Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Act 0

— — — — 

The story about to be told is one of tragedy. However, it is also one of everlasting love and friendship that would transcend lifetimes. As the goddess and guardian of love, I feel it is my duty to make certain this tale is shared with those who would accept it. Though the events are quite fantastical, they are true moments in history. A history forgotten and obscured throughout time, the passing of years and the changing of seasons. Many are unaware of just how vast this galaxy is. Many people living on Earth today will go their entire lives without knowing that their planet was once its own kingdom, or that the moon was the home of the most powerful matriarchy in the galaxy. Those people cannot be blamed for this. Drastic measures were taken to ensure the safety and happiness of those souls who were born from the star dust of the solar system. Such measures included the assurance that the everyday human would live happily never knowing of the stars walking among them. One such star was the brightest and purest of all. Our story begins with the birth of that star. 

Far away, long long ago, in the very depths and heart of the Milkyway, a long lived queen carried a star seed close to her heart. She made a wish upon that star seed, and was granted a child. She returned to her dwelling located within what is known to Earthens as the Solar System, her kingdom upon a small moon, Mare Serenitatis: the Silver Millenium. There, she prepared for the arrival of her child. The moon queen, known as Selene carried this child as any human mother would, inside of her for nine months. During that time, four young Princesses from neighboring planets: Mercury, Mars, Venus and Jupiter were appointed to one day protect the soon-arriving moon princess.

After several months, the tiny princess was finally born. She was a lovely child, laughing from the moment she entered her world, a full head of white glistening hair so much like that of her mother’s. Skin porcelain white and a golden crescent shown faintly above her small brows. She was the spitting image of Selene. Her eyes however, in contrast to the pale lavender, divine irises of the Queen, were a perfect crystalline cerulean blue that filled Selene with such joy. She felt such peace with her daughter in her new palace and kingdom. The tiny princess was named Serenity, in honour of the feeling her birth evoked in Selene. Serenity’s hair was already quite long despite how new she was, so Selene gathered her silver locks into twin buns atop her precious daughter’s head. 

After a few days passed, Queen Selene held a formal event to celebrate her daughter’s birth, which all of her subjects attended. The four young guardians, the Sailor Senshi, were in attendance as well and met the young girl whom they would one day serve. Everything was absolutely perfect, but darkness finds its way into our lives somehow; this darkness slowly surrounded the room where everyone gathered. Sensing the disquiet in the synthetic air, Selene turned around to see a woman emerge from a large mirror. She stood in a long off-shoulder sleeved gown with flowing ink black hair that followed behind her in heavy waves. She had four buns over her hair—not unlike the twin buns that Selene herself wore—two on both sides of her head. Her skin was pale, almost appearing purple in the dim light that all but evaded her. With her pointed ears and snake-like piercing yellow eyes, she stood out vastly from those considered Lunar. 

The woman introduced herself as a queen of the New Moon. Immediately, she was met with disdain by the guardians who, on instinct, moved to defend their queen and princess from potential threat. Queen Selene placed her daughter into the protective arms of one of the young sailor senshi and took matters into her own hands. The White Moon queen offered peace with the dark queen and welcomed her—on the condition that she meant no ill will towards the kingdom. If she did mean harm, then she would be exiled. The New Moon queen feigned kindness, but Selene saw through the deception and took her demeanor for what it was: a threat. Taking action, Selene called forth the Moon Stick and using the power of her Legendary Silver Crystal she sealed The New Moon queen, Nehellenia, inside the mirror from which she arrived.

Before Nehellenia was fully sealed, she placed a curse on the infant moon princess. 

“I shall offer one gift to you, Queen, Your precious moon princess shall die and this kingdom shall fall before she ever claims her throne. That is your gift for denying me my right.”

Years into her young life, Princess Serenity would be warned by her senshi of the monster who lived in the mirror that would take her soul. Queen Selene disapproved of this teasing, and often had to console the princess afterwards. More than that, she was discontented by the threat to her precious Serenity but she carried on in peace. She had to as the queen and most importantly, as a mother. The threat seemed to be a bluff, and even so, Selene was capable of expunging any danger that found her daughter. This was what she believed with certainty.

