Name: Kali Bohacek
Title: A Goddess's Flower Chapter 7
Email Address: AkaiSuzaku@aol.com
Rating: PG
here's the next chapter, i'm trying to work on em a lot to get a lot of
parts
out quickly ^_^ but the next chapter, chapter 8, should be the last one.
p.s. 'unmei no senshi' means 'warrior/soldier of destiny'
7-
"Endymion, this worries me. Princess Neptune and Uranus never visit the Moon
Kingdom. . . Not unless they feel a threat. I don't want to fight anyone,
Endymion. I don't want any war. I just want peace, between our kingdom and
yours. I hate all this stupid clashing." Princess Serenity looked as if she
would start to cry so he leaned over and kissed her forehead lightly.
"Serenity, I don't want any of this either but for right now, you have to be
strong and ready for anything." Endymion sighed sadly. < I don't want to
hurt
her, I don't want to destroy this beautiful place. . . Enough of that! It'll
get me out of prison! She probably doesn't even like me much. > "Anyway,
Serenity, can you tell me about the Outer princesses?"
"Nani? Don't you know? Pluto is the guardian of time, she keeps watch over
the past, present, and future. She's the oldest of all the senshi, and I've
seen her many times. Mother visits Pluto a lot, so she doesn't get lonely. I
feel sorry for her, because she just stands there and she hardly ever gets
to
talk to anyone."
"She watches over time?"
"Of course! She's the senshi of time, she's called the 'unmei no senshi.'
Doesn't that sound romantic?"
"Who are the Sailor senshi?"
"Baka! Weren't you taught anything when you were a child? The Sailor senshi
are guardians of the planets, they serve and protect the Moon Kingdom. When
danger is near, they can transform into soldiers with special costumes and
powerful attacks using energy."
"So anyone who threatened the Moon would have to face the Sailor senshi
first. . ."
"Anyway, there are three more Outer princesses. Princess Saturn never wakes,
she was put under a spell. There's a legend that says if she remains
conscious and grows older, her awesome power would destroy all life. So
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto used the sacred Talismans to put her under an
eternal sleep. I've never seen her, but rumors say she's young and
beautiful."
Endymion immediately asked, "What are the Talismans?" Uranus and Neptune's
abrupt coldness to him when he had asked what they were had sparked
suspicion
and curiosity about the three magical weapons.
"The Talismans?" Serenity, usually talkative and willing to speak about any
topic, hesitated. "I've been put under orders never to speak of them. For
security reasons." Suddenly she giggled and took his hands. "But you
wouldn't
try and hurt people with them, would you? No, Endymion, I know you. You're
too kind and gentle for that."
Endymion could have wept. He had been sent to deceive her, seduce her, and
destroy her kingdom and her friends, and here she was, calling him kind and
gentle! < She doesn't know me at all. She has no idea about what I'm here to
do. > He blinked away his tears and gave a brief nod. Serenity continued,
oblivious to his reaction.
"No, you wouldn't use my information with bad intentions. I don't think
anyone would mind if I told you just a little. The Talismans are three
legendary weapons that hold incredible power. The keepers of the Talismans
demand a lot of respect. Princess Uranus holds the Space Sword, a special
blade that turns white with energy when its keeper is angry. Princess
Neptune
holds the Aqua Mirror, my favorite Talisman. It's a gold mirror, and it
looks
normal. When it's not in use, the glass surface is a polished
aquamarine-colored marble, and Neptune enchanted it so that her symbol
appears on it, the symbol of the trident. But when Neptune holds it up, it
reflects the true identity and soul of a person, and sometimes it reveals
their future. The last Talisman is the Garnet Orb, Princess Pluto protects
it. She holds it at the top of her Time Staff. It's a pretty staff, shaped
like a key. When I was a little girl, I wanted one just like it!" Serenity
giggled again. "I was such a silly girl!"
"You are a silly girl." Endymion replied, smiling. But Serenity's laughter
faded away.
