Chapter Three
Moon: The Lunar Kingdom, in the Silver Millennium
"Hey, Kunzite, could I ask you something?" Darien asked his lead guard breathlessly.
"Ask away, Endy." Kunzite grinned, and raised his watch to eye level. "You've got exactly five minutes, because I've got an appointment with the Scout of Venus."
"You know those scouts," Darien laughed. "Set them up, and you're looking at torture by all the elements. It's gotta hurt."
"So what did you want to ask me?"
"Well, you now about this stuff," Darien stammered. "It's just that I think I hate someone, because she's annoying and snobbish...but when I actually look at her, I see someone different. Someone I wouldn't mind having as a friend...or a girlfriend."
"Endy, you're twenty-one years old. Like you said to Jadeite a few hours back, you're an adult. I thin you know more about women than I do."
"I wish you'd call me Darien," the Prince growled. "The problem is...she's not a woman."
"Okay," Kunzite said slowly. "Exactly what are you trying to tell me?"
Darien, realizing how his statement might be misinterpreted, quickly amended, "not that, Kunzite. I mean – she's a girl."
"A girl?" the guard questioned, concerned. "Uh, En-Darien, breaking women's hearts is one matter, but little girls...that's another. Exactly how young is she?"
"Nearly seventeen." Darien was surprised; how did he know Serenity's age? He had been spending the past few years purposely avoiding everything dealing with the Moon family.
"Seventeen," Kunzite mumbled. "You know, Darien, that's a large age difference."
"I know," Darien groaned.
"But that reminds me..." Kunzite said thoughtfully. "Queen Serenity was seventeen when she was married, and she is the most powerful ruler in the solar realm."
"Really?" the Terrain asked, affecting indifference.
"Yes. Speaking of the lunar family, Princess Serenity is nearing seventeen, too. But not that you'd care...you seem to hate her so much," Kunzite smiled, casting a sideways glance at Darien. He noticed the Prince redden slightly, and wondered-was there any way that Darien had fallen in love with Serenity? He seemed to remember an old prophecy, and it stuck in his mind...something about the first Princess of the Moon and the first Prince of the Earth... but then he shook his head to clear it. Darien disliked Serenity that much was clear.
"Well, I'd better get going, Dar." He handled the new nickname with ease. "I don't want to get grilled by Mina, like you said."
"But she seems so nice!" Darien mocked him.
Kunzite lowered his voice to a false whisper. "Never, never underestimate the leader of the Inner Scouts. You might get hurt." He and Darien shared a laugh, and the commander of the Guard walked off to meet his newfound girlfriend.
"He's lucky," Darien though aloud. "Wish I were...maybe it's time to act like an adult, like Kun said."
He headed toward the huge fountain in the courtyard of the palace.
Mina rejoined Kunzite after her meeting with Serenity, and occupied gleam in her eyes.
"Are you feeling well?" Kunzite inquired.
"Just fine, thanks!" Mina answered, a little too cheerfully.
"Is your mind on the Princess?" the Terrain guard smiled.
All of a sudden, Mina wanted more than anything else to tell Kunzite about the business of Serenity and Endymion-but the memory of Queen Serenity's foreboding tone kept her from divulging the secret.
"No, no!" she lied miserably. "Just Scout business."
Kunzite stopped short and fixed his eyes on Mina's. She tried to avert her face from his gaze, but she was an instant too late.
"You can't lie to me, Mina," he said, is voice suddenly deep with emotion. "You are trying to change the subject. You were thinking about Serenity, weren't you?"
"Serena," Mina corrected.
"Serena. Suits her, I guess," Kunzite said, chuckling. "So you were imagining the Princess-with someone else. Someone you do not know."
"How could you tell?" she gasped.
"Might be time t inform you now, Mina. I can read your mind."
"Isn't there any privacy around here?" Mina whispered.
It was approaching dusk on the moon; the large Lunar clock chimed seven as Darien reached the fountain.
He twirled his fingers in the clear water. *come on. Serenity, I know you're out here somewhere.* his mind yelled.
"MY NAME IS Serena!" the blonde answer loudly.
"Um, sorry," Darien apologized, baffled. *Did I say that thing about Serenity aloud?*
Serena stepped out of the shadows. "I didn't mean to scream, Prince," she said gently, "but your mental call is very noisy."
"What do you mean?" Darien asked, puzzled.
"Don't you get it, Endymion?" *For that matter, my name is Darien* he shot back at her from his mind.
"Fine, I'll call you Darien. What's with that name, anyways?" She shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her tilted lips. "Never mind. I've heard this is possible, but I've never put it into practice."
