You always win. C'mon, you don't want to be late." Mercury paused for a second and then quickly
addded, "there will be plenty of guys there."
Just as was expected, Serena came bursting out of a closet and came running at full
speed past Mercury to the throne room.
"C'mon Mercury!! Don't make us late!"
"That's our future queen." she said quietly as she rolled her eyes and followed her freight train
princess.
* * * *
"Thanks for showing up."
"Shut up Mars. I came as fast as I could but I had to wait for Mercury. She is so slow
sometimes. And such a liar, there are no guys here."
"That's fiction princess and you know it" Mercury stated blindly from over a book.
"Hey! If you haven't noticed we're trying to talk here. That means no books. Now put it away."
"Your just jealous because you can't read three sentences without having to look up the
pronunciation."
All heads turned towards Mercury, mouths wide. Well, all except for that of Venus, of
whom the insult was directed. She of course, was furious.
"I AM THE LEADER. I'M TOO BUSY MAKING SURE THAT YOU GUYS DON'T GET IN TOO MUCH TROUBLE TO
SHOW UP FOR CLASS." Venus stated through gritted teeth.
"You keep telling yourself that."
"Now you too. Stop it. That's very childish and disrespectful. We're here to talk about something
very important and we don't need our time being wasted on such trivial things like Mercury
reading a book and Venus' inability to. Now lets get to business."
This time, all heads turned toward Serena, hardly believing that the words had come from
her mouth.
"Stop it. You act like your surprised that I would speak up. I AM the princess you know.
I take classes while you girls are training with your powers."
"Good point. Okay, so let's get done to business. The upcoming trip to Earth. We should
be prepared for anything. We've all heard the stories about the small little groups of people who
are plotting against us correct?"
Four heads shook a yes in response.(AN-These people include Serena, Mars, Mercury, and
Jupiter.)
"Well, some of these groups aren't so small anymore, although they aren't really a threat
to us yet. But that doesn't mean that they won't try. Our people say that it mostly consists of
regular Earth people so we don't have to worry about being at a disadvantage. After all the
training we've been doing, they won't be a problem. But we will still need to learn to control
them a bit better. We just want to temporarily shock them, paralyze them if you will. That way
we can easily move them without resistance. Also, I don't think it would help us much, blowing
up a couple of Earth people. This trip is to try to improve the situation, not make it worse. So
that means being very careful and try to be on your best behavior, for goodness sakes. We are
representing the moon, well at least you are Serena. All the rest of you represent your own
planet. Well not with all that boring stuff gone and done with, you are free for the rest of the
day. Have fun."
The senshi and Serena all exited the room and went there seperate ways. Serena watched
them all go. 'Mercury to the library, Mars to the prayer room, Jupiter to the kitchen, Venus to
the tailor. Everyone has a talent. They'll all have a place that they'll belong. Unlike me. The
only place I'll ever belong is in clown school if they would even have me. Maybe I'll sit in the
gardens. I always fell at peace there."
She made her way through the large marble halls towards the gardens. There was a perfect
view of the earth there. She leaned up against one and sighed. The beauty of earth always made
her feel ugly, knowing that her looks would never compare to that of the planet they protected.
After a few minutes, she continued her walk towards the gardens. It was the only place
that she could go without having to worry about being interupted. She came here to think often,
usually about conflicts with one of the senshi, or sometimes just to relax. The gardens, at least
these gardens, were private. Only the royal family were allowed here.
Serena finally reached her favorite place in the gardens. The rose garden. On the moon,
all the flowers were artificially created, so the scent had to be created in the lab and manually
be poured into the flower. The scent was still beautiful, but she still longed to know how they
really smell. It had been her dream to go down to earth and spend a day in the gardens, being
free of all the cares and worries that came with being princess.
She layed back and stared up into space. Rose petals were strewn all over the ground
around her, as the fake roses never really lasted that long.'Maybe there will be guys there.' She
smiled at that thought. Although she couldn't really have a relationship with one, it would be
nice to talk to one. She wasn't allowed to up here since the only males up here were servants.
"Serena dear, come in. You'll be late for dinner."
"Coming mother."
Angered slightly at being disturbed she quickly stood and adjusted herself as she
followed her mother.
