I'm so sorry! All I can do is apologize to you guys! You don't deserve this, and I know what it's like to wait for chapters from authors and stories you REALLY like, but the worst part is that not only am I impatiently waiting for up-dates, I'm also being the one the cause YOU GUYS to wait for MY up-dates! tear I really am incredibly sorry! Please be patient with me. I know it's hard, and you already have been for so long, so I thank you. Here's a long awaited chapter. I sincerely apologize.

Sadly, the beginning part of this chapter is not something I'm very proud of, but when you get to Mamoru and his Generals, I think you will all like that part.

I hope.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sailor Moon!

MakotoLita AmiAmy ReiRaye MinakoMina (Just F.Y.I.)

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Ch. 2

Serenity walked through the warmth of the cave as she talked to the numerous people that were presently meandering through, trading, chatting with friends, and buying and selling. She spotted the creek just beyond the people and let out a small shout for joy as she ran towards where her friends were sitting. A large smile graced her rosy pink lips as her silver hair blew out behind her. Her friends looked up from what they were doing and all smiled in return.

"Hello, Serenity. How are you doing this morning?" Ami greeted. She had been busy reading a book, but it was one she had read multiple times, and would gladly put down again for her friend.

Serenity laughed, the sound seeming to light up the whole cave. "I'm wonderful! Guess what you guys? Andrew said he would bring us back something from the Market place! Something yummy and sweet he said!"

Her friends grinned knowingly at one another. "So that's why you're in such a good mood," Makoto stated wryly, a sparkle in her eye.

Rei snorted. "Trust Serenity to always be thinking about her stomach."

Serenity glared at her. "That's not very nice! He said he's going to bring back something for all of us! Maybe I should tell him that you didn't care since you were in such a bad mood this morning, and that I'll have to have it instead."

Rei stood up from her spot near the stream, glaring daggers at the silver-haired beauty. "That just goes to show the real you, Serenity. You're greedy!" She screeched, causing a few passers by to look over and smile in understanding. They were always used to those two bickering. It never meant anything. Everyone could tell what good friends the two were; what good friends they all were.

"I am not greedy!" Serenity stated back defiantly, and then began to snivel. "I'm not."

Rei rolled her eyes. "Ugh. And you're such a crybaby too!"

"Okay, you guys. I think that's enough," Makoto stated with a forced smile and a sweat-drop.

Minako watched with a small smile. "Ah, just forget about it. Those two will stop arguing soon enough—hopefully before Andrew gets here. I've always hated it when he leaves though. He says that someone has to keep in contact with the outside world, but I still don't think it should be him."

Serenity leaned forward with a wide smile across her face. "Aw… does someone have a little crushy-poo on Andrew?"

Minako nearly fell over, a scarlet blush covering her cheeks. "N-no! What ever gave you that idea?"

Makoto gazed off into the distance with hearts in her eyes. "I think we all do," she said in a dreamy voice. "He looks just like my old boyfriend."

The girls gave her a weird look, and were about to continue their little conversation when a shout interrupted them from a far distance away. The girls were automatically on their feet, tensed and on the ready, when Andrew came jogging toward them. The girls let their guard down, sitting back down while Serenity dipped her feet in the cool water.

"Girls, I brought you all something!" He said as he came over to where they were sitting. He pulled out sweets and handed one to each of them. All five girls smiled their thanks and dug in, albeit not as enthusiastically as Serenity. They all sweat-dropped while watching her eat.

"Slow down Serenity, you're being rude," Ami said, slightly reprimanding.

Rei snorted. "More like acting like a pig," she muttered under her breath, getting the result she had hoped for: Serenity to stop eating.

Instead she was coughing and hitting her chest while trying to inhale air. Finally she asked, "What did you just call me?!" She had, of course, heard quite clearly.

Rei raised an eyebrow. "You heard me. Do you want me to repeat it?"

Serenity glared. "Why you—"

"That's enough you guys, don't fight on my account," Andrew pleaded, hands held up in an 'I give up' sort of way while he sweat-dropped.

Both girl's flushed and turned away from each other, neither saying another word.

Ami blinked. "Wow. We should have you here more often," she stated, and received two death-glared because of it.

She too decided to say silent after that.

"So what happened in the Market place today, Andrew?" Minako asked, her full attention on him.

He turned to her and smiled. "I was actually stocking up on food and supplies since we're running low here."

Serenity was at full attention. "Don't we have enough for everybody?" She asked, voice full of concern.

This time she was the one who received the smile. "Yes, we do now. I'll have to go back and get more before the week is over though, or else the people will starve throughout winter. I'm afraid with so many new people here, the crops won't be enough to sustain everybody."

