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Chapter Two
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The week was filled with rain over the Moon Kingdom, making it impossible for anyone to leave the palace. All the princess' where bored to death while staying inside the palace and yet, worried for their last comrade who seemed to be gone without a trace. The last words they heard from Artimus was she hadn't made it to her ship. Her soldiers had all waited until they finally left. The rain had stopped, leaving the dark overcast in place. Luna opened the door to the Princess' regular meeting area.
"The Jovian Soldiers have arrived along with the High Commander Preston Price! Something is terribly wrong!" Minako was the first woman out the door, followed by Rei. Princess Serenity and Ami paced themselves but, broke out into a dash. They stopped when they saw the High Commander Preston Price standing in his attire of dark green clothing along with a long flowing cape behind him. His face was grim along with his blue eyes dull. The wind moved his deep brown hair as he walking toward the docking bay to wait. Artimus moved up to him and stood.
"Any news ?" he asked. His deep voice filled with concern.
"She has not been found Preston. We believe the Earthian Palace has something to do with her disappearance but, we are not sure. Conclusions with not come forth until Prince Endyiom and his Court has arrived." A hand moved up to have him leave.
"He seems different today. I think he might be thinking of the past again," said Minako with a sad face. They watched as two ships moved in the docking bay. Slowly, the doors opened, letting Jovian soldiers pour out with sad looks on their faces after seeing Preston standing before them. They moved into their groups and stood at attention before the man. He moved his hand, releasing them from their positions but, they turned and waited with him. Slowly, an Earthian ship approached them and docked. The door opened only to have a man wearing a black uniform with a black cape, having the red fabric show. His dark blue eyes looked at everyone awaiting. Behind him, came the First General in command. General Kunzite. Behind him followed General Nephlite. Next in line was a man with short blonde hair and brown eyes. He wore a slate blue/grey uniform with red trim around it. After him came a man with long curly blonde hair pulled back. His light green eyes met those of the man next to him. His light blue/grey uniform looked good on him with green trim. High Commander Preston Price walked toward them.
"Where is the Jovian Princess?" he asked in a firm yet harsh voice.
"So boarded with us since she wasn't able to get to her own ship. But I warn you that she has...." started General Nephlite. All the Princess' moved toward them a little in hopes of seeing their friend. There was a noise from behind them, having them all turn to the sleepy young woman behind them. Her shirt was unbuttoned with the long sleeves were rolled up. Her pants looked a little loose and were tucked in her tied-up black boots. She began rubbing her temples and let out a distressed sigh.
"What the hell did you give me to drink Jed? I feel like I have the worst headache in my life." She stumbled out of the ship only to knock into the short haired blonde and fall on her butt. Nephlite cast a glare in his direction and helped her to her feet. He started buttoning her shirt only to have her start giggling.
"What is it Princess?" She let out some more giggles while letting her arms drape around his shoulders.
"I knew it felt a little drafty outside." He looked over at Jedite and rolled his eyes.
"I told you not to bring any alcohol on the trip but instead, you got the Princess drunk. That is most likely why you are still tired and yet happy this morning." He let out a sigh and folded his arms over his chest.
"I accidentally brought it out instead of the juice. We got drinking last night and kept on until around early this morning." He let out a small smile with an innocent look.
"Everyone, stop moving! You're making me feel sick." Her hand moved over her mouth as she closed her eyes. Preston picked her up in his arms and entered the palace. All the girls looked up at the men with a scowled look. Jedite smiled and bowed.
"Good morning Ladies."
"A good morning indeed," grinned Rei as her eyes burned with fire in them. Before anyone else could say anything, Artimus moved forward and bowed.
"Prince Endyiom, allow me to escort you and your court to your rooms. I believe that you would like to stay away for the Jovian troops until they settle down. Especially General Jedite." Everyone watched as he lead them away. The Princess' started walking in the palace as well.
"I know what we can do," said Minako with a grin.
"Fry him to a crisp?" asked Rei with hope. Ami shook her head and started reading one of her books.
