*Disclaimer: This fanfiction is based on an anime version
of Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, The Little Mermaid,
and Naoko Takeuchi's anime/manga series, Bishoujo Senshi
Sailor Moon. Both plotline and characters are used without
permission.

Foam Upon the Waves
By: The Rose Society
Rating: PG
Email: EtrlSlrMn@aol.com
http://www.geocities.com/the_rose_society/

	Morning had come. Today was her day, her special
day. Finally Serenity would be free. Smiling, the young
woman made her way to her mirror. Grabbing a brush, she
ran it quickly through the entire length of her long
blonde hair. Her blue eyes analyzed her reflection, making
double sure that her appearance was absolutely perfect for
the occasion.
	'Finally,' Serenity thought. 'I am so happy to be
sixteen!' With a happy sigh, Serenity practically floated
out of her room and towards the banquet hall.
	What is so special about turning sixteen, dear
readers? For some, it means having to deal with overly
anxious mothers before finally leaving home. Some just see
it as another year that has passed in their life. But for
a young mermaid or merman, turning sixteen meant that they
finally received The Pearl.
	And what's so special about this pearl, you ask?
In the kingdom of the sea, ruled by the late King
Poseidon's widow Queen Neptune, all children were to be
confined within the kingdom's limits. The rulers, and every
parent within the kingdom itself, knew that there were
dangers outside of the kingdom. The greatest of which was
the humans. There were more than enough stories about the
barbaric humans and their destructive practices to chill
any mer-citizen. Mothers and fathers warned their children
never to approach a human, lest the humans captured them and
ate them for supper. But when a mer-citizen turned sixteen,
they were finally seen as an adult, capable of making their
own decisions. It was at that time they would receive The
Pearl. The Pearl was a key of sorts. Only by showing the
guards the Pearl could one pass through the kingdom's gates.
Young adults would receive The Pearl from their parents upon
the completion of birthday celebration. This was the exact
reason why Serenity was headed toward the banquet hall.
However, Serenity was not like other mermaids. She was the
eighth daughter of the King and Queen and therefore deserved
to have a much more...public ceremony.
	Serenity spent the entire day in the banquet hall,
greeting every mer-citizen that had attended her celebration.
"After all," Serenity told her mother when Neptune asked her
who she wanted to invite to her birthday celebration, "I want
everyone to share in my joy. The entire kingdom should be
invited." With each handshake, Serenity greeted each person
by name, asking about their family. Again, this was not a very
commonplace thing but, as you know, Serenity was no ordinary
princess. She was on a first name basis with every single
person in the kingdom, all half million or so. Serenity loved
to talk to others and always was genuinely interested in the
daily trials of her subjects. And for that, every mer-citizen
loved their golden princess.
	After the entire kingdom had finished congratulating
Serenity, Queen Neptune and her family had their own quiet
celebration in Neptune's private quarters. Every one of
Serenity's sisters were there: Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako,
Setsuna, Michiru, Haruka, and even Hotaru, the youngest out
of the nine. Queen Neptune beamed at her large family. When
she and Poseidon found that they were unable to have children,
the young royal couple decided to adopt young orphans. Since
some of the merchildren would be adopted quite easily,
Poseidon and Neptune decided to adopt any merchild that would
be considered "undesirable" to perspective parents. So Ami,
Minako, Rei, Makoto, Hotaru, Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna and
Serenity were added to the royal family. Although they were
not Neptune's biological children, she did not love them any
less. Clearing her throat Neptune waited until the room fell
silent.
	"Beloved children," she began. "Today we finally
welcome Serenity into adulthood. It is my greatest joy to be
able to present to you, my mesume, with your own Pearl." And
with that, Neptune placed the gift into Serenity's hands.
	With tears of joy in her eyes, Serenity gazed at the
Pearl. It was set in the middle of a pure snow white blossom
with just the hint of a rosy blush at it's center. The pearl
itself was quite large, about the size of a large clam, with
a milky complexion. With a small smile of pride, Serenity
fastened the blossom hair pin in her long blonde hair. As
soon as she was done, the room erupted in applause.
	Beaming at Serenity, Neptune spoke again. "As per our
custom, it is time that each and every one of you speak of a
special memory of Serenity. We shall start with the oldest
amongst you and work our way down." Thus Serenity's sisters,
Setsuna, Haruka, Michiru, Makoto, Rei, Ami, Minako and
Hotaru, spoke of the past and wished Serenity more happiness
in times to come. The royal family celebrated the night away,
content with life and eager for the future.

*The Next Day*

	Serenity awoke early. As much as she enjoyed spending
time with her family, she was very curious about the outside
world and wished to test the new freedom that was now hers.
Giving a quick glance into her mirror to make sure her Pearl
was in place, Serenity darted out of the palace and headed
toward the kingdom's gates. The guards grinned at the young
princess as she greeted them in passing. They were wondering
when curious Serenity would finally explore the outside
world.
	Serenity swam through the waters quickly. She wanted
to reach the surface to see the sunrise. All her sisters, save
Hotaru, had already come of age and had returned to the palace
telling tales of magnificent sunrises where the sky was
painted with brilliant color, changing colors as time
progressed. Serenity had been so enthralled with their tales
that she promised herself to see a sunrise on her first visit
to the surface.
	Finally, Serenity's golden head emerged from the water,
her blue eyes open wide in order to see all the new sights.
Expecting a breathtaking sight, Serenity cocked her head in
confusion. The sky was as dark as the deep ocean and filled
with looming objects. Suddenly, a strange sensation brushed
against Serenity's face.
	"Nani?" Serenity closed her eyes as the sensation came
again. It was not unpleasant or threatening. It was as cool as
the water itself. As the sensation reappeared, Serenity
looked upon the water near her. A strange force disrupted the
usual ocean calm, causing ripples. Then it dawned on Serenity.
	"Kaze! I am finally feeling the wind on my face." She
giggled with joy. After enjoying the wind a little more, she
returned her attention to the horizon. The sky began to growl
at the sea and flash with strange lights. Scared, Serenity
continued to glance at the sky. What was the sky doing? Was
it tired of being painted by the sun? The winds were getting
stronger around Serenity as the looming objects neared her
position. She tried to remember what her sisters had told her.
A storm...yes, a storm. Sometimes the painters in the sky
would dump buckets of water into the ocean and grow wild and
angry, Ami had explained to her. "Oh well, instead of a
sunrise, I shall be able to experience my first storm." Her
fears calmed, Serenity began to swim in awe as the skies opened
and the painters began to pour water into the ocean. So immersed
in wonder was she, that the girl did not notice the ship
that was approaching her position...

*Royal Ship*

	"All hands, prepare the ship for the storm! All hands,
prepare the ship for the storm!" As soon as the captain's
orders were issued, the entire crew leapt into action. A young
man, about eighteen years of age with midnight hair and stormy
blue eyes, approached the captain at the helm of the ship.
	"Captain, is there any assistance I may offer?"
	The sea captain turned to face the person who had
spoken. He bowed respectfully. "Prince Endymion, you need not
concern yourself with the physical labor. My men have all been
trained for this work and are perfectly capable of handling the
preparations. Much appreciation, however, for your offer of
assistance, my liege."
	Endymion nodded as he returned his attention to the sky.
Despite his numerous voyages, he had never seen a storm such as
the one bearing his way right now. The sky was completely dark
and lightning raced across it. The ocean calm had given way to
lolling waves that crashed against the ship's hull. 'This storm
would not prove to be easy to sail through,' he thought as he
watched the sailors at work.

*Minutes Later*

	Serenity gasped in surprise as a strange object gained
her attention. Never had she seen such a odd sight. Usually
there would be nothing to be seen on the ocean surface. But
right before Serenity's eyes, a massive object the color of
sand was seen bobbing up and down in the waves. The lumbering
object was too slow to be able to catch her so Serenity
concluded that it was no threat to her. Curious, she swam
closer to the strange phenomenon. There seemed to be voices
coming from the thing.
	"Captain, the winds are too strong. The sails have been
torn from the masts."
	"Sir, many of the supplies have come loose from their
ropes."
	"The storm, sir. It is too wild."
	On the ship, the captain tried his best to give out
orders to the panicking sailors. But before any of the men
could carry out his orders, a bolt of lightning struck the main
mast, splitting the massive piece of wood and causing half of it
to fall into the water.
	"Shimatta," thought every soul on the ship as the rest
of the mast caught on fire and lit up the dark sky. The captain
quickly assessed the situation. There was nothing they could do
to save the ship. The main mast was destroyed and soon the ship
would be pulled into the ocean. Their only course of action was
to abandon ship.
	"Men, listen up," the captain shouted into the roaring
winds. "Abandon ship. Every man head toward the lifeboats. We
are not that far from shore. Try to row to safety!" As soon as
the captain finished his orders, the sailors began a frenzied
rush toward the lifeboats. "Your majesty! Prince Endymion,
where are you?" The captain tried to see through the pouring
rain but could not see the prince. The ship was sinking and the
prince was nowhere to be found! He searched as long as he could
but to no avail. He could only pray that the prince had boarded
a lifeboat and would be safe and sound when the men were reunited
on shore. Or else the king would have his head for sure.

*Endymion's Point of View*

	Endymion fought his way through the winds and rain,
trying to reach the flailing sail. The full fury of the storm
had hit the ship and the rickety thing was falling apart faster
than the men were able to repair. Endymion knew every man needed
to help, including himself. Trying to keep his balance as best as
he could, Endymion tried to grab the sail. Its wild movements
allowed it to keep slipping from Endymion's grasp. Attempt after
attempt, Endymion endeavored to capture the wily sail. Finally,
his hands trapped the errant cloth and Endymion began his wrestling
match in order to make the sail obey his wishes. So engrossed was
he with the sail that he did not notice that a boon had come loose
and was swinging freely with the movements of the ship. The ship
rolled on another massive wave and the boon quickly swung around.
	*WHACK* The boon smacked the prince's head like a baseball
bat hitting a baseball. Over the side flew the prince and straight
into the tumultuous ocean.

