Adrian woke with a start the next morning. He sat up and held his
head in his hands. He had slept deeply that night and his alarm clock
startled him. As he stood up and looked out the window, he could see the
sun just coming up, and that the sky was cloudless. He walked to the
bathroom and stood in the shower, got dressed, and knew nothing of the
previous night's events. All he knew was that there was a meeting in an
hour where the solar system's pathetic condition would be updated. He knew
that the woman he loved was also waking up now, probably had an hour
earlier than he to dress and enjoy a quiet breakfast in some garden or
other. Ami usually did that and sometimes he would creep up behind, and
then surprise her. Adrian sat in a chair by the window, and grabbed a
little tele-communicator off his desk; it was a database as well.
Conditions on the outer planets were still unknown, Mars was also out of reach, and then there was Mercury. Would the next attack be there? What would Ami do? What would he do? Though his job kept him here, his place was with her. Adrian continued to scroll though the information on the tele-communicator until he got to Mercury's data. "Updating Information" It said. "What?" He asked aloud. "It should have data there already, unless…" He stood up and went to the door. "…unless something changed."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Endymion was on the balcony in his room overlooking his and Serenity's private garden. There was a fountain and a gazebo, a little maze, and a small pool. He and Serenity often went there to relax, be romantic, or be happy, and one rarely went without the other. He turned back to look at her. She was still asleep in bed, but stress had marked her face with ever-present bags under her eyes, a frown, and even a few wrinkles. The king had noticed a few gray hairs creeping up near his ears, stress struck again. Tonight he would take Serenity out, away from the palace, and they would return to their garden for a romantic evening. He would take Serenity out to her favorite ice-cream place after a small, quiet restaurant owned by an older couple that never told the press about the frequent royal visits. His queen began to stir, and then her eyes fluttered open.
Endymion had returned to the bed, to sit next to her and smiled at her. "Good morning." She sat up and looked at him, slightly groggy. But Lenora began to cry and she went to the child. Today was the day Adrian would be told Ami was gone. Ami. Serenity cringed, only Mina and Luna were left now. What if she lost them too? She leaned over the cradle and saw those soothing purple eyes; Lenora stopped crying as the queen picked her up and turned around to face her king, who had remained silent and motionless. Serenity eyed him and thought,
"When was the last time I held onto him? When was the last time I smiled? It must be months since we've been happy together. This isn't fair to us, I'm practically pushing him away." Serenity went to the communicator on the wall and paged a nursemaid, who scurried to the room and knocked on the door almost instantly.
"You need something my queen?" She curtsied respectfully.
"Yes, please take care of Lenora this morning; I need some time with my husband."
"Very well Your Highness. Good morning Lenora." She cooed and swept the baby into her arms and left the room, once again curtsying. Serenity leaned up against the wall behind her to face her husband.
"Good morning Endymion. I haven't forgotten you."
"I certainly hope not!" He laughed.
"No, not just today," Suddenly the queen sprung from the wall, ran across the bed and hopped in next to her King.
"SERENITY!" He bounced up when she landed, and as his butt returned to the mattress, she slid on top of him, her golden hair all around them. She placed her knees on either side of his hips and pushed his chest back with one hand, and used the other hand to hold his wrists above his head.
"I've ignored you for too long Endymion, we haven't been happy in a long time." She lowered her head slowly to his, pressed her lips upon his, and let it out. Her passion and love were freed from months of masking them. She pushed against him, and lowered her body against his. Endymion tried to pull his arms free, but Serenity only lifted her head to scold him. "Ah ah ah! You're mine." She lowered her lips to his forehead, down his nose, briefly brushed his lips, (as a tease) and began to work her way around his neck.
"Enough." He whispered, and pulled his arms free, and caressed her back, feeling for the bottem of her nite dress, and pulling it over her head. He sat up, and she still clung to him, her hands now felt up the small of his back, to his shoulders, and down again. He then pushed her back more so he was now above her. "Serenity," She gazed at him. "Today isn't going to be easy, no matter what."
