Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium Adventure
By Lady Moon Goddess
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Author's Notes: I could not stop writing. I really like this chapter. I hope you all will too.
~*~
Chapter 10: Destiny
Endymion and Serenity stared at the door, exhaling slowly. Their palms sweaty, but they didn't care. Endymion placed his hand against the cold marble wall as Serenity looked into his eyes. She sensed the apprehension they both shared. She offered him tranquility with a small kiss on the cheek.
Endymion grinned, forcing the door open, Serenity exhaled once more and stole a look at the dark general as he grasped Endymion's arm. She sighed deeply, trying to leave her fears at the entrance and regain some poise before standing before the dark queen.
Beryl stared at the door, her body tensing at the thought of an intruder. She then caught the sight of Kunzite's white hair, noticing the two masked prisoners he ushered into the chamber and let out a small sigh of relief .
"General Kunzite, whom have you brought?" she inquired, propping her chin upon her fist, "Is that Midnight Warrior?" she leaned forward, squinting.
Kunzite tugged at Endymion's arm, forcing him to the ground. Serenity's fist was about to strike when Kunzite shoved her down beside Endymion with a small blast of dark energy. "They were found sneaking around the palace," he strode past them whipping his silver cape into their faces.
Serenity found herself questioning Kunzite's loyalty, her displeasure dancing upon her face as she watched him bow to Queen Beryl. She looked to Endymion who was already on his feet, reaching for her. She tucked her gold chain underneath her robes and took his hand.
"Good work, Kunzite. This pleases me," she devilishly smirked as she strode towards Kunzite, "Now, what do you plan on doing now?" she tried to tower over her general, but his boldness matched her own.
"I have brought them to you, thinking you would desire the opportunity to destroy, Midnight Warrior-"
Endymion blurted, "I am Koudanshi…" he gripped the handle of his sword tightly as his knuckles continued to whiten.
Serenity held her locket, chanting under her breath with her eyes closed, hoping to collect as much energy as possible, "And I am Seion."
Serenity opened her hands, emitting a brilliant light from her palms. The powerful flash knocking Kunzite to the floor, also striking Beryl, burning her flesh. She winced as an ethereal mist that caught the moonlight rose into the air from her burning wound. Beryl growled as she summoned her scepter and sent a series of black energy orbs towards Serenity. The immense dark light lunged at Serenity, closing in on her in moments.
Endymion suddenly leapt towards Serenity, pushing her out of its path as the blast tore into him. He held his stomach, his head hitting the floor, a little blood seeping from a cut on his scalp.
Serenity watched Endymion falter slightly as he struggled to his feet and readied himself for another attack.
Rubbing her hands together, the friction warming her palms, now buzzing with the sensation. Suddenly, she separated her hands, having generated a radiant sphere of silvery-blue energy that lay suspended in mid-air. Staring at Beryl, she hurled it at the dark queen as Beryl too was preparing an attack herself.
Beryl hissed as the pain from the injury to her arm slowed her down. She held up her staff as a dark cloud overshadowed her. Lightning flashed from within the cloud and the room became cold.
Beryl screamed with fury as she pointed her staff at Serenity, "My dear, Death welcomes you."
Endymion held a cluster of golden roses, ready to throw at a moment's notice. He gripped them tightly as the thorns pierced his fingers. "Not even the power of Destruction can destroy us!" Endymion cried, and threw his roses and dashed to Serenity's side. She continued to focus her power. "Seion, I do not think we can achieve our goal tonight," Endymion said, turning to face Beryl, hoping his roses had done some damage, but they lay incinerated on the floor.
"My darling, this is not the first time you have encountered my force field," she cackled at the look of humiliation upon his young face.
"We must leave—" but he never got the chance to finish the sentence as a lightning bolt struck Endymion in the chest, the flash illuminating the throne room. His body flew several paces back and crashed against a large pillar — dust collecting around him.
Serenity's concentration did not falter as the sphere gained in intensity. The princess appeared motionless, but she carefully considered her actions. If she released too much of her power, then her identity would be revealed. She examined the sphere as she chanted, raising her eyes to Beryl's fiery red orbs. She lifted the swirling ball of magical fire above her head and cast it towards the queen.
