Embracing Destiny
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon so does not belong to me. Unfortunately. I do own Endymion and Mamoru, though. Okay, Okay I don't. *Sigh* Can't blame a girl for trying, can you?
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Prologue
Rated: PG13
The small dinner group turned their heads toward the large marble door as it opened. An angelic young woman walked in the now silent room. Her silver hair was pulled up into two buns atop her head and from them long tresses fell until they just brushed the marble tiles. Her slender, graceful frame was covered in a pure white, floor-length gown that shimmered as she walked. Short, silk sleeves barely covered her creamy shoulders. She wore a small lunar pearl bracelet around her delicate right wrist, petite silvery pearls placed upon her earlobes, and a simple heart-shaped silver locket lay upon her graceful neck. The few pieces of jewelry she adorned did nothing to distract from her beauty. Nothing stood out about her more than the golden birthmark, the shape of a crescent moon, centered on her forehead. The birthmark showed her to be a member of the Lunar Royal family. Her breathtakingly beautiful cerulean eyes held a vast intelligence, a serene outlook, and something else deeply hidden as she gazed around the room.
She took in the small group quickly. Four young women, who appeared to be the same age as the young princess, sat around the large rectangular table. Each woman wore the same short-skirted outfit, called a fuku, although they differed in color. Sailor Mercury, in blue, sat at the far end of the long table. Her short blue hair perfectly framed her face. The aqua blue eyes of the Senshi of water and ice met her own as Mercury looked up shyly and smiled in welcome. Often called the genius behind the Sailor Senshi, her intelligence was unrivaled.
To Mercury's right sat Sailor Mars, dressed in a red version of the uniform. Her midnight black hair reached down to the middle of her well-shaped thighs and shown with violet highlights. Her violet eyes held the young princess' blue ones for an instant. The princess quickly broke the contact. The Senshi of Fire's gaze was too piercing for comfort. She was known as the spiritualist of the Senshi with the innate ability of telepathy.
To Mars' right sat a lovely Amazon with dark brown hair. She had it pulled back into a long ponytail that reached just past her shoulder blades. Her piercing emerald eyes were alive with spirit and strength. Wearing a deep green Sailor fuku, Sailor Jupiter was every bit the warrior. She nodded politely to the princess.
On the far side of the marble table, her gaze found Sailor Venus. The Senshi of Love wore an orange Sailor outfit. Her long blond hair fell to the back of her knees and was held by a large orange clip. She is the leader of the Sailor Senshi and although she took little else seriously, she was an excellent one.
Looking towards the head of the table, her eyes found a regal woman with the same silver hair as her own. It was also arranged the same and pooled upon the floor beside her chair. She wore a silver-white gown very similar to her own, only sleeveless. The older woman's eyes were a light shade of blue. Upon her forehead sat the golden crescent moon birthmark. She was Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, ruler of the Silver Millennium, and the young woman's mother.
Looking upon the floor to her mother's left, she saw two cats sitting regally upon their haunches. One white and one black, Artemis and Luna, respectfully, and each had a golden crescent moon centered upon their foreheads, marking them as the Queen's most trusted advisors.
Returning her gaze to her mother, the young princess inclined her head respectfully. "I apologize for being late, Mother," the princess said in her sweet melodic voice. "I was detained by a minor matter."
The Queen smiled proudly for an instant. "My daughter, it is quite all right. Please, sit down. Let us dismiss the formality for tonight. I know you tire of it so, Serenity," the Queen said.
"Thank you, Mother," Serenity said, smiling faintly. Her relief was apparent.
Queen Serenity frowned slightly at her daughter, before smiling. "Finish your meal. Afterwards, I have some news."
The Senshi looked surprised, but complied. Serenity, however, picked at her food. One hand was absently playing with one of the locks of her hair, a habit that she displayed when she was upset. 'Why, Mother?' The young woman thought resentfully. She had already been informed earlier this evening what the 'news' was and she not happy about it. 'I have enough responsibilities as a princess.' Sighing silently, she looked towards her mother, waiting to hear the news that would seal her fate. The Senshi had already finished their meals.
