Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or her characters, and have no right to it except as a longtime fan.
Title: Light of the Moon
Serena x Darien
Rated: T
Drama/Romance
Summary: Awakened by a strange urge Serena goes out into the night, and discovers unexpected revelations.
Serena held in a sigh as she lay curled up in her bed with her eyes closed waiting for sleep to finally claim her. It had been a long and strange day. She had nearly lost her wand; if not for Luna she actually would have lost it and not known until she needed it.
She usually kept it in her subspace pocket and only had it out so she could use it to find rainbow crystals since Luna said it acted as a tracker. She hadn't found any with it that day before she nearly lost it, which was disappointing.
Then there was her slight argument with Luna about whether or not Tuxedo Mask was an enemy. Luna believed he was because he was after the rainbow crystals. Serena didn't believe he was, but she couldn't explain why he was after the rainbow crystals either.
Then again Luna and some of the others didn't seem to realize he could think the same as them and see them as an enemy for trying to gather the rainbow crystals. Instead he had been aiding them; and it wasn't as if he was stealing the crystals out of their hands when they had them. He only went after them before they got them or if Zoycite got his hands on them.
After escaping that uncomfortable conversation she had met up with Molly and Melvin and then came across that jerk Darien as they were checking out an art gallery. She was slightly embarrassed that she thought he was cheating on Raye, even though she was unsure if they were actually dating despite Raye's feelings for him, but he had been so close to the woman.
She supposed the result of confronting him should teach her to keep her nose out of other people's business. She supposed that nosiness was a result of fighting the Negaverse; always looking out for the unusual. Still, it wasn't so bad. She got to meet a wonderful and talented lady, learn that Darien wasn't that much of a jerk, and got to be a model in a piece of art.
Then came yet another fight with a monster and a rainbow crystal to try and attain. The fight went as usual but she was surprised and yet not that she had briefly abandoned the fight to seek out Tuxedo Mask. She'd just had to try and return the beautiful star locket he had dropped at a previous fight even though she wanted to keep it.
Surprisingly, and thankfully, he had insisted on her keeping it. Despite the fight that had been taking place in the area she had been incredibly happy at the gift. She vowed to treasure it just as she had been doing since she picked it up in that cemetery.
I wish I could listen to its melody right now. Serena wished drowsily as she shifted slightly under her covers. She knew she couldn't though; not with Luna in the room. Neither the feline nor her fellow scouts/friends knew she had the locket. It was her secret that she shared only with Tuxedo Mask, and she made sure to keep her secret close.
Instead she remembered its melody and let it help her drift off to sleep.
Serena's eyes slid open in the middle of the night, drawn unhappily from her sleep, and feeling an insistent urge to go out and be under the light of the full moon. She was sleepy and tired but didn't sense that there was anything bad about the urge, and she was curious so she decided to follow it.
She sat up, pushing her covers back, and quietly got out of bed. She put on her shoes and slipped out her balcony window without waking Luna, and leapt to the ground before hurrying out of the neighborhood.
"Moon Prism Power." She said quietly once she was out of the neighborhood. Pink light swirled around before enveloping her, and when it cleared she stood as Sailor Moon.
She took a breath, the sensation that had woken her pulsing through her, and took off running hard and fast allowing the urge to guide her until she stood on the shore of a beach.
Serena gazed up at the Moon, her head tilted back huffing for breath as her breathing slowed, the light bathing her, and tried to understand why she was there. There was nothing and no one on the beach; just the ocean, the sand, and her.
What is going on? She wondered as she looked around before her eyes were drawn back up to the Moon. Despite her confusion she couldn't deny that, for some reason, she was comforted by the unhindered sight of the Moon.
As she stood there with her head tilted back she swore she could feel warmth coming from the light of the Moon as it touched her, and it was a pretty cool night so it was very noticeable. It couldn't be her imagination.
Suddenly a warmth began to appear inside her, in her chest, and began to resonate with the warmth of the light of the Moon. It pulsed warm then cooled, then warm, and cool again before the warmth began to spread throughout her body. Unknown to her her body began to glow a soft white before it brightened.
Standing there, in a slight daze her eyes trained on the Moon, images of people, buildings, and places began to appear in her mind followed by knowledge. Names, dates, and other facts swirled into existence as if they were appearing out of nowhere.
oOo
A seven year old little girl with crystal looking blue eyes and long white hair done up in two buns with her remaining hair trailing down her back in two streams ran around barefoot in the grass. On her little body was a cute white gown that trailed down to her ankles and on the center of her forehead sat a golden crescent moon.
She laughed happily as four girls, only a few years older than her, ran after her as they played with her. Each one was dressed in the same white sailor uniform, but had different identifying colors tailored to each girl.
One had a red skirt, red sailor collar with a matching back bow and a dark purple chest bow, red tiny heel shoes, and matching long red hair and eyes. Another had yellow eyes and matching long hair half tied back with a red bow, an orange skirt and matching sailor collar, yellow back bow and navy blue chest bow, and orange tiny heel shoes with a strap around her ankles.
