On The Verge of Something great

The early morning sun shone brightly of the high towers of the Golden Castle. The melodious sound of birds greeting the day was heard about the gardens, as well as the sound of a gentle breeze rustling tree leaves. A young man currently resting on a stone bench, beneath said tree, was trying to sleep off a night of unhealthy drinking, when suddenly he was awoken by the sound of a high pitched yell. Startled, but curious, the man made his way to the scene to observe.

"Helena, it is my turn to clean the eastern veranda! Remember we made a deal! I would get to clean the veranda, if I let you take tea to the prince!" said the flustered maid to her workmate as she angrily laid her broom and bucket on the stone floor. She was not about to get cheated of her most anticipated event this morning!

"But Laurel, I told you the prince wasn't in his room when I took the tea! He left! So it doesn't count!" argued the other maid, as she turned to continue her sweeping. Hoping her irritated co-worker would just go away, she decided to ignore her and continue her chore of sweeping and scrubbing the stone floors. Little did she know that Laurel was determined to have her way. Nothing was going to stop her plans on spying during the prince's notorious shirtless morning sword practice. So it was with an evil intent that Laurel raised her bucket filled with water and was about to spill it on the offending maid when a voice behind her, had her lowering the bucket instantly.

"Now now dear, I understand that it is truly a spectacle to see our dear prince during his morning exercise, but I regret to inform you that he has already left for the day. Now if I may interest you in watching my sword practice, you can catch a magnificent view from the library balcony, oh say around 4pm? If you like what you see, then maybe you could join me at a later time for some other forms of exercise we could both partake of?"

Turning Around the maid met the pleased gaze of a handsome, blond, blue eyed general. The young woman quickly become red faced with embarrassment, but before the young girl could even pronounce a reply, she was dismissed with a kind smile by another male that was approaching from behind the one that had currently made the indecent proposal. This one, while just as handsome, had long wavy brown hair, and was clearly distinguishable by his mature, more composed manner. Placing his hand on the blond man's shoulder, the newcomer made his presence known, causing the blond man to turn around.

"Oh it's you Nephrite! You know, there are two of them, we both could have had a good time, but with that face of yours, I can now see why the poor girl left. You frightened her off!"

"Jadeite! It's you who scared her off with your brash ways! How many times do we have to tell you to behave! I swear, we can't keep babying you just because you're the newest general. There are rules you have to live by! These include carrying yourself in a respectful manner! You can't keep harassing the maids! Pretty soon you will earn yourself a reputation, and sadly, not one that merits your skills with the sword, but with your night time activity's, as the lover boy of the castle! Where have you been! I have been looking for you all morning!"

Taking the time to actually look at Jadeite, Nephrite realized that he would rather not know. The rumpled material of his gray military coat and slacks, the formal wear, that was worn when visiting the castle, where enough to tell him he had spent the night out of his room. Shaking his head, he looked at Jadeite and said, "never mind, I can clearly see you had yourself an active night. Now hurry, Kunzite has called a meeting with us this morning, and I sincerely hope you manage to keep your hangover in control enough to participate constructively."

With that both generals started walking down the veranda steps to the palace grounds. Once they were out of hearing range, along the secluded trail that lead to the army barracks, where the meeting would be held, Nephrite spoke. "Kunzite isn't happy with the king's sudden interest in Endymion. Especially since Endymion has started to have these secret outing's with his father."

Jadeite nodded before stating, "I understand Kunzite, it's not normal for Endymion to keep secrets from us, especially from him. They have always been real close. I too find it suspicious that after years of pushing Endymion away, that now, when he is a grown man of twenty, the king decides to spend time with him."

"That's more along the lines of what Zoisite said. Kunzite wants us to discuss the possible reasons the king may be acting in this manner." Explained Nephrite, as he came to a sudden stop and then knocked on the large iron gates that served as the barrier between the castle grounds and the army's quarters. A soldier quickly made his was over and after giving the soldier a quick glance, the gates where opened.

