Once Upon a Blue Moon
Chapter 8 – Separation
Endymion gave a weary sigh. Another night's sleep lost. How many had that been now? They all seemed to merge in to one another these days. At least it was a beautiful dawn. The rising sun was truly spectacular from his spot in the gardens. He looked back down at the precious piece of paper he held in his hand.
It had been well over month now, Endymion thought as he reread the letter again. How many times he had read it now, he did not know. Only that he kept it constantly with him, and pulled it out whenever he could. Whilst it tore his heart apart anew every time he read it, it was his only source of comfort for his longing for the princess of the Moon.
He knew the words off by heart, but still he felt the need to read the letter. He soaked in the words, following Serenity's beautifully written script. His eyes always paused on those small little spots where her tears had landed on the paper. Endymion's own tears had joined the patterns during his reads.
As he read, his eyes fell on to the penultimate passage and he felt his heart tighten, as it always did:
I leave to you something precious to me. It is a small gift, but one that has comforted me many times in my life. I entrust it to you now. I hope it brings you comfort and helps you remember me.
He held the star locket in his left hand. Much like the letter, Endymion never let the locket leave his sight. Though the lid was closed, the sweet melody contained inside was imprinted in to his memory. His grip on the locket tightened as he read the final line:
I will keep my promise. I will come back to you, no matter what.
Endymion closed his eyes, and Serenity's face greeted him behind his eyelids. No matter how much it hurt, and no matter how much time would pass, Endymion knew he would wait for her.
He felt the morning rays on his eyelids as the sun rose over the horizon, signalling the start of the new day. He slowly opened them, letting his deep blue eyes fall on the statue next to the small pond in front of him. His mother had always loved this statue of the two lovers of gold and silver in a warm embrace. In the weeks since he had received the letter from Serenity, the prince had visited his mother's garden, and the statue, more frequently than before. The statue reminded him so much of his princess.
Knowing that he couldn't stay there much longer, Endymion tucked the locket and letter inside his tunic, making sure they were close to his chest. He slowly raised to his feet and brushed himself off.
"Wish me luck, mother," he said softly. He turned and made his way back to the palace.
Time to play the dutiful Prince of Earth.
The morning past by uneventfully. His father, though somewhere in the palace, did not want to be disturbed. Since he had returned from his recent trip (to where, Endymion still did not know), his father had been acting more and more reclusively. It was unusual behaviour, even for him. The prince had spoken to Helios about his concerns, but even the priest was unsure what troubled the King. Not knowing what to do, Endymion took up his responsibilities with no complaints and worked alongside his father's advisors to continue the running of the kingdom. He was thankful that Kunzite was still with him.
His general had only left the palace without Endymion a handful of times to continue his search for the other Shitennou. Though he tried to hide it, his worry was plain enough to see. Endymion shared his friend's concern. It was unusual for them to be missing this long. The prince wished he could join in the search parties that were sent out daily for them, and the other missing palace staff, but he was required to stay where he was.
Kunzite's behaviour was another cause for anxiety for the prince. The general's temper had become shorter over the past weeks, and he found himself losing patience with many people. Kunzite would catch himself mind rant, and would apologise to whoever his victim was that day. Still, Endymion wanted to help his friend, but did not know how best to approach the situation. He had tried talking to him many times, but the conversations always went the same:
"How are you?" Endymion would ask each day when they saw each other.
Kunzite would just nod, giving the prince a small bow, before attending to his duties.
It had become a daily ritual between them.
After the midday meal, there was an opportunity for the prince to leave the palace with one of the daily scouting parties. Endymion and Kunzite, along with a few guards, made their way to the stables and mounted their waiting horses. Their armour glinted in the sunlight as the gates were opened. The handful of men set their horses in to motion and rode out in to the surrounding countryside. The people living in the small hamlets immediately surrounding the palace came out to cheer the men as they past, each hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved prince.