Beryl laughed as the white energy mass approached her barrier, but soon her laughter faded as the orb reached Beryl, lifting her off the ground. Her body fell heavily upon the floor. Recovering, she sat up slowly and examined her injuries. All thoughts of placing the intruders in confinement left her, replaced with enduring, cruel agony.
Queen Beryl jumped to her feet firing as many attacks as possible. Serenity stepped back, evading each blast with much effort.
Endymion slowly analyzed the situation, while holding his head. He took out another golden rose and threw it towards Queen Beryl only to have it destroyed by Kunzite's laser sword.
"You did not actually think I was going to help you?" Kunzite snickered as Endymion realized that he should not have been so gullible.
"What about the weapon you were telling—" Endymion and Kunzite paced in a circle, attempting to anticipate the other's movements.
"There is no weapon," the two men stopped suddenly.
Unruffled by Kunzite's words, Endymion unsheathed his sword, assuming his battle stance. Kunzite waited for what he thought would be another of Endymion's measly attacks. The prince rushed the general, shouting as he lifted his sword and brought its blade upon his opponent's weapon. In an instant, Kunzite disappeared then rematerialized behind him. He drove his laser sword into Endymion's back, causing him to fall to his knees. Kunzite twisted the sword harshly, as Endymion grimaced silently. Kunzite took a handful of Endymion's hair, forcing his head back. The general then whispered into Endymion's ear, "There is no hope for this planet or the moon," he laughed once more as he shoved his adversary to the floor with his boot.
Serenity screamed Koudanshi's name, but he did not respond. The moment her attention was diverted from the task at hand, generating her power blast, Beryl shot an energy beam from her palm towards the distressed young woman, piercing Serenity's abdomen. Serenity lost her footing and fell on her hands and knees. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and with each breath, the pain grew evermore unbearable.
Kunzite decided in that moment to take advantage of the situation and slowly advanced upon Serenity, his footfalls all but silent. He raised the blade and struck the girl. A surge of white energy entered his body, electrocuting him. He yelled out in pain, immediately removing his sword, noticing the weapon had no effect on the young woman whom, should have been dead. His clothes steamed as cold air streamed through the room.
"Kunzite!" Beryl yelled, "Leave us. I shall handle this."
Slowly, she walked towards the fallen girl, her intense gaze telling Kunzite she was not to be contradicted. He did as she asked, disappearing into the abyss with a silver light circling him.
Serenity clutched at her stomach, panting as she tried to overcome the pain she felt in that moment. She looked up to find Beryl hovering over her. A sudden slap knocked her to the floor. Beryl derided the girl with her plans for the universe, attacking not only Serenity's body but also her mentality.
"The moon will become my next kingdom. I shall leave this black wasteland and rule over the Lunarians. It will become my new wasteland — full of hate, sadness, and misery," she sighed with pleasure, imagining it all unfolding like a movie scene within her twisted mind. She held out her hand as Serenity cringed, awaiting the next assault.
Serenity slid across the floor, moving closer to Endymion.
Beryl scoffed at this young fool's pathetic attempt to escape from her. "My dear, pray to the gods. This is the end for you and my darling Koudanshi. And I shall begin with you," a spear of steel issued forth from Beryl's hand. Serenity gripped the handle of the oncoming weapon the very second* the blade left her palm, "The Netherworld will adore a beautiful soul like you."
In that moment, a woman dressed in a white cloak appeared — her pale hands hanging limply at her side. Beryl cackled with triumphant glee as she lifted her sword above her head, "Ah, the sight of Thanatos looks especially pleasing, does she not?" the queen lunged as the tip of the sword headed for Serenity's heart. She shrieked as Beryl's blade dove straight for her.
"Stop!" a male voice resounded throughout the room as the figure approached. He quickly assessed the situation, folding his arms across his chest. The tip of Beryl's sword was touching her throat. Serenity's eyes were closed, and she was clutching her crystal.
