Chapters 1-2

A blond, girl followed the dark-haired man in front of her. The blond hair was done up in an unusual hairstyle, two buns, one on either side of her head, and then the extra hair flowing from either. Usagi trudged along the hallway of the busy airport with her head hanging forward, keeping her downcast eyes on the male feet in front of her. She had finally agreed that her boyfriend should go to America for college but it didn't ease the pain at all. "Usako…?" She looked up and gave a brief smile to her walking companion. "Are you sure-?"

Scowling at him Usagi replied, "Of course, silly! Isn't that your flight call?" They listened for a moment and the pain again entered her heart. Dropping her gaze to the floor she mumbled, "You better get there. It's leaving in ten minutes…" she trailed off as Mamoru lifted her chin with two fingers.

His face betrayed his own pain for being parted from his soul-mate, "Usako, I have a present for you before I leave." He took out a jewelry box and opened it for her to see. Inside lay a moon-shaped diamond melded onto a silver band. "To remember me while I'm away." He slipped it on her finger and brought Usagi into an embrace, "I'll miss you, Princess."

Usagi held back tears and whispered, "I'll miss you too, my Tuxedo Kamen." She didn't mention the strange feeling that had entered her heart and stomach, a strange knot as if she had forgotten something… those emotions had just passed through her when Mamoru had said `princess'. Those same feelings had affected her before at times when he called her Princess Serenity, she began brushing it off thinking it just something from the past. But this time it was much more powerful and she suddenly felt she was missing something.

As they began walking again to Mamoru's flight gate the feeling still tugged at her and she tried to figure out what she was forgetting. Up ahead she was faintly aware of a large group of screaming girls, probably around an idol or something. Usagi continued to stay in her little world until the feeling of forgetfulness flew away as if it had never been there. So shocked she snapped back to reality just in time to see a black-haired boy about her age walk quickly by… she turned her head slightly in time to see him glancing over his shoulder at her. As soon as he was out of sight the old feeling of emptiness filled her. 'What just happened?' she asked herself.

Luna gave an annoyed sigh, "Look, I'm only going with you a little while longer, just to make sure you're not in trouble, then I'm getting out of here and back to the other girls." Above her, Usagi shrugged. They soon were only a few feet from the star trailers. A sign was set up by the entrance reading `employees only'. "You're on your own, don't get in too much trouble okay?"

Suddenly another voice spoke up, "Hey, what are you doing over here? Can't you read?" Usagi gave a squeal of surprise and turned to face her company. Blinking in astonishment she realized it was the boy from the day before. He wore a red blazer over a dark green shirt, and his eyes were covered by dark sunglasses. She noticed then that his long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail that hung down his back nicely.

"No, that was a serious question." He shrugged, "Oh well… wait a minute…" he stood up from his position on the bench and walked to stand in front of her. Usagi suddenly felt her heart flip over in her chest and at that moment she finally realized that the empty feeling had disappeared again. His ocean blue eyes stared into hers and for a moment both saw a brief flash of two young children standing on a hill. "You're the girl in the airport."

The young blond was more than surprised as she read the letter again, "…`I will have a spot saved for you, Sailor Moon. Don't decline this offer. Sailor Aluminum Siren.' Oh no… Rei, Minako, Makoto, Ami! The Lights!" Usagi jumped up and slipped on her shoes again, rushing from the house and not bothering to close the door. She ran as fast as she could down the block until she was able to hail a taxi to the airport.

'It has to be a trap! Why else would the enemy be giving me a ticket for the Three Lights flight? I have to save my friends… before it's too late.' She reasoned that she might as well face Siren now when the `challenge' was issued instead of waiting. If the enemy knew her alternate identity it was only a matter of time `til she had to face them. 'Oh no! The flight leaves at six… please hurry!' Her hands were clenched in fists as the taxi pulled to a stop at exactly 5:58. Paying the driver quickly Usagi ran faster than she had ever done before, as Sailor Moon or on one of her mad rushes to school in the morning. 'Oh please let me make it!' Just a few minutes after six she halted in front of the flight attendant. "Please… you must cancel this flight!" she gasped out.

