom
"Endymion!" King Gereint called to the young prince as he walked past the doorway. Endymion stopped and went inside the king's study.
"Yes?" Endymion asked. He shifted impatiently. "Hurry, Father, I have to get to the training ground soon for the test."
"Sit down," King Gereint said. Endymion sat down on a plush chair and looked at the paper-cluttered room. "I'm afraid I have some bad news."
"What is it?" Endymion jumped up thinking it was about himself or his family. "Is everyone ok?"
"Well, you remember Princess Serenity, right?" King Gereint asked and played with his quill he had been writing with.
"Yes."
"Well, her mother, Queen Serenity has died," King Gereint said solemnly. He brushed back his cloak. Endymion frowned.
"That's horrible," he whispered. Even though he despised the thought of the princess staying with him and becoming his friend, he still cared for her a little. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Perhaps you could send her a present of some sort to show her that we are here for her?" King Gereint replied.
"That's a perfect idea, and I know just what to send her," Endymion said and left the room. The training test forgotten, he walked to the village outside the castle.
Peasants and friends bustled around doing their business with the occasional greeting to Prince Endymion. Endymion marched over to the goldsmith and placed his order.
A few hours later he returned and picked up the braided gold necklace with a star locket attached to it. It glittered beautifully in the sunlight.
"She will like this," Prince Endymion said to himself and went back to the palace.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Moon Kingdom
Serena sat on a small cushioned bench, staring out her balcony at the large Earth that loomed in the sky. Silence echoed through the room. No light or happiness emitted from anywhere.
Knock! Knock! Some one was at the door. Serena didn't even move. She remained sitting there staring. The door opened and in walked her father.
"Serena?" King Leodegrance called. Serena didn't turn around. King Leodegrance walked over to the bench and placed a package by her and leaned down in front of her. "Look, Serena, I know you don't want to go, but you have to go to Mother's funeral. It is custom. Everyone is waiting for you."
Serena said nothing. She sat there staring, unblinking, the whole time. Ling Leodegrance sighed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace. He reached around Serena and lifted up her hair.
"She would have wanted you to have this," King Leodegrance whispered. He tied it on. "And this package is from Prince Endymion and his family on Earth. Wasn't it nice that they sent something for you?"
Serena closed her eyes and bowed her head. She fingered the crystal swan that now hung around her neck. King Leodegrance sighed again and stood up.
"You have 5 minutes and then you will come downstairs and we will go to the funeral," he said formally. He strode over to the door and opened it. He paused. "I love her too, you know. And I miss her very badly."
Serena remained impassive so King Leodegrance left and closed the door behind him. One tear fell down her cheek and she wiped it away briskly. Her hand fell down to the package and she ripped it open. She gasped as she saw the star locket laying there in the tissue. It was beautiful. She slowly traced it with her finger and opened it. Intricate music began to play from inside the locket. She hummed along with it. The song ended and she closed the locket and placed it under her pillow.
Serena straightened her black mourning gown and walked out of her room and down the stairs to her Mother's funeral.
~~~~~***~~~~~
The trip to the Earth was called off for the year. The next one was not to be scheduled until King Leodegrance felt that Serena was ready to leave the Moon. A year passed. Serena didn't talk much at all in that time. She stayed mostly in her bed chamber and only left it for regal dinners and lessons.
One day Serena came out of her chamber and began to act normal. She laughed and smiled and had fun. People were happy that Serena was glad again, but it was very strange to them that she was all of a sudden happy. Amy, Raye, Lita, Mina and Serena became best friends again. The trip to Earth was scheduled again for the summer that Serena was eight years old.
Serena was never sad again during that time. And finally the day came when Serena was to leave for Earth.
~~~~~***~~~~~
A\N: Wow. That took a long time to write. But hopefully it is good. Sorry there wasn't much on Endymion this time. Next time though, it is finally time for Serena and Endymion to meet! Yay! And a special thank you for all who reviewed before!
