AN: Once again sorry for the wait, but I hope the length makes up for it. The story is soon coming to an end, I figure about 3 more chapters including the epilogue. I am thinking about doing a sequel set in the future, but it will depend on response to this story and time.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or its characters, which unfortunately means I don't have my own personal Endymion.
The Calm
Serenity sighed contently as she awoke the next morning. She could not recall ever sleeping so well. She smiled still feeling Endymion's arms wrapped tightly around her. She turned to face him only to find his midnight blue eyes watching her intently. She blushed prettily under his attention.
"How long have you been watching me?"
Endymion grinned boyishly, "Since sunrise."
"Endy, that was at least two hours ago, you could have woken me." She protested.
He shook his head and reached up to trace her delicate face. "No, I like watching you sleep. You know you are beautiful."
His compliment once again causing a blush to stain her cheeks, and he could not resist a kiss. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. She gasped at the pressure, and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. His tongue caressed her mouth causing both to give a little moan of delight. All too soon the kiss ended. He looked at her face again and was please to see that she was slightly out of breath.
"Sere, I must ask you something."
She looked at him with questioning eyes, but before he could continue there was an angry pounding at the door.
-- -- -- --
Rei was angry, no Rei was beyond angry, she was positively livid. She had gone to wake Serenity that morning, only to find her absent from her room. When they had arrived last night, she gave her princess strict instructions to have one of the prince's generals escort her back to her room when she was done talking to Endymion, and not to leave the room until Ami or herself came to get her the next morning. Once again, it seemed, Serenity had not listened to Rei, and now she was wondering through the earth's palace looking for her wayward princess.
As Rei angrily trudged through the halls, she was unaware of a certain blonde haired general following her. Jadeite had spotted the raven headed Martian beauty not long after she left the Moon Princess' quarters. He figured she was searching for Serenity, who, he happen to know, was currently sleeping in his Prince's room.
"Princess Rei," Jadeite called after her.
Rei quickly spun to meet the blonde general. He watched her carefully, she almost looked relieved to see him.
"General," she breathed. "Have you seen Serenity this morning?"
He shook his head and smiled.
"Where could she possibly be?" Rei grounded out.
"I know where she is," Jadeite offered.
Rei glared at him. "You just said you haven't seen her."
"Oh, but I haven't seen her. I just know where she is."
"Well, I am waiting," Rei tapped her foot impatiently.
"She is in Endymion's room."
The Martian maiden rolled her eyes. "So she actually got up early to go back to the Prince's room."
"No, not exactly," Jadeite shook his head again.
"What do you mean not exactly?" Rei's eyes narrowed as she slowly surmised that the Princess never left the Prince's room. She ran to the Earth monarch's chambers yelling something about defending her charge's virtue. Jadeite took off after her, hoping to stop her before she killed his master. He caught up to her as she was angrily banging on Endymion's door.
-- -- -- --
Two people looked upon and ancient, forbidden mountain with awe. A pale hand reached up to remove the hood covering their head to reveal a painfully beautiful woman with crimson hair. She smiled a wicked smile and turned to her companion.
"Behold, Ricon, the place that will lead us to all the glory that is Metallia."
-- -- -- --
Endymion hoped that if he ignored the door whoever it was would simply go away, but he seemed to be having no such luck. He placed a chaste kiss on Serenity's lips and murmured in her ear.
"Stay put, my love, I will be right back."
The Prince of Earth threw open the doors to his chambers to reveal a very angry Sailor Mars and a surprised Jadeite. Mars pushed pass the Prince, not waiting for an invitation.
"Where is she?"
Endymion raised one perfect ebony eyebrow at her. Mars just rolled her eyes. She did not care if the man was a Prince about to be crowned King, no one ruined her Princess' reputation. Serenity chose this moment to let her presence be known.
"Endy," her melodious voice called. "What is going on?"
Mars ventured further into the room to find her Princess sitting on the Prince's bed in just a night dress. He violet eyes flicked between Serenity and Endymion, who was clad only in silk pajama bottoms.
Jadeite finally recovering himself, spoke. "Prince, I am so sorry. I tried to stop her since it was my fault she found out Serenity was here."
Endymion laid a forgiving hand on his general's shoulder.
"Mars, why are you here?" Serenity demanded of her guard.
"I am trying to protect you virtue, Princess."
"My virtue is just fine. Endy needed me last night, so I chose to stay. We did nothing but talk. Now, you and the general may go. Endymion and I will join you later for lunch." Serenity told her Senshi, giving no room for questioning her order.
With that Mars swept out of the room followed closely by Jadeite who winked at the royal couple before shutting the doors. Endymion walked back over to Serenity. He took her tiny hand in his large one and caressed her knuckles with his thumb. Serenity smiled reassuringly at him as she felt his nervousness.
Endymion took a deep breath before beginning. "Sere, I feel as if I have waited my whole life for your love. Would you do me the honor of being my wife and queen?"
