Embracing Destiny
Disclaimer: Don't own SM or Tuxedo Kamen. *Sigh* Unfortunately. I want Mamo-chan! *Wails*
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Chapter Eight: The Mercurian Conference
Rated: PG13
"I don't see what the problem is. The Senshi will protect us," a balding man said confidently to the assembled group.
"Sir, my Senshi will do whatever they can to fight this evil. However, it is also important that we plan for the worst. This Beryl may prove to be more dangerous than she appears," Serenity explained, her voice carefully controlled.
She had thought that these people would be somewhat intelligent. No, they appeared to be nothing more than complete imbeciles. They expected *nothing* to beat the Senshi. They thought the Senshi were all-powerful! The meeting had been going on like this for hours now. Every time Serenity thought she made some headway, reality crashed down upon her. Some idiot would claim that there was no point in preparing themselves. The Senshi would win. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and stomp out of there.
"I don't see why we should concern ourselves with this problem. The Senshi should deal with it," the man continued.
"You moron!" Mars exclaimed. Serenity tried to get Mars to quiet herself with a glare but the Fire Senshi would have nothing of it. "We are *not* all powerful beings! We fight with more power than you fools have, yes. But we *can* be beaten! Don't you idiots understand that!?"
"Mars, that's enough!" Serenity glared at her friend before turning back towards the rest of the group. "As Mars said, the Senshi can be beaten. They are not invincible. You must all prepare for the worst. This Beryl woman is very powerful."
"She only wants the Moon, though! Why should we get into this?" the same balding man asked. Each of the twenty-four people assembled nodded their heads in agreement.
Heads turned towards Prince Endymion of Earth as he rose. He glared at each of the representatives before speaking. "If she conquers the Moon, what will happen when she comes for you cowards?"
"Well, if all she wants is the Moon..." the man began timidly.
"I don't think you see the big picture, Ambassador. She'll start with the other planets first. Then move in on the Moon. Then Senshi's first priority is to protect the High Princess. They will protect her first. They will protect the Solar System next. You people are responsible for your own protection. The Senshi have already told you they will help. But if you persist in being fools and not protect yourselves, why should they risk their lives for you?" Endymion sat back down angrily.
The gathering of people looked at the Earth Prince suspiciously. They had all noticed how protective of the Moon Kingdom's heir he was.
"It is their duty," another representative began.
Endymion snorted. "Their *duty* is to protect the High Princess. Not to save worthless fools from their own stupidity."
The room was silent for a few moments before Serenity rose from her seat. "Thank you, Prince Endymion," she said to him before addressing the group. "I think it would be wise if your planets were to ready their armies. I know that it has been a long time since people were called to arms and the armies actually used. They were kept together for appearances, mostly. Because of tradition. However, it may be time to actually use them. I will contact Queen Serenity tonight and inform her of what has happened. I'll get her recommendations and we'll meet again tomorrow morning. For now, I believe it would be best if we adjourn."
The group rose, each bowing to Serenity before exiting. She resisted the urge to sigh. Her opinion of the nobles had decreased rapidly during the session. After they had left, she rose and turned to make her way out of the room. She stopped when she noticed Endymion stood beside the door waiting for her. "Senshi, leave us."
Mars looked as she was about to protest but thought better of it. The eight women left quietly, each nodding politely to the prince as they passed him.
"Sere," Endymion began as soon as they were alone. "My beautiful Sere."
She blushed and walked towards him. "Endymion, you always know what to say to a lady."
He winked. "Of course. It is part of the lessons a prince of Earth must learn."
She laughed. "Endy, you are a joy." Sighing, Serenity turned to look over the empty room. "I never thought the people would have so much faith in the Senshi. To actually think they wouldn't need their armies to protect them."
"It is because they were taught to believe the Senshi are all powerful."
"I know. But throughout my years, I have known people to be skeptical. Most people I know would rather have faith in themselves and their abilities than some unknown. Yet, these men seem to think that we can destroy that woman with a thought."
Endymion shrugged. "I think it is part of the mystery surrounding the Senshi. Part of the reason the people hold them in awe."
"I suppose. I think it might have to do more with their seemingly invincibility. The peace hasn't been broken in many generations."
Endymion looked down at the tiny angel beside him. "That may be part of it. For now, let's not think of that. How about I escort you to your rooms? I do believe you need to contact your mother. And I need to contact Earth. Let them know what has happened."
Sighing, Serenity took Endymion's offered arm. "You're right." She looked up at her prince as they walked down the long corridor.
Endymion noticed the concealed fear in her eyes. "Don't worry, little one. We'll talk with our parents, and get their orders. I think it'll be best if we both continue as if this Beryl woman never appeared. Go about visiting the other planets. I was supposed to go to Earth after this conference. I do believe you were to go there also."