"Serena, what's the matter? You seem like your thinking about something."
"What is the BIG DEAL if I'm thinking? You and the senshi yell at me when I don't and now
odd when I do. I can't be good at anything can I? I can't control fire or water of lighting of
lasers. I thought would be happy that I'd finally decided to work hard and think about things
but nOOOOOoo. It's too weird. Well I'm fed up. I'm skipping dinner. GOODNIGHT!"
Serena ran towards her room, tears starting to stream from her eyes. 'What's the big
deal? I'm not that stupid.'
She entered her room and slammed the door behind her. 'Better lock it just in case.'
She did and then wiped the tears from her eyes. She walked to her balcony and sat on the railing,
her feet dangling over the edge. 'I bet I wouldn't have as many problems if I lived on Earth. I
bet lots of people are super smart and beautiful down there. Of course if they are, I might not
be accepted there too. All the senshi only like me because i'm the princess. At least, that's
the impression they give. Always calling me princess. It's not princess, it's Serena.'
Time passed unoticed by the wallowing Serena. She didn't notice as the lights outside the
palace were lit. Or that most of the rooms lights were turned out. She just sat there thinking
hard about her life, and how she hoped it would change after the trip.(AN- If only she knew huh?)
* * * *
The morning of the trip was not as busy as Serena had expected. Everything went as it
would on any normal day. Servants cleaned. Breakfast was served. Clothes were gather and washed.
It was sooo boring that when the time to go actually came, she nearly wet herself with
excitement.
"Jeez Princess, relax. Your gonna embarrass us."
"MARS. Don't talk to the princess like that. She could have your head chopped off for that."
Queen Serenity laughed at the face Mars made.
"Just kidding. You know my Serena wouldn't have the heart to do that. At least not watch them
do it."
The flight was much like the ones they took to the other planets. They were offered misc.
treats and others of the sorts to occupy themselves on the short ride to Earth.
"Serena. I'm sorry about last night. I didn't mean to make you upset. It wasn't the fact
that you were thinking. It was just that you looked...distant. I hope you can forgive me."
"Oh mother, only if you forgive me. It was totally inappropriate of me to blow up at you
like that. I was just upset. I'm not sure why though."
"Well than I guess we forgive eachother. Now let's enjoy this trip. It's your first to
Earth. Aren't you excited."
"I'm so excited, I can't even put it into words. Do you think the majesties will let me
go in there gardens. I would love so much to see them and smell the flowers. Can you imagine,
real flowers."
Serenity nodded. She said nothing more, leaving her daughter to her own thoughts about
the future.
Once they arrived on the planet they were immediatly taken to the palace. They had to
dress in long flowing dresses, since thats what royalty did on this planet. Serena thought it
terribly stupid and shifted uncomfortably in the white gown. It had a corset-like top and flowed
outwards at least a foot amd a half. The pearls that were around her neck didn't bother her much
though. She was used to those.
The room they were led to looked like a throne room. As she saw the king and queen
sitting up on the chairs, she knew she had guessed correctly. Serena followed her mother ahead
of the now bowing senshi and stood next to her as they did their own sign of respect.
"Thank you so much for allowing us to visit your beautiful planet. It is quite an honor."
"No Serenity, the honor is all ours. Your presence has aroused much excitement around here. You
must excuse our son. He was supposed to be here, but you know how princes are. Probably fooling
around with those irresponsible generals."
"I know exactly how you feel" she said eyeing Serena and the other senshi.
"Well, let's not get serious right away. Our butler will show you to your rooms and then you are
free to wander around the grounds."
"Um, your majesty?"
"Yes Princess Serena?"
"Would it be alright if I went in your gardens. I've waited so long to smell real
flowers." She flashed him a bright smile.
"Of course. Have fun. And even take a few if you'd like, we have plenty."
"Thank you." And doing a curtsy she left them to their own duties.
"Would you like me to show you to your room Princess?"
"Certainly. And then, could you please point me in the direction of your gardens?"
"Of course."
Serena followed the man through many halls and stairs until finally reaching her room.
"Your bags have already been unpacked so you may relax. The gardens are right below your
window. If you go out to the balcony and down the stairs, you'll be right there."
