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
Authors Note:
I am so glad you are all in love with this story as much as I am!
Your reviews have been so sweet and thoughtful.
I am excited for this chapter but mostly because I love reading it over and over... the next chapter is even better.
Enjoy!
Venus sat grumpily before her warriors. Her eyes watched them through narrowed slits as her lips pressed together with frustration.
"Two out of three," Mars grumbled to Jupiter and the Thunder goddess let out a huff and looked to her leader for backup. She had already beaten the Martian warrior but the blonde refused to comment and only narrowed her eyes further.
"I already sacrificed myself. Venus and I will participate and you and Jupiter shall stand guard. That should be enough. You both can dodge the bullet," Mercury said suddenly into the air and Mars let out a relieved breath and Jupiter smirked.
"You better hope your love comes or you will quickly regret those words," Venus snarled at her angrily and the doors to Serenity's chambers opened and the Princess strode easily inside, Lunar at her heels. She glanced at them from her paperwork and stilled at Venus angry posture.
"Minet, I haven't seen you that angry since…" Her voice trailed off and a sickening look crossed her face, her bright blue eyes widening as she took in the tense postures of her warriors around the room. "No, it can't be already," she growled and Mercury let out a defeated breath. Serenity turned to her advisor and the Mau native nodded a confirmation. Serenity's frame fell with frustration onto one of her chairs.
"Stupid planet," she spat and Venus looked at her offended that she would dare say something against her beloved world… then she thought better and sighed with a nod of her head. "Oh no… you did not invite Endymion did you?" Serenity suddenly asked with alarm as she took in her advisor.
"Of course," Lunar replied calmly and Serenity pushed herself messily to her feet.
"Lunar, we are trying to get him to build bridges with the galaxy… not run from them screaming," she spat and moved towards her quarters. "Mercury get him on the vid please," she commanded and the aquatic warrior moved quickly to obey.
"He sort of strikes me as a man who would enjoy the Venetian Valentine Ball," Jupiter mused and Serenity let out a deep breath about to respond to that with a clever quip when Mercury's voice cut her off.
"I have a secure line open to Earth your majesty," Mercury announced opening the door to her Princess' private chambers. All stared at her in silence for a moment.
"Why how quick," Lunar observed with a narrowed gaze and Mercury cast a glance to the floor, her lips pressing together innocently.
"Indeed," Serenity breathed to her and she quickly closed them out of her quarters. Venus shot the aquatic warrior an impatient look.
"I am just prepared for my Princess' needs," Mercury said soundly and Jupiter let out a chuckle, Mars smirking as well.
"Well done," Venus mocked and Mercury smirked a bit to herself.
He sat quickly and pressed the button. Her stunning features materialized before him and he could see the stress creasing her brows.
"Are you dying?" He inquired conversationally and Serenity let out a breath taking in his rugged frame.
"If only I could… did I disturb you?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow and Endymion let out a breath, relaxing into his leather chair.
"On the contrary you saved me from a moment more in my father's presence. Thank you," he breathed with an appreciative nod. "I am quite impressed we have a secure line between the Moon and Earth," he mumbled suddenly and Serenity cast a glance towards her parlor doors.
"So was I," she mumbled and Endymion let out a sigh.
"One day we will have to deal with them… I hope when that day comes you have a solution for I am drawing a blank," he breathed sadly, his guardians obviously long gone for her warriors.
"I already proposed my solution," she said with a small smirk and his tiers curled upwards in remembrance.
"What can I do for you?" He asked sweetly and she let out a breath.
"Have you responded to your invitation to the Venetian Valentine Ball?" She questioned and his eyebrows rose curiously.
"Do you need a date love?" He questioned and he saw her shoulders slump and immediately felt foreboding come upon him.
"If only… I feel as your dear friend I should tell you that if you haven't RSVP'd you should definitely not."
"Seren, what is the Venetian Valentine Ball?" He questioned seriously and she let out a groan.
"It's an awful romantic catastrophe. Suitors come from around the galaxy and for one night they are able to fall all over us. We have to dance with them, flirt with them and as Venetian custom… drink with them. It is chaos on a sexual scale," she grumbled unhappily and Endymion could only stare at her as he tried to digest that. "To perhaps put it in perspective… last year I was trapped in a twenty minute lip lock session with Uranus, and that had been my rescue," she hissed, still slightly annoyed at the warrior for her eagerness to help and thorough education of kissing techniques she did not really need to know...