The third girl had short blue hair and matching eyes, a blue skirt, sailor collar, and matching knee high boots with light blue chest and back bows. The final girl had green hair pulled up into a high ponytail and matching eyes, a green skirt, sailor collar, and ankle boots with pink back and chest bows.
"Serenity!" They called after her laughing until she was caught by the girl in red. She squealed before dissolved into giggles.
oOo
Ten year old Serenity walked calmly next to her mother through a quiet part of her home. She had never been to this part of the palace before and was extremely curious. Her mother only told her it was the next step on her journey to being Queen.
They soon stopped in front of a large set of white double doors that instantly opened for them. Serenity blinked as she looked inside and saw what was unmistakably the Crystal Tower, which meant this was the Chamber of Prayer. Her mother had told her of the room where she could come to pray for help to the Crystal Tower and the Moon would help her.
They stepped inside, the doors closing behind them, and her mother turned to her. She watched as her mother raised her hands and cupped them as if she was holding something, and a glow began to appear brightening further and further until a round silver crystal sat sparkling in her palms.
"It is time to make your first connection with the silver crystal as its next wielder and guardian." Her mother's soft voice washed over her before she watched, wide eyed, as she moved her hands down toward her.
Serenity took a deep breath and reached out with her hands and carefully scooped up the crystal into her hands. Her first thought was that it was light and warm, but anything else forming in her young mind was lost as it began to glow brighter and brighter.
Warmth flowed through her hands and up her arms and spread throughout her body, to every corner and edge, like a warm rush of water. Her eyes began to glow, the crystal blues being swallowed up in a pure white, and her body soon followed as the power of the silver crystal filled her body.
She understood instantly that the crystal was learning her and getting to know her, which also let her know it was alive in a sense; it was sentient. As she fell further into the warm light, the power, she began to understood more and more.
She understood that, as her mother said, the crystal was creating a connection with her, so she would be able to use it and communicate with it without having to see or touch it. She would learn to use the crystal from the crystal itself because only it could help her understand how it worked.
Right away she was learning that it was a very old and knowledgeable object that knew things beyond what happened around it. That it used her life energy to work, so she would have to be very careful. That it could do a great many wondrous things, and that she would need to be responsible because of that, and not use it any way she wanted just because she could.
She understood she would need to start slow in what she did, and work her way up to the bigger things. That if she was unsure if something was too big then to ask it, and it would gladly let her know.
In addition to that a calm mind helped toward using it, and even better was to have a heart in the right place. Such things would give better results when the crystal was used for any reason.
Lastly, Serenity understood that her connection to the crystal was much bigger and intricate than the connection her mother had, and that she was to keep all of her recent understandings to herself. This was all between her and the silver crystal.
oOo
Serenity, now thirteen years old, sat at a table in a large room filled with books taking notes as an older man spoke in front of a board. At her side, reading a book, was a girl in a blue and white sailor uniform. Keeping her company, and guarding her, as was usual.
She held in a sigh and glanced up toward the high window. She could see the planet Earth, which is why she chose to sit there, and wondered as she always did what it was like on that planet.
She had been to visit Mars and Venus, and each planet was unique though they tended to use shades of red and orange respectively in their decoration and clothing. Her home was the same way, tending toward shades of white, gray, and silver. So she couldn't help being curious to know what the Earth was like.
Looking at it from her view its colors were mostly blue and white with some green mixed in. Did that mean the people of Earth would mostly wear blue and white with the occasional green? Or would it be another color altogether? What did the sky look like? Was it bright or always dark like the sky she always gazed upon?
What did it smell like? What did it sound like? What did the food taste like?
'I want to know! So very much.' She thought longingly.
Then she blinked and looked to her campion as she poked her in her side and reminded her to pay attention. She nodded and sighed as she looked back toward the man lecturing to her.
oOo
Sixteen year old Serenity stood out on her bedroom balcony, a hand lightly resting on the thick railing, gazing up at the Earth in the dark sky. The planet was beautiful as always, and just gazing at it calmed her nerves.
She wondered, not for the first time, what it would be like to go there. What would it be like on such a beautiful planet? Would it be cold at the time or warm? Light or dark? What would it smell like? She had heard it smelled different depending on the area a person was in and what was around them. She so longed to find out.
"Serenity?" She heard a voice say, and she turned slightly to see her mother walking toward her.
Her hair was done up in the same bun style as hers, but her eyes were a bright silver. She wore a white strapless from fitting dress with a matching bow on top with a golden crescent moon at its center. In her ears she wore dangling gold earrings, and a gold crescent moon sat in the center of her forehead.
Like the Earth her mother was also beautiful as always.
"Mother." She greeted before she turned and tilted her head back to continue gazing up at the Earth.
"What are you doing here? You know the ball will be starting soon." Her mother said.
