Chapter 6 First Impressions

"Huh? What did I do now?" thought Serena anxiously, since everyone was staring at her like they had just heard the surprise of their lives. It took her a whole five seconds to figure out that they were really looking behind her..

Endymion had been busy that morning. He had been working out the very last details of the invasion since dawn. He had been unable to meet his fiancée first thing in the morning, but decided to meet her in the dining room since he had just finished. He didn't want to seem rude, since they would be getting married in just three days. He was nervous.and he was curious. He had to admit that he was wondering all morning if she would be a spoiled little princess, a naïve little girl, or something else. He paused before the doors to the dining room to collect his thoughts, and then pushed them open.

The moment the doors had opened, everyone had stood up. They paused, not knowing what to do. One by one, the Senshi and Generals began to bow. Endymion was, after all, King of Earth. He knew that directly in front of him, with her back towards him, stood his future wife, Serenity.

Serenity had known that they were looking behind her, but when they suddenly bowed, she definitely knew who was standing there. She quickly turned and found herself gazing into a pair of cobalt eyes. She had seen those eyes before, and she gasped. Standing in front of her, was the stranger from the garden. "What in the world?" she thought. He was the king? She was stunned and couldn't find the words to say.

Endymion's mind was also an absolute blank. The girl he had been dreaming about for the past two nights was his fiancée. He marveled at his luck. In front of him stood a real life angel. The surprised look on her face brought him back to reality. He bowed, took her hand, and kissed it. As he stood, he said, "You must be Princess Serenity. Forgive me for making you wait, but I was quite busy this morning. As you must already know, I am King Endymion." In his mind, he thought, "Serenity. What a perfect name for an angel." Just a few days ago, the name meant little to him. Yes, it was the name of his future queen, but also a complete stranger. After seeing her face and saying her name out loud, he felt somewhat dizzy. For now, all he could do was look down upon her magnificent beauty.

Serena was breathless. She saw him bow, take her hand, and brush her skin lightly with his lips. She felt a slight tingling sensation on her skin, where he had kissed it, and felt weak. She responded with a curtsy and felt the blush on her cheeks. "So you're Endymion," she said with a smile. "It really was no trouble. I know you must be busy with the war, and you have so many other important things to do. If need be, I would gladly wait for you."

Her smile was absolutely radiant. Her voice was beautiful and sweet. He couldn't believe he was standing this close to her. He feared that if he made a wrong move, he would suddenly wake up in his chambers.

"Ahem.Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, if I could have a word with the Princess alone?" Said Endymion. His generals and the Senshi all left, leaving him alone with Serenity.

"Hmm.so you were the girl in the garden, were you not?" he asked.

"Well yes, my lord. I must have scared you, disappearing like that. But I couldn't help it, I thought you were some sort of criminal. I must apologize." Serena murmured.

"Oh no. It was purely my fault. I shouldn't have surprised you. I was merely wondering who would be wandering around the palace grounds so late at night. Forgive me for causing you to flee. I'm sure that if I hadn't, we would have met last night, instead of so awkwardly this morning." Said Endymion. He cursed himself for stupidly surprising the girl. He could have known her identity the entire time, but he had been careless. He was mentally formulating a plan to be alone with her. "How would you like a personal tour of the palace?" Endymion asked with a wide grin.

He had only wanted a chance to talk to her, face to face. She had happily accepted, so he took her arm in his and continued to show her all the important places in the palace. He had introduced her to the staff and showed her a few dozen rooms by noon. Eventually, they found themselves in the garden, sitting on the exact bench where they had first met. "So, Serenity. How exactly did you vanish when I found you here?" he asked.

"Well, Endymion, it comes naturally. I've had the ability to teleport ever since I was small. If I ever got scared, then I would instantly find myself next to my mother. What's strange is that it seems only myself or the Senshi can actually teleport. It's really a mystery though." She said.

"At least you can protect yourself. That should make me feel better about your safety. Now I know that I won't have to constantly surround you with bodyguards. But you also have your Senshi, do you not? Your mother said that they would never leave your side."

"They won't ever do so willingly. They are bound to me as I am to them. As Princess of the Moon, they begin their duty as soon as I am engaged. Otherwise, I am with my mother. The Silver Crystal is what protects us on the Moon, so I am very well protected there." She replied.

