Return To The Past: Mamoru's Journey
Chapter 8 - And then there was one
Author's Notes: Ok. I know I promised this chapter would be longer than Chapter 7, so I'm going to try my best. At first I had somewhat of a writer's block as to where I wanted this story to go, but I think I've solved that problem. This chapter should promise to be VERY interest - that is if my ideas come out as planned. *Giggles madly foaming at the mouth* LOL Hope you enjoy it!! And as always: REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!
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About 45 minutes later, Mamoru had managed to get dressed in the strange, old-fashioned clothing. Standing before the mirror in front of his dresser, he quickly ran a comb through his hair and straightened his sleeves and tunic. Taking a deep breath, he checked the clock. There was still fifteen minutes left before he was due for dinner. He hoped someone was coming to get him, for he seriously doubted he could find the dinning room on his own.
Sighing, he found the seat at the end of his bed. He let his mind wander as he waited for someone to come and get him for dinner. He thought about his father - that is the King of Earth, King Sol Endymion - and his Uncle, Prince Terrance of Earth. (Author's Notes: I added Sol because having three Endymion's in the story is much two confusing.) Once again, he felt the desire to please the two of them. But, how? He hadn't made the best first impression - not that that was HIS fault.
Who he really wanted to meet were his parents and siblings, but they would be the hardest of all to get near. He wasn't going to be allowed anywhere near the royal children unless the King and Queen truly trusted him - that is assuming he was given the chance to converse with them and the chances of that looked to be about nil. Mamoru sighed. He'd have a much better chance of befriending the King's brother, Prince Terrance, than he would the King himself.
Once again, Prince Terrance was the only hope he had of seeing his family. So, that was just what he was going to have to do - get to know the Prince of Earth. Mamoru grinned at the irony of that statement.
"Knock, Knock." Mamoru looked towards the door. Hopefully, someone had come to lead him to the dinning area. He frowned. If it wasn't he'd have to find it on his own. "Come in." He called out coming to his feet.
The door creaked open. "We really need to get that stupid hinge oiled." Prince Terrance, of all people, stepped into the room. Mamoru starred. The prince had to be one of the last people he was expecting to see. The prince shot Mamoru (and he died and Elizabeth ran in. "Oh, no. What have I done? Mamoru . . .. ^_^ no, not really. I don't think they had guns back then, did they? On with the story.) The Prince shot Mamoru another of his now familiar glares.
Mamoru quickly shook off the shock he was feeling. "Your Highness?" He questioned. "Ah . . ." He bowed not knowing what else to do.
Prince Terrance smirked. "The bow really isn't necessary unless you're given an order, but thanks anyway." Mamoru blushed. He'd messed up again. "Man, you blush almost as much a young girl." Mamoru cursed his lips together in an effort to hide his annoyance. The Prince was getting way to much amusement out of his discomfort. Was he always this insulting?
"Ahem." Clearing his throat, Terrance swallowed his antics. He almost constantly had to remember to "act like royalty." Generally, he played the part pretty well. Any man that had spent extended time in the dungeon avoided him like the plague after he was released. "Anyways, I hope you realize I'm going to be personally keeping an eye on you and that sister of yours. I didn't buy that sob-story of hers for a minute."
"She was a bit theatrical." Mamoru agreed.
"Humph. Be that as it may, my brother's wife insisted you and your sister be invited to eat with the court. Our four head generals will be there as well as Prince Endymion, heir to the throne, and my ONLY daughter, Princess Arianna." Prince Terrance moved his hand towards his sword fighting the urge to draw it forth. Drawing a sword indoors was generally a bad idea. His voice became dark. "If you so much as THINK of harming either of them, so help me I'll have you torn limb from limb."
Mamoru gulped. "I never thought of harming them."
"Be sure that you don't." The Prince took a deep breath calming his nerves. Something about this man was terribly familiar, but he couldn't for the life of him remember what. He hated being left in the dark, and it made him nervous. What was that feeling he got around this stranger? Maybe he was loosing his mind. "I suppose we should be making our way towards the Dinning Area. My brother hates for anyone to be late."
"Right."
"Your sister was escorted down by Ariel about a quarter of an hour ago."
"So, I guess I'm going to have to find it on my own?" Mamoru asked a bit uncertainly.
"You can follow me if you need to. I don't want you wandering into private areas of the castle."
"Yes, highness."
"Hmm. You are getting better. Come on." Prince Terrance led the way out into the hall. Mamoru shut the door behind them.
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As the two men made their way towards the dinning area, Mamoru studied his uncle curiously. It wasn't hard to see he was putting up a front - after all how often had he himself done the same? - But every once and a while a bit of the Prince's true personality would slip out. Now that he got a closer look at the man, he really wasn't that old. He looked to be in his mid or maybe late twenties.
Prince Terrance led the way silently and expertly through the castle corridors. He made turns and went around flights of stairs as easily as if he were making a straight line. "What?" He asked with some annoyance as he realized Mamoru had been starring at him.
"I just. . . I am sorry for the misunderstanding, highness."
Terrance smirked. "I'll bet you are. That klutz attack of yours almost got you killed."
Mamoru inwardly sighed. Every time he tried to say something, his uncle would respond with a sarcastic comeback. This was getting him nowhere fast. Mamoru, who had always been the cool and collected one, was turning into a bumbling idiot or at least that's how he felt. "So, what do you do for fun around here?" Oh, and that was brilliance. What a conversation starter.
Of course, Terrance had another comeback ready and waiting. "Watch comics like you make fools of themselves in front of the court. Are you sure you can handle an entire meal all by yourself?"
Mamoru rolled his eyes wondering if he himself ever came across as this sarcastic. "I don't know. Do you drink your tea pinkie-up or pinkie- down?"
Terrance laughed losing himself, or rather, finding himself. His comic personality was rather hard to suppress for any extended length of time. "You are a nut. Besides, tea is for women. Give me a good glass of wine any day."
