Title: To Brave the Darkness

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon

Authors Notes: Hey everyone! Here's the next chapter. I'm super busy at work right now so it's hard to get these ready to go, but I'm going to try my hardest to get the next chapter out in a couple of days. I'm glad you all seem to be liking it so far. It's going to be about the same length as all my other stories, so we have a ways to go yet! Enjoy!

Serenity was awoken suddenly, feeling disoriented. Endymion had hopped off the horse and was stretching out his legs. The sun had just started to rise over the edge of the city, and the morning dew hung in the air.

Endymion looked up at her and laughed. "You look confused."

"Where are we?" She asked, trying to swing her leg over the horse while realizing that she was far too stiff to do anything of the sort. Thankfully, he caught her as she started to fall, and cradled her in his arms as she slid off the horse.

"Have you ever ridden a horse that long?"

"Not since I was young," she said, wobbling as he set her on her feet. "Sorry, I'm not used to…

He shook his head at her, smiling. "That over there," he said pointing to where a large house peaked over the trees, "is my home."

Serenity gave him a look and he laughed.

"That," he said pointing in the other direction, "is where Lady Raye lives."

Serenity squinted and peered into the little grouping of larger homes and a church. They looked wealthy enough and clean. There was a little market not too far away, and beyond that the Kingdom sprawled over the land. There was no way to see all the way across. It would be impossible to travel it in a day, or even two.

"How far did we travel?"

"Your fathers home is that way," he pointed. "We didn't stop all night."

"You must be tired," she said, turning to him in concern.

"I'll be fine," he smiled. "Come on," he said taking her hand and walking with her towards the little town. "We'll walk if that's alright. It's too early to call on Raye, so if we walk it'll give her some time to wake up. Besides, I could use the walk."

Serenity was a little chilled in the morning air, but didn't much mind. With Endymion holding her hand and her stepfather's house a million miles away, she found herself completely satisfied with having to put up with such a minor inconvenience.

She didn't talk to him much on the short walk. She just enjoyed the views. The Kingdom was breathtaking. She could just see the glimmer of the king's palace in the distance. She had never been to that part of the kingdom, but she had heard of its beauty. Perhaps one day she might be able to see it.

"Who is Raye?" Serenity asked.

"She's the friend I was telling you about," he said smiling at the memory. "She's lived here forever, and I used to play with her when we were children. She's younger than me, but she was always determined to win at everything we did, no matter how un-lady like it was. She is perhaps one of my few female friends whom I have never had the desire to sleep with."

"Never?"

"She is like a sister to me. Her parents died a long while ago and left her their fortune. It is very large, but she refuses to buy one of the manor homes in the area. She's perfectly happy in their family home and puts the money to good use. I believe she has already doubled her fortune with good business endeavors. I'm sure you will like her."

Serenity nodded. "She will officially be my first friend," she smiled.

He looked at her. "Your first?"

"I guess my maid back home would be considered a friend, but I hardly had the choice. She's the only female I've ever been allowed to speak to."

"And you don't consider me a friend?"

She laughed. "Perhaps one day, when I can get passed how our meeting came about. Let's not forget you intended to seduce me."

"I saw right away that you were not to be seduced," he said.

"You're a bad liar," she teased.

Endymion laughed as they got to her door. He walked in without being invited and Serenity felt strange in someone else's home. Her carefree manor seemed to die out, and she was immediately nervous.

"Raye?" Endymion called up the stairs. "You better come down or I'm coming up."

Serenity hung back, watching him make his way easily through the beautiful home, draping his jacket over the chair and pouring himself a glass of a dark liquid.

"You do realize it's morning," Serenity said as he took a long drink.

"Technically, I haven't been asleep yet, so it's extremely late at night."

Serenity giggled, walking gingerly to sit in the seat across from him. She was about to ask another question when a girl came stomping into the room, violet eyes blazing and glossy black hair flying behind her.

"I don't give a damn who you are Endymion, if you ever come in here this early again and…" her words died out as she looked at Serenity.

Serenity blushed, hoping the girl wouldn't be upset with her sudden appearance. Raye was wrapped tightly in her night robe and looking very much like she had just gotten out of bed. That said, Serenity had spent the night on a horse, so she was sure she didn't look any better.

"Raye, this is Serenity," Endymion said casually. "I've ruined her reputation."

Raye's surprised faded and she sighed. "What on earth is wrong with you?"

Endymion shrugged as Raye went and sat beside Serenity.

"Whatever he's done too you, I swear he's not worth it."

Serenity smiled shyly. "Actually, it was my fault."

Raye glared at Endymion. "You've convinced this one that you're not to blame? How did you manage that?"

"What can I say?" Endymion laughed. "I'm getting better."

"And you look like crap," Raye sighed. "Go upstairs. My maid was just filling me a bath. Use it and sleep in the spare room."

Endymion shook his head. "I better get home. I have some plans to make." He got up and walked over to kiss Raye gently on the cheek, and then smile at Serenity. "You know where I am if you need anything."