The pair made their way over to the headquarters, a modest sized building to the north of the grounds. There the four generals, tasked with protecting the earth from the four corners, met. Kunzite controlled the Northern lands, while Zoisite the South, Nephrite the West and Jadeite the East. Quarterly they where called to the castle to report to the prince the goings and comings of the four regions. It was only recently that they had been appointed to look after these areas, as their previous assignment had been guarding the prince. Unhappy with their new assignments the generals had complained to the prince, but had been shocked to hear that it was he who had given the orders. Such was his trust in them that he wanted them to have a share in his governance. It was with pleasure that they usually met in this building, but this meeting was of a different nature.

Once inside, Nephrite knocked once before opening the door and entering with Jadeite right behind. At the round table, which served as their meeting spot, sat Kunzite and Zoisite across from each other. A smile rose to Nephrite lips as he remembered how the table came to get that name. It was dubbed as such by Endymion, who, after reading stories about a king who used one in order to show his knights that they stood on equal ground, decided that he too liked the concept and would implement one with his men. It was for reasons like that, that his generals where fiercely loyal to him.

Having taken a seat, all eyes then turned to Kunzite, who was staring quietly into his tea cup, obviously in a pensive mood given the cause of the meeting. Then with a long sigh, looking up from his cup, Kunzite spoke.

"I assume you all have been informed of the reason for this meeting. It is not news that the king has always been very aloof with his son. It's even been the cause of some ridiculous rumors, claiming that the prince is not his legitimate heir. If it wasn't for the people's honest love for Endymion, I don't know how damaging those rumors could have been to his right to the throne. But as luck would have it, Endymion has inherited his mother's charisma, and people can't help but love him."

Standing up he walked up to the wall and leaned on it, facing the generals he continued voicing his thoughts.

"Even I, who came into his service when he was 10, have come to see his way with people, that no matter what station in life, he can connect with them in ways no other nobles can. I remember feeling angered that I was chosen to babysit a noble brat, who I supposed, would use me as a human shield and hide with cowardice as I had seen many a noble do. Surprised was I to see a young lad whose first request was for me to train him with the sword, that he may honor his people by leading the army, not hiding behind it! Gladly he took the first harsh lessons that I gave him, trying to put his resolve to the test. When he said "when do we practice again?" I knew that I would not break his resolve, not once had he complained!" Since then he has surpassed my skills and is unmatched in the battlefield. Thanks to his efforts in keeping the earth united, all small rebellions have remained just that, rebellions. Everything that he has done has been to please his father, who never acknowledged him once. Which leads me to wonder why now, after so many years, his father who practically left him in my care to raise, wants to have these secret meetings with him!"

Zoisite, who this whole time was listening intently as he stared at his hands, looked up and softly said "I don't think his intent is to harm him, if that's what's worrying you." Kunzite looked to him, egging him on with his eyes. "I mean to say, that If his intentions where sinister in any way, Endymion is cunning enough to detect them. He would not agree to anything that would endanger this kingdom. What's more, he is probably using these meeting's as a way to push his agenda on his father. For years Endymion has tried to get his father to lift the restrictions on communications, and attempt to see if other planets have any life on them. I mean, we can't be the only ones here in this universe, the scientific possibilities are boundless"

"Says the, oh so intellectual one" a grinning Jadeite quipped.

"Well, Jadeite, I'll have you know that on the nights I meditate, the stars often happen to answer me, don't ask me how, I have just always had a special connection with them. So I don't find his or Endymion's ideas too farfetched" Added nephrite, giving Zoisite a nod of approval.

All eyes then turned to Kunzite who had cleared his throat to gain attention. Walking back to the table he planted his hands firmly on it, and then continued.

"Well as much as I think the idea of there being people on other planets, as ridiculous as fighting a war with twigs, I hope that your assessment of the situation is right Zoisite. Let him have ulterior motives for connecting with his father. Yet, my concern is that Endymion is letting himself be blinded by his need to have his father recognize him. That has been his weakness after all. You may not remember it, since you and Nephrite were assigned to the prince's guard when he took control of the army at 17, but I cannot forget the young child coming to the throne room excited to tell his father that he had started and excelled in his first lessons with the sword. Imagine his shock to have his father coldly tell him to come back when he has led armies into victory, that then, he would be inclined to hear his stories. The look in the prince's eyes was one that I could not forget. Since then, I vowed to not just protect him, but heal that boy's broken heart by providing him a figure to confide in."