Chapter Text

Act 1

— — — — 

As she rushed towards the large palace doors she couldn’t help her excitement. Her white silk skirts billowed around her slender form being tossed as she pumped her legs. Along with her extensive silver twintails flowing behind her from the speed she was racing down the hall. Her feline attendant followed not-so-closely behind her.

“Princess!” the cat gasped for breath, “Slow down! You shouldn’t—ahh you shouldn’t be running through the palace—” the cat’s voice was abruptly muffled as her face was full of the fabric of the princess’ skirts. 

A girl greeted her at the doors before getting tackled “Princess! Oomf—” 

“Hehe Venus!” the young girl smiled up at her faithful guardian after barreling into her for a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you! Are you staying for longer this time?” 

Venus laughed and shook her head incredulously, “It’s good to see you too, Serenity.” She pushed Serenity at arms length so she could properly walk through the palace doors. “And yes, I am staying. In fact,” she said as she began walking the two of them down the corridor, “I will be here on the moon indefinitely, to properly serve my favorite trouble maker.” 

Serenity scrunched up her face at the comment, “Heyyy” She pouted “I am not a troublemaker.” 

“Oh, you definitely are.’ Venus pointed behind them, “Look at poor Luna behind you, she could barely keep up.”

Serenity turned her head towards the ground and sure enough, the black furred cat with a crescent moon on her forehead followed close behind them but stumbled. In truth, she hadn’t even noticed Luna was following her that whole time. Whoops. A second, white furred cat, also with a crescent moon forehead mark, nudged Luna upright before she fell. “Careful there, Luna,” the tomcat said.

“Ah, thank you, Artemis.” Luna righted herself and walked beside him. “That girl is a handful.” Luna sighed.

“Heh don’t worry, I’ve got your back” Artemis winked. 

“I’m glad someone does.” Luna replied with a flick of her tail. 

The four of them walked out to the courtyard where the other three senshi, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter were waiting. They all gathered together and caught up after the month they were apart. Serenity was more than thrilled to have all of her girls back in the palace with her. She always missed them when they were away taking care of their own princess duties on their own planets. It was just better when she could see them everyday and know they were here with her. Still though, it wasn’t like she couldn’t exist without them. She was a perfectly capable princess herself thank you very much. She enjoyed tending the artificial garden, and helping in the kitchen when she was allowed (maybe sneaking a few cookies or other treats) And Serenity did enjoy the royal masquerade balls that her mother hosted as well as skating atop the frozen lake. But her girls filled her vast white palace with color that, if you wanted her opinion, it was sorely lacking. The fiery red of Mars’ fuku or her dresses that she brought with her were such a welcome addition to her home. The same for Jupiter’s cozy green, Mercury’s vibrant blue, and of course Venus’ exhilarating orange. 

Serenity’s favorite part of the girls coming back home from a long hiatus at their castles, was the stories they had to tell of their traditions and customs. She was not fond of Mercury’s boring history of the moon lessons, or arithmetic or Mars’ etiquette training, but she was a huge fan of Mercury and Mars talking about their homes and what made them special. That, she could listen to for hours. 

There was one hobby she enjoyed just a little more than all her others though. And there was one planet that she was more interested in learning about than most. As a princess of the Silver Millenium, one of Serenity’s duties was watching over a very special place. It was a place she had grown to love very much. Off to the west side of the palace, was an observatory where she could overlook her closest neighbor, the blue planet, Earth. This view was her absolute favorite. The planet was like a beautiful crystal gem, with wispy white surrounding it, shifting over deep green. The blue surrounding this jewel, well it was just gorgeous. The single most beautiful color she had ever seen in her life. If that view alone were not enough to keep her in this room forever, then the large monitor definitely was. This monitor was made using Mercurian technology and was half mounted above the room. Using this monitor, Serenity was able to “travel” this vast expansive world to her heart’s desire. It was a wonderful escape from the predictable life she led. 

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

From his early childhood, much of his time was spent reading in his mother’s garden as she told him everything she knew about the flora of their beloved planet. Unfortunately, the poor boy couldn’t mask his disinterest, much preferring the works of his favorite philosophers to the different ways to nurture a rose bed. His best friend and soon to be sworn protector, Jadeite would yank the tome from the young prince’s hands and scold him. 