"She'll be fine," Raye said waving him away. "Just go."

He was gone very suddenly, and Serenity found herself in the presence of just the fiery girl Raye who had so easily dealt with a man who had always been talked about as very evil.

"Tell me what happened," Raye said.

Serenity cleared her voice, and told her everything, from start to finish. She explained what she had done and why, and what Endymion had done to help her. She had told her what he had said to her around the lake, and the decisions he had made after that. She left out a few parts, like their second night together, but she didn't think they were important to the story.

Raye sat and watch in rapt attention, looking completely bewildered.

When the story was done, Serenity sat back, smiling to herself.

"Did it ever occur to you to ask him to help you without actually having sex with him?" Raye asked.

Serenity opened her mouth to answer, but realized she hadn't. "Would he have done that?"

"Of course," Raye said. She shook her head. "That's besides the point now. What's done is done. So what's happening now? Do you have family to go live with?"

Serenity shook her head. "Endymion suggested I might stay here until I can be sure my stepfather is far enough away from finding me that I can be free."

"Well of course you can stay here. It will be nice to have some respectable female companions for once. Endymion is not known for bringing home the best ladies."

Serenity giggled. "Does he always bring them here?"

"No, he doesn't usually ever bring the one's he's been with to his own home or around. But sometimes, they follow, and when they aren't permitted into his house, they try here. It's nauseating how often he gets away with the things he does. But then again, people should really stop inviting him over. It's not his fault all the ladies in the kingdom think he has dreamy eyes," she said sarcastically. "If he were ugly, we wouldn't have this problem."

"I don't wish to intrude."

"Nonsense," Raye said waving her hand. "I will have one of my guest rooms made up for you. You must be tired. We'll have some breakfast and you can rest, and then we can decide what to do next."

"I really do appreciate it."

"It is my pleasure, I assure you. Trust me, I wouldn't welcome you if I didn't feel like it."

Serenity laughed. "Then I'm sure we shall be great friends."

For the first time in her whole life, Serenity felt free. There was nothing forcing her to make any decision she didn't want to make. Raye didn't order her to entertain her friends or attract men to her life. She didn't ask her to stay in the house or refuse to let her meet new people.

In fact, she was just the opposite.

Raye introduced her to all kinds of people. Other ladies, who were all sweeter and kinder than anyone she had ever met, and young men who were eager to please and just as eager to simply accompany. Serenity walked through the nearby town, meeting shop owners and workers and playing with the children.

It was a dream come true. Serenity couldn't believe anyone could be as happy as she was at this moment.

And Raye had quickly become a very great friend.

After the first day of awkwardness, when Serenity felt a little intrusive upon Raye's life, everything had settled into a very companionable atmosphere. Raye seemed overjoyed to have another person in her life.

Raye's personality was a little intense and sometimes extremely abrupt, but Serenity would never change her for a moment.

"So what would you like to see today?" Raye asked casually as they sat together in the warm sunlight of the garden. Summer was getting closer and closer, and soon it would be almost too warm to spend much time outside.

"Lady Mina suggested a ride around the lake," Serenity said. "Perhaps we should take her up on that."

Raye nodded. "It would be good for Mina to actually do something she plans."

Serenity giggled. She had liked Mina immediately. The girl was from a very wealthy family an hour away, and absolutely delighted in life. She was not sheltered or controlled by her family and had grown up believing only the best things in life. But she was a little absent minded, and had such high energy that she couldn't sit still long enough to read for long.

"I had also hoped to go into town again. The shop keeper told me that the strawberries would be perfectly ripe soon."

Raye shook her head. "We could send a servant."

"I want to do it myself."

"You're so strange," Raye said taking a drink of water. "I understand why you want to do everything, but I assumed it would fade out once you'd experienced it. But it's been two weeks and you still want to do everything yourself."

Serenity looked at her friend. "Two weeks?"

"Of course," Raye said. "Haven't you been counting?"

"No," Serenity said honestly. "It feels like two days." Then another thought struck her, and then slight confusion. "It's been two weeks and yet Endymion hasn't come by at all?"

Raye shrugged. "He's not one for daily visits. He sent me a litter a week ago informing me of a business venture in the east part of the city. I'm sure that means he's found another lady to pursue."

Serenity frowned, but didn't say anything to that. She had never expected to see much of Endymion, but she didn't enjoy hearing that he was simply out of her life now.

"The opera is starting up again this coming Saturday. Should I get us tickets?"

Serenity smiled. "I've never been to an opera. Are they good?"

Raye rolled her eyes. "You really are clueless."

Serenity giggled. "Then yes, we should get tickets. But I'm perfectly capable of paying my own way."

"We're not having this argument again Serenity."

"I took some money with me."

"That money will run out one day, and you'll be left alone and starving."

"Then I'll get a job."

"No offense, but you're not trained in anything."

"I could learn."

"You're staying with me and while you're in my care, I will act as your guardian. I am treating my ward to a night at the opera, and that is final."