"I do know. That is why I am out here. I am trying to calm myself." She admitted. After all the ball was being held in her honor; as a way to introduce her to royal society so to speak. She would essentially be put on display all evening long.
"And you are doing that by looking at the Earth? It gives you strength." Her mother said.
"I do not know about strength. However, it is calming, relaxing, and distracting. I wonder what it is like there." She replied. "Are they a subtle or bold society? What are their customs and traditions? What do they wear?" She questioned, and sighed longingly wanting to know; wanting to see it for herself.
Then it suddenly occurred to her how many times she had thought of the planet in her times of need, in idleness, and in daydreams. The Earth was always on her mind; at least once a day she was thinking about it, about some aspect of it depending on what she was doing or thinking at the time.
'Mother may be on to something, and I am only now beginning to see it.' She considered thoughtfully.
Serenity knew she would soon be on display, but she would not let that fact control her. She would put it out of her mind, and put in its place her favorite subject. The Earth.
"I am ready." She said as she looked away from the beautiful planet. "Perhaps..." She began but paused. "Yes. The Earth is my strength." She said firmly as she began to step back into her room.
oOo
In a brief white flash Serenity appeared in a small clearing in what looked like a forest on the Earth. She had been there a few times since she had decided to see what it was like for herself.
The weather was different every time. First the air was cold and though it was daylight there was no sun shining, then it was raining once, the last time was a slightly sunny day. Now it was very sunny, the rays peeking through the tree tops here and there, and the air was extremely warm.
She looked around in amazement. In all her nineteen years she had never experienced or even read of such a thing. Not even on Mars where the weather was generally warm all the time.
Serenity took a deep breath, breathing in the warm fragrant air. Every time she visited the air smelled different, and she had realized it depended on the direction the air was moving.
She moved her arms through the air, pausing with a light gasp at the feel of the sun touching her arm. It was so warm, heated, but it felt nice. She experimentally moved her arms and fingers through the heated light before she moved her face under the light. She squinted her eyes at the light and then closed them with a light smile at the warm feel.
She opened her eyes and looked down at the vibrant green grass surrounding her on the ground and the vibrant colorful flowers. Those had not been there before and she leaned over to get a better look at the bright and deep purple, orange, yellow, red, and whites.
Serenity sighed in contentment as she stood up straight and turned to look around only to freeze with a surprised gasp.
"Oh!" She said in shock at the sight of a young man leaning against a tree watching her.
He was tall with short black hair, deep blue eyes, and a skin tone a bit darker than hers. He was wearing a dark blue top and matching pants, tall black boots, a black cape with red lining, and had a sword attached to his hip.
This man was clearly a soldier; at least he looked like one from the uniform and sword he was wearing. But what was he doing there?! How was it she hadn't heard him? Was he there because of her?! What was she going to do? She wasn't supposed to be seen!
The man stood up straight and she took a quick step back, and watched him step forward slowly with his hands held out slightly in front of him.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to frighten you. I simply did not expect anyone to be out here." He said softly. "I have never seen anyone like you before, so I had to stop and watch you." He added.
Serenity took another step back but couldn't help gasping at his voice. It was so deep. She had never heard a man sound like that before. It seemed that fact also clued her mind in to the fact that he was a handsome man, very handsome.
Still, she remained silent; uncertain of what to do. The only thing keeping her calm was her upbringing and the comforting warmth from her connection to the silver crystal as if pulsed inside her.
She watched as he took another step before he stopped in a patch of sun light and bowed elegantly to her.
"I am Prince Endymion." He said, his voice still soft.
She watched him straighten and once again look at her. He was the Earth Prince. Heir to the throne. She had heard of him and he was mentioned briefly in the history of the Earth that she had studied. Before then she had yet to see him and never imagined that she would meet him in such a way; let alone meet him at all since so much time had passed since her introduction to royal society.
She gazed at him, still unsure, before she felt the comforting warmth of the silver crystal pulse and got the sense of being urged forward, so she stepped forward.
"I am Princess Serenity." She said as she curtsied. "I am pleased to meet you." She added as she straightened.
"The pleasure is all mine my lady." He said with a smile, and she couldn't help blushing as his smile made him look more handsome than before.
oOo
Serenity calmly walked down the stairs from the second floor entrance into the ball room. The masquerade ball had been in full swing for over an hour, and she had been there from the start, but she had left to use the restroom and rest her feet. She had no intention of having her feet aching by the end of the ball.
She idly looked over the small sea of people in their formal wear and faces covered and sighed. The ball had started fine and she had enjoyed seeing what people were wearing, but she was no longer having a good time since her prince was not there. He had promised her he would be there, but he had yet to show up.
She knew there was still time for him to arrive, but she was becoming discouraged with the more time that passed. She wanted to be able to spend time with him out in the open, and pretend that everyone knew they were together and were happy for them.
