Wings of Serenity: The rewrite
Chapter 7: Everything changes
Notes: I apologise for not updating this sooner. Originally, I had only planed to take a week break before starting the next chapter but that didn't work out quite as planed.
Also, I have a few answers for Slvrphoenx questions.
For this story, the Silver Crystal was created by Purity, Cherika's daughter, and was used to defeat Tartarus. It does get passed down to Queen Serenity and she is the one who makes it into the Silver Crystal that we know of today. Not only that but Serena doesn't know much about her ancestors, she only remembers her Mother, what happened during the Silver Millennium and Endymion. Speaking of Endymion we do see him in this chapter and the next but Mamoru (Or Darian as I'm using the English dub names) will appear at the end of story. The story starts just after the Sailor Soldiers' star seeds were taken by Galaxia and Mamoru was already dead.
As for Willow we have already seen her return as somebody else, she will make an appearance towards the end of the story.
Also, as a shameless plug, I have created a little one-shot called For what comes next which takes place during this chapter. It involves Aurelia (Amara) and Cordelia (Michelle). During the Silver Millennium the Sailor senshi did have names, they weren't Princess Mars or Princess Venus - this is just for this story.
Amy - Halimede
Raye - Aithne
Lita - Josephine
Mina - Darlene
Amara - Aurelia
Michelle - Cordelia
Trista - Cornelia
Hotaru - Nerissa
- Also to avoid confusion for her Mother people called Princess Serenity Selene.
Queen Serenity was making her was to the Palace's gardens, she wanted to have a moment to herself before returning to the chaos inside the Palace's walls. A lot had happened during the past sixteen years. For one thing she and fellow Queens managed to slow down the entity's process. It wasn't an easy mission, none of them were Solarians so they couldn't stay in Estoelia too long. Had it not been for Prince Remus, who used a special spell to protect the girls from the extreme heat, the Queens would have received several burns or possibly worse. The spell had limits though, they couldn't travel to heart of the Sun Kingdom and with their current forms they needed more power in order to make the ritual last longer. They had managed to evolve themselves, gaining more power in a form called Divine, and managed successful preform the ritual.
With Prince Remus he and Queen Serenity were now happily married, as were the other Queens - except for Queen Hera. They were happy few a while but the Queen of Jupiter preferred women over men, her first love was Queen Mercia. Her husband, Wulfric, was understanding and told her that if they wanted to separate then they could, on the conditions that he could help her govern Jupiter and been in their Children's life. Of course, they weren't the only ones to have children. Each of the Kings and Queens had children of their own and, just like their Mothers, they had their own duties. The daughters of Amphitrite, Nuraya, Hera and Aphrodite were the protectors of Queen Serenity's daughter - with Aphrodite's daughter being Serenity's double. Azure and Umi's daughters were assigned to protecting the outer reaches of the cosmos, they could come and go as they pleased and would return to there posts if they were summoned by their guardians. Mercia's daughter was assigned to protecting the space-time door from intruders and, much like the new Uranus and Neptune, she could come and go as she pleased and return if she was summoned by her guardian. As for Destiny's daughter... Well, she hadn't awakened yet. She was only meant to be awaken as a last result, bring the end of life in the process. She was just a child right now but... she actually had power of death and rebirth.
(She's just a child, nobody should be forced to endure death at a young age.) Queen Serenity thought.
Pushing that thought aside Queen Serenity found herself in the royal gardens. She did want a break from the preparations that were going on inside the Palace but there was a another reason as to why she was there in the first place. She was looking for her daughter. Like the other Kings and Queens Remus and Serenity had a children as well. The first was boy called Apollo, he had lavender hair and blue eyes. Then there was the twins. The first was called Serenity, though most of the time she called Selene to avoid confusion as she was named after her Mother, and the second was called Harmony (She had blue hair and lavender eyes). One of the maids told her that Serenity was in the gardens, she was picking flowers in a field of pink hydrangeas, buttercups and roses.
