This is a Cinderella fanfic, any comments, praises, flames, etc,. Please send to Sailfan99@mailcity.com

Cinderella: A Sailor Moon story By Sailfan

Serena Tsukino walked through the front door of her house weary, sad, and feeling all-alone. Her foster father was killed in a horse accident. The coroner said he was killed instantly, that should have made her feel better, but one problem. It happened right in front of her. She could still here the hoofs of her father's horse, and him screaming ring throughout her mind. Her body collapsed to the floor as her small figure was racked with sobs.

"Get up, Serena, you just can't lie on the floor, you have work to do." Beryl said walking over to the sobbing girl. "Get up, Serena!" Beryl said, her voice firmer and louder than before, "I said get up, now!"

Beryl fed up with Serena's sobs, bent down and, pulling Serena to her feet, slapped her across the face. "You will learn to listen to me, brat. You will earn your keep around here, Your father made me promise on his death-bed to take care of you," there was a hint of spite in her voice, "he left me nothing, the bastard, except for extra burdens on my back."

"Don't talk about Father like that!" Serena spat.

Beryl slapped her again," I won't have anyone speak to me like that in my own house, especially some no name no account like you!"

Serena started to run up the stairs when Prisma, her eldest stepsister, stopped her.

"Where do you think you are going? Servant girl." She said walking up to the banister post. "My room." Serena wiping off br

imming tears from under her eyes.

"You mean MY room." Avery said walking up behind her sister.

"Oh, sister dear, I'm afraid you must be mistaken it's MY room." Prisma said correcting her sister with a mock sweet tone.

"Oh, no, Mother said it now MY room!" Avery's voice rising.

"I'm the eldest!"

"So what it's still mine!"

"No it's mine!"

"Mine!"

"Mother!" They both shouted as they turned for answers. "Uh, Any way, what they are trying to say is that YOU, my dear, now reside in the basement." Beryl said getting to the point. "Oh, and don't try and find sympathy with the staff, the staff has been fired, you are now the staff."

"What?!" Serena could hardly believe it. "You trick my father into marrying you, then you strip me of my status in my own home. You are a heartless, writhing, snake!"

Beryl quickly walked over to the banister and pulled Serena down to eye level then slapped her yet again. "What have I told you about speaking to me like that!" Beryl spat, then regaining her composure calmly stated with a sly smile, " I may have tricked your father into marrying me," she smiled whirly, "and stripped you of your status, BUT" Beryl's voice rose again, and pointing her index finger at Serena, continued. "I am not a heartless snake, I am letting you stay here out of the kindness of my heart, I should throw you out onto the streets, and let you freeze. But I promised your father that I would take care of you, and I never go back on my word."

Beryl let go of Serena, "Now go get to work, first you go scrub the kitchen floor, then cook us dinner, and do the pots and pans. Oh, and tomorrow," she continued, "We are having guests, so I want you to get up early and scrub the ALL floors and ALL the windows."

"Yes, Step-mother" Serena said, she headed for the kitchen. She had given up on fighting against Beryl, her hate was too strong, and Serena was too weak to confront her any more. She sat down in a chair by the fire and broke down in tears.

--------

Two men walked into the throne room, and bowed before the King and Queen of Earth.

"Endymion." The queen said raising herself from her throne to greet the dark-haired man, "how was your journey?" She said kissing him on the cheek.

"Fine, Mother." Endymion said with hint o f boredom in his voice.

"And how did you like the Princess of Kyrria." The King said also rising from his throne.

"I would guess with a girl of that magnitude of beauty, you would be returning engaged."

"Well, I can say one thing, Father, the portraits did NOT do her justice."

"So, I take she was to your liking?" The King asked absently, while summoning a servant.

"No, Father, she was not, she giggled, girlishly, at almost everything I said, she swooned, at the sight of the most minutely grotesque thing. Her skin was pasty, and she was missing teeth, in short, Father, she was definitely not to my liking." Endymion stated.

"Is this true, Kunzite?" The King asked Endymion's companion, as he waved the servant away.

"Yes, your majesty, it's true," Kunzite said.

"Son, you are running out of princesses to court, there are only so many in the universe." The queen said walking to her throne. "If the moon princess hadn't disappeared, well, things might have been different."

"I know, mother," Endymion said staring out of a window, "I just don't want to get forced into marriage, I want to get married for love, not duty."

---------------

Serena walked through the graveyard, a bouquet of flowers in her hands. Slowly she made her way to her foster father's grave.

"Father, I know I may not have given Beryl enough of a chance, but, she is not the woman you married. She's changed, and I don't think I can take it, Father, I want to leave, but where would I go. I don't know remotely where my real parents are, I just can't remember." Serena broke down in tears. The first thing she could ever remember was Sir Kenneth Tsukino finding her on his doorstep when she was 8 years old. He had always treated her like the daughter he never had, for the past 10 years, he had raised her to be lady. Though, occasionally, they would sword fight, or climb trees thing young ladies weren't really supposed to do.

Serena sighed, wiping the remnants of her tears away. She rose to her feet as 5 horses, unexpectedly, cantered through the field. The riders' laughs could be heard echoing through the graveyard as they came to a stop in front of a tomb.

Serena ran over to the window of the tomb, she watched as she saw the prince, and his guard, talking about the occupants of the tomb.

"King Charmont, who was he?" A blond man asked pointing to a small grave, "Awfully small, don't you think?"

"That's because he died when he was 12, Jeadite." Endymion said walking over to the grave. "He fell out of a window, the day he was crowned."

"Talk, about a short reign." Nephrite, a man with long brown hair joked looking at some other graves, "And King Richard, wasn't he-"

"The most ruthless king, ever to walk the face of this Earth?" Zoicite finished Nephrite's comment.

"Who was his successor?" Kunzite asked, looking at another grave.

Endymion was preoccupied, looking out of a window staring straight into Serena's face, he moved toward the door. Serena couldn't move her brain told her to before they come out and arrest her. But her heart told her to stay. Serena stepped back, and accidentally bumped into someone, breaking her out of her trance. She quickly turned around. "Oh, excuse me, I wasn't look-" Serena found herself looking into a pair of dark blue eyes

---------------

"Oh, excuse me, your highness. I didn't see you." Serena said as she quickly curtsied.

"No, it was my fault, I shouldn't have come up behind you like that." Endymion said helping Serena up.

"It's okay, sire." Serena said looking down at her feet. Endymion raised Serena's chin, "May I ask a name, miss." Serena smiled, "Serena Tsukino, your highness." Endymion laughed, "You have a beautiful smile, Serena." Serena looked once again, down at her feet, to hide her oncoming blush. "Thank you, Highness." Serena said meekly. The bells in the clock tower chimed half past 3. Serena gathered her senses, "I'm sorry highness, I must go." She turned and started to run.