"I believe that it would be best if we all try to erase what happened today and think of what we could do when he least expects it. We should act all nice and then pounce with an attack. But of course, we will have to plan it out in the due time we have free during the evenings. Do not forget we have a ball to attend to and I hope that our dear friend is up to it," said Serenity.
"Preston knows what to do. He will take good care of her. Now, let us go see if she is alright and help her get ready. We are to meet Prince Endyiom and his court within the hour of their arrival," said Ami. They all nodded in agreement and started toward her chambers.
~*~
Queen Serenity looked down at the men standing before her and nodded to the acknowledgment that they were there. A thin line took over her expression while she eyed all of them.
"I would like to introduce to you my court. General Kunzite, first in command. General Nephlite, second in command. General Jedite, third in command. General Zosite, fourth in command. We are grateful to have been invited to your Kingdom, Queen Serenity." She nodded.
"I would like to introduce to you, my daughter, Princess Serenity. First in command is Princess Minako of Venus, Senshi of Love. Second in command is Princess Makoto of Jupiter, Senshi of Lightning. Third in command is Princess Rei of Mars, Senshi of Fire. Fourth in command is Princess Ami of Mercury, Senshi of Water. I do hope you will all get along and give you three hours to prepare yourselves for the ball this evening. I hope you will attend and feel welcome on the Moon Kingdom." They were escorted to their rooms along with the Princess'.
~*~
"Jed, I don't think it was right of you to get on their bad side this early in the meetings. As you can tell, all of them possess a power somewhat like ours," said Zosite from his room while unpacking. Jedite let out a sigh in despair while he let himself fall on his bed. He covered his face with his hands and let out a sigh.
"Please, don't remind me. I know that I did something horrible. Now, I need to get ready and that's that. I will apologize to her later in the evening and even try to make it up to her for all the puking she had to do today," he sighed.
"It will be hard for you to try and do anything. You should stay away from her troops, they are not as forgiving as she is. They will slice your throat or even torture you if they have to. They were all very protective of her and they kept her away from the battle at all costs. High Commander Preston Price is the last person you want to deal with. He will kill you Jedite, and I know that for a fact. I have fought against him before in the earlier days."
"Oh come on Kunzite. All you are is making it worst!" Kuzite smiled and then closed the door behind him.
"Why do you look so baffled? Have you seen as ghost?" Endyiom just smiled as he looked at the roses sitting on the table.
"The fair goddess has blessed her beautiful upon me. I believe I am in a spell. She is like a rose, beautiful when blooming. Lovely lips, soft golden hair, fair skin, an intriguing smile, clear crystal blue eyes. Oh, how I wish I would have seen this woman before. I never knew a Princess of the Moon could take over my heart is such a way and fill my mind with many thoughts."
"If she is like a rose, what happens when she wilts?" asked Jedite. He received a glare and shut the door to his room. Nephlite closed his door while Zosite stayed with Endyiom.
"I think that it is time for you to get ready. We have at least an hour until the ball will be held and I think it would be the best to use this time as wisely as we can." He then closed his door behind him.
~*~*~
Minako stood brushing Rei's long black hair and smiled while she started styling it. Ami sat in front of Rei whom was doing her make-up. Serenity let out a sigh as she walked over to them, leaving the oak doors alone once more.
"I wish that our dear friend was feeling much better. She will not come out of her room at any bargin. She just asked to be left alone for a moment," sighed Serenity. All the girls switched placed. Minako did Rei's make-up while Ami did Minako's hair. Serenity stood behind Ami and started in on her shoulder length blue locks.
"Well, all I know is it is up to us to help Makoto get ready for the evening. If she gets sick at all, one of us will help her to the restroom where she can let out. Do you think she is getting ready and is going to let us be dazzled?" asked Minako.
"Most likely she is still puking in the bathroom. It will soon be all over. I know she is strong and she will make it through this," said Ami. While they were talking, they didn't notice the girl that walked out the door...
"All I know is I get to pick her dress," smiled Minako.
"Well, I get her make-up," claimed Rei.