As soon at the fresh air whipped across his face, Endymion felt some of his anxieties fall from his shoulders. It had been so long since he had had the opportunity to escape like this, even though it was only for a short period. A smile spread across his lips as he encouraged his horse to go faster. He let out an exhilarated cry as he raced ahead.
After a short time, Endymion pulled his horse back and rode side by side with his men, chatting to them happily. He approached Kunzite, and saw that he, too, looked happy to be away from the palace. The friends rode side by side, enjoying each other's company. They kept silent, each revelling in the freedom. Endymion knew this was the perfect time to speak to Kunzite, to try and get him to open up, but something kept holding him back.
The trip was to be a short one: they were scouting the lands immediately surrounding the palace. Beryl's grip on the kingdom was tightening, and Endymion feared that more and more people were starting to turn against them. He worried for his people, and wanted to protect them.
They came to a large hill, and slowed their horses to a trot. Endymion knew the land like the back of his hand, so when he reached the top and looked down at the fields and forests below him, he stopped suddenly at the unexpected sight.
In the distance, just off the horizon behind the trees, large black clouds massed in the sky, covering the land below in darkness. There was a distant rumble of thunder that shook the ground. The horses gave nervous whinnies. As Endymion looked closer, he thought he could make out dark pillars rising from the ground. But he was too far away to be sure.
"What is that?" the prince asked his men.
Kunzite came to his side. "I am unsure. I have never seen it before."
Endymion looked behind him at his gathered men. The look of confusion on their faces echoed his own.
"We should investigate," Kunzite continued.
Endymion nodded in agreement. "We need to return to the palace first and prepare the men."
Kunzite looked up in surprise. "But Endymion-"
Endymion held up a hand to interrupt the general. "We have no supplies with us to complete such a task. We must return and prepare accordingly.
Kunzite opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it. The men agreed with their prince, and they swiftly turned around to head back to the palace. In the excitement, Endymion did not remember to talk to Kunzite about his problems, and missed the dark shadow pass across his face.
The scouting party reached the palace in no time at all. Endymion called a meeting with his soldiers, and soon a group of five soldiers was soon selected to scout the dark lands they had discovered in the east. They would prepare that night and leave at dawn.
Endymion had been surprised when Kunzite had volunteered to stay at the palace. He was usually the first of his men to step up for a scout or mission. The prince found his concerns for his friend returning.
After the meeting, Endymion and Kunzite had a little time before the evening meal, so Endymion asked the general to join him for a walk in the gardens. As they stepped out of the palace and made their way down the stone steps in to the gardens, Endymion looked up at the setting sun, surprised that the day had gone so quickly. He caught a glimpse of the new Moon beginning to appear in the twilight, and felt his heart ache heavily in his chest.
They pair walked in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the view. They came to one of the many water fountains dotted around the grounds. Endymion leaned over the edge, catching his reflection in the water.
"Kunzite," Endymion said. He looked over at the general's reflection. "What is troubling you?"
"Nothing, your highness," Kunzite answered. He looked ahead of him, his mind seemingly on other things.
Endymion stood up straight. "Please, don't insult me. As you have said yourself, we have known each other for years, and I know when something is troubling you." Kunzite still did not look at the prince. Endymion saw the general's hands clench on the edge of the water fountain. "What is it?"
"Nothing," Kunzite answered. He looked at the prince then, only briefly. "It is nothing to be concerned about."
Endymion shook his head. "If it affecting my friend in such a way, then it is of my concern. Talk to me."
"Endymion, please," Kunzite said.
"No." Endymion shook his head. "I can't let this go anymore. Please, tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing!" Kunzite protested, standing up.
Endymion stood in front of the general. "What is it? What are you hiding?" Kunzite tried to walk away, but Endymion stood his ground. "How can I help you if you won't tell me what's troubling you?"
"I do not need your help-"
"Kunzite!" Endymion interrupted. "What is wrong with you? You've been acting strangely ever since-"
Kunzite held up his hand to stop the prince mid-sentence. His eyes were fixed on something in the distance.
