Beautiful Beast
by: Kris balck
Chapter Two
AN: So, this is the second chapter... Anyway, I don't know when the next time I'll be able to update will be because my computer is being taken back and wiped clean. Don't worry though, all of my stories (including this one) are saved on disks. I may have to update using a public computer from now on (Blah) but I will update asap. Don't forget to R&R!
A few hours later, after Serenity endured the many hairstyles she was subjected to despite her remarks of: "I don't know why you're even bothering," "I wish that you'd just give it up," and "I don't want to impress him!" they found a superb hairstyle. Serenity finally admitted that Rei and Minako did a great job and thought she looked wonderful. But, she also inputted that she didn't want "that ignorant man" to think so.
"Endymion will be here in a matter of minutes," Rei said as she rushed about and they helped Serenity into her dress quickly.
Knock. Knock.
Rei lunged under Serenity's bed quickly and Minako jumped into her wardrobe as Serenity walked towards the door.
"Who is it?" she asked politely.
"Prince Endymion. Open up," a voice responded threw the thick oak door.
"I'd really rather not," she replied dryly, "if you need something ask me through the door."
"Fine. I was wondering if you would finally come off that high horse that you rode in on and have supper with me tonight," the voice strained politeness.
"Do you have to make everything an insult?" she tempered back at him, "give me a few minutes, I'll be right out."
Serenity ran silently over to her bed, got down on her knees and peered under.
"Do I really have to do this Rei?" she asked irritably.
"Yes! Now go!" Rei urged giddily.
Serenity got up and walked over to the door. She opened it slowly until she could see Endymion and him her. Her mouth nearly dropped as her gaze fell upon him. He looked completely different from the last time she had seen him face-to-face. Instead of looking regal his fierce, dark hair was left untidy and wild. He bore a loose riding shirt that showed off part of his tanned, muscular chest and had on loose, dark pants.
Endymion's reaction to Serenity was almost the same, except his mouth did drop. She was wearing a sheer black fabric dress; the top, stitches and stapes were all azure blue. By the slit that came up to about mid-thigh he could tell the interior of the dress was also blue. Her golden hair hung down her back, the top pulled back and bangs falling gently into her eyes. Her neck and ears were adorned with sparkling, white gold moons and her eyes glittered with mischief.
"I'm ready to go," she said to him coldly.
"You look beautiful," he complimented while staring.
"Really? 'Cause I feel like a hooker," she smiled back sarcastically.
Unable to think of a response Endymion merely offered his arm and they walked off together after Serenity shut her door.
"Holy heavens!" Rei exclaimed as she rolled out from under Serenity's bed, "Did you see that? Did you see the sparks that were practically emitting between them?"
"I think that they both like each other and are hiding their feelings," Minako smiled, exiting the wardrobe.
"And I think that this will make Endymion's betrothal a lot more interesting," Rei smiled.
"I, I never did thank you for saving me from that soldier," Serenity said, breaking the silence.
"It's alright," Endymion's deep voice answered, "and don't worry, the soldier has been dealt with."
Serenity almost asked what had happened to the soldier that had almost raped her, but decided that she probably didn't want to know. When they arrived in the parlour where they were to dine the food was already set out. They went in and sat down at the small table opposite to each other and began to eat in silence.
"I need you to do something for me," Endymion spoke up once they had finished their food.
"What makes you think that I'd want to do something for you?" Serenity asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just listen please," Endymion continued, "I'm sure that my lovely sister had told you all about my undesired betrothal. I know that you dislike me greatly; therefore I was hoping that you could make my fiancé hate me as well. That way she'll break off from the engagement."
"Why do you need my help? Just treat her as you treat me and I'm sure she'll be gone within the week.
"And mother would kill me. She has to leave because of outside forces," Endymion explained.
"Then get somebody else to do your dirty work you swine. I am not your tool!" Serenity shouted before stomping off to her room.
Serenity changed into her nightgown and sat on her windowsill, staring up into the empty, moonless night sky. She wiped a tear from her eye, she felt empty and moonless without her family. She had always looked to the moon for comfort, and now when she needed it the most it was absent- showing her how hopeless her future was.
