Hello all! Here is a lovely oneshot I've written with a SerenityxLoki pairing.

It's a little dark for Serenity, but I think it makes her story really meaningful if you look at it from this point of view. It's been in my head for ages, and I really love this pairing. Hope you enjoy it!

It was her 18th birthday, and a ball was underway.

There were tulle streamers flooded with pearls and feathers cascading from golden chandelier to golden chandelier. The cream columns with golden emblems were covered in vines, twisting upwards to the sky. The ballroom marble floors were glittering in the white light of the room. The breeze had a scent of Cherry Blossoms, and it almost seemed as if the air was shimmering as champagne poured and violins played.

Laughter mellifluously flowed through the room, and dancing commenced. Large sheets of the finest silk slipped by one another as several woman and men joined in the center of the room. Gloved hands touched as the figurines effortlessly twirled, piles of perfect curls cascading down their corseted backs.

Royals from all over the realms attended tonight's gathering, as it was the celebration of the Moon Princess' coming of age. As of tonight, suitors were allowed to make proposals to court the young princess. Men from all over the universe stood alongside the dance floor, watching and waiting for the arrival of the princess. Their eyes rested on a long, pure white stairwell that twisted upwards to the inner parts of the castle. At the top stood a uniformed man before a pair of golden doors, marked with the crescent emblem of the moon kingdom.

Queen Serenity sat at the head of the room, up high on a sparkling golden throne. Her gray eyes washed over the joyous party before her, soaking in the life and happiness that radiated from the room. Each person was so happy and full of love as they swayed, chatted, and drank merrily. A gentle smile fell on her pink lips as she thought that tonight would be special. It was Princess Serenity's birthday, after all.

Her awareness was quickly torn away when the violins stopped and the loud sounds of brass trumpets stole everyone's attention. Their gaze shifted up to the top of the stairwell where the uniformed man spoke loud,"Introducing the 17th heir to the Moon Kingdom of the Silver Millennium era, our beloved and crowned Princess, Her Royal Highness Serenity the Third."

The entire room froze as their gazes locked with the most divine creature in existence. The doors opened to reveal a girl, now 18 years of age, moving towards the stairwell. Her skin was that of moonlight, as her eyes glittered like the depths of the sea. Her golden hair was swept up into two large buns, adorned in pearls and accented with a golden tiara nested in between. In the center of her forehead was a glittering crescent moon, symbolizing her heritage. Her dress was a cascading of white silks and chiffon, molding to her body and flowing around her form as if it had a life of its own. Golden metal weaves lined the neck of the gown and created a bodice of pearls.

Her expression was soft, her cheeks were the softest shade of pink, and the entire room was in awe. Her small hand fell onto the white railing as the other lifted up the end of her dress. Her glass shoes led her down the stairs as a soft melody filled the air from the violin quartet.

All eyes were glued to the heavenly figurine as she reached the end of the staircase. Almost immediately, men approached her but instead, she took the arm of a guard who led up her to the throne by her mother. She ascended to the golden chair and turned out to face the crowd of individuals. Her mother stood by her side now and took two glasses of champagne from a neighboring servant. The queen handed a glass to her daughter and raised hers up high. The crowd followed, and Serenity was the last to bring her drink to the sky.

"To a night of prosperity, enjoyment, fullness, health, and love. I wish my precious daughter, Princess Serenity, all the gems and stars in the sky, and all the happiness she could ever wish for," Queen Serenity spoke proudly, grinning in delight as the glass was brought to her lips. The audience did the same. Princess Serenity warily watched everyone take the toast as she brought the liquid to her mouth, but did not drink.

"Stars in the sky, but you won't let me reach them," Princess Serenity thought bitterly. But the thought showed no reflection on her peaceful expression as she allowed a smile to grace her lips.

Now, it was introductions. Princess Serenity and her mother would have to stand at the foot of the throne and greet every guest as they lined up in front of them. It was probably the worst part of every night. Serenity would smile at sex-starved men and act as if they didn't really really bother her. They watched her, and drank in the sight of her as if she was their last meal.

