One Step Closer
The warmth of the mid-day sun warmed the princess's cheeks and the brightness the sun generated greeted the princess as she opened her eyes. The sound of stomping boots could be heard nearby, as well as the sound of voices shouting. Realizing she was hidden from view, nestled among some bushes to the side of the rose fountain, Serenity decided to sit up and see what all the noise was about. Lifting herself off the ground, she walked onto the stone path heading towards the palace, when the sound of Luna's voice made her turn.
"She has to be here! There isn't any other place she could have gone! Search the gardens once more, you must have missed her!" Commanded Luna to a group of soldiers in a high pitched voice.
Judging by her attire, she had been pulled out of bed in an urgent situation. Her hair was loose and swaying with the light breeze. Her long night shift peeking through the bottom of a large mans robe, that was wrapped loosely around her. The pink of her cheeks, and her ragged breathing, alerted the princess that this must indeed be an emergency. Deciding it best to make herself known, she stepped forward and walked towards the crowd.
"What is the matter Luna? Who must be found?" Asked the princess in worry as she made her way to comfort her most closest companion.
Yet, before she could move any further, the sound of Luna's startled sob, made her stop in her tracks. The look of utter relief, followed by tears of joy puzzled the princess. What had happened while she slept?
That's when the panic set in. Memories from the previous night flooded the princess's mind. Had they known of her unintended escapade? Had they sent people looking for her there, that unknown planet she had visited? What of her prince? Would they harm him if they found him? Oh she couldn't, wouldn't allow that!
Before her mind could process any further thoughts, she felt the tight embrace from Luna, who had run to her as soon as she had gathered her thoughts together.
Hugging her back, she felt wetness on her shoulder, most likely from Luna's tears.
"Don't ever do that again!" Said Luna as she held on to her even tighter.
Deciding it best to act as if she knew nothing Serenity asked, "Do what? What has happened?"
Detaching herself from Serenity, Luna wiped the tears from her eyes, and started explaining.
" We have been looking for you since before dawn! Your mother awoke in the middle of the night to the crystal pulsing strongly, and thought it was strange. She went to the tower to pray and investigate. When she didn't find any anomalies, she decided to look for you on her way back to her rooms. That's when she discovered you missing. The palace went into a frenzy looking for you! Your presence could not be detected by your mother, it was as if you were not on the moon! She is in a meeting with your princess guardians, and sent me to lead the search. Where have you been darling!"
Serenity was shocked to hear, that her presence could not be detected. She thought her bonding to the crystal, allowed for her mother, the primary user, to detect her presence wherever. This was a new development, and a relief to know that no one new of her adventure. Quickly she decided she would omit that part of her evening.
"I must have fallen asleep on my bench when I came out last night and rolled off. I woke up in the bushes this morning." Answered Serenity, as she picked some leafs off her cloak.
Satisfied with her answer, Luna was about to speak, when her cheeks blushed, as she laid eyes on the figure of her husband, making his way over to the crowd looking devastatingly handsome in his white long sleeved shirt with a few open buttons. It looked as if he had also had a restless night looking for the princess. His hair was loose in its usual way, but his chin was unshaven, giving him a very masculine appearance that morning. Standing beside his wife, he spoke to the princess.
"I am glad to see you are well and unharmed! The Queen will definitely be pleased. She has been trying to keep a calm facade, but is starting to tire. Come we must make your presence known to her, lest she become sick from her worries. "
With that Artemis lead the way back to the castle, with Luna by his side, as he supported her tired frame, with a strong arm wrapped securely round her waist. She leaned into him, content to have such a strong man to rely on during trying times.
The last couple of hours had been hell for Luna! She could not imagine what she would have done with herself had harm come to the princess! As it was, she was beginning to have doubts about taking the month off to visit Mau with Artemis. Her honeymoon could wait, if it ment keeping Serenity safe. She knew Artemis would agree with her. She would speak with the queen and offer up her services. Those were her thoughts as they made their way to the palace.