"What kind of wine?"
"The stronger the better."
Mamoru grinned despite himself. Maybe, his uncle was human after all. Finally, they reached the doors to the dinning hall. Terrance turned around. "Do me a favor, Mamoru. Try not to cause any more trouble." He paused thoughtfully for a moment. "On second thought. Go right ahead. It might be funny to see Sol spaz out again. Besides, it's going to be your ass, not mine." And with that, he made his way into the dinning room letting the door shut behind him. Pausing for only a moment, Mamoru followed close behind.
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Coming into the dinning room after Prince Terrance, Mamoru relieved to find that - for once - he wasn't going to be the center of attention. Standing silently just inside the room, he noted the crowd around him. His sister was making "girl talk" with Queen Terra who was pleased to have another female - that is a female over the age of 10 - to converse with.
He starred for a moment at his mother. Her medium-length brown hair - almost the same shade as Elizabeth's was elegantly twisted atop her head. She had dancing midnight-blue eyes that reminded him of the ocean at night. So, that's where he'd gotten his famous midnight-colored eyes. Those eyes had caused many a young girl to swoon in the years before he'd met Usagi. More than likely, they still did only he no longer paid them any mind.
Queen Terra's face was gentle and still young. Her calm expressions gave him an easy feeling as if a single look would let you know everything was going to be all right. Her dress was green and blue with some splashes of purple in it. It was a conservative-type dress, but not extremely so, and came down to her ankles.
Prince Terrance had joined his elder brother, that is King Sol Endymion, and his court in a conversation about Queen Serenity and her Silver Alliance. On look at his father made it obvious from whom he'd inherited most his looks, right down to the pitch-black hair. Noting the crowd around him, Mamoru did a double take. Right there, alongside the King and Prince, were Kunzite, Zoycite (male), Nephrite, and Jadeite.
The Sailor Senshi had spent almost a year fighting Beryl's generals and here they were surrounding his father and uncle as if they were the most loyal of all subjects. "Traitors." He mumbled. He knew there was nothing he could do about them now. They wouldn't betray his family for another fifteen years. Besides, who would believe him? He found himself glaring at them, but quickly looked away when Nephrite caught the glare and gave him a curious look in return.
Hmm. Hadn't Prince Terrance mentioned that his past self and 1st cousin would be here as well? Mamoru searched the room and noticed the two children starring at something out one of the windows. He watched them - as subtlety as he could considering the threats Prince Terrance had given him only minutes earlier - curious to see just what he was like as a child.
His past self was six-years-old he guessed and his cousin, Princess Arianna looked about eight. Oddly enough, she seemed to be the oddball of the family, because she obviously didn't take after her father's side of the family. Her light brown, almost blonde, hair trailed all the way down to her waist and her eyes were hazel - unlike any of her cousins. Standing next to past-Endymion, you could see some similarities in their facial features, but not many.
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"What do you see, Ari-chan?" Prince Endymion asked his cousin curiously. He stared out the window hoping to see whatever it was she was seeing.
"I see outside." She answered simply.
He crinkled his nose. "But, what're you starring at?"
"Nothing." Ari sighed boredly glancing over at the adults. "This is so boring."
"Naw, it's not." Endy grinned. "I'm finally old enough ta eat with Mommy and Daddy and the court!"
Ari rolled her eyes unmoved by her younger cousin's enthusiasm. Turning from the window, she headed towards her father. "Daddy, I am getting hungry."
"Well, I suppose we should all sit down to eat then. That is why we are all here right?"
Endymion crinkled his nose again. Girls were no fun. Grinning, he ran over to his father and tugged on his pants leg. King Sol Endymion looked down at his eldest child and smiled. Reaching down, he picked him up into his arms and Endy wrapped his arms around his father's neck. Nephrite winked at him. "How's the little Prince this evening?"
"I am NOT little!!" Endy declared. "I'm big now."
"Who says your big, little Prince?" Jadeite put in teasingly.
"Daddy says so!! Isn't that right, Daddy?"
The King laughed. "Of course you are."
"See?" Endy stuck his tongue out at Jadeite.
"And since you are so big, you are going to finish ALL of your dinner, including the vegetables." Queen Terra replied directively.
"Awwww." Endy groaned. Jadeite laughed good-naturedly.
"That goes for you to, Jadeite."
Endy smirked. "Yeah, Jed. If I hafta eatum, you gotta eat um to." Jadeite groaned muttering curses under his breath directed at the cook.
"Come on, minna (everyone). Let us move our conversation to the table." King Sol ordered. "We can continue our discussion of the Silver Alliance after the appetizer." Nodding their agreement, the group moved towards the 12-seater table. King Sol took his usually place at the head of the table placing his son in the seat to his right and across from Queen Terra. Prince Terrance took the seat next to the Queen and across from his daughter, Arianna.
The 4 general's took the next seats over with Kunzite, the head general, claiming the seat next to the King's brother. Zoycite sat next to Kunzite and Nephrite sat between Princess Arianna and Jadeite. Elizabeth was placed next to Zoycite, much to her dismay and Mamoru was placed directly across from her next to Jadeite. The twelfth seat directly across from the King remained empty. Giving a nod, King Sol sat down followed by everyone else.
Taking this as their cue, the servants came out with drinks and an interesting looking soup. The adults all were given sparkling wine to drink, while Prince Endymion and Princess Arianna had grape juice. For a moment, everyone was quiet either tasting the soup starting in on the wine. Mamoru found himself looking at Kunzite. He still had some memories of fighting for the Dark Kingdom and despising Kunzite the whole time.
Taking a spoonful of the soup, Kunzite felt that he was being watched. Looking towards the end of the table, his eyes met with Mamoru's. Mamoru glared at Kunzite angrily. "Traitor." He thought. Kunzite returned the glare. Something about this guy got under his skin. Neither man blinked. The table remained silent watching the two men face off. Even the servants were holding their breaths.