Every night, Serenity begged her mother to see things her way right before the nightly parties. She told her how she didn't want to marry any of these men. She knew she wasn't going to fall for someone who would keep her locked up in a castle just as she had been her entire life. Of course, the Queen politely soothed her daughter, claiming it was just nerves to her impending proposal.

But like hell was she going to marry any of these rich, selfish, greedy men. They wanted her power, her kingdom, her body… but not her mind. No, it was never her mind. Her mind was to be silent, always.

All Serenity wanted was to be free. She wanted to leave the confinement of the silver stoned castle and taste the air of each and every star in the sky. She wished to speak her words without biting them back, and she wanted so much more than being chained to a role she did not wish to have. And yet here she was, pleasantly greeting each guest with poise and kindness as each noble men kissed her hand with lustful intent.

Princess Serenity swallowed thickly to hide her displeasure. The Queen glanced down and lectured quickly,"The next guests are new to the Moon Kingdom. They come from the heavens they say, known as Asgard. Their powers are great and together, our kingdoms can bring peace to the universe. You will favor their son Thor, Serenity. Smile."

The crystal eyes fell on the approaching group of individuals. In the front of them, and clearly leading the pack, was an old man with a large red cape. He wore battle armor over ruby fabric, and over his eye was a golden patch to obscure his vision. Beside him was a beautiful woman adorned in soft blue silks, cinched at her waist with the kindest of expressions. Serenity presumed this was the King and Queen of Asgard. Behind, she couldn't really make out the figures but heard talking from a loud, gruff voice.

"Queen Serenity, you look lovely," The old man greeted, bowing his head to the Queen before his eyes fell to Serenity. He seemed like an adorable old man, but she knew in his gaze held a sort of ferocity. It sat with her wrong as he then spoke,"It is my great pleasure to finally meet the beautiful Moon Princess. I am Odin Allfather of Asgard, and this is my wife Frigga."

Frigga curtsied,"It is an honor to make your acquaintance. Your kingdom is beautiful."

"Thank you," Serenity dryly spoke, earning a glare from her mother.

"And these are my two sons, Thor and Loki," Odin announced, stepping aside with his wife to reveal two men. One was casual in his stance, and the other stood astute. The casual one, the larger of the two with tousled blond hair and sun kissed skin stepped to the princess. A wide grin spread across his lips as he leaned forward, taking Serenity's hand. His blue eyes shined deviously as he cooed,"Your beauty is even more heavenly in person, my Princess. I am Thor Odinson, and I will make it my mission to… learn about the Moon Kingdom as much as possible tonight. Thank you for having me." He then winked and kissed her hand with soft lips, before stepping aside with his red, flowing cape swishing behind him.

Serenity wanted to gag, but she saw Odin crack a grin. That is who she was supposed to be 'with' tonight? His words were hot and heavy, his mannerisms were almost disrespectful as he casual strode away and she felt like… an object. In no way was he any different than the other suitors of the night, but the fact that he had her mother's favor only made it more difficult.

The next brother approached. Serenity's gaze washed over his pale complexion and raven hair, smoothed backwards on a pair of well defined shoulders. His jaw was sharp, as was the rest of his armor attire. His eyes however, were a stunning emerald and held… nothing. No emotion. No happiness. Nothing. They were blank as he spoke,"I am Loki Odinson. I have only heard rumors of the blessed Moon Kingdom, and I must say it is a gem in the sky. Thank you for having my family tonight."

It almost sounded if Loki was talking on repeat, and the amount of emotion held in that voice was that of none. He didn't care. He didn't care one bit that he was talking to her. He kissed her hand quickly, before sharply turning away to stand by his father.

Serenity inwardly laughed before she looked to the next guest— at least she wasn't the only person who didn't want to be here.