A week passed and the arrival of the Prince's promised approached rapidly. Serenity was forced into a pretty lavender dress to welcome the new addition to the castle. She also found out that a ball was to be thrown for the celebration of the engagement in a fortnight. For some strange reason, that made Serenity feel even emptier inside. She brushed it off as meaning that she would miss the dinners and debates that her and Endymion had been having everyday since that first time. She still thought he was a rude, arrogant man but it was slightly different from what she had thought previously.
During the next few weeks the weather got a lot colder and the first snowfall of the year came with a think layer of snow. The gardens were a vast field of white to Serenity's dismay, because that included the beloved rose gardens that Serenity often snuck off to. Serenity now spent most of her time in her chamber, reading and talking with Rei and Minako. Rei, however, visited very rarely because it was her job to keep her future sister entertained. Endymion's dinners with her were also put off due to the arrival of Kino Makoto, and even though Serenity would never admit it aloud, she missed the arguments her and Endymion would share.
Endymion wasn't having a much better time than Serenity. He tried to get to know his future wife but found that he was always comparing her to Serenity. Makoto's wit was dry, she wasn't susceptible to teasing, nor nearly educated enough to have a decent debate, she always agreed with him and did as he asked. He found that she lacked personality and mind and desperately wished for the company of Serenity. He didn't even have his rose gardens as a condolence anymore wither because of the layer of snow. He felt like he was lost in the world, drowning with no means of escape.
Two days before the ball everyone seemed to be rushing about in preparation. Minako was hurrying around trying to find the women that held all of the material in the castle so she could make Serenity a new exquisite gown that Endymion would die for. Her and Rei had been scheming to get those two together since the first time they had seen them together. Lost in her thoughts and schemes Minako ran straight into somebody, somebody big.
"I… I am sorry General Kunzite," Minako stuttered out an apology to the gorgeous man towering above her.
"That's quite alright," Kunzite chuckled as he offered his hand out to the beautiful goddess on the floor, "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Minako blushed as she brushed herself off.
"What's your name?" Kunzite demanded, "It's only fair seeing as you know mine."
"It's Minako."
"Well, I hope to see you again sometime Minako," Kunzite smiled and walked away. Minako nearly fainted.
Rei was walking around looking for Endymion when she spotted her life-long love Jadeite, Endymion's second general and best friend.
"Hey Jadeite," Rei shouted and ran over to him, do you know where Endymion is?"
"No, but I could help you find him if you like," Jadeite smiled at the beautiful girl beside him and offered her his arm.
"Thanks," Rei smiled widely and took his arm as they began to search.
Makoto wandered around the castle lost. She wished she had listened to Endymion when he had showed her around. But he had been so dull to her and not captivating at all. He was handsome, yes, but not what she had wanted in a husband. But she had to admit it was a good match.
"Are you lost?" a deep voice resonated behind her. She swivelled around quickly to see the handsomest man that she had ever seen staring at her.
"Um, yes. I can't find my chamber. I'm Kino Makoto," she smiled and shook his hand.
"General Nephrite," Nephrite smiled, "I'll help you, and I know where your room is."
"Thank you," Makoto smiled and let Nephrite lead the way.
Rei and Jadeite looked all around the castle for Endymion. They found him in the library, sitting at an old desk completely involved with a novel. Rei thanked Jadeite for helping her then approached her brother.
"Endymion?" Rei asked quietly.
"Huh?" Endymion looked up a bit startled.
"Maybe you should eat with Serenity tonight. You and her have been in such dismal moods since you stopped talking. If you're scared of Makoto seeing you, eat in here. I think Serenity would enjoy that, I don't think she's been in the library before. You could even light up the fireplace, it's freezing in here."
"I think that I may do that," Endymion said as he placed his book down, "Rei do you think that you could get supper brought up right away and a servant to start the fireplace?"
"I can do that," Rei smiled.
"Thanks sis, you're a life saver," Endymion hugged Rei and walked swiftly out.
"And you dear brother are in love," Rei whispered to the air and made her way to the servants quarters.
Endymion made his way towards Serenity's room almost as soon as Rei had left him. Upon arriving he knocked raptly three times.
"Who is it?" her voice drifted through the door.
"It's Endymion," he replied, "I was wondering if you wished to dine with me tonight?"
