"Writing is what I do. Reading is what I love.
People are what I put up with."
--ME
AUTHOR: Adrial
RATING: PG13
Disclaimer: Don't own it, Don't want it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
'If all the griefs I am to have
Would only come today,
I am so happy I believe
They'd laugh and run away.
If all the joys I am to have
Would only come today,
They could not be so big as this
That happens to me now. '
--E. Dickinson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
|---Visible Barriers---|
"Love me forever?"
The setting sun cast a shadow across her face,
hiding the solemn glow of her eyes. The indecisive tone
of her voice caused her companion to quirk his brows
and eye her questioningly. Turning her face to his,
he gingerly traced along her jaw bone.
"I'm afraid I'll need longer than forever to
love you," He smiled, satisfied at her small blush.
"You love to flatter me," She sighed into his palm.
"I love to love you, Serenity," His eyes darkened,
sending involuntary shivers down her spine.
"Why must we be apart like this? I feel the
barriers of my kingdom are suffocating me," She left
his gentle hands and stepped cautiously along the
river bank.
To their east, the Terran Palace, in all its
wonderous glory, lay hidden behind thick walls of
stone used to protect it from unwanted visitors.
Serenity sighed in spite of her self for she knew
she was the unwanted visitor the bleak walls were
used to keep out. The differences between her
kingdom and her love's were trivial to say the
least, and she knew nothing nor wished to
understand any more of them other than that.
To understand the one element that forced
Endymion and her to be apart did not appeal to her.
She chose rather to spend what little time she
could with him in the privacy and secrecy of the
forests bordering his palace.
Endymion's electric eyes flashed empathetically
at her sullen expression, and he exhaled. Twilight
was approaching and their time together would be
over soon.
The soft waves of a western breeze blew through,
disrupting the stillness of the placid river.
He grasped her forearm and squeezed
affectionately. "We will get through this,
Serenity--together."
She found herself smiling at him,
re-memorizing his strong and caring face as she
did each time he looked at her. The stern frown
which formed on his lips seemed unbefitting
on his handsome face.
She ruffled his mane of ebony playfully
and pecked his cheek. "Don't look so serious, Endy."
His face melted into laughter, "And you,
princess, should not worry so much."
His hands snuck around her waist and tugged
her towards the soft earth on which they stood.
Her laughter pierced the silence around them
pleasantly, falling into rythm with his deep
chuckles.
Her breath caught in her throat as his warm
lips sought her own, taking them gently.
As their fingers entwined, the addicting
adrenaline of their kiss surged through their
veins. Serentiy felt herself drowning in the
intensity of her reeling emotions.
"Endymion!"
Mixed feelings whipped around their heads
at the interuption. What little self-control
they harbored was tested each moment they shared
alone. Their kiss broke off and Endymion's
eyes searched around them. With a disappointed
sigh, he rose, and Serenity stood with him,
dusting her gown off.
"I must go," He caressed her cheek.
"Until next week then?" She grasped his
hand with her own. Her breaths came in short
gasps, leaving her swollen lips unevenly.
"If I can bear to wait that long," He
kissed her softly.
"ENDYMION! WHERE ARE YOU?!" The deep
baritone voice of one of Endymion's generals
boomed close by.
Serenity pulled away and shoved him
from her gently. "Go, before they catch us."
Endymion turned to leave but grabbed her
once more and landed his lips on hers.
"ENDYMION!!"
"I love you," He whispered against her ear.
"And I, you," She answered.
"Soon," He left her alone with his last
word lingering in the air. The feeling of his
lips still tickled her own, and she sighed.
Turning from the river's edge, she trotted
quietly to a patch of worn earth and closed
her eyes.
The familiar wave of magic washed over her,
penetrating her inner being. She landed softly
on the grounds of the Moon Kingdom a few
moments later.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The shuffle of skirts on the marble floor
drew the attention of a huddle of men standing in
a corner. A tall, round man who stood proudly in
the middle, cleared his throat and deeply bowed,
gesturing his companions to follow suit.
"Princess Amy, how do you do?" He smiled
genially at the small, Mercurian princess and
grasped her hand.
Amy laughed lightly, "Hello, Sir Galand.
I am doing well, thank you. How is the remodeling
coming along?" She eyed the rolls of paper he
held in his arms.
His face fell for a moment, almost too
quickly for her to notice. "Just fine, dear princess.
Not to worry. The palace will be ten times as strong
in a fortnight," With a wink, he turned on his
heel and left with the men down the corridor.
Amy squashed the seed of suspicion nestling
into her mind and opened the heavy doors to the
dining area.
Seated at the immense table were Serenity's
court and Queen Serenity. The Jovian princess,
Lita, warmly returned her smile of greeting.
Elegantly seated opposite her cousin, Mina, sole
heir to Venus, waved jubilantly. In the midst
of a halo of shining, black hair, Raye's face
lit up momentarily before falling into a look of
agitation. With a flick of her fingers, she
brushed her heavy bangs from her eyes, and the
firey symbol of Mars appeared and then
vanished as the obstinate locks fell back
into place. Amy smiled at her friends and
courtsied daintily to her queen.
"Hey, Merc, you're late today," Serenity
slurped a spoonful of soup ravenously.
Queen Serenity raised her eyebrows at her
daughter, and Serenity straightened uncomfortably
in her seat.
Mercury sat in her respectful seat beside
Princess Raye and laid her napkin in her lap.
"I stopped to speak with Sir Galand for a moment.
He says the remodeling is coming along well,"
She explained.
Queen Serenity smiled approvingly, "I do
hope it will be finished soon. With these improvements
the palace will be most formidable."
Raye glared at her hair wickedly and tucked a
lock of raven behind her ear. "Queen Serenity, why
all the sudden improvements? Has there been a threat?"
She asked.
The Queen shook her head, "Do not fret, Princess.
We are merely attempting to raise our levels of defense
in case such a threat does occur."
"Serenity!" Lita slapped her friend's searching
hand from her plate. Serenity pouted slightly and
folded her arms across her chest.
"Fine. Be greedy. If I faint from starvation,
I'll be sure to thank you," She swooped her fork
over her empty plate despondently.
"If you ever faint it will surely be because
of a food over-load, not from starvation," Raye
supplied, smiling hautily.
Serenity smirked at her Martian friend and
promptly kicked her from beneath the table. Raye
yelped in pain and glared at the princess.
"Serenity," Her mother's warning tone melted
Serenity's smile.
"Sorry, Mother," She mumbled.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The tense atmosphere of the sitting room began
to suffocate Endymion as his parents stared at him
expectantly.
"What do you want from me?" He ran a hand through
his hair and leaned back on the couch he sat on.
His mother placed a hand on his knee, "We want
what is best for you, Endymion." Queen Gaia's thoughtful
eyes searched her son's. The intensity of her only
child's frustration was clearly evident in the stormy
depths of his eyes which she knew so well. The inner
turmoil he was experiencing was trying her nerves, but
what pained her more was to know that she could do
nothing to ease it--nothing she knew of, anyway.
Endymion closed his eyes, refusing to let his
mother read their silent messages, "What is best for
me is nothing you will ever advocate."
"Son, this is nonsense. My time as king grows
shorter with each passing day, and you have yet to find
a queen to rule alongside you when you take the throne,"
The Terran King, Damius, stood defiantly beside his
wife and son. Thin lines of age traced along his mouth
and face, but the shadows beneath his eyes were the
only clues to the strain he experienced ruling such
a massive kingdom.
Endymion's eyes flashed open, and he rose
abruptly, "I do not wish to speak about this right now."
"This matter will still be here tomorrow and
every day thereafter. The future will come whether
you like it or not, and you can not escape it, Endymion.
You must accept your duty and choose a queen before
it is too late." His father straightened and turned
to leave.
Damius' cool, desolate eyes left their lock
on his, taking whatever bit of emotion he harbored
along with them. Endymion could not remember the
last time his father and he had shared a civil
converstation without it ending with the latter
watching his back as he stormed from the room. This
time he would not let his father have the last word.
He rose, "I have found her. It is you who
chooses not to accept that," Gathering his strength,
he stood firm.
Damius's shoulders stiffened. He kneaded his
forehead in disbelief.
'It is true then?'
He whipped around suddenly, "You dare turn
your back on your kingdom?!" His scowling face
contorted with anger.
Endymion cowered slightly but countered his
father, "It is your narrow-mindedness--"
"My narrow-mindedness?" Damius's voice was a
low rumble, "Those Lunarians are a coniving,
ruthless people, and I will not have my son
associating with any little tart from the Moon."
Endymion's eyes turned black with fury, "Do
not ever speak of her that way! You have no idea
what or whom you are talking about!"
"Damius, Endymion, calm down," Gaia's troubled
face turned back-and-forth from her husband to her son.
"Serenity is more important to me than any
throne," Endymion stared at his father, unblinking.
Damius faltered. "Serenity? You mean to tell
me that not only are you having an affair with a
Lunarian, but the PRINCESS?!" He threw his hands
in the air. Endymion realized his mistake but knew
it was too late. The truth was out.
He swallowed and shifted his stance, "I
am not asking for your approval."
In silent wonder, Gaia covered her open
mouth with her hand.
Endymion forced himself to calm down,
"If you would only make peace with them--see how
loyal and true they really are, then we--"
Damius shook his head, "There is no room
for negotiation. You will have nothing to do with
her from this moment on. I should have acted on
this the first time our guards spotted Lunarian
magic on our grounds. It-ends-here."
He set his mouth in a thin, determined line.
The eerie stillness which followed chilled Enydmion
to his core. His father was right. There was no room
for negotiation, so he would not even attempt it.
"I am sorry we do not agree, Father," Endymion
brushed past him, refusing to look at his mother's
sullen face on his way. His steps grew quicker with
each second, and soon he was racing down the corridor
and through the main gates of the palace.
Gaia fell back onto the couch and covered her
face with her hands. Damius remained standing.
"We have lost him, haven't we?" She whispered,
"We have lost our son because you can not bear to
move beyond the past." She turned to him.
Damius looked at her, "The past is--"
"The past is over, Damius," She cried, "I can
see that. Endymion can see that. It is time you see
as well," She rose from her seat and left him to his
thoughts.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Do you believe in love, Mother?" Serenity
twirled a strand of golden hair between her finger
tips and gazed at her mother thoughtfully. The
Lunarian Queen set down her quill and smiled
at her daughter.
"Of course, darling," She rose from her
chair and joined Serenity on her bed, "Would you
care to tell me why you ask?"
Serenity shrugged, "Just...wondering, I guess,"
Her eyes drifted from her mother's, and she stood
and walked to the balcony.
The massive global structure of Earth loomed
overhead like a beacon. She sighed and leaned
heavily against the railing.
Queen Serenity smiled inwardly and followed
behind her daughter. As she used to when Serenity
was a child, she ran her fingers through her
daughter's hair soothingly.
"What is troubling you, Serenity?" She turned
Serenity's shoulders around. The sight of silent
tears trailing from her daughter's eyes
alarmed her.
Serenity shook her head, "I...I'm so confused,
Mother," She wiped her
cheeks, "Th-there is a black area and a white area
that I must choose from," She shook her head as a
signal for her mother to let her finish, "But--but
I am *caught* in this gray part that I just can't...
escape."
She fell into her mother's open arms and wept
softly. She could feel the earth's strong presence
behind her and the Lunarian bond with her mother
tugging her away from its alluring powers.
