Dear all! Again thank you for all who are reading and for those who are giving feedback! I hope you are going to enjoy this chapter! Please let me know!

PinkOdangos: Just wait and see ;-) and I hope you keep enjoying the story! Things are slowly moving forward but there are things that can not be rushed. Endymion and Serenity are indeed conflicted and so are all the others.

Starbrellaaa: thank you so much! I hope you will like this chapter as well. Slowly but surely we are moving forward and things are getting more clear or well maybe a bit more complicated ;-)

Chapter 11 - Between Past and Present

The peaceful atmosphere of the garden was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps and voices approaching. Serenity and Endymion turned toward the source of the commotion, their moment of quiet reflection abruptly interrupted as the Starlights and Kunzite appeared from the arched garden entrance. The tension in their expressions was unmistakable, as was the contrast between their demeanors.

Seiya was at the forefront, his movements brisk and his brows furrowed deeply. His protective instincts had been simmering ever since Serenity and Endymion left together, and the longer they had been gone, the more restless he had grown. As they neared, his thoughts were a jumble of suspicion and concern. She's trusted him too easily, he thought, his eyes narrowing on Endymion. I've protected her this whole time. I won't let him ruin that.

Behind him, Yaten and Taiki followed, their expressions more reserved but no less guarded. Yaten's sharp gaze flicked between Serenity and Endymion, his lips pressed into a thin line. Taiki, ever the pragmatist, was watching Kunzite as much as he was the prince, his mind already anticipating an escalation.

Kunzite, on the other hand, radiated frustration. He had noticed the Starlights' growing restlessness and had tried to dissuade them from barging in, but their determination—and, frankly, their lack of trust in Endymion—had overridden his objections. This is unnecessary, Kunzite thought irritably as he strode behind them, his silver eyes fixed on Serenity and Endymion. They have no idea what they're interrupting. This isn't about control; it's about what she needs.

"Enough," Seiya said as they arrived, his tone clipped as his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "I think you've had enough private time."

"Seiya," Kunzite said sharply, stepping forward with a scowl. "You're overstepping."

"Overstepping?" Seiya shot back, his tone brimming with defiance. "I'm not about to step aside and let her be influenced without—"

"That's enough," Serenity interrupted, her voice calm but firm. The Starlights and Kunzite fell silent, turning their attention to her.

Serenity took a deep breath, her hands clasped in front of her as she steadied herself. "I've made a decision," she said, her silver eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "Endymion will inform my family and friends that I'm safe and where I am. But I've asked him to tell them not to come. Not yet. I'm not ready to meet them until I have at least some of my memories back."

The Starlights visibly relaxed, a wave of relief passing through them. Seiya, in particular, felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She's staying. She's safe here, he thought, though his gaze remained wary of Endymion.

"That's a wise choice," Taiki said, his voice measured. "Your recovery should come first."

Yaten nodded, though his sharp gaze lingered on Endymion. "Agreed. No need to overwhelm her with people she doesn't even remember."

Serenity hesitated for a moment, glancing at Endymion before continuing. "There's more. Endymion offered to stay here until… until I figure things out. Until my memories come back."

The relief on the Starlights' faces evaporated instantly, replaced by a mixture of shock and protest. Seiya opened his mouth to argue, but Endymion spoke first, his voice calm but unyielding.

"Serenity's decision isn't up for debate," he said, his blue eyes locking firmly with Seiya's. "I'll stay here to ensure her safety and to support her in whatever way she needs."

Seiya's jaw tightened, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "She already has us," he said through gritted teeth. "We've protected her without you, and we'll keep protecting her."

Endymion narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew they had protected her. He respected it. But it didn't erase the sleepless nights, the desperate search, the aching loss that had hollowed out a part of him ever since she disappeared. It didn't change the fact that she was his heart—and that no matter how much he respected their place in her life, he would never let her stand alone.

Before Endymion could have said anything Kunzite stepped forward, his expression hard. "And what will you do if someone from Earth or the Moon arrives? If enemies come for her? You may mean well, but this is bigger than you. Prince Endymion has every right to stay."

"Right?" Yaten snapped, his sharp tone cutting through the air. "She's not property to be claimed. You don't have rights over her."

"Stop," Serenity said again, her voice firmer this time. "This isn't a debate. I've already made my decision, and I trust him. That's all that matters."

