Earth Bound

The Moon Insignia

Chapter seven

Serena was seated on a shuttle that would take Princess Relena, Prince Miliardo, and herself to the Moon. She was seated alone, much to her relief. She fingered the bandage on her forehead, and sighed. She'd have to wear it the whole time she was on the moon.

They had only an hour or so, before they would land, and she would be home. Home way too soon. She wasn't ready to go back there…not yet.

The shuttle landed only hours after the take off. It was too fast, too quick. She had barely gotten a chance to see Earth. The others on the shuttle stood to go, while she sat still in her seat. How could she lie and get away with it? And tell them she wasn't who they might think she was. She caught the prince looking at her, and she moved to busy herself with something in the seat next to her. He seemed to have bought it, and left the shuttle behind his sister. There was nothing in the seat next to her. She had barely brought anything. They would only stay here for a few days, before they would head back to Earth. But she would stay here, and become the Princess, facing her duties once again.

She would never get to see Earth again, that she knew. She could feel it, as she sat there alone on the shuttle. Reluctantly, she drew her eyes from the back of the seat in front of her, to the small window.

The sight caught her breath. It was beautiful, in a homely kind of way. It didn't hold Earth's colors, or its realness, but to her, the silvery walkways, the lightly tinted white roses, the feathery wind, and the brilliant crystallized castle beyond the garden, was beautiful. She unbuckled herself from her seat, and moved down the aisle, to the stairs.

She licked her lips, and watched as the familiar guards started towards them. She missed them so much. The guards at Earth, were so stiff, and hateful, or just too silent. But her guards, they played with you when you were a kid. They stopped your tears, when you were hurt. And they protected you, because they loved you.

She made her way down the stairs, and took her place next to Relena. She glanced left then right. The guards all bowed to them, low and deep, then parted.

There they stood. She couldn't believe she was standing in front of them again. It felt like it had been years since she saw them last. They stood in a line like bowling pins, ready for something or someone to knocked them all down.

They held their heads high, their backs stiff, and their looks firm. There was no welcoming, like she was used to seeing. But of course, they were on duty, protecting their Queen from outsiders.

Venus bowed, "You highness, Princess Relena, we're happy you could make it. I hope your ride went smooth?" Relena nodded, "yes it did. Where is your Queen?"

Mars took a step forward, "I'm sorry Relena, but Queen Serenity isn't feeling well, and is resting in her room."

"You should never tell a lie, Mars."

Instantly the group parted, and her highness stood there, with a welcoming smile. But there was something wrong. Her back was too straight, her face too pale, her whole figure was wrong. She looked ill, with her eyes dull in contrast to their usual vivid shine Serena knew well.

She had to bite her tongue from crying out. Her mother had always wished she could show the Earth how strong her people were, but now it was ruined. She looked at Relena, and saw it, the look of disappointment.

Queen Serenity didn't bow to Relena, but spoke instead, "I don't look my best today, because something has happened to my daughter, and I have become quite ill. But I shouldn't burden you with my problems, come I'll show you to your rooms."

They started towards the castle, but Serena didn't follow. Her mother was worried about her, afraid for her well being. Tears stung her eyes, and she fought to keep control.

She took a step forward, but twisted her back at the same time. She gasped, and stumbled to her knees. Tears fled down her cheeks, and she tasted them in her mouth. Her eyes closed, and she fought the pain that shot up her back, and tried to ignore the ache in her chest. Without the light of the Moon, she hadn't been able to heal like her people could. With being off the Moon for so long, she had slowly weakened, and her power had diminished quite a bit. But now, standing on the land of her people, she could feel the warmth of the Moon wrap around her, trying to heal its Princess. She may fool her friends, and her mother, but she could never fool her home.

"Are you okay, Miss?"

She looked up, opening her eyes to stare into a pair of familiar ones. Light blue eyes, full of kindness, and love to those around him. His white blond hair was cut short in the back, with long thick bangs falling into his beautiful eyes. He held the moon insignia on his forehead, the one she hid behind her scarf.

He saw her tears, and knelt down onto his knees, "Miss are you hurt?" "No, I'm fine…" from over his shoulder, she saw the Queen stop in her casual strides. Slowly she turned, and looked at them.

Serena looked away, unable to meet her mother's eyes. "I'll be okay, I just need to catch my breath." She looked at the man in front of her, and tried to smile to reassure him.