She held in a sigh and closed her eyes briefly as she descended the last of the stairs, but paused as she felt a hand grasp hers as she held the marble railing. She opened her eyes and looked over to see a tall black haired man in a full black tuxedo with a white long sleeve dress shirt and vest, and a white mask framing his eyes.
Deep blue eyes gazed back at her and her eyes softened as she recognized her beloved prince.
"Endymion." She breathed out softly, and watched as he grasped her hand from the railing and guided her down the remaining stairs.
"I am sorry I am late. It took some time to get away from my father." He said apologetically.
"You are here now, and that is all that matters." She said softly. "Come; dance with me. I wish to indulge in a fantasy."
The masked prince easily complied, guiding her onto the dance floor, and began to swirl around with her as they blended into the other dancers.
"What is this fantasy you have in mind?" He questioned.
"To pretend this ball is in our honor, and everyone is happy and pleased we are together." She answered as she gracefully moved where he expertly guided her. "That we will soon be married never to be parted."
"Ah. It sounds like an exquisite fantasy that I am more than happy to join you in." He replied.
The secret couple danced to the live music, flowing and twirling around couples, as they swayed, twirled, and spun in time with the music. They imagined that their engagement had been announced at the start of the ball, and that there were happy cheers and applause aplenty.
Unfortunately the happy images didn't last as they could see the truth in each other's eyes no matter how much they wished to pretend.
"I wish it was true." Serenity said sadly.
"I know my love. I know." Endymion said quietly as he held her tighter.
oOo
Serena slowly blinked her eyes as she continued to stare up at the Moon and breathed in a slow breath. She remembered, she understood now, that she was more than she thought. She wasn't just Serena Tsukino, average school girl, or Sailor Moon, scout of love and justice. She was also Serenity, Princess of the Moon Kingdom, the very princess the Sailor Scouts had been tasked to find and protect.
The warmth in her chest pulsed and in the next moment she understood what the source was. It was her silver crystal. The warming and cooling sensation had been a result of it coming out of dormancy inside her.
I have my silver crystal, so what in the world is the purpose of the rainbow crystals? She wondered curiously as her memories continued to come. Why was I made a scout in the first place? I never was one in the past. What was Luna thinking?! She wondered with a tiny frown.
oOoOo
Darien's eyes snapped open and he began to sit up in his bed, his body alert before his mind understood what had woken him so suddenly from a deep sleep. He blinked as his heart raced a bit and he felt he should be going somewhere.
As his body was moving to get out of bed, seemingly of its own volition, he realized what was happening. Sailor Moon needed him. He hurriedly stood, pulled out a red rose from nowhere, and transformed without a word. A bright red light engulfed him and when it cleared he stood as Tuxedo Mask.
He took a deep breath and let it out before he rushed to his balcony, opened the door, and hurried out and began to make his way down his apartment building. Once he was low enough he jumped to the roof of the next building and began to run.
He ran for long minutes, letting his senses guide him to the Moon warrior, and eventually found her standing in the sand on the beach. She was alone; there was no fight, no Scouts, no monster, and nothing was wrong. She was just staring up at the Moon.
Darien was tired but he was also curious, so he stayed back and watched to see if anything would happen or if she would notice his presence. For a few minutes nothing happened. She continued to stand there, so still, gazing up at the Moon without a care; still unaware of his presence or ignoring him.
I doubt she's ignoring me. He thought quietly as he watched her. He took in her sailor uniform; the short blue skirt, the blue collar with white stripes, the red back bow, and her knee high red boots.
He was reminded once again that she was an attractive young woman. Especially with her long hair. He thought as his eyes trailed slowly up and down the two streams of hair.
His eyes blinked as a soft white light began to surround her body and grew very surprised when the light brightened and she suddenly started glowing. Almost in slow motion, right before his eyes, her long golden hair began to turn white and her scout uniform began to change and morph into a white dress that extended to the sand as her white gloves and red boots disappeared.
He blinked his eyes wide as he took in the very familiar dress. He had been dreaming of that dress on a mystery woman he thought was a princess for months, and now here that mystery princess was. In the form of Sailor Moon. The sailor scout he had been assisting and saving for almost as many months.
Darien held his breath as she looked toward him, and wondered what would happen next.
Serena blinked, her frown slipping away, as she sensed she was no longer alone. She turned her head, still tilted back, to her right and saw Tuxedo Mask standing at a slight distance behind her.
I know him. She thought softly before a face from her memories flashed in her mind conveniently reminding her. Prince Endymion. My prince. My Endymion. She thought as her eyes softened.
"Come to me." She called as she stretched her arm out toward him.
Darien blinked and stepped forward, unable to resist the woman who was apparently a combination of Sailor Moon and the mysterious princess from his dreams. He hadn't expected to find her this way, to have unexpectedly been lead to her by herself, but now that he had he hoped to finally know who she was; and more importantly who he really was.
He grasped her hand with his left hand and watched as she turned her body toward him. She placed her left hand on his chest as she looked up to him, gazing silently into his eyes, before she slid her hand up and reached further and gently took his mask off.
