Thanks for all the great reviews everyone! I love you guys!
Chapter 7! Yayy! :)
I do not own Sailor Moon, I really wish I did but sadly I don't so here is my take on the world of Sailor Moon. Enjoy!
The King's Love by Increbresco
Chapter 7
*Serena's Room *
Endymion went straight to Serena's door and jerked it open hoping she was there. He needed to explain himself. His heart fell when he walked in and saw her sobbing form buried under the covers. At that moment he felt like a heartless monster.
"Sere…" he started slowly. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean it."
Serena gasped when she heard his voice and lifted her head slowly; her cheeks stained with tears and her golden hair matted.
"Go away! I never want to speak to you again!" cried Serena burying her head back under the covers.
Endymion wandered over to the bed and sat down beside her. He reached for the covers and pulled it back gazing at her tear-streaked face. She didn't look at him, just kept her gaze on the window.
"I really didn't mean it. I was just saying that because I was frustrated," he said stroking her hair, "I'm just sick of everyone trying to meddle all the time. It's not easy for me, I've been alone a long time Serenity."
Serena stirred a little and sat up folding her legs beneath her, "I've been alone for a long time too…but that doesn't excuse what you said Endymion. If all you want is to sleep with me then lets get it over with. I don't need you to pretend to be my friend."
Serena defiantly reached for the straps of her sundress and proceeded to pull them down. Endymion's hand shot out and grasped hers harshly just as she was about to expose her breasts to him. His eyes bore into hers for a minute before he tugged her straps back up angrily.
"I don't want you to do that!" he hissed, "I told you I didn't mean what I said!"
Serena stared at him both shocked and impressed. She decided to push him further so she lay back on her pillow and let her dress ride up indecently, revealing her long creamy legs to him. She bit down on her lip casting him a seductive look.
"Are you sure Endy?," she purred, "I thought you wanted me?"
Endymion gritted his teeth feeling humiliated. He didn't like her insinuating that he was some kind of animal that was desperate to have her in his bed. He grabbed the ends of her dress roughly and pulled it back down trying to cover as much of her as he could.
Serena smirked at him; she sat up suddenly and latched onto the button of his slacks undoing it. Endymion went completely still so she took it as an opportunity to slide her hand down the crotch of his pants feeling him become hard.
Endymion pushed her back down to the bed and growled, "Stop acting like a whore, we both know you're not. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to be your friend."
He turned away from her, sitting at the edge of the bed his hands cradling his head feeling utterly defeated. 'I don't know what to do anymore' he thought.
"Ok," Serena said softly a smile playing on her lips, "I believe you."
Endymion turned to face her surprised, "What? What was all this then?"
Serena smiled charmingly, "I was just testing you! You didn't give into my advances so the way I figure it you're a lot more decent than I give you credit for. And I know what you mean about the meddling, Luna, Artemis, Andrew, the generals and my friends have been bugging me about our "relationship"."
"You're a little brat," said Endymion irritably, "Next time, don't be so sure I won't take advantage of you or something."
Endymion couldn't believe she had just put on such a show to try and "test" him. But the more he thought about it the more he respected her for it. She was no fool; she knew how to take care of herself.
"Nah! I trust you Endymion," replied Serena pompously, "Just make sure I don't catch you talking crap about me again!"
"Yes Lady Meatball Head!" grunted Endymion rolling his eyes. He was grateful things between them were still ok. Although he felt his mind wandering back dangerously to their little rendezvous in the garden. Endymion shook his head snapping himself out of it. That was the last thing he needed to think about right now. It seemed like every time he and Serena came close to being intimate that it would get interrupted. 'Note to self: Make sure to get Serena in a private place next time' he thought.
Serena started laughing loudly clutching her stomach and rolling around on the bed. Tears rushed down her cheeks as she gasped for air.
Endymion raised an eyebrow at her bemused at her erratic behavior, "Umm…are you going insane or something?"
Serena panted trying to catch her breath. Wiping away her tears she stuttered, "No! It's just the look on your face just now was hilarious. There was like three different expressions and then the pout oh my god it was so funny!"
Endymion turned scarlet and folded his arms. He got up and towered over her, a serious look on his face, "Don't make fun of me before I have you sent to the dungeons!"
Serena chuckled and rolled her eyes, "Yeah right, I'm too cute for the dungeons and you know it!"
A knock on the door interrupted Endymion's retort. It was Hotaru interrupting them for the second time today.
Hotaru stared hesitantly at the pair, she had been afraid to walk in on them either fighting or in a passionate embrace. She was relatively surprised to see them both in such good spirits. 'I guess they worked it out' she thought relieved.
"Endymion, I told you before, the Council is looking for you. They say it's urgent!" she said quickly.
"Alright already!" grunted Endymion. He turned to Serena giving her a playful smile before teleporting away.