"Do you really think so, Endymion? Everyone says that, too. They say I'm
clumsy and childish, and even my friends don't think I'm fit to be a
princess. I'm not elegant and pretty like they are. Princess Mars is always
telling me I act like a child. Do you think she's right, Endymion? Of course
you do, it's the truth. One can't deny the truth, I suppose. . ."
"Baka." Endymion took her hand and kissed it. "You shouldn't pay attention
to
what other people say. You're a perfectly fine princess, and you act like a
princess should. Besides, you shouldn't waste time worrying about being
elegant just now, you should be having fun!"
"Endymion. . . arigato." Serenity whispered, her voice barely audible. There
was an uncomfortable period of silence, until finally Endymion pointed at
the
evening sky.
"The sun is almost finished setting. If we don't hurry, you won't catch the
first star!"
"Then we must run! Follow me, quickly!" For the second time, they ran across
the shores of the Serenity Sea towards the cliff, and collapsed on the
hilltop just in time to see the last drops of orange and violet leave the
night sky. Serenity spotted the first star just twinkling to life, and
clasped her hands. < Tonight, I'll make a good wish! >
"Hurry Serenity, make a wish!" Endymion urged, grinning. Serenity nodded
cheerfully.
"Hai. My wish tonight is that. . ." She glanced over at him and blushed. < I
wish that tonight Endymion will kiss me again. I want Endymion to fall in
love with me! > Endymion stared at her curiously.
"Well? What was your wish?"
"I can't tell you, or it might not come true!" she argued, smiling. "So
you'll never know."
"I think I know how to get you to tell me. . ." he said menacingly, and he
leaned over and locked his hands around her waist. "You'll have to
surrender!" And with that, he began tickling her mercilessly. She squealed
in
surprise and struggled fiercely, but Endymion would not relent.
"Well? Well? Will you tell me?" he taunted, digging his fingers into her
sides. She squirmed in his grip but could not break free.
"Hai, hai!" she shouted breathlessly, nodding. "I'll tell you!"
Slowly Endymion backed away from her, smiling in satisfaction. "What was
your
wish, princess?"
"My. . . My wish was. . . was. . ." She paused and looked up into his eyes,
her face flushing an even deeper red. She took a deep breath, as if to
prepare herself. "This!"
She reached up, wrapped her long, slender arms around his neck,
lifted her head, and planted a soft kiss on his lips. How different this was
from yesterday! She was kissing him playfully, lightly, as if they'd known
each other for years and this moment was nothing spectacular in their
relationship. She parted from Endymion slowly, leaning her head back down on
the grass beneath him.
"You told me each time the sun sets, two people fall in love. Who falls in
love tonight, Endymion?" she teased, stroking his face, running her fingers
through his hair. Endymion grinned.
"I think it's us, princess."
* * * * *
The next afternoon, Endymion's fourth day on the Moon, Beryl
arrived.
Once again, everyone took their places in the throne room and waited. Beryl
walked in shortly after her ship landed. Endymion watched her attentively. <
She'll probably be reporting to Fuyuki about my progress. . . I should be
careful and make sure she doesn't discover that I. . . love. . . Serenity. .
. > He swallowed nervously. Just thinking it was hard enough, admitting it
to
himself had been nearly impossible. But it was true. . . And it made his
mission very forbidding. He knew the time would come, he would draw her
aside
right before boarding the ship Earth would send, whisper in her ear,
"Serenity, I've heard the Ginzuishou is very beautiful. Could you bring it
to
me, so I can see it before I go?" And she would smile innocently and obey,
and that would be the last thing she'd ever do. . .
"Arigato gozaimasu, Queen Serenity, for receiving me onto your beautiful
planet. I have been sent to go over a more stable peace treaty with you,
between the Earth and the Moon."
"A pleasure, Duchess Beryl, it would be a pleasure. Please come, right this
way."
Endymion stole a quick glance over at the visitor. She was tall, and
looked much older than her eighteen years. Waves of long, auburn hair
spilled
down her back almost to her ankles, and her eyes were dark, close to black,
and were seemingly always narrow with suspicion. She turned her head
slightly, caught his gaze, and blushed before hastily turning back around.
