Secrets
The lavish tapestry's depicting the different regions of earth had always been a beautiful backdrop to the large chamber that was used for court sessions. Endymion couldn't help but carefully study said tapestry's, it was either that or listen to the infuriating voice of Beryl as she captivated the attention of the high court. Whether it be from her words or her dress was very debatable. She had recently taken to wearing the most revealing dresses. Gone was the timid village girl that had a wild beauty about her. Now, Beryl was an enchanting seductress in the literal sense of the word. The halls were filled with gossip about how she had been seen with lord so and so. It appeared that every week she was entrancing some new lord, and every week she gained more devoted followers at court sessions. But despite the constant change in companion's every week, it appeared that his father, was her most devoted follower.
That was what bothered him the most. It had become so noticeable that it was even rumored amongst the nobility that the king might soon take a wife again. It had only been two months since his mother's death, and the idea that his father was ready to move on was very disturbing. He had been positive that his father would never marry again. The love with which he had loved his mother was great. If his father ever came to feel that way again for someone else, he would accept it, but the way he was with Beryl was another story. There was no love there. Obsession was a more fitting term for the feeling's his father had for that woman. What unnerved him even more about the whole situation, was that while his father was doting on her every word and action, she was constantly trying to gain his favor. Her unwanted attention towards him only served to irritate his father, and make him act even more possessive and protective of her. That in turn, only made it difficult for Endymion to attempt and direct matters during session. It seemed that for every suggestion he gave, Beryl and his father gave another one. The court would then blindly agree with what his father stated and that would be the end of that. He had then decided that rather than be seen as a rival to his father, he would sit and observe what was said, only speaking when needed. He would concede to his father as long as the kingdom was in no immediate harm.
Just as Endymion was admiring the Tapestry that depicted the castle at Norfolk, he heard that woman call his name.
"Endymion, the court would like to hear what the final report on the monolith situation concluded."
Endymion could never understand how her sickening sweet voice could captivate so many, when all it made him do was cringe. She may fool everyone, but her aura, which at one point had been clear, had turned into such a horrid color, that he was patiently waiting for the moment to be rid of her. For now he would comply and treat her civilly at most. Standing from his seat he directed his attention to her and the court.
"Lady Beryl, after much investigation, we have found that the appearance of the monoliths while not lethal as they once were, is still worrisome. No new deaths have been reported from being in proximity to them, but I do fear they have a negative energy about them, if father would permit, I would like to dispatch a special unit to each of the four castles that they may dismantle the existing monoliths and any new ones that may appear, as it seems they started spreading."
Looking at his father for permission, Endymion waited for a reply.
"I do not see a need in wasting our resources on such a needles task. Those Monoliths are born from nature, and should not be removed. Our soldiers need to be focused on using the new technology that magic has allowed us to improve. We must keep our planet secure from any trespassers from the Alliance. We may not be at war with them yet, but we need to keep our guard up. Just because we can't prove it was them who murdered Gaia, doesn't mean they didn't do it. I listened to your voice in that matter, but I will not waste our kingdoms resources like this. The monoliths stay as they are."
Endymion could only nod in understanding, before sitting back down. He would have to find another way of getting rid of those massive rocks. During his visits to Elysion, the rocks had started to appear in his scans of the earth again. His generals had already scouted their assigned territories and had managed to map where these rocks had formed. He had hoped his father would assist him, but he would manage another way.
The king then cleared his throat and spoke once more.
"Endymion, your birthday soon approaches and even though you declined to have a celebration in mourning for your mother, I think you are wrong. The kingdom needs to move past these hectic times, and have a reason to celebrate. I am continuing the plans we had for your celebration. It is time you stop wallowing in sadness and think of your people first."
The king's harsh words had Endymion answering before he could check his words.
"Like you have, father? It appears that your mourning was over when you buried mother. If it is for the peoples sake that you have 'stopped wallowing in sadness' as you say, then good for you. I on the other hand have never been one to just forget about those important to me. Forgive me for 'wallowing in sadness' a little longer. I guess it's easier to move forward when you have a pretty face encouraging you. Just make sure it's in the right direction."
