Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Finding Love ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: CrescentMoonGoddess 
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.03.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.2K | Visits: 249 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.03.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.2K | Visits: 249 | Status: Work In Progress
FINDING LOVE
I am so very sorry for this long wait. I know it’s been an inexcusable amount of time since my last update but school got in the way of any creativity. I just want to say thank you to the people who are still willing to stick with me and will read this chapter. I’m hoping this long chapter will act as some sort of a reward for the people who are still reading. Again, this chapter is important for development. I keep meaning to write more interaction between Endymion and Serenity but there are a lot of questions that need to be answered about Serenity and her life…and a lot of them are answered in this chapter. The next one will definitely be more Endy and Serenity intensive.
Merry Christmas everyone, and here’s my present to you all. Again, thank you to everyone who reviews because really the reviews make it worthwhile to write and thank you to the people who felt it worthwhile to PM me – they made my day.
Here are some specific comments:
@ LGCoffeeAddict: I hope it’s still as intriguing and that it doesn’t disappoint you in the upcoming chapters.
@bunnyofthemoon89: Sorry about the grammar, it’s not my strong suite. I hope it doesn’t detract from the story.
@Moon Titan: Thanks! And I’m sorry about the long paragraphs…I was so excited to put it up that I forgot to go back and break them up…the new chapter should be better and I’ll go back and fix the first two. And I know what you mean, a story deserves an ending, and there are a lot of authors that don’t finish some of my favorite fanfics…but I will try my best to finish this one.
@Catherine/Sailormoonie17: Sorry, my intention wasn’t to make it as straight forward as it may have come out as. The attraction is based on the soul bond they share…they feel attracted to one another, but that’s not enough for them to fall in love with each other. Serenity, for one, will find him despicable for a while :P So, they won’t fall magically in love, but there is an attraction between them from the beginning. But thank you, I’m glad you liked it thus far.
@Lina: Thanks! And yes, Serenity’s character will definitely be strong and independent. I can’t stand when she’s portrayed as a weak, always crying and obsessing over Darien/Endymion persona.
@Prisk.Star: Thanks! And I’m glad it came out as something different and yes the time travel thing really hasn’t been done in sailor moon fanfics before, so I hope it’s refreshing.
@Keeper of the Covenant: Lol! Well I feel the exact same way about Endy (love him!) and I love how the story made you think of so many alternate continuations. I hope the direction I’m taking the story doesn’t disappoint you. Raye will be some sort of an ally for Serenity and yes, Endymion will definitely continue being an arrogant pighead about Serenity for a bit. Well, I hope you like the new chapter and continue reviewing and tell me what you think.
@mangamania: Thank you for reviewing twice! I hope you like this chapter.
@Lala: Thanks! I really hope this is a good one too (fingers crossed) and sorry for the long wait.
@ARABELLA VIOLETTA: Thank you so much! I love how excited you are about the story, both your reviews made me smile. I’m glad you like my character pairings and even though there is no rival for Endymion as of yet, I assure you it won’t be smooth sailing for Endymion and Serenity. I really hope you like this chapter as much as the last and that you continue reviewing (reviews make my day!)
@SerenityMoonGodness: Thanks, I hope you like this chapter too!
@ella1234: Thanks ella! I know you were eagerly waiting for this chapter and thank you so much for your reviews and PM. And I just realized that you were my first review! Well hopefully you like this chapter and find the wait worthwhile!
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Chapter 3
Touching the necklace in awe, Raye answered, “It’s not just any necklace…the fact that you have this necklace means that you’re a, a-” She looked up in bewilderment at Serenity, and studied her for what seemed an eternity.
Unable to wait any longer, Serenity asked impatiently, “A what? Do you know why I’m here, in this time period?”
Composing herself, Raye said with a sly grin, “It means that you are a healer.”
Confounded, Serenity asked, “A healer – what exactly is a healer?”
Raye placed a flaming torch in a holder mounted upon the side wall of the room beyond the cold metallic bars of Serenity’s cell, and was now leaning against these. The raven-haired young woman seemed lost in her own thoughts as she stared hard at the slate-gray floor, mumbling occasionally to herself.
“Raye?” Serenity prompted.
Raye broke out of her trance as calculating purple eyes met confused blue ones. “Well it’s just a myth so I’m not sure if it’s true…”
“Tell me what you think anyways. I’m already confused so anything you tell me could help clear some things up,” she replied.
This was true. Serenity was beyond just a state of confusion; she was in a different time, in a different place, with people she didn’t know and to top it all off, she was in jail. There was also a high chance that she would be killed by a gorgeous but arrogant Prince. So anything Raye could tell her, whether it was myth or fact, would help her put things into some kind of order. Maybe Raye’s story would spark a deep-seated memory locked somewhere inside her, or strike a chord of recognition; anything. Serenity desperately wanted some answers; she wanted to know what she was doing here.
She then looked up to find Raye watching her; probably beginning to understand her inner turmoil she surmised.
“The Healers are legendary amongst our people. They are an ancient race, and it has been said that their powers were granted to them by Selene herself,” Raye began.
“Powers?” questioned Serenity.
“Yes…the belief is that these powers to heal were granted to them by Selene—that is why they are called the healers. Legend says that the blood of healers has some sort of curative properties and it allows them to heal wounds, such as cuts and abrasions. Some advanced healers can even save lives,” Raye said and then paused, giving Serenity time to absorb the new information.
Blood with healing properties? How could that be possible? Serenity’s mind examined all the new bits and information. But if I’m a healer, that means I have the ability to heal?
Serenity looked down at her hands. She flexed and opened her palms, gazing at them in wonder.
