Title: Crescent Mirror
Author: aaeris17
Rating: I?m going to stop doing this?
Author?s Notes:

				*****Chapter 13******			
	I felt so pretty.  A tiara of twisted platinum 
set with amethysts, sapphires, and blue diamonds was 
twisted into my hair and two large sapphires sat in 
the midst of my odangoes.   I had already endured a 
jeer from Luna about the sapphires matching Endy?s 
eyes.  Why in the world would I want to match his 
eyes?  I squinted at myself in the mirror as Luna and 
Mina rearranged the tiara.  Who would want to look at 
Endy?s eyes anyways?  They?re large, dark, mysterious, 
dark?you could get lost in them. I snapped myself out 
of my reverie much to the scolds from Luna and Mina 
who had to readjust the tiara.
	?I dost think our Princess might be more of a 
girl than we thought,? Mina whispered slightly into my 
ear, pretending to fix the dangling drops of blue 
diamonds.  She caught my eyes in the mirror and batted 
her eyelashes.  I crinkled my eyebrows at her?what 
secrets into my mind and heart was my cousin 
inferring? Why was my cousin gazing at me so 
thoughtfully when her eyes and heart should be heavy 
with unrequited love for Kunzite?  What did the self -
proclaimed Goddess of Love and Beauty know about my 
inner heart? I blew an imaginary hair out of my face?
the hair was exquisite, immaculate, I was a young 
heiress, Goddess, even I can admit that Luna and Mina 
had turned me out of a the mare Endy teased me to be.  
I turned my eyes away from the looking glass, Mother 
always warned me of the looking glass and the horrors 
it held on the other side of beauty.
	?Did you hear who should be here tonight?? Ami 
peered her head into my dressing room as she carefully 
folded her glasses and hid them in her dresses? inner 
pockets; her blue eyes sparkled despite the tenacity 
of what tonight would be: duty.
	?Who?? Lita immediately jumped on Ami?s gossip.
	?Gossiping Ami?? Rei languishly peered over her 
sketchbook to give Ami a reproaching look, ?Hmph,?
	Mina shot Rei a nasty look, ?Never mind her, tell 
us!? She left my side and went over to tsk tsk at 
Ami?s hair.
	Ami ignored Mina?s ministrations and looked 
rather solemn, ?The heirs of the Dark Kingdom have 
been asked to tonight?s celebrations,? She stopped and 
awaited our reactions.
	?Dark Kingdom?? Mina asked doubtfully.  Lita 
furrowed her brow and I couldn?t tell if it was out of 
frustration of fixing her pink rose in her hair or 
from trying to figure out what the Dark Kingdom was.
	?The WRAITH Kingdom,? Ami emphasized, ?Queen 
Metallica, Lord Pharaoh, the Years of Darkness?? Ami 
batted Mina?s hands away and took a sideways glance at 
the pink stones intertwined in her hair.  Seeming 
pleased she turned back to us, ?Are Rei and I the only 
ones who know what I am referring to?? She asked 
exasperated.
	Rei put her sketchbook away and stretched herself 
off of my dais; ?Two heirs live as legacy to the years 
of Darkness.  Trained under the supervision of a tutor 
that few know little about but has great praise to 
support him, the so-called Wise Man.  The elder of the 
twins is a boy, Diamond, cold, stoic, and borderline 
genius insanity.  The younger of the twins, both of 
whom are thirteen as we are, is a girl, a wanton woman 
in the making.  Her name is Beryl and is rumored to be 
the very image of her deceased Mother.  The two come 
in the name of peace yet I fear they seek more.  Beryl 
is the stepdaughter of Nehelenia, the half blood 
relation to Queen Selenity.  With such a familial tie, 
Beryl will no doubt ask for a place at court, and 
Diamond a knight?s honor.  We must not trust what we 
see,? Rei whispered the last line I?m not even sure I 
heard her correctly.
	?A boy named Diamond?? Lita frowned turning away 
from the mirror as Ami finally placed the miscreant 
rose in Lita?s long curls.
	?With hair as white as snow,? Mina, murmured.  
Her eyes didn?t turn their usual glisten but hardened, 
?Never trust a man who is prettier than me,? she tried 
to lighten the coldness in the room.
	I nodded in agreement and digested what I heard.  
