Title: To Be With You
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 3
Rating: G
E-mail: LisaZUMstories@aol.com
Author's Notes:
Here's chapter 3, like I said. Only an epilogue to go! "The Gift" is on its way to being finished. Probably in a couple of days, it will be finished. I hope it will be out in time for Christmas. Do you like this story so far? I hope so. This chapter is fairly short, sorry. Thanks to everyone who posted my stories, and everyone who has taken the time to read them. Okay, that's all for now. More notes on the bottom.
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Serenity and Endymion stared at each other, speechless. Somehow, the words just didn't come out. Serenity and Endymion coughed nervously, both knowing they weren't ready to be married yet.

Serenity looked at Endymion, her eyes as big as saucers. "What do I say?" She asked herself, sneaking a glance at her mother who was waiting for an answer. How hard could it be? It was only a yes or no question. " But if I say no..." She argued with her mind. Putting on a weak attempt to smile, she sent Endymion a distress look that said, what do I do? Her answer, I have no clue. Serenity, knowing Endymion couldn't help her this time, cleared her throat nervously, and tried to give her mother a good excuse as to why they weren't ready. "Mother...marriage is such a big step. I...I'm not sure we're ready...yet." What a lame excuse, but her mother bought it anyway, with a disappointed look on her face.
"I thought you were in love with the prince." She argued.
"I am..." Serenity trailed off, her mind racing. She was afraid that she had angered her mother, and felt ashamed. Serenity could feel hot tears forming, threatening to spill.
Instead of saying something, Queen Serenity went over and hugged her daughter reassuringly. "It's alright. Take all the time you need." Serenity automatically brightened as she embraced her mother back. Serenity smiled her bright smile of thanks, and dismissed herself from the table; Endymion followed suit.

Endymion felt glad the queen understood. "We're not ready." He thought. Thankfully, they had more time. Serenity seemed so nice, and beautiful. Endymion felt so...right. That's how he described it. He wanted to be with her. Endymion wanted to get to know her. Her secrets, he emotions, her needs...everything. Serenity, to him, took all the loneliness out of his heart, and filled it with the warmth feeling of belonging. He felt like she belonged with him. He felt like she belonged in his arms, with her shiny hair cascading over them. Oh, how Endymion longed to touch her hair once more. To feel each soft, silky strand. To fell her warmth, like a warm blanket on a cold winter day. Serenity was his warmth, his light. "I love her." That was his conclusion. He loved Serenity. "But what happens if she doesn't love me?" He asked himself, knowing this would be risky. It something went wrong, they would both be hurt, deeply.

Serenity walked around the palace, thinking about Endymion. She had breathed a silent sigh of relief when her mother told her she had more time. Not that Endymion wasn't handsome, or anything, simply because she wasn't ready. To everyone, she was the future queen to the moon. The people treated her with the same respect as they did for her mother. But in reality, Serenity was only a girl. A little, helpless girl who was going to be queen in the future. Serenity always felt so alone. Like something was missing. It wasn't until recently she realized it was love. Serenity needed love. She needed someone to love and care for her, not because she was princess, but loved her for who she was, inside out. To her, Endymion filled her void of empty space occupying her heart and soul. Endymion made her feel complete. Like the Earth needs the sun, she needed Endymion. He was her source of light, of total happiness. Then it hit her; she loved him. She needed him. Serenity smiled at the thought. Yes, she did love him. How she wanted to shout it to the world. To feel Endymion put his strong arms around her. The gentle kisses they would exchange. She loved him. One problem, though. What happens if Endymion doesn't feel the same way? Serenity cringed at the thought. She hated guessing what Endymion felt. Did he love her, or not? Are they only friends, or more than that?

Serenity and Endymion both walked around with their heads down, deep in thought. None of them were watching where they were going, until...
"Ouch! That hurt!" Serenity whined as she rubbed her head.
"I should say, Sere. Boy, you have a hard head!"
"Humph!" Serenity grunted in her defense. She was annoyed by the comment Endymion had made about she having a hard head. "That was mean." She thought as her lips pouted a little.

Endymion chuckled. Serenity looked so cute when she pouted. Endymion had a sudden urge to kiss the sweet breathe right out of Serenity. It was so strong. "What happens if I scare her away?"If he knew Serenity, she would no doubt be scared. But resisting your urges usually don't work. Endymion finally surrendered, and grabbed Serenity who let out a surprised gasp. He silenced her with his kiss...