"What're they doin'?" Prince Endymion whispered to his older cousin.
"I think they're have a starring contest."
"Oh. I bet I could beat you in a starring contest."
"Could not."
"Could to."
"Your on." And so, Endy and Ari locked themselves into a head-to-head - deadly - starring contest. "You blinked."
"Did not. You blinked."
"Did not."
The starring contest continued until Endy got a wicked idea. Looking his cousin directed in the eyes, he brought his eyes together crossing them.
"Eww!!" Ari quickly shut her eyes.
"Yaa!! I won!!"
"Did not. Daddy, Endy's cheating!!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Huh?" Mamoru and Kunzite broke the stare to see what was going on at the other end of the table. The rest of the table turned as well. The servants who had been standing by let out the breath they had been holding and breathed a sigh of relief. "Endy cheated!!"
"Did not!"
"Did to!!"
"Hold It!" King Sol roared taking control of the situation. Endy and Ari grew quiet. "Cheated at what may I ask?"
"At starring contest." Arianna replied sticking her lip out in a cute pout. The servants began moving around again as the tension in the room relaxed. They moved around the table picking up the soup bowls as the Royals and their 4 top Generals 'handled' the situation.
"How do you cheat in starring contest?" Jadeite asked with a smirk.
"You stay out of this." Prince Terrance snapped at him. "Arianna, how could Endymion have possibly cheated?"
"He made his eyes go funny."
"Ok." Terrance turned to Endy. "Endymion, what DID you do?"
Endy grinned. "I did this." Endymion crossed his eyes again.
"Ewww!!!" Ari yelled.
Kunzite got a weird look on his face, while Nephrite held his breath trying not to laugh. Zoycite glared at Jadeite. "You taught him that, didn't you?" Jadeite looked away refusing to answer. Mamoru watched the whole scene amazed. Despite the fact no one - with the exception of Kunzite - paid him any attention whatsoever, he felt completely at ease with this group. Elizabeth could only grin. Some things never changed, and she was thoroughly enjoying Mamoru's reaction to all this.
"Oh, Endy." Queen Terra gasped. "Do not do that."
Terrance laughed. "No, do it again." Endy happily obliged crossing his eyes until they almost disappeared. Prince Terrance cracked up. \ "Terrance, Otooto-chan stop encouraging him." Terrance nodded desperately trying to suppress his laughter, but ending up choking on it. He coughed, and Jadeite once again had to hold his breath to keep his own laughter under control.
Zoycite rolled his eyes. "Sol-sama, I think your LITTLE brother had a LITTLE to much wine." Jadeite broke into laughter.
"You know this is all your fault." Nephrite told Mamoru.
"Why, me?"
"You're the one who started that stare down with Kunz."
"Nephrite." Kunzite called with authority.
"Hai?" Nephrite turned.
"Don't call me, Kunz." Nephrite grinned.
Queen Terra sighed turning back to her son. "Endymion, I do not want to see you doing that again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Mommy."
"Good."
By this time, all of the soup bowls had been picked up, and the main course was being served along with a side of green salad. Settling down, the rowdy group turned back to their meal. Zoycite raised his glass and a servant refilled it. Taking a sip, he began swirling it around in the glass. "As I was saying before Majesties, I am not so sure about this alliance with the White Moon Kingdom. What if Queen Serenity and her husband are simply looking to hold the Golden Crystal?"
"You worry to much, Zoy." Nephrite returned. "Why would Queen Serenity want the Golden Crystal when she has one of her own?"
"Nephrite does have a point." Jadeite put in.
"I am only saying you should proceed with caution, Majesties." Zoycite replied calmly. The White Moon's Silver Alliance already consists of every planet but Earth. It is only natural they would want to add Earth to the mix as well."
"That is understood, Zoycite." King Sol Endymion responded. "But as far as we know not one of those planet was forced into an alliance. There must be a good reason why they ALL elected to join with the White Moon."
"What is it about Serenity that everyone likes so much?" Jadeite put out stating what everyone was thinking. Quiet once again filled the room, and everyone concentrated solely on their meal.
Mamoru's thoughts returned to his Serenity - his Usako. What was it about Serenity? It was obvious to him. "She brings people together." Mamoru accidentally stated aloud.
Jadeite turned to look at him. "What did you say?"
"Huh?" Mamoru inwardly kicked himself. He hadn't actually said that aloud had he? "Nothing."
"Yes, you did. I heard you."
Mamoru grimaced. Now what was he supposed to do. He looked to Elizabeth would watched him uncertainly. She wasn't going to be any help. "Well?" Nephrite implored. By now the entire table had turned to stare at him. He gulped.
"Daddy?" A tiny voice interrupted the interrogation. Whew, saved by the . . .toddler? Prince Endymion's littlest brother stuck his head in the door.
"What is it, Terry-chan?" King Sol asked gently. Little Prince Terrance, named after his uncle, slipped shyly into the room. His hair was pitch black and his eyes were midnight blue. However, where Endymion took after his father, Terrance got his looks from his mother. His features were soft and eyes were filled with nothing but pure innocence.
Popping his thumb into his mouth, he made his way over to his parents' side of the table. He stopped for only a moment to stare up at Mamoru before continuing on his way. Mamoru stared after Terrance awestruck. Terry had to be the only person aside from his Usako he'd ever seen look that innocent. King Sol slid his chair back as Terry came up a grabbed onto his leg. "What is the matter, Angel boy?" Sol smiled down fondly at his youngest son.
Terry looked up at his father with his big, big innocent midnight blue eyes. "Daddy, Ah can seep."
King Sol bent over picking his son up into his arms. "Why, did you have a bad dream?"
"Ah can seep wifout Endy. Wen's Endy cumin' da bed, Daddy?"
