Let's jump right in shall we? ~Marronett
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"My love!" A voice cried as he dismounted from his steed. He quickly saw her horse and ran towards it to find it tied to a tree. "Rei!" He yelled louder and saw a cave nearby. Quickly he rushed into it and a form rushed towards him, throwing her soaked form into his arms.
"Jed!" She cried sadly and he clung to her.
"I was so worried..." he breathed into her hair and she weeped on him. "Don't ever leave me again!" He commanded and she looked at him sadly, her deep violet eyes filled with tears.
"We have to get away Jed... We have to run..." Rei said sadly, tears streaming down her soaked face. "We could go to the Moon Kingdom... they can care for us there!"
"How will we ever get there... we don't have any clearance codes." He said, holding her tightly in his arms.
"Serenity will get us there." Rei whispered and slowly they sunk to the ground in each others arms. "I only want to be with you...." She whispered and he kissed her lovingly, a few tears falling down his face.
"You will... I promise nothing will ever separate us..." He whispered and she clung to him, the storm raging furiously outside.
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Her horse reared and she gasped clutching onto it. A bolt of lighting suddenly struck a tree nearby and the horse reared again much more violently this time then took off, running deep into the woods.
"No! Maiden stop!" She cried clutching on to its reigns trying to pull it to a halt.
"Serenity!" A voice called and she gasped. It sounded so far off.
"Maiden stop!" She cried louder and the horse ignored its precious rider, afraid that she was in danger so it tired to race her to safety. Suddenly more pounding hoofs was heard and Maiden tried to go faster, afraid that an enemy would catch them. The hoofs pounded harder and were soon at her side. Maiden neighed loudly and suddenly a horse beared it's head near her's and Maiden neighed alarmed.
"Maiden!" A male voice suddenly yelled and the horse recognized the voice. Suddenly she felt her rider being lifted from her saddle and the horse slowly halted. The white beauty's head turned to see her owner held protectively in the arms of a familiar face. His arms wrapped tightly around her and he pulled his stallion to a halt. Quickly his hand went to caress her face as the other wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her protectively in his lap.
"Serenity." He whispered quietly holding her as tight as he could against his chest. Her gown was soaked through and clung tightly to her small lithe form. She rubbed her face against his and sighed. His lips found hers and kissed her deeply. Her arms rushed around him and she deepened the kiss, her mouth opening to let his tongue tickle her insides. Maiden trotted up to them and nudged her master sadly as if asking for forgiveness. Regrettably Serenity pulled away from the heated kiss and let her head fall to his chest. He kissed her head softly, trailing kisses through her hair as he held her. "I was so scared that I had lost you..." He struggled out and her fingers clutched to his soaking clothes. She hid her face in his neck and let out a deep breath, so happy to be in his arms. Suddenly she pulled away and looked at him, a fear in her eyes.
"We have to find Rei!" She exclaimed and he nodded.
"My men are looking for her..." He tried but he noticed that the droplets of rain on her face were now mixed with her tears as her face contorted into sadness. His heart broke and he leaned forward, taking her face in one of his hands. "My love..." He said quietly and she let a sob escape her lips.
"He would not let her marry a man whom he himself has called his favorite... Endy what chance will there ever be of us?" She whispered sadly and he looked at her lovingly. He had thought of the same thing as he was desperately looking for her... it seemed impossible... but he would never give up, he loved her too passionately to ever let her go... he would defy his father if he had to and would do anything else to hold onto the precious love in his arms.
"I will never leave you." He whispered out with such determination that she looked at him, staring deeply into his eyes. He captured her chin and made her stare deeper and her eyes widened when she was washed with the intoxicating love that emitted from his eyes. Her eyes fell and she softly stroked his cheeks.
"Say you'll love me forever Endy..." She whispered quietly and he lunged forward, his lips capturing hers in such a passionate kiss it hardly kept them in the saddle. She leaned into him, kissing him deeper with everything she had. Oh how she loved him... He broke the kiss and stared into her eyes, trying to catch his breath.
"I'll love you much longer then that Sere... not even after Eternity is over will I cease my love for you..." he whispered and she kissed him again. A bolt of lighting hit about fifty feet away and they tore apart and stared in that direction. Both horses neighed violently, wanting to get their owners as far away as possible. He gripped tighter to Serenity and she smiled happy to be in his arms. With a hand he captured Maiden's reigns and turned both horses toward the other direction, starting them off at a trot, hoping they would find Rei and Jedite.
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Twenty minutes later they drew up to two horses and they glanced at each other. Quickly he dismounted and pulled her into his arms, never letting her go. He tied the horses up and both ran around the area, looking for a place where the two could be.