Over the next hour, Serenity had danced with 8 different men, each of which had leaned into her just a bit too close, holding her waist just a bit too low, and their gaze was low as well to the swell of her breasts. Serenity's jaw was tight as she swirled around the room, biting back any form of rude remark she could utter. God, if she could scream at the world right now, she would. She would do anything to escape this party.

Of course, it only got worse when none other than Thor Odinson asked for a dance. Serenity could imagine that he was a playboy. He was gorgeous with strong arms, a beautiful voice, and unreal pools of blue for eyes. Everything about him was ridiculously charming as his large hand rested on the small of her back.

He whirled her around, and when he caught her again he asked,"How are you, Princess."

"Well."

"Just well?" His accented voice replied, his watch never leaving her face.

"Yes," Serenity curtly responded, taking his hand and walking down the line in the dance. She followed the rest of the crowd in their motions, before Thor laughed,"You don't have to do this, you know."

"Of course I do," Serenity shot back, so quietly that no one else but Thor could hear.

"We can cut right to the chase, if you'd like. I'd like to bed you and I find this dance boring."

Serenity stared at him with concealed horror. As a royal, she was keen on masking her emotions, but even so she couldn't stop her eyes from widening at his blunt remark.

"Am I a conquest to you, Thor?" Serenity lowly spat.

"I do love myself a good battle," Thor cheekily grinned.

Serenity nearly growled,"I am sure your eloquent phrases beds you quiet often." She wished she didn't speak so out of terms, but he deserved it.

"Are you assuming?" Thor chuckled, his face coming in too close as his voice whispered into her ear,"Because it does work. I could put stars in your eyes, Princess."

Serenity let her lips fall into a hard line as her jaw locked. Every ounce of her being went into finishing the dance and not outwardly kicking the royal gems of the Prince of Asgard. God, he infuriated her because she knew his words were not for her. They were for her body and to make her give in. She wondered how many woman he has bedded with his sexual nature, and could only guess his count was as large as this ego.

When the song came to an end, Thor let his lips glide over Serenity's hand, lingering for perhaps too long, before coming to a stand. He bowed, his eyes sparkling with a hidden agenda, before dismissing himself.

Serenity could feel tears rush to her eyes as she sprinted outside. The cool night air brushed her dressed and whipped her golden locks around her form. She ran as fast as she could out into the courtyard, telling her mother she needed a bit of fresh air before she continued speaking to guests. Her eyes flooded with water as she recalled the events.

You seemed to like him, Serenity.

No, I do not favor him, Mother.

But he spoke with you! No one else has been able to get a word from you.

I have nothing to say.

But with him, you do have something to say.

He's arrogant.

He's the next in line for the Asgardian throne, and mostly likely will be your future husband. Odin and I have been conversing. I suggest you change the way you see him.

She was not going to be his wife. Serenity new that if she let herself marry that man she'd be nothing but a figurehead. She'd be in a loveless marriage while he bedded whores and went off to fight battles while she cared for a child she wished had different parentage. But that was her cage. Marriage to him, would be a prison. He was a child with a hammer.

Serenity continued to run, holding up her dress and trying desperately to hold in the tears already gushing from her eyes. She pitifully wiped them away, before she came to where she was running to. A garden. A private, beautiful garden that was surrounded by towering cherry blossom trees and a large fountain in the center. Around the center were rows and rows of flowers. It was her garden, and she would often come here to think and read alongside the running water.

But someone was there. Serenity could make out a black figure with pale skin sitting alongside the fountain. Serenity frowned deeply before marching up to the stranger, sadness pushing away any fear she would've held.

"You're in my spot," Serenity spat angrily, crossing her arms in defiance with reddened eyes. Now closer, she noticed the figure was reading. When he gazed up, she noticed that in fact with was Loki, Thor's brother. His green eyes were calm as they studied her face. He closed his book and it vanished in a flurry of green sparkles.

"You are crying," he stated, rather matter-of-factly.

"And you're still in my spot," Serenity retorted, brushing away her remaining tears.

"Your spot?"

"Yes."