"I'll be out in a minute," Serenity's voice called out, masking her excitement.
Serenity rushed around her chambers swiftly and scurried around looking for something to wear. She settled for a simple light blue, thin dress with bell sleeves, cut semi-square in the front and just swept the floor. She threw her messy blonde hair into a high ponytail before opening her door.
"Hi," Endymion grinned like a schoolboy.
"Hello," Serenity smiled sweetly back. Even though he had been the one to take her from her family she admitted that she did request that. He had kind of grown on her with their petty battles and pretend hate.
"I have a surprise for you," he smiled mischievously as he said this in almost a whisper. He then took her hand in his and led her down the corridor quickly and quietly. He was fortunate enough to know that Serenity loved reading.
"Close your eyes," he said gently and she raised an eyebrow, "trust me."
Serenity closed her eyes lightly, and then Endymion waved his hand frantically in front of her face to make sure she wasn't peeking. Opening the hefty doors, he helped her through and shut them again.
"Can I look now Endymion?" Serenity half-whined.
Endymion took a quick glance around to make sure everything was perfect. The fireplace was lit illuminating the room with a quaint glow; the supper was placed perfectly down on the aged desk.
"Okay," Endymion whispered into her ear tenderly from behind, "you can open them."
Serenity's eyes fluttered open, then almost immediately grew wide. There had to be thousands of books surrounding her, more than she'd ever seen, more than she could read in ten lifetimes. A generous fire was blazing in the hearth and a tantalizing supper laid in waiting for them.
"Oh Endymion it's astonishing!" She beamed then whirled around and hugged him tightly. Both becoming immediately uncomfortable Endymion stepped back, and then offered his arm to her. Serenity accepted it gracefully and they walked over to the antique desk and sat opposite each other.
"I've missed our talks," Endymion said frankly as they began their meal.
"As did I," she admitted, "though I wouldn't have thought it before."
They laughed merrily when a sudden gust of cold wind blew in from outside.
"The weather is horrid tonight," Endymion said as he peered out the window into a blizzard.
"Indeed," Serenity said between bites, "how is your engagement coming along?"
"Dismally," Endymion replied, "I can't find anything that stands out with Makoto, nothing that interests me. She's an alright girl, but she's just not for me."
"Then who is?" Serenity inquired.
"I don't know yet," Endymion replied, "but I'm afraid that I haven't enough time to find her. My engagement becomes known the day after tomorrow."
"Fate will work things out," Serenity tried to assure him.
"There is no hope for me," Endymion tempered, "No god nor fate will stop this. My life is a living hell!"
"Don't temper at me," Serenity raged back, "None of this is my fault!"
"I don't even know what I'm going to do with you after my marriage! The only thing that I can think of is to sell or trade you," Endymion said, trying to release his temper on Serenity about his betrothal.
"I assure you, you will do neither!" Serenity fumed back, she wasn't one to be yelled at and take it sitting down.
"What else am I to do!"
"I refuse! I refuse to stay here any longer! I hate you, you are the most despicable being on the face of the Earth! So you can take our bargain and shove it up your Royal Ass!" Serenity hollered back at him and then rushed out of the library, out of the castle, and straight into the welcoming arms of the tempest.
The harsh wind howled about Serenity sending coldness through the very thin material of her dress, which was savagely whipped around her. But still she ran, she ran until she could no longer feel her legs, until ice captured her lungs and her breath was shallow. When she finally stopped she realized what she was wearing and how frozen she was. She now grasped the fact that from that one brainless act, losing her temper, that she was now going to die. She walked numbly to the nearest tree trunk and sat down into the snow, her whole body trembling with cold. She then curled up into a ball to preserve as much heat as possible, accepting of her fate. But still she hoped beyond hope that someone, anyone, would save her.
As soon as Endymion saw Serenity's retreating back he had realized what he had done, what he had said. In blind rage he flipped the old desk over, almost completely destroying it.
"Endymion!" Rei called out desperately as she ran into the library, "What happened! Serenity just ran out of the castle and into the storm with only that small dress on, she could freeze to death!"
"Oh no," Endymion said as comprehension dawned on him. She'd die if he didn't help her. He couldn't let her die! She meant something to him, something that he didn't understand and he didn't want her to leave the world this way.