Serenity eyed the girl on her knees, and whispered to Relena, "Who is that?" Relena turned, and looked at the girl. "My maid, Serena. Oh dear-" Instantly, she was beside her, "is it your back?"

Nodding, she admitted meekly, "and my ribs… I'm sorry Princess Relena, maybe you should have brought someone else." Looking up at the young girl, she wondered if she could get lucky, and be sent back to Earth.

"Nonsense. We'll let you rest for the remainder of the day." Serena frowned inwardly, no such luck there. Struggling, she tried to climb to her feet. The guard next to her, took her arm, and wrapped it around his shoulder. Gently, he pulled her to her feet. "Do you need help Miss Serena?"

She shook her head, "No, I think-" she was cut off, when Prince Miliardo came up next to her, and took her from the arms of the guard. Startled, she looked at him, "I…"

The guard, frowned slightly, but stepped back when the older man gave him a sharp look.

"Miss Relena, I don't mean to pry, but isn't it unhealthy for one injured to be traveling such as Miss Serena?" Queen Serenity was staring at her with concern, and Serena felt guilt beat at her heart.

"No your highness, I assure you I am quite fine." She pulled herself away from the taller man's arms. "I'm a quick healer." Relena nodded, "Yes, Queen Serenity. Miss Serena agreed to a company my brother and me, on our trip. I assure you, she receives the best of care."

The guard next to her, looked unconvinced. "Miss Serena if you wish, I can take you to the medical center. We can have your injuries cared for by the best doctors." He waved his hand down the path leading to the castle.

Serena frowned, wasn't anyone listening to her? Hadn't she said she was fine? But from all the looks she was receiving, she realized no one had. "I'm fine."

That had been her choice. Her reasoning to go to Earth in the first place. She had wanted to become a stronger person, so that she was good enough to become the leader of such a wonderful place. How could she let a few injuries get to her? Straightening, she said again, "I'm fine, but thank you."

Shaking her head, to the guard, she added, "I understand you only want to help, but I need to do this on my own. I want to heal on my own, and learn from my mistakes on my own. But thank you for your generosity." She only hesitated for a brief second, before she finished, "I'll face everything, and will stand up to it, and take responsibility for my own actions."

Dropping her gaze to her feet, she bowed to the Queen, who had approached her then. "I thought you said you would face everything?"

Slowly she raised her eyes to the Queen, "Yes I will." The Queen studied her eyes, "Then why do I see that you are running from something?" Serena squared her shoulders, knowing her mother could read her so well. "There are a few things that scare me, and I have yet to stand against them."

With that said, she turned, and walked away. She needed time. Even if no one wanted to give it to her, she wanted some time to herself. What you say, and what you do, are two entirely different things. She had many things she had yet to face. And that included her mother. She feared the day she would have to apologies to her, and hope to be forgiven.

One day she would show them all, that she could be their future Queen. This was how she was facing her fear of ruling. She had never, even as a child could face it. But she could, and she would, in her own way.

She ended up in a spot in the garden she always went to as a child. Here, she could see the Earth in all its beauty. Since she had already seen it, been there, done things there, felt what they had felt; saw what they have seen; it didn't hold as much as it had before. The Earth was like a dieing ball, slowly fading away from her dreams. She covered her face in her hands, when would she ever be free from this, losing her hopes and dreams, left and right. She just wanted to go to Earth, and relive every second she had been there, minus a few details.

Anguished, and in the need to be cured of it, she pulled the band-aid off, and felt the moon insignia flash, and pulse with life. She felt the pain vanish, while her energy depleted a little.

She reached up, and touched it, and felt the heat of it. Falling back, she lay there in the grass, and stared towards the trees, and watched as her vision darkened at the edges, and slowly they blurred.

