Chapter 3 - A Rose Appears

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Endymion woke with a strange feeling of excitement bubbling in his chest and yet, at the same time, it was a feeling of sorrow. What a strange combination, and why should he be having it? The boy of eleven was already fully awakened by his excitement, but he shook it off as he stood for a day like any other.

Endymion still looked like he had when he was younger, granted, a bit taller and more matured. He ruffled his hair with a slight yawn and then joined his mother in the kitchen. It was a day just like every other and Endymion wasn't complaining. Sometimes he would work to make some extra money for his mother, but since he was only eleven, she made sure he still had his days to create mischief with his four friends. Today was one of those days.

Grabbing a piece of bread, Endymion wished his mother goodbye before rushing out the door to meet his friends. The bread was fresh today so it was easily chewed and pleasantly warm. Ahead, waiting for him in the Main Square, were already Kunzite and Nephrite. For once he was actually early, most of the time, his friends would just come to the house and wake him. Endymion grinned as he strutted up to them looked awful proud of himself.

"Hey Kun, Neph!" Endymion said loudly from behind them. They turned with looks of shock on their faces.

"It's true then? The world has finally ended?" Nephrite said with a smirk after getting over his shock. Kunzite started snickering at this and Endymion joined in after a playful punch at Nephrite.

Not very long after, the threesome was joined by Jadeite and Zoisite who were just as shocked as the first two had been. Endymion gave them a moment to get over it before speaking out impatiently. "I feel like I need to be doing something. I've been excited all morning, but for no reason."

The four other boys spoke out all at the same time, each saying some revised form of 'Really? Me too, we really need to go do something.'

Endymion smiled at them and nodded as they all headed in a group towards the city. They hadn't had a war with the city rats for a while, thinking themselves far to 'mature' for such nonsense nowadays. The five of them had been saving for a while now and finally had enough to actually get something from the city and today seemed like a perfect day to go since they had nothing better to do.

The center of the village they lived in was not very far from the gates so it took all of fifteen minutes to reach the crowd of people heading in and out. After considerable confusion and shoving, the five made it inside together and they headed off towards the market.

The market was already bustling this early in the morning, but was fairly easy to navigate. Endymion had only been her on several occasions but found he liked the city a lot. Most of the people were friendly, but every once and a while, an obnoxious person would appear and ruin the pleasant mood.

The streets of the capital were covered in buildings, both rich and poor, but the city thrived on their markets. Four main markets were located throughout the town, one for each direction, North, South, East, and West. Of course there were smaller markets, but not many. Long stretches of street would be laden with booths of marketers selling their wares as well as shop owners hawking through the crowds. Signs would portray what kind of shop was inside as well as the names of a few Inns. The streets were just an array of blinding colors, enough to excite anyone, which it did.

Endymion and the boys hearts were pounding, awe on their faces as they browsed through the many shops. There was just so much to choose from, how would they ever choose what they wanted to buy? This was the first time the boys would actually be buying something with money they had made themselves so it had to be special. They had already promised that whatever they bought would be for themselves, not for anyone else, that's what would make the items even more special.

The five of them entered a store full of strange trinkets, things that did not fit it any particular category. The store was small and cramped, practically unnoticeable to most people. After a few moments, they all thought it to be the most fantastic store ever. The shelves were stacked up with all kinds of objects, shiny, dull, colorful, large, small, anything, and everything you could think of. But if one looked closely, which they all did, you would notice that the shop owner spent a lot of time with his wares and kept them all clean and the stacks really weren't all that haphazard.

As they were perusing, grins stuck on their faces, they discovered each and every object held it's own wonders. They could spend days in her and not even have seen half of it. It had been just them in there for quite a while when suddenly a man emerged from a door towards the back, hidden by all the objects. He was an average looking man, height, build, everything, but there seemed to be a childlike glint in his eyes that caught the five children by surprise. They liked this average man already. He was clean-shaven with hair similar to Endymion's though it had no knots and was brown.