*Serenity's Point of View*

	Serenity was alarmed. Evidently the large object was some
sort of ocean transportation for the humans. The storm had been
beating at the transportation for some time and the humans on the
object were scared. Suddenly, a human flew off the object and into
the water. Serenity looked at the object but no human was coming
to aid their fallen comrade. She didn't know what to do. Humans
were dangerous to ocean dwellers. Her sisters and mother had
warned her about them. But...Serenity just could not let the
human die. She made her decision and began to swim toward the
area where she had seen the human fall.

*Narrator*

	Endymion hit the water with a loud splash. He was in agony.
Whatever had hit him in the head had hit hard. Fighting to stay
conscious, Endymion tried to swim to the surface of the ocean. But
his body was in no condition to comply. Slowly, Endymion could feel
himself sinking deeper and deeper. 'Am I going to die?' Stopping
his struggling, Endymion allowed himself to grow still.
	However, before Endymion was about to be forced to breathe
in a lung full of water, a shining object in the far edge of his
vision made him turn around. There, in front of him, was a heavenly
sight. 'Surely it is an angel coming to take me from this life.'
he thought just before he passed out.
	The angel had long hair the color of pure gold. Her worried
deep blue eyes had peered into Endymion's own. Swimming behind the
now unconscious man, Serenity struggled against his weight to pull
him back up to the surface. Once she broke through the water, she
lifted the man's head and kept it above water. Serenity swam as
best she could against the beating of the storm as she made her way
toward the beach.
	When the sun shone brightly after the passing storm,
Serenity was finally able to study her rescued human. He had hair
as dark as the trenches in the ocean floor. His face was tan, as
if he spent a lot of time in the sun. How she envied him for that.
The man was built well with strong muscles and a healthy heart.
At first, Serenity was terrified that the man had died because he
had not awaken since he passed out in the water. She had placed
her head on his chest, pressing her ear against his heart like
Ami had taught her. A faint but steady heartbeat had rewarded her
efforts. Although the man was no longer in danger, Serenity wanted
to make sure that he would receive help. She sat on the sand, half
in the water and half out, watching his face as the sun dawned.
Wanting to keep his head out of the waves that lapped at the beach,
Serenity pulled herself alongside him and gently placed his head
in her lap. With a cautious touch, Serenity carefully pushed his
bangs from his face. 'What a handsome man.' she thought as she did
so. Not knowing what else to do for the human, Serenity began to
sing her favorite lullaby that her okaa-san sang to her when
Serenity was young.
	Endymion groaned. His body felt like a practicing dummy
after a sparring session and his head seemed to be twice it's
normal size. He must be dead for he thought he had heard the
singing of angels. Or, rather, an angel. Struggling to open his
eyes, he realized that the singing had stopped and far-off bells
could be heard ringing.
	Serenity panicked. The human had begun to wake but his
heavy head was still on her lap, keeping her from escaping. Even
worse, the bells she could hear in the distance could only mean
that the human female school nearby had just released their
mass of destroyers. Her sisters had seen them on a few occasions
and warned her to avoid the land, describing the destroyers.
They were females who would swarm the beach and throw rocks into
the water, often hurting poor defenseless sea creatures. Or worse,
they would lift their outer skin and begin to enter the water,
flailing their strange appendages and scaring the fish nearby
who were trying to find something to eat. She leaned her head
closer to the human's face, her long hair and head effectively
blocking out the sun. She had to get him to move his head.
	His eyes fluttered open and were immediately assaulted
by the bright morning light. Wincing in pain, Endymion closed
his eyes and tried to turn his head, but found it not on the
hard ground but on a soft pillow. Cautiously opening his eyes
again, he saw not the sky but the beautiful face of his savior.
The sun reflected off her hair, masking it's color from him but
he recognized one important feature. He smiled as her bright
blue eyes greeted his dazed azure ones.
	"Onegai, I must ask you to remove your head from my
lap." Serenity begged, anxious to leave before the horde
reached the beach.
	Surprised, Endymion lifted his head abruptly. But the
quick movement made him dizzy and he had to lie back down on
the sand as he promptly passed out again. Serenity sighed but
knew that the silly human would have help soon. Sliding back
into the cool water, Serenity took one last look at the human
as a brown haired female finally found him. Then, she dove deep
into the water, swimming swiftly toward home.
	"Ano...daijobu?" Endymion opened his eyes to stare at
a young brown-haired, brown-eyed woman. Before he slipped back
into unconsciousness, he thought, "Princess."

*Two Weeks Later*

	Serenity could not get that human out of her mind. Try
as she might, her thoughts kept straying back to that man.
Was he ok? Had he been damaged from the storm? Did the female
destroyer eat him? Every night Serenity visited the beach,
careful to stay out of sight, hoping to catch a glimpse of
him. But he never returned.
	Eventually, Serenity's thoughts went from the man to
human life in general. She wanted to explore their world, see
how they could function on those weird appendages. Since she
rescued that handsome man, Serenity realized that humans were
frail creatures. Maybe their stories about humans harming sea
dwellers were wrong. Or maybe not all humans were evil. These
thoughts were driving Serenity crazy. She had to become human.
And she knew of just the way.

	The Sea Witch Beryl.

	Again, early one morning, Serenity left the palace. But
this time, instead of heading toward the surface, she swam
toward a underwater forest far away from the kingdom. Dangers
lurked in the forest but she braved the frightening entrance.
Eventually, Serenity met up with Beryl, told Beryl of her
desire and asked Beryl for help. Beryl agreed and gave
Serenity a potion. Happily, Serenity hugged the sea witch and
swam off. Beryl looked at the disappearing princess, her face
frozen once more in an expression of disinterest. But if one
looked closely, one could see that Serenity's hug had pleased
Beryl immensely.
	Serenity cautiously approached the beach where she had
last seen the man. Peering into the contents of the bottle,
Serenity remembered Beryl's words:
	"Remember child, once you drink this potion, you will
become human. But the transformation will rob you of your
speech. Are you sure you wish to continue?"
	Serenity hesitated. Becoming human was permanent. Could
she leave her family? She almost told Beryl no. But once more,
the image of the young man popped into her mind. She had to
meet him. She felt her destiny was tied to him. Slowly, she
nodded.
	Beryl's face did not change but her heart grew heavy
with dread. 'The child should not be doing this. I have a bad
feeling about this. But she is so determined. I cannot refuse.'
"Alright child. One more thing. My magic requires a sacrifice
of the user. You are willing to leave all that you know for a
man. But if this man should wed another, the morning after
the ceremony will seal your fate. Upon the very next sunrise,
you will become foam."
	With unsteady hands, Serenity uncorked the bottle. As
the sun began its ascent across the eastern sky, Serenity
drank the contents of the bottle.
	"Aahh..." Serenity clutched at her throat, her eyes
shut tightly. The pain was immense. It seemed as if there
was a fire in her chest. She began gasping as she crawled
up the beach, her fin flopping behind her. Every nerve in
her body was electrifying her with pain. Mercifully, Serenity
passed out on the beach, unable to witness her beautiful
blue tail split and become two long legs.

*An Hour Later*

	Prince Endymion looked out the window of his room.
Ever since that fateful day, he had stayed at this seaside
cottage. Every morning, he would look out his window, hoping
to see the beautiful angel that had saved his life. Despite
all logical thought, he somehow felt connected to the girl.
It was like they were fated to meet.
	Suddenly, Endymion felt an odd sensation in his chest.
He looked out the window, trying to find the cause of this
feeling. Scanning the beach, his gaze fell upon a golden
object. His heart leapt.
	'Princess!' he thought as he rushed out of the cottage
toward the beach. Running down the steps, Endymion did not
slow until he was almost upon the golden sight. There in
front of his eyes was a girl with golden blonde hair and...

	...who was as naked as she was the day she was born.

	'Kami-sama, the girl is gorgeous,' thought Endymion.
Her blonde hair was quite long and seemed to be quite silky.
Her skin was creamy and smooth. It was quite obvious that the
young woman was from a rich family for she was far too fair to
be a commoner. 'What in the world is she doing on the beach?
And why is she...naked?' Gulping nervously, Endymion tried to
keep his eyes away from the girl's more...delicate areas.
Taking off his cape, he tried his best to cover the girl with
his eyes averted. As gently as possible, Endymion picked up
the woman and began to carry her back to the cottage. As he
neared his destination, he yelled, "Luna! Artemis! I need your
help!" Moments later, two figures emerged from the cottage. One
had long black wavy tresses while the other had long, straight
white hair. The dark haired woman gasped when she saw why the
prince had summoned her and immediately inquired as to how she
could assist the prince. The white haired man however, upon
seeing the prince and the figure in his arms, could only say
one thing.
	"Endymion-sama, that girl is completely NAKED!" The
prince sighed. He had known Luna and Artemis all his life.
They had been his servants since he was a child, even though
they were only about eight years older than him. Two years ago,
as their wedding present, Endymion set them free, telling them
that they were no longer indebted to the royal family. But
both Luna and Artemis asked that they remain in the prince's
services. Endymion agreed, giving them charge of the beach
cottage. He visited once in awhile to get away from the
palace life. He really enjoyed Luna's cooking and her kind
and wise nature. Artemis was a good friend to the prince as
well, although there were times when the prince doubted his
intelligence, such as now.
	"Artemis, I know the girl is naked. I did not need you
to tell me that. Luna, onegai, could you draw her a bath?
After that, find her some clothes to wear. And Artemis,"
said Endymion as he glanced at the drooling man. "Would
you stop staring at her?" Finally taking notice of her
idiotic husband, Luna bopped him on the head with her fist,
making him fall to the ground in pain. Giving Endymion a
curtsy, she lead him toward the bathroom so that the prince
could set the girl down. Endymion exited the room, allowing
Luna to take care of the mysterious young woman.
	Artemis approached the prince, still gently rubbing
his head, and asked, "Endymion-sama. Do you know that girl?"
	Sitting down on a chair, Endymion motioned for Artemis
to join him. "Iie, Artemis."
	"Demo why did you take her from the beach?"
	Endymion hesitated for a moment before answering.
"I do not know why I took her from the beach or how I even
noticed that she had washed up on the shore. Something just...
drew me to her, Artemis. I feel like I know her from somewhere,
I just can't remember where."