"And now it bothers you that he hasn't told you the nature of his outings with his father, right?" questioned Nephrite. "Well even though we have not been around the prince's life as long as you, we too care for him, but I trust my prince's judgment. I know he will come to the correct decision. Let us just wait for him to confide in us, I believe he eventually will, that's what the stars told me last night as I was meditating"

"Have they told you what sort of girl I will marry? That way, I may turn in the opposite direction, and run as far away as possible! Interjected Jadeite, breaking the serious atmosphere that Nephrites words had created.

Bringing his hands to his face to massage his temples, Nephrite unwillingly responded. "Well to answer you Jadeite, no, but for her sake, I hope she has the nerve to put up with a man like you!"

"Here here!" answered Zoisite in a cheery mood.

"Maybe you should ask your precious stars where the woman who will capture our ice cold captain's heart is. Any longer and he will stay a confirmed bachelor all his life! How old are you now? 30? If you don't hurry, even your good looks wont save you!" taunted Jadeite.

With an irritated face, Kunzite looked his teasing companion in the eye and said "I'm 27, and I'll have you know, that women prefer a real man to a boy of 19. I have no problems in that department my friend. You on the other hand, have already chased off half the castle's ladies, pretty soon and you won't have anyone on this earth taking you seriously!"

"I could say the same for you! Let's hope Endymion and Zoisite are right, and there is life outside of earth, because I can't see any earthen women putting up with that permanent scowl of yours! If you're lucky you won't have to search far and find one on Venus!" growled Jadeite, apparently hurt by the truth in Kunzites words. Just before Kunzite could retort with another offending comment, Nephrite, the peacekeeper of the group, spoke. "Gentlemen, let's get back to the focus of our meeting. As much as I would like to answer all love related questions, my appetite needs to be attended too."

With that, the princes first in command, took hold of the conversation. "Well then, all is settled, we will wait a little longer for the prince to let us in on his secret rendezvous with his father. If the matter continues and we have legitimate concern for the prince's safety, then we may have to inform Queen Gaia, she will know what to do. She has always expected us to be the eyes and ears to her son's life. She has always put the prince's interest in first place. Well then, we will meet at a later time. You may leave." With that the meeting concluded.

The four generals dispersed to different agendas. Kunzite to make rounds on the soldiers training. Zoisite to the library to research methods of expanding communications from earth to points outside of the atmosphere. Jadeite to see if there were any new maids to tease. Leaving Nephrite to make his way over to the dining hall, maybe he could manage to order brunch from the cooks, as he had missed breakfast looking for Jadeite.

Endymion rode quietly behind his father, as they made their way through the lush forest that surrounded the eastern side of the castle. He was silently pondering why his father had been trying to spend more time with him as of late.

Not that he had really spent quality time.

At first he had asked him to go hunting with him, that he may show him his expertise on the matter. He had gladly accepted, hoping to spend some much needed time getting to know his father, who, had become a stranger from the man he vaguely remembered as a small child. That dream was sorely crushed when the hunting trip turned out to be no more than his father watching from a distance, as he was ordered to go hunt on his own.

The following request felt more promising, as he had asked him to allow him to see what plans he had for the army. He had waited patiently in his office with maps and diagrams to show, when his father's advisor, Ansel, came in his place, stating that the king was too busy, and he may report the information to him instead.

The next request of meeting in the library, to discuss his knowledge of science and technology, did not disappoint, as he was already expecting to see Ansel in place of his father. While the conversation with Ansel proved interesting, it did little to abate the anger and hurt that was growing within him. For try as he might he could not understand why his father, if he dared call himself such, avoided his presence like a plague.

Once he remembered asking his mother if the rumors where true, if he was indeed an adopted child, or worse yet, a bastard child. His sweet dear mother just took him in her arms, and assured him that his father loved him and had high hopes for him. That he just didn't want to distract him from becoming a great king. How he wished the words where true! For deep in his memories, he could almost remember a time when his father had played with him as a child and held him in his arms. But that ended right after another of his childhood memories.