Hotaru stared at Serena uncertainly. They weren't exactly friends, but she wished they were especially since it seemed like Serena would be around for a while. However she could tell Serena was a little awkward in her presence no doubt because she had been a witness to her little garden escapade with Endy. She glanced out the window and noticed it was already dark. An idea struck her, a way for her to get close to Serena.
"Wanna have a sleepover?" asked Hotaru an evil smile on her face; "I can tell you some really embarrassing stories about Endy that you can use to tease him about later!"
Serena giggled nodding her head. Hotaru grinned and strode over to the bed throwing herself on it, hugging a nearby pillow.
*The Royal Council's Chambers*
Endymion tapped his foot impatiently as each of the council members poured in one by one. They were all outfitted in long flowing pasty sky blue robes, the collar of their golden undershirts sticking out. They seated themselves at the gigantic rectangular maple table facing Endymion who was sitting at the head of it looking rather irritated.
"What's so important that you have to interrupt my damn evening?" demanded Endymion.
They exchanged nervous glances for a moment and then Lady Vesta spoke up, "For some time now we have been dealing with a situation that we have kept from you."
Lady Pallas hesitantly continued, "Lord Tomoe was killed in Saturn."
"How is that possible? He's immortal" asked Endymion shocked. Lord Tomoe was a genius scientist from Saturn that he had met quite a few times; the man was responsible for several of the greatest inventions of the century.
"That's what we wondered, so we did some investigating and came to a horrifying realization" replied Lord Yaten.
"A Crugi of Largos was responsible for the death of Lord Tomoe. And after quite a bit of "prodding" he revealed to us that his people had discovered a way to undo immortality." stated Lord Taiki grimly.
"What?! That's impossible!" said Endymion furiously, "My father invented the Anima Elixir, and there is no way to undo it!"
"I'm afraid there is a way, the Crugis have it. We are not sure exactly how it is done but we have heard rumors that it might be some sort of elixir, as black as death itself" whispered Lady Ceres shaking slightly.
Endymion leaned back in his chair too shocked to speak. His mind couldn't process what the council was implying. If there were a means to take away ones immortality then no immortal would ever be safe again. He shuddered as he thought about the power of this new elixir, it would lead to destruction he knew it. No doubt the Crugis would use it in their power to try and gain control of the Earth and everywhere else for that matter.
"We have to declare War on the Crugis King Endymion! There is no other way; they are rising in numbers everyday that we wait. Our armies must go to Largos and destroy them!" urged Lord Seiya.
"War? There hasn't been a war in a long time. Why have you waited till now to tell me all this?" asked Endymion, "Nothing should be kept from a King"
Lady Juno sighed, "We had to make sure my King, we meant no disrespect against you."
"If we go to war with the Crugis in Largos, they will have the advantage of knowing their own land. We will have to draw them out into a more neutral territory where we can have the upper hand. I will go to Isis, which is near Largos and I will send them a declaration of war. They will not be able to resist a chance at attacking me. And when they come for me I will destroy every single one of them and then we will burn Largos so that no one will ever dare utter a word of their existence" proclaimed Endymion.
"You cannot go there my King, they will surely plot to rid you of your immortality and you will die by their hands!" shouted Lady Vesta terrified that the King might risk his life.
"I have fought many wars Lady Vesta, I am no mere man. I will win this war there is no question about that," replied Endymion confidently.
"But…you can't, your father would be furious if he knew you were planning to risk your life like this…" stuttered Lord Taiki.
"Silence!" roared Endymion frustrated, "I have made my decision. Send word for the city of Isis to be emptied, I want no civilian casualties. I will speak to my Generals and inform them of the situation. And I will leave for battle the day after General Andrew's wedding."
The Council nodded uncertainly. They were not in agreement with the King, however ultimately it was his decision. It would not be acceptable for them to question his intentions further. They would have to let things play out.
The Next Day...
*Palace Kitchen *
Serena yawned stretching. She undid her hair and ran her fingers through it combing out the knots. Last night had been very fun. She spent the entire night gossiping with Hotaru about cute guys and giving each other ridiculously funny makeovers. She learnt a lot about Endymion from Hotaru, all his little quirks and habits. Serena smiled when she thought of her new friendship with Hotaru. 'It's nice knowing I'm on good terms with Endymion's sister in case we end up dating' thought Serena blushing. She couldn't believe she allowed herself to think about dating Endymion, 'How would that even work I wonder?' Surely Endymion didn't go on regular dates.
Luna burst into the kitchen looking frazzled. She rushed to the stove throwing a pot on and raiding the cupboards. Serena cleared her throat startling her. She dropped the spoon in her hand and whirled around, shocked to see Serena sitting at the table.