His mother, the queen, would let out a sweet laugh, “It’s alright. Endymion, why don’t you go find your father in the library and study with him?” She’d say in understanding, allowing him freedom. Endymion would yank the book he had been engrossed in back from his bothersome comrade and then hop off of the bench and begin to run towards the large hallway, “No running!” and switch to a brisk walk at his mother’s admonishment. Even though he preferred the library or his father’s study, he still made it a routine to spend the daylight with his mother in her rose garden, feeling it was important to give her his time while he could.

As the young prince grew into a teenager, he grew intrigued by his upcoming responsibilities as heir to the Golden Kingdom of Earth: Elysion. This had much to do with the health of his parents taking a turn for the worst. From the moment he was born, a golden light grew and shined within him, it was a power that he was always told he’d learn to wield when he was ready. But this power used to belong to his mother, and she was losing it along with her grip on her health. His father would never admit this out loud, or at least to his face, but Endymion knew the king resented him for his birth. Due to this, the boy did everything he could to make both of his parents proud. His mother, through the small wisps of golden power she had coursing through her, always had a deep, beautiful connection to all life on Earth. He admired this about her, and as much as he wanted to join her in her passions for gardening, his guilt motivated him more. 

Unfortunately for young Endymion, not only was his mother weakening until her life flickered out, but his father was also a weak man and had been since birth. Sometimes, he wondered how he was even born to the couple. His mother said he was born of a miracle for these reasons. The two fell in love naturally and wished for a child despite the risks that childbirth presented for the both of them. Endymion knew that one day, he would be left alone and have to take up the responsibilities that both of his parents left him. The golden powers and birthright of his mother, and the patriarchal duties of his father. 

He began accompanying his father during ambassador visits from other regions of his planet. Most capturing of his attention were visits from royals of places his family had no dominion over, kingdoms from the neighboring planets. He knew little of these kingdoms far outside his reach, and he doubted he would ever visit them. The only one he had more than a passing interest in, was a place he was forbidden from asking about but was undoubtedly the closest planetary kingdom to his own. His father, the king, would scold him explicitly stating that The Moon Kingdom was not for him to concern himself with. He would later hear from his friends and trusted knights that the Moon Kingdom and its people, Lunars, were oppressive and sought control over their planet. If he felt it were his place, he would tell his father that he didn’t see a reason to fear the Lunars and it was pointless to speculate on threats that had not been made. As it was, he knew to hold his tongue. 

By age fourteen, both his parents passed on and though he knew the day would come, it did not diminish the overwhelming grief. He made a point to keep tender care of the garden his mother loved so, and he never allowed a speck of dust in his father’s study, anything to keep the spirits of his father and mother within his reach. The prince would later take on sword, archery, and horse riding training from his loyal knights, Zoisite, Nephrite and of course Jadeite. His eldest friend and mentor, Kunzite would assist him in harnessing his golden power which he learned came from The Golden Crystal, his sacred gem and the heart and soul of the earth. 

One day, as he sat reading in his father’s study, the prince discovered that his kingdom was not what he always understood it to be. He found scrolls showing the surface world of his planet. He grabbed the scrolls off his desk and rushed to find Kunzite. Turning a corner, Endymion found him in the great hall conversing with Nephrite. “I want to see the surface!” Endymion said eagerly, holding up the yellowed scrolls. 

Nephrite turned to him, cutting off his own story (or gossip? He didn’t really hear it over his haste to speak) and took the scroll from his hands examining it. “Oh! That’s right, our prince hasn’t been above-world yet.” He passed the scroll to his comrade who took it with a look of something Endymion didn't have a word for. 

“This is where the four of you hail from right? I want to see it,” Endymion reasoned. 

Kunzite examined the scroll for himself and turned a gaze of disapproval on him, “No holder of the sacred gem has ever lived above-world, your highness. It’s just not how it is done.” Endymion opened his mouth to speak, taking in air, but Kunzite continued on. “Your place is ruling from afar and protecting Elysion as our king.”