Her questioning eyes found Raye’s, “I can’t be a healer; I have never healed anyone with my blood. In fact, every time I get hurt, my wounds don’t heal fast either. Wouldn’t I feel something if my blood was that special?”
“Not necessarily, you didn’t let me finish my story. Your blood has special properties yes, but alone it can’t do anything. There are necklaces that were blessed by Selene, and they were given to the heads of each healing family. There were nine original healing families, and each received a necklace; these of a unique design with distinctive powers and a pendent or locket associated with them. The pendant is activated when the blood of the head of the family makes contact with the locket.”
Raye paused and then added, “So you see Serenity, one would need both the locket and the blood to activate their healing powers. They would need a locket exactly like the one around your neck.”
‘My necklace?’ Serenity looked down at the necklace resting against her chest and held the rose encrusted crescent moon in her hand. ‘This locket has healing powers?’
“That isn’t just an ordinary necklace Serenity. From the moment I saw it, I could tell it was special because of the symbols engraved on it. But when I held it, I felt the warmth emanating from it and I knew exactly what this necklace was.” Raye looked up from the pendant and noticed Serenity’s confused expression and she backtracked, “Sorry I forgot to tell you. I’m a priestess and I can feel the vibes from objects I touch. I get visions too.”
Raye turned and strode across the chamber and stood under the torch resting in its cradle and faced Serenity.
“For months I’ve been having visions of an impending war, a war where Beryl will attempt to spread her darkness to every corner and crevice of this earth,” Raye’s voice droned, sounding as if in a trance and visibly shivered. In an attempt to rid herself of the memories, or the cold, Raye began fanning her hands before the flame. “That’s why everyone has been so tense lately, they’re preparing themselves to hear news of Beryl’s first attack,” Raye explained, and then her face brightened. “Actually, that’s probably why they were so cold towards you. They couldn’t possibly let you roam around freely when you look so suspicious.”
“Hmm…I suppose, but he could have used a nicer approach,” mumbled Serenity.
Raye chuckled and said, “I’ve seen visions of a moon maiden lately though. She emits warmth and glows and she seems to be the only one who can drive away the darkness.”
Raye regarded Serenity for a moment and added, “She actually looks a lot like you; long blond hair and blue eyes…”
“Me? I’m not a moon maiden of any kind,” said Serenity, her voice suddenly a pitch higher.
“That’s true, but maybe that locket led you here, I mean you just received it from your Grandmother right?”
“Yeah, but how could it? It should be activated for its powers to work right, but it hasn’t been activated yet. My blood hasn’t touched the locket…”
Then it hit her. Her gaze drifted down to the small gash on her index finger. Like a movie playing on a screen, her memories from that morning drifted through her mind.
Serenity relived the moment she felt that sharp prick of pain, and looked down to find she was gripping her locket so hard that the vines upon the engraving had pierced her skin…A drop of blood had fallen onto the locket as she brought her finger to her mouth… She noticed the crystal in the middle of the locket glowing… Serenity touched the crystal and felt that it was warm… It had never glowed before… Why was it glowing now?
Her blood had entered the locket. The necklace was activated. She was a healer.
‘Oh shit.’
Did she want to be a healer? She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t be responsible for the lives of others; I mean what if she failed. She couldn’t live with herself if she was accountable for another person’s death.
Suddenly she realized she was being shaken. Her cloudy gaze narrowed in on Raye’s concerned purple eyes.
“Serenity, what’s wrong? Are you alright? Is this some kind of a side effect of the travelling through time?”
“I-I’m o-okay,” Serenity stuttered, but she knew her voice gave it away when Raye rolled her eyes.
“Oh, no you’re not; here - drink some water,” said Raye, holding the glass in front of her.
‘Water?’ Serenity took the glass from Raye’s hands and gulped it down to soothe her dry throat. That’s when she finally noticed that they were not alone inside the jail cell. There was a servant standing to Raye’s left. Raye must have summoned him when Serenity was in her daze. Exactly how long had she zoned out for?
She finished drinking the contents of her glass and Raye asked, “So now, tell me what happened.”
Serenity eyed the servant nervously. He wasn’t watching her, but looking far off into the distance. Upon noticing this, Raye dismissed the servant with a, “You may go now, Dronus.”
They listened and waited until his footsteps sounded further away before continuing their conversation.
Serenity began cautiously, “I think I may have accidentally activated the necklace, and I guess that is what brought me here.” Then, a thought struck her and she continued, “But why me Raye? Why am I needed? There are eight other families aren’t there, so why was I brought here?”
“The race of the healers is pretty much extinct Serenity. Because of your extraordinary powers, your people have been sought out and used by others; this is often been excessive and a few have been killed by Beryl while she was gathering her power. I think you may be one of the few healers left on this planet,” said Raye carefully.
Serenity jumped to her feet and began pacing, while frowning and mumbling to herself. She was aware of Raye’s watchful gaze on her but she needed this time to sort things out.
Finally Serenity exclaimed, “Raye, I’m not sure about this. I don’t know if I can handle the responsibility of someone else’s life. I don’t know what to do at all; this time and place is completely new to me and on top of that no one really likes me here and I’m sure I don’t belong here at all.” Serenity slumped to the ground and took a deep breath to steady herself.
Raye knelt down in front of her, placing a hand on Serenity’s knee and comforted her, “I know this is all confusing and you’ve been through a lot today, but I can help you along the way. We can work through all of this together and we can figure out the connection between you and my time period. Together we can find a way to send you home.” Raye squeezed her knee and smiled warmly at her.
Serenity was consoled by Raye’s words and felt herself calming and her breathing steady. But then a thought crawled into the back of Serenity’s mind. She didn’t know if the calmness she felt was because of Raye’s words or her priestess powers.