"Hello boys, I hope you are finding my shop to your liking." He said with a smile, knowing they were. The five boys had been in here for over an hour already. He loved when children entered his shop, they always were interested in everything, and that truly was the point. "My name is Alden."

The boys had been grinning foolishly at the man who was so easily liked and finally shook themselves out of their stupor. Each of them nodded in greeting and in return told Alden their own names.

"Looking for anything in particular Little Masters?" Alden questioned them curiously. By their clothing, he could tell that they were not from the city so he could not help but be curious, especially since they didn't seem to have very much money either.

Endymion was the first to answer his question. "No sir, we're just kind of...looking for some special things for ourselves."

Kunzite, eager to join the conversation with Alden chimed in, "We've been saving up for a long time now and we all agreed to spend our savings on something special for ourselves!" Kunzite bounced up and down, overexcited about everything.

Alden nodded, taking in each of the boys words. "Well that's a large accomplishment for you boys." He replied, and the boys puffed out their chest slightly at the praise. Alden walked over to one of the shelves then and spoke up, "I'm sure we can dig up something for you five then, that is, if you don't mind me helping you?"

All five boys shook their head in unison and watched him excitedly. They just knew that whatever he picked would be fantastic in it's own way. Alden looked at each of them considering and then nodded to Kunzite. "Kunzite, it was. We'll start with you." Kunzite grinned at the other four and stepped forward. Alden now looked him up and down, taking everything about him in. His white shoulder length hair seemed to have a silver sheen to it which contrasted with his emerald green eyes. An odd combination surely. Right now, only Endymion's height surpassed Kunzite's.

Alden stared in thought for a good five minutes, the boys watching him anxiously, waiting. The boys watched as he popped out of his stupor instantly and headed purposefully toward a shelf near the back of the shop. Alden rummaged through his trinkets carefully as if looking for something. This took another five minutes as he had to make sure items that were moved were not in danger of breaking.

"Yes, here it is boy. What do you think?" Alden turned with an object in his hand that could not be seen by the others. He handed it to Kunzite who looked at it. Kunzite's eyes immediately began to sparkle. He looked up to Alden, his expression clearly showing his approval. Alden nodded smiling, it truly had been perfect for him.

Kunzite returned to the clump of boys standing at the middle of the shop once again, the item held out in his hands for them to see. None of them touched this obviously special item, but stared at it curiously. To each of their surprise, he held a small glass heart.

"A...heart?" Jadeite looked up at Kunzite questioningly.

"Ahh...but do not question what you do not know my boy!" Alden barked merrily. Kunzite nodded slightly and pocketed the object. "And plus, it is a glass heart that cannot be broken!" Alden added before turning to Nephrite.

"Nephrite? Nephrite," Alden continued without giving the boy time to nod, "We'll find you something next if you wish?" This time Nephrite did nod and stepped around the still awed Kunzite towards Alden, eagerly awaiting an object that would awe him just as much.

Much the same happened as with Kunzite. Alden considered the boy for a long while, taking in his auburn hair and eyes. Nephrite was a fascinating one, no matter how brown his hair or eyes looked, an unnatural red seemed to spring up from within. Not overpowering, but noticeable in a strange way. His hair reached a bit below his shoulders but looked as though it hadn't been untangled in ages. The thought came to Alden instantly and he strode over to another section of the small shop.

This time, there wasn't as much searching for the item and Alden turned back to Nephrite within a few moments holding what looked like a crown. It sparkled merrily in the light, sending off golden rays. The shopkeeper handed it to Nephrite who immediately broke into a foolish grin and placed the object on his head. The 'crown' suddenly stopped sparkling and instead the shimmering seemed to spread until it completely engulfed Nephrite. The shimmer would only be noticeable to the sharpest eyes, and all those present saw it.

Now that light was no longer bouncing off the 'crown' it showed that it was a Crown of Golden Laurels. The boys stared in awe at this strange object and then turned to Alden questioningly, waiting for some kind of explanation.