Glaring at his father, he stood up from his seat by the throne and bowed swiftly before heading out towards the exit. His father had touched the one subject that managed to make him loose his practiced composure.
Just as Endymion was about to reach the door, he heard his father call out to him.
"A pretty face can help one move forward, and in stating so, you have given me an idea my child. You have until your birthday to find yourself a 'pretty face' as you say, if you do not, then I will gladly appoint one for you. Now we will have two reasons to celebrate."
His father's laughter was the last thing Endymion heard as he left the session. He needed to calm himself down, and could only think of one place to go.
Rubbing her hands over the small swell of her abdomen, Luna smiled contently as she gazed at herself in the mirror.
"Five more months to go my darling! Then I'll finally be able to hold you!"
A large pair of masculine hands came to lay over her own dainty ones at those words.
"What about me? You can hold me while you wait for him to come along."
Luna giggled at her husband's words. Lately he had become a bit needier with her. Maybe it was his way of salvaging their last days together, before the family welcomed the new member.
"Before she comes along my dear. I am very sure I am carrying a girl."
Artemis gently turned her around in his embrace and held her as he swayed with her, dancing to no tune in particular.
"Well weather it is a girl or a boy, I too am excited to meet our child and hold it as well."
After a couple of more moments of silent contemplation for the future, Artemis guided his wife to her new rocking chair he had made for her, and had her sit.
"What plans do you have for the day, love? Is the Queen keeping you busy in your state?"
Starting to slowly rock in her chair, Luna answered her husband.
"Well the Queen has been quite gracious with me. She has kept me to low stress tasks. Anything political she keeps me out of. I suppose I have you to thank for that. She has tasked me with watching over Serenity, as it seems she still hasn't gotten over the termination of her engagement. I keep her busy by talking about the baby, and having her knit with me. She is quiet talented and has already supplied me with enough booties and blankets. I fear I will not keep her entertained for much longer."
"My dear I am sure whatever you are doing to help the princess out is working. Just the other day I saw her coming from the gardens in the evening with such a glow about her. She had such a large beautiful smile painted on her face! Of course she quickly hid it when she saw me coming. It was as if her whole demeanor changed as soon as she realized I was watching her."
"Darling, you tend to have that effect on people. I know you had that effect on me for the longest! I couldn't walk straight in front of you for the life of me! I can't bear to think what you thought of me at those moments!"
Coming close to her Artemis kneeled before her and held her chin.
"Only that you were the loveliest sight to behold. When you were flustered was my favorite! Your mouth would turn into a pout and your cheeks had such a charming flush on them. I was tempted to kiss you on numerous occasions."
"To think I was feeling the exact opposite. Most of those times, I was so mad at you for making me lose my composure! It took a long time for me to actually realize why I felt the way I did. At first I thought it was annoyance, then I finally admitted to myself that it was more than just that."
Chuckling out loud Artemis eyes sparkled with glee, a sight not many had the opportunity to witness.
"Well who would have known, that eventually, we would finally give in to our feelings. And here we are, happily married, with a child on the way. I couldn't ask for more."
Closing the distance between them, Artemis gave his wife a soft loving kiss.
Standing he glanced at his wife once more before saying goodbye. With security still on high alert, as the commanding general of the forces of the Alliance, he had no time to sit around for too long. The security of everyone depended on him to do his job well. As far as he knew, he was going to make sure no mistakes happened on his watch. His family would be safe.
Luna watched him leave, but something Artemis had said bothered her. How was it that the princess was out in the gardens in the evening? As far as she knew, the princess always liked to keep to her rooms in the afternoon, sometimes giving orders for no one to bother her. She had told Luna, that she liked to study and meditate at that hour and did not want any visitors. She supposed the princess was starting to enjoy her hobbies once again. Maybe she would surprise her this evening and join her in the gardens. Yes, a walk in the gardens would suit her and her babe just fine. With that thought in mind, Luna stood and decided a snack would do her good in the meantime.