Endymion's lips curved into an irritated frown. < When she saw me. . . her
eyes became wide and her face definitely turned red. . . I don't want anyone
chasing after me! Especially not my enemy! I only want my angel Serenity. .
.
> Wait, had he called Beryl an enemy? Earth an enemy? Wasn't he from Earth,
been born on Earth, grew up on Earth his whole life, and suddenly they were
his enemy? Was he really willing to give up his past, his memories, his old
life, his loyalties, just for Serenity? < I. . . just don't know. . . I
can't
decide between her and. . . Fuyuki. . . My freedom. . . or hers. . . ? >
"Endymion?" Serenity came up beside him. "They're having a masquerade ball
tomorrow night, in honor of our two guests, you and Beryl. Will you come?"
"Hai." His voice sounded colder than he'd wanted to, but the looming
decision, between Fuyuki and Serenity, was wearing down his patience.
". . .Endymion? Something wrong?"
"No, why?"
"Nothing, it's just that. . . you sound so. . . Did I do something wrong,
Endymion?"
"No, baka." He smiled reassuringly and held her tight against his chest.
"You
didn't do anything."
* * * * *
"I don't know exactly what this feeling is. . . But I've been getting a lot
of different readings lately."
"Nani?"
"First Endymion. . . I felt a powerful energy from him, something I don't
understand. It seems to signify something important though. Then Kunzite,
there's a similar energy from him, too. Now Beryl, she seems to have some
kind of force within her as well. Nothing good or evil, exactly, just there.
. . As if someone could possess her and change the energy depending on what
they wanted."
"That sounds kind of. . . odd, Mars. Do you think any of them are threats,
like Neptune and Uranus said?"
"I don't think so Venus, but. . . it's possible. I don't think Endymion will
really go after the Ginzuishou now, so I don't consider him dangerous. . ."
Jupiter seemed surprised. "Won't go after the sacred crystal? Why not?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Venus grinned. "He loves Serenity! You're so blind,
Jupiter!"
"I still think Beryl's a threat." Jupiter interrupted Venus irritably. "I
think she was sent to watch over Endymion, not because of some peace
treaty."
"There's nothing we can do right now to prove she's a fraud, just watch her
tonight and tomorrow, she should be at the dance." Mercury frowned as she
said, "We'll have to make sure she doesn't. . . try anything."
* * * * *
At ten o'clock that night, Endymion and Serenity stood together
outside Endymion's bedroom. He kissed her on the cheek, bid her goodnight,
and was about to step into his room when she caught his wrist and pulled him
back.
"Wait. . . Endymion." She wiggled comfortably under his arm and sighed.
"Endymion, I don't feel good about any of this."
He pulled her gently into his room and shut the door. "What do you mean?"
"I mean strange things have been happening. Neptune and Uranus came, and
they
said Saturn might be awakening from her sleep. The Outer princesses haven't
visited since I was born, Endymion! They said a legendary evil was coming
and
that means war. I could lose everyone. . ."
"Don't worry Serenity, I'm sure all of this is just nothing. The Outer
princesses may have gotten some kind of premonition of war but I'm sure it
won't come to reality. . . And no matter what, I promise to protect you."
"Everyone is so impatient. . . Like they're ready for danger to come any day
now." Serenity clung to his arm. "I don't want anything to come, Endymion. .
. But. . ."
He silenced her with a kiss. "Serenity, I told you not to worry. Go get your
pajamas on and come back to my room."
Against his shoulder, he could feel her heartbeat suddenly jump and begin to
race. "C-Come back to your room?" Her face was bright red in the candlelight
as she backed away from him towards the door. Her voice was barely a
whimper.
"Why? What. . . What do you want?"
"Baka!" Endymion laughed and pulled her back into his embrace. Abruptly he
was serious again. "Serenity, if you're really worried about this, I don't
want you having nightmares. I'd rather you slept in my room tonight, than by
yourself. I could sleep on the couch, if you want me to. I don't want to
hurt
you, Serenity, so if you'd rather sleep in your room, that's fine. But. . .
I
want to make sure you'll be alright tonight."