"Go where?" Endymion yelled to Serena.

"I have to go." Serena repeated over her shoulder. "Odd girl," Kunzite said walking up beside Endymion.

"Really, I thought she was nice, just shy." Jeadite said joining them.

"Since when do you start spying on me?" Endymion asked sarcastically.

"Since your father appointed us your royal guard." Nephrite answered walking up to him with Zoicite behind him.

"You guys really need to get lives." Endymion said looking in the direction Serena had run in.

"No, what we really need are some girlfriends." Zoicite said with a laugh.

"Well," Kunzite said looking at Endymion, who was still staring off into space. "At least we can say one of us does."

Serena ran through the gate, how could she scolded herself for being so stupid as to stare at the prince and his guard, then to let the prince catch her. Beryl would have her head if she found out.

Serena ran through the kitchen door, hoping her step-mother wouldn't notice her being gone too long.

Serena had just sat down when Beryl came in. "Look who finaly decided to come home. Where were you?" Beryl said confronting her.

"Laying flowers at my father's grave." Serena said looking at her feet.

"Oh, how sweet," Beryl said in a mock sweet tone. "Stolen flowers, stolen from MY garden!" She snapped.

"No, they were wild flowers from the field." Serena said pleading her case.

"Lair!" Beryl snapped. "You are nothing more than a little thief. And theives must be punished!" She said pulling Serena over to a table were a mass of unprepared food lay.

"We are having guests, tonight, and I want the food ready to go by then!" Beryl said letting go of Serena and heading for the door.

"Yes, Step-mother." Serena said looking down at her shoes.

As soon as Beryl was gone, Serena sat down wearily at the table and got to work.

Serena got 1/2 way done after 2 1/2 hours, when there was a knock on the door. Puzzled, Serena got up to see who it was.

She opened the door and there, standing in front of her was a tall woman, with long dark green hair, and magenta eyes, she was dressed in fairly decent clothes, though she had a rather strange look in her eyes..

"H-Hello, may I help you?" Serena asked the tall woman.

"Yes, may I come in?" The woman asked gently.

"Oh, I don't usually-, but all right, for a little while." Serena said opening the door.

The woman moved passed Serena, "Thank you." She claimed a seat over by the fire, opposite of Serena's.

"If you would excuse, if I go on working, I have a lot to do, and very little time." Serena said closing the door. "Not at all, don't mind me I just need to warm up, I have been traveling all day."

Serena moved over to the table and got back to work. "It must really be fun to travel." Serena looked at the fire, which oddly started to blaze. "Would you like me to warm you up some soup?"

The woman smiled, "No, thank you. Sometimes yes, and sometimes, no." The woman looked around, "What I would really like is a cozy house with a dog or a cat, like that one." She looked over to the bed, sitting on it was a purple cat.

Serena got up and went over to the bed. "oh, wherever did it come from?" she said petting it, it started to purr.

"It came in when I came in, is it not yours?" The woman asked.

"No, it's not." Serena said laughing, as the cat rubbed it's tail under her nose.

"Well, she seems to like you." The woman said.

"Yes, she does, doesn't she." Serena said peeting the cat.

"What are you going to name her?" The woman asked, "Luna's a good name."

"Luna," Serena said trying out the name, "Well, it would go with this moon symbol on her forehead. Luna, would you like to stay with me, keep me company?" Serena said holding the cat up to eye level. The cat purred loudly.

"Oh, she'll keep you company all right. She had better," A warning flashed through the woman's eyes and Serena felt Luna cringe underneath her.

"Serena, are you done yet, the guests are here," Beryl yelled from upstairs.

"Oh, no, The guests are here and I'm not half way done." Serena said worriedly, quickly covering up Luna.

"Well, I'm pretty, warmed up, I'll be going, now, thank you for your hospitality." The woman said getting up and heading for the door.

"Your welcome." Serena said getting up and seeing the woman out.

"Serena are you done, yet child?" Beryl said coming down the steps.

Serena quickly tried to come up with an excuse, but didn't need one when Beryl suddenly stopped.

"Oh."

Serena turned around to see what was the matter. Instead of the mess of food she was expecting to see, she saw a whole meal set out ready to be served.

Beryl turned to Serena, "Well, next time, I'll just give you more work to handle." she said turning and walking up the stairs.

"Yes, Madame." Serena said curtzying.

Serena ran over to her bed and uncovered Luna, "where do you think that came from, Luna?" Serena asked puzzled. But all Luna did was meow.

----------------

"A ball, Father," Endymion scoffed, "you are planning to throw me a ball."

"Yes, Enymion, we are. Your mother and I want to see you married."

"And so you think a ball is going to solve it. Just who are you planning to invite to this ball?" Endymion asked.

"Well," The king began, "The inner and outer princesses of the universe abd their parents. The Moon Queen, The Earth princesses you HAVEN'T all ready rejected, and the local nobility. With all those fine young women in the room, you should easily be able to find the woman of your choice." The King finished.

"Father, I don't want a ball, to decide for me who I marry, or you." Endymion said heading for the door.

"Endymion, where a you going?" THe King said shouting over to his departing son.

"For a ride, Father,' He said, His guard started to go with him. "Alone," Endymion said stopping the guard in their tracks.

"Are you sure that is wise my lord," Kunzite asked.

"I need to think." Endymion said walking out the door.

The guard started to follow anyway, when the king stopped them.

"Let him go, maybe he will come to his senses. In the mean time, Melvin, come here." A man with srcuffy mousy brown hair and glasses came up and bowed, "Send out invitations to all the princesses on earth, and throughout the universe. And send one to the Moon Queen as our guest.

"Yes, Sire." he said bowing.

------------------

Okay, so know the ball is set, and the Inners, Outers, and Queen Serenity are coming.

And in case you didn't guess the woman that Serena let in was Sailor Pluto, catch you next week.

Endymion rode through the woods trying to keep his mind off of the stupid ball his father wanted to throw him; he hated the thought of having those blue-blooded, royal snobs, drooling over him. All he wanted to do was live a normal life, not a life with "privilege" as they call it. Privilege, privilege of what to know one day you will rule an entire planet alone. He needed someone to share it with, someone with a vibrant and free spirit, not a caged up snob. But then again, if he let his father throw the ball he might meet someone like that.

Endymion turned his horse around and galloped back to the palace.

------------------------

TO THE LADY BERYL DE LANCRET & THE LADIES OF THE HOUSE:

THEIR MAJESTIES KING CRONOS

AND QUEEN GABRIELLA CORDIALLY

INVITES YOU TO A BALL TO BE HELD

ON THE EVE OF APRIL 21.



Beryl read this and smiled, "Girls, come down quickly, we are going to town."

"Why, Mother, is there something wrong?" Avery asked coming down the stairs.

"On the contrary, everything is quite all right, look." Beryl handed her the paper. "Oh, Prisma, come here, quick!