The quiet authority in her voice silenced the group. Kunzite gave a curt nod, his respect for Serenity growing, while Seiya looked away, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

After a moment, Serenity turned back to Endymion, her silver eyes thoughtful. "There's one more thing," she said softly. "You said earlier that Kunzite and Sailor Venus… they're close?"

Endymion blinked in surprise at the sudden shift in topic, but he nodded. "Yes. They're… very close."

Serenity hesitated, her gaze flickering toward Kunzite. "If everyone doesn't mind… maybe you could invite her. Just her. I think… I'd like to meet her."

Kunzite's usually unreadable expression faltered just for a second, his silver eyes flickering with something unspoken—something almost vulnerable—before he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Princess," he said, his voice softer than before. "I'll ensure she understands your wishes."

The group fell into a tentative silence, the tension easing slightly as Serenity's decisions began to settle over them. Finally, Endymion straightened, his expression resolute. "Kunzite and I will make the calls. We'll ensure your family and friends are informed and that Venus knows she's welcome."

Serenity nodded, offering him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."

Endymion and Kunzite exchanged a brief glance before turning to leave, their departure marked by a quiet understanding of the task ahead. As the remaining group began to disperse, Serenity lingered for a moment, her thoughts swirling with the weight of everything that had just been decided. She had spent so long feeling lost, uncertain of her place, her past, and even herself. But now, standing here—between the people who had fought for her and the man who had searched for her across galaxies—she realized something she hadn't before. She was not powerless. She was not a burden to be passed between them. Her choices mattered. And for the first time since waking on Kinmoku, she felt the weight of her own destiny in her hands.

The quiet dinner was held in a small dining room, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the palace's other halls. The long day had left them all weary, and though the table was laden with beautifully prepared dishes, no one seemed to have much of an appetite. The absence of Endymion and Kunzite was palpable, casting an unusual quiet over the space.

They had excused themselves earlier, departing together to send messages to the Moon and Earth, ensuring that Serenity's family and friends were informed of her safety. It was a necessary task—one Serenity had asked of Endymion personally—but their absence now left a tension lingering in the air, one that had yet to settle.

Serenity sat between Seiya and Taiki, her silver hair cascading down her back as she absently pushed food around on her plate. Across from her, Yaten sipped water, his usual sharp wit dulled by exhaustion. The only sound was the quiet hum of the palace's ambient energy, punctuated by the occasional clink of cutlery against porcelain.

For a while, no one spoke.

Then, Seiya set his fork down and turned to Serenity, his tone gentle but direct. "Are you sure about this?"

Serenity blinked, looking up at him. "About what?"

"Letting him stay," Seiya clarified, his dark eyes searching hers. "Trusting him. Trusting them."

Serenity tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, I'm sure," she said softly. "Why?"

Seiya exhaled, glancing at Yaten and Taiki for support before continuing. "Because you don't remember them," he said bluntly. "You don't know if what they're telling you is true. They could be lying, making up stories to manipulate you. You've been safe here. With us. Do you really believe they have your best interests at heart?"

Serenity's gaze didn't waver. "I understand why you're concerned," she said honestly. "But… I don't think they're lying. When I'm around Endymion, I feel something. Something I can't explain. It's not a memory, not yet, but it's… trust. Safety. Like a part of me remembers him, even if my mind doesn't."

Seiya frowned, his fingers tightening around his glass. "Feelings can be misleading, Luna. They're not proof."

She noticed it immediately—the way he deliberately used the name Luna. He had called her that since the moment she had woken here on Kinmoku, and she knew why. It's not just a name to him. It's his way of keeping her grounded, keeping her here—keeping her his responsibility for just a little longer. He wasn't ready to let go. Not yet.

She reached over, touching his wrist lightly. "I know," she said gently. "But feelings are all I have right now. And I don't feel any harm from Endymion. Not once. Not even for a second."

Seiya looked away, his jaw tightening. He didn't like it. But Serenity wasn't wavering. He could see it in her eyes—this wasn't just her hoping Endymion was good. She knew he was.

"Do you really think he deserves this chance?" Taiki asked, his voice quieter, more thoughtful. Unlike Seiya, he wasn't driven by emotion but by logic. "If you had to make this choice without relying on feelings—without trusting the past—would you still let him stay?"

Serenity considered the question carefully. "I would," she admitted. "Because he's proven that he's here for me. He's not trying to force me to remember, and he didn't pressure me to go with him. He's letting me take my time. That means more than anything."

