Author's Note: Okay, a couple of translations. Arigatou - thanks. Hai -
yes. Other than that, enjoy the story! ^-^
Chapter One
It was another fine day in the eternal spring that graced the kingdom of the Silver Millennium. Their world had yet to see snow, drought, storm, tornado, hurricane, or any of the other dreadful maladies of the weather. Legend said that only when an evil entered the world - not any evil though, but an evil against love. This evil would not bring about change, though, unless it so happened that a royal perpetrated this evil. So, of course, the kingdom of the Moon was blessed with spring since its birth long ago.
No one knew of the storms that would soon destroy their picturesque existence. A storm that would rend the beautiful kingdom until it was no more than a shell of its former self.
Right now, everyone on all nine planets, and especially the moon, was preparing for the biggest ball they had seen in a long time. This was to be the Moon Princess's coming-of-age celebration. Only royalty and a few choice members of the court had seen the princess receive the mark of any in her line before her - the power to wield the Silver Moon Crystal. She of course would not be able to fully harness its powers for some time.
But now, all efforts were set toward making this ball the most spectacular the Moon Kingdom had ever seen. Decorations were being put up, food was being prepared, musicians were rehearsing, the palace grounds were being checked once again to make sure they were immaculate, fireworks were being prepared, and at every royal's or noble's home, frantic personal preparation was taking place. But the princess, whom for all this was being done, was up in her room, taking a nap. This was understandable, of course, because her first demonstration of a small part of the Crystal's powers had exhausted her.
Soon though, a small knock woke the princess, who muttered a sleepy word to allow the person to enter. A young maid stepped into the room a bit shyly, her steps silent on the thick rug before the door. "My apologies for waking you, princess, but your mother asks that you start getting ready for the ball. It will begin in only a couple of hours."
"Oh, arigatou! Will you come back in about an hour to help me with my hair and such?"
"Hai, your majesty."
The radiant blond princess shone a winning smile upon the shy girl. Once she was gone, Princess Serenity made her way to the bathroom attached to her bedroom. One of the marvels of the Moon Kingdom was running water, of which the princess now took full advantage of by running a hot bath and added a few drops of a rose-scented oil. As the water ran and the scent of roses filled the air, the girl undressed and climbed into the large tub, big enough to hold two or three more individuals her size. She stopped the water before leaning back to relax. As her eyes began to close, a flash of black hair caught her attention. For a moment she was startled until a small laugh made her smile. "You little twit! You startled me!"
"A young girl, only two years Princess Serenity's junior, came out from her hiding spot behind the counter. Even at her age it was obvious that she would become a great beauty, though now she seemed little more than a gangly tomboy. Her legs were far too long for her body, causing her to often trip over her own feet. Her thick black hair was often tangled from many hours of play with a prince a few years her senior from Earth.
"Sorry, sister."
The blonde smiled at the girl. "Do not worry Selena. How about you hop in the tub with me and we can talk while you clean up? I expect you to be at the ball, you know."
The younger girl nodded and discarded her play clothes into a hamper to be gathered later. Selena's birth had been a great surprise to everyone, but welcomed all the same. Sadly, their father died before Selena was born, and some said she had captured a bit of his spirit.
"So, how did you and your prince spend the hours after my ceremony today?"
"Oh! Serenity, he's teaching me to sword fight! It is so great! But sometimes I forget to block, and he gets me a little."
At this, the older girl was slightly alarmed. "What?!"
"It's nothing big." Turning to show her sister her shoulder, a small scar had already formed. "It really hurt at first, but after a few minutes the pain faded. I took off the bandage he had put on and all the blood was gone and everything." This was said like it was nothing at all special.
"Oh. Did anything else happen?"
The ebon-headed child shook her head even as a blush formed on pale cheeks.
"You're lying to me, you imp! What happened?"
"Well... Endymion said that if I was careful, I was going to grow up one day and steal his heart, and not be his little angel any more."
"ooo. Sounds like you've been betrothed, little sister! And before me too! Well! Perhaps it is you we should be celebrating tonight!"
Blushing deeply, the girl leapt from the tub to rummage for something in her clothes. "Look what he gave me!"
Studying closely the small piece of jewelry handed to her, it appeared to be a silver ring upon which two hands clasped together. "That's darling!"
"Watch!" Reaching out to delicately work with the ring, it broke into two separate hands.
"Charming!"
"I like them together better."
