Inevitable

The stars shined ever so brightly in the night sky, painting the otherwise dark skies with sparkles and shimmer. The Moon bright and glowing was lighting the path for a cloaked figure that moved swiftly thru the forest, in pursuit of a target that was unknowingly being followed.

It had been about an hour since Beryl had left the security of the castle walls in pursuit of her prince. Since she had first laid eyes on him, she knew that she wanted to protect him. His aura had shown itself a beautiful golden color, and within him she had felt a strong presence that made her powers feel inadequate in comparison. She could never understand why King Titus had requested her presence at the castle, when his son obviously held enough power to carry out all the tasks the king could ever ask for. Despite that, the king wanted more.

She remembered the day the guards had arrived at her village, knocking down her door and demanding she accompany them to the capitol of the Golden Kingdom. All color had drained from her face as her greatest fear was before her, she had been discovered! Her family had warned her that spies were plentiful, when rewards were given to those that turned in practitioners of the arts. Beryl thought her life was over as the guards lead her to the carriage that would surely take her to the dungeons. Nothing could prepare her for the shock of seeing the King himself waiting for her inside the carriage, requesting her help! Gladly she accepted his request, for anything was better than a life of imprisonment.

As she closed in on her target and followed at a safe distance, she huffed to herself as she remembered how until that fateful day, the arts had been frowned upon. How glad she was to hear that the king himself had removed the the ban on magic. She could not understand why people feared it. It was a useful tool that had so much potential to help humanity. She was so proud of her position now, using her knowledge of the arts to help explore and expand ways to advance technology. She could not ask for more.

Oh, but she could. Ever since the prince looked at her causing that blush to stain her cheeks, she could not help but want to be useful to him in any way possible. At first she would look for ways to help him with his experimental projects around the castle, such as improving distances with the transporters, or helping magnify the signal of the communications chambers. Everytime she would attempt to use her magic as a source the prince would decline her assistance, stating they already had a power source.

Feeling his cold regard for her, she decided to immerse herself into her personal experiments. Yet, with a schedule as busy as hers, she could always find the time to secretly watch over the prince. Especially when he made his occasional nightly trips into the eastern part of the forest. She would follow him to the chapel and wait outside till his return. Sometimes he made quick visits, but on most occasions, she would find herself waiting behind shrubs till dawn.

This was currently her predicament. The prince had entered the chapel only minutes before. Now she found herself looking up at the night sky as she lay beside a large boulder that would be her hiding spot for the evening. She often wondered if the stories she had been told by her grandmother were true. That celestial people watched over them from above. Those legends where a secret that her family had passed on for generations. She never spoke of them to no one. For who would believe such a thing? The idea always seemed alarming to her somehow. She could not understand how these beings, if they existed, chose to hide themselves, as if withholding something from them. They couldn't be trusted if they did indeed exist, that she knew for certain.

Closing her eyes and inhaling the fresh summer night air, she suddenly opened them wide when she heard a branch snap close by. Bolting quickly to her feet, she hid behind the closest tree. A small gasp escaped her lips as she saw a cloaked figure walking by the large boulder she had previously been hiding by. As she made to pull the small dagger from within her cloak, a gloved hand covered her mouth, while another held her arm in place. Fear spread throughout her body, before she recognized the scent of the male that held her captive. She would recognize that scent anywhere!

"I don't intend to harm you, I just wish to know what you mean by following me into the woods every time I visit the chapel? What do you want?" Slowly letting go of her arm and removing his hand from her mouth, Endymion turned her around by the shoulders. Beryl could only hold the tears at bay knowing she was caught, and would not be able to protect her prince any longer.

Slowly removing the hood from her head, Beryl decided she might as well come clean.

"My prince, I meant no disrespect, I just happened to notice this habit of yours and decided I would secretly provide protection, as a means to repay your kindness." She half whispered to the prince.

She was surprised when the cloaked figure made its way to them and spoke, while removing the hood that concealed its face.

