Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Sailor Senshi and all terms, names etc associated with
the series are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi and Kodansha so please don't sue me!
AN: This is pretty much a romance story. There may be some action later on but
I'm not very good with them so bear with me.
Part I
Queen Serenity looked at her newborn daughter with tears of delight. The baby prattled on happily, not having a care in the world. Smiling, Queen Serenity picked her up from the crib gently and showed her to Luna and Artemis who waited impatiently to see the new Moon Princess.
"Oh, your majesty, she's exquisite!" Luna exclaimed.
"Yes, she is," Serenity cooed. "Yes, she is."
Both cats sighed happily, knowing that it was the Queen's only happiness these days. They knew that there was some sort of trouble coming up for there was too much negative energy for it to be nothing.
Fourteen years later-
"But Mother! I don't want to go... Why can't I stay here while you go? Please?" Serena begged her mother.
"Serena, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You must come. There's NO way you can get out of this," a stern voice said.
Knowing that she couldn't talk her way out of it, she reluctantly agreed.
She changed into black pants and boots and a silky white shirt, similar to the ones that men wore. She was indeed, very tomboyish but she didn't want to look like a slob. When Serena came down the long winding staircase, Serenity disapproved of the clothing she wore. She wanted her daughter to impress her future husband, Prince Endymion, who was the prince of Earth and future King but Serenity had to admit, changing into clean clothes was a vast improvement. It was unknown to Serena that she was betrothed and Serenity wanted to keep it that way until there was a good time to tell her. Serena was always having big adventures with Mina, her best friend. When they came back, they constantly had clumps of mud and filth that entangled in their hair and clothes. Sighing, the Queen knew not to argue with her. It was useless for she was too headstrong to change her mind. This time, she had her long ivory gold hair into two little buns with long ponytails descending from it unlike when it was pulled back messily and tied loosely with a ribbon a couple of hours ago.
Sighing, Serenity asked, "Are you ready?"
"Yes, mother, I am," said Serena with a little grudge.
The Queen shouted "Moon Teleport!" while a brilliant flash of white light burst out of nowhere and bathed the two with light and finally engulfed them both.
What felt like a few minutes later, both Queen Serenity and Princess Serena had reached their final destination, Earth. Serena looked around, fascinated by her surroundings. "It's beautiful," she murmured aloud to herself.
The Queen smiled, glad that she liked the scenery. Yes, the moon was gorgeous with silver rose bushes all around and lush green grass but the moon could never go beyond Earth's beauty.
There were four guards standing by the portal, waiting for Queen Serenity and Princess Serena to arrive. The four generals who were Jedite, Nephrite, Zoycite, and Malachite bowed gracefully. (Note: In the past, these four were Darien's friends and protectors before Berryl got to them.) There was another gentleman in back of them, who wore a nice black colored ensemble. He bowed as well and introduced himself as Darien. She could see that they were a couple of years older than she was, maybe around 17 or 18. Why do I have to be here? She complained silently to herself. As if Darien could read her thoughts, he smiled slightly, trying hard not to show it.
"Your Royal Highness," Malachite said. "Queen Lauryl and King Terrance is awaiting for your arrival."
Nodding, the two followed the five men walking in front of them. Serena looked to her right and there was a rose bush flourishing beautifully.
There was a large fountain in the middle with a gold rose spout. Serena made a reminder to herself to see it later. Entering the huge palace, the princess was astonished at how beautiful it was. It wasn't much different from her palace on the moon but in some way, it was enchanting. There were different colored long stem roses in ornate vases, intensifying the elegance it already held. It didn't look cluttered like it should have but instead, decorated the rooms handsomely. Pictures of the Earth Royalty garnished the walls.
The Queen and her daughter made their way to the Throne room.
"Serenity! How nice to see you again! How long has it been since I've seen you last? A month or two?" a warm voice welcomed them whole heartily.
"Yes, it has Lauryl," Serenity said. "I would like to introduce you my daughter, the Princess of the Moon Kingdom."
"Your Majesties," Serena curtsied.