Darien stared at the beautiful Princess. *God, she is lovely!* Then, *you idiot! She can tell what you're thinking! And WHAT is she talking about?*
Serena knelt beside Darien. "That's right, Darien. I can tell what you're thinking. So try no to-imagine-anything incriminating, ok?" She snickered.
"I can't believe I agreed to visit this place. Lunarians are really lunatics," he mumbled.
"I heard that," Serena said sharply. "Once more remark like that and I'll be forced to use the Silver Crystal on you." She was obviously bluffing, but Darien decided to humor her and kept his mouth shut.
"Hmm, where to begin," she said dreamily. "I've never really tried mind control..."
*MIND CONTROL!?!* He screamed internally.
"You needn't be so surprised. It's not like it's going to harm you or anything like that. Besides, this is the only way." She grinned. "I've got to find out if the prophecy is true."
*What prophecy?*
"Will you be quiet already? You're suppose to be concentrating." Serena sighed. "I found it only a few minutes ago in one of Mother's books in the library. The prophecy of the Universal Council, which was the first known group of scholars, from the assembly of the planets. They met long, long ago, before the dissolution of the primary planetary alliance. The meeting was secret, but the prophecy was well known by the scholars, even then. It states that the first Princess of the Moon and the first Prince of the Earth are destined soul mates, and they will lead the second generation of a reborn alliance in the galaxy."
Darien finally spoke. "So you're saying that we're soul mates?" he asked, relatively calmly.
Serena shrugged. "That's what the book says."
"Could I see it?"
She produced a thick leather-bound volume from thin air. When he looked at her quizzically, she said defensively, "Hey, I'm not a witch, all right? I have an inter-dimensional pocket. So do the Scouts."
"You really think that this prophecy, which is supposed to be a secret, would be in a plain view IN a book IN a library?" Darien was skeptical. Then peeked in the book. "I can't read this!"
It was Serena's turn to laugh. "Yes, I think so. For one, it's written in ancient Lunar: that's why you can't read it, only Mother, the lunar researchers, and I can. Secondly, the book wasn't in just any library: it was one of my Mother's books: those are forbidden to look in."
The Prince raised an eyebrow. "Forbidden to you too?"
"Yea, but the book- well, I felt an attraction to it. This strange pull," Serena said sheepishly.
"That pull is going to keep you from getting punished by your mother?"
"Hopefully, I'll be able to put it back before she notices," Serena was cheerful once more. "Besides, I have a very good excuse."
"And what is that?" Darien asked, unable to keep a straight face.
"Mother's known about this all along. So have your parents. And they have obviously been trying to keep it a secret from both of us. Did your parents explain the reason for this visit?"
"Serena, you may still be a child, but I'm not. I'm twenty-one, for Terra's sake. I didn't bother to ask."
The Princess's eye sparkled. "Oh, believe me, Darien, they wouldn't have let you stay at home. I know how reluctant you were to visit the Moon. That strange feeling that you couldn't quite describe, right? Don't deny it, because I can read your emotions very well."
"This is impossible!" Darien exploded. "For all I know, soul mates don't even exist. It's just some myth, some legend."
"Your parents believe in it. So does my Mother. Believe it or not, the Silver Millennium is dependent on that 'legend'," Serena said gravely, unconsciously echoing her Mother's words.
"I'm telling you, this is unreal," Darien exclaimed, suddenly rising from his position beside the fountain.
"That's what I'm trying to prove," she answered smoothly. "Sit down, Darien. This is going to take a while."
"I don't think this is a good idea, Serena. Mid control can be dangerous."
"Trust me, will you? Mother taught me long ago. I think I've perfected my skills on my Scouts."
"They let you do that?" Darien was nearly speechless.
"Yes. Try it someday with your Royal Guard. It's a lot of fun!" Serena smiled. *She's more energetic than she looks* he thought before he could stop himself.
"Thanks," Serena said as the mental note was communicated to her. "Okay, Darien. Relax. Have you ever tried to fall into the void?"
"Huh?"
"Okay, guess not," she observed. *I wish Rei was here, she's very good at explaining these things...*
"I heard that!" Darien murmured. "You said you were experienced in this field."
"I am!" the Princess stated. "It's just that Rei is skilled in explaining these things..." her voice trailed off. "Wait a minute," she continued, her voice half-accusatory, "I didn't say that out loud, did I?"
"You just did."
"No, before that." Seeing Darien's brown furrow in thought, she exclaimed, "So seeing that you heard me think, I guess I won't need mind control anymore."
"Why's that, Serena?"
"There's a two-way mental link between us. The prophecy was correct after all."