Prisma quickly came down and read over her shoulder, "A ball, the King and Queen are throwing a ball?"

"But I have nothing to wear, Mother." Avery pouted.

"Neither do I," Prisma mirroring her pout.

"That's why we are going to town, darlings, and if we don't get there quick there will be nothing left." Beryl said.

"Serena, get our cloaks, quickly!" Prisma shouted down the hall where Serena was dusting.

Serena dropped the duster, "Yes ma'am." Serena said going to the closet.

Serena passed their cloaks to their rightful owners, Avery's last.

Avery put the invitation down, "Finally," Avery said after a moment's time. "You take forever Serena, you should try harder."

"I will," Serena said looking at her feet. The invitation caught Serena's eye.

"A ball. Oh, Step-mother, may I go to the ball?" Serena pleaded.

Prisma rolled her eyes, "You, go to a ball, over my dead body! What would she wear a-"

Beryl raised her hand, silencing Prisma. "She may go."

"Mother! She-" Prisma and Avery shouted simultaneously.

Beryl raised her hand again, and the two closed their mouths. "If you get your chores done, on time. You mind your manners, and, you have to sew your own dress.

Prisma and Avery smiled; they would load her down with so much work. She wouldn't be able to get out for weeks.

"Yeah, I think you should go, Serena, it would be a nice experience for you, if you know what I mean." Avery said in a sweet tone.

"Yeah, you could get in a lot of social circles if you go to one." Prisma stated.

"Oh, thank you, Step-mother!" Serena said excitedly, she would try her best do get everything done on time.

Prisma and Avery smiled, "I think I have a few things I need taken care of mother." Avery said.

"So do I," Prisma said.

"Well, then, we should give these task to her as soon as possible," Beryl said with a grin, "Wouldn't want her too overloaded with work the day of the ball, do we?" she said opening the door.

"No, that would be quite a shame, though if it did happen wouldn't it." Avery said, stepping outside.

"A real shame." Prisma said laughing.

__________________________________

--------------------- April 14

Prince Endymion walked through the market, nodding respectfully at the bowing subjects.

Kunzite stared at him, he marveled at how natural the regales came to him, even though he denies it, he would miss it, if he ever had a normal life.

"Oh, excuse me, your highness." A girl said, quickly curtsying, after accidentally bumping into Endymion.

"It's all right, miss." Endymion said helping the girl up, she was beautiful, with long blonde hair and dancing blue eyes, she wore a tiara upon her brow.

Noticing this, Endymion smiled, "Perhaps I should be bowing to you." He started to bow

"No need, your highness." The girl stopped him, and smiled at him, "I'm Princess Minako, of the planet Venus." She extended her hand.

Endymion politely caught it, bent his head, and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess. Welcome to my planet, I hope you will like it here."

Princess Minako withdrew her hand slowly, while smiling at Kunzite. "Yes. I hope we do as well." She smiled at kunzite. "My companions and I." She motioned to the young ladies also dressed in regal robes. "The other princesses of the inner planets; Princess Rei of Mars, Ami of Mercury, and Makoto of Jupiter are attending the ball next week. I'm sure it will be a lovely event." The Princesses bowed

Endymion smiled, nodding respectfully at the princesses. "It will be an event, I'm sure."

Kunzite cleared his throat, "Aren't you going to introduce us, Prince."

Endymion turned around abruptly, "Pardon me for being rude. Princess Minako, it's my pleasure to introduce my guard and friends," he motioned to his guards. "Kunzite, Captain of my personal guard," Kunzite bowed. "Jeadite, Lutenet of the palace guard," Jeadite bowed. "Zoicite, Captain of the infantry," Zoicite bowed. "And Nephrite, Sargent of the fleet." Nephrite bowed.

"Nice to meet you," said Mina.

"The pleasure is all ours." Kunzite said, with a gleam in his eye.

"I'm sure." Endymion said with a laugh under his breath. He could see his guard falling for these princesses right in front of his eyes.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

2 days later

Serena walked down the street, carrying a pile of assorted fabrics so high she could hardly see two foot in front of her.

A man bumped into Serena, causing her to drop the cloth on the dusty ground.

"Are you all right, miss?" the man said dropping to his knees to help her.

"No! No, I am not; why-" she gasped. "I'm sorry, highness I didn't mean to," she said quickly dropping to her knees.

"It's all right, it was an accident." Prince Endymion said helping her up.

"It still does not excuse my behavior towards you," she said lowering her gaze.

Endymion lifted her chin to meet her eyes. "Yes, it does, I ruined your cloth. You have every right to be angry."

Serena lowered her gaze again. "I did not have to act out so."

"Ms. Tsukino," Endymion started.

Serena's eyes went up, a surprised look on her face.

Endymion chuckled. "I do remember people's names. Ms. Tsukino."

"I had no doubt, your highness."

Endymion looked at the dirty pile. "I ruined your cloth, let me make up for it." "I'll buy you a dress."

"You don't mean you'll personally, your highness," Serena said confused. "Do you?"

Endymion looked at Serena for a moment. "Yes," he smiled. "Yes, I do."

"But, it could take days, sire."

Endymion shrugged, "Time well spent."

"You don't have to do this your highness," Serena said dropping to her knees to collect the dirty cloth. "I could wash these and just-"

Endymion helped Serena to her feet. "I don't care. I want to do it."

Serena smiled, she couldn't fight the prince. "All right, highness. Thank you"

"The pleasure is all mine." He picked up the cloth, and offered his arm. "Shall we go?"

Serena looked at his arm, and took it. "Yes, yes, we shall."

___________________

In Serena's room: Same day

A woman walked through the door silently, and swiftly.

"Luna, where are you." She said scanning the room.

A cat emerged from under the covers of Serena's bed. "Here, Pluto."

"Where is the princess?" Sailor Pluto said walking over to the bed.

Luna looked away, "you should know you're the 'guardian of time'."

Sailor Pluto looked down to the cat. "You are HER Guardian! You are supposed to watch her!"

Luna shot her head up, "Why can't we just tell the queen where her daughter is!"

"Because she has to figure it out for herself!" Pluto snapped. "Now, one more time where is the princess?" Sailor Pluto growled through clench teeth.

Luna sighed. "She's with the prince, buying a dress, he bumped into her and-"

Sailor Pluto looked at the cat and smiled. "Good, everything is as it should be."

There was a noise at the door, Sailor Pluto looked at Luna, "Keep an eye on her, Luna." And disappeared.

Serena burst into the room, ran toward the bed, and picked up Luna. "Oh, Luna it was so- indescribable, he so kind and generous." She looked down at the cat, "I'm just babbling, you probably don't know what I'm talking about." But somehow she knew she did.

____________________________

April 19

"Serena, we need you to help us put the final touches on our dresses." Beryl called down the stairs, "So, drop whatever it is you are doing and come up here." Beryl then went into her room.