"There!" Serenity cried as she pointed to a cave. They raced towards it. "Rei!" Serenity cried, her voice echoing throughout the cave as they entered, the harmful rain finally not pelting their bodies. It was dim inside and they could see two figures rush towards them. Regrettably Endy released Serenity and Rei rushed into her best friend's arms. Jedite rushed forward bowing before his Prince on one knee.
"Your Highness..." He began but could say no more. He had so much to apologize for. Endy shook his head... he knew very well what it was like to love a women you were not suppose to have.
"Stand Jedite.... we have to think of a way to get out of this." He began and Jedite stood, their eyes met and Endy smiled seeing the complete adoration and respect in Jedite's eyes. "Besides... if you want to be my brother we are going to have to work together so you and your Princess can live happily ever after." He smiled and he heard his sister gasp. She tore away from Serenity and ran into Jedite's arms, looking lovingly at her brother. Serenity walked to Endy and he took her hand in his own. Jedite looked at the move and looked at Serenity sadly and smiled. In her eyes he could see the same look that he had seen in his so many times... the look was only in the eyes of those who loved someone who they could never have.
"Serenity." He finally said and she stepped closer so she could hear. "Could we find refuge on the Moon?" He asked and she blinked. She looked at Rei then back at him and fumbled for an answer, her nod came before her words.
"Of course... I could tell Selene..." She began and Rei cut her off.
"Selene? The Goddess of the Moon? She's real." Rei said the revelation astounding. Serenity glanced at her shocked.
"You did not believe me?" She asked then she released Endy's hand and walked to the back of the cave. There she found a small pool that was formed by rain dripping through a tiny hole in the roof. Through the hole she could see a small reflection of the moon in the water. She bent down, her hands coming together.
"Selene..." She whispered quietly, calling upon the one woman who had saved her life more then once. The others quietly gathered behind her, Rei finally rushing into her brother's arms.
"Oh Endy... you feel my pain... don't you?" She cried sadly into his ear and he looked at her, tears trying to brim in his eyes.
"Dear Rei... more then you know." He said sadly and she clutched onto him, a sob dying in her throat from the agony of knowing both of them must endure the pain of heartache.
The water shimmered suddenly and Serenity looked up. The others around her gasped and a smile came to Serenity's lips as she saw the pale form of Selene. She was radiant in all her glory, her silver locks cascading down her translucent form.
"My child what is the matter that you have called on me with such urgency?" The Goddess voice washed over all who were near with such comfort and beauty that they could only stare in awe.
"Rei has fallen in love yet the King has forbidden it... could you house the two lovers?" Serenity asked quietly and Selene glanced past her granddaughter to the two who now held each other in their arms. She smiled seeing the familiar eyes and hair of a dear friend.
"And marry us!" Rei burst in and Serenity looked up at Selene. A small smile fell on the goddess lips and she nodded.
"Yes. The moon will provide them a haven... but my child what about you?" Selene asked looking down at her loving granddaughter. "Are you not also in love and wanting to find haven?" Selene asked and Serenity's head fell, her hair falling down her shoulders as tears from her eyes splashed into the pool.
"Sere..." Rei said sadly then she smiled. "Come with us!" She cried and Serenity shook her head.
"I am in love..." She said looking up tearfully at her goddess. Endy held his breath and tears traveled down his cheeks. He wanted more then anything to rush to her and hold her tightly. "I love him so much I ache when he is not near me Selene... but I cannot love him for we must bring peace to the galaxies... oh how Selenity would be ashamed." Serenity cried, her head falling once more. "I have dishonored the moon with my sin."
"No..." Endy mumbled and tried to rush forward but Jedite grabbed him holding him back.
"Dear child... there are many secrets I must tell you... but for now you are right that you and your Prince must stay... you both are vital to our Universe's peace... but you are wrong... oh how Selenity would delight in knowing that you are in love and being loved in return." The goddess smiled and leaned down, her glowing hand slowly lifting Serenity's chin up so their midnight eyes could meet. "Soon, you shall return to the Moon Kingdom and to us and everything shall be worked out... trust in me." She whispered and Serenity nodded.
"How will I get them to the moon Selene?" Serenity asked quietly and Selene smiled.
"A transport is waiting to carry them to their new home and destiny..."
"Thank you!" Jedite cried happily pulling Rei into his arms. Endy rushed forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Serenity's figure. She leaned back into his arms and Selene smiled. Serenity whispered her thanks then Selene vanished, leaving the four in darkness.
Rei reached out, grabbing onto Serenity's arm as if she would never let go. Serenity's midnight eyes met Rei's scared violet ones.