"My dear, tell me what these white and black
areas are that you must choose from," Queen Serenity
rubbed her daughter's back and lead her back to her
bed. Serenity sat heavily and sniffled.
The Queen's mind was racing, processing all
the information her daughter had supplied so far and
steadily drawing her own conclusions. Her daughter
was in love? With whom? The answer was obvious by
the way Serenity seemed to disappear each saturday
afternoon for hours and the long moments she spent
gazing off at the blue marble of Earth.
The ties between the Lunarians and Terrans
were not broken--they were simply nonexistent. As
much as every fiber of her being longed to end her
daughter's pain by making peace with Earth, Serenity
knew that the obstinate king of her rival planet
would never have it.
Serenity's sobs subsided eventually, leaving
her breaths uneven and shallow.
"I love him," She uttered softly, "I *love*
him," She turned her eyes to her mother, and they
pleaded with her to understand.
"Who do you love, Serenity?" She asked,
placing a hand on her shoulder.
Serenity cast her eyes downward and hesitated.
Perhaps her mother would understand. The many years
she taught her to treat all people equally must
speak something of her mother's own ways of
judging others.
"En-" She paused, "A Terran." Telling her mother
she loved the Terran prince would be too much.
For now she would have to settle for only his
nationality.
Queen Serenity sighed, "Serenity..."
Serenity sat up straight and grasped her mother's
hands, "Mother, if you only knew how wonderful he is--"
Queen Serenity placed her hands on either
side of her daughter's face gently.
"I am sure he is, Serenity, but it is against
our laws. Associating with a Terran is something no
Lunarian is allowed. I am sorry, Serenity."
Serenity's eyes filled again. The thought of
losing Endymion was too much for her heart to bear.
She fled the room in a whirlwind of robes and tears.
"Serenity," Her mother called after her.
Serenity's ears, however, were clogged with the
repetition of her mother's earlier words. She
would never be allowed the one privelege she
longed for most--to love whom she chose freely.
With her daughter gone, the queen silently
wept into her palms. Rarely did she shed a tear,
for the hardships of ruling a kingdom had taught
her to hide her emotions well. Through her bond
with her only child, she could feel the vast
pain that pierced her soul.
The gentle hand which fell across her
shoulder startled her slightly, but she soon
recognized her friend's presence and grasped her
hand tightly.
"Setsuna...How can I let her hurt like
this?" She turned to face her long time confidante.
Setsuna's wise eyes were filled with regret
for her queen. "I am sorry, your highness," She
said softly.
"Isn't it ironic that she should love a
Terran? And the prince...I can remember..." She
trailed off, taking her next words with her.
Setsuna did not question how the queen
had figured out the identity of her daughter's
love. Her queen was as wise as she, with or
without the visions of past and future to back her up.
"Irony is a strange, enigmatic thing.
All will be well, my queen. Be strong for her,"
Setsuna hugged Serenity sisterly, allowing her
facade of sterness to fall for a moment.
"Peace, Serenity. Peace shall undo all that
has been wronged. Have faith in your daughter's
heart and in your own," With those last words
spoken, the keeper of time and princess of Pluto
vanished, leaving the solemn queen alone in her
room--her thoughts her only company.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Surrounded by shrubbery and plants, Serenity
wandered aimlessly throughout her gardens. The aroma
of foriegn scents eased her troubled mind only slightly,
and she found herself unable to cease the broken
sobs that racked her her body.
Making sure no guards were around, she eased
through the garden gates and stealthily made her way
into the grassy plains bordering the palace's
western face.
She was not surprised to find herself in the
spot she would normally transport to Earth to visit
her prince. The urge to see him was mind-numbing.
She could hear his voice calling her name in her
mind. Her tears were less now, trailing slowly
from her eyes.
She fell to the ground heavily, pulling her
knees to her chest as if to shield herself from
the pain she felt. Wiping her cloudy eyes, she
cast them heavenward and blinked. A large flash
soared above her head. Her eyebrows perked up on
her small forehead in interest, and she rose.
Whomever or whatever the object was would surely
be seen by the guards and located.
Out of curiosity, she found herself walking
farther into the field in search of the mysterious
ball of light. As she approached the edge of the
plain and was faced with a wall of trees, she
swallowed and trudged on through the forest.
Seeing was almost impossible through the
thick shrubs and bushes blocking her path. She
saw no point in continuing further, but as she
turned to retreat from the woods, a large hand
gripped her waist and pulled her back through
the trees roughly.
What ever cries of distress she intended
to release were promptly muffled by a strong hand.
Jagged briars snarled at her flailing limbs, making
it futile and painful to struggle in the stranger's
grasp whose identity was concealed completely by
the inky darkness which surrounded them.
By the person's careless movements, Serenity
could tell he/she did not know exactly where they
were going. Their blind thrusts behind bushes and
constant circling ensured her that the person
was lost. She pondered whether that was good
or bad.
Her thoughts were severed when they stopped
abruptly. A small patch of clearing lay before
her, and she found herself more curious than
frightened for some reason. Her lack of fear
troubled her.
"Serenity."
So familiar...had the person said her name before?
"Serenity, it's me," Her arms were released,
and she was whipped around to face the cobalt eyes
she had memorized so many times before. Her breath
caught in her throat.
"Endymion...?" Her baffled mind only had
enough time to register the person's name while
dealing with the bubbling questions brewing within it.
Endymion smiled shortly and took her hand.
"Forgive me, love, I didn't mean to scare you like
that. I wanted to make sure we were far enough from
the palace so we wouldn't be--"
Serenity threw herself into his arms, tears
streaming freely all the while. She didn't care what
his motives were--didn't have time to care as she
held on to him as if it would be the last time
they would share a moment together.
He lost himself in their embrace, gripping
her small frame against his own. The only place
he had thought of to flee to after his fight
with his parents was wherever Serenity was--in
this case, the planet he had been brought up to
despise and fear.
She sniffled softly against his chest,
reveling in the feeling of his nearness.
"No need to cry, Sere," He tilted her chin
towards him, "You're so beautfiul when you smile."
He was rewarded with an elated, yet watery,
grin. He chuckled and kissed her forehead gently.
"H-how? Why did you come?" She inquired.
Endymion sighed and lead her to a clear patch of
grass where he brought her to sit in his lap. She
leaned her head against his shoulder as he spoke.
"Two reasons, actually. One: I was dying to
be with you," He ran his hand over her hair, and
she blushed, digging her face deeper into the
fabric of his shirt, "And two: my parents and I
had a little...falling out, if you will."
Her ears pricked up like a small puppy and
she furrowed her brow, "What happened, Endy? And
you know how dangerous it is for you to be here.
There are Lunarian guards lurking around every
corner," She eyed him half sternly, half admirably.
He merely pecked her nose, and laughed, "And
this coming from the one who risks everything to
travel to my kingdom each week?" She blushed and
voiced her first question again.
Endymion cast his eyes upward and ran a
hand through his ebony locks, "They've discovered us."
Serenity gasped and stood up abruptly,
"How? What will your father do? He won't attack
our kingdom will he? Endy, this is all my fault,"
She began pacing, rolling over all impossibly tragic
outcomes to their dilemma in her mind, and he
grabbed her shoulders.
"Serenity, this is *not* your fault, and he
won't be attacking any time soon. Between us, he's
a little intimidated by your militia," Endymion
laughed for a second, instantly sobering at her
look of disaprovement.
"This isn't funny, Endy," She left his arms
and walked around him, "I can't take this any more.
My mother would no more let me continue my relationship
with a 'terran'," She scoffed at how 'terran' seemed
to be a word of distaste to her mother, "Than she
would with a moster of the Nega Verse."
Endymion felt her frustration and took her
into his arms again. "I know, Sere. But my father
is stubborn and will not back down, and I am not
willing to lose you."
"Why can't we just love each other without
feeling as if we're commiting a royal indecency of
some sort?" She sighed against his chest.
"The only indecency being commited is the way
our people see eachother--as enemies to be feared,"
He sighed into her hair.
"Wait..." Serenity pulled away slightly,
"Maybe if you talked to my mother, she would be
able to see how Terrans really are," She smiled,
"I know she would talk to you. She wants war no
more than you or I do."
Endymion tucked a lock of hair behind her
ear, "I wish it were that simple, love, but my
father will never relent in his blind hatred for
your people. Even if I convinced your mother, he
would only see it as an act of treason on my part
and God knows what he would do to me...or to
your people then."
Serenity shook her head, "Please, Endy. Just
*talk* to her, let her see--"
"Serenity, it is not going to work," He turned
away from her.
Serenity followed him and grabbed onto his arm,
"Endy, if you believe in our love as much as I do,
then please show me by defending it in front of my mother."
"Do I need to prove my love for you, Serenity?"
He asked.
Serenity now turned from his eyes, "No...I
know you love me. But If not to prove that love for
me then prove that you are not prejudice against our
people and that you wish for peace as much as my
mother and I do."
She hugged her arms against her chest.
Endymion could not find the words to deny his
love of her wish. He felt himself relenting and
sighed heavily.
"I will speak to her," He caved.
Serenity whipped around and tackled him to
the ground. Breathless, she kissed him with a
passion all her own.
"Thank you," She smiled sincerely at him once
she broke their embrace.
Shaken up a bit by her surprise attack,
Endymion only shook his head in disbelief and
brought her lips against his own again.
"You are...incredible," His hot breath
tickled the sensitive skin around her ear and she giggled.
In his arms, Serenity felt secure knowing that
in mere minutes her mother would finally understand
the futility of segregating the Terrans from Lunarians.
With her prince, she stood from the ground and
prepared to venture back to the palace.
"Who goes there?" A voice in the distance called,
startling the still of the night.
Endymion and Serenity looked at eachother
intensely. Endymion reached for her and brought her
ear to his mouth.
"Go, Serenity. I will come back for you tomorrow
night. If they find you, it will only make things
worse. No one knows about me yet," He shoved her
slightly towards the trees.
"No, Endy. I want to stay with you," She struggled
against him.
"Please, Serenity," His cobalt eyes pleaded with
her, and she paused for a moment.
"Anyone there? Show yourselves!" The guard was
closer now, his voice excited at the opportunity of
capturing a trespasser on palace grounds.
"Serenity," Endymion urged her. With one more
dithering glance, she fled from the clearing, diving
into the woods blindly in the opposite direction of
the guard's voice.
Endymion hesitated before flinging himself into
another section of the forest. Branches ripped at his
clothing, and a protruding root brought him tumbling
down a small hill. He landed with a grunt and wiped
his soiled face harshly.
"Don't-move-a-muscle," With a cocky smirk, the
guard grinned at Endymion and pointed his dagger
against his neck.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Serenity's shoes clicked rapidly against the
floor, her hair billowing behind her. The corridor
loomed on, seemingly stretching farther in the distance
with each step she took.
"Serenity, where are you going in such a hurry?"
Mina followed behind her cousin, walking quickly to
keep up with her hurried steps.
Serenity did not look behind her. "I'm looking
for Mother. Have you seen her?" She looked down an
empty corridor. No queen there.
"She's in a meeting with a lord--Richard, I think.
Serenity, what's wrong?" Panting, Mina placed her
hands on her knees when Serenity halted in front of a
large set of doors.
