Title: A Lifetime with you – The Story of Unlikely Lovers
Chapter 3
Serenity: Age 7
Over the next year, Serenity took her lessons seriously. She had promised her mother that she would in exchange for a longer stay when they went to Uranus. She made very good progress and showed signs of being ready to participate in her first New Year Celebrations, which she would normally take part in when she was 10.
Apart from the normal things, like ancient and modern languages, Astronomy, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry, Magical Arts, Political Affaires and Philosophy, she was also learning Ancient Customs, Ancient and Modern Dance and Etiquette. All this kept her very busy all week long, as the only breaks she had from any of this was holidays where she could do anything she wished for the entire day.
Ambika and Shika were also getting training in how to protect their mistress. Ambika was gifted with the abilities of Ice and Shika had fire and their mothers began teaching them how to control and use their abilities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haruka: Age 8
Haruka's training had stepped up a bit during the last year. He took ancient and modern languages, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry, Magical Arts, Political Affaires and Philosophy, which were the same as Serenity, but he also started to learn how to track animals and adversaries, how to control and govern an army and many useful battle strategies and tactics. His sword fighting techniques were also advanced and so were his skills with magical attacks.
He also was looking forward to Serenity's visit. He also liked her letters to him. They were oddly refreshing, in a strange sort of way to him. Even at 8 he was still on his, 'I don't like girls' phase. She wrote a sort of journal for the month and then sent it to him and he did likewise. She wrote to Michiru as well though not as often.
As the time came for Serenity to go visit Haruka, she became ill with a terrible fever which was plaguing the kingdom at that time. For the next four weeks, it ravaged her body. She also developed pneumonia and all of this took a toll on her. She was very weak for two months afterward, which made her, miss her visit. Her mother had decided that she was simply too weak to make the two-week journey and Haruka couldn't come because the whole moon was quarantined to keep it from spreading to other planets.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next year:
Both Serenity and Haruka continued to do well in their studies. King Haru had given Haruka a heavier sword to use in order to improve his strength and increased his skill level. Haruka was becoming a man. He was growing taller and thinner and becoming more responsible. He was also getting better in his tracking and hunting skills. It was almost time for him to go on his first hunting expedition with his father, but that would wait until after Serenity's visit, that is, if everything went off without a hitch.
~~~~~~~~~
Serenity was practicing her dancing when her mother came to see her.
"You're getting better everyday," Selenity said to her.
"Thank you mother," she said stopping. "You have something to tell me?" She asked politely.
"Yes I do. Since you have done so well and caught up completely in your lessons, I have decided to take you to visit the Uraniun Kingdom earlier."
"Really? When?" She asked excitedly.
"In three days, so you should start getting ready from tomorrow."
"Yes!" she said hugging her mother tightly. "Thank you."
"You deserve it," Selenity said.
"Is Michiru going to be there as well?"
"No Serenity. She's going to be on the earth actually," Selenity said.
"Why?"
"Because we want to build up an relationship with the earthlings and Queen Kaiya and her husband offered to act as the Silver Millennium's Ambassadors. They are going to be discussing very important matters with Queen Gaia and King Etsu of Earth."
"Oh. Why didn't we go to earth? I mean it's so near to us, why not go ourselves?"
"Because, young one, I am a bit too busy to go myself and besides, you wouldn't want to miss out any time with Haruka now would you. After all, you are very excited to be seeing his home or maybe you want to see Haruka himself," Selenity said teasing her.
Serenity blushed. "Well not really. I mean, I- I don't know!" She said throwing her hands up. Selenity laughed.
"All right, I'll leave you to continue your practicing," Selenity said turning to go.
Just before she left, Serenity stopped her. "Mother, will Ambika and Shika come with us?"
"No. They must stay here," Selenity responded walking out.
"Aw, they'll be so disappointed," Serenity said to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We're not going?!" Ambika and Shika shrieked in unison.
"Nope," Serenity said happily, bouncing.
"Who's going get you in trouble?" Shika asked.
"Who's going to get you out of trouble?" Ambika asked.
"I'll have to learn to help myself," Serenity said as she continued to bounce on her bed, waiting for her mother to come and bid her goodnight.
"Serenity, stop that you'll break it," Ambika said offhandedly.
"Now I know I won't miss you," Serenity grumbled, landing on the bed.
"Will you miss me?" Shika asked her.
"I'll miss both of you, but I am glad to be rid of you two for a while. It will be refreshing not having two cats following me around, not to mention, not having a certain cat tattletale," she said looking at Ambika.
"Well excuse me for being responsible and doing my job," Ambika said irritably.