"Much better." Serena said softly as she carelessly dropped the white mask. "It is time for you to remember." She added just as softly as she caressed his face.
"How?" Darien asked quietly, enjoying her touch. He should have been alarmed at being unmasked so casually, but he trusted Sailor Moon and had trusted the mysterious princess so much that he had been acting on her words all these months.
"I will aid you." She answered as she lifted their linked hands. She adjusted her hold and pressed his hand to her silk and pearl covered chest and closed her eyes.
Please, please help me awaken my prince. She softly asked her silver crystal as she continued to caress his face. He needs to remember. I need him to remember who he is and what we had together; what we meant to each other. Please, I need my prince back.
There was a warm pulse in her chest in answer before her hands began to glow a soft white. The light spread over his body, slowly enveloping him in warmth, as if it was searching. As the light reached his chest it became denser before sinking beneath his clothes and skin.
Darien closed his eyes as he basked in the warmth of her power. It felt so strong and yet so welcoming; as if it was embracing and protecting him. He breathed in a slow breath as he felt the warmth sink into his chest, the sensation like slipping into a warm bath, and move around.
The next thing he knew there was a separate answering pulse of warmth in his chest, and the warm power he had been basking in slowly withdrew. In its place was a pulsing warmth that grew warmer and cooled, grew warmer, and cooled before the warmth blossomed and spread rapidly through his body.
It was strong, stronger than anything he had used or felt as Tuxedo Mask, and felt so very familiar. Then he gasped quietly as his mind was flooded with information and seemed to expand and stretch uncomfortably to accommodate it all. Names, dates, places, locations, faces, feelings, and emotions swirled and flashed through his mind.
oOo
A small seven year old little boy with short black hair and deep blue eyes stood in the center of a large courtyard. He wore a white long sleeve tunic shirt, black pants, and black knee high boots.
He held a little wooden sword in his small hands, his face a mask of concentration, as he swung the sword around in his practice.
He swung the practice sword down in a straight line toward the ground before he brought it back and repeated the action. He needed to perfect his movements before he could move on to learning another move. He had been practicing for days, hours at a time, and was sure he would have it right today.
"That is enough Prince Endymion. I believe you have the movement perfected, and we can now move on to the next one." A male voice said, and he stopped and breathed a heavy relieved sigh before he set his legs and waited to be shown the next move.
oOo
Endymion walked calmly at his father's side down a hallway of their palace home. His father had said there was something important he needed him for and he was extremely curious; especially since his father refused to give him details.
They walked down another few hallways until he realized exactly where they were going. They were headed toward the throne room. Now his curiosity was rising higher. He didn't really spend much time in that room. Only for special ceremonies did he go there. He figured beyond that he would spend enough time there when he took over ruling from his parents.
'So why are we going there, and what could be so important?' The ten year old wondered as he glanced up to his father's tall figure.
"Go on in and sit on the throne." His father said as they reached the large double doors of the throne room, and Endymion did a double take as he looked up to his father. "Yes; my chair." He confirmed.
Endymion nodded and turned to the doors, and watched as two guards opened them wide. He calmly walked in and moved across the large hall-like room as he eyed the large elaborate pair of chairs meant for his parents.
He stopped in front of his father's chair and stared at it for a moment. He thought he would only ever sit in it when he became King, but here he was having been told plainly to sit in it long before then.
He stepped forward up the short step and onto the raised platform and turned around and sat in his father's seat. He sat back until the back of his knees touched the chair and then positioned himself until he was sitting up straight with his hands on the armrests.
'I might as well look the part as best I can since there must be a good reason he wants me sitting here.' He thought as he held his head up, his eyes focused and serious, unknowingly looking the part of the King despite his legs not reaching the floor.
Endymion looked toward the doors, having been closed at some point after he entered the room, and watched as they opened and his father walked in with four boys a little older then him. They walked toward him and once they reached him the boys stood side by side in a straight line.
His father stood off to the side looking at him with clear pride in his eyes and gestured toward the boys.
"Endymion these young boys, from now on, will be your Guardian Generals; your protectors." His father said as he looked back to him. "They are obviously not generals yet, but given time they will be." He added before he looked to the boys.
"I am Malachite your highness." The boy with white hair said with a bow.
"I am Jedite your highness." A boy with short blonde hair said with a smile and a bow.
"My name is Zoycite your highness." A boy with long blonde hair said as he bowed.
"My name is Neflite your highness." The last boy said, his long brown hair swaying slightly as he bowed.
"Greetings Malachite, Jedite, Zoycite, Neflite." Endymion said as he bowed his head. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Prince Endymion. I look forward to getting to know each of you."
oOo
Thirteen year old Endymion lay in his large bed during the early night trying to fall asleep. He tossed from one side to the other, turned onto his stomach and again onto his back, but to no avail. Sleep simply would not come.
