Title: Crescent Mirror
Author: aaeris17
Author's Notes:
Everything is working out so perfectly! I just want to thank everyone for being so patient and would like to ask if any of my readers have good romantic mood setting ideas they would like to send me, I would REALLY appreciate any thoughts or suggestions for how my lovely characters will romance each other ;) As usually all originality is my own and I do not own Sailor Moon
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Endymion of Terra
He felt that he was probably the biggest hypocrite in the entire universe. Every night for four years he said that if he ever got the chance to see Serenity again he would take her in his arms and tell her in no small words that she was the light of his life and always would be no matter how much she cried, how often she tripped, or how much she fought against him. A pallet outside her bedchambers was no longer good enough. He wanted to fight alongside her as her equal, her partner in this life and the next. He wanted to be free to love her as only he could and dare the world to test their love.
Yet, in less than two days he had seen his love is blighted. Was he not strong enough to protect her? He shook his now tamed raven locks. No, after all these years, he cannot let the days go by and not tell her that he loved. Yes, he loved her and he might have kissed. Might being the opportune word.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! Thrice the fool! He muttered to himself. He had at least three chances to kiss her: each time they had been interrupted by Diamond or Beryl or Sapphire. No more, he thought suddenly. This was beginning to be a pathetic Mina Kunzite relationship and he was going to take his own advice and see Serenity and say what the two of them already knew.
Goddess willing that she felt the same way. Suddenly his throat constricted and the air he was breathing had an awful tang to it. He felt his fingers growing numb and becoming paralyzed by the fear that she may not love him to. But—how could she not? Had she not also felt…he concentrated. Taking in long breaths he focused on that special connection he had felt with Sere since they were at least ten years old.
And there in that connection he heard all her most anxious thoughts about his love for her and her fear of rejection. How can he possibly see me as more than a little sister? Was he trying to—no why would he...If this is love than I want no part in it. He could have almost laughed at his little odango atma. Was she foolish enough to let down all her barriers?
Gathering himself together he went to the highest tower of the Luster Castle. He had not been to see his mother yet. All those years it was her voice and Sere's face that he heard and saw the most of. Now, at the top of those heavy stairs he forced himself to calmly open the door when he heard voices within.
"Oh, Gaia, how I wish you were here," It was the Queen in a slightly tearful yet happy voice, "Your son has become more than either of us dared to hope. He is handsome, brave, and absolutely perfect in every way. I could not have asked for a better son, Gaia. This is why I have come," There was a pause, "Please help him overcome his fears and profess his love for Serenity. The child is distraught and I cannot do anything to ease her suffering for you see dearest sister and friend, she no longer needs me as she once did. Endymion is the one she seeks and he does not…No, Gaia, I will not speak ill of your son for there is no ill to speak of. He needs a woman's hand in this matter Gaia and I fear that I am too involved to help him. Send your spirit and lift his heart for in these dark times ahead, she will need his love more than anyone else's,"
Another long pause and then quick footsteps.
The door flung open and Queen Selenity smiled widely at a sheepish Endymion, "After all it his birthright," she finished staring Endymion in the eyes.
Endymion opened his mouth and closed it again, not able to look his dearest Aunt and Queen in her face. She reached up and cupped his face smiling broadly at him.
"My son, you are as dear to me as my own daughter. I will not tell you what to do. Listen to your heart, my lad. Here, your sweet mother waits for your voice," She turned away from Endymion, kissed the crystal case briefly and exited smoothly down the stone stairwell.
The room was full of light and cool as always. His mother looked just like he remembered her. A bit taller than Sere, almost as tall as his Aunt Selenity, pale skin that lacked the creaminess of Sere's, long ebony hair that was his own and nestled underneath those closed eyelids were his own eyes. He knelt briefly by her side.