“I’m confused Raye, I know nothing of healers or their powers, or my ancestors apparently,” she added as an afterthought; feeling she could confide in this woman.
“Come with me; we have a library that has more information about the legend of the healers,” Raye said as she stood up, and dusted off the skirt of her red dress.
Serenity would do anything to get out of this dark and damp cell, so she got up to follow the raven-haired priestess, trying not to think too much about the Prince’s orders. Serenity tucked her necklace inside the neckline of her dress. She had told Raye about the necklace, but that didn’t mean she wanted everyone to see it.
She walked behind Raye, following her up two flights of stairs, past the guards, and down a long, lavishly decorated hallway.
‘Well, what did I expect? They are royalty after all,’ thought Serenity. The idea still amazed and freaked her out at the same time.
Serenity was now walking in stride with Raye and she asked, “How do you know all about these legends Raye?”
A wistful smile settled on Raye’s lips, “My Grandmother. She used to tell me these legends every night as a bedtime story and I loved them. When she passed away, my love of these legends inspired my research into the myths by reading all the books about them that I could find in the library. Of course, my visions tend to show me things related to these accounts.” Raye stopped and turned to face Serenity, “I’m fascinated by legends and standing here, talking to someone who could be a healer is quite an honor.”
Serenity smiled at her enthusiasm as Raye continued chatting animatedly, “In fact, my Grandmother used to tell me that her best friend was a healer and she showed me a picture of them together. Her friend was quite beautiful, with blond hair and light blue eyes. She actually looks just like…you,” Raye finished - her eyes wide. “Come with me.” Raye grabbed Serenity’s hand and pulled her inside the room.
If Serenity had been astonished by the impressive castle entrance, she was absolutely floored at the library. The cathedral-like ceilings were huge and the interior decorated with plush carpets on the floor and big comfy chairs for reading. Every wall was covered by stacks of books as far as the eye could see, except for one; this was a wall fashioned entirely of glass. The transparent wall allowed the viewer to enjoy the scenery filled with lush trees and a beautiful clear crystal lake.
Astonished, Serenity’s eyes swept over every inch of the library, completely forgetting about Raye.
“Endymion renovated this library himself, he spends most of his time here,” Raye called from Serenity’s right.
Raye was standing before an antique desk with a picture in her hand. There were two massive books open on the table. Raye sure worked fast.
‘Wait a minute—the Prince commissioned this awe-inspiring library? What would that pig do in here?’ Maybe the Prince had some redeeming qualities after all.
“Come over here and take a look at this picture,” Raye invited.
Serenity joined Raye by the table and took the picture from her. She looked down at the black and white photograph of two ladies smiling up at her. The woman on the right had long black hair and blue eyes. Raye’s Grandmother. The other made Serenity catch her breath; this woman was blonde, possessing a pair of blue eyes, just a shade lighter than her own was gazing up at her. Serenity couldn’t take her eyes off the woman’s face. She noticed there was a caption at the bottom of the photograph.
“Raye?” Serenity asked hesitantly.
“Serenity?” Raye responded, arching an eyebrow.
“What was your Grandmother’s name?” questioned Serenity, emphasizing every word.
“Minerva Rei Vanderwood,” Raye said, keeping her voice calm.
Indeed, the caption read Ms. Minerva Vanderwood and Ms. Rose Vanderbilt.
‘Grandmother? Grandma Rose? What was she doing in this picture?’
“Raye, this is m-my G-grandmother.”
“Yes Serenity. This means you aren’t the only healer; you received your powers from your Grandmother. She was a healer too.”
“But how—how is that possible?” said Serenity, flabbergasted.
“I believe your Grandmother knew how to travel between our two worlds. My Grandmother used to tell me that her friend would travel to our world when she was needed, but she lived mostly in the other world because her life was in danger here. Beryl will kill any healers she finds because they are a threat to her and her kingdom, Serenity.”
Serenity remembered her Grandmother’s absences; the weeks she would miss their weekly bonding time because of important business or her ill health. Grandma Rose would also be very tired and worn out when she returned from these business trips, dismissing any cuts or bruises as a result of her clumsiness. Serenity had passed it off as a child because of her naivety, but now all these memories came back to her with renewed clarity.
“I knew you seemed familiar but I couldn’t remember why. It was because you resemble your Grandmother so much,” recalled Raye.
“Your Grandmother also gave you this necklace, right?” Raye continued gingerly.
“Y-yes.” and Serenity remembered her grandmother's wistful, guarded glances on the day she had passed on her locket to Serenity just before her death.
“Oh my gosh, my Grandmother was a healer and that’s why all of this is happening.”
“I—I remembered something else, Serenity. Your Grandmother wasn’t an ordinary healer. For some reason, her powers were stronger than those healers preceding her.” Raye turned her attention back to the desk and flipped through the pages of the first book. Finding nothing, she turned to the second book and did the same. She found what she was looking for and stared hard with a scowl down at the page. Raye mumbled, “This is odd…”
“What is?” Serenity moved beside the other woman and Raye showed her the page she was looking at.
Raye explained, “Remember how I told you that there were nine noble families that Selene bestowed her powers upon and gave them their necklaces?”
“Yeah?”
“Well look at this picture, your locket isn’t among any of these…”
This was true. Of all the nine necklaces, none of them resembled her rose encrusted crescent mooned locket.
A thought apparently struck Raye because she flipped through more pages until she stopped at one particular photograph. “No way…” Raye murmured; her purple eyes glued to the page.
“What—what did you find?” asked Serenity as she tried to look at what Raye’s hand concealed.
“What the hell is she doing here?” bellowed a deep voice from behind Serenity.