“But my true kingdom is up there,” He gestured towards the sky. “How can I rule my people properly if I never see the land they live in? My father was from the above-world. Was he not? Every golden king before me was as well, I am the only one who wasn’t. And for what? Because I inherited the Golden Crystal? I’ll never be half the king my predecessors were if I am sheltered beneath the Earth’s surface.”

Kunzite grunted “But you are not king yet. There is no need to further discuss this.” Kunzite began walking away and Endymion was going to follow after him until Nephrite cleared his throat. 

“Actually, Kunzite, I agree with his highness.” Nephrite admitted.

Kunzite turned back to face the boys “Go on,” he sighed. 

“Well, the prince makes valid points.” Nephrite began “And wouldn’t it be better for him to get experience in his younger years before he takes the throne? He would be at a disadvantage as it is with both his parents gone. Hell, the older diplomats and ambassadors would eat the poor kid alive.” Endymion winced from the suggestion. 

Kunzite took several moments to consider both of their words. So long that Endymion thought his general was just going to turn around and walk away again. But finally, he spoke “Prince, there are dangers up there that you are spared from down here in Elysion,” 

Endymion spoke up ready to argue again “That may be the case but I—”

But Kunzite continued on speaking over him “That being said,” He paused making sure he had the prince’s full attention, “I do see that your argument is sound. So, I will make you a deal, Endymion.” The prince stiffened at the casual use of his name, Kunzite only did that sparingly. “Since you love spending so much time reading, I will give you one month to learn all that you can about the surface world through your studies. Zoisite will be your tutor, and your research must be thorough. If, after your studies you still insist on living above-world, then so it shall be.’ He paused. “Do you understand? This is not a decision to be made lightly.”

Endymion nodded and Kunzite determined the discussion overwith. In the following weeks, Endymion did exactly as his general instructed him. Pouring over tomes, scrolls and leatherbound encyclopedias and history texts, he learned absolutely everything he could. He surprised even himself with how much enjoyment he got from the task. He initially dreaded it, he loved books but he didn’t love them that much. But here he was consuming all the new information getting his fill, night after night. Finally that month passed and he told Kunzite that his desire to see the world above had only grown and he was ready to begin his new life. 

Endymion lived in a palace on the surface of his planet and he traveled as much as possible for two years, learning and forming relationships. His generals, of course, joined him and were able to assist him in forging connections with their own regions from every direction of North, South, East and West. In honor and remembrance of his parents, he had recreated the garden that his mother loved so much. Somehow, the air above the surface felt much more… refreshing, he found. The gardens, the sea, the dirt beneath him and the flowers that grew over it rejuvenated him and he grew to love his planet all the more and he was eager to observe its growth for years to come.

Chapter Text

Act 2

— — — — 

As Serenity grew into womanhood, she would spend more time gazing up at the beautiful neighbor planet. Sometimes she would even fall asleep in the observatory feeling so safe with the earth’s soft azure glow. However, something she did not count on was being reprimanded by Luna when she and Mars found her in there that morning. Spending so much time in the monitor observatory resulted in her senshi raising questions. Luna in particular would only allow Serenity in there for at most a single hour at a time. This truly confused her. Why should it matter that she was interested in the Blue Planet? As the heir to the Silver Millenium, wouldn’t it be a good thing to observe the planets? Especially as its protector. Serenity was thinking about this as she prepared to turn in for bed. A soft knock on her door sounded that was specific to only one person residing in the moon palace. Serenity stood straight up and brushed any possible lint off of her nightgown. 

A voice behind the large bedroom doors “Serenity, my dear, may I enter?” 

“Of course, Mother.” At her admittance, the moon queen entered, Luna in tow, and Serenity bowed her head in respect. “Good evening, Mother.” The queen smiled and Serenity, not for the first time, envied the way her mother carried herself. She had a true elegance and poise to her that Serenity could only dream of having. For as feminine and graceful as her mother was, she could also command any room that was gifted with her presence and have the whole universe bowing at her feet. Perhaps it was her eyes. The enchanting lavender irises that Serenity herself lacked. 