*Bathroom*

	Serenity opened her eyes as comforting water surrounded
her. Was she back in the sea? As her vision cleared, she
looked around her in wonderment. She was not in the sea, as
she originally thought, but rather was in a small pool of
water. There was some sort of rectangular encasement, almost
like her room back home, only more sharper and unnatural
looking. Looking into the water, she noticed a strange foamy
substance floating on the surface. The foam also was in her
hair. Puzzled, Serenity looked into the water's depths,
wondering if Beryl's potion had worked. Her mouth formed a
little O of surprise. Instead of her usual blue fin, two
skin-colored appendages had sprouted from her body. Using a
slender finger, Serenity cautiously poked one of her legs.
She felt a strange sensation. She tried to move her new legs.
Nothing. Then, trying again, Serenity noticed that one of the
littler appendages moved.
	'How curious,' she thought. But before she could explore
her new body, a human knelt by her side.
	"You're awake! Arigato kami-sama," exclaimed Luna.
Startled, Serenity clutched her arms to her chest in order to
offer some sort of protection for herself. Instantly, Luna
became more gentle. "Oh dear, do not be afraid. You are among
friends here. Watashi wa Luna. I am a servant of his royal
highness, Prince Endymion. What is your name, dear?"
	Serenity tried to speak. All merpeople were capable
of speech, both vocal and mental. That way, if there ever
arose a need to, they could speak above water as well as in
the sea. But Serenity remembered that Beryl had said that
she would not be able to communicate with the humans due
to the potion.
	Luna watched in sympathy as the poor girl tried to
speak. "You poor dear, you've lost your voice. I suppose
that we'll just have to wait to learn your name. Now, I am
not going to hurt you, I am just going to wash your hair for
you." Serenity nodded and Luna began to gently run her
fingers through Serenity's wet hair. "You have beautiful
hair, dear. It's so long and pretty." Luna could see Serenity
blush prettily. Noticing the ornament in Serenity's hair, Luna
paused. "Oh my! What a beautiful pearl. It's the largest
that I have ever seen. Even the royal family does not own a
pearl that large. Where did you ever get such an object?"
	Serenity took the blossom hair pin out of hair and
smiled at Luna. She gently push the pin into Luna's hands,
trying to get the human woman to understand that it was
meant as a gift of gratitude.
	Looking at the pin in her hands then at Serenity's
earnest expression, Luna paused, mouth agape. "Dear," she
said when she managed to get her voice back. "You can't
possibly mean that you want to give this beautiful thing to
me!" Serenity nodded and again gently nudged Luna to accept
the gift. But Luna would have none of that. "Dear, arigato
gozaimasu for the gesture demo I could never accept such a
gift." Seeing that Serenity was about the protest, Luna
shook her head. "Iie, I cannot accept. It's all you have of
your identity and it would not due for a servant like me to
own such a wonderful pearl. Your meaning is very appreciated,
though." Serenity gave up and Luna gently set the blossom
hair pin next to the bathtub.
	As she bathed Serenity, Luna puzzled over the strange
and generous girl's origin. 'She is so modest and beautiful.
Her skin is smooth as well, nothing indicating that she has
ever had to do hard labor. She must have come from some sort
of noble family, maybe even far off royalty. Her manners are
impeccable and that hair pin indicates great wealth. I wonder
where in the world did this girl come from?'

*An Hour Later*

	Endymion stared out the window, gazing at the beach,
while Artemis sat nearby, reading a book he randomly chose
from the well-stocked library. Both men were occupied in
their activities when a knock was heard at the door.
	"Come in," said Endymion, as he stood up. In the
background, Artemis had closed the book and stood as well.
	Luna opened the door and curtsied. "Endymion-sama,
the girl from earlier has been bathed and dressed. I had
to use some of your old clothes, Endymion-sama."
	Endymion nodded. "Hai, Luna. I understand. Onegai,
show her in."
	Luna nodded then turned to a hidden figure behind
her. "Come in, dear. The prince wishes to see you. He was
the one to rescue you from the beach." Slowly, from the
shadows, a slim, long-legged figure emerged. Artemis
dropped his book as well as his jaw while Endymion stood
in mute appreciation.
	Looking at Serenity while she shyly stared at the
floor, Endymion thought, 'The girl makes those clothes look
a lot better than I ever did.' Looking at the vision she
made, Endymion wished he could see her face. Walking up to
her, Endymion put a gentle finger under her chin and raised
her head to look at him.
	Serenity stifled a gasp. It was him, the human she had
saved during the storm. The same jet-black hair, deep blue
eyes and tanned skin.
	Endymion took one look into Serenity's sapphire eyes
and got lost in their depths. She seemed so familiar to him
but surely he would have remembered meeting such a beautiful
young woman before. 'Have I ever seen her before?' Breaking
off the awkward silence, Endymion asked, "Have we met?"
	Serenity tried to answer, waving her hands in desperate
gestures to make him understand that she was the one to save
him. Alas, Endymion only looked at her dancing hands in
confusion. Sighing slightly, Serenity stopped trying.
	Concerned, Endymion asked, "Can you not speak?"
	At this point, Luna interrupted. "Endymion-sama,
the girl seems to have lost the ability to speak. She does
understand all that we say, however."
	Endymion was disappointed. Although his memories were
fuzzy, he remembered vaguely that the princess that saved
him was a wonderful singer. Now, if only he could remember
what she looked like. Pasting on a smile even though his
hopes that this girl was his princess had crashed, Endymion
gently led Serenity to a chair. Endymion looked at Luna and
Artemis and motioned for the couple to sit. "Luna, what can
you tell me about the girl?"
	Luna gave Serenity a gentle smile before answering the
prince. "Endymion-sama, she must come from a wealthy family,
perhaps nobility or even royalty. The hair pin that she wears
in her hair is no doubt some expensive heirloom. But she has
a good heart. Without any reservations, she offered the pin
to me in order to repay me for the things that I did for her.
She is well-mannered and very modest. Of where she comes from
or what happened to her family, I cannot say."
	Endymion nodded. "I will send some people out to find
out some information for me. Until then, miss, do you have
family around here?"
	Serenity shook her head. After all, where was a mermaid
princess supposed to find family on land?
	"Do you have any family that we can contact?" asked Luna.
	Sadly, Serenity looked at her hands clasped in her lap
and shook her head. She missed her family already but there
was no way for her to see them. They did not even know what
had happened to her.
	Noticing her distress, Endymion motioned for Luna not to
press the issue. "Miss, if it's alright with you, would you
like to stay with us?"
	Wiping the tears from her eyes, Serenity nodded happily.
She was going to be able to stay with man she now knew was
called Endymion.
	Endymion arose from his seat. "Well, I can't very well
go on continuing calling you miss if you are going to be
staying with us. How about I call you Princess? It seems to
be in agreement around here that you seem to be a
princess."
	Serenity grinned. 'Amazing that the humans could
figure out my status. They aren't barbaric in the slightest.'
	Returning her grin, Endymion made a great show of
bowing. "Well then, Princess, would you kindly allow me to
escort you for a tour of the town?" Letting Serenity take
his arm, Endymion, Serenity, Luna and Artemis left the
seaside cottage for a walk.