"I'm sorry Ambika. It's just that I have to be on my absolute best behavior at all times and I just want to do something fun. You always give Mother a full report on every little thing I do wrong during the day. She often scolds me for it," Serenity said pouting.
"But that's my job Serenity. Our job," She said looking at Shika. "We're here only because your mother wants someone to look out for you, and since everyone is busy, we are the best candidates. That's what guardians do and I can't help it if I'm your guardian," Ambika said in a hurt voice. She turned and left the room.
Shika looked at her retreating figure. Ambika obviously took her job seriously. Serenity realized she had hurt Ambika with what she said but when she went to the hallway to call for her, she was gone.
"Don't worry Serenity, Ambika will feel better in the morning, I'm sure," Shika assured her.
"I didn't mean to hurt her. I just wanted to prove a point, but instead she showed me something about myself," Serenity lamented.
"What?" Shika asked.
"That I have to be careful with what I say and that I have to mean everything I say, for while hurtful words don't inflict physical wounds, the emotional ones that it does cause are just as painful," Serenity said.
"Who told you that?"
"Lady Catherine, my Philosophy teacher," Serenity answered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity apologized to Ambika the very next day. Serenity hardly got any sleep that night as she felt so guilty for saying such hurtful things to Ambika. Ambika was very nice about it and forgave her and also asked for forgiveness from Serenity. She had also done some thinking and realized that Queen Selenity didn't have to know everything that happened during the day and that Serenity was just an adventurous little girl who loved to play and do things that are a little bit scandalous for a princess. Like hide in the clothes just before she had to go to Lady Samantha. Serenity absolutely loathed her because Lady Samantha was very mean to her. Lady Samantha never hit her, but once she came uncomfortably close to doing so because Serenity was 15 minutes late in coming to class. But Serenity never told her mother about this however. In the few weeks before the trip, Serenity became more restless and anxious. She really wanted to see Uranus and she especially wanted to see Haruka again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haruka was restless as well. With Michiru leaving, he knew he would be lonely. He was upset as well, but not at her. He didn't like where she was going one bit. He disliked the earthlings, something his parents taught him from early on in his life.
To him they weren't worthy enough to be a part of the Silver Millennium. From all that he had learnt in class, they weren't very advanced in technology and their magical skills were lacking as well. He couldn't possibly see what good or use they would be.
But it wasn't up for discussion anymore. Queen Selenity seemed determined to incorporate them into the Silver Millennium with or without the support of the outer royals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Good Haruka. You're getting better," King Haru said after his sword was knocked to the floor.
"Thank you," Haruka responded panting slightly.
They were practicing swordsmanship and Haru was teaching him a new technique which he seemed to have mastered quickly. Haru looked closely at his son. He seemed a bit bitter and resigned.
"What's wrong my son?" Haru asked.
"Nothing father," Haruka responded automatically.
"Something is wrong. Why won't you tell me what it is?"
"It's not important," Haruka said dismissively. They heard the sound of a clock chiming in the distance. "I have to go to my next lesson father."
"Go then. We will continue tomorrow," Haru said. Haruka put his sword away and left. King Haru watched his son leave and decided to go and see his wife on the matter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"… … The planet of Uranus had scarcely known such a time of prosper and development as when Queen Lorelei came into power three thousand years ago. She brought many advances in medicine, technology, agriculture and many other fields… … …" Lord Henry's voice droned on.
Haruka tried to suppress a yawn. Five minutes into the lecture and he was already ready to take a nap. He tried to look at his book in interest and follow what was being said but the words seemed to blur together as he finally gave up and yawned.
"Am I boring you Master Haruka?" Lord Henry asked sternly.
'Yes,' Haruka thought all the while saying no.
"Then sit up and pay attention!" he snapped. Haruka rolled his eyes but did as he was told.
"Very good. Now, Queen Lorelei had many … … …" His voice droned on again. Haruka prayed that he survived this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
King Haru found his wife in their bedroom.
"Mai, what's wrong with Haruka?" he asked sitting on the bed.
Mai sighed. She knew why alright.
"He's upset that Michiru is going to the Earth," Mai answered.
"That's all?"
"Well even though he has never met an earthling, he still holds them with extreme distaste. He thinks that something is going to happen to Michiru and that he won't be there to help her. She's his best friend."
"Well he should get better when Serenity arrives tomorrow. She'll be able to pick his spirits up."
"I hope so," Mai said with a sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity was very excited when they left for Uranus. She had a very hard time sleeping during the journey. Uranus was a three-day trip via the royal space ship and Serenity couldn't wait for it to be over.