"I found this fancy thing when I was but a little older than yourselves. It was one of the first to my collection and I will miss it, however it will be going into able hands." Alden gave them all a smile, "It is, as you can see, a Crown of Laurels, but what makes it special is that it provides a sort of shield to the wearer. That shield is what you see shimmering around your friend now, but usually it can't be seen."

With each revelation, the remaining boys became more excited, and could hardly wait for the amazing shopkeeper to find them an item. Alden beckoned Jadeite forward next, practically hopping with excitement. Once again, the boy was observed by the shopkeeper.

This boy had short blonde hair, considerably well kept compared to Nephrite's, and soft blue-gray eyes. He would grow up to be a good looking boy, however, he lacked something that needed to be given and Alden knew precisely what that would be. Again the shopkeeper was off to another hidden shelf in his store looking for some item or another. He emerged with a grin of his own on his face.

In his hand was a Silver Flute that he handed lovingly over to it's new master. Unlike the other boys though, Jadeite didn't break out into a smile, he just stared from Alden to the flute curiously.

Alden knew the boy would not understand straight away and he would have to explain. "This flute, this...Silver Flute will call any bird to it with it's song."

"But I don't know how to play it..." Jadeite said, sounding rather put out.

"Oh don't worry, boy!" Alden laughed, "You'll know when you play, I promise." This brightened him up immediately and he finally got the same foolish grin on his face as the other boys.

Zoisite practically jumped forward, but waited for Alden's words before stepping forward. His dirty blonde hair was held back with a leather strap that suited him well and showed off his dazzling green eyes. Alden barely had to glance at him before he pulled out something from the pouch at his side. Zoisite's eyes widened at this action but he said nothing as the item was handed to him.

"That there is an Iron Key that I have not yet discovered it's...let's say quality for lack of a better word. I have a feeling that you will figure it out yourself before long however." Zoisite stared at the Key awed. He would figure it out no matter what was the only thing he thought. Alden continued with a small chuckle, "Just be sure to come find me one day when you figure it out." Zoisite nodded and returned to the lineup.

Now the only one left was the tallest of the five. Endymion certainly wouldn't be the first to catch your eye, but Alden thought that he soon would be with his shock of raven black hair and blue eyes that shone like lightning from behind his hair. This boy would surely be something great.

Endymion stepped forward, seemingly calm though just as excited as the others. Alden surveyed him for only moment and seemed to stare of into space for the next five minutes. It took him much longer for this boy than it had the others, he seemed to have so many more underlying qualities about him.

Finally, after what seemed like hours though was only a good ten minutes, Alden snapped out of his daze and looked towards a particularly dusty corner. He had thought of nothing, but something had caught his eye. Looking closer revealed to Alden that the unlikely object to catch his eye was a Rose. He narrowed his eyes and looked from the boy to the Rose and back.

'A Rose?' Was his only thought. Why on earth would an object like a rose be drawn to the boy? It didn't seem to have any connection to him at all, but the item seemed, on some subconscious level, to have chosen Endymion.

Alden began to make his way over to the Rose only to find that Endymion had beaten him to it, albeit looking rather puzzled for why he had walked over here. Alden nodded towards the Rose and Endymion picked it up carefully.

Like a sudden shock, Endymion could feel that he was now somehow connected to this Rose. It was his symbol, what he would soon come to be known for, though he did not know it. All Endymion saw was this Red Rose and himself. He was awestruck by it while Alden was just baffled. The boy wore no foolish grin like the others, just awe. He held it as if it were the most delicate thing in the world.

Alden's voice was not as confident as it had been for the others, but he still spoke fact. "This uh, Red Rose will never, uh...die. That's what is so special about it."

The other four boys did not seem to notice the strangeness of the situation, all of them still handling their individual items. It took a while for Alden to stop staring at Endymion but when he did, it was like a spell had been broken. Endymion, though still possessive of the strange Rose looked up at the shopkeeper.

