Disclaimer: I do not own or have any title, interest or right in either
Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon. This fanfiction is not being used for
commercial purposes. I own all other rights (to the extent legally
permissible) in connection with this writing.
Duo was certainly not pleased. For the first time, he had poured his heart and soul into something, and yet, his efforts had been in vain. The young man's lavender eyes were burning with frustration. The braided youth was sitting next to Heero at a table for reserved for the knights. But this table was located fairly far back in the banquet hall. The front of the banquet hall was reserved for the special guests of this celebration.
The victor and the lady crowned as the "Queen of Beauty and of Love".
The King had quickly declared that a feast be held to honor Sir Wufei's victory and to pay homage to Princess Minako's new title. The royal family had even decided to let the couple take the main table. The King and the others were seated to one side Wufei and Minako. At the other side were the other princesses of the Allied Kingdom.
Duo seemed to gain some small bit of satisfaction from the fact that Wufei looked terribly unhappy. Wufei had never enjoyed these types of events, considering them foolish displays and hollow celebrations. The poor young knight had been neatly packaged by the King's attendants so that he would look resplendent in bright, new clothes fit for nobility. But the distant look on Wufei's face clearly indicated that he was not enjoying either the attention or the food.
But Duo was still upset at his friend.
"I can't believe he picked her!" Duo groused, as he angrily cut his steak into shreds. "He knew that I wanted to crown Princess Minako!"
Heero glanced at Duo. "Would you have been this upset if one of the other knights had picked Princess Minako? She is one of the most beautiful princesses around. Besides, I don't think he has any interest in her."
"It's not that!" Duo whined. "Wufei should know my feelings about this! He could have crowned one of the other princesses!"
"Duo, you're sounding like a child," Heero told him bluntly.
Those words were like a painful slap across his face. Duo clenched his teeth and was about to retort. Yet, Heero's words slowly sunk in and kept Duo from responding harshly. As hard as it was, he tried to reflect as objectively as he could about the situation. Even though the situation was still frustrating, Duo realized that his complaints were beginning to sound truly childish.
But Duo could not stand sitting here in the banquet held in honor of Wufei and Minako, even if he knew that it was just a meaningless show for the public.
Duo pushed himself away from the table.
"I need to get some fresh air," Duo announced. He did not wait for Heero's reaction before he purposefully marched away from the table.
Duo picked his way through the crowded banquet hall. The nimble young man easily found the nearest balcony. He pushed his way through the double doors to taste the fresh air outside.
It was then he noticed a small, petite figure standing inconspicuously at one corner of the balcony. The figure was draped in a deep purple cloak and was gazing at the night sky. Duo quietly shut the doors behind him and continued to observe the young woman. She had short, dark black hair. She was somehow familiar. Then he recalled that she was one of the princesses who had been sitting with Princess Minako the other night. He was intrigued as to why the young girl was out here all along.
"So what brings you out here, your highness?" he asked in a friendly voice.
The girl was startled and turned around to regard Duo. After a moment, she seemed to relax.
"I was just looking at the stars," she answered in a meek voice.
"The stars are quite beautiful tonight, your highness," Duo agreed as he walked up next to her.
"Please, you can call me Hotaru," the young girl told him. Her gaze returned to the stars.
"Of course, Hotaru. You can call me Duo." Duo smiled. "I serve as a knight for his Majesty."
Hotaru turned to look at the young man standing next to her. He had so easily dispensed with formalities that she was not sure whether to be glad or disturbed. But he seemed genuinely friendly enough.
"Did you ever wonder what makes those stars burn so brightly?" Hotaru reflected aloud in an absent voice. "They have always been there since the beginning of time...and it feels like they will always be there."
Duo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I have to admit, I never really thought about that. But I'm glad that the stars are there to keep the beautiful Moon company. Imagine how sad the Moon would be without the stars in the sky."
"Are you always so eloquent?" Hotaru asked with a faint smile.
"Only when I've been inspired by something beautiful!" Duo grinned back at her.
Hotaru blushed and quickly looked away. Her violet eyes scanned the dark skies, looking for a particular celestial body.
"Do you see that star in the north? Above the Dragon Constellation?" Hotaru's delicate finger pointed out into the night sky.
Duo was vaguely familiar with some of the more well known constellations. It still took him a moment to find the long, slender constellation of stars that comprised the Dragon Constellation. Then he saw a small, twinkling star that glowed white with a tinge of violet.
"Yes, I see that star," Duo acknowledged.
"That star is known as Saturnia.[1] It is the star from which my royal family draws its power," she informed him softly.