They continued their conversation, until it was lunch. They reluctantly returned to the palace, laughing and smiling. They had eaten lunch together and were definitely enjoying each other's company.

"I'm sorry Serena, but I'm afraid I must return to my generals. I must consult them with a few more things. But there is also one more thing to discuss. As you know, the wedding ceremony will be in a few short days, and I have prepared as much as I could. The only thing is, I would also like you to help make the arrangements. Whatever you choose to include, you shall have. Simply talk to Malachite and he'll take care of everything." He smiled.

Serena was surprised at his generosity. She had expected the ceremony to already be completely planned out for them. "Are you sure Endymion? I really don't know what to say. That's truly very nice of you." Stated Serena happily.

"Yes I'm sure. What? You wouldn't like to design your own wedding?" he asked jokingly.

"OF COURSE I WOULD! Well, what I mean is that I would love to. Thank you for being so considerate." Serena was definitely happy about this. She had always dreamed of the perfect wedding. He had been making her laugh all afternoon and she, for the first time in a week, was not depressed at all. For once, she could actually see the wedding as more than contract between two kingdoms. She was happy to be getting married to such a charming, funny, and handsome prince. She had once thought that he would be a mean, grouchy, and bossy old troll. But now, she knew she had been wrong. He had surprised her in so many ways, and, as he walked away, she was genuinely happy about her mother's decision.

Serena quickly went to find the Senshi. She found them in their rooms, waiting for her.

"So what did you think of him?" they all asked. She told them that he was everything she had ever dreamed of in a prince, and more. Much more. She was falling for him, after only ONE DAY! Of course, she left this out when she was talking to her friends, but in her heart, she knew it was true. Never had she met someone so charming and funny. He had made her truly happy, that was all that mattered.

Mina insisted on helping Serena plan the wedding. "Serena, you MUST have the PERFECT ceremony. I'll help you find the dress, Lita will supervise the kitchens, Rei will supervise the guests, and Ami will be the hostess. I can't believe that you're getting MARRIED! AND that he's actually letting you design the ceremony!" said Mina with a tear in her eye.

That afternoon, Mina was already ordering all the palace staff to do this and that. She had just finished getting the guest list down when Malachite strutted into the room. She caught herself looking him straight in the eye as he said, "Excuse me miss, Mina isn't it? But I do believe that I am the one in who is supposed to be helping her highness plan the wedding."

She had totally been swept away by the deep, masculine voice ringing in her ears. "Oh really? You, with the severe staring problem? I DON'T THINK SO. There is absolutely NO way that I am going to let YOU help plan MY friend's wedding," snarled Mina angrily.

"Hmm.Interesting. But isn't it also MY friend's wedding as well? Endymion is the groom, if I am not mistaken. He asked ME to help the Princess and THAT is what I am going to do." Malachite said calmly. He could picture himself sparring with the beautiful blonde for all eternity, if she allowed it. He loved annoying her, for she was, in fact, beautiful when she was angry. She pouted and rolled her eyes at him every other second. He was enjoying this.

Serena simply stood, watching the two argue over who was going to plan HER wedding. "What have I gotten myself into?" she thought. She had to stop this incessant arguing. She knew they would never get anything done if they continued on like this. "Okay you two. That's ENOUGH! Can't both of you help plan the wedding? Malachite, you can take care of all the guy stuff and leave everything else to Mina and I."

"Guy stuff? Um.Excuse me your highness, but what exactly is guy stuff?" Asked Malachite innocently.

"Well, I guess the tuxedos, the ring, the transportation, and whatever else you men should be taking care of. Don't worry, Mina and I will be fine. We'll take care of the decorations, the guests, the dresses, and the food. You can arrange for everything else okay?" Said Serena, exasperated with the two "lovebirds".

"As you wish your majesty." Said Malachite with a bow. Mina and Serena could hear him murmuring under his breath as he left.

"Well Mina, do you HAVE to flirt with every unsuspecting man that comes along?" Serena questioned impatiently. "My wedding is in a few days and all you can think of is a GUY! If you like him so much why don't you ask him to be your date to the wedding? If you don't, then I'll just ask Endymion to make a few "arrangements" for Malachite and you!"

"YOU WOULDN'T DARE!" said Mina with her eyes bulging and her mouth wide open.

"You think I wouldn't?" Serena was seriously considering it. She knew that her friend had been boyfriend-less for some time now. What exactly was she waiting for?