Once she found the field she saw two blonde hair sitting in said field, one of them was relaxing and the other was picking flowers. The first one had blonde hair, which had a yellow bow in it with a rose in the middle, and blue eyes. She was wearing a golden-yellow dress with straps and yellow frills running down the dress. On the straps were small yellow bows which were attached to yellow ribbons. Around her neck was a yellow choker, with a ribbon on the back, and a pendent necklace. On her forehead was a heart shaped symbol with a cross at the bottom in orange. The second one also had blonde hair, but she had two round buns and pigtails, and light blue eyes. She was wearing a white dress with white winged shoulder pads. Behind the gown was a gauzy white bow with two flowy ribbons attached to it On the bodice were gold hoops and below them were two sets of gold beads. She also had gold spiral earrings, a gold beaded bracelet on her right arm and on her forehead was a crescent moon. Queen Serenity recognised the two straight away.
"Serenity, Darlene" The Moon queen called.
Princess Serenity turned around and smiled once she saw who was calling for her. Gracefully, the young Princess stood up and made her way towards her Mother. Darlene trailed behind her.
"Hello, Mother. These are for you" Selene said whilst presenting the bouquet she made for her.
"These are lovely, darling. Thank you" Serenity replied whilst taking the bouquet. "And how are you doing today, Darlene?"
"Quiet well, your Grace" Darlene replied.
"And how is everything on Venus?" The Moon Queen inquired.
"Everything has settled after the rebellion, although there were a few casualties. Father and his men are making plans to rebuild some of the lower towns" Darlene told her. "And Mother keeps sending me messages about future courtships. I keep telling her that I'm not interested, my duty comes first, but you know that old saying: Don't shoot the messenger"
"I do. Looks like Aphrodite is slipping back into her old ways" Serenity sighed.
She thought Aphrodite had changed over the years. She stopped playing match maker with people, finally made her mind up about who she was marrying and matured from her childish ways. She had even saved her life before. She though Motherhood would change her too. She did keep her promise about Darlene being raised to follow her duty, she was made the leader of Selene's inner protectors and Selene's double. But if what Darlene was telling her was true then Aphrodite could be acting like her old self again. A courtship? Serenity could never make Selene go through that. Of course, if she wanted to marry somebody then she should do it for herself and not because somebody made her. Or she could become Queen without taking a husband or wife. But... with Selene's latest outings Serenity had a feeling she knew who her daughter wanted to be with. It would go against her Mother's own rules about Lunarian and Earth's relations and it could result in war between the two kingdoms.
The conflict between the Earth and Moon Kingdoms had not been settled. Both she and Amaryllis, the current Queen of Earth, had tried to calm the uprising but they were unsuccessful. The people Earth were tired of the constant attacks, some still remembered the time when they were attacked by Amalthea, and wanted to defend themselves. They only had one protector and that was Amaryllis when she was Sailor Earth. Since then there hasn't been a protector of Earth, except for their own relic. But the people of Earth were still unhappy and they believed they should defend themselves, not some alien people who brought most of the conflict with them. The Lunarians were suppose to watch over and protect the people of Earth but nowadays they were being rejected. Serenity had even heard reports of somebody spreading rumours about the Lunarians. That the Lunarians were greedy, could kill whoever they wanted and wanted to take over all of the Kingdoms - eventually the entire Cosmos.
Serenity removed that thought from her head. She didn't want to upset herself or her daughter on a day like today. This was Princess Serenity's special day and she was determined to make it successful.
"Darlene, if you Mother is acting like a child again feel free to call upon myself, Nuraya or Azure. One of us will make sure she behaves herself" Serenity told her.
"Mother!" Selene exclaimed.
"What? Aiko has acted like this before, she just needs somebody to... sort her out" Serenity responded, before turning back to Darlene. "I'm sure she still remembers what happened last time"
"Oh, she does" Darlene giggled.
Lets just say there was a lot of cake involved.
"Anyway, If you don't mind Darlene I need to talk to Serenity" Serenity said.
"Of course, Your Grace. I see you later, Selene" Darlene replied before leaving.
"Selene, I know about your recent outings" Serenity said. "You know that unions between Earth and the Moon Kingdom are forbidden. We already on thin ice as it is."
