by Sailor Lily
posted Febuary 1, 2001
“Don’t despair, Beryl. We will find a way, but you must trust me; I will tell you when the time has come to end all this, and Endymion will help you rule.”
*******************************************************
Princess Serenity’s royal court returned to the Moon Kingdom with mixed emotions. They had been happy at Earth, and loved it greatly for teaching them so much about themselves. Being back at the Moon Kingdom reminded them of their duties as future rulers of their own kingdoms, and that the universe was full of places that they had not yet explored. There was so much to learn.
The Outers had decided together that they wanted to visit home. So many things had happened since they had last seen their parents, and there was so much that they wanted to tell them. Setsuna wanted to ask her parents for their approval of her relationship with Endymion, and to tell them how much she missed them. Haruka wanted to reveal to her parents that she had found her true love, and to show them what she had learned at Earth. Hotaru wanted to let her parents know that she had friends that really loved her, and that she hadn’t been sick in all this time. Michiru wanted to see her mother, and her siblings; but most of all she wanted to tell her mother about Haruka, and the wonderful place that Earth was. They wanted to return most of all to tell them that they loved them so much. Since they had so much to say, they decided to ask Queen Serenity during dinner.
“Your Majesty.”-began Setsuna quietly.
“Yes, Setsuna. Do you wish to ask me something?”
“Yes, your Majesty. I was... wondering if you would allow us a. visit to our families. We haven’t seen them in almost two years, and the end of the Silver Millennium is coming soon.”
“True, but you will be able to see them at celebration of the end of the Silver Millennium and beginning of the Golden Millennium.”
“Yes, your Majesty... but...”-struggled Setsuna trying to find a reason why they had to go now, and not until the celebration.
All of the girls had been thinking of making the same request but had never dared. They were grateful for Setsuna’s bravery, and prayed that she would continue. All of the girls looked at Setsuna, waiting for her to continue while they held their breath. Queen Serenity saw this and smiled.
“I understand, all of you really miss them,... in that case I don’t see why not. All of you will be allowed to visit your families.”-answered the Queen to all the joyful faces.
“Thank you, your Majesty. Thank you.”-answered Setsuna while suppressing the desire to jump, dance, and shout that she was going home.
“Your Majesty,”-said Haruka calmly, while following a plan that Michiru, and her had designed so that Endymion could travel with them to the outer solar system. “since we recently returned from Earth, and Prince Endymion is most likely to stay here, I would like to know if he could come visit my planet.”
“Of course, it sounds like a great opportunity for him to travel beyond the inner solar system. What do you say Endymion, would you like to visit Uranus?”
Endymion followed the plan as they had agreed. “I will be delighted to go, your Majesty.”-he answered cordially, and then turned to Haruka. “Thank you Princess Uranus, I will be delighted.”
“Wonderful, then its settled all of you will set out tomorrow, and will return when I send for you.”
************************************************************
Beryl entered, and waited respectfully at the entrance for the dark figure to speak first.
“Beryl, do you wish to address something with me?”-said the voice coolly.
“Yes, my Queen. Her majesty just allowed Endymion to visit Uranus, and I want to know if it’s wise decision since we don’t know who he loves know that he’s no longer with Setsuna.”-said Beryl.
“Let them be, I doubt the possibility if any feelings of love between Endymion and Haruka. It’s very strange, but for some reason it feels terribly unlikely. Without all the brats here, we will be able to begin the main phase of the plan. I’m very weak and need power. There are changes on the sun announcing the start. We will begin with the Outer planets.”
“As you wish, my Queen.”
************************************************************
The following day the Outers along with Endymion were ready to go without any haste. Their plan was simple, instead of Endymion going to Uranus he would go to Pluto since they were all in the same space car. Queen Serenity made it even simpler for them since nobody had given any specific instructions to the pilot as to who was to go where. Hotaru sat on Setsuna’s lap while looking out the window absent-mindedly. Setsuna felt something really strange, as she held Hotaru in her arms. Setsuna had always fancied that Hotaru was her own little girl but as Hotaru sat on her lap, she felt her drifting away far from any protection that she could give her.
“I feel strange,”-said Hotaru as if she were thinking out loud. “I feel as if something will happen... something that will change us forever.”
“Don’t worry Hotaru, nothing will happen to you. I promise.”-answered Setsuna with sudden panic, because Hotaru had voiced the same feeling that she had deep in her heart.
“Will you always be my friend and love me?”-asked Hotaru quietly.
“Always,...longer than always.”-whispered Setsuna holding her tightly.
“We will always be with you, Hotaru. Always together.”-said Haruka with her chin on the top of Setsuna’s seat, and smiling down at Hotaru.
“Thank you, Haruka.”-said Hotaru feeling some ease in her heart.
