Twelve Years Later
The Palace of Crystal Tokyo shimmered under the night sky, its crystalline spires glowing softly.
Some sections of the palace were open to the public, often bustling with both locals and tourists from distant galaxies, all marveling at the crystal structures that reflected light onto ancient gilded mirrors, velvet drapes, sculptures, paintings, and chandeliers. However, only a select few had access to the more restricted areas of the palace.
Passing the gardens on the crystal walkways arched over ponds that mirrored the moon and stars, hidden in the northern wing, Queen Serenity's private chambers lay secluded.
Her room was a vast, open space with a crystal ceiling that offered a clear view of the sky, making it feel almost boundless. At the center, her bed was draped in deep purple silks, surrounded by low, cushioned seating that seemed to float just above the floor. Lush greenery spilled from elegant urns, framing the room with a soft, natural touch. Fountains bubbled quietly in the corners, their water cascading into sleek, illuminated pools that reflected the soft glow of the room's hidden lights.
Wide archways led to a private balcony, where the night breeze flowed in freely, carrying the scent of jasmine. The design felt otherworldly—blending fluid lines and soft curves with an almost surreal elegance, as if the space itself breathed. Yet, despite the serenity of the room, an unmistakable tension lingered in the air, contrasting sharply with the stillness of the night.
Neo Queen Serenity was pacing back and forth, her silken gown swishing softly with each step. Her long white hair flowed behind her like a river of moonlight, and her eyes, usually so calm and clear, were filled with nervous energy. She clutched a delicate silver brush in her hand, her grip tightening with each passing second, as if the small object might somehow anchor her to reality.
"Your Majesty, if you could just review these documents..." Lady Vivienne, one of her most trusted aides, was following the Queen around the room, holding a holographic screen that projected urgent documents. "They're all quite pressing—diplomatic treaties, budget approvals, not to mention the new law on interstellar trade..."
But Serenity wasn't listening. Her mind was elsewhere, far from her usual responsibilities. Lady Vivienne, undeterred, continued to trail after her, the holographic screen hovering in her hands as she tried to keep pace with the Queen. "Perhaps we could start with the most critical matters? Just a quick review and signature, and—"
"Later, Vivienne," Serenity said, waving her off with a distracted hand. "Please…I can't think about any of that right now."
Lady Vivienne's expression tightened with concern. It was unlike Serenity to be so absent-minded.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, another of Serenity's aides, Lady Elara, was holding up a series of gowns, each more extravagant than the last. "What about this one, Your Majesty?" she asked, presenting a deep purple dress with silver embroidery.
Serenity barely glanced at the gown before shaking her head. "I don't think so" she said, her voice edged with frustration. "It's too... boring."
Lady Elara frowned and set the gown aside, quickly producing another option—a deep crimson gown with a golden sash. "And this one?"
"No," Serenity said quickly, her brow furrowing as she looked over the dress. "It's just... too much. I mean, red? It's like shouting that I'm angry, right? And I really can't afford to seem angry, nottoday."
Lady Elara exchanged a glance with Lady Vivienne, both of them equally puzzled by the Queen's behavior.
Standing in the balcony, where the light from outside cast a warm glow across his face, was Martin Ashford, the head of the parliament and one of Serenity's closest confidants. He was watching the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and concern, his arms crossed over his chest. Martin was a tall, slender man with an easygoing smile and a quick wit that made him both charming and formidable in the political arena. His dark hair was impeccably styled, and his sharp brown eyes missed nothing.
"My Queen," Martin began, his tone teasing yet gentle, "May I ask…Why are you acting like a nervous schoolgirl."
Serenity shot him a glare that was more embarrassed than angry. "I'm not nervous," she insisted, though the way she twisted the silver brush in her hands suggested otherwise. "It's just… Hehatesme!"
"Who?" Martin replied, raising an eyebrow.
Whowas the correct question. Serenity hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor as she tried to find the words to explain.
Martin's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then a slow grin spread across his face. "Ah, now I see," he said, a note of triumph in his voice. "It's the new General, isn't it? Endymion."