Standing up, the Queen prepared to address the small group. "Senshi, daughter, I have good news," she declared in what Serenity thought of as 'the Queen Voice.' "My daughter, Princess Serenity, will hereby hold the office of Royal Ambassador to the Planets. She will be sent to the various planets to cement our alliances and to forge new ones. She will make sure the laws of the Silver Millennium are being enforced. She is to be Our representative. All of the Inner Senshi: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus will accompany her, as will Luna and Artemis.
"It implies great faith that I let my only daughter and heir journey to foreign courts, but that is not why I am doing this." She paused, turning her attention to her visibly upset daughter. "I'm doing this because you will someday be Queen, and my mother also put me in the same position. It helped train me to rule better, Serenity. I did not want to do it anymore than you do, but in the end, I was grateful. As you will be, my dearest daughter." The Queen looked her daughter in the eyes, blue on blue. She showed that she new exactly how the young princess felt, which did make Serenity feel better. Smiling slightly, she let her mother know she understood. Understood that this was needed and she will do her best.
Turning from her daughter, she continued. "Now, for the first time in history the Outers will work with the Inners. Pluto has 'told' me that they must be involved, including Saturn." The Senshi and Serenity gasped in surprise. "Yes, it appears that this is the time for monumental changes," the Queen said with a slight frown.
'Or it means disaster approaches,' the younger Serenity thought.
"The previous Outer Senshi will once again take up their posts so that the Outers can be free to join the Inners in this endeavor. Now *all* the Senshi will be with you, Serenity, as guards and as advisors.
"Luna and Artemis will be there mostly because most other courts don't really comprehend that they can and do speak. And quite forcefully at that. Much might be said in their hearing that would never be said in the presence of the Senshi. They are to inform you if anything of note comes up. They are also going to be there to help you keep you Senshi in training. Mercury, you will help with keeping names and faces straight as well as important information concerning those people, which you will relay to my daughter. You must also act as scholar should the need arise. Mars, you will keep an eye out for deception and evil with your ability to read auras and intent. You *must* immediately inform my daughter. In her training to be Queen, nothing must be kept from her. *Nothing.* You will also be the spiritual expert." Smiling suddenly, she turned toward the other Senshi present.
"Jupiter, you will be her visual bodyguard. That is your chief job. The second is to be her friend and offer any moral support or advice that you can. Venus, you are the leader of the inner Senshi. You understand people and their motivations and you will relay this information to Serenity. You are also to make sure my daughter and the rest of the Senshi take days off to have fun and enjoy each planet. One more thing. Serenity is ultimately the leader. You will obey her in *all* matters. Do you all understand?"
"Yes, Queen Serenity," the Senshi answered simultaneously.
"Now for the Outers," the Queen began. "They already know their roles but you do not. Uranus will help with the actual visual bodyguard part since she has always been one of the most protective of my daughter. She will coordinate security. She is the leader of the Outers. Neptune will help Serenity with grace and the correct protocol for the other courts and will help her dress accordingly. She will offer advice and information on the arts should it be needed." Looking around the room, she paused.
"Pluto, who insisted on being present, will be letting bits of wisdom out if she deems it important enough. She is older than even I can imagine and knows some about the future, but remember time is not set. She is not omniscient. Lastly, Saturn will use her sense of death and her knowledge of healing in anyway possible. Understood?"
Nods from all the Senshi and her daughter reassured her that they were listening. "The Outers have agreed that you are in charge of this and they have reassured me that they will obey you in all matters. Now, Serenity, you will meet with the Royal families of each planet and attend court. You will renew treaties and form new ones. Use your judgment and intuition. If you feel uneasy about something, do not sign it. Remember, this is a learning experience for you. So, go out into the planet and their cities. Learn. But remember to have fun sometimes too." Frowning, the Queen sighed.
"Now, by orders of Pluto, against all tradition, and with many protests from me, my daughter is to be trained during her post. As the Senshi of the Moon." Exclamations of surprise and dismay filled the large room and after raising a hand to instill silence, the Queen went on. "I know this is highly unusual and I do not like it any more than you do, but Pluto insisted. Tomorrow my daughter will be given her transformation tool. She is to be the leader of the Senshi, Inners, and Outers and fight along side them...but ultimately be protected also. The fact that there will be a Senshi of the Moon is to be kept highly confidential." The Queen looked around the room, making eye contact with each of the Senshi and her daughter.