In the midst of Serenity’s inner thoughts, Selene returned her greeting. “Good evening, Serenity. I would like to speak with you about something.” Another thing about her mother was that she could be kind, polite and stern all at once. “Please, sit.” Given the tone her mother used, Serenity had to sit, no questions asked. So she did, she placed herself on the edge of her bed, giving her mother all the power in the room. Though there was no question she had it. The queen walked towards the door, grabbed the knob and closed her bedroom off to any one who may overhear. Oh goodness, was she in trouble? Luna took a seat on her cat bed near the balcony. For whatever reason, her mother did not shoo her away when she closed the door. 

“Mother, is something—“ Selene only lifted a hand to silence her daughter and walked further into the room. 

“Serenity, I do not want you to spend so much time in the observatory anymore.” Selene began. 

Serenity gasped and tugged on her dress skirts nervously “Wh- why not?”

“The Earth is not a part of the Silver alliance. And I do not want you getting any ideas to visit its surface.” 

“Why is it not a part of the alliance? It’s so close! Surely we have made contact with the earthlings by now?”

“It is not so simple.” Selene took a few strides towards the balcony and looked outside as she spoke. “The people of Earth are different from those of other planets within the alliance. They perceive the Moon Kingdom as a threat to their control over their own territory. We have tried before, for several years, decades even to make peace. But the leaders of their people fear our great power and are convinced that we will use it to usurp their rule. In fear that we Lunars, who loom over them in the night sky, will act on threats we have never made, they refuse to join us, and they will never allow a Sailor Guardian from their planet to serve as one of the Solar System’s protectors.” Serenity took in her mother’s words dumbfounded. She would never have expected such things to be said. Selene turned back toward her. “Serenity, I forbid you to ever set foot on Earthen soil.”

Serenity looked up and furrowed her brows. “Forgive me, mother. But… I do not understand. It’s such a beautiful world. How could it be forbidden to even visit it?”

Selene sighed, closed her eyes and shook her head “My dear girl, how innocent you are.” She lifted her gaze back to her daughter. “It would be dangerous for you, a lunar Princess, to venture to that world. They would not look kindly on you and… I fear for your safety should anyone there discover you and find out who you are. There is evil in this galaxy, Serenity, and it could find you where you are most unsuspecting of it. I do not want to risk anything happening to you should you not heed my warning.”

Once again, the princess was taken aback. “I… I’m sorry but I… I struggle to believe that. How could such a wonderful place be evil?” 

“Trust me, my dear, I have lived longer than you and have seen such things with my own eyes. Swear to me that you will not pursue this fascination any further.” 

“I…” she couldn’t find the will to concede and swear to her mother. Because more than anything, Serenity wanted desperately to see the Earth for herself. It was her deepest wish and her mother was denying it to her. 

“Serenity.” Selene warned. It was not a request that her mother was making; it was a law she was being ordered to obey.

Serenity arose from her seat, bowed her head and made a plea. “I will not try to visit the earth. But… Please, I still want to spend time in the observatory. That’s all I request. Please, mother.”

Selene’s harsh gaze softened just a little, and she nodded her head. “Very well.” 

Serenity sighed, and smiled with her head still bowed “Thank you, Mother.” 

“So long as you understand that these rules are in place to protect you. Good night.”

“Good night, Mother.” The discussion ended as Selene made her exit. When the doors shut, Serenity crumpled to her bed and relaxed her tensed limbs. With a deep breath Serenity stood up again and walked to her balcony. Continuing her preparations for bed,  Serenity closed the curtains covering her balcony. Still holding onto thin fabric and facing the outside she spoke, “Why did you tell my mother, Luna?”

The feline started and sat up to look at her charge. “I felt it was important that she knew.”

Serenity full body turned towards the cat “I wasn’t doing anything wrong! It was hurting no one to spend my time there!” Tears were in Serenity’s eyes and she wished she had the maturity of her mother that she clearly lacked as she was practically throwing a fit. But instead of continuing to yell and scream, the girl threw herself into her bed and willed herself to fall asleep as soon as possible. Maybe, in her dreams she could see the place she wished to be. 