Serenity smiled warmly, Endymion sounded genuinely worried for her and that
pleased her. "I'll come back here, if it's fine with you, Endymion. I don't
want to be alone." She leaned forward, kissed his cheek, and swept
gracefully
out of the room. Endymion watched as the last ruffles of white silk
disappeared, and set about removing his armor and sliding into his black
pajamas. By the time he'd arranged the pillows and sheets and made a
comfortable bed for himself on the couch, someone had knocked on his door.
He
ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it carefully, and opened the door. .
.
Beryl.
"It's late, I'd prefer to talk in the morning." Endymion snapped curtly,
eager to be rid of her. But she would not be shaken off.
"Endymion, I must speak with you, quickly." She scurried into his room
without invitation. In the moonlight, Endymion could see she was barely
dressed, and her true intentions for coming bothered him greatly.
"Endymion, I wasn't supposed to tell you any of this but. . . I can't hide
it
anymore. I was supposed to keep watch over you and that Serenity, to make
sure you were doing your mission. But if you bring the Ginzuishou back to
Earth, Fuyuki will murder you!"
Endymion was stunned. < Kill me. . . He promised my freedom! He was really
tricking me. . . I might have hurt Serenity for nothing. . . > He made a
long
mental list of obscenities and wished he could send them to Shogun Fuyuki
right at that moment. "Arigato, Beryl, for telling me this. Now, leave
before
someone catches you here." Trying to show no emotion, he grabbed her forearm
strongly and herded her towards the front door without giving her chance to
protest. "I wouldn't want someone getting the wrong idea."
"Wait, Endymion!" she cried out just before reaching the door. "I. . . I
wanted to warn you and tell you something else. . . I love-"
He interrupted her before she could complete the sentence. "Arigato, Beryl,
and goodnight!" He slammed the door shut and locked it.
"Wait! Endymion! Endymion! Please!" Beryl pounded against the door, then
gave
up and miserably walked away. Endymion sighed in relief when he heard her
footsteps disappearing down the hall. . . Knock. Knock. Someone tried the
doorknob, found it locked, and knocked again. Endymion whirled furiously
around and yelled for them to go the hell away.
"Oh. . . Gomen, Endymion. I'm sorry I bothered you." came a quiet sniffle
from the other side. Immediately he tore the door open and wrenched Serenity
back towards his doorway.
"Serenity!" He laughed nervously. "Gomen, princess. I thought you were
someone else."
"Someone else? Was someone else visiting you this late?" She blushed and
looked down at her feet. "I don't mean to intrude, Endymion, but it wasn't a
woman, was it?"
"Baka," he scolded softly, brushing his lips against her forehead. "You're
the only woman I want to see." He led Serenity to the bed, tucked her in,
then retreated to the couch.
"Goodnight, princess. I'll be right here if you need me."
"Sweet dreams, Endymion." she replied, but she didn't shut her eyes. She
could tell Endymion was uncomfortable sleeping on the couch, and she felt
guilty taking up his bed. Besides, she hadn't come to his bedroom just to
sleep alone. < I was hoping he'd want to sleep next to me. . . I'm so
worried
about the Ginzuishou and he tries to comfort me. . . Why won't he come here?
I wanted to sleep in his arms tonight, like lovers do. . . > Making up her
mind, she slid out of bed and crept silently to his side.
"Something wrong, Serenity?" he asked when he saw her approaching. She
merely
shook her head and motioned for him to be silent. Taking his hand, she
pulled
him up to his feet and led him away from the couch towards the bed.
"Lie down." she whispered, and he obeyed quietly, laying down on top of the
sheets and watching her with curious attention. He outstretched his hand to
her and she took it, crawling over him to the other side of the bed and
snuggling down next to him, her head resting against his shoulder and his
arms about her waist. But there was nothing lecherous about his embrace,
there was only warmth, affection, and strength, and Serenity found no
nightmares locked within his arms. . .
"This is how I wanted to sleep, Endymion. Isn't it comfortable? Like spoons.
. ."
* * * Morning * * *
The sun rose earlier than either of them would have liked.
