Title: A Goddess's Flower Chapter 4
Name: Kali Bohacek
Email Address: Usagi125@aol.com
Rating: PG
4-
Endymion lay motionless in the bathtub, eyes shut, muscles tense. He
could not force himself to relax. Only one word ran through his mind, one
name. . . Her name. . . How could Fuyuki expect him to deceive her? What had
he done to deserve being put in such a position? He turned his head, hoping
to find solace by looking out the window into the night sky. The stars
twinkled cheerfully, bright and silver, reminding Endymion of the way her
hair shimmered about her shoulders. The sky was deep, fathomless blue, but
much too dark to resemble Serenity's eyes. Her eyes were the color of a sky
filled with sunshine. But then his gaze was drawn to something else. Earth.
His home planet, a swirled glowing orb of emerald. Silent memories of
younger
days suddenly rushed back to Endymion, choking him with their nostalgic
sadness. He remembered the rough affection of his father, the warmth of his
mother's arms, the playful teasing of his peasant friends as a boy. . . And
then everything had changed.
Everything had become different. Endymion had grown. He had matured,
both in body and mind. He began to understand his place in society, and what
his future held for him. Nothing but hard work, pain and tears. His family
was dead and gone, his friends either beaten into weak, submissive slaves or
died of illness. Just to survive, to keep the small bit of money he had left
to support himself, he had been forced to learn the ways of the dark, hidden
alleys and to study the cruel undertone of reality. He had fought, and won,
against boys he had previously walked the ocean shores with, trusted his
deepest secrets to. During his brief stay in prison, Endymion had thought
quite highly of himself, as any young man of his age would. He imagined he
was hardened emotionally, unable to feel physical pain or to be cracked by
the torturers of the dungeons. He had imagined memories of the past would
never touch his icy heart, would never force tears from his stoical eyes,
eyes which he had believed had seen everything.
But now he understood. He had seen almost everything. At fifteen, an age
where a boy should be chasing girls and building his future, Endymion had
understood life. He had understood corruption of wealth and power, had
understood the pain and wickedness of the world. He had seen almost
everything. But, hidden in what he believed to be his unbreakable shell of
indifference, Endymion had not experienced the one thing that shattered the
thick wall of emotional detachment he had carefully crafted to protect
himself. He had never experienced love. And then, so suddenly, staring
deeply
into Serenity's eyes, Endymion had known! He had known warmth, kindness,
innocence! He had trembled under the radiance of Serenity's love for the
world, he could feel it pulling him into the warm circle of light that
surrounded her, a circle that could serve as a haven, a sanctuary for those
in pain. But Endymion was confused, caught between Fuyuki and Serenity.
Between his freedom, and hers.
He stood up, his hair dripping wet, and grabbed a white towel from the
hanger, wrapping it tightly around his waist. He didn't want to drown in his
philosophical thoughts now. He had more important things to worry about,
like
his negotiations with Queen Serenity at dinner. He ran his hand through his
slick hair, frowned, and kicked open the door leading to his bedroom.
"Kunzite!" Endymion gasped, nearly falling over. Quickly he regained his
balance and said coolly, "I didn't expect you to be in here, violating my
privacy."
Kunzite chuckled and stood up from the chair. "I had all ready showered and
dressed, and figured you would have done the same. You spend as much time in
the bath as a woman!"
Endymion snorted but did not reply. So Kunzite continued:
"Dinner will be served shortly, Endymion. So dress quickly. I'll speak with
you later."
Endymion brushed wet strands of hair from his forehead and nodded. "Hai,
I'll
be ready. Trust me, Kunzite, I do not take as much time to dress like a
woman!" Endymion chuckled to himself, expecting Kunzite to leave his room
then. But Kunzite stood up and grabbed Endymion's forearm in a surprisingly
powerful grip, his fingers locking tightly around his muscles, and brought
his face close to Endymion's.
"Endymion," he whispered, his voice betraying no emotion. "What of Serenity?
Will you corrupt her?"