The man let a dark smile crawl onto his expression as he chuckled lowly. He shook his head, his fingers clasping one another,"Do you not have a ball to attend?"

"I got lost," Serenity sneered,"So if you'd please."

Loki cocked his head before he coldly spoke,"You're quite the paradox, Princess."

"Excuse me?" Serenity gasped, her arms falling down by her side.

Loki shrugged,"Crying and yet feigning strength. What a pity."

"What?" Serenity sneered,"How dare you!"

"To speak truthfully?"

"To speak to me like that at all," Serenity lowly replied,"You should go back to the party."

Loki expression changed momentarily. He liked her fire. It was more interesting to talk to her while she wasn't acting like the Princess he knew she was. He licked his lips, smirking as he knowingly taunted,"Anger as well. You must be quite the actress to act so calmly in the ballroom while your blood boiled."

Serenity felt her defensive nature talk hold as she instantly fought,"I was not angry in the—"

"Do not lie," Loki interjected as he brought himself to stand and face the girl,"I am not the person to lie to… " Serenity, for a moment, froze. Loki stepped closer, and she felt her breath catch in her throat as if a snake began to coil around her thin neck. It was hard to breathe. Loki continued,"I can tell if someone is lying from simply gazing upon them, and forgive me for speaking out of term but you are such a liar." He leaned closer to her, almost as a warning. It made Serenity's pulse quicken with fear once more.

The girl stood there in shock as she gasped,"Who do you think you are?"

"Someone who cares little importance for a petty girl who is selling herself to my bro—"

Slap.

Loki found his jaw slack and reddening from the princess' palm. Serenity had took her hand and whirled it at Loki's face, and Loki didn't even know if it was possible for such a tiny girl to have such an arm. His emerald orbs widened as her watched her rage-filled eyes. He didn't even notice when she did, but it left him almost speechless. Almost.

"The last thing I want to be a bride to your repulsive brother," Serenity seethed, her blue eyes narrowing as she snapped,"Don't you dare assume anything about me, Loki Odinson."

"She wasn't lying," Loki mused in his mind, watching the truth spill out of her mouth. She didn't want to marry his brother? But everyone wanted to marry his brother.

"Strange," Loki easily replied,"Perhaps I misjudged you."

Serenity frowned. Her fire vanished as quickly as it came. The air was silent but for the sound of crickets floating through the air. She shook her head slowly. With a defeated tone, Serenity sadly spoke,"Look, I am here to escape my own birthday party. Do you think I want to argue right now?"

Loki's lips tightened into a hard line before he motioned besides the fountain,"It is your kingdom."

Her eyes locked with his before she stomped past him and took a seat on the fountain. Within seconds, she laid down along the circular edge, facing the water, and resting her head on her arm. It wasn't long before the water pouring over the fountains edge matched that of Serenity's streaming tears.

Serenity stayed there for a while, letting the world disappear as she receded into her thoughts. She was crying for her future, her past. She was crying for the stars she'd never seen and for the chains that were growing thicker. She… hated it. She hated her life so much that she could even— No. She wouldn't do that. And yet the thought still plagued her mind. She couldn't help herself as she cried endlessly into the foundation's edge.

However, in her tears, she noticed something. The water in the fountain momentarily glowed and flashed. Out of the water appeared a bunny… made out of the water of which it came. It hopped along the surface, creating small ripples as it went, and approached her. Serenity's brow furrowed, and she used her arm to slowly sit up as she pushed away her tears. How was this possible? It was a rabbit made out of water and it was… coming towards her across the water's surface. Serenity shook her head in disbelief as she reached her hand out to touch the rabbit.

However, the moment her finger made contact with the water rabbit, the entire fountain erupted as a giant dragon bursted upwards towards the sky. It too, was made only of water and Serenity could see the night sky right through it.

She could almost hear it roar as it twisted up to the sky, spiraling beautifully around itself. Serenity stood, her head tilted up towards the stars as she watched it sail in the air. When the dragon moved towards the ground, its fierce figure shed. Slowly, the powerful wings melted into feathers and the body became horse-like. The water dragon became… a pegasus.