"Oh my you gave me quite the scare!" whispered Luna, "I'm sorry I forgot to set aside some breakfast for you, don't worry I'll whip something up"
"There's no need Luna, I ate some donuts with Hotaru earlier" replied Serena quickly as she tied her hair into a ponytail, "Is everything ok? You don't seem like yourself this morning"
Luna gave a heavy sigh and plopped down on the seat beside Serena. She laid her head on the table for a moment and muttered weakly, "Artemis has decided to go fight in the war"
"War?! What war?!" asked Serena frantically. The last time she checked the Earth wasn't at war with anyone.
"The King is declaring a war with the Crugis of Largos. He says that our immortality is being threatened. The King is leaving after Andrew's wedding. It must be serious for him to go. Usually he doesn't go out on the front lines unless things are really bad," murmured Luna dejectedly.
Serena was speechless she couldn't believe a war was starting. She was always one for peace. 'I hope Endymion will be safe' she thought sadly.
"Don't worry Luna," said Serena reassuringly, "I'm sure Artemis knows what he's doing. He'll be ok, you'll see."
Luna gave Serena a sad smile shaking her head, "I know you're right, it's just that…I wish he didn't want to go. I need him more than ever Serena. I'm…pregnant…"
Serena's jaw dropped in shock, "What? Seriously? That's wonderful Luna!"
"I haven't told Artemis yet, I'm planning to do it tonight," Luna said, "I'm hoping that he will reconsider going however knowing him he will claim that there is even more of a reason for him to go now, to protect our baby's future."
"Luna, I'm here for you, I'll help you in the kitchen and I'll be there for you twenty four hours a day, I promise!" declared Serena.
Luna smiled and hugged her, "Thank you Serena, I don't know what I would do without you."
Elsewhere…
*Endymion's Office *
The room was quiet as Endymion leaned over his desk mapping out various strategic locations for each of the troops to be stationed. The Generals stood around the desk silently observing what Endymion was doing. They had a worried look on their face. This war seemed to come out of nowhere, and the threat of an end to immortality strickened them with fear.
Andrew was beyond depressed; he knew that his honeymoon wouldn't be a possibility. They were to leave the morning after his wedding; Reika was devastated when she heard the news. She cried for hours worried about his safety and disappointed about starting their married life apart.
"Ok, I think that does it," said Endymion, "If we stick to this plan, we should wall them in exactly where we want them."
"Yes your majesty," they answered in unison.
"None of us wanted a war, I know this is hard on you men," said Endymion, "However it's our duty to protect Earth and we must succeed or else I fear that it might lead to our destruction.
"We'll do our best Endy," mumbled Zoisite his gaze fixed on studying the map in front of him.
"Yes, We are fine, Endymion," replied Andrew bravely, "I gladly fight side by side with my King"
"Yeah Endy," said Jadeite grinning, "We'll kick some Crugis ass!"
"I wouldn't put it in those exact words, but I also agree. We know the risks Endymion," said Nephrite rolling his eyes at Jadeite.
Kunzite chuckled and said cheerfully, "At least we still get to enjoy Andrew's wedding. I have a date with a goddess!"
Andrew poked Kunzite in the ribs giving him a hard look. 'That idiot! I don't want Endymion knowing that the generals are taking Serena's friends as dates! He would surely figure out their intention of trying to get him and Serena together.'
"I too have a date with a goddess, a certain little golden haired minx" said Endymion smirking.
"What? You're taking Serena?!" shouted Andrew excitedly, "What happened to going with Princess Beryl?"
"I have decided against a union with her for now, I sent her a telegram this morning revoking my invitation," said Endymion, "I already promised Serenity that I would take her as a favor for helping me out with something"
"Way to go Endy!" snickered Nephrite glad the mood was lightening up.
"I must admit Serena is a good match for you," said Zoisite.
"Forget that! She's a babe!" said Jadeite grinning wickedly.
Endymion rolled his eyes at them ignoring their taunts. He was really looking forward to spending time with Serena. He was pretty sure it was to be the last time they would be together for a while.
*Crown Arcade *
The group of girls sat in a booth eating lunch, enamored with Serena's tale. She was telling them about her little lunch date with Endymion and about what happened in the rose gardens. They sighed dreamily when she finished.
"Serena you're so lucky!" said Lita taking a sip of her creamy chocolate milkshake, "The King is so handsome."
"Yeah but he's so complicated…" muttered Serena.
"It's so sad that he's leaving though," commented Ami, "Going to war is serious, I hope he returns safely."
"Geez Ami don't sound so dismal," replied Raye popping a crisp french fry in her mouth, "He's King, he'll be fine. I'll pray for him."
"Thanks Raye, I'll be praying too," whispered Serena picking at the greasy burger that lay in front of her, "I wish we had more time together."
Mina glanced at the other girls a smile on her lips, "Ohh Serena! it sounds like you have it bad for the King."