"You all love and respect my daughter deeply. My senshi and I never had that bond with each other. I know you will protect her well should the need arise. For now, rest. Tomorrow I will announce the appointment of my daughter and the Outers will arrive. The day after you will depart to Mercury. Goodnight."
Filing out of the private dining area, Serenity and her Senshi stopped outside the large marble door. Mercury put her hand on Serenity's shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sorry, Princess," Serenity winced slightly at the title. "You know that this will be a good learning experience for you. You'll be Queen one day." And with those words, Mercury left to her chambers.
Venus took Serenity in her arms for a quick hug and then released her. "Don't worry, Princess, it'll be fun when you get used to it. Think of the men!" She exclaimed missing Serenity's sadness at those words. Venus left then, a dreamy look on her face.
Jupiter took a hand in hers. "Princess, I know how you feel, but you'll enjoy it. You really will." With a quick hug, she also left.
Mars silently watched her princess. "Princess?" She asked hesitantly.
"Yes, Mars?" Serenity answered in her soft voice.
"I don't know what is bothering you lately, but try to give this a chance." And with that, she was gone. Leaving Serenity to make her way to her rooms, alone.
~~~
Entering her rooms silently and made her way to the balcony. Shivering at the cool night breeze, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, heir to the Silver Millennium throne, looked over the faint moonscape. The lights twinkled in the distance indicating the city of Haven. Sighing, Serenity looked up at the Earth. It was beautiful, as always. Sighing again, she turned away and opened the small heart-shaped locket that lay around her neck. It was empty. It was a lunar tradition that lockets were very secret and special. In them went a memento of the person's true love or if they haven't yet met their true love, a hope or a wish was placed within on something that represented that hope. Only, this young woman, a princess, had no true love. No love at all. No hope or wish was placed within her locket for she had no hope.
Serenity slid to the floor of the balcony, tears filling her heartbreakingly sad eyes. She felt the void within her soul. She felt that void even within the company of all her dearest friends and her mother. She felt alone. Especially when they called her 'Princess.' She hated that. She had long tried to get them to call her by name, yet they never would. Not once had any of them called her 'Serenity.' It made the loneliness that much more painful.
Her body, her mind, her soul cried out for someone. For whom she wasn't sure. But it cried out for the void to be filled just the same. 'Why am I the only one that feels this way? Why do only I have to feel this pain?'
She began to weep silently. Her body shook with the force of her tears. 'Why am I the only one?!' She, the serene Moon Princess of legend, was terrified of being alone to feel this pain forever. All her life she has had this heartbreaking loneliness and pain. Since the moment of her birth, she has felt it and her soul cried. She remembered the only time she has ever asked about it. She was ten years old...
~~~
"Do you feel it?" the young Serenity asked quietly. The Senshi looked at her, confusion evident in their eyes.
"Feel what, Princess?" The younger Mars asked, bewildered. Serenity winced at the title but continued.
"You know. The pain?" she asked. The senshi exchanged confused looks before looking back at her.
"Princess, are you injured? What pain?" Mercury inquired, concerned.
"No, I'm not injured. I'm talking about the pain in my heart, right here," the young princess said putting a small hand to the middle of her chest. "Don't you feel it?" The Senshi grew even more bewildered.
"What pain in your heart, Princess?" Venus asked for the rest of them. Serenity then knew she truly was the only one who felt that pain, loneliness and sorrow.
~~~
From that moment, eleven years ago, she grew increasingly air-headed and ditzy. Trying to hide the pain and loneliness from her court and from her mother. She started building the barriers around herself then. She had felt so alone and afraid. By seventeen, she realized that all she did was annoy her protectors and disappoint her mother. She shaped up to behave like she was truly meant to behave, like a princess.
Serenity pulled herself together and headed towards her bed. Peeling off the revolting sign of her station, she collapsed atop her bed, asleep before her head hit the pillow.