"The prince is more than capable of caring for himself. He is in no need of guards as he already has us, his generals, looking after his back. You're presence is not needed in this capacity. Stick with what the king has brought you here for, if you truly want to help." Said the shorthaired blond known as Jadeite. His words while harsh, were true. That, Beryl knew, she couldn't argue against. Letting her tears fall she nodded in agreement.

Seeing that Beryl was crying, the prince could not help but try to comfort her in some way. After all her aura was still light, which ment her intentions where good. He could truly see how this young woman only really wished to help. Patting her shoulder lightly the prince looked her in the eyes and said,"Your efforts are truly appreciated, but I believe you would best use your talents if you were well rested instead of waiting around on me. You would not want to get premature wrinkles on your lovely face from lack of sleep. Now go, Jadeite here will accompany you back to your room."

After giving her a quick smile, he turned and made his way over to the chapel leaving Beryl in Jadeite's care.

Turning towards Jadeite Beryl walked over to him and spoke her mind.

" Why did you speak so harsh to me? Out of the four generals, you are the one who tends to be more attentive with the ladies." Questioned Beryl in a hurt voice.

"That I am. Yet when it comes to protecting my prince from threats, that side of me can easily become discarded. I might play the fool for the ladies, but I am quite quick to recognize my priorities." Jadeite motioned for her to follow as he started walking the path back to the Castle. Looking back at her to make sure she was following, he continued, "the prince has known of your following him for quite some time and has had us following you. He sensed you ment no harm, and ordered us not to harm you. He was quite puzzled why you were following him. He decided tonight he would confront you."

"Jadeite, believe me when I say, I only want to be useful. But, if all I am is a disturbance to him, then I will keep to myself." Said Beryl in a defeated voice.

"My lady, I truly hope those are your only motivations. I will tell you now, Endymion has no need of a woman at this time. He has too much on his shoulders. Check your heart and see if love is not behind your actions. If it is, you waste your time, and I suggest you remove those feelings. I do not wish you a broken heart."

Beryl followed quietly the rest of the way. She had a lot of thinking to do.

Endymion closed his eyes and concentrated on the images of earth that flashed before his eyes. Every week, Endymion would make a quick check of the earth's condition, but every couple of months he would make sure to spend the night, searching for any signs of concern from region to region. Tonight he was specifically looking for any evil aura that permeated any regions heavily. Helios had told him on his previous visit that he had a disturbing premonition via a dream. When he woke all he could remember from said dream, was large stones that emanated dark power. Endymion had attempted going to sleep this evening, when he too had a strange vision. With that vision in mind, he was currently seeking any hints as to what the earth was trying to warn him of. Visions of different landscapes and peoples greeted his mind, mostly all with good aura permeating the scenes. When suddenly a vision of a cold, dark, ice filled wasteland entered his mind. The visage was typical of the lands to the north, Kunzite's territories. He remembered having gone with him on a couple of his latest explorations using the teleportation chambers. One had recently been set up to the farthest north. A place with few settlements due to its inhospitable conditions. Kunzite had accompanied him to Norfolk as it was known. He at once new that the vision was in that vicinity.

Opening his eyes immediately he knew that he needed to explore that region. An ice cold chill had entered his body when he had seen the vision. He knew he would need to set up plans for an expedition to those lands as soon as he had more information as to what he was looking for in particular. He wouldn't risk his men in those lands unless he had a clear plan.

