Authors note:

I pushed myself very hard on the first six chapters, trying to get them out quickly. But my mind got tired

and full, so I slowed down a bit and finally finished this chapter. I try to keep improving my english, the

descriptions and emotions that I want to portray.

I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

Feel free to comment and crituiqe!

Destiny Prevails: The coming of war

Chapter 7 - Let the past be the past

Exhausted I fell down on my giant fluffy bed, the motion sending light ripples through the mattress. Crawling to the side I hung low over the bedside and rummaged through the many boxes and clutter under my bed. Grabbing the old and torn book, dust in a fine layer on the cover that I brushed off gently. With a reverent touch I folded the first page and intently tried to read and understand the long rows of text. It was Endymions language, the words felt so foreign on my tounge and too difficult to pronounce. I read a word then mumbled it out loud, wondering to myself if that was how it was supposed to sound. He'd spoken to me yesterday and although I could sometimes understand the meaning behind the words, they didn't stick. With a frustrated sigh I folded my legs over eachoter and grabbed a pillow that I hug ticktly to my chest. It would be many hours until the rest of the castle went to sleep so that I could sneak out. If I tried to do it now they would notice that I was gone, aware that someone could be knocking at my door any minute now.

With a deep jawn I rubbed my eyes firmly and focused a red glare at the text, which swam hauntingly before my eyes. The world spun around persistenly as I tried to focus, my body burning with feverous heat. So overwhelming that I had a hard time keeping upright. Everyone had been disturbed and worried, hurridly rushing me off to bed, it was very unusual for moonfolk to get afflicted with desease.

I was exhausted to the brim, body weak and slow, the recent weeks insomnia of less than two hours of sleep per night, had its effect. I dropped the book and fell down, nuzzling into the many fluffy pillows.

Endymions handsome features flashed through my mind, as he carried me in his arms, wet bangs dripping with liquid. A light shiver ran through my body, followed by a fierce blush competing with the hot fever. I burried my face into a big pillow, hugging it tight, trying not to get lost in the dizzyness. I felt how my mind slowly started drifting, leaving my body fully relaxed.

I felt something warm and wet land on my brow with a small thud. Delirious I blinked my eyes open, spotting a gigantic onyx coloured panther, with ember eyes glaring intently at me, the crescent mark on her brow shining slightly.

"Luna..." My throat was dry and sore, the sound barely noticable. "Is something wrong"

With a compassionate gaze she settled infront of me "Nothing is wrong princess.. I wanted to make sure you were alright" she touched her damp cool paw against my cheek "It was not my intention to rouse you... Seems like you have a slight fever"

"Yes..."

"How do you feel?"

"I feel fine... Just a little weak and sluggish"

She scanned the bed and spotted the book I'd been reading, eyeing it suspiciously "How did you get sick?"

I gently grasped the book and with feigned innocence hid it under a bunch of pillows, shrugging lightly "It might be a residue from the ceremony..." knowing that Luna was not someone easily fooled, I mustered up my confidense and explained convincingly "I felt it even then... it was more exhausting than usual..."

My semi lie seemed to work as she shook her head in sumpathy "It is a horrid, yet needed ritual, a necessary evil..." her voice was low and feeling, too understanding for me to feel comfortable "I wish it would not drain you so... To share your energy with everyone.."

"Do not pity me Luna... I am well aware of my calling... " I felt the contradictory feelings rush through me, knowing my fate and dreams, it came out as a grave prophecy, my voice stern and resolute "I feel pride in my duty as a princess"

"It is not my intention to pity you princess... "

I could almost touch the sorrow in her statement, enhancing my mixed feelings "Besides... The energy will be restored...eventually..."

"Yet... That duty weighs heavy on your shoulders" She heaved a melancholy sigh "You have to remember to care for yourself as well..."

"Mare Serenitas is my only concern..." I removed the wet cloth and placed it in the basin, with a heavy sigh I crawled into sitting position, adopting a rigid, resolute expression. "My own desires are needless... pointless..."

She softly nuzzled my arm, when our gaze met her eyes were so very tender and full of empathy, that had I not braced myself against the effect I would have crumbled. I broke contact and glared firmly out the window, studying every detail in the surrounding.

"They are not pointless.." She paused as if to think it through "Your dreams and desires are the foundings of who you are... I wish you would not neglect yourself in this manner..."