~~~
Down upon the same Earth the princess had been looking at, a young man hurried towards his rooms. His short black hair fell into his deep midnight blue eyes, unknowingly making himself look irresistible. He wore black armor and a red lined cape. A sword was strapped to his side, the cape flowing behind him. Grunting, he quickened his pace as he was supposed to meet a long time friend outside of them.
"Hey, Your Highness, about time," a man about 25-years-old said as the young prince rounded the corner. His blond hair was cropped short and as always looked slightly disheveled. He wore black armor similar to the young prince's upon his clearly muscular frame, a sword at his side. Obviously a warrior, the young man was alert. Yet, his clear baby-blue eyes held a slight mischievous twinkle that never seemed to leave.
"Jadeite, stop with the 'Your Highness' shit, okay? I've had a long day," the black-haired man said tiredly, running a hand through his thick hair in an attempt to move them out of his eyes.
"Sorry, Prince Endymion but rules are rules," Jadeite said stubbornly, only because he knew Endymion hated titles. Jadeite loved to tease his prince and longtime friend.
"Yeah, but if you don't knock it off, we aren't going riding tomorrow. You wanted to get me away from the stresses of court for a day, and those stresses include calling me 'Prince' or 'Your Highness' or other such foolish and irritating titles. Understand?" Endymion threatened.
"Okay, Endymion, have it your way. On a different note, did you hear the news?"
"What news?"
"It seems that the Queen of the Moon has appointed her daughter as Ambassador to the Planets. The Princess will come to Earth after her stay on Jupiter to form a treaty with your father, since we haven't really been getting along with the Moon lately." Jadeite frowned slightly, and then continued. "It seems that all the Senshi including the Outers will be accompanying her. It is a mystery that one. Even Pluto and Saturn will be with her."
"Really? Hmmm, that is shocking. They don't leave their planets for any reason, especially Pluto with guarding the Time Gate. Any idea what it means?"
"No clue, Endymion, but I hear the princess is quite a looker. Although my sources say she is very reserved and quiet. She doesn't seem to be like a normal princess. Maybe she's shy? That doesn't change her looks though. They say she is quite beautiful," Jadeite said with a slight smile.
"Jadeite, knock it off. Are you trying to get me interested? It isn't going to work. There is more to a woman than just her looks, you know. I have lots of women anyway, I don't need a flighty princess," Endymion stated.
"Yeah, but you need to get married someday, which means you need a princess. And as for the woman you have, they are all common or minor nobles who you can woo into their beds. And not very hard wooing I might add. Just one look from you and the hardest woman cracks and begs 'His Highness, Prince Endymion of Earth' to sleep with her. It's disgusting."
"Yeah, well, it fills the time. I'm going to sleep now if we are to go riding tomorrow."
"Endymion, I worry about you. You sleep with lots of women, but never have I seen you fall for one or even like her remotely other than the sex. You can't seem to stand them and you break so many hearts with your callousness. You need a wife. You're a 25-year-old man and your father will press the issue soon. You never are interested in any woman except their 'assets'. Have you ever been with the same woman more than twice, Endymion? Have you ever felt anything towards them? What made you so cold?"
"I'm not cold, Jadeite. Don't worry so much. I'll find a princess I can stand as a wife someday. Now I'm going to bed. Goodnight, my friend." Stepping towards the door, Endymion turned to look at his companion. "Jadeite? What is that princess' name? The Moon Princess, I mean."
"Her name? It's Serenity, why?"
"Nothing. I just thought I should know the name of the visiting princess is all. 'Night." He entered his room and quietly made his way to his large balcony. Putting his hands on the rail, he looked up at the full moon. His dark midnight eyes reflected the moonlight as he stared unblinkingly at it.
"Am I cold?" Endymion whispered to the pale object that hung in the night sky, not really expecting an answer. He sighed sadly, before turning and walking into his room, the balcony door closing behind him.
~~~
AN: Boy this baby is as old as Alone. I'm sorry for the longwinded descriptions...those *should* get better as the story progresses. I have also been told I've screwed up the Silver Millennium continuity, but I know that. This is a Silver Millennium (I would have abbreviated that to SM, but that could be confused with Sailor Moon and *sigh*) AU, so don't freak. ^_^
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon so does not belong to me. Unfortunately. I do own Endymion and Mamoru, though. Okay, Okay I don't. *Sigh* Can't blame a girl for trying, can you?