‘Oh no.’ The Prince marched into her line of vision and stood before Serenity and Raye fuming.
His eyes turned into an icy river as he glared daggers at Serenity; his mouth a firm straight line - hands balled into fists at his side.
“Raye, how could you let her out of the dungeons? She is the enemy. She is working with Beryl,” he shouted.
‘How dare he? He’s speaking as if I’m not even present. Does he not even trust his sister? What a—‘
“No she is not,” said a cool, level headed voice.
Both Serenity and Endymion snapped their heads towards Raye.
Endymion was furious, evidently annoyed with his sister’s stupidity. “How can you be sure? You don’t know—“
“Serenity is a descendent of Selene herself,” said Raye emphatically.
“What—I am a WHAT?” Serenity cried.
“Your necklace isn’t in those nine families because your necklace belonged to Selene herself. That is why it’s the symbol of the moon; Selene’s domain!” Raye declared.
“Are you mad? Her—a descendent of Selene?” asked the Prince.
“Look for yourself, right here,” Raye told him as she turned the book to show them both the photograph.
There, as plain as day, was a picture of Serenity’s necklace and locket. Both Serenity and Endymion stared at the image in awe.
“Selene was also a healer; I seemed to have forgotten that fact. That is why your Grandmother was such a powerful healer, and you are more than likely also to be just as gifted,” Raye gushed, her eyes twinkling with knowledge.
“She cannot be a healer,” cried Endymion indignantly.
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Raye began to fill Endymion in on all the happenings of the morning and all they had discovered. As the two discussed these findings, Serenity tried to make sense of everything. So she had travelled back in time and she was a descendent of Selene, a goddess, and she was a healer and a powerful one at that.
What was happening to her life?
“This doesn’t change anything, you will still be treated as a prisoner here,” said Endymion, apparently speaking to her. “You may be useful to us so you will be kept alive a little longer. You are not allowed to leave this castle and your room will be close to mine so I can keep a watch on you. Frankly speaking, I do not trust you,” said the Prince of Earth.
This irked Serenity’s temper, which was usually calm and under control. “I am not the enemy. I have not done anything wrong, do you understand this? I have been yanked out of my life and pushed into a time where I don’t know anything and now I find out I am a healer and a descendent of a goddess,” shouted Serenity. “And you, YOU keep making my life harder. I am not a toy that you can use. You cannot control me and tell me what to do!” Serenity said, emphasizing each word with a jab at Endymion’s chest. She continued until she cornered him against a bookshelf, “Just who do you think you are? You cannot tell me what to do. I am the healer. I can help you. YOU need me, do you understand this? She jabbed his chest one last time and glared at him.
Endymion looked down at the tiny little spitfire. He didn’t expect such a tirade from her but she had surprised him. She could stand up for herself. She was so close to him that he could feel her warm breath against his neck. Her cheeks were red and her cerulean blue eyes narrowed. She looked absolutely adorable.
What the hell was he thinking? Gaining control of his emotions, he said “You may be a healer Serenity, but you are still an outsider on these grounds.”
He smirked at her. The bastard smirked at her! After all she held over him, being a healer and all, he had the nerve to laugh at her.
She began, “How dare you-” Serenity felt dizzy and all of a sudden, everything went black.
Endymion caught her right before she hit the floor. He looked down at her pale face. ‘What the hell happened?’
Endymion gently laid her onto the floor and felt for her pulse. He let out a sigh of relief when he felt the steady pulse beating against his fingers.
“She’s alright,” he said to Raye, who was leaning over Serenity in concern.
“She must be exhausted and overwhelmed. She found out she wasn’t who she thought she was today; that’s enough to tire anyone. She needs a good rest, I’ll ring for someone to bring her to her room,” Raye said as she called over a servant.
“I’ll take her,” Endymion’s voice rang out in the empty room.
Raye’s surprised look must have been a reflection of the surprised on his own face, Endymion thought. He picked up the petite form and carried her from the room without another word to Raye.
As he walked, he wondered why he had said those words. Why had he volunteered to take her to her room when any old servant could easily accomplish the task? He looked down at Serenity’s face, as if silently asking for some answers. At that moment, Serenity mumbled something inaudible in her sleep and snuggled closer to him. His heart picked up speed and he faltered in his stride.
‘What the—? It just surprised me that’s all,’ reasoned Endymion.
By the time he placed Serenity’s sleeping form on the bed, he had convinced himself that he had decided to take the girl to her room because he didn’t want to bother the servants with such a mundane task. It had absolutely nothing to do with her adorable, pent-up angry face or her fiery temper or her gorgeous face.
Yes, he had convinced himself to drop her onto the bed and marched straight out of the room. But as he turned to leave, Serenity murmured something in her sleep again.
He did not know why he was so drawn to her, but Endymion found himself sitting on the edge of her bed. As he watched her rather fragile form sleep, Endymion thought about the day’s events. According to Raye, this girl wasn’t a traitor, but she was in fact a healer. No, of course he didn’t feel any relief at that fact. He was merely happy that he wouldn’t have to interrogate her now. But, one could never be too careful; the girl may have found a way to evoke the Priestess’s compassionate side. He would still, nonetheless, have to keep her close until she could control her so called healing powers.
Endymion watched as a strand of hair, having come loose from her ponytail, flew across her closed eyes. As if of its own will, his hand moved to brush away the strand. As he brushed it away, he noticed how silky smooth her skin was.
‘What am I doing?’ As if burned, Endymion abruptly retracted his hand. ‘There is something wrong with me. I don’t even know if I can trust her. I’m just tired,’ he reasoned. ‘It’s been a long day.’ With one last look thrown Serenity’s way, Endymion stalked out of her room to his own chambers.
