Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or her characters, and have no right to it except as a long time fan.
Title: The Ceremony
Serenity x Endymion
Rated: T
Romance/Drama
Summary: They were going to get married, and they were not going to let anyone stop them.
A bright white light flashed briefly in a dark garden before it disappeared leaving behind a young woman dressed in a white gown. Her matching hair was pulled up and twisted into twin buns with the remainder of her extremely long hair trailing down her body in two streams to pool on the ground.
She blinked her cerulean blue eyes open and looked around curiously, taking in the muted colors of the flowers in the dark and bright lights of the Earth Palace. She had never been there at night before, never mind so late, but she had come because her prince had specifically requested it of her.
Stepping forward she cautiously began to look around for the one she had come to see, and moments later saw him standing near where she recalled the red roses to be; clearly waiting for her.
"Endymion." She said as she stepped closer to him, and watched him turn to her.
"Serenity." He said before she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you for coming." He added as he returned her hug.
"Of course. There is no where else I would rather be." She replied softly even as she realized he wasn't wearing his armor.
"Good. There is something I wish to show you." Endymion said before he tightened his hold on her and focused inward.
A moment later the pair began to glow with a golden light before they disappeared in a brief flash only to reappear just as quickly in a quiet open area near the ocean. They were actually so close that they could hear the ocean; much to Serenity's delight as they released their hold on each other.
Endymion offered Serenity his arm and leisurely guided her along a wide white marble path towards a building sitting on top of a large hill. It was dark out but the light of the moon was bright enough to allow them to see without a secondary light source and the white walkway only helped guide them.
The white building was the only one in sight and was actually a temple. It was a tall slightly rectangular temple that looked large enough to fit a home inside. It was in the Roman style with tall pillars with green vines with flower blossoms sprouting from them spiraling up each pillar.
Serenity looked at the building in awe and as they drew closer she could see over the hill and realized that it over looked the ocean, which made the sight even more beautiful.
They walked up the stairs and pass the tall pillars into the building, their footsteps echoing as they moved further in. Serenity looked up and saw that there was no roof so the light from her home was filling the place, and highlighting a statue that was standing in the center of the open temple.
It was a marble statue of a tall curvy woman with long wavy hair flowing down her back wearing what looked like a long toga wrapped around her body, and a crown of flowers and leaves on her head. Her face was set in an eternal look of peace and welcome.
One arm was curved toward her body as if she was in the process of wrapping it around her stomach, and the other stretched out in front of her as if extending a welcoming hand.
"She is the goddess Gaia." Endymion said as they stopped in front of the figure. "She is the mother of the earth and of all life on this planet." He elaborated, and she blinked in surprise as she took a step closer to the beautiful woman.
"I brought you here not only so you can experience this area, but because of this temple's significance. Because of my connection to the earth, Gaia is in essence my mother as much as my birth mother is, and since my parents do not know of our relationship I thought it would be best to bring you here since the goddess surely knows of us." He explained.
"I wanted at least one of my parents as a witness." He added softly.
"Endymion." Serenity said as she turned to him. "What are you saying?" She asked, and watched as he grasped her hands in his.
"I am saying that I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to spend lifetimes with you; never to be parted from you." He said as he looked into her eyes. "I am saying I want you to give me your hand in marriage so that I may hold it and you to me forever."
Serenity's eyes widened and she gasped in surprise. She had in no way expected this outing to turn into a proposal.
"What say you my princess? Will you become my princess in truth? My future queen?" He asked, and watched a smile light up her face.
"Yes." She said with a light laugh as she squeezed his hands. "I would love nothing more."
Serenity sighed at the remembrance from where she lay slightly curled up on her bed.
It had been almost two months since Endymion's proposal to her and they only days ago decided to have a secret wedding, because they believed it would not happen, regardless of how much time passed, if they didn't do it in secret.
However, having made their decision they were unsure where the ceremony could take place so that it would remain a secret, so they were taking some time to come up with something before meeting up again.
Perhaps it is time I seek aid from a higher power. She considered thoughtfully as she stared at her bedspread. Yes. I shall go to the Chamber of Prayer. She decided before she sat up.