"Mother," he croaked out and allowed a few tears to fall for the woman who could not embrace him upon his return or mourn his absence, "Mama, I have missed you more these past few years than I thought I ever would. I am back where I belong now and there is just one thing I need," He paused and dropped his voice to a lower whisper, "The courage to overcome my own demons and profess a love I have harbored since before I knew I could love," He stopped, swearing he could have heard slippers on the stone steps but realized it must be the Queen exiting the Tower. " I need to tell her but I don't know how or when…I need her to know that she is my…everything…and I don't know how to tell her she is not a sister and will never be a sister and that…"
A distinct "oomph!" broke his speech and he turned to see who dared to intrude. Opening the door he saw a slightly bashful, bruised blonde whose eyes were full of tears and mischief.
"Oh Endy," she breathed in a way he never knew he could, "You just did,"
Somewhere between cursing himself for telling her that he loved her in the most unromantic way possible and realizing that she was standing right before him, Endy did the only thing he knew he could do to redeem the situation.
He pulled her off her feet and swept her into a kiss. A kiss that was four years in the making and full of passions unacknowledged. A kiss that—
"Endy?" A hand roughly shook him, "Endy! We have been looking for you forever! Mother said she last saw you here! You have been asleep for hours!" An all too familiar voice teased.
Shaking his head he opened his sleepy eyes to see Sere laughing in front of him. Her neck seemed a bit off color but her cheeks were pink from the cold of the afternoon/
"Come Endy! I have already missed supper last night and the break fast this morning!" She laughed tugging on his army, "Tis some way to treat a girl, come home after a four year stint and run to thy mother?" She teased playfully in what, could that be a flirty tone of voice? Suddenly he was wondering if the feelings he had heard in her head through their connection was true after all, "Endymion! I only jest! Come now, at this rate there may be another attack and I need my valiant warrior. Though I hope you know that you are only there for show," She smirked and started walking towards the open Tower door.
Endy numbly pulled himself away from the crystal encasement and stood up, seeing that quite a few hours had passed since he met the Queen in the Tower. He must have dozed off and dreamt—his heart lurched—dreamt telling Serenity the truth of it all. He looked at her face and then, for the flash of a second, saw the tender uneasiness and worry. Smiling, knowing he might have some more time to make it perfect, to tell her in just the right manner, he thought to have a little fun.
"Aye, for I would like to stay as far away from thy powers as I can, Sere. I have seen the…uh, damage they can reek," he teased and saw that same look again. Aha! My princess, I have you. I know your true heart and before the next full moon, you shall know how I truly feel about you.
Serenity, Princess of Luster
I groaned inwardly. No wonder Endy saw me as his little sister. What right did I have to be slightly pissed off? I let him follow me down the stairs and annoyed even more when he caught me as I tripped walking out the door and into the courtyard. He settled his arm there, steadying my elbow. I looked up at his face. He seemed lost in thought: Probably how to get rid of me and back to more pertinent matters. I shook myself loose of his hand and decided to run across the crunchy courtyard.
The wind caught my hair that was loose of its odangoes for the first time in years. I cannot believe that I slept through the night and breakfast. That attack drained more out of me than I thought. I stopped running at that cold thought.
"Cat got your tongue, odango less?" Endymion called and I turned giving him a fierce look.
"We don't always have to talk—just because you've been gone forever doesn't mean anything—"my voice reluctantly shook at those mean words. That wasn't true. Those four years meant everything and the world beyond.
Endymion simply looked amused, "I see you haven't changed, Sere,"
I bit my lip, "I have changed more than you'll ever know Endymion! Just because you're special now doesn't mean anything!" I flounced my skirts and ran as fast as I could across the yard.
"Hey! Sere! Oh come on, I didn't mean anything by that," I heard Endy call laughingly after me.
I turned my head around and stuck out my tongue—running straight into the small set of stairs that ran up to the kitchens.
As I fell head over heels my first thought was hardly coherent.
"Sere! Goodness! Are you alright?" Endy asked slightly laughingly.
I tried to blink my eyes, "Endy, when did the stars start coming out so early?" I murmured trying to focus on the dizzying circles of them above my head.