"Ah… that explains so much about her behavior on Jupiter," he mumbled thoughtfully and Serenity smirked.
"Save yourself Endymion, Minet and I do not have the luxury," she sighed miserably and he smiled at her.
"Perhaps this event is right up my alley," he mused and she narrowed her eyes at him challengingly.
"You detest women throwing themselves at you as was evident at the Uranus Masquerade… if you attend they would strive with everything in them to make one giant Earthling orgy," she hissed with disdain and Endymion couldn't stop the horror that spread across his face. "See," she smiled motioning to him and he huffed.
"I'll have to check with Zoycite. He may have already responded," Endymion grumbled with a frown and Serenity looked thoughtful.
"Well… if you come bring Kunzite and Zoycite with you. Minet and Amille will be participating in the festivities this year so perhaps they at least can be spared to be with people they actually can tolerate," she mused than cast a glance at him. "I won't be able to protect you from Marlina or others that may throw themselves at you and we cannot sneak away so easily as we did on Uranus from nameless faces… these are all the children of the galaxy on parade." She mumbled with a small smirk and Endymion grinned leaning towards the screen.
"Darling, you are the only one I worry about throwing herself at me," he mused and she laughed, her face lighting up and he smiled taking the sight in.
"Normally I would disagree with you but… if the situation arises and you are an option, you should hope I get to you first," she mused and he grinned, his eyes digging into her own.
"I'm sure I will. Till Venus Seren," he grinned and she let out a breath.
"Till Venus Endy," she returned and ended the transmission.
"What the hell is a Venetian Valentine Ball?" He asked suddenly and Zoycite was already on his database trying to figure it out.
"You really don't want to know…" Kunzite breathed with a shake of his head and Endymion looked at him alarmed. "I always wish to protect Venus but… some things I'd rather she deal with on her own and this is one of them," he grumbled and walked from the room without another word. Endymion's eyes widened considerably.
"Did we respond we were going?" He asked quickly and Zoycite shrugged.
She waited poised and patiently as the transport docked before her. This was definitely a first but being the goddess of Love after all she was not surprised in the least. "Prince Endymion," Queen Vinet greeted sweetly with a bow of her head as he approached, two guards flanking his sides.
"Queen Vinet, how kind of you to meet with me," Endymion bowed, gently taking her hand in his to plant a chaste kiss upon it.
"Yes, I rather enjoyed your letter," Queen Vinet smiled, her nose scrunching as she motioned him to enter into her palace. They walked companionably through the amethyst hallways. "My brother-in-law is a big fan of yours and I can see why," she began and Endymion smirked a bit at her, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Because I keep rushing to his daughter's aid?" He mused and she pressed her lips together thoughtfully and nodded.
"That… and something about you not willing to bend to her desire for a treaty. I find that admirable. Serenity needs an equal… someone she can run to and trust yet at the same time can push her to be her best. As I grow older it causes me great satisfaction to see the monarch that are rising up behind me… and how deeply capable they are when at your age I was no more than a foolish girl," she mused affectionately and he shook his head.
"That I doubt from the goddess of Love," he responded respectfully and she stilled, his frame turning to address her.
"Love indeed has its immature stage… mine lasted for quite awhile I am afraid," she winked at him and Endymion smiled amused. "Would you like me to tell you of your love story Endymion?" She questioned thoughtfully and Endymion felt the corner of his lips curl upwards.
"And miss out on the surprise?" He asked and she smiled gently lifting a black satin ribbon to his level. Tied to it was a silver medal and he let out a breath. He bowed before her once more in thankfulness than straightened, his hands taking the token from her.
"Don't let my daughter kill you for it. Only a few are granted it each year… Since I wish nothing but harmony with Earth I think it only fair you have one," she smiled and Endymion was struck with how much she looked like the Warrior Venus. Their eyes were exactly the same yet the Queen's were older, wiser and full of laughter. "Next year though you will be on your own."