She watched with inquisitive eyes as Serenity
threw the doors open and barged into the room. Queen
Serenity sat opposite a large, smiling man. Deciding
to wait until her cousin came to her to explain her
odd behavior, Mina shrugged and disappeared through
another set of doors.
At her daughter's sudden appearance, Queen
Serenity's lips altered from a relieved smile to a
questioning frown.
"Serenity? What--"
"Mother, I must speak to you," Serenity did
not bother to acknowlege the man next to her mother.
Her mother gestured to the visitor, "Serenity,
I am in a meeting with Lord Richard at the moment.
Can this not wait?"
Serenity shook her head and opened her mouth
to speak, but the slamming of doors interrupted her speech.
A handfull of guards stormed into the room.
A man with flashing green eyes bowed to the queen.
"Forgive me, your highness, for interupting,"
He rose and nodded respectfully to Lord Richard,
"We have captured an intruder sneaking around the
bordering forest."
Queen Serenity furrowed her brow, "Well, send
him to the dungeons as usual. I do not understand
why you have chosen to interupt my meeting to
inform me of such a common matter."
The guard smiled slightly, "I belive you
will find it rather intriguing see who the
intruder is, my queen."
He gestured the men to part. Ragged and
sweating, Endymion appeared between them.
Serenity gasped at the sight of Endymion
and barely caught herself from lunging into the
group and freeing him. She bit her tongue.
Her mother crossed her arms, waiting for
an explanation. The same general cleared his
throat and turned to Endymion. Endymion flinched
as the man brushed back his matted bangs revealing
the glowing symbol of Earth.
The regal queen's hand flew to her mouth.
"A royal Terran?" She uttered in disbelief.
The gerneral crossed his arms, sastified.
"The *Prince* of Earth, your majesty," He said.
Queen Serenity threw her daughter a hasty
glance and swallowed. She approached Endymion as
if he would reach out and rip her arm off if she
dared disturbed the barriers of his personal space.
As she neared, Endymion's eyes held no look
of malice, nor did they stray from her own. He
faced her hard gaze with one of his own. The queen
stood a few feet from him and cleared her throat.
"Prince Endymion..." She eyed him as if
she expected his arrival. Her head turned from
him and looked at the general. "Take him to the
dungeons. I will determine his punishment. Speak
of his capture to no one." She needed no
explanation of his presence; he confirmed her
strong suspicions with his eyes.
The general nodded and gestured for the
guards to take him away. Serenity moved toward
him but stopped herself. Endymion allowed himself
one glance at her watering eyes. She apologized
through her gaze, and he let the corner of his
mouth twitch slightly in a brief smile of assurance.
The guards tugged roughly at him, throwing him
disgusted glances. After they left, the queen
apologized to her guest. He assured her he would
speak of the incident to no one and departed,
leaving the queen and her daughter to themselves.
Serenity bit back her tears and remorse. She
waited impatiently as her mother remained silent for
a few minutes before speaking.
"Serenity, you understand what must be done,"
Her voice was hollow and empty as she spoke.
Serenity gasped inaudibly, "No..."
Queen Serenity turned to face her daughter
who was shaking her head slowly.
"I am sorry. It is the law, Serenity. I have
no choice," She reached for her daughter's shoulder.
Serenity threw her mother a painstricken glance
and fled from the room.
The doors boomed shut, and the queen covered
her face.
"I am sorry," She whispered.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Your Majesty, I have urgent news!" The doors
to King Damius's study were thrown open by a panting
man. The king looked up irritably.
"General Zoicite? What news is so urgent that
you must interupt me?" His cold eyes flashed.
The man briefly flinched but regained his
composure quickly.
"The prince has been captured, your highness,"
He paused and swallowed.
Damius rose from his chair abruptly, "What do
you *mean* he has been captured? Where?" His voice boomed.
The general straightened his shoulders. "He
was captured only hours ago...on the Moon."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Who is there?" A short, stalky man peeked
through his door.
Emotionless blue eyes stared back at him.
"It is I, Princess Serenity," The visitor said.
The man immediately straightened and opened
the door. He bowed low and questioned her presence.
She did not smile and kept her cool eyes
still, "I wish to see the man who was captured
earlier this evening."
Quirking an eyebrow, the guard rose and
allowed her passage into the dungeon. Grabbing a
torch, he lead her down a narrow corridor. The
faces of men and women prisoners stared back at
her silently. She swallowed and focused on the
man in front of her.
"He was put in a separate cell. I don't
know why but..." The guard trailed off and
gestured to a stairwell.
"I must keep watch. Follow this stairwell
down to the bottom, princess, and a guard will be
there," Bowing low, he left her alone.
She shivered and descended the staircase.
The stone walls bordering them were cold and dreary
looking. After a minute or two, she reached the ground.
Five guards stood watch. They leaned casually
against the walls but bowed automatically at her
sudden presence. One stepped forward, "Your
highness, what brings you--"
"I wish to speak to the man captured earlier
this evening," She looked at the cell door and
added, "Privately."
The guards raised their eyebrows questioningly
but stepped aside. They stared at her for a moment
before retreating down another hallway. One of them
assured her that if she needed anything, they would
be near enough to come. After they had gone,
Serenity faced the cell.
"Endymion..." She whispered. A shuffling of
chains was heard and Endymion's soiled face appeared.
His lip was bleeding slightly and his tattered
clothing hug limply from his body. She used every
ounce of self-control to restrain the tears that
stung her eyes.
"Serenity, what are you--"
"I'm so sorry," She fell against the door.
Endymion reached through and grasped her hand tightly.
"I should be sorry," He titled her chin to
face him.
"No...it's all my fault. I should have stayed
with you," The tears she tried desperately to hide
were leaking now.
"Sshh," He wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Mother...sh-she said she has no choice.
They're going to--" She was cut off by her own sobs.
"Don't worry, Sere, I'll make it. We'll find
a way, I promise," He grasped her chin as best he
could with his handcuffs on, "I will not leave you."
"I can't live without you," She whispered.
He smiled softly, "You won't have to, Serenity.
I promise I will be here for you...always."
Her shining eyes glittered in the orange glow
of the surrounding torches. She reached into her
cloak and held out her hand to Endymion. He stared
at her for a moment and grasped the shimmering bag
which she offered.
Before more could be said, a guard appeared.
Serenity stood and glanced at Endymion.
He mouthed 'I love you' slowly to her. She
returned his words and turned away from him. A guard
escorted her from the chamber.
Endymion walked clumsily with his chains to
the corner of his cell. He opened his clasped hand
and sighed. The stars cast a dull glow into his room
from a small window, and he shut his tired eyes
from the image of his home, mockingly glowing
above him.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Prepare the militia! Get every soldier and
able man you can!" His voice hoarse from shouting
orders, King Damius watched over a busy crowd of
generals scurrying to fulfill their sire's demands.
From a corner, Gaia looked on with a despondent
frown. Had it really come to this? She looked at her
husband, red-faced with beady perspiration forming
at his hairline. Thoughts of Endymion rushed through
her mind. Her only child, forced to suffer because
he fell prisoner to love.
"My queen," A man placed a comforting hand
on her shoulder. She smiled appreciatively and
placed hers atop his.
"Kunzite, I am sure you will bring him back
to me safely. He is so dear to you," She cast her
eyes elsewhere, biting back an onslaught of tears.
"You have my word, your majesty," His silver-
blue eyes took in his queen's anguished appearance,
and he departed.
After passing several corridors filled with
scurrying people, he pushed through a set of wooden
doors revealing a security room buzzing with compressed
energy. A man hunched over a stack of papers looked up
briefly. His blonde hair fell across his forehead limply
from his constant swatting to keep it from his eyes.
"Kunzite, any news?" He stretched his sore back
muscles.
His friend and fellow general eyed him glumly,
"The king has prepared an army...we are going to war, Jaedite."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Serenity, please, stop crying," Mina cradled
her weeping cousin gently in her arms. Serenity
sniffled and wiped her puffy eyes.
"Oh, Mina...they're going to kill him tomorrow
and there is nothing I can do to stop them," She fell
into her arms again, a fresh wave of tears racking
her body.
Mina sent Lita a helpless look, but she turned
away, her own vision becoming clouded by tears.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"How soon, Artemis?" Queen Serenity rubbed her
forehead. Artemis swallowed, "King Damius will have an
army within the hour, your majesty. He has sent this
message, as well."
Queen Serenity grasped the paper and unfolded
it. As her eyes skimmed its contents, Artemis shifted
uncomfortably.
Serenity sighed heavily and faced him again,
"He declares war..."
"My queen, what will our plan of attack be?
Shall we offer the freedom of their prince in return
for peace?" Artemis asked.
Serenity smiled wisely, "Artemis this war is
not about his son," She turned her gaze to an open
window. The massive earth seemed to smirk back at her,
"This is about a cowardly king, desperate to reign
surperior above all others, and he will not rest
until he fulfills his desire."
"Perhaps a negotiation session could be--"
Queen Serenity shook her head, "Artemis, this
is it. When King Damius attacks, we will be ready to
defend our kingdom. I will not rest until our planets
live in the harmony that they should," She eyed him
intensely, "Prepare the militia."
"Mother."
Queen Serenity turned to her door where her
daughter stood. Her eyes were cool as stone, a look
her mother never thought possible on her young face.
"War is not the answer, Mother," Serenity fell
her to her knees at her mother's seat, "We can reach
peace. If we battle with Earth it will only cause
more damage."
"Serenity, my child," She placed a hand on her
daughter's head, "We have no choice."
Serenity stood and brushed off her mother's hand,
"And what of Endymion? If you harm him it will only
make King Damius' fury greater."
Queen Serenity looked away from her daughter's
pleading gaze, "His fate has been decided. Accept
that and move on," Her harsh words rolled off of her
tongue as if they were foreign.
Serenity's frustration morphed into a firey rage
at her mother's words, "How can you say that?! How
can you ask me to accept that the only man I have ever
loved will be killed by my own people? If you follow
through with his execution, Mother, then you may as
well kill me, too," Her voice was ragged, and she
furiously wiped at her eyes.
"Serenity, you do not understand. Let me explain
it to you," Serenity gently took her daughter's arm
and brought her to sit. The sobbing princess could
not protest, therfore she sat in silence, awaiting
her mother's next words.
Queen Serenity took upon a look of pure
nostalgia for second before shaking it off and turning
to her daughter. "I can remember...many years ago
when your father was alive," She swallowed back the
rising lump in her throat, "H-He and King Damius were
great friends, you know? They grew up together on Earth."
Serenity gasped, "Mother, you never told me
Father was a Terran."
Queen Serenity sighed, "Times became so...so
unbearable, Serenity. I did not wish for you to change
your feelings toward your father simply because of
his heritage."
Serenity nodded and let her mother continue.
"As I was saying...Terrans and Lunarians were
very much linked with eachother, and when your father
came to visit and we met..." Her eyes glazed over,
"We married shortly after and shared the most wonderful
life for a while," She cupped her daughter's cheek,
smiling at the signs of her father which shone through
at her now more than ever, "But it was not meant to be.
An evil sourceress attacked the earth, killing
thousands and spreading hatred throughout their lands.
Somehow, the Terrans began to believe that your father
had sabotaged them and was traitorous to their people."