I heard Endy laugh and then felt his warm hands above the crown of my head and above my neck, "Hold still, Sere, lord knows I came back just in time to save you from yourself,"
"Be it known, Endy," I murmured finding my voice, "I am not a klutz,"
Endy laughed and I caught his solemn face looking at me, "Aye my girl, I can see that," He patted my shoulder, "All is well, come now," he lifted my up by my shoulders.
I wavered a bit, grabbing his arm, "Thanks" I managed to mumble as I struggled between remaining steady on his arm and gaining the additional comfort of his warmth and those slightly yummy feelings I got when I was around him. Stop it, Sere! Don't you get it? You're nothing but a stupid crybaby!
I thought Rei usually added klutzy to that. I heard another voice in my head. I whirled around, wide eyed at Endy who was hiding a guffaw underneath that stoic face.
"How dare you intrude on a girl's private thoughts!" I exclaimed slightly angry and worriedly amazed.
Endy shrugged, "It's not like you put up a huge barrier," he gave me a toothy grin, "You aren't used to me probing your thoughts," he added almost…sadly. I opened my mouth to tell him off and closed it. Already fighting after two days—what does the future hold for two best friends who are soul bonded?
I reached out and took his hand, "There, there, Endy," I patted his hand, "You will soon learn nothing more," I teased. His cobalt eyes flashed with a tease.
"We shall see, Sere," he cut me off.
"SERE!" Mina called and came out into the kitchen courtyard rubbing her arms, "Good Goddess! How long does it take you to come into dinner?" She caught sight of Endy and I quickly dropped his hand, "Perhaps I shall tell Luna that you will be in a little late and to keep a plate warm?" Her sky blue eyes that matched mine so well danced with mischief and I quickly broke into a run after her.
Catching her in my arms I breathed "Don't you dare do anything, Mina!" into her ear as she squealed turning around and giving me a hug,
"Who I am to stop love?" she mocked and with a laugh was back into the warmth of the castle.
Endy had caught up to us by now, "What's gotten into her?"
Numbly I shook my head, "Love," I muttered in a voice so full of longing it caught me off guard. I felt Endy looking at me but just followed Mina's footsteps into the Castle for a small dinner.
Yet, as the warmth of the evening fire overtook me I saw that there was no small dinner. All the Senshi were seated and I saw Mama at the head of the large table that had been brought into the large lower parlor that faced the Verandah. From here I could see the acres of land that was now being covered in snow and I knew that somewhere behind the evergreen Labyrinth was a beautifully, solid frozen, Crescent Mirror.
Yet, I was not ice skating as I wanted to be. I was here, in one of my favorite rooms, about to have dinner with what looked like a firing squad.
"Sere! Sit near me by the fire dearest, Endymion, please sit across from her," Mother was beaming as I took the seat on her right hand and Endymion took the seat on her left. On my right hand sat Mina, then Ami, Haruka, and then Luna. Next to Endymion were not so small Hotaru, Michiru, Lita, and Artemis. Mother waited the few seconds it took for us to be seated. A quick glance around the room assured me that not everyone was too pleased. Haruka looked slightly sheepish and Michiru's eyes were bright. It looked as if she had been crying. Little Hotaru was rather pleased with herself and had Mina engaged in a quick conversation Ami and Rei shared similar looks of skepticism and Lita's nose was doing weird twitching thing as her eyes darted back and forth.
Finally, my eyes settled on Endy. His cheeks were flushed red from the wind and cold of the small walk we had taken. I noticed his eyes were rather…brilliant in fact. He caught me looking at him and raised one arched eyebrow before quickly leaning over to say something private to Hotaru whose own color rose.
I felt something akin to jealously rising and felt Mina's thoughts inside my head. I turned so quickly my braid hit Mina in the face. She laughed and whispered something to Ami who sent it to Haruka and so own. I stared at my reflection in the pearl edged china. Was everything going to be silly in the beginning of the New Year?