Making his way from the chapel in Elysion, Endymion made to find Helios and tell him of his latest developments. He needed to rest a bit before he would attempt searching the earth again. The golden crystal had exhausted his energy. Something that frustrated him to no end. He couldn't understand how the crystal after having been bonded to him for a year and half, still left him so weak after use. His powers had expanded and he was now capable of giving power off so as to power up different machines, the new transporters being one of them. They ran of the crystals power by harnessing the amount given to them by Endymion. The communications chambers had also received such updates and where now set up around the different castles around the earth. Norfolk had one, just as Peshwar to the east, Zoar to the South and Aladis to the west. The smaller regions that where governed by these areas were in the process of getting these innovations. Thanks to these, his generals where now able to stay more often in the castle and travel from one region to the other with no difficulty. As of now these machines could only transport about ten people at a time. Future plans involved the use of moving armies. Yet, all that was just talk at the moment, for as much improvement as those discoveries brought, the prince's life came first, and his experiment's where limited by his weakened body. Helios had told him that the use of the crystal would not kill him. The reason why his body weakened was because it was the crystals way of controlling him from using too much power.

Endymion just couldn't understand why the crystal, knowing his intentions where good, capped of his power. He could feel the amount of it running through his veins, and it was frustrating to not be able to show his father. Father. That was another matter altogether. His father had become the man he was used to seeing. He had given up hope in him despite his advancements, and was now convinced that earth would improve more quickly by use of magic. Beryl had already trained numerous individuals in the use potions and balms that helped with health and healing. The amount of sick had dropped heavily and people where now so full of energy that construction around the world was increasing in great quantities, new establishments where being built farther out from the current cities. Technology had improved as well, new lighting sources powered by magic where becoming more commonplace. People where now looking to the arts as a source of employment and schools where in development to teach it to the common peoples. While at first glance it seemed like good news, Endymion did not like it one bit. Nothing good ever came from rushed decisions. The act of allowing magic to run rampant without anyone truly monitoring it was disturbing to Endymion.

He had attempted to dissuade his father from allowing it, but his pleas had fallen on deaf ears. He was told to "keep playing with his crystal", and leave the kingdom to him. At least his mother agreed with him. She kept telling him to just keep concentrating on his current projects, that all would be well in the end. Waving it off with that secretive smile of hers. She always seemed to be holding a secret of sorts from him. One day he would get it out of her, but for now, he was determined to keep this world safe from the dangers his father was allowing. To do that, he needed to speak with Helios. The click of his boots was the only sound heard as he made his way down the stone path that lead to the Elysion gardens and Helios.

Serenity looked at herself in the mirror. Her silver off the shoulder gown, with diamond accents was a nice change to her usual white with gold accent dress she typically wore. Today was a special day. One that required someone else to wear white. She smiled as she remembered the past year, partly because of all the wonderful sights she had seen and people she had met. Mostly because it was filled with her last moments in company of her most trusted companion. She would not have her to herself much longer. She would be General Artemis's wife. Her duty would be to him first, as it should be. In the midst of their, touring the wedding had been planned to perfection, and now the day was upon them.

So here she was, seventeen and a half, right at the start of her adult life and feeling truly alone. This was it. After Luna married, she would have no one. Of course mother would be there, but that was not the same as having your constant companion. A big sister of sorts, that kept you in line when mother wasn't looking. With her mind focused on her troubling thoughts, she did not hear the door open and Luna walk in.

"Serenity, you look beautiful! It is nice to see you wear some color!" Exclaimed Luna as she looked her over.

Serenity truly did look lovely. She had grown from a young lady to a woman. Her body had completely filled out from the odd girlish one, to one that mirrored the queen. Tall, and self-assured was what the princess now radiated with her presence. Luna had taught her how to give off that feel, even though she would probably feel like a young girl of sixteen for years to come.

"Nothing compares to your beauty Luna. Artemis will not be able to take his eyes off you!" Replied the princess.

For indeed Luna made quite the picture, with her ivory colored lace gown that flowed from a high empire waist. The boat neck cut, with short sleeves,and small wrist length gloves, made her look the picture of elegance. Her hair was combed in a side bun, with a small lovely flower arrangement decorating the bun. Pearls where her jewelry of choice.

After hugging each other for minutes, Luna took Serenity's hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Thank you darling, for everything! If you hadn't played that joke on me on your sixteenth birthday, who knows how long Artemis and me would have been denying our feelings. I wish you the same joy you have bestowed upon us darling." With that Luna placed a quick kiss to the princess's cheek, and held out her hand.