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Prologue
Rated: PG13
The small dinner group turned their heads toward the large marble door as it opened. An angelic young woman walked in the now silent room. Her silver hair was pulled up into two buns atop her head and from them long tresses fell until they just brushed the marble tiles. Her slender, graceful frame was covered in a pure white, floor-length gown that shimmered as she walked. Short, silk sleeves barely covered her creamy shoulders. She wore a small lunar pearl bracelet around her delicate right wrist, petite silvery pearls placed upon her earlobes, and a simple heart-shaped silver locket lay upon her graceful neck. The few pieces of jewelry she adorned did nothing to distract from her beauty. Nothing stood out about her more than the golden birthmark, the shape of a crescent moon, centered on her forehead. The birthmark showed her to be a member of the Lunar Royal family. Her breathtakingly beautiful cerulean eyes held a vast intelligence, a serene outlook, and something else deeply hidden as she gazed around the room.
She took in the small group quickly. Four young women, who appeared to be the same age as the young princess, sat around the large rectangular table. Each woman wore the same short-skirted outfit, called a fuku, although they differed in color. Sailor Mercury, in blue, sat at the far end of the long table. Her short blue hair perfectly framed her face. The aqua blue eyes of the Senshi of water and ice met her own as Mercury looked up shyly and smiled in welcome. Often called the genius behind the Sailor Senshi, her intelligence was unrivaled.
To Mercury's right sat Sailor Mars, dressed in a red version of the uniform. Her midnight black hair reached down to the middle of her well-shaped thighs and shown with violet highlights. Her violet eyes held the young princess' blue ones for an instant. The princess quickly broke the contact. The Senshi of Fire's gaze was too piercing for comfort. She was known as the spiritualist of the Senshi with the innate ability of telepathy.
To Mars' right sat a lovely Amazon with dark brown hair. She had it pulled back into a long ponytail that reached just past her shoulder blades. Her piercing emerald eyes were alive with spirit and strength. Wearing a deep green Sailor fuku, Sailor Jupiter was every bit the warrior. She nodded politely to the princess.
On the far side of the marble table, her gaze found Sailor Venus. The Senshi of Love wore an orange Sailor outfit. Her long blond hair fell to the back of her knees and was held by a large orange clip. She is the leader of the Sailor Senshi and although she took little else seriously, she was an excellent one.
Looking towards the head of the table, her eyes found a regal woman with the same silver hair as her own. It was also arranged the same and pooled upon the floor beside her chair. She wore a silver-white gown very similar to her own, only sleeveless. The older woman's eyes were a light shade of blue. Upon her forehead sat the golden crescent moon birthmark. She was Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, ruler of the Silver Millennium, and the young woman's mother.
Looking upon the floor to her mother's left, she saw two cats sitting regally upon their haunches. One white and one black, Artemis and Luna, respectfully, and each had a golden crescent moon centered upon their foreheads, marking them as the Queen's most trusted advisors.
Returning her gaze to her mother, the young princess inclined her head respectfully. "I apologize for being late, Mother," the princess said in her sweet melodic voice. "I was detained by a minor matter."
The Queen smiled proudly for an instant. "My daughter, it is quite all right. Please, sit down. Let us dismiss the formality for tonight. I know you tire of it so, Serenity," the Queen said.
"Thank you, Mother," Serenity said, smiling faintly. Her relief was apparent.
Queen Serenity frowned slightly at her daughter, before smiling. "Finish your meal. Afterwards, I have some news."
The Senshi looked surprised, but complied. Serenity, however, picked at her food. One hand was absently playing with one of the locks of her hair, a habit that she displayed when she was upset. 'Why, Mother?' The young woman thought resentfully. She had already been informed earlier this evening what the 'news' was and she not happy about it. 'I have enough responsibilities as a princess.' Sighing silently, she looked towards her mother, waiting to hear the news that would seal her fate. The Senshi had already finished their meals.