Little did he know that both their lives would never be the same from that day forward.
I am so very sorry for this long wait. I know it’s been an inexcusable amount of time since my last update but school got in the way of any creativity. I just want to say thank you to the people who are still willing to stick with me and will read this chapter. I’m hoping this long chapter will act as some sort of a reward for the people who are still reading. Again, this chapter is important for development. I keep meaning to write more interaction between Endymion and Serenity but there are a lot of questions that need to be answered about Serenity and her life…and a lot of them are answered in this chapter. The next one will definitely be more Endy and Serenity intensive.
Merry Christmas everyone, and here’s my present to you all. Again, thank you to everyone who reviews because really the reviews make it worthwhile to write and thank you to the people who felt it worthwhile to PM me – they made my day.
Here are some specific comments:
@ LGCoffeeAddict: I hope it’s still as intriguing and that it doesn’t disappoint you in the upcoming chapters.
@bunnyofthemoon89: Sorry about the grammar, it’s not my strong suite. I hope it doesn’t detract from the story.
@Moon Titan: Thanks! And I’m sorry about the long paragraphs…I was so excited to put it up that I forgot to go back and break them up…the new chapter should be better and I’ll go back and fix the first two. And I know what you mean, a story deserves an ending, and there are a lot of authors that don’t finish some of my favorite fanfics…but I will try my best to finish this one.
@Catherine/Sailormoonie17: Sorry, my intention wasn’t to make it as straight forward as it may have come out as. The attraction is based on the soul bond they share…they feel attracted to one another, but that’s not enough for them to fall in love with each other. Serenity, for one, will find him despicable for a while :P So, they won’t fall magically in love, but there is an attraction between them from the beginning. But thank you, I’m glad you liked it thus far.
@Lina: Thanks! And yes, Serenity’s character will definitely be strong and independent. I can’t stand when she’s portrayed as a weak, always crying and obsessing over Darien/Endymion persona.
@Prisk.Star: Thanks! And I’m glad it came out as something different and yes the time travel thing really hasn’t been done in sailor moon fanfics before, so I hope it’s refreshing.
@Keeper of the Covenant: Lol! Well I feel the exact same way about Endy (love him!) and I love how the story made you think of so many alternate continuations. I hope the direction I’m taking the story doesn’t disappoint you. Raye will be some sort of an ally for Serenity and yes, Endymion will definitely continue being an arrogant pighead about Serenity for a bit. Well, I hope you like the new chapter and continue reviewing and tell me what you think.
@mangamania: Thank you for reviewing twice! I hope you like this chapter.
@Lala: Thanks! I really hope this is a good one too (fingers crossed) and sorry for the long wait.
@ARABELLA VIOLETTA: Thank you so much! I love how excited you are about the story, both your reviews made me smile. I’m glad you like my character pairings and even though there is no rival for Endymion as of yet, I assure you it won’t be smooth sailing for Endymion and Serenity. I really hope you like this chapter as much as the last and that you continue reviewing (reviews make my day!)
@SerenityMoonGodness: Thanks, I hope you like this chapter too!
@ella1234: Thanks ella! I know you were eagerly waiting for this chapter and thank you so much for your reviews and PM. And I just realized that you were my first review! Well hopefully you like this chapter and find the wait worthwhile!
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Chapter 3
Touching the necklace in awe, Raye answered, “It’s not just any necklace…the fact that you have this necklace means that you’re a, a-” She looked up in bewilderment at Serenity, and studied her for what seemed an eternity.
Unable to wait any longer, Serenity asked impatiently, “A what? Do you know why I’m here, in this time period?”
Composing herself, Raye said with a sly grin, “It means that you are a healer.”
Confounded, Serenity asked, “A healer – what exactly is a healer?”
Raye placed a flaming torch in a holder mounted upon the side wall of the room beyond the cold metallic bars of Serenity’s cell, and was now leaning against these. The raven-haired young woman seemed lost in her own thoughts as she stared hard at the slate-gray floor, mumbling occasionally to herself.
“Raye?” Serenity prompted.
Raye broke out of her trance as calculating purple eyes met confused blue ones. “Well it’s just a myth so I’m not sure if it’s true…”
“Tell me what you think anyways. I’m already confused so anything you tell me could help clear some things up,” she replied.
This was true. Serenity was beyond just a state of confusion; she was in a different time, in a different place, with people she didn’t know and to top it all off, she was in jail. There was also a high chance that she would be killed by a gorgeous but arrogant Prince. So anything Raye could tell her, whether it was myth or fact, would help her put things into some kind of order. Maybe Raye’s story would spark a deep-seated memory locked somewhere inside her, or strike a chord of recognition; anything. Serenity desperately wanted some answers; she wanted to know what she was doing here.
She then looked up to find Raye watching her; probably beginning to understand her inner turmoil she surmised.
“The Healers are legendary amongst our people. They are an ancient race, and it has been said that their powers were granted to them by Selene herself,” Raye began.
“Powers?” questioned Serenity.
“Yes…the belief is that these powers to heal were granted to them by Selene—that is why they are called the healers. Legend says that the blood of healers has some sort of curative properties and it allows them to heal wounds, such as cuts and abrasions. Some advanced healers can even save lives,” Raye said and then paused, giving Serenity time to absorb the new information.
Blood with healing properties? How could that be possible? Serenity’s mind examined all the new bits and information. But if I’m a healer, that means I have the ability to heal?
Serenity looked down at her hands. She flexed and opened her palms, gazing at them in wonder.
Her questioning eyes found Raye’s, “I can’t be a healer; I have never healed anyone with my blood. In fact, every time I get hurt, my wounds don’t heal fast either. Wouldn’t I feel something if my blood was that special?”