"Thank you so much."
Serena quickly closed the door and waited until she couldn't hear his steps anymore. Once sure
he was gone she took of her pearls and dress. She walked over to the bourdeiur(AN- a fancy
dresser) and pulled out one of her favorites. A light blue chiffon gown that sparkled brightly.
Without any sleeves and long flowy ribbons, it was the perfect dress. She smiled and walked into
the gardens, taking her hair out of their buns as she went down the stairs. It trailed at least
five feet behind her as she walked through the first flowers. The smells were very strong. They
all smelled wonderfully to her. She stopped to smell each kind. Then she saw them. There was a
large entrance to a huge rose garden. She ran into it and was amazed at what she saw. There were
so many types it almost made her dizzy. White, red, blue, pink, the colors awed her. She walked
towards some perfect roses that were growing down some beautiful vines. She plucked one and
breathed deeply. The smell was so wonderful and different from the ones on the moon. Tears began
to silently flow in rivers down her cheeks. She smiled and tried to brush them away when she saw
something through the hole. Moving closer, she could distinctly see a group of men sitting
together and laughing.
Only one caught her eyes. He seemed to be their leader as he wore armor while the others
wore uniforms. Suddenly, one of the men pointed straight at her. They all looked as she dashed
behind a bush. 'Ouch.' She looked down and realized that she had given herself a deep cut as she
passed the roses. She sucked in a deep breath as the blood began to drip the length of her arm.
She heard footsteps coming closer. Serena quickly gave a poor attempt at wiping away the blood.
She soon began to panic as the footsteps stopped on the other side of the vines. She waited.
Nothing. After a few seconds she stood, thinking the coast was clear. Then, as she fully stood
the leader was standing face to face with her. Actually shoulders to eyes with her, as he was
much taller. She snapped her head down, staring at her feet as she awaited his words.
"May I ask you what your doing in here? These are private gardens for loyalty only. Not
peasant trash like you. Go on, before I have you removed forcibly."
Serena looked up at the man.
"I'm very sorry. I didn't think anyone would mind. I just wanted to see how roses really
smelled."
He gasped. He was staring directly at the crescant moon on her forhead. 'She must be with
the visitors from the moon. Oh no, there here. Mom and Dad aren't going to be happy.'
He noticed her starting to leave and quickly grasped her shoulder
"Ahh."
He quickly pulled away and felt liquid start to drip down his hands. He looked down.
Blood. Hers.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'll just go now. I'm sorry for bothering you."
"Wait. Your from the moon aren't you?"
"Yes. Why? Who are you?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't know. I'm Prince Endymion. Please forgive me."
"Forgiven."
"If your from the moon than you must know the princess."
'He doesn't recognize me?'
"Yes."
"Well do you think I could I ask you a few questions about her? I have to meet her soon."
"Sure. What do you want to know."
"Well is she smart? Pretty? What's she interested in? High horse? Shy?"
"Slow down. I can't keep up."
"Sorry. Nervous."
"Ha. You shouldn't be. The princess if very relaxed. She doesn't think of herself as
anything.. special. She often puts herself down. She is smart but doesn't show it all the time.
Polite. She's a great friend. Always puts others first."
"Well that's a relief. So does she like guys or she like that Uranus and Neptune that
I've heard about?"
"Yes she is interested in guys, but I'm sure that she wouldn't like you talking about the
senshi like that."
"Sorry."
"That's fine. Well I must be going. I'll be seeing you at dinner."
"Yes. I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too."
* * * *
Once Serena had changed out of her 'improper clothes' she went to the vanity and tried
to do her hair. Unfortunatly, things didn't work out for the best. In the end she sipmly put it
into two long braids on each side of her head. Then wrapping it around once, she tied it and let
the rest fall. Then she pulled some flowers out of a vase and put them in her hair. She smiled,
thinking that for the first time, she was beautiful. After adjusting the same white gown as
before, she made her way through the halls to the dining room. She arrived and was relieved to
see that she was early. 'Now I'll have some time to relax.'
She slumped in a chair and leaned her head back as she stared at the ceiling. Paintings
of angels floating on clouds were strewn all over it, being accentuated by the light bursting
from the chandelier. Her train of thought was immediatly interupted as she heard a rather
masculine voice.
