Hi all. Fedski Here.

I want to firstly apologise for taking so long with doing anything to this story. I had such a block when I realised that what I had in my head wouldn't make sense with things as I had written them so I apologise profusely for making you wait so long. I seem to have become what I hate, an author that just leaves her story hanging, really really sorry for that.

Secondly I wanted to give a really big thanks to those who have reviewed, favourited and followed my story even when it was on unofficial hiatus. Thanks for caring to review even when I hadn't touched it for so long. So thank you PrincessIdril,Shinobi of life, ciakaira, cupcakeXmuffins, SailorHeart 01, robinita367, Ichanchan2, kittykaos84, Maiden Virgo and Sailormoon1129 for following me even still. It really means a lot to me!

Thank you to JungkO, Aphrodite-08 and SerenityMoonGodness for reviewing even though I hadn't posted in ages. It's really nice to get reviews and those three reviews really inspired me to continue writing this fic! Thanks a lot!

I want to thank all the people who have favourited my story, it's really great to know that people like your work and this too, really made me get off my lazy butt and keep writing this fic. So a huge thanks to SilverPearlPrincess, serenityangelrose, Aipom4, SaiyanGal, Shinobi of life,JungkO, Venellen, LoveInTheBattleField, Enkelisisar, SailorHeart 01, Sobakasu2, MissTexMex, pinkycutie7 and cook53.

OK so you may be wondering, 'why has she posted the same story up?' Well, basically I made a few changes in the beginning chapters to make the rest more believable and flow more easily. I hope that you guys don't mind. Basic things, such as her age and a few attitudes have changed. Also I've meshed together a few chapters because rereading them I was like 'Why the hell did I put a chapter break here? It doesn't make sense.' O.o In any case, I hope that you enjoy this new 'A First Meeting'

Chapter One: The Dawn of Understanding

By Fedski

Serenity sighed as she walked around her garden. Much had happened today, so many secrets once hidden were all out in the open now. Her mind teeming with unanswered questions she just had to get away. To be alone for a while, while she thought. Today was her seventeenth birthday, she usually enjoyed her birthdays. They were filled with fun, laughter and celebration. But not this one. This time the childish fun was ruined by the seriousness of life. She wished she could blame someone for this horrible day. Her mother, her friends, her advisors, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Not one of her many loyal loved ones had brought this upon her. It's the way it'd had always been, it's the way it always will be.

Sighing once again, she pondered her awful fate. To be married within the year. She thought about what it meant. Her whole world would be upside down. No more fun and games. No more free caring Serenity. More responsibility, the pressure to take care of nations. She knew she wasn't ready, and more importantly, she knew everyone else felt the same. How could she. The clumsy, puny Moon princess. How could she ever rule over such wise and intelligent beings? She knew she'd fail. But this wasn't what scared her the most.

To her, the most frightening part was the union between her and her husband. She feared the eternal link which meant giving part of herself to someone else. So unsure of herself as it was, how could she possibly open herself up completely to a stranger. She couldn't bear the ridicule and mocking that could occur in that circumstance.

Walking around her garden she tried to calm herself. But her sanctuary so useful in the past wasn't helping her at all now. The overwhelming silence, just made her focus on her thoughts more. Yes her own little safe-house now created the most inescapable place to confront her feelings.

With another deep sigh she sat down on the edge of the silvery fountain. For a while she just sat there staring into the cool, clear water which rose gracefully up the clear pipe, only to come stylishly down once again. She thought about her mother. She knew that her mother hated to see her like this, trapped in an impossible decision. But she also knew her mother had no choice. Serenity was a Moon princess and she had to follow the law. She couldn't blame her mother for what was happening, it just wouldn't be fair. She had seen her mother's moist eyes when she told her of her fate. She felt the sorrow with every touch. And more importantly she had heard those snippets of conversation between Queen Serenity and her councilors.