Serenity moved to speak, but her mother pushed on,
"King Damius grew so flustered with whom to believe that
he finally gave in to his people who threatened to rebel
against him if he refused to banish all communications
with the Lunarian people," She wiped a tear which
escaped her eye, "By the time our communications were
lost, the sourceress was free to spread her terror
upon our people. Your...your father was killed in
the first battle."
"Mother..." Serenity placed a hand on her
mother's shoulder.
"We were able to defeat her in the end with
assisstance from our allies," her attempted smile
looked more like a twitching frown on her solemn
face, "Ever since, Terrans have separated themselves
from us with no sign of relenting, and although I have
tried many times to re-establish our ties, King Damius
has so grown to believe that your father was a traitor,
that he will settle for no explanation."
Serenity lowered her head under the heavy weight
of her mother's words.
"He has continued to look for any negative event
to blame the Lunarians for in order to have an excuse
to attack...and now, he has." Queen Serenity turned her
daughter's face to look at her.
"Do you understand, Serenity? Do you see why you
can not love him?"
"No, I do *not* understand, Mother!" Serenity
exploded. Her own heated anger surprised her, but she
was in too deep to turn back, "All I *understand* is
that a stubborn king can not admit that he is wrong,
and that my mother--who I used to believe could do
anything--is giving up so easily." Serenity stormed
from the room, flinging her tears into the air. A
single drop landed on the queen's hand, and she
covered it with the other.
Queen Serenity's heart collasped with her
daughter's words, and in the privacy of her bedroom
she wept openly for her princess and her princess's
prince. Fate was a cruel and unjust thing in the trials
and tribulations of love.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Earth's militia prepared to teleport to the Moon.
King Damius stood proud in his armor and held his hand
for the signal. Pooling all of their psychic powers,
they disappeared from their homeland, unsure if they
would ever stand on its soil again.
The shield which protected the Moon from their
invasion crumbled beneath their combined power. Queen
Serenity nodded as Artemis informed her of this. She
was hardly surprised.
In the Lunarian skies, flashes of bright light
containing the Terran militia illuminated the horizon
for miles. Children danced in their yards, pointing to
the brilliant light spectical. Their mothers beckoned
them to come inside.
In the comfort of their home, a mother and child
prepared to sleep. The flashing lights of the sky sent
spears of light throughout their room.
"Where is Daddy, Mama?"
"Sssh...go to sleep."
"But, where did he go?"
"He's gone for a trip, honey."
"When will he be back?"
"We'll just have to...to see, dear."
"I wonder if he can see the shooting stars."
"I'm--I'm sure he can."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Senshi, are you prepared for battle?" Queen
Serenity looked at the young girls' faces.
Bravely, they nodded. Venus shielded her eyes
from the blinding lights entering their atmosphere.
Her friends looked at her and she smiled reassuringly.
From behind them, Serenity cried silently for them.
Mars' amtheyst eyes solemnly looked at her princess.
She enveloped her in a hug, whispering words of solace.
Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus joined in shortly thereafter.
Soon, Serenity watched her friends descend the
palace steps to approach the first line. The elements
of their powers flickered in their tiaras brightly.
She smothered the lurking doubt that she would ever
see them again.
The pain she felt consumed her mind, heart, and soul.
A guard moved to take her into hiding where she would be safe.
From the corner of her eye she could see a group of soldiers
approaching the queen. They whispered in hushed voices for
a moment, and Queen Serenity's eyes widened slightly. After
a few more hushed words, she nodded and they left.
Queen Serenity looked at her daughter as she was
taken away. Serenity read her mother's expression and turned
away from her gaze. The queen turned to face the battle
field and waited. As she heard the telltale ruffle of
skirts, she closed her eyes. Serenity broke free from the
guards and fled. Soon she and her love would be
together--as they should be.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The handle of his sword slipped against his sweaty
palm. King Damius gripped it tighter, wiped his brow and
faced ahead. The battlefield spanned five acres, and
the Lunarian army loomed dauntingly in the distance.
Their elite, the senshi, could be seen in the front.
Their legendary powers sparkled magnificently in the
misty night.
A bright flash momentarily blinded the Terran army,
and as they uncovered their eyes, their breath caught in
their throats. Queen Serenity hovered above her army,
glowing with the incredible power she possessed.
Mars sent a firm glance to Venus. Her intense gaze
wavered for a moment, the blue of her eyes shifting
with apprehension. With the aura of her fellow senshi
emitting from either side of her, Venus inhaled and
focused her energy. The wave of power she grew to depend
and rely on washed over her mind and body in electrifying
jolts, peaking her senses and creating an addicting
adrenaline which coarsed through her veins rapidly.
King Damius held onto the moment of silence with
all his might, drawing from its intensity and power. The
image of his son faltered in his mind, leaving only a
vision of the destruction of the Moon Kingdom. His lips
curved maliciously; his hands quaked with anticipation.
Huddled so close he could feel the hot breath of his
soldiers on his neck, he shifted slightly. Slowly, he
raised the glittering blade of his weapon above his head.
"ATTACK!!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Behind a thick wall of brush, Endymion tried to
control his racing heart. From his perch, he could view
the sea of warriors on either end of the battlefield.
Within his palm lay the golden object Serenity had
supplied for him to use against the guards.
He allowed himself a moment to reflect on his
escape. The guards had futiley attempted to restrain him,
but the small dose of magic supplied by his princess
had overtaken them, rendering them unconcious and
utterly helpless.
Branches cracked behind him, and he jumped.
The angelic face of his princess appeared moments after,
shedding a ray of light on the desolate hour.
No words were spoken as they enveloped eachother
in an embrace. Endymion felt a patch of moisture on his
chest, and tightened his hold on Serenity's small waist.
"They're going to destroy eachother," She whispered
against his chest. Endymion released his hold enough
to look into her eyes.
"Not if we stop them," The familiar determination
returned to his colbat eyes.
"Together?" She gripped his hand.
"Forever, Serenity."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Damius' battle cry pierced the night, rupturing
the thick layer of silence. Queen Serenity signaled her
army to begin battle, and they roared across the field,
rumbling like a horrendous tornado of destruction.
Horses puffed clouds of sharp, misty breaths and
galloped fiercly beneath the weight of the Terran militia,
and the ground shook violently beneath their hooves.
As the walls closed in on the gap separating
the armies inch by inch, the adrenaline of battle
smothered all feelings of fear. They collided with the
deafening clashing of sword on sword, fist on fist.
They now shared a common goal: to fight to the death.
Queen Serenity tapped into the silver crystal's
energy within herself. She would use it as a last resort
and only that. King Damius stopped his stallion and raised
his arms towards the heavens. A colossal wave shot out,
and a ball of golden fire appeared between his open palms.
He smiled.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Tearing through the thicket, Endymion and Serenity
silmultaneously gasped and stood still. The symbols of
their planets burned upon their foreheads. Serenity's
mouth cracked open slightly in wonder and fear. Endymion
merely stared at the illuminated crescent on his princess'
forehead, stunned.
'What does this mean?' They both thought. Endymion
racked his cluttered brain for some explanation. An unknown
force brought his eyelids down over his cloudy eyes, and
he saw his father, holding up the legendary golden crystal,
and sneering malevolently at it in his hands.
"He's using the golden crystal..." he uttered.
Serenity had long since felt her mother's crystal powering
up through their strong bond. She bit her lip and
turned back to their destination. Two separate domes of
silver and gold were rising into the sky, crackling
loudly above the screams and cries of death sounding
beneath them.
Suddenly, Endymion gripped his chest, doubling
over in pain. Serenity fell beside him, holding his
face steady in her shaking hands.
"Endymion? Endy?! Please talk to me!" Her voice
cracked over her sobs. Endymion's eyes were half
closed. Through the tiny slits she could see their
hollow and empty depths. Her cries grew louder, racking
her body harshly. She shook his shoulders once more,
trying to awake him from whatever subconcious sleep
he had entered.
"Pl-please..." Her head fell against his chest,
all feelings of hope dissipating within her.
Only a few hundred yards away King Damius was
basking in the drug of the golden crystal's power.
He focused more on his son's untapped powers and
unleashed them, transferring them into the crystal.
Serenity rocked back and forth, Edymion's limp
body moving with her in her arms.
'Use his light, Serenity.'
Her eyes snapped open, darting around rapidly,
searching for the voice. The ominous forest was all she saw.
She focused on Endymion's face--his mouth, the sharpness
of his features, his unseeing eyes, and the prominent
symbol of Earth upon his forehead. Her quaking fingertips
unclenched from his arms and as they came near, the
symbol flared and sizzled. She gulped, and her hand
hovered centimeters from his forehead.
Closing her eyes, she let them rest lightly upon
it. For a moment, she could hear and feel nothing. Her
only thoughts were of her prince. When her eyes cracked
open again, she was englufed in a silver shower of light.
She closed them tightly against the blinding light and
reached out her hands to find Endymion.
A brief feeling of flesh beneath her fingers
startled her, and she jumped back for a moment. Flinging
her hands out with more confidence, she gripped his arms
and trailed up to find his face. When she cupped her
hands around his soft cheeks, she felt the familiar
warmth of his hands on her own.
'Serenity.'
The light that enveloped them faded, and Serenity
opened her eyes. Endymion stared back at her, but through
him she could see the battlefield. She furrowed her brows
and squinted. He was translucent--a spirit.
"E-Endy?" She whispered, unbelieving.
He smiled softly and reached for her hand. She--not
knowing what else to do--met his hand halfway. Strangely,
they felt as warm as they always had. She did not understand.
She gazed at their hands and let out a startled cry.
She was translucent as well. A silver lining encased her
body, glittering softly.
'Shall we right their wrongs, Princess?' Endymion's
lips remained still, his voice sounding only in their minds.
She abandoned all questions concerning their diaphanous
state and offered him a smile in response. For the first
time she gazed around them, taking in the view. Beneath
them lay a sea of soldiers--their snarling and savage-
like faces, frozen in place. Four beams of orange, red,
green, and blue resided in mid-air, inches from their
targets.
Her mother and King Damius were each looking up at
them--he with a look of pure stupor, she, proud and
understanding. She nodded to her daughter, smiled at
Endymion and closed her eyes. A beam of light shot from
her hands and into Serenity's. Serenity cradled the
silver crystal gently.
Endymion looked at his father and decided to
take back what was rightfully his. Damius growled
with rage as the golden crystal zoomed from his grip
and into his son's.
'It is time for peace, Father.' Endymion
transmitted.
Damius' scowl softened slightly, and he looked
down.
Turning back to each other, Endymion and Serenity
threw their crystals into the sky, using their power of
love to guide it in its task. A colossal wave of
silver/gold light soared over them, encasing the
moon in a dome-like structure.
'Where to, Princess?' Endymion asked.
Serenity smiled and answered, 'To the future...
where they can begin anew.'
'I will find you again, Sere.' He vowed as his
energy was drained rapidly.
'And I will wait forever.'
Queen Serenity watched with tear-filled eyes as
her kingdom was transported from the moon and on to Earth.
Using the last of her powers, she put the young lovers
to rest and sent them off along with their kingdoms.
As her daughter faded from her sight, a tear fell
from her softened eyes. Flashing, it soared off into
space, where it would find its heir when the keepers
of time allowed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Well...? Hate it, love it? Wanna banish me from the
art of writing? Tell me ALLLLL about it! :D
Be looking out for another of my literary masterpieces--
or something like that--in the works called "To Go Please"
and "Camp Kiwachee."
ja~
--Adrial
Adrial_06@yahoo.com
People are what I put up with."