He walked over to the prone form of Endymion who was lying on his stomach out-cold. The man placed a hand upon his head, awakening him. Endymion's eyes fluttered open. He drew in a sharp intake of breath, his vision remained blurry for only a matter of seconds as the image of the palace gradually took shape. Endymion slowly climbed to his feet, standing erect, wavering before recovering his balance and surveyed his surroundings. His eyes darted towards Serenity. Immediately, he ran to her aid. Endymion grabbed her by the shoulders, trying to pull her away from Beryl, but she did not move.
"We must save her!" he stared into the man's eyes as he continued to pull Serenity away from the dark queen.
"Do not worry," the man dressed in golden robes said, resting his hand upon Endymion's shoulder, "she is safe," so saying, he leaned over and drew her away from Beryl with ease.
Endymion watched, puzzled by this strange man. "Who are you?" Endymion asked, placing his hands on his hips as the man helped the frozen Serenity.
"I am Destiny."
The woman dressed in a white cloak chose that moment to approach the two men. A mist swirling around her feet and the air became thinner. "Destiny, do not deny me a soul!" She reached out for Destiny, exposing her long, sharp fingernails.
"You are no longer required, Thanatos; I have intervened." Destiny gripped Endymion's arm, pulling him next to him.
She slowly stalked Endymion, her hand stretching towards the prince of Earth. She lifted her face towards the light—some features still in the shadows and others exposed. She removed her hood, her sleek black hair contrasting with her pallid face. Her black eyes fixed on Endymion, adding to the eeriness.
Endymion stared into her eyes — his feet, of their own accord, stepping towards the woman. Her hand touching his soft cheek. The healthy pink of his lips left, now turning blue. The flesh of his tanned cheek took on the pallor of that of Thanatos who stroked his face, "My sweet," she cooed, "come with me."
Destiny held out his palm, shooting golden light at this angel of death. She shrieked as the light exposed her other form. Her black hair cascaded down to her knees, covering her chest and flower. She hissed, baring her fangs, then placed her hands on her hips. "You better watch your back, Destiny," she warned, raising her arms as a thick smoke enveloped her statuesque form, and she disappeared, returning to the Netherworld.
Endymion shook himself out of his trance, holding his head. He watched the man approach Queen Beryl. "Why are you here?" Endymion questioned as he regained full consciousness.
Destiny circled Queen Beryl, examining her head to toe. "Death at Beryl's hand plays no part in this girl's destiny," he finished, continuing his pacing. "Now, listen to me," he knelt upon one knee, holding his hand above Serenity's unconscious form, "You must tend to her wounds, immediately," he stood up and maintained eye contact with Endymion, the gesture emphasizing the importance of his words, "she will not have long to live if you neglect to care for her, I have done what I can. The rest, is up to you, her bleeding is very excessive," Destiny then walked to the edge of the throne room and turned, saying, "Once time has restarted, go and get help. I will not be able to interfere again," and with that, a golden radiance lit the room, blinding Endymion's eyes.
The sound of steel crashing into rock assailed Endymion's ears. He looked to Beryl, who snarled at the realization of Destiny's intervention. "How dare he!" screamed the queen as she struggled to pull her sword out of the marble floor.
Serenity gasped as she wobbled to her feet. She clutched her stomach as blood seeped between her fingers. She reached for Endymion as the loss of blood weakened her significantly — her body was useless to her in that moment.
Endymion embraced her, then in one easy motion, he picked her up bridal-style and carried her in his arms. Beryl wrenched the blade from the floor, losing her footing from her exertions, and almost fell backwards. She chased Endymion and Serenity as far as she could, stopping at the edge of the balcony. She was so enraged, she almost lost her balance and had to throw herself back so as not to fall to her death. She shouted into the night as she watched her quarry escaping into the forest.
~*~
Endymion stared down at Serenity, only taking pause to watch his step. He ran faster than the wolves that were chasing the scent of blood. He whipped through the forest, finding his way into the city. He searched for any lights emitting from the windows of the houses nearby. He examined Serenity's chest, watching it rise and fall far slower than was normal.