It had been a hot day. Serenity had just come in from playing with her best friend Motoki. They had just made a cubby house and Serenity wanted to show her mother. As she approached the throne room she stopped as she heard the first sentence. "My Queen, Serenity must be told sooner or later." Serenity recognized the voice. It was her mother's head advisor.

"I know Bodo, I am aware of the tradition."

"Your highness, she is almost of age," exclaimed Lord Akira. He was new to the inner circle of advisors and saw that his elevated position came with more freedom of speech. "The choice should be made within the year!" Serenity hadn't yet had the chance to engage in conversation with Akira, but he gave off a sense of 'no nonsense' which had never sat well with Serenity.

"But Akira, she's not yet 13-"

"-Her majesty wants to find the most suitable man does she not?" Akira's question interrupted the queen's soft excuse.

"Yes Akira, I understand." The queen started placatingly.

"Then what is stopping her majesty?" There was a pause. Serenity felt her heartbeat accelerate. She was sure that all the occupants in the room would surely be hearing it as it thumped against her ribcage but no one stirred. Still she leaned into the door to hear the reasoning behind her mother's strange silence. Wondering what they were all talking about that had to do with her.

"She's so young!" Her mother burst out.

"Not any younger than her majesty was." Bodo ever the diplomat pointed out. The queen wrung her hands and began pacing across the grand room.

"I know that Bodo, but..."

"But it's Serenity." He finished understanding in his words. The queen nodded distractedly then suddenly launched into a further explanation.

"She's just too full of life and joy. She's free spirited and I can't bear to pin her down."

"Her majesty realizes that it will be more of a shock if it comes later." Reasoned Akira.

"I understand Akira," The queen sighed. "But all the same I can't sign her life away that easily. I want her to fall in love on her own, not be married to a total stranger."

"Your majesty, we only choose from the best. Only the most worthy will have her hand in marriage." Commented Bodo attempting to lighten the queen's guilt.

"Yes your highness, all men in the universe will be envious of the man who will marry her. He will put all other men to shame." Added Akira sensing the direction the elder councilor was attempting.

"That doesn't make things any easier Akira. My daughter is my most precious possession, and to the man that marries her she must be also."

There was a long pause.

"Your majesty," Bodo started, "Do we have your permission to begin the search?"

Another long pause.

"Very well." Serenity replied. "Leave me now."

The two advisors exited, both too busy to notice the young Moon princess hiding behind the half open doors. As they left down the corridor the young girl glanced inside the room. Her mother was seated on her throne, her head cast down held up by her slender arms. She shook softly as she thought of her young Moon princess. "Forgive me Serenity," she whispered. Serenity turned to leave after she saw the silver tears cascading down her mother's face, she could show her the cubby house later.

No, she thought. It just wouldn't be fair to blame her troubles on her mother. Nor would it be to blame her advisors, they only followed the law set down by past generations. No she couldn't bring herself to blame anyone else for this sad event which was about to unfold. Gazing into the deep pool of water which resided in the fountain she felt calm. Readjusting her eyes a little she fixed her gaze on her reflection. Examining every inch of her face she turned away in disgust.

That was the real explanation for all this mess she reasoned. Herself. The more she thought about it the more she knew she was right. She remembered her mother's conversation again.

"I know that Bodo, but..."

"But it's Serenity." He finished.

"She's just too full of life and joy. She's free spirited and I can't bear to pin her down."

"Too weak you mean." Serenity said walking away from her aquatic mirror. If only she'd known at the time what they were talking about. She had been nearly thirteen, she should have realized. Again she felt disgusted at her own slowness. The conversation she heard told her everything that happened today, but did she understand its meaning? No. It was put out there, right in front of her on a silver platter and still she didn't realize it.

