Chapter X. Masquerade
Even with the king's assurance that there would be plenty of time before harvest to regain the lost grains, the people in the area were still unsettled. It appeared those in the lands beyond did not have the same trouble as the main capital did. The atmosphere of the land made Endymion feel uncomfortable, though many told him things would resolve in time, as soon as the perpetrator of the arsons was caught.
Pacing his quarters, the prince tried to think of ways he could control the situation. At the sound of a knock on his door, he snapped out of his thoughts and went to answer the door. Upon opening it, he found Jadeite standing there. "Sir, I am afraid I have some more bad news."
The prince motioned for him to enter his chambers. As Jadeite stepped out of the darkness of the hallway, Endymion could see the lines of worry etched upon the commander's face. "What is the matter?"
"The water has dried up."
"What?" Endymion was incredulous. "That cannot be."
"And yet, it is true," Jadeite said, "I have seen the riverbanks myself. We have received word from towns far away that their lakes have dried up. And as if that were not bad enough, the ocean—which is miles and miles from here—has lowered itself significantly, as if it too were drying up."
Speechless, the prince dropped into one of his chairs. Another knock echoed at his door, and as it was open, the visitor stepped in, revealing himself to be Zoisite. "My lord," he said with a quick bow, "is it true?"
"I…I suppose so. You can probably tell me better than anyone, though. Surely you felt a disturbance in the waters?" asked the prince.
"I did, suddenly last night. I feel as if the person who was responsible for the fires last night managed to cause this disaster as well."
"That is all the fires have told me as well. They are very indistinct as to who is responsible," added Jadeite. "All I can see is a giant rock."
"The meteor that fell, perhaps?" suggested the prince.
Zoisite shrugged. "That is part of the mystery. If it is related, perhaps a search for where the great rock fell may be in order."
"I do not think that is wise," Jadeite declared. "Even if it were responsible, such an evil cannot be approached alone, if at all."
Endymion sat back, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling. "And besides, why would it target this kingdom? How would it know this is where the kings of Earth reside?"
There was a slight hesitation from Zoisite, as if he were afraid to speak. Shaking his head, he went ahead with his question. "You do not suppose it came from the Moon? Perhaps—"
"No!" shouted the prince. "Do not even suggest it."
"From what I can tell, Zoisite, the Moon may be targeted by this thing as well. The visions I have…"
"The Moon? Serenity…" Endymion folded his hands together.
Jadeite put his hand on the prince's shoulder. "If you are going to go, now is the time."
They exchanged looks of understanding.
The senshi were lively and chattering as they prepared themselves for the ball. They took turns, in between dressing and styling themselves, to help the princess prepare for the night as well. Serenity, in contrast to the others, was not animated nor excited.
"Cheer up, Princess," encouraged Makoto, her long green dress swaying as she busied herself with helping the princess. She brushed through Serenity's hair and began to style one of her buns. Grabbing a feather-and-pearl barrette, she fixed it right above the princess's bangs. "This is supposed to be a happy night."
"I know…" Serenity's voice trailed off. She could see herself in the reflection of her mirror—it was almost as if there was another woman staring back at her. She felt out of place.
Minako twirled around in her new dress. From the top, it faded from a light yellow into a bright orange, almost giving the appearance of a sunset. She straightened the cross straps behind her neck. "This dress is so perfect. I am glad to have an excuse to dress up." She began to brush her blond hair, looking sideways at Serenity. "Surely you can find a reason to be happy, Serenity. I bet Endymion is just as upset, from what you told me. You have to give him another chance."
Ami spoke up. "Yes, it is as Minako says. It is unlike you to be so depressed. Please, please cheer up, dear Princess." She straightened out her dress, which was a light blue with golden straps on her shoulders. The fabric was raised on her hips to create a wavy appearance on the bottom. She tied a blue choker around her neck to match.
"Besides," teased Rei with a wink, "if you do not make up with the prince, perhaps I will take him for myself."
Serenity smiled in spite of herself. "But are you not with Jadeite?"
The fire senshi blushed deeply, her crimson cheeks matching the color of her red dress. The others giggled, including the princess. "See, that was not so bad, was it?" asked Makoto, putting her face next to the princess's. She stood up and began to wrap up the matching bun on Serenity's head, adding another barrette above the bangs. "You are allowed to have fun, you know."
"But not too much fun, young lady," mocked Minako in an attempt at Luna's voice. "You are going to be a Crown Princess one day, you must settle down." She tied a little red ribbon to hold back part of her hair.
"I think just tonight would be okay," Makoto replied. She stood back to judge the hairstyle. "Yes, this will do," she said to no one in particular. "Rei, could you bring her dress?" The girl nodded and came back with a long white dress. It was embroidered with golden circles across the top of the dress, puffed sleeves that hung off the shoulders, and long layers of white fabric. Below the chest area was a set of pearls that wrapped around the dress, and an extensive white bow in the back.
