Finally I have chapter 10 out! READ AND REVIEW!
A Story To Remember
Chapter 10: Interlude in the Silver Millennium III
THE FOREST
Vegeta stood in the middle of the clearing. His breath was labored, as he surveyed the clearing. His entire body was cut or bleeding from Serena's attack. Almost every inch of exposed skin had a bruise or some other mark. He stared across the clearing and almost gasped at what he saw. Serena sat on her knees in the same place she had been when she had first attacked him. Her clothes were torn and her white tank top was stained with flecks of blood. Her hair had come undone from her ondangos, surrounding her bruised body. Her head was bowed forward and her hair covered her face in a veil-like way. She didn't move and didn't even seem to be breathing.
'I had no idea she was that powerful.' Vegeta thought, thinking back to her "Lunar Storm" attack, as he stared at the young princess. 'I've never seen an attack like that before..'
Wincing, he walked slowly toward her, his eyes fixed on her. He tried to call her name, but his throat felt tight, and dry. Slowly he approached her, until he was standing directly above her, his shadow covering her.
"Get up woman." He said, although it wasn't much more than a croak.
She didn't move, or even respond. Agitated, he reached for her wrist. Suddenly Serena grabbed his hand tightly, gripping it with surprising strength. She swept her leg around in a roundhouse kick to Vegeta's legs. As he began to fall, Vegeta reached out and grabbed her other hand, pulling her down with him.
The two fighters lay on their backs, with Serena lying directly on top of Vegeta. Serena smoothed her hair back and began to laugh.
"Ha! I FINALLY beat you Vegeta-sama!"
She laughed, shaking her hair out of her eyes. She was well aware that she was on top of Vegeta. He growled something and started to get up when Serena put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him back down.
"You should listen to your self when you talk Vegeta-sama!" She smiled victoriously, "Remember what you said? NEVER trust your enemy!" She giggled, completely elated to have tricked the Saiya-Jin prince.
Vegeta glared at her, not making any attempts to get up. He smirked evilly and wrapped his arms around Serena's waist, holding her even closer to him.
"Serena." He whispered in her ear, enjoying her startled reaction, "You're not really my enemy."
Serena blushed furiously at his closeness. "Let go of me Vegeta, this is hardly a proper position, especially during The Gathering."
"Do you want me to let go?" He said, teasing her.
"Let go."
"Humph." He shoved her off him roughly and sat up. Serena glared at him and sat up next to him as well.
"My clothes are ruined....and I'm all bloody...Hardly a proper look for a princess." Serena knew she was babbling, but being so close to Vegeta had stirred something deep within her, something she had never felt before.
"Stop complaining woman."
"Shut up." She said, crossly, "How am I going to explain how I look to my mother?"
"Should I care?" Vegeta said eye's closed.
"YES! 'Cause if I go down Vegeta-sama, I'm gonna take you with me!"
"Humph."
"At least I can heal us."
She took Vegeta's hands, and concentrated. She had done this many times before, when their usual sparring sessions had gotten intense. A glow of white light surrounded the two and when it finally dispersed, their cuts and bruises were gone. Serena stood up and stretched. She opened one eye.
"You know Vegeta, there's that little congregation we're having in the throne room tomorrow night, where I get to meet all the princes and princesses and their parents." She said, seemingly hiding something.
"What does that have to do with me?" Vegeta said, catching her tone. He stood up and crossed his arms.
"You'll be there right?"
He grumbled something, "I'll probably skip it and train."
"Why?" Serena said, genuinely confused.
"What do you mean why woman? I'm a fighter, a soldier..."
"A prince." Serena said, cutting in."
"I don't go to parties with prissy little weaklings."
"Your parents will be there."
"My parents are Saiya-Jins."
"Ohhhhh." Serena said, smiling slightly, "So your saying that other races aren't good enough? Or are you saying LUNARIANS aren't good enough for Saiya-Jins?"
Vegeta turned away from her, 'She's so annoying.'
"Well Vegeta? Answer me."
"I don't take orders from weak women." Vegeta said, scowling.
"I believe that it was I who brought you to your knees Vegeta-sama...or should I say on your back?" Serena smirked, again triumphant.
Vegeta stalked toward her until he was precisely in front of her. "Are all Lunarian women like you?"
"Like what?" Serena said, standing her ground against the dark prince.
"Annoying and interfering." He said, almost scornfully.
She glared at him and countered, "Are all Saiya-Jins like you? Cold and vindictive?"
Vegeta stared at her, this...girl...this annoying, weak, beautiful girl. This girl that had captured his heart in a matter of weeks. Then, unexpectedly, he leaned down and kissed her.