--ME
AUTHOR: Adrial
RATING: PG13
Disclaimer: Don't own it, Don't want it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
'If all the griefs I am to have
Would only come today,
I am so happy I believe
They'd laugh and run away.
If all the joys I am to have
Would only come today,
They could not be so big as this
That happens to me now. '
--E. Dickinson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
|---Visible Barriers---|
"Love me forever?"
The setting sun cast a shadow across her face,
hiding the solemn glow of her eyes. The indecisive tone
of her voice caused her companion to quirk his brows
and eye her questioningly. Turning her face to his,
he gingerly traced along her jaw bone.
"I'm afraid I'll need longer than forever to
love you," He smiled, satisfied at her small blush.
"You love to flatter me," She sighed into his palm.
"I love to love you, Serenity," His eyes darkened,
sending involuntary shivers down her spine.
"Why must we be apart like this? I feel the
barriers of my kingdom are suffocating me," She left
his gentle hands and stepped cautiously along the
river bank.
To their east, the Terran Palace, in all its
wonderous glory, lay hidden behind thick walls of
stone used to protect it from unwanted visitors.
Serenity sighed in spite of her self for she knew
she was the unwanted visitor the bleak walls were
used to keep out. The differences between her
kingdom and her love's were trivial to say the
least, and she knew nothing nor wished to
understand any more of them other than that.
To understand the one element that forced
Endymion and her to be apart did not appeal to her.
She chose rather to spend what little time she
could with him in the privacy and secrecy of the
forests bordering his palace.
Endymion's electric eyes flashed empathetically
at her sullen expression, and he exhaled. Twilight
was approaching and their time together would be
over soon.
The soft waves of a western breeze blew through,
disrupting the stillness of the placid river.
He grasped her forearm and squeezed
affectionately. "We will get through this,
Serenity--together."
She found herself smiling at him,
re-memorizing his strong and caring face as she
did each time he looked at her. The stern frown
which formed on his lips seemed unbefitting
on his handsome face.
She ruffled his mane of ebony playfully
and pecked his cheek. "Don't look so serious, Endy."
His face melted into laughter, "And you,
princess, should not worry so much."
His hands snuck around her waist and tugged
her towards the soft earth on which they stood.
Her laughter pierced the silence around them
pleasantly, falling into rythm with his deep
chuckles.
Her breath caught in her throat as his warm
lips sought her own, taking them gently.
As their fingers entwined, the addicting
adrenaline of their kiss surged through their
veins. Serentiy felt herself drowning in the
intensity of her reeling emotions.
"Endymion!"
Mixed feelings whipped around their heads
at the interuption. What little self-control
they harbored was tested each moment they shared
alone. Their kiss broke off and Endymion's
eyes searched around them. With a disappointed
sigh, he rose, and Serenity stood with him,
dusting her gown off.
"I must go," He caressed her cheek.
"Until next week then?" She grasped his
hand with her own. Her breaths came in short
gasps, leaving her swollen lips unevenly.
"If I can bear to wait that long," He
kissed her softly.
"ENDYMION! WHERE ARE YOU?!" The deep
baritone voice of one of Endymion's generals
boomed close by.
Serenity pulled away and shoved him
from her gently. "Go, before they catch us."
Endymion turned to leave but grabbed her
once more and landed his lips on hers.
"ENDYMION!!"
"I love you," He whispered against her ear.
"And I, you," She answered.
"Soon," He left her alone with his last
word lingering in the air. The feeling of his
lips still tickled her own, and she sighed.
Turning from the river's edge, she trotted
quietly to a patch of worn earth and closed
her eyes.
The familiar wave of magic washed over her,
penetrating her inner being. She landed softly
on the grounds of the Moon Kingdom a few
moments later.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The shuffle of skirts on the marble floor
drew the attention of a huddle of men standing in
a corner. A tall, round man who stood proudly in
the middle, cleared his throat and deeply bowed,
gesturing his companions to follow suit.
"Princess Amy, how do you do?" He smiled
genially at the small, Mercurian princess and
grasped her hand.
Amy laughed lightly, "Hello, Sir Galand.
I am doing well, thank you. How is the remodeling
coming along?" She eyed the rolls of paper he
held in his arms.
His face fell for a moment, almost too
quickly for her to notice. "Just fine, dear princess.
Not to worry. The palace will be ten times as strong
in a fortnight," With a wink, he turned on his
heel and left with the men down the corridor.
Amy squashed the seed of suspicion nestling
into her mind and opened the heavy doors to the
dining area.
Seated at the immense table were Serenity's
court and Queen Serenity. The Jovian princess,
Lita, warmly returned her smile of greeting.
Elegantly seated opposite her cousin, Mina, sole
heir to Venus, waved jubilantly. In the midst
of a halo of shining, black hair, Raye's face
lit up momentarily before falling into a look of
agitation. With a flick of her fingers, she
brushed her heavy bangs from her eyes, and the
firey symbol of Mars appeared and then
vanished as the obstinate locks fell back
into place. Amy smiled at her friends and
courtsied daintily to her queen.
"Hey, Merc, you're late today," Serenity
slurped a spoonful of soup ravenously.
Queen Serenity raised her eyebrows at her
daughter, and Serenity straightened uncomfortably
in her seat.
Mercury sat in her respectful seat beside
Princess Raye and laid her napkin in her lap.
"I stopped to speak with Sir Galand for a moment.
He says the remodeling is coming along well,"
She explained.
Queen Serenity smiled approvingly, "I do
hope it will be finished soon. With these improvements
the palace will be most formidable."
Raye glared at her hair wickedly and tucked a
lock of raven behind her ear. "Queen Serenity, why
all the sudden improvements? Has there been a threat?"
She asked.
The Queen shook her head, "Do not fret, Princess.
We are merely attempting to raise our levels of defense
in case such a threat does occur."
"Serenity!" Lita slapped her friend's searching
hand from her plate. Serenity pouted slightly and
folded her arms across her chest.
"Fine. Be greedy. If I faint from starvation,
I'll be sure to thank you," She swooped her fork
over her empty plate despondently.
"If you ever faint it will surely be because
of a food over-load, not from starvation," Raye
supplied, smiling hautily.
Serenity smirked at her Martian friend and
promptly kicked her from beneath the table. Raye
yelped in pain and glared at the princess.
"Serenity," Her mother's warning tone melted
Serenity's smile.
"Sorry, Mother," She mumbled.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The tense atmosphere of the sitting room began
to suffocate Endymion as his parents stared at him
expectantly.
"What do you want from me?" He ran a hand through
his hair and leaned back on the couch he sat on.
His mother placed a hand on his knee, "We want
what is best for you, Endymion." Queen Gaia's thoughtful
eyes searched her son's. The intensity of her only
child's frustration was clearly evident in the stormy
depths of his eyes which she knew so well. The inner
turmoil he was experiencing was trying her nerves, but
what pained her more was to know that she could do
nothing to ease it--nothing she knew of, anyway.
Endymion closed his eyes, refusing to let his
mother read their silent messages, "What is best for
me is nothing you will ever advocate."
"Son, this is nonsense. My time as king grows
shorter with each passing day, and you have yet to find
a queen to rule alongside you when you take the throne,"
The Terran King, Damius, stood defiantly beside his
wife and son. Thin lines of age traced along his mouth
and face, but the shadows beneath his eyes were the
only clues to the strain he experienced ruling such
a massive kingdom.
Endymion's eyes flashed open, and he rose
abruptly, "I do not wish to speak about this right now."
"This matter will still be here tomorrow and
every day thereafter. The future will come whether
you like it or not, and you can not escape it, Endymion.
You must accept your duty and choose a queen before
it is too late." His father straightened and turned
to leave.
Damius' cool, desolate eyes left their lock
on his, taking whatever bit of emotion he harbored
along with them. Endymion could not remember the
last time his father and he had shared a civil
converstation without it ending with the latter
watching his back as he stormed from the room. This
time he would not let his father have the last word.
He rose, "I have found her. It is you who
chooses not to accept that," Gathering his strength,
he stood firm.
Damius's shoulders stiffened. He kneaded his
forehead in disbelief.
'It is true then?'
He whipped around suddenly, "You dare turn
your back on your kingdom?!" His scowling face
contorted with anger.
Endymion cowered slightly but countered his
father, "It is your narrow-mindedness--"
"My narrow-mindedness?" Damius's voice was a
low rumble, "Those Lunarians are a coniving,
ruthless people, and I will not have my son
associating with any little tart from the Moon."
Endymion's eyes turned black with fury, "Do
not ever speak of her that way! You have no idea
what or whom you are talking about!"
"Damius, Endymion, calm down," Gaia's troubled
face turned back-and-forth from her husband to her son.
"Serenity is more important to me than any
throne," Endymion stared at his father, unblinking.
Damius faltered. "Serenity? You mean to tell
me that not only are you having an affair with a
Lunarian, but the PRINCESS?!" He threw his hands
in the air. Endymion realized his mistake but knew
it was too late. The truth was out.
He swallowed and shifted his stance, "I
am not asking for your approval."
In silent wonder, Gaia covered her open
mouth with her hand.
Endymion forced himself to calm down,
"If you would only make peace with them--see how
loyal and true they really are, then we--"
Damius shook his head, "There is no room
for negotiation. You will have nothing to do with
her from this moment on. I should have acted on
this the first time our guards spotted Lunarian
magic on our grounds. It-ends-here."
He set his mouth in a thin, determined line.
The eerie stillness which followed chilled Enydmion
to his core. His father was right. There was no room
for negotiation, so he would not even attempt it.
"I am sorry we do not agree, Father," Endymion
brushed past him, refusing to look at his mother's
sullen face on his way. His steps grew quicker with
each second, and soon he was racing down the corridor
and through the main gates of the palace.
Gaia fell back onto the couch and covered her
face with her hands. Damius remained standing.
"We have lost him, haven't we?" She whispered,
"We have lost our son because you can not bear to
move beyond the past." She turned to him.
Damius looked at her, "The past is--"
"The past is over, Damius," She cried, "I can
see that. Endymion can see that. It is time you see
as well," She rose from her seat and left him to his
thoughts.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Do you believe in love, Mother?" Serenity
twirled a strand of golden hair between her finger
tips and gazed at her mother thoughtfully. The
Lunarian Queen set down her quill and smiled
at her daughter.
"Of course, darling," She rose from her
chair and joined Serenity on her bed, "Would you
care to tell me why you ask?"
Serenity shrugged, "Just...wondering, I guess,"
Her eyes drifted from her mother's, and she stood
and walked to the balcony.
The massive global structure of Earth loomed
overhead like a beacon. She sighed and leaned
heavily against the railing.
Queen Serenity smiled inwardly and followed
behind her daughter. As she used to when Serenity
was a child, she ran her fingers through her
daughter's hair soothingly.
"What is troubling you, Serenity?" She turned
Serenity's shoulders around. The sight of silent
tears trailing from her daughter's eyes
alarmed her.
Serenity shook her head, "I...I'm so confused,
Mother," She wiped her
cheeks, "Th-there is a black area and a white area
that I must choose from," She shook her head as a
signal for her mother to let her finish, "But--but
I am *caught* in this gray part that I just can't...
escape."
She fell into her mother's open arms and wept
softly. She could feel the earth's strong presence
behind her and the Lunarian bond with her mother
tugging her away from its alluring powers.