He breathed in fear and exhaled harmony. His hands began to quiver, and a cloak of trepidation obstructed his vision. He frantically sought out a safe house, finally noticing a window alight and hoped the occupants were sympathetic to their plight. He dashed for the house and knocked on the door, practically forcing it down with each pounding of his fist.
An exhausted woman opened the door with a child around the age of five on her hip, her attention drawn to Serenity.
"She needs help," Endymion said, unnecessarily as the woman quickly placed the child down, instructing her to go back to bed. She then escorted the two inside the cottage.
She clattered through her cupboards, rummaging around for a good-sized bowl. She filled it with hot water then placed it on the table. "Set her on the couch. Start to clean the wound," she threw a damp cloth to Endymion as she gathered her jars of herbs.
Endymion dabbed around the gash, watching closely Serenity's face. He softly touched the cut, but her abdomen contracted with the contact, and she grimaced in pain. He held up his hand as a sign that it was not his fault and returned to the task of wiping up the blood.
The woman rushed to the couch, placing the jars on the floor. She crouched down beside Endymion, placing the back of her hand on Serenity's chest. "She is burning up. Go wash the cloth and rinse it with cold water then place it on her forehead."
The woman opened one jar, scooping the grains into her hand. She sprinkled them over the wound then placed the lid back on the jar. She moved to the next, taking out a small leaf. She tore it into three sections, placing them directly on the gash. A slight irritation formed around the cut, turning Serenity's pale skin bright red.
The woman placed a clean cloth on Serenity's abdomen. It became tainted red within seconds, and she replaced the sanguinary material with new bandages.
Endymion set a cold compress upon Serenity's forehead, soaking up the droplets of sweat collecting upon her skin.
He smiled faintly, noticing her eyes were not open and his expression switched to concern. He felt that he needed to be strong for her, but he utilized the moment where he did not have to conceal his emotions.
The woman detected his change of expression, offering a notion of comfort by placing her hand on his. They caught each other's eyes as Endymion asked, "What is your name?"
She rose to her feet, taking the jars to the counter. She brought another cold cloth and replaced the one on Serenity's head. "My name is Nasakebukai." She went down on her knees, placing her hands in her lap. "And you are? she asked politely.
"I am Kandoushi. She is Seion," he replied, brushing away a small strand of hair from Serenity's eyes then took a deep breath. "Will her wound heal?"
She adjusted the herbs, moving them to cover the entire wound, "Oh yes. I must leave the herbs out for a while before dressing the wound." She walked over to her washing tub, scrubbing a few grains from her fingers, "If the wound was not treated as soon as it was, it probably would have become infected," the woman dried her hands with a tattered piece of cloth then sat on a nearby chair.
Endymion knelt down upon his knees, sliding his hand along Serenity's arm. "Thank you for helping her," he turned to the woman and smiled.
The woman returned the smile and nodded, picking up a needle and thread. "You both may spend the night if your home is too distant," she suggested as she stitched a hem in a child's shirt.
Endymion's mind was not responding as it was taken by the severity of Serenity's condition. He held her hand, rubbing his thumb against her soft skin. Nasakebukai smiled at Endymion and continued sewing.
~*~
Hours passed, and it was soon morning. Nasakebukai fell asleep on the rocking chair as her breathing rocked it slowly. Endymion lay on the couch, his head nestled in the crook of Serenity's neck. His warm breath tickled her skin, and she would have noticed if it were not for the sedative provided by the herbs.
The creaking of the rocking chair woke up the helpful medic. She placed the needle, thread, and shirt on the small table beside her and rose from the chair. She gently tapped Endymion's shoulder, "Koudanshi…" she whispered "Koudanshi… wake up…," she urged more insistently, shaking him now.
Endymion finally stirred. He yawned, raising his arms above his head and clasping his hands, stretching. "How long was I sleeping?" He rubbed his eyes then stood up.
Nasakebukai went to the kitchen and found a pot, placing it on the marble counter. "It is almost dawn," she walked to the fireplace and placed crystals in the pit. She sprinkled what looked like mere dust over the crystals then a fire suddenly shot up, heating up the cold house.
