Serenity gazed up about the Earth, the emeralds and sapphires mingled together, some of it hidden beneath white streams. Clouds, she had once been told they were called. And where the lakes on the moon had been silver, those on the earth were blue, as well as deeper and wider. And the greens, they belong to trees and plants, whilst the moon was graced with rocks and minerals.

She sighed. How she longed to visit that planet so near, yet so far out of her reach. But it was forbidden, as there was a deep hatred between the moon and earth people. Many years ago there had been a dreadful war, which had only ended with an uneasy truce. But, it was also because she was the only heir to the throne, so she was unable to move around the planets. Unlike her guardians, who made regular visit to other planets near and far as her ambassadors. She could only imagine the intense fires of Mars, the deep blues of Mercury, the lush leaves of Jupiter and the joyous swirls of Venus.

'Princess Serenity?' a voice behind her awoke her from those dreams.

'Yes?' she turned, the familiar face of Venus beaming at her.

'The Mask Ball is about to begin. The Queen has asked for your presence.'

Serenity nodded, and they both walked together to the Grand Hall. The Mask Ball had been lost in the back of her mind. It was the ball where her mother wished to present her as the formidable Princess of the Moon, the next in line to the throne. It was all ceremonial of course. Serenity was the only heir, but she had only just come of age to except her responsibilities as crowned princess.

Venus slipped away as Serenity reached the grand entrance to the hall. The doorman boomed her entrance. Everyone's gaze turned towards her. A gasp arose. The moon princess was stunning; she looked elegant in her sliver dress and buns high upon her head, hidden slightly by a delicate tiara made of moon dust. Slowly, she descended the stairs, her gown flowing around her. Indeed, she would become a beautiful queen.

Her mother met her at the bottom of the stairs, taking her hand to lead her away from the attention of the crowd.

'My daughter, you are beautiful!' Serenity blushed. She was always shy of compliments, especially from her mother, her idol she hoped to one day live up to. 'There are so many men this evening, many whom I would imagine would be honoured with a dance.' She smiled, and Serenity knew the implication behind it. The Queen wanted her to take every opportunity to find a possible future husband. Yet, did she also see a hint of sadness in those glittering eyes. No. Why would her mother be saddened by that?

Soon, the dancing begun. Many youthful men, visitors, nobles and ambassadors alike danced with her. They too hoped to make a certain impressing on the princess. But none did. All were very handsome, Serenity admitted, but none ignited her emotions.

After hours of dancing it seemed and exchanging pleasantries with the guests, Serenity drifted away. At the balcony, she was glad to see it empty. 'Peace at last', she thought. Once more, she resumed her daydreaming, gazing longingly at the Earth in the starry sky.

Suddenly, a movement beneath her caught her attention. A soft scuffing sound, as if something was being dragged across the floor. Serenity searched for its source, and found a man struggling to move. Without a second thought, Serenity ran back into the hall, keeping to the sides so as not to be noticed. She flew down the many stairs until she reached the lowest level of the building.

Soon, she found herself outside, and running hastily towards the figure. Now he lay motionless, starved of energy. His clothes were worn and ripped, and dust clung to them. Cuts and gashes tattooed his sickly pale skin, but the blood was dry and mingled with more dirt. He was a terrifying sight, and yet, Serenity wanted to hold him tight, so he could feel her heartbeat. Even now, she felt his agonising suffering at his injuries, and wondered where he'd come from. How to help him? Taking him into the Crystal Palace would cause a huge disturbance, one which Serenity felt she could do without. Besides, she'd already seen the mark of an Earthling on him. It would mean death if he was ever found. She quickly brushed these thoughts aside as she picked him up, and steadied his weight on her shoulder. Slowly, she eased him away from the Crystal Palace towards a small shelter roughly half a mile away.

It had long been adaboned by its previous owners. In the past, Serenity recalled how it provided a great hiding place from the palace, when one of her clumsy acts had landed her in deep trouble. That was until Venus and the others found it too. Then it became a girly hideout, a place of secrets. But the mature life they now led meant there was little time for that. In fact, it was very rare for the four of them to be in the same place at once.

Gently, she laid the man down. There were no furnishings in the single room. Only dust and a crumbled floor in one corner where the roof needed repairing. At least, no one would find him here. At least now she was able to examine him thoughly. His right shoulder looked out of place. She peeled away the sleeve, and gasped. A deep gash revealed a broken bone. And the smell was revolting. 'This man', she thought, glancing at his pale face, 'is decaying'. Other than his arms, his other injuries were minor. She decided to come back later with food and medicine, for there was nothing she could do now. She just hoped that he woke, he'd stay were he was safe.