"Rei, get a servant to get five horses saddled now," he said urgently and Rei ran off to do his bidding. Endymion then raced to the generals' quarters as fast as his legs would carry him.
"Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoycite!" Endymion bellowed.
"Highness?" Kunzite asked.
"Get your cloaks, Serenity has run off into the storm!"
"Yes Sir!" They said and were ready in a matter of seconds.
A few minutes later they were scouring the snow for any sign that Serenity may have been there. During this time Zoycite explained what would need to be done in the case that someone found her, then they all split up and went in different directions.
Serenity felt so tired. She was almost sure that she had heard someone calling for her through the haze and ringing of her frozen ears. She had called back, or so she thought. She didn't know whether she had just thought of calling out or actually did. That didn't matter now though, all that mattered was sleep, her eyelids were so heavy. She was mid-way through shutting them and going into eternal slumber when she made a horse out threw the blur of the snow. Then she saw something that looked like a man walking towards her.
"Serenity," the warped voice said, "I'm so sorry. Don't fall asleep."
Then she was picked up and mounted on a horse before she blacked out.
Endymion placed Serenity on his horse and noticed that Serenity was unconscious. Panicking, he raced back to the castle as fast as his stallion could go. He picked her up gently and ran into the castle as swiftly as he could.
"Call Ami, hurry!" Endymion screamed at a passing servant, scaring her out of her wits and ran into the nearest room, his.
Zoycite had told everyone what to do in a case like this, so Endymion immediately stripped Serenity down and placed her in his bed under his massive blankets. Not having enough time to call for anyone else he promptly undressed and climbed into bed beside her and cuddled close, sharing his body heat.
"Sere, you're so cold," he whispered against her freezing body and rubbed her arms, "You can't die on me Sere, you can't."
Endymion kept his bed and Serenity as warm as possible when Minako and Rei burst into the room.
"Minako, go get more blankets," Rei commanded as she stared wide-eyed at her near-death friend and brother naked in the same bed. She then proceeded to start the biggest fire possible in the hearth to heat the room up more.
"Rei, come and see how Serenity is doing please," Endymion said in an innocent, child-like voice that broke her heart.
Rei walked over to Serenity and put her hand up to her.
"She's sweating really badly and is still really cold," Rei said sadly and Endymion snuggled closer.
"I've sent for Ami, I'm not sure how soon she'll get here though," Endymion said despondently, "I just hope she stays with us until then…"
"I've brought the blankets," Minako rushed in and put at least three more comforters on the bed, "and the servants say that Lady Ami will be here within the hour."
"That's good to hear," Rei sighed, "I have to go tell mother what happened so she can postpone the ball."
Rei's words hit Endymion like a ton of bricks, a two-ton bag of bricks. The ball would be postponed… fate.
"I'm so sorry Serenity," Endymion practically cried into the crook of her neck, "fate worked, but the price is too high. Please Serenity, come back to us."
Endymion's plea was met with a soft groan.
"That's it honey. Fight, you can do it," Endymion urged, "Use that strong will of yours."
Endymion had tears in his eyes when Ami finally arrived. Ami walked briskly over to Serenity and put her hand to her forehead, then put a thermometer in her mouth. After a few minutes she pulled it out and examined it.
"It appears that her body temperature is beginning to return to normal," Ami said, "there is a possibility of brain damage but that's highly improbable in this case. Endymion, I have to examine her so I need you to leave for a bit."
Endymion made to move from Serenity reluctantly when she screamed as if she were in pain.
"Endy! Don't leave me, don't leave me!" She cried out in a sobbing voice. Endymion immediately curled up next to her and whispered into her ear that he was there and that he wasn't leaving her. She immediately calmed down.
"It's a good sign that she recognizes your presence," Ami smiled, "I'm afraid that I can't do much until she wakes up. I'm sorry Endymion. Do you want me to stay in the castle until then?"
"Please," Endymion said and Ami left, leaving them alone.
"I'm sorry Sere," Endymion whispered to her for the hundredth time, "I hope you can forgive me. I think… I think that I may be in love with you." He then kissed her forehead gently and fell asleep next to her.
AN: So what did you think? Good bad?