Strength of Serenity-chapter 8
AN: Here is my very next chapter...wahoo!!! Anyways...I hope ya' like it!
;D
P.S. i don't know how long it'll be before I can get another chapter out,
that's why I hurried up and wrote this one so fast. Hope it'll tide you
over 'til then!
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Serenity and Endymion spent the day talking like they had known each other forever. They talked about the suitors they had met...and turned down. They discussed their dreams of one day ruling over thier kingdom in peace, with no more wars or disputes. They dreamed of a day when everyone got along and there was no more evil to worry about. After a large dinner with the Prince Endymion, her mother, and the rest of her royal court ( their fiances included), Serenity stood to excuse herself.
"Lita, I do believe we are due for a training session tonight," she said as she placed her napkin beside her plate. "Normally I would have had one yesterday, and another one tomorrow, but with all of this activity, I'm afraid neither could happen. So I suppose we shall have to make up for them both tonight." Lita stood and joined the Moon Princess.
"We will be in the training arena if anybody should want us," Lita said before leaving with the princess. Endymion looked puzzled for a moment before he turned to stare at Ami.
"Just what kind of training are they talking about?" he asked the genius of the bunch.
"It varies," she said kindly. "Sometimes hand-to-hand combat skills are worked on, other times its swordsmanship training or marksmenship. And almost always a brief magical combat skills routine is worked."
"It can be really fun to watch," Mina said, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Especially when Lita and Serenity spar- in any field actually. We sometimes wager on who would win." Queen Selenity pushed her seat back and silently excused herself, pretending not to hear that last part. "Would you care to go watch for a while?" Mina offered, her idea being backed by the other girls and their men. Endymion nodded and Mina led the large group into the balconies surrounding the arena. A small grin formed on Endymion's lips as he saw just what this training entailed. Serenity was currently dressed in a pair of very tight, very short shorts and a top that exposed her stomach in its entirety. She wore an arm brace on one arm and held a bow in the other. Lita set the targets as far back from Serenity as she could and moved out of the way.
"Remember Serenity," Lita began, "I'm going to be throwing energy blasts around you while you try to hit the targets. You have to concentrate and you'll be fine." Serenity nodded and Lita counted down to the beginning of the exercise. "Three, two, NOW!" Blasts of green energy flew past Serenity, some close enough that she could feel them sizzle against her skin. Thank Selene she's only throwing duds. She quickly knocked an arrow and aimed for the first target. With a swoosh it flew from the bow and landed smack dab in the center of the target. One down, three to go! She lept up and dodged another energy blast. She positioned herself behind a bale of hay and knocked another arrow. A blast of energy crashed into the hay right as she released. It landed in the center of the target, Serenity remained undaunted by the attack. She ran through a barrage of blasts before knocking another arrow and shooting it as she kept running. She barely noticed the loud thud of the arrow smashing into the center of the target as she knocked her final arrow and prepared for her final task. She ran head on towards Lita, narrowly dodging an energy bolt and as she released it, one of the blasts caught her in the arm. She cried out in pain as the arrow crashed into the target and stuck out from the other side.
"You passed the exercise!" Lita cried happily as she looked over the targets. "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"Owwww...." Serenity whined as she cradled her arm gingerly. "You said those were DUDS Lita! Look at this burn, that was one of your ACTUAL attacks!" Lita smiled sheepishly and scratched her head.
"Sorry, I guess I kind of got into the moment," she said. "Let me take care of that." Lita placed her hands on Serenity's arm and whispered, "Jupiter Healing." A soft green glow came from under her hands and when she removed them, there was no sign she had ever been hit. Endymion looked worriedly over to Rei.
"Does stuff like this happen often?" he asked.
"All the time," Rei replied with a smile. "Serenity's used to it by now. Besides, it helps toughen her up a bit, ya' know?" He nodded slowly, not liking the fact that Serenity had actually been hurt, even if it wasn't serious. And had been healed a moment afterward. She was stunning during the excercise. She barely noticed the attacks that came her way. I would hate to fight against her in battle. He turned his attention back to the arena as they prepared for the next area of training. Lita helped Serenity wrap her hands before doing her own as they prepared to spar in hand-to- hand combat. Mina smiled turned to face Rei, the one most easily let to bet.
