Here is another chapter for you dear readers! Let me know how you liked it!

Starbrellaaa: Oh we like the same I guess! I like Seiya being there as a challenge for Endymion/Mamoru – how big of a challenge he will be in this fanfiction we will see :-) And as somehow I am also a fan of Kunzite there are some more interaction with him. In the next chapter finally Endymion will show up!

Chapter 7 - A Name, A Memory, A Promise

The first light of dawn filtered through the ornate windows of the Kinmoku palace, casting golden rays across the marble floors. The morning air carried a quiet anticipation, the kind that seemed to amplify every small sound—the rustle of fabric as servants moved through the halls, the distant hum of activity in the gardens, and the faint echo of footsteps as Kunzite made his way to the grand chamber. His cloak swept the ground behind him, his expression as composed as ever, though a subtle tension lingered in the corners of his mouth.

Inside the chamber, Serenity sat by one of the tall windows, gazing out at the palace gardens. The soft light caught in her silver hair, making it shimmer like moonlight. Her hands rested in her lap, but her fingers fidgeted lightly with the fabric of her dress, betraying her restless thoughts. She hadn't slept well, the weight of everything she'd learned—and everything she couldn't remember—pressing heavily on her mind.

The Starlights stood nearby, their protective presence as constant as ever. Seiya leaned against the wall closest to Serenity, his posture deceptively casual but his sharp eyes fixed on the doorway. Yaten was seated at a nearby table, a steaming cup of tea in hand, though his piercing gaze suggested his mind was far from the beverage in front of him. Taiki stood at the far end of the room, arms folded, his brow furrowed as though he were already analyzing the day ahead.

The sound of Kunzite's measured steps drew all eyes to him as he entered the room. The general paused briefly in the doorway, his silver gaze sweeping over the group before settling on Serenity. His posture was straight, his presence commanding, but the slightest shift in his expression softened as his eyes met hers.

"Good morning," Kunzite began, his deep voice breaking the quiet but not the tension. He took a step forward, his tone even as he continued. "I have news to share."

The Starlights immediately straightened, their collective focus shifting to him, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and guardedness. Serenity's gaze, however, held a faint flicker of something else—hope, perhaps, or nervous anticipation.

Kunzite clasped his hands behind his back, his next words deliberate. "I contacted Prince Endymion last night. If all goes as planned, he should arrive late this afternoon."

The announcement hung in the air for a moment, its weight palpable.

"So soon?" Seiya's sharp voice broke the silence as he pushed off the wall and stepped forward, his arms crossed. "You didn't think to discuss this with us first?"

Kunzite's silver eyes flicked to Seiya, his expression cool but unyielding. "There was nothing to discuss. Serenity herself wished to meet him."

"How can he get here so soon? Earth is not exactly in the neighborhood." Taiki asked with narrowed eyes.

"He was searching on a nearby planet and is now en route to Kinmoku." Kunzite answered steadily.

Yaten's piercing gaze narrowed, his tone sharp as he broke the momentary silence. "How convenient," he said, his arms crossing tightly over his chest. "Prince Endymion just happens to be nearby, on a nearby planet, searching for her?"

Kunzite's jaw tightened at the edge in Yaten's words, but his expression remained composed. "Convenient or not, it's the truth. He's been actively searching for Serenity since the moment we realized she was missing. His proximity to Kinmoku is a testament to his dedication to finding her, not a matter of chance."

Seiya stepped forward, his posture tense as his eyes flashed with suspicion. "Dedication?" he repeated, his tone biting. "Or a little too much planning? This whole thing feels too perfectly timed. You show up out of nowhere, and now your prince is conveniently hours away? What exactly is his agenda, Kunzite? Because I don't buy that it's just concern for her."

Kunzite's silver eyes sharpened, his calm demeanor hardening into something colder. "Prince Endymion's only agenda," he said evenly, though there was an unmistakable edge to his voice, "is to ensure the safety and well-being of Princess Serenity. Your insinuations do nothing but insult his honor."

Seiya took another step forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "Honor? You expect us to take your word for it when you and your prince are willing to steamroll over everyone else to get to her?"

Before the tension could escalate further, Taiki stepped between them, his tall frame a barrier that diffused the immediate confrontation. His voice was calm, but his measured tone carried the weight of his discomfort. "Enough," he said firmly, glancing at Seiya before turning his analytical gaze on Kunzite. "This isn't helping anyone."

Taiki exhaled, his thoughtful expression betraying the weight of his own unease. "I won't lie," he admitted, his words directed at Kunzite. "I'm not comfortable with how quickly this is moving. Luna's… Serenity's well-being is our priority, and rushing into this—no matter how noble your prince's intentions—feels reckless. We've kept her safe all this time. Can you truly guarantee that this meeting won't harm her further?"