Does Endy know? He must know.  He and the boys are 
privy to more than the girls and I are.  What 
difference does three years make in knowledge? Beryl?I 
was filled with the chills for an unknown reason.  
Before I could think, Luna burst back into the room.
	?Girls!! Make haste!  The people are awaiting 
thee and thy escorts wait to be announced! Quickly! 
Quickly!? Luna clapped her hands and her eyes quickly 
scanned us quickly, ?In this order, hurry! Lita, Rei, 
Ami, Mina, and Sere!  You know thy escorts and I will 
warn thee once more: DO NOT DARE,? Luna hissed the 
last words out through clenched teeth.  She watched as 
Ami and Rei jumped to attention, Lita took once last 
look in the mirror before Ami grabbed her hand and 
Mina took a discerning look over everything before 
meekly meeting Luna?s stare.  I followed the girls out 
but Luna grabbed my arm, ?Look at your face! The 
makeup does little to hide your bruise,? she scoffed 
and pulled at the hem of my dress, ?Well let?s hope 
the people believe it is sadness from the boys leaving 
rather than a princess who is rough housing!? Luna 
shrilled in agitation as her grip on my arm continued 
as we all marched towards the ballroom receiving 
steps.
	The boys stood in front of the large glass doors, 
greeting guests and bowing as they went in.  The last 
of the guests were arriving and the doors were 
shutting.  The boys jovially laughed at each other and 
looked around for any signs of late guests.  Zoiscite 
hastily put a book in the back of his cream breeches.  
His colors today marked the house of Mercury and a 
pink stone in his knight circlet did honor to Ami, I 
knew that?s why Mina gave Ami those stones.  Out of 
the corner of my eye I saw Ami?s face turn the very 
shade of pink and she averted her face.  Nephrite and 
Jadeite were inspecting each other?s clothes.  Each 
wearing the respectful colors of the Jovian and 
Mercurian houses, they complimented their escorts 
well. The girls grew tired of wearing the same colors 
day in and day out and balls were a chance to wear a 
complimentary color to their birthright.  Tonight I 
eschewed white, Goddess knows that I shall have to 
wear enough of it in the coming years.  Once I became 
Heiress, there was no other color than the purity and 
holiness of white.  The same was true for the other 
girls once they reached their maturity.  
	Both boys stopped their primping once the Lita 
and Rei begin to walk over to them.  Each bowing low, 
they seemed to kiss the ground their ladies walked on 
rather than honoring them.  Rei gave a chill bow in 
return and promptly turned her back to join Ami and 
Zoicite?s conversation in regards to the Wraith 
Kingdom heirs.  Lita was respectfully pulled away by 
Nephrite and Jadeite winked openly at me as he 
sauntered to Mina.  Mina?s eyes were woeful for all of 
a split second before she actively engaged Jadeite in 
a conversation.  Kunzite seemed to take no notice of 
her as he passed her in radiant gold towards Ami, Rei, 
and Zoicites.  Mina?s eyes widened as she saw that the 
pattern on her dress was identical to his coat and 
cape.  I smiled to see this small token for Mina.  
Perhaps it was a coincidence that Kunzite and Mina?s 
clothes of estate were identical, but a nod from 
Kunzite with raised eyebrows assured me that the stoic 
leader of Endy?s boys had a touch of the romantic in 
him.
	As for me?  I stood back, listening to Luna?s 
final instructions and waiting for Endy to disengage 
himself from his father and come greet me.  Endy stood 
tall in shining silks that seemed blacker than the 
navy blue that they were.  His shirt collar was high 
and a golden rose sat at the hollow in the hollow of 
lace.  His tunic jacket and cape were the darkest of 
blues with gold epaulets at his shoulders and gold 
braid adjoining the two sides of the jacket to one and 
other.  A gold cloth was his high seated cumber band 
and leg defining pants were a deep tan accented 
against his knee high black boots.  I smiled as he 
felt my gaze and smiled.  
	
				*		*		*
	Did Sere know how beautiful she looked?  She 
nodded at me as she descended the stairs to come to 
me.  Come to me?I found myself pleading for her to be 
closer.  Father seemed to be distracted by the arrival 
of Uncle Apollo and Aunt Sele.  I bit the inside of my 
cheeks to keep from grinning outright.  Sere?s eyes 
twinkled as she blushed away from Jadeite?s flattery.  
The faint pink of a blush was appearing on her cheeks.  