"Care to wager on the outcome of this one, Miss Rei?" Mina said with a grin.
"Of course!" she said. "I bet my new shoes on Lita. She IS the one teaching Serenity after all." Mina shook her head in amusement.
"I'll bet MY new shoes on Serenity," she said. "She might be the student, but girl's got a mean left cross!" The bet set, they all stared at the arena, Endymion rooting silently for Serenity. The two girls circled each other first, carefully eyeing the other's stance. Selenity struck first with a smooth right hook that Lita managed to block. She lunged in for an uppercut but Serenity moved away too quickly. She threw a left cross like a hammer and caught Lita across the jaw. Spitting out a small amount of blood, Lita smiled.
"Nice shot, but that was just luck," she taunted. Serenity merely snorted as they circled up again. This time Lita moved first. She feighened a straight punch and when Serenity dodged, she kicked her feet out from under her. It seemed Serenity barely hit the ground before springing back up, her fists up, ready to fight. Her adrenaline was pumping away furiously in her veins and she began to fight more passionately. Lita too was dealing with the same thing. They lunged over and over again, aiming for the face. Serenity landed a hard blow to Lita's abdomen, momentarily winding the poor girl. A moment later Lita slammed her fist into Serenity's side, causing her to wince in pain.
"Damn...kidney...shot..." she muttered as she formulated her next move. Endymion watched on the edge of his seat, rather uncomfortable with seeing a small trickle of blood from Serenity's mouth, and a more steady one coming from Lita. He glanced over at the girls but they were perfectly at ease. He returned his gaze to the fight, wishing it would end. Serenity threw a right hook and followed with a left cross, both blows landing hard on Lita's jaw. She fell back and hit the ground, and Serena lept on top of her, fist raised to strike.
"And match," she said with ease as she rose and helped Lita to her feet. Lita wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and smiled.
"Very nice," she said proudly. "That was good. Next time wait for the other person to make the first move. They're more likely to leave themselves open for an attack then." Serenity nodded as she took Lita's hands.
"Moon...healing..." she said betwen breaths. A silver glow surrounded them and they stood there, good as new. Serenity and Lita grabbed their water containers and drank their fill before unwrapping their hands and grabbing swords. The sharp edges gleamed dangerously in the light and Endymion grew VERY nervous.
"Thanks for the shoes Rei," Mina stated smuggly. Rei muttered something under her breath about 'stupid bubble-brained blondes'. Endymion stared intently at the two women standing in the arena, preparing to fight with REAL swords and do REAL damage. He gulped and tried to calm himself as best he could. Her fighting skills so far have been very impressive. I shouldn't worry, she can handle herself...oh who am I kidding? I'm STILL scared!
"Now Serenity, this is the first time we'll actually be doing damage with swords," Lita said cautiously. "They've been enchanted so they cannot go too deep into the flesh, but we'll still be able to make minor cuts on the other person. That's really all we're going for anyways." Serenity nodded, her adrenaline levels sky rocketting. They began to slowly circle up again, eyes locked on the other. As if in one swift motion both swords collided with a loud bang and all the spectators above could see was the blur of their swords. Lita blocked an attack by Serenity and sliced into her shoulder.A small flow of blood poured down but Serenity barely flinched. She kept her movements swift and fluid as her sword clashed with Lita's. After a few moments of fierce metal clangs Serenity slashed into Lita's hip, blood falling from it steadily. Lita visably winced but didn't lesson her attacks. Their swords danced a dangerous yet beautiful dance as they continued on for many long moments, slashing into each other's soft flesh and letting their blood fall onto the mats. Finally Serenity knocked Lita's sword from her hand and pointed hers at Lita's throat.
"And I win," Serenity said happily as she lowered her sword and placed it in the rack. "Lord Lita, look how much we bled!" Dark red stains littered the ground and pooled about. Lita just shrugged and once more they healed the wounds they had inflicted upon each other.
"And to wrap things up," the newly-healed Lita said solemnly, "its time to put your powers against mine. I'll give you a moment to prepare yourself." Serenity took a deep drink of her water and cleared her thoughts. She turned to face Lita who nodded her head. Every spectator moved to the edge of their seats. Endymion's stomach felt queezy as he anticipated the final exercise.