Standing up, the Queen prepared to address the small group. "Senshi, daughter, I have good news," she declared in what Serenity thought of as 'the Queen Voice.' "My daughter, Princess Serenity, will hereby hold the office of Royal Ambassador to the Planets. She will be sent to the various planets to cement our alliances and to forge new ones. She will make sure the laws of the Silver Millennium are being enforced. She is to be Our representative. All of the Inner Senshi: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus will accompany her, as will Luna and Artemis.
"It implies great faith that I let my only daughter and heir journey to foreign courts, but that is not why I am doing this." She paused, turning her attention to her visibly upset daughter. "I'm doing this because you will someday be Queen, and my mother also put me in the same position. It helped train me to rule better, Serenity. I did not want to do it anymore than you do, but in the end, I was grateful. As you will be, my dearest daughter." The Queen looked her daughter in the eyes, blue on blue. She showed that she new exactly how the young princess felt, which did make Serenity feel better. Smiling slightly, she let her mother know she understood. Understood that this was needed and she will do her best.
Turning from her daughter, she continued. "Now, for the first time in history the Outers will work with the Inners. Pluto has 'told' me that they must be involved, including Saturn." The Senshi and Serenity gasped in surprise. "Yes, it appears that this is the time for monumental changes," the Queen said with a slight frown.
'Or it means disaster approaches,' the younger Serenity thought.
"The previous Outer Senshi will once again take up their posts so that the Outers can be free to join the Inners in this endeavor. Now *all* the Senshi will be with you, Serenity, as guards and as advisors.
"Luna and Artemis will be there mostly because most other courts don't really comprehend that they can and do speak. And quite forcefully at that. Much might be said in their hearing that would never be said in the presence of the Senshi. They are to inform you if anything of note comes up. They are also going to be there to help you keep you Senshi in training. Mercury, you will help with keeping names and faces straight as well as important information concerning those people, which you will relay to my daughter. You must also act as scholar should the need arise. Mars, you will keep an eye out for deception and evil with your ability to read auras and intent. You *must* immediately inform my daughter. In her training to be Queen, nothing must be kept from her. *Nothing.* You will also be the spiritual expert." Smiling suddenly, she turned toward the other Senshi present.
"Jupiter, you will be her visual bodyguard. That is your chief job. The second is to be her friend and offer any moral support or advice that you can. Venus, you are the leader of the inner Senshi. You understand people and their motivations and you will relay this information to Serenity. You are also to make sure my daughter and the rest of the Senshi take days off to have fun and enjoy each planet. One more thing. Serenity is ultimately the leader. You will obey her in *all* matters. Do you all understand?"
"Yes, Queen Serenity," the Senshi answered simultaneously.
"Now for the Outers," the Queen began. "They already know their roles but you do not. Uranus will help with the actual visual bodyguard part since she has always been one of the most protective of my daughter. She will coordinate security. She is the leader of the Outers. Neptune will help Serenity with grace and the correct protocol for the other courts and will help her dress accordingly. She will offer advice and information on the arts should it be needed." Looking around the room, she paused.
"Pluto, who insisted on being present, will be letting bits of wisdom out if she deems it important enough. She is older than even I can imagine and knows some about the future, but remember time is not set. She is not omniscient. Lastly, Saturn will use her sense of death and her knowledge of healing in anyway possible. Understood?"
Nods from all the Senshi and her daughter reassured her that they were listening. "The Outers have agreed that you are in charge of this and they have reassured me that they will obey you in all matters. Now, Serenity, you will meet with the Royal families of each planet and attend court. You will renew treaties and form new ones. Use your judgment and intuition. If you feel uneasy about something, do not sign it. Remember, this is a learning experience for you. So, go out into the planet and their cities. Learn. But remember to have fun sometimes too." Frowning, the Queen sighed.
"Now, by orders of Pluto, against all tradition, and with many protests from me, my daughter is to be trained during her post. As the Senshi of the Moon." Exclamations of surprise and dismay filled the large room and after raising a hand to instill silence, the Queen went on. "I know this is highly unusual and I do not like it any more than you do, but Pluto insisted. Tomorrow my daughter will be given her transformation tool. She is to be the leader of the Senshi, Inners, and Outers and fight along side them...but ultimately be protected also. The fact that there will be a Senshi of the Moon is to be kept highly confidential." The Queen looked around the room, making eye contact with each of the Senshi and her daughter.
