Author Note: Hey y'all!! Sup? Sorry it wasn't out as fast as I liked it to
be, but hey! at least it's out, ne? Well, I decided to start yet another
story, but I dunno if I should put it up on the internet. What do you
think? It's called 'Generations Ago'. The summary for it is:
Withdrawing from the world, Serena Moon has earned herself a reputation for being a lone wolf at her military school. But, one night she meets a man who turns her world upside-down. Is he there to melt the ice wall around her heart? Or is he there for alternative motives?
Well.....just give me some feedback because I wanna know if it's worth my time! On with the ficcie!!
Disclaimer: Um....check previous chapters...
Title: In the Light of the Moon
Author: KaBunny
E-mail: SailorBunBun@hotmail.com (My other one got canceled for some strange reason!)
Rating: PG
Chapter 4: A Complication Realized
Serenity walked quickly down the hall. The castle seemed dead, but that was because the sun had just come up about a half hour ago on Earth. She pulled her hood up over her head when she realized she wasn't wearing it. She was quite angry with Endymion and she had a few choice words for him right now too. 'I thought I had found someone who understood,' Serenity thought angrily. 'But I guess I was wrong! I thought he would trust me! He *should* trust me! Maybe........I should have let him explain.' As Serenity's anger wore off, her walking speed slowed to barely walking at all. Endymion's smiling face popped into Serenity's mind. She blushed as she stopped infront of the servant's quarters. She pushed all her thoughts into the back of her mind and entered the room. She walked over to her bed and pulled her bag out from underneath the bed. She then sat down to think of an excuse for her mother, the bag on her lap.
'Hm? I know! I was visiting Princess Mercury. She said she wanted to help me in math, so I stayed the night because it was late when we finished. That's legitimate enough,' Serenity thought peacefully. She got up and walked out of the quarters. 'I suppose I should at least apologize.'
Serenity turned and walked down the hall she had come from a few minutes ago. She saw Starlight walking towards her. She met her halfway.
"I see your leaving," Starlight stated sadly.
"Yeah."
"Well, it was nice meeting you. I'm sorry it didn't turn out like you hoped it would. And, I'm sorry I messed it up for you," Starlight muttered, looking nervously at the floor. Serenity smiled weakly at her as she pulled her into a hug.
"It wasn't you fault," Serenity replied, pulling away. "It was mine and mine alone. Thank you for your kindness. You are welcome at my home anytime you wish. Good-bye, Starlight/"
"Good-bye, you majesty," Starlight said. She curtsied deeply before walking off to the servant's quarters.
Serenity sighed as she watched Starlight walk away. She pulled her bag back up on her shoulder and headed off to Endymion's room.
When Serenity arrived at his mahogany door, she just stood there, staring at the door. She didn't know what she should say. 'Should I tell him I'm sorry or just good-bye? Should I tell him I'll miss him? Should I tell him how I feel about him?' Serenity ran through all the scenarios in her head.
As she was pondering, Endymion opened his door to discover her there in thought. He looked at her thoughtfully (ironic...ne?) She didn't notice him standing there so she went right on thinking. Endymion stood in silence, waiting or her to notice him. After a few moments of waiting, he decided to catch her attention. "Serenity?"
Serenity looked up at him suddenly. "Oh, Endymion," a surprised Serenity muttered, nervously. "I was......uh.....coming to say good-bye. And....I wanted to say, I'm sorry."
"No...," Endymion replied. "You didn't have. There was no need because it was my fault. So....you're still leaving huh?"
"Yup," Serenity said. "Well, I suppose this is good-bye for good. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. And I guess, maybe, I should be more polite about-"
"Mind if I escort you to the transportation tower?" Endymion interrupted, giving a small smile.
"I guess that would be okay," Serenity responded. Endymion smiled at her as he closed his door. Endymion turned to Serenity and reached up to her bag strap. He pulled off her bag and put it on his own shoulder. Serenity was following his every move curiously with her eyes. She even watched him pick her hand up from her side, felt the electricity as he kissed it, and looked on with interest as he held her hand when they were walking towards the transportation towers.