"I know Endymion, but I miss you." He smiled, and husband and wife forgot, for a time, about their lives. They left the meteor and traveled far away, to their happiness, a place that would always exist. Though they had not been to it in a long time, their return was perfect. It was safety for them, to be together, and just to forget about the horrifying world was outside their door. Maybe this time together would revive them, at least a little.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eric and Marcus walked through the library and passed by a table where Ami was almost always found in the morning before the meetings. They were surprised not to find her, or her belongings, but instead saw Mina sitting there. "Good Morning princess." Said Eric, and he bowed.
"Hello Eric." She replied sarcasticly. "Hello Marcus." They were on friendly terms and he said princess to annoy her. "What are you doing in here anyways? You never come in the morning."
"Yes well neither do you, where's Ami?" Persued Eric. Mina's insides turned cold.
"I don't know, I haven't seen her since yesterday."
"Hmm, she and Adrian must be off somewhere." Eric thought to himself. He grinned, but his theory was contradicted when Adrian came in and approached their table.
"Oh Good morning Adrian," Mina smiled. "Yet another infrequent visitor."
"Only at this time of day." He replied. "Have either of you seen Ami?"
"No, we were just asking her the same thing." Marcus said.
"And I just said no, not since yesterday. Why what's the big deal with Ami today?" Mina tried to look as clueless as possible.
"Well I don't know about Adrian, but I saw that Mercury's data was being "updated" according to the communicators, and I was curious to know why." Eric explained. Adrian and Marcus nodded in agreement.
"Yes and I can't seem to find the king or queen either." Confessed Adrian.
"Well, there's a meeting in 20minutes, I'm sure you can all wait until then."
"Yes, we could, or I could go look for her some more." Adrian stated.
"Oh yes, I'm sure that's going to be a real pain for you." Eric laughed. Adrian remained expressionless, and left the library through the door that led to the courtyard.
"I'm sure he'll find her. After all, he would know all of her favorite spots to hang out." Eric smiled, but Mina just turned back to her book as he and Marcus walked away. She looked towards Ami's lover "Adrian, I wish it didn't have to be like this." She whispered at the tall man's retreating figure.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Adrian searched the courtyard thoroughly, behind every tree and bush hoping she would jump out at him, or maybe she was sitting behind one, reading; but no. He went back inside, into the large sitting room and again found it devoid of her presence, as were the long hallways with the painted ceilings where he sometimes found her sitting in an overstuffed chair. She wasn't in her room, or his, Adrian was growing nervous. He retreated from her room, and headed down the large hall to the conference room, it was time, for the meeting, and her absence would be explained.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eric and Marcus had joined up with Chad in the hallway and entered the conference room, they were the first to arrive, and took their seats. "Hey Chad, have you seen Ami today?" Marcus asked.
"No, actually, she wasn't in the library, I thought she might be with Adrian."
"Nope, he doesn't know where she is either." Said Eric.
"Oh, well maybe Mina or Luna, or Serenity know."
"Yeah probably, I didn't even think to ask Luna this morning. Oh speak of the devil!" Eric laughed as one of the side doors opened, and Luna stepped in. Her dark wavy hair was half up in a bun, and the rest flowed loosly over her shoulders. She was wearing a simple purple dress that went off the shoulders, but was tight fitting to her waist and then dropped to the ground. Her arm was linked through Artemis's and she gave the two men a sarcastic smile while they stood up to greet her.
"What are you two charmers saying about me now?"
"Luna. I'm insulted, we would never say anything bad about you." Eric claimed.
"Or anyone else right?" Mina asked as she entered, alone.
"Of course!" Chad replied. Mina was wearing an orange sleeveless dress with a mock turtle neck, fitted to her hips, and then dropped to the ground. She went to her seat and remained, standing. After another 2 minutes or so, Serenity entered, she wore a blue dress today, strapless, and fitted all the way down, she had a white shawl as an accessory, and was actually looking happy; and so was Endymion who was at her side.
"Please everyone sit down." She asked. "I don't often keep secrets here, but Eric, Marcus, Chad, I've left you in the dark. Actually, we all have." The three men looked around the table to see several guilty faces.