"Do all the royal families of the Allied Kingdoms have their own representative star?" Duo inquired with some interest.
Hotaru nodded. "Yes, every royal family has its own special star. The stars of Mercuria, Venusia, Marseia, and Jupeia represent the royalty of Hermaea, Aphrodiaea, Aresaea, and Zeuea, respectively. Each of these stars move across the heavens at a different speed than any other star in the heavens. In fact, many scholars believe that their movements are more similar to the Moon than the other stars."
"So does that mean the star of Saturnia will not always be twinkling right above the Dragon Constellation?"
"The star of Saturnia will travel across the heavens and it will not always be above the Dragon Constellation. But it will always return there," she responded.
"I suppose that's reassuring," Duo said, shrugging slightly.
"I actually find it very reassuring," Hotaru told him with a hint of a smile on her lips.
* * * * *
"You haven't said very much," Minako pointed out to her companion at the main table. The young, blond princess was regarding Wufei with a mixture of amusement and interest.
Wufei, who had been looking off into the distance, snapped his attention back to the lovely young woman sitting next to him. He had spent most of his evening pretending to be absorbed eating his food. The young knight had exchanged a few small pleasantries with Minako, but otherwise did not say very much. He was obviously preoccupied with something.
"I am sorry, your highness. But I am only a humble knight and I am better with my sword than I am with my words," he told her in a mildly apologetic tone.
"You seem pretty capable with your words, when you put your mind to it," Minako stated mildly.
Wufei merely cast her a glance and then he shrugged. "Perhaps. But the tournament has worn me out considerably, your highness."
Minako paused, looking at him with some measure of curiosity. It was obvious there was something on her mind. She decided she might as well voice it.
"So why did you pick me, Sir Wufei?" she queried in an overly casual tone.
"You are one of the most beautiful women around. It is only fitting that you receive such a title, your highness," Wufei said in a smooth voice, hoping that would satisfy her.
Minako arched her eyebrows. The young knight had not even made eye contact with her when he spoke those words.
"From my humble observations, it initially appeared that you were planning to give the crown to some one else," Minako remarked with a hint of mischief in her voice. "Is that right, Sir Wufei?"
Wufei's eyes went immediately down to his plate. His face was blushing slightly as he stared with intense concentration at the plate before him.
"I based my final decision on what I felt would be the correct outcome," he stated stiffly.
"You didn't answer my question," Minako chided him lightly. It seemed that she enjoyed tormenting him with her inquiries. "I promise I won't be offended by your answer. Who did you want to give the crown to first?"
"What is your insistence with these questions, your highness?" Wufei asked heatedly, his temper getting the better of him. This woman was almost as frustrating as that braided baka.
"You know, if you answered me truthfully, I might be able to help you!" Minako hinted with an amused look on her face. Indeed, she did seem to be enjoying herself far too much.
"Pardon my rudeness, your highness. But I do not think there is anything you could help me with!" Wufei said brusquely.
"Fine, be that way, Sir Wufei," Minako conceded in a light voice. "But you can always come to me for help or questions regarding any of the other princesses....especially if you fancy one of them!"
"I have no time for such weak and trifling indulgences!" Wufei snapped at her.
Wufei's violent reaction only drew an amused smile from Minako.
"Sir Wufei, you should not be so shy in matters of the heart! After all, they say: Fortune flavors the bold," she advised him sagely.
Wufei looked at her in confusion. Then, he smirked, "I think you meant to say: Fortune 'favors' the bold."
"I guess that proverb works too," she said in a dismissive voice. She returned to her meal.
Out of the corner of her eyes, Minako noticed a young attendant rush up to King Tsukino Kenji and whisper something that appeared quite urgent. The King's eyes seemed to widen for a moment. Then he nodded and waved the attendant off. She saw the attendant race out of the hallway.
Only a few minutes had passed before the large, massive oak doors to the banquet hall were pulled widen open by several guards. This immediately quieted the people in attendance. The opened doorway revealed a large group of men standing proudly at the other end. There was one simple trumpet and a page stepped forward.
"Your Majesty!" boomed the voice of the page, "Lord Quatre Raberba Winner, the Desert Prince, has come to honor you with a tribute!"
A slender young man walked through the doorway, with four powerful looking warriors flanking him. As he drew closer, Minako was able to more clearly make out his features. The Desert Prince much shorter than the men standing around him. In fact, Minako suspected that he was probably not even as tall as Makoto. But he carried himself with such dignity and presence, it was almost impossible not to stare at him. His deep blue eyes were soft and kind. His face was perhaps a bit too youthful and innocent in appearance. His soft, pale blond hair was kept short. Lord Quatre Raberba Winner's cape flowed elegantly from his shoulders. Minako had to admit that he was a rather impressive figure.