*Three Weeks Later*

	'So much time has passed,' thought Serenity as she
gently plucked the strings of the harp. The second day of
her stay with Endymion, Serenity found the instrument that
so closely resembled one that she had mastered back at home.
Playing a lonely melody, Serenity's thoughts once again
turned to her family back in the sea.
	Nearby, Endymion sat writing in his journal. Recent
entries were full of stories about Princess. 'She is so
innocent and so curious about things in the town. It is
almost as if she never has seen such things before.'
'Luna bought Serenity some gowns from the town. As pretty
as she was in my old clothes, her beauty shines even more
in the gown. Her reaction was rather humorous. When she
finally saw herself in a mirror, she clapped her hands
excitedly, like a child, and pirouetted giddily, all the
while giggling. I have never met someone so enthusiastic
about life. She is the most unique and beautiful creature
that I have ever met.' Endymion stopped reading the past
entries and picked up his pen to continue his writing.
'Princess plays the harp wonderfully. Right now, she plays
a haunting tune. It almost sounds like the ocean is crying.
Although I have sent out servants to find out her identity
a fortnight and a half ago, there has been no word from my
informants. It is almost as if Princess just appeared
magically from the ocean.'
	Serenity's finger slipped as she heard a dolphin's
cry for help. The sour note caught Endymion's attention.
Hurriedly, Serenity ran to an open window and looked toward
the beach. There, by the beach, a dolphin was desperately
trying to avoid the stones thrown by some of the town's boys.
Endymion joined her at the window, but he could not see any
cause for her anguish. But he never had a chance to ask
Princess what was wrong because Serenity practically flew
past him and down the steps toward the beach. Endymion
followed as quickly as he could after her.
	Reaching the beach, Serenity did not even look at the
boys as she ran through the water to the dolphin. Shielding
the creature with her own body, she tried to comfort it as
best as she could. The boys, not noticing the woman in time,
threw a few more stones that grazed Serenity's brow, leaving
a bleeding scratch. That was when Endymion arrived. Seeing
that the boys had injured Serenity, Endymion growled angrily.
	"If you boys do not leave immediately, I shall have
each and every one of you thrown into the royal prison,"
Endymion said in a menacing tone. Frightened, the young
boys ran away as fast as their legs could take them. He
swore under his breath and turned to see Serenity gently
sobbing over the dolphin's injuries.
	Using her mental telepathy, Serenity asked, 'Why
did you endanger yourself coming so close to the human
land?'
	'I have a message from your sisters, Princess Serenity,'
replied the dolphin. 'They wish to meet you tonight, in the
nearby cove, when the tide is highest.'
	'Arigato gozaimasu for risking your life to come here,
dear friend. Tell my sisters that I will meet them. And in
repayment for your services, please inform the royal healers
that, by my orders, your injuries shall be attended to.'
	The dolphin gave the sign of submission. 'Arigato
gozaimasu, Serenity-hime. I was merely doing my duty. Besides,
everyone in the ocean misses you, Serenity-hime.'
	'I miss them as well,' Serenity replied. 'Good journey,
friend.' With that, Serenity released the dolphin back to
the sea. Even the dolphin had long disappeared, Serenity
continued to gaze wistfully at the water that she once called
home.
	Unnoticed, Endymion watched as Serenity looked at the
ocean. The way the wind played with her long blonde tresses
as the water gently lapped at her feet. Suddenly, Endymion
felt very fearful. The sun reflected off the water, making
it seem as if Princess was slowly disappearing right before
his eyes. He did not want her to leave him. Hastily, Endymion
shot out a shaking arm to grab onto Serenity's.
	"Princess," he breathed, frightened that Serenity had
truly left him.
	Startled, Serenity quickly turned to face Endymion.
Seeing his stricken expression, Serenity quickly pressed a
cool hand to his paled cheek. Amazingly, Serenity could feel
his fear of her leaving him. Giving him a reassuring smile,
Serenity led Endymion back to the seaside cottage, holding
his hand the entire way. But although her actions served to
reassure Endymion that she was not going to leave, Serenity
was emotionally in turmoil.
	'If my sisters come tonight, will they ask me to return
to them? If somehow Beryl has found a way to reverse the
potion's effects, will I return home with my sisters tonight?
What about Endymion? Everything I have done has been for him.
Could I truly leave him to return home?' Serenity thought
as she sat in her room back at the cottage. Looking at the
sky, Serenity wondered if today would be the last time that
she saw Endymion.

*Night*

	Serenity silently crept out of the cottage and made
her way to the moonlit beach. Walking along the water's
edge, Serenity's thoughts still warred over her impending
decision. Would she leave Endymion? Looking up, Serenity
could just barely see the outline of the cove. She quickly
made her way over the rocks as best as she could and sat
on a rock near the water to wait for her sisters. She did
not wait long. Soon, seven heads emerged from the water's
surface.
	'Minna!' Serenity cried mentally. She threw herself
into the water to hug each of her older sisters. Laughing,
the reunited family cried, content that they were together
once again, even if it was for a little while.
	'Serenity-chan, why did you leave us?' ask Michiru,
once everyone had settled down. The other mermaids nodded
in agreement, having wanted to ask the same question but
unsure of the appropriate time.
	Serenity bit her lip. 'Gomen nasai, Michiru-chan.
I know that when I left, minna would be very hurt. Demo I
had to. It was destiny for me to leave the sea, I know that
in my heart.'
	Setsuna shook her head. 'Doushite, Serenity-chan?
What in the world could persuade you to leave your home and
venture out into the human's world?'
	Blushing, Serenity plucked at her wet dress.
'Watashi...watashi...I met a man, minna.' Her face began to
closely resemble glowing lava under water.
	Everyone immediately looked at Serenity in shock and
curiosity. Minako immediately shouted, "DARE?!" in a loud
voice. At the sudden sound, the occupants of the cove
immediately shot Minako an angry look. She blushed and
mentally said, 'Gomen nasai, hehe...'
	Laughing with the rest of her sisters, Serenity
replied, 'His name is Endymion. I saved him during a storm
and I was curious to see if he was alright.'
	Everyone else paled. Angrily, Haruka asked, 'A human?!
Serenity-chan, humans are dangerous. You know that! You
left your home because of a human?!'
	Serenity immediately placed her hands on Haruka's
fists. 'Gomen Haruka, gomen. I know that humans have hurt
you badly.' Her eyes filled with tears, remembering how
Haruka had been caught in a human's net and had been hurt
trying to escape from the fisherman's grasp. Haruka still
carried a scar on her back from that encounter. Silently,
Serenity peered into Haruka's angry eyes, praying that her
sister would understand. 'Endymion is different, Haruka-chan.
He loves the sea almost as much as we do. He has been so kind
to me, giving me gifts and taking care of me. Onegai,
onee-chan,' Serenity pleaded, 'onegai, believe me. Endymion
would never hurt me.'
	Looking at Serenity's tearful face, Haruka softened.
'Oh imoutou-chan, my little Serenity-hime. I believe that
you believe him to be a good human.' Giving Serenity a hug,
Haruka thought to herself, 'Demo I do not believe that he IS
a good human.' Releasing Serenity, Haruka allowed the other
girls to begin grilling Serenity for details about this
human man that their sister had fallen in love with.
	As the sun began to rise in the sky, Serenity bid a
tearful farewell to her sisters, asking them to greet their
mother for her. As she watched her sisters disappear back into
the sea, Serenity caught their parting thought. 'Remember, any
time you wish to see us again, just raise your hairpin into
the night sky. Someone will relay the message to us. Sayonara,
Serenity-chan. We love you.' Walking out of the cove and
letting the morning air chill her wet dress, Serenity cried.
She missed her family a lot and it was difficult parting
from them again. Periodically wiping the tears from her eyes,
Serenity somehow made it back to the cottage and back into her
room. Changing out of her wet clothes, Serenity sat on her
bed, hugging her knees and staring at her hand, which held
her hair pin.
	'Did I make the right decision?' she thought. 'Minna
misses me so much, as much as I miss them. Demo...' Serenity
jerked her head up at the sudden tugging at her heart.
'Endymion is calling for me.' Making her way to her door,
she quietly opened the door. Endymion's form was revealed,
caught in the process of knocking.
	Chuckling, Endymion bowed at the waist. "You surprise
me again, Princess. You would think that after so many times
I would get used to having you anticipate my moves." Serenity
raised an eyebrow and nodded. Motioning for Endymion to enter,
the two began their now daily ritual. Every morning now,
Endymion came to Serenity to talk about his troubles, letting
Serenity's understanding actions soothe his troubles. Whether
it was the pressure of being the future king of the land or
the pressure of finding a bride, Endymion hid nothing from
Serenity. And despite the fact that Serenity could not
answer, Endymion somehow knew that she understood his pain
and was comforted by her sweet embraces. The two talked
until Luna summoned them for the morning meal.
	As Endymion and Serenity ate the delicious meal that
Luna had prepared, a knock was heard at the door. Confused,
Artemis answered the knock. At the door was a royal messenger,
holding a royal decree. Artemis took the decree and handed
the parchment to Endymion. Puzzled, Endymion looked at the
decree and he immediately grew anxious.
	"My father is gravely ill," Endymion said, looking
at Artemis and Luna. "We must leave at once for the palace.
Begin preparations at once." Immediately, Luna and Artemis
scurried off to pack everyone's belongings. Sitting back
down in his seat, his meal forgotten, Endymion ran a shaky
hand through his hair. Midway through his locks, he felt
a warm hand cover his own. Turning, Endymion stared right
into the concerned eyes of Serenity. Gently, she took his
hand from his hair and covered it with her own. Squeezing
his hand, Serenity let Endymion cry into her shoulder.
Patting his head, Serenity lent him her strength.

*Docks*

	Luna and Artemis ordered some hired servants to load
the prince's belonging onto the royal ship. Behind them,
Endymion and Serenity walked slowly toward the ship, holding
hands. Ever since the morning, Endymion had not let Serenity
wander far from his side. He was really worried about his
father. For as long as he could remember, his father never
was ill. But now, according to the parchment he received
this morning, his father was bedridden and calling for him.
Endymion had lost his mother early in his life and did not
want to lose his father as well, even though he and Endymion
had never been on good terms.
	Walking up the gangplank, Serenity continued to grasp
Endymion's hand tightly. Something was not right. She could
feel it, despite the overwhelming anxiety that was coming
from Endymion. None of the other servants or sailors seemed
too concerned over their liege's health. Perhaps they were
merely in the dark about the true nature of the prince's
voyage to the palace. Glancing around, Serenity shivered.
She truly hoped that ignorance was the true reason for the
behavior of those around her.
	Tugging on her hand, Endymion regained Serenity's
attention. "Nervous, Princess?" Serenity nodded as she
bit her lip. Endymion smiled gently. "Princess, I know that
your accident was most likely associated with a ship. But
I have always loved being on a ship and I assure you that
they are safe." Receiving a shaky smile in return, Endymion
continued. "Princess, how about I escort you to your cabin?
Perhaps if you have been settled in and rested, you might
feel better about our approaching voyage." Leading her to
the passenger compartment, Endymion pointed to the door of
the most comfortable cabin on the ship. "This is yours,
Princess." Nodding, Serenity began to release Endymion's
hand and enter her room. But Endymion would not release
her hand. Raising a puzzled brow, Serenity looked at
Endymion as if to ask why he was not letting go of her.
	Letting out a sigh, Endymion said, "Gomen nasai,
Princess. Um...could I stay with you for a little bit?"
Using his free hand to rub his neck nervously, Endymion
continued, stuttering. "It's just that...ano...well, I
am still upset and I like talking to you. You're the only
one who I feel comfortable talking to about these things
and..." Serenity placed a quieting finger on Endymion's
lips. Laughing silently, Serenity tugged at Endymion's
arm and all but dragged him into her cabin.
	A pair of sharp eyes caught the entire exchange.
Narrowing their eyes, the figure hidden in the shadows
hissed, "Well, well, Princess. You continue to bewitch
the prince. Use your time wisely, Princess. For soon,
you shall be parted from Endymion."