She was growing up?into a beautiful young woman.  My 
heart faltered a beat or two as I caught what I was 
thinking.  Sere?  My best friend?  She would never be 
more than an annoying little girl, I scoffed, who 
would somehow become Queen.  I averted my eyes and 
hoped that no one had seen what I had just let myself 
reveal: that my childhood best friend was more to me 
than a friend.  What?  She was approaching me now.
	?Am I a truly a mare tonight?? She teased 
twirling in front of me.  I was choking on words.  My 
mouth felt like cotton and my tongue was leaden down 
with emotions I could never express.
	?The most, best, beautiful there ever was,? I 
sputtered out and wanted to kick myself the second the 
words were out of my mouth.  Her face fell and I could 
see the faint outline of a bruise on her cheek, ?I 
mean that you are?.exquisite,? I whispered trying to 
redeem myself.  Her blue diamond chandelier earrings 
grazed across the bruise and I could see her eyes 
clouding and then recognition forcing the clouds away.
	?Exquisite?? Sere repeated and giggled slipping 
her arm through mine, ?You will miss me,? she smiled 
to herself.
	I scoffed, ?Miss the abuse? Please Sere, a year 
apart will be wonderful,? I braced myself for the 
punch that would come.
	Instead, I felt a rush of sadness emit from her 
before she blocked me again.  I squinted my eyes at 
the pain that always came when she blocked me out. I 
wonder if she could sense me.  I wonder if she knows 
that we are bonded and have been since the day she was 
reborn.  Sere?I will miss you more every day and I 
cannot stand this separation?

			*			*			*
Sere?I will miss you more every day? The thought hit 
me like a rock.  I glanced swiftly to Endy.  It was 
his voice, I knew it!  I searched in his face for any 
signs of revelation.  Oh please miss me! I found 
myself pleading mentally and instantly looked away as 
I felt his elbow stiffen and a hand squeeze my hand in 
the crook of his elbow.  I looked back at him so 
quickly my hair wrapped around my body.  Endy was 
staring straight ahead and his eyes glistening.  Luna 
came upon us and absently readjusted my hair.  I 
couldn?t hear what she said as the tingles echoed from 
my hand to my heart.  I took a sharp breath of air?not 
out of nervousness but out of shock.  
	The trumpets paused and begin a melodious fanfare 
that marked the presence of royalty?oh! That was us! I 
had missed the girls? entries and now found myself 
staring at my reflection in the double glass doors.  
Oh! How many times I had been through these doors!  I 
looked at Endy?s reflection?he would not escort me 
again for a year.  A year being escorted by some 
puffed shirt idiot noble boy.  I placed my left hand 
on Endy?s elbow to reassure myself and gain some 
balance as the pages in front of us nodded and pulled 
the double doors open.
	I was blinded as usual by the spectacle of it 
all.  I barely heard the announcer droning on about 
who I was.  I knew who I was and I realized that I 
barely knew the boy whose arm I held.  I knew that he 
was leaving, and this revelation was beginning to tear 
me up inside.  Tears fogged the scene and I had 
started to walk down the main stairs without 
separating from him.  Endy pulled me and barely 
prevented me from tripping down the two dozen red 
carpeted stairs.  We came to a ungraceful halt at the 
middle platform, far from the boys and my girls who 
gave me confounded looks.  It took all my poise to not 
falter and I smiled gracefully at the crowd of people 
who had no clue that I had just stumbled over 
protocol.  Endy turned me to face the double doors, 
now above us and opened to reveal my parents in their 
entire splendor.  I saw my Mother give me a bemused 
look as she and Father descended the staircase towards 
us.  Endy and I entered together into a graceful bow 
as I let my left arm release Endy?s arm and hold my 
skirt out for a low curtsy.  My dress felt heavy and I 
was so happy that my arm still had a hold on Endy?s 
elbow. What was wrong with me? Where was my head? 


		*			*			*

	Beryl fidgeted angirliy at her brother?s side.  
She should have a royal announcement.  She strained to 
see the figure of Princess Serenity.  Her eyes 
narrowed: indeed, she was a beauty and would only grow 
more beautiful.  Beryl sneered as she noted the 
immense wealth that dangled from the silly Princess?s 
ears alone.  Yet, Beryl found her attention diverted 
quickly to the young Princess?s escort.  Endymion?  