"Do you know of this Desert Prince?" Minako whispered questioningly to Wufei.
Wufei nodded. "Lord Quatre Raberba Winner is the crown prince of a desert kingdom that lies south of the Allied Kingdoms. His allegiance and support helps defend the most southern border of the Allied Kingdoms. Lord Quatre Raberba Winner offers token tributes to his Majesty every few months. In return, his Majesty provides weapons, armor and other supplies to the Desert Prince and his loyal band of warriors, known as Maguanacs."
"Why can't he just obtain those weapons and other items from his own kingdom?" Minako inquired.
Wufei cleared his throat slightly. "There appears to be a rather complicated reason for this arrangement. But from what I understand, Lord Quatre Raberba Winner's father is a pacifist and does not want the people of his kingdom to be heavily armed. Thus, the Desert Prince has taken it upon himself to maintain a band of warriors to protect the desert people without his father's support or approval."
"But doesn't his father's kingdom and people benefit from their protection?" Minako demanded in a disapproving voice. It seemed quite unfair that such a young prince would take on this great responsibility without the support of his kingdom and his own father. "How can they not support the people who are protecting them? How can a father treat his son in such a manner?"
"I cannot answer that for you," Wufei replied.
By now, the young prince had reached the table of the King and his family. The Desert Prince cast a slightly curious look at both Wufei and Minako, who had taken up the King's traditional spot. Then the young blond haired man gracefully bowed and kneeled down before the King. The men who had entered with the young prince also bowed and fell to their knees.
"King Tsukino Kenji," Lord Quatre Raberba Winner spoke in a regal voice, "please permit my people to offer you a tribute for your benefaction. We humbly hope that it pleases you."
The four men flanking the young prince each pulled out a small chest from beneath their heavy cloaks. Upon opening each of the chests, diamonds, rubies and other valuable gems glittered.
The King smiled gently and rested a hand on Lord Quatre Raberba Winner's shoulder.
"I thank you, Prince Quatre," the King smiled in appreciation. "Please feel free to join this banquet. But if you are weary from your journey, do not hesitate to have my chamberlain make arrangements for you and your men to rest here for the night."
"Thank you, King Tsukino Kenji," Prince Quatre said in a grateful voice. "I think my men and I would like to retire as early as possible. We have traveled far and we are in need of rest."
"Chamberlain Umino will take care of all your needs," the King stated simply. The chamberlain appeared and quickly led the blond prince out of the banquet hall.
Once the young prince had left, the doors to the banquet hall were slowly shut. The people quickly resumed their conversations.
Minako glanced at Wufei's face. The young knight's face had darkened considerably and concern was etched across his face.
She turned to look at him. "What is wrong, Sir Wufei?"
"Lord Quatre Raberba Winner usually does not offer so much in one single tribute," Wufei frowned. "There must be something going on. It could be possible that he is preparing to defend his people against a war."
* * * * *
The well worn pages of an ancient codex were illuminated by a small lamp hanging in the library. A solitary figure was curled up on a large, plush chair, carefully reading the ancient book.
Princess Mizuno Ami had excused herself fairly early from the banquet, and naturally gravitated to the library. Ever since her arrival, this room had given her a chance to learn as much as she could about the history of the Kingdom of Luminaea as well as about the arts and sciences that it had developed. In her own kingdom, Ami had spent far too much time in her royal library, providing a rich source of gossip for the castle's servants. As much as Ami wanted to make friends with everyone, she also had this unquenchable curiosity and desire for knowledge that pushed her to learn as much as possible.
The young, blue-haired girl was currently digesting a book on Luminaea legends and tales. The stories from this kingdom's past seemed far more tragic and terrible than those from her own kingdom. She played absently with a stray lock of blue hair.
Ami was startled when she heard the door creak open. The young girl almost dropped her book in surprise. She sat there in stunned silence, looking at the door.
The face of a young man with blue eyes and blond hair peered through the opening in the door.
"Excuse me, is someone here?" the young man inquired in a gentle voice. He pushed the door open and pulled himself inside. He was not a particularly tall young man, but he moved with dignity borne from nobility. His soft blue eyes looked at Ami. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, my lady. But do you happen to know where the maps are?"
Ami wordlessly nodded and pointed over to a nearby wall.
The young man graced her with a grateful bow. "Thank you, milady. My name is Prince Quatre Raberba Winner. I am pleased to meet you."