Serenity felt tears of happiness build in her eyes, and she flung herself into his waiting arms.
"Yes," she cried into his throat. "Yes, of course, love."
-- -- -- --
Beryl and Ricon carefully threaded their way through the caverns of the unnamed mountain. Deep in the mountain an ancient evil called to the darkness in Beryl's heart, urging her to continue her quest.
"Ricon, can you feel the power Metallia holds for us?" Beryl whispered.
The two pressed on until reaching a large cave at the center of the mountain. Despite being deep in the earth, the cave was illuminated with an orange glow. The glow was emitting from a large, dark crystal in the center of the cave. Beryl bowed before the crystal, the light creating an eerie glow on her face.
"Metallia, your servant is here to free you," Beryl told the crystal.
In response the crystal hissed back, "Beryl, my freedom will grant you much power, but not without sacrifice."
-- -- -- --
Ami sat by the fountain in Valor Palace's rose garden, her fingers lazily skimming the water. She smiled as her companion's leaf green eyes shone with enthusiasm as he discussed his latest project.
"Zoicite," Ami laughed. "What could you possibly need that for?"
"Ami, my water sprite, it is not about need, but about proving I could do it." Zoicite explained.
Ami was about to retort, when Sailor Mars came storming into the courtyard.
"Mars, why are you transformed? Is Serenity ok?" Ami demanded.
Mars completely ignored Ami's questions and began her own tirade. "Do you know where your princess spent last night? In Princes Endymion's room, that is where. Does she not know that staying in men's room for the night starts rumors? They are not even betrothed. She should know better."
"Are you done, yet?" Ami calmly asked.
"Yes," the Martian huffed as she let her transformation fade.
"To answer your question, yes, I know Serenity spent the night in the Prince's quarters. He needed her last night. He just lost his father, and Serenity gave him some hope to hang on to. As for the betrothal, I am sure it will not be long before they are affianced. So, I trust her judgement on her actions."
Rei glared at Ami. She knew the Mercurian made some very good points, but that did not mean she had to like it.
-- -- -- --
Endymion paced excitedly outside of Serenity's chambers s he waited for her to change. Despite the death of his father, his heart was filled with joy at Serenity agreeing to become his bride. He felt like the luckiest man in the universe because he had the love of the Moon Princess. He stopped pacing as heard the handle to the door click open. Serenity stepped out, and he lost his breath at the sight of her. She wore a blue and white gown that made her eyes shine even brighter. Her hair was hanging loose out of its usual style, the ends curling just below her knees.
Endymion noticed a few of the guards in the hall staring at her, and sent a glare their way as he pulled her close. He placed a small kiss on her crescent moon, claiming her as his. He wrapped his arm around her tiny waist and began leading her down the hall.
After being led down many twist and turns throughout the castle, Serenity looked at Endymion with questions in her big blue eyes. He just smiled reassuringly at her.
"Trust me love."
Serenity nodded and smiled, she would follow him anywhere. They stopped at large ornately carved oak doors. Endymion pushed them open to reveal a private courtyard drenched with color from the stain glass windows surrounding it. In the middle stood a statue of a dancing couple, and at their feet, rose bushes grew in many colors.
"Endy, it's beautiful. What is this place?" Serenity breathed.
"I was my mother's private garden. Before she died, she would bring me here and tell me stories." He told her as he led her to a bench near the statue.
"Sere, when we are married, I hope that you will see this garden as yours like it was the queen before."
"Oh Endy, I feel so honored that you want me to have you mother's sanctuary."
"Sere, I have something else for you." He took her left hand and slipped a ring on it. The ring was gold with a princess cut diamond flanked by blue sapphires on either side. On the band, one side was carved with a rose and the other with a crescent moon.
"On Earth, we have a tradition that a man gives his betrothed a special ring before the marriage. I had it specially made for you. On the inside it says 'Forever'."
Serenity admired the ring. She looked up at him and a worried look crossed her face. "It is beautiful, but Endy, I did not get you anything."
Endymion chuckled at his sweet Princess. "Sere, you do not have to get me anything. I just wanted something special for you, so that others would know that you are mine."
"But I want to have something so others know you are mine, as I am yours. Wait, I know." She reached around her neck and unclasped her locket. She placed the locket in his hand and opened it. When it opened, it played a quiet melody.
"The locket has been in the Moon's ruling family for generations. The melody was written for the first Lunarian Princess. I want you to keep it so that when the song plays you think of me, and one day we will hand it down to our daughter."
Endymion smiled as his hand closed around the locket. "I can hardly wait for the day when you give birth to our daughter."
He then pulled Serenity to him for a passionate kiss.
-- -- -- --
Selene paced restlessly outside of the transport room. She was worried about Serenity. She knew letting Serenity go to Endymion was the right thing to do, but that did not decrease her anxiety any. So, she waited impatiently for her little Bunny's return.