Endymion raced to the window and peeked through the brown curtains. He looked up and down the road, searching for guards. He turned away from the window and stood beside Nasakebukai. "Can Seion walk? Will she even wake?" Endymion took the woman's hand as they stood over Serenity.
Nasakebukai checked the bandages and examined the wound. "She is still under the influence of the herbs, so she will not wake until they wear off." the woman entered the kitchen once more and retrieved her jars of medicinal herbs, "I shall change the wrapping and add more herbs." Endymion lifted Serenity as she removed the bandages, "This time I will not use herbs coated with soporifics."
She quickly set to work. She sprinkled a white powder over the injury, taking a piece of bark from the orange jar. She produced a knife from her apron and cut small bits of the wrappings, placing these onto the wound. Finally, she placed five of the leaves side-by-side, covering the cut completely. Endymion continued to assist Nasakebukai as she wrapped clean bandages around her abdomen.
"She should be awake within the hour. She should do nothing physically demanding for the next week. If the wound opens, she could hemorrhage. If you need anything, just stop by," she smiled and walked to the door, opening it slowly and looking around.
Endymion gently lifted Serenity into his arms and headed for the entrance. He waited behind the oak door, waiting for Nasakebukai to inspect the roads. "Thank you," Endymion said as she let him pass, "for everything," he ran to the house parallel to Nasakebukai's and hid against a tree.
She waved to him and silently prayed for their safety then shut the door and began to make breakfast.
~*~
The bright sun crept over the horizon as Endymion placed Serenity on the ground. He sat down next to her, staring at the crest of Venus imprinted in the grass between them. Endymion leaned back upon his elbows and witnessed the magnificent sunrise.
His attention was drawn away from the new dawn by the sounds of Serenity stirring. Her hand rose over her eyes as the first rays of the sun attacked her pupils. She groaned as the cut still brought with them some minor discomfort. She sat up with some help from Endymion. She shrieked in surprise, placing her hand on her chest. Endymion laughed unintentionally and tried to stop.
Serenity, taken aback, could only stare as he laughed. "That was not funny," she shook her head, and gingerly touched the wrappings. Endymion's laughter fell away as she inquisitively examined the bandages.
"A woman named Nasakebukai tended to your wounds."
Serenity looked out over the city, holding her crystal under her shirt. "The last thing I remember is Beryl about to…" she looked down at her abdomen and placed a protective hand over it, "Why and how am I still alive?"
Endymion watched the last of the night fires extinguish and the town beginning its day. "It was Destiny."
Serenity smiled and grabbed his hand, "How sweet. Did you save me?" she smiled.
Endymion shook his head and turned towards her, "No, it was Destiny. He intervened."
Serenity's eyes widened, remembering all the stories she heard about the legendary Destiny. "You mean, Destiny is back?" Serenity smiled brilliantly, giving the sun some competition.
Endymion stood up and carefully helped Serenity to her feet, "Koudanshi, he can help you re-obtain your throne," the sound of her sweet voice found its way to his ears, warming his heart, "This war can finally end!" she gripped his hands tightly, her smile brighter now, if that were possible.
But her voice, touch, or smile did not dissuade his faith in Destiny. He smiled on the outside, but deep down he knew Destiny was not going to help win this war.
He released Serenity's hands. Her arms dropped to her side as her smile faded, "Koudanshi…" she looked into his eyes, searching for any glimpse of belief within his dark orbs. She sighed resignedly, and looked away towards the caves, "I am going to leave now,"
She faced Endymion, sighing once more. She stood up on tiptoes, kissing him tenderly on the cheek and began walking down the hill, and a few seconds later she looked over her shoulder, "Please do not watch where I go."
Endymion gazed upon her lovely face and sculpted form once more then turned his back, "I shall not follow," he twisted his head to see her delicate smile one last time before she left him to his thoughts.
~*~
The young woman knocked upon the door with her elbow. A child quickly opened it for her, relieving her of one of the many grocery bags. Nasakebukai shut the door behind her and sighed as she reached the marble counter before the bags slipped from her hands.
She left the groceries and visited one of the three bedrooms. She lightly brushed her knuckles against the door. She slowly opened it, finding six children running around the room. She chased after one as the little girl screamed with joy then found her small bed.