"Yes, the Earth and Moon haven't exactly been getting along much these past decades."
"I think that had more to do with my people being jealous of what the Lunar people represent. Your planet is home to angels, Sere. They didn't like that much, I suppose."
"I understand that, Endy. I think it'd be best if we cement alliances now. Especially considering this threat that appeared."
"I agree." Endymion looked down to see a black cat sitting regally on the floor outside his princess' room. "Whose cat is that?"
Serenity looked and smiled. "Luna, how have you been?"
"Busy, Princess," the cat replied.
Endymion gaped. "A talking cat?"
The Princess giggled. "Endymion, I would like you to meet, Luna. She is one of my mother's advisors, assigned to me for now."
Luna bowed low. "Prince Endymion, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Luna." Endymion still had the surprised look on his face, which grew as the little feline winked at him.
"Princess, you're mother is waiting for you to contact her."
"Yes. I was on my way here to do so. Thank you, Luna. Where is Artemis?"
Luna hissed in annoyance. "The idiot is off doing something secretive. I don't know. Some orders from the Queen, I suppose. Or maybe he's romancing the Mercurian felines. I don't know and I don't care."
"I see." Looking up at Endymion, she smiled. "I must contact my mother now, Endy. As you must do, also. I'll see you tonight?"
"Of course, little one," Endymion murmured. He gently lifted her chin and placed a feather light kiss upon her lips. "Tonight."
Then he turned quickly. "Luna, it was a pleasure. Sere, I'll see you tonight." He turned and walked away, his boots echoing softly down the large hall.
"Princess, may I speak freely?"
Serenity looked down at Luna. "Of course, Luna."
"The Prince of Earth appears to be courting you. Would I be correct in my assumptions?"
"I don't know, Luna. He and I are in love, yes. However, without our parents approval, we can do nothing, I suppose."
"That is true. I suggest you talk to your mother about this."
"I agree." Serenity opened the doors to her rooms, quickly making her way over to the holograph screen. She pressed her access code into it, along with the destination of the call.
"Serenity, dear," her mother's soft voice filled her ears. She didn't realize until then how much she missed her mother. Looking upon the image of the Queen, Serenity felt her eyes cloud with tears.
"Mother, I have missed you."
"And I you, my dear. How have you been, darling?"
"I'm well, Mother. Very well. I'm nervous about this Beryl, though."
"Yes, I heard about her appearance." Her mother closed her eyes and sighed. "I suggest that we continue with our original schedule, only add this threat into the conferences. Have you ordered the planets to ready their armies?"
"Of course. They do, however, believe it is a waste of time, power, and money. They think that the Senshi will protect them and there is no need."
To her surprise, the Queen winced. "I'm sorry about that. I had long ago tried to keep the Senshi apart from the planets and give them a mysterious air. For your protection, dear. I suppose it is my fault."
"No, Mother. You did what you thought was right."
"Yes, I did."
Serenity looked down at her clasped hands. "Mother? I think you should know something."
"Yes?"
"I've met the Prince of the Earth here."
"Yes, I knew he was to be there, with his father's illness."
"I am in love with him, Mother."
The Queen looked at her daughter in shock. "Does he love you?"
"Yes, Mother."
The elder Serenity sighed in defeat. "Daughter, do you love him beyond imagining? Beyond everything in this world? Would he die for you?"
Serenity looked at her mother, shocked. "Mama! I don't want him to die!"
"That's not what I'm asking. If you only 'love' him, you might have to give him up. Duty comes before everything else. However, it this is a soul-bond, we cannot separate you. It would kill you both."
"Mama, I don't know what it is. All I know is I love him. Time stops when I look at him. My world freezes when he kisses me. I don't understand half of what I feel. How can I tell you what it is, when I don't even know myself?"
The Queen smiled faintly. "I understand, honey. I do. How long have you known each other?"
"A few days."
"So quickly you fell, it seems."
"I know, Mama."
"I will discuss this with Venus. If it is a true bond, I will move to discuss this with the rulers of Earth. We'll work it out. If it is not, we will decide later."
"Thank you, Mama."
"Thank you, my little angel. That you and I are so close you can tell me about this, it warms my heart."
"I knew you needed to know. After Mercury, I am still to travel to Earth, correct?"
"Yes. I will talk to Venus tonight. The day after tomorrow you are to leave for Earth."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Welcome, daughter. I love you." The Queen looked at her daughter warmly, tears moistening her eyes.
"I love you, too, Mama."
~~~
AN: CHEESE! (Sorry, inside joke.) Reedit, done! ^_^; Corny still though... can't wait to actually *write* on this instead of edit it. My writing has improved greatly since I wrote this!
Thanks to Sugar Spice Girl (Wow, such praise! I don't deserve half of it!).