She awoke to the bright sun peaking out behind the Earth outside her balcony. The light shimmering as it bounced off her shear curtains and traveled toward her bed in a thin streak. It was still early yet and she would normally still be sleeping. But she didn’t see any use in trying to return to her sleep. Her guardians would not be in to rouse her for a while yet and Luna was fast asleep. Rising from her circular silk bed, she dressed herself in her day gown and fixed her hair into twinbuns, combing through her long white tresses that fell over her shoulders and breasts. After stepping into her small slippers, she opened the doors to her room as quietly as possible to not wake Luna and exited her room making her way to the observatory across the corridor. 

Carefully opening the doors so as to make minimal noise she slipped inside the room and closed the doors, leaning against them on her back with a sigh. Serenity opened her eyes and was greeted by a view she so adored. The monitor awaited her and the Earth twinkled as if in welcome. She stepped over to the monitor and with a wave of her hand the image appeared, the room lighting up and coming to life. She stood there for several moments craning her neck to take in the sights she had yet to memorize. Serenity learned the longer she spent time here that her view of the blue planet and what she saw was dependent on what the phase of the Earth was. At the moment, Serenity could see half of the Earth and the rest was in shadow. (Mercury had explained all the scientific jargon behind it) So, every so often Serenity would get to see a different view of the Earth, sometimes the view she saw was completely new to her. Today, she viewed a colony of structures built in brick and other stones with roofs of varying neutral tones. Off in the distance, was a larger extravagant structure that sat high above the colony. Her monitor zoomed in on this area and she saw that it was a castle. 

She obviously knew that the other planets had castles of their own. But she had yet to see a palace outside of the one in which she resided on the Moon. And this one was so… beautiful. It shone in the early light of dawn and glistened with natural beauty. The stone it was built from was chiseled and there were patches of vines snaking upwards. Pillars similar to those of the Moon Castle were spread across the borders of the structure, holding up decadent roofs with intricate carving and frame work. Contrary to her moon palace this one had a warm glow and its coloring consisted of varying oranges, creams and yellows. 

The image panned around the area and more was revealed to Serenity until she found herself looking into a garden, one with flowers of a breathtaking scarlet that surrounded a large chiseled, multilayered fountain. A stone path trailed through the garden, leading to a large hedge maze that also had those flower bushes lining its perimeter. The stone trail led behind the fountain where pillars lined either side and led to a large gazebo built in white marble and accented with gold trim. With the soft light of dawn on the horizon, Serenity believed this was possibly the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. 

She thought this for all of a second, because then a figure came into view. It was tall and clothed in black with a trim of red. Then the figure turned around, and Serenity saw it was a man, and he was gorgeous. He seemed young, possibly her age, maybe a little older. He stood in profile, broad shouldered but lean, tall and carried himself with confidence. Light armor covered his torso while a black and red cape followed behind him. His skin a soft deep olive and his jawline sharp. His hair hung above his eyes in ebony black locks, and short at the nape of his neck. When he turned around again, he almost completely faced her. The sudden eye contact caused her face to heat up in an unusual way. His eyes met hers and she had to remind herself that he couldn’t see her. Something about the young man’s eyes captivated her. She saw a brilliant midnight blue that rivaled the blue of the planet that hung in front of her. At the sight of him, she found herself wanting to meet him, to know this person. Something about him kept her from looking away and as if in a trance, Serenity lifted her hand to the monitor and touched his face through the screen. How unsatisfying the cold monitor was to feel on her finger tips.

The doors to the Observatory swung open “Serenity!” and she jumped away from the monitor waving her hand to turn it off before Mars could see what she was doing. The senshi crossed her arms and tapped her foot giving the princess a harsh glare. “You’re late for breakfast, your highness. Get to the dining room now. Her majesty refuses to start without you.” 

“R-right, sorry Mars. Please uh… excuse me.” She said as she hurriedly picked up her skirts and rushed past Mars. Serenity turned for a brief look back at the Earth and continued on her way to breakfast. 

Throughout the following days, the mystery man would not leave her thoughts. Everyday since, when she went to the observatory it was to see him. She could not fathom just why it was but she felt compelled to go back to the monitor to see more of him, to learn everything she could about him before she finally met… him… 

But she said she wouldn't. 