Queen Terra smiled. "As soon as the adult's dinner is over and he has his bath." Endy groaned.
"I stay wif Daddy until Endy's weady?"
"Alright, but you're going to keep quiet and let the adults finish eating, right?" Terry nodded.
"Terry, what do you do when your father gives an order?" His mother prompted.
Terry thought about it. "Ass uncle Tewwence?" He suggested. The King shot his brother a dirty look. Princess Arianna giggled. Terrance grinned, and looked away trying to hide it.
"No. Try again."
"Peas?"
"No."
Terry thought again. "Yeah, tir masty."
King Sol smiled. "Close enough." Terry grinned and laid his head down against his father's chest. King Sol moved his chair back in towards the table. By this time, the servants had removed the dinner plates and dessert was being served.
"Yummy!" Endy declared. "Chocolate cake."
"My thoughts exactly." Jadeite replied digging in.
Dessert was the quickest course to disappear. It only took minutes for the table to be clear of food. "Endy, I think it is time for you to get ready for bed. Go tell Ayah to help you get your bath."
"Yes, Mommy."
King Sol helped his son pull the chair back from the table, while Terrance stretched and headed towards his daughter. "Come on, Ari-chan. You have about half-an-hour before bedtime." Ari stretched her arms out letting her father pick her up out of the chair and into his arms. She grinned happily. This had to be the best part of dinnertime.
As Endy headed for door, he stopped in front of the strange man who had joined them for dinner. His eyes were questioning. He was sooo familiar. Mamoru too stared in aww at his younger self. Terra almost gasped. "My goodness. The resemblance is remarkable."
Mamoru and Endymion stared at each other for what seemed like hours, neither moving. They shared something - well, a lot of somethings actually. The longer they spent together, the closer they seemed to get, until even their minds seemed to act as one.
Terra's stomach churned as she once again got the feeling that something was out of place. She'd had that feeling ever since Mamoru and Elizabeth had gotten there. Queen Terra had always had a special connection with her children, but now even that seemed to be out of wack. "Endy, I . . . I think it's time for you to go now." She prompted, but Endy no longer seemed to be listening.
As if prompted, however, he stretched his arms out towards Mamoru. Still locked in the trance - of sorts - Mamoru slid his chair back and did the same. Their hands met, and no one could stop them. A bright flash of golden light surrounded the two. The flow of time rippled as a newly created warp tried to fix itself.
"Oh my goodness." The Queen gasped. "Endymion!!"
"Mamoru!!" Elizabeth yelled. She had no idea what was going on, but could feel that it had something to do with her "bright" idea.
The light faded, and then there was one. Mamoru was gone, and Endy was the only one left standing - but not for long. A minute later he collapsed. Queen Terra screamed running over to pick him up. "Endymion!! Endy-chan are you all right? Endy, answer me!"
Terry began to cry with fright and clasp tightly onto his father. King Sol held on to him for dear life. Terrance too held his daughter so tightly she almost had trouble breathing - as if he let her go, she too might disappear into thin air.
Elizabeth quickly moved towards the Queen and her son, but not fast enough to escape the king's brother. Prince Terrance grabbed her arm firmly with his free hand keeping her a good distance away from the royalty.
"Mamoru!!" She cried.
"Endymion!!" Terra cried at her son.
Endymion still didn't answer. He starred at the group surrounding him silently. He looked up at his mother, his father and little brother, his uncle and cousin, and finally. . . at Elizabeth. Even the generals looked frightened, though they hide it well. "Why was everyone so frightened for him? Had he passed out? Why did Queen Terra keep calling him Endymion? No one was supposed to know that.
Elizabeth fought to escape Prince Terrance of Earth, but she simply wasn't strong enough unless she transformed. Gritting his teeth in anger, Terrance sat Arianna down on the floor and held Elizabeth with both hands. She could only watch as Prince Endymion's young eyes searched the room. He looked around at all his family before finally lighting his eyes on her. Elizabeth gasped as she got a good look at his eyes. For a moment - only a moment - she saw what she was looking for. Luckily, a moment was all it took for her to figure out what had happened. For she'd seen a flash of intelligence in the prince's eyes - not a six-year-olds intelligence, but a 21-year-olds intelligence.
The flow of time didn't like there being two Endymion's in the same time period, so now there was one. Elizabeth gulped. If that were the case, she'd have to be especially careful to avoid having any contact with her past self. After all, she was the only one who could take them back home, and she couldn't use the crystal if she were stuck inside the body of a baby who could neither talk nor walk. She stood steady as a stone. Her face grew pale and she felt very cold. Then, Elizabeth did what any self- respecting woman would do - she fainted.
"Say something, son." King Sol prompted the boy lying on the ground.
Mamoru blinked - finally - looking up at his mother. He opened his mouth to say something but what came out wasn't what he was expecting. "Mommy?" A tiny six-year-old voice came out fearfully.
"Oh my baby." Queen Terra held her son tightly in her arms. Tears escaped from her eyes like a river. She smiled wearily as Sol helped her up. "Is Endy, otay?" Terry asked quietly.
"Don't cry." Endy told her. Terra held him even tighter.
"Everything is ok, now." She said - more to herself really than to her son. "You're alright now, baby. Mommy is here. Everything will be ok." She smiled at him, and he smiled back. One look from her could easily calm you down and let you know that everything was going to be all right.
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Author's Notes: Hey minna!! I think that is a good place to stop, what do you think? *Laughs evilly* I think this might just be my best chapter yet. Tell me what you think. Do you like the new twist I added to the story? I could always take it out, if you don't like. Remember, I like feedback. Feedback is good. REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!!!!
Guess what? Christmas is coming!! I'm usually very busy at Christmas, so I most likely won't be updating until after the season is over. Bare with me ok! I'll update ASAP after the Christmas season is up. OK? Thanks for understanding!! Ja' ne!!!!