"You all love and respect my daughter deeply. My senshi and I never had that bond with each other. I know you will protect her well should the need arise. For now, rest. Tomorrow I will announce the appointment of my daughter and the Outers will arrive. The day after you will depart to Mercury. Goodnight."
Filing out of the private dining area, Serenity and her Senshi stopped outside the large marble door. Mercury put her hand on Serenity's shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sorry, Princess," Serenity winced slightly at the title. "You know that this will be a good learning experience for you. You'll be Queen one day." And with those words, Mercury left to her chambers.
Venus took Serenity in her arms for a quick hug and then released her. "Don't worry, Princess, it'll be fun when you get used to it. Think of the men!" She exclaimed missing Serenity's sadness at those words. Venus left then, a dreamy look on her face.
Jupiter took a hand in hers. "Princess, I know how you feel, but you'll enjoy it. You really will." With a quick hug, she also left.
Mars silently watched her princess. "Princess?" She asked hesitantly.
"Yes, Mars?" Serenity answered in her soft voice.
"I don't know what is bothering you lately, but try to give this a chance." And with that, she was gone. Leaving Serenity to make her way to her rooms, alone.
~~~
Entering her rooms silently and made her way to the balcony. Shivering at the cool night breeze, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, heir to the Silver Millennium throne, looked over the faint moonscape. The lights twinkled in the distance indicating the city of Haven. Sighing, Serenity looked up at the Earth. It was beautiful, as always. Sighing again, she turned away and opened the small heart-shaped locket that lay around her neck. It was empty. It was a lunar tradition that lockets were very secret and special. In them went a memento of the person's true love or if they haven't yet met their true love, a hope or a wish was placed within on something that represented that hope. Only, this young woman, a princess, had no true love. No love at all. No hope or wish was placed within her locket for she had no hope.
Serenity slid to the floor of the balcony, tears filling her heartbreakingly sad eyes. She felt the void within her soul. She felt that void even within the company of all her dearest friends and her mother. She felt alone. Especially when they called her 'Princess.' She hated that. She had long tried to get them to call her by name, yet they never would. Not once had any of them called her 'Serenity.' It made the loneliness that much more painful.
Her body, her mind, her soul cried out for someone. For whom she wasn't sure. But it cried out for the void to be filled just the same. 'Why am I the only one that feels this way? Why do only I have to feel this pain?'
She began to weep silently. Her body shook with the force of her tears. 'Why am I the only one?!' She, the serene Moon Princess of legend, was terrified of being alone to feel this pain forever. All her life she has had this heartbreaking loneliness and pain. Since the moment of her birth, she has felt it and her soul cried. She remembered the only time she has ever asked about it. She was ten years old...
~~~
"Do you feel it?" the young Serenity asked quietly. The Senshi looked at her, confusion evident in their eyes.
"Feel what, Princess?" The younger Mars asked, bewildered. Serenity winced at the title but continued.
"You know. The pain?" she asked. The senshi exchanged confused looks before looking back at her.
"Princess, are you injured? What pain?" Mercury inquired, concerned.
"No, I'm not injured. I'm talking about the pain in my heart, right here," the young princess said putting a small hand to the middle of her chest. "Don't you feel it?" The Senshi grew even more bewildered.
"What pain in your heart, Princess?" Venus asked for the rest of them. Serenity then knew she truly was the only one who felt that pain, loneliness and sorrow.
~~~
From that moment, eleven years ago, she grew increasingly air-headed and ditzy. Trying to hide the pain and loneliness from her court and from her mother. She started building the barriers around herself then. She had felt so alone and afraid. By seventeen, she realized that all she did was annoy her protectors and disappoint her mother. She shaped up to behave like she was truly meant to behave, like a princess.
Serenity pulled herself together and headed towards her bed. Peeling off the revolting sign of her station, she collapsed atop her bed, asleep before her head hit the pillow.