"I do not," mumbled Serena weakly. She hated admitting she was interested in a guy but it was true, she had it bad for Endymion.
"Admit it Serena, you love him," teased Mina smirking.
"Who does Serena love?" cut in Lizzie who had been passing by with an empty tray.
"She loves the King!" replied Lita, a huge grin spread across her face.
"Don't listen to them Lizzie!" said Serena quickly, "They're just boy crazy!"
Lizzie laughed and slid into the booth beside Ami, "Really, cause I heard some pretty interesting things from Andrew"
Serena blushed furiously and shook her head in denial. She took a good look at Lizzie and noticed her eyes were red and puffy as though she had been crying.
"Are you ok Lizzie?" asked Serena, concern written on her face.
"I don't want to bring you guys down," said Lizzie hesitantly, "I'm just upset cause Andy will be going to war. My parents are so worried too."
The girls smiled sadly in understanding. War was tough, families split apart, loved ones far away. It certainly wasn't something that anyone on Earth wanted.
"It's ok Lizzie," said Lita, "Your brother will be fine. You just gotta be positive."
"I know," replied Lizzie weakly, "Never mind all that depressing stuff, I heard you girls are going to the wedding as the generals dates."
The girls all groaned looking away guiltily as Serena gasped.
"Really?!" asked Serena, "You guys didn't tell me that?"
"I guess it slipped our minds Serena," murmured Mina quietly.
"When did you meet the generals?" questioned Serena suspiciously.
"Well…umm we bumped into Andrew and he introduced us," replied Raye quickly.
Serena beamed happily, "That's great, at least some more people I know will be there. It's going to be a blast!"
Lizzie laughed at Serena's excitement, "It's going to be great. What are you wearing for the reception after you change out of the traditional bridesmaid robes for the wedding Serena?"
"What?!" shouted Serena, "I thought we wore the same outfit all day!"
"Of course not Serena, that's just for the ceremony," said Lizzie straightening her uniform.
"Oh no!" whispered Serena in horror, "I don't have anything to wear!"
"There's still time Serena!" said Ami reassuringly, "We can go shopping."
Serena groaned and dropped her head on the table whimpering, "No we can't, I don't have that much money."
"Don't worry Serena, I have an idea!" said Mina cheerfully, "I have this friend that works as a costume designer and I'm sure she has something that you can borrow."
Serena looked up, her eyes lighting up with hope, "Really? That would be awesome!"
The girls said their goodbyes to Lizzie and took off to Mina's friend. Serena skipped happily daydreaming about beautiful dresses.
That evening…
*The Palace *
Serena strode down the hallway to her room, a smile plastered on her face. In the garment bag she held, was the most beautiful gown she was sure she would ever wear. Mina's friend Yumiko was a brilliant designer, her dresses were absolutely gorgeous. Yumiko had been more than happy to supply Serena with a dress for Andrew's wedding, her only demand being that if anyone asked where the dress came from; Serena was to mention her name. Serena had agreed wholeheartedly, for she was already in love with this dress.
Serena stopped in her tracks when she noticed Endymion leaning against her door, his head bowed down and his eyes close. She approached him quietly.
"Endymion?" she asked hesitantly.
Endymion's eyes snapped open when he heard her voice, "Finally, where have you been? I have been looking for you all afternoon."
"I was just out with my friends," replied Serena clutching the dress close to her chest "Is everything ok?"
"Can we talk inside?" asked Endymion moving away from the door so she could unlock it.
Serena bit her lip nervously and then unlocked the door, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. 'I wonder what he wants' she thought.
They entered her room quietly. Serena laid her dress out on the chaise beside her bed as Endymion took a seat at the end of her bed, his eyes following her every move. He motioned for her to sit beside him as she stood staring at him. Serena hesitantly wandered over to the bed sitting down beside Endymion blushing.
"I'm sure by now you have heard about the war," stated Endymion turning to face her, "I'll be gone for awhile."
Serena nodded staring at her hands, tears welling up in her eyes, "I wish you didn't have to go…"
Endymion tilted her chin upwards gazing down at her teary eyes, "I have to go Serenity, it's my duty. I'll miss you though…"
"I'll miss you too, " admitted Serena as she leaned forward and pressed her head into his neck breathing in his musky scent. 'He smells like roses' she thought blushing.
Endymion smiled surprised at her boldness. He lay back on the bed pulling her along with him. They remained quiet for a few minutes wrapped up in their embrace.
"Can I stay with you tonight?" asked Endymion suddenly, "I won't try anything I promise. I don't want to be alone tonight Sere."
"Yes" murmured Serena happy that Endymion felt comfortable enough with her to admit his loneliness.
Endymion pulled her closer enjoying her warmth, "Good."
The pair lay in bed for the rest of the night, talking quietly for hours before drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
More to come soon.