The afternoon sun while pleasant to most of the Golden kingdom, was a nuisance to the cold ruler of the northern region. Kunzite could only walk faster towards the eastern gardens, hoping the shade of the trees would soon provide relief from the relentless sun. For one used to the extreme temperatures of the cold north, the warm summer sun was proving to be a weakness. Kunzite would rather brave the cold in his furs, then feel like he was suffocating in the sun's rays. Finally reaching the sanctuary of the forest, he made his way stealthily thru the trees, with one destination in mind.
For the last weeks, each of the generals had made weekly trips to the capital to meet with Endymion. The queen's death had been deemed unsolvable, after the king had suddenly stated that all investigations cease. He firmly believed that it was futile to look for any perpetrators on earth, as they had clearly come from the moon. All matters regarding that day, were placed on indefinite hold until the king found the 'evidence' he was searching for. Endymion, of course, did not believe any of his father's distorted statements, and had tasked each one of his generals with finding any possible leads. After each of the generals had spent days making casual talk with different officials and nobles, they had reached the conclusion that the only two people unaccounted for on that day were the King and Beryl. Endymion had found it difficult to believe his father could commit such an atrocious crime, but given his recent attitude, would not throw out the idea completely. Beryl, on the other hand, had nothing to lose and every reason to benefit from such an act. Endymion had expressed to his generals that of the two, she was most likely the culprit, but accusing her at this point, would get them nowhere, they needed proof, and until they found said proof, they would have to put up with her. Keeping silent watch.
Strict rules had been given to them on how to interact with her, as Endymion had already seen her cunning ways and did not want his most trusted men to fall under her spell. Measures had been taken to help insure each general was spell proof. Endymion had given them a small spark of power from the golden crystal that would activate if any negative energy was detected. It also served as a weapon to each of them by also giving them power over the elements. It was as if now, not only were they generals and rulers over the four regions of earth, but they had become powerful guardians in a way, like their master. Aiding him in keeping the earth from harm. It reminded him of how the guardians of the moon princess helped her in keeping the alliance safe.
Shaking his head, Kunzite tried to concentrate on his destination, but found it hard to. Especially when he remembered the flirtatious leader of the guards, the one who had managed to infuriate him and captivate him all at once. Even after two months, he was finding it hard not to think of her. Most notably on summer days in the capital, when the planet Venus shined almost as brightly as the moon. He would never forget the sweet smell of her perfume that night, when he danced with her at the ball. She had reluctantly given him her hand, and was making it very obvious that she was not enjoying their dance. It had taken all his self-control not to smirk at her. Little did she know that her pouting face, only made him enjoy the dance more. It was empowering to know that he angered her so much, and all he had to do was stay silent! Their little game was clearly in his favor, as she was not so good at masking her emotions. For all the times she was trying to act upset, he could see through her act. The way she sucked in her breath when he would slightly increase the pressure of his hand on her waist, or the way her eyes would betray her as she stared at his lips when she thought he wasn't looking.
After the first dance, did she gain confidence and start trying to distract him. Kunzite smiled as he remembered the way she started swaying her hips that much more, and looking at him through lowered lashes. It was as if her battle plan had changed after that first dance, and after having no luck playing the offended lady, did she decide she would seduce him. His eyes had almost betrayed him when she had deliberately bowed a little too low during the opening sequence. The view of her bountiful breasts was one he would remember and take with him to the grave! Once she was in his arms and swaying to the music, did he decide that he too would play the game.
