Always Watching YouAct 3: Meetings and Complications/MoonBy: Sailor jes E-mail: Sailor jes@aol.com 1¾ Act 3: Meetings and Complications/Moon By: Sailor Jes Konnichi wa! Well, this part of my fic is a little more timely than its predescesor partly because of my lovely winter break in which I did practically nothing except revel in Sailor Moon heaven. But, hey, I'm warning you now, the 4th chapter might take a while for a few reasons: 1) I'm back in school again . 2) Midterms for a high school junior. (For those of you who are there or who have been there, you understand.) 3) I'm drowning in commitments that I've made. 4) The plot is starting to unfold and there's always that little problem of getting everything in the previous chapters to corrolate with the current one, and thinking of things to write, etc. etc. So, in the meantime, I've been working on some lil' things that I'll post up soon to avoid withdrawal pains. If you read fanfic and don't know by now that Sailor Moon doesn't belong to the author, than you're an idiot. if you do, then I'll spare you the details. Just ask me first if you want to use this fanfic anywhere. Don't forget: I love comments, questions, and especially compliments so keep 'em coming! E-mail is Sailor jes@aol.comJa ne!Jessi ****************************************************************** "It's you," we say at the exact same time. Can this person in front of me be you? Is that voice I just heard really yours? My heart beats out an abnormal rythym. I never thought I would be close enough to touch you or hear your voice, that strong, deep, resonating, gentle voice. Or see the perfect details of your blue eyes: a darker rim of sapphire encircling an indigo iris and the even lighter flecks of gold around the pupil. My hands tremble and my knees feel so weak. A wave of naseau passes briefly over as my head begins to spin. Luna's words boom in my head: "It is a taboo for the Moon people to ever associate with the Earthlings. We are their unseen Guardians, nothing more." And Venus': "Stop dreaming and start doing." And my own thoughts, punishing my wretchedness for disobeyeing the one law that every Moon deity has followed for all eternity. But this beating of my heart...it drowns them all. It is singing to me. It pounds in my ears, pulses through my veins, and knocks in my chest. This is the only important thing. Beacuse I know this is real. So, we stand there, staring at each other with mutual amazement. You seem to gather your senses before I do. Smiling, you offer your hand out to me and ask me to dance. I smile back from sheer happiness. That radiant grin, those words, that hand...those were for me! Not for that redhead or any other of the girls in there, but for me! It takes all of my strength for me not to keel over right then and there. I accept and hand in hand, we walk into the ballroom. The song is a slow waltz. My heart jumps when you place your arm around my waist. I am still trying to grasp the concept that I am here with you and that we are dancing together. I smile into those deep blue eyes of yours. We don't speak, just dance. "I'm so glad to see you're feeling better, Endymion," says someone from behind you. We stop dancing and you turn around. I notice it is the girl from the garden. She glares at me, bitterness and hatred swarming in her red eyes. "Uh, Beryl...," you stutter uncomfortably and run your fingers through yourhair. "So I'm not good enough for you, is that it?! Who's this-this tramp, Endymion?" she spits. Tramp!?! Me! I look up to you for some sort of defense, but you stare at this Beryl with a look that could kill. Becoming angry, you point your finger in her face and say in a low, menacing voice: "You take that back, Beryl! Just because you're a spiteful person, doesn't mean you should go taking it out on innocent victims. I can dance with whomever I please, and I'm sorry if it doesn't suit you! Go away and mind your own business!" The girl seems ready to pounce back with a reply but thinks twice and begins to walk away. But, before she turns her back, she makes sure to cast me a look that sends chills down my spine. It's a look that tells me she's not letting go without a fight. Although I should be glad that you stuck up for me, I feel as if I'm in the way; that I've invaded something I had no right being in. "I'm sorry," I say quietly. "Maybe I'd better go." Maybe I'd have been better off not coming at all, I add in my thoughts. I turn away and feel your hand grab my wrist. "Please don't go," you exclaim, almost plead. "Come on, let's get out of here. We'll go someplace we both like." You grasp my hand firmly and my pulse quickens. In awe, I stare at you. Where could you possibly be taking me? A smile plays on my lips as you lead me out of the ballroom, to the long balcony. While walking