They were eventually airborne and Usagi was as stiff as a board in her seat. Her knuckles were white with the tight hold she had on the armrests. Seiya glanced at her nervously from the corner of his eye but didn't comment. Finally he just rested his own hand over hers, causing her to jump a little and look to him. Her usually clear, innocent eyes were filled with fear and worry. He would even dare to say guilt. About to speak Seiya suddenly stopped as he heard footsteps from the stairs, and he suddenly noticed a strange smell drifting from the cabin below. "What is going on?"

The woman in charge stepped forward. She had knee-length frosty blue hair and slanted ice blue eyes. A cruel smile of triumph adorned her face as she spotted Usagi, "You received my letter I see. I'm so glad that you decided not to miss this party." A smirk crossed her face again, "I want your star seed for Lady Galaxia."

"I wish you would stop trying to protect her, you can't do anything against me, boy." Sailor Aluminum Siren sneered at Seiya's attempts and moved forward to stand in front of him, "Maybe I should take your star seed too, you're a singer… must be of some meaning." The blue-haired senshi reached out her hand and power gathered in her bracelet just as Seiya braced himself.

Hissing through her teeth Usagi called upon her own power not provided to her by the Sailor Moon part of her or anything else like that, she just took her will power and pushed against the binding ropes. A ripping sound was heard as many of the strands broke and with one final struggle she broke out of her confinement. The blond girl stood up quickly and immediately jumped Siren, knocking herself and the lone senshi to the ground. "Just leave these people alone!" Usagi repeated as she pushed herself up from the floor, rubbing an elbow as she did so.

"It's so very simple. Why don't we just get down to business? You're not going to give up without a fight, are you? Well let's fight!" Her sardonic grin made the younger girl cringe. "Or will you give up so easily just to save your identity? That's so very foolish when you might actually have a chance…" Siren reached out a hand and touched Usagi's locket. It sizzled and sparked briefly, Siren withdrew her fingertips but ignored the sting, "It's a pure star seed alright, now you really aren't going to give up…?"

Flexing her fingers and fighting tears, Usagi slowly let her fingers reach up to caress the locket pinned to her bow. She realized that what Aluminum Siren was saying was true, and however much she hated the idea Usagi knew what she had to do. Looking up with a strained look on her face she replied with, "MOON…"

"ETERNAL… MAKE-UP!" Usagi let her head fall forward and a tear escape as the power coursed through her veins. For the first time the transformation actually hurt, she wasn't sure why but it did. Wincing she felt the wings break free from her back and extend outward until she stood as the most popular `super heroine' in Tokyo, Eternal Sailor Moon. Determination entered her face as she raised her head, eyes burning, "On behalf of the moon, I punish you."

Siren smirked at her, "So you did decide to fight, I wonder why…?" she grinned mockingly and extended a finger to her, "Sailor Stewardess!" The three once-humans ran forward, preparing to charge the lone girl. Bracing herself, Sailor Moon raised her Moon tier and held it prepared.

"SILVER MOON… CRYSTAL POWER…" the blond bit hard on her lip as one of her attackers slammed her hard into the wall, "KISS!" she was able to finish her power-up and was able to transform her attackers back into humans. Struggling to get up she didn't notice as Siren headed to her.

Continuing to hold tightly to the tier, Eternal Moon tried to run through some sort of plans. As Siren mentioned her friends suddenly she realized that it was true, neither Mars nor any of the other inner senshi had appeared to help… and they were on the flight… dread filling her she quickly asked, "What did you do to the passengers?"

Letting out a frustrated cry Sailor Moon charged forward but Siren was quicker and flung the girl down the aisle. Landing hard it took a while for the blonde's vision to clear and even longer for her to sit. By that time Siren was already taking aim and powering up. All seemed to be in slow motion by then, Seiya suddenly shouted and broke free of the ropes holding him and he dropped in front of Eternal Moon, holding her to him as both prepared for the blast. White light suddenly surrounded the two of them and Seiya was sure they were hit, and just wished that somehow he could have saved Usagi.

It took both a while to realize that they were still alive and that the attack had never hit them. Amazed, Seiya took his arms from Usagi, now in her old school uniform, and looked around. He helped Usagi to her feet and both stared wide-eyed at the garden that surrounded them. Rows and rows of multi-colored roses surrounded them for a long time until they hit a wall of ferns. "Where are we?" Seiya breathed.