"May I be so bold to ask… why do you do this to your daughter if she detests it so?" Endymion quietly questioned and Vinet let out a breath.
"She is my only you know," she began and slowly turned to keep walking, Endymion falling in rhythm beside her. "The other planets were blessed with more but Selenity and I… we had created one perfect one. Guess we had nothing left for another," she giggled a bit to herself but Endymion could hear the pain behind her words. "I admire her for her strength, for her loyalty, her power… but I remember my little girl. The one I promised bows, gowns and fair princes' too," she sighed a bit, her bright blue eyes meeting his. "I pray every day that Serenity will get the power to give my daughter the only thing she lacks," she stilled her words at that thought and suddenly she turned and approached one of Endymion's guards. Kunzite froze immediately under her gaze and she smiled adoringly at him. "Do you know what she lacks General Kunzite?" She breathed and Endymion stilled, a bit of panic on his features as he watched his General be put on the spot.
"I fear I find nothing but perfection in her your majesty," the General breathed and Queen Vinet reached out, pulling his face into her hands. His eyes closed a bit painfully at the interaction knowing with everything in him this was a breech of protocol… he was nothing compared to a Queen but deep down he knew this was more… this was his love's mother accepting him.
"I had not ever seen a heart beat so wildly as yours does for my daughter. I need no prince, no title… only a heart like yours for her," she breathed and a small tear trickled down her face. "I throw these parties each year in hopes one day Prince you would bring him… and for one night my daughter could put aside her duty, her loyalties and join hearts with this man."
"My Queen," Kunzite whispered, his hand covering her own as he leaned his cheek into her fingers.
"Speak freely Kunzite," Endymion breathed and Kunzite's silver eyes opened to encounter bright blue that looked so much like his loves.
"How can I tell the goddess of love something she already knows?" He whispered and Queen Vinet smiled understandingly as she gently drew her hands away.
"Indeed," she breathed and smoothly she inserted her hand through his arm and began to lead the General, Prince and Zoycite towards their rooms. "I have waited a very long time to meet you General."
"I am afraid I did not anticipate this day to ever come," he confessed and she let out a small laugh.
"I hope Endymion that you love as passionately as your generals do," Queen Vinet said airily and Endymion bowed his head respectfully.
"That indeed is a grand hope I'd like for myself," he confessed and she turned to him with a bright smile.
"Let me show you all of my ballroom's secret passageways," she grinned and Endymion smirked a bit at her. "They will come in handy."
On Uranus… the mystique had been the masquerades charm. You could hide easily, pretend to be someone else… act out if you wished or stay the same.
This was a completely different animal.
Serenity gulped painfully as she entered into the lavish Venetian ballroom.
"My darling, how are you fairing?" her mother asked beside her and Serenity was already starting to feel sick as men began to turn their heads towards her. Where was Uranus when she needed her?
"Aunt Vinet really is your sister isn't she mother?" Serenity whined a bit and Queen Selenity let out a breath eyeing the spectacle her sister made each year in an attempt to marry off her daughter.
"Half-sister," she confirmed and Serenity let out a small giggle when a hand tugged on her skirt to her left.
"We are still whole cousins," Minet shot and Serenity smiled at her adoringly.
"The Crown Princess of the Moon, Serenity," a loud voice announced and Serenity closed her eyes painfully. "The Princess of Venus, Minet," The voice announced once more and Minet cursed. "And the Princess of Mercury, Amille."
"Here we go…" Amille breathed when suddenly a hand grabbed her own and yanked her towards the dance floor, a sandy haired man suddenly appearing before Minet.
"Your beauty has captured me… may I capture you?" his voice was smooth yet smelled like wine and Minet gulped thinking how terrible would it be really if she pummeled this stranger into the ground.
"Very terrible," Serenity replied as she clung to her mother's arm.
"It is only for three hours my dear… chin up and remember… you have unspeakable power within you and your father and I will forgive you if you use it," Queen Selenity mumbled and Serenity let out a laugh, her heart warmed at her mother's understanding words. "That being said… you've started a line," she whispered into her daughters' ear and Serenity turned with horror at the trail of suitors that was forming before her. Her head fell in disappointment as her mother left her side and to her fate.