After a teary reunion in the throne room, the four guardian princesses as well as Luna and Artemis had a meeting with her majesty. After all was said and done, Queen Serenity, while visibly shaken by the ordeal, had stated that plans need not change. Artemis and Luna would continue on their trip to Mau, and the princesses would resume their responsibilities to their thrones back on their planets. Even after protests from those present, the Queen assured them that all was fine, it had all been an overreaction. Once all parties appeared relaxed, they were dismissed, and goodbyes given, as the teleport chambers where scheduled to start sending off guests shortly. Luna and Artemis were the last to leave, as they were scheduled to board a ship. Mau being such a small planet, was not equipped with teleports, and could only be accessed via spaceship. The voyage would take a week, and great care was taken to ensure the general and his wife would want for nothing on their first voyage together.
Serenity smiled to herself as she saw the retreating backs of her closest friends leaving the room. Now she would face her mother alone. She hoped she could keep her secret to herself. She had never hidden anything from her mother, and it burdened her to do so. But this was not the time to tell her of the previous nights actions. In her state. She might decide to Isolate her once more! After all she had seen in the previous year, she could not live in such a way! As she made her way to the throne, she was shocked to the bone at what her eyes held before her! The strongest person in the universe, who moments before had held herself so securely, was now a wreckage in tears. Sobbing for only her daughter to see. Running to her mother she flung her arms around her to comfort her.
After what seemed like hours, the Queen finally spoke.
"I have never known what it was not to feel you. Ever since you were born, and bonded with the crystal, I have always felt your presence via our link. Last night was the first time I could not feel you when searching for you. I was mortified! To me it was as if you had died! I feared those words had come true Serenity! After years of evading that witches curse, I thought it had caught up with us!"
The princess was astounded at what her mother had just uttered. What witch? What curse? Parting from her mother's embrace, Serenity looked her in the eyes urging her to clarify with her look.
"At your presentation. Your aunt, Nehelenia, she was the one that cursed you. I forbade anyone in the palace from bringing up those words. I didn't want you to grow up in fear, and now I have ruined that with my carelessness!" The Queen could only cry in guilt for having revealed to the princess what she swore never to tell. Placing her head in her hands, she let the tears continue to fall.
Taking her hands, and forcing her mother to look at her Serenity responded with a calm yet firm voice.
"Mother, listen to me, and listen to me well. My life is not bound by another's desire. It is decided by my actions, and my actions alone! I will not have my life dictated to me by what others deem is safe for me! I am a grown woman. I can fend for myself. I thank you for your great care in ensuring my safety, but I beg of you mother, trust me. Allow me to be responsible for myself now. Is not that part of growing up? Becoming an adult. Promise me, mother. Promise me that whatever comes our way, you will allow me to have a decision as well. No more white lies for my sake. Let us face the obstacles together in honesty."
Queen Serenity looked her daughter in the eyes and gave her the biggest smile she could muster. She was so proud of her daughter! She had surprised her once more by how level headed she had taken the news. Truly a child such as she, was going to make for an incredible ruler when her time came. Nodding her head in agreement to her daughter's request, the Queen, wiped the tears from her eyes and stood tall. Waiting for Serenity to follow suit, she decided to she would let her in on the last secret she was to tell. Nodding for her to follow, she started walking down the path to time itself.
"Serenity, there was one princess you did not get the chance to meet, remember?"
Asked Queen Serenity as they made their way down a secret passage the princess had never seen. The hallway was dim and fog seemed to be gathering around. Serenity could feel a chill enter her spine. Where were they?
"Yes, that was Princess Setsuna of Pluto. She is on an assignment, deep in space, is she not?" Replied Serenity, as she rubbed her arms to try to produce some heat.
Coming to an abrupt stop before large dark ornate doors, the queen decided to key the princess in on who they where visiting.
"My dear, Pluto has not been seen by anyone in the last millennia, she has served me since my childhood. You see, the princesses of Pluto are charged with a very special assignment. They guard time, and watch the time door. They are not relieved of their duty till father time decides to give the post to a new princess every couple of thousand years. Come, let's meet her."
Serenity could only stare in shock at the door before her, as she tried to process all the information. A guardian that controlled time? How powerful her guardian princesses were! She had been very impressed with Lita's control of lightening, and Rei's control of fire. Ami's ability to control water was also something to marvel at. Mina's ability to send shock waves of love was something that she didn't think possible. But for someone to control time? That was unheard of!