Neither said anything to the other as they walked to the north wing where the tower stood tall. They both, however, took great comfort in the simple touch of their hands. When they reached the entrance of the tower, Serenity pulled to a sudden stop. Endymion turned around to look at her questioningly when he felt the tug on his hand.
"Endymion? Why are you being so nice to me?" Serenity asked curiously. "Especially after I was so rude."
"Can I explain when we get," Endymion pointed up, "up there? I need complete privacy to say what I need to say."
Serenity turned a light shade of pink as she looked into Endymion's serious face. "Okay....I understand," Serenity whispered. Endymion proceeded to walk up all the tower's stairs in record time. Serenity was slightly tired when she reached the top. But, despite her slight exhaustion the scenery still took her breath away. She looked like a mother seeing her child for the first time. "I love your planet, Endymion. It has much more beauty than the Moon. It's so full of life unlike my home. The Moon always looks beautiful from afar but as soon as you get too close it looks like a graveyard. So, sorrowful and dead....what is it that you wanted to tell me?"
"N-Nothing...," Endymion stuttered, trying to compose himself.
"But you didn't answer my questions-"
"I'm sorry, but I just can't tell you. Good-bye Serenity. I'm glad I go to meet you. It was nice knowing you-"
"Oh will you stop it! You'd have thought I'd've died or something," Serenity sighed. "Good-bye, Endymion." Serenity stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the mouth. Endymion blushed this time, but only of surprise. "I'll miss you."
"Bye, Serenity," Endymion replied. Serenity stepped onto the transportation pad as Endymion typed her destination into the small computer. When he finished, he turned in time to see Serenity disappear in a flash of green light.
'Geez, talk about stupid,' Endymion hit himself in the head. 'I almost told her I loved her. I've barely even known her a day. No, that's not true. I met her once when I was little.'
*Flashback*
A black haired child walking in squire's clothing held onto his mother's hand as they walked through the elegant garden. The mother was a tall regal-looking woman that had black hair like her son's, but dark brown eyes. The burgundy dress she was wearing was sleeveless and the bottom touch the tops of the small flowers.
The small child looked up at his mother and smiled before looking out at the Earth. "Mommy, the Earth is so big. Does it only look that way because we're on the Moon?'
"No, Endymion. It's always been that big," the Queen replied. "You just never noticed it before because your father has isolated you to the castle."
"Sorry to keep you waiting," a new voice said. The child and mother turned to look at the new guest who just happened to be Queen Serenity. She was followed by a small silver-haired child who was barely visible behind Queen Serenity. "Come Sara. We must discuss the betrothal."
Both Queens walked off into the Moon's gardens together, leaving the children to stare at one another. Endymion and the other child, Serenity, stared at one another in awe. Endymion broke the silence. "I heard that Lunarians were blue with red eyes and funny green antennae."
"We don't look like no such thing," Serenity pouted. Endymion began laughing which angered Serenity further. "What's so funny?"
"I wasn't making fun of you," Endymion stated, smiling. "I was gonna say you're pretty, but I guess I won't say it now."
"But you just did," Serenity mocked.
"So!"
The Queens returned before the two could continue their petty argument. The Queen of Earth urged Endymion forward. "Say good-bye to Serenity, Endy."
Endymion mumbled under his breath as he stepped up to Serenity. He kneeled infront of her, took her hand, and kissed it lightly. Serenity blushed at this gesture and stuttered, "G-Good-bye."
"Bye, Serenity," Endymion grinned.
*End Flashback*
The memory stuck in Endymion's mind for some strange reason. Then, he knew why. 'It's because Serenity's mother said "betrothal" and I didn't know what it meant,' Endymion thought. "But whose betrothal?" he asked aloud.
When Serenity appeared in the transportation tower on the Moon, she looked out the tower window. It felt good to be home, but she already missed the Earth and its radiant beauty. She mentally noted that she should visit the Earth in the spring.