Tink, tink, tink. Mother was tapping her wine glass that was full of hot spiced wine. Her eyes, almost like mine but a royal amethyst, twinkled happily.
"My girls, I am so happy to have you around this table. For the first time in years we are finally together and I do not want to start the New Year off with worries, jealousies, or threats against our happiness," She made eye contact with each of us before resuming her mini speech, "I love you all, my dearest girls, and would like to spend one night without any titles, privileges, or responsibilities," She lowered her glass without taking a sip and her small laugh came out like a small peal of bells, "I have arranged for us to have a skating party on the Crescent Mirror—" she paused significantly, "Like we have had every year," Mama smiled at me, "And will always have, to the New Year!" She toasted.
"The New Year!" Everyone chorused with a few cheers from the boys down by Artemis's end of the table. I made a small wave to Jade and Zoi whose faces I could see. This was an awful long table. Round too.
"Sere…" Mina nudged. Crap. Was I always going to be caught day dreaming?
Mama looked as if she was hiding a smile, "I was asking, dear, if you are happy," she whispered again as the servers began to serve the spiced wine and small appetizers. The smells coming from the kitchen were too divine to keep my attention for long, "Darling?"
I shook my head, "Why do you ask, Mama?"
Her eyes darkened and she looked down at her hand covering my own, "Just like that, my little lady,"
I grinned at my childhood nickname, "What more could a girl want, Mama?" I shrugged my shoulders. She patted my hand and leaned back into her own chair and motioned for Luna to move her chair.
"Your happiness is truly important, daughter," Mama finished and gave me a small smile.
I cocked my head. Was that not the right answer? I looked first at Endy and then Mina, neither of whom met my gaze. The two had engaged Hotaru in conversation and were quickly joined by Ami and Michiru.
Dinner passed as it always does with a gaggle of girls and boys. Haruka was more than a challenge for all the guys combined and I shrieked with delight with Mina and Lita as she continued to cause them to stumble for words. Michiru had a strained look on her face and was being reassured silently by Ami who was all too used to being the sane one in the group. Rei seemed to have found an ally in Haruka and also joined in the persecution and Endy and the boys. Mama and Luna laughed along playfully as Artemis sat, looking slightly sullen. Mama assured him he was free of this little party if he so wished to be.
Laughter ensued as Artemis bolted after the dessert course with Kunzite in tow. I watched Mina's face drop slightly before she began working some of her charms on Jadeite, much to Rei's fury.
I'm going to kill her! Rei's voice exploded in my head. My wince was noticeable enough to hear Endy's voice next—Too much wine, Princess? He teased. I shot them both an awful look.
"Rei, if you do not tell Jadeite that his flirting with other girls bothers you I am going to scream!" I called down the table. A dozen heads swirled to glance at first me and then Rei. Mina began giggling and tried to drink some wine to stop it. Before Rei could retaliate, Mina was choking on the wine and laughter. As Endy and Kunzite scraped chairs across the marble and began their dash I lifted my velveteen arm in a wide arc and smacked her as hard as she deserved on her upper back. Mina's red face shot forward in such a comedic fashion that Kunzite let out a laugh before he asked his beloved how she was. Mina took that moment to collect her breath and chuck her used napkin at him and huff out.
The boys hooted and whistled as Kunzite reluctantly followed her out. Haruka made a whipping noise that provoked an automatic scolding from Luna who blushed when she realized it wasn't Lita or I.
Mother laughed heartily and clapped her hands, "Come, come, girls! I expect everyone out on the Mirror by moonrise!"
I rose with my arm linked with Lita as the boys surrounded us walking out. A quick pinch as Rei passed let me know I wasn't off the hook.
Lita tittered and leaned down into my ear, "I think tis high time we got those two together,"
"Hmm," I agreed quietly hoping that Rei's retaliation would not take a vicious form.
As we walked to my room, Lita and I discussed a million and a half strategies to get the two together and not one seemed feasible.