"Coming step-mother," Serena sighed. She had so much work to do and little time to do it. If she was to get everything ready for the ball, she had to get things done, and quick. Serena wearily climbed the stairs.

Her stepsisters did almost nothing all day. They either ordered her around with things that HAD to be done that instant. Adding onto the other chores she had to do. Or they sat in front of their dressing bureaus and primped like it was the only thing in the world.

Serena walked into the room. She found Avery sitting at her bureau, making poses and faces in the mirror. Prisma and Beryl were at a full size mirror, Prisma holding a dress up, and Beryl modeling necklaces for her on her neck.

"You called, step-mother?" Serena asked reluctantly.

"Yes, Serena, get those fabrics pieces and kneel beside here." Beryl said pointing to a spot on the floor.

Serena nodded then followed her Stepmother's directions.

"Put the lace up." Beryl ordered.

Serena obeyed.

"Avery, how does that look?" Beryl said turning to the her daughter

Avery stopped her posing, turned and looked for a moment. "I think it would look better on my dress than on hers."

"All right darling, but are you sure you want to have the collar, if Prisma decides to she wants the same collar as you?"

Avery turned back to the mirror; "The collar will be the same Mother, not the dresses."

Beryl shrugged and turned back to Prisma, "which collar would you like, Prisma?"

Prisma turned to her mother, "Well..."

Serena drifted off into another world. She thought about how she would look in her dress, dancing with the prince, and how the people would stare at her in jealousy, Especially her stepfamily. As she thought of this a smile slowly crept upon her face.

"Serena, what are you grinning at?" Beryl asked.

Serena did not answer.

"Serena!" Beryl screamed for what seemed like the millionth time.

Serena broke out of her trance, "Yes!" Serena quickly exclaimed.

"Don't talk to me like that. You brat!" Beryl snapped.

"Yes, Step-mother." Serena bowed.

"Now, put the silk up!" Beryl angrily instructed.

Serena obeyed, and waited impatiently for Beryl to come to a decision.

Beryl held her chin in a thoughtful pose. "I think I like the silk better on you, Prisma. It brings out the green in your eyes.

"But, Mother..." Prisma started

Serena tuned out the argument between Prisma and Beryl. Avery didn't seem to be paying much attention either since she was now doing her makeup.

Serena couldn't stand the bickering any more. "May I go Step-mother?"

Beryl turned to Serena, "What? Oh, yes, fine." Beryl said waving Serena off. "Oh, Serena take those dresses down stairs, I tell you which collars to put on which dresses later."

"Yes, step-mother." Serena picked up the dresses and took them down to the basement. She hung them on sizing busts, walked up the stairs, and continued on with what she was doing before.

"Serena!" Prisma called from upstairs. "We need you NOW!"

Once again Serena dropped everything and went upstairs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

That same moment.

Pluto walked through a portal door into the basement where Luna was waiting patiently.

"Luna." Pluto acknowledged, closing the portal door.

"Serena's weighting on the lazy pigs, again." Luna said with a disgusted sigh.

"Watch your tongue." Pluto said shooting a glare a her. "They'll get what is coming to them, as soon as Serenity is revealed."

Luna smiled, "And then I'll laugh in their faces."

"All in good time, Luna." Pluto said walking over to the bed, "The queen is at the palace, and she can feel the princess somewhere in this country. It won't be long until she finds her."

"But how will the princess get to her? Serenity's stepfamily won't let her go to the ball. They'll figure out some sort of excuse."

"We'll get her there," Pluto smiled. "I was not given magical powers for no reason, and it is my duty to make sure she gets there. And besides, we can always ask the princesses for help in making the arrangements. Which reminds me. I'll see you later Luna."

"Bye, Pluto." Luna said as Pluto stepped into the portal disappeared.

Luna crept under the covers for a short catnap.

____________________________

At the palace: the same day

Pluto stepped out of the portal and into Princess Minako's bedchamber. No one was around much to this dismay of Pluto.

Pluto stomped her foot. "Drat, she is not back yet! She needs to quit spending time with Kunzite and get here!"

The door opened. Pluto hid behind the bed.

"Thanks for walking me back, Kunzite." Minako said steeping into the room.

"No problem, Minako." A voice said from outside.

"All right, I'll see you later." Mina said with a giggle as she started to close the door.

"Bye," Kunzite said.

"Bye." Mina closed the door, turned and leaned against it, sighing.

"Princess, you finally returned." Pluto said coming out of hiding.

Minako gasped, "Don't do that Pluto, you scared me half to death." she clutched her dress, trying to calm down.

"Sorry, but I need your help. I need you to get a pair of slippers, a pair like no other, that can only fit the person who they are made for."

"For that they will have to be made out of glass!" Minako exclaimed.

"Precisely."

"Pluto, who are these slippers for?" Minako asked bewildered.

"The Moon Princess, but you mustn't tell the queen.

"She's alive!" Mina exclaimed, surprised, "But she's been gone for over 10 years, she-"

"All I can tell you is that she will be revealed the night of the ball. Swear you will NOT tell the queen. I fear she knows already and it is tearing her apart."

"I swear. You can trust me Pluto." Minako said bowing her head.

"I know you will keep your promise." Pluto stepped into her portal and disappeared.

Minako turned to her communicator, "Ami, Rei, Makoto. get here quick. I have some news to tell you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serena's room, that night.

Serena tossed and turned in her bed as a memory played through her dreams.

"Mommy, please don't, I don't want to go." a girl pleaded to a tall woman.

"I'm sorry, Serenity, but you must," The woman said putting her in a ship.

The room shook suddenly as a blast hit the room. The woman worked faster.

"Mommy, let me stay. I'll stay out of your way." Serenity was sobbing now.

"It's too dangerous here, I'll come and get you when it is safe." The woman closed the door. tears streamed down her face.

"Mommy," Serenity pounded on the door, "no, mommy no!"

The woman looked to the control man, "We are ready to launch, your majesty."

"Mommy don't!" Serenity pleaded one last time.

"Do it," She said through sobs.

The ship's engines ignited and it left the dock.

"I love you, Serenity."

"MOMMY!" Serena exclaimed as she suddenly shot up in bed. A cold sweat covered her face. She took in breaths in little gasps.

Luna came up to her and started to purr loudly, calming her.

Serena stroked Luna's back. "Luna, that was some dream, I don't know what to make of it."

Luna looked up to Serena's face, and gasped. On her forehead, was a tiny crescent moon.

_______________________

April 20

A knock at the front door pulled Serena from a weary sleep. It was Sunday and her stepfamily was at church, and since servants aren't allowed to attend, she could sleep in.

Serena groaned pushing herself up on her elbows, "who could that be?" Serena wondered, "Everyone is supposed to be at church."