Kunzite held Taiki's gaze, his tone unwavering. "I understand your reservations. But Serenity's safety is the reason I'm here, and I will do everything in my power to ensure no harm comes to her. Prince Endymion is not a threat to her—he is her strongest ally."

The room seemed to pulse with the weight of their words, the air charged with distrust and tension. For a moment, no one spoke, each party locked in a silent standoff.

It was Serenity's quiet voice that broke the storm, trembling but steady enough to cut through the charged atmosphere. "Enough," she said, her words carrying a note of pleading that stilled everyone in the room. All eyes turned to her as she stepped forward, her gaze shifting between Kunzite and the Starlights.

Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her dress as her luminous eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "Please, don't fight," she said softly, her voice cracking just enough to reveal the strain she felt. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I don't even know who I am. I don't know… anything." She took a shaky breath, her hands clasping together as if trying to hold herself steady. "But when I think about meeting Prince Endymion… it feels right. I can't explain it, but I think he might be able to help me. I just… I just want to find answers."

The vulnerability in her voice sent a ripple through the room, the tension shifting into something softer, more poignant. Kunzite felt a pang in his chest as he watched her struggle with emotions she couldn't fully articulate. The Starlights exchanged uncertain glances, their protectiveness warring with their own doubts.

Seiya was the first to step forward, his earlier fire dimmed but not extinguished. "Luna," he said quietly, his voice unusually gentle. "We just want what's best for you. That's all."

"We all do," Yaten added, his sharp tone softened by the sincerity in his words. He stepped closer, his arms uncrossing as he looked directly at her. "If meeting this prince feels right to you, then we'll stand by you. You're not alone in this."

Taiki nodded, his thoughtful expression tinged with compassion. "Whatever happens, we'll support you. You have our word."

Kunzite's gaze flicked to the Starlights, his eyes narrowing slightly at their declarations. Their protectiveness was admirable, but it bordered on territorial, a dynamic that could complicate things further. Still, he kept his thoughts to himself, choosing instead to focus on Serenity, whose expression had softened at their words.

"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice carrying a fragile warmth. She turned to Kunzite, her gaze steady despite the uncertainty that lingered in her eyes. "He… Prince Endymion will arrive this afternoon then?"

Kunzite's tone softened, his earlier edge replaced by something more measured. "Late this afternoon," he said. "And he'll want to see you as soon as he arrives."

Her breath hitched slightly, her gaze drifting downward as she processed his words. Hope and anticipation flickered in her expression, mingling with an undercurrent of uncertainty. "As soon as he arrives," she murmured, almost to herself. "Thank you," She said softly, her voice carrying both gratitude and a quiet determination. She looked back at Kunzite, her gaze steady. "This afternoon, then."

Kunzite nodded. "This afternoon."

As Serenity turned to leave, the tension in the room remained, but Kunzite's eyes followed her with a flicker of something that might have been hope—or perhaps something deeper, something unspoken. Once she had gone, the room seemed to exhale, the weight of her decision settling over those who remained.

Yaten broke the silence, his voice sharp and cutting. "If anything goes wrong, Kunzite, it's on you."

Kunzite's gaze shifted to Yaten, his expression unyielding. "Nothing will go wrong," he said, his tone carrying an edge of finality. "You have my word."

The room remained tense as the morning sunlight continued to pour in, illuminating the path ahead—one fraught with uncertainty, yet brimming with possibilities.

-0-0

As the day wore on, anticipation thickened the air like an approaching storm. Though the palace bustled with quiet preparations for Earth's prince, Serenity found herself slipping away from the grand halls, seeking refuge in the gardens. The scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustling of leaves brought her a fleeting sense of calm, though the restlessness inside her refused to fully fade.

She traced her fingers over the delicate petals of a pale violet blossom, its beauty fragile yet enduring. The act felt familiar, comforting, though she couldn't explain why. It was the same way she felt when she thought of Endymion—like a whisper of something half-remembered, lingering just beyond her grasp.

A presence behind her made her pause. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"May I join you, Princess?" Kunzite's deep voice carried the same measured calm he always spoke with, yet there was something else in it now—something quieter, more careful.

Serenity turned slightly, offering him a small nod. "Of course."

They walked in silence for a few moments, their footsteps light against the garden path. The breeze stirred through the trees, carrying the scent of roses and lilies, yet even nature's serenity couldn't fully ease the weight in Serenity's chest.

Kunzite broke the silence first, his voice thoughtful. "Do you remember anything about your mother? Queen Selenity of the Moon Kingdom?"