"I believe we must go know, the ceremony will be starting soon. Come Serenity, lets make our way to the Crystal Tower."

The princess took her hand as she wiped tears of joy from her face.

The grand ballroom was glowing with light as the chandeliers that lit up the hall sparkled in contrast to the darkness outside. The room was decorated in white and silver. With beautiful exotic white flowers that where imported from Venus. Small plum colored flowers with tiny delicate petals, from Saturn, served as the accent color. The room was littered with soldiers as those that served directly under Artemis had all been invited to celebrate along with him. Serenity watched as Luna and Artemis opened the dance, with their first dance as a married couple. The scene before her was lovely as the whole room bore witness to the profound love those two shared. It seemed that a glow surrounded them as they glided along the marble floors. She sighed as she looked at the two and her memories went back to her prince. She had yet to find the man! It was so infuriating! It seemed he was nonexistent!

The closest she had gotten was on the planet Mars. While at Phobos Deimos castle, she had caught a glimpse of a man with dark raven hair from behind. She had gotten her hopes up, only to be disappointed when said male turned around and was revealed to have amethyst eyes instead of the coveted sapphire blue she dreamed about.

Afterward each castle visited proved a disappointment in that endeavor. Magellan castle in Venus, was full of blondes, equally as bubbly as the leader of her best friends, but rendered no dark haired men. Io castle had very muscular men with good form, but were too hotheaded for her taste, surely her prince had good manners! Titan castle on Saturn, had very graceful looking men, but where a bit too pale for her likes (nothing like the sun kissed skin she hoped to find). Triton castle on Neptune was breathtaking with its beautiful aqua colored walls. The men while beautiful, were hard to take seriously as they displayed a vanity she had only seen on women, surely her prince had more sense than that!

Uranus was an interesting place to visit. If not for the perpetual wind that blew and made it difficult to keep ones appearance intact when outside, Serenity would have never understood why men and women there both decided to keep their hair short. What was even more difficult was telling them apart! It appeared that when it came to following the norms of society, Uranus didn't seem to care, like the wind, they went whatever way they pleased. It was common for women to wear men's' clothes if they wished. In fact, while at Miranda castle, she had made the embarrassing mistake of confusing Princess Haruka of being male. Haruka had just laughed it off and said it was actually a compliment to her, as she cared little for looking delicate. Her boyish good looks, were quite confusing to the Princess as she seemed to forget at times that she was indeed talking to a girl. After said experience, Serenity deemed it unsafe to generalize on genders while on that planet, and after some searching realized that it too did not hold her prince.

Charon castle was her last stop, and held her last shimmer of hope for finding her prince. That hope was put out rather quickly when she was told that the castle had no inhabitants as the Princess of the castle had been deployed on an assignment, and the King and Queen were not fond of staying in the castle, preferring the company of the soldiers instead. The castle was lone and bare, the inspiration for scary novels. The people of Pluto were just as morose. While very intelligent and strong, they had no time for activities other than patrolling for any unwanted guests attempting to cross into the space of the Silver Alliance. For that what was the four outer planets did, guard from outside intruders. They took their jobs seriously, and while the inner planets princesses had spent sixteen years ready to defend her should the need arise, the outer had spent it securing their borders. Keeping her safe in that way. She would forever be thankful, and looked forward to working with and getting to know them better. The month and a half she stayed on those planets was thrilling and served as a good base to start friendships. Speaking of which, she could hear the voice of her four closest coming her way.

"Mina, just because Lord Miles came over and complimented your appearance, does not mean he intends to marry you!" Hissed a very irritated looking Rei. In her red sweetheart cut, A-line dress, she looked dressed to kill. And probably could by the look on her face.

"Oh Rei, you just say that because you turn down every man who asks you!" replied the falsely offended blond, turning her head away from Rei in a mock offended gesture. The blond did look very lovely that evening. Wearing the colors of her home planet. The silk, one shouldered, floor length, rust colored dress hugged her curves and accented her skin perfectly. She looked like the statue of the goddess of Venus. It would have been no surprise if someone had actually asked her to marry them.