Her heart leapt as she watched him descend the stairs 
with the scrawny girl of a princess.  Serenity may be 
heir but she wasn?t even half the woman Beryl was.  
Beryl selfishly smiled as she smoothed her purple silk 
gown over her young curves.  Surely Endymion would 
notice her.  He must!! She was the daughter of the 
late Queen and stepdaughter to a woman who had a claim 
on the precious Princess? throne.  Beryl?s eyes 
measured Serenity.  She would be easy to charm and win 
over?Endymion would be an even greater as she noticed 
that he took utter disdain of the girls who were 
literally falling at his feet.  Beryl decided then and 
there that she would have Endymion.
	

		*				*			*
	The Princess Serenity?she was indeed a daughter 
of Selene.  Diamond absorbed her purity in her smile 
and radiance.  She was a vision in blue and he could 
scarcely contain his lust at what she would be in a 
few years time.  So this was the precious jewel 
Wiseman had spoken of so highly.  He could rule her 
and rule the world.  Oh yes?Diamond straightened his 
jacket lapels, he would have her.  His heart lifted, 
seeing her falter slighter.  What a wonderful girl?
completely different from the few females he had 
encountered?including his sister.  He looked 
disdainfully at her.  She was quickly turning lewd and 
lavaciousness.  Wiseman wanted little from her?but to 
use her as a commodity.  Excellent?he thought to 
himself as he watched the King and Queen take their 
thrones.  
	The music started.  The ball had begun.  Diamond 
move effortsely into the flow and left his sister to 
court as she may.  He had work to accomplish: first, 
getting introduced to Sir Lawrence.
	
			*			*			*

	Endy turned to look at me.  The ball had begun 
and it was now time for Endy and I to join my parents.
	?The jewels getting too heavy for you?  Feeling a 
little woozy?? Endy teased as he stood from his bow.
	My eyebrows furrowed down.  THIS was the boy I 
was hoping would miss him?  Heart hardening to him as 
always, I politely mocked a curtsy.  He took my 
fingers by their tips and led me onto the marble 
floor.  
	Silently we danced, ignoring each other and 
barely touching as we passed each other.  At the 
exchange of partners I noticed a massive flow of red 
hair and then an supposedly accidental elbow in my 
back as we passed each other.  My head turned to see 
who was about to apologize and I noticed purple eyes 
glaring malevolently as she turned to Endy and 
shrugged her shoulders.  My nostrils flared as I 
realized who that must be.
	?Madam Beryl,? Kunzite whispered as he led my 
down the line and spent his thirty seconds with me 
during the exchange of partners, ?Be wary Sere,? he 
said as Mina once again reclaimed him.
	With Endy again I couldn?t help but make a dig at 
Beryl, ?Attracted by the new little ditty at Court?? I 
sneered using words I had overhead from the chamber 
maids.
	Endy?s eyebrows shot up and in vain he struggled 
to keep a smile to himself, ?Madame Beryl?  What 
consequence is it to you what I think of her?? Endy 
replied.  My body froze.
	?The sluts you choose to deal with are nothing 
for me,? I replied coolly, ?If you please,? I left him 
on the dance floor only to run immediately into 
someone else and completely lose my balance.
	?Oh!! Pardon me, forgive me, I walk rarely in 
such kitten heels and I am poor in performance, ?I 
apologized feverently, babbling as I allowed strong 
hands to pull me up.
	?Oh Princess, the pleasure is mine.  Rarely am I 
allowed to interrupt the performance of such a 
beauty,? a young male?s voice greeted me and 
courteously air kissed my hand in his bow.  I waited 
as his blonde, nearly white, head rose.  Pale skin did 
not hurt the boy?s appearance and piercing gray eyes 
coolly looked at me though the prim mouth was all 
smiles.
	?Sir, you have all the pleasure of the 
acquaintance, ? I stammered realizing this must be 
that girl Beryl?s brother, Diamond.
	Another low bow, full of self righteousness, 
?Prince Diamond if it pleases you milady,? I curtsied 
as etiquette demanded.
	?Yes, well, I welcome you to my home,? I replied 
and took a step backwards delicately.
	?Milady is only more infinitely beautiful than 
your house,? Diamond stood to his full height.  