"My dear, tell me what these white and black
areas are that you must choose from," Queen Serenity
rubbed her daughter's back and lead her back to her
bed. Serenity sat heavily and sniffled.
The Queen's mind was racing, processing all
the information her daughter had supplied so far and
steadily drawing her own conclusions. Her daughter
was in love? With whom? The answer was obvious by
the way Serenity seemed to disappear each saturday
afternoon for hours and the long moments she spent
gazing off at the blue marble of Earth.
The ties between the Lunarians and Terrans
were not broken--they were simply nonexistent. As
much as every fiber of her being longed to end her
daughter's pain by making peace with Earth, Serenity
knew that the obstinate king of her rival planet
would never have it.
Serenity's sobs subsided eventually, leaving
her breaths uneven and shallow.
"I love him," She uttered softly, "I *love*
him," She turned her eyes to her mother, and they
pleaded with her to understand.
"Who do you love, Serenity?" She asked,
placing a hand on her shoulder.
Serenity cast her eyes downward and hesitated.
Perhaps her mother would understand. The many years
she taught her to treat all people equally must
speak something of her mother's own ways of
judging others.
"En-" She paused, "A Terran." Telling her mother
she loved the Terran prince would be too much.
For now she would have to settle for only his
nationality.
Queen Serenity sighed, "Serenity..."
Serenity sat up straight and grasped her mother's
hands, "Mother, if you only knew how wonderful he is--"
Queen Serenity placed her hands on either
side of her daughter's face gently.
"I am sure he is, Serenity, but it is against
our laws. Associating with a Terran is something no
Lunarian is allowed. I am sorry, Serenity."
Serenity's eyes filled again. The thought of
losing Endymion was too much for her heart to bear.
She fled the room in a whirlwind of robes and tears.
"Serenity," Her mother called after her.
Serenity's ears, however, were clogged with the
repetition of her mother's earlier words. She
would never be allowed the one privelege she
longed for most--to love whom she chose freely.
With her daughter gone, the queen silently
wept into her palms. Rarely did she shed a tear,
for the hardships of ruling a kingdom had taught
her to hide her emotions well. Through her bond
with her only child, she could feel the vast
pain that pierced her soul.
The gentle hand which fell across her
shoulder startled her slightly, but she soon
recognized her friend's presence and grasped her
hand tightly.
"Setsuna...How can I let her hurt like
this?" She turned to face her long time confidante.
Setsuna's wise eyes were filled with regret
for her queen. "I am sorry, your highness," She
said softly.
"Isn't it ironic that she should love a
Terran? And the prince...I can remember..." She
trailed off, taking her next words with her.
Setsuna did not question how the queen
had figured out the identity of her daughter's
love. Her queen was as wise as she, with or
without the visions of past and future to back her up.
"Irony is a strange, enigmatic thing.
All will be well, my queen. Be strong for her,"
Setsuna hugged Serenity sisterly, allowing her
facade of sterness to fall for a moment.
"Peace, Serenity. Peace shall undo all that
has been wronged. Have faith in your daughter's
heart and in your own," With those last words
spoken, the keeper of time and princess of Pluto
vanished, leaving the solemn queen alone in her
room--her thoughts her only company.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Surrounded by shrubbery and plants, Serenity
wandered aimlessly throughout her gardens. The aroma
of foriegn scents eased her troubled mind only slightly,
and she found herself unable to cease the broken
sobs that racked her her body.
Making sure no guards were around, she eased
through the garden gates and stealthily made her way
into the grassy plains bordering the palace's
western face.
She was not surprised to find herself in the
spot she would normally transport to Earth to visit
her prince. The urge to see him was mind-numbing.
She could hear his voice calling her name in her
mind. Her tears were less now, trailing slowly
from her eyes.
She fell to the ground heavily, pulling her
knees to her chest as if to shield herself from
the pain she felt. Wiping her cloudy eyes, she
cast them heavenward and blinked. A large flash
soared above her head. Her eyebrows perked up on
her small forehead in interest, and she rose.
Whomever or whatever the object was would surely
be seen by the guards and located.
Out of curiosity, she found herself walking
farther into the field in search of the mysterious
ball of light. As she approached the edge of the
plain and was faced with a wall of trees, she
swallowed and trudged on through the forest.
Seeing was almost impossible through the
thick shrubs and bushes blocking her path. She
saw no point in continuing further, but as she
turned to retreat from the woods, a large hand
gripped her waist and pulled her back through
the trees roughly.
What ever cries of distress she intended
to release were promptly muffled by a strong hand.
Jagged briars snarled at her flailing limbs, making
it futile and painful to struggle in the stranger's
grasp whose identity was concealed completely by
the inky darkness which surrounded them.
By the person's careless movements, Serenity
could tell he/she did not know exactly where they
were going. Their blind thrusts behind bushes and
constant circling ensured her that the person
was lost. She pondered whether that was good
or bad.
Her thoughts were severed when they stopped
abruptly. A small patch of clearing lay before
her, and she found herself more curious than
frightened for some reason. Her lack of fear
troubled her.
"Serenity."
So familiar...had the person said her name before?
"Serenity, it's me," Her arms were released,
and she was whipped around to face the cobalt eyes
she had memorized so many times before. Her breath
caught in her throat.
"Endymion...?" Her baffled mind only had
enough time to register the person's name while
dealing with the bubbling questions brewing within it.
Endymion smiled shortly and took her hand.
"Forgive me, love, I didn't mean to scare you like
that. I wanted to make sure we were far enough from
the palace so we wouldn't be--"
Serenity threw herself into his arms, tears
streaming freely all the while. She didn't care what
his motives were--didn't have time to care as she
held on to him as if it would be the last time
they would share a moment together.
He lost himself in their embrace, gripping
her small frame against his own. The only place
he had thought of to flee to after his fight
with his parents was wherever Serenity was--in
this case, the planet he had been brought up to
despise and fear.
She sniffled softly against his chest,
reveling in the feeling of his nearness.
"No need to cry, Sere," He tilted her chin
towards him, "You're so beautfiul when you smile."
He was rewarded with an elated, yet watery,
grin. He chuckled and kissed her forehead gently.
"H-how? Why did you come?" She inquired.
Endymion sighed and lead her to a clear patch of
grass where he brought her to sit in his lap. She
leaned her head against his shoulder as he spoke.
"Two reasons, actually. One: I was dying to
be with you," He ran his hand over her hair, and
she blushed, digging her face deeper into the
fabric of his shirt, "And two: my parents and I
had a little...falling out, if you will."
Her ears pricked up like a small puppy and
she furrowed her brow, "What happened, Endy? And
you know how dangerous it is for you to be here.
There are Lunarian guards lurking around every
corner," She eyed him half sternly, half admirably.
He merely pecked her nose, and laughed, "And
this coming from the one who risks everything to
travel to my kingdom each week?" She blushed and
voiced her first question again.
Endymion cast his eyes upward and ran a
hand through his ebony locks, "They've discovered us."
Serenity gasped and stood up abruptly,
"How? What will your father do? He won't attack
our kingdom will he? Endy, this is all my fault,"
She began pacing, rolling over all impossibly tragic
outcomes to their dilemma in her mind, and he
grabbed her shoulders.
"Serenity, this is *not* your fault, and he
won't be attacking any time soon. Between us, he's
a little intimidated by your militia," Endymion
laughed for a second, instantly sobering at her
look of disaprovement.
"This isn't funny, Endy," She left his arms
and walked around him, "I can't take this any more.
My mother would no more let me continue my relationship
with a 'terran'," She scoffed at how 'terran' seemed
to be a word of distaste to her mother, "Than she
would with a moster of the Nega Verse."
Endymion felt her frustration and took her
into his arms again. "I know, Sere. But my father
is stubborn and will not back down, and I am not
willing to lose you."
"Why can't we just love each other without
feeling as if we're commiting a royal indecency of
some sort?" She sighed against his chest.
"The only indecency being commited is the way
our people see eachother--as enemies to be feared,"
He sighed into her hair.
"Wait..." Serenity pulled away slightly,
"Maybe if you talked to my mother, she would be
able to see how Terrans really are," She smiled,
"I know she would talk to you. She wants war no
more than you or I do."
Endymion tucked a lock of hair behind her
ear, "I wish it were that simple, love, but my
father will never relent in his blind hatred for
your people. Even if I convinced your mother, he
would only see it as an act of treason on my part
and God knows what he would do to me...or to
your people then."
Serenity shook her head, "Please, Endy. Just
*talk* to her, let her see--"
"Serenity, it is not going to work," He turned
away from her.
Serenity followed him and grabbed onto his arm,
"Endy, if you believe in our love as much as I do,
then please show me by defending it in front of my mother."
"Do I need to prove my love for you, Serenity?"
He asked.
Serenity now turned from his eyes, "No...I
know you love me. But If not to prove that love for
me then prove that you are not prejudice against our
people and that you wish for peace as much as my
mother and I do."
She hugged her arms against her chest.
Endymion could not find the words to deny his
love of her wish. He felt himself relenting and
sighed heavily.
"I will speak to her," He caved.
Serenity whipped around and tackled him to
the ground. Breathless, she kissed him with a
passion all her own.
"Thank you," She smiled sincerely at him once
she broke their embrace.
Shaken up a bit by her surprise attack,
Endymion only shook his head in disbelief and
brought her lips against his own again.
"You are...incredible," His hot breath
tickled the sensitive skin around her ear and she giggled.
In his arms, Serenity felt secure knowing that
in mere minutes her mother would finally understand
the futility of segregating the Terrans from Lunarians.
With her prince, she stood from the ground and
prepared to venture back to the palace.
"Who goes there?" A voice in the distance called,
startling the still of the night.
Endymion and Serenity looked at eachother
intensely. Endymion reached for her and brought her
ear to his mouth.
"Go, Serenity. I will come back for you tomorrow
night. If they find you, it will only make things
worse. No one knows about me yet," He shoved her
slightly towards the trees.
"No, Endy. I want to stay with you," She struggled
against him.
"Please, Serenity," His cobalt eyes pleaded with
her, and she paused for a moment.
"Anyone there? Show yourselves!" The guard was
closer now, his voice excited at the opportunity of
capturing a trespasser on palace grounds.
"Serenity," Endymion urged her. With one more
dithering glance, she fled from the clearing, diving
into the woods blindly in the opposite direction of
the guard's voice.
Endymion hesitated before flinging himself into
another section of the forest. Branches ripped at his
clothing, and a protruding root brought him tumbling
down a small hill. He landed with a grunt and wiped
his soiled face harshly.
"Don't-move-a-muscle," With a cocky smirk, the
guard grinned at Endymion and pointed his dagger
against his neck.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Serenity's shoes clicked rapidly against the
floor, her hair billowing behind her. The corridor
loomed on, seemingly stretching farther in the distance
with each step she took.
"Serenity, where are you going in such a hurry?"
Mina followed behind her cousin, walking quickly to
keep up with her hurried steps.
Serenity did not look behind her. "I'm looking
for Mother. Have you seen her?" She looked down an
empty corridor. No queen there.
"She's in a meeting with a lord--Richard, I think.
Serenity, what's wrong?" Panting, Mina placed her
hands on her knees when Serenity halted in front of a
large set of doors.
