UPDATED 2016
Title: Conquest
Genre: Romance/Drama
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon yet do own this storyline and Fergal, the awesome Sun King
Keep with me dear friends!
Her eyes critically took in the image in the mirror. Long straight raven locks, a thin pale face and than the crimson gown that still had pins in it. She gulped a bit staring at the ceremonial robes that adorned her frame.
"You act as if it is your coming out party dear friend," a soft voice said into her ear and Reilie immediately relaxed, her shoulders slumping causing the seamstress to poke at her leg to make her stand straight once more.
"Do any of your siblings hate you as much as mine does?" The Martian Princess asked into the air and Serenity glanced at her four warriors who looked sympathetically onto their fiery counterpart.
"Mine detest my very existence," Serenity said with a soft sigh and Reilie huffed shooting a playful glance at her Princess.
"It is only a two day ceremony and we shall be by your side at all times," Minet smiled approaching her. She adjusted the robes a bit and the seamstress smirked up at her.
"Promise?" Reilie questioned and Minet and Serenity smiled adoringly at her.
"Always," they responded at the same time and Reilie let out a breath, a hand going to her stomach as if to ease it. Perhaps this meeting Marlina would have forgotten past grievances… this could be a new start for them. Reilie nodded to herself silently and felt courage well within her. They were sisters after all.
He eyed his valet with patience as he finished with his things. Why he was taking time out to attend silly girlish parties…
"You are creating peace for our planet throughout the galaxy sire," Kunzite broke into his thoughts and Endymion let out a breath. "Besides, it wouldn't be a bad idea to become friends with the planet of war," his head general said thoughtfully and Endymion pressed his lips together. That was a good point…
"Sire," Zoycite entered the room quickly, his eyes staring at some papers in his arms. "Did you know the Princess has visited the Sun Inhabitants three times in the last month?" he questioned and Endymion's eyes widened.
"She what?" He snapped pulling the papers from his Generals' fingers. Zoycite patiently pointed out the magical anomalies and Endymion let out a small curse.
"Must that woman push every button…" He hissed and Kunzite raised an eyebrow at them.
"How did we not know when she landed on the planet?" He questioned and Endymion let out a steadying breath. He knew.
"Apparently… she has some magical seal," Zoycite filled in and Kunzite turned his gaze to the young Prince expectantly.
"That is not what that seal was intended for," Kunzite breathed calmly and Endymion let out a breath.
"She was in a state… I had to give her some reassurance she could see her people and that they were fine," Endymion defended and Kunzite glanced towards Zoycite.
"Indeed sire, they are doing quite well. I prepared these papers for you to take to her of their progress," he mumbled than stilled. "Though do you still need them?" He questioned and Endymion snatched the papers out of his hand and headed out the door. Kunzite smirked and Zoycite bowed his head with a small smile. That Princess was tricky…
The transport room lit up as five figures materialized within the deep maroon room. Bright colors began to mingle with the white lights until only five cloaked figures remained.
"Serenity darling!" A voice cried, high heels clicking nosily on the floor. With a deep breath Serenity slowly raised her head, her white hood resting perfectly on her head.
"Marlina," Serenity cooed sweetly and the sixteen year old jumped on her heels with excitement as she reached for the Princess' hands. Serenity curtsied and Marlina echoed it beautifully.
"Is it not exciting?" Marlina cooed, grasping Serenity's hand and tucking it into the crook of her own arm. She dragged the Luniarian from the room leaving the remaining four in their positions. The Red cloaked figure moved first and bowed deeply before the King and Queen waiting patiently before them.
"Reilie darling," Queen Martia whispered lovingly as she stepped forward, pushing back her daughter's large hood and revealing her beautiful face before them.
"How proud we are of you my darling," the King cooed pulling her into his embrace and Reilie let out a deep breath, bathing in their love.
"Oh yes, Rei dear. Nice to see you," Marlina said suddenly, her identical eyes to Reilie meeting her own and than turning away quickly.