The next thing the two knew, Rei, Ami, and Lita had shown up as peacemakers. They had all had a good laugh about it and in about five minutes, it was forgotten. It was time to pick out the dresses.

Mina had ordered about a hundred different dresses for the five of them to try on. She herself had decided to wear a pale yellow ball-gown. It was made with iridescent fabric and had a low back. She had to admit that it was beautiful. Now if she could only find some matching shoes.

Rei had chosen a fiery red dress. It had an oriental flare to it, with a mandarin collar and a golden dragon swirling up from her ankles to her shoulder. It had two high slits on both sides of it, reaching mid-thigh. It was conservative, yet revealing. It was definitely the dress for Rei.

Ami, being as modest as possible, had chosen an off-the-shoulder gown that went down to her ankles. It was the lightest shade of blue possible and suited her well. She preferred simplicity to extravagance, and the dress had fit the description perfectly.

Lita, who hated dressing up, had reluctantly picked up the first green thing she saw. It was a strapless column dress, with a high slit. It was actually a pale green satin fabric, with a slight sheen to it. It tied in the back, and showed off her lean figure.

Serena, the bride herself, had gotten through at least thirty-five different dresses. She was rummaging through the large chests of clothes that had been brought and suddenly picked up the perfect dress. It was silvery-white, with an empire waist. It's elegant train swept out behind it, only to add to it's beauty. The edges were intricately detailed with golden lace, making the dress seem both costly and luxurious. She knew that it was the right dress, without even trying it on.

Night had already fallen. Everyone had met at the foot of the stairs to say goodnight. Again, there was tension in the air. Mina refused to even look at Malachite, who was STILL staring at her, but this time with an eyebrow raised mockingly. Endymion had kissed Serena's hand, which filled her stomach with butterflies. Jedeite had wished Rei a good night while Zoicite was nowhere to be seen. Nephrite, on the other hand, had stiffly bowed to everyone, with a simple gesture of goodbye, and retreated to his chambers.

Everyone had gone to sleep. It was well after midnight when suddenly.

"Sir? Your majesty! You must awaken! There's an emergency!" said Malachite urgently, trying to wake his leader. "Hmm? Malachite? What's happened?" Asked Endymion groggily. He was still rubbing his eyes when they had arrived in the conference room.

"Sir, we've just been informed that there has been another attack on the moon." Said Zoicite. "Except, this time it's different. The Negaverse has grown bolder. They are now making a direct attack on Queen Selenity's palace. Obviously, they want the Silver Crystal."

"Are you sure? How do you know this?" asked Endymion worriedly.

"Sir, the queen herself sent a transmission. Along with the transmission, she sent one of her faithful servants. He waits in the main chamber. He is supposed to give us the enemy's exact coordinates. I also recommend that we leave IMMEDIATELY. You, of all people, your majesty, know what could happen if they get their hands on that crystal." Said Nephrite. "I have already informed the military. They are prepared to leave at this exact moment."

"Okay. We leave in one hour." Said Endymion with a sigh.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Serena had awoken to the melodious sound of birds chirping. In her mind, she was counting down the minutes to her wedding. She turned her head towards the window, and there, on her bed stand, stood a single red rose. Endymion was so sweet. She lazily dragged herself out of the bed to pick up the rose when she noticed a piece of parchment lying under it. "What could that be?" she wondered. The letter was folded and had a royal seal on it, indicating that it was from Endymion himself. The thick red wax held the imprint of a crescent moon and a miniature Earth. He had even changed his royal seals to show the peace between their kingdoms. Serena opened it carefully, admiring the handsome writing of her fiancée.

My Dearest, I regret that I could not wake you up myself and tell you this in person, but there has been an attack on your Mother's palace. We must leave quickly in order to help. I am sorry that the wedding must be postponed, but once I return we shall be married. I shall save your mother and defeat the Negaverse. Do not fear for me, for I will return safely. I do not know when, but know that I promise it. I will write whenever I can.

Love, Endymion

Serena simply sat on the edge of her bed, not believing the words on the piece of parchment in her hands. Her fiancée had left her on Earth while he was on the Moon fighting for her people, for her mother, for her. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.CLIFFHANGER!.Don't hate me.I have to build up the suspense in order for the rest of the plot to form.keep looking for the next chapter okie????

-Tina