Chapter Three
(Endymion)
There wasn't anything that I could really do for him. My friend, my brother. Although once I was very cheerful and cared deeply about the ones around me, and who I love I found myself growing ever more resentful and bitter.
Often times I wondered why I was the one who had to be King. Who made that destiny? I was never given a choice. A birth right such as that is something you are given. It's something that you cannot break away from, though I have tried countless of times.
"Endymion-sama. Is something wrong, dear? You look ill."
I gently smiled at my wife. Serenity is a great comfort to me. When we first met each other as children I never really thought that I would even like her, let alone fall in love with her. However, as time went on, and as we grew, we both found that we cared about each other and had more in common then we would ever be able to share with each other.
Shaking my head I did my best to put on a smile and hoped that Serenity wouldn't see through my ever-growing discomfort.
"No, darling. I'm just tired that's all. I had a horribly long day and just want to relax."
Serenity smiled, pleased with my answer. I could normally confide in my young wife, but this was different somehow. Zoisite had been hurt whilst protecting her. The subject of his accident pained Serenity so much as it was. How could I add to her suffering?
"All right," she turned from me and started to head to the door to our room.
"Where are you going?" I inquired curiously.
Serenity laughed. "Rei-chan is visiting today, remember? She is going to teach me how to conduct a proper tea ceremony. Well I guess you don't because when I told you a few days ago you where half a sleep. However, I did remind you a couple of times."
I sighed. Lately I hadn't been a very good husband let alone a very good friend. I didn't really like myself right now, so how could I do either?
"Yes. I'm sorry, Serenity. I did forget." I admitted bowing my head. Feeling embarrassed Serenity smiled.
"It's all right. I understand. I better go now, I don't want to keep Rei-chan waiting and I'll see you later tonight. If not tomorrow if you go to sleep early."
With that Serenity shut the door behind her.
It was a few minutes more before I heard a light knock at my door. I had seated myself in a relaxing cushioned chair, and, indeed, had started to doze off.
I was actually disappointed when I heard the knock and, at first, began to ignore it if it where not for the sweet welcoming that accompanied it.
"King Endymion? I'm sorry to disturb you so late, but I would like to talk to you." I was surprised when I recognized the voice as Ami's. Slowly I got up from the armchair and answered the door.
I hadn't seen Ami for quiet a while. We weren't really friends, although she was close to Serenity and despite the fact that we both where intelligent and 'nose in a book' types. We never really got passed that. Ami was too quiet and I had not bothered to take the time to get to know her properly. I fleetingly wondered how well I really knew any of Serenity's guardians.
"Come in, Ami-chan." I welcomed her. She gave me a curt thank you and slowly entered the room.
"What's on your mind?" I asked her.
Ami sighed and leaned he back against the wall.
"I'm worried about Zoisite. He really hasn't been himself since the accident, which I can understand. However, I'm not sure how well he and Kunzite are doing. I'm so worried that something will happen. Not just to Zoisite, but to Kunzite as well."
I nodded my head thoughtfully. The same thing had crossed my mind many times that day.
"I spoke to Kunzite myself the other day. The attack has really torn a hole their relationship."
Ami frowned and awaited my reaction. When I offered none, she continued with:
"I think it's worse than you know. Zoisite is so afraid to be left behind. He feels as though he is a burden to Kunzite, and, I hate saying this, but I suppose that he is to a certain extent."
I sighed. I could see the pain in Ami's eyes. She had never been a very animated person facially, but this time I could see that the worry of her friends had taken its toll on her as of late. I guess Ami herself may not realize this.
Ami is a very good and kindhearted person. She always puts others before herself. I wished that I could be like that. I wished that I could be a better comfort to Kunzite.
"I'm just at such a lost on how to help them. I know that I'm the King and I should have answers to every thing really, but this time I don't know. The situation is just so sad. I hate seeing one of my guardians in such pain. I hate not being able to express myself to my friends better."
I sighed and sat down in a chair.
I am not normally so vocally open to my companions. Let alone my friends, but for some reason I felt as though I could trust Ami. I've always felt that way.
She doesn't tell secrets and she knows when a person is hurting. Hurting so much that she will to anything to help them.
"King Endymion, forgive me for being so forward, but you are just a human being. You can't fix every thing no matter how much you may wish it. It's a bitter hard pill to swallow, isn't it? You have all of this power and strength, but you can't do something simple like healing your friend."
Ami closed her eyes as though thinking about what next to say. Normally I wouldn't tolerate such an accusation on my own account, but since it was Ami I would allow for her to tell me the truth.
None of my servants really have enough courage to stand up to me. Sometimes my wife does but not a lot. She has a very fragile ego and wishes to spare my feelings most of the times.
But when where at war or when another crisis comes up Serenity always manages to surprise me and puts me in my place. She reminds me who I am and what I stand for.
"If there is anyway I can help Zoisite and comfort him, you know that I will, your Majesty. I just wish that things could have turned out different, but that's a fairy tale isn't it?" Ami asked me sadly.
I nodded. "Indeed yes. When I think about the past. I can see myself playing in the snow."
Ami looked at me. She was surprised to here me talk about my childhood, which was a rare occasion to say the very least.
"I remember what a youthful boy I was and how many dreams I had in my soul."
I paused and then I said:
"I wonder what happened to all of them..."
I felt like crying, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. Instead I hung my head low to my chest. Feeling weak because I couldn't protect my truest of friends.
I was so into my own thoughts that I didn't see Ami-chan walk behind me and wrap her arms around me.
It was a simple act of her kindness and I greatly appreciated it.