The guilt and anguish that had been lingering for days, escalated, spread like searing venom through my veins. "Do not fear for me... Please..." My voice on the brink of breaking, I steeled myself "Belive me... I am selfish enough that it would suffice for the whole kingdom"

"Do you have something specific in mind to just your cause?"

I wanted to crumble and break, into the thousands of little pieces containing my every emotion. Have her glue them together correctly, fixing the broken mess that was me. Comfort me, tell me everything was going to be alright. I wanted to bellow my remorse, spilling the wishes that had been building for all my years.

"Yes... I do have many causes to fuel my selfishness..." I paused and sighed painfully "None of which you can aid me with"

"My sweet, wonderful, caring little Princess..." She softly nudged my side and with a heavy thud that sent ripples through the mattress, fell down and folded into a bun, purring lovingly

"You have more heart than anyone I know..." She stretched her massive frontlegs achingly, then folded one over her head "If there is one thing that I am certain of... It is that you are everything but selfish..."

I petted her gently, running my fingers through the soft and smooth fur, as stubborn tears trickled in streams down my cheeks. "If you only knew Luna..." I clenched my jaw tightly in a helpless attempt to steel myself.

"Knew what?..." her tune cunning and wise "knew about your dreams?... Your thoughts and longings?.."

I did not trust my own voice to speak, refusing to let her know how depressed I really was.

When there was no answer she continued in her soft purring tune "I know you well Princess... probably even more so than your own mother" Her long tail whipped in soft strokes agains my side "I will always be here for you..."

I had to clench my fist and grit my teeth not to crumble, tears running in floods, dripping onto the covers. I cursed myself in disgust of my weakness, praying she would not notice my outburst. I swallowed over and over, relieving my dry throat. I dried my wet cheeks and bit down hard on my hand, let go then braced myself.

"Luna... Thank you for always..." I gulped unwillingly, feeling the liquid at the brim of my eyelids, I bit down harder on my hand until it hurt so much that I was forced to stop "you have always been there for me...You are my everything..."

She sighed, probably fully aware that I was crying like a little kid "I was simply doing my duty Princess" She stretched her neck, nuzzling the hand I was petting her with "But it was not my duty to love you as my own cub"

I felt the dam break loose in a thunderous force as I fell into a miserable, whimpering sack of sadness. My silent relentless sobs bounced against the walls, tears in floods wetting her sleek fur. "Why!..." I cried with my dry raspy tune "How can I be this pathetic!.."

"Oh... my dear, dear sweet Princess" She rose in one elegant movement and placed her massive, heavy head onto my shoulder in a soothing hug "Your weakness is not your tears..." She nuzzled my soaking wet cheek "Your emotions are your strenght!"

"No!" I cried in defiance "This is just!..."

"Listen to me!" She heaved a sigh and resolutely met my gaze "Admitting that you feel sad sometimes, to cry, is bravery few are capable of..."

"How can a sight like this be bravery!?" with extensive handgestures I indicated my poor state.

"It shows that you can feel with the whole of your heart!.. That you are vulnerable! That you can suffer and endure..." her angry cry echoed in my ears "That is strength in its purest form.."

I lowered my head, silent sobs racking through my body.. "But I am not... just anybody... I am the heir to Mare Serenitas... What would my people think if they saw me in this wretched state?!"

"I am not saying that you should run out into the street and cry your heart out!.." she nuzzled the side of my neck "The only way to become truly compassionate, is to know suffering... To allow it to excist within you... You will know what it is to grieve, and that will be the headway to a phenomenal ruler..."

I hugged her tightly, too emotional to say anything more, but she kept speaking in that low comforting tone "Did you really think I would see you as any less of a Princess, just because of a few tears? Do you think so little of me?"

"No... not really" I admitted reluctantly "I just wanted to be strong... dependable"

"And you are... now more than ever!"

I burrowed my fingers in the masses of fur, stroking gently, soothingly. I wept and whimpered until no tears remained, slowly regaining my compossure.

With a cunning cat-smirk she purred "So... What about that book I saw before?"

Embarrassed I gazed out the window "It's nothing... I was just curious"

She kept her cunning expression and pushed further "It was a book about language though... What would you need that for?"

I went through a myriad of emotions, helplessly trying to compose myself. ' She will know... freakin psychic..'