Ami's eyes widened. This was the Desert Prince? This slender, polite young man was the leader of a fanatically loyal band of desert warriors that had gone through countless battles? She had heard much about this young prince from her father, but she did not expect him to be so gentle looking.
Quatre immediately went to the shelf with several large scrolls. After quickly studying them, he pulled out several large rolls of parchment and brought them to a table near Ami.
"Pardon me, milady, but do you mind if I review these maps here briefly?" he requested courteously.
"Umm...sure," Ami nodded. "Please, Prince Quatre Raberba Winner, feel free to use this lamp and the library. I will take my leave."
The young prince looked somewhat hurt by her statement. "I apologize for disturbing you," he stated quickly. "I will let myself out. I can return at another time. I do not wish to intrude on your reading."
"No, it's not that, Prince Quatre Raberba Winner, I just wanted to allow you the luxury to study your maps undisturbed," she told him truthfully. "Your presence does not disturb me in any way."
"Well, then, please stay, milady," the young prince insisted. "May I ask your name?"
"I am Princess Mizuno Ami, please call me Ami," she replied.
"Please call me Quatre," the Desert Prince smiled at her. He returned his attention to the parchment in his hands. He opened up the map and began to study it with an intense expression on his face.
It was only after a few minutes that Ami realized she was staring at the Desert Prince's gentle face. She blushed and immediately returned to reading her book. But she could not help but occasionally peering over her book to observe Prince Quatre.
Quatre spent about fifteen minutes studying the maps before he sat down and folded his arms thoughtfully. There was a small frown on his face.
"Is something troubling you, Prince Quatre?" she queried politely.
Quatre turned to look at her with a smile. "I'm just having a little trouble finding something on the map. Please do not let it trouble you."
"Perhaps I can help," Ami suggested. "What are you looking for?"
Quatre stood up and pointed at the map. "I am looking for the ancient city of Haades. This is the map showing the southern part of the desert, where the ancient city should be located. Unfortunately, I cannot find it on this map."
Ami studied the map for a moment. Her eyebrows furrowed as she examined the names of the cities written on the map. Then she came to a realization.
"I believe the city that you are looking for is this one," she told him, tapping on a point on the map. "The name 'Haades' is the more popular name for this ancient city. But centuries ago, the city was called 'Sheole'. This particular map refers to that ancient city by the name 'Sheole'."[2]
Quatre turned to look at the young princess with amazement in his eyes.
"Thank you, Princess Ami!" he said in a grateful voice. "I cannot thank you enough! I could have spent most of night here trying to figure that out."
"No you wouldn't have," Ami responded. She smiled playfully at him. "I would have kicked you out first!"
Quatre chucked lightly. "Intelligent, beautiful...and with a sense of humor. I wonder why the gods have blessed me with your presence!"
Ami laughed lightly and quickly returned to retrieve her book.
Quatre quickly rolled up the map and placed it on the table. He returned the other scrolls back to the shelf. He pulled the map that he needed off the table and tucked it carefully underneath his arm. He appeared ready to leave, but paused.
"I hope we have an opportunity to meet again, Princess Ami," Quatre told her in a sincere voice. "But for now, I must bid you good night."
"Good night, Prince Quatre," Ami called out as she watched the young prince slip out of the room. There was a beautiful smile on the young girl's face.
Her smile disappeared quickly. Her sharp mind and intellect were recalling as much as they could about the ancient city of Haades. The old legends warned that this was a dark and dangerous place haunted by demons and anguished souls of the dead. It was a place that could easily consume the mind and spirit of any mere mortal. She wondered why the young Desert Prince would be interested in such a terrible city forsaken by all the gods.
* * * * * Footnotes:
[1] I am aware that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are planets and that they are not stars. But in ancient times, many observers of the night sky believed that the planets (which originally means "wanderers"), along with the Moon and the Sun, were considered "special stars" because of their unique movement across the heavens. Thus, these planets will be referred to as "stars" in this story.
[2] The names "Haades" and "Sheole" is my literary corruption of the terms "Hades" and "Sheol". In the King James translation of the Bible, the Greek word "hades" (related to the god Hades) was translated as "hell" or "grave". Similarly, the Hebrew word "sheol" is translated as "hell" or "grave" numerous times. Moreover, the original Old English meaning of the term "hell" (before religious connotations were attached to it) meant "hidden" or "concealed". I felt that naming an ancient city in this manner would underscore several different thoughts and meanings associated with those names.
* * * * *
[I appreciate all thoughts, constructive criticisms, and comments]
[Thanks again to all those who have submitted reviews! Special thanks to Michelle Ann Myst Lady, who has reviewed every chapter thus far.]