outside, I notice the beautiful Moon. My home. In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined how brilliant it shines in the starry sky. How unfortunate that I am the only person from the Moon Kingdom to ever have seen it from this view. I'm sure pride would fill the hearts of every inhabitant to see it like this, in all its splendor. "You must like the Moon a lot," you say. "You've been staring at it the entire way.""You could say that," I reply. We had found our way into the garden. I hadn't even noticed. I had been too captivated by my home...You laugh. "I love the Moon, too. Especially, when I'm in my Garden. It has a calming, serene effect," you gaze up at it for a few seconds and then ask, "So, what's your name?""Serenity," I answer. You seem to pause at the irony of the juxtaposition of my name and your last comment. "That's a beautiful name, Serenity. I'm Endymion, Royal Prince of Earth." Funny, that I know you so well and we haven't "formally met." Formalities seem ridiculous at this point, my cosmically-linked Earth-god. I offer my hand and you kiss it, a common gesture transformed into something marvelously thrilling. And then an uncomfortable silence. What are you supposed to say to someone who you love but have never spokento? Breaking the silence, I ask "What are these exquisite flowers?" pointing to the red, fragrant ones that you and I both like so much. "These?" you ask with amazement. "These are roses. They're quite common. Don't you have them where you live?" "No, I live very far away," I reply, "I wish I had them, though. These flowers remind me of a secret just waiting to be told." You stare at me with a dreamy smile on your face. It makes me a little nervous. "Where do you live?" you ask me. This takes me by surprise. The complete truth is out of the question. After all "it is a taboo for the Moon people to ever associate with the Earthlings." So, I embelish. "Uh, somewhere very, very, far away. Yes, very far. You've never heard of it," I say in a tone that indicates the end of that subject. "So, uh, what's this flower?" As quickly as the subject of homelands was brought up, it was also dropped. You seemed to forget it, too, as you begin showing me the various flowers enthusiastically. I remember one of the first times I went to observe you in the Communications Room, I thought that if I ever got to be here with you, I would be so attentive. That day seems light years ago. As if I had only dreamed it. I live up to my word. I ask questions, point to certain buds and trees. Besides being interseted in the magnificent foliage, I also take pleasure in your enthusiatic smiles and replies. I notice how your eyes light up whenever I see another exotic bloom. You seem to be thriving from my interest. Doesn't anyone else but me care about these glittering flowers and plants? Are you that starved for attention? I suppose Earthlings are the same as Moon Beings: They don't know what they've got until it's gone. "Can I ask you a question?" you say suddenly, while we stand under a large, leafy tree."Yes," I reply."Why do you come here every night?" I turn beet red and twirl a strand of my long hair. How did you know about my little midnight excursions here? "Well, it's a long story," I stammer. "We've got all night," you declare teasingly as you gesture to a stone bench. We both sit and I begin only half of the tale. "You see, I, uh, had always heard stories about the famous Earth prince and his Golden Kingdom, and had never actually seen you because I live so far away and I wanted to see you. So, I journeyed from my far away kingdom (I stress the "far away" detail a lot) Just to catch a glimpse of you. But, the Garden was so marvelous and you were-well, you still are-so, uh, handsome, and I just kept returning, and...well, that's pretty much it." Your eyebrows are furrowed into an expression of confusion. "You mean, you've been spying on me every night." You don't seem to be pleased. I fumble with a pleat in my dress. "Um, well, it's like this. I, uh, well...Yes..." I respond ashamedly. You look up into the sky "I have a confession, too," you reply.I look up at you. "I've been watching you too. From up there." You point to a large marble column on the second floor balcony. Astonished, I stare at you, my eyes as wide as saucers. My heart skips a beat. Could it be possible that you are just as taken away by me as I am with you? No, it can't be. You were probably just defending your Garden. You couldn't possibly care for me...you don't even know me. It's my turn to look confused.Then, you smile and say "So, you think I'm handsome." My eyes grow wide and I turn as red as the roses. "I suppose," I reply sheepishly. We both look at each other and laugh."So are we even?" I ask. You nod. And then...silence. We stare into each other's