"So much for growing up," Jupiter breathed walking past Reilie and the Martian Warrior smirked, suppressing a laugh.
Endymion glanced calmly at his companion than raised an eyebrow with wonder.
"He is nervous," Kunzite explained nonchalantly and Endymion glanced from Jedite's stone frame to his right hand Kunzite.
"Are you kidding me?" Endymion snapped and Kunzite smirked a bit to himself as they waited for their escort to deliver them to the grand Martian Ballroom of Mars.
"Love manifests in many different forms your majesty," Kunzite mused.
"I have no idea what he is speaking of," Jedite said stoically and Endymion growled.
"Goodness man get a hold of yourself," Endymion hissed when the sound of heels brought all their attention forward.
"Late Endymion… I must say I am surprised. You seem the punctual type," her voice was like honey over them and Endymion's lips curled up a bit. She was a true vision and he had no problem letting that compliment float among them. She had the decency to blush a bit at his compliment and his smirk only grew.
"I am afraid General Jedite made us late my lady. Please forgive us." The two generals bowed and Serenity's bright blue eyes roamed from Endymion to the tall blonde beside him.
"Ah yes… General Jedite," she seemed to coo than held out her hand. "Let's have a word," she breathed and Jedite hesitantly took her hand and stepped ahead of his Prince and Kunzite.
Endymion watched them silently as they walked slowly down the corridor. Serenity's pert pink lips were whispering advice to the rigid General no doubt. He could hear the bustling noise of a party already in full swing. He had never been to a girl's 'coming out' party but Zoycite had educated him fully on the Martian concept. It was basically a very extravagant seventeenth birthday party yet according to Martian custom Princess Marlina was now a woman and at any moment ready to take the throne or apparently start a war… whichever came first.
Serenity stilled before them and Jedite bowed respectfully to her. She turned her gaze than to Endymion and she smiled. With a deep breath she stepped towards him and gently brushed off his royal tunic than pushed a roguish bang from his forehead.
"Just be yourself and they will be eating out of the palm of your hand," she breathed. "This is a big moment… I do not think an Earthling has been at a galactic event in centuries. Make me proud Endy," she finished as she gently ran a finger over her seal upon his shoulder.
"It's really kind of cute how you think everything is about you…" He grinned down at her and she smiled with great amusement.
"Go get them," she winked than walked away to another doorway. A man waited patiently at the door for them to be ready before he gave their entrance. Endymion sucked in a deep breath.
*Just keep breathing young Prince…* Her voice cooed in his head and he smirked.
He gulped his wine a bit too eagerly. He couldn't help it. He was afraid his tongue was going to fall out. He hadn't spoken to so many people in such a short amount of time… It was an odd mixture as well. Majority was thanking him for his role in helping the Sun. He quickly and kindly tried to set the record straight he had no such role except for Serenity shooting a comet through him… Others were curious about him as a human. He imagined they were quite astonished he didn't have more legs or heads… and the other third were more curious about his personality and beliefs. Those were the tricky ones to get rid of.
"You are doing fantastic," a voice cooed at his shoulder and Endymion finished off his drink.
"I do not need your patronizing. Shoo. I only have a little bit of my vocal cords left and cannot waste it on you," he grumbled and Serenity smiled warmly at him.
"Guess that means no screaming later," she mumbled and he cast a sideways glance at her as his lips curled up.
"Tell me about this Martian rivalry," he asked grabbing another glass to try and sooth his poor throat. "I have had a few brief chats with Marlina and she seems to not share the majority of the planets' high view of Mars."
"I do not have siblings so it is hard for me to relate I am afraid but I think it is just sibling rivalry? From what I understand Mars did not do anything necessarily to start it except… be her perfect self," Serenity mused and Endymion huffed.
"She cannot be that perfect. She slept with Jedite after all," he mused and Serenity almost choked on a laugh.