Duo was certainly not pleased. For the first time, he had poured his heart and soul into something, and yet, his efforts had been in vain. The young man's lavender eyes were burning with frustration. The braided youth was sitting next to Heero at a table for reserved for the knights. But this table was located fairly far back in the banquet hall. The front of the banquet hall was reserved for the special guests of this celebration.
The victor and the lady crowned as the "Queen of Beauty and of Love".
The King had quickly declared that a feast be held to honor Sir Wufei's victory and to pay homage to Princess Minako's new title. The royal family had even decided to let the couple take the main table. The King and the others were seated to one side Wufei and Minako. At the other side were the other princesses of the Allied Kingdom.
Duo seemed to gain some small bit of satisfaction from the fact that Wufei looked terribly unhappy. Wufei had never enjoyed these types of events, considering them foolish displays and hollow celebrations. The poor young knight had been neatly packaged by the King's attendants so that he would look resplendent in bright, new clothes fit for nobility. But the distant look on Wufei's face clearly indicated that he was not enjoying either the attention or the food.
But Duo was still upset at his friend.
"I can't believe he picked her!" Duo groused, as he angrily cut his steak into shreds. "He knew that I wanted to crown Princess Minako!"
Heero glanced at Duo. "Would you have been this upset if one of the other knights had picked Princess Minako? She is one of the most beautiful princesses around. Besides, I don't think he has any interest in her."
"It's not that!" Duo whined. "Wufei should know my feelings about this! He could have crowned one of the other princesses!"
"Duo, you're sounding like a child," Heero told him bluntly.
Those words were like a painful slap across his face. Duo clenched his teeth and was about to retort. Yet, Heero's words slowly sunk in and kept Duo from responding harshly. As hard as it was, he tried to reflect as objectively as he could about the situation. Even though the situation was still frustrating, Duo realized that his complaints were beginning to sound truly childish.
But Duo could not stand sitting here in the banquet held in honor of Wufei and Minako, even if he knew that it was just a meaningless show for the public.
Duo pushed himself away from the table.
"I need to get some fresh air," Duo announced. He did not wait for Heero's reaction before he purposefully marched away from the table.
Duo picked his way through the crowded banquet hall. The nimble young man easily found the nearest balcony. He pushed his way through the double doors to taste the fresh air outside.
It was then he noticed a small, petite figure standing inconspicuously at one corner of the balcony. The figure was draped in a deep purple cloak and was gazing at the night sky. Duo quietly shut the doors behind him and continued to observe the young woman. She had short, dark black hair. She was somehow familiar. Then he recalled that she was one of the princesses who had been sitting with Princess Minako the other night. He was intrigued as to why the young girl was out here all along.
"So what brings you out here, your highness?" he asked in a friendly voice.
The girl was startled and turned around to regard Duo. After a moment, she seemed to relax.
"I was just looking at the stars," she answered in a meek voice.
"The stars are quite beautiful tonight, your highness," Duo agreed as he walked up next to her.
"Please, you can call me Hotaru," the young girl told him. Her gaze returned to the stars.
"Of course, Hotaru. You can call me Duo." Duo smiled. "I serve as a knight for his Majesty."
Hotaru turned to look at the young man standing next to her. He had so easily dispensed with formalities that she was not sure whether to be glad or disturbed. But he seemed genuinely friendly enough.
"Did you ever wonder what makes those stars burn so brightly?" Hotaru reflected aloud in an absent voice. "They have always been there since the beginning of time...and it feels like they will always be there."
Duo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I have to admit, I never really thought about that. But I'm glad that the stars are there to keep the beautiful Moon company. Imagine how sad the Moon would be without the stars in the sky."
"Are you always so eloquent?" Hotaru asked with a faint smile.
"Only when I've been inspired by something beautiful!" Duo grinned back at her.
Hotaru blushed and quickly looked away. Her violet eyes scanned the dark skies, looking for a particular celestial body.
"Do you see that star in the north? Above the Dragon Constellation?" Hotaru's delicate finger pointed out into the night sky.
Duo was vaguely familiar with some of the more well known constellations. It still took him a moment to find the long, slender constellation of stars that comprised the Dragon Constellation. Then he saw a small, twinkling star that glowed white with a tinge of violet.
"Yes, I see that star," Duo acknowledged.
"That star is known as Saturnia.[1] It is the star from which my royal family draws its power," she informed him softly.
"Do all the royal families of the Allied Kingdoms have their own representative star?" Duo inquired with some interest.
