And here is where I begin my actual rewrite. Unfortunately once this chapter is posted, I will be removing the others as the story will start to fall apart. I will keep copies of the other chapters, and I hope that you guys understand the need I feel to do this. As the story currently sits, I have no ending and have suffered years of writers block. With the renewal and rewrite, I know exactly where I want to finish and I'm working on how to get there. Anyways, enough of my ramblings... enjoy!

~*~*~*~* Chapter 2 *~*~*~*~

After several weeks, discussions and arguments, it was finally decided that Serenity would return home alongside Luna to her father's estate. She would repair whatever awaited her and made sure that the lien against her father's house was paid to the tyrant prince, with the help of Kunzite and his fellow Lords. Beyond that, she was unsure what she would need to do, but one thing was for certain, she needed to figure out her father's killer and perhaps even aide Kunzite in the search for her friend and the one true heir to Elysia.

Packing was a simple affair. There were only a few things that she needed in order to make the journey. Never one to settle for materialistic or frivolous items, she took the bare necessities; her best riding habit, a few dresses and what little jewelry and trinkets she had acquired. Mina wanted to travel with her, mostly to keep an eye on Kunzite, who she had spent much time with in the weeks after his initial visit. However, both Luna and Artemis agreed it was in everyone's best interest if Mina stayed behind with Artemis until things were settled enough to accommodate them. The journey itself would take near a week to reach the capital city of Lunaria, and then another half day to her father's estate. In his prime, he had been a lord and guardian of the city, but whether or not her title would be honored or welcomed, left not a care to Serenity.

Their small traveling party which consisted of Luna, Serenity, Kunzite and his manservant left early the following morning, just as the sun was starting to peak across the fields. They rode for the first two days, stopping to make camp several hours after dusk. The first time was in tents off to the side of the road and the second was in a dank tavern near the docks. On the morning of the third day they sold their horses and boarded a small ship with a crew of only 6. The travel by water would take them at least 4 days with good weather. By the eve of the second day aboard the ship, Serenity fell ill with seasickness. She was led below deck and nursed for the next two days by Luna with some herbal teas she had the foresight to bring. The weather was great and when they docked late in the afternoon of the 4th day, Serenity had never been happier to have solid ground beneath her feet. They stayed at a tavern on the outskirts of Lunaria, and enjoyed a warm and hearty meal of lamb stew with a light red wine. Kunzite, who was not much for water either, expressed his own gratitude to be on dry land. Once the meal was done they gathered in Serenity's room to discuss the following few days.

"Luna, Serenity, I'm afraid come tomorrow morning I will have to part ways with you and head back to my own estate," Kunzite explained. "While you had come upstairs to freshen up, I received a courier with a note that Diamond had visited my estate in my absence and asked where I was. As my servants were instructed to do so, they informed him that I had gone to fetch an old family friend. It seems that Diamond has agreed to let you stay in your family's home for a week before he expects to receive the backed taxes on the estate-" at this Serenity shot him a dirty look. "But worry not, for it will only take 2 days time to collect all the money and have you present it to him."

"We are ever so grateful for your kindness Kunzite. Again, I promise that I will repay you as soon as I am able," Serenity pleaded. Kunzite waved her off. Then he turned to Luna.

"I know it has been a while since you have been home. I regret to inform you that Lunaria is not as it once was, so be prepared to be shocked. There is still some beauty in the city," Kunzite continued, "but the fountain in the town square has been removed and replaced with gallows for executions. It has become a sport of sorts for Diamond to publicly execute those that defile him."

Shaking her head with sadness, Luna cleared her teary eyes. "We have a long day ahead of ourselves Ren; I suggest we settle in for the evening before making the trek tomorrow morning."

Walking up to Kunzite, Serenity through her arms around him, "Thank you for everything. I will see you in two days time!'

Kunzite turned to walk out the door, leaving a few gold coins on the mantle. Luna excused herself to get some hot water to fill a bath for Serenity, while she sat down at the small vanity. Pulling the clips from her hair Serenity untangled it with her hands and ran the brush through it. It was easier to wash and comb afterwards if there were no tangles in it beforehand. Luna returned with a tavern girl to finish filling the water in the tub in the middle of the room. Turning her back out of respect for the younger girl, Serenity undressed and dipped into the hot water. It was hard to believe it had been almost a week since she had taken a bath. Digging through their bags, Luna pulled out a night shift and helped Serenity wash her hair. After she finished in the tub, Serenity dressed while Luna took her own bath.

