Thank you dear readers for liking and reading this story! I really enjoy writing it and you reviews gives me always positive energy to keep going! I hope you will like this part as well!
PinkOdangos: oh my oh my! I keep telling you and please believe me, this story is completely drafted till the end. With your last comment about Diamond… I think you will keep liking this story! :-) About Seiya, yeah my thoughts exactly. He means well but it is a bit mor about him then Serenity – that is how I saw it as well!
Anonymous: Thank you so much! I am happy you like this story, I really love to write it!
Chapter 11 - Whispers of a Forgotten Garden
The garden was serene, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the vibrant flowers and gently swaying trees. Serenity and Endymion walked side by side along a stone path, the tension of the receiving hall left behind. The air smelled of blossoms, and the soft sound of a fountain provided a soothing backdrop. Serenity's steps were slow, thoughtful, as if she were trying to absorb the moment, while Endymion stayed a half-step behind her, careful to give her space.
They paused near a particularly lush part of the garden, where clusters of roses bloomed vibrantly, their delicate petals catching the light. Serenity's expression softened with curiosity as she moved toward them, a small smile touching her lips as she glanced back at Endymion.
"You said these were my favorite flowers?" she asked gently, lightly brushing her fingers against the nearest blossom, its soft petals pale pink and faintly fragrant.
Endymion stepped closer, his eyes scanning the many roses in varied shades—soft whites, buttery yellows, and delicate pinks—but notably absent were the deep red roses he knew she had always cherished most. His gaze softened with quiet affection. "Yes, you've always loved roses," he answered, a slight teasing warmth in his voice. "Though I notice one particular color is missing here."
Serenity tilted her head slightly, glancing at the roses and then back at him with genuine curiosity. "Which one?"
Endymion smiled faintly, resisting the urge to reach for her hand again. "Red. It was always red roses you loved most. You once told me they were special because they reminded you of something you could only find on Earth." He paused, the warmth of the memory evident in his eyes as he added softly, "You said they were precious because someone important gave them to you."
Serenity's brow furrowed thoughtfully, her heart giving an odd flutter at the gentle intimacy of his words. "Someone important…" she murmured, almost to herself. She searched his gaze as if trying to glimpse the memory he held so clearly.
Laughter. The sound of it was bright, full of warmth. Sunlight spilling through cascading vines. A pair of hands—her own—reaching forward, fingers brushing against soft red petals. And another hand, strong and warm, closing gently over hers. A feeling of safety, of happiness. Of belonging.
The vision was gone before she could grasp it, fading into the mist of her mind like a dream slipping away upon waking.
She inhaled sharply, blinking as she tried to hold onto the sensation. It left her with a strange warmth in her chest, an ache she didn't understand. Slowly, she turned to Endymion, searching his face as though looking for confirmation that what she had just felt was real.
"Serenity?" His voice was gentle, concerned.
She hesitated before shaking her head lightly, forcing a small smile. "Well, if they're as beautiful as you say, perhaps someday you could show me one."
Endymion felt his chest tighten slightly at her words, the quiet hopefulness in her voice resonating deeply within him. "I promise," he said quietly, meaning every syllable. "You'll have your red roses again."
Her smile widened just a fraction, warmth spreading faintly across her cheeks before she looked away, clearly a bit flustered by her own boldness. She took a few slow steps forward, then stopped, her expression brightening with curiosity again.
"Oh—speaking of favorite flowers, what about your sunflowers?" She glanced around the garden, her voice holding an innocent note of excitement. "You said those were your favorites. Perhaps we have some here?"
Endymion chuckled softly, feeling strangely touched that she had remembered. He glanced around briefly, noting the careful cultivation of elegant blossoms, each perfectly shaped and placed. Yet nowhere among the moonlit elegance did he see the bold, cheerful blooms he favored. His lips quirked into a gentle smile. "It seems your gardeners prefer more refined blooms," he said lightly, stepping closer. "Sunflowers are bold, stubborn flowers. They thrive best where the sun shines brightest. Perhaps your gardeners thought them too unruly."
Serenity laughed softly, the sound like a delicate bell. "Then I must definitely see one someday. I want to understand why you love something so 'unruly.'"
Endymion's eyes sparkled, his voice lowering slightly with gentle intensity. "Maybe because they remind me of you—always seeking the light, always turning toward warmth, no matter how uncertain things become."
Serenity inhaled softly, her heart fluttering at the depth behind his quiet words. Her smile faltered slightly, and she glanced away, suddenly overcome by the intimacy of the moment. She knelt beside a cluster of silver-petaled flowers, touching them softly, grounding herself before gently shifting the subject.
"Will you tell me about them?" she asked quietly, not meeting his gaze at first. "My home. My mother. The Sailor Senshi."
Endymion paused, studying her. The sadness in her voice tugged at him, but he kept his tone steady. "Of course," he said gently. "Your home, the Moon Kingdom, is at the heart of the Silver Millennium. It shines above Earth like a beacon of peace and hope. It's more than a place—it's a feeling. Warmth, safety, and serenity itself."
