Shadya Says; Sorry it's been so incredibly long since I last posted. It just so happened I had absolutely no internet for the last month. The only reason I have internet now is because I got a laptop for an early graduation present. So, I should be updating a lot more again now. I hope anyway.

I do not own: Selene, Luna, or Artemis. Nor any other characters invented by Naoko Takeuchi. I do, however, own Queen Selenity, Queen Elise, Eric, Dante, Leo, Dion, and Shadya. As well as any other original characters brought into the story at a later date. I also own this particular plot of Sailor Moon, and the Gold Millennium.

Chapter Three: Return to the Moon

The next morning Luna and the girls packed up to make their way back to the moon and get as much distance across the moon as possible. The moon was gorgeous once they reached the eastern half, they found two soldiers awaiting to accompany them back to the Palace. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun was sparkling in the distance. The girls were surprisingly calm, even though they were walking across the moon; each one brimming with excitement and anticipation to meet the queen and begin their training.

By the time night fell a storm had hit, black clouds rolling into the sky and the lightning crashed powerfully, "There's a cabin just up ahead, you ladies go and set up camp inside. You don't need to be walking around in this weather," Dion suggested kindly looking upon the sleepy Princesses.

"All right, they do need their rest, but aren't you coming?" Luna asked looking at them.

"Leo and I will be outside keeping watch. Not to worry," Dion smiled at Luna and the girls.

Luna nodded and continued ahead with her students, they pulled out sleeping bags and pillows, laying them out in the cabin's living room and started a fire. The girls had soon fallen fast asleep and Luna sat up keeping watch over them. The thunder roared in the distance, and a loud crash of lighting sparked across the sky.

Further ahead of the cabin, a camp of rogue soldiers awaited for their chance to strike. About midnight, they found their opportunity; they snuck swiftly towards the two soldiers fast asleep guarding the women. The rogue soldiers found their moment and struck hard and fast. From inside the cabin the girls heard a loud crash and shouts from the guards, "Get out of here!" But the girls couldn't make themselves move, they were frozen with fear.

Another couple of crashes resounded and the clinking of swords, someone had fallen, that much was obvious. A knock came to the door, "Open up. I was sent to accompany you by the Queen Selene," called a voice familiar to Luna. Her heart skipped a beat and she ran to the door.

"Artemis!" Luna called pulling the door open with one graceful movement. She threw her arms around her friend, and noticed he was bleeding from somewhere, "You're hurt!" Her eyes widened and she was trying to find the source of entry.

Artemis smiled, "Don't worry, Luna. It's a mere flesh wound." He instinctively covered the gash on his left shoulder. He let Luna pull him into the cabin and she noticed the horror-filled sight. She turned to the girls calmly, "Ladies, you should get back to sleep, everything is fine." Luna flashed a comforting smile at them and they moved to another room. Artemis followed closing the door behind the girls and went back to Luna.

"I tried to get here sooner, as soon as we knew of the soldiers escaping…" Artemis said looking carefully at Luna.

"Dion, Leo…" Luna whispered quietly looking at their lifeless bodies sadly, then a tear fell down her cheek, "They died for us…If it weren't for me they'd still be living." She let herself fall to her knees, unable to tear her eyes from the sacrificed soldiers.

"Luna, it's not your fault. We're trained to fight for our kingdom, die for our loved ones. They did not regret their choice." Artemis assured his dear friend kneeling beside her and wrapping his arms comfortingly around her shoulders.

"Oh, Artemis!" She let herself be pulled closer to him and allowed herself to cry for the fallen men. After a couple minutes she allowed herself to speak again, "We need to do something about these bodies, we can't let the girls see them."

Artemis nodded, "I'll get them, try to get some rest yourself, Luna." She shook her head, "No, Artemis, I'll help you." She spoke strongly enough to let it be known she wouldn't take no for an answer.

"All right then," They moved together toward Dion and Leo wrapping them in white cloths and lifting them into the carriage that Artemis had brought with him. The rogue soldiers they dug holes for and buried them leaving only wooden crosses for identification of graves.

