Another World
Chapter 2 - Meeting
Endymion forced himself to close his eyes and concentrate. He slowly drew his sword up, keeping it pointing straight ahead. He slowly pivoted and whipped the blade through the air. He opened his eyes again, looking at the dummy he was practicing on. The dummy that was about three feet to the right of his blade. He groaned, dropping his head. It was no use practicing today. He couldn't get her out of his head.
It was ironic, really. All his life, girls had tried to get his attention, and he had ignored all of them. But this one girl, a girl he hadn't even met, was taking up his thoughts, leaving room for nothing else.
He decided to try to relax and clear his thoughts, as he didn't seem to be getting anywhere practicing. He dropped his sword off back in his chambers. He shook his head with a slight grin. It didn't need sharpening because he hadn't managed to get the target once.
He took off into the gardens surrounding the palace, taking in the familiar sights. He never got tired of coming here, especially in spring. He sniffed at the fresh air, glancing around at the other people in the gardens. There was a young servant, rushing off to do something with a panicked look on his face. There were a couple of chattering noblewomen, gossiping no doubt. And there was.
"Kunzite?" Endymion wondered out loud. The tall guard had his back to him, but the long platinum hair was a dead giveaway. "Kunzite!" he called louder, causing his long-time friend to turn around.
"Endymion, I've been looking for you," Kunzite said, coming over to him with a friendly smile. Most people said that Kunzite was cold and ruthless, but Endymion knew this was anything but true. Sometimes he did appear cold, but that was only for outside appearances. When Kunzite and Endymion and the other three guardians were together, he was as open and easy-going as anyone.
Endymion's four guardians and childhood friends had been away training for a month, and Endymion hadn't known what day they would be back on. "Kunzite, I thought you were supposed to be gone another month still?" Endymion asked.
"Well, we were called back when we heard the news," Kunzite explained. "We have to be here to help represent you. After all, the princess is bringing her sailor senshi."
Endymion frowned in confusion. "Bringing them where?"
Kunzite's brow wrinkled. "You mean, you weren't informed?"
"Informed of what?" Endymion snapped. He really didn't like being kept in the dark about things concerning him.
"The Moon Princess is coming to the palace today. Are you sure no one told you?" Kunzite asked.
"WHAT! She's coming today?" Endymion yelled, drawing a few curious glances from the gardens. "You mean, as in, TODAY today?"
Kunzite laughed. "I've never seen you like this, Prince. Are you nervous?"
"I'm about to give my freedom away to some stuck-up moon princess! Wouldn't you be nervous?" Even as he said it, Endymion felt guilty. After all, it wasn't her fault that they were to be married. Who knew, she could even be nice. But the angry side of his brain shoved the logical side to the side.
"Endymion, don't you think you're being a little unfair?" Kunzite asked, eyeing Endymion seriously.
"I know these princess types. Trust me, I might as well be betrothed to a plant. It probably has more brains, and it's definitely more interesting."
Kunzite shook his head. "It's no use talking to you when you're like this. You know, sometimes you can be a real jerk."
Anyone else would have gotten punched for saying that to him, but Endymion knew better than to do that to Kunzite. "Well, are the other guys back too?" he changed the subject abruptly.
"Yeah, Neph's back in the training room, Zoi's catching up on his reading, and Jedeite's sleeping."
Endymion grinned. "Same old gang. So, do you want to get taught how to really swordfight?"
Kunzite smirked. "Begging your pardon, Prince, but I'm certain I can trash you."
Endymion laughed. "Well, than, let's spar."
*
Serena looked into her bag. What had she forgotten? She glanced around her room, looking for anything she had missed. She would be staying on earth for two weeks at least, and needed to have clothes for all occasions. Just then, there was a knock at her door.
"Come in," she called, and the door opened to reveal her mother. Serena quickly turned around, her back to her mother.
"Serenity." her mother began, and then stopped. Serena heard her come closer, and place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry it has to be like this. When I had you, I promised myself I wouldn't make you go through what I had."
"Then why did you do it?" Serena burst out, spinning around. "Why did you do it?"