It danced in the sky, running around the small bit of the private garden. Serenity chased after it in disbelief. It flapped watery feathered wings and sparkled, running in air and around Serenity's body. Serenity laughed with the creature, her once sad face now grinning with joy. She reached out to touch the magnificent creature but never could reach it. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she saw it fly high into the sky before crashing down into the fountain once more. Serenity dashed back to the fountain, her breath heavy in her chest as she knelt down beside the pool of water.

This time, however, the creature the crawled out of the water was that of a… snake. It slithered, even in its water form, and slid over the edge of the fountain. Serenity's gaze followed the water until it stopped a few feet away. The snake crawled up the leg of a man, twisting around his torso, before resting by the neck.

"Loki?" Serenity whispered, confused. Within seconds, the water-snake disappeared in a green sparkle. She noticed that the glow from the fountain too, which seemed to have a green tint, burst and disappeared.

"Did you like my show?"

There he was in plain sight, standing right before her in his green-toned attire and looking calmer than before. It was as if his silver tongue and wit disappeared as quickly as it came. He was still here. He never left.

Serenity nearly choked,"How?"

Loki hesitated for a moment, surveying the scene before carefully moving towards the fountain. When he kneeled, she automatically moved closer to him and her gaze never left his face.

"In Asgard, we practice magic. Or at least, can manipulate the world around us using science to create magic," Loki explained, waving his hand to once more cause the water to ripple like ringlets. Serenity watched it swirl in a circle, but no animal formed. Instead, it was almost like a portal. She was seeing into another world.

Through the water was the most unreal sight Serenity could have ever gazed upon. Mountains upon mountains with white, snowy tips. Some of them floated in air with golden temples buried into their base as flowers and birds decorated the scene. The water was endlessly blue, streaming throughout the whole of the picture and running under several golden structures. The world was so bright and filled with traces of gold, prosperity, and wealth. The image then shifted to a castle, one that was gigantic in size. It was gardened by golden guards, lining the entrance to the sky scraping palace. Everything was accented with greenery, light, beauty. Serenity felt as if she could smell the crisp, clean air of the surreal image before her.

Loki smiled slightly,"That is my home."

Serenity pulled her gaze up from the image,"Asgard is truly the place of the heavens."

"It is a place of immense beauty, yes."

Her cheeks were pink, and in her expression was something so childish. It was pure admiration,"If only I could one day travel to a place of such beauty."

Loki frowned, "Do you not see other worlds?"

Serenity shook her head,"I've barely left the palace grounds. All I dream about," her gaze shifted towards the sky,"is to see what it is like up there. To live unclaimed by my shackles of royalty, to speak what I wish, to love who I want to love, and to chose my own path to happiness."

Almost immediately, the girl had opened up to him in the oddest way. Serenity always felt she had no voice and yet suddenly, here someone was who was… listening. Maybe she disliked the Asgardian at first, but he just showed her the most magical thing. Perhaps she misjudged him too.

Her crystal eyes were locked on the shimmering stars above before she asked,"Where is Asgard?"

Loki cocked his head, a smile tugging at his lips. He inched closer to her before he lifted his arm to the sky. His face was close to hers to give her the correct point of view to stare at the stars. Serenity followed his finger up into the sky, and could faintly make out the golden light that would be Asgard.

"I can dream about it now," Serenity smiled,"It'll give me another place to escape to when I close my eyes—"

Loki frowned deeply when she pointed to her head and continued,"in here. No one can take my mind from me." Her hand fell from her head as she spoke with sadness,"I do not mean to speak down on royalty. I've lived a life of love and riches, but also one of constraint and loneliness. This life can take away the breath in my lungs, the choices I make, my voice, my life, but it cannot take away my mind. They can't touch my thoughts and they can't take it away from me. So I can hope one day, I will escape to the stars."