"I shall never forget this Serenity... from the day I met you I knew you were an angel sent to guard over me... Now I swear on Selene that the next time I see you... it shall be my turn to take watch over you." Rei whispered and Serenity smiled softly. She rushed forward, encircling the Princess in her arms tightly. A tear fell down Rei's cheek and she looked sadly at her. "We will meet again... I pray so very soon." She cried and Serenity smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Very soon." She whispered softly then moved aside, letting Endy grasp onto his sister tightly in a farewell. Jedite softly bent down and kissed Serenity's forehead.
"Take care of my Prince for me..." He whispered quietly and Serenity smiled.
"I shall guard him with my life." She said softly and he smiled.
"I am so happy for you Serenity... and so proud that you are my friend." He said and Serenity took his hands and brought them to her lips and kissed them.
"As am I my friend with you..." She smiled and he pulled away, rushing to Rei's side, the transport behind them slowly beginning to fire up.
"Take care of my Princess!" Rei yelled over the noise of the engine and Endy nodded.
"She's my Princess now!" He yelled back and Rei smiled lovingly at him. She kissed his cheek.
"I shall pray for you always brother! You are always in my heart!" She cried and waved her final farewell. The two lovers rushed into the transport and Serenity and Endymoun quickly moved away. They watched as the white ship lept into the sky, forever taking away the Earth's Princess and her guard.
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"Serenity!" A voice yelled and she rushed forward into his arms. "My lady what has happened to Rei? Are you all right?" Malichite asked with urgency as he held the moon maiden in his arms.
"She's run away... and she will never return." Endy said quietly and a women's gasp was heard behind them. Endy looked sadly at his mother and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "She needed love mother... not power." He said gently and tears flowed from her old face. Serenity looked at them and she hugged onto Malichite tighter. He wrapped his arms around her and slowly escorted her from the room, Nephlight and Zoy following after him.
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Her cup crashed accidentally back onto it's saucer and she fidgeted. The yelling. It had been four weeks since Rei and Jedite escaped the palace to find their love. She had never received word but she knew they were safe and happy with her family... where she wished she was. The Queen looked away sadly as the yelling continued. Last week it was announced that the Crown Prince Endymoun Christof LaHaire was to wed the Crown Princess of the Moon Kingdom. Minet. Serenity gulped and looked pale as she watched from the corner of her eye another spout of yelling between father and son.
"I do not care what you wish! You shall bring peace to our Kingdoms!" The King yelled and suddenly slammed his hand on the tea table where Serenity and Queen Marlelle had been taking afternoon tea when Endy rushed in followed by his outraged father.
"There are many other ways to bring peace to our kingdoms father!" Endy said sternly, his voice coming off smoothly, his voice deep and authoritative. Endy walked to the terrace and stared down at the grounds below, trying to regain his composure. "I shall not be your puppet.... Do you wish to ruin me like you did Reilie?" He yelled turning back to his father. He heard his mother gasp and Serenity watched sadly as she closed her eyes and her head bowed. Gently Serenity's slender hand reached across the table and took the Queen's own in her hand, squeezing it gently.
"She wanted love! Did I not let her go!?" He yelled and the Queen stood angered.
"She was never yours to control!" Marlelle yelled and stormed from the room, tears falling down her cheeks. The King stayed silent for a moment and Serenity and Endy glanced at each other. He looked at her, his eyes screaming apologies. She placed her napkin on the table when suddenly an arm jerked her, pulling her violently to her feet. She gasped and came up against the King's side, staring at Endy who looked alarmed and almost ready to kill.
"Are you not the Ambassador from the Moon Kingdom!" The King yelled near her ear and she nodded.
"Yes, your Majesty, I am the ambassador." She replied quietly and he pushed her another step towards Endy.
"Tell him that he must marry the Princess of the Moon or all hope of peace will die... the pact of marriage is stronger then any document ever forged. Tell him how we will finally be able to have peace... how you will finally be able to go home!" He yelled and Endy looked at her alarmed. She sucked in a deep breath, tears threatening to come forward.
"How can I advise him to marry a Princess he has not met nor had the chance to fall in love with?" Serenity asked quietly and the King tightened his grip on her making her wince painfully, tears coming to her eyes. Endy ground his teeth and stared with hatred towards his father.
"Stop advising him as a childhood friend!" The King yelled. "Advise him as you were ment to... You are the Ambassador for the Moon... would it not do your Kingdom great if the Crown Prince was to marry the Princess of the Moon?" He asked and Serenity closed her eyes for a moment then looked up and into Endy's eyes. "Would it not help our kingdoms?" The King demanded and Serenity sucked in a deep breath.