"Thank you, Sir" Endymion whispered quietly, "I-how much is all this going to cost?"

Originally, Alden had planned on charging them, though at somewhat discounted prices, since most of his stuff was rather expensive and not very many people came in, but now he was not so sure. He had been waiting for some children just like these boys to enter his shop for this specific purpose, but he never thought they would have such an affect on him. These five boys were just...amazing, though he did not know why. They were only simple village folk, they didn't even live inside the city walls, and they looked as if they hadn't seen more than ten gold pieces in their entire life.

"You...you can just take them." Alden said with a warm smile at them all. Endymion looked up surprised, he certainly hadn't expected this.

"Wow...thank you again, Sir" Endymion said.

"Please boy...call me Alden" The shopkeeper said with scrunched eyebrows but still wearing a smirk.

The other four boys were just as surprised as Endymion had been when they heard the news that they would not have to pay. Endymion however, shook his head and said, "No...we should leave him something...look at the wonderful things he gave us..." At that, Endymion had looked down at his Rose and smiled.

All of them nodded their agreement, each of them subconsciously touching their own items. Each of them pulled out the money they had and agreed to give Alden the bigger share. Together, they had five gold pieces to give and each had kept a silver piece. They had done this quickly and out of the view of Alden, but turned as soon as they were done. Each of them thanked the shopkeeper once more and made to leave.

Endymion let everyone go in front of him and as Alden turned his back, he placed the gold on the small table near the back and hurried out.

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The five boys were walking in the village square, each holding their new possession with a smile on their face. They had spent a considerable amount of time in the store and by the time they were back to the village the sun was already starting to set. As usual, the boys said their goodbye's and headed off towards their houses before night fell.

Endymion stared at his Rose the entire time, entranced by it. Until now, he had never noticed the small pull that roses had on him, but it was clear now that they did attract him. He let his feet carry him on the familiar path back to his house without really noticing.

Upon seeing his house, Endymion broke into a run and burst through the door in excitement. He yelled out for his mother to come see what he had bought that day but was surprised to find his mother was not alone.

Standing near the fire was a very tall man with silver hair, much like Kunzite's. He had a regal aura about him, as if he was royalty. What on earth would they be doing here?

Endymion's arm dropped to his side, the Rose temporarily forgotten. He looked questioningly from his mother, who looked quite distraught, to the man. It was a natural reaction for him to try and protect his mother so he stepped in without giving anyone time to speak. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The man chuckled slightly and Endymion glared at him for it. "I am called Artemis, young Master, and I am come from the Moon Kingdom bearing a request from the King and Queen."

This certainly surprised Endymion and it clearly showed. "A request?"

"Yes, they have been aware of your presence for a long while and have asked that you would come join them in the Moon Kingdom to become a knight." He stated simply.

The whole thing was quite unceremonious, but there was no real way to do this, for it had never been done before. It took a moment for Artemis' words to actually sink in and Endymion was at a loss for words. He simply looked shocked. He opened his mouth several times to speak and finally squeaked, "They...know of me?" That just seemed strange that someone so far away as the Moon Kingdom would single out a small villager. Why hadn't they just found a boy on the Moon where it was closer.

"Why?" Endymion blurted out before Artemis could answer his previous question.

It was Artemis' turn to look surprised. He had expected this young one to jump at the chances to be a knight, it was every boys dream, but somehow this small boy had discovered the strangeness of the situation. Artemis himself did not know the entire truth of the matter so could not really say why, he had only been sent to fetch this boy.

Artemis recovered quickly and replied in the same calm voice as before, "The is for you to discuss with the King and Queen. I've only come to bring you back, so what say you Endymion? Do you wish to become a knight for the Moon Kingdom?"

Endymion looked at the man suspiciously, what was going on here? He looked at his mother who nodded her assent. So his mother thought he should go with this man. Artemis suddenly pulled out a scroll and handed it to Endymion.

"This is the official request from the King and Queen, so you know I speak the truth." Artemis stated.