For no reason that Endymion could understand, several more memories of his
family surfaced, making him tremble. He could feel the burning in his eyes
and turned his face away to hide his tears. "Leave me," he pleaded, his
voice
cracking.
"Answer!" Kunzite barked, jerking Endymion's arm backwards and forcing
Endymion to look at him. He was surprised to see moonlight reflecting off
tears in the younger man's eyes.
"Don't ask that of me." Endymion whispered, bowing his head shamefully. "Not
yet."
Kunzite hesitated. He was both curious and strangely attached to his
companion, this Endymion who cried so passionately before him. Curious as to
his past, to his inner thoughts. Kunzite knew little of Endymion, except for
the quest on which they had been sent. Kunzite found it amusing to watch
Endymion's attempts to be apathetic, and to watch him fail miserably.
Endymion's face, burning bright red, and his eyes, wide with surprise, had
betrayed him once during his first confrontation with Serenity. And now,
thoughts of her reduced him to a mere boy. Or was it something else? Kunzite
wondered what lay in this elusive boy's past. There was a certain innocence
about him, something simple and trusting that appealed to Kunzite. Kunzite
himself was a hardened warrior, but he felt a friendly, brotherly affection
for Endymion.
Kunzite released Endymion, instead wrapping his arms tightly around the
sobbing man. "Endymion. Have you ever had a brother?" he asked abruptly.
Endymion slowly lifted his head, his gaze still lowered to the floor.
Kunzite
tilted Endymion's head back, their eyes meeting. Endymion saw a strange
reflection of kindness in Kunzite's face and didn't try to shrink back. "I.
.
. No. I have never had a brother." he said softly.
Kunzite grinned. "Would you like one?"
Endymion, not comprehending, looked curiously up at Kunzite. Then he
understood. He nodded shyly. "Hai. . . I'd like one very much."
"Good. Because I'd like one, too. It's settled, brother. I'll see you at
dinner. Dry the tears from your cheeks, Endymion, for whatever past
nightmares trouble you, I promise I will not let them haunt you any longer."
Kunzite punched Endymion's arm teasingly and left the young man, soaking and
bewildered in his bedroom. But Endymion no longer felt quite so alone.
* * * * *
". . .He is handsome, isn't he Serenity?"
"Nani!? Don't be a baka!"
Serenity shot a disapproving glare at her best friend over her
shoulder. Venus only giggled as she tightened the straps of Serenity's
dress.
Deftly, the golden-haired princess wove the long silk bands between her
fingers over Serenity's back, pulling them taut occasionally and tying them
firmly in a small inconspicuous knot at the nape of her neck.
"All done!" Venus declared cheerfully, stepping backwards to admire her
work.
Serenity turned around impatiently, and Venus hid a smile. She'd make sure
Endymion was pleased with her! How could he not be? Serenity was the envy of
every woman alive! And what made her all the more charming was that she
didn't even know! Serenity was stubborn, refusing to accept the slightest
compliment about her appearance. Venus shook her head and frowned. Serenity
was growing to the proper age now, she should be marrying and taking after
her mother. All these childish habits, however endearing, would have to go!
While her body matured beautifully, Serenity's mind stayed young and
reckless. But Venus knew that Endymion was just the man to bring out the
elegance in Serenity.
Venus studied Serenity meticulously. Her silver hair had been
brushed
to glittering perfection and styled in the traditional two pigtails,
affectionately known as 'odango.' Her pale snow-white dress accented her
striking blue eyes and cream-colored skin, a slight blush tinting her
cheeks.
Venus smiled in satisfaction. The dress followed her curves enough so that
her figure would turn more than a few male heads, but not enough so that it
appeared she was shamelessly displaying herself, something Mars was prone to
doing quite often, Venus thought as her frown deepened. No matter. Nothing
could stand in her way. She was determined to be the matchmaker between
those
two, between Serenity and Endymion. Meanwhile, maybe Venus herself could
attract Kunzite's attention. . .
"Venus? Do I look presentable?"