"I... I know, Mother but what can I do? I love him and... I want to be with him" Selene whispered.
"Serenity, if there was another way I would allow an union between the two of you. Endymion is an honourable man and I know he will protect you but you have to remember something, dearest. He is the only one in line for the Earth throne and the only one who can protect Earth" Serenity explained. "And you are my only successor. Apollo is your father's successor and Harmony has her own duty"
"Well... what if you allow Harmony to become your successor? Then I can go live on Earth and-"
"I'm sorry, Serenity, but the Silver Crystal choose you" The Moon Queen interrupted. "I know you want to follow your own heart, I would never make you go through a loveless courtship but something like this is impossible"
"I...I understand, Mother" Selene gave in.
Know that her daughter was in emotion pain Serenity wrapped her arms around her daughter and gave her a hug. She didn't want to do this. If the fates allowed her she would allow Selene and Endymion to marry but a union between Earth and the Moon was impossible at the moment. If there had been another way, if there was no threat of conflict between the two Kingdoms then she would allow it. But with the reports Amaryllis keep given her she knew there would be no peace. She unwrapped her arms and held her daughter in front of her. Seeing the tears coming out of her eyes she wiped them away.
"Now isn't the time for sadness, dearest. You know what today is, don't you?" Serenity said.
"My birthday" Selene answered, sadness replaced with joy.
"That's right. Why don't you use this time to go get ready? Or spend time with others?" Serenity suggested.
"All right. I'll see you later, Mother" Selene said before leaving.
Serenity sighed as she watched her daughter leave. When did she start growing up? It still feels like yesterday when she held her in her arms for the first time. Those were the days, when everything was peaceful and there was no threat of conflict. Serenity turned towards Earth, wondering how Amaryllis was doing. From the reports she received this morning Amaryllis had lost two cities, one of them being the capital and the other being a coastal area which was known for being a huge trading hub. She couldn't help but wonder how much more they would lose.
Meanwhile on Earth the situation with the rebals was much worse then that Queen Serenity first believed.
The Queen of Earth and her husband were hiding in Gaia's forest. They and their Son had fled from the castle before the assault started and ran towards the forest before anybody noticed them, what remaining soldiers they had fled with them. They found some ruins in the middle of the forest and decided to make camp there, with the royal family hiding inside the ruins. There was a stone table in the middle of large room which had a map of the Earth Kingdom.
The Queen of the Earth, and the once protector of Earth, was called Amaryllis. She had long black hair, dark blue eyes and on her forehead was a gold heart symbol with a cross in the middle. She was wearing a sea green gown with a gold bodice, long white gloves with gold bracelets on them and brown shoulder pads which were attached to a long brown cape. On the front of her bodice was a sea green bow with a winged brooch in the middle and around her neck was a gold choker. On the top of her head was a gold crown with sea green beads and a heart shaped middle. Amaryllis wasn't alone in the ruins, her husband was with her as well. Asher Harlow, the King of Earth and the Captain of Terra's guard, had brown hair and emerald green eyes. Despite their current situation he was still in his silver armour.
"First we loose some of our most loyal followers, then we loose Tethoris because Lord Riku is still bitter about not marry me. Now we lost the Capital and Lightwater" Amaryllis listed. And that wasn't the whole list. "Beryl and her followers have planned this out all to well. What's next? Are we going to be captured and executed for crimes we have not committed?"
"You mustn't think like that, love. It makes them think they have already won and put you worse frame of mind" Asher said.
"I know, love, but what can I do?" Amaryllis replied. "I'm not Sailor Earth anymore and you were injured when the rebels attacked the Palace. I wonder what my parents think of me now, especially my Mother"
"Let me guess Clio would be disappointed, she would say that all of this mess was your fault and that you should of married Riku" Asher guessed.
"She would say something like that" The Queen agreed.