Michiru put her face next to Haruka’s. “We will always care for you since you’re the youngest amongst us. We Outers are a family, don’t forget that.”-smiled Michiru with wink.
“Well, I feel left out,”-declared Endymion goodheartedly, and then taking Hotaru’s small hand continued. “but I also promise to be your friend, and protect you forever.”
“Thank you, I love all of you so much.”
*************************************************************
Hotaru was the first to arrive home, and hugged of them before running to reunite with her parents. Haruka was next. When she arrived, she kissed Michiru lovingly and told her that she would miss her terribly while they were apart. She then turned to Setsuna and Endymion to say, “Well...here’s my stop. I’ll see you on the way back.”
Endymion said before she step out, “Haruka, thank you for your help.”
“No problem, glad I could help. Take care of them, okay?”
“I’ll be glad to.”
Neptune was the last stop before Pluto. Michiru was so excited when she saw her mother’s castle, but already missed Haruka terribly. She hugged Endymion to which him good luck, and then turned to hug Setsuna. She finally released her friend and waved good-bye before stepping out. As the space car took off, she thought while looking out the window, < Well, we’re next. I can’t wait to be home. I can’t wait to see Briga and Markus, my parents, to sleep on my bed again... how exciting!! But what will my parents say about Endymion?> She then turned to look at him.< It really doesn’t matter what anyone says. Besides, I will remind Father of what he told me while we were alone the day I was to stay at the Moon Kingdom. There’s nothing more to say than, I love Endymion.>
“What are you thinking about?”-he asked reaching for her soft hand. “Are you thinking that they won’t like me?”
“No, don’t think that... I’m sure they’ll love you. My parents are wonderful, and all they want is my happiness.”
With that said, they traveled to Pluto holding hands. When Charon Castle came in sight, she squeezed his hand to say, “We’re here. Welcome to Pluto, Endymion.” He looked at her smiling face, but endless number of tears escaped her beautiful eyes. He leaned closed, and hugged her tightly while kissing her forehead. She took a deep breath to control her tears.
“Don’t worry about anything. What ever happens, I love you.”-he whispered in her ear trying to make her feel better.
“I love you too. Okay...we’re here. Let’s go surprise them.”-she said while wiping her tears, and trying to sound cheerful.
“Let’s go then.”-he answered pulling her towards the door.
“My Lady,” -said the pilot of the ship respectfully. “Where should I leave the ship?”
“Don’t worry, I will send someone to tell you where to leave it, and take you to a room.”-said Setsuna calmly.
“Thank you, my Lady.”-said the man with a head bow.
Setsuna got off the ship, and stopped to admire the entrance to her home. < I am home. I came back, but not alone. No longer alone... I will never be alone again.> Endymion gently squeezed her hand, and she smiled at him gratefully for interrupting her thoughts. They were allowed into the castle by the entrance watchmen who recognized her, even with hair that was shorter than when she had left, and darker skin. Upon entering, Setsuna turned to the hallway that led to the dinning room.
“My Lady? Setsuna?”-asked a sweet familiar voice from behind them. They turned around, and the woman took a great breath full of shock. Setsuna smiled at Briga, who was now older and thinner than before. Setsuna was amazed as to how much her dear, wonderful Briga had changed, but still had the same sweet voice that she remembered from the echoes of her childhood.
“Briga, I’ve... I’ve missed you.”-whispered Setsuna as tears welled in her eyes, and ran to hug the woman who had been her only friend at Pluto. The woman who had taken such good care of her, and helped the Queen raise her. “I’ve missed you... so much.”
“Oh, my dear Princess, I’ve thought of you everyday. I’ve missed you too, things simply aren’t the same here without you.”-said Briga while hugging her tightly. When she realized that Setsuna was weeping quietly, and she became aware of Endymion, she said smiling, “Come my child don’t cry. You’re here now, and in very good company from what I can see.”
“Yes,... I couldn’t ask for a better companion than Endymion. Do you remember the boy who cleaned my hand when I cut it at the Moon Kingdom?”
“Yes, of course. Why?”
“Look at Endymion, doesn’t he look familiar to you?”
“Well, maybe... oh dear! It’s the same boy!”-declared Briga shocked.
“Yes, the little boy that was in the garden with me at the presentation, and the man that is here with me...are the same person.” Endymion was now standing next to Setsuna, and ironically enough held the hand that he had cleaned with his handkerchief almost eleven years ago.
“Its a pleasure to see you again Prince Endymion.”-said Briga smiling at him. “I’m very happy to see that you’re still taking good care of her.”
Endymion smiled blushing, and answered “It’s my pleasure to take of her.”
“Briga, where are my parents?”- asked Setsuna.
“Go to then, they’re in the library reading. This will be the most pleasant surprise for them.”