"I think my daughter grows to hate you more and more each year…" Selenity smiled to her sister and Vinet smirked from her throne watching the crazed proceedings before her.
"As does my daughter…" she snickered than she let out a forlorn breath. "Yet, perhaps this year will turn out differently for her," Vinet cooed sweetly.
"Forgive my doubting but I believe she only wishes one man. One man that most likely will not be found at a crazed courting event such as this…" Selenity advised taking a seat beside her and Vinet smiled knowingly at her sister.
"Perhaps… yet perhaps the same suitor that has just rescued your daughter will have provided a rescue for mine," she observed as her nieces frame was whisked away through a pair of curtains.
"If he was a suitor…" Selenity breathed than gulped. "Do you think it better to worry about your daughters unknown future or to know her future and worry still?"
"I fear that is a problem of worry… not necessarily knowing or not knowing the future. Perhaps it is our love for our daughters that even if we knew a happy ending was waiting we still worried… because we are human. We make mistakes. We cannot protect them from everything," Vinet sighed when suddenly she sat up. "My daughter just attacked General Kunzite," she reported and Selenity glanced that way.
"Yes, attacked in a very Venetian way…" Selenity hissed turning her gaze away and Vinet smiled, her face glowing a bit at her daughter's actions.
"Good for her," she teased and Selenity let out a deep breath.
"We are a strange group of people…" she mumbled and Vinet smiled taking her sisters hand in her own.
"Ah, but we are full of adventure."
"How kind," she heard herself saying to a man spouting sonnets to her yet her eyes were searching the room when suddenly they locked on a piece of black satin ribbon. She took a step back and peered more to the left to follow that coveted ribbon and medal to the wrist it was hanging off of. It was a free pass. Her Aunt only gave out a few for whimsy reasons… never one to her or her daughter. Mean Aunt. Yet, the medal was recognized by all as an immediate buffer to suitors. The one who possessed it was off limits for the evening and not to be touched. Her cerulean eyes traveled upwards to the owner of that wrist and her face crinkled in annoyance. Lucky bastard.
"Princess, I can only imagine how many offers you receive… I myself have sent many and I think they have not gotten a response because you have not tasted for yourself what love I could give you," the man's words before her made her turn back to him in complete surprise. Well, that was certainly a new one she hadn't heard.
"Would one kiss be enough?" She questioned thoughtfully and the man's eyes lit up like candles.
"Who would need more?" He breathed, a bit nervously and she took a step towards him. Gently her fingers gripped onto his lapel and pulled him towards her, his eyes wild with excitement. His lips puckered and she smiled gently turning her cheek to let his lips graze her smooth skin.
"Hm… It was very sweet," Serenity smiled at him and he looked at her with a twinge of sadness.
"Perhaps the lips this time Princess?" He inquired when suddenly an arm wrapped around her waist possessively. She felt the medal clank around her hip and the man's gaze fall to the offending appendage that touched her as he was trying to woo her. The black satin ribbon and medal made his face sink as a few others behind him grumbled.
"Afraid I am suddenly unavailable," Serenity breathed with a respectful bow of her head before she was yanked completely from their sight.
She pushed forward and tried to keep her footing as his hand pulled her through thick curtains onto an outdoor veranda. When she had seen him crossing the room towards her she had stopped breathing. He had breezed easily through her group of admirers and she had too eagerly accepted his hand as he pulled her away from the crazed spectacle.
He stopped suddenly and with one pull she was easily in his arms, her lips attaching to his hungrily as her body melded against him. His hand held at her jaw, ensuring her lips would not leave his until he was satisfied.
They heard rustling beside them and he pulled away and moved them further into the deep confines of the velvet curtains.
"I was afraid you would never come…" Her voice wafted over his chin and Endymion chuckled at her, his hand splayed across her back holding her tightly against him.
"Yes, well I am just glad I made it to you in one piece. Marlina is very fast for so small a stature," he growled and she laughed, her arms winding around him happily as
she leaned her head upon his shoulder.
"I imagined she was quite devastated to see this…" Serenity breathed greedily as she lifted the medal around his wrist. "How cruel my Aunt is to give it to you and never to me," she whined a bit and he smiled amused at her.