Serenity sighed as she wandered down the stairs into the lively castle. 'I swear,' she thought, 'Nobody ever sleeps around here. I don't know how I can stand it.' She sighed again as servants began whispering hurriedly and staring as she passed. She wondered if her mother would yell at her or disown her. Either was bad, the latter was worse.
Her question was apparently going to be answered immediately because her mother appeared from around the corner. She walked up to Serenity with ice in every step. "Excuse me, miss?" she said to Serenity. "But, we aren't allowing outsiders into the castle today."
Serenity smiled ear to ear which helped contain her laughter. Her mother didn't know it was her. As Serenity removed her hood, the smiled still plastered on her face, the entire castle seemed to plunge into silence.
"Serenity," came the exasperated voice of Queen Serenity. She stumbled forward and pulled her daughter into a hug. "Where were you?" she whispered.
"Mercury mother," she replied, gingerly. "I was visiting a sick friend of mine. You remember Aisha? My old servant girl? Well, her mother was ill and she sent me a letter asking me to visit. So, out I went fearing the worst. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I didn't have the time.
"Ah, I see, daughter," she smiled. "I thought you might have been doing something irresponsible, but I guess I was wrong. It seems you have grown up more that I have noticed. I'm sorry."
"So am I mother. I shouldn't have been late. I was just under too much pressure. I'm not you, mother. I'm not a queen. I cant handle all the pressures yet. But, I do apologize for my irresponsibilities."
"Thank you," the Queen smiled sweetly. 'She's finally growing up,' the Queen thought happily. "Serenity, come with me. I have much to tell you. Please follow me."
Queen Serenity wrapped an arm around Serenity's shoulders and lead her off down the hall. Servants watched as the mother and daughter passed. Both royals seemed to be sharing one of those moments. Serenity waved to Princess Mercury in the library, Princess Mars coming out from the gardens, and Princesses Jupiter and Venus talking over a cup of tea. 'Definitely feels great to be home,' Serenity thought, peacefully. 'I missed being here, but...something's missing. It feels like there is a hole in my heart. But why?'
"Serenity, dear?" the Queen asked. That brought Serenity out of her reverie. She smiled at her mother as she realized that they were in the rose garden, alone.
"Mother?" Serenity sat down on a bench. She didn't like the intense thinking look on her mother's face. Her mother was much too beautiful to have intense looks clouding over her sensitive features. Queen Serenity was a strict only on two issues: punctuality and responsibility. She would also argue her beliefs tot he ground. And, to Queen Serenity, if there was a way to keep peace without fighting and sacrificing lives, she would find it. Serenity loved her mother with all her heart even though she was always very strict with Serenity. But, the only reason she was this way was because she wished to see her daughter succeed. So, that's why she held this secret from Serenity, until now.
"Serenity. I apologize about keeping this from you for years, but I thought it best. Tomorrow night, we're holding a celebration ball."
"Fro what?"
"For you.....We'll be announcing your betrothal. I betrothed you to a Prince when you were just a child. You wont be marrying for about a week but the mother of the man thinks we should announce it now. Can you forgive me for keeping this from you?"
"You were just trying to protect me," Serenity sighed sadly. Her heart had broken in two. She felt crushed and had no idea why. "Who's the Prince mother?"
"I was hoping to leave that as a surprise. Do you mind?"
"Of course not, but-"
"Don't worry, Serenity. It's all planned. I'm inviting every Prince from every galaxy to come see your engagement. They wont know if it's them or not because their mother isn't going to tell them. You're the only one who knows that they are getting married. You're the lucky one."
"May I have some time alone?" Serenity asked, desperately.
"Certainly," the Queen replied. She got up and kissed her daughter's forehead. "I love you, Serenity." Queen Serenity smiled at her before walking out of the garden towards the castle.
'Lucky one?' Serenity thought sadly. "How come I don't feel lucky?" she said to no one inperticular. She looked up and saw the Earth. A tear slid down her cheek. 'I miss you so much. I guess my heart loves you, but my logic doesn't. I wish you were here.....'
Serenity stood up and wiped her tears away with the backs of her hands. She, then, wandered into the castle and to her room. She changed into a light blue night gown and crawled into bed. 'Goodnight Endymion.....wherever you are...'
