A/N: Hello, readers! I am back with the second chapter! Thank you for the positive response so far! I'm really enjoying this story!
This chapter, as you will see, we focus on Endymion and his future role as King! I've chosen for this story to give his father the name Hyperion. Now, as some of you may not know, Endymion was named from greek mythology and in mythology, he fell in love with Selene, who was goddess of the MOON! Well, in doing a little research, Endymion's father's name was...HYPERION! So, just sort of keeping those connection going.
Any-who, I hope that you all enjoy this next chapter!
Special Thanks: SailorGuardian314, FloraOne, and Jess-Thank you all for your sweet and wonderful reviews! They mean SO much!
The Earth and The Moon
Chapter 2: The Future King
Silver Millennium. Earth.
Golden Kingdom. Night.
The great Father Sun had said his final partings to the People of Earth, taking with him the final bits of light, as night cast itself upon the blue and green planet; shrouding everything in darkness. The Mighty Moon rising in his place, lending a whisper of shining light.
As the Moon positioned herself higher in the sky, the stars vibrant and luminous, signaling to the people of the day's end, the land started to quiet. The people of the Golden Kingdom started to retire to their beds and call for the days end.
However, as most follow the Moon's instruction and prepare for their slumber, some choose to disobey and bask in the changing of the sky.
"Ah, Selene. It appears you choose to present your whole self on this night. Always a welcome and beautiful sight."
Prince Endymion. The heir to the throne of the prosperous and mighty Golden Kingdom.
Many nights he found himself out on the balcony of his bedroom, sitting on the ledge and staring up at the moon as she shined down upon him. Taking in the sight and beauty that she granted. Often, lost in thought.
"Your highness?"
The voice took Endymion by surprise, pulling him from the lure of the Moon, as he turned to the direction of his caller. Standing in the doorway that bridged between the Prince's bedroom and balcony was Kunzite; one of Endymion's "Four Heavenly Kings".
"Oh, Kunzite." The Prince spoke, rising from his seat along the railing, as he offered a friendly smile. "I was not expecting you at this hour of the evening."
"My apologies, my prince." Kunzite responded, before quickly presenting his Prince with a proper bow. "I knocked at your door, but there was no answer. Please excuse my intrusion into your corridors. It's just...your father, he requested your presence in his chambers."
Endymion's face grew hard. Replying with a simple nod, the Prince started for his father's room, with Kunzite close behind.
In recent time, Endymion's father, King Hyperion, had grown sick and as a result, had become extremely weak. Most of his time was spent in bed, and on the rare occasion that he did leave his bedroom, King Hyperion was often aided by all four of the Heavenly Kings. This had caused Endymion's role within the Kingdom to take on increasing importance.
"Father?" Endymion called out, paired with two knocks on the massive door, as he drew in closer, expectant of his father's weakened response.
It was but a moment or two, before the door slowly opened, forcing Endymion to take a step away from the door. Zoisite-another of the Heavenly Gods-being at the doors welcoming.
"Thank you for joining us, your highness." Zoisite greeted, mirroring the same bow as Kunzite before. "Our apologies for requesting you at such a late hour. Your father was insistent." With those words, Zoisite gestured his hand in the direction of where his father lay, granting him permission to enter.
Offering a nod, Endymion entered the bedroom, making his way to the foot of his father's bed.
Each day it seemed as if Endymion was gazing at a stranger. No longer was King Hyperion the man that he had called "Father" his entire life. Once a tall, strong King, with broad shoulders, thick black hair, and a belly cursed from an enjoyment of drinking. Now, King Hyperion was only a shell of that once ruler. The King of The Golden Kingdom was thin and frail, with aged skin that matched his whitened hair.
"Endymion?" Hyperion's voice came in a weakened gasp.
Endymion's face softened, a smile appearing across his face. "I'm here father."
"Come closer, my son. To my bedside, if you will." The King instructed. Endymion did as his father commanded, kneeling down next the bed's head. The Four Heavenly Kings followed after, taking post on the side opposite of the Prince. "Endymion. My boy. My light. As you know, my time on this Earth is drawing to its end. Each day I grow older and more frail."
"Untrue, Father," Endymion whispered, a smile forming across his face. "You look no different than the man whose portrait graces the great hall!"
A chuckle escaped King Hyperion's lips. Weak and tired, but a kind of laugh nonetheless. Something that had not been heard from the patriarch in quite a while.
"My dear, Endy, always one to humor me." The nickname tugged at the Prince. His father hadn't referred to him as such since he was a boy. A name that was particularly favored by his deceased mother. "My boy, as the sun grows closer and closer to setting on my time, my chapter will soon come to a close. And with the closing of my chapter, your chapter, as King of Earth, shall begin. Already, Endymion, you have grown into your role as King with so much grace and poise. Far better than I would have at your young age. I apologize that you've been forced into these responsibilities so young. Since your birth, it had been my, and your mother's, intention of guiding you as you assumed the role of King. However, as it seems, fate had other plans. All I have left for you, now, my boy, is the words of a dying King."
Endymion slowly nodded, stealing a glance at the Heavenly Gods, each shrouded in the same emotion: sorrow.
"Now, during my reign, there were decisions that I had made that were celebrated by many and decisions that challenged the people's faith in me. But, through it all, I always ensured that whatever decisions were made, I did what I believe was best for my people. There are going to be those that tell you how you need to rule or try and compare you to myself, but, in the end, you need to put faith and trust in yourself. By trusting your own instinct, listening to your people and doing what you believe to be the best for your Kingdom, and you won't ever fail.
"Ultimately, as a parent, all you want is for your child to be happy. Endymion, that's all your mother and I want for you. Don't let the pressure of ruling a Kingdom take you away from the important things that matter to you. For me, that was you and your mother. I made sure to never sacrifice the time I had with the two of you, because you never know how long we are granted on this planet. Time is precious."
"This isn't turning into another "you need to find a wife" speeches, is it, father?" Endymion asked playfully.
Hyperion smiled as he reached out for his son-his hand shaking. The Prince happily took his father's hand in his, feeling the King's grip tighten to the best of his ability.
"I just want you happy, Endy, whatever that may be. Now, I know I sound like a fool who is just rambling, but, no matter what the future may hold for you, I hope you know, your mother and I have and always will be proud of you. You are our star. You are going to be an excellent King and will do this Kingdom proud! I love you, my son."
"I love you, too, Father." Endymion barely choked out, swallowing hard, as tears threatened to escape. "Thank you."
As Endymion dismissed himself from his father's chambers, his head and his heart weighed heavy. Sadness, nausea, unease and fear all fighting to take control of his body; and still, Endymion kept the poise of a Prince as he walked back to his room.
Shutting the doors behind him, Endymion slid to the ground and only then, did the future King let his emotions conquer and take over.
Unsure of what the future would hold. Unsure of what even tomorrow would bring.
The only thing Endymion knew for sure, was this was probably one of the final times he would be seeing his father alive.
TBC...