So it was then he put his plan into motion, and with deliberate movements would he return her advances. Every time he made to spin her, would his fingers slowly brush against hers far more than was necessary. Every time the dance called for gentle swaying would he take advantage of his hand on her waist to trace small patterns against the small of her back. And every time the dance called for them to spin together did he hold her that much closer, that she may feel the strength of his arms. Of course to her utter chagrin, he did this all with that stone cold face he had taken years to perfect. The sight of her flustered face only spurred him on. He had decidedly declared himself the winner, when she did the unexpected and excused herself. She had gone out to get 'fresh air' and was standing off to one side of the balcony. He attempted to ignore her and follow along the conversation that Zoisite and Ami were having about the specifics of the Hermes drive, yet her silhouette, that was clearly visible from the windows, kept calling to him. Finally, he let curiosity get the better of him and found that his feet had taken him to her. Watching slowly from the doorway that lead to the balcony overlooking the gardens, did he catch the silent tears that fell from her eyes. Never one to cause a woman true grief, his more gentler side took over, and had him making himself known to the maiden. When she made eye contact with him, did he finally speak.
"I know you wished to be alone, but I cannot help but wonder if all is well? I have not known you for long, but what I have gathered about you is that you are not one to enjoy solitude. You have a way about you that seems to perpetuate happiness. Therefore, I ask, are you well?"
The look of triumph on her face as she looked at him, said it all. She had set him up! And he, a blind idiot had fallen for her trap. She had won the game, and was now positively beaming with satisfaction. A large grin painted on her face. It appeared she had finally gotten the coveted reaction from him, she had been trying to get all night! Now it was his turn to get one from her! The actions that followed, he could not attribute to simple anger; he knew part of the motivation was also attraction. Thus it came to be that with one quick stride the head general of the earth found himself venting all his sexual frustration out on the poor princess of Venus. Her eyes had gone the size of saucers as she found the handsome general kissing the daylights out of her. Before he knew it, she was giving back just as passionately as he had given. Things had started to escalate, and limbs were starting to wonder to inappropriate places, when the sound of feet running past them, stopped the steamy display.
The image of his master and her liege running past them, like two lovers attempting to elope, had them on high alert. Taking her hand he quickly followed the pair. If they wanted to play hooky at a time like this, he was going to make sure they made it back in time for the announcement! No sooner had the pair stopped before a fountain, did he realize they were actually just trying to have a private conversation. He would have stayed to listen, when he felt his hand squeezed. Turning to look at Mina, Princess of Venus, with the soft glow of the stars lighting her features, did he realize just how perfect she was. His face must have given away his thoughts, because she blushed slightly before signaling to him that they should leave them alone. Following her lead, they went back to the balcony. They definitely had issues to discuss. Right when they had reached their destination did everything go to hell. The explosion happened so fast, that Kunzite barely had time to shield Mina with his body. After the sound of shattered glass came to an end, did he stand up and notice that she had already transformed into her guardian suite, and was ready for war. That was the last time he was alone with her, after that it was a blur until he got back home to Earth.
Sighing at the memory, Kunzite did his best not to get angered at the way things ended for everyone. His smile was hollow as he thought of the irony of the events. It seemed the princess of Venus did actually win. She managed to tangle him up in her mischievous ways, and now, he found he missed the damsel more than he cared to admit. The fact that he would never know where that kiss would lead bothered him, yet now was not the time to let matters of the heart, take precedence over matters of state. He ran his hands thru his hair as he focused on the task at hand.
Having reached his destination, Kunzite now waited. Hidden by the dense trees of the forest, it was only a matter of minutes before his Prince would arrive and play Romeo with the forest nymph who was recently occupying his evenings.
The gardens of the moon palace, while pristine and beautiful in their own right, could never compare with the wild beauty of the Earth's. The perfectly manicured and aesthetic gardens where missing a vital quality that was more evident to Serenity than before. Life. Everything that existed under the bio dome that made life on the moon possible had a manufactured feel to it. No real breeze swayed over the gardens like it did on Earth. It was all programmed. There were no spontaneous actions that happened on the moon, everything was on a schedule. Never would they have to worry about a sudden summer rain or storm. The unpredictability of the Earth gave it its charm. There was so much to explore, that even earthlings hadn't managed to learn half of the wonders their planet held. Sighing Serenity made her way thru the secret passages that lead to the gardens. She was dressed in her earthen dress and was on her way to meet "mamoru". Over the last two months their relationship had grown from just acquaintances to good friends. She smiled a childishly as she recalled the night they had met for the second time in the forest.