Serenity moved to the side of her bed and gently slipped into her high heels before she stood up. She walked to her bedroom door and opened it, and stepped out before she closed it and began to head toward the chamber.
She calmly walked down long hallways and down staircases as she passed the occasional armored guard. On and on she went, gradually moving toward the center of her palace home, until she reached a set of large double doors.
She opened one of the doors and slipped inside before she closed it behind her and turned to the room. It was circular and large, the ceiling reaching high up, and at its center stood the Crystal Tower. It glowed a bright white from within, and provided the only light in the room.
Serenity stepped further into the room until she stood directly in front of the Crystal Tower. She brought her hands up and linked her fingers together before she closed her eyes and focused her mind.
Please help. Help me to find a way to make my wedding to my love Endymion happen sooner rather than later. She prayed to the Crystal Tower.
Unbeknownst to the Moon Princess the Crystal Tower began to glow brighter, and she felt a warm pulse inside her. She hummed and focused on that inner warmth and got the sense that she should touch the Tower.
She opened her eyes and stepped forward and placed a hand on the glowing Tower. It was warm, like the pulsing warmth inside her, and she closed her eyes once again. The pulsing warmth continued as the seconds passed, growing stronger, and she realized it was her connection to the silver crystal; it was creating a stronger connection with her, much stronger than usual.
In her mind an image of Endymion appeared bright and clear, and as she looked at him she got the impression that her prince would handle the location and details on the ceremony. The warmth pulsed strongly as if to affirm her impression.
Very well. She thought, accepting what she was sensing since she trusted the silver crystal. She knew it was aware of things beyond its general location, things a person would not be aware of without being told.
Another image was soon taking her loves place. The image of a scout she had never seen before but knew who it was on instinct. Sailor Pluto. Again the warmth pulsed strongly in affirmation and, although there were no words, she got the sense, the urge that she was to seek out the scout to witness her wedding.
Serenity's eyes snap open and she turned toward the door pulling her hand from the Crystal Tower, unaware that the blue of her eyes was only showing slightly since they were glowing a soft white.
She stepped toward the doors and opened one before she slipped out and closed it behind her. Turning she began to walk down the hallway and through her home in a direction of the palace no one but herself and her mother knew of to get to the less known scout. She had actually never been told how to get to the scout, but the crystal assured her she would know how when the time came.
She came across the occasional guard that glanced her way, but ignored them all as she continued on toward her destination.
Within minutes she came upon an elaborate doorway at the end of a lonely hallway and knew that was where she needed to go. There were no handles on either of the two doors so she placed a hand on one of the doors, and the entire doorway glowed softly before the door opened.
She pushed it further open only enough for her to slip inside, and left it open behind her; positive that no one would come along and see it open.
Inside all she could see was a smoky white fog, but she was not worried as she knew it was the nature of the place to be so. She stepped further into the space until she could no longer see the door she had come through and waited patiently.
"Princess." A mature female voice spoke to her from within the smoky fog before they stepped into view.
Standing before her was a tall woman with long knee length dark green hair and dark red eyes dressed as her Guardian Scouts did. She wore a sleeveless white bodysuit and long gloves with a solid black collar, elbow fittings on her gloves, mini skirt, and tall knee high boots, and the bow on her chest and lower back were maroon.
Completing the look was a gold tiara with a garnet colored gem, a black choker around her neck with a garnet colored gem, and garnet colored earrings shaped like big thick downward-pointed arrows. Aside from that she wore a silver chain around her waist dotted with four separate silver keys, and in her hands was a tall almost key-shaped staff.
"Why have you come?" The scout that was obviously Sailor Pluto asked simply.
"I wish to invite you to witness my wedding to my prince Endymion." Serenity answered. "We do not currently have a date set since it is to be secret, however I want you to be there when the time comes."
"I am honored your highness." Pluto said, and truly she was honored. She didn't even mind the fact that it was to be a secret wedding, but she had a rather valid concern. "However, I cannot leave my post; I am absolutely forbidden to do so unless a situation is dire."