Sixteen years ago their marriage wasn't possible. Amaryllis was the daughter of King Kodiak and Queen Clio and next in the for the throne, whilst Asher was the Captain of her father's guard. Clio was raising her daughters to follow in her foot steps and she wanted them to marry somebody of noble birth, the man in question was none other then Lord Riku of Tethoris. But that all changed when they awakened as Sailor Earth and Sailor Solar. Seeing as they didn't need protection anymore Kodiak trained his daughters to fight like soldiers, Clio wasn't happy with his decision. When Earth was being attacked by Amalthea Amaryllis asked Princess Serenity for her help. It turns out that Amalthea had some help from Riku, he created new monsters called Youmas, and when Amaryllis, Serenity and the other planetary Princess were being attacked by these monster Asher, forsaking his duty, went to help them. Against all odd Amaryllis and Asher fell in love and eventually married.
Suddenly they heard somebody walking towards them. Despite his current injury Asher pulled out his sword, ready to defend his wife to the best of his ability. When the person came around the corner, to their relief, it wasn't one of Beryl's followers. The person in question was a young man with black hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a dark blue bodysuit with a navy blue breastplate, a silver piece of armour that protected his waist and lower back with extended pieces to guard his hips. He also had knee-high armoured boots in navy blue and a black cape with red on the inside, the cape was attached to silver shoulder guards. Around his waist was a brown sash, a hilt was connected to the sash which had a sword inside.
"Endymion" Amaryllis breathed. "We thought you were somebody else"
"Sorry, Mother, but I had to get back here as soon as possible" Endymion said.
It was at that moment when Asher noticed something. Endymion was usual accompanied by four men, his generals. They were chosen by Endymion but it was Asher who taught and tested them. Yet, they were nowhere to be seen.
"Son, where are Jedeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Kunsite?" He asked. "I though they went with you to Haven"
"They did but... they betrayed us" Endymion told him.
"What?" Amaryllis exclaimed. "How did it happen?"
"Its a long story..."
Endymion and his generals were making there way north to Haven, a town north of Gaia's forest. It was the only town that hadn't been attacked by Beryl's forces but there was a high possibility that it could be next. Despite that uncertainty Haven was one the best defensible towns through out the entire Kingdom and it could withstand any attack. The town itself was surrounded by a large stone wall which went around the entire town and people could only enter it through the gate. Asher, who was originally from Haven before he joined King Kodiak guard, told his son that was the best place to gather allies, weapons and supplies. In times like these they needed all the help they could get.
The whole journey had been silent so far, which was a bad thing as they could be ambushed at any time. However, the generals were being a little too quiet for Endymion's liking. Usually Nephrite and Zoisite were bickering with each other, Jedeite would be talking with him whilst Kunzite was the quiet one. The silver haired man was the oldest out of all of them and he was Endymion's advisor and mentor. Some say he was cold hearted but it was just a mask, keeping people from knowing the real Kunsite. Nephrite, being the second oldest, was, as some people put, overly proud and sometimes arrogant, but he was also emotional. He never did like Zoisite's methods. He was the only who spent the most time with Asher. Jedeite, the third born, was like a brother to Endymion. He was the only one who spent most of his time at the royal palace as, when he young, both of his parents died and he was taken in by the King and Queen. And then there was Zoisite, the youngest. He was always plotting something and preferred using dirty tactics and tricks whenever he was fighting. He was sometimes vain and sarcastic, always plotting something behind somebody's back. Some say that he and Kunzite were brothers.
When they reached the end of forest the first thing they saw was smoke. This worried Endymion greatly and he ran towards the edge of cliff, what he next shocked and worried him. Haven was on fire, they were too late. The drawbridge was already down and some of the men who were stationed there were dead, some were thrown in the river and the rest were impaled with swords. The houses had thatched roofs and they were close to each other which meant the fire could be spread easier.
(We're too late) Endymion thought (There has to be survivors. Something, anything)
Endymion pulled out his sword and was about to make his way to the town when he was stopped by fire. He jumped backwards and landed in a crouch position. He looked around and saw nobody but the generals. Zoisite had his right hand raised and the others had their swords out. Endymion believed that they were coming to his rescue. That thought was quickly replaced when kunzite fired a blast of energy at him. Endymion quickly created a shield to block it.
"What are you doing?" The Prince demanded.