Impressive height.  He rivaled Endy and Kunzite for 
height and in looks he seemed to resemble an even 
colder Kunzite if that was possible.  Diamond flicked 
his hair a la Mina and I struggled to keep myself in 
control.  He looked deeply into my eyes and smiled, ?I 
shall be more than happy to see the sights of your 
kingdom, ?He issued an invitation and I found myself 
staring into his cold hard eyes.  A sudden terror 
seized me.  I felt a cold permeating my skin and as 
suddenly as it came it was gone.  I blinked to see 
that Artemis had clapped Diamond hard on the back.
	?I see that Your Highness had met the young 
Prince Diamond,? Artemis practically growled through 
his teeth and kept his hand firmly on Diamond?s 
shoulder, ?Come young man, as your guardian tonight I 
have other plans for you. Princess,? Artemis bowed and 
he prodded Diamond off.  Meters away, I saw Artemis 
abruptly let Diamond go and Diamond adjusted his 
lapels and brushed his shoulders before being 
introduced to Sir Lawrence who looked hardly happy to 
see him.  
	 I continued to gaze around the ballroom and saw 
that Endy was being currently badgered by his usual 
gaggle of girls and one seemed to elbow her way 
through the rest.  Even Kunzite was helpless as he 
tried in vain to get Endy?s attention so Endy would 
have an excuse.  Mina was also watching this exchange 
but her eyes were solemnly on Kunzite.  A cute young 
guy approached Mina and I watched her shake her head 
and flounce away.  Poor Mina, I heartily wished that 
Kunzite would take more notice of her.  The Princess 
of Venus should never have to look so sad.  Endy sent 
a plea in my direction and I shrugged my shoulders.  
He had made his bed and now he must lie in it.  That 
wasn?t fair?it wasn?t his fault that the girls just 
swarmed to the aloofness that surrounded the somewhat 
mysterious charm of the young knight to be.  Hmph, he 
was nothing to me.  I went in search of Lita and found 
her happily dancing in the arms of Nephrite.  Her eyes 
were so filled with stars I doubt she saw anything but 
her prince.  Lucky Lita.  She always wanted a love.  
Maybe Ami wasn?t busy.  I scanned for her and saw her 
in deep discussion with some of the more intellectual 
boys our age, Zoiscite included.  They burst into 
laughter and Ami turned a tinge of pink.  Apparently 
shy Ami had made a joke.  I smiled and wondered what 
Rei was up as Jadeite had once again engaged Mina in 
dancing.  The so called insult was noticed by Rei 
whose violet eyes flashed a violent purple as Jadeite 
twirled Mina in front of her and her grandfather 
again.  Finally I saw that Grandpa took the initiative 
before Rei caused Jadeite another trip to the 
infirmary.  Grandpa gracefully asked the Princess of 
Venus for her hand forcing Rei to accept Jadeite?s 
proposal.  
	And here I was, alone.  All my girls had been 
beautifully paired off?even Mina had Kunzite no matter 
how distant and cold he tried to be.  I knew from 
overhearing from Artemis and Luna that Kunzite had 
Mina?s missing hair ribbon.  What more proof of love 
do you want?
	Having done most of my duty, and this night being 
dedicated to Endy and his boys, I slipped away to the 
Verandah.  
	The late spring air warmed me considerly despite 
the onset of the night.  The moon was rising and even 
I felt her warmth.  Goddess Selene, you once were 
Queen of the Universe from the Moon.  Now we watch you 
from Earth, awaiting your wisdom.  Help me be the 
Queen I am destined to be.  Let me be worthy of the 
powers you have bestowed upon me.  Please help me grow 
up and not be such a baby.
	?You?re not that much of a baby,? I heard an all 
too familiar voice quip.  I sighed, not even turning 
around to acknowledge Endy.
	?Could you at least let me enjoy some peace and 
quiet?? I jeered and returned to gazing at the moon.
	?Come on, Sere, it was just a joke,? Endy 
muttered as he joined me on the marble banister 
looking out.
	?So, managed to give your entourage the slip?? I 
shot back.
	?You just wish you had one, ? Endy returned with 
a twisted look on his face.
	?What is THAT suppose to mean? You think I want 
your sluts googling after me? Please,? I shuddered.
	?So your interlude with Prince Diamond was of 
business I?m sure,? 
	?Prince Diamond? What does HE have to do with 
anything??
	?So you?re defending him!? Endy retorted
	?I am not defending anyone! IF anything needs 
defending its your sanity! Where in the world has your 
mind gone?!? I cried.