There wasn't any talking for a few minutes as they kissed passionately. More passionate than their first one. That was because Serenity felt more comfortable being kissed. "I could get used to this." She mentally commented. The kiss went on until finally they broke it off for lack of air.

Endymion, realizing his mistake, tried to apologize. "Sere, I'm sorry. Did I scare you?"
Serenity smiled brightly. "Of course not. I for one enjoyed it...a lot." A blush crept up on her cheeks. "Endy," Serenity started, using the nickname Endymion loved to hear, "I have something to tell you. But don't take it badly. I mean..." Serenity didn't know how to say it...it was hard for her, but there was a first time for everything. "I...I love you, and I've loved you ever since the first time I met you. You make me feel complete, and fill me with warmth and happiness." Serenity took in a deep breath. She was afraid he would reject her. Discard her, thinking she wasn't even worth a second glance. Boy, wouldn't that be horrible?

Endymion's eyes went wide as he simply gaped at her. He was surprised, to say the least. He sure wasn't expecting this, and especially so soon... "Wow." One thought. The only word that ran through his brain. "She loves me?" He asked himself, not believing his ears. Endymion felt like jumping up and down, shouting to everyone who would listen, she loves me!
He felt so happy knowing Serenity returned his feelings. "Wonderful." He thought.

Serenity looked at Endymion, who's face was full of surprise and shock. Serenity cringed inside, not knowing if his answer would be approval, or disapproval. Hopefully approval.
Serenity let out a sigh of relief as she saw the smile on Endymion's face. He smiled at Serenity brightly, feeling like, at that moment, the happiest man alive. He never thought in a million years that Serenity could love him. But she did!

They hugged each other, the emptiness and loneliness melting away from their hearts. Love shined brightly, and the light engulfed them like a ray of sunshine.
Endymion hugged Serenity tightly, afraid that this whole thing was a dream. He hoped not. Finally, after years of searching, 'the one' had appeared for him. His searching was over. His heart and soul were complete. He found peace with himself at last...a dream come true.

Serenity snuggled into Endymion's embrace, breathing in his warmth, his scent overwhelming her. She felt like she was floating, experiencing something she never had before. Finally, after the fights and problems they had, it was solved. Everything was solved, everything was okay.

Endymion looked down at the angel in his arms, hardly believing what just happened. He pinched himself just to make sure. Nope, this was real alright.
"I love you, Sere. Don't ever change." He found himself saying as he mindlessly stroke her soft hair. Serenity relaxed, enjoying his caress.
Then, out of the blue, Serenity just thought of something. Marriage. The word seemed alien to her thoughts. She was so happy that she didn't even think about it. Was she ready for marriage?
Not to mention the commitment she would have to make. Serenity had no problem committing herself to Endymion, but what will happen if they get married? Would everything change? Would she have to give up the freedom, and live the rest of her life locked up in a castle? Would she make him happy enough?
Serenity was afraid. She shuddered to think of all the possibilities.

Endymion felt a slight movement in Serenity, and looked down to see her face. He was shocked to see her face twisted in a scared look. Like she was afraid of something.
Endymion immediately felt concerned as he broke the embrace, but still holding her hand.
"Serenity, what's wrong? You seemed scared." His voice was filled with concern, his eyes full of love.
Serenity looked up, trying to manage a smile, but failed miserably. She threw herself at Endymion, surprising him; almost knocking him down. He took a moment to stable himself, then concentrated on the girl in his arms, who, at the moment was crying. Endymion was sure she was scared. But of what?

Serenity sobbed, wetting Endymion's clothing, but he could care less. "Oh Endy..." She managed to say while trying to control her sobs. "I'm scared...so scared."
"Of what, Sere? What is there to be afraid of?" He took his hand, and gently took her chin in his hand; he lifted up her face so her eyes met his.
"Endy, what will happen now that we love each other?" She asked, but knowing the answer.
Endymion looked at Serenity weirdly. "Why would she ask that? Doesn't she know?" He wondered. "Sere...why marriage of course." Somehow, he knew she was expecting him to say that.
"Endy, what will happen when I marry you? Will everything change? I'm afraid I won't make you happy..." She looked down, not knowing what else to say.
"So that's why. Sere, don't be afraid. Everything will be fine. And what's this talk about you not making me happy? Sere, I'm always happy when I'm with you. You are the only one who has ever made me truly happy." It was the truth, too. Before Serenity came into Endymion's life, he was unhappy. But now, he felt elated. So happy to be with her...his only love for eternity.