As soon as the words finished leaving her mouth Serenity's eyes began to glow a bright white, and when she spoke though her voice was the same it took on an ancient echoing tone clearly signaling another was speaking through her.
"It is important that you witness the wedding of your future King and Queen. It is they who will be addressing future threats to the timeline, and they who will make it possible for you to no longer have to remain at your post to guard the timeline."
"Unfortunately such will not happen in this time, however you must witness their bond so you are able to know what to look for when they find each other again and when to act."
"When to act?" Pluto questioned.
"When to make your existence known to them."
Sailor Pluto nodded her understanding. It was not much information, only a few details, but there was a sufficient important amount said that it was all she needed.
Apparently her Princess would become her Queen, and the Earth Prince she was secretly involved with would be her King, and they would be responsible for taking care of threats to the timeline and make it so she didn't have to remain at her post.
However, none of it would happen in this lifetime.
"I understand." She said as she nodded. "Can I know who exactly I am speaking to?" She asked.
"The crystal to which your Princess will one day wield and guard." Her Princess' voice said.
Her eyes widened slightly at the words, and she watched as her Princess' eyes returned to their natural blue color.
"I will be there to witness your wedding my Princess." Pluto said as she quickly put away her surprise at the revelation of who or rather what she had been speaking to. "I will keep a close watch on you so I know when to arrive for the ceremony regardless of where and when it is held."
"Thank you very much." Serenity said softly. "I will see you then."
With her words spoken she turned and made her way out of the space and closed the elaborate door behind her. She contently began to head back to her room, unaware of the conversation that had taken place between the silver crystal and Sailor Pluto, and hoped her prince would come to her that evening.
oOoCoOo
Endymion sat in the grass in the middle of his garden enjoying the cool air and soothing fragrance as he meditated with his golden crystal.
His crystal was always a good guide for him, especially when he had no one else he trusted that he could go to when he needed something. And right now he needed a location for his wedding to his kind hearted and beautiful princess.
The ceremony had to remain secret. It was essential to the stability of their kingdoms; at least until they could be open about their relationship in a way that would not cause uprisings.
Since he and his love had decided a few days ago to have the wedding in secret he had been subtly looking around at various locations. However, so far every location that could be used for such a thing was too open to the public. He could not even think of a location on the Moon where they could perform the ceremony.
That would not work at all. He thought with a sigh as he abruptly broke off his meditation. We cannot have it on the Moon. There would be too much of a chance that her Guardian Scouts and her mother would find out and stop us.
As it is the location here will have to be private enough so that my own parents and Guardian Generals do not find out.
He took a deep breath and focused his mind back on his crystal and his need to find a location for his wedding. He breathed in and relaxed as the fragrance of fresh roses registered in his senses. It was such a pleasant smell and his favorite flower. He especially liked that his Serenity enjoyed the smell as well. He would have to make sure roses were present at the ceremony.
Suddenly the warmth of his crystal pulsed inside him and he got the urge to go to Elysion. He had only been there once before, when he first discovered he had his golden crystal, and that was so he could be aware of his connection to the Earth.
Endymion got to his feet and calmly willed himself to the secret place within the Earth. In the blink of an eye he was there gazing around at the scenery, and quickly understood why he was there and what he needed to do.
What he was seeing was the perfect place for their wedding; it was beautiful and he was sure his princess would love it.
There was a sea of red roses behind him and nearly so in front of him if not for a walking path. He began to step forward and followed the marble path through the roses until it widened into stairs that went up a short distance onto a wide walkway lined on both sides with tall pillars and paths of flowing water.
He continued forward, his gaze drifting around at the beauty he had not seen the last time he had been there, and found a white shrine at the end of the walkway.
It was round in its build with three levels and many windows, both large and small. At the very top point of the shrine was a golden statue of what was, unmistakably to his eyes, the goddess Gaia.
Endymion smiled. He knew he could rely on his golden crystal and his goddess mother to guide him on his quest to join himself with the woman he loved. With their guidance he and Serenity would soon be wedded.