"No! We… we can't be dead! No!" Usagi gulped visibly and quietly Seiya followed without question. She seemed to know her way around and at the moment he didn't want an explanation why… but somehow he felt that he knew this place as well as she did. "Mother!" Usagi cried, "Mother! Queen Selene! Mother!" Soon they ran down the hallways, passing guards that marched along without noticing them. "Mother?!"

"Listen," the woman speaking had her silvery-lavender hair done in an odd hairstyle, "I never said it was settled. She marries for love and that's final! In my opinion she does not give her whole heart to Endymion, it lies… elsewhere…" she trailed off and looked out the window.

"No more than a month, Selene. Serenity and Endymion are betrothed by that time or we'll be seeing a war soon, we won't be able to stop it either." Selene seemed to give in and nodded her head a little sadly. Silence drifted over the room until the door opened and a woman with greenish black hair walked through.

Usagi blinked, surprised at how blunt Setsuna was. "What do you mean?" She cried, "Setsuna what are you talking about? Endymion and I were betrothed! We were going to be married, damnit! We…" tears flowed down her cheeks and she suddenly threw herself against Seiya. "I'm scared… I don't know what's going on… what happened to the past? Was this what it really was?" Seiya stroked her hair, murmuring softly to her, wondering what was going on himself.

Selene bowed her head in defeat, quietly she responded, "I know that Setsuna. When my husband died I thought I'd never live, but knew I had to for my daughter. That night that I found out she ran away I almost gave up… if it hadn't been for him finding her and them becoming friends, I think I would have lost them both." She looked up, "You know me too well, Setsuna. You already know that I consider him a second child."

"I know," Setsuna whispered, "But… there's one thing you need to know-" she broke off as the door was pushed opened softly and a worn duplicate of Usagi stepped through. Her golden hair hung loosely to the floor and her white princess dress was crinkled. Puffy eyes, red from crying turned to Setsuna and Selene, cowinceidently also towards Seiya and Usagi.

"Selene," an all too familiar voice reached the council room and suddenly through the doorway appeared another `duplicate'. Stepping into the room came a young man with black hair pulled into a ponytail. His eyes suddenly rested on Serenity and pain passed through his face, "Serenity… I…"

"You should be happy, enjoy your new life." Seiya passed her and walked down the marbled hall, his footsteps echoing like thunder. The moon princess slowly knelt down and picked up the single flower that he had dropped behind him, she looked at it and picked it up heedless of the thorns.

Suddenly the scene faded and was replaced with white light, and from the white it turned to blackness. Usagi thrashed around, trying to find someone, anyone. "Mother! Setsuna?" She shouted, wanting some answers, "Mother! Setsuna! Please!" Getting scared and cold she cried out, "Seiya!"

"Yes… why?" Usagi stood up, "Why didn't I ever know that I did not love him back then. Why didn't I know that I loved roses for a whole other reason?! What was so vitally important that I did not know the truth about the past?! What difference does it make for this lifetime?!"

Setsuna held her gaze, "You must understand, Serenity's choice came hard on every kingdom. You were once betrothed to Endymion, but because you thought it your duty. When Lord Seiya went away you knew of nothing else to do and agreed. He returned the day of the wedding and turned things upside down…" Setsuna shook her head, "You broke off the marriage that day. Jimmu and Sakura weren't happy at all, Endymion was hurt but wanted the best for you. Beryl… heh, Beryl was out for blood…"

"You are regaining your memory quickly, Seiya," Setsuna commented, "I wouldn't say that about Taiki and Yaten, however." Healer and Maker were staring blankly at the three people who were telling to what seemed to be a riddle to them. "They'll remember in time, don't fret over it. But as you said, Beryl ultimately destroyed the Moon Kingdom… Usagi, you know the tale of Endymion dying from a blow meant for you and then you killing yourself…" she shook her head. "No… he was trying to stop you from killing yourself. All of us were, your guardians (the senshi), your mother… Endymion. We didn't succeed, Endymion was about to but was distracted when Beryl came for the attack. He tried to stop her but was killed instead, within that time you were able to draw your own knife and… let's not get detailed…" Usagi winced and sank to the floor.