The older Serenity fiddled with her skirt, looking remarkably like Serena. "Because I thought you would be happy. I want you to have someone to be able to count on, and from what the queen has told me, he's a very nice man."
Serena stared at the ground, feeling tears well up in her eyes. "But why couldn't I have just chosen for myself? Why must I marry a stranger?"
Serenity also looked at the ground. "Are you in love with anybody now?"
Serena paused, and then shook her head.
"Listen, I don't want to put any pressure on you.but we need this marriage for the alliance."
A short laugh escaped Serena, and she looked up at her mother. "No pressure at all, mom."
Serenity pulled her into a hug, and for the moment, everything was right between them.
* Endymion quickly washed as much of himself as he could, before racing to his closet to grab some clothes for tonight. The princess was due to arrive in 15 minutes, and he wasn't even dressed yet.
A knock sounded at the door. "Endymion? It's time to go," Jedeite's voice came through.
"Just a minute," Endymion called, his voice muffled by the shirt he was tugging over his head.
A pause, then, "Oh man, please tell me you're ready."
Endymion tugged up his pants, then grabbed for a nearby sash with the royal colours on it. "Just about."
He heard a loud groan, before Jadeite spoke again. "Oh, no, you're going to make us late, and the king's going to have me beheaded. I like my head where it is!"
Endymion lunged for the wily boot at the side of his bed. "Coming, coming," he muttered, yanking it on. He ran to the door and shoved it open.
"Ow!" Jadeite cursed, rubbing his forehead where the door had hit it. "Come on already, let's go!"
They raced down the empty palace hallways. "Everyone's already there!" Jadeite panted.
They rushed through the main gate, sprinting to the teleportals. Jadeite halted into place between Nephrite and Zoisite. Endymion slammed on the brakes between his mother and father. They both gave him evil parent looks, and he laughed nervously.
Luckily, before either could reprimand him, a flash came out of the portal. First, Queen Serenity herself came out, the herald announcing her name and position. Then the legendary sailor senshi came out, the herald announcing each of them by name and rank of Princess Serenity's protectors. Finally, the princess herself came out.
Endymion mouth parted slightly as an angelic, silver-haired young girl walked towards him. He quickly snapped it shut again when he remembered her personality.or lack of one.
The king and queen welcomed Queen Serenity, and his own guardians, who were standing across from the king and queen, officially welcomed the sailor senshi. The princess stood in between her mother and her guardians, seeming unsure of what to do. Endymion shook his head. She was probably too stupid to even realize what to do. Well, there was no time like the present to face the future. Wait, that wasn't how the quote went. Oh, well.
He stepped forward, catching her eye. She slowly walked towards him, each step seeming like a great effort. Finally, they stood face to face, each eyeing the other one. The princess finally broke the silence by saying, "Hi, I'm Serena."
*
' "Hi, I'm Serena"?' Serena repeated to herself. She had sounded like a complete dolt in front of the person she was to marry!
His eyes seemed to mock her, and he replied, "I'm Endymion. But you probably guessed that already."
She felt her cheeks go pink with embarrassment. How dare he insult her with his eyes! His stupid, blank, gorgeous eyes! She would have snapped at him, but she was already feeling weak from the teleport, and this heavy gravity wasn't helping. So she said nothing.
He continued to stare at her, expecting her to say something eventually. Around them, the welcomes came to a stop, and the king and queen began to usher everyone into the palace. Endymion and Serena were the last in line, somehow stuck walking next to one another.
Serena sighed, looking ahead at her senshi. How can they just abandon me like this? she thought. She glanced again at the silent man beside her. Well, he was pretty good looking, she had to give him that. But personality-wise? Yuck! How was she going to like the rest of her life united with this.this.thing?
*
Endymion rolled his eyes as he led Serena to her room. His mother had oh- so-cleverly set thing s up so they would be alone together. Well, she would be rather unhappy when her plan res ulted in them killing each other.
"Here it is," he said when they came to the door of her room. It was right next to his, no doubt his mother's work again. "If you need anything, just pull on the rope by your bed.
"Goodbye," she said, closing the door in his face.
He raised his eyebrows slightly. Well, maybe she would be somewhat interesting after all.