He sat up with a tired sigh and decided to meditate. He sometimes became sleepy when he did. He crossed crosses his legs under the covers, and straightened his back as he rested his hands on his knees and closed his eyes.
He took deep slow breaths and let them out just as slowly as he pictured a pitch black void instead of the blank white wall he usually did. He hoped the darkness would help toward making him sleepy.
Endymion didn't know how long he sat there but he eventually began to see a spark of light in the middle of his black void. He held in a frown and focused harder on his black void, but the spark grew larger until it was a twinkling star. As it grew larger and larger he began to feel a pulsing warmth in his chest.
Eventually the growing twinkling star revealed itself to be a golden crystal, and the pulsing warmth in his chest stopped only for the warmth to spread throughout his entire body.
He surprisingly didn't feel alarmed or concerned at what was happening. His meditating was keeping him calm, and the warmth was comforting and steady; as if he was used to it and had known it all his life.
Suddenly information began to gently enter his mind as if he was being informed by something. Informed that what was happening was something important and life changing. The golden crystal, which had been around for longer than he could imagine, had chosen him to wield and protect it.
Since his great great grandfather on his father's side had passed away it had been inside every member of the family that shared his blood waiting. It had been with him in particular since birth, and had now decided he was the right one to wield it and the right age to know of it.
It was a very powerful object that could do many great things, big and small, but it took his life energy to do it therefore he would have to be very careful and responsible. The crystal would teach him how to use it properly as he grew older and more mature, so he should not be afraid of accidentally killing himself.
As the warmth, the power he realized, flowed through his body he understood that although the crystal had been in his family for many many years its knowledge and workings were to be kept secret. Only those who had wielded it knew; only he could wield and protect it, so only he could know about its workings.
A calm mind and good intentions were all he needed to best use its awesome power. Such would produce the best results possible.
'I can do that.' He thought as he allowed himself to lay down, unknowing that his entire body was glowing with a rich golden light.
Endymion was certain he would be able to sleep now.
oOo
Sixteen year old Endymion laughed almost breathlessly, moving with his young black stallion, as they sped across a green field of grass. Behind him and at his sides were his friends and Generals on their own horses laughing and shouting.
They had a couple of hours of free time, and Endymion had been determined to spend all of it on his horse. He had, through no fault of his own, been neglecting his stallion, and he was now free to lavish attention on him and renew their bond.
So here they all were racing across a field after having raced along a road, speeding around twists and turns, and were ready to really let their horses stretch their legs. Their destination was unknown, but he didn't care. He just wanted to have fun with his friends.
oOo
Endymion blinked as he appeared among the trees in a quiet forest. He had asked his crystal to take him somewhere quiet since he needed a break from all the talking going on around him. The forest was peaceful and quiet, just what he needed, but of course it would know what he needed after all these years.
He took a step forward and began to calmly walk in the direction his crystal was subtly guiding him in. His crystal had never steered him wrong in all these years, and he had no reason to distrust it now so he followed along.
He walked along quietly as was his want, seeing no reason to make a bunch of noise, not wanting to draw attention to himself. He enjoyed the warm air, the unique smell of the forest, and the bird conversations around him.
Glancing off to his side he paused as he saw, to his surprise, a woman. He stepped around trees and over bushes to get a closer look, and leaned against a tree at the edge of the clearing she was standing in.
In his twenty-two years he had never seen such a sight before. A pale skin toned woman out in the middle of the forest, wearing a white gown, and all alone from the looks of it. He could only see her from the side, but he took in the simplistic beauty of her sleeveless gown, the unique bun hairstyle she wore along with the length, and how its color perfectly matched her gown.
It was rare that he saw a woman wearing white, but this woman moved as if it was her everyday attire.
Endymion watched her silently and found himself completely fascinated by her fascination with the sunlight. It was as if she had never experienced the sun before. However she was clearly enjoying the feel of it as she moved her face under the light. Then he watched as she moved around taking in the view of some of the colorful flowers the clearing offered.
"Oh!" He heard her voice gasp out in shock as she looked around and spotted him.
Her white gown was held onto her body by an elaborately decorated bodice made of white pearls and gold swirl designs. A string of white pearls hung on one of her delicate wrists, and the same pearls were clipped in her hair just above her bangs. A golden crescent moon sat perfectly framed by her bangs in the center of her forehead, and below were wide crystal blue eyes.
This mysterious woman in white, looking as if she belonged in the forest despite her white attire, was absolutely beautiful. And her voice, the little heard, had sounded so soft and light. He had to speak to her; had to get to know her.
He stood up straight and watched as she instantly took a quick step back. He didn't want to scare away so he slowly stepped forward with his hands in front of him, clearly visible, and away from his sword.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to frighten you. I simply did not expect anyone to be out here." He said in a light tone. "I have never seen anyone like you before, so I had to stop and watch you." He explained.
He watched her take another step back and, worse, remain silent as she watched him with uncertain wary eyes. He did not like her beautiful eyes showing such emotions, so he decided to introduce himself and hope it helped. He stepped further into the clearing, and into the sun so he could be seen clearly.