Shaking her head no, the guardian of time whispered, "They don't know. And Selene told me that you would not know of the real past because of the pain you would know. You would have remembered every fight, every loss… it would have been too painful. That's not what she wanted. The Silver Crystal provided you with false memories… you weren't to know of the real past because of the likelihood of those events occurring again."

"Setsuna, the only reason I have even thought about ever staying forever with Mamoru was because I thought it was destiny. I thought I had no choice since there was all this `past love' and `future love' stuff. You're telling me now that it never was and that I, for the past two years, have blocked my heart from loving any other man besides Mamoru. I understand why there was this fake `past' made up, but couldn't we have not remembered anything at all? Wouldn't that be better?" Tears were running off her face as her voice grew hoarse, "I don't understand that. I don't see why I had to live through this, and when I saw my mother arguing for Serenity's choice of her husband in the past… I want to know why I don't have a choice now."

Seiya remained silent through her whole outburst and just gazed at her from a few feet away, wondering if the love that he'd felt for her for a long time now was just a leftover romance. Or if it was true love, just for the girl Usagi was in that day and age. Setsuna broke into his thoughts, "Seiya… from the look on your face I know what you're wondering. The love you have felt is new, but that's what led both of you to remember the true past. We shouldn't talk anymore about this here."

"Trust me, you'll need me with you for a while… I have a feeling that if Siren isn't hurt too badly she'll be after you again. And I do know that no matter how hard they try, Mars and the other inners aren't going to always be able to protect you. Your healing ability has its limits, too, it's not much of a defense when you get right down to it." Usagi nodded as she joined the Three Lights in waking the sleeping stewardesses.

Once they were awake the flight attendants apologized repeatedly for the mess in the aisle and then scurried out to check on the other passengers. Setsuna sat near the exit and Usagi sat across the aisle from her. The three boys also sat separate from one another, left alone with their thoughts. A crackling noise sounded shortly and then the pilot's voice could be heard, "We will be beginning our decent in ten minutes, please make sure that your chairs are in upright position and that the trays in front of you are up…"

"Hey watch it!" Footsteps, accompanied by female voices, drifted into the upper cabin. Usagi turned around to find Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami rushing up. "Usagi! What happened? We can't remember a thing- Setsuna!" Makoto broke off in surprise when she saw the older woman sitting calmly as if she was supposed to be there.

"Just listen," Usagi rubbed at her temples. "It'll explain itself. As I was saying I got a ticket and rushed here, hoping to somehow stop the flight. Obviously I didn't have any luck with that. Siren attacked within that point and the Silver Crystal was able to heal the stewardesses that were changed. Siren… she… attacked… I think? I don't know…" she shook her head and was silent.

The girls sat there for a few moments, waiting for more. Finally Taiki spoke, rather coolly, "A white light filled the room and Siren was forced back, while distracted Star Maker and Healer attacked her and she left. The white dome of light stayed around Sailor Moon and Seiya for a long time and when it left, both were unconscious. They woke up and then this woman appeared."

As the plane began landing, Setsuna wondered over how the true past had been revealed. `This was not supposed to happen. Now what will happen to the future? The Neo-Queen and Neo-King never had this happen… this never happened before! Now what?' She was slowly losing her usually cool and calm demur, this was just too much of a change.

Finally the plane landed and they all exited. The girls waited off to the side, Usagi with a worried look on her face. Three Lights signed autographs and put on masks of cheerfulness as they did so. Seiya barely paid attention, still trying to sort through memories and assure himself that what he felt for Usagi was not something from a past life. He didn't want that. If he truly loved her, he wanted to love her for who she was now. Serenity and Usagi were different. He didn't want Serenity, he wanted to love Usagi; the girl, not the princess.

They caught a bus and headed to the house where the outers were staying. Yaten and Taiki were slowly receiving flashes of memory but not nearly enough to explain everything. Eventually Setsuna motioned for everyone to get off and they walked down a few streets until they came upon a well-kept house. Taiki raised an eyebrow questioningly but continued to follow when he noted the unfazed looks on the girls' faces.

Quickly the girls and Lights slipped their shoes off and followed after Setsuna and Hotaru. "Setsuna-san?" Michiru's voice came from around the corner and soon the young woman herself appeared. Her eyes widened in surprise at seeing the rest of the senshi and the Three Lights following down the hall.