*
"I hate him!" Serena cried out to the senshi, who were gathered around on her bed.
"Now, Serena, you don't mean that," Jupiter said, attempting to sooth her friend. She was currently pacing the floor of her room, while the senshi gazed on from her bed.
"Yes I do! He's a pompous jerk! And he's already made his mind up that I'm a shallow, ditzy brat!" Serena seethed.
"Well, from what you said, I wouldn't exactly blame him," Mars commented, braiding Venus' hair.
Serena halted mid-pace. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you didn't exactly say the brightest things, and that was from the few things you did say to him. You two were barely even speaking, from what I could see," Mars elaborated with a grin.
"We didn't need to speak! I could tell right away that he was just like all of the other noblemen, a stuck-up, snobby pretty-boy!" she continued on her warpath.
Then, there was a knock at the door. Mercury, who through Serena's tirade had remained silent, got up to answer it. "Oh, hello Your Highness," she said, ushering him into the room.
Serena looked up and caught his eye. She glared with all the flames of hell burning in her eyes.
Endymion smiled charmingly, but Serena could see the mocking glint still remained. "Well, what?" she said rudely.
He gave a slight bow. "I was wondering if you would like to take a stroll through the gardens."
She pursed her lips. "Did your mother put you up to this?" she taunted him.
He smiled slightly. It had actually been Kunzite's idea to force him into this, but he wasn't about to admit that. "I just wanted the pleasure of your company, princess. Do you think so little of me?" he teased.
She glared at him. "Fine, let's go."
The senshi glanced at each other, hiding smiles. It seemed obvious to them that there was more between them than Serena would admit.
"Have fun," Mars grinned as Serena grabbed a jacket from her closet. Serena gave her a dirty look. "Be careful, your face might freeze that way," Mars smirked.
As Serena and Endymion walked out the door together, Mercury called, "Try not to flirt too much!"
A shocked silence filled the room, before the other three senshi cried out, "Mercury!"
*
Serena looked around uncomfortably. Now that she'd gotten herself stuck out here with him, what was she supposed to say? She pulled her jacket tighter around herself as the wind picked up. She looked up at the sky. It was a velvety navy blue, and the moon hung swollen in the sky. She stared longingly at it. She hadn't traveled to other planets much; the courts of the other planets had always come to the moon. Now she felt longing and a little lonely. She missed her home.
Endymion glanced at Serena as they continued to walk along. She was gazing up at the moon. Poor kid, she must be homesick, he mused. She wasn't really a kid though; heck, they would be married by next year. But right now, she seemed so small and vulnerable, with her coat clutched tightly around her small frame.
Suddenly, she looked over at him and frowned. "What?"
He shook his head at the sudden change. In seconds, she'd changed from a sad- looking angel into a spitting, hissing cat. "Nothing. Do you like the gardens?"
She looked around, seeming to take in everything. "We don't really have anything like this on the moon. We have some flowers from earth, but they're expensive and fairly rare. But here, there are so many," she marveled.
"I've come here ever since I was a little kid," he said, unsure of why he was telling her this, but unwilling to stop. "Sometimes I would just sit up in a tree and watch all the different people and make up stories about what they were doing and where they were going."
She was silent a moment before responding. "I used to do that too. Sometimes when they would do callous things, I would think about what kind of day they could have had. Maybe they were really nice people, but everybody has an off day."
They remained in comfortable silence for a while longer before they came to the edge of the gardens. "Well, this is it," Endymion said.
Serena was silent. "I guess we should be getting back then," she finally said.
When they had reached Serena's room, Endymion took her hand and lightly brushed his lips across it. "Till tomorrow, Princess," he said in a teasing voice.
Serena looked suspiciously at him. "Uh huh. See you tomorrow," she replied before closing the door.
Endymion grinned to himself. If he let himself, he could begin to enjoy her antics. Hopefully the palace would become livelier with her anyways.
*
Author's Notes: Well, that's another chapter done! It's a bit longer than the last one, but still a little too short. Oh well, I thought this was a good place to stop it. Till next time!
-Krissy
PS- Write me reviews! Pretty Please!