Serena groggily stumbled over to a window over-looking the front courtyard. There, grazing in field, where two horses, bearing the royal emblem.

The knock came again.

"Oh, God, it's the prince." she looked down at her shabby clothes. "I'll borrow one of Avery's dresses, she won't know."

Serena tore into Avery's closet, tearing of the dress she was wearing and slipping on another. While Serena hurriedly fixed her hair, she thought she heard the door open, and voices. She gasped, "he can't be in here alone!" she ran quickly down the stairs, hoping he wasn't mad.

She got to the last flight of stairs when she saw a woman talking to the prince and his companion.

Serena cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the woman and the guests.

The woman, who looked oddly familiar, smiled brightly at Serena.

Serena on the steps wavered and swooned as a flashback hit her.

"Come on, Princess, we must go." Luna growled.

"Be there in a second, Luna!" Serenity yelled from her room.

"Your parents are expecting you in the throne room." Luna said sternly. "The Terran monarchs are coming in 1/2 an hour and we must be there to greet them."

"I know, you think I could forget Endymion's arrival, no way." Serenity said, as she came out stuffing her hair into a bun. "That boy can get on my nerves sometimes."

"Well, you must get to like him-" Luna started.

"Because one day, we will get married." Serenity finished in a sarcastic. "Luna, I am too young to care, I just want to have fun."

"I know, but you do have certain responsibilities." Luna said hopping to the back of a door. "As a princess, and as future Queen of the Moon. Now cover your eyes there will be a bright light."

Serenity did so. A white light quickly flashed around the room.

"Could you hand me that gown on the bed, Princess?" Luna asked sticking a human hand out of the crack of the door.

Serenity nodded and picked up the black dress.

"Thank you," Luna said grabbing the dress. "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be." Serenity sighed.

"Good," Luna said as she stepped out of the room. Her black hair was done in the meatball style, that noble lunar women wore. And a tight black dress that hugged her curves. On her forehead was a tiny crescent insignia. Luna walked over to Serenity and smiled. "Let's go."

Serenity returned her smile, turned towards the door, and side-by-side the pair left the room.

Serena woke up on the day bed with two male faces looking down upon her. One belonged to the prince and the other...

She groaned, "L-Luna?" She said trying to get up.

Luna came up from behind; "I'm here, mistress."

"What happened? I-" Serena started.

"You got a little light headed rushing down the stairs like that." Luna explained, trying to cover up the real reason.

"Oh," Serena said, looking down.

Endymion cleared his throat, "Maybe we should go," he motioned to his companion, "Kunzite."

"No, please stay." Serena pleaded. "I'm fine, your highness, really."

"No, you should really get your rest. I just really, came by to give you this." He handed her a box. He smiled, "I hope you like it. I will see you tomorrow at the ball?" he asked.

Serena returned his smile, "Yes, your highness, I will be there, thank you."

"You're welcome," Endymion said happily, "and save a dance for me."

Serena laughed, "I think you are the one who should save the dance for me, your highness."

Endymion chuckled, "You're probably right. I'll save a dance for you, then. And another thing, the name is Endymion."

"Endymion," Serena smiled as she tried the name out, "I look forward to it." Serena got up and walked with him to the door.

Endymion and Kunzite walked out the door, "Good-bye, Serena."

"Good-bye, your high- I mean, Endymion." Serena said as she shut the door. She turned and sighed, leaning on the door.

"I see your old feelings are coming back, Princess." Luna said smiling.

Serena faced Luna; "May I ask you a few questions, Luna?"

"Of course, Serenity." Luna said with a nod.

"Are you a cat, or a human, and why do you call me princess?" she asked.

"A cat, most of the time, I am a guardian cat, I change into a human when needed." Luna explained. "And as for the princess thing, well, that's your title."

Serena scoffed, "So, you're saying I'm a princess? Then why am I not in a castle?"

"Your mother had to send you away because of-"

"The war." Serena whispered finishing her statement.

Luna nodded.

"I remember. Momma sent me away shortly after Father died, she said I couldn't stay. That it wasn't safe."

"Yes." Luna said. "You were only supposed to be here until the war was over, but your ship crashed. And we feared the worst."

Serena lowered her head, her eyes, brimming with tears. "Poor Momma."

"But, you wound up a good man to look after you. Pluto made sure of that."

"Pluto, the woman who came in the night I found you?" Serena asked.

Luna nodded.

A portal opened, and Pluto stepped out.

"You know, Princess, you take the longest time to get over amnesia." Pluto said with a chuckle.

-------------------

Serena looked at the woman standing in front of her, "Setsuna?" she asked just over a whisper.

"Mmhmm." She nodded with a slight smile.

Serena ran joyfully into Pluto's arms, "I haven't seen you in-"

"I know," Pluto said giving her a hug. "but there is no time for sentimental hellos," she said holding Serena at arms length. "We must get out of here."

Serena looked at her confused, "but why?" She asked, "Where?"

"It is not safe here," Luna said, "Especially now that you have regained most of your memories."

"Oh," Serena said, understandingly, "May I bring a few things along?"

"Yes, but we don't have much time," Pluto said, "Luna will help."

Down in the basement Luna threw the few outfits Serena owned, While Serena gazed at a picture in her hand.

Pluto walked up behind Serena, "Is everything all right, Serenity?" She asked, concerned.

"You never know how much someone means to you, until they are gone." Serena said while trying to hold back tears.

Pluto looked at the picture in Serena's hand, "your foster father, he was a good man, he brought you up well, Serenity."

"I know, I just wish I could thank him for it." Serena said regretfully.

"I'm sure he knows." Pluto said reassuringly.

There was a noise upstairs, "Serena, Serena where are you?!" Beryl called.

"They are home, we must hurry." Pluto said, "Are you ready Luna?"

"Ready," Luna said, putting the last few things in a bag.

"All right, are you ready, Princess?"

Serena nodded, "I guess so."

"Then let us go, quickly." Pluto waved here staff, opening a portal.

"Serena!" Beryl called impatiently from the top of the stairs.

"Quickly!" Pluto said, ushering Luna in first. Then Serena taking one last look at the place she had called 'home' for the past 10 years before entering the portal.

Finally Pluto stepped in, closing the portal on her way out.

Beryl walked into the basement, "Serena where are you!" She screamed.

"Is she down there, Mother?" Avery called.

"She's probably out fetching wood or something." Prisma said, not really caring.

"Well, when she returns she will get a ear full." Beryl said sternly, walking up the stairs.

On the floor, where the portal had once been, was a note:

GOODBYE STEP-MOTHER

-Serena

____________

In a cold, dank, street, just outside of an inn, a portal opened, and Luna, Serena and Pluto stepped out.

"This is where we will be staying for the night, Serena." Pluto said, closing the portal behind her. She turned to Luna, "You might want to change back, Luna," Pluto suggested. "No sense in charging for another person."