	?So he is more than a friend to you,?
	?Where are you getting these notions Endymion?!?
	?If you would just simply answer the question 
Serenity I would not have to lower myself to asking 
you,?
	?For your information it is none of your business 
what I do or how I conduct myself with members of my 
kingdom,
	?YOUR kingdom, Princess?  Not yet, and I hope I 
am not around for when you DO rule,?
	My temper flared, ?If you WERE around you would 
be BANISHED!? I shouted.
	?FINE by me!? Endy yelled right back and turned 
on his heel, ?I would never come back even if you 
BEGGED me!!?
	?I never want to speak to you again!? I cried 
back, feeling hot tears coming to my eyes.
	?Then don?t!? Endy coolly turned and said with 
menace in his eyes.
	I turned and started running down the stairs of 
the Verandah, across the Grounds to the Labyrinth.  I 
felt my slippers struggle to get a grip on the soft 
grass and I fell a few times before I arrived at the 
Crescent Mirror.  I fell on the stone and started 
sobbing out loud.  What was Endy that another of our 
little arguments should make me cry so much?  I never 
wanted to see him again.  Oh Goddess! What is this 
pain?

		*			*			*
	I wanted to kick myself again when I saw her run 
down the stairs.  I couldn?t leave her on these terms.  
Why did the ten year old always come out in me when I 
was around her?  After hesitating for a few minutes I 
felt Kunzite next to me. 
	?I would run after her,? was all he had to say as 
he pushed his cape to sit over one shoulder.
	I couldn?t help but smile at him, ?And you know 
what to do in these matters??
	Kunzite nodded thoughtfully, ?Very little, but I 
know you care for her and with this mission coming, it 
would be best to leave her happy,? Kunzite dared to 
say what others only hinted at.
	?Of course I care for her, she?s like a younger 
sister,? I denied.
	?If I cared for my younger sister like that, my 
head would be on a stake,? Kunzite ventured an ill 
mannered joke.
	?And the Princess of Venus?!? I retorted, none to 
happy to have my mind spoken for me.
	?She?ll grow into a wonderful woman and warrior, 
?was all Kunzite said.
	?And until then?? I challenged, ?You will let her 
be so sad?  Let her worry for the next year?? I 
couldn?t help myself.  
	Kunzite?s ears pricked.  I saw him lose control 
of his emotions, ?She?s sad??
	I laughed much to Kunzite?s dismay, ?Are you 
blind to the way she follows you with those big blue 
eyes?  You must not see that every movement you make 
she waits for you to come at least a step further to 
her.  One step Kunzite, and she will be assured of the 
way you feel for her.  One step is all it takes Kun,? 
I softly finished my little speech.
	Kunzite covered his emotions again, ?One step 
will lose you from her, run,? Kunzite went swiftly 
into the ballroom again.
	I needed no other inclination.  I ran.  And found 
her where she always ran in times of frustration, the 
Crescent Mirror.  
	She was there, crying softly, facedown on the 
rock that consolidated the shape of the Crescent.  Oh 
Goddess, was I really that cruel?  To make a princess 
cry?
	I approached her and I think that she did not 
hear my boots.
	I paused at her desolate figure, the blues seemed 
more melancholy with her heaving shoulders.  I went to 
my knees and before I could even move an arm towards 
her, she flung herself into my lap.  
	?Endy?? she cried and my arms wrapped around her 
protectively, ?Don?t go??she sobbed over and over 
again.  
	I buried my face in her golden hair, not certain 
of how to put what I wanted to say into words.
	?Shhh,? was all I could come up with.
	?I really don?t like those other girls??she 
weeped, ?Especially?Berrrrrrrrr? the last ended in a 
whine.  What was she talking about?
	?You have nothing to fear,? I whispered, 
breathing in her smell of jasmine and lilacs.  
	She pulled herself away from me and stared, eyes 
as large as the moon that had begun to rise, ?You 
promised! Don?t forget that you promised!? She hissed 
sobbingly.
	*Promised??* ***7years ago****?We?ll never marry 
and leave each other?always together?don?t leave 
me!!*****
	?I promise,? I vowed to myself, I won?t leave 
Sere alone.  I will be the Head of the Luster Guard 
someday.  It is my solemn duty as a knight of the 
Luster Kingdom to protect the Princess and Heiress. I 
will not leave her like?my heart clenched so tightly I 
thought I would gasp?like my mother left me.