"Decorum please," Lunar snapped at them and the two young monarch glanced at her than took a few steps away from her and one closer to each other.
"You know that is why we do not have siblings," Endymion mused and Serenity grinned.
"Because we are too perfect they would have killed us in our sleep?" She offered and he nodded taking a sip of his wine.
"Exactly. I am even having a hard time standing next to you because you are so perfect. It is really an annoyance Seren," he grumbled and she raised a perfect eyebrow at him.
"I find you kind of attractive… does that mar some of my perfection?" She smiled and he smirked turning to her.
"You would have been perfect if my physique drove you wild. There must be something wrong with you if you only think I am kind of attractive…" He hissed and she let out a laugh.
Her laughter was cut short as the band stilled and Marlina made her way to the center of the ballroom. A young man followed behind her and the room stilled.
"The Martian Tango," a loud voice announced and Marlina bowed gracefully before the room.
"What an honor to perform this traditional dance before my family, my friends and my people. As heir to the throne it is my great pleasure to uphold the traditions, the honor and the strength of my people," she bowed and Serenity caught Reilie smiling at her little sister. "I am only saddened my sister Reilie cannot join in this tradition. She has no partner so I will have to carry this honor out alone for our family," Marlina smiled with another bow and Reilie's smile immediately vanished and she sighed. Only her sister would turn a beautiful speech into a dig about her…
Endymion heard Serenity sigh a bit sadly beside him and he let out a breath. He handed his glass to her and Serenity blinked taking it from him.
"What are you doing?" She questioned quietly but he was already stepping out towards the center of the ballroom. Her eyes widened in a bit of horror than she gulped quickly regaining herself. Immediately Martian decorum was rushing through her head. Would they find his actions an insult? Would they declare war? She immediately felt Lunar trying to comfort her before she had a full out panic attack.
"Your majesties," Endymion suddenly said with a deep bow. "Forgive my intrusion but if it pleases you, I happen to know the Martian Tango and would be honored to dance it with Princess Reilie so she may carry out honor for her family."
Reilie's eyes widened in surprise and she felt her mother perk up beside her.
"It would give us no greater pleasure Prince Endymion. Thank you for this special moment," Queen Martia cooed and than looked at Reilie with excitement. Reilie gulped than quickly descended the throne steps towards her new awaiting partner.
Serenity watched in awe and immediately her panic began to ebb.
*Did I make you panic dear Seren?* Endymion's voice taunted in her head as he shot her an amused look.
"Never cease to be amazed…" Serenity breathed and finished off the rest of his drink. Marlina watched her sister pass her and couldn't hide the look of horror on her face. Finally she realized what she was doing and snapped out of it, smiling as the music began. Endymion took Reilie's hand and the Senshi of Mars stared at him and let out a breath.
"My Prince," Reilie breathed to him and Endymion pulled her close as they began to mimic the steps of her sister beside him. "I am unworthy of your friendship sire," she said into his ear and the words warmed Endymion to his heart.
"How funny. I was thinking the exact same thing," he mused back to her and she let out a small laugh, getting into the traditional dance she had not danced in ages.
Serenity made her way quietly to Queen Martia's side and the Martian Queen quickly grabbed her hand, her eyes never leaving her precious daughters on the dance floor.
"I am humbled by him dear girl. Indeed he has fallen very far from the tree," she breathed and Serenity smiled adoringly at her than smirked a bit catching Endymion upon the dance floor getting quite spirited in the dance.
"He is full of surprises my Queen," Serenity responded and the Queen glanced at her and let out a soft breath.
"I know how Marlina comes off… she isn't as horrible as she seems dear. She has so much growing up left to do," The Queen said a bit forlornly and Serenity tilted her head curiously. "I can be no prouder of two people in my existence than of my girls… and I cannot thank you enough for giving my baby the love and attention she deserves that I could not," Queen Martia's voice cracked a bit and Serenity gripped her hand reassuringly. "I am honored she is yours," Martia breathed and Serenity could only stare at her with a bit of stunned silence.