And soon all she could see was darkness.

~~~~

Serena opened her eyes to find the sky darker then usual, and all the lights slightly dim. She sat up, her eyes still slightly hazy from sleep. She reached up, touching her forehead, where she felt the warmth of the crescent moon insignia. Taking the bandage she had used earlier, she wrapped it securely around her forehead.

Sighing, she climbed to her feet with ease, and realized that the pain she had felt earlier was gone. Smiling, she shook her head slightly, she had forgotten, that she could heal so easily on the Moon.

Deciding she wasn't ready to face the others yet, she headed deeper into the garden, and reached the spot…the secret her mother and she had created years ago. It was after the war with the sun, and all those guards had died protecting her. She had been so upset, and detached, that her mother took her here, the same place her Grandmother had taken her mother, when she had just been a child. That had been right before her first visit to Earth. When she had met that boy.

She sat on the bent tree. Its bark was silver, and the leaves light pink. The trunk rose up about two feet, before it bent back, and curved up to the sky. The tree reminded her of a chair, and loved it ever since she saw it as a child. She sat there now, feeling the bark beneath her fingers, it scrapping against her bare legs.

She never knew how much she had truly missed this spot. No one knew of it, but her and her mother, not even the guards knew. She could always come here if she wanted to be alone.

She pulled her knees to her chest, and rested her chin on her kneecaps. She sat there, thinking deeply about several things. Mostly were of Earth, and how much she would miss it after her adventure as a maid ended.

Another was of the guards there, and the stable boy she had met. They were all so kind to her, making sure she was all right and well. Trowa had saved her from the horses, and Duo had taught her the difference of the Moon and Earth's greetings. Then there was that young man, who had been so kind, to let her leave so late at night, and leave the gate unlocked.

She smiled, and suddenly the image of the Captain of the royal guard came to her mind. His picture would be forever etched into her mind. She couldn't help but think of him. He was strong, handsome, and rugged. She knew he didn't display many emotions, but she knew for sure that he followed his heart. He was a good man, with a testy temper, that she loved to set off. He was so cute when he was angry…

She slapped her forehead for her train of thoughts. She was engaged, she couldn't be thinking like that. She sighed, pouting slightly; He does have a cute butt…

She couldn't stop the blush that stained her cheeks, let alone the grin that appeared on her face.

"I have seen that look before."

Her head jerked up, and she spun around from where she sat. Her face paled at the sight of the Queen of the Moon standing at the only entrance to the hideaway. And the only exit.

The Queen softly smiled, shaking her head slightly, and stepped forward, "Don't be sorry for coming here. It is a lovely spot. My daughter loved it here. She would spend hours, just thinking, much like you were."

Serena nodded slowly, watching as the Queen moved across the grass, to stand in front of her. "Is something the matter?" The Queen tilted her head slightly, studying her face.

Slowly she shook her head, "No, I'm fine- Queen Serenity." She winced at the words, never in her life, had she ever called her own mother by her royal name. She looked away then, afraid to even look at her. The Queen silently frowned, and sat down, where Serena had once rested her feet on. The blonde sat lady like, staring at the floor, trying her best to ignore the Queen's stare.

She reached out, and touched her cheek, "Please…Call me Serenity when we are alone. You remind me so much of my daughter, I couldn't bare for you to call me royally." She smiled, and clasped her hands in her lap.

"How do you like the Moon so far?"

She glanced up at her, studying the Queen's face closely. "I think it's wonderful. The castle is beautiful, all made of crystal, and the flowers. They smell just like the ones on Earth. Its so perfect, everything is wonderful."

Queen Serenity smiled, "Good, I'm glad you like it here. You can go anywhere on the Moon, just have one of the guards to accompany you."

Serena smiled, "Really? You mean I could go outside the gates, and see what was beyond the castle grounds?"

Queen Serenity nodded, "Yes, just so as long as you are not alone. There are many dangers out beyond our walls. I still have yet to purify the rebels. They don't agree with my ruling, but soon, they will understand that it is peace I want, nothing more, nothing less."

Serena nodded, "I understand. I think it is wonderful, and I don't see why the Earth is so afraid of us- these people here, or you."

Queen Serenity waved her hand, "That is enough child, don't over work yourself. You are still too young, to learn about wars, and the essence of peace. Now, tell me what it was you were thinking of, before I came and intruded. You looked so…what is the word, adorable, and embarrassed to say the least."

She flushed, and her eyes fell to the ground. She never was able to confide to her mother before, about her worries, or her problems, she didn't want to stress her mother anymore then she already had. Her mother ruled a kingdom, and kept back enemies who threatened wars against their people. What were her problems compared to that?

Queen Serenity shook her head "don't get bashful on me. I'm curious, I wont tell anyone."