Endymion's
fifth day on the Moon had come, and it was also the day of the masquerade
ball. Serenity, always a late-sleeper, was still dreaming when Endymion sat
up and yawned. He saw she wasn't awake yet, and he bent down to kiss her
forehead before sliding out of bed. Still dressed in his pajamas with his
hair in tangles, he crept out of the room and down the hall towards the
Queen's bedroom. Four heavily-armed soldiers blocked his way.
"What business have you with the Queen?" one of them demanded, and Endymion
stood up straight and said in his most pompous tone,
"It is a matter of the security of this kingdom, I have urgent news about
the
safety of her Ginzuishou."
The four soldiers seemed hesitant until finally one of them opened the door.
"It's rather early but if it's about the Ginzuishou then. . ."
Endymion thanked them briefly and strode in. Queen Serenity was already
awake, she was sitting up in a sea of pillows, lost in the same book she'd
been reading in the library, the one entitled, The History of the Earth. The
doors shut ominously behind him. Endymion pulled up a chair to her bedside
and waited patiently for her to acknowledge his arrival.
"This is really a wonderful book." Serenity commented, smiling. "All about
the evolution of your planet." She set the book down on her desk and sighed.
"Why have you come, Endymion?"
"I'm abandoning my mission, that's why." he said angrily. "Beryl visited me
last night. She told me a few things."
"Like?"
"Fuyuki wasn't exactly planning on giving me freedom after I gave him the
Ginzuishou."
"You mean you didn't know? It was obvious, Endymion. Fuyuki isn't one to let
his agents live. I should imagine Beryl will be killed, also. You were only
a
tool for him, Endymion. You were just too young to see it." Serenity's tone
of voice bordered on pity.
"My days of being his 'tool' are over. Serenity, if you'll accept me, I'll
help you guard the Ginzuishou against Beryl and any more agents Fuyuki sends
until the end of this month."
She frowned. "Why just until the end of this month?"
"Because, at that time, Fuyuki is sending a ship to pick me up. I'll have to
deal with him somehow. . ." He trailed off, and shrugged. "I'll find a way."
Serenity laughed and shook her head. "Baka! You must stay, even past the end
of this month. I'll give our friend Sumino a letter, declaring that Endymion
has decided to abandon the Hinowa and has chosen to stay here on the Moon
Kingdom."
Endymion's eyes were wide with excitement at her words. "Really? But. . .
why?"
Abruptly she was serious again. "For my daughter. I trust you'll take care
of
her?"
He nodded nervously. "Arigato gozaimasu, it would be an honor," He stood up
and went for the door. . .
"By the way Endymion, I sent Venus to wake Serenity a few minutes ago. I
needed to speak with her. But she wasn't in her room. Have you any idea of
where she could be?"
Endymion froze. Should he tell her the truth? Would she get the wrong idea?
"You see. . . Princess Serenity told me last night that she was scared of
all
the things happening lately, the warnings about the safety of the
Ginzuishou,
the coming of the Outer princesses. . . I was afraid she would be sent
nightmares. So I offered that she could sleep in my bedroom for the night,
if
it would give her security. She accepted. . . but I assure you that I slept
on the couch!"
Queen Serenity paused, as if going over what he had told her. Finally, she
said, "Arigato, Endymion, for showing concern over my daughter. I trust that
your reasons for inviting her to your bedroom were honest."
"Completely honest!" he added immediately. "Would you like me to rouse her?
She is still asleep."
"No, don't bother. I'll speak to her later. Dismissed, Endymion."
"Arigato gozaimasu, Queen Serenity."
"And, Endymion?"
"Hai?"
"Please come properly dressed when next you visit."
* * * * *
< I don't understand what happened last night. . . > Beryl, sitting
on her bed with her head in her hands, went over Endymion's reaction. < Why
was he in such a hurry to get rid of me? Why wouldn't he listen? He didn't
seem to care that Fuyuki had tricked him. . . And he didn't seem to care
that
I've fallen in love with him, either! Maybe there's someone else. . . > She
wondered if he could have all ready been in love with another woman. But
who?
Certainly not Princess Serenity. Princess Mars, maybe? Or Venus? < I'll go
to
that masquerade ball tonight, and look to see if he dances with anyone!