"Let's all sit down. We have a lot we need to talk about and I'm afraid most of you won't believe it." The other Outers carefully relented and moved towards the living room. Soon the couch and chairs were filled so the others were left to lean against the walls or sit on the floor.

Giving the priestess a slightly warning look, Setsuna continued. "For any of this to make sense you must understand that we are all senshi. Haruka-san, matte. Let me explain. Hai… all senshi…" She looked around the room, her eyes falling on every single person. Everyone except Usagi, the Lights and Hotaru wore utterly confused looks as to why Setsuna stared at the boys also. "Introduce yourselves, minna-san."

A sigh escaped Setsuna's lips, "Hai, I said that at first for I too forgot the past. Selene wouldn't even let me remember everything. However I did regain the true memories a while back when Hotaru was still a baby. I could not reveal the past in case history repeated itself. Unfortunately, or maybe not so unfortunate, Usagi-chan has a strong will and refused to listen and stay away. What is truly unfortunate is that now we must go back through the true past and learn many things. Understand that your lives are completely different now and don't think that everything must change now that you know the truth. Please do not change anything."

And then, Setsuna opened her mouth and called out, "Pluto Planet Power, Make Up!" Once the soft mists that had concealed Setsuna's transformation died away, Sailor Pluto elegantly sat straight up in a chair. Her Garnet Orb was detached from the Time Staff and floating before her. "Now let the original tale unfold…" A bright light shot out from the Orb and soon the room was filled with images while Setsuna explained…

Long blonde hair fluttered around the small child as she stood on top of a high hill. The little princess rubbed at her tear-filled, blue eyes with a small hand as she glanced back at the whitewashed palace in the distance. They were looking for her, she knew, they would be calling her name and running around trying to find her. But the young child wasn't ready to go back, to see her mother crying again… to the now seemingly empty bedroom where she used to sit happily with her parents. Those days were gone, forever, she understood that.

Suddenly the wind seemed to whisper of a coming figure and the blonde princess turned her head to face the new comer. Surprisingly enough it was none of her guardians or any of the palace servants, instead it was a young boy with his black hair pulled into a small ponytail at the nape of his neck. His cornflower blue eyes met her crystal blue ones and something clicked together in the little princess's mind. Without thinking she extended a hand and whispered her practiced introduction, "I'm Serenity, Princess of the Moon Kingdom and heir to the Silver Alliance."

Her hopeful eyes could never be turned down and Seiya smiled back at her, bowing mockingly he replied, "Of course, fair princess. Let me take you to the palace." Serenity glanced fearfully at the palace and remembered her mother's teary eyes as she sat on the bed. The blonde began to tremble with tears again, but Seiya rested a hand on her shoulder. "Everything will be alright," he whispered, "Your mother will be frantic about finding you… she needs you now more than ever."

"Stop calling me that, Seiya!" Serenity made a face at her old nickname, "But I know what you mean, I just don't see why they rush into this type of thing. Why rush it?" She had turned on her back and was holding a long piece of grass between her teeth as she stared up at the boughs of the willow.

Next to her she was oblivious of the fact that Seiya was leaning on his elbow and watching her face. He stayed silent as he watched the princess put her arms behind her head and ask her question to the sky. She continued on with a more energetic tone, "Now if I was to fall for a guy it'd have to be true love! I can't rush into things like they do, not for something as important as this. Love isn't to be rushed, that's what I think, but shouldn't Minako know that?"

"You're full of questions today, Odango." Seiya commented, grinning at the musical sound of her voice. Serenity pouted again at the nickname and then stayed silent. This was a typical way of conversing for the two best friends, Seiya would continue using her nickname while Serenity would fake being upset. It was a sort of game to them, a game they played all the time.

The Moon Kingdom garden was filled with many exotic plants from various kingdoms in the Silver Alliance. Since the conditions on the Moon were flexible, almost all species of plants could be grown there. Roses of all colors, from black to peach and purple to teal, could be found blooming in Serenity's special section of the palace gardens. Always roses had been her favorite, even more so than the crimson casablancas which her friend, the princess of Mars, loved. No one was quite sure what the meaning behind Serenity's love for roses, only guessing it was for their beautiful petals and glorious colors. The moon princess herself had her reason for taking time from each day to stop in the rose garden, a certain `tradition' you might say.