Endymion did not appreciate the interruption. "Kunzite-"
"Shh!" Kunzite cut him off. He indicated for the prince to stay silent. Something was amiss.
Endymion followed his friend's gaze, but could not see anything. "What is it?"
There was a tense pause. Something flickered in Kunzite's eyes. His jaw dropped ever so slightly in surprise. "She's here." And he took off.
Endymion was left in a daze at Kunzite's sudden change in behaviour. But he quickly recovered and followed after the general. They ran deeper back the way they had come, stopping not far from the palace but still hidden from sight. As Endymion slowed to catch his breath, he approached Kunzite and soon realised why he had rushed off.
Sailor Venus bowed to the prince gracefully, the light from her teleportation just fading from her skin. "Your highness," she greeted politely.
Endymion gave the Senshi a nod. "Sailor Venus. Please, stand."
Sailor Venus rose, standing to attention. Her eyes were bright and alert. "It has been a while, Prince Endymion."
And the Guardian of Venus thought back to that last encounter, just a few weeks ago. It had only been her second trip to Earth. She did not know what had possessed her that day. When Serenity had left, she and Sailor Mars had volunteered to stay in the Moon Kingdom and watch over their home. They received a few messages from the princess and their fellow Senshi, updating them on their trip.
Three weeks after the Queen and her daughter had left; Venus had been alone in her chamber when the urge had hit her. She had tried to ignore it, but felt her body act on its own accord. Knowing it was a stupid idea she had found a secluded spot and transported herself to the Golden Kingdom of Earth. She had found Endymion and Kunzite immediately, as if they had been waiting for her (though seeing her that day was certainly a great surprise to them). Something in the prince's eyes called out to the guardian, and she had found herself updating Endymion on Serenity's trip.
She had thought she would never return after that, and yet here she was. She was kicking herself mentally for becoming victim to her mad urges. It was not something that a soldier such as herself was permitted to do.
Venus lifted her eyes up to Kunzite. The general nodded his head to the Lunarian. "Welcome back, Sailor Venus," he said politely. His gaze held on to hers for just a little too long.
Venus couldn't help but let a small smile escape her lips. She pulled herself together and faced the prince. "I am afraid I do not have much to report on the princess."
Endymion felt his heart drop. "She still hasn't returned?"
Venus shook her head. "And no word on when she will."
"But she is safe?" The words were eager, full of hope. "No harm has come to her?"
Sailor Venus felt herself smile at the prince. He truly did care for the princess. "Very much so. She is with our Queen, and my comrades. You have nothing to fear."
Endymion nodded. He took a few dazed paces away. He took a deep breath, and exhaled loudly. "Thank you, Venus. I know coming here isn't easy for you, and you risk much."
Venus looked away, a little uncomfortable at the words. "I want my princess to be happy. I care about her, a lot, and would give my life for her. I never want any harm to come to her."
"And I would never allow that either," Endymion said passionately, facing the guardian. "You know this, Venus."
Venus nodded softly. "I know." She bowed. "I must return before they realise I have gone."
"Do you have to return so soon?" Kunzite said in a rush. When the words left his lips, he registered what he had said, and began to blush. "What I mean is you have only just arrived. I would be happy to show you the grounds."
Venus felt the colour rising to her own cheeks. She pulled herself together. "That is very kind of you, Kunzite." She felt the butterflies in her stomach flutter just from saying his name. "But I really must return." And before Kunzite could say anything else, Sailor Venus was surrounded by a white light, and disappeared back to the Moon.
Endymion did not move for a few moments. Again, he took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. No news was good news, he supposed. Walking to Kunzite, he gave his friend a reassuring pat on the back before they both made their way to the palace for their evening meal. As he made his way inside, Endymion took one last look at the bright Moon before it disappeared behind the oncoming clouds, and thought of Serenity.