….Flashback….
Serenity's heart raced as she ran through the dense brush of the forest. Moments before, she had been offering bread crumbs to these small cute animals she had remembered were called squirrels. She was having a good time observing the small critters, when a larger animal came uncomfortably close to her bearing its teeth. The creature had claws on its paws and appeared to want to harm her. Gathering her skirts, she ran as fast as she could and thanked her lucky stars she still remembered how to climb trees, a skill she had learned as a child trying to evade Luna. While she was sitting on the tree branch crying out loud, lost as to what to do, did she regret having gotten off track and getting distracted by the little forest critters. She was supposed to have made her way to the chapel and wait and see if she happened to run into Endymion. Her plan had been to wait for him there and make small talk with him, hoping he would drop hints as to the position the Earth had taken in regards to the Queens murder. If his response was not a hostile one to the Alliance, she would reveal herself and try to defend her people. Yet as it was right now, she had two options, try and defend herself against this unknown creature with her powers, and risk causing alarm, or try and do it on her own with no help from the crystal. Her eyes searched around frantically looking for anything she could use to scare off that wicked little creature, when she heard it growl at her more menacingly, getting closer to the tree. That's when she realized it could probably climb trees as well! Crying in fear, she swore she would have no choice but use her crystal to stun the animal, when the sound of a horse galloping in her direction caught her attention.
The arrival of the new figure brought relief to her scared soul. She did not make to look at her savior until the animal had run off, but by then, he had spoken and the sudden joy of seeing him had caused her to jerk her head quickly in his direction. No sooner had she done that when she realized that she had turned her body in a way that the branch could not support. After that everything was a blur, and all she could remember was his stunned face looking at her in shock. She had not realized what she had done until she heard her true name called from the lips she had just so liberally kissed. With that, did she realize that she must have dropped her glamour the moment she lost control of her emotions, quickly she willed the glamour back on and decided she would act as if nothing had happened.
"Serenity?" Endymion repeated again, as if by calling that name, she would appear again.
Blinking rapidly he realized his mind must have played games with him, as no other than Usagi greeted his vision. Her face of complete bewilderment made him realize that she was just as confused as he had been. His recent lack of sleep must have been causing his mind to play games with him. He had to admit, he had dreamed of Serenity more than once, and had desperately hoped it had been her. Had he imagined the kiss as well? It had been so quick and as light as a feather, that given his current state of mind, he was not sure if it was all a figment of his exhausted mind.
"Mamoru! Thank you so much for helping me out! I had been on my way home when that little animal got the best of me and frightened me. It seems you have given honor to your name, and served as my protector once again!"
Serenity was trying her best to move on as if nothing had just happened, maybe luck would have it that he too would play along and save her the embarrassment of her actions.
"Home? Is not your home in Norfolk? What brings you to the capitol?"
Endymion had put her down on her own two feet, and once he had assured she could stand, did he look at her with a lifted brow expecting an answer.
"Well my parents decided we should attend the funeral services for the Queen, and even though we were but a drop in the bucket of mourners, we felt that showing our support to the royal family was the least we could do."
Endymion listened to her, and felt joy knowing that the common people respected and held such loyalties to the crown. Yet, he had one concern at the moment, had she happened to see him there? Did she know who he was?
"Did you manage to give your condolences to the king and prince?" The last words he said as he carefully studied her reaction.
"Unfortunately, the hall was filled with so many mourners, that we were unable to meet the prince and king. But if I could, I would tell the prince that we are so sorry that he lost such an amazing person. Ter.. Queen Gaia was a wonderful person, never had I met, I mean, knew a Queen who cared so deeply for others and loved so wholeheartedly. She will be sorely missed."
If Endymion new better he could have sworn she was saying those words directly to him. The comfort from them was sincerely felt, especially as he could tell she was incredibly sincere about it all. Her eyes had even misted as she spoke.