"It would save our Kingdoms." She said quietly and Endy stared at her, his face passive and blank. "If the Prince was to marry Princess Minet we could join forces against the evil that threatens our survival..." She said and her voice cracked softly. "You have to marry her... in order to save your people and mine." She said sadly and Endy shook his head and burst through them, Serenity falling to the ground and the King toppling to the side. Endy reached down, pulling Serenity to her feet. He gripped her shoulders, his form looming behind her as his lips came near her ear and she stood still.
"I shall not marry your Princess..." He hissed between his teeth and she held her breath. She closed her eyes and looked off toward the sunset. She had been agonizing for days that she had to let her love go... No! Her mind screamed and her heart collapsed from the deep depression, her emotions haywire and malfunctioning. She slowly opened her eyes and a tear slipped down her pale cheek. Duty needed to win out.
"Then you have killed us all..." She whispered sadly and he pulled away from her as if he had been stung. He looked at her hurt and then stared at his father with hatred.
"I expect your answer by tonight." The King hissed and Serenity ran from the room, neither man looking at her as she left.
"You almost started a war Father... If I were you I would never touch Lady Serenity again lest you be the cause of our deaths." Endy hissed and the King growled.
"Is that a warning?" He said and Endy stepped forward.
"It's a threat." Endy replied then left the room, leaving the King angered and overwhelmed.
The doors to her chambers burst open and she stood from her vanity swirling around to stare at her visitor. Her aid looked startled and gripped the hairbrush she had been using to brush Serenity's long straight silver locks. She cast a soft glance at the aid and she bowed nervously then bolted from the room. She shut the doors tightly on her way out and Serenity walked forward, her long silver hair falling down to her knees, a few pieces of it held up by a clip. She let her head bow slightly and she clasped her hands in front of her.
"I imagined us growing so much closer... and we've only grown apart." He said and stared at the floor. "You just keep pushing me away."
"I'm an orphan... I can offer you nothing and cannot help you bring peace anywhere. And now... now that you are engaged to Minet... If I touch you I could be charged with high treason against the crown. A crown that rests upon a women I adore and a kingdom I can't live without." She said sadly and he gently took one of her hands in his own holding it loosely.
"Love was not supposed to be this hard." He said with a sad sigh. "If I say yes... You can finally go home and I will be able to see you always... yet never touch you... If I say no, I may cause a war that could result in our deaths... Serenity what kind of choices are these?" He said and pulled away from her and growled annoyed. He turned and walked toward her windows and looked towards the moon above.
"I'm so proud of you." She sighed, a small smile coming to her lips. He turned around alarmed, his deep blue eyes staring into her own. She took in a deep breath and he was halted by her beauty.
"How can you be proud of me? I've been trying to run away from duty." He said and took steps toward her. She smiled again and he couldn't help but smile as well. Gently he reached out and stroked her silver hair, his fingers clasping gently around her clip and releasing it, her silver hair flowing down like a waterfall.
"To love me..." She whispered and he wanted to kiss her. She must have known his desire because she blushed and put a hand on his lips, her other resting on his chest in case she needed to forcefully push him away. She giggled and his eyes softened lovingly towards her... this was his Serenity... his love who flirted shamelessly with him but always kept her ground. She smiled at him and stroked his cheek softly. "But..." She said softly and he grabbed her hand and kissed the palm of it. "You need to stop running away Endy." She whispered and he closed his eyes, agony washing over him.
"I cannot bear to marry someone else who isn't you." He said and wanted to pull her into his arms but she restrained him. "My heart only belongs to you."
"Endy we need to stop thinking about ourselves and about our people... The millions who live under you and depend on you with their lives... those who are counting on you to make this alliance so that we can finally rid them of the pain of evil that has tried to attack them... this is what you were born for... you must do this. You know I will never marry you Endy... it's impossible... but it is possible for you to bring your people peace..." She whispered and he squeezed her hand. "If you ever loved me... and I know you do... you would leave me." She said quietly and a small tear trickled down his cheek, his eyes still closed. Gently she reached up and wiped it away. "Prove your love to me by saving my people..." She whispered quietly and then leaned into his arms, hugging onto him tightly. He was so stunned he couldn't even hold her. Finally she pulled away and wiped a few tears from her face. He took a step back and then looked down. Quietly he turned and left the room, not saying a word or looking back. She stared at her door as it closed and a sob tore through her and she collapsed to the floor in tears and cries. She had betrayed her heart, lost her soul and destroyed a prince but she had saved a planet and she was nothing compared to them.