Serenity's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she quickly looked away, refusing to meet Martin's gaze. "It's not what you think," she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration.
But that was exactly the problem. The about to be appointed General Endymion—orMr. Perfect, as she mockingly called him in the privacy of her mind—had always been a source of irritation. Martin leaned in closer, his grin widening."It's always something with him. He's the only one who manages to get under your skin like this."
Serenity knew Martin was right. While the press, public, and politicians remained oblivious to her frustrations, those closest to her had long since noticed the tension between her and the new General. He had always been a problem, but today, he was about to become a much bigger one.
For years, this had been a silent, ongoing struggle—one that most couldn't even begin to suspect. But within her inner circle, it was well known that Endymion's mere presence could unsettle her in ways nothing else could. Their relationship, if it could even be called that, had been marked by a cold formality that barely concealed the undercurrent of mutual disdain.
Now, however, Serenity feared she would no longer be able to hide her discomfort. The safety of distance was about to disappear because today, the Empire was celebrating Endymion's appointment as the new General of the Neo Silver Millennium. In just a few hours, Serenity herself would have to preside over the ceremony to make it official.
The Queen sighed again, this time deeper, as though she were trying to expel the tension from her body. "Do you know he has never smiled at me? Not once, in all these years. And every time I try to make conversation, he just... frowns. And when he looks at me, it's as if... if…well, I don't know, but it's not good."
Martin tried—and failed—to suppress a chuckle. "He frowns at you? Oh, how tragic," he said, his tone dripping with mock sympathy.
Serenity shot him a withering look, but it quickly softened into one of uncertainty. "I'm serious, Martin. I just don't get it. He avoids me like the plague. He looks at me like I'm stupid, refuses to make eye contact, and barely acknowledges me in meetings. It's like my very existence annoys him. . Me. And think about it—politically, it doesn't even add up."
Serenity's voice faltered, her earlier confidence slipping. "I mean, if he really can't stand me, why would he want to work so close to me? What if he's secretly against the monarchy, like... maybe he hates everything I represent. What if... what if he's one of those people who actually wants me dead?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, the weight of her fears pressing down on her.
Martin's playful demeanor shifted instantly, his smile fading as the gravity of her words sank in. The palace had been on high alert ever since the emergence of a shadowy organization known only as the Black Star Syndicate, a group shrouded in mystery and dedicated to the downfall of the monarchy. Though their motives remained unclear, their actions had been anything but subtle. Two assassination attempts had been made on the Queen's life in the past year alone—one involving a high-tech sniper drone that had been intercepted just moments before it could strike, and another where a cleverly disguised explosive was found in the engine room of her personal spacecraft.
The public remained blissfully unaware of these threats, the government choosing to keep the incidents under wraps to prevent widespread panic. But within the walls of the palace, the tension was palpable. No one knew who the members of the Black Star Syndicate were, or how deep their influence reached. The latest reports suggested they had operatives embedded in the very institutions designed to protect the Queen—operatives who could strike at any moment.
Serenity's mind raced as she considered the possibility. Could Endymion be one of them? Could he be waiting for the perfect opportunity to carry out their deadly agenda? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself looking to Martin for reassurance.
"My Queen," he said, his tone now serious, "We've thoroughly vetted Endymion's background. We've conducted multiple checks, and there's no evidence to suggest that he's involved with any hostile group. If he were part of an organization like the Black Star Syndicate, we would have found out."
Serenity's eyes narrowed. The most recent attack had taken place just a few months ago. Thanks to the quick actions of her security team, the threat had been neutralized, but the incident had left her shaken. "But what if he's just very good at hiding it?"
Martin shook his head firmly. "Endymion is a man of principle, Your Majesty. From the moment he entered the military academy, his dedication has been unwavering. Given all he has accomplished in service to the Empire... it is clear that his sole purpose is to protect and uphold the crown."
Serenity listened intently, her brow furrowed. He was right, of course. But… her instincts were telling her something seemed off.