Serenity woke in the morning still feeling tired. She looked at her clock which read 11:30. 'Late as usual,' she thought, nonchalant. She shook her head as she yawned. Serenity figured her mother told everyone to leave her alone. For some reason, she felt like she was getting married that afternoon. Well, that's what it felt like anyway. But, she also felt like she was having an affair against Endymion and they didn't even like each other, or did they? She didn't know what to think anymore so she decided not to.
Serenity rolled put of bed and pulled down her nightgown. She slipped on her light blue slippers before grabbing her robe and walking out the door. She wandered into the dining room and grabbed a piece of bread. She began munching on it absentmindedly as she sat down to stare out the window.
Venus entered the room brushing her golden blonde hair. She smiled at Serenity who didn't even notice her. Venus could tell by the signals coming off Serenity that she was confused about love. Venus immediately began to doubt she went to Mercury.
"Serenity?" Venus asked, sweetly. Serenity turned around and smiled as the blonde princess.
"Hey, how's it going?" she replied.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
Gee, I donut know. First, you're announcing a betrothal tonight. Second, you're getting married in a week. Third, your aura is telling em you're confused about love and you haven't even met you're husband-to-be. And lastly, you're stressed because this is too much to put on the shoulders of a eighteen year old. Am I right?"
"You hit the nail right on the nose," she said, putting her finger on her nose. She smiled and turned back tot he window to look at the Earth.
"So, where did you really go?"
"Well, I went to Earth with a servant girl named Starlight and her mistress, Orphen. They lived at the castle and I was hoping to stay a week. I met a guy there. His name is Darien, er, was Darien. He was really nice and sweet and I liked him a lot. Maybe, even loved him. But, he lied to me and I couldn't trust him anymore. I didn't want to see him again, so I, left."
"Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me the whole story?"
"Because I'm not," Serenity answered, sheepishly.
"Well, in order for me to help you, Serenity, I'll need the whole truth," Venus smiled.
"Okay," Serenity sighed. "When I went to Earth, Starlight placed band- aids over my symbol. We all know what that does. The other part I left out is that I fell for Darien when my moon was covered and Darien is.....is well....Endymion." Serenity sighed again.
"Nice predicament," Venus responded, in hopes of making Serenity laugh. It didn't work too well. "Oh, come now Serenity. You may be in a predicament now, but things will look brighter. Remember that Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and I will always be there for you."
"Thank you Venus," Serenity answered.
Endymion paced in the garden. Normally the silence of the roses helped him to think, but today they were definitely not helping. The quiet was driving him crazy. He didn't even notice his mother standing there.
"Having a problem, son?" she asked, tilting her head in interest. Endymion turned to look at his mother and sighed. He looked incredibly pallor and tired. "Well, you don't have to answer that. I just wanted to tell you that you, your father, and I are all going to the moon tonight."
"Why?" Endymion looked like a burden was lifted off his shoulders. Some color returned to his face.
"There is a ball tonight that every royal must attend. Tonight, Princess Serenity's betrothal is being announced," the Queen said, matter- of-factly. Endymion lost all color to his face and he seemed to forget how to breathe. "I expect to see you in half an hour."
"Yes mother," Endymion replied, glumly. His mother ruffled his ebony hair before walking back into the castle. 'I only have a few hours. What am I to do?' Endymion thought, looking up to the darkening sky. He stood up and walked back into the castle also.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
OMG!!! That took _forever_!! sigh my hands are killing me! And it's snowing outside!! dances yay! I love snow! Oy! Happy late Kristmas......Merry Hanuka....and Merry Kwanza!! They are all late, but what can I say....I'm always fashionably late! Boy everything has been hectic here....I've been baking cookies like crazy! mmmmm......cookies...drools I'd love to give you some, but I don't think I can shove them through the computer without getting crumbs everywhere!! sigh The next chapter is done...I just have to type it...double sigh o it should be coming out in one or two weeks!! Peas and carrots review!! Tanks lots, but I wanna say I gots a new e-mail cause my other one stopped working for some strange reason....it's SailorBunBun@hotmail.com....be a love and e-mail me too!! Ja mata ne!!
