Elora Danan In the ancient history books of the Silver Millennium, tales are told of soldiers who gave their lives, of ill-fated lovers driven apart by a war no one but the enemy wanted. Captain Jordan, of the Millennium Guard?s Fifth cavalry unit was one such hero. He had been trained with Lorchaan, the young, dashing Captain of the Queen?s Guard who stole young Queen Serenity?s heart, and who died in battle, fighting to keep her safe. Jordan had seen many things change, many old friends die, of old age, of disease. But as long as he had his family, his beloved wife, and beautiful young daughter he as content to let them go. In 2341*B.D., a minor skirmish between the Silver Kingdom and the Terran Empire occurred, the fighting was held to only one city, and barely lasted a day, but in the end, it cost him everything. His family had gone to Earth on a trip to see his mother-in-law, who was ill. They were caught in the crossfire, and killed. Swearing to avenge their deaths, he plotted his revenge??.. Stolen Child Nana quietly walked through the empty corridors drenched in Earthshine to Princess Serenity's chambers. She hadn't had any problems getting her to sleep that night. All the girls were tired out, they'd had a long day. Opening the door, she slipped inside and walked to Serena's bedroom carefully so as to avoid the toys on the floor. Serena shifted in her sleep, one delicate small arm was flung over a fluffy white teddy bear. Nana smiled to herself as she checked the child one last time before getting ready to leave for the night. Serena had her lessons as usual, plus her equestrian lessons in hunting, jumping and dressage. Then the girls had wanted an outdoor picnic for their dinner, which her Majesty had agreed to, though she could not attend. So it was easy to understand why the girl was tired out. She planted a tiny kiss on her forehead, above the crescent and slid out into the hall, closing the door behind her. She had her own children to tend to now. Serena slept the night through, not even moving when her mother, Queen Serenity came in to kiss her goodnight. She stared back at Serena for a long while before leaving. A strange sense of foreboding had filled her all day, though she could not explain her reasons for it. Sometime around dawn, Serenity awoke drenched in a cold sweat. Serena, Princess Serenity, heir to the entire Silver Millennium was a sound sleeper ordinarily. But now, for some reason she couldn't explain, she was awake. She blinked tiredly as she stared around the room, trying to figure out what was different. She had just been about to settle down in the sheets and go back to sleep when she saw him. Captain Jordan. He smiled at her, and sat down next to her on the bed. "Hello Serena." she stifled a yawn and smiled at him. "Good Morning." "Do you know what?" she shook her head." Right now the Terrans are threatening to make war here and your mother asked me to take you someplace safe. There's no time to get dressed." he eased the blanket out and wrapped her in it. "Where are we going?" "We'll just go someplace safe." He picked her up and climbed down from the window. Once on the ground, he turned her to face him, and finding a pressure point, slammed his palm into her neck, knocking her unconscious. Then he raced off of the Palace grounds toward his destination. Standing slowly, Queen Serenity stole to her daughter's chambers, telling herself if she checked on Serena, she would be able to go back to sleep. The rooms were dark, the only light coming from the Earth outside. She moved quietly to her bedroom, smiling wistfully at the toys scattered around on the floor. Serena was like any other little girl -her rooms were always a mess. Reaching her bedside, she softly called; "Serena, sweetheart, are you awake?" she pushed the thin white curtains back to reveal......Nothing. The bed sheets were tangled, but the comforter was gone. "No!" she screamed in terror. Maeri, Lady Mars was the first in the door at her cry, followed quickly by the others. "Serenity, what's wrong?" she noticed the empty bed. "Oh, my gods above." "Where is she? Can you feel her?" "Yes, I think she's hurt, but I don't know WHERE!" No one had ever seen Queen Serenity become hysterical. "Okay." Maeri sat next to her and wrapped her arms around the sobbing Queen."It's okay, we'll find her and she'll be all right, you'll see. Jaymie, send the Silver Riders out to search for her. As long as Sere can still sense her, she's alive and relatively unharmed. Tell them to look for anything suspicious." Jaymie left, headed for control center to alert the Guard. The Silver Riders mounted Lunarian Andalusians, and raced out into the city. They could only search the city streets, and the kidnapper was wisely sticking to the roof. The child was still silent; out from the blow he'd given her long ago to avoid being detected. The building he had chosen was his apartment, where no one would think to look. He set her down, and looked, really looked at her for the first time. Serena was a beautiful little girl, so much like his own had been....... She was pale, a bruise forming where his fist had hit her face; the crescent on her forehead shimmered faintly. He had once been dedicated to the Silver Kingdom, would have done anything to save the Kingdom and protect the Queen, and was it not for the loss of his wife and daughter in