It was nine years ago when Serenity was a little girl of eight; her father had died unexpectedly leaving the two females in his life alone. Selene, queen of the moon kingdom, wept for days, locking herself in her room and refusing to see anyone. Serenity had been on her own at that time, and at such a young age she was bewildered as what to do or what was to happen… She left one day to maybe try and run away, she was not sure at the time, it was if she no longer could think but only knew that she had to get away. That day she ran from the palace and off the royal grounds until she was on a hill overlooking her home. At that point she was so lost… confused and in need of a friend, someone to lean on. He showed up then. Seiya somehow had found the little princess (as the years wore on he began to believe that it was in some way set up) and comforted her. Together the two had made their way back to the palace and at one point they stopped and Seiya pulled a white flower bud from his cape. Handing it to Serenity he told her, "This flower, the rose, symbolizes many things. Let it hold our friendship, hoping that it will continue on." In return Serenity hadn't said anything but quietly took the rosebud and placed it in her hair, silently promising that later the two of them could plant many of the flowers in her garden so that they'd never forget their promise of friendship.

"-Are they doing here?" Seiya finished for her as he moved to sit beside her, "Didn't you know what the meeting's about? They have some Earth representatives here and are trying to get them to join the Alliance, for that Selene needed all the support she could get. Luckily most of the planetary leaders were able to come, if not, council members from that planet or moon came."

Seiya grinned back at her, getting a playful twinkle in his eye. "Well maybe that's because I stay awake and listen during our classes." For his comment he found himself pushed back again and Serenity glowering at him. Soon he was laughing at the cute little pout that the moon princess was famous for, before long she joined him.

Toshiko sat attentively in her chair, listening to Selene's proposal for the Earth representatives. So far the negotiations weren't doing too well, next to the Queen of Mercury sat Sari who seemed to quickly be loosing interest in the whole meeting. Sighing softly Toshiko poked Sari in the ribs whispering, "Pay attention, this is very important. If the Earth doesn't join we're in trouble."

"Hush you two! You're pretty loud!" Toshiko gave Sari one last glare before turning her attention again to the meeting at hand. Around the large meeting table sat the queens of each kingdom and three of their advisors. The Phobos Kingdom had even joined in the meeting that day, after a little persuasion on Masako's part.

At the head of the table Selene sat, showing no signs of the stress that she actually felt. The queen of the Moon had her silvery-lavender hair done up in two buns on either side of her head, hanging from each came long flowing strands of hair. It was an unusual hairstyle, but one that had passed down from generation to generation. Even Serenity, Selene's daughter, wore her hair that way.

"Your Highness, we understand your conditions but we are still not convinced to join." A brown-haired, male representative stood up, cutting Selene off. "Their Majesties on Earth want a different, better agreement. The bonds you ask for seem too easy to break and we wish not to commit ourselves to something that may break apart in a few years."

Selene let out a very small sigh, almost not noticeable, before taking a stand. "I can see your concerns, however this Alliance was started many years ago by my grandmother. Not one bond has been broken since her day, why should it break now? We are much stronger at this point. Not only that but I do not know what you could want for a better bond? If all our kingdoms in this system are not joined, how will we ever sustain peace? It won't always last, but if we come to an agreement there won't be some all-galactic war. This system already suffered one once, it doesn't need it again."

From the opposite end of the table Keiko stood up, "Selene, may I interrupt?" Waiting for the approving nod, the queen of Saturn then walked forward to where the Earth council sat. Following her were Ute and Gina, queens of Uranus and Neptune respectively. "I need to point out the fact that we offer you a great opportunity. In the Alliance all planets can relay on their neighbor to help them in times of need. Trade will be good, friendships will stay, and wars should not be fought between one planet and another. Not only that but any noble female can be sent here to the moon and be trained as a Guardian."

Selene nodded, standing up, "Yes, this meeting is adjourned. We will hope to be meeting with their Majesties soon," she commented as she turned her attention to Terra. Everyone else was leaving and soon it was only the two of them left. "I do believe there's another thing added on to the deal Sakura wants?"

Reluctantly Terra agreed. "Yes, what they want for a true bond is the usual way. Through marriage." Selene let that statement roll through her head, a little bit of shock suddenly showing on her face. "You're right, they want a betrothal between their son, Endymion, and your daughter, Serenity. That's such a simple request, can't you do that?"