Serenity stood up, stretching her arms up. After the girls slipped the dress over her head, Makoto tied the bow tightly as the others brought out the folds of the dress. "That is quite a dress," remarked Minako. The others murmured in agreement.
"Of course, it is fit for a princess," stated Makoto.
"Girls," a voice called out. Luna walked into the room. "My, you all look so very lovely. It is almost time for the ball to begin. I suggest you finish getting ready and make your way to the court."
They chorused, "Yes, Luna."
Minako picked up their masks and began to help the others put them on. "We cannot forget these."
"Yes, after all, it is a masquerade," replied Rei, adjusting her black sequin mask. "This is so exciting!"
Ami asked, "But it will it not be difficult to determine the identity of our guests if we are wearing these?"
The girls giggled. "That is the point. It is all a surprise," pointed out Minako.
They finished the final touches on their outfits and headed towards the ball. As they left Serenity's room, Makoto whispered to the princess, "He will be here. Do not worry."
A hopeful smile made its way to Serenity's face.
The magic spell which Jadeite had cast was a rather lengthy one, but as he examined his surroundings, Endymion felt it was worth it. The environment of the moon was thinner than the one he was accustomed to on Earth, but it also seemed cleaner somehow.
Looking around, it did not take him long to find a long line of people whose destination appeared to be a grand palace. He put on his thin white eye mask and straightened his cape. Sighing deeply, he made his way to the crowds.
Beryl was confused. She had searched for the prince all around the castle the entire afternoon, but to no avail. No one had seen him, and to make matters worse, no one had seen the Shitennou either.
"How aggravating," she muttered to herself as she made her way back to her quarters. "I suppose given the recent events, perhaps he is busy taking care of the famine disaster."
Zoisite's voice snapped her out of her reverie. "Talking to yourself, Beryl? That is never a good sign."
Beryl stopped in her tracks and turned to see the soldier walking towards her. "Well, if it isn't Zoisite. Where is the prince?" she inquired.
Zoisite evaded the question. "We were actually looking for you, Beryl. Jadeite's visions said you might be in danger. Where have you been?"
"Danger? Certainly not," she scoffed. "In fact, I have never been better. But you did not answer my question."
The Shitennou studied her for a moment. "The prince has made his way to the Moon Kingdom." Beryl's eyes opened wide in shock. "He is to meet with the princess and talk about their engagement to her people."
"E-e-engagement?" the sage stuttered. "How—"
"Did you miss the announcement? Perhaps you have been so mysteriously absent that you failed to hear the great news," said Zoisite. "In any case, the other Shitennou and I would like to have a word with you."
Beryl scowled. "I will meet with you later. I—I have some arrangements to make." She stormed off without another word.
Makoto yawned. "These fancy balls do become tiresome."
The other senshi nodded, but Serenity stayed still, watching the crowds. "Now Princess," Minako asked, "do you not think you should socialize among your guests? After all, even the Duke from Orion is here."
The other girls shushed her as a tall gentleman with a white mask appeared. "Dearest Princess, may I ask for a dance?" His white gloved hands reached out for her.
Her blue eyes rose from the ground to meet his. Sighing, she nodded and took his hand. He was no Endymion, but that was no reason to decline his offer.
Just outside of the palace, a guard with a long scroll stopped Endymion. "Excuse me sir, just who might you be?"
Endymion cleared his throat. "I—I am here to see the princess."
"Isn't everyone," came the noncommittal reply. "But I asked who you were."
"A friend of hers. Just ask—"
"I cannot let you in without a name. Your suspicious behavior is not helping matters." The guard looked at him sternly.
"I, well—"
"Excuse me," a soft voice said. The two of them turned to see none other than the queen of the moon herself, standing behind them. "I believe this gentleman is from Earth."
The guard grew red with rage. "A spy!" He began to motion to the other palace guards.
"There is no need for that, Lieutenant Adiatus. I will take care of this matter. I am sure the young man means no harm," the queen commented.
"But he is the enemy!"
She shook her head and motioned for Endymion to follow her. As they walked around the palace to the gardens, she began to speak to him. "I understand you are in love with my daughter."
"I—" Endymion was unsure of what to say.
Queen Serenity smiled. "You do not have to say anything. I know. I wished I had known earlier, but that time has come and gone now. I know you are not here to hurt us—I feel no evil intention from you. But I do have concern for the people of your planet. The comet which fell upon your planet—it was full of negative energy."
"Negative energy?"
"Yes. I suggest you look into it as soon as you return. Meanwhile," she said with a smile. "I suggest you go back to the princess. You were planning to ask her something, am I correct?"
Endymion nodded. He was not sure if he was embarrassed or relieved that the queen already knew the entire situation. "I did hope to ask your permission first, my lady. I feel, however, that you already approve, if I may be so bold."