eyes. No more than a foot apart, I can hear your slow breathing and I'm sure you can hear my heart thumping. Then, I feel something stroking my hand. I realize it's your fingers gently caressing my own. Surprised and embarassed, I look down. With your other hand, you raise my face to look into yours. Your finger brushes my bangs aside. By now, that dizzy feeling has returned. Curiously, you trace your fingers over the crescent moon emblem on my forehead. My heart is pounding wildly, not from joy or love, as it should be, but now, from fear. Please, please don't ask about my insignia. In the distance, a clock chimes one o' clock."What's this?" you ask. My breathing becomes quick and labored. I pull back defensively and you seem surprised. "It's nothing!" I snap loudly. Perplexity and question dawn on you face. "I'm-I'm sorry. I didn't mean-" Another pained stillness. "Well, it's late," I say mechanically, "I should be getting home." I stand quickly and turn away before you can reply. Lunging towards me, you grab my wrist firmly and pull me back to you. Both standing now, I'd never noticed how tall you were. At least a foot and a half higher than myself. I don't resist. By now, an astonished, worrisome expression has formed over your features. And you are still grasping my wrist tightly, holding on to some hope... "Serenity, what's wrong? What did I say?" I yank my hand from your grip. "I'm sorry, but I have to get home. My mother's probably worried by now. Goodbye." I turn to leave again and again you grab my arm."Wait! I thought you said you lived far away." Darn! Caught in my own lie! "Well, uh, I do, but, um, I'm staying in,uh..." "Serenity, why won't you tell me the truth? Don't you trust me?" Seeing your injured face makes my heart want to shatter. I gaze down at the grass. "Of course, I trust you, Endymion. But-" "Then why can't you tell me what that crescent moon thing is on your forehead? And where you live? Just tell me the truth." I can feel the tension thickening. "Endymion, you wouldn't understand the truth." "Let me understand, Serenity! If you trust me, than be honest with me. I care for you so, so much. Why can't you just tell me where you live?" I hesitate and look away. "I promise I'll try to understand," you say. I look up into your eyes and see a unparalled sincerity. A war rages in my head. I could refuse to say anything and lose your trust. I could run right now, like I've never ran before, and not ever return and lose you. Or I could tell you the truth, shut my eyes, and await my fate. Digging for an answer, I look back into your eyes and something in my head tells me to go with the latter option. My heart pounds from fear and I inhale deeply a few times, calming myself. "A long time ago," I begin softly, "The gods created a divine race of people, to protect the newly evolving humans on Earth. Their only duty was to guide this race of humans in the right direction, to their destined path. These Protectors live on the Moon and have done so ever since that time..." I think it hits me then. The spider's web that I have been spinning since that fateful night in the Communications Room has finally entagled me in its clutches. My eyes water as I look up into the sky. Are my ancestors up there glaring down at me shamefully? I feel completely exposed to the Universe. My heart feels heavier than lead. "Serenity?" you say, "What's wrong? What does this have to do with-" I must finish before I lose momentum. "Only one law exists for these Moon Beings," I interrupt, a solitery tear trickling down my cheek. "It has never been broken. They cannot have any contact with Earth or its inhabitants. Oh, God, what have I done..." I can't take it anymore and break down into bitter tears. "I still don't understand what this has to do with you or I," you state. "Don't you see?" I say in a wild voice, almost yelling. The water in my eyes is blurring my vision and I'm choking on my sobs. "It's me! I can't be here! It is forbidden...What was I thinking? I'm sorry, so, so, sorry for decieveing you-" And then the unbelievable happens. Your lips meet with mine. Your hand touches my face delicately and an arm wraps around my waist. Is this happening? I close my eyes and let it sink in. A warm sensation tingles throughout my body. Two months ago, this wouldn't have been conceivable. Tears roll down my cheeks. An amazing fireworks display is going off in my head. I pull away and you rest your forehead on mine and search my eyes. Your hand wipes away a lost droplet from the side of my face. "I may never fully comprehend what you've just told me," you whisper into my ear, sending another tingling sensation down my body, "But this, Iknow." You gently place my hand over the left side of your chest. I feel your heart pounding frantically. Like mine. I look up to you. You continue. "I don't know what it is about you, but whenever I see you, I can't even think straight. It's like-it's like I'm whisked away to a dreamworld that consists of only you and me. You know?" My jaw drops slightly. I do know. A dreamworld? Haven't I thought that before?