No. She couldn't really promise not to go to the earth—it just felt wrong to deny herself that. 

But she was given strict orders not to venture there. 

But now… she just had to visit this planet. His planet. She had to meet him. 

The longer Serenity went on not seeing the earth for herself the harder it became to sit still. As soon as Mercury mercifully released her from her studies, Serenity went searching. Wanting to visit Earth and meet this beautiful man was great and all, but if she didn’t have a way to get there without assistance it wasn’t even worth the pining. So, she went on a quest with a goal to find a portal device that would take her to Earth. The most obvious location to look first was the observatory, but to her surprise, no such luck. There were other places she could look but it became clear to her that what she sought was not within the palace. Serenity walked the spacious corridors keeping an eye out for any of her senshi. She came upon the servant’s entrance and snuck out of it. Past this point she was out of her element and would probably need assistance to find the portal. Where could one possibly be if not her castle? 

Coming out from a large bridge, Serenity saw a woman washing the windows of her home nearby. She tentatively walked towards her and offered a greeting. The woman greeted her with a smile and would have caused a scene by bowing if Serenity hadn’t stopped her. Serenity asked if there was a portal to the other planets that she knew of and the woman offered directions.

“Oh that would be in the square, your highness. See that tower down that road? The teleporter is right inside it.”

“Thank you ma'am, you are very kind.” Serenity gave a small bow of her head and walked to the tower. 

Upon entry it dawned on her exactly what this tower was. It was the Tower of Prayer. Now she knew why she was never allowed to visit it herself. Of course the portal would be in here—and just as she ascended the stairs there it was. Serenity picked up her skirts and rushed over excitedly. She stepped onto the dais, leaning down to get a better view. There were buttons that had symbols the princess was all too familiar with. She could point to each of them, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter. And there was another one, a symbol she didn’t think she’d ever seen before, but recognizable at the same time. “Earth” she whispered aloud. She pressed the button and the floor below her was illuminated in a blue light and Serenity shut her eyes. When she opened them, she was no longer in the Tower nor was she on the moon.  

--- --- ---        

His palace finally came within sight as they rode back from their trip. It felt like years since he’d been home. Obviously it had not been so long, merely a week. But the events prior exhausted him so much and he didn’t think he could ever be as tired as he was now. Zoisite was riding horseback to the left of him, with Jadeite to his right. Kunzite led the way and Nephrite took the rear.  Endymion was trying to enjoy the scenery and familiarity of his surroundings, but it was difficult when someone was going on and on, listing off potential marriage candidates and his itinerary for the next two weeks. The last thing Endymion wanted to discuss was marriage. Especially not after the full week of being paraded around the North and Eastern regions meeting Lords and their daughters. To his annoyance, the moment he turned 16, marriage became the number one priority. No matter how many times he said he wanted to proceed with his coronation first, he was told to be patient. It was decided after his parents passed that he must be married before he took the throne, in order to guarantee an heir as soon as possible. But finding a wife was all his friends could talk about at this point! He didn’t want to be pressured into marriage, he wanted to find a wife naturally.  However, at this point, he was so tired of the topic that he was considering telling Zoisite that he would rule without a queen and to cease his incessant yapping. Instead, the prince yawned with a hand raised near his mouth. 

“… and one more candidate we have to meet for the day.” Endymion’s head whirled around so fast he nearly lost balance on his horse. 

“What? I have to meet another woman today?” He practically whined. Kunzite cleared his throat, reminding Endymion to retain proper control of his outbursts. But Endymion just rolled his eyes. “I thought we were on our way home?”

Zoisite rolled up the parchment he was holding and placed it in his saddlebag. “We are. The young lady is from our region and will be our guest for the next few days.”

”I don’t remember being asked about such invitations,” he mumbled like a petulant child. 

“Your highness,” Kunzite addressed him, clearly exasperated. “You agreed to allow us to handle the search for your bride. Or are you more willing to look through the list Zoisite has so generously put together with you in mind?”

Endymion glared at Kunzite’s back ”Fine. I’ll meet her. But if any more decisions like this are made without my knowledge I won’t entertain any more guests in the future,” He conceded. “Who is she anyway?”