"But of course," replied the queen. She smiled. "I can see why she loves you. Now, why not go and find my daughter?"
"I do not understand," Beryl pleaded. "I did everything you asked, and he is—he is not here! He is with her!"
But you will be with him soon enough, the black orb in her room replied. It resembled a dark black hole, dimensionless and deep. You have done me a great service, and in turn, I have given you almost unlimited power.
"Yes, of course, I know."
You know what to do next.
"I know that as well, my queen. But will the others accept my leadership?"
Assume command. Take control.
Beryl's distraught face changed to a wicked smile. "And take it I shall."
"Are you enjoying yourself, Princess?" inquired the masked stranger.
Serenity nodded without a verbal reply. She was distracted by the absence of Endymion. She turned her head this way and that, hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar face under all of the strange masks. There is no possible way he could have made it here. I am only getting my hopes up. Despite this thought, she could not stop looking.
Her dance partner guided her neatly through the crowd. "My name is Farasahn. I am from one of the moons of Saturn."
"Mm-hmm." She sighed and started looking downwards.
Farasahn stopped for a moment. Serenity looked back at him quizzically. "My dear, you do seem distracted by something. I do hope I am not boring you."
Serenity shook her head and guided him to start dancing again. "I do apologize, I am a bit distracted."
"Expecting someone special?" His question had a hint of a tease.
Again, the princess shook her head, her long blond hair coming over her shoulder. "Not expecting him at all." Realizing what she had said, she blushed and continued, "I mean, not expecting anyone like that."
The gentleman merely chuckled, and together they waltzed to the music. After the song finished playing and another one began, another guest came up to them. "May I?" he simply asked, gesturing his hand towards the princess.
Farasahn replied, "Of course." He bowed to Serenity and kissed her hand before he left. Serenity moved her attention to her new partner, who was much taller and had incredibly blue eyes behind his white mask.
"Good evening, Princess," greeted the masked man. She curtsied and repeated the same greeting, and together they began dancing. "You look radiant tonight."
She replied softly, "Thank you." She could not look away as easily as she did with her last partner—something about this man seemed very familiar.
A few minutes of awkward silence passed between the two of them as they danced. Finally, the man spoke up again. "Do you know who I am?" It was almost as if he knew she could not recognize him.
"Am I supposed to? I do apologize if—" And then the realization came to her. "Endymion?"
"The one and only. To meet my one and only." He stopped dancing and smiled at the princess.
Serenity was overjoyed. It would have been quite informal to shout and hug her prince in front of the crowd, so she motioned for Endymion to follow her and made her way to the balcony. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by the princess's senshi.
"Five rubies that is Endymion," Minako challenged. She looked at the others for a response.
They simply shook their heads. Ami replied, "Even I know who that is, Minako."
"Do you suppose he brought the Shinnetou with him?" asked Makoto, who started studied the crowd.
Rei shook her head. "I do not believe he did. I think this is a personal visit. Especially after…" She let her voice trail off and they all exchanged knowing looks.
As the royal couple stepped outside, Endymion slipped his mask off. Serenity did the same. "How did you make it here?" she asked.
"Let us just say that you are not the only one with gifted protectors. My Shitennou have powers of their own," Endymion replied. "Princess, it is so good to see you. I was afraid—"
Serenity interrupted. "Me too. I should have listened to your side of the story."
The earth prince smiled at her. "I could not imagine a life without you—which is why I wanted to do this correctly." He bent down to one knee and retrieved an object from a satchel on his armor. "Close your eyes," he insisted.
Almost giggling with glee, the princess obeyed the request. She felt a cold, round piece of metal slide onto her left hand. She opened her eyes to find a hexagonal-shaped diamond sparkling in the faint light. "It is the shape of a snowflake—or so they say," Endymion explained.
"Snowflake?" She looked at him curiously.
"You remember the precipitation we called rain on my world. Snow is when it is so cold that the water crystallizes and becomes ice. Falling ice is called sleet or snow." He stood up. "Snowflakes are said to be unique—that no two are alike. You, my dear princess, are like none other in this galaxy—in this universe. It is your light and your heart that I dream of. Will you, Princess Serenity, marry me?" He gazed hopefully into her eyes.
Serenity opened her mouth to speak, but moved forward to kiss him.
"He will pay for what he has done," swore Beryl as she turned her eyes away from the orb in front of her. She had just seen the proposal with her very own eyes. The mysterious orb was now positioned on a staff, with claws reaching around it. Its power seemed omnipresent, much like the fantasies of fortune teller globes she had heard about.
You have no doubts now, the orb spoke. I showed you how he betrayed you.
The sage snapped, "I know!" She took several deep breaths and took the staff by the handle. "We have work to do."
A/N: Don't forget to leave a review if you liked the story! I don't have too much further to go.
Also, check out my profile page for my website/twitter/facebook info. I keep a poetry site (which is why I have been slacking in the fan fic department as of late).