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Woo. getting kinda heated isn't it? I'll try and post another chapter by the end of the weekend. Tell me what ya think. You're going to love the next chapter. I'm shaking with excitement myself. ~Marronett
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"My love!" A voice cried as he dismounted from his steed. He quickly saw her horse and ran towards it to find it tied to a tree. "Rei!" He yelled louder and saw a cave nearby. Quickly he rushed into it and a form rushed towards him, throwing her soaked form into his arms.
"Jed!" She cried sadly and he clung to her.
"I was so worried..." he breathed into her hair and she weeped on him. "Don't ever leave me again!" He commanded and she looked at him sadly, her deep violet eyes filled with tears.
"We have to get away Jed... We have to run..." Rei said sadly, tears streaming down her soaked face. "We could go to the Moon Kingdom... they can care for us there!"
"How will we ever get there... we don't have any clearance codes." He said, holding her tightly in his arms.
"Serenity will get us there." Rei whispered and slowly they sunk to the ground in each others arms. "I only want to be with you...." She whispered and he kissed her lovingly, a few tears falling down his face.
"You will... I promise nothing will ever separate us..." He whispered and she clung to him, the storm raging furiously outside.
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Her horse reared and she gasped clutching onto it. A bolt of lighting suddenly struck a tree nearby and the horse reared again much more violently this time then took off, running deep into the woods.
"No! Maiden stop!" She cried clutching on to its reigns trying to pull it to a halt.
"Serenity!" A voice called and she gasped. It sounded so far off.
"Maiden stop!" She cried louder and the horse ignored its precious rider, afraid that she was in danger so it tired to race her to safety. Suddenly more pounding hoofs was heard and Maiden tried to go faster, afraid that an enemy would catch them. The hoofs pounded harder and were soon at her side. Maiden neighed loudly and suddenly a horse beared it's head near her's and Maiden neighed alarmed.
"Maiden!" A male voice suddenly yelled and the horse recognized the voice. Suddenly she felt her rider being lifted from her saddle and the horse slowly halted. The white beauty's head turned to see her owner held protectively in the arms of a familiar face. His arms wrapped tightly around her and he pulled his stallion to a halt. Quickly his hand went to caress her face as the other wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her protectively in his lap.
"Serenity." He whispered quietly holding her as tight as he could against his chest. Her gown was soaked through and clung tightly to her small lithe form. She rubbed her face against his and sighed. His lips found hers and kissed her deeply. Her arms rushed around him and she deepened the kiss, her mouth opening to let his tongue tickle her insides. Maiden trotted up to them and nudged her master sadly as if asking for forgiveness. Regrettably Serenity pulled away from the heated kiss and let her head fall to his chest. He kissed her head softly, trailing kisses through her hair as he held her. "I was so scared that I had lost you..." He struggled out and her fingers clutched to his soaking clothes. She hid her face in his neck and let out a deep breath, so happy to be in his arms. Suddenly she pulled away and looked at him, a fear in her eyes.
"We have to find Rei!" She exclaimed and he nodded.
"My men are looking for her..." He tried but he noticed that the droplets of rain on her face were now mixed with her tears as her face contorted into sadness. His heart broke and he leaned forward, taking her face in one of his hands. "My love..." He said quietly and she let a sob escape her lips.
"He would not let her marry a man whom he himself has called his favorite... Endy what chance will there ever be of us?" She whispered sadly and he looked at her lovingly. He had thought of the same thing as he was desperately looking for her... it seemed impossible... but he would never give up, he loved her too passionately to ever let her go... he would defy his father if he had to and would do anything else to hold onto the precious love in his arms.
"I will never leave you." He whispered out with such determination that she looked at him, staring deeply into his eyes. He captured her chin and made her stare deeper and her eyes widened when she was washed with the intoxicating love that emitted from his eyes. Her eyes fell and she softly stroked his cheeks.
"Say you'll love me forever Endy..." She whispered quietly and he lunged forward, his lips capturing hers in such a passionate kiss it hardly kept them in the saddle. She leaned into him, kissing him deeper with everything she had. Oh how she loved him... He broke the kiss and stared into her eyes, trying to catch his breath.
"I'll love you much longer then that Sere... not even after Eternity is over will I cease my love for you..." he whispered and she kissed him again. A bolt of lighting hit about fifty feet away and they tore apart and stared in that direction. Both horses neighed violently, wanting to get their owners as far away as possible. He gripped tighter to Serenity and she smiled happy to be in his arms. With a hand he captured Maiden's reigns and turned both horses toward the other direction, starting them off at a trot, hoping they would find Rei and Jedite.
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Twenty minutes later they drew up to two horses and they glanced at each other. Quickly he dismounted and pulled her into his arms, never letting her go. He tied the horses up and both ran around the area, looking for a place where the two could be.