He vaguely remembered visiting a white castle that appeared to glow, and being present at a grand ball, where he was held up lovingly by his father to peer over a crib that contained a sleeping child with porcelain skin that appeared to glow, and beautiful silver hair. Just when he was about to be put back down, the child opened her eyes, and he never could forget those crystalline blue eyes that looked at him with wonder, it felt as if his heart had palpated with energy! It was after that dreamlike event that he remembered his father as he was now. A cold man. He brought it up to his mother once, the queen had laughed it off and quickly told him that it must have been a dream. He believed it too, for maybe not just that white castle, but his father's loving ways were a dream as well.

So here he was now, surprised by the fact that this time, the king, who had requested they go riding together, had actually shown up. Not just that, but the fact that they were alone, no company came with them. It was a trip that only father and son could make, he was told. His thoughts were interrupted by his father's command to stop. When he looked up, he saw the familiar building of the family prayer chapel. The one that the first king of the Golden Kingdom had built in that part of the forest. It was a tradition to go and pray in that chapel on the 1st day of the new year to receive the blessing of the gods.

Today was not the first of the year.

Endymion was about to ask what the purpose of their trip to the chapel was, when his father answered for him. "We are not here to pray, but to meet someone." With that the king turned to his son and smiled. Endymion grew scared, this was not a natural response from his father.

Just as he was about to put his hand on his sword, his father called "do not fret boy, if I had planned to kill you, I would have done so long ago. I am just glad that you have proven yourself a worthy child, and can now claim what every king has attempted to, but failed. I have been waiting for this day ever since you were born! Now come, we must be quick, I do not want our presence missed back at the castle." With that he got of his horse and entered the chapel. Endymion stayed on his horse a second longer before he decided to follow.

Nothing out of the ordinary stood out from the building. It was just as he remembered it. The circular alter, which was in the center of the room, was laden in gold with the crest of the royal family engraved on the base. The stained glass windows depicted the earth in its four seasons. The pews made of mahogany and engraved with roses where arranged as usual in a circular pattern around the alter. The beautiful domed glass ceiling that allowed natural light in was as pristine as usual. Endymion had to wonder who took care of this place, as they did an excellent job. Just as he was finished staring at the ceiling he noticed the presence of a boy who looked no older than fourteen. He looked angelic himself, with his white hair and sky blue eyes, his white robe of sorts also added to the illusion.

Before he could ask, the child spoke.

"My name is Helios, and I am guardian of the temple, it is a pleasure to meet you Endymion. I have heard great things about you from your father. He has been telling me of your progress since you were but a child."

Endymion could only stare at the boy, he could not have heard right, had he? For how could such a young child, who wasn't around when he was born, state he knew him since he was a child? Mathematically that was not possible, and to hear that his father did care for his accomplishments was indeed a shock.

"Now come, we must visit your sacred grounds, and introduce you to your most precious means of protecting this planet. Come, take my hand, you have much to see."

With that Endymion did as he was told, and took the boy's hand.

Luna could not believe her horrible luck! Right when the princess was supposed to give a speech of gratitude to her guests, she goes missing! Who would be the one to inform her, but no other, than her tormentor these past sixteen years at the castle! With that all too calm face, that hid a tinge of amusement, Artemis had informed her that the princess was not in her chambers, and had left her a note. Luna snatched the note from his hands, only to read that her liege had gone to the gardens to 'relax'. Which usually meant she would probably find her asleep on her favorite bench beside the marble fountain of roses.

How Serenity loved that fountain! It was shaped to resemble rose bushes, a flower foreign to lunarians, as it had stopped being imported from earth years ago, of course the princess did not know that, she was told it had gone extinct. So when the last batch died off, shortly after the princesses 1st birthday, they were never replaced. Yet, somehow the princess had an attachment to them, which could have stemmed from her mother hanging the flowers on her crib during her first months of life. The princess always said that just looking at the fountain gave her a sense of calm. So it was no surprise to find her there, sitting on the bench, looking as angelic as usual, with her long glowing silver hair, and her alabaster skin. She had her gown bunched up around her as she sat looking up into the sky, with her legs tucked under her. When she heard Luna's footsteps she quickly turned and her serene face slowly changed into one of horror.

"I missed the speech didn't I?" she gasped. "Oh Luna! I'm so sorry! I just meant to come look at the stars and relax, I must have lost track of time!"