She glanced up, her eyes widening with quiet wonder, encouraging him to continue.
"Your mother, Queen Selenity, is remarkable—not just because she rules wisely, but because of how deeply she cares. Especially for you. You were her greatest joy, Serenity. The bond you share with her was always clear in how she spoke about you, in the gentle pride in her eyes whenever you were near."
Endymion's voice softened further as he spoke of the others. "And the Sailor Senshi… they're more than guardians. They're your closest friends, your sisters in every way that matters. Ami, with her quiet strength and wisdom; Rei, fierce and protective, always guarding your heart; Makoto, loyal and unyielding, who would stand beside you against anything; and Minako, who brings light and laughter wherever she goes. They've been searching tirelessly, crossing galaxies without rest, driven by their love for you."
Serenity lowered her gaze again, fingers still brushing gently over the flowers, visibly moved by his description. "They're all searching for me," she murmured, more to herself than to him.
"Without rest," Endymion said. "For weeks. They've crossed stars and kingdoms in unity, following even the faintest trace. If they knew you were here, they would come immediately."
Her shoulders tensed slightly at his words, and she let out a soft sigh. "I wish I could remember them," she said, her voice trembling. "I wish I could feel what you're describing. But… I don't. Not yet. And I don't think I'm ready to face them until I do. It wouldn't be fair to them—or to me."
Endymion blinked in surprise, her confession catching him off guard. But as he watched her, he saw the determination behind her sadness. He nodded slowly, his tone understanding. "That's fair," he said softly. "You need time. No one would blame you for that."
Serenity turned to him then, her expression conflicted. "Then why… why did I agree to meet you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been asking myself that since this morning."
Endymion tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his deep blue eyes. "Why did you?"
She hesitated, her hands clasping in front of her as she tried to find the words. "There's… a memory. I think. Or maybe it's just a feeling. It's so faint, so foggy, I don't know if it's real."
"What do you feel?" he asked gently, his voice a quiet encouragement.
Her brow furrowed as she looked away, her voice trembling. "It's like… I'm standing in a garden. It's beautiful, like this one, but different. There's laughter, and… someone's hand is reaching for mine. I can't see the face, but there's warmth. Safety. And this… this feeling in my chest like nothing else matters. Like I'm whole."
Her voice cracked on the last word, and she looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's the only thing I can hold on to. And somehow… I feel like it's you."
Endymion's heart swelled at her words, a bittersweet ache surging through him. He wanted to take her in his arms, to tell her everything, but he knew he couldn't push too far, too fast. He stepped closer, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "It is me," he said simply, his gaze never leaving hers. "That memory… it's real."
Her breath hitched slightly, and she looked down, her voice shaky. "I wish I could remember more."
"You will," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the raw emotion threatening to surface. "In time."
She looked up at him again, her voice tentative. "Why are you doing this? Why are you searching for me so tirelessly? I've been asking myself that, too."
Endymion didn't answer immediately. Instead, he studied her, his gaze deep and meaningful, as though he were trying to convey the answer without words. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, intimate. "You already know why."
The weight of his words hung in the air between them, the pull between them almost tangible. Serenity's heart raced, though she couldn't explain why. She felt it—this invisible thread tying them together, drawing her closer even as her mind screamed that she didn't know him. Her breath came a little faster, and she unconsciously took a small step back, needing space to think, to breathe.
"I don't know," she said softly, her voice trembling. "I don't understand."
"You don't have to," Endymion said, his tone gentle but firm. "Not yet. Just trust what you feel."
Serenity looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion and something else—something deeper, unspoken. Her hands trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away as he reached out, his fingers brushing hers lightly. The touch sent a jolt through her, and she looked down at their hands, her heart aching with something she couldn't name.
"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
"I know," he said, his voice steady. "But you're not alone."
For a long moment, they stood in the garden, the world around them quiet save for the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. The pull between them was undeniable, an unspoken connection that transcended memory. Serenity didn't understand it, but she couldn't deny it either. She felt like she was standing on the edge of something—something important, something that might lead her home.
Endymion's gaze lingered on Serenity as she stood among the silver-petaled flowers, her expression thoughtful and conflicted. He had been waiting for this moment for weeks—longer, even, if he counted the endless nights spent imagining what he would say to her if she ever returned to him. Now that she was here, he knew he couldn't rush her. This fragile connection between them, still bound by trust rather than memory, was precious and had to be handled with care.
"What do you want to do, Serenity?" Endymion asked softly, his voice cutting through the quiet rustle of the garden. "If you don't want to see your family yet, do you want to return home to the Moon?"
Serenity's silver eyes met his, uncertainty clouding their depths. She hesitated, turning her gaze to the flowers as if they might hold the answers she sought. "I don't think so," she said finally, her voice quiet but firm. "Not yet. I still have no memories. If I go back now, I'd feel… lost. And I think it would hurt them more, seeing me like this, not knowing them."
Endymion nodded slowly, though her answer was not unexpected. "That's fair," he said gently. "But… if you don't want to go back to the Moon yet, what about Earth? Would you come with me?"