"But you've already bought me dresses and allowed me to stay with you, it's too…"

"You should know by now that I never lose an argument," Raye interrupted. "One day, when you're settled and comfortable, we'll find you employment so you can feel like you're living on your own. But until your stepfather stops searching for you, you must keep a low profile. I have more than enough money for twenty of us to live way beyond our means."

Serenity smiled at her friend. "I'm very glad to have met you."

"You would be," Raye said smiling. "I am amazing."

Serenity sighed, closing her eyes and facing the sun. But she was still troubled. Raye had heard the very first day of her arrival that her stepfather was looking for her. It had been hard, trying to go out and experience life while always watching your back.

She wasn't surprised her stepfather would look for her, especially when he found out nobody was speaking of what she had done.

That thought brought her back to Endymion.

"Is Endymion really as bad as his reputation says he is?" She asked.

"Yes," Raye said seriously. "Endymion's father was a very cruel man, and Endymion has higher principals than the rest of his family ever aspired too. But that doesn't change the fact that he does take advantage when it suits him, and he almost never stays around long enough to make sure the lady in question is cared for."

"Does he have any children?"

"He doesn't talk about it, but it would be astonishing if he didn't. I doubt he knows either way."

Serenity hesitated before asking her next question. "If I were pregnant, would I know by now?"

Raye looked at her seriously. "Perhaps. When is your monthly cycle next due?"

"Another couple of days."

"Then you'll know then."

Serenity nodded. "I don't feel any different."

"Then hopefully that's a good sign."

"Is that why he's staying away?" Serenity asked, "because I'm here and he's already done with me?"

"I couldn't answer that even if I did have some idea. He has never brought a girl to me before and he has never helped someone he has used. You are unique in many ways, but I don't know if that means he cares for you at all. I wish I could tell you he did, but I've never known him to change."

"It doesn't matter really," Serenity said. "I'm not bothered. I used him as much as he used me, and I was never expecting anything to grow from it."

"Come on," Raye said eagerly. "Let's pick up Lita on the way and go see about that ride around the lake."

The four ladies spent the day together in complete bliss. Lita, the tall, proud and beautiful neighbor of Mina's was spending more and more time with them, adding beautifully to Serenity's new life. Lita was as kind and gentle as any person she'd ever met, but strong and passionate as well. She had so many talents, and excelled in almost everything she tried.

Of course, Serenity's story had been augmented a bit for her benefit. As much as she felt she could trust them, it wasn't worth the risk of someone telling her father where she was.

So instead, they thought she was a cousin visiting Raye for two weeks from across the Kingdom. She was escaping an abusive father, which was true, and hoping to start a new life. They didn't question it. In fact, they didn't doubt anything she'd said.

"I think I should marry," Mina said casually as they sat atop their horses, strolling lazily around the beautifully glistening lake at the edge of the Kingdom. To their left, a short distance away, was the tall wall separating the lush green Kingdom from the barren wastelands of the desert.

Lita laughed. "Who's caught your fancy this time?"

"Would you tease me if I said Lord Endymion," Mina said sarcastically.

"I would say you're mad," Raye countered.

Mina giggled. "No, it is a man my father has introduced me to. He is a cousin to the King, and he is very handsome."

"It sounds like a very good match," Serenity said.

"It would be," Mina agreed, "but I cannot tell whether or not he loves me, and you know I could never marry a man who didn't love me completely. I would rather die an old maid."

"When did you meet him?" Lita asked.

"Yesterday."

"Oh dear lord," Raye sighed. "Perhaps you should give him more time to decide his feelings."

Serenity laughed. "Surely a whole day is plenty."

"That's what I thought," Mina said happily. "You see Raye, I knew Serenity would side with me. It really is a good thing you came to us," Mina said. "Raye wears on me sometimes."

Lita laughed. "You are unique in many ways, Mina my friend."

"I assure you I am happy to be here."

"That reminds me," Lita said gently. "My father asked me of you the other day. He said he had heard reports that your father is searching for you. He's even offered a reward. I explained to him the situation and he agreed that we should keep your secret."

"Mine as well," Mina said. "Don't worry, my family would never condemn anyone to a life of abuse and unhappiness."

Serenity was both touched by the kindness of her friends and uneasy with the information. There were many other people she had met that might not turn her in for pleasure, but might have little choice if the money would help their families.

"Don't worry Serenity," Raye said, "you're safe here."

Serenity nodded, taking a deep breath. She knew that the girls wouldn't do anything to hurt her chances of staying hidden, but she couldn't help thinking of Endymions advice to hide for a while. She was happy experiencing life, but it would mean nothing if she were taken back home.

"We're going to the opera this Saturday," Raye said.

"I love the opera!" Mina said enthusiastically.

Lita laughed. "I guess that means we're all going."

Serenity smiled. "Maybe we should invite Amy as well. I've only met her twice but I would love to know her better."

End of chapter five. Sorry, this was sort of lacking in action, but I promise there is more to come! Please review!