Looking up, she frowned in thought. Serena caught her bottom lip between her teeth, and worried it. With a sigh, she fell back against the tree, and gazed up at the Earth and stars. If she looked hard enough, she could almost see something flash with a bright light, and wondered lightly, if it was him.

"I met someone…" She flushed, and covered her face with her hands. The Queen rubbed her hands together, "Ah young love. Now I see what the fuss is all about. Come, come, tell me all about him."

She stood, and pulled Serena to her feet. They started their way towards the castle, taking the long route back home.

Nervously, she stuffed her hands in the pockets of her apron, "Well, I don't know him well. I just started working for Miss Relena, at the beginning of this week I think, time has flown by so quickly."

She paused, letting the silence fill in the gap, as she searched for the right words. "I was assigned several rooms to clean, most of them were guest chambers. One of the rooms belonged to the Captain of the royal guards." Her smile was easy and slow, as her mind drew up the picture of him it had painted. His face, all flushed with anger, as he held up the clothes she washed for him. She still couldn't believe he walked in on her, as she was bathing no less!

Serena shook her head slightly. "Well he is Miss Relena's personal guard. He asked me to clean his clothes down by the river in town. Well actually, he wanted me to leave them there, and he would wash them."

Queen Serenity smiled, "Let me guess, you washed them instead?" Serena could only nod, "Yes. And he was so mad, just because I had tried to help him." She shook her head, as if why still eluded her. The Queen chuckled, "I see. Then you both hold quite a lot in common. Both refusing the help of others." Serena shook her head, "I-" She wanted to argue, but how could she, when the woman was right. Just hours ago, she had argued that she didn't need their help.

She shivered, goose bumps forming on her skin, "He frustrates me more than anything. And I find myself happy, that I've actually made him mad. Is that wrong?" Serenity shook her head, "No. If he's a man who doesn't get angry easily, then I would hope you would be glad to be the only who could get under his skin. Especially if you like him so much."

"I never said-" the Queen shook her head, "I know you didn't. But then, you didn't have to."

Serena shivered, and she had to wrap her arms across her chest. The thought made her feel cold, but it also made her heart swell.

As they made it into the clearing, and walked along the courtyard to the castle, Queen Serenity stated laughingly, "It sounds like you're in love child."

She flushed, her whole body going ablaze, "In love? But how do I know what love is?"

Queen Serenity turned to her, and grabbed the younger girl by the shoulders. "I was your age, when I fell in love. I was young, wild, and heir to the throne. Men threw themselves at my feet, literally." She laughed lightly, letting Serena go. "I wasn't ready for love, or marriage. But my mother was intent to marry me off, and right away. She engaged me to the heir to the Sun kingdom. To tell you the truth, I hated the man." She shook her head, and turned away. "One evening, Pluto and I were on our way back to the castle for dinner. And it was getting late, so we were in quite a hurry.

We were nearly to the gardens, when he appeared. I didn't expect it, but who would, when they fall out of a tree, and land on you."

Serena shot the Queen a skeptical look. Serenity nodded, as she looked at her, "Oh yes. He fell right on me. Scared Pluto nearly to death, almost sent her into attack mode. But he got off me, apologized, and left. He didn't seem to know who I was, which only made things more exciting."

She paused, taking a few second to recuperate, as they entered the castle. "The next day, I got back at him. I saw him walking with one of his buddies, and I tripped him. Gave him a bloody nose, but I got back at him. He was mad at me at first, since his friend was laughing at him. But then he saw me; truly saw me, you could say. It was then, that I knew it was meant to be."

She ended there, but Serena wasn't about to let her stop. "Then what?"

The Queen chuckled, shaking her head, "Well, he soon found out who I was, but didn't care. I wanted to marry him, and my mother finally gave in. Even though he was a mere soldier of the Moon. Which was a surprise, since I had never met him before." She shrugged her shoulders.

Serena asked, "and?"

The Queen sighed sadly, "We never married, since the war broke out, he had to go out and fight. He died out in the battlefield near the asteroid belt. But I still had Serenity."

She felt her heart shatter in her chest. "Your daughter." Queen Serenity nodded, "Yes, Serenity never knew of her father, which was for the best." They stopped in front of one of the many guest rooms. "But enough about me now. Here you go, sleep well child."

Serena watched her go, and she knew that her mother was still hurt by the one she loved's death.

With a sigh, she opened the door to her room, and shut it behind her. Hopefully she could sleep tonight; she feared she might have dreams, dreams of a past, probably should have been best she never knew.

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I am very sorry. I didn't mean to take this long on getting this chapter out. I have been a horrible author by waiting so long. I have neglected my author duties, I hope you guys can forgive me…

I promise to get the next chapter out much quicker than this one…