"Cosmic Moon Shield," Serenity whispered, erecting a glowing pink force field between her and Lita. A moment later Lita had hers up as well. Suddenly, the real battle began.
"Jupiter thunger crash!" Lita cried as she hurled a mass of raw electricity at Serenity.
"Crescent Moon Blast!" Serenity shouted. The two energy masses collided with a massive explosion, and the royal court silently apreciated the distance of their seats, even though the could feel the heat from the blasts. Lita threw attack after attack at Serenity but neither seemed to be gaining any ground.
"Jupiter Lightening Smash!"
"Silver Moon Deflection!" Serenity shouted. The bolts of lightening stopped dead in the air and then were sent crashing back into Lita. She was knocked back a bit but remained steady.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" she called again, her attack flying dangerously at Serenity.
"Cosmic Moon Disarm!" Serenity shouted, and as she was struck by Lita's attack, hers smashed into Lita and knocked her to the ground unconscious. Serenity dropped her force field and fainted from the loss of energy. Endymion lept off the balcony and raced to Serenity's side. The girls ran to tend to Lita.
"Sere, Sere wake up," he said, gently shaking her. Her eyes fluttered slowly open and she groaned.
"Get...Rei...tell her...to heal...me," she choked and Endymion cried out for the Princess of Mars. She rushed over and placed her hands over Serenity.
"Mars healing," she uttered as she restored Serenity to her normal, healthy self. She sat up, holding her head.
"So how'd I do?" Serenity asked nervously. Rei just smiled.
"Just as well-if not better than- the crown princess of the Moon is expected to do," she said lovingly. Serenity smiled and stared at Endymion.
"So what did YOU think Endy?" she asked with a grin.
"I have never seen a battle, let alone FOUR, that were that intense. I was impressed," he said affectionately.
"That's what I was aiming for," she said with a laugh. He helped her to her feet and Ami came over with Lita at her side.
"We'd better get these two to bed," Ami said. "They lost a lot of strength in that last battle." Serenity and Lita were taken to their rooms and helped prepare for bed. As soon as they hit the bed, they were asleep. Mina showed Endymion to his quarters for the night and the palace grew silent as its inhabitants went to sleep, resting up for the VERY big day tomorrow.
(========================================================)
Serenity and Endymion spent the day talking like they had known each other forever. They talked about the suitors they had met...and turned down. They discussed their dreams of one day ruling over thier kingdom in peace, with no more wars or disputes. They dreamed of a day when everyone got along and there was no more evil to worry about. After a large dinner with the Prince Endymion, her mother, and the rest of her royal court ( their fiances included), Serenity stood to excuse herself.
"Lita, I do believe we are due for a training session tonight," she said as she placed her napkin beside her plate. "Normally I would have had one yesterday, and another one tomorrow, but with all of this activity, I'm afraid neither could happen. So I suppose we shall have to make up for them both tonight." Lita stood and joined the Moon Princess.
"We will be in the training arena if anybody should want us," Lita said before leaving with the princess. Endymion looked puzzled for a moment before he turned to stare at Ami.
"Just what kind of training are they talking about?" he asked the genius of the bunch.
"It varies," she said kindly. "Sometimes hand-to-hand combat skills are worked on, other times its swordsmanship training or marksmenship. And almost always a brief magical combat skills routine is worked."
"It can be really fun to watch," Mina said, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Especially when Lita and Serenity spar- in any field actually. We sometimes wager on who would win." Queen Selenity pushed her seat back and silently excused herself, pretending not to hear that last part. "Would you care to go watch for a while?" Mina offered, her idea being backed by the other girls and their men. Endymion nodded and Mina led the large group into the balconies surrounding the arena. A small grin formed on Endymion's lips as he saw just what this training entailed. Serenity was currently dressed in a pair of very tight, very short shorts and a top that exposed her stomach in its entirety. She wore an arm brace on one arm and held a bow in the other. Lita set the targets as far back from Serenity as she could and moved out of the way.