Taiki nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "I see."

But Yaten wasn't convinced. "What if he's just patient? What if he's waiting to manipulate you later?" His voice was sharper, edged with the same suspicion that had been simmering in his gaze since Endymion arrived.

Serenity turned to him, her silver eyes soft. "If he wanted to manipulate me, he would have done it already."

Yaten clicked his tongue in frustration, crossing his arms. "That's not proof. That's a gamble."

"I know," Serenity said, nodding. "And I understand why you're worried. But Yaten… I trust you, too." She glanced between all three of them, her voice steady, but filled with warmth. "You were the first ones I trusted. You were here when I was lost and alone. I know I wouldn't have made it this far without you. That's why… I need you to trust me, too."

The room fell silent.

Seiya looked down at his untouched plate. Taiki glanced at Yaten, who sighed, rubbing his temples before muttering, "Well, when you say it like that, it's hard to argue."

Serenity smiled faintly. "I wouldn't be making this decision if I didn't believe it was the right one. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate everything you've done for me. I do. I always will."

Seiya finally looked up at her. There was still something guarded in his expression, but his frustration had softened into something else. "I just want you to be careful, Luna," he said, quieter now. "That's all."

Serenity nodded. "I will be. Thank you for looking out for me."

Seiya exhaled, rubbing his temple before murmuring, "Yeah. Well… someone has to."

He didn't look at her when he said it, but Serenity heard everything in those few words—the quiet frustration, the lingering protectiveness, the unspoken fear that he was losing her, little by little.

Serenity hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between them. Then, softly, she asked, "Are you angry with me?"

Seiya's brows furrowed, his expression tightening in surprise. "What?"

She swallowed, glancing down at the table before looking up at them again. "I made the decision to let Endymion stay… before I talked to you about it. I know this is your home, your planet—not mine. And I should have asked how you felt before deciding. I don't want you to think I took your kindness for granted."

For a moment, none of them spoke. Seiya exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I won't lie to you, Luna. I wish you'd talked to us first. It feels like we woke up today in control of things, and now suddenly, he's here, and everything is changing."

Serenity lowered her gaze, but Seiya shook his head, sighing. "But… I get it. You had to make the choice for yourself. You don't belong to us." His voice was quieter now, less tense. "You're not our responsibility. You're our friend."

Serenity's eyes softened, but before she could respond, Yaten crossed his arms, letting out a frustrated huff. "I am mad," he admitted bluntly. "Not at you—at the situation. At how fast it's all happening." His silver eyes flicked toward her. "We had time with you. You trusted us. And now we have to share that trust with someone we don't even know."

Serenity's heart twisted at the honesty in his words.

Taiki, ever the measured one, nodded slightly. "I wouldn't say I'm angry. But it would have been… considerate to talk to us first." He studied her with quiet understanding. "That said, I know why you didn't. And I respect that you're making choices for yourself."

Serenity felt a lump rise in her throat. They were right—she should have asked them first. It wasn't wrong to trust Endymion, but the Starlights had protected her, cared for her, and believed in her when she was a stranger even to herself. She owed them more than a passing decision.

She looked at them, her voice soft but firm. "You're right. I should have talked to you first. And I should have made sure you were comfortable with this. I didn't mean to disregard everything you've done for me."

Seiya exhaled, shaking his head with a small, tired smile. "We're not kicking you out, Luna."

Yaten scoffed, but there was no real heat behind it. "Yeah, well, we'll see about that."

Serenity smiled faintly, and for a moment, the tension in the room eased, just a little. The conversation hadn't fixed everything, but it had opened the door for honesty.

As the meal continued in thoughtful silence, Serenity still felt the weight of their trust on her shoulders.

And she promised herself that no matter what happened next, she wouldn't forget who had been there when she needed them most.

The group finished the rest of the meal in silence, the weight of everything that had been said settling over them like a heavy blanket.

One by one, they excused themselves, retreating to their rooms.

Serenity lingered for a moment longer, staring down at her half-eaten plate. She had no appetite, but the exhaustion in her bones told her it wasn't just hunger that made her feel so empty. It was everything—the emotions, the weight of her choices, the uncertainty of what came next.

She had made her decision. And she knew, deep down, that it was the right one.

Even so, as she pushed her plate away and quietly left the dining room, she couldn't help but wonder how much more of herself she would have to fight for before everyone could accept the person she was now—and the person she was still becoming.