Nasakebukai sat in the middle of the room as her brothers and sisters sat on the beds close by. "What story do you wish to hear tonight?" she watched them think—some holding their chins, thinking it would automatically give them some idea.
The smallest child raised her hand, catching the other children's attention. Nasakebukai nodded and asked what story she wanted to hear. "The beginning of our galaxy," the child said softly.
The other children agreed by clapping their hands. Nasakebukai smiled and crossed her legs. "A very good choice, Tereya," she smiled at the child then began to think of how best to start the narrative. "Thousands of years ago, our Galaxy was created by an entity called Oceanus," the children lay on their stomachs, leaning on their elbows, "He created the heavens along with the netherworld," the children's expressions changed with the mention of the heavens and then the netherworld. She chuckled at their sour faces and quickly moved on, "Oceanus was so lonely he cried and his first tear transformed into Eurynome."
Even though Nasakebukai had told this story so many times before, her siblings always found astonishment in the tale. "Their first child was Venus. As we all know, she is the goddess of love and beauty. She created a planet bearing her name. She was the beginning of our galaxy. Oceanus and Eurynome bore eight other children: Mercury—"
The children named the other seven in unison, "Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto."
She smiled, grabbing Tereya and placing the child on her lap, "Yes, that is correct," Nasakebukai rubbed noses with her sister and laughed, "Are you sure you need me to tell you this story?" she smiled, tickling Tereya. The little brunette wiggled in her arms, laughing loudly as she escaped to the floor. She soon joined her other sisters on the bed, still laughing.
"Each god and goddess created their own planet along with people to inhabit it. They each found love, which resulted in the creation of creatures such as the Fates. The Fates led to two great gods: Destiny and Selene. One of the Fates, Lachesis, fell in love with a man from Uranus. They bore Destiny. Because the other two Fates were jealous of Lachesis for finding love, they created Selene along with the moon. They gave Selene the power over all planets, which they hoped would bring competition between Destiny and Selene. However, both Destiny and Selene were born with kind hearts and compromised. Selene used her powers to rule the galaxy while Destiny stood aside."
Tereya among other children had fallen asleep. The night was late and Nasakebukai had correctly predicted the outcome of telling this story. She looked at her other siblings who had not been touched by sleep, "I shall finish the story tomorrow night," they all groaned, moving back to their own beds. Nasakebukai moved the sleeping children to their own beds, tucking them in gently.
She opened the door and looked back, "Good night, my dear brothers and sisters, may the gods watch over you as you sleep," she blew out the candle near the door, closing it behind her.
Nasakebukai went to the kitchen and searched her cupboards for her crystals and the jar of fire dust. She threw the two crystals into the fireplace then went back for the jar.
It was missing. She opened the cupboards once more, reading each label and even opening them to confirm the label was correct. She closed the doors and turned on her heel to find Nephrite holding the jar. "That was a lovely story," he stepped forward, placing the jar on the counter, brushing Nasakebukai's arm as he passed, "You should finish it for me."
Nasakebukai sighed as their chests touched. She lost her breath and stammered, looking up into his dark eyes, "Well, where d-did I stop?" she looked past him, breaking eye contact.
"Come with me," he took her hand, guiding her to the door, "to the palace," he clutched the doorknob then stopped, "Will you come with me?" his eyes changed from their normal harshness to a soothing softness.
She smiled meekly, giving Nephrite the approval to steal her away.
~*~
It was Nasakebukai's eighth visit to the palace in only seven days. She began to identify the more familiar corridors and more easily find the way to Nephrite's quarters with ease.
She snuggled into the soft comforter as a fragrance of freshly cut flowers soothed and tantalized her nostrils. She turned on her side and faced Nephrite who sat atop the covers.
His grey jacket unbuttoned, revealing his white undershirt. He was reading a book in a language foreign to Nasakebukai. "Why am I here?" her question interrupted Nephrite's thoughts.
He placed the book on his lap, "What do you mean?" he closed the thick book, placing it on the bedside table. His chocolate waves hung below his shoulders and framed his face, accentuating his deep brown orbs.