Three days later, an excited Princess Serenity hopped up and down anxious for the ship to land. She didn't know how she survived the trip, but she did. Her mother noticed her antics.
"My Serenity, aren't you excited. Don't worry dear, we'll be on the ground in no time," Selenity said laughing slightly.
Serenity pouted. "Not fast enough," she grumbled.
"Patience."
~~~~~~~~~
Haruka waited impatiently for the ship to finally land. He was actually excited to see Serenity again. She always knew how to make him feel better whenever they talked or wrote to each other. And now that he had a lot less time to spend with Michiru, Serenity would be a welcome distraction from his lessons.
~~~~~~~~~
(Author's note: My description of the planet Uranus is taken from actual pictures and descriptions of the planet. I have modified the description to suit my story however.) As soon as the doors opened, Serenity was pulling her mother towards the exit. When they finally got outside, Serenity's breath caught in her throat.
The planet was absolutely beautiful. The sky was like a rich sea of blue, with bluish-white clouds floating in it. The rings of Uranus were visible, and beyond them, one of its two moons was clearly seen, even though it was daylight. The ground was a sandy color and green and blue grass grew. In the distance, a huge white marble structure shined a faint blue.
"It's been a long time since you were here, hasn't it, Selenity?" Mai asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes it has. I almost forgot what life off of the moon looked like," Selenity said, looking around.
While this was going on, Haruka and Serenity greeted each other.
"So princess, how do you like my home?" Haruka asked.
"It's so beautiful! I am jealous of you for living here," Serenity said looking around. Haruka laughed.
"I see that you've hardly grown at all. You're still a shrimp," Haruka teased.
"I know! Everyone is much taller than me, even you!" Serenity pouted.
"Chin up princess. You'll grow soon. Maybe with the help of magic, but you'll grow."
Serenity stuck out her tongue at him.
"Fighting with the little princess already Haruka?" King Haru asked his son.
"No, I'm just teasing her," he answered.
Haru picked her up. "Well now Serenity, don't let Haruka bother you."
"I won't, trust me," She answered, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He laughed and put her down.
"My Selenity, you don't feed her do you. She hasn't grown at all," Haru commented.
"She's still young Haru. Give her some time to grow," Selenity responded.
"Come on; let's go back to the castle. It's drafty out here and it's almost lunch time," Mai said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3
Serenity: Age 7
Over the next year, Serenity took her lessons seriously. She had promised her mother that she would in exchange for a longer stay when they went to Uranus. She made very good progress and showed signs of being ready to participate in her first New Year Celebrations, which she would normally take part in when she was 10.
Apart from the normal things, like ancient and modern languages, Astronomy, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry, Magical Arts, Political Affaires and Philosophy, she was also learning Ancient Customs, Ancient and Modern Dance and Etiquette. All this kept her very busy all week long, as the only breaks she had from any of this was holidays where she could do anything she wished for the entire day.
Ambika and Shika were also getting training in how to protect their mistress. Ambika was gifted with the abilities of Ice and Shika had fire and their mothers began teaching them how to control and use their abilities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haruka: Age 8
Haruka's training had stepped up a bit during the last year. He took ancient and modern languages, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry, Magical Arts, Political Affaires and Philosophy, which were the same as Serenity, but he also started to learn how to track animals and adversaries, how to control and govern an army and many useful battle strategies and tactics. His sword fighting techniques were also advanced and so were his skills with magical attacks.
He also was looking forward to Serenity's visit. He also liked her letters to him. They were oddly refreshing, in a strange sort of way to him. Even at 8 he was still on his, 'I don't like girls' phase. She wrote a sort of journal for the month and then sent it to him and he did likewise. She wrote to Michiru as well though not as often.
As the time came for Serenity to go visit Haruka, she became ill with a terrible fever which was plaguing the kingdom at that time. For the next four weeks, it ravaged her body. She also developed pneumonia and all of this took a toll on her. She was very weak for two months afterward, which made her, miss her visit. Her mother had decided that she was simply too weak to make the two-week journey and Haruka couldn't come because the whole moon was quarantined to keep it from spreading to other planets.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next year:
Both Serenity and Haruka continued to do well in their studies. King Haru had given Haruka a heavier sword to use in order to improve his strength and increased his skill level. Haruka was becoming a man. He was growing taller and thinner and becoming more responsible. He was also getting better in his tracking and hunting skills. It was almost time for him to go on his first hunting expedition with his father, but that would wait until after Serenity's visit, that is, if everything went off without a hitch.
~~~~~~~~~
Serenity was practicing her dancing when her mother came to see her.