"I would too, if all they were after was my title! After all, I could not believe the gall of Lord Leto! To come up and ask you to dance, feigning ignorance to last year's offenses! He was trying so hard to gain your attention Rei! It was too painful to watch!" laughed Lita as she recounted the events. Her satin emerald mermaid gown, with beaded neckline shining as merrily as her eyes as she voiced her opinion.

"Whatever did he attempt with our mild tempered Rei?" asked the princess with a mocking grin. Her head tilting to the side, waiting to hear of her friend's latest offense against the male sex.

"Well if you must know Serenity, I kindly reminded him that I was but a lady in waiting and would not wish to bother his lordship by having him "stoop" to my level, as he had previously told me." Slyly answered Rei.

"All the while his parents, who most likely sent him her way, watched with a look of horror on their faces!" informed Ami, who was enjoying the retelling of the scandal of the evening. Always the proper one, she was dressed in a modest sapphire, cap sleeve gown, that hung of her body gracefully, giving her a soft delicate look. She was definitely the most approachable of the four gathered.

"Well I told him to be careful how he spoke to people, you never know when it's a princess in hiding!" countered Rei, as she placed her hand on her hip.

"What I would have given to see that spectacle! Lord Leto has been walking around the palace courtyards with this air about him, as if he thinks he will marry into one of the monarchies. I pity the fool, as he is now, with all fortune and no brains, he will most likely fall prey to someone as ambitious as himself. That will be his punishment!" spoke the high princess in contempt for the man.

"That is a good punishment as any! A lifetime married to a twit, just as horrible as himself! Well-chosen words Serenity" applauded Lita.

"Well while the rest of you choose to degrade men, I only wish to dance with them. There are plenty of handsome soldiers to dot over! Once tonight is over, all of us must go back to boring lessons and court life!" sighed Mina. Turning to the girls she continued. "How I miss the days spent here, practicing our swordsmanship and battling with each other in secret!" Then turning to Serenity "But most of all, I miss those nights spent gossiping on your balcony under the stars." As her eyes glazed over with tears, so did those of the others. Quickly joining in a group hug the girls held each other before a grinning Mina stated, "I wasn't joking about the dancing, and I hope you girls will join me! Let's dance the night away girls, tomorrow is fast approaching!" with that the girls headed to the dance floor turning heads and quickly gathering a line of anxious suitors.

After the girls left Serenity's room, the designated place to reminisce on old times, a cold chill crept in. Serenity suddenly felt the loss of Luna's presence. She was typically the last one to see her off before retiring to bed, as her bedroom had been adjacent to the princess. Now, pacing around her balcony in her nightgown, it seemed sleep was not to come. Her mind was too occupied in memories of the past and the inevitable loneliness that was sure to follow in the days to come. Luna had been dismissed as governess to the princess, and would now only serve her mother.

Tears slid down her face as she was reminded that all her friends now held responsibilities that would not allow for days of the past. A new era had started, her time to govern would be soon in coming. Her mother had also hinted at her during the celebrations that her time to choose a partner was soon to come, as she would be old enough to marry in six months' time and would soon be welcoming suitors.

It was those thoughts that also stole her sleep.

Returning to her room, she headed for her closet. She needed to take a walk and relax in the gardens.