"Do not worry, trusty Luna has bought us some time, I just rearranged the schedule, but we mustn't waist any more time! Come lets go, we must straighten out your dress, you have the whole kingdom waiting for your speech!"

"Oh Luna, thank you so much! I'm totally lost without you! Whatever shall I do when you marry? I have the girls, and of course mother, but you have always been my closest companion!"

"Do not say such silly things! Luna will always be by your side, no man will change that!"

"Artemis better not!" The princess laughed out and started on a run, knowing full well the reaction she was sure to garner.

Luna could only stare after her mistress as she ran toward the palace. If only she knew how right she was, for the longest time, Luna held more than annoyance toward the military general, she had come to realize that she also held strong feelings for him. Sixteen years of working in close proximity had allotted her the ability to recognize that there was no other man quite as desirable as he. "Oh Serenity, I wish he would be that man" she whispered.

"All you have to do is ask" was the reply she heard behind her.

Slowly she turned, and came face to face with a pair of mesmerizing green eyes. Of course, everything about him was mesmerizing. From his stunning white hair, that was currently swaying with the wind, to his well proportioned body, that was neither too large, as she had seen some warriors appear, or too thin. He reminded Luna of a jungle cat, the way he studied everyone and moved with the grace of one. Suddenly she was very aware of herself and how she must appear, with her hair out of place after the run she went into looking for the princess. She could only hope her golden dress looked presentable, as he seemed to just stare in silence at her. Luna stood stalk still as he reached up and gently placed a wisp of black silky hair behind her ear, letting his hand rest on her cheek. Looking intently at her, he held her gaze with eyes that spoke volumes of his feeling for her. Luna felt the heat in her cheeks and gulped lightly before unknowingly parting her pink lips slightly. Artemis quickly took note, and glanced at them as he started to slowly lean his head in. Luna closed her eyes as her heart fluttered ready to relish in, what she had dreamed about for the longest time.

She could feel the heat of his breath on her lips when suddenly a loud applause from the ballroom, broke the tiny spell that had formed. Flushing profusely, Artemis quickly took a step back and stated "I believe your liege has left you long behind, please allow me to escort you back to her quarters." With that he held out his hand and waited for Luna. She slowly placed her hand in his, after which he slowly wrapped it around his arm and started leading them back. Luna could only follow mutely as he led the way.

Serenity could only giggle lightly as she watched Luna and Artemis pass by, entering the ballroom via the outdoor balcony. She remained hidden behind the doors for a second more, deciding it best not to scare Luna a second time by not finding her inside. So with a sigh, she made her way into the palace, making sure to take the secret route, so no one would stop her along the way.

As she sat in the meeting room, she could not help but be glad that she was helping move along the love/hate relationship her tutor held with the military general. They were both too stubborn for their own good, and would never admit to each other's feelings. That's why she decided to play cupid. She slowly sat up and made her way over to the mirror looking herself over. In a moment's time she would be giving her speech of gratitude to the guests, and starting off the celebrations. But that wasn't what held her attention. She could not help but remember her thoughts as she sat by the rose fountain. The ideas she had been forming in her mind that would not let her be. How she wished her mother would allow for space exploration! She positively knew there had to be life out there on some other planets. With as much power as the moon held, it could not just limit itself to securing its safety, surely there must be others out there it could benefit. She would bring up the issue to her mother later that night. Maybe, for her birthday present, she would allow her the joy of funding experimental missions! She so enjoyed looking out into the stars and imagining the countless beauty that might be out there! Maybe she would find people on Earth? That planet was her favorite, with its beautiful sapphire blue color. That would be the first place she would head! She was sure the girls would agree if she where to tell them! Right then she made up her mind. She would let the queen know of her secret fantasies. With that, a knock at the door was heard. "Oh my! That's probably Luna! I'm sure I'm in for a scolding!" where the princesses last thought's as she opened the door.

Authors note:

Hi guys, just wanted to say thanks to those who reviewed. This is my first work, so any encouragement is greatly appreciated! Just hold on a little more, Serenity and Endymion will eventually meet. Questions will be answered more thoroughly in the story. Also if I have any grammatical errors, which are jarringly obvious please let me know so that I may fix them.

Thanks!