Chapter 8 - And then there was one
Author's Notes: Ok. I know I promised this chapter would be longer than Chapter 7, so I'm going to try my best. At first I had somewhat of a writer's block as to where I wanted this story to go, but I think I've solved that problem. This chapter should promise to be VERY interest - that is if my ideas come out as planned. *Giggles madly foaming at the mouth* LOL Hope you enjoy it!! And as always: REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!
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About 45 minutes later, Mamoru had managed to get dressed in the strange, old-fashioned clothing. Standing before the mirror in front of his dresser, he quickly ran a comb through his hair and straightened his sleeves and tunic. Taking a deep breath, he checked the clock. There was still fifteen minutes left before he was due for dinner. He hoped someone was coming to get him, for he seriously doubted he could find the dinning room on his own.
Sighing, he found the seat at the end of his bed. He let his mind wander as he waited for someone to come and get him for dinner. He thought about his father - that is the King of Earth, King Sol Endymion - and his Uncle, Prince Terrance of Earth. (Author's Notes: I added Sol because having three Endymion's in the story is much two confusing.) Once again, he felt the desire to please the two of them. But, how? He hadn't made the best first impression - not that that was HIS fault.
Who he really wanted to meet were his parents and siblings, but they would be the hardest of all to get near. He wasn't going to be allowed anywhere near the royal children unless the King and Queen truly trusted him - that is assuming he was given the chance to converse with them and the chances of that looked to be about nil. Mamoru sighed. He'd have a much better chance of befriending the King's brother, Prince Terrance, than he would the King himself.
Once again, Prince Terrance was the only hope he had of seeing his family. So, that was just what he was going to have to do - get to know the Prince of Earth. Mamoru grinned at the irony of that statement.
"Knock, Knock." Mamoru looked towards the door. Hopefully, someone had come to lead him to the dinning area. He frowned. If it wasn't he'd have to find it on his own. "Come in." He called out coming to his feet.
The door creaked open. "We really need to get that stupid hinge oiled." Prince Terrance, of all people, stepped into the room. Mamoru starred. The prince had to be one of the last people he was expecting to see. The prince shot Mamoru (and he died and Elizabeth ran in. "Oh, no. What have I done? Mamoru . . .. ^_^ no, not really. I don't think they had guns back then, did they? On with the story.) The Prince shot Mamoru another of his now familiar glares.
Mamoru quickly shook off the shock he was feeling. "Your Highness?" He questioned. "Ah . . ." He bowed not knowing what else to do.
Prince Terrance smirked. "The bow really isn't necessary unless you're given an order, but thanks anyway." Mamoru blushed. He'd messed up again. "Man, you blush almost as much a young girl." Mamoru cursed his lips together in an effort to hide his annoyance. The Prince was getting way to much amusement out of his discomfort. Was he always this insulting?
"Ahem." Clearing his throat, Terrance swallowed his antics. He almost constantly had to remember to "act like royalty." Generally, he played the part pretty well. Any man that had spent extended time in the dungeon avoided him like the plague after he was released. "Anyways, I hope you realize I'm going to be personally keeping an eye on you and that sister of yours. I didn't buy that sob-story of hers for a minute."
"She was a bit theatrical." Mamoru agreed.
"Humph. Be that as it may, my brother's wife insisted you and your sister be invited to eat with the court. Our four head generals will be there as well as Prince Endymion, heir to the throne, and my ONLY daughter, Princess Arianna." Prince Terrance moved his hand towards his sword fighting the urge to draw it forth. Drawing a sword indoors was generally a bad idea. His voice became dark. "If you so much as THINK of harming either of them, so help me I'll have you torn limb from limb."
Mamoru gulped. "I never thought of harming them."
"Be sure that you don't." The Prince took a deep breath calming his nerves. Something about this man was terribly familiar, but he couldn't for the life of him remember what. He hated being left in the dark, and it made him nervous. What was that feeling he got around this stranger? Maybe he was loosing his mind. "I suppose we should be making our way towards the Dinning Area. My brother hates for anyone to be late."
"Right."
"Your sister was escorted down by Ariel about a quarter of an hour ago."
"So, I guess I'm going to have to find it on my own?" Mamoru asked a bit uncertainly.
"You can follow me if you need to. I don't want you wandering into private areas of the castle."
"Yes, highness."
"Hmm. You are getting better. Come on." Prince Terrance led the way out into the hall. Mamoru shut the door behind them.
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As the two men made their way towards the dinning area, Mamoru studied his uncle curiously. It wasn't hard to see he was putting up a front - after all how often had he himself done the same? - But every once and a while a bit of the Prince's true personality would slip out. Now that he got a closer look at the man, he really wasn't that old. He looked to be in his mid or maybe late twenties.
Prince Terrance led the way silently and expertly through the castle corridors. He made turns and went around flights of stairs as easily as if he were making a straight line. "What?" He asked with some annoyance as he realized Mamoru had been starring at him.
"I just. . . I am sorry for the misunderstanding, highness."
Terrance smirked. "I'll bet you are. That klutz attack of yours almost got you killed."
Mamoru inwardly sighed. Every time he tried to say something, his uncle would respond with a sarcastic comeback. This was getting him nowhere fast. Mamoru, who had always been the cool and collected one, was turning into a bumbling idiot or at least that's how he felt. "So, what do you do for fun around here?" Oh, and that was brilliance. What a conversation starter.
Of course, Terrance had another comeback ready and waiting. "Watch comics like you make fools of themselves in front of the court. Are you sure you can handle an entire meal all by yourself?"
Mamoru rolled his eyes wondering if he himself ever came across as this sarcastic. "I don't know. Do you drink your tea pinkie-up or pinkie- down?"
Terrance laughed losing himself, or rather, finding himself. His comic personality was rather hard to suppress for any extended length of time. "You are a nut. Besides, tea is for women. Give me a good glass of wine any day."