"Stupid, stupid me!" She said to herself. Wandering around the garden again she sighed for the hundredth time. She came to her favourite bench, it wasn't the grandest in the garden, nor was it the best positioned, but for Serenity it was definitely the most lovely. It was a beautiful white marble masterpiece set on a small platform and shaded by a gorgeous vine-woven trellis. She sat down on it and looked over her favourite part of the garden. All around her were millions and millions of roses. All colours surrounded her and their sweet scent danced in the moonlit air. She sat there silently for a few minutes just taking in the sight of the bushes dancing in the breeze. The day played over in her head.

She woke up smiling and bubbly just like every other morning. Realizing that today was her birthday she dressed quickly and ran down stairs. Reaching the last step she noticed that it was just sunrise, an unusual hour for her to be awake at. Not wanting to awaken any other people, she silently made her way to her garden. Sitting on her favourite bench she sighed with joy at the beautiful colours in the sky. Her heart felt light and free.

Her thoughts were pulled back to the present. Funny how her day started off so wonderfully, sitting at this very bench only a few hours ago she was the happiest person in the world, now her heart was heavy with the thoughts of the day past. She returned to her previous reflection.

After watching the most magnificent sunrise she had ever seen, she returned to the palace which now had many people bustling around. Almost everyone was shocked to see her enter the room; it was a wide known fact that the princess was a late sleeper, none of the early morning staff were used to seeing her. Once by one they all bowed low as she passed them. Copying the grace of her mother she bowed her head slightly to all and made her way back up to her room.

On her way she decided to stop into her mother's room to see if she was up. As she reached the door she heard voices from inside.

"No Akira, I cannot do this to her. Not today." Her mother firmly stated.

"The more time she has to prepare the better my Queen." Replied Akira calmly.

"I will not ruin this day for her. She can find out any other day but not today."

"My Queen, I fear she will." Voiced Bodo. "Prince Diamond has been invited to the ball tonight; their first meeting will be this evening."

"Why was he invited?" Questioned Serenity in disbelief, "And why did I know nothing of this?" She demanded.

Akira moved forward and spoke, "My Queen, I sent the invite when you assured me that you would inform Princess Serenity of this affair six months ago."

"Without my permission?" The queen asked in a betrayed voice. There was a long pause. Her mother was trying to control her emotions, her fear for her daughter and her respect for her advisors were clashing against each other causing her natural kindness to waver.

"With respect, my Queen," started Bodo, "Princess Serenity has been left out of this equation for too long, you've been making the decisions for her. Perhaps it is time we called upon her to tell us of her views."

Serenity heard her mother let out an anguished sigh. She knew that her mother conceded to Bodo's point.

"Very well Bodo. I will request an audience with Serenity after lunch, but first, let her enjoy at least half her day. She needs to have some joyous moments on her birthday."

"Yes my Queen." Replied Bodo and Akira.

Serenity walked away from the large white door, more questions filled her head. What could be so horrible that her mother hadn't told her about it? And who was this Prince Diamond fellow and why was it so important that they meet tonight at her birthday ball?

Entering her room she had sighed at the thought of secrets. It was clear to her by this point that her mother was keeping a secret from her. One which concerned her very much. Lying on the great, white bed in the centre of the room she sighed once again. Suddenly all of her energy seemed to be drained from her and was replaced by burning questions in her mind.

As she lay there in deep concentration she was startled to hear a knock on her door. She rose from her bed gracefully and walked over to the beautiful carved door, opening it she was greeted by her four most trusted and worthy friends.

"Happy Birthday Serenity!" They all chorused together. Each had an enormous smile on their face and each brought arm loads of gifts.

"Hello my friends! It's so wonderful you are here!" She exclaimed shocked that her friends from the four planets around her were here. She embraced them each in turn.

"Ami, you look lovely. Rei, stunning! Makoto, oh how I've missed you! Minako, I'm glad you came!"

"We couldn't let you waste half your birthday doing nothing!" exclaimed Rei.

"So we decided we would come and get a little party going before your big ball!" finished Minako.

"Thank you, it means a lot to me." replied Serenity.