"Your Highness," Eric began, "What could possibly be secret enough not to tell your intelligence and foreign policy ministers?"
"I'm expecting Adrian any minute, and I don't know if he will ask me a certain question."
"What is the status of Mercury?" Eric suggested.
"Yes. Mercury is under attack." The shock was not big because everyone had expected this.
"My queen," Marcus began, "Where does that put Ami then?" She didn't answer right away but looked at Mina instead, she was dazing out.
"Ami…..Ami.." She lowered her eyes. "Princess Ami of Mercury is with her people. She left last nite in secret. Adrian must not be told."
"Your Highness, he's already looking for her. He will ask her planet's condition." Chad spoke directly and with a little anger. "Adrian is going to go crazy when he hears she is gone." A moment later, Adrian opened the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Adrian looked around the room, everyone was staring at him. "Good Morning everyone." He moved to his seat, bowed to the royalty, and remained standing. "I am very concerned, as to what this meeting will have to say. As part of my morning routine, I check my tele-communicator for the statistics on every planet. Most mornings I wait for the morning meeting and think nothing of it. But today I noticed Mercury's stats were being updated. May I ask why?"
"Of course." Endymion answered. "Overnite we received a transmission from an unknown source, claiming that there were several cities under fire." Adrian became more alert.
"And was this claim a valid one?"
"Yes."
"What course of action was taken?"
"Mercury sent up her air force and army pilots. Also, every regular pilot was given a vessel with weapons and sent up. They hope to take the enemy by storm."
"Where's Ami? She is undoubtably upset. I would like to speak with her." Endymion swallowed hard and lowered his eyes. Serenity gripped her chair hard. "Here it comes." She thought. "Endymion? Serenity? Where is Ami?" They ignored him in silence. "Will no one answer me?!?!?!" His voice was raised. "LUNA? ARTEMIS?" He shouted now. "WHERE IS SHE!?!?!?!" Suddenly Mina stood up, tears in her eyes.
"Maybe you should look for her Adrian. Perhaps you shall find her. God knows we can't help you." With that her tears flowed and she ran from the room, Eric stood quickly to follow. The king and queen eyed Artemis and Luna, Chad and Marcus just stared blankly into space.
"What did Mina mean?" Adrian began to walk towards the two monarchs. "She didn't go." He stated more than asked. "She didn't go, right?" The 6 people left wouldn't say a word. "If you do not tell me, HOW WILL I FIND OUT!?!?" Serenity stood up and approached the man that was at least a foot taller than she, he was all in dark clothing, and she in lighter tones. She took his hands.
"Adrian, Ami is one of my best friends, I trust her, and trust her to make good decisions. We are in desperate times, and she is a princess." He looked her straight in the eyes.
"Why…Why…." He could not form the question.
"She wanted me to tell you that she wasn't going to let you stop her. She said she loves you, and will see you again soon. And if you shows up, you're in big trouble." Serenity smiled and squeezed his hand. "Adrian, she knows how much you love her, she knows you care for her safety so much, to the point that you wouldn't have wanted her to go alone. But your duty is here, however, I release you from your commitment to me and to this planet." His eyes snapped to attention in surprise. "If you wish to go to Mercury and be with her, you may. I have given Marcus and Chad this opportunity as well, in private. What is your decision?"
"Your Highness, I…I can't."
"Adrian, I don't want you to be unhappy."
"I can't tell you how much it means to me that you would even offer that, but I can't. I know my life is here, and it is one that I must devote to this planet, and to you and Endymion. Now if you'll excuse me, I would like be alone." Serenity smiled and nodded. Adrian bowed and walked out the door.
"He took that exceedingly well didn't he?" Serenity commented. "He was more concerned when he didn't know where she was than when he did."
"Well, yeah," Luna answered, "Which is worse?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Adrian walked back down the same hallway he always went down, and to her room. The door was unlocked and he simply walked in and sat on the bed staring out at a small lake her window overlooked. "Oh Ami," He layed back on the pillow and could smell her perfume. "You could have told me, you, should have." Then he closed his eyes and decided to just stay there for a while. After all, there wasn't going to be anything to do, the enemy would probably allow Ami one last transmission like they did on Mars, and he had to wait for that. If things were bad on Mercury, maybe he would request to go for a month or so, but first he had to wait.