"But you've taken care of everything?" She wanted to know, still uncomfortable about the whole situation. She didn't want any of these nice people to starve! Especially because of herself!

Andrew nodded his head. "Everything is fine, Serenity."

She sighed in relief, along with the others. "What would we ever do without you, Andrew?" Ami asked in all sincerity.

He grinned ruefully. "Starve?"

Makoto punched him lightly in the arm. "Ha ha, you big gloat," she stated affectionately.

"Do you have any news for us?" Rei wanted to know.

His brow furrowed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out white parchment and seemed to stare at it with a far-off look. He looked concerned and… confused maybe? He looked slightly sad.

It was then that Ann decided to grace them with her presence. "Hey girls, hey Andrew! How're y'all doing?" Her cheerful expression fell when she saw the troubled look on Andrew's face and the curious and concerned looks on the five girls'. "What's going on here?" She noticed that Andrew was looking at some form of parchment in his hand and then noticed that it was bleached to a crisp white, and had a seal of the red rose on it. That could mean only one thing: it came from the King.

Ann knelt down next to Andrew as he continued to gaze at the seal on the back of the parchment. "Who's it addressed to?" She asked gently, wondering if somehow the King had found Selene, only to find that it was too late, and that she was already dead. Or maybe it was for them, hoping to find that they were still alive. It sparked a glimmer of hope inside of her. EndymionAnn thought with longing. Or maybe…

Ann looked at Serenity as dread filled her. She hoped and prayed that it had nothing to do with her or any of the girls whom had become her close friends!

Slowly, Andrew flipped it over as his eyes seemed to go out of focus. He already knew which name was on it though. He didn't have to re-read it to know. "It's for Serenity."

Everyone turned to look at her as she processed the words. No one had ever sent Serenity mail before. Everyone looked if it was dooms-day.

And then Serenity broke out into a brilliant smile and reached for the parchment. "For me?! Wow! My first piece of mail ever! It's so pretty too. And look! It's sealed with a red-waxed rose!"

That statement only seemed to make Ann and Andrew paler.

When she finally opened it Ami urged, "Read it out loud Serenity."

"Yeah," Minako said, leaning forward to hear every word.

Makoto nodded encouragement and Rei crossed her arms. "If she even knows how to read," she scoffed.

Serenity didn't even act like she had heard her. "It says:

Dear Serenity of the CelestineMountains

We must bring you the unfortunate news of King Corbalt VIII's death. I am sure you are well aware of the late King's partiality toward your mother. Now, his will states that he wishes to bring you out of exile to meet his son, the high Prince of Earth. The request of your presence is immediate. We look forward to your arrival and await your reply.

Your Highly esteemed Magistrate,

Artemis Freemont.

Serenity held the opened letter in her cold, trembling hands as she stared at the parchment, unmoving. Finally, after a pause of intense silence, she turned to look up at Andrew. "What does this mean? Why must I go? Is it a necessity? Am I able to decline?" Her eyes searched his pleadingly. "I don't want to leave! I've never left the confinements of this cave! I grew up here my entire life! It's all I know! And what about the people here? What will they do if I leave? The only reason their here was because mother—because I—"

"Calm down, Serenity! Grab a hold on yourself! There must be a reason for their requesting your presence. I don't think they'll hurt you." Andrew looked more shaken than Serenity did. He ran a hand through his hair repeatedly and started pacing, then stopped to think before he picked up his pacing again. "This is not good…" he finally breathed.

"What's not good?" Makoto and Minako asked together, unable to handle the tension any longer.

"What's going on?" Ami asked, unable to concentrate on her book even if she had wanted to.

Still their was no response. Andrew acted as if their words never reached him, and Ann was covering her mouth with her hands, no sounds coming out, only strangled noises. Finally she removed her hand a fraction only to say, "This can't be…"

"Will someone please spit it out already?!" Rei screeched. "You're going to have to tell us at some time or another!"

Serenity was now greatly worried. No sound penetrated her vocal cords. She was barely able to think clearly. Would she have to go? Would she have to leave everything she had ever known behind? Who was King Corbalt? Who was Prince Endymion? Should she know these names? She knew stories of a King Corbalt her mother told her when she was very young, but could they be related to the dead king mentioned in this letter?

And how did these people know she was here, or how to reach her? How did they know about her at all?

What did they know?

"She will have to go."

Serenity snapped out of her thoughts at this. She stared up at Andrew, her mouth slightly agape as he looked down at her with pity in his eyes.