"We tried to warn you, Endymion, but you didn't listen to us. The people of the Moon are not to be trusted and your relationship with the Moon brat must end" Nephrite told him.
"They want our Kingdom, our blood. Did you really think those protectors were here for their Princess?" Zoisite added.
"Leave Serenity out of this" Endymion ordered.
"There you go again, talking her side and defending her" Jadeite remarked. "Don't you see what she is doing to you, Endymion? You were a great man once, and I respected you for it, but whenever that Princess comes into the picture you always run off with her. Its like your under her spell"
"That's impossible. Serenity told me she can only do healing magic, she doesn't know how to fight or how to defend herself" Endymion countered. "And what about you four? I know you don't like the people of the Moon but you have never attacked me before"
"That doesn't matter. One way or another, Endymion, you will see to reason" Kunzite replied.
The generals swords started changing with dark energy. When the charge was complete they fired the energy at Endymion at the same time, Endymion had only a few seconds to summon his shield before the attack hit him. When the attacks collided there was a explosion. They Endymion coughing, a sign that he was alive, but the generals weren't concerned for him. When the smoke faded Endymion was still alive but his shield instantly faded. The generals never did that before. They had their own abilities, Kunzite was the only who energise weapons. Slowly, Endymion stood up and pulled out his swords. Regardless if they were his friends or not he needed to defend himself. He was about to rush forward when Jediete removed the sword from him. He hadn't move. Endymion looked at his friends in shock and noticed that their eyes had changed colour. They were red and not their original colour.
"You have been brainwashed... You've been working for Queen Beryl all this time" Endymion realised.
"She understands our concerns. The people of the Moon have got away with constant surveillance for far to long. They believe that they are superior then us because they have a crystal that can give them long life and end everything" Nephrite raged. "They are selfish"
"You believe that these people can be trusted but what will happen to you when their true intension are revealed?" Kunzite questioned. "They will cast you aside and take over the Kingdom"
Endymion couldn't believe that this was happening. How could his most trusted friends betray him like this? How could they allow this to happen to themselves? No, this was there doing it was Beryl's. And right now he needed to escape. The general were about to strike him again when Endymion used all the magic he had to teleport away.
"If I hadn't teleported away when I did... they would of captured me" Endymion finished his story.
Amaryllis and Asher couldn't believe it. The generals were loyal men, they wouldn't betray Endymion or the Kingdom for anything. But this wasn't their fault. They were tricked by Beryl and brainwashed to serve her. This was bad. They knew where they were hiding and eventually they would tell Beryl.
"I... I can't believe this is happening" Amaryllis muttered.
"You mention Princess Serenity. Did you two... Were the two of in a relationship?" Asher questioned.
"Yes, we were. There was something different about her, unlike the other women at court. They only wanted one thing but Serenity never asked me for anything. She is beautiful, kind, loves flowers. She... She wanted to find a way to end the conflict without it resulting to violence" Endymion explained.
"I know a union between the Moon and Earth is forbidden but what can't we do? We love each other" Endymion carried on "Its like what you two had. The Princess and the Captain of the Guard, unlikely lovers but against all odds they ended up together"
"Well, stranger things have happened" Asher remarked. "You really do love her, don't you?"
"I do, Father. I would do anything to protect Serenity from all of this" Endymion replied.
(My little as grown up) Amaryllis thought. It was hard to believe that this was the same person who was breaking ladies' hearts and making men jealous. But this wasn't the time for that. They needed a plan and they didn't know how much time they had until Beryl and her followers arrived. The soldiers would be able to defend them but they didn't know how many people Beryl would bring. Amaryllis wasn't completely defenceless since she still had her powers and she could heal Asher.
"Asher, have our men surround the building" Amaryllis told him.
Asher did as she said.
"I'll go with him" Endymion said.
"No, Endy. There is only one place that is safe for you now" Amaryllis replied. (Forgive me, Gaia)
"Mother, you can't be suggesting-"
"I am, Endymion. You must go to the Moon Kingdom, tell Queen Serenity what happened and stay there" Amaryllis insisted. "She is the person could can protect you now"
"All right. I will do as you say" Endymion agreed. "Uh, how do I get to the Moon Kingdom?"