"I am sure the prince would have appreciated those words immensely, whenever I do see him, I will make sure to give him those sentiments. So Usagi, how long is your stay this time?"
Serenity decided she would continue with her practiced story.
"Well it has been decided that I should come and stay here in the capitol for the remainder of the summer. I am to stay here with a family friend, who has a cottage at the edge of the king's forest. I do so like to stay there that way I can observe nature at its best. The images I take with me up to the barren north will keep me happy throughout the year."
Endymion nodded as he tried to remember of any cottages to the far east of the forest. He supposed he had not passed thru that part of the perimeter of the forest in a long time. He would make a note to scout that area at a later time.
"Well I do hope you enjoy the rest of your stay this summer. I happen to find myself here in the afternoons, helping out in the chapel as I had mentioned before. If you find you need assistance surveying the forest, I will gladly be of service to you. As I have already witnessed your need of a protector, please, don't be afraid to ask."
The last part of his offer had been said with a smirk on his face. A smirk that had not gone unnoticed by Serenity.
"Well I'll have you know that I am perfectly able to take care of myself. I was just about to solve the problem with that ferocious little critter when you happened to come across my way!"
Endymion couldn't help but snort at the face she was making. Her skin had garnered a flush from the anger he had undoubtedly released by his comments. He couldn't resist baiting her even more, it was a welcome distraction to his other worries, and he would indulge in it for as long as he could.
"Well if that is the case, then what were you planning on doing? Scare it away with your cries? I'm sure a little louder and it might have worked!"
If Serenity wasn't used to hiding her emotions, she was sure she would have made a fool of herself saying more than was necessary. He was baiting her and she had caught on to his game.
"On the contrary, I had devised another way. But, I don't wish to give you any more material to keep taunting me with. I am a grown girl and can handle myself!"
Gathering her skirts, Serenity decided she had had enough for today, and would continue her investigations on another night. Turning with a huff, she started walking in the direction she had come. She had walked a couple of meters away from him, when a chill went down her spine. As if she was being watched. Quickening her steps, she decided she needed to find somewhere safe to teleport. She had noticed what appeared to be a group of large rocks a little farther down her path, and supposed that would be as good a spot as any. The chill she felt happened to intensify as she got closer to the rocks and before she knew it she started to feel light headed. Walking with heavy steps she made her way over to the large rocks. After having reached her destination, she placed her hand on rocks for support as her mind had started to get fuzzy. Channeling her powers she noticed they would not respond. What's more she became more lightheaded and was slowly losing consciousness. The last thought on her mind was Endymion as she slowly felt herself drift into darkness.
Golden warmth. That was what Serenity felt course through her body as she was starting to regain consciousness. Her eyes snapped open and she was greeted with the sight of a glass domed ceiling that opened up to the sky, letting her see what remained of the beautiful stars in the clearing sky. The sight made her sit up with a bolt. It was almost morning time! How much time had passed since she passed out and where was she? Looking around did she realize she was inside a prayer room. Beautiful displays of earth's seasons were depicted in the stained glass windows. Placing her feet on the ground she noticed she had been laying on a beautiful mahogany bench.
"So you are finally up."
Looking in the direction of the voice, Serenity was greeted by the sight of a young boy with snow white hair. Smiling mutely at him, Serenity's heart calmed when he returned the smile in kind.
"You have been asleep for hours, you worried this young man here very much! He has been watching over you all night."
That's when she noticed that in her shock at examining her surroundings, she had been blind to the figure that was slumped beside her in a chair. The same figure that she now realized was holding her hand. That's when she recognized the source of the golden warmth that had woken her from sleep was him, her protector, her Endymion. Smiling at the boy, she stood up and removed her hand from Endymion's hand without waking him. He looked truly exhausted and she on the other hand felt nothing but energized. He must have supplied her with energy while she slept, and he was now the exhausted one.
"Serenity, I suppose you know you cannot hold your glamour when your emotions are not controlled right?"