Serenity's steps faltered slightly. She let out a slow breath, shaking her head. "No. I don't even know what she looks like."

Kunzite studied her carefully. "And the Sailor Senshi? The warriors who protected the Moon Kingdom and its princess?"

She closed her eyes briefly, as if testing herself, reaching for something that wasn't there. "I don't remember them either," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's like… there's a wall in my mind, and nothing can get through."

Kunzite hesitated, then shifted his approach. "What about Earth? Its landscapes, its people, its history—does any of it feel familiar?"

Serenity stopped walking. She turned to face him fully, her expression conflicted. "No," she said softly. "Nothing. Except…"

Kunzite's silver eyes sharpened with interest. "Except what?"

Her hands twisted together, her uncertainty evident in the way her fingers fidgeted with the fabric of her dress. "When you say his name—Endymion—it's like… like there's something just out of reach. Feelings, maybe. Foggy, unclear. I don't know if they're memories or just… emotions."

She let out a breath, her eyes flickering with something unspoken. "It's like I'm standing in the dark, and there's a light far away that I can't reach."

Kunzite's expression softened, the sharpness of his usual demeanor giving way to something gentler. "What do you feel?"

Serenity hesitated, her voice trembling slightly as she searched for the words. "Sadness. Longing. And something… warm. Like I'm searching for something I lost a long time ago, and I don't even know what it is."

Kunzite studied her, his mind turning over her words carefully. Even if her memories had been stripped away, the bond she shared with Endymion still existed. It had survived whatever had taken the rest of her past from her, lingering like an echo in her heart.

After a moment, he spoke again, his tone softer than before. "There are some connections that exist beyond memory, beyond reason. Perhaps what you feel is something deeper than recollection—something that cannot be erased so easily."

Serenity looked at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Then why does it hurt? If it's something good, if it's something that's supposed to be important to me, why does thinking of him feel like I've lost something I don't even remember having?"

Kunzite hesitated. He could have given her a carefully measured response, something neutral and safe. But instead, he chose honesty—at least, as much of it as he could give. "Because love—real love—leaves an imprint on the soul," he said quietly. "And losing it, even without knowing you've lost it, leaves behind a wound."

She looked away, her fingers tightening around each other. "I'm afraid," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I meet him and nothing happens? What if I look at him, and he's a stranger? I agreed to meet him because it felt right, but what if I disappoint him?"

Kunzite took a step closer, his presence solid and unwavering. "You won't," he said, his conviction absolute. "Endymion would never expect anything from you beyond what you're ready to give. He doesn't need you to remember. He only needs you to be here."

Serenity swallowed hard, his words offering a comfort she hadn't known she needed. She nodded slightly, not trusting herself to speak.

The moment stretched between them, a fragile stillness in the shifting morning air. But before either of them could say anything else, a voice broke through the quiet.

"Everything okay here?"

Kunzite's expression immediately hardened. He turned, his sharp gaze locking onto Seiya as the other man approached.

There was an ease to Seiya's stride, a casualness in the way he carried himself, but Kunzite wasn't fooled. Every movement was deliberate, every glance measured. And it wasn't just protectiveness, not entirely. No—Kunzite had seen men protect their rulers, their comrades, their people. The way Seiya hovered near Serenity, the way his sharp eyes flicked toward her even between words, was different. Not just duty. Not just concern. Something more.

Kunzite's hand twitched toward the hilt of his sword before he caught himself. His voice was cold, clipped. "Do you always follow her?"

Seiya's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smirk didn't fade. "When it seems necessary."

Kunzite's shoulders stiffened. "Necessary?"

Serenity, sensing the tension, quickly stepped between them. "Kunzite," she said softly, placing a hand on his arm before turning to Seiya. "It's fine. I trust him."

Kunzite's jaw clenched, but he forced himself to take a breath. Serenity's words, meant to soothe, did little to ease the wary distrust that burned between him and Seiya.

"Very well," Kunzite said, though his tone remained cool. "I'll leave you to your conversation. The prince will arrive soon, and I need to make preparations."

With a sharp nod to Serenity and a lingering, distrustful glance at Seiya, Kunzite turned on his heel and strode back toward the palace, his cloak billowing behind him.

Seiya watched him go, his smirk fading as his eyes darkened with thought.

Kunzite was dangerous—Seiya had known that from the start. But it wasn't his strength or skill that made him uneasy. It was his certainty, his unwavering belief that he belonged here, that he had the right to take Serenity away. That was the real threat.

Seiya exhaled slowly, his hands slipping into his pockets as he turned back to Serenity. He didn't know what was going to happen when this prince of Earth arrived, but one thing was clear—he wasn't going to step aside easily.