"I will take her hair," said Serenity. Ami just chuckled.
"I will do her jewelry." They all sighed when they remembered they had forgot about it. All of them switched positions once more to be on the last people. Minako got up and moved to the large oak doors.
"Come on Makoto. We need to get you ready!" She turned the golden knob to enter the small room. She let out a sigh.
"She left. Now get everything ready for when she comes back. We will surprise her that way," she grinned. All the girls went to work getting everything that they needed for when their friend, Makoto arrived.
~*~
Kunzite took the chance to look around the main room that connected them. Across the white marble was a large circular rug with the designs of black and gold around it. In the middle of that, was a coffee table, and some large cushion chairs. Above him, the ceiling was painted with the galaxy, showing the planets and stars. Each door seemed to be different with a semi-long hall area so you could tell where the main door to enter came from. He turned to his left to see two large French doors with white curtains over them. The sun was sinking into the night sky, letting a peaceful setting show a marvelous beauty. He turned to a knock on the door.
"Makoto?" he asked in surprise to see the woman standing in a robe. She looked up at him.
"Could I see Jedite?" she asked. He opened the door and let her in. She took his offer to take a seat and closed her eyes for a moment while she relaxed.
"Are you feeling alright?" She opened her eyes for a moment and peered at him with a smile.
"Yeah. Just fine. Besides the fact that Serenity was knocking on my door and trying to get me out of my room. All the other girls are going to attack me if they find out I'm still not ready." He gave a nod and leaned back in his chair.
"Are you going to yell at Jedite?" She let out a small smile and sighed.
"Actually, no. I want to thank him, for some odd reason. He showed me not to drink at all and I'm glad that I found out now then later. Geeze. Who knows what could have happened if I was somewhere else." There was a moment of silence until a door opened to have one man humming a song. He looked up and stopped.
"Uhhh. Makoto, what are you doing here?" She looked up to see Jedite standing in his uniform with his shirt unbuttoned.
"Could we talk?"
"Uhhh. Sure. Come with me." She followed him in and closed the door behind them. Kunzite turned to looked at another door open, and saw Nephlite come out completely in uniform. They were all wearing a dark blue uniform with different colored trim. Nephlite had gold, he had white, Jedite had red, and Zosite had green.
"Who was that at the door?" asked Nephlite, taking a look out the window.
"Just Makoto." He turned to him with a raised eye brow while taking a seat across from him.
"Did she leave already? Is she alright?" Kunzite let out a grin and leaned toward him.
"It seems to me that you like her, do you not?" Nephlite rolled his eyes.
"What would ever give you that idea?" He just smiled and leaned back. Their was some giggling and then Jedite came out with Makoto. She waved and quickly left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
All around them were elegant men and women dressed for this ball. They all stopped as Queen Serenity entered, taking a bow, and waited until she was seated. She moved her hand and they continued dancing. She smiled as everyone danced, enjoying themselves. Slowly, an announcer came to the top of the stairs were the white doors were opened.
"May I present to you, the arrival of Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom." Down she came, her white dress all around her while she smiled. She walked down the steps and walked over to stand next to her mother.
"May I present to you, the arrival of Princess Minako of the Venusian Kingdom." Her yellow dress sparkled in the the light while her blue eyes looked around at all the guest with a smile on her face. She walked with grace while she golden curls dared not to move. She stopped to stand next to Serenity.
"May I present to you, the arrival of Princess Makoto of the Jovian Kingdom." Everyone seemed to grin in their own little ways, knowing that the Princess would be in a dress. But, she surprised them well. The green dress shimmered in the light was she continued down the stair case. Her brown was down, surprisingly, in curly tendrils. Her emerald eyes smiled and then she stopped next to Minako and stood silently.
"May I present to you, the arrival of Princess Rei of the Marsian Kingdom." The raven haired girl walked down with grace, letting her red dress catch the attention and show off her body. Her hair was neatly placed up with come curls to it. She stopped next to Makoto still smiling.