"I mean," she began and sat up — eye-level with him, "why have you brought me to your chambers these past several nights?" her short red hair bounced above her shoulders as she turned her eyes away from his hypnotic stare.
He rose from the bed, searching for the appropriate words. He paced back and forth then stopped, choosing his words carefully as he began, "I…" his words halted but his thoughts did not. His heart begged him to speak the truth, but his mind argued against his wishes.
As Nephrite's internal battle became more prolonged, Nasakebukai patiently waited, gazing upon the enigma of the man before her. She twisted a strand of red around a finger, trying to pass the awkward silence that filled the room.
Nephrite turned away, leaning against the marble wall in the attitude of thoughtfulness. He sighed, "Nasakebukai, I enjoy your company," he faced her and read the confusion spreading across her beautiful sculpted face, "I want to be with you. I like being with you. Your mere presence satisfies me," he approached the bed, sliding on his knees across the sheets. He cupped her face in his hands and smiled, finding pleasure in the texture of her silky skin.
She leaned into his palm, oblivious to the contrast between her supple skin and the roughness of his touch. The space between the two soon vanished as their lips met with a spark of passion. The accumulating passion heightened as she wrapped her arms around his neck, while he held her slender waist. Their eyes shut, but colors of every shade exploded behind their eyelids as the kiss deepened.
Nasakebukai's fingers lost themselves within Nephrite's hair as Nephrite placed a hand on the small of her back, gently pushing her against his body. She pulled away only enough to breathe. Their noses touched as Nasakebukai sighed, "I thought my presence was enough," she smiled, rubbing her thumb against the hairs running the length of his jaw line.
He laughed, moving back to his side of the bed, placing his hands under his head as he closed his eyes. She rested her head upon his strong chest sliding her hand over his lean torso. They both sighed deeply, enjoying the 'anything but awkward' silence.
"Nasakebukai," he probed, smoothing her hair, "I am very fond of you," she snuggled closer to him as she placed her head on his shoulder.
"Likewise, Nephrite…" she kissed his cheek before falling asleep in his arms.
~*~
Night had fallen upon the Moon Kingdom, and Queen Selenity left the library for her bedchambers. She reached the giant marble doors and waited for the two guards to open them. She passed by with a gesture of thanks then walked into her closet. She removed her Lunarian dress then put the silver nightgown over her head — the tingling sensation rushing over her skin bringing a sigh of pleasure to her lips. She sat at her vanity, letting down her hair. The silver hair cascaded to the floor as Selenity picked up a brush.
A knock at the door interrupted the queen's thoughts, and she welcomed the person into her bedchamber.
Luna walked across the threshold and bowed, "Your Highness, there has been word that Destiny has returned," Luna held her hands behind her back as she tugged on her black, flowing hair.
Selenity stared at her reflection, examining her face. Her eyes traveled to her forehead where she focused on her crescent. The yellow moon helped her evoke all the memories still etched deep within her mind…
It was Princess Selenity's tenth birthday when she first met Destiny. Selene and other gods planned a celebration for Selenity. The guest list included many gods, for it was normal to see Oceanus and Eurynome attending parties along with their eight children.
The young Selenity gazed upon her reflection in the mirror, smoothing any wrinkle that dared appear on her gown. She slipped on her silver heels then slowly walked towards the door. Luna stood outside, holding a flower for her friend and the two little girls entered the ballroom, hand-in-hand, and stepped down the grand staircase.
It seemed like a long journey, but the girls finally reached their waiting mothers. Selene stood there with her hands folded in front of her. Both she and Celestine were so cute, the two young mothers grinned holding their arms open, each upon bended knee. Selene gestured for the music to begin as she guided little Selenity to meet the gods.
Introductions were made between Selenity and every god and goddess, she recalled the cherished memories of her education. She curtsied and even received a small peck on the hand from many of the gods.
They stopped at the fountain, standing in the center of the room, and talked with Earth and Demeter. The princess remained composed even though her feet pounded with pain. It was her first time wearing heels and, as far as she knew, it would be her last.