Serenity was in shock! Who was this boy who could see thru her disguise, while the prince of Earth had not?
"Do not fret, your glamour is working at the present moment. It's just that Endymion here explained everything that happened to me as soon as he came in here with your unconscious body in his arms. He had mentioned he thought you were Serenity when he initially saw you, I confirmed it was you when you were both in deep sleep. Your Crescent moon became visible at one point."
"Who are you? How do you know about my glamour, and how do you know Endymion."
The young boy smiled gently, and then bowed before Serenity as he began to explain himself.
"I am the head priest of the Golden Kingdom. Helios is my name, and do not be surprised but I am hundreds of years old. I am the keeper of this chapel and former keeper of the Golden Crystal. Thus I am very aware of who you are and what powers a crystal such as your own can perform. Do not fret, Endymion has not found out who you are. I must ask though, why keep your identity secret from him?"
"I do not wish to reveal myself until I feel it is an appropriate time. I am here for investigative purposes more so than matters of the heart. Though I feel it will be hard to separate the two."
She said this while softly running her now free hand thru Endymion's lose hair. Making sure not to wake him.
Helios nodded in understanding before adding, "You wish to find the culprit for the Queen's murder?"
"Yes Helios. That is my primary concern. I wish to absolve the moon of any implication in that atrocious act. I loved Terra more than anything and wish to find who could do this to her."
"I see she presented herself to you with that name. Terra was her middle name. Gaia, belongs to the long line of Earth queens. Just like Endymion is the given name to any male king of that lineage. She was always trying to separate herself from that entity, which is why she preferred Terra to those closest to her."
"Thank you for telling me that, it now makes me feel more special knowing she revealed herself to me by that name."
"If it helps in any form, Endymion thinks that the rocks, or monoliths as he calls them, are responsible for you passing out. As soon as he found you, he noticed the rocks were glowing with energy. He removed you from the area and left you here while he went back and destroyed them. As soon as he came back he started trying to wake you by healing you. He has been at it all night. I think your life might have been in serious danger if not for him."
Gasping in absolute horror at how easily she stepped into harm's way, she vowed she would keep her guard up, Earth was not as harmless as it looked.
"Serenity, I am glad you have come to investigate the murder of our Queen, you have found an ally in your search. I will keep your secret from Endymion. I only ask for you to do one thing. I have a feeling that those monoliths are not of this world. Can you look into them for me? The Moon database might have more information about them."
"Sure Helios, I will gladly look into it. I am glad to have found an accomplice here on earth. May I use this place as a safe haven?"
"Of course your highness. Though I must warn, Endymion is here very often and it might not be the best place to teleport too. But if you will, I can show you a place that is much safer for you to arrive."
"I would like that Helios! Now, before it turns into morning, can you show me where? I am afraid I must get home!"
With that Serenity took one final look at Endymion, and followed Helios out. After Instructions on what to tell Endymion were given, Serenity safely teleported back home, to her room. Quickly changing out of her clothes, she decided that a bath would do her good before she set off to the libraries in order to investigate those rocks.
…..End of Flashback….
Serenity continued on her path into the outskirts of the moon gardens. She had since concluded that it was better for her to teleport in that solitary place, than in her room, were the palace staff was more likely to see her. She also worried her mother might feel a sudden power surge, when least expected. She was sure she teleported undetected, but she did not want to cause suspicion. After securing her surroundings, Serenity closed her eyes and focused on the one place that brought her comfort like no other.
Endymion could not believe his father! How could he expect him to find a wife in two months! Especially after he had just lost his fiancée thru no fault of his own. Did his father just expect him to pick a wife out like he would a candy at the market? Whoever he chose would be the next queen of Earth! That was not a simple task, not when he had already found someone who would have filled those shoe's perfectly. He sighed as he remembered her. It had been more than two months since he saw those sad crystalline eyes bidding him farewell. He had already given up hope of salvaging that engagement. For all he knew, she was probably already engaged to another eligible bachelor from the Alliance. He knew he had to move on, but her memory still haunted him. He still carried around that star shaped pocket watch. One day he would be rid of it, but that day had not yet come.