Serenity could not see the Earth from where she was, or the Moon. But that did not mean that she could forget about Endymion. She worried about him and hoped he was safe. She tried to hide her worries to those around her, especially her mother. But as she experienced more sleepless nights and found her appetite begin to fade the longer she was from home, her body began to betray her. Her skin became dull, and her dresses became just a little loose on her body.
The trip had been long but pleasant so far. Both Uranus and Neptune had been in good health and had welcomed them with open arms. Though Serenity had enjoyed herself, and had loved meeting the Outer Senshi, the Prince of Earth was always a constant thought.
They had visited Neptune first, spending some time in her company. The Guardian of the Seas was as graceful as Serenity had heard her to be. Staying in her beautiful palace, they were updated on her missions and any possible threats they needed to be worried about. Neptune was a strong and powerful guardian, and along with Uranus they had guarded the Silver Millennium well. During the evenings, they were entertained by her beautiful musical skills and her delicately woven stories. There was even a race one night between Sailor Mercury and Sailor Neptune in her clear pools. It had been a close race and had been thoroughly entertaining to watch. To this day, Serenity had believed it to be a tie.
After a month, they said their goodbyes to Neptune and travelled to Uranus for the remainder of the trip. They were currently half way through their stay with the Guardian of the Wind. Much like with Neptune, they had been given a tour of her palace, and had daily meetings to discuss anything that had occurred in the outer planets. Serenity attended each meeting and behaved as she hoped her mother wanted her to. She did not want to disappoint her again.
On this particular night, Serenity had managed to sneak off for some time alone. She stood in one of Uranus's viewing rooms. She leaned against the glass and gazed down at the large planet below her. Though she was looking directly at it, the image of Uranus did not register in her mind. Instead, all she saw was Endymion. She wrapped her arms around herself and became lost to her thoughts.
She did not hear the steps approaching her, nor did she notice someone come to stand beside her.
"Princess?" a voice asked.
Serenity looked up with a start. She smiled at the pale haired woman standing in front of her. "Sailor Uranus. Sorry, I didn't see you there."
Sailor Uranus stepped around the princess and leaned against the glass next to her. She looked out of the window. "Enjoying the view?"
Serenity blinked a couple of times and followed Uranus's gaze, really taking in the sight before her. "It truly is a magnificent planet."
"It is as dangerous as it is beautiful," Uranus said solemnly. She gazed at the princess from the corner of her eye. "Everyone is wondering where you are."
Serenity avoided her gaze. "I just needed some time to myself."
"You are missing home?" Uranus asked.
Serenity bit her lip. "Something like that." She looked up at the tall guardian. "But I am having a wonderful time with Neptune and yourself. You have both been so kind."
Uranus gave a small smile. "Thank you, princess. I am glad that your trip has been pleasant." She stood up from the glass and walked past the princess. She stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder. "The evening meal is about to begin. Shall I let them know you are on your way?"
Serenity gave a small nod to Uranus, thankful that the soldier understood her feelings without her needing to explain herself. She knew if she opened her mouth, she would not be able to stop. And no one wanted to see a crying princess. It was not a pretty sight.
Uranus squeezed Serenity's shoulder gently. "Very well." She let go and left the princess to her thoughts.
Serenity watched her go, before returning her attention to the view. She hugged herself again, allowing herself to think of Endymion one more time. She pulled herself together, ignoring the ache in her heart, and followed Uranus's path down the corridor to the banquet hall.
That night, when Serenity and Endymion had retired to their rooms and had slowly drifted off in to a deep slumber, they both began to dream. In the magical world of their subconscious, they found themselves on the shore of a beautiful lake, hidden deep within a forest on Earth. One could say it looked almost identical to the lake where they had first kissed.
As the sun's rays fell on to the lake's surface, they saw each other walk through the shadows of the trees. Calling out their names, they ran to each other, their arms outstretched wide.
But as they were about to meet, they awoke. Their eyes fluttered open, and they found themselves alone in the dark. As the memories of the dream began to fade from their mind, they closed their eyes and felt the tears slip down their cheeks.