“Thank you, Briga. I will talk to you before going to bed... like we used to, and you can caress my hair as I fall asleep. Remember?”
“Yes, of course, you have always been my own little doll. But now go to your parents.”
“Oh, I almost forgot.. could you send Markus to take care of the Pilot who brought us,...he will need a place to stay and food.”
“Yes, of course. You go now, and I’ll take of it.”
Setsuna and Endymion ran together in the direction of the library. They stooped outside of a great silver door. They stood there long enough to catch their breath, and kissed before knocking.
[Knock, knock. knock.]
“Enter.”-answered Ectorious detached voice. Setsuna and Endymion entered, closed the door, and stood there until Liba looked up.
“Setsuna!”-exclaimed her mother dropping her cup of tea on the expensive Martian rug, and on the edge of tears. Ectorious looked up in shock to see how breathtaking his only child was. He opened his arms smiling, and she ran to him confidently.
“My daughter... you’re back. Finally, I’m able to see you again. Oh, how I’ve missed you!”-he declared while kissing the top her head.
“I’ve missed you too father, but be glad, I’m home now.”-she whispered.
Liba finally managed to stand up on her shacking legs, and went to hug the daughter that she had to give up to Queen Serenity. < At least I didn’t loose her to the Gates of Time, but that I owe to my sister. My wonderful sister prevented me from taking that post, and my daughter won’t have to either thanks to her.>-thought Liba shutting her green eyes with a mix of guilt and thankfulness.
Endymion stood respectfully by the door, admiring the happy reunion while thinking. <They’re all so happy. Setsuna has been happy at the Moon Kingdom, but this is what she wanted to feel complete. I’m happy for you my dear love, I understand why this trip was so important. You wanted to feel completely happy for the first time in your life. You have plenty to be happy about, you have all of our love forever, Setsuna.>
After a couple of minute, the happy family released each other from the long embrace. It was then that Setsuna remembered with embarrassment that Endymion was still waiting by the door. She walked over to him, and extended her hand to him saying, “I’m sorry, Endymion, I...”
He took her hand stopping her apology with a great smile and said, “Don’t you dare apologize, I just witnessed a wonderful thing. Its okay, I understand.”
She smiled thankfully, and with a whisper said, “Come, it’s time.” He followed her nervously. They stood before her parents holding hands. “Mother and Father, I present to you Prince Endymion... from Earth. He’s my... my...”
“Hopeful, future husband.”-ended Endymion for her, and she smiled gratefully at him for finishing her sentence.
Her parents looked at each other wide-eyed, but pleased that he had been straightforward with his intention. Liba smiled cordially at Endymion, “It’s a pleasure to have you here, Prince Endymion. This is surely an unexpected surprise.”
“You are welcomed as our guest, and our daughter’s suitor.”-said Ectorious. “Come let us sit, and tell us everything that has happened with you in all this time you have been at the Moon Kingdom.”
They all sat in the library like a happy family, talking of all of the events since they had last seen each other. Setsuna and Endymion talked about what they had learned at the Moon Kingdom, and at Earth. They talked of all of the wonderful things they had seen, of how wonderful the others were, and the kindness that they displayed. There were so many things to say, but they avoided the subject of their relationship that according to Beryl, would bring destruction.
“Well you certainly have learned many things in all this time”-declared Liba happily, but knew her daughter was hiding something. “You have grown considerably, and have such a wonderful, darker skin tone. Setsuna, how is it that your hair is so short... I would have imagined that it would be dragging on the floor.”
Setsuna turned her eyes uneasily from her Mother’s green eyes, to Endymion’s blue ones. The mention of her hair had brought to her mind the memory of why she only had it halfway down her back. Endymion understood what she was thinking, and nodded. She finally said, “Mother,... I haven’t told you everything, but I don’t want you to worry.”
“Tell us.”
“There’s a young woman that’s part of Queen Serenity’s council, her name is Beryl.”
“Yes, I remember her, she asked all kind of questions when we saw her at the presentation. But what about her?”
“She seems to be obsessed with... um... well...the first time she found me talking in the library with Endymion, she waited until he left to... make me mad. So I cut my hair up to my shoulders. Since then, I’ve kept it short as a reminder of what I learned.”
“But what could she have possibly said to make you so mad? I know you can be a little impulsive, but not drastic.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore, what matters is that I learned from it.”-answered Setsuna while she pushed her hair back. It was then that Liba set her green eyes on a gold ring with diamonds and a garnet stone that was on her daughter’s left hand. She also noticed the red wound on Setsuna’s wrist.
“Setsuna, where did you get that ring? And what happened to your wrist?”
“Um... the ring... um, Endymion’s parents gave it to me... as an engagement gift. The cut... was...nothing.”-she answered uneasily.