The kiss was warm and deep, and Serena gasped at his touch. After a few seconds, Vegeta pulled away, a smirk on his face as he licked his lips.
"Am I that cold Princess?" He said, noting the surprised look on her face.
"I. Ummm." Serena was shocked, no one had EVER touched her like that, and yet it felt so RIGHT.
"Ummm...Vegeta-sama, we should go...it's getting late."
Vegeta nodded, and walked off into the woods, STILL smirking. Serena turned and walked the other way, both having decided to take different routes back to the palace, lest they be caught together.
THE PALACE
After successfully sneaking into the palace, Serena ran to her room, careful to avoid anyone. She slipped into her room and changed into her white gown. She left her room and ran to the throne room. Suddenly she stopped as everyone turned to look at her.
"Oh....ummmm...Hi mother."
"SERENITY!!!" The Sailor Senshi ran to their princess.
"Princess." Mercury said, "Your mother was convinced that something had happened to you."
"We're so glad your ok!" Venus said.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just walking out side...for some...ummm.........air." Serena said, allowing her self to be hugged by all the Senshi. She smiled at her mother.
"I don't want you leaving the palace again Serena." Her mother said seriously.
Serena curtsied, "Yes mother." She turned to her Senshi and the guards and curtsied to them as well, "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."
"It's ok Serenity." Jupiter said, smiling. The Inners untransformed and left the throne room, the guards took their usual positions.
Queen Serenity motioned for her daughter to follow her out into the hall. They walked on in silence.
"Serena?"
"Yes Mother?"
"It is coming near the end of The Gathering."
"Yes I know." Serena said. She had been trying to avoid that fact.
"Is there a certain prince you have taken interest in?" the queen said hopefully.
"Not Endymion." Serena said, her thoughts straying to the kiss Vegeta had given her.
"Oh really? Well, tomorrow night you will be able to meet all the royal families."
"I don't favor Endymion." Serena said, more to her self than to her mother, "But he's nice, and kind."
"That he is My Own. Remember, I am giving you till the day before the end of The Gathering. You have less than 2 weeks."
Serena grimaced than mumbled, "Less than two weeks to find a husband...good grief."
"You already know Endymion." Serenity said.
"Mother." Serena stopped walking and moved to stand in front of her mother, "Endymion is so...WRONG for me, can't you see that? Sure I've known him for a long time, but he's more of a friend to me. I'd NEVER marry him."
"Serena, I just want you to be happy, but the end of The Gathering is coming soon."
Serena sighed and lowered her eyes. Endymion was the PERFECT candidate for her.........in her MOTHER'S eyes. If she didn't choose her fiancée soon, her mother would choose for her, Endymion being the OBVIOUS choice. Serenity knew Endymion, though, better than any of the other princes...but......there was one dark prince that had captured her attention.........and her heart.
"Mother, I will find my prince, you will see."
MOON PALACE; 2ND CHAMBER (IE. KINGS/PRINCES QUARTERS) VEGETA'S ROOM (prince)
Vegeta growled and stripped off his tattered clothes. (AN: Yummm *drools*) He changed and sat on his bed. 'Serena.' His mind was filled with thoughts of the beautiful princess. 'I hardly know her...so why do I feel this way about her?' he asked himself. His hands twisted the expensive sheets of his bed. The door suddenly opened, and a female Saiya-Jin walked in. She wore Saiya-Jin armor that was made for a female and her tail was wrapped loosely around her waist. She walked into Vegeta's room with an air of confidence that only a Saiya-Jin would have.
Scowling, Vegeta stood up to greet her, "Mother."
"Vegeta." She said, smirking as her son bowed at her presence. "You should get ready."
"For what?" Vegeta said. He had a feeling his mother was planning something.
"Why for the party tonight, of course." The Queen smiled slyly at her son.
"I'm not going." Vegeta sat down.
His mother was not like other Saiya-Jin women. Although she was an excellent fighter, was very strong, and had the physical structure of a Saiya-Jin, everyone knew she was different...including her own son. She was a good fighter, but she didn't like to fight. Most Saiya-Jin concealed their emotions (with the thought that emotions made them weak) but she did not. Preferring to show her feelings, even singing while she trained. She was an elite, female Saiya- Jin...she had been chosen to mate with the Prince at that time. She had married Vegeta's father and so, she had become queen.
Vegeta's mother sat down next to him, placing her hands on both sides of her,
"Vegeta your coming. I NEVER force you to do ANYTHING."