He blinked and lowered his eyes away from the high statue as the doors to the shrine opened. Out stepped a young looking man with solid gold eyes, and a few steps behind him two young women.
The women had hair styles like the royalty of the Moon; one had lavender hair and the other light pink, and both had solid color eyes matching their hair. They were dressed in simple identical white floor length dresses with ribbons crisscrossing around the middle, and each wore a simple delicate chain tiara on their forehead with a narrow teardrop pearl hanging in the middle of their forehead just above their eyebrows.
The young-looking man had short white hair, light golden eyes, and a red jewel on his forehead. He wore light and airy looking white attire with light blue transparent lining around his neck and shoulders, and dark blue lining around his wrists, the edges of the end of his top, and with a dark blue ribbon tied around his waist.
He looked more like a boy just entering his teens than a young man, but his golden eyes told the truth of his age. There was a maturity and wisdom there that should not be present if he was truly the age he looked.
He must be older than I; possibly older than my father. He thought as he watched him walk toward him; the young women remaining on the stairs. To his immense surprise the young-looking man bowed deeply to him.
"Good evening your highness." He said as he straightened; the soft yet deep tone of his voice further revealing his true age.
"Who are you?" Endymion ask since the young-looking man clearly knew who he was.
"My name is Helios, your highness." He answered calmly. "I am the guardian of the Earth and Elysion, and considering your connection to the planet I consider myself your guardian as well."
That surprise Endymion. He had no idea the Earth had a guardian. Not to mention one that considered himself his guardian as well. He highly doubted he was to be a protective guardian to him, and could not help wondering what he considered his duties to be.
"Tell me Helios, what do you consider your duties as guardian to be?" He asked.
"As guardian of Elysion, which also doubles as my home, I am to protect this sacred land from all who wish to taint its purity. As guardian of the Earth I am to monitor the planet's health and be aware of anything that can affect its vitality. If I am unable to prevent or stop any ill effects I am to bring the issue to the attention of those who can." Helios explained.
"As your guardian, although we have only now met, I am to guide, advise, and aid you in whatever you wish of me." He added.
"I see." Endymion said with a nod before he glanced around. "I have come here in search of a location to have my wedding. Now that I am here I find that it is the perfect place. It is beautiful, it smells heavenly, and best of all it is completely private." He explained as he returned his eyes to the young-looking man, trusting that as his guardian he would speak to no one of his personal matters.
"Now I need only worry about a specific location here, and finding someone to perform the ceremony." He said.
"Then you have indeed come to the right location your highness. Not only am I guardian here, I am also a priest. I can join you to your lady of choice, and it will be absolutely legal and binding no matter where you are or where you go." Helios informed him seriously.
"Excellent." Endymion said with a small smile.
"Shall we go indoors to further discuss what you wish to happen." Helios suggested as he gestured toward the shrine.
"Yes." Endymion agreed. "Please lead the way."
The prince followed the priest as they walked toward the shrine and entered the building. As they made their way to a room where they could be seated and speak comfortably Endymion learned that the two women were priestesses that not only assisted Helios but guarded the shrine.
Once they were seated comfortably in a room that appeared to be Helios' office Endymion informed his guardian priest who his soon to be bride was, and that their need for privacy was actually a need for secrecy.
With those pertinent facts in place he told him that there was no specific date as he had had to find the location first, however now that he had it was to take place at night so as to avoid being missed by their parents and guardian protectors.
"As this ceremony is to be held in secrecy can I assume that there will be no guests?" Helios asked.
"Correct." Endymion said as he glanced out the window nearest to his seat. The top of what he guessed was a roof caught his attention, and he stood and stepped toward the window for a better look.
As soon as his eyes lighted on it he realized it actually wasn't a roof as there was no roof to speak of to the structure. The structure itself was white and round with the appearance of a large gazebo open to the sky in a style that was reminiscent to the temple for the goddess Gaia.
There was a short set of stairs leading up to it that were framed by rose bushes, and pillars with rich green vines winding around each one from top to bottom with bright red roses scattered along the vines.
