There will be some noticeable changes starting in this chapter. I had a vision where I wanted this story to go, but after picking up my pen again, I noticed that there's no possible way it can match it with the way it currently sits. I hope my devoted reviewers are happy I'm writing this again and aren't disheartened that I changed the story around.

~*~*~*~ Chapter 1 ~*~*~*~

Clash. Clank. A polished sword came swinging down on an elder white haired man. Raising his sword up to meet it, he blocked the blow and knocked the person attacking to the ground. "You cannot charge in anger Ren. When you do, you telegraph your moves and I'm able to easily deflect them."

The attacker on the ground, removed the hat revealing long golden blonde hair drawn into a bun at the base of her neck. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she reached for her sword and picked herself up off the ground. "Sorry Artemis. I've had the nightmare again and feel frustration over leaving my parents to die," she conceded. Wiping her leather breeches off, she handed him the sword. "I'm not in the mood to train today."

Taking on a look of understanding, Artemis took the sword from the young woman. "I understand Serenity, but you have to learn to harness and control your anger, lest it get the best of you. I want you to go wash up for lunch and then we will begin again."

Leaving the sparing ring, Serenity grabbed a pitcher and poured herself some water. A blonde similar in height and build but more full-figured approached in an orange sundress. "Hey Ren, Luna told me to remind you and Artemis that we are to entertain visitors after lunch. You won't be able to get dirty rolling around in the dirt and fighting like a boy," she giggled.

"Very funny Minerva," she teased swatting at her skirts.

"Don't call me that Serenity! You know how much I loathe that name!" the blonde shrieked.

"Whatever for Mina?" Artemis interjected. "It was the name of your mother, my sister and our mother before her."

"Forgive me Uncle," Mina apologized, bowing. "It just makes me feel old beyond my years."

Shaking it off, Artemis led both women into the house. Greeting his wife with a simple kiss, he ushered the girls to get ready for the pending guests. In their room, Serenity washed her face and arms in a basin, while Mina powdered hers and applied crushed powder to her lips with balm to darken them. "Ren, why do you fight like the men? That outfit is most unbecoming of a lady."

Laughing, as she emptied the basin out the window, Serenity turned to her and said quite simply, "So that I can avenge my parents' murder."

Believing her to be joking, Mina laughed as she left the room. Once alone, Serenity stripped and put on the undergarments and dress that had been laid out for her. Though she was uncomfortable in conventional clothes such as this (and much preferred her leather breeches), she had to admit she felt pretty in the dress. It was a navy blue cotton that had a similar sheen to silk. The top of the dress hugged her bosom with intricate gold lace and beads embroidered across the top. It hugged her figure til it reached her hips then flared out. Her petticoat underneath caused it to settle nicely around her in an even "poof" before coming to the floor lined with gold lace. It was a simple but elegant dress and showed off her womanly figure nicely. It was one of Mina's favorites that she helped pick out for Serenity, saying that the blue in the dress brought out the blue in her eyes.

Lunch was light, cucumber sandwiches and strawberries from the garden. Lemon water was served with ice, while Artemis and two of his trainees drank a light summer ale. Instead of continuing their sword lessons like usual, the afternoon found them sitting in the drawing room waiting on their company. Mina had taken up her stitching, while Serenity was thoroughly absorbed in her book. Artemis had returned to the training grounds, while Luna was busy clearing away the lunch trays. A small commotion at the door caused both Mina and Serenity to put down their items and look at each other.

Standing up and straightening herself to look presentable, Mina turned to Serenity, squealing in delight. "Ren he's here, how do I look?"

Shaking her head at her friend, she offered her a smile as encouragement. The "he" that Mina referred to was her latest crush, Lord Kunzite of the Kingdom Elysia. He was 2nd in command to the king, and quite dashing, or so Mina said. Although the man that entered the drawing room, could be mistaken for a dashing fellow. He was very tall, at least a foot taller than Serenity, with straight white hair that swept past his shoulders and sparkling gray eyes. Mina about swooned when she saw him.

"Lord Kunzite," she addressed bowing. Serenity, however did not bow in greeting as the Lord entered the room. She gave an exasperated sigh at Mina's misplaced formality. Kunzite approached both girls and threw his arms around Serenity in a hug. Mina gasped in jealousy and sent her friend the death glare.

"Ren it has been too long!" he exclaimed. Letting go of Serenity, he turned to address Mina. "Lady Minerva, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Serenity failed to mention how breathtaking you were in her letters."

Blushing beet red, Mina giggled and thanked him. "What brings you here Kunzite? I haven't seen you since I was a child and you wouldn't explain what was going on in your letters," Serenity asked.

"The great king of Elysia has fallen ill and is no longer able to rule. In his place, Diamond has taken over the throne and reigns of the kingdom," Kunzite explained.

"Wait! Diamond?" Serenity interrupted. "What of Endymion? He is the true heir to the kingdom!"

Kunzite looked at her with a downcast sigh, "Endymion is dead. Because Queen Gaia died all those years ago and never produced another heir, Damien's illegitimate son, Diamond has been set to rule."

Serenity sunk to her knees. Endymion, her child hood friend and tormentor was dead. Had that much really changed in ten years. Crying silently, she looked up at Kunzite, "How did he die?"

"No one is sure. After the assassination of Queen Gaia about 4 yrs ago, the kingdom fell into a depression right along their king. One day, Endymion had disappeared. For months the king searched the kingdom with his guard looking for the young Prince. He would have only been 16 yrs old. Old enough to survive on his own if need be, but he was not found. Neither was a body. The kingdom declared him dead and when the king fell ill again a few months ago, he named Diamond as heir apparent unless Endymion appears before his 21st birthday and reclaims his throne," Kunzite explained. "No one believes he will though."

Serenity processed the information. Before she could ask anymore questions, Luna appeared with tea and biscuits. Picking herself up and wiping away her tears, she sat back down on the sofa. Mina moved to set beside her and wrapped her arms about her for comfort. "That is not why I came back, however, Serenity. It would seem that in my Uncle's absence from the throne, Diamond has begun taxing the citizens of Elysia and is threatening to take your family's estate away if no one turns up to claim it and pay the exuberant amount of taxes owed against it. Myself and the other lords were able to come up with the total amount owed if you wanted to return to Elysia and reclaim your family's property."

Serenity looked at Kunzite in shock. She was happy here, with Luna and Artemis and Mina. Could she really abandon them and return home to the house where her parents were killed. Would she wanted to live there and relive the memories of that awful night that changed her life forever. However if she stayed here, would she ever be able to find her parents' killer and serve them the justice they deserved at her hands?

"Thank you Lord Kunzite, although I cannot ask you to pay the taxes we owe," Serenity calmly replied. "I will need some time to think it over as I have made a home here for myself."

"Nonsense Ren, the money we have collected is a small price to pay for everything your father has done for us and our family. Besides, once we find Endymion and set the kingdom right, I'm sure that it will be repaid back to you. If at that point you feel you need to repay us, we will surely accept," Kunzite teased.

"Find Endymion?" Serenity questioned. "I thought you said he was dead? What would be the point of finding him?"

At this Kunzite chuckled. Mina looked up admiringly at him as he spoke, "There was no body. I do not believe that my best friend is dead. And I aim to find him and force him to take over the throne when I do."

I decided that I wanted to add this chapter, to fill in some time gaps between when her parents are murdered and she picks up the mantle of Queen of Swords. I wanted to show an intro into Mina as well as Serenity's training with Artemis. It's a bit short, but I'm on a roll and wanted to share it with everyone asap!