"I like to learn, I already know fifteen different languages, as you are aware... might as well add another one to the bunch" I whispered with feigned ignorance, shrugging my shoulders.

She searched my face with a suspicious squint "Why this specific language though?.."

'yep...psychic' I thought begrudgingly "I just found the cover fascinating... Since we have no obligations these few days, I wanted to amuse myself"

She sighed in defeat and switched topic "You hide it well... But I am fully aware of your wishes and desires" With a heavy thump she settled again, resting her huge, beautiful head in my lap "Since I may be the only one who knows, you might as well tell me all about it..."

I began petting her absentmindedly "These feelings just keep pouring through, no matter how many times I try to fight them... they are overwhelming.. filling my waking and sleeping hours... I just want to know everything about that planet, it is too fascinating..."

She listened with open curiosity, wholeheartedly, and I confided in her everything that I dared tell no one else. Not including my prohibited visits to Earth, that, I could tell no one, not even her.

It was early morning, the sun shone softly through the many leaves in bright warming beams. The air was still humid and heavy from the furious weather the day before. I shivered slightly, allowing myself to add yet another new experience to my memory. I strolled through the wet grass with its dew drops dazzling like diamonds. My dress and feet soon joined in the wetness as they sloshed through the slight mudd. The chilly air bit at my skin and I hugged myself tightly, wishing that I'd had better clothes to wear.

It did not take long until I saw him, the appearence filling me with relief. His long strides soon brought us together, leading Artax by his side.

"Goodmorning"

I listened intently at his words, paying close attention to his pronunciation "Gdmorning"

He nodded in approval then rambled on in some intangible mess. I now felt familiar enough with the language to understand some words, but he spoke all too fast. I shook my head in defeat and leaned my head to the right in confusion. As an answer he extended his right hand and pointed at my brow with the other, I shook my head vigorously and backed away.

I noticed his clear show of annoyance and bitterness, after thinking a moment he then took two strides and grasped my hand gently. He stood tall and resolute, gazing at me with what seemed like an unrelenting look.

Fear coursed through my body, accompanied by bad memories and horrible thoughts. Shivers traveled down my spine, leaving behind goosebumps on my arms and back. He still kept the persistend gaze and held my hand firmly, as if to tell me I was the only one who felt afraid. Yet all I saw infront of me was the agonising, excruciating picture of his sorrow, the day he'd discovered one of my many, many secrets.

I stubbornly let go of his hand and strode up to Artax to pet her soft fur gently, she nudged me with her muzzle in response. I felt his presence looming behind me yet tried to ignore it, stubbornly keeping my focus on the horse. But the familiar clasps as he removed the mantle, gently folding it around me, caught my attention. I glanced over my shoulder at his compassionate worried look and smiled lovingly. With a slow movement he touched my brow softly with the back of his hand, letting it linger there for a while, bewildered I just stood there waiting.

He sighed and shook his head while mumbling something indistinguishable. The frustration I felt over not understanding him escalated and I cursed myself for not learning his language sooner.

With one swift movement he mounted Artax and reached down his arms in what had now become a somewhat familiar motion. I stepped forward and let him hoist me up infront of him.

I felt the familiar tingles that spread through me, of both subtle delight and agitation. The close proximity now felt more welcoming than nervous, and even though my heart rate increased slightly, it was much easier to handle this day.

With a gentle touch I could feel his fingers slide softly against my back, as he fixed my long ringlets to one side. In instant response a pleasent shiver shot through my spine and sent goose flesh all over my body. Cheerfulness pierced through my feverish and weak body, filling me with energy and curiosity as to where we would travel today.

He reached for a warm quilt that he bunched up neatly around my body, completely absorbing me in masses of fabric, my head sticking up like an awkward lump. I smiled sheepishly in thanks and hoped I got the message through. It was obvious that he was worried about me, which wasn't that surprising since I'd fanted yesterday. A warm blush spread through me, accompanying the already red feverish skin.

He motioned Artax into a slow canter and headed in the same direction as that awful day.

A familiar feeling slithered through my mind, I'd felt it both yesterday and today, something lost to me, a missing piece that needed to be filled. Maybe it was the silence that left me with this empty feeling, yet somehow I knew it was different, something important. A loneliness I'd never felt earlier in my life had slowly absorbed my heart.