*Main Cabin*

	"SHE WHAT?!" roared the king.
	The spy nodded his head. "Hai, your highness. The
girl dragged the prince into her quarters."
	The king shook his head. "Show me where they are!"
	The spy bowed and turned to lead the king to the
room. A evil grin, hidden from view, spread on his face.
Once the king got involved, there would be no way that
girl would be able to stay with Endymion. The little
brat was trying to enchant his highness and perhaps take
the crown. So long as he did his duty and prevented the
occurrence, the king would reward him greatly for his
loyal service.
	The king and his spy quickly made their way to
Serenity's room. Motioning the spy to leave, the king
then called a few guards to his side. With a nod of his
head, the guards burst into the room, startling Endymion
and Serenity and interrupting their conversation.
	"Otou-san!" exclaimed Endymion. He was shocked to see
his father, apparently healthy, on board the ship. The
initial shock over, Endymion realized that the guards had
tied Serenity up with a rough rope. "What is the meaning
of this? Release Princess at once!" The guards did not
move, angering Endymion even more. He could see fear clearly
in Serenity's eyes. Drawing his sword, Endymion growled,
"By order of the prince, I demand you release her at once!"
	The king placed a stern hand upon Endymion's shoulder.
"Halt your attack, my son. The guards are merely following
my orders."
	Endymion whirled to look at his father. "What is going
on, otou-san? I received notice that you were gravely ill.
And why have you tied Princess up?"
	The king replied, "News of my illness was a small
deception on my part, my son. I needed to get you on board
the ship. As for the girl, reports are that she has bewitched
you. She schemes for a marriage to you, the crown prince. As
king, I cannot allow such a travesty to occur."
	Sheathing his sword, Endymion tried to beg with his
father. "Princess has not bewitched me, otou-san. She is
innocent, I promise."
	The king laughed. "My spies tell me that she is the
reason why you continue to refuse the engagement to Princess
Katarina. I am merely trying to help break you from her spell,
my son."
	Endymion shook his head. "Otou-san, Princess is not a
witch nor has she placed a spell upon me. The reason why I
continue to refuse the engagement is because I do not know
the princess. I do not wish to marry a stranger. Onegai,
Otou-san, release Princess. She is just an innocent bystander."
	Raising an eyebrow, the king looked at his son. After a
long moment, he nodded and the guards released Serenity.
Endymion looked at Serenity and tried to reassure her with
a look.
	"We have much to discuss, my son," said the king.
	"Hai, otou-san," said Endymion in a quiet tone. He had a
feeling that this was a conversation that he was not going to
enjoy.

*Next Day*

	Serenity lay upon her bed, remembering Endymion's words
from the night before.
	'Father wants me to wed a princess from a neighboring
kingdom. I have refused. But he says that unless I agree to
at least meet with the princess, he will have you taken away
and placed on the streets.'
	'We will reach the shores of the other kingdom tonight.
I have agreed to meet with the princess in the morning. But I
cannot marry a woman I do not know, Princess.'
	'Princess, I would rather marry you...'
	'Princess, I would rather marry you...'
	Those words rang over and over again in Serenity's head.
She clutched a pillow to her chest happily. Endymion was
already meeting with the princess. She was sure that he would
come any moment into her room and say that he was not going to
marry that other princess.
	'And then, Endymion shall ask me to be his bride!' She
giggled happily. How she loved her handsome, kind, wonderful
prince of the land.
	Sitting up, Serenity looked at her reflection in the
mirror. Her cheeks were a becoming rosy pink and her blue
eyes twinkled with happiness. 'I should fix my hair before
Endymion returns. I must looked like a princess when he
arrives,' she thought.
	At the vanity, Serenity picked up the heavy silver
brush and a hand mirror. Tilting the other mirror so that
she could examine the back of her hair, she began to brush
the long golden strands. She wished she had her voice so
that she could shout her joy to the world. Smiling, she
continued to gently brush the snarls out of her hair.
	Suddenly, her door flew open and an ecstatic Prince
Endymion entered. Serenity greeted his grin with a smile.
	"Guess what, Princess! Princess Katarina is the girl
that saved my life after my ship was destroyed in a storm.
I never thought that I would meet her again," he said, still
grinning.
	Confusion hit Serenity. Was she not the one who had
saved Endymion after the terrible storm? Did he mean the two
legged creature with brown hair that had arrived after she
left?
	Not noticing Serenity's confusion, Endymion continued
to prattle on. "I am so happy. Listen to the citizens rejoice!"
Endymion opened a window and sounds drifted in of people
shouting. "The royal announcement has just been released.
Katarina and I shall wed in a fortnight."
	Shock ripped Serenity apart. Katarina and I? Endymion
was going to wed another? This could not be happening...surely
she was dreaming. This was a horrible nightmare. But the sight
of her beloved happily looking out the window, telling her the
plans for the wedding were right in front of her, daring her
to deny the truth. Her hands grew numb and the brush and mirror
crashed upon the floor. But the sound of the mirror cracking
was drowned out by the roar of the crowd and the screeches of
fireworks from outside.