"Yes we all know he'samazing". The Queen said rolling her eyes. But if he does't like me,why would he choose this position? And why now, of all times?" She hesitated, her voice dropping slightly. "Especially after what happened to General Arcturus..."
Martin sighed. "Yes that was a terrible loss."
Serenity's thoughts drifted back to the tragic events that had led to this moment. The way the previous General's shuttle was ambushed during that diplomatic mission to the outer colonies… no one saw it coming. It had been a devastating blow, especially considering the growing number of assassination attempts against her. The entire empire had been shaken by the loss, and whispers of conspiracy had lingered in the air.
In the aftermath, it was no surprise to anyone that Endymion was chosen as his successor. His rise to the position was expected by those who had watched his meteoric ascent through the ranks. Stepping into the shoes of the fallen General had been nothing short of remarkable, particularly given his age. But this was the same young man who had entered the Royal Military Academy at 21 years old and, in the span of 12 years, had accomplished more than most could hope to achieve in a lifetime.
Endymion had joined the academy with the intention of serving as a military doctor, but no one could have predicted the rapid rise that followed. His ability to handle the most complex and dangerous situations had made him the natural choice for the role of General.
"It's crazy, right?" she said, almost to herself. "How he shot up the ranks like that, from just a medical officer to the General of the whole Empire."
Serenity vividly recalled the first time she heard whispers of Endymion's brilliance. He was a young man then, having only recently entered the Royal Military Academy, but the buzz around him grew quickly. His groundbreaking discovery in battlefield medicine—a neural interface that allowed soldiers with severe spinal injuries to regain control of their motor functions—had been nothing short of revolutionary. A medical breakthrough that offered countless wounded warriors a second chance at life. The impact was immediate, cementing his status as a prodigy almost overnight.
That discovery led to their first meeting. The Royal Military Academy had organized a grand celebration to honor their brightest minds, and Endymion was the star. The gala was held in the main ballroom, a vast and luminous offering panoramic views of the surrounding gardens. The guests, a mix of high-ranking military officials, diplomats, students and scholars, mingled in small groups as the soft strains of an orchestra filled the air.
When Neo Queen Serenity arrived, her entrance was announced with all the pomp and circumstance befitting her position. All those present in the ballroom turned to face the entrance, and in a unified movement bowed deeply in respect.
General Arcturus, the then-living head of Earth's military forces, was the first to greet her. A man of imposing stature and a grave demeanor, stepped forward to receive her. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing respectfully, "it is an honor to have you here".
Neo Queen Serenity nodded with a polite smile, allowing Arcturus to guide her through the ballroom. As they moved, he introduced her to various cadets, each more impressive than the last. The pride in Arcturus's voice was evident, but there was an underlying anticipation, as if he were saving the best for last. Finally, they reached the star of the evening.
"Your Majesty," Arcturus said, his voice filled with admiration, "may I present one of our brightest students, Endymion."
Endymion?she thought, like…A chill ran down her spine as goosebumps rose on her skin.
As their eyes met, Serenity felt an inexplicable tug at her heart. Before her stood a young man of considerable height, with dark hair that fell slightly over his deep blue eyes. His posture was immaculate, and though his uniform was simple, it fit him perfectly, as if it were made for him. Yet, there was something in his gaze—an intensity that was hard to define—that made her feel as if something was amiss. His eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn't expected the introduction.
Serenity offered him a wide smile and extended her hand in greeting. But instead of returning the gesture, Endymion seemed to freeze. His breathing grew uneven, and what had started as a surprised expression quickly shifted into one of agitation. His eyes flicked toward her outstretched hand, but he made no move to take it. Instead, he furrowed his brow, his face reflecting a mix of discomfort and tension.
Then he looked at her, and it made her heart stop. She knew that look. In his eyes, she saw loathing—disgust. She recognized it instantly. She had seen that same look in the eyes of her enemies many times before.