"Did Serenity never tell you?" Amaryllis asked.
"No, she never did. I always found her in the Palace's gardens" Endymion told her.
"I see. Well, its very simple. You can teleport to the Moon" Amaryllis replied. "You need to close your eyes and think of nothing but the Moon"
"Whatever ever happens next know that me and your father love you, and that you should follow your heart. I give you my blessing to marry Serenity" She added.
"Thank you, Mother. I love you too" Endymion said.
He closed his eyes and thought of the Moon. He could see the white satellite in his mind and concentrated on it. A gold light surrounded Endymion and within a few seconds he vanished.
The preparations for the party were finally done and Queen Serenity had a few hours to get ready. She was making her way to the royal chambers when she thought she heard somebody talking. She looked around, behind her and in front of her but she saw nothing.
"You will pay for that, you witch! Nobody hurts my family!"
Serenity gasped. That... that was Iris's voice. She's alive! Where is she? Serenity looked frantically around the room, hoping she see her icy blue haired sister. But she wasn't there.
"Are you alright your grace?"
Serenity turned where she heard the new voice and saw one of the maids looking at her with concerned on her face.
"I am fine, Delia" Serenity replied.
The maid bowed to her before walking towards the opposite end of the corridor. Serenity carried on walking but she couldn't forget the words she just heard. That was definitely Iris talking, there was no mistaking that. But what was she talking about? Was somebody in danger? The questions kept rolling around in her mind, yet, she didn't find any answers. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.
Later that night Darlene was helping Selene in her bedroom. Selene had already bathed and she was sitting in front of the vanity with Darlene brushing her hair. Whilst Selene was happy on the outside, she was dealing with a lot of mixed emotions on the inside. She remembered the conversation she had with her Mother earlier. She loved Endymion with all her heart and couldn't bare the thought of being without him. It was selfish of her, she wanted nothing more but to with him, but her Mother was right. With everything happening their relationship wouldn't work at the moment and they can't forsake their own duties to their own Kingdom. It would break her but, unless they found another way to be together, they would have to end it. For now at least. But... would Endymion wait for her?
"Your quiet, Selene." Darlene noted. "Is there something on your mind?"
"Oh, it... its nothing, Darlene"
Darlene wasn't convinced. She placed the brush on the vanity, walked to left side of the chair and kneel in front of Selene. She took the Princess's hand
"Serenity, if there is something bothering you, you can tell me" Darlene said.
Selene sighed. "When you left earlier my Mother and I had conversation about Endymion. She knew that I was going down to Earth to see him, she told me that a relationship between the two of us wouldn't be possible"
"I don't mean to be so blunt, Princess, but you knew the risks when you started going down to Earth" Darlene interjected.
"I know, Lena, but what can I do? I love him and I don't want to lose him" Selene said. "What would you do if you in were in my position?"
She didn't expect that. She knew about Selene's feeling for the Earth Prince, she was the first person who came looking for Princess Serenity the first time she went down to Earth. She did agree with Queen Serenity, Selene and Endymion's relationship had to stop. They were already at odds with the people of Earth, they had to be careful with that they were doing. But... had it not been the Princess leaving for Earth she wouldn't have met Kunzite. There meeting had been accident. She was looking for the Princess when she came across Kunzite who had been looking for the Prince. They worked together for a few times and... accidently fell in love with him.
She blamed herself for not putting a stop to all of this sooner.
"What I would do is put my duty first instead of love" Darlene told her.
"Even if that meant never seeing Kunzite again?" Selene teased.
"I- how do you know about that?" Darlene questioned.
"What? Did you think me and Endymion were doing something romantic all the time" Selene remarked playfully. "Its amazing what you notice when people aren't looking"
"You know you are as bad as my Mother sometimes, Serenity" Darlene sighed.
She went back to brushing Selene's hair. When she was done she helped the Moon Princess put her hair up in the Lunarian hairstyle and pigtails.