"Me too," the elder princess admitted with a smile as she climbed from the tub.
"Oh, Serenity! You finally get to meet him tonight. Mother finally lifted the ban on Earth people since all the wars there ended."
"Yes... you better watch out though, little sister. If he is as great as he sounds, I might have to steal him from you!"
Immediately the smile left the young girl's face. "Nuh-uh! Prince Endymion loves me!"
"Oh? He's told you this?"
"No... not exactly... But I can tell!"
With a small laugh, she silenced her fears. "Worry not, little sister... I won't take your beau from you."
Giving a smile of satisfaction, she went off to her own room - attached to her sister's - and left the elder princess to get ready for the ball.
* * *
Selena was having a great time at the ball. It was a few minutes till the elder princess was to make her entrance. At the moment, she was dancing in the arms of her dashing princes from Earth. Upon her hand she wore the rings her had given her. Her dress was a jade green, gently complimenting her lavender eyes and ebony hair. Those tresses were let down in soft waves to her waist, decorated only with a single rose bud. It had been her sister's suggestion.
The orchestra finished the final song of the set to give a small break before the one they were celebrating came down. Selena muttered polite thanks as Endymion handed her a glass of punch.
"Endymion?"
"Yes, princess?"
With a small smile and a blush, she shyly asked her question. "Do you think I'm pretty?"
At age sixteen, Endymion was quite a bit taller than the girl was, so her crouched down to better meet her height. "Princess, like the rose that graces your hair, someday you will blossom into a great beauty that will make the stars in the sky jealous and the planet elders confused, thinking a goddess has stepped before them."
Blushing deeply, the girl accepted the kiss that followed upon her cheek before hurrying to join her mother.
Silence soon fell on the room as an announcer stood at the foot of the grand staircase leading into the room. "Kings and queens, princes and princesses, lords and ladies - may I present the heir to the throne of the Moon Kingdom, Princess Serenity!"
The silence turned into one of awe as a graceful figure descended. In a gown of rose pink decorated with tiny pearls, the princess's beauty seemed to far outshine the stars that glittered outside the window she paused next to. Sapphires and diamonds in her silver tiara sparkled, almost as brightly as her smile. All eyes followed her as she crossed to a throne seated just slightly lower on the left of her mother's, but a bit higher than her sister's, which was to her mother's right. Upon the queen's signal, the music started once more.
After the appropriate amount of time, Selena got up and went off into the crowd. A moment later she reappeared with Endymion. Politely, she introduced him to the two women in the proper manner, her mother watching approvingly.
Politely the prince bowed. A kiss was dropped upon the hand extended him by the elder princess.
"Prince Endymion, I am glad we could finally meet; though I almost feel as if introductions are entirely unnecessary. My daughter seems to talk of nothing else."
"I am flattered that I may be such an impression on a princess of the Moon, your Highness. I only hope it may be a good one."
The queen responded with a gentle laugh. "Well, we might have to work a bit on her rougher edges."
"I am sure, in time, she will blossom into a beautiful lady and leave childish games behind."
"Yes, in due time."
"Forgive me if I'm being rude, but I hope to have the honor of escorting the princess of the hour in her first dance."
Giving a small glance to her mother for approval, Princess Serenity agreed and let herself be led to the dance floor.
Catching her younger daughter's disappointed expression, she gave a gentle smile. "Be still, my little Selena. Surely he will ask you to dance again. He is only being a gentleman."
"Okay, mother." Selena settled back in her small throne to wait.
A couple hours later, her mother shook the child awake. "Selena, dear... do me a favor. Your sister disappeared some time ago. I know you'll know where to find her. The fireworks are about to start."
With a nod, the young girl slid from the throne and headed out with the crowd going to see the display before going home. She veered off, though, and headed promptly for the palace gardens.
Amidst the rose garden she heard laughter she knew to be her sister's. "Serenity?"
Serenity and Endymion appeared around a corner and smiled to the younger girl.
Smiling, she passed on the message. "Mother says the fireworks display is about to start and you should come."
"Alright. Run ahead and tell her I'm coming."
Obediently she scampered off, but paused and ducked from sight to look back at the two. What she saw horrified her. The prince had taken her sister into his arms and was now kissing her softly upon the lips. Smothering a gasp, the little princess's world shattered in a moment. She only regained her senses long enough to stay well hidden as her sister passed by. Endymion stayed behind so they may appear separately.