"It's not like you could." Vegeta said under his breath.
The queen glared at her son and continued, "But you are DEFINETLY coming to this party. I'll not have those other weaklings talk about us behind our backs. We are, after all, Saiya-Jin. We have pride." The queen put her hands over Vegeta's,
"We will show the other races that Saiya-Jins are as good...if not better than they are." She smiled at her son and let go of his hands.
Vegeta was unmoved by his mother's speech, "No." he said resolutely.
The queen narrowed her eyes at him. "We will be introduced to Queen Serenity and her daughter at 9:00, if you are not ready by then, I will PERSONALLY see to it that you are DRAGGED to that party. Get ready NOW, unless you want your FATHER involved."
Vegeta sighed in defeat. He watched as his mother marched out of the room.
THE PARTY (Serena's POV)
Serena sighed in boredom. She twisted slightly, in her throne. She felt her mother pinch her arm slightly and she sat up taller, plastering a smile on her face. She groaned inwardly as she heard one of the Sadarian advisors read another name. Another royal family came forward. The Sadarian advisor called out in his, slow, leisurely speech:
"May I present the royal family of Laasar. King Omar, Queen Metai, and Prince Omari III."
They bowed to the queen and princess of the Moon Kingdom. Serena almost choked in disgust as she looked at the family. The king and queen of Laasar were looking at her hopefully, their eyes flicking back and forth between her and their son. Serena almost scowled at the lust she saw in the Laasar prince's eyes. She nodded her head at them at the exact same time her mother did (having practiced this for hours before.) The family stepped back and another stepped forward.
"May I present the........."
Serena tuned out. The ball was in the open ballroom; through the pillars she could see her garden and further back the forest that marked the outer pillars of the palace. Suddenly she heard something.
"Serenity! Please pay attention!" Queen Serenity said sternly.
"AH!" Serena blushed furiously at the next royal family that stood before her. She nodded and apologized...noting another lust-driven prince, with a slightly annoyed, younger princess.
"Honestly Serenity." Her mother whispered.
Serena rolled her eyes, tuning out again. She glanced down at her platinum, sapphire incrusted watch. It was almost 9 o'clock. Soon the parade of royals would end and the dancing would begin. Serena smiled, she loved to dance. Pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she smoothed her dress and looked out at the crowd of elegant attendants, searching for a certain Saiya-Jin prince.
'I hope he comes.' Serena thought. She looked up as she heard a familiar name being called.
"May I present the royal family of Elysian. King Elysian, Queen Aurora, and Prince Endymion.
They bowed to the queen and princess and Serena noticed Endymion smiling at her. She smiled back at him. Her mother nodded to them and they stepped back. Elegantly dressed men and women talked and laughed in the open ballroom. The music would start after the last noble family was announced.
Abruptly the talking in the room died down. A family of 3 stepped forward boldly. The Sadarian advisor was visibly shaking. Serena sat forward in her throne, smiling broadly.
"M-may I p-present the r-royal f-family of V-vegeta-sei. K-king Vegeta." The advisor was trembling. "Q-queen Sensou." (AN: I am ALMOST sure that sensou means war. A fitting name for her majesty ne?) He was quaking so hard that he almost ripped the paper he was reading from. "A-and Prince V-vegeta." The Sadarian shuddered and almost fainted.
Sensou was the first to bow. Her son and husband followed suit. Queen Serenity nodded to them, her hand gripping the Moon Scepter tighter. She glanced at her daughter and noticed the casual smile on her face. Serena nodded at the Saiya-Jins. She smirked at Vegeta and winked at him sweetly. The Saiya-Jin family stepped back and Queen Serenity stood from her throne.
"Ladies and Gentlemen." "It is a pleasure to have all of you attending this ball. As you all know my daughter, Princess Serenity, will choose her fiancée at the end of the Gathering. For now let us enjoy this night. Maestro, start the music!"
The room was soon filled with beautiful music. Laughter and conversation filled the room once again, as men and women made room to dance. Serena got up, and curtsied to her mother, smiling enthusiastically. She stepped down from her throne and walked through the ballroom. She smiled at the people she passed, careful to avoid any princes, she wanted to find Vegeta first.
She spotted him with his father, leaning against a pillar. A scowl adorned his face and Serena giggled softly. She saw Rei of Mars and Makoto of Jupiter and waved to them. (AN: I've decided to use the Japanese names for the scouts in their princess forms. I WILL be using their NA names.) Serena made her way closer to Vegeta when a man stopped in front of her and took her hand.
Serena gasped, "Endymion!"
"Serenity." He said softly, "I am glad to see you again."