Hotaru nodded. "Yes, every royal family has its own special star. The stars of Mercuria, Venusia, Marseia, and Jupeia represent the royalty of Hermaea, Aphrodiaea, Aresaea, and Zeuea, respectively. Each of these stars move across the heavens at a different speed than any other star in the heavens. In fact, many scholars believe that their movements are more similar to the Moon than the other stars."
"So does that mean the star of Saturnia will not always be twinkling right above the Dragon Constellation?"
"The star of Saturnia will travel across the heavens and it will not always be above the Dragon Constellation. But it will always return there," she responded.
"I suppose that's reassuring," Duo said, shrugging slightly.
"I actually find it very reassuring," Hotaru told him with a hint of a smile on her lips.
* * * * *
"You haven't said very much," Minako pointed out to her companion at the main table. The young, blond princess was regarding Wufei with a mixture of amusement and interest.
Wufei, who had been looking off into the distance, snapped his attention back to the lovely young woman sitting next to him. He had spent most of his evening pretending to be absorbed eating his food. The young knight had exchanged a few small pleasantries with Minako, but otherwise did not say very much. He was obviously preoccupied with something.
"I am sorry, your highness. But I am only a humble knight and I am better with my sword than I am with my words," he told her in a mildly apologetic tone.
"You seem pretty capable with your words, when you put your mind to it," Minako stated mildly.
Wufei merely cast her a glance and then he shrugged. "Perhaps. But the tournament has worn me out considerably, your highness."
Minako paused, looking at him with some measure of curiosity. It was obvious there was something on her mind. She decided she might as well voice it.
"So why did you pick me, Sir Wufei?" she queried in an overly casual tone.
"You are one of the most beautiful women around. It is only fitting that you receive such a title, your highness," Wufei said in a smooth voice, hoping that would satisfy her.
Minako arched her eyebrows. The young knight had not even made eye contact with her when he spoke those words.
"From my humble observations, it initially appeared that you were planning to give the crown to some one else," Minako remarked with a hint of mischief in her voice. "Is that right, Sir Wufei?"
Wufei's eyes went immediately down to his plate. His face was blushing slightly as he stared with intense concentration at the plate before him.
"I based my final decision on what I felt would be the correct outcome," he stated stiffly.
"You didn't answer my question," Minako chided him lightly. It seemed that she enjoyed tormenting him with her inquiries. "I promise I won't be offended by your answer. Who did you want to give the crown to first?"
"What is your insistence with these questions, your highness?" Wufei asked heatedly, his temper getting the better of him. This woman was almost as frustrating as that braided baka.
"You know, if you answered me truthfully, I might be able to help you!" Minako hinted with an amused look on her face. Indeed, she did seem to be enjoying herself far too much.
"Pardon my rudeness, your highness. But I do not think there is anything you could help me with!" Wufei said brusquely.
"Fine, be that way, Sir Wufei," Minako conceded in a light voice. "But you can always come to me for help or questions regarding any of the other princesses....especially if you fancy one of them!"
"I have no time for such weak and trifling indulgences!" Wufei snapped at her.
Wufei's violent reaction only drew an amused smile from Minako.
"Sir Wufei, you should not be so shy in matters of the heart! After all, they say: Fortune flavors the bold," she advised him sagely.
Wufei looked at her in confusion. Then, he smirked, "I think you meant to say: Fortune 'favors' the bold."
"I guess that proverb works too," she said in a dismissive voice. She returned to her meal.
Out of the corner of her eyes, Minako noticed a young attendant rush up to King Tsukino Kenji and whisper something that appeared quite urgent. The King's eyes seemed to widen for a moment. Then he nodded and waved the attendant off. She saw the attendant race out of the hallway.
Only a few minutes had passed before the large, massive oak doors to the banquet hall were pulled widen open by several guards. This immediately quieted the people in attendance. The opened doorway revealed a large group of men standing proudly at the other end. There was one simple trumpet and a page stepped forward.
"Your Majesty!" boomed the voice of the page, "Lord Quatre Raberba Winner, the Desert Prince, has come to honor you with a tribute!"
A slender young man walked through the doorway, with four powerful looking warriors flanking him. As he drew closer, Minako was able to more clearly make out his features. The Desert Prince much shorter than the men standing around him. In fact, Minako suspected that he was probably not even as tall as Makoto. But he carried himself with such dignity and presence, it was almost impossible not to stare at him. His deep blue eyes were soft and kind. His face was perhaps a bit too youthful and innocent in appearance. His soft, pale blond hair was kept short. Lord Quatre Raberba Winner's cape flowed elegantly from his shoulders. Minako had to admit that he was a rather impressive figure.