"I know you don't want to…" he continued, "but you can not refuse a royal request. It is what got your mother into a bit of trouble in the first place, if I remember correctly."

Serenity had nothing to say.

"They won't expect you to come alone," Andrew continued. "Your friends may come with you if that is what you want. A lady should never be unescorted. The… Prince… may think you as tainted."

Serenity didn't want to hear his words. Tainted?

"Will you come with us?" Minako asked, desperation in her voice.

Serenity blinked, and hope flickered in her mind. Why hadn't she thought of that? She grasped Andrew's hands. They were warm. She squeezed tightly. "Yes, please come. I want you to come too!" She looked at Ann also. "Both of you! I need you two to be there with me if I go!"

"You will go." Andrew looked determined. "You must go, or they will send someone to search for you. I know about this sort of thing personally." That confused the girls, but they didn't have time to ask questions. "The land isn't as peaceful as it is here," Andrew continued. "You don't know what they may do."

Ann and Andrew each gave each other troubled looks. "We can't go with you…" Ann finally said, causing the five girls' hearts to sink into despair. "It would only make things more… difficult."

Andrew looked pained. "She's right. We can't go. It would bring up multiple questions I'm sure Ann and I don't want to deal with right now. Our arrival would only make your appearances… worse."

Serenity shook her head. "I don't understand…" she finally managed.

Andrew patted her hand, and then pulled his hands out of her grasp. "I'm sorry, but everything will have to be better explained later. For now, you need to know that the Prince is a good man, but he has a dark side. Stay on his good side my dear Serenity, at least for my sake. If trouble brews, send a letter to Ann or myself, and we will come as fast as we are able."

Ann nodded rapidly at this.

Serenity's protectors looked uneasy still, even though their Princess seemed to calm slightly. Their shared worried glances as they shifted every so often. They needed to get Andrew and Ann alone to ask some important questions. In order for that to happen though, they needed Serenity to be far, far away.

"Another thing," Ann added as an afterthought, causing everyone to look at her. She in turn was looking directly at Serenity. "Your appearance is unique, Sere. You will want to disguise yourself to the best of your abilities before your confrontation with the Prince."

"Should I make myself ugly to keep onlookers away?" Serenity asked. She used to play this game with her mother and friends, and thought of it as fun. Now she wasn't so sure. Why should she disguise herself? Were things outside of the cave walls really that bad?

"No!" Ann said hurriedly, and then more softly, "no. Change your hair color to a more well-known color, and we'll get a cloak for you to wear. A hood should suffice for the time being. We'll have to plan everything exceedingly carefully."

"Perhaps you should go to Alan and get some parchment and an inkwell from him so you can send your response ahead of you to let the Prince know you are on your way." Andrew wouldn't look at anyone. "You will need to pack as well. I'm sure Molly will get you a good supply of food for your journey. You will need to set out tomorrow. The journey will take three days."

Ami looked at him oddly. "How do you know that?"

Serenity wasn't paying attention, however. "Tomorrow? It's so soon! And I can't possibly take our store of food! What about all the other people staying here? They'll starve before the frosts even come!"

Andrew gave her a firm scowl, glare in place. "You will do this and accept the food or I will see to it that no one gets any food. What do you like better, Serenity? Do you want me to deal with problems as they arrive, and go into town tomorrow to stock up more food to prevent the possibility of people starving, or do you wish for everyone to actually starve?! I'm sure the people here would go into worrying fits if you didn't leave with everything you could ever need, should the slightest bump in the road hinder your quest."

"Go Serenity, write your letter and we'll make sure everything else is ready for our departure," Minako stated.

"You don't have to worry about a thing," Makoto added a bit more cheerily. "Just trust us. I think this is the reason why the goddess made us your protectors, after all. Something has to happen in order for you to need protectors. I for one am looking forward to this! I'll finally be able to kick some noble butt!"

Rei smirked as Ami put her head in her hands, shaking her head regretfully. "Well?" Rei asked sharply. "Are you going to get a move on or aren't you?"

Serenity went to do as she was bid, looking over her shoulder at her friends with a dazed, slightly suspicious look before turning around the bend and disappearing from view. Ann and Andrew were automatically surrounded by the four protectors, evil glints in the female's eyes as Ann and Alan sweat dropped and held up their hands in defense.

"Now hold it!" Andrew said as he tried to defend himself and his comrade. "There's a perfectly good explanation for all of this!"

"Oh really?" Minako asked, not sounding convinced.

"Good, because we'd like to hear it!" Rei said in a dangerous tone.