"And I you Prince Endymion." Serena said, trying to pull her hand away.
"May I have the pleasure of the first dance?"
Serena nodded weakly and allowed her-self to be lead to the middle of the ballroom floor. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her VERY close to him. She smiled again, trying not to look too nervous. The two danced to the music, following the steps exactly.
"You are so graceful Princess. You are a wonderful dancer Serenity."
"What are you talking about Endymion? You already know I'm a good dancer. We've danced together hundreds of times before. And I told you, you could call me Serena."
'Why is he acting so weird?' she thought. Serena glanced away from him and noticed that everyone in the room was watching them dance...including her mother.
'He's trying to impress everyone.' She contemplated.
Thankfully the song ended and she let go of Endymion's hand. "Thank you very much for the dance Prince." She curtsied and hurried off into the crowd. She ran back to where she had seen Vegeta, but he was gone. She was in the farthest corner of the room. No one was watching her. She leaned against the outer pillar, letting the shadows of night cover her. She lifted her face to look at the stars. The earth looked beautiful fro the moon and Serena closed her eyes. All of a sudden two hands grabbed her waist.
Serena's eyes snapped open. She jumped and whirled around. "Vegeta?!"
He smirked at her, his face covered in shadows.
"You came after all!" She smiled, "I didn't think you would!"
"I didn't want to."
Suddenly Serena, giggling, wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "I'm so glad you're here." She whispered.
Vegeta was stunned by her actions. He had never felt this way in his entire life. "Let go of me woman." He growled gently.
Serena laughed, "You can be my formal escort Vegeta!" She grabbed his arm pulled him out of the shadows of the pillar. She slipped her arm through his, but Vegeta smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist instead. Blushing she asked,
"Can you dance Vegeta?"
"I'm not dancing."
"Aww common Vegeta! Please?"
"NO!"
"Humph." Serena pouted and relaxed against Vegeta's arm. She smiled to her-self at the shocked stares of the men and women of the ballroom. They walked around together, talking about the planets in the Silver Millennium, fighting techniques, who looked good in what, and Serena pointed her friends out to Vegeta.
It was getting later. It was almost mid-night and Serena was getting tired. Vegeta's parents had left the party a while ago and there were a few couples still dancing. Many of the prince and princesses had left with newfound sweethearts. Serena and Vegeta were out on the balcony.
"I wonder where my mother is." Serena said softly, leaning on the railing of the balcony. She smiled as the wind rushed through her hair, ruffling her dress. She hadn't seen her mother since the introductions.
Vegeta shrugged and wrapped his tail more tightly around his waist. He wore, as usual, his Saiya-Jin armor. Serena closed her eyes and listened to the breeze.
Vegeta stared at her. Her long blonde hair fell gracefully to her feet and her white dress swirled around her. It seemed that after tonight it was even harder to avoid the fact that he had feelings for her. Her face was covered in shadows and she had a smile on her face. Vegeta tried to look away but he found him-self entranced by her beauty. He walked closer to her, and gently put his arms around her.
"Vegeta?" She said tenderly, "You're my friend right? I mean, you care more about my personality than my power and fortune?"
Vegeta couldn't help but think back to the times they trained together, "Woman, don't be a baka."
"Please tell me Vegeta." She pleaded.
Vegeta wanted to tell her he loved her, that he would do anything for her. He was a Saiya-Jin, though. He had been trained too well. He barely managed to force out the words, "I am your friend Serena. I-I would do..a-anything for you."
Serena smiled at him, fighting back tears. "Would you kiss me again?"
Vegeta stared at her, realizing what she was asking him. He cupped his hands around her face. "Woman, you really are a baka." He leaned down and kissed her.
The clock struck 12 midnight and the ballroom was empty.
Serena felt Vegeta's tongue pressing against her lips and she opened her mouth slowly. He tasted her mouth gently, deepening the kiss. Serena moaned softly and they broke the kiss for air.
"A-arigatou Vegeta-sa..."
Vegeta silenced her by capturing her lips with his own again, holding her
tightly to his body. He knew now what this feeling was.
**************
Queen Serenity walked through the ballroom. She had been talking with Endymion's parents, the king and queen of Elysian. She had thought Serena would've been in bed by now (AN: hopefully alone in bed ^_~) but, after checking her room, she had found her daughter's bed empty. Her eyes stopped on the balcony. She noticed her daughter in the passionate embrace of............Her eyes widened. Her mouth dropped open and she stormed onto the balcony.
"SERENITY?!"
Serena pulled away from Vegeta, "MOTHER?!"