~~~
Down upon the same Earth the princess had been looking at, a young man hurried towards his rooms. His short black hair fell into his deep midnight blue eyes, unknowingly making himself look irresistible. He wore black armor and a red lined cape. A sword was strapped to his side, the cape flowing behind him. Grunting, he quickened his pace as he was supposed to meet a long time friend outside of them.
"Hey, Your Highness, about time," a man about 25-years-old said as the young prince rounded the corner. His blond hair was cropped short and as always looked slightly disheveled. He wore black armor similar to the young prince's upon his clearly muscular frame, a sword at his side. Obviously a warrior, the young man was alert. Yet, his clear baby-blue eyes held a slight mischievous twinkle that never seemed to leave.
"Jadeite, stop with the 'Your Highness' shit, okay? I've had a long day," the black-haired man said tiredly, running a hand through his thick hair in an attempt to move them out of his eyes.
"Sorry, Prince Endymion but rules are rules," Jadeite said stubbornly, only because he knew Endymion hated titles. Jadeite loved to tease his prince and longtime friend.
"Yeah, but if you don't knock it off, we aren't going riding tomorrow. You wanted to get me away from the stresses of court for a day, and those stresses include calling me 'Prince' or 'Your Highness' or other such foolish and irritating titles. Understand?" Endymion threatened.
"Okay, Endymion, have it your way. On a different note, did you hear the news?"
"What news?"
"It seems that the Queen of the Moon has appointed her daughter as Ambassador to the Planets. The Princess will come to Earth after her stay on Jupiter to form a treaty with your father, since we haven't really been getting along with the Moon lately." Jadeite frowned slightly, and then continued. "It seems that all the Senshi including the Outers will be accompanying her. It is a mystery that one. Even Pluto and Saturn will be with her."
"Really? Hmmm, that is shocking. They don't leave their planets for any reason, especially Pluto with guarding the Time Gate. Any idea what it means?"
"No clue, Endymion, but I hear the princess is quite a looker. Although my sources say she is very reserved and quiet. She doesn't seem to be like a normal princess. Maybe she's shy? That doesn't change her looks though. They say she is quite beautiful," Jadeite said with a slight smile.
"Jadeite, knock it off. Are you trying to get me interested? It isn't going to work. There is more to a woman than just her looks, you know. I have lots of women anyway, I don't need a flighty princess," Endymion stated.
"Yeah, but you need to get married someday, which means you need a princess. And as for the woman you have, they are all common or minor nobles who you can woo into their beds. And not very hard wooing I might add. Just one look from you and the hardest woman cracks and begs 'His Highness, Prince Endymion of Earth' to sleep with her. It's disgusting."
"Yeah, well, it fills the time. I'm going to sleep now if we are to go riding tomorrow."
"Endymion, I worry about you. You sleep with lots of women, but never have I seen you fall for one or even like her remotely other than the sex. You can't seem to stand them and you break so many hearts with your callousness. You need a wife. You're a 25-year-old man and your father will press the issue soon. You never are interested in any woman except their 'assets'. Have you ever been with the same woman more than twice, Endymion? Have you ever felt anything towards them? What made you so cold?"
"I'm not cold, Jadeite. Don't worry so much. I'll find a princess I can stand as a wife someday. Now I'm going to bed. Goodnight, my friend." Stepping towards the door, Endymion turned to look at his companion. "Jadeite? What is that princess' name? The Moon Princess, I mean."
"Her name? It's Serenity, why?"
"Nothing. I just thought I should know the name of the visiting princess is all. 'Night." He entered his room and quietly made his way to his large balcony. Putting his hands on the rail, he looked up at the full moon. His dark midnight eyes reflected the moonlight as he stared unblinkingly at it.
"Am I cold?" Endymion whispered to the pale object that hung in the night sky, not really expecting an answer. He sighed sadly, before turning and walking into his room, the balcony door closing behind him.
~~~
AN: Boy this baby is as old as Alone. I'm sorry for the longwinded descriptions...those *should* get better as the story progresses. I have also been told I've screwed up the Silver Millennium continuity, but I know that. This is a Silver Millennium (I would have abbreviated that to SM, but that could be confused with Sailor Moon and *sigh*) AU, so don't freak. ^_^
Lovies!