Preview for next chapter:
~ Serena and one of her friends go to Earth. ~
~ Sparks fly when Endymion and Serena meet, but not romantically. ~
~ Endymion pulls a prank on Serena. ~
Press that button and review for the next chapter. I love reviews, even if they are only a few nice words. Review everyone!
Summery: Serenity is the princess from the moon, and Endymion is the prince from Earth. The kings and queens of each kingdom desperately want the two children to marry when they grow up, so every summer Serenity is sent down to Earth to spend quality time with Endymion. They hate each other at first. But when Serenity finally grows up, Endymion sees her in a different light. Endymion's jealous, power-hungry brother, Alex, turns to the dark arts in hope that he can make Serenity become his wife so he can be king, by putting her under a spell. It's up to Endymion to find her and save her from her enchantment.
Characters:
The Moon Kingdom and Court-
King Leodegrance- King of the Moon Kingdom, born of the royal family of the Sun
Queen Serenity- Queen of the Moon Kingdom, born of the royal family of the Moon
Princess Serenity- also known as Serena to close friends, daughter of the King and Queen of the Moon Kingdom and future ruler and holder of the Imperium Silver Crystal
Princess Mina- Serenity's cousin from the planet Venus (one year older than Serenity)
Princess Amy- Serenity's friend and princess of Mercury (one year older than Serenity)
Princess Lita- Serenity's friend and princess of Jupiter (one year older than Serenity)
Princess Raye- Serenity's friend and princess of Mars and Prince Endymion's cousin (one year older than Serenity)
Earth Kingdom and Court-
King Gereint- King of Earth and High King of all the other provinces and smaller kingdoms, born from the royal family of Mars
Queen Arianna- Queen of Earth and High Queen of the other provinces and smaller kingdoms, born from the royal family of Earth
Prince Endymion- also known as Darien to close friends, son of the High King and Queen of Earth, first in line for the throne Prince Alexander- also known as Alex to close friends, son of the High King and Queen of Earth, second in line for the throne
Princess Marietta- also known as Marie to a very exclusive branch of nobles, daughter of the High King and Queen of Earth, third in line for the throne
Malachite- head of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Zoycite- part of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Nephlite- part of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Jedite- part of the royal guard and friend of Prince Endymion
Disclaimer: I own neither Sailor Moon nor The Swan Princess.
Chapter 3: The Crystal Swan
~~~~~***~~~~~
1 year later
~~~~~***~~~~~
Moon Kingdom
"Catch me if you can!" Serena yelled and jumped onto the banister along a stairway. She laughed and slid down the rail, her long blonde hair flying behind her.
"Serena!" Raye shouted and hopped on after her. Lita hopped on next, laughing as well. Amy unsurely touched the top of the banister and gently sat down. She looked over to Mina.
"Are you sure this is safe?" She asked. Mina stared at her and slowly crept up to her. She placed both her hands on Amy's shoulders and stared into Amy's blue eyes.
"Yep," Mina nodded her head and with a big shove, pushed Amy after Lita. Amy screamed and then began to like the new thrill. Mina hopped on next and flew after everyone.
"Oof," Serena grunted as she landed on her face at the end of the banister. She turned to get up and run on when Raye appeared out of nowhere and fell off the banister right on top of her. "Raye!"
"I'm sorry! That was just so exciting!" Raye laughed. But before Raye could move Lita fell on top of them, then Amy and finally Mina. Everyone was smiling and giggling on top of each other.
"Um, guys, can you get off of me?" Serena gasped from underneath all the girls. "I sorta can't breath."
The girls got off Serena and helped her up. Serena brushed off her plain blue dress. Amy was wearing green, Lita was wearing dark purple, Raye was wearing pink and Mina was wearing orange.
"That was so fun!" Lita yelled. "Let's do it again!"
"Yeah!" Amy cried. "Only this time, no pushing."
"Amy, if I hadn't pushed you, we would be up there until the next full moon!" Mina laughed. Amy blushed. Serena grinned mischievously.
"I have a better idea!" Serena yelled. All the girls looked up to Serena. She slowly sidled up to Raye. Raye regarded her warily. All of a sudden Serena tagged Raye on the shoulder. "Tag! You're it!"