“Not necessarily, you didn’t let me finish my story. Your blood has special properties yes, but alone it can’t do anything. There are necklaces that were blessed by Selene, and they were given to the heads of each healing family. There were nine original healing families, and each received a necklace; these of a unique design with distinctive powers and a pendent or locket associated with them. The pendant is activated when the blood of the head of the family makes contact with the locket.”
Raye paused and then added, “So you see Serenity, one would need both the locket and the blood to activate their healing powers. They would need a locket exactly like the one around your neck.”
‘My necklace?’ Serenity looked down at the necklace resting against her chest and held the rose encrusted crescent moon in her hand. ‘This locket has healing powers?’
“That isn’t just an ordinary necklace Serenity. From the moment I saw it, I could tell it was special because of the symbols engraved on it. But when I held it, I felt the warmth emanating from it and I knew exactly what this necklace was.” Raye looked up from the pendant and noticed Serenity’s confused expression and she backtracked, “Sorry I forgot to tell you. I’m a priestess and I can feel the vibes from objects I touch. I get visions too.”
Raye turned and strode across the chamber and stood under the torch resting in its cradle and faced Serenity.
“For months I’ve been having visions of an impending war, a war where Beryl will attempt to spread her darkness to every corner and crevice of this earth,” Raye’s voice droned, sounding as if in a trance and visibly shivered. In an attempt to rid herself of the memories, or the cold, Raye began fanning her hands before the flame. “That’s why everyone has been so tense lately, they’re preparing themselves to hear news of Beryl’s first attack,” Raye explained, and then her face brightened. “Actually, that’s probably why they were so cold towards you. They couldn’t possibly let you roam around freely when you look so suspicious.”
“Hmm…I suppose, but he could have used a nicer approach,” mumbled Serenity.
Raye chuckled and said, “I’ve seen visions of a moon maiden lately though. She emits warmth and glows and she seems to be the only one who can drive away the darkness.”
Raye regarded Serenity for a moment and added, “She actually looks a lot like you; long blond hair and blue eyes…”
“Me? I’m not a moon maiden of any kind,” said Serenity, her voice suddenly a pitch higher.
“That’s true, but maybe that locket led you here, I mean you just received it from your Grandmother right?”
“Yeah, but how could it? It should be activated for its powers to work right, but it hasn’t been activated yet. My blood hasn’t touched the locket…”
Then it hit her. Her gaze drifted down to the small gash on her index finger. Like a movie playing on a screen, her memories from that morning drifted through her mind.
Serenity relived the moment she felt that sharp prick of pain, and looked down to find she was gripping her locket so hard that the vines upon the engraving had pierced her skin…A drop of blood had fallen onto the locket as she brought her finger to her mouth… She noticed the crystal in the middle of the locket glowing… Serenity touched the crystal and felt that it was warm… It had never glowed before… Why was it glowing now?
Her blood had entered the locket. The necklace was activated. She was a healer.
‘Oh shit.’
Did she want to be a healer? She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t be responsible for the lives of others; I mean what if she failed. She couldn’t live with herself if she was accountable for another person’s death.
Suddenly she realized she was being shaken. Her cloudy gaze narrowed in on Raye’s concerned purple eyes.
“Serenity, what’s wrong? Are you alright? Is this some kind of a side effect of the travelling through time?”
“I-I’m o-okay,” Serenity stuttered, but she knew her voice gave it away when Raye rolled her eyes.
“Oh, no you’re not; here - drink some water,” said Raye, holding the glass in front of her.
‘Water?’ Serenity took the glass from Raye’s hands and gulped it down to soothe her dry throat. That’s when she finally noticed that they were not alone inside the jail cell. There was a servant standing to Raye’s left. Raye must have summoned him when Serenity was in her daze. Exactly how long had she zoned out for?
She finished drinking the contents of her glass and Raye asked, “So now, tell me what happened.”
Serenity eyed the servant nervously. He wasn’t watching her, but looking far off into the distance. Upon noticing this, Raye dismissed the servant with a, “You may go now, Dronus.”
They listened and waited until his footsteps sounded further away before continuing their conversation.
Serenity began cautiously, “I think I may have accidentally activated the necklace, and I guess that is what brought me here.” Then, a thought struck her and she continued, “But why me Raye? Why am I needed? There are eight other families aren’t there, so why was I brought here?”
“The race of the healers is pretty much extinct Serenity. Because of your extraordinary powers, your people have been sought out and used by others; this is often been excessive and a few have been killed by Beryl while she was gathering her power. I think you may be one of the few healers left on this planet,” said Raye carefully.
Serenity jumped to her feet and began pacing, while frowning and mumbling to herself. She was aware of Raye’s watchful gaze on her but she needed this time to sort things out.
Finally Serenity exclaimed, “Raye, I’m not sure about this. I don’t know if I can handle the responsibility of someone else’s life. I don’t know what to do at all; this time and place is completely new to me and on top of that no one really likes me here and I’m sure I don’t belong here at all.” Serenity slumped to the ground and took a deep breath to steady herself.
Raye knelt down in front of her, placing a hand on Serenity’s knee and comforted her, “I know this is all confusing and you’ve been through a lot today, but I can help you along the way. We can work through all of this together and we can figure out the connection between you and my time period. Together we can find a way to send you home.” Raye squeezed her knee and smiled warmly at her.
Serenity was consoled by Raye’s words and felt herself calming and her breathing steady. But then a thought crawled into the back of Serenity’s mind. She didn’t know if the calmness she felt was because of Raye’s words or her priestess powers.
