When Serena awoke that fateful night, she was in the Dark Moon's capsule. Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire all stared down at her with angry glares.

"Give us the crystal, Serenity, or we shall kill you," Diamond said.

Serena laughed again. This made the three more frustrated.

"I fail to see what is so funny."

"You cannot kill me, you imbeciles. If I die, the crystal does as well."

Diamond remained calm though inside he was fuming. He pulled a piece of parchment from his belt and threw it at her.

Serena read it quickly and gasped. She lowered her head, shutting the room away behind her eyelids. She would have seized Diamond's sword right then and killed herself, but her people needed her. The Moon already recognized her as it's new guardian, so she must stay alive despite it all.

"That's right, your lowness. You're a slave now. My slave."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Wake up, Serenity," a voice called to her.

She took in a quick breath, awaiting the kick to her side. No pain came, to her surprise. She opened her eyes to see Endymion's midnight eyes. She stopped feeling so disoriented.

"We've arrived," he said. A smiled tugged at the corners of his lips. "I'm sure you'll see it's better than any Martian home you could find."

Serena looked out the window. Her breath was swept away as she took in the green grass, blue sky, and beautiful flowers. She'd never seen the sun look so welcoming before. Her face was practically plastered to the window until she could get off the capsule. When she did step off onto the grass, she was ready to break free into the sunlight she hadn't seen in five years. The chains reminded her she could not do any such thing.

She was taken into the Earth's castle and then released from her shackles. She rubbed her wrists as she studied the beautiful stained glass windows. She looked up at the multicolored skylight and murmured, "Wow."

Endymion laughed behind her.

She turned on her heel, glaring at him.

He was amazed that she still remembered how to give the look of a Princess. It was a signature glare that all nobility gave whenever someone laughed at them. "I said you were entertaining, didn't I? You look like a child meeting the outdoors for the first time."

She grew solemn. "I haven't been outside for five years. The only colors I have seen are black, gray, and red. Do not laugh at me when I am getting reintroduced to the Universe."

He stopped smiling. The despair in her voice was thick as it reached into his heart. He bit his tongue to keep from apologizing. He gave a slight nod and looked away.

She walked onto the center of the Earthen crest embedded in the marble floor. She sat down cross legged, closing her eyes and letting the sun warm her body and soul.

Endymion watched her and became still. She was so peaceful sitting there, so fragile. He was almost afraid to touch her for fear his beautiful china doll would shatter. But finally he grabbed her hand and pulled her slowly upwards.

Serena shivered. No one had been that gentle with her in years. It was unsettling.

"I'll go over the rules. First, call me Endymion around others, but you can call me Darien in private. Every morning there will be a list of chores tacked to your door. Get them done and you have the rest of the day off. You can go outside, but don't attempt to go near any of the gates or fences. Besides that there is nothing else you need to know."

Serena nodded. She had been hoping he'd free her, but now knew he wouldn't. At least she would be able to go outside and feel the sun again. Just that thought made her inside feel like butter.

"As for today, explore, go outside, do whatever you please. Just be inside by the time the sun sets."

Serena nodded and waited to be excused.

Prince Darien looked her over and nodded. She immediately sprinted for the outside door. She broke free out onto the grass and stopped to feel the sunlight again. Then she threw her head back and yelled.

Darien would never, ever, forget what she said. Her heart was in every word and her soul laced the letters together.

"I'm alive!"

Author's Note: I'm sorry it's so short. There was no place else to stop. I'll try to get the next chapter up soon.

Until the next time,

Ai No Senshi