Siting on the cold stone bench by the fountain of roses that typically calmed her, Serenity looked at the earth. She still could not believe that a planet so beautiful could be alone. Alone like her, she thought. Maybe that was why looking up at the planet seemed to sooth her lonely soul. The past couple of months, while exciting, had left her tired. Tired of searching for the phantom man that had come to represent a comfort to her. For it was to his image that she had poured her secret hopes and desires. Would love also prove to be a phantom idea? Watching Luna and Artemis had made her keenly aware that she would one day marry; yet her mother's words had cemented that idea to her head. Political marriages were quiet common place and she had witnessed some in the past year and a half. Would that be expected of her as well? Was she doomed to be a lonely wife, trapped in a loveless marriage as she had seen others? She did not wish that to her or her fellow friends. Looking at her father's watch, she knew that could not be so. Her mother had given it to her in her father's stead. Serenity suddenly realized what that gesture implied, a promise that she would marry for love. Somehow the idea managed to calm her nerves. She hugged herself as the chill of the night set in. Pulling her cloak tighter to herself, she laid back on the bench and stared at the earth. Her mind telling her heart that she could rest. She would not be alone, she would be complete one day. That evening while looking at the earth the moon princess found the sleep she was craving. Clutching her father's watch to her chest, the last tears of loneliness left her eyes as she drifted off in more ways than one.

Endymion, was exhausted. He had searched the earth for a more precise location to the darkness that had appeared, and had found another clue. This one, in the vision of a large stone, a monolith. Everything around it seemed to be dying. It definitely needed some investigation, and now he knew what to look for. The plans would have to wait till tomorrow, though, as Endymion was in a dour need of rest. Rubbing his eyes and massaging his temples Endymion made his way to teleport back to the temple in the forest.

Walking out into the forest, Endymion looked at the moon in admiration. The light emanating this evening was brighter than the usual full moons he had seen before. Making his way to his horse, he noticed a slight shift in the shadows.

Slowly walking towards the shadow while also keeping his hand on the pummel of his sword, Endymion decided to spy on it before making any sudden movements. For all he knew it could be Beryl again, trying to watch over him. Shaking his head, he sorely hoped that was not the case. Yet, out of the numerous possibilities, Beryl would probably be the easiest to deal with. Settling behind a tree, he noticed the figure was hunched over, in what appeared to be a large cloak with a hood. From the size he could tell it was a woman, or a really small man. The figure seemed to be looking for something on the ground desperately as it crawled on its knees at one point.

Endymion was about to make his presence known, when the figure stood tall, and suddenly produced a bright light from her hands. Aiming the light at the ground, the search continued.

Puzzled by the source of light, Endymion concluded it was probably a handler of magic. Just as he was about to conclude that the figure was harmless and make his way back to his horse, the figure stepped into a ray of moonlight, and having not noticed the small tree root in its path, stumbled and fell, pulling back on the hood in the process and revealing the most mesmerizing locks of silver hair Endymion had ever seen.

With his mouth ajar, against his conscious will, he gaped at the beauty before him. Her skin was like Porcelain, her lips plump and pink tinged, complimented by the lovely blush that graced her cheeks, made her look angelic. Her lovely heart shaped face, was framed by wisps of silver hair that was held back by two buns on either side of her head. The hairstyle was peculiar, but not tasteless as he had seen many a noble daughter do in order to stand out. When she lifted her eyes up at him, he was shocked to see the same eyes he had dreamed of many times before. Crystalline as the skies in Elysion! Her eyes looked at him in wonder for a brief second before recognition set in. The angel before him started panicking and quickly bolted up dusting off her skirts and putting her hood back on.

The image of her beauty now removed from his eyes, Endymion came back to his rational self. Slowly approaching the woman, he calmly asked "What are you doing here in the forest, at this time, by yourself?"

The woman looked at him in a puzzled way before it seemed she gathered her thoughts and spoke. "I feel asleep and just woke up. This place is vastly unfamiliar to me. Could you please tell me where I am?" asked the woman in a calm yet graceful manner.

As Endymion studied the manner she stood and talked he could gather that she was of nobility.

"Why, you are on the castle grounds, the eastern forest to be exact. I have not seen you at court, are you new to the castle? For I have not had the pleasure of being introduced." He smiled gently as he slowly walked closer to the woman, but she appeared somewhat uncomfortable with his new distance, and slowly backed away, only to trip over the same tree root, and fall on her bottom. The hood having flung itself off her head again, revealed the angel's flustered face as she looked up at him.