"You're getting better everyday," Selenity said to her.
"Thank you mother," she said stopping. "You have something to tell me?" She asked politely.
"Yes I do. Since you have done so well and caught up completely in your lessons, I have decided to take you to visit the Uraniun Kingdom earlier."
"Really? When?" She asked excitedly.
"In three days, so you should start getting ready from tomorrow."
"Yes!" she said hugging her mother tightly. "Thank you."
"You deserve it," Selenity said.
"Is Michiru going to be there as well?"
"No Serenity. She's going to be on the earth actually," Selenity said.
"Why?"
"Because we want to build up an relationship with the earthlings and Queen Kaiya and her husband offered to act as the Silver Millennium's Ambassadors. They are going to be discussing very important matters with Queen Gaia and King Etsu of Earth."
"Oh. Why didn't we go to earth? I mean it's so near to us, why not go ourselves?"
"Because, young one, I am a bit too busy to go myself and besides, you wouldn't want to miss out any time with Haruka now would you. After all, you are very excited to be seeing his home or maybe you want to see Haruka himself," Selenity said teasing her.
Serenity blushed. "Well not really. I mean, I- I don't know!" She said throwing her hands up. Selenity laughed.
"All right, I'll leave you to continue your practicing," Selenity said turning to go.
Just before she left, Serenity stopped her. "Mother, will Ambika and Shika come with us?"
"No. They must stay here," Selenity responded walking out.
"Aw, they'll be so disappointed," Serenity said to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We're not going?!" Ambika and Shika shrieked in unison.
"Nope," Serenity said happily, bouncing.
"Who's going get you in trouble?" Shika asked.
"Who's going to get you out of trouble?" Ambika asked.
"I'll have to learn to help myself," Serenity said as she continued to bounce on her bed, waiting for her mother to come and bid her goodnight.
"Serenity, stop that you'll break it," Ambika said offhandedly.
"Now I know I won't miss you," Serenity grumbled, landing on the bed.
"Will you miss me?" Shika asked her.
"I'll miss both of you, but I am glad to be rid of you two for a while. It will be refreshing not having two cats following me around, not to mention, not having a certain cat tattletale," she said looking at Ambika.
"Well excuse me for being responsible and doing my job," Ambika said irritably.
"I'm sorry Ambika. It's just that I have to be on my absolute best behavior at all times and I just want to do something fun. You always give Mother a full report on every little thing I do wrong during the day. She often scolds me for it," Serenity said pouting.
"But that's my job Serenity. Our job," She said looking at Shika. "We're here only because your mother wants someone to look out for you, and since everyone is busy, we are the best candidates. That's what guardians do and I can't help it if I'm your guardian," Ambika said in a hurt voice. She turned and left the room.
Shika looked at her retreating figure. Ambika obviously took her job seriously. Serenity realized she had hurt Ambika with what she said but when she went to the hallway to call for her, she was gone.
"Don't worry Serenity, Ambika will feel better in the morning, I'm sure," Shika assured her.
"I didn't mean to hurt her. I just wanted to prove a point, but instead she showed me something about myself," Serenity lamented.
"What?" Shika asked.
"That I have to be careful with what I say and that I have to mean everything I say, for while hurtful words don't inflict physical wounds, the emotional ones that it does cause are just as painful," Serenity said.
"Who told you that?"
"Lady Catherine, my Philosophy teacher," Serenity answered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity apologized to Ambika the very next day. Serenity hardly got any sleep that night as she felt so guilty for saying such hurtful things to Ambika. Ambika was very nice about it and forgave her and also asked for forgiveness from Serenity. She had also done some thinking and realized that Queen Selenity didn't have to know everything that happened during the day and that Serenity was just an adventurous little girl who loved to play and do things that are a little bit scandalous for a princess. Like hide in the clothes just before she had to go to Lady Samantha. Serenity absolutely loathed her because Lady Samantha was very mean to her. Lady Samantha never hit her, but once she came uncomfortably close to doing so because Serenity was 15 minutes late in coming to class. But Serenity never told her mother about this however. In the few weeks before the trip, Serenity became more restless and anxious. She really wanted to see Uranus and she especially wanted to see Haruka again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haruka was restless as well. With Michiru leaving, he knew he would be lonely. He was upset as well, but not at her. He didn't like where she was going one bit. He disliked the earthlings, something his parents taught him from early on in his life.
To him they weren't worthy enough to be a part of the Silver Millennium. From all that he had learnt in class, they weren't very advanced in technology and their magical skills were lacking as well. He couldn't possibly see what good or use they would be.