"May I present to you, the arrival of Princess Ami of the Mercurian Kingdom." Down she came, her blue dress sparkling while she smiled at everyone. Her blue hair was pulled up into a clip while her bangs outlined her face. She stopped next to Rei.
"May I present to you, the arrival of Prince Endyiom of the Earthian Kingdom." He walked down in his dark blue uniform that almost seemed black. Everyone caught a glimpse of him, while some chatter went on among the girls. He stood on the other side of Queen Serenity.
"May I present to you, the arrival of General Kunzite of the Earthian Kingdom." Minako looked over at the man as her jaw dropped. He walked down with pride, a smile on his face, looking bold in his dark blue uniform with white trim. He stood next to Prince Endyiom and gave a wink to her, making a crimson blush come over she face.
"May I present to you, the arrival of General Nephlite of the Earthian Kingdom." All the girls were whispering while looking at the nicely dressed men from Earth. His uniform was trimmed with gold, making him seem to stand out. He stopped next to Kunzite with a grin.
"May I present to you, the arrival of General Jedite of the Earthian Kingdom." His playful smile seemed to get the girls. They smiled up at him as he walked down the steps, looking at each woman but, settling his eyes upon the Marsian Princess whom just seemed to ignore him. The red trim brought out his brown eyes that seemed to make they burn with fire. He stopped next to Nephlite, still grinning.
"May I present to you, the arrival of General Zosite of the Earthian Kingdom." He moved down, only having to heard the whispers of women while the men seemed to envy him. The green trim seemed to bring out his light green eyes that caught the look of the Mercurian Princess. He walked past them and stopped next to Jedite.
"Let the ball begin." Everyone started to dance once more while the Royalty spread out through the ball room. It was beautiful with all the decorations, making it seem lively.
"This is going to be wonderful! I can just feel it! Everyone loves the ball and they do not even know that we were the ones that decorated it," grinned Minako while she looked at all the handsome men, looking for one in particular.
"Are you looking for General Kunzite?" asked Serenity with a hint in her voice. Minako just grinned and seemed to let out a laugh while she looked at the other Princess' but then narrowed her eyes at the one that was missing.
"Hey! Where did Makoto go?" she asked, getting off the subject. They all looked around until they caught a glimpse of her dancing with High Commander Preston Price.
"Well, that seems to answer your question," smirked Rei.
"They do seem close. Ever since her father was killed, she looked up to him for everything. You know the entire story behind it. I have a secret that I found out and believe you should all know. It is not like me to pry into personal things but, I believe that he is going to be the upcoming King of Jupiter," said Ami. Everyone seemed to give her the attention.
"How did you find this out?" asked Minako with wide eyes.
"Well, my messenger went over to see if Makoto was there and saw him with Queen Maria, kissing! She also had a ring on her engagement finger. It seems that Makoto will have a father once more." Serenity watched her suddenly pull away from the man, her face filled with shock. He tried to talk to her but she moved her hand up, silencing him. She then proceeded to walked out of the ball. Her eyes moved to the gaze of General Nephlite whom looked concerned.
[Go to her, Nephlite]
[Are you sure that I should Princess Serenity?]
[Yes. I believe that she trusts you and you might be able to talk to her better then we can. Help her out as much as possible, please?]
[Yes, your highness.]
She watched him walked out the door after her, knowing what she did was right but, she seemed to regret it after a moment.
Lets just hope that nothing happens between them. I do not want to let my senshi turn against me or not be able to protect me because they are off somewhere else with a man. Oh please, do not start to Makoto. You know that it is against the rules for one to court.
"Oh, poor Makoto. She is going to be heart broken," sighed Rei.
"You know how she is about her father. She does not want anyone to take over his place no matter what. I know they were close but, she did not want to be that close to him," sighed Minako.
"Do you think she will be alright?" asked Ami. Serenity nodded.
"Yes. I already have someone with her."
"Who?" asked Minako and Rei at the same time.
"General Nephlite. I believe that they are pretty close."
"Would you like to dance?" They all turned to see Prince Endyiom bowing in front of Serenity. She smiled gently and let him guide her to the dance floor.