A loud ruckus of applause tore her from her stupor and she turned to see Endymion bowing to Reilie and she curtsying to him. Than the Martian warrior threw herself into his arms in a hug and Serenity let out a small laugh as she almost knocked the Prince of Earth onto the floor.
"Thank you," she breathed into his ear as her arms tried to crush him in a bear hug. "You have given me back my dignity in front of my sister," Reilie said, her eyes shinning up at him and Endymion smiled with a bow of his head.
"If you could return the same dignity to my General I would be much ablidged," Endymion chuckled and Reilie looked at him like he had lost his mind. Slowly he escorted her from the floor and she shook her head.
"Sire… I must confess first I am unaware of any dignity he possessed to begin with and I am afraid he is putting on a grand show," she said candidly and Endymion took in a deep breath and nodded.
"Yes, I can see how you would think that."
"Am I incorrect?" She questioned and Endymion thought on that a moment. His dark blue eyes traveled the room and caught on green that were staring at them observantly.
"I am afraid you have knocked much of the cockiness out of him Princess. Perhaps if you keep working on him he may become someone indeed worthy of your attention," Endymion said honestly and Reilie looked at him a bit stunned.
"Is he not out to hurt me my Prince?" She said with such vulnerability Endymion was alarmed and than suddenly defensive of her.
"If he was… I would be out to kill him," Endymion said strongly as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it chastely. He caught tears suddenly swim in the warriors eyes and she nodded than turned quickly away in a retreat.
"She is a bit intense isn't she?" A voice said to his left and Endymion glanced that way with trepidation. "I'm a lot less," the young princess of Mars said casually and with one look Endymion was quickly wondering if this ball was over and if he could retreat back to his safe home planet.
She sat quietly in the Martian's palace conservatory. This planet reminded her so much of the Sun it was a bit painful. She came here to escape as it was the only spot on the planet that housed green plants. Reminded her of Earth and she smirked a bit at that thought. Her people were now surrounded by such new things and they were indeed thriving.
"As if they would not," a male voice said suddenly and she blinked and straightened, her form having relaxed on a bench as she had run her bare toes in the dewy grass. He pushed past an overgrown shrub and than sat down heavily beside her. "I must explain to you though that when you visit Earth you have to inform me," she cast him a wayward glance than pushed his shoulder playfully.
"I am afraid I do not young Prince. Someone has given me the Royal Seal and I need no one's permission," she teased and Endymion let out a deep breath.
"It is still polite Seren," he snapped at her playfully and Serenity smiled at him genuinely and he was caught in it.
"Sad I did not say hello?" She asked sweetly and he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her frame closer.
"Only a little," he whispered against her lips before he tasted them. The kiss was chaste and he looked a little surprised when she pulled away.
"Forgive my forwardness but when I passed your chambers earlier you sounded very much engaged," she hissed playfully and Endymion glanced at her through heavy lids and a sensual smirk.
"Afraid someone had made it to me before you Princess?" He mused and she only returned his stare.
"Perhaps I am snobbish but I try and avoid sloppy seconds," she breathed kindly and he let out a small laugh.
"My Princess trick has worked on you than," he confessed and she raised an eyebrow curiously. "If I tell you a secret you must not tell the rest of the galaxy," he said suddenly and she looked at him a bit chagrinned.
"Me? Not keep a secret?" Her serious face told him she could be trusted with the entire universe and for that he had no doubt.
"The action as you may have heard was not my own. It actually was one of your warriors and my generals. I was hoping it would turn off a certain young Princess to me," he mused and silence was between them for a few seconds until Serenity's musical laugh filled the area and she leaned into him happily.
"I did indeed see her eyeing you," she confirmed and he leaned his head upon hers. "You made a grand impression today Prince. I am almost inclined to say I am proud of you."
"Almost," he mused with a chuckle and she nodded.