"Well, you see…"

Endymion lounged in his study, a dark menacing figure in the dimly lit room. A single candle was burning, and he seemed to be mesmerized by the flickering flame. On his face was a deep scowl. There was an uneven tick in his jaw and his hands were fisted despite his look of collected composure. The other four occupants in the room seemed hesitant to speak. None wanted the wrath of Endymion turned on their shoulders alone. The Prince's temper was rarely witnessed or released, but it did get the better of him once every four years.

Now was one of those times, and everyone in the palace knew to steer clear. The secret was out.

Of course, the outraged shouts from Endymion didn't help keep the contents of the will a secret for long.

"I still cannot believe my father would do this to me," Endymion ground out, his teeth never moving because of the pressure he added to his jaw. "Was he mad?!" Endymion slammed his fist on the table to the side of the right arm of the armchair he was seated upon, causing a few of his generals to jump. Nephrite's gaze merely flicked over to his Prince, and Kunzite refrained from even batting an eye. The four powerful men donned chairs similar to their Prince. They had been sitting like this for hours, none speaking, barely moving; they simply allowed their Prince to vent out his frustrations.

"Is this… girl… really going to be that bad?" He wanted to know.

He looked pathetic. His Generals noted this, and most vowed right then never to marry a woman if it caused this much stress and pain. Jadeite almost found this amusing. He enjoyed watching he highly esteemed Prince fall to his knees, however he enjoyed the thought of another woman entering the palace even better.

"If you don't want her my Prince, you can give her to me. I bet she'll be a hellcat in bed!" Jadeite rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Endymion merely glared. "As tempting as that sounds, I would rather you take Beryl off my hands, if you please."

Jadeite made a face, but was internally relieved his Prince didn't unleash all of his anger on his because of that remark. "I'm sorry my dear Prince, but not only does Beryl lack youthful beauty, she also lacks the fun of playing cat and mouse. She is too… easy… to win over." Jadeite grinned darkly and licked his lips. "I relish a challenge."

"You'll never get it," Zoicite murmured in a voice of all-honesty. "Women fall all over themselves if you even look their way. How can you say you relish challenge when you accept any new woman into you bed nightly?"

Jadeite pretended to look hurt. "You wound me!" He clutched at his chest dramatically. "I could never turn down a pretty young lady if she has fallen for my irresistible charms! I will simply have to have them all!"

"You sicken me," Kunzite muttered, his clear blue eyes looking at no one in particular. He had been drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair and now stopped. He leaned forward and turned to his Prince, exhaling deeply. "My Prince, all you need do is ask and we shall rid you of any… unfavorable guests," he murmured with a quiet undertone. "You need not let this trifle you any longer, my lord. You wish is my command."

Endymion glanced over at his number one general before a stormy expression passed over his eyes. "No. I wouldn't want another war to break loose. Besides, it is too early to take action as of yet. There is still time. I am not completely convinced this girl even exists. Beryl will have to come to terms and admit it for herself when the time arises. For now, I simply need to put up with her unattractive attempts at luring me into her bed."

"I'm surprised at you, my Prince," Nephrite finally voiced. "You are unwilling to take a woman into your bed, for once. If you were Jadeite, I would think you sick in the head."

"Hey!" Jadeite exclaimed, not liking the lick his comrade had just sent him.

Endymion snorted softly, half a smirk alighting his face. His generals relaxed and leaned back in their chairs. "It will not be but longer, my Prince," Zoicite said. "If she really is a real being, a human being, which would defie either all my logic, or all the rumors we've heard, then we will have something extraordinary on our hands to deal with. Until that time arises, I think we shouldn't worry ourselves, am I right my Prince? For, it may be nothing at all."

"She may not live at all," Jadeite added.

"But if she does…" Zoicite warned, an eyebrow lifted for his comrades to mettle over.

"If she does, she may know the where-abouts of Andrew and Ann," Endymion rumbled, his brows lowering as a deep hatred filled his face. His hands clenched the material of the chair he was on, gaining the attention of his other generals. Some looked worried. Endymion continued, "And… the rumors still may be true. She might have had them killed."

Nephrite clenched his jaw to prevent himself from commenting. He had a bond with Andrew just as much as the next man, but what the stars told him was a different story. His throat was tight as he gazed out the large window and to the glimmering stars in the sky. His brow furrowed slightly. Never before had their message been so chaotic. Never before had they two opposite things to say about the same woman, the same "She-beast."

Love. Bondage. Joy. Friend.

Tied into, Hate. Lies. Hurt. Betrayal.

Nephrite was very worried indeed.