"What kind of wine?"
"The stronger the better."
Mamoru grinned despite himself. Maybe, his uncle was human after all. Finally, they reached the doors to the dinning hall. Terrance turned around. "Do me a favor, Mamoru. Try not to cause any more trouble." He paused thoughtfully for a moment. "On second thought. Go right ahead. It might be funny to see Sol spaz out again. Besides, it's going to be your ass, not mine." And with that, he made his way into the dinning room letting the door shut behind him. Pausing for only a moment, Mamoru followed close behind.
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Coming into the dinning room after Prince Terrance, Mamoru relieved to find that - for once - he wasn't going to be the center of attention. Standing silently just inside the room, he noted the crowd around him. His sister was making "girl talk" with Queen Terra who was pleased to have another female - that is a female over the age of 10 - to converse with.
He starred for a moment at his mother. Her medium-length brown hair - almost the same shade as Elizabeth's was elegantly twisted atop her head. She had dancing midnight-blue eyes that reminded him of the ocean at night. So, that's where he'd gotten his famous midnight-colored eyes. Those eyes had caused many a young girl to swoon in the years before he'd met Usagi. More than likely, they still did only he no longer paid them any mind.
Queen Terra's face was gentle and still young. Her calm expressions gave him an easy feeling as if a single look would let you know everything was going to be all right. Her dress was green and blue with some splashes of purple in it. It was a conservative-type dress, but not extremely so, and came down to her ankles.
Prince Terrance had joined his elder brother, that is King Sol Endymion, and his court in a conversation about Queen Serenity and her Silver Alliance. On look at his father made it obvious from whom he'd inherited most his looks, right down to the pitch-black hair. Noting the crowd around him, Mamoru did a double take. Right there, alongside the King and Prince, were Kunzite, Zoycite (male), Nephrite, and Jadeite.
The Sailor Senshi had spent almost a year fighting Beryl's generals and here they were surrounding his father and uncle as if they were the most loyal of all subjects. "Traitors." He mumbled. He knew there was nothing he could do about them now. They wouldn't betray his family for another fifteen years. Besides, who would believe him? He found himself glaring at them, but quickly looked away when Nephrite caught the glare and gave him a curious look in return.
Hmm. Hadn't Prince Terrance mentioned that his past self and 1st cousin would be here as well? Mamoru searched the room and noticed the two children starring at something out one of the windows. He watched them - as subtlety as he could considering the threats Prince Terrance had given him only minutes earlier - curious to see just what he was like as a child.
His past self was six-years-old he guessed and his cousin, Princess Arianna looked about eight. Oddly enough, she seemed to be the oddball of the family, because she obviously didn't take after her father's side of the family. Her light brown, almost blonde, hair trailed all the way down to her waist and her eyes were hazel - unlike any of her cousins. Standing next to past-Endymion, you could see some similarities in their facial features, but not many.
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"What do you see, Ari-chan?" Prince Endymion asked his cousin curiously. He stared out the window hoping to see whatever it was she was seeing.
"I see outside." She answered simply.
He crinkled his nose. "But, what're you starring at?"
"Nothing." Ari sighed boredly glancing over at the adults. "This is so boring."
"Naw, it's not." Endy grinned. "I'm finally old enough ta eat with Mommy and Daddy and the court!"
Ari rolled her eyes unmoved by her younger cousin's enthusiasm. Turning from the window, she headed towards her father. "Daddy, I am getting hungry."
"Well, I suppose we should all sit down to eat then. That is why we are all here right?"
Endymion crinkled his nose again. Girls were no fun. Grinning, he ran over to his father and tugged on his pants leg. King Sol Endymion looked down at his eldest child and smiled. Reaching down, he picked him up into his arms and Endy wrapped his arms around his father's neck. Nephrite winked at him. "How's the little Prince this evening?"
"I am NOT little!!" Endy declared. "I'm big now."
"Who says your big, little Prince?" Jadeite put in teasingly.
"Daddy says so!! Isn't that right, Daddy?"
The King laughed. "Of course you are."
"See?" Endy stuck his tongue out at Jadeite.
"And since you are so big, you are going to finish ALL of your dinner, including the vegetables." Queen Terra replied directively.
"Awwww." Endy groaned. Jadeite laughed good-naturedly.
"That goes for you to, Jadeite."
Endy smirked. "Yeah, Jed. If I hafta eatum, you gotta eat um to." Jadeite groaned muttering curses under his breath directed at the cook.
"Come on, minna (everyone). Let us move our conversation to the table." King Sol ordered. "We can continue our discussion of the Silver Alliance after the appetizer." Nodding their agreement, the group moved towards the 12-seater table. King Sol took his usually place at the head of the table placing his son in the seat to his right and across from Queen Terra. Prince Terrance took the seat next to the Queen and across from his daughter, Arianna.
The 4 general's took the next seats over with Kunzite, the head general, claiming the seat next to the King's brother. Zoycite sat next to Kunzite and Nephrite sat between Princess Arianna and Jadeite. Elizabeth was placed next to Zoycite, much to her dismay and Mamoru was placed directly across from her next to Jadeite. The twelfth seat directly across from the King remained empty. Giving a nod, King Sol sat down followed by everyone else.
Taking this as their cue, the servants came out with drinks and an interesting looking soup. The adults all were given sparkling wine to drink, while Prince Endymion and Princess Arianna had grape juice. For a moment, everyone was quiet either tasting the soup starting in on the wine. Mamoru found himself looking at Kunzite. He still had some memories of fighting for the Dark Kingdom and despising Kunzite the whole time.
Taking a spoonful of the soup, Kunzite felt that he was being watched. Looking towards the end of the table, his eyes met with Mamoru's. Mamoru glared at Kunzite angrily. "Traitor." He thought. Kunzite returned the glare. Something about this guy got under his skin. Neither man blinked. The table remained silent watching the two men face off. Even the servants were holding their breaths.