She watched with inquisitive eyes as Serenity
threw the doors open and barged into the room. Queen
Serenity sat opposite a large, smiling man. Deciding
to wait until her cousin came to her to explain her
odd behavior, Mina shrugged and disappeared through
another set of doors.
At her daughter's sudden appearance, Queen
Serenity's lips altered from a relieved smile to a
questioning frown.
"Serenity? What--"
"Mother, I must speak to you," Serenity did
not bother to acknowlege the man next to her mother.
Her mother gestured to the visitor, "Serenity,
I am in a meeting with Lord Richard at the moment.
Can this not wait?"
Serenity shook her head and opened her mouth
to speak, but the slamming of doors interrupted her speech.
A handfull of guards stormed into the room.
A man with flashing green eyes bowed to the queen.
"Forgive me, your highness, for interupting,"
He rose and nodded respectfully to Lord Richard,
"We have captured an intruder sneaking around the
bordering forest."
Queen Serenity furrowed her brow, "Well, send
him to the dungeons as usual. I do not understand
why you have chosen to interupt my meeting to
inform me of such a common matter."
The guard smiled slightly, "I belive you
will find it rather intriguing see who the
intruder is, my queen."
He gestured the men to part. Ragged and
sweating, Endymion appeared between them.
Serenity gasped at the sight of Endymion
and barely caught herself from lunging into the
group and freeing him. She bit her tongue.
Her mother crossed her arms, waiting for
an explanation. The same general cleared his
throat and turned to Endymion. Endymion flinched
as the man brushed back his matted bangs revealing
the glowing symbol of Earth.
The regal queen's hand flew to her mouth.
"A royal Terran?" She uttered in disbelief.
The gerneral crossed his arms, sastified.
"The *Prince* of Earth, your majesty," He said.
Queen Serenity threw her daughter a hasty
glance and swallowed. She approached Endymion as
if he would reach out and rip her arm off if she
dared disturbed the barriers of his personal space.
As she neared, Endymion's eyes held no look
of malice, nor did they stray from her own. He
faced her hard gaze with one of his own. The queen
stood a few feet from him and cleared her throat.
"Prince Endymion..." She eyed him as if
she expected his arrival. Her head turned from
him and looked at the general. "Take him to the
dungeons. I will determine his punishment. Speak
of his capture to no one." She needed no
explanation of his presence; he confirmed her
strong suspicions with his eyes.
The general nodded and gestured for the
guards to take him away. Serenity moved toward
him but stopped herself. Endymion allowed himself
one glance at her watering eyes. She apologized
through her gaze, and he let the corner of his
mouth twitch slightly in a brief smile of assurance.
The guards tugged roughly at him, throwing him
disgusted glances. After they left, the queen
apologized to her guest. He assured her he would
speak of the incident to no one and departed,
leaving the queen and her daughter to themselves.
Serenity bit back her tears and remorse. She
waited impatiently as her mother remained silent for
a few minutes before speaking.
"Serenity, you understand what must be done,"
Her voice was hollow and empty as she spoke.
Serenity gasped inaudibly, "No..."
Queen Serenity turned to face her daughter
who was shaking her head slowly.
"I am sorry. It is the law, Serenity. I have
no choice," She reached for her daughter's shoulder.
Serenity threw her mother a painstricken glance
and fled from the room.
The doors boomed shut, and the queen covered
her face.
"I am sorry," She whispered.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Your Majesty, I have urgent news!" The doors
to King Damius's study were thrown open by a panting
man. The king looked up irritably.
"General Zoicite? What news is so urgent that
you must interupt me?" His cold eyes flashed.
The man briefly flinched but regained his
composure quickly.
"The prince has been captured, your highness,"
He paused and swallowed.
Damius rose from his chair abruptly, "What do
you *mean* he has been captured? Where?" His voice boomed.
The general straightened his shoulders. "He
was captured only hours ago...on the Moon."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Who is there?" A short, stalky man peeked
through his door.
Emotionless blue eyes stared back at him.
"It is I, Princess Serenity," The visitor said.
The man immediately straightened and opened
the door. He bowed low and questioned her presence.
She did not smile and kept her cool eyes
still, "I wish to see the man who was captured
earlier this evening."
Quirking an eyebrow, the guard rose and
allowed her passage into the dungeon. Grabbing a
torch, he lead her down a narrow corridor. The
faces of men and women prisoners stared back at
her silently. She swallowed and focused on the
man in front of her.
"He was put in a separate cell. I don't
know why but..." The guard trailed off and
gestured to a stairwell.
"I must keep watch. Follow this stairwell
down to the bottom, princess, and a guard will be
there," Bowing low, he left her alone.
She shivered and descended the staircase.
The stone walls bordering them were cold and dreary
looking. After a minute or two, she reached the ground.
Five guards stood watch. They leaned casually
against the walls but bowed automatically at her
sudden presence. One stepped forward, "Your
highness, what brings you--"
"I wish to speak to the man captured earlier
this evening," She looked at the cell door and
added, "Privately."
The guards raised their eyebrows questioningly
but stepped aside. They stared at her for a moment
before retreating down another hallway. One of them
assured her that if she needed anything, they would
be near enough to come. After they had gone,
Serenity faced the cell.
"Endymion..." She whispered. A shuffling of
chains was heard and Endymion's soiled face appeared.
His lip was bleeding slightly and his tattered
clothing hug limply from his body. She used every
ounce of self-control to restrain the tears that
stung her eyes.
"Serenity, what are you--"
"I'm so sorry," She fell against the door.
Endymion reached through and grasped her hand tightly.
"I should be sorry," He titled her chin to
face him.
"No...it's all my fault. I should have stayed
with you," The tears she tried desperately to hide
were leaking now.
"Sshh," He wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Mother...sh-she said she has no choice.
They're going to--" She was cut off by her own sobs.
"Don't worry, Sere, I'll make it. We'll find
a way, I promise," He grasped her chin as best he
could with his handcuffs on, "I will not leave you."
"I can't live without you," She whispered.
He smiled softly, "You won't have to, Serenity.
I promise I will be here for you...always."
Her shining eyes glittered in the orange glow
of the surrounding torches. She reached into her
cloak and held out her hand to Endymion. He stared
at her for a moment and grasped the shimmering bag
which she offered.
Before more could be said, a guard appeared.
Serenity stood and glanced at Endymion.
He mouthed 'I love you' slowly to her. She
returned his words and turned away from him. A guard
escorted her from the chamber.
Endymion walked clumsily with his chains to
the corner of his cell. He opened his clasped hand
and sighed. The stars cast a dull glow into his room
from a small window, and he shut his tired eyes
from the image of his home, mockingly glowing
above him.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Prepare the militia! Get every soldier and
able man you can!" His voice hoarse from shouting
orders, King Damius watched over a busy crowd of
generals scurrying to fulfill their sire's demands.
From a corner, Gaia looked on with a despondent
frown. Had it really come to this? She looked at her
husband, red-faced with beady perspiration forming
at his hairline. Thoughts of Endymion rushed through
her mind. Her only child, forced to suffer because
he fell prisoner to love.
"My queen," A man placed a comforting hand
on her shoulder. She smiled appreciatively and
placed hers atop his.
"Kunzite, I am sure you will bring him back
to me safely. He is so dear to you," She cast her
eyes elsewhere, biting back an onslaught of tears.
"You have my word, your majesty," His silver-
blue eyes took in his queen's anguished appearance,
and he departed.
After passing several corridors filled with
scurrying people, he pushed through a set of wooden
doors revealing a security room buzzing with compressed
energy. A man hunched over a stack of papers looked up
briefly. His blonde hair fell across his forehead limply
from his constant swatting to keep it from his eyes.
"Kunzite, any news?" He stretched his sore back
muscles.
His friend and fellow general eyed him glumly,
"The king has prepared an army...we are going to war, Jaedite."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Serenity, please, stop crying," Mina cradled
her weeping cousin gently in her arms. Serenity
sniffled and wiped her puffy eyes.
"Oh, Mina...they're going to kill him tomorrow
and there is nothing I can do to stop them," She fell
into her arms again, a fresh wave of tears racking
her body.
Mina sent Lita a helpless look, but she turned
away, her own vision becoming clouded by tears.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"How soon, Artemis?" Queen Serenity rubbed her
forehead. Artemis swallowed, "King Damius will have an
army within the hour, your majesty. He has sent this
message, as well."
Queen Serenity grasped the paper and unfolded
it. As her eyes skimmed its contents, Artemis shifted
uncomfortably.
Serenity sighed heavily and faced him again,
"He declares war..."
"My queen, what will our plan of attack be?
Shall we offer the freedom of their prince in return
for peace?" Artemis asked.
Serenity smiled wisely, "Artemis this war is
not about his son," She turned her gaze to an open
window. The massive earth seemed to smirk back at her,
"This is about a cowardly king, desperate to reign
surperior above all others, and he will not rest
until he fulfills his desire."
"Perhaps a negotiation session could be--"
Queen Serenity shook her head, "Artemis, this
is it. When King Damius attacks, we will be ready to
defend our kingdom. I will not rest until our planets
live in the harmony that they should," She eyed him
intensely, "Prepare the militia."
"Mother."
Queen Serenity turned to her door where her
daughter stood. Her eyes were cool as stone, a look
her mother never thought possible on her young face.
"War is not the answer, Mother," Serenity fell
her to her knees at her mother's seat, "We can reach
peace. If we battle with Earth it will only cause
more damage."
"Serenity, my child," She placed a hand on her
daughter's head, "We have no choice."
Serenity stood and brushed off her mother's hand,
"And what of Endymion? If you harm him it will only
make King Damius' fury greater."
Queen Serenity looked away from her daughter's
pleading gaze, "His fate has been decided. Accept
that and move on," Her harsh words rolled off of her
tongue as if they were foreign.
Serenity's frustration morphed into a firey rage
at her mother's words, "How can you say that?! How
can you ask me to accept that the only man I have ever
loved will be killed by my own people? If you follow
through with his execution, Mother, then you may as
well kill me, too," Her voice was ragged, and she
furiously wiped at her eyes.
"Serenity, you do not understand. Let me explain
it to you," Serenity gently took her daughter's arm
and brought her to sit. The sobbing princess could
not protest, therfore she sat in silence, awaiting
her mother's next words.
Queen Serenity took upon a look of pure
nostalgia for second before shaking it off and turning
to her daughter. "I can remember...many years ago
when your father was alive," She swallowed back the
rising lump in her throat, "H-He and King Damius were
great friends, you know? They grew up together on Earth."
Serenity gasped, "Mother, you never told me
Father was a Terran."
Queen Serenity sighed, "Times became so...so
unbearable, Serenity. I did not wish for you to change
your feelings toward your father simply because of
his heritage."
Serenity nodded and let her mother continue.
"As I was saying...Terrans and Lunarians were
very much linked with eachother, and when your father
came to visit and we met..." Her eyes glazed over,
"We married shortly after and shared the most wonderful
life for a while," She cupped her daughter's cheek,
smiling at the signs of her father which shone through
at her now more than ever, "But it was not meant to be.
An evil sourceress attacked the earth, killing
thousands and spreading hatred throughout their lands.
Somehow, the Terrans began to believe that your father
had sabotaged them and was traitorous to their people."
Serenity moved to speak, but her mother pushed on,
"King Damius grew so flustered with whom to believe that
he finally gave in to his people who threatened to rebel
against him if he refused to banish all communications
with the Lunarian people," She wiped a tear which
escaped her eye, "By the time our communications were
lost, the sourceress was free to spread her terror
upon our people. Your...your father was killed in
the first battle."