Withdrawing from the world, Serena Moon has earned herself a reputation for being a lone wolf at her military school. But, one night she meets a man who turns her world upside-down. Is he there to melt the ice wall around her heart? Or is he there for alternative motives?
Well.....just give me some feedback because I wanna know if it's worth my time! On with the ficcie!!
Disclaimer: Um....check previous chapters...
Title: In the Light of the Moon
Author: KaBunny
E-mail: SailorBunBun@hotmail.com (My other one got canceled for some strange reason!)
Rating: PG
Chapter 4: A Complication Realized
Serenity walked quickly down the hall. The castle seemed dead, but that was because the sun had just come up about a half hour ago on Earth. She pulled her hood up over her head when she realized she wasn't wearing it. She was quite angry with Endymion and she had a few choice words for him right now too. 'I thought I had found someone who understood,' Serenity thought angrily. 'But I guess I was wrong! I thought he would trust me! He *should* trust me! Maybe........I should have let him explain.' As Serenity's anger wore off, her walking speed slowed to barely walking at all. Endymion's smiling face popped into Serenity's mind. She blushed as she stopped infront of the servant's quarters. She pushed all her thoughts into the back of her mind and entered the room. She walked over to her bed and pulled her bag out from underneath the bed. She then sat down to think of an excuse for her mother, the bag on her lap.
'Hm? I know! I was visiting Princess Mercury. She said she wanted to help me in math, so I stayed the night because it was late when we finished. That's legitimate enough,' Serenity thought peacefully. She got up and walked out of the quarters. 'I suppose I should at least apologize.'
Serenity turned and walked down the hall she had come from a few minutes ago. She saw Starlight walking towards her. She met her halfway.
"I see your leaving," Starlight stated sadly.
"Yeah."
"Well, it was nice meeting you. I'm sorry it didn't turn out like you hoped it would. And, I'm sorry I messed it up for you," Starlight muttered, looking nervously at the floor. Serenity smiled weakly at her as she pulled her into a hug.
"It wasn't you fault," Serenity replied, pulling away. "It was mine and mine alone. Thank you for your kindness. You are welcome at my home anytime you wish. Good-bye, Starlight/"
"Good-bye, you majesty," Starlight said. She curtsied deeply before walking off to the servant's quarters.
Serenity sighed as she watched Starlight walk away. She pulled her bag back up on her shoulder and headed off to Endymion's room.
When Serenity arrived at his mahogany door, she just stood there, staring at the door. She didn't know what she should say. 'Should I tell him I'm sorry or just good-bye? Should I tell him I'll miss him? Should I tell him how I feel about him?' Serenity ran through all the scenarios in her head.
As she was pondering, Endymion opened his door to discover her there in thought. He looked at her thoughtfully (ironic...ne?) She didn't notice him standing there so she went right on thinking. Endymion stood in silence, waiting or her to notice him. After a few moments of waiting, he decided to catch her attention. "Serenity?"
Serenity looked up at him suddenly. "Oh, Endymion," a surprised Serenity muttered, nervously. "I was......uh.....coming to say good-bye. And....I wanted to say, I'm sorry."
"No...," Endymion replied. "You didn't have. There was no need because it was my fault. So....you're still leaving huh?"
"Yup," Serenity said. "Well, I suppose this is good-bye for good. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. And I guess, maybe, I should be more polite about-"
"Mind if I escort you to the transportation tower?" Endymion interrupted, giving a small smile.
"I guess that would be okay," Serenity responded. Endymion smiled at her as he closed his door. Endymion turned to Serenity and reached up to her bag strap. He pulled off her bag and put it on his own shoulder. Serenity was following his every move curiously with her eyes. She even watched him pick her hand up from her side, felt the electricity as he kissed it, and looked on with interest as he held her hand when they were walking towards the transportation towers.