Lita stretched and collapsed very unladylike onto the bay window, "I don't know, Sere. I think we need to enlist the help of the guys on this one,"
I whirled around away from the mirror as I played with my hair, "Lita, I hardly see you and I am not going to allow you to use our time together as a reason to see Neph!" I tossed a hair clip at her that she easily flicked away with her hand. Lita rearranged her hair and gave me a very innocent look.
"Dearest, would it not be easier if we placed the blame on Endy and the boys and save ourselves the trouble of Rei?" Lita smiled and then frowned, "Leave your hair down and alone. I'm sure Mina will be by in a bit to arrange it properly,"
I looked into the large mirror and piled all my hair on top of my head and made a kissy face, "This does not suit me?" Before the golden masses fell everywhere.
We laughed as Ami entered the room, carrying all her necessary skating gear and beaming in a rather un-Ami like fashion.
Lita pounced on Ami and dragged her to the window seat, "I recognize that look, girl genius! Zoi has said something!" She giggled so happily and loudly that Ami hardly had a chance to open her pink smile and say anything to agree or disagree with that.
I dropped my hair brush and dumbly stared at Ami as she told a slightly incoherent story of how Zoi had politely and softly asked her to skate with him tonight, and every other night as long as he loved her.
Love. I threw my brush down in frustration. It made no sound on the plush furs that lined the floors during the winter. I looked at two of my closest friends snuggled together in front of the roaring fire now due to the frost that ultimately came off the bay window. They hadn't even noticed me. Did love create some sort of barrier around those two that made them see the world in the brightest and loveliest of colors? Was I completely unable to penetrate this close circle of camaraderie that these two girls had created? What was so special about love anyways?
The fact you're unrequited.
I swore at that stupid little voice inside of my head. I'll show you! I don't need love! I replied back.
Yes you do dearest cuz. Please stop fighting it…
Mina. I scowled as her hands began running through my hair.
"You know, for the longest time I thought you would never smile again," Mina whispered below the din of laughter and giggles. Sky blue met sky blue in the mirror.
Neither did I. The thought was in my head before I could hide it. Mina massaged my temples and I felt myself relaxing underneath her touch.
"Why do you resist when you know that he loves you as much as you love him?" Mina spoke so softly I wondered if her voice was in my head again.
"I would rather live in limbo than to live in sadness," I replied quietly as Lita shrieked with laughter at something Ami had said.
My eyes were closed but I could feel the dismal expression that was on Mina's face.
"Then you choose a living death, Princess," Mina answered, "But, whatever you choose," she kissed my forehead and I opened my eyes to see her strong smile, "I am here for you,"
I felt a small grin creep across my face and did not protest as Mina began to fix my hair in an elaborate series of braids and curls in a high ponytail—perfect for ice skating. MY sport. If there was one thing I could do it was skate extremely well. My confidence at skating began to outweigh my insecurities in my heart.
Oh my poor heart. I sighed. Maybe it was time to finally know once and for all.
"Sere! What are you wearing?" Lita had pounced and somehow Rei had shown up pulling clothes out of my wardrobes.
I rolled my eyes to myself really for Mina was helping Ami redo her outfit and Lita was too busy yanking clothes off me to notice.
What would I do when I saw Endymion out on the ice?
Endymion, uncrowned King of Luster
There was a knock on the door. I fumbled at the interruption. I couldn't even remember how to properly tie a scarf!
"Come in!" I called out. All the guys had already left for the Mirror. Something to do with Jadeite's elaborate effort to finally profess his love to Lady Rei as he lovingly called her. I was not too sure I wanted to be there when he tried.
The door cracked opened and the person did not enter.
"Well, come in already!" I cried irritated as I undid the knot and threw my jacket on.
"Where are your men, Endy? Do I not supply you with enough to assist you in your dress?" A voice gently teased. My arms froze mid-motion and I dropped to one knee, hastily shoving my arms threw the sleeves of the thick leather.