* I nod, but I don't wish to speak. Wrapping my arms around your neck, I lay my head against your shoulder and you hug my waist tighter. We stand there for a while, silent, peaceful, happy. Finally, you speak. "And you say you don't have any roses on the Moon?" I laugh and lean up and kiss you again, deeply, passionatly, with the love of not one, but a thousand blissful girls. ********** The clock in the Moon Palace reads 3:21. I'm not the least bit tired. A dreamy smile won't erase itself from my face. Creeping back to my room, I notice four dark figures walking down the hall towards me. The silhouettes are all wearing short skirts and sailor uniforms. "Princess?" cries one of them. I recognize the voice as Venus'. "It's her!" exclaims Mercury. "Thank heavens!" Rushing at me, the quartet of girls has concerened looks on their faces. "Where have you been, Serenity? We have the entire palace on a wild goose chase looking for you!" scolds Jupiter.All I can manage is an "Oh." Mars becomes furious. "'Oh!' All you can say is 'Oh!' Serenity, we were just on our way to your Mother's chamber to tell her you were missing." Reality slaps me in the face. "My mother?!?" Had she found out where I'd been, my mother would have killed me. "Where were you, Serenity?" Venus implores angrily. "Tell us." I look down. I wish my friends wouldn't yell at me. "I-I can't say," Iwhisper. "Princess, this is for your benefit, we don't want you getting hurt," replies Mercury.I shake my head, adamant in my silence. "If you won't tell us," threatens Mars, "Then we'll have to tell your mother that you've been missing and let her deal with you." I stare at my Four Gaurdians with a look of fear. "Please, don't! I'll tell you. But, you have to promise not to tell my mother!" Hesitantly, my friends agree. "Alright, I went to-to Earth." I close my eyes tight and wait for the worst. It arrives, as expected. "EARTH!!!!" they shout together."Serenity, are you crazy!" Jupiter yells. I look around nervously. "Not so loud, please," I beg. "What in this world drove you to go to Earth?" asked Mercury in an angrywhisper. Upon remembering the night's events, I smile and twirl a bit. Giggling giddily, I respond, "Oh, just the most incredible person in this universe." Venus' jaw dropped to the floor. "You mean you-you've fallen in love with an-an Earthling! A royal scandal...!! What will your mother think!" "You promised not to tell!" I retort. "Besides, Venus, you were my inspiration to go to Earth! Remember 'Stop dreaming and start doing?'" The other three Senshi stare at thier blonde-haired peer accusingly. "Well, uh, how was I supposed to know that you meant an Earthling?" she chuckles nervously. "Serenity, tell us everything, from the very beginning to tonight."I look down and begin my tale. "Well it started in the Communications Room about two months ago...Prince Endymion...'A taboo for the Moon people'...Went back every night...'Stop dreaming and start doing'...The amazing garden...The beautiful roses...I found an invitation...Went to his birthday celebration tonight...An amazing kiss in his Garden underneath a blanket of stars. And now, this!" Too stunned to speak, my four gaurdians simply stare increduloudly at me. "You won't tell my mother, will you?" I plead. Venus, the leader of the Senshi, speaks finally. "No, we won't. On the condition that one of us must accompany you whenever you go to Earth." I open my mouth to protest. Haven't they ever heard of a thing called privacy? But then, I check myself. It's either that or nothing. I consent unwillingly. After much arguement over an appropriate schedule, we decide that Venus will accompany me tomorrow night. We say our goodnights and I journey back to my chambers. Even though I haven't gotten a wink of sleep, I'm not the least bit tired. Tonight was too incredible, too unbelievable, too magical to end yet! Flopping onto my satin-covered bed, I hug my pillow tightly, imagining that it is you. Tomorrow night seems too distant. I wonder if you are thinking of me now. My lips still burn from your kiss. Finally, my eyelids grow heavy. Pleseant dreams begin to dance in my mind as I drift off to a world of illusion. My last thoughts before I slip off into the Realm of Reveries are of your Garden and your roses, but most of all of you. ****** "Venus, hurry!" she calls from a few yards ahead. I roll my eyes. Skipping about on forbidden planets was definitely not in my job description. I wonder if maybe we should have told the Queen about the Princess' nightly