This question gave her pause. She turned slightly to look at him, studying his face for any hint of what he hoped her answer might be. She could feel the warmth of his presence, the safety and steadiness he exuded, and it made her heart ache with something she couldn't name.
"I don't know," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "It's not that I don't trust you. I do. I feel… safe with you. Protected. But I don't think I'm ready to leave yet. Not until more memories come back."
Endymion's jaw tightened slightly, though his expression remained soft. He didn't like her answer—it stung more than he cared to admit—but he understood. "I see," he said quietly, his voice even. "If that's what you want, I'll respect it."
She turned back to him, offering a small, apologetic smile. "Thank you."
Endymion took a deep breath, forcing himself to let go of the disappointment. He couldn't push her, not now, not when she was so fragile. "If you wish to stay," he said, "then I'm staying too."
Serenity blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly. "You'd stay? Here?"
"Of course," Endymion said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "If you're here, I'm here. I'm not leaving without you."
A blush rose to Serenity's cheeks, and she smiled faintly, her heart fluttering at his words. "I… I hoped you'd say that," she admitted softly.
Endymion's lips curved into a faint smile, but behind his composed exterior, something inside him ached.
He had searched for her across galaxies, across worlds—not just to find her, but to bring her home. To bring her back to him.
And yet, here they were, and she still wasn't ready.
She trusted him. She felt the connection between them. But it wasn't enough—not yet.
He swallowed the sting, forcing himself to accept what he already knew: this was not about what he wanted. It never had been. Serenity needed time, and if time was what she needed, then he would give it to her, no matter how much it hurt.
"Then it's settled," he said simply.
They stood in silence for a moment, the stillness of the garden wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Finally, Endymion broke the quiet. "Even if you're not ready to go home yet," he said carefully, "we should inform your family and friends. They've been searching for you, Serenity. They deserve to know you're safe."
Serenity hesitated, biting her lip. She knew he was right, but the thought of seeing their faces—faces she couldn't remember—filled her with anxiety. "You can tell them," she said slowly, "but… please ask them not to come here. Not yet. I'm not ready to face them."
Endymion studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he nodded. "I'll tell them. And I'll make sure they understand your wishes. They won't come until you're ready."
Relief flickered across Serenity's face, and she smiled faintly. "Thank you," she murmured.
After a moment, her curiosity got the better of her, and she tilted her head slightly, looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and hesitation. "You seem… close to them. My family and friends, I mean. How did that happen? How do you know them so well?"
Endymion chuckled softly, his deep blue eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that much," he said. "At first, your family and the Sailor Senshi didn't trust me—or any of us, for that matter. Earth and the Moon weren't exactly on the best terms, and my generals weren't exactly… diplomatic."
Serenity's brows furrowed, and she smiled faintly. "I can imagine."
"It was rough," Endymion admitted, his tone light. "Your Senshi were fiercely protective of you, and my generals… well, let's just say there were more than a few heated arguments. But over time, we all realized we had something in common: you. You were the connection between us. And because of that, we started to trust each other."
He paused, his smile turning slightly mischievous. "And then there's the fact that my generals and your Sailor Senshi ended up falling for each other."
Serenity's eyes widened, and a soft laugh escaped her lips. "What? They did?"
"Oh, absolutely," Endymion said, grinning. "Kunzite and Sailor Venus, Nephrite and Sailor Jupiter, Zoisite and Sailor Mercury, and Jedite and Sailor Mars. They all started out as rivals, and now…" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Now they're all secretly in relationships. Though it's not exactly common knowledge."
Serenity giggled, the sound soft and musical, and Endymion felt his heart swell at the sight of her smile. "I can't believe that," she said, shaking her head. "Them? Together? It sounds like a fairytale."
"It felt like one," Endymion admitted. "But I suppose that's what happens when people care deeply about someone—they're willing to put aside their differences."
The garden fell quiet again, and Serenity's expression turned thoughtful. She turned to look at him, her silver eyes searching his face. "That's true, isn't it?" she said softly. "That's why you're here. Because… you and me..."
Endymion felt something inside him break and mend all at once. He had dreamed of hearing those words from her lips, had clung to the hope that she would still feel the truth of them even if she didn't remember. Now, she was saying it—not because she recalled the past, but because she felt it, deep in her soul.
For a moment, he couldn't breathe.
Then, he found his voice, quiet but unshakable. "Yes," he said simply. "That's why."
Serenity bit her lip, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I think I guessed it a long time ago," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "The connection between us. It feels… deeper than anything I can explain."
Endymion nodded, his voice soft but certain. "You're right. It is. And no matter how much you've forgotten, that connection is still there. It always will be."
Her heart raced at his words, and though she couldn't remember the past they shared, she felt the truth of his statement deep in her soul. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "For not giving up on me."
"I never will," Endymion said, his gaze unwavering.
And in that moment, though her memories were still a distant blur, Serenity felt something stir in her heart—a faint glimmer of hope and a spark of recognition that maybe, just maybe, she was beginning to find her way back to him.