End of Chapter Three
Moon: The Lunar Kingdom, in the Silver Millennium
"Hey, Kunzite, could I ask you something?" Darien asked his lead guard breathlessly.
"Ask away, Endy." Kunzite grinned, and raised his watch to eye level. "You've got exactly five minutes, because I've got an appointment with the Scout of Venus."
"You know those scouts," Darien laughed. "Set them up, and you're looking at torture by all the elements. It's gotta hurt."
"So what did you want to ask me?"
"Well, you now about this stuff," Darien stammered. "It's just that I think I hate someone, because she's annoying and snobbish...but when I actually look at her, I see someone different. Someone I wouldn't mind having as a friend...or a girlfriend."
"Endy, you're twenty-one years old. Like you said to Jadeite a few hours back, you're an adult. I thin you know more about women than I do."
"I wish you'd call me Darien," the Prince growled. "The problem is...she's not a woman."
"Okay," Kunzite said slowly. "Exactly what are you trying to tell me?"
Darien, realizing how his statement might be misinterpreted, quickly amended, "not that, Kunzite. I mean – she's a girl."
"A girl?" the guard questioned, concerned. "Uh, En-Darien, breaking women's hearts is one matter, but little girls...that's another. Exactly how young is she?"
"Nearly seventeen." Darien was surprised; how did he know Serenity's age? He had been spending the past few years purposely avoiding everything dealing with the Moon family.
"Seventeen," Kunzite mumbled. "You know, Darien, that's a large age difference."
"I know," Darien groaned.
"But that reminds me..." Kunzite said thoughtfully. "Queen Serenity was seventeen when she was married, and she is the most powerful ruler in the solar realm."
"Really?" the Terrain asked, affecting indifference.
"Yes. Speaking of the lunar family, Princess Serenity is nearing seventeen, too. But not that you'd care...you seem to hate her so much," Kunzite smiled, casting a sideways glance at Darien. He noticed the Prince redden slightly, and wondered-was there any way that Darien had fallen in love with Serenity? He seemed to remember an old prophecy, and it stuck in his mind...something about the first Princess of the Moon and the first Prince of the Earth... but then he shook his head to clear it. Darien disliked Serenity that much was clear.
"Well, I'd better get going, Dar." He handled the new nickname with ease. "I don't want to get grilled by Mina, like you said."
"But she seems so nice!" Darien mocked him.
Kunzite lowered his voice to a false whisper. "Never, never underestimate the leader of the Inner Scouts. You might get hurt." He and Darien shared a laugh, and the commander of the Guard walked off to meet his newfound girlfriend.
"He's lucky," Darien though aloud. "Wish I were...maybe it's time to act like an adult, like Kun said."
He headed toward the huge fountain in the courtyard of the palace.
Mina rejoined Kunzite after her meeting with Serenity, and occupied gleam in her eyes.
"Are you feeling well?" Kunzite inquired.
"Just fine, thanks!" Mina answered, a little too cheerfully.
"Is your mind on the Princess?" the Terrain guard smiled.
All of a sudden, Mina wanted more than anything else to tell Kunzite about the business of Serenity and Endymion-but the memory of Queen Serenity's foreboding tone kept her from divulging the secret.
"No, no!" she lied miserably. "Just Scout business."
Kunzite stopped short and fixed his eyes on Mina's. She tried to avert her face from his gaze, but she was an instant too late.
"You can't lie to me, Mina," he said, is voice suddenly deep with emotion. "You are trying to change the subject. You were thinking about Serenity, weren't you?"
"Serena," Mina corrected.
"Serena. Suits her, I guess," Kunzite said, chuckling. "So you were imagining the Princess-with someone else. Someone you do not know."
"How could you tell?" she gasped.
"Might be time t inform you now, Mina. I can read your mind."
"Isn't there any privacy around here?" Mina whispered.
It was approaching dusk on the moon; the large Lunar clock chimed seven as Darien reached the fountain.
He twirled his fingers in the clear water. *come on. Serenity, I know you're out here somewhere.* his mind yelled.
"MY NAME IS Serena!" the blonde answer loudly.
"Um, sorry," Darien apologized, baffled. *Did I say that thing about Serenity aloud?*
Serena stepped out of the shadows. "I didn't mean to scream, Prince," she said gently, "but your mental call is very noisy."
"What do you mean?" Darien asked, puzzled.
"Don't you get it, Endymion?" *For that matter, my name is Darien* he shot back at her from his mind.
"Fine, I'll call you Darien. What's with that name, anyways?" She shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her tilted lips. "Never mind. I've heard this is possible, but I've never put it into practice."