"Remember Serenity," Lita began, "I'm going to be throwing energy blasts around you while you try to hit the targets. You have to concentrate and you'll be fine." Serenity nodded and Lita counted down to the beginning of the exercise. "Three, two, NOW!" Blasts of green energy flew past Serenity, some close enough that she could feel them sizzle against her skin. Thank Selene she's only throwing duds. She quickly knocked an arrow and aimed for the first target. With a swoosh it flew from the bow and landed smack dab in the center of the target. One down, three to go! She lept up and dodged another energy blast. She positioned herself behind a bale of hay and knocked another arrow. A blast of energy crashed into the hay right as she released. It landed in the center of the target, Serenity remained undaunted by the attack. She ran through a barrage of blasts before knocking another arrow and shooting it as she kept running. She barely noticed the loud thud of the arrow smashing into the center of the target as she knocked her final arrow and prepared for her final task. She ran head on towards Lita, narrowly dodging an energy bolt and as she released it, one of the blasts caught her in the arm. She cried out in pain as the arrow crashed into the target and stuck out from the other side.
"You passed the exercise!" Lita cried happily as she looked over the targets. "I couldn't have done it better myself."
"Owwww...." Serenity whined as she cradled her arm gingerly. "You said those were DUDS Lita! Look at this burn, that was one of your ACTUAL attacks!" Lita smiled sheepishly and scratched her head.
"Sorry, I guess I kind of got into the moment," she said. "Let me take care of that." Lita placed her hands on Serenity's arm and whispered, "Jupiter Healing." A soft green glow came from under her hands and when she removed them, there was no sign she had ever been hit. Endymion looked worriedly over to Rei.
"Does stuff like this happen often?" he asked.
"All the time," Rei replied with a smile. "Serenity's used to it by now. Besides, it helps toughen her up a bit, ya' know?" He nodded slowly, not liking the fact that Serenity had actually been hurt, even if it wasn't serious. And had been healed a moment afterward. She was stunning during the excercise. She barely noticed the attacks that came her way. I would hate to fight against her in battle. He turned his attention back to the arena as they prepared for the next area of training. Lita helped Serenity wrap her hands before doing her own as they prepared to spar in hand-to- hand combat. Mina smiled turned to face Rei, the one most easily let to bet.
"Care to wager on the outcome of this one, Miss Rei?" Mina said with a grin.
"Of course!" she said. "I bet my new shoes on Lita. She IS the one teaching Serenity after all." Mina shook her head in amusement.
"I'll bet MY new shoes on Serenity," she said. "She might be the student, but girl's got a mean left cross!" The bet set, they all stared at the arena, Endymion rooting silently for Serenity. The two girls circled each other first, carefully eyeing the other's stance. Selenity struck first with a smooth right hook that Lita managed to block. She lunged in for an uppercut but Serenity moved away too quickly. She threw a left cross like a hammer and caught Lita across the jaw. Spitting out a small amount of blood, Lita smiled.
"Nice shot, but that was just luck," she taunted. Serenity merely snorted as they circled up again. This time Lita moved first. She feighened a straight punch and when Serenity dodged, she kicked her feet out from under her. It seemed Serenity barely hit the ground before springing back up, her fists up, ready to fight. Her adrenaline was pumping away furiously in her veins and she began to fight more passionately. Lita too was dealing with the same thing. They lunged over and over again, aiming for the face. Serenity landed a hard blow to Lita's abdomen, momentarily winding the poor girl. A moment later Lita slammed her fist into Serenity's side, causing her to wince in pain.
"Damn...kidney...shot..." she muttered as she formulated her next move. Endymion watched on the edge of his seat, rather uncomfortable with seeing a small trickle of blood from Serenity's mouth, and a more steady one coming from Lita. He glanced over at the girls but they were perfectly at ease. He returned his gaze to the fight, wishing it would end. Serenity threw a right hook and followed with a left cross, both blows landing hard on Lita's jaw. She fell back and hit the ground, and Serena lept on top of her, fist raised to strike.
"And match," she said with ease as she rose and helped Lita to her feet. Lita wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and smiled.
"Very nice," she said proudly. "That was good. Next time wait for the other person to make the first move. They're more likely to leave themselves open for an attack then." Serenity nodded as she took Lita's hands.
"Moon...healing..." she said betwen breaths. A silver glow surrounded them and they stood there, good as new. Serenity and Lita grabbed their water containers and drank their fill before unwrapping their hands and grabbing swords. The sharp edges gleamed dangerously in the light and Endymion grew VERY nervous.