As he began toward the main courtyard, a smile on his lips, the young princess stepped from her hiding place.
"Ah! Where did you come from? Come back to keep me company to the courtyard?" Gallantly he offered his arm to her, unaware anything was wrong.
At this, tears sprang to her eyes. Tearing the rose from her hair, she stomped on it, sending torn petals about. She took the rings from her finger as if suddenly they scalded where they say. Shouting, she unlinked the hands. "I," she threw one ring at him, "hate," then she threw the second, "you! I hope I never, ever see you again!" Then she lifted the skirt of her dress and took off running.
Not a few steps away, she tripped over her too-long legs and fell forward. The delicate fabric of her dress ripped as her knee was scraped and began to bleed. Tears streamed freely now as the bewildered prince came forward to help."
"Selena, what-"
"Don't touch me!" She shrieked in an almost panicked way. Backing away from him, he watched as the wound healed immediately before she made her escape.
* * *
Some time after, the Queen and Princess Serenity found the prince just where Selena had left him. "Prince Endymion, what ever are you doing here? You parents wish to leave."
Rising, her opened his hand to reveal the two rings. "I was just accosted by your younger daughter."
"What?!" The queen exclaimed in surprise. "Why ever would she do such a thing!?"
"I don't know, but she threw my gift to her back at me, along with a wish to never see me again."
"Oh, Endymion! She thought that you were in love with her!"
"What?! Why?"
"Never mind that. Why would she do a thing like this?"
Silence fell a moment before Serenity could answer her mother, though a bit timidly. "She must have looked back and seen us kiss in the garden."
The regal queen's face went from one of bewilderment to an expression of deep sadness. "Oh, Serenity..." She shook her head before walking away to comfort her youngest daughter.
"I don't understand..."
The princess looked over to the prince. "She talked of nothing but you constantly. Then you went and gave her those rings. Somehow she got the impression it meant you loved her. I didn't help any by joking that she was betrothed before me."
With a deep sigh he gave the two rings to her. "I never meant to give that impression. But perhaps someday she will forgive me for giving my heart to her older sister." He placed a kiss on her cheek. "I should go."
And so he left a princess torn between happiness borne of her first love and the sadness of knowing that love had only come in taking away her sister's innocent dreams. And in her hand she held the two rings, hands unclasped.
Chapter One
It was another fine day in the eternal spring that graced the kingdom of the Silver Millennium. Their world had yet to see snow, drought, storm, tornado, hurricane, or any of the other dreadful maladies of the weather. Legend said that only when an evil entered the world - not any evil though, but an evil against love. This evil would not bring about change, though, unless it so happened that a royal perpetrated this evil. So, of course, the kingdom of the Moon was blessed with spring since its birth long ago.
No one knew of the storms that would soon destroy their picturesque existence. A storm that would rend the beautiful kingdom until it was no more than a shell of its former self.
Right now, everyone on all nine planets, and especially the moon, was preparing for the biggest ball they had seen in a long time. This was to be the Moon Princess's coming-of-age celebration. Only royalty and a few choice members of the court had seen the princess receive the mark of any in her line before her - the power to wield the Silver Moon Crystal. She of course would not be able to fully harness its powers for some time.
But now, all efforts were set toward making this ball the most spectacular the Moon Kingdom had ever seen. Decorations were being put up, food was being prepared, musicians were rehearsing, the palace grounds were being checked once again to make sure they were immaculate, fireworks were being prepared, and at every royal's or noble's home, frantic personal preparation was taking place. But the princess, whom for all this was being done, was up in her room, taking a nap. This was understandable, of course, because her first demonstration of a small part of the Crystal's powers had exhausted her.
Soon though, a small knock woke the princess, who muttered a sleepy word to allow the person to enter. A young maid stepped into the room a bit shyly, her steps silent on the thick rug before the door. "My apologies for waking you, princess, but your mother asks that you start getting ready for the ball. It will begin in only a couple of hours."
"Oh, arigatou! Will you come back in about an hour to help me with my hair and such?"
"Hai, your majesty."
The radiant blond princess shone a winning smile upon the shy girl. Once she was gone, Princess Serenity made her way to the bathroom attached to her bedroom. One of the marvels of the Moon Kingdom was running water, of which the princess now took full advantage of by running a hot bath and added a few drops of a rose-scented oil. As the water ran and the scent of roses filled the air, the girl undressed and climbed into the large tub, big enough to hold two or three more individuals her size. She stopped the water before leaning back to relax. As her eyes began to close, a flash of black hair caught her attention. For a moment she was startled until a small laugh made her smile. "You little twit! You startled me!"