Neither said anything to the other as they walked to the north wing where the tower stood tall. They both, however, took great comfort in the simple touch of their hands. When they reached the entrance of the tower, Serenity pulled to a sudden stop. Endymion turned around to look at her questioningly when he felt the tug on his hand.
"Endymion? Why are you being so nice to me?" Serenity asked curiously. "Especially after I was so rude."
"Can I explain when we get," Endymion pointed up, "up there? I need complete privacy to say what I need to say."
Serenity turned a light shade of pink as she looked into Endymion's serious face. "Okay....I understand," Serenity whispered. Endymion proceeded to walk up all the tower's stairs in record time. Serenity was slightly tired when she reached the top. But, despite her slight exhaustion the scenery still took her breath away. She looked like a mother seeing her child for the first time. "I love your planet, Endymion. It has much more beauty than the Moon. It's so full of life unlike my home. The Moon always looks beautiful from afar but as soon as you get too close it looks like a graveyard. So, sorrowful and dead....what is it that you wanted to tell me?"
"N-Nothing...," Endymion stuttered, trying to compose himself.
"But you didn't answer my questions-"
"I'm sorry, but I just can't tell you. Good-bye Serenity. I'm glad I go to meet you. It was nice knowing you-"
"Oh will you stop it! You'd have thought I'd've died or something," Serenity sighed. "Good-bye, Endymion." Serenity stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the mouth. Endymion blushed this time, but only of surprise. "I'll miss you."
"Bye, Serenity," Endymion replied. Serenity stepped onto the transportation pad as Endymion typed her destination into the small computer. When he finished, he turned in time to see Serenity disappear in a flash of green light.
'Geez, talk about stupid,' Endymion hit himself in the head. 'I almost told her I loved her. I've barely even known her a day. No, that's not true. I met her once when I was little.'
*Flashback*
A black haired child walking in squire's clothing held onto his mother's hand as they walked through the elegant garden. The mother was a tall regal-looking woman that had black hair like her son's, but dark brown eyes. The burgundy dress she was wearing was sleeveless and the bottom touch the tops of the small flowers.
The small child looked up at his mother and smiled before looking out at the Earth. "Mommy, the Earth is so big. Does it only look that way because we're on the Moon?'
"No, Endymion. It's always been that big," the Queen replied. "You just never noticed it before because your father has isolated you to the castle."
"Sorry to keep you waiting," a new voice said. The child and mother turned to look at the new guest who just happened to be Queen Serenity. She was followed by a small silver-haired child who was barely visible behind Queen Serenity. "Come Sara. We must discuss the betrothal."
Both Queens walked off into the Moon's gardens together, leaving the children to stare at one another. Endymion and the other child, Serenity, stared at one another in awe. Endymion broke the silence. "I heard that Lunarians were blue with red eyes and funny green antennae."
"We don't look like no such thing," Serenity pouted. Endymion began laughing which angered Serenity further. "What's so funny?"
"I wasn't making fun of you," Endymion stated, smiling. "I was gonna say you're pretty, but I guess I won't say it now."
"But you just did," Serenity mocked.
"So!"
The Queens returned before the two could continue their petty argument. The Queen of Earth urged Endymion forward. "Say good-bye to Serenity, Endy."
Endymion mumbled under his breath as he stepped up to Serenity. He kneeled infront of her, took her hand, and kissed it lightly. Serenity blushed at this gesture and stuttered, "G-Good-bye."
"Bye, Serenity," Endymion grinned.
*End Flashback*
The memory stuck in Endymion's mind for some strange reason. Then, he knew why. 'It's because Serenity's mother said "betrothal" and I didn't know what it meant,' Endymion thought. "But whose betrothal?" he asked aloud.
When Serenity appeared in the transportation tower on the Moon, she looked out the tower window. It felt good to be home, but she already missed the Earth and its radiant beauty. She mentally noted that she should visit the Earth in the spring.
Serenity sighed as she wandered down the stairs into the lively castle. 'I swear,' she thought, 'Nobody ever sleeps around here. I don't know how I can stand it.' She sighed again as servants began whispering hurriedly and staring as she passed. She wondered if her mother would yell at her or disown her. Either was bad, the latter was worse.