"I am Prince Endymion." He said as he bowed, his voice still light, and straighten to look at her again. She hesitated but eventually, thankfully, stepped forward.
"I am Princess Serenity." She said as she curtsied. "I am pleased to meet you." She added as she straightened.
Endymion's eyes widened slightly at the revelation of who this beautiful woman was. He had heard of the heiress to the Moon throne, but he had never seen her before. Her identity completely explained her appearance. Her white attire and hair, her skin tone, and the crescent moon on her forehead.
"The pleasure is all mine my lady." He said with a smile, feeling incredibly lucky that he was getting to met her, and away from anyone that might interfere as well.
oOo
Endymion sat in the short bright green grass in the middle of a grassy field as he watched Serenity spin around. Her arms were stretched out and her head was tilted back as her hair and gown swirled around her.
He had brought her there to allow her to experience something new. She had never been to a field so large and open with no trees in the vicinity and flowers scattered around. It was something he had been doing since they had met a little over a month ago.
They had been meeting up after their duties were done, sneaking away from their ever present protective guardians, to talk and slowly get to know each other. In the process he had been taking her around to various places and environments.
So far he had taken her to a beach to experience sand and see the ocean, to a desert to experience a different type of sand and the extreme heat, and to a rainforest to experience the miles and miles of large trees in a jungle.
In addition to that, because of his connection to the Earth he could safely approach all animals, he would take her around to see different domestic and wild animals. She had seen elephants, tigers, deer's, lions, kangaroos, and more.
Always they were careful not to be seen so as to not have people talk and create rumors and gossip that would get back to their guardians and parents.
Endymion couldn't explain how much he enjoyed her reactions. To see the excitement, awe, and fascination to everything was entertaining and refreshing considering the false expressions he had to put up with in his court. She was so honest, and it was moments like this that made her more beautiful in his eyes.
Her beauty was simply one more characteristic about her that he liked. She was such a soft, kind, and caring person. So innocent and yet so passionate, and intelligent! She had thoroughly impressed him with the extensive knowledge she had of his planet. The fact that she had taken such an interest only added to her appeal and drew him closer to her.
'I like her.' He admitted to himself. 'Not just like; I am attracted to her. There is no sense in denying it, and I do not wish to in any case.' He thought as he watched her stop spinning and turn to him with a smile as she began to walk toward him.
'Perhaps I can give her another type of new experience.' He considered as she drew closer.
In the time they had known each other they had not touched. When he took her around to different places he simply asked his crystal to bring the two of them and she was included in the travel. It wasn't because he didn't wish to touch her, but because he wish to proceed cautiously so as to not scare her.
It was clear to him from the moment he met her that he was the first earthling she had met, and through their talks later on he had discerned that she had never been interested in a male before. So the prospect of his attraction to her would be something entirely new to her.
"That was so much fun, and this place is so beautiful." She said as she sat in the grass near him, and he smiled softly.
"I am glad you have enjoyed yourself." Endymion said as he gazed at her. "Would you like to try something else that is new?" He asked after a few moments of silence.
"Such as?" She asked curiously, and he lifted his left hand so her palm was facing her.
"To see what I feel like." He said simply.
Her eyes widened before she looked to his raised hand and then back to his face before she shifted onto her knees and moved closer to him. She raised her right hand and hesitantly placed her palm against his. He listened to her gasp and her eyes seemed to widen further.
Her hand was so very soft and warm. It was also smaller than his and felt so delicate. He spread his fingers and slowly linked their fingers, feeling her do the same until their hands were clasped together.
"It is so big." She said as she brought her free hand up and lightly covered the back of his hand. "And warm." She added as she looked at their linked hands.
"And yours is so small, and just as warm." He replied before he lifted his own free hand and covered hers so both their hands were fully clasped together.
Their eyes locked, and he knew he wasn't the only one to feel the rightness of their connection.
oOo
Serena watched calmly, still caressing her prince's face, and watched his eyes moving rapidly beneath his fluttering eyelids. Within moments his body began to glow a soft gold that brightened in richness before his black tuxedo shifted into the navy blue royal uniform and silver armor she remembered him wearing so often.
His eyes opened and flickered all around her face as they softened.
"Serenity." Darien breathed out as he put his free hand on her waist, and slipped it around her back as he leaned down toward her. "Finally." He added before he brought his lips to hers in a kiss.
Their lips pressed together softly at first, feeling the shape of each other lips, before Darien's lips parted and his tongue gently pressed against hers. Serena parted her lips, opening her mouth to him without hesitation, and hummed at the feel his warm tongue sliding against hers. Their tongues moved, twirling and sliding, as they danced together in an intense kiss. A sample of the passion they had shared in their past.
They ended the kiss slowly before pulling away, their foreheads pressed together as they gazed into each other's eyes; drinking in their fill of each other's features after being parted for so long.
