Story: The Moonlit Shore

Chapter: Prologue

Anime: Sailor Moon

Pairing: Serenity/Endymion

Rated: Teen

Author's Notes: Welcome, you voters! I know you all voted for this story a long time ago, but I recently announced that it would be started in the summer. Well, it's ALMOST summertime! School ends this Wednesday, but I thought since I had it written I would post it a few days early. Here's the prologue, enjoy.

It was times like these when the water was so blue and clear when I found my mind drifting. Times like these when the fishes adored their brightest colors for the day, swimming around me with no fear that I found myself wishing I could be apart of their happy, carefree life. It was times like these when I found myself looking back to my past. A past that had dulled into the back of my mind like a candle's flame waiting to be blown out, but no one dared to interrupt its natural light in the room. It belonged there for the time being until it was time to be blown out so it could be replaced with a brighter, stronger flame – a more memorable memory.

Flashback

I ran past the palace walls, wanting to see the sun descend into the depths of the ocean. I wanted to see it sink its teeth into the surface of the waves. Over me, the sky was a brilliant mixture of colors: pink, light blue, dark blue, purple, red, orange, and yellow. Stars were faintly sneaking through the daytime's light blue sky as night started settling in. Approaching the cliff that overlooked the clear ocean below, I saw a woman sitting next to the edge with her head in her fragile looking hands. I was taught to care about others so I walked up to the woman, planning on comforting her.

I placed my small, slightly chubby hand on her bony shoulder. "Madam, are you all right?"

The woman looked up at me with a pair of dark red eyes. They were filled with tears. "Oh, child. What are you doing out here all alone?"

I let a small smile appear on my face. "I wanted to see the sunset." I looked out at the ocean. "It's so beautiful."

I sensed the woman follow my eyes to the waves. "Yes, it is." I felt her eyes look back at me. "How old are you, dear?"

I turned my face back to her. "I'm eight. How old are you?"

A seemingly dark laugh escaped through her cracked lips. "What a silly question." Her red eyes appeared to grow darker as she looked over me. I backed away slightly when she reached out her wrinkled hand to touch my silver hair. "For being so young, child, you act so mature."

I giggled. "Mama says that sometimes."

Her lips twisted into an evil smile. "Your mother, huh? Didn't she ever tell you it isn't safe to speak to strangers?" I nodded. "You should learn to listen to her, princess."

I felt my eyebrows pull together in confusion at her words. "What?"

A wide grin pulled across her face, stretching her skin across her cheek bones. "Do you know how to swim?" I didn't have time to respond to her question before she pull her long sleeves up, sweeping her arm across my front. I tumbled towards the edge of the cliff, practically falling over. She walked closer to me as she lifted her arm in front of her. In fear, I stumbled back, making the weak edge collapse. A scream rose in my throat as I fell down the side. My hand shot out for something to grab on to. The woman reached down, capturing my hand in hers. I looked up frantically at her face only to see an evil face look back. Another scream filled the air as I watched a dark light emit from her fingers tips and enter my own hand. I could feel the dark presence race through my veins, leaving a trail of pain behind. My mind became cloudy as my grip loosened. I heard the woman cackled as she released my hand, sending me into the ocean.

For just a moment, I came out of the blackness that was filling my vision. I saw the woman standing at the edge of the cliff above me, her arms raised. Suddenly, the currents twisted and turned beneath my feet and I felt myself spinning. The water sucked me under, filling up my lungs. I surrendered to the shadow washing over my every thought, praying this was only a dream.

When I surfaced, the surroundings were different. The sky was dark. I couldn't find a single star, making the night feel more terrifying. I heard a noise, making me look around the water. I saw the woman from before standing on an unaccompanied rock.

A grin was rested upon her face. "Young Serenity, how sad. It is about to happen."

I looked around anxiously. "What are you talking about?" Just then, the pain came back to my body as I went under slightly, sending a gulp of water into my mouth. A loud scream flew out of my mouth as I felt the dark light work its way deeper into my system. I watched as my skin began to glow, my eyes widening. "What's happening?!" The light filled the water, and the pain was excruciating. My eyes were foggy when the pain finally subsided, but my body felt different. I reached into the water to feel for my legs. They felt slimy and scaly. A gasp sounded as I realized my legs weren't there. I looked around for the woman. "What did you do to me?"

I heard her laughing, making me turn towards her voice. "I believe it's time for me to explain what I've done to you, princess. My name is Meryl. I'm a witch from the planet Waconia. Your mother, Queen Serenity, had my planet destroyed several years ago before you were even born. She had all my people killed without a care of what it did to me, the sole survivor. Now, it's my turn to do the same to her with the use of her only daughter." Her smile turned to a frown. "Your disappearance will destroy her in every which way I desire, and the Moon Kingdom will fall."

"But why? Doing this won't bring back all those people," I said.

"Because, you mindless nitwit, I must avenge my people." She leaned down closer to me, her frown turning upside down. "Now, about you, obviously you've figured out something is off. That's because you're no longer what society considers human. You are a mermaid, half human and half fish." My eyes widened. "I've perfected this spell over the years, but there is a cinch to it. The only way its bindings can be broken is for you to reunite with your family and to find true love, but it all must be done before your beloved kingdom, the moon, sets on your eighteenth birthday or else you shall remain a mermaid." This would be easy. I'm sure she just moved me further away from the palace, but with fins it shouldn't be too hard to get back. Finding true love would be the hard part. Her laughter broke my thoughts. "No, it won't be easy. I know that's what you're thinking. You see, young Serenity, you're no longer on the moon." She swept her arm around her. "The ocean you are in is on Earth."

My eyes widened. "What? No, I can't be on Earth."

She cackled loudly. "Did you honestly think I would make it easy for you? Don't be ridiculous." She rose to her feet, her hand forming a bright red light. "Oh, and one more thing: you are able to walk the shores when the moon is out, but only then will you grow your legs back. When the sun rises and the moon sets, you will turn back into a mermaid." As soon as the words left her lips, the light spread over the rest of her body, making her disappear.

It didn't take long for my tears to surface. I swam towards the rock that was just occupied by the evil witch, Meryl. I reached for it, holding onto the crevices as I let the tears flow.

End of Flashback

I shook my head as I left the fishes to their business. I swam towards the surface. It was nearing night, and the moon would be out tonight. My eighteenth birthday was only a few months away and I still haven't fulfilled either of the demands. I broke through the water, pulling my fingers through my long, silver hair. I started towards the shore until I saw something in the distance. I ducked my head in the water as I watched the black ship near. Studying the designs on the side of the ship, I read the name written in gold letters.

A long breath escaped through my lips. "'Serenity.'"

Is it what you all expected? I hope so! Let me know all your thoughts! Is it making sense so far? Do you like it? Will you keep reading? Will you recommend it to others? Haha. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out, but stay tuned anyway! It's going to be good! I'd appreciate it if everyone reviewed, but no pressure. I just love hearing from you all.

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MoonlightMaiden14

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