"Thanks for the shoes Rei," Mina stated smuggly. Rei muttered something under her breath about 'stupid bubble-brained blondes'. Endymion stared intently at the two women standing in the arena, preparing to fight with REAL swords and do REAL damage. He gulped and tried to calm himself as best he could. Her fighting skills so far have been very impressive. I shouldn't worry, she can handle herself...oh who am I kidding? I'm STILL scared!
"Now Serenity, this is the first time we'll actually be doing damage with swords," Lita said cautiously. "They've been enchanted so they cannot go too deep into the flesh, but we'll still be able to make minor cuts on the other person. That's really all we're going for anyways." Serenity nodded, her adrenaline levels sky rocketting. They began to slowly circle up again, eyes locked on the other. As if in one swift motion both swords collided with a loud bang and all the spectators above could see was the blur of their swords. Lita blocked an attack by Serenity and sliced into her shoulder.A small flow of blood poured down but Serenity barely flinched. She kept her movements swift and fluid as her sword clashed with Lita's. After a few moments of fierce metal clangs Serenity slashed into Lita's hip, blood falling from it steadily. Lita visably winced but didn't lesson her attacks. Their swords danced a dangerous yet beautiful dance as they continued on for many long moments, slashing into each other's soft flesh and letting their blood fall onto the mats. Finally Serenity knocked Lita's sword from her hand and pointed hers at Lita's throat.
"And I win," Serenity said happily as she lowered her sword and placed it in the rack. "Lord Lita, look how much we bled!" Dark red stains littered the ground and pooled about. Lita just shrugged and once more they healed the wounds they had inflicted upon each other.
"And to wrap things up," the newly-healed Lita said solemnly, "its time to put your powers against mine. I'll give you a moment to prepare yourself." Serenity took a deep drink of her water and cleared her thoughts. She turned to face Lita who nodded her head. Every spectator moved to the edge of their seats. Endymion's stomach felt queezy as he anticipated the final exercise.
"Cosmic Moon Shield," Serenity whispered, erecting a glowing pink force field between her and Lita. A moment later Lita had hers up as well. Suddenly, the real battle began.
"Jupiter thunger crash!" Lita cried as she hurled a mass of raw electricity at Serenity.
"Crescent Moon Blast!" Serenity shouted. The two energy masses collided with a massive explosion, and the royal court silently apreciated the distance of their seats, even though the could feel the heat from the blasts. Lita threw attack after attack at Serenity but neither seemed to be gaining any ground.
"Jupiter Lightening Smash!"
"Silver Moon Deflection!" Serenity shouted. The bolts of lightening stopped dead in the air and then were sent crashing back into Lita. She was knocked back a bit but remained steady.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" she called again, her attack flying dangerously at Serenity.
"Cosmic Moon Disarm!" Serenity shouted, and as she was struck by Lita's attack, hers smashed into Lita and knocked her to the ground unconscious. Serenity dropped her force field and fainted from the loss of energy. Endymion lept off the balcony and raced to Serenity's side. The girls ran to tend to Lita.
"Sere, Sere wake up," he said, gently shaking her. Her eyes fluttered slowly open and she groaned.
"Get...Rei...tell her...to heal...me," she choked and Endymion cried out for the Princess of Mars. She rushed over and placed her hands over Serenity.
"Mars healing," she uttered as she restored Serenity to her normal, healthy self. She sat up, holding her head.
"So how'd I do?" Serenity asked nervously. Rei just smiled.
"Just as well-if not better than- the crown princess of the Moon is expected to do," she said lovingly. Serenity smiled and stared at Endymion.
"So what did YOU think Endy?" she asked with a grin.
"I have never seen a battle, let alone FOUR, that were that intense. I was impressed," he said affectionately.
"That's what I was aiming for," she said with a laugh. He helped her to her feet and Ami came over with Lita at her side.
"We'd better get these two to bed," Ami said. "They lost a lot of strength in that last battle." Serenity and Lita were taken to their rooms and helped prepare for bed. As soon as they hit the bed, they were asleep. Mina showed Endymion to his quarters for the night and the palace grew silent as its inhabitants went to sleep, resting up for the VERY big day tomorrow.