*Royal Ship*

	Night had fallen. All of the sailors were busy talking
cheerily about the wonderfully extravagant royal wedding that
had occurred that day. They passed around tankards of ale,
happy that the royal couple had been so kind to provide them
with drinks. As they laughed and talked, no one noticed the
solitary figure at the bow of the ship.
	Serenity let the wind whip her face, not caring as hairs
flew into her eyes. She was numb, completely dead inside. That
morning Endymion and Katarina had wed. Now the royal couple
and herself were on the way back to Endymion's kingdom.
	'Alright child. One more thing. My magic requires a
sacrifice of the user. You are willing to leave all that you
know for a man. But if this man should wed another, the morning
after the ceremony will seal your fate. Upon the very next
sunrise, you will become foam.'
	Serenity shivered, but not from the cold. Beryl had
warned her, had even tried to persuade her not to make the
bargain. But Serenity had stubbornly insisted upon the potion.
Now, Endymion had indeed wed another and upon the next sunrise,
Serenity would die. Tears slowly fell from her face and into
the waters below. She was going to die, away from her family,
in a land that was not of her birth, and without the love of
the man she had given up everything for.
	'Serenity,' called a familiar voice.
	Serenity jerked her head up and scanned the waters. There,
in the quiet waters, bobbed the heads of her sisters.
	'Minna,' cried Serenity. 'Oh minna, what are you doing
here?'
	'We felt your pain, Serenity-hime,' thought Haruka.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
	Rei asked, 'Did he wed another, Serenity-chan?'
Serenity's painful mental sob was answer enough.
	Hotaru gave Serenity a mental hug. 'Daijobu, onee-chan!
You don't have to stay up there. We found a way to turn you back
into a mermaid!' She poked Ami's shoulder. 'Ami-onee-chan...'
	Ami looked up at Serenity and called, 'Catch!' and threw
an object up toward the ship. Serenity caught the metal object
but could not quite see clearly due to her tears. Wiping her
eyes on a handkerchief, she was finally able to see that the
object was a knife of sorts.
	'I don't understand,' Serenity said as she glanced at her
sisters. Suddenly, she gasped, 'Minna! Your hair! What happened?'
All eight of her sisters' beautiful long hair had been roughly
shorn short.
	Michiru's quiet thoughts calmed her sister. 'Daijobu,
Serenity-chan. Beryl allowed us to use our hair in exchange for
the way to bring you back home.'
	Mentally giggling, Minako fingered her short hair. 'It
will grow back, Serenity-baka. Don't be so worried!' Everyone
gave a small smile at that.
	Setsuna said, 'The blade in your hand is your way back
to us, Serenity-chan.'
	'How,' asked Serenity as she looked at the sharp blade.
	Makoto replied, 'Beryl created that blade with her magic.
You must use it to pierce the heart of your aisuru and spread
the blood upon your legs.'
	Serenity gasped in horror. Stab Endymion? The one she
loved?
	Rei, sensing Serenity's dread, spoke up. 'You must,
Serenity-chan. When dawn breaks, you will perish and become
sea foam. You must kill Endymion before then!'
	'We could not let that happen,' cried Makoto. All the
mermaids nodded.
	'Onegai, Serenity-chan,' pleaded Haruka.
	Michiru thought, 'Return to us, Serenity!'
	'Mother misses you greatly,' added Setsuna.
	'I miss you, Serenity-onee-chan,' cried Hotaru.
	Serenity looked at her sisters. They had given up one
of their most cherished possessions, their hair, in order to
give her this chance. How could she not do as they said and
let their sacrifice go to waste? They were doing this for her.
Gripping the knife tightly, Serenity closed her eyes and
nodded. 'I will, minna. I will return to you.'
	Minako gave Serenity a sad smile. 'I know how much he
means to you, Serenity. Demo you will die unless you return
to the sea.'
	'Have strength little sister,' added Ami. 'We will
await your return to the sea.' With that, Serenity watched as
her eight sisters re-submerged into the murky waters. Gripping
the knife tightly, Serenity turned toward the ship's quarters.
Gathering her courage, she slipped quietly past the occupied
sailors and went down the stairs.
	Even though all the passengers save one were sound
asleep aboard the royal wedding ship, the night was far
from peaceful. As the ocean rolled beneath the ship, the
wooden vessel creaked ever so slightly. Serenity glided on
bare feet over the wooden floor of the ship as silently as
she could but her long gown made the tiniest of whispers as
it dragged along the ground, as if it was trying to keep her
from committing the act. But there would be no stopping
Serenity tonight. The Fates conspired to keep her approach
unnoticed by her victim. Finally, her goal was in sight: the
royal bridal bed. Holding her breath, Serenity stealthily
drew back the curtain with a shaking arm.
	'Kuso...' she thought. When she had drawn back the
curtain, the moonlight had spilled onto his sleeping face.
She bit her lip, praying that Endymion would not awaken. If
he did, she would not have to wait until the morning sunrise
to die. Endymion would kill her with one stroke of his sword.
After a few seconds, which seemed like an eternity, Serenity
quietly let out the breath that she had been holding.
	'Soon, minna. I shall return to you soon.' Serenity
thought as she looked down upon Endymion's face. 'Aisuru...
how I wish I was the woman next to you.' Serenity spared a
quick glance at Katarina, Endymion's bride, who was sleeping
with a gentle snore on the other side of the bed. 'Endymion,
I truly do love you. Honto ne...' A solitary tear fell to it's
quiet death onto the rough wood planks underneath Serenity's
chilled feet. 'If only she hadn't appeared. Demo I suppose I
cannot blame her for marrying the man I love.' The dimming
moonlight shook Serenity from her reverie. 'Shimatta! The sun
is almost up.' Her normally rosy face drained of color. She
gathered up her strength and resolve. Tightening her bloodless
hand around the knife's handle, Serenity raised her arm,
preparing to strike. So close...once she spilled the blood of
Endymion's heart, she would be able to go home.
	The arm Serenity had raised above her head began to
tremble in fright. 'Iie, I can do this. I MUST do this. My
sisters, they have given up so much to give me this one last
chance. Now is not the time to let them down.' Lowering her
treacherous arm, Serenity clenched both her hands around the
handle. Again, she raised the blade, positioning it right
above Endymion's heart, and got ready to strike. But before
she could kill the man that she loved, he shifted in his
sleep, turning his head so that Serenity could see his face.
With a silent moan of despair, Serenity dropped her arms and
hung her head in defeat. Breathing ragged, she looked at her
hands with disbelieving eyes.
	'Iie. I cannot. No matter what happens to me, I will
not defile my love in such a manner. If I kill him, I kill
my very soul.' Thus the matter concluded. Serenity looked at
Endymion's restless face. He was having a nightmare from the
looks of his frightened face and wild thrashing. At first,
Serenity was alarmed that Katarina would be awakened from her
slumber by him but one look at the large bed assuaged her
fears. Katarina was all the way on the other side of the bed,
as if she was trying to move herself as far as physically
possible from her new husband. 'No matter,' Serenity thought.
'Soon she shall love Endymion and make him a good wife.'
Returning her gaze to him, Serenity gave him a wistful smile.
Much like their first meeting, she lovingly brushed the bangs
from his face. Immediately his thrashing stopped and Endymion's
face relaxed into a more peaceful position. Seeing him in such
a happy repose, she could not help herself. Serenity placed a
gentle kiss upon Endymion's lips, letting all her love express
itself in her one act.
	'Sayonara, aisuru. With all my heart and soul did I love
you. Demo in the end, it was not enough. I was not deserving of
your love for I almost destroyed you to save myself. May your
future be protected by the Goddess Selene herself.' Gazing one
last time upon his handsome face, Serenity could not stop the
tears from falling. She fled the bridal chamber before her shaking
frame gave out to her overwhelming sorrow. On swift feet, she
almost flew to the bow of the ship. Serenity turned her deep blue
eyes toward the horizon. The sky had already begun to lighten to a
blood red hue as the sun began to rise. Very soon, her existence on
this world would be over. She glanced at the sleek knife in her
hand. Her only chance at survival. All she had to do was to stab
him... Serenity shook her golden head. 'Iie. I could never betray my
love like that. Despite all that has happened, I still love him. Even
though he wed another and my heart shattered, my love will still
remain. When dawn breaks, I will become sea foam. And yet, as foam
upon the waves, I can still aid my prince on his voyages.' Releasing
the knife, Serenity watched without regret as the deadly blade fell
into the ocean. Upon contact with the water, the magical knife
dissolved and released it's power. As the deal was broken and the
sacrifices returned to the sisters, a bright glow briefly lit up the
early morning sky.
	Eight heads deep underwater jerked up at the sudden
disturbance in the sea. Eight pair of eyes searched for the source
and then watched in dismay as the bright glow came toward them and
restored the long hair of eight people.
	'She has made her choice: death.' thought Setsuna as
her magenta eyes filled with tears. She tore her gaze from the
bright glow and tried to comfort Hotaru as best as she could
despite her own grief. Sobbing, Minako collapsed, her body too
shocked to be able to support her.
	Emerald eyes flashing in anger, Makoto clenched her
fist. "Kisama! That no-good pig! She loved him! With all her
heart and soul, she loved him. She gave up everything to be
with him, her home, her family. And this is how he repays her.
Marrying another, throwing her love away like trash, and
condemning our imouto to death. I swear I will kill that...
that..." But before Makoto could finish her vow of revenge,
Ami placed a gentle hand onto her sister's shoulder.
Sorrowfully, Ami shook her head.
	"Iie, Mako-chan. Serenity..." Ami bit her lip but
suppressed her sadness long enough to say, "...she would not
want you to kill him. After all, he is her aisuru."
	Michiru threw her arms around Haruka as she mourned
Serenity. There was no response from Haruka. Her eyes never
took their gaze off the ship above them. The ship that her
beloved sister was on. It was a ship that had taken her away
from Haruka. Now, the ship before her eyes had brought her
Serenity back to her, only to separate them once more in
death. Her cold and pale lips parted just barely enough for
Haruka to whisper one word: "Serenity."
	Rei could not believe it. 'Iie...Serenity no baka'
she thought. "IIIIIIEEEEE!" Her tortured scream could be heard
throughout the vast ocean. From noble born to beggar, each
citizen of the sea learned upon hearing that scream that
their beloved princess was lost to them. The entire kingdom
began to wail and cry, each soul already missing their warm and
loving princess. Rei knew none of this as she swam as fast as
she could toward the ship. All she knew was that she had to see
Serenity, had to tell her how much she loved her. The others,
seeing Rei take off for the ship, began swimming after her. Each
woman clasped the hands of her neighbors. They had spent their
lives together and together they would say farewell to Serenity.
	At the bow of the ship, Serenity could hear her
sister's scream. Bowing her head, Serenity let her
crystalline tears to fall to the water below. 'Gomen
nasai...honto ne, gomen nasai minna. Minna I love each and
everyone of you as much as I love him. I would do everything
in my power if one of you were in danger. Demo I cannot betray
my heart to save myself. I cannot do as you all have asked of
me. I will not kill my aisuru.' On unsteady legs, Serenity
climbed onto the railing to greet the rising sun. 'Sayonara
minna. Setsuna, Ami, Hotaru, Minako, Haruka, Michiru, Makoto,
Rei...I love you all. Okaa-san, gomen nasai for causing you so
much sadness. I hope you know how much I regret hurting you.
Arigato Beryl for granting my wish. Without you, I never would
have found love.'
	Serenity slowly removed her hairpin, the pearl that had
allowed her the chance to meet her prince, and placed it on the
rail next to her. With it, she left another gift, hoping that
one day he would understand. Painstakingly, she loosened the ties
that held her hair in the twin buns on her head, letting her hair
fall to her feet. Even during her preparation, the sun continued
it's murderous path up the horizon. It's golden rays peeked out
just over the line where ocean and sky met. Crimson and orange
colored the sky. If the situation were different, it would
have been the dawning of a gloriously beautiful day. As it was,
it was the herald of the death of a princess.