"Almost," she confirmed. "You should be proud of yourself. Today you have made friends with an entire planet and one of my warriors," she breathed with seriousness and was that a bit of affection towards his actions?
"That is two of your warriors. I will soon have them all and you will fall helplessly behind them," he smirked and she smiled at him.
"Would you win me only to crush me?" She asked honestly and Endymion glanced at her. "I don't think you want my kingdom or my beauty," he shifted and pulled her legs over his, turning them to face one another.
"Well, you would be correct. I do not want your kingdom and though I do enjoy your beauty…" He breathed, gently stroking her cheek with his fingertips. "I do not wish to possess it to flaunt it for the whole galaxy to see," he mused and she smiled with a bit of relief at him. He doubted she ever heard those words from a man. "You came after me or did you forget so quickly? I am just trying to defend myself against the big bad Princess of the Moon."
Her laughter filled the room as she quickly wrapped her arms around him, pressing her forehead against his.
"And as you have challenged me, my manhood is at stake… I must see this out until I am victorious," he breathed against her chin, his arms wrapping around her.
"Best of luck than fair Prince… for I plan on fighting you till the bitter end," she breathed against his lips and he smiled.
"I hope so," he responded quietly before capturing her tempting lips possessively.
She sat quietly in the middle of her room. Her arms wrapped around her legs protectively and wished more than anything she was sharing her quarters again with Minet. It would greave her parents so if she did not use the quarters they had made for her. She rarely saw them but she could tell with every small touch they had taken great care to make a space for her. A space for their lost Princess. Her door creaked silently and she just leaned her chin upon her knees.
"Mars is not here. Please come back later," her voice huffed when suddenly she felt him plop down behind her and press his back against hers. "Ugh… go away," she whined and he leaned his head on hers much to her displeasure.
"These are some impressive rooms Reilie," he breathed with a low whistle and she huffed once more.
"Do not call me that."
"Princess," he responded and she groaned and pushed her back against his.
"Do not call me that either," she spat and he sat up. She missed his warmth but was glad he was getting the hint. Suddenly his arms and legs wrapped around her and she let go of her legs and loudly groaned.
"Oh for the love of Aries…" She spat and turned her head to come face to face with his stunning green eyes. "Must you pester me? I seriously could not have been that good in bed it was my first try for crying out loud!" She growled and he smiled adoringly at her.
"Well… you were but that isn't the reason why I pester you," he breathed and her face burned with a bright blush.
"Your Prince informed me he would kill you without hesitation if you hurt me," she snapped and he smiled, gently pushing a strand of black hair behind her ear.
"Than I shall work most diligently not to," he mumbled and she turned away from him.
"This is foolish. I do not have a normal destiny. I am a Warrior. I will not marry you or bear your sons and I have no inclination to just give my body to you on a playful whim. Please just give up now and leave me be…" She said with defeat and he felt those words hit straight into his heart. True, he had never thought of a life other than service to his master but meeting her changed that a bit. He had no idea how life would turn out… didn't imagine marriage or children but… he didn't want to let her go either.
"Still do not believe me?" He asked quietly and she glanced at him, tears swimming in her eyes.
"Why must you torture me? If I tell you that you've won will you leave me?" She asked and he shook his head, gently cupping her face lovingly.
"You won my love. Much as it hurts my ego terribly… you beat me in every way," he whispered and she closed her eyes, a tear trickling down.
"I don't know if I can do this. If I can pretend like they do… pretend this will end happily," she confessed and he pressed his forehead against hers.
"I don't know if I can either. I don't know what to do…" He whispered and she took comfort in his confusion. "I just know I don't want to waste you. You have tainted me and everything I once thought was enjoyment… it's nothing compared to being with you," he confessed and she blinked up at him.
"Can I castrate you if you are lying?" She asked and he chuckled.