HAHAHAHAHA! I finally go tmy brother off the damn computer! Don't EVER let a 12 year old boy get Tiberian Sun, its like a fly to sticky paper! AHHHHH!
Conditions on the outer planets were still unknown, Mars was also out of reach, and then there was Mercury. Would the next attack be there? What would Ami do? What would he do? Though his job kept him here, his place was with her. Adrian continued to scroll though the information on the tele-communicator until he got to Mercury's data. "Updating Information" It said. "What?" He asked aloud. "It should have data there already, unless…" He stood up and went to the door. "…unless something changed."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Endymion was on the balcony in his room overlooking his and Serenity's private garden. There was a fountain and a gazebo, a little maze, and a small pool. He and Serenity often went there to relax, be romantic, or be happy, and one rarely went without the other. He turned back to look at her. She was still asleep in bed, but stress had marked her face with ever-present bags under her eyes, a frown, and even a few wrinkles. The king had noticed a few gray hairs creeping up near his ears, stress struck again. Tonight he would take Serenity out, away from the palace, and they would return to their garden for a romantic evening. He would take Serenity out to her favorite ice-cream place after a small, quiet restaurant owned by an older couple that never told the press about the frequent royal visits. His queen began to stir, and then her eyes fluttered open.
Endymion had returned to the bed, to sit next to her and smiled at her. "Good morning." She sat up and looked at him, slightly groggy. But Lenora began to cry and she went to the child. Today was the day Adrian would be told Ami was gone. Ami. Serenity cringed, only Mina and Luna were left now. What if she lost them too? She leaned over the cradle and saw those soothing purple eyes; Lenora stopped crying as the queen picked her up and turned around to face her king, who had remained silent and motionless. Serenity eyed him and thought,
"When was the last time I held onto him? When was the last time I smiled? It must be months since we've been happy together. This isn't fair to us, I'm practically pushing him away." Serenity went to the communicator on the wall and paged a nursemaid, who scurried to the room and knocked on the door almost instantly.
"You need something my queen?" She curtsied respectfully.
"Yes, please take care of Lenora this morning; I need some time with my husband."
"Very well Your Highness. Good morning Lenora." She cooed and swept the baby into her arms and left the room, once again curtsying. Serenity leaned up against the wall behind her to face her husband.
"Good morning Endymion. I haven't forgotten you."
"I certainly hope not!" He laughed.
"No, not just today," Suddenly the queen sprung from the wall, ran across the bed and hopped in next to her King.
"SERENITY!" He bounced up when she landed, and as his butt returned to the mattress, she slid on top of him, her golden hair all around them. She placed her knees on either side of his hips and pushed his chest back with one hand, and used the other hand to hold his wrists above his head.
"I've ignored you for too long Endymion, we haven't been happy in a long time." She lowered her head slowly to his, pressed her lips upon his, and let it out. Her passion and love were freed from months of masking them. She pushed against him, and lowered her body against his. Endymion tried to pull his arms free, but Serenity only lifted her head to scold him. "Ah ah ah! You're mine." She lowered her lips to his forehead, down his nose, briefly brushed his lips, (as a tease) and began to work her way around his neck.
"Enough." He whispered, and pulled his arms free, and caressed her back, feeling for the bottem of her nite dress, and pulling it over her head. He sat up, and she still clung to him, her hands now felt up the small of his back, to his shoulders, and down again. He then pushed her back more so he was now above her. "Serenity," She gazed at him. "Today isn't going to be easy, no matter what."
"I know Endymion, but I miss you." He smiled, and husband and wife forgot, for a time, about their lives. They left the meteor and traveled far away, to their happiness, a place that would always exist. Though they had not been to it in a long time, their return was perfect. It was safety for them, to be together, and just to forget about the horrifying world was outside their door. Maybe this time together would revive them, at least a little.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eric and Marcus walked through the library and passed by a table where Ami was almost always found in the morning before the meetings. They were surprised not to find her, or her belongings, but instead saw Mina sitting there. "Good Morning princess." Said Eric, and he bowed.