"Your right, Pluto." Luna said, she quickly looked around, making sure no one was there, then morphed into a cat, leaving a pile of clothes. Serena walked over to the pile just as Luna crept out of it.

"It is so good to be in this form," she said stretching, "so much more easier to do things." she jumped on Serena shoulder.

"And get to places, huh, Luna?" Serena said with a chuckle.

Pluto laughed, "You two go in and get a room, I have to get back to the Time Gates."

"All right, but you will come and see me before we leave, right?" Serena asked.

Pluto smiled, and gave Serena a hug, "Of course I will, don't want to miss your big entrance. Now you two go in already before you catch cold."

"Yes, Mother," Serena said sarcastically, as she turned towards the inn.

"Hey, your mother, would say the same thing, Princess." Pluto said as she opened the portal and stepped in.

As they walked into their inn room, Serena wondered, would she? How does she act, the same? would she still like her? What if she didn't? What-

"Serena?" Luna asked, breaking Serena's thoughts. "Are you all right?"

Serena looked down at Luna, "yes, Luna, I am, I was just thinking."

"About what?" Luna wondered.

"My mother, Queen Serenity, how she changed, how she stayed the same."

"You could always ask me, I DO live in the palace, too, you know." Luna said, a little hurt.

Serena giggled, "I know, but I like to wonder," she said, "could you tell me a little about her."

"Sure, I will love, too." Luna said curling up near Serena, "What do you remember about her?" She asked.

"Well, she tall, beautiful, kind, funny, and she had the longest silver hair."

"She hasn't changed much, except her attitude."

Serena looked confused, "What do you mean?"

"Well, since you disappeared, she has become depressed."

Serena choked back tears, "I wish I could have done something."

"It wasn't your fault, Serenity." Luna said comfortably.

"I know." Serena said.

"Serena, do you remember the time when you put salt in your Father's tea?"

"Oh, yeah, he wouldn't talk to me for a week." she said with a laugh, "but I was only 6, how was I supposed to know?!"

The night passed by quickly Serena and Luna reminiscing about past events until they blissfully fell asleep.

Serena's sleep was restless, as a memory played out in her dreams.

__________

Queen Serenity sat in the throne room, she had just gotten word that her husband, King Apollo, died in a battle with the negaverse.

"How are we going to tell Serena? She can't handle this." Serenity said trying to fight off sobs. "I can barley handle this!" tears ran down her cheeks.

Luna came up to her, her fur tear-streaked, "It's all right, your majesty, you'll get through this, you have to get through this for the moon, for the millennium, but more importantly for the princess."

"She's right your majesty, you have to stay strong for Serenity." Artemis piped up.

Serenity regained her composure, "send Serena in." she ordered.

A guard nodded, then opened the door.

Princess Serenity, ran up to her mother, "Mommy, Mom-" she stopped when she saw the expression on her face. "Mommy, Mommy what's wrong?"

Queen Serenity stepped down from her throne, and kneeled in front of Serena.

"Serena, something has happened to your father, he-he- he's dead."

Serena shook her head, "No, no, it can't be, he's coming back-" Serena fought back tears.

"Serena, I know it's hard, but-"

"No, he can't be gone , he just can't" Serena said through tears as she ran out of the room, despite her mother's calls.

She ran through the garden, crashing into people and plants all the way through.

Finally she stopped at a gazebo, it had started to rain, but she didn't care, all she wanted to do was be with her father. She couldn't stop crying, sobs racked her body uncontrollably. Her father, the only people who ever understand her was gone, leaving her feeling alone and afraid.

_______________

Day of the ball

Serena sat in a tub, washing off the dirt, and soaking away pain, humiliation, tears, and suffering that had accumulated over the past weeks of her life.

Today was a new day, she thought as she inhaled the rose perfumed bath oils the maid had brought up, a day to pick up where she had left off ten years ago or perhaps simply to start a new, she didn't know but she welcomed it.

A knock came at the door, and Luna entered, (she had changed into her human form to help Serena get ready) "Time to get out, Serena. You need to start getting dressed." She said as she held up a robe.

Serena nodded, and got out.

__________________

Beryl's room

"Hold still, Avery, your synch isn't tight enough!" Beryl exclaimed frustrated.

"I'm trying, Mother, but I am so excited." Avery said gleefully.

"Just stay still, you need to look your best." Beryl sighed.

"This would be so much easier if Serena were here." Prisma pouted from the vanity mirror.

"Well she isn't," Beryl said through clenched teeth, "I don't think she is ever coming back that ungrateful little wretch. And if she does I will make her life a living HELL!"

"Especially for making us get ready for the ball on our own." Avery wined.

"Don't worry girls, it will be worth it, trust me." Beryl said with a sly grin.

______________

Mina's Room

The Inner princesses busied themselves dressing up for the ball.

"I can't believe Serenity is going to be at the ball, tonight." Minako squealed excitedly.

"We can finally see how she's grown after all these years." Rei added.

"Yes, even I'm intrigued." Ami said looking up from a book.

"well, I just hope she shows soon, for our sake and the Queen's." Makoto pointed out.

"yeah, how are we supposed know what she looks like?"

"I don't know but I have something to help point her out.' Minako said bringing out a box.

All the girls gasped in awe at the site of what was inside. There was a diamond Tiara with a tiny golden crescent moon in the center. There was also a pair of dainty glass slippers, sprinkled with diamond and sapphire chips.

"The tiara, is so we can recognize her, and the shoes, Pluto asked me to get them." Minako explained.

"How will she be able to walk, let alone DANCE in those?" Rei said, confused, "last time I checked she wasn't exactly graceful, or agile."

"People change she could've become graceful." Minako said protectively drawing the slippers back into the box.

"Whatever." Rei said under her breath.

"Yeah, people change." Came a voice from behind. The princesses turned to see who it was.

"Hey, Pluto." they all said in turn.

Pluto nodded hello. "Are those for the Princess?" she said pointing to the objects in the box.

"Yep." Makoto said with a smile.

"May I have them, then." Pluto said walking up to the girls.

Minako looked at the box, and then reluctantly gave it up.

"Thank you." Pluto said taking the box, "I have to get this to Serenity, so I will be going." she said opening a portal, "hope to see you tonight." Pluto said with a grin, then stepped into the portal.

The girls tried to get to the portal before it closed but ended up running into a wall, instead.

They all groaned painfully, as they slid to the floor.

_______________________

Endymion's Room

"So, Endymion, will this girl that you like so much be at the ball tonight?" Kunzite asked slyly.

"If she is there, you'll know." Endymion said.

"Yeah, because he won't be able to be reached by any other girl." Jedite said with a chuckle.

"Ha ha, very funny," Endymion said sarcastically. "I will dance with all the girls, first, then I won't be able to be reached."