”Lady Beryl. Her father is a duke and has control over a vast trade route. Actually, she may be the most ideal bride given her connections,” Zoisite explained.

”I still don’t see why the poor guy can’t just—“

”Nephrite, address his highness properly.” Endymion couldn’t help but laugh. Poor Kunzite was probably the only one who cared about their rankings in the group. Well, Zoisite did too, but if he ever thought Endymion was being thick headed he would still call him out no hesitation. 

Nephrite tried again, a little bit of bite to his words this time. “I don’t see why his highness is not allowed to rule on his own.” His tone softened when he continued, “He is already more than fit to be king by now. The people love him.” 

“It’s not our place to say. We’re just following orders from the elders.” Jadeite reminded. 

The group fell quiet and the rest of the journey home was done in silence but for the clicking of hooves and the sounds of nature around them. Upon returning, Endymion was allowed a single hour to himself before his audience with Lady Beryl. Kunzite and Zoisite took care of greeting her and giving her a tour. 

All things considered, the meeting could have been worse. The lady was polite, demure and very beautiful. Her scarlet hair was attractive enough. But it felt as though hours passed while the woman acted familiar with him far too quickly. In fact, she and her father practically had a wedding reception planned and a cradle in production by the way they were speaking. Apparently he was as good as engaged to Beryl and he never got the memo. Suffice to say, Endymion was exhausted by the whole ordeal. When he finally was rid of Beryl he walked away without hesitation, putting as much distance as possible between himself, his generals and the topic of marriage by escaping to his gardens. He walked through the hedges and walked into the large gazebo. Needing to ground himself, he rested his hands on the railing and was only able to take one breath in when Kunzite spoke behind him. 

“Your highness, you need to make a decision,” Kunzite reminded. 

“Please,” Endymion pleaded without turning around towards his general, “Kunzite. Just- Just give me five minutes to myself. Please. I need to be alone.” 

Kunzite bowed with a sigh, “We will talk later then.” and made his way back inside the palace. 

Finally, he was allowed solitude and the opportunity to think. It wasn’t that he was completely opposed to the idea of marriage. In fact, the idea of finding a partner that you shared your life with was appealing to him. He knew his father and mother were happy. Even though he was only a young boy as he watched them, the love they had between them was palpable and he admired it. But he knew he was never going to find that through an arranged marriage with a woman who made him feel… hollow. He could feel no connection to Beryl whatsoever. So he couldn’t imagine having her as his wife would bring him any kind of satisfaction let alone joy. 

It was suffocating, this feeling of having no control over his own life. He needed to move and put his nervous energy to use. He descended the stairs of the gazebo into the garden and walked the trail. A quick snap sounded behind him and he turned his head. Out of the corner of his eye he saw it again. A flash of white, this time behind the tree to the right of him. He turned towards that tree and what he saw… unless he was mistaken, it looked like… hair? It quickly hid behind the tree and if it wasn’t for how many times he had noticed this before, he would’ve believed it was nothing more than his imagination. He put a foot in front of the other in that direction but footsteps on the concrete interrupted his investigation. 

“Hey, Endymion!” Nephrite called in that casual way he had, “Jade, and I were going to head out to the village and see the festival. Did you wanna join us? We could dress ya up like the good ol’ days.” He finished with a chuckle. 

Halfturning to him, Endymion was a little distracted when he responded “No, you two go ahead without me. I think I’d rather be alone the rest of the day.”

”You sure? I thought it’d be the perfect way to get your mind off the stress.” 

“Hey! Is he coming or not? The carriage is here waiting,” Jadite yelled from under the veranda behind him. 

“You two go enjoy. But don’t have too much fun, there’s still work to do tomorrow,” Endymion encouraged.

”You sure you’re okay?” Nephrite questioned. 

“Yea I’m fine. Just tired. Go, don’t keep mister ‘On schedule’ waiting too long.” He waved them off and when they were gone, he let his shoulders fall. “You can come out now. They’ve gone.” He finished turning back towards the tree with a hand on his hip. After a few moments, a hand appeared on the tree trunk, and the white hair he saw before came into view along with a white silk dress and the face of the small girl who wore it. “I had a feeling someone had been watching me.”