We slowly extracted from the slight forest, entering the marvelous meadow with its almost magical touch. The surroundings were just as overwhelming this time and I had to swallow hard not to get lost in the sights. He halted infront of the weeping cherry tree that was encompassed by a multitude of colourful butterflies.

He dismounted and reached up for me, slowly setting me down onto the soft pillow-like mattress of grass. With a gentle grasp under my armpits he kept me steady, letting the touch linger as he seemed to check my current state. I waived him off and strode up closer to the beautiful tree, admiring the lively small pink flowers. He soon joined me with a bunch of items in his bosom, setting them down on the ground one by one until it ended up in a lovely little picnic.

We sat down facing eachother, I was too wrapped up in the environment to pay close attention to him. But I felt his eyes linger firmly on me as I scouted the area, absorbing the surroundings with a delighted sigh. I wanted to stay here forever, endlessly marveling over the beauty before me. No breath was enough to experience the wonderful different scents, no matter how many times I let my gaze wander over the delicasy, it could not satisfy my need, I wanted more, forever more.

It felt like the environment itself bestowed me with profound energy, removing the tired lid over my mind. Refreshed I turned towards Endymion with a blissful, thankful smile which was returned with the same vigor.

Cheerful birds chirped in the distanse, filling the meadow with a pleasent background music. But it could not cut out the awkwardness that slowly crept through us. Feeling lost at what to do, I fiddled nervously with the quilt, throwing quick glances at his handsome features.

Our gazes met, his expression gentle yet sorrowful and insistent. He heaved a deep sigh and leaned closer, firmly pointing at my brow, extending his other hand.

I shook my head frantically, more with frustration this time than with full on fear. But it lingered there stubbornly, ticking away like shocks of despair. Though this time he would not relent, with an obstinade childish smirk he inched closer, placing his rough hand in mine.

I was lost in confusion, my mind full of dreadful fear, my heart telling me to trust and listen to him. It was like a battle of wills, compeating over who was more headstrong, regrettably he was winning. My hand was shaking nervously as I grasped his firmly, hesitantly touching it to my brow. Slight shivers racked my body as I carefully fulfilled the ritual.

I dared not open my eyes at first, as the energy slowly trickled like smooth water through my veins. It felt strange and intrusive, like something pulsating softly within me, a warm echo. I stretched my limbs firmly, attempting to adapt with this bizarre yet somehow comforting feeling.

He sighed in relief, but I resolutley kept my eyes chut, refusing to look at him in fear of what type of expression he would wear.

"Is something wrong?..." His hesitant, husky, familiar tune played like sweet music through my ears.

"I don't know..."

"Why do you keep your eyes closed?..."

That, I did not want to answer, afraid of giving any hints as to were my mind was occupied. With a reassuring breath I carefully let my eyes lock onto his. He didn't seem to be in any kind of distress, his outlook the same gentle one as always. I sighed with relief and felt my body relax as I'd unconsciously tensed it.

With a hesitant whisper I forced myself to ask what I was afraid to know "How do you feel?... Anything strange?..."

His face flushed a fiery red and filled me with confusion, wondering why he felt embarrassed. He scratched his head "I've wanted to speak with you all this time... But... well.. You kind of... refused..."

I nervously fiddled with the hem of the quilt, pulling at a few loose strands. Still listening intently when he continued through my silence. His husky tune eager to explain "There are not enough words to describe how sorry I am..."

I gazed at him in astonishment, his words far from what I'd imagined, before he could humble himself further I interfered "I don't want your apologies!.."

It was his turn to look at me in astonishment, with a slight hint of fear. Yet I continued in force, shame coursing throughout me like venom "The one at fault is me and only me!..." I cried angrily "Any apologies from you are like adding salt to the wound"

The words flowed through me like a long held agonising confession, I just wanted them gone, out of my mind "Ever since that day I've felt nothing but shame and regret... I listlessly put you in harms way..."

I paused and caught my breath, the anger towards myself, fueling my words "Not even pausing a second to think about what I! put you through!... There are no punishments severe enough!"

I gazed at him resolutley and whispered firmly "The one to apologise is me... You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for.."

Throughout my ramblings his face had turned from frightened, into shock, ending with a stern, bitter expression. "I had you run away because I was too stupid to react! I just stood there like a complete fool!" His angry cry bellowed over the meadow.