"Mother..." Serenity placed a hand on her
mother's shoulder.
"We were able to defeat her in the end with
assisstance from our allies," her attempted smile
looked more like a twitching frown on her solemn
face, "Ever since, Terrans have separated themselves
from us with no sign of relenting, and although I have
tried many times to re-establish our ties, King Damius
has so grown to believe that your father was a traitor,
that he will settle for no explanation."
Serenity lowered her head under the heavy weight
of her mother's words.
"He has continued to look for any negative event
to blame the Lunarians for in order to have an excuse
to attack...and now, he has." Queen Serenity turned her
daughter's face to look at her.
"Do you understand, Serenity? Do you see why you
can not love him?"
"No, I do *not* understand, Mother!" Serenity
exploded. Her own heated anger surprised her, but she
was in too deep to turn back, "All I *understand* is
that a stubborn king can not admit that he is wrong,
and that my mother--who I used to believe could do
anything--is giving up so easily." Serenity stormed
from the room, flinging her tears into the air. A
single drop landed on the queen's hand, and she
covered it with the other.
Queen Serenity's heart collasped with her
daughter's words, and in the privacy of her bedroom
she wept openly for her princess and her princess's
prince. Fate was a cruel and unjust thing in the trials
and tribulations of love.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Earth's militia prepared to teleport to the Moon.
King Damius stood proud in his armor and held his hand
for the signal. Pooling all of their psychic powers,
they disappeared from their homeland, unsure if they
would ever stand on its soil again.
The shield which protected the Moon from their
invasion crumbled beneath their combined power. Queen
Serenity nodded as Artemis informed her of this. She
was hardly surprised.
In the Lunarian skies, flashes of bright light
containing the Terran militia illuminated the horizon
for miles. Children danced in their yards, pointing to
the brilliant light spectical. Their mothers beckoned
them to come inside.
In the comfort of their home, a mother and child
prepared to sleep. The flashing lights of the sky sent
spears of light throughout their room.
"Where is Daddy, Mama?"
"Sssh...go to sleep."
"But, where did he go?"
"He's gone for a trip, honey."
"When will he be back?"
"We'll just have to...to see, dear."
"I wonder if he can see the shooting stars."
"I'm--I'm sure he can."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Senshi, are you prepared for battle?" Queen
Serenity looked at the young girls' faces.
Bravely, they nodded. Venus shielded her eyes
from the blinding lights entering their atmosphere.
Her friends looked at her and she smiled reassuringly.
From behind them, Serenity cried silently for them.
Mars' amtheyst eyes solemnly looked at her princess.
She enveloped her in a hug, whispering words of solace.
Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus joined in shortly thereafter.
Soon, Serenity watched her friends descend the
palace steps to approach the first line. The elements
of their powers flickered in their tiaras brightly.
She smothered the lurking doubt that she would ever
see them again.
The pain she felt consumed her mind, heart, and soul.
A guard moved to take her into hiding where she would be safe.
From the corner of her eye she could see a group of soldiers
approaching the queen. They whispered in hushed voices for
a moment, and Queen Serenity's eyes widened slightly. After
a few more hushed words, she nodded and they left.
Queen Serenity looked at her daughter as she was
taken away. Serenity read her mother's expression and turned
away from her gaze. The queen turned to face the battle
field and waited. As she heard the telltale ruffle of
skirts, she closed her eyes. Serenity broke free from the
guards and fled. Soon she and her love would be
together--as they should be.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The handle of his sword slipped against his sweaty
palm. King Damius gripped it tighter, wiped his brow and
faced ahead. The battlefield spanned five acres, and
the Lunarian army loomed dauntingly in the distance.
Their elite, the senshi, could be seen in the front.
Their legendary powers sparkled magnificently in the
misty night.
A bright flash momentarily blinded the Terran army,
and as they uncovered their eyes, their breath caught in
their throats. Queen Serenity hovered above her army,
glowing with the incredible power she possessed.
Mars sent a firm glance to Venus. Her intense gaze
wavered for a moment, the blue of her eyes shifting
with apprehension. With the aura of her fellow senshi
emitting from either side of her, Venus inhaled and
focused her energy. The wave of power she grew to depend
and rely on washed over her mind and body in electrifying
jolts, peaking her senses and creating an addicting
adrenaline which coarsed through her veins rapidly.
King Damius held onto the moment of silence with
all his might, drawing from its intensity and power. The
image of his son faltered in his mind, leaving only a
vision of the destruction of the Moon Kingdom. His lips
curved maliciously; his hands quaked with anticipation.
Huddled so close he could feel the hot breath of his
soldiers on his neck, he shifted slightly. Slowly, he
raised the glittering blade of his weapon above his head.
"ATTACK!!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Behind a thick wall of brush, Endymion tried to
control his racing heart. From his perch, he could view
the sea of warriors on either end of the battlefield.
Within his palm lay the golden object Serenity had
supplied for him to use against the guards.
He allowed himself a moment to reflect on his
escape. The guards had futiley attempted to restrain him,
but the small dose of magic supplied by his princess
had overtaken them, rendering them unconcious and
utterly helpless.
Branches cracked behind him, and he jumped.
The angelic face of his princess appeared moments after,
shedding a ray of light on the desolate hour.
No words were spoken as they enveloped eachother
in an embrace. Endymion felt a patch of moisture on his
chest, and tightened his hold on Serenity's small waist.
"They're going to destroy eachother," She whispered
against his chest. Endymion released his hold enough
to look into her eyes.
"Not if we stop them," The familiar determination
returned to his colbat eyes.
"Together?" She gripped his hand.
"Forever, Serenity."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Damius' battle cry pierced the night, rupturing
the thick layer of silence. Queen Serenity signaled her
army to begin battle, and they roared across the field,
rumbling like a horrendous tornado of destruction.
Horses puffed clouds of sharp, misty breaths and
galloped fiercly beneath the weight of the Terran militia,
and the ground shook violently beneath their hooves.
As the walls closed in on the gap separating
the armies inch by inch, the adrenaline of battle
smothered all feelings of fear. They collided with the
deafening clashing of sword on sword, fist on fist.
They now shared a common goal: to fight to the death.
Queen Serenity tapped into the silver crystal's
energy within herself. She would use it as a last resort
and only that. King Damius stopped his stallion and raised
his arms towards the heavens. A colossal wave shot out,
and a ball of golden fire appeared between his open palms.
He smiled.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Tearing through the thicket, Endymion and Serenity
silmultaneously gasped and stood still. The symbols of
their planets burned upon their foreheads. Serenity's
mouth cracked open slightly in wonder and fear. Endymion
merely stared at the illuminated crescent on his princess'
forehead, stunned.
'What does this mean?' They both thought. Endymion
racked his cluttered brain for some explanation. An unknown
force brought his eyelids down over his cloudy eyes, and
he saw his father, holding up the legendary golden crystal,
and sneering malevolently at it in his hands.
"He's using the golden crystal..." he uttered.
Serenity had long since felt her mother's crystal powering
up through their strong bond. She bit her lip and
turned back to their destination. Two separate domes of
silver and gold were rising into the sky, crackling
loudly above the screams and cries of death sounding
beneath them.
Suddenly, Endymion gripped his chest, doubling
over in pain. Serenity fell beside him, holding his
face steady in her shaking hands.
"Endymion? Endy?! Please talk to me!" Her voice
cracked over her sobs. Endymion's eyes were half
closed. Through the tiny slits she could see their
hollow and empty depths. Her cries grew louder, racking
her body harshly. She shook his shoulders once more,
trying to awake him from whatever subconcious sleep
he had entered.
"Pl-please..." Her head fell against his chest,
all feelings of hope dissipating within her.
Only a few hundred yards away King Damius was
basking in the drug of the golden crystal's power.
He focused more on his son's untapped powers and
unleashed them, transferring them into the crystal.
Serenity rocked back and forth, Edymion's limp
body moving with her in her arms.
'Use his light, Serenity.'
Her eyes snapped open, darting around rapidly,
searching for the voice. The ominous forest was all she saw.
She focused on Endymion's face--his mouth, the sharpness
of his features, his unseeing eyes, and the prominent
symbol of Earth upon his forehead. Her quaking fingertips
unclenched from his arms and as they came near, the
symbol flared and sizzled. She gulped, and her hand
hovered centimeters from his forehead.
Closing her eyes, she let them rest lightly upon
it. For a moment, she could hear and feel nothing. Her
only thoughts were of her prince. When her eyes cracked
open again, she was englufed in a silver shower of light.
She closed them tightly against the blinding light and
reached out her hands to find Endymion.
A brief feeling of flesh beneath her fingers
startled her, and she jumped back for a moment. Flinging
her hands out with more confidence, she gripped his arms
and trailed up to find his face. When she cupped her
hands around his soft cheeks, she felt the familiar
warmth of his hands on her own.
'Serenity.'
The light that enveloped them faded, and Serenity
opened her eyes. Endymion stared back at her, but through
him she could see the battlefield. She furrowed her brows
and squinted. He was translucent--a spirit.
"E-Endy?" She whispered, unbelieving.
He smiled softly and reached for her hand. She--not
knowing what else to do--met his hand halfway. Strangely,
they felt as warm as they always had. She did not understand.
She gazed at their hands and let out a startled cry.
She was translucent as well. A silver lining encased her
body, glittering softly.
'Shall we right their wrongs, Princess?' Endymion's
lips remained still, his voice sounding only in their minds.
She abandoned all questions concerning their diaphanous
state and offered him a smile in response. For the first
time she gazed around them, taking in the view. Beneath
them lay a sea of soldiers--their snarling and savage-
like faces, frozen in place. Four beams of orange, red,
green, and blue resided in mid-air, inches from their
targets.
Her mother and King Damius were each looking up at
them--he with a look of pure stupor, she, proud and
understanding. She nodded to her daughter, smiled at
Endymion and closed her eyes. A beam of light shot from
her hands and into Serenity's. Serenity cradled the
silver crystal gently.
Endymion looked at his father and decided to
take back what was rightfully his. Damius growled
with rage as the golden crystal zoomed from his grip
and into his son's.
'It is time for peace, Father.' Endymion
transmitted.
Damius' scowl softened slightly, and he looked
down.
Turning back to each other, Endymion and Serenity
threw their crystals into the sky, using their power of
love to guide it in its task. A colossal wave of
silver/gold light soared over them, encasing the
moon in a dome-like structure.
'Where to, Princess?' Endymion asked.
Serenity smiled and answered, 'To the future...
where they can begin anew.'
'I will find you again, Sere.' He vowed as his
energy was drained rapidly.
'And I will wait forever.'
Queen Serenity watched with tear-filled eyes as
her kingdom was transported from the moon and on to Earth.
Using the last of her powers, she put the young lovers
to rest and sent them off along with their kingdoms.
As her daughter faded from her sight, a tear fell
from her softened eyes. Flashing, it soared off into
space, where it would find its heir when the keepers
of time allowed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Well...? Hate it, love it? Wanna banish me from the
art of writing? Tell me ALLLLL about it! :D
Be looking out for another of my literary masterpieces--
or something like that--in the works called "To Go Please"
and "Camp Kiwachee."
ja~
--Adrial
Adrial_06@yahoo.com