"Do you know of this Desert Prince?" Minako whispered questioningly to Wufei.
Wufei nodded. "Lord Quatre Raberba Winner is the crown prince of a desert kingdom that lies south of the Allied Kingdoms. His allegiance and support helps defend the most southern border of the Allied Kingdoms. Lord Quatre Raberba Winner offers token tributes to his Majesty every few months. In return, his Majesty provides weapons, armor and other supplies to the Desert Prince and his loyal band of warriors, known as Maguanacs."
"Why can't he just obtain those weapons and other items from his own kingdom?" Minako inquired.
Wufei cleared his throat slightly. "There appears to be a rather complicated reason for this arrangement. But from what I understand, Lord Quatre Raberba Winner's father is a pacifist and does not want the people of his kingdom to be heavily armed. Thus, the Desert Prince has taken it upon himself to maintain a band of warriors to protect the desert people without his father's support or approval."
"But doesn't his father's kingdom and people benefit from their protection?" Minako demanded in a disapproving voice. It seemed quite unfair that such a young prince would take on this great responsibility without the support of his kingdom and his own father. "How can they not support the people who are protecting them? How can a father treat his son in such a manner?"
"I cannot answer that for you," Wufei replied.
By now, the young prince had reached the table of the King and his family. The Desert Prince cast a slightly curious look at both Wufei and Minako, who had taken up the King's traditional spot. Then the young blond haired man gracefully bowed and kneeled down before the King. The men who had entered with the young prince also bowed and fell to their knees.
"King Tsukino Kenji," Lord Quatre Raberba Winner spoke in a regal voice, "please permit my people to offer you a tribute for your benefaction. We humbly hope that it pleases you."
The four men flanking the young prince each pulled out a small chest from beneath their heavy cloaks. Upon opening each of the chests, diamonds, rubies and other valuable gems glittered.
The King smiled gently and rested a hand on Lord Quatre Raberba Winner's shoulder.
"I thank you, Prince Quatre," the King smiled in appreciation. "Please feel free to join this banquet. But if you are weary from your journey, do not hesitate to have my chamberlain make arrangements for you and your men to rest here for the night."
"Thank you, King Tsukino Kenji," Prince Quatre said in a grateful voice. "I think my men and I would like to retire as early as possible. We have traveled far and we are in need of rest."
"Chamberlain Umino will take care of all your needs," the King stated simply. The chamberlain appeared and quickly led the blond prince out of the banquet hall.
Once the young prince had left, the doors to the banquet hall were slowly shut. The people quickly resumed their conversations.
Minako glanced at Wufei's face. The young knight's face had darkened considerably and concern was etched across his face.
She turned to look at him. "What is wrong, Sir Wufei?"
"Lord Quatre Raberba Winner usually does not offer so much in one single tribute," Wufei frowned. "There must be something going on. It could be possible that he is preparing to defend his people against a war."
* * * * *
The well worn pages of an ancient codex were illuminated by a small lamp hanging in the library. A solitary figure was curled up on a large, plush chair, carefully reading the ancient book.
Princess Mizuno Ami had excused herself fairly early from the banquet, and naturally gravitated to the library. Ever since her arrival, this room had given her a chance to learn as much as she could about the history of the Kingdom of Luminaea as well as about the arts and sciences that it had developed. In her own kingdom, Ami had spent far too much time in her royal library, providing a rich source of gossip for the castle's servants. As much as Ami wanted to make friends with everyone, she also had this unquenchable curiosity and desire for knowledge that pushed her to learn as much as possible.
The young, blue-haired girl was currently digesting a book on Luminaea legends and tales. The stories from this kingdom's past seemed far more tragic and terrible than those from her own kingdom. She played absently with a stray lock of blue hair.
Ami was startled when she heard the door creak open. The young girl almost dropped her book in surprise. She sat there in stunned silence, looking at the door.
The face of a young man with blue eyes and blond hair peered through the opening in the door.
"Excuse me, is someone here?" the young man inquired in a gentle voice. He pushed the door open and pulled himself inside. He was not a particularly tall young man, but he moved with dignity borne from nobility. His soft blue eyes looked at Ami. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, my lady. But do you happen to know where the maps are?"
Ami wordlessly nodded and pointed over to a nearby wall.
The young man graced her with a grateful bow. "Thank you, milady. My name is Prince Quatre Raberba Winner. I am pleased to meet you."