"Hello?"
She returned her head to a normal position and smiled at him.
"Hey."
"Your early."
"So what? You are too."
He smirked.
"You've got me there."
He went and sat next to her. She returned his gaze.
"So are you excited about meeting the princess?"
"I guess. From the way you described her she sounds great, but now that I think about it, I
wonder if I'm good enough for her."
Serena smiled sweetly thinking what a good heart this prince must have, speaking like
this to someone of whom he thought was not of royalty.
"I'm pretty sure that she already likes you."
Serena regretted the words as soon as they had come out of her mouth.
"What's that supposed to mean? We've never even met."
He was one confused prince.
"She's seen your picture and heard desciptions of you." she quickly blurted. It wasn't
a lie. She had many times heard from her mother and Luna about the prince of earth who had taken
many a girl. For some reason, it made her more attracted to him.
"Can I tell you something?"
"Of course. I'm all ears."
"Well, after meeting you, I'm not sure that I really want to meet the princess."
Serena just stared at him.
"We've just met. How could you possibly think something like that so soon? I mean c'mon."
"That doesn't matter. Your so beautiful and intelligent, it wouldn't matter if she was more. I
don't really care if she is."
To Serena's relief, everyone else came in at that exact moment.
"Hello Endymion. I see you've met Princess Serenity. Let me introduce you to the senshi.
This is Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter."
They all had done the necessary bows and smiled at him as they took their appropriate
seats. He looked at Serena, a dazed expression on his face. Instead of saying anything, he just
smiled and took his seat next to her.
The meal's conversation was very small. Endymion never spook to Serenity, too confused to
say anything. She didn't speak to him, fearing that he was furious with her.
As the meal ended, they simply said a polite goodbye as they walked in opposite
directions towards their bedrooms.
*************************************************************************************************
Serena awoke with a start in the middle of the night. Her eyes moved slowly along the
room, searching for the cause of the sound that had startled her. Unable to see a thing, she
turned and turned on the lamp. There, at the end of her bed stood the prince, in only his pj's.
"You better have a good explanation being in my bedroom at this time of night, and in
your night dress no doubt." she said as she stalked over to him, forgetting about the sight her
nightgown gave. He of course hadn't said a word, since it didn't bother him a bit.
"I'm not the only one who has some explaining to do, Princess." he said coldly.
She could tell he was upset at her for not telling him who she was. It was oh too obvious in his
voice.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you upset. I was just startled at what you'd said to me.
I was going to tell you, but then you didn't know who I was and I guess I wanted to know..."
She let her voice trail on into nothingness.
"Yes go on. Know what?"
She hesitated. Serena didn't know if she could bring herself to say it. One look into his eyes,
told her she had to.
"Know what you thought of me." she said quietly.
This wasn't the answer he had expected. He stood awhile in silence, thinking of what to say next.
"Oh, well, um.. I suppose that will work as a reason." he said as he nervously ran his
hand through his hair.
"And what is your reason for being here?" she asked, once she'd regained composure.
"I came to..to..to ask you why you lied."
"And now that you have your answer you can leave me be."
"Wait."
He grabbed her by the waist with both hands as she tried to turn away.
"What do you want?" Her voice was shaking and he could tell she'd started crying.
"Serenity."
He pulled her close to him, feeling terrible as each sob wracked her small little body.
"Serenity, please. Don't cry. I'm sorry.I shouldn't have been so cold."
She walked out of his embrace onto the balcony, the moonlight giving her a mysterious aura that
took his breath away.
She turned only her head to look at him, the tears giving off little specks of light as
they slid silently down her cheeks and onto the cold marble floor.(AN-She looks just like she
does during the tv show, when she's in his dreams.)
Endymion slowly walked up to her. They were standing in silence, only inches away from
eachother. He wtched her as she bent her head upwards and gave him a light kiss on the lips. It
was sweet and gentle, but only lasted a few seconds. She went down from on her tip toes and
turned away, blushing profusely.
"Take this" he said as he pulled a perfect red rose from behind him.
"Keep it with you, so you will always remember the scent of a rose."