visits. Tripping over a bramble, I silently curse the lovestruck girl running in front of me for dragging me here and ever in falling in love in the first place. How did I get myself in this mess in the first place? "Serenity, get back here right now!" I call bitterly. I must sound like an old grouch.The Princess turns and, folding her arms over her chest, awaits me anxiously. I glower at her when I finally do catch up. "Princess, walk with me! At a normal pace, like normal royalty would!" She rolls her eyes. "Who likes being normal? Besides, I don't want to keep him waiting.""He can wait!" We continue in stony silence. Terrible thoughts toy with my head. He's just using her. She's going to get hurt. All Earthlings are the same: greedy, selfish, ignorant barbarians. Glancing over at Serenity, I notice that she can't stop grinning. I smile on her behalf, in some ways she's still just a child, so hopeful and innocent. "Do you think I look alright?" she asks me.I smile. "As always, yes." She really does. Almost the striking image of her mother, the Princess wears a longsleeve, pink silk, off the shoulder dress with embroidered flowers around the neckline. It's rosy hue brings out a freshness in her face that makes her seem irridescent. A twinge of jealousy overcomes me. I have no time to ponder on it, though, because the trees have thinned and now the Earth Prince's Garden and Palace have come into view. I gawk at the looming stone castle with the multitude of high towers and the different, exotic trees surrounding it. "There he is!" Serenity cries. She takes off like a bat out of hell. I've never sen anyone run that fast. "Princess!" I call, sprinting after her. No response. She just keeps running, ignoring me. I clench my teeth. Desperate times call for desperate measures..."Venus Love-Me Chain!" A shining link of hearts shoots from my fingers and entwines itself around the Princess' arm. This should stop her, it's never failed before. But, Serenity looks at it, and with all the zeal in the world jerks her arm forward sharply and breaks the chain! I stare in disbelief. Nothing, not even the sharpest of swords, has ever broken my Love-Me Chain! Could her love have that much power...? "Serenity!" I holler vainly in one last desperate attempt to bring her back. But she doesn't stop. Still running and panting, I see two figures in the Garden. There is not enough light to notice the faces but one of the shadows has his arms outstretched to the galloping Princess. I assume that one is Endymion. But who is the other? The two lovers meet. He lifts her delicate figure into the air and I can hear Serenity's laughter. Gently he brings her down, and the two kiss deeply. Huffing and puffing, I stammer over to where they are. The scene is somewhat embarassing and I blush and look around akwardly.Then I notice the other person. I suck my breath in sharply. A very handsome man seems to be sharing this uncomfortableness, as well. He is wearing a grey uniform with a long grey cape and has a sky blue color hair with crystal eyes to match. We stare at each other for a few seconds. Then he gawks at my legs. I guess Earth girls don't wear skirts this short. Serenity and Endymion take no notice of either of us. Arms wrapped around each other, they begin to walk away, whispereing sweet nothings and laughing quietly. In spite of my displeasure, I smile. They both look so happy together."Ahem, Endymion," says the man, "Don't you think you should make introductions?" The Prince, turns around and mumbles "Hmmm? Oh, oh yes, sorry. Serenity, this is my noisy and rude best friend, Kunzite. Kunzite, this is Princess Serenity, of the Moon Kingdom." She smiles politely and nods. Then, she gazes up to Endymion adoringly. He returns the smile to her, but then glances at me questioningly and then surpisedly down at my legs, just as Kunzite did. Since Serenity is so transfixed on her prince, I opt to make my own introductions. "I'm Sailor Venus, Princess of the Second Planet in the Silver Millenium, Leader to the Group of Pretty Sailor-Suited Warriors, and Gaurdian to the Moon Princess." A long introduction, yes, but royal protocal. Both men nod their heads in acknowledgement and then Endymion speaks."Nice to meet you Sailor Venus-" "Just Venus, please." "Very well, Venus. Make yourself welcome here. Kunzite, you can show her around." I shake my head. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but I cannot allow that. As my duty, I must protect and serve the Moon Princess at all times. She cannot be taken from my sight." Serenity casts me a pleading look. "But, Venus-" she begins. I glare at her, a look that says no argument. Glancing from one blonde to the other, Endymion releases Serenity for a moment and approaches me with a stern look. I am a little intimidated by him, but I lift my chin and hold my ground. Then, his eyes go soft and the same begging look on Serenity's face forms on his. "Venus, please, trust me. Even though I just met her, Serenity means-well, she, uh-" He hesitates, trying to get the words out. He glances back at the Princess, who has a hopeful look upon her face and then turns back to me. "What I'm trying to say is that Serenity means everything to me. I would never hurt her or let anybody hurt her. This is my vow to you. Please, just let us be alone for a few minutes. Please." This promise has an impact on me. That pain in his eyes. Does he love her that much? I glance over his shoulder at Serenity, who was also obviously touched by his words and whose eyes are brimming with tears. "All right," I relent softly, "But only for a few minutes." Endymion smiles and thanks me profusely. He and the Princess walk away together. I shake my head and smile, too. "I've never seen him get that emotional over a girl before," Kunzitementions. I turn around and face him. "Well, she's no ordinary girl," I state matter-of-factly. "So I've heard. I still can't quite believe that there are people living on the Moon."I shake my head. "You Earthlings..." "What do you mean by that?" he asks defensively. "You Earthlings think that the Solar System revolves around you. In this vast galaxy, do you actually believe that intelligent life only exists here? Little do you know of the universe's enormity. You are still too young in your existense to know of it, but life exists almost everywhere. This tiny, insignificant planet is merely a grain of sand on the beach of Eternity and compared to all of planets in the Silver Millenium, Earth is the least civilized. In fact, compared to the Moon, you're neanderthals!" A startled silence follows. Kunzite raises an eyebrow. He seems taken aback by my roughness. "So," he grins, "I guess the more civilized you are, the less your legs are covered." It's my turn to look shocked. He laughs. "Just kidding. Here come take a walk with me. You can tell me more about the triteness of Earth..." ***** Emerging from the dense foliage of the woods, I feel my heart racing as I spot the castle and the garden. No one accompanies me tonight; I snuck away, couldn't take their grip over me, had to see you alone. The days that I don't see you creep by. I begin walking a little faster when I see you waiting for me in the garden. About to enter into our haven, I halt abrubtly and hide behind a tree when I hear two voices arguing inside. "Beryl, it isn't any of your business why I'm here!" I wince when I hear you arguing with that bitter girl. "Well, it mustn't be too legal if you can't tell me!" she hisses. "I couldn't sleep, okay!" you shout back. Peeking from around my hiding place, I see her sneer. I become frightened when I notice how she looks at you: evily, hatefully. She's changed since the ball. Her eyes appear more scarlet, a red I've never seen before. And her lips seem permanently formed into a devilish grin. "Why couldn't you tell me that in the first place?" she snarls. "You'relying!" You take two quick stides and raise your hand to her but don't strike. She doesn't even flinch; in fact, she seems amused by your threatening gesture. "Don't worry, Prince, I'll discover what you're up to!" She about-faces and slithers away. Chills run down my body. What was that all about? A feeling of doom hangs in the air. I hear you mutter something quietly and then pace back and forth. You sit on the bench and hold your head in your hand. I become scared because I've never seen you this upset. I creep into the garden unheard by you. "Will it always be like this?" I ask. You turn around sharply, unaware that I was here and heard everything. For a painful moment, we stare at each other, not speaking. "Why does it have to be so hard for us, Serenity?" you whisper. Unconciously, I place my hand over my heart. "Oh, Endymion..." You smile sadly. "You know, when I turned around and saw you in the white dress you're wearing with the moonlight shining around you, I think it finally sunk in that you don't live here, that we live in two different worlds that should never have been thrown together." My heart stops beating for a second, if that's possible. "What are you saying?" I utter fearfully. If it's what I'm expecting, I don't even want to hear it. My lower lip trembles. He ignores my question. "What would the Earth be without the Moon? Dark, cold, lonely. Night would have no purpose. What would the Moon be without the Earth?" Is this a rhetorical question? Seeing that you wait for me to answer, I assume it isn't. "We-we would have no purpose. Our mission is to help Earth properly evolve. Without Earth, we'd have no reason to exist." Approaching me, you smile and nod. "Then, we're perfect for each other," you whisper. Leaning