"Much more than presentable, princess!" assured Venus, grinning warmly and
letting her doubts be washed away. "Now, it's your turn. Make me
good-looking
enough so that Kunzite will notice me!"
"Kunzite!?" exclaimed Serenity, eyes wide. "That horrible man!"
Venus was shocked. Serenity rarely said things like that! "Serenity! What's
wrong?"
Serenity frowned sadly and shrugged. "I. . . can't explain. I have this bad
feeling about him. Whenever he's near. . ."
Venus smiled immediately, a sly look coming into her eyes. "I think that
'bad
feeling' is being aroused by Endymion, and not my Kun-chan!"
"Oh, stop it Venus!" Serenity huffed edgily. "Come, dinner will be ready
soon. Walk me down, will you?"
"Of course, princess."
Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter were also prepared for supper. Mercury
was
lost in thought as she descended the stairs gracefully. < Endymion, Kunzite.
I don't like them. I don't know what they're up to, but it could only mean
harm to the Moon Kingdom! Ambassadors from Earth. . . It must be the
Ginzuishou. I should warn the Queen! > Mercury stopped herself. Wasn't she
being a bit childish? All these thoughts of cloak-and-dagger operations,
undercover secrets indeed! She shook her head. Queen Serenity would know how
to handle it properly. She would put her trust in the Queen to take care of
everything.
Mars, following close behind Mercury, was also deep in thought, her
mouth twisting into a pensive frown. < Endymion. . . I feel something from
him. Energy. I don't know what this means but something is different about
him. Kunzite, too. But not as strong. Endymion has a hidden power, I don't
know just what it is. . . > She would have to watch them both closely, to
protect the princess and the Ginzuishou, the sacred crystal. Those two could
bring danger to the kingdom, and Mars was determined to use her hidden
psychic abilities to keep careful track of them.
Jupiter was concerned only about impressing the visitors. < I hope
dinner turns out all right. Maybe then Endymion and Kunzite will see how
beautiful the Moon Kingdom is, and the war and the fighting will be over. A
good dinner always does wonders for changing people's opinions. . . > She
giggled to herself. It was a hopeless daydream, but still she entertained
the
thought of peace, an end to the tension and uncertainty, as she bustled into
the kitchen.
Thirty minutes later, everyone sat down around the banquet table in
the dining hall. Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter seated themselves. Ever the
gallant gentlemen, Kunzite helped Venus to her chair. Endymion sat beside
his
general, and Queen Serenity took up the head of the table. The Moon
Princess,
however, was no where to be found! Queen Serenity frowned irritably. She had
promised not to be late!
As if on cue, the wide golden doors swung open, guards on either
side, and in walked Princess Serenity. To Endymion's young, lovestruck gaze,
she looked like an angel sent straight from heaven to bewitch him. It seemed
as if the young woman had her own inner light that shined and illuminated
the
area wherever she stepped, and Endymion basked happily in the glow that came
from her. Remembering Kunzite's example, Endymion nearly jumped out of his
chair and dashed to her aid.
"Allow me, my beautiful lady." he whispered into her ear, pulling her chair
back and taking her hand as she slid into it.
"Arigato, Endymion." she murmured, keeping her gaze lowered as her cheeks
flushed. Endymion kissed her hand, eliciting a gasp from her parted lips,
which Endymion found ever so tempting to kiss. Forcing himself to let her
go,
he strode back around the table, all ready missing the warmth and softness
of
her touch.
"Dinner is served." announced one of the cooks, and Jupiter helped bring in
the multitude of different dishes, from spicy food to seafood. Endymion's
mouth watered at the sight of it, his stomach growling ferociously to remind
him that he hadn't eaten much lately. After everyone had taken their share
and grown more or less comfortable with everyone else, the light murmur of
chit-chat began to buzz about the table. Kunzite engaged Venus in a
spectacular debate on the purpose of love. Unfortunately for the general, he
had managed to engage the one woman in the universe who was an expert on the
subject. Venus soon got the upper-hand of the argument. Mercury, Mars, and
Jupiter talked mostly amongst themselves; often Jupiter turned around in her
chair to stare wistfully at the young nobles seated at another table.