"Hello Eric." She replied sarcasticly. "Hello Marcus." They were on friendly terms and he said princess to annoy her. "What are you doing in here anyways? You never come in the morning."
"Yes well neither do you, where's Ami?" Persued Eric. Mina's insides turned cold.
"I don't know, I haven't seen her since yesterday."
"Hmm, she and Adrian must be off somewhere." Eric thought to himself. He grinned, but his theory was contradicted when Adrian came in and approached their table.
"Oh Good morning Adrian," Mina smiled. "Yet another infrequent visitor."
"Only at this time of day." He replied. "Have either of you seen Ami?"
"No, we were just asking her the same thing." Marcus said.
"And I just said no, not since yesterday. Why what's the big deal with Ami today?" Mina tried to look as clueless as possible.
"Well I don't know about Adrian, but I saw that Mercury's data was being "updated" according to the communicators, and I was curious to know why." Eric explained. Adrian and Marcus nodded in agreement.
"Yes and I can't seem to find the king or queen either." Confessed Adrian.
"Well, there's a meeting in 20minutes, I'm sure you can all wait until then."
"Yes, we could, or I could go look for her some more." Adrian stated.
"Oh yes, I'm sure that's going to be a real pain for you." Eric laughed. Adrian remained expressionless, and left the library through the door that led to the courtyard.
"I'm sure he'll find her. After all, he would know all of her favorite spots to hang out." Eric smiled, but Mina just turned back to her book as he and Marcus walked away. She looked towards Ami's lover "Adrian, I wish it didn't have to be like this." She whispered at the tall man's retreating figure.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Adrian searched the courtyard thoroughly, behind every tree and bush hoping she would jump out at him, or maybe she was sitting behind one, reading; but no. He went back inside, into the large sitting room and again found it devoid of her presence, as were the long hallways with the painted ceilings where he sometimes found her sitting in an overstuffed chair. She wasn't in her room, or his, Adrian was growing nervous. He retreated from her room, and headed down the large hall to the conference room, it was time, for the meeting, and her absence would be explained.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eric and Marcus had joined up with Chad in the hallway and entered the conference room, they were the first to arrive, and took their seats. "Hey Chad, have you seen Ami today?" Marcus asked.
"No, actually, she wasn't in the library, I thought she might be with Adrian."
"Nope, he doesn't know where she is either." Said Eric.
"Oh, well maybe Mina or Luna, or Serenity know."
"Yeah probably, I didn't even think to ask Luna this morning. Oh speak of the devil!" Eric laughed as one of the side doors opened, and Luna stepped in. Her dark wavy hair was half up in a bun, and the rest flowed loosly over her shoulders. She was wearing a simple purple dress that went off the shoulders, but was tight fitting to her waist and then dropped to the ground. Her arm was linked through Artemis's and she gave the two men a sarcastic smile while they stood up to greet her.
"What are you two charmers saying about me now?"
"Luna. I'm insulted, we would never say anything bad about you." Eric claimed.
"Or anyone else right?" Mina asked as she entered, alone.
"Of course!" Chad replied. Mina was wearing an orange sleeveless dress with a mock turtle neck, fitted to her hips, and then dropped to the ground. She went to her seat and remained, standing. After another 2 minutes or so, Serenity entered, she wore a blue dress today, strapless, and fitted all the way down, she had a white shawl as an accessory, and was actually looking happy; and so was Endymion who was at her side.
"Please everyone sit down." She asked. "I don't often keep secrets here, but Eric, Marcus, Chad, I've left you in the dark. Actually, we all have." The three men looked around the table to see several guilty faces.
"Your Highness," Eric began, "What could possibly be secret enough not to tell your intelligence and foreign policy ministers?"
"I'm expecting Adrian any minute, and I don't know if he will ask me a certain question."
"What is the status of Mercury?" Eric suggested.
"Yes. Mercury is under attack." The shock was not big because everyone had expected this.
"My queen," Marcus began, "Where does that put Ami then?" She didn't answer right away but looked at Mina instead, she was dazing out.