down you kiss my forehead and pull me close to you. I could stay this way until the end of infinity. ******** After this emotional night, I wearily somber off to my chambers. Opening the door, I am greeted by the unexpected. Four Sailor Senshi sit worridly on my bed. A tall white haired woman stands by the window in silence. They all look sharply at me when I appear. "Princess Serenity!" the senshi cry, rushing towards me. Questions are flung at me like arrows. "Where have you been? Do you know how late it is? We were so worried!" "Girls!" calls the stern, feminine voice. Like Moses parting the sea, my friends and gaurdians step aside for the graceful woman. "Mother!" I gasp. I look to my "friends" fearfully. None of them meet my glance."Serenity, do you know how worried we were? There are search parties throughout the entire kingdom looking for you. I thought you were kidnapped or, worse, killed! Tell me! Where were you?" My eyes are wide with dread. I don't speak. How could my friends betray me like this?"Serenity! Speak! Where have you been?" Tears fill my eyes and threaten to spill over. I am still mute. "Daughter, if you do not say where you have been, you will not leave this room until you do. There will be gaurds here every minute and I will send the Senshi back to their planets!" My friends look up, startled. I realize it is not they who betrayed me, but I who betrayed them. Water from eyes trickles down my cheeks and I have no choice but to tell the truth. I cannot even look my Mother in theeyes. "I-I went to Earth," I mumble. The shock is apparent on her face. Her aqua eyes are wide with disbelief. "No..." she mutters."Mother, I'm sorry! It's just that-" "Say that you didn't, Serenity!" she says wildly. I look down, enough answer for her. "I don't believe it! How could you do something so defiant? Daughter, you know of the taboo! This-this is a heinous disobedience and must bepunished!" "Oh, Mother, please-""Did you speak to an Earthling?" At this point, tears are falling down the faces of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury. For themselves, for allowing me to break the taboo, and for me, in pity. I don't answer. The rage in my mother's normally calm voice causes my hands and knees to quiver."Who? Who did you speak to?" "Just Pr-Prince Endymion." Horror sweeps across her face. Tears spring into her eyes. "Oh, god...he must not know. He of all people! He must not know! He cannot live..." A wail escapes my throat. "He won't tell a soul!" I sob. "Please, mother, please..." She screams at me. "It must be done! No Earthling must ever know!" I fall to my knees and weep bitterly. "Mother, you can't!" I plead, pounding the floor once with my fist. "If he dies, I don't want to liveeither!" My friends gasp. My Mother goes ghostly white. "No..." she says again. "Serenity, have you-?" "I love him!" I scream. "I love him more than life itself! You can't take him away from me! We belong together! He said so!" "Daughter, you don't even know what love is! It is a mysterious war, repeated for thousands of years.** In the end, you will only be hurt byit!" I shake my head and cry violent tears. "You can't keep us apart..." "I forbid it!!! Serenity, I forbid you to ever see him again! You will stay locked up in this room until I say so! No more of this insanity. Stop acting like a child and try to appear as the Heir to the Universewould!" She marches towards the door. "Girls, come with me, I must speak with you, as well."Leaving me on the floor, sobbing and wailing hysterically, my friends disappear from my chamber. No, I think, I will see you again. I don't care. I have to. She's wrong. She doesn't know. I love you, Endymion. Nothing can keep us apart. You said it yourself. A night with no Moon is empty, cold, lonely. I won't go without a fight! To be continued... ****************************************************************** Author's notes and comments*See Act 1 **From a line in "La Soldier" that is so, so true. (Don't you just love some of the lyrics in the Sailor Moon songs. I actually based an upcoming fic on an entire song) I expect some of you are a little shocked by my interpretation of Queen Serenity. You're saying "She would never do that to her daughter, she loved her, she never yelled, etc. etc." Well, to that, I say, yeah, right!!! Show me a mother who has never yelled at her teenage daughter and I'll show you a person who still won't believe you. Especially, the Queen to a Princess who has broken a rule that could effect the Earth's future!! As Venus put it, it's a "royal scandal." Besides, in the philosophy of the transcendentalits, I'm going for reality, not tradition. So, there! Sayonara!! ears fill my eyes and threaten to spill over. I am still mute. "Daughter, if you do not say where you have been, you wil€f