"I missed you." Serena said softly, and he smiled.
"I missed you as well." Darien replied just as softly, the ocean waves the only sound to accompany them.
"I suppose we need to talk now." She said with a sigh.
"Yes. If only to answer any remaining questions, and decide what we will do now that we are finally together and remember." He said.
Serena nodded and they stepped back slightly, releasing their hold on each other, and allowed their royal forms to fade back into their warrior forms.
"So, who are you in this life?" Darien asked curiously, and Serena hesitated.
"What will we do if you know me and don't like me?" She asked.
"I don't know many girls, and the ones I do know I like." He assured her. "Except in the case of one. I merely tolerate that one, but the others I wouldn't bother knowing them if I wasn't friendly with them."
Serena sighed before she nodded and released her transformation causing him to wordlessly do the same. When the lights cleared they were surprised with who they saw.
"I knew there was a reason I couldn't stop myself from teasing you." Darien said with a smile as he recognized Serena.
"You really couldn't stop yourself?" Serena asked shyly as she saw that her masked crush, her Endymion, was in actuality Darien.
"I couldn't." He admitted. "Every time I saw you I had to say something, anything, to get your attention and focus on me."
"Oh." She said with a little smile, seeing his behavior and words toward her in a new light.
"So what brought you here in the middle of the night?" Darien asked.
"This urge to be under the light of the Moon woke me out of my sleep. It didn't feel dangerous but it was so strong, so insistent, so I followed it, and it lead me here." Serena said as she gestured to the beach.
"Ah. I woke up from sensing your need of me, and I let it guide me to you." He revealed, and she nodded curiously.
With that understanding they sat down in the sand, and began to talk about what they were going to do next.
"My Sailor Scouts don't trust you," Serena revealed right away. "because you're an unknown and you're after the rainbow crystals. Even though it seems everyone is after them." She explained. "We thought they would lead us to the princess or the silver crystal, which would lead to the princess. Obviously that isn't the case since my silver crystal has been with me all this time."
"I was after them because I hoped they would lead me to you." Darien said with a sigh. "I had been having dreams of a mysterious princess asking me to find her. She seemed to know me and I hoped when I found her she could tell me who I was, because I'd had doubts for years; since the accident that took my parents lives."
Serena gasped in surprise. She hadn't known he was an orphan, and she didn't like that she hadn't known.
"Is your name not Darien?" She asked.
"It is." He said with a nod. "Remembering my past removed the doubt. I think the accident must have left me with some kind of sense of my past, and confused me with sensing both identities even if I didn't know exactly what that other identity was." He explained, and she nodded her understanding.
"Do you know who your Scouts are in this life?" He asked, and she nodded.
"You do as well. They're my friends. Amy is Sailor Mercury, Raye is Sailor Mars, and Lita is Sailor Jupiter." She revealed. "And now that I remember my past I know that Sailor V is actually Sailor Venus. It will be easy to summon her regardless of where she is."
"That's good. At least you have your guardians." Darien said as he shook his head. "Mine are currently apart of the Negaverse, and if I recall correctly Neflite is dead and I don't know what happened to Jedite."
"Hmmm...we're currently fighting Zoycite, and Malachite has yet to make an appearance." Serena said, and was quiet for a few moments. "I think it's possible to get your generals back. The power of our crystals is great, and we certainly have the will and determination to succeed."
"You really want me to have my generals back?" He asked as he looked to her. "They did betray me in the past; even if they were influenced by the evil that lead to our end they still betrayed me."
"Yes I do. I'm not willing to trust your safety to my Scouts. You can protect yourself but you still need someone to watch your back." She said. "As for your generals betraying you...they did. There is no denying that, but you should get their side. We have no idea exactly how something like that works. Their free will could have been taken from them or they could have been given new memories to make them believe they were on the same side as that evil."
"Okay." Darien said with a nod. "I will give them a chance to explain, and if I am not satisfied then they will not be my generals. Still, either way they will be free of the Negaverse and able to live their lives."
"True, and if they cannot be your generals then perhaps you can pick new ones. Andrew perhaps." Serena suggested.
"That would be nice." He admitted. "I don't know if he would agree to that but it's an option, and I would only have to worry about picking three more." He said with a nod. "So after I have my generals, considering I can accept them, what will we do next?"
"Assuming Venus is around by then we finally get rid of the Negaverse, and live our lives freely and openly." She said firmly, and he nodded. "Do you want my Scouts to know about you being Tuxedo Mask or will you stay unknown?"
"They will know; at least if you plan to revel yourself as their princess." He said and watched her nod. "Then they will be made to know and understand. This is not the past. I will not hide our relationship. They will know I am Tuxedo Mask and Endymion, and that if they try to come between us the consequences will be dire." He said seriously.
He truly meant his words. He had defied the rule against relationships between their planets to be with her, actually died for her in the past, and he'd be damned if they were kept apart now that they were born and lived on the same planet!