The transporter suddenly came to life with a dazzling light show. Selene watched was Rei and Ami stepped through the transporter, and then to her surprise Kunzite and Nephrite came through it. Her anxiety she had felt since Serenity left melted away as she watched the Princess come through arm-in-arm with Endymion.
"Mother," Serenity embraced the Queen. "Endymion and I have something important to tell you."
"Alright Serenity, lets retire to my chambers to discuss the matter."
-- -- -- --
Nephrite wander the Moon palace until her found what he was looking for, the green eyed beauty from Jupiter. He smiled as he watched her flit around the kitchen. He auburn hair falling perfectly down her neck from the tie she had it in.
"Makoto," he said startling her from her work.
Said girl spun around to face the chestnut haired general. She smiled and her emerald eyes lighted with happiness.
"How are you here?" She questioned him.
"My prince had business to discuss with the Queen, but more importantly, I wanted to see you."
"Did you get my letters?" She asked, knowing that he had since she had replies from him, but she was lost at what to say to him.
"Aye," he smiled. He took a step closer to her and pulled her into his arms. He leaned down until his lips just barely brushed hers.
"I have wanted to do this since our first dance." He whispered to her.
"Then do it," she encouraged him.
That was all the prompting that Nephrite needed. He sealed his lips to hers for earth shattering first kiss between them.
-- -- -- --
Kunzite paced outside of the Queen's chambers as he waited for his Prince to finish. He wanted to be beside the Prince with everything that happened, but Endymion had ordered him to wait outside. Kunzite stopped mid-step when he heard the click of heels behind him. When he turned, his steel eyes met with bright blue.
"Minako," he breathed, barely above a whisper. The woman he was trying so hard to forget, but haunted his every dream stood before him in full Senshi regalia.
Venus' eyes glistened from unshed tears at the sight of the general. One passionate kiss, then nothing, no letter, no communicate, note even a quick note. She wrote him letters, but no response. The man was about emotional as a rock. Then she heard him speak her name, and it was filled with longing. She squared her shoulders and walked up to him.
Venus slapped Kunzite causing his head to turn with the force of it. "That was for ignoring me since I left Earth."
Kunzite bowed his head. Deep down the proud general knew he deserved that slap. He had read her letters but could not bring himself to reply. What the young Venusian did next completely surprised the general. Venus pulled his head down and their lips met once more after many weeks of separation. Kunzite lost his resolve to stay away from her. His tongue traced her lips begging for entrance and forgiveness, which she gladly granted both.
"That," she breathlessly stated as they pulled apart, "was for the way you uttered my name."
-- -- -- --
"Ricon," Beryl called to her companion. "Are you loyal to the Dark Empress Metallia?"
Ricon turned questioning eyes to her, "Of course, Lady Beryl."
"Good," she gave a wicked smile that could give even the bravest man the chills. She motioned for Ricon to join her in front of Metallia's obsidian prison.
"Bow before your Empress," Beryl commanded him.
Ricon kneeled before the dark crystal. Beryl moved behind him, and reached to the ground. She pulled out a dangerous looking crystal sword. Reaching forward she grasped Ricon's hair and pulled back his head exposing his neck. He had no time to question her motives before she sliced through his neck. His blood split upon Metallia's prison causing the crystal to crack.
When Metallia felt the crystal weaken she pushed with all her power. The weakened prison could not withstand the force exerted on it, and so it shattered releasing the demon queen within.
"Freedom," Metallia hissed. Her dark cloud like form filling the cavern, and her power causing everything it touched to be tainted with evil.
"Beryl we will need leaders for the army of Youma I will build you. Steal the Golden Prince's guardians, and with them we will overthrow the white moon."
-- -- -- --
Selene watched the young couple before her. Serenity seemed aglow with happiness, and Endymion fidgeted under the Moon Queen's gaze. Selene smiled; she had never seen the self-assured boy so nervous.
"So, what did you wish to speak with me about?" Selene question, even though she had a pretty good idea for the meeting. She had seen the ring on her Bunny's finger, and knew what it meant in Earth customs.
"Mother, Endymion and I have something important we want to ask you." Serenity gave Endymion's hand a reassuring squeeze to tell him to continue.
"Yes, um," the prince cleared his throat, and started again this time sounding much more confident. "We would like your permission to wed."
Selene hid her smile before she addressed them again. "Prince Endymion, tradition usually dictates you ask the parents' permission before you ask the young lady for her hand in marriage."
Endymion blushed at his faux pas. Selene ignored him and continued. "But since you have been under quite some stress, it is forgiven. I gladly endorse this union."
She leaned forward and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Your father would have been proud to see this union, too."
Endymion smiled, grateful for the Queen's favor and encouragement.
-- -- -- --
Jadeite stood upon his balcony gazing at the moon, and thinking about the firebird that resided there. He hoped with Endymion's marriage to Serenity that he could properly court her. He was shaken out of his reverie when the shadows seem to move of their own accord. He turned abruptly sensing someone else was there. One of the shadows took the shape of a woman and detached itself from the wall.
"Beryl," he spat.