For a moment, she stood there, her extended hand lingering in the air before she let it fall to her side. The rejection, so unexpected and public, cut deeper than she would have anticipated. She had been prepared for formality, for the reserved demeanor that often accompanied military types, but this was different. This was cold, almost hostile.
General Arcturus, ever the diplomat, quickly sensed the tension in the air. With a practiced smile, he let out a lighthearted laugh, trying to diffuse the awkwardness that had settled over the group. "Forgive him, Your Majesty," he said, his voice warm and filled with affection for his protégé. "The poor boy is simply starstruck. It's not every day one gets to meet the Queen herself."
Despite his reassuring words, Serenity couldn't shake the discomfort that gnawed at her. She managed a polite smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, General," she replied softly.
Without so much as another word or glance in her direction, the young Endymion turned on his heel and left, his movements stiff and abrupt. He walked away, his back straight, his pace measured, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake. General Arcturus, caught off guard by the young man's sudden departure, found himself scrambling to offer an explanation, though his words felt hollow even to him.
"He's... always been a bit of a lone wolf, Your Majesty," Arcturus continued, his tone apologetic. "Brilliant, but... not the most social of creatures. I'm sure with time, he'll come to understand the importance of these interactions." He chuckled nervously, but the unease lingered, hanging in the air like a fog that refused to lift.
Serenity nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. She watched Endymion's figure disappear into the crowd, her thoughts racing. What had just happened? Why had he reacted so coldly, so dismissively?
As the evening wore on, Serenity found it difficult to focus on the other introductions and formalities. Her mind kept drifting back to that brief, uncomfortable encounter. The young man's striking features and intense gaze were etched into her memory, but it was the way he had turned away from her, as if she were nothing more than an ugly bug, that stayed with her the most.
Despite their unfortunate first encounter, the interactions between Serenity and Endymion didn't end there. Over the years, Endymion continued to accomplish many heroic feats that propelled him swiftly up the military ranks. His name became synonymous with bravery and brilliance, especially after certain missions that solidified his reputation.
He was instrumental in thwarting the Orion Invasion, leading a fleet of warships in a decisive battle that outmaneuvered and overwhelmed foreign enemy forces. His cunning strategy, one that used the gravitational pull of a nearby asteroid field to turn the tide, earned him widespread acclaim.
Another key moment came during the Kuiper Belt Crisis, when Endymion was tasked with defusing a high-stakes hostage situation. A rogue faction of mercenaries had seized several prominent diplomats and military officials, holding them captive in a remote outpost deep within the Kuiper Belt. Instead of opting for an aggressive military response, Endymion chose to lead the negotiations himself. With unwavering calm and strategic precision, he dismantled the situation piece by piece, convincing the mercenaries to release the hostages without a single casualty.
A couple years later during a critical operation on one of Jupiter's moons, Endymion led a small team to disarm a nuclear threat, orchestrated by a rogue anti-monarchist group, that could have devastated the solar system. It was an act of valor and precision that not only saved millions of lives but also demonstrated his incredible ability to handle the most extreme pressure.
Following such achievemts, Endymion was promoted to the rank of Captain and began attending strategic meetings alongside General Arcturus. In each of those meetings, Endymion contributed with sharp intelligence and strategy, making it clear that his rise was not just a matter of luck but of undeniable merit. His wisdom and brilliance stood out, making him a central figure in the most critical discussions concerning the defense of the kingdom.
However, with each subsequent encounter, Serenity noticed a troubling pattern: Endymion avoided her. He always maintained a serious demeanor, never looking directly at her, even when she spoke. The rare times he addressed her, his gaze would always fix on a point just beside her face, never quite meeting her eyes. It was subtle, but the way he seemed to avoid her direct gaze made her feel like her very presence unsettled him deeply. Over time, this behavior only intensified. During formal meetings, he kept a respectful distance, bowing with perfect precision, his posture always impeccable, his words carefully measured. Yet there was an underlying tension in every interaction—an invisible barrier between them that no one else seemed to notice.
Their exchanges were brief and rare, always steeped in protocol, and though his manners were flawless, she couldn't shake the feeling that something unsaid lingered between them.