"Yes, well Marlina did not really let this medal stop her…" he grumbled and Serenity let out a giggle looking up at him. "I could give it to you, she said it was mine to do with as I wish," he teased, his eyes falling once more to her plump lips.
"Should I work for it?" Serenity asked, biting her lower lip tauntingly and his hand bunched the fabric at her back as her frame pressed intimately into his own.
"As amusing as that would be…" he mused and she let out a content sigh. She heard rustling beside her and clutched to the medal a little tighter.
"Why must parents torture their children so?" she cried sadly into his neck and he gently caressed her back.
"My parent tortures me in very different ways… it seems though Vinet's mother just wishes her to find true love," he mused and Serenity huffed against his chest.
"This is not the way to find true love… true love is grown over time, nurtured, enticed…" her body pressed teasingly against his own as her darkened eyes turned upwards to gaze into him. He smirked, turning her and pushing her against a stone column.
"What would you know about true love?" he teased as his lips fell to her jaw.
"I did read about it once in a book…" she responded and she felt his chest vibrate with his chuckle.
"Perhaps you know about it because you have fallen in love with me Seren…" He breathed against her chin before claiming her lips roughly. She responded eagerly, her leg brushing against his and he pressed her a bit more into the wall, her feet lifting a bit as he supported her against his frame. When her lips tore apart from his for air she felt pleasure travel down her back as his fingers scrolled down her shoulder over his emblem on her.
"What delusions you have young Prince…" she spat at him and his eyes stared into her own possessively.
"What was the premise of this event once more? For you to find a suitor correct? Perhaps we should return you to the ballroom… I'd hate for you to miss out on your future," he tortured and her nails dug playfully into his shoulders as she bit her bottom lip teasingly.
"The only future I see young Prince is about a capture and conquer," she breathed and her lips dove forward, her body pressing into his intimately causing a groan to leave his lips as they warred.
She stood stoic, her lips pressed together disinterested as she refused to make eye contact. They were trying especially hard this year to get her attention…
"I feel I must disclose that I do not believe I am able to bear children," she tried and a few men stilled around her. Her eyes followed them as a few started to depart. Ah, the good old no heir trick… what else could she tell the remaining…
"Not swayed," a voice said beside her and she felt her heart start to thud in her chest and her eyes softened in surprise.
"I am not submissive. I will not share my power with anyone," Minet breathed, her eyes catching silver and she saw a few other suitors depart.
"Not swayed," he responded once more, his eyes digging into her own and Minet let out a breath.
"I will never love you… my heart is already taken," she offered into the air and watched happily as the remaining two men left her annoyed. She turned to the General before her who stared her down. "Taken by you…" She confirmed to him and his lips curled up happily and she dove forward, throwing her arms around him as her lips attacked his own. He was ready for her, his arms enclosing her tightly against him.
"How very kind," Amille smiled tolerantly as she took a small step backwards. "No thank you," she whispered moving away from the man before her and she gulped as another stood in her way. "How kind of you to come," she offered when suddenly she felt a hand tug at the back of her dress causing her to stumble backwards. She huffed and turned, offended someone would dare touch her when she met bright blue eyes.
"Darling," she cooed instantly and he smiled adoringly at her.
"Darling?" A male asked behind her and Amille gulped turning to the men before her.
"He and I have a child together…" she offered with a sad smile and the suitors all immediately took a step back. Zoycite's arm slinked across the small Princess' waist and he winked at the men before them. Grumbles flowed around her and she waved politely as they began to depart.
"May I have your hand fair Princess?" Zoycite breathed into her ear and Amille smiled sadly, her eyes closing.
"If it was mine to give…" She whispered painfully and he gathered her up in his arms tightly. "Would you want it?" She inquired, her crystal eyes blinking to capture his own and he felt his heart constrict.
"More than anything in the universe," he whispered before capturing her lips deeply. Her body pressed against his and he pulled her away from the main ballroom.