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Don't own SM or Tuxedo Kamen. *Sigh* Unfortunately. I want Mamo-chan! *Wails*
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Chapter Eight: The Mercurian Conference
Rated: PG13
"I don't see what the problem is. The Senshi will protect us," a balding man said confidently to the assembled group.
"Sir, my Senshi will do whatever they can to fight this evil. However, it is also important that we plan for the worst. This Beryl may prove to be more dangerous than she appears," Serenity explained, her voice carefully controlled.
She had thought that these people would be somewhat intelligent. No, they appeared to be nothing more than complete imbeciles. They expected *nothing* to beat the Senshi. They thought the Senshi were all-powerful! The meeting had been going on like this for hours now. Every time Serenity thought she made some headway, reality crashed down upon her. Some idiot would claim that there was no point in preparing themselves. The Senshi would win. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and stomp out of there.
"I don't see why we should concern ourselves with this problem. The Senshi should deal with it," the man continued.
"You moron!" Mars exclaimed. Serenity tried to get Mars to quiet herself with a glare but the Fire Senshi would have nothing of it. "We are *not* all powerful beings! We fight with more power than you fools have, yes. But we *can* be beaten! Don't you idiots understand that!?"
"Mars, that's enough!" Serenity glared at her friend before turning back towards the rest of the group. "As Mars said, the Senshi can be beaten. They are not invincible. You must all prepare for the worst. This Beryl woman is very powerful."
"She only wants the Moon, though! Why should we get into this?" the same balding man asked. Each of the twenty-four people assembled nodded their heads in agreement.
Heads turned towards Prince Endymion of Earth as he rose. He glared at each of the representatives before speaking. "If she conquers the Moon, what will happen when she comes for you cowards?"
"Well, if all she wants is the Moon..." the man began timidly.
"I don't think you see the big picture, Ambassador. She'll start with the other planets first. Then move in on the Moon. Then Senshi's first priority is to protect the High Princess. They will protect her first. They will protect the Solar System next. You people are responsible for your own protection. The Senshi have already told you they will help. But if you persist in being fools and not protect yourselves, why should they risk their lives for you?" Endymion sat back down angrily.
The gathering of people looked at the Earth Prince suspiciously. They had all noticed how protective of the Moon Kingdom's heir he was.
"It is their duty," another representative began.
Endymion snorted. "Their *duty* is to protect the High Princess. Not to save worthless fools from their own stupidity."
The room was silent for a few moments before Serenity rose from her seat. "Thank you, Prince Endymion," she said to him before addressing the group. "I think it would be wise if your planets were to ready their armies. I know that it has been a long time since people were called to arms and the armies actually used. They were kept together for appearances, mostly. Because of tradition. However, it may be time to actually use them. I will contact Queen Serenity tonight and inform her of what has happened. I'll get her recommendations and we'll meet again tomorrow morning. For now, I believe it would be best if we adjourn."
The group rose, each bowing to Serenity before exiting. She resisted the urge to sigh. Her opinion of the nobles had decreased rapidly during the session. After they had left, she rose and turned to make her way out of the room. She stopped when she noticed Endymion stood beside the door waiting for her. "Senshi, leave us."
Mars looked as she was about to protest but thought better of it. The eight women left quietly, each nodding politely to the prince as they passed him.
"Sere," Endymion began as soon as they were alone. "My beautiful Sere."
She blushed and walked towards him. "Endymion, you always know what to say to a lady."
He winked. "Of course. It is part of the lessons a prince of Earth must learn."
She laughed. "Endy, you are a joy." Sighing, Serenity turned to look over the empty room. "I never thought the people would have so much faith in the Senshi. To actually think they wouldn't need their armies to protect them."
"It is because they were taught to believe the Senshi are all powerful."
"I know. But throughout my years, I have known people to be skeptical. Most people I know would rather have faith in themselves and their abilities than some unknown. Yet, these men seem to think that we can destroy that woman with a thought."
Endymion shrugged. "I think it is part of the mystery surrounding the Senshi. Part of the reason the people hold them in awe."
"I suppose. I think it might have to do more with their seemingly invincibility. The peace hasn't been broken in many generations."
Endymion looked down at the tiny angel beside him. "That may be part of it. For now, let's not think of that. How about I escort you to your rooms? I do believe you need to contact your mother. And I need to contact Earth. Let them know what has happened."
Sighing, Serenity took Endymion's offered arm. "You're right." She looked up at her prince as they walked down the long corridor.
Endymion noticed the concealed fear in her eyes. "Don't worry, little one. We'll talk with our parents, and get their orders. I think it'll be best if we both continue as if this Beryl woman never appeared. Go about visiting the other planets. I was supposed to go to Earth after this conference. I do believe you were to go there also."