Her father pretended not to understand, and said, “Wait, go back to the ring... explain that to us.”
<What ever I do, I mustn’t tell them about what Beryl said. They can’t know that it was an order from Queen Serenity that we couldn’t be together because we could bring destruction. They would worry, and say something to the Queen... but we still haven’t found out if everything Beryl said is true.>
Endymion was the one who explained about the ring, since it was from his family. “If I may, King Ectorious.”
“You may, Prince Endymion.”
“That ring has been in my family for many years. It has traditionally been given to the brides that marry into our family. My grandmother used it on her wedding, as did my mother, and my mother has now passed it on to Setsuna so she can use it when we marry. According to my ancestors, the ring only fits the bride that is truly meant to marry into our family.”
“That’s a wonderful tradition, but are you serious about marrying? The two of you are from very different places...”
“I’m sorry to interrupt you sir, but I believe that has nothing to do with what I feel for Setsuna.”-said Endymion before the King could go any further.
“Both of you are only children of the Royal family of your own planet, and are meant to rule in your individual planets, when the... time comes.”-continued the King.
“Father, stop this... we don’t need to talk about this now, please.”-begged Setsuna feeling very apprehensive.
“Setsuna, it will happen that some day we will die, and you will rule here in our place... we must face that...”-continued her father solemnly.
“Yes, your right, but that day is not yet.”-finishe Setsuna exaperated.
Thankfully for Setsuna the unpleasant conversation stopped when a knock came to the huge silver door. “Come in.”-answered King Ectorious a little annoyed.
In walked Briga closing the door behind herself. “Your Majesty, everything is ready for dinner to be served. I also took care of your baggage Princess, and everything is waiting for you in your room. Also, a room was setup for Prince Endymion in the guest hall, and the pilot is already in a room.”
“Thank you, Briga.”-said Setsuna with a smile. “You are as efficient as ever.”
“Well, let us go dine. You must be hungry form the long trip.”-said Queen Liba while she stood up to lead the way.
“I will be thankful to eat at my own home again.”-answered Setsuna as they followed the rulers of Pluto.
***************************************************************
After eating, Prince Endymion asked to have an audience with King Ectorious. The King agreed, and said they could talk in the library. Endymion followed the King as they walked to the library, but Setsuna went after them.
“Wait, I must say something to you father.”
“Can’t it wait, my beauty.”-said her father while stopping in the middle of the hall and pinching her chin when she was in front of him.
“No, it can’t. Please.”
“It’s okay,”-said Endymion going ahead. “I remember the way there. I’ll wait in the library, your Majesty.”
“Okay, thank you Prince Endymion.”-agreed King Ectorious.
Once Endymion had disappeared out of their range of vision, Setsuna took her father’s hand lovingly. “Father, I came back because I missed you terribly, but... I also came back because I wanted you to meet Endymion, and approve my relationship with him. We were engaged at Earth, but he wanted to come to Pluto with me to ask your approval. Father, I... really love him...”
“Setsuna, what are you thinking? He’s an Earthling, not just a common Earthling... he’s the Prince! You two are so different, and have responsibilities awaiting in your individual planets. Not to mention...”
“Father, don’t you think I have thought of every single reason why I shouldn’t love him?!I’m not a little girl any more! I understand your reasons, but try to understand mine.”
“Of course you’re not, but... I just... I simply don’t want to you to hope for too much, and then... get hurt.”
“I understand. Father,... do you remember what you said to me the day I went to stay at the Moon Kingdom? Did you really mean it when you said that all you wanted was my happiness?”
“Yes! Of course... I sill mean what I said.”-replied the King.
“Endymion is my love, and my happiness. I love him. I will never, ever love another man the way I love him, can’t you see?”-she continued as she looked up at her father’s eyes.
“I see, but what about him? Does he love you just as much? I don’t want him to destroy you if he’s not meant for you.”
“I cannot speak for him, that’s why he came with me, to speak for himself.”
“I can believe how grown, and mature you are now. Now the only problem is... how do I let you go? How can learn to let you go, and be the wonderful woman I always knew you would become?”-asked the King with tears in his eyes.
Setsuna saw her father’s greatest fear for the first time; the fear of letting her grow-up without being able to protect her. For the first time in all of her eighteen years, he seemed old, and gray as he cried before her eyes. She hugged him tightly that his scent was engraved forever in her memories, and stored in her heart for even longer. <My poor Father, how old you are now. I have always remembered you as a towering giant that protected me from anything that his concerned mind could imagine. Now, I’m almost as tall as your shoulder, and you’re terrified to see me grow-up. I have learned so much from your patient love, that... I wish for no mistakes. I love you! I love you so much, Father, that I’m... I’m terribly scared to grow-up without your protection.>