Her question was apparently going to be answered immediately because her mother appeared from around the corner. She walked up to Serenity with ice in every step. "Excuse me, miss?" she said to Serenity. "But, we aren't allowing outsiders into the castle today."
Serenity smiled ear to ear which helped contain her laughter. Her mother didn't know it was her. As Serenity removed her hood, the smiled still plastered on her face, the entire castle seemed to plunge into silence.
"Serenity," came the exasperated voice of Queen Serenity. She stumbled forward and pulled her daughter into a hug. "Where were you?" she whispered.
"Mercury mother," she replied, gingerly. "I was visiting a sick friend of mine. You remember Aisha? My old servant girl? Well, her mother was ill and she sent me a letter asking me to visit. So, out I went fearing the worst. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I didn't have the time.
"Ah, I see, daughter," she smiled. "I thought you might have been doing something irresponsible, but I guess I was wrong. It seems you have grown up more that I have noticed. I'm sorry."
"So am I mother. I shouldn't have been late. I was just under too much pressure. I'm not you, mother. I'm not a queen. I cant handle all the pressures yet. But, I do apologize for my irresponsibilities."
"Thank you," the Queen smiled sweetly. 'She's finally growing up,' the Queen thought happily. "Serenity, come with me. I have much to tell you. Please follow me."
Queen Serenity wrapped an arm around Serenity's shoulders and lead her off down the hall. Servants watched as the mother and daughter passed. Both royals seemed to be sharing one of those moments. Serenity waved to Princess Mercury in the library, Princess Mars coming out from the gardens, and Princesses Jupiter and Venus talking over a cup of tea. 'Definitely feels great to be home,' Serenity thought, peacefully. 'I missed being here, but...something's missing. It feels like there is a hole in my heart. But why?'
"Serenity, dear?" the Queen asked. That brought Serenity out of her reverie. She smiled at her mother as she realized that they were in the rose garden, alone.
"Mother?" Serenity sat down on a bench. She didn't like the intense thinking look on her mother's face. Her mother was much too beautiful to have intense looks clouding over her sensitive features. Queen Serenity was a strict only on two issues: punctuality and responsibility. She would also argue her beliefs tot he ground. And, to Queen Serenity, if there was a way to keep peace without fighting and sacrificing lives, she would find it. Serenity loved her mother with all her heart even though she was always very strict with Serenity. But, the only reason she was this way was because she wished to see her daughter succeed. So, that's why she held this secret from Serenity, until now.
"Serenity. I apologize about keeping this from you for years, but I thought it best. Tomorrow night, we're holding a celebration ball."
"Fro what?"
"For you.....We'll be announcing your betrothal. I betrothed you to a Prince when you were just a child. You wont be marrying for about a week but the mother of the man thinks we should announce it now. Can you forgive me for keeping this from you?"
"You were just trying to protect me," Serenity sighed sadly. Her heart had broken in two. She felt crushed and had no idea why. "Who's the Prince mother?"
"I was hoping to leave that as a surprise. Do you mind?"
"Of course not, but-"
"Don't worry, Serenity. It's all planned. I'm inviting every Prince from every galaxy to come see your engagement. They wont know if it's them or not because their mother isn't going to tell them. You're the only one who knows that they are getting married. You're the lucky one."
"May I have some time alone?" Serenity asked, desperately.
"Certainly," the Queen replied. She got up and kissed her daughter's forehead. "I love you, Serenity." Queen Serenity smiled at her before walking out of the garden towards the castle.
'Lucky one?' Serenity thought sadly. "How come I don't feel lucky?" she said to no one inperticular. She looked up and saw the Earth. A tear slid down her cheek. 'I miss you so much. I guess my heart loves you, but my logic doesn't. I wish you were here.....'
Serenity stood up and wiped her tears away with the backs of her hands. She, then, wandered into the castle and to her room. She changed into a light blue night gown and crawled into bed. 'Goodnight Endymion.....wherever you are...'