“I’m confused Raye, I know nothing of healers or their powers, or my ancestors apparently,” she added as an afterthought; feeling she could confide in this woman.
“Come with me; we have a library that has more information about the legend of the healers,” Raye said as she stood up, and dusted off the skirt of her red dress.
Serenity would do anything to get out of this dark and damp cell, so she got up to follow the raven-haired priestess, trying not to think too much about the Prince’s orders. Serenity tucked her necklace inside the neckline of her dress. She had told Raye about the necklace, but that didn’t mean she wanted everyone to see it.
She walked behind Raye, following her up two flights of stairs, past the guards, and down a long, lavishly decorated hallway.
‘Well, what did I expect? They are royalty after all,’ thought Serenity. The idea still amazed and freaked her out at the same time.
Serenity was now walking in stride with Raye and she asked, “How do you know all about these legends Raye?”
A wistful smile settled on Raye’s lips, “My Grandmother. She used to tell me these legends every night as a bedtime story and I loved them. When she passed away, my love of these legends inspired my research into the myths by reading all the books about them that I could find in the library. Of course, my visions tend to show me things related to these accounts.” Raye stopped and turned to face Serenity, “I’m fascinated by legends and standing here, talking to someone who could be a healer is quite an honor.”
Serenity smiled at her enthusiasm as Raye continued chatting animatedly, “In fact, my Grandmother used to tell me that her best friend was a healer and she showed me a picture of them together. Her friend was quite beautiful, with blond hair and light blue eyes. She actually looks just like…you,” Raye finished - her eyes wide. “Come with me.” Raye grabbed Serenity’s hand and pulled her inside the room.
If Serenity had been astonished by the impressive castle entrance, she was absolutely floored at the library. The cathedral-like ceilings were huge and the interior decorated with plush carpets on the floor and big comfy chairs for reading. Every wall was covered by stacks of books as far as the eye could see, except for one; this was a wall fashioned entirely of glass. The transparent wall allowed the viewer to enjoy the scenery filled with lush trees and a beautiful clear crystal lake.
Astonished, Serenity’s eyes swept over every inch of the library, completely forgetting about Raye.
“Endymion renovated this library himself, he spends most of his time here,” Raye called from Serenity’s right.
Raye was standing before an antique desk with a picture in her hand. There were two massive books open on the table. Raye sure worked fast.
‘Wait a minute—the Prince commissioned this awe-inspiring library? What would that pig do in here?’ Maybe the Prince had some redeeming qualities after all.
“Come over here and take a look at this picture,” Raye invited.
Serenity joined Raye by the table and took the picture from her. She looked down at the black and white photograph of two ladies smiling up at her. The woman on the right had long black hair and blue eyes. Raye’s Grandmother. The other made Serenity catch her breath; this woman was blonde, possessing a pair of blue eyes, just a shade lighter than her own was gazing up at her. Serenity couldn’t take her eyes off the woman’s face. She noticed there was a caption at the bottom of the photograph.
“Raye?” Serenity asked hesitantly.
“Serenity?” Raye responded, arching an eyebrow.
“What was your Grandmother’s name?” questioned Serenity, emphasizing every word.
“Minerva Rei Vanderwood,” Raye said, keeping her voice calm.
Indeed, the caption read Ms. Minerva Vanderwood and Ms. Rose Vanderbilt.
‘Grandmother? Grandma Rose? What was she doing in this picture?’
“Raye, this is m-my G-grandmother.”
“Yes Serenity. This means you aren’t the only healer; you received your powers from your Grandmother. She was a healer too.”
“But how—how is that possible?” said Serenity, flabbergasted.
“I believe your Grandmother knew how to travel between our two worlds. My Grandmother used to tell me that her friend would travel to our world when she was needed, but she lived mostly in the other world because her life was in danger here. Beryl will kill any healers she finds because they are a threat to her and her kingdom, Serenity.”
Serenity remembered her Grandmother’s absences; the weeks she would miss their weekly bonding time because of important business or her ill health. Grandma Rose would also be very tired and worn out when she returned from these business trips, dismissing any cuts or bruises as a result of her clumsiness. Serenity had passed it off as a child because of her naivety, but now all these memories came back to her with renewed clarity.
“I knew you seemed familiar but I couldn’t remember why. It was because you resemble your Grandmother so much,” recalled Raye.
“Your Grandmother also gave you this necklace, right?” Raye continued gingerly.
“Y-yes.” and Serenity remembered her grandmother's wistful, guarded glances on the day she had passed on her locket to Serenity just before her death.
“Oh my gosh, my Grandmother was a healer and that’s why all of this is happening.”
“I—I remembered something else, Serenity. Your Grandmother wasn’t an ordinary healer. For some reason, her powers were stronger than those healers preceding her.” Raye turned her attention back to the desk and flipped through the pages of the first book. Finding nothing, she turned to the second book and did the same. She found what she was looking for and stared hard with a scowl down at the page. Raye mumbled, “This is odd…”
“What is?” Serenity moved beside the other woman and Raye showed her the page she was looking at.
Raye explained, “Remember how I told you that there were nine noble families that Selene bestowed her powers upon and gave them their necklaces?”
“Yeah?”
“Well look at this picture, your locket isn’t among any of these…”
This was true. Of all the nine necklaces, none of them resembled her rose encrusted crescent mooned locket.
A thought apparently struck Raye because she flipped through more pages until she stopped at one particular photograph. “No way…” Raye murmured; her purple eyes glued to the page.
“What—what did you find?” asked Serenity as she tried to look at what Raye’s hand concealed.
“What the hell is she doing here?” bellowed a deep voice from behind Serenity.
‘Oh no.’ The Prince marched into her line of vision and stood before Serenity and Raye fuming.