Ami's eyes widened. This was the Desert Prince? This slender, polite young man was the leader of a fanatically loyal band of desert warriors that had gone through countless battles? She had heard much about this young prince from her father, but she did not expect him to be so gentle looking.
Quatre immediately went to the shelf with several large scrolls. After quickly studying them, he pulled out several large rolls of parchment and brought them to a table near Ami.
"Pardon me, milady, but do you mind if I review these maps here briefly?" he requested courteously.
"Umm...sure," Ami nodded. "Please, Prince Quatre Raberba Winner, feel free to use this lamp and the library. I will take my leave."
The young prince looked somewhat hurt by her statement. "I apologize for disturbing you," he stated quickly. "I will let myself out. I can return at another time. I do not wish to intrude on your reading."
"No, it's not that, Prince Quatre Raberba Winner, I just wanted to allow you the luxury to study your maps undisturbed," she told him truthfully. "Your presence does not disturb me in any way."
"Well, then, please stay, milady," the young prince insisted. "May I ask your name?"
"I am Princess Mizuno Ami, please call me Ami," she replied.
"Please call me Quatre," the Desert Prince smiled at her. He returned his attention to the parchment in his hands. He opened up the map and began to study it with an intense expression on his face.
It was only after a few minutes that Ami realized she was staring at the Desert Prince's gentle face. She blushed and immediately returned to reading her book. But she could not help but occasionally peering over her book to observe Prince Quatre.
Quatre spent about fifteen minutes studying the maps before he sat down and folded his arms thoughtfully. There was a small frown on his face.
"Is something troubling you, Prince Quatre?" she queried politely.
Quatre turned to look at her with a smile. "I'm just having a little trouble finding something on the map. Please do not let it trouble you."
"Perhaps I can help," Ami suggested. "What are you looking for?"
Quatre stood up and pointed at the map. "I am looking for the ancient city of Haades. This is the map showing the southern part of the desert, where the ancient city should be located. Unfortunately, I cannot find it on this map."
Ami studied the map for a moment. Her eyebrows furrowed as she examined the names of the cities written on the map. Then she came to a realization.
"I believe the city that you are looking for is this one," she told him, tapping on a point on the map. "The name 'Haades' is the more popular name for this ancient city. But centuries ago, the city was called 'Sheole'. This particular map refers to that ancient city by the name 'Sheole'."[2]
Quatre turned to look at the young princess with amazement in his eyes.
"Thank you, Princess Ami!" he said in a grateful voice. "I cannot thank you enough! I could have spent most of night here trying to figure that out."
"No you wouldn't have," Ami responded. She smiled playfully at him. "I would have kicked you out first!"
Quatre chucked lightly. "Intelligent, beautiful...and with a sense of humor. I wonder why the gods have blessed me with your presence!"
Ami laughed lightly and quickly returned to retrieve her book.
Quatre quickly rolled up the map and placed it on the table. He returned the other scrolls back to the shelf. He pulled the map that he needed off the table and tucked it carefully underneath his arm. He appeared ready to leave, but paused.
"I hope we have an opportunity to meet again, Princess Ami," Quatre told her in a sincere voice. "But for now, I must bid you good night."
"Good night, Prince Quatre," Ami called out as she watched the young prince slip out of the room. There was a beautiful smile on the young girl's face.
Her smile disappeared quickly. Her sharp mind and intellect were recalling as much as they could about the ancient city of Haades. The old legends warned that this was a dark and dangerous place haunted by demons and anguished souls of the dead. It was a place that could easily consume the mind and spirit of any mere mortal. She wondered why the young Desert Prince would be interested in such a terrible city forsaken by all the gods.
* * * * * Footnotes:
[1] I am aware that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are planets and that they are not stars. But in ancient times, many observers of the night sky believed that the planets (which originally means "wanderers"), along with the Moon and the Sun, were considered "special stars" because of their unique movement across the heavens. Thus, these planets will be referred to as "stars" in this story.
[2] The names "Haades" and "Sheole" is my literary corruption of the terms "Hades" and "Sheol". In the King James translation of the Bible, the Greek word "hades" (related to the god Hades) was translated as "hell" or "grave". Similarly, the Hebrew word "sheol" is translated as "hell" or "grave" numerous times. Moreover, the original Old English meaning of the term "hell" (before religious connotations were attached to it) meant "hidden" or "concealed". I felt that naming an ancient city in this manner would underscore several different thoughts and meanings associated with those names.
* * * * *
[I appreciate all thoughts, constructive criticisms, and comments]
[Thanks again to all those who have submitted reviews! Special thanks to Michelle Ann Myst Lady, who has reviewed every chapter thus far.]