Her thoughts brought her to the desserts she planned to have once introductions were made. Her stomach screamed for food, but she denied it the pleasure of satisfaction. She rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet then noticed a brunette boy standing behind the skirts of Demeter.
She blinked, refocusing, then noticed the boy stealing another secret glance her way. She laughed and walked over to him. The shy little boy held onto his mother's skirts as Selenity curtsied. It was as if her gesture triggered something for he immediately responded with a formal bow.
"How are you, princess?" the boy asked.
"Just fine, Sirius," she took his hand and guided him to the dessert table.
The young royals gazed at the vast amount of pastries. Their tongues glided over their lips as saliva formed in their mouths. It was not long until they were accompanied by Luna. "I have been looking for you, Selenity," a small gesture exchanged between Luna and Sirius before she asked, "Where have you been?"
"I have not welcomed all of the guests yet," she hugged her friend and shared a giggle as Luna's beads became intertwined with the lace on Selenity's gown, each trying to untangle their dresses. They worked the fabric delicately, hoping it would not tear.
Sirius watched in utter fascination, putting a hand over his mouth, trying to repress his laughter as Selenity playfully hit Sirius on the shoulder as Luna concentrated on the gowns.
Luna sighed, dropping her hands at her side, "I cannot fix it."
Sirius burst out laughing, "You will have to walk around for the rest of the party like that," he chuckled, pointed at them, emphasizing their ridiculous predicament.
Selenity refused to be mocked and left Sirius standing alone brooding by the table.
The frustrated girls stormed into the crowds, hoping to find one of their mothers. They maneuvered their way around the ballroom, accidentally bumping into a man. They were knocked down, causing their dresses to rip apart. The man turned around, seeing the girls on the floor and offered them a hand, "Please forgive me, dear ladies, 'twas entirely my fault," he lifted the girls to their feet with ease as they brushed off the imaginary dust on their gowns.
Selenity looked up from her dress and saw the man they had run into. Time seemed to stop. She held her breath as their eyes locked. She curtsied as gracefully as possible, batting her lashes once she straightened. "No, no, no, sir, we were not paying attention."
Before another word was spoken, Selene and Celestine emerged from the crowds. "Selenity, where did you go?" the moon goddess lowered herself upon one knee, straightening her daughter's dress and fixing her golden hair.
"You know you are not supposed to leave my side during introductions, Luna," the goddess of the heavens fiddled with her daughter's bangs then looked at the man hovering over them all, quickly recognizing his identity.
Selene held out her hand as the man placed a kiss on it, doing much the same for Celestine, "I have not seen either of you since…" his mind searched for the moment in time where he had last met them, "Well, it has been as long as sweet Luna's birth since our last meeting," his low voice resounded in Selenity's ears — no other sound disturbing her. She saw her mother and the man talking, but only his words were clear, "Selene, your daughter is an exact duplicate of you," he took her hand, setting his lips upon its soft skin. The princess blushed as his lips sent an electric sensation through her body.
"Selenity, darling, this is Destiny."
The small princess grinned bowing her head once more. A slight wind ruffled her bangs. The bright crescent captured Destiny's attention. "How lovely," his thumb rubbed against the emblem before he left.
Her recollection became clearer as her mind brought her back to the present. The queen placed the brush on the vanity as she walked to the side of her bed. "You remember that day, do you not?" she lifted the sheets before removing the sheer robe. The lace nightgown touched the floor, hiding her feet.
Luna stood upon the threshold, gripping the doorknob, "Now that I recall that night, it was the beginning of the heartache," she smiled gently and opened the door, "Good night, Selenity."
"Good night, Luna," returning the gesture as she slipped into bed.
~*~
Several hours passed and Selenity still remained awake. She stared into the darkness as her mind continued to remember Destiny. She hastily sat up as her hand felt for her bedside table. She grabbed a fire stick and scraped it across the table. The candle dimly lit the room, revealing a figure standing before her bed.
"Hello, Selenity."
~*~
Author's Notes: I had so much fun writing the creation story part. I researched some myths and added some creativity and Voila! Chapter Eleven has a lot to go over...hope you enjoyed!
~ Moon Goddess