"Look I get what your saying, Lena. I just... wish there was some way we can be together" Selene said. "All of us. I don't want you and the others to be lonely"
"We will figure it out one day, Princess. But sometimes duty comes first" Darlene replied. "We better get going or we will be late"
"You go ahead. I have something I need to do first" Selene said.
Against her better judgement Darlene left the room. Selene went to the balcony that overlooked the gardens. From here she got a clear view on the Palace's gardens and Earth, it was her favourite spot in the entire castle - that and the flower fields. She could think straight without anybody bothering her. Selene loved her friends but sometimes they frustrated her. She knew it was all necessary, they were her guardians and protectors, but all she wanted was some alone time. Selene closed her eyes and put her hands together.
(Selene, goddess of the Moon. Please guide me during these difficult times) Selene thought.
"Princess Serenity!"
Selene opened her eyes and saw a familiar face standing in front of the fountain.
"Endymion? What are you doing here?" She asked. She was happy to see him but she was confused at the same time. Why was he here?
"I wish I was here on better terms, Selene, but I have some bad news" Endymion said.
"And that is"
"The conflict on Earth has become worse. Recently, we have lost our capital. Our home was assaulted by Beryl's forces and my parents have I had to run away" Endymion explained.
"How terrible. You have my condolences" Selene replied.
"Thank you, Selene, but that's not all. When we were escaping my Father was injured, then when me and my generals were getting supplies from a town north of Gaia's forest we were too late. The town was being burnt to the ground" Endymion continued. "And then my... generals attacked me. They were brainwashed by Beryl"
"Then what are doing here?" Selene questioned. "You should go home and help your family"
"If only that was possible, love. The generals knew where we were hiding and My Mother told me to come here" Endymion told her. "She said that your Mother is the only person who can protect me"
"I see. We need to tell my Mother. If there's anybody who has a chance against Beryl then its her" Selene said.
"I agree. My Mother wouldn't do this unless -" Endymion stopped and turned to the right. He heard somebody shouting. "I have to go. I will find you later, Selene"
"Endymion, wait!" Selene yelled but he didn't heard her. Endymion had already run away.
Meanwhile in the ballroom the party was already underway. Going all out for her daughter, Queen Serenity had ordered the most finest dishes, champagne and wine for the adults and juices for the younger people and deserts, including a big chocolate cake. They were all presented on a large round table with a white table cloth over it, the deserts and chocolate cake were on a separate table. Everybody who was attending the ball was dressed in lavished gowns and fashionable suits, the entire ballroom was a sea of colours. From her sitting position on the throne Queen Serenity could see all of her friends and she was happy for them. For once in the long time they were able to enjoy themselves without the risk of conflict.
Everybody was in high spirts...
…And yet, she couldn't hep but be worried.
"Serenity love are you alright?"
Serenity turned to her husband who was sitting on the throne to her left. Remus had changed in the last few years. No longer was he wearing the suits and colours of the sun. Instead he was wearing lavender suit with a blue shirt. There was a cape attached to his suit, which was darker then the dress shirt, silver boots and covering his eyes was a white mask.
"I would be lying if I said I was fine, Remus" Serenity replied. "I heard somebody talking earlier, somebody who I thought I would never see again"
"And that is?" Remus inquired.
"My sister, Princess Icesisity or Iris as I sometimes called her" The Moon Queen told him.
"I didn't know you had sister" Remus frowned.
"I know, love, and I'm sorry for not telling you sooner" Serenity apologized. "Iris disappeared during my coronation, I sent various search parties out to find her but none of them were successful. I even asked her friends is they have seen her but... they haven't given me straight answers. I was going to tell you about her once she returned home and introduce the two of you properly"
"That makes sense, it wouldn't be fair on her to be kept out of family business. But if she's been missing for so long then... Well, she might be dead" Remus replied.
"She isn't" Serenity insisted. "I would have know, her friends would have know"
"I'm sorry, love, I didn't mean to speak out of term like that" Remus apologised.
"I know, love." Serenity murmured.
"That's not the only thing that's bothering you, is it?" Remus said, changing the subject.
