Author's Note: Uh, still no new translations... Make sure to review
periodically, or at least when you finish the story!
Chapter Three
4 Years Later...
"Endymion, are you sure you must go so close to Selena's return?"
"Yes, Serenity... Selena is not due back for a week. I will be back in plenty of time for the celebration. I promise."
"Alright... go then. The sooner you go, the sooner you can return."
"I'll be back before you know it, I promise." The prince leaned down and softly kissed the princess before turning and heading off.
Giving a small sigh, Serenity turned and went back to the gardens. Strolling along, she turned her gaze up to the starlit sky as her thoughts went to her sister once more. She had not seen her since the night before she left. As that thought came to mind, she found her steps had unconsciously brought her to the garden of Selene. The flowers had not bloomed the same way since that drop of blood had touched the ground. Thought hey had not completely died away, the flowers and leaves drooped pitifully, like a terrestrial plant in want of rain and light.
"Someday, daughter, this garden will have the splendor that once was here. Your sister will find happiness once again, though I fear it will be far more fleeting than we would want for her."
Turning around, Serenity gave mother a bewildered glance. "Whatever do you mean?"
Sighing, the regal queen looked around at the vining plant. Remaining silent, she sank down to sit upon a marble bench. Giving her mother a worried look, she joined her on the bench. "Mother?"
"Serenity... a time will come when Selena will be very happy. But it is not goddess's plans to allow her to be happy for long. So I ask of you to do your best to make whatever happiness she may have a chance for last as long as possible."
Still bewildered, the princess gave a small nod to the queen's request, receiving a small smile in return.
"Good. Well... let's find something to do to keep our minds busy."
Both women rose and headed into the palace, equally unaware of exactly what the fates had planned.
Far away, in another system of planets, Prince Endymion was enjoying a few hours break from the strenuous delegation meetings he was forced to attend. So somehow, he had found his way to dojo that specialized in swordplay. He thought that might be able to relieve some pent-up energy with some spars.
"May I help you, sir?"
Endymion turned to find a worker at the dojo speaking to him. "I was wondering if I might be able to participate in some spars.
"Ah, yes. The pupils here always welcome a new challenge. Follow me."
As they headed down a hall, the man continued to explain some things. "There are various types of swordplay used here, at many different levels. It all depends on how much you are willing to risk."
At the end of the long hallway, the man opened two doors that led to a large arena, housing several matches at the moment. As they walked and Endymion looked on at some of the matches, the sound of steel clashing filled the air. At one particular match, a skilled fighter was going through opponents easily, a trained off to the side shouting the order for the next person to step up.
"How about him?
"Ah! That's our most prized pupil. Hasn't lost a match yet!"
"Well, neither have I."
"If you wish. I will go tell the trainer of your challenge."
The man walked off toward the trainer as the fighter continued going through opponents. After a short conversation, the trainer nodded and gave the order to stop. The trainer then had a small conversation with the fighter, who glanced his way, the responded before stepping out of the marked area and began removing the padding for fencing. The trainer came forward.
"Your challenge is accepted, sir, but only on certain terms. Katanas, first blood drawn determines the winner."
"Deal." With that, Endymion began removing most his clothing, save his pants. He then stepped up to the fighting area, accepting a sword from someone.
When the other fighter returned, he still wore the mask and a t- shirt, katana in hand.
The trainer spoke once again. "First one to draw blood is the victor. Ready, go!"
For the next few minutes, the only sound to be heard was that of steel hitting steel. Many of the other matches stopped so that the two dueling had quite an audience before too long. Neither one seemed to be able to get close enough to the other to do much of anything. This went on for some time, sweat forming a slight sheen on Endymion's upper body. Still, neither gave a sign of becoming tired. Steel flashed as their blades met in the air or parried one another. Then the trainer shouted a suggestion to Endymion's opponent.
"Alright, use your other hand!"
Obediently, the sword switched from the left hand to the right, and Endymion soon found himself being driven back toward the lines that marked off the fighting area. As he lifted his sword to begin a counter-attack, the other katana flashed through the air and cut across his chest.
Immediately, applause was heard for the victor as a couple individuals came forward to care for the wound quickly.
Then, Endymion watched as his opponent drew off the helmet, tossing it to someone whom stood waiting for just that purpose. His expression twisted into one of bewilderment. "A girl?"