The empty room left Selene with much to think about. Looking out the window she noticed the garden and guessed that Serenity was there with Seiya, as usual for afternoons when both were free. Shaking her head, the queen turned away and walked forward, in the corner she could have sworn she had seen a shadow move. 'I must be seeing things,' she thought, 'better get some good sleep tonight.'

Once the doors were closed again and Selene had left, a tall dark figure stepped from the shadowy corners. "So that is what's to happen…" the soft voice echoed effectively around the room. She stepped over to the window and glanced up at the sky, "Yes… it is that time." Long green-black hair fluttered as a gust of wind flew across the room. Within moments the figure had melted back into the shadows to wait quietly.

Elegantly reaching a hand out, Michiru lay a comforting hand on Minako's shoulder. Her turquoise, shoulder length hair framed her smiling face as she said, "You know how important he is to her. They've been friends for a very long time now and when they haven't seen each other for a while it's hard, on both of them."

"Yeah, right." Makoto rolled her eyes a little as she sank down onto a green cushion, "It's more like they love each other so much that they can't be apart for even a day! Serenity sees him everyday, even if they don't spend an afternoon together!" She flicked her brown hair over her shoulder to finish off her statement.

Nodding her head, Setsuna replied, "I didn't think I would either. Luckily some events ended the meeting early." Seeing the hopefully looks she told them, "No, the Earth hasn't joined yet. They are, however, bringing the royal family to the Moon Kingdom sometime soon… That does include their son and his guards."

"Selene doesn't want it that way, but if Serenity falls for the Prince Endymion then it will be an automatic betrothal and the Earth will be in the Alliance instantly. It's going to be a tough choice to make. Oh, don't let Serenity know about the betrothal plans, that will make things very… `Uncomfortable', let's just say."

As usual, princess of Mercury, Ami, spoke first, "There is the queen, Sakura, who once was a noble lady from a different family other than the royal lineage. She married the prince, Jimmu, when she was 17. They had a son some years later and named him Endymion, he is now 19 and his parents want him to marry. Prince Endymion has four personal guards they are: Kunzite, Zoicite, Nephrite, and Jadeite."

Smiling softly, Setsuna replied, "It's okay, Haruka. We have time… we have a while yet. Let us enjoy what time we have…" her last statement was muttered under her breath and the others didn't hear it. She looked out the window and wondered vaguely what Serenity would think of the whole thing.

Walking quickly back to his room before dinner, Seiya brushed past the gossiping guards standing by the stairwell. He continued up the steps and entered his room to change. He smiled a little, thinking back to the afternoon with Serenity; they had missed their daily meetings for a little more than five days. It wouldn't seem like much of a loss to most people, but to the two friends it seemed like a few years. Slipping into something a little more formal, Seiya then slipped into his spotless boots that he'd only wear for palace occasions.

Seiya finished descending the stairs in a daze. The current earth royalty… that meant… he grimaced as he moved down the hall, forgetting the court mask that was placed on most people's faces. 'If they have the family come here… that includes Endymion… and if they're so desperate for an agreement…' He winced again and looked worriedly at the dining hall doors, 'They might finally settle on betrothal…' Seiya shook his head, "Don't think like that. But… Serenity…" he trailed off and walked in to take his spot.

After dining, Seiya sneaked away before anyone would know he was gone. Needing a place to think, he decided on Serenity's rose gardens. It was a place where both would go occasionally to think. 'Selene needs them in the Alliance badly enough… I just know it will end up with Serenity being married to that… that…' he sighed, knowing that he couldn't hold anything against the prince whom he didn't know… yet. "Serenity… I can't give you up…"

Shrugging, the Moon princess set her teacup down. "I know the Earth kingdom will play an important role in the Alliance's future, we can't sacrifice our peace so I'll need to know everything I can to help get the Earth to join. I was surprised when Mother told me that the royalty was coming tomorrow-" Rei jumped up in surprise,

"Uh… that's what she said. Maybe it was late notice?" Serenity looked at her stunned friends' faces, "Guess that must have been it. Anyhow, I know that I'll be needed to help persuade them to join us." Minako and Rei exchanged nervous looks with one another but didn't speak. "What is it?"