They had then spent the remainder of the day just spending time with one another. Lunch had come and gone and Serenity wondered when her mother would call her in to talk with the advisors. Soon her mind was preoccupied with other things as the girls got down to talking. The conversation was trivial really, just about normal day affairs and gossip issues. The topic had then turned to the future. Serenity sat quietly throughout this part of the conversation. It reminded her of the conversations her mother had that she had overheard. Each of the girls shared what they would like to have in their futures.

Serenity remembered this situation today with exasperation. When called upon to share her future she ran from the room terrified at the thoughts they had put into her head. Each of them had ideas which required responsibility, courage and bravery each accomplishing incredible feats. What made her fear the most was the thought that she was expected to have all of these aspects by tonight.

Hiding herself away in her room she slid back between the covers wishing this day never occurred. She didn't respond when she heard a sharp tap on her door, nor did she stir when the door opened and Queen Serenity entered into the room. Only when her loving mother sat down on her bed beside her did she allow her confusion to spill out. Crying on her mother's lap she let out all of her worries and problems. When she could cry no more she lay there as her mother spoke to her gently, explaining to her the whole situation and how it came about.

"My dear, a long time ago, in our kingdom, a wise, old man named Yoshi ruled as King. He was a very intelligent man and was blessed too. He had twelve daughters, each as beautiful as a goddess, graceful as a flower and each one with a heart as pure as gold. King Yoshi's daughters were the most sought after maidens in the whole universe. Every man wanted to have one of the beautiful, graceful sisters as a bride and many were prepared to do anything to earn that privilege.

Back then the traditions we have today had not been set. King Yoshi's daughters were subjected to many rude and boorish men wishing to buy the love of a beautiful princess. As they were forced to endure visits from many shallow men, each princess in turn, realized that they had lost their passion to find a soul mate. One by one they turned down the throne opting to abdicate and become priestesses. Soon only one daughter was left, the youngest and prettiest one of all. She was a bright girl and liked to see the good side to every person. Although seeing all these selfish men flock to her she was determined to keep a positive outlook and find her one true love.

Her father was grateful for her strength and strong will; but he was getting older and was worried he would have no heir to take his throne. Years passed and the young girl grew into womanhood, yet still she had not found a suitable man to take as her husband. Her father grew weak and became ill. Scared that his daughter would abandon the throne once he died, he set a decree that has remained until this day. By the princess' eighteenth birthday, a suitor of her choice must be named or one will be appointed to her by the advisors and royalty of the time. My dear, years have passed since then and the rules have become less enforced, but all the same you must start thinking about finding a suitable man to marry."

Serenity had gazed up at her mother her eyes full of tears. "Diamond." She whispered softly as she looked up onto her mother's face. Seeing the guilt there she tried to dispel her mother's remorse and continued. "I overheard his name in a few conversations..." she admitted. "H-he is a suitor isn't he? Here for my hand?" All her mother could do was nod sadly.

"He's a lovely boy Serenity. Please consider him and his feelings. He genuinely cares for you. Be courteous…please." Serenity nodded absently looking out her balcony doors. Silence fell.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" she asked after a few moments. "Was it because I wasn't ready?"

"No my dear." Her mother replied comfortingly. "The reason I never told you was because I wanted you to be free of this. I wanted you to enjoy your life and not be weighed down by the pressures of finding a soul mate so soon. I have been debating with my court Serenity, I have argued my case long and hard, and at times I think they see things my way, but they are stuck on the traditions of the past."

"W-w-will I have to marry on my eighteenth birthday?" Serenity asked trying to stay strong. That would be in a year!

"No my dear. But the courts will expect you to have some suitors of your choice who are in pursuit to marry you by your eighteenth birthday. Then the next few years will be up to you to decide whosoever you wish to marry. The wedding will take place when you feel ready for it."

After that her mother had left her in peace to think it over. She then had wandered out into her garden hoping to find some comfort in her solitude.