Approval from the King and Queen of Earth showed in their eyes. " Serena, why do you dress yourself in those clothes. A lovely princess like yourself should be dressed appropriately," Queen Lauryl questioned.
"Well, your Majesty, it's much easier than going around in those dresses when I ride horses or go venturing in the forests with my best friend," Serena answered honestly.
"You enjoy horseback riding? That's very...uncommon," Darien said.
He had never met a fair maiden who was as eccentric as her. After all, most princesses that he had seen were usually very vain, caring only about their dresses and masquerades.
"What's so strange about that? I find it very exhilarating and relaxing," the surprised princess answered. Why is he so amazed that I ride horses? And what is he doing here? Didn't the other four generals leave? Serena asked herself. "Very well Princess Serena," King Terrance cut in. "Now, I would like you to meet our son, Prince Endymion of Earth. We all call him Darien though and you are welcome to as well."
Darien walked towards his parents and bowed once again to Serena. He's the prince? she questioned. What? Why didn't he tell us?
Seeing upon her confused face, he grinned. Coming out of her confused state, the princess curtsied.
Darien sat on a throne, next to his parents while Serena sat down as well. He looked at her weird hairstyle, which was strange. He had never anyone's hair styled like that. Her gold hair was very silky and beautiful. I wonder how would it feel to run my fingers through her hair, Darien admitted to himself. Wait a minute, what am I thinking? She is waaay to young for my tastes.
"Son? Are you all right? Son?" a deep voice shook him out of it.
"Huh? What? Oh, I'm here," Darien said. He was embarrassed but tried not to show it and hoped that it would soon be forgotten.
"Why don't you give Princess Serena a tour of the palace? It'll be pretty boring for the both of you to stay here and listen to the mindless chatter that will be going on between those two," Terrance muttered, pointing towards Serenity and Lauryl.
"I heard that," Lauryl said and mockingly scowled. Then, the two Queens whispered some more and laughed.
"See what I mean?" The King asked and sighed.
Serena giggled as Darien shook his head and led her out of the Throne Room.
"So where would you like to go," Darien asked as they walked in the spacious hallway.
"Can we go outside? I would love to see your horses and maybe go riding on them. You do have horses, don't you?" she asked.
"Of course we have horses. We have the best!" he replied indignantly at her question. He knew she was challenging him.
"Great! Let's go then," Serena said and waited eagerly for him to tell her where the stable was.
Instead of doing so, he just stood there. "Are you sure you can ride horses?
After all, we wouldn't want the princess of the moon to fall and hurt herself, now would we?" he said tauntingly.
Serena's face clouded over as she crossed her arms. "Me fall? I don't think so! You on the other hand, I'm not so sure."
He laughed as if the idea was ludicrous. "I have never fallen before and I'm not going to start anytime soon either."
"Oh really? Don't be too sure of yourself. Why don't we have a race? Then we can determine who's better. Hold on, let's make this more interesting. If I win, you have to wait me hand and foot for one day and if you win, I'll do it for you. "
"What? Are you sure about that?" Darien asked, unsure it was a very good idea.
"What are you scared?" she asked and started to cluck like a chicken.
"I'm not scared! Fine, we'll do it, even though we both know who's going to win," Darien said.
"Yeah, it's me!" Serena exclaimed and stood proudly.
"No way!" Darien yelled. "Come on, let's go, Meatball Head!" he yelled and started running.
"Hey! Don't call me that!" the princess pouted and started to run after him.
He was quite shocked when she caught up without much of an effort. "I'm surprised that you can actually keep up.
"Yeah, well, you've seen nothing yet. You just watch Darien. I'm going to beat the pants off of you," Serena said determinably.
Speechless, he stared at her. He had never seen a girl, much less a princess, challenge him like that. It was unheard of, at least on this planet.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" she asked and self-consciously felt her face to check.
"Hmm? Oh, no, it's not that. It's just that I've never met a girl like you.
I've seen lots of princesses and young women but they've never dared to talk back to me. It's strange that you would," Darien said, softly.
