The Moon Princess (part 2) Weeks had gone by since the princess had appeared. Neflite was defeated and Zoicite was the new threat. Luna had begun to wonder why the princess hadn't come back. But they had just found Sailor Jupiter that evening, so there were more important things to deal with. Queen Beryl, on the other hand, wanted to find out who that girl was. She ironically sent Selenite to look for her. " Countess Selenite, I'm not please with the fact that this 'princess' has yet to be found." Selenite obviously could tell Beryl she knew who the girl was. She also knew that Beryl would surely kill her. "I know you realize how badly we need that crystal. The princess must be the key. While Zoicite is out finding the next rainbow crystal, I want you to search for that girl. Understand?" "Yes ma'am." Selenite spoke, bowed, then she walked out of Beryl's chambers. "I must go speak with Queen Metilla. She will know what to do." As she walks to the doors of Queen Metilla's chamber, someone catches her eye. Selenite smiles for the first time in a very long time. He moves slowly to her, looking around for someone. "Malachite dear, Zoicite is out doing Beryl's bidding. It's safe." He rushes to her, picks her up and twirls her around. She gives him a quick kiss on the nose and he too smiles. "Selenite, it's been so long since I've seen you. You look beautiful as always, maybe even better." He sets her down and notices the look of worry on her face. "What's wrong my love? Is it Zoicite?" He becomes extremely nervous, and begins to glance around for Zoicite. "No, no it's nothing like that. I'm fine and no Zoicite hasn't been around lately. I just need to speak with Queen Metilla, alone." She spoke the word with a finality to it. Malachite knew better than to ask why. He kissed her on the forehead and she turned around to leave. "I'll talk with you later, I just have to do this myself." "Does this have anything to do with your orders from Queen Beryl? Or that princess? You can tell me, I won't tell anyone Selenite." The pleading look in his eyes made her nod her head in agreement. "Yes, you can come with me, but you must not speak a word of what you hear to anyone." They opened the doors to Queen Metilla's chamber. Malachite turns to lock them securely and joins Selenite in front of Queen Metilla. "Countess Selenite, I see you've finally decided to learn about yourself. But why did you bring him?" At first, Selenite wondered how Metilla knew why she came but decided it didn't matter. Then she stared to laugh softly, only at the face that Metilla didn't seem to like Malachite at all. "I need to discuss with someone, what I learn from you. Please tell me what I need to know, then we shall leave you in peace." Well," Metilla started with a somewhat upset voice, "only for you Selenite. It started a little over 1,000 years ago. Queen Serenity, the ruler of the moon kingdom, gave birth to twin girls and were given the names Serena and Serene. They were alike in every way, well almost. Serene was the one chosen to rule after her mother. The two girls were beautiful with long blond hair always worn up in the royal style. As the two grew older they became closer and closer and spent all free time in their mother's garden. As the time was growing near for Serene to marry, she was found in the garden more and more. On Venus, during this time, there was a war raging. Afraid for her daughters' safety, she sent Serena to Mercury and Serene to Earth. Neither the Queen nor the two princesses knew that that would be that last time they would all see Serena as herself." Metilla stopped for a moment but continued when she saw the look in Selenite's eyes. "Serena arrived on the Earth and was greeted by the prince, Endymion. They fell in love instantly and spent the next two months at each other's side. No one had seen them separate once since she got there, which pleased everyone since it was also time for the prince to marry. His mother was a close friend of Queen Serenity and together they decided to have the two married as soon as the war on Venus was over. They announced their engagement on the night before Serene was to return home. Unknown to either of them that this was to be the last night they would see one another. Beryl was a just a jealous Earth princess who had been turned down for marriage by the prince on many occasions. Now she hears he is marrying "that moon child". So she met the two in their nightly walks through the Prince's rose garden. She screams at him and threatens Serene. Without warning, a blast of energy comes from her hand, intended for Serene, but it hits Endymion because he jumped in front of her. Endymion fell to the ground clutching his chest. Serene then knew these were the last moments they would be together. She then falls to her knees, crying. Beryl knew that was her chance to act her revenge. She told Serene that the prince could live if she would join Beryl's growing army. The heartbroken Moon princess thought only a second, then through her tears, shook her head yes. As she stood up, she slipped her engagement ring into his palm. Beryl used the same powerful force she used moments before only this time, she restored his life. When the prince awoke it was to Serene crying and at Beryl's side. Serene rushes to his side telling him over and over how sorry she is okay as well as to tell her mother and sister she was okay and this was 'my choice to save you'. Beryl made a gesture with her hand then disappeared followed by Serene. Leaving the prince confused and his heart shattered when he found his engagement ring to her, in his hand. Endymion closed his eyes and silentlywept." Selenite was shocked at what she had just heard. She finally understood what had happened only weeks before with the Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo mask. She whispered to herself, "So I must be Serene, but who is the prince and how will we find each other again?" "A wonderful question Selenite, but you must find the answer not me." Metilla had heard her somehow and Selenite looks towards her. "Now you mustn't tell Beryl that I told you this. She is still very jealous. Even after 1,000 years, she hates the love you two share." At these words Malachite closes his eyes and looks away from Queen Metilla. Fists clenched, he speaks, "Does this prince even remember her? If Selenite didn't remember any of this, what makes you so sure he still loves her. For all we know, he didn't return to Earth with the Sailor Scouts." Selenite now knew why Metilla did not like Malachite. He questioned her intelligence. She also knew the only reason he asked this was because he was envious of this prince whom she didn't even recall. "Malachite, dear, I'm sure he doesn't even know I exist." Selenite frowned and looked away from him so he couldn't see the tears forming in her eyes. Metilla, sensing the discomfort of Selenite, speaks once again. "Malachite, since I noticed the nervousness of Zoicite coming back. I shall inform you that she is on her way back as we speak. So, unless you would like Beryl and Zoicite looking for you, I'd suggest you leave." Malachite turns and bows to Queen Metilla. He then took Selenite's hand and kissed it lightly. She looked up at him smiling and he quickly left. "Of all the men you've met Selenite. You had to choose General Malachite.Why?" Selenite started to giggle softly. "Do you hate him that much Metilla? I've found him to be quite the gentleman." "Well, he does have Zoicite keeping him on edge. What is that all about?" "Would you want to make Zoicite upset? She is a tad bit obsessed with him. Now, could we please drop this subject Metilla?" "As you wish Selenite. Is there anything more you need to know for now?" "No, nothing. Thank you Metilla." She spins around, but stops and turns back, "Wait, I have one question for you.""Yes Selenite?" "Why are you telling me all this?" "Because my dear, you have the most promise. Among all my minions, you are the one whom will succeed past all expectations. Beryl is to bitter and will not succeed. I have seen all of this and if you perform at your full potential, you shall rule beside me." "Thank you. I will try my best. I must go now." Selenite bows and leaves. As she is closing the door a lesser general ran by, but she grabs his arm. "What is going on?" "Oh, Countess Selenite, " he bows since he is of lower ranking, "I am terribly sorry. I did not see you there." "Yes, understandable, but tell me, what is going on? Where were you runningto?" "Zoicite is back.""So? Why are you in such a rush to see her?" "Because, Countess Selenite, she didn't return with the second rainbow crystal. Beryl is giving her an earful; and I would love to watch." He bowed yet again and then left as quickly as he came. "I guess I should go. It could be very amusing." Selenite smiles to herself and walked off toward Beryl's throne room.