With a flip of the Queen's hand, the heavy door opened itself. There waiting for them, was Pluto, with that all knowing look in her eyes.
"I see you have decided to take this path my Queen. I commend you, for your decision. For a moment there I was worried you would let fear override your logic again, despite being told otherwise." Spoke Pluto in a serious voice, as she made to bow before the Queen.
"A wise ruler will learn from her mistakes and take chances to redeem themselves when offered. That is why I am here. Though I am sure I need not explain, as you already know."
Moving to the side, she allowed Pluto to see her guest, as she stared in shock at the guardian.
Serenity had never seen anyone with such beautiful eyes. Dark red in color; the color of blood. Her skin tone was a beautiful caramel color, not commonly seen in the alliance. She was a sight to behold, in her dark guardian uniform, similar to the others but different in its own way. She stood tall and intimidating, holding her long weapon that held a dark garnet orb on top. Serenity didn't have to wonder if it was lethal, as it emanated a strong power. Not noticing she was staring, she was brought back to reality, when her mother touched her arm to gather her attention.
"It is an honor to meet you, Princess of Pluto." Said Serenity as she curtsied before her. "I hope, that when the time comes for me to rule, you will be of much aid to me as you have been to mother."
"If you rule with wisdom and fearlessness, then I am sure, my assistance will be of minimal use to you. You see, Princess, I am only to be called on for matters of urgency that may affect the alliance. Otherwise, it is up to you to decide how to rule. I am merely an observer, who will interfere when I deem necessary. Keep as you are, and you will not here of me."
With that, Pluto made to turn, when Queen Serenity, grabbed hold of her arm to whisper a question to her ear.
"Have I done wrong, letting her know of you? I have not caused a problem have I?"
"Why do you ask if it is already done? Live with your decisions. Proceed with what you have planned. The timeline has already ventured off course. Our reality is one I have not seen. But do not lose hope, the end has not been established. All is still well for the alliance." Whispered Pluto to her majesty's ear.
Walking back into the swirling mist, Pluto disappeared.
Turning around to face her daughter the queen gently gathered her hands in hers, before placing them on her arm and walking away from the door.
"Mother, why does she carry so much sadness in her expression? She seems to be half dead, the way she walks around. Is she not happy with her assignment? What can we do for her?"
The Queen could only smile at the concern in her daughter's voice.
"Pluto is not miserable in her assignment, if that's what is worrying you. Her people are of a serious nature. They are not much for expressions, as I'm sure you noticed when visiting. She has seen many things that no one should have to behold, her burden of knowing all is hers alone to bear, but she does it willingly."
Nodding in understanding Serenity followed the queen back to the throne room. The Queen had one more surprise in mind for daughter.
Queen Gaia walked around her son's room pacing back and forth in frustration. It had been a week since he had been discovered passed out in the palace gardens by the gardeners. He had been rushed to his bedroom and examined by the castle doctor only to be told that he did not have any injuries or any illnesses that were notable. Helios had also been summoned to the castle to look over the prince in hopes of finding out what his mystery ailment was. The boy had turned to the queen and informed her that he could not sense anything wrong with her son. On the contrary, he said the crystal was pulsing with more energy than he had ever seen. That maybe his highness was resting as the crystal was absorbing all his energy in the process.
That was not what had bothered the queen though. The most curious thing had happened on the second night of his comatose state. The window drapes had been left open, and the moonlight happened to fall upon the prince. As the queen gazed at her son in the dark, thinking how the light might bother him, he started to say some words in a whisper. Leaning close to his lips, she swore she heard him say, "Serenity, I won't forget". That was the last time he had said anything.
The queen could only wonder how he came to know of that name, and who it was he had met. Yet for all the questions that burned in her mind, she would not get any answers as long as her son remained in the state he was in.
Another source of frustration, was her husband's lack of caring for their son. She had excused his previous acts of harshness, on him wanting to train their son to be strong. But lately, she had realized that his obsession with proving to the Alliance that they were fit to join was stronger than his love for his son. When informed of his current predicament, his only reply was, "If his body is not strong enough to handle something this small, then he is not strong enough to rule." Gaia, had just about wanted to slap her husband in the face for a remark such as that. She sometimes wondered if he would rather give the kingdom to Beryl, as he tended to favor her more than anyone recently. She did not worry in regards to his fidelity, as he had proved to be more interested in his armies than women. He might not be as affectionate as she wished, but he had always given her his loyalty, and for that she was thankful. It was just that recently, he had pinned all his hopes on improving earth via magic that he failed to see what his son had accomplished. She honestly hoped he would see the error of his ways, before his son decided to just give up on him.