"No, its not. I... I just can't shake the feeling that something is about to happen" Serenity told him. "Remus, where is our daughter?"
She looked around the room, trying to spot her daughter.
"She was with Princess Darlene but she hasn't shown up yet" She added.
"I haven't seen since this morning but I go look for her if you like" Remus replied.
"Thank you, Remus, but that won't be necessary" Serenity said. "However, I would like to talk Princess Darlene. She might know where Selene is"
"Of course, I'll go get her for you" Remus agreed.
Selene had finally arrived at the ball twenty minutes late. When she realised she was late she left her room and quickly ran to the ballroom, lucky nobody saw her. However, she did have a run in Princess Aurelia - Princess of Uranus and daughter of King Cedric and Queen Azure. Well, by run in what really happened is that she knocked into Aurelia and they went tumbling to the ground. Lucky, there was no harm and Selene had managed to successful heal Aurelia with her healing magic.
Holding her dress with her left hand and holding the railing with her right Selene made her way down steps. When she reached the floor somebody grabbed her hand and talked to her.
"Princess, may I have this dance?"
She turned her head to person and saw man dressed in a black tuxedo with a white shirt underneath and black shoes. On his head was a black top hat and connected to the tuxedo was a black cape with a red inside. Over his eyes was a white mask. On closer examination Selene recognised who it was it.
"Of course" She answered.
Selene made her way to the dance floor and turned around gracefully. The masked man held out a hand for her and she accepted it.
"I'm glad you came back, Endymion" She muttered.
Endymion brought her close to him.
"Regardless of what might happen after tonight I couldn't leave without having one final dance with you" Endymion said.
As they were dancing a crowed had formed around them. Yet, the Princess and the Prince didn't notice them. It was like they were in their own little world and nobody could end it.
"What do think will happen next?" Selene asked.
"I'm not sure. However, if Beryl is successful and ends up conquering Earth she will come here" Endymion answered. "She despises the people of the Moon and wants nothing more but destruction. I don't know her motivation behind all of this, its like she changed over night"
"Nobody changes without reason, Endy" Selene replied. "But you needn't worry. We will put a stop to Beryl's schemes"
They decided to stop dancing and make there way to balcony.
"I still can't believe that this is all happening" Selene murmured. "Sometimes I feel like its my fault"
"Don't say that" Endymion replied.
"But its true. If I was more mature and less of a weak romantic I could have put a stop to all of this. But I can't, I'm not strong enough and people always end up protecting me" Selene cried. "I'm not like my friends, I'm not a protector of Moon and I don't have any powers besides healing. My Mother was a Sailor Soldier and she had the same upbringing as me"
It hurt seeing the Princess in distress. It was felt like Endymion was powerless to help her. He understood her desire to help out, his Mother once told that when she was younger her own Mother had sheltered her and her sister from the outside. Amaryllis had wanted to help her people for the long time yet her Mother prevented her from doing so. She told her that she should be grateful for the live she gave her and that she should stop acting like a spoiled child.
"You are not powerless, Selene. Everybody has their own desires and weakness but they are powerful in their own way" Endymion said "One day you will know what that feels like"
"Endymion" Selene whispered.
Endymion brought her closer and kiss her. Selene closed her eyes and managed to lose herself. She always felt like this when they were kissing. It made her forget all the trouble in the world. However, the kiss ended when lightning flashed before them. It was Selene who pulled back.
"AH!" Selene screamed, placing her hands over ears and going down on her knees.
"Selene, what the matter?" Endymion asked.
"It... its the lightning. I hate it and I wanted it to go away" Selene panicked.
"Its all right, your safe." Endymion said soothly . "Lets get you back inside"
Slowly, he helped Princess stood up. He was about to guide the Princess back inside when he saw something out of the corner his eyes. He turned around and his eyes widen with fear. This wasn't normal lightning. He had seen it before when the castle was being assaulted. Then he saw a group of people running towards the Palace, some of them went ahead of the others and started attacking the guards who were patrolling the gardens.
"Oh no!" Endymion muttered.
"Endymion? What's going on?" Selene asked.
"Beryl and her forces... they're here!"