"Do you think we should check up on her?" asked Minako. Rei gave a shrug and then noticed Ami was missing from the ground.
"Yes. No one will be able to stop us from looking," she grinned. They both crept out of the room while they went looking around. After a moment, they found themselves in the middle where Makoto stood on the outside of the water fountain. She looked up at the clomping of the horse coming toward her. He stopped and nuzzled up against her.
"Oh Kenneth, this is so hard for me. Preston wants to marry Mother and yet, I do not want them to. I have been waiting for years for him to ask her but, now, I have changed my mind. Why must I be so difficult? Is it since I can never find happiness in my life that I would like to see others in the same position? I have been mourning over his death for these past years and I can never forget him. Just promise me that you will never leave me as well. I do not know what I would do without you as well. If only I could get a sign of some sort, then I would know what to do." He seemed to understand her and gently nuzzled her. She looked up at the night sky, taking the stars in. For some reason, she started hearing their words.
"They do not want you to mourn any longer. You have been wrapped up in his death that your eyes have been sealed shut. It is time for you to open them and take a look around this universe, looking for what you are needed for. Perhaps you are just home sick and wish to be with your mother. It is better then after the war in which you have been trapped in for so long." Her eyes moved over to the man walking toward her. He seemed more concerned then she was while his eyes gazed upon the nightly sky. Kenneth left her, walking toward the stables. She was going to leave with him but, her wrist was grabbed.
"He is tired from the battle. Let him rest. He yurns for his love on Jupiter." She seemed shocked for a moment but then started walking away from him. She stopped at rose bush filled with blood red flowers.
"Serenity sent you. I know her. She watches after us all very well. I do not need your comfort nor do I need to speak." She started walking away once more.
"The stars have spoken to you Princess. They believe that it would be better if you would talk about your troubles. I can tell you have so much on your mind. Let me help you out Princess. I know you will feel better afterwards."
"I need not your presence. Please, leave me General. The stars do not know what they speak of." He continued following her.
"You see it in your sleep every time you close your eyes. The blood from the battles, his death. His last words to you before he took his last breath while you were holding him. They know everything. The past, present, and future. They have spoken to me as well. Do not be afraid of me Princess. I will not harm you." She turned to him.
"Afraid? You think that I am afraid of you? That is were you are wrong! I am not afraid of anything, not even a General of any army for I know I could defeat them with one swift move. The stars are wrong. They do not know anything about me nor of anyone else."
[Makoto, settle down! Geeze. You are getting so offensive over every little word he says. Cut him some slack.]
[Yeah. Minako is right. You are going to kill him with the way you speak like that. No wonder no man wants to go around you. I thought I was bad.]
[Just go back into the party and let me be. I will be back in a moment.]
[Alright. Do not try and kill him, you hear?]
[Bye Makoto.]
She walked away from him, rubbing her temples at the up coming headache reaching her. But, instead, he still followed. He took her hands from her temples and did something different. He started rubbing the back of her neck where the spinal cord started. It seemed to work, making her relax along with the headache leave.
"I understand what you are going through Princess. I have had the same troubles as you. My father was murdered in a tavern when he was drunk and helpless. Ever since that night, I vowed to find the man. I went through all this training and working for Endyiom at my youngest age. I finally found that man but, instead of killing him, I found out the truth. My father had been cheating on my mother with this man's wife and yet, he did not want to take care of my younger sister. Instead, he killed her. Ever since then, I have never forgave my father. Instead, I wrapped myself away from everyone, learning of my powers to speak with the stars. They do tell the truth. Sometimes they like to be helpful and other times they like to give you a hard time with choosing your future. You need to choose it now and think about what you can do instead of not speaking about what happened but, dwelling on it. That will do you no good." He stopped, feeling her relaxed body lean against his.