01/16/03
Endymion forced himself to close his eyes and concentrate. He slowly drew his sword up, keeping it pointing straight ahead. He slowly pivoted and whipped the blade through the air. He opened his eyes again, looking at the dummy he was practicing on. The dummy that was about three feet to the right of his blade. He groaned, dropping his head. It was no use practicing today. He couldn't get her out of his head.
It was ironic, really. All his life, girls had tried to get his attention, and he had ignored all of them. But this one girl, a girl he hadn't even met, was taking up his thoughts, leaving room for nothing else.
He decided to try to relax and clear his thoughts, as he didn't seem to be getting anywhere practicing. He dropped his sword off back in his chambers. He shook his head with a slight grin. It didn't need sharpening because he hadn't managed to get the target once.
He took off into the gardens surrounding the palace, taking in the familiar sights. He never got tired of coming here, especially in spring. He sniffed at the fresh air, glancing around at the other people in the gardens. There was a young servant, rushing off to do something with a panicked look on his face. There were a couple of chattering noblewomen, gossiping no doubt. And there was.
"Kunzite?" Endymion wondered out loud. The tall guard had his back to him, but the long platinum hair was a dead giveaway. "Kunzite!" he called louder, causing his long-time friend to turn around.
"Endymion, I've been looking for you," Kunzite said, coming over to him with a friendly smile. Most people said that Kunzite was cold and ruthless, but Endymion knew this was anything but true. Sometimes he did appear cold, but that was only for outside appearances. When Kunzite and Endymion and the other three guardians were together, he was as open and easy-going as anyone.
Endymion's four guardians and childhood friends had been away training for a month, and Endymion hadn't known what day they would be back on. "Kunzite, I thought you were supposed to be gone another month still?" Endymion asked.
"Well, we were called back when we heard the news," Kunzite explained. "We have to be here to help represent you. After all, the princess is bringing her sailor senshi."
Endymion frowned in confusion. "Bringing them where?"
Kunzite's brow wrinkled. "You mean, you weren't informed?"
"Informed of what?" Endymion snapped. He really didn't like being kept in the dark about things concerning him.
"The Moon Princess is coming to the palace today. Are you sure no one told you?" Kunzite asked.
"WHAT! She's coming today?" Endymion yelled, drawing a few curious glances from the gardens. "You mean, as in, TODAY today?"
Kunzite laughed. "I've never seen you like this, Prince. Are you nervous?"
"I'm about to give my freedom away to some stuck-up moon princess! Wouldn't you be nervous?" Even as he said it, Endymion felt guilty. After all, it wasn't her fault that they were to be married. Who knew, she could even be nice. But the angry side of his brain shoved the logical side to the side.
"Endymion, don't you think you're being a little unfair?" Kunzite asked, eyeing Endymion seriously.
"I know these princess types. Trust me, I might as well be betrothed to a plant. It probably has more brains, and it's definitely more interesting."
Kunzite shook his head. "It's no use talking to you when you're like this. You know, sometimes you can be a real jerk."
Anyone else would have gotten punched for saying that to him, but Endymion knew better than to do that to Kunzite. "Well, are the other guys back too?" he changed the subject abruptly.
"Yeah, Neph's back in the training room, Zoi's catching up on his reading, and Jedeite's sleeping."
Endymion grinned. "Same old gang. So, do you want to get taught how to really swordfight?"
Kunzite smirked. "Begging your pardon, Prince, but I'm certain I can trash you."
Endymion laughed. "Well, than, let's spar."
*
Serena looked into her bag. What had she forgotten? She glanced around her room, looking for anything she had missed. She would be staying on earth for two weeks at least, and needed to have clothes for all occasions. Just then, there was a knock at her door.
"Come in," she called, and the door opened to reveal her mother. Serena quickly turned around, her back to her mother.
"Serenity." her mother began, and then stopped. Serena heard her come closer, and place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry it has to be like this. When I had you, I promised myself I wouldn't make you go through what I had."
"Then why did you do it?" Serena burst out, spinning around. "Why did you do it?"