Serenity exhaled, some of the tension slipping from her shoulders as she turned back to the garden. The weight in her chest remained, but at least, for now, she didn't have to face it alone.

As Kunzite's figure disappeared into the distance, Seiya let out a slow breath, tension lingering in his shoulders. His gaze flickered back to Serenity, who stood with her arms wrapped around herself, staring at the garden path as if lost in thought. The sunlight filtering through the leaves painted delicate patterns across her silver hair, making her seem almost unreal—like a figure from a dream about to fade.

He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Are you okay?"

Serenity nodded slowly, though the movement lacked conviction. "I think so. It's just… a lot to take in."

Seiya sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair before leaning against a nearby tree. "Yeah. No kidding. First, you wake up with no memory, and now they're saying you're some princess from the Moon?" His voice carried a faint edge, frustration curling around the words. "It doesn't make sense."

She looked at him then, her expression tinged with uncertainty. "None of it makes sense," she admitted, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress. "But… when Kunzite says Endymion's name, it feels like I'm supposed to know. Like there's something waiting for me to remember."

Seiya's jaw tightened. "And you're okay with that? With trusting them?"

Serenity hesitated, watching him carefully. "I don't know if I trust them," she said finally, her voice soft but thoughtful. "But… there's something about Kunzite. About the way he talks about Endymion. It feels like he's telling the truth." She glanced away, her brows knitting together. "And if meeting this prince can help me remember…"

Her voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding her features.

Seiya exhaled sharply and crossed his arms. "You're putting a lot of faith in someone you just met."

Serenity turned to him again, her blue eyes searching his face. "Seiya, what if it's real?" she asked, her voice quieter now. "What if I really am this princess? What if I have a whole life out there that I just don't remember?"

Seiya's expression darkened, and for a long moment, he didn't respond.

Finally, he let out a slow breath. "And what if you don't like what you remember?" His voice was quieter now, almost careful, as if he wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer.

Serenity blinked, surprised by the question.

Seiya shook his head and pushed off the tree, taking a step closer. "I just don't want you to get hurt," he admitted, his voice raw with honesty. "I don't care if they call you a princess or a queen. To me, you're Luna. That's who you've been these past weeks, and that's who I—" He stopped short, something flickering across his face before he forced himself to look away. "That's who I care about."

Serenity's breath caught in her throat. There was something in his voice—something unspoken but deeply felt, woven between the syllables like an unfinished thought. A confession held back at the last moment.

She swallowed against the warmth blooming in her chest. "Seiya…"

He smiled at her, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Don't worry about it," he said, shaking his head. "I just—" He hesitated before finally looking at her again. "Promise me one thing."

Serenity tilted her head slightly, the fading sunlight catching the curve of her cheek. "What's that?"

"Don't forget who you are now," Seiya said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "Even if you get your memories back. Even if this Endymion turns out to be everything you're looking for… don't lose Luna."

Serenity inhaled sharply, his words settling deep inside her. She had been so focused on what she might remember, she hadn't stopped to think about what she might lose in the process.

Would she change? Would the person she was now disappear if her past returned?

She searched his face, saw the concern in his eyes, the vulnerability beneath his carefully constructed walls. Seiya had been there from the beginning. He had given her a name when she had none, had protected her without hesitation, had treated her as if she mattered even when she couldn't remember who she was.

And now, he was asking her not to disappear.

Her lips curved into a soft smile, though there was a sadness in it too. "I won't," she promised. "I swear, Seiya—I won't forget."

Something in his posture loosened, and for the first time since their conversation began, he looked like he believed her. He nodded, just once, before shifting his gaze to the sky. The sun was beginning to sink lower, streaking the horizon with hues of orange and pink.

A heavy silence settled between them, not uncomfortable but filled with the weight of things unsaid.

After a moment, Serenity turned back to the garden, her fingers grazing the petals of the flowers once more.

Seiya watched her for a long moment, his hands clenched at his sides.

The rational part of him knew he had no right to ask her to stay the way she was—to stay Luna. He had no claim over her, no reason to feel this slow, gnawing unease growing in his chest.

But the truth was, he didn't want to lose her.

And something about the way Kunzite spoke—so certain, so unwavering—made Seiya feel like Serenity had already been claimed by something greater than memory.

Or someone.

His expression darkened, but he forced the thought away.

For now, she was here. Still Luna. Still with him.

And if there was one thing Seiya knew how to do, it was fight.

He wasn't going to step aside easily.

Serenity exhaled, some of the tension slipping from her shoulders as she turned back to the garden. The weight in her chest remained, but at least, for now, she didn't have to face it alone.