"A young girl, only two years Princess Serenity's junior, came out from her hiding spot behind the counter. Even at her age it was obvious that she would become a great beauty, though now she seemed little more than a gangly tomboy. Her legs were far too long for her body, causing her to often trip over her own feet. Her thick black hair was often tangled from many hours of play with a prince a few years her senior from Earth.
"Sorry, sister."
The blonde smiled at the girl. "Do not worry Selena. How about you hop in the tub with me and we can talk while you clean up? I expect you to be at the ball, you know."
The younger girl nodded and discarded her play clothes into a hamper to be gathered later. Selena's birth had been a great surprise to everyone, but welcomed all the same. Sadly, their father died before Selena was born, and some said she had captured a bit of his spirit.
"So, how did you and your prince spend the hours after my ceremony today?"
"Oh! Serenity, he's teaching me to sword fight! It is so great! But sometimes I forget to block, and he gets me a little."
At this, the older girl was slightly alarmed. "What?!"
"It's nothing big." Turning to show her sister her shoulder, a small scar had already formed. "It really hurt at first, but after a few minutes the pain faded. I took off the bandage he had put on and all the blood was gone and everything." This was said like it was nothing at all special.
"Oh. Did anything else happen?"
The ebon-headed child shook her head even as a blush formed on pale cheeks.
"You're lying to me, you imp! What happened?"
"Well... Endymion said that if I was careful, I was going to grow up one day and steal his heart, and not be his little angel any more."
"ooo. Sounds like you've been betrothed, little sister! And before me too! Well! Perhaps it is you we should be celebrating tonight!"
Blushing deeply, the girl leapt from the tub to rummage for something in her clothes. "Look what he gave me!"
Studying closely the small piece of jewelry handed to her, it appeared to be a silver ring upon which two hands clasped together. "That's darling!"
"Watch!" Reaching out to delicately work with the ring, it broke into two separate hands.
"Charming!"
"I like them together better."
"Me too," the elder princess admitted with a smile as she climbed from the tub.
"Oh, Serenity! You finally get to meet him tonight. Mother finally lifted the ban on Earth people since all the wars there ended."
"Yes... you better watch out though, little sister. If he is as great as he sounds, I might have to steal him from you!"
Immediately the smile left the young girl's face. "Nuh-uh! Prince Endymion loves me!"
"Oh? He's told you this?"
"No... not exactly... But I can tell!"
With a small laugh, she silenced her fears. "Worry not, little sister... I won't take your beau from you."
Giving a smile of satisfaction, she went off to her own room - attached to her sister's - and left the elder princess to get ready for the ball.
* * *
Selena was having a great time at the ball. It was a few minutes till the elder princess was to make her entrance. At the moment, she was dancing in the arms of her dashing princes from Earth. Upon her hand she wore the rings her had given her. Her dress was a jade green, gently complimenting her lavender eyes and ebony hair. Those tresses were let down in soft waves to her waist, decorated only with a single rose bud. It had been her sister's suggestion.
The orchestra finished the final song of the set to give a small break before the one they were celebrating came down. Selena muttered polite thanks as Endymion handed her a glass of punch.
"Endymion?"
"Yes, princess?"
With a small smile and a blush, she shyly asked her question. "Do you think I'm pretty?"
At age sixteen, Endymion was quite a bit taller than the girl was, so her crouched down to better meet her height. "Princess, like the rose that graces your hair, someday you will blossom into a great beauty that will make the stars in the sky jealous and the planet elders confused, thinking a goddess has stepped before them."
Blushing deeply, the girl accepted the kiss that followed upon her cheek before hurrying to join her mother.
Silence soon fell on the room as an announcer stood at the foot of the grand staircase leading into the room. "Kings and queens, princes and princesses, lords and ladies - may I present the heir to the throne of the Moon Kingdom, Princess Serenity!"
The silence turned into one of awe as a graceful figure descended. In a gown of rose pink decorated with tiny pearls, the princess's beauty seemed to far outshine the stars that glittered outside the window she paused next to. Sapphires and diamonds in her silver tiara sparkled, almost as brightly as her smile. All eyes followed her as she crossed to a throne seated just slightly lower on the left of her mother's, but a bit higher than her sister's, which was to her mother's right. Upon the queen's signal, the music started once more.