"There!" Serenity cried as she pointed to a cave. They raced towards it. "Rei!" Serenity cried, her voice echoing throughout the cave as they entered, the harmful rain finally not pelting their bodies. It was dim inside and they could see two figures rush towards them. Regrettably Endy released Serenity and Rei rushed into her best friend's arms. Jedite rushed forward bowing before his Prince on one knee.
"Your Highness..." He began but could say no more. He had so much to apologize for. Endy shook his head... he knew very well what it was like to love a women you were not suppose to have.
"Stand Jedite.... we have to think of a way to get out of this." He began and Jedite stood, their eyes met and Endy smiled seeing the complete adoration and respect in Jedite's eyes. "Besides... if you want to be my brother we are going to have to work together so you and your Princess can live happily ever after." He smiled and he heard his sister gasp. She tore away from Serenity and ran into Jedite's arms, looking lovingly at her brother. Serenity walked to Endy and he took her hand in his own. Jedite looked at the move and looked at Serenity sadly and smiled. In her eyes he could see the same look that he had seen in his so many times... the look was only in the eyes of those who loved someone who they could never have.
"Serenity." He finally said and she stepped closer so she could hear. "Could we find refuge on the Moon?" He asked and she blinked. She looked at Rei then back at him and fumbled for an answer, her nod came before her words.
"Of course... I could tell Selene..." She began and Rei cut her off.
"Selene? The Goddess of the Moon? She's real." Rei said the revelation astounding. Serenity glanced at her shocked.
"You did not believe me?" She asked then she released Endy's hand and walked to the back of the cave. There she found a small pool that was formed by rain dripping through a tiny hole in the roof. Through the hole she could see a small reflection of the moon in the water. She bent down, her hands coming together.
"Selene..." She whispered quietly, calling upon the one woman who had saved her life more then once. The others quietly gathered behind her, Rei finally rushing into her brother's arms.
"Oh Endy... you feel my pain... don't you?" She cried sadly into his ear and he looked at her, tears trying to brim in his eyes.
"Dear Rei... more then you know." He said sadly and she clutched onto him, a sob dying in her throat from the agony of knowing both of them must endure the pain of heartache.
The water shimmered suddenly and Serenity looked up. The others around her gasped and a smile came to Serenity's lips as she saw the pale form of Selene. She was radiant in all her glory, her silver locks cascading down her translucent form.
"My child what is the matter that you have called on me with such urgency?" The Goddess voice washed over all who were near with such comfort and beauty that they could only stare in awe.
"Rei has fallen in love yet the King has forbidden it... could you house the two lovers?" Serenity asked quietly and Selene glanced past her granddaughter to the two who now held each other in their arms. She smiled seeing the familiar eyes and hair of a dear friend.
"And marry us!" Rei burst in and Serenity looked up at Selene. A small smile fell on the goddess lips and she nodded.
"Yes. The moon will provide them a haven... but my child what about you?" Selene asked looking down at her loving granddaughter. "Are you not also in love and wanting to find haven?" Selene asked and Serenity's head fell, her hair falling down her shoulders as tears from her eyes splashed into the pool.
"Sere..." Rei said sadly then she smiled. "Come with us!" She cried and Serenity shook her head.
"I am in love..." She said looking up tearfully at her goddess. Endy held his breath and tears traveled down his cheeks. He wanted more then anything to rush to her and hold her tightly. "I love him so much I ache when he is not near me Selene... but I cannot love him for we must bring peace to the galaxies... oh how Selenity would be ashamed." Serenity cried, her head falling once more. "I have dishonored the moon with my sin."
"No..." Endy mumbled and tried to rush forward but Jedite grabbed him holding him back.
"Dear child... there are many secrets I must tell you... but for now you are right that you and your Prince must stay... you both are vital to our Universe's peace... but you are wrong... oh how Selenity would delight in knowing that you are in love and being loved in return." The goddess smiled and leaned down, her glowing hand slowly lifting Serenity's chin up so their midnight eyes could meet. "Soon, you shall return to the Moon Kingdom and to us and everything shall be worked out... trust in me." She whispered and Serenity nodded.
"How will I get them to the moon Selene?" Serenity asked quietly and Selene smiled.
"A transport is waiting to carry them to their new home and destiny..."
"Thank you!" Jedite cried happily pulling Rei into his arms. Endy rushed forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Serenity's figure. She leaned back into his arms and Selene smiled. Serenity whispered her thanks then Selene vanished, leaving the four in darkness.
Rei reached out, grabbing onto Serenity's arm as if she would never let go. Serenity's midnight eyes met Rei's scared violet ones.