This drew several scathing glances his way from the female pupils. From the victor, it only drew an incredulous laugh. "Yes, a girl. You don't think a girl could beat a guy?
"Er, well..."
"Sela, that was brilliant!" The girl's trainer came forward with a grin.
"Not really... I had to switch to my better hand."
"Ah, but for a fight against a prince, who has trained for many years, it was very good."
"Anyway, I'm going to go grab a shower." Then the girl, Sela, headed away, apparently not interested in who she had just defeated.
About thirty minutes later she emerged from the dojo, boyishly short black tresses glistening with drops of water. She was startled to find Endymion there waiting, but only smirked. "If you want a re-match, you'll have to come back tomorrow."
"No. I was beaten fairly. I accept that. But I would be pleased if you would accept an invitation to dinner. I'd like to learn more about how you became such a skilled hand at this."
Pausing briefly to consider, Sela nodded. "Alright. But it would be much easier for us to just meet somewhere."
Searching his pockets for a moment, Endymion found a slip of paper. "Someone suggested this place to me. Does eight sound okay?"
"Certainly." She took the address on the slip of paper before they parted.
A few hours later, Endymion was gallantly opening the door of the restaurant for Sela. She had come dressed in a softly colored lavender dress, complimenting her eye color and accenting her soft tan skin.
Dinner that night was enjoyed by both parties, as was each other's company. When they finished, they decided to take a walk since it was not yet really dark.
"I just realized we never talked of what I had intended."
"No." Sela smiled gently to him.
"Well? Mind telling me a bit of how you became so good?"
"I've been a pupil at the dojo for a number of years now. It's just been something that has always interested me."
Endymion was quiet a long moment as he gazed at her, then shook his head. "I have this feeling we've met somewhere before."
Laughing gently, the raven-tressed girl cast him a small smile. "Oh?"
"Yes... oh, but it's stupid." Noting a slight shiver from the one next to him, he shrugged out of his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. After receiving a small smile of thanks, they continued their walk in silence. They soon came to a bench settled near a lake and sat down upon it. Ever slowly, still in silence, they watched as the sun sank below the horizon, and then as reflected starlight began to dance upon the water.
Then, without a word of warning, Endymion drew Sela to him, and their lips met in a soft kiss. It held for a few moments before he drew away abruptly. "My apologies... I shouldn't have done that. I have someone waiting for me when I return home."
"I don't mind... It's better to silence a doubt when you get the chance instead of spending the rest of your life wondering what might have happened."
"I suppose you're right. Shall we continue our walk?"
"Certainly." The two rose and began to walk away, when her foot found a loose rock, causing her to fall unceremoniously, partially into the lake.
"Are you alright?"
"Fine," Sela replied, attempting to climb to her feet, but failing. "But it seems I twisted my ankle."
"Here..." Endymion easily picked her up, holding her in his arms. "The inn I am staying at is not far from here. We can go back there and get you fixed up."
She nodded and leaned against him as he carefully made the short walk to the inn. First he stopped to talk briefly to the keeper, then carried her up the stairs to his room. Someone had anticipated his return and had lit a nice fire in the fireplace. After setting her upon the only seat available, the bed, he rummaged in his things to find a button-up shirt. "You can put this on so you can let you dress dry."
After handing her the shirt, he turned and left the room to leave her to change.
After a few minutes, he returned to find her changed and the dress laid out by the fire. She was seated on the bed, examining her slightly swollen ankle.
He walked over to her, handing her a cup of tea. As she gently blew cool air over the steaming liquid, he turned and headed over to the fire. Smiling a bit playfully, she watched him. "I have never been known to bite."
Endymion laughed a bit before he went back to sit next to her. Carefully she drank some of the tea, and they sat in silence once more. As she sat aside the empty cup, the silence continued for a moment. Then he leaned over and kissed her again, only this time, it held for much longer. He drew away slightly to look at her reaction, then pressed forward, their lips meeting once more. As he began to unbutton the shirt she wore, her hands came up to stop him. Their eyes met for a moment before she spoke.
"If we do this, there cannot be any regrets, or any doubts about whether it was right or not. Promise?"
Endymion paused briefly, then nodded. "I promise. There will be no regrets."
Then she released his hands, satisfied with the answer. She was not inclined to be a creature of regret. She didn't intend on starting now. And so, they continued, neither knowing how this singular act might effect their future.