This behavior didn't go unnoticed by Serenity, who privately began to refer to him asMr. to the eyes of the kingdom there was nothing Endymion did wrong—ever. He was always impeccably groomed, with not a hair out of place, his jet-black hair styled with such precision that it seemed almost unnatural. His uniform was perpetually pristine, as if it had just been pressed, even after hours of intense meetings. Every word that left his mouth was precise, carefully chosen, and delivered in a calm, controlled tone that never wavered. He was the embodiment of composure, never losing his temper, never showing frustration, and never appearing anything less than perfectly composed.
Endymion was the kind of man who seemed to excel at everything he touched. He was not just a brilliant strategist and a formidable warrior, but also a scholar, a doctor and a polyglot fluent in multiple languages. There were rumors that he rarely slept, as if his body and mind were operating on a level beyond human limits, allowing him to work tirelessly without a hint of fatigue.
To the public, he was nothing short of a legend—a hero who could do no wrong. Theyadoredhim.
With each heroic feat, Neo Queen Serenity found herself more and more impressed by him. She was deeply grateful for everything he had done for the kingdom, yet despite her growing admiration for his work, their relationship showed no signs of improvement. Every time they met, the coldness between them remained, as though all his brilliance and bravery couldn't bridge the distance that had settled between them.
Meanwhile, Endymion's popularity soared to new heights. His impressive skills and striking appearance quickly made him a heartthrob in the eyes of the public. His holographic image graced the covers of digital magazines and floated in the air on every newsfeed, his handsome face beamed across the solar system. Media outlets couldn't get enough of him, and soon, he became a regular fixture in the galaxy's most popular holoscreens, where he was consistently voted as the "Bachelor of the year" by adoring fans.
Virtual realities forums were abuzz with fan-created avatars, all emulating his style and mannerisms. Fan clubs dedicated to Endymion sprang up in different planets, with members donning his likeness in their own digital personas. Every time he was spotted in public, whether on Earth or on a distant colony, the interstellar networks would light up with excitement, fans dissecting every detail of his appearance, from the subtle modifications to his military uniform to the latest tech gear he was seen using.
Despite all the adulation, Endymion never seemed to acknowledge any of it. He remained focused and unbothered, as if the devotion of billions was just another part of the background noise in his disciplined life. Speculation about his personal affairs became a favorite topic on the gossip channels, where rumors flew about who he might be seen with at the latest galactic events. But, of course, Mr. Perfect never gave anyone anything to talk about. He was as disciplined in his personal life as he was in his duties, maintaining an unbreakable facade that never slipped, never allowing any scandal or gossip to taint his flawless reputation.
This only added to Serenity's frustration. It was as if he was too perfect, too polished, too controlled, making it impossible to find any flaw or crack in his mask. And the fact that she seemed to be the sole target of his apparent displeasure, the only person who ever witnessed that cold, disapproving gaze, made it all the more infuriating. In his eyes, it felt as though she was the one imperfection in an otherwise perfectly ordered world.
After all of his remarkable achievements and the untimely death of General Arcturus, Endymion had been the obvious choice as his successor. The military council had swiftly and unanimously endorsed the proposal, and the public had resoundingly supported it. There was no question—Endymion would become the new General of the Neo Silver Millennium.
Serenity shook her head, trying to snap herself out of her reverie and turned to Martin, her voice filled with concern. "Have they briefed Endymion about the assassination attempts on my life?"
Martin shook his head. "Not yet, my Queen. We're holding off until after the ceremony. Only close palace aides and the late General Arcturus were aware of the situation."
Serenity shook her head quickly. "Martin…Don't tell him anything."
Martin frowned in confusion. "But as the General, he should be the first to know about these threats. He needs to be aware of what's happening."
She hesitated, then met his gaze with determination. "I don't trust him, Martin. The Black Star Syndicate is after me, and even though his background checks came back clean, I can't risk putting my life in the hands of someone who might hate me".
What if he's connected to them?
She thought, if he's using his position to get close enough to…?