"Ami…..Ami.." She lowered her eyes. "Princess Ami of Mercury is with her people. She left last nite in secret. Adrian must not be told."
"Your Highness, he's already looking for her. He will ask her planet's condition." Chad spoke directly and with a little anger. "Adrian is going to go crazy when he hears she is gone." A moment later, Adrian opened the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Adrian looked around the room, everyone was staring at him. "Good Morning everyone." He moved to his seat, bowed to the royalty, and remained standing. "I am very concerned, as to what this meeting will have to say. As part of my morning routine, I check my tele-communicator for the statistics on every planet. Most mornings I wait for the morning meeting and think nothing of it. But today I noticed Mercury's stats were being updated. May I ask why?"
"Of course." Endymion answered. "Overnite we received a transmission from an unknown source, claiming that there were several cities under fire." Adrian became more alert.
"And was this claim a valid one?"
"Yes."
"What course of action was taken?"
"Mercury sent up her air force and army pilots. Also, every regular pilot was given a vessel with weapons and sent up. They hope to take the enemy by storm."
"Where's Ami? She is undoubtably upset. I would like to speak with her." Endymion swallowed hard and lowered his eyes. Serenity gripped her chair hard. "Here it comes." She thought. "Endymion? Serenity? Where is Ami?" They ignored him in silence. "Will no one answer me?!?!?!" His voice was raised. "LUNA? ARTEMIS?" He shouted now. "WHERE IS SHE!?!?!?!" Suddenly Mina stood up, tears in her eyes.
"Maybe you should look for her Adrian. Perhaps you shall find her. God knows we can't help you." With that her tears flowed and she ran from the room, Eric stood quickly to follow. The king and queen eyed Artemis and Luna, Chad and Marcus just stared blankly into space.
"What did Mina mean?" Adrian began to walk towards the two monarchs. "She didn't go." He stated more than asked. "She didn't go, right?" The 6 people left wouldn't say a word. "If you do not tell me, HOW WILL I FIND OUT!?!?" Serenity stood up and approached the man that was at least a foot taller than she, he was all in dark clothing, and she in lighter tones. She took his hands.
"Adrian, Ami is one of my best friends, I trust her, and trust her to make good decisions. We are in desperate times, and she is a princess." He looked her straight in the eyes.
"Why…Why…." He could not form the question.
"She wanted me to tell you that she wasn't going to let you stop her. She said she loves you, and will see you again soon. And if you shows up, you're in big trouble." Serenity smiled and squeezed his hand. "Adrian, she knows how much you love her, she knows you care for her safety so much, to the point that you wouldn't have wanted her to go alone. But your duty is here, however, I release you from your commitment to me and to this planet." His eyes snapped to attention in surprise. "If you wish to go to Mercury and be with her, you may. I have given Marcus and Chad this opportunity as well, in private. What is your decision?"
"Your Highness, I…I can't."
"Adrian, I don't want you to be unhappy."
"I can't tell you how much it means to me that you would even offer that, but I can't. I know my life is here, and it is one that I must devote to this planet, and to you and Endymion. Now if you'll excuse me, I would like be alone." Serenity smiled and nodded. Adrian bowed and walked out the door.
"He took that exceedingly well didn't he?" Serenity commented. "He was more concerned when he didn't know where she was than when he did."
"Well, yeah," Luna answered, "Which is worse?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Adrian walked back down the same hallway he always went down, and to her room. The door was unlocked and he simply walked in and sat on the bed staring out at a small lake her window overlooked. "Oh Ami," He layed back on the pillow and could smell her perfume. "You could have told me, you, should have." Then he closed his eyes and decided to just stay there for a while. After all, there wasn't going to be anything to do, the enemy would probably allow Ami one last transmission like they did on Mars, and he had to wait for that. If things were bad on Mercury, maybe he would request to go for a month or so, but first he had to wait.
HAHAHAHAHA! I finally go tmy brother off the damn computer! Don't EVER let a 12 year old boy get Tiberian Sun, its like a fly to sticky paper! AHHHHH!