Endymion took it and read it, it said all that Artemis had just told him but had an official looking seal and signatures at the bottom. This was all too strange. Of course he wanted to be a knight just like all the other boys, but he had grown out of that fancy long ago. Now here he was, being offered the chance.

Although Endymion was still rather suspicious, his childish thoughts took control. "I'll go," Artemis smiled, "But only if I can bring my friends." Artemis frowned.

---

A harassed and tired looking Artemis entered Endymion's house early the next morning followed by four very excited boys. It had taken most of the night to contact the King and Queen and get their consent on the situation. Artemis himself couldn't believe they had agreed to the terms. Now there would be five village boys with no previous training running around the Palace. For the thousandth time Artemis wondered what was going on.

Endymion was already awake, but was startled when Artemis entered his house, without knocking, followed by Kunzite, Nephrite, Jadeite, and Zoisite. He jumped up as if he had burned his bottom.

"What are you doing here?" Endymion exclaimed.

Artemis raised a tired eyebrow and replied, "I've come to get you of course."

"We're leaving so soon...I thought it would be longer." Endymion wilted during his comment. He didn't want to leave so soon, he wouldn't have a chance to say goodbye to anyone. His mother...

His mother... How could he just leave her? Endymion turned and found his mother standing behind him. She dropped to her knees and gave he son a hug. A tear was running down her cheek and suddenly Endymion felt guilty. He couldn't leave her alone... The other boys had brothers and sisters, they would surely be missed, but their parents had other children. His mother had nobody.

Endymion whispered to his mother so nobody could hear, "I can't leave you alone mother..."

"You have to...your place is elsewhere." His mother replied softly, "You will understand one day..."

Endymion had no idea what to say to that. What would he understand? This was all getting too strange. Something suddenly came over him and he nodded gravely to his mother and gave her a swift hug before turning to Artemis. His mother let out a sob behind him but he did not feel as bad about it as he thought he would. What was wrong with him?

Endymion now looked determined. His mother wanted him to go. What did she know that he didn't, this was what he needed to find out, and he would. It was his new goal and he was determined.

"I have everything I need with me. I'm ready." Unlike the other boys, Endymion had a serious look on his face while the others just looked ecstatic. He had his Rose in his belt and the silver piece in the small pouch at his side as always. All the other clothing he owned was just rags. If need be, he could wear this outfit until he could buy another.

Artemis nodded and turned, heading out the door with only a nod to Endymion's mother. He was eager to leave here and be back on the Moon Kingdom.

Endymion didn't even look back, he did not want to see the sorrow in his mothers eyes, he was afraid seeing it would make him turn back. Surprisingly, it was easier to leave than he thought. His determination pushed away the sadness of leaving and for the first time since that first night he felt it, he thought he was a little closer to completing that half a puzzle.

---

After about fifteen minutes of walking, Jadeite was the first to speak to Artemis. "How exactly are we going to be getting to the Moon Kingdom?"

"Since I don't have enough power to teleport the five of you as well as myself, we will be taking a transport provided by Queen Gaia." Artemis stated.

The five of them looked awed. They would get to see the Queen of Earth, something they never thought would happen. This was all happening so fast, they were all sucked into this strange life in a matter of seconds.

Artemis stopped at the outskirts of the village as if waiting for something. A carriage appeared before long and the group stepped inside awaiting their destination.

The boys had never been in something so nice before. There were cushions on the seat to make it more enjoyable and a soft breeze rustled the curtains over the windows. The benches were made of a dark ebony wood that gave a rich feeling to the carriage. It was roomy enough to fit the six of them comfortably. The door of the carriage had a golden leaf pattern over the sides and corners. To Endymion's delight, the carriage had a faint scent of roses to it that topped it all off.

The journey in the carriage was quite short and they had to leave it's comforts only to find themselves in the shadow of the White Castle. And there to meet them as they emerged from the carriage was the Queen herself.