*Moments Earlier*

	When the light from the blade exploded into the ocean,
some rays entered the royal bedchamber. Normally, the bed
curtains would have kept the sleeping occupants undisturbed.
But since Serenity did not think to move the curtains back to
their original position, the light headed directly toward
Endymion's sleeping eyes. He awoke with a jolt. Endymion
blinked to clear his eyes of sleep. Unease...danger...
sadness...regret...and goodbye? What were these feelings
running through his heart? Endymion turned his head toward
his bride. Katarina was still deep in slumber; the strange
light had not disturbed her rest. Endymion gave a little smile
of satisfaction. There was no danger present to him nor his
wife. But why did he still feel ill at ease? It was early
morning. The entire ship full of people should have all been
sleeping after last night's revelry in celebration of his
wedding. There should be no reason why he felt this way.
Unless...
	"Princess." Endymion whispered. Throwing off the
covers, Endymion grabbed his sword, not caring that he was only
dressed in his black sleeping attire and not his armor. Only
when he was sure that his princess was safe could Endymion
finally return to bed. He headed toward her room on the ship.
Raising an eyebrow at the still closed door, he knocked softly
and said in a soft voice, "Princess? Are you awake?" Upon
receiving no answer, he knocked again, louder. "Princess, I am
sorry for waking you, demo I wanted to make sure everything was
ok." Still no answer.
	Endymion frowned. Princess usually was a very light
sleeper. In the past, when the pressure of being the heir to the
throne got too much for him and he needed to talk to someone who
would listen, Endymion would walk toward her door and she would
have opened it just prior to his knock. After the first time,
Endymion assumed that Princess somehow could feel his pain and
knew that he would be coming to speak to her. Now, Endymion knew
the feelings of danger were somehow connected to Princess. He
had knocked twice and she had still not answered.
	"Gomen nasai Princess demo I am going to open the door."
With that said, Endymion turned the doorknob and stepped into
Princess's room. Peering into the faintly lit room, Endymion
expected to see Princess's sleeping form in the bed or even an
angry Princess glaring at him for his intrusion. But neither
scene greeted Endymion. Instead an empty bed, still unslept in,
presented itself to his eyes. Gasping, Endymion could feel icy
claws of fear latch onto his heart. 'Where could she be? If she
isn't in her room, then where else on the ship would Princess
go?' Endymion thought as quickly as he could in his panicked
state. 'The bow. Princess loves to look at the ocean.' Running
towards the stairs to the upperdeck, Endymion tried to figure
out why Princess was out there at such an early time. 'Perhaps
she was restless after last's night celebration. Silly me. I
should not be so worried. Princess is probably fine and she'll
have a good laugh at my expense when she finds out how illogical
I was. I am a married man now. I should not be so rash.'
	Finally making his way to the first deck, Endymion
squinted at the sudden brightness of the barely dawning sun. In
a few seconds, Endymion's eyes finally adjusted. Scanning the
rest of the ship, he finally turned his eyes toward the bow.
And promptly froze. 'Kami-sama...'
	Endymion began to shout. "Princess, what in the world
are you doing, standing on the railing. It is too dangerous. Do
not panic, Princess. I will be there shortly to help you. Do not
make any sudden moves or you might fall." Even as he said the
words, Endymion continued to make his way toward the bow. Mid-deck,
when Endymion could see Serenity again, he scanned the railing,
hoping that his princess would still be there, safe and sound.
Serenity had turned her head back toward him, her long blonde
tresses gently billowing behind her in the soft sea breeze. Her
sapphire eyes were drowning in tears, tears that fell heedlessly
past her hands, which were clasped to her chest. Her white gown
flew out behind her body, making Endymion think that he was seeing
a heartbroken angel. But it was her eyes that made his heart stop
beating for a moment. In them, he could see her love for him, a
love so deep that it defied all bounds. But in the very same pair
of eyes, he could see a horrifying determination. 'Iie!' his heart
screamed as Endymion redoubled his effort to reach the bow. He had
finally reached the top deck. In just twenty-five strides, Princess
would be safe in his arms. Just eighteen more...
	Serenity turned her eyes back toward the horizon.
'Kami-sama. Why did he have to awaken? Why do you torture my
heart so? It is too late, aisuru. The morning sun is almost fully
arisen. Strange, all this time I have been human, I have not yet
seen a full sunrise. At least I shall die with this remarkable
sight before my eyes. And you, aisuru. I shall die knowing that
I still had a small place in your heart, enough for you to hear
my prayers. It is to you that I say my last goodbye. Arigato for
your love, aisuru. You shall always have my heart even if I do
not have yours.'
	"Princess, onegai. Do not stand there. Onegai, come down.
You are scaring me," Endymion pleaded. Just ten more...
	Serenity shook her head sadly. Closing her eyes to block
out the sight of Endymion's tortured expression, Serenity leaned
forward and began her descent into the ocean.
	"Iie!"
	The words were ripped from his very soul. Not five strides
away from her, Endymion watched in horror as Serenity began to fall
into the ocean. Blindly, Endymion leaned on the railing and looked
toward the ocean. His princess, his best friend, fell slowly toward
the sea, like a dove with broken wings falling out of the sky. With
a splash, Serenity entered the arms of her birthplace, her home.
	'Otou-san, Okaa-san, minna...I have returned. I am home
again.' Those were Serenity's last thoughts. A small smile of
contentment graced her face, her hands still clasped in prayer.
Finally the sun fully arose from the horizon, sending it's warm
rays toward the water. Golden light bathed her body, making it
seem as if she were made of sunlight itself. Then, slowly,
Serenity's form began to disintegrate, becoming a part of the
water that had given her life. Gentle bubbles of rosy pink began
to release her essence to heaven.
	Endymion placed a death grip on the railing. She was gone.
Just like that. He had been so close that he could smell the scent
of flowers from her hair. If he had reached out quicker, his hand
would have brushed against her glorious golden hair. But he was
too late. Princess was gone. Endymion slowly turned his head to
look at the railing, where he had last seen her. In the morning
sunlight, Endymion finally noticed a pair of glimmering objects
on the railing. Picking them up, he stared at them in shock. A
beautiful white flower with the faintest hint of pink and a large
pearl in the middle. It was the hairpin that Princess was so fond
of, the one she was wearing when he had found her on the beach. But
the second object puzzled him greatly. It was a pearlescent blue
scale. Never in all of Endymion's years had he seen a scale so
large. It must have come from a large creature. Endymion had no
idea why Princess left him such a strange gift.
	The sound of quiet sobs reached Endymion's ears. At
first, he thought they were his own but when he finally tore
his eyes from Princess's gift, he was shocked to see eight
heads just above the water's surface.
	"SERENITY! SERENITY!" the head with long black hair
and purple highlights shouted. "Onegai...onegai, do not leave
me all alone." If the morning hadn't been so quiet, Endymion
might have missed the last sentence for the woman spoke in
barely a whisper. The eight heads seemed to be engrossed in a
spot where bright shimmering bubbles where floating out of
the water. But Endymion cared not. All he knew was that these
eight women might be able to save his Princess.
	"HEY! You down there. A friend of mine has just fallen
overboard. Onegai save her!" Endymion's fist held the gifts
Princess had left behind so tightly that the pin began to dig
into his flesh. But he did not notice.
	At his shout, eight startled heads turned toward him.
The one with flaxen hair and turquoise eyes merely glared at
him as a blue-green haired woman stared at him in mute hatred.
The woman with hair a shade lighter than Princess's began to sob
again as did a young girl with short dark tresses. They were
soon crying into the embrace of a woman with dark green hair.
The woman with short blue hair merely ignored him as she quietly
let her tears fall into the water. Wrapping her arms around
the blue haired woman, the one who had shouted began to cry
silently. Only the brown haired woman even acknowledged
Endymion's words.
	"YOU! KISAMA!!!! MURDERER!!!!" Makoto screamed. Endymion,
startled that someone would answer his plea to save Princess in
such a manner, asked again.
	"I do not know why you accuse me of these deeds demo it
is not important right now. Princess's life is in danger. Onegai
save her! She might still be alive."
	Makoto gave a choked response. "Still alive?" She laughed
bitterly. "You do not understand anything, human. She is dead.
She was condemned to death the minute she met you. It is odd
that you ask us to save her. We have been trying to save her and
it is YOU that has destroyed our efforts. If it had not been for
you, Serenity would never have left the ocean, never would have
made that foolish pact with Beryl, never would have DIED." Makoto
screamed the last word as tears fell unceasingly down her face.
	Endymion reeled back. "Dead? My fault? Who is this
Serenity? I assure you, miss, that I do not know a Serenity." At
this, the eight women shot accusing glares at him.
	The youngest one spoke this time. "Hai, ignorant man.
You did not know Serenity. To you, she was just another pretty
face. You called her your friend, a woman you could talk to about
anything. She hid nothing from you, showing you how much she
loved you, if not in words then in actions. Demo it was not
enough, now was it? You married a girl you did not know, the one
you thought had saved you, the one your father approved of just
because of her status in society. Iie, you know nothing of
Serenity. You know not of her giving heart, of how she told us
that you were her one true love. Hai, Serenity is this Princess
you speak of. The princess of the sea who you condemned to an
eternal existence as foam." At this point, Hotaru's sorrow had
become to much for her to continue. She turned away from
Endymion's shocked countenance and stared once more at the
bubbles drifting toward the sky. The rest of her sisters joined
her in their silent vigil over Serenity's soul. All except for
Rei. Turning her dead purple eyes to him, her gaze burned into
his very soul.
	"She became human to be with you. She loved you without
question, forsaking her heritage to be with you. What made you
deserving of her love? You did not even see her true self. And
now, because of you, I have lost the one I love most. I hope that
your life will forever be as hollow and empty as my own." Rei
stared at Endymion for a moment longer and then moved to rejoin
her sisters. Accusingly, the sunlight glinted off of Rei's tail
and struck his eyes. It was then that Endymion finally realized
that the eight women were not human but mermaids. With a gasp,
Endymion finally remembered...