But it wasn't up for discussion anymore. Queen Selenity seemed determined to incorporate them into the Silver Millennium with or without the support of the outer royals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Good Haruka. You're getting better," King Haru said after his sword was knocked to the floor.
"Thank you," Haruka responded panting slightly.
They were practicing swordsmanship and Haru was teaching him a new technique which he seemed to have mastered quickly. Haru looked closely at his son. He seemed a bit bitter and resigned.
"What's wrong my son?" Haru asked.
"Nothing father," Haruka responded automatically.
"Something is wrong. Why won't you tell me what it is?"
"It's not important," Haruka said dismissively. They heard the sound of a clock chiming in the distance. "I have to go to my next lesson father."
"Go then. We will continue tomorrow," Haru said. Haruka put his sword away and left. King Haru watched his son leave and decided to go and see his wife on the matter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"… … The planet of Uranus had scarcely known such a time of prosper and development as when Queen Lorelei came into power three thousand years ago. She brought many advances in medicine, technology, agriculture and many other fields… … …" Lord Henry's voice droned on.
Haruka tried to suppress a yawn. Five minutes into the lecture and he was already ready to take a nap. He tried to look at his book in interest and follow what was being said but the words seemed to blur together as he finally gave up and yawned.
"Am I boring you Master Haruka?" Lord Henry asked sternly.
'Yes,' Haruka thought all the while saying no.
"Then sit up and pay attention!" he snapped. Haruka rolled his eyes but did as he was told.
"Very good. Now, Queen Lorelei had many … … …" His voice droned on again. Haruka prayed that he survived this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
King Haru found his wife in their bedroom.
"Mai, what's wrong with Haruka?" he asked sitting on the bed.
Mai sighed. She knew why alright.
"He's upset that Michiru is going to the Earth," Mai answered.
"That's all?"
"Well even though he has never met an earthling, he still holds them with extreme distaste. He thinks that something is going to happen to Michiru and that he won't be there to help her. She's his best friend."
"Well he should get better when Serenity arrives tomorrow. She'll be able to pick his spirits up."
"I hope so," Mai said with a sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity was very excited when they left for Uranus. She had a very hard time sleeping during the journey. Uranus was a three-day trip via the royal space ship and Serenity couldn't wait for it to be over.
Three days later, an excited Princess Serenity hopped up and down anxious for the ship to land. She didn't know how she survived the trip, but she did. Her mother noticed her antics.
"My Serenity, aren't you excited. Don't worry dear, we'll be on the ground in no time," Selenity said laughing slightly.
Serenity pouted. "Not fast enough," she grumbled.
"Patience."
~~~~~~~~~
Haruka waited impatiently for the ship to finally land. He was actually excited to see Serenity again. She always knew how to make him feel better whenever they talked or wrote to each other. And now that he had a lot less time to spend with Michiru, Serenity would be a welcome distraction from his lessons.
~~~~~~~~~
(Author's note: My description of the planet Uranus is taken from actual pictures and descriptions of the planet. I have modified the description to suit my story however.) As soon as the doors opened, Serenity was pulling her mother towards the exit. When they finally got outside, Serenity's breath caught in her throat.
The planet was absolutely beautiful. The sky was like a rich sea of blue, with bluish-white clouds floating in it. The rings of Uranus were visible, and beyond them, one of its two moons was clearly seen, even though it was daylight. The ground was a sandy color and green and blue grass grew. In the distance, a huge white marble structure shined a faint blue.
"It's been a long time since you were here, hasn't it, Selenity?" Mai asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes it has. I almost forgot what life off of the moon looked like," Selenity said, looking around.
While this was going on, Haruka and Serenity greeted each other.
"So princess, how do you like my home?" Haruka asked.
"It's so beautiful! I am jealous of you for living here," Serenity said looking around. Haruka laughed.
"I see that you've hardly grown at all. You're still a shrimp," Haruka teased.
"I know! Everyone is much taller than me, even you!" Serenity pouted.
"Chin up princess. You'll grow soon. Maybe with the help of magic, but you'll grow."
Serenity stuck out her tongue at him.
"Fighting with the little princess already Haruka?" King Haru asked his son.
"No, I'm just teasing her," he answered.
Haru picked her up. "Well now Serenity, don't let Haruka bother you."
"I won't, trust me," She answered, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He laughed and put her down.
"My Selenity, you don't feed her do you. She hasn't grown at all," Haru commented.
"She's still young Haru. Give her some time to grow," Selenity responded.
"Come on; let's go back to the castle. It's drafty out here and it's almost lunch time," Mai said.
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