"I shall never forget this Serenity... from the day I met you I knew you were an angel sent to guard over me... Now I swear on Selene that the next time I see you... it shall be my turn to take watch over you." Rei whispered and Serenity smiled softly. She rushed forward, encircling the Princess in her arms tightly. A tear fell down Rei's cheek and she looked sadly at her. "We will meet again... I pray so very soon." She cried and Serenity smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Very soon." She whispered softly then moved aside, letting Endy grasp onto his sister tightly in a farewell. Jedite softly bent down and kissed Serenity's forehead.
"Take care of my Prince for me..." He whispered quietly and Serenity smiled.
"I shall guard him with my life." She said softly and he smiled.
"I am so happy for you Serenity... and so proud that you are my friend." He said and Serenity took his hands and brought them to her lips and kissed them.
"As am I my friend with you..." She smiled and he pulled away, rushing to Rei's side, the transport behind them slowly beginning to fire up.
"Take care of my Princess!" Rei yelled over the noise of the engine and Endy nodded.
"She's my Princess now!" He yelled back and Rei smiled lovingly at him. She kissed his cheek.
"I shall pray for you always brother! You are always in my heart!" She cried and waved her final farewell. The two lovers rushed into the transport and Serenity and Endymoun quickly moved away. They watched as the white ship lept into the sky, forever taking away the Earth's Princess and her guard.
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"Serenity!" A voice yelled and she rushed forward into his arms. "My lady what has happened to Rei? Are you all right?" Malichite asked with urgency as he held the moon maiden in his arms.
"She's run away... and she will never return." Endy said quietly and a women's gasp was heard behind them. Endy looked sadly at his mother and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "She needed love mother... not power." He said gently and tears flowed from her old face. Serenity looked at them and she hugged onto Malichite tighter. He wrapped his arms around her and slowly escorted her from the room, Nephlight and Zoy following after him.
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Her cup crashed accidentally back onto it's saucer and she fidgeted. The yelling. It had been four weeks since Rei and Jedite escaped the palace to find their love. She had never received word but she knew they were safe and happy with her family... where she wished she was. The Queen looked away sadly as the yelling continued. Last week it was announced that the Crown Prince Endymoun Christof LaHaire was to wed the Crown Princess of the Moon Kingdom. Minet. Serenity gulped and looked pale as she watched from the corner of her eye another spout of yelling between father and son.
"I do not care what you wish! You shall bring peace to our Kingdoms!" The King yelled and suddenly slammed his hand on the tea table where Serenity and Queen Marlelle had been taking afternoon tea when Endy rushed in followed by his outraged father.
"There are many other ways to bring peace to our kingdoms father!" Endy said sternly, his voice coming off smoothly, his voice deep and authoritative. Endy walked to the terrace and stared down at the grounds below, trying to regain his composure. "I shall not be your puppet.... Do you wish to ruin me like you did Reilie?" He yelled turning back to his father. He heard his mother gasp and Serenity watched sadly as she closed her eyes and her head bowed. Gently Serenity's slender hand reached across the table and took the Queen's own in her hand, squeezing it gently.
"She wanted love! Did I not let her go!?" He yelled and the Queen stood angered.
"She was never yours to control!" Marlelle yelled and stormed from the room, tears falling down her cheeks. The King stayed silent for a moment and Serenity and Endy glanced at each other. He looked at her, his eyes screaming apologies. She placed her napkin on the table when suddenly an arm jerked her, pulling her violently to her feet. She gasped and came up against the King's side, staring at Endy who looked alarmed and almost ready to kill.
"Are you not the Ambassador from the Moon Kingdom!" The King yelled near her ear and she nodded.
"Yes, your Majesty, I am the ambassador." She replied quietly and he pushed her another step towards Endy.
"Tell him that he must marry the Princess of the Moon or all hope of peace will die... the pact of marriage is stronger then any document ever forged. Tell him how we will finally be able to have peace... how you will finally be able to go home!" He yelled and Endy looked at her alarmed. She sucked in a deep breath, tears threatening to come forward.
"How can I advise him to marry a Princess he has not met nor had the chance to fall in love with?" Serenity asked quietly and the King tightened his grip on her making her wince painfully, tears coming to her eyes. Endy ground his teeth and stared with hatred towards his father.
"Stop advising him as a childhood friend!" The King yelled. "Advise him as you were ment to... You are the Ambassador for the Moon... would it not do your Kingdom great if the Crown Prince was to marry the Princess of the Moon?" He asked and Serenity closed her eyes for a moment then looked up and into Endy's eyes. "Would it not help our kingdoms?" The King demanded and Serenity sucked in a deep breath.