Whoever it is, I'll make sure to steal his attentions away from her! >
* * * * *
< Energy. . . I need energy. . . > Queen Metallia, floating
invisibly
high above the Moon, looked down at the beautiful palace and prospering
villages, and grinned wickedly. This was the perfect place! So much people,
so much energy for her to take! She could grow strong, strong enough to seek
out the Ginzuishou and control the universe with it. She needed someone on
the Moon, someone who was consumed with hatred and jealousy, someone she
could control and use to obtain the Ginzuishou. < Energy. . . I need the
Ginzuishou. . . > The gaseous cloud that was Metallia began to descend upon
the Moon. < I can feel the golden throbbing. . . The Ginzuishou will be
mine.
I will take the energy of these people. . . >
* * * * *
Princess Venus, oblivious to the threat of Metallia, quickly
directed
Jupiter and the other princesses as they worked together to decorate the
ballroom. The masquerade ball would be held in just a few hours, and it was
up to her to make sure everything was set up perfectly. Queen Serenity
looked
in, saw everything was running smoothly, and hurried on down the hall
towards
Endymion's bedroom. Endymion would be out, training with Kunzite, and
hopefully Princess Serenity was still asleep in his room so she wouldn't
have
to search the whole palace for her.
"Princess?" The Queen peeked into the dark room. Vaguely she saw the
princess, sprawled out over the sheets, one arm hugging the pillow to her
head. Her breathing was soft and even. She was still asleep. "Princess!" she
repeated louder, and she threw open the curtains. Sunlight poured brightly
onto Serenity's sleeping form, and the princess started and sat up in
surprise. Slowly she turned her head and saw the Queen by the window. Her
face turned pale.
"Mother!" she gasped, shocked. "I-I mean. . ."
"Endymion already explained. Did you sleep well? No nightmares, princess?"
asked her mother worriedly, sitting on the bed beside her. Princess Serenity
blushed and shook her head.
"Only dreams. I'm glad. I don't like Neptune and Uranus being here. It makes
me worry. They only come when something evil is about to happen. . ."
"Don't think about that now!" her mother scolded, smiling. "Get up, and take
your bath. The masquerade ball will start in a few hours, and you must be
ready!"
Meanwhile, outside, Endymion and Kunzite continued their training.
Endymion had graduated to using real swords, and Kunzite had presented him
with a beautiful rapier with a long, slightly curved steel blade and a
comfortable, molded hilt. Kunzite brandished a similar weapon, and the
training session began. They fought for three or four hours before Kunzite
declared a short break, and they sat down on a nearby wooden bench.
"Are you going to the masquerade ball tonight?" Endymion asked, leaning back
and wiping sweat from his forehead.
Kunzite shrugged. "I don't think so. . ."
"Ah, but Venus will be so disappointed!"
"Nani?"
"You mean you haven't noticed?" Endymion stared at him in disbelief. "She's
madly in love with you!"
"Princess Venus!?" Kunzite snorted. "She's madly in love with every man she
meets."
"So, brother, you've been watching her?" Endymion prodded slyly. "Maybe
Kunzite has developed a slight liking for the princess. . ."
"Shut up Endymion!" Kunzite threatened acidly, standing and once again
taking
up his sword. "There's nothing between me and her!"
Endymion also stood up, but left his sword lying at his feet. "What do you
have against falling in love?" Kunzite remained silent.
"If you don't go to the dance tonight, you'll be sorry. Don't you want to
dance with Venus? There are hundreds of men lined up at her castle, and
you're lucky enough to be loved by her. She's legendary for her beauty and.
.
. for her skill in other matters."
"I certainly won't be taking her to my bed after five days of making her
acquaintance! But. . ."
"But you'll go to the dance tonight and sweep Venus off her feet." Endymion
finished for him. Kunzite sighed and surrendered.
"Hai, hai, I'll go. But only if you complete the lesson!"
hehe. this fic starting to sound familiar? i think most of you can tell
what's gonna happen next anyway. ^_^ arigato, sayonara!!
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