It is perfect. Endymion thought as his eyes skipped around the area, realizing that the structure was a slight distance behind the shrine and off to the side.
"Your highness?" Helios questioned quietly as he stepped up to his side, and looked curiously out the window.
"There." He pointed toward the gazebo. "There is where I wish for the ceremony to take place."
"As you wish your highness." Helios said as he too looked at the structure, making mental notes on where everyone would stand.
oOoCoOo
Two weeks had passed since the secret couple had decided to have a secret wedding, and now the day or rather night of the event had finally arrived.
The part of the Earth where Endymion lived was on the same day and night cycle as the Moon, so there was no issue in that department and they were able to make their plans accordingly. Serenity would come to the Earth and meet Endymion, and he would bring them both to Elysion where they would have their ceremony.
With their plans set and it now being well pass midnight Endymion waited in his rose garden for his princess to arrive. They had decided that they could wear what they normally wore since it was formal enough, and they couldn't risk drawing attention to themselves by acquiring wedding attire.
He was dressed as he usually was in his uniform, cape, armor, and sword, and knew she would come dressed in her usual white gown.
Since his princess couldn't have a wedding dress like she had imagined she would on her wedding day he made sure that she would have a wedding ring.
Still there. Endymion thought as he lightly brushed his fingers against his pocket, feeling the ring as he made sure it was there and ready to be used.
He couldn't buy one or have it made since people would know and word would get around. That and it would take too long, so he used his crystal to make a ring since he wanted her to have one.
A white flash out of the corner of his eye caught his attention and he turned to see his princess standing, practically glowing in the dark with her white hair and attire, a few feet from him.
"Serenity." He said as he stepped toward her.
"Endymion." She said softly as she grasped his outstretched hand.
"Are you ready my love?" He asked as he gazed down into her eyes.
"Yes." Serenity answered firmly.
"Then let us be on our way." Endymion said as he pulled her close and held her to him.
With her in his arms he focused and willed himself and his princess to the secret place within the Earth. Moments later he was seeing the sea of roses and smelling their fresh fragrance.
"Welcome to Elysion my love." He said as she stepped back to see.
"Oh wow." Serenity breathed out as she brought a hand up to her chest. "It is positivity lovely, and so much more than I imagined."
"I am pleased you approve." Endymion said with a smile. "Come, let us go and be joined together at last."
"Yes." She said as she wrapped her hand around his arm and walked with him as he guided her along a marble path.
They reached the shrine he had told her of within minutes, and he left her in the hands of two priestesses that would assist her in freshening up and guide her to where the ceremony would proceed.
Endymion for his part continued on through the shrine, on the direct path he had been shown the last time he was there, until he reached the back door. Stepping through he saw the gazebo, as well as his guardian, and began to walk the path toward them.
Once he reached them he stepped up the stairs onto the gazebo and greeted Helios before moving himself into position, which was to Helios' left as the priest stood in the center directly across from the short stairs.
A few silent moments passed before both looked over to see a wavering in the air that caught their attention. The wavering soon shifted into a seam in the air that split open into an oval hole, and out stepped a tall woman dressed as a sailor scout.
Both recognized her from the description they had been given. After he had informed Serenity of the location of the ceremony she had told him of the witness the silver crystal had insisted be in attendance, and he in turn had informed Helios so there would be no issues when she suddenly appeared.
"Please, be welcome Sailor Pluto." Helios said as the oval hole closed behind her, and gestured toward the gazebo.
"Greetings Sailor Pluto. Thank you for being here." Endymion said as he watched the scout dressed in black and white step up onto the structure and stand off of Helios' right near the stairs.
"Thank you both." Sailor Pluto said as she settled into her place. "I am pleased to be here, and able to witness such a joyous occasion."
Both men nodded before they focused back on their own thoughts.
From where he stood Endymion looked out at the space between the gazebo and the back door of the shrine, and imagined that their family and friends were there to witness their happy moment as they should have been.
It still upset him that the forbidden nature of their relationship kept them from being out in the open. He was still unsure why relations between the Earth and Moon were forbidden. Knowing someone from their planets was perfectly fine, but having a romantic relationship was not acceptable.