"It would save our Kingdoms." She said quietly and Endy stared at her, his face passive and blank. "If the Prince was to marry Princess Minet we could join forces against the evil that threatens our survival..." She said and her voice cracked softly. "You have to marry her... in order to save your people and mine." She said sadly and Endy shook his head and burst through them, Serenity falling to the ground and the King toppling to the side. Endy reached down, pulling Serenity to her feet. He gripped her shoulders, his form looming behind her as his lips came near her ear and she stood still.
"I shall not marry your Princess..." He hissed between his teeth and she held her breath. She closed her eyes and looked off toward the sunset. She had been agonizing for days that she had to let her love go... No! Her mind screamed and her heart collapsed from the deep depression, her emotions haywire and malfunctioning. She slowly opened her eyes and a tear slipped down her pale cheek. Duty needed to win out.
"Then you have killed us all..." She whispered sadly and he pulled away from her as if he had been stung. He looked at her hurt and then stared at his father with hatred.
"I expect your answer by tonight." The King hissed and Serenity ran from the room, neither man looking at her as she left.
"You almost started a war Father... If I were you I would never touch Lady Serenity again lest you be the cause of our deaths." Endy hissed and the King growled.
"Is that a warning?" He said and Endy stepped forward.
"It's a threat." Endy replied then left the room, leaving the King angered and overwhelmed.
The doors to her chambers burst open and she stood from her vanity swirling around to stare at her visitor. Her aid looked startled and gripped the hairbrush she had been using to brush Serenity's long straight silver locks. She cast a soft glance at the aid and she bowed nervously then bolted from the room. She shut the doors tightly on her way out and Serenity walked forward, her long silver hair falling down to her knees, a few pieces of it held up by a clip. She let her head bow slightly and she clasped her hands in front of her.
"I imagined us growing so much closer... and we've only grown apart." He said and stared at the floor. "You just keep pushing me away."
"I'm an orphan... I can offer you nothing and cannot help you bring peace anywhere. And now... now that you are engaged to Minet... If I touch you I could be charged with high treason against the crown. A crown that rests upon a women I adore and a kingdom I can't live without." She said sadly and he gently took one of her hands in his own holding it loosely.
"Love was not supposed to be this hard." He said with a sad sigh. "If I say yes... You can finally go home and I will be able to see you always... yet never touch you... If I say no, I may cause a war that could result in our deaths... Serenity what kind of choices are these?" He said and pulled away from her and growled annoyed. He turned and walked toward her windows and looked towards the moon above.
"I'm so proud of you." She sighed, a small smile coming to her lips. He turned around alarmed, his deep blue eyes staring into her own. She took in a deep breath and he was halted by her beauty.
"How can you be proud of me? I've been trying to run away from duty." He said and took steps toward her. She smiled again and he couldn't help but smile as well. Gently he reached out and stroked her silver hair, his fingers clasping gently around her clip and releasing it, her silver hair flowing down like a waterfall.
"To love me..." She whispered and he wanted to kiss her. She must have known his desire because she blushed and put a hand on his lips, her other resting on his chest in case she needed to forcefully push him away. She giggled and his eyes softened lovingly towards her... this was his Serenity... his love who flirted shamelessly with him but always kept her ground. She smiled at him and stroked his cheek softly. "But..." She said softly and he grabbed her hand and kissed the palm of it. "You need to stop running away Endy." She whispered and he closed his eyes, agony washing over him.
"I cannot bear to marry someone else who isn't you." He said and wanted to pull her into his arms but she restrained him. "My heart only belongs to you."
"Endy we need to stop thinking about ourselves and about our people... The millions who live under you and depend on you with their lives... those who are counting on you to make this alliance so that we can finally rid them of the pain of evil that has tried to attack them... this is what you were born for... you must do this. You know I will never marry you Endy... it's impossible... but it is possible for you to bring your people peace..." She whispered and he squeezed her hand. "If you ever loved me... and I know you do... you would leave me." She said quietly and a small tear trickled down his cheek, his eyes still closed. Gently she reached up and wiped it away. "Prove your love to me by saving my people..." She whispered quietly and then leaned into his arms, hugging onto him tightly. He was so stunned he couldn't even hold her. Finally she pulled away and wiped a few tears from her face. He took a step back and then looked down. Quietly he turned and left the room, not saying a word or looking back. She stared at her door as it closed and a sob tore through her and she collapsed to the floor in tears and cries. She had betrayed her heart, lost her soul and destroyed a prince but she had saved a planet and she was nothing compared to them.
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Woo. getting kinda heated isn't it? I'll try and post another chapter by the end of the weekend. Tell me what ya think. You're going to love the next chapter. I'm shaking with excitement myself. ~Marronett