And that's when he noticed the mark on her forehead.

Looking at him her eyes pulsed wide as she realized he was looking at her mark, an easy reminder to all in her kingdom as to who she was! The look on his face let her know that he did not recognize her symbol. Relief followed by fear flooded her. If he did not recognize her moon mark, that could only mean she was not on a planet in her alliance! She had suspected such when she saw the unknown foliage that had greeted her upon waking. But having her dream prince look at her face with wonder only finalized the fact that she was on unknown territory. She did not know how she had teleported during her sleep. She had never done so before, and sorely hoped she could make it home. For as elated as she was to see the man of her dreams, she had two pressing problems. One she didn't know where she was, and two, she had dropped her father's watch and could not find it!

Looking back at her nameless prince, she decided that sitting on the floor in a less than graceful manner was not the best way to make first impressions. Just as she was making to get up, an offered hand appeared in her line of vision. Taking his hand, she was pulled up to her feet rather quickly and the suddenness brought her falling into his arms. She closed her eyes in embarrassment, she had never lost her composure before any male before. This meeting was going just as planned she thought sarcastically to herself before she felt him straighten her up. This close up to him, she could barely remember to breath. Pictures did not do this man justice. His chiseled features reminded her of a those lifelike statues on Venus that honored male beauty. Of course, nothing could compare to a living breathing man. His skin had a beautiful golden glow to it and his eyes held an intensity that no image could capture. While it had only been a second, that moment pressed up against him, had been enough for her to feel the power in his muscles and his scent would now be forever ingrained in her brain. It was a combination of dark wood, amber and warm spices. Serenity tried to stop the blush from forming on her cheeks, but was not allowed that pleasure. He was just looking at her with fascination. She figured she should speak to break the silence.

"I seemed to have lost a very important piece of jewelry. It is a gold watch, attached to a chain. If you could help me find it, I would be much obliged."

Nodding the man, bent on one knee, placed his hand on the ground and closed his eyes. A glow emanated from his hand, and as it expanded for a second, her heart thumped as something inside her, the connection she had to her crystal, thumped. It appeared he felt the same as he snapped his eyes open at the same time she had felt the sensation. Looking puzzled he stood and walked a couple of paces before bending down and picking something from the ground. It sparkled in the moonlight and Serenity knew it was her watch. Walking towards him with a smile of joy on her face, she approached her prince, who seemed entranced by her smile. Holding out his hand he let the watch hang from its chain. Placing her hand out, he gently placed it there, lightly grazing his fingers on her palm. It was at that instant that again, she felt a shock.

Endymion could not believe what he had seen. When he barely made contact with her skin, he had seen images. Images of that castle he had seen as a child. Of her walking in it, around it, with others. His mind was on overdrive as he thought of what that could mean. He looked at her in sudden realization. She wasn't of earth, of that he was now sure! That mark on her forehead glowed, it was not a simple birthmark as he had imagined it to be. Now he could vividly see that it was in the shape of a crescent moon. His thoughts were diverted back to this magnificent creature as he heard her say, "thank you."

With that he bowed and as he came up said, "a pleasure my lady. May I have the Honor of knowing your name? We have been here together and have yet to introduce ourselves."

Serenity could only nod. For a year she had wondered who this man was and what his name could be. It would not hurt to give him just her name she thought.

"Serenity, that is my name"

"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Endymion."

Serenity barely had time to ponder his name, as she could feel the pull of the crystal beckoning her return. As she started feeling the power run through her veins, she could see her body was glowing. Lifting her hands to her face, she could see that her hands where becoming transparent. Looking at Endymion, she hurriedly said "I will not forget you Endymion. Someday we will meet again, of that I am sure!"

A blinding light suddenly surrounded the princess, and the surge of power that accompanied the light, sent the prince back against a tree.

"I won't forget you either… Serenity."

Those were the last words the prince spoke, before he drifted off to unconsciousness.