By that time it had reached two am, together they went to awaken the girls, no more time could be spared for delay. They had to make it to the moon castle, "Girls, wake up. We're leaving now." Luna called soothingly. The girls rubbed their eyes and slowly rose. They were put into the carriage, blinds closed so they could continue to sleep. The soldiers bodies strapped securely to the underside of the bench outside the carriage. Once the girls and their belongings were secured inside Luna took her place beside Artemis on the bench. With that they continued their journey to the moon castle. Everyone was silent for a long while until Artemis start to chuckle, "What are you laughing about, Artemis?" Luna asked raising an eyebrow at him.

Artemis smiled, "Have you noticed both of our meetings began the same?"

Luna stared at Artemis trying to understand his meaning, "What do you mean?"

"You were crying when I first met you, and you were crying when I arrived here. I must be bad luck for you." He said smiling widely.

Luna laughed softly, "Yes, perhaps you're right." They continued talking catching up on the past year of each other's lives.

"Have you been keeping up with the news on the Moon?" Artemis inquired looking at Luna.

"No, I've had no way of keeping up. The planets get the news later, and I never got the chance to hear of anything. Why do you ask?" Luna asked looking at Artemis.

Artemis shook his head, "No reason. Just asking."

Luna raised her right eyebrow, "Why do I get the feeling you're hiding something from me?"

"I have no idea, but you shouldn't. Besides, if I were keeping something, it could just be because it's not my news to share. Or spoil." He smiled teasingly at the women he could never seem to get off his mind.

"Oh well, fine. Keep your secrets, Knight." Luna turned away pretending to be hurt, but laughed before she could stop herself. By then the castle came into view, and they couldn't help but smile at each other. When the carriage finally stopped Luna hopped off and opened the doors for the girls, and together they all went to the entrance, belongings in hand.

The girls were led off to some rooms which would belong to them; Luna and Artemis following close behind. Their rooms were right by Luna's, and she and stopped into her room to put her bags on her bed, Artemis following her. The flower she had been given by Artemis miraculously was still on her bedside table, in perfect condition. Luna followed Artemis's gaze and she looked surprised, "The flower you gave me…It's still here." She smiled.

Artemis was still looking at it, "I didn't know you'd kept it."

"Of course I did," Luna smiled.

Just then they were interrupted by the girls coming in, "Come on, Luna. We're supposed to go meet the Queen now." Mina and Lita said taking her hands and pulling her along.

When they reached the meeting room they all walked in together, but then the girls gathered behind Luna and Artemis. Luna was stunned when she saw Selene holding a tiny bundle of blankets, which was snoring lightly, "Selene! You…"

Queen Selene smiled widely at her best friend, "Luna, I'd like you to meet, Princess Serenity. My daughter." She walked closer to Luna to show her the baby.

"Congratulations, Selene!" Luna whispered and carefully hugged her, "When did you have her?"

Queen Selene smiled looking down at her baby daughter, "Last night."

Luna looked shocked, "What? Wow, last night was quite the night then."

"What do you mean, Luna?" The Queen looked at Luna confused.

"I'll explain later, right now I have some very anxious Princesses waiting to meet you." Luna turned to the girls.

Artemis stepped aside from the girls who were still trying to hide behind him. The girls curtsied as each of their names were spoken and as a whole they said, "Very pleased to meet you, Queen Selene."

"And it's a very nice honor to meet you, young majesties." The Queen smiled at the Princesses, "Are you ready to take on your task of becoming proud Sailor Senshi? Will you protect this princess with your lives and help the Silver Millennium to stand strong?"

Princess Shadya stepped forward, "It'd be all of our honor to do just that." She knelt before the Queen and Princess and pledged herself to them.

The other princesses nodded in agreement, "Well, I thank you with all of my heart and soul." The queen smiled at the future Sailor Senshis of the galaxy.

Luna took the girls away to begin their lessons, Artemis stayed behind to speak with the Queen, "Queen Selene?"

"Yes, Knight Artemis. Can I do something for you?" The Queen asked smiling.

"Well, I'm not sure. Will Luna be staying here from now on?" Artemis asked looking nervously at Queen Selene.

Selene laughed, "Well, yes. She does live here after all."

"Well… Yes, but she's been gone for a year. The point is, I was wondering if I could stay here and be a knight for you, Queen… I want to be where Luna is. I care for her…a lot." Artemis looked into the queen's eyes.

Selene looked surprised, "Oh! If that's your wish, then yes. You may stay here with Luna as a Knight for the castle." She smiled kindly, "Take care of my dear Luna." She winked at Artemis and let him go on his way.