Chapter Three
4 Years Later...
"Endymion, are you sure you must go so close to Selena's return?"
"Yes, Serenity... Selena is not due back for a week. I will be back in plenty of time for the celebration. I promise."
"Alright... go then. The sooner you go, the sooner you can return."
"I'll be back before you know it, I promise." The prince leaned down and softly kissed the princess before turning and heading off.
Giving a small sigh, Serenity turned and went back to the gardens. Strolling along, she turned her gaze up to the starlit sky as her thoughts went to her sister once more. She had not seen her since the night before she left. As that thought came to mind, she found her steps had unconsciously brought her to the garden of Selene. The flowers had not bloomed the same way since that drop of blood had touched the ground. Thought hey had not completely died away, the flowers and leaves drooped pitifully, like a terrestrial plant in want of rain and light.
"Someday, daughter, this garden will have the splendor that once was here. Your sister will find happiness once again, though I fear it will be far more fleeting than we would want for her."
Turning around, Serenity gave mother a bewildered glance. "Whatever do you mean?"
Sighing, the regal queen looked around at the vining plant. Remaining silent, she sank down to sit upon a marble bench. Giving her mother a worried look, she joined her on the bench. "Mother?"
"Serenity... a time will come when Selena will be very happy. But it is not goddess's plans to allow her to be happy for long. So I ask of you to do your best to make whatever happiness she may have a chance for last as long as possible."
Still bewildered, the princess gave a small nod to the queen's request, receiving a small smile in return.
"Good. Well... let's find something to do to keep our minds busy."
Both women rose and headed into the palace, equally unaware of exactly what the fates had planned.
Far away, in another system of planets, Prince Endymion was enjoying a few hours break from the strenuous delegation meetings he was forced to attend. So somehow, he had found his way to dojo that specialized in swordplay. He thought that might be able to relieve some pent-up energy with some spars.
"May I help you, sir?"
Endymion turned to find a worker at the dojo speaking to him. "I was wondering if I might be able to participate in some spars.
"Ah, yes. The pupils here always welcome a new challenge. Follow me."
As they headed down a hall, the man continued to explain some things. "There are various types of swordplay used here, at many different levels. It all depends on how much you are willing to risk."
At the end of the long hallway, the man opened two doors that led to a large arena, housing several matches at the moment. As they walked and Endymion looked on at some of the matches, the sound of steel clashing filled the air. At one particular match, a skilled fighter was going through opponents easily, a trained off to the side shouting the order for the next person to step up.
"How about him?
"Ah! That's our most prized pupil. Hasn't lost a match yet!"
"Well, neither have I."
"If you wish. I will go tell the trainer of your challenge."
The man walked off toward the trainer as the fighter continued going through opponents. After a short conversation, the trainer nodded and gave the order to stop. The trainer then had a small conversation with the fighter, who glanced his way, the responded before stepping out of the marked area and began removing the padding for fencing. The trainer came forward.
"Your challenge is accepted, sir, but only on certain terms. Katanas, first blood drawn determines the winner."
"Deal." With that, Endymion began removing most his clothing, save his pants. He then stepped up to the fighting area, accepting a sword from someone.
When the other fighter returned, he still wore the mask and a t- shirt, katana in hand.
The trainer spoke once again. "First one to draw blood is the victor. Ready, go!"
For the next few minutes, the only sound to be heard was that of steel hitting steel. Many of the other matches stopped so that the two dueling had quite an audience before too long. Neither one seemed to be able to get close enough to the other to do much of anything. This went on for some time, sweat forming a slight sheen on Endymion's upper body. Still, neither gave a sign of becoming tired. Steel flashed as their blades met in the air or parried one another. Then the trainer shouted a suggestion to Endymion's opponent.
"Alright, use your other hand!"
Obediently, the sword switched from the left hand to the right, and Endymion soon found himself being driven back toward the lines that marked off the fighting area. As he lifted his sword to begin a counter-attack, the other katana flashed through the air and cut across his chest.
Immediately, applause was heard for the victor as a couple individuals came forward to care for the wound quickly.
Then, Endymion watched as his opponent drew off the helmet, tossing it to someone whom stood waiting for just that purpose. His expression twisted into one of bewilderment. "A girl?"