Serenity sighed for what must have been the thousandth time that day. Her lonely walk through the garden and her reflection on the events of the day had drained her completely. Looking at the sky she watched the magnificent show of colours and wished she could just fly off into the sunset. She knew her mother meant well and that she was trying to get her out of this mess, but she also knew that there was little hope of that. She realized, even if her mother did not, that naming a suitor pretty much sealed marriage between them. Although her mother would allow her to break from the arrangement, the courts and the officials from both parties would not. Her carefree existence would end on her eighteenth birthday.

Placing her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands, she began to sob quietly. She hated this confused feeling and the sudden amount of expectation which had been thrust upon her shoulders.

"I don't want to go to the ball." She murmured softly into her hands.

Atop her balcony watching her Moon princess walk aimlessly around her garden, Queen Serenity let her tears fall. Her happy, joyful daughter walked around her sanctuary like an enormous weight had been placed on her shoulders. She no longer walked with a bounce in her step, or a smile on her face. In fact, her feet seemed to drag ever so slightly and her beautiful sapphire eyes seemed to be coated in a thin layer of moisture.

Serenity cursed herself for letting this burden fall to her young, innocent daughter. She was disappointed in herself for allowing an ill-advised old fashion law deny her daughter a fair chance at true love. Drying her tears she sighed deeply. She knew deep down that things weren't as entirely as bad as they seemed. Sure Serenity would be pursued by some slimy social climbers but she also knew that some men would genuinely court Serenity for more than money power and wealth. Prince Diamond was an excellent example of that. Queen Serenity half smiled at the thought of Prince Diamond, she still had many questions about the mysterious youth.

He was prince of the Second Moon, a small luminous rock which drifted just beyond the asteroid circle. The celestial body was given the honor of having that name as it belonged to no planet. It was its own place; it neither supported another planetoid nor revolved around a planet. And yet the shiny sphere was not so unlike the Moon. It had the same shining appearance and the same ability to accommodate life. Therefore it was given the grand title of the Second Moon, a great privilege as it associated it with the greatest kingdom of all times, the Moon Kingdom.

Prince Diamond had been an ambassador of the Second Moon for a year now, the responsibly had been given to him on his eighteenth birthday last year. He had come many times to oversee the politics between the Moon and Second Moon Kingdoms, and in his visits he had noticed the beautiful Princess Serenity. Queen Serenity knew that he was interested in her for more than power or money. Although Serenity and Diamond had never spoken, Queen Serenity had noticed that a softness - almost a trance - came over Diamond whenever Serenity entered the room. All of her court had noticed it too, which is one of the reasons they had invited him to Serenity's birthday ball this evening. Knowing of the young Prince's interest in their Princess they decided to see if he could become a possible suitor.

Prince Diamond did indeed possess all the aspects which the law decreed a courter of the Princess must have. He was a nobleman, a trained soldier and his job as an ambassador surely showed his ability to delegate matters confidential and or otherwise. Yes, Queen Serenity had to admit it he was the ideal choice.

Strangely enough, Serenity realized that she wouldn't mind if Diamond became her son in-law. On the occasions they had met he had been sincere, polite and infinitely agreeable. He was handsome, strong and had an obvious attraction to the young princess. Yes, she thought. Diamond would make a great companion for Serenity…Maybe I'm overreacting to this whole situation…I haven't even considered the possibility that they might fall in love, not that there's much left to do on Diamonds' side, he's already totally smitten over Serenity. And Serenity? Well…she's a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul, she always looks at the best in people, surely that will be enough for her, if not….

Serenity once again looked out into the garden; she could no longer see her Moon princess. Turning she walked back inside, closing the extravagant glass doors behind her. She walked straight to her dresser and sat down on the soft, padded stool. No sooner had she done this, her maid Delia entered the room ready to prepare her for the ball. Serenity sighed as she submitted to Delia's work and dressed for the ball.

If not…she thought, then it will call for some rather drastic action on my behalf.