The next morning they awoke just before sunrise and dressed in travel clothes. It was still spring time but rather cool in the morning, so Serenity had donned her cloak. Finishing pinning her floor length hair to the top of her head, they packed and left the room. Kunzite had seen to every detail of their travel including securing them two beautiful horses, one midnight black and the other a soft gray. Serenity chose the black horse and mounted it, while Luna rode side-saddle as was acceptable for women. By mid-morning the temperatures began to warm up and Serenity removed her cloak. As they entered the town by late afternoon, she noticed that what Kunzite had described had been accurate. Though she didn't remember much of the town from her childhood, she did remember its outstanding beauty. One thing that hadn't changed over the years though, was the marketplace. Pulling their horses to a stop, both women dismounted and searched out the house Kunzite had described to them. There was a family, husband and wife, who were willing to take over as butler and housemaid for Serenity's estate, Molly and Melvin. However the beautiful smells of the market distracted Serenity.

Pausing in the middle of the crowded square, she couldn't help but take in the wonderful smells. "Serenity, come along child, do not diddle around," Luna scolded.

"Oh but Luna, this market is so beautiful!" Serenity exclaimed pushing a golden lock of hair behind her ear. "It's been so long since we've had spices and fresh fruit and BREAD! Do you smell that?!"

Taking a deep breath, Serenity closed her eyes, allowing the smells to overwhelm her senses. Back home, or rather at Artemis', the lands were very dry and barren and did not provide much in the way of fruit or spices. Only a few hard vegetables like potatoes and onions. Luna, having lost interest in Serenity's childish antics, sought out help to locate Molly and Melvin. Unbeknownst to both, a young man with his hands full of parchments and bags of tonics was headed for a crash course with the blonde.

CRASH! Serenity with her eyes closed and the man with his hands full, managed to full on crash into each other. The supplies fell out of the man's hands scattering on the ground. Serenity fell backwards and in a panic tried to grab something to steady herself, however that something turned out to be a someone. Falling on her behind, the man she crashed into landed on top of her, knocking the wind out. Partially regaining her composure, she realized the extra weight was still solidly on top of her.

"Oh my goodness, I'm terribly sorry sir! I can be such a spas sometimes, though I promise it's never intentional!" Serenity exclaimed. "I was just enjoying the lovely smells of the market place and didn't notice you heading in my direction!"

Picking himself up from the blonde, he dusted himself off only half listening to her ramblings. He reached out to help her up, but was interrupted when a black haired woman beat him to the punch. Yanking Serenity up to her feet, Luna began scolding her like a child. "I swear Serenity! If it isn't one thing, it's another. When will you ever learn child!"

"I'm sorry Luna," she apologized, and then turned to the young man. "Again I'm sorry for not paying closer attention to my surroundings."

"It's alright, I have to admit, I wasn't paying much attention myself... hands being full and all," the young man said. Once Serenity had recomposed herself, she got a good look at the man in front of her. He was tall, much taller than her, probably at least a foot taller than her five-foot height. He had dark black hair, and bright blue eyes that seemed haunted. His face showed little age, so she guessed he was probably early twenties. Glancing at his hand she noticed he wore no ring on this third finger.

"Ahh, Darien, there you are," a man with dark brown wavy hair greeted. "Saphir has a few wounded men he needs you to see to."

Looking past Darien, the brown haired man noticed the small blonde girl and the older dark haired woman. "Forgive me," he started. "My name is Lord Nephrite of Elysia. I see you have had the pleasure of meeting our resident doctor, Darien."

Finding her wits, Serenity replied, "Why yes I have, though our acquaintance was met with doom." She laughed at this and pointed to the scattered supplies. Nephrite bent over to help her gather them along with Serenity and Darien.

"I can take these back to your shop once we have completed if you like Doc," Nephrite said. "I'm sure Saphir would prefer you meet him immediately. You know his temper."

After Darien left, Nephrite and Serenity made small talk while Luna went to make sure the horses were tended to. "So tell me, a beautiful young lady such as yourself, what brings you to Lunaria?"

"My name is Lady Serenity Tsukino," she stated as a matter-of-factly. Upon hearing the name and her formal introduction, Nephrite's face broke into a warm smile. Stacking the last of the supplies in his arms, he beckoned her to follow as they continued their conversation.