"Your Majesty! I'm so sorry!" I mumbled embarrassed. Her laughter was like silver wind chimes and I found myself smiling.
"Come, come, child. I have something to speak with you about," Her smile was large and one would never have known that she had spent the last several years worrying her life away.
"Please, sit," I motioned to the plush couch that sat in the main room. She smiled and allowed me to seat her. I took the stool on the floor and sat appropriately lower than her.
My Aunt smiled sadly, "Dear child, how I wish your mother could see you now," she touched my cheek affectionately. Harsh tears sprouted quickly but I blinked them away, "It seems that only yesterday you and Serenity were tumbling like two wildcats into the Senate and breaking priceless artifacts," Selenity mused happily getting lost in those more peaceful times.
"Oh come now, Aunt, we were not that horrible surely," I added smiling.
Aunt Selenity raised two thin eyebrows and looked so much like Sere that I was shocked, "Oh really? How time softens the mind," she teased and then looked more seriously at me, "You have grown into such a wonderful young man despite all the trials you have faced in this life,"
I nodded, not knowing exactly what to say to her words. She reached behind her and pulled out a wrapped parcel I had not seen her come in with. She handed the longish object to me and I carefully unwrapped the pink cloth. There, amidst the silk was a beautiful rod, long and pink with a gold edged red enamel heart on top. A golden crown sat on the top of the heart and a diamond like crystal sat in the middle of the heart surrounded with a gold casing and four rubies. The heart sat on a gold lotus like base and extended down to a gold knob from which extended two delicate ivory bows not unlike the Sailor Senshi bows I noted. I was amazed at the craftsmanship of the rod.
"Tis?" I started and my Aunt nodded solemnly.
"This is the legendary Spiral Heart Moon Rod born betwixt the love of the Senshi of the Moon and her chosen lover. This rod," she reached over and affectionately patted the heart, "Has no power without the love of her mate," she looked me in the eye, "you,"
She paused, letting the words sink in and I was speechless. Me? How was I worthy in any way of generating the power necessary for a Sailor Senshi, much less Sailor Moon, to fight? And…how did?"
"Did I know that you and my daughter are in love? I am not blind, Endy," She laughed again and the Spiral Heart Moon Rod twinkled in agreement. I stared down at the rod in front of me and felt my heart beat heavily and quickly. Does this mean that Serenity returns my affections? Or does this mean Sailor Moon needs a male complement as the Goddess needs the Mortal Man to love? So many questions and yet the rod seemed to glow brightly in my lap.
"I need you to give this to her, tonight, Endymion," Aunt touched my knee, "She has spent so many years believing you were still alive while the rest of us mourned her living death. Now she does not know what to do and needs this, a symbol born of your love, to show her that she can face the world once again. Love never weakens, it empowers you," she stood abruptly and kissed my cheek, "Tell her that you love her. Simply that. No more, no less," She whispered into my ear and left quietly out the door.
I sat stunned. Here the Goddess of the Moon incarnate felt that I should give her daughter, the legendary Sailor Moon, a token of my esteem? The rod glowed brilliantly and seemed to speak in a fluttering language I could not even begin to follow.
Courage, young Prince! Courage! Faint heart never won fair lady! The Spiral Heart Moon Rod seemed to say over and over again.
I found myself grinning and wrapped the rod in its pink covering again. Yes, tonight was the night that Serenity would know that I loved her, could not live without her, and Goddess help me I would make her love me to if I had to wrestle it out of her.
She loves, loves, loves you too! The Rod provided plenty of encouragement as I set it carefully between the layers of my clothing.
We all know what's going to happen next! But, what about Beryl? Has she not been sitting a little too quietly for too many chapters? And what is going on with the Outer Scouts? Perhaps I am hinting a little too much but as all readers of Sailor Moon know the path to True Love is riddled with many obstacles and love is never so easy as a moonlit night of ice-skating—or is it? Stay tuned!