Darien stared at the beautiful Princess. *God, she is lovely!* Then, *you idiot! She can tell what you're thinking! And WHAT is she talking about?*
Serena knelt beside Darien. "That's right, Darien. I can tell what you're thinking. So try no to-imagine-anything incriminating, ok?" She snickered.
"I can't believe I agreed to visit this place. Lunarians are really lunatics," he mumbled.
"I heard that," Serena said sharply. "Once more remark like that and I'll be forced to use the Silver Crystal on you." She was obviously bluffing, but Darien decided to humor her and kept his mouth shut.
"Hmm, where to begin," she said dreamily. "I've never really tried mind control..."
*MIND CONTROL!?!* He screamed internally.
"You needn't be so surprised. It's not like it's going to harm you or anything like that. Besides, this is the only way." She grinned. "I've got to find out if the prophecy is true."
*What prophecy?*
"Will you be quiet already? You're suppose to be concentrating." Serena sighed. "I found it only a few minutes ago in one of Mother's books in the library. The prophecy of the Universal Council, which was the first known group of scholars, from the assembly of the planets. They met long, long ago, before the dissolution of the primary planetary alliance. The meeting was secret, but the prophecy was well known by the scholars, even then. It states that the first Princess of the Moon and the first Prince of the Earth are destined soul mates, and they will lead the second generation of a reborn alliance in the galaxy."
Darien finally spoke. "So you're saying that we're soul mates?" he asked, relatively calmly.
Serena shrugged. "That's what the book says."
"Could I see it?"
She produced a thick leather-bound volume from thin air. When he looked at her quizzically, she said defensively, "Hey, I'm not a witch, all right? I have an inter-dimensional pocket. So do the Scouts."
"You really think that this prophecy, which is supposed to be a secret, would be in a plain view IN a book IN a library?" Darien was skeptical. Then peeked in the book. "I can't read this!"
It was Serena's turn to laugh. "Yes, I think so. For one, it's written in ancient Lunar: that's why you can't read it, only Mother, the lunar researchers, and I can. Secondly, the book wasn't in just any library: it was one of my Mother's books: those are forbidden to look in."
The Prince raised an eyebrow. "Forbidden to you too?"
"Yea, but the book- well, I felt an attraction to it. This strange pull," Serena said sheepishly.
"That pull is going to keep you from getting punished by your mother?"
"Hopefully, I'll be able to put it back before she notices," Serena was cheerful once more. "Besides, I have a very good excuse."
"And what is that?" Darien asked, unable to keep a straight face.
"Mother's known about this all along. So have your parents. And they have obviously been trying to keep it a secret from both of us. Did your parents explain the reason for this visit?"
"Serena, you may still be a child, but I'm not. I'm twenty-one, for Terra's sake. I didn't bother to ask."
The Princess's eye sparkled. "Oh, believe me, Darien, they wouldn't have let you stay at home. I know how reluctant you were to visit the Moon. That strange feeling that you couldn't quite describe, right? Don't deny it, because I can read your emotions very well."
"This is impossible!" Darien exploded. "For all I know, soul mates don't even exist. It's just some myth, some legend."
"Your parents believe in it. So does my Mother. Believe it or not, the Silver Millennium is dependent on that 'legend'," Serena said gravely, unconsciously echoing her Mother's words.
"I'm telling you, this is unreal," Darien exclaimed, suddenly rising from his position beside the fountain.
"That's what I'm trying to prove," she answered smoothly. "Sit down, Darien. This is going to take a while."
"I don't think this is a good idea, Serena. Mid control can be dangerous."
"Trust me, will you? Mother taught me long ago. I think I've perfected my skills on my Scouts."
"They let you do that?" Darien was nearly speechless.
"Yes. Try it someday with your Royal Guard. It's a lot of fun!" Serena smiled. *She's more energetic than she looks* he thought before he could stop himself.
"Thanks," Serena said as the mental note was communicated to her. "Okay, Darien. Relax. Have you ever tried to fall into the void?"
"Huh?"
"Okay, guess not," she observed. *I wish Rei was here, she's very good at explaining these things...*
"I heard that!" Darien murmured. "You said you were experienced in this field."
"I am!" the Princess stated. "It's just that Rei is skilled in explaining these things..." her voice trailed off. "Wait a minute," she continued, her voice half-accusatory, "I didn't say that out loud, did I?"
"You just did."
"No, before that." Seeing Darien's brown furrow in thought, she exclaimed, "So seeing that you heard me think, I guess I won't need mind control anymore."
"Why's that, Serena?"
"There's a two-way mental link between us. The prophecy was correct after all."
End of Chapter Three