"What're they doin'?" Prince Endymion whispered to his older cousin.
"I think they're have a starring contest."
"Oh. I bet I could beat you in a starring contest."
"Could not."
"Could to."
"Your on." And so, Endy and Ari locked themselves into a head-to-head - deadly - starring contest. "You blinked."
"Did not. You blinked."
"Did not."
The starring contest continued until Endy got a wicked idea. Looking his cousin directed in the eyes, he brought his eyes together crossing them.
"Eww!!" Ari quickly shut her eyes.
"Yaa!! I won!!"
"Did not. Daddy, Endy's cheating!!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Huh?" Mamoru and Kunzite broke the stare to see what was going on at the other end of the table. The rest of the table turned as well. The servants who had been standing by let out the breath they had been holding and breathed a sigh of relief. "Endy cheated!!"
"Did not!"
"Did to!!"
"Hold It!" King Sol roared taking control of the situation. Endy and Ari grew quiet. "Cheated at what may I ask?"
"At starring contest." Arianna replied sticking her lip out in a cute pout. The servants began moving around again as the tension in the room relaxed. They moved around the table picking up the soup bowls as the Royals and their 4 top Generals 'handled' the situation.
"How do you cheat in starring contest?" Jadeite asked with a smirk.
"You stay out of this." Prince Terrance snapped at him. "Arianna, how could Endymion have possibly cheated?"
"He made his eyes go funny."
"Ok." Terrance turned to Endy. "Endymion, what DID you do?"
Endy grinned. "I did this." Endymion crossed his eyes again.
"Ewww!!!" Ari yelled.
Kunzite got a weird look on his face, while Nephrite held his breath trying not to laugh. Zoycite glared at Jadeite. "You taught him that, didn't you?" Jadeite looked away refusing to answer. Mamoru watched the whole scene amazed. Despite the fact no one - with the exception of Kunzite - paid him any attention whatsoever, he felt completely at ease with this group. Elizabeth could only grin. Some things never changed, and she was thoroughly enjoying Mamoru's reaction to all this.
"Oh, Endy." Queen Terra gasped. "Do not do that."
Terrance laughed. "No, do it again." Endy happily obliged crossing his eyes until they almost disappeared. Prince Terrance cracked up. \ "Terrance, Otooto-chan stop encouraging him." Terrance nodded desperately trying to suppress his laughter, but ending up choking on it. He coughed, and Jadeite once again had to hold his breath to keep his own laughter under control.
Zoycite rolled his eyes. "Sol-sama, I think your LITTLE brother had a LITTLE to much wine." Jadeite broke into laughter.
"You know this is all your fault." Nephrite told Mamoru.
"Why, me?"
"You're the one who started that stare down with Kunz."
"Nephrite." Kunzite called with authority.
"Hai?" Nephrite turned.
"Don't call me, Kunz." Nephrite grinned.
Queen Terra sighed turning back to her son. "Endymion, I do not want to see you doing that again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Mommy."
"Good."
By this time, all of the soup bowls had been picked up, and the main course was being served along with a side of green salad. Settling down, the rowdy group turned back to their meal. Zoycite raised his glass and a servant refilled it. Taking a sip, he began swirling it around in the glass. "As I was saying before Majesties, I am not so sure about this alliance with the White Moon Kingdom. What if Queen Serenity and her husband are simply looking to hold the Golden Crystal?"
"You worry to much, Zoy." Nephrite returned. "Why would Queen Serenity want the Golden Crystal when she has one of her own?"
"Nephrite does have a point." Jadeite put in.
"I am only saying you should proceed with caution, Majesties." Zoycite replied calmly. The White Moon's Silver Alliance already consists of every planet but Earth. It is only natural they would want to add Earth to the mix as well."
"That is understood, Zoycite." King Sol Endymion responded. "But as far as we know not one of those planet was forced into an alliance. There must be a good reason why they ALL elected to join with the White Moon."
"What is it about Serenity that everyone likes so much?" Jadeite put out stating what everyone was thinking. Quiet once again filled the room, and everyone concentrated solely on their meal.
Mamoru's thoughts returned to his Serenity - his Usako. What was it about Serenity? It was obvious to him. "She brings people together." Mamoru accidentally stated aloud.
Jadeite turned to look at him. "What did you say?"
"Huh?" Mamoru inwardly kicked himself. He hadn't actually said that aloud had he? "Nothing."
"Yes, you did. I heard you."
Mamoru grimaced. Now what was he supposed to do. He looked to Elizabeth would watched him uncertainly. She wasn't going to be any help. "Well?" Nephrite implored. By now the entire table had turned to stare at him. He gulped.
"Daddy?" A tiny voice interrupted the interrogation. Whew, saved by the . . .toddler? Prince Endymion's littlest brother stuck his head in the door.
"What is it, Terry-chan?" King Sol asked gently. Little Prince Terrance, named after his uncle, slipped shyly into the room. His hair was pitch black and his eyes were midnight blue. However, where Endymion took after his father, Terrance got his looks from his mother. His features were soft and eyes were filled with nothing but pure innocence.
Popping his thumb into his mouth, he made his way over to his parents' side of the table. He stopped for only a moment to stare up at Mamoru before continuing on his way. Mamoru stared after Terrance awestruck. Terry had to be the only person aside from his Usako he'd ever seen look that innocent. King Sol slid his chair back as Terry came up a grabbed onto his leg. "What is the matter, Angel boy?" Sol smiled down fondly at his youngest son.
Terry looked up at his father with his big, big innocent midnight blue eyes. "Daddy, Ah can seep."
King Sol bent over picking his son up into his arms. "Why, did you have a bad dream?"
"Ah can seep wifout Endy. Wen's Endy cumin' da bed, Daddy?"