The Norse God studied the girl carefully as she passionately declared her life's mission. She lead her life with her heart completely. She was compassionate, lively, brave, and free in her mind. And for some reason, all the trickster he had in him vanished. The Moon Princess, trapped… alone. She was alone. He was too.

"Why do you stay here then?" Loki gently asked.

Serenity sighed,"I can't leave. I escaped to Earth once with a prince when I was 15. I thought I loved him, but he died in the wars of humanity. My mother was more strict after that to keep me here. It destroyed me, but it also trapped me."

Wetness filled her eyes again, but Loki wasn't sure why. Could it be for her lost love, or for her freedom?

Loki wasn't the impulsive kind. He thought of everything and he knew his mind. But seeing this girl cry before him made him crumble inside. His heart tightened in his chest, and his eyes grew so sad. He didn't want her to cry anymore. He never wanted those large pools of blue to ever have to cry again.

He knew what living a sheltered life was and to lock away one's emotions. To hide yourself in a frail attempt to please others and to feel so alone in it. It was maddening. And seeing it before him made him ache inside.

"You can come with me."

Serenity head whipped around to meet Loki's gaze. Her hair swung around her shoulders, and glowed even in the light. She looked beautiful as she stared at Loki with a wide mouth, almost unable to speak. And there was nothing in his eyes but warmth and honesty.

"I know I am nothing in comparison to that of my brother, but I would like to be the one to show you the stars," Loki seriously proposed. His words were warm, and he couldn't help his heart beating wildly in his chest as Serenity's lips curled upwards into a large, beautiful smile. Tears still fell from her eyes, but they seemed to glitter now as they trickled down her face.

Did he say something wrong?

At first, he thought she would reject him. But, he never knew his cold heart could completely stop when she answered,"Take me."

And then, she said it again,"Oh god, please take me with you."

It wasn't long before Serenity launched herself in Loki's embrace. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, pulling him towards her as if he were a life support. Her body trembled in his hold, and Loki found his arms winding around her small waist, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her hand. He found his fingers intertwining with her golden hair, stroking her and comforting her.

Loki could've held her for hours. He didn't know why, but he saw himself in Serenity. But there was more to her there he could ever imagine. Yes, she was lonely and chained and silenced. But also, he saw in her hope, and life. He saw beauty and strength and he wanted to believe that those traits could somehow exist in himself. It was already that the Moon Princess was affecting him, and it was so unlike him to feel. It was unlike him to be embraced and to be wanted. The warmth made his heart beat faster— a sensation new.

The tiny girl whimpered in his arms, pulling back to look up at Loki. It was as if all the light of the moon came from this sole girl as her eyes shimmered with hope,"Why would you do this for me?"

Loki smiled, his hand softly relaxing her bangs away from her crescent moon forehead. Gently, his lips brushed the symbol before he gazed at her. Loki could've sworn he saw stars in her eyes when he answered,"Because no one should cry on their birthday."

Princess Serenity and Loki Odinson sat together under the stars for the rest of the night. She stayed in his warm embrace as Loki pointed out different constellations and told the tales behind them. Loki even showed her where else he would take her in the galaxy. Serenity, for the first time, had a taste of freedom.

However, the sky became black, and dark. The air was thick, and all the two heard after that was screaming.

The Moon Kingdom died that day.

The Negaverse had torn through the Kingdom, killing everyone and everything. Serenity, with tear filled eyes, had run back in fear for her mother. She too, was killed. Loki held her bloodied body when Odin, Frigga, and Thor appeared. They whisked Loki away. They said it wasn't their fight and they left the Moon Kingdom to perish.

It was only the light of the silver crystal that managed to save the life of a young princess, giving her new life on Earth and only to return when evil struck again.

Ahhh so, what do you think? I know, it's kinda dark. But I hope you guys like it! Yes, this IS a oneshot, but if I get enough reviews and favorites, and with some feedback, maybe I'll make it more than a oneshot! So, make sure to follow incase I decide to keep it going. Thank you guys! Please leave your feedback :)