I returned his sour gaze "Your reaction was perfectly sound!" my tune sounded bitter and resolute, firmer than I'd first intended "From what I told you then, I'd expected you to flee for your life with your legs on your back!"

It felt like we were playing a childish game over who was the most sorry. In our brief pause he silently gathered his thoughts "That sort of reaction would've be fine for anyone else, but not for me..."

As I tried to interrupt him he raised his hand to silence me "Please... let me explain..." he gazed at me gently, a sorrowful tone touching his voice "I don't want to cause you any offence... I just feel that it needs to be said..."

Gathering up his courage he spoke softly "From the moment I first laid eyes on you... I knew that you were different somehow..." He heaved a resolute breath "After our first meeting I was convinced that you were somehow ethereal... as if from a different realm"

As his voice flowed I got increasingly alarmed by every word, yet somehow inexplicable curious. I had no idea where it came from, just a real desire to know what he would tell me next.

"I pray that I'm not a stupid man, although I'm very often convinced of otherwise... With every hint you've unintentionally dropped, it was impossible for me to miss certain facts..."

He must have noticed my fright as his features tensed up "There is no need for you to feel alarmed... What I've come to know is unnecessary to delve into... I will not push you on any subject that you don't wish to talk about..."

His husky voice was so very convincing, whether it was because I intended for it to be so, or because he was just that generous, I did not know.

"Pretty early on you told me of your ability to use magic... That should have prepared me for what was to come... But as you are now aware, I am indeed a very stupid man, hence I act in senseless manners"

He looked at me with a bitter, mishevious smirk "I now feel that I've rightly convinced you of my guilt... The sorrow and apologies, are mine to bear..."

"You've merely convinced me of your own insecurities" I attacked him stubbornly yet playfully "my mind has not been changed..."

"You give me a hard time Princess..." He sighed heavily, slumping his shoulders in the process "I've never..."

"Yes?.."

"I've never... felt as much remorse and grief as that day..." his eyes were full of sorrow, darkness and something more, something intangible, a feeling that slowly pulled me in. "I thought you were lost to me, forever..."

I gulped at the pure force in his manners, for a moment I felt helplessly drawn, like a bumblebee towards honey.

"And you soon will be..."

"Soon what?"

"Tomorrow..." He swallowed "You will leave this place..." He turned away, resting his sight melancholy at the forest around us.

"Yes... I do have to leave..." My heart ached for him, more than I thought possible. As if I was continuously stabbed through the heart with a razor blade. Yet no matter how much I tried to ignore it, the agony I felt, was as much my own.

Without really thinking it through, as if my heart acted on its own, I added "But in three weeks I can return..."

It took a while for him to process what I'd said, but as he did, he whipped around, glaring at me in utter bewilderment "What?..." the husky tune now a soft whisper.

As I studied his features, the expressions and body language. I felt it through my whole body that it was far to late to change my mind now, even if I could have, I wouldn't want to...

"In three weeks I can return... For another seven days..."

His mouth opened and closed alternately, unable to form words.

I giggled warmly at his absurd yet very sweet expression, nevertheless he showed no steps of improvement, too dazed to function properly. Instead he absentmindedly fell onto his back, staring intently at the sky...

"You're not fooling around I hope..." he whispered dreamily "that would be too cruel..."

"No... I want to come back... I'll make sure of it..."

"Good... Very good.."

My heart raised in fast, steady thumps throughout me, pulsating violently against my temples. Although I got every hint possible that this might be something more than just friendship. That he might feel more strongly towards me than I could ever imagine. I persistently batted away every such thought, refusing to aknowledge what seemed to be obvious.

Knowing deep down that the realisation of it would change everything forever. Not just between us, but our whole worlds.

It was too easy to fool myself of his slight indifference, that he might not really care that much. He may not think his words through properly, unknowing of other peoples reactions to his free expressions.

Yes, it was far too easy.

My own reactions, every fluttering heartbeat, every tingle throughout my body, was a mere response to the wonders of Earth. With so many emotions overwhelming me it was hard to differentiate.

I gazed at him as he slowly turned towards me with the most exquisite, wonderful smile I'd ever seen, as if his whole face lit up with the splendor of it.

My heart fluttered nervously in violent, harsh thumps. 'yes.. it is all because of this planet and its beauty...'