Making to sit on the bed by her son, she gently threaded her hands through his raven locks. He was such a wonderful son. She knew he would overcome whatever was ailing him, and she would continue to support his ideas. Placing a kiss to his forehead, she sat up from the bed was about to walk away when his hand wrapped itself around her wrist. Turning quickly she saw as his eyes burst open with a golden light in them. The power released through his hand was enough to send her stumbling back. Luckily she caught herself on his dresser so she didn't fall to the ground.
Endymion was shocked at the power running through his veins. He could vaguely feel that his body was sore from lying down for an unknown amount of time, but that did not stop him from standing up steadily and approaching his mother. Taking her hands in his, he asked her, "What's the matter mother, why are you looking at me like that?"
Taking his mother's silence as his answer he looked in the mirror and was shocked at what he saw. His eyes where no longer that intense blue that took after his father, but a golden color overpowered them. He seemed to have a glow about him that gave him a halo effect. Yet, just as soon as it had started it faded, and all the power left Endymion, sending him straight to the floor. His mother rushed to his side instantly.
"Mother, how long was I doing that for?"
"It was just since you opened your eyes, are you alright? Do you remember what happened that night you were found passed out?"
It was then that Endymion remembered Serenity. Whispering her name to himself, he noticed his mother was looking for him in expectation.
"Mother, will you believe me if I told you that I think we were visited by others?"
"What do you mean others?" asked the Queen, trying to feign ignorance.
"I mean people from another world. I hope you do not think me crazy, but that night, I met the most mesmerizing woman I have ever laid eyes upon. She was so ethereal, I know she was not of earth."
"It appears my son has fallen in love! A feat I thought would never occur! But darling, she does not have to be out of this world for that to happen! Why would you think that?"
"Mother I am not jesting! Her beauty was not of this world! She had the longest tresses of silver hair I had ever beheld. Her skin was as white as snow and her eyes were crystal clear like the Elysion skies! But the reason I know she was from another realm, was the insignia on her forehead, it was shaped like a crescent moon! I have never seen anyone like that mother! Not on this earth! Do you believe me mother? Surely you must, for if you do not, no one will!"
The desperation in her son's voice was enough to convince the Queen that there was no harm in relieving his thoughts. He had already seen the high princess, of that she was sure now. How that came to be, she did not know, but she could not change what was already done. He would come to know the truth of the universe anyways, as arrangements had been made to have Earth send ambassadors to the moon, in one month's time. This time, she was sure the alliance was going to accept the Earth. After keeping silence for some time the Queen made her decision.
"You are not wrong my son."
Relief washed through the prince's face at his mother's words. Gently placing her hands on his cheek, she continued with her confession.
"Earth is not alone, it never has been. We are one of nine planets. Nine planets that have life on them. Not just that, but the person whom you have seen, is one of immense importance. I am sure the one you speak of is Princess to the strongest alliance in the universe. The Silver Alliance. But come my darling, you need to get back to bed. I will finish telling you more of this as soon as you have settled yourself down."
Following his mother's orders, Endymion sat up and made his way to the bed, he was sure he would need to be sitting up to hear the rest of what his mother had to say.
Endymion could not believe it! All this time, his theory's had been true! There was life outside of Earth! His mother had just left his side. She had let him in on the reasoning behind the monarchy's decision to withhold the truth from the common peoples. He wouldn't blame his ancestors. The idea of having an alliance of planets watching over the Earth, could make people paranoid. It was best to leave them in the dark for now. Arrangements would have to be made to introduce the notion to the Earthlings without causing too much of a commotion, if it could be done. For now he was glad to know that soon, his world would be able to partake in such knowledge and benefit from other technological resources. His generals would be informed first thing in the morning. The next item on his agenda for the morning was visiting Helios, that he may ask him questions regarding his increase in power and the gold cast that had covered his body earlier that evening. Something told him it was related to his meeting the Princess.