The wind whipped at the dresses of the many princesses and queens standing on the landing area. Selene wore a rare crown of pure crystal on her brow. Beside her, her daughter stood dressed in a silver dress lined with beads of pearls. The princess of Pluto stood on the other side of Selene, as if a shadow in her low cut black dress.

Serenity fidgeted with her skirt, beginning to lose patience. She wasn't one to be standing around waiting and it was beginning to get on her nerves. Behind her she felt Seiya lean closer to her and whisper, "See that light in the sky, that's them… just a few minutes longer." Serenity smiled a little, it was sometimes amazing how well he could read her and she him.

A loud buzzing noise filled the air and the wind picked up as a large craft made its way down to settle on the platform. A minute or so later, out stepped four servants who let down the steps from the ship. Next followed a tall man with deep black hair and sharp brown eyes. Following him was a woman richly dressed in green, accenting her own black hair and deep blue eyes. Only seconds after the woman stepped on to the platform came another tall man, younger than the first. He had the same striking black hair that his parents had, tanned skin, midnight blue eyes, and a certain aura about him. Not the normal `all-high-and-mighty' air that many young princes had… but something different. Something that signaled he would one day be a caring king. Last out were four males; the first with strawberry blond hair, the next with silver, the third with a rich brown, and the last with sandy blond.

A sudden stab of pain entered Usagi's heart and she forced her eyes away from the form she knew all too well. Something was wrong, she could feel it before but it had never been like this. She felt something missing… perhaps she loved him more than she realized. `Who do I love…? Why do I love…?'

Sighing, Setsuna explained, "Jadeite, Kunzite, Nephrite, and Zoicite were all guards of Endymion. Not originally 'bad'. That comes later in this tale. I wouldn't insult them, Rei-chan…" For a moment she looked amused. "Did you not notice before how you took interest in Jadeite. Don't think it's different from any of the other inners." She smiled slightly before returning to the tale, letting the now flustered Inner Senshi figure out what she had said.

"Queen Sakura, King Jimmu, Prince Endymion. It is a pleasure to have you visiting our kingdom." She came up from the curtsey and studied the family with a careful eye. She noted the curious look in Endymion's eye as if he seemed to be sizing her up. Their eyes met briefly for a moment and Serenity had to blink back her embarrassment at being caught staring… of course he had been doing the same.

In the background Seiya wished he could fade from sight, but that was hard to do when he was standing next to a group of princesses and their mothers. He watched Serenity carefully as she bowed and her reaction to Endymion. A wince crept onto his face as he noted the momentary embarrassment. Seiya turned his attention back just in time to hear Selene, "We hope you enjoy a pleasant stay. Prince Endymion and his guards may join with my daughter and her court. Sakura, Jimmu, would you please meet with me?"

"And here I was under the impression you hated me," Seiya joked dryly. Setsuna raised an eyebrow and let a slight smile creep onto her face. "Okay, this is all too strange…" The boy shook his head while Setsuna just smiled at him. She didn't have to act so distant around these three from another planet anymore now that the truth was being let out. It was somewhat of a relief. A solitary life was just that - solitary. And lonely. It helped to have time to have a few friends.

Setsuna stayed silent for the rest of the way, keeping her own few thoughts to herself. She continued to keep an observant eye over Serenity, Seiya, and the Earth guests… she could feel the beginning of tension between some of the generals and she wondered briefly what it was about. 'No use worrying about it right now,' she chided herself mentally, 'I know what to look for as a warning.'

Walking along the corridors, only the swishing sound of fabric and click of boot heels were heard. Feeling a little self-conscious and nervous, Serenity did her best to keep her eyes focused ahead in the direction they were leading. The sound of someone clearing their throat was one of the most beautiful sounds Serenity had heard in a long time. Her heart thumping as she calmed down she asked, "Yes?"

Serenity nodded in response as four of her friends walked off and once again the group proceeded on their way to the social room wing of the palace. She wasn't the only one feeling out of place, Seiya had moved to walk along side her but was doing so rigidly. Desperately wanting to comfort her friend, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye with a reassuring smile starting on her face. He returned the look before loosening up a little. If the two noticed the sly glances that Makoto, Rei, and Minako exchanged, they never showed it.