Chapter 10
A Story To Remember
Chapter 10: Interlude in the Silver Millennium III
THE FOREST
Vegeta stood in the middle of the clearing. His breath was labored, as he surveyed the clearing. His entire body was cut or bleeding from Serena's attack. Almost every inch of exposed skin had a bruise or some other mark. He stared across the clearing and almost gasped at what he saw. Serena sat on her knees in the same place she had been when she had first attacked him. Her clothes were torn and her white tank top was stained with flecks of blood. Her hair had come undone from her ondangos, surrounding her bruised body. Her head was bowed forward and her hair covered her face in a veil-like way. She didn't move and didn't even seem to be breathing.
'I had no idea she was that powerful.' Vegeta thought, thinking back to her "Lunar Storm" attack, as he stared at the young princess. 'I've never seen an attack like that before..'
Wincing, he walked slowly toward her, his eyes fixed on her. He tried to call her name, but his throat felt tight, and dry. Slowly he approached her, until he was standing directly above her, his shadow covering her.
"Get up woman." He said, although it wasn't much more than a croak.
She didn't move, or even respond. Agitated, he reached for her wrist. Suddenly Serena grabbed his hand tightly, gripping it with surprising strength. She swept her leg around in a roundhouse kick to Vegeta's legs. As he began to fall, Vegeta reached out and grabbed her other hand, pulling her down with him.
The two fighters lay on their backs, with Serena lying directly on top of Vegeta. Serena smoothed her hair back and began to laugh.
"Ha! I FINALLY beat you Vegeta-sama!"
She laughed, shaking her hair out of her eyes. She was well aware that she was on top of Vegeta. He growled something and started to get up when Serena put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him back down.
"You should listen to your self when you talk Vegeta-sama!" She smiled victoriously, "Remember what you said? NEVER trust your enemy!" She giggled, completely elated to have tricked the Saiya-Jin prince.
Vegeta glared at her, not making any attempts to get up. He smirked evilly and wrapped his arms around Serena's waist, holding her even closer to him.
"Serena." He whispered in her ear, enjoying her startled reaction, "You're not really my enemy."
Serena blushed furiously at his closeness. "Let go of me Vegeta, this is hardly a proper position, especially during The Gathering."
"Do you want me to let go?" He said, teasing her.
"Let go."
"Humph." He shoved her off him roughly and sat up. Serena glared at him and sat up next to him as well.
"My clothes are ruined....and I'm all bloody...Hardly a proper look for a princess." Serena knew she was babbling, but being so close to Vegeta had stirred something deep within her, something she had never felt before.
"Stop complaining woman."
"Shut up." She said, crossly, "How am I going to explain how I look to my mother?"
"Should I care?" Vegeta said eye's closed.
"YES! 'Cause if I go down Vegeta-sama, I'm gonna take you with me!"
"Humph."
"At least I can heal us."
She took Vegeta's hands, and concentrated. She had done this many times before, when their usual sparring sessions had gotten intense. A glow of white light surrounded the two and when it finally dispersed, their cuts and bruises were gone. Serena stood up and stretched. She opened one eye.
"You know Vegeta, there's that little congregation we're having in the throne room tomorrow night, where I get to meet all the princes and princesses and their parents." She said, seemingly hiding something.
"What does that have to do with me?" Vegeta said, catching her tone. He stood up and crossed his arms.
"You'll be there right?"
He grumbled something, "I'll probably skip it and train."
"Why?" Serena said, genuinely confused.
"What do you mean why woman? I'm a fighter, a soldier..."
"A prince." Serena said, cutting in."
"I don't go to parties with prissy little weaklings."
"Your parents will be there."
"My parents are Saiya-Jins."
"Ohhhhh." Serena said, smiling slightly, "So your saying that other races aren't good enough? Or are you saying LUNARIANS aren't good enough for Saiya-Jins?"
Vegeta turned away from her, 'She's so annoying.'
"Well Vegeta? Answer me."
"I don't take orders from weak women." Vegeta said, scowling.
"I believe that it was I who brought you to your knees Vegeta-sama...or should I say on your back?" Serena smirked, again triumphant.
Vegeta stalked toward her until he was precisely in front of her. "Are all Lunarian women like you?"
"Like what?" Serena said, standing her ground against the dark prince.
"Annoying and interfering." He said, almost scornfully.
She glared at him and countered, "Are all Saiya-Jins like you? Cold and vindictive?"
Vegeta stared at her, this...girl...this annoying, weak, beautiful girl. This girl that had captured his heart in a matter of weeks. Then, unexpectedly, he leaned down and kissed her.