Excited cries and laughter rang through the hall as the girls ran around. Servants and other people stopped to watch the girls play. Their laughter brought sunshine and happiness to each room they went in. Serena ran after the other girls after being tagged by Mina. They reached the royal gardens where Queen Serenity was sitting on a stone bench beside some colorful tulips. She smiled as Serena, Amy, Raye, Lita and Mina made their way over to her.
"All right, I give up!" Serena panted as she ran in front of her mother. The girls stopped and greeted the queen.
"Why are you not in lessons like you should be?" Queen Serenity asked. "Your tutor doesn't like it if you don't show up."
"He gave us a free day, Mother!" Serena said excitedly. "And then tomorrow, we are going on a picnic and see wildlife by the river!"
"That's wonderful, dear," Queen Serenity smoothed Serena's hair from its disarray. Serena giggled and tagged Amy. "Hah! You're it!"
Serena took off running. Lita scampered behind a tree and Mina and Raye fled over to the water fountain. Amy laughed and ran after Mina and Raye. Queen Serenity watched them playing.
Suddenly she felt odd. She felt faint and close to unconsciousness. Something clouded her mind and made her feel dizzy. She tried to get up when a roaring sounded through her ears and everything turned black.
Serena saw her mother faint and screamed. Amy ran over to Queen Serenity and cradled her head. Lita and Raye took off running and yelling for help. Serena ran to her mother and grabbed her hand.
"Mother! Mother! Wake up!" Serena cried wiggling her mother's arm. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Mina hugged Serena. "Mother!"
~~~~~***~~~~~
Serena sat on cushioned chaise in the sitting room in Queen Serenity's chambers. She stared at her hands as she folded and unfolded them impatiently. Mina sat beside her. Mina placed her hand over Serena's to try and calm her. Serena looked up tearfully.
"It's going to be all right," Mina whispered and hugged Serena. Raye and Lita sat on some throw pillows by the marble fireplace. A clear table was on a green rug in the center of the room. Another couch, where Amy sat, was on the opposite side of the table. A mirror and desk and paintings were along the walls around the room. A door that led to the hall was to the right of the fireplace and another door that led to Queen Serenity's room was across from it. Raye and Lita looked sympathetically towards Serena. Everyone was crying.
After Queen Serenity had fainted, Lita and Mina had run screaming for help into the courtyard. Guards rushed in and followed the girls back to the garden. Luna grabbed Serena and the girls while the guards picked up Queen Serenity and rushed her into the palace. She had been put in her room. Doctors and servants and other people had poured into her bed chamber. Since Serena and the girls were so young, they were not allowed into the chamber. They sat outside in the sitting room waiting for any news of Queen Serenity.
"Yeah," Amy agreed and went to sit by Serena, putting an arm around her shoulder. Serena sniffled. "It was probably just too much sun."
"Really?" Serena asked. She blinked her eyes of tears. "Then, I won't worry as much." She managed a weak smile. "It's not as if she is going to die from this."
All the girls were silent. They didn't know what to think. They wanted to support Serena, but the dark foreboding feeling just wasn't going away in their minds.
The door to Queen Serenity's bed chamber opened and out walked the doctor. Serena jumped to her feet and ran over to him.
"Well?" Serena asked tugging at his robes. The graying doctor closed his brown eyes. He knelt down to Serena's height. Amy, Raye, Mina and Lita came up behind Serena.
"Princess, your mother, the queen, is very sick," the doctor replied and held Serena's hand. Serena shook her head.
"She is going to be ok, right?" Serena stammered and bit her lip. The doctor sighed. "Right?"
"I, I am not sure," the doctor answered and stood up and turned towards the other door to leave. "Something is keeping her from getting better. I have to go notify the king of this now. He is on Mars at a conference."
"No!" Serena cried and tore away from her friends. She ran into her mother's bed chamber. "Mama!"
"Serena!" Lita called after Serena. They waited back on the chaise, giving Serena time to see her mother.