"Yes, the Earth and Moon haven't exactly been getting along much these past decades."
"I think that had more to do with my people being jealous of what the Lunar people represent. Your planet is home to angels, Sere. They didn't like that much, I suppose."
"I understand that, Endy. I think it'd be best if we cement alliances now. Especially considering this threat that appeared."
"I agree." Endymion looked down to see a black cat sitting regally on the floor outside his princess' room. "Whose cat is that?"
Serenity looked and smiled. "Luna, how have you been?"
"Busy, Princess," the cat replied.
Endymion gaped. "A talking cat?"
The Princess giggled. "Endymion, I would like you to meet, Luna. She is one of my mother's advisors, assigned to me for now."
Luna bowed low. "Prince Endymion, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Luna." Endymion still had the surprised look on his face, which grew as the little feline winked at him.
"Princess, you're mother is waiting for you to contact her."
"Yes. I was on my way here to do so. Thank you, Luna. Where is Artemis?"
Luna hissed in annoyance. "The idiot is off doing something secretive. I don't know. Some orders from the Queen, I suppose. Or maybe he's romancing the Mercurian felines. I don't know and I don't care."
"I see." Looking up at Endymion, she smiled. "I must contact my mother now, Endy. As you must do, also. I'll see you tonight?"
"Of course, little one," Endymion murmured. He gently lifted her chin and placed a feather light kiss upon her lips. "Tonight."
Then he turned quickly. "Luna, it was a pleasure. Sere, I'll see you tonight." He turned and walked away, his boots echoing softly down the large hall.
"Princess, may I speak freely?"
Serenity looked down at Luna. "Of course, Luna."
"The Prince of Earth appears to be courting you. Would I be correct in my assumptions?"
"I don't know, Luna. He and I are in love, yes. However, without our parents approval, we can do nothing, I suppose."
"That is true. I suggest you talk to your mother about this."
"I agree." Serenity opened the doors to her rooms, quickly making her way over to the holograph screen. She pressed her access code into it, along with the destination of the call.
"Serenity, dear," her mother's soft voice filled her ears. She didn't realize until then how much she missed her mother. Looking upon the image of the Queen, Serenity felt her eyes cloud with tears.
"Mother, I have missed you."
"And I you, my dear. How have you been, darling?"
"I'm well, Mother. Very well. I'm nervous about this Beryl, though."
"Yes, I heard about her appearance." Her mother closed her eyes and sighed. "I suggest that we continue with our original schedule, only add this threat into the conferences. Have you ordered the planets to ready their armies?"
"Of course. They do, however, believe it is a waste of time, power, and money. They think that the Senshi will protect them and there is no need."
To her surprise, the Queen winced. "I'm sorry about that. I had long ago tried to keep the Senshi apart from the planets and give them a mysterious air. For your protection, dear. I suppose it is my fault."
"No, Mother. You did what you thought was right."
"Yes, I did."
Serenity looked down at her clasped hands. "Mother? I think you should know something."
"Yes?"
"I've met the Prince of the Earth here."
"Yes, I knew he was to be there, with his father's illness."
"I am in love with him, Mother."
The Queen looked at her daughter in shock. "Does he love you?"
"Yes, Mother."
The elder Serenity sighed in defeat. "Daughter, do you love him beyond imagining? Beyond everything in this world? Would he die for you?"
Serenity looked at her mother, shocked. "Mama! I don't want him to die!"
"That's not what I'm asking. If you only 'love' him, you might have to give him up. Duty comes before everything else. However, it this is a soul-bond, we cannot separate you. It would kill you both."
"Mama, I don't know what it is. All I know is I love him. Time stops when I look at him. My world freezes when he kisses me. I don't understand half of what I feel. How can I tell you what it is, when I don't even know myself?"
The Queen smiled faintly. "I understand, honey. I do. How long have you known each other?"
"A few days."
"So quickly you fell, it seems."
"I know, Mama."
"I will discuss this with Venus. If it is a true bond, I will move to discuss this with the rulers of Earth. We'll work it out. If it is not, we will decide later."
"Thank you, Mama."
"Thank you, my little angel. That you and I are so close you can tell me about this, it warms my heart."
"I knew you needed to know. After Mercury, I am still to travel to Earth, correct?"
"Yes. I will talk to Venus tonight. The day after tomorrow you are to leave for Earth."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Welcome, daughter. I love you." The Queen looked at her daughter warmly, tears moistening her eyes.
"I love you, too, Mama."
~~~
AN: CHEESE! (Sorry, inside joke.) Reedit, done! ^_^; Corny still though... can't wait to actually *write* on this instead of edit it. My writing has improved greatly since I wrote this!
Thanks to Sugar Spice Girl (Wow, such praise! I don't deserve half of it!).
Lovies!