The older Serenity fiddled with her skirt, looking remarkably like Serena. "Because I thought you would be happy. I want you to have someone to be able to count on, and from what the queen has told me, he's a very nice man."
Serena stared at the ground, feeling tears well up in her eyes. "But why couldn't I have just chosen for myself? Why must I marry a stranger?"
Serenity also looked at the ground. "Are you in love with anybody now?"
Serena paused, and then shook her head.
"Listen, I don't want to put any pressure on you.but we need this marriage for the alliance."
A short laugh escaped Serena, and she looked up at her mother. "No pressure at all, mom."
Serenity pulled her into a hug, and for the moment, everything was right between them.
* Endymion quickly washed as much of himself as he could, before racing to his closet to grab some clothes for tonight. The princess was due to arrive in 15 minutes, and he wasn't even dressed yet.
A knock sounded at the door. "Endymion? It's time to go," Jedeite's voice came through.
"Just a minute," Endymion called, his voice muffled by the shirt he was tugging over his head.
A pause, then, "Oh man, please tell me you're ready."
Endymion tugged up his pants, then grabbed for a nearby sash with the royal colours on it. "Just about."
He heard a loud groan, before Jadeite spoke again. "Oh, no, you're going to make us late, and the king's going to have me beheaded. I like my head where it is!"
Endymion lunged for the wily boot at the side of his bed. "Coming, coming," he muttered, yanking it on. He ran to the door and shoved it open.
"Ow!" Jadeite cursed, rubbing his forehead where the door had hit it. "Come on already, let's go!"
They raced down the empty palace hallways. "Everyone's already there!" Jadeite panted.
They rushed through the main gate, sprinting to the teleportals. Jadeite halted into place between Nephrite and Zoisite. Endymion slammed on the brakes between his mother and father. They both gave him evil parent looks, and he laughed nervously.
Luckily, before either could reprimand him, a flash came out of the portal. First, Queen Serenity herself came out, the herald announcing her name and position. Then the legendary sailor senshi came out, the herald announcing each of them by name and rank of Princess Serenity's protectors. Finally, the princess herself came out.
Endymion mouth parted slightly as an angelic, silver-haired young girl walked towards him. He quickly snapped it shut again when he remembered her personality.or lack of one.
The king and queen welcomed Queen Serenity, and his own guardians, who were standing across from the king and queen, officially welcomed the sailor senshi. The princess stood in between her mother and her guardians, seeming unsure of what to do. Endymion shook his head. She was probably too stupid to even realize what to do. Well, there was no time like the present to face the future. Wait, that wasn't how the quote went. Oh, well.
He stepped forward, catching her eye. She slowly walked towards him, each step seeming like a great effort. Finally, they stood face to face, each eyeing the other one. The princess finally broke the silence by saying, "Hi, I'm Serena."
*
' "Hi, I'm Serena"?' Serena repeated to herself. She had sounded like a complete dolt in front of the person she was to marry!
His eyes seemed to mock her, and he replied, "I'm Endymion. But you probably guessed that already."
She felt her cheeks go pink with embarrassment. How dare he insult her with his eyes! His stupid, blank, gorgeous eyes! She would have snapped at him, but she was already feeling weak from the teleport, and this heavy gravity wasn't helping. So she said nothing.
He continued to stare at her, expecting her to say something eventually. Around them, the welcomes came to a stop, and the king and queen began to usher everyone into the palace. Endymion and Serena were the last in line, somehow stuck walking next to one another.
Serena sighed, looking ahead at her senshi. How can they just abandon me like this? she thought. She glanced again at the silent man beside her. Well, he was pretty good looking, she had to give him that. But personality-wise? Yuck! How was she going to like the rest of her life united with this.this.thing?
*
Endymion rolled his eyes as he led Serena to her room. His mother had oh- so-cleverly set thing s up so they would be alone together. Well, she would be rather unhappy when her plan res ulted in them killing each other.
"Here it is," he said when they came to the door of her room. It was right next to his, no doubt his mother's work again. "If you need anything, just pull on the rope by your bed.
"Goodbye," she said, closing the door in his face.
He raised his eyebrows slightly. Well, maybe she would be somewhat interesting after all.