the Mars revolt. Having once been called the greatest warrior in the Kingdom, he knew all the ways in and out of the Palace, knew where the Guards were stationed and when. He waited patiently for Serena to wake. "Where are we?" she flinched when he loomed over her. "Why did you hit me?" "I'm sorry, Serena. But I had to make you quiet, we don't want them to hear us, now do we?" he held his arms open, and she walked in, expecting a hug. Instead, he gripped her arm and slipped a piece of rag in her mouth to gag her, then he bound her hands. Her eyes were filled with terror. He tied her hands to the stair railing and readied his whip. A whiplash for each person killed under his command, for his wife, his daughter. He didn't stop until he was too tired to sling the whip. Throwing it aside, he staggered to her and severed the ropes tying her there and threw her to the floor. She opened her eyes and struggled to sit up, gasping at the pain it caused. He planted a booted foot in her midsection and knocked her back, watching as she hit her head against the bookcase. While struggled yet again to get up, he stopped, hearing voices, and the whinnies of horses. Fearfully she raised her eyes to him as he yanked her roughly to her feet. He untied her and slung her over his shoulder, heading for the fire escape and leaping out. The only place to go now was off planet, and carrying the still prone form of Princess Serenity he headed for the Interplanetary Spaceport. Brennain was at a gallop. He knew if they didn?t get to Serena soon, they wouldn?t be able to track her much longer. They had found Captain Jordan missing from his post and a nasty resignation note left in his place. The old man had to be responsible. No one else could have gotten around the security measures. The civilians of Millennium City stared at him in astonishment as he raced along with his sword hitting his side. Crime was unheard of in the Silver Millennium, yet he was running as though his life depended on it. They all did. He pulled out his communicator and sent an all-call; "All right, I think I?ve figured out where the bastard?s heading. All squads to the Spaceport, he?s not leaving alive!" His mount picked up speed at his urging, sending startled people flying out of the way. They were nearly there when he saw it. The moon beam. Pure energy shot into the air. He took off again at full speed, following it. Dismounting, he raced toward the Center Square. People had fled the building, save for one man who was trying to talk to Jordan. "Now, she?s just a kid, you don?t want to hurt a kid. A little girl like that has got parents and friends who love her. Just let her go." There she was! Serena was being held firmly by Captain Jordan. She was crying and screaming loudly. The man waved Brennain back, but he stepped forward anyway. While she hung there awkwardly, he could see her bloodied legs and silently swore to avenge her. Squarely facing him, he rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Let her go, and I promise you freedom." "Why should I let her go? " he yelled back. Her Majesty is willing to forget this in face of the things you have done in the Kingdom?s service. Let Serena go, and you will be allowed to leave. Or, if you prefer, I am willing to exchange my life for hers." Jordan appeared to think about that. "No. Either back off, or I?ll send her body back to you in a bag. How?s that for compromise?" "Jordan-why the sudden change of heart? You have been her guardian since she was born." "It?s none of your concern. Now, I?ll consider your plan if I get my own sol sailor, and you swear on her life no one will tail me." "Done." "Jordan softly whispered to Serena; "You?re mine." "Freeze!" He heard his guards arrive, and evidently Jordan did too because he backed up and bolted with Serena still firmly in his grip. Brennain was after him in a second, it didn?t take much imagination to figure out where he was going. The terminals. The damn fools! Startling Jordan into a run made it twice as hard to get Serena back. He slapped his communicator and ordered all out-bound traffic stopped, making it so Jordan had to stay on the ground. They pushed their way through the sea of people, Captain Jordan ordered all out of his way, a few stopped and stared at the sight of the bloody little girl in his arms. When they got to the terminal attendant, he shifted Serena and held her tightly, ordering her to pretend to sleep. "I need to make an emergency flight to Mars. She?s very ill." "I see sir, and when would you like to go?" "Now, if possible. Or, even if not." He held a small beam gun at her forehead. "Now, open the door and let us on, and you can live a normal, happy life. Or die here and never know the joys of??.Ow! What the -" Serena had been undecided on what to do. She knew she couldn't leave with him. Her head aching so badly she couldn?t see straight, she finally came to a decision. She slowly moved her arm so that her hands could reach Jordan?s sides, and tickled him. Reflexively, he loosened his grip enough to let her fall to the floor. Recovering, he saw Serena stagger forward out of his reach, in desperation he shoved the woman out of the way and threw himself into the ship?s door. Brennain saw Serena collapse after a short distance, and went immediately to her side. His men darted into the ship and searched it for him. He was