"I'd rather you not… but if I am you have every right too. Just don't expect me to stand still," he mumbled and her soft laughter filled the room. "I love you Reilie… and I don't really know what that means except that it aches when I am not near you. It makes me want to snub your mean sister because she tortures you. Makes me want to kill anyone without hesitation who harms you… I want to protect you," he breathed and she relaxed a bit against him.
"It is not your duty to do so," she countered and she suddenly saw the angish on his face at that.
"I wish it was. If you let it… let it be so," he begged and she wrapped her arms tightly around him.
"I'm sorry I ruined you," she breathed into his ear and he laughed, gently stroking her hair.
"Me too," They both laughed and just clung to each other. Letting their words settle on each other. "Can I kiss you?" His request was meek and she pulled back so their eyes met.
"Only if you do it well," she replied and he smirked, the old Jedite grin appearing and she couldn't stop the twitch from one end of her lips.
"Oh… I will," he grinned than pounced on her, his lips lovingly attaching to hers as he leaned her into the rug. She responded timidly than slowly grew bold as memories of their last moments together came flooding back and she didn't mind them much this time… didn't mind him there either. In fact it was the first time since she was a child that she was on her home world and actually felt comfortable.
"You there," a voice hissed suddenly into the corridor and Jedite stilled in his tracks. "You are one of Earth's generals aren't you?" Her voice continued and Jedite recognized her as the Princess of Mars. "The one who is stalking my sister," she snapped, her face hardened before him and Jedite wished deeply he was not being caught coming out of said sister's room.
"Your highness," he began but she stepped before him and glared him down. Considering she was a good foot shorter than him it just came off as an uncomfortable intrusion into his personal space. Except she was kind of intense and a bit frightening.
"I know what you are up to and if you dare hurt her I will have my armies on you in an instant," she snapped and Jedite gulped a bit looking at her.
"Forgive me Princess… but I am under the assumption, as is the rest of the galaxy, that you hate your sister. What matter is it to you?" He questioned and honestly… he should have seen that slap coming. She took a step back in alarm at what she had done, her hand stinging with the force she had used.
"It's just…" She began than her voice cracked. "I don't hate Reilie," she breathed quietly. "I'm jealous of her. Jealous my parents miss her so much, that she is so beautiful, so powerful, so everything that I am not… but just because it may look like I detest her it does not mean I won't start a war for her," she spat, her finger pointing at him with warning.
"I am in love with your sister," he suddenly confessed and Marlina's finger faltered a bit and he saw a frown crease her forehead.
"I don't know much about my sister's destiny… but I was always under the assumption she would not get a happily ever after," she stated quietly with a bit of sadness and Jedite let out a breath. Yes… very common assumption.
"If that were so perhaps she is jealous of you than that you get to have a life, get to fall in love, get to be with your parents…" He countered and Marlina gulped, that knowledge resting on her.
"She has nothing to be jealous of from me," she huffed suddenly and Jedite bowed before her.
"Everyone has something to be jealous of Princess. Perhaps she is most jealous of the love you show everyone else and not to her."
"You think me a spoiled brat General?" She asked quietly and Jedite just couldn't help himself.
"Indeed. But brattiness can be out grown young Princess. She is in there you know… about to fall asleep. Perhaps you should have a conversation with her. You may find she is quite interesting to talk to," he mumbled, his hand touching the doorknob and Marlina shuffled her feet nervously. "I would think you less of a brat if you did."
"Honestly General… I don't really care what you think of me," she spat at him though her frame was slowly moving towards the door.
"You will when I become your brother-in-law," he breathed near her ear and she shot him a horrified look that suddenly softened.
"Would you treat her well?" She asked quietly, her hand upon the door as he opened it.
"Better than any in the galaxy," he responded with a bow of his head and Marlina gulped than let out a breath.
"Fine, but my threat still stands," she huffed than vanished into the room, slamming the door behind her. Jedite grinned a bit than let out a breath. He just got away with a lot in that conversation. Better run while he still can.