Zoicite chuckled, "If you like her so much why don't you ask her to marry you?" he asked.

"Because I'm not sure if she returns my feelings, for all I know she hangs around me because I am the prince," Endymion said staring out of the window, "and even if she did return my feelings she might think that I am going to fast for her."

"Yeah, sure, she thinks that," Kunzite said sarcastically, "anything but. I have seen how she looks at you, how she acts around you, she is totally gone on you, but you need to open you eyes and see it!"

"Really?" Endymion asked.

Kunzite nodded.

"Then I guess we shall see at the ball." He said looking out onto the street.

_________________

Serena's Room

Serena stepped into her dress. It was a pearl white dress, with billowy sleeves that came down to her elbows, a tight bust, as the style of the day commanded, and a flowing silk skirt that went down to her ankles, the dress had a slight train of an inch or two on the back.

Luna looked at Serena with tears in her eyes, "you are going to be the belle of the ball, princess."

"Oh, Luna." Serena said hugging her friend.

"Hey what about me?" Pluto said from behind, "don't I get a hug?"

Serena Smiled then gave Pluto a big hug.

"Serena, you look gorgeous," Pluto said.

"Thank you." Serena said with a deep blush.

Pluto brought out a box, "this is from the princesses, they look forward to meeting you, again."

Serena took it, "They still remember me?" she asked.

"Well, of course, practically the whole universe revolved around you, literally." Luna said.

Serena opened the box, and was amazed at what was inside. She took out the tiara, "This must of cost a fortune." "Serena, they are princesses, they ARE rich." Luna said. "Well, yes of course." Serena said embarrassed at her stupidity, "I forgot."

Serena moved on to see what was else inside, and was even more amazed at the slippers

"Glass, but how?" She asked puzzled.

"It's a special kind of glass, it doesn't crack or break, it moved when you move and they never wear out like regular shoes." Pluto explained. "Now let's see them on you."

Luna carefully put the tiara on Serena's head, as Serena put the slippers on.

"Now stand up." Luna said.

Serena obeyed, they brought her in front of the mirror.

"There's the princess I once knew," Luna said tearfully, "You look just like your mother."

Serena turned to the two women, "Thank you for all your help, both of you." She hugged the both once again.

"I suppose you should get going, Serenity." Pluto said, "Don't want to keep Endymion waiting."

"Do I get a carriage or a portal?" Serena asked.

"Your choice, if you use a carriage people in the inn will see you. If you use the portal no one will see you until you get to the castle." Pluto explained.

"The portal." Serena said, "I don't want any one seeing me, they might recognize me."

Pluto nodded and opened a portal.

"Are you coming Luna?" Serena asked her friend.

"Later, I'll finish things up here, then I'll join you." She said.

"All right," Serena hugged her one last time, "goodbye." and she stepped into the portal.

"Goodbye, Luna." Pluto said and then she stepped into the portal.

____________________

The ball

The ball was full of life, people dancing and laughing. Fireworks going off, Festive decorations all over the place, it was what any one could have dreamed and wanted.

Endymion sat with his parents, watching the festivities, bored out of his mind. He scanned the room, looking for Serena, but his eyes fell upon his guard. He watched as they gaily flirted with princesses, making them smile and laugh, wishing it could be him and Serena.

The ball was in full swing and Endymion was out on the floor, dancing with flirty maidens, and snobby princesses. He tried to converse with them, trying to make his father happy by being a good host, but he couldn't stand it, he wanted to be with Serena, and only Serena.

Serena and Pluto stepped out of the portal onto the walkway.

Serena looked up at the castle, sudden fear rising within her. "I don't think I can do this, Setsuna, Beryl will be there."

"Beryl can't do anything to you anymore, even if she recognized you." Pluto said gently. "Just let Serenity fight her, not Serena."

Serena took a deep breath, "All right," she looked at Pluto, "Thank you. Thank you for all you have done."

Pluto hugged Serena, "You're welcome, princess. Now go have fun."

Serena nodded and turned to the steps. When she looked back Pluto was gone.

Serena continued up the steps and into the ballroom, she saw her mother and wanted to turn back, but she stayed.

Endymion caught sight of her first, he came to greet her.

"You came," he said gently.

"Of course I came, I won't miss this for the universe." and she meant it.

"I want to introduce you to some people."

Endymion took Serena by the hand and led her to his parents.

Everyone in the room was now looking at the two as they made their way down the isle.

Serena looked at everyone's faces as she walked by, some she recognized, others were a mystery, all were whispering about who she was, and were she came from, especially her step-family.

Endymion pulled Serena gently up to meet him, he held her hand tightly as he introduced her to people.

"Serena, may I introduce to you my parents, Queen Gabriella and King Cronos. Mother, Father, this is Lady Serena Tsukino." he said.

King Cronos took Serena's hand, "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Serena," he said, with a round, deep voice.

"The pleasure is all mine, you highness." Serena said curtsying. Serena noticed that King Cronos looked a lot like Endymion, but with sharper curves and more masculine facial features.

Serena came up from the curtsy and was whisked immediately into Queen Gabriella's arms.

"It and honor to meet the woman who my son loves." she said happily.

Though Serena pretended not to here, from over the Queen's shoulder, Serena could see the embarrassment on Endymion's face.

Queen Gabriella searched Serena's face, "I don't get impressed easily, but I see my son has made a fine match."

"Come on, Serena I want to introduce to some more people," Endymion said ushering her off into the crowd.

Endymion lead Serena in the direction of his guard, Minako saw her coming and automatically knew it was she.

"Princess Minako," Endymion began, "Rei, Makoto, Ami, may I introduce to you-"

"Princess Serenity," Minako said smiling, "How I have missed you." She gave Serena a hug.

"Princess Serenity?" Everyone repeated, surprised.

"Long ago, it seems so long ago

How young and innocent we were

She may not remember me but,

I remember her." ~~~~~~"THINK OF ME" From "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

_________________

Prince Endymion stood aghast, "Princess Serenity?" he managed to stutter out, under his breath.

Serena reached for Endymion, "Endymion are you-"

Endymion threw off her arm, "don't touch me, Serenity!" he yelled backing up into the gathering crowd.

"Endymion," Serena pleaded.

Endymion felt his heart go cold, "I never want to see you again." He said through clenched teeth.

Serenity felt her heart break. She choked back tears as she ran into the crowd. Endymion watched her leave, his faced showed anger, his heart showed despair.

On her way out of the room she ran past Prisma, who was investigating the commotion.

"Serena?" Prisma asked under her breath, then it dawned on her, "Serena is Princess Serenity? Oh, Mother is going to love this."

Serenity ran into the gardens, stopping at a fountain, sobbing. She never expected for him to turn on her, she thought that he would be happy, not tear her heart out.

Queen Serenity was walking through the garden making her way back to the ball, when she heard a girl crying. Maternal instinct taking over, she went to comfort her.