gone. Serena was sobbing hysterically, the beginnings of a nasty bruise on her cheek. Her golden blonde hair was wet and sticking to her face, and the crescent still glittered beneath the nasty cut on her forehead. He could see the blood on her legs, cuts and gashes went all the way down to her ankles. Her face twisted in agony, and he slowly approached her with hands held apart so she could see he meant no harm. Picking her up, he gathered her close. "Serena?" he whispered. "Hush little one. We'll go home. It'll be all right. Shhh. Shhh." She clung tightly to him, and coughed. He could feel the warmth all of a sudden, and realized she was sick. Up all night in the cold with only a thin nightgown on, no wonder! He could hear the people gathering around them, though no one came too close. A woman silently held out a blanket and he wrapped her in it. He briefly wondered where the media was. His first Lieutenant returned; " Sir, he?s gone. We?re searching the rest of the port, he can?t have gone far." "Carry on. And" his face turned into a grimace; "Bring me that son-of-a-bitch's head on a spear." He picked Serena up, covering her head with the blanket to keep her warm. His horse was still there at the front and he carefully mounted, keeping her as still as possible. The galloped off to the Silver Palace at a swift pace. The gates opened at their approach, and Brennain dismounted, Serena still in his grasp. She was delirious now, and almost incoherent. Servants met them in the courtyard, taking her from him instantly and headed toward her chambers. Brennain slowly led his horse into the stables, and unsaddled him. A page walked in and headed toward him rapidly. "Sir. Her Majesty requests your presence immediately." he bowed and left. He slowly walked toward the Queen's chambers. The fact that she wished to speak with him in her private sanctum spoke volumes. He was admitted, and he quietly slid in. Queen Serenity was reclined on a chaise. Her pale face and soulful eyes were painful to behold. "Your Majesty." he bowed low, and removed his hat. "Brennain. I...Thank you. Thank you." tears were falling down her cheeks, leaving streaks on her alabaster white skin. "You're welcome, My Queen. How is she?" "Serena is unconscious. She has a dangerously high fever, and she's.... Oh Gods above...he beat her. How could anyone do this to a child? Is it because she's mine? I alone should pay the price for what I have or have not done! " He had never seen the Queen cry. He couldn't stand to see any woman cry. He longed to comfort her, but dared not. So he sat there and waited. Eventually, she motioned him to leave, which he did reluctantly. Her racking sobs would forever haunt him. Maeri and Renae raced to Serena's chambers when she was brought in; she was blood-soaked and shivering. She was placed on the bed, and they went to work. The cuts on her legs were deep and long, they'd have to be stitched closed. Her fever was tantamount priority; she was showing signs of respiratory distress. Maeri held Serena firmly, wrapped her in a blanket, and kept her still while Renae sealed the cuts, and bandaged them against infection. Then she filled the tub with cool water and snatched a rag. They would need to bring Serena's body temperature down. They undressed and bathed her, pouring the cool water over her again and again, adding ice when necessary until her fever lessened somewhat. When it was safe, Maeri went to tell the Queen her condition. Serenity had managed to fall asleep on her chaise, Maeri could see the tear tracks on her face, and she felt nothing but pity for her old friend. "Serenity?" "Yes?" she jerked upright. "We've healed her legs, and Renae is bringing her fever down as we speak. Do you want to see her?" Maeri quietly led her to Serena's chambers, and left her to be with her daughter for a time. "Serena?" She thrashed in throes of sleep; the fever had diminished to almost nonexistence. She could hear now, though not see. "Serena, darling. Please, please wake. My darling daughter, I need you. I will not lose you, I cannot." Struggling through the barriers that surrounded her mind, Serena slowly opened her eyes. She was in bed, the curtains drawn about it so that it was somewhat dark. She stared at the curtains, watched as an invisible breeze ruffled them. There was a faint movement beside her, and Serena flinched instinctively. It was Mommy! Mommy was sleeping next to her! Serena stared at her in wonderment. She never came to see me when I was scared before! She cuddled up close and snuggled down in the blankets, going back to sleep. Serenity woke to find it daylight, and gray and dismal outside. Her little girl was still asleep, though she must have shifted. She rose, kissed her angel on the forehead, and slid out of her room. Maeri, Lady Mars was waiting for her, she looked somewhat surprised to see her up so early. "Any change on Serena?" Serenity looked heartbroken; "Not yet." "Oh Sere, I'm sure she will be fine, she was up all night, she's just tired." Maeri gave her old friend an impromptu hug. "Let's go get you dressed. Now, as I recall, you have a meeting today with......" they headed down the hallway to her chambers, and she managed to distract her for a time. Serena awoke again to find her mommy gone, and she was cold suddenly, shivering violently. Struggling to sit up, she cried out as a twinging pain