Serena ran into the chamber. It was dark except for a few candles lit around the room. A window had been covered with a thing veil of cloth turning the room an eerie blue color. Queen Serenity was lying on her bed across from the door. The purple silk sheets reflected the candlelight. Queen Serenity looked pale and weak, breathing shallowly.
Serena covered her mouth with her hand to keep her sobs down. She slowly walked over to the bedside. Queen Serenity fluttered her eyelashes and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled softly to Serena. One tear trailed down Serena's cheek.
"What's wrong, Mother?" Serena asked and took her mother's hand. Queen Serenity placed her other hand on top of Serena's.
"I am not sure what is wrong. But, somehow I knew this was going to happen," Queen Serenity whispered.
"You can't die!" Serena choked out and threw herself into Queen Serenity's arms. Queen Serenity stroked Serena's gold hair. "You can't! I won't let you."
"Serena, dear, it is my time, as it was my Mother's before me," Queen Serenity answered.
"Why?" Serena sobbed. "Why?"
"Something is coming. Evil has been stirred up, my daughter. It will affect your future," Queen Serenity said. She stared out the window at the beautiful sky. "You must be brave and have courage. Your life has only begun."
Queen Serenity's voice began to trail off. The door opened and the doctor returned. Queen Serenity's eyes began to close.
"Mother!" Serena shouted.
"Beware of the tiger," Queen Serenity whispered. Tears coursed down Serena's cheeks. "I will always be with you."
Queen Serenity closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Sobs wracked through Serena. The doctor came over behind Serena and gently pulled her away from the queen.
"No! Stop," Serena cried and pushed the doctor away. The doctor grabbed her arm. A few servants came in with towels, water and oils.
"She can't hear you, Princess." Serena wouldn't listen. "Help," the doctor motioned for the servants. They came over and picked up Serena. She kicked and yelled but the servants carried her to her own bed chamber and placed her on her bed. Mina, Lita, Raye and Amy followed and comforted Serena as she cried and cried on her bed. After the servants left, Serena latched onto Mina and Raye. The girls sat in Serena's bed chamber for hours crying.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Amy watched as the ship carrying the king from Mars docked on the port. Servants, guards and nobles scurried around waiting for the king and news of Queen Serenity's health.
"Your Father is here, Serena," Lita said as she saw the king walk down the plank and onto the deck. He disappeared from view as he walked swiftly into the palace. Serena's head shot up. She picked up the rose she had been toying with and ran over to the window. Mina and Raye joined them.
"Papa?" Serena said and looked for any sign of him outside, but he had already gone into the palace. Wait, she thought. Maybe Father can heal Mother! And then she will live! And we can be happy! Serena smiled.
"Serena?" Raye asked. The girls were worried about Serena's smile. "What is that smile for?"
"Do you want to go see him?" Mina asked.
"Father!" Serena yelled and ran out of the room.
"Serena!" Amy called. "Wait!"
But Serena kept running. She ran through the hallways and corridors. Everything was blurring together. She had to reach her father before it was too late. Serena could hear the girls running after her behind her. She squeezed the rose. A thorn pricked her finger, but Serena didn't feel it. She kept running.
"Father!" she yelled as she slid into Queen Serenity's sitting room. Her father would be here first, before going anywhere else. Servants and other people looked up startled as she entered breathlessly. "Papa!"
She stopped by the window as the door opened. Her father's silhouette framed the doorway. She smiled happily.
"Did you get her better?" Serena asked and hopped up and down. Her smile faded as no answer came back. King Leodegrance stepped into the room. Haggard and pale, he closed his eyes. The girls ran in and skidded to a stop at the sight of the king. "Father?"
"Serena," King Leodegrance faltered. He took a step closer. Serena jumped back shaking her head. He stopped and began again. "Serena, she is gone."
The rose that was tightly clenched in Serena's hand fell to the ground. A red petal fluttered after it. The petal floated to the floor as the last ray of the sun disappeared beneath the horizon.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Earth Kingdom
"Endymion!" King Gereint called to the young prince as he walked past the doorway. Endymion stopped and went inside the king's study.