	?What will I do without you?? Sere and I said at 
the same time.  Our bodies went stiff and our heads 
rose to lock eyes.  Crystal Blue met mine and I knew 
that I would forever be tangled within those eyes.  I 
knew that every night before I went to sleep I would 
see her like this: hair slightly mused, creamy skin 
flushed pink, large crystal blue eyes fringed with 
droplets of remaining tears, rose lips that parted 
slightly in hope and fear.  I knew then what my heart 
had told me my entire life: I was in love with 
Serenity.  Always had been and always will be.  For 
the first time in thirteen years we would be separated 
and it was more than either of us could bear.
	I unwound my arms from her and went to my neck 
and unclasped my golden rose necklace.  Sere silently 
followed my movements and gasped as I took the fragile 
chain and put it around her own neck.  I inhaled her 
fragrance again as I pulled away.  Her hand went 
directly to her throat.
	?Why?I ?.? Sere was at a loss of words as tears 
came afresh to her eyes. I took her hands into mine 
and stared deeply, trying to steel myself from telling 
this young teenager that she was my every reason for 
living and breathing and that each night I dreamt of 
her, my princess calling me from the shadows.
	?It is safer with you here,? I huskily explained, 
?Don?t be scared or worried. Just touch the rose, 
here,? I tapped the hollow of my throat, ?And I will 
be with you, look, the rose glows when you try,? I 
concentrated on sending love to Sere across our link, 
our soul bond.  The rose glowed and Sere?s eyes grew 
round with happiness.
	She began to search through her dress, ?I have 
nothing for you!? She pouted and seemed on the verge 
of tears again.  I shook my head and pulled out the 
crescent moon locket from my pocket, ?You?ve had it 
all this time?? she asked wearingly.
	I nodded, ?You dropped it on your thirteenth 
birthday ball, and I kept meaning to give it back to 
you??I stopped and put it in her hands.
	Sere held the locket in her hands and being to 
hum the haunting melody as she passed her palm over it 
and the locket opened to reveal itself as a watch.  
	?Endy, I have something I must show you,? her 
hands went into her pockets and pulled a compact out, 
?Moon Prism Power,? she whispered so softly I wasn?t 
sure I heard her.
	Dazzlingly light momentarily blinded me as I 
squinted to see Sere transform from Princess into?.a 
Sailor Senshi.  I knew the girls were Scouts, but had 
never seen them transform or anything.  
	?Sailor Moon,? I whispered affectionately as she 
kneeled in front of me.  Sere opened the compact and 
concentrated so strongly I could see sweat begin to 
form on her forehead and she was beginning to pale.  A 
warm light washed over me, akin to the warmth of the 
moon or the love of a mother.  I felt so much at peace 
and suddenly I felt a piercing in my chest. I looked 
down to see the smallest fragment of what looked like 
a diamond enters my body, ?Sere?? I asked worried.
	She smiled and shook her head.  She looked so 
much older than thirteen at that moment.  She was 
meant to be a Queen, ?Now I will always be with you,? 
she whispered shyly back, ?The Silver Imperium Crystal 
will always protect you?I will always protect you,? 
she put her hand over my heart and de-transformed.  
Once again she was Sere, just Sere.  
	I helped Sere stand up again and I held onto her 
hands for a moment too long and she just smiled 
quietly, softly gazing into my eyes.  My mouth went 
dry and I felt as heavy as a rock.  Warmth ran through 
me as the moment stretched on.  We were in a non 
Earthly plane.  I couldn?t feel my feet, ?Sere,? I 
began unsure of what to say in what was clearly 
becoming a life defining moment.
	?Endy,? she answered just as softly and 
seriously.  Her eyes fluttered to her shoes and her 
lips fell apart slightly.
	I leaned down, closing my eyes, until a glimmer 
of light broke my concentration.  Her crescent moon 
birthmark shone slightly.  Though always apparent, it 
did not seem to shine as strongly as her mother?s did.  
She was still growing up.
	I stopped myself from going any lower and 
reverently kissed her birthmark, ?My,? I begin to 
murmur.
	?Unhand her you uncouth fellow!! Who do you think 
you are, handling the Heiress to the Luster Kingdom as 
such?? Another male voice interrupted my moment with 
Serenity.  My last moment.