The kiss was warm and deep, and Serena gasped at his touch. After a few seconds, Vegeta pulled away, a smirk on his face as he licked his lips.
"Am I that cold Princess?" He said, noting the surprised look on her face.
"I. Ummm." Serena was shocked, no one had EVER touched her like that, and yet it felt so RIGHT.
"Ummm...Vegeta-sama, we should go...it's getting late."
Vegeta nodded, and walked off into the woods, STILL smirking. Serena turned and walked the other way, both having decided to take different routes back to the palace, lest they be caught together.
THE PALACE
After successfully sneaking into the palace, Serena ran to her room, careful to avoid anyone. She slipped into her room and changed into her white gown. She left her room and ran to the throne room. Suddenly she stopped as everyone turned to look at her.
"Oh....ummmm...Hi mother."
"SERENITY!!!" The Sailor Senshi ran to their princess.
"Princess." Mercury said, "Your mother was convinced that something had happened to you."
"We're so glad your ok!" Venus said.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just walking out side...for some...ummm.........air." Serena said, allowing her self to be hugged by all the Senshi. She smiled at her mother.
"I don't want you leaving the palace again Serena." Her mother said seriously.
Serena curtsied, "Yes mother." She turned to her Senshi and the guards and curtsied to them as well, "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."
"It's ok Serenity." Jupiter said, smiling. The Inners untransformed and left the throne room, the guards took their usual positions.
Queen Serenity motioned for her daughter to follow her out into the hall. They walked on in silence.
"Serena?"
"Yes Mother?"
"It is coming near the end of The Gathering."
"Yes I know." Serena said. She had been trying to avoid that fact.
"Is there a certain prince you have taken interest in?" the queen said hopefully.
"Not Endymion." Serena said, her thoughts straying to the kiss Vegeta had given her.
"Oh really? Well, tomorrow night you will be able to meet all the royal families."
"I don't favor Endymion." Serena said, more to her self than to her mother, "But he's nice, and kind."
"That he is My Own. Remember, I am giving you till the day before the end of The Gathering. You have less than 2 weeks."
Serena grimaced than mumbled, "Less than two weeks to find a husband...good grief."
"You already know Endymion." Serenity said.
"Mother." Serena stopped walking and moved to stand in front of her mother, "Endymion is so...WRONG for me, can't you see that? Sure I've known him for a long time, but he's more of a friend to me. I'd NEVER marry him."
"Serena, I just want you to be happy, but the end of The Gathering is coming soon."
Serena sighed and lowered her eyes. Endymion was the PERFECT candidate for her.........in her MOTHER'S eyes. If she didn't choose her fiancée soon, her mother would choose for her, Endymion being the OBVIOUS choice. Serenity knew Endymion, though, better than any of the other princes...but......there was one dark prince that had captured her attention.........and her heart.
"Mother, I will find my prince, you will see."
MOON PALACE; 2ND CHAMBER (IE. KINGS/PRINCES QUARTERS) VEGETA'S ROOM (prince)
Vegeta growled and stripped off his tattered clothes. (AN: Yummm *drools*) He changed and sat on his bed. 'Serena.' His mind was filled with thoughts of the beautiful princess. 'I hardly know her...so why do I feel this way about her?' he asked himself. His hands twisted the expensive sheets of his bed. The door suddenly opened, and a female Saiya-Jin walked in. She wore Saiya-Jin armor that was made for a female and her tail was wrapped loosely around her waist. She walked into Vegeta's room with an air of confidence that only a Saiya-Jin would have.
Scowling, Vegeta stood up to greet her, "Mother."
"Vegeta." She said, smirking as her son bowed at her presence. "You should get ready."
"For what?" Vegeta said. He had a feeling his mother was planning something.
"Why for the party tonight, of course." The Queen smiled slyly at her son.
"I'm not going." Vegeta sat down.
His mother was not like other Saiya-Jin women. Although she was an excellent fighter, was very strong, and had the physical structure of a Saiya-Jin, everyone knew she was different...including her own son. She was a good fighter, but she didn't like to fight. Most Saiya-Jin concealed their emotions (with the thought that emotions made them weak) but she did not. Preferring to show her feelings, even singing while she trained. She was an elite, female Saiya- Jin...she had been chosen to mate with the Prince at that time. She had married Vegeta's father and so, she had become queen.
Vegeta's mother sat down next to him, placing her hands on both sides of her,
"Vegeta your coming. I NEVER force you to do ANYTHING."
"It's not like you could." Vegeta said under his breath.