The thought of meeting her again, brought a boyish smile to his face. In all his adult life, he had never been entranced by a female before. Sure, he had had a fair share of beautiful women tempt him to consider marriage, but when he had seriously considered it, he couldn't bring himself to do it. There was always something more important to do at the time. Now though, he had things under control. He felt he was on his way to accomplishing his dreams. Why not have someone to share in his happiness as he watched them come true? The idea was a novel one to him, and one that was beginning to sound reasonable. Just as he was about to close his eyes, and dream of his Princess. He remembered one thing his mother mentioned in their conversation. She had said he was found passed out in the gardens. He distinctly remembered he had passed out in the forest, close to the chapel. How did he get to the gardens? He would have to investigate that. Moreover, he still had to discuss the visions of those black monoliths with his generals. It seemed his princess wouldn't be the last thing on his mind tonight.
Beryl was not happy. She had not been able to sleep for the past week. Worry for her prince and his mystery illness being the primary culprit. His meeting with that sorceress the second.
She had thought long and hard all the way back to the castle, the night Jadeite had forced her back home. His words in her mind churning about had made her come to the realization that she did indeed love the prince. She had set it in her mind to leave him be and work those feeling out. That was until she remembered she had left the sacred amulet, the one given to her by her grandmother, beside the boulder she had been hiding behind. Since Jadeite was no longer around, she decided to use the quickest means of transportation…magic.
Having arrived in the quiet of night, she quickly found her amulet and was about to transport herself out with a spell, when she was blinded by a flash of light. Then, before her, in the grass, lay what appeared to be an angel. Beryl could only stare in wonder. She had never seen anyone so serene looking. In her hands lay a golden chain that appeared to be slipping out. Just as that thought entered her mind, said object slipped out of the angels hands, and landed with a soft thud on the ground. Walking towards her slowly so as not to wake her. She picked it up, admiring the craftsmanship of the watch that hung from the golden chain. It was a very beautiful piece that would fetch a good price if sold. She wouldn't want her loosing such a valuable thing. Right before she could put it in her hands, the sound of the chapel door opening startled Beryl. Running towards something to hide behind, she forgot to return the watch. She would not want to get found out by the prince. She was not in his good graces, and would give the wrong impression if caught by him again.
Beryl decided her best bet was to toss the watch close by the woman. Having aimed horribly wrong, she decided she would just leave, when she noticed the figure stir and then sit up in alarm, noticing her surroundings, and most importantly that she was missing her watch. Waiting to see if she would find it, Beryl was surprised to see that the prince was now also watching the spectacle that this new visitor was providing as she wondered around in search of her missing object. Beryl decided she could not leave the prince by himself, especially after the way she noticed him looking at her as if transfixed! That was not normal behavior for the prince, he never noticed women like that! Surely she had bewitched him somehow! Deciding to stay to aid her prince if the need arose, she was shocked at how the strange visit had ended. With her beloved prince unconscious on the forest floor! Running to him, she checked him for any injuries, which thankfully were none. Then using her powers, she transported them to the castle gardens and decided it best if he were found, instead of her bringing him in. she would surely look suspicious and be blamed! After placing him somewhere safe and easily found, Beryl left, resolving to keep looking out for him. Her assistance was needed after all.
So here she was now, one week with no sleep, wondering who the woman who had dared harm her prince was! All she knew was that if she saw her again, she would pay for her actions. Standing from her bed, and walking up to her window, she looked ghostly as the long nightgown trailed behind her in the moonlight. Placing her hand on the window pane, and looking at the night sky she swore to all the stars out that night, that no matter where she was from, she would not get away with bewitching and hurting her prince, she would make sure of it.
Serenity was walking to the communications room with utter delight. Things could not get any better. Her mother had informed her a week ago that Earth was actually a planet that was inhabited but not part of the alliance. Meetings were underway to have Earth send ambassadors to the Moon in order to discuss eligibility into the Alliance. Just the mere thought of visiting Earth was more than the princess could ever hope for! Having reached the door to her favorite room, the princess slowly opened it so as not to make a sound. Locking the door behind her, and ensuring no one was in the room, the princess made her way to the main computer screen.