"Nothing will change?" She asked, her courage building up quickly. She felt her spirits rise up as fast as it come down.
"I promise, Sere. Nothing will change." Endymion nodded, and smiled, knowing Serenity will return to her happy self again.
Serenity lunged at Endymion yet again, as happy tears slid down her face. She was ready now. She couldn't wait to be a wife. "Oh Endy, I'm so happy." She murmured, content as they stayed in their embrace, no one and nothing bothering them as she shining circle of love surrounded them.
*At The Palace*
The three royal leaders sat in the conference room, quietly discussing important matters that couldn't be avoided anymore. It seemed Queen Beryl had changed Earth into a planet of evil, her sinister ideas of power and conquest supposedly poisoned the minds of the people on Earth, making them believe that all the people living on the moon were evil. " The moon people would have to be eliminated, not a single spared." Those were her words.
Surprisingly, the people of Earth agreed with her. How? Because they have always feared the people of the moon. The long life span of one thousand years took care of that. The people of the blue-green planet were jealous as well as scared. Their feelings toward the moon weren't exactly good.
Queen Serenity was surprisingly quiet as she rubbed her forehead, a headache forming. The queen was tired these days, for the evil that was on Earth were preparing to attack any day now. She could feel the coldness, dark, creepy evil slowly sneaking into the moon. But why attack the moon first? Beryl's forces could easily take over any planet she wanted. Partially, Beryl was jealous, jealous that Endymion was with the moon princess; the other reason was Queen Serenity's crystal, the powerful Imperium Silver Crystal. The crystal was the key to the universe, its power either ends up saving the universe, of destroying it completely.
Beryl was smart, she was. She had considered this the best plan. "What a good way to have revenge, and take the crystal." She thought. She knew once the moon would fall, so would all the other planets in turn.

Serenity and Endymion knew nothing of this, though. Their parents were afraid they would spread panic throughout the moon, which was possible. Word travels fast, you know. No, they continued on their merry way, happy that they were together.
Serenity and Endymion walked into the room where their parents were, hand in hand. Both had big smiles on their faces, as if hiding a secret.
Everyone looked up at the couple, giving them their full attention. The room was silent as Endymion cleared his throat and began. "We have an announcement to make," He began, letting Serenity finish for him.
Serenity giggled, smiling brightly. Light and happiness radiated from her as she continued, with her mother staring at her waiting for to say it out. Beads of sweat formed on three royal heads as they waited anxiously...
"We're getting married!" She yelled out with barely contained excitement.
The room fell silent once more as the Queen Serenity, Queen Gala, and King Henry let what Serenity just said sink in. Once it did, they were clapping, smiling, crying, and just plain happy. They didn't believe it. They were finally getting married.
"This is not a joke, right?" Queen Serenity asked, hoping it wasn't.
"No, Mother, we really getting married." Serenity replied.
"Whew." Queen Serenity quietly let out a sigh of relief. She then ran over to her daughter, hugging her tightly. "Oh, I'm so proud of you. My little girl has grown up." She whispered to Serenity, making her blush bright red.
"Mother!" She said, a little annoyed; the anger disappeared as soon as it came as she giggled again.
Queen Serenity hugged Endymion. "Take good care of Serenity, alright?"
Endymion smiled warmly, looking at his soon to be mother-in-law. "My pleasure." He whispered, only for the queen to hear.
So a huge amount of hugs and kisses were exchanged. That day, all the people of the moon heard of the marriage, and were happy. Their princess was getting married! The people of the moon excepted Endymion as their prince willingly and happily. Everything was well. Nothing could go wrong, right?
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Whoa! Finally, after a whole week, its finished. I seriously don't know what's wrong, but I am getting sort of slow in writing my stories now. I think my other Christmas story, "The Gift", won't be out for Christmas, but it's possible; better late than ever, right? I saw a lot of stories being copied on the Internet, so due that, I'm going to put the month and year of when it was written and posted. Please e-mail me with your comments, suggestions, etc. I would appreciate feedback. Well, this story is about finished, just an epilogue to go. Do you think I've improved a little in my writing skills? Please tell me. That's all for now, come back soon!
This story written and posted December, 2000.