Serena felt a warm hand on her shoulder, "are you all right, miss?" A voice gently asked.

Serenity looked up, through her blurry eyes she could see the outline of Queen Serenity, her mother.

"Oh, mother!" Serenity said burying her head in Queen Serenity's dress.

Queen Serenity looked frightened and confused. "I-I am afraid you have me mistaken for someone else."

Serenity looked up, a tiny crescent moon on her forehead. "The last time we were together, I was eight, the war against the negaverse had already taken Father and you were afraid mine was next." she explained to an awe-struck Queen, "You put in a shuttle, kicking and screaming, and sent me to Earth to live with the royal family, but-"

"Your ship crashed, and when we sent someone to get you were no where to be found." Queen Serenity said tearfully.

"You found me now, all grown up," Serenity said as she hugged her mother tight.

Queen Serenity held Serena at arm length; "you grew up exactly as I hope you would have."

"Well, I had a good start." Serena smiled.



Mother and Daughter embraced, lovingly.

Pluto watched smiling from the bushes, "Everything is almost as it should be."

Serenity and Serena walked back into the ball, side by side. But they didn't get very far before they were swarmed by a swarm led by Minako.

"Queen Serenity, Serena, you met." Mina said excitedly, "but how?"

"We bumped into each other in the gardens." Queen Serenity explained.

The crowd that had gathered then started to ask the Queen and her long lost daughter questions.

Beryl made her way through the crowd to her stepdaughter.

"Serena, darling, there you are." She said in a mock tone.

"Hello Beryl." Serena said sternly.

"Well, aren't you going to give your step-mother a hug?" she asked outstretching her arms.

"You may have been my step-mother, Beryl, but it doesn't mean I have to like you."

"Serenity!" Queen Serenity exclaimed, awestruck at the outburst.

"Mother, if you had seen the way she treated me, made me a servant in what I thought was my home." Serena said.

Queen Serenity gave her daughter a comforting smile.

"Your majesty, I assure you, I did nothing of the sort. I treated your daughter like my own."

Queen Serenity turned to Beryl, "are you calling my daughter a LIAR, Madame."

"Of course not your majesty, I am just saying-"

"Oh, so you're saying that you did treat here like dirt."

"No, highness."

"Well, then what ARE you trying to say, Madame."

Beryl hesitated, "Just that I am glad to see Serena back where she belongs. And that my dear, sweet husband's efforts did not go to waste. Now, if you'll excuse me, your majesties."

Queen Serenity nodded yes.

Beryl turned to leave.

"Oh, Beryl," Serena said calling her back.

"Yes, your highness?"

"Don't think this is over, far from it, you never should have messed with me."

Beryl swallowed hard. "Yes, your majesty."

"Now leave."

"Yes, your majesty."

Beryl turned and left the room.

Minako came up behind Serenity, "Ooh, I have never seen you so sinister."

"It was all an act, to scare her straight."

"Well, you certainly succeeded."

"Hmm," Serena said as she stared up into the balcony staring directly into Endymion's eyes. But Endymion quickly diverted his gaze.

"Venus to Moon, Serena are you all right?" Minako said concerned.

Serena returned her gaze to Mina, "Yeah, Mina-chan, I am just tired, do you think you could show me to my room."

Mina smiled, "Sure, I had to pull a few strings but I got you one right next to mine."

__________________________

The Next Morning

Serena sat in her room, staring into a mirror, she put her hand over her crescent insignia, "just the same as before, what does he see different, what is he scared of." she asked to no one in particular.

"It is not what he sees that scares him." Came a voice from behind.

"Then what does, Minako."

"His love, he is unsure whether to love the princess, or the girl." Minako explained gently.

"Both!" Serena exclaimed tearfully, "he should love both."

"But he doesn't understand that."

"Then I'll make him understand."

"You can't do anything, he needs to realize it by himself."

"You help him then."

"I can't, Serenity, he has to figure it out by himself."

Serena lowered her gaze, "Get out." she said under her breath.

"Princess," Minako started.

"GET OUT! Serena cried on the brink of tears, "please."

"Yes, highness." Minako said leaving the room.

Serenity broke down in tears and cried.

________________________

In the Garden

Endymion sat staring into a pool of shining crystal blue water, but all he could think about was Serena, and how her eyes shined like that when she laughed.

"You seem really busy." A deep voice came from behind.

"No, Kunzite." Endymion said, "I was just thinking, nothing important."

"You call true love, nothing important?" Kunzite said sitting beside Endymion.

"How do you know it's true love, I've haven't even known her for two months, and then she turns out to be someone I don't even know anymore."

"You grew up with her, she hasn't changed THAT much." Kunzite said.

"But I fell in love with a girl, not a princess." Endymion said frustrated.

"Are you sure, maybe you fell in love with the princess first, then the girl."

"I was 10 years old, how could I have fallen in love!"

"You loved your mother then, didn't you. You could have been in love with Serenity, but not have been able to see it."

"First of all, children love their mothers because their mothers care for them and love them since the day they were born." Endymion said pacing, "And second, I teased Serenity from day one."

"But," Kunzite said implying there was more.

Endymion stopped pacing, "But I did miss her, and still do."

"Then go to her and tell her how you feel."

"She may be still mad at me."

"Get it through your THICK skull, that one Lover's spat can't change her love for you, and then, go after her."

______________________

<:p I just love these little mini-cliffhangers :p> Outside Serenity's Room

Endymion banged on the door of Serenity's room, "Serena we need to talk."

"Go away!" Serena yelled from inside.

"Serena I need to tell you something!" Endymion said desperate.

"What is there left to say, you said everything you needed to say last night!"

"Not everything, I didn't say 'I'm sorry' or 'I love you'."

Silence.

Endymion continued, "Well, I am saying it now. I am truly sorry and I love you with all my heart. I've probably loved you since the day you were born, although I was too pigheaded to see it. When I found out you were missing it broke my heart. I didn't think I could ever recover, until I saw you in the cemetery, and I fell in love with you all over again. But then last night, when I found out you were Princess Serenity, I fell in love a third time, and that scared me, and I am sorry that I caused you any pain."

The door opened, and Serenity stepped out, tears in her eyes. "That's all that I wanted to hear."

Endymion took her in his arms, "I love you, I love you, I love you-"

Serenity put a finger to his lips, "Are you going to ramble on all day, or are you going to kiss me?"

Endymion laughed as he drew Serenity deeper into his arms, and into a passionate kiss.

_________ Endymion and Serenity walked into the throne room, hand in hand.

"You wanted to see us, son?" King Cronos asked.

Endymion looked towards Serena, "Mother, Father, Queen Serenity, we have something to announce."

"We are getting married." Serena said excitedly

____________________________________________

THE END




Awww, that was soooo cute. Thanks for reading guys!

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