Martin got closer to her. "But how can he protect you if he doesn't have all the details?"
Serenity sighed, lowering her voice. "I don't want to risk it yet. Not until I know exactly where he stands."
Martin leaned in, his tone serious. "He's a genius, my Queen. That much is undeniable. And it's precisely why he's been chosen to fill the void left by General Arcturus. The empire needs someone like him, especially now."
Serenity bit her lip, unsure. "I get it, but I'm just not ready to put that kind of trust in him."
Martin gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, we'll hold off for now. But promise me you'll reconsider if things start getting worse."
"I will," Serenity agreed, though her hesitation was still evident.
Trying to lighten the mood, Martin suddenly grinned and turned to a nearby rack of gowns. He pulled out a striking, deep-blue dress adorned with silver embroidery. "Now, how about this one? With this, you'll knock everyone off their feet—especially our stoic new General. Who knows, you might even get a smile out of him."
Serenity chuckled softly, the tension in the room easing as she took the gown. "I highly doubt it. Judging by the way he looks at me, he finds me repulsive. But thank you, Martin."
"Well, if that's the case, then the General clearly has no taste," Martin replied with a wink. "Now, let's get you ready to dazzle. We can't have you showing up in anything less than perfection, can we?"
As Serenity allowed herself to be drawn into the preparations for the ceremony, the weight of her worries began to lift, if only slightly.
But as she held the gown against her, her thoughts wandered back to that name—Endymion. It was as if fate was playing some cruel joke on her. The name had once meant everything to her, symbolizing love, hope, and a future that had been cruelly snatched away. And now, it was attached to a man who seemed to embody the exact opposite—cold, distant, and harboring a resentment she couldn't understand.
The worst part was that sometimes, when she encountered him in a military briefing or saw his image in the latest news report discussing one of his many heroic exploits, there was something about the way he carried himself—perhaps the tilt of his head, or the way he angled his face just right—that, for a fleeting moment…it reminded her of him. The other .
Of course, she shut down the thought immediately, feeling guilty. How could she even begin to compare them?
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, the gown draped over her arm. For a moment, she imagined what it would be like if this Endymion were the same as the one she had lost—if he had returned to her somehow.
The thought was absurd, she knew, but it didn't stop the wave of deep, suffocating sorrow from crashing over her. She turned to an ancient photo, carefully preserved with advanced technology, resting on one of her tables. In the image, a young girl with two buns and pigtails, dressed in a school uniform, smiled brightly while holding an ice cream in one hand. Beside her stood a taller young man with dark hair, his expression more serious. But she could see it—the quiet happiness in his calm demeanor that only she ever noticed.
She didn't just miss him—no, that word was far too weak, too small. She was still desperate for him, aching for his presence like a wound that refused to heal. Even after all these endless years, the pain of losing him still cut through her with a vicious sharpness, leaving behind a void so vast and hollow that she feared it might consume her entirely.
Still, she was always aware of the position she held and the immense responsibility that came with it. After years of wrestling with her grief, Serenity had come to accept that some days were easier than others. Some nights she slept peacefully, but others, insomnia would strike, and waves of overwhelming sadness would crash over her. There were days when she could carry out her duties with ease, and then there were days when, if she closed her eyes, his face would appear—those eyes she had once loved—and the pain would come rushing back, tearing at her heart all over again. It was an unbearable ache, yet she had learned to hide it behind a mask of calm. She had become an expert at tucking her grief away, locking it deep inside during every meeting, every appearance, and every moment she spent in the public eye.
And now this man…
As Neo Queen Serenity looked in the mirror, she steeled herself with determination. If she had to face this new Endymion, she would do it with strength and poise. Hero or not, she wouldn't allow him to make her feel threatened or small. She would stand tall at the ceremony and face him head-on. Whether his distaste for her was linked to the threats on her life or merely personal, she would not let him intimidate her.
A flicker of resolve ignited within her. No matter what this man represented or what the future held, she would confront it... or at least, she would try.
The ceremony was just the beginning.