Queen Terra smiled. "As soon as the adult's dinner is over and he has his bath." Endy groaned.
"I stay wif Daddy until Endy's weady?"
"Alright, but you're going to keep quiet and let the adults finish eating, right?" Terry nodded.
"Terry, what do you do when your father gives an order?" His mother prompted.
Terry thought about it. "Ass uncle Tewwence?" He suggested. The King shot his brother a dirty look. Princess Arianna giggled. Terrance grinned, and looked away trying to hide it.
"No. Try again."
"Peas?"
"No."
Terry thought again. "Yeah, tir masty."
King Sol smiled. "Close enough." Terry grinned and laid his head down against his father's chest. King Sol moved his chair back in towards the table. By this time, the servants had removed the dinner plates and dessert was being served.
"Yummy!" Endy declared. "Chocolate cake."
"My thoughts exactly." Jadeite replied digging in.
Dessert was the quickest course to disappear. It only took minutes for the table to be clear of food. "Endy, I think it is time for you to get ready for bed. Go tell Ayah to help you get your bath."
"Yes, Mommy."
King Sol helped his son pull the chair back from the table, while Terrance stretched and headed towards his daughter. "Come on, Ari-chan. You have about half-an-hour before bedtime." Ari stretched her arms out letting her father pick her up out of the chair and into his arms. She grinned happily. This had to be the best part of dinnertime.
As Endy headed for door, he stopped in front of the strange man who had joined them for dinner. His eyes were questioning. He was sooo familiar. Mamoru too stared in aww at his younger self. Terra almost gasped. "My goodness. The resemblance is remarkable."
Mamoru and Endymion stared at each other for what seemed like hours, neither moving. They shared something - well, a lot of somethings actually. The longer they spent together, the closer they seemed to get, until even their minds seemed to act as one.
Terra's stomach churned as she once again got the feeling that something was out of place. She'd had that feeling ever since Mamoru and Elizabeth had gotten there. Queen Terra had always had a special connection with her children, but now even that seemed to be out of wack. "Endy, I . . . I think it's time for you to go now." She prompted, but Endy no longer seemed to be listening.
As if prompted, however, he stretched his arms out towards Mamoru. Still locked in the trance - of sorts - Mamoru slid his chair back and did the same. Their hands met, and no one could stop them. A bright flash of golden light surrounded the two. The flow of time rippled as a newly created warp tried to fix itself.
"Oh my goodness." The Queen gasped. "Endymion!!"
"Mamoru!!" Elizabeth yelled. She had no idea what was going on, but could feel that it had something to do with her "bright" idea.
The light faded, and then there was one. Mamoru was gone, and Endy was the only one left standing - but not for long. A minute later he collapsed. Queen Terra screamed running over to pick him up. "Endymion!! Endy-chan are you all right? Endy, answer me!"
Terry began to cry with fright and clasp tightly onto his father. King Sol held on to him for dear life. Terrance too held his daughter so tightly she almost had trouble breathing - as if he let her go, she too might disappear into thin air.
Elizabeth quickly moved towards the Queen and her son, but not fast enough to escape the king's brother. Prince Terrance grabbed her arm firmly with his free hand keeping her a good distance away from the royalty.
"Mamoru!!" She cried.
"Endymion!!" Terra cried at her son.
Endymion still didn't answer. He starred at the group surrounding him silently. He looked up at his mother, his father and little brother, his uncle and cousin, and finally. . . at Elizabeth. Even the generals looked frightened, though they hide it well. "Why was everyone so frightened for him? Had he passed out? Why did Queen Terra keep calling him Endymion? No one was supposed to know that.
Elizabeth fought to escape Prince Terrance of Earth, but she simply wasn't strong enough unless she transformed. Gritting his teeth in anger, Terrance sat Arianna down on the floor and held Elizabeth with both hands. She could only watch as Prince Endymion's young eyes searched the room. He looked around at all his family before finally lighting his eyes on her. Elizabeth gasped as she got a good look at his eyes. For a moment - only a moment - she saw what she was looking for. Luckily, a moment was all it took for her to figure out what had happened. For she'd seen a flash of intelligence in the prince's eyes - not a six-year-olds intelligence, but a 21-year-olds intelligence.
The flow of time didn't like there being two Endymion's in the same time period, so now there was one. Elizabeth gulped. If that were the case, she'd have to be especially careful to avoid having any contact with her past self. After all, she was the only one who could take them back home, and she couldn't use the crystal if she were stuck inside the body of a baby who could neither talk nor walk. She stood steady as a stone. Her face grew pale and she felt very cold. Then, Elizabeth did what any self- respecting woman would do - she fainted.
"Say something, son." King Sol prompted the boy lying on the ground.
Mamoru blinked - finally - looking up at his mother. He opened his mouth to say something but what came out wasn't what he was expecting. "Mommy?" A tiny six-year-old voice came out fearfully.
"Oh my baby." Queen Terra held her son tightly in her arms. Tears escaped from her eyes like a river. She smiled wearily as Sol helped her up. "Is Endy, otay?" Terry asked quietly.
"Don't cry." Endy told her. Terra held him even tighter.
"Everything is ok, now." She said - more to herself really than to her son. "You're alright now, baby. Mommy is here. Everything will be ok." She smiled at him, and he smiled back. One look from her could easily calm you down and let you know that everything was going to be all right.
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Author's Notes: Hey minna!! I think that is a good place to stop, what do you think? *Laughs evilly* I think this might just be my best chapter yet. Tell me what you think. Do you like the new twist I added to the story? I could always take it out, if you don't like. Remember, I like feedback. Feedback is good. REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!!!!
Guess what? Christmas is coming!! I'm usually very busy at Christmas, so I most likely won't be updating until after the season is over. Bare with me ok! I'll update ASAP after the Christmas season is up. OK? Thanks for understanding!! Ja' ne!!!!