Gaia had to restrain herself from doing the many things she wished to do just then such as rush and hug her son or cry right there on the spot. Somehow she managed to control herself, but with extreme difficulty. They couldn't tell Endymion his true heritage yet. It would be too much for his mind to handle, leaving his home was enough for now. All Gaia did was just smile warmly at her son.

The Queen was beautiful with her brown hair up in a complicated knot. Her eyes were just like Endymion's only a shade lighter. She turned and led them into the large oaken doors of a building just to the left of the Castle.

It was a beautifully decorated room, but considerably empty. At the center was a platform that could easily fit fifteen people. The boys had no idea what it was. Gaia stopped at the entrance, far from the platform while Artemis continued up onto the platform with the boys.

"This is a transport." Artemis said dully. He then turned to the Queen and bowed. "Thank you Queen Gaia for permitting us use of your transport."

Gaia barely heard, she continued to stare at Endymion who was oblivious. "Your welcome Sir Artemis. Please send my thanks and well wishes to Queen Selenity."

Artemis thought it an odd request but nodded his assent anyway. The five boys bowed to the Queen clumsily, never having done it before and then looked around curiously, waiting for something to happen. In the corner of the room stood a man, entering things into what looked to be a small screen. Every few minutes he would stop and shout out comments to Artemis.

"Coordinates placed!"..."Powering up!"..."Transporter ready!"..."Transport commencing!"

A large dome engulfed the group on the platform, separating them, though it was transparent. Without warning, the groung lurched and the Earth was zooming away beneath them. It was the strangest feeling the five boys had ever felt. All around them was blackness while in the distance they could still see the stars. The Earth was a little larger than a hand by now and zooming away quickly while the silver moon sparkled ever closer.

Endymion felt like he was flying, it was a fantastic feeling zooming through this empty space. He couldn't help but smile, he only wished he could feel the wind in his hair as he zoomed through the night.

"It will be roughly three hours before we reach our destination transport so you may wish to make yourselves comfortable." With that Artemis sat down along with everyone but Endymion. He continued standing for a long while yet, still awed by the feeling he had.

And yet again, that feeling of coming closer to completing the puzzle engulfed him and he felt a feeling of oncoming excitement fill him. He had no idea what was in store for him when he arrived on the Moon Kingdom. He only hoped to get some answers to his questions. Until then, he would not truly be set on becoming a knight no matter what the others thought.

That was Endymion's last thought before sleep overtook him in the blankness of space and he lay next to the others.

---

Wow...I'm soooooooo sorry that this chapter took so long to get out. You have no idea. So here's my excuses though. I've had soccer practice, dance lessons, and family visiting. And then...to top it all off, I lost my notes for the fic. That was painful for it took all of two days just to find them again so I could continue. And then it took me forever to figure out...well, I won't say, but it took a long time and I couldn't continue till I figured it out. So anywho, I hope you all liked the chapter and thank you much to all my reviewers! You have no idea (well maybe you do) how good it feels to see that people take the time to talk to you about your work. :3

cutekitten - I'm glad you like mah story! I do too, lol. And yeah, I liked the new Harry Potter book. I loved it because it's HP, but at the same time hated it because its was so sad and horrible...I seriously cried... :(

ffgirlmoonie - Sorry you had to wait so long for the next chapter... :begs forgiveness:

PaulitaDani - You have no idea how much your review meant to me. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I really hope you like this chapter as well:3 I'm rereading the HP book now because I forgot a bunch of stuff when...it happened. It just wiped my mind blank of everything else, lol.

Starlit Warrior - Well what can I say? Lol, I plan on making this story with very hightened emotions. So plan on being very sad or happy or...maybe angry too, lol. Hope you like the chapter:3

moongirl58s - Im sorry...but your review confuzzled me...lol. It's a Serenity/Endymion story...no Darien...Darien is the reincarnation of Endymion. :nodnod: Anywho, I hope you like my story so far:3

Ok, so...I promise nothing! But I will really try harder to get the next chapters out sooner. :3