"It was nine long years ago when my mother let me leave to war with my father. I was twelve at that time. The Earthian troops were causing trouble once again and we were always the first to go and try to stop them. Most of the men from that war are still with me, along with their sons following in their footsteps. I watched and helped with the planning while Preston made sure I was taken care of. Mostly, all the battles before were easy. I had learned the way of the sword and of course the manners of being a lady which I never used. It was a week after when some type of dark force had seemed to take over the Earthian soldiers, letting them seem to spring back to life, much more powerful. I was left at camp alone while all our men moved out to fight the hardest battle they had ever fought. Yet, I watched as our men seemed to be taken down until one man went for my father like he was the main target. All the men were fighting while them two seemed to be centered out. He moved toward him with his sword drawn. My father took his out, sending the horse back to camp. Yet, I still watched as they fought. It was the harshest fight I had ever seen. My father was using skills I have never seen him use. A green glow seemed to go around him, but it was not helping like it should have. Jupiter was not protecting him. He thrust his sword into his stomach and turned it, making sure that it was a good kill. Yet, it did not kill him. It only let him suffer. My screams seemed to stop everyone from fighting as they looked at the scene in the middle of them. The Jovian soldiers had tears in their eyes as they looked at their fallen king. I ran toward him, tripping over the death bodies, getting blood all over my dress. I finally reached him where he was holding onto his life, not wanting to leave us both. He looked up at me with those blue eyes filled with life, still smiling at me. Then, he spoke. 'Take care of your mother and become a powerful Queen. I want you to get married to a wonderful man, have beautiful children, and a powerful army. I will watch over you from the stars making sure you are alright. Just remember, I will be in your heart forever.' I pleaded for him not to leave us, the tears still in my eyes while I looked at him. He cooed to me, trying to calm me down when he pulled out a green box holding the symbol of Jupiter on it. 'Your mother will know what this means. Take it to her my daughter. Live on and never forget me.' His hand touched my face while I held the box close to my chest, never letting it go. I nodded to him and watched as his eyes slowly closed, letting death take him. My life seemed to turn upside down when that happened. I left my mother to fight and train as my soldiers did, letting them think I was a man. I learned that the training was intense but, became stronger. After I finally graduated four years later and left to the palace once more, I revealed myself after the training when I was sent on a mission to find myself. Ever since then, I have been at war with General Kunzite for five years." He turned her around to face him, looking at her fiddle with her fingers.
"Did you ever find out what was in the box?" She shook her head no. He lifted her chin to see the tears in her eyes that dared to fall and yet, they didn't move.
"It is alright to cry Princess. It will help you." He hugged her gently, feeling her give in. The tears moved down her cheeks while she held onto him tightly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone danced gracefully upon the floor, most woman wanting to get a dance with the Generals and Prince of Earth. Queen Serenity looked around at someone whom was missing and quickly looked toward her daughter. Princess Serenity moved up to her mother and bowed.
"Where is Princess Makoto and General Nephlite?" she questioned, a worried expression in her eyes.
"Makoto left the party early so, I sent General Nephlite after her. I know what I did was right for her. She has had so much pressure and I believed that he could help her take the pressure away. Are you mad at me?"
"No my dear. I just hope you are correct about it. Now, go continue to have fun." Princess Serenity bowed and then left her. Luna came over to her and bowed, a letter in her hand.
"I am sorry to disturb you but, this just arrived from your inner court. Do read it Queen Serenity. The messenger said it held great news that you should know about." The Queen took the letter and dismissed her. She opened it up and scanned over the letter. Her eyes seemed to widen as she stood up all of a sudden, letting the letter drop from her hands. Everyone stopped as the Queen quickly left with grief over her face. Princess Serenity picked up the letter and placed it away for later reference.
"Continue," she said and everyone started dancing once more.
An: Yes, it has been awhile since I wrote. I am sorry but, my computer crashed for a period of time, allowing me not to write. I hope that you like this fiction. The plot in my head seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Right now, I believe that this will turn out longer then I expected. Hope you all have a great summer!
Love, baby blu eyes
PS: I hope that you all saw the Michael Jackson thing on VH1 last night. It was the best thing I have seen. If not, look for it when it comes back on once more.