*
"I hate him!" Serena cried out to the senshi, who were gathered around on her bed.
"Now, Serena, you don't mean that," Jupiter said, attempting to sooth her friend. She was currently pacing the floor of her room, while the senshi gazed on from her bed.
"Yes I do! He's a pompous jerk! And he's already made his mind up that I'm a shallow, ditzy brat!" Serena seethed.
"Well, from what you said, I wouldn't exactly blame him," Mars commented, braiding Venus' hair.
Serena halted mid-pace. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you didn't exactly say the brightest things, and that was from the few things you did say to him. You two were barely even speaking, from what I could see," Mars elaborated with a grin.
"We didn't need to speak! I could tell right away that he was just like all of the other noblemen, a stuck-up, snobby pretty-boy!" she continued on her warpath.
Then, there was a knock at the door. Mercury, who through Serena's tirade had remained silent, got up to answer it. "Oh, hello Your Highness," she said, ushering him into the room.
Serena looked up and caught his eye. She glared with all the flames of hell burning in her eyes.
Endymion smiled charmingly, but Serena could see the mocking glint still remained. "Well, what?" she said rudely.
He gave a slight bow. "I was wondering if you would like to take a stroll through the gardens."
She pursed her lips. "Did your mother put you up to this?" she taunted him.
He smiled slightly. It had actually been Kunzite's idea to force him into this, but he wasn't about to admit that. "I just wanted the pleasure of your company, princess. Do you think so little of me?" he teased.
She glared at him. "Fine, let's go."
The senshi glanced at each other, hiding smiles. It seemed obvious to them that there was more between them than Serena would admit.
"Have fun," Mars grinned as Serena grabbed a jacket from her closet. Serena gave her a dirty look. "Be careful, your face might freeze that way," Mars smirked.
As Serena and Endymion walked out the door together, Mercury called, "Try not to flirt too much!"
A shocked silence filled the room, before the other three senshi cried out, "Mercury!"
*
Serena looked around uncomfortably. Now that she'd gotten herself stuck out here with him, what was she supposed to say? She pulled her jacket tighter around herself as the wind picked up. She looked up at the sky. It was a velvety navy blue, and the moon hung swollen in the sky. She stared longingly at it. She hadn't traveled to other planets much; the courts of the other planets had always come to the moon. Now she felt longing and a little lonely. She missed her home.
Endymion glanced at Serena as they continued to walk along. She was gazing up at the moon. Poor kid, she must be homesick, he mused. She wasn't really a kid though; heck, they would be married by next year. But right now, she seemed so small and vulnerable, with her coat clutched tightly around her small frame.
Suddenly, she looked over at him and frowned. "What?"
He shook his head at the sudden change. In seconds, she'd changed from a sad- looking angel into a spitting, hissing cat. "Nothing. Do you like the gardens?"
She looked around, seeming to take in everything. "We don't really have anything like this on the moon. We have some flowers from earth, but they're expensive and fairly rare. But here, there are so many," she marveled.
"I've come here ever since I was a little kid," he said, unsure of why he was telling her this, but unwilling to stop. "Sometimes I would just sit up in a tree and watch all the different people and make up stories about what they were doing and where they were going."
She was silent a moment before responding. "I used to do that too. Sometimes when they would do callous things, I would think about what kind of day they could have had. Maybe they were really nice people, but everybody has an off day."
They remained in comfortable silence for a while longer before they came to the edge of the gardens. "Well, this is it," Endymion said.
Serena was silent. "I guess we should be getting back then," she finally said.
When they had reached Serena's room, Endymion took her hand and lightly brushed his lips across it. "Till tomorrow, Princess," he said in a teasing voice.
Serena looked suspiciously at him. "Uh huh. See you tomorrow," she replied before closing the door.
Endymion grinned to himself. If he let himself, he could begin to enjoy her antics. Hopefully the palace would become livelier with her anyways.
*
Author's Notes: Well, that's another chapter done! It's a bit longer than the last one, but still a little too short. Oh well, I thought this was a good place to stop it. Till next time!
-Krissy
PS- Write me reviews! Pretty Please!
01/16/03