"Yes?" Endymion asked. He shifted impatiently. "Hurry, Father, I have to get to the training ground soon for the test."
"Sit down," King Gereint said. Endymion sat down on a plush chair and looked at the paper-cluttered room. "I'm afraid I have some bad news."
"What is it?" Endymion jumped up thinking it was about himself or his family. "Is everyone ok?"
"Well, you remember Princess Serenity, right?" King Gereint asked and played with his quill he had been writing with.
"Yes."
"Well, her mother, Queen Serenity has died," King Gereint said solemnly. He brushed back his cloak. Endymion frowned.
"That's horrible," he whispered. Even though he despised the thought of the princess staying with him and becoming his friend, he still cared for her a little. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Perhaps you could send her a present of some sort to show her that we are here for her?" King Gereint replied.
"That's a perfect idea, and I know just what to send her," Endymion said and left the room. The training test forgotten, he walked to the village outside the castle.
Peasants and friends bustled around doing their business with the occasional greeting to Prince Endymion. Endymion marched over to the goldsmith and placed his order.
A few hours later he returned and picked up the braided gold necklace with a star locket attached to it. It glittered beautifully in the sunlight.
"She will like this," Prince Endymion said to himself and went back to the palace.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Moon Kingdom
Serena sat on a small cushioned bench, staring out her balcony at the large Earth that loomed in the sky. Silence echoed through the room. No light or happiness emitted from anywhere.
Knock! Knock! Some one was at the door. Serena didn't even move. She remained sitting there staring. The door opened and in walked her father.
"Serena?" King Leodegrance called. Serena didn't turn around. King Leodegrance walked over to the bench and placed a package by her and leaned down in front of her. "Look, Serena, I know you don't want to go, but you have to go to Mother's funeral. It is custom. Everyone is waiting for you."
Serena said nothing. She sat there staring, unblinking, the whole time. Ling Leodegrance sighed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace. He reached around Serena and lifted up her hair.
"She would have wanted you to have this," King Leodegrance whispered. He tied it on. "And this package is from Prince Endymion and his family on Earth. Wasn't it nice that they sent something for you?"
Serena closed her eyes and bowed her head. She fingered the crystal swan that now hung around her neck. King Leodegrance sighed again and stood up.
"You have 5 minutes and then you will come downstairs and we will go to the funeral," he said formally. He strode over to the door and opened it. He paused. "I love her too, you know. And I miss her very badly."
Serena remained impassive so King Leodegrance left and closed the door behind him. One tear fell down her cheek and she wiped it away briskly. Her hand fell down to the package and she ripped it open. She gasped as she saw the star locket laying there in the tissue. It was beautiful. She slowly traced it with her finger and opened it. Intricate music began to play from inside the locket. She hummed along with it. The song ended and she closed the locket and placed it under her pillow.
Serena straightened her black mourning gown and walked out of her room and down the stairs to her Mother's funeral.
~~~~~***~~~~~
The trip to the Earth was called off for the year. The next one was not to be scheduled until King Leodegrance felt that Serena was ready to leave the Moon. A year passed. Serena didn't talk much at all in that time. She stayed mostly in her bed chamber and only left it for regal dinners and lessons.
One day Serena came out of her chamber and began to act normal. She laughed and smiled and had fun. People were happy that Serena was glad again, but it was very strange to them that she was all of a sudden happy. Amy, Raye, Lita, Mina and Serena became best friends again. The trip to Earth was scheduled again for the summer that Serena was eight years old.
Serena was never sad again during that time. And finally the day came when Serena was to leave for Earth.
~~~~~***~~~~~
A\N: Wow. That took a long time to write. But hopefully it is good. Sorry there wasn't much on Endymion this time. Next time though, it is finally time for Serena and Endymion to meet! Yay! And a special thank you for all who reviewed before!
Preview for next chapter:
~ Serena and one of her friends go to Earth. ~
~ Sparks fly when Endymion and Serena meet, but not romantically. ~
~ Endymion pulls a prank on Serena. ~
Press that button and review for the next chapter. I love reviews, even if they are only a few nice words. Review everyone!