shot through her legs. She fell back against the pillows and began to scream. For a time, she thought no one could hear her, and she sat and bawled. Then Nana came in. She smiled at the little girl, as if to reassure her, but the smile never reached her eyes. Here was a very sick little girl who needed some special help. "Good morning, Serena. Did you sleep well?" she rubbed away her tears, and took a deep breath, hesitated, then nodded as though she wasn't certain about what to say. "Yes, where did Mommy go?" "I believe Her Majesty has gone to court for today. Have you seen her?" "I thought I did." She sat down on the edge of the bed, and pushed Serena's blankets back. Her legs were bandaged and Nana purposely didn't let her see. The stitches seemed to have held well enough. "Are you hungry sweetheart?" she shook her head, and looked so forlorn that Nana hugged her. "Where's Mina and Amy? And Raye and Lita?" "They're in their lessons now." She caught Serena's chin, and moved so that they were face to face. "Oh, Serena. What did they do to you?" She wouldn't look her in the eye. She began to tremble silently, and a few tears flowed down her cheek. Nana drew back to look at her, and gathered her in for a hug. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." She sat up, and went to the closet, pulling out one of Serena's sundresses. She helped her put it on, and then picked her up. In actuality, the inner court was just arriving for breakfast when Nana brought Serena down. They watched her silently while she was put down in a chair, and Amy finally seemed to pick up the silent cues that Nana was giving her. Treat Serena normally. "Hi Serena. Guess what?" "What?" her voice lacked its' normal enthusiasm. "I asked my parents if we could go to the Park when we go to Mercury next, and they said yes!" "The Park?" "Yes, you know, the Park. The one we always wanted to go to?" "Oh." usually, her eyes would have sparkled at the thought of doing something not permitted, but now they remained dull and flat. Breakfast seemed too quiet without Serena's usually bubbly personality on hand. Servants quietly brought their meals in, and waited patiently for a food fight, anything, but they were disappointed. Serena refuse to speak anymore, and picked at her toast. The girls finished, and rose quietly when Queen Serenity entered. She silently waved them out, and knelt at Serena's side. "Serena?" "Yes, Mommy?" "Do you want to talk about it?" "No, Mommy." "Serena?" Serenity felt her will crumble, and looked ready to cry again. She wrapped her arms around her daughter, and felt ready to cry herself when she felt her stiffen in fear. The trusting, loving, loud and opinionated little girl was now subdued into silence, by one vengeful old man. It was Maeri who pried Serena away, and carried the child back to her rooms, leaving Serenity to stare at the walls and wonder what beings she had offended to cause such pain to her daughter. In the days that followed, Serena showed no signs of the vibrance she'd had before. She refused to play with the other girls and preferred to sit in her room and stare at the gardens below. Until Serenity decided she'd had enough. She ordered Serena be brought to the gardens so they could spend their afternoon together like they had done before. Evidently, she showed more of her feisty spirit because she fought the entire way there. Maeri smiled at Serenity as she released Serena- warning her that her daughter was NOT happy with having her afternoon disturbed. "Serena, I though perhaps we could spend the afternoon together like we used to." "I don't want to." the cold tone she used shocked her mother. "Serena, this is not that difficult for you. You weren't doing anything." "I don't want to do anything." "Sweetheart...." she could feel her patience slipping away in the face of this cold facade. "I need to understand why you're acting like this." "Acting like what?" "You've never been this harsh to anyone, it's tearing you apart. It's tearing me apart. Why?" "I'm fine." "No-you're not and it hurts me to see you like this." "Just leave me alone." she started to walk away when she heard her mother's voice, barely audible. "I had a friend when I was a child, she was my best friend in the Universe, and one day after she had gone riding with her family, there was an accident. Her mother was killed, and after that, she never was the same anymore. It was like the girl I knew had gone away, and I didn't know who she was anymore." Serena whispered faintly; "I know where she goes." "I know you do, and I want you to fight, Serena, fight to return to me. I missed her so much, and I don't think I could stand to lose you." Serena watched as her mother rose and held open her arms, and she raced to her and just collapsed, pouring out what Captain Jordan had done, crying her heart's aches out all at once in a tumultuous torrent. Maeri watched from a ways away, and smiled before ducking inside. Serena was going to be all right. I wrote this story out of sheer boredom, I don't own any miniscule part of Sailor Moon- and I have no money whatsoever, so sueing me will not get you anything. Send Luv letters or flames to danan_elora@hotmail.com. Oh yeah, I borrowed a scene from the Horse Whisperer, where Tom Booker talks to Grace about what happened to her and Pilgrim. No profit is made from them either, I assure you.