After the appropriate amount of time, Selena got up and went off into the crowd. A moment later she reappeared with Endymion. Politely, she introduced him to the two women in the proper manner, her mother watching approvingly.
Politely the prince bowed. A kiss was dropped upon the hand extended him by the elder princess.
"Prince Endymion, I am glad we could finally meet; though I almost feel as if introductions are entirely unnecessary. My daughter seems to talk of nothing else."
"I am flattered that I may be such an impression on a princess of the Moon, your Highness. I only hope it may be a good one."
The queen responded with a gentle laugh. "Well, we might have to work a bit on her rougher edges."
"I am sure, in time, she will blossom into a beautiful lady and leave childish games behind."
"Yes, in due time."
"Forgive me if I'm being rude, but I hope to have the honor of escorting the princess of the hour in her first dance."
Giving a small glance to her mother for approval, Princess Serenity agreed and let herself be led to the dance floor.
Catching her younger daughter's disappointed expression, she gave a gentle smile. "Be still, my little Selena. Surely he will ask you to dance again. He is only being a gentleman."
"Okay, mother." Selena settled back in her small throne to wait.
A couple hours later, her mother shook the child awake. "Selena, dear... do me a favor. Your sister disappeared some time ago. I know you'll know where to find her. The fireworks are about to start."
With a nod, the young girl slid from the throne and headed out with the crowd going to see the display before going home. She veered off, though, and headed promptly for the palace gardens.
Amidst the rose garden she heard laughter she knew to be her sister's. "Serenity?"
Serenity and Endymion appeared around a corner and smiled to the younger girl.
Smiling, she passed on the message. "Mother says the fireworks display is about to start and you should come."
"Alright. Run ahead and tell her I'm coming."
Obediently she scampered off, but paused and ducked from sight to look back at the two. What she saw horrified her. The prince had taken her sister into his arms and was now kissing her softly upon the lips. Smothering a gasp, the little princess's world shattered in a moment. She only regained her senses long enough to stay well hidden as her sister passed by. Endymion stayed behind so they may appear separately.
As he began toward the main courtyard, a smile on his lips, the young princess stepped from her hiding place.
"Ah! Where did you come from? Come back to keep me company to the courtyard?" Gallantly he offered his arm to her, unaware anything was wrong.
At this, tears sprang to her eyes. Tearing the rose from her hair, she stomped on it, sending torn petals about. She took the rings from her finger as if suddenly they scalded where they say. Shouting, she unlinked the hands. "I," she threw one ring at him, "hate," then she threw the second, "you! I hope I never, ever see you again!" Then she lifted the skirt of her dress and took off running.
Not a few steps away, she tripped over her too-long legs and fell forward. The delicate fabric of her dress ripped as her knee was scraped and began to bleed. Tears streamed freely now as the bewildered prince came forward to help."
"Selena, what-"
"Don't touch me!" She shrieked in an almost panicked way. Backing away from him, he watched as the wound healed immediately before she made her escape.
* * *
Some time after, the Queen and Princess Serenity found the prince just where Selena had left him. "Prince Endymion, what ever are you doing here? You parents wish to leave."
Rising, her opened his hand to reveal the two rings. "I was just accosted by your younger daughter."
"What?!" The queen exclaimed in surprise. "Why ever would she do such a thing!?"
"I don't know, but she threw my gift to her back at me, along with a wish to never see me again."
"Oh, Endymion! She thought that you were in love with her!"
"What?! Why?"
"Never mind that. Why would she do a thing like this?"
Silence fell a moment before Serenity could answer her mother, though a bit timidly. "She must have looked back and seen us kiss in the garden."
The regal queen's face went from one of bewilderment to an expression of deep sadness. "Oh, Serenity..." She shook her head before walking away to comfort her youngest daughter.
"I don't understand..."
The princess looked over to the prince. "She talked of nothing but you constantly. Then you went and gave her those rings. Somehow she got the impression it meant you loved her. I didn't help any by joking that she was betrothed before me."
With a deep sigh he gave the two rings to her. "I never meant to give that impression. But perhaps someday she will forgive me for giving my heart to her older sister." He placed a kiss on her cheek. "I should go."
And so he left a princess torn between happiness borne of her first love and the sadness of knowing that love had only come in taking away her sister's innocent dreams. And in her hand she held the two rings, hands unclasped.