He had sought refuge in the forest, the only place where he could distract his mind from the stress of trying to fix the problems his father kept creating. It was as if for every one mistake he fixed, three more would spring up in its wake. Making his way to the clearing the chapel stood at, he relaxed as he thought of who would be waiting for him there. Usagi. That warm hearted blond, had become a close friend in the two months following his mother's death. She had sprung back into his life, after Serenity had left a void. While she was not the graceful and shy Serenity, she carried herself quite well, and had a knack for getting herself in trouble, most notably due to her explorations of the forest. Endymion had never seen a woman so enraptured with nature. Every living creature fascinated her, even the insects! Granted she had screamed the first time she saw a fuzzy black caterpillar, but soon found herself amazed at how it could turn into a beautiful butterfly. The funniest encounter though was her run in with a porky pine, one would think that the spiky quills would be enough of a warning, but not Usagi. She had reached her hand out to touch before thinking to ask and found herself nursing that hand all afternoon!
Reaching the clearing he had not taken but two steps when, he saw the object of his brotherly affection running towards him with something to show him.
"Mamoru! You must come quickly, I have found the most incredible discovery!"
Smiling to himself he knew he could always count on Usagi to make him forget his problems.
"Hold on Usagi, wait up for me!"
Chuckling he made his way after the blond.
Luna had been walking thru the gardens for the better half of an hour when she realized Serenity was not there. Deciding it best to check her rooms, she arrived there, only to find them empty. Before letting panic set in, she decided to give the gardens a try again. Except this time she would look in the outer gardens. Walking down those paths, she was about to turn back, when a bright flash of light quickly appeared and disappeared just as soon. Quickly hiding behind the closest statue, Luna spied on the intruder, and suppressed a gasp as she laid eyes on none other than what appeared to be Serenity. Yet, the young woman before her did not have the royal insignia on her brow as Serenity did, and had a different hair color and skin tone. Her dress was that of a woman of earth! Just as Luna was about to use her communicator to call in the soldiers did she freeze as she saw the woman utter some words and drop her glamour to reveal Serenity herself dressed in that clothing! Luna was about to spring up on her and question her about her whereabouts, when she noticed the look of utter glee and love on her face. She decided to stand stalk still as she all but waltzed past her making her way to the palace. If her intuition served her right, not only was she hurt because the princess had broken a promise, but angered by the farce she was leading. Calming herself down she decided she would talk with Artemis, this had happened during her watch, and she would fix it first. The Queen would not hear of this, it would end with her.
Magellan Castle on Venus held spectacular views of Earth during specific times in its orbit around the sun. Tonight was one of those times. Mina tapped her fingers on her mother's thrown as she stared down at that planet. She was waiting for an urgent transmission from the Moon Palace and was meditating on a certain male specimen from Earth when the monitors sprang to life interrupting her thoughts. Gazing at the monitor, she straightened her form and stared into the serious dark green eyes of Artemis.
"Princess Mina, you are needed at the Moon Palace urgently. Not as the princess of Venus, but as the leader of the guardians."
Venus smiled at the serious face of the major general. Giving him a quick wink and a peace sign her only response was "Venus, at your service!"
Hello all!
In my frenzy to post last chapter I forgot to write a note. Sorry for the delay in chapters recently. I have been busy planning an upcoming trip to Japan! Most of it is sorted out now, so I will be able to write a little more frequently now. Hopefully updates will be every two weeks now! If you are still here reading my humble story THANK YOU! Every visit to my story and every review means a lot to me! It keeps me positive knowing that someone is enjoying my story! Again, any input from you is most happily received. May you all have a wonderful day/night, whenever you find yourself reading this!
Love,
Tsukilight
P.S. Who do you think was watching Serenity as she tried to get back home? Did you like the Kunzite and Venus scene? More K/V coming your way!