"I remember the late Lord Tsukino. I was about 14 when the news reached my family of him and his wife's unfortunate death," Nephrite explained. "My father was very friendly with your father back in the day. I actually grew up as one of Endymion's guards and brother-at-arms. Until his unfortunate departure."

Looking startled, Serenity was surprised to meet yet another person who did not consider Endymion to be dead. This gave her hope for her old friend, as well as hope for the kingdom. They arrived at a small shop, with a plus-sign symbol on the door. Nephrite entered without knocking. The front room was different from any house Serenity had ever seen. There was a small hearth towards the back of the large room, with several rickety chairs around it forming a sort of half circle. Alongside the wall were several small beds lined with stark white sheets. A cabinet on the wall contained several tonics and jars of various items. Two tables were next to the door with various sizes of glass containers.

"What is this place?" Serenity asked Nephrite as they walked inside. He approached the cupboard and began placing tonics on the shelves.

"It's the good doctor's home. He sees patients in the front half of the house and lives in the back half," Nephrite explained. "Did you not have any doctors where you came from?"

"No," she answered. "We just had healers. Luna is actually versed in it."

Serenity and Nephrite continued putting away the various tonics and scrolls. After they were finished they returned back to the square to seek out Luna. Upon reaching where the old fountain had been, they noticed a crowd had gathered. Turning to Nephrite, she asked "What is going on?"

Nephrite pushed through the crowd towards the center of the square, while Serenity followed close behind. As they reached the front of the crowd, a man with dark back hair with a bluish tint stood on top of the gallows. Another man, a prisoner, was blindfolded with hands tied behind his back and a noose around his neck stood next to him. The man with the blue-black hair had a sword in his left hand and wore what appeared to be a military coat.

"It looks to be an execution," Nephrite explained sadly. "It's surprising the king is not here in attendance as this is mostly done for his benefit and enjoyment."

"What kind of a person is pleasured by the death of another man?" Serenity asked astonished. Nephrite gave her a hard look. The man in the military coat raised his sword and accordingly the crowd got quiet.

"Citizens of Elysia," the man began to address. "It is with great sorrow, that I Colonel Saphir, first in Command of Prince Diamond's Militia, have to carry out the following execution. This man, a farmer, stole from the King's own table by not paying his crop tax. Instead he decided to keep all the crops to himself. For that offense, the prince has deemed his penalty to be death."

Serenity gasped. Death because he couldn't pay his taxes with food for the fat prince's mouth? What was this kingdom coming to? "Is this common?" she asked Nephrite worried for the answer.

With a grim face, he nodded. "The dungeons are overrun with people who have stolen something as simple as a loaf of stale bread and were caught by Saphir's soldiers. It is a sad truth and one that cannot be remedied until Endymion is on the throne where he belongs."

Without warning, the block the farmer was standing on was kicked out from beneath him by Saphir's well polished boot. His legs gave way and a sickening 'snap' of his neck was heard when the noose pulled taunt. Serenity buried her face in Nephrite's side at the horror.

Luna pushed through the crowd until she found a weeping Serenity. Wrapping her arms around the girl, Luna sent Nephrite a small smile. After another moment of pained silence the crowd started to disperse. Saphir cut down the limp form of the farmer and ordered his men to take it to the farmer's family. Before they could leave the square, Saphir confronted the two huddled women.

"I am sorry that you had to bear witness to that," he explained to Serenity. "Executions are no place for a lady. I'm unfamiliar with you, so I hope you don't think I'm being to forward by asking your name."

Straightening her resolve and pushing away from Luna, she answered. "I am Lady Serenity Tsukino of Lunaria."

"My my, Lady Serenity. The Prince has been anxious for your arrival since he was informed by Lord Kunzite that you would be returning to your family's estate," Saphir said with happiness. His dark blue eyes pursued Serenity's body noticing her womanly curves and her plump lips. A devilish smile crossed his lips. "I do hope you plan to attend the prince's birthday celebration later this week at the palace. Once you have settled into your estate of course."

With that last tidbit, Saphir swung around onto his horse and rode off. Serenity turned to Luna, "What have we come back to Luna?"

"I don't know dear one," she replied. "But I have located Melvin and Molly. We should make arrangements to return to the manor on the morrow."

Hope you liked it! I will probably have the next chapter up by Friday.