He had never been able to find out what the punishment was, nor had Serenity, but he didn't care what it was. He loved Serenity and there was no going back for him. He wanted to be with her always, and now was the start of that.
She will be my princess in truth. He thought quietly as he saw movement at the door of the shrine. Out she stepped looking no different than when they arrived beyond the bouquet of red roses she held and the happy glow of her face. It was simple, but it still made her more beautiful in his eyes.
Serenity smiled brightly as she got her first look at the area where she would marry her love. It was beautiful and she could see him standing in the gazebo waiting for her. With him was Sailor Pluto just as she said she would be, and the man who must be Helios who would be marrying them.
As she walked forward her eyes rested on her prince love and she could not help the happy smile that lit up her face. He was looking at her and his eyes were bright and he had a small smile on his lips. She loved that smile; especially since she was the only one that could stretch it into something wider.
When she reached the gazebo she carefully stepped up the stairs and, smiling at everyone, walked forward and stood across from her love as Helios stepped forward.
"We are here this night to witness and celebrate the joining of these two souls, one of silver and one of gold. From two separate planets they came, heedless of the forbidden, to find and discover a love unknown. A true love, a destined love. A love that would last a lifetime and beyond." Helios began as he looked to the couple and their witness.
"Here they stand, ready and willing, to make a commitment. A commitment to bind, not only their lives, but their hearts and souls together. To put themselves into the keeping of one another; to trust, grow, and mature together." He continued.
"They stand here ready and willing to share their desires, longings, fears, uncertainties, dreams, memories, joys, and sorrows with each other, and know with certainty that they will be held in safe keeping." He said emphatically.
As the priest Helios spoke the couple stood gazing at each other. Their eyes were full of the love and commitment he spoke of as they listened to the words that brought them closer and closer to finally being joined as one.
"Here these two loving souls stand ready to take on the responsibility of nurturing one another and helping each other maintain their unique personality and individuality all the days of their lives." Helios continued solemnly as he gazed around at the small gathering.
"By agreeing to join your lives together you are knowingly and willingly agreeing to share your strengths, weaknesses, responsibilities, and love with one another. You are agreeing to give each other companionship, openness, and deep trust as your future unfolds." He said seriously as he looked to the couple.
"Do you, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, swear to take Prince Endymion of the Earth to be your life mate? To have, to hold, and to love until death do you part and beyond?" Helios asked as he looked to the moon princess.
"I do so swear." Serenity answered lovingly, her body and eyes glowing white with her words.
"Do you, Prince Endymion of the Golden Kingdom, swear to take Princess Serenity of the Moon to be your life mate? To have, to hold, and to love until death do you part and beyond?" Helios asked as he looked to his prince.
"I do so swear." Endymion answered strongly, his body and eyes glowing gold with his words.
"I believe your highness has something you wish to do." Helios said to his prince, and Endymion blinked before he reached into his pocket. He had nearly forgotten about the ring.
"We may be marry in secret without our friends and family, and this is likely not the wedding you imagined, however I hope this symbol of my love for you will give you a small piece of what you wished." He said as he revealed the ring he had concealed in his pocket.
Serenity gasped as she gazed down at the ring her love held between his fingers. It was a round silver band with a large pink heart shaped diamond surrounded by tiny clear diamonds. It was absolutely beautiful, and she could not wait to wear it.
Endymion watched as his love shifted the bouquet she held to her right hand, and gently grasped her left hand before he slipped the ring onto her second to last finger with the pink heart facing her.
"By the powers invested in me by the goddess Gaia, I now pronounce you bonded and married." Helios announced with a smile.
Serenity and Endymion smiled widely at each other, both ignoring the fact that they were glowing with their powers, before they stepped closer and brought their lips to each other in a loving kiss.
Helios and Sailor Pluto watched as the glow surrounding each of the royals brightened before they mixed together and softened into a light gold. The light seemed to pulse before it sank into the couple and disappeared just as they were parting from their kiss.