Serenity woke in the morning still feeling tired. She looked at her clock which read 11:30. 'Late as usual,' she thought, nonchalant. She shook her head as she yawned. Serenity figured her mother told everyone to leave her alone. For some reason, she felt like she was getting married that afternoon. Well, that's what it felt like anyway. But, she also felt like she was having an affair against Endymion and they didn't even like each other, or did they? She didn't know what to think anymore so she decided not to.
Serenity rolled put of bed and pulled down her nightgown. She slipped on her light blue slippers before grabbing her robe and walking out the door. She wandered into the dining room and grabbed a piece of bread. She began munching on it absentmindedly as she sat down to stare out the window.
Venus entered the room brushing her golden blonde hair. She smiled at Serenity who didn't even notice her. Venus could tell by the signals coming off Serenity that she was confused about love. Venus immediately began to doubt she went to Mercury.
"Serenity?" Venus asked, sweetly. Serenity turned around and smiled as the blonde princess.
"Hey, how's it going?" she replied.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
Gee, I donut know. First, you're announcing a betrothal tonight. Second, you're getting married in a week. Third, your aura is telling em you're confused about love and you haven't even met you're husband-to-be. And lastly, you're stressed because this is too much to put on the shoulders of a eighteen year old. Am I right?"
"You hit the nail right on the nose," she said, putting her finger on her nose. She smiled and turned back tot he window to look at the Earth.
"So, where did you really go?"
"Well, I went to Earth with a servant girl named Starlight and her mistress, Orphen. They lived at the castle and I was hoping to stay a week. I met a guy there. His name is Darien, er, was Darien. He was really nice and sweet and I liked him a lot. Maybe, even loved him. But, he lied to me and I couldn't trust him anymore. I didn't want to see him again, so I, left."
"Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me the whole story?"
"Because I'm not," Serenity answered, sheepishly.
"Well, in order for me to help you, Serenity, I'll need the whole truth," Venus smiled.
"Okay," Serenity sighed. "When I went to Earth, Starlight placed band- aids over my symbol. We all know what that does. The other part I left out is that I fell for Darien when my moon was covered and Darien is.....is well....Endymion." Serenity sighed again.
"Nice predicament," Venus responded, in hopes of making Serenity laugh. It didn't work too well. "Oh, come now Serenity. You may be in a predicament now, but things will look brighter. Remember that Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and I will always be there for you."
"Thank you Venus," Serenity answered.
Endymion paced in the garden. Normally the silence of the roses helped him to think, but today they were definitely not helping. The quiet was driving him crazy. He didn't even notice his mother standing there.
"Having a problem, son?" she asked, tilting her head in interest. Endymion turned to look at his mother and sighed. He looked incredibly pallor and tired. "Well, you don't have to answer that. I just wanted to tell you that you, your father, and I are all going to the moon tonight."
"Why?" Endymion looked like a burden was lifted off his shoulders. Some color returned to his face.
"There is a ball tonight that every royal must attend. Tonight, Princess Serenity's betrothal is being announced," the Queen said, matter- of-factly. Endymion lost all color to his face and he seemed to forget how to breathe. "I expect to see you in half an hour."
"Yes mother," Endymion replied, glumly. His mother ruffled his ebony hair before walking back into the castle. 'I only have a few hours. What am I to do?' Endymion thought, looking up to the darkening sky. He stood up and walked back into the castle also.
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OMG!!! That took _forever_!! sigh my hands are killing me! And it's snowing outside!! dances yay! I love snow! Oy! Happy late Kristmas......Merry Hanuka....and Merry Kwanza!! They are all late, but what can I say....I'm always fashionably late! Boy everything has been hectic here....I've been baking cookies like crazy! mmmmm......cookies...drools I'd love to give you some, but I don't think I can shove them through the computer without getting crumbs everywhere!! sigh The next chapter is done...I just have to type it...double sigh o it should be coming out in one or two weeks!! Peas and carrots review!! Tanks lots, but I wanna say I gots a new e-mail cause my other one stopped working for some strange reason....it's SailorBunBun@hotmail.com....be a love and e-mail me too!! Ja mata ne!!