The queen glared at her son and continued, "But you are DEFINETLY coming to this party. I'll not have those other weaklings talk about us behind our backs. We are, after all, Saiya-Jin. We have pride." The queen put her hands over Vegeta's,
"We will show the other races that Saiya-Jins are as good...if not better than they are." She smiled at her son and let go of his hands.
Vegeta was unmoved by his mother's speech, "No." he said resolutely.
The queen narrowed her eyes at him. "We will be introduced to Queen Serenity and her daughter at 9:00, if you are not ready by then, I will PERSONALLY see to it that you are DRAGGED to that party. Get ready NOW, unless you want your FATHER involved."
Vegeta sighed in defeat. He watched as his mother marched out of the room.
THE PARTY (Serena's POV)
Serena sighed in boredom. She twisted slightly, in her throne. She felt her mother pinch her arm slightly and she sat up taller, plastering a smile on her face. She groaned inwardly as she heard one of the Sadarian advisors read another name. Another royal family came forward. The Sadarian advisor called out in his, slow, leisurely speech:
"May I present the royal family of Laasar. King Omar, Queen Metai, and Prince Omari III."
They bowed to the queen and princess of the Moon Kingdom. Serena almost choked in disgust as she looked at the family. The king and queen of Laasar were looking at her hopefully, their eyes flicking back and forth between her and their son. Serena almost scowled at the lust she saw in the Laasar prince's eyes. She nodded her head at them at the exact same time her mother did (having practiced this for hours before.) The family stepped back and another stepped forward.
"May I present the........."
Serena tuned out. The ball was in the open ballroom; through the pillars she could see her garden and further back the forest that marked the outer pillars of the palace. Suddenly she heard something.
"Serenity! Please pay attention!" Queen Serenity said sternly.
"AH!" Serena blushed furiously at the next royal family that stood before her. She nodded and apologized...noting another lust-driven prince, with a slightly annoyed, younger princess.
"Honestly Serenity." Her mother whispered.
Serena rolled her eyes, tuning out again. She glanced down at her platinum, sapphire incrusted watch. It was almost 9 o'clock. Soon the parade of royals would end and the dancing would begin. Serena smiled, she loved to dance. Pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she smoothed her dress and looked out at the crowd of elegant attendants, searching for a certain Saiya-Jin prince.
'I hope he comes.' Serena thought. She looked up as she heard a familiar name being called.
"May I present the royal family of Elysian. King Elysian, Queen Aurora, and Prince Endymion.
They bowed to the queen and princess and Serena noticed Endymion smiling at her. She smiled back at him. Her mother nodded to them and they stepped back. Elegantly dressed men and women talked and laughed in the open ballroom. The music would start after the last noble family was announced.
Abruptly the talking in the room died down. A family of 3 stepped forward boldly. The Sadarian advisor was visibly shaking. Serena sat forward in her throne, smiling broadly.
"M-may I p-present the r-royal f-family of V-vegeta-sei. K-king Vegeta." The advisor was trembling. "Q-queen Sensou." (AN: I am ALMOST sure that sensou means war. A fitting name for her majesty ne?) He was quaking so hard that he almost ripped the paper he was reading from. "A-and Prince V-vegeta." The Sadarian shuddered and almost fainted.
Sensou was the first to bow. Her son and husband followed suit. Queen Serenity nodded to them, her hand gripping the Moon Scepter tighter. She glanced at her daughter and noticed the casual smile on her face. Serena nodded at the Saiya-Jins. She smirked at Vegeta and winked at him sweetly. The Saiya-Jin family stepped back and Queen Serenity stood from her throne.
"Ladies and Gentlemen." "It is a pleasure to have all of you attending this ball. As you all know my daughter, Princess Serenity, will choose her fiancée at the end of the Gathering. For now let us enjoy this night. Maestro, start the music!"
The room was soon filled with beautiful music. Laughter and conversation filled the room once again, as men and women made room to dance. Serena got up, and curtsied to her mother, smiling enthusiastically. She stepped down from her throne and walked through the ballroom. She smiled at the people she passed, careful to avoid any princes, she wanted to find Vegeta first.
She spotted him with his father, leaning against a pillar. A scowl adorned his face and Serena giggled softly. She saw Rei of Mars and Makoto of Jupiter and waved to them. (AN: I've decided to use the Japanese names for the scouts in their princess forms. I WILL be using their NA names.) Serena made her way closer to Vegeta when a man stopped in front of her and took her hand.
Serena gasped, "Endymion!"
"Serenity." He said softly, "I am glad to see you again."