"That had been interesting," Zoycite said suddenly as they walked and Endymion only pressed his lips together. Indeed… it had been. Granted, it has not been as interesting as Jupiter's bachelor party yet since Venus was an inner planet he had not supposed them to be so… loose… though honestly he should have. He had smiled sadly at Serenity as she clutched to the medal he gave her in hopes to keep it for years to come. She had no doubt been through enough suitors to last her a lifetime… she needed a reprieve. His attention was suddenly drawn to a lower part of the Venetian gardens. He and Zoycite had gone for a walk to explore this new world after last night's festivities yet he knew his feet would always bring them towards her. His seal on her always let him know exactly where she was yet the sounds coming from the direction she was was not something he was excited to hear.
"Sire…" Zoycite suddenly said as they came across a small alcove that led to a hidden training arena filled with dangerous women. "Is that not the Princess of the Moon?" He questioned and Endymion was already halfway down the steps.
She spun, her form draped in trousers and training garments as her hair was held back messily in a large bun.
"Again," she heard Venus voice ring out and Jupiter and Mars switched out and Uranus and Neptune jumped in. Serenity sucked in a deep breath and raised her sword once more as the next duel began. She was not a fan of fighting the Outers. They played a bit dirty… but they kept her on her toes. Sort of… usually she ended up on her back.
She felt her strength weaning as they pounded harder towards her. With a shove she pushed all her strength into them and dislodged Neptune's sword. She heard it clang across the ground and she charged after Uranus. She knew in the end it was moot as Uranus was one of the best swordsman in the galaxy. But she'd put up a fight…
A short fight. Within seconds Uranus knocked her sword from her arm and moved to perry when another sword came from her left blocking Uranus's advance and stepping smoothly in front of her. Serenity sucked in a deep breath and her lungs tried to hold onto the air in them. When her eyes caught her savior she let out a breath and let her body fall to the ground below.
"My hero," she rasped as she tried to let her body calm down from its rough excursion. Endymion's sword stood strong as he stared Uranus down.
"Break," Venus called and Uranus immediately withdrew. She nodded approval to the young Prince before her. She stepped to the left to help her Princess off the ground yet Endymion was suddenly there blocking her way to her.
"I'm fine Endymion," Serenity's voice rasped out and his gaze fell from Uranus to turn to the Princess who lay on her back before him.
"Love, why are you in training?" He hissed at her as his eyes bore into her frame. Finally her bright blue turned to his and she let a small smile come to her features at the concern etched on his face.
"The most powerful creature in the galaxy does indeed need training to remain so… my powers are not that good," she breathed and he crouched down beside her.
"You do not know your powers," he breathed taking in her exhausted form. "I am not pleased with this," he huffed and Serenity turned her head to him curiously. "I would ask if your father knew of this but I imagine it was his idea," he growled and she smiled a bit tiredly.
"My mothers," she responded and he grabbed her hand and slowly pulled her to a sitting position. She watched as his eyes raked her frame, looking for injuries. "Do you fret over me Prince?" She asked softly as she stared at the frowning creases in his forehead.
"If you die before our conquest is over I lose by default and I am not a very good loser," he hissed as he gently pushed her hair from her face to expose her dirt-smudged cheek.
"Does that mean our training session is over Prince Endymion?" Neptune asked softly and Endymion grabbed Serenity's hand and pulled her smoothly and effortlessly to her feet.
"Yes, Lady Neptune… If I can be so bold to command that," he replied evenly and Serenity smirked as he wrapped one of her arms around his neck, his other arm supporting her though it was not needed.
"Endy…" She began but he shot her a look and her smirk widened. She let him escort her to a stone bench where they both sat. "Endy, I did tell you my role in the galaxy did I not?" She asked softly and he huffed.
"You mean a tease who uses her wiles to gain treaties?" He chastised as he rubbed out a mud spot on her neck.
"You always forget my diplomatic skills… I win many treaties without having to bat a single eyelash you know," she smiled and he smirked at her.
"How many?" He teased.
"Seventeen since meeting you Prince Endymion," Mercury confirmed from his left and he grinned at her.
"All without batting an eyelash or taking a Prince to your bed?" He questioned and Serenity only smirked at him.
"I believe you are the last she has taken to her bed my Prince," Mars suddenly spoke and Serenity snapped her head in that direction and frowned at her guard. That was information that definitely did not need to be shared.
"Am I?" Endymion suddenly asked and Serenity turned back to him and the frivolity of the situation was suddenly lost from her expression.
"That she knows of," Serenity replied sternly and Endymion raised an eyebrow at her.