Serenity and Endymion were seated across from each other, and Endymion found
himself staring deeply and without reserve into Serenity's captivating eyes.
That is, of course, until Serenity turned to meet his stare and he hastily
averted his gaze. Serenity was the first to break the tense silence between
them, she grinned warmly and asked him if he liked the food. Without waiting
for an answer, she went on and said:
"Of course, food on Earth must be very good also. I've never had anything
from Earth before. All we eat up here is chicken and vegetables!" Serenity
giggled and lifted a piece of roasted chicken to prove her point. "You must
eat delicious things at the palace."
"The palace!?" Endymion couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. How did she
know that he was staying there? Unless she thought that he. . .
"You are a prince, aren't you? Prince Endymion, right? No. . . No, you're
going to be in the Hinowa." She paused and her cheeks lit up bright red.
"Gomen nasai. I must be annoying you with my chatter."
"Not at all, Serenity." Endymion interrupted her, smiling charmingly. "Not
at
all. But anyway, I'm going to be in the Hinowa. It sounds exciting, doesn't
it?"
"A contest to become a king," Serenity nodded slowly, hesitantly. "I suppose
so. . . But why are you going to enter?" she asked him abruptly, surprising
him. He dropped his fork, and it clattered to the plate.
"Nani?"
"Tell me." Serenity persisted. "For the Earthlings won't be receiving my
recommendation unless you tell me."
Endymion frowned slightly. < What is she getting at? Is she trying to find
out something about why I'm here? No, that can't be it. > "I don't see your
point, princess." Endymion replied. "I'm entering to become king. Isn't that
the reason?"
"No, no!" Serenity cried impatiently. "Why do you want to become king,
Endymion? You'll tell me the truth, won't you?"
"Hai, of course, Serenity. Because I want to rule Earth. I want to take that
responsibility, and help my people."
Endymion realized that he spoke the truth. He really did want to help his
people. He wanted to help the poor peasant families, like the one he had
before. But would he really enter the Hinowa? Of course not. He was being
sent to extinguish the only flame of hope and beauty he had ever known, then
he would be free to drown in his guilt for his dark deeds and his lies in
the
face of justice. After Serenity's death, Endymion didn't know where he could
ever turn to for forgiveness.
He forced the bleak thoughts from his mind. Now was definitely not
the time for these things!
"Good." Serenity's cheerful voice broke through his reverie. "That's the
kind
of man I would recommend! Won't you eat some more, Endymion?"
The dinner and drinks afterwards continued long into the night.
Princess Serenity eventually fell asleep and her four guardians took her to
her bedroom. Endymion stared after her longingly. Her laughter, her sweet
voice, rung in his ears like heavenly music. < If I could only capture her
grace in my arms. . . Just once would give me strength to face any danger.
Just once. . . If I could taste her sweetness, hold her tightly. . . >
"Endymion." Kunzite's curt voice interrupted his thoughts. "Queen Serenity
will see you now."
Endymion stared up pleadingly at the older man, searching for a hint of the
kindness, of the moment of understanding that had passed between them.
Kunzite smiled at him, the coldness fading away. He squeezed Endymion's
shoulder affectionately.
"Good luck, brother." he whispered, and walked away. Endymion nodded,
feeling
suddenly very brave for no reason at all, as if Kunzite had shared his
strength with him.
Kunzite looked once over his shoulder at Endymion, and frowned. <
Fuyuki chose poorly. Endymion is not the right one for this mission.
Endymion
is still young, innocent, he knows nothing of political matters. He still
looks up to others, he still needs someone to look after him. Endymion. . .
>
Kunzite cursed Fuyuki silently for ever drawing Endymion into this affair.
There was nothing Kunzite could do about it now. Endymion was part
of
it, whether he liked it or not. < I'll look after him. > Kunzite thought to
himself, and grinned. < That's what brothers are for. >
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