"And I you Prince Endymion." Serena said, trying to pull her hand away.
"May I have the pleasure of the first dance?"
Serena nodded weakly and allowed her-self to be lead to the middle of the ballroom floor. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her VERY close to him. She smiled again, trying not to look too nervous. The two danced to the music, following the steps exactly.
"You are so graceful Princess. You are a wonderful dancer Serenity."
"What are you talking about Endymion? You already know I'm a good dancer. We've danced together hundreds of times before. And I told you, you could call me Serena."
'Why is he acting so weird?' she thought. Serena glanced away from him and noticed that everyone in the room was watching them dance...including her mother.
'He's trying to impress everyone.' She contemplated.
Thankfully the song ended and she let go of Endymion's hand. "Thank you very much for the dance Prince." She curtsied and hurried off into the crowd. She ran back to where she had seen Vegeta, but he was gone. She was in the farthest corner of the room. No one was watching her. She leaned against the outer pillar, letting the shadows of night cover her. She lifted her face to look at the stars. The earth looked beautiful fro the moon and Serena closed her eyes. All of a sudden two hands grabbed her waist.
Serena's eyes snapped open. She jumped and whirled around. "Vegeta?!"
He smirked at her, his face covered in shadows.
"You came after all!" She smiled, "I didn't think you would!"
"I didn't want to."
Suddenly Serena, giggling, wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "I'm so glad you're here." She whispered.
Vegeta was stunned by her actions. He had never felt this way in his entire life. "Let go of me woman." He growled gently.
Serena laughed, "You can be my formal escort Vegeta!" She grabbed his arm pulled him out of the shadows of the pillar. She slipped her arm through his, but Vegeta smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist instead. Blushing she asked,
"Can you dance Vegeta?"
"I'm not dancing."
"Aww common Vegeta! Please?"
"NO!"
"Humph." Serena pouted and relaxed against Vegeta's arm. She smiled to her-self at the shocked stares of the men and women of the ballroom. They walked around together, talking about the planets in the Silver Millennium, fighting techniques, who looked good in what, and Serena pointed her friends out to Vegeta.
It was getting later. It was almost mid-night and Serena was getting tired. Vegeta's parents had left the party a while ago and there were a few couples still dancing. Many of the prince and princesses had left with newfound sweethearts. Serena and Vegeta were out on the balcony.
"I wonder where my mother is." Serena said softly, leaning on the railing of the balcony. She smiled as the wind rushed through her hair, ruffling her dress. She hadn't seen her mother since the introductions.
Vegeta shrugged and wrapped his tail more tightly around his waist. He wore, as usual, his Saiya-Jin armor. Serena closed her eyes and listened to the breeze.
Vegeta stared at her. Her long blonde hair fell gracefully to her feet and her white dress swirled around her. It seemed that after tonight it was even harder to avoid the fact that he had feelings for her. Her face was covered in shadows and she had a smile on her face. Vegeta tried to look away but he found him-self entranced by her beauty. He walked closer to her, and gently put his arms around her.
"Vegeta?" She said tenderly, "You're my friend right? I mean, you care more about my personality than my power and fortune?"
Vegeta couldn't help but think back to the times they trained together, "Woman, don't be a baka."
"Please tell me Vegeta." She pleaded.
Vegeta wanted to tell her he loved her, that he would do anything for her. He was a Saiya-Jin, though. He had been trained too well. He barely managed to force out the words, "I am your friend Serena. I-I would do..a-anything for you."
Serena smiled at him, fighting back tears. "Would you kiss me again?"
Vegeta stared at her, realizing what she was asking him. He cupped his hands around her face. "Woman, you really are a baka." He leaned down and kissed her.
The clock struck 12 midnight and the ballroom was empty.
Serena felt Vegeta's tongue pressing against her lips and she opened her mouth slowly. He tasted her mouth gently, deepening the kiss. Serena moaned softly and they broke the kiss for air.
"A-arigatou Vegeta-sa..."
Vegeta silenced her by capturing her lips with his own again, holding her
tightly to his body. He knew now what this feeling was.
**************
Queen Serenity walked through the ballroom. She had been talking with Endymion's parents, the king and queen of Elysian. She had thought Serena would've been in bed by now (AN: hopefully alone in bed ^_~) but, after checking her room, she had found her daughter's bed empty. Her eyes stopped on the balcony. She noticed her daughter in the passionate embrace of............Her eyes widened. Her mouth dropped open and she stormed onto the balcony.
"SERENITY?!"
Serena pulled away from Vegeta, "MOTHER?!"
Chapter 10