This drew several scathing glances his way from the female pupils. From the victor, it only drew an incredulous laugh. "Yes, a girl. You don't think a girl could beat a guy?
"Er, well..."
"Sela, that was brilliant!" The girl's trainer came forward with a grin.
"Not really... I had to switch to my better hand."
"Ah, but for a fight against a prince, who has trained for many years, it was very good."
"Anyway, I'm going to go grab a shower." Then the girl, Sela, headed away, apparently not interested in who she had just defeated.
About thirty minutes later she emerged from the dojo, boyishly short black tresses glistening with drops of water. She was startled to find Endymion there waiting, but only smirked. "If you want a re-match, you'll have to come back tomorrow."
"No. I was beaten fairly. I accept that. But I would be pleased if you would accept an invitation to dinner. I'd like to learn more about how you became such a skilled hand at this."
Pausing briefly to consider, Sela nodded. "Alright. But it would be much easier for us to just meet somewhere."
Searching his pockets for a moment, Endymion found a slip of paper. "Someone suggested this place to me. Does eight sound okay?"
"Certainly." She took the address on the slip of paper before they parted.
A few hours later, Endymion was gallantly opening the door of the restaurant for Sela. She had come dressed in a softly colored lavender dress, complimenting her eye color and accenting her soft tan skin.
Dinner that night was enjoyed by both parties, as was each other's company. When they finished, they decided to take a walk since it was not yet really dark.
"I just realized we never talked of what I had intended."
"No." Sela smiled gently to him.
"Well? Mind telling me a bit of how you became so good?"
"I've been a pupil at the dojo for a number of years now. It's just been something that has always interested me."
Endymion was quiet a long moment as he gazed at her, then shook his head. "I have this feeling we've met somewhere before."
Laughing gently, the raven-tressed girl cast him a small smile. "Oh?"
"Yes... oh, but it's stupid." Noting a slight shiver from the one next to him, he shrugged out of his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. After receiving a small smile of thanks, they continued their walk in silence. They soon came to a bench settled near a lake and sat down upon it. Ever slowly, still in silence, they watched as the sun sank below the horizon, and then as reflected starlight began to dance upon the water.
Then, without a word of warning, Endymion drew Sela to him, and their lips met in a soft kiss. It held for a few moments before he drew away abruptly. "My apologies... I shouldn't have done that. I have someone waiting for me when I return home."
"I don't mind... It's better to silence a doubt when you get the chance instead of spending the rest of your life wondering what might have happened."
"I suppose you're right. Shall we continue our walk?"
"Certainly." The two rose and began to walk away, when her foot found a loose rock, causing her to fall unceremoniously, partially into the lake.
"Are you alright?"
"Fine," Sela replied, attempting to climb to her feet, but failing. "But it seems I twisted my ankle."
"Here..." Endymion easily picked her up, holding her in his arms. "The inn I am staying at is not far from here. We can go back there and get you fixed up."
She nodded and leaned against him as he carefully made the short walk to the inn. First he stopped to talk briefly to the keeper, then carried her up the stairs to his room. Someone had anticipated his return and had lit a nice fire in the fireplace. After setting her upon the only seat available, the bed, he rummaged in his things to find a button-up shirt. "You can put this on so you can let you dress dry."
After handing her the shirt, he turned and left the room to leave her to change.
After a few minutes, he returned to find her changed and the dress laid out by the fire. She was seated on the bed, examining her slightly swollen ankle.
He walked over to her, handing her a cup of tea. As she gently blew cool air over the steaming liquid, he turned and headed over to the fire. Smiling a bit playfully, she watched him. "I have never been known to bite."
Endymion laughed a bit before he went back to sit next to her. Carefully she drank some of the tea, and they sat in silence once more. As she sat aside the empty cup, the silence continued for a moment. Then he leaned over and kissed her again, only this time, it held for much longer. He drew away slightly to look at her reaction, then pressed forward, their lips meeting once more. As he began to unbutton the shirt she wore, her hands came up to stop him. Their eyes met for a moment before she spoke.
"If we do this, there cannot be any regrets, or any doubts about whether it was right or not. Promise?"
Endymion paused briefly, then nodded. "I promise. There will be no regrets."
Then she released his hands, satisfied with the answer. She was not inclined to be a creature of regret. She didn't intend on starting now. And so, they continued, neither knowing how this singular act might effect their future.