"This is Princess Serenity, I command image 3795 be brought up to the screen."
With that the computer system presented her with the image of the man, she had been wanting to see ever since that fateful night.
"Endymion, it is nice to finally address you by name." Said the Princess as she blushed while looking at the image.
"For so long I have dreamed of meeting you! Imagen my surprise to find you. Right before me! I cannot begin to express the joy that coursed thru my veins! Yet, I find that our meeting was lacking. As magical as it all was, I cannot help but feel that we were not given ample time to get an adequate impression of our characters." Walking closer to his image and gently touching the screen, Serenity continued.
"I fear that we were both so entranced by each other's beauty that a proper assessment of character was not made." Removing her hand from the image, Serenity gave her back to it.
"I am convinced that should we meet again, the same would happen."
Turning back to the image, Serenity looked at it with determined eyes.
"I will get to know you, my prince. Not just superficially, for that, I have had more than a year to stare at your image. I want to know the real you."
Tapping her chin gently, she went to sit on the throne before the image.
"I am very sure, you are of Earth. That being the case, I have decided I will go back. I'm not sure how my crystal took me there, but if I did it once, I can do it again. This time, it will be different. I will disguise myself, so as not to stand out. Then I will be able to see you for who you are. I have too much riding on my shoulders to just marry anyone. You will have to prove to be as good in character as you are in looks." Walking back to the image and smiling at it, the princess signaled the image away to the safe keeping of her private files. She had some schemes to plan out.
Queen Serenity had been in a pensive mood as of late. The realization that her daughter had somehow managed to block her off her bond with the crystal was devastating to the Queen. She knew the princess had not done it on purpose, but as a mother, not being able to detect her daughter was nerve wrecking. The crystal had served as a three way bond and now it was a two way street. Her to the crystal and the crystal to Serenity. It was as if the crystal decided to block her out. It was with a heavy heart that the Queen realized that she was her own person, and was completely independent from her now. Further depressing was the idea that her daughter would soon be able to marry. Negotiations with Earth where in effect, and Queen Gaia had given her approval to send ambassadors. If all went well, the princess would eventually visit Earth, as a potential bride to seal the negotiations between Earth and Moon.
Of course, she would not trouble Serenity with that information yet. That was still a delicate subject for the Alliance. It would need the backing of her inner council to have the outer Planets accept the idea. Who knows which planets also proposed a husband for the princess? Surely the plan would be met with opposition. Yet, if all went well, a marriage to the Earth Prince was the outcome most favored by the Queen. Sighing she rubbed her temples and decided it best to call the princess to her, she had a very important person she needed to introduce.
Serenity walked into the throne room, slightly concerned as to why the queen needed her presence at such a late hour. Opening the heavy doors that led to the room, the princess let them slam behind her as she walked in. her mother was sitting on the throne, a smile on her face. Calling her over, she stood to address her.
"My darling come quickly! There is someone I'd like you to meet. She will be serving as your new tutor. Her job is to make sure you know of Earth's history, customs, and etiquette."
With that a figure stepped out from behind the throne. Serenity could only gasp at the beautiful lady before her. She had hair as dark as her prince, and the most vivacious emerald green eyes that sparkled with mirth. She was dressed in a simple green gown, yet even in that gown, she had the presence of a queen. On her neck she wore a beautiful necklace of moonstones with a rose shaped ruby that hung in the middle. It was the only piece of jewelry she had, but one of exceptional craftsmanship. Looking at her with fascination the woman stood in front of her and curtsied, speaking as she came up.
"My name is Terra, it is nice to meet you my princess. I hope this is the start of a beautiful friendship."
Authors note:
Hi my lovely's, I just realized that in my hurry to post the last chapter, I did not write any message to you! Again I thank you for reading my story. It is very encouraging to see that I have new followers and people favoring the story! As much as it pains me to make you feel like I'm begging, I would really appreciate your reviews! The reason being, that it helps me get a feel for how you are feeling about the story. It's my way of knowing I'm delivering (if I am at all), and of correcting any nuisances. I have really tried putting into practice some of the things you pointed out last time. Thanks a bunch! Every view from you guys makes my endeavors so worth it! I hope to hear from you soon! There will be more Endy/Sere action next chapter I promise!