His eyes turned into an icy river as he glared daggers at Serenity; his mouth a firm straight line - hands balled into fists at his side.
“Raye, how could you let her out of the dungeons? She is the enemy. She is working with Beryl,” he shouted.
‘How dare he? He’s speaking as if I’m not even present. Does he not even trust his sister? What a—‘
“No she is not,” said a cool, level headed voice.
Both Serenity and Endymion snapped their heads towards Raye.
Endymion was furious, evidently annoyed with his sister’s stupidity. “How can you be sure? You don’t know—“
“Serenity is a descendent of Selene herself,” said Raye emphatically.
“What—I am a WHAT?” Serenity cried.
“Your necklace isn’t in those nine families because your necklace belonged to Selene herself. That is why it’s the symbol of the moon; Selene’s domain!” Raye declared.
“Are you mad? Her—a descendent of Selene?” asked the Prince.
“Look for yourself, right here,” Raye told him as she turned the book to show them both the photograph.
There, as plain as day, was a picture of Serenity’s necklace and locket. Both Serenity and Endymion stared at the image in awe.
“Selene was also a healer; I seemed to have forgotten that fact. That is why your Grandmother was such a powerful healer, and you are more than likely also to be just as gifted,” Raye gushed, her eyes twinkling with knowledge.
“She cannot be a healer,” cried Endymion indignantly.
---
Raye began to fill Endymion in on all the happenings of the morning and all they had discovered. As the two discussed these findings, Serenity tried to make sense of everything. So she had travelled back in time and she was a descendent of Selene, a goddess, and she was a healer and a powerful one at that.
What was happening to her life?
“This doesn’t change anything, you will still be treated as a prisoner here,” said Endymion, apparently speaking to her. “You may be useful to us so you will be kept alive a little longer. You are not allowed to leave this castle and your room will be close to mine so I can keep a watch on you. Frankly speaking, I do not trust you,” said the Prince of Earth.
This irked Serenity’s temper, which was usually calm and under control. “I am not the enemy. I have not done anything wrong, do you understand this? I have been yanked out of my life and pushed into a time where I don’t know anything and now I find out I am a healer and a descendent of a goddess,” shouted Serenity. “And you, YOU keep making my life harder. I am not a toy that you can use. You cannot control me and tell me what to do!” Serenity said, emphasizing each word with a jab at Endymion’s chest. She continued until she cornered him against a bookshelf, “Just who do you think you are? You cannot tell me what to do. I am the healer. I can help you. YOU need me, do you understand this? She jabbed his chest one last time and glared at him.
Endymion looked down at the tiny little spitfire. He didn’t expect such a tirade from her but she had surprised him. She could stand up for herself. She was so close to him that he could feel her warm breath against his neck. Her cheeks were red and her cerulean blue eyes narrowed. She looked absolutely adorable.
What the hell was he thinking? Gaining control of his emotions, he said “You may be a healer Serenity, but you are still an outsider on these grounds.”
He smirked at her. The bastard smirked at her! After all she held over him, being a healer and all, he had the nerve to laugh at her.
She began, “How dare you-” Serenity felt dizzy and all of a sudden, everything went black.
Endymion caught her right before she hit the floor. He looked down at her pale face. ‘What the hell happened?’
Endymion gently laid her onto the floor and felt for her pulse. He let out a sigh of relief when he felt the steady pulse beating against his fingers.
“She’s alright,” he said to Raye, who was leaning over Serenity in concern.
“She must be exhausted and overwhelmed. She found out she wasn’t who she thought she was today; that’s enough to tire anyone. She needs a good rest, I’ll ring for someone to bring her to her room,” Raye said as she called over a servant.
“I’ll take her,” Endymion’s voice rang out in the empty room.
Raye’s surprised look must have been a reflection of the surprised on his own face, Endymion thought. He picked up the petite form and carried her from the room without another word to Raye.
As he walked, he wondered why he had said those words. Why had he volunteered to take her to her room when any old servant could easily accomplish the task? He looked down at Serenity’s face, as if silently asking for some answers. At that moment, Serenity mumbled something inaudible in her sleep and snuggled closer to him. His heart picked up speed and he faltered in his stride.
‘What the—? It just surprised me that’s all,’ reasoned Endymion.
By the time he placed Serenity’s sleeping form on the bed, he had convinced himself that he had decided to take the girl to her room because he didn’t want to bother the servants with such a mundane task. It had absolutely nothing to do with her adorable, pent-up angry face or her fiery temper or her gorgeous face.
Yes, he had convinced himself to drop her onto the bed and marched straight out of the room. But as he turned to leave, Serenity murmured something in her sleep again.
He did not know why he was so drawn to her, but Endymion found himself sitting on the edge of her bed. As he watched her rather fragile form sleep, Endymion thought about the day’s events. According to Raye, this girl wasn’t a traitor, but she was in fact a healer. No, of course he didn’t feel any relief at that fact. He was merely happy that he wouldn’t have to interrogate her now. But, one could never be too careful; the girl may have found a way to evoke the Priestess’s compassionate side. He would still, nonetheless, have to keep her close until she could control her so called healing powers.
Endymion watched as a strand of hair, having come loose from her ponytail, flew across her closed eyes. As if of its own will, his hand moved to brush away the strand. As he brushed it away, he noticed how silky smooth her skin was.
‘What am I doing?’ As if burned, Endymion abruptly retracted his hand. ‘There is something wrong with me. I don’t even know if I can trust her. I’m just tired,’ he reasoned. ‘It’s been a long day.’ With one last look thrown Serenity’s way, Endymion stalked out of her room to his own chambers.
Little did he know that both their lives would never be the same from that day forward.