"That I know of as well Princess," Jupiter suddenly spoke up and Serenity let out a breath, her eyes closing tolerantly.
"Have I ruined you for other men?" He whispered joyously and Serenity stood and walked back to the arena, her energy returning.
"Let's go again," she called and Venus and Mercury advanced towards her.
"Serenity!" Endymion grabbed her arm and suddenly she spun, flipping with him and sending both of them to the ground. He grinned as she straddled atop him and their eyes met.
"You are turning my warriors against me," she hissed at him quietly and he smiled, his fingers running up her sides.
"I told you I would and than you would fall as well," he smirked and she pushed off of him and stood.
"You have not gotten me yet Prince and I have all of the information," Venus said suddenly above him and Endymion pushed himself to his feet. He followed Serenity and quickly took the sword from Mercury and pointed it at her as she readied for the next duel.
"I have already fought you once Prince. I have gotten much better since then… especially since I've had time to study your moves," she purred as she lifted her sword towards him. His sword lowered and their gaze met.
"What role do you play in the galaxy that you would need this extensive of training?" He asked and Serenity sucked in a deep breath and her sword lowered. She glanced at the blade in her hand than she held it out and Venus took it.
"Done for today Venus," she whispered and the Senshi nodded and with a word the other Senshi headed away from the arena, leaving the Princess and Prince behind. He waited patiently as they exited, his gaze never leaving her. Finally her eyes rose to meet his and she sucked in a deep breath. "I am afraid we are coming to an impasse Prince. This affairs' time is coming to a close," she began and he stuck his sword in the ground.
"I doubt it," he challenged and she laughed a bit.
"You cannot take on my roll of protector Endy," she breathed and he thought about arguing that point but didn't want to press.
"Again, you have eight of the most powerful protectors in the galaxy… why are they training you as if you are about to fight a war by yourself?" He pressed taking a step closer to her. "Perhaps this has something to do with the comet of power you shot through me a few months ago."
"It's been prophesied I will fight a great evil… that I will be the last standing but in my victory I will save all the galaxy," she breathed, and he felt the weight of those words upon her shoulder.
"I am not a big fan for prophecies…" He grumbled and she let out a breath.
"Nor I," she confessed than shrugged helplessly. "Why are you still here Endymion? Shouldn't you be running for the hills? I am only allowed one child… it's a girl… I have unimaginable power that makes no sense to me and eventually everyone around me will die and I will have to save the entire universe on my own," she breathed and before she could catch her next breath after her rant he was gathering her securely into his arms.
"Stop reading prophesies," he commanded into her ear and she clung to him tightly. His grip was strong on her, not hurtful but she felt secure and she sucked in a deep breath, reveling in that feeling that only he seemed to give her. She hated being honest with him but lately she couldn't help it. She was probably the most honest even with herself when she was with him.
"Don't fall in love with me Endy…" She whispered into his ear and his hands clasped tighter to her. "My destiny is not bright," she confessed sadly and he kissed her forehead, tucking her head into his neck as he stroked her hair.
"You are so screwed up my love…" He whispered and her form shook with her laughter. "I should perhaps be warning you not to fall in love with me young Princess as apparently I am your favorite," he smiled and she pulled away from him and let out a breath, the deep issues of her own life seemed to vanish within his distracting smile.
"Just because you are my favorite does not mean I am in love with you," she said quite confidently and he smiled teasingly at her as his hand cupped her cheek.
"Yet I am the only you have taken to your bed these last six months," he teased and she let out a breath.
"Am I not the only one you have taken as well Prince?" She inquired with a raised eyebrow and he smiled sweetly at her.
"Yes, indeed," he seemed to purr at her and her cheeks stained with a small blush. She stepped closer into his arms and let out a soft breath.
"Perhaps I am not as bed hopping as I am perceived or the opportunity has just not been needed," she replied easily and his lips found hers suddenly. The kiss was deep and long and she did not mind it one bit. When the kiss finally broke she leaned into him, burying her face into his strong neck. "Thank you Endy…" She breathed and he gathered her securely against him.
"For what my love?" He asked, his lips grazing her forehead and she closed her eyes contently.
"You know what for."
Indeed he did.