"Well, get use to it, Endymion, because I'm staying for a pretty long time," Serena replied, trying to lighten the mood.
Soft footsteps made them turn around. "Your highness," Malachite said to Darien. "What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside, showing the princess around?"
"I rather be out here. Today's such a beautiful day, don't you think?" Serena cut in, not letting the prince answer. She sprightly jumped around, enjoying the breezes that whipped through her hair.
Darien and Malachite smiled at the innocence she held. Out of nowhere, Malachite asked, "Just how old are you, Princess Serena?"
"Call me Serena. Princess is so formal and besides, no one's here anyway. I'm 14. Why do you ask?" Serena answered.
"Just wondering..." the general muttered, not really saying what was on his mind. She is pretty young but she looks really good with Darien, he thought.
Darien, having to be friends with Malachite for so long, knew what he was thinking, raised his eyebrow at him.
Serena and me? We could never like each other that way...right? He asked himself.
"So, Darien and I are going to have a little race. Would you like to come and watch?" Serena asked Malachite.
"Wait a minute, racing? Doing what?" the general asked.
"Riding horses, naturally."
"What? I don't think it's such a good idea. I mean, you two are royalty! Not some little kids trying to prove yourselves to each other," Malachite tried to dissuade.
"It's no use trying to change our minds. It's already made up. So are you going to come or not?" Serena asked.
"But...but..." he sputtered.
She was not in the mood to argue. "Darien? A little help here!"
"Well," he began. "We could wait until a few days later to do it." "Hold on. Don't tell me that you are scared of going against me. You aren't, are you?" Serena gave a questioning look.
Darien laughed. "No way. I just wanted to make sure you are up for it."
"I sure am! Let's go!" she said for the umpteenth time.
Malachite just sighed and headed the other way. The others were going to have a field day with this! He thought to himself.
Serena adjusted her helmet and saddled the horse while Darien did the same.
She took in a deep breath and shook her arms and legs to warm up.
"You ready, Meatball Head?" Darien said jokingly.
"Don't call me that!" she shouted angrily.
"Okay, okay," he grinned. She looks so cute when she's angry! Huh? Where did that come from? Darien tried to ignore the warm feeling he felt. "Alright, let's go!" Darien rode off, concentrating on nothing but his destination.
They had agreed to stop at a tree by the lake, which was a towering oak tree.
Serena wasn't quite ready and was left in the dust. Coughing, she kicked her horse lightly and began to gallop. She rode fleetly, determined not to let Darien win. Soon, she was right behind him and she smirked. Just a little more and then I've got him, she said to herself. "Hey, Darien. What's up?" Serena yelled and gave a little wave.
"Nothing much," he said, trying to be composed. How the heck did she catch up? Darien mused. No, I can't let her win.
She galloped faster and was riding beside Darien now. He looked over to her and said, "Hey, you are pretty fast! But I'm faster."
Just as he was saying that, a low tree branch knocked him on the side of his head. Darien fell of his horse and landed with a grunt.
Serena screamed and jumped off her horse. She rushed to his side worriedly as the tears started to appear. "Darien? Are you okay? Darien?! Answer me!"
He sat up with a groan. "Don't worry, Serena, I'm fine. Don't cry. It's just a little scratch."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that I got you hurt. If it weren't for me, you would have been okay," Serena wailed.
"Hey, calm down! I'm okay," Darien said. He hated to see girls cry.
She helped him up and slowly walked back to the stable with the horses. When they got back to the palace, the generals dashed out, worried about their prince. "Where were you?" Nephrite questioned. "Where did you get that gash on your forehead?"
"Itit was an accident. We were riding horses when I hit a tree branch. I'm okay now. It's no big deal," he replied.
Serena guiltily looked at the ground, not daring to look into anyone's eyes.
After all, it was her fault that Darien got hurt, wasn't it? They hurriedly brought him inside and left Serena staring after them.
**Good or bad comments(although do be gentle, its me first fanfic)?? Please send me feedback at loveable84@hotmail.com. Thanx, I would appriciate it! ^_^**