*Flashback*

	Endymion hit the water with a loud splash. He was in agony.
Whatever had hit him in the head had hit hard. Fighting to stay
conscious, Endymion tried to swim to the surface of the ocean. But
his body was in no condition to comply. Slowly, Endymion could feel
himself sinking deeper and deeper. 'Am I going to die?' Stopping
his struggling, Endymion allowed himself to grow still.
	However, before Endymion was about to be forced to breathe
in a lung full of water, a shining object in the far edge of his
vision made him turn around. There, in front of him, was a heavenly
sight. 'Surely it is an angel coming to take me from this life.'
he thought just before he passed out.
	The angel had long hair the color of pure gold. Her worried
deep blue eyes had peered into Endymion's own. Swimming behind the
now unconscious man, Serenity struggled against his weight to pull
him back up to the surface. Once she broke through the water, she
lifted the man's head and kept it above water. Serenity swam as
best she could against the beating of the storm as she made her way
toward the beach.
	When the sun shone brightly after the passing storm,
Serenity was finally able to study her rescued human. He had hair
as dark as the trenches in the ocean floor. His face was tan, as
if he spent a lot of time in the sun. How she envied him for that.
The man was built well with strong muscles and a healthy heart.
At first, Serenity was terrified that the man had died because he
had not awaken since he passed out in the water. She had placed
her head on his chest, pressing her ear against his heart like
Ami had taught her. A faint but steady heartbeat had rewarded her
efforts. Although the man was no longer in danger, Serenity wanted
to make sure that he would receive help. She sat on the sand, half
in the water and half out, watching his face as the sun dawned.
Wanting to keep his head out of the waves that lapped at the beach,
Serenity pulled herself alongside him and gently placed his head
in her lap. With a cautious touch, Serenity carefully pushed his
bangs from his face. 'What a handsome man.' she thought as she did
so. Not knowing what else to do for the human, Serenity began to
sing her favorite lullaby that her okaa-san sang to her when
Serenity was young.
	Endymion groaned. His body felt like a practicing dummy
after a sparring session and his head seemed to be twice it's
normal size. He must be dead for he thought he had heard the
singing of angels. Or, rather, an angel. Struggling to open his
eyes, he realized that the singing had stopped and far-off bells
could be heard ringing.
	Serenity panicked. The human had begun to wake but his
heavy head was still on her lap, keeping her from escaping. Even
worse, the bells she could hear in the distance could only mean
that the human female school nearby had just released their
mass of destroyers. Her sisters had seen them on a few occasions
and warned her to avoid the land, describing the destroyers.
They were females who would swarm the beach and throw rocks into
the water, often hurting poor defenseless sea creatures. Or worse,
they would lift their outer skin and begin to enter the water,
flailing their strange appendages and scaring the fish nearby
who were trying to find something to eat. She leaned her head
closer to the human's face, her long hair and head effectively
blocking out the sun. She had to get him to move his head.
	His eyes fluttered open and were immediately assaulted
by the bright morning light. Wincing in pain, Endymion closed
his eyes and tried to turn his head, but found it not on the
hard ground but on a soft pillow. Cautiously opening his eyes
again, he saw not the sky but the beautiful face of his savior.
The sun reflected off her hair, masking it's color from him but
he recognized one important feature. He smiled as her bright
blue eyes greeted his dazed azure ones.
	"Onegai, I must ask you to remove your head from my
lap." Serenity begged, anxious to leave before the horde
reached the beach.
	Surprised, Endymion lifted his head abruptly. But the
quick movement made him dizzy and he had to lie back down on
the sand as he promptly passed out again. Serenity sighed but
knew that the silly human would have help soon. Sliding back
into the cool water, Serenity took one last look at the human
as a brown haired female finally found him. Then, she dove deep
into the water, swimming swiftly toward home.
	"Ano...daijobu?" Endymion opened his eyes to stare at
a young brown-haired, brown-eyed woman. Before he slipped back
into unconsciousness, he thought, "Princess."

*End flashback*

	Endymion's hand closed tightly over the flower and
scale. The one mysterious figure that had saved him during the
storm was wearing a hairpin, the very hairpin that Serenity wore
when he first met her. Finally everything was painfully clear.
She was the one who's presence calmed his fears all this time.
It was her love that comforted him during the past year. Tears
began to well up in his eyes. He who never cried, even when his
mother died, began to cry for the woman who loved him so much
but whose name he did not even know until now. He had finally
realized that he had found his soul mate.

	Only it was too late.

*Flashback*

	A five year old Endymion snuggled deeper under the
covers. "Ne, okaa-san. What is a soul mate?"
	Sitting on a chair next to his bed, Endymion's mother
looked at her son in surprise. She had hair the color of
midnight and warm emerald eyes. Her face was smooth, unmarred
by any lines. "Soul mate? Where did you hear that term
Endymion?"
	Blinking his sleepy blue eyes in confusion, Endymion
replied, "Sensei was reading me an old story and he called the
prince and princess who fell in love soul mates. Is that a bad
thing okaa-san? I don't want to get sensei in trouble, okaa-san.
I asked him to read me that story so it's my fault."
	Smiling indulgently, Endymion's mother playfully
ruffled Endymion's head. "My little mamoru, always protecting
others. Iie, it is not a bad thing to be soul mates. Quite the
opposite darling. A soul mate is the other half of you. They
complete you. Until you meet them, you are but half a soul.
Your soul mate knows you more than you know yourself. They can
understand your every dream, feeling and wish. They often know
what you are thinking even before you think it. A soul mate
comforts you when you are sad and rejoices when you are happy."
	Endymion yawned. "Sounds wonderful, okaa-san. Do I have
a soul mate?" His mother peered seriously into her young son's
eyes.
	"Hai my little mamoru. Everyone has a soul mate,
including you. Demo many people do not realize that they have
found their soul mate until it is too late. Do not make the
same mistake, Endymion. When you find your soul mate, protect
her, cherish her and love her. Only then can you be happy."
Turning down the oil lamp by the bed, she stood up to leave.
	"Okaa-san," Endymion said, sleepily.
	"Hai?"
	"Don't worry okaa-san. I will be a good boy and find my
soul mate. And when I do, I will protect her like you said."
Smiling, Endymion's mother gave her now sleeping son a kiss on
the forehead.
	"I certainly hope so, Endymion, my little mamoru."

*End flashback*

	He had failed both Serenity and his mother. How he wished
he could have changed things, that he realized the truth sooner.
But wishing would not change reality. Endymion cradled Serenity's
gifts in his palm as he cried, a single word repeating in his
mind:

	"Sayonara."


*A month later*

	A translucent form hovered over the water, watching a
ship with a familiar royal emblem being loaded for a diplomatic
voyage. Its eyes peered sadly at the ship, remembering things
from not so long ago. Suddenly, another form appeared behind
the first and put its ghostly hand on the other's shoulder.
	'Daughter. You know that you do not have to do this.
Beryl took pity on you and released you from the contract
after your death.' Poseidon said.
	Serenity turned her head and looked at her father.
'Iie, father. I must. Only this way can I watch over my
aisuru.' She hugged her father as tears filled her eyes once
last time. Poseidon smiled sadly at his beloved daughter.
	'Serenity, I shall not stop you. May Selene shine down
upon you as you grace my oceans.' He gave her a kiss on the
cheek and then disappeared. Serenity turned once more and
gazed longingly at the lone figure at the bow. Sighing,
she allowed her form to shimmer and, at long last, she
joined the water and became sea foam.

*********************************************************************

	As the ship pulled out of the docks, Endymion peered
into the horizon. Ever since that day, the day his heart broke,
he had spent every moment of his time doing something, anything
to keep the vision of Serenity's crying face from his mind. He
told Katarina that he could never love her and walked out of her
life. His father kept telling him that no matter how he felt
about Katarina, an heir still had to be produced. But the king's
words fell on deaf ears. Endymion refused share his bed...his
life...his heart with anyone. Once his father was dead, Endymion
would choose his own heir. Perhaps Artemis and Luna's son would
do. The tiny lad was very smart and considerate. After all, it
was the least he could do to repay the two. Both Luna and Artemis
had loved Serenity like a daughter and when they learned of her
death, Luna had fallen into a life threatening illness. Only with
Artemis's constant care did she recover. But the light in both
their eyes had died. Only the knowledge that their family still
needed them kept the two going.
	Endymion leaned on the railing at the bow of the ship.
Upon every voyage he would stand there, staring out into the
horizon. He never spoke a word to anyone beyond what was
necessary. The entire crew knew the cause of their prince's
sudden change in temperament and sympathized. Sometimes the
ocean could be a cruel master, taking the lives of loved ones
without reason. They could only let their liege mourn for his
beloved alone.
	'Aisuru...' A warm breeze enveloped Endymion. 'This
feels familiar, almost like a warm embrace.' His eyes scanned
the water for the cause. 'I have not felt this way since...
since...' His heart gave a painful jolt. Was he seeing things?
There stood Serenity, her form barely able to be seen, floating
over the water in the white gown he had given her as a gift.
But before Endymion could call out her name, Serenity's form
shimmered and disappeared.
	'Iie...come back. Onegai come back aisuru,' Endymion's
heart cried. Frantic, his eyes searched the water. When the
ship reached the spot Endymion had seen Serenity, he peered
into the water, trying to discover where his love had vanished
to. But the only thing Endymion could see on the water was a
strangely beautiful foam.
	'Foam? On the ocean?' he thought. His heart sank. Again
he had lost her. Or had he? As Endymion stared at the foam, he
felt the unfamiliar sensation of being loved. 'Aishiteru,'
Serenity's voice rang in his mind. Realization hit him and
Endymion gave a small smile. His soul would never be whole again
during his lifetime but he could always hope to join her after
his death. Until then, Serenity would guide his journeys as foam
upon the waves.

Translations:
	aishiteru- I love you
	aisuru- beloved
	ano- um...
	arigato gozaimasu- thank you
	daijobu- I'm fine/It's ok
	doushite- why?
	gomen nasai- I'm sorry
	hai- yes
	hime- princess
	honto ne- really
	iie- no
	imoutou- little sister
	kami- god
	kaze- wind
	kuso- curse word
	mesume- daughter
	minna- everyone
	nani- what
	okaa-san- mother
	onee-chan- older sister
	onegai- please
	otou-san- father
	shimatta- curse word
	watashi wa- I am

Author Notes:
	Oye oye...way long! But this way, it's in one nice file.
Any mistakes are cuz I'm too lazy to do spell check. Dedicated
to my fellow TAFFy people. TAFF RULES!
Until the next story...

~The moonlight carries the message of love.~
~Tsuki no hikari wa ai no message.~